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What ethical principles should guide such corporations in building a fair, inclusive, and just global digital framework?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"b) What do you understand by the term 'crisis of conscience'? Describe an incident from your life where you experienced such a crisis. How did you deal with it?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.5) a) \"A politics of confession that encourages politicians and parties to confess and offer regret for their errors can surely be a cathartic experience.\" Examine the statement from the ethical point of view.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"b) What are the key objectives of the Right to Information Act, 2005? Examine the ethical concerns associated with certain provisions of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act in realizing the objectives of the RTI Act.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.6) a) Public spaces serve as arenas of democratic participation and civic expression. Yet in India, they remain deeply gendered, with many women largely confined to the private and domestic sphere. Examine the factors that restrict women's access to public spaces. How can ethical governance help address the issue of gendered spatial control and promote inclusivity in public spaces?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"b) Write short notes on the following in 30 words each:\ni) Ethical fading\nii) Conflict of interest\niii) Persuasion\niv) Work culture\nv) Corporate governance","marks":"10 marks, 150","words":"30 words each"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7) A State Government in the northeastern part of the country has launched a series of anti-encroachment drives across forest areas, wetlands, and revenue lands. Under the directions of the Chief Minister, the administration has intensified efforts to reclaim public land, particularly in areas reserved for ecological protection and critical infrastructure development. Most of the time, these actions have been backed by court orders and have resulted in the recovery of thousands of hectares of land. However, in certain regions, the implementation of such drives is fraught with social and political complexities. In several districts, settlements have existed for decades and are inhabited by marginalized communities with limited access to legal rights or formal rehabilitation measures. These areas are often politically sensitive and influenced by local leaders and pressure groups.\nSimanta is posted as Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) in one such district. Over the past year, the district administration has attempted to align eviction measures with welfare outreach, including the provision of temporary shelters, relocation assistance, and public consultations. Recently, a major operation was scheduled to clear encroachments from over 140 hectares of forest land within a Reserved Forest, primarily to curb rising instances of human-elephant conflict and to restore ecological balance. Anticipating eviction, some residents approached the High Court seeking a stay. However, the court refused to grant it and directed the administration to proceed with the eviction following due process. Notices were served, and a detailed roadmap was prepared to carry out the operation, which was expected to last 2-3 days due to the scale and remote location. On the first day, Simanta led a team comprising forest officials, municipal workers, and police personnel. Demolitions were conducted peacefully and without major resistance. However, on the second day, when the team returned to the site, a large group of agitated residents—primarily women and children—had gathered. They raised slogans and formed human chains to prevent further evictions. The atmosphere grew tense when some individuals began throwing stones, resulting in serious injury to a municipal worker. The crowd grew increasingly volatile and emotionally charged, demanding an immediate halt to the operation. The police contingent present on the ground was outnumbered by the crowd. Faced with this crisis, some team members pleaded with Simanta to call off the operation, fearing threats to their life and the possibility of a violent escalation. Simanta attempted to contact his superior officer (the Deputy Commissioner), but due to poor mobile connectivity in the forested area, communication could not be established. Meanwhile, several local journalists had arrived and begun reporting on the incident. Simanta is in a dilemma as to what to do.\na. Evaluate the options available with Simanta to cope with the situation.\nb. Which of the above options would be the most appropriate for Simanta and why?\nc. What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Simanta?\nd. Examine the qualities of a public servant which will be required to manage such situations.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"a. स्थिति से निपटने के लिए सिमंता के पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nb. सिमंता के लिए सबसे उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?\nc. सिमंता को किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\nd. ऐसी परिस्थितियों का प्रबंधन करने के लिए एक लोक सेवक के गुणों का परीक्षण करें।\na स्थिति से निपटने के लिए सिमंता के पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nb सिमंता के लिए सबसे उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?\nc सिमंता को किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\nd ऐसी परिस्थितियों का प्रबंधन करने के लिए एक लोक सेवक के गुणों का परीक्षण करें।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":32,"question":"6 Show compassion and empathy towards the women and children.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Q.8) Megha is a first-year sociology student at a reputed college in the from Tadchiroli, a tribal village in a western Indian state. Megha's fam was seven years old and had not visited their village since. Though M childhood there, she never deeply understood the customs and tradi gha expresses her wish to visit Tadchiroli. Her father agrees and asks uncle, who still lives in the village with his family. Megha informs Rata a semester break. Upon arrival, she receives a warm welcome from R invites her to attend a local festival. During the event, Megha notices Curious, she asks Ratan's wife Ratna why Rinki is not at the festival. R period, and as per tradition, menstruating girls must stay separately i the purpose. Locally known as 'kurma ghars', they are generally locate near a river or pond. She further adds that these girls are not allowed t ipate in any social or religious activities. Megha is taken aback. She as practice. Ratna nods and says it has been the custom for generation huts and miss classes during their periods. Ratna admits that many never questioned the practice. The explanation unsettles Megha. She ural biological function leads to such exclusion. Before returning to th educated family members seem to accept and follow these customs. The experience leaves a deep impact on her. She starts reading mo their impact on women's health, dignity, and education. As a sociolo such traditions are linked to patriarchy and social stigma. She begins her level to improve the current situation, without alienating the com tions.\na. Suggest a course of action Megha can take to sensitize her village co respectful or confrontational.\nb. What ethical principles and methods should guide her actions while\nc. How is menstruation related to human rights?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"a. इस मामले में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दे को स्पष्ट करें।\nb. नितिन के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nc. नितिन द्वारा पहचाने गए प्रत्येक विकल्प का आलोचनात्मक परीक्षण करें।\nd. नितिन के लिए कौन सा विकल्प अपनाना अधिक उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?\na इस मामले में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दे को स्पष्ट करें।\nb नितिन के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nc नितिन द्वारा पहचाने गए प्रत्येक विकल्प का आलोचनात्मक परीक्षण करें।\nd नितिन के लिए कौन सा विकल्प अपनाना अधिक उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?","marks":"20 अंक, 250 शब्द","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":43,"question":"Q.12) You are appointed as an officer heading the Air Quality Compliance Division of the Environment Pollution Control Board in Delhi-NCR. The region is witnessing alarming levels of air pollution, which typically worsen during the winter months due to various meteorological and anthropogenic factors. The situation has led to severe public health concerns, particularly affecting vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and those with respiratory illnesses. The Supreme Court has also raised serious concern over the deteriorating air quality in Delhi-NCR and has directed the administration to take immediate and effective measures to control pollution, especially during the winter months. Your jurisdiction has a large number of small and medium-scale industries that were granted environmental clearance over the years. These industries form the backbone of the local economy and provide employment to a significant number of migrant workers. However, recent inspections and air quality monitoring reports indicate that a significant number of these units are operating in violation of prescribed air emission norms. As part of targeted measures to curb air pollution, you issued notices to all identified polluting units, directing them to apply for fresh environmental clearance certificates from the competent authority. However, your decision triggered strong opposition from a section of industrial units, labour unions, and local politicians. Industrial owners argued that such action would lead to production shutdowns, financial losses, and shortages of their products in the market. Labour unions and workers also protested, fearing mass unemployment and livelihood insecurity. Local politicians and vested interests accused you of jeopardising the socio-economic stability of the region. You received representations from various quarters urging you to withdraw the notices and not initiate harsh measures, citing the interests of multiple stakeholders. Additionally, you began receiving anonymous threats, aimed at coercing you into reversing your decision. On the other hand, several of your colleagues supported your stance, encouraging you to act in the larger public interest. Several local NGOs and environmental groups rallied behind your actions, demanding the immediate closure of polluting units.\na. Under the given conditions, what are the options available to you?\nb. Critically evaluate each of the options listed by you.\nc. What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by you?","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":3,"topper":"Aaditi Chhaparia","air":97,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jHx4FBtdjQe9uzP3mHeMzYojELWxtTyO/view","questions":[]},{"id":4,"topper":"Aaditi Chhaparia","air":97,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZTS6nSMVnCaLUB-t6_pDU4rvYagpeJo4/view","questions":[]},{"id":5,"topper":"Aaditi Chhaparia","air":97,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/ESSAY_PROGRAME_AADITI_CHHAPARIA_AIR_97_61ba7ea2de.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6,"topper":"Aaditi Chhaparia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1G_tlF481qqu8QkUbPaSYDE6TVeXgGTgK/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the role of the Department Related Standing Committee (DRSC) system in improving parliamentary effectiveness. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Presence of multiple parastatals erodes the autonomy of Urban Local Bodies. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The provisions under Article 360 remain a dead letter even during the worst economic crisis. Analyse. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"'Unique blend of flexibility and rigidity distinguish Indian constitution from that of the US constitution.' Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the role of microfinance institutions (MFI) in rural financial empowerment in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Do you agree that the Aspirational District Programme has emerged as a template for good governance? Substantiate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Rising informality in employment raises the concern for social security. Discuss the statement with reference to platform workers. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Demographic transition demands renewed focus on healthcare intervention patte 9. Funding remains a major limitation for the effective functioning of multilateral organisations. Discuss the statement with reference to the functioning of UNESCO. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Funding remains a major limitation for the effective functioning of multilateral organisations. Discuss the statement with reference to the functioning of UNESCO. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"How will the BBIN grouping promote regional integration in South Asia? Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"'Financial resources of the centre are elastic and substantial while that of the states are inelastic and inadequate.' Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"\"Supremacy of the constitution requires all ordinary laws to conform to the constitutional law.\" Discuss the statement with reference to judicial review in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The delimitation process creates a wedge between representative democracy and federalism. Examine. Also suggest measures to address the concerns of federal units. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Examine the impact of recent changes to the election commissioners' appointment process on autonomy and independence of the election commission. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"'Without performance targets, the civil service degenerates into a closed priesthood with no accountability.' Discuss the statement with reference to the Mission Karmayogi. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The Forest Rights Act, 2006 was a historic effort in doing justice to the tribal community. Evaluate the status of its implementation and suggest measures for improvement. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by India Stack? Discuss its role in good governance and improving ease of living. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"'You can change our friends but not neighbors.' In the light of the statement, examine the relevance of Gujral doctrine in India's Foreign Policy. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Examine the objectives of the Indian Ocean Rim Association. What importance does it hold for India's strategic interest? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"What are the strategic challenges to the global economy in active decoupling from China? How will it benefit India's economic growth prospects? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7,"topper":"Aaditi Chhaparia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/17qhEdL1YgIMmIJwCclyGgydfAJCs8sIA/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the role of the Department Related Standing Committee (DRSC) system in improving parliamentary effectiveness. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Presence of multiple parastatals erodes the autonomy of Urban Local Bodies. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The provisions under Article 360 remain a dead letter even during the worst economic crisis. Analyse. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"\"Unique blend of flexibility and rigidity distinguish Indian constitution from that of the US constitution.\" Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the role of microfinance institutions (MFI) in rural financial empowerment in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Do you agree that the Aspirational District Programme has emerged as a template for good governance? Substantiate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Rising informality in employment raises the concern for social security. Discuss the statement with reference to platform workers. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Demographic transition demands renewed focus on healthcare intervention patte 9. Funding remains a major limitation for the effective functioning of multilateral organisations. Discuss the statement with reference to the functioning of UNESCO. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Funding remains a major limitation for the effective functioning of multilateral organisations. Discuss the statement with reference to the functioning of UNESCO. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"How will the BBIN grouping promote regional integration in South Asia? Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"'Financial resources of the centre are elastic and substantial while that of the states are inelastic and inadequate.' Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"\"Supremacy of the constitution requires all ordinary laws to conform to the constitutional law.\" Discuss the statement with reference to judicial review in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The delimitation process creates a wedge between representative democracy and federalism. Examine. Also suggest measures to address the concerns of federal units. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Examine the impact of recent changes to the election commissioners' appointment process on autonomy and independence of the election commission. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"'Without performance targets, the civil service degenerates into a closed priesthood with no accountability.' Discuss the statement with reference to the Mission Karmayogi. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The Forest Rights Act, 2006 was a historic effort in doing justice to the tribal community.' Evaluate the status of its implementation and suggest measures for improvement. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by India Stack? Discuss its role in good governance and improving ease of living. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"'You can change our friends but not neighbors.' In the light of the statement, examine the relevance of Gujral doctrine in India's Foreign Policy. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Examine the objectives of the Indian Ocean Rim Association. What importance does it hold for India's strategic interest? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"What are the strategic challenges to the global economy in active decoupling from China? How will it benefit India's economic growth prospects? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8,"topper":"Aaditi Chhaparia","air":97,"year":2024,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/SURE_SHORT_GS_PAPER_1_AADITI_CHHAPARIA_GS_AIR_97_new_db4b4ce834.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":9,"topper":"Aaditya Pandey","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1F1ZcXReAolRrfqk_nRIxdDPfYcyzxtgr/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) Ethical governance is the foundation of a welfare state. Identify essential ethical traits of a welfare state. Discuss ways and means to promote ethics in governance.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) While one group considers abortion as unmitigated evil, the other sees it as morally acceptable. Analyse various ethical concerns related to abortion and give your opinion on the issue.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) Conscience keeps ethics from fading when faced with a tough decision. Discuss in context of civil servants.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) What are the various conflicts of values that civil servants face while performing their duty? How can such conflicts be resolved? Discuss with illustrations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) a) Emotional intelligence (EI) not only helps in managing stress but also transforms distress into eustress. Elaborate with relevant examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) Differentiate between the following:\ni. Gratitude and Gratification\nii. Moral myopia vs Moral muteness","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.4) a) Although attitude and behaviour are interrelated, the former is a predisposition while the latter is an option. Discuss the structure of attitude and explain the relationship between attitude and behaviour.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"b) Civil servants should work for a cause and not for applause. In light of this statement, examine why bureaucratic anonymity is considered a foundational value for a civil servant. How far do you agree that the principle of bureaucratic anonymity has been diluted in the age of social media?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.5) What does each of the following quotation mean to you?\na) A man can give up a right, but he may not give up a duty without being guilty of a grave dereliction.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"b) Justice without force is futile, force without justice is tyrannical.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.6) a) Ethics in international relations is a myth, only national interest determines the foreign policy. How far do you agree with this statement? Discuss with suitable illustrations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"b) It is not power, but fear that corrupts. Fear of losing power corrupts those who wield it and fear of the scourge of power corrupts those who are subject to it. Examine the statement in context of political corruption.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"c) Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel. What do you understand by this statement? In your opinion, which five values should Indian education system inculcate in every student? Justify your choice.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7) Based on this case study, answer the following:\na) Identify various ethical issues involved in this incident.\nb) In your opinion, whether vaccine mandates are a violation of individual liberty or a reasonable restriction on personal freedom. Justify.\nc) Discuss the ethical responsibility of famous personalities while conducting themselves in public.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"इस केस स्टडी के आधार पर, निम्नलिखित के उत्तर दें :\na) इस घटना में शामिल विभिन्न नैतिक मुद्दों की पहचान करें।\nb) आपकी राय में, क्या बैरिसीन अधिनियम व्यक्तिगत स्वतंत्रता का उल्लंघन है या व्यक्तिगत स्वतंत्रता पर उचित प्रतिबंध है। अपनी स्थिति स्पष्ट करें।\nc) सार्वजनिक रूप से स्वयं का संचालन करते समय प्रसिद्ध व्यक्तियों की नैतिक जिम्मेदारी पर चर्चा करें।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":33,"question":"(c) Ethical Responsibilities of famous personalities while conducting in public\n(a) As a public figure, they should adhere to minimum morality at least\n(b) Lead by an example\n(c) Positive influence to ensure inculcation of values of honesty, truth, and non-violence.\n(d) Observe material propriety to appeal to citizen (In Samuel case, he was seen partying and vacationing).\n(e) Observe law of the land.\n(f) Protest, if at all, legally rather creating public nuisance and order situation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Q.8) You are an IFS officer who heads a diplomatic mission in a European country. You live there with your wife and children. Your parents and few of your relatives are also visiting you for vacation. The country is known for its scenic mountains and it is a popular destination for tourists. In an unexpected turn of events, the country in which you are posted has been attacked by its neighbour due to some unresolved bilateral issues. All the major transportation channels have been adversely impacted by the attack. Flights have been cancelled and airspace above the country has been declared unsafe for commercial aircrafts. You have received an urgent communication from New Delhi asking you to prepare a plan for evacuation of Indians from the besieged country. You have been informed that a friendly neighbouring country of India has sought India’s help to evacuate its citizens. Due to war, only a limited number of people can be evacuated in one go and multiple rounds would be required for evacuating everyone. You have identified following groups of people who are to be evacuated:\ni. You, your wife, children, parents and relatives.\nii. Diplomatic staff at the mission.\niii. Indian tourists visiting the country.\niv. Indian students studying in the country.\nv. A film crew and actors who were shooting a film in the country. These include some of the biggest names of Bollywood.\nvi. Citizens of the friendly neighbouring country that has requested India’s help.\n As a civil services officer of the state, what would be the order in which you would evacuate these people and why? Give Justifications.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Q.9) Rashmi is a young IPS officer who is posted as the SP law and order in a district that has a history of communal clashes. During a cultural event, a political leader made certain controversial comments regarding the religion of another community that can potentially harm communal harmony in the district. The representatives of the aggrieved community met Rashmi with their complaint. An FIR was registered in the matter and the police department promptly started an investigation. During questioning, the accused political leader denied the charges. He claimed that he was exercising his right to freedom of expression and had no intention of hurting anyone's feelings. He even offered to tender an apology if his statement had hurt someone's religious feelings. However, the aggrieved community was not satisfied with this apology and demanded strict action against the accused.\nThe next day, a video went viral on social media in which the accused political leader can be seen making derogatory statements against another religious faith. However, Rashmi suspects that the video going viral on the internet is a doctored video and someone has mischievously edited it to make it more vitriolic and inflammatory. The video has ignited communal tensions in the district. The accused political leader belongs to an influential community and his community has put their support behind him. Local intelligence has warned that some anti-social elements are trying to use this opportunity to create communal riot in the district. The entire matter has been politicized and is being covered by the national media. In this situation answer the following:\na) What differentiates a hate speech from a free speech?\nb) Why does social media have a very strong influence over the actions and thoughts of its users?\nc) What is the most suitable course of action for Rashmi in this situation? Justify.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"(c) The most suitable course of action for Rashmi\n(1) Institution of an investigation team to look into probity of video.\n(2) Appeal to masses to maintain law and order.\n(3) Mediate between two communities to ensure peace.\n(4) Hard-handed tackle of anti-social elements.\n(5) Use of Cyber-Forensic to counter challenges of social media menace.\n(6) Arrange extra force in case of riot and communal clashes.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Q.10 The state government has appointed a committee to investigate the matter and recommend suitable actions. You are the Chairperson of this committee. In this scenario, answer the following:\na) Why do doctors face violence in the country?\nb) Identify various moral-ethical and administrative lapses in this case.\nc) What would you recommend in this case? Give rationale behind giving those recommendations.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"a) देश में लॉकेटरो को हिंसा का सामना क्यों करना पड़ता है?\nb) इस मामले में विभिन्न नैतिक-नीति विषयक और प्रशासनिक खामियों की पहचान करें।\nc) इस मामले में आप क्या सुझाव देंगे? उन सिफारिशों को देने के पीछे तर्क दीजिए।\na) देश में लॉकेटरो को हिंसा का सामना क्यों करना पड़ता है?\nb) इस मामले में विभिन्न नैतिक-नीति विषयक और प्रशासनिक खामियों की पहचान करें।\nc) इस मामले में आप क्या सुझाव देंगे? उन सिफारिशों को देने के पीछे तर्क दीजिए।","marks":"20 अंक, 250 शब्द","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":49,"question":"Q.11 On the basis of above case study, answer the following:\na) Identify various ethical dilemmas involved in this case study.\nb) What can be the other options to achieve justice in the given case, apart from demolition of the illegal towers? Evaluate each of these options and suggest the most suitable option.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"3. Illegal towers can be used for school and medical facilities by the community","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Q.12) Lithium is emerging as the new gold in the modern world. It is used extensively in making rechargeable batteries that are used across phones, laptops, electric vehicles etc. As the world is transitioning towards clean energy, demand for lithium is rising exponentially. India is dependent on imports for her lithium needs. Recently, a large lithium deposit has been found during a geological survey in Central India. According to initial estimates, the reserve is large enough to not only fulfill domestic requirements but also leave enough surplus for India to export lithium to other countries. The news of this discovery is covered by national media. This reserve can provide much needed impetus to adoption and development of green energy technologies in the country. Many prominent union ministers have expressed their desire for timely development of lithium mines and claimed that this discovery to be an outcome of their far-sighted governance and development model.\n\nAmit is a senior government official who has been appointed as project development officer for this mining project. During initial assessment of the project, Amit found that the discovered reserve lies inside a forest inhabited by tribals. This is a pristine forest, hitherto untouched by humans, other than indigenous tribal communities. This forest hosts a wide variety of flora and fauna, many of which are endemic. Further, the lithium reserve lies at the foothill of a hillock. This hillock has a small shrine where the deity worshipped by the tribals is located. Lithium mining in this area would mean destruction of forest, blasting of the mountain where shrine of the tribal deity is located and displacement of tribals. The tribal population is against this mining project. They consider this project as an assault on their way of life and culture. Intelligence report suggests that if these tribals are forcefully displaced and their shrine destroyed, they can become easy targets for the Naxal indoctrination and create a security nightmare for the state. On the other hand, Amit is facing political pressure for execution of this project and has been repeatedly reminded that not only this project is of national importance but also can be a stepping stone for his career.\n\nAmit is your colleague and a close friend. He asks you for your advice in this matter. Based on the described situation, help Amit identify various ethical dilemmas in this case. In your opinion, what is the most suitable course of action for Amit? Justify your choice.","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":10,"topper":"Aaditya Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b847a-814634_2217_aaditya-sharma_rank-70.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With examples, discuss how the cultural traditions from various regions of India get reflected in regional music. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Highlighting the emergence of the working class movement, discuss its contribution towards India's freedom struggle. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Do you agree with the view that Gandhian politics was, in a sense, a continuation of Tilak's politics? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"It is said that the world's oceans are losing their 'memory' due to human-induced warming. Comment. Also, discuss the consequences of the phenomenon. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What is soil amendment? Evaluate the benefits and concerns associated with it. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"It has been suggested that the next decade may see a boom in hybrid power plants. Stating the advantages that such power plants offer, discuss the associated challenges. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What are Van Allen Radiation Belts? Explaining their formation, discuss why there has been a growing focus on their study. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss whether marital rape should be criminalised in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What is care economy? Highlight the challenges associated with it and mention the steps taken to address them in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Post-pandemic India is staring at the challenge of \"learning poverty\". Analyse its implications and discuss a way ahead. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Bring out the evolution of mural traditions in South India. Also, elaborate on their significant characteristics. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Indian nationalism that confronted British imperialism in the 19th century was a product of colonial modernity. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Environmentalism surfaced in the form of many organised movements in post independence India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Do you agree with the view that continental blockade was an ill-conceived strategy by Napoleon to conquer Britain through economic means? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What do you understand by the Arctic Paradox? Highlight the spatial distribution of mineral and energy resources in the Arctic region. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Cryosphere changes have a tendency to bring about a devastating impact on the ecosystem and its people. Discuss. Also, enlist measures to tackle this threat. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The frequent instances of urban flooding pose a severe risk to the urban ecosystem in India. Discuss with special emphasis on its impact on the critical infrastructure. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Sand is not only critical for economic development but also provides crucial ecosystem services. Elaborate. In this context, discuss the importance of sustainable sand mining in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The challenge of unbridled and unbalanced growth of urban spaces in India necessitates reforms in urban planning and capacity. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words) T5","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":11,"topper":"Aaditya Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e96c1-814634_1835_aaditya-sharma_rank-70.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The withdrawal of general consent to the CBI by certain state governments in India threatens the spirit of cooperative federalism in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Stating the sources of finance for local self-governments in India, suggest ways to strengthen their financial position. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Cabinet Committees play an important role in reinstating collective responsibility and principle of homogeneity of the Executive in the Indian Parliamentary system. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"There is a need to overhaul the public procurement and project management (PPPM) framework of India for faster, efficient and transparent execution of government projects. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Adequate measures are required to overcome the challenges and vulnerabilities associated with undertaking social accountability initiatives and institutionalising them. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"In view of the recent Parliamentary Standing Committee report, discuss the issues faced by the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) and suggest measures that can be adopted to strengthen it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"While the Mid-Day Meal scheme was aimed at fulfilling the nutritional needs of students, it is far behind in achieving this objective. Discuss. Also, suggest remedial measures in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) remain critical for the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In this context, discuss the impediments in the fulfilment of SRHR in India. Also, mention the steps that can be taken in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"State the functions of the United Nations Human Rights Council. Also, discuss the issues faced by the Council in the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"West Asia is an important strategic region for India with profound geo-political and geo-economic significance. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Disenfranchising prisoners desecrates a cherished value in a democracy i.e. 'right to vote', which should be guarded earnestly. Discuss in the light of The Representation of The People Act, 1951. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"There are similarities and interactions between the affirmative action adopted by India and USA owing to similar historical injustices faced by their respective vulnerable groups. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Objections to domicile-based reservation in private sector jobs on the grounds of constitutional equality and freedom are misplaced. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"There have been arguments that sedition law is an attack on the very foundation of India's liberal democratic principles, as enshrined in the Constitution. Do you agree? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite Government e-Marketplace facing certain challenges, it has brought about a significant improvement in the procurement of goods and services by various government agencies. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"A reformed system of recruitment, training and evaluation needs to be put in place to take forward the development of a highly efficient and accountable civil service. Discuss in the context of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Despite initiatives taken by the Indian government to achieve critical goals in the education sector, major interventions are required to tackle learning poverty as well as the persisting inequalities. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"In light of the burgeoning burden of both communicable and non-communicable diseases, there is a need to revamp the public health surveillance system in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The repercussions of the ongoing economic crisis in Sri Lanka extend beyond its borders. Discuss with specific reference to India. Also, mention the steps that India has taken to assist Sri Lanka tide over the crisis. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India is a reliable partner in the Indian Ocean Region and can take on the role of being the net security provider in the region. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":12,"topper":"Aaditya Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0ebb8-0814634_2220_aaditya-sharma_rank-70.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The logic of limitless wealth lies in the basic human instinct for furthering self-interest in the form of profit. In this context, do you think there is a possibility of pursuing ethical capitalism? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"If a law is unjust, a man is not only right to disobey it, he is obligated to do so. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The capacity of Citizens' Charter to initiate any transformative process is conditioned upon it being appropriately designed and effectively executed. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The moral fiber and ethical conduct of public officials not only influence the standard of governance but also their own interests and performance. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":13,"topper":"Aaditya Sharma","air":70,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5d1fc-814634_1837_aaditya-sharma_rank-70.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":14,"topper":"AAKASH","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/aakash-test-3-1747467443101.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Examine the role of numismatic evidence in understanding the political and economic history of ancient India. Provide specific examples.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Assess the impact of women's organizations in mobilizing women across diverse socio-economic and regional backgrounds in pre-independence India.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":8,"question":"How did the policy of non-alignment reflect the aspirations of India and other newly independent nations to maintain their sovereignty and resist colonial pressures?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the processes involved in volcanism. Highlight the major volcanic regions in the world and their associated tectonic settings.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Explain the geological features and ecological importance of the Eastern Ghats.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"Earlier known as coarse cereals the government rebranded millets in 2018 as nutri-cereals. In this context discuss the ecological and nutritional significance of millets","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"What are the potential consequences of Arctic ice melt on biodiversity and ecosystems? How might these changes impact global ecological balance","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Do you think the Uniform Civil Code contradicts the idea of religious pluralism and cultural differences in Indian society?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss the concept of healthy active ageing in the context of demographic shifts in India. How does it contribute to social inclusion?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":22,"question":"How is the transition from 'conscious consumption' to 'compulsive consumption' impacting family structure and dynamics in urban areas?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss with examples the key features of Vijayanagara architecture. How did Indo-Islamic elements manifest in their structures?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Compare and contrast the features of ancient Indian universities like Nalanda and Takshashila with modern state-funded universities in India. What lessons can modern universities learn from ancient ones to improve their effectiveness?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Analyze the ideological differences and similarities between the revolutionary movement(1920-1930s) and the Gandhian non-violent struggle. How did these two ideologies influence each other?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":33,"question":"What are the various types of glacial landforms formed in the Indian Himalayas. How do these features impact local ecosystems and human activities?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Discuss the unique geographical features of the Indian Ocean and their impact on global oceanic circulation patterns. How do these features influence the climate of the Indian subcontinent?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Urban heat islands (UHIs), have become a significant phenomenon in Indian cities, exacerbating the frequency and intensity of heat waves. Analyze the underlying factors contributing to this phenomenon and critically assess the existing mitigation strategies.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Evaluate the primary factors contributing to regional disparities in the sugar industry between North India and Peninsular India. What measures can be undertaken to reduce the surplus sugar production?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":45,"question":"\"Social mobility is essential for achieving true equality within society\". In this context highlight the barriers to intergenerational mobility in Indian society, and examine the role of education on social mobility.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Analyze the influence of globalization on migration patterns in India. What are the economic and social implications of increased internal and international migration?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Discuss how gender-based violence in India is a manifestation of patriarchal values. To what extent has modernisation in law served as an instrument of women's empowerment in this regard?","marks":"15","words":null}]},{"id":15,"topper":"AAKASH","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/aakash-test-7-1747467560944.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Federal governance is characterised by institutionalized arrangements for solving problems generated by pluralism based on consultation and mutual consent. How have Zonal Councils evolved from merely advisory bodies to proactive platforms for action? (Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Secularism under the Indian constitution is encapsulated in the broader concept of constitutional commitment to equality. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"There is a need to shift the focus of Section 8 of the Representation of People Act, 1951 from the duration of the sentence to the gravity of the offence.' Comment on how the current classification under Section 8 leads to arbitrary categorisation of offences. Also, mention the remedies available to a person disqualified under this section. (Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What is the significance of the Leader of Opposition in the Indian parliamentary system? How does the role of the opposition contribute to the checks and balances in a democracy? (Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"The core ideals of the Preamble – sovereignty, socialism, secularism, and democracy – form the bedrock of India's constitutional framework.\" Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Assess the implications of the 103rd Constitutional Amendment, which introduced a ten per cent reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), on the principle of social justice in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The focus of welfare schemes in India is shifting from \"well-being\" towards \"over-dependency\". In light of this, do you agree that welfare schemes have inculcated a \"freebies culture\" in India leading to a divergence of focus from poverty and hunger alleviation? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"E-governance is not just about efficiency; it's about making governance accessible and inclusive for every citizen. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"With the advent of new regional and multilateral agreements like QUAD, AUKUS, I2U2 etc the old world order represented by organizations like NAM, Davos, and G77 is losing its relevance. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The island states and territories from the South Pacific to the African coast have become new nodes in India's changing strategic geography. In this context, highlight the importance of these island states for India and also throw light upon the initiatives taken by India to strengthen ties with these states. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Electoral funding in India is fraught with the double whammy of legal loopholes and political inefficiencies. In this context, discuss the challenges to electoral funding. What lessons can India draw from global best practices in this regard? (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Pressure groups form the social foundation of a democracy. In this context, discuss pressure groups' key contributions in promoting social security measures for workers in India, and how they address the gaps in existing policies. (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"The Constitution envisages the \"principle of federal supremacy\" in the executive space of Indian federal polity. Discuss while referring to the relevant Constitutional provisions and case laws. How are contentious issues regarding the distribution of powers resolved? (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Delimitation of seats is essential to ensure fair representation and uphold the principles of one vote, one value. Highlighting the challenges posed by misrepresentation in constituencies analyse the ramifications of population-based delimitation in creating federal tension. (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"To what extent can the PIL system be held responsible for shifting the focus of the higher Courts from \"constitutional matters\" to day-to-day matters? What role can the trial Courts play in reducing the overall burden on higher Courts? (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"India's higher education system needs significant reforms to align with global standards. How does the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 aim to address these challenges, and what lessons can India learn from international practices to enhance its higher education system? Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"The Right to Information (RTI) Act is hailed for its transformative impact on the quest for transparency and accountability in Indian governance. However, multifaceted challenges and systemic limitations impede its effective implementation. Discuss. Also, suggest measures for its effective implementation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Discuss the unique challenges and opportunities Self Help Groups (SHGs) encounter in urban areas compared to rural ones, and how can microfinance be adapted to tackle urban poverty. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Highlight the significance of the recently envisaged India-Middle East-Europe corridor for India's connectivity with the world, especially the West. Do you think, in recent times, transport and energy initiatives have taken precedence in India's foreign policy? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Despite the recent rise in politically contentious issues, the India-Canada bilateral relationship has remained committed to shared values of democracy, pluralism, expanding economic engagement and long-standing people-to-people ties. Highlighting the significant pillars of the India-Canada relationship, discuss the potential areas of cooperation and collaboration between India and Canada. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":16,"topper":"AAKASH","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/aakash-test-4-1747467480989.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"The rule of law and judicial review are interdependent, as one cannot truly exist without the other. In this context can judicial review be considered the most important aspect among those that constitute the basic structure of the Constitution? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"How does the power and authority of Delhi's lieutenant governor compare to that of the governors of other states, particularly in terms of acting on the aid and advice of the council of ministers? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss the role of the judiciary in navigating the tension between the right to religion and constitutional morality in India in recent times. Refer to relevant case laws. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The principle of 'Separation of Powers' is a key feature of the American Constitution. In this context, compare how the Indian Constitution's functional separation of powers distinguishes itself from the US system. What are the advantages of a check and balance system over a rigid Separation of Powers? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution is more than a legal provision that empowers tribal regions with self-rule. How does the sixth schedule foster development while respecting their traditional governance systems and cultural practices? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How do partnerships between Civil Society Organizations and Government Entities contribute to India's development goals? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss the importance of cultivating a culture of life-long learning among Indian civil servants. How has Mission Karmyogi contributed to this objective? Illustrate with examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Given India's strides in reducing extreme poverty, should the country consider redefining its poverty line to better reflect the current socio-economic realities? Discuss the potential benefits and challenges associated with redefinition of the poverty line. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Evaluate the impact of the deepening political divisions with the major Western States on global governance and international cooperation. How should India navigate these divisions to advance its national interests on the global stage? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"How does India's Arctic Policy align with its broader foreign policy objectives? Broadly discuss the collaborations and agreements India is involved in with the Arctic Council. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In what ways are the terms of reference of the 16th Finance Commission different from that of the previous Finance Commissions? Despite increasingly progressive devolution by subsequent Finance Commissions, examine the factors that propel economic disparities across various States. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Compare and contrast the powers and working of the Ethics Committee and the Privileges Committee in addressing cases of 'unethical' conduct and breach of privileges. How do these Committees complement each other in maintaining parliamentary discipline? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"In the context of persistent legislative dysfunction in India, analyze the evolving role of judicial activism in shaping public policy and governance. Using examples from landmark court cases, evaluate the effectiveness of judicial interventions in addressing governance gaps and safeguarding citizens' rights. (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"To what extent does the level of internal democracy within political parties impact the functioning and legitimacy of the Indian party system? What reforms can address the challenges of inadequate intraparty democracy in India? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"\"The NHRC must not only be a watchdog but also a beacon of hope for the marginalized and oppressed.\" In this context discuss the role and mandate of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in India. How does the current composition and functioning of the NHRC affect its independence and effectiveness? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"The persistent health equity challenges in India pose a critical barrier in achieving Universal Health Coverage. In this context discuss the role of the public and private sectors in ensuring adequate health access and outcomes across rural and urban areas.(250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals requires consideration of regional context and local situations. In light of this statement examine the role of Panchayats as catalysts for grassroot development and advancing sustainable development.(250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"What are the implications of the POCSO Act on the rights and welfare of children in India? Analyze the role of the POCSO Act in transforming India's legal framework for child protection. (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Examine the influence of human rights issues and democratic values on the diplomatic relationship between the U.S. and India. How have these concerns affected bilateral engagements and what can be done to mitigate tensions arising from these issues? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Examine the geopolitical challenges India faces in South Asia despite its global rise. How can India navigate these challenges to strengthen its regional leadership? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":17,"topper":"AAKASH","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/aakash-test-5-1747467505739.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Highlighting the factors contributing to high fiscal deficit in India, discuss the potential consequences of such deficit and suggest measures to ensure fiscal consolidation. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"India's aspiration to be a developed nation by 2047 hinges on significant capital investment. In light of this, discuss the potential of capital investment in achieving this vision. What are the challenges India faces in this regard? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"\"With growing urbanization, peri-urban agriculture is emerging as a significant contributor to fresh farm produce needs\". In this context, discuss the opportunities and challenges associated with promoting peri-urban agriculture in a sustainable manner. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What are the major challenges faced by India's agriculture sector to achieve self-sufficiency in pulses and vegetable oils? Suggest measures to address these challenges. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Evaluate the potential of biomanufacturing and bio-foundry in driving India's future towards a sustainable green economy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What are the principles behind the working of Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV)? Explain the significance and potential benefits of use of RLVs in India's space commerce. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Examine the key features of the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) 2023. Analyze its potential for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"In light of the increased intensity, frequency and duration of heat waves in the last decade, do you think the time has come to include \"heat waves\" as a notified disaster under the Disaster Management Act, 2005? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Recently formulated 'joint doctrine for cyberspace operations' by Indian armed forces will lead to strengthening of the cyber-security posture for both conventional operations as well as gray zone warfare. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the necessity and potential issues surrounding the extension of the Border Security Force's (BSF) territorial jurisdiction in states adjacent to Pakistan and Bangladesh. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"India's economic growth story is often overshadowed by the persistent challenges of unemployment. Analyze the concept of structural unemployment and discuss its relevance in the context of India's current economic situation. Suggest policy measures to promote inclusive job growth. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Discuss the role of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in fostering regional growth in India. How can MSMEs contribute to achieving industrial diversification and technological advancement? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"\"The sole point of MSP is to protect farmers from sudden price shock\". Do you think legalization of MSP can insure farmers from sudden price shocks? What are the other measures which can be taken to make MSP-led procurement effective? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Discuss the role of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) in the Public Distribution System (PDS) to ensure food security in India. Suggest necessary reforms in the functioning of FCI to enhance its efficiency and effectiveness. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Discuss the role of nanotechnology on enhancing agricultural productivity and food security in India. Highlight recent developments and potential benefits and risks of use of nano-fertilizers and nano-pesticides. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"The Nobel Prize in Physics of 2023 was jointly awarded to Ekimov, Brus and Bawendi for the discovery of synthesis of quantum dots. In this context, discuss the applications of quantum dots. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Evaluate the role of protected areas in biodiversity conservation in India. How effective have national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves been in preserving India's biodiversity? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"What the causes of high levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and ozone pollution in India. How effective are the various steps taken by the government to mitigate particulate matter and ozone pollution? (15 marks,","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":48,"question":"The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) Report 2023 highlights a growing menace of drug trafficking in South Asia, with India being a major hub. Analyze the various dimensions of this challenge with respect to India. Also suggest a multi-pronged approach to address it. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"India's response to left wing extremism needs to integrate soft approaches like socio-economic policies and dialogue along with hard security measures to address the root causes of Naxalism. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":18,"topper":"AAKASH","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/aakash-test-6-1747467527125.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"A. \"It is wrong to assume that ethical decisions are, can or should be purely rational and principled. Human feelings are an inseparable part of our ethical life.\" In what way do feelings impact our ethical decisions? Illustrate with examples. (150 words, 10 marks) B. What do you understand by ethics management? Can public officials manage ethics in the work place in a manner similar to managing budgets, policies and people? Do you think adopting codes of ethics and conduct is sufficient enough for managing ethics in the workplace or something more is needed? Discuss. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"A. While traditional ethics has focussed on notions of justice, fair allocation and obligations, ethics of care emphasise maintaining connectedness and promoting care. Which of the above two ethical perspectives is more suitable for guiding ethical decision making in the context of public services. Explain your position with suitable examples. (150 words, 10 marks) B. What does the term \"quality\" mean in service delivery. What are the components of service quality and indicate ways and means for ensuring total quality in terms of efficiency, economy and effectiveness? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"A. In the context of public service, what does public service attitude mean? Discuss the attitude biases that affects a public servants on field decision making? Explain how a public servant can overcome such attitude biases? (150 words, 10 marks) B. \"I am a Moslem; I am a Hindu; I am a Christian; I am a Jew.\" Mahatma Gandhi. What did Mahatma Gandhi mean by the above statement? Some philosophers have argued that religion is harmful to the moral life, whereas others have claimed that it is necessary to it. Explain your position on the relationship between religion and morality. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"A. \"There is only one responsibility of business, namely to use its resources and engage in activities designed to increase profits.\" Do you think corporations, by indulging in social responsibilities, are compromising their core resource utilisation and production responsibility by diverting resources into unproductive social endeavours? (150 words, 10 marks) B. Do you think values such as \"tyaga,\" (renunciation) \"seva,\" (service) \"daanam,\" (Charity) \"damah,\" (self-control) that are espoused in traditional Indian Wisdom have relevance for modern day public servants? Why? Why not? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Explain the difference between conflict among interests and conflict among various sources of authority. Illustrate with relevant examples. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The domain of governance is ridden with uncertainties, ambiguities and paradoxes and this can at times lead to timidity and withdrawal among public administrators. Discuss the relevance of inner courage for overcoming and coping with ambiguities. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Given below are three quotations of philosophers. What do each of the quotations convey to you in the present context?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Case Study 1: You are the Compliance Officer at GreenTech Industries, a company that manufactures eco-friendly products and believes in making positive environmental impacts. Your primary responsibility is to ensure that the company adheres to environmental laws and ethical standards. The Company recently developed a new product that promises significant ecological benefits but involves a manufacturing process that produces hazardous waste. During an internal audit, you discover that the hazardous waste from the new product's manufacturing process is being disposed of in a manner that technically meets legal standards but raises serious ethical concerns. While compliant with current laws, the disposal method poses potential risks to a local community's health and the environment in the long term. Legally, GreenTech Industries is not violating any regulations. The waste disposal method is within the permissible limits set by environmental laws. However, ethically, you are aware that continued use of this method could significantly harm the local community and ecosystem. You were left wondering, on the one hand, the Company was legally correct, but on the other, it was hypocritical about its avowed values of positively impacting the environment. As a conscientious professional, you are serious about taking action, but the challenge is its whats and hows. 1. What are the ethical issues and dilemmas that confronts you in the above case? 2. Discuss the available options along with its merits and demerits. 3. What will be your chosen course of action? Why (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"What are the administrative and ethical issues involved in the above situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Discuss the merits and demerits of each option and explain your chosen course of action along with reasons. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Do you think the above case involves a conflict of interest or there are more issues? Explain","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Keeping the above case in perspective, discuss the relevance of impartiality and non-partisan-ship <<CUT>> as professional value.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Discuss the administrative and ethical issues involved in the above case.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Do you think it was morally right on your part to write to the minister? Justify","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"How will you respond to the action initiated against you? Discuss the available options and justify your selected course of action. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Identify and explain your chosen course of action after evaluating the merits and demerits of each option. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":19,"topper":"AAKASH","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/aakash-test-1-1747467387697.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"\"Parliament is a creature of the constitution, not its master\". Highlighting relevant case laws discuss how judicial intervention has shaped the balance between the Constitution and parliamentary sovereignty. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"How do the citizenship laws and policies of India and the United States differ within their constitutional frameworks? Comment on the ongoing debate on citizenship laws and policies in India and the US. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"\"The right to internet access is integral to the realization and exercise of other fundamental rights in India.\" In this context examine how the recognition of internet access as a fundamental right in India reconciles with the state's authority to impose restrictions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"How did the 44th Constitutional Amendment impact the emergency provisions in the Indian Constitution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What are the powers and immunities of the Governor in relation to bills passed by the state legislature? Are these powers unlimited in nature? Discuss in light of relevant judgements. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Do you think that lateral entry can significantly enhance the effectiveness of the Indian bureaucracy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The demand for a caste census and the sub-categorization of castes reflects the failure of neoliberalism to address India's caste problem. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Despite significant advancements, women remain underrepresented in STEM fields. What are the barriers to women's participation in STEM, and what policy interventions can address these challenges to promote gender equity? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"'The expansion of BRICS signals a shift towards a more multipolar world order.' Discuss how this expanded grouping presents India with opportunities to enhance its global leadership while introducing certain challenges. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Strategically located ports are vital assets in regional and economic integration. In this context discuss the significance of ports like Chabahar and Sittwe in India's strategy to enhance connectivity and their contribution to India's geopolitical objectives. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"How does mediation differ from arbitration? In light of the recent enactment of the Mediation Act, of 2023, assess its potential to address the backlog of litigations in Indian courts and foster a culture of voluntary mediation, especially among private players and public-sector undertakings. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"The federal character of a nation comprising elective bodies at different levels is best secured through a bicameral legislature. In this context, discuss how a bicameral legislature supports federalism in India. What additional measures can be taken to strengthen the federal structure and ensure effective representation of states in national governance? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"An Independent Parliamentary Secretariat is the backbone of a robust democracy, ensuring non-partisan support to Parliament in carrying out its core functions. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Given the significant role of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in local governance, assess the challenges and opportunities in strengthening their financial autonomy. How can reforms in PRI financing contribute to more effective grassroots governance in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Despite the absence of a constitutional mandate, the National Commission for Women(NCW) has had a significant impact in influencing legal reforms and securing gender justice in India. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"In post-liberalized India, independent regulators were established to ensure fair competition and transparency. To what extent have independent regulators been effective in their mandates and discuss the impact of government influence on their autonomy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"How does the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023 aim to reshape the patriarchal dynamics of Indian politics? Do you think it might encounter similar limitations as those seen in local self-government institutions? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Hunger is both a cause and a consequence of poverty, and addressing it requires a multidimensional approach. Analyze the effectiveness of a multidimensional approach with examples from key government initiatives. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"The African Union's inclusion in the G-20 marks a significant step towards strengthening South-South cooperation.' Discuss the importance of this development for India and its implications for India's relations with Africa. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"What are the key challenges associated with the IMF and World Bank in addressing the needs of developing countries? Also, assess the need for reforms in Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) to address the evolving global challenges. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":20,"topper":"AAKASH","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/aakash-test-8-1747467582475.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"How does the integration of traditional Indian art and architecture in the New Parliament Building serve as a testament to India's cultural ethos? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Discuss the representation of women in Sangam literature. What does it reveal about the status and roles of women in ancient South Indian society? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"How did the Moderates' economic critique of British colonial policies contribute to the development of Indian nationalism and the broader independence movement? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"How does the geological structure of the Himalayas make the region particularly prone to landslides? Discuss the natural and human-induced factors involved. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What are the major ocean currents and their associated gyres in the world's oceans? Discuss the significance of ocean currents in shaping the Earth's climate and marine ecosystems. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How have variations in soil types across India contributed to regional disparities in agricultural practices and productivity? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How does island tourism affect the economy of India's islands like the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep? What challenges and opportunities exist to make this tourism sustainable? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How has the shift in the policy from population control to family welfare and women's empowerment impacted population growth in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What are the core principles of Indian secularism, and how have they been challenged in the context of Indian society? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"To what extent does the current primary education system in India address or reinforce social inequalities, and what strategies are needed to create a more inclusive educational environment? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Compare and contrast the nature of peasant movements in India during the pre-Gandhian phase with those in the Gandhian phase. How did Mahatma Gandhi's leadership influence the nature and course of peasant movements in India during the freedom struggle? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"Compare and contrast the Hoysala and Nagara styles of temple architecture. How do these differences reflect the cultural, religious, and regional influences of their time? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"How did Lord William Bentinck's policies in India influence the country's cultural and intellectual landscape? Discuss with reference to key reforms. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"With urban flooding becoming a recurrent challenge in Indian cities, analyze the underlying factors contributing to urban flooding in India. What comprehensive measures can be taken to mitigate its impact? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"As the 21st century shifts from battles over oil to competition for critical minerals, assess the potential of India's critical mineral resources in contributing to the global supply chain. What are the strategic implications of these resources for India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Explain the phenomenon of temperature inversion and its impact on weather patterns and microclimates in different regions. Also, discuss its implications for agriculture and human settlements. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Discuss the significance of the Ganga river system on the environment and Indian culture. What are the key challenges in cleaning and rejuvenating this vital river system? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Scientific pursuit in India has historically intersected with culture and religion, often blending scientific inquiry with religious practices. In this context, how do scientific advancements bridge the gap between traditional beliefs and modern thinking in addressing age-old taboos and superstitions? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Highlighting the challenges of social inequalities in the informal sector, discuss how the gig economy can resolve these issues and contribute to greater social empowerment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"What are the reasons behind the resurgence of new-age spiritualism led by religious influencers and spiritual leaders in Indian society? Evaluate the impact of this phenomenon on Indian society. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":21,"topper":"AAKASH","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/aakash-test-2-1747467425650.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Do you think it is ethically justified for political leaders to violate the deepest constraints of morality in order to achieve great goods or avoid disasters for their communities? Justify your position with suitable examples (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"\"There is growing evidence that when it comes to moral judgment, human beings appear to be best characterised not as intuitive Deontologists or Consequentialists but as intuitive virtue theorists.\" Critically analyse the statement. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"While formal codes of conduct can sometimes be a useful guide, developing those traits of character that are particularly suited to the administrator's role is at the core of professional ethics. Identify five ethical attributes suitable for an administrator and explain how they can be developed. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What do you understand by political responsibility, professional responsibility and personal responsibility? In situations of conflict among the three, what responsibility must the public servant prioritise and why? Illustrate with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"In the context of civil service, what do you understand by \"acts of conscience\"? Illustrate with an example. In your opinion, what can be the basis of acts of conscience? Explain (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Critically examine the role of educational institutions in shaping ethical decision-making skills in future civil servants. How effective are current educational paradigms in instilling ethical behaviour among the youth? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Examine the ethical challenges administrators face while employing persuasion and social influence techniques to promote social and health interventions in rural India. Illustrate with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Critically examine the impact of the Right to Information (RTI) on enhancing ethical accountability in public administration. How effective has RTI been in preventing bureaucratic corruption and improving service delivery? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss the ethical implications of maintaining high-quality service delivery in public administration. How does probity in governance influence the efficiency and responsiveness of public services, particularly in addressing the needs of marginalised communities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Critically assess the role of regulatory frameworks in enforcing ethical standards in corporate governance. How can these frameworks be designed to encourage ethical behaviour without stifling innovation? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss what the following quotes mean to you. (a) \"It is not because men's desires are strong that they act ill; it is because their consciences are weak.\"- JS Mill (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":53,"question":"As the CDO, you are now caught between two conflicting directives, each with its own ethical and professional implications. (a) What ethical issues and dilemmas are involved in the above case? (b) What are the options available to the CDO? What must be the CDO's chosen course of action? (c) How should a civil servant prioritise between conflicting directives from different senior authorities? What ethical principles should guide this decision-making process? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":22,"topper":"Aakash Garg","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Yw33CVkvFh9y5vlaNdkDfqNWGsAi0Is_/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Temple architecture under the Early Chalukya developed fundamental prototypes for later temples in the peninsula. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The most remarkable feature of the medieval period of Indian History was the emergence of various schools of thoughts. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The economic changes associated with globalization have contributed to a reevaluation of gender roles within Indian families. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss how combined effects of land-use change and climate change are leading to biodiversity loss across all global regions. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Examine the socio-economic changes experienced by tribal communities during British colonial rule in India. Discuss how these impacts led to various forms of resistance and adaptation among the tribes. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The foundation of the Indian National Congress to advance political nationalism was the result of a political and cultural awakening of the people due to work of provincial organizations. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How has the Continental Drift theory influenced our current understanding of the distribution of continents and oceans? Examine within the framework of plate tectonics and geological processes. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Do you agree that the demographic situation is weighing down growth and development in India? Illustrate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Examine the challenges posed by the phenomenon of brain drain on India in the context of rapid globalization and intense competition for talent. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Evaluate the extent to which 19th-century socio-religious reform movements in India contributed to the establishment of a secular and rational social ethos. Discuss the challenges they faced from conservative forces. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Architecturally, Vijayanagar synthesizes the centuries-old Dravida temple architecture with Islamic styles demonstrated by the neighboring sultanates. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Nurtured for centuries, dance in India has evolved in different parts of the country in its own distinct style, taking on the culture of that region and each acquiring its own flavor. Discuss. Also, highlight its significant place in religious and social life of the Indian people. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Do you think reducing disparities among regions and states can strengthen nationalism in India? Justify your answer. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss inter-generational transmission of poverty in India and give recommendations that could be considered useful to combat it. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Revolutionary movements are often seen as fringe elements. Assess their place in the larger narrative of the freedom struggle. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Footloose industries are often seen as a potential driver of economic growth. Discuss measures to maximize the benefits and mitigate the drawbacks associated with footloose industries. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Analyse the geographic concentration of the startup activity in India given its importance in the Indian economy. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Analyze the role of political philosophies in shaping the Cold War era policies. How did the ideological conflict between the USA and the USSR affect global geopolitics? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"How do explosive and effusive volcanic eruptions shape the topography and geology of volcanic regions? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The reorganization of states on linguistic lines was a significant step in India's post-independence history. Evaluate its impact on India's national unity and development. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":23,"topper":"Aakash Garg","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XQqvENMV0lU0zc_ED_xUu3vONYN7Ig-D/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What are ethics in scientific and technological research? Provide examples to support your answer. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Do you think Buddha's eightfold path which he taught in virtually all his discourses, is as clear and practical to his followers today as it was when he first gave it? (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The use of social media in public relations (PR) has transformed the way information is disseminated and consumed. Analyze the ethical challenges associated with social media PR campaigns. How can PR professionals ensure ethical conduct while engaging with audiences on social media platforms? (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Governance around data privacy and security is an important part of society to protect individuals. In the light of this statement, discuss the ethical challenges faced in balancing privacy and national security. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context? (a) Patriotism cannot be our final spiritual shelter; my refuge is humanity. -Rabindranath Tagore. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Define Emotional Intelligence (EI). Discuss its major components. Explain how each component contributes to effective leadership in public administration. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Examine the relationship between Citizen Charters and the concept of participatory governance. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In the context of contemporary Indian politics, analyze the potential implications of cognitive dissonance on voter behavior and its impact on the democratic process. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"How do parents play an important role as the main educator in the family in moral development of their children? (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"Ethics in public administration is not just about following rules, but also about making the right choices.\" Explain. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Good education is inconceivable if it fails to inculcate values essential to good life and social well-being. Comment. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Mr. Arjun is a prominent businessman and a leading figure in his community. Known for his philanthropy and professional skills, he has built a reputation for being generous and supportive of various social causes. His son, Ravi, a 25-year-old aspiring musician, has recently been diagnosed with end-stage liver disease. Given Ravi's young age and the critical nature of his condition, this diagnosis is a profound shock to the family. The medical team has informed Mr. Arjun that Ravi urgently needs a liver transplant to survive. However, the organ donation list is long, and the chances of receiving a liver in time are very low. Every day that passes without a transplant decreases Ravi's chances of survival, increasing Mr. Arjun and his family's anxiety and despair. personal and professional challenges. Years ago, during a particularly difficult time in Dr. Mehta's life, Mr. Arjun extended significant help, providing financial support and personal counsel. Dr. Mehta has always felt indebted to Mr. Arjun for his kindness and support. Given their close relationship, Mr. Arjun feels a strong temptation to ask Dr. Mehta to fast-track Ravi's case and prioritize him over other patients on the waiting list. The urgency of his son's condition and the emotional turmoil he is experiencing make it difficult for Mr. Arjun to consider the broader ethical implications of such a request. Answer the following questions based on the above case study (a) What ethical principles should guide Dr. Mehta's decision in this situation? (b) How should Dr. Mehta handle the personal pressure from Mr. Arjun while ensuring fair treatment for all patients? (c) What measures can be implemented to prevent conflicts of interest in the organ allocation process? (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"In the aftermath, an official inquiry is launched to investigate the causes of the stampede and determine whether negligence played a role. The inquiry reveals that the religious organization, despite its financial constraints, failed to implement even basic crowd control measures. However, the inquiry also points to the fact that the permission granted by your office lacked the necessary conditions and oversight, contributing to the disaster. (a) Mention the stakeholders involved in this case. (b) What are the ethical challenges involved here? (c) Why are Crowd crushes common in India and many of them have occurred at religious gatherings? What measures would you take to avoid it in the first place? (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Shradha has recently been appointed as the Medical Superintendent of a charitable hospital which functions as an important health care facility for the poor and underprivileged people of the local and surrounding areas. Despite the hospital having proper funding and adequate resources, its charitable nature means that staff salaries are relatively low. This financial constraint has given rise to a troubling behavior: some staff members have developed the habit of accepting bribes from rich patients in exchange for prompt or better services. Although complaints regarding this unethical behavior have been raised before, the hospital management has generally turned a blind eye to it and ignored the problem rather than confronting it. (a) Discuss the ethical dilemma faced by Shradha and the course of action available to her. Also, discuss the pros and cons of the step taken by her. (b) What would you do if you were in Shradha's place? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Aryan University student Shreyas Sharma notices a bulletin board in his residence hall titled \"Understanding Caste Privilege.\" He views it as propaganda and believes it discriminates against upper-caste students. In response, Shreyas makes a condemnation post on Facebook, tagging prominent conservative figures Amit Verma and Rajan Patel to draw attention to the excessive liberalism on campus. The post goes viral immediately, drawing both support and opposition. Priya, a student journalist, interviews Shreyas to understand his motives for criticizing the bulletin board. Shreyas, who did not expect this kind of reaction and now regrets his post, asks Priya to keep his name confidential in the article. Priya faces an ethical dilemma: whether to respect Shreyas's request for anonymity or hold him accountable for his public statements. (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. Rahul wanted to maintain his personal integrity and help the company understand the issue but feared that revealing all could jeopardize his position and lead to termination. He empathized with Arjun's plight, feeling conflicted between protecting his friend and upholding his own ethical standards. Rahul wrestled with whether exposing the truth was worth potentially losing his job and friendship, especially since the company's financial loss was not catastrophic and the product was not life-or-death. (a) How should empathy influence ethical decision making in a professional context? Can understanding a colleague's personal struggles justify or mitigate unethical actions? (b) What are the most significant ethical values at stake in Rahul's decision? (c) What factors should influence Rahul's decision? \\t\\t\\t\\t\\t(250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Rahul wanted to maintain his personal integrity and help the company understand the issue but feared that revealing all could jeopardize his position and lead to termination. He empathized with Arjun's plight, feeling conflicted between protecting his friend and upholding his own ethical standards. Rahul wrestled with whether exposing the truth was worth potentially losing his job and friendship, especially since the company's financial loss was not catastrophic and the product was not life-or-death. (a) How should empathy influence ethical decision making in a professional context? Can understanding a colleague's personal struggles justify or mitigate unethical actions? (b) What are the most significant ethical values at stake in Rahul's decision? (c) What factors should influence Rahul's decision? \\t\\t\\t\\t\\t(250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":24,"topper":"Aakash Garg","air":5,"year":2024,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Drishti IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.drishtiias.com/images/pdf/Aakash%20Garg_GS%201.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":25,"topper":"Aakash Garg","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EpHIOY0--eiK-ISO4py2rxORLkZdF-r8/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The role of opposition parties is critical in determining the level of parliamentary accountability. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the role of Self-Help Groups in widening women's labour force participation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The approach to welfare is wholesome and whole-of-society, with increasing private sector participation through Corporate Social Responsibility(CSR). Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Mental health is a less seen yet principally impactful driver of individual and national development. Discuss. What is the Government's positive policy momentum in this regard? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the multiple digitization initiatives that have been unfolding in rural India to improve governance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"A distinctive feature of the Indian Constitution is that it seeks to impart flexibility to a written federal Constitution. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The transparency and accountability of judicial function form the cornerstone of a robust and effective legal system, ensuring public trust and upholding the principles of justice. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The constitutional conception of state governors occupying a non-partisan position with regard to the political functioning of states has come under severe strain. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"Prison reform is not just a moral imperative, but a legal and social necessity.\" In light of this statement, critically analyze the state of prisons in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the need for an All-India Judicial Service (AIJS) in India, highlighting key issues and challenges in its implementation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Despite commendable efforts, there are several obstacles that hinder the successful delivery of healthcare services to the tribal population of India. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Enumerate the functions of Parliament as the legislative organ. Do you agree that reforms and urgent remedial action seem imperative for making parliamentary institutions and processes effective? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Alternate Dispute Resolution mechanisms are less adversarial and can provide a better substitute to the conventional methods of resolving disputes. Discuss. What are the government's efforts to bring out a transformative shift towards it? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Critically examine the provisions of the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) (Amendment) Act, 2023 considering its potential impact on the governance of Delhi and the federal structure of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Compare and contrast the role of speaker in the Indian Lok Sabha and British House of Commons. Discuss how these roles impact the functioning of their respective legislative bodies. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Critically evaluate Finance Commission's crucial role in ensuring fiscal federalism and maintaining a balance between the fiscal powers of the central and state governments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Has India leveraged its soft power to enhance its global stature and influence? Analyze. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"In the past more than two decades since its establishment, BIMSTEC has come a long way in distinguishing itself as a group with a vision for collective advancement utilizing its vast potential. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Examine the major outcomes of soaring global debt crisis in emerging and developing economies on international relations. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Europe's increased focus on the Indo-Pacific and the deepening economic and technological collaboration with India offer mutual benefits. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":26,"topper":"Aakash Garg","air":5,"year":2024,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Drishti IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.drishtiias.com/images/pdf/Aakash%20Garg_GS%202.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":27,"topper":"Aakash Garg","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Hcg5SmW5VjSZXELETYAXWC6tDrR6bLgI/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The challenge of a high trade deficit haunts India. Analyze its impact on the Indian economy. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The foundation of Anusandhan National Research Foundation promised an overhaul in the field of research, innovation and entrepreneurship in Indian universities; however, the real picture looks gloomy. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What are the key objectives of the National Green Hydrogen Mission, and how is it expected to impact India's transition to a low-carbon economy? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Coal sector in India has shown great improvements but it is still not free from all problems. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The increase in the incidence of factory accidents raises serious concerns. Explain how issues related to inspection have contributed to the problem and suggest some effective measures to handle the situation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Globalization and emerging technology are interconnected in a resource-limited world. Elucidate with special reference to India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"India has tremendous potential in becoming a large global exporter in agricultural commodities. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the significance of soil health in the context of sustainable agricultural practices. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"How can a well-defined National Security Strategy (NSS) contribute to addressing contemporary security challenges? Discuss the significance of having a comprehensive National Security Strategy (NSS) for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Examine the challenges of extending digital payment services to underserved populations and propose strategies to enhance financial inclusion through digitization. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The recent episodes of coral bleaching are signs of an alarming situation. Explain the reasons behind the phenomenon of coral bleaching. What are the ways to tackle this problem? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What steps can we take to protect mangrove ecosystems, which are increasingly threatened by climate change. Also mention some initiatives at national and international level to support their conservation? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the significance of the National Technical Textiles Mission in enhancing India's global position in the technical textiles market. What are the key challenges faced by this sector in India? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What are Trans-fats? Discuss the health concerns associated with them and what steps are being taken to limit their consumption? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Elaborate the scope and significance of the food processing industry in India. What are the policy measures taken by the government of India to meet the challenges of the food processing sector. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Examine the reasons behind the rising occurrence of landslides in the Himalayan region and their potential impacts. Suggest sustainable mitigation strategies that could be adopted to tackle this escalating issue. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Vulnerability to cross border infiltration can be termed as the primary reason behind frequent insurgencies in North-eastern region of India. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"In what ways does the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) shape the creation of global standards for combating money laundering and terrorist financing? Suggest measures to strengthen its functioning. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":28,"topper":"Aakash Garg","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/16widve025iJMZ0vacLxxfE5kb8p1puzO/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"India's technological and manufacturing aspirations hinges on a transformative shift in its Research and Developemnt (R&D) landscape. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Food remains the major expenditure item for rural and urban households in India. In this context, discuss how administrative actions help mitigate food inflation? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss the significance of land reforms in reducing rural poverty and promoting agricultural productivity in India. What are the major challenges that have hindered the successful implementation of land reforms? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Evaluate the impact of renewable energy on rural development and employment generation in India. Provide examples of successful renewable energy projects contributing to rural livelihoods. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The climate crisis is not gender neutral in country like India. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What is Project Nexus? Discuss its significance in enhancing cross-border retail payments. How does this initiative contribute to global financial integration and economic cooperation? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Explain the concept of the 'triple planetary' crisis. What are the interlinkages between different aspects of this crisis? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) is a pioneering initiative aimed to democratize digital commerce and increase the outreach of e-commerce capabilities. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Elaborate on the concept of the middle-income trap and its relevance to the Indian economy. Discuss the measures that may be considered to ensure India's transition to a high-income economy. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What are quantum dots? How have they been incorporated as active elements in a wide variety of devices and applications? Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Examine the potential of Waste-to-Energy (WtE) technology in addressing India's waste management issues. Discuss the challenges and policy measures needed to scale up WtE projects. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Money laundering continues to emerge as a transnational phenomenon that has harmful consequences for the global economy and society. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Fisheries and Aquaculture sector is considered as a sunrise sector and is poised to play a significant role in the Indian economy in near future. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Why is it necessary for India to build disaster resistant infrastructure? What measures should India adopt to reduce disaster risk and enhance disaster preparedness. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Promoting crop diversification towards oilseeds, pulses, and horticulture requires addressing critical issues. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"In a developing nation like India, the prevalence of working poverty is significant. In the light of this statement, analyze the causes of underemployment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Extreme weather events have become the new normal, revealing critical gaps in urban planning. Discuss the statement in the context of urban flooding. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"\"The Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) are the bulwark of India's internal security apparatus.\" In light of this statement, critically examine the various roles and responsibilities of CAPF in ensuring national security. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Evaluate the potential scientific and economic benefits of the Gaganyaan mission for India. Discuss its impact on India's future space endeavours, policy formulation and international collaboration. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Analyze the shift in terrorist activities from the Kashmir Valley to the Jammu region in recent times. Suggest measures that the Government can adopt to mitigate the impact of these challenges on its national security. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":29,"topper":"Aakash Garg","air":5,"year":2024,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Drishti IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.drishtiias.com/images/pdf/Aakash%20Garg_GS%203%20Copy%202.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":30,"topper":"Aakash Garg","air":5,"year":2024,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Drishti IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.drishtiias.com/images/pdf/Aakash%20Garg_GS%203%20Copy%201.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":31,"topper":"Aakash Garg","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-44_L-wCws85kxGaYRA6lKRVGoS3D97u/view","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Explain the difference between probity and integrity, using relevant examples. Suggest measures to ensure probity in governance. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Examine the ethical considerations of withholding information in public administration. Also explain how transparency in government institutions can enhance accountability. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Love is not a mere impulse, it must contain truth, which is law.\"- Rabindranath Tagore. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"\"In every great faith and tradition one can find the values of tolerance and mutual understanding\"- Kofi Annan (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"International aid is a recognized method of assisting less developed nations, making it crucial to examine the role of ethics in its application. Support your answer with suitable examples. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What are the key ethical challenges in the workplace? How does ethical conduct influence organizational culture and employee morale? Suggest strategies to foster a culture of ethics within an organization. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What do you understand by vaccine diplomacy? Analyze the ethical considerations in a country's decision to prioritize domestic vaccine distribution over sharing vaccines with other nations during the global pandemic. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What were the major teachings of Adi Shankaracharya? Explain how they are relevant in tackling current social and ethical challenges. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Recent allegations against the SEBI Chief have highlighted concerns about corporate ethics in India. Discuss the role of regulatory bodies in upholding ethical standards and trust in these institutions. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Plato's Republic divided the study of justice in two, as a virtue of people and of institutions. Comment. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Apex Tutorials issued a public apology, committed to more ethical advertising practices, and initiated an internal review of its marketing strategies. The institute also established a consumer grievance redressal system to address any future complaints promptly. (a) How does the omission of key information in Apex Tutorials' advertisements raise ethical concerns? (b) How can regulatory bodies like the CCPA ensure that educational advertisements are not only legally compliant but also ethically sound? (c) What steps should Apex Tutorials take to rebuild trust and ensure ethical practices in future advertising efforts? (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"A severe flood has hit a small town in Eastern India, causing widespread destruction. The town's infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and communication lines, has been severely damaged. Thousands of people are stranded, and there is an urgent need for rescue operations. The situation is critical, with limited resources available for immediate relief. Ravi Kumar - the District Collector, is responsible for coordinating the disaster management efforts. There is a limited supply of food and clean drinking water. Ravi must decide how to allocate these resources. The floodwaters are rising rapidly, and Ravi has only a few rescue boats. He must decide whether to prioritize evacuating people from the most affected areas, even if it means leaving others behind temporarily, or to spread the rescue efforts evenly across the town, risking higher casualties in the worst-hit areas. Ravi is aware that the situation is worsening, and more heavy rains are forecasted. (a) What principles should guide Ravi's evacuation prioritization? (b) Should Ravi Kumar fully disclose the severity of the situation to the public, knowing it could cause panic? (c) How should Ravi Kumar ensure both immediate relief and long-term recovery for the affected population? (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"On a brisk morning in the city of Ganganagar when Arjun Patel, on his way to work, was suddenly bitten by a stray dog. The dog, thin and disheveled, had lunged at him from behind, causing Arjun to stumble and fall. The bite was minor but left Arjun shaken and concerned about possible infections. He rushed to the local clinic, where he received treatment and was advised to report the incident to the authorities. News of Arjun's bite quickly spread through the community. Local residents were alarmed and demanded immediate action to address the rising number of stray dogs. In a town hall meeting that evening, the atmosphere was tense. Arjun voiced his concerns, insisting that the stray dogs posed a significant risk to public safety. In the midst of the uproar, Dr. Neha Gupta, a well-known veterinarian, and Anita Rao, an animal rights activist, were preparing for a press conference. Dr. Gupta had been working with stray animals for years and knew that many were suffering due to lack of food and medical care. She argued that a more humane approach was necessary to address the issue. Anita Rao, a passionate advocate for animal welfare, supported this view, emphasizing the importance of sterilization and adoption programs over euthanasia. Mayor Rajesh Mehta, facing mounting pressure from the community and animal welfare groups, held an emergency meeting to discuss the situation. He listened carefully to Arjun's concerns about health risks, Dr. Gupta's warnings about the well-being of the animals, and Anita Rao's advocacy for humane treatment. (a) What are the ethical dilemmas faced by the mayor? (b) Analyze the conflict between public health concerns and animal welfare interests as presented in the case study. How should such conflicts be ethically resolved in a way that considers the welfare of all parties involved? (c) What ethical principles guide the mayor's decision-making process? How does this reflect on his leadership? (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"What are the ethical dilemmas faced by the mayor? (b) Analyze the conflict between public health concerns and animal welfare interests as presented in the case study. How should such conflicts be ethically resolved in a way that considers the welfare of all parties involved? (c) What ethical principles guide the mayor's decision-making process? How does this reflect on his leadership? (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"The road construction, instead of being a boon, became a bane. The substandard materials resulted in a poorly constructed road that quickly deteriorated, with potholes forming after just a few months. The villagers, who had hoped for better connectivity, found themselves facing more transportation problems. The delay in repairs and maintenance caused by Mr. Joshi's actions exacerbated their isolation. A local schoolteacher who had been following the project closely, began to notice discrepancies in the quality of work and the project timeline. She brought her concerns to Mr. Verma, who then approached the district authorities. An investigation revealed that Mr. Joshi had embezzled a substantial portion of the funds. The contractor was charged with corruption, and efforts were made to rectify the roadwork and recover the misappropriated funds. A social audit, conducted by involving community members and independent auditors, could have provided regular oversight of the project. (a) What role can social audits play in ensuring transparency and preventing corruption in government schemes? (b) What ethical responsibilities does a contractor have when executing government projects intended for public welfare? (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":32,"topper":"Aakash Garg","air":5,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Drishti IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.drishtiias.com/images/pdf/Aakash%20Garg_GS%204%20Copy%202.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":33,"topper":"Aakash Garg","air":5,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"Drishti IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.drishtiias.com/images/pdf/Aakash%20Garg_GS%20Copy%201.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":34,"topper":"Aakash Om Trivedi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3548e-1142925_4514_aakash_om_trivedi_rank_73.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Write two essays, choosing one topic from each of the Sections A and B, in about 1000-1200 words each :\n1. You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it.\n2. In matters of conscience, the law of the majority has no place.\n3. He who opens a school door, closes a prison.\n4. Only in the depths of winter can we truly appreciate the warmth of spring.\n5. We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.\n6. Copying is safe; innovation demands courage.\n7. The more we automate, the more human we must become.\n8. The pursuit of instant validation is creating a generation of restless minds.","marks":"125 x 2 = 250","words":"1000-1200 words each"}]},{"id":35,"topper":"Aakash Om Trivedi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Visionias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/812a2-1142925_4510_aakash_om_trivedi_rank_73.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. Folk music serves as a repository of the cultural identity. Discuss the role of folk music in preserving cultural heritage and promoting social cohesion.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. How does the Vesara style of temple architecture represent a synthesis of the Nagara and Dravida styles? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. Discuss the role played by Indians living abroad in advancing the cause of India's freedom struggle. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. How did the Marshall Plan influence the economic recovery and political stability of post-war Europe? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. Discuss the factors responsible for increased cyclonic activity in the Arabian Sea. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. How can technological interventions help in transforming the textile sector in India? What are the initiatives that the government has taken in this regard?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. What is a seiche and how does it form? Discuss the geographical conditions under which seiches are most likely to occur. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. How has rapid urbanisation affected the socio-cultural landscape of peri-urban regions in India?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Examine the role of historical and socio-political factors in driving communalism in Indian politics.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. Globalization has significantly influenced the aspirations, lifestyle, and value systems of Indian youth. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. Examine how Chandragupta-II's reign symbolised a golden age of cultural development, laying the foundation for future advancements in Indian art and literature. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. Evaluate the intended and unintended consequences of British educational policies for the Indian society in the colonial period. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. India's territorial disputes after independence were not merely about borders, but also encompass issues of national identity, historical grievances, and geopolitical strategies. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. Discuss the geographical conditions responsible for the development of shola forests in the upper reaches of the Western Ghats. Highlight their ecological significance. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. Discuss the potential of natural hydrogen as a fuel to meet growing global energy demands? Why is it still an untapped industry? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. Why is there a shift of labour-intensive industries from China to South and Southeast Asia? Discuss the advantages and challenges for India in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. Explain the socio-economic transformations resulting from women's migration to metropolitan areas in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. The institution of marriage in India is increasingly becoming a site of conspicuous consumption and commodification. Critically examine the impact of this commercialisation on social equity and gender relations.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. Analyse how recognizing, reducing, and redistributing care work can foster gender equality and promote inclusive development in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. Discuss the changing nature of family structures in urban India. How is it impacting elderly care and socialization of the youth? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":36,"topper":"Aakash Om Trivedi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0eee2-1142925_4512_aakash_om_trivedi_rank_73.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. Analyse the factors that have contributed to India's inclusive economic growth in the past decade.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. The Reserve Bank of India's surplus transfers offer the government much-needed fiscal space, yet they are not without challenges. Critically examine the implications of the RBI's surplus transfers to the government.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. To what extent was the first National Monetization Pipeline (NMP) able to meet its objectives? What are the objectives of the new Asset Monetization Plan 2025-30 as announced in the recent 2025 Budget? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. Examine the major challenges hindering the Indian textile industry from achieving its full potential in the global value chain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. Why has India become increasingly import-dependent for edible oils despite being a major agricultural economy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. Air accidents are low-frequency but high-impact events. Examine the disaster management protocols in place for aviation-related emergencies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. Chemical pollution poses a grave threat to human health and the environment in India. Discuss the key sources contributing to pervasive chemical contamination and evaluate the effectiveness of existing environmental laws in curbing this problem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. Missile defence systems are becoming critical for national security in the face of evolving regional threats and advanced weapon technologies. Explain the working principle of missile defence systems. Critically assess India's progress in developing indigenous missile defence capabilities.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Despite multiple resolutions and initiatives undertaken by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), its efforts to counter terrorism have achieved limited success. Discuss the reasons for this limited effectiveness.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. India practices a ‘multi-alignment’ approach in its cyber diplomacy. How does this posture strengthen India’s internal security while maintaining strategic autonomy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. While examining the shortcomings of the land reforms in the past, elaborate what land reforms 2.0 should look like.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":29,"question":"2. As NITI Aayog completes 10 years of its establishment, critically examine its role in the planning and development paradigm of governance in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. What are the primary causes of limited formal credit penetration among the rural and unbanked populations in India? Comment on the effectiveness of Small Finance Banks in addressing this gap and advancing inclusive financial growth.","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"1. To what extent has the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for the food processing industry facilitated value addition, employment generation, and global competitiveness in India's food processing industry? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. Waste circularity is emerging as a sustainable solution to India's mounting solid waste crisis. Discuss the key principles of waste circularity and the government's initiative in this regard. How effective have these measures been in fostering a circular economy? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Discuss the importance of integrating traditional ecological knowledge of India's tribal communities with modern disaster management frameworks. Mention two examples where indigenous practices have contributed to disaster resilience. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. CRISPR technology has rapidly advanced in recent years, with new tools and clinical breakthroughs. Highlight the recent developments in CRISPR-based gene editing technology applications. Discuss the opportunities and ethical challenges these advancements present for healthcare and society.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":47,"question":"A credible semiconductor ecosystem is pivotal for India's economic security as much as for national security. Analyse the strategic objectives, incentives, and institutional architecture of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM). Identify the major risks that could derail its timelines.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. Intricate inter-play of diverse factors has been the force multipliers for extremism in the North East. Discuss. Suggest a multilayered strategy to tackle the menace of extremism in this region.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Despite recent steps towards inducting women into combat roles, their participation remains low. Examine the key challenges impeding the greater inclusion of women in the Indian armed forces. Also, suggest suitable measures to enhance their participation.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":37,"topper":"Aakash Om Trivedi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fdKtpEf32OErYxpXDKb05K38Ez7yh1gm/view","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"What is meant by ‘Sports ethics’? Why is it important to study? Discuss any one issue from the viewpoint of Sports ethics. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"\"In contemporary societies witnessing erosion of moral values, legalistic and utilitarian ethical systems often fall short in addressing deeper questions of character and moral motivation.\" In this context, can virtue ethics offer a sustainable foundation for ethical revival? Critically examine with particular reference to the role of public leadership and responsibility of citizens. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Cancel culture has emerged as a powerful tool of social accountability in the digital age, often framed as a form of moral justice against wrongdoing. Critically examine the ethical issues involved in cancel culture. How can society address these ethical issues while balancing the need for accountability? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel embodied the ethical paradox of statecraft — combining moral firmness with administrative realism to unify a fragmented nation.\" Discuss the ethical values demonstrated by Sardar Patel in nation-building and public administration. How can his leadership principles inspire civil servants today in balancing pragmatism with moral responsibility? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"In the name of global peace and security, powerful nations often impose economic or political sanctions on weaker states. While such measures are claimed to uphold international norms, they frequently reflect geopolitical interests and result in humanitarian suffering.\" In light of growing concerns over the failure of global governance institutions to ensure fairness and multilateral consensus, critically examine whether it is ethical for dominant nations to unilaterally impose sanctions? How can global governance be reformed to prevent coercive diplomacy and uphold the principles of justice, equity, and sovereign dignity? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"Traditional folklore, rituals, and community customs have long played a role in transmitting ethical values to younger generations.\" In the context of weakening family structures and growing digital influences, critically evaluate the effectiveness of these cultural practices in shaping moral behavior among children and youth. Can they be revitalized to address the ethical void in contemporary society? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Given below are two quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context? a. \"Service which is rendered without joy helps neither the servant nor the served.\"- M K Gandhi (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"The Companies Act, 2013, marked a paradigm shift in India's corporate regulatory landscape by institutionalizing ethical imperatives. While these reforms aimed to align business conduct with ethical governance, corporate scandals and symbolic compliance raise questions about their efficacy.\" Critically examine the extent to which the Companies Act, 2013, has been successful in transforming business ethics from a procedural obligation into a moral commitment. Support your analysis with relevant examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"While integrity ensures moral consistency in public service, flexibility is required in responding to complex ground realities.\" Discuss how rigid adherence to ethical codes can sometimes hinder public interest, and how contextual judgment can align with ethical governance. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"\"In disaster management, technical expertise saves lives, but it is emotional intelligence that deepens trust, enhances credibility and builds community resilience.\" Discuss the role of emotional intelligence in enhancing the effectiveness of disaster response and rehabilitation. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"\"While a Code of Conduct prescribes rules of behaviour, a Code of Ethics articulates the moral vision that guides such behaviour. Both are essential, yet insufficient on their own to ensure ethical public service.\" Critically analyze this statement in the context of civil services. How can the synergy between ethical intent and regulatory compliance be fostered within public institutions? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"You are Rajesh, an honest IAS officer posted as the District Magistrate in a prominent district of a state. The State Public Service Commission exam was conducted last week. It is one of the biggest recruitment drives, with over 7 lakh candidates appearing, many from poor and rural backgrounds. Three days after the exam, a leaked question paper, matching the actual one, started circulating on social media. There is public outrage. Protests erupt outside your office. Several coaching institutes allege that a nexus involving a printing press official, a commission clerk, and a politician's aide facilitated the leak. The government is under pressure. You are asked to conduct a preliminary inquiry within 48 hours and submit a factual report. Meanwhile, you receive a phone call from a senior political leader, asking you to \"go slow\" as the accused is \"a well-wisher\" and \"these things happen.\" The candidate who topped this exam is also the son of a senior bureaucrat. Moreover, your nephew has secured 8th rank in the exam in his last attempt, and this news has become viral on social media. There are rumors that the leak was targeted to help specific candidates. A strong inquiry may lead to cancellation of the exam, affecting lakhs of students. On the other hand, going soft may protect your career. (a) What are the options available to you? (b) What course of action would you choose to ensure that justice is done without causing unnecessary hardship to innocent candidates? (c) Are there any safeguards in the current setup to prevent harassment of innocent officers like Rajesh? What further measures need to be taken? (d) \"Even the strongest regulatory mechanisms cannot prevent paper leaks completely\". Do you agree? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"You are posted as the Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district of Manipur that has been severely affected by ongoing ethnic violence between 2 tribal communities. Over the past several months, dozens of people have been killed, hundreds injured, and thousands displaced. Several incidents of mob lynchings, arson, sexual violence, and looting have taken place. Both communities accuse each other of betrayal and violence. The state police and paramilitary forces are deployed, but trust has been broken down. Even civil servants and police officers are being viewed with suspicion, based on their ethnic identity. You are ethnically neutral and not from the state, but your district team is diverse and includes officers from both communities. The situation is tense. The Internet is shut down. There is media pressure, social media outrage and conflicting narratives. One night, a violent mob from one community surrounds a refugee camp where families from the other community are sheltered. They are demanding that some \"culprits\" be handed over to them, claiming those people were involved in a previous attack. You receive real-time information that if the mob is not dispersed peacefully, it could lead to a massacre, but if force is used, it could trigger a larger retaliation across districts. You have limited police presence and only one central force unit available on standby. Adding to the pressure, the Chief Minister's office has informally told you to \"avoid escalation\" at all costs. A senior local MLA, from the same community as the mob, is allegedly protecting instigators. A journalist from a national media house has arrived at the camp and is recording live videos, which could go viral. (a) In the context of the case study, discuss the role of declining social capital in disturbing community harmony. (b) What immediate actions would you take to prevent violence without violating law or escalating tensions? (c) Which principles of constitutional morality should guide your action in this situation? How would you ensure their application under intense public, media and political pressure? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"You are the Head of Human Resources in a prestigious IT company known for its high-profile clients and “innovative” work culture. The company takes pride in productivity, strict discipline, and fast-paced delivery cycles. However, over the past few months, there has been a surge in anonymous complaints about Verbal humiliation during team meetings, Unreasonable working hours, Hostile treatment of women employees, especially interns and fresh recruits. The center of many complaints is Mr. Rohan Mehta — a brilliant but autocratic team lead. He has a history of delivering projects ahead of schedule and is celebrated by top management as a “visionary performer.” His team, however, is showing signs of burnout, absenteeism, and silent resignations. One day, a junior employee, Ms. Arpita Sharma, approaches you in confidence. She alleges that Rohan often yells at team members publicly, calls them “incompetent,” A former intern had a mental breakdown and quit the industry entirely after being constantly micromanaged and belittled. Most employees are afraid to speak up because they fear being marked as “non-performers” or losing recommendation letters. She does not want to file a formal complaint but wants assurance that someone in the system still cares. Meanwhile, senior leadership is preparing for an upcoming merger, and you are told: “We cannot afford disruptions right now. Don’t investigate our best performer. These are just exaggerated startup-style growing pains.” The CEO also feels that Rohan’s style may be harsh, but this is a high-pressure industry. If people can’t handle it, they’re not meant for leadership. You are at a moral crossroads. (a) Identify the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) What are the potential long-term consequences of this work culture? (c) As the HR Manager, how would you protect Arpita’s identity, ensure justice, and also balance company goals? (d) If you were the CEO, how would you address a culture that normalizes fear and overwork without directly confronting top performers? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"You are posted as the Deputy Commissioner (DC) in a district straddling Haryana and Rajasthan, which has been repeatedly flagged in recent years as a hotspot for cybercrime and online financial fraud. Several nationwide scams involving OTP frauds, fake KYC calls, and online loan apps have been traced to villages in this region. While investigative agencies across states have linked multiple frauds to clusters of young men from the region, the narrative in media and even among law enforcement is becoming increasingly communalized and stigmatizing. Terms like \"Cyber Jihad\", \"Scam Villages\", and \"Digital Jamtara\" are being used casually. On the ground, the situation is complex. The region has suffered from long standing neglect: poor schooling, lack of internet literacy, unemployment, low policing infrastructure, and weak digital awareness. Many innocent villagers, particularly from marginalized communities, are being indiscriminately raided or detained based on flimsy digital footprints or IP mismatches. Local youth feel demonized, even when seeking honest employment, and there's growing mistrust between communities and police. On the other hand, rising cybercrime incidents undermine public trust in digital services, hurt national financial security, and burden law enforcement across India. You are under pressure from state and central agencies to deliver swift arrests and \"crackdown hard.\" Yet, you are also mindful that indiscriminate action may further alienate local communities and deepen socio-religious fault lines. (a) Identify the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) What will be your action as Deputy Commissioner (DC)? (c) What will be your action as District Magistrate (DM)? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"You are the Municipal Commissioner of a rapidly developing metropolitan city that is preparing to host an international summit and a large real estate expo. To beautify the city and create a \"world-class\" image, the state government has launched a fast-track infrastructure drive — flyovers, metro stations, and commercial zones are being developed, especially near airports and central business districts. However, one such development involves the demolition of a 40-year-old slum cluster, home to over 5,000 urban poor — daily-wage workers, waste-pickers, and domestic helps. Most of them do not possess formal land titles but are registered in various government welfare schemes. The land is being cleared to build a high-end luxury complex with a government-backed smart transit corridor. Despite court orders requiring proper rehabilitation, the demolition notices were served with just 72 hours' notice, citing \"urgency for public purpose.\" Residents claim they were not consulted, and no alternative housing or transport arrangements have been made. Schools, ration shops, and health centers in the area are now inaccessible. A pregnant woman went into labor while her house was being bulldozed. The video went viral and drew heavy media attention. You are now being asked to oversee the eviction process peacefully and ensure media management. However, after visiting the site personally, you are shaken by the plight of the people. Meanwhile, influential builders, top bureaucrats, and political figures are pushing for \"zero delay.\" Media reports and citizen sentiment have increasingly come to believe that development benefits the rich (investors, builders, foreign guests), while the poor bear the burden. (a) As Municipal Commissioner, what are your ethical and administrative responsibilities in such a situation? (b) How will you act as a bridge between development and justice, ensuring both the project proceeds and people's dignity is preserved? (c) What mechanisms can you propose for inclusive urban planning, in the long term, where even the poor have a voice and stake? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"You are posted as the Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in a rural district where caste-based untouchability still exists in subtle and overt forms. You visit a local school during inspection and notice that Dalit children are being made to sit separately during the mid-day meal. The cooks preparing meals are also selected on caste basis. The punishments to students for the same mistakes also differ in intensity based on the student's position in the social ladder. The headmaster justifies this by saying, \"It's our custom. Mixing them will create problems of impurity in the village.\" Later, you meet a 10-year-old Dalit boy named Ravi, who quietly says, \"Madam, why are my hands dirty even when I wash them?\" This sentence stays with you. You look at numerous other segregated students who seem to have internalized the social customs of discrimination. You, being a morally upright officer, want to take strong action, but the village elders, some of whom are politically powerful, urge you to \"go slow\" and \"not disturb harmony.\" Meanwhile, your own junior staff appear reluctant to intervene, reflecting deeply ingrained prejudice. Moreover, trying to change customs could mean your suspension from the job or fake charges of sexual assault on you. This would also potentially result in breaking your marriage which has been fixed only recently. (a) What ethical responsibilities do you hold as an officer in transforming social attitudes? (b) How do emotional experiences like Ravi's statement impact the moral reasoning of a civil servant? (c), Suggest short-term and long-term strategies to create attitudinal change in this case. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":38,"topper":"Aakash Om Trivedi","air":73,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/42072-1142925_3124_aakash_om_trivedi_rank_73.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":39,"topper":"Aakash Om Trivedi","air":73,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/96cbf-1142925_3125_aakash_om_trivedi_rank_73.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":40,"topper":"Aakash Om Trivedi","air":73,"year":2025,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/AAKASH_TRIVEDI_GS_4_AIR_73_2025_9cc4bacd05.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":41,"topper":"Aakash Shrishrimal","air":94,"year":2020,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8a3b9-667073_1458_aakash-shrishrimal_rank_94.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":42,"topper":"Aakash Shrishrimal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/49eab-667073_1411_aakash-shrishrimal_rank_94.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Why are shell companies seen as attractive vehicles for those seeking to launder money or conduct illicit activity? Highlight some steps that have been taken by the government in recent times to curb shell companies in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What is SMART policing? Highlight the reforms required in the current system to realize this vision. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Giving a brief account of the Bodoland dispute, discuss the key aspects of the third Bodo Peace Accord. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What is 'dark net'? How does it pose a security challenge for India? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Given the duties and functions of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), discuss why its establishment is being seen as an important defence reform. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Data Protection is not just a privacy issue, it is also a national security issue. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlighting the role of the National Security Guard in India, discuss the issues associated with this force. What are the reforms required in this regard? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Highlighting the key changes made by the National Investigation Agency (Amendment) Act, 2019, discuss the objections that have been raised against these. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Subsequent to the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, the coastal security arrangement has been thoroughly reviewed by the Government of India. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Non-state actors are significant conduits in many important national security challenges faced by India. Explain with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"With increasing incidents of cyber attacks, it is imperative that India takes urgent steps to address the cyber security challenges that it currently faces. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Identify the various issues related to Indo-Bangladesh border and challenges faced in managing this border. What measures has the government taken in this regard? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"In context of challenges faced by India due to terrorism, it is important to identify and address terror-organized crime nexus and it's financing through drug trafficking. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What are the social, economic and political costs of money laundering? Highlighting the necessity of trans-national cooperation for its prevention, enumerate various initiatives taken by the international community. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Despite its obvious advantages, doubts have been raised regarding the ability of Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS) to secure India's key borders. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Why is radicalisation seen as a significant security challenge for India? Suggest ways to tackle it. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Identify the opportunities and challenges that social media presents to the law enforcement agencies in India to counter national security threats. What steps have been taken to address the challenges? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"It is widely recognised that India's Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) are in urgent need of overhaul. Discuss in the context of issues associated with personnel, infrastructure and service conditions of these forces. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has expanded and rearranged the concept of national security, making it more inclusive, and foregrounded human security in a more holistic manner. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":43,"topper":"Aakash Shrishrimal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1c8bd-667073_1413_aakash-shrishrimal_rank_94.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"In India, ancient and medieval storage structures such as the step wells, are not only magnificent in their conception, architecture and ornamentation but also hold a lesson for contemporary water concerns. Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"In the period after 1919-20, the influence of Indian capitalist class over the nationalist movement progressively increased due to various reasons. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"With modern education being introduced in India to meet the interests of the British, its reach was restricted and its character unsatisfactory. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Throw light on the reasons of poverty in the third world countries and enumerate the key ideas suggested in the Brandt report of 1980 to help them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Though both caste and race are manifestations of closed systems of stratification, there are important differences between the two. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What are peri-urban areas? Highlight the problems of peri-urban areas in India and also suggest corrective measures. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Studying the cosmos for over a quarter century, the Hubble Space Telescope has changed our fundamental understanding of the universe. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Giving example, explain how continental rupture ultimately results in the formation of a new ocean basin. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"A strong tradition of linguistic analysis developed in ancient India and there remained a continuous focus on its preservation and transmission. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Explain, using examples, how the nature of peasant movements changed during the colonial period. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"What were the conditions and circumstances that led to the emergence of Socialist Movement in India? Analyse the impact of socialist ideas on the Indian National Movement. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The Truman doctrine was part humanitarian and part strategic in its objectives and impact. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Almost all the major 'divisive' problems of today have been there ever since Independence, or even earlier. But in spite of them India has not only survived as a nation but also become stronger. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Domestic servants are one unique group of workers in modern India, which is ubiquitous but remains invisible. Indicate the challenges faced by this section of workers. Also, discuss the factors that contribute to these challenges and suggest measures to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"The story of contemporary India is a story of migration. In this context, explain how migration has shaped India socially and economically. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Briefly describe the process of ozone hole formation. Also, explain why ozone hole over Antarctic is greater in size than the one over Arctic. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Watershed management can ensure effective use of both natural and social capitals. In this context, discuss how the concept of integrated watershed management can help meet the sustainable development goals in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":44,"topper":"Aakash Shrishrimal","air":94,"year":2020,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/59f83-667073_1418_aakash-shrishrimal_rank_94.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":45,"topper":"Aakash Shrishrimal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8f82c-667073_1416_aakash-shrishrimal_rank_94.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the significance of ethical work culture, suggest ways by which it can be imbibed in an organization. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Upholding probity in governance is not only contingent on values of an individual but also the processes of the institution. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The nature of a business's operations has a major influence on the ethical issues with which it must contend. Giving examples, discuss how business ethics is crucial in today's world. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"An honest bureaucrat can be put to inconvenience but the dishonest one is more likely to suffer in the long run. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The notion of an ethical foreign policy downplays the realities of international politics. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Conscience can neither be silent nor delayed as a source of ethical guidance. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) To educate a person in the mind but not in morals is to educate a menace to society. - Theodore Roosevelt (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"Children are great imitators, so give them something great to imitate.\" In this context, discuss the importance of role models in inculcating values in children. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The Covid-19 pandemic has brought with itself an environment of uncertainties and hardships. In this context, discuss the significance of emotional intelligence in dealing with the situation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Bring out the role of social media in shaping one's moral and political attitude. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Environmental ethics is about the moral relationship of human beings to, and also the value and moral status of, the environment and its non-human contents. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"The Citizens' Charter cannot be an end in itself; it is rather a means to an end. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"In the following questions, carefully study the cases presented and then answer the questions that follow (in around 250 words): You are the District Magistrate of district, which has recently witnessed rapid transmission of the Covid-19 pandemic. The district has high population density and a sizeable chunk of migrant workers. There has been a shutdown of business activities and the workers are yearning to go back to their native places. The administration has announced a strict lockdown and divided the district into containment zones. There is a severe shortage of people, material and money in the administration and fear and panic is seen to be gripping them. (a) What are the qualities of a civil servant that are revealed in such testing times? (b) What measures would you suggest for: (i) Dealing with the current issue. (ii) Making the district administration more resilient to respond to such a critical situation in the future.","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"In recent times, the country witnessed protests based on opposition to some steps taken by the government. Whereas, mostly these were peaceful protests, at a few places these activities turned violent leading to destruction of public property. In some places government arrested few of the protesters and imposed heavy fines on them for the destruction of the property. In case they could not pay, their private property was confiscated by the government to pay for the damage done to the public property. In addition to this, some governments published the photographs, names and addresses of those accused of vandalism during protests at various locations. (a) What are the issues of public importance at stake in this case? (b) Are their any ethical or legal principles at play here which may be conflicting? (c) What should be the principles guiding a democratic state in such circumstances?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"The global toll of the COVID-19 pandemic is enormous: more than a half-million lives lost, hundreds of millions out of work, and trillions of dollars of wealth destroyed. And the disease has by no means run its course. There is tremendous interest in the development of a vaccine, with more than a hundred initiatives under way around the world. Even if one or more vaccines emerge that promise to make people less susceptible to COVID-19, the public-health problem will not be eliminated. But policymakers can avert some foreseeable problems by starting to address key questions about financing and distribution now. In view of the above scenario, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the different stakeholders involved in this scenario. (b) Identify some of the ethical questions and issues that are likely to emerge as the vaccine becomes available. (c) Who, in your opinion, should be amongst the first recipients of the vaccine? Give reasons for your answer.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"You are an Indian Forest Service Officer posted in a division which falls in the coastal regulation zone and contains multiple wildlife sanctuaries. Recently, the State government has brought up a proposal of a new food processing park in your division. Under the proposal, around 175 square kilometers of forest land will be acquired as per the law. The developers of the project claim the various socio-economic benefits it can provide to the people in the area. Due to this a sizeable chunk of trees will be uprooted. There are studies which suggest that such initiatives have a long-term impact on wildlife and also leads to human-wildlife conflict. Some residents living in the periphery of the forest have supported this move in hope of employment opportunities. However, traditional dwellers of the forests have protested against this move. The government has constituted a committee to frame guidelines for sustainable operation of this project. The committee has asked for your suggestions in this regard. (a) Identify the principles and values that would guide your suggestions in this regard. (b) What course of action should be taken in order to balance the social and environmental needs in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":55,"question":"The RTI Act, which became operational in 2005 empowers the Indian citizens to seek information from public authorities. This, in effect, makes the Government and its functionaries more accountable and responsible. However, it has faced resistance because of the entrenched bureaucratic culture and it is taking time to change the mindset of the people in the government to new realities in wake of the act. This has led to implementation issues and questions have also been raised against the effectiveness of the act in achieving its desired objectives. Apart from this, certain issues related to the information seeker have also been raised from time to time. In view of the innumerable challenges answer the following: (a) Explain the importance of a transparent government system in a democracy, like India. (b) Elaborate on the challenges that the implementation of RTI has faced, in the context of information seeker (demand-side) as well as those entrusted to give information (supply-side). (c) Discuss the role that such a legislation can be expected to play given the ground realities in our country. How can it be ensured that such legislations are effective in achieving their envisaged objectives?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":46,"topper":"Aakash Trivedi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/82b2e-1142925_2929_aakash_om_trivedi_rank_73.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. Expression of dissent is central to the functioning of the Parliament. In light of this, discuss the role of the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in India's parliamentary system. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. How can the integration of technology into judicial processes enhance accessibility, capability, and efficiency in justice delivery? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. The Supreme Court of India has upheld unique asymmetry in India's federalism by intricately balancing centralized authority and regional autonomy. Discuss with the help of relevant case laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. Evaluate the effectiveness of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes in safeguarding the interests of the Scheduled Castes in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. Executive accountability to the legislature through Parliamentary Committees has been the hallmark of the Indian political system. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. How can India make Citizens' Charter a powerful tool for improving governance and empowering citizens? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. How do corporate donors aid NGOs in facilitating holistic development in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. Despite its merits, should the POCSO Act be revisited to correct the existing inadequacies? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. China's acquisition of strategic ports globally has significant implications for international trade routes and economic relations. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. What are the main functions of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)? How will its recent treaty on intellectual property, genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge benefit India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. While the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) plays a crucial role in combating corruption, its functioning is often criticized for being partisan and acting against the federal spirit. Discuss with the help of suitable examples.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. Governors in India often overstep their constitutional role and fail to act effectively when needed. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. Both India and the USA adhere to democratic principles but their electoral systems exhibit significant differences. What are the key differences in electoral practices between the two countries? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. How far do you agree with the view that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has met its objective of ensuring environmental justice in India?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. Though Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) have become a platform for competitive politics, they have not emerged as an agency of planning and service delivery. Why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. What do you understand by interoperability in e-governance? What steps have been taken by the government to ensure interoperability and integration of various e-governance systems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. When it comes to sexual and reproductive health of women in India, rights-based discourse has largely been bypassed not just by the societal norms but also by the legal norms. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. How effective has India been in enhancing immunization coverage over the years? What challenges continue to affect immunization efforts in the country? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. India used its Presidency of the G20 to bring the voice of the Global South to the centre stage. Discuss with special reference to Africa.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"0. India's relationship with the UAE has witnessed a remarkable expansion across various domains in the last decade. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":47,"topper":"Aakash Trivedi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/145c9-1142925_4513_aakash_om_trivedi_rank_73.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. (a) Compassion is the courageous choice to feel another's suffering as one's own, and to act upon it, even when silence is safer and indifference is easier. Examine the significance of compassion as an essential ethical value for civil servants in India. Illustrate your answer with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"1. (b) Marriages in India are transitioning from traditional sacramental unions to more autonomous relationships, reflected in live-in relationships and rising divorce rates. Discuss the ethical dimensions of these changes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"2. (a) While accountability often necessitates documentation, an overemphasis on bureaucratic procedures and excessive paperwork can inadvertently silence the very voices that public policy intends to empower, particularly at the grassroots. Examine the above statement with suitable illustrations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"2. (b) The principle of impartiality may conflict with the need for compassion towards marginalized communities. Discuss in the context of civil services in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"3 (a) What do each of the following quotations mean to you?\n(a) \"The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home.\" - Confucius (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"3. (b) \"Act only according to that maxim through which you can at the same time will that it become a universal law.\" - Immanuel Kant (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"3. (c) “We are not only responsible for what we do, but also for what we fail to do” - Molière. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"4. (a) Patriotism encourages ethical questioning, while nationalism often suppresses it. Discuss this statement in light of the formation of political attitudes during high-pressure national events. How can individuals develop moral attitudes that balance national interest with ethical reasoning? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"4. (b) Discuss how employee well-being and fairness can be balanced with efficiency and profitability in private organisations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"5. (a) Do you agree that excessive use of social media and emerging AI technologies may lead to a decline in emotional regulation and moral sensitivity among adolescents? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"5. (b) In light of the increasing incidents of suicides among students in India, discuss how Emotional Intelligence (EI) can aid in managing stress and emotional challenges.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"6. (a) In public service, emotional intelligence is not about suppressing emotion, but mastering its purpose — to connect, to de-escalate, and to uplift others with empathy and strength. Do you agree with this view? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"6. (b) An efficient work culture is built not only on rules, but on shared values. In this context, evaluate the role of leadership and team dynamics in transforming work culture within an organization.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"7 You are posted as the Joint Secretary in the Department of Information Technology of a state. The government recently implemented several citizen-centric digital services, collecting large volumes of personal data from residents. The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, requires that such data be processed only with explicit and informed consent, and mandates that processing must cease immediately upon withdrawal of consent.\n\nDuring an internal audit, you discover that the department continues to process and analyze personal data of several citizens even after they have formally withdrawn their consent. This data is being used for policy analytics and service improvement, purposes not explicitly disclosed at the time of data collection. When you bring this to the attention of your department head, you are informed that halting the processing will disrupt ongoing digital initiatives and may affect state-level performance metrics. Moreover, you find that the consent withdrawal process is cumbersome, and many citizens are unaware of their rights under the DPDP Act.\n\nYou also learn that a prominent social activist is planning to file a complaint with the Data Protection Board against involuntary use of personal data, which could attract public scrutiny and legal action against the department.\n(a) Identify and discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.\n(b) What are the potential consequences for the department if the issue is not addressed transparently?\n(c) How would you balance the need for efficient public service delivery with the obligation to protect citizens’ data rights? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"8 (a) इस प्रकरण में शामिल प्रमुख नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं? हितधारकों और उनके परस्पर विरोधी हितों की पहचान कीजिए।\n(b) लोक निर्माण विभाग के सचिव के रूप में, आप उपयुक्त स्थिति में क्या कार्रवाई करेंगे?\n(c) ऐसी घटनाएं सिविल सेवकों के मनोबल और शासन में जनता के विश्वास को कैसे प्रभावित करती हैं? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)\na) इस प्रकरण में शामिल प्रमुख नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं? हितधारकों और उनके परस्पर विरोधी हितों की पहचान कीजिए।\nb) लोक निर्माण विभाग के सचिव के रूप में, आप उपयुक्त स्थिति में क्या कार्रवाई करेंगे?\nc) ऐसी घटनाएं सिविल सेवकों के मनोबल और शासन में जनता के विश्वास को कैसे प्रभावित करती हैं? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":38,"question":"(a) What are the key ethical issues involved in this situation? Identify the stakeholders and their conflicting interests.\n(b) As the Secretary of the PWD, what actions will you take in above situation?\n(c) How do such incidents affect the morale of civil servants and public trust in governance? (Answer in 250 words)\na) What are the key ethical issues involved in this situation? Identify the stakeholders and their conflicting interests.\nb) As the Secretary of the PWD, what actions will you take in above situation?\nc) How do such incidents affect the morale of civil servants and public trust in governance? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"9 You are the Secretary in the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Government of India. In recent years, an increasing number of civil servants, particularly younger officers from the IAS, IPS, and IRS, have begun maintaining personal YouTube channels and social media pages. On these platforms, they regularly post videos related to their official work — showcasing innovative projects, public outreach initiatives, inspection drives, and sometimes even day-to-day administrative duties.\n\nThese videos often receive widespread public attention, and many viewers express admiration, saying such content enhances transparency, motivates aspirants, and humanizes the bureaucracy. However, concerns have also emerged from various quarters. Senior officers argue that such content may blur the boundaries between personal branding and public service, while some citizens and media commentators point to instances where videos feature vulnerable beneficiaries without consent, raise concerns about misuse of official premises, or seem designed more for personal popularity than public accountability.\n\nYou have been asked to prepare a report, including recommendations, to maintain a balance between public interest, institutional integrity, and evolving modes of communication.\n(a) लोक सेवकों द्वारा अपने आधिकारिक कार्यों को सोशल मीडिया पर सार्वजनिक रूप से प्रदर्शित करने के कृत्यों में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों की पहचान कीजिए।\n(b) क्या ऐसी प्रस्तुतियां जागरूकता और प्रेरणा को प्रोत्साहित करती हैं या क्या ये अनामिता, तटस्थता और सामूहिक सेवा भावना के मूल्यों से समझौता करती हैं? अपना मत दीजिए।\n(c) सचिव के रूप में, लोक सेवकों की उत्तरदायिता डिजिटल सहभागिता सुनिश्चित करने के लिए आप कौन-से मार्गदर्शक सिद्धांत और नीतिगत अनुशंसाएं सुझाएंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"You have been asked to prepare a report with recommendations to balance public interest, institutional integrity, and evolving modes of communication.\n(a) Identify the ethical issues involved in civil servants publicly showcasing their official work on social media.\n(b) Do such practices promote awareness and motivation, or do they compromise the values of anonymity, neutrality, and collective service ethos? Give your opinion.\n(c) As the Secretary, what guiding principles and policy recommendations would you suggest to ensure responsible digital engagement by civil servants? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"(a), (b), (c) You are the Director of the National Bioethics Commission who is responsible for assessing the ethical feasibility and oversight of a nationwide gene sequencing program. The project named GeneFuture, aims to sequence the DNA of every newborn child and store it in a centralized national database. The objective is to identify genetic predispositions to serious diseases early in life, allowing for preventive treatment and personalized medicine. Over 100,000 babies have already been enrolled in the pilot phase of the program. The government claims that this move is a landmark step in public health advancement.\n\nHowever, collection of newborn genetic data raises significant ethical concerns, particularly around informed consent, which may not fully capture parents' understanding of the long-term risks involved. Once gathered, this sensitive data could be misused for purposes such as surveillance, insurance discrimination, or commercial marketing by third parties. Uncertainty over data ownership—whether it lies with the state, parents, or the individual as they mature—further complicates the issue. The involvement of private tech and pharmaceutical companies heightens fears of commercial exploitation, especially in the absence of clear mechanisms for individuals to withdraw consent or delete their genetic information upon reaching adulthood.\n(a) What are the ethical issues you perceive in the implementation of the GeneFuture program?\n(b) Identify the conflicting interests of different stakeholders in this case.\n(c) What guiding ethical principles would you recommend for implementation of this project? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"11 (a) उपयुक्त प्रकरण में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\n(b) इस विरोध को शांत करने के लिए आपके पास तत्काल क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\n(c) अंधविश्वास के व्यापक प्रभाव को दूर करने और संधारणीय लोक स्वास्थ्य परिणामों हेतु वैज्ञानिक सोच को बढ़ावा देने के लिए आप कौन-सी दीर्घकालिक रणनीतियाँ और प्रणालीगत सुधारों का सुझाव देंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)\na) उपयुक्त प्रकरण में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\nb) इस विरोध को शांत करने के लिए आपके पास तत्काल क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nc) अंधविश्वास के व्यापक प्रभाव को दूर करने और संधारणीय लोक स्वास्थ्य परिणामों हेतु वैज्ञानिक सोच को बढ़ावा देने के लिए आप कौन-सी दीर्घकालिक रणनीतियाँ और प्रणालीगत सुधारों का सुझाव देंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":53,"question":"(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case.\n(b) What are the immediate options available to you to overcome this resistance?\n(c) What long-term strategies and systemic reforms would you suggest to address the pervasive influence of superstition and foster a scientific temperament for sustainable public health outcomes? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"2 (a) आपके समक्ष विद्यमान संभावित प्रशासनिक और नैतिक दुविधाएं क्या हैं?\n(b) आपके लिए उपलब्ध सभी विकल्पों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\n(c) आप अपने निर्णय का नैतिक औचित्य सिद्ध करते हुए कौन-सी व्यापक कार्यवाही करेंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)\na) आपके समक्ष विद्यमान संभावित प्रशासनिक और नैतिक दुविधाएं क्या हैं?\nb) आपके लिए उपलब्ध सभी विकल्पों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\nc) आप अपने निर्णय का नैतिक औचित्य सिद्ध करते हुए कौन-सी व्यापक कार्यवाही करेंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":58,"question":"(a) What are the potential administrative and ethical dilemmas you face? (b) Discuss all options available to you. (c) What comprehensive course of action would you choose to adopt, providing ethical justification for your decision? (Answer in 250 words)\na) What are the potential administrative and ethical dilemmas you face?\nb) Discuss all options available to you.\nc) What comprehensive course of action would you choose to adopt, providing ethical justification for your decision?","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":48,"topper":"Aakip Khan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1907c-256964_1460_aakip-khan_rank-268.pdf","questions":[{"page":15,"question":"Are we on the right path to curb climate change?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":49,"topper":"Aakip Khan","air":268,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9bf14-256964_1459_aakip-khan_rank-268.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":50,"topper":"Aakip Khan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/cdba5-256964_1403_aakip-khan_rank-268.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain how the theory of Plate Tectonics helps in understanding the mechanism of volcanism. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss how technology can help India cope with disasters. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Bring out the importance of community-based disaster management in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What is ice-albedo feedback and how is it related to climate change? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Why has there been an increase in the frequency of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods across the world? Highlight the measures, which can be taken to tackle these floods. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Explain the phenomena of Sudden Stratospheric warming witnessed in recent years. How does it affect the ozone hole formation over Antarctica? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain the concept of volcanic winter giving examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Bring out the prominent evidences that have been put forward in support of sea-floor spreading. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Explaining the origin and mechanism of Indian monsoon account for the uneven distribution of monsoonal rainfall in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"How does climate change affect the process of desertification? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"India is vulnerable to a large number of natural as well as man made disasters on account of its geo-climatic and socio-economic conditions. Elaborate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the need for mainstreaming disability perspective in the efforts towards disaster risk reduction. Also, suggest some measures that can be taken towards Disability-inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Explain the causes and consequences of sea level rise. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Highlight the factors responsible for occurrence of heat waves and its effects on life and economy. In the light of recent guidelines given by NDMA, describe measures to reduce the negative impact of heat waves. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Discuss the increasing need of 'disaster resilient infrastructure' in India. Mention the steps taken in this direction with specific reference to the Global Coalition for Disaster-Resilient Infrastructure. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"What is the global ocean conveyor belt? Discuss its significance for marine ecosystem. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":51,"topper":"Aakip Khan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/933b6-256964_1525_aakip-khan_rank-268.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Administration discretion can be a blessing if used correctly, however its misuse can prove to be a curse. Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"There is a view that corrupt practices have been socially accepted in India. How can this 'acceptance' be shifted to 'rejection' towards corruption? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Ethical business practices are key for long-term survival of a company. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Law succeeds in encouraging ethical behaviour in a society only when it is backed by conscience of its individuals. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter. Martin Luther King Jr. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do you understand by Social Intelligence? Discuss its relation with the Emotional Intelligence of an individual. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"While code of conduct presents a structure to organized values, code of ethics gives a foundation to that structure. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"According to Buddhism, for a man to be perfect there are two qualities that he should develop equally: compassion (karuna) on one side, and wisdom (panna) on the other. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The life of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam presents a broad range of lessons and virtues to be learnt by public servants in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Identify which essential information should be made available to the public via Citizen's Charter? Also, suggest some steps for successful implementation of the Citizen's Charter. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Respect for human rights and humanitarian principles is a responsibility for all members of the international community. Discuss in the context of roles and responsibilities of States for protection of refugees. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"What is red-tapism? Why is it considered a hurdle in the process of transitioning towards citizen centric governance? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":34,"question":"Given the rising tide of Covid induced fatalities, the government is under extreme pressure to deliver some vaccine to the population. You are the Cabinet Secretary to the Government of India. You are heading the committee to oversee the process of vaccine development and distribution to fight against the Covid outbreak in the country. You have been asked to expedite the process and come up with a solution at the earliest. Some vaccines are available around the globe, but they are in limited supply and also expensive. One of the indigenously developed vaccine has shown initial positive results, but health experts have raised concerns over its safety, efficacy and the methodology being followed for its approval. 10. Literacy levels have been increasing in India over the past few decades, and the literacy rate was found to be 74.04 per cent after the 2011 census. Though this increase in literacy rate seems like a very great accomplishment, it is a matter of concern that still so many people in India cannot even read and write. Children are going to school but not learning much beyond \"floor level tasks\". Moreover, the higher literacy level has not resulted in better human values and this is manifested in the troubled atmosphere in the society at large. This failure of the education system to reform human behavior is troubling for a young democracy, like India. Given this situation, answer the following: (a) What role is education expected to play in reforming human behaviour and inculcating human values?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Literacy levels have been increasing in India over the past few decades, and the literacy rate was found to be 74.04 per cent after the 2011 census. Though this increase in literacy rate seems like a very great accomplishment, it is a matter of concern that still so many people in India cannot even read and write. Children are going to school but not learning much beyond \"floor level tasks\". Moreover, the higher literacy level has not resulted in better human values and this is manifested in the troubled atmosphere in the society at large. This failure of the education system to reform human behavior is troubling for a young democracy, like India. Given this situation, answer the following: (a) What role is education expected to play in reforming human behaviour and inculcating human values?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Problems surrounding air pollution present an urgent challenge for many countries, including India. Among other reasons, this challenge has been exacerbated by the indifferent attitude of people towards it. Various studies have pointed out the harmful effects of air pollution. Despite the government bringing various regulations on activities like stubble burning and bursting fire crackers, people violate them. (a) Discuss the reasons behind such behaviour on part of society towards air pollution. (b) Suggest measures that are required to be undertaken to nudge people towards pro-environment behaviour.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"In recent times, social media has emerged as an important platform for all to share their information and opinions. Many civil servants are also quite active on the social media. Given this situation, there have been calls to revise or update the Civil Services Conduct Rules. Suppose you are a senior IAS officer who is heading a panel set up by the government to bring suitable changes in the conduct rules. Elaborate on how you will respond to the following questions: (a) What are the issues with a civil servant expressing his/her views on social media on various matters? (b) Should criticism of government policies on social media by civil servants be allowed? (c) How should civil servants conduct themselves on social media?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Economic growth has been the primary goal of economic policies, and the principal measure of an economy's success. In the last few decades, economic growth benefitted mankind in multiple ways. But alongside these benefits, it has also generated significant issues and a series of converging challenges. In light of this, answer the following: (a) What was the rationale behind GDP growth being considered the pillar of economic policies the world over in the past few decades? (b) Explain the need to go beyond GDP growth and reassess our measures of development. Identify some of the components that need to be complemented with GDP growth going forward.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"The Covid-19 pandemic is far from over but governments across the world appear to have either relaxed lockdown parameters or will do so soon. Containing Covid and restoring our economies requires not just good policy decisions and medical advice; it also needs continued compliance with the recommended behavioural changes. Daunting as they may seem, the drastic changes in behaviour being called for, can indeed be brought about. Answer the following in this regard: (a) Why is behavioural change seen to be desirable in a country like India, when it is faced with a pandemic of the kind of Covid-19? (b) What role have different stakeholders in India been playing in helping communities adhere to the desired behaviour? (c) Discuss the challenges in bringing about behavioural change, particularly in such an environment of anxiety and uncertainties.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":52,"topper":"Aakip Khan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e35b9-256964_1523_aakip-khan_rank-268.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Enumerate the issues associated with functioning of the Central Information Commission. How can these issues be addressed? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"In India, Governor's discretionary powers are wider than those of the President. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the objectives that were sought to be achieved through tribunals. How successful have they been in meeting them? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Instead of the government regulating Over-the-top (OTT) platforms, there have been calls for a self-regulating mechanism for such platforms, as in the case of print media. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Bring out the arguments surrounding the issue of some states reserving jobs for locals in the private sector. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Identifying the key elements of Mission Karmayogi, briefly explain how it can lead to holistic development of the human resources and state's capacity. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlighting the role played by ASHA workers in public health system of India, discuss the challenges faced by them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"While internationalisation of higher education has many potential benefits for India, certain challenges will need to be addressed in this regard. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"India needs to adopt a more pragmatic stance in the context of the ongoing intra-Afghan talks. Discuss, in the light of India's engagement with Afghanistan. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In the geo-strategic context of West Asia, the recent efforts to normalise relations between Israel and UAE may open new possibilities for India. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"It is not only the content of election manifestos but also the past performance with respect to promises made in election manifestos that need to be regulated. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"In order to achieve a reduction in the pendency of cases and a return to the Supreme Court's original role as a final appellate court, setting up of a National Court of Appeal is the need of the hour. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The Constitution of India reflects an amalgamation of spirit of Indian freedom struggle and various administrative provisions of different acts of British rule in India. Explain. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Mention the key components of the SVAMITVA scheme. Also, highlight its intended benefits and discuss the potential issues in its implementation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Sharing of information among all stakeholders in government functioning is a leading practice towards good governance. Discuss with examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"India has an oversized and bloated government which acts as a drag on economic efficiency and growth. Critically evaluate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Though the National Digital Health Mission is a step in the right direction for both patients and the healthcare system, concerns around data privacy need to be addressed. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"One Nation One Ration card has the potential to significantly transform the lives of migrant workers in India. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The World Trade Organization is buffeted by multiple challenges which have eroded the credibility of the organization. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"BIMSTEC is indispensable for India's efforts in promoting regional cooperation and integration in the neighbourhood. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":53,"topper":"Aakip Khan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8465b-256964_1841_aakip-khan_rank-268.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the meaning of self-efficacy, along with its key determinants. Also, discuss the significance of high self-efficacy for a civil servant. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have the right to do and what is right to do. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Dealing with an ethical dilemma not only requires following rules and regulations, but also requires adherence to moral prudence and altruism. Explain in the context of civil services in India, with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Code of Conduct for the civil services in India has merely remained a code; it has not helped promote ethical and moral values in governance. In this context, discuss the need for a National Commission on Integrity and Transparency in Governance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Digital ethics principles are necessary to prevent erosion of public values and deal with the ethical implications of digitizing governance systems. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Despite differences in terms of organizational values guiding the public and private sectors, there remain certain values that are equally important to both. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Bring out the difference between accountability and responsibility. Also, discuss the significance of accountability in ensuring ethical governance in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Though laws and rules can be considered as the principal guide on morality for public administrators, they are not sufficient in themselves. Substantiate with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Transparency is vital to cultivate public trust in government and to prevent, detect and deter corruption effectively. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"'Just-in-time' release of funds heralds a significant reform for the Indian government's payment architecture. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.\"- Marcus Aurelius (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"The forces in a capitalist society, if left unchecked, tend to make the rich richer and the poor poorer.\" — Jawaharlal Nehru (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate in a district, which is witnessing a high caseload of COVID-19 pandemic patients. The physical infrastructure and human resources in the district are stretched much beyond their capacity. At the peak of the pandemic, certain reports emerge that the District Medical Officer has been misusing his position to abuse female employees in his department and coercing them to have sexual relations with him. However, the concerned officer not only has an impeccable academic record but also a profound professional track record. You also need his presence and guidance to deal with the pandemic situation in the district. But, there is pressure from the media and civil society organisations to immediately report the matter to the State authorities for action against the concerned officer. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders and issues involved in the above case. (b) What are the options available to you? Discuss their pros and cons. (c) What will be your final course of action? Justify with reasons.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":54,"topper":"Aakriti","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Sleepy Classes","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://sleepyclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Aakriti-RTR-HLT-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Explain the concept of mantle plumes and evaluate their role in the formation of volcanic provinces and continental breakup. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"What is the phenomenon of 'cloudburst'? Examine its causes and discuss the implications for mountainous regions in India. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"India has immense potential for solar energy despite regional variations. Analyse the factors responsible for this spatial variation and suggest measures to optimise solar-energy utilisation. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The socio-religious reform movements of the 19th century played a pivotal role in shaping modern Indian social consciousness. Trace their rise and assess their legacy in contemporary India. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What were the structural and tactical reasons for the ascendancy of the British East India Company armies over the native Indian states in the mid-19th century? Examine critically. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the political and administrative reorganisation of states and territories in India since independence. How far has it fulfilled the objectives of regional equity and effective governance? (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":15,"question":"What are the major controlling forces of global ocean currents? Illustrate how ocean currents influence marine fisheries and coastal climate. (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":18,"question":"The groundwater potential of the Gangetic Valley is on a serious decline. Analyse how this decline may affect India's food security (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":21,"question":"Analyse the causes and consequences of the famines in colonial India since the mid-eighteenth century. (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":55,"topper":"Aakriti","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Sleepy Classes","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://sleepyclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Aakriti-RTR-HLT-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Regional identities in India have strengthened democratic participation, but their aggressive forms may challenge social cohesion. Elaborate. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Declining deliberation and frequent disruptions in Parliament have raised concerns about the quality of India's legislative process. Examine the causes and consequences of this trend. (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":7,"question":"Caste continues to shape social mobility, political behaviour, and access to opportunities in contemporary India. Examine. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Recent frictions over financial devolution, Governor's powers and inter-state disputes point to emerging stresses in Indian federalism. Analyse (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":12,"question":"Globalisation has intensified economic opportunities for some sections in India while deepening vulnerabilities for others. Examine the socio-economic consequences of this unequal impact (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"What role should institutions like the Election Commission play in ensuring a level playing field in India's increasingly competitive electoral environment? Evaluate. (15 Marks, 250 Words)\"","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":17,"question":"Legal reforms have expanded women's rights in India, yet structural barriers continue to impede real gender equality. Discuss with suitable examples (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The principle of collective responsibility requires a strong and transparent Cabinet system. Critically assess how contemporary political practices affect this foundational feature of parliamentary democracy (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":22,"question":"How is poverty interlinked with the structure of society? Elucidate with examples. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The expansion of Fundamental Rights through judicial interpretation has strengthened Indian democracy, but it has also raised concerns about judicial overreach.\" Discuss. (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":56,"topper":"Aakriti","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Sleepy Classes","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://sleepyclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Aakriti-RTR-HLT-5.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"What options are available to Rajeev ?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"What should be his course of action? Give reasons.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":57,"topper":"Aakriti","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Sleepy Classes","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://sleepyclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Aakriti-RTR-HLT-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"\"Integrity is not merely adherence to rules but consistency between values, decisions and actions.\" Explain the statement with reference to ethical governance. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Emotional intelligence enables public servants to manage conflicts without compromising ethical standards.\" Discuss its relevance in administrative decision-making. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Explain the concept of 'ethical dilemma'. Why are ethical dilemmas particularly acute in public administration? (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"What is meant by probity in governance? Discuss its importance in public procurement and service delivery (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What do the following quotes mean to you in present context – a)\"In matters of conscience, the law of the majority has no place\" - Mahatma Gandhi (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"The sad truth is that most evil is done by people who never make up their minds to be either good or evil.\" - Hannah Arendt (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"Freedom for the wolves has often meant death to the sheep.\" - Isaiah Berlin (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What is the relationship between attitude and behaviour? Examine how deep-seated social attitudes can limit the effectiveness of ethical laws and institutional reforms. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss B.R. Ambedkar's conception of morality and social justice. How does it differ from mere legal equality? (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"Corporate governance failures often reflect ethical deficits rather than regulatory gaps.\" Analyse this statement with reference to accountability and transparency. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":58,"topper":"Aakriti","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Sleepy Classes","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://sleepyclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Aakriti-History-LAW-RTR.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Why was there a sudden spurt in famines in colonial India since the mid-eighteenth century? Give reasons. (10 Marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Evaluate the nature of the Bhakti Movement and its contribution to Indian culture. (10 Marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"The Gandhian phase of the Indian national movement marked a qualitative shift in the strategy, ideology, and mass participation in the struggle for independence. Illustrate with examples (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":9,"question":"Explain the role of geographical factors towards the development of Ancient India. (10 Marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":59,"topper":"Aakriti","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Sleepy Classes","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://sleepyclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Aakriti-RTR-HLT-6.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"The decline of Left-Wing Extremism in India reflects the success of a multi-pronged security-development strategy, yet structural vulnerabilities continue to pose risks of resurgence. Comment (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"What is the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC)? Examine why it is considered inadequate in dealing with the growing threat of bioterrorism. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Discuss the challenges posed by digital tradecraft in terrorism and suggest measures to counter it. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"What are the key challenges faced by India in border security? Also highlight the steps taken to overcome the challenges. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"India's move towards Integrated Theatre Commands faces several structural and operational hurdles.\" Examine the key challenges involved and suggest measures to address them. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"India's expanding digital ecosystem has been accompanied by a sharp rise in diverse and sophisticated cyber threats.\" Examine the nature of cyber threats facing India and discuss why cybersecurity has emerged as a critical internal security challenge. (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":15,"question":"\"Peace agreements and ceasefire arrangements have reduced violence in the North-East, but sustainable peace remains elusive.\" Critically examine this statement. (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":18,"question":"What are the internal security challenges being faced by India? Give out the role of Central Intelligence and Investigative Agencies tasked to counter such threats. (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the types of organized crime. Describe the linkages between terrorists and organized crime that exist at the national and transnational levels. (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":24,"question":"What are the maritime security challenges in India? Discuss the organizational, technical, and procedural initiatives taken to improve maritime security. (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":60,"topper":"Aakriti","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Sleepy Classes","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://sleepyclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Aakriti-Social-Issues-LAW-RTR.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Does tribal development in India centre around two axes, those of displacement and of rehabilitation ? Give your opinion. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Why do large cities tend to attract more migrants than smaller towns? Discuss in the light of conditions in developing countries. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Does urbanization lead to more segregation poor in Indian metropolis?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Elucidate the relationship between globalization and new technology in a world of scarce resources with special reference to India (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":61,"topper":"Aakriti","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Sleepy Classes","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://sleepyclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Aakriti-Geography-LAW-RTR.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Discuss how the changes in shape and sizes of continents and ocean basins of the planet take place due to tectonic movements of the crustal masses. (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":5,"question":"What are jet streams? What impact do they have on planetary and regional climate? (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"\"The global distribution of semiconductor manufacturing is shaped not merely by natural resource availability but by a complex interplay of human, economic, and institutional factors.\" Elucidate. (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the consequences of climate change on food security in tropical countries. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":62,"topper":"Aakriti","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Sleepy Classes","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://sleepyclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Aakriti-Polity-LAW-RTR.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"The Constitution of India is a living instrument with capabilities of enormous dynamism. It is a constitution made for a progressive society.\" Illustrate with special reference to the expanding horizons of the right to life and personal liberty. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"How are separation of powers and judicial accountability maintained in Indian polity? Also discuss the challenges faced. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":7,"question":"'Constitutional Morality' is rooted in the Constitution itself and is founded on its essential facets. Explain the doctrine of 'Constitutional Morality' with the help of relevant judicial decisions. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":63,"topper":"Aakriti","air":93,"year":2025,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/AAKRITI_AIR%20_93_2025/Test%201,%20GS%20Sectional.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":64,"topper":"Aakriti","air":93,"year":2025,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/AAKRITI_AIR%20_93_2025/Test%202,%20GS%20Sectional.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":65,"topper":"Aakriti","air":93,"year":2025,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/AAKRITI_AIR%20_93_2025/Test%203,%20GS%20Sectional.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":66,"topper":"Aakriti","air":93,"year":2025,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/AAKRITI_AIR%20_93_2025/Test%206,%20GS%20Sectional.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":67,"topper":"Aakriti","air":93,"year":2025,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/AAKRITI_AIR%20_93_2025/Test%208,%20GS%20Sectional.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":68,"topper":"Aakriti","air":93,"year":2025,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/AAKRITI_AIR%20_93_2025/Test%209,%20GS%20Sectional.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":69,"topper":"Aakriti","air":93,"year":2025,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/AAKRITI_AIR%20_93_2025/Test%2012,%20GS%20Sectional.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":70,"topper":"Aakriti","air":93,"year":2025,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/AAKRITI_AIR%20_93_2025/Test%2013,%20GS%20Sectional.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":71,"topper":"Aakriti","air":93,"year":2025,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/AAKRITI_AIR%20_93_2025/Test%203,%20GS%20Crash%20Course.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":72,"topper":"Aakriti","air":93,"year":2025,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/AAKRITI_AIR%20_93_2025/Test%2010,%20GS%20Crash%20Course.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":73,"topper":"Aakriti","air":93,"year":2025,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/AAKRITI_AIR%20_93_2025/Test%2011,%20GS%20Crash%20Course.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":74,"topper":"Aakriti","air":93,"year":2025,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/AAKRITI_AIR%20_93_2025/Test%2012,%20GS%20Crash%20Course.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":75,"topper":"Aakriti Sethi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5e511-104195_1702_aakriti-sethi_rank-249.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"In light of the renewed focus on strategic disinvestment in recent times, examine the rationale behind it and also discuss the concerns raised against it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"For minimising distribution losses in the power sector, public private partnership (PPP) and input-based distribution franchisee models can provide the solution. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"It is imperative that the present system is re-engineered and a transition towards Outcome Budgeting is made for effective Public Finance Management in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The recent Union Budget has proposed corporatizing at least one major port. In this context, highlight the benefits of a corporatized port, as compared to ports run by public authorities. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss why land pooling is being seen as an effective and dependable tool that can replace the traditional land acquisition mechanism. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Identify the challenges faced by the railways in India. In this context, also discuss the ways in which the Railways can be transformed into an efficient public service provider as well as commercially viable entity. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Give an account of the benefits that can accrue from the One Nation One Ration Card scheme. In this context, also discuss the challenges that need to be addressed for the scheme to become a success. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Highlighting the need for Participatory Irrigation Management (PIM) in India, discuss the constraints in implementing PIM. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Inclusive growth in an economy itself negates the need for a Universal Basic Income. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"E-commerce holds the potential to revamp agriculture marketing in India in multiple ways. Discuss with suitable examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"While some associate increased penetration of technology and industrialization with increase in inequality in India, the reasons for the same lie somewhere else. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs) in India are in need of urgent reforms addressing their regulatory, structural and operational issues. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Why is participation in Global Value Chains (GVCs) important for India? Highlighting some of the concerns associated with GVCs, suggest some measures for India to reap benefits from participating in them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"National Infrastructure Pipeline is an ambitious step in the direction of achieving multiple development goals. In this context, discuss its features and significance. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The government should prioritize capital investments over subsidies to improve the economic situation of farmers. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Highlighting the potential of micro and small enterprises in the food processing sector, enumerate the challenges that they face. In this regard, discuss the importance of the Scheme for Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (FME). (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss how the idea of Aatmanirbhar Bharat goes beyond the traditional view of self-reliance. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The cropping pattern in India is highly skewed towards crops that are water-intensive. In this context, discuss the need to shift the focus from land productivity to irrigation water productivity. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":76,"topper":"Aakriti Sethi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ab4c9-104195_1699_aakriti-sethi_rank-249.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The practice of passing of bills without the scrutiny by the parliamentary standing committees undermines their significance and sets a wrong precedent. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The right to recall is a much-needed step to deepen democracy in India. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Is anti-defection law a restriction on the freedom of choice of legislators? Examine and also highlight the role played by the Speaker in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Inter-state river water disputes have been among the most pressing issues faced by the Indian federal system. In this context, examine the potential of the Inter-State River Water Disputes (Amendment) Bill, 2019 in addressing the issues involved. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The expressions 'equality before the law' and 'equal protection of the laws' may seem to be identical, but, in fact, they mean different things. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Idea of the Civil Services Board has been widely hailed as a key civil services reform, however it is not without its own limitation. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"It is argued that the introduction of compulsory voting in India would strengthen its democratic credentials. Critically analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Setting up of an Open Government Data (OGD) Platform can potentially be a game-changer for transparency and accountability. Analyse. Also, identify the challenges that remain in translating this potential into reality. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"There have been concerns related to foreign funding to NGOs in India. In this context, examine the current framework regulating the same. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Social audit not only increases accountability and transparency but also facilitates good governance. Discuss. Also, highlight the impediments faced in institutionalizing social audits in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlight the Quasi-Judicial and Advisory functions of the Election Commission of India. Do you think the powers of the Election Commission need a relook in context of the challenges it has faced in recent years? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Increase in the number of judges at the Supreme Court is a welcome step, nonetheless efficient functioning of the judiciary requires broader reforms at all levels of judicial hierarchy. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Federal tensions in India highlight the need for reforming the Seventh Schedule through the addition, removal and appropriate placement of entries. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Environment protection can be included to have a proper emphasis on environmental laws. Thus to ensure that federation is strengthened, there is a need to update the legislative and executive power sharing between the centre and states as per 14. What do you understand by doctrine of eminent domain? How can it be applied to understand the evolution of right to property under the Indian constitution? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Explain the structure and function of the National Commission for Backward Classes. What is the significance of recent changes made in its status? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss each adjective attached to the word 'Justice' in the 'Preamble'. Highlight some constitutional and legal steps taken towards each of them in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What are the challenges in conducting free and fair elections in the era of proliferation of social media? In this context, identifying the steps taken by the ECI, suggest further measures. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Explain how the linkage between banks, NGOs and SHGs helps in facilitating access to microfinance and contributes to the development of rural areas. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Identify the different issues associated with the design and implementation of MGNREGA. What reforms have been taken in recent times to address the above-identified issues? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"A sound legal framework, robust institutional mechanism for establishing rule of law, competent and dedicated workforce and decentralization and delegation are some of the necessary preconditions for good governance. Elaborate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":77,"topper":"Aakriti Sethi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9dab9-104195_1523_aakriti-sethi_rank-249.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Enumerate the issues associated with functioning of the Central Information Commission. How can these issues be addressed? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"In India, Governor's discretionary powers are wider than those of the President. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the objectives that were sought to be achieved through tribunals. How successful have they been in meeting them? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Instead of the government regulating Over-the-top (OTT) platforms, there have been calls for a self-regulating mechanism for such platforms, as in the case of print media. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Bring out the arguments surrounding the issue of some states reserving jobs for locals in the private sector. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Identifying the key elements of Mission Karmayogi, briefly explain how it can lead to holistic development of the human resources and state's capacity. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlighting the role played by ASHA workers in public health system of India, discuss the challenges faced by them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"While internationalisation of higher education has many potential benefits for India, certain challenges will need to be addressed in this regard. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"India needs to adopt a more pragmatic stance in the context of the ongoing intra-Afghan talks. Discuss, in the light of India's engagement with Afghanistan. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In the geo-strategic context of West Asia, the recent efforts to normalise relations between Israel and UAE may open new possibilities for India. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"It is not only the content of election manifestos but also the past performance with respect to promises made in election manifestos that need to be regulated. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"In order to achieve a reduction in the pendency of cases and a return to the Supreme Court's original role as a final appellate court, setting up of a National Court of Appeal is the need of the hour. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The Constitution of India reflects an amalgamation of spirit of Indian freedom struggle and various administrative provisions of different acts of British rule in India. Explain. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Mention the key components of the SVAMITVA scheme. Also, highlight its intended benefits and discuss the potential issues in its implementation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Sharing of information among all stakeholders in government functioning is a leading practice towards good governance. Discuss with examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"India has an oversized and bloated government which acts as a drag on economic efficiency and growth. Critically evaluate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Though the National Digital Health Mission is a step in the right direction for both patients and the healthcare system, concerns around data privacy need to be addressed. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"One Nation One Ration card has the potential to significantly transform the lives of migrant workers in India. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The World Trade Organization is buffeted by multiple challenges which have eroded the credibility of the organization. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"BIMSTEC is indispensable for India's efforts in promoting regional cooperation and integration in the neighbourhood. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":78,"topper":"Aakriti Singla","air":122,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/AAKRITI-SINGLAUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-122-Sample-GSAP-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) Temple of free standing nature started emerging during Gupta period which later got a regional specifications in the form of Nagara, Dravida & Vesara.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4 Rock-cut architecture started in Mauryan period in the form of caves, temples, vihara & chaitya, pillars etc which forms an important source of knowledge","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6 Medieval Indian temples are profusely covered with sculptures as seen in chola temples, khandela temples etc. SOCIAL LIFE DEPICTED BY THESE SCULPTURES","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":79,"topper":"Aakriti Singla","air":122,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/AAKRITI-SINGLAUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-122-Sample-GSAP-Copy-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":17,"question":"Q.7) Reasons for classical dance forms rooted in Vaishnav sect","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":80,"topper":"AARUSHI SHARMA","air":184,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/AARUSHI-SHARMA-UPSC-2024-Rank-184-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":81,"topper":"Aaryan Chetiwal","air":928,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Sleepy Classes","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://sleepyclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Aaryan-Chetiwal-Mains-2024-FLT-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"How is the understanding of social action of Parsons and Weber different? (10 Marks)","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":2,"question":"How does Marx view social conflict as an essential element in social change? (10 Marks)","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":2,"question":"Farmer suicides is a major issue facing Indian agricultural society. Evaluate the same using Durkheim's theory of suicide and offer ways out of this issue. (10 Marks)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":82,"topper":"Aashna Chaudhary","air":116,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/35451-778877_1752_aashna-chaudhary_rank-116.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":83,"topper":"Aashna Chaudhary","air":116,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/dc449-778877_1753_aashna-chaudhary_rank-116.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":84,"topper":"Aashna Chaudhary","air":116,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4dbb7-778877_1756_aashna-chaudhary_rank-116.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":85,"topper":"Aashna Chaudhary","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/91b72-778877_1511__aashna-chaudhary_rank-116.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Despite a vast coast line and a number of waterways, why has India not been able to achieve its potential in bringing a significant modal shift from rail and road to waterways? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The move to establish a National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development, to reverse the drag on India's growth potential will have its own set of challenges. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlighting the issues related to the current fertilizer subsidy regime in India, discuss the need for reforms in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Identifying the need for a climate resilient agriculture in India, discuss how it can be achieved. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Mega Food Parks (MFPs) were considered to be a gamechanger for the food processing sector in India, but their progress remains stunted. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do you understand by impact based forecasting in disaster management? How can such forecasting strengthen the disaster management preparedness? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Low Earth Orbit is becoming increasingly crowded as countries race to launch satellites into space. Highlighting the associated issues, discuss international efforts taken in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Enumerating the existing measures to counter bio-terrorism in India, highlight the need for a bio-terrorism law. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss the potential of \"Integrated Law Enforcement Centres\" and \"Smart Walls\" on India's border areas to address the prevailing security challenges. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Farm loan waivers are neither adequate nor recommended for promoting sustained agricultural growth. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"A number of initiatives in recent years have focussed on the MSME sector. Why is there a need to focus on this sector? Also, identify the measures taken by the government and further scope of action. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Skilling the Indian population faces a 3E challenge - Education, Employment and Employability. Discuss. Also suggest interventions required to effectively manage this challenge. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Despite its importance, agricultural marketing faces various institutional and infrastructural related issues in India. Elaborate. Also, enlist the measures that have been taken in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Marine litter is not just an environmental issue but poses a socio-economic challenge as well. Discuss. Also, enumerate the initiatives taken by the global community to reduce marine litter. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Assess India's vulnerability to flash floods and suggest measures for better resilience to flash floods. In this context, also briefly highlight the significance of recently launched Flash Flood Guidance System (FFGS) operated by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Hydrogen based energy production can play a key role in a clean, secure and affordable energy future. In this context, identify the potential and opportunities for utilising hydrogen based technologies. What are the challenges that need to be addressed to fullfill the potential? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Despite the huge promise of satellite-based internet connectivity, it hasn't gained traction on a significant commercial scale, especially in India. (250 words) 15 Discuss.","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India's attempts at strengthening its intelligence infrastructure and capabilities have historically been reactive and incremental, rather than holistic and sustainable. Discuss. Also, provide a concrete framework in transforming the country's intelligence capabilities. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"In light of the prominent instances of drone attacks by both state and non state actors, assess the challenges and capabilities of India in dealing with such security threats. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":86,"topper":"Aashna Chaudhary","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/29762-778877_1863_aashna-chaudhary_rank-116.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Parliamentary oversight of administration is not an end in itself rather it acts as a means to strengthen the efficient functioning of the administration. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Tenth Schedule of the Constitution has weakened the democratic credentials of India's representative democracy. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Article 246 of the Indian Constitution is considered as the cornerstone of Centre-state legislative relations. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Although the provision of issuing ordinances amounts to the usurpation of legislative power by the Executive, both Centre and states in India have taken unrestrained course to it. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"There has been a manifold increase in the number of ministries in the central government since independence. Do you agree with the view there is a need to phase out many ministries and amalgamate others in this context? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Evaluate the success of Digital India in fulfilling its vision of transforming India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Examine the issues related to poverty measurement in India. Suggest measures to improve upon the existing methodologies. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"As one of the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, discuss the rationale behind internationalisation of higher education in India and its associated challenges. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Stating the significance of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), examine whether they have been as beneficial as expected for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Though multilateral development banks (MDBs), are crucial for holistic development of developing nations like India, there are certain legitimate concerns about their functioning. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Despite the legal framework to resolve inter-state river water disputes, why do they continue to exist? Also, discuss measures that can be taken to resolve such disputes in an expeditious and agreeable manner. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"While use of technology is a welcome step towards improving the efficiency of the judicial system, it must be understood that technology itself comes with a set of challenges that make justice even more inaccessible. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"The current urban planning capacities in India are extremely skeletal and need systemic reforms and a change in mindset. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Reservation for women in the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) has not translated into corresponding increase in women's representation in India's state legislatures. Bringing out the reasons for the same, discuss how under-representation of women in the state legislatures can be corrected. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"For effective public service delivery, there is need to shift from traditional accountability mechanisms to social accountability mechanisms. In this context, discuss the pre-conditions for the success of social accountability efforts and challenges associated with them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) remains one of the most ambitious programmes for public welfare and rural development, but its objectives cannot be achieved without strong and capable Panchayati Raj Institutions. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Despite legal safeguards and international conventions, the State has failed to uphold the rights of persons with disabilities in general and those with psychosocial disabilities in particular. Discuss in the context of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"To what extent has the PM Awas Yojana (Gramin) been successful in solving the problem of rural housing in India? Discuss with adequate arguments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Despite the potential of India's Neighbourhood First policy, there have been several impediments to regional cooperation in South Asia. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"It is argued that China's Belt and Road Initiative has resulted in unsustainable debt-for-infrastructure deals, in several countries across continents and it is a part of debt trap diplomacy. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":87,"topper":"Aashna Chaudhary","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/33207-778877_1494_aashna-chaudhary_rank-116.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"What do you understand by probity in governance? Explain, with examples, how it enhances transparency and accountability in the administration. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Differentiating between empathy and compassion, discuss the importance of compassion towards weaker sections of society in the administration. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Ethics may, at times, seem to be in conflict with law and vice-versa. Discuss with suitable examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Explaining the concept of Emotional Intelligence, highlight its role in administration. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Examine the relevance of the following in the context of civil services: (a) Integrity and Honesty (b) Objectivity and Neutrality (c) Impartiality and Non-partisanship (d) Accountability and Responsibility","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"Is it always morally wrong to lie? Justify your stand with relevant examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Bring out the difference between Attitude and Aptitude. What type of attitude is expected of civil servants in India, in your view? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How can one use Gandhiji's talisman for resolving ethical dilemmas in day-to-day life? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"People's attitudes are shaped by their social experience and circumstances. Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Explain the following terms with suitable examples. (a) Beliefs (b) Values (c) Norms (d) Principles (e) Morals","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Though utilitarianism is one of the most influential moral theories, it is criticized on many grounds. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What are the various types of ethical dilemmas faced by a civil servant in India? Highlight the key elements of strategies used to resolve these dilemmas. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"In the following questions, carefully study the cases presented and then answer the questions that follow (in around 250 words): 9. You have joined as a reporter in a newly launched news channel. This choice was based on the assurance given by channel's management that it would emerge as the voice of the downtrodden. While working on various assignments, you reported political incidents and covered national stories as instructed by the organization. But later you come to know that the channel was targeting particular individuals, rather than serving its stated mission. The reporters were also pressurised to go out of the way to accomplish the organisation's wishes. Given the economic slowdown, most reporters complied with these directives. Some who left the job, also did not blow the whistle against the organisation fearing lack of other employment opportunities. Recently, you have also been assigned a similar task by the organisation. In this context, (a) Identify the various ethical issues involved in this case. (b) You tried to convince the management to change its functioning and work as per its assurance given earlier but to no avail. In such a scenario, consider the options given below: 1. Follow the task given by the organisation. 2. Work with other reporters in protest against the organisation's actions. 3. Leave the job 4. Blow the whistle on the organisation's working. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each of these options and suggest your preferred course of action, giving reasons.","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"You are the District Magistrate of a hilly district, which has recently been struck by flash floods and landslides causing supply routes to be cut off. It is brought to your notice that shopkeepers in the area are taking advantage of the situation by exorbitantly increasing the prices of various goods. One of the situation is the case of a dhaba charging Rs. 250 for a paratha citing supply constraints. Others have also been reported to be charging exorbitant prices for transportation and other services. Given the difficult situation, prices for transportation and other services. Given the difficult situation, there have also been issues of law and order where people have resorted to picketing of shops in retaliation to the increased prices. On enquiring, representatives of shopkeepers argue that since supply is constrained, prices are bound to increase. They further argue that higher prices are, in fact, helpful in ensuring judicious use of goods and services that are most urgently needed during emergencies. (a) Identify the various issues from the perspective of different stakeholders involved. (b) What will be the course of action you will undertake? Justify your stand with relevant arguments.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate in your home state. Recently, rumours have started doing rounds in your office regarding your closeness with one of the businessmen in your district who happens to be your close childhood friend. The basis of the rumours is an expensive motorbike that he has gifted to your son on his birthday. Although exchange of gifts has been happening between his family and yours for many years, but this year, it has caught public eye owing to your posting in the same district. In this context, answer the following: (a) Highlight the difference between an acceptable gift and a bribe for a civil servant. (b) Give an account of the ethical issues present in the given case. (c) What would be your course of action in this scenario?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"It has been argued that ethics in journalism is on a downward spiral. This is most evident in the case of media trials. There are glaring instances of yellow journalism, wherein the media bothers little about authenticity of sources, and sensationalises news to increase TRPs and gain more audience. At times, the electronic media in particular, has been found to be functioning as parallel courts, indulging in direct allegations and public vilification of the accused. In this context: (a) Discuss the various issues associated with yellow journalism. (b) What principles, in your view, need to be followed to make sure that media glare does not turn into a media trial?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"India is one of the biggest fairness product markets in the world. A number of firms produce, advertise and sell fairness creams, marketed mainly as whitening products in the country. At the same time there have been many debates on this issue, particularly in recent times, with many arguing that such advertisements should be banned altogether. In this context, answer the following: (a) What are the ethical issues involved in advertising of fairness products? (b) Highlight the consequences of preference for light-skinned people in a society like India? (c) Do you think such issues are better tackled at the societal level rather than regulating advertisements through legal and administrative measures?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":88,"topper":"Aashna Chaudhary","air":116,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7339b-778877_1505_aashna-chaudhary_rank-116.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":89,"topper":"Aashrith Shakhamuri","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/67d6a-1237341_2220_aashrith-shakhamuri_rank-40.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The logic of limitless wealth lies in the basic human instinct for furthering self-interest in the form of profit. In this context, do you think there is a possibility of pursuing ethical capitalism? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"If a law is unjust, a man is not only right to disobey it, he is obligated to do so. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The capacity of Citizens' Charter to initiate any transformative process is conditioned upon it being appropriately designed and effectively executed. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The moral fiber and ethical conduct of public officials not only influence the standard of governance but also their own interests and performance. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":90,"topper":"Aashrith Shakhamuri","air":40,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b672a-1237341_1837_aashrith-shakhamuri_rank-40.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":91,"topper":"Aashvi Vaidsen","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/AASHVI_VAIDSEN_SS_GS_1_TEST_4_AIR_952_2025_f255db9c83.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Discuss the concept of jet stream and explain its effects on Indian monsoon. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Enumerate the conditions needed for formation of tropical cyclones. Give reasons for more cyclones in the Bay of Bengal compared to in Arabian Sea. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Describe the characteristics of hot spot volcanism with examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"'Invasive alien species have become one of the most potent threats to local biodiversity in various regions.' Discuss with examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Discuss the importance of water as the chief architect of the earth surface. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":17,"question":"\"Rapid polar warming will create large-scale climate refugees.\" In the light of the statement, discuss the hazard vulnerability of coastal regions. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":20,"question":"Why are earthquakes zonal in distribution? Discuss the seismic vulnerability of India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":23,"question":"Explain the reasons for geographical concentration of ozone holes. What are the remedial measures to ozone depletion? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Tropical rainforests of the ocean are under serious threat of existence. Discuss. Also, suggest measures to rejuvenate these critical ecosystems. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":92,"topper":"Aashvi Vaidsen","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/AASHVI_VAIDSEN_SS_GS_2_AIR_952_2025_ac58f0f284.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Discuss the role of the Department Related Standing Committee (DRSC) system in improving parliamentary effectiveness. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"'Unique blend of flexibility and rigidity distinguish Indian constitution from that of the US constitution.' Discuss (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the effectiveness of the state legislative councils in checking the powers delegated on the council of ministers. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"'Creation of parallel judicial hierarchy undermines the jurisdiction of high courts in India.' Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"Supremacy of the constitution requires all ordinary laws to conform to the constitutional law.\" Discuss the statement with reference to judicial review in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":17,"question":"Foreign funding received by NGOs have their own set of issues, but at the same time they are important because of a variety of reasons. Discuss. Also, enumerate the key provisions of FCRA Rules 2022 to streamline foreign funding in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":23,"question":"Do you agree that pressure groups have emerged as a crucial factor in public policy formulation? Substantiate. Enumerate the different tools employed by them to influence the governance mechanisms. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Government departments working in silos results in duplication and poor governance. In this context, discuss how the recent efforts like PM Gati Shakti have reformed the government working pattern. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":93,"topper":"Aashvi Vaidsen","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/AASHVI_VAIDSEN_SS_GS_2_AIR_952_2025_e9622167af.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Discuss the role of the Election Commission of India (ECI) as an autonomous constitutional authority responsible to conduct free and fair elections in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"'Indian Constitution has adequate provisions to ensure independence and autonomy for the office of Comptroller and Auditor General of India.' Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"'The National Council for Transgender Persons (NCTP) plays an important role in safeguarding and promoting the rights of the transgender community.' Analyse. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"'Zonal councils play a significant role in promoting harmonious relations among Indian states.' Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"'Overlapping jurisdictions of regulatory bodies creates duplication and confusion.' Examine the statement with reference to SEBI and Competition Commission of India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What are the provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, related to disqualification of candidates? Analyse their impacts on decriminalisation of politics in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":17,"question":"'National Human Rights Commission in India ensures social justice for the marginalized and vulnerable sections of society, yet it remains a toothless tiger.' Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":20,"question":"The Goods and Services Tax (GST) was introduced as a major indirect tax reform in India. What are the key functions of the GST Council? Also highlight the issues in its functioning and suggest reformative measures. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":23,"question":"Elaborate on the significance of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) during elections. Also, analyze the feasibility of providing statutory status to MCC. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) was formed to uphold equity in development opportunities for the backward classes.' Discuss. Also, explain how constitutional recognition further expands its role. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":94,"topper":"AAYUSH GARG","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/63_Aayush%20Garg_14100_707_GS.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The National Cyber Security Policy (NCSP), 2013 presented an opportunity to understand existing legal limitations before devising a future framework. In this context, enumerate the objectives and strategies of NCSP. Also, discuss the shortcomings and limitations that it has been suffering from.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Any counter-terrorism strategy can succeed only if sources of terrorist funding are blocked by efficient financial regulation. In light of the statement discuss the need for an efficient legal framework to combat terror financing in India and steps taken by the government in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"What is Bio-Terrorism? Why is it more perilous than acts of conventional terrorism? Is India prepared to deal with bio-terrorism? Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"The formation of the United Liberation Front of Western South East Asia (UNLFW) poses a serious threat to the North-East region. In this context, discuss the implications of coming together of various insurgent groups on the security of North-East region. What strategies should be adopted to counter this threat?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"In the context of increasing need for integration of defence forces, there is a growing demand for appointment of a single chief for the three arms of defence services. In light of the above statement examine the desirability of such an appointment as recommended by various committees.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"With the Golden Crescent and the Golden Triangle in India's neighbourhood, drug trafficking poses a great threat to India's security. Analyse. Examine the role of non-state actors in drug trafficking in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"A multi-pronged conflict management and resolution strategy is necessary to deal with left wing extremism in India. In this context, examine the effectiveness of the surrender cum rehabilitation scheme for left wing extremists.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"What are the reasons for under-representation of women in science in India? How does it affect the prospect of holistic development of the nation? Suggest some measures which should be taken to tackle the above problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"How do Regenerative Medicines work? Discuss the initiatives taken by the Government of India to develop this field. What are the ethical issues that arise in the use of regenerative medicines?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"With growing concerns w.r.t. global climate change and energy security, biofuels have been gaining popularity. What are the advantages of using biofuels? Discuss the implications of biofuel expansion on food security, social welfare and environment in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"With reference to telecommunication, what are White Spaces? How can they be utilised to improve nternet coverage? Also differentiate between White-Fi and Wi-Fi.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Graphene has been touted as the \"miracle material\" of the 21st century. Describe the structure and properties of graphene. Also list its potential applications. Discuss the challenges that are arising in the commercial use of graphene.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"What do you understand by Big Data Analytics? Discuss the benefits and dangers posed by it with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"What are Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)? Discuss the opportunities and challenges that have arisen with the private use of UAVs on the rise.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"\"China's rising influence on India's periphery underlines the requirement for India to craft an independent and robust regional role in South Asia.\" Discuss the statement in the context of China's Maritime Silk Route initiative. Do you think India should participate in this initiative?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"The delimitation of Indo-Bangladesh maritime boundary by Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) has wide economic and strategic implications, not only for India and Bangladesh but for the entire Bay of Bengal region. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Initiatives such as NDB and AIIB represent not only an assertion of rising powers vis. a vis. the existing institutions dominated by the West, but also underline the requirement of diversifying investment sources for the developing world in arenas such as infrastructure. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"India has decided to go ahead with the proposed Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal transport corridor. Discuss its implications for the South Asian region.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Discuss the strategic, political and economic implications of India's membership to the SCO.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"West Asia is a key region for India on multiple counts. Has the region being accorded the importance that it deserves in recent times? Have bilateral engagements such as ones with Israel and Iran come at the cost of waning influence of India in the larger West Asian region?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":95,"topper":"AAYUSH GARG","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/63_Aayush%20Garg_14100_634_GS.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Even though women may have equal skills, qualifications and commitment as men, they face much more difficulty in rising up the leadership hierarchy. Discuss the reasons for the same. Also, explain the importance of having gender parity in positions of leadership.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"All correct decisions are honest and all incorrect decisions are dishonest. Do you agree? How should the correctness and incorrectness of a decision be decided?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Should birth control be a voluntary exercise or a government policy in a country? In this regard, examine the ethical dimensions of having a One Child Policy in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"An organisation consists of a variety of individuals with varying values and degrees of motivation. What challenges do leaders face when forging a harmonious work culture in such an organisation? How can leaders engender a sense of inclusion in face of such diversity?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Notwithstanding compassion and morality, it is national interest that ultimately determines a country's decisions in international relations. Discuss this statement in the context of the current refugee crisis.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"What are the ethical issues involved in climate change negotiations? Suggest some strategies to address the divergence in ethical positions of different nations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Why is there a need for Performance Management System in an outcome oriented government? Evaluate the feasibility of peer review in context of Indian civil services.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Discretionary power in the hands of public servants is a necessary evil. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"The landmark judgment by the Supreme Court of India recognized the transgender as a third sex. What attitudes do you notice towards the transgender people in India? Discuss some steps to facilitate a dignified life for the transgender people.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"What key characteristics of a person conveying a message make it more persuasive? When celebrities endorse a product, they do so knowing that their endorsement will persuade people to buy it. What duty do they have towards the consumers?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"It is said that child labor cannot be ethical at all. Do you agree? Discuss with respect to the proposed amendments to the Child Labour Act.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Are emotions an inhibiting factor in effective decision-making? Discuss in the context of public services.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"What do you understand by the Sarvodaya philosophy of Gandhiji? Why is Sarvodaya relevant for civil servants in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"You are the leader of a 5 member team that has been assigned to carry out social impact assessment of a project proposed in a Naxal area. Members have been allotted a remote village each to conduct surveys and ascertain views of local people. You are under strict instructions not to disclose the identity of respondents outside the project. While compiling data, you are puzzled by the responses from one of the villages. You accompany the point-person for that village next day for verification. You randomly pick a person from the list of respondents and ask her for clarification of the response she had given earlier. She seems confused and denies any knowledge of the survey being conducted, let alone she being questioned. You try to verify this from other respondents and get similar replies. This raises serious doubts about the integrity and credibility of the survey process. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are the officer in charge of overseeing refugees' related issues in a multilateral humanitarian organisation. There is an ethnicity basec civil war going on in a region and as a result, many people are being displaced. Hitherto, the economically better-off neighbouring countries have accommodated the streams of migrants with financial support from your organisation. The violence in the region has increased recently and the flux of people seeking refuge has grown substantially. With countries sealing their borders, the refugees are left in a vulnerable situation. You are sent to negotiate for humanitarian settlement of refugees with the neighbouring countries, who also happen to be a powerful economic bloc. However, they refuse any more accommodation on the following grounds: (a) Drainage of resources in face of subdued economic conditions. (b) Domestic politica repercussions. (c) Rehabilitation will encourage more influx and indirectly fuel the persecutors. (d) Permanency of settlement in face of better prospects than at home. What are the counter-arguments that can be cited to convince the countries 12. You are a Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) in an urban district. The forest cover in the district is as low as 11% and it needs to be increased as per government guidelines. By ecological and environmental perspective also it is imperative that more trees should be planted. However, you find out that while there is a grant of Rs. 1.5 crore for your division to plant trees under the Hariyali Scheme, most of this fund is lying unused. Since, it is December and as per government rules all the unused grant should be returned to the government as the financial year closes, it seems you will have to return the money completely. Also, there are strong indications from the ministry that government is mulling over a budgetary cut on Hariyali mission because most of the funds go unused. There is a strong possibility that if you return the money in this financial year you wont get it in the next financial year and even if you get, it will be a very insignificant amount. Indicate various options that you think are available in this situation. Evaluate these options and choose the most appropriate path to be adopted? ...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are a Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) in an urban district. The forest cover in the district is as low as 11% and it needs to be increased as per government guidelines. By ecological and environmental perspective also it is imperative that more trees should be planted. However, you find out that while there is a grant of Rs. 1.5 crore for your division to plant trees under the Hariyali Scheme, most of this fund is lying unused. Since, it is December and as per government rules all the unused grant should be returned to the government as the financial year closes, it seems you will have to return the money completely. Also, there are strong indications from the ministry that government is mulling over a budgetary cut on Hariyali mission because most of the funds go unused. There is a strong possibility that if you return the money in this financial year you wont get it in the next financial year and even if you get, it will be a very insignificant amount. Indicate various options that you think are available in this situation. Evaluate these options and choose the most appropriate path to be adopted? ...","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":96,"topper":"AAYUSH GARG","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/63_Aayush%20Garg_14100_705_GS.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"\"A new style of architecture, entirely different in character from Muslim architecture in other countries, gradually evolved, incorporating the best of both Hindu and Muslim styles\". Discuss the above statement in the context of Indo-Islamic style of architecture.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"\"The Mughal paintings represent an assimilation of Indian, Persian and European elements\". Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Indian Dancing has changed little with the centuries, and till date the art form is practiced according to the rules of the Bharata Natyasastra. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"\"Pali and Prakrit literature playec an important role in ancient India'. Explain.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Business groups in colon al India were guided by a pragmatic approach to issues and this explained why they maintained a policy of equidistance from both the government and the Congress. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The Treaty of Basseir proved to be a watershed event in the history of British supremacy in India. Explain.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"The Swadeshi Movement of 1905 not only laid the foundation of Gandhian techniques of protest but also used other innovative methods. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"The Ghadar Movement not only underestimated the armed and organizational might of the British, but the ideological foundations of their rule as well. It has been argued that they fought in vain. Critically evaluate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"\"The introduction of printing press in India was an event of revolutionary significance in the life of Indian people.\" In this context discuss the contribution of press in the Indian national movement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Language was an issue that once threatened to destroy the unity of India. But India dealt with it in an exemplary fashion, which her neighbours could not emulate and consequently suffered. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Indian environmentalism is qualitatively different from western environmentalism. Discuss the statement in the context of post-independence environmental movements in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"The framing of a uniform civil code is an acid test of India's commitment to secularism and modernisation. Critically analyse the statement in the light of post-independent developments in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"'Dalit Movements for empowerment of dalits in independent India have essentially been for carving out political space through electoral politics.' Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"\"India to them should signify not only a protecting force but a liberating one.\" In light of the given statement, trace the roots of Nehru's tribal policy and also outline the basic features of his policy in brief.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Briefly discuss the evolution of Socialism in Europe in the 19th century. Also comment on the success of Second International in overcoming intercountry rivalries in Europe.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"'Comparisons of the Fascist regime of Italy with the Nationalist Socialist regime of Germany is almost inevitable. The similarities are obvious, but there are differences which are worth mentioning.' Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Continental system of Napoleon was his single biggest blunder, which eventually led to his downfall. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Many post-communist states took the recourse to 'Shock Therapy' after the collapse of USSR. What do you understand by Shock Therapy? Critically evaluate its impact on these states.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"British decolonisation process has been markedly different from the French decolonisation process. Do you agree? Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Even before he had accepted the peace terms at the end of Iran-Iraq war, Saddam Hussein began his next act of aggression. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":63,"question":"\"Globalization will end up making all cultures of the world homogeneous\". Critically examine the statement taking examples from socio-cultural and economic life of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":66,"question":"What are the factors responsible for high infant mortality rate in India? Discuss its implications for Indian women. Suggest steps that have been taken by the government to address this problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":69,"question":"Discuss the problems faced by workers in the informal sector in India. What steps have been taken by the government to improve the condition of workers in the informal sector?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":72,"question":"Social determinants of malnutrition in India necessitate a multi-pronged approach to tackle the problem. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":75,"question":"While democratic institutions in India have led to changes in the caste structure, these changes have at best led to only partial re-distributive outcomes for the backward castes. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":97,"topper":"AAYUSH GARG","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/63_Aayush%20Garg_14100_706_GS.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Even though the Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana is an accelerated effort towards financial inclusion, mere opening of bank accounts will not transform into financial inclusion in India. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Discuss the importance of unorganised sector in the Indian economy. Examine the measures taken by the government to overcome the challenges faced by the unorganized sector in the country.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"\"Labour reforms are often cited as the key to unlock the potential of Indian economy.\" In this context discuss the importance of labour reforms in India. Enumerate the measures taken by the government recently in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"MUDRA bank has been termed as a game changer for micro finance sector in the country. What are the objectives of MUDRA Bank? Is there a need of such an institution when there already are multiple schemes and institutions operating for the same purpose?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Despite being an efficient and cheap means of transport, railway has consistently lost its share of freight to road transport. Enumerate the reasons for the same. How far can the high speed freight corridor help in addressing this issue?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"What are Offshore Rupee Bonds? Giving examples, discuss their benefits with regards to mobilisation of resources for domestic sector. Also, comment on their role in internationalisation of Indian Rupee.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Unlike many other countries, small enterprises in India remain small and even shrink. Bring out the factors responsible for such a trend in India. What steps have been taken by the government in this regard?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"How is the EPC model of investment in infrastructure different from the BOT model? What are reasons behind a favorable push for the EPC model over PPP in road sector in recent years?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Despite one of the longest coastlines in the world, India's port facilities and shipping industry are beset by numerous problems. Explain. Discuss some of the corrective measures taken by the government to overcome these problems.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"How has the process of liberalisation, which has otherwise led to high economic growth, affected the employment rate and the nature of employment in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Food processing industry needs a fillip in the form of better logistics, access to credit, technology indigenisation and implementation of food safety laws. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Agro forestry has immense potential in contributing to sustainable development and increasing farm income. Yet, it has failed to take off in a big way in India. In this context discuss the problems and challenges of Agroforestry in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Agricultural marketing in India is the weakest link in the agricultural economy. In this context discuss the problems of agricultural marketing in India. How far can setting up of national markets help in addressing these problems?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Animal rearing is a key livelihood and risk mitigation strategy for tribals and small and marginal farmers, particularly across the rainfed regions of India. Substantiate. Also, discuss some strategies to realize the potential of this sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"The idea of Second Green Revolution needs to be explored if India wishes to achieve food security, raise farmer income and develop sustainable agriculture. Discuss. Also, elaborate the steps that the government has taken to implement the Second Green Revolution.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Lack of resources and inadequate incentive structures have led to the breakdown of agricultural extension services in most states. Comment. Suggest some measures to improve agriculture extension services in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"\"Contract farming occupies a crucial role in agricultural economy of India because of small farm sizes\". Evaluate. Analyse the various issues plaguing contract farming in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Reviving the Farm Income Insurance Scheme could be the best tool for marginal farmers to fight falling prices of agricultural products in an increasingly globalized marketplace. Explain.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"The scope of Land reforms needs to be widened beyond the mere activity of redistribution of land and fixing land ceilings to a systemic restructuring that undertakes reforms in the sector of energy and water. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"In recent years, savings rate in the Indian economy has witnessed a consistent decline. What are the factors responsible for this trend? How has the composition of savings changed in the last few years? Suggest measures to improve and better channelize household savings.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":98,"topper":"Aayush Gupta","air":98,"year":2020,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1BZKpDU0xCQxQGQhtb2kR3jbnQud4i_0m","questions":[]},{"id":99,"topper":"Aayush Gupta","air":74,"year":2020,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/14lvkdE6MVt8xHTn21yGTejMbxaFI_mCx","questions":[]},{"id":100,"topper":"Aayush Gupta","air":98,"year":2020,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1EtsDjTZc6AIagWbD4ZKwEbh2PRWRG80k","questions":[]},{"id":101,"topper":"Aayush Saini","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/712ea-1203838_3128_aayush_saini_rank_194.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"The world must learn to work together, or finally it will not work at all.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Technology, like art, is a soaring exercise of the human imagination.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"We've begun to raise daughters more like sons, but few have the courage to raise our sons more like our daughters.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":102,"topper":"Aayush Saini","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/bfe2d-1203838_2930_aayush_saini_rank_194.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How is the rapid growth of the food processing industry leading to food safety challenges in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Under the Public Distribution System of India, the Fair Price Shop (FPS) transformation is an evolving process. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"How are agri-tech startups in India helping farmers in enhancing farm productivity and market access? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the role of digitization of land records in the effective implementation of land reforms in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"To fully exploit its demographic dividend and accelerate economic growth, India needs to adopt a manufacturing-led growth model. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can the resilience of Indian coastal communities be strengthened to tackle the growing natural hazards resulting from climate change? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How does the Green Credit Programme extend beyond carbon management to promote a more sustainable environment in India? What are the various concerns about its implementation? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What is the need for NavIC when existing satellite navigation systems are already available? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Cyber-enabled financial crime has emerged as the new frontier of global money laundering. Discuss. How can the government address this issue? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The Indian Army is observing the year 2024 as the 'Year of Technology Absorption'. In light of this, explain why there is a need for technology absorption in the defence sector of India. What challenges can India face in this initiative? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What are the issues faced in the development of trade and industries in the North-Eastern Region (NER) of India? Comment on the measures that have been taken to tackle these issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the era of climate change and growing water scarcity, how can micro-irrigation systems contribute to sustainable agricultural practices in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What strategies can be adopted to overcome the issues pertaining to freight transportation in the Indian Railways and increase its share in the domestic freight? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the factors that have aided India in making impressive strides in the renewable energy sector and establishing itself as a frontrunner in the global renewable energy transition. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"How does agricultural runoff containing fertilizers and pesticides contribute to environmental pollution? What measures can be taken to mitigate the impact of agricultural runoff? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The growing influx of tourists in Himalayan states has breached their ecological carrying capacity, leading to significant man-made disasters. What measures can be implemented to prevent such disasters while promoting sustainable tourism? Discuss with relevant examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"How do superconductors fuel innovation in diverse fields of science and technology? Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"While India has laws covering almost all types of intellectual property rights, numerous enforcement, regulatory and administrative challenges hamper the commercialisation of IPRs in India. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Keeping in view the challenges in creating integrated theatre commands, examine how the theaterisation of commands can lead to greater integration and rationalisation of manpower and resources among the three services. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Treating border villages as first villages not just geographically but also in terms of facilities can be a key strategy for enhancing border security. Discuss. Also, highlight the measures being taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":103,"topper":"Aayush Saini","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/34b97-1203838_2929_aayush_saini_rank_194.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Expression of dissent is central to the functioning of the Parliament. In light of this, discuss the role of the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in India's parliamentary system. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"How can the integration of technology into judicial processes enhance accessibility, capability, and efficiency in justice delivery? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Supreme Court of India has upheld unique asymmetry in India's federation by intricately balancing centralized authority and regional autonomy. Discuss with the help of relevant case laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Evaluate the effectiveness of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes in safeguarding the interests of the Scheduled Castes in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Executive accountability to the legislature through Parliamentary Committees has been the hallmark of the Indian political system. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can India make Citizens' Charter a powerful tool for improving governance and empowering citizens? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How do corporate donors aid NGOs in facilitating holistic development in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite its merits, should the POCSO Act be revisited to correct the existing inadequacies? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"China's acquisition of strategic ports globally has significant implications for international trade routes and economic relations. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"What are the main functions of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)? How will its recent treaty on intellectual property, genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge benefit India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) plays a crucial role in combating corruption, its functioning is often criticized for being partisan and acting against the federal spirit. Discuss with the help of suitable examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Governors in India often overstep their constitutional role and fail to act effectively when needed. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Both India and the USA adhere to democratic principles but their electoral systems exhibit significant differences. What are the key differences in electoral practices between the two countries? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"How far do you agree with the view that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has met its objective of ensuring environmental justice in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Though Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) have become a platform for competitive politics, they have not emerged as an agency of planning and service delivery. Why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by interoperability in e-governance? What steps have been taken by the government to ensure interoperability and integration of various e-governance systems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"When it comes to sexual and reproductive health of women in India, rights-based discourse has largely been bypassed not just by the societal norms but also by the legal norms. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"How effective has India been in enhancing immunization coverage over the years? What challenges continue to affect immunization efforts in the country? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India used its Presidency of the G20 to bring the voice of the Global South to the centre stage. Discuss with special reference to Africa. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"India's relationship with the UAE has witnessed a remarkable expansion across various domains in the last decade. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":104,"topper":"Aayush Saini","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/85975-1203838_2928_aayush_saini_rank_194.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How does tribal art provide valuable insights into the cultural perspectives and values of Indian tribal communities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What are the key factors that accelerated decolonization post-World War II? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How does human encroachment impact water bodies in urban areas? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How do physical geographical features influence the development and operation of transportation systems? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How are ocean trenches formed? Describe the significant characteristics of these oceanic relief formations. (Answer in 150words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Identify the reasons behind increasing number of extreme rainfall events throughout India in recent times. Assess their socio-economic impact. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"India is expected to have the largest working-age population in the world by 2030 and it cannot afford low participation of women in the workforce anymore. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Do you agree that there has been a progressive secularization of caste in India? Support your view with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Why is inequality increasing in India despite the fall in overall poverty? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"How did the competitive and hostile dynamic between Brahminism and Buddhism over funding, followers, and ideology mark the decline of Buddhism? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"European travellers' accounts in the medieval period have played an important role in shaping our understanding of the empires and people of that period in India. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The British victory in the Battle of Plassey in 1757 not just changed the course of Indian history but also that of the world. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Why was it more difficult to rehabilitate refugees in West Bengal as compared to Punjab after partition? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss the economic and social costs associated with the transition from coal to green energy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Explain the process of formation of volcanic calderas. How do they contribute to the scenic beauty of the region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the reasons behind the increased frequency and intensity of heat waves globally? How will it impact global food security? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India's approach to secularism does not merely challenge inter-religious domination but intra-religious domination as well. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Do you agree with the view that Indian cities are turning into landscapes of stark inequality and social exclusion? What steps can be taken to make urban areas more egalitarian in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":105,"topper":"Aayush Saini","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7466d-1203838_2931_aayush_saini_rank_194.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The end cannot justify the means, for the simple and obvious reason that the means employed determine the nature of the ends produced. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss how the relationship between law and ethics is dynamic and continuously shaped by societal changes. Provide examples to illustrate this dynamic relationship. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Differentiate between probity and integrity with suitable examples. How do these values contribute to ethical governance and decision-making in the civil services? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the ethical implications of withholding information in public administration. How can transparency enhance accountability and reduce corruption in government institutions? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \" - \"- \"There is no school equal to a decent home and no teacher equal to a virtuous parent.\"- Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What factors lead to a positive attitude in a person? How does positive attitude enhance the effectiveness of civil servants in performing their duties? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss how emotional intelligence can influence ethical decision-making in the allocation of scarce public resources. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Various international humanitarian organizations provide emergency aid in conflict zones around the world. Highlight the ethical challenges faced by such organizations. What are the principles that guide international humanitarian work? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Why is persuasion regarded as an important skill for civil servants? What are the key considerations that should guide persuasion in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"What role can ethical leadership play in curbing corruption, especially in public service? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"What were the major teachings of Swami Dayanand Saraswati? Explain their relevance in addressing the current ethical and social challenges in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":33,"question":"Discuss the ethical dilemma Karan faces in deciding whether to report the incident against Mariyam's wishes. (b) Evaluate the options available to Karan. Which of these options should he choose and why? (c) What responsibilities do organizations like XYZ Corp have in preventing and addressing sexual harassment and creating inclusive workplace environments? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Jay, a civil servant, was appointed as the Commissioner in the Education Department a year ago. In his initial months, he implemented several policies and programmes that were transforming the Education Ministry's operations, gaining a good reputation that could potentially benefit the concerned minister in the upcoming elections. However, Jay now faces a significant challenge. As part of his responsibilities, he must approve the recruitment of new teachers for government schools. He has received a list of 120 candidates recommended for vacant posts, but suspects the recruitment process was unfair. Jay had also received several complaints claiming that the process had not been meritocratic. Upon review, Jay discovers evidence suggesting that many names on the list are the result of political patronage - a prevalent issue in the state where politicians use recruitment to gain political support. Jay believes the Education Minister is engaging in this practice as the election season approaches. This situation reminds Jay of a past incident when, as a junior officer, he refused to entertain an unnecessary procurement request. Consequently, he was transferred within a week, and he and his family faced frivolous anti-corruption complaints as retaliation. His successor approved the procurement at even higher rates. Jay is now concerned that blocking the current recruitment could lead to similar consequences. (a) What are the options available to Jay as the Commissioner of the Education Department? Evaluate each of these options. (b) What option should Jay adopt and why? (c) How can civil servants like Jay be better protected when they attempt to uphold ethical standards in their work? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"What are the options available to Jay as the Commissioner of the Education Department? Evaluate each of these options. (b) What option should Jay adopt and why? (c) How can civil servants like Jay be better protected when they attempt to uphold ethical standards in their work? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"As the District Magistrate of X city, you are responsible for overseeing the construction of a new metro depot in an urban forest area, which is a critical infrastructure project aimed at improving public transportation and reducing traffic congestion and air pollution. The project, however, requires the clearance of a substantial portion of the forest, which has triggered strong opposition from environmental activists, local residents, and NGOs. This forest is widely regarded as essential for the city's ecological balance, often referred to as the city's \"lungs.\" In addition to the environmental concerns, you are under considerable pressure from politicians at the state-level to expedite the project, given the upcoming elections in two years. The political leadership emphasizes the benefits of the metro project for the city's development and its potential to garner electoral support. The project is expected to significantly reduce travel time for thousands of commuters and potentially decrease overall vehicle emissions in the city. However, it would also lead to the loss of thousands of trees and disrupt local ecosystems. As you prepare to make a decision, you are aware that your choice will have far-reaching consequences for both the city's development and its environment. (a) Identify the ethical dilemmas involved in the above case. (b) Evaluate the options available to you in the above situation. Which of these would you choose and why? (c) Suggest some measures that could be implemented to balance urban development needs with environmental conservation in future projects. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Dr. Mehra is a senior drug developer at a leading pharmaceutical company in India, renowned for producing various medications, including lifesaving drugs critical for treating chronic and rare diseases. Since its inception, the company has emphasized the quality and affordability of its drugs. Recently, under revised government guidelines, pharmaceutical companies are required to market a finished product only after obtaining \"satisfactory results\" from tests on the ingredients. Additionally, they must retain a sufficient quantity of samples of both intermediate and final products to allow repeated testing or verification of a batch. Dr. Mehra's team is in the final stages of developing a new medication for a rare but life-threatening disease. This drug has shown promising results in clinical trials. However, there have been unresolved concerns about the long-term side effects of the drug, observed in a small percentage of trial subjects. Despite this, the company has not released any major drug in the past decade, leading to significant pressure from the board members to expedite the drug's release. (a) Identify the stakeholders in the above case study. (b) Discuss the ethical issues faced by Dr. Mehra. (c) Analyse the options available to Dr. Mehra in the above case. Which of these would you choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":59,"question":"In light of the above case, discuss the ethical issues that may arise from the nexus between corporate, political, and bureaucratic interests. (b) As a conscientious civil servant, evaluate the options available to Arun. Which option should he choose and why?(Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":106,"topper":"Aayush Saini","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/AAYUSH-SAINI-UPSC-2024-Rank-194-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"How does the study of numismatics contribute to the unraveling of India's history? Explain with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Analyse the significance of the Civil Disobedience Movement in India's freedom struggle, considering its extent, reach, and revolutionary zeal. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"How did the British education policy in colonial India fuel the rise of Indian nationalism instead of achieving its intended purpose of perpetuating Indian subjugation? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Arab-Israeli conflict should be understood as a product of both internal dynamics and the outcome of manipulative strategies employed by imperial powers. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The eastern coast and the western coast of India differ considerably in their geographical characteristics. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Enumerate the factors behind the proliferation of the IT industry in India. Also, Explain the reasons behind the skewed concentration of the IT Industry within the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The Aspirational Blocks Programme, built upon the success of the Aspirational Districts Programme, can help in achieving the twin objectives of enabling balanced growth and checking stressed migration. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Even after seven decades of independence, the colonial mindset continues to cast its shadow on Indian society. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Digital technologies can play a significant role in bridging the gender gap in India; however, it is mired in its own set of challenges. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"How will you explain that the values of tolerance and inclusiveness which were deeply embedded in ancient Indian society continue to persist and flourish in the present times? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Dravidian temple architecture can be seen as a continuum that, though strengthened during the period of the Pallavas, reached its pinnacle during the reign of the Cholas. Discuss (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Examine the causes that led to tribal unrest during British rule in India. Analyse the reasons for their limited success. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"While the Emergency of 1975 was touted as seminal for national security and unity by some, the critics paint it as the darkest phase of Post Independent India. Discuss What insights and les- sons did emergency provide for the country? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Mangroves play a significant role in coastal ecology and economy. Examine. Also, elaborate the reasons behind the accelerated destruction of the mangrove habitat. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Although poor air quality is a perennial problem, it gets intensified during the winter months in Delhi-NCR. Explain. Evaluate the efficacy of existing measures to control air pollution. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Enumerate the major reasons that make the Indian economy heavily reliant on coal. Explain why phasing out coal from our energy basket is difficult. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"In what ways are the institutions of marriage and family undergoing changes in contemporary times? Elucidate the role of the state and the market in facilitating these changes. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"How do unplanned urbanization and unabated rural-urban migration contribute to the multiple woes faced by Indian metropolises? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The forces of globalization have an indelible influence on the traditional cultural values of Indian society. Elaborate. Also, discuss the impact of globalization on diversity and disparity in the country. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":107,"topper":"Aayush Saini","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/AAYUSH-SAINI-UPSC-2024-Rank-194-MGP-Sample-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Enumerate the differences between rules, regulations and laws. In the pursuit of justice, should the objectivity of rules be complicated by the subjectivity of conscience? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Administrative accountability is necessary to regulate administrative discretion. What do you mean by administrative accountability? What kind of mechanisms are available for ensuring the accountability of the administrator? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Good governance is based on the rule of law which itself is situated on a strong ethical foundation. In this light, discuss the importance of ethics for good governance. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss the importance of persuasion as an essential skill in a civil servant. Enlist at least five qualities that make civil servants effective agents of persuasion. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Describe the significance of the following for civil services: i) Neutrality ii) Intellectual Courage iii) Diligence iv) Selflessness (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Where the roots of private virtue are diseased, the fruit of public probity cannot but be corrupt. What do you understand by probity? Discuss ways of inculcating probity in public life. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Citizen's Charter is the most important cog in the wheel of citizen centric governance. In the light of this statement, discuss various challenges in the successful implementation of citizen charter. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The wedge between national interest and ethical conduct invariably widens in the absence of a global authority. Discuss and also assess the relevance of ethical principles in conducting international relations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Highlighting the difference between the work culture of public and private institutions, analyze the extent to which the work culture in private institutions should inform the working of public offices. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do the following quotes mean to you: a) \"Justice without force is futile; force without justice is tyrannical.\" (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"The police, on receiving intelligence about a brothel being operated in one of the hotels of the city, raided the same. They found around twenty girls at the hotel, most of them below eighteen years in age who disclosed to having been forced into prostitution. All the girls were sent for medical test in the district hospital. Police booked the owner of the hotel and sealed the premises. A lookout notice was published for all the others involved in the sex racket. Also, an FIR was filed implicating the owner of the hotel and others involved. Since majority of the girls were minor and they were unable to give exact details about their parents, the rescued girls were sent to the care of an NGO till their antecedents could be traced. When the report of the medical test came, it was found that one of the minor girls was eighteen weeks pregnant while also being HIV positive. On being informed about her pregnancy and HIV status, the girl stated that it was the result of forceful sex and she wanted to terminate it. The process for termination of pregnancy for rape victims is time consuming as it is necessary to bring What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? b) Assuming you are the head of the NGO, what are the options available to you? What is the best course of action that you would follow?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Analyze the conduct of the multinational company from an ethical perspective. b) What are the different options available to Shailesh in this situation? Evaluate each option and suggest the most appropriate course of action. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":108,"topper":"AAYUSH SRIVASTAVA","air":327,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/65d93cae1265db5ffeffd2e87a3f6506/1/pttp220111_tc061.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":109,"topper":"AAYUSH SRIVASTAVA","air":327,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/192/pttp220111_tc074-test-04-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":110,"topper":"AAYUSH SRIVASTAVA","air":327,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/22/pttp220111_tc074-test-04-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":111,"topper":"Aayush Swami","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/7/essay-test3.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"The greatest deception men suffer is from their own opinions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"A truly gender equal society would be one, where everyone can be themselves.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Science is organised knowledge, wisdom is organised life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"I know not with what weapon World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":112,"topper":"Aayush Swami","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/7/essay-test1.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"War is merely the continuation of politics by other means.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Ecology is the permanent economy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"History is not the study of the past but the study of change.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Strategic thinking is the bridge between dreams and achievement.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":113,"topper":"Aayushi Bansal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/06d03-1195934_2122_aayushi_bansal_rank_07.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"THE WAY WE SEE THE WORLD SHAPES THE WAY WE TREAT IT","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"7) NO MAN'S KNOWLEDGE CAN GO BEYOND HIS EXPERIENCE","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Why is our knowledge limited to our experiences?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"What is the impact of this knowledge generated via experience?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"What is the impact of this expanded knowledge?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":114,"topper":"Aayushi Bansal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7fd51-1195934_2123_aayushi_bansal_rank_07.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"How does this gentle approach manifest itself in different fields?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"When gentleness can guarantee us peace, happiness and victory, are there any situations which require an iron fist?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Having seen how our abilities are never enough for newer set of demands and challenges, are there any positive implications of it?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":115,"topper":"Aayushi Bansal","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/AAYUSHI-BANSAL-UPSC-2023-Rank-97-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The ultimate renewable energy is the human ingenuity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Human laws and natural laws mutually reinforce each other.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"History should be understood as evolution of society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"If one has seen further than others it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"MAN OFTEN ENJOYS THE COMFORT OF OPINION WITHOUT THE DISCOMFORT FOR THOUGHT","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":116,"topper":"Aayushi Bansal","air":7,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/85737-1195934_2121_aayushi_bansal_rank_07.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":117,"topper":"Aayushi Bansal","air":97,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2e275-1195934_2123_aayushi_bansal_rank_97.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":118,"topper":"Aayushi Bansal","air":97,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/99bbe-1195934_2122_aayushi_bansal_rank_97.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":119,"topper":"Aayushi Bansal","air":188,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1fc21-1195934_2123_aayushi-bansal_rank-188.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":120,"topper":"Aayushi Bansal","air":188,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7908e-1195934_2122_aayushi-bansal_rank-188.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":121,"topper":"Aayushi Bansal","air":188,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c7922-1195934_2121_aayushi-bansal_rank-188.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":122,"topper":"Aayushi Bansal","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Aayushi-Bansal-UPSC-2024-Rank-7-MGP-Sample-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) In many ways, the Spanish civil war was the opening act of WWII. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) How will you explain the different fates of Buddhism and Jainism despite a slew of similarities in the two religions?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3 Non-Cooperation Movement democratized India's freedom struggle but suffered from inherent limitations. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4 Critically analyse the efficacy of linguistic reorganization of states in addressing the reasons for linguistic divides in post-independent India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 Briefly discuss the role of plate tectonics theory in explaining the location of volcanoes. Also, explain the multifarious impacts of volcanoes on the surrounding regions.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6 Taking further the success of Aspirational Districts Programme, Aspirational Blocks can help achieve the twin objectives of balanced growth and checking stress migration. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7 Describe the critical factors for location of defense industries and suggest measures to overcome the challenges.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) To what extent can Socio-Economic-Caste Census (SECC) address the challenges in achieving equitable resource allocation and targeted welfare?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) Indian society is premised on some common values that give it a composite texture as well as some diverse practices that deepen its heterogeneity. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) What are the factors that influence population growth in the country? In this perspective, examine the relevance and need of raising the minimum marriageable age of women for population development.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 Bring out the reasons behind the tribal unrest in British India. Also, analyze the reasons for their limited success.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) The independence of India was not a result of a forced expulsion of the Empire, as desired by the Quit India Movement; it was rather a confluence of domestic politics and global circumstances. Analyze.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 Explain why Sufism, a liberal reform movement in Islam could deepen its roots in the Indian sub-continent, despite Islam being a foreign religion? Also, bring out the impacts of Sufism on Indian society.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"3 Art & culture -> Sufi form of singing, impact on dance forms.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) Enumerate the reasons behind rising intensity and frequency of cyclones in the Arabian Sea in recent years. Giving special reference to NDMA guidelines, recommend measures to check the adverse impacts of cyclones.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Examine the impacts of climate change on the hydrological cycle and suggest suitable mitigation and adaptation strategies to contain the harmful implications.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) Defining continental shelf, highlight its resource potential and ecological significance.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 Rooted in patriarchal values, gender-based violence, in all its manifestations, is antithetical to societal growth. Explain.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 The caste calculus in the Indian society remains predominant and continues to project its shadow on social, political, and economic domains. Do you agree? Substantiate your answer.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Discuss various factors contributing to the water woes faced by Indian cities. Also, explain complexities in implementing a comprehensive water management plan.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 Though important elements of group identity, religion and region also run the risk of deepening communal cleavages. Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":123,"topper":"Aayushi Bansal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/93b6a-1195934_2218_aayushi-bansal_rank-188.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to revisit the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution? Discuss with suitable arguments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Highlighting the advantages of online dispute resolution (ODR) mechanism for justice delivery, discuss the challenges associated with its effective implementation in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Despite the constitutional division of powers, Centre-state disputes have been a perennial feature of Indian democracy. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Do you agree with the view that adopting a framework for lobbying will strengthen participative governance and ease of doing business in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Despite the government encouraging open source instead of proprietary technology for government applications, the true potential of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) and digital platforms remains unrealized. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"As a social safety-valve, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) can be the principal vehicles through which communities voice their concerns. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Despite being lauded for its patient centric approach, the implementation of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, remains sluggish and mired with various issues. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to formulate an Urban Employment Guarantee scheme at the national level? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the relevance of BIMSTEC as a regional organisation to fulfil India's strategic aspirations in the Indian Ocean Region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the relevance of the Gujral Doctrine for India with regard to its relations with its immediate neighbours in the present times. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the pivotal role of the \"Officers of Parliament\" in the Indian Parliamentary system. Also, discuss the constitutional and statutory provisions for their impartial functioning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The Finance Commission plays a crucial role in balancing fiscal federalism in India. In this context, examine the recommendations given by the 15th Finance Commission. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Critically assess whether according statutory backing to the Model Code of Conduct will contribute towards free and fair elections in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The market disruption caused by digital revolution warrants renewed focus and perspective to ensure fair competition in the digital economy. In this light, discuss the need to revamp the Competition Commission of India (CCI). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"There is an urgent need for effective whistle-blowing mechanisms and ensuring that necessary safeguards for the protection of whistle-blowers are established in both public and private spheres in India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"State the reasons behind the poor performance of cooperatives in India. Also, discuss the reforms undertaken by the government to overcome the shortcomings. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Public-Private Partnership model, if harnessed properly, has the potential to bridge the gaps in India's healthcare system. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Although the New Education Policy brings with it a commendable vision, its success will depend on its ability to effectively integrate with the government's other policy initiatives. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) is born from a collective desire to make the Indo-Pacific region an engine of global economic growth. Comment. Also, discuss India's concerns in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"India needs to identify the priority areas to further its techno-diplomacy amidst the complexities of expanding digital space and New and Emerging Strategic Technologies. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":124,"topper":"Aayushi Bansal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/dcc95-1195934_2219_aayushi-bansal_rank-188.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Fiscal policy can be a key tool to reduce income inequality as well as make the poorest and the downtrodden a part of the country's growth story. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Digitizing land records will go a long way in ensuring land reforms as well as lessening the burden on the Indian Judiciary. Elaborate. Also, state the measures taken in this context. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"It has been pointed out that competitive politics to fund mostly non-merit subsidies is pushing a few states in India to the brink of a deep fiscal crisis. In this context, discuss the need to rationalise the subsidy regime in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Micro-irrigation has tremendous potential in transforming farming into a profitable and sustainable venture. Discuss the given statement in the context of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Identify the impediments faced by India in boosting its defence exports. Also, discuss the steps taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the multiple issues associated with space debris. Also, state the initiatives taken in recent times to tackle this menace. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The adoption of Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) in India is expected to make e-commerce more inclusive and accessible for consumers. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"The existing MSP procurement regime is neither economically nor agro-ecologically sustainable. Elaborate. Also, evaluate the alternative approaches that can be adopted to improve the existing MSP regime. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"It is being argued that India is struggling with overflowing foodgrains in warehouses. Discuss the statement in view of the existing buffer stock policy of India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Recently, the government has asked all ports to prepare a master plan in order to become 'mega ports' by 2047. In light of this, discuss the challenges faced by ports and suggest remedial measures in order to propel India's blue economy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Inequality in income and wealth translates into carbon inequality. In this context, discuss the significance of addressing carbon inequality for India and suggest ways to achieve it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Establishing linkages between globalisation and money laundering, discuss the initiatives taken at the national and international levels to combat it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"There have been arguments that India needs to review some of its past assumptions about the nature of outer space and contribute to the development of new global norms. In this context, analyse India's stand in relation to the Artemis Accords. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":125,"topper":"Aayushi Bansal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/cfd12-1195934_2218_aayushi_bansal_rank_97.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to revisit the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution? Discuss with suitable arguments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":126,"topper":"Aayushi Bansal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ea185-1195934_2218_aayushi_bansal_rank_07.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to revisit the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution? Discuss with suitable arguments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Highlighting the advantages of online dispute resolution (ODR) mechanism for justice delivery, discuss the challenges associated with its effective implementation in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Despite the constitutional division of powers, Centre-state disputes have been a perennial feature of Indian democracy. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Do you agree with the view that adopting a framework for lobbying will strengthen participative governance and ease of doing business in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Despite the government encouraging open source instead of proprietary technology for government applications, the true potential of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) and digital platforms remains unrealized. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"As a social safety-valve, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) can be the principal vehicles through which communities voice their concerns. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Despite being lauded for its patient centric approach, the implementation of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, remains sluggish and mired with various issues. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to formulate an Urban Employment Guarantee scheme at the national level? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the relevance of BIMSTEC as a regional organisation to fulfil India's strategic aspirations in the Indian Ocean Region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the relevance of the Gujral Doctrine for India with regard to its relations with its immediate neighbours in the present times. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the pivotal role of the \"Officers of Parliament\" in the Indian Parliamentary system. Also, discuss the constitutional and statutory provisions for their impartial functioning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The Finance Commission plays a crucial role in balancing fiscal federalism in India. In this context, examine the recommendations given by the 15th Finance Commission. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Critically assess whether according statutory backing to the Model Code of Conduct will contribute towards free and fair elections in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The market disruption caused by digital revolution warrants renewed focus and perspective to ensure fair competition in the digital economy. In this light, discuss the need to revamp the Competition Commission of India (CCI). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"There is an urgent need for effective whistle-blowing mechanisms and ensuring that necessary safeguards for the protection of whistle-blowers are established in both public and private spheres in India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"State the reasons behind the poor performance of cooperatives in India. Also, discuss the reforms undertaken by the government to overcome the shortcomings. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Public-Private Partnership model, if harnessed properly, has the potential to bridge the gaps in India's healthcare system. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Although the New Education Policy brings with itself a commendable vision, its success will depend on its ability to effectively integrate with the government's other policy initiatives. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) is born from a collective desire to make the Indo-Pacific region an engine of global economic growth. Comment. Also, discuss India's concerns in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"India needs to identify the priority areas to further its techno-diplomacy amidst the complexities of expanding digital space and New and Emerging Strategic Technologies. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":127,"topper":"Aayushi Bansal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5a83c-1195934_2219_aayushi_bansal_rank_97.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Fiscal policy can be a key tool to reduce income inequality as well as make the poorest and the downtrodden a part of the country's growth story. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Digitizing land records will go a long way in ensuring land reforms as well as lessening the burden on the Indian Judiciary. Elaborate. Also, state the measures taken in this context. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"It has been pointed out that competitive politics to fund mostly non-merit subsidies is pushing a few states in India to the brink of a deep fiscal crisis. In this context, discuss the need to rationalise the subsidy regime in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Micro-irrigation has tremendous potential in transforming farming into a profitable and sustainable venture. Discuss the given statement in the context of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Given its vast resources and technical expertise, India can play a key role in assisting the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) in dealing with the impact of climate change. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The recent \"Disaster Management Plan of Ministry of Panchayati Raj (DMP-MoPR)\" aims to develop disaster resilience at the grassroots level. In this context, discuss the rationale behind the formulation of the Plan and highlight its key components. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the internal security implications emanating from the use of Emerging And Disruptive Technologies (EDT) by state and non-state actors. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Identify the impediments faced by India in boosting its defence exports. Also, discuss the steps taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the multiple issues associated with space debris. Also, state the initiatives taken in recent times to tackle this menace. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The adoption of Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) in India is expected to make e-commerce more inclusive and accessible for consumers. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"The existing MSP procurement regime is neither economically nor agro-ecologically sustainable. Elaborate. Also, evaluate the alternative approaches that can be adopted to improve the existing MSP regime. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"It is being argued that India is struggling with overflowing foodgrains in warehouses. Discuss the statement in view of the existing buffer stock policy of India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Recently, the government has asked all ports to prepare a master plan in order to become 'mega ports' by 2047. In light of this, discuss the challenges faced by ports and suggest remedial measures in order to propel India's blue economy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Inequality in income and wealth translates into carbon inequality. In this context, discuss the significance of addressing carbon inequality for India and suggest ways to achieve it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Despite increased and regular occurrences of landslides over the past decade in India, the dominant development paradigm has largely not been modified. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)15","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India needs a smart border management system to balance legitimate cross border flows with national security interests. Discuss. Also, highlight the initiatives taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)15","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Establishing linkages between globalisation and money laundering, discuss the initiatives taken at the national and international levels to combat it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"There have been arguments that India needs to review some of its past assumptions about the nature of outer space and contribute to the development of new global norms. In this context, analyse India's stand in relation to the Artemis Accords. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":128,"topper":"Aayushi Bansal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9cc1a-1195934_2219_aayushi_bansal_rank_07.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Fiscal policy can be a key tool to reduce income inequality as well as make the poorest and the downtrodden a part of the country's growth story. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Digitizing land records will go a long way in ensuring land reforms as well as lessening the burden on the Indian Judiciary. Elaborate. Also, state the measures taken in this context. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"It has been pointed out that competitive politics to fund mostly non-merit subsidies is pushing a few states in India to the brink of a deep fiscal crisis. In this context, discuss the need to rationalise the subsidy regime in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Micro-irrigation has tremendous potential in transforming farming into a profitable and sustainable venture. Discuss the given statement in the context of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Identify the impediments faced by India in boosting its defence exports. Also, discuss the steps taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the multiple issues associated with space debris. Also, state the initiatives taken in recent times to tackle this menace. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The adoption of Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) in India is expected to make e-commerce more inclusive and accessible for consumers. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While an agreement was recently reached at the WTO on a deal to curb \\\"harmful\\\" government fisheries subsidies, certain concerns raised by India suggests that the matter will require further negotiations. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite the advantages that are associated with the hybrid annuity model (HAM) in the road construction sector, the interest in it has moderated due to various reasons. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The existing MSP procurement regime is neither economically nor agro-ecologically sustainable. Elaborate. Also, evaluate the alternative approaches that can be adopted to improve the existing MSP regime. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"It is being argued that India is struggling with overflowing foodgrains in warehouses. Discuss the statement in view of the existing buffer stock policy of India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Despite increased and regular occurrences of landslides over the past decade in India, the dominant development paradigm has largely not been modified. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)15","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India needs a smart border management system to balance legitimate cross border flows with national security interests. Discuss. Also, highlight the initiatives taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)15","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Establishing linkages between globalisation and money laundering, discuss the initiatives taken at the national and international levels to combat it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"There have been arguments that India needs to review some of its past assumptions about the nature of outer space and contribute to the development of new global norms. In this context, analyse India's stand in relation to the Artemis Accords. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":129,"topper":"Aayushi Bansal","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/AAYUSHI-BANSAL-UPSC-2023-Rank-97-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"In many ways, the Spanish civil war was the opening act of WwI. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Critically analyse the efficacy of linguistic reorganization of states in addressing the rea","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Briefly discuss the role of plate tectonics theory in explaining the location of volcanoes. Al so, explain the multifarious impacts of volcanoes on the surrounding regions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Taking further the success of Aspirational Districts Programme, Aspirational Blocks can help achieve the twin objectives of balanced growth and checking stress migration. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Describe the critical factors for location of defense industries and suggest measures to","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"Examinc the impacts of climate change on the hydrological cycle and suggest","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss various factors contributing to the water woes faced by Indian cities. Also, explain","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":130,"topper":"Aayushi Bansal","air":7,"year":2024,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4cbe1-1195934_2211_aayushi_bansal_rank_07.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":131,"topper":"Aayushi Bansal","air":97,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0d436-1195934_2211_aayushi_bansal_rank_97.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":132,"topper":"Aayushi Bansal","air":188,"year":2022,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/32417-1195934_2211_aayushi-bansal_rank-188.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":133,"topper":"Aayushi Bansal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/625e2-1195934_2212_aayushi_bansal_rank_07.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. What do you understand by 'constitutionalism'? Highlight various ways in which the Indian Constitution underscores this principle.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"2. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) effectively reflects a shift from the era of Licence Raj to a conducive regulatory ambience for enhancing consumer welfare by encouraging competition in the market. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"3. Mention various initiatives taken for online delivery of judicial services in India. Also, discuss the challenges faced in their implementation.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"4. Bring out the similarities and differences in the Bill of Rights in the Constitution of the United States and Fundamental Rights in the Constitution of India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"5. It is often argued that the implementation of The Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 has so far been tardy and ineffectual. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"6. Explain the rationale behind the creation of a Social Stock Exchange in India. Do you think this move would boost social impact investing in the country?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"7. The National Digital Health Mission (NDHM) has the potential to bring a new revolution in India's health sector in multiple ways. Explain.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"8. While participation of private sector in the higher education system of India is a necessity, it creates issues that need careful redressal. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"9. Highlighting the significance of Central Asia for India, discuss the challenges in strengthening the Indo-Central Asian relationship.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"10. Discuss the role that the Indian diaspora can play in the making of \"Aatmanirbhar Bharat\" (self-reliant India). Also, mention the challenges in this regard.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"11. A critical appraisal of the outcomes of the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act underlines the need for second-generation reforms to strengthen decentralisation of urban local governance in India. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"12. It is argued that unchecked and rampant exercise of the power to insert laws in the Ninth Schedule results in undermining of Constitutional supremacy and creation of Parliamentary hegemony. Do you agree? Justify your stand with logical arguments.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"13. Asymmetry is an important characteristic of federalism in India, which has helped in the accommodation of diverse demands inherent in our democracy. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"14. In India, the Finance Commissions are established pursuant to the constitutional mandate. In this context, do you think the State Finance Commissions have been effective in promoting fiscal federalism? Substantiate with arguments.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"15. Reduction in the overall size of the bureaucracy has been seen as the underlying idea behind civil services reforms. Is it a good idea to reduce the size of the Indian bureaucracy? Examine in light of the experience of India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"16. There is a need to ensure better ethical standards, accountability and management of temples in India. Discuss in the context of issues associated with state intervention in management of temples.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"17. What do you understand by feminisation of old age? Highlight the issues associated with it in the Indian context. Also, mention the measures taken by the government in this regard.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"18. Given its impact on both individual resilience and the resilience of the economy, is there a case for strong universal social protection in India? Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"19. There have been arguments that with the old global multilateral order failing to manage rising challenges, issue-based coalitions are gaining traction and have become the arenas of functional cooperation. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"20. India intends to achieve a balanced and optimal development of energy infrastructure in the South-Asian region through mutual understanding and cooperation. In light of this statement, discuss the need as well as existing gaps in South Asia's energy cooperation.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":134,"topper":"Aayushi Bansal","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/AAYUSHI-BANSAL-UPSC-2023-Rank-97-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discu the role of the 'Fourth Estate' in upholding democratic values and analyse the issues affecting press freedom in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The electoral process, though inclusionary in theory, has been pointed out for excdusionary tendencies in practice. Analyse, vith special emphasis on role of women in India's representative clectoral system. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Assess the effectiveness of Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 in resolution of river water disputes. Also describe the potential impact of delays in resolution of water disputes. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"To what extent collaboration between the state and civil society organizations (CSOs) help (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Absence of a robust social infrastructure in the country may become one of the most signif icant challenges in achieving a developed status by 2047, Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Though the changing paradigm towards dialogue and diplomacy in West Asia augurs well for India's interests in this otherwise restive region, presence of inimical actors may reverse the gains. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Despite constitutional backing to the institutions of local governance, the idea of decen tralisation has remained hostage to several structural bottlenecks.(Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":135,"topper":"Aayushi Bansal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/12412-1195934_2220_aayushi-bansal_rank-188.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The logic of limitless wealth lies in the basic human instinct for furthering self-interest in the form of profit. In this context, do you think there is a possibility of pursuing ethical capitalism? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"If a law is unjust, a man is not only right to disobey it, he is obligated to do so. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The capacity of Citizens' Charter to initiate any transformative process is conditioned upon it being appropriately designed and effectively executed. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The moral fiber and ethical conduct of public officials not only influence the standard of governance but also their own interests and performance. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The ongoing debate on euthanasia poses several ethical questions. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Foreign aid is a form of neo-colonialism, as the economically wealthier countries can exploit the developing countries under the cloak of aid. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Throwing light on the idea of Universal Humanism propounded by Rabindranath Tagore, discuss its contemporary relevance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":136,"topper":"Aayushi Bansal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/96651-1195934_2220_aayushi_bansal_rank_97.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The logic of limitless wealth lies in the basic human instinct for furthering self-interest in the form of profit. In this context, do you think there is a possibility of pursuing ethical capitalism? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"If a law is unjust, a man is not only right to disobey it, he is obligated to do so. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The capacity of Citizens' Charter to initiate any transformative process is conditioned upon it being appropriately designed and effectively executed. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The moral fiber and ethical conduct of public officials not only influence the standard of governance but also their own interests and performance. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The ongoing debate on euthanasia poses several ethical questions. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Foreign aid is a form of neo-colonialism, as the economically wealthier countries can exploit the developing countries under the cloak of aid. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Throwing light on the idea of Universal Humanism propounded by Rabindranath Tagore, discuss its contemporary relevance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"\"I do believe that, where there is only a choice between cowardice and violence, I would advise violence.\"- Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":137,"topper":"Aayushi Bansal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/aec5c-1195934_2220_aayushi_bansal_rank_07.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The logic of limitless wealth lies in the basic human instinct for furthering self-interest in the form of profit. In this context, do you think there is a possibility of pursuing ethical capitalism? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"If a law is unjust, a man is not only right to disobey it, he is obligated to do so. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The capacity of Citizens' Charter to initiate any transformative process is conditioned upon it being appropriately designed and effectively executed. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The moral fiber and ethical conduct of public officials not only influence the standard of governance but also their own interests and performance. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The ongoing debate on euthanasia poses several ethical questions. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Foreign aid is a form of neo-colonialism, as the economically wealthier countries can exploit the developing countries under the cloak of aid. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Throwing light on the idea of Universal Humanism propounded by Rabindranath Tagore, discuss its contemporary relevance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree with the view that it is nature and not nurture which determines the emotional intelligence of a person? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Values that guide public administrators can often compete with each other, owing to their relative importance to the larger public interest. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Is it justifiable to say that corruption is a social phenomenon? What are the various ways through which administrative corruption can be tackled? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"Overcoming poverty is not a task of charity; it is an act of justice.\" Nelson Mandela (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"\"I do believe that, where there is only a choice between cowardice and violence, I would advise violence.\"- Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":57,"question":"The Indian education system suffers from many ills. One of the major issues is the focus on 'rote learning', which has been the staple of the Indian education system for many years. While many Indians have attained success despite this system, simply being able to recall information is not enough in today's world when that information is instantly available to anyone on a mobile phone. A survey of 200 Indian and foreign companies found that only 14% of Indian graduates were prepared for the workforce, largely because most graduates were unable to apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the consequences of 'rote learning' on the educational development of young students in the country? (b) Suggest measures that can be taken to address this issue. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":138,"topper":"Aayushi Bansal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/11POO49MHlCniGEkYUFP5qiMdOnzYiOql/view","questions":[{"page":51,"question":"Compare and contrast the roles of family and educational institutions in value inculcation. How can these two institutions complement each other? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":51,"question":"“Tolerance is not just about accepting differences; it is about appreciating and celebrating diversity.” Discuss the importance of tolerance for governance. How can civil servants foster a culture of tolerance and inclusivity in a diverse country like India? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":51,"question":"“A person’s character is most accurately revealed in their private life, not their public persona.” Critically examine this statement in the context of public servants and their ethical conduct. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":51,"question":"Accountability mechanisms are essential for ethical governance but often lead to bureaucratic delays and inefficiencies.” Critically examine this statement in the context of Indian administration. Can a balance be struck between accountability and efficiency? Discuss with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":51,"question":"What does each of the following quotations convey to you in present context? a) ““Reason is, and ought only to be the slave of the passions, and can never pretend to any other office than to serve and obey them.”- David Hume (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":52,"question":"“Empathy is seeing with the eyes of another, listening with the ears of another, and feeling with the heart of another.” How can emotionally intelligent civil servants utilize empathy to improve governance and service delivery? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":52,"question":"Analyse the ethical implications of the widening gap between rich and poor nations. Is there a moral obligation for developed countries to assist developing ones? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":52,"question":"“We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.” Discuss the ethical responsibilities of individuals, corporations, and governments in protecting the environment for future generations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":52,"question":"“Impartiality is not neutrality; it is about treating everyone fairly based on merit and evidence.” Explain the difference between impartiality and neutrality in the context of civil service. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":52,"question":"The teachings of the Bhagavad Gita offer valuable lessons for ethical conduct in public service. Discuss the relevance of these teachings in navigating the ethical issues of administration in contemporary India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":139,"topper":"Aayushi Bansal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1l5dvnlPsXGpKxSF5zgTZQ9UVshVXND1q/view","questions":[{"page":51,"question":"Compare and contrast the roles of family and educational institutions in value inculcation. How can these two institutions complement each other? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":51,"question":"“Tolerance is not just about accepting differences; it is about appreciating and celebrating diversity.” Discuss the importance of tolerance for governance. How can civil servants foster a culture of tolerance and inclusivity in a diverse country like India? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":51,"question":"“A person’s character is most accurately revealed in their private life, not their public persona.” Critically examine this statement in the context of public servants and their ethical conduct. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":51,"question":"Accountability mechanisms are essential for ethical governance but often lead to bureaucratic delays and inefficiencies.” Critically examine this statement in the context of Indian administration. Can a balance be struck between accountability and efficiency? Discuss with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":51,"question":"What does each of the following quotations convey to you in present context? a) ““Reason is, and ought only to be the slave of the passions, and can never pretend to any other office than to serve and obey them.”- David Hume (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":52,"question":"“Empathy is seeing with the eyes of another, listening with the ears of another, and feeling with the heart of another.” How can emotionally intelligent civil servants utilize empathy to improve governance and service delivery? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":52,"question":"Analyse the ethical implications of the widening gap between rich and poor nations. Is there a moral obligation for developed countries to assist developing ones? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":52,"question":"“We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.” Discuss the ethical responsibilities of individuals, corporations, and governments in protecting the environment for future generations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":52,"question":"“Impartiality is not neutrality; it is about treating everyone fairly based on merit and evidence.” Explain the difference between impartiality and neutrality in the context of civil service. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":52,"question":"The teachings of the Bhagavad Gita offer valuable lessons for ethical conduct in public service. Discuss the relevance of these teachings in navigating the ethical issues of administration in contemporary India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":140,"topper":"Aayushi Bansal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1r0TOcJsLz94R3i4N17MKuXTVJrgBV4jv/view","questions":[{"page":51,"question":"Compare and contrast the roles of family and educational institutions in value inculcation. How can these two institutions complement each other? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":51,"question":"“Tolerance is not just about accepting differences; it is about appreciating and celebrating diversity.” Discuss the importance of tolerance for governance. How can civil servants foster a culture of tolerance and inclusivity in a diverse country like India? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":51,"question":"“A person’s character is most accurately revealed in their private life, not their public persona.” Critically examine this statement in the context of public servants and their ethical conduct. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":51,"question":"Accountability mechanisms are essential for ethical governance but often lead to bureaucratic delays and inefficiencies.” Critically examine this statement in the context of Indian administration. Can a balance be struck between accountability and efficiency? Discuss with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":51,"question":"What does each of the following quotations convey to you in present context? a) ““Reason is, and ought only to be the slave of the passions, and can never pretend to any other office than to serve and obey them.”- David Hume (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":52,"question":"“Empathy is seeing with the eyes of another, listening with the ears of another, and feeling with the heart of another.” How can emotionally intelligent civil servants utilize empathy to improve governance and service delivery? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":52,"question":"Analyse the ethical implications of the widening gap between rich and poor nations. Is there a moral obligation for developed countries to assist developing ones? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":52,"question":"“We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.” Discuss the ethical responsibilities of individuals, corporations, and governments in protecting the environment for future generations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":52,"question":"“Impartiality is not neutrality; it is about treating everyone fairly based on merit and evidence.” Explain the difference between impartiality and neutrality in the context of civil service. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":52,"question":"The teachings of the Bhagavad Gita offer valuable lessons for ethical conduct in public service. Discuss the relevance of these teachings in navigating the ethical issues of administration in contemporary India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":141,"topper":"Aayushi Bansal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1boWs59-4pR9iWtlyr8Nve4MbK1nexAHp/view","questions":[{"page":51,"question":"Compare and contrast the roles of family and educational institutions in value inculcation. How can these two institutions complement each other? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":51,"question":"“Tolerance is not just about accepting differences; it is about appreciating and celebrating diversity.” Discuss the importance of tolerance for governance. How can civil servants foster a culture of tolerance and inclusivity in a diverse country like India? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":51,"question":"“A person’s character is most accurately revealed in their private life, not their public persona.” Critically examine this statement in the context of public servants and their ethical conduct. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":51,"question":"Accountability mechanisms are essential for ethical governance but often lead to bureaucratic delays and inefficiencies.” Critically examine this statement in the context of Indian administration. Can a balance be struck between accountability and efficiency? Discuss with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":51,"question":"What does each of the following quotations convey to you in present context? a) ““Reason is, and ought only to be the slave of the passions, and can never pretend to any other office than to serve and obey them.”- David Hume (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":52,"question":"“Empathy is seeing with the eyes of another, listening with the ears of another, and feeling with the heart of another.” How can emotionally intelligent civil servants utilize empathy to improve governance and service delivery? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":52,"question":"Analyse the ethical implications of the widening gap between rich and poor nations. Is there a moral obligation for developed countries to assist developing ones? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":52,"question":"“We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.” Discuss the ethical responsibilities of individuals, corporations, and governments in protecting the environment for future generations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":52,"question":"“Impartiality is not neutrality; it is about treating everyone fairly based on merit and evidence.” Explain the difference between impartiality and neutrality in the context of civil service. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":52,"question":"The teachings of the Bhagavad Gita offer valuable lessons for ethical conduct in public service. Discuss the relevance of these teachings in navigating the ethical issues of administration in contemporary India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":142,"topper":"Aayushi Bansal","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/AAYUSHI-BANSAL-UPSC-2023-Rank-97-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":11,"question":"Max Weber's concept of bureaucracy was developed in the early 20th century, but still influences administrative structures today. In what ways do you see Weberian bureaucracy as relevant in today's rapidly changing world? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":143,"topper":"Aayushi Bansal","air":7,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/dbe34-1195934_1837_aayushi_bansal_rank_07.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":144,"topper":"Aayushi Bansal","air":188,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c65c2-1195934_1837_aayushi-bansal_rank-188.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":145,"topper":"Aayushi Bansal","air":7,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/ETHICS_PROGRAME_AAYUSHI_BANSAL_AIR_7_43359d9bb0.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":146,"topper":"Aayushi Bansal","air":7,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Sleepy Classes","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://sleepyclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Aayush-Bansal-Sectional-Test-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Broadly explain G.H. Mead's ideas and their shortcomings. How can Mead's ideas be applied to Indian society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"How is the understanding of social action of Parsons and Weber different?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Merton has defined bureaucrats to be 'ritualistic' while in today's scenario, we require bureaucrats who are 'rebel'. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"How does Marx view social conflict as an essential element in social change?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Farmer suicides is a major issue facing Indian agricultural society. Evaluate the same using Durkheim's theory of suicide and offer ways out of this issue.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":147,"topper":"Aayushi Bansal","air":7,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Sleepy Classes","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://sleepyclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Aayush-Bansal-Sectional-Test-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Discuss how counter enlightenment provided goal for sociology","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Elaborate the main tenets of interpretative perspective in sociology.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"In the context of recent pandemic, how do you think the scope of sociology has evolved. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"What are the limitations of quantitative methods of social research. Critically analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"What is Triangulation and how is it used in research methods?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":148,"topper":"Aayushi Bansal","air":7,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dsmMQd3QQ4h_Kwh2hRfJ6yXJsaBLnnZd/view","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Comment on the following in about 150 words each: 10x5=50 (a) What makes Ghurye’s Indological perspective an account of social integration and social disintegration of Indian society?","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":2,"question":"Caste system studies in India have been dominated by the “book - view” initially. How did the entry of “field view” bring about a balance in the study of Indian caste system? Discuss. (20 marks)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":2,"question":"How does Little Tradition and Great Tradition coexist & interact with each other in Indian society? (20 marks)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":2,"question":"What makes A.R Desai’s account on Indian nationalism ‘Dialectical’ in nature? (20 marks)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Is Indian society moving from “hierarchy” towards “differentiation”. Illustrate your answer with suitable examples. (20 marks)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":3,"question":"How do you compare Gandhi and Ambedkar’s views on caste system? (20 marks)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Describe the sociological dynamics of champaran satyagraha. (20 marks)","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":149,"topper":"Aayushi Bansal","air":7,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/94105-1195934_2215_aayushi_bansal_rank_07.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":150,"topper":"Aayushi Bansal","air":7,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/dbdc9-1195934_2097_aayushi_bansal_rank_07.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":151,"topper":"Aayushi Bansal","air":7,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/421dc-1195934_2098_aayushi_bansal_rank_07.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":152,"topper":"Aayushi Bansal","air":7,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/dc065-1195934_2299_aayushi_bansal_rank_07.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":153,"topper":"Aayushi Bansal","air":7,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c13a7-1195934_2300_aayushi_bansal_rank_07.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":154,"topper":"Aayushi Bansal","air":7,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5b391-1195934_2216_aayushi_bansal_rank_07.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":155,"topper":"Aayushi Bansal","air":97,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1c5ca-1195934_2216_aayushi_bansal_rank_97.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":156,"topper":"Aayushi Bansal","air":97,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/752cc-1195934_2299_aayushi_bansal_rank_97.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":157,"topper":"Aayushi Bansal","air":97,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9d742-1195934_2300_aayushi_bansal_rank_97.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":158,"topper":"Aayushi Bansal","air":188,"year":2022,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a5b81-1195934_2216_aayushi-bansal_rank-188.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":159,"topper":"Aayushi Bansal","air":188,"year":2022,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/121ea-1195934_2098_aayushi-bansal_rank-188.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":160,"topper":"ABDULLAH ZAHID","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/65d93cae1265db5ffeffd2e87a3f6506/3/mt23rcapa103_tc701.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"If you look into someone's face long enough, eventually you feel that you are looking into yourself.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"It is the province of knowledge to speak and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Drop the question what tomorrow may bring, and count as profit every day that fate allows you.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Truth, like a torch, the more it is shook, it shines.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Art is I; science is We.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Only the dead have seen the end of the war.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Act as if it were impossible to fail.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":161,"topper":"ABDULLAH ZAHID","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/65d93cae1265db5ffeffd2e87a3f6506/2/mt23rcapa103_702.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"You can't serve data on a hungry man's plate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"AI is overcoming our mental limitation but not expanding our mental horizon.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"We are using environment for politics, not politics for environment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"The worst form of inequality is to try to make unequal things equal.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Existence is a science, living is an art.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"If the truth shall kill them, let them die.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"The only way to go beyond things, is to go through them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Dream for the best. Be prepared for the worst. 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Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the significance of the Doctrines of Pith and Substance and Colourable Legislation with respect to Centre-state relations in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Do you agree with the view that there should be simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and the State Legislative Assemblies in India? Discuss with suitable arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss the need for codification of parliamentary privileges in India, in light of the uncertainty and ambiguity around them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"While the Civil Services Board can be a step forward in making the Indian bureaucracy more effective, it has its own issues which need to be addressed. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Highlight the potential of India Digital Ecosystem Architecture (IndEA) 2.0 in transforming the ecosystem of service delivery in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What is Civil Registration System? Highlight its importance and discuss the measures taken by the government to bring about improvements in it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and Their Rehabilitation Act, 2013, provides an effective mechanism for empowerment of the intended beneficiaries in the society. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the reforms that must be undertaken to strengthen the World Trade Organisation in order to address the vulnerabilities in the present global trading system. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"State the significance of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Also, discuss the need for a legally binding Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Critically assess the role played by the National Human Rights Commission as a watchdog of human rights violations in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Discuss how the integration of information and communications technology (ICT) in the dispute resolution processes will help in overcoming the challenges associated with the functioning of courts and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) forums. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite various provisions concerning disqualification of legislators under The Representation of The People Act, 1951, the issue of criminalization of politics is still unresolved to a large extent in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"It is time for reforms, which recognise that urban local bodies (ULBs) need permanent, buoyant revenue sources to match the growing demands of an increasing urban population. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The role of the civil society organisations (CSOs) in India is changing in contemporary times and has become increasingly more complex. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Though the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) aims to address the inequity in development in India, there are a number of issues which plague the scheme. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Highlighting the factors responsible for the growth of EdTech sector in India in recent times, discuss its benefits. Also, state the concerns associated with it. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Bring out the role of Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers in delivering health services in rural India. Also, suggest the measures that can be taken to overcome the challenges faced by them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss the various concerns that have arisen for India after the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan. Also, suggest the measures that India should take in the given context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Bangladesh is not only a key part of India's \"Neighbourhood First policy\" but also crucial for the \"Act East policy\". 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(150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Bring out the evidences, which led to the Plate Tectonics Theory. Also, discuss how this theory explains the movement of plates. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Give an account of the formation of Abyssal Plains and highlight the relief features found on these plains. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What are the geographical and climatic conditions required for tea cultivation? In this context, discuss the reasons for the introduction of tea cultivation in the Duars region of the Himalayas by the British. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Briefly bring out the distinction between flash droughts and conventional droughts. Also, examine the reasons behind the increasing vulnerability of India to flash droughts. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Though various initiatives have been taken to ensure social security for informal workers in India, there still exist gaps which need to be plugged. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Critically assess the government's move on raising the age of marriage of women in India from 18 to 21 years. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Reservation for locals in private sector has again brought the debate around regionalism into focus. In this context, examine whether regionalism is a threat to national integration. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Explain how agricultural surplus, growth of crafts and trade, and growing population led to the second urbanisation in ancient India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"India of the 18th century failed to make progress economically, culturally and socially at a pace, which would have saved the country from collapse. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The withdrawal of the Civil Disobedience Movement triggered a two-stage debate on the strategic course of India's freedom struggle. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Throw light on the causes, course and outcomes of the Civil War, which followed the Russian Revolution. Also, bring out the reasons behind the Bolshevik victory. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What are Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs)? Highlighting the susceptibility of the Himalayan region to GLOFs, state the measures required to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Highlighting the importance of ice sheets, discuss the likely impact of their melting on the planet with special focus on India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are twin cyclones? Discuss the role of Rossby waves and Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) in their formation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Since independence, planning strategies for women's upliftment has evolved from welfare to development to empowerment. Elucidate. Also, discuss the role played by voluntary organizations in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How far do you agree with the view that globalisation has aggravated the challenges faced by the poor in India? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":177,"topper":"Abhay Rajendra Daga","air":185,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e3909-1060011_2211_abhay_rajendra_daga_rank_185.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":178,"topper":"Abhay Rajendra Daga","air":185,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Abhay-Rajendra-Daga-UPSC-2023-Rank-185-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":179,"topper":"Abhay Rajendra Daga","air":185,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Abhay-Rajendra-Daga-UPSC-2023-Rank-185-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":180,"topper":"Abhay Rajendra Daga","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Abhay-Rajendra-Daga-UPSC-2023-Rank-185-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The influence of ethical principles on shaping socially responsible behavior is widely acknowledged. How do ethical values facilitate individuals in cultivating a proactive and constructive attitude towards fulfilling their social responsibilities? Can the subjective nature of ethical principles lead to divergent attitudes regarding social responsibility? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Through their actions, interactions, and teachings, schools have the power to mold the moral compass of the next generation. In this perspective, discuss the significance of value-based education in preparing the youth to address the contemporary challenges of society. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'situation ethics'? Critically analyze its strengths and weaknesses in making moral judgements. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Maintaining traditional bonds and familial relationships in an increasingly globalized world requires personal relationships to be governed by ethical principles. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Why should a man be moral? Because it strengthens his will.\" - Swami Vivekanand. In this perspective, discuss the significance of morality for bringing efficiency and effectiveness in public administration. Do you think moral rigidity can be a hindrance in good governance? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Civil servants who embody emotional intelligence exhibit a profound understanding of the human aspect of governance, enabling them to cultivate meaningful relationships, foster cooperation, and drive positive change. Examine ways in which Emotional Intelligence can be inculcated in civil servants. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The challenges posed by the corporate sector's impact on climate, environmental sustainability, and living conditions has highlighted the need for responsible and inclusive business practices. In this direction, the contemporary discourse on corporate governance is emphasizing the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. Evaluate the ESG framework in equipping the corporate world with the capabilities to fulfill its social roles and responsibilities. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Uniform Civil Code (UCC) aims to create a common set of laws governing personal matters, such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption, irrespective of individuals' religious affiliations. In the context of the ongoing discourse on UCC in India, examine the challenges that arise when attempting to reconcile legal principles with diverse moral 'considerations. To what extent should the law be influenced by moral/religious principles? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What does each of the following quotation mean to you? a) \"When I do good, I feel good; when I do bad, I feel bad, and that is my religion\" - Abraham Lincoln. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time.\" - Ruth Bader Ginsburg. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"\"Happiness is that state of consciousness which proceeds from the achievement of one's values\" - Ayn Rand. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":181,"topper":"Abhi Jain","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/ABHI-JAIN-UPSC-2024-Rank-34-MGP-Sample-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Q.1) a) Ethics in private life may reflect personal beliefs; in public life, they must uphold legal and societal norms. Discuss the contrasting ways in which ethical principles operate in private & public relationships.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":4,"question":"1) b) Despite legal provisions, instances of sexual violence against women continue to rise. How can a \"change in attitude\" address this issue?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"2) a) Do you agree with the utilitarian principle that 'the greatest happiness of the greatest no.' should guide decision-making and public policy formulation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"Q-3) a) Importance of Experience ?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"b) The essence of business is profit, but it must be achieved through responsible & sustainable practices. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"6) a) What are the ethical concerns associated with AI? How can ethics help in resolving them?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"b) While some argue that values are influenced by temporal and situational factors, others uphold the belief in timeless & universal human values. What is your opinion in this regard?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"a) Reasons for increasing cyber-bullying incidents:","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"5) Ethics in Corporate Governance - as remedy","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"My Question What is development, if people suffer?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":182,"topper":"Abhi Jain","air":34,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/PSIR-T1-ABHI-JAIN-34-1750231377627.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":183,"topper":"Abhi Jain","air":34,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/PSIR-T4-ABHI-JAIN-34-1750231405318.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":184,"topper":"Abhigyan Khaund","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7bc70-392450_4514_abhigyan-khaund_rank_187.pdf","questions":[{"page":18,"question":"The pursuit of instant validation is creating a generation of restless minds.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":185,"topper":"Abhigyan Khaund","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/282c2-392450_2928_abhigyan-khaund_rank_187.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How does tribal art provide valuable insights into the cultural perspectives and values of Indian tribal communities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What are the key factors that accelerated decolonization post-World War II? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How does human encroachment impact water bodies in urban areas? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How do physical geographical features influence the development and operation of transportation systems? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How are ocean trenches formed? Describe the significant characteristics of these oceanic relief formations. (Answer in 150words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Identify the reasons behind increasing number of extreme rainfall events throughout India in recent times. Assess their socio-economic impact. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"India is expected to have the largest working-age population in the world by 2030 and it cannot afford low participation of women in the workforce anymore. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Do you agree that there has been a progressive secularization of caste in India? Support your view with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Why is inequality increasing in India despite the fall in overall poverty? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"How did the competitive and hostile dynamic between Brahminism and Buddhism over funding, followers, and ideology mark the decline of Buddhism? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"European travellers' accounts in the medieval period have played an important role in shaping our understanding of the empires and people of that period in India. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The British victory in the Battle of Plassey in 1757 not just changed the course of Indian history but also that of the world. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Why was it more difficult to rehabilitate refugees in West Bengal as compared to Punjab after partition? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss the economic and social costs associated with the transition from coal to green energy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Explain the process of formation of volcanic calderas. How do they contribute to the scenic beauty of the region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the reasons behind the increased frequency and intensity of heat waves globally? How will it impact global food security? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India's approach to secularism does not merely challenge inter-religious domination but intra-religious domination as well. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Do you agree with the view that Indian cities are turning into landscapes of stark inequality and social exclusion? What steps can be taken to make urban areas more egalitarian in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":186,"topper":"Abhigyan Khaund","air":187,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WwAIO-2hdy7A97MlqhsuxGyoemRNvyQJ/view","questions":[]},{"id":187,"topper":"Abhigyan Khaund","air":187,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/ABHIGYAN_KHAUND_SS_GS_1_AIR_187_d3bdde52b4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":188,"topper":"Abhigyan Khaund","air":187,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oZmqMHCIhZAksN05VHyt3p6NW-6jBGCD/view","questions":[]},{"id":189,"topper":"Abhigyan Khaund","air":187,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/ABHIGYAN_KHAUND_SS_GS_2_AIR_187_1daf7a7884.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":190,"topper":"Abhigyan Khaund","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6d554-392450_4512_abhigyan-khaund_rank_187.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Analyse the factors that have contributed to India's inclusive economic growth in the past decade. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The Reserve Bank of India's surplus transfers offer the government much-needed fiscal space, yet they are not without challenges. Critically examine the implications of the RBI's surplus transfers to the government. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"To what extent was the first National Monetization Pipeline (NMP) able to meet its objectives? What are the objectives of the new Asset Monetization Plan 2025-30 as announced in the recent 2025 Budget? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Examine the major challenges hindering the Indian textile industry from achieving its full potential in the global value chain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Why has India become increasingly import-dependent for edible oils despite being a major agricultural economy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Air accidents are low-frequency but high-impact events. Examine the disaster management protocols in place for aviation-related emergencies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Chemical pollution poses a grave threat to human health and the environment in India. Discuss the key sources contributing to pervasive chemical contamination and evaluate the effectiveness of existing environmental laws in curbing this problem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Missile defence systems are becoming critical for national security in the face of evolving regional threats and advanced weapon technologies. Explain the working principle of missile defence systems. Critically assess India's progress in developing indigenous missile defence capabilities. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Despite multiple resolutions and initiatives undertaken by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), its efforts to counter terrorism have achieved limited success. Discuss the reasons for this limited effectiveness. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"India practices a 'multi-alignment' approach in its cyber diplomacy. How does this posture strengthen India's internal security while maintaining strategic autonomy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While examining the shortcomings of the land reforms in the past, elaborate what land reforms 2.0 should look like. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"As NITI Aayog completes 10 years of its establishment, critically examine its role in the planning and development paradigm of governance in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What are the primary causes of limited formal credit penetration among the rural and unbanked populations in India? Comment on the effectiveness of Small Finance Banks in addressing this gap and advancing inclusive financial growth.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"To what extent has the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for the food processing industry facilitated value addition, employment generation, and global competitiveness in India's food processing industry? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Waste circularity is emerging as a sustainable solution to India's mounting solid waste crisis. Discuss the key principles of waste circularity and the government's initiative in this regard. How effective have these measures been in fostering a circular economy? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Discuss the importance of integrating traditional ecological knowledge of India's tribal communities with modern disaster management frameworks. Mention two examples where indigenous practices have contributed to disaster resilience. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"CRISPR technology has rapidly advanced in recent years, with new tools and clinical breakthroughs. Highlight the recent developments in CRISPR-based gene editing technology applications. Discuss the opportunities and ethical challenges these advancements present for healthcare and society. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"A credible semiconductor ecosystem is pivotal for India's economic security as much as for national security. Analyse the strategic objectives, incentives, and institutional architecture of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM). Identify the major risks that could derail its timelines. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":191,"topper":"Abhigyan Khaund","air":187,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CjaRomrP_1biYEns2Hm9PmgQFPXlUDws/view","questions":[]},{"id":192,"topper":"Abhigyan Khaund","air":187,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/ABHIGYAN_KHAUND_SS_GS_3_AIR_187_7be84033fe.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":193,"topper":"Abhigyan Khaund","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/09023-392450_4513_abhigyan-khaund_rank_187.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Compassion is the courageous choice to feel another's suffering as one's own, and to act upon it, even when silence is safer and indifference is easier. Examine the significance of compassion as an essential ethical value for civil servants in India. Illustrate your answer with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Marriages in India are transitioning from traditional sacramental unions to more autonomous relationships, reflected in live-in relationships and rising divorce rates. Discuss the ethical dimensions of these changes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"While accountability often necessitates documentation, an overemphasis on bureaucratic procedures and excessive paperwork can inadvertently silence the very voices that public policy intends to empower, particularly at the grassroots. Examine the above statement with suitable illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The principle of impartiality may conflict with the need for compassion towards marginalized communities. Discuss in the context of civil services in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? \"The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home.\" - Confucius (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"\"Act only according to that maxim through which you can at the same time will that it become a universal law.\"- Immanuel Kant (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"We are not only responsible for what we do, but also for what we fail to do\"- Molière. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Patriotism encourages ethical questioning, while nationalism often suppresses it. Discuss this statement in light of the formation of political attitudes during high-pressure national events. How can individuals develop moral attitudes that balance national interest with ethical reasoning? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss how employee well-being and fairness can be balanced with efficiency and profitability in private organisations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Do you agree that excessive use of social media and emerging AI technologies may lead to a decline in emotional regulation and moral sensitivity among adolescents? Justify your answer. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"In light of the increasing incidents of suicides among students in India, discuss how Emotional Intelligence (EI) can aid in managing stress and emotional challenges. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"In public service, emotional intelligence is not about suppressing emotion, but mastering its purpose — to connect, to de-escalate, and to uplift others with empathy and strength. Do you agree with this view? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"An efficient work culture is built not only on rules, but on shared values. In this context, evaluate the role of leadership and team dynamics in transforming work culture within an organization. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"You are posted as the Joint Secretary in the Department of Information Technology of a state. The government recently implemented several citizen-centric digital services, collecting large volumes of personal data from residents. The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, requires that such data be processed only with explicit and informed consent, and mandates that processing must cease immediately upon withdrawal of consent. During an internal audit, you discover that the department continues to process and analyze personal data of several citizens even after they have formally withdrawn their consent. This data is being used for policy analytics and service improvement, purposes not explicitly disclosed at the time of data collection. When you bring this to the attention of your department head, you are informed that halting the processing will disrupt ongoing digital initiatives and may affect state-level performance metrics. Moreover, you find that the consent withdrawal process is cumbersome, and many citizens are unaware of their rights under the DPDP Act. You also learn that a prominent social activist is planning to file a complaint with the Data Protection Board against involuntary use of personal data, which could attract public scrutiny and legal action against the department. (a) Identify and discuss the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) What are the potential consequences for the department if the issue is not addressed transparently? (c) How would you balance the need for efficient public service delivery with the obligation to protect citizens' data rights? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"You are an IAS officer, currently serving as the Secretary of the Public Works Department in a hill state. Recently, a disturbing incident has come to light involving a senior Cabinet Minister and two engineers of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). During an inspection of a critical highway project, the Minister was allegedly seen on video physically assaulting and verbally abusing the engineers in full public view. The video, recorded by bystanders, went viral on social media and was widely covered by television channels, sparking both outrage and support from different sections of society. The Minister later defended his actions, alleging that the officials were corrupt, unresponsive to local grievances, and responsible for inordinate delays in the project. He insisted that his actions were driven by public frustration and the urgency of delivering infrastructure to a remote region. However, the engineers have filed a police complaint and written to their superiors, claiming they were targeted because they resisted political pressure to award contracts to local contractors linked to the Minister. As the situation escalated, an association of NHAI engineers announced a strike, demanding action against the Minister and protection of officer dignity. This has brought several critical infrastructure projects to a standstill, including road connectivity to tribal areas, pre-monsoon repair works, and strategic border roads. You have been directed by the Chief Secretary to prepare a fact-finding report, while also ensuring smooth coordination between state and central agencies. Meanwhile, the Minister's office is informally pressuring you to downplay the incident. The media is sharply divided — some portraying the Minister as a crusader against corruption, others condemning the act as a serious breach of administrative ethics and rule of law. Civil servants across departments have expressed concern about personal safety, dignity, and increasing political interference, while citizens are now growing restless due to halted infrastructure works. (a) What are the key ethical issues involved in this situation? Identify the stakeholders and their conflicting interests. (b) As the Secretary of the PWD, what actions will you take in above situation? (c) How do such incidents affect the morale of civil servants and public trust in governance? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"You are the Secretary in the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Government of India. In recent years, an increasing number of civil servants, particularly younger officers from the IAS, IPS, and IRS, have begun maintaining personal YouTube channels and social media pages. On these platforms, they regularly post videos related to their official work — showcasing innovative projects, public outreach initiatives, inspection drives, and sometimes even day-to-day administrative duties. These videos often receive widespread public attention, and many viewers express admiration, saying such content enhances transparency, motivates aspirants, and humanizes the bureaucracy. However, concerns have also emerged from various quarters. Senior officers argue that such content may blur the boundaries between personal branding and public service, while some citizens and media commentators point to instances where videos feature vulnerable beneficiaries without consent, raise concerns about misuse of official premises, or seem designed more for personal popularity than public accountability. In one instance, a District Magistrate was seen scolding teachers on camera during a surprise inspection of a school — this video was later posted on his personal YouTube channel, which is also monetized. Some people appreciated the strict stance adopted by the officer, while others criticized the public scolding of teachers and the violation of the dignity of service. In another case, a police officer was seen directing a rescue operation while his staff filmed it with a drone camera, which was later edited into an inspirational video for social media. You have been asked to prepare a report with recommendations to maintain a balance between public interest, institutional integrity, and changing modes of communication. (a) Identify the ethical issues involved in the act of civil servants publicly showcasing their official work on social media. (b) Do such practices encourage awareness and inspiration or do they compromise the values of anonymity, neutrality, and collective service? Give your opinion. (c) As a Secretary, what guidelines and policy recommendations would you suggest to ensure responsible digital engagement of civil servants? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"In one case, a district magistrate was seen filming a surprise school inspection in which teachers were scolded on camera — the video was later posted to his personal YouTube channel that is also monetized. While some praised the officer's strictness, others criticized the public shaming of teachers and the breach of service dignity. In another case, a police officer was seen directing a flood rescue operation while his staff filmed drone footage, later edited into a motivational video for social media. You have been asked to prepare a report with recommendations to balance public interest, institutional integrity, and evolving modes of communication. (a) Identify the ethical issues involved in civil servants publicly showcasing their official work on social media. (b) Do such practices promote awareness and motivation, or do they compromise the values of anonymity, neutrality, and collective service ethos? Give your opinion. (c) As the Secretary, what guiding principles and policy recommendations would you suggest to ensure responsible digital engagement by civil servants? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"You are the Director of the National Bioethics Commission who is responsible for assessing the ethical feasibility and oversight of a nationwide gene sequencing program. The project named GeneFuture, aims to sequence the DNA of every newborn child and store it in a centralized national database. The objective is to identify genetic predispositions to serious diseases early in life, allowing for preventive treatment and personalized medicine. Over 100,000 babies have already been enrolled in the pilot phase of the program. The government claims that this move is a landmark step in public health advancement. However, collection of newborn genetic data raises significant ethical concerns, particularly around informed consent, which may not fully capture parents' understanding of the long-term risks involved. Once gathered, this sensitive data could be misused for purposes such as surveillance, insurance discrimination, or commercial marketing by third parties. Uncertainty about data ownership—whether it lies with the state, parents, or the individual as they mature—further complicates the issue. The involvement of private tech and pharmaceutical companies heightens fears of commercial exploitation, especially in the absence of clear mechanisms for individuals to withdraw consent or delete their genetic information upon reaching adulthood. (a) What are the ethical issues you perceive in the implementation of the GeneFuture program? (b) Identify the conflicting interests of different stakeholders in this case. (c) What guiding ethical principles would you recommend for implementation of this project? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"You are a dedicated District Health Officer (DHO) with a strong commitment to evidence-based public health practices, recently assigned to a remote district in India. Your immediate and most critical task is to lead a crucial district-wide Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination drive, aimed at achieving 100% immunization coverage among children aged 9 months to 15 years. The success of this drive is vital for the collective health of thousands of children and for the district's overall health indicators, especially with the impending monsoon season posing additional health challenges. However, in one of the largest and most traditional villages in your district, you encounter spiritual leader, firmly believe that vaccinations are an intrusion by malevolent spirits, an attempt by external forces to control their population, or will cause infertility in their children. They insist that their traditional herbal remedies and ritualistic blessings are sufficient protection. This spiritual leader, a genuinely well-meaning but unyielding figure, sincerely believes these vaccinations are harmful and has publicly advised his followers against them, citing anecdotal 'failures' and ancient prophecies. His word is paramount for the community's adherence to traditional ways of life. This has led to an almost complete boycott of the vaccination camps in the village, despite extensive awareness campaigns. Your health workers, some of whom are local and fear social ostracization or even physical harm, are facing intense hostility. The state health department is exerting immense pressure to achieve targets, warning of severe consequences for any district failing to meet the immunization goals. Simultaneously, they strictly caution against any use of force that could lead to public unrest, emphasizing the need for 'consensus-based' public health. An impending large annual fair, which will draw crowds from multiple villages and regions, heightens the immediate and severe risk of a rapid MR outbreak if this village remains unvaccinated, posing a grave threat to the wider district and potentially beyond. (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case. (b) What are the immediate options available to you to overcome this resistance? (c) What long-term strategies and systemic reforms would you suggest to address the pervasive influence of superstition and foster a scientific temperament for sustainable public health outcomes? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":194,"topper":"Abhigyan Khaund","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c54fc-392450_2931_abhigyan-khaund_rank_187.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The end cannot justify the means, for the simple and obvious reason that the means employed determine the nature of the ends produced. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss how the relationship between law and ethics is dynamic and continuously shaped by societal changes. Provide examples to illustrate this dynamic relationship. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Differentiate between probity and integrity with suitable examples. How do these values contribute to ethical governance and decision-making in the civil services? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the ethical implications of withholding information in public administration. How can transparency enhance accountability and reduce corruption in government institutions? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \" - \"- \"There is no school equal to a decent home and no teacher equal to a virtuous parent.\"- Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What factors lead to a positive attitude in a person? How does positive attitude enhance the effectiveness of civil servants in performing their duties? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss how emotional intelligence can influence ethical decision-making in the allocation of scarce public resources. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Various international humanitarian organizations provide emergency aid in conflict zones around the world. Highlight the ethical challenges faced by such organizations. What are the principles that guide international humanitarian work? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Why is persuasion regarded as an important skill for civil servants? What are the key considerations that should guide persuasion in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"What role can ethical leadership play in curbing corruption, especially in public service? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"What were the major teachings of Swami Dayanand Saraswati? Explain their relevance in addressing the current ethical and social challenges in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":33,"question":"Discuss the ethical dilemma Karan faces in deciding whether to report the incident against Mariyam's wishes. (b) Evaluate the options available to Karan. Which of these options should he choose and why? (c) What responsibilities do organizations like XYZ Corp have in preventing and addressing sexual harassment and creating inclusive workplace environments? (Answer in 250 words)20","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What are the options available to Jay as the Commissioner of the Education Department? Evaluate each of these options. (b) What option should Jay adopt and why? (c) How can civil servants like Jay be better protected when they attempt to uphold ethical standards in their work? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"As the District Magistrate of X city, you are responsible for overseeing the construction of a new metro depot in an urban forest area, which is a critical infrastructure project aimed at improving public transportation and reducing traffic congestion and air pollution. The project, however, requires the clearance of a substantial portion of the forest, which has triggered strong opposition from environmental activists, local residents, and NGOs. This forest is widely regarded as essential for the city's ecological balance, often referred to as the city's \"lungs.\" In addition to the environmental concerns, you are under considerable pressure from politicians at the state-level to expedite the project, given the upcoming elections in two years. The political leadership emphasizes the benefits of the metro project for the city's development and its potential to garner electoral support. The project is expected to significantly reduce travel time for thousands of commuters and potentially decrease overall vehicle emissions in the city. However, it would also lead to the loss of thousands of trees and disrupt local ecosystems. As you prepare to make a decision, you are aware that your choice will have far-reaching consequences for both the city's development and its environment. (a) Identify the ethical dilemmas involved in the above case. (b) Evaluate the options available to you in the above situation. Which of these would you choose and why? (c) Suggest some measures that could be implemented to balance urban development needs with environmental conservation in future projects. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Dr. Mehra is a senior drug developer at a leading pharmaceutical company in India, renowned for producing various medications, including lifesaving drugs critical for treating chronic and rare diseases. Since its inception, the company has emphasized the quality and affordability of its drugs. Recently, under revised government guidelines, pharmaceutical companies are required to market a finished product only after obtaining \"satisfactory results\" from tests on the ingredients. Additionally, they must retain a sufficient quantity of samples of both intermediate and final products to allow repeated testing or verification of a batch. Dr. Mehra's team is in the final stages of developing a new medication for a rare but life-threatening disease. This drug has shown promising results in clinical trials. However, there have been unresolved concerns about the long-term side effects of the drug, observed in a small percentage of trial subjects. Despite this, the company has not released any major drug in the past decade, leading to significant pressure from the board members to expedite the drug's release. (a) Identify the stakeholders in the above case study. (b) Discuss the ethical issues faced by Dr. Mehra. (c) Analyse the options available to Dr. Mehra in the above case. Which of these would you choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":58,"question":"Arun, renowned for his integrity and dedication, has recently assumed the role of Superintendent at a state Pollution Control Board. This posting, his fourth in just one year, includes the responsibility of overseeing Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs). In his new position, Arun becomes aware of a copper smelting plant situated near a crucial wetland that serves as the primary water source for the region. Despite the plant's notorious reputation for heavy pollution, the current EIA, presented to Arun by the Chairperson, indicates no significant impact on the wetland. The next assessment is not scheduled for another two years. One day, Arun receives a letter from a politician affiliated with the opposition party. The letter contains evidence suggesting that the current EIA results are based on falsified lab reports, allegedly approved by the Chairperson. The Chairperson is known to have close ties with the ruling party, which has been receiving substantial donations from the plant's operators. The opposition politician urges Arun to expose the Chairperson from within the department, arguing that this approach could effectively pressurize the government to conduct a new EIA. He promises Arun significant rewards and support once their party comes to power, an outcome suggested by recent opinion polls. While the evidence presented is compelling, Arun remains cautious about the possibility of being exploited as a political pawn. He is acutely aware of the potential consequences of his actions, both for his career and for the environment. (a) In light of the above case, discuss the ethical issues that may arise from the nexus between corporate, political, and bureaucratic interests. (b) As a conscientious civil servant, evaluate the options available to Arun. Which option should he choose and why?(Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":59,"question":"In light of the above case, discuss the ethical issues that may arise from the nexus between corporate, political, and bureaucratic interests. (b) As a conscientious civil servant, evaluate the options available to Arun. Which option should he choose and why?(Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":195,"topper":"Abhigyan Khaund","air":187,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/ABHIGYAN_KHAUND_SS_GS_4_AIR_187_0abfd7c874.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":196,"topper":"Abhijeet Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2025_unchecked_GS25D1B21082_FLT2509.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Pillars are not merely architectural marvels, but also serve as crucial sources of ancient Indian history. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"To what extent did early economic nationalists like Dadabhai Naoroji shape the intellectual foundations of the Indian freedom movement? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How did the Indian national movement influence freedom movements across the world? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How does the movement of continental plates help explain the spatial distribution of earthquakes in specific regions of the world? Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"River interlinking is seen as a means to reduce regional water stress. Discuss its advantages and examine the possible environmental and social implications. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the localisation factors for the textile industry in India and examine its economic significance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What are loess deposits, and why do they constitute some of the most agriculturally productive regions of the world? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Screen-based education has improved accessibility but also created new behavioural and social challenges for children. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Why are protectionist and xenophobic trends against Indians rising in the West, despite the global embrace of Indian culture and soft power? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The caste system in India has adapted to the forces of modernisation, urbanisation, and economic liberalisation. Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":31,"question":"Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Jawaharlal Nehru differed in their approach to nation-building, yet their shared vision was instrumental in shaping modern India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"The Swadeshi Movement marked a significant shift in India's freedom struggle from passive resistance to active mass mobilisation. In this context, discuss the strategies, social impact, and limitations of the movement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"The Western Ghats and the Northeastern Hills receive some of the highest rainfall during the southwest monsoon in India. Discuss the mechanisms responsible for heavy rainfall in these regions and analyse the monsoon's influence on human life in these regions. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Differentiate between forest cover, tree cover, and green cover. How do forest ecosystems in India contribute to climate resilience and carbon sequestration? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Account for the salinity variations in the world's oceans. How does this variation impact ocean circulation and marine ecosystems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"How does the polar cryosphere play a pivotal role in regulating the Earth's climate system? Also, enumerate the key factors responsible for rapid warming in the Arctic. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"\"Religious pluralism and secularism are integral to India's social fabric, but their coexistence requires constant negotiation.\" Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Discuss the intersection of class, gender, and geography in determining women's access to opportunities in the Indian service sector. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"\"Despite a strong continuity in traditional family values, Indian society is witnessing rising trends of delayed marriage, increasing divorce rates, and family disruption.\" Discuss the socio-economic and cultural factors contributing to this shift. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":197,"topper":"Abhijeet Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2025_unchecked_GS25D1B21082_FLT2501.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Cave paintings are the visual autobiography of a prehistoric man. What can we infer about prehistoric beliefs and social practices from the cave paintings in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"Colonial education policy, intended to create obedient clerks, became a channel for political awakening and national self-assertion.\" Discuss (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Evaluate the extent to which the Gupta economy facilitated cultural and scientific advancements. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How are changing family structures and migration trends increasingly leading to the social isolation of the elderly in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"In what ways does urbanization challenge traditional notions of social cohesion in Indian society? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Safety and mobility are gendered constraints that significantly influence women's participation in the labour force in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Is globalisation leading to the erosion of local languages and traditional culture in India? Justify your answer. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Neo-spiritual movements in India reflect the fusion of tradition, modernity, and digital influence in the practice of faith. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"How does the status and role of women in tribal societies differ from gender norms in mainstream Indian society? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Do diaspora communities act as custodians of Indian cultural traditions or agents of cultural change? Critically examine with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"What do the accounts of Arab and European travellers reveal about the nature of social and economic life in medieval India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Examine the role played by reformist organizations like the Brahmo Samaj and Arya Samaj in addressing various social issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Examine the ways in which Gandhian mass movements opened political space for Indian women. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Despite legal and educational advances, why do certain social practices, such as dowry, caste endogamy, or child marriage, continue to persist in modern India? Analyse with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"\"Modern parenting in India is increasingly balancing traditional expectations and emerging societal norms. Analyse the social implications of this tension.\" (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"With the rise of digital media influencers, traditional role models in Indian society are being replaced. Analyse its impact on youth behaviour and value systems. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Urbanization is posing a threat to the existing urban infrastructure. Discuss the developmental issues it poses and its impact on urban communities. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Caste in India today operates more as a system of identity assertion than of rigid hierarchy. Discuss this transformation in the context of caste group mobilisation and economic change. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Have regional identities in India evolved from cultural expressions to organised assertions of autonomy? Discuss their implications for national cohesion. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"The rise of the new middle class in India is marked by a culture of consumption. In what ways is the transition from conscious to impulsive consumption affecting family structure and dynamics in urban India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":198,"topper":"Abhijeet Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2025_unchecked_GS25D1B21082_FLT2510.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Socialistic ideals and secularism are core features of the Basic Structure doctrine in India. In this context, discuss how judicial decisions have cemented these principles as the cornerstone of constitutional identity. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"There is a need to expand the scope of 'corrupt practices' under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, to address emerging forms of electoral malpractices.\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Analyse the distinguishing perspectives on equality as reflected in the constitutional frameworks of India and France. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The shrinking effective share of States in the Union's gross tax revenues, coupled with equity-heavy criteria in horizontal devolution, raises critical concerns for fiscal federalism in India. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"Citizenship is the legal foundation of constitutional rights and responsibilities.\" Discuss how India's approach to citizenship reflects its commitment to constitutional values. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Declining fertility rates, coupled with rising life expectancy, require a shift from fertility-focused interventions to human capital investments. Examine in the light of recent population trends. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"The quality of governance is critically linked to the extent and nature of citizen participation in democratic processes.\" Discuss using examples in the Indian context. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"Low alignment between educational outcomes and market needs can widen social and economic inequalities.\" Examine this statement in the context of India's skills ecosystem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"The weakening commitment of major powers to international health frameworks poses serious challenges to equitable global cooperation.\" Discuss in light of the U.S. withdrawal from the WHO and its implications for India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The ongoing conflict in West Asia has exposed the vulnerabilities of regional diplomacy. In this light, discuss the implications of the West Asian conflict for India's strategic autonomy and regional engagement. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"\"Department-related Standing Committees serve as the institutional backbone of legislative scrutiny, yet their potential remains underutilised.\" Critically analyse the challenges faced by Parliamentary Committees in ensuring executive accountability in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"\"President's Rule is a constitutional mechanism to deal with governance failure, not political convenience.\" Under what circumstances can President's Rule be imposed in a State? Discuss the constitutional safeguards and judicial verdicts associated with it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"The recently released Devolution Index reveals wide variation in the performance of States in empowering Panchayati Raj Institutions. While explaining the reasons behind this variation, discuss the role of capacity-building initiatives in enabling PRIs to fulfil their constitutional mandate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"\"In the evolving constitutional and political landscape, the effectiveness of statutory commissions depends on their structural autonomy and independence.\" Discuss in the context of the growing demand for constitutional status for statutory commissions like the National Commission for Women (NCW) and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"\"An independent judiciary is essential for upholding constitutional values, but it must also remain accountable to preserve public trust.\" Discuss in the context of recent issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Institutional autonomy of sectoral regulators is critical for ensuring credibility, transparency, and fair competition. In light of recent incidents, examine the issues pertaining to the independence and autonomy of regulatory bodies in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"How far do you think a caste census is a necessary step toward realising the goals of social justice and equitable development, despite the administrative challenges it poses? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"\"The complexity of modern governance demands adaptive and dynamic administrative reforms.\" Evaluate the role of administrative reforms in improving efficiency, transparency, and responsiveness in Indian governance. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"The trajectory of India-China relations in the last 75 years reflects a balance between pragmatic cooperation and unresolved strategic tensions. Discuss the contours of this evolving policy and highlight the measures India should take to counterbalance asymmetries with China. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"The evolution of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) from a maritime security grouping to a multidimensional partnership reflects changing strategic realities in the Indo-Pacific. In this context, examine the opportunities and challenges that QUAD presents for India's regional aspirations and strategic autonomy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":199,"topper":"Abhijeet Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2025_unchecked_GS25D1B21082_FLT2502.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"\"The Cold War was less a military confrontation and more a battle of ideologies.\" Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Critically examine the impact of the Emergency on Indian democracy and civil liberties. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Explain the geological features and ecological importance of the Eastern Ghats. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"India faces a looming freshwater crisis despite its vast river systems. Discuss the causes and evaluate integrated water resource management strategies for sustainability. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How do the Deccan and Chotanagpur plateaus differ in their physical characteristics and resource potential? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Compare the characteristics of east-flowing and west-flowing rivers with suitable examples. Why do most rivers in India flow eastward? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The Arctic region is emerging as a new frontier for resource exploration. Discuss the opportunities and challenges for India in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Explain the origin of the Indian islands in the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss how inland water transport can alter the economy of eastern India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Desertification is not merely a land degradation issue; it is a silent threat to global ecological stability and food security. Discuss (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"India's linguistic diversity is not a challenge to national integration but a testament to its cultural resilience.' Discuss in the context of contemporary debates on language policy and identity politics in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Discuss the agro-climatic factors necessary for tea cultivation. Why is its production concentrated in specific pockets of Eastern and Southern India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"What are rift valleys, and how are they formed? Explain their geomorphological and economic significance. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"What is 'Blue Revolution'? Discuss the major challenges faced in the development of aquaculture in India. Suggest a set of comprehensive strategies to overcome these challenges. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"With accelerating glacial melt in the Himalayas, GLOFs pose a severe hazard downstream. Analyse the causes, impacts, and mitigation strategies related to GLOFs in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Using suitable examples, discuss the conditions required for the formation of salt pans and mangroves in India. How do these ecosystems support coastal resilience? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Explain the spatial and temporal variation in $\\text{PM}_{2.5}$ and $\\text{PM}_{10}$ concentrations in India. Why have the clean air programmes failed to yield desired results? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"What factors are responsible for landslides in the Western Ghats? Discuss some mitigation measures to minimize their impact. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"Classify the different types of lakes based on their geomorphological origin. Why are certain lake types more prevalent in specific regions of the world? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":200,"topper":"Abhijeet Jain","air":170,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2025_unchecked_GS25D1B21082_FLT2503.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":201,"topper":"Abhijeet Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2025_unchecked_GS25D1B21082_FLT2508.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Discuss how care ethics challenges the assumptions of both utilitarian and Kantian ethics. In what ways can care ethics offer more context-sensitive approaches to public policy dilemmas, such as elder care or education? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Explain the key factors contributing to the formation of attitudes. How can an understanding of these factors enable public administrators to transform regressive social attitudes? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"Public servants often face ethical dilemmas not due to the absence of rules, but because of conflicting values.\" Comment on this statement and illustrate how competing values can complicate decision-making in public administration. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Do you agree that ethical accountability must go beyond institutional audits and legal compliance? Discuss with examples how informal accountability can shape ethical conduct in government offices. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss the limitations of codes of ethics & conduct in ensuring ethical behaviour in public service. How can ethical competence be cultivated beyond mere reliance on codes and manuals? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Evaluate the impact of political pressures on ethical autonomy in public administration. How can civil servants maintain integrity while operating in politically volatile environments? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Explore the role of ethical traditions in shaping conduct within public administration. How do conflicts among these traditions affect coherence and consistency in ethical decision-making? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Critically examine how both actual and perceived conflicts of interest can undermine ethical integrity in public administration. What institutional mechanisms are necessary to address such conflicts before they erode public trust and administrative fairness? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"Public service is not about rewards, but responsibility.\" In a socio-political context where public office is often used for self-promotion or patronage is it possible to cultivate a culture of ethical restraint and selfless service? Justify your answer with reference to institutional practices and individual values. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Ethical public service involves not only the avoidance of corruption but also the assurance of quality and fairness in delivery. What do you understand by \"quality\" in public service delivery? Identify the key components of ethical service delivery and suggest how they can be institutionalised in day-to-day governance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context? (a) \"Good people do not need laws to tell them to act responsibly, while bad people will find a way around the laws.\" Plato (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":34,"question":"You are posted as the Chief Development Officer (CDO) in a rural district that has historically underperformed in infrastructure and social indicators. A centrally sponsored rural housing scheme intended for the poorest families, is under implementation. Your district has lagged behind targets due to faulty beneficiary lists, incomplete documentation, and lack of field-level staff coordination. At a divisional review meeting, your superior, the Divisional Commissioner, gives a clear verbal message: \"We cannot be the lowest-performing zone. 90% target completion in 45 days - get it done quietly. You know how the system works.\" He then adds, \"Performance reviews are around the corner - don't fall behind.\" When you raise the issue of land ownership and incomplete site readiness, he responds bluntly: \"Sort the files. Push the paperwork. No one's asking you to build castles - just show progress.\" On return, your team informs you that several other districts have already uploaded fabricated progress reports. Your own data entry staff and some Block Development Officers (BDOs) hint that you're \"overthinking it\", and that even senior officials expect you to \"fall in line.\" They also note that stalling may affect your next posting - particularly if you're perceived as \"non-cooperative.\" Meanwhile, you receive complaints from genuine beneficiaries whose names were left off the housing list due to a technical error. Correcting this would require re-verification, delaying progress further. The media is unaware, and no formal written directive exists, but the political pressure is mounting informally. You must now decide how to proceed. Question (a) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas involved in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you as the CDO? Evaluate each in terms of administrative feasibility and ethical consequences. (c) What will be your chosen course of action? Justify your response using ethical reasoning and public service values. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"IAS , , , , - , , - , - , AXY, , - AXY - \" \" \" \" , , CBC, - , , , - - , \"AXY\" , ; \" , , CBC \" - - CBC : \" \" , , AXY \" \" \" \" - (a) (Ethical Issues) ? (b) ? (Ethical Reasoning) (c) , ? 20 You are a senior IAS officer appointed as the Relief Commissioner of a state that has been hit by severe monsoon floods. Several districts are under water, thousands are displaced, and the Chief Minister has declared a state emergency. You are overseeing emergency coordination across districts. Relief materials — food, water, medicine, and tents — are limited, and logistics are strained. One particular district AXY, has a strong media presence and politically sensitive, as a high-profile bye-election is due to take place there in a few weeks. The District Magistrate of AXY calls your office repeatedly, asking for an urgent increase in relief allocation, citing worsening conditions and \"unavoidable political visibility.\" Meanwhile, another interior district — CBC — is worse hit on all official impact parameters: casualty numbers, infrastructure damage, and displacement. However, it is remote, under-reported, and lacks media or political visibility. The local Collector, a relatively junior officer, sends data-driven reports but makes no political noise. Your control room staff quietly suggests prioritizing AXY due to its visibility: \"That's where our phones ring off the hook. If something goes wrong, the Commissioner's office won't ask about CBC.\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"There is no clear guideline on prioritisation. Your logistics officer proposes splitting materials evenly — but that would undermine CBC's critical need. Your written mandate only says, \"Ensure equitable and prompt distribution based on need and urgency.\" To complicate matters further, you receive a call from the Chief Minister's Office, \"urging\" that AXY's issues be given \"immediate attention\" — though no official order follows. Questions (a) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas you can identify in this situation? (b) What are the options available to you? Evaluate them in terms of ethical reasoning and governance impact. (c) What will be your course of action, and how will you justify it using principles of public service ethics? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"MedPharm Ltd. is a reputed pharmaceutical company known for manufacturing affordable generic medicines. Its products are distributed nationwide through both private channels and government procurement programs. The company is preparing for a major IPO within the next six months. In early March, a government hospital in a Tier-2 city reports that patients administered MedPharm's widely used antibiotic \"Xefamed\" developed severe adverse reactions, including two fatalities. Initial reports are shared with the company's regional distributor, but no formal escalation is made to corporate headquarters. Meanwhile, an internal quality assurance report, reviewed two weeks earlier, had flagged inconsistencies in the production batch linked to the hospital. However, the senior leadership team decided not to halt distribution, citing the urgency of meeting large state government orders and avoiding disruption in rural health schemes. A mid-level Quality executive, disturbed by the silence, emails the CEO and threatens to alert external regulators and the media. The company's legal and PR teams convene an emergency meeting. The advice is to deny any link until lab results are conclusive, and to describe it publicly as an \"isolated incident under internal review.\" Behind closed doors, the senior leadership considers quietly recalling the batch from urban private pharmacies - where consumer awareness is high - while continuing distribution through public hospitals, citing that \"the public health ecosystem cannot afford panic.\" The ethics & compliance officer voices concerns about this approach, but is told not to \"interfere in operational strategy.\" At this point, a popular journalist contacts the company with a leaked version of the Quality report. The board is informed and is deeply concerned about negative media coverage impacting the IPO. There is no final proof that the drug caused the deaths, but the circumstantial link is strong, and internal records show prior awareness. Questions. (a) What are the key ethical issues and lapses evident in the case? (b) What are the options available to the company's leadership? Evaluate them in terms of public accountability and stakeholder impact. (c) If you were the CEO what course of action would you recommend and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"You are posted as Project Director of the District Rural Livelihoods Mission. The state has launched a performance-based ranking system where districts are graded monthly based on coverage, fund utilization, and digitized reporting. Your district, once a laggard, has climbed rapidly to the top five. A major reason is Rajeev, your Data and Monitoring Officer — an engineer with sharp analytical skills and a reputation for \"fixing\" bottlenecks. He introduced dashboards, streamlined MIS reporting, and pushed teams to update records within tight deadlines. The state team has praised your office's turn-around, and Rajeev is seen as a model officer. However, problems have begun surfacing. Field staff report being pressured to upload incomplete beneficiary data and show 100% progress, even when fieldwork lags. Women's Self-Help Group (SHG) coordinators have raised concerns about Rajeev's tone — dismissive, often scolding them for being \"slow and emotional.\" A few have stopped attending review meetings. You recently received a call from a block coordinator who alleged that she was humiliated in front of others and warned to \"fall in line or quit.\" Though no written complaints exist, informal feedback suggests rising resentment, fear, and manipulation of data to avoid conflict with Rajeev. Rajeev defends his actions as necessary to \"fix an inefficient, sentimental setup.\" Technically, targets are being met. But you're beginning to question whether this is performance — or a collapse in institutional culture. Question (a) What are the ethical issues and organisational culture concerns in this situation? (b) What are your options as Project Director? Assess them through the parameters of emotional intelligence and ethical leadership. (c) What will be your chosen course of action and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Questions (a) What are the ethical issues and organisational culture concerns in this situation? (b) What are your options as Project Director? Assess them through the parameters of emotional intelligence and ethical leadership. (c) What will be your chosen course of action and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"You are a CEO of the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA). Your district received a ₹12 crore allocation under a central scheme for promoting rural micro-enterprises. As per guidelines, funds are to be disbursed to trained Self-Help Groups (SHGs) after business plans are vetted and support structures (mentors, credit linkages) are in place. However, due to a delayed rollout at the state level, only 20% of SHGs have been trained. The district resource team is understaffed, and bank linkage is pending in many blocks. With only six weeks left in the financial year, you receive pressure from the district Collector and the state nodal officer to \"ensure 100% utilization.\" You're told that underutilization may lead to reduced allocations next year, and your district may lose \"performer\" status. Some colleagues suggest that funds can be routed through \"mature\" SHGs regardless of readiness, and regularization can be \"managed\" later. A few NGO partners and field officers express concern: without full preparation, many SHGs may misuse or waste funds, leading to debt cycles, failed businesses, and audit objections. However, some local representatives argue that delaying funds will disappoint communities and \"punish them for bureaucratic delays.\" No formal wrongdoing has occurred yet, but the pressure to release funds quickly is mounting — even if institutional capacity is clearly not in place. Question (a) What are the ethical and administrative issues in this case? (b) What are your options available? Evaluate them in the light of Ethical Governance and prudent public fund management. (c) What action will you take and why? Justify it in the context of civil service values, accountability and long-term programme integrity. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"Questions (a) What are the ethical and administrative issues in this case? (b) What options are available to you? Evaluate them in light of ethical governance and prudent public fund management. (c) What course of action will you take, and why? Justify with reference to public service values, accountability, and long-term program integrity. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":202,"topper":"Abhijeet Jain","air":170,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2025_unchecked_GS25D1B21082_FLT2504.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":203,"topper":"Abhijeet Sinha","air":19,"year":2017,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/22839_932_Abhijeet_Rank_19.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":204,"topper":"Abhijeet Sinha","air":19,"year":2017,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/22839_929_Abhijeet_Rank_19.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":205,"topper":"Abhijeet Sinha","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/22839_872_Abhijeet_Rank_19.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The \"Outcome Budget\" reflects the endeavour of the Government to convert \"Outlays\" into \"Outcomes\". Explain. Also, discuss why the potential of outcome budgeting remains untapped in the Indian context. (Answer in 200 words)","marks":null,"words":"200"},{"page":6,"question":"What is agroforestry? Discuss its potential in making agriculture sustainable and viable. In this context, discuss the salient features of National Agroforestry Policy. (Answer in 200 words)","marks":null,"words":"200"},{"page":9,"question":"Comment on the problem of rising Non Performing Assets (NPAs) in India, with particular reference to public sector banks. Examine the effectiveness of the steps taken by the government in recent times to deal with this problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"To address the issue of unemployment, we need a multipronged approach and not just a focus on growth. Examine the statement in the context of various measures taken by the government in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Nuclear power has a great potential in India to supplement and in the longer term even substitute coal based power as base load. Discuss. Also, mention the steps taken by the Government of India in order to achieve nuclear energy self-sufficiency.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The agriculture sector needs government support but loan waivers are not the solution. Discuss the statement in the light of recent developments in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"What are the objectives of District Mineral Foundation? Discuss the challenges that need to be addressed for this institution to achieve its desired objectives.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"What factors explain India's poor merchandise export performance in recent times? Enumerate some recent measures taken by the government to help boost merchandise exports.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Despite numerous health hazards associated with traditional cooking energy fuels, access to clean cooking in India still continues to be a luxury. Discuss. Also enumerate the steps taken by the government to make it accessible along with the challenges faced in the process.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Taxing agricultural income is an idea whose time has come. Critically discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Dismantling of administered price mechanism for fuels is being deemed as a significant piece of economic reform. Analyse. Also, discuss how the recently introduced dynamic fuel pricing can prove to be beneficial for both the OMCs as well as consumers.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Ensuring that buildings comply with green norms will require much more than current arrangements. Analyse. Also discuss the relevant features of the new building code issued by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Given the worsening of air quality in National Capital Region, discuss the need for Graded Response Action Plan against air pollution and the challenges in its implementation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"A new disease emerging in any part of the world is a global threat. In the context of \"zoonoses\" and \"emerging infectious diseases\", analyse the risks for India. Also, identify the structures in place and measures required to combat these risks.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"There is a growing recognition that efforts should not be limited to post-disaster relief and reconstruction, rather development paradigm should integrate disaster risk reduction strategies. Discuss in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"The emphasis on TRIPS plus by developed countries is contrary to the position and interest of developing countries like India. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Coherently dealing with security threats facing India requires deeper operational synergies among the army, navy and air force. Discuss in the light of the latest Joint Doctrine for Indian Armed Forces. Also, delineate the reasons for resistance to the idea of a joint Chief of Defence Staff over the years.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Over the years, laws dealing with money laundering have proved to be less than effective. Briefly discuss the statement in the context of government's proposal to make money laundering a separate criminal offence. Also, enumerate the recommendations made by FATF to combat money laundering.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"In the context of recent developments briefly explain the issues involved in the Doklam area. What are the challenges that India faces in the management of border with China? In this context, also identify key steps taken by India over the years.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":206,"topper":"Abhijeet Sinha","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/22839_874_Abhijeet_Rank_19.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The greatness of the Mughal achievement in the political unification of India was matched by the splendour and beauty of the work of architects, poets, historians, painters and musicians who flourished in the period. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Traditionally, India had developed wide-ranging water harvesting techniques in keeping with the local ecological conditions and their water needs. Substantiate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Imperial rivalries of 18th Century Europe were played out in India as well. Comment in the context of the Carnatic Wars.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"The Lucknow session of 1916 was a watershed event during the freedom struggle of India due to various reasons. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Reforms initiated by the Justice Party became a model for social affirmative action in the country. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"War in the Korean Peninsula proved to be disastrous for Korea, a missed opportunity for the United States and a defining moment for China. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"The Munich Pact brought neither peace nor stability in relations between European countries, rather it turned out to be an act of appeasement that made war inevitable. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Explain how Gandhi's non-violent philosophy influenced Martin Luther King Jr.'s methods. Also discuss the contributions and accomplishments of King to ensure civil rights for all people regardless of race in America.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Apart from the linguistic reorganisation of states, the three language formula was an important part of government policy to address the language question in India. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Enumerate the measures for the welfare of Unorganised Workers in India. In the context of problems being faced by 'domestic helps', discuss the need for additional measures to safeguard their interests.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"The manner in which the mentally ill have been treated in India suggests that policy measures alone may not be sufficient to address the challenges faced by them. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Highlight the characteristics of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) and discuss the challenges faced by them. Also enumerate the measures taken by the government to address these challenges.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"While suburbanisation is a common phenomenon in most urbanising countries, it is occurring at a relatively early stage of India's urban development. Enumerating the reasons behind this development, highlight the challenges it is creating for Indian cities.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Various geographical and anthropogenic factors have rendered Brahmaputra Valley susceptible to recurrent floods. Discuss the causes and suggest suitable measures of mitigation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Give a brief account of Earth's heat budget. Also discuss how increasing concentration of carbon dioxide in Earth's atmosphere effects it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Give an outline of the major geological events that have shaped the present drainage system of Peninsular India. Also, explain why peninsular rivers are unsuitable for navigation but facilitate hydroelectric power generation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Elaborate with examples as to how government policies influence the location of industries. Also, mention the steps taken by the Government of India to stimulate industrial activity in backward regions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Explain, in brief, the process of cloud formation. Also, elucidate how clouds can help in weather forecasting.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"The socio-economic and ecological consequences of soil degradation are far-reaching. Discuss. Suggest measures that can be taken to restore soil fertility and arrest soil degradation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Development of island territories requires a careful balancing of environmental and tribal concerns with exploitation of economic potential. Elaborating on the threats faced by island territories of India, comment on the recent measures proposed by the government regarding their development.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":207,"topper":"Abhijeet Sinha","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/22839_875_Abhijeet_Rank_19.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Centralising recruitment through an All India Judicial Service (AIJS) will not address the multiple problems in the judiciary and cause new ones instead. Critically evaluate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":6,"question":"The roots of the most pertinent challenges faced by Indian politics today can be traced to the lack of intra-party democracy in candidate selection and internal elections. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"While the idea behind merger of autonomous bodies in India is to curb overlapping work and reduce expenditure, it may end up doing more harm than good. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Well-defined electoral laws and greater powers, for the Election Commission of India are required as the existing laws and mechanisms are inadequate to deal with new challenges. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Privileges should be defined and delimited for the free and independent functioning of the legislatures. In this context, discuss whether there is a need to re-examine the balance between fundamental rights and parliamentary privileges in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The principle of accountability is an essential part of the rule of law. In this context, discuss the lacunae in government's approach and judiciary's response to the phenomenon of extrajudicial killings in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Explain the rationale behind enacting the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016. Discuss how it can help in revitalizing consumer confidence in the real estate market. Also highlight the hurdles that remain in implementing it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Moving the subject of water from state list to concurrent list will solve the issues related to governance of water resources. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Give an account of the areas of potential conflict in the relationship between the political executive and civil servants. Also discuss why a healthy working relationship between the two is critical for good governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Despite their location in the non-political domain of civil society, NGOs have ended up playing a key, if indirect, role in India's politics. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Magnitude of India's urbanisation is not unusual but the pattern is. In this context, examine the issues in the governance of cities in India. Also suggest the reforms required to make Indian cities dynamos of competitive sub-federalism.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Social boycott should be treated as a criminal offence, rather than being considered as just another form of social evil plaguing the Indian society. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Human Trafficking in India has emerged as a serious issue, which calls for understanding the complexity of the problem and devising an effective strategy to combat it. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"A weak teacher education system is at the core of India's problems in school education. Evaluate. In this context, also enumerate the recommendations of the High-Powered Commission on Teacher Education constituted by the Supreme Court of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"India's contribution to peacekeeping missions of the United Nations has remained steadfast despite changes in the nature, form and variety of UN peace keeping missions. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"India's partnership with Africa is an amalgam of African development priorities as well as India's development objectives. Discuss. Also highlight the initiatives taken by India in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Comment on the role of International Court of Justice in upholding the values of international law. In this context, also highlight the association of India with the ICJ over the years.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"In view of the focus on trans-regional economic corridors and changing regional geo-politics and geo-economics, critically discuss the idea of an Indo-Pacific Economic Corridor.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":208,"topper":"Abhijeet Sinha","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/22839_873_Abhijeet_Rank_19.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"The recent decision by the government to ban use of red beacons is only a symbolic gesture and a lot more needs to be done to end the VIP culture in India. Critically discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Social attitude towards corruption has become more forgiving with time leading to a view of illegal gains and misappropriation of public assets as a \"rightful\" individual prerogative. Analyse in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"What are the factors which draw people to public service? Suggest measures to keep public servants motivated.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Corporate Governance provides a framework that defines the rights, roles and responsibilities of various groups within an organization. (a) Elaborate the need to incorporate the principles of Corporate Governance to enhance the effectiveness of the public sector enterprises. (b) Identify the challenges specific to the public sector when it comes to the application of good practices of corporate governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Emotions, earlier considered as an irrational factor in decision-making, are now recognised as a critical factor of judgement. In this regard, answer the following questions: (a) How can Emotional Intelligence help in coping with the intense pressure and occupational stress faced by police officers and armed forces in discharge of their duties? (b) What are the some of the concerns in incorporating and assessment of emotional intelligence skills in public service?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":209,"topper":"Abhijit Asokan","air":234,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ABHIJIT-ASOKANUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-234-Sample-MGP-Copy-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) The Hoysala period saw the development of a distinctive style of temple architecture renowned for its intricacy and artistic brilliance. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) British colonial rule had a profound impact on Indian agriculture, fundamentally altering the traditional agrarian economy which led to severe peasant resistance. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3 The history of India's independence would remain incomplete without acknowledging the significant contributions from the Northeast region. Substantiate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4 The diversity of landforms across the Earth's surface reflects the unique signatures left by different geomorphic agents. In this context, describe the various erosional and depositional landforms created by glacial action.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) Explain the factors contributing to the variability of the Indian monsoon. Also, discuss its multi-dimensional impact.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) Describing the distribution of palm oil producing countries, throw light on the major environmental issues faced by them.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7 At the time of her independence, India was beset with multiple challenges. Enumerating those challenges, analyze how far India has been able to address them.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8 What do you understand by the Meiji restoration? Discuss its impact on Japan and the world.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 Discuss the reasons for the rise in prevalence of substance abuse in India. Also, examine its impact on family and society.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) Do you think that a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is essential in a multi-cultural and diverse country like India? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 Discuss how the Bhakti movement, along with questioning the established social order, also made substantial contributions to the development of devotional literature.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 The Marathas posed a formidable challenge to British expansion but could not consolidate their power into a centralized authority capable of rivaling British dominance in India. Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 The political reorganization of states and territories has been an ongoing process in the post-independence era. Discuss with examples. How successful has it been in accommodating diverse regional aspirations?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) Highlighting the contributions of revolutionaries to the Indian freedom movement, discuss the factors that limited their efforts.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 \"The aspirations of the Indian national movement extended to securing social justice and economic regeneration, in addition to political freedom.\" Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 The 'paper partition' of Africa and its prolonged journey to decolonization stand in contrast to colonial experiences elsewhere. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 \"India faces a grave water crisis due to soaring demand, pollution, and climate change, which necessitates urgent measures to ensure water security for all.\" Examine.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 Provide a reasoned account of the global distribution of volcanoes with the help of a world map. Also, discuss the various consequences of volcanoes.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 \"A seemingly casteless upper caste and an apparently caste-defined lower caste is one of the central aspects of the institution of caste in contemporary times\". Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 Tolerance and harmony are engrained in societal ethos of India, but communal discord remains a significant threat to the nation's pluralistic fabric. Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":210,"topper":"Abhijit Asokan","air":234,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ABHIJIT-ASOKANUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-234-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) \"A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart.\" Do you think there are certain universal qualities that define a good person? Illustrate with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) What do you understand by environmental ethics? Examine the ethical concerns in 'phase-down versus phase out debate' in the use of coal by developing countries.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) \"Integrity is telling myself the truth and honesty is telling the truth to other people.\" Examine the importance of integrity and honesty for a public servant. Also, suggest measures to cultivate these attributes.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) A vigilant media is the voice of the common folks; however, a tainted media acts as its master's voice. Explain the importance of ethics in the functioning of media.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) What does each of the following quotations mean to you?\na) \"Experience is the only teacher we have. We may talk and reason all our lives, but we shall not understand a word of truth, until we experience it ourselves\" - Swami Vivekananda","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) \"There is no key to happiness; the door is always open.\" - Mother Teresa.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"c) \"Tolerance implies no lack of commitment to one's own beliefs. Rather it condemns the oppression or persecution of others.\" - John F. Kennedy","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.4) a) \"In this hyperconnected and morally interdependent world, the most important thing we can share is trustworthiness.\" Why is trustworthiness important? In what ways can it be imbibed in an individual?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"b) What do you understand from conflict of interest? With the help of suitable examples, illustrate how it affects the working of public servants. In what ways can conflict of interest be minimised?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.5) a) \"Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.\" Discuss the importance of emotional intelligence in self-realisation. Do you think emotional intelligence can be learned?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"b) Discuss the ethical concerns associated with the use of social media. What steps can be taken to address them?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.6) a) The crux of ethical conduct does not lie in bold words and expressions, but in their adoption into action, in sanctions against their violations, and in promoting a culture of integrity. In this context, evaluate the measures taken to promote ethical governance in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"b) Foreign aid, although championed as a vital tool for socio-economic development, often runs into stiff opposition from the intended beneficiaries. Elaborate on the various ethical concerns associated with foreign aid. Suggest measures to address the challenges related to foreign aid.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7 You are posted as the District Magistrate (DM) of a district in the Nav Pradesh state of the country. Ramesh, a newly joined SDM in your district, actively engages with the public and is also known for his fitness-related activities. He has a strong presence on social media platforms, where he frequently posts about his work life and fitness endeavors on his personal account. Furthermore, he encourages the public to report issues within the district through his personal social media accounts, and he responds to their concerns, ensuring prompt actions are taken to address these issues. His active presence on social media has garnered him a massive following, not only in the district but also beyond. Also, direct communication with the public has led to a perception of greater transparency and accessibility of district administration in the eyes of the public.\nWhile Ramesh receives praise for his work in enhancing the trust and credibility of the administration, Ramesh's social media activities have also raised concerns among some of his colleagues and superiors. They argue that his posts often go beyond mere updates and venture into self-promotion, potentially blurring the lines between his personal life and his professional responsibilities. They express apprehensions that Ramesh might be seeking personal attention or recognition rather than focusing on his core duties as an SDM. Some of his juniors lamented working with him, as he often scolds them in public, and that too in the presence of cameras.\nOne day, a local MLA arrives at your office regarding a complaint that some of the posts by Ramesh are self-promoting in nature and expresses deep concern over the matter. He alleges that wherever the SDM goes, the normal functioning of the institution is hampered, and one of his official inspections near the highway resulted in heavy traffic congestion, leading to discomfort for commuters. He also says that while doing public work, Ramesh is perversely taking center stage and doesn't give enough credit to others. He expresses his apprehension that Ramesh might capitalize on this goodwill and may soon enter politics in the near future. He further said that in one of his posts, he seemingly divulged some classified information regarding the security apparatus of a high-level dignitary, which could have seriously jeopardized the dignitary's security arrangements.\nOn enquiring Ramesh, he argues that it is the duty of a civil servant to convey all the important information to the public about different schemes of the department. It would also improve the image of the administration among the public. Being in touch with the public would also help him better understand and address grassroots issues. Also, his fitness-related activities are to create awareness about healthy lifestyles, especially among the youth. He argues that his center-stage appearances at functions are because of requests from the organizing authorities of the functions. He also asserts that there is no hidden agenda in his actions.\nSome of your senior authorities have also expressed reservations about the active participation of civil servants on social media. They argue that Ramesh's activities are merely part of his regular work and should not be glorified. They assert that public money should not be used to promote oneself. They argue that bureaucrats should prioritize public service without seeking personal branding, and such self-promotion can create an impression of self-aggrandizement and detract from the selfless nature of public service.\nUsing fancy photos and highlighting official cars, residences, etc. as clickbait goes against the dignity that is expected of a public servant. By the very nature of the job, it is expected that bureaucracy should work behind a fine veil. Bureaucratic anonymity is a foundational value expected from a civil servant to ensure that a civil servant does not develop the negative externalities associated with the personality cult. Such social media posturing also runs the risk of civil servants playing to the gallery as every action comes under popular scrutiny. The point of reference becomes their social media viewership rather than the constitutional mandate.\na) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case study?\nb) Critically assess the role of social media in administration.\nc) What are the various possible choices available to you and which course of action would you choose? Justify your choice.","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":30,"question":"a) उपरोक्त केस स्टडी में कौन से नैतिक मुद्दे शामिल हैं?\nb) प्रशासन में सोशल मीडिया की भूमिका का आलोचनात्मक मूल्यांकन कीजिए।\nc) आपके लिए विभिन्न संभावित विकल्प क्या उपलब्ध हैं और आप कौन सी कार्रवाई का रास्ता चुनेंगे? अपनी पसंद का औचित्य सिद्ध कीजिए।\na) उपरोक्त केस स्टडी में कौन से नैतिक मुद्दे शामिल हैं?\nb) प्रशासन में सोशल मीडिया की भूमिका का आलोचनात्मक मूल्यांकन कीजिए।\nc) आपके लिए विभिन्न संभावित विकल्प क्या उपलब्ध हैं और आप कौन सी कार्रवाई का रास्ता चुनेंगे? अपनी पसंद का औचित्य सिद्ध कीजिए।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":31,"question":"a) Ethical issues involved in the role","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"Q.8 Anand Singh is a government bus conductor working with the Nav Pradesh Transport Corporation. Anand has completed 35 years of service and is due for retirement next year. Anand is happy because he is hopeful of getting his daughter, Madhvi, married from the money he will receive as his retirement benefits. However, Anand's wife pesters him to earn more money in one way or the other. Anand likes his job, and all the passengers in his route vouch for his good nature and helpful behaviour.\nOne day, Suresh, Anand's boss, called Anand in his cabin. He told Anand that a complaint has been filed against him by a person for illegally taking the ticket money from him without issuing the receipt for the ticket. Suresh explained to Anand that this act amounted to misappropriation of government money. Suresh always saw Anand as a decent individual and he asked him as to why he indulged in such an act? Anand, visibly disturbed, told Suresh that as the conductor of a government bus he receives a meagre salary, grossly insufficient to meet the needs of his family. He told him that his younger daughter, Sarita, suffers from chronic kidney ailment, and requires dialysis twice a week. A huge chunk of his paltry salary goes towards the cost of Sarita's treatment. Moreover, as a single bread-winner of the family, he has to cater to the needs of his elderly parents. Anand further tells Suresh that since last one year a substantial portion of his income goes towards repaying the loan that he took for his elder daughter's college education. Anand laments that even after working for 35 long years, he is unable to provide for his family beyond the bare basic necessities. He tells Suresh that he is aware of many incidents of large-scale corruption in the road transport department that go virtually unnoticed. Further, Anand justifies his act of taking money by highlighting that almost every colleague of his indulges in such practices, and in comparison, to them, what he took, just fifty rupees, is ignorable and paltry. Further, he brought to light the fact that at times they, the conductors, were expected to give their immediate superiors a bribe in the name of convenience fees for various official tasks.\nWhile listening to Anand, Suresh feels compassion for him. He decides to verify the veracity of Anand's claim with regard to the dire straits of his financial conditions. On enquiry, all the workers in the office attested to the fact that Anand is going through a very bad phase and that he frequently resorts to short term loans in order to meet his financial requirements. Moreover, the office employees requested Suresh to take a lenient view of Anand's case. They were of the view that if a strong action is taken over such a trivial incident, then it would be highly unjust and unfair towards Anand. On reaching his home, Suresh shared the whole occurrence and Anand's story with his wife. To his surprise, his wife too agreed with the employees of the office. She told him that such small incidents are a routine matter. Also, with rising inflation and increasing obligations, this is the only way for people like Anand to make their ends meet. She asks Suresh to not waste his time and energy over such a small matter.\nSuresh knows Anand as a hard-working individual who has many mouths to feed at home. Suresh shares genuine sympathy with him, however, he also understands that embezzlement of government money, irrespective of amount and circumstances, is wrong. Now he is in a state of dilemma over his course of action.\na) Why are the incidents of petty corruption trivialized? According to you, is it justifiable to ignore small incidents of corruption?\nb) What are various ethical dilemmas in the above case study?\nc) Discuss the merits and demerits of various options available to Suresh. Also, what, according to you, will be the ideal course of action and why?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"a) छोटे-छोटे भ्रष्टाचार की घटनाओं को तुष्ट क्यों समझा जाता है? आपके हिसाब से क्या भ्रष्टाचार की छोटी-छोटी घटनाओं को नजरअंदाज करना जायज है?\nb) उपरोक्त केस स्टडी में विभिन्न नैतिक दुविधाएं क्या हैं?\nc) सुरेश के लिए उपलब्ध विभिन्न विकल्पों के गुण-दोषों की चर्चा कीजिए। साथ ही, आपके अनुसार आदर्श कार्यवाही क्या होगी और क्यों?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.9) You are a common friend of Radha and Anand.\na) What are the qualities you think that Anand lack? Does Radha also lack some qualities?\nb) As a common friend what course of action would you suggest to Anand and Radha and why?\nc) Do you think emotional intelligence can help Anand and Radha resolve their issues?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"You are common friends of Radha and Anand.\na) What do you think are the shortcomings of Anand? Are there any shortcomings in Radha?\nb) As a common friend, what steps would you suggest to Anand and Radha and why?\nc) Do you think emotional intelligence can help Anand and Radha in resolving their issues?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.10 Moonlighting refers to doing a second job, typically at night and secretly, in addition to one's regular employment. With work from home becoming a new feature of many jobs, it has become easy for many people to moonlight.\nArvind is a software engineer in Comsoft, an MNC, and he works from home for his firm. Arvind has received only meagre salary hikes in the last two years as the business of Comsoft has suffered due to the pandemic. However, his expenditure has increased substantially as he got married and had a child in these two years. Arvind was finding it difficult to make his ends meet and decided to take up another job, apart from his regular job in Comsoft. He got his second gig at Mocsoft, who happened to be a competitor of Comsoft, and thus, started moonlighting. This side gig was very helpful for Arvind and his financial condition started improving. Arvind found that in Mocsoft, his role and responsibilities were quite similar to that in his regular employment at Comsoft. This meant that he could easily manoeuvre between two jobs without compromising the quality of work in either company. Shift timing of both the jobs were also different. To keep the two jobs separate, he used his official computer to work for Comsoft and his personal computer for Mocsoft. Two jobs gave Arvind financial space to save for buying a house, something the couple had always dreamt of. However, all his plans shattered and his world came crashing down when Arvind received an official mail from Comsoft informing him of his termination with immediate effect citing his second job as the reason for termination. Arvind was clueless as to what to do now and how to tell his wife about his termination. Similar is the story of hundreds of Arvind, who were terminated for moonlighting.\na) Analyze the various ethical issues involved in the case of moonlighting.\nb) Do you think Comsoft's decision to terminate the employment of Arvind is justified? Why or why not?\nc) Identify various qualities which could help Arvind handle this situation.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Q.11 Rahul belongs to a wealthy and influential business family. On his 17th birthday, he threw a party for his friends at a famous club in the city. The celebration continued late into the night, where everyone enjoyed themselves. After the party, Rahul bid goodbye to his friends and decided to drive home. He was driving his high-end SUV and, while speeding for fun, he lost control of the car while negotiating a sharp turn. The car collided with a bike coming from the opposite direction. The two occupants of the bike died on the spot, while Rahul escaped with minor bruises on his face and knees. The police arrived at the scene, detained Rahul, and took him to the hospital for a preliminary medical check-up. The families of the deceased were informed, and the bodies were sent for autopsy. After the initial legal formalities, Rahul was presented before the Juvenile Justice Board. The Board granted him bail on lenient terms that included writing a 300-word essay on road safety. This decision sparked outrage, but the situation escalated when a video of Rahul and his friends consuming alcohol in the club emerged and went viral on social media. As the case became the talk of the city, an investigative report by a leading daily unveiled further shocking details. The report revealed that Rahul's father had attempted to mislead the police by falsely claiming that the family driver was at the wheel during the accident. Initial actions by the police suggested preferential treatment towards Rahul, including delays in filing the FIR and later registering it under lenient provisions of the law. The investigative report also highlighted the involvement of medical staff in manipulating and tampering with evidence in exchange for inducements from Rahul's father. Rahul's blood samples were replaced with those of another person which had no traces of alcohol. Furthermore, the local MLA, who is the brother of State Home Minister and close to Rahul's family, reportedly intervened to influence police and judicial proceedings in favor of the juvenile. The city is gripped by a sense of injustice as details of corruption, collusion, and manipulation unfold, revealing the lengths to which those in power can conspire and make a mockery of laws, institutions, and principles of justice. You are the SP of the district where the entire incident occurred. Prima facie, the facts highlighted in the newspaper's investigative report appear to be correct. However, due to the involvement of the local MLA and the political connections of Rahul's father, you are facing pressure from higher authorities to manipulate the investigation and acquit Rahul. Additionally, the MLA has promised a 'plum posting' if you hush up the matter, and your promotion is also due soon. Meanwhile, the families of the victims, along with the public, are demanding accountability and justice.\na) As the SP of the district, examine the options available to you. What course of action would you take and why?\nb) How might the actions of Rahul's father influence his perception of personal responsibility and societal obligations?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"a) जिले के पुलिस अधीक्षक के रूप में, आपके पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों की जांच करें। आप क्या कदम उठाएंगे और क्यों?\nb) राहुल के पिता के कार्यों से उनको व्यक्तिगत जिम्मेदारी और सामाजिक दायित्वों की धारणा पर क्या प्रभाव पड़ सकता है?\na) जिले के पुलिस अधीक्षक के रूप में, आपके पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों की जांच करें। आप क्या कदम उठाएंगे और क्यों?\nb) राहुल के पिता के कार्यों से उनको व्यक्तिगत जिम्मेदारी और सामाजिक दायित्वों की धारणा पर क्या प्रभाव पड़ सकता है?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":58,"question":"Q.12 Abhay is a senior officer in a government think tank. He is responsible for analysing the demands for funds from various ministries and state governments. His job mandates making recommendations to the government for prioritising the budget expenditure. Abhay's department is presently busy in analysing the demands for funds from five different ministries. The first demand is from the Ministry of Defence for 500 crore rupees. The Ministry of Defence has solicited funds for the acquisition of state-of-the-art bullet proof vests and assault weapons for the armed force personnel posted in insurgent invested areas of Jammu and Kashmir. The second demand is from the Ministry of Heavy Industries. The Ministry of Heavy Industries has demanded 300 crore rupees for the purchase of electric scooters. Distribution of electric scooters was one of the election promises of the incumbent union government in order to reduce pollution levels in the country. Further, as two states are set to go to poll next year, there is an additional pressure from a senior cabinet minister to prioritise this demand. The third demand is for 200 crore rupees from the Ministry of Road Transport. The Ministry of Road Transport has proposed to build robust road connectivity in left wing affected areas and also in the hilly states. It is reasoned that while road connectivity will have a multiplier impact on the economy, it will also improve the governance process. The fourth demand is from the Ministry of Health for 200 crore rupees. The Ministry of Health has targeted to increase the insurance penetration in the country. It is argued that increased insurance penetration will boost public health and reduce out-of-pocket expenditure. The fifth demand is for 300 crore rupees from the Ministry of Women and Child Development. The MoWCD aims to expand its nutrition programme in the country. It is believed that in order to check the high levels of stunting and wasting in the children, the State needs to take a larger role. While each of the government schemes is important, the fiscal space available with the exchequer is limited. Accordingly, Abhay has an elbow space to accommodate schemes worth 1000 crore rupees. Now, it is incumbent upon Abhay to allocate the available money in the most prudent fashion.\na) What principles should guide Abhay in the allocation of money?\nb) Imagine yourself in the position of Abhay. In what order will you prioritise the available funds and why?","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":211,"topper":"Abhijit Asokan","air":234,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ABHIJIT-ASOKANUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-234-Sample-MGP-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) Indian society and its philosophical traditions have predominantly embraced a \"non-absolutist stance\" towards ethical considerations. Do you agree?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) \"Empathy is a crucial human value, but there exists a complex relationship between empathy and objectivity.\" Discuss with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) A welfare state's legitimacy rests on its ethical foundation. In your opinion, what are the key ethical traits of a welfare state? Suggest ways to strengthen the ethical foundation of a state.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) Different individuals have varied interpretations of what constitutes a good life. What does a good life signify for you? Explain with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) What does each of the following quotations mean to you?\na) \"A man can give up a right, but he may not give up a duty without being guilty of a grave dereliction\". Mahatma Gandhi","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) \"The world is sustained by those who refrain from hurting others, even when they have the power to do so.\"","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"c) \"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.\" Martin Luther King Jr.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.4) a) What is 'emotional intelligence' and how can it be developed? How does it help civil servants in ethical decision making and crisis management?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"b) The arrival of modernity has reshaped our traditional relationship with nature. How can a change in 'environmental attitude' aid in addressing sustainability challenges?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.5) a) Once a foundational value, bureaucratic anonymity is now diluted by social media, blurring the lines between private conduct and public duty. Examine critically.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"b) What do you understand by probity in governance? What are the difficulties in upholding it in contemporary times? Suggest measures for ensuring probity in governance.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.6) a) Differentiate between code of conduct and code of ethics. Explain the necessity of a code of ethics for public servants to ensure ethical governance.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"b) Despite acknowledging that corruption is detrimental and condemning it, why do people continue to engage in it? Explore the significance of value systems in combating the evil of corruption.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Q.7) You are the Superintendent of Police (SP) in a communally sensitive district. Recently, a young couple approached you seeking protection. They wish to get married, but they belong to different religions. Also, the girl is from an influential family, while the boy comes from a humble background. They are facing threats from the girl's family, who have warned them of dire consequences if they proceed with the marriage. The girl's family has fixed her marriage to a boy belonging to their community and is vehemently against interfaith marriage. The village elders have also expressed apprehensions that, if the matter is not resolved promptly, it could incite widespread rioting and lead to serious law and order problems. The local intelligence unit has corroborated these concerns in its report submitted to your office.\nThe fears of the village elders have come true. Rumors and disagreements regarding the proposed marriage have caused communal tensions in the neighboring localities. In one such locality, a law-abiding and responsible citizen lives with his wife and son, Sahil. This locality, where people of different religions reside, has a history of maintaining overall harmony and peace despite occasional minor quarrels. But this time, it escalated to the point of rioting, during which Sahil came under the attack and was grievously injured. The rioters also set fire to many houses and vehicles, causing extensive damage to public property. Despite immediate and frantic calls to the police, no prompt action was taken. Sahil succumbed to his injuries the next day. A video of the brutal attack on Sahil emerged and went viral on social media. The incident was also covered extensively by the national media and has led to increased communal polarization in the district.\nOn one hand, the couple feels increasingly threatened as many blame them for the situation; on the other hand, there are fears of another round of violence as some members of Sahil's community vowing to avenge his death. The grieving parents are devastated by the loss of their only child and seek justice. The district administration is under immense pressure to prevent further violence, ensure justice for Sahil's family, and protect the young couple.\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb) As the SP of the district, evaluate the options available to you.\nc) What course of action would you adopt to deal with the situation?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"a) इस केस स्टडी में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\nb) जिले के पुलिस अधीक्षक के रूप में, आप अपने पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन कीजिए।\nc) स्थिति से निपटने के लिए आप क्या कदम उठाएंगे?\na) इस केस स्टडी में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\nb) जिले के पुलिस अधीक्षक के रूप में, आप अपने पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन कीजिए।\nc) स्थिति से निपटने के लिए आप क्या कदम उठाएंगे?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":34,"question":"Q.8) In the lush green expanse of the Western Ghats, a significant change is underway. The state government has announced a new infrastructure project—a highway connecting City A and City B. This project, envisioned as a catalyst for economic growth and enhanced connectivity, also promises to attract significant investments, including from a major semiconductor company. The semiconductor company is important for strategic purposes, given the growing importance of semiconductors in defense, space, and communications sectors. However, the proposed highway passes through a densely forested tribal area, home to an indigenous community deeply connected to the land. The local tribal community, reliant on the forest for their livelihood and cultural practices, is alarmed by the prospect of displacement and the extensive forest clearance required by the project. The forest is not just their home but a crucial part of their identity and source of livelihood. It is where their ancestors are buried, where they grow medicinal plants, and where their children play. The community's leaders, including Geeta, a respected elder, are determined to protect their land. They fear losing their ancestral lands and the destruction of their way of life. Determined to make their voices heard, the community organizes a protest march to the office of the District Magistrate and seeks time to meet the DM. The DM, Rajesh known for his fair and balanced approach, listens intently as Geeta and other leaders explain their fears. They asserted their legally protected right to manage and protect the forest. Meanwhile, in the corporate offices of M&T Infrastructure Ltd., CEO Anil is grappling with the growing unrest. The company has been contracted to build the highway, but the resistance from the tribal community poses a significant challenge. Delays could lead to escalating costs and potential project failure. Anil decides to seek a meeting with Priya, the Chief Secretary of State, to discuss the situation. Priya, overseeing the project from the state secretariat, is aware of the delicate balance needed. The project is crucial for the state's development and aligns with the policy of promoting ease of doing business. Moreover, the potential investment from the semiconductor company is strategically important for both the state and the nation. Any delay or hindrance could tarnish the state's reputation and dissuade future investments. When Anil meets Priya, he lays out his concerns. \"Madam Secretary, the protests are intensifying. If this continues, we might have to consider withdrawing from the project. The financial risks are becoming untenable.\" The ruling party, keen to maintain its pro-development image, wants early completion of the project and the materialization of the semiconductor manufacturing plant to fulfill its poll promises. The Chief Secretary conveys the policy of the state government and the concerns of M&T Infrastructure Ltd. to the District Magistrate of the district concerned. As the administrative head of the district, the responsibility for maintaining law and order and facilitating development projects rests upon him.\na) What are the ethical issues involved in the case?\nb) Evaluate the options available to Rajesh, being District Magistrate of the area.\nc) What course of action should Rajesh adopt and why?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":35,"question":"a) केस अध्ययन में नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\nb) क्षेत्र के जिला मजिस्ट्रेट होने के नाते राजेश के लिए उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन कीजिए।\nc) राजेश को क्या कार्रवाई करनी चाहिए और क्यों?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":38,"question":"c) course of action for Rajesh should be to:","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"Q.9) A small village in South India experienced a devastating tragedy that shocked the nation. Around 65 villagers lost their lives after drinking liquor contaminated with methanol. The tragedy quietly unfolded one evening as unsuspecting villagers gathered for relaxation, sharing stories, and unwinding after a day's work and consumed the toxic brew. Within a short time, symptoms of poisoning began to appear. The villagers experienced severe headaches, dizziness, nausea, and blurred vision. Panic quickly spread through the community as more and more people fell ill. Families desperately sought help, but the village's healthcare facilities were quickly overwhelmed and unable to cope with the sudden influx of patients. The few medical professionals available worked tirelessly, but resources were limited, and the severity of the situation became increasingly apparent.\nPolice filed FIR, but no breakthrough was achieved in the case for almost two months. Mahesh, an investigative journalist working with a leading TV channel, began investigating the case on his own initiative. Within a month, Mahesh made a breakthrough by interacting with local people, the liquor mafia, and government officials. He prepared his investigative story and presented it to the CMD of the TV channel. Mahesh's report exposed the complete nexus of the illicit liquor mafia operating with the support of corrupt police, civil officials, and politicians. The key political figure involved was the local MLA, known to be very close to the Chief Minister.\nAfter reviewing the investigative report, the CMD advised Mahesh to drop the idea of making the story public through electronic media. The CMD revealed that the local MLA was not only a relative of the TV channel's owner but also held an unofficial 30 percent share in the channel. Additionally, the CMD offered Mahesh a promotion, a pay raise, and the adjustment of the 20-lakh soft loan that Mahesh had taken for his son's studies abroad if he handed over the investigative report.\na) What are the options available with Mahesh to cope up with the situation? Critically examine each of the options.\nb) Which of the options, do you think, would be the most appropriate for Mahesh to adopt and why?\nc) Suggest some innovative measures to address the nexus of criminal activities and prevent such tragedies.","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":41,"question":"a) स्थिति से निपटने के लिए महेश के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं? प्रत्येक विकल्प की आलोचनात्मक जांच कीजिए।\nb) आपको क्या लगता है कि महेश के लिए कौन सा विकल्प सबसे उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?\nc) आपराधिक गतिविधियों के गढ़जोड़ को दूर करने और ऐसी त्रासदियों को रोकने के लिए कुछ नवीन उपाय सुझाएँ।\na) स्थिति से निपटने के लिए महेश के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं? प्रत्येक विकल्प की आलोचनात्मक जांच कीजिए।\nb) आपको क्या लगता है कि महेश के लिए कौन सा विकल्प सबसे उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?\nc) आपराधिक गतिविधियों के गढ़जोड़ को दूर करने और ऐसी त्रासदियों को रोकने के लिए कुछ नवीन उपाय सुझाएँ।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":46,"question":"Q.10 In a bustling city administration office in a state, Joint Municipal Commissioner Meera, who is also the Public Information Officer (PIO) faces a challenging situation. Recently, an RTI application has been received, demanding details about public infrastructure projects initiated during her tenure. Upon reviewing the requested information, Meera discovers that certain decisions made regarding these projects were not entirely sound in hindsight. These decisions, although taken in good faith and after due diligence, failed to realize promised outcomes. There were other employees also who were party to this decision. The disclosure of this information could potentially lead to scrutiny and backlash against herself, the employees, and contractors involved. Known for her integrity and commitment to public service, Meera finds herself at a crossroads. The RTI Act has served as a critical check against administrative arbitrariness, ensuring transparency and accountability. However, she also observes a troubling trend. RTI applications are often used by vested interests and activists seeking personal gain rather than genuine public interest. Some activists even resort to threats or extortion tactics, undermining the integrity of the RTI process. She fears the requested RTI information could be similarly exploited. Moreover, the employees involved are requesting her to withhold the information. In navigating this situation, Meera weighs her options carefully.\na) Critically examine the options available to Meera in the above situation.\nb) Which of the above would be the most appropriate for Meera and why?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"a) Options available for meena are\n1) Giving rejecting the request for information and avert a possible scrutiny and backlash.\n2) Giving away the requested information and abiding to law","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"Q.11) You are the Operations Manager at a rapidly growing technology startup, Tech Nova Innovations, which prides itself on its cutting-edge solutions and ability to deliver projects on time. The startup culture is fast paced, with tight deadlines and high expectations from both clients and investors. Your current project, developing a new AI-driven platform, is crucial for securing future funding and partnerships. Your team is small but skilled, consisting of four software developers and two project coordinators, with an equal number of men and women.\nRecently, your team has faced significant challenges. Riya, one of the female software developers, has requested personal leave to care for her ailing father. Meanwhile, another female team member, Shabnam, is struggling to balance her work responsibilities with the care of her infant child. The remaining team members have had to take on additional tasks, affecting their work-life balance, leading to increased stress and frustration. As the project deadline approaches, the strain within the team becomes evident. During a critical review meeting, Arjun, a senior developer, expresses his frustration, \"Maybe it's not a good idea to have team members who can't commit full-time during crucial phases.\" The comment sparks immediate backlash. Chetna, a project coordinator, finds Arjun's remark deeply offensive and reports the incident to the Human Resources (HR) Department. She also threatens to take the issue to social media, potentially harming the startup's public image. The HR Department, based at the startup's headquarters, investigates the complaint and recommends taking strict action against Arjun for his unprofessional and insensitive comment. They highlighted the importance of maintaining an inclusive and respectful workplace culture. This recommendation places you in a difficult position. The project is already behind schedule, and losing a senior developer like Arjun could severely impact its timely completion.\nYou are now faced with a complex dilemma. On one hand, it is essential to address the insensitive remark and ensure a respectful work environment. On the other hand, you must keep the project on track without further demotivating your team.\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb) As the Operations Manager, how would you deal with the situation?\nc) Based on the case study, discuss the challenges faced by women at workplace. How can such challenges be resolved?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"a) इस केस स्टडी में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\nb) संचालन प्रबंधक के रूप में, आप इस स्थिति से कैसे निपटेंगे?\nc) केस स्टडी के आधार पर, कार्यस्थल पर महिलाओं के सामने आने वाली चुनौतियों पर चर्चा करें। ऐसी चुनौतियों का समाधान कैसे किया जा सकता है?\na) इस केस स्टडी में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\nb) संचालन प्रबंधक के रूप में, आप इस स्थिति से कैसे निपटेंगे?\nc) केस स्टडी के आधार पर, कार्यस्थल पर महिलाओं के सामने आने वाली चुनौतियों पर चर्चा करें। ऐसी चुनौतियों का समाधान कैसे किया जा सकता है?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":55,"question":"Q.12 Utkarsh is a dedicated and experienced Chief Engineer in the Public Works Department (PWD) of a major Indian city. His responsibilities include overseeing the maintenance and construction of the city's infrastructure. One of his critical responsibilities is managing the safety and welfare of the PWD workers. A sudden strike by the workers' union of the PWD erupted over the issue of compensation to a construction worker who died while repairing a major bridge in the city. The case was brought to Utkarsh's attention for resolution.\na) What are the options available to Utkarsh to meet the above situation? Critically examine each of the options identified by him.\nb) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Utkarsh?\nc) What course of action should Utkarsh adopt to diffuse the above situation?","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":212,"topper":"Abhijit Ray","air":50,"year":2021,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"IAS Gyan","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.iasgyan.in/ig-uploads/pdf/Test_1_0001.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":213,"topper":"Abhijit Ray","air":50,"year":2021,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"IAS Gyan","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.iasgyan.in/ig-uploads/pdf/Test_4_0001.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":214,"topper":"Abhijit Ray","air":50,"year":2021,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"IAS Gyan","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.iasgyan.in/ig-uploads/pdf/Test_3_0001.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":215,"topper":"Abhijit Ray","air":50,"year":2021,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"IAS Gyan","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.iasgyan.in/ig-uploads/pdf/Test_4_0002.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":216,"topper":"Abhijit Shukla","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/797eb-abhijit-shukla_48_2014_gs_booklet_2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Even years after its introduction, the ability of Citizen's Charters in improving the efficiency of public services and making governments more accountable, is found wanting in many areas. In context of this statement, mention the various lacunae in the formulation and implementation of citizen's charters in India and suggest how they can be addressed in light of the Sevottam model. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"For the success of Right to Information (RTI), a major challenge is to develop capacities for access to information. Discuss. How can the capacities of both public authorities and citizens be enhanced? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Define Work Culture. Suggest how an efficient work culture could be developed in the Indian scenario. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"If corruption exists even in rich, economically successful countries, why should developing countries like India be worried about it? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Is behaviour always a reflection of one's attitude? Explain with relevant examples. (100 words)","marks":null,"words":"100"},{"page":24,"question":"Empathy is not only an important ingredient but also an indicator of one's emotional intelligence. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Why do people obey orders, which they know are ethically wrong? (100 words)","marks":null,"words":"100"},{"page":32,"question":"Bring out what this statement means to you in the present context: \"There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but he must take it because conscience tells him it is right.\"- Martin Luther King (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":36,"question":"You are a young DM in a district, which is seeing rapid mushrooming of private Drug de-addiction centres. The centres are known to function in an unethical manner and their business model involves a specific consideration for cases of relapse victims. Although these centres charge at high rates, they are known to give families of addicts hope and institutionalisation of addicts has ensured maintenance of law and order, not seen in neighbouring districts. Analyse the following options for their positive and negative impact on the various stakeholders of the society. (a) Shutting down of the private rehab centres altogether (b) Petitioning the higher authorities to deploy funds for opening up of","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":61,"question":"What are the options available to Kathi?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":61,"question":"Evaluate each of these options and choose the option, which you recommend Kathi to adopt giving reasons. 20. You are a young reporter who has unearthed the case of the government secretly pledging gold to a foreign country. Reporting of the said activity would trigger a downward spiral for the economy as trust in the government would decrease, domestic and foreign investors will pull out investments from the country. The reporting of the incident would definitely improve your career prospects. You are still to share this information with anybody. What will you do and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":61,"question":"You are a young reporter who has unearthed the case of the government secretly pledging gold to a foreign country. Reporting of the said activity would trigger a downward spiral for the economy as trust in the government would decrease, domestic and foreign investors will pull out investments from the country. The reporting of the incident would definitely improve your career prospects. You are still to share this information with anybody. What will you do and why?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":217,"topper":"Abhijit Shukla","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9f7b4-abhijit-shukla_48_2014_gs_booklet_1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"'Probity and efficiency need not necessarily be mutually exclusive sets'. Comment on the above statement and substantiate your stand with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Can conscience take precedence over rules and regulations as a source of ethical guidance? Narrate an incident from your life where you followed your conscience as a source of ethical guidance instead of rules. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"A public servant who acquiesces to the requests of a superior to act in a way that he clearly knows is unethical explicates this statement. 2) A public servant who does not take the extra step to help the marginalized sections of the society or anyone 5. 'Laws are social norms codified'. Do you agree? Give a few examples to substantiate your answer. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"'Laws are social norms codified'. Do you agree? Give a few examples to substantiate your answer. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"Relativity applies to physics, not ethics\"-Albert Einstein. Comment. (100 words)","marks":null,"words":"100"},{"page":19,"question":"Indian education system needs to be reinvigorated to inculcate moral values and promote ethical conduct. Do you think indigenization of our education system can promote the same? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Explain how corruption devours the very concept of good governance and slowly eats away the good in the society. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"In framing a government, which is to be administered by men over men, the greatest difficulty lies firstly in enabling the government to control the governed; and in the next place to oblige it to control itself. Comment w.r.t. accountability of public service in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":46,"question":"You are the District Magistrate of one of the poorest districts in the country. Due to widespread poverty and unhygienic conditions, there are many health related problems in the district. Many private medical practitioners have settled in the district and are running a profitable business. There are reports that many of them are charging high fees even for routine medical check-ups. Further, out-of pocket health expenditure has risen exponentially in the district. The MP of that constituency has fixed the rates, which the doctors can charge from their patients, for the most common medical treatment. These rates are within the capacity of the poor masses and would not impact the earning of the doctors too. He has also warned that if any doctor is found to be in violation of these, then serious action would be initiated against him. The medical fraternity has protested against these arm-twisting tactics. They have approached the DM to remedy the situation. (a) What are the options available to you? (b) Evaluate each option and suggest the best course of action?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"You are the Station House Officer of a police station. Recently, there has been a spurt in theft incidents in your area. Some of these incidents have occurred even during daytime. The Resident Welfare Association has blamed the labourers, residing in night shelters, for the crimes. The night shelters are a result of an initiative by the police to help the homeless people to seek refuge from the biting cold at night. You have taken great pains to get these night-shelters up and running. The record of all those who stay in these night shelters, for instance, their names and identity proofs, is kept with the police. But the police has no information if any one of them has a past criminal record. Even as an investigation regarding the thefts is going on, the RWA members are demanding to dismantle these night shelters and to not allow these labourers to reside near their homes. (a) What are the options available to you? (b) Evaluate each option and suggest the best course of action?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"You are a final-year engineering student, studying in a reputed engineering college of India. Campus placements are going on in your college and most of your friends have already been placed in reputed multi-national companies. You have appeared in selection tests for many companies but have failed to clear any of them. The placement season is drawing to a close. You have taken a student loan to pay for the college tuition fees. Your parents have high hopes from you and placement in a good MNC is very important for your future. Some of your friends have offered to help you to cheat in the next selection test. Many of them have themselves cleared their tests by cheating and now have job offers from big MNCs. You have never cheated in any exam in your whole student life. But the present situation is making you indecisive. (a) What are the options available to you? (b) Evaluate each option and suggest the best course of action?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":218,"topper":"Abhijit Shukla","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/cc943-abhijit-shukla_48_2014_gs_booklet_3.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Justice means performance of their respective duties by each class of the state and non-interference in the functions of other class. Explain. 12.5","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Individual is an end in itself and state and society are the means for the welfare of individual. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"Punishment is external negative sanction of morality. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"Growing terrorism and fundamentalism is also motivated by religion to some extent. In practice it has been criticizing terrorism but theocracy, directly or indirectly supports terrorism. (Justify the statement)","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":219,"topper":"Abhijit Shukla","air":48,"year":2014,"paper":"Optional — Philosophy","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e84fe-abhijit-shukla_48_2014_philosophy_booklet_1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":220,"topper":"Abhijit Shukla","air":48,"year":2014,"paper":"Optional — Philosophy","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9219e-abhijit-shukla_48_2014_philosophy_booklet_2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":221,"topper":"Abhijit Shukla","air":48,"year":2014,"paper":"Optional — Philosophy","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ec145-abhijit-shukla_48_2014_philosophy_booklet_3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":222,"topper":"Abhijit Shukla","air":48,"year":2014,"paper":"Optional — Philosophy","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1047d-abhijit-shukla_48_2014_philosophy_booklet_4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":223,"topper":"Abhijit Shukla","air":48,"year":2014,"paper":"Optional — Philosophy","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/cfbc8-abhijit-shukla_48_2014_philosophy_booklet_5.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":224,"topper":"Abhijit Shukla","air":48,"year":2014,"paper":"Optional — Philosophy","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/02ddf-abhijit-shukla_48_2014_philosophy_booklet_6.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":225,"topper":"Abhijit Shukla","air":48,"year":2014,"paper":"Optional — Philosophy","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/28f8b-abhijit-shukla_48_2014_philosophy_booklet_7.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":226,"topper":"ABHIJNAN HAZARIKA","air":172,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/53fd9-289567_1752_abhijnan_hazarika_rank_172.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":227,"topper":"ABHIJNAN HAZARIKA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4f9c5-289567_2031_abhijnan_hazarika_rank_172.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The Kakatiya dynasty left an indelible mark in the fields of architecture and literature. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Bal Gangadhar Tilak was instrumental in creating a national consciousness and giving political voice to the masses during the course of national movement. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The 1929 Lahore session of Congress shaped the vision for an independent India in many important ways. Explain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Explain, in what ways, different historical experiences led countries like China and Japan on widely divergent paths to building independent and modern nations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What is Madden-Julian Oscillation? How does it differ from El-Nino? Discuss its impact on Indian Monsoon. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What are endogenic forces? Highlight their types and discuss the role played by them in forming various landforms on the earth. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"In context of the significance of the Himalayan mountain system for South Asia, explain the factors responsible for melting of glaciers and its impact on the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The COVID-19 pandemic has not only exposed globalisation as highly vulnerable and fragile but also forced a rethinking on its merits. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"In what ways are caste-based inequities still manifested in urban India? Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Menstruation has always been surrounded by taboos and myths that exclude women from many aspects of socio-cultural life. Discuss in the context of India. Also, suggest some steps to combat these taboos and myths. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Provide an account of the origin and spread of devotional Bhakti in South India and discuss how this popular movement expressed itself in the vernacular literature of the south. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The idea of urban decay in India in early medieval times has been propounded by some but evidences from various parts of the country suggest otherwise. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)15","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The essence of Gandhiji's constructive programme went well beyond the anti-imperialist nationalist struggle. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Though the socio-political complexities of the Indian subcontinent may have made partition inevitable, it was the failure of British leadership that led to a bloodbath. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Identifying the factors affecting the location of semiconductor and electronic chip making industry, discuss the reasons behind their current global shortage. What steps has India taken in recent times to support its electronic manufacturing ecosystem? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Identifying the active and passive factors affecting pedogenesis, explain the processes involved in soil formation. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Pre-monsoon season in India is characterised by thunderstorms, lightning and many such events. In this context, explain how thunderstorms are formed and discuss the impact of pre-monsoonal rainfall in various regions of India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Diversification of energy basket is no longer a choice for India, it has become a necessity. Elucidate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The contemporary Indian society finds itself caught at the intersection of a growing aspiration to mimic the West and a revival of the conservative traditional outlook. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"In view of the visible trends in India's urbanisation, discuss the key considerations for a new urbanisation policy to guide the planning and management of cities in a sustainable manner. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":228,"topper":"ABHIJNAN HAZARIKA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c500b-289567_2032_abhijnan_hazarika_rank_172.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"It has been argued that some parts of Article 22 are not Fundamental Rights but 'Fundamental Dangers' to the citizens of India. Discuss in light of the debate on issues around the preventive detention laws in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The administration of justice is not limited to conviction of the guilty and acquittal of the innocent but also ensuring fair and speedy trial. In view of this, discuss the reasons behind increase in the number of undertrials in India and measures taken to ameliorate the issues faced by them. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Highlighting the significance of cooperatives in India, discuss how the recently created Ministry of Cooperation will give an impetus to them. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The NGT Act gives much leeway to the tribunal to go beyond a mere adjudicatory role and act as a sui generis institution with the capacity to provide redressal for environmental exigencies. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"In the context of demographic changes highlighted by the NFHS-5, do you think population control legislations will be a step in the right direction? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The utility of PMAY-G hinges on its design, which is a marked improvement over the previous rural housing schemes. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The nutritional status of India has been a matter of long standing public threat. Discuss. Also, suggest measures to overcome the problem of nutritional crisis in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"To realise the potential of its growing population, India's march towards development will undoubtedly be incomplete without skills and education. In this context, discuss the significance of the recently launched RISE and EQUIP schemes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the centrality of ASEAN bloc in India's Act East policy and SAGAR initiative. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss China's Polar Silk Road initiative in view of the growing interest in the Arctic region and state its implications for India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The doctrine of Separation of Powers is followed in US with a spirit, never followed in UK purely, and India has followed it with large exceptions. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"A robust and fair electoral system in India is hinged upon few key reforms in the Representation of People's Act. Discuss in the context of contemporary issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Even though pressure groups play an important role in governance, there have been issues surrounding transparency in the representativeness of the groups and their funding as well as their relationship with the government. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite reforms by the Central and state governments to overhaul the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), several challenges remain with regard to their efficient functioning. Elucidate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Welfare initiatives embody civil rights, whereas freebies cultivate a patron-client syndrome. Examine in the context of governance in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Even though non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are an integral part of a nation's developmental ethos, the State has legitimate interest, legal authority and constitutional duty to curb the activities of those NGOs, which attempt to hamper national development at the behest of the forces inimical to India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"While there is an urgency to focus on all the three levels of healthcare, it is imperative that the government looks towards improving primary healthcare as a public good. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Despite initiatives to curb child marriage, it continues to persist in India. Explaining the reasons behind this, analyse its impact. What further measures can be taken by the government to eliminate the practice of child marriage in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Despite their significance, India has not been able to strengthen its ties with the Central Asian countries. Bringing out the reasons for the same, discuss how India can deepen its relationship with countries in this region. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Discuss the concerns that have arisen in India-Sri Lanka relations in recent times. How can India ensure a favourable relationship with Sri Lanka given its importance in the Indian Ocean region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":229,"topper":"ABHIJNAN HAZARIKA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5b41e-289567_2033_abhijnan_hazarika_rank_172.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Stating the issues associated with agricultural extension in India, discuss the role of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in strengthening the national agricultural research extension system. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In India, the food processing sector is emerging as a high-growth and high-profit sector due to its immense potential for value addition. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Explaining the concept of livestock-based Integrated Farming System (IFS), discuss its benefits. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"While Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) are spearheading entrepreneurship across the world, India still has one of the lowest entrepreneurship rates. Discuss. Also, state the policy measures that have been taken to increase the pace of entrepreneurship in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"'Land banks' can play a critical role in boosting the economy and promoting ease of doing business in India. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The proposed amendments to the Forest Conservation Act (FCA) are not only antithetical to the Forest Rights Act (FRA), but are also likely to delay India achieving its commitments on climate change. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The problem of flooding in urban areas is not only due to overflowing rivers, but also the uninformed ways in which our cities are coping with urbanisation. Discuss. In this context, mention the National Disaster Management Authority guidelines on urban floods. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"ISRO is no longer confined only to the launching of satellites, but it has been constantly enlarging its role in development activities over the years. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"State the reasons behind targeting of Critical Information Infrastructure (CII) by state and non-state actors. Also, discuss the steps taken by the Indian government to secure its CII. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Despite the strategic significance of North-East India, the region faces several security threats. Discuss. Also, state the measures taken by the government to ensure peace and stability in the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Indian Railways has suffered from chronic under-investment, which has adversely impacted key areas of its operations. In this context, discuss the challenges faced by the railways in speedy creation of infrastructure. Also, mention the steps taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"A disruptive approach to research & development (R&D), with a focus on last mile obligations of the agricultural system is necessary to realize India's objective of doubling farmer's income. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"India’s power distribution companies and electrical grids must undergo reforms to transition from fossil fuels to more sustainable forms of renewable energy. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The practice of input-intensive agriculture in India needs a massive overhaul due to its unsustainability and negative consequences. In this context, discuss the significance of Low External Input Sustainable Agriculture (LEISA). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The recently released IPCC Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) - 2021 has been deemed as 'code red' for humanity. In this context, discuss the various concerns raised in the report with special focus on India. Also, enlist the remedial measures given by the report. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Multiple chemical disasters from the Bhopal gas tragedy to gas leak in Visakhapatnam have brought into focus the risks posed by hazardous chemicals (HAZCHEM) in India. In view of this, discuss the preparedness as well as gaps in Chemical Disaster Management (CDM) in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The growing demand for liberalisation of public health-related goods and services amidst the pandemic has raised critical issues with regard to the current intellectual property regime. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Highlighting the reasons behind suboptimal results in indigenization of defence technologies in India, suggest measures which can accelerate the pace of indigenization in the defence sector. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Discuss the factors behind conceptualization of different Central Armed Police Forces for guarding the international borders. Also, highlight the contribution of these forces in ensuring security of India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Discuss the vulnerability of virtual assets in terms of their misuse for money laundering activities. Also, state corrective measures that can be taken to mitigate the risks posed by the use of virtual assets. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":230,"topper":"ABHIJNAN HAZARIKA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d73fc-289567_2219_abhijnan_hazarika_rank_172.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Fiscal policy can be a key tool to reduce income inequality as well as make the poorest and the downtrodden a part of the country's growth story. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Digitizing land records will go a long way in ensuring land reforms as well as lessening the burden on the Indian Judiciary. Elaborate. Also, state the measures taken in this context. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"It has been pointed out that competitive politics to fund mostly non-merit subsidies is pushing a few states in India to the brink of a deep fiscal crisis. In this context, discuss the need to rationalise the subsidy regime in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Micro-irrigation has tremendous potential in transforming farming into a profitable and sustainable venture. Discuss the given statement in the context of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Given its vast resources and technical expertise, India can play a key role in assisting the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) in dealing with the impact of climate change. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The recent \"Disaster Management Plan of Ministry of Panchayati Raj (DMP-MoPR)\" aims to develop disaster resilience at the grassroots level. In this context, discuss the rationale behind the formulation of the Plan and highlight its key components. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the internal security implications emanating from the use of Emerging And Disruptive Technologies (EDT) by state and non-state actors. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Identify the impediments faced by India in boosting its defence exports. Also, discuss the steps taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the multiple issues associated with space debris. Also, state the initiatives taken in recent times to tackle this menace. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The adoption of Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) in India is expected to make e-commerce more inclusive and accessible for consumers. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While an agreement was recently reached at the WTO on a deal to curb \"harmful\" government fisheries subsidies, certain concerns raised by India suggests that the matter will require further negotiations. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite the advantages that are associated with the hybrid annuity model (HAM) in the road construction sector, the interest in it has moderated due to various reasons. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The existing MSP procurement regime is neither economically nor agro-ecologically sustainable. Elaborate. Also, evaluate the alternative approaches that can be adopted to improve the existing MSP regime. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"It is being argued that India is struggling with overflowing foodgrains in warehouses. Discuss the statement in view of the existing buffer stock policy of India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Recently, the government has asked all ports to prepare a master plan in order to become 'mega ports' by 2047. In light of this, discuss the challenges faced by ports and suggest remedial measures in order to propel India's blue economy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Inequality in income and wealth translates into carbon inequality. In this context, discuss the significance of addressing carbon inequality for India and suggest ways to achieve it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Despite increased and regular occurrences of landslides over the past decade in India, the dominant development paradigm has largely not been modified. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)15","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India needs a smart border management system to balance legitimate cross border flows with national security interests. Discuss. Also, highlight the initiatives taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Establishing linkages between globalisation and money laundering, discuss the initiatives taken at the national and international levels to combat it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"There have been arguments that India needs to review some of its past assumptions about the nature of outer space and contribute to the development of new global norms. In this context, analyse India's stand in relation to the Artemis Accords. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":231,"topper":"ABHIJNAN HAZARIKA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5dd0c-289567_2423_abhijnan_hazarika_rank_172.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With suitable examples, discuss how environmental pressure groups enhance public participation and responsiveness with regard to environmental policies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":232,"topper":"ABHIJNAN HAZARIKA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a80be-289567_2422_abhijnan_hazarika_rank_172.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The traditional theatre forms of India reflect the ideals and emotions of the society, and an individual's role in the community. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Provide an account of the historical and architectural importance of the Sanchi Stupa. Also, discuss how it inspired the future architecture in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Bhagat Singh made a real breakthrough in terms of revolutionary ideology, the goals of revolution and forms of revolutionary struggle. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Bringing out the factors that led to the Meiji restoration, discuss its significance for Japan. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"It is believed that a nation is an “imagined community” held together by common beliefs, history, political aspirations etc. In this context, discuss what the basis of India as a nation is. Also, bring out the threats to the concept of Indian nationhood. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"State the key factors behind the growth of the pharmaceutical industry in India. Additionally, discuss its significance with regard to India's economy and public health.(Answer in 150words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss why the Bay of Bengal is more prone to cyclones than the Arabian Sea. Also, explain the reasons for the decrease in frequency of tropical cyclones during the Southwest monsoon season. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite being destructive in nature, volcanoes are critical for the existence of human life on earth. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The existence of relative deprivation is an important aspect in constructing the argument for regionalism. Explain with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"If India is to realise the goal of 'education for all', the issue of rising cases of bullying and other forms of school violence needs to be addressed immediately. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Bring out the role played by the Ahom Kingdom in shaping the cultural and historical identity of North-East India, and discuss its legacy in contemporary times. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The capitalist class generally remained ambivalent in their support to the Indian National Congress until 1940s. In this context, analyse the varying positions of the Indian capitalists throughout the national movement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Trace the evolution of the press in India. Also, discuss the instrumental impact it had during various stages of the Indian freedom struggle despite the repressive policies of the British. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Mountains are fragile ecosystems vulnerable to the adverse impact of climate change and other anthropogenic interventions. Illustrate with examples. Also, highlight the initiatives taken for their sustainable management. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind unsustainable management of sand resources in India. Highlighting its impact, enumerate the remedial measures taken in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Giving an account of the major lithium-producing countries, discuss the geo-political aspects of lithium production and its environmental implications. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The youth are capable of identifying themselves with a global identity and connecting with events and experiences outside their countries. In this context, discuss the impact of globalization on the various aspects of youth identity. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"As fertility rates decline in India, future demographic concerns center around an ageing population and a weak social security system. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"With a significant proportion of India's population expected to live in urban areas by 2030, the welfare of the urban poor needs to take centre-stage in public policy. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":233,"topper":"ABHIJNAN HAZARIKA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/27e2b-289567_2220_abhijnan_hazarika_rank_172.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The logic of limitless wealth lies in the basic human instinct for furthering self-interest in the form of profit. In this context, do you think there is a possibility of pursuing ethical capitalism? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"If a law is unjust, a man is not only right to disobey it, he is obligated to do so. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The capacity of Citizens' Charter to initiate any transformative process is conditioned upon it being appropriately designed and effectively executed. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The moral fiber and ethical conduct of public officials not only influence the standard of governance but also their own interests and performance. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The ongoing debate on euthanasia poses several ethical questions. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Foreign aid is a form of neo-colonialism, as the economically wealthier countries can exploit the developing countries under the cloak of aid. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Throwing light on the idea of Universal Humanism propounded by Rabindranath Tagore, discuss its contemporary relevance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree with the view that it is nature and not nurture which determines the emotional intelligence of a person? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Values that guide public administrators can often compete with each other, owing to their relative importance to the larger public interest. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Is it justifiable to say that corruption is a social phenomenon? What are the various ways through which administrative corruption can be tackled? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \\u201cOvercoming poverty is not a task of charity; it is an act of justice.\\u201d Nelson Mandela (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"\"I do believe that, where there is only a choice between cowardice and violence, I would advise violence.\"- Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":57,"question":"The Indian education system suffers from many ills. One of the major issues is the focus on 'rote learning', which has been the staple of the Indian education system for many years. While many Indians have attained success despite this system, simply being able to recall information is not enough in today's world when that information is instantly available to anyone on a mobile phone. A survey of 200 Indian and foreign companies found that only 14% of Indian graduates were prepared for the workforce, largely because most graduates were unable to apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the consequences of 'rote learning' on the educational development of young students in the country? (b) Suggest measures that can be taken to address this issue. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":234,"topper":"Abhilash","air":44,"year":2017,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/27205_760_Abhilash_Rank_44.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":235,"topper":"Abhilash Mishra","air":5,"year":2016,"paper":"Optional — Public Administration","optional":true,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/15VVnSAtTyGIQai1HhEylvZ1XrKEn2tol","questions":[]},{"id":236,"topper":"Abhilash Mishra","air":5,"year":2016,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1FjnkZ_nXnTagWpNPveJYJK5CsZv6KoLA","questions":[]},{"id":237,"topper":"Abhilash Sundaram","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e434b-1190247_3128_abhilash-sundaram_rank_129.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"The world must learn to work together, or finally it will not work at all.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Technology, like art, is a soaring exercise of the human imagination.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"We've begun to raise daughters more like sons, but few have the courage to raise our sons more like our daughters.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":238,"topper":"Abhilash Sundaram","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9d55a-1190247_2929_abhilash-sundaram_rank_129.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Expression of dissent is central to the functioning of the Parliament. In light of this, discuss the role of the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in India's parliamentary system. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"How can the integration of technology into judicial processes enhance accessibility, capability, and efficiency in justice delivery? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Supreme Court of India has upheld unique asymmetry in India's federalism by intricately balancing centralized authority and regional autonomy. Discuss with the help of relevant case laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Evaluate the effectiveness of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes in safeguarding the interests of the Scheduled Castes in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Executive accountability to the legislature through Parliamentary Committees has been the hallmark of the Indian political system. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can India make Citizens' Charter a powerful tool for improving governance and empowering citizens? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How do corporate donors aid NGOs in facilitating holistic development in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite its merits, should the POCSO Act be revisited to correct the existing inadequacies? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"China's acquisition of strategic ports globally has significant implications for international trade routes and economic relations. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"What are the main functions of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)? How will its recent treaty on intellectual property, genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge benefit India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) plays a crucial role in combating corruption, its functioning is often criticized for being partisan and acting against the federal spirit. Discuss with the help of suitable examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Governors in India often overstep their constitutional role and fail to act effectively when needed. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Both India and the USA adhere to democratic principles but their electoral systems exhibit significant differences. What are the key differences in electoral practices between the two countries? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"How far do you agree with the view that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has met its objective of ensuring environmental justice in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Though Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) have become a platform for competitive polities, they have not emerged as an agency of planning and service delivery. Why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by interoperability in e-governance? What steps have been taken by the government to ensure interoperability and integration of various e-governance systems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"When it comes to sexual and reproductive health of women in India, rights-based discourse has largely been bypassed not just by the societal norms but also by the legal norms. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"How effective has India been in enhancing immunization coverage over the years? What challenges continue to affect immunization efforts in the country? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India used its Presidency of the G20 to bring the voice of the Global South to the centre stage. Discuss with special reference to Africa. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"India's relationship with the UAE has witnessed a remarkable expansion across various domains in the last decade. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":239,"topper":"Abhilash Sundaram","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d61f4-1190247_2930_abhilash-sundaram_rank_129.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How is the rapid growth of the food processing industry leading to food safety challenges in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Under the Public Distribution System of India, the Fair Price Shop (FPS) transformation is an evolving process. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"How are agri-tech startups in India helping farmers in enhancing farm productivity and market access? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the role of digitization of land records in the effective implementation of land reforms in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"To fully exploit its demographic dividend and accelerate economic growth, India needs to adopt a manufacturing-led growth model. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can the resilience of Indian coastal communities be strengthened to tackle the growing natural hazards resulting from climate change? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How does the Green Credit Programme extend beyond carbon management to promote a more sustainable environment in India? What are the various concerns about its implementation? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What is the need for NavIC when existing satellite navigation systems are already available? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Cyber-enabled financial crime has emerged as the new frontier of global money laundering. Discuss. How can the government address this issue? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The Indian Army is observing the year 2024 as the 'Year of Technology Absorption'. In light of this, explain why there is a need for technology absorption in the defence sector of India. What challenges can India face in this initiative? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What are the issues faced in the development of trade and industries in the North-Eastern Region (NER) of India? Comment on the measures that have been taken to tackle these issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the era of climate change and growing water scarcity, how can micro-irrigation systems contribute to sustainable agricultural practices in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What strategies can be adopted to overcome the issues pertaining to freight transportation in the Indian Railways and increase its share in the domestic freight? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the factors that have aided India in making impressive strides in the renewable energy sector and establishing itself as a frontrunner in the global renewable energy transition. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"How does agricultural runoff containing fertilizers and pesticides contribute to environmental pollution? What measures can be taken to mitigate the impact of agricultural runoff? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The growing influx of tourists in Himalayan states has breached their ecological carrying capacity, leading to significant man-made disasters. What measures can be implemented to prevent such disasters while promoting sustainable tourism? Discuss with relevant examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"How do superconductors fuel innovation in diverse fields of science and technology? Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"While India has laws covering almost all types of intellectual property rights, numerous enforcement, regulatory and administrative challenges hamper the commercialisation of IPRs in India. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Keeping in view the challenges in creating integrated theatre commands, examine how the theaterisation of commands can lead to greater integration and rationalisation of manpower and resources among the three services. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Treating border villages as first villages not just geographically but also in terms of facilities can be a key strategy for enhancing border security. Discuss Also, highlight the measures being taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":240,"topper":"Abhilash Sundaram","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/42bf4-1190247_2928_abhilash-sundaram_rank_129.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How does tribal art provide valuable insights into the cultural perspectives and values of Indian tribal communities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What are the key factors that accelerated decolonization post-World War II? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How does human encroachment impact water bodies in urban areas? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How do physical geographical features influence the development and operation of transportation systems? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How are ocean trenches formed? Describe the significant characteristics of these oceanic relief formations. (Answer in 150words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Identify the reasons behind increasing number of extreme rainfall events throughout India in recent times. Assess their socio-economic impact. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"India is expected to have the largest working-age population in the world by 2030 and it cannot afford low participation of women in the workforce anymore. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Do you agree that there has been a progressive secularization of caste in India? Support your view with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Why is inequality increasing in India despite the fall in overall poverty? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"How did the competitive and hostile dynamic between Brahminism and Buddhism over funding, followers, and ideology mark the decline of Buddhism? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"European travellers' accounts in the medieval period have played an important role in shaping our understanding of the empires and people of that period in India. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The British victory in the Battle of Plassey in 1757 not just changed the course of Indian history but also that of the world. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Why was it more difficult to rehabilitate refugees in West Bengal as compared to Punjab after partition? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss the economic and social costs associated with the transition from coal to green energy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Explain the process of formation of volcanic calderas. How do they contribute to the scenic beauty of the region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the reasons behind the increased frequency and intensity of heat waves globally? How will it impact global food security? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India's approach to secularism does not merely challenge inter-religious domination but intra-religious domination as well. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Do you agree with the view that Indian cities are turning into landscapes of stark inequality and social exclusion? What steps can be taken to make urban areas more egalitarian in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":241,"topper":"Abhilash Sundaram","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ec877-1190247_2931_abhilash-sundaram_rank_129.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The end cannot justify the means, for the simple and obvious reason that the means employed determine the nature of the ends produced. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss how the relationship between law and ethics is dynamic and continuously shaped by societal changes. Provide examples to illustrate this dynamic relationship. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Differentiate between probity and integrity with suitable examples. How do these values contribute to ethical governance and decision-making in the civil services? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the ethical implications of withholding information in public administration. How can transparency enhance accountability and reduce corruption in government institutions? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? \"There is no school equal to a decent home and no teacher equal to a virtuous parent.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? \"Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.\" - Leo Tolstoy (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? \"To see what is right and not do it is a lack of courage.\" - Confucius (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What factors lead to a positive attitude in a person? How does positive attitude enhance the effectiveness of civil servants in performing their duties? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss how emotional intelligence can influence ethical decision-making in the allocation of scarce public resources. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Various international humanitarian organizations provide emergency aid in conflict zones around the world. Highlight the ethical challenges faced by such organizations. What are the principles that guide international humanitarian work? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Why is persuasion regarded as an important skill for civil servants? What are the key considerations that should guide persuasion in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"What role can ethical leadership play in curbing corruption, especially in public service? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"What were the major teachings of Swami Dayanand Saraswati? Explain their relevance in addressing the current ethical and social challenges in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":38,"question":"Jay, a civil servant, was appointed as the Commissioner in the Education Department a year ago. In his initial months, he implemented several policies and programmes that were transforming the Education Ministry's operations, gaining a good reputation that could potentially benefit the concerned minister in the upcoming elections. However, Jay now faces a significant challenge. As part of his responsibilities, he must approve the recruitment of new teachers for government schools. He has received a list of 120 candidates recommended for vacant posts, but suspects the recruitment process was unfair. Jay had also received several complaints claiming that the process had not been meritocratic. Upon review, Jay discovers evidence suggesting that many names on the list are the result of political patronage - a prevalent issue in the state where politicians use recruitment to gain political support. Jay believes the Education Minister is engaging in this practice as the election session approaches. This situation reminds Jay of a past incident when, as a junior officer, he refused to entertain an unnecessary procurement request. Consequently, he was transferred within a week, and he and his family faced frivolous anti-corruption complaints as retaliation. His successor approved the procurement at even higher rates. Jay is now concerned that blocking the current recruitment could lead to similar consequences. Moreover, fear of victimisation makes him hesitate to challenge the Education Minister's actions. (a) What are the options available to Jay as the Commissioner of the Education Department? Evaluate each of these options. (b) What option should Jay adopt and why? (c) How can civil servants like Jay be better protected when they attempt to uphold ethical standards in their work? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"What are the options available to Jay as the Commissioner of the Education Department? Evaluate each of these options. (b) What option should Jay adopt and why? (c) How can civil servants like Jay be better protected when they attempt to uphold ethical standards in their work? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"As the District Magistrate of X city, you are responsible for overseeing the construction of a new metro depot in an urban forest area, which is a critical infrastructure project aimed at improving public transportation and reducing traffic congestion and air pollution. The project, however, requires the clearance of a substantial portion of the forest, which has triggered strong opposition from environmental activists, local residents, and NGOs. This forest is widely regarded as essential for the city's ecological balance, often referred to as the city's \"lungs.\" In addition to the environmental concerns, you are under considerable pressure from politicians at the state-level to expedite the project, given the upcoming elections in two years. The political leadership emphasizes the benefits of the metro project for the city's development and its potential to garner electoral support. The project is expected to significantly reduce travel time for thousands of commuters and potentially decrease overall vehicle emissions in the city. However, it would also lead to the loss of thousands of trees and disrupt local ecosystems. As you prepare to make a decision, you are aware that your choice will have far-reaching consequences for both the city's development and its environment. (a) Identify the ethical dilemmas involved in the above case. (b) Evaluate the options available to you in the above situation. Which of these would you choose and why? (c) Suggest some measures that could be implemented to balance urban development needs with environmental conservation in future projects. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Dr. Mehra is a senior drug developer at a leading pharmaceutical company in India, renowned for producing various medications, including lifesaving drugs critical for treating chronic and rare diseases. Since its inception, the company has emphasized the quality and affordability of its drugs. Recently, under revised government guidelines, pharmaceutical companies are required to market a finished product only after obtaining \"satisfactory results\" from tests on the ingredients. Additionally, they must retain a sufficient quantity of samples of both intermediate and final products to allow repeated testing or verification of a batch. Dr. Mehra's team is in the final stages of developing a new medication for a rare but life-threatening disease. This drug has shown promising results in clinical trials. However, there have been unresolved concerns about the long-term side effects of the drug, observed in a small percentage of trial subjects. Despite this, the company has not released any major drug in the past decade, leading to significant pressure from the board members to expedite the drug's release. (a) Identify the stakeholders in the above case study. (b) Discuss the ethical issues faced by Dr. Mehra. (c) Analyse the options available to Dr. Mehra in the above case. Which of these would you choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":59,"question":"In light of the above case, discuss the ethical issues that may arise from the nexus between corporate, political, and bureaucratic interests. (b) As a conscientious civil servant, evaluate the options available to Arun. Which option should he choose and why?(Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":242,"topper":"Abhilasha","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/11250_861_Abhilasha_Rank_18.pdf","questions":[{"page":11,"question":"What are the various components of an organization's work culture? What are key issues that need to be addressed in any organisation to create a more developmental and performance oriented culture?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"It is vain to talk of the interest of the community, without understanding what is the interest of the individual. Discuss the statement in the present context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Is Emotional Intelligence influenced by cultural moorings? How would you differentiate the applicability of Emotional Intelligence in Indian society from that of Western society?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Evaluate the success of RTI in bringing governance reforms in the country. Examine whether it has served the purpose it was meant for.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"The decisive role that money plays in elections creates a vicious cycle of corruption. (a) Elaborate in the context of India. (b) Discuss whether state funding of elections can help in curbing the menace of political corruption in India.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":243,"topper":"Abhilasha Abhinav","air":308,"year":2016,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/11250_814_Abhilasha_Abhinav_Rank_308.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":244,"topper":"Abhilasha Abhinav","air":308,"year":2016,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/11250_816_Abhilasha_Abhinav_Rank_308.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":245,"topper":"Abhilasha Abhinav","air":308,"year":2016,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/11250_820_Abhilasha_Abhinav_Rank_308.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":246,"topper":"Abhilasha Abhinav","air":308,"year":2016,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/11250_823_Abhilasha_Abhinav_Rank_308.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":247,"topper":"Abhimanyu Malik","air":60,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/26/air-60-abhimanyu-malik_test-1_gs1.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Q.1 The fabric of Indian philosophical thought owes as much to Northern India as to Southern India. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Q.2 The Indian society's impulse for social change and reform was a response to its opposition to colonial rule. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Q.3 What are the factors that led to the Russian revolution and what are the consequences of this revolution? Discuss its influence on the Indian national movement","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":12,"question":"Q.4 Discuss the various factors responsible for the uneven temperature distribution on Earth's surface.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Q.5 The melting of glaciers due to climate change has serious implications for the ecosystem and human society. Discuss the effects of melting glaciers on the environment and the measures that can be taken to address this issue.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Q.6 The White Revolution was most successful in the Western part of India. Discuss the factors for this regional success of the White Revolution.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":18,"question":"Q.7 To what extent does seismic investigation contribute to our understanding of the Earth's interior structure? Analyze its significance in detail.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Q.8 The pace of demographic transition varies across different states of India making population growth a double-edged sword. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Q.9 The ethnic and cultural diversity in India has always been bound by the thread of unity. Discuss the major factors that have contributed to the cultural unity of India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Q.10 The dichotomy in public and private life in Indian society acts as a major barrier to the annihilation of caste. Justify","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.11 India was forced into numerous wars post Independence. Highlight the causes and impact of the Indo-Pak and Indo-China wars on our bilateral relationships.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.12 The process of consolidation of Bengal, which started after the Battle of Plassey culminated in the Battle of Buxar. Do you think the Battle of Buxar was more important for the British than Plassey?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":31,"question":"Which Battle more important?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"Q.13 Sanskrit literature in general and particularly in the Guptan age set a high watermark for the literary history of ancient India. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q. 4 The configuration of the ocean floor provides essential information about the geological processes that have shaped the Earth's surface. Discuss the major features of the ocean floor and their significance in the study of oceanography.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.15 With the growing demand for rare earth elements, their distribution has become a critical aspect of the global economy. Discuss the distribution of rare earth elements across the world, their uses, and the environmental impact of their extraction.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.16 Tourism in the hilly states is threatening to exceed the ecological carrying capacity of the region. Analyze the factors contributing to this trend and evaluate the potential Environmental impacts of this phenomenon. What measures can be taken to ensure sustainable tourism in these states?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.17 The Indian monsoon is a complex phenomenon influenced by various climatic factors. Critically examine the role of oceanic and atmospheric factors in determining the intensity and distribution of monsoon rainfall in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.18 Why do traditions in our society impede change? To what extent can social legislation be instrumental against old customary practices?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.19 Slums are not 'problems' that have to be 'solved' - but are indeed a result of lopsided and vested urban policies covering infrastructure provision and socio-economic issues. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Q.20 Communalism gains strength from economic deprivation, and thrives in environments of social exclusion, creating fertile ground for discontent and division. Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":248,"topper":"Abhimanyu Malik","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Abhimanyu-Malik-UPSC-2023-Rank-60-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Our moral, religious, and political traditions are united in their respect for the dignity of human life.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":249,"topper":"Abhimanyu Malik","air":60,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/7/air-60-abhimanyu-malik_test-1_gs1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":250,"topper":"Abhimanyu Malik","air":60,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/13/air-60-abhimanyu-malik_test-2_gs2.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Q.1 There is a need to resolve the ambiguity in the disqualification provisions under section 8 of the Representation of People Act 1951. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Q.2 Constitution is a mere skeleton whereas constitutionalism is the soul of democracy. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Q.3 \"Electoral bonds are a double-edged sword, providing anonymity to donors while raising concerns about transparency in political funding.\" To what extent have electoral bonds further legitimized opacity in electoral funding?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Q.4 The question of gender equality is central to the debate on Uniform Civil Code. In this light what are the challenges in reconciling UCC with gender equality as enshrined in the constitution?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Q.5 The Governor's office is neither decorative nor inconsequential, it assumes a constitutional role of profound essence. To what extent does the Governor, actively contribute to the governance of a state and reinforce the principles of federalism in the country?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Q.6 Recently demand has been rising in a state regarding the enactment of Social Accountability Law. How such a law can lead to good governance and boost citizens' participation in decision-making. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Q.7 There is a need for convergence of 'nutrition-specific' and 'nutrition-sensitive' interventions to effectively tackle child undernutrition in India. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Q.8 \"MGNREGA, the lynchpin of rural poverty alleviation, has become the victim of fiscal apathy.\" Critically analyze the statement in light of recent developments.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Q.9 \"India must leverage, if not manage, the global divides\". How can the current geopolitical churn pave the way for India's rise to the global high table?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":22,"question":"Q.10 \"Berlin can be India's gateway to the European Union.\" Elaborate with respect to Germany's significance in India's relationship with the EU.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":23,"question":"Significance of Germany vis-a-vis relationship with EU","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Q.11 How has the Anti-Defection Law impacted the relationship between political parties and individual legislators in India? In light of the recent incidents also discuss the unintended consequences it has on the functioning of democracy in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Q.12 Critics assert that limitless judicial authority rests on the structural ambiguity of the basic structure doctrine. Has the elastic nature of the basic structure doctrine made the judiciary more powerful than the executive?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Q.13 Fundamental rights are not gifts bestowed upon by the state rather an individual possesses them independently of the state. In this context discuss the desirability of reasonable restrictions on various fundamental rights.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Q.14 'S.R. Bommai v. Union of India' signified a paradigm shift in the judicial interpretation of the union's authority to assume control of a state's administration. In this context discuss the significance and impact of the judgement on cementing the federal structure.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Q.15 The key to effective decentralization is, 'political decentralization should follow finance and functional decentralization'. Discuss in the context of impediments faced by local governance in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Q.16 Multi-stakeholder partnerships are the key to leveraging collective expertise and networks. How can effective partnership and localized implementation efforts be fostered to accelerate the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in India?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Q.17 How has the implementation of the POSH Act resulted in limited success in raising awareness about sexual harassment, and what factors have hindered its effective outreach to women employed in the unorganized sector? Propose strategies to bridge this gap and ensure comprehensive protection for women in the unorganized sector against workplace harassment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Q.18 'Neo-liberal reforms and globalization have deeply transformed the institutions of the welfare state and set the ground for a new type of civil services.' In this context examine the challenges faced in service delivery and suggest adequate reforms.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Q.19 China views India as its \"Asian Rival\" with an innate ability to counter its hegemonistic goals in Asia. Despite these difficulties in India-China relations, there are also many areas of convergence. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":251,"topper":"Abhimanyu Malik","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Abhimanyu-Malik-UPSC-2023-Rank-60-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) seeks to democratize the nation's online market by catalysing a shift from a platform centric to an open model of e-commerce. Enumerate the issues in platform centric e-commerce model and discuss the significance of ONDC. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Highlighting the existing bottlenecks in infrastructure development in the country, examine the role of PM Gati Shakti-National Master Plan for Multi-Modal Connectivity to overcome these challenges. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Often cited as responsible for many of the agriculture's maladies, Minimum Support Price (MSP) policy can also provide their remedies. Analyze the statement with special reference to issues related to mono-cropping and climate change. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Explain the critical role of the fisheries sector for development of coastal areas. Describing the major outcomes of the 12th ministerial of WTO, discuss India's concerns related to the impact of these outcomes on fisheries sector in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are the advantages of liquid nano urea over conventional fertilizers? Also bring out other applications of nanotechnology in the agriculture sector. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discuss the reasons for rising anti-microbial resistance (AMR) in India and the efforts to control it. Can traditional medicine help in controlling AMR in the country? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Critically evaluate the various government initiatives to promote renewable energy in the country. How far can the Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill, 2022 contribute towards the objective of decarbonizing the economy? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Money laundering undermines the integrity of the financial system and threatens national security. Elaborate. How effective has Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA) been in checking the problem of money laundering in the country? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"In the five years since its launch to create \"One Nation, One Tax, One Market\", Goods and Services Tax (GST) has been a cause of celebration as well as a source of worry for the stakeholders. In light of this statement, assess the performance of GST. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Discussing the reasons for high Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) in Indian banking sector, critically examine the utility of Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) and National Asset Reconstruction Company Ltd (NARCL) for reducing financial stress on banks. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"While post-independence policies have transformed India from a 'ship to mouth' economy to a net exporter of agri-products, nutrition security is yet an unrealized objective. Analyze. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Examine the critical role of Food Corporation of India (FCI) in food management in the country. Highlight various challenges faced by the FCI and suggest reforms to make it more effective in its functioning. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What do you understand by Artificial Intelligence (AI)? Analyze its predictive and prescriptive applications to improve governance in the country and list out the challenges inherent in AI. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"How is 5G different from previous generations of tele-communication technology? Underlining the transformative application of 5G technology, discuss various challenges in its roll-out. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Why is Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) seen as a regulatory hurdle to development rather than an integral part of developmental planning? How far can the recently proposed ranking system for State EIA Authorities (SEIAA) help in changing this perception? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Unscientific, unmindful and unregulated tourism in the ecologically fragile areas has increased the vulnerabilities of these regions towards a plethora of disasters. Examine the statement and suggest strategies for sustainable tourism. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"How are 'hybrid-militants' different from militants and Over Ground Workers (OGW)? In what ways have hybrid-militants changed the security concerns in Jammu and Kashmir? Also recommend effective measures to counter them. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Explain the linkages of human trafficking with other illicit activities such as drug trafficking, gun-running, and terrorism. Discuss the measures to tackle the menace of human trafficking with special reference of draft Trafficking in Persons (Prevention, Care & Rehabilitation) Bill 2021. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":252,"topper":"Abhimanyu Malik","air":60,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/9/air-60-abhimanyu-malik_test-2_gs2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":253,"topper":"Abhimanyu Malik","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Abhimanyu-Malik-UPSC-2023-Rank-60-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Every person has a fundamental right to entertain such religious practices as approved by his/her conscience. Do you think that 'doctrine of essentiality' restricts this autonomy? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Sedition law, in any form, is a threat to civil liberties and presents an opportunity for its weaponization against dissenters and detractors. Should India do away with the sedition law? Justify your opinion. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss the status of death penalty in the country. Can a governor pardon a death penalty? What are various limitations of pardoning power of governor? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The divergence between intent and impact of the tenth schedule necessitates calling into question its relevance in the present times. Analyze. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Instead of performing a transformative role, traditional bureaucracy has contributed to per-petuation of old order. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Sustainable alliance between Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and the State is critical for social change and development. Highlighting hurdles in this developmental alliance, suggest remedial measures for a more productive partnership. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Subsidies have morphed into a populist tool to achieve electoral objectives rather than developmental goals. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) can be most effective when its tasks are adequately supported by other mechanisms that improve the voice of the tribals. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"India's relation with West Asia has acquired depth and diversity that can navigate geopolitical hurdles. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"India's response to Ukraine crisis is an expression of strategic autonomy and not a reflection of strategic compulsions. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss the role of the judiciary in electoral reforms citing suitable cases. How far do you agree that judiciary induced reforms violate the principle of separation of power? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Why did constitution makers prefer 'union of states' over 'federation of states' to describe India? To what extent this preference is responsible for tensions in centre-state relations? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Political decentralization without devolution of funds and functions to panchayats has resulted in representation but not empowerment. Examine whether devolution of funds and functions alone can transform panchayats into effective institutions of self-governance. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The offence of rape cannot be condoned by marital relationship between victim and culprit. In light of this statement, discuss the issues involved in criminalization of marital rape. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Harnessing public sector data is vital for informed decision making, accelerating socio-economic transformation and democratizing innovation in the country. In this context, highlight the various bottlenecks in public data sharing and suggest strategies for unlocking true value of data. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Why do Indian universities find it difficult to break into the ranks of top global universities? How can Indian institutions of higher education be transformed into global centres of learning? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are an effective model of social entrepreneurship for women empowerment and have multiplier effects on developmental processes in rural areas. Elaborate with suitable examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Success of welfare schemes depends on whether they are built on principles of participation and work within structures of accountability. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"USA-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for prosperity (IPEF) is an economic initiative to complement its existing security partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region. Analyze the significance of and challenges to IPEF in the present scenario. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"BRICS has a potential to lead the path towards reformed multilateralism but suffer from numerous internal contradictions. Discuss in light of recently concluded 14th BRICS summit. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":254,"topper":"Abhimanyu Malik","air":60,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/17/air-60-abhimanyu-malik_test-4_gs4.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"1. (a) Public service requires not merely legal but also morally principled action. Public service requires the public servant to place loyalty to the constitution, laws, and ethical principles. Among the three, which do you think must acquire primacy while carrying out official functions? Why? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"1. (b) What do you understand by \"integrity-based civil disobedience\"? Do you think a challenge to personal integrity can be a justifiable cause for responsible disobedience in civil services? Explain.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. (a) Recent research has shown that emotions significantly impact personal and professional lives. What are the primary emotions that negatively and positively impact workplace productivity? Explain with relevant examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"2. (b) Technical efficiency ensures resource utilization and social efficiency ensures fulfillment of social needs, what does ethical efficiency ensure? Do you think ethical efficiency is more important than technical and social efficiency? Why/Why not?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"3. (a) \"Man cannot do right in one department of life whilst he is occupied in doing wrong in any other department.\" Gandhi.\nDo you think an individual's personal ethics impacts professional life or they both can be compartmentalized? Explain your position with relevant examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"3. (b) Goodness is the result of internal imperatives to do what is right, not sanctions from moral rules or rewards from expected consequences. Do you agree? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"4. (a) Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance.\n(a) 'To tolerate is purely an act of the mind. That is the essence of virtue. To tolerate is a strength.' (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"4. (b) \"It is our first duty to serve society, and after we have done that, we may attend wholly to the salvation of our souls.\"","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"4. (c) \"Periods of peace are the empty pages in the history books\"","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":22,"question":"5. (a) In the context of civil service, distinguish between moral and nonmoral values. Identify 5 basic moral values that can serve as foundational values for all services irrespective of the department. Give reasons why those values can be considered foundational.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"5. (b) Citizens' involvement in decision-making is critical to ethics in governance. Do you agree that effective civic engagement mechanisms can facilitate an ethics-driven administration? What do you think are the mechanisms that citizens can use for ensuring ethics in governance?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":26,"question":"6. (a) Social transformation programs such as \"beti bachao and beti padhao\" believes in using advice, counseling, and persuasion but sometimes a little force is also necessary for getting the desired response. Do you think it is a good idea to mix little force with persuasion by public administrators while implementing social schemes of transformation? Explain with relevant examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"6 (b) Ultimately foreign policy of every country hinges upon the strength which the nation possesses. Strength may be military or financial and may be also... moral. Do you think ethical strength without military or financial muscle will be respected in today's world? Explain your position.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"7 You are a young officer working with the Municipal Corporation of an industrial city. The city was known for manufacturing ball bearings and auto parts. Most manufacturing units were small-scale units with very little production process automation. The units relied on manual labor, which was in abundance due to the villages close by.\n\nAs the number of manufacturing units grew, the demand for labor increased, bringing in a steady inflow of laborers into the city. This influx of people into the town led to a mushrooming of slums and encroachments on the sidewalks. Once in a while, the Corporation conducted drives to clear out the slums, but after a time, the slums came back. The illegal slums had become an urban nightmare.\n\nYou were given the responsibility of clearing out the encroachments and slums with the help of Police authorities. As you started the drive, you realized that the people living by the sidewalks were vulnerable compared to the slum dwellers. Many sidewalk dwellers had recently come to the city after selling their properties in their villages. Now if you drive them out, they have no place to go. Your heart went out to them, and you felt that your departmental action was inhumane, but your official responsibilities demanded stern impartial action. You are desperate to find a way to help the sidewalk dwellers without compromising your official duties.\n(a) What value conflicts do you notice in the above situation?\n(b) Can an administrator compromise the value of impartiality for empathy? Discuss.\n(c) What are the options available in the above situation?\n(d) Suggest viable solutions for tackling illegal slums and encroachments in urban areas.","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":35,"question":"8 A certain State government was running a welfare scheme for promoting safe motherhood among rural landless laborers' families. The scheme involves the transfer of funds to the beneficiaries to enable them to mitigate income loss due to maternal care responsibilities. Since its implementation, the scheme has done reasonably well on maternal health and economic indicators. You are the Director of the Department responsible for implementing and operating the scheme. Recently you have been receiving reports of welfare fraud being committed by families by producing fake bona fide. The families committed the fraud with the help of local officials responsible for scrutinizing the scheme's efficiency. You called for a departmental meeting to discuss and find a solution to the problem. In the meeting, it was decided to merge several available government data sets such as Aadhar cards, voter ID cards, marriage certificates, birth certificates, bank details, and other personal assets. By merging all the data sets, the department would be able to develop the beneficiary's economic profile. And this will help the department scrutinize the documents and detect fraud. This was a comprehensive strategy, but it risked violating an individual's data privacy. As a Department head, you wanted to detect and prevent fraud, but at the same time, you were apprehensive about violating the Data privacy of the stakeholders.\n(a) What are the issues involved in the above case?\n(b) Do you think violating data privacy is justified to prevent welfare fraud? Why/ Why not?\n(c) What, according to you, can be the reasons for such welfare frauds happening in the country?\n(d) Are there any ways and means to prevent such fraud? Give your suggestions.","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":40,"question":"9 You are posted in the Department of Mines, and one of your roles is to help your Department Head negotiate mining leases with private contractors. Recently, the state government demarcated a new mining zone and planned to invite bids for the mining blocks. You were instructed to oversee the bidding process and speed up the contract negotiations. As planned, the tenders were released, bids came in, and tenders were allocated as per the norms. All this happened at a breakneck speed. You wondered, why the hurry? But it was not your place to think and question; you quietly went about your work. As the contractors were about to start operations, you had to instruct them on environmental concerns to watch out for. And to do that, you read the environmental impact assessment report submitted by a consulting firm hired by the department. To your surprise, the report was shoddy and looked cooked up. You got suspicious and raised the issue with your Head, who politely instructed you to do what you were told, and he reminded you that the Department had revenue targets and was under pressure from the Ministry. After the meeting, you, on your own accord, did some digging and found out that the report was fraudulent and the mining activity that was about to start would lead to a massive environmental disaster which the State could not afford.\n(a) What are the issues and value violations you notice in the above case?\n(b) What are the options available to you?\n(c) Discuss the advantage and disadvantages of each option and identify your chosen course of action.\n(d) Do you think that environmental considerations are sometimes overrated at the cost of development?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":45,"question":"10 (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\n(b) Do you think GAMA, the corporate business, should think about international ethics to promote business interests? If yes, why? If no, why not?\n(c) Do you think a corporate's social responsibility has changed due to globalisation? If yes, why? If no, why not?\n(d) Do you think governments related to defence equipment manufacturing companies should regulate sensitive technology and innovation to reduce misuse? Discuss.\na) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\nb) Do you think GAMA, the corporate business, should think about international ethics to promote business interests? If yes, why? If no, why not?\nc) Do you think a corporate's social responsibility has changed due to globalisation? If yes, why? If no, why not?\nd) Do you think governments related to defence equipment manufacturing companies should regulate sensitive technology and innovation to reduce misuse? Discuss.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"(b), (c), (d) (b) Do you think corporate businesses such as GAMA must consider international ethics while pursuing business interests? Why/why not?\n(c) Do you think a corporate's social responsibility extends beyond one's immediate community to the international community? Why/Why not?\n(d) Do you think the Defence sector companies marketing sensitive technologies must be regulated by their respective governments, or regulation may curtail their entrepreneurial and innovation energy? Discuss.","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":49,"question":"11 (a) इस मामले में कौन-से नैतिक और व्यावसायिक मुद्दे शामिल हैं?\n(b) श्री शर्मा और सीईओ के पास कौन-कौन से विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\n(c) क्या आपको लगता है कि बिक्री कार्यबल को स्वतंत्रता देने की संगठनात्मक संस्कृति के कारण समस्या उत्पन्न हुई या व्यक्ति की भ्रष्ट प्रवृत्ति के कारण समस्या उत्पन्न हुई? चर्चा कीजिए।\n(d) जैसा कि इस मामले में बताया गया है, ऐसे अनैतिक व्यवहार को रोकने के लिए कंपनी कौन-से नैतिक तंत्र और उपाय निर्माण और कार्यान्वित कर सकती है? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)\na) इस मामले में कौन-से नैतिक और व्यावसायिक मुद्दे शामिल हैं?\nb) श्री शर्मा और सीईओ के पास कौन-कौन से विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nc) क्या आपको लगता है कि बिक्री कार्यबल को स्वतंत्रता देने की संगठनात्मक संस्कृति के कारण समस्या उत्पन्न हुई या व्यक्ति की भ्रष्ट प्रवृत्ति के कारण समस्या उत्पन्न हुई? चर्चा कीजिए।\nd) जैसा कि इस मामले में बताया गया है, ऐसे अनैतिक व्यवहार को रोकने के लिए कंपनी कौन-से नैतिक तंत्र और उपाय निर्माण और कार्यान्वित कर सकती है? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":50,"question":"(a) What are the ethical and business issues involved in the case?\n(b) What are the options available to Mr. Sharma and the CEO?\n(c) Do you think the organizational culture of giving freedom to the sales force led to the issue or was the individual's corrupt nature that led to the problem? Discuss.\n(d) What ethics mechanisms and steps can the company create and implement to prevent unethical behavior, as mentioned in the case? (Answer in 250 words) 20 marks\na) What are the ethical and business issues involved in the case?\nb) What are the options available to Mr. Sharma and the CEO?\nc) Do you think the organizational culture of giving freedom to the sales force led to the issue or was the individual's corrupt nature that led to the problem? Discuss.\nd) What ethics mechanisms and steps can the company create and implement to prevent unethical behavior, as mentioned in the case?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"12 (a) उपरोक्त मामले में कौन-कौन से मुद्दे शामिल हैं?\n(b) आपको क्या लगता है रश्मि को क्या करना चाहिए? क्या रश्मि के लिए स्थानीय प्रशासन को शामिल करना अच्छा विचार होगा? कार्यान्वयन योग्य कार्यवाही का सुझाव दीजिए।\n(c) क्या आपको लगता है कि कंपनियों को उस क्षेत्र की सामाजिक समस्याओं के लिए भी जिम्मेदारी स्वीकार करनी चाहिए जहाँ वे अपना कार्य करती हैं? अगर हाँ तो क्यों, अगर नहीं तो क्यों नहीं?\n(d) श्रमिक संघ की इतनी आक्रामक प्रतिक्रिया के क्या कारण हो सकते हैं? आपके अनुसार रश्मि को कर्मचारी संघ को कैसे संभालना चाहिए?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए"},{"page":54,"question":"(a) What are the issues involved in the above case?  \n(b) What do you think Rashmi should do? Would it be a good idea for Rashmi to involve local administration? Suggest an implementable course of action.  \n(c) Do you think companies should also accept responsibility for the social problems of the region where they operate? Why/why not?  \n(d) What could be the reasons for such an aggressive reaction from the workers union? How do you think Rashmi should handle the workers union?  \n(Answer in 250 words) 20 marks","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":255,"topper":"Abhimanyu Malik","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Abhimanyu-Malik-UPSC-2023-Rank-60-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Ethical governance is the foundation of a welfare state. Identify essential ethical traits of a welfare state. Discuss ways and means to promote ethics in governance. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"While one group considers abortion as unmitigated evil, the other sees it as morally acceptable. Analyse various ethical concerns related to abortion and give your opinion on the issue. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Conscience keeps ethics from fading when faced with a tough decision. Discuss in context of civil servants. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What are the various conflicts of values that civil servants face while performing their duty? How can such conflicts be resolved? Discuss with illustrations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Emotional intelligence (EI) not only helps in managing stress but also transforms distress into eustress. Elaborate with relevant examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Although attitude and behaviour are interrelated, the former is a predisposition while the latter is an option. Discuss the structure of attitude and explain the relationship between attitude and behaviour. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Civil servants should work for a cause and not for applause. In light of this statement, examine why bureaucratic anonymity is considered a foundational value for a civil servant. How far do you agree that the principle of bureaucratic anonymity has been diluted in the age of social media? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What does each of the following quotation mean to you? a) A man can give up a right, but he may not give up a duty without being guilty of a grave dereliction. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Ethics in international relations is a myth, only national interest determines the foreign policy. How far do you agree with this statement? Discuss with suitable illustrations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"It is not power, but fear that corrupts. Fear of losing power corrupts those who wield it and fear of the scourge of power corrupts those who are subject to it. Examine the statement in context of political corruption. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel. What do you understand by this statement? In your opinion, which five values should Indian education system inculcate in every student? Justify your choice. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Samuel is a famous tennis player. He is at the top of his career and had won three grand slams last year. The first major tournament of this year is scheduled for next week in Country A. Samuel is the defending champion and crowd favourite. Organizers of the tournament expect Samuel to be a crowd puller for his matches. Many aspiring tennis players and youth look up to Samuel as their idol. The tournament is being organized amidst the deadly third wave of Covid infection in country A. Country A has declared a public health emergency due to the rising number of Covid cases. Keeping in mind medical exigency, the organizers have mandated that every participating athlete as well as the attending audience should be fully vaccinated with two doses. However, Samuel refused to get vaccinated as he believes that vaccines can negatively impact his performance in the tournament. Samuel also argued that mandatory vaccination is a violation of his right to choose and goes against his individual liberty. The organizers of the tournament knew that if Samuel is denied entry in the tournament, their revenue from ticket sales may go down. They hesitantly allowed Samuel to participate in the tournament even without his compliance with vaccine mandate. To tackle the surging wave of pandemic, country A has prescribed two weeks quarantine for anyone who has visited any other pandemic affected country. Samuel has visited one such country. But such a declaration from Samuel would mean that he would miss the tournament as only one week is left for the start of matches. To avoid quarantine, Samuel lied in his affidavit and claimed that he had not visited any other pandemic affected country. Samuel's popularity became his enemy as people quickly found that he had lied in his affidavit and photos of him vacationing last week in a pandemic affected country went viral on social media. There was a huge outrage against the conduct of Samuel. Samuel was arrested, fined and deported from country A. But there was also a section of the population who wanted to see Samuel in action and was upset that Samuel was forced to leave country A. Based on this case study, answer the following: a) Identify various ethical issues involved in this incident. b) In your opinion, whether vaccine mandates are a violation of individual liberty or a reasonable restriction on personal freedom? Justify. c) Discuss the ethical responsibility of famous personalities while conducting themselves in public. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"You are an IFS officer who heads a diplomatic mission in a European country. You live there with your wife and children. Your parents and few of your relatives are also visiting you for vacation. The country is known for its scenic mountains and it is a popular destination for tourists. In an unexpected turn of events, the country in which you are posted has been attacked by its neighbour due to some unresolved bilateral issues. All the major transportation channels have been adversely impacted by the attack. Flights have been cancelled and airspace above the country has been declared unsafe for commercial aircrafts. You have received an urgent communication from New Delhi asking you to prepare a plan for evacuation of Indians from the besieged country. You have been informed that a friendly neighbouring country of India has sought India's help to evacuate its citizens. Due to war, only a limited number of people can be evacuated in one go and multiple rounds would be required for evacuating everyone. You have identified following groups of people who are to be evacuated: i. You, your wife, children, parents and relatives. ii. Diplomatic staff at the mission. iii. Indian tourists visiting the country. iv. Indian students studying in the country v. A film crew and actors who were shooting a film in the country. These include some of the biggest names of Bollywood. vi. Citizens of the friendly neighbouring country that has requested India's help. As a civil services officer of the state, what would be the order in which you would evacuate these people and why? Give Justifications. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Rashmi is a young IPS officer who is posted as the SP law and order in a district that has a history of communal clashes. During a cultural event, a political leader made certain controversial comments regarding the religion of another community that can potentially harm communal harmony in the district. The representatives of the aggrieved community met Rashmi with their complaint. An FIR was registered in the matter and the police department promptly started an investigation. During questioning, the accused political leader denied the charges. He claimed that he was exercising his right to freedom of expression and had no intention of hurting anyone's feelings. He even offered to tender an apology if his statement had hurt someone's religious feelings. However, the aggrieved community was not satisfied with this apology and demanded strict action against the accused. The next day, a video went viral on social media in which the accused political leader can be seen making derogatory statements against another religious faith. However, Rashmi suspects that the video going viral on the internet is a doctored video and someone has mischievously edited it to make it more vitriolic and inflammatory. The video has ignited communal tensions in the district. The accused political leader belongs to an influential community and his community has put their support behind him. Local intelligence has warned that some anti-social elements are trying to use this opportunity to create communal riot in the district. The entire matter has been politicized and is being covered by the national media. In this situation answer the following: a) What differentiates a hate speech from a free speech? b) Why does social media have a very strong influence over the actions and thoughts of its users? c) What is the most suitable course of action for Rashmi in this situation? Justify. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Ashmita is a respected doctor who runs her own maternity clinic in a small town. She is a mother of two and her husband is also a doctor. Ashmita handles multiple cases of child delivery every day and is known for her compassionate treatment of patients. Her clinic enjoy a good reputation in town. Among other expecting mothers, Shikha, daughter-in-law of an MLA was admitted to Ashmita's maternity clinic for child birth. The MLA met Ashmita and expressed his confidence in her skills. He requested her to personally take extra care of Shikha, to which Ashmita agreed happily. Shikha unexpectedly went into labour in the early hours the next day. During this time, Ashmita was performing an emergency surgery on another patient, so she could not attend to Shikha. Shikha was taken care of by other qualified doctors and hospital staff. The MLA was visibly unhappy that Ashmita did not attend Shikha herself. Once the emergency surgery was completed, Ashmita joined her staff and attended Shikha. However, Shikha passed away due to excess bleeding from Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) during childbirth. Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is unpredictable heavy bleeding and Ashmita did everything that she could have done to try to save Shikha's life. The MLA blamed Ashmita for Shikha's death. Ashmita was beaten by the MLA and his staff. When her husband tried to save Ashmita, he was dragged out of the hospital and thrashed. A police complaint was also lodged against Ashmita accusing her of murder due to negligence. For many days after the incident, she and her family faced constant harassment by police and supporters of the MLA. Ultimately, Ashmita could not take any more humiliation and committed suicide. The news of suicide by the doctor spread like wildfire. Indian Medical Association took cognizance of the case and warned nationwide strike of doctors if appropriate actions in this case were not taken. The state government has appointed a committee to investigate the matter and recommend suitable actions. You are the Chairperson of this committee. In this scenario, answer the following: a) Why do doctors face violence in the country? b) Identify various moral-ethical and administrative lapses in this case. c) What would you recommend in this case? Give rationale behind giving those recommendations. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Why do doctors face violence in the country? b) Identify various moral-ethical and administrative lapses in this case. c) What would you recommend in this case? Give rationale behind giving those recommendations. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"The farmer unions in one of the states has called for mass protest owing to large number of arrears/their dues not being paid by the private sugar factories for the last two years. On the day of mass protest, farmers turned up in huge numbers and at several places the protest turned violent. There were instances of stone pelting, vehicle burning etc. The police were not able to control the violent protesters at some places and had to resort to lathi charge. But at one of the places, police resorted to firing in which four farmers were killed. This further aggravated the situation as farmers at other places also resorted to violence to protest against police action. Looking at the intensity of the situation, under opposition pressure, one of the Minister of the state gave the statement that farmers did not die due to police firing but there were some anti-social elements amongst the protesters who fired in order to create unrest in the state. This statement of the Minister instead of calming the protesters further angered them as some eyewitness testified to news channels about the deaths being the result of police firing. All this further projected government in bad light and the police action has come under severe criticism by various sections of intelligentsia. The public sentiment has started to sway in favour of the protesting farmers. There is huge pressure on the government to diffuse the tension, address farmers' grievances and take action against the police personnel involved in firing at the protesters since the protesters have started blocking all the major state highways which has crippled the day-to-day routine of the people of the state. Further, there is danger that the situation may get out of control anytime. Suppose you are the district magistrate where the incident has taken place: a) You have to address the press conference. What will be your statement to the media if it seeks clarification on whether people died in the police firing as stated by the state minister? b) What are the ethical issues involved in the case? c) What steps will you take to tackle the post-firing situation effectively? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"Lithium is emerging as the new gold in the modern world. It is used extensively in making rechargeable batteries that are used across phones, laptops, electric vehicles etc. As the world is transitioning towards clean energy, demand for lithium is rising exponentially. India is dependent on imports for her lithium needs. Recently, a large lithium deposit has been found during a geological survey in Central India. According to initial estimates, the reserve is large enough to not only fulfill domestic requirements but also leave enough surplus for India to export lithium to other countries. The news of this discovery is covered by national media. This reserve can provide much needed impetus to adoption and development of green energy technologies in the country. Many prominent union ministers have expressed their desire for timely development of lithium mines and claimed that this discovery to be an outcome of their far-sighted governance and development model. Amit is a senior government official who has been appointed as project development officer for this mining project. During initial assessment of the project, Amit found that the discovered reserve lies inside a forest inhabited by tribals. This is a pristine forest, hitherto untouched by humans, other than indigenous tribal communities. This forest hosts a wide variety of flora and fauna, many of which are endemic. Further, the lithium reserve lies at the foothill of a hillock. This hillock has a small shrine where the deity worshipped by the tribals is located. Lithium mining in this area would mean destruction of forest, blasting of the mountain where shrine of the tribal deity is located and displacement of tribals. The tribal population is against this mining project. They consider this project as an assault on their way of life and culture. Intelligence report suggests that if these tribals are forcefully displaced and their shrine destroyed, they can become easy targets for the Naxal indoctrination and create a security nightmare for the state. On the other hand, Amit is facing political pressure for execution of this project and has been repeatedly reminded that not only this project is of national importance but also can be a stepping stone for his career. Amit is your colleague and a close friend. He asks you for your advice in this matter. Based on the described situation, help Amit identify various ethical dilemmas in this case. In your opinion, what is the most suitable course of action for Amit? Justify your choice. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"Amit is a senior civil servant posted in a mineral-rich tribal district. He is tasked with overseeing a major lithium mining project. The project promises to bring huge revenue and contribute significantly to India's clean energy goals. However, the project site is located inside a dense, ecologically sensitive forest and directly overlaps with the traditional habitat of a vulnerable tribal community. The tribals consider this project an assault on their way of life and culture. Intelligence reports suggest that if these tribals are forcibly displaced and their shrines destroyed, they can easily become soft targets for Naxalites and pose a security threat to the State. On the other hand, Amit is facing political pressure for the implementation of the project and is repeatedly reminded that this project is not only of national importance but can be a stepping stone for his career. Amit is your colleague and close friend. He seeks your advice in this matter. Based on the situation, help Amit in identifying the various ethical dilemmas involved. In your opinion, what is the most suitable way of taking action? Justify your option. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":256,"topper":"Abhimanyu Malik","air":60,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/8/air-60-abhimanyu-malik_test-4_gs4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":257,"topper":"ABHIMANYU SINGH","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/23/mt23fltra002_tc002-test-02-gs-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"There is a need to resolve the ambiguity in the disqualification provisions under section 8 of the Representation of People Act 1951. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Constitution is a mere skeleton whereas constitutionalism is the soul of democracy. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The question of gender equality is central to the debate on Uniform Civil Code. In this light what are the challenges in reconciling UCC with gender equality as enshrined in the constitution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The Governor's office is neither decorative nor inconsequential, it assumes a constitutional role of profound essence' To what extent does the Governor, actively contribute to the governance of a state and reinforce the principles of federalism in the country? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Recently demand has been rising in a state regarding the enactment of Social Accountability Law. How such a law can lead to good governance and boost citizens' participation in decision-making. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"There is a need for convergence of 'nutrition-specific' and 'nutrition-sensitive' interventions to effectively tackle child undernutrition in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"\"MGNREGA, the lynchpin of rural poverty alleviation, has become the victim of fiscal apathy.\" Critically analyze the statement in light of recent developments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"India must leverage, if not manage, the global divides\". How can the current geopolitical churn pave the way for India's rise to the global high table? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"\"Berlin can be India's gateway to the European Union.\" Elaborate with respect to Germany's significance in India's relationship with the EU. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"How has the Anti-Defection Law impacted the relationship between political parties and individual legislators in India? In light of the recent incidents also discuss the unintended consequences it has on the functioning of democracy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Critics assert that limitless judicial authority rests on the structural ambiguity of the basic structure doctrine. Has the elastic nature of the basic structure doctrine made the judiciary more powerful than the executive? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Fundamental rights are not gifts bestowed upon by the state rather an individual possesses them independently of the state. In this context discuss the desirability of reasonable restrictions on various fundamental rights. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"S.R. Bommai v. Union of India signified a paradigm shift in the judicial interpretation of the union's authority to assume control of a state's administration.' In this context discuss the significance and impact of the judgement on cementing the federal structure. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The key to effective decentralization is, 'political decentralization should follow finance and functional decentralization'. Discuss in the context of impediments faced by local governance in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Neo-liberal reforms and globalization have deeply transformed the institutions of the welfare state and set the ground for a new type of civil services. In this context examine the challenges faced in service delivery and suggest adequate reforms. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"China views India as its \"Asian Rival\" with an innate ability to counter its hegemonic goals in Asia. Despite these difficulties in India-China relations, there are also many areas of convergence. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Indo-Pacific region in recent times has emerged as a zone of diverging interests and priorities. Discuss. Do you think the Global Security Initiative will supersede QUAD in the region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":258,"topper":"ABHIMANYU SINGH","air":673,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/22/mt23fltra002_tc002-test-02-gs-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":259,"topper":"ABHINANDAN KUMAR","air":494,"year":2021,"paper":"Optional — Public Administration","optional":true,"source":"IAS Delhi Institute","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/11czighyBdaYMQopo8CO5qJGo53GtUJqE/view?usp=share_link","questions":[]},{"id":260,"topper":"ABHINANDAN KUMAR","air":494,"year":2021,"paper":"Optional — Public Administration","optional":true,"source":"IAS Delhi Institute","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1joao8ZA2ijyIhdgo7KjsZw6qAaB5iWKP/view?usp=share_link","questions":[]},{"id":261,"topper":"ABHINANDAN KUMAR","air":494,"year":2021,"paper":"Optional — Public Administration","optional":true,"source":"IAS Delhi Institute","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LFMVdbASyCH-I2N0rDZQxD_BWPDC-GCT/view?usp=share_link","questions":[]},{"id":262,"topper":"ABHINANDAN KUMAR","air":494,"year":2021,"paper":"Optional — Public Administration","optional":true,"source":"IAS Delhi Institute","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1f92O-CvQoTLVwPhmv-IMHU0RSLTXLlwD/view?usp=share_link","questions":[]},{"id":263,"topper":"Abhinav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NwWnQdVwlTHN7FGntGiADsk4gaFM6SM-/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) \"Ethics is not just a contemplative discipline. What we believe to be good or bad has implications on our actions.\" Discuss how different schools of ethics help us in making moral decisions.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"While one group considers abortion as unmitigated evil, the other sees it as morally acceptable. Analyse various ethical concerns related to abortion and give your opinion on the issue.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"2) a) What lessons can be learnt from the life of Mahatma Gandhi for promoting social harmony today's times?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) What is Kant's categorical imperative? How does it compare with the doctrine of Nishkama Karma?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3. a) Emotional intelligence (EI) not only helps in managing stress but also transforms distress into eustress. Elaborate with relevant examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) Differentiate between the following:\ni. Gratitude and Gratification\nii. Moral myopia vs Moral muteness","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.4) a) Although attitude and behaviour are interrelated, the former is a predisposition while the latter is an option. Discuss the structure of attitude and explain the relationship between attitude and behaviour.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"b) Greed is a bottomless pit which is harmful not only for self but for the entire society. Discuss. How can such negative desires be controlled?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.5) What does each of the following quotation mean to you?\na) A man can give up a right, but he may not give up a duty without being guilty of a grave dereliction.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"b) Justice without force is futile, force without justice is tyrannical.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.6, a) Success may not lead you to happiness, but happiness is definitely the key to success. Discuss this statement based on your understanding of happiness and success.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"b) \"To delight in war is a merit in the soldier, a dangerous quality in the captain, and a positive crime in the statesman.\" - George Santayana. Can war be ethically justified? Discuss the moral principles related to war.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"c) Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel. What do you understand by this statement? In your opinion, which five values should Indian education system inculcate in every student? Justify your choice.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7 Based on this case study, answer the following:\na) Identify various ethical issues involved in this incident.\nb) In your opinion, whether vaccine mandates are a violation of individual liberty or a reasonable restriction on personal freedom. Justify.\nc) Discuss the ethical responsibility of famous personalities while conducting themselves in public.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"इस केस स्टडी के आधार पर, निम्नलिखित के उत्तर दें :\nअ) इस घटना में शामिल विभिन्न नैतिक मुद्दों की पहचान करें।\nब) आपकी राय में, क्या वैक्सीन अधिदेश व्यक्तिगत स्वतंत्रता का उल्लंघन है या व्यक्तिगत स्वतंत्रता पर उचित प्रतिबंध है। औचित्य सिद्ध करें।\nस) सार्वजनिक रूप से स्वयं का संचालन करते समय प्रसिद्ध व्यक्तियों की नैतिक जिम्मेदारी पर चर्चा करें।","marks":null,"words":"20 अंक"},{"page":32,"question":"1) Vaccination mandate presents the dilemma of infringement on liberty versus ensuring public health","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"(c) Ethical responsibilities of famous personalities : -\n1. They should have integrity in their actions, speech, conduct\n2. They need to be ethical in personal life as well as professional life\n3. They should act as role models\n4. They should understand the accelerating impact of their actions\n5. Personalities should follow virtue ethics of courage, temperance to make people follow them","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Q.8) You have recently started working at your dream company. You have hired in the strategies department along with two other new joiners. All of you have just graduated out of college. You have very friendly relations with co-joiners. The three of you have been helping each other at work. The experience of working together has built strong camaraderie between the three of you. Your boss has publicly appreciated the strong team-spirit displayed by you and your colleagues.\nAt the annual review, you have been given a higher pay raise and a more lucrative job profile. The promotion doesn't come as a surprise to you. You have worked beyond office hours more as a rule rather than as an exception. The project you worked at was adjudged 'the best project of the year in business impact' at the annual corporate awards. One of your co-joiners remarks, in presumably good humor, that you should suggest to your boss to allocate similar high impact projects to your friends as well. You also perceive suggestions towards the shared surname being the reason for special affinity of your boss towards you, indicating at the fact that your boss and you have the same caste. You feel hurt but you also try to think about the remarks with an open mind. You assess that the three of you have indeed worked hard with sincerity. One of your friends, in fact, worked very efficiently despite a personal tragedy at home. There was already a salary differential between you and your colleagues based on the pedigree of your college. The higher pay raise to you has expanded the differential pay structure further. You always considered the initial pay differential to be against the principle of equal pay for equal work. But now you feel your friends may not have been given equal opportunities as well.\na) You are inclined to the belief that efforts and talent of your colleagues have been under-appreciated and you start feeling guilty about your promotion.\nb) Based on the given information, discuss the options that are available to you for addressing the guilt. What are the merits and demerits of those choices? Which option would you choose? Justify.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"दी गई जानकारी के आधार पर, अपराध-बोध को दूर करने के लिए आपके पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों पर चर्चा करें। उन विकल्पों के गुण और दोष क्या हैं? आप कौन सा विकल्प चुनेंगे? औचित्य सिद्ध कीजिए।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":39,"question":"Q.9 Consider yourself in Kailash's position and answer the following questions:\na) How will you induce behavioral change to nudge people to move towards eco-friendly products?\nb) What factors will you have to consider while inspiring such a change?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"a) आप लोगों को पर्यावरण अनुकूल उत्पादों की ओर बढ़ने हेतु प्रेरित करने के लिए व्यवहार परिवर्तन को कैसे प्रेरित करेंगे?\nb) इस तरह के बदलाव को प्रेरित करते समय आपको किन कारकों पर विचार करना होगा?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.10) Ashmita is a respected doctor who runs her own maternity clinic in a small town. She is a mother of two and her husband is also a doctor. Ashmita handles multiple cases of child delivery every day and is known for her compassionate treatment of patients. Her clinic enjoy a good reputation in town.\nAmong other expecting mothers, Shikha, daughter-in-law of an MLA, was admitted to Ashmita's maternity clinic for child birth. The MLA met Ashmita and expressed his confidence in her skills. He requested her to personally take extra care of Shikha, to which Ashmita agreed happily. Shikha unexpectedly went into labour in the early hours the next day. During this time, Ashmita was performing an emergency surgery on another patient, so she could not attend to Shikha. Shikha was taken care of by other qualified doctors and hospital staff. The MLA was visibly unhappy that Ashmita did not attend Shikha herself. Once the emergency surgery was completed, Ashmita joined her staff and attended Shikha. However, Shikha passed away due to excess bleeding from Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) during childbirth. Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is unpredictable heavy bleeding and Ashmita did everything that she could have done to try to save Shikha's life.\nThe MLA blamed Ashmita for Shikha's death. Ashmita was beaten by the MLA and his staff. When her husband tried to save Ashmita, he was dragged out of the hospital and thrashed. A police complaint was also lodged against Ashmita accusing her of murder due to negligence. For many days after the incident, she and her family faced constant harassment by police and supporters of the MLA. Ultimately, Ashmita could not take any more humiliation and committed suicide. The news of suicide by the doctor spread like wildfire. Indian Medical Association took cognizance of the case and warned nationwide strike of doctors if appropriate actions in this case were not taken.\nThe state government has appointed a committee to investigate the matter and recommend suitable actions. You are the Chairperson of this committee. In this scenario, answer the following:\na) Why do doctors face violence in the country?\nb) Identify various moral-ethical and administrative lapses in this case.\nc) What would you recommend in this case? Give rationale behind giving those recommendations.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"अ) देश में डॉक्टरों को हिंसा का सामना क्यों करना पड़ता है?\nब) इस मामले में विभिन्न नैतिक-नीति विषयक और प्रशासनिक खामियों की पहचान करें।\nस) इस मामले में आप क्या सुझाव देंगे? उन सिफारिशों को देने के पीछे तर्क दीजिए।","marks":null,"words":"20 अंक"},{"page":49,"question":"Q.11 On the basis of above case study, answer the following:\na) Identify various ethical dilemmas involved in this case study.\nb) What can be the other options to achieve justice in the given case, apart from demolition of the illegal towers? Evaluate each of these options and suggest the most suitable option.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"अ) and ब) अ) इस केस स्टडी में शामिल विभिन्न नैतिक दुविधाओं की पहचान करें।\nब) इस मामले में न्याय प्राप्त करने के लिए अवैध टावरों को गिराने के अलावा और क्या विकल्प हो सकते हैं? इनमें से प्रत्येक विकल्प का मूल्यांकन करें और सबसे उपयुक्त विकल्प सुझाएं।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":54,"question":"Q.12 Universal Sisterhood of Dreams (USD) is an NGO run by Ms. Anuradha Sen, a popular celebrity. The NGO champions the cause of woman and child rights including issues like trafficking of women and children, bonded labor, child labor, underpaid-forced labor etc. USD has won multiple awards for running a shelter and a rehabilitation programme for victims of human trafficking. Due to the good work and direct involvement of a famous personality like Ms. Anuradha, USD receives substantial donations from corporate houses and philanthropists.\n\nMs. Anuradha also owns a clothing brand 'Sensation' and uses the profits from Sensation for funding USD. The manufacturing of the merchandise sold under the brand has been outsourced to a third party vendor located in a country named Taba. Taba is an under-developed country with weak labor protection laws. The textile industry in Taba is infamous for sweatshops. In these sweatshops working conditions are miserable, labors are paid meager wages for long working hours, child labor and bonded labor is rampant and workplace safety is absent resulting in frequent industrial accidents. Recently, there was a huge fire in a textile factory manufacturing goods for Sensation. Seventeen people including nine children were killed in this fire. After the industrial accident, the issue of exploitation of laborers in Taba became a matter of global debate.\n\nSensation is facing heat and bad publicity on social media because of the use of sweatshops for manufacturing of its products. Ms. Anuradha and even her NGO USD are becoming victims of online trolls. This entire fiasco has negatively impacted the image of her NGO. Many former donors and philanthropists have preferred to disassociate themselves from the USD resulting in fund shortage in the NGO.\n\nMs. Anuradha discusses the entire situation with her financial and legal team. Her legal team tells her that all the relevant laws in Taba were followed by her contractor and the wage paid by it was above the minimum wages prescribed by law. Sensation has done nothing illegal and has no legal liability in this case. But Ms. Anuradha decided that she will ensure that her contractors are paying adequate wages and providing good working conditions to their employees. This can help in not only rebuilding her own reputation and image of USD but also re-attract donors. However, her financial team advises her against this move as it will involve substantial cost for the company. This can lead to a profitable brand turning into a loss-making brand. Further, it will also negatively impact the finances for USD which is already facing a resource crunch. Lack of resources can lead to closure of the shelter home and rehabilitation programme run by her NGO. Now, Ms. Anuradha is in a dilemma about her future course of action.\na) Bring out and discuss various ethical dilemmas faced by Ms. Anuradha in this case.\nb) If you were in her position, how would you approach the problem and what would be your course of action? Justify your choices.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"3) इस मामले में सुश्री अनुराधा द्वारा सामना की गई विभिन्न नैतिक दुविधाओं को सामने लाएं और उन पर चर्चा करें।\nb) यदि आप उसकी स्थिति में होते, तो आप समस्या को कैसे देखते और आपकी कार्यशैली क्या होती? अपने विकल्पों का औचित्य सिद्ध करें।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":56,"question":"(9) Ethical dilemmas of Ms. Annadha\n1. Business interest versus Public interest - Should she ensure proper wage payment to labour, working conditions as that may lead to losses for sensation brand.\n2. Empathy versus Impartiality - Should she have compassion towards workers or she should remain impartial and only be concerned about sensation brand.\n3. Transparency versus Self Interest - Should she allay down concerns by buying","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":264,"topper":"Abhinav","air":146,"year":2021,"paper":"Optional — Public Administration","optional":true,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/19R36nsCUOfeOeklzSbiL2gZqbkkcERA3","questions":[]},{"id":265,"topper":"Abhinav Ashok","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ac787-1126858_4514_abhinav-ashok_rank_247.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"In matters of conscience, the law of the majority has no place.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"He who opens a school door, closes a prison.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Only in the depths of winter can we truly appreciate the warmth of spring.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Copying is safe; innovation demands courage.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"The more we automate, the more human we must become.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"The pursuit of instant validation is giving rise to a generation of","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":266,"topper":"Abhinav Ashok","air":247,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2933b-1126858_2488_abhinav-ashok_rank_247.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":267,"topper":"Abhinav Ashok","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5008e-1126858_2423_abhinav-ashok_rank_247.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With suitable examples, discuss how environmental pressure groups enhance public participation and responsiveness with regard to environmental policies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The recent acknowledgment of sex work as a 'profession' by the Supreme Court is merely the first step in ensuring basic rights and equality for sex workers in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the role played by District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) in providing free legal aid and disseminating legal awareness in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"The collegium system has become a victim of its own success, with the concentration of power in the hands of a few, leading to questions about its legitimacy.\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"Civil services reforms must go beyond recruitment and standardised training to cope with the present day challenges.\" Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"Outcome-based finance models such as social impact bonds have the potential to truly catalyse change and deliver socio-economic impact at scale. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The wide gap between the number of females graduating every year and those entering the workspace is an issue of paramount importance that needs to be addressed. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"An up to date and functional Civil Registration System (CRS) is essential to the socio-economic planning in India. Discuss in the light of the recent move of the Central government in revamping the CRS system in the country. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What are the key areas of reform if the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has to align with the current economic realities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In recent years, India's relationship with West Asia has evolved from the confines of geopolitics to expanse of geoeconomics. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The role of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) is significant in furthering healthy competitiveness aimed at inspiring stakeholders to innovate and augment effectiveness. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"\"The menace of paid news often rears its ugly head during elections.\" Discuss the need for making paid news an electoral offence in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the 'Doctrine of Essentiality' referred to by the courts in the context of religious practices in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"As per the recently released report of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), there is an urgent need to limit the size of the government in India. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The Institutions of Eminence (IoE) scheme was conceived to develop 'world-class' centres of higher education in India but six years later, it is yet to become the game changer it was intended to be. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) allows for innovative and convenient public services, help overcome inclusion or accessibility barriers, and increase transparency and accountability with real-time data. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Besides legislation, the full realisation of the 'right to health for all' in India demands plugging of social, financial, and infrastructural gaps. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The 'third gender' has not yet been engendered in the Indian society despite legislative nudge. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Among other factors, strained ties with China and Pakistan make it difficult for India to fulfill its expectations from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"The recently concluded initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) between the United States and India promises a long overdue transformation of their partnership in the field of technology. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":268,"topper":"Abhinav Ashok","air":247,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ABHINAV-ASHOKUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-247-Sample-AWFG-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Q.1) What are ‘atmospheric rivers’? Discuss their impact on regional climate and human settlements.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":3,"question":"Q.6 How are local winds different from planetary winds? Discuss the role of local winds in influencing the climate, agriculture and livelihood in various regions.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":269,"topper":"Abhinav Ashok","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8c5b2-1126858_2424_abhinav-ashok_rank_247.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What are the different dimensions of food security? Examine India's status in terms of ensuring food security with regard to these dimensions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Modern technologies such as blockchain and ChatGPT are powerful tools with immense potential to transform agriculture into a more efficient and sustainable sector. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What factors have led to the recent acceleration in the trend towards de-dollarization of the global economy? Do you think the dollar will lose its dominance anytime soon? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Despite significant pressure from the developed countries to alter its food subsidy regime, there is merit in India trying to retain its policy support for the poor in the country. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Several initiatives have been taken by the government towards addressing India's water needs, but the issues of water availability and water quality still warrant prioritised intervention. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What are the major drivers of glacial retreat in the Arctic? Describe the potential impact of the retreat of Arctic glaciers on the ecosystem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Space tourism, which was viewed as something straight out of a science fiction movie, is now becoming a reality albeit not without hindrances. What are the challenges associated with space tourism? What measures can be taken to address these challenges? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Global health experts widely believe that the development of CAR-T cell therapy can be a game changer in the treatment of cancer. How can CAR-T cell therapy overcome the limitations of CRISPR-Cas9 technology? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss why the rising deployment of new and emerging technologies by prominent violent extremist organizations demand concerted global efforts. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"With the Line of Actual Control (LAC) remaining tense after the Galwan and Yangste incidents and both India and China ramping up infrastructure in the border areas, discuss the role that ITBP plays in the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Do you think there is a need for a shift from 'land productivity' to 'irrigation water productivity' in India? Justify your answer. What are the challenges in making this shift? Explain. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Examine the role that green hydrogen can play in unlocking the energy security of India. How can the National Green Hydrogen Mission help India in achieving its energy goals? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The government has been weighing a transition from minimum wage to living wage in recent times. What are the benefits and constraints in the adoption of living wage in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The Union Budget affects almost every sector of the Indian economy, yet neither the budgetary processes nor the budget policies come under substantial public scrutiny. Do you agree? Justify your answer. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"India has been able to transform itself from a milk deficit country to the world's biggest milk producer, but the productivity of dairy animals in the country remains a concern. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"While climate change is responsible for crop failures, the agricultural sector itself is partly responsible for extreme weather events. Discuss. What strategy has been adopted under National Agriculture Disaster Management Plan to strengthen the resilience of the farming community in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Some regions in India, including Delhi, are highly vulnerable to the impact of earthquakes originating in the Himalayas. Discuss. What institutional measures have been taken to mitigate earthquake losses in India? Do you think there are significant gaps that still exist? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Recently, scientists announced net energy gain in nuclear fusion reaction, which is considered as a major scientific breakthrough for the future of clean energy. What are the advantages of nuclear fusion based power generation? What are the limitations in using it to generate electricity at a commercial scale? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Keeping in view the recent amendment, examine the efficacy of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, in tackling the menace of money laundering in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Discuss the security threats present in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), which have a direct bearing on India's maritime border interests. Suggest a robust strategy to deal with these threats. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":270,"topper":"Abhinav Choudhary","air":238,"year":2019,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3927a-11916_1076_abhinav-choudhary_rank_238.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":271,"topper":"Abhinav Choudhary","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/37ea1-11916_875_abhinav-choudhary_rank_238.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Centralising recruitment through an All-India Judicial Service (AIJS) will not address the multiple problems in the judiciary and cause new ones instead. Critically evaluate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"The roots of the most pertinent challenges faced by Indian politics today can be traced to the lack of intra-party democracy in candidate selection and internal elections. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"While the idea behind merger of autonomous bodies in India is to curb overlapping work and reduce expenditure, it may end up doing more harm than good. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Well-defined electoral laws and greater powers for the Election Commission of India are required as the existing laws and mechanisms are inadequate to deal with new challenges. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Privileges should be defined and delimited for the free and independent functioning of the legislatures. In this context, discuss whether there is a need to re-examine the balance between fundamental rights and parliamentary privileges in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The principle of accountability is an essential part of the rule of law. In this context, discuss the lacunae in government's approach and judiciary's response to the phenomenon of extrajudicial killings in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Explain the rationale behind enacting the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016. Discuss how it can help in revitalizing consumer confidence in the real estate market. Also highlight the hurdles that remain in implementing it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Moving the subject of water from state list to concurrent list will solve the issues related to governance of water resources. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Give an account of the areas of potential conflict in the relationship between the political executive and civil servants. Also discuss why a healthy working relationship between the two is critical for good governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Despite their location in the non-political domain of civil society, NGOs have ended up playing a key, if indirect, role in India's politics. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Magnitude of India's urbanisation is not unusual but the pattern is. In this context, examine the issues in the governance of cities in India. Also suggest the reforms required to make Indian cities dynamos of competitive sub-federalism.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Social boycott should be treated as a criminal offence, rather than being considered as just another form of social evil plaguing the Indian society. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Human Trafficking in India has emerged as a serious issue, which calls for understanding the complexity of the problem and devising an effective strategy to combat it. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"A weak teacher education system is at the core of India's problems in school education. Evaluate. In this context, also enumerate the recommendations of the High-Powered Commission on Teacher Education constituted by the Supreme Court of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"It has been argued that the recent order of the Supreme Court to prevent the misuse of Section 498A institutionalises the prejudices and rehabilitates the myths, which the women's movement in India has battled over decades. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"As strategic interests between India and US continue to converge, defence has emerged as a major area of cooperation between the two. Discuss the significance and possible implications of this development.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"India's contribution to peacekeeping missions of the United Nations has remained steadfast despite changes in the nature, form and variety of UN peace keeping missions. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"India's partnership with Africa is an amalgam of African development priorities as well as India's development objectives. Discuss. Also highlight the initiatives taken by India in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Comment on the role of International Court of Justice in upholding the values of international law. In this context, also highlight the association of India with the ICJ over the years.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"In view of the focus on trans-regional economic corridors and changing regional geo-politics and geo-economics, critically discuss the idea of an Indo-Pacific Economic Corridor.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":272,"topper":"Abhinav Choudhary","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4a9e8-11916_1440_abhinav-choudhary_rank_238.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Among various modes, trade played an important role in the spread of Indian culture abroad in the ancient period. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was a far-sighted realistic leader with great diplomatic and military skills. Discuss in the context of his contribution to national freedom struggle. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Enumerate the factors responsible for the decline of Mughal empire in India. How did it help in the expansion and consolidation of British power? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Though the conditions in France were vastly different from those in America, many of the driving factors behind the two revolutions were similar. Discuss in the context of French revolution. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Globalization has been a significant force in shaping the contemporary education system in India in both positive and negative ways. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The lack of clarity over what constitutes an urban area encourages haphazard development pattern in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Regionalism need not be regarded as unhealthy unless it takes a militant, aggressive turn and encourages the growth of secessionist tendencies. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Mention the conditions responsible for occurrence of Temperature Inversion in atmosphere. Elaborating on its various types, highlight its effects on the biosphere. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Assess the feasibility of introducing two time zones in India in the wake of recent proposal made by Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discussing the reasons behind disappearance of springs, examine how springshed management can help revive springs, especially in the Himalayan region. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"India has a long civilizational history. In this context, highlight the significant contributions from ancient India in science, mathematics and medicine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Over the years, the nationalist movement successfully created an ideology and culture of democracy and civil liberties that became a source of its strength. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Critically discuss the contribution of the Indian capitalist class in the freedom struggle. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Equitable distribution of land plays an important role in bringing about socio-economic transformation. In this regard, analyse the progress of land reforms measures taken in India since independence. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Examine the contemporary trends and reasons for change in the traditional family structure in India. Discuss the reforms needed in the existing social security protection measures in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Differentiate between eustatic and isostatic type of sea-level changes. Also, discuss the resultant landforms which are likely to be formed as a result of sea-level fluctuations. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the forces that drive the movement of lithospheric plates? In this context, identify the different types of plate boundaries based on their nature of interaction with suitable examples of the characteristic features formed along them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Highlight the factors responsible for location of automobile industries in India. Also, examine the challenges in the wake of transformations taking place in the automotive industry. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Identify the major Uranium reserves in the world and the countries from where India sources it. What measures are required to ensure supply security of fuel for nuclear plants in the country? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":273,"topper":"Abhinav Choudhary","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8a6ae-11916_872_abhinav-choudhary_rank_238.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The \"Outcome Budget\" reflects the endeavour of the Government to convert \"Outlays\" into \"Outcomes\". Explain. Also, discuss why the potential of outcome budgeting remains untapped in the Indian context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"What is agroforestry? Discuss its potential in making agriculture sustainable and viable. In this context, discuss the salient features of National Agroforestry Policy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Comment on the problem of rising Non Performing Assets (NPAs) in India, with particular reference to public sector banks. Examine the effectiveness of the steps taken by the government in recent times to deal with this problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"To address the issue of unemployment, we need a multipronged approach and not just a focus on growth. Examine the statement in the context of various measures taken by the government in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Nuclear power has a great potential in India to supplement and in the longer term even substitute coal based power as base load. Discuss. Also, mention the steps taken by the Government of India in order to achieve nuclear energy self-sufficiency.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The agriculture sector needs government support but loan waivers are not the solution. Discuss the statement in the light of recent developments in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"What are the objectives of District Mineral Foundation? Discuss the challenges that need to be addressed for this institution to achieve its desired objectives.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"What factors explain India's poor merchandise export performance in recent times? Enumerate some recent measures taken by the government to help boost merchandise exports.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Despite numerous health hazards associated with traditional cooking energy fuels, access to clean cooking in India still continues to be a luxury. Discuss. Also enumerate the steps taken by the government to make it accessible along with the challenges faced in the process.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Taxing agricultural income is an idea whose time has come. Critically discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Dismantling of administered price mechanism for fuels is being deemed as a significant piece of economic reform. Analyse. Also, discuss how the recently introduced dynamic fuel pricing can prove to be beneficial for both the OMCs as well as consumers.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Ensuring that buildings comply with green norms will require much more than current arrangements. Analyse. Also discuss the relevant features of the new building code issued by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Given the worsening of air quality in National Capital Region, discuss the need for Graded Response Action Plan against air pollution and the challenges in its implementation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"A new disease emerging in any part of the world is a global threat. In the context of \"zoonoses\" and \"emerging infectious diseases\", analyse the risks for India. Also, identify the structures in place and measures required to combat these risks.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"There is a growing recognition that efforts should not be limited to post-disaster relief and reconstruction, rather development paradigm should integrate disaster risk reduction strategies. Discuss in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"The emphasis on TRIPS plus by developed countries is contrary to the position and interest of developing countries like India. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Coherently dealing with security threats facing India requires deeper operational synergies among the army, navy and air force. Discuss in the light of the latest Joint Doctrine for Indian Armed forces. Also, delineate the reasons for resistance to the idea of a joint Chief of Defence Staff over the years.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Over the years, laws dealing with money laundering have proved to be less than effective. Briefly discuss the statement in the context of government's proposal to make money laundering a separate criminal offence. Also enumerate the recommendations made by FATF to combat money laundering.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"In the context of recent developments briefly explain the issues involved in the Doklam area. What are the challenges that India faces in the management of border with China? In this context, also identify key steps taken by India over the years.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":274,"topper":"Abhinav Choudhary","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a5ad7-11916_877_abhinav-choudhary_rank_238.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The seeds of patriarchy and gender inequality are sown at home, which manifest as a weed at the societal level. Elucidate. Suggest an ethical framework to systematically address the issue of patriarchy in the Indian society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"What are the factors which drive people to take law in their own hands rather than following the due process of law? Discuss ways to address the problem of mob justice.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"In a democracy, the purpose of the government should be to make it easy for people to do good and difficult to do wrong. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss John Stuart Mill's idea on freedom of thought and expression. Also, give reasons as to why, according to Mill, representative democracy is the best form of government despite its inherent weaknesses.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"It is argued by some that nuclear weapons have acted more as a deterrent than leading to war and mass destruction. In this context, discuss whether it is ethically right to possess nuclear weapons to create nuclear deterrence.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Differentiate between administration and leadership. Highlighting the traits which characterize an effective leader, discuss the importance of leadership in ensuring effective public service delivery in a bureaucratic setup.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Apart from functional knowledge and expertise, the efficacy of a civil servant also depends upon his emotional intelligence. How does emotional intelligence contribute to efficacy? How can civil servants enhance their emotional intelligence?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Enumerate the mechanisms that promote accountability of public officials in discharging their functions and responsibilities in India. Also discuss why ensuring accountability for performance is not a simple task in government service.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) \"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"\"Prejudices are what fools use for reason.\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Ensuring that government decisions are not influenced by public officials' private interests is a growing concern. Discuss in the context of India. Also enumerate the core principles reflected by OECD guidelines for managing conflict of interest in the public sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Discuss, with examples, the significance of principles of public life as recommended by Nolan committee. Why are these principles considered as an essential set of expectations from public servants?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"A peculiar inhuman situation exists for the people fleeing from war zones - they cannot go back to their homeland for fear of being persecuted and no country is ready to bear their burden due to various reasons. Citing contemporary examples, discuss the ethical issues involved in such situations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"As the administrator in-charge of your area, you are witness to the widespread food wastage in lavish parties as well as in restaurants and eateries, on one hand and people starving due to inability to ensure one square-meal a day, on the other. Realizing that it is not the scarcity of resources, but the habit of people that is causing paucity in availability of food, you decide that certain measures are needed to be taken in order to deal with the issue of starvation at the grassroot level. 20 Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) What measures would you take to deal with wastage of food in your area? (c) What explains this co-existence of affluence and hunger in developing countries like India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"The excluded and marginalized section of society are worst hit by globalization. Take the case of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) like Sentinelese of Andaman & Nicobar islands, their population has reduced drastically and they are facing various other problems as well. In this context answer the following questions: 20 (a) What are the challenges faced by PVTGs due to globalisation? (b) If you are posted as a Development Officer in such an area, what will be your priorities to reduce their vulnerabilities and ensure welfare?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Undercover journalism exposes injustices, negligence, corruption and wrongdoing and yet going undercover to expose wrongdoing remains controversial. But, undercover journalists contend that they are fulfilling a fundamental duty of finding truth through their journalism. They argue that public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy and the duty of the journalist is to further those ends by seeking truth and providing a fair and comprehensive account of events and issues. So, there are some supporters of this kind of journalism, which sometimes infringe the privacy of individuals. However, some journalists also urge avoiding surreptitious methods of gathering information except when traditional open methods will not yield information vital to the public. In this context, answer the following questions: 20 (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the practice of undercover journalism? (b) Do you support the practice of undercover investigation by journalists? Give reasons in support of your answer.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":275,"topper":"Abhinav J Jain","air":14,"year":2021,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1gLPR_L_zCFlLeJh1J88ajb-1sxaZujzH","questions":[]},{"id":276,"topper":"Abhinav Sharma","air":130,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8e988-959213_1752_abhinav_sharma_rank_130.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":277,"topper":"Abhinav Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e4ba0-959213_1487_abhinav_sharma_rank_130.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Highlight the significance of 72nd & 73rd constitutional amendment acts. Also, discuss some of their important provisions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":4,"question":"Explain importance of parliamentary privileges, discuss need for their codification.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss significance of the Preamble of Indian constitution. Can it be amended like any other provision of constitution?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Explain the significance of & analyze scope of Judicial review in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"What are functional principles on which our constitution is based? Why do you think it was important to codify them in form of written document?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Explain concept of Federalism, mention the key features of Federalism in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Although Indian constitution gives Rajya Sabha some special powers, yet on most matters the Lok Sabha exercises supreme power. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"What is role of Comptroller & Auditor General (CAG) of India? Mention constitutional provisions to ensure its independence.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"It is often argued that State legislative council is an ornamental & superfluous body. Do you agree?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"Discuss the emergence of the concept of 'Basic Structure' vis-a-vis power of Parliament to amend constitution.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"It is not absolute separation of powers but a system of checks & balances with regard to three organs of state that the Indian constitution envisages. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Distinguish between pressure groups & political parties, discuss how pressure groups exert influence on politics in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"The Legislature in a parliamentary system ensures executive accountability at various stages. Discuss in context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":55,"question":"Why is the 42nd amendment of Indian constitution often referred to as mini-constitution?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":58,"question":"Elucidate the relation between President & council of Ministers as provided in Indian constitution.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":278,"topper":"Abhinav Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1c3da-959213_1509_abhinav_sharma_rank_130.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The architecture of Vijayanagara kingdom has a distinctive style comprising of unique features. Elaborate with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Although the tenure of Lord William Bentinck was short, it was marked by enduring reforms. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"While the Indian capitalists were not in favour of protracted mass civil disobedience, many of them also acknowledged the utility, even necessity, of civil disobedience in getting crucial concessions for their class and the nation. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"American Revolution was a constitutional crisis brought on by the irreconcilability of Britain's imperial interests and the colonists' experience in self-government. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Explaining the phenomenon of Western Disturbance, discuss its impact on the Indian weather system. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Arabian Sea, a cyclone shy water body, is converting into a cyclone hotbed. Analyse the reasons behind this trend. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Despite the Peninsular India being a stable land mass and a region of slight seismicity, it has witnessed several earthquakes. Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Despite all the long strides towards women's rights to property and inheritance in India, there still exist challenges that need to be addressed. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"It has been observed in India, while the population has stabilised in southern states, this remains a pipe dream in the case of northern states. Analyse the reasons behind this trend. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Globalisation is affecting the attitudes and aspirations of youth in India in multifarious ways. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Identifying its major forms, broadly trace the evolution of classical dance in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The acceptance of partition by the Indian National Congress was only the last stage of the process of gradual concessions given to the Muslim League. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Over the course of the freedom struggle, especially after the Indian Council's Act of 1892, nationalist leaders in India transformed the Imperial Legislative Council, from a powerless machine functioning as a tool of endorsement of government policies into a forum for ventilating popular grievances. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Despite its advocacy for peaceful resolution of disputes, highlight the factors that prompted India to use force to remove Portuguese colonial rule from its territories after independence. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The roots of the present Israel-Palestine conflict may be traced back to ancient history, however it is the 20th century which has shaped it in its modern form. Explain. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Discuss the problems and prospects of the cotton textile industry in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"As Indian cities are undergoing rapid urbanization with burgeoning population, state policies and actions have proved to be inadequate to address the corresponding challenges. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Nation doesn't negate the concept of region. Discuss the idea in the Indian context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":279,"topper":"Abhinav Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1890c-959213_1513_abhinav_sharma_rank_130.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"In the context of protection of monuments, explain the role of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Also, comment on the challenges faced by ASI and measures taken to address these. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Tribal art has a huge potential for acting as an economic resource and a tool for socio-economic transformation of tribals in India. Elucidate. Also highlight the challenges in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Though the Government of India Act, 1919 proposed some radical administrative changes, it remained short of fulfilling aspirations of Indians. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Often deemed as the 'forgotten conflict', the Korean War had far-reaching implications. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Explaining the origin of earth's magnetism, discuss its significance with special reference to its interaction with solar particles. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discussing the challenges pertaining to dam safety in India, highlight the potential of Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project to address them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What is understood by Carbon Compensation Depth (CCD)? Discuss the implications of the rise in this depth due to anthropogenic warming as well. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"In view of demographic changes in recent decades, do you think India needs a two-child policy? Discuss in light of various strands of the debate surrounding this issue. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Globalization is incredibly efficient but has so far been incredibly unjust. Examine the statement in the context of developing countries like India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"It would not be completely wrong to state that in India, art is religion and religion is art.\" In light of the statement, discuss the impact of various religions on art in India, citing relevant examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Despite organizational apathy from the Indian National Congress in its initial years, the working class in various parts of the country subsequently participated overwhelmingly in the nationalist movement. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Though some of his early measures restored faith among the Indians in the liberal tradition of England, Lord Ripon's tenure did not bring about significant changes in the conservative mindset of the colonial bureaucracy. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The New Social Movements in post-independence period made an important beginning in awakening the society against injustices and deepened the very notion of democracy in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What are the reasons for recurrent and often catastrophic wildfires in places like Australia and the United States? Are there any lessons to be learnt from these events by India? Explain adequately. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss why India needs a cross border flood management mechanism. Also, state the major issues in cross border flood management and suggest remedial measures in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Depletion of water resources in India is both a geo-climatic phenomenon as well as a result some short-sighted government policies. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the major lithospheric plates? How and why do these plates move? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"There exists a wide gap between the constitutionally professed secularism and its practice in India. Do you agree? Substantiate with relevant arguments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India spends less than one per cent of GDP on care work infrastructure and services. In view of the statement, explain how increased public investment in care economy infrastructure can be instrumental in meeting multiple policy objectives. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":280,"topper":"Abhinav Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e1b5a-959213_1502_abhinav_sharma_rank_130.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"It is often argued that there is a crisis of values in modern society. Do you agree with this view? Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Explain the role of society in imparting values. In this context also, discuss a situation wherein acquired values learnt from home or school guided you in a situation of dilemma.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"For a public servant to fulfill his ethical obligation, it is important that there be no dichotomy between his personal ethics and public ethics. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Transparency is not only a bulwark against corruption in administration but also strengthens moral standards in Governance. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Morality is neither divine commands nor universal principle of thought rather practices developed by groups of human beings striving to avoid mutually harmful conflict and promote mutually beneficial cooperation. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Explain different aspects of 'right conduct' taught by Mahavira to attain a life full of happiness and content.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Discuss the standards of behaviour expected from civil servants in carrying out their role of developing and implementing Government policies and delivering public service.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Bring out the differences between the ethical issues faced by Government and Private institutions and reasons therein.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"What is the ethical basis behind the idea of reparations for historical wrongs committed against certain groups?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by Integrity Pacts? In light of recent events analyse their utility in ensuring transparency and efficiency in public procurement in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"What do following quotations means to you? (a) \"We are what our thoughts have made us; so take care about what you think. Words are secondary. Thoughts live; they travel far\" - Swami Vivekananda.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"\"Virtue lies in our power, and similarly so does vice, because where it is in our power to act, it is also in our power not to act\" - Aristotle.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":281,"topper":"Abhinav Sharma","air":130,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/u/2/folders/1piVwcaSBLxL4CxV9VLw0jyG0Wq1uMsUE","questions":[]},{"id":282,"topper":"Abhinav Sharma","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/ABHINAV-SHARMA-UPSC-2024-Rank-130-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"In many ways, the Spanish civil war was the opening act of WWII. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"How will you explain the different fates of Buddhism and Jainism despite a slew of similari- ties in the two religions? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Non-Cooperation Movement democratized India's freedom struggle but suffered from inherent limitations. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Critically analyse the efficacy of linguistic reorganization of states in addressing the reasons for linguistic divides in post-independent India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Briefly discuss the role of plate tectonics theory in explaining the location of volcanoes. Also, explain the multifarious impacts of volcanoes on the surrounding regions. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Taking further the success of Aspirational Districts Programme, Aspirational Blocks can help achieve the twin objectives of balanced growth and checking stress migration. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Describe the critical factors for location of defense industries and suggest measures to overcome the challenges. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"To what extent can Socio-Economic-Caste Census (SECC) address the challenges in achieving equitable resource allocation and targeted welfare? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Indian society is premised on some common values that give it a composite texture as well as some diverse practices that deepen its heterogeneity. Elucidate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What are the factors that influence population growth in the country? In this perspective, examine the relevance and need of raising the minimum marriageable age of women for population development. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Bring out the reasons behind the tribal unrest in British India. Also, analyze the reasons for their limited success. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The independence of India was not a result of a forced expulsion of the Empire, as desired by the Quit India Movement; it was rather a confluence of domestic politics and global circumstances. Analyze. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Explain why Sufism, a liberal reform movement in Islam could deepen its roots in the Indian sub-continent, despite Islam being a foreign religion? Also, bring out the impacts of Sufism on Indian society. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Enumerate the reasons behind rising intensity and frequency of cyclones in the Arabian Sea in recent years. Giving special reference to NDMA guidelines, recommend measures to check the adverse impacts of cyclones. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Examine the impacts of climate change on the hydrological cycle and suggest suitable mitigation and adaptation strategies to contain the harmful implications. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Defining continental shelf, highlight its resource potential and ecological significance. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Rooted in patriarchal values, gender-based violence, in all its manifestations, is antithetical to societal growth. Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The caste calculus in the Indian society remains predominant and continues to project its shadow on social, political, and economic domains. Do you agree? Substantiate your answer. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss various factors contributing to the water woes faced by Indian cities. Also, explain complexities in implementing a comprehensive water management plan. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Though important elements of group identity, religion and region also run the risk of deepening communal cleavages. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":283,"topper":"Abhinav Siwach","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a1b69-305150_2217_abhinav-siwach-rank-12.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. With examples, discuss how the cultural traditions from various regions of India get reflected in regional music. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. Highlighting the emergence of the working class movement, discuss its contribution towards India's freedom struggle.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. Do you agree with the view that Gandhian politics was, in a sense, a continuation of Tilak's politics? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. It is said that the world's oceans are losing their 'memory' due to human-induced warming. Comment. Also, discuss the consequences of the phenomenon.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. What is soil amendment? Evaluate the benefits and concerns associated with it. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. It has been suggested that the next decade may see a boom in hybrid power plants. Stating the advantages that such power plants offer, discuss the associated challenges. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. What are Van Allen Radiation Belts? Explaining their formation, discuss why there has been a growing focus on their study. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. Discuss whether marital rape should be criminalised in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. What is care economy? Highlight the challenges associated with it and mention the steps taken to address them in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. Post-pandemic India is staring at the challenge of \"learning poverty\". Analyse its implications and discuss a way ahead. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. Bring out the evolution of mural traditions in South India. Also, elaborate on their significant characteristics. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. Indian nationalism that confronted British imperialism in the 19th century was a product of colonial modernity. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. Environmentalism surfaced in the form of many organised movements in post independence India. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. Do you agree with the view that continental blockade was an ill-conceived strategy by Napoleon to conquer Britain through economic means? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. What do you understand by the Arctic Paradox? Highlight the spatial distribution of mineral and energy resources in the Arctic region. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. Cryosphere changes have a tendency to bring about a devastating impact on the ecosystem and its people. Discuss. Also, enlist measures to tackle this threat. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. The frequent instances of urban flooding pose a severe risk to the urban ecosystem in India. Discuss with special emphasis on its impact on the critical infrastructure.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. Sand is not only critical for economic development but also provides crucial ecosystem services. Elaborate. In this context, discuss the importance of sustainable sand mining in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. The challenge of unbridled and unbalanced growth of urban spaces in India necessitates reforms in urban planning and capacity. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. Feminist movements in India have historically lacked inclusivity, often growing within a limited Western upper-class psyche. Critically discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":284,"topper":"Abhinav Siwach","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/69f34-305150_2218_abhinav-siwach-rank-12.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. Do you agree with the view that time has come to revisit the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution? Discuss with suitable arguments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. Highlighting the advantages of online dispute resolution (ODR) mechanism for justice delivery, discuss the challenges associated with its effective implementation in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. Despite the constitutional division of powers, Centre-state disputes have been a perennial feature of Indian democracy. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. Do you agree with the view that adopting a framework for lobbying will strengthen participative governance and ease of doing business in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. Despite the government encouraging open source instead of proprietary technology for government applications, the true potential of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) and digital platforms remains unrealized. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. As a social safety-valve, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) can be the principal vehicles through which communities voice their concerns. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. Despite being lauded for its patient centric approach, the implementation of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, remains sluggish and mired with various issues. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. Do you agree with the view that time has come to formulate an Urban Employment Guarantee scheme at the national level? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Discuss the relevance of BIMSTEC as a regional organisation to fulfil India's strategic aspirations in the Indian Ocean Region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. Discuss the relevance of the Gujral Doctrine for India with regard to its relations with its immediate neighbours in the present times.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. Highlight the pivotal role of the \"Officers of Parliament\" in the Indian Parliamentary system. Also, discuss the constitutional and statutory provisions for their impartial functioning.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. The Finance Commission plays a crucial role in balancing fiscal federalism in India. In this context, examine the recommendations given by the 15th Finance Commission.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. Critically assess whether according statutory backing to the Model Code of Conduct will contribute towards free and fair elections in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"15 The market disruption caused by digital revolution warrants renewed focus and perspective to ensure fair competition in the digital economy. In this light, discuss the need to revamp the Competition Commission of India (CCI).","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. There is an urgent need for effective whistle-blowing mechanisms and ensuring that necessary safeguards for the protection of whistle-blowers are established in both public and private spheres in India. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"State the reasons behind the poor performance of cooperatives in India. Also, discuss the reforms undertaken by the government to overcome the shortcomings. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. Public-Private Partnership model, if harnessed properly, has the potential to bridge the gaps in India's healthcare system. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":47,"question":"8. Although the New Education Policy brings with itself a commendable vision, its success will depend on its ability to effectively integrate with the government's other policy initiatives. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) is born from a collective desire to make the Indo-Pacific region an engine of global economic growth. Comment. Also, discuss India's concerns in this context.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":53,"question":"India needs to identify the priority areas to further the complexities of expanding digital space and New and Emerging Strategic Technologies. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":285,"topper":"Abhinav Siwach","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BQ9jW6i7ORESo7ARcTqHORGl4UEc7ZL9/view","questions":[]},{"id":286,"topper":"Abhinav Siwach","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/93c7a-305150_2220_abhinav-siwach-rank-12.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. (a) The logic of limitless wealth lies in the basic human instinct for furthering self-interest in the form of profit. In this context, do you think there is a possibility of pursuing ethical capitalism?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"1. (b) If a law is unjust, a man is not only right to disobey it, he is obligated to do so. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"2. (a) The capacity of Citizens' Charter to initiate any transformative process is conditioned upon it being appropriately designed and effectively executed. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"2. (b) The moral fiber and ethical conduct of public officials not only influence the standard of governance but also their own interests and performance. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"3. (a) The ongoing debate on euthanasia poses several ethical questions. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"3. (b) Foreign aid is a form of neo-colonialism as the economically wealthier countries can exploit the developing countries under the cloak of aid. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"4. (a) Throwing light on the idea of Universal Humanism propounded by Rabindranath Tagore, discuss its contemporary relevance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"4. (b) Do you agree with the view that it is nature and not nurture which determines the emotional intelligence of a person? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"5. (a) Values that guide public administrators can often compete with each other, owing to their relative importance to the larger public interest. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"5. (b) Is it justifiable to say that corruption is a social phenomenon? What are the various ways through which administrative corruption can be tackled?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"6. What do each of the following quotations mean to you?\n(a) \"Overcoming poverty is not a task of charity; it is an act of justice.\" Nelson Mandela (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"6. (b) \"I do believe that, where there is only a choice between cowardice and violence, I would advise violence.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"6. (c) \"Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle.\" Martin Luther King Jr (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"7 You are posted as the Commissioner of Police in a metropolitan city where a visiting foreign dignitary, with President-level security cover, is scheduled to visit for an official function. As a part of the security preparedness, it has been decided that no vehicular traffic will be allowed on the route which will be taken by the foreign dignitary to reach the venue of the function in the city. However, just 15 minutes before the arrival of the dignitary, you are informed that a critically-ill patient is stuck on the way to the hospital in a private car along with his family.\n\nIn this situation, answer the following:\n(a) Discuss the issues involved in halting traffic for VIP movement.\n(b) List the options available to you in this situation with their merits and demerits.\n(c) What will be your course of action? Justify with proper reasoning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"8 In light of the above, answer the following:\n(a) Identify the challenges faced by transgenders during the different stages of their life.\n(b) Discuss the reasons for the continuing discrimination against transgenders in India despite several initiatives for their upliftment in recent times. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"9 In the given scenario, answer the following questions:\n(a) Identify the stakeholders and the ethical issues involved in the case.\n(b) What steps will you take to ensure that the enquiry is seen to be fair and impartial?\n(c) Given the challenges that the police forces in India operate under in their day-to-day functioning, suggest some initiatives to address them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"10 (a) Discuss the importance of including climate change strategies and diversity and inclusion in a business organisation?\n\n(b) In your opinion, what matters more for a business organisation - socio-environmental concerns or shareholder profit?\n\n(c) How can the two above-mentioned issues be reconciled? (Answer in 250 words)\na) Discuss the importance of including climate change strategies and diversity and inclusion in a business organisation?\nb) In your opinion, what matters more for a business organisation - socio-environmental concerns or shareholder profit?\nc) How can the two above-mentioned issues be reconciled? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"9) importance of climate change and diversity for organisation","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"11 You are posted as a Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district where people of different religious communities are living together peacefully. The district is also famous for its architectural heritage and is regularly visited by tourists from all around the world. However, there has been an incident in the nearby state where people of two different communities have started fighting over religious issues. This incident has a spillover effect over the whole country. In your own area of jurisdiction, you have come to know from various sources about circulation of some hate speech videos, which have the potential to destabilise the law and order situation. You are also aware that some outsiders with dubious intentions have started pouring in your district. In one locality, a shopkeeper who had earlier filed a complaint regarding threats he received for posting something on the internet, is found murdered in cold blood. This incident has stunned the nation. You are being informed that hundreds of people of the community to which the shopkeeper belonged are planning to stage a massive protest in your district.\n(a) In the given situation, what are the options available to you to ensure that the law and order situation in the district remains stable. Provide a detailed account of your course of action.\n(b) Do you think the present legal and institutional mechanisms are sufficient to tackle the menace of hate speech in the society? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"9) Course of action and options available to SP :","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"12 In this context, answer the following questions:\n(a) What are the consequences of 'rote learning' on the educational development of young students in the country?\n(b) Suggest measures that can be taken to address this issue. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":287,"topper":"Abhinav Siwach","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hUPXQg53ty6ArcLFifPVDwDMMPRCu2XF/view","questions":[]},{"id":288,"topper":"Abhinav Siwach","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IxDp01aS__LFcDmizA0D-wEQK3mPINRi/view","questions":[]},{"id":289,"topper":"Abhinav Siwach","air":12,"year":2022,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1y7Ow2Fy6TuS8BdcKUoruSV-chWTpgqhM/view","questions":[]},{"id":290,"topper":"Abhinav Tyagi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/424b0-22703_1326_abhinav-tyagi_rank_245.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Given the growing ecological and geopolitical significance, Arctic region offers immense opportunities for serving India's long-term interests. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the challenges that India may face in the eventuality of withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan. What options does India have to safeguard its interests in the context of the changing situation? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The BRICS as a grouping seems to have internal contradictions, which makes it difficult for it to emerge as an effective forum in a dynamic multi-polar international order. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Despite India having immense soft power potential, it alone will not be sufficient to achieve India's foreign policy objectives. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Highlighting the role of space technology in border management, enumerate the steps taken so far in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Despite allegations of human rights violations under the AFSPA, it is a functional requirement for the army in disturbed areas. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The use of Internet creates both challenges and opportunities in the fight against terrorism. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain the concept of Chandrasekhar Limit and highlight its significance in the field of astronomy. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Examining the risk posed by space debris, suggest some measures which can be taken for its mitigation and removal. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the challenges confronting higher self-reliance and indigenisation of defence industry in India. What steps can be taken to accelerate its pace? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Comment on the role played by the diaspora in India's development process. Also, discuss the challenges in terms of engaging the Indian diaspora and suggest ways to translate these partnerships into benefits. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the reasons behind proliferation of multilateral preferential trade agreements. Do they violate WTO's MFN principle? Do you think that such trade groupings present an existential threat to WTO? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"India needs to balance its growing water needs and larger security concerns with effective hydro-diplomacy. Highlighting the challenges faced with regard to transboundary rivers, analyze this statement in the context of India's riparian relations with its neighbours. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Commenting on the importance of Central Asia for India, highlight the progress made in the relationship in recent past along with the issues that still remain to further cement the ties. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the significance of India's island territories in its quest to become a net security provider in the Indian Ocean region. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"A fine balance between security and developmental measures needs to be attained for tackling the menace of Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in India. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Illustrate the linkages between drug trafficking, organised crime and terrorism. In this regard, mention the steps that have been taken to arrest the availability of drugs in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Identify the key threats to national security in the wake of climate change. Also, highlight India's stand and rationale on UN's decision to declare climate change as an international security issue. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Explaining the concept of data exclusivity, bring out the arguments for and against incorporating data exclusivity norms in India's IPR regime. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Compare and contrast fifth generation (5G) of wireless telecom technology with 4G technology. What challenges need to be overcome for 5G's pan-India rollout? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":291,"topper":"Abhinav Tyagi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/587ae-22703_1237_abhinav-tyagi_rank_245.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"Democratic processes and practices in India have refashioned caste in multiple ways. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Globalization has been a significant force in shaping the contemporary education system in India in both positive and negative ways. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The lack of clarity over what constitutes an urban area encourages haphazard development pattern in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The changing employment landscape across the globe makes it imperative that vocational education be integrated with the school curriculum in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Communalism in India is fuelled by socio-economic disparities and politicization of identities. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are the factors due to which Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) remain one of the most backward groups in India? Highlight the steps taken by the government for their upliftment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"What are the various challenges that persons with disabilities face in living a dignified life? Suggest some measures for ensuring their effective participation in society. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"India is currently facing \"triple burden\" of undernutrition, overnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies. Examine the reasons and suggest some measures for combating them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The strategy for combating poverty in India must rest on both effective implementation of anti-poverty programmes and employment intensive economic growth. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Critically examine the impact of globalization on rural society in India. Also delineate some strategies for tapping the opportunities offered by globalization. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Patriarchy is not mere economic dependence but also operates in cultural habits and dominates the minds of males and females equally. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Indian society in ancient, medieval and modern times always exhibited an underlying unity that created a composite culture, which is decisively pan-Indian in nature. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":292,"topper":"Abhinav Tyagi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/35e13-22703_1236_abhinav-tyagi_rank_245.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Livestock farming not only contributes to climate change but is also affected by it. Elaborate the statement and discuss some measures that can be taken to make livestock farming more sustainable as well as resilient. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"A developed Inland Waterway Transport (IWT) will not only augment the overall transport capacity of the country, but also help correct the multi-modal transport mix. Discuss. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the importance of Agricultural Market Intelligence for farmers in India. Identifying the issues in the present system, suggest some measures for improving Agricultural Market Intelligence in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"With water increasingly becoming a scarce resource, large scale adoption of micro irrigation techniques could prove to be a game changer in India. Analyse. Also enumerate various steps taken by the government to promote micro irrigation in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The cropping pattern of a region is influenced by geo-climatic, socio-cultural, economic, historical and political factors. Substantiate with relevant examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Integrating ecology and technology is the way forward towards achieving Evergreen Revolution in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The adoption of agro-based clusters can generate positive spill-over effects on agricultural and rural development. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Reliance on borrowings for capital expenditure in railways reflects a weakening financial position. Comment on the statement and discuss ways in which better resource generation and utilisation can be achieved therein. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Why does achieving road safety in India remain a challenging task? Keeping different stakeholders in mind, suggest some measures which can be adopted for reducing road accidents in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Despite initiatives taken in recent times to support the logistics sector, it continues to face multiple challenges. Discuss. What further steps can be taken to address these challenges? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The contribution of coal based power generation is not expected to substantially go down in the next few decades, despite growing importance of renewables. Comment on the statement in light of increasing demand for power in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Despite comprehensive government support to agriculture, why is it that farming in India remains unremunerative? Do you agree that direct income support under Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) is a much needed measure to make agriculture a viable source of livelihood? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Elaborate the strategic and operational elements of the Agriculture Export Policy, 2018 and discuss the role it can play to achieve the target of doubling farmers' income by 2022. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight the reasons behind inconclusive land ownership titles in India. Discuss its repercussions and suggest measures for moving towards conclusive land titling system in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite measures taken by the government for promoting investment in the infrastructure sector in the last few years, there are multiple challenges that still exist. Discuss. What further steps can be taken in this regard? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Identify the problems faced by Indian agriculture as a consequence of changing land holding pattern as witnessed in the findings of Agriculture census, 2015-16. In light of these problems, suggest suitable ways to resolve such structural issues in agriculture. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Development of food processing industry will help in achieving the twin goals of inclusive growth and food security. Discuss. Also, account for the competitive advantages enjoyed by India in the food processing sector. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Despite existence of a large market, the real estate sector is facing many challenges in India. Elaborate. Also, discuss the measures taken by the government to address them. Can Housing for All by 2022 be a game-changer in this regard? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Identify the maladies affecting the proper functioning of the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS). Comment on the feasibility of alternatives available to TPDS. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":293,"topper":"Abhinav Tyagi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/159c7-22703_1243_abhinav-tyagi_rank_245.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Reservation of seats in legislature is needed to ensure meaningful political participation of women and to make the democratic process truly inclusive. Discuss the statement in the light of 108th Constitution Amendment Bill. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the issue of reservation in promotions for SCs and STs in public employment in the light of various judicial pronouncements and constitutional amendments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the reasons behind underperformance of the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs). How can their performance be improved? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlighting the rationale behind continuance of the Official Secrets Act, critically discuss whether the Right to Information should be given precedence over it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What is the rationale behind having a mandatory 'cooling-off' period for retired civil servants? In light of numerous instances of violation of this provision, do you think there is a need to have a relook at Civil Services Conduct Rules? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlighting the key features of POSHAN Abhiyan, explain how it is an improvement over previous interventions in achieving the goal of malnutrition free India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Give an account of the challenges that the multilateral rule-based trading system is facing. With special focus on WTO, discuss how these challenges can be addressed effectively. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Highlight the major impediments affecting India-US trade relations. What possible consequences can the recent withdrawal of Generalized System of Preference (GSP) have on India-US trade relations? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"In a democratic setup, it is imperative that independence be balanced with accountability. Discuss in the context of judiciary in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Despite various strengths, there are certain weaknesses in the existing structure of departments of the government which render the system slow and cumbersome. Analyze. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the light of criticism surrounding the composition and functioning of Rajya Sabha, do you think it exists merely as a secondary house of the Parliament? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Despite legislative changes with respect to funding of political parties in recent years, many challenges still exist with regards to transparency in electoral funding. Discuss. Can state funding of elections help in addressing these challenges? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Successful and long-lasting urban transformation critically depends on reforming the way our cities are governed. In this context, highlight the challenges plaguing urban governance in India and suggest some strategies to overcome those challenges. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Explain the role that SHGs play in poverty alleviation in India. Highlighting the shortcomings of the SHG-Bank Linkage programme, give some suggestions to improve its performance. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Despite initiatives taken by the government in recent years to address the challenges of the Indian higher education system, many reforms are still required to improve its quality and enhance its relevance. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Giving an account of the progress made under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, mention the challenges that it faces in achieving its target. How can the implementation of the programme be fast-tracked? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Island nations of the Indian Ocean hold immense strategic value in shaping the geopolitical contours of the region and ensuring maritime security of India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Development assistance, a key instrument in India's foreign policy, has seen a considerable expansion in the past few years both in its scope and reach. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":294,"topper":"Abhinav Tyagi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c2453-22703_1245_abhinav-tyagi_rank_245.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the attributes of leadership, analyse why it is important for a civil servant.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"A civil servant needs to be objective as well as empathetic. What do you understand by objectivity? Discuss its relationship with empathy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"With rapidly increasing use of information technology, what according to you is the role of ethics in cyber space?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Transparency in government organisations is an essential pre-condition for good governance. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but its lowest ones. Nelson Mandela","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"For achieving success, attitude is equally, if not more important than ability. Discuss with the help of examples from your daily life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"The core of high Emotional Intelligence is self-awareness. If you don't understand your own motivations and behaviours, it is nearly impossible to develop an understanding of others. Discuss with the help of appropriate examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by Integrity Pacts? Highlight the role they can play in bringing transparency in allotment of public contracts and ensuring proper utilization of public funds in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"In the context of rapid technological change, discuss the significance of inculcating moral and spiritual values in educational institutions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Explain the main elements of integral humanism as propounded by Deen Dayal Upadhyay and highlight its contemporary relevance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate in a district, where many large factories and commercial establishments are located. One such factory is owned by one of your close friends. You visit each other's home frequently and are often seen in public together. Recently, media reported about poor working conditions in your friend's factory. Upon enquiry with the labor office, you come to know that the factory has witnessed frequent labour unrests in the past as well. However, the labour officer told you that he was hesitating to take any action due to your proximity with the owner of the factory. With reference to the facts of the case, answer the following questions: (a) Identifying the stakeholders and public cause, discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) As the District Magistrate, what appropriate course of action will you take? Give reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are a resident of a remote tribal district, where there is high incidence of malnutrition. As a remedial measure, the District Magistrate has initiated a programme to promote millet cultivation, especially on the lands currently lying fallow in the district. However, this well-intentioned move of the officer receives flak from the local tribals as this may not only change their age-old food habits, but also alter their traditional agricultural practices. They further cite lower remunerative prices of millets as another reason for continuing with their existing crop production pattern. As a civil servant aspirant, who has a keen interest in development of tribal areas, answer the following questions: (a) What according to you are the key issues and challenges involved in the above situation? (b) Identify the key stakeholders and their respective interests. (c) Suggest a course of action that the District Magistrate can take keeping in mind the larger tribal interests.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":295,"topper":"Abhinav Tyagi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/53bd0-22703_1238_abhinav-tyagi_rank_245.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Do you think there has been a convergence of values between public and private sectors in the wake of increasing role of the private sector in public service delivery?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Giving examples of some social ills plaguing the society, discuss how social persuasion can be an effective technique to overcome them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"What steps should be taken by the government for increasing the effectiveness of grievance redressal mechanism?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are two statements. Bring out what you understand by them and discuss their relevance in the present context. (a) \"I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear\"- Nelson Mandela","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"\"Not everybody can be famous, but everybody can be great because greatness is determined by service\"- Martin Luther King.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Explain why superstitious beliefs and practices abound in India. In this context, discuss the importance of inculcating scientific temper to remove superstitions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Simply labelling people as liberal or conservative is to miss the point that an individual can have divergent views on different issues. Explain with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Anti-corruption measures need focus on both demand as well as supply side of corruption. Discuss in the light of prevalence of 'collusive corruption' in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Identify the various traits of a healthy work culture for a bureaucracy in a modern society. Also, suggest ways in which a healthy work culture can be created in India to meet the objectives of good-governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Citizen's charters can be both a stimulus and a means for government to raise the standards of public service delivery. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Attitude and behaviour are so closely interwoven that a change in one inevitably influences the other. Explain the statement with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Emotional intelligence is an important parameter as one aspires to move up the ladder in a competitive environment. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Rapid growth of information and communication technology, with all its benefits, has associated risks and far-reaching consequences. The government has constituted a committee to frame guidelines for an inclusive and safe cyberspace in India. The committee has solicited public opinion in this regard. As a concerned citizen, you have to give your suggestions on the following themes: (a) Why do you think some people or a set of people are more vulnerable to cyber threats with special emphasis on cyber-bullying. (b) Do you think the experiences and exposure in cyberspace are an important influence in a person's attitude and behaviour? (c) What reasonable restrictions can be applied to make cyberspace more safe and friendly to all citizens?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"You are serving as the Public Health Officer in a district that is lagging behind in achieving the Open Defecation Free (ODF) status. Even after ensuring adequate access to water and sanitation services, their usage has not spread and the practice of open defecation continues in the district. Despite serious extension efforts by the government, safe hygienic practices have not been adopted by the people. As a result, various instances of bacteriological contamination and water-borne diseases have surfaced up recently. In such a scenario: (a) Examine the reasons behind low usage and adoption rates of built toilets in India? (b) Highlighting the principles to be kept in mind while preparing an effective Information, Education and Communication (IEC) strategy, design an action plan to address the problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"You are the District Magistrate of a district that is known for making combustible substances such as match boxes and fire crackers. As per the The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016, employment of children in such hazardous activities is prohibited. In this regard, government has also released a notification that owners of these manufacturing units need to report on the profiles of their employees annually as child labour has been prevalent in these industries. These manufacturing units, abiding by the directives of the government, publish such reports annually and claim to have successfully put an end to employment of child labour. However, it has been brought to your notice that these companies are taking advantage of loopholes in the law. They have been outsourcing their hiring to independent contractors who engage families in the business. The families have been continuing to use child labour to supplement their income and also keep the cost of labour competitive so as to bag more such contracts and since they are not officially on the payroll of the companies, they are absolved of the legal liabilities. (a) Identify the ethical issues in this case. (b) How would you approach the problem and what would be the main elements of your action?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are working as a Block Development Officer (BDO) in a state and the Lok Sabha elections are around the corner. Two months prior to the elections, a mega rally of a leader from the political party ruling the state is being organized in the neighboring district. All BDOs have received an oral order from the Chief Development Officer directing them to make sure that five buses full of people from their block be sent to the rally. The only direction is to ensure maximum participation and make suitable arrangements in pursuit of the same. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) As a civil servant, what values should guide your response in such a situation? (b) Identify the various options that are available to you? (c) What course of action would you choose and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You are serving as a District Magistrate in a district, which is prone to recurrent droughts. The issue of scarcity of water is aggravating year by year. Even during the years of high rainfall, the district has witnessed severe shortage of water for agriculture purposes, mainly due to cultivation of water guzzling crops. It is evident that water scarcity is one of the main reasons for backwardness of the district. Recognising this, the state government decided to withdraw some incentives given for cultivation of such crops and incentivise a cropping pattern more suitable to the agro-climatic conditions of this region. However, anticipating worsening of their economic condition in such times, the farmers have taken to protesting on the streets. Despite such a well-intentioned move by the government, the farmers feel that response of the state administration has been anti-farmer and cruel. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Do you think there is a real divergence between interests of the farmers of this district and the state? (b) What immediate steps should you advocate in the interests of farmers of the district?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Many Indian cities are facing a major problem of management of household waste. Huge volume of wastes has meant that landfill sites are facing the problem of overcapacity. On the other hand, the waste-to-energy plants constructed to solve the problem are also facing flak due to their inefficiency and release of poisonous pollutants. The manner of waste disposal by people is identified as one of the main reasons behind this problem. The government has notified rules regarding disposal, collection and treatment of waste and has initiated numerous awareness campaigns in the past. Still, the problem does not seem to be getting under control. Given such a situation, answer the following questions: (a) What do you think is the reason behind the apathy of people towards issues like waste disposal that affect the larger interests of society in general? (b) Identify the stakeholders and the significance of their involvement in addressing the issue.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":296,"topper":"Abhisheel Jaiswal","air":538,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Law","optional":true,"source":"De Facto Law","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.defactolaw.in/_files/ugd/9bce74_c190a9ba6e4b407da881ebc91f72c685.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":297,"topper":"Abhisheel Jaiswal","air":538,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Law","optional":true,"source":"De Facto Law","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.defactolaw.in/_files/ugd/9bce74_ef2f109354ad4d5fa19268143e13bff4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":298,"topper":"Abhisheel Jaiswal","air":538,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Law","optional":true,"source":"De Facto Law","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.defactolaw.in/_files/ugd/9bce74_49f63f693da548559e13eaff85abe0d4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":299,"topper":"Abhisheel Jaiswal","air":538,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Law","optional":true,"source":"De Facto Law","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.defactolaw.in/_files/ugd/9bce74_4d8b9b043953474db8296dbbf382a651.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":300,"topper":"Abhisheel Jaiswal","air":538,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Law","optional":true,"source":"De Facto Law","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.defactolaw.in/_files/ugd/9bce74_dd564af661a6455ca249e7620870596f.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":301,"topper":"Abhisheel Jaiswal","air":538,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Law","optional":true,"source":"De Facto Law","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.defactolaw.in/_files/ugd/9bce74_485cb15711014f25bfe045f86a8757a8.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":302,"topper":"ABHISHEK AGRAWAL","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/ABHISHEK-AGRAWAL-UPSC-2024-Rank-243-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Fundamental rights chapter of the constitution is the \"north star\" of the universe of constitutionalism. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Just because a person is offended by someone's speech or word; it does not mean that an offence has been committed. In this context, discuss the issues surrounding the use of the section 295A and 153A of IPC. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Present a comparative analysis of political system of India and Sri-Lanka. How far do you agree that the reason for the economic crisis in Sri-Lanka lies in its political structure? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The changed nature of civil society due to its professionalization has helped in deepening of democracy but at the cost of participation and accountability. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"While National Green Tribunal (NGT) has made immense contribution to protection of environment, various structural and functional issues have limited its effectiveness. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Policy of reservation, started to provide equality of opportunities, has fallen victim to political opportunism. Critically examine the success of affirmative actions in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Unless the factors that prevent effective and full participation of persons with disability in political and public life are addressed, the goal of inclusiveness and empowerment will remain elusive. Analyze. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The criminal justice system has made the process itself a punishment leading to the prolonged incarceration of undertrials. Highlighting the reasons for the large number of undertrial prisoners, examine the desirability of a dedicated bail law. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"China's interest in Russia is not only that of a strategic partner, but also for it being a strategic diversion for the west. Analyze. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Appraise the role of Indian diaspora in the economies of West Asia and Africa. What initiatives can be taken to address the issues faced by the diaspora in these regions? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Electoral reform is a continuous effort to make election funding transparent, election process inclusive, and political parties accountable. Discuss issues related to election funding, proposal for remote voting and regulation of Registered Unrecognized Political Parties (RUPPs). (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Judicial accountability and independence are mutually reinforcing. Do you agree? In what ways can judicial accountability be enhanced without impinging on its independence? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Ordinances deny legislative legitimacy to executive actions and weakens democratic accountability of elected government. Discuss the rationale behind inclusion of ordinance making power in the constitution and various safeguards against its misuse. Has the ordinance making power outlived its utility in present times? Justify. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The achievement of Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 can happen only if we consider local context and situations. In light of this statement, examine the critical role as well as capabilities of PRIs in meeting the SDGs. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Ayushman Bharat is a revolutionary intervention but falls short of recognizing the right to health as a universal basic right. In this perspective discuss the need for and impediments in ensuring the right to health for all in the country. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Assess the performance of MGNREGA in generation of sustainable employment and creation of durable assets in rural India. Can this model be replicated in urban areas as well? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Poverty is driving women into the workforce, while education seems to drive them out of it. What explains this anomaly? How can Self Help Groups (SHGs) correct this aberration? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Rather than seeing it as a replacement for SAARC, BIMSTEC must be appreciated for its critical role as a bridge between South Asia and ASEAN. Analyze. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Compare the aims and objectives of I2U2 and Quad. What importance does I2U2 hold for India? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":303,"topper":"Abhishek Anjani Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7f949-1101662_3128_abhishek_anjani_singh_rank_87ermark.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"The world must learn to work together, or finally it will not work at all.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Technology, like art, is a soaring exercise of the human imagination.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"We've begun to raise daughters more like sons, but few have the courage to raise our sons more like our daughters.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":304,"topper":"Abhishek Anjani Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ce1a5-1101662_2930_abhishek_anjani_singh_rank_87.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How is the rapid growth of the food processing industry leading to food safety challenges in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Under the Public Distribution System of India, the Fair Price Shop (FPS) transformation is an evolving process. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"How are agri-tech startups in India helping farmers in enhancing farm productivity and market access? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the role of digitization of land records in the effective implementation of land reforms in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"To fully exploit its demographic dividend and accelerate economic growth, India needs to adopt a manufacturing-led growth model. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can the resilience of Indian coastal communities be strengthened to tackle the growing natural hazards resulting from climate change? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How does the Green Credit Programme extend beyond carbon management to promote a more sustainable environment in India? What are the various concerns about its implementation? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What is the need for NavIC when existing satellite navigation systems are already available? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Cyber-enabled financial crime has emerged as the new frontier of global money laundering. Discuss. How can the government address this issue? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The Indian Army is observing the year 2024 as the 'Year of Technology Absorption'. In light of this, explain why there is a need for technology absorption in the defence sector of India. What challenges can India face in this initiative? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":305,"topper":"Abhishek Anjani Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/bb464-1101662_2928_abhishek_anjani_singh_rank_87.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How does tribal art provide valuable insights into the cultural perspectives and values of Indian tribal communities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What are the key factors that accelerated decolonization post-World War II? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How does human encroachment impact water bodies in urban areas? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How do physical geographical features influence the development and operation of transportation systems? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How are ocean trenches formed? Describe the significant characteristics of these oceanic relief formations. (Answer in 150words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Identify the reasons behind increasing number of extreme rainfall events throughout India in recent times. Assess their socio-economic impact. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"India is expected to have the largest working-age population in the world by 2030 and it cannot afford low participation of women in the workforce anymore. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Do you agree that there has been a progressive secularization of caste in India? Support your view with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Why is inequality increasing in India despite the fall in overall poverty? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"How did the competitive and hostile dynamic between Brahminism and Buddhism over funding, followers, and ideology mark the decline of Buddhism? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"European travellers' accounts in the medieval period have played an important role in shaping our understanding of the empires and people of that period in India. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The British victory in the Battle of Plassey in 1757 not just changed the course of Indian history but also that of the world. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Why was it more difficult to rehabilitate refugees in West Bengal as compared to Punjab after partition? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss the economic and social costs associated with the transition from coal to green energy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Explain the process of formation of volcanic calderas. How do they contribute to the scenic beauty of the region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the reasons behind the increased frequency and intensity of heat waves globally? How will it impact global food security? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India's approach to secularism does not merely challenge inter-religious domination but intra-religious domination as well. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Do you agree with the view that Indian cities are turning into landscapes of stark inequality and social exclusion? What steps can be taken to make urban areas more egalitarian in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":306,"topper":"Abhishek Anjani Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0f3af-1101662_2214_abhishek_anjani_singh_rank_87.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The ideals of ‘Dhamma’ by Ashoka present key learnings on public morality. Discuss. Also, state their relevance for public servants. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Although bribery is illegal and counterproductive, public officials still demand bribes, and executives in the private sector remain tempted to pay up. In this context, discuss ways in which corporations can build a framework to eliminate the practice of offering kickbacks. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"It is argued that the Indian bureaucracy suffers from indecision and risk aversion. Do you agree? Justify with logical arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Although open and transparent governance has gained ground, do you agree with the view that there is merit in withholding some information from people? Justify your arguments with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"While it may seem restrictive, anonymity is one of the greatest strengths of the civil services. Comment in the context of growth of social media in recent times. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"A legally enforceable code of ethics for civil servants, which not only prescribes the ethical values they must display in their public life but also provides sanctions for violations of these values, is the need of the hour. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Examine the issue of foreign aid in global politics from an ethical perspective. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"There is a need for an effective climate governance structure within the broad framework of corporate governance. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"\"A well-developed Emotional intelligence is not only an instrumental tool in accomplishing goals, but has a dark side as a weapon for manipulating others by robbing them of their capacity to reason.\" Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The opportunities and threats created by emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) require leaders across business, government and civil society to understand the importance of values and ethics in technological development. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"All persons ought to endeavour to follow what is right, and not what is established.\" — Aristotle (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"\"It is compassion, the most gracious of virtues, which moves the world.\" – Tiruvalluvar, Kural (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"\"I understand democracy as something that gives the weak the same chance as the strong.\" — Mahatma Gandhi (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":51,"question":"Sunil has been posted as a DM in a hilly district which is vulnerable to several natural disasters. The district is known for a pilgrimage site and is frequently visited by tourists from all over India. The major occupation of locals therefore lies in the hospitality business. Unfortunately, after a few days of his joining, the district faced a major earthquake. It has led to high casualties and damages to the essential infrastructure such as roads and bridges. Both locals and tourists are trapped at different routes and locations. An international convoy of dignitaries from a neighboring country which has come to pay their obeisance at the pilgrimage site, is also trapped due to the disaster. Because of this, Sunil has to divert most of the available resources in the rescue operation of the foreign dignitaries. People are emotionally distressed due to the disaster, and delayed response from authorities to their needs has led to a law-and-order situation in the district. People from other states whose families are trapped and need immediate assistance are also getting restless and flooding the emergency helplines with complaints and requests. (a) Discuss the issues being faced by Sunil in the given scenario. (b) Mention a course of action that Sunil must take to maintain law-and-order as well as to expediate rescue operations of all concerned.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":307,"topper":"Abhishek Anjani Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/71429-1101662_2931_abhishek_anjani_singh_rank_87.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The end cannot justify the means, for the simple and obvious reason that the means employed determine the nature of the ends produced. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss how the relationship between law and ethics is dynamic and continuously shaped by societal changes. Provide examples to illustrate this dynamic relationship. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Differentiate between probity and integrity with suitable examples. How do these values contribute to ethical governance and decision-making in the civil services? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the ethical implications of withholding information in public administration. How can transparency enhance accountability and reduce corruption in government institutions? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"There is no school equal to a decent home and no teacher equal to a virtuous parent.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.\" - Leo Tolstoy (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"To see what is right and not do it is a lack of courage.\" - Confucius (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What factors lead to a positive attitude in a person? How does positive attitude enhance the effectiveness of civil servants in performing their duties? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss how emotional intelligence can influence ethical decision-making in the allocation of scarce public resources. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Various international humanitarian organizations provide emergency aid in conflict zones around the world. Highlight the ethical challenges faced by such organizations. What are the principles that guide international humanitarian work? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Why is persuasion regarded as an important skill for civil servants? What are the key considerations that should guide persuasion in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"What role can ethical leadership play in curbing corruption, especially in public service? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"What were the major teachings of Swami Dayanand Saraswati? Explain their relevance in addressing the current ethical and social challenges in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":33,"question":"Discuss the ethical dilemma Karan faces in deciding whether to report the incident against Mariyam's wishes. (b) Evaluate the options available to Karan. Which of these options should he choose and why? (c) What responsibilities do organizations like XYZ Corp have in preventing and addressing sexual harassment and creating inclusive workplace environments? (Answer in 250 words)20","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Jay, a civil servant, was appointed as the Commissioner in the Education Department a year ago. In his initial months, he implemented several policies and programmes that were transforming the Education Ministry's operations, gaining a good reputation that could potentially benefit the concerned minister in the upcoming elections. However, Jay now faces a significant challenge. As part of his responsibilities, he must approve the recruitment of new teachers for government schools. He has received a list of 120 candidates recommended for vacant posts, but suspects the recruitment process was unfair. Jay had also received several complaints claiming that the process had not been meritocratic. Upon review, Jay discovers evidence suggesting that many names on the list are the result of political patronage - a prevalent issue in the state where politicians use recruitment to gain political support. Jay believes the Education Minister is engaging in this practice as the election season approaches. This situation reminds Jay of a past incident when, as a junior officer, he refused to entertain an unnecessary procurement request. Consequently, he was transferred within a week, and he and his family faced frivolous anti-corruption complaints as retaliation. His successor approved the procurement at even higher rates. Jay is now concerned that blocking the current recruitment could lead to similar consequences. Moreover, he fears that the projects he personally initiated in the Education Ministry might be terminated by the minister. (a) What are the options available to Jay as the Commissioner of the Education Department? Evaluate each of these options. (b) What option should Jay adopt and why? (c) How can civil servants like Jay be better protected when they attempt to uphold ethical standards in their work? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"What are the options available to Jay as the Commissioner of the Education Department? Evaluate each of these options. (b) What option should Jay adopt and why? (c) How can civil servants like Jay be better protected when they attempt to uphold ethical standards in their work? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"As the District Magistrate of X city, you are responsible for overseeing the construction of a new metro depot in an urban forest area, which is a critical infrastructure project aimed at improving public transportation and reducing traffic congestion and air pollution. The project, however, requires the clearance of a substantial portion of the forest, which has triggered strong opposition from environmental activists, local residents, and NGOs. This forest is widely regarded as essential for the city's ecological balance, often referred to as the city's \"lungs.\" In addition to the environmental concerns, you are under considerable pressure from politicians at the state-level to expedite the project, given the upcoming elections in two years. The political leadership emphasizes the benefits of the metro project for the city's development and its potential to garner electoral support. The project is expected to significantly reduce travel time for thousands of commuters and potentially decrease overall vehicle emissions in the city. However, it would also lead to the loss of thousands of trees and disrupt local ecosystems. As you prepare to make a decision, you are aware that your choice will have far-reaching consequences for both the city's development and its environment. (a) Identify the ethical dilemmas involved in the above case. (b) Evaluate the options available to you in the above situation. Which of these would you choose and why? (c) Suggest some measures that could be implemented to balance urban development needs with environmental conservation in future projects. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Dr. Mehra is a senior drug developer at a leading pharmaceutical company in India, renowned for producing various medications, including lifesaving drugs critical for treating chronic and rare diseases. Since its inception, the company has emphasized the quality and affordability of its drugs. Recently, under revised government guidelines, pharmaceutical companies are required to market a finished product only after obtaining \"satisfactory results\" from tests on the ingredients. Additionally, they must retain a sufficient quantity of samples of both intermediate and final products to allow repeated testing or verification of a batch. Dr. Mehra's team is in the final stages of developing a new medication for a rare but life-threatening disease. This drug has shown promising results in clinical trials. However, there have been unresolved concerns about the long-term side effects of the drug, observed in a small percentage of trial subjects. Despite this, the company has not released any major drug in the past decade, leading to significant pressure from the board members to expedite the drug's release. (a) Identify the stakeholders in the above case study. (b) Discuss the ethical issues faced by Dr. Mehra. (c) Analyse the options available to Dr. Mehra in the above case. Which of these would you choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"You have been appointed as the Under Secretary in the State Urban Development Department. The Department has been tasked with a prestigious project aimed at revitalizing the infrastructure of a city with deep historical significance. This project, which you are extremely passionate about, involves modernizing public transportation, restoring heritage buildings, and creating green spaces while preserving the city's cultural essence. Excited by the opportunity, you spent weeks researching and drafting a comprehensive proposal. Your plan included innovative ideas for sustainable development, community engagement, and leveraging technology for urban planning. You presented these initial plans in a departmental meeting, hoping to inspire your colleagues and kickstart the project. However, your enthusiasm was met with indifference. Your colleagues showed little interest, failing to contribute ideas or efforts towards the project. Concerned, you reported this lack of he seemed equally indifferent, casually mentioning that he is set to retire in six months and that the project has a long gestation period. Determined to see the project succeed, you took it upon yourself to drive it forward. For the past two months, you have been working more than 12 hours a day, often late into the night, sacrificing time with your family. Your dedication is driven by your belief in the project's potential to transform the lives of the city's residents and preserve its rich heritage for future generations. Two months into the project, a review meeting is called by the Chief Secretary. During the meeting, Department heads from various sectors are present to discuss ongoing and upcoming projects. When it is time to present the urban revitalization project, your boss stands up. To your shock, he presents your draft proposal as his own work, taking all the credit for the innovative ideas and comprehensive planning. As you sit there, listening to your superior claim your hard work as his own, you feel a mix of anger, disappointment, and demoralization. This incident not only undermines your efforts but also leaves you questioning the value of your dedication in a work culture that does not seem to support collaboration or recognize individual contributions. (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) How does the above-mentioned work culture affect workplace morale and productivity? (c) What are the options available to you and how would you address the situation? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":58,"question":"Arun, renowned for his integrity and dedication, has recently assumed the role of Superintendent at a state Pollution Control Board. This posting, his fourth in just one year, includes the responsibility of overseeing Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs). In his new position, Arun becomes aware of a copper smelting plant situated near a crucial wetland that serves as the primary water source for the region. Despite the plant's notorious reputation for heavy pollution, the current EIA, presented to Arun by the Chairperson, indicates no significant impact on the wetland. The next assessment is not scheduled for another two years. One day, Arun receives a letter from a politician affiliated with the opposition party. The letter contains evidence suggesting that the current EIA results are based on falsified lab reports, allegedly approved by the Chairperson. The Chairperson is known to have close ties with the ruling party, which has been receiving substantial donations from the plant's operators. The opposition politician urges Arun to expose the Chairperson from within the department, arguing that this approach could effectively pressurize the government to conduct a new EIA. He promises Arun significant rewards and support once their party comes to power, an outcome suggested by recent opinion polls. While the evidence presented is compelling, Arun remains cautious about the possibility of being exploited as a political pawn. He is acutely aware of the potential consequences of his actions, his career and the environment both. (a) In light of the above case, discuss the ethical issues that may arise from the nexus between corporate, political, and bureaucratic interests. (b) As a conscientious civil servant, evaluate the options available to Arun. Which option should he choose and why?(Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":59,"question":"In light of the above case, discuss the ethical issues that may arise from the nexus between corporate, political, and bureaucratic interests. (b) As a conscientious civil servant, evaluate the options available to Arun. Which option should he choose and why?(Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":308,"topper":"Abhishek Chaudhary","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/34db2-1505652_3128_abhishek_chaudhary_rank_64.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"The world must learn to work together, or finally it will not work at all.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Technology, like art, is a soaring exercise of the human imagination.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"We've begun to raise daughters more like sons, but few have the courage to raise our sons more like our daughters.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":309,"topper":"Abhishek Chaudhary","air":64,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/Abhishek-Chaudhary-essay-test-1-1745489201860.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":310,"topper":"Abhishek Chaudhary","air":64,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/Abhishek-Chaudhary-essay-test-2-1745489221458.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":311,"topper":"Abhishek Chaudhary","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1fea6-1505652_2930_abhishek_chaudhary_rank_64.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How is the rapid growth of the food processing industry leading to food safety challenges in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":312,"topper":"Abhishek Chaudhary","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ae6f9-1505652_2929_abhishek_chaudhary_rank_64.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Expression of dissent is central to the functioning of the Parliament. In light of this, discuss the role of the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in India's parliamentary system. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"How can the integration of technology into judicial processes enhance accessibility, capability, and efficiency in justice delivery? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Supreme Court of India has upheld unique asymmetry in India's federalism by intricately balancing centralized authority and regional autonomy. Discuss with the help of relevant case laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Evaluate the effectiveness of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes in safeguarding the interests of the Scheduled Castes in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Executive accountability to the legislature through Parliamentary Committees has been the hallmark of the Indian political system. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can India make Citizens' Charter a powerful tool for improving governance and empowering citizens? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How do corporate donors aid NGOs in facilitating holistic development in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Despite its merits, should the POCSO Act be revisited to correct the existing inadequacies? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"China's acquisition of strategic ports globally has significant implications for international trade routes and economic relations. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) plays a crucial role in combating corruption, its functioning is often criticized for being partisan and acting against the federal spirit. Discuss with the help of suitable examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Governors in India often overstep their constitutional role and fail to act effectively when needed. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Both India and the USA adhere to democratic principles but their electoral systems exhibit significant differences. What are the key differences in electoral practices between the two countries? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"How far do you agree with the view that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has met its objective of ensuring environmental justice in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Though Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) have become a platform for competitive politics, they have not emerged as an agency of planning and service delivery. Why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by interoperability in e-governance? What steps have been taken by the government to ensure interoperability and integration of various e-governance systems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"When it comes to sexual and reproductive health of women in India, rights-based discourse has largely been bypassed not just by the societal norms but also by the legal norms. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"How effective has India been in enhancing immunization coverage over the years? What challenges continue to affect immunization efforts in the country? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India used its Presidency of the G20 to bring the voice of the Global South to the centre stage. Discuss with special reference to Africa. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"India's relationship with the UAE has witnessed a remarkable expansion across various domains in the last decade. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":313,"topper":"Abhishek Chaudhary","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/f2c3c-1505652_2928_abhishek_chaudhary_rank_64.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How does tribal art provide valuable insights into the cultural perspectives and values of Indian tribal communities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What are the key factors that accelerated decolonization post-World War II? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How does human encroachment impact water bodies in urban areas? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How do physical geographical features influence the development and operation of transportation systems? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How are ocean trenches formed? Describe the significant characteristics of these oceanic relief formations. (Answer in 150words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Identify the reasons behind increasing number of extreme rainfall events throughout India in recent times. Assess their socio-economic impact. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"India is expected to have the largest working-age population in the world by 2030 and it cannot afford low participation of women in the workforce anymore. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Do you agree that there has been a progressive secularization of caste in India? Support your view with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Why is inequality increasing in India despite the fall in overall poverty? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"How did the competitive and hostile dynamic between Brahminism and Buddhism over funding, followers, and ideology mark the decline of Buddhism? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"European travellers' accounts in the medieval period have played an important role in shaping our understanding of the empires and people of that period in India. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The British victory in the Battle of Plassey in 1757 not just changed the course of Indian history but also that of the world. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Why was it more difficult to rehabilitate refugees in West Bengal as compared to Punjab after partition? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss the economic and social costs associated with the transition from coal to green energy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Explain the process of formation of volcanic calderas. How do they contribute to the scenic beauty of the region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the reasons behind the increased frequency and intensity of heat waves globally? How will it impact global food security? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India's approach to secularism does not merely challenge inter-religious domination but intra-religious domination as well. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Do you agree with the view that Indian cities are turning into landscapes of stark inequality and social exclusion? What steps can be taken to make urban areas more egalitarian in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":314,"topper":"Abhishek Chaudhary","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/35546-1505652_2931_abhishek-chaudhary_rank_64.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The end cannot justify the means, for the simple and obvious reason that the means employed determine the nature of the ends produced. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":315,"topper":"Abhishek Chauhan","air":102,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ABHISHEK-CHAUHANUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-102-Sample-MGP-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) \"India's democratic roots are deeply embedded in its ancient civilizational ethos.\" Discuss in the context of India being referred to as the 'Mother of Democracy'.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Elucidate the significance of tiger and elephant figures in Indian mythology, art and architecture.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3 The arrival of Lord William Bentinck marked a period of transformation in the British Indian State. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Explain how the American War of Independence deprived Great Britain of one empire, but it strengthened the foundations of another.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) What are Rare Earth Elements (REEs)? Discuss the multi-dimensional implications of uneven distribution of REEs in the world.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) Highlight the salient differences between the Himalayan and the Peninsular drainage Systems.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) Describe the nature and mode of origin of the main types of rock at the earth's crust.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) The alienation of modern lifestyles from nature has contributed to the ongoing environmental crisis in India. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) What do you understand by the term 'urbanisation of poverty'? Also, explain how urban poverty differs from rural poverty in India?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 Globalization has redefined the idea of community and kinship in Indian society. Do you agree? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 The flourishing of various art forms during the Kushana period reflects the rich and diverse cultural landscape of the time. What insights does this provide into the socio-cultural aspects of that era?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 Trace the events that led to the Civil Disobedience Movement. What were its outcomes?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 Mahatma Jyotirao Phule's reformist ideas played a significant role in shaping the social foundations of the Indian freedom movement. Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 The interlinking of rivers offers several benefits, but also raises significant socio-economic and environmental concerns. Analyze.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Explain the concept of rain shadow effect. How does it influence the distribution of precipitation and vegetation across mountain ranges?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 Bring out the major features of the Indian monsoon and elaborate upon its causative factors.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 What are the geographical factors responsible for the growth of mangrove vegetation in India? Also highlight its role in coastal ecology.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 To what extent can the rise of 'Kidfluencers' be seen as a reflection of changing family structures and parental aspirations in Indian society?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Women often form the backbone of grassroots movements in India, yet they remain largely invisible and excluded from the decision-making process. Examine.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.26 Do you agree with the view that social media is a 'double edged sword'? Discuss in the context of its impact on Indian society.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":316,"topper":"Abhishek Chauhan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0af4a-45845653_4512_abhishek_chauhan_rank_102.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. Analyse the factors that have contributed to India's inclusive economic growth in the past decade. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. The Reserve Bank of India’s surplus transfers offer the government much-needed fiscal space, yet they are not without challenges. Critically examine the implications of the RBI's surplus transfers to the government.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. To what extent was the first National Monetization Pipeline (NMP) able to meet its objectives? What are the objectives of the new Asset Monetization Plan 2025-30 as announced in the recent 2025 Budget? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. Examine the major challenges hindering the Indian textile industry from achieving its full potential in the global value chain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. Why has India become increasingly import-dependent for edible oils despite being a major agricultural economy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. Air accidents are low-frequency but high-impact events. Examine the disaster management protocols in place for aviation-related emergencies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. Chemical pollution poses a grave threat to human health and the environment in India. Discuss the key sources contributing to pervasive chemical contamination and evaluate the effectiveness of existing environmental laws in curbing this problem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. Missile defence systems are becoming critical for national security in the face of evolving regional threats and advanced weapon technologies. Explain the working principle of missile defence systems. Critically assess India's progress in developing indigenous missile defence capabilities.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Despite multiple resolutions and initiatives undertaken by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), its efforts to counter terrorism have achieved limited success. Discuss the reasons for this limited effectiveness. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. India practices a 'multi-alignment' approach in its cyber diplomacy. How does this posture strengthen India's internal security while maintaining strategic autonomy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. While examining the shortcomings of the land reforms in the past, elaborate what land reforms 2.0 should look like. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. As NITI Aayog completes 10 years of its establishment, critically examine its role in the planning and development paradigm of governance in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. What are the primary causes of limited formal credit penetration among the rural and unbanked populations in India? Comment on the effectiveness of Small Finance Banks in addressing this gap and advancing inclusive financial growth.","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. To what extent has the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for the food processing industry facilitated value addition, employment generation, and global competitiveness in India's food processing industry? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. Waste circularity is emerging as a sustainable solution to India's mounting solid waste crisis. Discuss the key principles of waste circularity and the government's initiative in this regard. How effective have these measures been in fostering a circular economy? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. Discuss the importance of integrating traditional ecological knowledge of India's tribal communities with modern disaster management frameworks. Mention two examples where indigenous practices have contributed to disaster resilience. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. CRISPR technology has rapidly advanced in recent years, with new tools and clinical breakthroughs. Highlight the recent developments in CRISPR-based gene editing technology applications. Discuss the opportunities and ethical challenges these advancements present for healthcare and society.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. A credible semiconductor ecosystem is pivotal for India's economic security as much as for national security. Analyse the strategic objectives, incentives, and institutional architecture of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM). Identify the major risks that could derail its timelines.","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. Intricate inter-play of diverse factors has been the force multipliers for extremism in the North East. Discuss. Suggest a multilayered strategy to tackle the menace of extremism in this region.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. Despite recent steps towards inducting women into combat roles, their participation remains low. Examine the key challenges impeding the greater inclusion of women in the Indian armed forces. Also, suggest suitable measures to enhance their participation. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":317,"topper":"Abhishek Chauhan","air":102,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ABHISHEK-CHAUHANUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-102-Sample-MGP-Copy-5.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) 'Unconscious biases in parenting continue to shape gendered experiences in India.' Do you agree with this view? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) Distinguish between empathy and compassion. Why are they considered as foundational values in public services?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) The current society is witnessing rising levels of intolerance. What are the consequences of this situation for personal well-being and for societal well-being? What can one do at the personal level to become tolerant?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) What are the main components of emotional intelligence and how does it help an individual in taking ethical decisions?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3 Given below are the three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context?\na) \"This life is short, the vanities of the world are transient, but they alone live who live for others, the rest are more dead than alive.\" - Swami Vivekanand","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) \"If you cry because the sun has gone out of your life, your tears will prevent you from seeing the stars.\" - Rabindranath Tagore","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"c) \"Two ways of building character cultivating strength to challenge oppression, and tolerate the resultant hardships that give rise to courage and awareness.\" - Sardar Patel","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.4) a) \"With great power comes great responsibility.\" In the present context, 'Big Tech' headquartered in developed countries wield disproportionate influence over digital infrastructure, personal data, and global narratives—often prioritising profit over ethical considerations. What ethical principles should guide such corporations in building a fair, inclusive, and just global digital framework?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"b) What do you understand by the term 'crisis of conscience'? Describe an incident from your life where you experienced such a crisis. How did you deal with it?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.5) a) \"A politics of confession that encourages politicians and parties to confess and offer regret for their errors can surely be a cathartic experience.\" Examine the statement from the ethical point of view.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"b) What are the key objectives of the Right to Information Act, 2005? Examine the ethical concerns associated with certain provisions of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act in realizing the objectives of the RTI Act.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.6) a) Public spaces serve as arenas of democratic participation and civic expression. Yet in India, they remain deeply gendered, with many women largely confined to the private and domestic sphere. Examine the factors that restrict women's access to public spaces. How can ethical governance help address the issue of gendered spatial control and promote inclusivity in public spaces?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"b) Write short notes on the following in 30 words each:\ni) Ethical fading\nii) Conflict of interest\niii) Persuasion\niv) Work culture\nv) Corporate governance","marks":"10 marks, 150","words":"30 words each"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7) A State Government in the northeastern part of the country has launched a series of anti-encroachment drives across forest areas, wetlands, and revenue lands. Under the directions of the Chief Minister, the administration has intensified efforts to reclaim public land, particularly in areas reserved for ecological protection and critical infrastructure development. Most of the time, these actions have been backed by court orders and have resulted in the recovery of thousands of hectares of land. However, in certain regions, the implementation of such drives is fraught with social and political complexities. In several districts, settlements have existed for decades and are inhabited by marginalized communities with limited access to legal rights or formal rehabilitation measures. These areas are often politically sensitive and influenced by local leaders and pressure groups.\nSimanta is posted as Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) in one such district. Over the past year, the district administration has attempted to align eviction measures with welfare outreach, including the provision of temporary shelters, relocation assistance, and public consultations. Recently, a major operation was scheduled to clear encroachments from over 140 hectares of forest land within a Reserved Forest, primarily to curb rising instances of human-elephant conflict and to restore ecological balance. Anticipating eviction, some residents approached the High Court seeking a stay. However, the court refused to grant it and directed the administration to proceed with the eviction following due process. Notices were served, and a detailed roadmap was prepared to carry out the operation, which was expected to last 2-3 days due to the scale and remote location. On the first day, Simanta led a team comprising forest officials, municipal workers, and police personnel. Demolitions were conducted peacefully and without major resistance. However, on the second day, when the team returned to the site, a large group of agitated residents—primarily women and children—had gathered. They raised slogans and formed human chains to prevent further evictions. The atmosphere grew tense when some individuals began throwing stones, resulting in serious injury to a municipal worker. The crowd grew increasingly volatile and emotionally charged, demanding an immediate halt to the operation. The police contingent present on the ground was outnumbered by the crowd. Faced with this crisis, some team members pleaded with Simanta to call off the operation, fearing threats to their life and the possibility of a violent escalation. Simanta attempted to contact his superior officer (the Deputy Commissioner), but due to poor mobile connectivity in the forested area, communication could not be established. Meanwhile, several local journalists had arrived and begun reporting on the incident. Simanta is in a dilemma as to what to do.\na. Evaluate the options available with Simanta to cope with the situation.\nb. Which of the above options would be the most appropriate for Simanta and why?\nc. What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Simanta?\nd. Examine the qualities of a public servant which will be required to manage such situations.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"a. स्थिति से निपटने के लिए सिमंता के पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nb. सिमंता के लिए सबसे उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?\nc. सिमंता को किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\nd. ऐसी परिस्थितियों का प्रबंधन करने के लिए एक लोक सेवक के गुणों का परीक्षण करें।\na स्थिति से निपटने के लिए सिमंता के पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nb सिमंता के लिए सबसे उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?\nc सिमंता को किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\nd ऐसी परिस्थितियों का प्रबंधन करने के लिए एक लोक सेवक के गुणों का परीक्षण करें।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":34,"question":"Q.8) Megha is a first-year sociology student at a reputed college in the national capital. She is originally from Tadchiroli, a tribal village in a western Indian state. Megha's family migrated to the city when she was seven years old and had not visited their village since. Though Megha has fond memories of her childhood there, she never deeply understood the customs and traditions of the region. One day, Megha expresses her wish to visit Tadchiroli. Her father agrees and asks her to inform Ratan, her paternal uncle, who still lives in the village with his family. Megha informs Ratan and travels to the village during a semester break. Upon arrival, she receives a warm welcome from Ratan and his family. Later, Ratan invites her to attend a local festival. During the event, Megha notices that her cousin Rinki is missing. Curious, she asks Ratan's wife Ratna why Rinki is not at the festival. Ratna explains that Rinki is on her period, and as per tradition, menstruating girls must stay separately in small huts built specifically for the purpose. Locally known as 'kurma ghars', they are generally located on the periphery of the village, near a river or pond. She further adds that these girls are not allowed to enter the main house or participate in any social or religious activities. Megha is taken aback. She asks whether all women follow this practice. Ratna nods and says it has been the custom for generations. Even schoolgirls stay in these huts and miss classes during their periods. Ratna admits that many in the village, including herself, never questioned the practice. The explanation unsettles Megha. She finds it hard to believe that a natural biological function leads to such exclusion. Before returning to the city, Megha observes that even educated family members seem to accept and follow these customs. The experience leaves a deep impact on her. She starts reading more about menstrual taboos and their impact on women's health, dignity, and education. As a sociology student, she recognises how such traditions are linked to patriarchy and social stigma. She begins to reflect on what she can do at her level to improve the current situation, without alienating the community or disrespecting its traditions.\na. Suggest a course of action Megha can take to sensitize her village community without appearing disrespectful or confrontational.\nb. What ethical principles and methods should guide her actions while engaging with the community?\nc. How is menstruation related to human rights?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Q.9 Gopal is an 80-year-old man living in a remote and an underdeveloped village in a Central Indian state. He had been residing in a small mud house for years. When he came to know about the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G), he saw a glimmer of hope for a pucca house in the last phase of his life. However, the village sarpanch and panchayat secretary told him that to be eligible under the scheme, he must first demolish his existing house so that during a site inspection, no structure would be visible at the location. Subsequently, Gopal demolished his shelter and began living under a babool tree. For nearly six months, he has been staying in the open, braving harsh weather conditions. During this time, he has repeatedly visited the panchayat office but has been told that his application cannot be processed as he lacks the necessary documents.\nYou are the officer-in-charge of implementing PMAY-G in the district. The case of Gopal reaches you through a prominent newspaper report. You personally visit him to understand the situation on the ground. After meeting him and listening to his account, you feel that he certainly needs support. Your enquiries confirm that he is truly destitute and living in a pitiable condition under the open sky. It is also established that he demolished his house based on a faulty interpretation of the scheme by panchayat officials. However, he has no documents to show that he fulfils the eligibility criteria under the scheme.\nNow you are in a dilemma. Including him under the scheme without the necessary documents would clearly be a violation of rules. But denying him support would be cruel and inhuman.\na. Can you think of a rational way to resolve this dilemma?\nb. Give your reasons for it.\nc. What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.10) You are working as an Assistant Section Officer in the District Development and Panchayat Office. One day, one of your close colleagues approaches you in deep distress. She tells you that her father is suffering from a severe liver condition, and the doctors have clearly stated that he must undergo liver transplant immediately in order to survive. She shares that she has no health insurance, and the surgery would cost around Rs 15 lakh. You are aware that her husband passed away a few years ago, and that she also has a four-year-old son with special needs. Just a few weeks ago, she also lost all her savings in a digital arrest scam. As a widow from a lower middle-class family, her options are extremely limited. Although you feel deeply empathetic, you are unable to offer financial assistance, as you do not have the resources to help.\nA few weeks later, you enquire about her father's health. She informs you that the liver transplant surgery was successful and that her father is now recovering steadily. Relieved, you ask how she managed to arrange the funds. Hesitantly, she confides that the District Development and Panchayat Officer (DDPO) helped her. Moved by her situation, the DDPO facilitated the release of Rs 15 lakh from the fund allocated to a rural sanitation scheme. The implementation of this scheme had been put on hold for a year due to technical issues and pending site approvals. She explains that the amount was provided on the assurance of strict confidentiality and with a commitment to repay it at the earliest. She expresses deep gratitude for the DDPO's timely help, which she believes saved her father's life. She has already begun repaying the money and will continue to do so until it is all returned.\na. Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\nb. Examine the behavior of DPDO from an ethical point of view.\nc. How would you react to the situation?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":49,"question":"Q.11) Nithin is the head of the Marketing Department at Pehnava Clothings Ltd., a reputed apparel manufacturing company with a strong global presence. Known for its professionalism and consistent performance, the company had earned a credible name in both domestic and international markets. However, the firm was going through difficult times. For three consecutive quarters, it had witnessed a steep decline in sales. This trend had raised serious concerns among the top management regarding the company's competitiveness, profitability, and long-term stability. To address the situation, the leadership decided to restructure the marketing division and bring in dynamic leadership. A senior marketing executive, Mr. A, was hired after a rigorous selection process. He had an impressive career record and was known for turning around sales performance in other firms and building strong brand identities. With high expectations placed upon him, Mr. A was seen as the key figure to steer the company out of crisis. Mr. A soon began delivering results. Within a year, the company's revenue had almost doubled, and its brand visibility had increased significantly. His bold marketing strategies, proactive outreach, and innovative campaigns received appreciation from various quarters within the company. His performance drew the attention of the top management. There were deliberations about assigning him a larger role within the company, with a focus on long-term business strategy. He was also being considered for an internal award for 'Excellence in Leadership and Innovation'. However, alongside professional success of Mr. A, Nithin began receiving troubling feedback about his conduct in the workplace. Informal reports indicated that he frequently made inappropriate comments about women. In addition, he regularly sent indecent messages via social media apps to all team members, including his female colleagues. Although no formal complaint was lodged initially, Nithin could sense tension within the team, and signs of discomfort were becoming increasingly apparent. Some employees even started avoiding direct interaction with Mr. A. Team morale and interpersonal trust were gradually eroding, but employees remained hesitant to speak openly. The matter escalated one evening when Mrs. X, one of Mr. A's team members approached Nithin. Visibly disturbed and emotionally shaken, she disclosed that Mr. A had repeatedly engaged in inappropriate behavior towards her. She added that Mr. A had been making undesirable advances towards her and had even tried to touch her inappropriately in his cabin. She urged Nithin to take appropriate action in the matter, or else she would have no option but to resign from her position.\na. Bring out the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb. What are the options available to Nithin?\nc. Critically examine each of the options identified by Nithin.\nd. Which of the options, do you think, would be more appropriate for Nithin to adopt and why?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"a. इस मामले में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों को स्पष्ट करें।\nb. नितिन के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nc. नितिन द्वारा पहचाने गए प्रत्येक विकल्प का आलोचनात्मक परीक्षण करें।\nd. नितिन के लिए कौन सा विकल्प अपनाना अधिक उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?\na इस मामले में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों को स्पष्ट करें।\nb नितिन के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nc नितिन द्वारा पहचाने गए प्रत्येक विकल्प का आलोचनात्मक परीक्षण करें।\nd नितिन के लिए कौन सा विकल्प अपनाना अधिक उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":55,"question":"Q.12) You are appointed as an officer heading the Air Quality Compliance Division of the Environment Pollution Control Board in Delhi-NCR. The region is witnessing alarming levels of air pollution, which typically worsen during the winter months due to various meteorological and anthropogenic factors. The situation has led to severe public health concerns, particularly affecting vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and those with respiratory illnesses. The Supreme Court has also raised serious concern over the deteriorating air quality in Delhi-NCR and has directed the administration to take immediate and effective measures to control pollution, especially during the winter months. Your jurisdiction has a large number of small and medium-scale industries that were granted environmental clearance over the years. These industries form the backbone of the local economy and provide employment to a significant number of migrant workers. However, recent inspections and air quality monitoring reports indicate that a significant number of these units are operating in violation of prescribed air emission norms. As part of targeted measures to curb air pollution, you issued notices to all identified polluting units, directing them to apply for fresh environmental clearance certificates from the competent authority. However, your decision triggered strong opposition from a section of industrial units, labour unions, and local politicians. Industrial owners argued that such action would lead to production shutdowns, financial losses, and shortages of their products in the market. Labour unions and workers also protested, fearing mass unemployment and livelihood insecurity. Local politicians and vested interests accused you of jeopardising the socio-economic stability of the region. You received representations from various quarters urging you to withdraw the notices and not initiate harsh measures, citing the interests of multiple stakeholders. Additionally, you began receiving anonymous threats, aimed at coercing you into reversing your decision. On the other hand, several of your colleagues supported your stance, encouraging you to act in the larger public interest. Several local NGOs and environmental groups rallied behind your actions, demanding the immediate closure of polluting units.\na. Under the given conditions, what are the options available to you?\nb. Critically evaluate each of the options listed by you.\nc. What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by you?","marks":null,"words":"20"}]},{"id":318,"topper":"Abhishek Chauhan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/32c5c-45845653_4513_abhishek_chauhan_rank_102.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. (a) Compassion is the courageous choice to feel another's suffering as one's own, and to act upon it, even when silence is safer and indifference is easier. Examine the significance of compassion as an essential ethical value for civil servants in India. Illustrate your answer with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"1. (b) Marriages in India are transitioning from traditional sacramental unions to more autonomous relationships, reflected in live-in relationships and rising divorce rates. Discuss the ethical dimensions of these changes.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"2. (a) While accountability often necessitates documentation, an overemphasis on bureaucratic procedures and excessive paperwork can inadvertently silence the very voices that public policy intends to empower, particularly at the grassroots. Examine the above statement with suitable illustrations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"2. (b) The principle of impartiality may conflict with the need for compassion towards marginalized communities. Discuss in the context of civil services in India.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":14,"question":"3. (a) What do each of the following quotations mean to you?\n “The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home.” - Confucius (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"3. (b) \"Act only according to that maxim through which you can at the same time will that it become a universal law.\" - Immanuel Kant (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"3. (c) \"We are not only responsible for what we do, but also for what we fail to do\" - Molière. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"4. (a) Patriotism encourages ethical questioning, while nationalism often suppresses it. Discuss this statement in light of the formation of political attitudes during high-pressure national events. How can individuals develop moral attitudes that balance national interest with ethical reasoning? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"4. (b) Discuss how employee well-being and fairness can be balanced with efficiency and profitability in private organisations.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":24,"question":"5. (a) Do you agree that excessive use of social media and emerging AI technologies may lead to a decline in emotional regulation and moral sensitivity among adolescents? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"5. (b) In light of the increasing incidents of suicides among students in India, discuss how Emotional Intelligence (EI) can aid in managing stress and emotional challenges.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"6. (a) In public service, emotional intelligence is not about suppressing emotion, but mastering its purpose — to connect, to de-escalate, and to uplift others with empathy and strength. Do you agree with this view? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"6. (b) An efficient work culture is built not only on rules, but on shared values. In this context, evaluate the role of leadership and team dynamics in transforming work culture within an organization.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"7 You are posted as the Joint Secretary in the Department of Information Technology of a state. The government recently implemented several citizen-centric digital services, collecting large volumes of personal data from residents. The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, requires that such data be processed only with explicit and informed consent, and mandates that processing must cease immediately upon withdrawal of consent.\nDuring an internal audit, you discover that the department continues to process and analyze personal data of several citizens even after they have formally withdrawn their consent. This data is being used for policy analytics and service improvement, purposes not explicitly disclosed at the time of data collection. When you bring this to the attention of your department head, you are informed that halting the processing will disrupt ongoing digital initiatives and may affect state-level performance metrics. Moreover, you find that the consent withdrawal process is cumbersome, and many citizens are unaware of their rights under the DPDP Act.\nYou also learn that a prominent social activist is planning to file a complaint with the Data Protection Board against involuntary use of personal data, which could attract public scrutiny and legal action against the department.\n(a) Identify and discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.\n(b) What are the potential consequences for the department if the issue is not addressed transparently?\n(c) How would you balance the need for efficient public service delivery with the obligation to protect citizens’ data rights? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"8 You are an IAS officer, currently serving as the Secretary of the Public Works Department in a hill state. Recently, a disturbing incident has come to light involving a senior Cabinet Minister and two engineers of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). During an inspection of a critical highway project, the Minister was allegedly seen on video physically assaulting and verbally abusing the engineers in full public view. The video, recorded by bystanders, went viral on social media and was widely covered by television channels, sparking both outrage and support from different sections of society. The Minister later defended his actions, alleging that the officials were corrupt, unresponsive to local grievances, and responsible for inordinate delays in the project. He insisted that his actions were driven by public frustration and the urgency of delivering infrastructure to a remote region.\n\nHowever, the engineers have filed a police complaint and written to their superiors, claiming they were targeted for resisting political pressure to award contracts to specific local contractors linked to the Minister. As the situation escalated, a union of NHAI engineers declared a strike,\n(a) इस प्रकरण में शामिल प्रमुख नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं? हितधारकों और उनके परस्पर विरोधी हितों की पहचान कीजिए।\n(b) लोक निर्माण विभाग के सचिव के रूप में, आप उपयुक्त स्थिति में क्या कार्रवाई करेंगे?\n(c) ऐसी घटनाएं सिविल सेवकों के मनोबल और शासन में जनता के विश्वास को कैसे प्रभावित करती हैं? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"(a) What are the key ethical issues involved in this situation? Identify the stakeholders and their conflicting interests.\n(b) As the Secretary of the PWD, what actions will you take in above situation?\n(c) How do such incidents affect the morale of civil servants and public trust in governance? (Answer in 250 words)\na) What are the key ethical issues involved in this situation? Identify the stakeholders and their conflicting interests.\nb) As the Secretary of the PWD, what actions will you take in above situation?\nc) How do such incidents affect the morale of civil servants and public trust in governance?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"9 You are the Secretary in the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Government of India. In recent years, an increasing number of civil servants, particularly younger officers from the IAS, IPS, and IRS, have begun maintaining personal YouTube channels and social media pages. On these platforms, they regularly post videos related to their official work — showcasing innovative projects, public outreach initiatives, inspection drives, and sometimes even day-to-day administrative duties.\n\nThese videos often receive widespread public attention, and many viewers express admiration, saying such content enhances transparency, motivates aspirants, and humanizes the bureaucracy. However, concerns have also emerged from various quarters. Senior officers argue that such content may blur the boundaries between personal branding and public service, while some citizens and media commentators point to instances where videos feature vulnerable beneficiaries without consent, raise concerns about misuse of official premises, or seem designed more for personal popularity than public accountability.\n\nYou have been asked to prepare a report with recommendations to maintain a balance between transparency, institutional integrity, and communication in the changing landscape of official social media use, including disciplinary measures.\n(a) Identify the ethical issues involved in civil servants publicly showcasing their official work on social media platforms.\n(b) Do such efforts promote awareness and motivation, or do they compromise anonymity, neutrality, and the collective spirit of public service? Give your opinion.\n(c) As Secretary, suggest guiding principles and policy measures to ensure accountable digital participation by civil servants. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"You have been asked to prepare a report with recommendations to balance public interest, institutional integrity, and evolving modes of communication.\n(a) Identify the ethical issues involved in civil servants publicly showcasing their official work on social media.\n(b) Do such practices promote awareness and motivation, or do they compromise the values of anonymity, neutrality, and collective service ethos? Give your opinion.\n(c) As the Secretary, what guiding principles and policy recommendations would you suggest to ensure responsible digital engagement by civil servants? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"10 You are the Director of the National Bioethics Commission who is responsible for assessing the ethical feasibility and oversight of a nationwide gene sequencing program. The project named GeneFuture, aims to sequence the DNA of every newborn child and store it in a centralized national database. The objective is to identify genetic predispositions to serious diseases early in life, allowing for preventive treatment and personalized medicine. Over 100,000 babies have already been enrolled in the pilot phase of the program. The government claims that this move is a landmark step in public health advancement.\n\nHowever, collection of newborn genetic data raises significant ethical concerns, particularly around informed consent, which may not fully capture parents' understanding of the long-term risks involved. Once gathered, this sensitive data could be misused for purposes such as surveillance, insurance discrimination, or commercial marketing by third parties. Uncertainty over data ownership—whether it lies with the state, parents, or the individual as they mature—further complicates the issue. The involvement of private tech and pharmaceutical companies heightens fears of commercial exploitation, especially in the absence of clear mechanisms for individuals to withdraw consent or delete their genetic information upon reaching adulthood.\n(a) What are the ethical issues you perceive in the implementation of the GeneFuture program?\n(b) Identify the conflicting interests of different stakeholders in this case.\n(c) What guiding ethical principles would you recommend for implementation of this project? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"11 You are a dedicated District Health Officer (DHO) with a strong commitment to evidence-based public health practices, recently assigned to a remote district in India. Your immediate and most critical task is to lead a crucial district-wide Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination drive, aimed at achieving 100% immunization coverage among children aged 9 months to 15 years. The success of this drive is vital for the collective health of thousands of children and for the district's overall health indicators, especially with the impending monsoon season posing additional health challenges.\n\nHowever, in one of the largest and most traditional villages in your district, you encounter formidable resistance. The villagers, deeply influenced by the pronouncements of a revered local spiritual guru, strongly believe that vaccination is an attack on their souls and an attempt by external forces to control their population. This guru, who is actually a shrewd but misguided individual, publicly advises his followers to oppose the vaccination campaign. He cites alleged 'failures' and ancient prophecies as evidence. Despite widespread awareness campaigns, vaccination camps in the village have been almost completely boycotted. Your health workers, some of whom are locals, face social ostracism and even physical threats. The state health department is under immense pressure to meet vaccination targets and has warned that failure to do so will have serious consequences. The department has also instructed that force should not be used under any circumstances as it may cause public unrest. Meanwhile, a large annual fair is about to be held, which will attract people from many villages and areas. If this village remains unvaccinated, the spread of MR could be rapid and severe, posing a serious threat to the entire district and beyond.\n\n(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the above scenario.\n(b) What immediate alternatives do you have to calm this resistance?\n(c) What long-term strategies and systemic improvements would you suggest to counter widespread superstition and promote scientific thinking for better public health outcomes? (Answer in 250 words)\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the above scenario.\nb) What immediate alternatives do you have to calm this resistance?\nc) What long-term strategies and systemic improvements would you suggest to counter widespread superstition and promote scientific thinking for better public health outcomes? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case.\n(b) What are the immediate options available to you to overcome this resistance?\n(c) What long-term strategies and systemic reforms would you suggest to address the pervasive influence of superstition and foster a scientific temperament for sustainable public health outcomes? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"12 (a) आपके समक्ष विद्यमान संभावित प्रशासनिक और नैतिक दुविधाएं क्या हैं?\n(b) आपके लिए उपलब्ध सभी विकल्पों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\n(c) आप अपने निर्णय का नैतिक औचित्य सिद्ध करते हुए कौन-सी व्यापक कार्यवाही करेंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)\na) आपके समक्ष विद्यमान संभावित प्रशासनिक और नैतिक दुविधाएं क्या हैं?\nb) आपके लिए उपलब्ध सभी विकल्पों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\nc) आप अपने निर्णय का नैतिक औचित्य सिद्ध करते हुए कौन-सी व्यापक कार्यवाही करेंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":58,"question":"(a) What are the potential administrative and ethical dilemmas you face?\n(b) Discuss all options available to you.\n(c) What comprehensive course of action would you choose to adopt, providing ethical justification for your decision? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":319,"topper":"Abhishek Jain","air":24,"year":2019,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2df56-46438_1253_abhishek--jain_rank_24.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":320,"topper":"Abhishek Jain","air":24,"year":2019,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/57215-46438_1252_abhishek--jain_rank_24.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":321,"topper":"Abhishek Jain","air":24,"year":2019,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6fec5-46438_1075_abhishek--jain_rank_24.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":322,"topper":"Abhishek Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5526b-46438_1434_abhishek--jain_rank_24.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"There is need for a more effective implementation of the existing provisions, as well as strengthening the current legal and institutional frameworks for addressing issues related to sexual harassment at workplace. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Despite existing mechanisms and laws, crimes against children have been rising in India. Discuss the reasons behind this trend. What more can be done in this context to address the prevalent situation? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Democratic processes and practices in India have refashioned caste in multiple ways. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Globalization has been a significant force in shaping the contemporary education system in India in both positive and negative ways. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The lack of clarity over what constitutes an urban area encourages haphazard development pattern in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Communalism in India is fuelled by socio-economic disparities and politicization of identities. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What are the factors due to which Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) remain one of the most backward groups in India? Highlight the steps taken by the government for their upliftment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Given the scale of internal migration in India, highlight the challenges faced by migrants. In this context, discuss the need for a National Policy on Migration. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Examine the contemporary trends and reasons for change in the traditional family structure in India. Discuss the reforms needed in the existing social security protection measures in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What are the various challenges that persons with disabilities face in living a dignified life? Suggest some measures for ensuring their effective participation in society. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"India is currently facing \"triple burden\" of undernutrition, overnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies. Examine the reasons and suggest some measures for combating them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The strategy for combating poverty in India must rest on both effective implementation of anti-poverty programmes and employment intensive economic growth. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":323,"topper":"Abhishek Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/34699-46438_1429_abhishek--jain_rank_24.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Illustrate how pressure groups have emerged as a strong mechanism for making democracy participatory and responsive. (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Explain the significance and controversies, if any, associated with the Article 35A of the Indian constitution. (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The ambiguity surrounding lobbying in India is further exacerbated by the country's endemic corruption. In this context, critically examine the case for legalising lobbying in India. (150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Independent India adopted a modified version of the Westminster model of government. In this context discuss the commonalities and differences between the political system of India and UK. (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Political parties are an integral part of the democratic set up of India. In the context, discuss the need for strengthening the process of institutionalization of intra-party democracy in political parties in India. (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"It is of paramount importance to ensure that the Election Commission of India (ECI) be fully insulated from political pressure to maintain the purity of elections. In this context, discuss the need to have a relook at the ECI process of appointment and removal of election commissioners. (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In post-liberalised India, it is imperative that the role of state be that of a facilitator and not one of a regulator. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"By providing new pools of leadership talent, lateral entry will help in addressing the most crucial challenges that the civil services in India currently face. Critically evaluate. (150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the need for an effective and functional working relationship between Gram Panchayats and SHGs. How can an efficient synergy between the two be achieved? (150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Public service delivery in India has long been marred by various issues leading to poor service delivery outcomes. While discussing the reasons for the same, suggest ways to make public service delivery more efficient. (150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlighting different Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms available in India, explain their importance. Also, mention different measures that have been adopted to further improve the framework of ADR in India. (250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Success of the institutions of local self-governance depends largely on the attitude of state governments. Discuss in the context of constitutional provisions and recent experience of the working of these institutions in India. (250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Right to freedom of religion cannot be allowed to deny right to equality and individual dignity. Discuss in the light of constitutional provisions and recent judicial pronouncements. (250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Identify the key areas of reforms required in the judicial system in India. In this context, examine the significance of the idea of putting in place an All-India Judicial Service. (250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"While there are existing laws for the same, substantial efforts still need to be undertaken to prohibit people with criminal antecedents from entering into politics. Discuss in context of the problem of criminalization of politics in India and resulting issues. (250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"On the recent World Press Freedom Index (WPFI) India ranks 140. Elucidate the significance of media in a democracy like India. Identify the major issues affecting the media in contemporary times. In this context, enumerate the measures to address these issues. (250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Explain why the doctrine of separation of powers is considered as an indispensable part of a democratic setup. Also discussing this doctrine in the context of India, explain the principle of 'checks and balances'. (250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Government schemes in India have long suffered from monitoring and implementation challenges. What steps have been taken by the government recently in this regard? Also discuss the potential of social audit in addressing these challenges. (250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"In the context of recent concerns related to functioning of NGOs in India, discuss the need for self-regulatory guidelines and transparency mechanisms to restore the credibility of voluntary organisations. (250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Focusing on technology without realizing that e-Governance is basically about ushering reforms in governance has meant that the potential of e-governance has not been realized. Discussing the statement, suggest what should be done to address this situation. (250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":324,"topper":"Abhishek Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/08b92-46438_1432_abhishek--jain_rank_24.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explaining the reasons behind India's lower female labour force participation rates (LFPR), list the steps that have been taken to augment it. What more needs to be done? (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"By rebalancing project risks between the public and private sectors, the HAM model has encouraged investments in the road infrastructure sector. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Examine the need for a comprehensive policy on e-commerce in view of its domestic expansion as well as safeguarding India's interests globally. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"In view of the growing significance of FinTech innovations, discuss the potential and challenges of mainstreaming FinTech in Indian economy. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"With India striving to achieve its development objectives, examine how blue economy can help in pursuing the objectives of economic development and ecological sustainability. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Reliance on borrowings for capital expenditure in railways reflects a weakening financial position. Comment on the statement and discuss ways in which better resource generation and utilisation can be achieved therein. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"With water increasingly becoming a scarce resource, large scale adoption of micro irrigation techniques could prove to be a game changer in India. Analyse. Also enumerate various steps taken by the government to promote micro irrigation in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Livestock farming not only contributes to climate change but is also affected by it. Elaborate the statement and discuss some measures that can be taken to make livestock farming more sustainable as well as resilient. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The cropping pattern of a region is influenced by geo-climatic, socio-cultural, economic, historical and political factors. Substantiate with relevant examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"A developed Inland Waterway Transport (IWT) will not only augment the overall transport capacity of the country, but also help correct the multi-modal transport mix. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Can the consolidation of banks help in stemming the existing problems in the banking sector? Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Why has the contribution of manufacturing sector, as a percentage of the GDP, remained stagnant in the recent years? In this context, analyse the achievements of National Manufacturing Policy, 2011 with regards to its intended objectives. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"One of the goals that a developing economy aspires for is to bring down the Incremental Capital-Output Ratio (ICOR). In this context, what are the constraints that underlie the efficient conversion of savings rate to investments in the Indian economy? Also suggest some measures to improve this efficiency. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight the factors responsible for rise in the number of start-ups in India in recent years. Analyzing the challenges in the existing start-up ecosystem, suggest some measures to resolve them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"There is a high cost of compliance as well as complexities associated with existing labour laws at centre and state levels. Discuss. What steps have recently been taken by the central government to address these challenges? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The contribution of coal based power generation is not expected to substantially go down in the next few decades, despite growing importance of renewables. Comment on the statement in light of increasing demand for power in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Elaborate the strategic and operational elements of the Agriculture Export Policy, 2018 and discuss the role it can play to achieve the target of doubling farmers' income by 2022. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Development of food processing industry will help in achieving the twin goals of inclusive growth and food security. Discuss. Also, account for the competitive advantages enjoyed by India in the food processing sector. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Identify the problems faced by Indian agriculture as a consequence of changing land holding pattern as witnessed in the findings of Agriculture census, 2015-16. In light of these problems, suggest suitable ways to resolve such structural issues in agriculture. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":325,"topper":"Abhishek Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9f9d4-46438_1436_abhishek--jain_rank_24.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"The BRICS as a grouping seems to have internal contradictions, which makes it difficult for it to emerge as an effective forum in a dynamic multi-polar international order. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Despite India having immense soft power potential, it alone will not be sufficient to achieve India's foreign policy objectives. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Highlighting the role of space technology in border management, enumerate the steps taken so far in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Despite allegations of human rights violations under the AFSPA, it is a functional requirement for the army in disturbed areas. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The use of Internet creates both challenges and opportunities in the fight against terrorism. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain the concept of Chandrasekhar Limit and highlight its significance in the field of astronomy. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Examining the risk posed by space debris, suggest some measures which can be taken for its mitigation and removal. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the challenges confronting higher self-reliance and indigenisation of defence industry in India. What steps can be taken to accelerate its pace? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Comment on the role played by the diaspora in India's development process. Also, discuss the challenges in terms of engaging the Indian diaspora and suggest ways to translate these partnerships into benefits. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the reasons behind proliferation of multilateral preferential trade agreements. Do they violate WTO's MFN principle? Do you think that such trade groupings present an existential threat to WTO? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"India needs to balance its growing water needs and larger security concerns with effective hydro-diplomacy. Highlighting the challenges faced with regard to transboundary rivers, analyze this statement in the context of India's riparian relations with its neighbours. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Commenting on the importance of Central Asia for India, highlight the progress made in the relationship in recent past along with the issues that still remain to further cement the ties. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the significance of India's island territories in its quest to become a net security provider in the Indian Ocean region. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"A fine balance between security and developmental measures needs to be attained for tackling the menace of Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in India. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Illustrate the linkages between drug trafficking, organised crime and terrorism. In this regard, mention the step that have been taken to arrest the availability of drugs in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Identify the key threats to national security in the wake of climate change. Also, highlight India's stand and rationale on UN's decision to declare climate change as an international security issue. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Explaining the concept of data exclusivity, bring out the arguments for and against incorporating data exclusivity norms in India's IPR regime. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Compare and contrast fifth generation (5G) of wireless telecom technology with 4G technology. What challenges need to be overcome for 5G's pan- India rollout? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":326,"topper":"Abhishek Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/03043-46438_1433_abhishek--jain_rank_24.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Given below are two quotations. For each of these bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) The golden rule of conduct is mutual toleration, seeing that we will never all think alike and we shall always see Truth in fragment and from different points of vision. Mahatma Gandhi.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Impersonal management, a characteristic feature of a Weberian bureaucracy, develops over time into indifference especially with regard to weaker sections of the society. Critically discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"In pursuit of political power, means are often compromised that leads to competitive reliance on unethical practices resulting in erosion of public trust. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"It takes more than a corporate governance policy to inspire ethical behavior and sustain a truly ethical workplace. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"\"Law should be so succinct that it can be carried in the pocket of the coat and it should be so simple that it can be understood by a peasant.\" Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Ethics in international relations has the potential to cater to the diplomatic challenges of 21st century. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Nolan Committee provides for one of the most comprehensive statements of what constitutes ethical standards for holders of public office. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"The sharper the socio-economic disparities, the greater the incentive towards corruption. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"The moral worth of an action depends not on the consequences that flow from it, but on its motivation. Explain the statement with the help of suitable examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"The universal adoption of common good approach poses the ethical dilemma of putting collective interests over and above the individual interests. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"You are an honest and responsible civil servant. You often observe the following: (a) If one wants to remain effective and powerful to create impact on the lives of people, one should remain loyal to those in power. (b) Following ethical means may not be practical and effective at all times. (c) Petty corruption expedites the service delivery. Examine the above statements with their merits and demerits.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"Recently, two national level sportspersons who are integral members of their team, made some comments in a talk show which were perceived as being grossly misogynistic and racist. This created a huge controversy and they were temporarily suspended from the team pending an enquiry. In light of these events, answer the following questions: (a) Do you think public figures have an additional responsibility in so far as expressing their views on matters of public importance? Give reasons. (b) According to you, what are the reasons that some prominent public figures make such misogynistic comments, and even get away without any consequences? (c) As the person in charge to enquire into the conduct, what factors would you consider to examine it and what punishment, if any, would you prescribe in this specific case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"There are large number of leather industries in a major industrial town of India. They provide employment to large number of people and are also a prominent source of revenue for the state. Lately it has been observed that despite following the present emission control rules, the collective ecological footprint of these industries remains quite high affecting the surrounding areas in an adverse manner. The new technologies available for emission control are quite costly and thus acts as a disincentive for the owners of the industries for adopting them. In light of this information, the government is contemplating the following options: (a) Shutting down the industries in the region (b) Relocating the industries to a new region (c) Making the emission control rules stricter (d) Providing incentives to the industry owners for adoption of new technology. Analyse the above options in terms of their merits and demerits. What course of action would you choose and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Recently you were posted as a District Magistrate of a predominantly agricultural district, which has been one of the best performers in agriculture since the last decade. In one of your field visits, you find that the large landowners, who are a socially, politically and economically powerful group, employ domestic helps and agriculture labour, who are informally tied to them and have been working there since generations. In return, these workers are provided basic amenities like food and shelter apart from some money. However, you do sense a violation of basic human rights in this situation. In light of the above case, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the stakeholders, their interests and ethical issues involved in the case. (b) How does denial of choice amount to violation of human rights? (c) What course of action would you take? Give reasons.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":327,"topper":"Abhishek Kumar Jha","air":231,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ABHISHEK-KUMAR-JHAUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-231-Sample-ESSAY-2-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Write two essays, choosing one topic from each of the following Section A and B in about 1000 - 1200 words each.\n1. True leadership lies in serving not ruling.\n2. Democracy is not just the right to vote, it is the right to live in dignity.\n3. Growing regional aspirations and demand for greater autonomy: A challenge to Indian federalism.\n4. The ballot is stronger than the bullet.\n1. The great aim of education is not knowledge but action.\n2. The global south must redefine development through cooperation and justice.\n3. There is no health without mental health.\n4. If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.","marks":"125*2 = 250","words":"about 1000 - 1200 words each"}]},{"id":328,"topper":"Abhishek Kumar Jha","air":231,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ABHISHEK-KUMAR-JHAUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-231-Sample-ESSAY-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":15,"question":"\"Judge a man by his questions, rather than his answers\"","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":329,"topper":"Abhishek Kumar Jha","air":231,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ABHISHEK-KUMAR-JHAUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-231-Sample-MGP-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) Why do the Middle Gangetic plains remain relatively underdeveloped despite having abundant water resources, fertile soil, and favorable demography? (10 Marks, 150 Words)\n\nQ.2) Despite belonging to the same mountain range, the Eastern and Western Himalayas exhibit significant differences. Elaborate. (10 marks, 150 words)\n\nQ.3) What are local winds? Discuss their impact on associated regions, citing examples from different parts of the world. (10 Marks, 150 Words)\n\nQ.4) The Indian monsoon is being increasingly characterized by extreme weather events ranging from prolonged dry spells to torrential precipitation. In this context, discuss the factors contributing to the variability of the Indian monsoon. (10 Marks, 150 Words)\n\nQ.5) Explain the relevance of green tourism for sustainable development of mountain ecosystem in the country. (10 Marks, 150 Words)\n\nQ.6) Rare Earth Elements (REE) are rightly referred to as the 'Vitamins of Modern Industry,' but their uneven distribution across the world has wide-ranging implications. Elaborate. (10 Marks, 150 Words)\n\nQ.7) Discuss the continental drift theory with special emphasis on the forces and evidence on which the theory is based. Also, state its limitations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Q.8 Intercaste marriages between castes which have socio-economic parity have increased, to some extent, but this is less true of interreligious marriages. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.16 Briefly describe the process of tide formation and differentiate between tides and waves.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":10,"question":"Q3 Local winds are the winds caused due to pressure difference over a small region locally.\n Their impact on associated regions:","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Q.4 The Indian monsoon has become increasingly erratic, with North East seeing deficit, while the North West seeing excess rainfall.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Q7 Continental Drift Theory was proposed by Wegener to explain how paleo-climate varied between disparate continents","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"Qn 13 Southern states show remarkably low TFR of around 1-1.5, indicating the undergoing demographic transition - low fertility rates and ageing population. Impact on Regional Economic Growth:\n(1) Increase in Capital and Technology intensive industry due to low human labour. Eg R & D\n(2) Development of Grey economy - to involve the ageing population in economy\n(3) Increased migration from other areas to provide for services and labour. Eg from Northern states.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"6 Exacerbate adverse impacts of climate change by disruption of Walker circulation.\n7 Fluctuations in global food prices due to productivity shocks.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":330,"topper":"Abhishek Kumar Jha","air":231,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ABHISHEK-KUMAR-JHAUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-231-Sample-MGP-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":13,"question":"(b) This thought is relevant to:\n1) Instigate social change - Had kash not expressed anger, would the social order ever accept his point of view?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Q1 (a) How it causes desired change ?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"8 (a) The ethical issues involved in this case are:\n(i) Disobeying the law by the biker and the councillor.\n(ii) Dereliction of duty by the policeman.\n(iii) Nonchalant attitude of bystanders.\n(iv) Integrity of policeman.\n(v) Crisis of conscience - Gawker.\n(vi) Non violence vs violence.\n(vii) Humanity & disregard.\n(viii) Elite & Entitled attitude of the councillor.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"Measures to Reduce incidents of road rage:\n1) Strict enforcement of law without fear or favour.\n2) Use of technology to identify and punish wrongdoers.\n3) Social 'Naming' and shaming of such individuals.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"12 (a) Reason for negative attitude towards wearing helmets is:\n(i) Sense of Machismo - a false understanding of courage and bravery\n(ii) Belief that they are the best riders - and no harm can come to them.\n(iii) Thinking that riding with helmet restricts enjoyment of scenery and views.\n(iv) Showing others that they are fearless, and do not require additional protection.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":331,"topper":"Abhishek Kumar Singh","air":287,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1lQ5MvnginwkvVZV40-Ix8ll48XQDFPjJ","questions":[]},{"id":332,"topper":"Abhishek Maji","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8d7f0-61537_2218_abhishek-maji_rank-242.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to revisit the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution? Discuss with suitable arguments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Highlighting the advantages of online dispute resolution (ODR) mechanism for justice delivery, discuss the challenges associated with its effective implementation in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Despite the constitutional division of powers, Centre-state disputes have been a perennial feature of Indian democracy. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Do you agree with the view that adopting a framework for lobbying will strengthen participative governance and ease of doing business in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Despite the government encouraging open source instead of proprietary technology for government applications, the true potential of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) and digital platforms remains unrealized. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"As a social safety-valve, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) can be the principal vehicles through which communities voice their concerns. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Despite being lauded for its patient centric approach, the implementation of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, remains sluggish and mired with various issues. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to formulate an Urban Employment Guarantee scheme at the national level? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the relevance of BIMSTEC as a regional organisation to fulfil India's strategic aspirations in the Indian Ocean Region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the relevance of the Gujral Doctrine for India with regard to its relations with its immediate neighbours in the present times. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the pivotal role of the \"Officers of Parliament\" in the Indian Parliamentary system. Also, discuss the constitutional and statutory provisions for their impartial functioning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The Finance Commission plays a crucial role in balancing fiscal federalism in India. In this context, examine the recommendations given by the 15th Finance Commission. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Critically assess whether according statutory backing to the Model Code of Conduct will contribute towards free and fair elections in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The market disruption caused by digital revolution warrants renewed focus and perspective to ensure fair competition in the digital economy. In this light, discuss the need to revamp the Competition Commission of India (CCI). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"There is an urgent need for effective whistle-blowing mechanisms and ensuring that necessary safeguards for the protection of whistle-blowers are established in both public and private spheres in India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"State the reasons behind the poor performance of cooperatives in India. Also, discuss the reforms undertaken by the government to overcome the shortcomings. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Public-Private Partnership model, if harnessed properly, has the potential to bridge the gaps in India's healthcare system. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Although the New Education Policy brings with itself a commendable vision, its success will depend on its ability to effectively integrate with the government's other policy initiatives. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) is born from a collective desire to make the Indo-Pacific region an engine of global economic growth. Comment. Also, discuss India's concerns in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"India needs to identify the priority areas to further its techno-diplomacy amidst the complexities of expanding digital space and New and Emerging Strategic Technologies. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":333,"topper":"Abhishek Maji","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/415ad-61537_2219_abhishek-maji_rank-242.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Fiscal policy can be a key tool to reduce income inequality as well as make the poorest and the downtrodden a part of the country's growth story. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Digitizing land records will go a long way in ensuring land reforms as well as lessening the burden on the Indian Judiciary. Elaborate. Also, state the measures taken in this context. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"It has been pointed out that competitive politics to fund mostly non-merit subsidies is pushing a few states in India to the brink of a deep fiscal crisis. In this context, discuss the need to rationalise the subsidy regime in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Micro-irrigation has tremendous potential in transforming farming into a profitable and sustainable venture. Discuss the given statement in the context of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Given its vast resources and technical expertise, India can play a key role in assisting the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) in dealing with the impact of climate change. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The recent \"Disaster Management Plan of Ministry of Panchayati Raj (DMP-MoPR)\" aims to develop disaster resilience at the grassroots level. In this context, discuss the rationale behind the formulation of the Plan and highlight its key components. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the internal security implications emanating from the use of Emerging And Disruptive Technologies (EDT) by state and non-state actors. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Identify the impediments faced by India in boosting its defence exports. Also, discuss the steps taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the multiple issues associated with space debris. Also, state the initiatives taken in recent times to tackle this menace. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The adoption of Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) in India is expected to make e-commerce more inclusive and accessible for consumers. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While an agreement was recently reached at the WTO on a deal to curb \"harmful\" government fisheries subsidies, certain concerns raised by India suggests that the matter will require further negotiations. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite the advantages that are associated with the hybrid annuity model (HAM) in the road construction sector, the interest in it has moderated due to various reasons. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"It is being argued that India is struggling with overflowing foodgrains in warehouses. Discuss the statement in view of the existing buffer stock policy of India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Recently, the government has asked all ports to prepare a master plan in order to become 'mega ports' by 2047. In light of this, discuss the challenges faced by ports and suggest remedial measures in order to propel India's blue economy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Inequality in income and wealth translates into carbon inequality. In this context, discuss the significance of addressing carbon inequality for India and suggest ways to achieve it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Despite increased and regular occurrences of landslides over the past decade in India, the dominant development paradigm has largely not been modified. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)15","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India needs a smart border management system to balance legitimate cross border flows with national security interests. Discuss. Also, highlight the initiatives taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Establishing linkages between globalisation and money laundering, discuss the initiatives taken at the national and international levels to combat it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"There have been arguments that India needs to review some of its past assumptions about the nature of outer space and contribute to the development of new global norms. In this context, analyse India's stand in relation to the Artemis Accords. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":334,"topper":"Abhishek Maji","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a161e-61537_2217_abhishek-maji_rank-242.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With examples, discuss how the cultural traditions from various regions of India get reflected in regional music. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Do you agree with the view that Gandhian politics was, in a sense, a continuation of Tilak's politics? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What is soil amendment? Evaluate the benefits and concerns associated with it. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"It has been suggested that the next decade may see a boom in hybrid power plants. Stating the advantages that such power plants offer, discuss the associated challenges. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What are Van Allen Radiation Belts? Explaining their formation, discuss why there has been a growing focus on their study. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss whether marital rape should be criminalised in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What is care economy? Highlight the challenges associated with it and mention the steps taken to address them in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Post-pandemic India is staring at the challenge of \"learning poverty\". Analyse its implications and discuss a way ahead. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Bring out the evolution of mural traditions in South India. Also, elaborate on their significant characteristics. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Indian nationalism that confronted British imperialism in the 19th century was a product of colonial modernity. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Environmentalism surfaced in the form of many organised movements in post independence India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Do you agree with the view that continental blockade was an ill-conceived strategy by Napoleon to conquer Britain through economic means? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What do you understand by the Arctic Paradox? Highlight the spatial distribution of mineral and energy resources in the Arctic region. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Cryosphere changes have a tendency to bring about a devastating impact on the ecosystem and its people. Discuss. Also, enlist measures to tackle this threat. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The frequent instances of urban flooding pose a severe risk to the urban ecosystem in India. Discuss with special emphasis on its impact on the critical infrastructure. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Sand is not only critical for economic development but also provides crucial ecosystem services. Elaborate. In this context, discuss the importance of sustainable sand mining in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The challenge of unbridled and unbalanced growth of urban spaces in India necessitates reforms in urban planning and capacity. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Feminist movements in India have historically lacked inclusivity, often growing within a limited Western upper-class psyche. Critically discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":335,"topper":"Abhishek Maji","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/03de4-61537_2220_abhishek-maji_rank-242.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The logic of limitless wealth lies in the basic human instinct for furthering self-interest in the form of profit. In this context, do you think there is a possibility of pursuing ethical capitalism? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"If a law is unjust, a man is not only right to disobey it, he is obligated to do so. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The capacity of Citizens' Charter to initiate any transformative process is conditioned upon it being appropriately designed and effectively executed. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The moral fiber and ethical conduct of public officials not only influence the standard of governance but also their own interests and performance. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The ongoing debate on euthanasia poses several ethical questions. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Foreign aid is a form of neo-colonialism, as the economically wealthier countries can exploit the developing countries under the cloak of aid. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Throwing light on the idea of Universal Humanism propounded by Rabindranath Tagore, discuss its contemporary relevance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree with the view that it is nature and not nurture which determines the emotional intelligence of a person? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Values that guide public administrators can often compete with each other, owing to their relative importance to the larger public interest. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Is it justifiable to say that corruption is a social phenomenon? What are the various ways through which administrative corruption can be tackled? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"\"I do believe that, where there is only a choice between cowardice and violence, I would advise violence.\"- Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"You are posted as the Commissioner of Police in a metropolitan city where a visiting foreign dignitary, with President-level security cover, is scheduled to visit for an official function. As a part of the security preparedness, it has been decided that no vehicular traffic will be allowed on the route which will be taken by the foreign dignitary to reach the venue of the function in the city. However, just 15 minutes before the scheduled arrival of the dignitary, you are informed that a critically-ill patient is stuck on the way to the hospital in a private car along with his family. In this situation, answer the following: (a) Discuss the issues involved in halting traffic for VIP movement. (b) List the options available to you in this situation with their merits and demerits. (c) What will be your course of action? Justify with proper reasoning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"The transgender community has been a part of India's social set up since the very beginning but never recognized as a reputable part of the society. 'Hijra' is a term traditionally used in India for transgender women who were born male. The role and value of this community in accordance with the sacred Hindu texts condenses to the performance of blessings at marriage and birth ceremonies for good fortune. With the advent of the British Raj in the 19th century, the acts of \"cross-dressing\" were registered as a criminal offence and if such offences were committed repeatedly, imprisonment followed. Thus, began the criminalization of hijras. Today, although legally supported and socially empowered as compared to earlier times, hijras are still subject to transphobic discrimination-associated violence, poverty, and segregation. In light of the above, answer the following: (a) Identify the challenges faced by transgenders during the different stages of their life. (b) Discuss the reasons for the continuing discrimination against trangenders in India despite several initiatives for their upliftment in recent times. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"You are an IPS officer posted as the Inspector General of Police in a state. The recent death of a father-son duo in one of the districts in the state, due to custodial violence allegedly in the presence of the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), has sparked anger across the state. This is not an isolated incident, as there have been allegations raised by human rights groups in the past regarding custodial deaths due to physical assault by the police. The High Court of the State, taking suo moto cognizance of the recent incident, has served a notice to the state government, seeking a detailed report on the rising instances of custodial deaths. The state government has constituted a Committee to probe the incident and submit a detailed report about the veracity of facts related to it. You have been asked to head the Committee. You know the Deputy Superintendent of Police of the district to be an honest, hardworking and upright officer. He has privately requested you to absolve him of any wrongdoing as he claims not to be present when the incident occurred. You know that any action against him will be detrimental to his reputation and career. On the other hand, the seniors in the department are pressurising you to put all the blame on the DSP and make him a sacrificial lamb in order to protect the overall image of the police in the state. In the given scenario, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the stakeholders and the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) What steps will you take to ensure that the enquiry is seen to be fair and impartial? (c) Given the challenges that the police forces in India operate under in their day-to-day functioning, suggest some initiatives to address them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Mr. X is a billionaire businessman who heads a conglomerate engaged in insurance, energy generation and distribution, and manufacturing. Despite being globally known as a great philanthropist, he turned down a shareholder request seeking the disclosure of the conglomerate's actions on issues related to climate change as well as diversity and inclusion. Because of increased attention to climate and diversity issues, many leading firms have committed themselves to incorporate relevant considerations in their business strategies. Therefore, some industry-observors wonder if Mr. X is out of touch with the industry at large and have warned him that failing to address climate change issues puts his businesses under systemic risk. But, Mr. X maintained his vote against the disclosure proposal, while at the same time acknowledged the importance of both climate change and a diverse and inclusive work force. However, Mr. X believes that such ethical issues take secondary importance to maximising shareholder profit. (a) Discuss the importance of including climate change strategies and diversity and inclusion in a business organisation? (b) In your opinion, what matters more for a business organisation - socio-environmental concerns or shareholder profit? (c) How can the two above-mentioned issues be reconciled? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"You are posted as a Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district where people of different religious communities are living together peacefully. The district is also famous for our architectural heritage and is regularly visited by tourists from all around the world. However, there has been an incident in the nearby state where people of two different communities have started fighting over religious issues. This incident has a spillover effect over the whole country. In your own area of jurisdiction, you have come to know from various sources about circulation of some hate speech videos, which have the potential to destabilise the law and order situation. You are also aware that some outsiders with dubious intentions have started pouring in your district. In one locality, a shopkeeper who had earlier filed a complaint regarding threats he received for posting something on the internet, is found murdered in cold blood. This incident has stunned the nation. You are being informed that hundreds of people of the community to which the shopkeeper belonged are planning to stage a massive protest in your district. (a) In the given situation, what are the options available to you to ensure that the law and order situation in the district remains stable. Provide a detailed account of your course of action. (b) Do you think the present legal and institutional mechanisms are sufficient to tackle the menace of hate speech in the society? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"The Indian education system suffers from many ills. One of the major issues is the focus on ‘rote learning’, which has been the staple of the Indian education system for many years. While many Indians have attained success despite this system, simply being able to recall information is not enough in today’s world when that information is instantly available to anyone on a mobile phone. A survey of 200 Indian and foreign companies found that only 14% of Indian graduates were prepared for the workforce, largely because most graduates were unable to apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the consequences of ‘rote learning’ on the educational development of young students in the country? (b) Suggest measures that can be taken to address this issue. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":336,"topper":"ABHISHEK MEENA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/28d0e-253600_2425_abhishek_meena_rank_961.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"For effective corporate governance to take place in the coming years, why is it important to integrate the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics with the multi-stakeholder approach? What benefits can be accrued by such integration? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In acts of corruption, the focus is often only on the demand side of the equation, on public officials who abuse their office for private gain. Frequently, the supply side is given less attention. Those who pay bribes are sometimes depicted as innocent parties and victims of extortionary practices of wily public servants. Do you agree that 'collusive corruption', in which there is a willing bribe-giver, is a formidable challenge for institutions fighting corruption? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Citizens' Charters initiative was a response to the quest for solving the problems, which a citizen encountered, day in and day out, while dealing with the organisations providing public services. But the introduction and implementation of Citizens' Charters in the government of India has been diffieult due to the old bureaucratic set up and the rigid attitudes of the work force. Discuss the major obstacles that have been encountered in implementing the Citizens' Charter initiative. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Quality of public service delivery is a major determinant of the quality of life of vulnerable sections in a highly unequal society divided along the lines of class, caste, religion, etc. In this background, do you think that public service delivery is efficient and sufficient enough to improve the lives of vulnerable groups in India? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"The wise man does not lay up his treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own.\" - Lao Tzu (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"If ethics are poor at the top, that behavior is copied down through the organization.\" - Robert Noyce (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"The end of law is not to abolish or restrain, but to preserve and enlarge freedom.\" - John Locke (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Wealthy CEOs and founders of successful businesses around the world are increasingly pledging to give away their wealth in philanthropy. Do you think that such a move is sufficient enough to bring about a positive change in the society? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"As organizations across the globe begin their artificial intelligence (AI) transformation, the leap into the AI era is expected to be more challenging than any technology that businesses have grappled with yet. In this background, discuss the concerns around fairness, transparency, and job security that may arise. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The emphasis of Swami Dayanand Saraswati on education, social equality, and ethical values continues to influence the socio-cultural discourse in contemporary India. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Emotional intelligence may not be singularly associated with emotions or intelligence. It can also include a broad range of personality characteristics that might predict success in professional and everyday life. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Traditional forms of state-led accountability, also characterised as vertical and horizontal channels of accountability, are increasingly found to be inadequate, and a myriad of multi-stakeholder and bottom-up citizen directed approaches have come to the fore, to supplement or supplant them. Discuss with illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":37,"question":"Rina and her friends from the college were working as interns with a company for the last few months. On completion of their internship, some of them, including Rina, have been offered full-time jobs in the company. Being a reputed company, she and her friends accepted the offer. Rina is enthusiastic about her new job and has even established good relationship with some of her company co-workers during her internship. However, during her tenure as an intern, Rina had begun to notice that one of the Vice-Presidents (VPs) of the company was giving her too much attention. He used to make an extra effort to stop by Rina's cubicle and chat, something he was not doing with any of the other interns. He had even tried to connect with Rina over social networking sites. Some of her co-interns also noticed this and began to make offhand comments to Rina about the extra attention being given by the VP. Now that she was been hired for a full time position, she is fearful that she might have to work with this VP directly. While he has not done or said anything explicitly inappropriate, the extra attention and the fact that her co-workers noticed it, made her very uncomfortable and undermined her concentration at work. The company encourages an open and friendly atmosphere and when she was hired, it was communicated to her that she should always speak to her Manager whenever faced with any uncomfortable work related issues. However, she is concerned to speak about it officially, as the VP has not explicitly done anything wrong. In the given situation: (a) What dilemmas does Rina face? (b) What options does she have? Provide the merits and demerits of each. (c) Highlight the course of action she should adopt, along with justification for the same. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"You have recently been posted as a Nodal Education Officer in one of the districts, where mass cheating in examinations is a regular phenomenon. Media reports have shown parents and relatives scaling school walls and buildings to pass answer chits to students taking secondary school examinations in the district. Moreover, with the advent of new technological devices, cheating in examinations has become more sophisticated and exam rules are flouted openly. On investigation, it has come to your notice that these rackets are run by many school authorities, including exam invigilators who are mostly teachers, and they are hand in glove for profits. With a shortage of staff, invigilators threaten go on mass strikes if any action is taken. Conducting the exams, cancelling them on account of cheating and having re-exams are a loss of time and money for the government and this vicious cycle goes on. As the Nodal Education Officer of the district, address the following questions: (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (b) How will you resolve the issues in the given case? (c) What long-term strategy needs to be adopted to deal with the menace of cheating in various examinations? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":337,"topper":"Abhishek O","air":336,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/OZARDE-ABHISHEK-ABHAY-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-336-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) Societal apathy towards mental health issues has resulted in the marginalization of individuals dealing with mental disorders. Elaborate and suggest measures to bring mental health concerns from the periphery into the mainstream.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Critically assess the role of microfinance in satisfactorily addressing the interconnected challenges of poverty and unemployment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Though grand in their intent, the legislative measures for protection of vulnerable populations have become handicapped due to implementational bottlenecks. Comment, with special reference to SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) What are the reasons behind the limited success of the co-operative movement? How can co-operatives be made more effective in fostering rural development?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 Leveraging real-time data in policymaking has become indispensable for achieving good governance. In this context, analyse the role of e-governance in enhancing the effectiveness of developmental policies.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6 In civil services, what should matter are - capabilities, merit and talent. In this context, examine the relevance of lateral entry in civil services in face of various apprehensions.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) India must exercise stabilizing influence in its difficult neighborhood to effectively safeguard national interest. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) ASEAN serves the twin purpose of developing India's Northeast and augmenting the country's reach in the Southeast Asian region. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 The realization of a successful Asian century is premised upon stable India-China relations. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) Do you think NATO as a system of US-led collective security for Europe is relevant in an increasingly multipolar world? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) Increased penetration of mobile network, internet infrastructure, and smart phones have made m-governance the pivot of the welfare programmes of the government, but it poses challenges of exclusion. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) The distinct characteristics of the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and the government create a unique symbiosis in improving the governance and developmental process in the country. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 Critically examine the utility of the social audit framework in bringing the governance process closer to the people.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 Eradication of chronic malnutrition calls for an all-encompassing approach. In this context, throw light on the importance of nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive approaches for achieving the goal of Zero Hunger.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Evaluate the efficacy of digital interventions in transforming the educational infrastructure of the country.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) The role of the civil service is not limited to the mere welfare of the people but extends to the realm of upholding the spirit of the constitution. Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 India has a pride of place among the comity of nations with strong credentials in the arena of soft power. Identifying the key attributes of India's soft power, assess the extent to which it has been leveraged in India's foreign policy matrix.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 BRICS can serve as a platform for shaping a post-Western global order, but the potential of the grouping is held back by internal contradictions. Examine.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19) Enumerate the factors that make Indo-Pacific a theatre of opportunity for India. What are the impediments in reaping the geo-strategic potential of the Indo-Pacific?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20) The latent potential of the India-EU strategic partnership is deterred due to a slew of factors. Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":338,"topper":"Abhishek O","air":336,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/OZARDE-ABHISHEK-ABHAY-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-336-Sample-AWFG-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Q.1) Compare and contrast the Engineering Procurement Construction (EPC), Build Operate Transfer (BOT), and Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) models of investment in the context of India’s infrastructural needs.\nQ.2) Discuss the significance of the Rapid Rail Transit Systems (RRTS) in serving as an integrated, mass transit network ensuring balanced and sustainable urban development\nQ.3) Despite significant growth in power generation capacity, India continues to grapple with power shortages and blackouts. Critically analyze the factors responsible for the gap between power generation and supply.\nQ.4) What key challenges hinder the efficient generation and utilization of solar energy in India? Mention the initiatives offered by the government in this regard.\nQ.5) Discuss the significance of the Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs) for India's economic growth. What are the main challenges in their implementation? Suggest measures to overcome these challenges\nQ.6) How far do you agree that policy and infrastructure shortfalls have caused the Indian ports to lag behind their regional and global counterparts? Give remedies to address the challenges faced by the port sector.\nQ.7) Evaluate the role of PM-Gatishakti and National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) in infrastructure development of the country?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Rapid Rail Transit Systems (RRTS) is very important component in sustainable urban development: significance of RRTS","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Q.7) India's infrastructure development requires investment to the tune of $5 trillion by 2030 to balance for the deficit in infrastructure development. In this regard role of schemes like PM-GatiShakti and National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) becomes significant.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":339,"topper":"Abhishek Ranjan","air":543,"year":2021,"paper":"Optional — Public Administration","optional":true,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/13lQrfVZ8uXRqdTKbN94UgtYli6-WXUIt","questions":[]},{"id":340,"topper":"Abhishek Saraf","air":8,"year":2019,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c36bb-198493_1076_abhishek-saraf_rank_8.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":341,"topper":"Abhishek Saraf","air":8,"year":2019,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e0025-198493_1078_abhishek-saraf_rank_8.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":342,"topper":"Abhishek Saraf","air":8,"year":2019,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/582d4-198493_1075_abhishek-saraf_rank_8.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":343,"topper":"Abhishek Saraf","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/f0eec-198493_870_abhishek-saraf_rank_8.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The Gupta Sculpture while depicting devotion to Vishnu, successfully shows Guptas' exemplary tolerance for both Buddhism and Jainism. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"At all times the work of Indian craftsmen has been admired for its delicacy and skill. In this context, elucidate with examples the artistic achievements of ancient India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"The socio-cultural regeneration in nineteenth century India was occasioned by the colonial presence, but not created by it. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Champaran was the starting point of the strategy that Gandhi was to employ over the next 30 years to galvanise millions into one of history's biggest mass movements against perhaps the greatest imperial power of all time. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Despite many regulations enacted by the British to curb it's freedom, the press in India played a crucial role in strengthening the national movement. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Even after a hundred years of its proclamation the effects of Balfour Declaration continue to resonate in the Arab-Israeli conflict. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Decolonisation was neither an accident nor a product of any grand design, rather it resulted from the confluence of various local and global factors. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"The unification of Germany fundamentally reshaped the balance of power in Europe. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"The positions taken by Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Annie Besant at the beginning of 20th century finally evolved to become positions held by advocates on both sides of the language debate in the country even today. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"C. Rajagoplachari argued that a healthy democracy requires an \"opposition that thinks differently and just does not want more of the same\". In light of the statement assess the historic role played by the Swatantra Party in the initial years of independent India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"The present form of caste as an institution has been shaped both by developments during the colonial period as well as changes witnessed in independent India. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"In the Global Wage Report of International Labour Organisation, India has the worst levels of gender wage disparity. Comment. Enumerate briefly the factors that contribute to the existing gender pay gap in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Statistics show that child sex ratio is declining though there is an increase in overall sex ratio. Discuss the reasons that explain this trend. What measures have been taken by the government to correct this trend?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Jet streams play a significant role in influencing the weather conditions across the world. Discuss with special reference to the Indian Monsoon.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Developing hydropower projects in the north-east will help India fulfil its electricity demand and achieve energy security, however, this potential remains untapped. Why? What steps can be taken to overcome these bottlenecks for effective utilization of this potential?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Account for the distribution of cement industry in India with its factors of location. Also list the challenges which the industry has been facing lately.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Exploring and mining of polymetallic nodules in the Indian Ocean Basin by India, though filled with challenges, will be of immense strategic and commercial value. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Unregulated and nonjudicial usage of groundwater has resulted in declining groundwater levels as well as quality. In this context, discuss the need for a dedicated programme for groundwater conservation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Though Tourism is one of the most important tertiary activity in India, it is facing a number of challenges. Comment. In this context, explain the importance of promoting sustainable tourism in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":63,"question":"Highlight the significance of wetland ecosystems, particularly in the urban areas. Also mention the steps that are being taken by the government for integrated management of wetland ecosystems.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":344,"topper":"Abhishek Saraf","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0e7b5-198493_871_abhishek-saraf_rank_8.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Criticism about the judiciary should be welcomed, so long as criticisms do not hamper the “administration of justice”. In this context discuss whether the power of contempt of court given to the higher judiciary limits the freedom granted by Article 19 (a) and whether these two can be reconciled.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Special rights are not privileges but they are granted to make it possible for the minorities to preserve their identity, culture and traditions. Elaborate in the context of India with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"A clear delineation of functions of local governments vis-à-vis State Governments will only strengthen the principle of subsidiarity. In this context, discuss the challenges and the reforms required for effective democratic decentralization in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Despite being a welcome step, Inter-State Water Disputes (Amendment) Bill, 2017 fails to resolve the issue of overlapping of jurisdiction between the legislature and judiciary. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Critically discuss the major reforms introduced in the area of electoral funding in Union Budget 2017. Do you think that state funding of elections is a viable idea to check misuse of money power in politics?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The provision of 33% reservation of seats for women in urban local body elections in Nagaland has been in news for various reasons in recent times. Discuss the underlying issues in light of the constitutional provisions at stake and the social realities of the state.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Enumerate the guidelines for police reforms as laid down by the Supreme Court in Prakash Singh case in 2006. In this regard, critically discuss the issues in their implementation by the States.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"While the Competition Commission of India and sector-specific regulators are required to complement each other, overlapping jurisdiction has resulted in regulatory parallelism amongst them. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"There is both spatial and economic inequality with regards to access to healthcare services in India. Elaborate. How does the New Health Policy attempts to address these issues?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Recent judgment of the Supreme Court, amending the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 has invoked varied reponses. Highlighting the amendment, critically examine its likely impact on application of the law.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Census 2011 observed that there has been a significant increase in urban homeless households in the period between 2001 and 2011. What are homeless households? Highlighting the challenges faced by them, discuss the causes for increase in such households. Suggest various measures to rehabilitate these households.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Examine the steps taken by the government over the years to ensure a secure and exploitation-free childhood for its citizens. Further analyse how the recent ratification of the two key ILO conventions will help India's fight against child labour.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"According to the World Bank, while digital technologies have spread rapidly in much of the world, resulting digital dividends have lagged behind. Analyse in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"\"Our country suffers from an excess of old and unnecessary laws which obstruct people and businesses\". In light of the observation elucidate how outdated and impractical laws bring inefficiency in governance. How far is the repealing and cosolidation of statutes a solution to the problem at hand?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Due to increasing consumption and changing consumption patterns, water scarcity is an emerging threat in India and thus it becomes imperative to treat water as a commodity and privatize it. Critically evaluate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Given the mandate of the Organisation and its composition, too much should not be read into India becoming a full time member of SCO. Critically comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"India needs to utilize its technological capacity based diplomacy to strengthen relationships with the neigbours. Discuss. Also examine the significance of South Asia satellite to enhance regional cooperation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Though both India and Bangladesh have been able to resolve various pending bilateral issues, solution to the Teesta Water dispute remains illusive. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Discuss the important provisions and significance of the recent proposal by India for Trade Facilitation in Services (TFS) Agreement under WTO.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"BIMSTEC has the potential to become a distinctive link between South and Southeast Asia. Elaborate. Also discuss the factors hindering the potential of BIMSTEC over the years. Highlight the key initiatives in recent times and further measures required to make the grouping more effective.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":345,"topper":"Abhishek Saraf","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/10186-198493_875_abhishek-saraf_rank_8.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Centralising recruitment through an All-India Judicial Service (AIJS) will not address the multiple problems in the judiciary and cause new ones instead. Critically evaluate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"The roots of the most pertinent challenges faced by Indian politics today can be traced to the lack of intra-party democracy in candidate selection and internal elections. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"While the idea behind merger of autonomous bodies in India is to curb overlapping work and reduce expenditure, it may end up doing more harm than good. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Well-defined electoral laws and greater powers for the Election Commission of India are required as the existing laws and mechanisms are inadequate to deal with new challenges. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Privileges should be defined and delimited for the free and independent functioning of the legislatures. In this context, discuss whether there is a need to re-examine the balance between fundamental rights and parliamentary privileges in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The principle of accountability is an essential part of the rule of law. In this context, discuss the lacunae in government's approach and judiciary's response to the phenomenon of extrajudicial killings in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Explain the rationale behind enacting the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016. Discuss how it can help in revitalizing consumer confidence in the real estate market. Also highlight the hurdles that remain in implementing it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Moving the subject of water from state list to concurrent list will solve the issues related to governance of water resources. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Give an account of the areas of potential conflict in the relationship between the political executive and civil servants. Also discuss why a healthy working relationship between the two is critical for good governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Despite their location in the non-political domain of civil society, NGOs have ended up playing a key, if indirect, role in India's politics. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Magnitude of India's urbanisation is not unusual but the pattern is. In this context, examine the issues in the governance of cities in India. Also suggest the reforms required to make Indian cities dynamos of competitive sub-federalism.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Social boycott should be treated as a criminal offence, rather than being considered as just another form of social evil plaguing the Indian society. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Human Trafficking in India has emerged as a serious issue, which calls for understanding the complexity of the problem and devising an effective strategy to combat it. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"A weak teacher education system is at the core of India's problems in school education. Evaluate. In this context, also enumerate the recommendations of the High-Powered Commission on Teacher Education constituted by the Supreme Court of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"It has been argued that the recent order of the Supreme Court to prevent the misuse of Section 498A institutionalises the prejudices and rehabilitates the myths, which the women's movement in India has battled over decades. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"As strategic interests between India and US continue to converge, defence has emerged as a major area of cooperation between the two. Discuss the significance and possible implications of this development.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Comment on the role of International Court of Justice in upholding the values of international law. In this context, also highlight the association of India with the ICJ over the years.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"In view of the focus on trans-regional economic corridors and changing regional geo-politics and geo-economics, critically discuss the idea of an Indo-Pacific Economic Corridor.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":346,"topper":"Abhishek Saraf","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b414f-198493_877_abhishek-saraf_rank_8.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The seeds of patriarchy and gender inequality are sown at home, which manifest as a weed at the societal level. Elucidate. Suggest an ethical framework to systematically address the issue of patriarchy in the Indian society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"What are the factors which drive people to take law in their own hands rather than following the due process of law? Discuss ways to address the problem of mob justice.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"In a democracy, the purpose of the government should be to make it easy for people to do good and difficult to do wrong. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss John Stuart Mill's idea on freedom of thought and expression. Also, give reasons as to why, according to Mill, representative democracy is the best form of government despite its inherent weaknesses.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"It is argued by some that nuclear weapons have acted more as a deterrent than leading to war and mass destruction. In this context, discuss whether it is ethically right to possess nuclear weapons to create nuclear deterrence.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Differentiate between administration and leadership. Highlighting the traits which characterize an effective leader, discuss the importance of leadership in ensuring effective public service delivery in a bureaucratic setup.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Apart from functional knowledge and expertise, the efficacy of a civil servant also depends upon his emotional intelligence. How does emotional intelligence contribute to efficacy? How can civil servants enhance their emotional intelligence?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Enumerate the mechanisms that promote accountability of public officials in discharging their functions and responsibilities in India. Also discuss why ensuring accountability for performance is not a simple task in government service.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) \"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"\"Prejudices are what fools use for reason.\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Ensuring that government decisions are not influenced by public officials' private interests is a growing concern. Discuss in the context of India. Also enumerate the core principles reflected by OECD guidelines for managing conflict of interest in the public sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Discuss, with examples, the significance of principles of public life as recommended by Nolan committee. Why are these principles considered as an essential set of expectations from public servants?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"A peculiar inhuman situation exists for the people fleeing from war zones - they cannot go back to their homeland for fear of being persecuted and no country is ready to bear their burden due to various reasons. Citing contemporary examples, discuss the ethical issues involved in such situations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"As the administrator in-charge of your area, you are witness to the widespread food wastage in lavish parties as well as in restaurants and eateries, on one hand and people starving due to inability to ensure one square-meal a day, on the other. Realizing that it is not the scarcity of resources, but the habit of people that is causing paucity of food, you decide that certain measures are needed to be taken in order to deal with the issue of starvation at the grassroot level. 20 Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) What measures would you take to deal with wastage of food in your area? (c) What explains this co-existence of affluence and hunger in developing countries like India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"The excluded and marginalized section of society are worst hit by globalization. Take the case of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) like Sentinelese of Andaman & Nicobar islands; their population has reduced drastically and they are facing various other problems as well. In this context answer the following questions: 20 (a) What are the challenges faced by PVTGs due to globalisation? (b) If you are posted as a Development Officer in such an area, what will be your priorities to reduce their vulnerabilities and ensure welfare?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Undercover journalism exposes injustices, negligence, corruption and wrongdoing and yet going undercover to expose wrongdoing remains controversial. But, undercover journalists contend that they are fulfilling a fundamental duty of finding truth through their journalism. They argue that public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy and the duty of the journalist is to further those ends by seeking truth and providing a fair and comprehensive account of events and issues. So, there are some supporters of this kind of journalism, which sometimes infringe the privacy of individuals. However, some journalists also urge avoiding surreptitious methods of gathering information except when traditional open methods will not yield information vital to the public. In this context, answer the following questions: 20 (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the practice of undercover journalism? (b) Do you support the practice of undercover investigation by journalists? Give reasons in support of your answer.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You are posted as a District Education Officer (DEO) in a Maoist affected district. You have been specifically given the responsibility to work on the literacy mission. After reading the education reports and doing field visits, you find that the number of out of school children has increased drastically and the motivation among students and teachers is also low. While certain basic infrastructure is already in place, the major hurdle in attracting students to these schools include the attitude of inhabitants towards education and the security risks involved in sending children to schools. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Analyse the reasons behind such an attitude. (b) As a DEO, what are the steps that you would take in order to increase the school attendance and change the prevalent attitude of inhabitants towards education?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Mr. Pradeep is a senior civil servant in the central government and is involved in the budgeting department. In the course of performing his duties, he comes to know about diversion of funds earmarked for SC/ST sub-plan for other purposes. While he is not directly responsible for this aspect of the budget, he raised his concerns to the department concerned. He also learns that the minister responsible as well as senior most civil servants are aware of the practice and have given tacit approval for it. Soon thereafter, Pradeep was summoned to talk on the issue and was told that since the matter is not within his jurisdiction, he should 'keep his nose out of it'. After much soul searching, Pradeep decided to obey his supervisors by leaving the matter alone. Based on the information given, answer the following questions: (a) Elaborate on the internal dissonance that Pradeep faces in the given situation. (b) On what basis can the decision of Pradeep be justified? (c) Had you been in Pradeep's place, what would have been the course of action chosen by you? Recognise the merits and demerits, if any.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":347,"topper":"Abhishek Saraf","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6f409-198493_873_abhishek-saraf_rank_8.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The more remotely power is exercised from the people, the greater is the distance between authority and accountability. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"\"If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion\". In what ways can a compassionate public official be more useful for realizing public service goals?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"The recent decision by the government to ban use of red beacons is only a symbolic gesture and a lot more needs to be done to end the VIP culture in India. Critically discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"To what extent can financial incentives help shape attitude towards social issues? Discuss with relevant examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"At times, moral behaviour can be constrained by the complexity of legal system. Explain. In this context, explain the purpose of legal protection for good samaritans in the case of road accidents.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Examine the different ethical issues involved in the use of public shaming as a punitive measure. Do you think this is an appropriate measure to address the problem of rising crime rates.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Why did Gunnar Myrdal use the term 'soft state' in the context of South Asia? Do you think such a characterisation is still relevant in the case of India today?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Intolerance can be linked both to prejudices and value judgments. Elaborate with relevant examples. Also discuss how intolerance can be countered in a multicultural society like India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Social attitude towards corruption has become more forgiving with time leading to a view of illegal gains and misappropriation of public assets as a \"rightful\" individual prerogative. Analyse in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"What are the factors which draw people to public service? Suggest measures to keep public servants motivated.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Corporate Governance provides a framework that defines the rights, roles and responsibilities of various groups within an organization. (a) Elaborate the need to incorporate the principles of Corporate Governance to enhance the effectiveness of the public sector enterprises. (b) Identify the challenges specific to the public sector when it comes to the application of good practices of corporate governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Emotions, earlier considered as an irrational factor in decision-making, are now recognised as a critical factor of judgment. In this regard, answer the following questions: (a) How can Emotional Intelligence help in coping with the intense pressure and occupational stress faced by police officers and armed forces in discharge of their duties? (b) What are the some of the concerns in incorporating and assessment of emotional intelligence skills in public service?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"You, a manager in one of the top IT firms in the country, are tasked with hiring new recruits for an upcoming project. You find that the company has given tacit instructions of not hiring female candidates in view of the new maternity law passed by the Government. You find this highly objectionable and lodge a protest with people in the higher management but they are firm as they want to cut down all the unnecessary costs. Based on this information, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the stakeholders and their interests in the situation. (b) What are the dilemmas that a recruiting manager may face in such a scenario? (c) What are the different options available to you? Which one will you pursue and why?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":348,"topper":"Abhishek Sharma","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/ABHISHEK-SHARMA-UPSC-2024-Rank-38-MGP-Sample-Copy-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) \"Nalanda is a symbol of India's academic heritage and vibrant cultural exchange\". Elucidate with special references to foreign travelers' accounts.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) The period of Delhi Sultans witnessed the emergence of Indo-Persian culture. Discuss the statement with reference to developments in the fields of literature, art and architecture.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Give a brief account of the contributions of early nationalists to the Indian freedom struggle.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) The Vaikom Satyagraha marked a historic milestone in India's fight against social injustice, demonstrating the power of non-violent resistance in dismantling oppressive caste barriers. Explain.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 The Oslo Accords, once hailed as a landmark diplomatic achievement, failed to address key issues, highlighting the challenges of achieving lasting peace between Israel and Palestine. Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6 What are Northern and Southern lights? Explain the phenomenon and discuss their associated impacts on Earth's atmosphere and human activities.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) Identifying the major automobile clusters in India, enumerate the favourable factors for the location of the automobile industry.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8 \"India's diversity is her greatest strength.\" In light of the statement, explain how diversity has enriched and strengthened Indian society.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) Critically examine the effects of globalization on the youth in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 The recognition of LGBTQ rights in India marks significant progress, but the journey towards full societal integration and acceptance remains arduous, necessitating a profound socio-cultural shift. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) Throw light upon the importance of seals and sealings in the reconstruction of socio-economic and religious life of the Harappan people. Also, explain why many of the known Harappan settlements are in semi-arid regions.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"Expanse of Harappan civilization","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 Describe the significance of the Dandi March (1930) as the starting point of the Civil Disobedience Movement. Also, discuss the national and international reactions to the Dandi March and the Salt Satyagraha.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 Give a reasoned account of the distribution of deserts across the earth with the help of relevant examples.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 Discuss the impact of local winds on their associated regions, citing examples from different parts of the world.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15) Rare Earths Elements (REE) are considered as 'Vitamins of Modern Industry'. In this context, bring out the multi-dimensional implications of uneven distribution of REE in the world.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 Describe the various factors that influence ocean currents and discuss their multi-dimensional impact.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 Briefly explain the process of tide formation and differentiate between tides and waves.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 While social media facilitates unprecedented connectivity and self-expression, it can also widen social crevices and fractures. In this context, examine the impact of social media on Indian society.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 \"The regionalism in India is both a response to the failures in addressing regional aspirations and as an assertion of socio-cultural identity in the face of perceived marginalization.\" Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 Explain how traditional gender roles and responsibilities exacerbate the vulnerability of women to extreme heat conditions. Suggest strategies to mitigate these vulnerabilities.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":349,"topper":"Abhishek Shukla","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5fe1e-36221_1417_abhishek-shukla_rank_50.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Dadabhai Naoroji left an indelible imprint on the national movement. Explain.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Quit India Movement marked a new direction in the struggle against the British colonial rule in India. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"The end of World War II marked the birth of a new international order. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Simla Agreement (1972) and Lahore Declaration (1999) are two key milestones in the history of Indian subcontinent. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Social security should not only involve economic empowerment but also social empowerment. Discuss in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Explain with examples how globalisation is manifested in both local in the global and global in the local.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"In light of persistence of various forms of violence against women in India, discuss the ways in which the issue can be addressed effectively.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"What is an urban forest? Highlight its benefits and steps taken by the government to promote urban forestry in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"How has globalization impacted the location of IT industry?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"How can eco-tourism be used to sustainably harness the potential of tourism industry in India. Discuss challenges and steps by government.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"The advent of Buddhism and Jainism was instrumental in the development of architecture in ancient India. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"The reactionary policies of Lord Lytton and the liberal policies of his successor Lord Ripon acted as catalyst in the formation of Indian National Congress. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Gandhiji changed his methods of struggle against the British from time to time to suit the varied circumstances and problems that needed to be tackled. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Bring out the relationship between the industrial revolution and the advent of imperialism in different parts of the world.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"The caste system in India has continued to persist by adapting itself to a variety of changing socio-economic and political conditions in the past few decades. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"It is argued by some that regionalism is a threat to national integrity while others consider it as a highly impactful tool in facilitating political participation. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"Describe the process of rift valley formation, with special emphasis on the Great Rift Valley system.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"India's water resources have witnessed rapid depletion due to a mix of economic, geographic, and political factors. Explain and discuss its implications.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"How are plateaus formed? Also, briefly discuss the features of Deccan plateau and its economic significance.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":350,"topper":"Abhishek Shukla","air":50,"year":2020,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2d983-36221_1415_abhishek-shukla_rank_50.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":351,"topper":"Abhishek Shukla","air":50,"year":2020,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a4739-36221_1418_abhishek-shukla_rank_50.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":352,"topper":"Abhishek Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/abhishek-singh-test-25-1747312111762.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What are various ways to measure a man? Is power the only way? How power can be used rightly? and how has it been used in a","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"How to develop such values in a man so that power can be used rightly?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":353,"topper":"Abhishek Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/abhishek-singh-test-26-1747312157241.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Q.1 A sign of intelligence is an awareness of one's own ignorance.","marks":"125 ×1 = 125","words":"about 1000-1200"},{"page":15,"question":"How to become aware?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Q.1 Not all who wander are lost. (CSE 2023, PYQ)","marks":"125 ×1 = 125","words":"about 1000-1200"}]},{"id":354,"topper":"Abhishek Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/abhishek-singh-test-27-1747312174384.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Diversity may be the hardest thing for a society to live with & perhaps the most dangerous thing for a society to be without.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":355,"topper":"Abhishek Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/abhishek-singh-eassy-4-1746616947177.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Middle path is the only road to harmonious living.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":356,"topper":"Abhishek Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/abhishek-singh-test-28-1747312190703.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"The power to question is the basis of all human progress","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":357,"topper":"Abhishek Singh","air":78,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/abhishek-singh-test-24-1747312090030.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":358,"topper":"Abhishek Singh","air":78,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/abhishek-singh-test-25-1747312111762.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":359,"topper":"Abhishek Singh","air":78,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/abhishek-singh-test-26-1747312157241.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":360,"topper":"Abhishek Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/abhishek-singh-test-11-1747311842162.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Q1 Discuss the causes of Tsunami & their impact on coastal areas. What measures can be taken to mitigate the impact of tsunamis?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Q2 India is endowed with large rivers emerging from the great Himalayas yet the region faces water shortage. Discuss. Also, give solutions to deal with the problem of water shortage.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"03 Discuss the diff. types of soils found in India & their significance for Agriculture","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"04 Differentiate the causes of landslides in Himalayan region & western ghats.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"05 Major hot deserts in northern hemisphere are located b/w 20-30° North & on western side of continents. Why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Q6 Explain the mechanism of the Indian monsoon. What role do El-Nino & La-Nina play in its development over the Indian subcontinent?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Q7 Discuss the ways in which earthquakes can trigger secondary hazards such as landslides, tsunamis, & liquefaction. Assess the relative risks associated with these hazards & the measures that can be taken to mitigate their impact.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"08 How do the melting of the Arctic ice & glaciers of the Antarctic differently affect the weather patterns & human activities on the earth? Explain.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Q9 Explain the origin of Indian Islands in the Bay of Bengal & the Arabian Sea.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Q10 How has the global warming impacted the frequency & intensity of extreme weather events such as cyclones, floods, and drought, & what are the implications of these changes for vulnerable communities?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":361,"topper":"Abhishek Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/abhishek-singh-test-12-1747311868991.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Q-1 Discuss the various factors responsible for the uneven temperature distribution on earth's surface.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Q2 To what extent does Seismic investigation contribute to our understanding of the Earth's interior structure? Analyze its significance in detail.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"03 The melting of glaciers due to climate change has serious implications for the ecosystem and human society. Discuss the effects of melting glaciers on environment & the measures that can be taken to address this issue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Q4 The white revolution was most successful in the western part of India. Discuss the factors for this regional success of the white revolution.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Q5 How will the structural shift from coal based power to renewable energy generation impact human development in coal bearing states?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Q6 To what extent temperature & precipitation are the most important factors that determine soil properties?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Q7 Why are severe & intense cyclones becoming a regular phenomenon in Arabian Sea? Substantiate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"09 Do you agree that DR. B. R. Ambedkar's view of the caste problem was more political than social? Also, highlight his efforts aimed at social reform.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Q10 Discuss the mandate of CAT. To what extent the jurisdictional tussle b/w CAT & high courts have been resolved by earlier SC verdicts?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Q1 The configuration of ocean floor provides essential information about the geological process that have shaped the earth's surface. Discuss the major features of the ocean floor & their significance in the study of oceanography.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"Q-13 How does temperature inversion affect atmospheric conditions & what are its implications for local weather pattern & air pollution levels?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Q-14 With the growing demand for rare earth elements, their distribution has become a critical aspect of the global economy. Discuss the distribution of rare earth elements across the world, their uses, and the environmental impact of their extraction.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"Q15 What are the geographical & economic factors that influence the location of the sugar industry, & how do they contribute to the growth of the industry in India & different parts of the world?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"Q6 Tourism in the hilly states is threatening to exceed the ecological carrying capacity of the region. Analyze the factors contributing to this trend & evaluate the potential environmental impacts of this phenomenon. What measures can be taken to ensure sustainable tourism in these states?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"Q-17 What are the geographical factors responsible for mangrove vegetation in India? How does climate change pose a threat to mangrove vegetation in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"08 Although desert landscapes across the world reflect many similarities, the process of desertification is influenced by local factors. Elaborate with suitable examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Q-19 How does the 69th CAA led to Delhi's Dual governance dilemma? Discuss its implications on Cooperative federation as envisaged in the Constitution","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"Q-20 How did Mahatma Gandhi's participation in the Khilafat non cooperation movt. illustrate his ability to connect diverse issues & mobilize different community towards a common cause? To what extent did the Khilafat movt. achieve its objective?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":362,"topper":"Abhishek Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/abhishek-singh-test-6-1746617019776.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Q1 The level of excellence of the administration of the Maurya Kingdom was ahead of time & still relevant in present India? Discuss","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Q-2 The rock-cut architecture represents one of the most important sources of our knowledge of early Indian history. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Q-3 Though not very useful from point of view of a Connected political history of South India, Sangam literature portrays the social & economic conditions of its time with remarkable vividness. Comment","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Q4 The fabric of Indian philosophical thought owes as much to Northern India as to Southern India. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Q-5 How did the ancient trade routes connecting India to foreign countries contribute to the exchange & dissemination of culture?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Q16 How does the archeological evidence help in piecing together the life of harappan civilization?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Q-7 How do you explain the decline of Buddhism & Jainism? What was the impact of these philosophies on Indian society?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Q-8 Discuss the main contributions of Gupta period & the Chola period to Indian heritage.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Q79 Sanskrit literature in general & particularly in the Gupta age set a high watermark for the literary history of Ancient India. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":363,"topper":"Abhishek Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/abhishek-singh-test-8-1746617069295.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Q1 How do the foreign accounts help in piecing together the history of Ancient India? Explain with suitable examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Q2 Compare & Contrast the Nagara & Dravida (temple) Style of Architecture.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Q3 Indian National Congress was not the first political organization but the culmination of a long process of political developments in colonial India. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Q4 The revolt of 1857, called the first war of Independence, was neither \"first\" nor a war of Independence. Discuss","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Q5 Gandhian phase of the National movement brought in new set of ideas, philosophies and added wind to the sails of the National movt. Discuss","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Q6 Assess the role of Subhash Chandra Bose in India's freedom struggle.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Q7 What was the Mountbatten plan? Highlight the Contribution of Mountbatten in final transfer of power & ultimate independence of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Q8 Why was there a sudden spurt in famines in colonial India since mid-eighteenth century? Give reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Q9 The Quit India movement was a people's movement cutting across the class divides but it was the women's leadership that left the clear mark. Analyze.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Q1 Socio religious reforms of 19th century did not just impact the Hindu Society but have impacted other religions too. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Q-11 Sanskrit literature in general and particularly in Gupta age set a high watermark for literary history of ancient India. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"Q-12 Discuss the significance of Lion & Bull figure in Indian mythology, art & architecture.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"Q-13 Within the Constitutional field - In light of this statement discuss the contribution of moderates to Indian National movement along with their limitations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Q14 The English were unwittingly drawn into the political turmoil created by Indians themselves & were almost completely forced to acquire Indian territories. Critically comment on this colonial view of British Conquest in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"Q.15 What were the factors that helped in the development of Revolutionary Extremism in first half of 20th century? What was the impact of revolutionary extremists on the national political scene?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"Q-16 Bring out the Constructive programmes of Mahatma Gandhi during Non-cooperation Movt. & Civil disobedience movement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"Q-17 What are the various ways in which Nationalism manifested in India during colonial rule?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"Q-18 To what extent women participated in different phases of freedom struggle? How did this activism & politicization of women promote a feminist consciousness in colonial India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Q-19 How did British economic policies favour the western capitalist class at the expense of India's economic interests? What were the factors which facilitated modest Indian industrial development in the starting decades of 20th Century despite an obstructing colonial presence?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"Q.20 Highlight the evolution of British policy on princely states, discuss the role played by princely states in Indian national movement.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":364,"topper":"Abhishek Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/abhishek-singh-test-9-1746617125828.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"1 How do recent advancements in studies related to gravitational waves, Hubble telescope, & black holes help in understanding origin of universe?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Q2 Weathering is a complex phenomenon involving number of processes & is influenced by multiple factors. Explain","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Q-3 Explain the Concept of heat budget & its role in maintaining the earth's temperature. How does the greenhouse effect impact the heat budget of the earth's atmosphere?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Q-4 Tropical cyclones are largely confined to South China Sea, BOB & Gulf of Mexico. Why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Q5 Discuss the Concept of air masses & explain its role in macro-climatic changes.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Q-6 Explain the various stages of formation of the great Himalayas. How eastern Himalayas is different from western Himalayas?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Q7 Discuss the factors affecting the horizontal & vertical distribution of ocean temperature. How does the warming of oceans due to climate change impact global weather patterns?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Q8 Explain the concept of plate tectonics & discuss its significance in explaining the geological phenomenon observed on earth.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Q-9 The earth's atmosphere is a complex system, with different layers & varying compositions. Analyze the composition & structure of the earth's atmosphere highlighting its significance in regulating the planet's climate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"10 Briefly mention the alignment of major mountain ranges of the world & explain their impact on local weather conditions, with example.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":365,"topper":"Abhishek Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/abhishek-singh-polity-1746616850993.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Q.1 How does the Indian Constitution harmoniously blends borrowed elements with indigenous needs?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":4,"question":"0.2 Preamble is the mirror that reflects the mission & vision of Constitution makers. Explain.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Q.3 What is rule of law? Compare & Contrast the implementation of the Rule of law in India & UK?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"0.4 FDs are a reminder that citizenship is not merely a passive status but active engagement. Discuss. What are the challenges in legal enforcement?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"0.5 Does the problem of hate speech in India stem from lack of laws or poor implementation of law?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Q.6 Examine the distinct notions of Equality in the Constitution of the USA & India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Q-7 Basic Structure Doctrine is a North Star that guides interpreters of Constitution. Analyze the above statement & also highlight the elements that constitute BS through various judgements.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"0.9 The expression \"equal respect for all religions\" does not capture the complexities of Indian secularism. Analyze, also discuss the challenges in implementation of UCC.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Q1 In light of recent SC judgement on the Right to Privacy, examine the scope of FRs in India.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":366,"topper":"Abhishek Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/abhishek-singh-polity-2-1746616867142.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Q-1 How far do you think Cooperation, Competition, and Confrontation have shaped the nature of federation in India? Cite some recent examples to validate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Q2 Examine the role of Inter State Council in promoting vertical (centre-state) & horizontal (Inter-State) Intergovernmental Cooperation & Coordination.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Q3 The power, privileges & immunities of parliament and its members as envisaged in Article 105 of the Constitution leave no room ----- addressed?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Q.4 Unlike the Rajya Sabha, the desirability of a second chamber at the state level is often questioned on various grounds. Explain.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Q.5 Under what circumstances can the financial emergency be proclaimed by the president of India? What consequences follow when such a declaration remains in force?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Q-6 To what extent parliamentary Committees have been effective in ensuring the accountability of the executive? Justify your answer.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"0.7 Any federal system is bound to have asymmetries, therefore special provisions are essential not only to come together but to hold together. Discuss in the context of Indian federalism.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Q.9 What were the primary considerations & factors that influenced India's decision to adopt a parliamentary system of govt. instead of presidential system. Do presidentialization India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Q-10 The dynamics of centre - state relations in recent times reflect the ongoing tussle b/w the pursuit of Centralized decision making & demand of regional autonomy. Elucidate with examples. Also suggest measures for better Coordination.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":367,"topper":"Abhishek Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/abhishek-singh-polity-3-1746616932843.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Q1 The IX schedule once a vessel for reforms was transformed into a Constitutional dustbin of limitless proportions, what was the significance of IR Coelho judgement ?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Q2 Examine the Importance of establishing National tribunals Commissions in systematically reforming the tribunal system in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"6 Other steps that can be taken to reform tribunals:\n1 Supreme Court has said to create an Independent body for appointment and transfer of members of tribunals\n2 Improving Infrastructure\n3 Digitalization of process\n4 Fulfilling vacancies in all benches","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Q3 The Governor's office is neither decorative nor inconsequential, it assumes a Constitutional role of profound essence. To what extent does the governor actively contribute to the governance of a state & reinforce the principles of federalism in country?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Q-9 Instances of president's delay in commuting the death sentences have come under public debate as a denial of justice. Should there be a time specified for the president to accept/reject such petitions? Analyze.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Q-15 How has judicial activism in India contributed to the protection and advancement of human rights? Discuss w.r.t. significant cases.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Q.6 Resorting to ordinances have always raised concerns about the violation of the spirit of CoP. While noting the rationales justifying the powers to promulgate, analyze whether the decision of SC on the issue has further facilitated resorting to this power. Should power to promulgate the ordinances be repealed?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Q.7 Constitution envisages an independent judiciary, not an insulated judiciary. In light of the given statements, Discuss the issues associated with the appointment of judges in the higher judiciary & Suggest alternatives to the current system.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Q-8 Examine the advantages & challenges associated with the implementation of online dispute resolution (ODR) mechanisms in resolution of disputes.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Q9 Judicial legislation is antithetical to the doctrine of SOP as envisaged in the Constitution. In this context justify the filing of a large number of public interest petitions praying for issuing guidelines to executive authorities.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Q10 The huge number of undertrials languished in prison reflect that equality before the law doesn't always signify the equal access of laws. In this context discuss the reasons for a growing number of undertrials in Indian prison & also suggest corrective measures.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":368,"topper":"Abhishek Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/abhishek-singh-polity-4-1746616971353.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Q1 Discuss the safeguards available to civil servant against Doctrine of pleasure under Article 310 of Indian Constitution.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Q2 Discuss the role of the NCBC in the wake of its transformation from a statutory body to Constitutional body.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"03 \"The CAG has a very pivotal role to play.\" Explain how this is reflected in the method & terms of his appointment as well as range of powers he can exercise.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Q-4 Recognizing the pivotal role --- fifteenth FC has suggested reforms for ULB, Evaluate recommendations put forward by 15th FC in promoting & revitalizing ULBs in India","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"05 Cooperative federalism finds its true expression in the mandate & function of GST Council. Analyze.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"06 The Attorney general is the chief legal advisor & lawyer of the GOI. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Q-7 The key to effective decentralization is, 'Political decentralization should follow finance & functional decentralization'. Discuss in context of impediments faced by local governance in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"08 What are the powers & functions of NCSC? Discuss the performance of NCSC in promoting & protecting the rights of Scheduled Caste.?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Q9 Highlight the Concerns related to TOR of 15th FC. Discuss how the Commission has balanced conflicting interests.","marks":null,"words":"15"},{"page":27,"question":"Q20 \"Inter state border disputes, if not promptly & impartially settled, can transform into persistent issues that impede development & generate friction.\" Highlighting the Constitutional & legal framework to resolve I-S disputes, explain why Independent India has failed to resolve I-S border disputes.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"Why India failed to resolve border disputes between states?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":369,"topper":"Abhishek Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/abhishek-singh-polity-5-1746616988811.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Q-1 There is a need to resolve the ambiguity in the disqualification provisions under section 8 of RPA 1951. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"Q-2 Highlight the key differences in scope of freedom of speech & expression as provided under parliamentary privileges & fundamental rights. Why is it necessary to maintain a balance b/w PP & FRs?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"Q3 Electoral bonds are a double-edged sword, providing anonymity to donors while raising concerns about transparency. To what extent have e-bonds further legitimized opacity in funding?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Q.3 The Indian Constitution has not only served as political blueprint but also provides a social framework. In this context discuss the changing contours of socialism in last 75 years.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"Q.5 Discuss the key functions of PAC. What steps should be taken to revamp the PAC in order to enhance its effectiveness as a true guardian of public purse?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Q6 The Indian party system is passing through a plan of transition which looks to be full of contradictions & paradoxes. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Q8 The harmonious coexistence b/w FRs & DPSPs lays the foundation of equitable society, where individual liberty & collective welfare complement each other - Dr. Ambedkar. Discuss harmonious relationship b/w FRs & DPSPs in light of SC judgements.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"Q9 In the spirit of unity & efficiency, ONE nation one election stands as a powerful step towards streamlining our democratic process. Comment","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Q.10 Under what circumstances can the governor use his discretionary power under Article 200 of Constitution? Discuss its impact on the role & authority of the governor in federal setup.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"Q1 The office of CBI has faced criticism & challenges primarily due to concerns about its autonomy, transparency & susceptibility to external influences. Discuss & suggest reforms to uphold its credibility & effectiveness.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Q-12 How has the Anti-defection law impacted the relationship b/w Political parties & individual legislators in India? In the light of recent examples also discuss the unintended consequences it has on functioning of democracy in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"Q-13 S.R. Bommai V. UOI Signified a paradigm shift in judicial interpretation of union's authority to assume control of states' administrations. In this context discuss the significance & impact of the judgement on cementing the federal structure?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"Q19 The doctrine of parliamentary sovereignty & judicial supremacy has exerted considerable influence in shaping the constitutional framework of India & USA. Citing relevant case laws discuss the role of judiciary in influencing the constitutions in these countries. Is the scope of judicial review wider in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"Q15 Delimitation of seats is essential to ensure free & fair representation & uphold the principle of 'one vote, one value'. Highlighting the challenges posed by misrepresentation in Constituencies analyze the ramifications of population based delimitation in creating federal tension.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Q16 Rajya Sabha has been transformed from a useless Stepney type to the most useful supporting organ in the past few decades. Highlight the factors as well as the areas in which this transformation is visible.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"Q-18 Discuss the role of SC of India in strengthening the hands of EC in discharge of its Constitutional responsibility of conducting free & fair elections in country.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"Q.19 Discuss the crucial role played by the NCW in shaping the discourse on gender-sensitive laws in India. To what extent the elevation of NCW to a Constitutional body would reinforce its authority?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"Q20 Discuss the role of the election Commission of India in light of evolution of MCC","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":370,"topper":"Abhishek Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/abhishek-singh-test-22-1747312061781.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":371,"topper":"Abhishek Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/abhishek-singh-test-6-1746617019776.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"The level of excellence of the administration of the Maurya kingdom was ahead of time and still relevant in present India? Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"The rock-cut architecture represents one of the most important sources of our knowledge of early Indian history. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Though not very useful from point of view of a connected political history of south India, Singam literature portrays the social & economic conditions of its time with remarkable vividness. Comment","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"The fabric of Indian philosophical thought owes as much to Northern India as to southern India. Elucidate","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"How did the ancient trade Routes connecting India to foreign Countries Contribute to the exchange & dessimination of culture?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"How does the archeological evidence help in piecing together the life of Harappan civilization ?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"How do you explain the decline of Buddhism & Jainism? What was the impact of these philosophies on Indian society?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the main contributions of Gupta period & the Chola period to Indian heritage.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Sanskrit literature in general & particularly in the Gupta age set a high watermark for the literary history of Ancient India. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Although there were many differences between the Gandhara & Mathura art, they considerably influenced the Amravati school of art. Elaborate","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":372,"topper":"Abhishek Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/abhishek-singh-polity-1746616850993.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"How does the Indian Constitution harmoniously blends borrowed elements with indigenous needs?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":4,"question":"Preamble is the mirror that reflects the mission & vision of Constitution makers. Explain.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"What is rule of law? Compare & Contrast the implementation of the Rule of law in India & UK?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"FDs are a reminder that citizenship is not merely a passive status but active engagement. Discuss. what are the challenges in legal enforcement.?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"Unchecked Hate speech emboldens hatred & fosters fear and animosity. Does the problem of hate speech in India stem from lack of laws or poor implementation of law?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Examine the distinct notions of equality in the Constitution of the USA & India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Q-7 Basic Structure Doctrine is a North Star that guides interpreters of Constitution. Analyze the above statement and also highlight the elements that constitute BS through various judgements.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Q-8 Constitutional amendments empower citizens to shape Q.9 The expression \"equal respect for all religions\" does not capture the complexities of Indian secularism. Analyze, also discuss the challenges in implementation of UCC.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"The expression \"equal respect for all religions\" does not capture the complexities of Indian secularism. Analyze, also discuss the challenges in implementation of UCC.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Q. In light of recent SC judgement on the Right to Privacy, examine the scope of FRs in India.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":373,"topper":"Abhishek Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/abhishek-singh-test-8-1746617069295.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"How do the foreign accounts help in piecing together the history of Ancient India? Explain with suitable examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Indian National Congress was not the first political organization but the culmination of a long process of political developments in colonial India. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"The revolt of 1857, called the first war of Independence, was neither \"first\" nor a war of Independence\". Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Gandhian phase of the National movement broughts in new set of ideas, philosophies and added wind to the sails of the National movt. Discuss","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Assess the role of Subhash chandra Bose in India's freedom struggle.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"What was the mountbatten plan? Highlight the Contribution of Mountbatten in final transfer of power & ultimate independence of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Why was there a sudden spurt in famines in colonial India since mid-eighteenth century? Give reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"The Quit India movement was a peoples movement cutting across the class divides but it was the womens leadership that left the clear mark. Analyze.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Socio religious reforms of 19th century did not just impact the Hindu Society but have impacted other religions too. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Sanskrit literature in general and particularly in Gupta age set a high watermark for literary history of ancient India. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"Discuss the significance of Lion & Bull figure in Indian mythology, art & architecture.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"Within the Constitutional field - In light of this statement discuss the Contribution of moderates to Indian National movement along with their limitations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"The English were unwittingly drawn into the political turmoil created by Indians themselves & were almost completely forced to acquire Indian territories. Critically Comment on this colonial view of British Conquest in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"What were the factors that helped in the development of revolutionary extremism in first half of 20th century? What was the impact of revolutionary extremists on the national political scene?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"Bring out the constructive programmes of Mahatma Gandhi during Non-cooperation movement & Civil disobedience movement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"What are the various ways in which Nationalism manifested in India during colonial rule?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"To what extent women participated in different phases of freedom struggle? How did this activism & politicization of women promote a feminist consciousness in Colonial India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"How did British economic policies favour the western capitalist class at the expense of India's economic interests? What were the factors which facilitated modest Indian industrial development in the starting decades of 20th Century, despite an obstructing colonial presence?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"Highlight the evolution of British policy on princely states, discuss the role played by princely states in Indian national movement.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":374,"topper":"Abhishek Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/abhishek-singh-test-7-1746617050656.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Clarify how mid eighteenth century was beset with the spectre of a fragmented polity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"The success of EIC depended on its capacity to mobilize greater resources than its rivals. Critically Comment on this statement in context of reasons for the success of East India company against both European & Indian rivals.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Indian societies impulse for social change & reforms was a response to its opposition to Colonial rule. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"The 1857 uprising was the culmination of recurrent/big & small local rebellions that had occured in the preceding 100 years of British rule. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Critically examine how the introduction of western education transformed India in unforeseen ways.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"How did the social reforms and ideological struggle against backward traditional elements and hegemony of colonial culture in the 19th Century influence the emergence of a distinct cultural identity & national consciousness?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The process of consolidation of Bengal, which started after the Battle of Plassey culminated in the Battle of Buxar. Do you think the Battle of Plassey Buxar was more important for the British than Plassey?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Examine how the decline of traditional artisanal industry in colonial India crippled the rural economy?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Describe the British govt. approach towards the Indian administration after 1857? How did the administrative changes introduced post 1857 revolt help in consolidating British control over India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"What was the real reason behind the British decision to partition the province of Bengal ? To what extent did the difference in approach to deal with the issue of partition of Bengal led to surat split in 1907 ?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":375,"topper":"Abhishek Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/abhishek-singh-polity-4-1746616971353.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the safeguards available to civil servant against Doctrine of pleasure under Article 310 of Indian Constitution.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss the role of the NCBC in the wake of its transformation from a statutory body to Constitutional body.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"The CAG has a very vital role to play. Explain how this is reflected in the method & terms of his appointment as well as range of powers he can exercise.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Recognizing the pivotal role... fifteenth FC has suggested reforms for ULB, Evaluate recommendation put forward by 15th FC in promoting & revitalizing ULBs in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Cooperative federalism finds its true expression in the mandate & function of GST Council. Analyze.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"The Attorney general is the chief legal advisor & lawyer of the GOI. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The key to effective decentralization is, 'Political decentralization should follow finance & functional decentralization'. Discuss in context of impediments faced by local governance in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"What are the powers & functions of NCSC? Discuss the performance of NCSC in promoting & protecting the rights of Scheduled Caste?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Highlight the concerns related to TOR of 15th FC. Discuss how the Commission has balanced conflicting interests.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Interstate border disputes, if not promptly & impartially settled, can transform into persistent issues that impede development & generate friction. Highlighting the Constitutional & legal framework to resolve I-S disputes, explain why Independent India has failed to resolve I-S border disputes. Inter state disputes act as a roadblock to goals of Cooperative federalism in India.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":376,"topper":"Abhishek Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/abhishek-singh-polity-5-1746616988811.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"There is a need to resolve the ambiguity in the disqualification provisions under Section 8 of RPA 1951. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"Highlight the key differences in scope of freedom of speech & expression as provided under parliament privileges viz. fundamental rights. Why is it necessary to maintain a balance b/w PPs & FRS?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"Electoral bonds are a double-edged sword, providing anonymity to donors while raising concerns about transparency. To what extent have e-bonds further legitimized opacity in funding?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"The indian Constitution has not only served as political blueprint but also provide a social framework. In this context discuss the changing contours of Socialism in last 75 years.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"Discuss the key functions of PAC. What steps should be taken to revamp the PAC in order to enhance its effectiveness as a true guardian of public purse","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"The Indian party system is passing through a phase of transition which looks to be full of contradiction & paradoxes. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The lack of effective functioning in local bodies partly results from their incapability to generate independent financial resources. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"The harmonious Coexistence b/w FRs & DPSPs lays the foundation of equitable society, where individual liberty & collective welfare complement each other - Dr. Ambedkar. Discuss harmonious relationship b/w FRs & DPSPs in light of SC judgements.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"In the spirit of unity & efficiency, \"One nation one election stands as a powerful step towards streamlining our democratic process\". Comment","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Under what circumstances can the governor use his discretionary powers under Article 200 of Constitution? Discuss its impact on the role & authority of the governor in federal setup.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"The office of CBI has faced criticism & challenges, primarily due to concerns about its autonomy, transparency & susceptibility to external influences. Discuss & suggest reforms to uphold its credibility & effectiveness.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"How has the Anti-defection law impacted the relationship b/w political parties & individual legislators in India? In the light of recent examples also discuss the unintended consequences it has on functioning of democracy in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"Q-13 S.R Bommai V. UOI signified a paradigm shift in judicial interpretation of union's authority to assume control of states administration. In this context discuss the significance & impact of the judgement on cementing the federal struct?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"Q-14 The doctrine of parliamentary sovereignty & judicial supremacy has exerted considerable influence in shaping the constitutional framework of India & USA. Citing relevant case laws discuss the role of judiciary in influencing the constitutions in these countries. Is the scope of judicial review wider in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"Delimitation of seats is essential to ensure free & fair representation & uphold the principle of 'one vote, one value'. Highlighting the challenges posed by misrepresentation in constituencies analyze the ramifications of population based delimitation in creating federal tension.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Rajya Sabha has been transformed from a useless stepney type to the most useful supporting organ in the past few decades. Highlight the factors as well as the areas in which this transformation is visible.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Though HR Commissions have contributed immensely to the protection of human rights in India, yet they have failed to assert themselves against the mighty & powerful. Analyzing their structural & practical limitation, suggest remedy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss the role of SC of India in strengthening the hands of EC in discharge of its Constitutional responsibility of conducting free & fair elections in country.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"Discuss the crucial role played by the NCW in shaping the discourse on gender-sensitive laws in India. To what extent the elevation of NCW to a constitutional body would reinforce its authority.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"Discuss the role of the Election Commission of India in light of evolution of MCC","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":377,"topper":"Abhishek Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/abhishek-singh-polity-2-1746616867142.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"How far do you think Cooperation, Competition, and Confrontation have shaped the nature of federation in India? Cite some recent examples to validate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Examine the role of Inter-state Council in promoting vertical (centre-state) & horizontal (inter-state) intergovernmental cooperation & coordination.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"The power, privileges & immunities of parliament and its members as envisaged in Article 105 of the Constitution Unlike the Rajya Sabha, the desirability of a second chamber at the state level is often questioned on various grounds. Explain.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Unlike the Rajya Sabha, the desirability of a second chamber at the state level is often questioned on various grounds. Explain.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Under what circumstances can the financial emergency be proclaimed by the president of India? What consequences follow when such a declaration remains in force?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"To what extent parliamentary Committees have been effective in ensuring the accountability of the executive? Justify your answer.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Any federal system is bound to have asymmetrics, therefore special provisons are essential not only to come together but to hold together. Discuss in the context of Indian federalism.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Q-8 The essence of parliamentary democracy lies in the ability to debate, discuss & dissent. Parliament is where ideas are tested, policies are scrutinized - - - Institution.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Q-9 What were the primary considerations & factors that influenced India's decision to adopt a parliamentary system of govt. instead of presidential system. Do ----- presidentialization ----- India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"The dynamics of centre - state relations in recent times reflect the ongoing tussle b/w the pursuit of Centralized decision making & demand of regional autonomy. Elucidate with examples, Also suggest measures for better coordination.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":378,"topper":"Abhishek Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/abhishek-singh-polity-3-1746616932843.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"The IX Schedule once a vessel for reforms was transformed into a Constitutional dustbin of limitless proportions, what was the significance of IR Coelho judgement?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Examine the importance of establishing a National Tribunals Commission in systematically reforming the tribunal system in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"The Governor's office is neither decorative nor inconsequential, it assumes a Constitutional role of profound essence. To what extent does the governor actively contribute to the governance of a state & reinforce the principles of federalism in country?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Instances of president's delay in commuting the death sentences have come under public debate as a denial of justice. Should there be a time specified for the president to accept/reject such petitions? Analyze.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"How has judicial activism in India contributed to the protection and advancement of human rights? Discuss w.r.t. significant cases.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Resorting to ordinances have always raised concerns about the violation of the spirit of SOP. While noting the rationales justifying the power to promulgate, analyze whether the decision of SC on the issue has further facilitated resorting to this power. Should power to promulgate the ordinances be repealed?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Constitution envisages an independent judiciary, not an insulated judiciary. In light of the given statements, discuss the issues associated with the appointment of judges in the higher judiciary & suggest alternatives to the current system.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Q-8 Examine the advantages & Challenges associated with the implementation of online dispute Resolution (ODR) mechanisms in resolution of disputes.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Q-9 Judicial legislation is antithetical to the doctrine of SOP as envisaged in the Constitution. In this context justify the filing of a large number of public interest petitions praying for issuing guidelines to executive authorities.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"The huge number of undertrials languished in prison reflects that equality before the law doesn't always signify the equality of law. In this context discuss the reasons for a growing number of undertrials in Indian prison & also suggest corrective measures.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":379,"topper":"Abhishek Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/abhishek-singh-test-9-1746617125828.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"How do recent advancements in studies related to gravitational waves, Hubble telescope, & black holes help in understanding origin of universe?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Weathering is a complex phenomenon involving number of processes & is influenced by multiple factors. Explain","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Q->3 Explain the concept of heat budget & its role in maintaining the earth's temperature. How does the greenhouse effect impact the heat budget of the earth's atmosphere?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Q->4) Tropical cyclones are largely confined to South China Sea, BoB & Gulf of Mexico. Why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Q-5. Discuss the concept of air masses & explain its role in macro-climatic changes.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Q-6. Explain the various stages of formation of the great Himalayas. How eastern Himalayas is different from western Himalayas?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Q-7. Discuss the factors affecting the horizontal & vertical distribution of ocean temperature. How does the warming of oceans due to climate change impacted global weather patterns?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"The earth's atmosphere is a complex system, with different layers & varying compositions. Analyze the Composition & Structure of the earth's atmosphere highlighting its significance in regulating the planet's climate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Briefly mention the alignment of major mountain ranges of the world & explain their impact on local weather conditions, with example.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":380,"topper":"Abhishek Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/abhishek-singh-test-13-1747311883788.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Q1 Define the Concept of the carrying capacity of an ecosystem as relevant to an environment. Explain how the understanding this concept is vital while planning for the sustainable devt. of a region.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Q2 Critically evaluate the role of ocean thermal energy in improving overall energy security in India. Why has India failed to capture the potential of ocean thermal energy?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Q3 What are the challenges that rising plastic waste poses to the terrestrial & aquatic ecosystems? Suggest measures to effectively combat the rising menace of plastic pollution globally.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Q4 Invasive alien species are threat to the ecological sensitivity of native species which adversely impacts the biodiversity in India. In this regard, critically evaluate the recent amendment in WPA to regulate invasive alien species in India. Provide other measures as well.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"05 The menace of air pollution remains one of the major environmental concerns of North India: what factors can be responsible for the degrading air quality in North India? Suggest some measures to effectively tackle this problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Q6 The recently concluded water bodies census has brought the issues of depleting water bodies in India to the fore. In this context, elaborate on the ecological & environmental challenges faced by natural & artificial water bodies in India. Also suggest measures to prevent depletion of water bodies & improve the status of water bodies in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"07 MISHTI initiative was recently launched in Budget 2023-24 in order to ensure sustainable growth of mangroves in India. Elaborate on the features of MISHTI programme while highlighting the importance & threats to mangroves in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"08 Discuss global warming & mention its effects on the global climate? Explain the control measures to bring down the level of GHGs that cause global warming, in the light of Kyoto protocol, 1997.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"09 Clean energy is the order of the day! Describe briefly the India's changing policies towards climate change in various international fora in the context of geopolitics.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Q10 Geoengineering proposes practical solutions to the problems of climate change: what is geoengineering & how can it help in fixing the issues of climate change? Substantiate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":381,"topper":"Abhishek Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/abhishek-singh-test-14-1747311900735.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"1. \"Green hydrogen can be the silver bullet in our quest to tackle climate change and pollution\". Critically analyse the statement in light of India's National green hydrogen mission.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"2. What is the Global Methane Pledge? Do you think the Global Methane Pledge is a positive step towards mitigating methane emissions? Explain India's stance on this issue.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"3. Climate change mitigation and adaptation strategy is not only about reducing future emissions but also involves active removal of already released carbon into the atmosphere. In this context what do you understand by the concept of Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) and discuss the progress of the international community in this regard.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"4. How does the draft Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2020 differ from the existing EIA Notification, 2006?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"5. Explain the mechanism and occurrence of cloudburst in the Indian subcontinent. Discuss two recent examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"6. What are the key lessons for disaster management and environmental conservation in the Himalayan region, in light of the recent disaster in Joshimath, Uttarakhand?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":16,"question":"7. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of disaster management in public health. Discuss the key strategies and challenges for managing pandemics and other infectious disease outbreaks.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"8. Poor building design, flagrant violations of building and fire safety norms and overcrowding of spaces are responsible for the rising risk of fires in urban areas. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"9. How do the Puranas contribute to our understanding of ancient Indian culture and history?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":22,"question":"10. What were the factors leading to the deindustrialization of India under British colonial rule? Also, discuss the economic and social impact of the decline of India's indigenous industries during this period.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"11. Explain the purpose of the Mangrove Alliance for Climate launched at the COP27 UN Climate Change Conference in Egypt in November 2022. Elaborate on the importance of mangroves in maintaining the coastal ecology of tropical nations.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"12. Trace the evolution of the Loss and Damage fund. What are major developments related to loss and damage funds in COP 27? What are the commitments made by India in this conference?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":30,"question":"13. The recent amendments in the Wildlife Protection Act provide a framework to prevent illegal trade in wild animals and plants to ensure that their survival is not threatened. In this regard, mention the implications of illegal wildlife trade in India and analyse the effectiveness of the recent amendments to address the issue.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"14. Elaborate on the reasons behind the rise in human-wildlife conflicts in India. What measures can be undertaken to ensure the peaceful co-existence of humans and wildlife?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"15. The Formation of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure brings more robustness to the Disaster Management approach in India. Comment and justify the need for a new strategy to tackle Disasters in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"16. Disaster management is not just about responding to emergencies but also about building resilient communities. Discuss the key strategies that can be used to build community resilience and reduce the impact of disasters.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"17. Analyze the factors that contribute to the increased incidence and severity of floods in urban areas and the measures that can be taken to reduce the risk and enhance the resilience of the population.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"18. 'The system of judges appointing judges is a distinctive element of the Indian judicial system'. How does the process of judicial appointment in India differ from that of the United Kingdom and the United States?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"19. Highlighting the reasons for the increasing criminalization of politics in India, discuss the need for reforms in various sections of the Representation of People Act, 1951.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":49,"question":"20. Analyse the factors influencing the spatial distribution of population in India, with emphasis on the regional differences in population density distribution. Also, suggest policy measures to tackle the challenges posed by uneven population distribution.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":382,"topper":"Abhishek Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/abhishek-singh-test-15-1747311928012.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"1. FDI, apart from being a driver of economic growth, can also be seen as a non-debt-creating financial resource. In this context, what is the relevance of FDI in the economic growth of India? What are the issues associated with FDI as a source of growth?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"2. \"India is no country for working women\". In this context, discuss the reasons for the low female participation rate in the labour force while suggesting measures to improve the participation of women in the labour force.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The overemphasis on the GDP growth rate subsides the issues of growing inequality and environmental unsustainability. In this context, highlighting the limitations of GDP suggests alternatives to GDP as a welfare of growth rate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"4. How has the budgetary process changed since the last decade? Suggest budgetary reforms that can help in better management of government expenditure.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"5. Inequality has become a major challenge to inclusive growth in India. In this context, elaborate on the reasons for rising economic inequality in India. Also suggests measures required to reduce economic inequality in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"6. Do you agree that India's growth trajectory in the post-COVID-19 era has been K-shaped? Substantiate your answer with reasons.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":17,"question":"7. Rising NPAs coupled with twin balance sheet issues have been the most pressing problem of India's economy in recent times. What are the factors responsible for rising NPAs? Elaborate on the measures that can be undertaken to address this problem giving special reference to the potential of newly formed NARCL and IDRCL.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":20,"question":"8. India is often criticized for its regulatory cholesterol, which hinders economic growth and innovation. Discuss the concept of regulatory cholesterol and its impact on the Indian economy. Suggest pragmatic measures to streamline the regulatory environment and promote ease of doing business in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":23,"question":"Public expenditure management is a challenge to the Government of India in the context of budget-making during the post-liberalization period. Clarify it.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"10. Economic growth in the recent past has been led by an increase in labour activity. Explain this statement. Suggest the growth pattern that will lead to the creation of more jobs without compromising labour productivity.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":383,"topper":"Abhishek Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/abhishek-singh-test-16-1747311942119.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"1. What do you understand by Windfall tax? Do you think that windfall taxes can effectively redistribute wealth and promote greater economic equality?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"2. Elaborate on the difference between Capital Account and Current Account as components of Balance of Payment (BOP). Suggest a few measures to balance the BOP deficit of India.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":8,"question":"3. Discuss the perceived successes and challenges of implementing inflation targeting under the new Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) regime.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"4. The logistics sector is one of the important components of the growth of the manufacturing industry. Discuss. Also, mention various components of the recently announced National Logistics Policy 2022.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Jobless growth is an inherent feature of India's growth trajectory. What are the major reasons behind the high unemployment rate in India? Suggest remedial measures to improve the overall employment growth rate in India.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":14,"question":"7. Recently, the Government of India has started developing salt-cavern-based strategic oil reserves to increase India's strategic oil capacity. Critically analyze the importance of strategic oil reserves in order to strengthen India's energy security and its capacity to mitigate supply disruptions in global markets.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"8. The aviation sector is infamously known for its huge investments. What are the issues in the aviation sector? Suggest reforms to revitalize the aviation sector.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"9. What is Digital Public Infrastructure? What are the advantages of DPI development in India? What are the impediments to realizing the full potential of DPI in India? Substantiate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"10. Evaluate the potential of the PLI scheme in fostering innovation and enhancing competitiveness in the targeted sectors and suggest measures to ensure the sustainability and scalability of the scheme.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"12. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) plays an important role in the regulation of the share market and safeguarding the interests of investors. In light of the given statement, highlight the challenges faced by the SEBI and suggest reforms in this regard.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"13. International trade is centred on the Dominant currency paradigm. Critically Analyse the importance of Hard currency in International trade and Discuss the potential of rupee acceptance in global trade as an alternative to dollar imperialism.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"14. Demographic Dividend does not ensure growth; it only generates potential. Discuss the steps made by the government to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the demographic transition.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"15. Low tax buoyancy often translates into higher deficits and debt. Can a higher direct tax rate improve the overall tax-to-GDP ratio in India? What other steps can be undertaken to revamp the overall tax structure in India?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"16. Startups are the driving engines of the fast-changing modern economy. Why have Indian startups failed to realize their potential? What steps can be undertaken to improve the profitability and performance of startups in India?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":37,"question":"17. What are the inherent challenges that the Indian telecom sector has faced in the recent time? How far does the draft Indian Telecommunication Bill, 2022 address such issues? Suggest measures to revamp the telecom sector.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"18. Analyze the advantages and disadvantages of various PPP models, in terms of financing, risk allocation, and service delivery.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"19. The Indian EV industry is critically dependent on semiconductors for its sustainability. What are the challenges that the Indian semiconductor industry faces? Analyze and suggest measures to strengthen the supply chain of semiconductors in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"20. \"Investment in infrastructure is essential for more rapid and inclusive economic growth. Discuss in the light of India's experience.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":384,"topper":"Abhishek Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/abhishek-singh-test-17-1747311963903.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"1. Constraints in the Agriculture sector in India have been a major hurdle in achieving sustained growth and development. Discuss the various challenges faced by the agriculture sector in India and suggest policy measures to address these challenges.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"2. Evaluate the impact of irrigation on the environment and natural resources, and suggest measures to ensure the sustainability and equity of irrigation practices in agriculture.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"3. What is the Silvopasture Agroforestry System? How can it be effectively utilized to improve local climate resilience in India?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":10,"question":"4. In the light of recent Government push for GM crops like DMH-11, critically analyze the advantages and concerns related to GM crops in India in ensuring food and nutritional security in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"5. What do you mean by Minimum Support Price (MSP)? How will MSP rescue the farmers from the low-income trap?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"6. Discuss the different types of irrigation and irrigation systems used in agriculture, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":17,"question":"7. AI and Machine learning have revolutionised a number of industries, how can these technologies be deployed to improve Agricultural production and Productivity?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":20,"question":"8. Analyze the impact of liberalization and globalization on Indian agriculture and the challenges faced by farmers in the globalized economy.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":23,"question":"9. What are the major factors responsible for making the rice-wheat system a success? In spite of this success, how has this system become a bane in India?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":26,"question":"10. What are the reformative steps taken by the Government to make food grain distribution system more effective?","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":385,"topper":"Abhishek Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/abhishek-singh-test-18-1747311979017.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"1. Assess the potential of millet production in promoting sustainable agriculture and improving food security in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"2. What is India's stand on the New Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies under WTO? How is the Fisheries sector significant for India? Enumerate the steps taken by the Government to develop this sector.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"3. Analyze the systemic and institutional constraints that continue to hinder land reform efforts in India and propose pragmatic solutions to ensure equitable distribution of land.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"4. Bringing urea under the NBS Scheme is seen as the panacea for all the issues related to fertilizer subsidies in India as well as for the environmental problems of agriculture. Highlighting the issues related to urea management, suggest reforms are required to improve the usage of urea in a sustainable manner in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"5. India's food security faces challenges from not just domestic factors but also global factors. Comment. Discuss some ways to strengthen India's food security.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"11. Despite being a major contributor to the Indian economy, the agriculture sector is plagued by several constraints that impede its growth and development. Examine the role of technology in overcoming these constraints.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":17,"question":"12. Evaluate the impact of irrigation on the environment and natural resources, and suggest measures to ensure the sustainability and equity of irrigation practices in agriculture.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":20,"question":"13. 'Genome editing holds immense potential for crop improvement, but it also raises ethical and safety concerns'. How far do the new guidelines for the safety assessment of genome-edited plants in India, ensure the safety of genetically modified crops?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":23,"question":"14. Discuss the impact of direct and indirect farm subsidies on the agriculture sector in India. How have Minimum Support Prices (MSP) affected the agricultural economy?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":26,"question":"15. The import of edible oils forms a major part of India's import bill. In this context, evaluate the importance of the recently launched National Mission on Edible Oils and Oil Palm (NMEO-OP). What are the environmental concerns related to increasing palm oil production in India?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"}]},{"id":386,"topper":"Abhishek Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/abhishek-singh-test-19-1747312008450.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Q-1 (a) What do you understand by term 'Ethics' & 'Integrity'? Do you think they are interrelated? Explain with examples the relationship b/w ethics & integrity in context of public administration.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"(b) With regard to morality of actions, one view is that means is of paramount importance & the other view is that the ends justify the means. Which view do you think is more appropriate? Justify your answer.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"Which view is more important?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"2. (a) Man cannot do right in one department of life whilst he is occupied in doing wrong in any other department. - Gandhi. Do you think an individual's personal ... examples","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"(b) Goodness is the result of internal imperatives to do what is right, not sanctions from moral rules or rewards from expected consequences. Do you agree? Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":387,"topper":"Abhishek Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/abhishek-singh-test-20-1747312028825.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"1 (a) What are the basic principles of public life? Illustrate any three of these with suitable examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"1(b) Emotional intelligence is the ability to make your emotions work for you instead of against you. Do you agree? Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"2(a) What teachings of Buddha are most relevant today & why? Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"2(b) A positive attitude is considered to be an essential characteristic of a civil servant who is often required to function under extreme stress. What contributes to a positive attitude in a person?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"9(a) Persuasion performs a number of positive, prosocial functions. However, people often equate persuasion with manipulation & consider it unethical. What are the ethical values a persuader must respect to ensure the ethicality of persuasion? Explain.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"4(b) \"While Competence without Compassion can be brutal & inhumane, Similarly Compassion without Competence can be meaningless for persons seeking help\" Explain in Context of civil services","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":388,"topper":"Abhishek Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/abhishek-singh-test-21-1747312041888.pdf","questions":[{"page":15,"question":"3(b) In the Contemporary - Examine.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":389,"topper":"Abhishek Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/abhishek-singh-test-23-1747312075479.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"1. (a) Wisdom lies in knowing what to reckon with and what to overlook. An officer being engrossed with the periphery, ignoring the core issues before him, is no rare in the bureaucracy. Do you agree that such preoccupation of an administrator leads to the travesty of justice to the cause of effective service delivery and good governance? Critically evaluate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"1. (b) Apart from intellectual competency and moral qualities, empathy and compassion are some of the other vital attributes that facilitate the civil servants to be more competent in tackling the crucial issues or taking critical decisions. Explain with suitable illustrations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. (a) The Rules and Regulations provided to all the civil servants are same yet there is difference in the performance. Positive-minded officers are able to interpret the Rules and Regulations in favour of the case and achieve success, whereas negative minded officers are unable to achieve goals by interpreting the same Rules and Regulations against the case. Discuss with illustrations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"2. (b) It is believed that adherence to ethics in human actions would ensure in smooth functioning of an organization/system. If so, what does ethics seek to promote in human life? How do ethical values assist in the resolution of conflicts faced by him in his day-to-day functioning?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"3. (a) The impact of digital technology as a reliable source of input for rational decision-making is a debatable issue. Critically evaluate with a suitable example.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"3. (b) Besides domain knowledge, a public official needs innovativeness and creativity of a high order as well, while resolving ethical dilemmas. Discuss with a suitable example.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"4. (a) \"Refugees should not be turned back to the country where they would face persecution or human right violation.\" Examine the statement with reference to the ethical dimension being violated by the nation claiming to be democratic with an open society.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"4. (b) Should impartial and non-partisan be considered indispensable qualities to make a successful civil servant? Discuss with illustrations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"5. (a) Most civil servants are neither pure deontologists nor pure utilitarians but they operate according to a kind of ethical pluralism. Do you agree? Discuss your position with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"5. (b) Explain the difference between codes of ethics, codes of conduct and codes of rules and regulations. Do you think an increase in the number of codes and regulations is an efficient response to the decline of public trust and integrity issues? Why/why not?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"6. (b) \"The most important human endeavour is the striving for morality in our actions. Our inner balance and even our existence depend on it. Only morality in our actions can give beauty and dignity to life.\" (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"6. (c) \"Men must have corrupted nature a little, for they were not born wolves, and they have become wolves.\"","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"7. You are the Head of an Agency, a special purpose vehicle, responsible for overseeing the last-mile delivery of essential services and sorting out bottlenecks and grievances of the citizens within your jurisdiction. The essential services included Maternal and infant health care, nutritional support to BPL families, drinking water availability, etc.\n\nYour agency employed a staff of 15 to carry out regular official operations and handle grievances. Since the agency dealt with complaints, there was an enormous amount of public dealing daily. Sometimes the agency officials had to work beyond office hours to finish the regular office work as public dealings took away most of the office hours. The employees were unhappy doing the extra bit as they were not paid any overtime. A few of them informally raised the issue with you, but you were helpless as the agency rules didn't allow any travel or overtime allowances. You tried taking up the matter with HQ but to no avail.\n\nThe work stress gradually started showing up among the staff, they became irritable with the complainants, and at times they shouted at them. Besides rudeness, the staff's language became abusive, derogatory, and sometimes casteist. You could notice that there were 4 of them in particular who were getting very abusive and discriminatory while handling grievances. As the Head, you warned them but there was no marked change in their work attitude. To compound your problem, some of the villagers, through their Sarpanch, raised the issue of rude, disrespectful, and discriminatory behavior with your HQ. The HQ immediately instructed you to take action and create a respectful and dignified workspace.\n1. What are the issues involved in the above case?\n2. What are the action options available to you?\n3. Examine each of the options and identify your chosen course of action.\n4. What do you understand by dignity? Distinguish between human and social dignity? Identify the common dignity violations that one notices in government departments.","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":33,"question":"8 (a) What are the ethical and business issues involved in the case?\n(b) What are the options available to Mr. Sharma and the CEO?\n(c) Do you think the organizational culture of giving freedom to the sales force led to the issue or was the individual's corrupt nature that led to the problem? Discuss.\n(d) What ethics mechanisms and steps can the company create and implement to prevent unethical behaviour, as mentioned in the case? (Answer in 250 words) 20 Marks\na) What are the ethical and business issues involved in the case?\nb) What are the options available to Mr. Sharma and the CEO?\nc) Do you think the organizational culture of giving freedom to the sales force led to the issue or was the individual's corrupt nature that led to the problem? Discuss.\nd) What ethics mechanisms and steps can the company create and implement to prevent unethical behaviour, as mentioned in the case? (Answer in 250 words) 20 Marks","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"9. 1. What are the ethical issues and dilemmas involved in the above case?\n2. What are the options available to you?\n3. Select your chosen course of action after analyzing the options.\n4. What must be your moral motivation in the above case? Should it be duty, care, or consequences?\n1. What are the ethical issues and dilemmas involved in the above case?\n2. What are the options available to you?\n3. Select your chosen course of action after analyzing the options.\n4. What must be your moral motivation in the above case? Should it be duty, care, or consequences?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":43,"question":"10. 1. What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\n2. What do you think principle-oriented and rule-abiding police personnel must do in the above case? Why? Justify\n3. What do you think must assume priority in civil service, loyalty to the department, or being impartial and non-partisan in your decisions and service values?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":48,"question":"11 (a) What are the options available with Ashok to cope up with the situation?\n(b) Critically evaluate/examine each of the options identified by Ashok.\n(c) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Ashok?\n(d) Which of the options, do you think, would be the most appropriate for Ashok to adopt and why?\n(e) In the above scenario, what type of training would you suggest for police officers posted to such districts where stone mining illegal activities are rampant?\na) What are the options available with Ashok to cope up with the situation?\nb) Critically evaluate/examine each of the options identified by Ashok.\nc) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Ashok?\nd) Which of the options, do you think, would be the most appropriate for Ashok to adopt and why?\ne) In the above scenario, what type of training would you suggest for police officers posted to such districts where stone mining illegal activities are rampant?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"12. You are Vice Principal of a degree college in one of the middle-class towns. Principal has recently retired and management is looking for his replacement. There are also feelers that the management may promote you as Principal. In the meantime, during annual examination the flying squad came from the university caught two students red-handed involving in unfair means. A senior lecturer of the college was personally helping these student in this act. This senior lecturer also happens to be close to the management. One of the students was son of a local politician who was responsible in getting college affiliated to the present reputed university. The second student was son of a local businessman who has donated maximum funds for running of the college. You immediately informed the management regarding this unfortunate incident. The management told you to resolve the issue with flying squad at any cost. They further said that such incident will not only tarnish the image of the college but also the politician and businessman are very important personalities for the functioning of the college. You were also given hint that your further promotion to Principal depends on your capability in resolving this issue with flying squad. In the meantime, you were intimated by your administrative officer that certain members of the student union are protesting outside the college gate against the senior lecturer and the students involved in this incident and demanding strict action against defaulters.\n1. Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\n2. Critically examine the options available with you as Vice Principal. What option will you adopt and why?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":58,"question":"6 Discuss the meaning of the following quotes:\n(a) The root of happiness is Dharma (righteousness), the root of Dharma is Artha (economy), the root of Artha is right governance.","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":390,"topper":"Abhishek Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d49c3-856428_1502_abhishek_singh_rank_78.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"It is often argued that there is a crisis of values in modern society. Do you agree with this view? Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Explain the role of society in imparting values. In this context also, discuss a situation wherein acquired values learnt from home or school guided you in a situation of dilemma.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"For a public servant to fulfill his ethical obligations, it is important that there is no dichotomy between his personal ethics & public ethics. Analyze.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Part(b) Transparency is not only a bulwark against corruption in administration but also strengthens moral standards in governance. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Part(a) Morality is neither divine commands nor universal principle of thought rather practice developed by groups of human beings striving to avoid mutually harmful conflict & promote mutually beneficial cooperation. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Part(b) Explain the different aspects of the 'right conduct' taught by Mahavira to attain a life full of happiness & content.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Discuss the standards of behaviour expected from a civil servant in carrying out their role of developing & implementing government policies & delivering public services.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Bring out the difference between the ethical issues faced by government & private institutions & the reasons theirin.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"What is the ethical basis behind the idea of reparations for historical wrongs committed against certain groups?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by integrity pacts? In light of recent events, analyze the utility in ensuring transparency & efficiency in public procurement in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"\"We are what our thoughts have made us; so take care of what you think. Words are secondary. Thoughts live; they travel far.\" - Swami Vivekananda","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"\"Virtue lies in our power, and similarly so does vice, because where it is in our power to act, it is also in our power not to act\" - Aristotle.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":391,"topper":"Abhishek Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e454c-856428_1505_abhishek_singh_rank_78.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Part(a): Open government data (OGD) can be seen as a step towards greater transparency & accountability in India. In this context, discuss the benefits of OGD & challenges which lie therein.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Part(b): \"White corruption is never good, not all forms of corruption are equally bad for economy, nor do they cause the same kind of harm.\" Critically analyze the statement in context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Part(a): Probity in governance is an essential & vital requirement for an efficient & effective system of governance & for socio-economic development. Discuss. Also state ways to enhance probity in governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Part(b) Highlight the importance of whistle blowing in an organization, discuss the systemic factors that determine whether a person would become a whistle blower.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Ques 3 What do each of the following quotations mean to you? Part(a) \"Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value\" - Albert Einstein.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Part (b) Discretionary power by itself is not pure evil but gives much room for the misuse. Discuss in the context of administration in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Part (a) Emotional Intelligence is an important trait to imbibe in a highly competitive & achievement oriented environment. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Part (b) Emotional Intelligence is an essential ingredient for successful implementation of Pandemic induced emergency response. Comment in the light of Covid-19 pandemic.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Enumerate the decisive factors behind moral attitude. Also, discuss any incident from your life wherein you brought about a change in someone's attitude around an important social issue.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":392,"topper":"Abhishek Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/abhishek-singh-test-21-1747312041888.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"What is meant by public interest? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":393,"topper":"Abhishek Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/abhishek-singh-test-11-1747311842162.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the causes of Tsunamis & their impact on coastal areas. What measures can be taken to mitigate the impact of tsunamis?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"India is endowed with large rivers emerging from the great Himalayas yet the region faces water shortage. Discuss. Also, give solutions to deal with the problem of water shortage.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss the difft. types of soils found in India & their significance for Agriculture.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Major hot deserts in northern hemisphere are located b/w 20-30° North & on western side of continents. Why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Explain the mechanism of the Indian monsoon. What role do El-Nino & La-Nina play in its development over the Indian subcontinent?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the ways in which earthquakes can trigger secondary hazards such as landslides, tsunamis, & liquefaction. Assess the relative risks associated with these hazards & the measures that can be taken to mitigate their impact.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"How do the melting of the Arctic ice & glaciers of the Antarctic differently affect the weather patterns & human activities on the earth?. Explain.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Explain the origin of Indian Islands in the Bay of Bengal & the Arabian sea.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"How has the global warming impacted the frequency & intensity of extreme weather events such as cyclones, floods, and drought, & what are the implications of these changes for vulnerable Communities?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":394,"topper":"Abhishek Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/abhishek-singh-test-23-1747312075479.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Wisdom lies in knowing what to reckon with and what to overlook. An officer being engrossed with the periphery, ignoring the core issues before him, is no rare in the bureaucracy. Do you agree that such preoccupation of an administrator leads to the travesty of justice to the cause of effective service delivery and good governance? Critically evaluate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Apart from intellectual competency and moral qualities, empathy and compassion are some of the other vital attributes that facilitate the civil servants to be more competent in tackling the crucial issues or taking critical decisions. Explain with suitable illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The Rules and Regulations provided to all the civil servants are same, yet there is difference in the performance. Positive-minded officers are able to interpret the Rules and Regulations in favour of the case and achieve success, whereas negative minded officers are unable to achieve goals by interpreting the same Rules and Regulations against the case. Discuss with illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"It is believed that adherence to ethics in human actions would ensure in smooth functioning of an organization/system. If so, what does ethics seek to promote in human life? How do ethical values assist in the resolution of conflicts faced by him in his day-to-day functioning? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The impact of digital technology as a reliable source of input for rational decision-making is a debatable issue. Critically evaluate with a suitable example. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Besides domain knowledge, a public official needs innovativeness and creativity of a high order as well, while resolving ethical dilemmas. Discuss with a suitable example. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"Refugees should not be turned back to the country where they would face persecution or human right violation.\" Examine the statement with reference to the ethical dimension being violated by the nation claiming to be democratic with an open society. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Should impartial and non-partisan be considered indispensable qualities to make a successful civil servant? Discuss with illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Most civil servants are neither pure deontologists nor pure utilitarians, but they operate according to a kind of ethical pluralism. Do you agree? Discuss your position with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Explain the difference between codes of ethics, codes of conduct and codes of rules and regulations. Do you think an increase in the number of codes and regulations is an efficient response to the decline of public trust and integrity issues? Why/why not? (Answer in 150 words),","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":38,"question":"You and Ajay were in college together, qualified for the civil services examination, trained, and worked in the same State. Over the years, you and Ajay became good friends and colleagues. Even the families became close to the extent of taking vacations and celebrating festivals together.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":58,"question":"Discuss the meaning of the following quotes: (a) The root of happiness is Dharma (righteousness), the root of Dharma is Artha (economy), the root of Artha is right governance.\" (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":395,"topper":"Abhishek Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/abhishek-singh-test-14-1747311900735.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"\"Green hydrogen can be the silver bullet in our quest to tackle climate change and pollution\". Critically analyse the statement in light of India's National green hydrogen mission. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"What is the Global Methane Pledge? Do you think the Global Methane Pledge is a positive step towards mitigating methane emissions? Explain India's stance on this issue. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Climate change mitigation and adaptation strategy is not only about reducing future emissions but also involves active removal of already released carbon into the atmosphere. In this context what do you understand by the concept of Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) and discuss the progress of the international community in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"How does the draft Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2020 differ from the existing EIA Notification, 2006? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Explain the mechanism and occurrence of cloudburst in the context of the Indian subcontinent. Discuss two recent examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What are the key lessons for disaster management and environmental conservation in the Himalayan region, in light of the recent disaster in Joshimath, Uttarakhand? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of disaster management in public health. Discuss the key strategies and challenges for managing pandemics and other infectious disease outbreaks. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Poor building design, flagrant violations of building and fire safety norms and overcrowding of spaces are responsible for the rising risk of fires in urban areas. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"How do the Puranas contribute to our understanding of ancient Indian culture and history? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What were the factors leading to the deindustrialization of India under British colonial rule? Also, discuss the economic and social impact of the decline of India's indigenous industries during this period. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Explain the purpose of the Mangrove Alliance for Climate launched at the COP27 UN Climate Change Conference in Egypt in November 2022. Elaborate on the importance of mangroves in maintaining the coastal ecology of tropical nations. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Trace the evolution of the Loss and Damage fund. What are major developments related to loss and damage funds in COP 27?, What are the commitments made by India in this conference? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"The recent amendments in the Wildlife Protection Act provide a framework to prevent illegal trade in wild animals and plants to ensure that their survival is not threatened. In this regard, mention the implications of illegal wildlife trade in India and analyse the effectiveness of the recent amendments to address the issue. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Elaborate on the reasons behind the rise in human-wildlife conflicts in India. What measures can be undertaken to ensure the peaceful co-existence of humans and wildlife? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"The Formation of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure brings more robustness to the Disaster Management approach in India. Comment and justify the need for a new strategy to tackle Disasters in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Disaster management is not just about responding to emergencies but also about building resilient communities. Discuss the key strategies that can be used to build community resilience and reduce the impact of disasters. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Analyze the factors that contribute to the increased incidence and severity of floods in urban areas and the measures that can be taken to reduce the risk and enhance the resilience of the population. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"The system of judges appointing judges is a distinctive element of the Indian judicial system. How does the process of judicial appointment in India differ from that of the United Kingdom and the United States? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Highlighting the reasons for the increasing criminalization of politics in India, discuss the need for reforms in various sections of the Representation of People Act, 1951. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Analyse the factors influencing the spatial distribution of population in India, with emphasis on the regional differences in population density distribution. Also, suggest policy measures to tackle the challenges posed by uneven population distribution. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":396,"topper":"Abhishek Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/abhishek-singh-test-19-1747312008450.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"What do you understand by term 'Ethics' & 'Integrity'? Do you think they are interrelated? Explain with examples the relationship b/w ethics & integrity in context of public administration.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"With regard to morality of actions, one view is that means is of paramount importance & the other view is that the ends justify the means. Which view do you think is more appropriate? Justify your answer.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Goodness is the result of internal imperatives to do what is right, not sanctions from moral rules or rewards from expected consequences. Do you agree? Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":397,"topper":"Abhishek Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/abhishek-singh-test-20-1747312028825.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"What are the basic principles of public life? Illustrate any three of these with suitable examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Persuasion performs a number of positive, prosocial functions. However, people often equate persuasion with manipulation & consider it unethical. What are the ethical values a persuader must respect to ensure the ethicality of persuasion? Explain.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":398,"topper":"Abhishek Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/abhishek-singh-test-12-1747311868991.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the various factors responsible for the uneven temperature distribution on earth's surface.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"The melting of glaciers due to climate change has serious implications for the ecosystem and human society. Discuss the effects of melting glaciers on environment & the measures that can be taken to address this issue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"The white revolution was most successful in the western part of India. Discuss the factors for this regional success of the white revolution.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"How will the structural shift from coal based power to renewable energy generation impact human development in coal bearing states?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"To what extent temperature & pressure precipitation are the most important factors that determine soil properties?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Why are severe & intense cyclones becoming a regular phenomenon in Arabian sea? Substantiate with example.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Numerous foreign travellers have vividly documented their observations of the Vijayanagara empire over time, offering valuable sources for reconstructing its history. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Do you agree that Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's view of the caste problem was more political than social? Also, highlight his efforts aimed at social reform.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss the mandate of CAT. To what extent the jurisdictional tussle b/w CAT & high courts have been resolved by earlier SC verdicts?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Q-11 The configuration of ocean floor provides essential information about the geological processes that have shaped the earth's surface. Discuss the major features of the ocean floor & their significance in the study of oceanography.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"Q-12 The Indian monsoon is a 'complex phenomenon' influenced by various 'climatic factors'. Critically examine the role of 'oceanic & atmospheric factors' in determining the intensity & distribution of monsoon rainfall in India..","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"How does temperature inversion affect atmospheric conditions & what are its implications for local weather pattern & air pollution levels?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"With the growing demand for rare earth elements, their distribution has become a critical aspect of the global economy. Discuss the distribution of rare earth elements across the world, their uses, and the environmental impact of their extraction.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"What are the geographical & economic factors that influence the location of the sugar industry, & how do they contribute to the growth of the industry in India & different parts of the world?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"Tourism in the hilly states is threatening to exceed the ecological carrying capacity of the region. Analyze the factors contributing to this trend & evaluate the potential environmental impacts of this phenomenon. What measures can be taken to ensure sustainable tourism in these states.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"What are the geographical factors responsible for mangrove vegetation in India? How does climate change pose a threat to mangrove vegetation in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"Although desert landscapes across the world reflect many similarities, the process of desertification is influenced by local factors. Elaborate with suitable examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"How does the 69th CAA led to Delhi's Dual Governance dilemma? Discuss its implication on Cooperative federalism as envisaged in the Constitution.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"How did mahatma gandhi's participation in the khilafat non cooperation movt. illustrate his ability to connect diverse issues & mobilize different communities towards a common cause? To what extent did the khilafat movt. achieve its objective?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":399,"topper":"Abhishek Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/abhishek-singh-test-16-1747311942119.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"What do you understand by Windfall tax? Do you think that windfall taxes can effectively redistribute wealth and promote greater economic equality? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Elaborate on the difference between Capital Account and Current Account as components of Balance of Payment (BOP). Suggest a few measures to balance the BOP deficit of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss the perceived successes and challenges of implementing inflation targeting under the new Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) regime. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The logistics sector is one of the important components of the growth of the manufacturing industry. Discuss. Also, mention various components of the recently announced National Logistics Policy 2022. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Jobless growth is an inherent feature of India's growth trajectory. What are the major reasons behind the high unemployment rate in India? Suggest remedial measures to improve the overall employment growth rate in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Recently, the Government of India has started evaluating the prospects of developing salt-cavern-based strategic oil reserves to increase India's strategic oil capacity. Critically analyze the importance of strategic oil reserves in order to strengthen India's energy security and its capacity to mitigate supply disruptions in global markets. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The aviation sector is infamously known as a graveyard of investments. What are the issues in the aviation sector? Suggest reforms to revitalize the aviation sector. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What is Digital Public Infrastructure? What are the advantages of DPI development in India? What are the impediments to realizing the full potential of DPI in India? Substantiate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Evaluate the potential of the PLI scheme in fostering innovation and enhancing competitiveness in the targeted sectors, and suggest measures to ensure the sustainability and scalability of the scheme. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) plays an important role in the regulation of the share market and safeguarding the interests of investors. In light of the given statement, highlight the challenges faced by the SEBI and suggest reforms in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"International trade is centred on the dominant currency paradigm. Critically Analyze the importance of Hard currency in International trade and Discuss the potential of rupee acceptance in global trade as an alternative to dollar imperialism. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Demographic Dividend does not ensure growth; it only generates potential. Discuss the steps made by the government to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the demographic transition. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Low tax buoyancy often translates into higher deficits and debt. Can a higher direct tax rate improve the overall tax-to-GDP ratio in India? What other steps can be undertaken to revamp the overall tax structure in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Startups are the driving engines of the fast-changing modern economy. Why have Indian startups failed to realize their potential? What steps can be undertaken to improve the profitability and performance of startups in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"What are the inherent challenges that the Indian telecom sector has faced in the recent time? How far does the draft Indian Telecommunication Bill, 2022 address such issues? Suggest measures to revamp the telecom sector. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Analyze the advantages and disadvantages of various PPP models, in terms of financing, risk allocation, and service delivery. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"The Indian EV industry is critically dependent on semiconductors for its sustainability. What are the challenges that the Indian semiconductor industry faces? Analyze and suggest measures to strengthen the supply chain of semiconductors in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"\"Investment in infrastructure is essential for more rapid and inclusive economic growth. \"Discuss in the light of India's experience. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":400,"topper":"Abhishek Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/abhishek-singh-test-13-1747311883788.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Define the concept of the carrying capacity of an ecosystem as relevant to an environment. Explain how the understanding this concept is vital while planning for the sustainable development of a region.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Critically evaluate the role of ocean thermal energy in improving overall energy security in India. Why has India failed to capture the potential of ocean thermal energy?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"What are the challenges that rising plastic waste poses to the terrestrial & aquatic ecosystems? Suggest measures to effectively combat the rising menace of plastic pollution globally.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Invasive alien species are threat to the ecological sensitivity of native species which adversely impacts the biodiversity in India. In this regard, critically evaluate the recent amendment in WPA to regulate invasive alien species in India. Provide other measures as well.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"The menace of air pollution remains one of the major environmental concerns of North India. What factors can be responsible for the degrading air quality in North India? Suggest some measures to effectively tackle this problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"The recently concluded water bodies census has brought the issues of depleting water bodies in India to the fore. In this context, elaborate on the ecological & environmental challenges faced by natural & artificial water bodies in India. Also suggest measures to prevent depletion of water bodies & improve the status of water bodies in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"MISHTI initiative was recently launched in Budget 2023-24 in order to ensure sustainable growth of mangroves in India. Elaborate on the features of MISHTI programme while highlighting the importance & threats to mangroves in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss global warming & mention its effects on the global climate. Explain the control measures to bring down the level of GHGs that cause global warming, in the light of Kyoto protocol, 1997.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"\"Clean energy is the order of the day\". Describe briefly the India's changing policies towards climate change in various international fora in the context of geopolitics.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":401,"topper":"Abhishek Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/abhishek-singh-test-15-1747311928012.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"FDI, apart from being a driver of economic growth, can also be seen as a non-debt-creating financial resource. In this context, what is the relevance of FDI in the economic growth of India? What are the issues associated with FDI as a source of growth? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"\"India is no country for working women\". In this context, discuss the reasons for the low female participation rate in the labour force while suggesting measures to improve the participation of women in the labour force. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"How has the budgetary process changed since the last decade? Suggest budgetary reforms that can help in better management of government expenditure. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Inequality has become a major challenge to inclusive growth in India. In this context, elaborate on the reasons for rising economic inequality in India. Also suggests measures required to reduce economic inequality in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Do you agree that India's growth trajectory in the post-COVID-19 era has been K-shaped? Substantiate your answer with reasons. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":17,"question":"Rising NPAs coupled with twin balance sheet issues have been the most pressing problem of India's economy in recent times. What are the factors responsible for rising NPAs? Elaborate on the measures that can be undertaken to address this problem giving special reference to the potential of newly formed NARCL and IDRCL. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":20,"question":"India is often criticized for its regulatory cholesterol, which hinders economic growth and innovation. Discuss the concept of regulatory cholesterol and its impact on the Indian economy. Suggest pragmatic measures to streamline the regulatory environment and promote ease of doing business in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":23,"question":"Public expenditure management is a challenge to the Government of India in the context of budget-making during the post-liberalization period. Clarify it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Economic growth in the recent past has been led by an increase in labour activity.\" Explain this statement. Suggest the growth pattern that will lead to the creation of more jobs without compromising labour productivity. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":402,"topper":"Abhishek Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/abhishek-singh-test-18-1747311979017.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Assess the potential of millet production in promoting sustainable agriculture and improving food security in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"What is India's stand on the New Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies under WTO? How is the Fisheries sector significant for India? Enumerate the steps taken by the Government to develop this sector. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Analyze the systemic and institutional constraints that continue to hinder land reform efforts in India and propose pragmatic solutions to ensure equitable distribution of land. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Bringing urea under the NBS Scheme is seen as the panacea for all the issues related to fertilizer subsidies in India as well as for the environmental problems of agriculture. Highlighting the issues related to urea management, suggest reforms are required to improve the usage of urea in a sustainable manner in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"India's food security faces challenges from not just domestic factors but also global factors. Comment. Discuss some ways to strengthen India's food security. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Despite being a major contributor to the Indian economy, the agriculture sector is plagued by several constraints that impede its growth and development. Examine the role of technology in overcoming these constraints. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":17,"question":"Evaluate the impact of irrigation on the environment and natural resources, and suggest measures to ensure the sustainability and equity of irrigation practices in agriculture. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":20,"question":"'Genome editing holds immense potential for crop improvement, but it also raises ethical and safety concerns'. How far do the new guidelines for the safety assessment of genome-edited plants in India, ensure the safety of genetically modified crops? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss the impact of direct and indirect farm subsidies on the agriculture sector in India. How have Minimum Support Prices (MSP) affected the agricultural economy? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The import of edible oils forms a major part of India's import bill. In this context, evaluate the importance of the recently launched National Mission on Edible Oils and Oil Palm (NMEO-OP). What are the environmental concerns related to increasing palm oil production in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":403,"topper":"Abhishek Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/abhishek-singh-test-17-1747311963903.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Constraints in the Agriculture sector in India have been a major hurdle in achieving sustained growth and development. Discuss the various challenges faced by the agriculture sector in India and suggest policy measures to address these challenges. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Evaluate the impact of irrigation on the environment and natural resources, and suggest measures to ensure the sustainability and equity of irrigation practices in agriculture. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"What is the Silvopasture Agroforestry System? How can it be effectively utilized to improve local climate resilience in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"In the light of recent Government push for GM crops like DMH-11, critically analyze the advantages and concerns related to GM crops in India in ensuring food and nutritional security in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What do you mean by Minimum Support Price (MSP)? How will MSP rescue the farmers from the low-income trap? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Discuss the different types of irrigation and irrigation systems used in agriculture, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":17,"question":"AI and Machine learning have revolutionised a number of industries, how can these technologies be deployed to improve Agricultural production and Productivity? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":20,"question":"Analyze the impact of liberalization and globalization on Indian agriculture and the challenges faced by farmers in the globalized economy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":23,"question":"What are the major factors responsible for making the rice-wheat system a success? In spite of this success, how has this system become a bane in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"What are the reformative steps taken by the Government to make food grain distribution system more effective? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":404,"topper":"Abhishek Singh","air":78,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/abhishek-singh-test-22-1747312061781.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":405,"topper":"Abhishek Vashishtha","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/847bb-90800_3128_abhishek_vashishtha_rank_14.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"The world must learn to work together, or finally it will not work at all.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Technology, like art, is a soaring exercise of the human imagination.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":406,"topper":"Abhishek Vashishtha","air":14,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1FuNbx8Q8Dk_jhuK-YlycnReW2yvIPAMG","questions":[]},{"id":407,"topper":"Abhishek Verma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/157044_872_Abhishek_Rank_32.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The \"Outcome Budget\" reflects the endeavour of the Government to convert \"Outlays\" into \"Outcomes\". Explain. Also, discuss why the potential of outcome budgeting remains untapped in the Indian context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"What is agroforestry? Discuss its potential in making agriculture sustainable and viable. In this context, discuss the salient features of National Agroforestry Policy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Comment on the problem of rising Non Performing Assets (NPAs) in India, with particular reference to public sector banks. Examine the effectiveness of the steps taken by the government in recent times to deal with this problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"To address the issue of unemployment, we need a multipronged approach and not just a focus on growth, Examine the statement in the context of various measures taken by the government in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Nuclear power has a great potential in India to supplement and in the longer term even substitute coal based power as base load. Discuss. Also, mention the steps taken by the Government of India in order to achieve nuclear energy self-sufficiency.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The agriculture sector needs government support but loan waivers are not the solution. Discuss the statement in the light of recent developments in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"What are the objectives of District Mineral Foundation? Discuss the challenges that need to be addressed for this institution to achieve its desired objectives.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"What factors explain India's poor merchandise export performance in recent times? Enumerate some recent measures taken by the government to help boost merchandise exports.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Despite numerous health hazards associated with traditional cooking energy fuels, access to clean cooking in India still continues to be a luxury. Discuss. Also enumerate the steps taken by the government to make it accessible along with the challenges faced in the process.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Taxing agricultural income is an idea whose time has come. Critically discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Dismantling of administered price mechanism for fuels is being deemed as a significant piece of economic reform. Analyse. Also, discuss how the recently introduced dynamic fuel pricing can prove to be beneficial for both the OMCs as well as consumers.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Ensuring that buildings comply with green norms will require much more than current arrangements. Analyse. Also discuss the relevant features of the new building code issued by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Given the worsening of air quality in National Capital Region, discuss the need for Graded Response Action Plan against air pollution and the challenges in its implementation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"A new disease emerging in any part of the world is a global threat. In the context of \"zoonoses\" and \"emerging infectious diseases\", analyse the risks for India. Also, identify the structures in place and measures required to combat these risks.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"There is a growing recognition that efforts should not be limited to post-disaster relief and reconstruction, rather development paradigm should integrate disaster risk reduction strategies. Discuss in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"The emphasis on TRIPS plus by developed countries is contrary to the position and interest of developing countries like India. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Coherently dealing with security threats facing India requires deeper operational synergies among the army, navy and air force. Discuss in the light of the latest Joint Doctrine for Indian Armed forces. Also, delineate the reasons for resistance to the idea of a joint Chief of Defence Staff over the years.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Over the years, laws dealing with money laundering have proved to be less than effective. Briefly discuss the statement in the context of government's proposal to make money laundering a separate criminal offence. Also enumerate the recommendations made by FATF to combat money laundering.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"In the context of recent developments briefly explain the issues involved in the Doklam area. What are the challenges that India faces in the management of border with China? In this context, also identify key steps taken by India over the years.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":408,"topper":"Abhishek Verma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/157044_875_Abhishek_Rank_32.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Centralising recruitment through an All-India Judicial Service (AIJS) will not address the multiple problems in the judiciary and cause new ones instead. Critically evaluate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"The roots of the most pertinent challenges faced by Indian politics today can be traced to the lack of intra-party democracy in candidate selection and internal elections. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"While the idea behind merger of autonomous bodies in India is to curb overlapping work and reduce expenditure, it may end up doing more harm than good. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Well-defined electoral laws and greater powers for the Election Commission of India are required as the existing laws and mechanisms are inadequate to deal with new challenges. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Privileges should be defined and delimited for the free and independent functioning of the legislatures. In this context, discuss whether there is a need to re-examine the balance between fundamental rights and parliamentary privileges in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The principle of accountability is an essential part of the rule of law. In this context, discuss the lacunae in government's approach and judiciary's response to the phenomenon of extrajudicial killings in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Explain the rationale behind enacting the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016. Discuss how it can help in revitalizing consumer confidence in the real estate market. Also highlight the hurdles that remain in implementing it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Moving the subject of water from state list to concurrent list will solve the issues related to governance of water resources. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Give an account of the areas of potential conflict in the relationship between the political executive and civil servants. Also discuss why a healthy working relationship between the two is critical for good governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Despite their location in the non-political domain of civil society, NGOs have ended up playing a key, if indirect, role in India's politics. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Magnitude of India's urbanisation is not unusual but the pattern is. In this context, examine the issues in the governance of cities in India. Also suggest the reforms required to make Indian cities dynamos of competitive sub-federalism.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Social boycott should be treated as a criminal offence, rather than being considered as just another form of social evil plaguing the Indian society. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Human Trafficking in India has emerged as a serious issue, which calls for understanding the complexity of the problem and devising an effective strategy to combat it. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"A weak teacher education system is at the core of India's problems in school education. Evaluate. In this context, also enumerate the recommendations of the High-Powered Commission on Teacher Education constituted by the Supreme Court of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"India's contribution to peacekeeping missions of the United Nations has remained steadfast despite changes in the nature, form and variety of UN peace keeping missions. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"India's partnership with Africa is an amalgam of African development priorities as well as India's development objectives. Discuss. Also highlight the initiatives taken by India in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Comment on the role of International Court of Justice in upholding the values of international law. In this context, also highlight the association of India with the ICJ over the years.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"In view of the focus on trans-regional economic corridors and changing regional geo-politics and geo-economics, critically discuss the idea of an Indo-Pacific Economic Corridor.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":409,"topper":"Abhishek Verma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/157044_873_Abhishek_Rank_32.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The more remotely power is exercised from the people, the greater is the distance between authority and accountability. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"\"If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion\". In what ways can a compassionate public official be more useful for realizing public service goals?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"The recent decision by the government to ban use of red beacons is only a symbolic gesture and a lot more needs to be done to end the VIP culture in India. Critically discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"To what extent can financial incentives help shape attitude towards social issues? Discuss with relevant examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"At times, moral behaviour can be constrained by the complexity of legal system. Explain. In this context, explain the purpose of legal protection for good samaritans in the case of road accidents.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Examine the different ethical issues involved in the use of public shaming as a punitive measure. Do you think this is an appropriate measure to address the problem of rising crime rates.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Why did Gunnar Myrdal use the term 'soft state' in the context of South Asia? Do you think such a characterisation is still relevant in the case of India today?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Intolerance can be linked both to prejudices and value judgments. Elaborate with relevant examples. Also discuss how intolerance can be countered in a multicultural society like India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Social attitude towards corruption has become more forgiving with time leading to a view of illegal gains and misappropriation of public assets as a \"rightful\" individual prerogative. Analyse in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"What are the factors which draw people to public service? Suggest measures to keep public servants motivated.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Corporate Governance provides a framework that defines the rights, roles and responsibilities of various groups within an organization. (a) Elaborate the need to incorporate the principles of Corporate Governance to enhance the effectiveness of the public sector enterprises. (b) Identify the challenges specific to the public sector when it comes to the application of good practices of corporate governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Emotions, earlier considered as an irrational factor in decision-making, are now recognised as a critical factor of judgment. In this regard, answer the following questions: (a) How can Emotional Intelligence help in coping with the intense pressure and occupational stress faced by police officers and armed forces in discharge of their duties? (b) What are the some of the concerns in incorporating and assessment of emotional intelligence skills in public service?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"You, a manager in one of the top IT firms in the country, are tasked with hiring new recruits for an upcoming project. You find that the company has given tacit instructions of not hiring female candidates in view of the new maternity law passed by the Government. You find this highly objectionable and lodge a protest with people in the higher management but they are firm as they want to cut down all the unnecessary costs. Based on this information, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the stakeholders and their interests in the situation. (b) What are the dilemmas that a recruiting manager may face in such a scenario? (c) What are the different options available to you? Which one will you pursue and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"There has been a perceptible rise in the cost of healthcare services provided by private hospitals. In absence of adequate and quality government hospitals, people are forced to opt for private hospitals, especially for life threatening diseases and injuries. You recently visit one of your friends admitted in a famous private hospital. You found out that the hospital is charging a huge amount of money, which seems to be unreasonable. You confront the staff and ask them to explain the rationale behind such high charges. Their response is that the charges are fair for the kind of services they are providing. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in this situation? (b) Given how other professions price their services, discuss the feasibility of capping the amount of fees charged by doctors and private hospitals. (c) How can the provision of quality services and need for profit be reconciled with society's interests in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"You are the District Magistrate in a district where a significant number of transgenders reside. While discrimination against the community is well known, commuters increasingly complain of harassment at their hands, especially at traffic junctions where transgenders are mostly involved in begging. This, at times, also leads to traffic management issues. You have received a number of complaints in this regard and have to act quickly to resolve it. However, a group of transgender associations argue that begging is their only source of livelihood. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Describe the ethical issues involved in this case. Discuss the attitude of people towards transgenders in general and reasons for the same. (b) What possible courses of action can be undertaken in such situations? Discuss their merits and demerits.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Mr. X is the head of an NGO working in the field of environment conservation and protection. He is in dire need of funds for the NGO's operations and payments to his staff. He is approached by an official of a large infrastructure company, who is ready to provide the required funding for the NGO. But, in a quid pro quo, he asks Mr. X to raise objections over the bypassing of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) norms in an ongoing PPP project through his NGO. This project is being implemented by a rival infrastructure company. Mr. X knows that there have been instances of high level corruption in the process of granting EIA to mega projects and the information provided by the official seems to be authentic. Hence, he accepts the money and agrees to raise the objection. (a) Considering the circumstances of the case, is Mr. X correct in accepting the money? Give appropriate reasons for your answer. (b) If you were in place of Mr. X, what would have been your course of action? Give reasons for it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"You are a civil servant posted in a state where elections were recently held. The newly elected Chief Minister had promised to ban alcohol in several of his election campaigns as well as his election manifesto, which was widely praised and supported by women of the state. Fulfilling his electoral promise, the Chief Minister has ordered a blanket ban on the sale of alcohol in the state. Following the ban, concerns have been raised about the feasibility of the ban and whether the government should interfere in what is considered by many to be a matter of personal choice. (a) Who are the stakeholders in this case and how are they affected by the ban? (b) Is blanket ban on alcohol a feasible action? (c) Identify the issues that may arise while enforcing the ban and the steps you will take to handle them, as a civil servant.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"Regulation and procedure of human clinical trials vary from nation to nation. Stem cell research, as an emerging biomedical field, requires approval for human trials and encounters multiple challenges. You are the head of a team of scientists who developed a new Tissue Engineering system, which appears to be a promising means of regenerating heart tissue. Trials of the system have already been conducted on animals and yielded good results. Millions of people suffering from critical heart diseases would benefit immensely if this medication is immediately made available to them. However, you need to conduct human clinical trials before it could be commercialised. It is also known that the stringent regulatory environment in the country will mean that human trials and final approval will take many years before it is made commercially available. On the other hand, regulation of clinical trials in many poor countries is weak and quick approval is possible. Many of your competitors also resort to human trials in these countries, often bribing the officials for getting quick approvals. Given this situation, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the ethical issues which arise during clinical trials. (b) Given the above situation, would you prefer to shift human trials to a third country where regulations are lax? Give reasons in support of your choice. (c) Suggest a framework of standard procedure to minimise ethical conflicts and speed-up the approval process of new medicines.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":410,"topper":"Abinash Kumar","air":139,"year":2017,"paper":"Optional — Public Administration","optional":true,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1IPcAd9wSwZi99ifpnX44WkrQy4LGWNv0","questions":[]},{"id":411,"topper":"Abinash Kumar","air":294,"year":2015,"paper":"Optional — Public Administration","optional":true,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Z2DgUSylohoIHDc2DX37uDMTW8x1gvaC","questions":[]},{"id":412,"topper":"Abinash Kumar","air":139,"year":2017,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Aro_GzQA-UtCADL5nwdfaZYRtFE9pBxI","questions":[]},{"id":413,"topper":"ACHAL ANAND","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/ACHAL-ANAND-UPSC-2024-Rank-399-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Achieving inclusive growth requires a multidimensional approach that goes beyond economic growth. Discuss in context of India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Examine the implications of the expansion of gig workforce on economic growth and employment scenario in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What is precision agriculture? How can precision agriculture help in optimizing crop production and resource management? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"While MSMEs are the backbone of the Indian economy, they encounter various hurdles in their operation and expansion. Discuss. Also, suggest steps to support the growth of the MSME sector. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Explain the significance of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) in transforming India into a knowledge-based and innovation-driven economy. Also, mention various government initiatives aimed at strengthening the protection and enforcement of IPRs in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Gaganyaan mission is a landmark endeavour for India, marking significant advancements in space exploration and contributing to broader national objectives; however, overcoming the associated technical and safety challenges is crucial for its success. Analyse. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What are the challenges in the safe management of e-waste in India? How can collaboration among multiple stakeholders help in sustainable e-waste management? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Define Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and mention its various stages. Also, highlight the significance of EIA in balancing developmental needs with environmental conservation in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Integrated Theatre Commands shall bring jointness in operation, synergy of resources and enable armed forces in carrying out swift, effective, and decisive actions. Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"India's internal security dynamics is inextricably linked with the peace and stability in the neighbourhood. Explain with special reference to instability on the eastern border. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The introduction of Goods and Services Tax (GST) was hailed as a transformative fiscal reform; however, the journey of GST has been a mixed bag of successes and challenges. Analyse. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Discuss the potential of food processing sector in addressing the issues of low value addition, high post-harvest losses and disguised unemployment plaguing Indian agriculture. Also, explain why the sector has underperformed despite its significant potential. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite the government's ambitious targets, rooftop solar installations in India are hindered by multiple factors. Elaborate. How far do you think that PM Surya Ghar Yojana can incentivise the adoption of rooftop solar installations? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Agricultural marketing reforms are imperative for addressing market inefficiencies and boosting farm incomes. Analyse. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the contribution of livestock sector to the rural economy and the empowerment of women. Also, highlight main challenges faced by the livestock sector in the country and suggest strategies to overcome these challenges. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Generative AI holds immense potential to transform various aspects of daily life, offering both benefits and challenges. Elaborate. What policy measures do you suggest to maximize its benefits and mitigate its risks? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Describe the major outcomes of the 28th session of the Conference of Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What were the major engagements of India in this conference? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Explain the causes and impacts of landslides. Also, discuss the various measures to mitigate their impact, with a special emphasis on National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) guidelines. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) is showing a downward trend, but still affects many parts of the country. Highlighting the reasons for the continuance of LWE in certain pockets, suggest strategies to deal with this menace. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Analyse how the adoption of emerging and disruptive technologies for money laundering is adding new layers of complexity to an already intricate issue. Also, highlight the measures taken to tackle the problem of money laundering both at national and international levels. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":414,"topper":"Adarsh Kant Shukla","air":149,"year":2020,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e240f-347162_1527_adarsh-kant-shukla_rank_149.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":415,"topper":"Adarsh Kant Shukla","air":149,"year":2020,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d6fdb-347162_1531_adarsh-kant-shukla_rank_149.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":416,"topper":"Adarsh Kant Shukla","air":149,"year":2020,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/95c1d-347162_1532_adarsh-kant-shukla_rank_149.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":417,"topper":"Adarsh Kant Shukla","air":149,"year":2020,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7c9e4-347162_1533_adarsh-kant-shukla_rank_149.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":418,"topper":"Adhyayan Bajpai","air":414,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/ADHYAYAN_BAJPAI_ESSAY_RANKER_PROGRAMME_TEST_1_AIR_2cd5beca34.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":419,"topper":"Adhyayan Bajpai","air":414,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/ADHYAYAN_BAJPAI_ESSAY_PROGRAMME_TEST_2_AIR_414_ca7766c664.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":420,"topper":"Aditi","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ADITI-UPSC-2023-Rank-247-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Institutions reflect the cultural values of the societies in which they are established.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"He who has a 'why' to live for, can bear almost any 'how'.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The power of perception shapes our understanding of reality.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The tree that would grow to heaven must send its roots to hell.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":421,"topper":"Aditi","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ADITI-UPSC-2023-Rank-247-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Foreign trade is an important milestone on the path of becoming a 5 trillion USD economy. In this context, analyse the potential of the recently released Foreign Trade Policy, 2023 in revamping India's participation in global trade. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Social protection schemes are an integral aspect of a welfare economy; however, the principles of fiscal prudence cannot be ignored. Discuss, with special reference to Old Pension Scheme (OPS). (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand from Agristack? To what extent can it become a panacea for the problems plaguing the farm sector. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The objective of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to provide a long term and equitable solution to the dilemma between free trade and food security has remained unfulfilled. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Even after five decades of the Stockholm conference, narrowing the gaps between the targets and actions remains one of the biggest challenges towards reversing climate change. Discuss. Also, recommend measures for building a coherent actionable strategy to tackle climate change. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What are the impediments in management of E-waste in the country? In what ways can the trinity of citizens, businesses, and the government tackle this menace? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How does nuclear fusion differ from nuclear fission? Assess the relevance of nuclear energy in resolving the global energy security dilemma? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are run of the river hydroelectric projects? How far can run of the river hydroelectric projects balance ecological conservation with socio-economic development? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"A robust border infrastructure is the surest way to counter multifarious threats emanating from inimical actors. Discuss, in light of Vibrant Village Programme. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"How far can a clearly articulated National Security Strategy help in tackling challenges to national security? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What are the factors that influence the inflation trends in the country? Highlighting the impacts, discuss the institutional measures in place to check inflation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Though a cornerstone of Atmanirbhar Bharat, Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme is not without its own challenges. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"How is internationalisation of rupee different from De-Dollarisation? Highlighting the benefits of internationalisation of rupee, discuss the challenges associated with the same. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What are Primary Agricultural Credit Societies? Can the cooperative push alone help in achieving the twin targets of boosting rural economy and mainstreaming small and marginal farmers? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Farm policies in the country have inadvertently led to undesirable consequences. Do you agree? Giving emphasis on PM PRANAM, discuss ways to enhance soil health and farm productivity. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What do you understand by heat waves? Highlight the reasons and impact of the rising frequency of heat waves across India. Also, recommend some measures to mitigate its impact. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"How is Chandrayaan-3 different from its predecessor, Chandrayaan-2? To what extent can India's presence in Artemis Accords help in furthering the exploration of lunar surface? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Research and Development is the key to unlock the potential of 'knowledge economy.' In this perspective, analyse the role of the National Research Foundation Bill, 2023 in democratizing the research ecosystem in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'Hybrid warfare.' Highlighting its implications for India, recommend measures to develop a comprehensive ecosystem to counter the same. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How are internal security challenges related to peace in neighboring countries? Explain with special reference to instability on India's eastern frontier. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":422,"topper":"Aditi","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ADITI-UPSC-2023-Rank-247-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the role of the 'Fourth Estate' in upholding democratic values and analyse the issues affecting press freedom in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The electoral process, though inclusionary in theory, has been pointed out for exclusionary tendencies in practice. Analyse, with special emphasis on role of women in India's representative electoral system. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Assess the effectiveness of Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 in resolution of river- water disputes. Also describe the potential impact of delays in resolution of water disputes. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the significance of the cooperative model of development in addressing the issues of rural growth. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"In order to pass the ultimate test of good governance, welfare state should be close to the people, responsive to their aspirations, and inclusive in its approach. Discuss with special reference to PM PVTG Development Mission. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"To what extent collaboration between the state and civil society organizations (CSOs) help in addressing poverty and malnutrition in the country? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Absence of a robust social infrastructure in the country may become one of the most significant challenges in achieving a developed status by 2047. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Though the changing paradigm towards dialogue and diplomacy in West Asia augurs well for India's interests in this otherwise restive region, presence of inimical actors may reverse the gains. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Water diplomacy can redefine the contours of regional cooperation in South Asia. Discuss with special reference to Indus water treaty 1960. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Despite constitutional backing to the institutions of local governance, the idea of decentralisation has remained hostage to several structural bottlenecks. Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Independent judiciary, as envisaged by the constitution, provides the bedrock for a thriving polity; however, executive encroachment may erode its credibility and affect its efficacy. Evaluate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Executive agencies, working as the watchdog against impropriety, are vital to act against the corrupt; however, pandering to vested interests may have the effect of turning the idea of rule of law on its head. Comment, with special reference to controversies associated with the Enforcement Directorate (ED). (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Critically analyse the role of National Commission for Women (NCW) in wake of its mandate to safeguard women's rights and uphold their socio-economic wellbeing. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Understanding the extent, source, and complexity of deprivations among the multidimensionally poor contributes to more informed policymaking. In this context, analyze the latest National Multidimensional Poverty Index Report by NITI Aayog. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Safely managed drinking water services, as desired by Jal Jeevan Mission, are designated to give multifarious benefits cutting across generations. Discuss. Also, elaborate upon the challenges in ensuring the mission's success. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Legislation like Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989 remains mere legal documents without intense sensitization of public functionaries and the civil society. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Harbinger of global rebalancing, India-Africa ties are a beacon of inclusive, sustainable, and equitable world. Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How do ASEAN centrality, rules-based order, and development partnership with Pacific Island states make Indo-Pacific a theatre of opportunity for India? What are the hurdles in realisation of an inclusive Indo-Pacific construct?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":423,"topper":"Aditi","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ADITI-UPSC-2023-Rank-247-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Celebrity endorsements raise pertinent ethical concerns about responsibility that delve into the realm of ethical considerations of social influence that run deeper than mere surface appeal. In this context, suggest measures to tackle the ethical challenges of celebrity brand endorsements. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Embracing a scientific mindset involves setting aside impulsive inclinations in favor of the pursuit of truth. In your view, how does the integration of scientific thinking contribute to addressing contemporary challenges and promoting societal progress? How can we effectively cultivate a scientific attitude in society? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"In the realm of professional conduct, ethics plays a role that tends to go far beyond fulfilling the roles and responsibilities of the job with diligence and honesty. But some people consider professional competence as the only critical requirement for a job. If faced with a choice, who would you prefer to hire - someone with professional competence or one with strong moral values? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Patriotism can hold different meanings for different people, often shaped by personal experiences and convictions. What does patriotism mean to you? Explain narrating incidents from your life when you exhibited patriotism. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Max Weber's concept of bureaucracy was developed in the early 20th century, but it still influences administrative structures today. In what ways do you see Weberian bureaucracy as relevant in today's rapidly changing world? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Global challenges often test the ethical fiber of nations, urging them to channel narrow pursuit of national-interest into an enlightened self-interest.\" Enumerating the various ethical principles underlying the concept of enlightened national-interest examine its efficacy in helping nations navigate the fine line between pursuing their strategic interests and upholding ethical principles, particularly in times of conflict? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In the realm of governance, a crucial aspect is the art of persuasion. The qualities that make civil servants proficient persuaders empower them to fulfill their responsibilities in an effective manner. Discuss with illustrations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Corruption has multifaceted implications. Some consider it an undeniable vice, while others contend it to be an unavoidable necessity for navigating the bureaucratic complexities. In your opinion, does corruption oil or corrode the gears of development? Substantiate your arguments. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Ethical hacking and malicious hacking stand as divergent paths with distinct intentions and consequences. As technology advances, it becomes imperative to comprehend the nuances that set these practices apart in the cybersecurity landscape. In this perspective, elucidate the principles that differentiate ethical hacking and malicious hacking. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What does each of the following quotation mean to you? a) \"Our greatest ability as humans is not to change the world, but to change ourselves.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":59,"question":"Mr X is travelling by road with his family to attend a marriage ceremony. His grandfather, who is the head of the family is also travelling with him. On the way to their destination, all of them stop at a road side restaurant for lunch. This is a well-known restaurant owned by one of the friends of Mr X. The place is known for its tasty and hygienic food. However, the grandfather notices a picture on the wall of the restaurant and enquires about the religion of the restaurant owner. Mr X's friend belongs to a religion different from the grandfather's religion. The grandfather has a negative attitude towards the religion of Mr X's friend and he insists that he will not eat in that restaurant. He demands that the entire family should leave the restaurant immediately as they are travelling for a happy occasion and eating at this particular restaurant will pollute them. Mr X tries to calm down his grandfather and explain to him that religion has nothing to do with purity or pollution. He also reasons that several travel magazines have rated the restaurant highly, especially for its superior hygiene standards. Also, he points out that there is no restaurant in the way for the next 100 Km and it will be difficult for all to make do without food for that long. However, his arguments fall on deaf years, and which is more his grandfather admonishes him for bringing the family to the restaurant despite being aware about the religion of the owner. Mr X's friend feels insulted and discriminated against due to his religion. Mr X's father is upset but refuses to say anything out of respect for the grandfather. Entire family is embarrassed by the attitude of the grandfather and they are getting ready to leave the restaurant. Mr X is confused regarding how he should act in this situation. a) What are the various ethical issues in the above case study? b) Imagine yourself in the place of Mr X. Evaluate the different courses of actions available with you. What is the most suitable course of action? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":424,"topper":"Aditi Arora","air":351,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ADITI-ARORAUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-351-Sample-ESSAY-COPY-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. Values are not what humanity is but what humanity ought to be.\n2. Happiness is nothing more than good health and a bad memory.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"1. The climate crisis is only a symptom of a much larger crisis looming over humanity.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":425,"topper":"Aditi Arora","air":351,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ADITI-ARORAUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-351-Sample-ESSAY-COPY-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"1. The development of artificial intelligence and biotechnology has raised significant moral and ethical issues for humankind.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":426,"topper":"Aditi Arora","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/781770142252687b4750b386de5a9f2e/17/mts_2025_unchecked_aim25gca2043_flt2510.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Socialistic ideals and secularism are core features of the Basic Structure doctrine in India. In this context, discuss how judicial decisions have cemented these principles as the cornerstone of constitutional identity. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"There is a need to expand the scope of 'corrupt practices' under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, to address emerging forms of electoral malpractices.\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Analyse the distinguishing perspectives on equality as reflected in the constitutional frameworks of India and France. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The shrinking effective share of States in the Union's gross tax revenues, coupled with equity-heavy criteria in horizontal devolution, raises critical concerns for fiscal federalism in India. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"Citizenship is the legal foundation of constitutional rights and responsibilities.\" Discuss how India's approach to citizenship reflects its commitment to constitutional values. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Declining fertility rates, coupled with rising life expectancy, require a shift from fertility-focused interventions to human capital investments. Examine in the light of recent population trends. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"The quality of governance is critically linked to the extent and nature of citizen participation in democratic processes.\" Discuss using examples in the Indian context. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"Low alignment between educational outcomes and market needs can widen social and economic inequalities.\" Examine this statement in the context of India's skills ecosystem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"The weakening commitment of major powers to international health frameworks poses serious challenges to equitable global cooperation.\" Discuss in light of the U.S. withdrawal from the WHO and its implications for India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The ongoing conflict in West Asia has exposed the vulnerabilities of regional diplomacy. In this light, discuss the implications of the West Asian conflict for India's strategic autonomy and regional engagement. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"\"Department-related Standing Committees serve as the institutional backbone of legislative scrutiny, yet their potential remains underutilised.\" Critically analyse the challenges faced by Parliamentary Committees in ensuring executive accountability in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"\"President's Rule is a constitutional mechanism to deal with governance failure, not political convenience.\" Under what circumstances can President's Rule be imposed in a State? Discuss the constitutional safeguards and judicial verdicts associated with it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"The recently released Devolution Index reveals wide variation in the performance of States in empowering Panchayati Raj Institutions. While explaining the reasons behind this variation, discuss the role of capacity-building initiatives in enabling PRIs to fulfil their constitutional mandate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"\"In the evolving constitutional and political landscape, the effectiveness of statutory commissions depends on their structural autonomy and independence.\" Discuss in the context of the growing demand for constitutional status for statutory commissions like the National Commission for Women (NCW) and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"\"An independent judiciary is essential for upholding constitutional values, but it must also remain accountable to preserve public trust.\" Discuss in the context of recent issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Institutional autonomy of sectoral regulators is critical for ensuring credibility, transparency, and fair competition. In light of recent incidents, examine the issues pertaining to the independence and autonomy of regulatory bodies in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"How far do you think a caste census is a necessary step toward realising the goals of social justice and equitable development, despite the administrative challenges it poses? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"\"The complexity of modern governance demands adaptive and dynamic administrative reforms.\" Evaluate the role of administrative reforms in improving efficiency, transparency, and responsiveness in Indian governance. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":427,"topper":"Aditi Arora","air":351,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ADITI-ARORAUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-351-Sample-MGP-COPY-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) The multiheaded hydra of inequity is reinforced by the skewed concentration of wealth. How far can Universal Basic Income (UBI) check the growth of economic inequity? Substantiate your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Trace the evolution of Industrial policy in India post-independence. Assess the success of these policies in fulfilling their desired objectives.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) World Trade Organisation (WTO) was formed with the objective of imparting a long term and equitable solution to the dichotomy between free trade and food security; however, the objective has been marred by several factors. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) The utility of APMCs is not lost despite a plethora of limitations. Discuss and recommend corrective measures for overhauling the APMCs.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 Discuss the natural and anthropogenic factors behind incidents of land subsidence. Suggest counter-measures to contain such incidents.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) Explain Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF). Also, discuss GLOF mitigation strategy with special reference to National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) guidelines.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7 Aditya L1 mission is an important milestone as India's first space based solar observatory. Enlist the major scientific objectives and the challenges of the mission.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) Describe briefly what gene therapy is and what advantages it has over other treatments?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) National security challenges require sufficiently addressing the concerns of human security. Explain and suggest reforms for the same.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) Do you think the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) is necessary for bringing peace in disturbed areas? Critically Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 To what extent does the Female Labor Force Participation paint a true picture of the participation of women in the Indian economy? Justify with suitable examples.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 Enumerate the limitations associated with the operation of Special Economic Zones (SEZs). Assess the potential of the Domestic Enterprise and Services Hub (DESH) bill, 2022 in enhancing the effectiveness of the SEZs.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 How will you explain the potential of Agristack in providing a lasting remedy to various ills afflicting the farm sector?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) What do you understand by Farmers Producer Organisations (FPO's)? Throwing light upon the various challenges faced by the FPOs, suggest measures to ameliorate the same.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 What role does wetland play in expanding the framework of sustainable development? What are the challenges faced by wetland ecosystem? Discuss the corrective steps required for their effective conservation.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) Describe the concept of loss and damage and evaluate its relevance in ensuring climate equity.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 The 2023 Nobel Award in Chemistry was awarded for the discovery and synthesis of Quantum dots. How have the developments of quantum dots affected the various sectors over the years?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18) Discuss the socio-economic impact of new developments in science and technology in India since independence.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19) With the help of the map given below, describe the major internal security threats faced by the country. Suggest a comprehensive security framework to minimize these threats.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Q.20 What do you understand by theaterisation of commands? Enumerating the impediments in theaterisation for India's armed forces, discuss the role of Chief of Defence Staff in enhancing the effectiveness of India's external security response.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":428,"topper":"Aditi Arora","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/21/aim_2024_unchecked_aim25gca2043_aimbii017.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Poverty and population growth are locked in a vicious cycle, where poverty restricts individuals' ability to break free from the cycle, while population growth strains resources. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Do you think the Uniform Civil Code contradicts the idea of religious pluralism and cultural differences in Indian society? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"What is gender fluid identity, and what are the LGBTQ community's ongoing challenges to full societal inclusion and equal treatment? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the concept of healthy active ageing in the context of demographic shifts and population ageing in India. How does it contribute to social inclusion? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How does patriarchy differently impact the dynamics of the workplace vis a vis the household? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Slums are not 'problems' that have to be 'solved' - but are indeed a result of lopsided and vested urban policies covering infrastructure provision and socio-economic issues. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":17,"question":"Communalism gains strength from economic deprivation, and thrives in environments of social exclusion, creating fertile ground for discontent and division. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":20,"question":"In the context of states in India evaluate the relationship between regional disparity and sentiments of regionalism. Is regionalism antagonistic to the idea of nationalism? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss the impact of the post-liberal economy on ethnic identity and communalism. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"What are the core principles of Indian secularism, and how have they been challenged in the context of Indian society? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":429,"topper":"Aditi Arora","air":351,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/cc80e7c81f00eaa4f15f78533b4a4ad5/2/mts_2025_unchecked_aim25gca2043_flt2503.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":430,"topper":"Aditi Arora","air":351,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ADITI-ARORAUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-351-Sample-MGP-COPY-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) Indian society and its philosophical traditions have predominantly embraced a \"non-absolutist stance\" towards ethical considerations. Do you agree?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) \"Empathy is a crucial human value, but there exists a complex relationship between empathy and objectivity.\" Discuss with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) A welfare state's legitimacy rests on its ethical foundation. In your opinion, what are the key ethical traits of a welfare state? Suggest ways to strengthen the ethical foundation of a state.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) Different individuals have varied interpretations of what constitutes a good life. What does a good life signify for you? Explain with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) What does each of the following quotations mean to you?\na) \"A man can give up a right but he may not give up a duty without being guilty of a grave dereliction\". Mahatma Gandhi","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) \"The world is sustained by those who refrain from hurting others, even when they have the power to do so.\"","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"c) \"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.\" Martin Luther King Jr.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.4) a) What is 'emotional intelligence' and how can it be developed? How does it help civil servants in ethical decision making and crisis management?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How emotional intelligence helps civil servants","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"b) The arrival of modernity has reshaped our traditional relationship with nature. How can a change in 'environmental attitude' aid in addressing sustainability challenges?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"How can positive 'environmental attitude' help in sustainability?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Q.5) a) Once a foundational value, bureaucratic anonymity is now diluted by social media, blurring the lines between private conduct and public duty. Examine critically","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"b) What do you understand by probity in governance? What are the difficulties in upholding it in contemporary times? Suggest measures for ensuring probity in governance.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.6) a) Differentiate between code of conduct and code of ethics. Explain the necessity of a code of ethics for public servants to ensure ethical governance.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"b) Despite acknowledging that corruption is detrimental and condemning it, why do people continue to engage in it? Explore the significance of value systems in combating the evil of corruption.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7) You are the Superintendent of Police (SP) in a communally sensitive district. Recently, a young couple approached you seeking protection. They wish to get married, but they belong to different religions. Also, the girl is from an influential family, while the boy comes from a humble background. They are facing threats from the girl's family, who have warned them of dire consequences if they proceed with the marriage. The girl's family has fixed her marriage to a boy belonging to their community and is vehemently against interfaith marriage. The village elders have also expressed apprehensions that, if the matter is not resolved promptly, it could incite widespread rioting and lead to serious law and order problems. The local intelligence unit has corroborated these concerns in its report submitted to your office.\nThe fears of the village elders have come true. Rumors and disagreements regarding the proposed marriage have caused communal tensions in the neighboring localities. In one such locality, a law-abiding and responsible citizen lives with his wife and son, Sahil. This locality, where people of different religions reside, has a history of maintaining overall harmony and peace despite occasional minor quarrels. But this time, it escalated to the point of rioting, during which Sahil came under the attack and was grievously injured. The rioters also set fire to many houses and vehicles, causing extensive damage to public property. Despite immediate and frantic calls to the police, no prompt action was taken. Sahil succumbed to his injuries the next day. A video of the brutal attack on Sahil emerged and went viral on social media. The incident was also covered extensively by the national media and has led to increased communal polarization in the district.\nOn one hand, the couple feels increasingly threatened as many blame them for the situation; on the other hand, there are fears of another round of violence as some members of Sahil's community vowing to avenge his death. The grieving parents are devastated by the loss of their only child and seek justice. The district administration is under immense pressure to prevent further violence, ensure justice for Sahil's family, and protect the young couple.\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb) As the SP of the district, evaluate the options available to you.\nc) What course of action would you adopt to deal with the situation?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":30,"question":"a) इस केस स्टडी में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\nb) जिले के पुलिस अधीक्षक के रूप में, आप अपने पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन कीजिए।\nc) स्थिति से निपटने के लिए आप क्या कदम उठाएंगे?\na) इस केस स्टडी में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\nb) जिले के पुलिस अधीक्षक के रूप में, आप अपने पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन कीजिए।\nc) स्थिति से निपटने के लिए आप क्या कदम उठाएंगे?","marks":"20 अंक, 250 शब्द","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.8) In the lush green expanse of the Western Ghats, a significant change is underway. The state government has announced a new infrastructure project—a highway connecting City A and City B. This project, envisioned as a catalyst for economic growth and enhanced connectivity, also promises to attract significant investments, including from a major semiconductor company. The semiconductor company is important for strategic purposes, given the growing importance of semiconductors in defense, space, and communications sectors. However, the proposed highway passes through a densely forested tribal area, home to an indigenous community deeply connected to the land. The local tribal community, reliant on the forest for their livelihood and cultural practices, is alarmed by the prospect of displacement and the extensive forest clearance required by the project. The forest is not just their home but a crucial part of their identity and source of livelihood. It is where their ancestors are buried, where they grow medicinal plants, and where their children play. The community's leaders, including Geeta, a respected elder, are determined to protect their land. They fear losing their ancestral lands and the destruction of their way of life. Determined to make their voices heard, the community organizes a protest march to the office of the District Magistrate and seeks time to meet the DM. The DM, Rajesh, known for his fair and balanced approach, listens intently as Geeta and other leaders explain their fears. They asserted their legality protected right to manage and protect the forest. Meanwhile, in the corporate offices of M&T Infrastructure Ltd., CEO Anil is grappling with the growing unrest. The company has been contracted to build the highway, but the resistance from the tribal community poses a significant challenge. Delays could lead to escalating costs and potential project failure. Anil decides to seek a meeting with Priya, the Chief Secretary of State, to discuss the situation. Priya, overseeing the project from the state secretariat, is aware of the delicate balance needed. The project is crucial for the state's development and aligns with the policy of promoting ease of doing business. Moreover, the potential investment from the semiconductor company is strategically important for both the state and the nation. Any delay or hindrance could tarnish the state's reputation and dissuade future investments. When Anil meets Priya, he lays out his concerns. \"Madam Secretary, the protests are intensifying. If this continues, we might have to consider withdrawing from the project. The financial risks are becoming untenable.\" The ruling party, keen to maintain its pro-development image, wants early completion of the project and the materialization of the semiconductor manufacturing plant to fulfill its poll promises. The Chief Secretary conveys the policy of the state government and the concerns of M&T Infrastructure Ltd. to the District Magistrate of the district concerned. As the administrative head of the district, the responsibility for maintaining law and order and facilitating development projects rests upon him.\na) What are the ethical issues involved in the case?\nb) Evaluate the options available to Rajesh, being District Magistrate of the area.\nc) What course of action should Rajesh adopt and why?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"a) केस अध्ययन में निहित मुद्दे क्या हैं?\nb) क्षेत्र के जिला मजिस्ट्रेट होने के नाते राजेश के लिए उपयुक्त विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन कीजिए।\nc) राजेश को क्या कार्रवाई करनी चाहिए और क्यों?\na) केस अध्ययन में निहित मुद्दे क्या हैं?\nb) क्षेत्र के जिला मजिस्ट्रेट होने के नाते राजेश के लिए उपयुक्त विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन कीजिए।\nc) राजेश को क्या कार्रवाई करनी चाहिए और क्यों?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.9) A small village in South India experienced a devastating tragedy that shocked the nation. Around 65 villagers lost their lives after drinking liquor contaminated with methanol. The tragedy quietly unfolded one evening as unsuspecting villagers gathered for relaxation, sharing stories, and unwinding after a day's work and consumed the toxic brew. Within a short time, symptoms of poisoning began to appear. The villagers experienced severe headaches, dizziness, nausea, and blurred vision. Panic quickly spread through the community as more and more people fell ill. Families desperately sought help, but the village's healthcare facilities were quickly overwhelmed and unable to cope with the sudden influx of patients. The few medical professionals available worked tirelessly, but resources were limited, and the severity of the situation became increasingly apparent. Police filed FIR, but no breakthrough was achieved in the case for almost two months. Mahesh, an investigative journalist working with a leading TV channel, began investigating the case on his own initiative. Within a month, Mahesh made a breakthrough by interacting with local people, the liquor mafia, and government officials. He prepared his investigative story and presented it to the CMD of the TV channel. Mahesh's report exposed the complete nexus of the illicit liquor mafia operating with the support of corrupt police, civil officials, and politicians. The key political figure involved was the local MLA, known to be very close to the Chief Minister. After reviewing the investigative report, the CMD advised Mahesh to drop the idea of making the story public through electronic media. The CMD revealed that the local MLA was not only a relative of the TV channel's owner but also held an unofficial 30 percent share in the channel. Additionally, the CMD offered Mahesh a promotion, a pay raise, and the adjustment of the 20-lakh soft loan that Mahesh had taken for his son's studies abroad if he handed over the investigative report.\na) What are the options available with Mahesh to cope up with the situation? Critically examine each of the options.\nb) Which of the options, do you think, would be the most appropriate for Mahesh to adopt and why?\nc) Suggest some innovative measures to address the nexus of criminal activities and prevent such tragedies.","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":42,"question":"a) स्थिति से निपटने के लिए महेश के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं? प्रत्येक विकल्प की आलोचनात्मक जाँच कीजिए।\nb) आपको क्या लगता है कि महेश के लिए कौन सा विकल्प सबसे उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?\nc) आपराधिक गतिविधियों के गठजोड़ को दूर करने और ऐसी प्रथाओं को रोकने के लिए कुछ नवीन उपाय सुझाएँ।\na) स्थिति से निपटने के लिए महेश के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं? प्रत्येक विकल्प की आलोचनात्मक जाँच कीजिए।\nb) आपको क्या लगता है कि महेश के लिए कौन सा विकल्प सबसे उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?\nc) आपराधिक गतिविधियों के गठजोड़ को दूर करने और ऐसी प्रथाओं को रोकने के लिए कुछ नवीन उपाय सुझाएँ।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.10) In a bustling city administration office in a state, Joint Municipal Commissioner Meera, who is also the Public Information Officer (PIO) faces a challenging situation. Recently, an RTI application has been received, demanding details about public infrastructure projects initiated during her tenure. Upon reviewing the requested information, Meera discovers that certain decisions made regarding these projects were not entirely sound in hindsight. These decisions, although taken in good faith and after due diligence, failed to realize promised outcomes. There were other employees also who were party to this decision. The disclosure of this information could potentially lead to scrutiny and backlash against herself, the employees, and contractors involved. Known for her integrity and commitment to public service, Meera finds herself at a crossroads. The RTI Act has served as a critical check against administrative arbitrariness, ensuring transparency and accountability. However, she also observes a troubling trend. RTI applications are often used by vested interests and activists seeking personal gain rather than genuine public interest. Some activists even resort to threats or extortion tactics, undermining the integrity of the RTI process. She fears the requested RTI information could be similarly exploited. Moreover, the employees involved are requesting her to withhold the information. In navigating this situation, Meera weighs her options carefully.\na) Critically examine the options available to Meera in the above situation.\nb) Which of the above would be the most appropriate for Meera and why?","marks":"20 marks, 250","words":"20"},{"page":52,"question":"Q.11) You are the Operations Manager at a rapidly growing technology startup, Tech Nova Innovations, which prides itself on its cutting-edge solutions and ability to deliver projects on time. The startup culture is fast paced, with tight deadlines and high expectations from both clients and investors. Your current project, developing a new AI-driven platform, is crucial for securing future funding and partnerships. Your team is small but skilled, consisting of four software developers and two project coordinators, with an equal number of men and women.\nRecently, your team has faced significant challenges. Riya, one of the female software developers, has requested personal leave to care for her ailing father. Meanwhile, another female team member, Shabnam, is struggling to balance her work responsibilities with the care of her infant child. The remaining team members have had to take on additional tasks, affecting their work-life balance, leading to increased stress and frustration. As the project deadline approaches, the strain within the team becomes evident. During a critical review meeting, Arjun, a senior developer, expresses his frustration, \"Maybe it's not a good idea to have team members who can't commit full-time during crucial phases.\" The comment sparks immediate backlash. Chetna, a project coordinator, finds Arjun's remark deeply offensive and reports the incident to the Human Resources (HR) Department. She also threatens to take the issue to social media, potentially harming the startup's public image. The HR Department, based at the startup's headquarters, investigates the complaint and recommends taking strict action against Arjun for his unprofessional and insensitive comment. They highlighted the importance of maintaining an inclusive and respectful workplace culture. This recommendation places you in a difficult position. The project is already behind schedule, and losing a senior developer like Arjun could severely impact its timely completion.\nYou are now faced with a complex dilemma. On one hand, it is essential to address the insensitive remark and ensure a respectful work environment. On the other hand, you must keep the project on track without further demotivating your team.\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb) As the Operations Manager, how would you deal with the situation?\nc) Based on the case study, discuss the challenges faced by women at workplace. How can such challenges be resolved?","marks":null,"words":"20"},{"page":53,"question":"a) इस केस स्टडी में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\nb) संचालन प्रबंधक के रूप में, आप इस स्थिति से कैसे निपटेंगे?\nc) केस स्टडी के आधार पर, कार्यस्थल पर महिलाओं के सामने आने वाली चुनौतियों पर चर्चा करें। ऐसे चुनौतियों का समाधान कैसे किया जा सकता है?\na) इस केस स्टडी में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\nb) संचालन प्रबंधक के रूप में, आप इस स्थिति से कैसे निपटेंगे?\nc) केस स्टडी के आधार पर, कार्यस्थल पर महिलाओं के सामने आने वाली चुनौतियों पर चर्चा करें। ऐसे चुनौतियों का समाधान कैसे किया जा सकता है?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":58,"question":"Q.12) Utkarsh is a dedicated and experienced Chief Engineer in the Public Works Department (PWD) of a major Indian city. His responsibilities include overseeing the maintenance and construction of the city's infrastructure. One of his critical responsibilities is managing the safety and welfare of the PWD workers. A sudden strike by the workers' union of the PWD erupted over the issue of compensation to a construction worker who died while repairing a major bridge in the city. The case was brought to Utkarsh's attention for resolution.\nThe deceased worker, Shyam Lal, was part of a team tasked with repairing a crucial bridge that connected two busy parts of the city. During the repair, an unfortunate accident occurred where a section of the bridge collapsed. Shyam Lal fell from a significant height, suffering severe injuries. He was immediately rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival. Shyam Lal was 45 years old and the sole breadwinner for his family, which included his wife and three young children.\nThe initial investigation revealed that Shyam Lal had not been wearing the mandatory safety harness at the time of the accident. The management, upon learning of this, is considering not providing extra compensation to Shyam Lal's family, citing negligence on his part.\nThe PWD workers' union was outraged by this decision, arguing that the lack of proper training and supervision were the primary cause of the accident. They demanded full compensation for Shyam Lal's family, like what other workers receive who die in the line of duty, and a job for one family member.\nWith no satisfactory response from the management, the union went on strike, halting all ongoing maintenance and construction projects in the city. The strike has continued for two weeks, causing significant disruption to the city's infrastructure projects and leading to public outcry. Utkarsh is now tasked with finding a resolution to this deadlock.\na) What are the options available to Utkarsh to meet the above situation? Critically examine each of the options identified by him.\nb) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Utkarsh?\nc) What course of action should Utkarsh adopt to diffuse the above situation?","marks":null,"words":"20"},{"page":59,"question":"a) उपरोक्त स्थिति से निपटने के लिए उनके के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं? उनके द्वारा सुझाए गए प्रत्येक विकल्प की आलोचनात्मक जांच कीजिए।\nb) उनके के सामने और भी नैतिक दुविधाएं हैं?\nc) उपरोक्त स्थिति से निपटने के लिए उन्हें क्या कदम उठाने चाहिए?","marks":null,"words":"20 अंक"}]},{"id":431,"topper":"Aditi Arora","air":351,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/cc80e7c81f00eaa4f15f78533b4a4ad5/23/mts_2025_unchecked_aim25gca2043_eef2505.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":432,"topper":"Aditi Upadhyay","air":127,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/506ac-468073_1252_aditi_upadhyay_rank_127.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":433,"topper":"Aditi Upadhyay","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5ea55-468073_2422_aditi_upadhyay_rank_127.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The traditional theatre forms of India reflect the ideals and emotions of the society, and an individual's role in the community. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Provide an account of the historical and architectural importance of the Sanchi Stupa. Also, discuss how it inspired the future architecture in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Bhagat Singh made a real breakthrough in terms of revolutionary ideology, the goals of revolution and forms of revolutionary struggle. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Bringing out the factors that led to the Meiji restoration, discuss its significance for Japan. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"It is believed that a nation is an “imagined community” held together by common beliefs, history, political aspirations etc. In this context, discuss what the basis of India as a nation is. Also, bring out the threats to the concept of Indian nationhood. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"State the key factors behind the growth of the pharmaceutical industry in India. Additionally, discuss its significance with regard to India's economy and public health.(Answer in 150words)10","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss why the Bay of Bengal is more prone to cyclones than the Arabian Sea. Also, explain the reasons for the decrease in frequency of tropical cyclones during the Southwest monsoon season. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite being destructive in nature, volcanoes are critical for the existence of human life on earth. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The existence of relative deprivation is an important aspect in constructing the argument for regionalism. Explain with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"If India is to realise the goal of 'education for all', the issue of rising cases of bullying and other forms of school violence needs to be addressed immediately. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Bring out the role played by the Ahom Kingdom in shaping the cultural and historical identity of North-East India, and discuss its legacy in contemporary times. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The capitalist class generally remained ambivalent in their support to the Indian National Congress until 1940s. In this context, analyse the varying positions of the Indian capitalists throughout the national movement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Trace the evolution of the press in India. Also, discuss the instrumental impact it had during various stages of the Indian freedom struggle despite the repressive policies of the British. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Mountains are fragile ecosystems vulnerable to the adverse impact of climate change and other anthropogenic interventions. Illustrate with examples. Also, highlight the initiatives taken for their sustainable management. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind unsustainable management of sand resources in India. Highlighting its impact, enumerate the remedial measures taken in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Giving an account of the major lithium-producing countries, discuss the geo-political aspects of lithium production and its environmental implications. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The youth are capable of identifying themselves with a global identity and connecting with events and experiences outside their countries. In this context, discuss the impact of globalization on the various aspects of youth identity. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"As fertility rates decline in India, future demographic concerns center around an ageing population and a weak social security system. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"With a significant proportion of India's population expected to live in urban areas by 2030, the welfare of the urban poor needs to take centre-stage in public policy. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":434,"topper":"Aditi Upadhyay","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/abbd0-468073_2424_aditi_upadhyay_rank_127.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What are the different dimensions of food security? Examine India's status in terms of ensuring food security with regard to these dimensions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":435,"topper":"Aditi Upadhyay","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1L51T5WMuf_IpUL_XCKAitN6LlA8rF1TD/view","questions":[]},{"id":436,"topper":"Aditi Upadhyay","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e1aa0-468073_1245_aditi_upadhyay_rank_127.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the attributes of leadership, analyse why it is important for a civil servant.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"A civil servant needs to be objective as well as empathetic. What do you understand by objectivity? Discuss its relationship with empathy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"With rapidly increasing use of information technology, what according to you is the role of ethics in cyber space?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Transparency in government organisations is an essential pre-condition for good governance. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but its lowest ones. Nelson Mandela","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"For achieving success, attitude is equally, if not more important than ability. Discuss with the help of examples from your daily life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"The core of high Emotional Intelligence is self-awareness. If you don't understand your own motivations and behaviours, it is nearly impossible to develop an understanding of others. Discuss with the help of appropriate examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by Integrity Pacts? Highlight the role they can play in bringing transparency in allotment of public contracts and ensuring proper utilization of public funds in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"In the context of rapid technological change, discuss the significance of inculcating moral and spiritual values in educational institutions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Explain the main elements of integral humanism as propounded by Deen Dayal Upadhyay and highlight its contemporary relevance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate in a district, where many large factories and commercial establishments are located. One such factory is owned by one of your close friends. You visit each other's home frequently and are often seen in public together. Recently, media reported about poor working conditions in your friend's factory. Upon enquiry with the labor office, you come to know that the factory has witnessed frequent labour unrests in the past as well. However, the labour officer told you that he was hesitating to take any action due to your proximity with the owner of the factory. With reference to the facts of the case, answer the following questions: (a) Identifying the stakeholders and public cause, discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) As the District Magistrate, what appropriate course of action will you take? Give reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are a resident of a remote tribal district, where there is high incidence of malnutrition. As a remedial measure, the District Magistrate has initiated a programme to promote millet cultivation, especially on the lands currently lying fallow in the district. However, this well-intentioned move of the officer receives flak from the local tribals as this may not only change their age-old food habits, but also alter their traditional agricultural practices. They further cite lower remunerative prices of millets as another reason for continuing with their existing crop production pattern. As a civil servant aspirant, who has a keen interest in development of tribal areas, answer the following questions: (a) What according to you are the key issues and challenges involved in the above situation? (b) Identify the key stakeholders and their respective interests. (c) Suggest a course of action that the District Magistrate can take keeping in mind the larger tribal interests.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":437,"topper":"Aditi Upadhyay","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9b63a-468073_2034_aditi_upadhyay_rank_127.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Explain the concept of Sarvodaya with the help of examples from the lives of prominent personalities. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The life and teachings of Guru Nanak presents a template for leading a life within the corridors of ethics and values. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"There is no 'invisible hand' channeling self-interest into some social optimum. In this context, the State has an integral role to play in making available essential public goods and services, despite the increasing pace of privatization. Do you agree? Justify with examples from India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Even though the state actors who make rules and implement them have an important role to play in the fight against corruption, the battle is not likely to succeed without the active efforts of various segments of society. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do you understand by Social Intelligence? Discuss its various components and explain how it is different from Emotional Intelligence. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Ethical behaviour is the best not merely in the context of morality, but it is also the best in the context of one's own career prospects. Discuss in the context of civil services in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The press is an important agent in ensuring the citizen's right to receive and impart information as a measure of probity in governance. In this context, do you think that the press in India discharges its duty honestly? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The failure to deliver on its promises in Citizen's Charters in the last two decades has shown that there are some complex set of factors underlying this seemingly simple task. What are they? Identify and provide their resolution. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Medical ethics is particularly relevant in decisions regarding involuntary treatment and involuntary commitment. In view of this, highlighting the importance of medical ethics, discuss the issues in its implementation. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The fundamental principle in a democracy is that all public functionaries are trustees of the people and this trusteeship relationship requires that the authority entrusted to the functionaries be exercised in 'public interest'. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"You are a Superintendent of Police tasked with conducting an internal departmental inquiry into an alleged case of custodial torture and subsequent disappearance of three tribal persons. The case of the police force is that these persons were habitual offenders who had committed theft. The police had nabbed them for interrogation but they escaped from the police custody and are absconding. Family members of these persons, on the other hand, maintain that they were falsely framed in the case and were not in a condition to flee due to custodial torture. They are alleging foul play on the part of the police and suspect that the police is behind their disappearance. Prima facie, you find many lacunae in the police investigation. The policemen did not produce these persons before the Magistrate nor did they get them medically examined, as required by the law. One of your seniors, without referring to the case, informally talks to you about the adverse working conditions of the police force and insinuates that all police personnel should help each other. He also says that all serving officers need to be mindful of the fact that they are part of the police force and should not do anything which may tarnish the reputation of the police department. (a) Identify the stakeholders and various issues involved in the case. (b) How will you conduct a fair and impartial inquiry that ensures that public perception regarding cover-up in such cases does not gain ground? (c) Highlight the reasons for the continuing impunity of custodial deaths in India, and recommend steps that authorities should take to resolve it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Industry professionals are increasingly being hired by the government for their private sector experience and their influence in industries that the government is attempting to regulate or do business with. Similarly, the industry is also looking to attract people from the public sector with high-paying employment offers to get access within the government departments, seek favourable legislations and regulations as well as government contracts. Such inside knowledge of the system, including any loopholes that might exist give private businesses a competitive advantage. Both industry professionals and government officials stand to gain from such associations. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the direct recruitment of industry professionals in important government positions? (b) Do you think a longer mandatory cooling off period for government officials before they join private firms can help in addressing some of the issues? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"You are working as the Head of Ethics and Compliance in a big mobile manufacturing company that is known for its innovation and quality products. Both the customers and the shareholders are pleased with the performance of the company as they get value for their money and high returns on their investments respectively. Tin is a major component in the products manufactured by your company. It was recently brought to your attention that workers - many of them children - are working in unsafe conditions, digging tin out by hand in mines prone to landslides that could bury them alive. About 70% of the tin used in smartphones manufactured by the company comes from these more dangerous, small-scale mines. The company defends its practices by saying it only has so much control over monitoring and regulating its component sources. The justification advanced of its sourcing practices is that it is a complex process, with tens of thousands of miners selling tin, many of them through middle-men or third-party contractors. Based on the above case, answer the following questions: (a) What are the ethical issues in the above case? (b) Can customers of the company be expected to take into account such practices before buying any product of the company? (c) If the management were to seek your opinion on the matter, what course of action will you suggest? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"You are posted as the Sub-Divisional Magistrate in a backward district. Recently, a young couple belonging to different castes eloped from the village belonging to your sub-division. They wanted to marry, but the caste conflict prevailing in the village was a big hurdle for them. So, they planned to get married secretly and then come back to the village. On account of their elopement, the girl's family, which belongs to the dominant landlord caste, filed a case of kidnapping against the boy and have riled up the villagers against him and his family. After their return to the village, the couple meet you before meeting their family members. On account of your official position, they request you to convince their family members and other members of the village to accept them. The village has witnessed many caste conflicts and honour killings in the past on account of such incidents and the present matter may aggravate caste-related tensions. Under these circumstances, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the stakeholders and associated issues in the given case. (b) What are the options that you have? Highlight your course of action and give suitable justification for the same. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"The education sector in India is embedded in a restrictive regulatory environment and is considered a public good. Although private participation is allowed in the education sector, but at all levels, these institutions have to function on a not-for-profit basis. The Supreme Court had ruled that educational institutions are permitted a 'reasonable surplus to meet the cost of expansion and augmentation of facilities' but they are prohibited from charging a capitation fee or profiteering. . In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the ethical concerns in allowing the operation of educational institutions on a profit motivation? (b) Is the most important role of education preparing people for gainful employment or should education and knowledge be appreciated for their own sake? (c) Discuss various ways in which value-based education can be instilled. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"Beggars are a common sight at traffic junctions and places of worship across cities in India. They are labelled as nuisance makers who often harass commuters and devotees by relentlessly pestering for money. Recently, an appeal was made in the Supreme Court to end this practice by putting a ban on begging in the national capital. However, human rights groups have advocated that banning begging is not the ideal way to end it, as the underlying socio-economic issues that lead to begging remain unresolved. In this context: (a) Bring out the moral and ethical concerns pertaining to begging in India. (b) Discuss the factors that pushes an individual to opt for begging. (c) If you pass by a beggar, what will you do - give your money to a beggar or ignore the beggar and give your spare money instead to charities that assist the most needy? Give logical reasons in support of your answer. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":438,"topper":"Aditi Upadhyay","air":127,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/336e9-468073_1865_aditi_upadhyay_rank_127.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":439,"topper":"Aditi Varshney","air":57,"year":2022,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/ADITI_VARSHNEY_2022_IAS_Exam_Rank_57_VTS_Focussed_2_Redacted_1_86f470e594.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":440,"topper":"Aditi Varshney","air":57,"year":2022,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/ADITI_VARSHNEY_2022_IAS_Exam_Rank_57_VTS_Focussed_6_Redacted_68079cc3d1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":441,"topper":"Aditi Varshney","air":57,"year":2022,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/ADITI_VARSHNEY_2022_IAS_Exam_Rank_57_VTS_Focussed_1_Redacted_1_fec7623805.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":442,"topper":"Aditi Varshney","air":57,"year":2022,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/ADITI_VARSHNEY_2022_IAS_Exam_Rank_57_VTS_Focussed_2_Redacted_1_6f187daa45.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":443,"topper":"Aditi Varshney","air":57,"year":2022,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/ADITI_VARSHNEY_2022_IAS_Exam_Rank_57_VTS_Focussed_5_Redacted_9ae99b846e.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":444,"topper":"Aditi Varshney","air":57,"year":2022,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/ADITI_VARSHNEY_2022_IAS_Exam_Rank_57_VTS_Focussed_4_Redacted_96eeb4a9cb.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":445,"topper":"Aditi Varshney","air":57,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/ADITI_VARSHNEY_2022_IAS_Exam_Rank_57_VTS_Focussed_3_Redacted_eccc2a5474.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":446,"topper":"ADITI YADAV","air":194,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/cac81-1005110_2319_aditi_yadav_rank_194.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":447,"topper":"ADITI YADAV","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c6922-1005110_2419_aditi_yadav_rank_194.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the role played by the Directorate of Enforcement in the investigation of offence of money laundering and violations of foreign exchange laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Indian Constitution has been successful in providing a framework for liberal democracy to flourish in India. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand by the \"principle of subsidiarity\"? Discuss its importance in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"\"The moral value of fundamental duties would not be to smother rights but to establish a democratic balance by making the people conscious of their duties equally as they are conscious of their rights\". Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Do you think the exercise of delegated legislation by the executive goes against the principle of separation of powers? Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"A key factor behind poor governance is a system of thinking and working in silos. Discuss in the context of public services in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Unsafe abortions are a critical issue affecting the reproductive and maternal health of women in India. Identify the reasons behind the same and suggest remedial measures as well. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Digital healthcare has the potential to address the perennial issues pertaining to accessibility and affordability of healthcare in India. In this context, discuss the role of Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission in putting the country at the cusp of a 'digital health' revolution. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"To what extent has the anti-defection law been able to address the issue of political instability in India? Discuss with suitable arguments. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Governance of inter-state rivers in India suffers from various issues due to conflictual federalism. Discuss. Also, highlight the mechanisms, which can be utilised to resolve inter-state river water disputes in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Elaborate on the fundamental aspects in which the Indian Constitution differed from its contemporaries despite being a post-colonial document. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Freebies, especially ahead of elections, do more harm than good to the society. Do you agree? Give logical arguments in support of your answer. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The Smart Cities Mission, which was launched to change the urban landscape of India has produced mixed results. Discuss. Also, highlight the challenges faced in executing the Mission. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"It has been argued that despite several hurdles faced by the entrepreneurship ecosystem in India, the future of India is likely to be shaped by its entrepreneurs. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Though the 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' scheme has given much-need attention to gender discrimination, it has failed to yield desired results due to poor implementation and monitoring. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"As security threats increase in form and frequency in the South-West Indian Ocean, discuss the role played by India in relation to small island developing states (SIDS) in the region. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"As India re-imagines its neighbourhood, cross-border connectivity through sub-regions is becoming increasingly vital. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":448,"topper":"ADITI YADAV","air":194,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/61c72-1005110_2088_aditi_yadav_rank_194.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":449,"topper":"Aditya Acharya","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/ADITYA-ACHARYA-UPSC-2024-Rank-96-MGP-Sample-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Q4 Analyse Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's views of state socialism, highlighting its implications for political & social democracy in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"6) British colonial rule had profound impact on Indian agriculture, fundamentally altering the traditional agrarian economy which led to severe peasant resistance. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Q1 The diversity of landforms across the Earth's surface reflects the unique signatures left by different geomorphic agents. In this context, describe various erosional and depositional landforms created by glacial action.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Q5 Explain the factors contributing to variability of Indian monsoon. Also discuss multi-dimensional impact.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Q6 Describing the distribution of palm oil producing countries, throw light on major environmental issues faced by them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"01 At time of new independence, India was beset with multiple challenges. Enumerate those challenges; analyse how far India has been able to address them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"How far India able to address them?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"28 What do you understand by Meiji restoration? Discuss its impact on Japan & world.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"09 Discuss the reasons for rise in prevalence of substance abuse in India. Also examine its impact in family in society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"a10 Do you think UCC is essential in a multi-cultural & diverse country like India? Justify your answer.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Q11 Discuss how Bhakti movement, along with questioning the established social order also made substantial contribution to development of devotional literature.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"Q12 The Marathas posed formidable challenge to British expansion but could not consolidate their power into centralised authority capable of rivaling British dominance in India. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"4 Why Marathas could not overpower British?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Q1B The political reorganisation of states and territories has been ongoing process in post independence era. Discuss with examples, how successful has it been in accommodating diverse regional aspirations?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"Q14 Highlighting the contributions of revolutionaries in Indian Freedom movement, discuss factors that limited their efforts.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"Q15 \"The aspirations of Indian national movements extended to securing social justice and economic regeneration, in addition to political freedom.\" Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"Q16 \"The paper partition of Africa and its prolonged journey to decolonisation stand in contrast to colonial experiences elsewhere. Analyse.\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Q17 \"India faces grave water crisis due to soaring demand, pollution and climate change which necessitates urgent measures to ensure water security for all.\" Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Q18 Provide a reasoned account of global distribution of volcanoes with help of a world map. Also discuss various consequences of volcanoes.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"Q19 \"A seemingly casteless upper caste and apparently caste defined lower caste is one of central aspects of institution of caste in contemporary times,\" comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"Q20 Tolerance and harmony are engrained in societal ethos of India, but communal discord remains a significant threat to nation's pluralistic fabric. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":450,"topper":"Aditya Acharya","air":96,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://academy.forumias.com/optional-test-series/slider%20Image/ADITYA-ACHARYA.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":451,"topper":"Aditya Agarwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/gs-mac-test-4-aditya-agarwal-1745407364890.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Q.1 \nA \"It is wrong to assume that ethical decisions are, can or should be purely rational and principled. Human feelings are an inseparable part of our ethical life.\" In what way do feelings impact our ethical decisions? Illustrate with examples. (150 words, 10 marks)\nB What do you understand by ethics management? Can public officials manage ethics in the work place in a manner similar to managing budgets, policies and people? Do you think adopting codes of ethics and conduct is sufficient enough for managing ethics in the workplace or something more is needed? Discuss. (150 words, 10 marks)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"Q.2 A. While traditional ethics has focussed on notions of justice, fair allocation and obligations, ethics of care emphasise maintaining connectedness and promoting care. Which of the above two ethical perspectives is more suitable for guiding ethical decision making in the context of public services. Explain your position with suitable examples.\nB What does the term \"quality\" mean in service delivery. What are the components of service quality and indicate ways and means for ensuring total quality in terms of efficiency, economy and effectiveness?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3 \nA In the context of public service, what does public service attitude mean? Discuss the attitude biases that affects a public servants on field decision making? Explain how a public servant can overcome such attitude biases? (150 words, 10 marks)\nB \"I am a Moslem; I am a Hindu; I am a Christian; I am a Jew.\" Mahatma Gandhi. What did Mahatma Gandhi mean by the above statement? Some philosophers have argued that religion is harmful to the moral life, whereas others have claimed that it is necessary to it. Explain your position on the relationship between religion and morality. (150 words, 10 marks)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Q.4 A. \"There is only one responsibility of business, namely to use its resources and engage in activities designed to increase profits.\" Do you think corporations, by indulging in social responsibilities, are compromising their core resource utilisation and production responsibility by diverting resources into unproductive social endeavours? (150 words, 10 marks)\n\nB. Do you think values such as \"tyaga,\" (renunciation) \"seva,\" (service) \"daanam,\" (Charity) \"damah,\" (self-control) that are espoused in traditional Indian Wisdom have relevance for modern day public servants? Why? Why not? (150 words, 10 marks)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.5 A. Explain the difference between conflict among interests and conflict among various sources of authority. Illustrate with relevant examples. (150 words, 10 marks)\n\nB. The domain of governance is ridden with uncertainties, ambiguities and paradoxes and this can at times lead to timidity and withdrawal among public administrators. Discuss the relevance of inner courage for overcoming and coping with ambiguities. (150 words, 10 marks)\nA Explain the difference between conflict among interests and conflict among various sources of authority. Illustrate with relevant examples.\nB The domain of governance is ridden with uncertainties, ambiguities and paradoxes and this can at times lead to timidity and withdrawal among public administrators. Discuss the relevance of inner courage for overcoming and coping with ambiguities.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.6 Given below are three quotations of philosophers. What do each of the quotations convey to you in the present context?\nA \"To feel for others, and little for ourselves; to restrain our selfish, and exercise our benevolent affections, constitutes the perfection of human nature.\" Adam Smith (150 words, 10 marks)\nB \"Virtue lies in our power, and so does vice; because where it is in our power to act, it is also in our power not to act.\" Aristotle (150 words, 10 marks)\nC \"I know that I am intelligent, because I know that I know nothing.\" Socrates (150 words, 10 marks)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"1 What are the ethical issues and dilemmas that confronts you in the above case?\n2 Discuss the available options along with its merits and demerits.\n3 What will be your chosen course of action? Why","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"1) Ethical issues involved in the case\ni) Adopting a process that is hazardous and displaying product as eco-friendly\nii) Legal standards even though met technically harm the environment\niii) Portrayal of company as 'Green' and releasing hazardous waste\niv) Polluting the community for profits of company\nv) Inadequate legal standards to protect the environment","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"1. You are the District Collector of a rural district where traditional social customs and religious practices strongly influence daily life. Recently, a case has emerged involving a local temple and its long-standing tradition of excluding women from certain religious rituals and spaces.\n\nA group of educated young women from the village, inspired by the increasing national dialogue on gender equality, has petitioned for the right to participate in these religious rituals. They argued that excluding women is discriminatory and violates their constitutional rights. However, the temple authorities and a significant portion of the local community vehemently oppose this change, citing religious texts and long-standing customs.\n\nAs the District Collector, you face a complex ethical dilemma. Legally, you are obliged to uphold the Indian Constitution, which guarantees equality and prohibits gender-based discrimination. However, enforcing this law could lead to significant unrest in the community, where traditional customs and religious beliefs are deeply entrenched. And you are aware that the district has a history of unrest on religious matters, and local politicians did not mind stoking the unrest for political gains.\n\nThe moral argument for gender equality clashes with the community's religious sentiments. The temple authorities believe that altering the rituals would desecrate their sacred traditions. Meanwhile, the women demanding entry see this as a moral and legal fight for their rights. You as a district collector was in a precarious dilemma, one on hand being a progressive officer you knew what is the right thing to do but on the other as an administrative professional you didn't want an unrest with religious tone at your hands.\n1. Who are the administrative and ethical issues involved in the above situation?\n2. What alternatives do you have in the above situation?\n3. Discuss the merits and demerits of each alternative and explain the action chosen by you with reasons.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"1. What are the administrative and ethical issues involved in the above situation?\n2. What are the options available to you in the above situation?\n3. Discuss the merits and demerits of each option and explain your chosen course of action along with reasons. (250 words, 20 marks)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"1. What are the issues involved in the above case?\n2. Is it ethically justified to be devoted to duty at the cost of the personal safety of the staff? Discuss.\n3. How will you go about doing your election duties without compromising the safety of your staff? Explain.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"3 The actions that are needed to ensure staff safety without compromising the election duty","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Case Study 4 A smart city project is underway, and you have been appointed Head of Procurement. Before this assignment, you held a similar role in a major public sector undertaking (PSU), where you earned a reputation for your tender drafting and vendor management skills. Given the smart city project's scale and significant procurement requirements, you seemed the perfect fit to lead the procurement section.\n\nA month ago, your section invited tenders for building supplies. Among the applicants was Mr. Sharma, a supplier you knew from your previous role at the PSU. Mr. Sharma lived in your neighbourhood, and your spouses were friends. Despite this personal connection, you have always maintained strict professional boundaries.\n\nUpon scrutinising all the tenders, your section found Mr. Sharma's terms the most competitive, so the tender was awarded to him. However, once the decision was made public, another vendor, Mr Patel, accused you of colluding with Mr Sharma due to your previous relationship.\n\nMr. Patel filed a formal complaint with the Department Seniors, providing evidence of your prior association with Mr. Sharma. As a result, an enquiry was initiated, and you were placed on compulsory leave pending its outcome. This situation left you questioning where you might have gone wrong despite your efforts to maintain professionalism.\n1 Do you think the above case involves a conflict of interest or there are more issues? Explain\n2 Keeping the above case in perspective, discuss the relevance of impartiality and non-partisanship as professional value.\n3 In hindsight, how do you think you could have avoided the above unpleasant situation.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Case Study 5 You have recently joined the Statistical Department of the State as Deputy Head of Records. Your duties involved supervising the timely inflow of data, scrutinising the data source and ensuring data entry and updating. You had a staff of 32 to manage, and it was a mixed bag; some were young recruits, some were in the department for some time, and some were on the verge of retirement. Overall, the Staff was not very efficient, but somehow they managed their jobs.\n\nIn one of the meetings, the Head of the Department mentioned outsourcing of jobs of your staff as a cost-cutting measure. But there were no serious deliberations, so you didn’t think much of it.\n\nBut yesterday, you received an official order stating that your department tasks will be outsourced and your Staff will be downsized. You had no problems with outsourcing, but you did not favour downsizing as it would lead to people losing their jobs.\n\nYou sought a meeting with your Head to discuss the ramifications of the new order, specifically the downsizing part. Your Head was very emphatic about the whole process and seemed to be least concerned with people losing their livelihood. Disappointed, you got back to your office thinking of ways of saving your staff’s jobs. In utter desperation, you wrote to the concerned Minister, marking a copy to your Head and the Chief Secretary. The Minister sympathetically received the note, and he assured some positive action. But your Head was not happy about you going above without his consent. He immediately orders your transfer and starts disciplinary proceedings for non-compliance with the office order.\n1 Discuss the administrative and ethical issues involved in the above case.\n2 Do you think it was morally right on your part to write to the minister? Justify\n3 How will you respond to the action initiated against you? Discuss the available options and justify your selected course of action","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"Case Study 6 You are an IAS officer recently appointed as the Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Rural Development. Your responsibilities include overseeing the implementation of various rural development schemes and ensuring their efficient execution.\n\nDuring an audit of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) funds, you discover substantial irregularities. It appears that a significant portion of the funds allocated for rural employment projects has been siphoned off by senior officials within the ministry through fraudulent invoices and fake beneficiary lists. The funds meant for the rural poor have been diverted to personal accounts.\n\nYou are faced with an ethical dilemma. Reporting this corruption could lead to severe repercussions for you as the implicated senior officials are politically influential and have strong connections. You have also received subtle threats implying that your career progression could be jeopardised if you proceed with the disclosure. On the other hand, ignoring the corruption would mean perpetuating a cycle of exploitation and depriving the rural poor of their rightful benefits.\n1 What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\n2 What are the options available to you?\n3 Identify and explain your chosen course of action after evaluating the merits and demerits of each option.","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":452,"topper":"Aditya Agarwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/gs-mac-test-1-aditya-agarwal-1745407121798.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Q1. Examine the role of numismatic evidence in understanding the political and economic history of ancient India. Provide specific examples.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Q2 Assess the impact of women's organizations in mobilizing women across diverse socio-economic and regional backgrounds in pre-independence India.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":8,"question":"Q3 How did the policy of non-alignment reflect the aspirations of India and other newly independent nations to maintain their sovereignty and resist colonial pressures?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":10,"question":"Q4 Discuss the processes involved in volcanism. Highlight the major volcanic regions in the world and their associated tectonic settings.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Q5 Explain the geological features and ecological importance of the Eastern Ghats.","marks":"10 अंक","words":null},{"page":14,"question":"Q6 Earlier known as coarse cereals the government rebranded millets in 2018 as nutri-cereals. In this context discuss the ecological and nutritional significance of millets","marks":"10 अंक) [10","words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Q7. What are the potential consequences of Arctic ice melt on biodiversity and ecosystems? How might these changes impact global ecological balance","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Q8 Do you think the Uniform Civil Code contradicts the idea of religious pluralism and cultural differences in Indian society?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Q9. Discuss the concept of healthy active ageing in the context of demographic shifts in India. How does it contribute to social inclusion?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":22,"question":"Q10 How is the transition from 'conscious consumption' to 'compulsive consumption' impacting family structure and dynamics in urban areas?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Q11. Discuss with examples the key features of Vijayanagara architecture. How did Indo-Islamic elements manifest in their structures?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Q12 Compare and contrast the features of ancient Indian universities like Nalanda and Takshashila with modern state-funded universities in India. What lessons can modern universities learn from ancient ones to improve their effectiveness?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Q13. Analyze the ideological differences and similarities between the revolutionary movement (1920-1930s) and the Gandhian non-violent struggle. How did these two ideologies influence each other?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Q14 What are the various types of glacial landforms formed in the Indian Himalayas. How do these features impact local ecosystems and human activities?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Q15. Discuss the unique geographical features of the Indian Ocean and their impact on global oceanic circulation patterns. How do these features influence the climate of the Indian subcontinent?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Q16 Urban heat islands (UHIs) have become a significant phenomenon in Indian cities, exacerbating the frequency and intensity of heat waves. Analyze the underlying factors contributing to this phenomenon and critically assess the existing mitigation strategies.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Q17 Evaluate the primary factors contributing to regional disparities in the sugar industry between North India and Peninsular India. What measures can be undertaken to reduce the surplus sugar production?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Q18 'Social mobility is essential for achieving true equality within society'. In this context highlight the barriers to intergenerational mobility in Indian society, and examine the role of education on social mobility.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Q19 Analyze the influence of globalization on migration patterns in India. What are the economic and social implications of increased internal and international migration?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Q20 Discuss how gender-based violence in India is a manifestation of patriarchal values. To what extent has modernisation in law served as an instrument of women's empowerment in this regard?","marks":"15","words":null}]},{"id":453,"topper":"Aditya Agarwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/gs-mac-test-2-aditya-agarwal-1745407232246.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Q1. The rule of law and judicial review are interdependent, as one cannot truly exist without the other. In this context can judicial review be considered the most important aspect among those that constitute the basic structure of the Constitution?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Q2 How does the power and authority of Delhi's lieutenant governor compare to that of the governors of other states, particularly in terms of acting on the aid and advice of the council of ministers?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Q3 Discuss the role of the judiciary in navigating the tension between the right to religion and constitutional morality in India in recent times. Refer to relevant case laws.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Q4 The principle of 'Separation of Powers' is a key feature of the American Constitution. In this context, compare how the Indian Constitution's functional separation of powers distinguishes itself from the US system. What are the advantages of a check and balance system over a rigid Separation of Powers?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Q5 The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution is more than a legal provision that empowers tribal regions with self-rule. How does the sixth schedule foster development while respecting their traditional governance systems and cultural practices?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Q6. How do partnerships between Civil Society Organizations and Government Entities contribute to India's development goals?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Q7. Discuss the importance of cultivating a culture of life-long learning among Indian civil servants. How has Mission Karmyogi contributed to this objective? Illustrate with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Q8 Given India's strides in reducing extreme poverty, should the country consider redefining its poverty line to better reflect the current socio-economic realities? Discuss the potential benefits and challenges associated with redefinition of the poverty line.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Q9 Evaluate the impact of the deepening political divisions with the major Western States on global governance and international cooperation. How should India navigate these divisions to advance its national interests on the global stage?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Q10. How does India's Arctic Policy align with its broader foreign policy objectives? Broadly discuss the collaborations and agreements India is involved in with the Arctic Council.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Q11. In what ways are the terms of reference of the 16th Finance Commission different from that of the previous Finance Commissions? Despite increasingly progressive devolution by subsequent Finance Commissions, examine the factors that propel economic disparities across various States.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Q12 Compare and contrast the powers and working of the Ethics Committee and the Privileges Committee in addressing cases of 'unethical' conduct and breach of privileges. How do these Committees complement each other in maintaining parliamentary discipline?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Q13 In the context of persistent legislative dysfunction in India, analyze the evolving role of judicial activism in shaping public policy and governance. Using examples from landmark court cases, evaluate the effectiveness of judicial interventions in addressing governance gaps and safeguarding citizens' rights.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Q14 To what extent does the level of internal democracy within political parties impact the functioning and legitimacy of the Indian party system? What reforms can address the challenges of inadequate intraparty democracy in India?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Q15 \"The NHRC must not only be a watchdog but also a beacon of hope for the marginalized and oppressed.\" In this context discuss the role and mandate of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in India. How does the current composition and functioning of the NHRC affect its independence and effectiveness?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Q16 The persistent health equity challenges in India pose a critical barrier in achieving Universal Health Coverage. In this context discuss the role of the public and private sectors in ensuring adequate health access and outcomes across rural and urban areas.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Q17 Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals requires consideration of regional context and local situations. In light of this statement examine the role of Panchayats as catalysts for grassroot development and advancing sustainable development.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Q18 What are the implications of the POCSO Act on the rights and welfare of children in India? Analyze the role of the POCSO Act in transforming India's legal framework for child protection.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Q19 Examine the influence of human rights issues and democratic values on the diplomatic relationship between the U.S. and India. How have these concerns affected bilateral engagements and what can be done to mitigate tensions arising from these issues?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Q20 Examine the geopolitical challenges India faces in South Asia despite its global rise. How can India navigate these challenges to strengthen its regional leadership?","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":454,"topper":"Aditya Agarwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/gs-mac-test-3-aditya-agarwal-1745407330587.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"1. Highlighting the factors contributing to high fiscal deficit in India, discuss the potential consequences of such deficit and suggest measures to ensure fiscal consolidation.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"2. India's aspiration to be a developed nation by 2047 hinges on significant capital investment. In light of this, discuss the potential of capital investment in achieving this vision. What are the challenges India faces in this regard?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"3. \"With growing urbanization, peri-urban agriculture is emerging as a significant contributor to fresh farm produce needs\". In this context, discuss the opportunities and challenges associated with promoting peri-urban agriculture in a sustainable manner.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"4. What are the major challenges faced by India's agriculture sector to achieve self-sufficiency in pulses and vegetable oils? Suggest measures to address these challenges.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"5. Evaluate the potential of biomanufacturing and bio-foundry in driving India's future towards a sustainable green economy.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"6. What are the principles behind the working of Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV)? Explain the significance and potential benefits of use of RLVs in India's space commerce.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"7. Examine the key features of the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) 2023. Analyze its potential for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"8. In light of the increased intensity, frequency and duration of heat waves in the last decade, do you think the time has come to include \"heat waves\" as a notified disaster under the Disaster Management Act, 2005?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"9. Recently formulated 'joint doctrine for cyberspace operations' by Indian armed forces will lead to strengthening of the cyber-security posture for both conventional operations as well as gray zone warfare. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"10. Discuss the necessity and potential issues surrounding the extension of the Border Security Force's (BSF) territorial jurisdiction in states adjacent to Pakistan and Bangladesh.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"11. India's economic growth story is often overshadowed by the persistent challenges of unemployment. Analyze the concept of structural unemployment and discuss its relevance in the context of India's current economic situation. Suggest policy measures to promote inclusive job growth.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"12. Discuss the role of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in fostering regional growth in India. How can MSMEs contribute to achieving industrial diversification and technological advancement?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"13. \"The sole point of MSP is to protect farmers from sudden price shock\". Do you think legalization of MSP can insure farmers from sudden price shocks? What are the other measures which can be taken to make MSP-led procurement effective?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"14. Discuss the role of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) in the Public Distribution System (PDS) to ensure food security in India. Suggest necessary reforms in the functioning of FCI to enhance its efficiency and effectiveness.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"15. Discuss the role of nanotechnology on enhancing agricultural productivity and food security in India. Highlight recent developments and potential benefits and risks of use of nano-fertilizers and nano-pesticides.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"16. The Nobel Prize in Physics of 2023 was jointly awarded to Ekimov, Brus and Bawendi for the discovery of synthesis of quantum dots. In this context, discuss the applications of quantum dots.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"17. Evaluate the role of protected areas in biodiversity conservation in India. How effective have national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves been in preserving India's biodiversity?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"18. What the causes of high levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and ozone pollution in India. How effective are the various steps taken by the government to mitigate particulate matter and ozone pollution?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"19. The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) Report 2023 highlights a growing menace of drug trafficking in South Asia, with India being a major hub. Analyze the various dimensions of this challenge with respect to India. Also suggest a multi-pronged approach to address it.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"20. India's response to left wing extremism needs to integrate soft approaches like socio-economic policies and dialogue along with hard security measures to address the root causes of Naxalism. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":455,"topper":"Aditya Agarwal","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/ADITYA-VIKRAM-AGARWAL-UPSC-2024-Rank-9-MGP-Sample-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) What do you understand from land subsidence? Explaining various reasons behind land subsidence, recommend measures to arrest the calamity.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Despite being rich in forest resources, why do tropical regions have limited growth of the lumbering industry in comparison to temperate regions?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) What are the suitable conditions for the formation of a tropical cyclone? Also, bring out differences between a tropical and an extra-tropical cyclone.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Differences between a tropical and extra-tropical cyclone:\ni) Regions - tropical cyclones are formed between equator and tropic of cancer whereas temperate cyclones are formed in temperate regions.\nii) Tropical cyclones are formed in sea and travel towards land. Temperate cyclones can form on land as well.\niii) Temperate cyclones are formed as a result of formation of polar front.\niv) Temperate cyclones are more destructive in nature.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Elucidate the differences between Western and Indian model of secularism. To what extent do you agree with the criticism that Indian model of secularism is susceptible to promoting minority appeasement?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"(i) State intervention in minority religious for its promotion and protection is permitted - this allows politicization of religious issues for vote-bank politics.\n(ii) Some religions form majority is in specific regions - Sikhism in Punjab or Muslims in Lakshadweep - appeasement leads to increased chances of election wins.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 Discuss the multi-dimensional implications of uneven distribution of semiconductor industry in the world.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) Examining the reasons behind erratic Monsoon, highlight the possible outcomes of the same.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) Why is Antarctic becoming an area of renewed human interest? Examine the significance of Antarctic bill, 2022 in protecting India's interest in the region.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) How does the Eastern coast of India differ in its geographical features from the western coast?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) Explain the meaning of colour-coded weather warnings for:\na) Rainstorms\nb) Thunderstorms\nc) Duststorms","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) How has globalization and urbanization impacted the Indian family system?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) Coral reefs are considered to be at the epicentre of marine ecology; however, their existence is threatened due to a plethora of anthropogenic and natural causes. Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 Discuss the causes for salinity ingress along with its various consequences and potential solutions.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 The actualization of a seamless urban mass transport is hackled by a slew of factors. Identifying these factors, recommend measures to create a robust paradigm for urban mass transport.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 The economic and strategic significance of mineral wealth of a country cannot be seen in isolation from the associated socio-ecological impacts of their extraction. Discuss in light of the newfound lithium reserves in Northern India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Examine the reasons behind generation of regional sentiments? Do you agree that regional sentiments and cultural assertiveness may lead to the issue of separatism?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) Explain the mechanism and occurrence of earthquake. With the help of map given below, throw light upon the vulnerability of regions affected by earthquake and earthquake related disasters.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 Enumerating different types of tides highlight their significance. Also, explain how tides are different from waves.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 With special reference to India, elucidate how globalisation - a multifaceted phenomenon - has had positive socio-economic outcomes on one hand and widened the gaps between the haves and have nots on the other?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19) What makes India one of the most vulnerable regions to climate change? Discuss the role of governments, citizens, and businesses in building climate resilience.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 All deserts are rain deficit, but are formed due to different reasons. Discuss. Also, analyse various adaptations in the flora and fauna to survive the water deficit conditions.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":456,"topper":"Aditya Aggarwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/aditya-essay-test-1-1745477977423.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Q.1 If it costs you your peace, it is too expensive.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Q.8 Present demonstrates the lessons of history, albeit the hard way.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":457,"topper":"Aditya Agrawal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/aditya-essay-test-3-1745478106195.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Q.3 The greatest risk is to risk nothing at all.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Q.5 Geopolitics affects every country, whether at war or at peace.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":458,"topper":"Aditya Bansal","air":104,"year":2019,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/73cfd-36962_1075_aditya-bansal_rank_104.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":459,"topper":"Aditya Bansal","air":104,"year":2019,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d1e9b-36962_1252_aditya-bansal_rank_104.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":460,"topper":"Aditya Bansal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/47d03-36962_1431_aditya-bansal_rank_104.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Giving examples, explain how land topography affects the regional and planetary wind systems. Also, differentiate between the westerlies of the northern and southern hemisphere. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What is palaeomagnetism? Explain how it serves as a bridging evidence for Plate Tectonics Theory. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Mention the conditions responsible for occurrence of Temperature Inversion in atmosphere. Elaborating on its various types, highlight its effects on the biosphere. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlight the importance of iron and steel industry as the basic building block of the economy. In this context, discuss the key features of the National Steel Policy, 2017. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Analyse the phenomenon of 'Resource Curse', by giving adequate examples from around the world as well as India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind increased instances of human-wildlife conflict and suggest some mitigation measures to address them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Montreal Protocol is often considered as the most successful international environmental treaty. Highlighting the achievements of the protocol, discuss the reasons for its success. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Identify different factors that trigger Glacial Lake Outburst Floods. Also, suggest certain measures that need to be taken to minimize their impact. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss India's vulnerability to chemical disasters. In this context, mention safety initiatives taken to address chemical risk in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Differentiate between eustatic and isostatic type of sea-level changes. Also, discuss the resultant landforms which are likely to be formed as a result of sea-level fluctuations. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Explain the reasons behind earthquakes in Himalayas being more intense and frequent than the ones occurring in Alps region. Why are scientists predicting a largescale earthquake in northern India? Also, elaborate upon some prominent earthquake forecasting techniques. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Explain the role of river as a geomorphic agent with suitable examples of landforms formed during its course of flow. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Identify the major Uranium reserves in the world and the countries from where India sources it. What measures are required to ensure supply security of fuel for nuclear plants in the country? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What is seabed mining and why is it important for India? Highlight the environmental challenges associated with seabed mining and discuss how these can be addressed. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What is Conservation Agriculture? Highlight the prospects and challenges of adopting Conservation Agriculture in India. Also, mention some important policy considerations for its promotion. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Analyse how far the 'Katowice Climate Package' goes in achieving the objectives of the Paris Climate agreement amid the concerns of developing countries like India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Examine the factors responsible for causing soil pollution in India. Discussing its impact on various ecosystem services, suggest some remedial measures to restore polluted soil. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss the vulnerabilities of urban areas to disasters. What measures have been taken to minimise the losses in such areas during disasters? What further improvements would you suggest to make them more resilient? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"What is Community Based Disaster Management (CBDM)? Highlight its main principles, features and significance for resilient disaster preparedness in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":461,"topper":"Aditya Bansal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/26262-36962_1436_aditya-bansal_rank_104.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Given the growing ecological and geopolitical significance, Arctic region offers immense opportunities for serving India's long-term interests. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the challenges that India may face in the eventuality of withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan. What options does India have to safeguard its interests in the context of the changing situation? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The BRICS as a grouping seems to have internal contradictions, which makes it difficult for it to emerge as an effective forum in a dynamic multi-polar international order. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Despite India having immense soft power potential, it alone will not be sufficient to achieve India's foreign policy objectives. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Highlighting the role of space technology in border management, enumerate the steps taken so far in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Examining the risk posed by space debris, suggest some measures which can be taken for its mitigation and removal. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the challenges confronting higher self-reliance and indigenisation of defence industry in India. What steps can be taken to accelerate its pace? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Comment on the role played by the diaspora in India's development process. Also, discuss the challenges in terms of engaging the Indian diaspora and suggest ways to translate these partnerships into benefits. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the reasons behind proliferation of multilateral preferential trade agreements. Do they violate WTO's MFN principle? Do you think that such trade groupings present an existential threat to WTO? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"India needs to balance its growing water needs and larger security concerns with effective hydro-diplomacy. Highlighting the challenges faced with regard to transboundary rivers, analyze this statement in the context of India's riparian relations with its neighbours. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Commenting on the importance of Central Asia for India, highlight the progress made in the relationship in recent past along with the issues that still remain to further cement the ties. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the significance of India's island territories in its quest to become a net security provider in the Indian Ocean region. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"A fine balance between security and developmental measures needs to be attained for tackling the menace of Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in India. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Illustrate the linkages between drug trafficking, organised crime and terrorism. In this regard, mention the steps that have been taken to arrest the availability of drugs in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Identify the key threats to national security in the wake of climate change. Also, highlight India's stand and rationale on UN's decision to declare climate change as an international security issue. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Explaining the concept of data exclusivity, bring out the arguments for and against incorporating data exclusivity norms in India's IPR regime. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Compare and contrast fifth generation (5G) of wireless telecom technology with 4G technology. What challenges need to be overcome for 5G's pan-India rollout? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":462,"topper":"Aditya Bansal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5c6ec-36962_1450_aditya-bansal_rank_104.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"An effective crop insurance system is crucial in cushioning income losses for farmers. In this context, assess the performance of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Explaining the significance of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), highlight the challenges that need to be addressed for it to achieve its true potential. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the potential of multimodal transport in transforming India's transportation and logistics sector. Mention the measures taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Private investment is a key driver that catalyses an economy into a self-sustaining cycle of growth. Explaining the statement, highlight the steps that should be taken to revive private investment in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Comment on the efficacy of waste to energy plants being established in India in order to solve the problem of discarded municipal solid waste. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"In recent decades India has made changes in its IPR regime to make it TRIPS compliant, however there continue to remain fundamental differences on IPR related issues in relation to the developed world. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Chandrayaan-2 has not only been considered as one of the most challenging missions of ISRO but also more technologically advanced than Chandrayaan-1. Elaborate. Further, examine how lunar exploration can benefit humanity in general. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Given the strategic rivalries and growing space capabilities of many countries, militarisation of outer space is considered a threat. In this context, discuss the need for a rule-based order to securely govern outer space. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Money laundering not only threatens the stability of the financial system of India but also its national security. Elucidate. In this context, discuss how far the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 addresses these issues. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Discuss the need for agricultural marketing reforms in India. Also, identify the key aspects of agricultural markets that need to be reformed. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite the government meeting its disinvestment targets in recent years, its efforts towards strategic disinvestment and privatisation remain limited. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"There have been arguments that employment creation and productivity do not grow adequately as firms age in India. In this context, analyse why Indian firms start small and stay small. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Bring out the importance of focussing on energy efficiency for achieving energy security in India. What steps have been taken by the government in this regard? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Despite having a statutory framework for minimum wages since long, many workers continue to remain outside its reach. Examine the reasons and suggest corrective measures in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Highlight the significance of a well-established carbon market in India. In this context, explaining the mechanism of renewable energy certificates (REC), highlight the challenges that the REC market faces. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Discuss the need and challenges in integrating the efforts for disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Given the significance of data in policy making, analyze why its potential remains underutilised. Also, suggest some measures for transforming India's data infrastructure in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The roots of insurgency in the North Eastern region are embedded in a host of factors. Discuss. What measures have been taken to tackle cross-border insurgency in this area? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Highlight the challenges faced by India in countering terror financing. Also, mention the steps taken by India in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":463,"topper":"Aditya Bansal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d03df-36962_1449_aditya-bansal_rank_104.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Bringing higher judiciary under the ambit of RTI has its own merits and demerits. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Tribunals in India have not just replicated some of the problems that our judiciary suffers from but added a few more. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Parliamentary privileges are not always used for the aims they were intended to serve. In this context, discuss the need for codification of these privileges in light of recent developments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"There is a point of view that the office of Governor has outlived its relevance and needs to be abolished. Critically examine in the current context. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Is lateral entry in civil services the panacea to address the challenges, which hamper the effective functioning of bureaucracy in India? Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Highlighting the grievances of states towards Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS), explain how the government has sought to rationalise these schemes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The PM Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) has begun well and holds a lot of promise, however it needs to address multiple challenges to become a success. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Highlighting its key features, examine the need for the passage of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill by the Parliament at the earliest. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"With changing times India's engagement with its diaspora has also undergone a change. Explain in the context of government policies on diaspora. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Despite its immense potential, the challenges associated with RCEP for India cannot be ignored. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Decentralisation in India has been fairly successful at the political level, however on the fiscal and administrative fronts progress is marred by several bottlenecks. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The provisions of the Anti-Defection Law have been repeatedly violated and are routinely misinterpreted. Examine. Also, suggest measures to strengthen the Anti-Defection Law. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The amendment process for the Indian Constitution follows a middle path between rigidity and flexibility. Comment in comparative perspective. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Assess the effectiveness of the institutional architecture of Indian federalism in settling inter-state disputes. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The recent advances in technologies have the potential to make e-governance a very potent tool for ushering in an era of good governance. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"While Indians are donating to charitable causes more than ever, philanthropy in India is still at a formative stage. In this context, highlight the significance of philanthropy and state the factors holding back philanthropy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Highlight the challenges faced in implementation of healthcare schemes in India. Examine how creation of a robust digital health ecosystem can prove to be a game changer in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"For India to emerge as a knowledge superpower, it is imperative to address the challenges of access, equity, quality, affordability and accountability faced by the current education system. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Ties with both USA and Russia are important for India, however, both these relations have their own sets of challenges, and some of these are further accentuated by the friction between these two powers. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":464,"topper":"Aditya Bansal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c89f7-36962_1448_aditya-bansal_rank_104.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"It is argued that mathematics and astronomy were an important part of intellectual development in ancient India. In this context, highlight the major contributions of ancient India to these areas. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In context of the rivalries, which existed between the English and French trading companies in India, highlight the factors, which led to the success of the English East India Company in its struggle against the French. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What were the causes of the Iranian Revolution of 1979? In what ways do the consequences of this revolution remain relevant even today? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Analyze the impact of globalization on indigenous craft, literary traditions and traditional knowledge systems in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Juvenile delinquency has attracted much media attention in recent years. What are the factors that drive the juveniles towards crime? In this context, state the significance of rehabilitative and reformative measures for juvenile delinquents. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Highlighting the health challenges that tribals are facing in India, suggest a roadmap to improve the health indicators of the tribals. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Give an account of the geographical distribution pattern of major agro-based industries in India. Also, explain their multiplier effect on rural economy. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Highlight the reasons and resultant implications of disappearance of urban water bodies in India. Mention some of the steps which can be taken in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Explaining the role that Ocean Iron Fertilization can play in the fight against climate change, discuss the concerns associated with its large-scale adoption. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"In India a vast number of languages are potentially endangered. Discuss the reasons and implications of disappearance of a language. Also, suggest measures to preserve potentially endangered languages. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"While the British established a judicial system based on the rule of law, in practice this system suffered from numerous drawbacks. Analyze keeping in mind the developments between 1793 and 1833. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Trace the evolution of British policy towards the princely states in India. How did the freedom movement impact the people of these princely states? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Give a brief account of the circumstances under which Simla agreement was signed in 1972. Mentioning its important provisions, discuss whether it was a lost opportunity for India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"State the push and pull factors responsible for internal migration in India. Also examine how it is impacting urban transition in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Examine the factors responsible for poor performance of family planning programme in India. Suggest some family planning strategies, which can be adopted for improving reproductive health outcomes and achieving family welfare. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Women experience poverty differently and more acutely as compared to men. In this context, explain the socio-economic factors, which contribute to feminization of poverty in India. How can this problem be tackled? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Giving examples, highlight the reasons behind existence of regional disparities in India. Suggest some strategies to address them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Highlighting different factors affecting Indian monsoon, explain why it is difficult to predict it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":465,"topper":"Aditya Bansal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/60cee-36962_1435_aditya-bansal_rank_104.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Do you think there has been a convergence of values between public and private sectors in the wake of increasing role of the private sector in public service delivery?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Giving examples of some social ills plaguing the society, discuss how social persuasion can be an effective technique to overcome them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"What steps should be taken by the government for increasing the effectiveness of grievance redressal mechanism?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are two statements. Bring out what you understand by them and discuss their relevance in the present context. (a) \"I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear\"- Nelson Mandela","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"\"Not everybody can be famous, but everybody can be great because greatness is determined by service\"- Martin Luther King.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Explain why superstitious beliefs and practices abound in India. In this context, discuss the importance of inculcating scientific temper to remove superstitions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Simply labelling people as liberal or conservative is to miss the point that an individual can have divergent views on different issues. Explain with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Anti-corruption measures need focus on both demand as well as supply side of corruption. Discuss in the light of prevalence of 'collusive corruption' in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Identify the various traits of a healthy work culture for a bureaucracy in a modern society. Also, suggest ways in which a healthy work culture can be created in India to meet the objectives of good-governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Citizen's charters can be both a stimulus and a means for government to raise the standards of Public Service delivery. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Attitude and behaviour are so closely interwoven that a change in one inevitably influences the other. Explain the statement with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Emotional intelligence is an important parameter as one aspires to move up the ladder in a competitive environment. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Rapid growth of information and communication technology, with all its benefits, has associated risks and far-reaching consequences. The government has constituted a committee to frame guidelines for an inclusive and safe cyberspace in India. The committee has solicited public opinion in this regard. As a concerned citizen, you have to give your suggestions on the following themes: (a) Why do you think some people or a set of people are more vulnerable to cyber threats with special emphasis on cyber-bullying. (b) Do you think the experiences and exposure in cyberspace are an important influence in a person's attitude and behaviour? (c) What reasonable restrictions can be applied to make cyberspace more safe and friendly to all citizens?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"You are serving as the Public Health Officer in a district that is lagging behind in achieving the Open Defecation Free (ODF) status. Even after ensuring adequate access to water and sanitation services, their usage has not spread and the practice of open defecation continues in the district. Despite serious extension efforts by the government, safe hygienic practices have not been adopted by the people. As a result, various instances of bacteriological contamination and water-borne diseases have surfaced recently. In such a scenario: (a) Examine the reasons behind low usage and adoption rates of built toilets in India? (b) Highlighting the principles to be kept in mind while preparing an effective Information, Education and Communication (IEC) strategy, design an action plan to address the problem.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":466,"topper":"Aditya Bansal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/532b1-36962_1451_aditya-bansal_rank_104.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"It is morally permissible to perform an action in pursuit of a good end in full knowledge that the action might also bring about bad results. Critically examine the statement with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"An essential element that distinguishes a career in public service from jobs elsewhere is its focus on public service ethos. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The foundational values of efficiency, impartiality, empathy, and incorruptibility are an integral part of civil services. Elaborate with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The foreign policy of nations is primarily guided by national interests. Do you think the pursuit of such exclusive concerns leaves little scope for ethics in international relations? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Corporate Social Responsibility can help in changing the perception of 'business ethics' being an oxymoron. Critically analyze. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Citizens' Charters by themselves cannot achieve the desired results in improving quality of public services. Discuss the statement in light of the Sevottam Model. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"What do you understand by social capital? Explain its relationship with good governance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Emotional Intelligence is an essential ingredient for managing personal and organizational change. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Do you agree that privatization and outsourcing of selected public services will help improve the quality of public service delivery and in particular reduce the incidence of corruption? Substantiate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Discuss the contributions of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar to the idea of social justice in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"You are posted as the District Magistrate in a district, which has been ravaged by floods recently. The severity of floods has not only led to destruction of shelter and livelihood, but also created risks of deadly diseases spreading in the area. Street thugs have taken advantage of the situation and are looting and stocking anything they can get their hands on. There are reports that many shops and homes have been broken into and looted. Some suspect that this is the work of illegal immigrants from a neighbouring country, who have been residing in the district for a long time. The local MLA is objecting to extension of relief and rehabilitation assistance to these illegal immigrants. A number of residents of the district have also joined the MLA and are arguing that citizens have the first right on the country's resources, particularly in the prevailing situation. In this context, answer the following: (a) Do you think that citizens of a country have the first claim on resources of a nation in every situation? Justify your answer with valid arguments. (b) Given this information, chart a course of action based on priorities of the administration. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"You are the Commissioner of a city municipal corporation. Recognizing the state of some of the old buildings, you have categorised these under the list of dilapidated buildings. You have also issued an advisory to residents regarding the status and hazards of living in such buildings and asked them to vacate the premises. However, even after such a notification, residents continue to occupy such buildings and refuse to vacate. These are mostly poor people who have no other alternative available and would be rendered homeless if they vacate the premises. While you are trying to figure a way out for these people, your worst fears come true when one of the four-storeyed buildings on the list collapsed after heavy rains. Following the incident, public outrage led to accusations against the corporation for not getting the building vacated. (a) What challenges do you face as the Commissioner in this situation? Highlight the steps you will take to address these. (b) What measures will you take to prevent reoccurrence of such unfortunate incidents? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"You have been recently posted as a District Education Officer in a district, which is notorious for mass copying. It again witnessed some disturbing incidents during the recent Board examination. In some of the examination centers located in your district, the parents virtually took over the centres to help their wards to copy during the exams. The parents justified their act by arguing that the concerned teachers did not take classes at all during the year. Upon enquiry, you found that invigilators turned a blind eye in this situation and school administrations were also involved in tampering with the CCTV footage of the incidents. You also found that teacher absenteeism has indeed been rampant. Further, concerns regarding this had been repeatedly raised by parents in the past, but no action was taken. In this situation: (a) What course of action would you take in the immediate to short term to deal with the issue at hand? (b) Explaining the ramifications of such incidents for the society at large, highlight some long-term reforms that should be taken to prevent such incidents from re-occurring. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"You are recently posted as District Magistrate in a district, which is a major hub of industrial activities and attracts workers from different places and communities. The workers of these industries often utilize the open spaces on roads for performing their daily prayers, though only for a short period of time. The lack of a place of worship close to the work places, is cited as the reason for continuance of this practice. However, some residents of nearby areas have been objecting to this practice due to the inconvenience caused by congestion on the roads. There have also been complaints of alleged illegal encroachments over public land in garb of this practice. One day, you are informed that a group of locals disrupted the workers at the time of worship. The incident led to clashes between several groups and a law and order problem has arisen in the district. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) What are the options available before you? Evaluate the merits and demerits of each one of them. (b) What course of action would you choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"You are the district magistrate in a district of a hill state. An NRI tycoon is planning to arrange a large wedding ceremony in your district. Given the scale of the ceremony, a feasibility report was prepared. The report has called for adopting a cautious approach and has raised concerns regarding its impact on the environment. Recognizing this, the NRI has offered extra compensation for the prospective environmental damages. Also, the local MLA and some prominent residents are arguing that such a wedding can help in developing the district as a tourist hotspot and turn it into a popular wedding destination, bringing prosperity for the residents. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders in the given situation and their respective interests. (b) Highlight the options available to you and the course of action you will take, giving reasons for the same. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"The challenge of climate change presents the world with several fundamental ethical dilemmas. From a global perspective, it presents the world with a collective action problem: all countries have a collective interest in controlling global carbon emissions. But each individual country also has incentives to over-consume in response to societal demands for economic growth and prosperity. Developing nations faced with these costs may encounter further challenges as the impact of climate change will most likely fall disproportionally on the poor, thus also raising issues of fairness and inequality. As an intergenerational problem, the consequences of actions taken by the current generation will have the greatest impact on future generations. While it is intuitive that the current generation has some ethical responsibility to leave an inhabitable world to future generations, the extent of this obligation is less clear. Answer the following questions in this regard: (a) To what extent do humans have a moral responsibility to future generations that are yet to be born? (b) Do developed countries have a greater responsibility to take action and bear more costs of controlling climate change than developing countries? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":467,"topper":"Aditya Bansal","air":104,"year":2019,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1UkCZ01nGfL9nsGe6gVCdVr82fDQQhW1G","questions":[]},{"id":468,"topper":"Aditya Hriday Upadhyay","air":154,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ADITYA-HRIDAY-UPADHYAY-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-154-Sample-Essay-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. Before the borders are broken the minds are invaded.\n2. Talent and passion are only useful tools if one has the work ethic to back them up.\n3. The opportunity of interfaith dialogue: modern solution for globalised world.\n4. The only impossible journey is the one you never begin.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":4,"question":"\"What resists initiative\"  \"What should we do make impossible possible\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"What stops us from beginning.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"1. Science applied is the engine of humanity.\n2. Eyes cannot see what the mind does not know.\n3. Doubt is the origin of wisdom.\n4. The relation between environment, resources and conflict is same as the connection between Democracy, human rights and peace.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":469,"topper":"Aditya Hriday Upadhyay","air":154,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ADITYA-HRIDAY-UPADHYAY-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-154-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) In many ways, the Spanish civil war was the opening act of WWII. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) How will you explain the different fates of Buddhism and Jainism despite a slew of similarities in the two religions?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3 Non-Cooperation Movement democratized India's freedom struggle but suffered from inherent limitations. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Critically analyse the efficacy of linguistic reorganization of states in addressing the reasons for linguistic divides in post-independent India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 Briefly discuss the role of plate tectonics theory in explaining the location of volcanoes. Also, explain the multifarious impacts of volcanoes on the surrounding regions.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6 Taking further the success of Aspirational Districts Programme, Aspirational Blocks can help achieve the twin objectives of balanced growth and checking stress migration. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) Describe the critical factors for location of defense industries and suggest measures to overcome the challenges.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) To what extent can Socio-Economic-Caste Census (SECC) address the challenges in achieving equitable resource allocation and targeted welfare?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 Indian society is premised on some common values that give it a composite texture as well as some diverse practices that deepen its heterogeneity. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) What are the factors that influence population growth in the country? In this perspective, examine the relevance and need of raising the minimum marriageable age of women for population development.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 Bring out the reasons behind the tribal unrest in British India. Also, analyze the reasons for their limited success.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 The independence of India was not a result of a forced expulsion of the Empire, as desired by the Quit India Movement; it was rather a confluence of domestic politics and global circumstances. Analyze.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 Explain why Sufism, a liberal reform movement in Islam could deepen its roots in the Indian sub-continent, despite Islam being a foreign religion? Also, bring out the impacts of Sufism on Indian society.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) Enumerate the reasons behind rising intensity and frequency of cyclones in the Arabian Sea in recent years. Giving special reference to NDMA guidelines, recommend measures to check the adverse impacts of cyclones.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Examine the impacts of climate change on the hydrological cycle and suggest suitable mitigation and adaptation strategies to contain the harmful implications.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) Defining continental shelf, highlight its resource potential and ecological significance.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17) Rooted in patriarchal values, gender-based violence, in all its manifestations, is antithetical to societal growth. Explain.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"How to Rectify Gender Based Violence","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18) The caste calculus in the Indian society remains predominant and continues to project its shadow on social, political, and economic domains. Do you agree? Substantiate your answer.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19) Discuss various factors contributing to the water woes faced by Indian cities. Also, explain complexities in implementing a comprehensive water management plan.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 Though important elements of group identity, religion and region also run the risk of deepening communal cleavages. Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":470,"topper":"Aditya Hriday Upadhyay","air":154,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ADITYA-HRIDAY-UPADHYAY-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-154-Sample-MGP-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) Discuss the role of the 'Fourth Estate' in upholding democratic values and analyse the issues affecting press freedom in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) The electoral process, though inclusionary in theory, has been pointed out for exclusionary tendencies in practice. Analyse, with special emphasis on role of women in India's representative electoral system.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Human dignity, stemming from right to life, does not end with death penalty. In this context, throw light on various controversies surrounding capital punishment in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Assess the effectiveness of Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 in resolution of river-water disputes. Also describe the potential impact of delays in resolution of water disputes.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 Discuss the significance of the cooperative model of development in addressing the issues of rural growth.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6 In order to pass the ultimate test of good governance, welfare state should be close to the people, responsive to their aspirations, and inclusive in its approach. Discuss with special reference to PM PVTG Development Mission.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7 To what extent collaboration between the state and civil society organizations (CSOs) help in addressing poverty and malnutrition in the country?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8 Absence of a robust social infrastructure in the country may become one of the most significant challenges in achieving a developed status by 2047. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 Though the changing paradigm towards dialogue and diplomacy in West Asia augurs well for India's interests in this otherwise restive region, presence of inimical actors may reverse the gains. Explain.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 Water diplomacy can redefine the contours of regional cooperation in South Asia. Discuss with special reference to Indus water treaty 1960.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) Despite constitutional backing to the institutions of local governance, the idea of decentralisation has remained hostage to several structural bottlenecks. Elucidate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) Independent judiciary, as envisaged by the constitution, provides the bedrock for a thriving polity; however, executive encroachment may erode its credibility and affect its efficacy. Evaluate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"How Executive Encroachment erodes its credibility and efficacy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 Executive agencies, working as the watchdog against impropriety, are vital to act against the corrupt; however, pandering to vested interests may have the effect of turning the idea of rule of law on its head. Comment, with special reference to controversies associated with the Enforcement Directorate (ED).","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 Critically analyse the role of National Commission for Women (NCW) in wake of its mandate to safeguard women's rights and uphold their socio-economic wellbeing.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Understanding the extent, source, and complexity of deprivations among the multidimensionally poor contributes to more informed policymaking. In this context, analyze the latest National Multidimensional Poverty Index Report by NITI Aayog.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 Though lifeblood of a representative democracy, political parties are beset with challenges of their own, limiting their larger role in democratization of the society.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Q.17 Safely managed drinking water services, as desired by Jal Jeevan Mission, are designated to give multifarious benefits cutting across generations. Discuss. Also, elaborate upon the challenges in ensuring the mission's success.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Q.18 Legislation like Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989 remains mere legal documents without intense sensitization of public functionaries and the civil society. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Q.19 Harbinger of global rebalancing, India-Africa ties are a beacon of inclusive, sustainable, and equitable world. Explain.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Q.20 How do ASEAN centrality, rules-based order, and development partnership with Pacific Island states make Indo-Pacific a theatre of opportunity for India? What are the hurdles in realisation of an inclusive Indo-Pacific construct?","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":471,"topper":"Aditya Hriday Upadhyay","air":154,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ADITYA-HRIDAY-UPADHYAY-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-154-Sample-MGP-Copy-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) Where the roots of private virtue are diseased, the fruit of public probity cannot but be corrupt. What do you understand by probity? Discuss ways of inculcating probity in public life.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"3. Thinking of others helps us rise above our personal issues.\n How to cultivate Probity","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"b) Evaluate the role of citizen's charter in making governance citizen centric. Also, recommend some measures to make citizen's charters more effective.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) Differentiate between the following:\n(i) code of conduct and code of ethics\n(ii) Accountability and responsibility","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) While successful managers make profit for their organizations, it is leaders who build successful organizations. In light of this statement, differentiate between a manager and a leader. Examine why leadership is considered a foundational value for a civil servant.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Why Leadership is foundational value of civil servant","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) a) Right to Information Act, 2005, aims to make the governance process transparent and accountable, however, the sunshine legislation is beset with several challenges. Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What are the challenges to RTI","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"b) Uniform Civil Code (UCC) aims to create a common set of laws governing personal matters, such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption, irrespective of individuals' religious affiliations. In the context of the ongoing discourse on UCC in India, examine the challenges that arise when attempting to reconcile legal principles with diverse moral considerations. To what extent should the law be influenced by moral/religious principles?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.4) a) \"Why should a man be moral? Because it strengthens his will.\" - Swami Vivekanand. In this perspective, discuss the significance of morality for bringing efficiency and effectiveness in public administration. Do you think moral rigidity can be a hindrance in good governance?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"9 Selflessness in teamwork and responsibility placing welfare of public before self.\nQ: Tukaram Omble taking bullets to save himself from public","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"b) Various practices and policies are implemented to uphold transparency, fairness, and accountability within administrative systems, encompassing both advantageous and disadvantageous aspects for the stakeholders involved and the overall administrative framework. Explore the ethical considerations that arise from the design and implementation of these administrative practices aiming to foster effective governance.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.5) a) Civil servants who embody emotional intelligence exhibit a profound understanding of the human aspect of governance, enabling them to cultivate meaningful relationships, foster cooperation, and drive positive change. Examine ways in which Emotional Intelligence can be inculcated in civil servants.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"How EQ can be cultivated in Civil servant","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"b) The challenges posed by the corporate sector's impact on climate, environmental sustainability, and living conditions has highlighted the need for responsible and inclusive business practices. In this direction, the contemporary discourse on corporate governance is emphasizing the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. Evaluate the ESG framework in equipping the corporate world with the capabilities to fulfill its social roles and responsibilities.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.6) What does each of the following quotation mean to you?\na) \"Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom\" - Thomas Jefferson","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"b) \"When I do good, I feel good; when I do bad, I feel bad, and that is my religion\" - Abraham Lincoln.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"c) \"Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time.\" – Ruth Bader Ginsburg.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7 Prachinmath is a pilgrim town nestled in the laps of Himalayas. The town is part of one of the border states of the country. It serves as the base for a highly revered and well-known pilgrimage undertaken by millions of people every year. The people of Prachinmath, who are largely from a close-knit community of Pahadi tribe, have lived in the area for several generations. The Pahadi people, since many generations, have developed a lifestyle which is integral to the ecosystem of Prachinmath. The traditional knowledge of the tribe passed from one generation to other have helped the people in living with the environment in a sustainable manner. The people of Prachinmath worshipped the local deity, and believed it to be their destiny to live in the region in a peaceful and harmonious way.\nHowever, the increasing pace of unplanned development, uncontrolled religious tourism, creation of strategic infrastructure etc., in the contemporary times have fundamentally altered the minimalistic nature of relationship that the people of Prachinmath had with the local/fragile environment. Prachinmath Bachao Committee (PBC), a civil society organization of Pahadi tribals, has consistently opposed the unbridled and brazen exploitation of the resources of Prachinmath. They have through petitions, jan sabhas, nukkad nataks etc., highlighted the grave consequences of the unsustainable development model that the state and the Union governments were adopting for Prachinmath. However, their petitions had fallen on deaf ears. Moreover, the government justified the infrastructure creation in Prachinmath in order to cater to its strategic and religious significance.\nThe problems came to a head when the government decided to construct a tunnel in Prachinmath, in order to generate hydroelectricity. The PBC as well as prominent geologists of the country vehemently opposed the idea citing its negative impact upon the region. The scientific community was of the opinion that as Prachinmath sits on geological fault lines and is built on a debris of a landslide, any large-scale construction may cause irreparable damage to the environment. Nevertheless, the government went ahead with the project, constructing the tunnel in a record time, citing its necessity for the energy security of the country. Even many economists were of the opinion that increased energy capacity will help India curtail its import bill. Such steps were hailed by the government as the stepping stone of the country towards strategic autonomy.\nThe worst fears of the local and scientific communities came true when the houses in Prachinmath started showing large cracks. The reason for the crack, as found out after a detailed study, was attributed to the subsidence of land in Prachinmath. The sinking of the land, development of large cracks, collapsing of the buildings etc., caught the attention of social, electronic, and print media alike. Overnight, Prachinmath became the talk of the country. Even the international media highlighted the episode, and the existential threat that it posed to the local communities as well as the environment. The state and Union governments swung into action and formed an expert committee, comprising of scientists, bureaucrats, NDRF/SDRF personnel etc., to look into the matter. The committee advised the government to evacuate Prachinmath completely, as the sinking of the land was continuing. Working on the recommendations of the committee, government prepared a detailed resettlement and rehabilitation plan for the people of Prachinmath.\nThe Pahadi people, who squarely blamed the government for the crisis, felt cheated by the actions of the government and refused to evacuate from Prachinmath, the place of their ancestors.\na) What are the various conflicting interests in the above case study.\nb) As a DM of the district in which Prachinmath falls, how will you convince the people to evacuate from the area?\nc) What can we do to avoid such situations in the future.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"a) उपरोक्त केस स्टडी में विभिन्न परस्पर विरोधी हित क्या हैं?\nb) जिस जिले में प्राचीनमठ पड़ता है, वहां के डीएम के रूप में आप लोगों को इलाका खाली करने के लिए कैसे मनाएंगे?\nc) भविष्य में ऐसी स्थितियों से बचने के लिए हम क्या कर सकते हैं?\na) उपरोक्त केस स्टडी में विभिन्न परस्पर विरोधी हित क्या हैं?\nb) जिस जिले में प्राचीनमठ पड़ता है, वहां के डीएम के रूप में आप लोगों को इलाका खाली करने के लिए कैसे मनाएंगे?\nc) भविष्य में ऐसी स्थितियों से बचने के लिए हम क्या कर सकते हैं?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.8 Vihar is a state in the Northern part of the country. Prohibition laws in the state completely ban the storage, possession, sale, and consumption of liquor in any form. Despite the ban, the liquor mafia in the state has succeeded in supplying spurious liquor through various illegal dens. The activities of liquor mafia flourish under the nose of both the civil administration and the police department. Many Civil Society Organizations, women organizations etc., on numerous occasions complained to the authorities about the illegal production, sale, and consumption of liquor, but their complaints have fallen on deaf ears, and no substantial action was taken by the government to curb the menace.\nAs fate would have it, one day there was an unfortunate incident when a large group of fifty construction labourers died after consuming spurious liquor from an illegal den being operated by the mafia. Many of the victims were sole bread winners of their families. While the state was clear on its position that consuming liquor in the state was an illegal activity that warrants no sympathy or compensation (for the next of kin) from the government, families of the victims and also many CSOs were demanding compensation for the families of the deceased construction laborers.\nThe incident got both national and international coverage in print, electronic, as well as the social media. The pressure on the state government was mounting to amicably resolve the issue.\nAnjali is posted as the Joint Secretary in the Secretariat. The CM has asked her to create a detailed report on how should the state government handle this crisis.\na) Under the given circumstances, what measures should Anjali recommend to handle the above crisis.\nb) Critically evaluate the decision of state government to not compensate the victims of spurious liquor.","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":40,"question":"Q.9 Kamlesh is a civil servant who has been recently posted as Additional Chief Secretary in the education department of the state. Kamlesh has a meticulous service record and is well known for his honesty, and a no-nonsense attitude. After joining the new department, the first major task before Kamlesh was to conduct the recruitments for the post of lecturers in government schools. The posts were lying vacant for a long time, and the government wanted to fill up the vacancies without further delay as it was one of the poll promises made by the present government. The recruitment process took place successfully under the supervision of Kamlesh. The concerned minister congratulated Kamlesh and informed him that the appointment letters will be allocated to the successful candidates in a ceremony which will be presided by the CM himself. Kamlesh was happy that his work was getting recognition at the highest level. One day, Kamlesh was sitting in his office when his secretary brought him a letter from a leading investigative journalist of the state. The letter dealt with the recently conducted recruitment of the lecturers. Kamlesh was shocked at the content of the letter. The investigative journalist had alleged that the question paper of the exam was leaked to a few successful candidates, who had also forged their documents to appear in the exam. The letter also highlighted a nexus of middlemen, politicians, and civil servants who facilitate such illicit practices. Moreover, the investigative journalist had also attached credible proofs. Kamlesh corroborated the facts of the letters from his own sources and found the allegations to be true prima facie. Since the matter was serious and warranted immediate action, Kamlesh brought the matter to the notice of his minister. To his surprise, the minister asked him to sit over the matter for some time. Minister reasoned that bringing out this matter will bring ignominy not only to the department but also to the government. Further, the minister reasoned that cancelling the whole recruitment process will be detrimental for the education department, schools etc; also, the sincere and honest candidates who have invested a lot of time and money for preparation may also get affected negatively. He also reminded Kamlesh that the participation of the CM has already been announced. After leaving the minister's office, Kamlesh got a phone call from Minister's Personal Secretary (PS). The PS hinted to Kamlesh that the concerned candidates were closely connected to the ruling political party, and going against them may create professional troubles for Kamlesh. On the other hand, his cooperation in this matter, the PS assured, will not go unnoticed and will be handsomely rewarded. Kamlesh had just settled in his new posting. He knows that going against the wish of the Minister may cause him his present posting. What was more, Kamlesh's father is undergoing treatment in a local hospital. A shunting out from the district would mean that his father would have to be left alone to fend for himself. Further, Kamlesh's wife Priya, also a bureaucrat, is posted in the Chief Minister's Office (CMO). Kamlesh realises that his actions will also have a bearing on her career as well.\na) Bring out various ethical dilemmas faced by Kamlesh.\nb) Consider yourself in Kamlesh's position. What are the various options available to you?\nc) Critically evaluate each of the option listed by you.\nd) Which of the above option should Kamlesh adopt and why?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"a) कमलेश द्वारा सामना की गई विभिन्न नैतिक दुविधाओं को उजागर करें।\nb) अपने आप को कमलेश की स्थिति में समझें। आपके लिए विभिन्न विकल्प क्या उपलब्ध हैं?\nc) आपके द्वारा सुझाए प्रत्येक विकल्प का आलोचनात्मक मूल्यांकन करें।\nd) कमलेश को उपरोक्त में से कौन सा विकल्प अपनाना चाहिए और क्यों?\na) कमलेश द्वारा सामना की गई विभिन्न नैतिक दुविधाओं को उजागर करें।\nb) अपने आप को कमलेश की स्थिति में समझें। आपके लिए विभिन्न विकल्प क्या उपलब्ध हैं?\nc) आपके द्वारा सुझाए प्रत्येक विकल्प का आलोचनात्मक मूल्यांकन करें।\nd) कमलेश को उपरोक्त में से कौन सा विकल्प अपनाना चाहिए और क्यों?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":46,"question":"Q.10 XYZ is a premiere coaching institute located in Chatterjee Nagar locality of Himnagar. XYZ specialises in the coaching for medical and engineering entrance examination. The main office of the coaching, where the daily classes are conducted, is located in a congested locality, from where several other coaching institutes also operate. One day, while classes were in session in the top floor of the building and some 200 odd students were in attendance, a fire broke out in the premises of XYZ coaching. The fire incident created a commotion among those present in the building. Everyone, in a state of confusion, started running helter-skelter. Some students rushed to the very narrow stairs. Many stumbled and fell, hurting themselves. The emergency exit plan of the building was not suitable to cater to the large number of students and staff. In order to save themselves from asphyxiation, some students broke the window of the classroom. However, in absence of a fire stairs they had to climb down using the balcony ledge. In the process, many students had a free fall and hurt themselves badly. While two boys lost their life due to stampede caused while exiting the building, one girl got fatally injured while climbing down the ledge. The civil administration immediately started an audit of the building. Joseph is posted as the Municipal Commissioner of Himnagar. Chatarjee Nagar falls under his jurisdiction. Joseph has ordered an enquiry into the whole incident. Coincidentally, Joseph's younger brother, Frank, is also a student of XYZ coaching. He was not present in the coaching during the fateful day. The owner of the XYZ coaching approaches Joseph and requests him to be lenient in the enquiry report. They propose that looking at the good track record of Frank they are willing to give him a scholarship to fund not only his coaching fees but also his graduation from any college in the country. They also promise that since Frank is a sincere student, they will dedicate their top faculty to ensure that Frank comes out with flying colours in the coming under graduate entrance examination. Joseph knows that his brother has repeatedly failed in the entrance examinations earlier and a special focus will help him immensely. Also, Joseph himself was under student debt, which he was still paying in small instalments from his own salary. Recently married, and having risen from a poor family, Joseph has always worried about funding his brother's education.\na) Identify various ethical concerns in the case study.\nb) You are a friend of Joseph. Joseph turns to you for advice. What advice will you give to Joseph and why?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":47,"question":"a) मामले के अध्ययन में विभिन्न नैतिक चिंताओं की पहचान करें।\nb) आप जोसेफ के मित्र हैं। जोसेफ सलाह के लिए आपके पास आता है। आप जोसेफ को क्या सलाह देंगे और क्यों?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":48,"question":"What advice Z will give to Joseph","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"Q.11 Kamal is an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer. He has been recently transferred as the Municipal commissioner of the Kartavya Nagar Municipality. Kamal is an honest and no nonsense officer. He has been known for having a tough stance against corruption, lethargy, and indiscipline at the workplace. In his new responsibility as the Municipal commissioner, Kamal finds that the day-to-day functioning of the municipal office is in a very sorry state. The inefficiency and ineffectiveness have brought matters to such a pass that even the basic responsibilities like cleanliness of the city, upkeep of public places, redressal of grievances etc., are not fulfilled. Upon enquiring, Kamal finds that the reason for rampant indiscipline and corruption in the municipal office is primarily a group of errant employees. While they do not work themselves, they also create nuisance in the office, thereby disrupting the work of other sincere employees. Moreover, it also comes to Kamal's knowledge that these employees indulge in corrupt practices by demanding bribes from people for petty tasks. Further, Kamal has noticed that the undisciplined employees come to office late, leave early and also remain absent from work without permission. Kamal gets to know that the ringleader of these employees is a close relative of a local MLA. In order to improve the working condition of the municipal office, Kamal warns the mischievous employees to mend their troublesome ways or to face strict disciplinary actions. However, Kamal's warning has little effect on the thick-skinned employees, who continue to work in their wayward ways. Finally, Kamal issues a show cause notice to all the troublesome employees for their various acts of indiscipline. As a retaliatory measure, a woman employee amongst these troublemakers' files a complaint of sexual harassment against Kamal with the Women's commission. The commission has asked for Kamal's explanation in this matter. Also, this fabricated matter is publicised in the media to embarrass Kamal further. Moreover, the MLA begins pressuring Kamal to go soft on these employees. Some of the options before Kamal to handle this situation could be as follows: i) Give his explanation to the Commission and go soft on the disciplinary action. ii) Ignore the commission and proceed firmly with the disciplinary action. iii) Brief his higher-ups, seek directions from them and act accordingly\na) Evaluate all the above courses of action and suggest the best course of action, giving your reasons for it.\nb) What according to you are the reasons behind poor work culture in public offices? Also, recommend measures to improve the same.","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":53,"question":"a) कार्यवाही के उपरोक सभी प्रावधानों का मूल्यांकन करें और इसके लिए अपने कारण बताते हुए कार्यवाही का सबसे अच्छा विकल्प सुझाएं।\nb) आपके अनुसार सार्वजनिक कार्यालयों में खराब कार्य संस्कृति के क्या कारण हैं? साथ ही इसमें सुधार के उपाय सुझाएं।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":58,"question":"Q.12) You are the managing director of an upcoming advertising company which has made a name for itself in the market in a very short time. Varun is a star employee of your company who has consistently given good performance. Some of the most popular advertisements of the company, in recent times, have been an outcome of Varun's creative ideas. Since his joining, Varun has helped in almost doubling the revenues of the company, by bringing new clients and improving the brand equity of the company. You place high value in Varun's professional competence and are in the process of giving him a bigger responsibility in the company. However, you have been hearing rumours from various sections about the attitude of Varun towards his female colleagues. It has come to your notice that Varun is habitual of passing loose and lewd comments on the female employees of the company. Furthermore, Varun regularly sends indecent messages on phone to all the employees, including female workers. One day, Geetanjali, an employee working in Varun's team comes to you visibly disturbed. She complains to you about the repeated misbehaviour of Varun towards her. She informs you that Varun has on many occasions made undesirable physical advances towards her. She also tells that last evening before her shift was about to end, Varun called her in his cabin and tried to touch her inappropriately. She requests you to conduct an enquiry by the internal complaints committee (formed under POSH Act). She also tells you that in case appropriate action is not taken against Varun, she will be forced to resign from her position. You personally know Geetanjali as a dedicated and honest employee of the company. You are aware that she is the sole breadwinner of her family and has to support her teen-age brother and ailing mother. You also understand that unless the situation was really serious, Geetanjali would not have thought of resignation. On the other hand, an enquiry against Varun may affect the financial growth of the company. Also, you know that if Varun is fired for his actions, many big clients may leave the company.\na) What are the ethical issues involved in this case study?\nb) Evaluate the different options available to you. In this situation, which option will you adopt and why?\nc) What steps will you take to ensure a safer workplace for women in your company?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":59,"question":"a) इस केस अध्ययन में कौन से नैतिक मुद्दे शामिल हैं?  \nb) आपके पास उपलब्ध विभिन्न विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें। ऐसी स्थिति में आप कौन सा विकल्प अपनाएंगे और क्यों?  \nc) आपकी कंपनी में महिलाओं के लिए सुरक्षित कार्यस्थल सुनिश्चित करने के लिए आप क्या कदम उठाएंगे?  (20 अंक, 250 शब्द)\na) इस केस अध्ययन में कौन से नैतिक मुद्दे शामिल हैं?\nb) आपके पास उपलब्ध विभिन्न विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें। ऐसी स्थिति में आप कौन सा विकल्प अपनाएंगे और क्यों?\nc) आपकी कंपनी में महिलाओं के लिए सुरक्षित कार्यस्थल सुनिश्चित करने के लिए आप क्या कदम उठाएंगे?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"}]},{"id":472,"topper":"Aditya Hriday Upadhyay","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/ADITYA-HRIDAY-UPADHYAY-UPSC-2024-Rank-293-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"In many ways, the Spanish civil war was the opening act of WWII. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"How will you explain the different fates of Buddhism and Jainism despite a slew of similarities in the two religions? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Non-Cooperation Movement democratized India's freedom struggle but suffered from inherent limitations. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Critically analyse the efficacy of linguistic reorganization of states in addressing the reasons for linguistic divides in post-independent India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Briefly discuss the role of plate tectonics theory in explaining the location of volcanoes. Also, explain the multifarious impacts of volcanoes on the surrounding regions. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Taking further the success of Aspirational Districts Programme, Aspirational Blocks can help achieve the twin objectives of balanced growth and checking stress migration. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Describe the critical factors for location of defense industries and suggest measures to overcome the challenges. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"To what extent can Socio-Economic-Caste Census (SECC) address the challenges in achieving equitable resource allocation and targeted welfare? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Indian society is premised on some common values that give it a composite texture as well as some diverse practices that deepen its heterogeneity. Elucidate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What are the factors that influence population growth in the country? In this perspective, examine the relevance and need of raising the minimum marriageable age of women for population development. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Bring out the reasons behind the tribal unrest in British India. Also, analyze the reasons for their limited success. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The independence of India was not a result of a forced expulsion of the Empire, as desired by the Quit India Movement; it was rather a confluence of domestic politics and global circumstances. Analyze. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Explain why Sufism, a liberal reform movement in Islam could deepen its roots in the Indian sub-continent, despite Islam being a foreign religion? Also, bring out the impacts of Sufism on Indian society. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Enumerate the reasons behind rising intensity and frequency of cyclones in the Arabian Sea in recent years. Giving special reference to NDMA guidelines, recommend measures to check the adverse impacts of cyclones. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Examine the impacts of climate change on the hydrological cycle and suggest suitable mitigation and adaptation strategies to contain the harmful implications. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Defining continental shelf, highlight its resource potential and ecological significance. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Rooted in patriarchal values, gender-based violence, in all its manifestations, is antithetical to societal growth. Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The caste calculus in the Indian society remains predominant and continues to project its shadow on social, political, and economic domains. Do you agree? Substantiate your answer. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss various factors contributing to the water woes faced by Indian cities. Also, explain complexities in implementing a comprehensive water management plan. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Though important elements of group identity, religion and region also run the risk of deepening communal cleavages. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":473,"topper":"Aditya Kaushik","air":375,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — History","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1q6XSXejrM5v0GJ_fg2HjBvYKBA36rLXg/view","questions":[]},{"id":474,"topper":"Aditya Mahar","air":867,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Law","optional":true,"source":"De Facto Law","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.defactolaw.in/_files/ugd/9bce74_affd4ff74e954c998f36ecf7c5a05e99.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":475,"topper":"Aditya Mahar","air":867,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Law","optional":true,"source":"De Facto Law","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.defactolaw.in/_files/ugd/9bce74_16eef68a660540bebb5212c62bebe2f3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":476,"topper":"Aditya Mahar","air":867,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Law","optional":true,"source":"De Facto Law","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.defactolaw.in/_files/ugd/9bce74_e74dbf601c434061aa939b1326ce615f.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":477,"topper":"Aditya Mathur","air":98,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ADITYA-MATHUR-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-98-Sample-ESSAY-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"SECTION - A\n1. You are the master of your conscience and you are the ruler of your destiny.\n\n2. The inability to see potential in others is the greatest disability\n\n3. Men are governed only by serving them.\n\n4. Desires cannot be contrary to nature since it was given to man by nature itself","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":4,"question":"1 YOU ARE THE MASTER OF YOUR CONSCIENCE AND YOU ARE THE RULER OF YOUR DESTINY","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"SECTION - B\n1. Technology and inclusion go hand in hand in eliminating barriers\n2. To do great things is difficult; but to command great things is more difficult.\n3. India's world view is consultative, democratic and equitable, but must find clearer expression.\n4. Too much Democracy is Detrimental to Development.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"4 Too Much Democracy Is Detrimental To Development\n What is democracy? What are its essential and desirable features? Is pure democracy conducive or detrimental to holistic development of society? If some limitations are required, what should they be?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"4 Too much democracy is detrimental to development","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":478,"topper":"Aditya Mathur","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b6305-1216850_3128_aditya_mathur_rank_98.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Write two essays, choosing one topic from each of the Sections A and B, in about 1000-1200 words each :\n1. The world must learn to work together, or finally it will not work at all.\n2. Technology, like art, is a soaring exercise of the human imagination.\n3. We've begun to raise daughters more like sons, but few have the courage to raise our sons more like our daughters.\n4. The will of the people cannot make just that which is unjust.\n5. It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.\n6. To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.\n7. We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are.\n8. A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes.","marks":"125 x 2 = 250","words":"1000-1200 words each"},{"page":6,"question":"1. The world must learn to work together, or finally it will not work at all.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":479,"topper":"Aditya Mathur","air":98,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ADITYA-MATHUR-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-98-Sample-MGP-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) \"Nalanda is a symbol of India's academic heritage and vibrant cultural exchange\". Elucidate with special references to foreign travelers' accounts.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) The period of Delhi Sultans witnessed the emergence of Indo-Persian culture. Discuss the statement with reference to developments in the fields of literature, art and architecture.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Give a brief account of the contributions of early nationalists to the Indian freedom struggle.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) The Vaikom Satyagraha marked a historic milestone in India's fight against social injustice, demonstrating the power of non-violent resistance in dismantling oppressive caste barriers. Explain.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 The Oslo Accords, once hailed as a landmark diplomatic achievement, failed to address key issues, highlighting the challenges of achieving lasting peace between Israel and Palestine. Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) What are Northern and Southern lights? Explain the phenomenon and discuss their associated impacts on Earth's atmosphere and human activities.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) Identifying the major automobile clusters in India, enumerate the favourable factors for the location of the automobile industry.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) \"India's diversity is her greatest strength.\" In light of the statement, explain how diversity has enriched and strengthened Indian society.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) Critically examine the effects of globalization on the youth in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) The recognition of LGBTQ rights in India marks significant progress, but the journey towards full societal integration and acceptance remains arduous, necessitating a profound socio-cultural shift. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 Throw light upon the importance of seals and sealings in the reconstruction of socio-economic and religious life of the Harappan people. Also, explain why many of the known Harappan settlements are in semi-arid regions.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) Describe the significance of the Dandi March (1930) as the starting point of the Civil Disobedience Movement. Also, discuss the national and international reactions to the Dandi March and the Salt Satyagraha.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13) Give a reasoned account of the distribution of deserts across the earth with the help of relevant examples.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 Discuss the impact of local winds on their associated regions, citing examples from different parts of the world.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Rare Earths Elements (REE) are considered as 'Vitamins of Modern Industry'. In this context, bring out the multi-dimensional implications of uneven distribution of REE in the world.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) Describe the various factors that influence ocean currents and discuss their multi-dimensional impact.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17) Briefly explain the process of tide formation and differentiate between tides and waves.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.1B) While social media facilitates unprecedented connectivity and self-expression, it can also widen social crevices and fractures. In this context, examine the impact of social media on Indian society.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 \"The regionalism in India is both a response to the failures in addressing regional aspirations and as an assertion of socio-cultural identity in the face of perceived marginalization.\" Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20) Explain how traditional gender roles and responsibilities exacerbate the vulnerability of women to extreme heat conditions. Suggest strategies to mitigate these vulnerabilities.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":480,"topper":"Aditya Mathur","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2d3f8-1216850_2928_aditya_mathur_rank_98.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. How does tribal art provide valuable insights into the cultural perspectives and values of Indian tribal communities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. Compare and contrast the approach of Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru towards the Indian freedom struggle. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. What are the key factors that accelerated decolonization post-World War II? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. How does human encroachment impact water bodies in urban areas? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. How do physical geographical features influence the development and operation of transportation systems? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. How are ocean trenches formed? Describe the significant characteristics of these oceanic relief formations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. Identify the reasons behind increasing number of extreme rainfall events throughout India in recent times. Assess their socio-economic impact. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. India is expected to have the largest working-age population in the world by 2030 and it cannot afford low participation of women in the workforce anymore. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Do you agree that there has been a progressive secularization of caste in India? Support your view with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. Why is inequality increasing in India despite the fall in overall poverty? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. How did the competitive and hostile dynamic between Brahminism and Buddhism over funding, followers, and ideology mark the decline of Buddhism? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. European travellers' accounts in the medieval period have played an important role in shaping our understanding of the empires and people of that period in India. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. The British victory in the Battle of Plassey in 1757 not just changed the course of Indian history but also that of the world. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. Why was it more difficult to rehabilitate refugees in West Bengal as compared to Punjab after partition? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. Discuss the economic and social costs associated with the transition from coal to green energy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. Explain the process of formation of volcanic calderas. How do they contribute to the scenic beauty of the region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. What are the reasons behind the increased frequency and intensity of heat waves globally? How will it impact global food security? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. Identifying the characteristics of the grassland biome, mention the threats posed to Banni grasslands in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. India's approach to secularism does not merely challenge inter-religious domination but intra-religious domination as well. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. Do you agree with the view that Indian cities are turning into landscapes of stark inequality and social exclusion? What steps can be taken to make urban areas more egalitarian in India?","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":481,"topper":"Aditya Mathur","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/8753a84a20ad78852d2f922fc896d837/11/mt25flton033_flt2501.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Cave paintings are the visual autobiography of a prehistoric man. What can we infer about prehistoric beliefs and social practices from the cave paintings in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"Colonial education policy, intended to create obedient clerks, became a channel for political awakening and national self-assertion.\" Discuss (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Evaluate the extent to which the Gupta economy facilitated cultural and scientific advancements. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"India faces a looming freshwater crisis despite its vast river systems. Discuss the causes and evaluate integrated water resource management strategies for sustainability. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How do the Deccan and Chota Nagpur plateaus differ in their physical characteristics and resource potential? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Compare the characteristics of east-flowing and west-flowing rivers with suitable examples. Why do most rivers in India flow eastward? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The Arctic region is emerging as a new frontier for resource exploration. Discuss the opportunities and challenges for India in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"How are changing family structures and migration trends increasingly leading to the social isolation of the elderly in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In what ways does urbanization challenge traditional notions of social cohesion in Indian society? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Safety and mobility are gendered constraints that significantly influence women's participation in the labour force in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"What do the accounts of Arab and European travellers reveal about the nature of social and economic life in medieval India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"India's linguistic diversity is not a challenge to national integration but a testament to its cultural resilience.' Discuss in the context of contemporary debates on language policy and identity politics in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Examine the role played by reformist organizations like the Brahmo Samaj and Arya Samaj in addressing various social issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"What are rift valleys, and how are they formed? Explain their geomorphological and economic significance. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"What is 'Blue Revolution'? Discuss the major challenges faced in the development of aquaculture in India. Suggest a set of comprehensive strategies to overcome these challenges. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"With accelerating glacial melt in the Himalayas, GLOFs pose a severe hazard downstream. Analyse the causes, impacts, and mitigation strategies related to GLOFs in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Using suitable examples, discuss the conditions required for the formation of salt pans and mangroves in India. How do these ecosystems support coastal resilience? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Caste in India today operates more as a system of identity assertion than of rigid hierarchy. Discuss this transformation in the context of caste group mobilisation and economic change. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Have regional identities in India evolved from cultural expressions to organised assertions of autonomy? Discuss their implications for national cohesion. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"The rise of the new middle class in India is marked by a culture of consumption. In what ways is the transition from conscious to impulsive consumption affecting family structure and dynamics in urban India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":482,"topper":"Aditya Mathur","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/88643-1216850_2929_aditya_mathur_rank_98.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. Expression of dissent is central to the functioning of the Parliament. In light of this, discuss the role of the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in India's parliamentary system. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. How can the integration of technology into judicial processes enhance accessibility, capability, and efficiency in justice delivery? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. The Supreme Court of India has upheld unique asymmetry in India's federalism by intricately balancing centralized authority and regional autonomy. Discuss with the help of relevant case laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. Evaluate the effectiveness of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes in safeguarding the interests of the Scheduled Castes in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. Executive accountability to the legislature through Parliamentary Committees has been the hallmark of the Indian political system. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. How can India make Citizens' Charter a powerful tool for improving governance and empowering citizens? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. How do corporate donors aid NGOs in facilitating holistic development in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. Despite its merits, should the POCSO Act be revisited to correct the existing inadequacies? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. China's acquisition of strategic ports globally has significant implications for international trade routes and economic relations. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. What are the main functions of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)? How will its recent treaty on intellectual property, genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge benefit India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. While the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) plays a crucial role in combating corruption, its functioning is often criticized for being partisan and acting against the federal spirit. Discuss with the help of suitable examples.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. Governors in India often overstep their constitutional role and fail to act effectively when needed. Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. Both India and the USA adhere to democratic principles but their electoral systems exhibit significant differences. What are the key differences in electoral practices between the two countries? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. How far do you agree with the view that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has met its objective of ensuring environmental justice in India?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. Though Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) have become a platform for competitive politics, they have not emerged as an agency of planning and service delivery. Why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. What do you understand by interoperability in e-governance? What steps have been taken by the government to ensure interoperability and integration of various e-governance systems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. When it comes to sexual and reproductive health of women in India, rights-based discourse has largely been bypassed not just by the societal norms but also by the legal norms. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. How effective has India been in enhancing immunization coverage over the years? What challenges continue to affect immunization efforts in the country? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. India used its Presidency of the G20 to bring the voice of the Global South to the centre stage. Discuss with special reference to Africa. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. India's relationship with the UAE has witnessed a remarkable expansion across various domains in the last decade. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"}]},{"id":483,"topper":"Aditya Mathur","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/8753a84a20ad78852d2f922fc896d837/2/mt25flton033_flt2502.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"The contributions of the founding mothers in the Constituent Assembly and their feminist perspective have shaped India's constitutional discourse. Discuss (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What is a Privilege Motion in the Indian Parliament? How does the Committee of Privileges examine and deal with such motions? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Compare the powers of the head of state in India and the UK. How do their roles reflect the constitutional principles of their respective systems? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"India is emerging as a global hub for social entrepreneurship. Can social enterprises effectively complement the state in achieving inclusive development? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The SHG-Bank Linkage Programme has been hailed as an indigenous tool for poverty alleviation in India. Examine its impact on improving rural livelihoods and reducing multi-dimensional poverty. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"How far do you think Citizen-led environmental movements have proven to be effective tools of ecological preservation in recent years? Justify with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"Digital governance is emerging as a frontier of the global agenda, and India seeks to lead by example.\" Examine (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Examine India's transboundary water-sharing challenges with Pakistan and Bangladesh in light of recent disputes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"The role of Governors in opposition-ruled States has been a flashpoint in Centre-State relations. Critically discuss how gubernatorial overreach challenges the position of state governments and suggest safeguards to mitigate such conflicts. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"The evolving relationship between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy has been a dynamic feature of India's constitutional journey, often necessitating judicial interventions and constitutional amendments. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"While cooperative federalism is rooted in the design of the Constitution, political considerations have given rise to competitive and confrontational federalism. Examine the role of constitutional and extra-constitutional institutions in reconciling these trends within India's federal structure. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"The growing number of undertrial prisoners in India reflects both systemic and procedural lapses within the criminal justice system. In light of recent Supreme Court directions, discuss the underlying challenges and suggest a multi-pronged approach to address this crisis. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"\"The Upper House was envisioned as a reviewing chamber and not a rival to the Lower House.' In light of this statement, do you think the Rajya Sabha continues to fulfil this vision in contemporary Indian polity? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Well-executed government initiatives often fail if operations and maintenance are not integral to the programme design. In the context of the Swachh Bharat Mission in India, discuss how collective action and community ownership can ensure its long-term sustainability. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Freebies in electoral politics have sparked debate over their impact on governance in India. Differentiate between freebies and welfare measures, and examine their impact on governance. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Structural barriers have long impeded the development of a robust research environment, despite the presence of numerous institutions. Discuss how the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) seeks to address these structural challenges. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"India's strategic autonomy remains the guiding principle in navigating relations with the United States and China. In this context, analyse the potential challenges and opportunities for India and how India should navigate this renewed US-China rivalry. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"The launch of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) marks a turning point in India's connectivity diplomacy. Analyse its strategic relevance for India vis-à-vis China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":484,"topper":"Aditya Mathur","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8a50e-1216850_2930_aditya_mathur_rank_98.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. How is the rapid growth of the food processing industry leading to food safety challenges in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. Under the Public Distribution System of India, the Fair Price Shop (FPS) transformation is an evolving process. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. How are agri-tech startups in India helping farmers in enhancing farm productivity and market access? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. Discuss the role of digitization of land records in the effective implementation of land reforms in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. To fully exploit its demographic dividend and accelerate economic growth, India needs to adopt a manufacturing-led growth model. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. How can the resilience of Indian coastal communities be strengthened to tackle the growing natural hazards resulting from climate change? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. How does the Green Credit Programme extend beyond carbon management to promote a more sustainable environment in India? What are the various concerns about its implementation? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. What is the need for NavIC when existing satellite navigation systems are already available? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Cyber-enabled financial crime has emerged as the new frontier of global money laundering. Discuss. How can the government address this issue? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. The Indian Army is observing the year 2024 as the 'Year of Technology Absorption'. In light of this, explain why there is a need for technology absorption in the defence sector of India. What challenges can India face in this initiative? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. What are the issues faced in the development of trade and industries in the North-Eastern Region (NER) of India? Comment on the measures that have been taken to tackle these issues.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. In the era of climate change and growing water scarcity, how can micro-irrigation systems contribute to sustainable agricultural practices in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. What strategies can be adopted to overcome the issues pertaining to freight transportation in the Indian Railways and increase its share in the domestic freight?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. Discuss the factors that have aided India in making impressive strides in the renewable energy sector and establishing itself as a frontrunner in the global renewable energy transition.","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. How does agricultural runoff containing fertilizers and pesticides contribute to environmental pollution? What measures can be taken to mitigate the impact of agricultural runoff? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. The growing influx of tourists in Himalayan states has breached their ecological carrying capacity, leading to significant man-made disasters. What measures can be implemented to prevent such disasters while promoting sustainable tourism? Discuss with relevant examples.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. How do superconductors fuel innovation in diverse fields of science and technology? Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. While India has laws covering almost all types of intellectual property rights, numerous enforcement, regulatory and administrative challenges hamper the commercialisation of IPRs in India. Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. Keeping in view the challenges in creating integrated theatre commands, examine how the theaterisation of commands can lead to greater integration and rationalisation of manpower and resources among the three services. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. Treating border villages as first villages not just geographically but also in terms of facilities can be a key strategy for enhancing border security. Discuss. Also, highlight the measures being taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":485,"topper":"Aditya Mathur","air":98,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/8753a84a20ad78852d2f922fc896d837/5/mt25flton033_flt2503.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":486,"topper":"Aditya Mathur","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a22df-1216850_4513_aditya_mathur_rank_98.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. (a) Compassion is the courageous choice to feel another's suffering as one's own, and to act upon it, even when silence is safer and indifference is easier. Examine the significance of compassion as an essential ethical value for civil servants in India. Illustrate your answer with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"1. (b) Marriages in India are transitioning from traditional sacramental unions to more autonomous relationships, reflected in live-in relationships and rising divorce rates. Discuss the ethical dimensions of these changes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"2. (a) While accountability often necessitates documentation, an overemphasis on bureaucratic procedures and excessive paperwork can inadvertently silence the very voices that public policy intends to empower, particularly at the grassroots. Examine the above statement with suitable illustrations.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":12,"question":"2. (b) The principle of impartiality may conflict with the need for compassion towards marginalized communities. Discuss in the context of civil services in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"3 (a) What do each of the following quotations mean to you?\n(a) \"The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home.\" - Confucius (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"3. (b) \"Act only according to that maxim through which you can at the same time will that it become a universal law.\" - Immanuel Kant (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"3. (c) \"We are not only responsible for what we do, but also for what we fail to do\" - Molière. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"4. (a) Patriotism encourages ethical questioning, while nationalism often suppresses it. Discuss this statement in light of the formation of political attitudes during high-pressure national events. How can individuals develop moral attitudes that balance national interest with ethical reasoning?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"4. (b) Discuss how employee well-being and fairness can be balanced with efficiency and profitability in private organisations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"5. (a) Do you agree that excessive use of social media and emerging AI technologies may lead to a decline in emotional regulation and moral sensitivity among adolescents? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"5. (b) In light of the increasing incidents of suicides among students in India, discuss how Emotional Intelligence (EI) can aid in managing stress and emotional challenges.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"6. (a) In public service, emotional intelligence is not about suppressing emotion, but mastering its purpose — to connect, to de-escalate, and to uplift others with empathy and strength. Do you agree with this view? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"6. (b) An efficient work culture is built not only on rules, but on shared values. In this context, evaluate the role of leadership and team dynamics in transforming work culture within an organization.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"7 You are posted as the Joint Secretary in the Department of Information Technology of a state. The government recently implemented several citizen-centric digital services, collecting large volumes of personal data from residents. The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, requires that such data be processed only with explicit and informed consent, and mandates that processing must cease immediately upon withdrawal of consent.\n\nDuring an internal audit, you discover that the department continues to process and analyze personal data of several citizens even after they have formally withdrawn their consent. This data is being used for policy analytics and service improvement, purposes not explicitly disclosed at the time of data collection. When you bring this to the attention of your department head, you are informed that halting the processing will disrupt ongoing digital initiatives and may affect state-level performance metrics. Moreover, you find that the consent withdrawal process is cumbersome, and many citizens are unaware of their rights under the DPDP Act.\n\nYou also learn that a prominent social activist is planning to file a complaint with the Data Protection Board against involuntary use of personal data, which could attract public scrutiny and legal action against the department.\n(a) Identify and discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.\n(b) What are the potential consequences for the department if the issue is not addressed transparently?\n(c) How would you balance the need for efficient public service delivery with the obligation to protect citizens’ data rights? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"8 You are an IAS officer, currently serving as the Secretary of the Public Works Department in a hill state. Recently, a disturbing incident has come to light involving a senior Cabinet Minister and two engineers of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). During an inspection of a critical highway project, the Minister was allegedly seen on video physically assaulting and verbally abusing the engineers in full public view. The video, recorded by bystanders, went viral on social media and was widely covered by television channels, sparking both outrage and support from different sections of society. The Minister later defended his actions, alleging that the officials were corrupt, unresponsive to local grievances, and responsible for inordinate delays in the project. He insisted that his actions were driven by public frustration and the urgency of delivering infrastructure to a remote region. However, the engineers have filed a police complaint and written to their superiors, claiming they were targeted for resisting political pressure to award contracts to specific local contractors linked to the Minister. As the situation escalated, a union of NHAI engineers declared a strike.\n(a) इस प्रकरण में शामिल प्रमुख नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं? हितधारकों और उनके परस्पर विरोधी हितों की पहचान कीजिए।\n(b) लोक निर्माण विभाग के सचिव के रूप में, आप उपयुक्त स्थिति में क्या कार्रवाई करेंगे?\n(c) ऐसी घटनाएं सिविल सेवकों के मनोबल और शासन में जनता के विश्वास को कैसे प्रभावित करती हैं? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"(a) What are the key ethical issues involved in this situation? Identify the stakeholders and their conflicting interests.\n(b) As the Secretary of the PWD, what actions will you take in above situation?\n(c) How do such incidents affect the morale of civil servants and public trust in governance? (Answer in 250 words)\na) What are the key ethical issues involved in this situation? Identify the stakeholders and their conflicting interests.\nb) As the Secretary of the PWD, what actions will you take in above situation?\nc) How do such incidents affect the morale of civil servants and public trust in governance?","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"9 You are the Secretary in the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Government of India. In recent years, an increasing number of civil servants, particularly younger officers from the IAS, IPS, and IRS, have begun maintaining personal YouTube channels and social media pages. On these platforms, they regularly post videos related to their official work — showcasing innovative projects, public outreach initiatives, inspection drives, and sometimes even day-to-day administrative duties.\n\nThese videos often receive widespread public attention, and many viewers express admiration, saying such content enhances transparency, motivates aspirants, and humanizes the bureaucracy. However, concerns have also emerged from various quarters. Senior officers argue that such content may blur the boundaries between personal branding and public service, while some citizens and media commentators point to instances where videos feature vulnerable beneficiaries without consent, raise concerns about misuse of official premises, or seem designed more for personal popularity than public accountability.\n(a) लोक सेवकों द्वारा अपने आधिकारिक कार्यों को सोशल मीडिया पर सार्वजनिक रूप से प्रदर्शित करने के कृत्यों में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों की पहचान कीजिए।\n(b) क्या ऐसी प्रस्तुतियां जागरूकता और प्रेरणा को प्रोत्साहित देती हैं या क्या ये अनामिता, तटस्थता और सामूहिक सेवा भावना के मूल्यों से समझौता करती हैं? अपना मत दीजिए।\n(c) सचिव के रूप में, लोक सेवकों की उत्तरदायित्व डिजिटल सहभागिता सुनिश्चित करने के लिए आप कौन-से मार्गदर्शक सिद्धांत और नीतिगत अनुशासनाएं सुझाएंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"You have been asked to prepare a report with recommendations to balance public interest, institutional integrity, and evolving modes of communication.\n(a) Identify the ethical issues involved in civil servants publicly showcasing their official work on social media.\n(b) Do such practices promote awareness and motivation, or do they compromise the values of anonymity, neutrality, and collective service ethos? Give your opinion.\n(c) As the Secretary, what guiding principles and policy recommendations would you suggest to ensure responsible digital engagement by civil servants? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"10 You are the Director of the National Bioethics Commission who is responsible for assessing the ethical feasibility and oversight of a nationwide gene sequencing program. The project named GeneFuture, aims to sequence the DNA of every newborn child and store it in a centralized national database. The objective is to identify genetic predispositions to serious diseases early in life, allowing for preventive treatment and personalized medicine. Over 100,000 babies have already been enrolled in the pilot phase of the program. The government claims that this move is a landmark step in public health advancement.\n\nHowever, collection of newborn genetic data raises significant ethical concerns, particularly around informed consent, which may not fully capture parents' understanding of the long-term risks involved. Once gathered, this sensitive data could be misused for purposes such as surveillance, insurance discrimination, or commercial marketing by third parties. Uncertainty over data ownership—whether it lies with the state, parents, or the individual—further complicates the issue. The involvement of private tech and pharmaceutical companies heightens fears of commercial exploitation, especially in the absence of clear mechanisms for individuals to withdraw consent or delete their genetic information upon reaching adulthood.\n(a) What are the ethical issues you perceive in the implementation of the GeneFuture program?\n(b) Identify the conflicting interests of different stakeholders in this case.\n(c) What guiding ethical principles would you recommend for implementation of this project? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"11 You are a dedicated District Health Officer (DHO) with a strong commitment to evidence-based public health practices, recently assigned to a remote district in India. Your immediate and most critical task is to lead a crucial district-wide Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination drive, aimed at achieving 100% immunization coverage among children aged 9 months to 15 years. The success of this drive is vital for the collective health of thousands of children and for the district's overall health indicators, especially with the impending monsoon season posing additional health challenges.\n\nHowever, in one of the largest and most traditional villages in your district, you encounter formidable resistance. The villagers, deeply influenced by the pronouncements of a revered local spiritual guru, believe that vaccination is an attack on evil spirits and that traditional herbal remedies and spiritual blessings provide sufficient protection. This guru has publicly advised his followers to oppose vaccination, citing alleged 'failures' and ancient prophecies. Despite widespread awareness campaigns, vaccination camps in the village have been largely boycotted. Your health workers, some of whom are locals, face social ostracism and even threats of physical harm. The state health department is pressuring you to meet vaccination targets and has warned that failure to do so will have serious consequences. The department has also directed that no forceful measures be taken as it may cause public unrest. Meanwhile, a large annual fair is scheduled in the district, which will attract people from many villages and areas. If this village remains unvaccinated, it could lead to a severe outbreak of Measles-Rubella (MR), spreading rapidly and posing a grave risk to the entire district and beyond.\n(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case.\n(b) What immediate alternatives do you have to peacefully resolve this resistance?\n(c) To counter the widespread superstition and promote scientific thinking for controlling and mitigating public health outcomes, what long-term strategies and systemic reforms would you suggest? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case.\n(b) What are the immediate options available to you to overcome this resistance?\n(c) What long-term strategies and systemic reforms would you suggest to address the pervasive influence of superstition and foster a scientific temperament for sustainable public health outcomes? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"12. You are a highly motivated and principle-driven Gram Panchayat Secretary, recently posted in a large and socio-economically diverse village in a remote district. Your immediate and most critical task is the meticulous verification of beneficiaries for the 'Gramin Awas Yojana' – a flagship state housing scheme aimed at providing 'pucca' (brick) houses to the genuinely impoverished and landless households. The scheme is under tight deadlines, with funds\n(a) आपके समक्ष विद्यमान संभावित प्रशासनिक और नैतिक दुविधाएं क्या हैं?\n(b) आपके लिए उपलब्ध सभी विकल्पों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\n(c) आप अपने निर्णय का नैतिक औचित्य सिद्ध करते हुए कौन-सी व्यापक कार्यवाही करेंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":58,"question":"(a) What are the potential administrative and ethical dilemmas you face?\n(b) Discuss all options available to you.\n(c) What comprehensive course of action would you choose to adopt, providing ethical justification for your decision? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":487,"topper":"Aditya Mathur","air":98,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/8753a84a20ad78852d2f922fc896d837/22/mt25flton033_flt2504.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":488,"topper":"Aditya Narayan H","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4ea56-00315413_4510_aditya_narayan_h_rank_68.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. Folk music serves as a repository of the cultural identity. Discuss the role of folk music in preserving cultural heritage and promoting social cohesion.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. How does the Vesara style of temple architecture represent a synthesis of the Nagara and Dravida styles? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. Discuss the role played by Indians living abroad in advancing the cause of India's freedom struggle.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. How did the Marshall Plan influence the economic recovery and political stability of post-war Europe? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. Discuss the factors responsible for increased cyclonic activity in the Arabian Sea. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. How can technological interventions help in transforming the textile sector in India? What are the initiatives that the government has taken in this regard? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. What is a seiche and how does it form? Discuss the geographical conditions under which seiches are most likely to occur. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. How has rapid urbanisation affected the socio-cultural landscape of peri-urban regions in India?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Examine the role of historical and socio-political factors in driving communalism in Indian politics. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. Globalization has significantly influenced the aspirations, lifestyle, and value systems of Indian youth. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. Examine how Chandragupta-II's reign symbolised a golden age of cultural development, laying the foundation for future advancements in Indian art and literature.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. Evaluate the intended and unintended consequences of British educational policies for the Indian society in the colonial period. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. India's territorial disputes after independence were not merely about borders, but also encompass issues of national identity, historical grievances, and geopolitical strategies. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. Discuss the geographical conditions responsible for the development of shola forests in the upper reaches of the Western Ghats. Highlight their ecological significance.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. Discuss the potential of natural hydrogen as a fuel to meet growing global energy demands? Why is it still an untapped industry? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. Why is there a shift of labour-intensive industries from China to South and Southeast Asia? Discuss the advantages and challenges for India in this context.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. Explain the socio-economic transformations resulting from women's migration to metropolitan areas in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"18 The institution of marriage in India is increasingly becoming a site of conspicuous consumption and commodification. Critically examine the impact of this commercialisation on social equity and gender relations.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. Analyse how recognizing, reducing, and redistributing care work can foster gender equality and promote inclusive development in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. Discuss the changing nature of family structures in urban India. How is it impacting elderly care and socialization of the youth? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":489,"topper":"Aditya Narayan H","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/951c6-00315413_4511_aditya_narayan_h_rank_68.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. How does the Supreme Court's recent decision on Aligarh Muslim University's minority status affect the interpretation of Article 30 of the Indian Constitution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. The Supreme Court, in a recent verdict, prescribed a time period for the Governor's assent to state legislative bills. What are the implications of this judgment for cooperative federalism and legislative accountability in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. Discuss the recent changes and initiatives related to cooperatives that aim to smoothen the tussle between the Centre and States in the cooperative sector. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. In recent years, use of social media and digital mobilisation by civil society has emerged as a powerful form of pressure politics. Examine its impact on policymaking and democratic accountability.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. How is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) emerging as a business-led solution for addressing development challenges in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. Discuss how mechanisms like public consultations and Jan Sunwais in India impact governance outcomes.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. How effective have the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) and Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan been in addressing substance abuse in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. Rote learning and neglect of creativity in foundational education setup in India make it less ready for marketplaces that are now driven by Artificial Intelligence. Do you agree with this view? Substantiate your argument.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Analyze the transformation of the G7 from a symbol of Western strategic unity to a forum marked by internal contradictions. How should India navigate this changing dynamic to advance its strategic interests? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. Discuss the role of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in the development of developing countries. What are the key criticisms associated with its approach? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. The 103rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019 has introduced a new dimension to the principle of affirmative action in India. Critically examine its implications for the broader goal of social justice.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. The District Planning Committee (DPC) was envisioned as a key instrument to strengthen grassroots-level planning. How far has it succeeded in achieving this goal? Discuss the challenges faced by DPCs and suggest measures to make them more effective.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. The restrictions imposed under Article 293 of the Constitution on State borrowing powers, though constitutionally valid, may hinder fiscal autonomy of States and disrupt cooperative federalism. Discuss in the light of recent developments.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14 Examine the tension between the right to contest elections and the need to uphold electoral ethics under the Representation of the People Act. Should there be a lifetime ban on convicted criminals? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. To what extent has the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme, launched in 2015, succeeded in addressing the declining child sex ratio and empowering the girl child? Suggest measures to enhance its impact at the grassroots level.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are emerging as vehicles of socio-economic transformation in rural India. Examine the role of government in scaling their reach and effectiveness.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. Despite economic growth, multidimensional poverty continues to persist in India. Analyse the underlying causes and discuss the measures taken by the government to address them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. India faces a paradox of food surplus and nutritional deficit. Analyse the structural reasons behind this paradox and suggest reform strategies. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. India's timely response during the economic crises in Sri Lanka and the Maldives reflects its \"Neighbourhood First\" policy in action. Examine how Indian aid has impacted bilateral ties with these nations. What steps can further be taken to promote sustainable economic cooperation in the Indian Ocean region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. Discuss the geostrategic significance of Afghanistan for India in the context of continental connectivity and access to Central Asia. How has the altered political landscape post-2021 affected India's connectivity and energy corridor ambitions? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":490,"topper":"Aditya Narayan H","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9a854-315413_3607_aditya_narayan_h_rank_68.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. Why has there been a decline in Out-of-Pocket Expenditure on healthcare in India? Discuss the implications of increased public healthcare spending.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":5,"question":"2. Why is a new manufacturing policy essential for India to achieve sustained economic growth and emerge as a global manufacturing hub? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"3. What are the reasons behind the consistent fiscal deficit in India? Do you think there are advantages in operating with a fiscal deficit for developing countries like India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"1. What is the current state of finances in the Indian states? What long-term measures can be taken to strengthen the financial health of states? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The Disaster Management Act, 2005 warrants a revisit to improve the efficacy of the disaster management framework in India. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What is Strategic Environmental Assessment? How is it different from Environmental Impact Assessment? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What is Gene therapy? Discuss its advantages and highlight the key concerns related to its use. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are the key pillars of India's AI Mission? What are the barriers to achieving responsible AI in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Analyse the provisions related to organised crime and terrorism in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"10. What is the impact of emerging technologies on money laundering? What measures are necessary to address the issues arising out of it? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"1. India's growth has been strong in recent decades, but its structural transformation remains incomplete. Elaborate. State the measures taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"12. Examine the pattern and trend of agricultural exports of India. In this context, explain how India can improve its global competitiveness in agricultural exports. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"13. Examine the role of natural farming in promoting sustainable agriculture. Discuss the major challenges hindering its widespread adoption in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"14. How does the food processing industry aid economic growth in India? Briefly discuss four skill development initiatives in the Indian food processing industry.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"15. What are the major factors impeding private participation in infrastructure development in India? What steps have been taken by the government to attract private investment.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":38,"question":"16. Considering India's vulnerability to various disasters, discuss the need for disaster resilient infrastructure. Explain the role of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) in this context.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":41,"question":"17. Comment on the resource potential of the Sundarbans in India. How can nature-based solutions enhance its resilience against environmental challenges? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"18. Green hydrogen is a promising pathway towards a sustainable energy future but its widespread adoption in India encounters substantial obstacles. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"19. Examine the conflicting issues and security challenges along India's North-East border. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"20. The Indian Coast Guard’s multifaceted role is vital for maintaining the security and integrity of India's maritime domain. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":491,"topper":"Aditya Narayan H","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/506d4-00315413_4513_aditya_narayan_h_rank_68.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. (a) Compassion is the courageous choice to feel another's suffering as one's own, and to act upon it, even when silence is safer and indifference is easier. Examine the significance of compassion as an essential ethical value for civil servants in India. Illustrate your answer with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"1. (b) Marriages in India are transitioning from traditional sacramental unions to more autonomous relationships, reflected in live-in relationships and rising divorce rates. Discuss the ethical dimensions of these changes.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"2. (a) While accountability often necessitates documentation, an overemphasis on bureaucratic procedures and excessive paperwork can inadvertently silence the very voices that public policy intends to empower, particularly at the grassroots. Examine the above statement with suitable illustrations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"2. (b) The principle of impartiality may conflict with the need for compassion towards marginalized communities. Discuss in the context of civil services in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"3 (a) What do each of the following quotations mean to you?\n(a) \"The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home.\" - Confucius (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"3. (b) \"Act only according to that maxim through which you can at the same time will that it become a universal law.\" - Immanuel Kant (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"3.(c) \"We are not only responsible for what we do, but also for what we fail to do\" - Molière. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"4. (a) Patriotism encourages ethical questioning, while nationalism often suppresses it. Discuss this statement in light of the formation of political attitudes during high-pressure national events. How can individuals develop moral attitudes that balance national interest with ethical reasoning?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"4. (b) Discuss how employee well-being and fairness can be balanced with efficiency and profitability in private organisations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"5. (a) Do you agree that excessive use of social media and emerging AI technologies may lead to a decline in emotional regulation and moral sensitivity among adolescents? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"5. (b) In light of the increasing incidents of suicides among students in India, discuss how Emotional Intelligence (EI) can aid in managing stress and emotional challenges.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"6. (a) In public service, emotional intelligence is not about suppressing emotion, but mastering its purpose — to connect, to de-escalate, and to uplift others with empathy and strength. Do you agree with this view? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"6. (b) An efficient work culture is built not only on rules, but on shared values. In this context, evaluate the role of leadership and team dynamics in transforming work culture within an organization.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"7 You are posted as the Joint Secretary in the Department of Information Technology of a state. The government recently implemented several citizen-centric digital services, collecting large volumes of personal data from residents. The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, requires that such data be processed only with explicit and informed consent, and mandates that processing must cease immediately upon withdrawal of consent.\nDuring an internal audit, you discover that the department continues to process and analyze personal data of several citizens even after they have formally withdrawn their consent. This data is being used for policy analytics and service improvement, purposes not explicitly disclosed at the time of data collection. When you bring this to the attention of your department head, you are informed that halting the processing will disrupt ongoing digital initiatives and may affect state-level performance metrics. Moreover, you find that the consent withdrawal process is cumbersome, and many citizens are unaware of their rights under the DPDP Act.\nYou also learn that a prominent social activist is planning to file a complaint with the Data Protection Board against involuntary use of personal data, which could attract public scrutiny and legal action against the department.\n(a) Identify and discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.\n(b) What are the potential consequences for the department if the issue is not addressed transparently?\n(c) How would you balance the need for efficient public service delivery with the obligation to protect citizens’ data rights? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"8 You are an IAS officer, currently serving as the Secretary of the Public Works Department in a hill state. Recently, a disturbing incident has come to light involving a senior Cabinet Minister and two engineers of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). During an inspection of a critical highway project, the Minister was allegedly seen on video physically assaulting and verbally abusing the engineers in full public view. The video, recorded by bystanders, went viral on social media and was widely covered by television channels, sparking both outrage and support from different sections of society. The Minister later defended his actions, alleging that the officials were corrupt, unresponsive to local grievances, and responsible for inordinate delays in the project. He insisted that his actions were driven by public frustration and the urgency of delivering infrastructure to a remote region. However, the engineers have filed a police complaint and written to their superiors, claiming they were targeted for resisting political pressure to award contracts to specific local contractors linked to the Minister. As the situation escalated, a union of NHAI engineers declared a strike.\n(a) इस प्रकरण में शामिल प्रमुख नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं? हितधारकों और उनके परस्पर विरोधी हितों की पहचान कीजिए।\n(b) लोक निर्माण विभाग के सचिव के रूप में, आप उपयुक्त स्थिति में क्या कार्रवाई करेंगे?\n(c) ऐसी घटनाएं सिविल सेवकों के मनोबल और शासन में जनता के विश्वास को कैसे प्रभावित करती हैं? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"(a) What are the key ethical issues involved in this situation? Identify the stakeholders and their conflicting interests.\n(b) As the Secretary of the PWD, what actions will you take in above situation?\n(c) How do such incidents affect the morale of civil servants and public trust in governance?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":42,"question":"9 You are the Secretary in the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Government of India. In recent years, an increasing number of civil servants, particularly younger officers from the IAS, IPS, and IRS, have begun maintaining personal YouTube channels and social media pages. On these platforms, they regularly post videos related to their official work — showcasing innovative projects, public outreach initiatives, inspection drives, and sometimes even day-to-day administrative duties.\n\nThese videos often receive widespread public attention, and many viewers express admiration, saying such content enhances transparency, motivates aspirants, and humanizes the bureaucracy. However, concerns have also emerged from various quarters. Senior officers argue that such content may blur the boundaries between personal branding and public service, while some citizens and media commentators point to instances where videos feature vulnerable beneficiaries without consent, raise concerns about misuse of official premises, or seem designed more for personal popularity than public accountability.\n(a) लोक सेवकों द्वारा अपने आधिकारिक कार्यों को सोशल मीडिया पर सार्वजनिक रूप से प्रदर्शित करने के कृत्यों में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों की पहचान कीजिए।\n(b) क्या ऐसी प्रथाएं जागरूकता और प्रेरणा को प्रोत्साहन देती हैं या क्या ये अनामिता, तटस्थता और सामूहिक सेवा भावना के मूल्यों से समझौता करती हैं? अपना मत दीजिए।\n(c) सचिव के रूप में, लोक सेवकों की उत्तरदायित्व डिजिटल सहभागिता सुनिश्चित करने के लिए आप कौन-से मार्गदर्शक सिद्धांत और नीतिगत अनुशंसाएं सुझाएंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"You have been asked to prepare a report with recommendations to balance public interest, institutional integrity, and evolving modes of communication.\n(a) Identify the ethical issues involved in civil servants publicly showcasing their official work on social media.\n(b) Do such practices promote awareness and motivation, or do they compromise the values of anonymity, neutrality, and collective service ethos? Give your opinion.\n(c) As the Secretary, what guiding principles and policy recommendations would you suggest to ensure responsible digital engagement by civil servants?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":47,"question":"10 You are the Director of the National Bioethics Commission who is responsible for assessing the ethical feasibility and oversight of a nationwide gene sequencing program. The project named GeneFuture, aims to sequence the DNA of every newborn child and store it in a centralized national database. The objective is to identify genetic predispositions to serious diseases early in life, allowing for preventive treatment and personalized medicine. Over 100,000 babies have already been enrolled in the pilot phase of the program. The government claims that this move is a landmark step in public health advancement.\n\nHowever, collection of newborn genetic data raises significant ethical concerns, particularly around informed consent, which may not fully capture parents' understanding of the long-term risks involved. Once gathered, this sensitive data could be misused for purposes such as surveillance, insurance discrimination, or commercial marketing by third parties. Uncertainty over data ownership—whether it lies with the state, parents, or the individual as they mature—further complicates the issue. The involvement of private tech and pharmaceutical companies heightens fears of commercial exploitation, especially in the absence of clear mechanisms for individuals to withdraw consent or delete their genetic information upon reaching adulthood.\n(a) What are the ethical issues you perceive in the implementation of the GeneFuture program?\n(b) Identify the conflicting interests of different stakeholders in this case.\n(c) What guiding ethical principles would you recommend for implementation of this project? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"11. (a) उपयुक्त प्रकरण में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\n(b) इस विरोध को शांत करने के लिए आपके पास तत्काल क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\n(c) अंधविश्वास के व्यापक प्रभाव को दूर करने और संधारणीय लोक स्वास्थ्य परिणामों हेतु वैज्ञानिक सोच को बढ़ावा देने के लिए आप कौन-सी दीर्घकालिक रणनीतियाँ और प्रणालीगत सुधारों का सुझाव देंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)\na) उपयुक्त प्रकरण में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\nb) इस विरोध को शांत करने के लिए आपके पास तत्काल क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nc) अंधविश्वास के व्यापक प्रभाव को दूर करने और संधारणीय लोक स्वास्थ्य परिणामों हेतु वैज्ञानिक सोच को बढ़ावा देने के लिए आप कौन-सी दीर्घकालिक रणनीतियाँ और प्रणालीगत सुधारों का सुझाव देंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":53,"question":"(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case.\n(b) What are the immediate options available to you to overcome this resistance?\n(c) What long-term strategies and systemic reforms would you suggest to address the pervasive influence of superstition and foster a scientific temperament for sustainable public health outcomes? (Answer in 250 words)\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case.\nb) What are the immediate options available to you to overcome this resistance?\nc) What long-term strategies and systemic reforms would you suggest to address the pervasive influence of superstition and foster a scientific temperament for sustainable public health outcomes?","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"12 (a) आपके समक्ष विद्यमान संभावित प्रशासनिक और नैतिक दुविधाएं क्या हैं?\n(b) आपके लिए उपलब्ध सभी विकल्पों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\n(c) आप अपने निर्णय का नैतिक औचित्य सिद्ध करते हुए कौन-सी व्यापक कार्यवाही करेंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)\na) आपके समक्ष विद्यमान संभावित प्रशासनिक और नैतिक दुविधाएं क्या हैं?\nb) आपके लिए उपलब्ध सभी विकल्पों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\nc) आप अपने निर्णय का नैतिक औचित्य सिद्ध करते हुए कौन-सी व्यापक कार्यवाही करेंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":58,"question":"(a) What are the potential administrative and ethical dilemmas you face?\n(b) Discuss all options available to you.\n(c) What comprehensive course of action would you choose to adopt, providing ethical justification for your decision?","marks":null,"words":"Answer in 250"}]},{"id":492,"topper":"Aditya Pathak","air":189,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ADITYA-PATHAKUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-189-Sample-ESSAY-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"3 Growing regional aspirations and demand for greater autonomy: A challenge to Indian federalism.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"SECTION - B 1. The great aim of education is not knowledge but action.\n2. The global south must redefine development through cooperation and justice.\n3. There is no health without mental health.\n4. If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":493,"topper":"Aditya Pathak","air":189,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ADITYA-PATHAKUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-189-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) \"Extraordinary powers must be exercised with extraordinary care.\" Discuss in the context of Article 142 of the Indian Constitution.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Why are State Legislative Assemblies involved in the election of the President but excluded from the process of impeachment?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Private Member's Bills (PMBs) seldom become law in India, yet they are an important aspect of parliamentary democracy. Bring out their significance and suggest steps to strengthen the PMB process.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Highlight the key points of convergence and divergence between the judicial systems of India and USA.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) The role of Election Commission of India has evolved beyond conducting elections to becoming a guardian of electoral democracy. Critically evaluate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) What is the rationale behind the 'three-language formula' in India's education policy? Also highlight the challenges associated with its adoption and implementation across the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q-7) 'Emerging environmental concerns and evolving ecosystem perspectives demand a reimagined approach to rural water governance.' Discuss the key interventions needed to recalibrate rural water policies with special emphasis on the role of communities.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) Identify and discuss the challenges hindering effective implementation of gender-sensitive policies and schemes in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 Effective transboundary water management can act as a catalyst for regional peace and cooperation.' In light of this statement, bring out the opportunities and challenges for India in leveraging 'water diplomacy' in its neighbourhood.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 What are the key areas of reform if the World Trade Organization (WTO) has to remain relevant in the present context of rising protectionism and trade wars?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 The basic structure doctrine acts as a constitutional compass in balancing Parliament's legislative authority and constitutional supremacy. Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) are pivotal to inclusive and efficient urban governance, yet they remain fiscally constrained and institutionally weak. Analyze.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 \"The judiciary has functioned as an institutional corrective, redefining and refining the contours of the Governor's office to prevent its misuse and uphold constitutional principles.\" Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 How is the ‘vertical’ and ‘horizontal’ devolution of taxes to the states decided? Highlighting the concerns raised by some states regarding the devolution of taxes, suggest corrective measures.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 What steps are required for the constitutionalization of a Commission? Do you think granting constitutional status to the Central Information Commission (CIC) would strengthen the RTI regime in India? Give reasons.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 Even as India experiences consistent economic growth and has achieved self-sufficiency in food production, hunger and food insecurity remain pressing concerns. Examine the factors responsible for this paradox and suggest steps to improve the situation.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 The Union Government has recently announced that caste enumeration will be part of the upcoming census. Examine the opportunities and challenges associated with conducting a nationwide 'caste census'. Also, propose a framework for its seamless and effective conduct.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 \"AI integration in governance is no longer a choice but a necessity.\" In light of this statement, discuss how AI can enhance education and healthcare governance.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Providing a brief overview of the aims and objectives of BIMSTEC, explain its significance for India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 India's approach to its relationship with China has evolved into what can be best described as 'competitive coexistence'. Discuss in light of recent developments. What should be the broad contours of India's future China policy?","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":494,"topper":"Aditya Pathak","air":189,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ADITYA-PATHAKUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-189-Sample-MGP-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1 The Union Budget 2025-26 outlines a shift towards the 'debt-to-GDP ratio' as the fiscal anchor starting from FY 2026-27. Discuss the rationale behind this shift.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Why does India need to transition from a 'build to print' to a 'build to design' model in manufacturing? What steps has been taken by the government in this regard?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Explain the concept of a nutrition-sensitive food system and suggest strategies to achieve it in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Give a brief overview of the 'Digital Agriculture Mission'. How can it benefit the agriculture sector?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) Rare earths are not just elements; they are foundational inputs that act like 'seeds of technology'. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6 Why retrofitting Electrostatic Precipitators (ESPs) in Indian thermal power plants is a more viable and effective option compared to the installation of flue gas desulfurization (FGD) systems?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) 'The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regime in India remains weak and is often reduced to a procedural formality.' In light of this statement, examine the key challenges in EIA implementation and suggest reforms.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) Plastic pollution is emerging as a serious environmental threat in India. Discuss the various mitigation measures to address this problem and also the government's initiatives in this regard.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) Amid evolving threats, there is a need to blend private sector capabilities with India's current internal security architecture. In this context, elaborate on the ways in which the private sector can contribute to strengthening internal security.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Ways in which private sector can contribute to Internal security","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 'Radicalisation in Jammu and Kashmir is driven as much by socio-economic factors as by external influences.' Discuss how education and youth engagement can play a role in countering radicalisation in J&K.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) Outlining the key characteristics of the care economy, discuss how India can better integrate the value of unpaid and underpaid care work into its economic framework.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 ‘The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) presents both unprecedented opportunities and significant challenges for India’s labour market.’ Examine. Also suggest strategies to align AI adoption with inclusive and resilient labour market outcomes.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13) Why does India's agricultural export performance remain weak despite high production levels? What measures would you suggest to improve agri-export competitiveness?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 \"The agricultural subsidy regime in the country needs reforms to address the distortions it causes.\" Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 How can biomanufacturing transform today's consumptive manufacturing paradigm to the one based on regenerative principles? Also discuss how BioE3 Policy (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment) aims to foster biomanufacturing in the country.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 The future of digital innovation depends on self-reliant, domain-specific AI capabilities. In this context, bring out the key considerations in developing indigenous AI models and tools. Suggest measures to build an enabling ecosystem for AI innovation in India. What initiatives have been taken by the government in this regard?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 Marine oil spills are a form of environmental disaster, with far-reaching consequences for biodiversity and coastal livelihoods; however, India's preparedness to prevent such incidents and mitigate their impact has significant gaps. Analyze.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 'The United Nations has declared 2025 as the International Year of Glacier Preservation.' Bring out the ecological and socio-economic significance of glaciers. What are the key challenges in preserving them? What measures have been taken at national and international levels towards preservation of glaciers?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 What are the determinants of insurgency in the north-eastern region of India? What strategy should the Government of India, civil administration and security forces adopt to counter the threat in the affected areas?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have become an integral aspect of modern conflict and warfare, employed by both state and non-state actors. Discuss its implications for India's security architecture and state the measures being taken to address them. Also suggest other steps to tackle the threats emanating from UAVs.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":495,"topper":"Aditya Pathak","air":189,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ADITYA-PATHAKUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-189-Sample-MGP-Copy-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) Rising influence of money power in Indian elections poses a serious challenge to transparency, fairness, and democratic accountability. How can ethical electoral funding be ensured to maintain the integrity of democracy?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) Explain the key dimensions of ethics that influence human behaviour. How do these dimensions shape ethical decision-making in private life?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) “Academic freedom is the bedrock of scholarly inquiry and intellectual progress.” Examine the ethical issues that arise when educational institutions yield to political, social, or economic pressures and compromises academic freedom.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) Fortitude enables a civil servant to make difficult yet morally right decisions. Explain with reference to real-life examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) Given below are the three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context?\na) “When learning is purposeful, creativity blossoms. When creativity blossoms, thinking emanates. When thinking emanates, knowledge is fully lit. When knowledge is lit, the economy flourishes.”- Abdul Kalam.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) \"The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the world's problems.\" - Mahatma Gandhi","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"c) \"Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.\" - Dalai Lama","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.4) a) What do you understand by the term ‘probity in governance’? Explain how probity acts as the foundation of ethical public administration.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"b) \"Starvation must not be used as a weapon of war.\" Yet, parties involved in conflicts often resort to the blockade of food and medical aid to civilians in conflict zones, deepening the humanitarian crisis. Powerful nations, despite their capacity to intervene, tend to prioritise strategic interests over humanitarian concerns. What ethical considerations should guide powerful nations in preventing such actions and ensuring unimpeded humanitarian access?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.5) a) What teachings of Mahavira are most relevant today and why? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"b) \"In contemporary times, social media platforms have emerged as powerful agents in shaping individual and societal attitudes.\" Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.6) a) What do you understand by the 'voice of conscience'? In what ways can you prepare yourself to listen to the voice of conscience?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"b) Effective utilisation of public funds is not merely an administrative requirement but a moral responsibility of those entrusted with public office. However, instances of funds allocated to government schemes lying idle or being diverted towards extraneous purposes continue to be reported across the country. Examine the reasons for under-utilization and mis-utilization of public funds and their implications.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7 A rail overbridge (ROB) is being planned in the capital city of a central Indian state. The project aims to reduce traffic congestion and ease delays at railway crossings, which affect thousands of daily commuters. It had been a long-standing demand of local residents, and the government approved it to address persistent traffic bottlenecks in the area. The project is to be executed by the State Public Works Department (PWD), with a strict completion deadline of one year i.e. 31st July 2026. The PWD Minister, who is also the local MLA, is scheduled to inaugurate the project in the third week of August 2026. This is planned to take place shortly before the expected announcement of state elections. Ramesh has been selected as the project manager of this prestigious assignment on the basis of his professional competence and experience.\n\nWhile reviewing the approved design plans in preparation for execution, Ramesh identifies a serious flaw. The proposed alignment includes a sharp 90-degree turn, incorporated due to spatial constraints between an electrified railway line on one side and ongoing metro construction on the other. From a technical standpoint, Ramesh believes the design is unsafe. It increases the risk of vehicular accidents, especially for heavy vehicles, and may lead to long-term inconvenience for road users.\n\nRamesh promptly raises the issue with the Chief Engineer. However, the Chief Engineer overrules the concern. He states that the General Arrangement Drawing (GAD) has already been approved by the Bridge Engineering Department, in coordination with Indian Railways. He points out that revisiting the design at this stage shall result in project delays, increased expenditure, and unwanted political attention.\n\nSubsequently, Ramesh comes to know that the contractor awarded the tender to execute the project is a close relative of the PWD Minister. He also receives unofficial communication suggesting that his promotion to Additional Chief Engineer is under active consideration, but could be jeopardised if he creates \"unnecessary hurdles\" in the project's timely completion.\n\nThe incumbent state government is eager to complete the overbridge before the elections and present it as a major developmental achievement. This adds to the pressure on Ramesh to expedite project execution without raising further objections. Nonetheless, he remains convinced that the current design is flawed and could have grave implications for public safety if left unaddressed.\n\nMeanwhile, the bridge design has also attracted widespread public attention after being published in a leading local newspaper. Images of the sharp 90-degree turn went viral on social media, drawing criticism and ridicule. Several engineering experts have publicly flagged the alignment as a potential safety hazard, reinforcing Ramesh's concerns.\na) Under the given conditions, what are the options available to Ramesh as a project manager?\nb) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Ramesh?\nc) What are the professional challenges likely to be faced by Ramesh and his response to overcome such challenges?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"a) दी गई परिस्थितियों में, एक परियोजना प्रबंधक के रूप में रमेश के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nb) रमेश को किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\nc) रमेश को किन व्यावसायिक चुनौतियों का सामना करना पड़ सकता है तथा ऐसी चुनौतियों पर नियंत्रण पाने के लिए उसकी क्या प्रतिक्रिया होनी चाहिए?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":34,"question":"Q.8 Srushti is a young and dynamic IPS officer, posted as Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in a communally sensitive district. Her husband, Arjun, is an IAS officer and posted as Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in the same district. Both are honest, sincere and deeply committed to their work. They have a daughter who is just four months old, and is looked after by a domestic helper. Srushti resumed duty just two weeks ago after six months of maternity leave.\nAt 9 PM on Saturday night, Srushti is in her office reviewing the security arrangements with her team for an upcoming local festival. The situation in the area has been tense throughout the week due to a flare-up between two communities over a petty issue. Around 9:30 PM, she gets a call from the Superintendent of Police. He asks her to prepare a detailed law and order brief for a high-level meeting the next morning.\nSrushti reaches home at 10 PM, feeling exhausted. She has not been getting proper sleep during the week due to frequent night patrolling. Arjun also returns around the same time after a long day in the field. Their daughter has been unwell and cried through most of the previous night. Arjun expresses concern about Srushti's heavy workload and the baby's condition. He tells her that she can not keep pushing herself like this and that the child needs more of her attention. Srushti replies that she cannot afford to step back. She adds that people are already judging her and questioning her commitment to work for availing maternity leave. The conversation gradually turns into an argument. Arjun feels Srushti is ignoring her health and family, while Srushti feels judged and unsupported.\nLater that night, as Srushti sits at her desk preparing the report, she pauses and reflects on the purpose of her work. She had joined the IPS to serve the people and protect the vulnerable. But now, she wonders if she is being fair to her own child and family. Even as recently as last week, she had to cancel the family dinner as she had to attend an urgent meeting at the SP office. She also feels the weight of expectations. Male officers with children are rarely questioned. But as a new mother, she is constantly under scrutiny. Many in the department believe that women, especially new mothers, are not suitable for field duty.\nSrushti starts thinking about her options. She knows that whatever decision she makes will not only impact her own future but also influence the expectations placed on other working mothers in uniform.\na) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\nb) Evaluate the options available to Srushti in the above situation.\nc) What suggestions would you make to help officers like Srushti maintain a healthy work-life balance.","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":35,"question":"a) उपयुक्त मामले में नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\nb) उपरोक्त स्थिति में सृष्टि के लिए उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nc) सृष्टि जैसे अधिकारियों को स्वस्थ कार्य-जीवन संतुलन बनाए रखने में मदद करने के लिए आप क्या सुझाव देंगे?\na) उपयुक्त मामले में नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\nb) उपरोक्त स्थिति में सृष्टि के लिए उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nc) सृष्टि जैसे अधिकारियों को स्वस्थ कार्य-जीवन संतुलन बनाए रखने में मदद करने के लिए आप क्या सुझाव देंगे?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":39,"question":"Q.9) A reputed Indian beauty & personal care company developed a herbal skin cream for the international market, claiming anti-ageing and skin-repair properties based on traditional Ayurvedic formulations. After obtaining the necessary approvals and export certifications, the company began exporting the product. The product received widespread positive feedback for its quality and natural formulation, and soon became a huge hit in international markets. Riding on this success, the company announced that the product would soon be made available to domestic consumers, with almost the same quality and health benefits.\n\nSubsequently, it secured approval from the domestic regulatory authority and launched the product in the Indian market. Over time, the brand gained a significant share of the domestic market and earned substantial revenues both nationally and internationally.\n\nHowever, during a random sample check, officials discovered that the cream sold in India differed from the version approved by the competent authority. The product failed to meet the claimed herbal composition and purity standards. Further investigation revealed that the company had often been distributing batches that had failed export quality checks.\n\nThe incident triggered widespread public criticism and regulatory scrutiny, leading to a sharp decline in the company's reputation and financial performance.\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\nb) What actions should the competent regulatory authority take against the personal care company for violating domestic quality standards and distributing rejected export batches in the Indian market?\nc) What course of action is available to the company to manage the crisis and restore public trust and brand credibility?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":43,"question":"Q.10 A forest fire has broken out in a hilly district and is rapidly spreading toward an eco-sensitive area that includes four villages (ESA villages). These villages lie along the forest fringe and are surrounded by difficult terrain. The region is known for its biodiversity and traditional forest-based livelihoods. The inhabitants of these villages are mostly poor tribal communities, dependent on forest resources for their sustenance.\nYou, as the District Magistrate of the area, have rushed to the spot with a medical team, police personnel, NGOs, media, and support staff to oversee the rescue and containment operations. Your disaster response team on the ground is small and poorly equipped. Reinforcements from the district headquarter have been requested, but they may take several hours to arrive due to the remoteness and challenging terrain.\nIn the meantime, a group of trained ex-forest guards and local youth from the villages offer to help. They are experienced and familiar with the area. However, existing government rules do not permit the engagement of unofficial personnel in fire control operations without formal clearance and insurance coverage.\nYour team members are divided on this issue. Some members argue that volunteers should be engaged immediately to prevent the fire from spreading. Others caution that involving them without proper approval and safety cover could be risky and against protocol.\nAs the District Magistrate, you are also the Chairperson of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA). The fire is spreading at a very rapid rate, and immediate action is required to protect lives, property, and the environment. You are now in a dilemma.\na) What are the options available to you?\nb) Critically evaluate each of the options identified by you.\nc) What option would you adopt and why?\nd) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by you?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.11) In one of the government primary schools located in a rural block of a district, the newly appointed headmistress observed an unusual practice. The school had been preparing and serving mid-day meals separately to students belonging to different communities. Although the meals were cooked using a common gas connection, separate utensils, cooking areas, and serving arrangements had been in place for more than two decades. Students from the two communities had their food cooked and served by different cooks and ate in separate classrooms, despite attending classes together.\nAfter taking charge, the headmistress decided to discontinue this practice. She directed that food be prepared and served together for all students, using a common kitchen and utensils. However, the decision triggered backlash. A considerable number of parents across communities vehemently opposed the move and stopped sending their children to school. Consequently, attendance fell by almost 60 percent. This also raised concerns regarding the possible discontinuation of the mid-day meal scheme, withdrawal of teaching staff, and even closure of the school due to falling enrolment.\nThe issue has attracted attention from various political and social groups attempting to further polarise the situation and serve their vested interests.\nMarpi Apang, the District Education Officer (DEO), has been tasked by the Deputy Commissioner's office to amicably resolve the matter at the earliest. She has also been directed to submit a detailed report along with the Action Taken Report within a fortnight.\na) Identify the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb) What course of action should Marpi adopt and why?\nc) What should be the responsibilities of different social segments and agencies to create positive social ambiance for accepting such changes?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Q.12) You are a Municipal Commissioner of a tier-2 city experiencing rapid urban expansion. Several high-rise residential and commercial buildings are under construction in the city to meet the growing demand for housing. One such luxury residential complex is being built, employing hundreds of daily-wage labourers, many of whom live in temporary settlements at the construction site. Late one night during the monsoon season, a large section of scaffolding and concrete slabs collapses from the upper floors of one of the under-construction buildings. Seven labourers, including two minors, die on the spot. Several others are critically injured and rushed to the hospital. The tragic incident results in public outrage, intense media scrutiny, and protests by a local NGO. The state government orders a formal inquiry and directs you to submit a report within a week. Your preliminary investigation reveals a series of irregularities. The construction material used is substandard and not in accordance with the National Building Code. Although the approved plan permits construction of fifteen floors, the builder has illegally added two extra floors. Moreover, the structure has encroached on land demarcated for a community park and a fire service lane under the city's Zonal Development Plan. These violations are not reported during site inspections conducted by the building inspector of the municipal corporation. The building clearance was granted during the tenure of your predecessor, who is not only your batchmate but also a close friend. Both of you were roommates during your training at LBSNAA. Prima facie, the case appears to involve a widespread nexus between officials of the Municipal Corporation and the builder. Your colleagues are putting pressure on you to go slow in the inquiry. Some of them suggest that holding the builder accountable could damage the city's image among investors and slow down urban development. Meanwhile, you come to know that the builder is the younger brother of a powerful minister in the state cabinet. One evening, his personal aide visits you privately. He suggests that the matter could be “mutually settled” and offers you a premium apartment worth ₹2 crore in the same residential complex. In the same breath, he hints that if the matter is not resolved swiftly in the builder's favour, someone in his office is prepared to file a complaint against you under the SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\nb) What are the options available to you in this situation?\nc) Explain your selected course of action.","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":496,"topper":"Aditya Srivastava","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/24/rank-1-aditya-srivatsava-essay-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Q.1 If you look into someone's face long enough, eventually you feel that you are looking into yourself.\nQ.2 We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.\nQ.3 It is the province of knowledge to speak and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen.\nQ.4 Drop the question what tomorrow may bring, and count as profit every day that fate allows you.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Q.5 Truth, like a torch, the more it is shook, it shines.\nQ.6 Art is I; science in We.\nQ.7 Only the dead have seen the end of the war.\nQ.8 Act as if it were impossible to fail.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":497,"topper":"Aditya Srivastava","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/33/rank-1-aditya-srivatsava-essay-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Q.4 In struggling with misfortune lies the true proof of virtue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Q.8 We can not despair of humanity, since we ourselves are human beings.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":498,"topper":"Aditya Srivastava","air":1,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6f6a4-834009_2488_aditya_srivastava_rank_01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":499,"topper":"Aditya Srivastava","air":1,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/12SEWfFYwE6JigFmyxjUZZ_jPRMLV5nn7/view","questions":[]},{"id":500,"topper":"Aditya Srivastava","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1G69aTQm648dSnKRDqKEoW2Edxehygm1o/view","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The traditional theatre forms of India reflect the ideals and emotions of the society, and an individual's role in the community. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Provide an account of the historical and architectural importance of the Sanchi Stupa. Also, discuss how it inspired the future architecture in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Bhagat Singh made a real breakthrough in terms of revolutionary ideology, the goals of revolution and forms of revolutionary struggle. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Bringing out the factors that led to the Meiji restoration, discuss its significance for Japan. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"It is believed that a nation is an \"imagined community\" held together by common beliefs, history, political aspirations etc. In this context, discuss what the basis of India as a nation is. Also, bring out the threats to the concept of Indian nationhood. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"State the key factors behind the growth of the pharmaceutical industry in India. Additionally, discuss its significance with regard to India's economy and public health.(Answer in 150words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss why the Bay of Bengal is more prone to cyclones than the Arabian Sea. Also, explain the reasons for the decrease in frequency of tropical cyclones during the Southwest monsoon season. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite being destructive in nature, volcanoes are critical for the existence of human life on earth. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The existence of relative deprivation is an important aspect in constructing the argument for regionalism. Explain with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"If India is to realise the goal of 'education for all', the issue of rising cases of bullying and other forms of school violence needs to be addressed immediately. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Bring out the role played by the Ahom Kingdom in shaping the cultural and historical identity of North-East India, and discuss its legacy in contemporary times. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The capitalist class generally remained ambivalent in their support to the Indian National Congress until 1940s. In this context, analyse the varying positions of the Indian capitalists throughout the national movement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Trace the evolution of the press in India. Also, discuss the instrumental impact it had during various stages of the Indian freedom struggle despite the repressive policies of the British. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Mountains are fragile ecosystems vulnerable to the adverse impact of climate change and other anthropogenic interventions. Illustrate with examples. Also, highlight the initiatives taken for their sustainable management. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind unsustainable management of sand resources in India. Highlighting its impact, enumerate the remedial measures taken in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Giving an account of the major lithium-producing countries, discuss the geo-political aspects of lithium production and its environmental implications. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The youth are capable of identifying themselves with a global identity and connecting with events and experiences outside their countries. In this context, discuss the impact of globalization on the various aspects of youth identity. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"As fertility rates decline in India, future demographic concerns center around an ageing population and a weak social security system. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"With a significant proportion of India's population expected to live in urban areas by 2030, the welfare of the urban poor needs to take centre-stage in public policy. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":501,"topper":"Aditya Srivastava","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a2ee6-834009_2424_aditya_srivastava_rank_01.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What are the different dimensions of food security? Examine India's status in terms of ensuring food security with regard to these dimensions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Modern technologies such as blockchain and ChatGPT are powerful tools with immense potential to transform agriculture into a more efficient and sustainable sector. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What factors have led to the recent acceleration in the trend towards de-dollarization of the global economy? Do you think the dollar will lose its dominance anytime soon? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Despite significant pressure from the developed countries to alter its food subsidy regime, there is merit in India trying to retain its policy support for the poor in the country. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":502,"topper":"Aditya Srivastava","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2d051-834009_2423_aditya_srivastava_rank_01.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With suitable examples, discuss how environmental pressure groups enhance public participation and responsiveness with regard to environmental policies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The recent acknowledgment of sex work as a 'profession' by the Supreme Court is merely the first step in ensuring basic rights and equality for sex workers in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the role played by District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) in providing free legal aid and disseminating legal awareness in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"The collegium system has become a victim of its own success, with the concentration of power in the hands of a few, leading to questions about its legitimacy.\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"Civil services reforms must go beyond recruitment and standardised training to cope with the present day challenges.\" Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Outcome-based finance models such as social impact bonds have the potential to truly catalyse change and deliver socio-economic impact at scale. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The wide gap between the number of females graduating every year and those entering the workspace is an issue of paramount importance that needs to be addressed. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"An up to date and functional Civil Registration System (CRS) is essential to the socio-economic planning in India. Discuss in the light of the recent move of the Central government in revamping the CRS system in the country. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What are the key areas of reform if the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has to align with the current economic realities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In recent years, India's relationship with West Asia has evolved from the confines of geopolitics to expanse of geoeconomics. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The role of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) is significant in furthering healthy competitiveness aimed at inspiring stakeholders to innovate and augment effectiveness. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"\"The menace of paid news often rears its ugly head during elections.\" Discuss the need for making paid news an electoral offence in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the 'Doctrine of Essentiality' referred to by the courts in the context of religious practices in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"As per the recently released report of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), there is an urgent need to limit the size of the government in India. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The Institutions of Eminence (IoE) scheme was conceived to develop 'world-class' centres of higher education in India but six years later, it is yet to become the game changer it was intended to be. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) allows for innovative and convenient public services, help overcome inclusion or accessibility barriers, and increase transparency and accountability with real-time data. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Besides legislation, the full realisation of the 'right to health for all' in India demands plugging of social, financial, and infrastructural gaps. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The 'third gender' has not yet been engendered in the Indian society despite legislative nudge. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Among other factors, strained ties with China and Pakistan make it difficult for India to fulfill its expectations from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"The recently concluded initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) between the United States and India promises a long overdue transformation of their partnership in the field of technology. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":503,"topper":"Aditya Srivastava","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3de8f-834009_2422_aditya_srivastava_rank_01.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The traditional theatre forms of India reflect the ideals and emotions of the society, and an individual's role in the community. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Provide an account of the historical and architectural importance of the Sanchi Stupa. Also, discuss how it inspired the future architecture in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Bhagat Singh made a real breakthrough in terms of revolutionary ideology, the goals of revolution and forms of revolutionary struggle. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Bringing out the factors that led to the Meiji restoration, discuss its significance for Japan. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"It is believed that a nation is an \"imagined community\" held together by common beliefs, history, political aspirations etc. In this context, discuss what the basis of India as a nation is. Also, bring out the threats to the concept of Indian nationhood. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"State the key factors behind the growth of the pharmaceutical industry in India. Additionally, discuss its significance with regard to India's economy and public health.(Answer in 150words)10","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss why the Bay of Bengal is more prone to cyclones than the Arabian Sea. Also, explain the reasons for the decrease in frequency of tropical cyclones during the Southwest monsoon season. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite being destructive in nature, volcanoes are critical for the existence of human life on earth. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The existence of relative deprivation is an important aspect in constructing the argument for regionalism. Explain with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"If India is to realise the goal of 'education for all', the issue of rising cases of bullying and other forms of school violence needs to be addressed immediately. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Bring out the role played by the Ahom Kingdom in shaping the cultural and historical identity of North-East India, and discuss its legacy in contemporary times. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The capitalist class generally remained ambivalent in their support to the Indian National Congress until 1940s. In this context, analyse the varying positions of the Indian capitalists throughout the national movement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Trace the evolution of the press in India. Also, discuss the instrumental impact it had during various stages of the Indian freedom struggle despite the repressive policies of the British. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Mountains are fragile ecosystems vulnerable to the adverse impact of climate change and other anthropogenic interventions. Illustrate with examples. Also, highlight the initiatives taken for their sustainable management. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind unsustainable management of sand resources in India. Highlighting its impact, enumerate the remedial measures taken in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Giving an account of the major lithium-producing countries, discuss the geo-political aspects of lithium production and its environmental implications. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The youth are capable of identifying themselves with a global identity and connecting with events and experiences outside their countries. In this context, discuss the impact of globalization on the various aspects of youth identity. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"As fertility rates decline in India, future demographic concerns center around an ageing population and a weak social security system. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"With a significant proportion of India's population expected to live in urban areas by 2030, the welfare of the urban poor needs to take centre-stage in public policy. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":504,"topper":"Aditya Srivastava","air":1,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/18vB3aYFHRYjZP49erUi_QPfGmGxbEc2A/view","questions":[]},{"id":505,"topper":"Aditya Srivastava","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1r7kBY3slvIXBp48rwwfKdVLHhFWrA2UD/view","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With suitable examples, discuss how environmental pressure groups enhance public participation and responsiveness with regard to environmental policies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The recent acknowledgment of sex work as a 'profession' by the Supreme Court is merely the first step in ensuring basic rights and equality for sex workers in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the role played by District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) in providing free legal aid and disseminating legal awareness in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"The collegium system has become a victim of its own success, with the concentration of power in the hands of a few, leading to questions about its legitimacy.\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"Civil services reforms must go beyond recruitment and standardised training to cope with the present day challenges.\" Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Outcome-based finance models such as social impact bonds have the potential to truly catalyse change and deliver socio-economic impact at scale. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The wide gap between the number of females graduating every year and those entering the workspace is an issue of paramount importance that needs to be addressed. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"An up to date and functional Civil Registration System (CRS) is essential to the socio-economic planning in India. Discuss in the light of the recent move of the Central government in revamping the CRS system in the country. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What are the key areas of reform if the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has to align with the current economic realities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In recent years, India's relationship with West Asia has evolved from the confines of geopolitics to expanse of geoeconomics. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The role of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) is significant in furthering healthy competitiveness aimed at inspiring stakeholders to innovate and augment effectiveness. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"\"The menace of paid news often rears its ugly head during elections.\" Discuss the need for making paid news an electoral offence in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the 'Doctrine of Essentiality' referred to by the courts in the context of religious practices in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"As per the recently released report of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), there is an urgent need to limit the size of the government in India. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The Institutions of Eminence (IoE) scheme was conceived to develop 'world-class' centres of higher education in India but six years later, it is yet to become the game changer it was intended to be. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) allows for innovative and convenient public services, help overcome inclusion or accessibility barriers, and increase transparency and accountability with real-time data. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Among other factors, strained ties with China and Pakistan make it difficult for India to fulfill its expectations from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"The recently concluded initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) between the United States and India promises a long overdue transformation of their partnership in the field of technology. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":506,"topper":"Aditya Srivastava","air":1,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QrSb5gMxcDGGej3cvrPA6VqnBXazAHYC/view","questions":[]},{"id":507,"topper":"Aditya Srivastava","air":1,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/12qspdsFI_4hekv-b-dHFNjq_sq5dHWEI/view","questions":[]},{"id":508,"topper":"Aditya Srivastava","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xPLA0ZMK7qDz-4kxYQN3a-Cl5NBz3ohI/view","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. (a) For effective corporate governance to take place in the coming years, why is it important to integrate the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics with the multi-stakeholder approach? What benefits can be accrued by such integration? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"1. (b) In acts of corruption, the focus is often only on the demand side of the equation, on public officials who abuse their office for private gain. Frequently, the supply side is given less attention. Those who pay bribes are sometimes depicted as innocent parties and victims of extortionary practices of wily public servants. Do you agree that 'collusive corruption', in which there is a willing bribe-giver, is a formidable challenge for institutions fighting corruption?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"2. (a) The Citizens' Charters initiative was a response to the quest for solving the problems, which a citizen encountered, day in and day out, while dealing with the organisations providing public services. But the introduction and implementation of Citizens' Charters in the government of India has been difficult due to the old bureaucratic set up and the rigid attitudes of the work force. Discuss the major obstacles that have been encountered in implementing the Citizens' Charter initiative.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"2. (b) Quality of public service delivery is a major determinant of the quality of life of vulnerable sections in a highly unequal society divided along the lines of class, caste, religion, etc. In this background, do you think that public service delivery is efficient and sufficient enough to improve the lives of vulnerable groups in India? Critically examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"3 (a) What do each of the following quotations mean to you?\n(a) \"The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own.\" - Lao Tzu (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"3. (b) \"If ethics are poor at the top, that behavior is copied down through the organization.\" - Robert Noyce (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"3. (c) \"The end of law is not to abolish or restrain, but to preserve and enlarge freedom.\" - John Locke (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"4. (a) Wealthy CEOs and founders of successful businesses around the world are increasingly pledging to give away their wealth in philanthropy. Do you think that such a move is sufficient enough to bring about a positive change in the society? Critically examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"4. (b) As organizations across the globe begin their artificial intelligence (AI) transformation, the leap into the AI era is expected to be more challenging than any technology that businesses have grappled with yet. In this background, discuss the concerns around fairness, transparency, and job security that may arise.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"5. (a) The emphasis of Swami Dayanand Saraswati on education, social equality, and ethical values continues to influence the socio-cultural discourse in contemporary India. Discuss with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"5. (b) Write short notes on the following in 30 words each :\n(i) Dedication to public service\n(ii) Non-partisanship in civil service\n(iii) Objectivity in decision-making","marks":"2 x 5 = 10","words":"30 words each"},{"page":28,"question":"6. (a) Emotional intelligence may not be singularly associated with emotions or intelligence. It can also include a broad range of personality characteristics that might predict success in professional and everyday life. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"6. (b) Traditional forms of state-led accountability, also characterised as vertical and horizontal channels of accountability, are increasingly found to be inadequate, and a myriad of multi-stakeholder and bottom-up citizen directed approaches have come to the fore, to supplement or supplant them. Discuss with illustrations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"7 In the context of this case, answer the following:\n(a) इस प्रकरण में शामिल मुद्दे कौन-से हैं?\n(b) ऐसी प्रौद्योगिकियों को अपनाने के नकारात्मक प्रभावों को कम करने के लिए क्या उपाय किए जा सकते हैं? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"With reference to this case study, answer the following:\n(a) What are the issues involved in this case?\n(b) What measures can be taken to minimize the negative implications of adopting such technologies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"8 दी गई स्थिति में:\n(a) रीना को किन दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\n(b) उसके पास क्या विकल्प हैं? प्रत्येक के गुण और दोष बताइए।\n(c) उसके द्वारा अपनाई जाने वाली कार्रवाई को रेखांकित कीजिए, साथ ही उसका औचित्य सिद्ध कीजिए। (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"In the given situation:\n(a) What dilemmas does Rina face?\n(b) What options does she have? Provide the merits and demerits of each.\n(c) Highlight the course of action she should adopt, along with justification for the same.","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":42,"question":"9 As the Nodal Education Officer of the district, address the following questions:\n(a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\n(b) How will you resolve the issues in the given case?\n(c) What long-term strategy needs to be adopted to deal with the menace of cheating in various examinations? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"10. उपयुक्त जानकारी के संदर्भ में, निम्नलिखित पर ध्यान दीजिए:\n(a) प्रस्तुत प्रकरण में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दे कौन-से हैं?\n(b) महासागरों की संधारणीयता पर प्रतिकूल प्रभाव डाले बिना किसी राष्ट्र के आर्थिक विकास के दृष्टिकोण को कैसे प्राप्त किया जा सकता है? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"In the context of the above-stated information, address the following:\n(a) What are the ethical issues in the given case study?\n(b) How can the vision of economic development of a nation be achieved without adversely affecting the sustainability of oceans? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"11. (a) आप एक जिला मजिस्ट्रेट हैं और यह क्षेत्र आपके क्षेत्राधिकार में आता है। दोनों पक्षों के लोग अपनी शिकायतें लेकर आपके पास आए हैं। आप दोनों दृष्टिकोणों में सामंजस्य स्थापित करने के लिए क्या करेंगे?\n(b) कार्रवाई के निम्नलिखित संभावित तरीकों के गुण और दोषों का उल्लेख कीजिए:\n(1) क्षेत्र के निवासियों के विरोध को नजरअंदाज करना और धार्मिक पूजा स्थल को मौजूद नियमों के अनुसार बनाने की अनुमति दे देना।\n(2) नए पूजा स्थल पर भरोसा करने वाले हजारों उपासकों को निराश करते हुए, निवासियों से सहमत होकर निर्माण पर रोक लगा देना।\n(3) एक समझौते के रूप में, आपके द्वारा पूजा स्थल पर भवन निर्माण संबंधी अतिरिक्त नियमों को लागू किया जाना या डिजाइन में संशोधन पर बल दिया जाना। (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"(a) You are a District Magistrate and the area lies in your jurisdiction. People from both sides have approached you with their grievances. What would you do to reconcile the two points of view?\n(b) Mention the merits and demerits of the following potential courses of action:\n(1) Ignore the opposition from the residents of the area and allow the place of religious worship to be built in accordance with the existing regulations.\n(2) Prohibit the construction, agreeing with the residents while causing distress among the thousands of worshippers counting on the new place of worship.\n(3) As a compromise, you place additional building regulations on the worship place or insist on modifications to the design. (Answer in 250 words)\na) You are a District Magistrate and the area lies in your jurisdiction. People from both sides have approached you with their grievances. What would you do to reconcile the two points of view?\nb) Mention the merits and demerits of the following potential courses of action:\n(1) Ignore the opposition from the residents of the area and allow the place of religious worship to be built in accordance with the existing regulations.\n(2) Prohibit the construction, agreeing with the residents while causing distress among the thousands of worshippers counting on the new place of worship.\n(3) As a compromise, you place additional building regulations on the worship place or insist on modifications to the design.","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"12 You are a public representative, elected on the ticket of a political party, considered as conservative by many. Your daughter, who has returned years after studying abroad, has conveyed to you her choice of marrying a person from another community. You personally do not consider anything wrong in her choice, and convey your assent to her. You also discuss it with many among your friends and family, and inform them of a grand wedding ceremony you are planning for your daughter. However, a few days after you have shared the news of the forthcoming grand wedding with many, you are informed by your political secretary about an issue being made of the same. He informs you that there are whispers among many people in your constituency about it, and indications of a sense of unease among some prominent citizens. While most of them are enamoured by your plans for a grand wedding ceremony for your daughter, they are unhappy about the bridegroom being from another community. You also get to know through your sources in the party, that your assent to the choice of the bridegroom may lead to a denial of ticket by the high command in the forthcoming elections. You are not only an ambitious politician and a rising star in your political party but also an open-minded, loving and doting father. But howsoever much you love your daughter's freedom and choices, you do not want her decision to adversely affect your political journey. This is more so, when you had been eagerly looking forward to greater responsibilities and a higher stature in the party, given the years of hardwork you have put in, as a politician. Your daughter, on the other hand, is firm with her choice and does not want her impending grand wedding to be affected in any way.\n(a) उपयुक्त प्रकरण में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दे कौन-से हैं?\n(b) एक पिता और एक महत्वाकांक्षी राजनीतिज्ञ के रूप में आपके पास उपलब्ध विभिन्न विकल्प क्या हैं?\n(c) आपकी कार्रवाई का तरीका क्या होगा? उचित तर्क सहित पुष्टि कीजिए। (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":58,"question":"Given this situation, answer the following:\n(a) What are the ethical issues in the above situation?\n(b) What are the various options that you have, as a father and an ambitious politician?\n(c) What will be your course of action? Justify with proper reasoning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":509,"topper":"Aditya Srivastava","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ts8zxpOcIAMdHeNJs0l_QQeWCilGlsl7/view","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. (a) The logic of limitless wealth lies in the basic human instinct for furthering self-interest in the form of profit. In this context, do you think there is a possibility of pursuing ethical capitalism? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"1. (b) If a law is unjust, a man is not only right to disobey it, he is obligated to do so. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"2. (a) The capacity of Citizens' Charter to initiate any transformative process is conditioned upon it being appropriately designed and effectively executed. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"2. (b) The moral fiber and ethical conduct of public officials not only influence the standard of governance but also their own interests and performance. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"3. (a) The ongoing debate on euthanasia poses several ethical questions. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"3. (b) Foreign aid is a form of neo-colonialism, as the economically wealthier countries can exploit the developing countries under the cloak of aid. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"4. (a) Throwing light on the idea of Universal Humanism propounded by Rabindranath Tagore, discuss its contemporary relevance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"4. (b) Do you agree with the view that it is nature and not nurture which determines the emotional intelligence of a person? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"5. (a) Values that guide public administrators can often compete with each other, owing to their relative importance to the larger public interest. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"5. (b) Is it justifiable to say that corruption is a social phenomenon? What are the various ways through which administrative corruption can be tackled? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"6 (a) What do each of the following quotations mean to you?\n(a) \"Overcoming poverty is not a task of charity; it is an act of justice.\" Nelson Mandela (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"6. (b) \"I do believe that, where there is only a choice between cowardice and violence, I would advise violence.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"6. (c) \"Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle.\" Martin Luther King Jr (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"7 You are posted as the Commissioner of Police in a metropolitan city where a visiting foreign dignitary, with President-level security cover, is scheduled to visit for an official function. As a part of the security preparedness, it has been decided that no vehicular traffic will be allowed on the route which will be taken by the foreign dignitary to reach the venue of the function in the city. However, just 15 minutes before the scheduled arrival of the dignitary, you are informed that a critically-ill patient is stuck on the way to the hospital in a private car along with his family.\n\nIn this situation, answer the following:\n(a) Discuss the issues involved in halting traffic for VIP movement.\n(b) List the options available to you in this situation with their merits and demerits.\n(c) What will be your course of action? Justify with proper reasoning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"8 In light of the above, answer the following:\n(a) Identify the challenges faced by transgenders during the different stages of their life.\n(b) Discuss the reasons for the continuing discrimination against transgenders in India despite several initiatives for their upliftment in recent times. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"9 In the given scenario, answer the following questions:\n(a) Identify the stakeholders and the ethical issues involved in the case.\n(b) What steps will you take to ensure that the enquiry is seen to be fair and impartial?\n(c) Given the challenges that the police forces in India operate under in their day-to-day functioning, suggest some initiatives to address them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"10. Mr. X is a billionaire businessman who heads a conglomerate engaged in insurance, energy generation and distribution, and manufacturing. Despite being globally known as a great philanthropist, he turned down a shareholder request seeking the disclosure of the conglomerate's actions on issues related to climate change as well as diversity and inclusion.\n\nBecause of increased attention to climate and diversity issues, many leading firms have committed themselves to incorporate relevant considerations in their business strategies. Therefore, some industry-observers wonder if Mr. X is out of touch with the industry at large and have warned him that failing to address climate change issues puts his businesses under systemic risk. But, Mr. X maintained his vote against the disclosure proposal, while at the same time acknowledged the importance of both climate change and a diverse and inclusive work force. However, Mr. X believes that such ethical issues take secondary importance to maximising shareholder profit.\n(a) Discuss the importance of including climate change strategies and diversity and inclusion in a business organisation?\n(b) In your opinion, what matters more for a business organisation - socio-environmental concerns or shareholder profit?\n(c) How can the two above-mentioned issues be reconciled? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"(a) Importance of climate change strategies.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"11 You are posted as a Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district where people of different religious communities are living together peacefully. The district is also famous for its architectural heritage and is regularly visited by tourists from all around the world. However, there has been an incident in the nearby state where people of two different communities have started fighting over religious issues. This incident has a spillover effect over the whole country. In your own area of jurisdiction, you have come to know from various sources about circulation of some hate speech videos, which have the potential to destabilise the law and order situation. You are also aware that some outsiders with dubious intentions have started pouring in your district. In one locality, a shopkeeper who had earlier filed a complaint regarding threats he received for posting something on the internet, is found murdered in cold blood. This incident has stunned the nation. You are being informed that hundreds of people of the community to which the shopkeeper belonged are planning to stage a massive protest in your district.\n(a) In the given situation, what are the options available to you to ensure that the law and order situation in the district remains stable. Provide a detailed account of your course of action.\n(b) Do you think the present legal and institutional mechanisms are sufficient to tackle the menace of hate speech in the society? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"12 In this context, answer the following questions:\n(a) What are the consequences of ‘rote learning’ on the educational development of young students in the country?\n(b) Suggest measures that can be taken to address this issue. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":510,"topper":"Aditya Srivastava","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/f27f6-834009_2220_aditya_srivastava_rank_01.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The logic of limitless wealth lies in the basic human instinct for furthering self-interest in the form of profit. In this context, do you think there is a possibility of pursuing ethical capitalism? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"If a law is unjust, a man is not only right to disobey it, he is obligated to do so. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The capacity of Citizens' Charter to initiate any transformative process is conditioned upon it being appropriately designed and effectively executed. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The moral fiber and ethical conduct of public officials not only influence the standard of governance but also their own interests and performance. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The ongoing debate on euthanasia poses several ethical questions. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Foreign aid is a form of neo-colonialism, as the economically wealthier countries can exploit the developing countries under the cloak of aid. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Throwing light on the idea of Universal Humanism propounded by Rabindranath Tagore, discuss its contemporary relevance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree with the view that it is nature and not nurture which determines the emotional intelligence of a person? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Values that guide public administrators can often compete with each other, owing to their relative importance to the larger public interest. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Is it justifiable to say that corruption is a social phenomenon? What are the various ways through which administrative corruption can be tackled? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"\"I do believe that, where there is only a choice between cowardice and violence, I would advise violence.\"- Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"You are posted as the Commissioner of Police in a metropolitan city where a visiting foreign dignitary, with President-level security cover, is scheduled to visit for an official function. As a part of the security preparedness, it has been decided that no vehicular traffic will be allowed on the route which will be taken by the foreign dignitary to reach the venue of the function in the city. However, just 15 minutes before the scheduled arrival of the dignitary, you are informed that a critically-ill patient is stuck on the way to the hospital in a private car along with his family. In this situation, answer the following: (a) Discuss the issues involved in halting traffic for VIP movement. (b) List the options available to you in this situation with their merits and demerits. (c) What will be your course of action? Justify with proper reasoning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"The transgender community has been a part of India's social set up since the very beginning but never recognized as a reputable part of the society. 'Hijra' is a term traditionally used in India for transgender women who were born male. The role and value of this community in accordance with the sacred Hindu texts condenses to the performance of blessings at marriage and birth ceremonies for good fortune. With the advent of the British Raj in the 19th century, the acts of \"cross-dressing\" were registered as a criminal offence and if such offences were committed repeatedly, imprisonment followed. Thus, began the criminalization of hijras. Today, although legally supported and socially empowered as compared to earlier times, hijras are still subject to transphobic discrimination-associated violence, poverty, and segregation. In light of the above, answer the following: (a) Identify the challenges faced by transgenders during the different stages of their life. (b) Discuss the reasons for the continuing discrimination against trangenders in India despite several initiatives for their upliftment in recent times. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"You are an IPS officer posted as the Inspector General of Police in a state. The recent death of a father-son duo in one of the districts in the state, due to custodial violence allegedly in the presence of the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), has sparked anger across the state. This is not an isolated incident, as there have been allegations raised by human rights groups in the past regarding custodial deaths due to physical assault by the police. The High Court of the State, taking suo moto cognizance of the recent incident, has served a notice to the state government, seeking a detailed report on the rising instances of custodial deaths. The state government has constituted a Committee to probe the incident and submit a detailed report about the veracity of facts related to it. You have been asked to head the Committee. You know the Deputy Superintendent of Police of the district to be an honest, hardworking and upright officer. He has privately requested you to absolve him of any wrongdoing as he claims not to be present when the incident occurred. You know that any action against him will be detrimental to his reputation and career. On the other hand, the seniors in the department are pressurising you to put all the blame on the DSP and make him a sacrificial lamb in order to protect the overall image of the police in the state. In the given scenario, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the stakeholders and the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) What steps will you take to ensure that the enquiry is seen to be fair and impartial? (c) Given the challenges that the police forces in India operate under in their day-to-day functioning, suggest some initiatives to address them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Mr. X is a billionaire businessman who heads a conglomerate engaged in insurance, energy generation and distribution, and manufacturing. Despite being globally known as a great philanthropist, he turned down a shareholder request seeking the disclosure of the conglomerate's actions on issues related to climate change as well as diversity and inclusion. Because of increased attention to climate and diversity issues, many leading firms have committed themselves to incorporate relevant considerations in their business strategies. Therefore, some industry-observors wonder if Mr. X is out of touch with the industry at large and have warned him that failing to address climate change issues puts his businesses under systemic risk. But, Mr. X maintained his vote against the disclosure proposal, while at the same time acknowledged the importance of both climate change and a diverse and inclusive work force. However, Mr. X believes that such ethical issues take secondary importance to maximising shareholder profit. (a) Discuss the importance of including climate change strategies and diversity and inclusion in a business organisation? (b) In your opinion, what matters more for a business organisation - socio-environmental concerns or shareholder profit? (c) How can the two above-mentioned issues be reconciled? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"You are posted as a Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district where people of different religious communities are living together peacefully. The district is also famous for its architectural heritage and is regularly visited by tourists from all around the world. However, there has been an incident in the nearby state where people of two different communities have started fighting over religious issues. This incident has a spillover effect over the whole country. In your own area of jurisdiction, you have come to know from various sources about circulation of some hate speech videos, which have the potential to destabilise the law and order situation. You are also aware that some outsiders with dubious intentions have started pouring in your district. In one locality, a shopkeeper who had earlier filed a complaint regarding threats he received for posting something on the internet, is found murdered in cold blood. This incident has stunned the nation. You are being informed that hundreds of people of the community to which the shopkeeper belonged are planning to stage a massive protest in your district. (a) In the given situation, what are the options available to you to ensure that the law and order situation in the district remains stable. Provide a detailed account of your course of action. (b) Do you think the present legal and institutional mechanisms are sufficient to tackle the menace of hate speech in the society? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"The Indian education system suffers from many ills. One of the major issues is the focus on 'rote learning', which has been the staple of the Indian education system for many years. While many Indians have attained success despite this system, simply being able to recall information is not enough in today's world when that information is instantly available to anyone on a mobile phone. A survey of 200 Indian and foreign companies found that only 14% of Indian graduates were prepared for the workforce, largely because most graduates were unable to apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the consequences of 'rote learning' on the educational development of young students in the country? (b) Suggest measures that can be taken to address this issue. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":511,"topper":"Aditya Srivastava","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a7ed8-834009_2425_aditya_srivastava_rank_01.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"For effective corporate governance to take place in the coming years, why is it important to integrate the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics with the multi-stakeholder approach? What benefits can be accrued by such integration? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":512,"topper":"Aditya Srivastava","air":1,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nWz0S4RSCrtz8oIu_x99VlkNh-083qgs/view","questions":[]},{"id":513,"topper":"Aditya Srivastava","air":1,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lsuXzCGz8jr9jnhJbycSmjHFyBm7nrHC/view","questions":[]},{"id":514,"topper":"Aditya Srivastava","air":1,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GcosUYi0Alp_62d3f31EnDbITDHJlpvS/view","questions":[]},{"id":515,"topper":"Aditya Srivastava","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/567000393083103550_PDF_ORIGINAL.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Design a syndrome calculator for a $ $ cyclic Hamming code generated by the polynomial $G(p) = p^3 + p + 1$. Evaluate the syndrome for $Y = $.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"How can insulation resistance of the cable be measured by loss of charge method? (ii) A length of cable is tested for insulation resistance by the loss of charge method. An electrostatic voltmeter of infinite resistance is connected between the cable conductor and earth, forming there with a joint capacitance of $600\\text{ pF}$. If is observed that after charging the voltage falls from $250\\text{ V}$ to $92\\text{ V}$ in $1\\text{ minute}$. Calculate the insulation resistance of the cable.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Explain the followings things : (i) Memory mapped I/O. (ii) Machine cycles of 8085 microprocessor.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"A 1 Mbps BPSK receiver detects waveforms s_1(t) = A \\cos \\omega_0 t or s_2(t) = -A \\cos \\omega_0 t with a matched filter. (i) If A = 1 mV, what will be the average bit error probability? (ii) What should be the average received signal power to maintain an error probability of 2 \\times 10^{-3}? Assume single-sided noise power spectral density to be N_0 = 10^{-11} \\text{ W/Hz}. (iii) Binary antipodal signals are used in another scheme with amplitudes of \\pm 100 \\text{ V} to transmit information over an AWGN channel at a rate of 10^5 \\text{ bps}. The psd \\frac{N_0}{2} = 0.5 \\times 10^{-2} \\text{ W/Hz}. Determine the error probability achieved. Assume that the system employs rectangular pulses. Given, Q = 2 \\times 10^{-3}, Q = 10^{-5} \\text{ and } Q = 0.38.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"The open-loop transfer function of a unity feedback system is G(s) = \\frac{K}{s(s+15)}. If K = 225, what change must be made in the system to reduce the peak overshoot by 50%, keeping the settling time same? Also, determine the new transfer function.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":516,"topper":"Aditya Srivastava","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/700959620759353700_PDF_ORIGINAL.pdf","questions":[{"page":14,"question":"Design a 3-phase FIR filter with impulse response $h(n) = [\\alpha, \\beta, \\alpha]$ and the amplitude response blocks the frequency $f = \\frac{1}{3}$ and passes the frequency $f = \\frac{1}{8}$ with unity gain. What is the DC gain of filter?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Explain how pre-emphasis in transmitter and de-emphasis in receiver improves the noise performance of the FM system?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":517,"topper":"Aditya Srivastava","air":1,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/f4374ffd938db8f39bd2d6c291234622/6/test-1_.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":518,"topper":"Aditya Srivastava","air":1,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/7003a2036604cb5d0cbab6450add4f9e/3/test-2_aditya_srivastava_-mt22ee1n002.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":519,"topper":"Aditya Srivastava","air":1,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/f4374ffd938db8f39bd2d6c291234622/5/test-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":520,"topper":"Aditya Srivastava","air":1,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/f4374ffd938db8f39bd2d6c291234622/7/test-4_.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":521,"topper":"Aditya Srivatsava","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/25/rank-1-aditya-srivatsava-essay-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":19,"question":"how to balance the necessity of speed with the lack of its sufficiency?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":522,"topper":"Aditya Talwar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/99/mts_2025_unchecked_mt25ptmr052_pme2503.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"A sign of intelligence is an awareness of one's own ignorance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Inclusivity and plurality are hallmarks of a peaceful society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Not all who wander are lost. (CSE 2023, PYQ)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"A single drop never feels responsible for the flood.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Science gathers knowledge faster than society gathers wisdom.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"There is no such thing as a good war or a bad peace.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":523,"topper":"Aditya Talwar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/145/mts_2024_unchecked_mt25ptmr052_pme2502.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Hands that rocks the cradle rules the world.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"History repeats itself, first as a tragedy, second as a farce.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"I know of no better life purpose than to perish in attempting the great and the","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":524,"topper":"Aditya Talwar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/141/mts_2024_unchecked_mt25ptmr052_pme2501.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"The middle path is the only road to harmonious living.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":4,"question":"A ship in harbour is safe, but that's not what ship is for.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":4,"question":"Technology is a useful servant but a dangerous master.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":4,"question":"Patriarchy is the least noticed yet the most significant structure of social inequality.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":525,"topper":"Aditya Talwar","air":270,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ADITYA-TALWARUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-270-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Q.1 \"India’s democratic roots are deeply embedded in its ancient civilizational ethos.\" Discuss in the context of India being referred to as the ‘Mother of Democracy’.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":3,"question":"Q.8 The alienation of modern lifestyles from nature has contributed to the ongoing environmental crisis in India. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Q.16) Bring out the major features of the Indian monsoon and elaborate upon its causative factors.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":526,"topper":"Aditya Talwar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/05832-45875268_4510_aditya-talwar_rank_270.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Folk music serves as a repository of the cultural identity. Discuss the role of folk music in preserving cultural heritage and promoting social cohesion. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"How does the Vesara style of temple architecture represent a synthesis of the Nagara and Dravida styles? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the role played by Indians living abroad in advancing the cause of India's freedom struggle. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How did the Marshall Plan influence the economic recovery and political stability of post-war Europe? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Discuss the factors responsible for increased cyclonic activity in the Arabian Sea. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can technological interventions help in transforming the textile sector in India? What are the initiatives that the government has taken in this regard? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What is a seiche and how does it form? Discuss the geographical conditions under which seiches are most likely to occur. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"How has rapid urbanisation affected the socio-cultural landscape of peri-urban regions in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Examine the role of historical and socio-political factors in driving communalism in Indian politics. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Globalization has significantly influenced the aspirations, lifestyle, and value systems of Indian youth. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Examine how Chandragupta-II's reign symbolised a golden age of cultural development, laying the foundation for future advancements in Indian art and literature. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Evaluate the intended and unintended consequences of British educational policies for the Indian society in the colonial period. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"India's territorial disputes after independence were not merely about borders, but also encompass issues of national identity, historical grievances, and geopolitical strategies. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the geographical conditions responsible for the development of shola forests in the upper reaches of the Western Ghats. Highlight their ecological significance. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss the potential of natural hydrogen as a fuel to meet growing global energy demands? Why is it still an untapped industry? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Why is there a shift of labour-intensive industries from China to South and Southeast Asia? Discuss the advantages and challenges for India in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Explain the socio-economic transformations resulting from women's migration to metropolitan areas in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The institution of marriage in India is increasingly becoming a site of conspicuous consumption and commodification. Critically examine the impact of this commercialisation on social equity and gender relations. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Analyse how recognizing, reducing, and redistributing care work can foster gender equality and promote inclusive development in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Discuss the changing nature of family structures in urban India. How is it impacting elderly care and socialization of the youth? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":527,"topper":"Aditya Talwar","air":270,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ADITYA-TALWARUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-270-Sample-MGP-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Q.1) To what extent, in your opinion, have the ideals of the Preamble been realised in the country’s 75-year constitutional journey?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":3,"question":"Q.7 \"India’s poverty lies in the eyes of the beholder.\" In light of this statement, examine the need for a credible and periodically updated poverty estimation framework in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Q.13 'The post of Deputy Speaker goes beyond ceremonial significance and is indispensable to Indian parliamentary democracy.' Discuss with relevant constitutional provisions and conventions. Also, examine the implications of the prolonged vacancy of the Deputy Speaker's post.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.19 Examine the factors behind the growing salience of the Arctic region in international politics. Discuss, in this context, strategies for India to recalibrate its Arctic engagement.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"16 Should Aadhar be Mandatorily linked","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":528,"topper":"Aditya Talwar","air":270,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ADITYA-TALWARUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-270-Sample-MGP-Copy-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Q.1) “Inclusive growth is both a process and an outcome, ensuring that everyone has access to the benefits of economic growth.\" Discuss in Indian context.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":3,"question":"Q.8 \"India's heavy reliance on imported edible oils, stemming from multiple factors, calls for a comprehensive approach to boost domestic production and reduce this dependency.\" Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Q.15 India's ambitions for self-reliance in defence sector are commendable, yet the pace of technological indigenization has been sluggish. In light of the statement, discuss the key challenges faced by the country in indigenizing the defence sector. Also, mention the initiatives taken by the government in this regard.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":529,"topper":"Aditya Talwar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/62/mts_2024_unchecked_mt25ptmr052_pm2512.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"What do you understand by the terms 'ethics' and 'integrity'? Do you think they are interrelated? Explain with examples the relationship between ethics and integrity in the context of public administration. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"What do you understand by the terms 'ethical behavior' and 'emotionally intelligent behavior'? Identify the relevant emotional intelligence components that act as a reliable guide to ethical behavior. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"\"Man cannot do right in one department of life whilst he is occupied in doing wrong in any other department.\" Gandhi. Do you think an individual's personal ethics impacts professional life or they both can be compartmentalized? Explain your position with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Goodness is the result of internal imperatives to do what is right, not sanctions from moral rules or rewards from expected consequences. Do you agree? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"You are a Foreign Service official working in an embassy overseas. One of your duties was to liaise with the local Indian community, one of the country's largest immigrant groups. A group of wealthy Indian immigrants wanted to build a place of worship and a school to promote their language and culture. The school was intended to act as a center for promoting and preserving Indian culture among the immigrants. The Indian community leaders went through all the legal procedures to acquire the land, got the building plans approved by the city council, and with all the approvals in place, the construction work began. A few months into the construction, the locals started complaining about noise, and slowly a campaign began against the construction of a religious structure. The local city councilors joined in and raised the issue of how Indian immigrants having their own cultural space will lead to a similar demand from other immigrant communities. And this may escalate intolerance among different ethnic groups. The local politicians filed a public lawsuit to halt the construction and demolish whatever was built. Indian community responded with their lawsuit and approached the embassy for help. They wanted the Ambassador to take up the issue with the government. Meanwhile, the Ambassador deputed you to meet the Indian community leaders to understand the issue and prepare a report. You met with the community leaders and found that the reason for local antipathy towards the Indian community was just an expression of latent racism and intolerance. You presented your observations to the Ambassador and requested him to do something as the Indians were on the right and were being victims of racist behavior. The Ambassador, in turn, replied that he would not like to get involved in local politics. The Indians were citizens of that country; they had nothing to do with India besides ethnicity. Further, a crucial Economic agreement was about to be signed between the two countries in the coming weeks, and he did not want to jeopardize the growing relations between the two countries over some local politics. You were shocked to see economics getting priority over the diaspora. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) Do you agree with the Ambassador's position of prioritizing economics over helping the diaspora? Why/why not? (c) Among Care, Consequentialism, and Duty, what do you think is the appropriate perspective to guide Indian foreign policy? Justify. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":530,"topper":"Aditya Talwar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/cc80e7c81f00eaa4f15f78533b4a4ad5/27/mts_2025_unchecked_mt25ptmr052_pm2514.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"A. \"It is wrong to assume that ethical decisions are, can or should be purely rational and principled. Human feelings are an inseparable part of our ethical life.\" In what way do feelings impact our ethical decisions? Illustrate with examples. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"B. What do you understand by ethics management? Can public officials manage ethics in the work place in a manner similar to managing budgets, policies and people? Do you think adopting codes of ethics and conduct is sufficient enough for managing ethics in the workplace or something more is needed? Discuss. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"A. While traditional ethics has focussed on notions of justice, fair allocation and obligations, ethics of care emphasise maintaining connectedness and promoting care. Which of the above two ethical perspectives is more suitable for guiding ethical decision making in the context of public services. Explain your position with suitable examples. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"B. What does the term \"quality\" mean in service delivery. What are the components of service quality and indicate ways and means for ensuring total quality in terms of efficiency, economy and effectiveness? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"A. In the context of public service, what does public service attitude mean? Discuss the attitude biases that affects a public servants on field decision making? Explain how a public servant can overcome such attitude biases? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"B. \"I am a Moslem; I am a Hindu; I am a Christian; I am a Jew.\" Mahatma Gandhi. What did Mahatma Gandhi mean by the above statement? Some philosophers have argued that religion is harmful to the moral life, whereas others have claimed that it is necessary to it. Explain your position on the relationship between religion and morality. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"A. \"There is only one responsibility of business, namely to use its resources and engage in activities designed to increase profits.\" Do you think corporations, by indulging in social responsibilities, are compromising their core resource utilisation and production responsibility by diverting resources into unproductive social endeavours? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"B. Do you think values such as \"tyaga,\" (renunciation) \"seva,\" (service) \"daanam,\" (Charity) \"damah,\" (self-control) that are espoused in traditional Indian Wisdom have relevance for modern day public servants? Why? Why not? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"A. Explain the difference between conflict among interests and conflict among various sources of authority. Illustrate with relevant examples. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"B. The domain of governance is ridden with uncertainties, ambiguities and paradoxes and this can at times lead to timidity and withdrawal among public administrators. Discuss the relevance of inner courage for overcoming and coping with ambiguities. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Given below are three quotations of philosophers. What do each of the quotations convey to you in the present context? A. \"To feel for others, and little for ourselves; to restrain our selfish, and exercise our benevolent affections, constitutes the perfection of human nature.\" Adam Smith (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":31,"question":"What are the ethical issues and dilemmas that confronts you in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"Discuss the available options along with its merits and demerits.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"What will be your chosen course of action? Why (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"What are the administrative and ethical issues involved in the above situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Discuss the merits and demerits of each option and explain your chosen course of action along with reasons. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What are the issues involved in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Is it ethically justified to be devoted to duty at the cost of the personal safety of the staff? Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"How will you go about doing your election duties without compromising the safety of your staff? Explain. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Do you think the above case involves a conflict of interest or there are more issues? Explain","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"Keeping the above case in perspective, discuss the relevance of impartiality and non-partisanship as professional value.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Discuss the administrative and ethical issues involved in the above case.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Do you think it was morally right on your part to write to the minister? Justify","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"How will you respond to the action initiated against you? Discuss the available options and justify your selected course of action. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":56,"question":"What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":56,"question":"Identify and explain your chosen course of action after evaluating the merits and demerits of each option. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":531,"topper":"Aditya Vikram Agarwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/aditya-essay-test-2-1745478084159.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"Q.4 Competition is the law of the jungle, but cooperation is the law of civilization.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Q.5 Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.\nQ.6 The road to success and the road to failure are almost exactly the same.\nQ.7 To be or not to be, that is the question.\nQ.8 Wisdom is to live in tune with the mode of the changing world.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":532,"topper":"Aditya Vikram Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/28474_766_Aditya_Vikram_Yadav_Rank_72.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Legislative Councils in states are expensive and otherwise superfluous legislative appendages. Examine the utility of legislative councils in this context. Also, comment on the procedural aspect of setting up and abolishing them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"While some argue that Article 3 provides usurping powers to the center at the cost of states, according to others it enables the Parliament to maintain and preserve federalism as enshrined in the constitution. Discuss. Is it time to have a relook at Article 3 in the spirit of co-operative federalism?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"While the British Parliament is a sovereign legislature, the Parliaments of India and USA are non-sovereign legislatures. Explain. Also, compare the organisation and powers of the Indian Lok Sabha with the British House of Commons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"While Fundamental Rights are crucial to the survival of a vibrant democracy, Fundamental Duties are equally important. While enumerating the Fundamental Duties, discuss the statement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Several constitutional experts have found the process of appointment and removal of governor to be against the very grain of democratic traditions and constitutional propriety. Do you think that this process warrants a fresh look in context of recent controversies surrounding the post?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Repeated violations of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) have raised questions on its effectiveness. In this light, discuss the idea of making MCC a part of Representation of Peoples Act, 1951.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"The government cannot condition receipt of public benefits on waiver of fundamental rights. Discuss this statement in context of the recent issues raised in the Aadhaar petitions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Though the institutions protecting human rights and rights of the vulnerable sections are meant to act as watchdogs, they are treated as subordinate departments with scant regard for their autonomy or statutory character. Discuss the issues which these institutions are facing related to appointment, structure and functioning.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Equality of seats among states in Rajya Sabha could not be adopted after independence because of the circumstances prevailing at that time. However, there is a need to take a fresh look at this. Evaluate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"It is contended that the implementation of One-Rank-One-Pension (OROP) for the armed forces would create a severe strain on government finances. Explain the principles underlying the OROP and arguments that have been cited in its support as well as opposition.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Article 311 of the Constitution has been a matter of much debate. Arguments range from its retention in its present form, or even strengthening it, to its total deletion. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"While Public Interest Litigations have provided access to justice for the poor and the marginalized sections of the society but many vested interests have also misused it. In this context, examine the utility of PILs as a tool of social justice.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"What do you understand by alternate dispute redressal mechanism? Discuss the various tools of ADR. In light of the problems faced by the Indian judiciary enumerate the advantages of Lok Adalats.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Bringing political parties under the ambit of RTI will not only usher accountability and transparency in governance but will also be a major step towards electoral reforms. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"A generational shift in railway operations is required. In light of this, discuss the need for an independent tariff and safety regulatory authority of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"It has been argued that the 'First past the post' system fails to represent the will of the majority and encourages vote-bank politics. In this context, examine whether India should adopt Proportional Representation System to reform our electoral process.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Independence of judiciary and separation of powers, both are part of the basic structure of the constitution. In this context, discuss the recent Supreme Court judgment on the constitutional validity of the National Judicial Appointments Commission.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"AMRUT gives state governments the flexibility in designing schemes and eases central monitoring. Explain. How far can it recast the urban landscape of India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"There has been a tendency to resolve specialized cases faster through the means of Tribunals. In light of this, discuss the issue of increasing \"tribunalisation\" of courts in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"While the 73rd and 74th constitutional amendments provided for representation to women in local governance, much work remains to be done to ensure their true participation, given their present socio-economic conditions. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":533,"topper":"Aditya Vikram Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/28474_824_Aditya_Vikram_Yadav_Rank_72.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Rights-based approach to social policy, which has rippled through India over the past decade and a half, reorients governance from ideas of patronage towards duty of the state and justified claims of citizens. Discuss with examples. Also, explain how the rights-based approach helps in improving public service delivery.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Despite high enrolment in Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY), out-of-pocket expenditure on health has steadily increased over the years. In this context, highlight the achievements and shortcomings of RSBY. Also, discuss the challenges faced in its implementation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Civil Society Organizations and Corporates share a symbiotic relationship, which can be leveraged to meet the developmental needs of India. Analyze. Also enumerate the CSR provisions under Companies Act, 2013.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"According to a recent WHO report, India sees the largest number of suicides globally. In this context, enumerate the objectives and approach of India's new National Mental Health Policy. Also, explain what is Mental Health Action Plan 365.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Urban sanitation has not received adequate attention at the national level in the past and few initiatives have been taken to tackle deficiencies in urban sanitation. In light of this, examine whether the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan can help in solving the urban sanitation problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"There is a need to move away from debates of 'public' versus 'private' provision of education towards models of education provision with public funding and private management. Discuss. Can such a move impact the quality and learning outcomes in elementary education?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) bill recently passed by the Parliament is a regressive step towards protecting child rights in India. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"\"In a nation of one billion cell phones, M-governance or mobile governance has the potential to make development a truly inclusive and comprehensive mass movement\". Illustrate how M-government can bring in more transparency and accountability in government functioning. Also, discuss the challenges in implementing M-government.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"The Rights of the Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2014 fails to adopt United Nation Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability (UNCRPD) in its true spirit. Examine. Also, highlight the recent suggestions made by the Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"An empowered Gram Sabha is the bedrock of successful local governance. In this context, analyse the role of Gram Sabha as a pillar of development. What steps can be taken to strengthen their functioning?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"The recent amendments to Child Labour Act seek to strike a balance between the need for education of a child and the reality of the socio-economic conditions. Critically evaluate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Give an account of the features of 'Housing for All by 2022' mission. Also, discuss the challenges that lie ahead in its implementation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Enumerate the directives laid down by the Supreme Court for police reforms in the Prakash Singh case. Discuss the challenges faced in implementing these reforms.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"What is E-Kranti? How is it an improvement over National e-Governance Plan? Discuss the challenges foreseen in the implementation of E-kranti. - ? - ? -","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Some provisions of Official Secrets Act, 1923 go against the spirit of Right to Information. Explain. In this context, examine whether this necessitates repealing of the Official Secrets Act.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Despite increasing awareness of beneficiaries, social audits have not played a significant role in reducing malpractices and detecting irregularities. Discuss. How can social audits be made more effective?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Nutrition status is linked to non-nutrition factors. In light of this statement, examine why despite a fast growing economy and the largest anti-malnutrition programme, India has the world's worst level of child malnutrition. What steps has the Government taken to to tackle the malnutrition problem in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) based on the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India are described as 'State in miniature'. Elaborate. Also, critically evaluate the functioning of ADCs over the years.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":534,"topper":"Aditya Vikram Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/28474_1021_Aditya_Vikram_Yadav_Rank_72.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Identify the key objectives of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. Also highlight the challenges in its implementation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Discuss how the design of MGNREGA program makes it more successful than other rural development programmes.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Self-employment of the poor has been an important objective of the anti-poverty programmes and SHGs have played a significant role in this. Elucidate with examples. Also discuss the problems which plague the model of SHG micro-finance in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Give an account of the issues that arise due to short tenure of civil servants in India. Critically discuss the move of setting up a Civil Services Board in order to address this problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"India's health system is one of the most privatised in the world, poorly regulated and accessible only to those with income levels well above the average. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Keeping in mind the importance of NGOs in India's development process it is imperative that adequate legal and regulatory mechanisms should be in place. Discuss in the context of recent developments.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"While on one hand, there has been proliferation of use of digital technology, on the other hand, resulting digital dividends have not been forthcoming. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"The public policy requirements of the 21st century demand a bureaucracy less generalist in nature. Analyse in the context of Indian civil services.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Explain how the National Digital Library (NDL) can bring a fundamental shift in the paradigm of education and research. Also highlight the challenges that need to be addressed to make NDL self-sustainable.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Census 2011 observed that there has been a significant increase in urban homeless households in the period between 2001 and 2011. What are homeless households? Highlighting the challenges faced by them, discuss the causes for increase in such households. Suggest various measures to rehabilitate these households.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"What is the criteria for a village being recognized as electrified? Examine the challenges present in rural electrification in India. Elaborate upon some of the recent initiatives of the government with a special emphasis on Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"While the Right to Education (RTE) Act was based on noble intentions, implementation of many of its provisions remain ridden with problems. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Critically examining the key provisions of The Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill 2016, discuss whether a complete ban on commercial surrogacy is justified.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"It is often strongly suggested that scarce government resources should be redirected in favour of primary education rather than higher education. In this context, analyse whether curtailing public spending in higher education would help in achieving the principle of equity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Accessibility is the key to inclusion and equal access for people with disabilities. Analyse. Also discuss the objectives and components of the Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan with a special emphasis on inclusiveness and accessibility index.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"The Olympic Task Force constituted to prepare an action plan for the next three Olympic Games is a step in the right direction. Comment. Also highlight other initiatives required to augment India's performance in the sporting arena internationally.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":535,"topper":"Adityavikram","air":60,"year":2017,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/14075_760_Adityavikram_Rank_60.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":536,"topper":"Adityavikram","air":60,"year":2017,"paper":"Optional — Geography","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/14075_779_Adityavikram_Rank_60.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":537,"topper":"AFZAL ALI","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/65d93cae1265db5ffeffd2e87a3f6506/5/mt23rcapa074_tc701.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"If you look into someone's face long enough, eventually you feel that you are looking into yourself.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"It is the province of knowledge to speak and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Drop the question what tomorrow may bring, and count as profit every day that fate allows you.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"B / Section-B Q.5 Truth, like a torch, the more it is shook, it shines.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Art is I; science is We.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Only the dead have seen the end of the war.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Act as if it were impossible to fail.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":538,"topper":"AFZAL ALI","air":574,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/37/mt23rcapa074_tc703-test-01-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":539,"topper":"AFZAL ALI","air":574,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/40/mt23rcapa074_tc707-test-05-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":540,"topper":"AFZAL ALI","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/38/mt23rcapa074_tc704-test-02-gs-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"There is a need to resolve the ambiguity in the disqualification provisions under section 8 of the Representation of People Act 1951. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Constitution is a mere skeleton whereas constitutionalism is the soul of democracy. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"Electoral bonds are a double-edged sword, providing anonymity to donors while raising concerns about transparency in political funding.\" To what extent have electoral bonds further legitimized opacity in electoral funding? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The question of gender equality is central to the debate on Uniform Civil Code. In this light what are the challenges in reconciling UCC with gender equality as enshrined in the constitution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":541,"topper":"AFZAL ALI","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/41/mt23rcapa074_tc708-test-06-gs-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"\"Interstate border disputes, if not promptly and impartially settled, can transform into persistent issues that impede development and generate friction\". Highlighting the constitutional and legal framework to resolve interstate disputes, explain why Independent India has failed to resolve inter-state border disputes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":542,"topper":"AFZAL ALI","air":574,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/31/mt23rcapa074_tc704-test-02-gs-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":543,"topper":"AFZAL ALI","air":574,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/34/mt23rcapa074_tc708-test-06-gs-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":544,"topper":"AFZAL ALI","air":574,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/42/mt23rcapa074_tc709-test-07-gs3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":545,"topper":"AFZAL ALI","air":574,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/35/mt23rcapa074_tc709-test-07-gs3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":546,"topper":"AFZAL ALI","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/36/mt23rcapa074_tc710-test-08-gs-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"\"The State took taxes from the people only to ensure their prosperity in return like the sun draws moisture from the earth to give it back a thousand fold.\" Explain the ethical significance of this statement in the context of public service. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":2,"question":"Public service takes place in a bureaucratic structure with clear lines of authority, values, and rules. In such a setup, how does the conflict between 'personal conscience' and 'organizational mandate' arise? Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":2,"question":"What do you understand by the terms 'ethics' and 'integrity'? Do you think they are interchangeable? Explain with suitable examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":2,"question":"What do you understand by the terms 'ethical behavior' and 'emotionally intelligent behavior'? How are they related to each other in the context of public administration? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":2,"question":"\"To achieve a good life, duty is not sufficient; one needs to develop one's sympathetic feelings towards others.\" Discuss the role of empathy and compassion in public service. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":2,"question":"Developing a Scientific temper, innovative mindset, and civic-conscious citizens are major challenges in a developing country like India. How can the civil services contribute to this? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":2,"question":"Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance: \"The sense of responsibility is the greatest of all virtues.\" (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":2,"question":"As professionals, civil servants are career focused and are also self-interested. At the same time, they are expected to be public-spirited and selfless. How can a civil servant balance these two seemingly contradictory roles? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":547,"topper":"AFZAL ALI","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/43/mt23rcapa074_tc710-test-08-gs-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"\"The State took taxes from the people only to ensure their prosperity in return like the sun takes moisture from the earth only to give it back in thousandfold measure.\" Kalidasa. Explain the Indian concept of \"giving it back\" and its relevance as a guiding value for civil servants. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":548,"topper":"AFZAL ALI","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/39/mt23rcapa074_tc706-test-04-gs-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Public service requires not merely legal but also morally principled action. Public service requires the public servant to place loyalty to the constitution, laws, and ethical principles. Among the three, which do you think must acquire primacy while carrying out official functions? Why? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"What do you understand by \"integrity-based civil disobedience\"? Do you think a challenge to personal integrity can be a justifiable cause for responsible disobedience in civil services? Explain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Recent research has shown that emotions significantly impact personal and professional lives. What are the primary emotions that negatively and positively impact workplace productivity? Explain with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Technical efficiency ensures resource utilization and social efficiency ensures fulfillment of social needs, what does ethical efficiency ensure? Do you think ethical efficiency is more important than technical and social efficiency? Why/Why not? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":549,"topper":"AFZAL ALI","air":574,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/32/mt23rcapa074_tc706-test-04-gs-4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":550,"topper":"AFZAL ALI","air":574,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/30/mt23rcapa074_tc703-test-01-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":551,"topper":"AFZAL ALI","air":574,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/33/mt23rcapa074_tc707-test-05-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":552,"topper":"Agnes Meritta Steffy","air":507,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Shankar IAS Parliament","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.shankariasparliament.com/uploads/downloads/AGNES_MERITTA_STEFFY_P1.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Industrial revolution has important bearings on growth and development of sociology. Discuss. (20) (b) Examine the significance of non-positivist paradigm in social science research. (20) (c) How is skilling an important dimension of social mobility?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":2,"question":"How do you view and assess the use of case studies and biographies in sociological research?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":2,"question":"Qualitative research methods are concerned with opinions, feelings and experiences. Comment on their reliability and validity. (20) (b) What do you understand by ethnicity as a dimension of social stratification?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":2,"question":"Write short answers to the following questions in about 150 words each, with a sociological perspective: (10 x 5 = 50) (a) Describe the various characteristics of Weberian bureaucracy. Are they relevant now?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":3,"question":"Examine the impact of secularisation on family and marriage systems. (20) (b) Describe the modernization theory on development. How did the under- development theorists it?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Globalization has accelerated the rise of consumerism, individualism and questioned religion and provided for pluralist societies driven by distinctive religions. Comment. (20) (b) Differentiate between Functionalist and Marxist theories of Stratification. (20) (c) Elaborate on latent and manifest functions of technology?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":8,"question":"How has the contributions from history influenced the scope of sociology?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":12,"question":"How did the advance of capitalism revolutionize family as an institution?","marks":"10","words":null}]},{"id":553,"topper":"Agnes Meritta Steffy","air":507,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Shankar IAS Parliament","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.shankariasparliament.com/uploads/downloads/AGNES_MERITTA_STEFFY_P2.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Caste system studies in India have been dominated by the \"book-view\" initially. How did the entry of \"field-view\" bring about a balance in the study of Indian caste system? Discuss. (10m)","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":1,"question":"What, according to you, are the factors responsible for the continuance of caste system in India? Explain. (10m)","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Comment on the growing assertion of tribal community for autonomy in India .(10m)","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":1,"question":"How has automation impacted industrial class structure in India? (10m)","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Examine the implications of patriarchy on lineage and descent in India. (20m)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Analyse the threats and challenges faced by marriage institution in India. (20m)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":1,"question":"How do you account for the increasing significance of religion in public and personal spheres in the context of secularization thesis in India? Explain. (20m)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Bring out the differences between Srinivas’s and Dumont’s perspective in the study of caste system. (20m)","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":554,"topper":"Agnes Meritta Steffy","air":507,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Shankar IAS Parliament","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.shankariasparliament.com/uploads/downloads/AGNES_MERITTA_STEFFY_P3.pdf","questions":[{"page":23,"question":"Describe various characteristics of a ‘social fact’. How is rate of suicide a social fact according to Durkheim? (10M)","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":23,"question":"With suitable examples, explain how conformity and deviance coexist in a society as propounded by R.K. Merton. (10M)","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":23,"question":"What are informal organisations? Are NGOs informal organisations? (10M)","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Explain the Cybernetic theory of hierarchy of Talcott Parsons? (10M)","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Describe the main idea of Max Weber’s book, ‘The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism’ as a critique of Marxism. (20M)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":23,"question":"How does Marx view social conflict as an essential element in social change? (20M)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":23,"question":"How has the idea of Work From Home' forced us to redefine the formal and informal organisation of work? (20M)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Analyse the causes and impact of gendered division of labour on social organization of work .(20M)","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":555,"topper":"Aishwarya Sheoran","air":93,"year":2019,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/37758-506755_1253_aishwarya-sheoran_rank_93.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":556,"topper":"Aishwarya Sheoran","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b0a86-506755_1326_aishwarya-sheoran_rank_93.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Given the growing ecological and geopolitical significance, Arctic region offers immense opportunities for serving India's long-term interests. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the challenges that India may face in the eventuality of withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan. What options does India have to safeguard its interests in the context of the changing situation? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The BRICS as a grouping seems to have internal contradictions, which makes it difficult for it to emerge as an effective forum in a dynamic multi-polar international order. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Despite India having immense soft power potential, it alone will not be sufficient to achieve India's foreign policy objectives. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Highlighting the role of space technology in border management, enumerate the steps taken so far in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Despite allegations of human rights violations under the AFSPA, it is a functional requirement for the army in disturbed areas. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The use of Internet creates both challenges and opportunities in the fight against terrorism. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain the concept of Chandrasekhar Limit and highlight its significance in the field of astronomy. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Examining the risk posed by space debris, suggest some measures which can be taken for its mitigation and removal. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the challenges confronting higher self-reliance and indigenisation of defence industry in India. What steps can be taken to accelerate its pace? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Comment on the role played by the diaspora in India's development process. Also, discuss the challenges in terms of engaging the Indian diaspora and suggest ways to translate these partnerships into benefits. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the reasons behind proliferation of multilateral preferential trade agreements. Do they violate WTO's MFN principle? Do you think that such trade groupings present an existential threat to WTO? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"India needs to balance its growing water needs and larger security concerns with effective hydro-diplomacy. Highlighting the challenges faced with regard to transboundary rivers, analyze this statement in the context of India's riparian relations with its neighbours. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Commenting on the importance of Central Asia for India, highlight the progress made in the relationship in recent past along with the issues that still remain to further cement the ties. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the significance of India's island territories in its quest to become a net security provider in the Indian Ocean region. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"A fine balance between security and developmental measures needs to be attained for tackling the menace of Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in India. (250 words) 15 Analyse.","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Illustrate the linkages between drug trafficking, organised crime and terrorism. In this regard, mention the steps that have been taken to arrest the availability of drugs in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Identify the key threats to national security in the wake of climate change. Also, highlight India's stand and rationale on UN's decision to declare climate change as an international security issue. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Explaining the concept of data exclusivity, bring out the arguments for and against incorporating data exclusivity norms in India's IPR regime. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Compare and contrast fifth generation (5G) of wireless telecom technology with 4G technology. What challenges need to be overcome for 5G's pan-India rollout? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":557,"topper":"Aishwarya Sheoran","air":93,"year":2019,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e29de-506755_1234_aishwarya-sheoran_rank_93.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":558,"topper":"Aishwarya Sheoran","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e0b0d-506755_1249_aishwarya-sheoran_rank_93.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by cultural sensitivity? Identify the ways in which individuals and organisations can benefit from cultural sensitivity in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"In the quest for scientific and technological development, ethical values should not be neglected. Discuss in the current context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Analyze the significance of adopting a code of ethics for creating a healthy work culture in an organization.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Ethos, ethics, equity and efficiency are key criteria on the basis of which the competency of civil servants should be judged. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"The mandatory nature of Corporate Social Responsibility goes against the notion of philanthropy. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You have recently been posted as a probationary officer in the District Magistrate's office in a tribal district. During one of the fieldtrips, while interacting with the tribals, you come to know about a private company, established a few years back, which has transformed their lives. The company, using the traditional knowledge of tribals, had launched a series of products and provided numerous livelihood opportunities to the tribals. Upon further enquiry, you come to know that while the lives of tribals had indeed improved, the distribution of profits however, has been quite disproportionate. The company has seen a huge growth in its operations and its owners have amassed huge wealth. It is also planning to file for IPR, which may further hinder the interests of the tribals. You feel that tribals have been left short changed and there has not been an equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the use of their resources. When you tried to approach the Gram Sabha and voice your concerns, the tribals requested you not to intervene as they do not have any alternatives. They also argue that governments in the past have failed to protect their interests. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the different stakeholders and their interests involved in this case. (b) Present a case to convince the District Magistrate for the need of government intervention in the situation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Various studies have found out that cases of depression and mental illness have increased exponentially in the recent past. Also, in the age group of 15-30 years, this problem is further pronounced. Furthermore, the rising trend of suicides in this age group has been attributed to depression. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Present an ethical critique of the prevalent societal attitude towards mental illness. (b) Given the magnitude of the problem among younger generation/young adults, analyse the role of the following: i. Parenting ii. Social Media iii. Video Games","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":559,"topper":"Aishwarya Sheoran","air":93,"year":2019,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5e58b-506755_1238_aishwarya-sheoran_rank_93.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":560,"topper":"Aishwarya Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9294c-39839_1524_aishwarya-singh_rank_97.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Tenancy reforms are much needed to give a boost to the Indian agricultural sector. Comment. In this context, also discuss the significance of the Model Land Leasing Act, 2016. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"India's march towards inclusive growth and it achieving the Sustainable Development Goals are intricately linked. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlight the need for evolving an appropriate system of Rules Of Origin in regional trading arrangements. What steps have been taken by India recently in this regard? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"MSP regime is a creation of an era of scarcity in the 1960s. Discuss its relevance in the current era of surplus agricultural production. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Examine the link between the recent locust attack and climate change. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlighting the properties of Carbon Nanotubes, discuss its applications. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"India's domestic patent regime privileges public health over pharmaceutical industry's interests. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Bring out the arguments surrounding the idea of employing the principle of 'one border - one force' on Indian borders. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Assess the need to create a new cadre of Indian Frontier Administrative Service to undertake the vital tasks at Indian frontiers. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The main objective of Union Budget 2020-21 is to provide \"Ease of Living\" to all citizens. Analyse the framework proposed in the Budget 2020-21 to achieve this objective. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Several challenges are needed to be addressed to realise the full benefits of the recent agricultural marketing reforms. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Multimodal transport requires multiple integrations across different modes of transportation. Substantiate. What are the challenges and opportunities associated with multimodal transportation for India? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Though COVID-19 pandemic exposes the vulnerability of Informal sector and associated labor force in India, it also presents an opportunity to rebalance formal-informal economy dynamics in the country. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Highlight the drivers and challenges facing India's ambition to become a gas-based economy. Mention the steps that have been taken by the government recently in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Climate Change and the associated events endanger the marine and coastal ecosystems while increasing the vulnerability of coastal population. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Using examples, highlight how natural ecosystems perform different hazard mitigation functions. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Explain what genome sequencing is and state the challenges in scaling up genome sequencing projects. Also, throw some light on the recently launched IndiGen Project. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India needs to avert radicalisation and societal dissention, as internal faultlines are a breeding ground for cyber and transnational terrorism. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Given the emerging security challenges, discuss why the establishment of Integrated Theatre Commands is being seen as an important defence reform. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":561,"topper":"Aishwarya Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/94305-39839_1523_aishwarya-singh_rank_97.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Enumerate the issues associated with functioning of the Central Information Commission. How can these issues be addressed? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"In India, Governor's discretionary powers are wider than those of the President. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the objectives that were sought to be achieved through tribunals. How successful have they been in meeting them? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Instead of the government regulating Over-the-top (OTT) platforms, there have been calls for a self-regulating mechanism for such platforms, as in the case of print media. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Bring out the arguments surrounding the issue of some states reserving jobs for locals in the private sector. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Identifying the key elements of Mission Karmayogi, briefly explain how it can lead to holistic development of the human resources and state's capacity. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlighting the role played by ASHA workers in public health system of India, discuss the challenges faced by them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"While internationalisation of higher education has many potential benefits for India, certain challenges will need to be addressed in this regard. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"India needs to adopt a more pragmatic stance in the context of the ongoing intra-Afghan talks. Discuss, in the light of India's engagement with Afghanistan. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In the geo-strategic context of West Asia, the recent efforts to normalise relations between Israel and UAE may open new possibilities for India. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"It is not only the content of election manifestos but also the past performance with respect to promises made in election manifestos that need to be regulated. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"In order to achieve a reduction in the pendency of cases and a return to the Supreme Court's original role as a final appellate court, setting up of a National Court of Appeal is the need of the hour. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The Constitution of India reflects an amalgamation of spirit of Indian freedom struggle and various administrative provisions of different acts of British rule in India. Explain. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Mention the key components of the SVAMITVA scheme. Also, highlight its intended benefits and discuss the potential issues in its implementation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Sharing of information among all stakeholders in government functioning is a leading practice towards good governance. Discuss with examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"India has an oversized and bloated government which acts as a drag on economic efficiency and growth. Critically evaluate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Though the National Digital Health Mission is a step in the right direction for both patients and the healthcare system, concerns around data privacy need to be addressed. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"One Nation One Ration card has the potential to significantly transform the lives of migrant workers in India. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The World Trade Organization is buffeted by multiple challenges which have eroded the credibility of the organization. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"BIMSTEC is indispensable for India's efforts in promoting regional cooperation and integration in the neighbourhood. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":562,"topper":"Aishwarya Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3ff6d-39839_1246_aishwarya-singh_rank_97.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Rock-cut structures were closely associated with various religions and religious activities. Discuss the statement giving relevant examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The legislative and administrative record of the Congress Ministries during their twenty-eight months rule under the Act of 1935 was positive, but the period also witnessed the emergence of serious weaknesses in the Congress. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Kamladevi Chattopadhyay was a multifaceted personality with significant contributions both to pre and post independence India. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The inherent limitations of Napoleon's policy of Continental Blockade ultimately resulted in its failure. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Despite changes in the institution of marriage in recent times, there have been elements of continuity as well. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"There are multiple disabilities that a person experiences in the course of ageing. Elaborate. Also identify key government initiatives taken for addressing them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlight the reasons behind prevalence of low literacy rate among tribals. Also, mention some initiatives taken by the government in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain how Continental Drift Theory describes the changing configuration of the continents. Discuss the prominent evidences given by Alfred Wegener to support his theory. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The variety of landforms on the earth's surface is the result of internal and external forces. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Explaining the concept of Lapse Rate, examine its relationship with atmospheric stability. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The colonial period brought the influence of Western architectural forms to India. In this context, giving examples, highlight the contribution of Europeans to Indian architecture. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The nineteenth century witnessed a struggle against the backward elements of traditional culture. Discuss in the context of socio-religious reform movements. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Explaining the reasons behind partition of Bengal, discuss the successes and limitations of the Swadeshi movement launched in its wake. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The reorganisation of states in India post-independence has been an ongoing process with distinct contributing factors. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The Treaty of Versailles was not a peace agreement based on reconciliation but was 'dictated peace' forced on Germany, which eventually triggered the Second World War. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Legal measures alone are not sufficient for addressing the issue of domestic violence against women, rather it requires intervention at societal level. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"India is undergoing a demographic transition the implications of which are multipronged. Analyze. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Highlight the significance of watershed development in India. Give reasons for the limited success of initiatives directed towards watershed management in India. Also, suggest some measures to improve the design of watershed programs. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Explain the relationship between raw materials and location of industries. How are globalisation and technological advancements changing this relationship? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Explain how natural greenhouse effect helps in maintaining Earth's heat budget. What are the possible implications of rising concentration of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in atmosphere on Earth's heat budget? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":563,"topper":"Aishwarya Singh","air":97,"year":2020,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4e5d8-39839_1420_aishwarya-singh_rank_97.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":564,"topper":"Aishwarya Singh","air":97,"year":2020,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3f9ff-39839_1525_aishwarya-singh_rank_97.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":565,"topper":"Aishwarya Verma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/182d6-577067_1984_aishwarya-verma_rank04.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"To safeguard and uphold the freedom of speech and expression in India, it is imperative to adequately reform colonial laws that curtail free speech. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What do you understand by the 'doctrine of neutrality'? Explain its significance for constitutional offices in the Indian context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the role of pressure groups in a democratic country. Also, differentiate between pressure groups in India and developed countries. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlighting the factors that have led to increased instances of delegated legislation and administrative adjudication, discuss the issues associated with these. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Highlight the significance of Gram Nyayalayas in providing inexpensive and speedy justice to people in rural areas. Also mention the issues being faced by them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Enumerating the key objectives of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, discuss why the recent amendments in the act are seen as a matter of great concern for the development sector in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Dispute resolution should be seen not as a court where justice is administered, but as a service which is availed of. Discuss the statement in the light of Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The idea that Public Intent Data can play a transformative role in the public sector is not bereft of challenges. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Cabinet committees can play a crucial role in accelerating the government's decision-making and reforms. Critically evaluate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"While the judiciary should not be a silent spectator when constitutional rights of citizens are infringed by executive policies, it must also not assume the role of the executive or pass policy prescriptions. Do you agree? Justify your stand with logical arguments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Local bodies have the constitutional status of being a third tier of the government, but are simultaneously subordinate to the State Government in several key functions and aspects. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"It is not only institutional challenges faced by Election Commission but also the twin threats of money and muscle in Indian electoral politics that need to be addressed for free and fair elections in India to continue. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Fiscal federalism in India has evolved with time. Discuss in light of the developments in recent years. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What do you understand by Constitutionalism? Do you think a written constitution is a necessary condition to ensure Constitutionalism? Also, analyse various provision of the Indian constitution that ensures Constitutionalism. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"It has been argued that digital monopolies pose a threat to the fundamental fabric of market-competition. In this context, examine the effectiveness of the regulatory framework in India to deal with digital monopolies. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is often cited as an example of the rising politicisation of public institutions. In this context, identify the issues associated with the CBI's functioning. What steps can be taken to address these issues? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The focus of policy and governance has hitherto primarily been on output rather than the outcome. Not only does the Aspirational District Programme mark a change in the policy focus but also chooses a collaborative form of governance over a top-down approach. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"While various government initiatives and policies have created opportunities for Self Help Groups (SHGs), there are challenges that still persist. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The principal constraint for India is trying to find solutions to 21st century problems using 19th century government structures. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":566,"topper":"Aishwarya Verma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/797b9-577067_1513_aishwarya-verma_rank-04.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"In the context of protection of monuments, explain the role of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Also, comment on the challenges faced by ASI and measures taken to address these. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Tribal art has a huge potential for acting as an economic resource and a tool for socio-economic transformation of tribals in India. Elucidate. Also highlight the challenges in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Though the Government of India Act, 1919 proposed some radical administrative changes, it remained short of fulfilling aspirations of Indians. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Often deemed as the 'forgotten conflict', the Korean War had far-reaching implications. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Explaining the origin of earth's magnetism, discuss its significance with special reference to its interaction with solar particles. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discussing the challenges pertaining to dam safety in India, highlight the potential of Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project to address them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What is understood by Carbon Compensation Depth (CCD)? Discuss the implications of the rise in this depth due to anthropogenic warming as well. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"In view of demographic changes in recent decades, do you think India needs a two-child policy? Discuss in light of various strands of the debate surrounding this issue. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Globalization is incredibly efficient but has so far been incredibly unjust. Examine the statement in the context of developing countries like India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"It would not be completely wrong to state that in India, art is religion and religion is art.\" In light of the statement, discuss the impact of various religions on art in India, citing relevant examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Despite organizational apathy from the Indian National Congress in its initial years, the working class in various parts of the country subsequently participated overwhelmingly in the nationalist movement. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Though some of his early measures restored faith among the Indians in the liberal tradition of England, Lord Ripon's tenure did not bring about significant changes in the conservative mindset of the colonial bureaucracy. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The New Social Movements in post-independence period made an important beginning in awakening the society against injustices and deepened the very notion of democracy in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What are the reasons for recurrent and often catastrophic wildfires in places like Australia and the United States? Are there any lessons to be learnt from these events by India? Explain adequately. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss why India needs a cross border flood management mechanism. Also, state the major issues in cross border flood management and suggest remedial measures in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Depletion of water resources in India is both a geo-climatic phenomenon as well as a result some short-sighted government policies. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the major lithospheric plates? How and why do these plates move? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"There exists a wide gap between the constitutionally professed secularism and its practice in India. Do you agree? Substantiate with relevant arguments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India spends less than one per cent of GDP on care work infrastructure and services. In view of the statement, explain how increased public investment in care economy infrastructure can be instrumental in meeting multiple policy objectives. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":567,"topper":"Aishwarya Verma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/cef46-577067_2032_aishwarya-verma_rank04.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"It has been argued that some parts of Article 22 are not Fundamental Rights but 'Fundamental Dangers' to the citizens of India. Discuss in light of the debate on issues around the preventive detention laws in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The administration of justice is not limited to conviction of the guilty and acquittal of the innocent but also ensuring fair and speedy trial. In view of this, discuss the reasons behind increase in the number of undertrials in India and measures taken to ameliorate the issues faced by them. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Highlighting the significance of cooperatives in India, discuss how the recently created Ministry of Cooperation will give an impetus to them. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The NGT Act gives much leeway to the tribunal to go beyond a mere adjudicatory role and act as a sui generis institution with the capacity to provide redressal for environmental exigencies. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"In the context of demographic changes highlighted by the NFHS-5, do you think population control legislations will be a step in the right direction? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The utility of PMAY-G hinges on its design, which is a marked improvement over the previous rural housing schemes. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The nutritional status of India has been a matter of long standing public threat. Discuss. Also, suggest measures to overcome the problem of nutritional crisis in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"To realise the potential of its growing population, India's march towards development will undoubtedly be incomplete without skills and education. In this context, discuss the significance of the recently launched RISE and EQUIP schemes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the centrality of ASEAN bloc in India's Act East policy and SAGAR initiative. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss China's Polar Silk Road initiative in view of the growing interest in the Arctic region and state its implications for India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The doctrine of Separation of Powers is followed in US with a spirit, never followed in UK purely, and India has followed it with large exceptions. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"A robust and fair electoral system in India is hinged upon few key reforms in the Representation of People's Act. Discuss in the context of contemporary issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Even though pressure groups play an important role in governance, there have been issues surrounding transparency in the representativeness of the groups and their funding as well as their relationship with the government. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite reforms by the Central and state governments to overhaul the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), several challenges remain with regard to their efficient functioning. Elucidate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Welfare initiatives embody civil rights, whereas freebies cultivate a patron-client syndrome. Examine in the context of governance in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Even though non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are an integral part of a nation's developmental ethos, the State has legitimate interest, legal authority and constitutional duty to curb the activities of those NGOs, which attempt to hamper national development at the behest of the forces inimical to India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"While there is an urgency to focus on all the three levels of healthcare, it is imperative that the government looks towards improving primary healthcare as a public good. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Despite initiatives to curb child marriage, it continues to persist in India. Explaining the reasons behind this, analyse its impact. What further measures can be taken by the government to eliminate the practice of child marriage in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Despite their significance, India has not been able to strengthen its ties with the Central Asian countries. Bringing out the reasons for the same, discuss how India can deepen its relationship with countries in this region. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Discuss the concerns that have arisen in India-Sri Lanka relations in recent times. How can India ensure a favourable relationship with Sri Lanka given its importance in the Indian Ocean region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":568,"topper":"Aishwarya Verma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c2a43-577067_2033_aishwarya-verma_rank04.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Stating the issues associated with agricultural extension in India, discuss the role of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in strengthening the national agricultural research extension system. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In India, the food processing sector is emerging as a high-growth and high-profit sector due to its immense potential for value addition. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Explaining the concept of livestock-based Integrated Farming System (IFS), discuss its benefits. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"While Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) are spearheading entrepreneurship across the world, India still has one of the lowest entrepreneurship rates. Discuss. Also, state the policy measures that have been taken to increase the pace of entrepreneurship in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"'Land banks' can play a critical role in boosting the economy and promoting ease of doing business in India. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The proposed amendments to the Forest Conservation Act (FCA) are not only antithetical to the Forest Rights Act (FRA), but are also likely to delay India achieving its commitments on climate change. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The problem of flooding in urban areas is not only due to overflowing rivers, but also the uninformed ways in which our cities are coping with urbanisation. Discuss. In this context, mention the National Disaster Management Authority guidelines on urban floods. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"ISRO is no longer confined only to the launching of satellites, but it has been constantly enlarging its role in development activities over the years. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"State the reasons behind targeting of Critical Information Infrastructure (CII) by state and non-state actors. Also, discuss the steps taken by the Indian government to secure its CII. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Despite the strategic significance of North-East India, the region faces several security threats. Discuss. Also, state the measures taken by the government to ensure peace and stability in the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Indian Railways has suffered from chronic under-investment, which has adversely impacted key areas of its operations. In this context, discuss the challenges faced by the railways in speedy creation of infrastructure. Also, mention the steps taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"A disruptive approach to research & development (R&D), with a focus on last mile obligations of the agricultural system is necessary to realize India's objective of doubling farmer's income. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"India's power distribution companies and electrical grids must undergo reforms to transition from fossil fuels to more sustainable forms of renewable energy. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The practice of input-intensive agriculture in India needs a massive overhaul due to its unsustainability and negative consequences. In this context, discuss the significance of Low External Input Sustainable Agriculture (LEISA). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The recently released IPCC Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) - 2021 has been deemed as 'code red' for humanity. In this context, discuss the various concerns raised in the report with special focus on India. Also, enlist the remedial measures given by the report. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Multiple chemical disasters from the Bhopal gas tragedy to gas leak in Visakhapatnam have brought into focus the risks posed by hazardous chemicals (HAZCHEM) in India. In view of this, discuss the preparedness as well as gaps in Chemical Disaster Management (CDM) in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The growing demand for liberalisation of public health-related goods and services amidst the pandemic has raised critical issues with regard to the current intellectual property regime. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Highlighting the reasons behind suboptimal results in indigenization of defence technologies in India, suggest measures which can accelerate the pace of indigenization in the defence sector. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Discuss the factors behind conceptualization of different Central Armed Police Forces for guarding the international borders. Also, highlight the contribution of these forces in ensuring security of India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Discuss the vulnerability of virtual assets in terms of their misuse for money laundering activities. Also, state corrective measures that can be taken to mitigate the risks posed by the use of virtual assets. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":569,"topper":"Aishwarya Verma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1F5E7JTZ8teHSc3yPETDdlji2HpotF_jP/view","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. (a) Explain the concept of Sarvodaya with the help of examples from the lives of prominent personalities.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"1. (b) The life and teachings of Guru Nanak presents a template for leading a life within the corridors of ethics and values. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"2. (a) There is no 'invisible hand' channeling self-interest into some social optimum. In this context, the State has an integral role to play in making available essential public goods and services, despite the increasing pace of privatization. Do you agree? Justify with examples from India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"2. (b) Even though the state actors who make rules and implement them have an important role to play in the fight against corruption, the battle is not likely to succeed without the active efforts of various segments of society. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"3. (a) What do you understand by Social Intelligence? Discuss its various components and explain how it is different from Emotional Intelligence.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"3. (b) Ethical behaviour is the best not merely in the context of morality, but it is also the best in the context of one's own career prospects. Discuss in the context of civil services in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"4. (a) The press is an important agent in ensuring the citizen's right to receive and impart information as a measure of probity in governance. In this context, do you think that the press in India discharges its duty honestly? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"4. (b) The failure to deliver on its promises by Citizen's Charters in the last two decades has shown that there are some complex set of factors underlying this seemingly simple task. What are they? Identify and provide their resolution.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"5. (a) Medical ethics is particularly relevant in decisions regarding involuntary treatment and involuntary commitment. In view of this, highlighting the importance of medical ethics, discuss the issues in its implementation. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"5. (b) The fundamental principle in a democracy is that all public functionaries are trustees of the people and this trusteeship relationship requires that the authority entrusted to the functionaries be exercised in 'public interest'. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":26,"question":"6 (a) What do each of the following quotations mean to you?\n(a) \"If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.\" - Desmond Tutu (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"6. (b) \"Disobedience is the true foundation of liberty. The obedient must be slaves.\" - Henry David Thoreau (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"6. (c) \"That which isn't good for the hive, isn't good for the bee\"- Marcus Aurelius (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"7 You are a Superintendent of Police tasked with conducting an internal departmental inquiry into an alleged case of custodial torture and subsequent disappearance of three tribal persons. The case of the police force is that these persons were habitual offenders who had committed theft. The police had nabbed them for interrogation but they escaped from the police custody and are absconding. Family members of these persons, on the other hand, maintain that they were falsely framed in the case and were not in a condition to flee due to custodial torture. They are alleging foul play on the part of the police and suspect that the police is behind their disappearance. Prima facie, you find many lacunae in the police investigation. The policemen did not produce these persons before the Magistrate nor did they get them medically examined, as required by the law. One of your seniors, without referring to the case, informally talks to you about the adverse working conditions of the police force and insinuates that all police personnel should help each other. He also says that all serving officers need to be mindful of the fact that they are part of the police force and should not do anything which may tarnish the reputation of the police department.\n(a) Identify the stakeholders and various issues involved in the case.\n(b) How will you conduct a fair and impartial inquiry that ensures that public perception regarding cover-up in such cases does not gain ground?\n(c) Highlight the reasons for the continuing impunity of custodial deaths in India, and recommend steps that authorities should take to resolve it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"(a) What are the ethical issues involved in the direct recruitment of industry professionals in important government positions?\n(b) Do you think a longer mandatory cooling off period for government officials before they join private firms can help in addressing some of the issues? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"9 You are working as the Head of Ethics and Compliance in a big mobile manufacturing company that is known for its innovation and quality products. Both the customers and the shareholders are pleased with the performance of the company as they get value for their money and high returns on their investments respectively.\n\nTin is a major component in the products manufactured by your company. It was recently brought to your attention that workers - many of them children - are working in unsafe conditions, digging tin out by hand in mines prone to landslides that could bury them alive. About 70% of the tin used in smartphones manufactured by the company comes from these more dangerous, small-scale mines. The company defends its practices by saying it only has so much control over monitoring and regulating its component sources. The justification advanced of its sourcing practices is that it is a complex process, with tens of thousands of miners selling tin, many of them through middle-men or third-party contractors.\n\nBased on the above case, answer the following questions:\n(a) What are the ethical issues in the above case?\n(b) Can customers of the company be expected to take into account such practices before buying any product of the company?\n(c) If the management were to seek your opinion on the matter, what course of action will you suggest? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"(a) Ethical issues involved in the case:\n(i) Business ethics erosion vs profit Motives\n(ii) Abysmal condition of worker that goes against human rights.\n(iii) Issue of child labour which is against rule of law.\n(iv) Social responsibility of the company towards the employees and society.\n(v) Exploitation of workers through middleman.\n(vi) Threat to life of persons working in mines.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"You are posted as the Sub-Divisional Magistrate in a backward district. Recently, a young couple belonging to different castes eloped from the village belonging to your sub-division. They wanted to marry but the caste conflict prevailing in the village was a big hurdle for them. So, they planned to get married secretly and then come back to the village. On account of their elopement, the girl's family, which belongs to the dominant landlord caste, filed a case of kidnapping against the boy and have riled up the villagers against him and his family. After their return to the village, the couple meet you before meeting their family members. On account of your official position, they request you to convince their family members and other members of the village to accept them. The village has witnessed many caste conflicts and honour killings in the past on account of such incidents and the present matter may aggravate caste-related tensions. Under these circumstances, answer the following questions:\n(a) Identify the stakeholders and associated issues in the given case.\n(b) What are the options that you have? Highlight your course of action and give suitable justification for the same. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"11 In this context, answer the following questions:\n(a) What are the ethical concerns in allowing the operation of educational institutions on a profit motivation?\n(b) Is the most important role of education preparing people for gainful employment or should education and knowledge be appreciated for their own sake?\n(c) Discuss various ways in which value-based education can be instilled. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"Beggars are a common sight at traffic junctions and places of worship across cities in India. They are labelled as nuisance makers who often harass commuters and devotees by relentlessly pestering for money. Recently, an appeal was made in the Supreme Court to end this practice by putting a ban on begging in the national capital. However, human rights groups have advocated that banning begging is not the ideal way to end it, as the underlying socio-economic issues that lead to begging remain unresolved. In this context:\n(a) Bring out the moral and ethical concerns pertaining to begging in India.\n(b) Discuss the factors that pushes an individual to opt for begging.\n(c) If you pass by a beggar, what will you do - give your money to a beggar or ignore the beggar and give your spare money instead to charities that assist the most needy? Give logical reasons in support of your answer. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":570,"topper":"Aishwarya Verma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rwuW2KghS3dsjhmFJhtXMHIsiSWqmYia/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) Open Government Data (OGD) can be seen as a step towards greater transparency and accountability in India. In this context, discuss the benefits of OGD and the challenges which lie therein.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) An important requisite for ensuring probity in governance is absence of corruption. Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) Enumerate the decisive factors behind moral attitude. Also, discuss any incident from your life wherein you brought about a change in someone's attitude around an important social issue.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) Highlighting the importance of whistle-blowing in an organisation, discuss the systemic factors that determine whether a person would become a whistle-blower.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"3. (a) Transparent governance promises an accountable state but a balance has to be achieved between disclosure requirements and administrative privileges for efficient governance. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) Citizen empowerment is a natural outcome of a Citizen's Charter. Critically evaluate in the Indian context.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"4. (a) Emotional Intelligence is an essential ingredient for successful implementation of pandemic induced emergency response. Comment in the light of COVID-19 pandemic.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"4. (b) Discretionary power by itself is not pure evil but gives much room for misuse. Discuss in the context of administration in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"5. (a) Explain the ethical issues involved in spending government funds for advertisement campaigns and publicity.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"5. (b) Explaining the concept of political neutrality, discuss its significance in administration. Also, highlight how the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules seek to ensure political neutrality in the civil services.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"6. (b) \"Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.\" - Albert Einstein","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"6. (c) \"Virtue lies in our power, and similarly so does vice; because where it is in our power to act, it is also in our power not to act.\" — Aristotle","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"7. Party X has a clear majority in the Lok Sabha. However, because of it falling short of majority in the Rajya Sabha, a large number of its bills are getting stalled in the Upper House. Elections of a key state are around the corner and the party desperately needs to win, for it to secure a majority in the Rajya Sabha. As part of its campaign strategy, the social media head of the party suggests an insidious strategy to make electoral gains. A part of the strategy involves sending out questionnaires online and promoting them using ads. The response filled by people to these online questionnaires will help reveal their key personality traits to the social media team of the party. These behavioral science insights would be important in helping candidates tailor their campaign messages according to the recipient's personality traits. However, because the content of the questionnaire is incendiary and polarizing, the social media team decides to use fake accounts to administer data collection on social media platforms to avoid getting penalised. In addition, the strategy also involves sending out provocative content through online ads and fake news reports. This goes against the spirit of free and fair elections and violates the Election Commission guidelines on multiple levels.\n\nAs one of the key members of the social media team of the party, you have been entrusted with carrying out this campaign successfully.\n(a) What are the key ethical issues involved in this case?\n(b) What is the course of action you would take? Give reasons for your response in a situation like this?","marks":"20","words":"in around 250"},{"page":30,"question":"(a) इस प्रकरण में सम्मिलित प्रमुख नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\n(b) आपके द्वारा की जाने वाली कार्रवाई क्या होगी? इस तरह की स्थिति में अपनी प्रतिक्रिया के कारण बताएं?\na) इस प्रकरण में सम्मिलित प्रमुख नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\nb) आपके द्वारा की जाने वाली कार्रवाई क्या होगी? इस तरह की स्थिति में अपनी प्रतिक्रिया के कारण बताएं?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"8. You are an IPS officer on your first posting in a very poor and isolated rural area of one of the most backward states of the country. In your office complex, of which you are the incharge, there is a frequent sewage related problem, causing inconvenience to the employees in your office complex and severely affecting the efficiency of the workplace. It might also lead to health disorders and diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea etc. To resolve it, the cleaning workers are made to do manual scavenging work without due regards to their safety. Most of these workers are from marginalised castes and are discriminated against socially. You are aware of the laws banning manual scavenging and the loopholes around it. In this context, answer the following questions:\n(a) What are the issues which you need to address in this situation?\n(b) Present your course of action to deal with the given situation.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":40,"question":"9. You have recently been posted as a District Development Officer in a traditionally rural area that has seen rapid economic development in the past few years. You notice that there is a huge disparity between the number of male and female children in the area. When you go to the hospital and check the birth registry, you realise that registered new-born babies are mostly males. On further investigation, you notice a similar pattern in the village primary school, which has more male students than females. When you raise the issue with your colleagues, they ignore it and carry on with their work. You suspect that the practice of female foeticide may be entrenched in the area as you had read about the issue in the context of this state while studying for the Civil Services Examination. It seems to you that respected members of the community like doctors, politicians and government officials have chosen to ignore the issue, given the prevalence of patriarchy and mind-set of voters in the area. Thus, despite rapid economic development, preference for male child continues to persist. Based on the information above, answer the following:\n(a) Do you have any ethical duty in this scenario? Justify your views.\n(b) What would be your next steps and why?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":45,"question":"10. According to some reports, gambling and betting together, while illegal, have evolved into a multi-billion dollar industry in India with one estimate pegging the market at $60 billion. Added to this is the wide reach of cricket as a sport and the periodic cases of betting in it making to news. It has been suggested by some that making gambling and betting legal would resolve many issues and also contribute to the exchequer. On the other hand, there remains a strong opinion against doing so.\n(a) What is your opinion on the matter?\n(b) Also, identify the merits of the arguments in opposition to the stand you have taken.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":50,"question":"11. You work as a marketing consultant for a multinational company that specializes in various products including nutrient supplements, diet pills etc. The company pays its employees extremely well and provides satisfactory fringe benefits. Your manager has hinted that he will recommend you for overseas company transfer, which will improve your job profile. This has motivated you to work harder and perform better. The company has to advertise and sell a new weight loss pill 'X'. As per in-company research, it has minimal or no side effects and has no adverse impacts on health, which is its unique selling point (USP). You are given the responsibility of heading the marketing team for advertising pill 'X'. Due to a well-crafted marketing strategy including endorsement by a renowned celebrity, the product has generated considerable public attention. However, while working on an advertisement campaign for the pill, you find out that the in-company research findings of pill 'X' are fabricated. While it indeed has no side-effects, there are no proven benefits of taking the pill as well. It merely acts as a placebo. When you bring up the issue with your manager, he promptly tells you to keep the facts to yourself. He also indirectly brings up the fact that your performance review date is approaching and hints that you will get transferred overseas if you prove your loyalty to the company. Based on the given information, address the following:\n(a) Identify the stakeholders in this situation.\n(b) State the ethical issues that arise in this case.\n(c) Discuss your options in this scenario and mention your next step.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":51,"question":"दी गई जानकारी के आधार पर, निम्नलिखित प्रश्नों के उत्तर दीजिए:\n(a) इस स्थिति में हितधारकों की पहचान कीजिए।\n(b) इस प्रकरण में उत्पन्न होने वाले नैतिक मुद्दों का उल्लेख कीजिए।\n(c) इस परिदृश्य में अपने विकल्पों की विवेचना कीजिए और अपने अगले कदम का उल्लेख कीजिए।","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":56,"question":"12. There was an incident at a company wherein a fire broke out and led to a number of casualties. During the preliminary inquiry, one of the employees and bystander witnesses, specified that the company had taken all the safety measures and the management was not at fault. During litigation, the same employee was identified as a witness and his deposition was to be taken. The issue is now in the court. You are a Senior Manager of the company and accompanying the said employee to the court for the deposition. On the way the employee tells you that he had lied during the inquiry and that the truth was worse for the company than he had stated previously.\n(a) Identify the various ethical issues you would face in this situation.\n(b) What would you suggest the employee to do? Give reasons for your suggestions.","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":571,"topper":"Aishwarya Verma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1E3f9mgwHWqZ_CTYsyyv8yBW6H3xEdUdI/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) Morality is neither divine commands nor universal principle of thought rather practices developed by groups of human beings striving to avoid mutually harmful conflict and promote mutually beneficial cooperation. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) \"Never do anything against the conscience even if the state demands it.\" In this context, discuss the role of conscience in taking ethical decisions in administration.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) \"While corruption is never good, not all forms of corruption are equally bad for the economy, nor do they cause the same kind of harm.\" Critically analyse the statement in the context of India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) Explain different aspects of the 'right conduct' taught by Mahavira to attain a life full of happiness and content.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"3. (a) Analyze the significance of appointing ethics officers in the light of strengthening corporate governance in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) What is the ethical basis behind the idea of reparations for historical wrongs committed against certain groups?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"4. (a) Gender inequality begins at home and then gets institutionalised at the societal level. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"4. (b) What do you understand by Integrity Pacts? In light of recent events, analyse their utility in ensuring transparency and efficiency in public procurement in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"5. (a) For a public servant to fulfill his ethical obligations, it is important that there be no dichotomy between his personal ethics and public ethics. Analyze.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"5. (b) The moral circle of humanity has been expanding constantly over time. Discuss in this context whether non-human entities should have the same rights as human beings.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"6. What do each of the following quotations mean to you?\n(a) \"Each individual is capable of transforming his immediate environment by attempting a radical transformation inside him\". - J Krishnamurti","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"6. (b) \"Facts are many, but the truth is one.\" - Rabindranath Tagore","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"6. (c) \"It may be expedient but it is not just that some should have less in order that others may prosper.\" — John Rawls","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"7. You are a single mother and work as a school counsellor for the psychological well-being of primary and secondary school children at a reputed school. Recently, you have found through your interactions that several students have been facing emotional trauma and mental health issues. Realising the gravity of the situation you want to discuss this with the school authorities and the board of trustees and come up with an advanced plan that can help parents get better involved. However, during the meeting, concerns are raised regarding your findings and the lack of supporting evidence is also cited by some. Moreover, senior members who are present express a sense of displeasure at what this might mean for the reputation of the school.\n\nYou are thoroughly appalled with this approach of the school authorities, yet you are mired down in your own financial circumstances.\nOn the basis of the above situation, answer the following:\n(a) Identify the most relevant stakeholders in the case.\n(b) What are the dilemmas in the case?\n(c) Discuss how stigmatisation of mental health issues can be addressed in schools.","marks":"20","words":"in around 250"},{"page":34,"question":"8. You are working as a Divisional Forest Officer in an area which is home to tigers. Recently, there have been reports of a tiger venturing into agricultural fields and also killing livestock of villagers. Unfortunately, 2-3 villagers have been killed by some wild animals in last few weeks. Villagers claim that the tiger has killed their fellow villagers and request you to protect their lives and property by either relocating or killing the man-eater tiger. They also obstructed investigation of forest officials to ascertain whether it was the work of tiger or some other animals. Your attempts to trap the tiger have not been successful. Concerned over the delay in killing or relocating the tiger, villagers hire a private hunter to kill the tiger on their own and argue that they have a right to defend themselves and their property. In this context, answer the following questions:\n(a) Identify the issues involved in this scenario.\n(b) What steps would you take as the Divisional Forest Officer to ensure villagers' safety along with protection of tigers?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":39,"question":"9 Though discrimination on racial grounds is generally associated with Western countries, arguably similar notions of colour and racial discrimination are prevalent in India too. Many Indians are found to be obsessed for \"White\" skin tone as visible in matrimonial ads and popularity of whitening creams. They are also found to be more hospitable towards the white-skinned Europeans than the dark-skinned Africans. Even within the country, people can be found to be discriminating fellow countrymen on the basis of their skin tone. People from North-East India face frequent racial abuse and are referred to by various derogatory names. All these point towards racism being practised and accepted in India. Moreover, it is not considered a very serious issue as the anti-discrimination laws in India are not stringent enough to deal with hate crimes associated with racism.\n(a) In this context, discuss the ethical issues associated with the practice and acceptance of racial discrimination in India.\n(b) If you have been tasked to formulate a plan to combat hate crimes associated with racism in India and bring about an attitudinal change, what would be your suggestions?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":40,"question":"a) Ethical issues involved with racial discrimination?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"10. You are the Superintendent of Police of a city where a large slum has developed in recent decades on the property of Indian Railways. The Indian Railways has prepared a plan for expansion of the city railway station for which they want to get the slums demolished. They have requested the assistance of local police for the same, however, the people residing in those slums have responded angrily to this step and have occupied the railway tracks, resisting any action by the officials. Slum dwellers are asking for a suitable rehabilitation, citing that the city is under the grip of a cold wave as the month of December is in progress. This has not only halted the railway traffic on the route causing immense hardships to railway passengers but also posing risk of violence between slum-dwellers and the police.\nGiven the situation\n(a) Identify various issues involved in the case along with different stakeholders.\n(b) What course of action would you follow to end this situation of confrontation and resume normal functioning of the Railways?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":49,"question":"11 With its highly coveted line of consumer electronics, a multinational company 'A' has a cult following among loyal consumers and makes profits of crores of rupees. Recently, a report by an international non-governmental organisation has highlighted that in some overseas production centres of the company, the working conditions are hazardous for the labour, which include children also. In some centres, the international environmental standards are also flouted. The company's global head has defended their position by saying that they have little control over monitoring and regulating the entire supply chain due to internationalization of the production process. Based on the above information, answer the following:\n(a) Do you think company 'A' should be held responsible for ethical lapses made by individuals further down its supply chain?\n(b) Should customers be expected to take into account the ethical track record of companies while making purchases? Give reasons.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":54,"question":"12. In a recent survey around social and economic indicators, a certain state in the country was found grossly underperforming. The state is marred with the issues of poverty, hunger, social backwardness, lawlessness and underdevelopment. In about seven decades since gaining independence, this state has continued to perform poorly across various indices. In the past, the Chief Minister had set up a fact finding Committee to report on the chief causes of the backwardness of the State. After years of ground research and surveying, it was found that the one of the main causes of the state's backwardness was its huge population that amplified resource scarcity to unimaginable proportions. Taking a clue from the facts presented in the report, the State Cabinet constitutes a panel of policy makers to consider this question of growing population and suggest suitable revisions to the State's Population Policy. The Panel recommends legislating a Population Control Bill that has a contentious provision in the form of 'One Child' norm. You are the Chief of this Panel and the recommendations of the Panel require your approval to be tabled in the Chief Minister's Office. In this context, answer the following questions:\n(a) What are the ethical issues related to population control of a compulsory nature that you would consider before approving or rejecting the recommendation?\n(b) What would be your course of action in the aforementioned case? Suggest reasons for the same.","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":572,"topper":"Aishwarya Verma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/46ee1-577067_2034_aishwarya-verma_rank_04.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Explain the concept of Sarvodaya with the help of examples from the lives of prominent personalities. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The life and teachings of Guru Nanak presents a template for leading a life within the corridors of ethics and values. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"There is no 'invisible hand' channeling self-interest into some social optimum. In this context, the State has an integral role to play in making available essential public goods and services, despite the increasing pace of privatization. Do you agree? Justify with examples from India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Even though the state actors who make rules and implement them have an important role to play in the fight against corruption, the battle is not likely to succeed without the active efforts of various segments of society. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do you understand by Social Intelligence? Discuss its various components and explain how it is different from Emotional Intelligence. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Ethical behaviour is the best not merely in the context of morality, but it is also the best in the context of one's own career prospects. Discuss in the context of civil services in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The press is an important agent in ensuring the citizen's right to receive and impart information as a measure of probity in governance. In this context, do you think that the press in India discharges its duty honestly? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The failure to deliver on its promises by Citizen's Charters in the last two decades has shown that there are some complex set of factors underlying this seemingly simple task. What are they? Identify and provide their resolution. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Medical ethics is particularly relevant in decisions regarding involuntary treatment and involuntary commitment. In view of this, highlighting the importance of medical ethics, discuss the issues in its implementation. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The fundamental principle in a democracy is that all public functionaries are trustees of the people and this trusteeship relationship requires that the authority entrusted to the functionaries be exercised in 'public interest'. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"\"If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.\" - Desmond Tutu (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"\"Disobedience is the true foundation of liberty. The obedient must be slaves.\" - Henry David Thoreau (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"\"That which isn't good for the hive, isn't good for the bee\"- Marcus Aurelius (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"Identify the stakeholders and various issues involved in the case. (b) How will you conduct a fair and impartial inquiry that ensures that public perception regarding cover-up in such cases does not gain ground? (c) Highlight the reasons for the continuing impunity of custodial deaths in India, and recommend steps that authorities should take to resolve it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"You are posted as the Sub-Divisional Magistrate in a backward district. Recently, a young couple belonging to different castes eloped from the village belonging to your sub-division. They wanted to marry but the caste conflict prevailing in the village was a big hurdle for them. So, they planned to get married secretly and then come back to the village. On account of their elopement, the girl's family, which belongs to the dominant landlord caste, filed a case of kidnapping against the boy and have riled up the villagers against him and his family. After their return to the village, the couple meet you before meeting their family members. On account of your official position, they request you to convince their family members and other members of the village to accept them. The village has witnessed many caste conflicts and honour killings in the past on account of such incidents and the present matter may aggravate caste-related tensions. Under these circumstances, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the stakeholders and associated issues in the given case. (b) What are the options that you have? Highlight your course of action and give suitable justification for the same. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":573,"topper":"Aishwarya Verma","air":4,"year":2021,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ea1d5-577067_1990_aishwarya-verma_rank_04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":574,"topper":"Aishwaryam Prajapati","air":10,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9eecd-1199106_2488_aishwaryam_prajapati_10.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":575,"topper":"Aishwaryam Prajapati","air":10,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/af373-1199106_2320_aishwaryam_prajapati_10.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":576,"topper":"Aishwaryam Prajapati","air":10,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/64f3f-1199106_2323_aishwaryam_prajapati_10.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":577,"topper":"Aishwaryam Prajapati","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c9b2c-1199106_2424_aishwaryam_prajapati_10.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What are the different dimensions of food security? Examine India's status in terms of ensuring food security with regard to these dimensions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Modern technologies such as blockchain and ChatGPT are powerful tools with immense potential to transform agriculture into a more efficient and sustainable sector. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What factors have led to the recent acceleration in the trend towards de-dollarization of the global economy? Do you think the dollar will lose its dominance anytime soon? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Despite significant pressure from the developed countries to alter its food subsidy regime, there is merit in India trying to retain its policy support for the poor in the country. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":578,"topper":"Aishwaryam Prajapati","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/388d9-1199106_2423_aishwaryam_prajapati_10.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With suitable examples, discuss how environmental pressure groups enhance public participation and responsiveness with regard to environmental policies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The recent acknowledgment of sex work as a 'profession' by the Supreme Court is merely the first step in ensuring basic rights and equality for sex workers in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the role played by District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) in providing free legal aid and disseminating legal awareness in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"The collegium system has become a victim of its own success, with the concentration of power in the hands of a few, leading to questions about its legitimacy.\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"Civil services reforms must go beyond recruitment and standardised training to cope with the present day challenges.\" Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Outcome-based finance models such as social impact bonds have the potential to truly catalyse change and deliver socio-economic impact at scale. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The wide gap between the number of females graduating every year and those entering the workspace is an issue of paramount importance that needs to be addressed. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"An up to date and functional Civil Registration System (CRS) is essential to the socio-economic planning in India. Discuss in the light of the recent move of the Central government in revamping the CRS system in the country. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What are the key areas of reform if the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has to align with the current economic realities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In recent years, India's relationship with West Asia has evolved from the confines of geopolitics to expanse of geoeconomics. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The role of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) is significant in furthering healthy competitiveness aimed at inspiring stakeholders to innovate and augment effectiveness. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"\"The menace of paid news often rears its ugly head during elections.\" Discuss the need for making paid news an electoral offence in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":579,"topper":"Aishwaryam Prajapati","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a020a-1199106_2422_aishwaryam_prajapati_10.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The traditional theatre forms of India reflect the ideals and emotions of the society, and an individual's role in the community. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":580,"topper":"Aishwaryam Prajapati","air":10,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/dfb85-1199106_2085_aishwaryam_prajapati_10.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":581,"topper":"Aishwaryam Prajapati","air":10,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/35ee4-1199106_2086_aishwaryam_prajapati_10.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":582,"topper":"Aishwaryam Prajapati","air":10,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/eec59-1199106_2087_aishwaryam_prajapati_10.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":583,"topper":"Aishwaryam Prajapati","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jF39A08yQP-yPc0az-I1WsZfLByBAQSh/view","questions":[]},{"id":584,"topper":"Aishwaryam Prajapati","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d31b9-1199106_2425_aishwaryam_prajapati_10.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"For effective corporate governance to take place in the coming years, why is it important to integrate the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics with the multi-stakeholder approach? What benefits can be accrued by such integration? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In acts of corruption, the focus is often only on the demand side of the equation, on public officials who abuse their office for private gain. Frequently, the supply side is given less attention. Those who pay bribes are sometimes depicted as innocent parties and victims of extortionary practices of wily public servants. Do you agree that 'collusive corruption', in which there is a willing bribe-giver, is a formidable challenge for institutions fighting corruption? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Citizens' Charters initiative was a response to the quest for solving the problems, which a citizen encountered, day in and day out, while dealing with the organisations providing public services. But the introduction and implementation of Citizens' Charters in the government of India has been difficult due to the old bureaucratic set up and the rigid attitudes of the work force. Discuss the major obstacles that have been encountered in implementing the Citizens' Charter initiative. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Quality of public service delivery is a major determinant of the quality of life of vulnerable sections in a highly unequal society divided along the lines of class, caste, religion, etc. In this background, do you think that public service delivery is efficient and sufficient enough to improve the lives of vulnerable groups in India? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \" , \" - \"The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own.\" - Lao Tzu (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Wealthy CEOs and founders of successful businesses around the world are increasingly pledging to give away their wealth in philanthropy. Do you think that such a move is sufficient enough to bring about a positive change in the society? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"As organizations across the globe begin their artificial intelligence (AI) transformation, the leap into the AI era is expected to be more challenging than any technology that businesses have grappled with yet. In this background, discuss the concerns around fairness, transparency, and job security that may arise. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The emphasis of Swami Dayanand Saraswati on education, social equality, and ethical values continues to influence the socio-cultural discourse in contemporary India. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Emotional intelligence may not be singularly associated with emotions or intelligence. It can also include a broad range of personality characteristics that might predict success in professional and everyday life. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Traditional forms of state-led accountability, also characterised as vertical and horizontal channels of accountability, are increasingly found to be inadequate, and a myriad of multi-stakeholder and bottom-up citizen directed approaches have come to the fore, to supplement or supplant them. Discuss with illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":47,"question":"Many proponents of deep-sea drilling argue that tapping into the vast amount of rare earth elements in the Indian Ocean will help shore up national security interests for India, bolster its economy and workforce, and offer a reliable supply of strategic minerals. Keeping this in mind, the government has approved a $540-million programme to study ways of mining nickel, cobalt, manganese and iron hydroxide from the bed of the Indian Ocean 6,000 meters below sea level. The government argues that the project can power India's growth for 100 years. It will also study climate change, explore marine flora and fauna and harness thermal energy. However, a competing point of view alleges that deep ocean drilling poses immense risk to the environment. A comprehensive report on Sustainable Ocean Economy by independent geologists states that \"until the need for, and potential consequences of, deep-sea mining are better understood, the concept is conceptually difficult to align with the definition of a sustainable ocean economy and raises various environmental, legal and governance challenges, as well as possible conflicts with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.\" It also highlights that the profitability of national mining operations, without governmental support or comparably low taxes, remains questionable. If the operations are profitable, it will also raise questions about the equitable sharing of profits derived from a resource taken out of humanity's common heritage. Additionally, companies like BMW, Volvo, Google and Korean battery maker Samsung SDI, vowed in a statement to not buy metals produced from deep-sea mining until the environmental risks of the activity are \"comprehensively understood.\" In the context of the above-stated information, address the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the given case study? (b) How can the vision of economic development of a nation be achieved without adversely affecting the sustainability of oceans? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":585,"topper":"Aishwaryam Prajapati","air":10,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4d7c3-1199106_2081_aishwaryam_prajapati_10.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":586,"topper":"Aishwaryam Prajapati","air":10,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/76645-1199106_2088_aishwaryam_prajapati_10.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":587,"topper":"Aishwaryam Prajapati","air":10,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7ea32-1199106_2295_aishwaryam_prajapati_10.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":588,"topper":"Aishwaryam Prajapati","air":10,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6656e-1199106_2297_aishwaryam_prajapati_10.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":589,"topper":"Aishwaryam Prajapati","air":10,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c3071-1199106_2298_aishwaryam_prajapati_10.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":590,"topper":"Ajay Dwivedi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b0105-ajay-dwivedi_17_2014_gs_booklet_2.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"There have been instances of people advocating that they be given the major, if not the sole, right to work in their states or regions. Analyze the economic, demographic and socio-cultural factors which have given rise to these 'sons of the soil' movements.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"\"Secularism cannot exist as a positive value in society without equality, social justice and democracy\". Examine in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss the social consequences of economic development in India. Do you think that it has increased economic inequality and failed to promote social justice?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"In the light of multi-cultural society of India, can we say that multi-culturalism and pluralism are the two sides of a coin of \"unity in diversity\" comment?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Large population - is it a resource or a constraint for the development in India? Elaborate in the context of population policy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"\"As opposed to conventional urban sprawls, the new urbanization is rapidly incorporating villages into its fold.\" Elaborate this statement in the context of the growth of census towns in 2011 census.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"(f) Discuss the various aspects of the issue of development displacement. Suggest means to address the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Evaluate the social consequences of green revolution.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":591,"topper":"Ajay Dwivedi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4ca03-ajay-dwivedi_17_2014_gs_booklet_1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Examine the role of Sanskrit in development of Indian literature. Also illustrate the influence of Persian language on medieval literature.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":592,"topper":"Ajay Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4b658-16475_762_ajay-jain_rank_12.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Even though the Representation of the People Act has been amended from time to time, the issues pertaining to criminalisation and influence of money power remain unresolved. Comment. Also discuss the role played by the judiciary and the Election Commission in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"The main function of the Public Accounts Committee is to ascertain that the money granted by Parliament has been spent by the government within the scope of the demand. In this context, critically analyse the role played by the Public Accounts Committee.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Referendums are portrayed as popular governance in its purest form, however, it is also argued that they often subvert democracy rather than serve it. Examine in the light of recent developments across the globe.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"What do you understand by special category status for states? Examine its contribution in bringing balanced regional development in the country. In light of the 14th Finance Commission recommendations, analyse whether this categorisation has outlived its relevance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"It is contended that GST regime will significantly curb the financial autonomy of states by taking away substantial taxation powers. In this regard, examine the impact of the GST regime on federal structure of our polity. What are the proposed mechanisms in the bill which seek to address this issue?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"What is the rationale behind the changes in the budgetary process approved by the Union Cabinet recently? Do you think it is a step forward towards efficient governance and fiscal prudence?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Critically examine the provisions of the recently introduced Citizenship Amendment Bill 2016. Are some provisions of the bill against India's secular principles?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Whereas the legislature is empowered to regulate the ratification of international treaties in the United states, in India it is mostly the domain of the executive. Examine the rationale and benefits of these two approaches with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"What are the reasons for the declining rate of child adoption in India? Discuss whether the amended Juvenile Justice (Care & Protection of Children) Act, 2015 can address this issue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Bill passed recently aims at striking a balance between education and India's economic reality. Critically analyze.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Though the Maharashtra Protection of People from Social Boycott (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act of 2016 is an important step in the long-standing struggle against social exclusion, it is only the first step. Comment. Also discuss the challenges in implementation of the act.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Though the Criminal Tribes Act, 1871 was annulled soon after independence, the communities designated as Denotified Tribes (DNT) and Nomadic Tribes (NT) remain amongst the most discriminated and disadvantaged groups in the country. Comment. Also discuss the steps taken by the government to improve their condition.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"The idea of a Pay Commission is to revise the pay scales of the government staff. In light of the recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission examine the need for the introduction of performance linked pay for government employees as in the case of private sector. Also comment on the need for the introduction of pay parity among various services.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Even though India and Russia have enjoyed a close relationship over the years, it has not been immune to the changing power dynamics globally. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"The Indus Water Treaty has survived multiple wars and is often cited as a successful example of transboundary sharing of river waters. In this context, identify the key provisions of the treaty and examine the options that India can exercise to pursue its strategic interests vis-a-vis Pakistan.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"The Iranian nuclear agreement presents an opportunity for moving towards a new security order in the Persian Gulf. Elaborate in the context of changing scenario in the region. What are the likely implications for India in this context?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Considering the diversity among Pacific Island Countries (PICs), India has a huge scope for building multi-sectoral cooperation tailored to the specific conditions in these islands. Discuss. Also examine the strategic importance of PICs for India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Though BRICS is neither an economic union nor a political coalition, it creates space for India to move the contemporary international order towards alternative models of development and governance. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Since the end of Cold War, the focus and role of NAM have changed significantly. Discuss. Also analyse its relevance for India in the emerging geo-political order.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Despite a consensus that a collective global effort is needed to alleviate the ongoing refugee crisis, efforts made so far have hardly yielded the desired results. Do you agree? Briefly highlight the socio-political impact of this crisis on destination countries. Also highlight the role that India can play in this situation.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":593,"topper":"Ajay Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/97928-16475_758_ajay-jain_rank_12.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What role has the constitution envisaged for the Governor with respect to administration of Scheduled and Tribal Areas? Critically evaluate the success of provisions of Fifth and Sixth schedules in achieving their objectives.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"In view of the argument that governance is caught in a logjam of far too many checks and not enough balances, has the time arrived to have a relook at the powers of Rajya Sabha? Discuss keeping in mind the constitutional rationale and the role performed by Rajya Sabha over the years.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"The constitutional provisions relating to office of profit have been violated over the years in spirit, even as they have been adhered to in letter. Discuss in light of various judgment(s) of the Apex Court in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"While holding simultaneous elections to the Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies offers various advantages, it brings its own set of complexities. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"The right to live with dignity under Article 21 includes the right to die with dignity. Discuss in light of various judicial pronouncements by the Apex Court on this matter. Also, critically examine the various issues associated with the Medical Treatment of Terminally Ill Patients Bill 2016.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Inspite of 15 years of being in existence, it is often argued that MPLADS has failed to meet its objectives. Critically analyse along with reforms required to improve its implementation. Also discuss if this scheme should be discontinued in light of 73rd and 74th amendments to the constitution.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Mentioning the positions taken by the Supreme Court and the Government of India, examine the rationale behind the idea of National Court of Appeal (NCA).","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"In light of frequent droughts experienced n the country, efficient water management is the need of the hour. How far can Draft National Water Framework Bill, 2016 help in achieving this? Analyse its utility in tackling the issues of inter-state water disputes.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"It is often said that the Right to Information act is necessary, but not sufficient to improve governance. Do you agree? Also, examine the various structural, procedural and logistical issues with the act.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"While the Right to Education is based on the idea that every child should have an equal right to quality education, it has been facing challenges on various fronts. Comment. Can privatising education provide a solution to the problems being faced?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Enumerate the key rights being guaranteed by the Mental Health Care Bill, 2013 passed by the Rajya Sabha recently. Also examine the challenges in its implementation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Absence of a powerful and politically accountable leadership in the cities is considered as one of the primary reasons for urban woes. Do you think that direct election of mayor can help in overcoming this issue? What other alternatives can be explored for improving the working of urban local bodies?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"It is more difficult to escape the shadow of social discrimination than it is to break the shackles of economic backwardness. Discuss the statement in the context of Dalit capitalism and give an account of the problems that Dalit entrepreneurs have been facing. Also highlight the steps taken by the government in recent times to encourage Dalit empowerment via the market.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"South Asia, with India at its centre, is the fastest growing region for human trafficking in the world. In this context, examine the reasons for human trafficking in India. How does the Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2016 seek to address this issue?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Though India's performance in Olympics has improved over the years, our sports ecosystem continues to suffer from many deficiencies. Analyze. Enumerate the steps that can be taken to improve India's performance in multi-national sports events.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Though economic relations remain the backbone of the India-GCC relationship, both sides have been looking for new areas of cooperation to strengthen their political and strategic ties. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Whereas, on the one hand, multilateral institutions such as the United Nations and WTO are increasingly beset by logjam, on the other, regional and bilateral initiatives such as the TPP are gaining ground. Do you think India needs to review reliance on multilateralism in favour of bilateral and regional engagements?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Even though India has been steadfast in its commitment to non-proliferation, its relationship with the export control regimes has not been without challenges. Discuss. Also, evaluate the importance of India joining export control regimes.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Even though SAARC has remained a key aspect of India's neighbourhood policy, the efficacy of this regional grouping has been questioned in recent times. Discuss. Also critically examine the options available to India in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"The Indian diaspora is more prosperous than before and its involvement in India's development is increasing. How has India's engagement with its diaspora evolved over the years? Highlighting the initiatives taken by the government to fruitfully engage with the diaspora, comment on, the emerging challenges in this context.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":594,"topper":"Ajay Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a71ab-16475_757_ajay-jain_rank_12.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Trace the evolution of cave architecture in India with special reference to their design, nature and wall paintings.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"With the help of examples, explain how Folk Paintings as an art form represent an array of human beliefs and cultural diversity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"\"The response to the Partition of Bengal was not a mere expression of Bengali sub-nationalism, but a resistance that carried in it the seeds of a coherent nationalist struggle for India's independence.\" Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"The economic interpretation of British Colonialism by Indian intelligentsia during 1870-1905 brought forward unpleasant facts about the foreign rule. Analyse this statement and assess the impact of these interpretations on the National Movement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"The role of women in Indian nationalism is well acknowledged, however, women who took part in armed struggle against the British are less known. In this context, examine the role played by Indian women in national movement with particular reference to revolutionary struggle.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"It has been argued that unlike the wars in 1962 and 1971, the war in 1965 was indecisive and brought neither victory nor peace to India. Critically analyse the proposition and also highlight how the experience of 1965 was helpful in the war of 1971.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss whether the agrarian movements which emerged from the late 1970's should be referred to as 'New' Farmers' Movements. In light of the problems faced by poor farmers and agricultural labourers, critically evaluate these movements.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Though both Bismarck and Sardar Patel played an important role in unifying their respective countries, yet given the different historical circumstances, the challenges faced by both and the strategies they adopted were different, Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Enumerate the reforms undertaken during the Gorbachev era and explain the reasons for undertaking these. To what extent could these reforms be held responsible for the breakup of the Soviet Union?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"While the impact of French Revolution was largely limited to the European countries, the Russian Revolution had a much wider impact across the globe. Critically analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Give an account of the factors which influence gender equality in basic education. What can be done to bridge the existing gender gap in this context?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"While state action alone cannot ensure social change, no social group howsoever weak or oppressed is only a victim. Examine the statement in the context of organised action for justice and dignity for manual scavengers in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Give an account of the factors driving people to migrate from the countryside to urban areas even if it entails living in slums. Highlight some important facts about slums unique to India. Also discuss some strategies which can be adopted for transforming India's slums.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Define flood plains and explain their significance. Also, examine how anthropogenic activities have contributed to recent instances of urban flooding.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Why do forest fires occur frequently in certain regions of India? Examine the ecological significance of forest fires and identify the measures to tackle the phenomenon.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"What are the different types of rainfall? Give an account of the world distribution of rainfall.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"The prevailing water crisis in the country is not about the unavailability of water rather the mismanagement of available resources. Do you agree? Discuss the short-term and long-term socio-economic impacts of the water crisis on India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Enlist the major fishing zones of the world along with the reasons for their distribution. Does India's deep sea fishing policy warrant a fresh look? Examine in context of the recommendations of the Meena Kumari committee on the matter.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"It has been observed that deltas formed by Indian rivers have been shrinking for the past few years. Discuss reasons for the same in context of different rates of shrinking of deltas of major rivers.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Why does the Arabian Sea experience fewer tropical cyclones as compared to the Bay of Bengal? Explain why tropical cyclones do not occur during the southwest monsoon season.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":595,"topper":"Ajay Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a207e-16475_759_ajay-jain_rank_12.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"India has the lowest tax-to-GDP ratio among countries with a similar per capita income on a purchasing power parity basis. Explain the reasons for the low tax-to-GDP ratio in India. What measures can be taken to correct this situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"In spite of various initiatives, the condition of the power sector still remains one of the core challenges for India. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Examine the reasons for poor performance of public sector banks in India. Give an account of the steps taken by the government and RBI to improve their performance. Also analyse whether the risks arising from the consolidation of the Indian banking sector outweigh the potential longer-term benefits.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Tax treaties intended to avoid double taxation have in many cases become instruments for double non-taxation. Elaborate. List the major amendments in the India-Mauritius DTAA and the advantages that are expected to accrue due to it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Emerging ICT and their appropriation by society constitutes a threat that demands new competencies and practices to be developed and integrated in the existing police work. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"What are P-Notes and how do they impact the financial system in India? In this context, also highlight the recent regulatory measures taken by SEBI to deal with them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"The rising levels of e-waste generation in India have been a matter of concern in recent years. Examine the underlying causes of this scenario and the challenges associated with it. How can the new E-Waste Management Rules, 2016 help in meeting these concerns?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Terror groups, much like corporate bodies have well and truly embraced and exploited the benefits of globalisation. Discuss the statement with reference to terror financing and propaganda activities.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"What is net-metering? Critically analyse its potential in incentivising distributed generation in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Explain the challenges associated with predicting the monsoon accurately. Can shifting to a completely dynamical model from the one used by the IMD presently help in improving the accuracy of predicting the monsoon?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"The Compensatory Afforestation Fund Bill would require to work along with the Forest Rights Act in order to achieve the aims of environment protection while also ensuring rights of the tribal people. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"It has been argued that India's strained patent protection and IP administration has failed to keep pace with growing technological advances. In this context, examine the provisions of the new Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Policy, 2016. Also explain how the new policy can help boost innovation and entrepreneurship in the country.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Though the frequency of both droughts and floods has increased in many states of the country, the preparedness level for mitigating their impacts still has significant gaps. Discuss in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"In view of the high levels of inequality in India, it is imperative to not only broaden access to education and health but also financial services. Discuss. Also highlight the efforts made by the government in recent times to address inequality by promoting financial inclusion.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Examine the need for indigenization of the defence industry in India. While highlighting its challenges, analyse how the new Defence Procurement Policy (DPP) and relaxations in FDI norms can address these challenges.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Digital technologies have the potential to dramatically transform higher education. Giving a special emphasis to MOOCs, analyse the statement in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"The Civil Aviation Policy 2016 would help in building a more modern, safe, secure and sustainable aviation industry while also boosting regional connectivity and tourism. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"What is the significance of start-ups for Indian economy? Critically analyse the provisions of \"Start-up India\" program and the challenges that lie ahead in its effective implementation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"What do you understand by methanol economy? Discuss its environmental and economic advantages. How does methanol compare with other new generational fuels such as ethanol and hydrogen?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Differentiating between Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality, explain why it is argued by many that these technologies are not just about gaming but can change our lives.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":596,"topper":"Ajay Jain","air":12,"year":2019,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c6aa1-16475_760_ajay-jain_rank_12.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":597,"topper":"Ajay Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b1cf4-45939667_2368__ajay_kumar_rank_895.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The evolving interpretation by the courts have led to the expansion of the scope of the Right to Life and Personal Liberty under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. Discuss with the help of relevant case laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Analyse how Section 8A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 preserves the integrity of the electoral process in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"With what objectives was the Ninth Schedule of the Indian Constitution initially introduced? Can the Supreme Court review a legislation that has been placed in the Ninth Schedule? Discuss with the help of case laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Online Dispute Resolution's (ODR) promise of access to just, speedy and effective resolution of disputes is beset with several challenges. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The Right to Information (RTI) Act has fallen into redundancy owing to the issues faced by the Office of the Central Information Commission. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"How has Information and Communication Technology (ICT) transformed the governance landscape at the grassroots level in India? What are the key obstacles in leveraging its full potential? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How does the politicization of the civil services corrode the 'steel frame' of governance in India? What measures can be implemented to counteract this effect? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Gender is an important dimension of ageing. What measures can be taken to solve the problems of elderly women facing social alienation and deprivation in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What role can the Indian diaspora play in fostering political and economic engagement between India and African countries? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"More than a decade after its inception, the benefits of the Belt and Road Initiative have proven to be illusory, especially for developing countries. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss the financial constraints faced by the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in India. What measures can be taken to augment their revenue resources? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Discuss the role of the Election Commission of India (ECI) in ensuring free and fair elections in India. How will the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Act, 2023 impact the independence of the ECI? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 has played a significant role in preventing atrocities and providing protection against discrimination of marginalized communities in India. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the functions of the National Commission for Women (NCW). How does the Commission benefit from having the powers of a civil court in dealing with women's issues? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Critically analyse the effectiveness of the POCSO Act, 2012 in addressing the issue of child sexual abuse in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Critically evaluate the implementation of the Smart Cities Mission in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"While extreme poverty has declined considerably in India, access to healthy food still remains a luxury. Discuss the reasons for poor access to healthy food and suggest measures to overcome the same. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Examine the role of publicly funded health insurance in improving health outcomes in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"To what extent has India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy been successful in enhancing its relations with the neighbouring countries? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Examine the effects of escalating conflicts in West Asia on regional and global stability, highlighting the significant repercussions for India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":598,"topper":"Ajay Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4ef02-45939667_2370_ajay_kumar_rank_895.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Does moral conscience always complement laws, rules, and regulations in ethical decision-making? Support your answer with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Compassion towards weaker sections of society is essential and non-negotiable in a country like India. Examine with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Corruption exists and thrives in Indian society because it is socially accepted and even seen as aspirational. Do you agree with this view? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Social accountability is increasingly recognized as a means of enhancing democratic governance and improving service delivery. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What does the following quotation convey to you in the present context. (a) \"The human voice can never reach the distance that is covered by the still small voice of conscience.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"How can organizations balance healthy competition while preventing undue pressure on employees? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Formation of attitudes is a crucial aspect of the socialization process. Discuss the various factors that contribute to the development of attitudes in individuals. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Conflicts are inevitable in any workplace, and administrative roles are no exception. In light of this, discuss the role of emotional intelligence in conflict management. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Discuss how attitude plays a crucial role in shaping our perceptions and interactions with the world. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Recent studies indicate that Generation Z is experiencing higher levels of loneliness than the previous generations. What are the possible reasons for this trend? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"What are the ethical dilemmas faced by Neeraj in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"How does the work culture influence employees' willingness to report potential wrongdoing?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"What role does leadership play in fostering an ethical work culture? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"As a research and development analyst in a leading nutraceutical company, you have been actively involved in the development of a nutrient-rich biomass that improves skin and bone health. The research outcomes are promising, and your team is enthusiastic about the upcoming product launch. During routine inter-team meetings, you accidentally come across research trials and documents related to another product of your company. This product claims to reduce weight and enhance immunity, but upon closer inspection, you discover that the trials were falsely conducted, and the research outcomes were generalized, however, there were no side-effects of the product. The product works on the placebo effect only. The team responsible for this product seems to have overlooked taking these documents along with them after the inter-team meeting. As per company's policy, going through the research trials of other teams is strictly prohibited. The false claims associated with this product contribute significantly to its high sales within the company. If the information regarding the false claims is revealed, it could potentially harm the company, leading to severe consequences such as closure, and jeopardize the years of hard work you have invested in your product, which has genuine and significant results for preventive healthcare. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (b) Evaluate the options available to you. (c) What will be your course of action? Justify. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Ravish, hailing from a modest background, worked diligently to gain admission to a prestigious university. After graduating with commendable academic credentials, he secured a well-paying job at a leading multinational company. Driven by ambition, he left the job after gaining a few years of experience to launch his own startup. Thanks to the startup boom in the country, Ravish was able to secure significant capital from investors with relative ease. His hard work and dedication fueled the rapid growth and success of his startup. However, as the company flourished, Ravish's extravagant lifestyle began to attract public attention. As the founder and CEO, he drew a substantial salary, believing it to be justified given his efforts in building the company from scratch. A few years later, an economic downturn put Ravish's startup under financial strain. Investors, now focused on profitability, withdrew their support, leaving Ravish under immense pressure to cut costs in order to sustain the business. Consequently, he decided to downsize the workforce and communicated this decision through a personalized video message to his employees. Within hours of the video's release, it went viral on social media, accompanied by images from Ravish's lavish wedding that had taken place just two months prior. The public criticized Ravish for his opulent lifestyle while simultaneously laying off a significant number of employees. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the given case? (b) In light of the above case, discuss the ethical considerations regarding disparities in remuneration between top-level leaders and their subordinates in corporate organizations. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Within hours of the video's release, it went viral on social media, accompanied by images from Ravish's lavish wedding that had taken place just two months prior. The public criticized Ravish for his opulent lifestyle while simultaneously laying off a significant number of employees. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the given case? (b) In light of the above case, discuss the ethical considerations regarding disparities in remuneration between top-level leaders and their subordinates in corporate organizations. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"Vikram, a senior data scientist, is leading a team to develop an Artificial Intelligence (AI) system for a e-commerce platform. He has to enhance customer experience by providing personalized recommendations based on user behaviour. The success of this project is critical not only for the company's growth but also for Vikram's team, which has been underperforming in the recent months. The stakes are high, and the team is at risk of suspension if it fails to deliver on this project. To improve the accuracy of the AI algorithms, Vikram's team considers incorporating sensitive personal information, including users' purchasing history, location data, health records and social media activities. While this could significantly enhance the system's effectiveness, it raises concerns about privacy and the potential misuse of sensitive data. Also, a data breach has occurred earlier on the e-commerce platform, and personal information of thousands of users was exposed to unauthorized entities. The incident became widely publicized, leading to regulatory scrutiny and potential legal action against the company. Vikram faces pressure from the company's marketing department to prioritize revenue generation over user privacy. The marketing team suggests implementing tactics that subtly encourage users to make more purchases, even if it means manipulating their preferences or creating a sense of urgency. (a) Identify the ethical issues faced by Vikram in developing the AI system. (b) What are the options available to Vikram in addressing this case? (c) How can ethics be an integral component of AI systems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":56,"question":"Identify the ethical issues faced by Vikram in developing the AI system. (b) What are the options available to Vikram in addressing this case? (c) How can ethics be an integral component of AI systems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":599,"topper":"Ajay Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e986a-45939667_2366_ajay_kumar_rank_895.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"How can the family effectively transmit core moral principles in an era dominated by digital influences? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Though conscience generally serves as a crucial guide in ethical decision-making, it is sometimes fraught with limitations. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What ethical principles should govern the utilization of public funds? Discuss the moral implications of using taxpayer money to bail out large corporations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Probity means more than just the avoidance of corrupt or dishonest conduct. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"\"To educate a man in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society.\" - Theodore Roosevelt (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"In general, the higher a position in an organization, the more emotional intelligence matters. Do you agree with this view? Give reasons in support of your answer. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In addition to neutrality and non-partisanship, tolerance and inclusion are other important values that facilitate the civil servants to be more competent in a diverse country like India. Explain with suitable illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What are the key principles of public service delivery? Discuss the challenges associated with providing effective public service delivery in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"When it comes to attitudinal change towards sustainable development, behavioural nudges are the way forward. Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What lessons can be learnt from the life of Mother Teresa? Discuss their relevance in the contemporary world. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"You are the Superintendent of Police in a city hosting a major religious festival at a temple. The event is expected to attract over a million pilgrims, far exceeding the temple's infrastructure capacity. Despite extensive planning and precautionary measures, a sudden crowd surge near the main shrine entrance has resulted in a stampede, causing multiple casualties and numerous injuries. The situation has escalated, with panic spreading among the devotees present at the temple. Adding to the complexity, instances of fake news are rapidly circulating through WhatsApp groups and social media platforms, falsely attributing the stampede to communal clashes. This misinformation is causing widespread panic among the general public and threatens to ignite communal riots in the district. As the Superintendent of Police, you find yourself at the center of this crisis, faced with the dual challenge of managing the immediate aftermath of the stampede and countering the spread of potentially dangerous misinformation. (a) Identify the key stakeholders involved in this case. (b) Explain the measures you, as the Superintendent of Police, will take to address the stampede situation and curb the spread of fake news through social media. (c) Discuss the ethical considerations you must keep in mind while implementing these measures, particularly in balancing public safety with individual rights and religious sentiments. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Ravi Sharma, a renowned movie actor, finds himself in an ethical dilemma regarding a lucrative endorsement deal offered by a prominent bottled water company. However, the bottled water company is a subsidiary of a major alcohol brand, and the water bottles carry the same branding as the alcohol products. The advertising campaign is designed to reinforce the alcohol brand's image under the guise of promoting a healthy product. Ravi is known for his socially responsible public image and advocacy for healthy living. He is deeply aware of the harmful effects of alcohol, having lost a close family member to an alcohol-related illness. However, the financial reward from this endorsement deal is substantial and could significantly support Ravi's philanthropic activities, particularly his initiatives for providing education and healthcare to underprivileged communities. This situation places Ravi at a crossroads, forcing him to choose between accepting a deal that could indirectly promote alcohol use and rejecting it on ethical grounds, potentially foregoing significant funding for his charitable work. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in Ravi's decision to endorse the bottled water product?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the broader implications of celebrity endorsements and their influence on public health and consumer behaviour. (c) How can public figures like Ravi use their influence to promote ethical business practices in the advertising industry? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"You are posted as the District Magistrate in a predominantly agricultural district. Recently, the region has been hit by unseasonal rainfall, causing severe crop damage and pushing the farming community to the brink of crisis. The situation is further exacerbated by widespread corruption in the food grain procurement system. You have received reports about rampant malpractices in the warehouses responsible for procuring food grains from farmers. These corrupt practices include deliberate delays in the procurement process, manipulation of weighing scales, arbitrary quality rejections, and demands for bribes from desperate farmers. As a result, farmers are facing significant financial losses, with many unable to recover even their input costs. Many farmers are unable to sell their produce, while others are forced to sell at prices far below the Minimum Support Price (MSP). This has led to financial distress for the farming community. Adding to the complexity, you have received reports suggesting that some local politicians and influential businessmen are involved in these corrupt practices, benefiting from the farmers' misery. There are also rumors of potential farmer protests and agitations if immediate action is not taken. As the District Magistrate, you are faced with the challenge of addressing both the immediate crisis and the systemic issues that have led to this situation. (a) Identify the key stakeholders involved in this case and their respective interests. (b) Discuss the immediate measures you will take to provide relief to the affected farming community. (c) Discuss the ethical dilemmas you might face while implementing your chosen course of action and how you would navigate them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"As the District Magistrate, you are faced with the challenge of addressing both the immediate crisis and the systemic issues that have led to this situation. (a) Identify the key stakeholders involved in this case and their respective interests. (b) Discuss the immediate measures you will take to provide relief to the affected farming community. (c) Discuss the ethical dilemmas you might face while implementing your chosen course of action and how you would navigate them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Mr. V, recently appointed as the head of Aztack's India division, faces a significant ethical dilemma regarding the company's baby food products. Recently, it has come to public attention that Aztack's baby products in India contain nearly 3 grams of sugar per serving, while similar products in wealthier nations like Germany and the UK have no added sugar. Aztack defends this practice, stating that the sugar levels comply with local regulations. However, the nutritional information on these products omits details about added sugars. This revelation has sparked backlash from civil society, NGOs, and health experts, who argue that added sugar in baby products is dangerous and unnecessary. The criticism is growing, putting Aztack's reputation and market position at risk. Mr. V faces a serious challenge. Removing these baby products from the market could result in significant financial losses for the company, potentially leading to employee layoffs and even the possibility of the company shutting down, given its already precarious financial state. The senior management is pressuring him to resolve the issue without making drastic changes that could affect the company's profit. (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) Evaluate the options available to Mr. V in the above situation. (c) Which of the above would be the most appropriate option for Mr. V and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":56,"question":"Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) As a person responsible for ensuring exam protocols, what are the options available to you? What course of action will you follow and why?(Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"As you stand there, torn between your professional duty and your love for your daughter, you realize the weight of the decision before you. The integrity of the entire examination system hangs in the balance, as does the future of millions of students - including your own child. (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) As a person responsible for ensuring exam protocols, what are the options available to you? What course of action will you follow and why?(Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":600,"topper":"Ajay R Raj","air":109,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/AJAY-RAJ-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-109-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) Why is Indus Valley Civilization considered an urban civilization? Can you identify some of the elements of IVC that have influenced the present-day culture of the Indian subcontinent?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Vijayanagar was syncretic society and it made immense contribution to the development of art and literature in the region. Substantiate with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Describe any three important problems that India faced during early years after independence. How were these problems resolved?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) What are the criteria used to identify tribals in India? Assess the efforts made towards the integration of tribal communities after independence.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) Analyze the roots and manifestations of regionalism in India. Is regionalism always a threat to unity and integrity of the country?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) Examine the influence of regional and local traditions on temple architecture of ancient India. Also explain how ancient temple architecture impacted the architectural style and design of later periods.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":16,"question":"Q.7 Gandhara art was a hybrid school that reflects the cultural contact between India and the Hellenistic world. Elaborate. Also discuss the unique features of Gandhara art viz-a-viz Mathura and Amaravati school of art.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) Critically examine the conditions that necessitated the imposition of National Emergency in 1975. What were its short term and long-term impacts for the country?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":20,"question":"Q.9) Why is the decade of 1960 known as 'dangerous decade'? How did India surmount the challenges faced during this era?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.10 Globalization has been selective of social sections and economic sectors in sharing its boons and banes. In light of this statement, discuss the impact of globalization on Indian society.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":601,"topper":"Ajay R Raj","air":109,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Shankar IAS Parliament","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.shankariasparliament.com/uploads/downloads/AJAY_R_RAJ_P2.pdf","questions":[{"page":21,"question":"Bring out the differences between Srinivas’s and Dum ont’s perspective in the study of caste system . (20)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Is the Indian bureaucracy an outdated colonial vestige?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":55,"question":"Discuss how clim ate disasters pose challenges to Indian society?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":602,"topper":"Ajay R Raj","air":109,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Shankar IAS Parliament","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.shankariasparliament.com/uploads/downloads/AJAY_R_RAJ_P21.pdf","questions":[{"page":21,"question":"Bring out the differences between Srinivas’s and Dum ont’s perspective in the study of caste system . (20)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Is the Indian bureaucracy an outdated colonial vestige?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":55,"question":"Discuss how clim ate disasters pose challenges to Indian society?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":603,"topper":"Ajay R Raj","air":109,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Shankar IAS Parliament","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.shankariasparliament.com/uploads/downloads/AJAY_R_RAJ_P3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":604,"topper":"Ajay R Raj","air":109,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Shankar IAS Parliament","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.shankariasparliament.com/uploads/downloads/AJAY_R_RAJ_P4.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"What are the new dimensions of power elitism in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Examine the causes and consequences of India’s population growth slow down. (20)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Analyse the regionalisation of Indian politics and its implication on decentralization of power. (20)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Analyse the phases of Dalit movements. Have they been successful in Dalit","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Examine the socio-cultural consequences of an increasing dependency ratio?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":47,"question":"How can you conceptualise the terms ‘reproductive health care and autonomy’?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":53,"question":"Analyse the significance of legislations in preventing violence against women and children. (10) Please","marks":"10","words":null}]},{"id":605,"topper":"Ajay Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/afde7-38203_2124_ajay-yadav_rank-276.pdf","questions":[{"page":17,"question":"Life can only be understood backwards but it must be lived forwards.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":606,"topper":"Ajay Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/35151-38203_2125_ajay-yadav_rank-276.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Even the finest sword plunged into saltwater will eventually rust","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":607,"topper":"Ajay Yadav","air":276,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b5ab0-38203_2251_ajay-yadav_rank-276.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":608,"topper":"Ajay Yadav","air":290,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/AJAY-YADAV-UPSC-2023-Rank-290-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":609,"topper":"Ajay Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/dc6ec-38203_2219_ajay-yadav_rank-276.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Fiscal policy can be a key tool to reduce income inequality as well as make the poorest and the downtrodden a part of the country's growth story. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Digitizing land records will go a long way in ensuring land reforms as well as lessening the burden on the Indian Judiciary. Elaborate. Also, state the measures taken in this context. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"It has been pointed out that competitive politics to fund mostly non-merit subsidies is pushing a few states in India to the brink of a deep fiscal crisis. In this context, discuss the need to rationalise the subsidy regime in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Micro-irrigation has tremendous potential in transforming farming into a profitable and sustainable venture. Discuss the given statement in the context of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Given its vast resources and technical expertise, India can play a key role in assisting the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) in dealing with the impact of climate change. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The recent \"Disaster Management Plan of Ministry of Panchayati Raj (DMP-MoPR)\" aims to develop disaster resilience at the grassroots level. In this context, discuss the rationale behind the formulation of the Plan and highlight its key components. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the internal security implications emanating from the use of Emerging And Disruptive Technologies (EDT) by state and non-state actors. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Identify the impediments faced by India in boosting its defence exports. Also, discuss the steps taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the multiple issues associated with space debris. Also, state the initiatives taken in recent times to tackle this menace. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The adoption of Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) in India is expected to make e-commerce more inclusive and accessible for consumers. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While an agreement was recently reached at the WTO on a deal to curb \"harmful\" government fisheries subsidies, certain concerns raised by India suggests that the matter will require further negotiations. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite the advantages that are associated with the hybrid annuity model (HAM) in the road construction sector, the interest in it has moderated due to various reasons. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The existing MSP procurement regime is neither economically nor agro-ecologically sustainable. Elaborate. Also, evaluate the alternative approaches that can be adopted to improve the existing MSP regime. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"It is being argued that India is struggling with overflowing foodgrains in warehouses. Discuss the statement in view of the existing buffer stock policy of India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Recently, the government has asked all ports to prepare a master plan in order to become 'mega ports' by 2047. In light of this, discuss the challenges faced by ports and suggest remedial measures in order to propel India's blue economy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Inequality in income and wealth translates into carbon inequality. In this context, discuss the significance of addressing carbon inequality for India and suggest ways to achieve it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Establishing linkages between globalisation and money laundering, discuss the initiatives taken at the national and international levels to combat it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"There have been arguments that India needs to review some of its past assumptions about the nature of outer space and contribute to the development of new global norms. In this context, analyse India's stand in relation to the Artemis Accords. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":610,"topper":"Ajay Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/08aba-38203_2218_ajay-yadav_rank-276.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to revisit the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution? Discuss with suitable arguments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Highlighting the advantages of online dispute resolution (ODR) mechanism for justice delivery, discuss the challenges associated with its effective implementation in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Despite the constitutional division of powers, Centre-state disputes have been a perennial feature of Indian democracy. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Do you agree with the view that adopting a framework for lobbying will strengthen participative governance and ease of doing business in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Despite the government encouraging open source instead of proprietary technology for government applications, the true potential of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) and digital platforms remains unrealized. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"As a social safety-valve, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) can be the principal vehicles through which communities voice their concerns. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Despite being lauded for its patient centric approach, the implementation of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, remains sluggish and mired with various issues. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to formulate an Urban Employment Guarantee scheme at the national level? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the relevance of BIMSTEC as a regional organisation to fulfil India's strategic aspirations in the Indian Ocean Region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the relevance of the Gujral Doctrine for India with regard to its relations with its immediate neighbours in the present times. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the pivotal role of the \"Officers of Parliament\" in the Indian Parliamentary system. Also, discuss the constitutional and statutory provisions for their impartial functioning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The Finance Commission plays a crucial role in balancing fiscal federalism in India. In this context, examine the recommendations given by the 15th Finance Commission. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Critically assess whether according statutory backing to the Model Code of Conduct will contribute towards free and fair elections in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The market disruption caused by digital revolution warrants renewed focus and perspective to ensure fair competition in the digital economy. In this light, discuss the need to revamp the Competition Commission of India (CCI). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"There is an urgent need for effective whistle-blowing mechanisms and ensuring that necessary safeguards for the protection of whistle-blowers are established in both public and private spheres in India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"State the reasons behind the poor performance of cooperatives in India. Also, discuss the reforms undertaken by the government to overcome the shortcomings. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Public-Private Partnership model, if harnessed properly, has the potential to bridge the gaps in India's healthcare system. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Although the New Education Policy brings with itself a commendable vision, its success will depend on its ability to effectively integrate with the government's other policy initiatives. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) is born from a collective desire to make the Indo-Pacific region an engine of global economic growth. Comment. Also, discuss India's concerns in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"India needs to identify the priority areas to further its techno-diplomacy amidst the complexities of expanding digital space and New and Emerging Strategic Technologies. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":611,"topper":"Ajay Yadav","air":290,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/AJAY-YADAV-UPSC-2023-Rank-290-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":612,"topper":"Ajay Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/96bce-38203_2220_ajay-yadav_rank-276.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The logic of limitless wealth lies in the basic human instinct for furthering self-interest in the form of profit. In this context, do you think there is a possibility of pursuing ethical capitalism? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"If a law is unjust, a man is not only right to disobey it, he is obligated to do so. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The capacity of Citizens' Charter to initiate any transformative process is conditioned upon it being appropriately designed and effectively executed. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The moral fiber and ethical conduct of public officials not only influence the standard of governance but also their own interests and performance. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The ongoing debate on euthanasia poses several ethical questions. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Foreign aid is a form of neo-colonialism, as the economically wealthier countries can exploit the developing countries under the cloak of aid. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Throwing light on the idea of Universal Humanism propounded by Rabindranath Tagore, discuss its contemporary relevance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree with the view that it is nature and not nurture which determines the emotional intelligence of a person? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Values that guide public administrators can often compete with each other, owing to their relative importance to the larger public interest. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Is it justifiable to say that corruption is a social phenomenon? What are the various ways through which administrative corruption can be tackled? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? \\\"Overcoming poverty is not a task of charity; it is an act of justice.\\\" Nelson Mandela (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":57,"question":"The Indian education system suffers from many ills. One of the major issues is the focus on 'rote learning', which has been the staple of the Indian education system for many years. While many Indians have attained success despite this system, simply being able to recall information is not enough in today's world when that information is instantly available to anyone on a mobile phone. A survey of 200 Indian and foreign companies found that only 14% of Indian graduates were prepared for the workforce, largely because most graduates were unable to apply their (a) ' ' ? (b)","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":613,"topper":"Ajay Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4a15e-38203_1249_ajay-yadav_rank-276.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"In the quest for scientific and technological development, ethical values should not be neglected. Discuss in the current context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Elucidate Swami Vivekananda's ideas on nationalism.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. Mahatma Gandhi","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"The mandatory nature of Corporate Social Responsibility goes against the notion of philanthropy. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"There have been arguments that rich countries owe an obligation to people living in poor countries. In this context, discuss the issues associated with foreign aid.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"It is essential that people have access to information if they are to have the capacity to exercise other rights. Discuss the statement with focus on importance of RTI in governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Various studies have found out that cases of depression and mental illness have increased exponentially in the recent past. Also, in the age group of 15-30 years, this problem is further pronounced. Furthermore, the rising trend of suicides in this age group has been attributed to depression. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Present an ethical critique of the prevalent societal attitude towards mental illness. (b) Given the magnitude of the problem among younger generation/young adults, analyse the role of the following: i. Parenting ii. Social Media iii. Video Games","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":614,"topper":"Ajay Yadav","air":290,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/AJAY-YADAV-UPSC-2023-Rank-290-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":615,"topper":"Ajay Yadav","air":290,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/12crpYoSiaUvzXLUWTKq392Uzh7zd08n4/view","questions":[]},{"id":616,"topper":"AJEET DAFTARI","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/AJEET-DAFTARI-UPSC-2024-Rank-371-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The Indian Constitution does not embody a strict separation of powers rather it introduces a system of checks and balances, with overlapping functions and interdependencies among the legislature, executive, and judiciary. Elaborate. (10 m arks, 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":3,"question":"Recently, the Supreme Court has expanded the scope of Articles 14 and 21 to include the “right against the adverse effects of climate change”. In this context, citing relevant case laws, discuss the role played by Indian judiciary in ‘constitutionalization’ of environmental issues. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":3,"question":"The Speaker's inclination to cater to party loyalties often undermines the dignity and impartiality of the office, eroding public trust in the legislative process. Analyse with the help of recent examples . (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":3,"question":"Assess the effectiveness of SEBI in fulfilling its envisaged role of regulating the securities market, ensuring transparency, and protecting investors' interests . (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":3,"question":"The foundational strength of the Indian Constitution stems from its ability to integrate diverse socio - political perspectives. Elucidate. (1 0 marks, 1 50 words)","marks":"0","words":"50"},{"page":3,"question":"Parliamentary committees serve as vital tools for legislative oversight, ensuring accou ntability and transparency in governance processes. In light of the statement, examine the role of the Public Accounts Committee in establishing financial accountability of the executive. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Without addressing the issues that hinder the full and effective participation of persons with disabilities in political and public life, the goal of achieving inclusiveness and their empowerment will remain unattainable. Analyze. (1 0 marks, 1 50 words)","marks":"0","words":"50"},{"page":4,"question":"What roles do community - based interventions play in enhancing access to preventive and promotive healthcare services in India? (1 0 marks, 1 50 words)","marks":"0","words":"50"},{"page":4,"question":"The current composition of the UNSC, with under - representation and un - representation of key regions is detrimental to its legitimacy and effectiveness, underscoring the urgent need for reforms. Elaborate. Also, present a case for India’s permanent membership in the UNSC. (1 0 marks, 1 50 words)","marks":"0","words":"50"},{"page":4,"question":"“The ongoing internal crisis in Myanmar is impeding India’s Act East Policy.” In light of the statement, discuss the measures taken by India to deal with the crisis and associated challenges. (1 0 marks, 1 50 words)","marks":"0","words":"50"},{"page":4,"question":"Enumerate the salient features of Representation of People’s Act, 1951. In your opinion, what amendments are needed in the Act to further the cause of free and fair elections in light of contemporary challenges. (1 5 marks, 2 50 words)","marks":"5","words":"50"},{"page":4,"question":"The cooperative nature of Indian federalism is being increasingly challenged by emerging differences in Centre - State relations. Discuss. What steps can be taken to strengthen the cooperative spirit of Indian federalism? (1 5 marks, 2 50 words)","marks":"5","words":"50"},{"page":5,"question":"Parliamentary privileges are fundamental for lawmakers to discharge their duties without undue influence. However, ensuring the responsible exercise of these privileges is crucial for fostering public trust and ensuring the accountability of public institutions. Analyse. (1 5 marks, 2 50 words)","marks":"5","words":"50"},{"page":5,"question":"The Constitution of India provides several rights that empower the individual, yet it balances these freedoms with reasonable restrictions in the larger public interest. Discuss how constitutional restrictions on fundamental rights strike a fine balance between individual interests and societal interests. Also, mention the principles that are considered in evaluating the reasonableness of restrictions with reference case laws. (1 5 marks, 2 50 words)","marks":"5","words":"50"},{"page":5,"question":"Self - Help Groups (SHGs) can play a crucial role in alleviating rural poverty by providing women with access to microfinance, enabling them to start small businesses and improve their livelihoods. Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":5,"question":"Despite the implementation of numerous policies and schemes aimed at combating hunger and malnutrition in the country, their effectiveness remains limited. Analyse. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":5,"question":"The true test of good governance is the degree to which it ensures accountability towards citizens and delivers on the promise of sustainable and inclusive human development. Discuss in the context of challenges to good governance in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":5,"question":"As the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) provides a judicial mechanism for the peaceful resolution of international disputes. In this context, throw light on the structure and mandate of ICJ. Also, highlight the challenges it faces in fulfilling its mandate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":6,"question":"Geopolitical shifts pose challenges to India - Russia relations, yet the relationship remains robust, driven by deep - rooted trust and a shared commitment to sustain a multifaceted strategic partnership. Analyse. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":617,"topper":"AJEY SINGH RATHOR","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/43634-52250_1416_ajey_singh_rathore_rank_87.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the significance of ethical work culture, suggest ways by which it can be imbibed in an organization. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Upholding probity in governance is not only contingent on values of an individual but also the processes of the institution. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The nature of a business's operations has a major influence on the ethical issues with which it must contend. Giving examples, discuss how business ethics is crucial in today's world. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"An honest bureaucrat can be put to inconvenience but the dishonest one is more likely to suffer in the long run. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The notion of an ethical foreign policy downplays the realities of international politics. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Conscience can neither be silent nor delayed as a source of ethical guidance. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) To educate a person in the mind but not in morals is to educate a menace to society. — Theodore Roosevelt (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"Children are great imitators, so give them something great to imitate.\" In this context, discuss the importance of role models in inculcating values in children. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The Covid-19 pandemic has brought with itself an environment of uncertainties and hardships. In this context, discuss the significance of emotional intelligence in dealing with the situation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Bring out the role of social media in shaping one's moral and political attitude. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":34,"question":"In recent times, the country witnessed protests based on opposition to some steps taken by the government. Whereas, mostly these were peaceful protests, at a few places these activities turned violent leading to destruction of public property. In some places government arrested few of the protesters and imposed heavy fines on them for the destruction of the property. In case they could not pay, their private property was confiscated by the government to pay for the damage done to the public property. In addition to this, some governments published the photographs, names and addresses of those accused of vandalism during protests at various locations. (a) What are the issues of public importance at stake in this case? (b) Are their any ethical or legal principles at play here which may be conflicting? (c) What should be the principles guiding a democratic state in such circumstances?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"The global toll of the COVID-19 pandemic is enormous: more than a half-million lives lost, hundreds of millions out of work, and trillions of dollars of wealth destroyed. And the disease has by no means run its course. There is tremendous interest in the development of a vaccine, with more than a hundred initiatives under way around the world. Even if one or more vaccines emerge that promise to make people less susceptible to COVID-19, the public-health problem will not be eliminated. But policymakers can avert some foreseeable problems by starting to address key questions about financing and distribution now. In view of the above scenario, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the different stakeholders involved in this scenario. (b) Identify some of the ethical questions and issues that are likely to emerge as the vaccine becomes available. (c) Who, in your opinion, should be amongst the first recipients of the vaccine? Give reasons for your answer.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are the head of a PSU which has recently been entrusted with construction of a new airport in a metropolitan city. However, the area in the immediate neighbourhood of the proposed airport runways have large tracts of land occupied by dense slum settlements. If the airport is to be constructed, approximately 75,000 slum families will have to be humanly rehabilitated. The sheer scale of this rehabilitation, almost similar to an urban renewal, has thrown up many challenges. Foremost among these is identifying an appropriate location for rehabilitation of slum dwellers. You are faced with the following options in this regard, each of which have their own merits and demerits: (a) There is no reasonably priced land in close vicinity of the present slums. A vacant parcel of land that you have identified close-by will have to be developed afresh along with all civic amenities, and this will entail huge cost for the PSU. (b) There is another location, which is very far-off where a factory once stood. All the required civic amenities are in place here and the factory can be converted into appropriate houses at little cost to the PSU. However, there will be loss of livelihood on relocation to this area because of its distance from the current slum location. (c) There is yet another site, which can be used for rehabilitation at reasonable cost. Neither is it too far nor will it entail huge monetary cost, but exercising this option involves cutting a large number of trees, which may adversely affect the ecology of the area. This is likely to face resistance from environmental groups. Given the above options and the associated challenges, which of these sites will you choose for rehabilitation of slum dwellers? Provide adequate justification for your choice.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":618,"topper":"AJEY SINGH RATHOR","air":87,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b8d16-52250_1420_ajey_singh_rathore_rank_87.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":619,"topper":"Ajey Singh Rathore","air":133,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/085d7-52250_1754_ajey-singh-rathore_rank-133.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":620,"topper":"Ajey Singh Rathore","air":133,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2ce26-52250_1256_ajey-singh-rathore_rank-133.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":621,"topper":"Ajey Singh Rathore","air":133,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2f190-52250_1254_ajey-singh-rathore_rank-133.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":622,"topper":"Ajey Singh Rathore","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ec874-52250_1513_ajey-singh-rathore_rank-133.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"In the context of protection of monuments, explain the role of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Also, comment on the challenges faced by ASI and measures taken to address these. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Tribal art has a huge potential for acting as an economic resource and a tool for socio-economic transformation of tribals in India. Elucidate. Also highlight the challenges in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Often deemed as the 'forgotten conflict', the Korean War had far reaching implications. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Explaining the origin of earth's magnetism, discuss its significance with special reference to its interaction with solar particles. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discussing the challenges pertaining to dam safety in India, highlight the potential of Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project to address them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What is understood by Carbon Compensation Depth (CCD)? Discuss the implications of the rise in this depth due to anthropogenic warming as well. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"In view of demographic changes in recent decades, do you think India needs a two-child policy? Discuss in light of various strands of the debate surrounding this issue. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Globalization is incredibly efficient but has so far been incredibly unjust. Examine the statement in the context of developing countries like India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"It would not be completely wrong to state that in India, art is religion and religion is art.\" In light of the statement, discuss the impact of various religions on art in India, citing relevant examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Despite organizational apathy from the Indian National Congress in its initial years, the working class in various parts of the country subsequently participated overwhelmingly in the nationalist movement. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Though some of his early measures restored faith among the Indians in the liberal tradition of England, Lord Ripon's tenure did not bring about significant changes in the conservative mindset of the colonial bureaucracy. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The New Social Movements in post-independence period made an important beginning in awakening the society against injustices and deepened the very notion of democracy in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What are the reasons for recurrent and often catastrophic wildfires in places like Australia and the United States? Are there any lessons to be learnt from these events by India? Explain adequately. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss why India needs a cross border flood management mechanism. Also, state the major issues in cross border flood management and suggest remedial measures in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Depletion of water resources in India is both a geo climatic phenomenon as well as a result some short sighted government policies. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the major lithospheric plates? How and why do these plates move? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"There exists a wide gap between the constitutionally professed secularism and its practice in India. Do you agree? Substantiate with relevant arguments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India spends less than one per cent of GDP on care work infrastructure and services. In view of the statement, explain how increased public investment in care economy infrastructure can be instrumental in meeting multiple policy objectives. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":623,"topper":"Ajey Singh Rathore","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8047d-52250_1513_ajey-singh-rathore_rank_87.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"In the context of protection of monuments, explain the role of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Also, comment on the challenges faced by ASI and measures taken to address these. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Tribal art has a huge potential for acting as an economic resource and a tool for socio-economic transformation of tribals in India. Elucidate. Also highlight the challenges in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Often deemed as the 'forgotten conflict', the Korean War had far reaching implications. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Explaining the origin of earth's magnetism, discuss its significance with special reference to its interaction with solar particles. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discussing the challenges pertaining to dam safety in India, highlight the potential of Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project to address them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What is understood by Carbon Compensation Depth (CCD)? Discuss the implications of the rise in this depth due to anthropogenic warming as well. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"In view of demographic changes in recent decades, do you think India needs a two-child policy? Discuss in light of various strands of the debate surrounding this issue. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Globalization is incredibly efficient but has so far been incredibly unjust. Examine the statement in the context of developing countries like India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"It would not be completely wrong to state that in India, art is religion and religion is art.\" In light of the statement, discuss the impact of various religions on art in India, citing relevant examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Despite organizational apathy from the Indian National Congress in its initial years, the working class in various parts of the country subsequently participated overwhelmingly in the nationalist movement. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Though some of his early measures restored faith among the Indians in the liberal tradition of England, Lord Ripon's tenure did not bring about significant changes in the conservative mindset of the colonial bureaucracy. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The New Social Movements in post-independence period made an important beginning in awakening the society against injustices and deepened the very notion of democracy in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What are the reasons for recurrent and often catastrophic wildfires in places like Australia and the United States? Are there any lessons to be learnt from these events by India? Explain adequately. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss why India needs a cross border flood management mechanism. Also, state the major issues in cross border flood management and suggest remedial measures in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Depletion of water resources in India is both a geo climatic phenomenon as well as a result some short sighted government policies. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the major lithospheric plates? How and why do these plates move? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"There exists a wide gap between the constitutionally professed secularism and its practice in India. Do you agree? Substantiate with relevant arguments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":624,"topper":"Ajey Singh Rathore","air":87,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/48893-52250_1514_ajey-singh-rathore_rank_87.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":625,"topper":"Ajey Singh Rathore","air":87,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/829fa-52250_1864_ajey-singh-rathore_rank_87.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":626,"topper":"Ajey Singh Rathore","air":133,"year":2022,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4fabc-52250_1514_ajey-singh-rathore_rank-133.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":627,"topper":"Ajey Singh Rathore","air":133,"year":2022,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d06ee-52250_1515_ajey-singh-rathore_rank-133.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":628,"topper":"Ajey Singh Rathore","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/084e9-52250_1416_ajey-singh-rathore_rank-133.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the significance of ethical work culture, suggest ways by which it can be imbibed in an organization. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Upholding probity in governance is not only contingent on values of an individual but also the processes of the institution. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The nature of a business's operations has a major influence on the ethical issues with which it must contend. Giving examples, discuss how business ethics is crucial in today's world. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"An honest bureaucrat can be put to inconvenience but the dishonest one is more likely to suffer in the long run. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The notion of an ethical foreign policy downplays the realities of international politics. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Conscience can neither be silent nor delayed as a source of ethical guidance. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) To educate a person in the mind but not in morals is to educate a menace to society. — Theodore Roosevelt (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"Children are great imitators, so give them something great to imitate.\" In this context, discuss the importance of role models in inculcating values in children. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The Covid-19 pandemic has brought with itself an environment of uncertainties and hardships. In this context, discuss the significance of emotional intelligence in dealing with the situation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Bring out the role of social media in shaping one's moral and political attitude. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":34,"question":"In recent times, the country witnessed protests based on opposition to some steps taken by the government. Whereas, mostly these were peaceful protests, at a few places these activities turned violent leading to destruction of public property. In some places government arrested few of the protesters and imposed heavy fines on them for the destruction of the property. In case they could not pay, their private property was confiscated by the government to pay for the damage done to the public property. In addition to this, some governments published the photographs, names and addresses of those accused of vandalism during protests at various locations. (a) What are the issues of public importance at stake in this case? (b) Are their any ethical or legal principles at play here which may be conflicting? (c) What should be the principles guiding a democratic state in such circumstances?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"The global toll of the COVID-19 pandemic is enormous: more than a half-million lives lost, hundreds of millions out of work, and trillions of dollars of wealth destroyed. And the disease has by no means run its course. There is tremendous interest in the development of a vaccine, with more than a hundred initiatives under way around the world. Even if one or more vaccines emerge that promise to make people less susceptible to COVID-19, the public-health problem will not be eliminated. But policymakers can avert some foreseeable problems by starting to address key questions about financing and distribution now. In view of the above scenario, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the different stakeholders involved in this scenario. (b) Identify some of the ethical questions and issues that are likely to emerge as the vaccine becomes available. (c) Who, in your opinion, should be amongst the first recipients of the vaccine? Give reasons for your answer.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":629,"topper":"Ajey Singh Rathore","air":133,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/46028-52250_1420_ajey-singh-rathore_rank-133.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":630,"topper":"AJEY SONGH RATHORE","air":87,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/bfbc5-52250_1754_ajey_songh_rathore_rank_87.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":631,"topper":"AJEY SONGH RATHORE","air":87,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e1476-52250_1254_ajey_songh_rathore_rank_87.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":632,"topper":"AJEY SONGH RATHORE","air":87,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/80faa-52250_1253_ajey_songh_rathore_rank_87.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":633,"topper":"Ajink Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ce435-1562623_3128_ajink_kumar_rank_135.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"The world must learn to work together, or finally it will not work at all.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Technology, like art, is a soaring exercise of the human imagination.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"We've begun to raise daughters more like sons, but few have the courage to raise our sons more like daughters.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":634,"topper":"Ajink Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/ajink-test-7-1747637970093.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Highlighting the elements of urbanization discuss how agriculture played a pivotal role in the enduring success and longevity of the Harappan Civilization. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"The Quit India Movement marked the awakening of the nation's soul and brought diverse sections together in a unified vision of Independence. Discuss (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Analyze the impact of World War II in accelerating the process of decolonization in Asia and Africa. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the various types of sedimentary rocks and their formation processes. What is the economic significance of sedimentary rocks? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What are the characteristics of anticyclonic circulations, and how do they influence weather patterns over the Indian subcontinent? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What is coral bleaching, and what are its main causes? Also, evaluate the role of marine protected areas (MPAs) in the conservation of coral reefs. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss the role of economic corridors in fostering regional economic integration and development. How do projects like the Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor (CBIC) align with India's broader economic growth strategies? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What is gender fluid identity, and what are the LGBTQ community's ongoing challenges to full societal inclusion and equal treatment? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"How does the interplay between regional and national identities fuel the emergence of regionalistic sentiments? How can we balance regional identities with broader national identity? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"How do various cultural practices and traditions contribute to the idea of \\\"Unity in Diversity\\\"? Provide examples to support your argument. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"What is the significance of Stupa art in the context of Buddhist architecture and culture? Discuss its various elements and symbolism and their role in coveying Buddhist beliefs. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"\"The dual struggle against entrenched social customs and colonial dominance was a prominent feature of socio-religious reform movements in 19th century India.\" How did the socio-religious reform movements of 19th century India respond to colonial cultural and ideological hegemony? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"How did the British policies contribute to the de-industrialization of India, and how did this process affect the lives of Indian artisans and the broader economy? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"What are the factors that lead to the formation of local winds? Discuss their impact on the weather and climate in various regions, providing relevant examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"What are the primary drivers of freshwater scarcity in megacities like Bangalore and Hyderabad? Suggest comprehensive solutions that address both supply and demand aspects of urban water management. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"What is the Blue Revolution? What are the significant hurdles in aquaculture development, and what comprehensive strategies can be implemented to address them? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"What are the key factors influencing the establishment of large-scale solar farms in India, and what are their environmental and social impacts? How can India balance the expansion of solar energy with the need to protect biodiversity and local ecosystems? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"India can balance the expansion of solar with the need to protect biodiversity and local ecosystem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"In what ways do social media platforms perpetuate and challenge social inequalities and power structures? Provide a critical analysis. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Give a comparative analysis of the tribal and mainstream societies. Is tribal society more progressive than mainstream society? Argue with examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"In what ways does poverty intersect with other social problems like caste, social stratification, and gender inequality? What comprehensive strategies do you suggest to address these interrelated issues? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":635,"topper":"Ajink Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/ajink-test-1-1747637876230.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Examine the role of numismatic evidence in understanding the political and economic history of ancient India. Provide specific examples.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Assess the impact of women's organizations in mobilizing women across diverse socio-economic and regional backgrounds in pre-independence India.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":8,"question":"How did the policy of non-alignment reflect the aspirations of India and other newly independent nations to maintain their sovereignty and resist colonial pressures?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the processes involved in volcanism Highlight the major volcanic regions in the world and their associated tectonic settings.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Explain the geological features and ecological importance of the Eastern Ghats.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"Earlier known as coarse cereals the government rebranded millets in 2018 as nutri-cereals. In this context discuss the ecological and nutritional significance of millets","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"What are the potential consequences of Arctic ice melt on biodiversity and ecosystems? How might these changes impact global ecological balance","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Do you think the Uniform Civil Code contradicts the idea of religious pluralism and cultural differences in Indian society?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss the concept of healthy active ageing in the context of demographic shifts in India. How does it contribute to social inclusion?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":22,"question":"How is the transition from 'conscious consumption' to 'compulsive consumption' impacting family structure and dynamics in urban areas?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss with examples the key features of Vijayanagara architecture. How did Indo-Islamic elements manifest in their structures?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Compare and contrast the features of ancient Indian universities like Nalanda and Takshashila with modern state-funded universities in India. What lessons can modern universities learn from ancient ones to improve their effectiveness?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Analyze the ideological differences and similarities between the revolutionary movement(1920-1930s) and the Gandhian non-violent struggle. How did these two ideologies influence each other?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":33,"question":"What are the various types of glacial landforms formed in the Indian Himalayas. How do these features impact local ecosystems and human activities?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Discuss the unique geographical features of the Indian Ocean and their impact on global oceanic circulation patterns. How do these features influence the climate of the Indian subcontinent?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Urban heat islands (UHIs) have become a significant phenomenon in Indian cities, exacerbating the frequency and intensity of heat waves. Analyze the underlying factors contributing to this phenomenon and critically assess the existing mitigation strategies.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Evaluate the primary factors contributing to regional disparities in the sugar industry between North India and Peninsular India. What measures can be undertaken to reduce the surplus sugar production?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Analyze the influence of globalization on migration patterns in India. What are the economic and social implications of increased internal and international migration?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Discuss how gender-based violence in India is a manifestation of patriarchal values. To what extent has modernisation in law served as an instrument of women's empowerment in this regard?","marks":"15","words":null}]},{"id":636,"topper":"Ajink Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1b6e4-1562623_2930_ajink_kumar_rank_135.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How is the rapid growth of the food processing industry leading to food safety challenges in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Under the Public Distribution System of India, the Fair Price Shop (FPS) transformation is an evolving process. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"How are agri-tech startups in India helping farmers in enhancing farm productivity and market access? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the role of digitization of land records in the effective implementation of land reforms in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"To fully exploit its demographic dividend and accelerate economic growth, India needs to adopt a manufacturing-led growth model. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can the resilience of Indian coastal communities be strengthened to tackle the growing natural hazards resulting from climate change? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How does the Green Credit Programme extend beyond carbon management to promote a more sustainable environment in India? What are the various concerns about its implementation? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What is the need for NavIC when existing satellite navigation systems are already available? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Cyber-enabled financial crime has emerged as the new frontier of global money laundering. Discuss. How can the government address this issue? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The Indian Army is observing the year 2024 as the 'Year of Technology Absorption'. In light of this, explain why there is a need for technology absorption in the defence sector of India. What challenges can India face in this initiative? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What are the issues faced in the development of trade and industries in the North-Eastern Region (NER) of India? Comment on the measures that have been taken to tackle these issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the era of climate change and growing water scarcity, how can micro-irrigation systems contribute to sustainable agricultural practices in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What strategies can be adopted to overcome the issues pertaining to freight transportation in the Indian Railways and increase its share in the domestic freight? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the factors that have aided India in making impressive strides in the renewable energy sector and establishing itself as a frontrunner in the global renewable energy transition. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"How does agricultural runoff containing fertilizers and pesticides contribute to environmental pollution? What measures can be taken to mitigate the impact of agricultural runoff? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The growing influx of tourists in Himalayan states has breached their ecological carrying capacity, leading to significant man-made disasters. What measures can be implemented to prevent such disasters while promoting sustainable tourism? Discuss with relevant examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"How do superconductors fuel innovation in diverse fields of science and technology? Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"While India has laws covering almost all types of intellectual property rights, numerous enforcement, regulatory and administrative challenges hamper the commercialisation of IPRs in India. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Keeping in view the challenges in creating integrated theatre commands, examine how the theaterisation of commands can lead to greater integration and rationalisation of manpower and resources among the three services, (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Treating border villages as first villages not just geographically but also in terms of facilities can be a key strategy for enhancing border security. Discuss. Also, highlight the measures being taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":637,"topper":"Ajink Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c192f-1562623_2423_ajink_kumar_rank_135.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With suitable examples, discuss how environmental pressure groups enhance public participation and responsiveness with regard to environmental policies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The recent acknowledgment of sex work as a 'profession' by the Supreme Court is merely the first step in ensuring basic rights and equality for sex workers in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the role played by District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) in providing free legal aid and disseminating legal awareness in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"The collegium system has become a victim of its own success, with the concentration of power in the hands of a few, leading to questions about its legitimacy.\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":638,"topper":"Ajink Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/efa37-1562623_2424_ajink_kumar_rank_135.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What are the different dimensions of food security? Examine India's status in terms of ensuring food security with regard to these dimensions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Modern technologies such as blockchain and ChatGPT are powerful tools with immense potential to transform agriculture into a more efficient and sustainable sector. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What factors have led to the recent acceleration in the trend towards de-dollarization of the global economy? Do you think the dollar will lose its dominance anytime soon? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Despite significant pressure from the developed countries to alter its food subsidy regime, there is merit in India trying to retain its policy support for the poor in the country. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Several initiatives have been taken by the government towards addressing India's water needs, but the issues of water availability and water quality still warrant prioritised intervention. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What are the major drivers of glacial retreat in the Arctic? Describe the potential impact of the retreat of Arctic glaciers on the ecosystem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Space tourism, which was viewed as something straight out of a science fiction movie, is now becoming a reality albeit not without hindrances. What are the challenges associated with space tourism? What measures can be taken to address these challenges? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Global health experts widely believe that the development of CAR-T cell therapy can be a game changer in the treatment of cancer. How can CAR-T cell therapy overcome the limitations of CRISPR-Cas9 technology? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss why the rising deployment of new and emerging technologies by prominent violent extremist organizations demand concerted global efforts. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"With the Line of Actual Control (LAC) remaining tense after the Galwan and Yangste incidents and both India and China ramping up infrastructure in the border areas, discuss the role that ITBP plays in the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Do you think there is a need for a shift from 'land productivity' to 'irrigation water productivity' in India? Justify your answer. What are the challenges in making this shift? Explain. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Examine the role that green hydrogen can play in unlocking the energy security of India. How can the National Green Hydrogen Mission help India in achieving its energy goals? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The government has been weighing a transition from minimum wage to living wage in recent times. What are the benefits and constraints in the adoption of living wage in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The Union Budget affects almost every sector of the Indian economy, yet neither the budgetary processes nor the budget policies come under substantial public scrutiny. Do you agree? Justify your answer. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Some regions in India, including Delhi, are highly vulnerable to the impact of earthquakes originating in the Himalayas. Discuss. What institutional measures have been taken to mitigate earthquake losses in India? Do you think there are significant gaps that still exist? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Recently, scientists announced net energy gain in nuclear fusion reaction, which is considered as a major scientific breakthrough for the future of clean energy. What are the advantages of nuclear fusion based power generation? What are the limitations in using it to generate electricity at a commercial scale? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Keeping in view the recent amendment, examine the efficacy of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, in tackling the menace of money laundering in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Discuss the security threats present in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), which have a direct bearing on India's maritime border interests. Suggest a robust strategy to deal with these threats. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":639,"topper":"Ajink Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/ajink-test-3-1747637907748.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Federal governance is characterised by institutionalized arrangements for solving problems generated by pluralism based on consultation and mutual consent. How have Zonal Councils evolved from merely advisory bodies to proactive platforms for action? (Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Secularism under the Indian constitution is encapsulated in the broader concept of constitutional commitment to equality. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"\"There is a need to shift the focus of Section 8 of the Representation of People Act, 1951 from the duration of the sentence to the gravity of the offence.' Comment on how the current classification under Section 8 leads to arbitrary categorisation of offences. Also, mention the remedies available to a person disqualified under this section. (Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What is the significance of the Leader of Opposition in the Indian parliamentary system? How does the role of the opposition contribute to the checks and balances in a democracy? (Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"The core ideals of the Preamble - sovereignty, socialism, secularism, and democracy - form the bedrock of India's constitutional framework.\" Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Assess the implications of the 103rd Constitutional Amendment, which introduced a ten per cent reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), on the principle of social justice in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The focus of welfare schemes in India is shifting from \"well-being\" towards \"over-dependency\". In light of this, do you agree that welfare schemes have inculcated a \"freebies culture\" in India leading to a divergence of focus from poverty and hunger alleviation? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"E-governance is not just about efficiency; it's about making governance accessible and inclusive for every citizen. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"With the advent of new regional and multilateral agreements like QUAD, AUKUS, I2U2 etc the old world order represented by organizations like NAM, Davos, and G77 is losing its relevance. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The island states and territories from the South Pacific to the African coast have become new nodes in India's changing strategic geography. In this context, highlight the importance of these island states for India and also throw light upon the initiatives taken by India to strengthen ties with these states. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Electoral funding in India is fraught with the double whammy of legal loopholes and political inefficiencies. In this context, discuss the challenges to electoral funding. What lessons can India draw from global best practices in this regard? (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Pressure groups form the social foundation of a democracy. In this context, discuss pressure groups' key contributions in promoting social security measures for workers in India, and how they address the gaps in existing policies. (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"The Constitution envisages the \"principle of federal supremacy\" in the executive space of Indian federal polity. Discuss while referring to the relevant Constitutional provisions and case laws. How are contentious issues regarding the distribution of powers resolved? (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Delimitation of seats is essential to ensure fair representation and uphold the principles of one vote, one value. Highlighting the challenges posed by misrepresentation in constituencies analyse the ramifications of population-based delimitation in creating federal tension. (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"To what extent can the PIL system be held responsible for shifting the focus of the higher Courts from \"constitutional matters\" to day-to-day matters? What role can the trial Courts play in reducing the overall burden on higher Courts? (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"India's higher education system needs significant reforms to align with global standards. How does the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 aim to address these challenges, and what lessons can India learn from international practices to enhance its higher education system? Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"The Right to Information (RTI) Act is hailed for its transformative impact on the quest for transparency and accountability in Indian governance. However, multifaceted challenges and systemic limitations impede its effective implementation. Discuss. Also, suggest measures for its effective implementation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Discuss the unique challenges and opportunities Self Help Groups (SHGs) encounter in urban areas compared to rural ones, and how can microfinance be adapted to tackle urban poverty. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Highlight the significance of the recently envisaged India-Middle East-Europe corridor for India's connectivity with the world, especially the West. Do you think, in recent times, transport and energy initiatives have taken precedence in India's foreign policy? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Despite the recent rise in politically contentious issues, the India-Canada bilateral relationship has remained committed to shared values of democracy, pluralism, expanding economic engagement and long-standing people-to-people ties. Highlighting the significant pillars of the India-Canada relationship, discuss the potential areas of cooperation and collaboration between India and Canada. (150 marks, 250 words)","marks":"150","words":"250"}]},{"id":640,"topper":"Ajink Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/ajink-test-4-1747637920259.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"\"Parliament is a creature of the constitution, not its master\". Highlighting relevant case laws discuss how judicial intervention has shaped the balance between the Constitution and parliamentary sovereignty. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"How do the citizenship laws and policies of India and the United States differ within their constitutional frameworks? Comment on the ongoing debate on citizenship laws and policies in India and the US. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"\"The right to internet access is integral to the realization and exercise of other fundamental rights in India.\" In this context examine how the recognition of internet access as a fundamental right in India reconciles with the state's authority to impose restrictions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"How did the 44th Constitutional Amendment impact the emergency provisions in the Indian Constitution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What are the powers and immunities of the Governor in relation to bills passed by the state legislature? Are these powers unlimited in nature? Discuss in light of relevant judgements. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Do you think that lateral entry can significantly enhance the effectiveness of the Indian bureaucracy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The demand for a caste census and the sub-categorization of castes reflects the failure of neoliberalism to address India's caste problem. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Despite significant advancements, women remain underrepresented in STEM fields. What are the barriers to women's participation in STEM, and what policy interventions can address these challenges to promote gender equity? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Strategically located ports are vital assets in regional and economic integration. In this context discuss the significance of ports like Chabahar and Sittwe in India's strategy to enhance connectivity and their contribution to India's geopolitical objectives. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"The federal character of a nation comprising elective bodies at different levels is best secured through a bicameral legislature. In this context, discuss how a bicameral legislature supports federalism in India. What additional measures can be taken to strengthen the federal structure and ensure effective representation of states in national governance? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"An Independent Parliamentary Secretariat is the backbone of a robust democracy, ensuring non-partisan support to Parliament in carrying out its core functions. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Given the significant role of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in local governance, assess the challenges and opportunities in strengthening their financial autonomy. How can reforms in PRI financing contribute to more effective grassroots governance in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Despite the absence of a constitutional mandate, the National Commission for Women (NCW) has had a significant impact in influencing legal reforms and securing gender justice in India. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"In post-liberalized India, independent regulators were established to ensure fair competition and transparency. To what extent have independent regulators been effective in their mandates and discuss the impact of government influence on their autonomy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"How does the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023 aim to reshape the patriarchal dynamics of Indian politics? Do you think it might encounter similar limitations as those seen in local self-government institutions? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Hunger is both a cause and a consequence of poverty, and addressing it requires a multidimensional approach. Analyze the effectiveness of a multidimensional approach with examples from key government initiatives. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"The African Union's inclusion in the G-20 marks a significant step towards strengthening South-South cooperation. Discuss the importance of this development for India and its implications for India's relations with Africa. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":641,"topper":"Ajink Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/ajink-test-2-1747637895220.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"The rule of law and judicial review are interdependent, as one cannot truly exist without the other. In this context can judicial review be considered the most important aspect among those that constitute the basic structure of the Constitution? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"How does the power and authority of Delhi's lieutenant governor compare to that of the governors of other states, particularly in terms of acting on the aid and advice of the council of ministers? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss the role of the judiciary in navigating the tension between the right to religion and constitutional morality in India in recent times. Refer to relevant case laws. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The principle of 'Separation of Powers' is a key feature of the American Constitution. In this context, compare how the Indian Constitution's functional separation of powers distinguishes itself from the US system. What are the advantages of a check and balance system over a rigid Separation of Powers? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution is more than a legal provision that empowers tribal regions with self-rule. How does the sixth schedule foster development while respecting their traditional governance systems and cultural practices? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How do partnerships between Civil Society Organizations and Government Entities contribute to India's development goals? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss the importance of cultivating a culture of life-long learning among Indian civil servants. How has Mission Karmyogi contributed to this objective? Illustrate with examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Given India's strides in reducing extreme poverty, should the country consider redefining its poverty line to better reflect the current socio-economic realities? Discuss the potential benefits and challenges associated with redefinition of the poverty line. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Evaluate the impact of the deepening political divisions with the major Western States on global governance and international cooperation. How should India navigate these divisions to advance its national interests on the global stage? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"How does India's Arctic Policy align with its broader foreign policy objectives? Broadly discuss the collaborations and agreements India is involved in with the Arctic Council. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In what ways are the terms of reference of the 16th Finance Commission different from that of the previous Finance Commissions? Despite increasingly progressive devolution by subsequent Finance Commissions, examine the factors that propel economic disparities across various States. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Compare and contrast the powers and working of the Ethics Committee and the Privileges Committee in addressing cases of 'unethical' conduct and breach of privileges. How do these Committees complement each other in maintaining parliamentary discipline? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"In the context of persistent legislative dysfunction in India, analyze the evolving role of judicial activism in shaping public policy and governance. Using examples from landmark court cases, evaluate the effectiveness of judicial interventions in addressing governance gaps and safeguarding citizens' rights. (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"To what extent does the level of internal democracy within political parties impact the functioning and legitimacy of the Indian party system? What reforms can address the challenges of inadequate intraparty democracy in India? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"\"The NHRC must not only be a watchdog but also a beacon of hope for the marginalized and oppressed.\" In this context discuss the role and mandate of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in India. How does the current composition and functioning of the NHRC affect its independence and effectiveness? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"The persistent health equity challenges in India pose a critical barrier in achieving Universal Health Coverage. In this context discuss the role of the public and private sectors in ensuring adequate health access and outcomes across rural and urban areas.(250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"What are the implications of the POCSO Act on the rights and welfare of children in India? Analyze the role of the POCSO Act in transforming India's legal framework for child protection. (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Examine the influence of human rights issues and democratic values on the diplomatic relationship between the U.S. and India. How have these concerns affected bilateral engagements and what can be done to mitigate tensions arising from these issues? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Examine the geopolitical challenges India faces in South Asia despite its global rise. How can India navigate these challenges to strengthen its regional leadership? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":642,"topper":"Ajink Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/ajink-test-8-1747637982635.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Comment on the important changes with respect to the Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG) and Securities Transaction Tax (STT) in the Union Budget 2024-25. Evaluate the impact of such changes on India's savings and investment regime. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"India's welfare scheme has undergone a shift from an input-based approach to outcome-based empowerment with the maxim of \"no person left behind\". In light of the above statement, discuss how this change in the approach of the government has fostered inclusive growth. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The recently conducted global Summit on Responsible Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain (REAIM, 2023) showcased the opportunities, challenges and risks associated with the use of Artificial Intelligence in military applications. In this context, critically analyse the impact of Artificial Intelligence in defence and military applications. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The Public Accounts Committee has recently flagged concerns about the rising menace of plastic pollution. In this context, highlight the recent initiatives taken by the Government to curb plastic pollution. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Landslides have become more of a human-induced phenomenon rather than a natural phenomenon. Highlighting the reasons for increasing incidences of landslides, suggest measures that can be undertaken to mitigate the disaster. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The threats to national security have gradually transformed from being \"geographic\" to being \"thematic\". In this context, what are the contemporary challenges of internal security and what measures can be undertaken to deal with such challenges? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Evaluate the role of enhanced border surveillance technologies in bolstering India's border security framework and addressing cross-border threats. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"While startups in India have achieved notable success in fostering entrepreneurship and innovation in the economy, there are certain structural issues challenging the sustainability of startups in India. Elucidate upon these challenges faced by startups and recommend practical solutions to the problems. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Critically evaluate the effectiveness of public-private partnerships in the modernization of railway infrastructure in India. Considering safety as one of the major challenges for railways, what measures can be taken to improve the overall safety parameters of Indian Railways? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"\"Farming becomes remunerative if the produce reaches our plates in time\". In this context, highlight the upstream and downstream issues faced by the agriculture marketing and transport sector in India. What initiatives can be undertaken to improve the overall efficiency of the sector? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"India's agriculture export-import policies are tilted more towards the consumers rather than the farmers. In light of the given statement, critically analyze the impact of import and export policies on farmers. What measures can be undertaken to shield farmers from import-export price shocks? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"India's advancement in medical science is reflected in India's success in using CAR-T cell therapy to treat the first cancer patient. Discuss the working and effectiveness of CAR-T cell therapy in treating cancer and related diseases. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"What is the main objective of India's Gaganyaan Mission and Bharatiya Antariksha Station? Which other countries have successfully launched their manned missions into space? What major technologies are required for the successful execution of the Gaganyaan Mission and related Bharatiya Antariksha Station? Also, elucidates the challenges associated with these missions. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"\"India's offshore wind energy has high potential but remains low on implementation\". Discuss the challenges impeding the harnessing of offshore wind energy and suggest possible solutions. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"In addition to being the centres of growth, urban areas are also centres of accumulating disaster risks. Why is disaster management particularly complex in mega-urban cities? What measures can be undertaken to address the problems of disaster management and risk reduction in urban areas? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Discuss the threats posed by social media and networking sites to the internal security of India. How do the fact-check units (FCUs) under Information and Technology Rules, 2021 help in controlling the overall menace of the spread of fake news on social media? What are the concerns of press broadcasters and digital media participants about the Government establishing fact-check units? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"By highlighting the role of Violent Non-State Actors (VNSAs) in inflicting violence in Kashmir valley, discuss how \"OPERATION SADBHAVNA\" by armed forces can tackle the VNSA-OGW (Over Ground Workers) nexus by addressing the aspirations of local youth. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":643,"topper":"Ajink Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/ajink-test-6-1747637953510.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"The challenge of power lies in its responsible application rather than its irresponsible and indulgent use – specifically, how to motivate those in power to serve the public rather than exploit it. Analyse the relationship between power and public service. Do you believe that the concept of power conflicts with the ideal of service, or do they complement each other? Substantiate your viewpoint. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Human values emphasise the humane aspects of public servants, whereas public service values focus on the transparency and effectiveness of service delivery. Do you think these value systems conflict with or complement each other? Justify your perspective with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"When good individuals in any society become complacent and cease their vigilance and struggle, malevolent forces prevail.\" Discuss the role and significance of civil society in curbing corruption and official misconduct. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Do you agree with feminist ethicists that women are \"more emotional\" and \"prioritise relationships\" over rules, reflecting different yet equally valuable ethical perspectives? Justify your viewpoints with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Critically evaluate the role of family and educational institutions in shaping ethical values among civil servants. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"How can civil servants cultivate a positive attitude towards the weaker sections of society? Suggest some implementable and practical steps. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Business ethicists believe that external and internal regulations are insufficient for curtailing or preventing corporate malpractices; they strongly advocate the presence of whistleblowing mechanisms as a check against corporate misgovernance. Do you think corporate governance is incomplete without whistleblowing? Why/Why not? Explain (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"The maintenance team had not adequately serviced the bus's braking system. These findings highlighted severe lapses in both the human and mechanical aspects of the transport system. Upon concluding the inquiry, you realized the complexity of the situation. There were numerous uncertainties and ambiguities preventing a straightforward assignment of responsibility or a definitive conclusion. The accident might have been averted if the maintenance team had performed their duties diligently. Similarly, if the bus driver had not been intoxicated, he might have been able to prevent the bus from falling into the ravine. , , , , , (a) (b) ? (c) ?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"As the Head of Safety, the conclusions of your report carry significant consequences. Firstly, if the driver is deemed culpable due to his intoxication, his family may lose a substantial amount of post-death benefits because he was under the influence while on duty. Secondly, if you conceal the driver's intoxication and attribute the incident solely to poor maintenance, the maintenance crew would face job termination. This situation required extensive introspection before finalizing the report. (a) Identify the ethical issues and dilemmas in the above case. (b) What are the options available to you in the above case? (c) What do you think is more ethical to focus on the personal responsibility of the driver, who was intoxicated, or on the broader systemic issue of maintenance failures? Justify your answer with relevant ethical theories. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"As an officer in the Right to Information (RTI) division of the Defence Ministry, your primary responsibility is to respond to RTI queries by furnishing relevant details. Most of the RTI applications pertain to tender information and procurement contracts. However, occasionally, applications concerning sensitive matters arise requiring you to seek legal advice and obtain approval from your senior before responding. Recently, an RTI application was received that involved sensitive departmental initiatives. Following protocol, you sought legal advice, and the legal officer had your response to the (not visible fully) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you in the above case? (c) Considering the persistent nature of the RTI activist and the public's right to information, how should you navigate the tension between national security concerns and the principles of transparency and accountability? Explain (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"As a dedicated Block Development Officer (BDO), you are highly respected by your staff and appreciated by your superiors for your constructive work. The state government has selected several villages within your jurisdiction to pilot a women's self-employment scheme utilising Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The project is to be implemented by a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), and you have been instructed to provide logistical and other necessary support. The NGO staff commenced their work by meeting and identifying young women who appeared to be suitable candidates for training and skill development. Following identification, these young women were provided with a starter kit, which included a broadband dongle, a 10-inch tablet, and some reading material. The training began in earnest, and the selected young women exhibited great enthusiasm and eagerness to learn. Initially, the project showed promising signs of success. However, one day, village elders approached you with a request to halt the pilot scheme. They expressed concerns that the devices and online learning were corrupting the young women. They believed that the girls were merely watching videos on the tablets instead of learning. The elders suggested that vocational skills training, such as stitching or cooking, would be more beneficial than digital skills. After listening to their concerns, you assured them that you would investigate the matter. Upon inquiring with the NGO staff, they clarified that the videos being viewed were educational, and they were monitoring the trainees' browsing behaviour through backend systems to ensure appropriate usage. The NGO staff also pointed out that some village men felt excluded from the process and were attempting to dissuade the women from participating in the training sessions. As a BDO, you recognize the scheme's importance and potential benefits for the women in the villages. However, you are also aware that if the men's underlying mindset issues are not addressed promptly, the entire skill development effort could be undermined. As a committed public servant, you were determined to take some preventive action as you noticed tensions brewing among the men. (a) What the issues that you notice in the above case? (b) What are actionable options available to you? (c) Considering the feedback from the NGO staff about village men feeling left out and attempting to dissuade women from attending training sessions, what strategies would you implement to ensure their inclusion and support for the program? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"In a critical meeting, the state Chief Secretary, Mr. Vikram Patel, emphasized the urgency of advancing the project and held Ms. Rao accountable for the delays, lack of progress, and overall non-performance. Ms. Rao left the meeting disappointed and felt holding her accountable for delay was unfair as there were others also involved in the project. (a) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas involved in the above case? (b) What are the options available to Ms. Rao? (c) What course of action would you suggest for Ms. Rao? Why? (d) Do you think holding Ms. Rao accountable for the delays was justified? Why/Why not? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"Despite his behaviour, Mr. Gupta is recognized for his exceptional work performance. He has been instrumental in implementing several successful health initiatives, significantly improving healthcare delivery in districts. His expertise and dedication have made him an indispensable asset to the department, complicating the decision to address the complaints against him. Ms. Sharma had a tough decision to make. She knew she had to be strict, but she was also worried about the workflow disruption that action against Mr. Gupta could cause. (a) What are the issues and dilemmas that confront Ms. Sharma? (b) What ethical principles should guide Ms. Sharma in addressing the harassment and bullying complaints in her department? (c) What long-term strategies should be implemented to prevent harassment and bullying in government departments? How can these strategies promote a culture of respect and inclusivity? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":644,"topper":"Ajink Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/ETHICS_PROGRAME_AJINK_KUMAR_AIR_135_83de512f07.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Compare and contrast the roles of family and educational institutions in value inculcation. How can these two institutions complement each other? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"\"Tolerance is not just about accepting differences; it is about appreciating and celebrating diversity.\" Discuss the importance of tolerance for governance. How can civil servants foster a culture of tolerance and inclusivity in a diverse country like India? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"A person's character is most accurately revealed in their private life, not their public persona.\" Critically examine this statement in the context of public servants and their ethical conduct. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"Accountability mechanisms are essential for ethical governance but often lead to bureaucratic delays and inefficiencies.\" Critically examine this statement in the context of Indian administration. Can a balance be struck between accountability and efficiency? Discuss with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What does each of the following quotations convey to you in present context? a) \"Reason is, and ought only to be the slave of the passions, and can never pretend to any other office than to serve and obey them.\"- David Hume (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"In matters of conscience, the law of the majority has no place.\" - Mahatma Gandhi. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"Empathy is seeing with the eyes of another, listening with the ears of another, and feeling with the heart of another.\" How can emotionally intelligent civil servants utilize empathy to improve governance and service delivery? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Analyse the ethical implications of the widening gap between rich and poor nations. Is there a moral obligation for developed countries to assist developing ones? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.\" Discuss the ethical responsibilities of individuals, corporations, and governments in protecting the environment for future generations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"\"Impartiality is not neutrality; it is about treating everyone fairly based on merit and evidence.\" Explain the difference between impartiality and neutrality in the context of civil service. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"The teachings of the Bhagavad Gita offer valuable lessons for ethical conduct in public service. Discuss the relevance of these teachings in navigating the ethical issues of administration in contemporary India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":35,"question":"You are a senior bureaucrat in the Ministry of Rural Development. A flagship program aimed at empowering women in rural areas through self-help groups (SHGs) and micro-enterprise initiatives is being implemented. While the program has seen success in providing financial assistance and skill development, you observe that women's participation in decision-making bodies within these SHGs and village councils remains limited. Despite legal provisions for women's participation in local governance, traditional patriarchal norms often prevail, relegating women to secondary roles. This results in their voices being unheard and their concerns being overlooked in decision-making processes. Further, Years of social conditioning has led to internalization of gender bias, where women themselves underestimate their abilities and hesitate to participate in decision-making. Many rural women are unaware of their rights and the opportunities available to them. Lack of education and information has further hindered their participation in decision-making bodies. Moreover, Male members within the community and even within the SHGs resist women's participation in decision-making. Some men cite traditional gender roles and norms while some question their abilities. They also try to control access to resources and information, limiting women's ability to participate effectively in decision-making processes. Women who attempt to challenge traditional norms face social ostracism or pressure from their families and communities to conform. a) Identify the ethical issues in the given case study. b) How can you engage with male members of the community and SHGs to address their concerns and encourage them to support women's participation? c) What institutional and policy changes can be made to create a more enabling environment for women's participation in decision-making, ensuring that their voices are heard and valued? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"You are a mid-level manager at 'GoodLife Pharma,' a leading pharmaceutical company in India. After years of research and development, the company is on the cusp of launching a revolutionary new drug, 'Revivol,' which promises to significantly improve the lives of patients suffering from a debilitating chronic illness. The drug is projected to be a blockbuster, generating billions in revenue and potentially saving countless lives. You've been an integral part of the Revivol team, and its success could significantly boost your career prospects. However, just weeks before the scheduled launch, you stumble upon disturbing evidence suggesting that Revivol may have serious, potentially fatal, side effects in a small percentage of patients. These side effects were not adequately disclosed in the initial clinical trial reports, and further investigation reveals that some data points indicating adverse reactions were deliberately omitted from the final report submitted to the regulatory authorities. You are deeply troubled by this discovery. You understand that the drug is likely to receive approval based on the existing data, and the company is already heavily invested in its marketing and launch. However, the potential harm to patients weighs heavily on your conscience. To add to the complexity, you discover that your direct superior was aware of the data discrepancies and chose to ignore them. Confronting them directly might lead to retaliation, jeopardizing your job and career. You're also the sole breadwinner for your family, and losing your job would have devastating financial consequences. a) What are the ethical dilemmas faced by the manager in this scenario? b) What will be your course of action and why? c) How could stronger corporate governance mechanisms have prevented or mitigated this situation? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"You are a young, enthusiastic IAS officer recently posted as the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of a rural subdivision. Eager to make a positive impact, you embark on a series of field visits to various government offices under your jurisdiction. However, the sight that greets you in most offices is disheartening. Employees stroll in well past the official start time, and once in, seem to prioritize leisurely tea breaks and idle chatter over their duties. The physical manifestation of this lethargy is evident in the towering stacks of unattended files gathering dust on desks. This backlog translates to agonizing delays in processing applications for essential services and benefits, leaving citizens frustrated and disillusioned. As you interact with the local populace, you hear disturbing accounts of bribery and favoritism plaguing the administrative machinery. It appears that those with influence or willing to pay under-the-table 'fees' can expedite their requests, while the marginalized and less privileged languish in the system's inefficiencies. The most distressing aspect of the situation is the impact on ordinary citizens. You witness firsthand their exasperation as they navigate the labyrinthine bureaucracy, often facing indifference, rudeness, or demands for bribes. a) What are the ethical issues in the prevailing work culture in the subdivision? b) As the SDM, what specific steps would you take to improve the overall work culture and quality of service delivery in your subdivision? c) Discuss the challenges you might encounter in implementing these changes and how you would overcome them. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"You have just been appointed as Additional Director General of Central Public Works Department. The Chief Architect of your division, who is to retire in six months, is passionately working on a very important project, the successful completion of which would earn him a lasting reputation for the rest of his life. A new lady architect, Seema, trained at Manchester School of Architecture, UK joined as Senior Architect in your division. During the briefing about the project, Seema made some suggestions which would not only add value to the project, but would also reduce completion time. This has made the Chief Architect insecure and he is constantly worried that all the credit will go to her. Subsequently, he adopted a passive and aggressive behaviour towards her and has become disrespectful to her. Seema felt it embarrassing as the Chief Architect left no chance of humiliating her. He would very often correct her in front of other colleagues and raise his voice while speaking to her. This continuous harassment has resulted in her losing confidence and self-esteem. She felt perpetually tensed, anxious and stressed. She appeared to be in awe of him since he has had a long tenure in the office and has vast experience in the area of her work. You are aware of her outstanding academic credentials and career record in her previous organisations. However, you fear that this harassment may result in compromising her much needed contribution in this important project and may adversely impact her emotional well-being. You have also come to know from her peers that she is contemplating tendering her resignation. a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? b) What are the options available to you in order to complete the project as well as to retain Seema in the organization? c) What would be your response to Seema's predicament? What measures would you institute to prevent such occurrences from happening in your organization? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":645,"topper":"Ajink Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/ajink-test-5-1747637932014.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"How do household savings contribute to the growth of the Indian economy? Do you think that the recent fall in household savings rate marks a rise in indebtedness and distress among Indian households? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"India's FDI sector is seeing a significant downward trend. What factors are causing apprehensions among the foreign investors to invest in India? Suggest some corrective measures that must be taken by the Government to reverse the falling trend. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"How do farm subsidies impact crop diversity, cropping patterns and agricultural sustainability in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"While discussing the principles of \"precision agriculture\", elaborate on the uses of \"Internet of Things\" in precision agriculture. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What are Small Modular Nuclear Reactors (SMRs)? Why are SMRs considered a safer alternative to conventional Nuclear Power Plants? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What factors have contributed to the sudden rise in the incidences of zoonotic diseases across the globe? Highlight the recent examples of pandemics caused by zoonotic pathogens. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss the major challenges of crowd control in large socio-religious gatherings and congregations in India. In the light of NDMA's \"Suggestive Framework for Preparation of Crowd Management Plan for Events Venues of Mass Gathering\", suggest measures to prevent stampede incidents. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"'The UN High Seas Treaty is comparable to the 2015 Paris Agreement's importance and significance'. In the context of this, discuss the importance of the UN High Seas Treaty for the conservation of marine biodiversity and fair and equitable resource-sharing. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What are the new cyber threats posed by the illicit use of Generative AI? In the light of recently signed Bletchley Declaration, how can India beef up its cybersecurity structure against threats raised by AI? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"India's border security is under severe pressure due to the rising political crisis in neighbouring countries. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"A person without skill is not an asset but a liability on the nation's growth\". How infusion of relevant skills contribute to the demographic dividend of India? What recent initiatives have been undertaken by the Government to reduce the skill gap among young Indians? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"The Indian aviation sector has immense potential to become the primary mode of transportation in the country. What are the factors propelling growth in India's aviation sector? Highlight the challenges that the sector faces and suggest measures for improvement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Farmer Producers' Organizations (FPOs) are engines of agri-innovation. In this context, discuss the role of FPOs in addressing the issue of fragmentation and lack of modernization in agriculture. Highlight the initiatives the Government took to promote the participation of FPOs in agriculture. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Despite being one of the strongest growth engines of the Indian economy, there are certain upstream and downstream issues ailing the growth of food processing industries in India. Discuss. Suggest measures to strengthen the overall growth of food processing industries in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"How was India benefitted from the contributions of Dr M.S. Swaminathan and Dr C.R. Rao in the fields of agricultural science and statistics respectively? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"How is Artificial Intelligence (AI) challenging the overall intellectual property paradigm? How can AI be balanced with intellectual property to foster innovation and incentivize creations and inventions? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Highlighting the significance of \"Western Ghats\" in preserving and conserving the biodiversity of India, discuss the threats faced by this fragile and ecologically sensitive Region. Elaborate on the measures taken by the Government of India to protect the Western Ghats ecosystem. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Describe the major outcomes of the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the features of the Green Credit Initiative launched by India on the sidelines of COP-28? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"How shell companies has contributed to the menace of money laundering in India? Do you think recent amendments to the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2005 will help address the problem of the transactional nature of clients with such shell companies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Discuss how the crime-insurgency nexus has contributed to the rise in ethnic conflicts and insurgencies in North-East India. What institutional measures can be undertaken to address this challenge? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":646,"topper":"AJIT SINGH KHADDA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d2c49-864007_2085_ajit_singh_khadda_rank_563.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The Pala Empire is known for a distinctive form of Buddhist art. In this context, discuss the contributions made by the Pala dynasty towards art. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"It was Adi Shankaracharya's genius that reinvented Hinduism and re-established the Vedic tradition with excellent commentaries. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The colonial forest policies were driven by the needs of the British Empire with no concern for the well-being of the locals and the environment. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The principles of Panchsheel and Non-Alignment aided India in maneuvering the Cold War era. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"One of the major features of the 19th century Europe was the struggle for national unification. Discuss in the context of Germany. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What is the triple dip La Niña phenomenon? Discuss its likely impact on different regions of the world. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Hydropower is a major source of low-carbon energy supply across the world but its share in India's total electricity generation remains low. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain the concept of seismic gap in the context of the recent earthquake in Turkey. Also, enlist the reasons behind the severity of the earthquake. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Highlighting the recent trends in marriages in India, explain why the legal backing of same-sex marriage is being termed as an issue of seminal importance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Considering the multiplicity of factors affecting the mental well-being in an inter-connected world, discuss the various challenges in achieving sound mental healthcare. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Elaborate upon the major numismatic stages in India from the ancient to modern times. Also, discuss how the study of coins helps in understanding history. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Despite being celebrated as the champion of Dalit rights, the contributions of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar went far beyond that and encompassed a wide range of issues. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The Civil Disobedience Movement of 1930-34 was marked by a unique character, regional spatial patterns and employment of new mobilization techniques. Elucidate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Explain the underlying causes behind the phenomenon of sinking islands in India's coastal regions. Also, evaluate its possible implications for the nation as a whole and island communities in particular. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"In view of the important role played by soil for the ecosystem, discuss the significance of sustainable soil management in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Jet streams play an important role in altering the climate of India and the world. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Highlighting the factors responsible for the formation and proliferation of slums in India, discuss the need to revamp the In-Situ Slum Redevelopment (ISSR) scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Bring out the relationship between poverty and environmental degradation in India. How can poverty reduction efforts play an important role in promoting sustainable development and safeguarding the environment? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The relationship between globalisation and religion has been a complex one with new possibilities and challenges emerging as a result of the interaction between the two. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":647,"topper":"AJIT SINGH KHADDA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/89b56-864007_2081_ajit_singh_khadda_rank_563.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Too much dependence on data driven technologies can result in data colonisation and digital dictatorship. Discuss the various issues that may arise in this context and suggest remedial measures. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Due to the recent proliferation of social media, influencers have become important agents of change in the society. Discuss with examples. Also, highlight the ethical issues involved. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Prejudice and discrimination when left unaddressed have the potential to turn conflicts into violence. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Non-violence is the highest form of fundamental moral virtue. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Though the ‘Me Too Movement’ helped in creating some murmur with respect to sexual harassment of women at workplace, it has failed to create a lasting positive impact on the work culture in India. Do you agree? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"India ranks 85th amongst 180 countries in the Corruption Perception Index of 2021. In this context, discuss the various ways to tackle corruption in India, with special reference to Kautilya's Arthashastra. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"An ethical work culture not only drives positive organisational outcomes but also helps employees thrive. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Bring out the ethical principles on which a Citizen's Charter is formulated. Also, discuss its purpose and effectiveness in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Probity in public life is nothing but the reflection of integrity in personal life. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The work culture of the police in India is said to be characterised by indecision, inefficiency and lack of empathy. Discuss. Also, suggest remedial measures in this context. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What does each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"It takes something more than intelligence to act intelligently.\" - Fyodor Dostoyevsky. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":35,"question":"They are involved in false advertisements in order to lure students. They also create undue pressure on the students to perform. Also, there is an emerging black market for performance enhancing drugs, which have become common among the students. Given the situation: (a) Highlight the stakeholders involved and discuss the associated ethical issues in the given case. (b) Given the situation, what will be your course of action? (c) Discussing the various reasons for increased cases of suicides among students, suggest measures to address the issue in the long-run. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"You are appointed as the Project Director in a large infrastructure company of the country. The company has won the rights to develop a port and its hinterland in a state. The project has economic and strategic significance for the country as it would develop a leading transshipment hub in the region and would lead to higher exports and earnings through its operation, flourishing of new businesses and also create employment opportunities. Also, the successful completion and operationalization of the project is important for the company as some of its previous projects were halted due to protests by the local communities and not only the reputation of the company but also significant investments are at stake. The land acquisition for the project has been completed as per the laid down rules and regulations. The Environmental Impact Assessment has been carried out and the project has received the go ahead from the concerned authorities. Also, rehabilitation and alternative livelihood opportunities are made available to the affected people as per the laid-down norms. However, once the construction started, some farmer groups started agitating on the grounds that they have not been adequately compensated and that the project will negatively impact their livelihoods. They are demanding that either the project be halted or the compensation provided to them be increased substantially by way of money and assured jobs. In this context, answer the following: (a) Identify the relevant stakeholders and the issues affecting them. (b) Evaluate the merits and demerits of accepting the demands of the protesting groups. (c) What course of action will you follow? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"In this context, answer the following: (a) Identify the relevant stakeholders in this case and the issues affecting them. (b) Evaluate the merits and demerits of ceding to the demands of the protesting groups, in the given context. (c) What course of action will you follow? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"In order to tackle climate change, green energy is touted as one of the best solutions. Countries are now replacing coal with hydroelectric power, fossil fuels with solar energy, petrol and diesel cars with electric vehicles (EVs). EVs are being pitched as a cleaner, greener and sustainable alternative. Electric cars use batteries, and lithium and cobalt are rare metals that make up these batteries. The cobalt in the battery keeps it stable and allows it to operate safely. Cobalt is used in about half of the electric cars, which is about four to 30 kilograms per battery. You are the District Magistrate of a district where cobalt is found in abundance. On a visit to one such cobalt site, you find out that children are employed in the mines and these children flirt with death daily. They enter vertical tunnels that are too narrow for adults to enter and dig for cobalt under inhumane conditions in a furnace-like environment. Although, they sometimes use shovels, they typically dig with their bare hands. They are not provided with masks, gloves, work clothes and are only provided with 20 minutes of oxygen at a time. Yet, these young children dig for hours. Upon digging the rock, they crush it, wash it and then take their finds to the market in order to sell them. In this context, answer the following: (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case. (b) Discuss the reasons for the persistence of child labour in India despite legal and institutional measures. (c) In the context of the given situation, what steps will you take to address the problem of child labour in the district? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"In this regard, answer the following questions: (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case. (b) Despite the legal and institutional measures, discuss the reasons behind the prevalence of child labour in India. (c) In context of the given situation, what steps will you take to address the issue of child labour in the district? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"You are one of the producers of a television reality show. The show is very popular in the country and has a wide viewership among all sections of the society and across various regions. However, a controversy has emerged wherein in the latest season of the show, a contestant from the film industry who has been accused of sexual harassment by many of his co-workers has been accepted as a participant. Several media houses have reported it and have criticized the show for giving a national platform to one of the country's most high-profile alleged perpetrators of female harassment. They term it as a denigration of those women who had bravely spoken up about their harassment. In a personal capacity, you also feel the same and are of the view that such a controversial person should not have been invited to the show. However, when you talk to other producers about it, they opine that the controversy is good for the show, as it generates free publicity. Also, they say that a person is not guilty unless the court of law declares so and the career of a person should not be sabotaged due to media trial. Moreover, the person in question is very close to the host of the show, who is an extremely popular public figure in the country. The show commands a huge fandom and success of the show is also contingent on him. None of the producers want to antagonize the host. In the given situation, answer the following questions: (a) What are the ethical issues involved in this case? (b) What are the options available to you and what action will you take? (c) Discuss the positive and negative impacts of media trial in such cases. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"In the given situation, answer the following questions: (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the case? (b) What are the options available to you and what will be your course of action? (c) Discuss the positive and negative impacts of trial by media in such cases. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":648,"topper":"Ajmera Sanketh Kumar","air":35,"year":2022,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"IMS4Maths","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://ims4maths.com/files/SANKET%20AJMERA%20Test-1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":649,"topper":"Ajmera Sanketh Kumar","air":35,"year":2022,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"SuccessClap","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://assets.zyrosite.com/dWxxVpWEZetoMDNk/air-35-shashank-full-length-test-successclap-mjELL9ka5MSVqeVb.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":650,"topper":"Ajmera Sanketh Kumar","air":35,"year":2022,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"SuccessClap","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://assets.zyrosite.com/dWxxVpWEZetoMDNk/air-35-shashank-mechanics-successclap-A85664kyVeu7Bg1M.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":651,"topper":"Ajmera Sanketh Kumar","air":35,"year":2022,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"SuccessClap","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://assets.zyrosite.com/dWxxVpWEZetoMDNk/air-35-shashank-real-analysis-successclap-mxBxx70MElHV64pd.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":652,"topper":"Ajmera Sanketh Kumar","air":35,"year":2022,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"SuccessClap","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://assets.zyrosite.com/dWxxVpWEZetoMDNk/air-35-shashank-calculus-successclap-AGBrr47JEltDwZ65.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":653,"topper":"Akanchha Singh","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/AKANCHHA-SINGH-UPSC-2023-Rank-44-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":17,"question":"Homogenisation of culture - an extrapolation or impending reality?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"How to synergise 'global' with 'local' & vice-versa?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"How have history and geography played a dividing role?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":654,"topper":"Akanchha Singh","air":44,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/52e79-1562827_2488_akanchha_singh_rank_44.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":655,"topper":"Akanchha Singh","air":44,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PhZ7PyMzk5X6EeAKPnF4eoJtOO8U_TyY/view","questions":[]},{"id":656,"topper":"Akanchha Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8271c-1562827_2422_akanchha_singh_rank_44.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The traditional theatre forms of India reflect the ideals and emotions of the society, and an individual's role in the community. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Provide an account of the historical and architectural importance of the Sanchi Stupa. Also, discuss how it inspired the future architecture in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Bhagat Singh made a real breakthrough in terms of revolutionary ideology, the goals of revolution and forms of revolutionary struggle. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Bringing out the factors that led to the Meiji restoration, discuss its significance for Japan. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":657,"topper":"Akanchha Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/03ef0-1562827_2423_akanchha_singh_rank_44.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With suitable examples, discuss how environmental pressure groups enhance public participation and responsiveness with regard to environmental policies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The recent acknowledgment of sex work as a 'profession' by the Supreme Court is merely the first step in ensuring basic rights and equality for sex workers in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the role played by District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) in providing free legal aid and disseminating legal awareness in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"The collegium system has become a victim of its own success, with the concentration of power in the hands of a few, leading to questions about its legitimacy.\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"Civil services reforms must go beyond recruitment and standardised training to cope with the present day challenges.\" Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Outcome-based finance models such as social impact bonds have the potential to truly catalyse change and deliver socio-economic impact at scale. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The wide gap between the number of females graduating every year and those entering the workspace is an issue of paramount importance that needs to be addressed. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"An up to date and functional Civil Registration System (CRS) is essential to the socio-economic planning in India. Discuss in the light of the recent move of the Central government in revamping the CRS system in the country. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What are the key areas of reform if the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has to align with the current economic realities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In recent years, India's relationship with West Asia has evolved from the confines of geopolitics to expanse of geoeconomics. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The role of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) is significant in furthering healthy competitiveness aimed at inspiring stakeholders to innovate and augment effectiveness. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"\"The menace of paid news often rears its ugly head during elections.\" Discuss the need for making paid news an electoral offence in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the 'Doctrine of Essentiality' referred to by the courts in the context of religious practices in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"As per the recently released report of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), there is an urgent need to limit the size of the government in India. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The Institutions of Eminence (IoE) scheme was conceived to develop 'world-class' centres of higher education in India but six years later, it is yet to become the game changer it was intended to be. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) allows for innovative and convenient public services, help overcome inclusion or accessibility barriers, and increase transparency and accountability with real-time data. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Besides legislation, the full realisation of the 'right to health for all' in India demands plugging of social, financial, and infrastructural gaps. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The 'third gender' has not yet been engendered in the Indian society despite legislative nudge. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Among other factors, strained ties with China and Pakistan make it difficult for India to fulfill its expectations from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"The recently concluded initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) between the United States and India promises a long overdue transformation of their partnership in the field of technology. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":658,"topper":"Akanchha Singh","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/AKANCHHA-SINGH-UPSC-2023-Rank-44-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"In many ways, the Spanish civil war was the opening act of WWII. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"How will you explain the different fates of Buddhism and Jainism despite a slew of similarities in the two religions? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Non-Cooperation Movement democratized India's freedom struggle but suffered from inherent limitations. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Critically analyse the efficacy of linguistic reorganization of states in addressing the reasons for linguistic divides in post-independent India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Briefly discuss the role of plate tectonics theory in explaining the location of volcanoes. Also, explain the multifarious impacts of volcanoes on the surrounding regions. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Taking further the success of Aspirational Districts Programme, Aspirational Blocks can help achieve the twin objectives of balanced growth and checking stress migration. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Describe the critical factors for location of defense industries and suggest measures to overcome the challenges. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"To what extent can Socio-Economic-Caste Census (SECC) address the challenges in achieving equitable resource allocation and targeted welfare? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Indian society is premised on some common values that give it a composite texture as well as some diverse practices that deepen its heterogeneity. Elucidate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What are the factors that influence population growth in the country? In this perspective, examine the relevance and need of raising the minimum marriageable age of women for population development. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Bring out the reasons behind the tribal unrest in British India. Also, analyze the reasons for their limited success. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The independence of India was not a result of a forced expulsion of the Empire, as desired by the Quit India Movement; it was rather a confluence of domestic politics and global circumstances. Analyze. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Explain why Sufism, a liberal reform movement in Islam could deepen its roots in the Indian sub-continent, despite Islam being a foreign religion? Also, bring out the impacts of Sufism on Indian society. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Enumerate the reasons behind rising intensity and frequency of cyclones in the Arabian Sea in recent years. Giving special reference to NDMA guidelines, recommend measures to check the adverse impacts of cyclones. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Examine the impacts of climate change on the hydrological cycle and suggest suitable mitigation and adaptation strategies to contain the harmful implications. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Defining continental shelf, highlight its resource potential and ecological significance. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Rooted in patriarchal values, gender-based violence, in all its manifestations, is antithetical to societal growth. Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The caste calculus in the Indian society remains predominant and continues to project its shadow on social, political, and economic domains. Do you agree? Substantiate your answer. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss various factors contributing to the water woes faced by Indian cities. Also, explain complexities in implementing a comprehensive water management plan. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Though important elements of group identity, religion and region also run the risk of deepening communal cleavages. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":659,"topper":"Akanchha Singh","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/AKANCHHA-SINGH-UPSC-2023-Rank-44-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Foreign trade is an important milestone on the path of becoming a 5 trillion USD economy. In this context, analyse the potential of the recently released Foreign Trade Policy, 2023 in revamping India's participation in global trade. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Social protection schemes are an integral aspect of a welfare economy; however, the principles of fiscal prudence cannot be ignored. Discuss, with special reference to Old Pension Scheme (OPS). (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand from Agristack? To what extent can it become a panacea for the problems plaguing the farm sector. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The objective of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to provide a long term and equitable solution to the dilemma between free trade and food security has remained unfulfilled. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Even after five decades of the Stockholm conference, narrowing the gaps between the targets and actions remains one of the biggest challenges towards reversing climate change. Discuss. Also, recommend measures for building a coherent actionable strategy to tackle climate change. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What are the impediments in management of E-waste in the country? In what ways can the trinity of citizens, businesses, and the government tackle this menace? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How does nuclear fusion differ from nuclear fission? Assess the relevance of nuclear energy in resolving the global energy security dilemma? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are run of the river hydroelectric projects? How far can run of the river hydroelectric projects balance ecological conservation with socio-economic development? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"A robust border infrastructure is the surest way to counter multifarious threats emanating from inimical actors. Discuss, in light of Vibrant Village Programme. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"How far can a clearly articulated National Security Strategy help in tackling challenges to national security? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What are the factors that influence the inflation trends in the country? Highlighting the impacts, discuss the institutional measures in place to check inflation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Though a cornerstone of Atmanirbhar Bharat, Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme is not without its own challenges. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"How is internationalisation of rupee different from De-Dollarisation? Highlighting the benefits of internationalisation of rupee, discuss the challenges associated with the same. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What are Primary Agricultural Credit Societies? Can the cooperative push alone help in achieving the twin targets of boosting rural economy and mainstreaming small and marginal farmers? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Farm policies in the country have inadvertently led to undesirable consequences. Do you agree? Giving emphasis on PM PRANAM, discuss ways to enhance soil health and farm productivity. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What do you understand by heat waves? Highlight the reasons and impact of the rising frequency of heat waves across India. Also, recommend some measures to mitigate its impact. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"How is Chandrayaan-3 different from its predecessor, Chandrayaan-2? To what extent can India's presence in Artemis Accords help in furthering the exploration of lunar surface? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Research and Development is the key to unlock the potential of 'knowledge economy.' In this perspective, analyse the role of the National Research Foundation Bill, 2023 in democratizing the research ecosystem in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'Hybrid warfare.' Highlighting its implications for India, recommend measures to develop a comprehensive ecosystem to counter the same. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How are internal security challenges related to peace in neighboring countries? Explain with special reference to instability on India's eastern frontier. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":660,"topper":"Akanchha Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/852df-1562827_2425_akanchha-singh_rank_44.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"For effective corporate governance to take place in the coming years, why is it important to integrate the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics with the multi-stakeholder approach? What benefits can be accrued by such integration? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":661,"topper":"AKANKSHA PATAHAK","air":85,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/55d8c-444569_2488_akanksha_patahak_rank_85.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":662,"topper":"AKANKSHA PATHAK","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5dd73-444569_2423_akanksha-pathak_rank_85.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With suitable examples, discuss how environmental pressure groups enhance public participation and responsiveness with regard to environmental policies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":663,"topper":"AKANKSHA PATHAK","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/84e7f-444569_2424_akanksha-pathak_rank_85.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What are the different dimensions of food security? Examine India's status in terms of ensuring food security with regard to these dimensions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Modern technologies such as blockchain and ChatGPT are powerful tools with immense potential to transform agriculture into a more efficient and sustainable sector. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What factors have led to the recent acceleration in the trend towards de-dollarization of the global economy? Do you think the dollar will lose its dominance anytime soon? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Despite significant pressure from the developed countries to alter its food subsidy regime, there is merit in India trying to retain its policy support for the poor in the country. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Several initiatives have been taken by the government towards addressing India's water needs, but the issues of water availability and water quality still warrant prioritised intervention. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What are the major drivers of glacial retreat in the Arctic? Describe the potential impact of the retreat of Arctic glaciers on the ecosystem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Space tourism, which was viewed as something straight out of a science fiction movie, is now becoming a reality albeit not without hindrances. What are the challenges associated with space tourism? What measures can be taken to address these challenges? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Global health experts widely believe that the development of CAR-T cell therapy can be a game changer in the treatment of cancer. How can CAR-T cell therapy overcome the limitations of CRISPR-Cas9 technology? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss why the rising deployment of new and emerging technologies by prominent violent extremist organizations demand concerted global efforts. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"With the Line of Actual Control (LAC) remaining tense after the Galwan and Yangste incidents and both India and China ramping up infrastructure in the border areas, discuss the role that ITBP plays in the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Do you think there is a need for a shift from 'land productivity' to 'irrigation water productivity' in India? Justify your answer. What are the challenges in making this shift? Explain. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Examine the role that green hydrogen can play in unlocking the energy security of India. How can the National Green Hydrogen Mission help India in achieving its energy goals? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The government has been weighing a transition from minimum wage to living wage in recent times. What are the benefits and constraints in the adoption of living wage in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The Union Budget affects almost every sector of the Indian economy, yet neither the budgetary processes nor the budget policies come under substantial public scrutiny. Do you agree? Justify your answer. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"India has been able to transform itself from a milk deficit country to the world's biggest milk producer, but the productivity of dairy animals in the country remains a concern. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"While climate change is responsible for crop failures, the agricultural sector itself is partly responsible for extreme weather events. Discuss. What strategy has been adopted under National Agriculture Disaster Management Plan to strengthen the resilience of the farming community in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Some regions in India, including Delhi, are highly vulnerable to the impact of earthquakes originating in the Himalayas. Discuss. What institutional measures have been taken to mitigate earthquake losses in India? Do you think there are significant gaps that still exist? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Recently, scientists announced net energy gain in nuclear fusion reaction, which is considered as a major scientific breakthrough for the future of clean energy. What are the advantages of nuclear fusion based power generation? What are the limitations in using it to generate electricity at a commercial scale? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Keeping in view the recent amendment, examine the efficacy of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, in tackling the menace of money laundering in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Discuss the security threats present in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), which have a direct bearing on India's maritime border interests. Suggest a robust strategy to deal with these threats. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":664,"topper":"Akansh Dhull","air":3,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/dbea1-661968_2121_akansh_dhull_rank_03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":665,"topper":"Akansh Dhull","air":3,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1cqpbxnMfSBDSl6ccgO9cLLWIiHywAVfq","questions":[]},{"id":666,"topper":"Akansh Dhull","air":295,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1A32XXelXZcQM92vlYSH7SxTIkTdSCKaR","questions":[]},{"id":667,"topper":"Akansh Dhull","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2ac99-661968_4510_akansh_dhull_rank_03.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. Folk music serves as a repository of the cultural identity. Discuss the role of folk music in preserving cultural heritage and promoting social cohesion.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. How does the Vesara style of temple architecture represent a synthesis of the Nagara and Dravida styles? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. Discuss the role played by Indians living abroad in advancing the cause of India's freedom struggle. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. How did the Marshall Plan influence the economic recovery and political stability of post-war Europe? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. Discuss the factors responsible for increased cyclonic activity in the Arabian Sea. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. How can technological interventions help in transforming the textile sector in India? What are the initiatives that the government has taken in this regard? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. What is a seiche and how does it form? Discuss the geographical conditions under which seiches are most likely to occur. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. How has rapid urbanisation affected the socio-cultural landscape of peri-urban regions in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Examine the role of historical and socio-political factors in driving communalism in Indian politics. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. Globalization has significantly influenced the aspirations, lifestyle, and value systems of Indian youth. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. Examine how Chandragupta-II's reign symbolised a golden age of cultural development, laying the foundation for future advancements in Indian art and literature. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. Evaluate the intended and unintended consequences of British educational policies for the Indian society in the colonial period. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. India's territorial disputes after independence were not merely about borders, but also encompass issues of national identity, historical grievances, and geopolitical strategies. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. Discuss the geographical conditions responsible for the development of shola forests in the upper reaches of the Western Ghats. Highlight their ecological significance. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. Discuss the potential of natural hydrogen as a fuel to meet growing global energy demands? Why is it still an untapped industry? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"16 Why is there a shift of labour-intensive industries from China to South and Southeast Asia? Discuss the advantages and challenges for India in this context.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. Explain the socio-economic transformations resulting from women's migration to metropolitan areas in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. The institution of marriage in India is increasingly becoming a site of conspicuous consumption and commodification. Critically examine the impact of this commercialisation on social equity and gender relations. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. Analyse how recognizing, reducing, and redistributing care work can foster gender equality and promote inclusive development in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. Discuss the changing nature of family structures in urban India. How is it impacting elderly care and socialization of the youth? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":668,"topper":"Akansh Dhull","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/0cdd845bfd11188b1b735788d0b54a20/1/mts_2023_unchecked_mt23rtra004_tc155.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"The fabric of Indian philosophical thought owes as much to Northern India as to Southern India. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Indian society's impulse for social change and reform was a response to its opposition to colonial rule. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are the factors that led to the Russian revolution and what are the consequences of this revolution? Discuss its influence on the Indian national movement. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discuss the various factors responsible for the uneven temperature distribution on Earth's surface. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The melting of glaciers due to climate change has serious implications for the ecosystem and human society. Discuss the effects of melting glaciers on the environment and the measures that can be taken to address this issue. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The White Revolution was most successful in the Western part of India. Discuss the factors for this regional success of the White Revolution. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"To what extent does seismic investigation contribute to our understanding of the Earth's interior structure? Analyze its significance in detail. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The pace of demographic transition varies across different states of India making population growth a double-edged sword. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The ethnic and cultural diversity in India has always been bound by the thread of unity. Discuss the major factors that have contributed to the cultural unity of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":33,"question":"Sanskrit literature in general and particularly in the Guptan age set a high watermark for the literary history of ancient India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"The configuration of the ocean floor provides essential information about the geological processes that have shaped the Earth's surface. Discuss the major features of the ocean floor and their significance in the study of oceanography. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"With the growing demand for rare earth elements, their distribution has become a critical aspect of the global economy. Discuss the distribution of rare earth elements across the world, their uses, and the environmental impact of their extraction. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Tourism in the hilly states is threatening to exceed the ecological carrying capacity of the region. Analyze the factors contributing to this trend and evaluate the potential Environmental impacts of this phenomenon. What measures can be taken to ensure sustainable tourism in these states? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"The Indian monsoon is a complex phenomenon influenced by various climatic factors. Critically examine the role of oceanic and atmospheric factors in determining the intensity and distribution of monsoon rainfall in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Why do traditions in our society impede change? To what extent can social legislation be instrumental against old customary practices? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Slums are not 'problems' that have to be 'solved' - but are indeed a result of lopsided and vested urban policies covering infrastructure provision and socio-economic issues. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"Communalism gains strength from economic deprivation, and thrives in environments of social exclusion, creating fertile ground for discontent and division. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":669,"topper":"Akansh Dhull","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VMf2H4LjvRwRm5jNZFkHvpyTpbygBzce/view","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"Public service requires not merely legal but also morally principled action. Public service requires the public servant to place loyalty to the constitution, laws, and ethical principles. Among the three, which do you think must acquire primacy while carrying out official functions? Why? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by \"integrity-based civil disobedience\"? Do you think a challenge to personal integrity can be a justifiable cause for responsible disobedience in civil services? Explain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Recent research has shown that emotions significantly impact personal and professional lives. What are the primary emotions that negatively and positively impact workplace productivity? Explain with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Technical efficiency ensures resource utilization and social efficiency ensures fulfillment of social needs, what does ethical efficiency ensure? Do you think ethical efficiency is more important than technical and social efficiency? Why/Why not? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"\"Man cannot do right in one department of life whilst he is occupied in doing wrong in any other department.\" Gandhi. Do you think an individual's personal ethics impacts professional life or they both can be compartmentalized? Explain your position with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Goodness is the result of internal imperatives to do what is right, not sanctions from moral rules or rewards from expected consequences. Do you agree? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance. (a) \" \" 10 \"To tolerate is purely an act of the mind. That is the essence of virtue. To tolerate is a strength.\" (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"In the context of civil service, distinguish between moral and nonmoral values. Identify 5 basic moral values that can serve as foundational values for all services irrespective of the department. Give reasons why those values can be considered foundational. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Citizens' involvement in decision-making is critical to ethics in governance. Do you agree that effective civic engagement mechanisms can facilitate an ethics-driven administration? What do you think are the mechanisms that citizens can use for ensuring ethics in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Social transformation programs such as \"beti bachao and beti padhao\" believes in using advice, counseling, and persuasion but sometimes a little force is also necessary for getting the desired response. Do you think it is a good idea to mix little force with persuasion by public administrators while implementing social schemes of transformation? Explain with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":31,"question":"Ultimately foreign policy of every country hinges upon the strength which the nation possesses. Strength may be military or financial and may be also...moral.\" Do you think ethical strength without military or financial muscle will be respected in today's world? Explain your position. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":43,"question":"You are working in the Mining Department, and one of your tasks is to assist your department head in negotiating mining leases with private contractors. Recently, the state government demarcated a new mining area and planned to invite bids for the mining block. You were directed to oversee the auction process and expedite the contract negotiations. As per the plan, tenders were issued, bids were received, and tenders were awarded as per the norms. All this happened at a very fast pace. You wondered, why such a hurry? But this was not the place for you to think and question; you kept doing your work quietly. As soon as the operations started, you were directed to draw the contractor's attention to environmental concerns. And to do so, you read the Environmental Impact Assessment report submitted by a professional consultancy firm appointed by the department. You were surprised to see that the report was shoddy and fabricated. You suspected and raised this issue with your head, who politely directed you to do what you were told, and reminded you that the department has revenue-related targets and it is under pressure from the ministry.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"What are the ethical and business issues involved in the case? (b) What are the options available to Mr. Sharma and the CEO? (c) Do you think the organizational culture of giving freedom to the sales force led to the issue or was the individual's corrupt nature that led to the problem? Discuss. (d) What ethics mechanisms and steps can the company create and implement to prevent unethical behavior, as mentioned in the case? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":670,"topper":"Akansh Dhull","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/17TX-h1ccDjxHKG1R3Kuz74o_RfLH3S8o/view","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"The fabric of Indian philosophical thought owes as much to Northern India as to Southern India. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Indian society's impulse for social change and reform was a response to its opposition to colonial rule. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are the factors that led to the Russian revolution and what are the consequences of this revolution? Discuss its influence on the Indian national movement. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discuss the various factors responsible for the uneven temperature distribution on Earth's surface. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The melting of glaciers due to climate change has serious implications for the ecosystem and human society. Discuss the effects of melting glaciers on the environment and the measures that can be taken to address this issue. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The White Revolution was most successful in the Western part of India. Discuss the factors for this regional success of the White Revolution. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"To what extent does seismic investigation contribute to our understanding of the Earth's interior structure? Analyze its significance in detail. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The pace of demographic transition varies across different states of India making population growth a double-edged sword. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The ethnic and cultural diversity in India has always been bound by the thread of unity. Discuss the major factors that have contributed to the cultural unity of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"The dichotomy in public and private life in Indian society acts as a major barrier to the annihilation of caste. Justify. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"India was forced into numerous wars post Independence. Highlight the causes and impact of the Indo-Pak and Indo-China wars on our bilateral relationships. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"The process of consolidation of Bengal, which started after the Battle of Plassey culminated in the Battle of Buxar. Do you think the Battle of Buxar was more important for the British than Plassey? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Sanskrit literature in general and particularly in the Guptan age set a high watermark for the literary history of ancient India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"The configuration of the ocean floor provides essential information about the geological processes that have shaped the Earth's surface. Discuss the major features of the ocean floor and their significance in the study of oceanography. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"With the growing demand for rare earth elements, their distribution has become a critical aspect of the global economy. Discuss the distribution of rare earth elements across the world, their uses, and the environmental impact of their extraction. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Tourism in the hilly states is threatening to exceed the ecological carrying capacity of the region. Analyze the factors contributing to this trend and evaluate the potential Environmental impacts of this phenomenon. What measures can be taken to ensure sustainable tourism in these states? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"The Indian monsoon is a complex phenomenon influenced by various climatic factors. Critically examine the role of oceanic and atmospheric factors in determining the intensity and distribution of monsoon rainfall in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Why do traditions in our society impede change? To what extent can social legislation be instrumental against old customary practices? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Slums are not 'problems' that have to be 'solved' - but are indeed a result of lopsided and vested urban policies covering infrastructure provision and socio-economic issues. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"Communalism gains strength from economic deprivation, and thrives in environments of social exclusion, creating fertile ground for discontent and division. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":671,"topper":"Akansh Dhull","air":342,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/748520c30390b56bbbd3f8693a3b3ea3/87/mt23rtra004_tc155-test-1-gs-1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":672,"topper":"Akansh Dhull","air":342,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/61/mt23rtra004_tc158-test-01-gs-1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":673,"topper":"Akansh Dhull","air":3,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/AKANSH-DHULL-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-3-Sample-MGP-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) To what extent can the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act 2023 help enhance trust-based governance for ease of living and doing business?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2 Fluctuations in the price of TOP (tomato, onion, potato) crops impact all strata of societies. Highlighting the reasons and implications of such fluctuations, evaluate the effectiveness of Operations Greens in stabilizing the otherwise restive horticulture sector.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) A focused and sustained promotion and pursuit of blue economy help meet the challenges of food security, national security, and climate security. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) What advantages does Green Hydrogen and a hydrogen economy offer in addressing national and global concerns? Discuss the impediments in its adoption.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 In what ways do plastics harm human, animal, and ocean health? Bring out the various domestic and international efforts that have been put in this regard in recent times?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) Though spatially distributed across the length and breath of the country, incidents of cloud burst disproportionately impact the mountaneous regions. Comment","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) As the emerging technologies enhance their reach and extent, the amalgamation of real and virtual will become inevitable. In this perspective, discuss how metaverse will alter the lives of common man.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) What makes dark matter difficult to detect? Also, analyse how the search for the elusive dark matter has influenced the trailing of modern pursuits in science.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 While AFSPA has been criticised for promoting excesses by the security forces, its profound utility to upkeep the security situation cannot be overstated. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) Its not only the heft but also the agility, efficiency, and swiftness which will define the warfare in the contemporary times. In this context, discuss the relevance of the Agnipath scheme.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 The path towards an Atmanirbhar Bharat traverses through an overhaul of industrial policies. Comment, with special reference to the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) Infrastructure investments are crucial for socio-economic development, as they have a multiplier effect on economy, however, concerns for safety must not be ignored. Discuss in the light of recent events","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13) How will you explain the irony of poor adoption of millet crops despite their multifarious advantages? Also, recommend measures to curb this anomaly.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 Analyze the role Agri-tech can play in penetration of technology in agriculture. In what ways can Agristack help address the crisis in the farm sector.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 The objective of an inclusive clean energy transition will remain incomplete without leveraging the potential of the biofuels. Enumerating the seminal provisions of the National Biofuel Policy, analyze the possible challenges in its smooth implementation.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 Despite having a robust legal architecture in the form of Disaster Management Act, 2005, a coordinated on ground response to disaster remains in a state of want. Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 With suitable examples, throw light upon the use of disruptive technologies like Big Data and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in enhancing the service delivery component of good governance.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 Trace the evolution of Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) from its humble beginnings as the space agency of the government to becoming a technology behemoth, spearheading innovations with respect to satellites, launch vehicles, and planetary explorations.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 In what ways has Drug trafficking taken new forms and new routes in recent years. Elucidate the steps taken by the govt in this regard, with special reference to Operation Samudragupta.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q20 Why does the North East remain a hotbed of insurgency? With special emphasis on government measures, discuss the steps to ameliorate the situation.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":674,"topper":"Akansh Dhull","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/91774-661968_2929_akansh_dhull_rank_03.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. Expression of dissent is central to the functioning of the Parliament. In light of this, discuss the role of the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in India's parliamentary system.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. How can the integration of technology into judicial processes enhance accessibility, capability, and efficiency in justice delivery? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. The Supreme Court of India has upheld unique asymmetry in India's federalism by intricately balancing centralized authority and regional autonomy. Discuss with the help of relevant case laws.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. Evaluate the effectiveness of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes in safeguarding the interests of the Scheduled Castes in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. Executive accountability to the legislature through Parliamentary Committees has been the hallmark of the Indian political system. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. How can India make Citizens' Charter a powerful tool for improving governance and empowering citizens? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. How do corporate donors aid NGOs in facilitating holistic development in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8 Despite its merits, should the POCSO Act be revisited to correct the existing inadequacies? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. China's acquisition of strategic ports globally has significant implications for international trade routes and economic relations. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. What are the main functions of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)? How will its recent treaty on intellectual property, genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge benefit India?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. While the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) plays a crucial role in combating corruption, its functioning is often criticized for being partisan and acting against the federal spirit. Discuss with the help of suitable examples.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":27,"question":"Criticism :- Acting against federal spirit : why ?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"12. Governors in India often overstep their constitutional role and fail to act effectively when needed. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. Both India and the USA adhere to democratic principles but their electoral systems exhibit significant differences. What are the key differences in electoral practices between the two countries? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. How far do you agree with the view that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has met its objective of ensuring environmental justice in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. Though Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) have become a platform for competitive politics, they have not emerged as an agency of planning and service delivery. Why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. What do you understand by interoperability in e-governance? What steps have been taken by the government to ensure interoperability and integration of various e-governance systems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. When it comes to sexual and reproductive health of women in India, rights-based discourse has largely been bypassed not just by the societal norms but also by the legal norms. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. How effective has India been in enhancing immunization coverage over the years? What challenges continue to affect immunization efforts in the country?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. India used its Presidency of the G20 to bring the voice of the Global South to the centre stage. Discuss with special reference to Africa.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. India's relationship with the UAE has witnessed a remarkable expansion across various domains in the last decade. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"}]},{"id":675,"topper":"Akansh Dhull","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9cb98-661968_2931_akansh_dhull_rank_03.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. (a) The end cannot justify the means, for the simple and obvious reason that the means employed determine the nature of the ends produced. Discuss with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"1. (b) Discuss how the relationship between law and ethics is dynamic and continuously shaped by societal changes. Provide examples to illustrate this dynamic relationship.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"2. (a) Differentiate between probity and integrity with suitable examples. How do these values contribute to ethical governance and decision-making in the civil services? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"2. (b) Discuss the ethical implications of withholding information in public administration. How can transparency enhance accountability and reduce corruption in government institutions? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"3 (a) What do each of the following quotations mean to you?\n \"There is no school equal to a decent home and no teacher equal to a virtuous parent.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"3. (b) \"Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.\" - Leo Tolstoy (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"3. (c) \"To see what is right and not do it is a lack of courage.\" – Confucius (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"4. (a) What factors lead to a positive attitude in a person? How does positive attitude enhance the effectiveness of civil servants in performing their duties? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"4. (b) Discuss how emotional intelligence can influence ethical decision-making in the allocation of scarce public resources.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"5. (a) Various international humanitarian organizations provide emergency aid in conflict zones around the world. Highlight the ethical challenges faced by such organizations. What are the principles that guide international humanitarian work? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"5. (b) Why is persuasion regarded as an important skill for civil servants? What are the key considerations that should guide persuasion in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"6. (a) What role can ethical leadership play in curbing corruption, especially in public service? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"6. (b) What were the major teachings of Swami Dayanand Saraswati? Explain their relevance in addressing the current ethical and social challenges in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":33,"question":"(a) Discuss the ethical dilemma Karan faces in deciding whether to report the incident against Mariyam's wishes.\n(b) Evaluate the options available to Karan. Which of these options should he choose and why?\n(c) What responsibilities do organizations like XYZ Corp have in preventing and addressing sexual harassment and creating inclusive workplace environments? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Why? Why?\n1 Compromise with injustice is injustice and has cascading effect","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"8 (a) शिक्षा विभाग के आयुक्त के रूप में जय के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं? इनमें से प्रत्येक विकल्प का मूल्यांकन कीजिए।\n(b) जय को कौन-सा विकल्प अपनाना चाहिए और क्यों?\n(c) जय जैसे सिविल सेवकों को अपने दायित्वों के निर्वहन में नैतिक मानकों को बनाए रखने के प्रयास के दौरान बेहतर सुरक्षा कैसे प्रदान की जा सकती है? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)\na) शिक्षा विभाग के आयुक्त के रूप में जय के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं? इनमें से प्रत्येक विकल्प का मूल्यांकन कीजिए।\nb) जय को कौन-सा विकल्प अपनाना चाहिए और क्यों?\nc) जय जैसे सिविल सेवकों को अपने दायित्वों के निर्वहन में नैतिक मानकों को बनाए रखने के प्रयास के दौरान बेहतर सुरक्षा कैसे प्रदान की जा सकती है? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":39,"question":"(a) What are the options available to Jay as the Commissioner of the Education Department? Evaluate each of these options.\n(b) What option should Jay adopt and why?\n(c) How can civil servants like Jay be better protected when they attempt to uphold ethical standards in their work? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"9 As the District Magistrate of X city, you are responsible for overseeing the construction of a new metro depot in an urban forest area, which is a critical infrastructure project aimed at improving public transportation and reducing traffic congestion and air pollution. The project, however, requires the clearance of a substantial portion of the forest, which has triggered strong opposition from environmental activists, local residents, and NGOs. This forest is widely regarded as essential for the city's ecological balance, often referred to as the city's \"lungs.\" In addition to the environmental concerns, you are under considerable pressure from politicians at the state-level to expedite the project, given the upcoming elections in two years. The political leadership emphasizes the benefits of the metro project for the city's development and its potential to garner electoral support. The project is expected to significantly reduce travel time for thousands of commuters and potentially decrease overall vehicle emissions in the city. However, it would also lead to the loss of thousands of trees and disrupt local ecosystems. As you prepare to make a decision, you are aware that your choice will have far-reaching consequences for both the city's development and its environment.\n(a) Identify the ethical dilemmas involved in the above case.\n(b) Evaluate the options available to you in the above situation. Which of these would you choose and why?\n(c) Suggest some measures that could be implemented to balance urban development needs with environmental conservation in future projects. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"10 Dr. Mehra is a senior drug developer at a leading pharmaceutical company in India, renowned for producing various medications, including lifesaving drugs critical for treating chronic and rare diseases. Since its inception, the company has emphasized the quality and affordability of its drugs.\n\nRecently, under revised government guidelines, pharmaceutical companies are required to market a finished product only after obtaining \"satisfactory results\" from tests on the ingredients. Additionally, they must retain a sufficient quantity of samples of both intermediate and final products to allow repeated testing or verification of a batch.\n\nDr. Mehra's team is in the final stages of developing a new medication for a rare but life-threatening disease. This drug has shown promising results in clinical trials. However, there have been unresolved concerns about the long-term side effects of the drug, observed in a small percentage of trial subjects. Despite this, the company has not released any major drug in the past decade, leading to significant pressure from the board members to expedite the drug's release.\n(a) Identify the stakeholders in the above case study.\n(b) Discuss the ethical issues faced by Dr. Mehra.\n(c) Analyse the options available to Dr. Mehra in the above case. Which of these would you choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"2 Withholding drug till final research happens\nMerit 1) Compliance to guideline\n2) No harm to goodwill if any failure\nDemerit 1) Board becoming restless\n2) Profitability of pharma company","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"11 You have been appointed as the Under Secretary in the State Urban Development Department. The Department has been tasked with a prestigious project aimed at revitalizing the infrastructure of a city with deep historical significance. This project, which you are extremely passionate about, involves modernizing public transportation, restoring heritage buildings, and creating green spaces while preserving the city's cultural essence.\n\nExcited by the opportunity, you spent weeks researching and drafting a comprehensive proposal. Your plan included innovative ideas for sustainable development, community engagement, and leveraging technology for urban planning. You presented these initial plans in a departmental meeting, hoping to inspire your colleagues and kickstart the project.\n\nHowever, your enthusiasm was met with indifference. Your colleagues showed little interest, failing to contribute ideas or efforts towards the project. Concerned, you reported this lack of enthusiasm to your immediate superior, who is also the authority for this project. To your dismay,\n(a) इस प्रकरण में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\n(b) उपयुक्त कार्य संस्कृति कार्यस्थल पर मनोबल और उत्पादकता को किस प्रकार प्रभावित करती है?\n(c) आपके पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं और आप इस स्थिति का समाधान किस प्रकार करेंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":54,"question":"(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.\n(b) How does the above-mentioned work culture affect workplace morale and productivity?\n(c) What are the options available to you and how would you address the situation? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":58,"question":"12 (a) उपयुक्त प्रकरण के आलोक में, कॉर्पोरेट, राजनीतिक और नौकरशाही के हितों के बीच गठजोड़ से उत्पन्न होने वाले नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\n(b) एक कर्तव्यनिष्ठ सिविल सेवक के रूप में, अरुण के पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन कीजिए। उसे कौन-सा विकल्प चुनना चाहिए और क्यों? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)\na) उपयुक्त प्रकरण के आलोक में, कॉर्पोरेट, राजनीतिक और नौकरशाही के हितों के बीच गठजोड़ से उत्पन्न होने वाले नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\nb) एक कर्तव्यनिष्ठ सिविल सेवक के रूप में, अरुण के पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन कीजिए। उसे कौन-सा विकल्प चुनना चाहिए और क्यों? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":59,"question":"(a) and (b) (a) In light of the above case, discuss the ethical issues that may arise from the nexus between corporate, political, and bureaucratic interests.\n(b) As a conscientious civil servant, evaluate the options available to Arun. Which option should he choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)\na) In light of the above case, discuss the ethical issues that may arise from the nexus between corporate, political, and bureaucratic interests.\nb) As a conscientious civil servant, evaluate the options available to Arun. Which option should he choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":676,"topper":"Akansh Dhull","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0ee89-661968_4513_akansh_dhull_rank_03.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. (a) Compassion is the courageous choice to feel another's suffering as one's own, and to act upon it, even when silence is safer and indifference is easier. Examine the significance of compassion as an essential ethical value for civil servants in India. Illustrate your answer with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"1. (b) Marriages in India are transitioning from traditional sacramental unions to more autonomous relationships, reflected in live-in relationships and rising divorce rates. Discuss the ethical dimensions of these changes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"2. (a) While accountability often necessitates documentation, an overemphasis on bureaucratic procedures and excessive paperwork can inadvertently silence the very voices that public policy intends to empower, particularly at the grassroots. Examine the above statement with suitable illustrations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"2 Goal displacement\n(a) Not disbursing funds impacting millions due to document lapse. How silences voices that seeks to serve?\n(b) How to manage?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"2. (b) The principle of impartiality may conflict with the need for compassion towards marginalized communities. Discuss in the context of civil services in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"3 (a) What do each of the following quotations mean to you?\n(a) \"The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home.\" - Confucius (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"3. (b) \"Act only according to that maxim through which you can at the same time will that it become a universal law.\" - Immanuel Kant (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"3. (c) \"We are not only responsible for what we do, but also for what we fail to do\" - Molière. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"4. (a) Patriotism encourages ethical questioning, while nationalism often suppresses it. Discuss this statement in light of the formation of political attitudes during high-pressure national events. How can individuals develop moral attitudes that balance national interest with ethical reasoning? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"4. (b) Discuss how employee well-being and fairness can be balanced with efficiency and profitability in private organisations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"5. (a) Do you agree that excessive use of social media and emerging AI technologies may lead to a decline in emotional regulation and moral sensitivity among adolescents? Justify your answer.","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"5. (b) In light of the increasing incidents of suicides among students in India, discuss how Emotional Intelligence (EI) can aid in managing stress and emotional challenges.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"6. (a) In public service, emotional intelligence is not about suppressing emotion, but mastering its purpose — to connect, to de-escalate, and to uplift others with empathy and strength. Do you agree with this view? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"6. (b) An efficient work culture is built not only on rules, but on shared values. In this context, evaluate the role of leadership and team dynamics in transforming work culture within an organization.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"7 You are posted as the Joint Secretary in the Department of Information Technology of a state. The government recently implemented several citizen-centric digital services, collecting large volumes of personal data from residents. The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, requires that such data be processed only with explicit and informed consent, and mandates that processing must cease immediately upon withdrawal of consent.\n\nDuring an internal audit, you discover that the department continues to process and analyze personal data of several citizens even after they have formally withdrawn their consent. This data is being used for policy analytics and service improvement, purposes not explicitly disclosed at the time of data collection. When you bring this to the attention of your department head, you are informed that halting the processing will disrupt ongoing digital initiatives and may affect state-level performance metrics. Moreover, you find that the consent withdrawal process is cumbersome, and many citizens are unaware of their rights under the DPDP Act.\n\nYou also learn that a prominent social activist is planning to file a complaint with the Data Protection Board against involuntary use of personal data, which could attract public scrutiny and legal action against the department.\n(a) Identify and discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.\n(b) What are the potential consequences for the department if the issue is not addressed transparently?\n(c) How would you balance the need for efficient public service delivery with the obligation to protect citizens’ data rights? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"8 You are an IAS officer, currently serving as the Secretary of the Public Works Department in a hill state. Recently, a disturbing incident has come to light involving a senior Cabinet Minister and two engineers of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). During an inspection of a critical highway project, the Minister was allegedly seen on video physically assaulting and verbally abusing the engineers in full public view. The video, recorded by bystanders, went viral on social media and was widely covered by television channels, sparking both outrage and support from different sections of society. The Minister later defended his actions, alleging that the officials were corrupt, unresponsive to local grievances, and responsible for inordinate delays in the project. He insisted that his actions were driven by public frustration and the urgency of delivering infrastructure to a remote region.\n\nHowever, the engineers have filed a police complaint and written to their superiors, claiming they were targeted for resisting political pressure to award contracts to specific local contractors linked to the Minister. As the situation escalated, a union of NHAI engineers declared a strike,\n(a) इस प्रकरण में शामिल प्रमुख नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं? हितधारकों और उनके परस्पर विरोधी हितों की पहचान कीजिए।\n(b) लोक निर्माण विभाग के सचिव के रूप में, आप उपयुक्त स्थिति में क्या कार्रवाई करेंगे?\n(c) ऐसी घटनाएं सिविल सेवकों के मनोबल और शासन में जनता के विश्वास को कैसे प्रभावित करती हैं? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"(a) What are the key ethical issues involved in this situation? Identify the stakeholders and their conflicting interests.\n(b) As the Secretary of the PWD, what actions will you take in above situation?\n(c) How do such incidents affect the morale of civil servants and public trust in governance? (Answer in 250 words)\na) What are the key ethical issues involved in this situation? Identify the stakeholders and their conflicting interests.\nb) As the Secretary of the PWD, what actions will you take in above situation?\nc) How do such incidents affect the morale of civil servants and public trust in governance?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"9 You are the Secretary in the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Government of India. In recent years, an increasing number of civil servants, particularly younger officers from the IAS, IPS, and IRS, have begun maintaining personal YouTube channels and social media pages. On these platforms, they regularly post videos related to their official work — showcasing innovative projects, public outreach initiatives, inspection drives, and sometimes even day-to-day administrative duties.\n\nThese videos often receive widespread public attention, and many viewers express admiration, saying such content enhances transparency, motivates aspirants, and humanizes the bureaucracy. However, concerns have also emerged from various quarters. Senior officers argue that such content may blur the boundaries between personal branding and public service, while some citizens and media commentators point to instances where videos feature vulnerable beneficiaries without consent, raise concerns about misuse of official premises, or seem designed more for personal popularity than public accountability.\n\nYou have been asked to prepare a report, including recommendations on maintaining a balance between public interest, institutional integrity, and evolving modes of communication.\n(a) Identify the ethical issues involved in civil servants publicly showcasing their official work on social media platforms.\n(b) Do such initiatives promote awareness and motivation, or do they compromise anonymity, neutrality, and the collective spirit of public service? Justify your opinion.\n(c) As Secretary, what guiding principles and disciplinary measures would you suggest to ensure responsible digital participation by civil servants? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"You have been asked to prepare a report with recommendations to balance public interest, institutional integrity, and evolving modes of communication.\n(a) Identify the ethical issues involved in civil servants publicly showcasing their official work on social media.\n(b) Do such practices promote awareness and motivation, or do they compromise the values of anonymity, neutrality, and collective service ethos? Give your opinion.\n(c) As the Secretary, what guiding principles and policy recommendations would you suggest to ensure responsible digital engagement by civil servants? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"10 You are the Director of the National Bioethics Commission who is responsible for assessing the ethical feasibility and oversight of a nationwide gene sequencing program. The project named GeneFuture, aims to sequence the DNA of every newborn child and store it in a centralized national database. The objective is to identify genetic predispositions to serious diseases early in life, allowing for preventive treatment and personalized medicine. Over 100,000 babies have already been enrolled in the pilot phase of the program. The government claims that this move is a landmark step in public health advancement.\n\nHowever, collection of newborn genetic data raises significant ethical concerns, particularly around informed consent, which may not fully capture parents' understanding of the long-term risks involved. Once gathered, this sensitive data could be misused for purposes such as surveillance, insurance discrimination, or commercial marketing by third parties. Uncertainty over data ownership—whether it lies with the state, parents, or the individual as they mature—further complicates the issue. The involvement of private tech and pharmaceutical companies heightens fears of commercial exploitation, especially in the absence of clear mechanisms for individuals to withdraw consent or delete their genetic information upon reaching adulthood.\n(a) What are the ethical issues you perceive in the implementation of the GeneFuture program?\n(b) Identify the conflicting interests of different stakeholders in this case.\n(c) What guiding ethical principles would you recommend for implementation of this project? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"11 You are a dedicated District Health Officer (DHO) with a strong commitment to evidence-based public health practices, recently assigned to a remote district in India. Your immediate and most critical task is to lead a crucial district-wide Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination drive, aimed at achieving 100% immunization coverage among children aged 9 months to 15 years. The success of this drive is vital for the collective health of thousands of children and for the district's overall health indicators, especially with the impending monsoon season posing additional health challenges.\n\nHowever, in one of the largest and most traditional villages in your district, you encounter formidable resistance. The villagers, deeply influenced by the pronouncements of a revered local\n(a) उपयुक्त प्रकरण में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\n(b) इस विरोध को शांत करने के लिए आपके पास तत्काल क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\n(c) अंधविश्वास के व्यापक प्रभाव को दूर करने और संधारणीय लोक स्वास्थ्य परिणामों हेतु वैज्ञानिक सोच को बढ़ावा देने के लिए आप कौन-सी दीर्घकालिक रणनीतियाँ और प्रणालीगत सुधारों का सुझाव देंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case.\n(b) What are the immediate options available to you to overcome this resistance?\n(c) What long-term strategies and systemic reforms would you suggest to address the pervasive influence of superstition and foster a scientific temperament for sustainable public health outcomes? (Answer in 250 words)\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case.\nb) What are the immediate options available to you to overcome this resistance?\nc) What long-term strategies and systemic reforms would you suggest to address the pervasive influence of superstition and foster a scientific temperament for sustainable public health outcomes?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"12 You are a highly motivated and principle-driven Gram Panchayat Secretary, recently posted in a large and socio-economically diverse village in a remote district. Your immediate and most critical task is the meticulous verification of beneficiaries for the 'Gramin Awas Yojana' – a flagship state housing scheme aimed at providing 'pucca' (brick) houses to the genuinely impoverished and landless households. The scheme is under tight deadlines, with funds\n(a) What are the possible administrative and ethical dilemmas you face?\n(b) Discuss all the options available to you.\n(c) While justifying the ethical propriety of your decision, what broad actions will you take? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":58,"question":"(a) What are the potential administrative and ethical dilemmas you face?\n(b) Discuss all options available to you.\n(c) What comprehensive course of action would you choose to adopt, providing ethical justification for your decision? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":677,"topper":"Akansh Dhull","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/0cdd845bfd11188b1b735788d0b54a20/2/mts_2023_unchecked_mt23rtra004_tc158.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"Public service requires not merely legal but also morally principled action. Public service requires the public servant to place loyalty to the constitution, laws, and ethical principles. Among the three, which do you think must acquire primacy while carrying out official functions? Why? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by \"integrity-based civil disobedience\"? Do you think a challenge to personal integrity can be a justifiable cause for responsible disobedience in civil services? Explain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Recent research has shown that emotions significantly impact personal and professional lives. What are the primary emotions that negatively and positively impact workplace productivity? Explain with relevant examples. (EI) (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Technical efficiency ensures resource utilization and social efficiency ensures fulfillment of social needs, what does ethical efficiency ensure? Do you think ethical efficiency is more important than technical and social efficiency? Why/Why not? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"\"Man cannot do right in one department of life whilst he is occupied in doing wrong in any other department.\" Gandhi. Do you think an individual's personal ethics impacts professional life or they both can be compartmentalized? Explain your position with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Goodness is the result of internal imperatives to do what is right, not sanctions from moral rules or rewards from expected consequences. Do you agree? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance. (a) \"To tolerate is purely an act of the mind. That is the essence of virtue. To tolerate is a strength.\" (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"In the context of civil service, distinguish between moral and nonmoral values. Identify 5 basic moral values that can serve as foundational values for all services irrespective of the department. Give reasons why those values can be considered foundational. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Citizens' involvement in decision-making is critical to ethics in governance. Do you agree that effective civic engagement mechanisms can facilitate an ethics-driven administration? What do you think are the mechanisms that citizens can use for ensuring ethics in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Social transformation programs such as \"beti bachao and beti padhao\" believes in using advice, counseling, and persuasion but sometimes a little force is also necessary for getting the desired response. Do you think it is a good idea to mix little force with persuasion by public administrators while implementing social schemes of transformation? Explain with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":31,"question":"Ultimately foreign policy of every country hinges upon the strength which the nation possesses. Strength may be military or financial and may be also...moral.\" Do you think ethical strength without military or financial muscle will be respected in today's world? Explain your position. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":33,"question":"You are a young officer working with the Municipal Corporation of an industrial city. The city was known for manufacturing ball bearings and auto parts. Most manufacturing units were small-scale units with very little production process automation. The units relied on manual labor, which was in abundance due to the villages close by. As the number of manufacturing units grew, the demand for labor increased, bringing in a steady inflow of laborers into the city. This influx of people into the town led to a mushrooming of slums and encroachments on the sidewalks. Once in a while, the Corporation conducted drives to clear out the slums, but after a time, the slums came back. The illegal slums had become an urban nightmare. You were given the responsibility of clearing out the encroachments and slums with the help of Police authorities. As you started the drive, you realized that the people living by the sidewalks were vulnerable compared to the slum dwellers. Many sidewalk dwellers had recently come to the city after selling their properties in their villages. Now if you drive them out, they have no place to go. Your heart went out to them, and you felt that your departmental action was inhumane, but your official responsibilities demanded stern impartial action. You are desperate to find a way to help the sidewalk dwellers without compromising your official duties. (a) What value conflicts do you notice in the above situation? (b) Can an administrator compromise the value of impartiality for empathy? Discuss. (c) What are the options available in the above situation? (d) Suggest viable solutions to deal with illegal slums and encroachment in urban areas.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"A certain State government was running a welfare scheme for promoting safe motherhood among rural landless laborers' families. The scheme involves the transfer of funds to the beneficiaries to enable them to mitigate income loss due to maternal care responsibilities. Since its implementation, the scheme has done reasonably well on maternal health and economic indicators. You are the Director of the Department responsible for implementing and operating the scheme. Recently you have been receiving reports of welfare fraud being committed by families by producing fake bona fide. The families committed the fraud with the help of local officials responsible for scrutinizing the bonafide. You were concerned because the fraud was seriously undermining the scheme's efficiency. You called for a departmental meeting to discuss and find a solution to the problem. In the meeting, it was decided to merge several available government data sets such as Aadhar cards, voter ID cards, marriage certificates, birth certificates, bank details, and other personal assets. By merging all the data sets, the department would be able to develop the beneficiary's economic profile. And this will help the department scrutinize the documents and detect fraud. This was a comprehensive strategy, but it risked violating an individual's data privacy. As a Department head, you wanted to detect and prevent fraud, but at the same time, you were apprehensive about violating the Data privacy of the stakeholders. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) Do you think violating data privacy is justified to prevent welfare fraud? Why/ Why not? (c) What could be the reasons for such welfare frauds happening in the country? (d) Is there any way or means to prevent such fraud? Give your suggestion.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"You are posted in the Department of Mines, and one of your roles is to help your Department Head negotiate mining leases with private contractors. Recently, the state government demarcated a new mining zone and planned to invite bids for the mining blocs. You were instructed to oversee the bidding process and speed up the contract negotiations. As planned, the tenders were released, bids came in, and tenders were allocated as per the norms. All this happened at a breakneck speed. You wondered, why the hurry? But it was not your place to think and question; you quietly went about your work. As the contractors were about to start operations, you had to instruct them on environmental concerns to watch out for. And to do that, you read the environmental impact assessment report submitted by a consulting firm hired by the department. To your surprise, the report was shoddy and looked cooked up. You got suspicious and raised the issue with your Head, who politely instructed you to do what you were told, and he reminded you that the Department had revenue targets and was under pressure from the Ministry. After the meeting, you, on your own accord, did some digging and found out that the report was fraudulent and the mining activity that was about to start would lead to a massive environmental disaster which the State could not afford. (a) What are the issues and value violations you notice in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you? (c) Discuss the advantage and disadvantages of each option and identify your chosen course of action. (d) Do you think that sometimes environmental considerations are given more weight at the cost of development? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Do you think corporate businesses such as GAMA must consider international ethics while pursuing business interests? Why/why not? (c) Do you think a corporate's social responsibility extends beyond one's immediate community to the international community? Why/Why not? (d) Do you think the Defence sector companies marketing sensitive technologies must be regulated by their respective governments, or regulation may curtail their entrepreneurial and innovation energy? Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"Mr. Sharma was the All India Sales Head of a pharmaceutical company with a turnover of 400 crores. The company's main markets were small towns and tier 2 cities. Further, the company did a sizeable amount of business with state government hospitals and health centers. Mr. Sharma had given a lot of freedom to field sales agents to strike deals and negotiate prices with clients. This strategy worked well for the company. Recently Mr. Sharma received word that three company employees were selling products to government hospitals and health centers at a higher price than they were selling to other private hospitals and health centers. The employees were with the company for over five years and were good performers. A few sales staff informally raised the issue of the three getting relatively higher commissions because of their inflated deals. And this was creating a sense of unease among the sales staff. A cursory review of the account of the three showed that, in many instances, the government hospitals were paying more than other private institutions. department officials were helping them scam the Department. Mr. Sharma realized that his sales staff and some corrupt government staff had been defrauding the state exchequer for quite some time. Mr. Sharma immediately reported it to his CEO, and the two discussed how to deal with the sales staff and whether to inform the government about the scam and the involvement of their staff. The issue was informing the government means that there was every possibility that they might be blacklisted, thereby losing a lot of business. Mr. Sharma and CEO were caught in a dilemma regarding how to proceed with the case. (a) What are the ethical and business issues involved in the case? (b) What are the options available to Mr. Sharma and the CEO? (c) Do you think the organizational culture of giving freedom to the sales force led to the issue or was the individual's corrupt nature that led to the problem? Discuss. (d) What ethics mechanisms and steps can the company create and implement to prevent unethical behavior, as mentioned in the case? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":678,"topper":"Akansh Dhull","air":342,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/748520c30390b56bbbd3f8693a3b3ea3/88/mt23rtra004_tc158-test-04-gs-4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":679,"topper":"Akansh Dhull","air":342,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/59/mt23rtra004_tc155-test-4-gs-4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":680,"topper":"Akansh Dhull","air":3,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/18DVSaSTyx0E0-ChK6Sr3UhspCdnTJOoV","questions":[]},{"id":681,"topper":"Akansh Dhull","air":295,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/u/2/folders/1kWzDw-R7WUe12o5dlSS3qR1bYEJQGFsN","questions":[]},{"id":682,"topper":"AKANSHA PATHAK","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a82c0-444569_2425_akansha_pathak_rank_85.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"For effective corporate governance to take place in the coming years, why is it important to integrate the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics with the multi-stakeholder approach? What benefits can be accrued by such integration? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In acts of corruption, the focus is often only on the demand side of the equation, on public officials who abuse their office for private gain. Frequently, the supply side is given less attention. Those who pay bribes are sometimes depicted as innocent parties and victims of extortionary practices of wily public servants. Do you agree that 'collusive corruption', in which there is a willing bribe-giver, is a formidable challenge for institutions fighting corruption? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Citizens' Charters initiative was a response to the quest for solving the problems, which a citizen encountered, day in and day out, while dealing with the organisations providing public services. But the introduction and implementation of Citizens' Charters in the government of India has been difficult due to the old bureaucratic set up and the rigid attitudes of the work force. Discuss the major obstacles that have been encountered in implementing the Citizens' Charter initiative. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Quality of public service delivery is a major determinant of the quality of life of vulnerable sections in a highly unequal society divided along the lines of class, caste, religion, etc. In this background, do you think that public service delivery is efficient and sufficient enough to improve the lives of vulnerable groups in India? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own.\" - Lao Tzu (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"If ethics are poor at the top, that behavior is copied down through the organization.\" - Robert Noyce (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"The end of law is not to abolish or restrain, but to preserve and enlarge freedom.\" - John Locke (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Wealthy CEOs and founders of successful businesses around the world are increasingly pledging to give away their wealth in philanthropy. Do you think that such a move is sufficient enough to bring about a positive change in the society? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"As organizations across the globe begin their artificial intelligence (AI) transformation, the leap into the AI era is expected to be more challenging than any technology that businesses have grappled with yet. In this background, discuss the concerns around fairness, transparency, and job security that may arise. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The emphasis of Swami Dayanand Saraswati on education, social equality, and ethical values continues to influence the socio-cultural discourse in contemporary India. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Emotional intelligence may not be singularly associated with emotions or intelligence. It can also include a broad range of personality characteristics that might predict success in professional and everyday life. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Traditional forms of state-led accountability, also characterised as vertical and horizontal channels of accountability, are increasingly found to be inadequate, and a myriad of multi-stakeholder and bottom-up citizen directed approaches have come to the fore, to supplement or supplant them. Discuss with illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"In a metropolitan city of India, the law enforcement authorities decided to adopt facial recognition technology to improve their crime-fighting capabilities. They implemented a facial recognition system that integrated with existing surveillance cameras across the city, allowing real-time identification and tracking of individuals. The system was intended to assist in identifying known criminals, missing persons, and suspects in ongoing investigations. One evening, a woman reported a mugging incident where the perpetrator wore a hoodie, obscuring most of his face. The victim provided a vague description to the police, and based on that information, the authorities decided to use facial recognition technology to locate potential suspects. The system scanned through hours of surveillance footage from various locations near the crime scene. The facial recognition algorithm generated a list of potential matches, and one individual's image stood out as a close match to the description provided by the victim. The police considered this individual a prime suspect and proceeded with his arrest. Subsequently, it was discovered that the arrested person was innocent. Further investigation revealed that the facial recognition system had misidentified the innocent individual due to the limitations of the technology and the partial description provided by the victim. The police released the arrested individual; still his reputation got tarnished for life. He, along with his family, was evicted from their current place of residence. The psychological impact of the incident has been tremendous owing to which his job is also on the line. With reference to this case study, answer the following: (a) What are the issues involved in this case? (b) What measures can be taken to minimize the negative implications of adopting such technologies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Rina and her friends from the college were working as interns with a company for the last few months. On completion of their internship, some of them, including Rina, have been offered full-time jobs in the company. Being a reputed company, she and her friends accepted the offer. Rina is enthusiastic about her new job and has even established good relationship with some of her company co-workers during her internship. However, during her tenure as an intern, Rina had begun to notice that one of the Vice-Presidents (VPs) of the company was giving her too much attention. He used to make an extra effort to stop by Rina's cubicle and chat, something she was not doing with any of the other interns. He had even tried to connect with Rina over social networking sites. Some of her co-interns also noticed this and began to make offhand comments to Rina about the extra attention being given by the VP. Now that she has been hired for a full time position, is fearful that she might have to work with this VP directly. While he has not done or said anything explicitly inappropriate, the extra attention and the fact that her co-workers noticed it, made her very uncomfortable and undermined her concentration at work. The company encourages an open and friendly atmosphere and when she was hired, it was communicated to her that she should always speak to her Manager whenever faced with any uncomfortable work related issues. However, she is concerned to speak about it officially, as the VP has not explicitly done anything wrong. In the given situation: (a) What dilemmas does Rina face? (b) What options does she have? Provide the merits and demerits of each. (c) Highlight the course of action she should adopt, along with justification for the same. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"You have recently been posted as a Nodal Education Officer in one of the districts, where mass cheating in examinations is a regular phenomenon. Media reports have shown parents and relatives scaling school walls and buildings to pass answer chits to students taking secondary school examinations in the district. Moreover, with the advent of new technological devices, cheating in examinations has become more sophisticated and exam rules are flouted openly. On investigation, it has come to your notice that these rackets are run by many school authorities, including exam invigilators who are mostly teachers, and they are hand in glove for profits. With a shortage of staff, invigilators threaten go on mass strikes if any action is taken. Conducting the exams, cancelling them on account of cheating and having re-exams are a loss of time and money for the government and this vicious cycle goes on. As the Nodal Education Officer of the district, address the following questions: (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (b) How will you resolve the issues in the given case? (c) What long-term strategy needs to be adopted to deal with the menace of cheating in various examinations? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Many proponents of deep-sea drilling argue that tapping into the vast amount of rare earth elements in the Indian Ocean will help shore up national security interests for India, bolster its economy and workforce, and offer a reliable supply of strategic minerals. Keeping this in mind, the government has approved a $540-million programme to study ways of mining nickel, cobalt, manganese and iron hydroxide from the bed of the Indian Ocean 6,000 meters below sea level. The government argues that the project can power India's growth for 100 years. It will also study climate change, explore marine flora and fauna and harness thermal energy. However, a competing point of view alleges that deep ocean drilling poses immense risk to the environment. A comprehensive report on Sustainable Ocean Economy by independent geologists states that \"until the need for, and potential consequences of, deep-sea mining are better understood, the concept is conceptually difficult to align with the definition of a sustainable ocean economy and raises various environmental, legal and governance challenges, as well as possible conflicts with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.\" It also highlights that the profitability of national mining operations, without governmental support or comparably low taxes, remains questionable. If the operations are profitable, it will also raise questions about the equitable sharing of profits derived from a resource taken out of humanity's common heritage. Additionally, companies like BMW, Volvo, Google and Korean battery maker Samsung SDI, vowed in a statement to not buy metals produced from deep-sea mining until the environmental risks of the activity are \"comprehensively understood.\" In the context of the above-stated information, address the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the given case study? (b) How can the vision of economic development of a nation be achieved without adversely affecting the sustainability of oceans? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"Given this situation, answer the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the above situation? (b) What are the various options that you have, as a father and an ambitious politician? (c) What will be your course of action? Justify with proper reasoning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":683,"topper":"Akarsh Dhull","air":3,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/AKANSH-DHULL-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-3-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) Critically evaluate the significance of the Basic Structure Doctrine in the five decades since its judicial pronouncement.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Though defamation law is vital to protect one's reputation and dignity in society, weaponization of the same to curb dissent and free speech is antithetical in a constitutional democracy. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3 Explore the legal-constitutional basis for the conflicts between the elected government and the institution of the Lieutenant Governor over the governance process in the Union Territory of Delhi. Analyse the role that the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 2023, can play in resolving it.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) The objective of the Mediation Bill, 2023 is to have a mediation first approach to civil and commercial disputes resolution, with the purpose of reducing the burden of litigation on Courts, providing alternate means of disputes resolution, and enhancing the country's reputation as an investor friendly destination. Comment, with special emphasis on the salient features of the bill.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) A middle point between socialism and capitalism, cooperatives bring the best of the both worlds. Assess the utility of the cooperative model in effecting rural prosperity.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6 Evaluate the efficacy of Forest Rights Act, 2006 (FRA) and Panchayat (Extension of the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA) in attaining their mandate. Also, recommend measures to make these legislations more effective in attaining their desired objectives.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) Differentiate between the legal and illegal means adopted by advocacy networks to advance their interests. What are the factors that limit their effectiveness as a pressure group?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) Discuss the steps taken by the government in empowering Self Help Groups as a development partner in poverty alleviation. Also highlight the challenges in the working of SHGs.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) Changing strategic realities come with their own constraints and possibilities. Describe briefly India's defense diplomacy in the context of contemporary geopolitics.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 Explain the significance and implications of the China-brokered diplomatic accord between Iran and Saudi Arabia.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 A key pillar of Constitutional morality is constitutional punctuality. Illustrate with suitable examples, how a lack of constitutional punctuality not only hinders democratic functioning of the State, but also goes against the spirit of the Constitution.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 Free and fair elections are the lifeblood of a democracy, and electoral reforms are at the core of political reforms. In this context, highlighting the challenges to functioning of the Election Commission, suggest the necessary reforms needed, with special reference to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Other Election Commissioners ECs (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13) Striking a fine balance between national security on one hand, and freedom of speech and expression on another is the key to democratic ethos. In light of this statement, write a critical note on the relevance and need for stringent laws like the National Security Act and Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) in a vibrant democracy.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) The overhaul of India's criminal justice system is not only a long due reform, it is also imperative for decolonizing India's penal system. Elucidate in the light of recently proposed trinity of Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill, 2023, Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita Bill, 2023 and Bharatiya Sakshya Bill, 2023.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 What ails institutions of Higher education? Bring out the possibilities and challenges that come with the entry and operation of foreign educational institutions seeking to impart higher education.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 Partnership between the State and CSOs for delivering development, while promising at face value, is fraught with challenges. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17) Critically analyse the working of the POCSO Act, 2012 in addressing the menace of child sex abuse in society in the 10 years since its enactment. How far has the National Commission for protection of child rights been successful in fulfilling its mandate?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 Discuss the challenges that keep India multi-dimensionally poor with special reference to NITI Ayog's National Multidimensional Poverty Index Report.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 BRICS can serve as a platform for shaping a post-Western global order, but the potential of the grouping is held back by internal contradictions. Examine.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 \"WTO is dead! Long live WTO!\" In the context of this statement, account for the reasons behind why the WTO is dysfunctional. In your opinion, what reforms are needed to promote resilient, sustainable, and inclusive world trade.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":684,"topper":"Akarshi Jain","air":140,"year":2019,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4d8c1-175061_1076_akarshi-jain_rank_140.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":685,"topper":"AKASH AGRAWAL","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7bfea-272427_1391_akash_agrawal_rank_105.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Enumerate important privileges enjoyed by each House of Parliament collectively and its members individually and also discuss their significance. (Answer in 200 words) 12.5X20=250","marks":null,"words":"200"},{"page":6,"question":"Give an account of the composition and functions of the Finance Commission as mentioned in the Constitution of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Preamble shows the general purposes behind several provisions in the Constitution, and is a key to the minds of the makers of the Constitution. Explain. Also, comment on the amendability of the Preamble.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Explain the principle of subsidiarity, its importance and discuss how the 73rd constitutional amendment act tries to achieve it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Explaining the importance of an independent judiciary, highlight the relevant Constitutional provisions that safeguard and ensure the independent and impartial functioning of the Supreme Court.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Mention the six freedoms as guaranteed under Article 19 of the Indian Constitution. Also, comment on the way in which the constitution has attempted to strike a balance between individual liberty and interests of society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"With examples, discuss the significance of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in light of costly and time-consuming litigation process in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Explain why the Indian Constitution has been argued to have created a 'federation with a centralising tendency'.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"The parliamentary control over government and administration in India is more theoretical than practical. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Why did the Constituent Assembly replace the original plan to have elected governors in favour of appointment by the President? Also, bring out the arguments that are raised against the current form of appointment of Governors.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Explaining the concept of judicial activism, discuss why it is important for courts not to take over the functions of the legislature or the executive.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Compare the constitutional position of Rajya Sabha with the Lok Sabha in terms of legislative powers. Also bring out special powers given to Rajya Sabha in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Comment upon the distribution of legislative subjects between the Centre and states. Under what circumstances does the Parliament make laws on matters enumerated in the State list?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Explain the significance of the concept of 'separation of powers' in a democracy. What can be the reasons for India not following the doctrine in the strict sense?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Explain the grounds on which a National Emergency can be declared and highlight its effects on Centre-state relations and Fundamental Rights.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Analyze how the CAG ensures financial accountability of the Executive to the Legislature while working as an independent Constitutional body.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Highlight the veto powers of the President of India. How does the veto powers of the Governor differ from that of the President?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Even though the parliamentary system of government in India is largely based on the British parliamentary model it never became a replica of the British system. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"A number of judicial pronouncements and constitutional amendments have altered the balance between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of Sate Policy since the commencement of the constitution. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Highlight the powers and functions of the Election Commission of India (ECI). Also, discuss the issues regarding the independence and impartiality of the ECI.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":686,"topper":"AKASH AGRAWAL","air":105,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9c594-272427_2421_akash_agrawal_rank_105.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":687,"topper":"Akash Deep","air":233,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Geography","optional":true,"source":"LotusArise","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/10sESqr2_xk_tBJp2z2UdermuHdD91oMp/view","questions":[]},{"id":688,"topper":"Akash Deep","air":233,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Geography","optional":true,"source":"LotusArise","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1R3N1bfd9wqoU_lkLcNL1VVFdY6zcdb5f/view","questions":[]},{"id":689,"topper":"Akash Deep","air":233,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Geography","optional":true,"source":"LotusArise","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1i8-i23vW_Jn6qb4ehVezDKNmZSUnr8Rh/view","questions":[]},{"id":690,"topper":"Akash Kumar","air":101,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/AKASH-KUMARUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-101-Sample-MGP-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1 Reorganisation of States remains a parliamentary prerogative in India, with the Constitution assigning only a consultative role to State legislatures. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Explain the concept of residuary powers under the Indian Constitution. Why were they vested in the Parliament?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3 \"The expansive interpretation of Article 21 by the judiciary reflects its transformative role in safeguarding not just life, but also various facets of human well-being.\" Elucidate this statement with the help of relevant case laws.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Why were the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) made non-justiciable despite being fundamental to the governance of the country?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 \"Structural weaknesses and implementation challenges continue to undermine the effectiveness of the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution\". Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) Discuss the reasons for the limited success of Panchayati Raj Institutions in India. Also, recommend measures to strengthen the functioning of these institutions.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":16,"question":"Q.7) Right to freedom of speech and expression in India is both broad in interpretation and conditional in application. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.8 Critically discuss the need for the codification of parliamentary privileges in the country.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":22,"question":"Q.9 The Indian Constitution does not follow the doctrine of separation of powers in its strictest sense; instead, it adopts a model based on 'checks and balances'. Elucidate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.10 Discuss the role of the Vice-President as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. Also describe the procedure for his/her removal from office.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":691,"topper":"Akash Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2024_unchecked_PTTP220727_GSMAC2402.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"The rule of law and judicial review are interdependent, as one cannot truly exist without the other. In this context can judicial review be considered the most important aspect among those that constitute the basic structure of the Constitution? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"How does the power and authority of Delhi's lieutenant governor compare to that of the governors of other states, particularly in terms of acting on the aid and advice of the council of ministers? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss the role of the judiciary in navigating the tension between the right to religion and constitutional morality in India in recent times. Refer to relevant case laws. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The principle of 'Separation of Powers' is a key feature of the American Constitution. In this context, compare how the Indian Constitution's functional separation of powers distinguishes itself from the US system. What are the advantages of a check and balance system over a rigid Separation of Powers? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution is more than a legal provision that empowers tribal regions with self-rule. How does the sixth schedule foster development while respecting their traditional governance systems and cultural practices? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How do partnerships between Civil Society Organizations and Government Entities contribute to India's development goals? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss the importance of cultivating a culture of life-long learning among Indian civil servants. How has Mission Karmyogi contributed to this objective? Illustrate with examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Given India's strides in reducing extreme poverty, should the country consider redefining its poverty line to better reflect the current socio-economic realities? Discuss the potential benefits and challenges associated with redefinition of the poverty line. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Evaluate the impact of the deepening political divisions with the major Western States on global governance and international cooperation. How should India navigate these divisions to advance its national interests on the global stage? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"How does India's Arctic Policy align with its broader foreign policy objectives? Broadly discuss the collaborations and agreements India is involved in with the Arctic Council. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In what ways are the terms of reference of the 16th Finance Commission different from that of the previous Finance Commissions? Despite increasingly progressive devolution by subsequent Finance Commissions, examine the factors that propel economic disparities across various States. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Compare and contrast the powers and working of the Ethics Committee and the Privileges Committee in addressing cases of 'unethical' conduct and breach of privileges. How do these Committees complement each other in maintaining parliamentary discipline? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"In the context of persistent legislative dysfunction in India, analyze the evolving role of judicial activism in shaping public policy and governance. Using examples from landmark court cases, evaluate the effectiveness of judicial interventions in addressing governance gaps and safeguarding citizens' rights. (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"To what extent does the level of internal democracy within political parties impact the functioning and legitimacy of the Indian party system? What reforms can address the challenges of inadequate intraparty democracy in India? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"\"The NHRC must not only be a watchdog but also a beacon of hope for the marginalized and oppressed.\" In this context discuss the role and mandate of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in India. How does the current composition and functioning of the NHRC affect its independence and effectiveness? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"The persistent health equity challenges in India pose a critical barrier in achieving Universal Health Coverage. In this context discuss the role of the public and private sectors in ensuring adequate health access and outcomes across rural and urban areas.(250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals requires consideration of regional context and local situations. In light of this statement examine the role of Panchayats as catalysts for grassroot development and advancing sustainable development.(250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"What are the implications of the POCSO Act on the rights and welfare of children in India? Analyze the role of the POCSO Act in transforming India's legal framework for child protection. (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Examine the influence of human rights issues and democratic values on the diplomatic relationship between the U.S. and India. How have these concerns affected bilateral engagements and what can be done to mitigate tensions arising from these issues? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Examine the geopolitical challenges India faces in South Asia despite its global rise. How can India navigate these challenges to strengthen its regional leadership? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":692,"topper":"Akash Kumar","air":101,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/AKASH-KUMARUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-101-Sample-MGP-Copy-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) The influence of ethical principles on shaping socially responsible behavior is widely acknowledged. How do ethical values facilitate individuals in cultivating a proactive and constructive attitude towards fulfilling their social responsibilities? Can the subjective nature of ethical principles lead to divergent attitudes regarding social responsibility?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) Write short notes on the following:\n(i) Moral equilibrium\n(ii) Emotional strength\n(iii) Ethical pluralism\n(iv) Moral courage\n(v) Ethical fading","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) Through their actions, interactions, and teachings, schools have the power to mold the moral compass of the next generation. In this perspective, discuss the significance of value-based education in preparing the youth to address the contemporary challenges of society.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) What do you understand by the term 'situation ethics'? Critically analyze its strengths and weaknesses in making moral judgements.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) a) Maintaining traditional bonds and familial relationships in an increasingly globalized world requires personal relationships to be governed by ethical principles. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) \"Why should a man be moral? Because it strengthens his will.\" - Swami Vivekanand. In this perspective, discuss the significance of morality for bringing efficiency and effectiveness in public administration. Do you think moral rigidity can be a hindrance in good governance?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.4) a) Various practices and policies are implemented to uphold transparency, fairness, and accountability within administrative systems, encompassing both advantageous and disadvantageous aspects for the stakeholders involved and the overall administrative framework. Explore the ethical considerations that arise from the design and implementation of these administrative practices aiming to foster effective governance.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"b) Civil servants who embody emotional intelligence exhibit a profound understanding of the human aspect of governance, enabling them to cultivate meaningful relationships, foster cooperation, and drive positive change. Examine ways in which Emotional Intelligence can be inculcated in civil servants.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.5) a) The challenges posed by the corporate sector's impact on climate, environmental sustainability, and living conditions has highlighted the need for responsible and inclusive business practices. In this direction, the contemporary discourse on corporate governance is emphasizing the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. Evaluate the ESG framework in equipping the corporate world with the capabilities to fulfill its social roles and responsibilities.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"b) Uniform Civil Code (UCC) aims to create a common set of laws governing personal matters, such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption, irrespective of individuals' religious affiliations. In the context of the ongoing discourse on UCC in India, examine the challenges that arise when attempting to reconcile legal principles with diverse moral considerations. To what extent should the law be influenced by moral/religious principles?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.6 What does each of the following quotation mean to you?\na) \"When I do good, I feel good; when I do bad, I feel bad, and that is my religion\" - Abraham Lincoln.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"b) \"Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time.\" - Ruth Bader Ginsburg.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"c) \"Happiness is that state of consciousness which proceeds from the achievement of one's values\" - Ayn Rand.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7 Jiya is a first-year student studying political science in a metropolitan city. Jiya belongs to Viddhi, a village located in the state of Satya Pradesh. Even though Jiya is very fond of her ancestral home, she has limited knowledge about the socio-cultural aspects of the region. One day, while talking to her father, Jiya expresses her desire to visit her ancestral place. Her father readily agrees, and advises Jiya to inform her paternal uncle, Suresh, who lives in Viddhi, about her travel plans. On the destined day, Jiya arrives at her village to a grand welcome organised by her uncle. Later in the day, Suresh informs Jiya that in the evening they were all to attend a marriage function in the village. At the function, while having dinner, Jiya noticed that a separate seating arrangement was being made for some people. Unlike others, these people were waiting for their meals sitting on the floor, at a substantial distance from the main dining area. This made Jiya curious. On enquiring, Alakh, a 15-year-old boy, told Jiya that the members of his communities were not allowed to sit on chairs in any public occasion in the village. Alakh also told Jiya that even though he did not like the idea of sitting down in front of his friends, his mother and father, both advised him to follow the norm. Jiya asked him as to why different treatment was meted out to some people despite belonging to the same place. Alakh informed Jiya that even though they all belonged to Viddhi, members of his communities lived in separate habitations; had separate wells; and even worshiped in separate places. He also told her that various prohibitions were put on them like they were not supposed to ride a horse as part of their wedding procession, not allowed to wear turbans, which was a common head gear for others etc. Upon returning from the function, Jiya talked to her uncle about the matter. Suresh told Jiya that it is an accepted practice in the region and it is not wise to question the age-old traditions. Next day, while going to the market with her aunt, Jiya passes by the local government school. She at once recognized Alakh in the school uniform. To her surprise, instead of studying inside with other students, he, along with some other students, was sweeping the school corridor. While Jiya was perplexed, her aunt passed it off as a routine affair and told her that it was not out of ordinary for the likes of Alakh to do such jobs. Though Jiya left for her home in a few days, the incidents in Viddhi left an indelible mark on her psyche. As a political science student, Jiya realised that such practices and traditions were a blatant violation of an individual's rights. However, what she did not understand was the reasons behind overt acceptance of such practices by the society. The things witnessed by Jiya at Viddhi are not isolated incidents, but a part of larger systematic cycle of exclusion, and marginalisation. Such incidents are commonplace in many parts of the country even today.\na) Discuss the role of various stakeholders in checking such biases and building an egalitarian order.\nb) Why do such discriminatory practices continue in the society?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"a) ऐसे पूर्वाग्रहों को रोकने और समतावादी व्यवस्था के निर्माण में विभिन्न हितधारकों की भूमिका पर चर्चा कीजिए।\nb) समाज में ऐसी भेदभावपूर्ण प्रथाएँ क्यों जारी हैं?\na) ऐसे पूर्वाग्रहों को रोकने और समतावादी व्यवस्था के निर्माण में विभिन्न हितधारकों की भूमिका पर चर्चा कीजिए।\nb) समाज में ऐसी भेदभावपूर्ण प्रथाएँ क्यों जारी हैं?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.8) Pratap is a data engineer working in ABC infocom. Pratap is a sincere employee who is liked equally by his superiors, colleagues, and subordinates. One day, during the lunch hour, a few colleagues were discussing a news item. There was a rally/parade in support of the LGBTQIA+ community which was to be held on the coming Sunday. While the news item was a matter of intrigue and fun for all, Pratap was sensitive about the issue. He explained to his colleagues the importance of understanding the demands of the LGBTQIA+ for equal civil rights as enjoyed by others. Kamal, a colleague of Pratap, believed such tendencies are not in the favour of the traditional values of the society. Another employee, Sushma, said that she has heard some experts on various news channel talking about how the demands being raised by the LGBTQIA+ community are against the laws of nature. Bhanu, the sales team manager, too agreed with the majority opinion; Bhanu said that his parents believe that the inclinations of LGBTQIA+ people are a manifestation of mental illness. Pratap's reasoning in favour of equal rights for all was of no consequence to his colleagues who seemed to have a rigid attitudinal build up against the community as a whole. On the designated day when the rally was to take place, Kamal was watching the coverage of the parade live from his home. To his astonishment, he saw Pratap in the LGBTQIA+ rally. Next day at the office, when Kamal told Pratap that he saw him participating in the parade, Pratap agreed, and told Kamal that he was gay. After this incident Pratap began to see visible changes in the behaviour of not only his colleagues and subordinates but also the management of the office. While earlier all pestered Pratap to be present for various official and personal occasions, now he increasingly felt unwanted. Even his colleagues started taking their lunch separately. Pratap was earlier respected and revered by all for his sincerity and dedication. But now his professional qualities were overlooked and he became an object of amusement for all. He noticed that people started calling him by different names which he realized were a slur on his personality. Matters came to head when Pratap was overlooked for promotion. Earlier, Pratap's superiors on various occasions had told him that his good work has benefitted the organization immensely and he was due for promotion after the next appraisal. Therefore, this supersession came as a rude and disappointing shock to Pratap, and he fell into a mire of self-doubt and loathing. The conditions came to such a pass that, Pratap, who was earlier a happy go lucky, caring, and a self-aware person, started remaining depressed.\na) What are the qualities lacked by the colleagues and superiors of Pratap?\nb) What could be the possible reasons behind the negative attitude of office employees towards LGBTQIA+ community?\nc) As a friend of Pratap, what advice will you give him?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":36,"question":"a) प्रताप के सहकर्मियों और परिचितों में किन गुणों की कमी है? b) LGBTQIA+ समुदाय के प्रति कार्यालय कर्मचारियों के नकारात्मक रवैये के पीछे संभावित कारण क्या हो सकते हैं? c) प्रताप के मित्र होने के नाते आप उसे क्या सलाह देंगे?\na) प्रताप के सहकर्मियों और परिचितों में किन गुणों की कमी है?\nb) LGBTQIA+ समुदाय के प्रति कार्यालय कर्मचारियों के नकारात्मक रवैये के पीछे संभावित कारण क्या हो सकते हैं?\nc) प्रताप के मित्र होने के नाते आप उसे क्या सलाह देंगे?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.9 Prachinmath is a pilgrim town nestled in the laps of Himalayas. The town is part of one of the border states of the country. It serves as the base for a highly revered and well-known pilgrimage undertaken by millions of people every year. The people of Prachinmath, who are largely from a close-knit community of Pahadi tribe, have lived in the area for several generations. The Pahadi people, since many generations, have developed a lifestyle which is integral to the ecosystem of Prachinmath. The traditional knowledge of the tribe passed from one generation to other have helped the people in living with the environment in a sustainable manner. The people of Prachinmath worshipped the local deity, and believed it to be their destiny to live in the region in a peaceful and harmonious way.\nHowever, the increasing pace of unplanned development, uncontrolled religious tourism, creation of strategic infrastructure etc., in the contemporary times have fundamentally altered the minimalistic nature of relationship that the people of Prachinmath had with the local/fragile environment. Prachinmath Bachao Committee (PBC), a civil society organization of Pahadi tribals, has consistently opposed the unbridled and brazen exploitation of the resources of Prachinmath. They have through petitions, jan sabhas, nukkad nataks etc., highlighted the grave consequences of the unsustainable development model that the state and the Union governments were adopting for Prachinmath. However, their petitions had fallen on deaf ears. Moreover, the government justified the infrastructure creation in Prachinmath in order to cater to its strategic and religious significance.\nThe problems came to a head when the government decided to construct a tunnel in Prachinmath, in order to generate hydroelectricity. The PBC as well as prominent geologists of the country vehemently opposed the idea citing its negative impact upon the region. The scientific community was of the opinion that as Prachinmath sits on geological fault lines and is built on a debris of a landslide, any large-scale construction may cause irreparable damage to the environment. Nevertheless, the government went ahead with the project, constructing the tunnel in a record time, citing its necessity for the energy security of the country. Even many economists were of the opinion that increased energy capacity will help India curtail its import bill. Such steps were hailed by the government as the stepping stone of the country towards strategic autonomy.\nThe worst fears of the local and scientific communities came true when the houses in Prachinmath started showing large cracks. The reason for the crack, as found out after a detailed study, was attributed to the subsidence of land in Prachinmath. The sinking of the land, development of large cracks, collapsing of the buildings etc., caught the attention of social, electronic, and print media alike. Overnight, Prachinmath became the talk of the country. Even the international media highlighted the episode, and the existential threat that it posed to the local communities as well as the environment. The state and Union governments swung into action and formed an expert committee, comprising of scientists, bureaucrats, NDRF/SDRF personnel etc., to look into the matter. The committee advised the government to evacuate Prachinmath completely, as the sinking of the land was continuing. Working on the recommendations of the committee, government prepared a detailed resettlement and rehabilitation plan for the people of Prachinmath.\nThe Pahadi people, who squarely blamed the government for the crisis, felt cheated by the actions of the government and refused to evacuate from Prachinmath, the place of their ancestors.\na) What are the various conflicting interests in the above case study.\nb) As a DM of the district in which Prachinmath falls, how will you convince the people to evacuate from the area?\nc) What can we do to avoid such situations in the future.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"a) डगरोंक कैसे स्टडी में विभिन्न परस्पर विरोधी हित क्या हैं?\nb) जिस जिले में प्राचीनमठ पड़ता है, वहां के डीएम के रूप में आप लोगों को इलाका खाली करने के लिए कैसे मनाएंगे?\nc) भविष्य में ऐसी स्थितियों से बचने के लिए हम क्या कर सकते हैं? (20 अंक, 250 शब्द)\na) डगरोंक कैसे स्टडी में विभिन्न परस्पर विरोधी हित क्या हैं?\nb) जिस जिले में प्राचीनमठ पड़ता है, वहां के डीएम के रूप में आप लोगों को इलाका खाली करने के लिए कैसे मनाएंगे?\nc) भविष्य में ऐसी स्थितियों से बचने के लिए हम क्या कर सकते हैं?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.10 Vihar is a state in the Northern part of the country. Prohibition laws in the state completely ban the storage, possession, sale, and consumption of liquor in any form. Despite the ban, the liquor mafia in the state has succeeded in supplying spurious liquor through various illegal dens. The activities of liquor mafia flourish under the nose of both the civil administration and the police department. Many Civil Society Organizations, women organizations etc., on numerous occasions complained to the authorities about the illegal production, sale, and consumption of liquor, but their complaints have fallen on deaf ears, and no substantial action was taken by the government to curb the menace.\nAs fate would have it, one day there was an unfortunate incident when a large group of fifty construction labourers died after consuming spurious liquor from an illegal den being operated by the mafia. Many of the victims were sole bread winners of their families. While the state was clear on its position that consuming liquor in the state was an illegal activity that warrants no sympathy or compensation (for the next of kin) from the government, families of the victims and also many CSOs were demanding compensation for the families of the deceased construction laborers.\nThe incident got both national and international coverage in print, electronic, as well as the social media. The pressure on the state government was mounting to amicably resolve the issue.\nAnjali is posted as the Joint Secretary in the Secretariat. The CM has asked her to create a detailed report on how should the state government handle this crisis.\na) Under the given circumstances, what measures should Anjali recommend to handle the above crisis.\nb) Critically evaluate the decision of state government to not compensate the victims of spurious liquor.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Q.11) Kamlesh is a civil servant who has been recently posted as Additional Chief Secretary in the education department of the state. Kamlesh has a meticulous service record and is well known for his honesty, and a no-nonsense attitude. After joining the new department, the first major task before Kamlesh was to conduct the recruitments for the post of lecturers in government schools. The posts were lying vacant for a long time, and the government wanted to fill up the vacancies without further delay as it was one of the poll promises made by the present government. The recruitment process took place successfully under the supervision of Kamlesh. The concerned minister congratulated Kamlesh and informed him that the appointment letters will be allocated to the successful candidates in a ceremony which will be presided by the CM himself. Kamlesh was happy that his work was getting recognition at the highest level. One day, Kamlesh was sitting in his office when his secretary brought him a letter from a leading investigative journalist of the state. The letter dealt with the recently conducted recruitment of the lecturers. Kamlesh was shocked at the content of the letter. The investigative journalist had alleged that the question paper of the exam was leaked to a few successful candidates, who had also forged their documents to appear in the exam. The letter also highlighted a nexus of middlemen, politicians, and civil servants who facilitate such illicit practices. Moreover, the investigative journalist had also attached credible proofs. Kamlesh corroborated the facts of the letters from his own sources and found the allegations to be true prima facie. Since the matter was serious and warranted immediate action, Kamlesh brought the matter to the notice of his minister. To his surprise, the minister asked him to sit over the matter for some time. Minister reasoned that bringing out this matter will bring ignominy not only to the department but also to the government. Further, the minister reasoned that cancelling the whole recruitment process will be detrimental for the education department, schools etc; also, the sincere and honest candidates who have invested a lot of time and money for preparation may also get affected negatively. He also reminded Kamlesh that the participation of the CM has already been announced. After leaving the minister's office, Kamlesh got a phone call from Minister's Personal Secretary (PS). The PS hinted to Kamlesh that the concerned candidates were closely connected to the ruling political party, and going against them may create professional troubles for Kamlesh. On the other hand, his cooperation in this matter, the PS assured, will not go unnoticed and will be handsomely rewarded. Kamlesh had just settled in his new posting. He knows that going against the wish of the Minister may cause him his present posting. What was more, Kamlesh's father is undergoing treatment in a local hospital. A shunting out from the district would mean that his father would have to be left alone to fend for himself. Further, Kamlesh's wife Priya, also a bureaucrat, is posted in the Chief Minister's Office (CMO). Kamlesh realises that his actions will also have a bearing on her career as well.\na) Bring out various ethical dilemmas faced by Kamlesh.\nb) Consider yourself in Kamlesh's position. What are the various options available to you?\nc) Critically evaluate each of the option listed by you.\nd) Which of the above option should Kamlesh adopt and why?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":53,"question":"a) कमलेश द्वारा सामना की गई विभिन्न नैतिक दुविधाओं को उजागर करें।\nb) अपने आप को कमलेश की स्थिति में समझें। आपके लिए विभिन्न विकल्प क्या उपलब्ध हैं?\nc) आपके द्वारा सूचित प्रत्येक विकल्प का आलोचनात्मक मूल्यांकन करें।\nd) कमलेश को उपरोक्त में से कौन सा विकल्प अपनाना चाहिए और क्यों?\na) कमलेश द्वारा सामना की गई विभिन्न नैतिक दुविधाओं को उजागर करें।\nb) अपने आप को कमलेश की स्थिति में समझें। आपके लिए विभिन्न विकल्प क्या उपलब्ध हैं?\nc) आपके द्वारा सूचित प्रत्येक विकल्प का आलोचनात्मक मूल्यांकन करें।\nd) कमलेश को उपरोक्त में से कौन सा विकल्प अपनाना चाहिए और क्यों?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":58,"question":"Q.12) XYZ is a premiere coaching institute located in Chatterjee Nagar locality of Himnagar. XYZ specialises in the coaching for medical and engineering entrance examination. The main office of the coaching, where the daily classes are conducted, is located in a congested locality, from where several other coaching institutes also operate.\nOne day, while classes were in session in the top floor of the building and some 200 odd students were in attendance, a fire broke out in the premises of XYZ coaching. The fire incident created a commotion among those present in the building. Everyone, in a state of confusion, started running helter-skelter. Some students rushed to the very narrow stairs. Many stumbled and fell, hurting themselves. The emergency exit plan of the building was not suitable to cater to the large number of students and staff. In order to save themselves from asphyxiation, some students broke the window of the classroom. However, in absence of a fire stairs they had to climb down using the balcony ledge. In the process, many students had a free fall and hurt themselves badly. While two boys lost their life due to stampede caused while exiting the building, one girl got fatally injured while climbing down the ledge. The civil administration immediately started an audit of the building. Joseph is posted as the Municipal Commissioner of Himnagar. Chatarjee Nagar falls under his jurisdiction. Joseph has ordered an enquiry into the whole incident. Coincidentally, Joseph's younger brother, Frank, is also a student of XYZ coaching. He was not present in the coaching during the fateful day. The owner of the XYZ coaching approaches Joseph and requests him to be lenient in the enquiry report. They propose that looking at the good track record of Frank they are willing to give him a scholarship to fund not only his coaching fees but also his graduation from any college in the country. They also promise that since Frank is a sincere student, they will dedicate their top faculty to ensure that Frank comes out with flying colours in the coming under graduate entrance examination. Joseph knows that his brother has repeatedly failed in the entrance examinations earlier and a special focus will help him immensely. Also, Joseph himself was under student debt, which he was still paying in small instalments from his own salary. Recently married, and having risen from a poor family, Joseph has always worried about funding his brother's education.\na) Identify various ethical concerns in the case study.\nb) You are a friend of Joseph. Joseph turns to you for advice. What advice will you give to Joseph and why?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":59,"question":"a) मामले के अध्ययन में विभिन्न नैतिक चिंताओं की पहचान करें।\nb) आप जोसेफ के मित्र हैं। जोसेफ सलाह के लिए आपके पास आता है। आप जोसेफ को क्या सलाह देंगे और क्यों?\na) मामले के अध्ययन में विभिन्न नैतिक चिंताओं की पहचान करें।\nb) आप जोसेफ के मित्र हैं। जोसेफ सलाह के लिए आपके पास आता है। आप जोसेफ को क्या सलाह देंगे और क्यों?","marks":null,"words":"20 अंक"}]},{"id":693,"topper":"Akash Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/ETHICS_2_akash_kumar_ed15135158.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"\"As biotechnology blurs the lines between healing and enhancement, nature and design, the ethical foundations of science face unprecedented scrutiny.\" Critically examine the role of Bio Ethics in dealing with the ethical challenges posed by advancements in biotechnology. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"\"While economic and human capital are often emphasized in policymaking, it is social capital that sustains democratic institutions and inclusive development.\" Discuss the role of social capital in enhancing ethical governance, community resilience, and citizen participation. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"\"Integrity without objectivity risks moral absolutism; objectivity without integrity risks ethical indifference.\" In the context of public service, critically analyze how the dynamic interplay between integrity and objectivity shapes ethical decision-making. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"\"While Public-Private Partnerships promise efficiency and innovation, they often blur the lines between public interest and private profit.\" Critically examine the ethical issues involved in PPP models of governance. How can transparency, accountability, and equity be ensured in such collaborations, especially in essential sectors like health, education, and infrastructure? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context? a. Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever. - Mahatma Gandhi (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"In a country grappling with resource constraints, the vast surplus funds held by religious institutions raise pressing ethical questions about social responsibility. Critically examine the ethical, constitutional, and socio-cultural implications of utilizing surplus funds from religious institutions for public welfare purposes such as education and healthcare? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"\"Persuasion involves deliberate efforts to shape attitudes through reasoned argument, whereas social influence often operates subtly through conformity, peer pressure, or cultural norms. Both play a critical role in decision-making and public behavior. How can civil servants ethically employ both to bring about positive behavioural change in society? (10 marks, 150 words)\"","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"Despite significant investments and administrative reforms, public service delivery in India often remains poor in quality and accessibility. Critically analyze how socio-cultural factors interact with politico-administrative inefficiencies to perpetuate substandard delivery of public services. How can policy design and implementation be made more culturally responsive to address these challenges?\" (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"The rise of hybrid work models has redefined workplace ethics, blurring the boundaries between personal autonomy and professional accountability.\" Critically analyze the ethical challenges emerging from remote and hybrid work arrangements. How can organizations balance flexibility with fairness, trust with transparency, and productivity with employee well-being in the evolving work culture? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"\"Social audits and The Right to Information (RTI) Act are not merely tools of financial accountability, but instruments of participatory ethics that empower citizens to hold power to account.\" Critically examine the effectiveness of both of them in ensuring transparency, accountability, and ethical governance. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"\"While international funding aims to promote development, humanitarian aid, and global cooperation, it often comes embedded with political agendas, conditionalities, and asymmetric power dynamics.\" Critically examine the ethical challenges posed by international funding. How can global financial assistance be restructured to align with ethical principles of equity, dignity, and mutual respect? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":36,"question":"You are the Chief Compliance Commissioner at the National Startup Governance Board (NSGB) — a regulatory authority under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, tasked with ensuring ethical practices, board accountability, and investor transparency in India's startup ecosystem. Five years ago, \"EduNow\", an ed-tech startup founded by an alumnus of a premier college of India, was celebrated as a beacon of India's digital future. With a bold mission to democratize learning for rural students, it grew rapidly — partnering with schools, onboarding millions of users, and securing funding from global investors. But today, EduNow is imploding under the weight of governance failure. Auditors have resigned, citing withheld information, inflated revenues, and fabricated subscriber data. Several board members quit silently, without public explanation. Employees allege mass layoffs through WhatsApp, non-payment of dues, and coercion to sign NDAs in exchange for exit compensation. A leaked internal report reveals Personal expenses of the founder were booked as business expenses. Related-party transactions with shell companies owned by family members, Manipulation of user metrics to secure higher valuations in funding rounds. Despite these, the founder retains full operational control and is preparing for a new fundraising round, even considering an IPO. Meanwhile, a 27-year-old EduNow sales executive dies by suicide, allegedly due to unethical sales pressure and denial of salary for six months. His handwritten note, now viral, reads, \"I believed in the dream. But I was punished for asking for my salary. What future does honesty have?\" Public anger is erupting. Parents, students, and employees feel betrayed. Investors are distancing themselves. The media is asking tough questions. You are called for an emergency press conference in 6 hours. (a) As the Chief Compliance Commissioner, list your top five immediate ethical decisions. (b) Suppose the founder be forced to resign, and you are given the charge. What systemic changes that you would introduce? (c) Should companies that deliver public services (like EduRise in education) be subject to stricter governance norms than typical startups? OR Should startups be exempt from the same governance norms as large listed companies to encourage growth? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"You have recently been appointed as the Chairperson & Managing Director (CMD) of Bharatam Alloy Limited (BAL), a large but severely underperforming Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the Ministry of Heavy Industries. Once a symbol of India's industrial self-reliance, BAL is now grappling with Mounting operational losses, Outdated technology, Unmotivated workforce, Delays in salary payments, Poor customer satisfaction, Multiple failed modernization attempts. BAL's biggest plant is in a Tier-II town that heavily depends on the company for employment and local economy. Last week, an accidental furnace blast at BAL's facility injured 18 contract workers, 2 critically. The incident brought the company back into the media spotlight, triggering: Public protests led by injured workers' families demanding justice and permanent jobs, Employees' unions threatening indefinite strike, blaming mismanagement and unsafe conditions, Local politicians accusing you and previous leadership of criminal negligence, National media labeling BAL a \"black hole for taxpayers\" A PIL has been filed in High Court, demanding either privatization or shutdown of the PSU to stop further waste of public money. The Ministry asks you to submit a revival plan within 10 days, but hints at disinvestment if no credible plan emerges. Workers want permanent employment for contract laborers, but BAL has no financial capacity to absorb them all. The Chief Safety Officer, in an internal report, reveals that preventive maintenance was ignored due to budget cuts. A private competitor has offered to acquire BAL, promising better technology and full job security for current employees—but with no guarantee for contract workers. Your spouse, a journalist, is being pressured by her editor to cover \"how you are the new face of PSU corruption\" in an exposé. Your own conscience is shaken after personally meeting the family of one injured worker who asked, \"Would your child work in this furnace if it ran like this?\" (a) Identify the ethical dilemmas. (b) What options are available before you? Write its merits and demerits (c) As CMD, what immediate and long-term steps will you take to address I. The accident and its aftermath II. Public Trust III. Financial viability of the PSU (d) Do you recommend absorbing all contract workers into permanent roles despite financial constraints? What would be your response if this were a private company? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"In recent years, India has witnessed an explosion of self-styled financial influencers or \"finfluencers\" on social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter). These individuals, often without formal financial qualifications, offer stock market tips, mutual fund suggestions, crypto investment advice, and more to millions of followers. However, this unregulated space has now become a serious concern. A recent example involved a well-known finfluencer promoting a newly listed stock as a \"hidden gem.\" Thousands of people invested in it, causing its price to spike artificially. A few weeks later, the stock crashed, revealing that the finfluencer had received undisclosed compensation from the company's promoters to create promotional content — effectively making it a \"pump and dump\" scheme. This led to public uproar, loss of hard-earned money by common people, and an erosion of trust in online financial content. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) initiated an investigation but faced challenges due to loopholes in current digital regulation frameworks. Meanwhile, several other finfluencers continue similar activities unchecked. You are an officer in the Ministry of Finance, asked to look into this growing menace and propose policy and ethical safeguards (a) Identify and evaluate the key ethical issues involved in this case. (b) What steps would you suggest to ensure that financial influencers act with accountability and integrity? How would you balance the need for regulation with the right to freedom of expression? (c) What role can digital platforms and social media companies play in promoting ethical content? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Slums & Low-Income Areas in Urban Periphery where power is needed for cooling and Women are reporting rising cases of domestic violence and health issues due to heat stress. Infants and elderly are at highest risk. Migrant laborers from these areas serve the city and the industrial belt Farmers' protests are growing, with slogans like \"No power, no food\". A few have threatened suicide, reminiscent of a tragic incident last year. A viral video shows an elderly woman in a rural hamlet fanning her unconscious grandson due to heatstroke, saying, \"The government gave us electricity on election day. Now where is it?\" On the other hand, factory owners have warned of shutdowns and mass layoffs if power is cut for more than two days. The District Civil Surgeon pleads with you to not cut power to the city hospital: \"One failed ventilator could mean ten deaths.\" Political representatives from both rural and urban areas are blaming each other, and you are accused of bias no matter what you decide. The State Power Minister subtly suggests, \"We cannot afford negative media about failing industry. Make a practical choice.\" Your subordinate suggests cutting power to slums, saying \"They have no votes.\" Your own elderly parents live in one of the villages, and are facing the same crisis, but you're told not to show \"personal bias.\" (a) What are the ethical issues and conflicting duties involved in this situation? (b) If you had to rank these three sectors in priority, how would you do it and why? (c) Suppose a local TV channel offers you a platform to explain your decision. How would you communicate your choice ethically and transparently to a divided and emotionally charged public? (d) Suggest 3 long-term reforms to avoid such dilemmas in the future and ensure just distribution of scarce resources. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":694,"topper":"Akash Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2024_unchecked_PTTP220727_GSMAC2404.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"A. \"It is wrong to assume that ethical decisions are, can or should be purely rational and principled. Human feelings are an inseparable part of our ethical life.\" In what way do feelings impact our ethical decisions? Illustrate with examples. (150 words, 10 marks) B. What do you understand by ethics management? Can public officials manage ethics in the work place in a manner similar to managing budgets, policies and people? Do you think adopting codes of ethics and conduct is sufficient enough for managing ethics in the workplace or something more is needed? Discuss. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"A. While traditional ethics has focussed on notions of justice, fair allocation and obligations, ethics of care emphasise maintaining connectedness and promoting care. Which of the above two ethical perspectives is more suitable for guiding ethical decision making in the context of public services. Explain your position with suitable examples. (150 words, 10 marks) B. What does the term \"quality\" mean in service delivery. What are the components of service quality and indicate ways and means for ensuring total quality in terms of efficiency, economy and effectiveness? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"A. In the context of public service, what does public service attitude mean? Discuss the attitude biases that affects a public servants on field decision making? Explain how a public servant can overcome such attitude biases? (150 words, 10 marks) B. \"I am a Moslem; I am a Hindu; I am a Christian; I am a Jew.\" Mahatma Gandhi. What did Mahatma Gandhi mean by the above statement? Some philosophers have argued that religion is harmful to the moral life, whereas others have claimed that it is necessary to it. Explain your position on the relationship between religion and morality. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"A. \"There is only one responsibility of business, namely to use its resources and engage in activities designed to increase profits.\" Do you think corporations, by indulging in social responsibilities, are compromising their core resource utilisation and production responsibility by diverting resources into unproductive social endeavours? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"B. Do you think values such as \"tyaga,\" (renunciation) \"seva,\" (service) \"daanam,\" (Charity) \"damah,\" (self-control) that are espoused in traditional Indian Wisdom have relevance for modern day public servants? Why? Why not? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"A. Explain the difference between conflict among interests and conflict among various sources of authority. Illustrate with relevant examples. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"B. The domain of governance is ridden with uncertainties, ambiguities and paradoxes and this can at times lead to timidity and withdrawal among public administrators. Discuss the relevance of inner courage for overcoming and coping with ambiguities. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"What are the ethical issues and dilemmas that confronts you in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Discuss the available options along with its merits and demerits.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"What are the administrative and ethical issues involved in the above situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Discuss the merits and demerits of each option and explain your chosen course of action along with reasons. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":695,"topper":"Akash Kumar","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/AKASH-KUMAR-UPSC-2024-Rank-466-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"It was neither her Coal and Iron reserves, nor the inventions of steam engine and cotton mills, but her democracy and rule of law that made Britain the epicentre of Industrial Revolution. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"In its extent, reach, and revolutionary zeal, Civil Disobedience Movement has a unique place in India's freedom struggle. Elucidate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"How will you explain that Vaishnavism and Shaivism as followed in medieval India represent both local traditions and universal ideals? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What do you understand from land subsidence? Explaining various reasons behind land subsidence, recommend measures to arrest the calamity. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Examining the reasons behind erratic Monsoon, highlight the possible outcomes of the same. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Explore and evaluate the impact of new technologies on Indian society. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Why did Hinduism-which amalgamated and absorbed almost every diverse faith, tradition, belief and practice that arose from within or outside, within its fold- failed to assimilate Islamic cultural beliefs and practices? Give reasons. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Elucidate the differences between Western and Indian model of secularism. To what extent do you agree with the criticism that Indian model of secularism is susceptible to promoting minority appeasement? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"With special reference to India, elucidate how globalisation-a multifaceted phenomenon-has had positive socio-economic outcomes on one hand and widened the gaps between the haves and have nots on the other? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Dravidian temple architecture that came of age during the rule of the Pallavas, could reach its zenith only at the time of the imperial Cholas: Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Highlight the reasons why pre-independence women movements were led by men. Also analyse the contribution of women-led socio-economic movements in post-independence India in mainstreaming and successfully redressing the concerns of women. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Discuss the causes for salinity ingress along with its various consequences and potential solutions. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"The economic and strategic significance of mineral wealth of a country cannot be seen in isolation from the associated socio-ecological impacts of their extraction. Discuss in light of the newfound lithium reserves in Northern India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Explain the mechanism and occurrence of earthquake. With the help of map given below, throw light upon the vulnerability of regions affected by earthquake and earthquake related disasters. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Enumerating different types of tides highlight their significance. Also, explain how tides are different from waves. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"In the contemporary times, the conventional conceptualization of the institution of marriage as well as family is facing evolutionary changes. Do you agree? Justify. To what extent have the state and market played a role in this? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Bring out the reasons and consequences of the spurt in child marriages in recent years. What steps can be taken beyond the legal realms to tackle the menace? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Examine the reasons behind generation of regional sentiments? Do you agree that regional sentiments and cultural assertiveness may lead to the issue of separatism? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":696,"topper":"Akhil Pilani","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/26515_1020_Akhil_Pilani_Rank_22.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Enumerate the discretionary powers of the Governor mentioned in the Indian Constitution. Why is it said that the post of governor has become highly politicised?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"CAG is instrumental in securing accountability of the executive to the Parliament in the sphere of financial administration. Elaborate. Enumerate the provisions made in the Constitution to ensure the independence of the CAG.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"What are the different institutional arrangements in India to promote cooperation between the Centre and States? Critically analyse the role of Inter-State Council to enhance cooperative federalism in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"In view of the idea of holding simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies, discuss the advantages that its implementation would lead to and the concerns that it raises.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"While the Competition Commission of India and sector-specific regulators are required to complement each other, overlapping jurisdiction has resulted in regulatory parallelism amongst them. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Criticism about the judiciary should be welcomed, so long as criticisms do not hamper the \"administration of justice\". In this context discuss whether the power of contempt of court given to the higher judiciary limits the freedom granted by Article 19 (a) and whether these two can be reconciled.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Discuss the significance of the concept of Office of Profit as enshrined in the Indian Constitution. Why has it been embroiled in controversies for a long time? Analyse the role played by judiciary in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"The provisions of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution devolve some essential powers to the lower levels in order to cater to the needs of the tribal community. Discuss, while examining the modern day challenges faced by the institutions set up under the Sixth Schedule.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Special rights are not privileges but they are granted to make it possible for minorities to preserve their identity, culture and traditions. Elaborate in the context of India with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"While it has been argued that the judiciary should be brought under RTI, a balance also needs to be maintained between independence of the judiciary and the right of people to know. In this context, discuss the pros and cons of bringing the judiciary under the ambit of RTI.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Differentiate between pressure groups and political parties. It is often said that pressure groups are primarily a consequence of inadequacies of the political parties in India. Discuss the above statement in the context of rising environmental protection groups.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Give an account of the factors responsible for the limited success of Lok Adalats. What measures are required to ensure that Lok Adalats function as an effective dispute redressal mechanism?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"The provision of 33% reservation of seats for women in urban local body elections in Nagaland has been in news for various reasons in recent times. Discuss the underlying issues in light of the constitutional provisions at stake and the social realities of the state.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Government advertisements have often been viewed as misuse of taxpayer's money for enhancing the image of political parties. Discuss in the light of relevant SC rulings. Also enumerate the recommendations made by the Twentieth Law Commission to address the issue of paid news and political advertisements.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"A clear delineation of functions of local governments vis-à-vis State Governments will only strengthen the principle of subsidiarity. In this context, discuss the challenges and the reforms required for effective democratic decentralization in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Vast powers have been vested in the office of the Speaker to strengthen the democratic institutions of the parliamentary system, and not to stifle dissent or protest in the House. Comment in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Tenth Schedule of the Constitution and the subsequent amendments have failed at solving the problem of defections and opportunistic politics. Critically analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"It is the Parliamentary system, with its basis on constant accountability, accommodation and inclusion, which can best serve the needs of the country. Examine, keeping in mind the arguments that are periodically put forward for adopting the Presidential system in India.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":697,"topper":"Akhil Pilani","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/26515_876_Akhil_Pilani_Rank_22.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"While India has taken a number of steps in order to substantially improve its ranking in the World Bank's 'Ease of Doing Business' Index, it needs to take further action in this regard. Elaborate. Also analyse the utility of these rankings vis-a-vis India's objective of facilitating a sound entrepreneurial environment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"In wake of the agrarian crisis that the country is witnessing, discuss the need for adopting an income-centric approach in preference to a production-centric one as the basis of agricultural policy. In this context, also highlight the steps that should be taken to achieve the goal of doubling the income of farmers by 2021-22 and the challenges that exist.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"It is argued that India's fiscal centre of gravity has rapidly shifted from the Centre to the States. Analyse the statement in context of the debate on fiscal discipline. Also, enumerate the key recommendations of the N.K. Singh panel on Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Strategic sale of state-run firms is a prudent step to deal with the challenges being faced by the public sector enterprises in India. Comment. Also enumerate other measures that can be taken in light of NITI Aayog's suggestions in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Shell companies in India are neither legally defined nor properly understood. Analyse in the light of recent developments, prevalent understanding and steps required to effectively deal with shell companies.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"If a larger population in India is to be involved in the economy in a big way, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are key. Elaborate. Also discuss the challenges faced by the SME sector in India and give an account of the measures taken by the government to deal with these.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"What are the reasons for the growing informalization of industrial labour in India? Discuss the issues associated with the phenomenon and reforms required to deal with them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"A number of far-reaching developments have taken place in the local and global energy space which have to be reflected in our own energy policy framework. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"The Indian IT-BPM (Information Technology-Business Process Management) industry is a global powerhouse today and its impact on India and the world has been unprecedented. Comment. Also, mention the challenges being faced by India's IT-BPM sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"An effective multi-modal logistics and transport sector will make the Indian economy more competitive. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Climate change threatens sustainable development, impairs socio-economic development and reinforces cycles of poverty across the globe. In this context, discuss the utility of climate risk insurance as an instrument within a comprehensive climate risk management system.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Why are women particularly vulnerable to the impact of natural disasters? Also analyse, with adequate examples, how women can play a more effective role in disaster risk management cycle.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"In view of the seriousness of heat waves and its consequences, greater attention is required for dealing with it as a natural disaster. Analyse in the context of recent developments and the actions taken by relevant government bodies.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"While genome editing offers immense potential benefits in the area of healthcare, there are a lot of apprehensions regarding its use. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Discuss various ways in which supercomputers have benefitted mankind over the years. Also enumerate the objectives of the National Supercomputing Mission and the mechanism for its implementation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Widely seen as a disruption for the traditional banking and financial institutions, cryptocurrencies have gained significant traction lately, at the same time creating a regulatory nightmare for regulators across the globe. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"An internationally-binding agreement to strengthen the Outer Space Treaty of 1967 is both desirable and increasingly a necessity. Analyse in view of the traditional and emerging challenges in this arena.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Even after nearly 60 years in existence, AFSPA remains at the centre of debates with respect to countering violent insurgencies, role of the states and local communities. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Analyse the challenges and opportunities inherent in the push for indigenisation of defence production in India. Also, identify the measures through which indigenous manufacturing of defence equipments is being encouraged by the Government.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"India's ability to puruse a clear-cut strategic vision depends on its ability to improve institutional cooperation and coordination between the armed forces and civilian bureaucracy. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":698,"topper":"Akhil Pilani","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/26515_861_Akhil_Pilani_Rank_22.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Examine how role models influence ethical behaviour. What actions can leaders take to integrate ethical conduct in their organisations? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"According to Aristotle, for persuasion, not only Ethos (credibility of the speaker) and Logos (logical argument) but Pathos (emotional connection to the audience) is equally important. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"With appropriate examples, discuss various ethical challenges associated with the utilization of public funds in India. Suggest strategies to effectively deal with these challenges.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"With proliferation of social media, people have got the opportunity to express their views anonymously and more freely. (a) What according to you, is its effect on the social and political culture of the country? (b) Discuss the role of social media in changing one's attitude, particularly the youth.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"What are the various components of an organization's work culture? What are key issues that need to be addressed in any organisation to create a more developmental and performance oriented culture?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"There is a difference between what a person has a right to do and what the right thing to do is and often there is a conflict between these two. (a) Illustrate with examples the ethical issues that can arise because of such a conflict. (b) How does this conflict play out if someone wants to protest against injustice?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"It is vain to talk of the interest of the community, without understanding what is the interest of the individual. Discuss the statement in the present context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Vision and intentions are necessary components of politica ethics. However, equally important are the process of implementation, tools used and the established system. Elaborate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Swami Vivekanand brought religion to the centre-stage and gave a new meaning to it while stressing the need for harmony among faiths. In this context, discuss the relevance of his teachings in contemporary society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Access to quality basic services plays a critical role in enhancing individual capabilities to participate fully in the growth of the nation. (a) Discuss the statement in the context of vulnerable sections of India. (b) Analyse the challenges with regard to quality service delivery in India.10","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Is Emotional Intelligence influenced by cultural moorings? How would you differentiate the applicability of Emotional Intelligence in Indian society from that of Western society?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Evaluate the success of RTI in bringing governance reforms in the country. Examine whether it has served the purpose it was meant for.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"The decisive role that money plays in elections creates a vicious cycle of corruption. (a) Elaborate in the context of India. (b) Discuss whether state funding of elections can help in curbing the menace of political corruption in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"In the following questions, carefully study the cases presented and then answer the questions that follow (in around 250 words): 9. You are the officer in charge of development planning of a state whose capital is the technology hub of the country. However, the capital city is overcrowded and marred by traffic congestion. A group of top MNCs have approached you and showed their interest in expanding their operations in the capital provided that the highway connecting the SEZ to airport is widened. This has been cited as an important business requirement. The expansion of MNC operations is expected to create numerous jobs and would bring in huge revenues to the State. At the same time, the road connectivity in rest of the state, especially the rural areas, is abysmal and is in need of urgent attention. Media has been highlighting the incidents of deaths due to delay in hospitalization and other such issues which can be directly attributed to poor condition of roads. As the officer in charge of the development planning you find that the road widening project will entail huge cost and would severely curtail the rural road development programme currently being undertaken by the state. 20 (a) What challenges do you face as the officer in charge, in this situation? (b) State your priorities and discuss how you plan to achieve them in the context of given challenges.","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"You are the SP of a district where a large number of followers of a particular sect reside. The district also hosts a large Ashram where regular gathering of the followers take place. The leader of the sect has been under the scanner of the judiciary for his involvement in illegal activities. Now the court has ordered his immediate arrest and an order pronouncing the same has been sent to you. You have been asked to comply with the orders within two days. A large number of followers, which include women and children, have already thronged the Ashram in anticipation of arrest of the leader. Intelligence units have informed about the presence of not only large stock of food and water but also ammunition, inside the Ashram. Your request urging the followers to vacate the site has failed. 20 (a) What could be the reason for people's defiance? (b) List the issues involved in the case. (c) What will be your plan of action?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Ramesh, a very hardworking person, is the sole bread earner in his family. He has worked with an oil company's local affiliate for several years, and has established a strong, trustworthy relationship with Suresh, manager of the local facility. Suresh has recently recommended Ramesh to be recruited as the corporate consulting engineer for the company, which would be a position of greater responsibility along with a stable income. During a casual conversation, Suresh mentions an incident in the 1960s wherein 10,000 gallons of a petrochemical was leaked into the local environment by the company due to negligence, though at the time no damage was found, and no mention of this leak was made to the press. When Ramesh mentions that the state law requires him to report all spills, Suresh reminds him that no harm had been done and reminds him that the company can't have a consulting engineer who does not value loyalty and respect confidentiality. 20 (a) Identify the ethical issues involved in the given case. (b) What are the options available to Ramesh in this situation? Evaluate each of them. (c) Had you been at Ramesh's place, what would have been your course of action? Give reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"You are the CEO of a social media company that has a wide user base. The social network offered by your company has emerged as a platform for people to interact with each other and share news, opinions etc. However, at the same time, women are being repeatedly harassed and cyber bullied through this network. Whenever any instance of harassment is brought to notice of the company, your staff members immediately deactivate the account of the culprit. However, since new accounts can be created easily, such incidents continue to happen. Also, the system to verify one's account details has been deemed lax by public authorities and human rights groups. But in order to increase the user base, you have to ensure that it is easy for a new user to sign up. Increase in the user base leads to more advertisements on your network, which is a source of huge annual turnover for the company. At the same time, in wake of increasing instances of harassment, you also need to tighten the process of creating new accounts and deactivate or delete the ones being misused. (a) Highlight the options available to you in this scenario and evaluate each of them. What course of action will you take and why? (b) Is there a need for having reasonable restrictions on social media for it to remain a platform of healthy and fruitful engagement. Analyse from the viewpoint of different stakeholders.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"You and your friend are living together in a metropolitan city and preparing for civil service examinations. While you manage to meet your daily targets, you sense that your friend is unable to cope up with the pressure of the exam. Fear of not passing the exam and meeting the expectations of his family is stressing him further. You realise that with time your friend is losing interest in everything and often talks about committing suicide if he is unable to meet his goal. He is also missing out on meals and prefers to stay indoors when asked to venture out. When you sought professional help, the doctor diagnosed your friend with clinical depression. Being aware that your friend needs professional counselling and psychiatric care, you reach out to his parents who reside in a rural area. They rebuff you for suggesting counselling and instead reiterate that nothing is wrong with him. They sternly mention that your bringing up the matter will only make people engage in loose talk. They also ignore you when you politely inform them that it is not wise to ignore one's mental health. Your friend's parents see his state as a sign of failure and decide to call him home where he can continue with his preparation. You are aware of the gravity of the situation if your friend goes back to his house. You also know that there is very little awareness about mental health and that the solution is not to ignore it but to take necessary measures to tackle it. 20 (a) As a concerned friend and an aspiring civil servant who can frame policies for the public in the future and has a moral duty towards them, what are the options available to you in such a situation? (b) Evaluate each of these options and choose the option you would adopt, giving reasons","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"You are the Managing Director of a multinational company that prides on hiring people from diverse backgrounds. The company also chooses multiple projects under Corporate Social Responsibility that are geared towards social inclusion and empowerment of vulnerable sections of the society. Miss 'X' who works in your office tells you that she has been diagnosed with HIV. It happened due to malpractice by a medical practitioner who re-used a contaminated syringe that led Miss 'X' to contract the disease. The company has strict policies about toleration and you ensure Miss 'X' that she can continue with her job in the company without facing any form of discrimination. A few days after the revelation, Miss 'X' angrily submits her resignation letter. She states that she has faced discrimination at the workplace everyday after the revelation. Her colleagues are hesitant to eat lunch with her, they make sure they do not drink water from the same source and the females in the office comment on her marital status. She is also asked to sit separately during departmental discussions. She intends to sue the company for mental harassment. If she takes the step, the public image of the company will be maligned and its non-discriminatory policies will be questioned. The following are some suggested options for you to deal with the situation as a Managing Director of the company. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each of the options: (a) You accept her resignation and suggest a compensation package so that she refrains from suing the company. (b) You persuade her not to submit her resignation and transfer her to another department. (c) You ask her to continue with her job and take strict action against the colleagues who discriminated against her Also, state (without necessarily restricting to the above options) your course of action, giving proper reasons.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":699,"topper":"AKHIL T","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/138/etrc23on016_tc152-test-02-gs-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Public service takes place in a bureaucratic structure with clear lines of authority, value standardization, and accountability mechanisms. Working within such a structure, what do you think are the influences that impact the public servant's ethical decision-making? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What do you understand by the terms 'ethics' and 'integrity'? Do you think they are interrelated? Explain with examples the relationship between ethics and integrity in the context of public administration. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What do you understand by the terms 'ethical behavior' and 'emotionally intelligent behavior'? Identify the relevant emotional intelligence components that act as a reliable guide to ethical behavior. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"To achieve a good life, duty is not sufficient; one needs to develop one's sympathetic feelings for others, and neither duty alone nor good will alone are sufficient to be moral.\" Do you agree with the above statement? Justify your position. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Developing a Scientific temper, innovative mindset, and civic-conscious citizens are major objectives of higher educational institutions. Can higher educational institutions be instrumental in promoting integrity education among youth to establish a public culture of integrity and a corruption-free political culture? If yes, how? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance. (a) The senses deceive from time to time, and it is prudent never to trust wholly those who have deceived us even once. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"As professionals, civil servants are career focused and are also self-interested. At the same time, their service ethos imposes an obligation to serve the public interest selflessly. Is it possible for a civil servant to reconcile career and service obligation? Explain your position. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"\"While competence without compassion can be brutal and inhumane; similarly, compassion without competence can be meaningless for persons seeking help.\" Explain the above with the help of a suitable illustration in the context of public services. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Does the suffering of individuals in one part of the world generate moral demands of assistance on those foreigners who live far away from them? Are these moral demands of assistance justified? Can governments be held morally responsible for helping the international community in times of deprivation? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Civil Services ethics has everything to do with management. It is as much a Departmental as a personal issue. Leaders who fail to create systems that facilitate ethical conduct are equally to blame as much as those who indulge in ethical misconduct. Do you think the Departmental culture leads to ethical misconduct or is the individual with weak willpower culpable? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"You are posted as a District Development officer in a district with a low literacy rate and poor health indicators. As you took charge, your Health Secretary had given express instructions that your priority is to improve health indicators by enhancing the delivery of healthcare services. After taking over, you traveled around the district to study and identify ways of improving healthcare services. During your field trip, you discovered that the issue was not the accessibility of services; it was something else. You found the problem was the myths, misconceptions, and malpractices that hindered the uptake of health care services. Myths like vaccines cause infertility, immunization is done for birth control for example, people believe that vaccines cause infertility, immunization for birth control, pre-natal care is adverse for the health of mother and child, etc., You felt that these beliefs are behavioral barriers that are health and nutrition services in the way of path. And these behavioral barriers make it difficult to reach frontline workers. You discussed your observation with the Health Secretary, and they asked you to learn from the DDO of the neighbouring district, to whom you found to be doing good work. When you met the neighbouring DDO, you found that he was using the influence and reach of faith leaders to convince the people to adopt the behavior. You are apprehensive about involving faith leaders. As a civil servant, you felt that involving faith leaders in government schemes would be a mistake. When you shared your apprehensions with the Secretary, they strongly directed you to try and do something new. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) What are the pros and cons of using faith leaders as influential and motivational figures? (c) If there are no faith leaders, what are your other options for breaking the behavioral barriers? (d) Do you think it is ethically right for a civil servant to involve faith leaders in promoting government schemes? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Examine each of the options and identify your chosen course of action. (d) What do you understand by dignity? Distinguish between human and social dignity? Identify the common dignity violations that one notices in government departments. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"You and Ajay were in college together, qualified for the civil service examination, trained, and worked in the same state for several years. You and Ajay became good friends and colleagues, so much so that you became quite close even from a family point of view, spending holidays and festivals together. However, over the past 15 years, both of you progressed, but your paths with Ajay diverged. You maintained a distance from political bosses, preferred to remain neutral, and avoided being associated with any group, lobby, or ideology. However, Ajay was judicious regarding his inclination and he associated himself with good networks and well-connected people. Due to his networking, Ajay's posting was always considered a 'plum posting'. Ajay was posted as CMD of Urban Infrastructure Projects, which is a high-cost, high-profile project. Also you are working in the State Planning Board for three years and awaiting your promotion and new posting. When the new posting announcement was made, you were surprised to find your transfer to the Vigilance Department. Within a month of taking charge, your Departmental Secretary ordered you to conduct a discreet probe into land deals involving a minister and his family. You were strictly told to keep it secret and not share any information about the probe with anyone other than the Secretary. As soon as you started the inquiry, you realized Ajay is intimately connected with the Minister and his deals. As evidence started piling up, you were shocked to notice Ajay's questionable decisions favoring much higher than his and friends. Further, you found evidence of Ajay having assets disproportionately much higher than his declared sources of income. When you shared the details with the Secretary, he immediately ordered you to search Ajay's office and home as he believed Ajay was the medium through which they could catch the Minister for shady land deals. You were in a bind as you knew a search operation would tarnish Ajay's reputation and be traumatic for the family. (a) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas involved in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you? (c) Select your chosen course of action after analyzing the options? Should it be duty, care, or consequences? (d) What must be your moral motivation in the above case? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":700,"topper":"AKHIL T","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/148/etrc23on016_tc151-test-01-gs-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Public service requires not merely legal, but also morally principled action. Public service requires the public servant to place loyalty to the constitution, laws, and ethical principles. Among the three, which do you think must acquire primacy while carrying out official functions? Why? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand by \"integrity-based civil disobedience\"? Do you think a challenge to personal integrity can be a justifiable cause for responsible disobedience in civil services? Explain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Recent research has shown that emotions significantly impact personal and professional lives. What are the primary emotions that negatively and positively impact workplace productivity? Explain with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Technical efficiency ensures resource utilization and social efficiency ensures fulfillment of social needs, what does ethical efficiency ensure? Do you think ethical efficiency is more important than technical and social efficiency? Why/Why not? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Man cannot do right in one department of life whilst he is occupied in doing wrong in any other department.\" Gandhi. Do you think an individual's personal ethics impacts professional life or they both can be compartmentalized? Explain your position with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Goodness is the result of internal imperatives to do what is right, not sanctions from moral rules or rewards from expected consequences. Do you agree? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance. (a) \"To tolerate is purely an act of the mind. That is the essence of virtue. To tolerate is a strength.\" (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"In the context of civil service, distinguish between moral and nonmoral values. Identify 5 basic moral values that can serve as foundational values for all services irrespective of the department. Give reasons why those values can be considered foundational. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Citizens' involvement in decision-making is critical to ethics in governance. Do you agree that Citizens' involvement in decision-making can facilitate an ethics-driven administration? What do effective civic engagement mechanisms can facilitate an ethics-driven administration? What do you think are the mechanisms that citizens can use for ensuring ethics in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Social transformation programs such as \"beti bachao and beti padhao\" believes in using advice, counseling, and persuasion but sometimes a little force is also necessary for getting the desired response. Do you think it is a good idea to mix little force with persuasion by public administrators while implementing social schemes of transformation? Explain with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"\"Ultimately foreign policy of every country hinges upon the strength which the nation possesses. Strength may be military or financial and may be also… moral.\" Do you think ethical strength without military or financial muscle will be respected in today's world? Explain your position. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":31,"question":"You are a young officer working with the Municipal Corporation of an industrial city. The city was known for manufacturing ball bearings and auto parts. Most manufacturing units were small-scale units with very little production process automation. The units relied on manual labor, which was in abundance due to the villages close by. As the number of manufacturing units grew, the demand for labor increased, bringing in a steady inflow of laborers into the city. This influx of people into the town led to a mushrooming of slums and encroachments on the sidewalks. Once in a while, the Corporation conducted drives to clean out the encroachments. In the short term, the drives were successful, but after some time, the slums were re-established. These illegal slums became an urban nightmare. You were given the responsibility of removing the encroachments and slums with the help of police officials. As soon as you started the drive, you realized that the people living on the sidewalk were in a more pathetic condition than those living in the slums. Many sidewalk dwellers had recently come to the city after selling their property in their villages. Now, if you evict them, they will have nowhere to go. Your heart goes out to them, and you feel that your departmental action is inhumane, but your official duties demand strict and impartial action. You are eager to find a way to help the sidewalk dwellers without compromising your official duties. (a) What are the value conflicts/dilemmas that you see in the above situation? (b) Can an administrator compromise the value of impartiality for the value of empathy? Discuss. (c) What are the options available in the above situation? (d) Suggest viable solutions to deal with illegal slums and encroachments in urban areas. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"A certain State government was running a welfare scheme for promoting safe motherhood among rural landless laborers' families. The scheme involves the transfer of funds to the beneficiaries to enable them to mitigate income loss due to maternal care responsibilities. Since its implementation, the scheme has done reasonably well on maternal health and economic indicators. You are the Director of the Department responsible for implementing and operating the scheme. Recently you have been receiving reports of welfare fraud being committed by families by producing fake bona fide. The families committed the fraud with the help of local officials responsible for scrutinizing the bonafide. You were concerned because the fraud was seriously undermining the scheme's efficiency. You called a departmental meeting to discuss the problem and find a solution. The meeting decided to merge several available government data sets like Aadhaar card, voter ID, marriage certificate, birth certificate, bank details, and other personal assets. By merging all the data sets, the department would be able to develop a brief profile of the beneficiary's economic status. And this will help the department to verify the documents and detect fraud. This is a comprehensive strategy, but it carries the risk of violating an individual's data privacy. As a head of the department, you want to detect and stop the fraud, but at the same time, you are apprehensive about the violation of the data privacy of the stakeholders. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) Do you think it is justified to violate data privacy to stop fraud related to welfare schemes? If yes, why? If not, why not? (c) According to you, what could be the reasons for fraud related to such welfare schemes in the country? (d) Are there any ways or means to stop such fraud? Give your suggestions. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"You are posted in the Department of Mines, and one of your roles is to help your Department Head negotiate mining leases with private contractors. Recently, the state government demarcated a new mining zone and planned to invite bids for the mining blocs. You were instructed to oversee the bidding process and speed up the contract negotiations. As planned, the tenders were released, bids came in, and tenders were allocated as per the norms. All this happened at a breakneck speed. You wondered, why the hurry? But it was not your place to think and question; you quietly went about your work. As the contractors were about to start operations, you had to instruct them on environmental concerns to be addressed. To do so, you read the environmental impact assessment report submitted by a professional consultancy firm appointed by the department. You were surprised to see that the report was shoddy and fabricated. You suspected foul play and raised this issue with your head, who politely asked you to do what you were told and reminded you that the department has revenue-related targets and is under pressure from the ministry. Subsequently, you did some digging on your own and found that the report is fake and the mining activity that is about to start will cause an environmental disaster that the state cannot afford. (a) What are the issues and value violations visible in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you? (c) Identify the course of action you would choose and discuss the pros and cons of each option. (d) Do you think that sometimes environmental considerations are given more importance at the cost of development? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Do you think corporate businesses such as GAMA must consider international ethics while pursuing business interests? Why/why not? (c) Do you think a corporate's social responsibility extends beyond one's immediate community to the international community? Why/Why not? (d) Do you think the Defence sector companies marketing sensitive technologies must be regulated by their respective governments, or regulation may curtail their entrepreneurial and innovation energy? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Mr. Sharma was the All India Sales Head of a pharmaceutical company with a turnover of 400 crores. The company's main markets were small towns and tier 2 cities. Further, the company did a sizeable amount of business with state government hospitals and health centers. Mr. Sharma had field sales agents a lot of freedom for making deals with customers and price negotiations. Mr. Sharma thought this strategy was good for the company. Recently, Mr. Sharma got news that three employees of the company were selling products to government hospitals and health centers at a higher price compared to products sold to other private hospitals and health centers. These employees are in the company for more than five years and their performance has been good. A few sales employees raised the issue of getting a commission for more than five years and informally through these three got higher deals due to relatively higher commission, in many cases, sales personnel's restlessness was increasing. Three of the accounts' superficial review showed that sales personnel are being paid more. Government hospitals compared to other private institutions are paying a fair price, which is other cost-aware purchasing rules, the government is expected to pay the fair price which they were not alone; they are customer paying. On inquiring, Mr. Sharma found that these three were helping them. Mr. Sharma realized that his sales staff and some corrupt government staff had been defrauding the state exchequer for quite some time. Mr. Sharma immediately reported it to his CEO, and the two discussed how to deal with the sales staff and whether to inform the government about the scam and the involvement of their staff. The issue was informing the government means that there was every possibility that they might be blacklisted, thereby losing a lot of business. Mr. Sharma and CEO were caught in a dilemma regarding how to proceed with the case. (a) What are the ethical and business issues involved in the case? (b) What are the options available to Mr. Sharma and the CEO? (c) Do you think the organizational culture of giving freedom to the sales force led to the issue or was the individual's corrupt nature that led to the problem? Discuss. (d) What ethics mechanisms and steps can the company create and implement to prevent unethical behavior, as mentioned in the case? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":701,"topper":"AKHIL T","air":331,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/226/etrc23on016_tc151-test-01-gs-4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":702,"topper":"AKHIL T","air":331,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/18/etrc23on016_tc152-test-02-gs-4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":703,"topper":"Akhilesh Gundu","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/AKHILESH_GUNDU_SS_GS_3_TEST_3_AIR_464_2025_3a6d153bd7.pdf","questions":[{"page":17,"question":"With increase in India's urban population there is a trend of rise in PM 2.5 in Tier II & III cities causing health & environmental consequences.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":704,"topper":"Akhilesh Kumar Singh","air":331,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zRlhqo4U9O2TBtuSbjDjNZT5nfhzoV_8/view","questions":[]},{"id":705,"topper":"Akhilesh Kumar Singh","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/AKHILESH-KUMAR-SINGH-UPSC-2024-Rank-331-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"How does the study of numismatics contribute to the unraveling of India's history? Explain with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":3,"question":"Analyse the significance of the Civil Disobedience Movement in India's freedom struggle, considering its extent, reach, and revolutionary zeal . (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":3,"question":"How did the British education policy in colonial India fuel the rise of Indian nationalism instead of achieving its intended purpose of perpetuating Indian subjugation? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":3,"question":"The Arab - Israeli conflict should be understood as a product of both internal dynamics and the outcome of manipulative strategies employed by imperial powers. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":3,"question":"The eastern coast and the western coast of India differ considerably in their geographical characteristics. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":3,"question":"Enumerate the factors behind the proliferation of the IT industry in India . Also, Explain the reasons behind the skewed concentration of the IT industry within the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"The Aspirational Block s Programme, built upon the success of the Aspirational Districts Programme, can help in achieving the twin objectives of enabling balanced growth and checking stressed migration. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Even after seven decades of independence, the colonial min dset continues to cast its shadow on Indian society. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"D igital technologies can play a significant role in bridging the gender gap in India; however, it is mired in its own set of challenges. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"How will you explain that the values of tolerance and inclusiveness which were deeply embedded in ancient Indian society continue to persist and flourish in the present times? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Dravidian temple architecture can be seen as a continuum that, though strengthened during the period of the Pallavas, reached its pinnacle during the reign of the Cholas. Discuss (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":4,"question":"Examine the causes that led to tribal unrest during British rule in India. Analyse the reasons for their limited success. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":4,"question":"While the Emergency of 1975 w as touted as seminal for national security and unity by some , the critics paint it as the darkest phase of Post Independent India . Discuss. What insights and lessons did emergency provide for the country? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":5,"question":"Mangroves play a significant role in coastal ecology and economy. Examine. Also, elaborate the reasons behind the accelerated destruction of the mangrove habitat. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":5,"question":"Although poor air quality is a perennial problem, it gets intensified during the winter months in Delhi - NCR. Explain. Evaluate the efficacy of existing measures to control air pollution. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":5,"question":"Enumerate the major reasons that make the Indian economy heavily reliant on coal. Explain why phasing out coal from our energy basket is difficult. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":5,"question":"In what ways are the institutions of marriage and family undergoing changes in contemporary times? E lucidate the role of the state and the market in facilitating these changes. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":5,"question":"How do unplanned urbanization and unabated rural - urban migration contribute to the multiple woes faced by Indian metropolis es ? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":5,"question":"The forces of globalization have an indelible influence on the traditional cultural values of Indian society. Elaborate. Also, discuss the impact of globalization on diversity and disparity in the country . (15 marks, 250 words )","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":706,"topper":"Akshansh Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/43c94-111460_1066_akshansh-yadav_rank_149.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The cave architecture in India not only enlighten us with information of tradition and customs of ancient times but also illustrate considerable accomplishment with regard to structural engineering and artistry. Discuss. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"While the Battle of Plassey laid the foundation of British Empire in India, it was the Battle of Buxar that proved to be the turning point of British fortunes in India. Discuss. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Among many novel methods and themes, the Swadeshi Movement laid great emphasis not only on boycott but also on self-reliance. Discuss. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The idea of linguistic states predated independence, however it took some time even after independence for this idea to be implemented. Discuss. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Dr. B. R. Ambedkar understood that persistent inequalities pose fundamental challenges to the economic and social well-being of the nation and people. In this context, discuss the key contributions of Dr. Ambedkar in the history of modern India. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"It has been pointed out that in recent times, while the proportional share of nuclear households has dipped in urban areas it has risen in rural areas. Analyse the reasons behind this trend. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Separation, and not divorce, is the dominant form of marriage dissolution for most women in India. What could be the possible reasons behind this? Also, discuss why there are striking differences in divorce rates between the different regions in India. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Elaborate on the factors responsible for the evolution of the current drainage system in Indian sub-continent, with special emphasis on the characteristic features of Himalayan and Peninsular rivers. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Enumerate the features of Plantation Agriculture and the problems faced by them. Given the fact that area under cultivation of palm oil has been increasing, discuss the benefits and challenges associated with it. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Bring out the distinctive features of Gandhara, Mathura and Amravati schools of art that flourished towards the first century CE. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The British in India wanted not only territorial conquest and control over revenues; they also felt that they had a cultural mission: to 'civilise the natives', change their customs and values. Critically discuss. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi being close associates, there were significant differences between the two regarding the role of state and the control that it exercised. Comment. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Enumerating the reasons behind Sino-Soviet split in the second half of the 20th century, analyse its impact on the Cold War. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"History has disproved the prediction that democracy would not succeed in India. In this context, critically assess the achievements and challenges of democracy in India since Independence. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Enumerate the key issues faced by working women in contemporary Indian society and the steps taken by the government to address them. Also, critically examine the key features of Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act 2017. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Despite tropical areas being the major emitters of CFCs, the phenomenon of ozone hole formation is largely confined to polar areas and that too over the Antarctic and in early spring. Elaborate. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":707,"topper":"Akshansh Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/bb503-111460_1244_akshansh-yadav_rank_149.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the need of an Independent Fiscal Council (IFC) in bringing about transparency and accountability in fiscal processes in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Recognizing the potential of exports in generating employment, a number of steps need to be taken to address India's weakening export competitiveness. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlighting the main features of National Mineral Policy, 2019, discuss how it can help in ensuring sustainable and responsible mining. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlighting the salient features of the PM JI-VAN Yojana, analyze how it can assist in achieving the vision and goals of the National Policy on Biofuels, 2018. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) provides an alternative to capital and chemical intensive agriculture currently being practiced in India. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Marine life is facing 'irreparable damage' from the millions of tonnes of plastic waste which ends up in the oceans each year. In this context, examine the implications of plastic pollution on marine ecosystem and suggest some measures for addressing this problem. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are black holes? Highlight the challenges in imaging a black hole? How were these challenges overcome by the Event Horizon Telescope project? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"While mentioning the objectives of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), discuss the challenges which are hindering the utilization of the ATT to its full potential. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Threats to internal security of India may be posed both through the communication networks and also to the networks. Discuss. Also, highlight the steps taken by the government in making the networks more secure. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlight the importance and challenges related to integration of Variable Renewable Energy (VRE) in India. Mention some steps that can be taken for its smooth integration with the synchronized Indian grid. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"There have been arguments that India could fall into a 'middle income trap'. Explaining the phenomenon, highlight the reasons behind such arguments. How can India avoid it? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Highlighting its importance, discuss the major issues that plague effective monetary policy transmission in India. Also, mention the steps taken by RBI to improve it. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight the constraints faced by rainfed agriculture in India. Discuss some agronomic practices that can be adopted for stabilizing agricultural production in rainfed areas. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite the steps taken by the government in recent years, a number of problems continue to persist in the urea sector in India. Discuss. What reforms should be taken to address the persisting problems? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What is Access and Benefit Sharing? Explain how it aids in sustainable use of biodiversity. Also, mention the different global and national level mechanisms for ensuring Access and Benefit Sharing. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Stating the significance, discuss the challenges in achieving disaster resilience of infrastructure. Suggest some ways for mainstreaming it in the development paradigm. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Highlighting the significance of data localization for India, discuss various challenges associated with data localization. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Money Laundering as a socio economic offence is a menace especially for developing countries like India. Comment. What measures have been taken at the domestic and international levels to deal with this menace? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The primary motive of terrorism differs from that of organised crime but there exists a symbiotic relationship between the two. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":708,"topper":"Akshansh Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/10734-111460_1244_akshansh-yadav_rank-109.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the need of an Independent Fiscal Council (IFC) in bringing about transparency and accountability in fiscal processes in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Recognizing the potential of exports in generating employment, a number of steps need to be taken to address India's weakening export competitiveness. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlighting the main features of National Mineral Policy, 2019, discuss how it can help in ensuring sustainable and responsible mining. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlighting the salient features of the PM JI-VAN Yojana, analyze how it can assist in achieving the vision and goals of the National Policy on Biofuels, 2018. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) provides an alternative to capital and chemical intensive agriculture currently being practiced in India. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Marine life is facing 'irreparable damage' from the millions of tonnes of plastic waste which ends up in the oceans each year. In this context, examine the implications of plastic pollution on marine ecosystem and suggest some measures for addressing this problem. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are black holes? Highlight the challenges in imaging a black hole? How were these challenges overcome by the Event Horizon Telescope project? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"While mentioning the objectives of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), discuss the challenges which are hindering the utilization of the ATT to its full potential. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Threats to internal security of India may be posed both through the communication networks and also to the networks. Discuss. Also, highlight the steps taken by the government in making the networks more secure. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlight the importance and challenges related to integration of Variable Renewable Energy (VRE) in India. Mention some steps that can be taken for its smooth integration with the synchronized Indian grid. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"There have been arguments that India could fall into a 'middle income trap'. Explaining the phenomenon, highlight the reasons behind such arguments. How can India avoid it? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Highlighting its importance, discuss the major issues that plague effective monetary policy transmission in India. Also, mention the steps taken by RBI to improve it. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight the constraints faced by rainfed agriculture in India. Discuss some agronomic practices that can be adopted for stabilizing agricultural production in rainfed areas. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite the steps taken by the government in recent years, a number of problems continue to persist in the urea sector in India. Discuss. What reforms should be taken to address the persisting problems? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What is Access and Benefit Sharing? Explain how it aids in sustainable use of biodiversity. Also, mention the different global and national level mechanisms for ensuring Access and Benefit Sharing. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Stating the significance, discuss the challenges in achieving disaster resilience of infrastructure. Suggest some ways for mainstreaming it in the development paradigm. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Highlighting the significance of data localization for India, discuss various challenges associated with data localization. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Money Laundering as a socio economic offence is a menace especially for developing countries like India. Comment. What measures have been taken at the domestic and international levels to deal with this menace? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The primary motive of terrorism differs from that of organised crime but there exists a symbiotic relationship between the two. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":709,"topper":"Akshansh Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/66b76-111460_1243_akshansh-yadav_rank_149.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Reservation of seats in legislature is needed to ensure meaningful political participation of women and to make the democratic process truly inclusive. Discuss the statement in the light of 108th Constitution Amendment Bill. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the issue of reservation in promotions for SCs and STs in public employment in the light of various judicial pronouncements and constitutional amendments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the reasons behind underperformance of the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs). How can their performance be improved? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlighting the rationale behind continuance of the Official Secrets Act, critically discuss whether the Right to Information should be given precedence over it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What is the rationale behind having a mandatory 'cooling-off' period for retired civil servants? In light of numerous instances of violation of this provision, do you think there is a need to have a relook at Civil Services Conduct Rules? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlighting the key features of POSHAN Abhiyan, explain how it is an improvement over previous interventions in achieving the goal of malnutrition free India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Give an account of the challenges that the multilateral rule-based trading system is facing. With special focus on WTO, discuss how these challenges can be addressed effectively. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Highlight the major impediments affecting India-US trade relations. What possible consequences can the recent withdrawal of Generalized System of Preference (GSP) have on India-US trade relations? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"In a democratic setup, it is imperative that independence be balanced with accountability. Discuss in the context of judiciary in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Despite various strengths, there are certain weaknesses in the existing structure of departments of the government which render the system slow and cumbersome. Analyze. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the light of criticism surrounding the composition and functioning of Rajya Sabha, do you think it exists merely as a secondary house of the Parliament? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Despite legislative changes with respect to funding of political parties in recent years, many challenges still exist with regards to transparency in electoral funding. Discuss. Can state funding of elections help in addressing these challenges? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Successful and long-lasting urban transformation critically depends on reforming the way our cities are governed. In this context, highlight the challenges plaguing urban governance in India and suggest some strategies to overcome those challenges. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Explain the role that SHGs play in poverty alleviation in India. Highlighting the shortcomings of the SHG-Bank Linkage programme, give some suggestions to improve its performance. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Despite initiatives taken by the government in recent years to address the challenges of the Indian higher education system, many reforms are still required to improve its quality and enhance its relevance. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Giving an account of the progress made under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, mention the challenges that it faces in achieving its target. How can the implementation of the programme be fast-tracked? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Island nations of the Indian Ocean hold immense strategic value in shaping the geopolitical contours of the region and ensuring maritime security of India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Development assistance, a key instrument in India's foreign policy, has seen a considerable expansion in the past few years both in its scope and reach. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":710,"topper":"Akshansh Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/37cba-111460_1067_akshansh-yadav_rank_149.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What is the role that opposition plays in a democracy like India? In this context, discuss whether our Parliament can benefit from a shadow cabinet. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Where there is a right, there is a remedy. In this context, discuss the nature and significance of writs in India with adequate examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Enumerate the objectives of NITI Aayog. Also, discuss the performance of this body since its inception and suggest measures to make it more effective. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"In view of the political class's inability to develop and maintain conventions relating to the appropriate use of Article 356, the Supreme Court's decision in the Bommai case provided much needed clarity. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Press freedom and good governance are not mutually exclusive. They support each other while promoting a country's economic and human development. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"SHGs have succeeded in delivering financial inclusion, but for them to evolve as viable business enterprise requires a different approach. Analyse in the context of the twin goals of rural growth and promotion of women's entrepreneurship. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The focus of higher education in India has been on a select few Central or autonomous institutions where as the ones in states remain neglected. Commenting on the statement, highlight the significance of Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the role played by PRIs in political empowerment of women. Also, suggest measures to further increase their political participation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What is Strategic Autonomy? Critically examine the elements of such a policy in India's contemporary foreign policy in the context of recent developments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"IBSA and BRICS are both examples of India's quest for multialignment, however there are key differences in their orientation. Discuss in the context of the relevance of these groupings for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What are the various modes of Alternate Dispute Redressal (ADR) mechanisms available in India? Identifying the problems being faced by them, provide suggestions needed to increase their effectiveness. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"While the power to punish for the contempt of court is a much needed tool to protect the administration of justice from being maligned, it is time that it be relooked into. Critically analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Criminalisation of politics remains a key concern for the Indian political system. In this context, analyse the role played by the Supreme Court and Election Commission over the years. Also, in what ways can the media play a positive role? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight, in brief, the mandate of the National Commission for Minorities (NCM). Identify the different challenges that the commission faces and suggest measures to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The recent decision of the government to open up positions at the senior levels in bureaucracy through lateral entry is an important but only small step in the direction of much needed reforms in the higher civil services. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Identifying the broad contours of the 'Transformation of Aspirational Districts' programme, explain how it adopts a novel strategy to address backwardness. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"How did India fare on the Millennium Development Goals related to health? In this regard, identify the relevant Sustainable Development Goals and evaluate India's capacity to meet them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the different rights recognized under the Forest Rights Act, 2006? Highlight the gaps in the implementation of community forest rights and community forest resource rights granted under the Forest Rights Act. Also, suggest measures to address the current scenario. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Progress in India-US ties has been accompanied by equally significant divergences on important issues. Examine in the context of recent developments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Despite bonhomie, the structural differences between Indian and Israeli national security situations, their worldviews and absence of explicitly shared enemies limit stronger strategic rapprochement. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":711,"topper":"Akshansh Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8174c-111460_1067_akshansh-yadav_rank-109.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What is the role that opposition plays in a democracy like India? In this context, discuss whether our Parliament can benefit from a shadow cabinet. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Where there is a right, there is a remedy. In this context, discuss the nature and significance of writs in India with adequate examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Enumerate the objectives of NITI Aayog. Also, discuss the performance of this body since its inception and suggest measures to make it more effective. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"In view of the political class's inability to develop and maintain conventions relating to the appropriate use of Article 356, the Supreme Court's decision in the Bommai case provided much needed clarity. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Press freedom and good governance are not mutually exclusive. They support each other while promoting a country's economic and human development. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"SHGs have succeeded in delivering financial inclusion, but for them to evolve as viable business enterprise requires a different approach. Analyse in the context of the twin goals of rural growth and promotion of women's entrepreneurship. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The focus of higher education in India has been on a select few Central or autonomous institutions where as the ones in states remain neglected. Commenting on the statement, highlight the significance of Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the role played by PRIs in political empowerment of women. Also, suggest measures to further increase their political participation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What is Strategic Autonomy? Critically examine the elements of such a policy in India's contemporary foreign policy in the context of recent developments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"IBSA and BRICS are both examples of India's quest for multialignment, however there are key differences in their orientation. Discuss in the context of the relevance of these groupings for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What are the various modes of Alternate Dispute Redressal (ADR) mechanisms available in India? Identifying the problems being faced by them, provide suggestions needed to increase their effectiveness. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"While the power to punish for the contempt of court is a much needed tool to protect the administration of justice from being maligned, it is time that it be relooked into. Critically analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Criminalisation of politics remains a key concern for the Indian political system. In this context, analyse the role played by the Supreme Court and Election Commission over the years. Also, in what ways can the media play a positive role? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight, in brief, the mandate of the National Commission for Minorities (NCM). Identify the different challenges that the commission faces and suggest measures to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The recent decision of the government to open up positions at the senior levels in bureaucracy through lateral entry is an important but only small step in the direction of much needed reforms in the higher civil services. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Identifying the broad contours of the 'Transformation of Aspirational Districts' programme, explain how it adopts a novel strategy to address backwardness. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"How did India fare on the Millennium Development Goals related to health? In this regard, identify the relevant Sustainable Development Goals and evaluate India's capacity to meet them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the different rights recognized under the Forest Rights Act, 2006? Highlight the gaps in the implementation of community forest rights and community forest resource rights granted under the Forest Rights Act. Also, suggest measures to address the current scenario. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Progress in India-US ties has been accompanied by equally significant divergences on important issues. Examine in the context of recent developments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Despite bonhomie, the structural differences between Indian and Israeli national security situations, their worldviews and absence of explicitly shared enemies limit stronger strategic rapprochement. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":712,"topper":"Akshansh Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/39db6-111460_1834_akshansh-yadav_rank-109.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The Sunga dynasty contributed significantly to the cultural and social development in ancient India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the role of foreign nationals in the Indian freedom struggle during the Gandhian phase. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by tsunamigenic zones? Giving an account of their global distribution, explain the propagation of tsunamis. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are atmospheric lakes? Highlight their characteristics. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What are polymetallic nodules? Highlight their geographical distribution and state their significance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What are technical textiles? In view of their significance, discuss the steps taken by the government to promote them in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the challenges that internal migration creates for urban governance in India. Also, suggest measures to address the same. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the various opportunities and challenges posed by globalization on working women in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the rationale behind anti-conversion laws in India. Also, state the concerns that have been raised with regard to these laws. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Central Asian contacts had a profound political and cultural impact on India in ancient times. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Governance, during the British rule, was a means of exploitation of India rather than a vehicle of public welfare. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Discuss how India successfully dealt with the sensitive issue of language, which had the potential of threatening national unity in the post-independence period. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Bring out the factors, which led to decolonisation after the Second World War. Also, discuss the role played by India in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What are Marine Heat Waves (MHW)? Identify the causes of their formation and discuss their consequences for India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What are the geo-climatic conditions required for oil palm cultivation? Do you agree with the view that India should promote its large-scale cultivation to reduce import dependency? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"In view of the changes witnessed in the state of Himalayan cryosphere, discuss the implications for India's water security. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Ocean warming, ocean acidification and ocean deoxygenation are often referred to as the 'deadly trio' for marine life. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Tribals in India continue to face myriad challenges with regard to healthcare. Discuss the issues faced by them in this context and suggest remedial measures. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Reservation for women perpetuates a \"proxy culture\" as seen in the phenomenon of \"sarpanch patis\". In this context, discuss whether reservation can address the issue of poor participation of women in Indian politics. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":713,"topper":"Akshansh Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/72780-111460_1245_akshansh-yadav_rank_149.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the attributes of leadership, analyse why it is important for a civil servant.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"A civil servant needs to be objective as well as empathetic. What do you understand by objectivity? Discuss its relationship with empathy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"With rapidly increasing use of information technology, what according to you is the role of ethics in cyber space?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Transparency in government organisations is an essential pre-condition for good governance. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but its lowest ones. Nelson Mandela","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"For achieving success, attitude is equally, if not more important than ability. Discuss with the help of examples from your daily life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"The core of high Emotional Intelligence is self-awareness. If you don't understand your own motivations and behaviours, it is nearly impossible to develop an understanding of others. Discuss with the help of appropriate examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by Integrity Pacts? Highlight the role they can play in bringing transparency in allotment of public contracts and ensuring proper utilization of public funds in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"In the context of rapid technological change, discuss the significance of inculcating moral and spiritual values in educational institutions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Explain the main elements of integral humanism as propounded by Deen Dayal Upadhyay and highlight its contemporary relevance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"It is imperative for a country like India, that code of ethics should be implemented for civil servants on social media platforms as well. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Discuss how effective corporate governance can ensure the equitable treatment of all stakeholders.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"You are posted as the Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district of a state where alcohol prohibition has been imposed recently. The District Excise department has conducted many raids and seized liquor in large quantities, for which it has received state-wide public appreciation. A few months later reports surface in the media that in this district, hundreds of seized bottles of illicit liquor are missing from the government malkhanas or stores. As a result, the government is left red-faced. You are asked by the DM, who is the overall in-charge of the district excise setup, to investigate the matter. Upon investigation, you unearth a nexus of politicians and government officials who smuggled seized liquor and sold it through spurious means both inside and outside the state. In this context, evaluate these options:","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Being aware of the seriousness of the matter, discretely put the detailed investigation report in the public domain and expose the nexus. Also, suggest, without restricting yourself to the given options, the final course of action that you would prefer.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate in a district, where many large factories and commercial establishments are located. One such factory is owned by one of your close friends. You visit each other's home frequently and are often seen in public together. Recently, media reported about poor working conditions in your friend's factory. Upon enquiry with the labor office, you come to know that the factory has witnessed frequent labour unrests in the past as well. However, the labour officer told you that he was hesitating to take any action due to your proximity with the owner of the factory. With reference to the facts of the case, answer the following questions: (a) Identifying the stakeholders and public cause, discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) As the District Magistrate, what appropriate course of action will you take? Give reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":714,"topper":"Akshansh Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/07b26-111460_1249_akshansh-yadav_rank_149.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by cultural sensitivity? Identify the ways in which individuals and organisations can benefit from cultural sensitivity in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"In the quest for scientific and technological development, ethical values should not be neglected. Discuss in the current context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"In a plural society like India, education should help the individual to celebrate the plurality and visualize the inherent unity of cultures and values. Analyze the statement in the present context with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Elucidate Swami Vivekananda's ideas on nationalism.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. Mahatma Gandhi","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Explaining the concept of moral attitude, discuss how social media is shaping moral attitudes of people.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Analyse the importance of both influence and persuasion for effective leadership.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Analyze the significance of adopting a code of ethics for creating a healthy work culture in an organization.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Ethos, ethics, equity and efficiency are key criteria on the basis of which the competency of civil servants should be judged. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"The mandatory nature of Corporate Social Responsibility goes against the notion of philanthropy. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You have recently been posted as a probationary officer in the District Magistrate's office in a tribal district. During one of the fieldtrips, while interacting with the tribals, you come to know about a private company, established a few years back, which has transformed their lives. The company, using the traditional knowledge of tribals, had launched a series of products and provided numerous livelihood opportunities to the tribals. Upon further enquiry, you come to know that while the lives of tribals had indeed improved, the distribution of profits however, has been quite disproportionate. The company has seen a huge growth in its operations and its owners have amassed huge wealth. It is also planning to file for IPR, which may further hinder the interests of the tribals. You feel that tribals have been left short changed and there has not been an equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the use of their resources. When you tried to approach the Gram Sabha and voice your concerns, the tribals requested you not to intervene as they do not have any alternatives. They also argue that governments in the past have failed to protect their interests. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the different stakeholders and their interests involved in this case. (b) Present a case to convince the District Magistrate for the need of government intervention in the situation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Various studies have found out that cases of depression and mental illness have increased exponentially in the recent past. Also, in the age group of 15-30 years, this problem is further pronounced. Furthermore, the rising trend of suicides in this age group has been attributed to depression. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Present an ethical critique of the prevalent societal attitude towards mental illness. (b) Given the magnitude of the problem among younger generation/young adults, analyse the role of the following: i. Parenting ii. Social Media iii. Video Games","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":715,"topper":"Akshansh Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/25c89-111460_2214_akshansh-yadav_rank-109.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The ideals of 'Dhamma' by Ashoka present key learnings on public morality. Discuss. Also, state their relevance for public servants. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Although bribery is illegal and counterproductive, public officials still demand bribes, and executives in the private sector remain tempted to pay up. In this context, discuss ways in which corporations can build a framework to eliminate the practice of offering kickbacks. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"It is argued that the Indian bureaucracy suffers from indecision and risk aversion. Do you agree? Justify with logical arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Although open and transparent governance has gained ground, do you agree with the view that there is merit in withholding some information from people? Justify your arguments with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"While it may seem restrictive, anonymity is one of the greatest strengths of the civil services. Comment in the context of growth of social media in recent times. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"A legally enforceable code of ethics for civil servants, which not only prescribes the ethical values they must display in their public life but also provides sanctions for violations of these values, is the need of the hour. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Examine the issue of foreign aid in global politics from an ethical perspective. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"There is a need for an effective climate governance structure within the broad framework of corporate governance. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"A well-developed Emotional intelligence is not only an instrumental tool in accomplishing goals, but has a dark side as a weapon for manipulating others by robbing them of their capacity to reason.\" Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The opportunities and threats created by emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) require leaders across business, government and civil society to understand the importance of values and ethics in technological development. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"All persons ought to endeavour to follow what is right, and not what is established.\" - Aristotle (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"It is compassion, the most gracious of virtues, which moves the world.\" - Tiruvalluvar, Kural (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"\"I understand democracy as something that gives the weak the same chance as the strong.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You come across a news report of a state 'X', which has a considerable number of school going children suffering from malnourishment. To overcome this, the state recently rolled out a policy to introduce eggs in mid-day meals in schools. However, some parents, teachers and a few religious groups have protested against the move. The report states that the Minister of Education of state 'X' has assured the public of a reversal in the policy. You are aware that this may be because elections are approaching in the state and the party in power may not want to antagonise a particular religious group, which is its key supporter. In light of this, answer the following: (a) Highlight the stakeholders in the given case study. (b) Examine the options available in the given situation. (c) According to you, what is the best course of action and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Capital punishment, or \"death penalty,\" is an institutionalized practice designed to result in deliberately executing persons in response to actual or supposed misconduct and following an authorized, rule-governed process to conclude that the person is responsible for violating norms that warrant execution. Punitive executions have historically been imposed by diverse kinds of authorities, for an expansive range of conduct, political or religious beliefs and practices, for a status beyond one's control, or without employing any significant due process procedures. Punitive executions also have been and continue to be carried out more informally, such as by terrorist groups, urban gangs, and mobs. For centuries in Europe and America, discussions have focused on capital punishment as an institutionalized, rule-governed practice of modern states and legal systems governing serious criminal conduct and procedures. In light of the above debate of capital punishment, answer the following questions: (a) What are the arguments in favour of and against having capital punishment in the criminal justice system? (b) Do you think capital punishment has a place in modern civilised society? Examine in the context of moral implications involved in awarding it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"An Indian company is active in the telecom sector and is the majority owner of a telecom company based in other geographies across the world. At one of its European headquarters, there emerged whistleblowing allegations that a local executive was bribing local government officials in order to obtain telecom cabling and construction contracts from the local government. The kickbacks were allegedly paid through a third-party consultant. More specifically, there were allegations that the executive, the third party, and a government official had some sort of business interest in common, possibly shareholdings in a limited company or the joint ownership of an undisclosed asset. The company is thought to be particularly close to the ruling dispensation in India and the news has now raised pressure to put its business operations in India under scanner as well. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the ethical challenges in the given case? (b) Identify the different stakeholders and their interests. (c) As the CEO of the firm, how would you respond to the given situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are the Chairperson of Staff Selection Commission of a state. Recently, an exam for recruitment to the position of sub-inspectors was conducted by the Commission. But a video of some students using hi-tech devices like spy-mics, and placing \"solvers\" to cheat in the exam by hiding bluetooth devices in wig, has been surfacing on the internet. Also, this is not an isolated incident; many instances of organized cheating scandals have shocked the state in recent years. Students are agitated and demanding cancellation of the exam and there is pressure on you to resign. However, your daughter had also appeared in this exam and is confident of clearing it. There are many other students who had waited for this exam for a long time and are hopeful of clearing it with honest efforts. Whatever decision the Commission takes is bound to affect the career of a large number of candidates who appeared in the exam, including your daughter. (a) Highlight the ethical issues concerned in the case. (b) Why is cheating in examinations prevalent in many states across India? (c) What measures would you take to make sure that a similar situation does not arise in future?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Sunil has been posted as a DM in a hilly district which is vulnerable to several natural disasters. The district is known for a pilgrimage site and is frequently visited by tourists from all over India. The major occupation of locals therefore lies in the hospitality business. Unfortunately, after a few days of his joining, the district faced a major earthquake. It has led to high casualties and damages to the essential infrastructure such as roads and bridges. Both locals and tourists are trapped at different routes and locations. An international convoy of dignitaries from a neighboring country which has come to pay their obeisance at the pilgrimage site, is also trapped due to the disaster. Because of this, Sunil has to divert most of the available resources in the rescue operation of the foreign dignitaries. People are emotionally distressed due to the disaster, and delayed response from authorities to their needs has led to a law-and-order situation in the district. People from other states whose families are trapped and need immediate assistance are also getting restless and flooding the emergency helplines with complaints and requests. (a) Discuss the issues being faced by Sunil in the given scenario. (b) Mention a course of action that Sunil must take to maintain law-and-order as well as to expediate rescue operations of all concerned.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"You are the Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district. One of your subordinates informs you that a girl has reached out to him and complained about a potential death threat to her and her boyfriend who belongs to another caste. Both the families are averse to their union. She has also informed that the local police station is neither filing any complaint nor giving her any assurance of protection. The girl belongs to the dominant caste of the region and her father is a prominent local leader of the party which is in power in the state. On further enquiry, you come to know that both the girl and her boyfriend are adults. They have moved out of the house and have started living together. This has further angered both the families and they are accusing each other of abduction. In the given scenario, answer the following questions: (a) Bring out the ethical dilemma faced by the you. (b) What would be a suitable course of action to resolve the issue? (c) At times, such instances lead to violence and may end up in honour killings. Discuss the reasons behind their social acceptance in parts of India despite the legal sanction against them.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":716,"topper":"Akshansh Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7b22e-111460_1073_akshansh-yadav_rank_149.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the ethical issues involved in the recent refugee crisis and immigration as a global phenomenon from a broad perspective of globalisation and rights of citizens and aliens.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Corruption distorts not only functioning of the Government in India but business and corporate activities as well. Explain and discuss how the state can effectively deal with deficit of ethics in the private sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/ philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) \"Silence becomes cowardice when occasion demands speaking out the whole truth and acting accordingly\" - Mahatma Gandhi.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"\"We must not only tolerate others, but positively embrace them\" - Swami Vivekananda.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Emotional Intelligence is part nature and part nurture. Explaining the statement, discuss how emotional intelligence of civil servants can be enhanced.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"What do you understand by Probity in Governance? Examine whether the recent amendments to Prevention of Corruption Act and the proposed ones in Whistleblower Protection Act undermine it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Ensuring that civil service values are recognised during the recruitment process and ensured through a code of ethics after appointment is a necessary condition of making the civil services an effective instrument of citizen centric governance. Comment","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"What do you understand by cognitive dissonance? Giving examples, discuss how it influences one's behavior and attitude.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by Amartya Sen's 'capability approach'? Analyse its significance in understanding social realities and in making a pro poor development strategy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"While in principle most nations claim commitment to universal values, in practice these values are honoured more in breach than in the observance. In context of this statement, comment on the relevance of values in foreign policy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"While some ethical approaches consider an action to be ethical based on results, other focus on means. Taking the example of Indian bureaucracy compare and examine how these approaches have played out for the benefit of citizens.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"According to the WHO suicide is the second leading cause of death in the age group of 15-29 years globally. In India also, instances of young people committing suicide have been reported widely in recent times. It is all the more disturbing that such a phenomenon is increasingly visible in urban and prosperous areas. (a) What are the reasons that render people vulnerable to taking such drastic steps as suicide? (b) Also, discuss the role that you as an individual, the society and the government can play in addressing this issue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"You, the chairperson of a State Public Service Commission (SPSC), come to know that there were instances of rampant cheating in a competitive exam conducted recently by the SPSC. Your daughter, who also appeared in this exam and is confident of clearing it corroborates the same. However, she denies engaging in any such activity herself. Whatever decision the Commission takes is bound to affect the career of a large number of candidates who appeared in the exam, including your own daughter. (a) Identify the different stakeholders and their interests in the case above. (b) Enumerate the options you have to handle the current situation. What will be your choice and why? (c) Suggest measures that you would take to make sure that a similar situation does not arise in future.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":717,"topper":"Akshansh Yadav","air":109,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e37c4-111460_1837_akshansh-yadav_rank-109.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":718,"topper":"Akshat Bakliwal","air":219,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/AKSHAT-BAKLIWALAUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-219-Sample-ESSAY-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.\n2. The civilisation that doesn't adopt modern technologies becomes extinct.\n3. Data without wisdom and innovation without ethics are dangerous tools.\n4. The doubter is a true man of science.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"1. The empires of the future will be the empires of the mind.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":719,"topper":"Akshat Bakliwal","air":219,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/AKSHAT-BAKLIWALAUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-219-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) \"Extraordinary powers must be exercised with extraordinary care.\" Discuss in the context of Article 142 of the Indian Constitution.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Why are State Legislative Assemblies involved in the election of the President but excluded from the process of impeachment?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Private Member's Bills (PMBs) seldom become law in India, yet they are an important aspect of parliamentary democracy. Bring out their significance and suggest steps to strengthen the PMB process.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Highlight the key points of convergence and divergence between the judicial systems of India and USA.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) The role of Election Commission of India has evolved beyond conducting elections to becoming a guardian of electoral democracy. Critically evaluate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) What is the rationale behind the 'three-language formula' in India's education policy? Also highlight the challenges associated with its adoption and implementation across the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) 'Emerging environmental concerns and evolving ecosystem perspectives demand a reimagined approach to rural water governance.' Discuss the key interventions needed to recalibrate rural water policies with special emphasis on the role of communities.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) Identify and discuss the challenges hindering effective implementation of gender-sensitive policies and schemes in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 Effective transboundary water management can act as a catalyst for regional peace and cooperation. In light of this statement, bring out the opportunities and challenges for India in leveraging 'water diplomacy' in its neighbourhood.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) What are the key areas of reform if the World Trade Organization (WTO) has to remain relevant in the present context of rising protectionism and trade wars?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) The basic structure doctrine acts as a constitutional compass in balancing Parliament's legislative authority and constitutional supremacy. Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":24,"question":"How Basic Structure balances Constitutional Supremacy and Parliament's Legislative Authority?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) are pivotal to inclusive and efficient urban governance, yet they remain fiscally constrained and institutionally weak. Analyze.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 \"The judiciary has functioned as an institutional corrective, redefining and refining the contours of the Governor's office to prevent its misuse and uphold constitutional principles.\" Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 How is the 'vertical' and 'horizontal' devolution of taxes to the states decided? Highlighting the concerns raised by some states regarding the devolution of taxes, suggest corrective measures.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 What steps are required for the constitutionalization of a Commission? Do you think granting constitutional status to the Central Information Commission (CIC) would strengthen the RTI regime in India? Give reasons.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 Even as India experiences consistent economic growth and has achieved self-sufficiency in food production, hunger and food insecurity remain pressing concerns. Examine the factors responsible for this paradox and suggest steps to improve the situation.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 The Union Government has recently announced that caste enumeration will be part of the upcoming census. Examine the opportunities and challenges associated with conducting a nationwide 'caste census'. Also, propose a framework for its seamless and effective conduct.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18) \"AI integration in governance is no longer a choice but a necessity.\" In light of this statement, discuss how AI can enhance education and healthcare governance","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Providing a brief overview of the aims and objectives of BIMSTEC, explain its significance for India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 India's approach to its relationship with China has evolved into what can be best described as 'competitive coexistence'. Discuss in light of recent developments. What should be the broad contours of India's future China policy?","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":720,"topper":"Akshat Bakliwal","air":219,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/AKSHAT-BAKLIWALAUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-219-Sample-MGP-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1 \"India's democratic roots are deeply embedded in its ancient civilizational ethos.\" Discuss in the context of India being referred to as the 'Mother of Democracy'.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2 Elucidate the significance of tiger and elephant figures in Indian mythology, art and architecture.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3 The arrival of Lord William Bentinck marked a period of transformation in the British Indian State. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4 Explain how the American War of Independence deprived Great Britain of one empire, but it strengthened the foundations of another.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 What are Rare Earth Elements (REEs)? Discuss the multi-dimensional implications of uneven distribution of REEs in the world.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6 Highlight the salient differences between the Himalayan and the Peninsular drainage Systems.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) Describe the nature and mode of origin of the main types of rock at the earth's crust.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8 The alienation of modern lifestyles from nature has contributed to the ongoing environmental crisis in India. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 What do you understand by the term 'urbanisation of poverty'? Also, explain how urban poverty differs from rural poverty in India?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 Globalization has redefined the idea of community and kinship in Indian society. Do you agree? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 The flourishing of various art forms during the Kushana period reflects the rich and diverse cultural landscape of the time. What insights does this provide into the socio-cultural aspects of that era?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 Trace the events that led to the Civil Disobedience Movement. What were its outcomes?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13) Mahatma Jyotirao Phule's reformist ideas played a significant role in shaping the social foundations of the Indian freedom movement. Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 The interlinking of rivers offers several benefits, but also raises significant socio-economic and environmental concerns. Analyze.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Explain the concept of rain shadow effect. How does it influence the distribution of precipitation and vegetation across mountain ranges?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 Bring out the major features of the Indian monsoon and elaborate upon its causative factors.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 What are the geographical factors responsible for the growth of mangrove vegetation in India? Also highlight its role in coastal ecology.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 To what extent can the rise of 'Kidfluencers' be seen as a reflection of changing family structures and parental aspirations in Indian society?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Women often form the backbone of grassroots movements in India, yet they remain largely invisible and excluded from the decision-making process. Examine.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 Do you agree with the view that social media is a 'double edged sword'? Discuss in the context of its impact on Indian society.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":721,"topper":"Akshat Bakliwal","air":219,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/AKSHAT-BAKLIWALAUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-219-Sample-MGP-Copy-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) Rising influence of money power in Indian elections poses a serious challenge to transparency, fairness, and democratic accountability. How can ethical electoral funding be ensured to maintain the integrity of democracy?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) Explain the key dimensions of ethics that influence human behaviour. How do these dimensions shape ethical decision-making in private life?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) \"Academic freedom is the bedrock of scholarly inquiry and intellectual progress.\" Examine the ethical issues that arise when educational institutions yield to political, social, or economic pressures and compromises academic freedom.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) Fortitude enables a civil servant to make difficult yet morally right decisions. Explain with reference to real-life examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) Given below are the three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context?\na) \"When learning is purposeful, creativity blossoms. When creativity blossoms, thinking emanates. When thinking emanates, knowledge is fully lit. When knowledge is lit, the economy flourishes.\" - Abdul Kalam.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) \"The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the world's problems.\" - Mahatma Gandhi","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"c) \"Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.\" - Dalai Lama","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.4) a) What do you understand by the term 'probity in governance'? Explain how probity acts as the foundation of ethical public administration.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"b) \"Starvation must not be used as a weapon of war.\" Yet, parties involved in conflicts often resort to the blockade of food and medical aid to civilians in conflict zones, deepening the humanitarian crisis. Powerful nations, despite their capacity to intervene, tend to prioritise strategic interests over humanitarian concerns. What ethical considerations should guide powerful nations in preventing such actions and ensuring unimpeded humanitarian access?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.5) a) What teachings of Mahavira are most relevant today and why? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"b) \"In contemporary times, social media platforms have emerged as powerful agents in shaping individual and societal attitudes.\" Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.6) a) What do you understand by the 'voice of conscience'? In what ways can you prepare yourself to listen to the voice of conscience?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"b) Examine the reasons for under-utilization and mis-utilization of public funds and their implications.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7 A rail overbridge (ROB) is being planned in the capital city of a central Indian state. The project aims to reduce traffic congestion and ease delays at railway crossings, which affect thousands of daily commuters. It had been a long-standing demand of local residents, and the government approved it to address persistent traffic bottlenecks in the area. The project is to be executed by the State Public Works Department (PWD), with a strict completion deadline of one year i.e. 31st July 2026. The PWD Minister, who is also the local MLA, is scheduled to inaugurate the project in the third week of August 2026. This is planned to take place shortly before the expected announcement of state elections. Ramesh has been selected as the project manager of this prestigious assignment on the basis of his professional competence and experience.\n\nWhile reviewing the approved design plans in preparation for execution, Ramesh identifies a serious flaw. The proposed alignment includes a sharp 90-degree turn, incorporated due to spatial constraints between an electrified railway line on one side and ongoing metro construction on the other. From a technical standpoint, Ramesh believes the design is unsafe. It increases the risk of vehicular accidents, especially for heavy vehicles, and may lead to long-term inconvenience for road users.\n\nRamesh promptly raises the issue with the Chief Engineer. However, the Chief Engineer overrules the concern. He states that the General Arrangement Drawing (GAD) has already been approved by the Bridge Engineering Department, in coordination with Indian Railways. He points out that revisiting the design at this stage shall result in project delays, increased expenditure, and unwanted political attention.\n\nSubsequently, Ramesh comes to know that the contractor awarded the tender to execute the project is a close relative of the PWD Minister. He also receives unofficial communication suggesting that his promotion to Additional Chief Engineer is under active consideration, but could be jeopardised if he creates \"unnecessary hurdles\" in the project's timely completion.\n\nThe incumbent state government is eager to complete the overbridge before the elections and present it as a major developmental achievement. This adds to the pressure on Ramesh to expedite project execution without raising further objections. Nonetheless, he remains convinced that the current design is flawed and could have grave implications for public safety if left unaddressed.\n\nMeanwhile, the bridge design has also attracted widespread public attention after being published in a leading local newspaper. Images of the sharp 90-degree turn went viral on social media, drawing criticism and ridicule. Several engineering experts have publicly flagged the alignment as a potential safety hazard, reinforcing Ramesh's concerns.\na) Under the given conditions, what are the options available to Ramesh as a project manager?\nb) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Ramesh?\nc) What are the professional challenges likely to be faced by Ramesh and his response to overcome such challenges?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":30,"question":"a) दी गई परिस्थितियों में, एक परियोजना प्रबंधक के रूप में रमेश के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nb) रमेश को किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\nc) रमेश को किन व्यावसायिक चुनौतियों का सामना करना पड़ सकता है तथा ऐसी चुनौतियों पर नियंत्रण पाने के लिए उसकी क्या प्रतिक्रिया होनी चाहिए?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":34,"question":"Q.8) Srushti is a young and dynamic IPS officer, posted as Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in a communally sensitive district. Her husband, Arjun, is an IAS officer and posted as Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in the same district. Both are honest, sincere and deeply committed to their work. They have a daughter who is just four months old, and is looked after by a domestic helper. Srushti resumed duty just two weeks ago after six months of maternity leave.\n\nAt 9 PM on Saturday night, Srushti is in her office reviewing the security arrangements with her team for an upcoming local festival. The situation in the area has been tense throughout the week due to a flare-up between two communities over a petty issue. Around 9:30 PM, she gets a call from the Superintendent of Police. He asks her to prepare a detailed law and order brief for a high-level meeting the next morning.\n\nSrushti reaches home at 10 PM, feeling exhausted. She has not been getting proper sleep during the week due to frequent night patrolling. Arjun also returns around the same time after a long day in the field. Their daughter has been unwell and cried through most of the previous night. Arjun expresses concern about Srushti's heavy workload and the baby's condition. He tells her that she can not keep pushing herself like this and that the child needs more of her attention. Srushti replies that she cannot afford to step back. She adds that people are already judging her and questioning her commitment to work for availing maternity leave. The conversation gradually turns into an argument. Arjun feels Srushti is ignoring her health and family, while Srushti feels judged and unsupported.\n\nLater that night, as Srushti sits at her desk preparing the report, she pauses and reflects on the purpose of her work. She had joined the IPS to serve the people and protect the vulnerable. But now, she wonders if she is being fair to her own child and family. Even as recently as last week, she had to cancel the family dinner as she had to attend an urgent meeting at the SP office. She also feels the weight of expectations. Male officers with children are rarely questioned. But as a new mother, she is constantly under scrutiny. Many in the department believe that women, especially new mothers, are not suitable for field duty.\n\nSrushti starts thinking about her options. She knows that whatever decision she makes will not only impact her own future but also influence the expectations placed on other working mothers in uniform.\na) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\nb) Evaluate the options available to Srushti in the above situation.\nc) What suggestions would you make to help officers like Srushti maintain a healthy work-life balance.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"a) उपर्युक्त मामले में नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\nb) उपरोक्त स्थिति में सृष्टि के लिए उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nc) सृष्टि जैसे अधिकारियों को स्वस्थ कार्य-जीवन संतुलन बनाए रखने में मदद करने के लिए आप क्या सुझाव देंगे?\na) उपर्युक्त मामले में नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\nb) उपर्युक्त स्थिति में सृष्टि के लिए उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nc) सृष्टि जैसे अधिकारियों को स्वस्थ कार्य-जीवन संतुलन बनाए रखने में मदद करने के लिए आप क्या सुझाव देंगे?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":39,"question":"Q.9) A reputed Indian beauty & personal care company developed a herbal skin cream for the international market, claiming anti-ageing and skin-repair properties based on traditional Ayurvedic formulations. After obtaining the necessary approvals and export certifications, the company began exporting the product. The product received widespread positive feedback for its quality and natural formulation, and soon became a huge hit in international markets. Riding on this success, the company announced that the product would soon be made available to domestic consumers, with almost the same quality and health benefits.\n\nSubsequently, it secured approval from the domestic regulatory authority and launched the product in the Indian market. Over time, the brand gained a significant share of the domestic market and earned substantial revenues both nationally and internationally.\n\nHowever, during a random sample check, officials discovered that the cream sold in India differed from the version approved by the competent authority. The product failed to meet the claimed herbal composition and purity standards. Further investigation revealed that the company had often been distributing batches that had failed export quality checks.\n\nThe incident triggered widespread public criticism and regulatory scrutiny, leading to a sharp decline in the company's reputation and financial performance.\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\nb) What actions should the competent regulatory authority take against the personal care company for violating domestic quality standards and distributing rejected export batches in the Indian market?\nc) What course of action is available to the company to manage the crisis and restore public trust and brand credibility?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Q.10 A forest fire has broken out in a hilly district and is rapidly spreading toward an eco-sensitive area that includes four villages (ESA villages). These villages lie along the forest fringe and are surrounded by difficult terrain. The region is known for its biodiversity and traditional forest-based livelihoods. The inhabitants of these villages are mostly poor tribal communities, dependent on forest resources for their sustenance.\nYou, as the District Magistrate of the area, have rushed to the spot with a medical team, police personnel, NGOs, media, and support staff to oversee the rescue and containment operations. Your disaster response team on the ground is small and poorly equipped. Reinforcements from the district headquarter have been requested, but they may take several hours to arrive due to the remoteness and challenging terrain.\nIn the meantime, a group of trained ex-forest guards and local youth from the villages offer to help. They are experienced and familiar with the area. However, existing government rules do not permit the engagement of unofficial personnel in fire control operations without formal clearance and insurance coverage.\nYour team members are divided on this issue. Some members argue that volunteers should be engaged immediately to prevent the fire from spreading. Others caution that involving them without proper approval and safety cover could be risky and against protocol.\nAs the District Magistrate, you are also the Chairperson of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA). The fire is spreading at a very rapid rate, and immediate action is required to protect lives, property, and the environment. You are now in a dilemma.\na) What are the options available to you?\nb) Critically evaluate each of the options identified by you.\nc) What option would you adopt and why?\nd) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by you?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.11) In one of the government primary schools located in a rural block of a district, the newly appointed headmistress observed an unusual practice. The school had been preparing and serving mid-day meals separately to students belonging to different communities. Although the meals were cooked using a common gas connection, separate utensils, cooking areas, and serving arrangements had been in place for more than two decades. Students from the two communities had their food cooked and served by different cooks and ate in separate classrooms, despite attending classes together.\nAfter taking charge, the headmistress decided to discontinue this practice. She directed that food be prepared and served together for all students, using a common kitchen and utensils. However, the decision triggered backlash. A considerable number of parents across communities vehemently opposed the move and stopped sending their children to school. Consequently, attendance fell by almost 60 percent. This also raised concerns regarding the possible discontinuation of the mid-day meal scheme, withdrawal of teaching staff, and even closure of the school due to falling enrolment.\nThe issue has attracted attention from various political and social groups attempting to further polarise the situation and serve their vested interests.\nMarpi Apang, the District Education Officer (DEO), has been tasked by the Deputy Commissioner's office to amicably resolve the matter at the earliest. She has also been directed to submit a detailed report along with the Action Taken Report within a fortnight.\na) Identify the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb) What course of action should Marpi adopt and why?\nc) What should be the responsibilities of different social segments and agencies to create positive social ambiance for accepting such changes?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Q.12) You are a Municipal Commissioner of a tier-2 city experiencing rapid urban expansion. Several high-rise residential and commercial buildings are under construction in the city to meet the growing demand for housing. One such luxury residential complex is being built, employing hundreds of daily-wage labourers, many of whom live in temporary settlements at the construction site. Late one night during the monsoon season, a large section of scaffolding and concrete slabs collapses from the upper floors of one of the under-construction buildings. Seven labourers, including two minors, die on the spot. Several others are critically injured and rushed to the hospital. The tragic incident results in public outrage, intense media scrutiny, and protests by a local NGO. The state government orders a formal inquiry and directs you to submit a report within a week. Your preliminary investigation reveals a series of irregularities. The construction material used is substandard and not in accordance with the National Building Code. Although the approved plan permits construction of fifteen floors, the builder has illegally added two extra floors. Moreover, the structure has encroached on land demarcated for a community park and a fire service lane under the city's Zonal Development Plan. These violations are not reported during site inspections conducted by the building inspector of the municipal corporation. The building clearance was granted during the tenure of your predecessor, who is not only your batchmate but also a close friend. Both of you were roommates during your training at LBSNAA. Prima facie, the case appears to involve a widespread nexus between officials of the Municipal Corporation and the builder. Your colleagues are putting pressure on you to go slow in the inquiry. Some of them suggest that holding the builder accountable could damage the city's image among investors and slow down urban development. Meanwhile, you come to know that the builder is the younger brother of a powerful minister in the state cabinet. One evening, his personal aide visits you privately. He suggests that the matter could be \"mutually settled\" and offers you a premium apartment worth ₹2 crore in the same residential complex. In the same breath, he hints that if the matter is not resolved swiftly in the builder's favour, someone in his office is prepared to file a complaint against you under the SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\nb) What are the options available to you in this situation?\nc) Explain your selected course of action.","marks":"20","words":"20"}]},{"id":722,"topper":"Akshat Baldwa","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/11207-46118793_4514_akshat-baldwa_rank_173.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"In matters of conscience, the law of the majority has no place.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"He who opens a school door, closes a prison.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Only in the depths of winter can we truly appreciate the warmth of spring.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Copying is safe; innovation demands courage.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The more we automate, the more human we must become.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The pursuit of instant validation is creating a generation of restless minds.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":723,"topper":"Akshat Baldwa","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1c909-46118793_4513_akshat-baldwa_rank_173.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Compassion is the courageous choice to feel another's suffering as one's own, and to act upon it, even when silence is safer and indifference is easier. Examine the significance of compassion as an essential ethical value for civil servants in India. Illustrate your answer with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Marriages in India are transitioning from traditional sacramental unions to more autonomous relationships, reflected in live-in relationships and rising divorce rates. Discuss the ethical dimensions of these changes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"While accountability often necessitates documentation, an overemphasis on bureaucratic procedures and excessive paperwork can inadvertently silence the very voices that public policy intends to empower, particularly at the grassroots. Examine the above statement with suitable illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The principle of impartiality may conflict with the need for compassion towards marginalized communities. Discuss in the context of civil services in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \" \" - \"The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home.\" - Confucius (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Patriotism encourages ethical questioning, while nationalism often suppresses it. Discuss this statement in light of the formation of political attitudes during high-pressure national events. How can individuals develop moral attitudes that balance national interest with ethical reasoning? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss how employee well-being and fairness can be balanced with efficiency and profitability in private organisations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Do you agree that excessive use of social media and emerging AI technologies may lead to a decline in emotional regulation and moral sensitivity among adolescents? Justify your answer. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"In light of the increasing incidents of suicides among students in India, discuss how Emotional Intelligence (EI) can aid in managing stress and emotional challenges. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"In public service, emotional intelligence is not about suppressing emotion, but mastering its purpose — to connect, to de-escalate, and to uplift others with empathy and strength. Do you agree with this view? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"An efficient work culture is built not only on rules, but on shared values. In this context, evaluate the role of leadership and team dynamics in transforming work culture within an organization. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"You are posted as the Joint Secretary in the Department of Information Technology of a state. The government recently implemented several citizen-centric digital services, collecting large volumes of personal data from residents. The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, requires that such data be processed only with explicit and informed consent, and mandates that processing must cease immediately upon withdrawal of consent. During an internal audit, you discover that the department continues to process and analyze personal data of several citizens even after they have formally withdrawn their consent. This data is being used for policy analytics and service improvement, purposes not explicitly disclosed at the time of data collection. When you bring this to the attention of your department head, you are informed that halting the processing will disrupt ongoing digital initiatives and may affect state-level performance metrics. Moreover, you find that the consent withdrawal process is cumbersome, and many citizens are unaware of their rights under the DPDP Act. You also learn that a prominent social activist is planning to file a complaint with the Data Protection Board against involuntary use of personal data, which could attract public scrutiny and legal action against the department. (a) Identify and discuss the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) What are the potential consequences for the department if the issue is not addressed transparently? (c) How would you balance the need for efficient public service delivery with the obligation to protect the citizens data rights? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"In one case, a district magistrate was seen filming a surprise school inspection in which teachers were scolded on camera — the video was later posted to his personal YouTube channel that is also monetized. While some praised the officer's strictness, others criticized the public shaming of teachers and the breach of service dignity. In another case, a police officer was seen directing a flood rescue operation while his staff filmed drone footage, later edited into a motivational video for social media. You have been asked to prepare a report with recommendations to balance public interest, institutional integrity, and evolving modes of communication. (a) Identify the ethical issues involved in civil servants publicly showcasing their official work on social media. (b) Do such practices promote awareness and motivation, or do they compromise the values of anonymity, neutrality, and collective service ethos? Give your opinion. (c) As the Secretary, what guiding principles and policy recommendations would you suggest to ensure responsible digital engagement by civil servants? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"You are the Director of the National Bioethics Commission who is responsible for assessing the ethical feasibility and oversight of a nationwide gene sequencing program. The project named GeneFuture, aims to sequence the DNA of every newborn child and store it in a centralized national database. The objective is to identify genetic predispositions to serious diseases early in life, allowing for preventive treatment and personalized medicine. Over 100,000 babies have already been enrolled in the pilot phase of the program. The government claims that this move is a landmark step in public health advancement. However, collection of newborn genetic data raises significant ethical concerns, particularly around informed consent, which may not fully capture parents' understanding of the long-term risks involved. Once gathered, this sensitive data could be misused for purposes such as surveillance, insurance discrimination, or commercial marketing by third parties. Uncertainty over data ownership—whether it lies with the state, parents, or the individual as they mature—further complicates the issue. The involvement of private tech and pharmaceutical companies heightens fears of commercial exploitation, especially in the absence of clear mechanisms for individuals to withdraw consent or delete their genetic information upon reaching adulthood. (a) What are the ethical issues you perceive in the implementation of the GeneFuture program? (b) Identify the conflicting interests of different stakeholders in this case. (c) What guiding ethical principles would you recommend for implementation of this project? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"You are a dedicated District Health Officer (DHO) with a strong commitment to evidence-based public health practices, recently assigned to a remote district in India. Your immediate and most critical task is to lead a crucial district-wide Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination drive, aimed at achieving 100% immunization coverage among children aged 9 months to 15 years. The success of this drive is vital for the collective health of thousands of children and for the district's overall health indicators, especially with the impending monsoon season posing additional health challenges. spiritual leader, firmly believe that vaccinations are an intrusion by malevolent spirits, an attempt by external forces to control their population, or will cause infertility in their children. They insist that their traditional herbal remedies and ritualistic blessings are sufficient protection. This spiritual leader, a genuinely well-meaning but unyielding figure, sincerely believes these vaccinations are harmful and has publicly advised his followers against them, citing anecdotal 'failures' and ancient prophecies. His word is paramount for the community's adherence to traditional ways of life. This has led to an almost complete boycott of the vaccination camps in the village, despite extensive awareness campaigns. Your health workers, some of whom are local and fear social ostracization or even physical harm, are facing intense hostility. The state health department is exerting immense pressure to achieve targets, warning of severe consequences for any district failing to meet the immunization goals. Simultaneously, they strictly caution against any use of force that could lead to public unrest, emphasizing the need for 'consensus-based' public health. An impending large annual fair, which will draw crowds from multiple villages and regions, heightens the immediate and severe risk of a rapid MR outbreak if this village remains unvaccinated, posing a grave threat to the wider district and potentially beyond. (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case. (b) What are the immediate options available to you to overcome this resistance? (c) What long-term strategies and systemic reforms would you suggest to address the pervasive influence of superstition and foster a scientific temperament for sustainable public health outcomes? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":724,"topper":"Akshat Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a621e-101322_1054_akshat_jain_rank_2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What are the salient features of temple architecture in the Himalayas? Explain with adequate examples in light of various elements that influenced this architectural style. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"\"Indo-Islamic art was neither merely a local variety of Islamic art nor a modified form of Hindu architecture. It derives its character from both sources though not always in an equal degree.\" Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The most powerful trend of medieval Indian literature between 1000 and 1800 A.D. is devotional (bhakti) poetry, which dominates almost all the major languages of the country. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Siddhanta or mathematical astronomy tradition has been the dominant stream of mathematics in India, with an essentially continuous tradition that flourished for close to a thousand years, starting from about the third or fourth century AD. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The outbreak of the First World War in 1914 gave a new lease of life to the nationalist movement in India. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"A real breakthrough was made by Bhagat Singh and his colleagues in terms of ideology, goals and the forms of revolutionary struggle. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The Railway system was built not for the modernization of India, but to serve the imperial, colonial and strategic objectives of the British. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"\"In many senses Rabindra Nath Tagore and Mahatma Gandhi thought about education in similar ways. There were, however, differences too.\" Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Raja Ram Mohan Roy has been described as the \"Father of Modern India\". Do you agree with such characterisation? Justify your answer with adequate arguments and evidences. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Series of civil rebellions run like a thread through the first 100 years of British rule. In this context, explain the underlying factors and consequences of Paika Rebellion of 1817. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Nearly all the artistic remains in ancient India are of religious nature, or were at least made for religious purpose. Critically evaluate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Buddhism not only enriched Indian philosophy but also left an indelible imprint on ancient Indian art and architecture. Explain with adequate examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Trace the evolution of British policy towards the Princely states. In what ways did the national movement in princely states differ from the rest of British India? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Most of the protests, revolts and movements launched by the peasants against British policies grew out of local grievances, remained localised and had no regular organisation and leadership. Discuss with examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Indian nationalism arose when the contradiction between the aims and objectives of the British rule and the interests of Indians became clear and obvious. In this context, elaborate on the role played by the intelligentsia in the growth of nationalism. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind the British emerging as the most formidable power in India by the end of the eighteenth century, outdoing not just every European rival but also Indian counterparts. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Partition was a culmination of a communal politics that started developing in the opening decades of the twentieth century. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"In the course of the freedom struggle, as the participation of the working class evolved so did the position of the nationalist leadership towards it. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The pattern of land ownership and the methods of assessment for collection of land revenue introduced by the British in India had a profound impact on the agrarian economy. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":725,"topper":"Akshat Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2e773-101322_1052_akshat_jain_rank_2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The location of iron and steel industry depends on a multitude of factors. Discuss with examples. Also account for the gradual shift of the industry towards coastal regions over time. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Identify the regions being impacted by desertification in India. Bringing out the major reasons for it, analyse the effectiveness of steps taken to combat it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Assess the changes in distribution pattern of the 'golden fibre' industry in India over the past half century. Also, giving reasons for its decline, enumerate the measures that the government has come up with in order to revive it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"With appropriate examples of footloose industry, discuss its significance for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"India has a long way to go in identifying shale gas rich basins and acquiring the necessary technology to extract shale gas. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Plastic waste is a major environmental and public health problem in India, particularly in the urban areas. Elucidate. Can the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 help in addressing the problems related to plastic waste? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Energy efficiency in buildings need to be at the core of India's urbanization strategy. Comment. In this context elaborate the significance of Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) 2017. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"How does the PAT scheme make efficiency in energy consumption attractive in energy-intensive industries? Examining its performance so far, suggest measures for improvement. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Air quality in Indian households, especially in rural areas, is lethal due to a number of factors. In this context, highlighting the challenges faced in improving indoor air quality, enumerate the measures that can be taken to address them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What is Joint Forest Management (JFM)? Highlight its potential in improving the livelihood of the forest dwellers and fringe forest communities. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The metallic minerals found in India are mainly confined to the Peninsular plateau region. What are the reasons for their uneven distribution? Also, discuss the impact it has on the location of industries in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The mining of sand and gravel has reached a level that is threatening the environment and ecosystem. Comment. What can be done to ensure that such mining is carried out in a sustainable manner? Discuss in context of the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Wetlands are being lost rapidly due to encroachment and rapid urbanization. In this context, critically analyse the provisions of the new Wetland (Conservation and Management) Rules 2017 notified by the Government in dealing with the situation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Processing and safe disposal of garbage must replace the current model of landfills in order to transform our cities to being 'smart'. Elucidate. In this context, analyse the reasons for failure of waste management policies in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The perennial problem of smog aross large parts of North India has worsened despite government and judicial interventions. Examine. What feasible steps can be taken to effectively address this problem? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Why is the distribution of major fishing areas skewed towards the higher latitudes as compared to the tropics? What are the challenges that the fishery industry is facing globally? Enumerate the measures taken by the various international bodies in order to make the activity more sustainable. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Despite similarity in natural endowments, certain areas attract industries while others do not. What can be the possible reasons for this? In this context, identify the major industrial regions in India and mention the factors which led to their development as industrial regions. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Despite biofuel utilisation being given emphasis since the last decade, their economic, environmental and social sustainability is a matter of debate. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Selective focus on ensuring the sustained supply of strategic minerals is imperative for India. In this context, discuss the challenges for India in terms of their exploration and production. What approach can India adopt to address these challenges? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":726,"topper":"Akshat Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QNaeGl_WrumJn6IsvXpDvHkXWUZ2Ar9c/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Concerns regarding the wide formulation and indiscreet application of discretionary powers of the Governor need closer attention. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Explain the concept of subordinate legislation in India. Also discuss the mechanisms for their scrutiny and control. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Despite long term recognition of the problem of pendency of cases in the courts, limited progress has been made in reducing their number. What are the possible reasons for such a scenario? Suggest a framework of measures that can be taken to address this issue. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite the phrase 'due process of law' not being included in Article 21, the Supreme Court, over the years, has adopted the doctrines of 'procedural due process' and 'substantive due process' into Indian constitutional law. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Can we say that cooperative federalism in India has strengthened in the post-liberalisation era? Give reasons in support of your answer. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Faulty regulatory policies can have a severe adverse effect on the efficient interplay of market forces and end up harming public interest. Examine in the context of systemic issues pertaining to regulatory environment in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Mention the constitutional provisions to safeguard and ensure the independent and impartial functioning of the UPSC. Further, assess the limitations of UPSC in effectively performing its role as the 'watchdog of merit system' in India as envisioned by the Constitution. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What are the key issues in the context of electoral funding in India? How far do you think the idea of state funding of elections can address these issues? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Fiscal transfers from the Centre to States are critical in India. In this context, explain the rationale of both general and specific purpose fiscal transfers. Also highlight the problems witnessed in the design and implementation of specific purpose transfers. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":727,"topper":"Akshat Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OJdAmygVibLCRwuecDZCfCi_dl3_0G-5/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Self doubt can both help and hinder leadership. Discuss with examples.10","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Bring out the significance of probity in public life. What are the requisites for ensuring probity in governance? Pointing out the key concerns in India in this context, suggest certain remedial measures.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"While the corrupt and dishonest should be punished swiftly, honest public servants need to be protected against malicious and motivated complaints to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of an organisation. Discuss. How can the two objectives be reconciled?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"The effective implementation of the Right to Information Act will create an environment of vigilance which will help in functioning of a more participatory democracy. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"The bureaucracy technically has been an efficient form of organisation but is seen to have exceeded its administrative powers due to its tendency towards self aggrandisement, permanence in employment, and nearness to the political executive. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Social media has played a key role in influencing political opinions and social attitudes in India. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"\"Nonviolence is not servile passivity but a powerful moral force which makes for social transformation\". Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"It is at the interface of public action and private interest that the need arises for establishing not just a code of ethics but a code of conduct. In this context, highlight the need for drafting a code of ethics as well as a code of conduct.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Income inequality is a matter of grave concern for the Indian society. In this context, examine the relevance of Gandhiji's concepts of 'Sarvodaya' and 'Trusteeship'.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"It does not take long for conflict to turn violent when deep seeded prejudices and discriminatory attitudes are not addressed. Discuss in the context of communal and caste-based violence in India. What role should the state play in this context?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Explain with examples how emotional intelligence increases the effectiveness of leadership skills in a civil servant.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"A Citizens' Charter sees public services through the eyes of those who use them. In this context, analyze the importance of citizen charter in making public services citizen centric.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Given the effects that cultural attitudes about menstruation have on women, there is need to follow a strategic approach in combating these. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"As the District Magistrate you are posted in a district that had been infamous for girl-child marriages. The government introduced a contributory scheme two decades ago, where the government contributed the same amount as the parents, into an account, for their girl child of age 0 to 7 years. The total sum could be withdrawn only when the girl turns eighteen and is unmarried. Due to this scheme, a new pattern has emerged. All girls are married as soon as they turn eighteen and incidents of dowry have increased substantially - because the community customs require paying the sum commensurate to the age of the girl. Further, parents now tend to save money for the scheme instead of investing in girl's education. As the local administration tries to tackle the current situation it looks up to you for ideas and leadership: (a) Identify the factors which have led to such outcomes. 20 While on the one hand, some state governments have implemented alcohol consumption prohibition laws, it is permitted in other states. Debates around this issue often involves aspects such as individual rights, cultural attitudes and social welfare. As a teacher you need to explain the key issues involved to a young audience. What are these? How would you conclude the lecture?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"While on the one hand, some state governments have implemented alcohol consumption prohibition laws, it is permitted in other states. Debates around this issue often involves aspects such as individual rights, cultural attitudes and social welfare. As a teacher you need to explain the key issues involved to a young audience. What are these? How would you conclude the lecture?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"As a concerned citizen you have been engaged with the issue of persons employed in manual scavenging. You notice that despite laws and strictures from the highest court of the land the practice of employing human labour to clean sewers continues. While the administration has to ensure the cleanliness of the urban localities, those who are employed also have to earn to sustain themselves and their families. The death of few workers recently due to asphyxiation while cleaning a septic tank has caused much consternation in your locality. You would like to engage with the situation by writing to the administration, for which you need to find an answer to the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders involved and state their conflicting interests. (b) What challenges does the administration face in curbing this social evil? (c) Enumerate the steps to deal with the problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are a teacher in the Science department of a reputed college. Your HoD (Head of Department) has been a good mentor to you and has guided your career progress. You get to know from one of your students that the HoD gives private tuitions at his residence, which is disliked by many others in the department. There are also rumours that he might be giving extra marks to the students taking his tuitions. When enquired, his reply is that he is not alone and a few other teachers are giving private tuitions as well. He assures you that it is beneficial for the students as some of them need extra attention. He advises you not to make a fuss about it and indirectly reminds you about the assessment rating, which is due this week. You are aware that a good rating will definitely get you the due promotion. The HoD is due to retire in 4 months. (a) What are the dilemmas that you face in this situation? (b) Highlight the course of action that you would adopt and give reasons","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"While stampedes and mishaps due to overcrowding have led to loss of lives on multiple occasions, it remains an issue discussed only when there is a tragedy. Recently you were assigned the responsibility of conducting a mela around a revered religious place, which attracts millions of devotees. Every year the numbers have been increasing and this year due to certain celestial alignments the crowd is expected to be unprecedented. In the previous year the officer in charge was criticised and transferred over allegations of hurting religious sensitivities by restricting access to the religious place. You have three months to prepare for the mela. (a) Identify the key areas you would focus on? (b) What are the challenges that you foresee? (c) How do you propose to overcome them?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"You are a senior official at a government agency that is responsible for collection, storage and protection of biometric data of citizens. Due to the expanse of operations, the agency employs third parties for collection of data. There have been reports of security breach and leakage of data by third parties in exchange of money. A journalist from a prominent newspaper carries a sting operation and releases some data in the public to show the ongoing corruption and highlighting the inability of the agency in protecting public data. You are asked by the chairperson of the agency to file an FIR against the journalist and pursue criminal proceedings against him considering it an act of unauthorized access. (a) Do you agree with the action sought by the chairperson against the journalist? Give appropriate reasons for your answer. (b) If you disagree, what would be your course of action? (c) Do you think the action of the journalist is justified?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":728,"topper":"Akshat Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rEa2PHWrWp2sF3MKf3JkfCPE3-AITR2D/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the significance of the following in the context of civil service: 10 (i) Public trust (ii) Objectivity (iii) Strength of character (iv) Empathy (v) Selflessness","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Do you think nation states owe a responsibility towards asylum seekers? What are the considerations that should, in your opinion, go into the making of a refugee policy? Provide arguments with contemporary examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Why do civil servants have a special obligation to uphold ethical standards? What are the main areas of concerns for implementation of an effective ethical standard in civil services? In this context, suggest measures to remedy these concerns.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"While families are the first socializing agents, which inculcate moral values in a child, the role played by schools in this regard is also indispensable. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"What is the significance of morality in day-to-day life? Give an example from your own life where you chose moral action and elaborate the reasons for your choice of that action.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Analyse the ethical dimensions of using nuclear deterrence as a self-defense strategy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"We make a living by what we do, but we make a life by what we give. 10 (i) Highlight the importance of value of altruism for a society. (ii) Discuss the role of education in imparting such values.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Giving examples, examine the relationship between personal and professional ethics of civil servants.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/ philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) If people scrutinize their own faults as they do the faults of others, mankind will be freed of all evil.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"How do law and conscience act as source of ethical guidance? Explain with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"The steady decline in sex ratio suggests that marked improvement in the economy and literacy rates do not seem to have had any impact on this index. In fact, the availability of new technology and its easy access for the urban, wealthy and educated have worsened the trend and harmed the status of women in Indian society. 20 (a) Explain why the phenomenon should not be simply viewed as a medical or legal issue and more attention should be given to the ethical issues involved. (b) Give some suggestions to tackle the problem of declining sex ratio. (c) Discuss the ethical dilemma involved in Right to abortion vs. Prevention of female foeticide. How can this be resolved?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"You are the officer-in-charge responsible for monitoring allotment of foodgrains under the Public Distribution System to BPL families in a given district. A group of BPL families in the district claim that they have been denied ration from fair price shops due to non-linking of Aadhar card with their BPL cards. They remark that the government and officers concerned are not empathising with their situation and stage a silent protest. Further, the incident is also being linked to similar instances in other areas of the country where people were denied access to PDS benefits due to similar reasons. The government receives a lot of criticism for this incident on social media networks. You are now in a conundrum, as you are aware that the BPL families need to get foodgrains on time. However, as a government officer, you also need to follow the prescribed rules. Media scrutiny has further aggravated the situation and you realize you need to tread carefully. 20 Based on the information above, answer the following: 12. You are working as a senior doctor in the oncology department of a super specialty hospital located in Delhi. While accessing the quotations from reputed pharmaceutical companies to hospitals, you unearth a nexus between pharma firms and the hospital administration. You get to know that they are hand-in glove with each other and trying to fleece cancer patients by selling drugs at exorbitant prices, even though low cost alternative drugs are available in the market. Being the head of Alliance of Doctors for Ethical Healthcare, who is working against the arbitrary price regime of life saving drugs, you get a chance to represent your case before the Health Minister of your state. However, certain other doctors of the Alliance have asked you to present a distorted reality in front of the Minister since they are obtaining pecuniary benefits from such a scheme of nexus, which would cease if the nexus gets exposed. 20 (a) Identify the main stakeholders and ethical issues involved.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"You are working as a Manager who handles critical projects in a private firm. You have recently been issued a notice by the Human Resource department that categorically highlights gender imbalance in your team and instructs you to recruit more females. Realizing the importance of this matter you decide to roll out vacancy requirements on an urgent basis and close it within a week. You receive several applications and start interviewing female candidates. However, you realize that the top four candidates are married and two of them are expecting their child. During the interviews the candidates commit on their priority for the project, till it finishes and show willingness to work from home, afterwards. What is the course of action that you will take? Explain the factors that you will take into account and justify the merits of the course of action.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":59,"question":"Mr. A is a senior most member of a highly reputed company with considerable customer interface. In recent months, the business of the company has been going down. On detailed analysis, it was found that some of the functionaries of the company have impulsive nature, which has many a times led to altercations with the customers and even among themselves. This has adversely affected the work culture and sullied the image of the company in the market. He seeks your advice, as you are his friend as well as a person who understands management. 20 (a) What are the factors that you would consider in making your advice? (b) What steps will you suggest to deal with the situation that the company faces?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":729,"topper":"Akshat Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7f7b0-101322_1059_akshat_jain_rank_2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the issues faced in BOT and EPC models of infrastructure investment, explain how HAM can address these. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The measurement of the extent of formal sector and formal employment is yet an unsettled matter in our economy. Comment. Also, mention the steps which the government has taken to improve its extent. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The investment rate in India has gradually declined after a historic high in the mid 2000s. Examine the reasons behind this trend. Discuss the steps required to revive investment for a sustained growth. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Strengthening the policy and institutional ecosystem supporting inclusive growth needs to be a top policy priority to thrive in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Explaining the role of human capital in economic development of a country, highlight the challenges and opportunities related to human capital formation in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"In the context of major challenges that have restricted industrial growth, there is need for a new industrial policy to enable the industry to fulfill its role as the engine of growth and shoulder the responsibility of adding more value and jobs. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Discussing the reforms that contributed in improving India's ranking in the World Bank's 'Ease of Doing Business' index, identify the challenges that still remain in the overall environment of doing business. Suggest some concrete steps that India can take to further improve its performance on the index. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) are fast becoming an important avenue for channelising funds for projects in infrastructure sector. Explaining the concept of SPVs, highlight some of the benefits and risks associated with them. Also, suggest measures to manage the risks identified. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Providing social security, especially to those working in unorganised sector, is an important requirement to achieve the goal of inclusive growth. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"NBFCs can play a critical role in strengthening our SME ecosystem and contributing to economic development. Comment. Also, discuss the need to build a regulatory framework to address the challenges that NBFCs face. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"In the light of increasing NPAs and frauds, the twin balance sheet problem has grown immensely. Comment on the issue and analyse the potential of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code to be a game changer for Indian economy's health and long-term growth. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Public Sector Enterprises formed the backbone of industrial development after independence, but with changing times, their role has also changed. Discuss. Also, comment on the need to adopt a multi-pronged strategy to deal with the issues that they are facing. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"For a developing country like India, the sectoral allocation of scarce resources is a critical factor determining pace and quality of development. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight the importance of MSME sector in India's economy. Also, identifying the challenges, suggest some policy recommendations to ensure their sustenance and competitive growth. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"In the inclusive development index of World Economic Forum (WEF), India stands very low. Discuss briefly the issues associated with living standard, environmental sustainability and protection of future generations from further indebtedness in India, on which the ranking is done. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Under-employment rather than unemployment is the key problem facing India today. Elaborate. Also, suggest measures to counter this problem. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"A near stagnant tax to gdp ratio for the country since decades reflects not only non-fruition of efforts to increase it but also underlying structural issues with tax regime. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The need to overhaul the current budget making process can be gauged from the fact that it neither undertakes broad-based consultations, nor is adequately transparent nor effective in estimating and allocating the demands of various stakeholders. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Adhering to fiscal discipline is considered as a hallmark of sound financial management by government. Elaborate. To what extent does the Budget 2018 incorporates fiscal discipline vis-a-vis competing targets of the government? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The role of international trade in achieving a quicker pace of economic development is well recognized. What are the benefits of international trade for a developing country like India? Highlight the challenges that India faces in improving its share in world trade. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":730,"topper":"Akshat Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a646a-101322_1049_akshat_jain_rank_2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Concerns regarding the wide formulation and indiscreet application of discretionary powers of the Governor need closer attention. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Explain the concept of subordinate legislation in India. Also discuss the mechanisms for their scrutiny and control. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The crucial position accorded to the Speaker in Indian legislatures, makes it imperative to protect them from undue political pressures and incentives. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Departmentally-Related Standing Committees have been referred to as mini-parliaments in India. Highlight their relevance in a democratic polity and discuss, with examples, how they improve the overall effectiveness of the Parliament. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Enumerate the issues associated with functioning of tribunals in India. How can these be addressed? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Examine the significance of Gram Sabhas, as mentioned in Article 243A of the Indian constitution, in the development process with special reference to Fifth Schedule areas. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The Rajya Sabha is merely a secondary house rather than a second house in the Indian Parliamentary system. Critically analyze the statement. Also, compare and contrast the position of the Rajya Sabha vis-à-vis the State legislative councils. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"A major shift is needed in the institutional framework of the Central Water Commission (CWC) and the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) to make water management more holistic and multidisciplinary. Discuss in the context of Mihir Shah Committee recommendations. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"On what grounds can a person be denied the right to contest elections to the Parliament in India? Will a life-time ban on those convicted of heinous crimes address the problem of criminalisation of politics? Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Directive Principles can be considered as even more important than the Fundamental Rights because they provide a positive thrust towards welfare. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"In light of demands for replacement of the FPTP (First Past the Post) system with other alternatives, compare the merits and enumerate the challenges associated with replacing the current system. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Despite long term recognition of the problem of pendency of cases in the courts, limited progress has been made in reducing their number. What are the possible reasons for such a scenario? Suggest a framework of measures that can be taken to address this issue. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite the phrase 'due process of law' not being included in Article 21, the Supreme Court, over the years, has adopted the doctrines of 'procedural due process' and 'substantive due process' into Indian constitutional law. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Can we say that cooperative federalism in India has strengthened in the post-liberalisation era? Give reasons in support of your answer. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Faulty regulatory policies can have a severe adverse effect on the efficient interplay of market forces and end up harming public interest. Examine in the context of systemic issues pertaining to regulatory environment in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Mention the constitutional provisions to safeguard and ensure the independent and impartial functioning of the UPSC. Further, assess the limitations of UPSC in effectively performing its role as the 'watchdog of merit system' in India as envisioned by the Constitution. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What are the key issues in the context of electoral funding in India? How far do you think the idea of state funding of elections can address these issues? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Separation of powers in case of India has acquired its own uniqueness under the constitutional arrangement. Explain. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Highlight the extent of President's powers under Article 352. Comment on the judicial scrutiny of proclamation and the exercise of executive powers under National Emergency. How is this power different from the one bestowed under Article 356? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Fiscal transfers from the Centre to States are critical in India. In this context, explain the rationale of both general and specific purpose fiscal transfers. Also highlight the problems witnessed in the design and implementation of specific purpose transfers. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":731,"topper":"Akshat Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zUjtJ_vmDKsimpZvlm1GaMTT2Ci6gsjv/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) Explain the significance of the following in the context of civil service:\n(i) Public trust\n(ii) Objectivity\n(iii) Strength of character\n(iv) Empathy\n(v) Selflessness","marks":"10","words":"not more than 150 words each"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) Do you think nation states owe a responsibility towards asylum seekers? What are the considerations that should, in your opinion, go into the making of a refugee policy? Provide arguments with contemporary examples.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) Why do civil servants have a special obligation to uphold ethical standards? What are the main areas of concerns for implementation of an effective ethical standard in civil services? In this context, suggest measures to remedy these concerns.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) While families are the first socializing agents, which inculcate moral values in a child, the role played by schools in this regard is also indispensable. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":11,"question":"3. (a) What is the significance of morality in day-to-day life? Give an example from your own life where you chose moral action and elaborate the reasons for your choice of that action.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) Analyse the ethical dimensions of using nuclear deterrence as a self-defense strategy.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":15,"question":"4. (a) We make a living by what we do, but we make a life by what we give.\n(i) Highlight the importance of value of altruism for a society.\n(ii) Discuss the role of education in imparting such values.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":17,"question":"4. (b) Giving examples, examine the relationship between personal and professional ethics of civil servants.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":19,"question":"5. Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/ philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context.\n(a) If people scrutinize their own faults as they do the faults of others, mankind will be freed of all evil.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":21,"question":"5. (b) Courage is the first of human qualities because it's the quality that guarantees the others.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":23,"question":"6. How do law and conscience act as source of ethical guidance? Explain with examples.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":25,"question":"7. Differentiate between the following using examples:\n(i) Wants and Needs\n(ii) Ethics and Etiquette","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":27,"question":"8. Good corporate governance is not an end in itself. It is a means to support economic efficiency, sustainable growth and financial stability. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":29,"question":"9. A hilly state witnessed torrential rains leading to loss of life and property. Apart from the local inhabitants there were tourists stranded in large numbers. With the supply chains broken and increased demand, it was observed that local shopkeepers started selling essential goods at very high prices. With a very restricted possibility of being evacuated in the coming few days, the stranded people feel helpless. A crumbled governance infrastructure in remote areas has multiplied the extent of their agony. Given this situation, answer the following questions.\n(a) Identify the various stakeholders in the case and give a reasoned account of their interests. Given the administrative, market and ethical perspective of viewing the situation, do you think there is a conflict in the priorities of these stakeholders?\n(b) Suggest ways to harmonize competing interests in order to resolve the issues, provide relief and prevent escalation of conflict.","marks":"20","words":"in around 250"},{"page":35,"question":"10. The steady decline in sex ratio suggests that marked improvement in the economy and literacy rates do not seem to have had any impact on this index. In fact, the availability of new technology and its easy access for the urban, wealthy and educated have worsened the trend and harmed the status of women in Indian society.\n(a) Explain why the phenomenon should not be simply viewed as a medical or legal issue and more attention should be given to the ethical issues involved.\n(b) Give some suggestions to tackle the problem of declining sex ratio.\n(c) Discuss the ethical dilemma involved in Right to abortion vs. Prevention of female foeticide. How can this be resolved?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":41,"question":"11. You are the officer-in-charge responsible for monitoring allotment of foodgrains under the Public Distribution System to BPL families in a given district. A group of BPL families in the district claim that they have been denied ration from fair price shops due to non-linking of Aadhar card with their BPL cards. They remark that the government and officers concerned are not empathising with their situation and stage a silent protest. Further, the incident is also being linked to similar instances in other areas of the country where people were denied access to PDS benefits due to similar reasons. The government receives a lot of criticism for this incident on social media networks. You are now in a conundrum, as you are aware that the BPL families need to get foodgrains on time. However, as a government officer, you also need to follow the prescribed rules. Media scrutiny has further aggravated the situation and you realize you need to tread carefully. Based on the information above, answer the following:\n(a) List the issues in the given situation that the parties involved are facing.\n(b) What step(s) will you take in the situation to ensure that the demands of the aggrieved persons are met without violating the rules?\n(c) In this context, briefly discuss how the poor in the country currently face digital exclusion and its consequence(s).","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":47,"question":"12. You are working as a senior doctor in the oncology department of a super specialty hospital located in Delhi. While accessing the quotations from reputed pharmaceutical companies to hospitals, you unearth a nexus between pharma firms and the hospital administration. You get to know that they are hand-in glove with each other and trying to fleece cancer patients by selling drugs at exorbitant prices, even though low cost alternative drugs are available in the market. Being the head of Alliance of Doctors for Ethical Healthcare, who is working against the arbitrary price regime of life saving drugs, you get a chance to represent your case before the Health Minister of your state. However, certain other doctors of the Alliance have asked you to present a distorted reality in front of the Minister since they are obtaining pecuniary benefits from such a scheme of nexus, which would cease if the nexus gets exposed.\n(a) Identify the main stakeholders and ethical issues involved.\n(b) Analyse the possible solutions for addressing the issues.\n(c) What would be your final course of action and why?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":53,"question":"13. You are working as a Manager who handles critical projects in a private firm. You have recently been issued a notice by the Human Resource department that categorically highlights gender imbalance in your team and instructs you to recruit more females. Realizing the importance of this matter you decide to roll out vacancy requirements on an urgent basis and close it within a week. You receive several applications and start interviewing female candidates. However, you realize that the top four candidates are married and two of them are expecting their child. During the interviews the candidates commit on their priority for the project, till it finishes and show willingness to work from home, afterwards. What is the course of action that you will take? Explain the factors that you will take into account and justify the merits of the course of action.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":59,"question":"14. Mr. A is a senior most member of a highly reputed company with considerable customer interface. In recent months, the business of the company has been going down. On detailed analysis, it was found that some of the functionaries of the company have impulsive nature, which has many a times led to altercations with the customers and even among themselves. This has adversely affected the work culture and sullied the image of the company in the market. He seeks your advice, as you are his friend as well as a person who understands management.\n(a) What are the factors that you would consider in making your advice?\n(b) What steps will you suggest to deal with the situation that the company faces?","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":732,"topper":"Akshat Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yigT7rrSg-mZpD4bChOlfcnHHooac-SK/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) Self doubt can both help and hinder leadership. Discuss with examples.","marks":"10","words":"not more than 150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) Bring out the significance of probity in public life. What are the requisites for ensuring probity in governance? Pointing out the key concerns in India in this context, suggest certain remedial measures.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) While the corrupt and dishonest should be punished swiftly, honest public servants need to be protected against malicious and motivated complaints to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of an organisation. Discuss. How can the two objectives be reconciled?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) The effective implementation of the Right to Information Act will create an environment of vigilance which will help in functioning of a more participatory democracy. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":11,"question":"3. (a) The bureaucracy technically has been an efficient form of organisation but is seen to have exceeded its administrative powers due to its tendency towards self aggrandisement, permanence in employment, and nearness to the political executive. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) Social media has played a key role in influencing political opinions and social attitudes in India. Comment.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":15,"question":"4. (a) \"Nonviolence is not servile passivity but a powerful moral force which makes for social transformation\". Comment.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":17,"question":"4. (b) It is at the interface of public action and private interest that the need arises for establishing not just a code of ethics but a code of conduct. In this context, highlight the need for drafting a code of ethics as well as a code of conduct.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":19,"question":"5. (a) Income inequality is a matter of grave concern for the Indian society. In this context, examine the relevance of Gandhiji's concepts of 'Sarvodaya' and 'Trusteeship'.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":21,"question":"5. (b) It does not take long for conflict to turn violent when deep seeded prejudices and discriminatory attitudes are not addressed. Discuss in the context of communal and caste-based violence in India. What role should the state play in this context?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":23,"question":"6. Explain with examples how emotional intelligence increases the effectiveness of leadership skills in a civil servant.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":25,"question":"7. A Citizens' Charter sees public services through the eyes of those who use them. In this context, analyze the importance of citizen charter in making public services citizen centric.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":27,"question":"8. Given the effects that cultural attitudes about menstruation have on women, there is need to follow a strategic approach in combating these. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":29,"question":"9. As the District Magistrate you are posted in a district that had been infamous for girl-child marriages. The government introduced a contributory scheme two decades ago, where the government contributed the same amount as the parents, into an account, for their girl child of age 0 to 7 years. The total sum could be withdrawn only when the girl turns eighteen and is unmarried. Due to this scheme, a new pattern has emerged. All girls are married as soon as they turn eighteen and incidents of dowry have increased substantially – because the community customs require paying the sum commensurate to the age of the girl. Further, parents now tend to save money for the scheme instead of investing in girl’s education. As the local administration tries to tackle the current situation it looks up to you for ideas and leadership:\n(a) Identify the factors which have led to such outcomes.\n(b) Devise a strategy, keeping in mind the multiple aspects of the situation.","marks":"20","words":"around 250"},{"page":34,"question":"10. While on the one hand, some state governments have implemented alcohol consumption prohibition laws, it is permitted in other states. Debates around this issue often involves aspects such as individual rights, cultural attitudes and social welfare. As a teacher you need to explain the key issues involved to a young audience. What are these? How would you conclude the lecture?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":39,"question":"11. As a concerned citizen you have been engaged with the issue of persons employed in manual scavenging. You notice that despite laws and strictures from the highest court of the land the practice of employing human labour to clean sewers continues. While the administration has to ensure the cleanliness of the urban localities, those who are employed also have to earn to sustain themselves and their families. The death of few workers recently due to asphyxiation while cleaning a septic tank has caused much consternation in your locality. You would like to engage with the situation by writing to the administration, for which you need to find an answer to the following:\n(a) Identify the stakeholders involved and state their conflicting interests.\n(b) What challenges does the administration face in curbing this social evil?\n(c) Enumerate the steps to deal with the problem.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":44,"question":"12. You are a teacher in the Science department of a reputed college. Your HoD (Head of Department) has been a good mentor to you and has guided your career progress. You get to know from one of your students that the HoD gives private tuitions at his residence, which is disliked by many others in the department. There are also rumours that he might be giving extra marks to the students taking his tuitions. When enquired, his reply is that he is not alone and a few other teachers are giving private tuitions as well. He assures you that it is beneficial for the students as some of them need extra attention. He advises you not to make a fuss about it and indirectly reminds you about the assessment rating, which is due this week. You are aware that a good rating will definitely get you the due promotion. The HoD is due to retire in 4 months.\n(a) What are the dilemmas that you face in this situation?\n(b) Highlight the course of action that you would adopt and give reasons for the same.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":49,"question":"13. While stampedes and mishaps due to overcrowding have led to loss of lives on multiple occasions, it remains an issue discussed only when there is a tragedy. Recently you were assigned the responsibility of conducting a mela around a revered religious place, which attracts millions of devotees. Every year the numbers have been increasing and this year due to certain celestial alignments the crowd is expected to be unprecedented. In the previous year the officer in charge was criticised and transferred over allegations of hurting religious sensitivities by restricting access to the religious place. You have three months to prepare for the mela.\n(a) Identify the key areas you would focus on?\n(b) What are the challenges that you foresee?\n(c) How do you propose to overcome them?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":54,"question":"14. You are a senior official at a government agency that is responsible for collection, storage and protection of biometric data of citizens. Due to the expanse of operations, the agency employs third parties for collection of data. There have been reports of security breach and leakage of data by third parties in exchange of money. A journalist from a prominent newspaper carries a sting operation and releases some data in the public to show the ongoing corruption and highlighting the inability of the agency in protecting public data. You are asked by the chairperson of the agency to file an FIR against the journalist and pursue criminal proceedings against him considering it an act of unauthorized access.\n(a) Do you agree with the action sought by the chairperson against the journalist? Give appropriate reasons for your answer.\n(b) If you disagree, what would be your course of action?\n(c) Do you think the action of the journalist is justified?","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":733,"topper":"Akshat Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/40f54-101322_1057_akshat_jain_rank_2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Self doubt can both help and hinder leadership. Discuss with examples.10","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Bring out the significance of probity in public life. What are the requisites for ensuring probity in governance? Pointing out the key concerns in India in this context, suggest certain remedial measures.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"While the corrupt and dishonest should be punished swiftly, honest public servants need to be protected against malicious and motivated complaints to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of an organisation. Discuss. How can the two objectives be reconciled?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"The effective implementation of the Right to Information Act will create an environment of vigilance which will help in functioning of a more participatory democracy. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"The bureaucracy technically has been an efficient form of organisation but is seen to have exceeded its administrative powers due to its tendency towards self aggrandisement, permanence in employment, and nearness to the political executive. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Social media has played a key role in influencing political opinions and social attitudes in India. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"\"Nonviolence is not servile passivity but a powerful moral force which makes for social transformation\". Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"It is at the interface of public action and private interest that the need arises for establishing not just a code of ethics but a code of conduct. In this context, highlight the need for drafting a code of ethics as well as a code of conduct.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Income inequality is a matter of grave concern for the Indian society. In this context, examine the relevance of Gandhiji's concepts of 'Sarvodaya' and 'Trusteeship'.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"It does not take long for conflict to turn violent when deep seeded prejudices and discriminatory attitudes are not addressed. Discuss in the context of communal and caste-based violence in India. What role should the state play in this context?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Explain with examples how emotional intelligence increases the effectiveness of leadership skills in a civil servant.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"A Citizens' Charter sees public services through the eyes of those who use them. In this context, analyze the importance of citizen charter in making public services citizen centric.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Given the effects that cultural attitudes about menstruation have on women, there is need to follow a strategic approach in combating these. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"As the District Magistrate you are posted in a district that had been infamous for girl-child marriages. The government introduced a contributory scheme two decades ago, where the government contributed the same amount as the parents, into an account, for their girl child of age 0 to 7 years. The total sum could be withdrawn only when the girl turns eighteen and is unmarried. Due to this scheme, a new pattern has emerged. All girls are married as soon as they turn eighteen and incidents of dowry have increased substantially - because the community customs require paying the sum commensurate to the age of the girl. Further, parents now tend to save money for the scheme instead of investing in girl's education. As the local administration tries to tackle the current situation it looks up to you for ideas and leadership: (a) Identify the factors which have led to such outcomes. 20 (b) Devise a strategy, keeping in mind the multiple aspects of the situation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"While on the one hand, some state governments have implemented alcohol consumption prohibition laws, it is permitted in other states. Debates around this issue often involves aspects such as individual rights, cultural attitudes and social welfare. As a teacher you need to explain the key issues involved to a young audience. What are these? How would you conclude the lecture?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"As a concerned citizen you have been engaged with the issue of persons employed in manual scavenging. You notice that despite laws and strictures from the highest court of the land the practice of employing human labour to clean sewers continues. While the administration has to ensure the cleanliness of the urban localities, those who are employed also have to earn to sustain themselves and their families. The death of few workers recently due to asphyxiation while cleaning a septic tank has caused much consternation in your locality. You would like to engage with the situation by writing to the administration, for which you need to find an answer to the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders involved and state their conflicting interests. (b) What challenges does the administration face in curbing this social evil? (c) Enumerate the steps to deal with the problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are a teacher in the Science department of a reputed college. Your HoD (Head of Department) has been a good mentor to you and has guided your career progress. You get to know from one of your students that the HoD gives private tuitions at his residence, which is disliked by many others in the department. There are also rumours that he might be giving extra marks to the students taking his tuitions. When enquired, his reply is that he is not alone and a few other teachers are giving private tuitions as well. He assures you that it is beneficial for the students as some of them need extra attention. He advises you not to make a fuss about it and indirectly reminds you about the assessment rating, which is due this week. You are aware that a good rating will definitely get you the due promotion. The HoD is due to retire in 4 months. (a) What are the dilemmas that you face in this situation? (b) Highlight the course of action that you would adopt and give reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"While stampedes and mishaps due to overcrowding have led to loss of lives on multiple occasions, it remains an issue discussed only when there is a tragedy. Recently you were assigned the responsibility of conducting a mela around a revered religious place, which attracts millions of devotees. Every year the numbers have been increasing and this year due to certain celestial alignments the crowd is expected to be unprecedented. In the previous year the officer in charge was criticised and transferred over allegations of hurting religious sensitivities by restricting access to the religious place. You have three months to prepare for the mela. (a) Identify the key areas you would focus on? (b) What are the challenges that you foresee? (c) How do you propose to overcome them?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"You are a senior official at a government agency that is responsible for collection, storage and protection of biometric data of citizens. Due to the expanse of operations, the agency employs third parties for collection of data. There have been reports of security breach and leakage of data by third parties in exchange of money. A journalist from a prominent newspaper carries a sting operation and releases some data in the public to show the ongoing corruption and highlighting the inability of the agency in protecting public data. You are asked by the chairperson of the agency to file an FIR against the journalist and pursue criminal proceedings against him considering it an act of unauthorized access. (a) Do you agree with the action sought by the chairperson against the journalist? Give appropriate reasons for your answer. (b) If you disagree, what would be your course of action? (c) Do you think the action of the journalist is justified?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":734,"topper":"Akshat Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/db325-101322_1056_akshat_jain_rank_2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the significance of the following in the context of civil service: 10 (i) Public trust (ii) Objectivity (iii) Strength of character (iv) Empathy (v) Selflessness","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Why do civil servants have a special obligation to uphold ethical standards? What are the main areas of concerns for implementation of an effective ethical standard in civil services? In this context, suggest measures to remedy these concerns.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"While families are the first socializing agents, which inculcate moral values in a child, the role played by schools in this regard is also indispensable. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"What is the significance of morality in day-to-day life? Give an example from your own life where you chose moral action and elaborate the reasons for your choice of that action.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"We make a living by what we do, but we make a life by what we give.10 (i) Highlight the importance of value of altruism for a society. (ii) Discuss the role of education in imparting such values.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Giving examples, examine the relationship between personal and professional ethics of civil servants.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"How do law and conscience act as source of ethical guidance? Explain with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"The steady decline in sex ratio suggests that marked improvement in the economy and literacy rates do not seem to have had any impact on this index. In fact, the availability of new technology and its easy access for the urban, wealthy and educated have worsened the trend and harmed the status of women in Indian society. 20 (a) Explain why the phenomenon should not be simply viewed as a medical or legal issue and more attention should be given to the ethical issues involved. (b) Give some suggestions to tackle the problem of declining sex ratio. (c) Discuss the ethical dilemma involved in Right to abortion vs. Prevention of female foeticide. How can this be resolved?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":735,"topper":"Akshat Jain","air":2,"year":2018,"paper":"Optional — Geography","optional":true,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ds9vq9_-iXANgIknf3TeQ87mrHHbaDmY/view","questions":[]},{"id":736,"topper":"Akshat Jain","air":2,"year":2018,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"IAS Exam Portal","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/visionresources/toppersanswerbooklet/2e773-101322_1052_akshat_jain_rank_2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":737,"topper":"Akshat Jain","air":2,"year":2018,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"IAS Exam Portal","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/visionresources/toppersanswerbooklet/7f7b0-101322_1059_akshat_jain_rank_2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":738,"topper":"Akshat Jain","air":2,"year":2018,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"IAS Exam Portal","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/visionresources/toppersanswerbooklet/a621e-101322_1054_akshat_jain_rank_2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":739,"topper":"Akshat Jain","air":2,"year":2018,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"IAS Exam Portal","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/visionresources/toppersanswerbooklet/a646a-101322_1049_akshat_jain_rank_2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":740,"topper":"Akshat Jain","air":2,"year":2018,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"IAS Exam Portal","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/visionresources/toppersanswerbooklet/db325-101322_1056_akshat_jain_rank_2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":741,"topper":"Akshat Jain","air":2,"year":2018,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"IAS Exam Portal","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/visionresources/toppersanswerbooklet/40f54-101322_1057_akshat_jain_rank_2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":742,"topper":"Akshat Kaushal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1735_747_Akshat_Rank_55.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"What does inequality mean to you? What are the different kinds of inequality? Is inequality morally wrong?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"\"It is not always the same thing to be a good person and a good citizen.\" Explain the meaning of this statement and analyse its implications for a democratic society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Value of compassion towards the weak extends the limits of operations of a public servant by introducing flexibility but dilutes the principle of objectivity. Discuss. If a conflict arises between the value of compassion and principle of objectivity, how will you deal with it as a public servant?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Which administrator had a lasting impact on your decision to join the civil services and why? Should administrators have increased media presence so that the common man can know more about their efforts and achievements? Justify your stand.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":743,"topper":"Akshat Kaushal","air":55,"year":2017,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1_X9I-JiDIIoQ-h8IjvDCg4AxRUTTgIFL","questions":[]},{"id":744,"topper":"Akshay Deepak","air":196,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Y-kO_tAfPUusmFU-6MgjVS4wt63gDuxc/view","questions":[]},{"id":745,"topper":"AKSHAY PARIHAR","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/AKSHAY-PARIHAR-UPSC-2024-Rank-261-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Employment problems of rural and urban areas differ in nature, but their solutions are inter-dependent and interrelated. Analyze. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Imported inflation is compounding the challenges of post-pandemic recovery for the Indian economy. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand by natural farming? How can it help in building climate resilient agriculture? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Food Processing sector must be developed as one of the principal industries in the country for reasons that go beyond agriculture. Elucidate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Space based technologies are helpful in not only monitoring development, but also enhancing it. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"How are fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) different from battery electric vehicle (BEV)? Highlighting advantages of electric vehicles, suggest measures for accelerating e-mobility adoption in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns for an environmentally conscious world is not possible without fundamental changes in lifestyle. Discuss this statement in light of Lifestyle for the Environment (LiFE) Movement. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Managing risks, rather than impacts, lies at the core of effective disaster management strategies. In light of this statement, describe the flood risk profile of India and evaluate preparedness for effective flood management. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the salient features of Agnipath scheme. Underlining the benefits of the scheme, mention ways to overcome associated challenges. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Examine how advancements in technology has allowed organize crime syndicates to not only expand but also diversify their activities. Also recommend suitable measures to tackle the menace of organized crime. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Achievement of a 400 billion USD merchandise export is a result of concerted and collective efforts towards an Atmanirbhar Bharat. Identify various factors responsible for this feat. What measures will you suggest to place India at the centre of global supply chains? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Fintech is facilitating financial inclusions through innovations, but reaping its developmental potential requires overcoming critical hurdles. Analyze. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The fundamental problem in agriculture is not the availability of resources, but their inefficient use. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Encouraging livestock through mixed farming can be the answer to the triple burden of low farm income, increasing land fragmentation and plummeting productivity in the agriculture sector. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Nanotechnology is an inter-disciplinary and inter-connected science that has revolutionary applications across sectors. In this perspective, discuss the relevance of nanotechnology for socio-economic development in the country. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Making the invisible groundwater visible is critical for building climate resilience and achieving sustainable development goals. Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Single use plastic (SUP) is a health, economic and environmental scourge, that requires governments to regulate, businesses to innovate and individuals to act. Examine in context of recently introduced ban on SUPs. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"In what ways management of maritime borders differ from that of territorial borders? Also, analyze various vulnerabilities that arise from a large maritime boundary of the country. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Cyberthreats can wage a dual war on the state and citizens, disrupting the national security as well as social stability. Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":746,"topper":"Akshay Pillay","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/bafe3-680214_2031_akshay-pillay_rank_51.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The Kakatiya dynasty left an indelible mark in the fields of architecture and literature. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Bal Gangadhar Tilak was instrumental in creating a national consciousness and giving political voice to the masses during the course of national movement. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The 1929 Lahore session of Congress shaped the vision for an independent India in many important ways. Explain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Explain, in what ways, different historical experiences led countries like China and Japan on widely divergent paths to building independent and modern nations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What is Madden-Julian Oscillation? How does it differ from El-Nino? Discuss its impact on Indian Monsoon. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What are endogenic forces? Highlight their types and discuss the role played by them in forming various landforms on the earth. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"In context of the significance of the Himalayan mountain system for South Asia, explain the factors responsible for melting of glaciers and its impact on the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The COVID-19 pandemic has not only exposed globalisation as highly vulnerable and fragile but also forced a rethinking on its merits. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"In what ways are caste-based inequities still manifested in urban India? Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Menstruation has always been surrounded by taboos and myths that exclude women from many aspects of socio-cultural life. Discuss in the context of India. Also, suggest some steps to combat these taboos and myths. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Provide an account of the origin and spread of devotional Bhakti in South India and discuss how this popular movement expressed itself in the vernacular literature of the south. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The idea of urban decay in India in early medieval times has been propounded by some but evidences from various parts of the country suggest otherwise. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The essence of Gandhiji's constructive programme went well beyond the anti-imperialist nationalist struggle. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Though the socio-political complexities of the Indian subcontinent may have made partition inevitable, it was the failure of British leadership that led to a bloodbath. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Identifying the factors affecting the location of semiconductor and electronic chip making industry, discuss the reasons behind their current global shortage. What steps has India taken in recent times to support its electronic manufacturing ecosystem? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Identifying the active and passive factors affecting pedogenesis, explain the processes involved in soil formation. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":747,"topper":"Akshay Pillay","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a92a9-680214_1449_akshay-pillay_rank_51.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Bringing higher judiciary under the ambit of RTI has its own merits and demerits. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Tribunals in India have not just replicated some of the problems that our judiciary suffers from but added a few more. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Parliamentary privileges are not always used for the aims they were intended to serve. In this context, discuss the need for codification of these privileges in light of recent developments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"There is a point of view that the office of Governor has outlived its relevance and needs to be abolished. Critically examine in the current context. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Is lateral entry in civil services the panacea to address the challenges, which hamper the effective functioning of bureaucracy in India? Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Highlighting the grievances of states towards Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS), explain how the government has sought to rationalise these schemes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The PM Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) has begun well and holds a lot of promise, however it needs to address multiple challenges to become a success. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Highlighting its key features, examine the need for the passage of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill by the Parliament at the earliest. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"With changing times India's engagement with its diaspora has also undergone a change. Explain in the context of government policies on diaspora. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Despite its immense potential, the challenges associated with RCEP for India cannot be ignored. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Decentralisation in India has been fairly successful at the political level, however on the fiscal and administrative fronts progress is marred by several bottlenecks. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The provisions of the Anti-Defection Law have been repeatedly violated and are routinely misinterpreted. Examine. Also, suggest measures to strengthen the Anti-Defection Law. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The amendment process for the Indian Constitution follows a middle path between rigidity and flexibility. Comment in comparative perspective. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Assess the effectiveness of the institutional architecture of Indian federalism in settling inter-state disputes. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The recent advances in technologies have the potential to make e-governance a very potent tool for ushering in an era of good governance. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"While Indians are donating to charitable causes more than ever, philanthropy in India is still at a formative stage. In this context, highlight the significance of philanthropy and state the factors holding back philanthropy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Highlight the challenges faced in implementation of healthcare schemes in India. Examine how creation of a robust digital health ecosystem can prove to be a game changer in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"For India to emerge as a knowledge superpower, it is imperative to address the challenges of access, equity, quality, affordability and accountability faced by the current education system. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Ties with both USA and Russia are important for India, however, both these relations have their own sets of challenges, and some of these are further accentuated by the friction between these two powers. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":748,"topper":"Akshay Pillay","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b8e77-680214_2033_akshay-pillay_rank_51.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Stating the issues associated with agricultural extension in India, discuss the role of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in strengthening the national agricultural research extension system. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In India, the food processing sector is emerging as a high-growth and high-profit sector due to its immense potential for value addition. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Explaining the concept of livestock-based Integrated Farming System (IFS), discuss its benefits. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"While Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) are spearheading entrepreneurship across the world, India still has one of the lowest entrepreneurship rates. Discuss. Also, state the policy measures that have been taken to increase the pace of entrepreneurship in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"'Land banks' can play a critical role in boosting the economy and promoting ease of doing business in India. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The proposed amendments to the Forest Conservation Act (FCA) are not only antithetical to the Forest Rights Act (FRA), but are also likely to delay India achieving its commitments on climate change. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The problem of flooding in urban areas is not only due to overflowing rivers, but also the uninformed ways in which our cities are coping with urbanisation. Discuss. In this context, mention the National Disaster Management Authority guidelines on urban floods. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"ISRO is no longer confined only to the launching of satellites, but it has been constantly enlarging its role in development activities over the years. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"State the reasons behind targeting of Critical Information Infrastructure (CII) by state and non-state actors. Also, discuss the steps taken by the Indian government to secure its CII. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Despite the strategic significance of North-East India, the region faces several security threats. Discuss. Also, state the measures taken by the government to ensure peace and stability in the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Indian Railways has suffered from chronic under-investment, which has adversely impacted key areas of its operations. In this context, discuss the challenges faced by the railways in speedy creation of infrastructure. Also, mention the steps taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"A disruptive approach to research & development (R&D), with a focus on last mile obligations of the agricultural system is necessary to realize India's objective of doubling farmer's income. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"India's power distribution companies and electrical grids must undergo reforms to transition from fossil fuels to more sustainable forms of renewable energy. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The practice of input-intensive agriculture in India needs a massive overhaul due to its unsustainability and negative consequences. In this context, discuss the significance of Low External Input Sustainable Agriculture (LEISA). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The recently released IPCC Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) - 2021 has been deemed as 'code red' for humanity. In this context, discuss the various concerns raised in the report with special focus on India. Also, enlist the remedial measures given by the report. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Multiple chemical disasters from the Bhopal gas tragedy to gas leak in Visakhapatnam have brought into focus the risks posed by hazardous chemicals (HAZCHEM) in India. In view of this, discuss the preparedness as well as gaps in Chemical Disaster Management (CDM) in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The growing demand for liberalisation of public health-related goods and services amidst the pandemic has raised critical issues with regard to the current intellectual property regime. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Highlighting the reasons behind suboptimal results in indigenization of defence technologies in India, suggest measures which can accelerate the pace of indigenization in the defence sector. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Discuss the factors behind conceptualization of different Central Armed Police Forces for guarding the international borders. Also, highlight the contribution of these forces in ensuring security of India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Discuss the vulnerability of virtual assets in terms of their misuse for money laundering activities. Also, state corrective measures that can be taken to mitigate the risks posed by the use of virtual assets. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":749,"topper":"Akshay Pillay","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/76882-680214_1451_akshay-pillay_rank_51.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"It is morally permissible to perform an action in pursuit of a good end in full knowledge that the action might also bring about bad results. Critically examine the statement with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"An essential element that distinguishes a career in public service from jobs elsewhere is its focus on public service ethos. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The foundational values of efficiency, impartiality, empathy, and incorruptibility are an integral part of civil services. Elaborate with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The foreign policy of nations is primarily guided by national interests. Do you think the pursuit of such exclusive concerns leaves little scope for ethics in international relations? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Corporate Social Responsibility can help in changing the perception of 'business ethics' being an oxymoron. Critically analyze. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) Intolerance is itself a form of violence and an obstacle to the growth of a true democratic spirit. Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Citizens' Charters by themselves cannot achieve the desired results in improving quality of public services. Discuss the statement in light of the Sevottam Model. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"What do you understand by social capital? Explain its relationship with good governance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Emotional Intelligence is an essential ingredient for managing personal and organizational change. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Do you agree that privatization and outsourcing of selected public services will help improve the quality of public service delivery and in particular reduce the incidence of corruption? Substantiate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Discuss the contributions of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar to the idea of social justice in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"You are posted as the District Magistrate in a district, which has been ravaged by floods recently. The severity of floods has not only led to destruction of shelter and livelihood, but also created risks of deadly diseases spreading in the area. Street thugs have taken advantage of the situation and are looting and stocking anything they can get their hands on. There are reports that many shops and homes have been broken into and looted. Some suspect that this is the work of illegal immigrants from a neighbouring country, who have been residing in the district for a long time. The local MLA is objecting to extension of relief and rehabilitation assistance to these illegal immigrants. A number of residents of the district have also joined the MLA and are arguing that citizens have the first right on the country's resources, particularly in the prevailing situation. In this context, answer the following: (a) Do you think that citizens of a country have the first claim on resources of a nation in every situation? Justify your answer with valid arguments. (b) Given this information, chart a course of action based on priorities of the administration. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"You are the Commissioner of a city municipal corporation. Recognizing the state of some of the old buildings, you have categorised these under the list of dilapidated buildings. You have also issued an advisory to residents regarding the status and hazards of living in such buildings and asked them to vacate the premises. However, even after such a notification, residents continue to occupy such buildings and refuse to vacate. These are mostly poor people who have no other alternative available and would be rendered homeless if they vacate the premises. While you are trying to figure a way out for these people, your worst fears come true when one of the four-storeyed buildings on the list collapsed after heavy rains. Following the incident, public outrage led to accusations against the corporation for not getting the building vacated. (a) What challenges do you face as the Commissioner in this situation? Highlight the steps you will take to address these. (b) What measures will you take to prevent reoccurrence of such unfortunate incidents? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"You have been recently posted as a District Education Officer in a district, which is notorious for mass copying. It again witnessed some disturbing incidents during the recent Board examination. In some of the examination centers located in your district, the parents virtually took over the centres to help their wards to copy during the exams. The parents justified their act by arguing that the concerned teachers did not take classes at all during the year. Upon enquiry, you found that invigilators turned a blind eye in this situation and school administrations were also involved in tampering with the CCTV footage of the incidents. You also found that teacher absenteeism has indeed been rampant. Further, concerns regarding this had been repeatedly raised by parents in the past, but no action was taken. In this situation: (a) What course of action would you take in the immediate to short term to deal with the issue at hand? (b) Explaining the ramifications of such incidents for the society at large, highlight some long-term reforms that should be taken to prevent such incidents from re-occurring. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"You are recently posted as District Magistrate in a district, which is a major hub of industrial activities and attracts workers from different places and communities. The workers of these industries often utilize the open spaces on roads for performing their daily prayers, though only for a short period of time. The lack of a place of worship close to the work places, is cited as the reason for continuance of this practice. However, some residents of nearby areas have been objecting to this practice due to the inconvenience caused by congestion on the roads. There have also been complaints of alleged illegal encroachments over public land in garb of this practice. One day, you are informed that a group of locals disrupted the workers at the time of worship. The incident led to clashes between several groups and a law and order problem has arisen in the district. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) What are the options available before you? Evaluate the merits and demerits of each one of them. (b) What course of action would you choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"You are the district magistrate in a hill state. An NRI tycoon is planning to arrange a large wedding ceremony in your district. Given the scale of the ceremony, a feasibility report was prepared. The report has called for adopting a cautious approach and has raised concerns regarding its impact on the environment. Recognizing this, the NRI has offered extra compensation for the prospective environmental damages. Also, the local MLA and some prominent residents are arguing that such a wedding can help in developing the district as a tourist hotspot and turn it into a popular wedding destination, bringing prosperity for the residents. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders in the given situation and their respective interests. (b) Highlight the options available to you and the course of action you will take, giving reasons for the same. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"The challenge of climate change presents the world with several fundamental ethical dilemmas. From a global perspective, it presents the world with a collective action problem: all countries have a collective interest in controlling global carbon emissions. But each individual country also has incentives to over-consume in response to societal demands for economic growth and prosperity. Developing nations faced with these costs may encounter further challenges as the impact of climate change will most likely fall disproportionately on the poor, thus also raising issues of fairness and inequality. As an intergenerational problem, the consequences of actions taken by the current generation will have the greatest impact on future generations. While it is intuitive that the current generation has some ethical responsibility to leave an inhabitable world to future generations, the extent of this obligation is less clear. Answer the following questions in this regard: (a) To what extent do humans have a moral responsibility to future generations that are yet to be born? (b) Do developed countries have a greater responsibility to take action and bear more costs of controlling climate change than developing countries? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":750,"topper":"Akshay Pillay","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ce3af-680214_2034_akshay-pillay_rank_51.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Explain the concept of Sarvodaya with the help of examples from the lives of prominent personalities. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The life and teachings of Guru Nanak presents a template for leading a life within the corridors of ethics and values. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"There is no 'invisible hand' channeling self-interest into some social optimum. In this context, the State has an integral role to play in making available essential public goods and services, despite the increasing pace of privatization. Do you agree? Justify with examples from India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Even though the state actors who make rules and implement them have an important role to play in the fight against corruption, the battle is not likely to succeed without the active efforts of various segments of society. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do you understand by Social Intelligence? Discuss its various components and explain how it is different from Emotional Intelligence. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Ethical behaviour is the best not merely in the context of morality, but it is also the best in the context of one's own career prospects. Discuss in the context of civil services in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The press is an important agent in ensuring the citizen's right to receive and impart information as a measure of probity in governance. In this context, do you think that the press in India discharges its duty honestly? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The failure to deliver on its promises by Citizen's Charters in the last two decades has shown that there are some complex set of factors underlying this seemingly simple task. What are they? Identify and provide their resolution. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Medical ethics is particularly relevant in decisions regarding involuntary treatment and involuntary commitment. In view of this, highlighting the importance of medical ethics, discuss the issues in its implementation. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The fundamental principle in a democracy is that all public functionaries are trustees of the people and this trusteeship relationship requires that the authority entrusted to the functionaries be exercised in 'public interest'. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"You are a Superintendent of Police tasked with conducting an internal departmental inquiry into an alleged case of custodial torture and subsequent disappearance of three tribal persons. The case of the police force is that these persons were habitual offenders who had committed theft. The police had nabbed them for interrogation but they escaped from the police custody and are absconding. Family members of these persons, on the other hand, maintain that they were falsely framed in the case and were not in a condition to flee due to custodial torture. They are alleging foul play on the part of the police and suspect that the police is behind their disappearance. Prima facie, you find many lacunae in the police investigation. The policemen did not produce these persons before the Magistrate nor did they get them medically examined, as required by the law. One of your seniors, without referring to the case, informally talks to you about the adverse working conditions of the police force and insinuates that all police personnel should help each other. He also says that all serving officers need to be mindful of the fact that they are part of the police force and should not do anything which may tarnish the reputation of the police department. (a) Identify the stakeholders and various issues involved in the case. (b) How will you conduct a fair and impartial inquiry that ensures that public perception regarding cover-up in such cases does not gain ground? (c) Highlight the reasons for the continuing impunity of custodial deaths in India, and recommend steps that authorities should take to resolve it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Industry professionals are increasingly being hired by the government for their private sector experience and their influence in industries that the government is attempting to regulate or do business with. Similarly, the industry is also looking to attract people from the public sector with high-paying employment offers to get access within the government departments, seek favourable legislations and regulations as well as government contracts. Such inside knowledge of the system, including any loopholes that might exist give private businesses a competitive advantage. Both industry professionals and government officials stand to gain from such associations. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the direct recruitment of industry professionals in important government positions? (b) Do you think a longer mandatory cooling off period for government officials before they join private firms can help in addressing some of the issues? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"You are working as the Head of Ethics and Compliance in a big mobile manufacturing company that is known for its innovation and quality products. Both the customers and the shareholders are pleased with the performance of the company as they get value for their money and high returns on their investments respectively. Tin is a major component in the products manufactured by your company. It was recently brought to your attention that workers - many of them children - are working in unsafe conditions, digging tin out by hand in mines prone to landslides that could bury them alive. About 70% of the tin used in smartphones manufactured by the company comes from these more dangerous, small-scale mines. The company defends its practices by saying it only has so much control over monitoring and regulating its component sources. The justification advanced of its sourcing practices is that it is a complex process, with tens of thousands of miners selling tin, many of them through middle-men or third-party contractors. Based on the above case, answer the following questions: (a) What are the ethical issues in the above case? (b) Can customers of the company be expected to take into account such practices before buying any product of the company? (c) If the management were to seek your opinion on the matter, what course of action will you suggest? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"You are posted as the Sub-Divisional Magistrate in a backward district. Recently, a young couple belonging to different castes eloped from the village belonging to your sub-division. They wanted to marry but the caste conflict prevailing in the village was a big hurdle for them. So, they planned to get married secretly and then come back to the village. On account of their elopement, the girl's family, which belongs to the dominant landlord caste, filed a case of kidnapping against the boy and have riled the villagers against him and his family. After their return to the village, the couple meet you before meeting their family members. On account of your official position, they request you to convince their family members and other members of the village to accept them. The village has witnessed many caste conflicts and honour killings in the past on account of such incidents and the present matter may aggravate caste-related tensions. Under these circumstances, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the stakeholders and associated issues in the given case. (b) What are the options that you have? Highlight your course of action and give suitable justification for the same. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"The education sector in India is embedded in a restrictive regulatory environment and is considered a public good. Although private participation is allowed in the education sector, but at all levels, these institutions have to function on a not-for-profit basis. The Supreme Court had ruled that educational institutions are permitted a 'reasonable surplus to meet the cost of expansion and augmentation of facilities' but they are prohibited from charging a capitation fee or profiteering. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the ethical concerns in allowing the operation of educational institutions on a profit motivation? (b) Is the most important role of education preparing people for gainful employment or should education and knowledge be appreciated for their own sake? (c) Discuss various ways in which value-based education can be instilled. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"Beggars are a common sight at traffic junctions and places of worship across cities in India. They are labelled as nuisance makers who often harass commuters and devotees by relentlessly pestering for money. Recently, an appeal was made in the Supreme Court to end this practice by putting a ban on begging in the national capital. However, human rights groups have advocated that banning begging is not the ideal way to end it, as the underlying socio-economic issues that lead to begging remain unresolved. In this context: (a) Bring out the moral and ethical concerns pertaining to begging in India. (b) Discuss the factors that pushes an individual to opt for begging. (c) If you pass by a beggar, what will you do - give your money to a beggar or ignore the beggar and give your spare money instead to charities that assist the most needy? Give logical reasons in support of your answer. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":751,"topper":"Akshit Bhardwaj","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2e9f1-45866015_2714_akshit_bhardwaj_rank_12.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Delegated legislation is a pragmatic response to the limitations of the legislature but poses challenges to the separation of powers in India. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"How does the federal structure of India differ from that of the United States? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Act, 2023 has sparked concerns about the erosion of the Election Commission's autonomy. Critically examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss the key objectives of the e-Courts Project. How does it contribute to enhancing access to justice and improving judicial efficiency in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the role of digital platforms in empowering SHGs and enhancing their market linkage and credit access. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Analyze the potential of the Institutions of Eminence (IoE) scheme in elevating India's higher education to global standards. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"While income poverty has declined, nutritional poverty persists in India. How can the present food security interventions of the government be restructured to address this concern holistically? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the significance of the SMILE scheme in addressing the vulnerabilities of transgender persons and beggars in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Whoever controls the oceans, runs the world. In this context, discuss the shift in India's maritime strategy from SAGAR to MAHASAGAR. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"10 Evaluate the role of the India-UK FTA in facilitating greater market access and professional mobility. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Examine the role of inter-governmental institutions in facilitating cooperative dialogue and resolving critical governance challenges in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"Challenges faced by Intergovernmental Institutions","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"Q12. Despite being an important instrument of legislative initiative, Private Member's Bills rarely become laws in India. Examine the factors responsible for this trend. Also, suggest measures to strengthen the role of Private Members in the legislative process.","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"3. Discuss the major challenges in effective devolution of funds, functions, and functionaries to the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"5. Delays in appropriation of grants made by 15th Finance Commission (4.3 Lakh Crore Rupees)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"Q14 Lok Adalats and Alternate Dispute Resolution mechanisms have improved access to justice but face limitations in delivering substantive justice. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Critically evaluate the Smart Cities Mission in achieving sustainable urban development and enhancing quality of life in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q16. Assess the effectiveness of the Right to Information Act, 2005 in ensuring transparency and accountability in governance in the last two decades.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"7. Despite progress in healthcare infrastructure and policy reforms, India continues to face critical challenges in the primary healthcare sector. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q18. What are the key objectives of the Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana (PMVDY)? How does the scheme contribute to the economic empowerment of tribal communities in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"119 India-Bangladesh relations, once marked by shared history and cultural proximity, are now shaped by strategic calculus, regional competition, and shifting domestic politics in both countries. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q20. Critically examine the effectiveness of the UNSC in addressing contemporary crises related to international peace and security. What reforms are necessary to enhance its credibility and responsiveness?","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":752,"topper":"Akshit Bhardwaj","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c95f3-45866015_2715_akshit_bhardwaj_rank_12.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"How can food processing units based on regional agricultural specializations facilitate grassroots-level transformation? Discuss with suitable examples from different regions of India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss how digitization has emerged as the primary driver of inclusive growth in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"How does the Digital Agriculture Mission leverage technology to transform the lives of farmers in India? Substantiate your answer with relevant examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"4. Use of satellite technology for crop & yield estimation eg CROPC, YES-TECH\n5. Use of Blockchain for storage of data eg Vishwarya\n6. Cadastral Mapping for geo-reffered village maps eg DSLRMP\n7. Use of e-Tech solutions to boost productivity eg Krishi decision support system","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Setting up new industrial infrastructure for renewable energy in India is a daunting task. How does the government plan to encourage private sector participation in this emerging sector? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are the key macroeconomic consequences of rising global crude oil prices for India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"E-waste management is not just a corporate responsibility, but it starts at home. Delineate the responsibilities of different stakeholders in this regard.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How can emerging technologies be leveraged to strengthen drought mitigation efforts in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Briefly explain the 'Hoyle-Narlikar Theory of Gravity' developed by Prof. Jayant Narlikar and Sir Fred Hoyle. How did it impact the contemporary discourse on the origin and fate of the universe? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"How does the spread of fake news pose a threat to national security? Discuss the measures to counter this challenge. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"4. Can impact international image and Soft Power\n1. MHA's Cyber volunteers to tackle fake news\n2. Chakshu Facility on Sunchar Sathi portal to report fake news\n3. Employment of AI/ML techniques for deepfake detection\n4. Cooperation with social media platforms to takedown fake news\n5. Identifying fake news as a part of intelligence activities","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Explain how India faces numerous challenges in combating Transnational Organized Crime (TOC). Comment on the measures being taken to counter this threat.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Examine the significance of pulses in ensuring dietary diversity, soil health, and sustainable agriculture. What challenges do farmers face in terms of production and marketing of these crops? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"12. What are the safety challenges faced by the aviation sector in India? In this context, discuss the key provisions of The Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":29,"question":"What are the causes for sharp depreciation in the value of rupee in the last few years? Discuss the merits and demerits of rupee depreciation on the Indian economy. Highlight the tools used by the RBI to manage currency volatility.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"14. Examine the role of digitization of land records under the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP) in improving land governance in India. What are the key challenges in its implementation?","marks":null,"words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":35,"question":"In the context of Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) agreement under the Nagoya Protocol to the Convention on Biological Diversity, what is Digital Sequence Information (DSI)? How does DSI complicate the traditional method of managing ABS? In this light, delineate the provisions of the new Biological Diversity (Access and Benefit Sharing) Regulation 2025.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"16. Urban fires are becoming difficult to control due to growing temperatures, failing infrastructure, and poor planning. Discuss the causes of this disaster. Mention the features of two such major fires in the last two decades in India. Describe the policies and frameworks in India that aim at tackling such fires.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Uncrewed missions now accomplish most objectives at far lower cost and risk. In this backdrop, examine the rationale for continuing crewed spaceflight. Also assess how India's participation in the Axiom-4 mission could influence the development of the proposed Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"4 India's participation in Axiom-1 in influencing BAS\n1. Spaceflight experience for Indian astronaut Captain Shukla\n2. Microgravity experiment conducted by ISRO to aid planning for BAS\n3. Training and Exposure at NASA & Yuri Gagarin space centre to aid in ISRO's spaceflight mission","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"18. What is the low-Earth-orbit (LEO) constellation technology being employed for next-generation satellite internet services? Explain its working principle, enumerate its advantages over geostationary systems, and mention the major limitations it still faces.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"10. What is the role of the Multi-Agency Centre (MAC) and NATGRID in intelligence sharing? Assess their effectiveness in tackling real-time threats and propose measures to enhance both data security and inter-agency responsiveness.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"20. The convergence of peer-to-peer cryptocurrencies with traditional hawala has created an opaque transnational value-transfer network. Examine how this crypto-hawala nexus operates and why it poses challenges for India's anti-money-laundering and counter-terrorist-financing regime. Also, discuss the steps taken so far.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":51,"question":"3. Challenges for India's Anti-Money Laundering & Counter-Terror Finance Regime\n1. No mention of Crypto or Virtual Assets in PMLA act\n2. Less traceability of money at placement stage due to crypto\n3. Use of ring signatures and 2k-snarks further increases opacity of transactions\n4. Anonymity of crypto-networks prevents identification","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":753,"topper":"Akshit Bhardwaj","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0880c-45866015_2716_akshit_bhardwaj_rank_12.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The consequences of ethical actions are shaped by the intent behind them, but good intentions may lead to unintended harm. Examine this statement with suitable examples. Is it correct to decide rightness or wrongness of an act by looking at the intention of the person who carries it out? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The persistence of dowry in Indian society reflects deeper issues of lack of sensitivity as well as institutional apathy. Discuss how ethical transformation is more important than mere legal enforcement in such cases.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Probity in governance is not just about laws, but about ethical leadership. Discuss this statement in the context of challenges faced by public officials in high-stakes situations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Ethical governance is not merely about avoiding wrongdoing, it is about proactively fostering an environment where ethical conduct is the norm. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Man is the master weaver both of the inner garment of character and the outer garment of circumstance.\" - James Allen (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"\"The virtuous man is he who chooses the mean between excess and deficiency.\" - Aristotle (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"In an age of hyper-digital activity and constant online presence, discuss the need for developing Digital Emotional Intelligence (DEI) among individuals, especially public servants. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"In the context of climate change, how can value-based persuasion be more effective than rule-based enforcement in changing public behaviour? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"A company is only as ethical as the decisions it makes when it's under pressure. In light of this statement, discuss the ethical dilemmas faced by organizations during economic downturns. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss the ethical implications of war-induced displacement of refugees. How should countries balance national interest with their moral responsibility towards refugees? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"What teachings of Vardhaman Mahavira are most relevant today and why? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Dedication to public service forms one of the foundational values for a civil servant. Discuss how it goes beyond professional duty. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"13 In the following questions, carefully study the cases presented and then answer the questions that follow (in around 250 words):\n(a) Discuss the key ethical issues involved in this case.\n(b) Analyze the role of peers in influencing adolescent decision-making.\n(c) Discuss the evolving nature of responsibilities of parents and schools in helping adolescents deal with situations of emotional distress.","marks":"20","words":"around 250"},{"page":32,"question":"(c) Role of Peers in influencing adolescent decision making","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"8 (a) इस मामले में मुख्य हितधारक कौन हैं? उनके दृष्टिकोण और परस्पर विरोधी हितों का विश्लेषण कीजिए।\n(b) जिला कलेक्टर के रूप में, इस स्थिति से निपटने के लिए आपके पास कौन-कौन से विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं? प्रत्येक विकल्प के गुण-दोषों का मूल्यांकन कीजिए।\n(c) आप क्या कदम उठाएंगे और क्यों? अपने निर्णय का औचित्य सिद्ध कीजिए।\na) इस मामले में मुख्य हितधारक कौन हैं? उनके दृष्टिकोण और परस्पर विरोधी हितों का विश्लेषण कीजिए।\nb) जिला कलेक्टर के रूप में, इस स्थिति से निपटने के लिए आपके पास कौन-कौन से विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं? प्रत्येक विकल्प के गुण-दोषों का मूल्यांकन कीजिए।\nc) आप क्या कदम उठाएंगे और क्यों? अपने निर्णय का औचित्य सिद्ध कीजिए।","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"Local tensions rise as environmental NGOs begin posting satellite-based evidence of illegal trawling. Fishermen's cooperatives are protesting, arguing that they have no alternative source of income, and any seizure of boats will push hundreds into destitution. They threaten to block access to the district harbour and dump fish waste outside government offices if strict enforcement continues.\n(a) Who are the principal stakeholders in this case? Analyse their perspectives and conflicting interests.\n(b) As the District Collector, what are the various options available to you to address the situation? Evaluate the merits and demerits of each option.\n(c) What course of action would you take and why? Justify your decision.","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":39,"question":"(a) What are the key ethical dilemmas you face in using animals for cosmetic research?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"(b) and (c) (b) What are the options available to you in this scenario? Which option should you choose and why?\n(c) What measures can you propose to reduce the reliance on animal testing in the company's future research? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"10. (a) मोहित को किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\n(b) डिप्टी कमिश्नर के रूप में मोहित के लिए उपलब्ध सभी विकल्पों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\n(c) स्थिति की गंभीर प्रकृति को देखते हुए मोहित को क्या कदम उठाने चाहिए?\na) मोहित को किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\nb) डिप्टी कमिश्नर के रूप में मोहित के लिए उपलब्ध सभी विकल्पों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\nc) स्थिति की गंभीर प्रकृति को देखते हुए मोहित को क्या कदम उठाने चाहिए?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"(a) What are the ethical dilemmas that Mohit faces?\n(b) Discuss all the options available to Mohit as the Deputy Commissioner.\n(c) What course of action should Mohit take given the critical nature of the situation? (Answer in 250 words)\na) What are the ethical dilemmas that Mohit faces?\nb) Discuss all the options available to Mohit as the Deputy Commissioner.\nc) What course of action should Mohit take given the critical nature of the situation? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"3. Social safety vs Right to protest","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"2. Let the protest continue","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You have recently been appointed as the Chief Secretary of a state. Soon after, you receive multiple reports highlighting instances of unprofessional conduct by several civil servants, including officers of the All India Services. These include publicly displaying political allegiance at government functions, engaging in culturally inappropriate gestures such as touching political leaders' feet, and posting controversial or sensitive opinions on social media platforms that could be interpreted as partisan and breach of civil service norms.\n\nThese actions have triggered criticism from the public and media, raising concerns about the erosion of the neutrality, integrity, and discipline expected of public servants. You believe that these actions, if left unchecked, could damage the credibility of the administration and the trust reposed in it by the people.\n\nYou now face the challenge of taking corrective measures to ensure that such incidents are not repeated, while also maintaining morale within the services and avoiding overly harsh or demotivating actions.\n(a) What are the ethical concerns in this case?\n(b) As the Chief Secretary, what steps should you take to address the situation?\n(c) How can a balance be maintained between respecting personal freedom and upholding professional standards of civil servants? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"12. You are the newly appointed Superintendent of Police (SP) of Puri district, Odisha, brought in after a tragic stampede during the recent Rath Yatra festival that claimed three lives and injured over fifty devotees. An official inquiry cited serious lapses in crowd control, poor coordination among police units, and the controversial prioritization of VIP access over the safety of ordinary devotees as contributing factors.\n\nWith three more major rituals of the Rath Yatra scheduled over the next week, and a turnout expected to cross 10 lakh devotees, you are tasked with ensuring foolproof security and achieving zero casualties. As you prepare the revised plan\n(a) आप किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना कर रहे हैं?\n(b) इस स्थिति से निपटने के लिए आपके पास कौन-से विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\n(c) आपके विचार से इनमें से कौन-सा विकल्प आपके लिए सबसे उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?\n(d) बड़े धार्मिक समारोहों के प्रबंधन में विशेष रूप से वी.आई.पी. प्रवेश के साथ-साथ सार्वजनिक सुरक्षा से संबंधित चुनौतियों के दीर्घकालिक समाधान के लिए आप कौन-से प्रणालीगत सुधार सुझाएंगे?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":55,"question":"(a) What are the ethical dilemmas that you face?\n(b) What are the options available to you to cope with this situation?\n(c) Which of the options, do you think, would be the most appropriate for you to adopt and why?\n(d) What systemic reforms would you suggest for the long-term resolution of such challenges in managing large religious gatherings, particularly concerning VIP access as well as public safety? (Answer in 250 words)\na) What are the ethical dilemmas that you face?\nb) What are the options available to you to cope with this situation?\nc) Which of the options, do you think, would be the most appropriate for you to adopt and why?\nd) What systemic reforms would you suggest for the long-term resolution of such challenges in managing large religious gatherings, particularly concerning VIP access as well as public safety?","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":754,"topper":"Akshit Bhardwaj","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b49e1-45866015_3612_akshit_bhardwaj_rank_12.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"(a) As AI systems become deeply embedded in societal frameworks, it is imperative to ensure their design and deployment prioritize human well-being, equity, and fairness. In this context, what values should guide the development of trustworthy, human-centered AI systems? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"(b) Ethical leadership is crucial for fostering good governance, as it emphasizes core values such as justice, accountability, and equity. In the face of diverse and challenging scenarios, how can ethical leadership drive transformative change in governance and decision-making? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Integrity and impartiality are cornerstones of ethical public service, ensuring that decisions are not influenced by personal gains or biases. Upholding these values becomes challenging in situations where external pressures conflict with administrative responsibilities. Examine the importance of integrity and impartiality in civil services. How can a civil servant navigate external pressures to maintain these values while delivering effective governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"1 Importance of impartiality in civil service","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"2, (b) Transparency is not just a tool to combat corruption but a fundamental practice that upholds the integrity and legitimacy of public institutions. Examine the above statement with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context?\n \"He who is not contented with what he has would not be contented with what he would like to have.\" - Socrates (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Cultivation of mind should be the ultimate aim of human existence\" - Dr. B.R. Ambedkar (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"3. (c) \"The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good.\" - Samuel Johnson (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"4. (a) Examine the role of social media in shaping moral and political attitudes in contemporary society. Suggest guiding principles for fostering responsible and ethical social media usage. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"4. (b) While Emotional Intelligence (EI) can be a powerful tool for strengthening interpersonal relationships and achieving goals, its misuse raises ethical concerns of manipulating emotions for personal or political advantage. Discuss the dual-edged nature of EI in this context.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"4. Impacts temperence in actions","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Preventive measures play a crucial role in curbing corruption in the long run. In this context, what are the existing preventive mechanisms that aim to prevent corruption? Do you think similar mechanisms should be institutionalized at the organizational level to ensure greater accountability and transparency? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"(b) A public servant's primary duty is to recognise the importance of public interest and ensure that it is upheld. How can a public servant balance professional responsibilities while ensuring the public good is effectively served? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"(a) With the increasing role of the corporate sector in wealth generation and employment, ethical governance has become essential. Identify and discuss the ethical principles that should guide the corporate sector to ensure the interests of stakeholders and societal well-being. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"b) How does whistleblowing influence trust and accountability in governance? Analyse the ethical dilemmas involved in whistleblowing. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"7. In the following questions, carefully study the cases presented and then answer the questions that follow (in around 250 words):\n(a) इस प्रकरण में शामिल प्रमुख हितधारकों की पहचान कीजिए और उनके संबंधित हितों का विश्लेषण कीजिए।\n(b) आर्थिक विकास, पर्यावरणीय स्थिरता और जनजातीय अधिकारों के बीच संतुलन बनाने में अधिकारी द्वारा सामना की जाने वाली नैतिक दुविधाओं पर चर्चा कीजिए। (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"around 250"},{"page":30,"question":"(a) Identify the key stakeholders involved in the case and analyze their respective interests.\n(b) Discuss the ethical dilemmas faced by the officer in balancing economic development, environmental sustainability, and tribal rights. (Answer in 250 words)\na) Identify the key stakeholders involved in the case and analyze their respective interests.\nb) Discuss the ethical dilemmas faced by the officer in balancing economic development, environmental sustainability, and tribal rights.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"6 Ethical dilemmas faced by the officer\n1. Economic growth vs Environmental stability - contrasting goals\n2. Utilitarian vs Deontological approaches\n3. Development vs Antyodaya - Development is not reaching everyone in this case","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"8 (a) Identify and analyze the ethical issues involved in the case.\n(b) Discuss the possible courses of action available to Akshay. What would be the most ethical and appropriate course of action in this situation? Justify your response. (Answer in 250 words)\na Identify and analyze the ethical issues involved in the case.\nb Discuss the possible courses of action available to Akshay. What would be the most ethical and appropriate course of action in this situation? Justify your response. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"9 (a) Identify the ethical dilemmas faced by Ishita in dealing with the crisis related to misinformation.\n(b) What actions should Ishita take to balance freedom of expression, public order, and government directives? Justify your answer.\n(c) What steps can be taken to prevent misinformation during natural disasters? (Answer in 250 words)\na) Identify the ethical dilemmas faced by Ishita in dealing with the crisis related to misinformation.\nb) What actions should Ishita take to balance freedom of expression, public order, and government directives? Justify your answer.\nc) What steps can be taken to prevent misinformation during natural disasters? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"(a) Identify the ethical dilemmas faced by Ishita in handling the misinformation crisis.\n(b) What should be Ishita's course of action in balancing freedom of speech, public order, and government directives? Justify your response.\n(c) What steps can be taken to prevent misinformation during natural disasters? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"2. Balancing valid usage of social media with false news curbing\n3. Censorship vs Public safety in times of crisis\n4. Moral imperative vs Institutional pressure - by high ranking officer\n5. Politicisation of a natural disaster","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"10 As a Quality Control Officer at the India unit of a multinational corporation (MNC), you uncover a serious ethical issue—products sold in India are of inferior quality compared to those in developed countries, potentially compromising consumer safety.\nWhen you escalate the issue to the Head of Quality Control, he dismisses your concerns, justifying the discrepancy by stating that different markets follow different standards. He further warns that exposing the issue could lead to job losses, possible closure of the India unit, and your own termination.\nYou now face a personal and professional dilemma. On one hand, your father is critically ill, and as the sole earning member, losing your job could jeopardize his treatment. On the other hand, staying silent would mean compromising professional integrity and endangering consumer safety.\na) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\nb) What are the options available to the Quality Control Officer to address this issue?\nc) What responsibilities do corporations have towards consumers in different markets?","marks":null,"words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":45,"question":"6 Ethical issues involved in this case\n1. Compromise on quality of products","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"2) Options available to the quality control officer","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You are the District Magistrate of a district renowned as the hub for coaching centres specializing in engineering and medical entrance exams. Recently, the district has witnessed a tragic rise in student suicides, with five students in the age group of 15-18 years taking their own lives. These students, who came from various parts of the country, sought admission to prestigious institutions like IITs and AIIMS but were subjected to immense academic and social pressure. The coaching centres, which are largely managed by influential political figures from the ruling party, are reported to have prioritized rankings and revenue generation over the well-being of students.\n(a) Highlight the stakeholders involved and discuss the associated ethical issues in the given case.\n(b) Given the situation, what will be your course of action as the District Magistrate?\n(c) Discussing the various reasons for the increasing number of suicides among students, suggest long-term measures to address this issue. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"12. (a) Identify the key stakeholders involved in the case and analyze their respective interests.\n(b) Discuss the ethical dilemmas faced by Priya in balancing urban development, heritage conservation, and the rights of local communities. (Answer in 250 words)\na) Identify the key stakeholders involved in the case and analyze their respective interests.\nb) Discuss the ethical dilemmas faced by Priya in balancing urban development, heritage conservation, and the rights of local communities. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":755,"topper":"Akshita Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e4ce2-318482_1699_akshita-gupta_rank_69.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The practice of passing of bills without the scrutiny by the parliamentary standing committees undermines their significance and sets a wrong precedent. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The right to recall is a much needed step to deepen democracy in India. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Is anti defection law a restriction on the freedom of choice of legislators? Examine and also highlight the role played by the Speaker in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Inter-state river water disputes have been among the most pressing issues faced by the Indian federal system. In this context, examine the potential of the Inter-State River Water Disputes (Amendment) Bill, 2019 in addressing the issues involved. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The expressions 'equality before the law' and 'equal protection of the laws' may seem to be identical, but, in fact, they mean different things. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"There have been concerns related to foreign funding to NGOs in India. In this context, examine the current framework regulating the same. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Social audit not only increases accountability and transparency but also facilitates good governance. Discuss. Also, highlight the impediments faced in institutionalizing social audits in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlight the Quasi Judicial and Advisory functions of the Election Commission of India. Do you think the powers of the Election Commission need a relook in context of the challenges it has faced in recent years? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Increase in the number of judges at the Supreme Court is a welcome step, nonetheless efficient functioning of the judiciary requires broader reforms at all levels of judicial hierarchy. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Federal tensions in India highlight the need for reforming the Seventh Schedule through the addition, removal and appropriate placement of entries. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What do you understand by doctrine of eminent domain? How can it be applied to understand the evolution of right to property under the Indian constitution? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Explain the structure and function of the National Commission for Backward Classes. What is the significance of recent changes made in its status? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss each adjective attached to the word 'Justice' in the 'Preamble'. Highlight some constitutional and legal steps taken towards each of them in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What are the challenges in conducting free and fair elections in the era of proliferation of social media? In this context, identifying the steps taken by the ECI, suggest further measures. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Explain how the linkage between banks, NGOs and SHGs helps in facilitating access to microfinance and contributes to the development of rural areas. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Identify the different issues associated with the design and implementation of MGNREGA What reforms have been taken in recent times to address the above identified issues? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"A sound legal framework, robust institutional mechanism for establishing rule of law, competent and dedicated workforce and decentralization and delegation are some of the necessary preconditions for good governance. Elaborate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":756,"topper":"Akshita Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/05180-318482_1524_akshita-gupta_rank_69.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Tenancy reforms are much needed to give a boost to the Indian agricultural sector. Comment. In this context, also discuss the significance of the Model Land Leasing Act, 2016. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"India's march towards inclusive growth and it achieving the Sustainable Development Goals are intricately linked. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlight the need for evolving an appropriate system of Rules Of Origin in regional trading arrangements. What steps have been taken by India recently in this regard? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"MSP regime is a creation of an era of scarcity in the 1960s. Discuss its relevance in the current era of surplus agricultural production. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Examine the link between the recent locust attack and climate change. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlighting the properties of Carbon Nanotubes, discuss its applications. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"India's domestic patent regime privileges public health over pharmaceutical industry's interests. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Bring out the arguments surrounding the idea of employing the principle of 'one border - one force' on Indian borders. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Assess the need to create a new cadre of Indian Frontier Administrative Service to undertake the vital tasks at Indian frontiers. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The main objective of Union Budget 2020-21 is to provide \"Ease of Living\" to all citizens. Analyse the framework proposed in the Budget 2020-21 to achieve this objective. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Several challenges are needed to be addressed to realise the full benefits of the recent agricultural marketing reforms. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Multimodal transport requires multiple integrations across different modes of transportation. Substantiate. What are the challenges and opportunities associated with multimodal transportation for India? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Though COVID-19 pandemic exposes the vulnerability of Informal sector and associated labor force in India, it also presents an opportunity to rebalance formal-informal economy dynamics in the country. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Highlight the drivers and challenges facing India's ambition to become a gas-based economy. Mention the steps that have been taken by the government recently in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Climate Change and the associated events endanger the marine and coastal ecosystems while increasing the vulnerability of coastal population. (250 words) 15 Examine.","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Using examples, highlight how natural ecosystems perform different hazard mitigation functions. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Explain what genome sequencing is and state the challenges in scaling up genome sequencing projects. Also, throw some light on the recently launched IndiGen Project. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India needs to avert radicalisation and societal dissention, as internal faultlines are a breeding ground for cyber and transnational terrorism. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Given the emerging security challenges, discuss why the establishment of Integrated Theatre Commands is being seen as an important defence reform. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":757,"topper":"Akshita Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1060b-318482_1523_akshita-gupta_rank_69.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Enumerate the issues associated with functioning of the Central Information Commission. How can these issues be addressed? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"In India, Governor's discretionary powers are wider than those of the President. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the objectives that were sought to be achieved through tribunals. How successful have they been in meeting them? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Instead of the government regulating Over-the-top (OTT) platforms, there have been calls for a self-regulating mechanism for such platforms, as in the case of print media. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Bring out the arguments surrounding the issue of some states reserving jobs for locals in the private sector. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Identifying the key elements of Mission Karmayogi, briefly explain how it can lead to holistic development of the human resources and state's capacity. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlighting the role played by ASHA workers in public health system of India, discuss the challenges faced by them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"While internationalisation of higher education has many potential benefits for India, certain challenges will need to be addressed in this regard. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"India needs to adopt a more pragmatic stance in the context of the ongoing intra-Afghan talks. Discuss, in the light of India's engagement with Afghanistan. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In the geo-strategic context of West Asia, the recent efforts to normalise relations between Israel and UAE may open new possibilities for India. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"It is not only the content of election manifestos but also the past performance with respect to promises made in election manifestos that need to be regulated. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"In order to achieve a reduction in the pendency of cases and a return to the Supreme Court's original role as a final appellate court, setting up of a National Court of Appeal is the need of the hour. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The Constitution of India reflects an amalgamation of spirit of Indian freedom struggle and various administrative provisions of different acts of British rule in India. Explain. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Mention the key components of the SVAMITVA scheme. Also, highlight its intended benefits and discuss the potential issues in its implementation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Sharing of information among all stakeholders in government functioning is a leading practice towards good governance. Discuss with examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"India has an oversized and bloated government which acts as a drag on economic efficiency and growth. Critically evaluate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Though the National Digital Health Mission is a step in the right direction for both patients and the healthcare system, concerns around data privacy need to be addressed. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"One Nation One Ration card has the potential to significantly transform the lives of migrant workers in India. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The World Trade Organization is buffeted by multiple challenges which have eroded the credibility of the organization. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"BIMSTEC is indispensable for India's efforts in promoting regional cooperation and integration in the neighbourhood. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":758,"topper":"Akshita Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d0c15-318482_1703_akshita-gupta_rank_69.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Norms of social morality should not be applied to acts of civil servants while they are carrying out their professional roles and responsibilities to further the common good. Critically analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Determination of ethics in state policies and actions is not easy because every policy and action has both positive and negative aspects viewed from different stakeholders' perspectives. Discuss with suitable examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand by global ethics in today's world? Highlight the role that global ethics can play in achieving universally accepted goals. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Highlight the important teachings of Swami Vivekananda, relevant to the youth of today. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) Courage is the most important of all the virtues because without courage, you can't practice any other virtue consistently. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Can a war ever be justified on moral grounds? Support your answer with suitable arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Do you think that ethical principles are universal in nature? Justify your answer with relevant examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"For civil servants, both professional competence and commitment to ethics are equally important. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Despite changing family structure, it still plays an important role in nurturing core societal values. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Impartiality as a core value of civil services should not become a hurdle in showing compassion towards weaker sections of the society. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":34,"question":"Empathy & Compassion towards weaker vulnerable section while neglecting the impartiality is needed for the upliftment & justice for downtrodden. 10. You are a sportsman who has been recently included in the national team squad for an upcoming international tournament. Many others are fighting for the same position and you would like to cement your place in the team as soon as possible. While you are practicing at a training session for the tournament with your fellow team mates, one amongst them offers you a prohibited substance. He claims that it will help you in improving your performance in the tournament. He also informs you that a lot of other team mates also use performance enhancing drugs or PEDs to improve their performance in tournaments. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the options available to you in the above case? Which amongst these will you choose and why? (b) Discuss the ethical issues involved in doping by sportspersons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"You are a sportsman who has been recently included in the national team squad for an upcoming international tournament. Many others are fighting for the same position and you would like to cement your place in the team as soon as possible. While you are practicing at a training session for the tournament with your fellow team mates, one amongst them offers you a prohibited substance. He claims that it will help you in improving your performance in the tournament. He also informs you that a lot of other team mates also use performance enhancing drugs or PEDs to improve their performance in tournaments. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the options available to you in the above case? Which amongst these will you choose and why? (b) Discuss the ethical issues involved in doping by sportspersons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Recently, the four accused in the rape and murder of a veterinary doctor were shot down by the police while they were in police custody. The police claimed that the four accused were taken to the site of the rape in the early hours of the morning. They managed to snatch two pistols from the policemen, fired and injured two cops, and were shot in retaliation. Soon thereafter, a majority of the public welcomed the news of the police shooting the alleged rapists. Why is it that people applaud these actions of the police? Do you share such sentiments? Justify with relevant arguments.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Public policy is being increasingly informed by insights from the behavioural sciences. One such behavioural approach is the Nudge theory. It is mainly concerned with the design of choices, which influences the decisions we make. Nudge theory proposes that the designing of choices should be based on how people actually think and decide, rather than how leaders and authorities traditionally believe people think and decide. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) Giving examples, illustrate the difference between enforced change and 'Nudge' techniques? (b) Identify the ethical concerns associated with the nudge technique. Also, suggest ways for using nudging theory ethically.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":759,"topper":"Akshita Gupta","air":69,"year":2020,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/20e06-318482_1525_akshita-gupta_rank_69.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":760,"topper":"Akshita Gupta","air":69,"year":2020,"paper":"Optional — Medical Science","optional":true,"source":"IAS Delhi Institute","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1E2m3fjsJjdhz2RYSTLp40d5e9Ry4eJgY/view?usp=share_link","questions":[]},{"id":761,"topper":"Akshya Doshi","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/AKSHYA-DOSHI-UPSC-2023-Rank-75-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The ultimate renewable energy is the human ingenuity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Human laws and natural laws mutually reinforce each other.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"History should be understood as evolution of society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"If one has seen further than others it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":762,"topper":"Akshya Doshi","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/AKSHYA-DOSHI-UPSC-2023-Rank-75-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"It was neither her coal and iron reserve, nor the inventions of steam engine and cotton mills, but her democracy and rule of law that made Britain the epicenter of Industrial Revolution. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":763,"topper":"Akshya Doshi","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/AKSHYA-DOSHI-UPSC-2023-Rank-75-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Investment in infrastructure is a precursor to social and economic transformation; however, the focus on economic gains must not marginalize concerns for safety. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What do you understand from Green growth? With special reference to the budget 2023-24, assess various government measures to propel green growth in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":764,"topper":"Akshya Doshi","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/AKSHYA-DOSHI-UPSC-2023-Rank-75-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The influence of ethical principles on shaping socially responsible behavior is widely acknowledged. How do ethical values facilitate individuals in cultivating a proactive and constructive attitude towards fulfilling their social responsibilities? Can the subjective nature of ethical principles lead to divergent attitudes regarding social responsibility? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":765,"topper":"ALANKRITA PANDEY","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/85_Alankrita%20Pandey_16791_634_GS.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Even though women may have equal skills, qualifications and commitment as men, they face much more difficulty in rising up the leadership hierarchy. Discuss the reasons for the same. Also, explain the importance of having gender parity in positions of leadership.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"All correct decisions are honest and all incorrect decisions are dishonest. Do you agree? How should the correctness and incorrectness of a decision be decided?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Should birth control be a voluntary exercise or a government policy in a country? In this regard, examine the ethical dimensions of having a One Child Policy in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"An organisation consists of a variety of individuals with varying values and degrees of motivation. What challenges do leaders face when forging a harmonious work culture in such an organisation? How can leaders engender a sense of inclusion in face of such diversity?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Notwithstanding compassion and morality, it is national interest that ultimately determines a country's decisions in international relations. Discuss this statement in the context of the current refugee crisis.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"What are the ethical issues involved in climate change negotiations? Suggest some strategies to address the divergence in ethical positions of different nations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Why is there a need for Performance Management System in an outcome oriented government? Evaluate the feasibility of peer review in context of Indian civil services.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Discretionary power in the hands of public servants is a necessary evil. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"The landmark judgment by the Supreme Court of India recognized the transgender as a third sex. What attitudes do you notice towards the transgender people in India? Discuss some steps to facilitate a dignified life for the transgender people.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"What key characteristics of a person conveying a message make it more persuasive? When celebrities endorse a product, they do so knowing that their endorsement will persuade people to buy it. What duty do they have towards the consumers?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"It is said that child labor cannot be ethical at all. Do you agree? Discuss with respect to the proposed amendments to the Child Labour Act.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Are emotions an inhibiting factor in effective decision-making? Discuss in the context of public services.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"What do you understand by the Sarvodaya philosophy of Gandhiji? Why is Sarvodaya relevant for civil servants in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are the officer in charge of overseeing refugees' related issues in a multilateral humanitarian organisation. There is an ethnicity based civil war going on in a region and as a result, many people are being displaced. Hitherto, the economically better-off neighbouring countries have accommodated the streams of migrants with financial support from your organisation. The violence in the region has increased recently and the flux of people seeking refuge has grown substantially. With countries sealing their borders, the refugees are left in a vulnerable situation. You are sent to negotiate for humanitarian settlement of refugees with the neighbouring countries, who also happen to be a powerful economic bloc. However, they refuse any more accommodation on the following grounds: (a) Drainage of resources in face of subdued economic conditions. (b) Domestic political repercussions. (c) Rehabilitation will encourage more influx and indirectly fuel the 12. You are a Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) in an urban district. The forest cover in the district is as low as 11% and it needs to be increased as per government guidelines. By ecological and environmental perspective also it is imperative that more trees should be planted. However, you find out that while there is a grant of Rs. 1.5 crore for your division to plant trees under the Hariyali Scheme, most of this fund is lying unused. Since, it is December and as per government rules all the unused grant should be returned to the government as the financial year closes, it seems you will have to return the money completely. Also, there are strong indications from the ministry that government is mulling over a budgetary cut on Hariyali mission because most of the funds go unused. There is a strong possibility that if you return the money in this financial year you wont get it in the next financial year and even if you get, it will be a very insignificant amount.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":766,"topper":"ALANKRITA PANDEY","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/85_Alankrita%20Pandey_16791_638_GS.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What is the role of education in bringing about social change? Discuss in the context of India with relevant examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Where the roots of private virtues are diseased, the fruits of public probity cannot but be corrupt. Discuss this statement in the context of civil services in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by political attitude? What are the factors that shape the political attitude of a person? Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations provides blanket cover to the activities of diplomats and their family members? What are ethical issues arising out of such a wholesale cover? What would you suggest to address those problems?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Given below are two quotations of great moral thinkers/philosophers. For each of these quotations, bring out what it means to you in the present context: (a) \"Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.\"-Aristotle.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"\"The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, but wiser people so full of doubts.\"- Bertrand Russell.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"\"Persuasion makes society work smoothly while physical coercion grinds it to a halt\". Giving examples, compare the effectiveness of persuasion as an influence tactic vis-a-vis coercion in bringing change in society. In what ways persuasion can be used by civil servants to remove social evils existing in society?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"What do you understand by emotional sensitivity? Elaborate how emotional sensitivity is important for ethical behavior. What measures have you taken to enhance our emotional sensitivity?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"There are no universal moral rules which apply to all persons. Examine by giving relevant examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Some decisions, which are in the best interest of the organisation, require deviation from the existing policies, rules and guidelines. As a civil servant how would you deal with such situations. Illustrate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Developing 'scientific temper' is one of the fundamental duties of Indian citizens under Article 51A of the Constitution. What do you understand by scientific temper? Explain its role in increasing tolerance in the society. What have you done to develop your scientific temper?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"There are only crimes, no criminals. In the light of this statement, examine retributive and reformative forms of punishment from moral perspective.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"What do you understand by 'belief'? How does it shape into value system? Illustrate with examples from your personal life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Ram is an Indian student in Oxford University. His best friend 'Harry' is a Britisher. Recently they both watched the debate where an Indian MP argued that Britain owes an apology and reparations to India for the historical wrongs committed during its rule. Harry objects the idea on these grounds: \"I never exploited any Indian. None of my family members ever worked for British East India Company. I don't know why I should have to pay for someone who exploited Indians, generations before I was born\". Making present-day citizens to pay reparations for the past wrongs, seems to raise some concerns. They both come to you (an Ethics professor) and ask you to decide who among them is correct. Critically analyze their arguments and bring out the ethical issues involved.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"A common sight in India at traffic signals, railway stations and urban markets, is that of a destitute woman, begging, with a child in her arms. At times, out of pity or out of fear, from being cursed by God, or out of irritation, we tend to give them some coins or money and drive them away. In this context, bring out the ethical issues associated with beggary. Indicate the socio-economic reasons behind it. Also, discuss the attitudinal aspects of people towards beggars. What feasible steps can be taken to effectively control this serious problem of our country?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"You are an A.C.P. in New Delhi. There has been a steep rise in incidents of racial discrimination in the area falling under your jurisdiction. Recently, a young boy from North East was beaten badly by a mob in a market area. This has led to protest by students from the North East region. They have gathered outside your office and are demanding strict action against the culprits. (a) What will be your strategy to manage the situation. Bring out a plan to counter such incidents in the future. (b) What is the use of emotional intelligence in such situations? (c) What are the social and attitudinal factors responsible for racial discrimination.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"You are an officer in the Labour department. You went to your brother's wedding and saw that minors were employed by the wedding band company to carry their electric instruments. You know that it is an unlawful activity and it is your responsibility to take action against it. However, since it is a family wedding so they have asked you to look the other way. Some of the options available to you to handle this situation are as follows: 1. You will not take any action as this could be seen by the others as a deliberate action to spoil the wedding. 2. You will act strictly and remove them from the wedding and file a case against the band company. 3. You will talk to the band personal and give a notice to them that they should not employ any minor children after this marriage. Suggest any other possible option. Evaluate all of them and suggest the best course of action, giving your reason for it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":58,"question":"You are a working as a junior engineer in second year of your job. A senior engineer has been on sick leave, and you are due to go on study leave. You have been told by your manager that, before you go on leave, you must complete some complicated repair and maintenance work. The deadline suggested appears unrealistic, given the complexity of the work. You feel that you are not sufficiently experienced to complete the work alone. You would need additional supervision to complete it to the required standard, and your manager has stated his inability to offer the necessary support. If you try to complete the work within the proposed timeframe but fail to meet the expected quality, you could face repercussions after your return from study leave. You feel slightly intimidated by your manager, and also feel pressure to do what you can for the company and ensure long term job security. Indicate various options that are available with you in this situation. Evaluate all of them and suggest the best course of action, giving your reasons for it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":62,"question":"Euthanasia is the practice of intentionally ending the life of someone who's suffering from an incurable illness or is in an irreversible coma. In the last stages of a terminal illness, for instance, patients who don't want to live the rest of their life in agonising pain may ask a doctor or family member to help them end their lives. Euthanasia may be active or passive and Euthanasia may be voluntary or involuntary. All these aspects raise different ethical concerns for the patient, doctor as well as the relatives of the patient. Discuss these ethical issues and the various social and attitudinal factors that play a role in the decision in euthanasia. Should there be a uniform policy to tackle cases related to euthanasia? Explain with relevant examples.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":767,"topper":"ALANKRITA PANDEY","air":85,"year":2015,"paper":"Optional — Public Administration","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/85_Alankrita%20Pandey_16791_662_PUB%20AD.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":768,"topper":"ALANKRITA PANDEY","air":85,"year":2015,"paper":"Optional — Public Administration","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/85_Alankrita%20Pandey_16791_664_PUB%20AD.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":769,"topper":"ALANKRITA PANDEY","air":85,"year":2015,"paper":"Optional — Public Administration","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/85_Alankrita%20Pandey_16791_667_PUB%20AD.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":770,"topper":"ALANKRITA PANDEY","air":85,"year":2015,"paper":"Optional — Public Administration","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/85_Alankrita%20Pandey_16791_668_PUB%20AD.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":771,"topper":"Alfred Thomas","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/ALFRED-THOMAS-UPSC-2024-Rank-33-MGP-Sample-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) The issues of local self-governance are primarily the issues of autonomy, authority, and accountability. Analyze.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Describe the legislative powers of the governor. Do you think the dual role of governor is justified in a federal country? Give arguments in support of your view.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) What is the process for amending the Constitution of India? Discuss the significance of the Kesavananda Bharati case in relation to the power of Parliament to amend the Constitution.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Enumerate the challenges to cooperative federalism and critically examine the efficacy of various constitutional mechanisms for redressal of federal disputes.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) \"The Indian Independence Act 1947 changed the existing constitutional position, root and branch.\" Discuss the changes introduced by the Indian Independence Act 1947 and the immediate challenges that emerged as a result.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6 What are the key differences between a federal and a unitary system of government? Can the Indian constitution be considered federal in nature despite its unitary features? Critically examine.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":16,"question":"Q.7 \"Judicial activism is an effective way to promote democratic values and social justice, especially when the other two branches of the government fail to act.\" Critically examine.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.8) \"Fraternity means a sense of brotherhood of all Indians - a feeling of oneness and commonness - despite the diversities of caste, creed, language or religion.\" Discuss the significance of the concept of fraternity in the Indian Constitution. How do the various constitutional provisions promote fraternity among all citizens?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":20,"question":"How various constitutional provisions promote fraternity among all citizens:\n1) Art 5-11: Common citizenship for all => no differences based on region, ethnicity etc.\n2) Art 14, 15, 16: Right to equality + prevent discrimination\n3) Art 17: Abolish untouchability so that traditional differences don't linger + dignity of individual preserved\n4) Art 25-28: Right to religion so that everyone feels valued despite differences","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"Q.9 \"The Indian Constitution is not a mere lawyer's document, it is a vehicle of life, and its spirit is always the spirit of the age.\" How has the constitution of India adapted to changing socio-economic and political circumstances over the decades?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":23,"question":"How the constitution adapted to changing socio-economic and political circumstances:\n Amendments under Act 368\n Judicial Review by judiciary clarifying & moulding provisions","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Q.10 In a democratic society, individual rights and freedoms are always balanced against the larger interests of society and the state. To what extent do the constitutional restrictions on fundamental rights strike a balance between individual liberty and societal interests? What factors are considered in evaluating the reasonableness of such restrictions? Refer to the case laws.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"1) Does the executive's or legislature's action lie beyond their powers?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"3) Is there legitimate state interest involved?\n3) Is the restriction arbitrary?\n4) Is the restriction disproportionately strong compared to the need?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":772,"topper":"Alok Kumar","air":41,"year":2018,"paper":"Optional — Public Administration","optional":true,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1njhCpx2poc3Fivrg1CzeOb3cC0IA0ZpO","questions":[]},{"id":773,"topper":"Aman Aloon","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d5764-51357_4514_aman-aloon_rank_295.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"In matters of conscience, the law of the majority has no place.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"He who opens a school door, closes a prison.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Only in the depths of winter can we truly appreciate the warmth of spring.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Copying is safe; innovation demands courage.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The more we automate, the more human we must become.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The pursuit of instant validation is creating a generation of restless minds.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":774,"topper":"Aman Aloon","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d8996-51357_4511_aman-aloon_rank_295.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How does the Supreme Court's recent decision on Aligarh Muslim University's minority status affect the interpretation of Article 30 of the Indian Constitution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The Supreme Court, in a recent verdict, prescribed a time period for the Governor's assent to state legislative bills. What are the implications of this judgment for cooperative federalism and legislative accountability in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the recent changes and initiatives related to cooperatives that aim to smoothen the tussle between the Centre and States in the cooperative sector. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"In recent years, use of social media and digital mobilisation by civil society has emerged as a powerful form of pressure politics. Examine its impact on policymaking and democratic accountability. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) emerging as a business-led solution for addressing development challenges in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss how mechanisms like public consultations and Jan Sunwais in India impact governance outcomes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How effective have the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) and Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan been in addressing substance abuse in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Rote learning and neglect of creativity in foundational education setup in India make it less ready for marketplaces that are now driven by Artificial Intelligence. Do you agree with this view? Substantiate your argument. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Analyze the transformation of the G7 from a symbol of Western strategic unity to a forum marked by internal contradictions. How should India navigate this changing dynamic to advance its strategic interests? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the role of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in the development of developing countries. What are the key criticisms associated with its approach? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The 103rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019 has introduced a new dimension to the principle of affirmative action in India. Critically examine its implications for the broader goal of social justice. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The District Planning Committee (DPC) was envisioned as a key instrument to strengthen grassroots-level planning. How far has it succeeded in achieving this goal? Discuss the challenges faced by DPCs and suggest measures to make them more effective. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The restrictions imposed under Article 293 of the Constitution on State borrowing powers, though constitutionally valid, may hinder fiscal autonomy of States and disrupt cooperative federalism. Discuss in the light of recent developments. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Examine the tension between the right to contest elections and the need to uphold electoral ethics under the Representation of the People Act. Should there be a lifetime ban on convicted criminals? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"To what extent has the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme, launched in 2015, succeeded in addressing the declining child sex ratio and empowering the girl child? Suggest measures to enhance its impact at the grassroots level. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are emerging as vehicles of socio-economic transformation in rural India. Examine the role of government in scaling their reach and effectiveness. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Despite economic growth, multidimensional poverty continues to persist in India. Analyse the underlying causes and discuss the measures taken by the government to address them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India faces a paradox of food surplus and nutritional deficit. Analyse the structural reasons behind this paradox and suggest reform strategies. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India's timely response during the economic crises in Sri Lanka and the Maldives reflects its \"Neighbourhood First\" policy in action. Examine how Indian aid has impacted bilateral ties with these nations. What steps can further be taken to promote sustainable economic cooperation in the Indian Ocean region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Discuss the geostrategic significance of Afghanistan for India in the context of continental connectivity and access to Central Asia. How has the altered political landscape post-2021 affected India's connectivity and energy corridor ambitions? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":775,"topper":"Aman Aloon","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b4687-51357_2930_aman-aloon_rank_295.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How is the rapid growth of the food processing industry leading to food safety challenges in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Under the Public Distribution System of India, the Fair Price Shop (FPS) transformation is an evolving process. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"How are agri-tech startups in India helping farmers in enhancing farm productivity and market access? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the role of digitization of land records in the effective implementation of land reforms in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"To fully exploit its demographic dividend and accelerate economic growth, India needs to adopt a manufacturing-led growth model. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can the resilience of Indian coastal communities be strengthened to tackle the growing natural hazards resulting from climate change? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How does the Green Credit Programme extend beyond carbon management to promote a more sustainable environment in India? What are the various concerns about its implementation? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What is the need for NavIC when existing satellite navigation systems are already available? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Cyber-enabled financial crime has emerged as the new frontier of global money laundering. Discuss. How can the government address this issue? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The Indian Army is observing the year 2024 as the 'Year of Technology Absorption'. In light of this, explain why there is a need for technology absorption in the defence sector of India. What challenges can India face in this initiative? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What are the issues faced in the development of trade and industries in the North-Eastern Region (NER) of India? Comment on the measures that have been taken to tackle these issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the era of climate change and growing water scarcity, how can micro-irrigation systems contribute to sustainable agricultural practices in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What strategies can be adopted to overcome the issues pertaining to freight transportation in the Indian Railways and increase its share in the domestic freight? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the factors that have aided India in making impressive strides in the renewable energy sector and establishing itself as a frontrunner in the global renewable energy transition. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"How does agricultural runoff containing fertilizers and pesticides contribute to environmental pollution? What measures can be taken to mitigate the impact of agricultural runoff? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The growing influx of tourists in Himalayan states has breached their ecological carrying capacity, leading to significant man-made disasters. What measures can be implemented to prevent such disasters while promoting sustainable tourism? Discuss with relevant examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"How do superconductors fuel innovation in diverse fields of science and technology? Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"While India has laws covering almost all types of intellectual property rights, numerous enforcement, regulatory and administrative challenges hamper the commercialisation of IPRs in India. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Keeping in view the challenges in creating integrated theatre commands, examine how the theaterisation of commands can lead to greater integration and rationalisation of manpower and resources among the three services. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Treating border villages as first villages not just geographically but also in terms of facilities can be a key strategy for enhancing border security. Discuss. Also, highlight the measures being taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":776,"topper":"Aman Jhanwar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/781770142252687b4750b386de5a9f2e/38/mts_2025_unchecked_gs25d1b39001_eef2506.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Core public service values such as integrity, empathy, and impartiality are often shaped well before an individual enters the civil service. Analyse the role of family, society, and educational institutions in the moral development of future public servants. Illustrate how these early influences can shape ethical conduct in public administration. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Human attitudes and behaviours are often shaped more by social context than by rational argument. What influence and persuasion strategies can public servants use to overcome resistance and increase citizen participation in public welfare programs? Support your answer with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"In a complex and emotionally charged administrative environment, emotional intelligence is emerging as a critical skill. Discuss its relevance to ethical decision-making and relationship-building in public administration, particularly in conflict resolution and stakeholder engagement. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Public officials are stewards of taxpayer resources, not mere executors of budgets. Discuss the ethical principles that should guide the utilisation of public funds. How can public servants balance pressure to meet expenditure targets with the need for transparency, accountability, and long-term public value? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"In public service, ethical legitimacy depends not only on what is delivered, but how it is delivered. What ethical values should guide the delivery of public services? Explain their significance in shaping effective and morally responsible service delivery. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Climate responsibility is not just an environmental imperative but a test of the global moral conscience. Discuss the ethical considerations that should guide how climate burdens are shared among nations with unequal historical contributions and current capabilities. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Public servants are often expected to follow institutional directives. But what if those directives lead to unethical outcomes? How should a civil servant respond when official orders conflict with personal moral judgment? Discuss with reference to ethical responsibility in hierarchical systems. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"Public officials are often evaluated more on outcomes than on ethical intent.\" Critically examine this approach by comparing consequentialist and duty-based ethical frameworks. Which of these offers a more appropriate basis for assessing conduct in public administration? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"What measures, legal or institutional, can be put in place to protect both whistle-blowers and the public interest? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Neutrality ensures fairness in public service, but public servants must also uphold constitutional values such as justice, equality, and inclusion. Discuss the ethical dilemmas that arise when neutrality conflicts with constitutional values. How can such tensions be navigated responsibly? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context? (a) \"Morality is not properly the doctrine how we should make ourselves happy, but how we should become worthy of happiness.\" Kant (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"\"It is very simple to be happy, but it is very difficult to be simple.\" - Rabindranath Tagore (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":34,"question":"You are posted as the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) overseeing a flagship rural housing scheme. The Citizen's Charter mandates that all applicants must receive acknowledgment within 7 days and a final decision within 30 days. However, your district is facing a significant backlog, over 1,000 cases pending beyond the deadline, due to staff shortages, recent elections, and weak coordination with the panchayat offices for field verification. A local NGO, citing repeated public complaints, files an RTI request asking for: * A list of pending applications, * Reasons for delay, * Names of responsible officers, * And internal file noting's related to the delays. The information exists, but it paints a troubling picture: some junior staff failed to act on applications; in a few cases, files were misplaced; and one elected representative appears to have exerted influence to delay processing for applicants from rival political groups. The NGO is known for naming and shaming officials in the press, and the RTI disclosure could lead to media outrage and disciplinary action, possibly demoralising already strained staff. Your District Magistrate informally advises you to delay the disclosure \"until we sort things out internally.\" At the same time, citizen protests have begun outside your office, and the State Information Commission has sent a reminder to respond within 48 hours. You find yourself in a serious situation with no clear way out. Questions: (a) Identify the ethical issues and administrative challenges in the above case. (b) What are the options available to resolve the ethical and administrative challenges? (c) What would be your chosen course of action? Justify. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Questions: (a) Identify the ethical issues and dilemmas in the above case. (b) What are the options available to resolve the issues? (c) What would be your chosen course of action? Justify your response using relevant public service values. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Questions: (a) Identify the ethical concerns and value tensions involved in the above case. (b) What are the possible courses of action available to you? (c) What would be your chosen course of action, and how would you justify it in light of public interest and ethical governance? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"You are the Deputy Commissioner of a district where a new government scheme - \"Samman Sahayata\" - has been launched to provide monthly direct cash transfers to unmarried women and widows between ages 40-65. The goal is to increase economic dignity and reduce dependence on intermediaries and local patronage networks. Initial registrations go smoothly, but within a month, you receive field reports of growing resistance: hundreds of eligible women are either withdrawing or refusing to enrol. On further inquiry, you learn that a viral audio clip and multiple WhatsApp forwards are circulating in rural areas, claiming that the scheme is a ploy to: * Cancel future pension entitlements, * Confiscate property of widowed women without male heirs, and * Collect Aadhaar and bank data for unrelated surveillance purposes. The misinformation is being amplified by local self-help group leaders and panchayat members, some of whom were earlier earning commissions from routing applications under other schemes. Their resistance is subtle but coordinated: warnings in meetings, group messages, and even refusals to distribute enrollment forms. Your field staff are demoralized. Your Public Relations Officer says that publicly debunking the fake clip may backfire, citing past cases where denial reinforced suspicion. The state nodal officer unofficially suggests \"letting it die down\" until the next quarter's outreach cycle. Meanwhile, your internal report identifies 3 specific officials who were lax in countering early misinformation - and a fourth who may be linked to its spread, though no direct evidence exists. You must now decide whether to publicly confront the campaign, initiate disciplinary action, and risk administrative friction - or focus on quiet, grassroots re-engagement to rebuild trust over time. Questions: (a) What are the core ethical and administrative challenges in this case? (b) How should public officials balance truth-telling, public trust, and communication strategy in the face of organised misinformation? (c) What are the ethical risks of choosing silence or passive correction in such contexts? (d) What would be your approach to restoring trust in the scheme while upholding transparency and institutional integrity? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"You are the District Magistrate (DM) of a region where the government has approved a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) aimed at promoting industrial development. While the project promises jobs and infrastructure, it has faced resistance from several farming communities, particularly those alleging inadequate compensation, lack of consultation, and exclusion of tenant farmers. Your administration has conducted multiple outreach sessions and compensation drives. Still, around 200 small and marginal farmers have refused to give consent, citing unfair valuation and procedural opacity. In an effort to defuse tensions, you personally visit a key village known for resistance. As you begin speaking to the assembled crowd, slogans erupt. Farmers accuse the administration of \"selling them out.\" Midway through the dialogue, tempers flare. Stones are thrown—one hits your vehicle. Your security detail urges you to evacuate. Later, some officers argue for lodging FIRs against the perpetrators. Local media circulates footage with headlines like \"DM forced to flee by angry farmers.\" You’re torn. You understand the emotion behind the outrage, but you also worry that leaving without dialogue may be seen as retreat. Filing FIRs might reinforce authority, but could permanently erode community trust and stall the project. Your staff is shaken and morale is low. The state leadership provides no direct instruction, only urging that the matter be handled \"sensitively, without derailing the investment process.\" You must now take a quick call before the issue escalates. Questions: (a) What emotional and ethical challenges does this situation present for a public servant in a leadership role? (b) How can emotional intelligence guide your response to the farmers’ anger and your team’s fear and frustration? (c) What would be your approach to rebuilding trust, maintaining order, and advancing the negotiation process? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":56,"question":"Questions: (a) What emotional and ethical challenges does this situation present for a public servant in a leadership role? (b) How can emotional intelligence guide your response to the farmers’ anger and your team’s fear and frustration? (c) What would be your approach to rebuilding trust, maintaining order, and advancing the negotiation process? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":60,"question":"You are serving as the Mission Director for a flagship education and adolescent health initiative, co-funded by the national government and an internationally reputed philanthropic foundation. The donor’s support—amounting to nearly 60% of the project budget—has enabled rapid scale-up, media coverage, and recognition for your state as a national model. Three years into implementation, your team prepares to release the first independent impact assessment, conducted by a government-approved academic body. The draft report shows that while enrolment and awareness have improved, some key health indicators remain stagnant. It also notes significant local pushback in certain tribal regions due to perceived cultural insensitivity in messaging and delivery. Before the public release, donor representatives request a private meeting. They express \"concern\" about the report’s tone, suggesting it may jeopardize global funding visibility and \"dampen momentum.\" You’re urged to \"reframe the findings\" to highlight positive indicators and remove references to resistance. In exchange, the donor promises a multi-year renewal and access to a global innovation grant. Around the same time, the Health Minister’s office reaches out informally, hinting that the \"partnership is too important to let academic technicalities slow us down.\" You also learn that the donor is negotiating similar MOUs with other states—your pushback could cost your state future leverage and recognition. Your internal team is divided: some believe \"development diplomacy\" requires flexibility; others argue that allowing narrative control undermines data integrity and public accountability. You found yourself in an unusual decision making situation. Questions: (a) Identify the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) What are the options available to you in the above situation? (c) Evaluate your options and justify the action taken by you. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":61,"question":"Questions: (a) Identify the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) What are the options available to you in the above situation? (c) Evaluate the options and justify your chosen course of action. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":777,"topper":"Aman Jhanwar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/cc80e7c81f00eaa4f15f78533b4a4ad5/28/mts_2025_unchecked_gs25d1b39001_eef2504.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Do you agree that ethical governance encompasses more than just clean administration, it involves inclusive, participatory, and value-driven governance? Suggest implementable measures to institutionalise ethical governance in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Administrative ethics often involve tension between legality and morality. As a public administrator, how would you handle a situation where legal compliance contradicts moral responsibility? Illustrate with an example. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"In public administration, ethical decision-making is shaped by multiple frameworks. How does a deontological or duty-based ethical approach differ from consequentialist theories such as utilitarianism in administrative practice? Illustrate your answer with an example of a moral dilemma in governance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"With the growing reliance on digital governance and AI systems, concerns about fairness, transparency, and accountability have intensified. Are the foundational values of public service sufficient to address these challenges, or do we require new ethical frameworks for the digital era? Explain with an example. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Emotional intelligence (EI) is increasingly regarded as essential for effective public service. Do you agree that EI enhances ethical decision-making and administrative performance, especially in high-pressure sectors such as policing or disaster response? Support your answer with a relevant example. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Ethical guidance in public administration stems from various sources, laws, rules, regulations, and personal conscience. These sources may not always align. In such cases, what ethical approach should a public servant adopt to resolve the conflict? Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Public servants often operate within environments shaped by political expectations, peer norms, and public opinion. How do moral and political attitudes influence ethical decision-making? How can civil servants maintain independence without becoming socially or politically detached? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Ethical governance is not solely the responsibility of the state, but also of private entities engaged in public functions. Discuss the ethical challenges posed by public-private partnerships (PPPs), and suggest ways to ensure transparency and accountability in such arrangements. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"Governance must be built not only on institutions, but also on ideas.\" In this context, discuss the philosophical foundations that should underpin ethical governance. How do these ideas contribute to ensuring probity in public life? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"\"In a deeply unequal world, ethical foreign policy is not idealism, it is realism with conscience.\" Do you agree? Discuss the ethical responsibilities of a nation-state in its conduct with other states and international bodies. Use examples from global practice. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context? (a) \"How selfish soever man may be supposed, there are evidently some principles in his nature, which interest him in the fortune of others.\" Adam Smith (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":34,"question":"What are her possible options? Which is the most appropriate and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Suggest systemic safeguards to address workplace harassment in public institutions. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"What are the ethical issues and ethical dilemmas the officer is facing?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Examine the available options and identify which one aligns best with public service values.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"What internal institutional checks can prevent such misuse of financial reporting in government departments? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"What are the competing ethical principles and administrative risks the ADM must consider in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"How should the ADM respond to the situation, balancing duty, protocol, and public interest?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Suggest three institutional practices that can improve transparency and responsiveness in disaster-prone districts. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":59,"question":"What are the ethical issues and administrative responsibilities involved in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":59,"question":"How should the DIO respond to this situation in a way that upholds public values and protects institutional credibility?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":59,"question":"Suggest digital communication protocols that can guide public officials in handling hate speech on official platforms. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":778,"topper":"Aman Jhanwar","air":296,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/cc80e7c81f00eaa4f15f78533b4a4ad5/25/mts_2025_unchecked_gs25d1b39001_eef2505.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":779,"topper":"Aman Pratap Singh","air":402,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1v5yWjjvVnibCK-MdN5eTmjEnD9hbQEX9/view","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Comment on the following in about 150 words each: 10x5=50 (a) Highlight the conceptual issues around the concept of Dominant Caste. (b ) Compare the pressing problems of a Dalit poor family living in an urban slum with a similar type of family living in a rural setting (c ) Describe the issues associated with same sex marriage (d ) Is social democracy a precondition for political democracy?","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":2,"question":"What is POSH Act? “Identification of tormentor by women at workplace does no t come easily even today.” Examine the statement with substantive examples from India. ( 20 marks)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":2,"question":"Has caste system hindered democracy and adult franchise in India? ( 20 marks)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Is wage for housework (WFH) solution to existing disparity in entitlement? Will it empower women or reproduce status quo? Examine. ( 20 marks)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Answer the following in about 150 words each: 10x5=50 (a) Discuss the grounds for the mode of production debate in Indian agriculture. ( b ) Has green revolution led to the formation of new power elite in rural India?","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":3,"question":"How have the struggles against untouchability changed their forms and perspectives from Gandhian to Ambedkarite positions? ( 20 marks)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by discrete castes and muddled hierarchies? ( 20 marks)","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":780,"topper":"Aman Tiwari","air":74,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/425e7-1522550_2576_aman_tiwari_rank_74.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":781,"topper":"Aman Tiwari","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/51231-1522550_2368_aman_tiwari_rank_74.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The evolving interpretation by the courts have led to the expansion of the scope of the Right to Life and Personal Liberty under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. Discuss with the help of relevant case laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Analyse how Section 8A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 preserves the integrity of the electoral process in India. (Answer in 150 words).","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"With what objectives was the Ninth Schedule of the Indian Constitution initially introduced? Can the Supreme Court review a legislation that has been placed in the Ninth Schedule? Discuss with the help of case laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Online Dispute Resolution's (ODR) promise of access to just, speedy and effective resolution of disputes is beset with several challenges. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The Right to Information (RTI) Act has fallen into redundancy owing to the issues faced by the Office of the Central Information Commission. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"How has Information and Communication Technology (ICT) transformed the governance landscape at the grassroots level in India? What are the key obstacles in leveraging its full potential? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How does the politicization of the civil services corrode the 'steel frame' of governance in India? What measures can be implemented to counteract this effect? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Gender is an important dimension of ageing. What measures can be taken to solve the problems of elderly women facing social alienation and deprivation in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What role can the Indian diaspora play in fostering political and economic engagement between India and African countries? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"More than a decade after its inception, the benefits of the Belt and Road Initiative have proven to be illusory, especially for developing countries. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss the financial constraints faced by the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in India. What measures can be taken to augment their revenue resources? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Discuss the role of the Election Commission of India (ECI) in ensuring free and fair elections in India. How will the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Act, 2023 impact the independence of the ECI? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 has played a significant role in preventing atrocities and providing protection against discrimination of marginalized communities in India. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the functions of the National Commission for Women (NCW). How does the Commission benefit from having the powers of a civil court in dealing with women's issues? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Critically analyse the effectiveness of the POCSO Act, 2012 in addressing the issue of child sexual abuse in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Critically evaluate the implementation of the Smart Cities Mission in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"While extreme poverty has declined considerably in India, access to healthy food still remains a luxury. Discuss the reasons for poor access to healthy food and suggest measures to overcome the same. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Examine the role of publicly funded health insurance in improving health outcomes in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"To what extent has India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy been successful in enhancing its relations with the neighbouring countries? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Examine the effects of escalating conflicts in West Asia on regional and global stability, highlighting the significant repercussions for India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":782,"topper":"Aman Tiwari","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6169f-1522550_2370_aman_tiwari_rank_74.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Does moral conscience always complement laws, rules, and regulations in ethical decision-making? Support your answer with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Compassion towards weaker sections of society is essential and non-negotiable in a country like India. Examine with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Corruption exists and thrives in Indian society because it is socially accepted and even seen as aspirational. Do you agree with this view? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Social accountability is increasingly recognized as a means of enhancing democratic governance and improving service delivery. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"\"The human voice can never reach the distance that is covered by the still small voice of conscience.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Fortitude is the marshal of thought, the armor of the will, and the fort of reason.\" - Francis Bacon. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"\"Character is repeated habits, and repeated habits alone can reform character.\" - Swami Vivekananda (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"How can organizations balance healthy competition while preventing undue pressure on employees? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Formation of attitudes is a crucial aspect of the socialization process. Discuss the various factors that contribute to the development of attitudes in individuals. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Conflicts are inevitable in any workplace, and administrative roles are no exception. In light of this, discuss the role of emotional intelligence in conflict management. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Discuss how attitude plays a crucial role in shaping our perceptions and interactions with the world. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Recent studies indicate that Generation Z is experiencing higher levels of loneliness than the previous generations. What are the possible reasons for this trend? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":35,"question":"You are the Director of a Public Sector Unit (PSU) that specializes in the manufacturing of critical defense products for the country and exports it all over the world. Your unit is renowned for its expertise and efficiency, as it consistently delivers vital products on time. Your unit has recently received a crucial order to manufacture specific products as part of a high-priority defense project with a tight deadline. However, you face a daunting challenge. With rising raw material costs and budget constraints, the unit has almost exhausted its funds for the year. Hiring additional manpower, a crucial need to meet the fast-approaching deadline for a critical defense project, is out of the question until the next budgetary allocation which is going to happen in months. Meanwhile, your existing workforce, already putting in grueling 10-11 hour shifts, six days a week, is visibly demotivated and showing signs of fatigue. You presented the issue to the senior management, highlighting the unsustainable work schedule and potential burnout risks. The management acknowledged the situation but, constrained by the funding deficit, urged you to find internal solutions. The suggestion was to further distribute the workload, thereby implying more overtime for the existing employees. (a) Highlight the ethical issues involved in the above case.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Evaluate the options available to you. What course of action you will take to address the above issue? (c) Burn out is a critical factor resulting in demotivation of employees. What steps should the private companies and government take in this regard? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"As a research and development analyst in a leading nutraceutical company, you have been actively involved in the development of a nutrient-rich biomass that improves skin and bone health. The research outcomes are promising, and your team is enthusiastic about the upcoming product launch. During routine inter-team meetings, you accidentally come across research trials and documents related to another product of your company. This product claims to reduce weight and enhance immunity, but upon closer inspection, you discover that the trials were falsely conducted, and the research outcomes were generalized, however, there were no side-effects of the product. The product works on the placebo effect only. The team responsible for this product seems to have overlooked taking these documents along with them after the inter-team meeting. As per company's policy, going through the research trials of other teams is strictly prohibited. The false claims associated with this product contribute significantly to its high sales within the company. If the information regarding the false claims is revealed, it could potentially harm the company, leading to severe consequences such as closure, and jeopardize the years of hard work you have invested in your product, which has genuine and significant results for preventive healthcare. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (b) Evaluate the options available to you. (c) What will be your course of action? Justify. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Ravish, hailing from a modest background, worked diligently to gain admission to a prestigious university. After graduating with commendable academic credentials, he secured a well-paying job at a leading multinational company. Driven by ambition, he left the job after gaining a few years of experience to launch his own startup. Thanks to the startup boom in the country, Ravish was able to secure significant capital from investors with relative ease. His hard work and dedication fueled the rapid growth and success of his startup. However, as the company flourished, Ravish's extravagant lifestyle began to attract public attention. As the founder and CEO, he drew a substantial salary, believing it to be justified given his efforts in building the company from scratch. A few years later, an economic downturn put Ravish's startup under financial strain. Investors, now focused on profitability, withdrew their support, leaving Ravish under immense pressure to cut costs in order to sustain the business. Consequently, he decided to downsize the workforce and communicated this decision through a personalized video message to his employees. Within hours of the video's release, it went viral on social media, accompanied by images from Ravish's lavish wedding that had taken place just two months prior. The public criticized Ravish for his opulent lifestyle while simultaneously laying off a significant number of employees. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the given case? (b) In light of the above case, discuss the ethical considerations regarding disparities in remuneration between top-level leaders and their subordinates in corporate organizations. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Within hours of the video's release, it went viral on social media, accompanied by images from Ravish's lavish wedding that had taken place just two months prior. The public criticized Ravish for his opulent lifestyle while simultaneously laying off a significant number of employees. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the given case? (b) In light of the above case, discuss the ethical considerations regarding disparities in remuneration between top-level leaders and their subordinates in corporate organizations. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"Vikram, a senior data scientist, is leading a team to develop an Artificial Intelligence (AI) system for a e-commerce platform. He has to enhance customer experience by providing personalized recommendations based on user behaviour. The success of this project is critical not only for the company's growth but also for Vikram's team, which has been underperforming in the recent months. The stakes are high, and the team is at risk of suspension if it fails to deliver on this project. To improve the accuracy of the AI algorithms, Vikram's team considers incorporating sensitive personal information, including users' purchasing history, location data, health records and social media activities. While this could significantly enhance the system's effectiveness, it raises concerns about privacy and the potential misuse of sensitive data. Also, a data breach has occurred earlier on the e-commerce platform, and personal information of thousands of users was exposed to unauthorized entities. The incident became widely publicized, leading to regulatory scrutiny and potential legal action against the company. Vikram faces pressure from the company's marketing department to prioritize revenue generation over user privacy. The marketing team suggests implementing tactics that subtly encourage users to make more purchases, even if it means manipulating their preferences or creating a sense of urgency. (a) Identify the ethical issues faced by Vikram in developing the AI system. (b) What are the options available to Vikram in addressing this case? (c) How can ethics be an integral component of AI systems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":56,"question":"Identify the ethical issues faced by Vikram in developing the AI system. (b) What are the options available to Vikram in addressing this case? (c) How can ethics be an integral component of AI systems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":783,"topper":"Aman Tiwari","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7a8e5-1522550_2931_aman_tiwari_rank_74.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The end cannot justify the means, for the simple and obvious reason that the means employed determine the nature of the ends produced. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss how the relationship between law and ethics is dynamic and continuously shaped by societal changes. Provide examples to illustrate this dynamic relationship. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Differentiate between probity and integrity with suitable examples. How do these values contribute to ethical governance and decision-making in the civil services? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the ethical implications of withholding information in public administration. How can transparency enhance accountability and reduce corruption in government institutions? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What factors lead to a positive attitude in a person? How does positive attitude enhance the effectiveness of civil servants in performing their duties? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss how emotional intelligence can influence ethical decision-making in the allocation of scarce public resources. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Various international humanitarian organizations provide emergency aid in conflict zones around the world. Highlight the ethical challenges faced by such organizations. What are the principles that guide international humanitarian work? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Why is persuasion regarded as an important skill for civil servants? What are the key considerations that should guide persuasion in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"What were the major teachings of Swami Dayanand Saraswati? Explain their relevance in addressing the current ethical and social challenges in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":39,"question":"What are the options available to Jay as the Commissioner of the Education Department? Evaluate each of these options. (b) What option should Jay adopt and why? (c) How can civil servants like Jay be better protected when they attempt to uphold ethical standards in their work? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":784,"topper":"Aman Tiwari","air":74,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1lJ1inW2zk0NNEassXIiceEt_QWds8USJ","questions":[]},{"id":785,"topper":"Amar Baghel","air":583,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Drishti IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.drishtiias.com/images/pdf/ESSAY.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":786,"topper":"Amar Baghel","air":583,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e85fd-606276_3346_amar_baghel_rank_583.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The journey from hypothesis to theory is the essence of the scientific method in Sociology.\" Explain.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"\"Pluralism presents an idealized view of pressure groups' role in democracy.\" Evaluate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"What is meant by collective consciousness? Discuss its role in maintaining social cohesion.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"\"The observer becomes the observed in participant observation.\" Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Evaluate the impact of affirmative action on historical inequalities.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Discuss how interdisciplinary approaches have transformed the scope of Sociology in the 21st century.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"\"While social mobility fosters individual aspiration, it may disrupt societal integration.\" Critically analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"How do Weber and Parsons differ in their understanding of power?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"How does Merton's neofunctionalism critique and reformulate the core assumptions of traditional functionalism?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Examine the theory of 'cultural lag' in the context of rapid technological changes.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"What are the sociological implications of artificial intelligence on class and labour?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the idea of \"patriarchal bargain\" in Indian households.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Discuss social mobility patterns in open and closed stratification systems.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Analyse the changing dynamics of social movements in India under the influence of modern values and institutions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"\"Marriage as a social institution is undergoing transformation, not disintegration.\" Critically comment in light of emerging alternatives to conventional marriage.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"\"Sects and cults represent both resistance to and consequence of modernity.\" Elaborate with reference to sociological theories.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"\"Civil society enhances democratic legitimacy, but may not always function democratically.\" Critically evaluate.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":787,"topper":"Amar Baghel","air":583,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1d0a9-606276_3347_amar_baghel_rank_583.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":788,"topper":"Amar Baghel","air":583,"year":2025,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"Drishti IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.drishtiias.com/images/pdf/Copy%201.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":789,"topper":"Amar Baghel","air":583,"year":2025,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"Drishti IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.drishtiias.com/images/pdf/Copy%202.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":790,"topper":"Amar Meena","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/39992-27244_1862_amar-meena_rank-830.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Jyotiba Phule was not only a key social reformer but also a patron of literary works. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Cave paintings in India have a long tradition with both religious as well as secular attributes. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The Swadeshi movement started as an anti-partition movement, but became a multi-faceted mass movement after 1905. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Although the National Emergency of 1975 was a temporary blip in independent India's history, it emboldened the spirit and resistance of our democracy. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Examine the relationship between the Walker Circulation and the Indian Monsoon. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Identifying the factors responsible for formation of tides, discuss their geographic and economic significance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What are Rossby waves? Discuss the role played by them in shaping the climate of the earth. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"One of the reasons for increased global interest in Afghanistan is its endowment with key natural resources. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The traditional structure of the caste system has witnessed paradoxical changes over the last few decades in India. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Economic empowerment of women is the key to ensure their social empowerment. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"India has the highest number of endangered languages in the world as per the UNESCO. In this context, discuss the factors that have endangered native languages in India and highlight the steps taken to conserve and protect these languages. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The policy of 'Subsidiary Alliance' helped in establishing British control over internal affairs of Indian states without incurring any direct imperial liability. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"\"Before 1857 the British were effectively working against the traditional grain of Indian society; afterwards they were working with it\". Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Enumerating the revolutionary maxims propounded by Sun Yat-sen, discuss the conditions that led to the revival of Chinese nationalism in the early 20th century. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Based on their geological age, present a brief account of the classification and distribution of coal reserves in India. Also, discuss the ongoing stress in the coal sector in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What is Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC)? Discuss the reasons for recent decline in the AMOC and its associated impact. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Recent reports and National Family Health Surveys have signalled a monumental shift in Indian demographics. Highlighting this shift, discuss the challenges that it will pose. Also, suggest remedial measures. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Looking at all poverty from the rural perspective and applying rural solutions to urban conditions will not yield results. Discuss the statement in context of differences between urban and rural poverty in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Regional movements are often conservative in orientation, supported by traditional social classes and religious groups and oppose social change imposed by modernity. Critically discuss in the context of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":791,"topper":"Amar Meena","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c566a-27244_1514_amar-meena_rank-830.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the changes introduced by the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) Amendment Act, 2021, analyse various issues with the amended Act. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Are there valid arguments for continuing with sedition law in 21st century democratic India? Discuss in light of the debate surrounding it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Identify the issues that have contributed to a decline in the performance of Parliamentary Standing Committees. How can these issues be addressed? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Despite being a non-constitutional body, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) has wielded immense decision-making power in India. Discuss the advantages and issues associated with it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the role of data in governance in India. Also, state the various challenges in this regard and suggest remedial measures. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"With specific examples, elaborate upon the conditions that led to the emergence of a new civil society in urban India in the last few decades. Also, highlight its contribution towards effecting governance and policy changes. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The Gati Shakti mission has the potential to not only address the issue of infrastructure bottlenecks but also streamline the governance processes in the country. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Giving an account of the issues faced by workers in the informal sector, discuss whether the recently launched e-Shram portal can help in addressing them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Clarifying the significance of the recent developments on the issue of global minimum tax, discuss its prospects and challenges for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Announcement of the AUKUS security pact heralds a new era of global geo-politics. Comment. Also, discuss how it may affect India's interests. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Effective devolution of finances is an important requirement for Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) to fulfill their objectives. Discuss while also elaborating on the reasons behind lack of financial resources for PRIs in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Judicial activism is a necessary tool to guard against \"legislative adventurism and executive excesses\". Critically discuss in the context of the doctrine of separation of powers as provided in the Constitution of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The electoral bond scheme is part of what appears to be a growing trend away from transparency and accountability in electoral funding. Critically analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The significance of the principle of subsidiarity was well reflected in the management of the COVID-19 pandemic. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Social media has ushered in greater transparency and accountability in governance. But accountability through social media is no alternative to institutional accountability. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Although the State has the right incentives and intentions to deliver public services efficiently, its capacity to do so is questionable. Critically discuss in the context of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The problem of hunger in India does not lie in food production but various other underlying issues. Discuss in the wake of decline in India's ranking in the Global Hunger Index, 2021. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Democratization of primary healthcare is indispensable for fulfilling the objectives of equitable and comprehensive care in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"In the context of the evolving discourse on the Indo-Pacific, analyse the factors driving the global shift towards the region. Also, identify India's interests and challenges in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India's Afghanistan policy must be based on a clear-eyed understanding of important strategic goals in the region amidst the current regional and global strategic environment. Elaborate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":792,"topper":"Amar Meena","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8cfdf-27244_1516_amar-meena_rank-830.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Do laws need to be consistent with the prevalent moral norms? Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"\"People's indifference is the best breeding ground for corruption to grow\". Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"In the context of COVID-19 pandemic, discuss the importance of Emotional Intelligence among healthcare workers. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"It is the 'spirit of service' that motivates a public servant to serve the country's interests and address people's issues. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Ethics does its work in the world by granting and withdrawing legitimacy. Discuss in the context of role of ethics in international relations. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Sustainable growth of an organisation can result only by aligning its decisions to the interests of all stakeholders, not merely its shareholders. Do you agree? Justify with logical arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri's life exemplifies value-driven public service of the highest order. What are the values one can learn from his life to be a good citizen and a good administrator? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"There is a view that the institutional mechanisms to ensure accountability of civil servants have weakened over time. In this context, discuss the need of a social accountability law in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Why has anonymity of civil servants traditionally been seen as an important arrangement? In this context, discuss your opinion on the doctrine of facelessness in civil services. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In the age of social media, influencers have a huge following and have gained prominent marketing roles. In this context, discuss the ethical issues involved in influencer marketing. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or the darkness of destructive selfishness. - Martin Luther King Jr. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":34,"question":"Many states in India have experimented with prohibition of liquor at various times. However, it is common knowledge that many such states have a thriving illegal liquor industry. Moreover, it is ironical that while many political parties have prohibition prominently mentioned in their manifestos, it is politicians who distribute alcohol among voters during their election campaigns. This also gives rise to illicit liquor trade and many people lose their lives to it. (a) What are the socio-economic problems that are widely attributed to alcoholism? (b) Do you think prohibiting liquor creates more problems than it proposes to solve? (c) Short of prohibition, what can be done to tackle the problem of rising alcoholism, particularly among the youth of the country?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate (DM) of a district where residents are facing the menace of stray dogs. Instances of dogs chasing two-wheelers, cyclists and attacking pedestrians are on the rise. Elderly persons as well as children are the worst-hit and recently, an 8 year old girl was severely injured by a pack of dogs. The perceived magnanimity of the problem and inaction from government authorities have prompted vigilante groups to cull dogs in mass numbers. However, local NGOs have come out against such a practice of mass culling and are calling for stringent action against those killing stray dogs. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (b) As the DM, suggest short-term and long-term measures to tackle the above issue.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":793,"topper":"Amit Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5c994-31449_759_amit-jain_rank_100.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"India has the lowest tax-to-GDP ratio among countries with a similar per capita income on a purchasing power parity basis. Explain the reasons for the low tax-to-GDP ratio in India. What measures can be taken to correct this situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"In spite of various initiatives, the condition of the power sector still remains one of the core challenges for India. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Examine the reasons for poor performance of public sector banks in India. Give an account of the steps taken by the government and RBI to improve their performance. Also analyse whether the risks arising from the consolidation of the Indian banking sector outweigh the potential longer-term benefits.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Tax treaties intended to avoid double taxation have in many cases become instruments for double non-taxation. Elaborate. List the major amendments in the India-Mauritius DTAA and the advantages that are expected to accrue due to it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Emerging ICT and their appropriation by society constitutes a threat that demands new competencies and practices to be developed and integrated in the existing police work. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"What are P-Notes and how do they impact the financial system in India? In this context, also highlight the recent regulatory measures taken by SEBI to deal with them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"The rising levels of e-waste generation in India have been a matter of concern in recent years. Examine the underlying causes of this scenario and the challenges associated with it. How can the new E-Waste Management Rules, 2016 help in meeting these concerns?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Terror groups, much like corporate bodies have well and truly embraced and exploited the benefits of globalisation. Discuss the statement with reference to terror financing and propaganda activities.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"What is net-metering? Critically analyse its potential in incentivising distributed generation in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Explain the challenges associated with predicting the monsoon accurately. Car shifting to a completely dynamical model from the one used by the IMD presently help in improving the accuracy of predicting the monsoon?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"The Compensatory Afforestation Fund Bill would require to work along with the Forest Rights Act in order to achieve the aims of environment protection while also ensuring rights of the tribal people. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"It has been argued that India's strained patent protection and IP administration has failed to keep pace with growing technological advances. In this context, examine the provisions of the new Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Policy, 2016. Also explain how the new policy can help boost innovation and entrepreneurship in the country.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Though the frequency of both droughts and floods has increased in many states of the country, the preparedness level for mitigating their impacts still has significant gaps. Discuss in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"In view of the high levels of inequality in India, it is imperative to not only broaden access to education and health but also financial services. Discuss. Also highlight the efforts made by the government in recent times to address inequality by promoting financial inclusion.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Examine the need for indigenization of the defence industry in India. While highlighting its challenges, analyse how the new Defence Procurement Policy (DPP) and relaxations in FDI norms can address these challenges.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Digital technologies have the potential to dramatically transform higher education. Giving a special emphasis to MOOCs, analyse the statement in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"The Civil Aviation Policy 2016 would help in building a more modern, safe, secure and sustainable aviation industry while also boosting regional connectivity and tourism. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"What is the significance of start-ups for Indian economy? Critically analyse the provisions of \"Start-up India\" program and the challenges that lie ahead in its effective implementation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"What do you understand by methanol economy? Discuss its environmental and economic advantages. How does methanol compare with other new generational fuels such as ethanol and hydrogen?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Differentiating between Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality, explain why it is argued by many that these technologies are not just about gaming but can change our lives.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":794,"topper":"Amit Meena","air":903,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/59/mt23sltpn037_tc071-test-01-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":795,"topper":"Amit Meena","air":903,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/63/mt23sltpn037_tc075-test-05-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":796,"topper":"Amit Meena","air":903,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/60/mt23sltpn037_tc072-test-02-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":797,"topper":"Amit Meena","air":903,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/64/mt23sltpn037_tc076-test-06-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":798,"topper":"Amit Meena","air":903,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/61/mt23sltpn037_tc073-test-03-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":799,"topper":"Amit Meena","air":903,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/65/mt23sltpn037_tc077-test-07-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":800,"topper":"Amit Meena","air":903,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/62/mt23sltpn037_tc074-test-04-gs04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":801,"topper":"Amit Meena","air":903,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/66/mt23sltpn037_tc078-test-08-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":802,"topper":"Amit Meena","air":320,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/ANTHRO-T1-AMIT-MEENA-R320-1750226367612.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":803,"topper":"Amit Meena","air":320,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/ANTHRO-T2-AMIT-MEENA-R320-1750226405738.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":804,"topper":"Amit Meena","air":320,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/ANTHRO-T3-AMIT-MEENA-R320-1750226441832.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":805,"topper":"Amit Meena","air":320,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/ANTHRO-T4-AMIT-MEENA-R320-1750226474016.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":806,"topper":"Amit Meena","air":320,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/ANTHRO-T6-AMIT-MEENA-R320-1750226506142.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":807,"topper":"Amit Meena","air":320,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/ANTHRO-T8-AMIT-MEENA-R320-1750226597006.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":808,"topper":"Amit Meena","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/AMIT-MEENA-UPSC-2024-Rank-320-AWFG-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The Indian Constitution does not embody a strict separation of powers rather it introduces a system of checks and balances, with overlapping functions and interdependencies among the legislature, executive, and judiciary. Elaborate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Recently, the Supreme Court has expanded the scope of Articles 14 and 21 to include the \"right against the adverse effects of climate change\". In this context, citing relevant case laws, discuss the role played by Indian judiciary in 'constitutionalization' of environmental issues. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The Speaker's inclination to cater to party loyalties often undermines the dignity and impartiality of the office, eroding public trust in the legislative process. Analyse with the help of recent examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Assess the effectiveness of SEBI in fulfilling its envisaged role of regulating the securities market, ensuring transparency, and protecting investors' interests. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The foundational strength of the Indian Constitution stems from its ability to integrate diverse socio-political perspectives. Elucidate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Parliamentary committees serve as vital tools for legislative oversight, ensuring accountability and transparency in governance processes. In light of the statement, examine the role of the Public Accounts Committee in establishing financial accountability of the executive. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Without addressing the issues that hinder the full and effective participation of persons with disabilities in political and public life, the goal of achieving inclusiveness and their empowerment will remain unattainable. Analyze. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What roles do community-based interventions play in enhancing access to preventive and promotive healthcare services in India? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The current composition of the UNSC, with under-representation and un-representation of key regions is detrimental to its legitimacy and effectiveness, underscoring the urgent need for reforms. Elaborate. Also, present a case for India's permanent membership in the UNSC. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"\"The ongoing internal crisis in Myanmar is impeding India's Act East Policy.\" In light of the statement, discuss the measures taken by India to deal with the crisis and associated challenges. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"The Basic Structure Doctrine, lauded for safeguarding the core principles of the Constitution against majoritarian impulses, is also criticized for enabling judicial overreach and disturbing the balance of power as envisioned by the Constitution.\" Elaborate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Enumerate the salient features of Representation of People's Act, 1951. In your opinion, what amendments are needed in the Act to further the cause of free and fair elections in light of contemporary challenges. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The cooperative nature of Indian federalism is being increasingly challenged by emerging differences in Centre-State relations. Discuss. What steps can be taken to strengthen the cooperative spirit of Indian federalism? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Parliamentary privileges are fundamental for lawmakers to discharge their duties without undue influence. However, ensuring the responsible exercise of these privileges is crucial for fostering public trust and ensuring the accountability of public institutions. Analyse. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The Constitution of India provides several rights that empower the individual, yet it balances these freedoms with reasonable restrictions in the larger public interest. Discuss how constitutional restrictions on fundamental rights strike a fine balance between individual interests and societal interests. Also, mention the principles that are considered in evaluating the reasonableness of restrictions with reference case laws. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Self-Help Groups (SHGs) can play a crucial role in alleviating rural poverty by providing women with access to microfinance, enabling them to start small businesses and improve their livelihoods. Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Despite the implementation of numerous policies and schemes aimed at combating hunger and malnutrition in the country, their effectiveness remains limited. Analyse. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The true test of good governance is the degree to which it ensures accountability towards citizens and delivers on the promise of sustainable and inclusive human development. Discuss in the context of challenges to good governance in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"As the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) provides a judicial mechanism for the peaceful resolution of international disputes. In this context, throw light on the structure and mandate of ICJ. Also, highlight the challenges it faces in fulfilling its mandate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Geopolitical shifts pose challenges to India-Russia relations, yet the relationship remains robust, driven by deep-rooted trust and a shared commitment to sustain a multifaceted strategic partnership. Analyse. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":809,"topper":"Amit Meena","air":903,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/51/mt23sltpn037_tc071-test-01-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":810,"topper":"Amit Meena","air":903,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/52/mt23sltpn037_tc072-test-02-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":811,"topper":"Amit Meena","air":903,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/53/mt23sltpn037_tc073-test-03-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":812,"topper":"Amit Meena","air":903,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/54/mt23sltpn037_tc074-test-04-gs04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":813,"topper":"Amit Meena","air":903,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/55/mt23sltpn037_tc075-test-05-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":814,"topper":"Amit Meena","air":903,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/56/mt23sltpn037_tc076-test-06-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":815,"topper":"Amit Meena","air":903,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/57/mt23sltpn037_tc077-test-07-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":816,"topper":"Amit Meena","air":903,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/58/mt23sltpn037_tc078-test-08-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":817,"topper":"AMIT RANJAN","air":431,"year":2021,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"IAS Delhi Institute","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jhXx7BIJAtAA6dhrUVLxS-GPTNprBhE7/view?usp=share_link","questions":[]},{"id":818,"topper":"AMIT RANJAN","air":431,"year":2021,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"IAS Delhi Institute","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1a0snUy8t278AZXVX-P7LMEqt2bSDroxk/view?usp=share_link","questions":[]},{"id":819,"topper":"AMIT RANJAN","air":431,"year":2021,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"IAS Delhi Institute","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nd3GIuWWDkCMRQDIiuZIAoH7tEVcFo1m/view?usp=share_link","questions":[]},{"id":820,"topper":"AMIT RANJAN","air":431,"year":2021,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"IAS Delhi Institute","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gb4ff9U_8Q_N30esoQKCiaQD_Qen8jVM/view?usp=share_link","questions":[]},{"id":821,"topper":"AMIT RANJAN","air":431,"year":2021,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"IAS Delhi Institute","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1f0_MuxdNRL1RSDUFYe7V2R4vHqf8LiD9/view?usp=share_link","questions":[]},{"id":822,"topper":"AMIT RANJAN","air":431,"year":2021,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"IAS Delhi Institute","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rXQLtpBNtk0c-BnklXeXIDygmzYp6YmB/view?usp=share_link","questions":[]},{"id":823,"topper":"AMITEJ PANGTEY","air":212,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/aa7c2-654500_2295_amitej_pangtey_rank_212.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":824,"topper":"AMITEJ PANGTEY","air":212,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b1cd6-654500_2297_amitej_pangtey_rank_212.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":825,"topper":"AMITEJ PANGTEY","air":212,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5766c-654500_2301_amitej_pangtey_rank_212.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":826,"topper":"AMITEJ PANGTEY","air":212,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b1990-654500_2302_amitej_pangtey_rank_212.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":827,"topper":"AMITEJ PANGTEY","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/AMITEJ-PANGTEY-UPSC-2024-Rank-222-AWFG-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Enumerate the factors responsible for the occurrence of earthquakes and highlight its various consequences. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":2,"question":"Floods are increasingly becoming an outcome of alteration of geological landscape induced by anthropogenic activities than merely being a natural phenomenon. Examine. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":2,"question":"What are wetlands? Analyse the need to protect and conserve wetlands in the country. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":2,"question":"Indian monsoon is a highly complex system, and it is subject to natural variability as well as the impacts of human activity. Discuss. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":2,"question":"Give a brief account of distribution of volcanoes around the world and discuss why the Circum-Pacific Belt known as the Pacific Ring of Fire. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":2,"question":"Discuss the critical role by mangroves in coastal ecology and examine the reasons for depletion of mangrove cover in the Sunderban region. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":2,"question":"Explain the formation of tropical cyclones. How are tropical cyclones different from temperate cyclones? (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":828,"topper":"Amol","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/38261_873_Amol_Rank_83.pdf","questions":[{"page":19,"question":"Social attitude towards corruption has become more forgiving with time leading to a view of illegal gains and misappropriation of public assets as a rightful individual prerogative. Analyse in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"What are the factors which draw people to public service? Suggest measures to keep public servants motivated.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Corporate Governance provides a framework that defines the rights, roles and responsibilities of various groups within an organization. (a) Elaborate the need to incorporate the principles of Corporate Governance to enhance the effectiveness of the public sector enterprises. (b) Identify the challenges specific to the public sector when it comes to the application of good practices of corporate governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Emotions, earlier considered as an irrational factor in decision-making, are now recognised as a critical factor of judgment. In this regard, answer the following questions: (a) How can Emotional Intelligence help in coping with the intense pressure and occupational stress faced by police officers and armed forces in discharge of their duties? (b) What are the some of the concerns in incorporating and assessment of emotional intelligence skills in public service?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":829,"topper":"Amrish Yadav","air":72,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Forest Service (IFS)","optional":true,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/AMRISH_YADAV_UPSC_IFS_2024_AIR_72_GS_1_T_1_copy_c6305d570d.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":830,"topper":"Amrish Yadav","air":72,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Forest Service (IFS)","optional":true,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/AMRISH_YADAV_UPSC_IFS_2024_AIR_72_GS_2_copy_8443db21fc.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":831,"topper":"Amrish Yadav","air":72,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Forest Service (IFS)","optional":true,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/AMRISH_YADAV_UPSC_IFS_2024_AIR_72_GS_3_copy_ae6b46f7a7.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":832,"topper":"Amrit Mahapatra","air":121,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/AMRIT-MAHHAPATRA-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-121-Sample-ESSAY-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Write two essays, choosing one topic from each of the following Section A and B in about 1000 - 1200 words each. 125*2 = 250 Marks\nSECTION - A 1. In everything, there is a share of everything.\n2. Compassion is radicalism of our time.\n3. History repeats itself, first as a tragedy, second as a farce.\n4. The greatest acts of courage stem from the simplest choices.\nSECTION - B 1. A quiet conscience makes one strong.\n2. Good morals lead to good laws.\n3. Art will change society faster than politics.\n4. All ideas having large consequences are always simple.","marks":"125*2 = 250","words":"about 1000 - 1200 words each"},{"page":11,"question":"Is this a one-way street? Do good laws shape morals of social order or not?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"How does one make choices which lead to beneficial acts of courage? How does one determine if one's acts are ethical or egoistical?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":833,"topper":"Amrit Mahapatra","air":121,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/AMRIT-MAHHAPATRA-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-121-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) The Indian monsoon is being increasingly characterized by extreme weather events ranging from prolonged dry spells to torrential precipitation. In this context, discuss the factors contributing to the variability of the Indian monsoon.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Q.8) How is poverty intertwined with the structure of society? Explain this relationship with examples from Indian society.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.16 What are the causes behind the rise in substance abuse in India? Also, throw light on its impact on individuals, families and society.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":834,"topper":"Amrit Mahapatra","air":121,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/AMRIT-MAHHAPATRA-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-121-Sample-MGP-Copy-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) To what extent, in your opinion, have the ideals of the Preamble been realised in the country’s 75-year constitutional journey?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Q.7 \"India’s poverty lies in the eyes of the beholder.\" In light of this statement, examine the need for a credible and periodically updated poverty estimation framework in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.13 'The post of Deputy Speaker goes beyond ceremonial significance and is indispensable to Indian parliamentary democracy.' Discuss with relevant constitutional provisions and conventions. Also, examine the implications of the prolonged vacancy of the Deputy Speaker's post.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":6,"question":"Q.19 Examine the factors behind the growing salience of the Arctic region in international politics. Discuss, in this context, strategies for India to recalibrate its Arctic engagement.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":835,"topper":"Amrit Mahhapatra","air":121,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/AMRIT-MAHHAPATRA-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-121-Sample-MGP-Copy-5.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) ‘Unconscious biases in parenting continue to shape gendered experiences in India.’ Do you agree with this view? Discuss.\nb) Distinguish between empathy and compassion. Why are they considered as foundational values in public services?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Q.4) a) “With great power comes great responsibility.” In the present context, ‘Big Tech’ headquartered in developed countries wield disproportionate influence over digital infrastructure, personal data, and global narratives—often prioritising profit over ethical considerations. What ethical principles should guide such corporations in building a fair, inclusive, and just global digital framework?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.6) a) Public spaces serve as arenas of democratic participation and civic expression. Yet in India, they remain deeply gendered, with many women largely confined to the private and domestic sphere. Examine the factors that restrict women’s access to public spaces. How can ethical governance help address the issue of gendered spatial control and promote inclusivity in public spaces?\nb) Write short notes on the following in 30 words each:\ni) Ethical fading\nii) Conflict of interest\niii) Persuasion\niv) Work culture\nv) Corporate governance","marks":"10 marks, 150","words":"10"},{"page":6,"question":"Q.7) A State Government in the northeastern part of the country has launched a series of anti-encroachment drives across forest areas, wetlands, and revenue lands. Under the directions of the Chief Minister, the administration has intensified efforts to reclaim public land, particularly in areas reserved for ecological protection and critical infrastructure development. Most of the time, these actions have been backed by court orders and have resulted in the recovery of thousands of hectares of land. However, in certain regions, the implementation of such drives is fraught with social and political complexities. In several districts, settlements have existed for decades and are inhabited by marginalized communities with limited access to legal rights or formal rehabilitation measures. These areas are often politically sensitive and influenced by local leaders and pressure groups.\nSimanta is posted as Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) in one such district. Over the past year, the district administration has attempted to align eviction measures with welfare outreach, including the provision of temporary shelters, relocation assistance, and public consultations. Recently, a major operation was scheduled to clear encroachments from over 140 hectares of forest land within a Reserved Forest, primarily to curb rising instances of human-elephant conflict and to restore ecological balance. Anticipating eviction, some residents approached the High Court seeking a stay. However, the court refused to grant it and directed the administration to proceed with the eviction following due process. Notices were served, and a detailed roadmap was prepared to carry out the operation, which was expected to last 2–3 days due to the scale and remote location. On the first day, Simanta led a team comprising forest officials, municipal workers, and police personnel. Demolitions were conducted peacefully and without major resistance. However, on the second day, when the team returned to the site, a large group of agitated residents—primarily women and children—had gathered. They raised slogans and formed human chains to prevent further evictions. The atmosphere grew tense when some individuals began throwing stones, resulting in serious injury to a municipal worker. The crowd grew increasingly volatile and emotionally charged, demanding an immediate halt to the operation. The police contingent present on the ground was outnumbered by the crowd. Faced with this crisis, some team members pleaded with Simanta to call off the operation, fearing threats to their life and the possibility of a violent escalation. Simanta attempted to contact his superior officer (the Deputy Commissioner), but due to poor mobile connectivity in the forested area, communication could not be established. Meanwhile, several local journalists had arrived and begun reporting on the incident. Simanta is in a dilemma as to what to do.\na. Evaluate the options available with Simanta to cope with the situation.\nb. Which of the above options would be the most appropriate for Simanta and why?\nc. What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Simanta?\nd. Examine the qualities of a public servant which will be required to manage such situations.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":7,"question":"a. स्थिति से निपटने के लिए सिमंता के पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nb. सिमंता के लिए सबसे उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?\nc. सिमंता को किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\nd. ऐसी परिस्थितियों का प्रबंधन करने के लिए एक लोक सेवक के गुणों का परीक्षण करें।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":8,"question":"Q.9) Gopal is an 80-year-old man living in a remote and an underdeveloped village in a Central Indian state. He had been residing in a small mud house for years. When he came to know about the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana–Gramin (PMAY-G), he saw a glimmer of hope for a pucca house in the last phase of his life. However, the village sarpanch and panchayat secretary told him that to be eligible under the scheme, he must first demolish his existing house so that during a site inspection, no structure would be visible at the location. Subsequently, Gopal demolished his shelter and began living under a babool tree.\na) Examine the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb) Suggest a course of action for Gopal to get justice.\nc) What values should guide the officials involved in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"a. Can you think of a rational way to resolve this dilemma?\nb. Give your reasons for it.\nc. What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\na Can you think of a rational way to resolve this dilemma?\nb Give your reasons for it.\nc What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":10,"question":"a. Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\nb. Examine the behavior of DPDO from an ethical point of view.\nc. How would you react to the situation?\na. Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\nb. Examine the behavior of DPDO from an ethical point of view.\nc. How would you react to the situation?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":11,"question":"a. Bring out the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb. What are the options available to Nithin?\nc. Critically examine each of the options identified by Nithin.\nd. Which of the options, do you think, would be more appropriate for Nithin to adopt and why?\na Bring out the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb What are the options available to Nithin?\nc Critically examine each of the options identified by Nithin.\nd Which of the options, do you think, would be more appropriate for Nithin to adopt and why?","marks":null,"words":"20"},{"page":12,"question":"Q.12 You are appointed as an officer heading the Air Quality Compliance Division of the Environment Pollution Control Board in Delhi-NCR. The region is witnessing alarming levels of air pollution, which typically worsen during the winter months due to various meteorological and anthropogenic factors. The situation has led to severe public health concerns, particularly affecting vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and those with respiratory illnesses. The Supreme Court has also raised serious concern over the deteriorating air quality in Delhi-NCR and has directed the administration to take immediate and effective measures to control pollution, especially during the winter months. Your jurisdiction has a large number of small and medium-scale industries that were granted environmental clearance over the years. These industries form the backbone of the local economy and provide employment to a significant number of migrant workers. However, recent inspections and air quality monitoring reports indicate that a significant number of these units are operating in violation of prescribed air emission norms. As part of targeted measures to curb air pollution, you issued notices to all identified polluting units, directing them to apply for fresh environmental clearance certificates from the competent authority. However, your decision triggered strong opposition from a section of industrial units, labour unions, and local politicians. Industrial owners argued that such action would lead to production shutdowns, financial losses, and shortages of their products in the market. Labour unions and workers also protested, fearing mass unemployment and livelihood insecurity. Local politicians and vested interests accused you of jeopardising the socio-economic stability of the region. You received representations from various quarters urging you to withdraw the notices and not initiate harsh measures, citing the interests of multiple stakeholders. Additionally, you began receiving anonymous threats, aimed at coercing you into reversing your decision. On the other hand, several of your colleagues supported your stance, encouraging you to act in the larger public interest. Several local NGOs and environmental groups rallied behind your actions, demanding the immediate closure of polluting units.\na. Under the given conditions, what are the options available to you?\nb. Critically evaluate each of the options listed by you.\nc. What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by you?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":17,"question":"How To Inculcate Empathy And Compassion?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"(b) Reasons For Above Course of Action","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":836,"topper":"Amritanshu Nayak","air":110,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/84b5a-1062113_2320_amritanshu_nayak_rank_110.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":837,"topper":"Amritanshu Nayak","air":110,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5c4ce-1062113_2322_amritanshu_nayak_rank_110.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":838,"topper":"Amritanshu Nayak","air":110,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/57f7e-1062113_2323_amritanshu_nayak_rank_110.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":839,"topper":"Amritanshu Nayak","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Amritanshu-Nayak-UPSC-2023-Rank-110-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Basic structure doctrine has prevented the Parliament, a creature of the constitution, from becoming the master of the constitution. Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"The power of pressure groups lies not in their size or elaborate organization, but in their ability to mobilize public opinion and create lasting change. With help of relevant examples, discuss how informal pressure groups shape public policy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Analyse the reasons for degeneration of parliamentary functioning in recent time. Also, suggest measure to make the parliament more productive. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Subordination of investigative agencies to the executive is fraught with disastrous consequences. Discuss the statement in light of the criticism of the Central Bureau of Investigation as a \"caged parrot\". (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Election Commission of India has a vital role in building a robust framework of electoral democracy. Highlighting challenges associated with the functioning of ECI, suggest measures to reform the body. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Anti-defection law has failed to address and resolve the evil of political defection satisfactorily. Discuss various issues surrounding the Anti-defection law and recommend some corrective measures. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do you mean by 'doctrine of essentiality'? How has judiciary used this doctrine to address conflict between various fundamental rights? Explain with examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Frequent reliance on the ordinance making power by the government, not only dilutes the basic tenets of executive accountability in a parliamentary democracy, but also overlooks the democratic traditions of building consensus. Discuss with relevant examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"Bail not jail\" is the cardinal principle that upholds the sacrosanct ideal of individual's liberty and dignity. Explain the statement, citing various case laws. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Dispute redressal is the most important component of cooperative federalism. How does the Interstate Council facilitate the resolution of disputes related to states in India, and what are the challenges associated with this process? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Despite its vital role for the smooth functioning of the body politic, constitutional punctuality remains conspicuous by its absence. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"Electoral bond was brought in as a reform that was high on intent but has proved to be low on substance. Do you agree? Justify. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Considering the non-enforceable nature of fundamental duties and directive principles of state policy, critically examine their impact in socio-political norms. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Referring to the case laws through which the collegium system in India evolved, critically assess its functioning. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Democracy thrives on disagreements; critical and dissenting voices make a society vibrant. In your opinion, do limitations on hate speech infringe right to freedom of speech and expression? Discuss how hate speech impacts the society and ways to restrain it. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Why is it important to ensure separation of powers between various organs of the State? Also, explain Indian model of separation of power with relevant provisions in the constitution. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"What do you understand by the First Past the Post System (FPPS)? Why was FPPS preferred over the Proportional Representation (PR) system for elections to the Lok Sabha/Vidhan Sabha? Also, critically examine the consequences of this preference. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Compare the position of the Speaker in Indian and British parliamentary system? Also, discuss various controversies related to functioning of Office of Speaker in Indian context and suggest corresponding reforms. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Why was parliamentary form of government adopted for independent India? Do you agree with the opinion that Indian government is increasingly transitioning towards presidential form? Justify. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"The Representation of People's Act, the bedrock of free and fair elections in the country, has failed to keep pace with the contemporary challenges. Highlighting the shortcomings in the legislation, suggest reforms to make it more effective. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":840,"topper":"Amritanshu Nayak","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/83666-1062113_1814_amritanshu_nayak_rank_110.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Analyse the impact of the Persian invasions on the Indian culture.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"The cultural imprints of India's engagement with East Asia can be witnessed in both the regions. Elucidate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"State the salient features of the Bhakti movement in the medieval period. Also, discuss its role in the growth of regional languages in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"With examples of contribution of various rulers, discuss the evolution of Mughal architecture in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Give an account of the Greco-Buddhist art that developed in different parts of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"Give an account of the factors that led to the emergence of Jainism and Buddhism in ancient India. Also highlight their fundamental teachings.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Colonialism in India gained foothold in distinct stages with debilitating impact on the Indian economy. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"The Swarajists played a crucial role in the nationalist movement, but they had their own limitations. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"Highlight the major weaknesses and reasons behind the decline of Later Mughals.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Identifying the social and religious evils prevalent in 19th century India, explain how the social reform movements sought to eradicate them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"Provide an account of the role played by India's capitalist class during the Indian National Movement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Throw light on the role played by Bal Gangadhar Tilak in India's freedom struggle.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"How did the Moderates and Extremists differ in their ideology, methods and goals during the Indian National Movement?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"The Swadeshi Movement is considered as a watershed moment in India's freedom struggle. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Explaining the reasons for adoption of the policy of appeasement, highlight its role in the rise of fascist powers in the events preceding World War II.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Bring out the social and political conditions in Russia that led to the October Revolution in 1917.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Explaining the term Non-alignment, discuss the rationale behind its adoption in the post-colonial era.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Bring out the differences between colonialism and imperialism, with suitable examples.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":841,"topper":"Amritanshu Nayak","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a6ebc-1062113_1812_amritanshu_nayak_rank_110.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"What are the basic functions of a constitution? Illustrate in the context of the Indian Constitution.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Highlighting the functions of National Green Tribunal, discuss its importance and limitations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"Bring out the difference between the First Past the Post (FPTP) and Proportional Representation (PR) systems. Also, explain the merits and demerits of each for a country like India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"The Indian Constitution strikes a balance between flexibility and rigidity. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"What is a pressure group? Describing the functions that it performs, explain how it is different from a political party.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Mentioning the functions that are performed by the UPSC, discuss its working as the 'watchdog of the merit system' in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"What are the various instruments available to the legislature to uphold the accountability of the executive in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss the federal and unitary features of the Indian Constitution.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"Compare and contrast the Indian Judicial system with the American Judicial system.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Give an account of the functions performed by the National Commission for Backward Classes.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"Explain the significance of local bodies in strengthening the democratic spirit in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"Highlighting the reasons behind judicial pendency in India, mention the steps, which can be taken to address this problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"The position of Legislative Councils in State Legislatures is much weaker than the Rajya Sabha in Parliament. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Explaining the meaning of Contempt of Court, discuss the arguments that are advanced in its favour as well as against it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"What are the grounds of disqualification of membership of the Parliament and state legislatures, as mentioned in The Representation of People Act 1951?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"Explain the procedure through which the Constitution of India can be amended. Also, discuss its limitations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"The Union list prevails over the other lists in terms of distribution of legislative powers in the Indian Constitution. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"The doctrine of Separation of Powers is the bedrock of Indian parliamentary democracy. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":55,"question":"Explaining the power of the President to promulgate ordinances, mention the various limitations that exist in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":58,"question":"Despite often being described as \"first among equals\", the position of the Prime Minister vis-a-vis other ministers in the Council of Ministers is one of pre-eminence. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":842,"topper":"Amritanshu Nayak","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/79288-1062113_1817_amritanshu_nayak_rank_110.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Enumerate the achievements of the National Green Tribunal (NGT). Also give an account of the issues associated with its functioning.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Identify the major reasons behind forest fires and challenges faced in managing them in India. Also, highlight various steps taken for forest fire management in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"Explaining the meaning of Gross Environment Product (GEP), highlight its significance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Highlight the various factors that contribute to biodiversity loss. Also mention various approaches of biodiversity conservation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"Describe the different types of biological disasters and highlight the challenges in their management in India. Suggest measures to address them as well.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the significance of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Give an account of the various issues related to e-waste management in India. What measures are required by different stakeholders to address these issues?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"What are the major reasons behind the occurrence of industrial disasters in India? Suggest measures to prevent such disasters.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"Identify the different sources of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from agricultural activities. Also suggest measures to reduce these emissions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Highlighting the reasons behind the occurrence of landslides, discuss various methods to mitigate their impact.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"What are Bioindicators? Using examples, illustrate their importance in the assessment of quality of environment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"What do you understand by community based disaster management (CBDM)? Highlight its significance for disaster preparedness in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Enumerate the various abiotic factors that lead to variations in the conditions of different habitats. Also, elaborate upon the ways in which organisms respond to such changes.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Explain the Disaster Management Cycle by stressing upon the significance of each of its critical stages with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Harmful algal bloom (HAB) not only has adverse economic and environmental effects but is also detrimental to human health. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Explaining the reasons behind recurring droughts in India, highlight the challenges faced in drought management.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"Enumerating the major causes of land degradation, highlight the remedial measures, which can be taken in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"What do you understand by Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)? How does it differ from Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"Despite its comprehensive coverage, the National Disaster Management Plan has several drawbacks, which act as impediments in achieving its objectives. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":55,"question":"Enumerating the reasons behind depleting groundwater levels in India, highlight the steps taken by the government to address this issue.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":843,"topper":"Amritanshu Nayak","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c304f-1062113_1828_amritanshu_nayak_rank_110.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Discuss the significance of the International Solar Alliance and highlight the initiatives taken by it in recent times. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":3,"question":"Identify the factors behind the problem of low agricultural productivity in India. What initiatives have been taken by the government to address this problem? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Despite pulses providing dual benefits of nutritional security and sustaining agricultural production systems, India has not been able to achieve self-sufficiency in their production. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"What do you understand by methanol economy? Critically discuss its role in achieving India's energy security and economic prosperity. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Despite many initiatives towards road safety, India accounts for 11% of the global death in road accidents with about 1% of the world's vehicles. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Increasing the share of rail freight in the overall modal mix could present a golden opportunity for India to shift to an efficient freight paradigm. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The Major Port Authorities Act, 2021, seeks to grant greater autonomy and flexibility to the major ports and professionalise their governance. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Analyse the need for shifting from presumptive land titling to conclusive land titling system in India. Also, highlight the hurdles in its implementation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"In light of various issues being faced, discuss the need for a revamped and need-based PDS in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Planning for the potential long-term impacts of climate change on agriculture needs to be prioritised to mitigate threats it poses to India's food security. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Private sector participation in the operations of Indian Railways can provide a solution to the multiple issues that it faces. Discuss. Also, highlight the features of the Bharat Gaurav Scheme in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"Discuss how the India Digital Ecosystem of Agriculture (IDEA) will help the government in increasing farmers' income and improving efficiency of the agriculture sector as a whole. Also, state the associated concerns. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Owing to rapid depletion of water resources, there is an urgent need to increase water use efficiency. In this context, discuss the status of irrigation in India and challenges faced. Also, suggest suitable measures to address the challenges. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Dairying is a viable livelihood option for a large section of the population. In this context, discuss the significance, challenges faced and associated government initiatives for the dairy sector in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Food subsidy bill is becoming an \"unmanageably large\" expenditure for the government. In this context, analyse the need for revisiting the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Food processing industry provides a vital link between the two pillars of the economy, i.e. agriculture and industry. In view of this, examine the constraints faced by the agri-food supply chain system in India. Suggest suitable solutions as well. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Availability of adequate storage infrastructure has a direct bearing on agricultural yield and farmer's income. Comment. In this context, discuss the measures that can be undertaken to enhance India's agriculture storage capacity. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"A farmer-centric approach is required to realise the true potential of the animal husbandry sector in India and address the issues it faces. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Despite being one of the largest agricultural producers in the world, India's agricultural exports have been a laggard. In this context, discuss the issues that need to be addressed for India to emerge as a top global exporter. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"The imperative to increase farmer's income must shift to creating value chains and must not be reliant on the MSP regime and subsidy bias prevalent in the current Indian agricultural system. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":844,"topper":"Amritanshu Nayak","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/53b5b-1062113_2090_amritanshu_nayak_rank_110.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"What is the Doctrine of Severability? Discuss with the help of relevant judicial decisions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"The office of Governor needs to be transformed to preserve constitutional governance in India. Discuss in the light of recent controversies surrounding the Governors' office. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"\"Disturbing public order or inciting violence cannot be allowed under the garb of the freedom of speech and expression.\" Discuss with help of the recent Supreme Court judgment on hate speech. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss the role of the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) for the effective functioning of democracy in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What are the various ways in which emerging technologies can be utilised by civil servants in ensuring efficient public service delivery and affecting change in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"To what extent, in your opinion, has the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana been successful in promoting skill development and employment in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Examine the potential of the Bhu-Aadhaar project in bringing significant benefits to India's land management system. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss the different determinants of the occurrence of child labour in India. What measures can be taken to tackle the issue of child labour in the country? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Despite certain hiccups, recent developments suggest that continuity still looms large in the Indo-Bhutan relationship. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Critical Information Infrastructure has become a global good that requires global norms for its safeguard. What role can the G20 play to safeguard Critical Information Infrastructure? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The tussle between the legislature and judiciary culminated in the 'basic structure' doctrine in the Kesavananda Bharati case. Discuss. What is the significance of the case in limiting the power of the Parliament to amend the Constitution? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"\"The purpose of having a Constitution is to transform the society for the better and this objective is the fundamental pillar of transformative constitutionalism.\" Discuss with the help of recent case laws. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) are not just engaged in charitable work but also involved in political processes for building a just, peaceful, humane, and sustainable future. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Do you agree with the view that the deep-rooted problems in India's school education system cannot be solved by digital transformation alone? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"The deepening China-Russia strategic relationship has been described by some as the 'most consequential undeclared alliance in the world.' How can this alliance impact India's national interest? What strategies should India adopt to protect her interests? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":845,"topper":"Amritanshu Nayak","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Amritanshu-Nayak-UPSC-2023-Rank-110-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"The STEM sector provides opportunities for India to become a leader in knowledge economy; however, there is a need to democratise its access in order to harness its complete potential. Analyse. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Defense indigenization remains the Achilles heel of India's security architecture. Examine the importance of startups in defense sector to make India secure and self-reliant. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"DPI (Digital Public Infrastructure) is indispensable for digitally enabling citizens and businesses; however, the challenges of exclusion, exploitation, and monopolisation cannot be ignored. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Project cheetah marks a departure from India's efforts for conservation of various critically-endangered species. In this perspective, do you think the reintroduction of major fauna that has gone extinct is justified? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What do you understand by green growth? With special reference to the budget 2023-2024, discuss various government measures to propel green growth in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Unplanned urbanization has made Indian cities vulnerable to fire safety hazards. Discuss and recommend measures for mitigating urban fires, with special reference to national building code, 2016. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Edge in modern warfare lies not so much in the capacity to overwhelm the adversary as much in the ability to nip the threat in the bud. In this context, discuss the role of intelligence in maintaining national security, and also cite challenges associated. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Highlighting different kinds of cyberthreats faced by India, evaluate the current status of cybersecurity framework in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Money laundering is a global problem that cannot be solved by isolated responses. Discuss the statement and also suggest ways to curb the menace. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Assess the relevance of the NISAR mission in observing and managing climate change and natural hazards. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"What do you understand by nanotechnology? In what ways can nano-technology aid in socio-economic growth of the country? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Warming ocean temperatures, oxygen loss and ocean acidification form a deadly trio for marine ecosystem that can have irreversible repercussions for environment as well as economy. Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Examine the factors that heightens the vulnerability of Indian cities to urban floods. In light of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) guidelines on urban floods, discuss suitable mitigation and management strategy. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Though Naxalism is showing a downward trend, it is not only thriving in its core areas of influence but also changing its form. Analysing the reason for its retreat, underline the factors behind its continuance. Also, discuss measures towards eliminating LWE from the country altogether. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Across sectors and regions, the most marginalised sections are also the most affected by the impacts of climate change. Explain. Also, present a case for a climate resilient model of development that integrates mitigation and adaptation measures. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Though ethnic fault lines are a major threat, security challenges in the North-East are not confined to the same. Discuss the statement with special reference to Manipur. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Critically examine the role of development initiatives in addressing the root causes of insurgency/ terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"What do you understand by generative Artificial Intelligence (AI)? How can policymakers and regulatory bodies effectively address the concerns and challenges posed by generative AI? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":846,"topper":"Amritanshu Nayak","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Amritanshu-Nayak-UPSC-2023-Rank-110-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Investment in infrastructure is a precursor to social and economic transformation; however, the focus on economic gains must not marginalise the concerns for safety. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Do you think the low Female Labor Force Participation Rate presents a correct picture about the 'working women' in India's economy? Give reasons in support of your answer. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Outcome budget convert outlays into outcomes. Examine various advantages and disadvantages of outcome budgeting and assess its status in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"What do you understand by inclusive growth? Is economic growth sufficient to ensure inclusive growth? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Evaluate the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) in addressing the challenges of Public Private Partnership (PPP) in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Analyse the role of fisheries in nutrition security, livelihood generation, and economic growth. What are the major challenges faced by the fisheries sector? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"In what ways can precision agriculture become a panacea for multipronged challenges plaguing the agriculture sector? Discuss. Also, analyse various impediments in widespread adoption of precision farming in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Agriculture subsidy regime in its present form fuels economic inefficiency and creates ecological imbalance. In this perspective, examine various issues related to farm subsidies. Also, recommend measures to rationalise the same. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Despite their flaws in limiting access to larger market and poor price realization for agricultural produce, APMCs have their utility. Analyse the statement and suggest reforms in agriculture marketing in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Cropping pattern in the country does not concur with the agro-climatic reality, leading to unintended and undesirable consequences. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Labour and export intensive industries are key to problems of jobless growth. In this perspective, analyse the opportunities and challenges associated with the textile sector. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"What do you understand from Liberalisation, Privatisation and Globalisation (LPG)? Examine the effects of LPG reforms on different sectors of Indian economy. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"In the financial year 2021-22, Indian merchandise exports have crossed the 400 billion USD mark. Identify the reasons for this spectacular performance of Indian exports and suggest reforms to further boost the exports. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Examine the advantages of adopting new computation methodology for calculation of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2015. Also, discuss the limitations of using GDP as a measure of development of a country. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"In an era of interconnected challenges, the emerging global polycrisis poses significant implications for India's macroeconomic stability. Examine and suggest measures to make the Indian economy more resilient to global shocks and challenges. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"What are the reasons for increasing emphasis on the horticulture sector in recent years? Evaluate government measures for the development of the horticulture sector. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Despite the potential to check the triple whammy of nutritional deficiency, environmental degradation, and receding farm incomes, the adoption of Millets has been abysmally low. Analyse. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Reforms in Public distribution system (PDS) and Food Corporation of India (FCI) are two sides of the same coin. Discuss the statement along with suitable reforms in PDS and FCI. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Discuss the rationale behind declaring Minimum Support Price (MSP) and various issues related to MSP regime in the country. Do you think that providing legal backing to MSP is necessary and sufficient for making farming financially sustainable? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"A link between unorganized farming community and formal industrial sector, FPI can play a key role in advancing the rural economy. Evaluate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":847,"topper":"Amritanshu Nayak","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2956e-1062113_2070_amritanshu_nayak_rank_110.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Differentiating between courage and bravery, discuss why courage is often thought of as the first of all virtues. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Discuss how social, cultural and religious factors act as determinants of ethics. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Bring out the relevance of the teachings of Gautam Buddha in contemporary times. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"If one takes care of the means the end will take care of itself. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Explain the relevance of the following in the context of civil services: (150 words) 10 (i) Impersonality (ii) Anonymity (iii) Perseverance (iv) Fairness","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"With the help of relevant examples, bring out the difference between the following: (150 words) 10 (i) Intelligence Quotient and Emotional Quotient (ii) Attitude and Aptitude","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do you understand by political neutrality? Explain its significance in public service. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"There is more to integrity than honesty. Illustrate with examples. Also, suggest ways to inculcate integrity as a value in civil services. (150words)10","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What do you understand by probity? Why is it considered essential for good governance? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Although utilitarianism is arguably the most reason-based approach to determining right and wrong, it has obvious limitations. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What do you understand by ethical dilemma? Explain with examples, how it can lead to crisis of conscience. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"What is code of conduct? How is it different from code of ethics? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":38,"question":"The promotion of harmful products like liquor, tobacco, etc. through mass media and advertisements have been banned in India. However, many companies are roping in big celebrities to promote these harmful products and brands through surrogate advertisement. In the disguise of another product, surrogate advertising is used to promote regulated products, like cigarettes and alcohol, There have been many debates on this issue, particularly in recent times, with many arguing that such advertisements should be banned altogether. In this context, answer the following: (a) What are the ethical issues involved in surrogate advertising? (b) Suggest steps that can be taken to address these type of advertisements in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"Climate change and environmental degradation have caused havoc globally. It has repercussions on the life and livelihood of each and every individual on the planet. Despite its huge impact, climate change and environmental conservation have not become an electoral issue in India. Globally, green parties are making strides, albeit gradually. In countries like Netherlands, Sweden and Australia, they have begun to make a mark in electoral politics. In In Jia, however, there is no such development. (a) In your view, why has politics in India not seen it's 'green moment' yet? (b) Do you think people in India are generally apathetic to climate change and environment related issues? Suggest some initiatives to bring about a change in the attitude of the people towards the issue.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":848,"topper":"Amritanshu Nayak","air":110,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/14d1c-1062113_1837_amritanshu_nayak_rank_110.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":849,"topper":"Amritanshu Nayak","air":110,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e9924-1062113_2081_amritanshu_nayak_rank_110.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":850,"topper":"Amritanshu Nayak","air":110,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Amritanshu-Nayak-UPSC-2023-Rank-110-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":851,"topper":"Amritpal Kaur","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/411586_1070_Amritpal_Kaur_Rank_44.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Shrenis were very sound and stable institutions, and enjoyed considerable moral and social prestige not only among their own members, but in society at large. In light of the statement, explain the significant aspects of Shrenis or Guilds in ancient India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Marathas failed to fill the political vacuum created by the decline of the Mughal Empire because of a number of reasons. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The East India Company as a political power had long been dead, what the Act of 1858 did was to give its corpse a decent burial. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Spanish Civil War though fought locally, had far reaching and widespread significance. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss how the culture of consumption has played a crucial role in the process of globalisation especially in shaping the growth of cities in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Although it was outlawed 25 years ago, manual scavenging continues to be prevalent in India. Analysing the reasons behind this problem, discuss what can be done to address it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Explain the concept of soil liquefaction. Illustrate how it manifests during seismic events. What preventive steps can be taken to minimise its impact? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Identify the factors that determine density of ocean waters. Discuss the latitudinal distribution of density and explain the seasonal changes that occur, if any. Also, illustrate its relationship with ocean currents. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The views of Gandhi, Nehru and Bose broadly represented the major strands of debate on the question of India's support to British efforts in World War-II. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Even as the British tried to suppress it at every conceivable opportunity, the vernacular press played a crucial role in the freedom movement. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Explain the issues that shaped the Assam Movement. In this context, also comment on the significance of the Assam Accord of 1985. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the diverse processes through which nation-states and nationalism came into being in nineteenth-century Europe. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss why women continue to bear an uneven burden of the terminal methods of family planning in India. What can be done to address this unevenness? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Secularism in India is based on the idea of equal respect for all religions rather than strict separation of state and religion. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are jet streams? How do they influence rainfall in India? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Illustrating the mountain building process that led to the formation of Himalayas, elaborate why they are often referred to as young and restless mountains. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"What do you understand by Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM)? How does National Water Policy, 2012 try to promote IWRM? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":852,"topper":"Amritpal Kaur","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/411586_1068_Amritpal_Kaur_Rank_44.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"There are many challenges in sustainably scaling up renewable energy in India. Analyse. Also, discuss what can be done to address these challenges. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The policies and indicators introduced by the government, in recent times, to finance urban development in India are key in addressing the existing challenges. Discuss with special reference to municipal bonds. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"With a number of issues continuing to be a roadblock, a large section of India's rural population is still 'financially excluded'. Discuss. Analyse how these issues can be addressed and the measures taken by the government and RBI recently in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'Environmental Accounting'? Discussing the rationale behind introducing environmental accounting, highlight its status in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"While access to irrigation is important, efficiency of water use is equally, if not more, crucial. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"For a holistic approach to disaster risk reduction, there is a need to mainstream indigenous traditional knowledge and link it with modern technologies. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do you understand by food irradiation? Highlighting some of its unique applications, examine its relevance for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Whereas misuse of technology has abetted the spread of fake news, it is with the aid of technology that this menace can be curbed. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Explain the salient features of the recently established Defence Planning Committee. How can it help in credible defence preparedness? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Recent reports of Maoist leaders having amassed huge assets in property and cash underlines the significance of probing the funding network as part of counter-terrorism efforts. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Not only do services MSMEs contribute mightily to the overall GDP growth, they have a powerful, multiplier impact on the local economies as well. Elaborating on the statement, highlight the problems faced by service sector MSMEs. How can the government make it easier for MSMEs to start and grow a business? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Contract Farming has many advantages, however it suffers from market failures. Elaborate. What can the government do to correct problems that lead to contract failures? Also, discuss whether the Model Contract Farming Act, 2018 is a step in the right direction. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Suggest the measures needed to improve the employability of labour force as well as increasing number of employment opportunities in light of structural changes being brought by disruptive technologies. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"India's trade policy in agriculture, marred by ad-hocism and pro-consumer bias, has constrained realization of export potential, and prevented the farmers from reaping the benefits. Examine the statement and discuss ways, including government initiatives, to improve agricultural exports. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Is currency exchange rate a suitable measure of relative economic performance of countries? Despite improving macro-economic fundamentals, trade deficit in India continues to widen. Bring out the factors responsible for this situation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"It will take much more than relief packages to address the problems being faced by the sugar industry in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"NAPCC, almost 10 years old and formulated with lofty objectives, has not served as the best answer to cope with the impacts of climate change. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Proliferation of nuclear weapons and the threat of their use are key concerns for global security nonetheless existing international arrangements seem to be ineffective. Comment. Also, identify the salient features of India's policy in this context and discuss whether India should join the NPT in the current form. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The maritime security domain requires collective multilateral and regional cooperation to combat non traditional threats. Discuss in the context of Djibouti Code of Conduct. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India's space programme was initiated with the vision of utilising outer space for peaceful purposes, however with changing times it has the potential to play a significant role in strengthening security capabilities of India. Discuss with adequate examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":853,"topper":"Amritpal Kaur","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/411586_1071_Amritpal_Kaur_Rank_44.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) is more than just the keeper of our national accounts; it is also a conscience-keeper and a watchdog. Examine the statement in light of making the auditing process more effective. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The concern for transparency in political funding is at odds with the Electoral Bond Scheme notified by the government. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Lobbying in India exists in a perennially grey legal and policy arena. In this context, discuss the need to formally recognize and regulate lobbying in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"More than a decade after it was passed, the implementation of the RTI Act leaves much to be desired. Comment. Also discuss the issues associated with the recent proposals to amend the RTI Act. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Critically discuss the evolving policy on reservation in promotions in India with special focus on its ability to meet the objectives of social justice. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"India produces enough food for its people, but not all people get enough food to eat. Discussing this paradox, highlight some of the major interventions taken in the past few years in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"India sees Indian Ocean as not just a water body, but a global stage for continued economic, social, and cultural dialogue. Elaborate.(150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In the context of India taking greater responsibility in management of the global commons, there has been a shift in India's climate change negotiation stance. In this context, analyze the evolution of India's climate policy. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlighting the constitutional role of the Finance Commission (FC), discuss the issues which are being debated w.r.t. terms of reference (ToR) of the 15th Finance Commission. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The spirit of the constitution of India represents a synthesis of Indian values, democratic and socialist movements in west and our independence movement. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"What is the importance of an independent judiciary in a democracy? Highlight the safeguards in our political-constitutional setup to ensure the independence of judiciary. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Even though Indian federalism has matured quite a bit, with states having far greater control of their economic and political management, serious structural problems still remain. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The recent amendments to the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 strike a balance between enforcement overzealousness and the need for stringent action against corrupt public servants. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Identifying the various issues plaguing the voluntary sector in India, discuss the need for a national accreditation agency to overcome them. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Given the importance of a teacher in affecting the learning outcomes of children, discuss the problems in the present system of teacher training in India. How can these be addressed? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The implementation of a scheme with such scale and benefit as Ayushman Bharat is likely to face many obstacles. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Given the fact that India cannot match China's financial clout, it is seen to be diversifying the ways in which it can enhance cooperation and promote its diplomatic profile in Africa. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Discuss how American sanctions on its adversaries affect India. Taking the example of CAATSA, analyse how India can shield its strategic interests in face of such sanctions. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":854,"topper":"Amritpal Kaur","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b040a-411586_1069_amritpal_kaur_rank_44.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Growing awareness about terminal as well as mental illness has given credence to the idea of \"living wills\". What is a living will? Discuss the ethical issues to be considered from an individual as well as social perspective to formulate and implement it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"In order to improve the bureaucratic work culture and productivity, there is a need to downsize government and privatize some of the services. Critically discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Examine the contemporary relevance of Gandhiji's talisman as a means of resolving ethical dilemmas in day to day life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"\"Intelligence plus character-that is the goal of true education.\" Assess whether such an objective can be achieved within the existing system of education in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"\"A blanket prohibition of criticism of the policies of the Government is invalid and void, and it makes no difference if the person criticizing happens to be a government servant.\" Critically discuss in the context of Civil Service Conduct Rules, 1964.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"\"Man by nature is a political animal\". Explain with reference to Aristotle's idea of the state in life of the society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"What are the factors that have influenced the contemporary attitude of the state and the society towards homosexuality in India? Also, comment on the changing attitude and the factors driving this change.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"With behavioural issues and suicides among children on the rise, teachers and parents need to play an active part in ensuring mental well-being. Discuss. Also, explain the importance of emotional intelligence in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"The policy of Dhamma advocated by Ashoka through his edicts remains relevant in the context of issues in public life even today. Elucidate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Arguably, poverty is not only a matter of statistics. It is a reflection on the kind of society we live in. In this context, discuss the ethical implications for a society that witnesses high incidence of poverty.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Every superstition cannot be removed by the force of law. For that, a mental change is necessary. Comment. Also, explain how educators and public figures can help in eradicating superstition and instilling scientific temper among people.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"There have been reports of repeat instances of mob lynching in different states of India. It has been pointed out that these presumably faceless mobs gather impromptu on the basis of unverified information on issues that affect the collective conscience of the society such as child trafficking, sexual harassment, cow slaughter etc. Most of the people don't even regret their action of violating the law and even get away with committing such a heinous crime. (a) What are the socio-psychological factors that motivate people to join the mob and kill fellow human beings? (b) Identify the implications of increasing crime of lynching on society. (c) Examine the role of social media in recent instances of mob lynching. As a law enforcement officer, how will you prevent such incidents from happening in your district?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"We live in a time when almost everything can be bought and sold. Over the past few years, markets and market values have come to govern our lives as never before. Today the logic of buying and selling no longer applies to material good alone but increasingly governs the whole of life. However, there is a wide spread realization that markets have become detached from morals and we need to somehow reconnect them. The use of markets to allocate social goods has also been a cause of concern. In this context, answer the following: 20 (a) Is greed wholly a vice or a trait of character that has both positive and negative sides? Could you relate it to the utilitarian philosophy that emphasizes pursuit of self interest by individuals as the basis of economic well being? (b) Are there some things that money shouldn't buy? Illustrate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":855,"topper":"Anakha K Vijay","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ANAKHA-K-VIJAY-UPSC-2023-Rank-220-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Before the borders are broken the minds are invaded.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Talent and passion are only useful tools if one has the work ethic to back them up.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The opportunity of interfaith dialogue: modern solution for globalised world.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The only impossible journey is the one you never begin.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Science applied is the engine of humanity.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":856,"topper":"Anakha K Vijay","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ANAKHA-K-VIJAY-UPSC-2023-Rank-220-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Foreign trade is an important milestone on the path of becoming a 5 trillion USD economy. In this context, analyse the potential of the recently released Foreign Trade Policy, 2023 in revamping India's participation in global trade. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Social protection schemes are an integral aspect of a welfare economy; however, the principles of fiscal prudence cannot be ignored. Discuss, with special reference to Old Pension Scheme (OPS). (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand from Agristack? To what extent can it become a panacea for the problems plaguing the farm sector. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The objective of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to provide a long term and equitable solution to the dilemma between free trade and food security has remained unfulfilled. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Even after five decades of the Stockholm conference, narrowing the gaps between the targets and actions remains one of the biggest challenges towards reversing climate change. Discuss. Also, recommend measures for building a coherent actionable strategy to tackle climate change. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What are the impediments in management of E-waste in the country? In what ways can the trinity of citizens, businesses, and the government tackle this menace? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How does nuclear fusion differ from nuclear fission? Assess the relevance of nuclear energy in resolving the global energy security dilemma? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are run of the river hydroelectric projects? How far can run of the river hydroelectric projects balance ecological conservation with socio-economic development? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":857,"topper":"Anakha K Vijay","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ANAKHA-K-VIJAY-UPSC-2023-Rank-220-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) sector provides opportunities for India to become a leader in knowledge economy; however, there is a need to democratise its access in order to harness its complete potential. Analyse. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Defense indigenization remains the Achilles heel of India's security architecture. Examine the importance of startups in defense sector to make India secure and self-reliant. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"DPI (Digital Public Infrastructure) is indispensable for digitally enabling citizens and businesses; however, the challenges of exclusion, exploitation, and monopolisation cannot be ignored. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Project cheetah marks a departure from India's efforts for conservation of various critically-endangered species. In this perspective, do you think the reintroduction of major fauna that has gone extinct is justified? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What do you understand from Green growth? With special reference to the budget 2023-2024, discuss various government measures to propel green growth in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Unplanned urbanization has made Indian cities vulnerable to fire safety hazards. Discuss and recommend measures for mitigating urban fires, with special reference to national building code, 2016. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Edge in modern warfare lies not so much in the capacity to overwhelm the adversary as much in the ability to nip the threat in the bud. In this context, discuss the role of intelligence in maintaining national security, and also cite challenges associated. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Highlighting different kinds of cyberthreats faced by India, evaluate the current status of cybersecurity framework in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Money laundering is a global problem that cannot be solved by isolated responses. Discuss the statement and also suggest ways to curb the menace. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Assess the relevance of the NISAR mission in observing and managing climate change and natural hazards. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"What do you understand by nanotechnology? In what ways can nano-technology aid in socio-economic growth of the country? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Warming ocean temperatures, oxygen loss and ocean acidification form a deadly trio for marine ecosystem that can have irreversible repercussions for environment as well as economy. Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Examine the factors that heightens the vulnerability of Indian cities to urban floods. In light of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) guidelines on urban floods, discuss suitable mitigation and management strategy. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Though Naxalism is showing a downward trend, it is not only thriving in its core areas of influence but also changing its form. Analysing the reason for its retreat, underline the factors behind its continuance. Also, discuss measures towards eliminating LWE from the country altogether. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":858,"topper":"Anakha K Vijay","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ANAKHA-K-VIJAY-UPSC-2023-Rank-220-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Where the roots of private virtue are diseased, the fruit of public probity cannot be corrupt. What do you understand by probity? Discuss ways of inculcating probity in public life. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Evaluate the role of citizen's charter in making governance citizen centric. Also, recommend some measures to make citizen's charters more effective. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"While successful managers make profit for their organizations, it is leaders who build successful organizations. In light of this statement, differentiate between a manager and a leader. Examine why leadership is considered a foundational value for a civil servant. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Right to Information Act, 2005, aims to make the governance process transparent and accountable, however, the sunshine legislation is beset with several challenges. Analyse. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Uniform Civil Code (UCC) aims to create a common set of laws governing personal matters, such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption, irrespective of individuals' religious affiliations. In the context of the ongoing discourse on UCC in India, examine the challenges that arise when attempting to reconcile legal principles with diverse moral considerations. To what extent should the law be influenced by moral/religious principles? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"\"Why should a man be moral? Because it strengthens his will.\" - Swami Vivekanand. In this perspective, discuss the significance of morality for bringing efficiency and effectiveness in public administration. Do you think moral rigidity can be a hindrance in good governance? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Civil servants who embody emotional intelligence exhibit a profound understanding of the human aspect of governance, enabling them to cultivate meaningful relationships, foster cooperation, and drive positive change. Examine ways in which Emotional Intelligence can be inculcated in civil servants. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":859,"topper":"Anand Kumar Meena","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/aa258-6189_873_anand_kumar_meena_rank_865.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The more remotely power is exercised from the people, the greater is the distance between authority and accountability. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"\"If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion\". In what ways can a compassionate public official be more useful for realizing public service goals?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"The recent decision by the government to ban use of red beacons is only a symbolic gesture and a lot more needs to be done to end the VIP culture in India. Critically discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"To what extent can financial incentives help shape attitude towards social issues? Discuss with relevant examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"At times, moral behaviour can be constrained by the complexity of legal system. Explain. In this context, explain the purpose of legal protection for good samaritans in the case of road accidents.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Examine the different ethical issues involved in the use of public shaming as a punitive measure. Do you think this is an appropriate measure to address the problem of rising crime rates.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Why did Gunnar Myrdal use the term 'soft state' in the context of South Asia? Do you think such a characterisation is still relevant in the case of India today?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Intolerance can be linked both to prejudices and value judgments. Elaborate with relevant examples. Also discuss how intolerance can be countered in a multicultural society like India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Social attitude towards corruption has become more forgiving with time leading to a view of illegal gains and misappropriation of public assets as a \"rightful\" individual prerogative. Analyse in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"What are the factors which draw people to public service? Suggest measures to keep public servants motivated.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Corporate Governance provides a framework that defines the rights, roles and responsibilities of various groups within an organization. (a) Elaborate the need to incorporate the principles of Corporate Governance to enhance the effectiveness of the public sector enterprises. (b) Identify the challenges specific to the public sector when it comes to the application of good practices of corporate governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Emotions, earlier considered as an irrational factor in decision-making, are now recognised as a critical factor of judgment. In this regard, answer the following questions: (a) How can Emotional Intelligence help in coping with the intense pressure and occupational stress faced by police officers and armed forces in discharge of their duties? (b) What are the some of the concerns in incorporating and assessment of emotional intelligence skills in public service?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"You, a manager in one of the top IT firms in the country, are tasked with hiring new recruits for an upcoming project. You find that the company has given tacit instructions of not hiring female candidates in view of the new maternity law passed by the Government. You find this highly objectionable and lodge a protest with people in the higher management but they are firm as they want to cut down all the unnecessary costs. Based on this information, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the stakeholders and their interests in the situation. (b) What are the dilemmas that a recruiting manager may face in such a scenario? (c) What are the different options available to you? Which one will you pursue and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"There has been a perceptible rise in the cost of healthcare services provided by private hospitals. In absence of adequate and quality government hospitals, people are forced to opt for private hospitals, especially for life threatening diseases and injuries. You recently visit one of your friends admitted in a famous private hospital. You found out that the hospital is charging a huge amount of money, which seems to be unreasonable. You confront the staff and ask them to explain the rationale behind such high charges. Their response is that the charges are fair for the kind of services they are providing. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in this situation? (b) Given how other professions price their services, discuss the feasibility of capping the amount of fees charged by doctors and private hospitals. (c) How can the provision of quality services and need for profit be reconciled with society's interests in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"You are the District Magistrate in a district where a significant number of transgenders reside. While discrimination against the community is well known, commuters increasingly complain of harassment at their hands, especially at traffic junctions where transgenders are mostly involved in begging. This, at times, also leads to traffic management issues. You have received a number of complaints in this regard and have to act quickly to resolve it. However, a group of transgender associations argue that begging is their only source of livelihood. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Describe the ethical issues involved in this case. Discuss the attitude of people towards transgenders in general and reasons for the same. (b) What possible courses of action can be undertaken in such situations? Discuss their merits and demerits.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Mr. X is the head of an NGO working in the field of environment conservation and protection. He is in dire need of funds for the NGO's operations and payments to his staff. He is approached by an official of a large infrastructure company, who is ready to provide the required funding for the NGO. But, in a quid pro quo, he asks Mr. X to raise objections over the bypassing of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) norms in an ongoing PPP project through his NGO. This project is being implemented by a rival infrastructure company. Mr. X knows that there have been instances of high level corruption in the process of granting EIA to mega projects and the information provided by the official seems to be authentic. Hence, he accepts the money and agrees to raise the objection. (a) Considering the circumstances of the case, is Mr. X correct in accepting the money? Give appropriate reasons for your answer. (b) If you were in place of Mr. X, what would have been your course of action? Give reasons for it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"You are a civil servant posted in a state where elections were recently held. The newly elected Chief Minister had promised to ban alcohol in several of his election campaigns as well as his election manifesto, which was widely praised and supported by women of the state. Fulfilling his electoral promise, the Chief Minister has ordered a blanket ban on the sale of alcohol in the state. Following the ban, concerns have been raised about the feasibility of the ban and whether the government should interfere in what is considered by many to be a matter of personal choice. (a) Who are the stakeholders in this case and how are they affected by the ban? (b) Is blanket ban on alcohol a feasible action? (c) Identify the issues that may arise while enforcing the ban and the steps you will take to handle them, as a civil servant.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"Regulation and procedure of human clinical trials vary from nation to nation. Stem cell research, as an emerging biomedical field, requires approval for human trials and encounters multiple challenges. You are the head of a team of scientists who developed a new Tissue Engineering system, which appears to be a promising means of regenerating heart tissue. Trials of the system have already been conducted on animals and yielded good results. Millions of people suffering from critical heart diseases would benefit immensely if this medication is immediately made available to them. However, you need to conduct human clinical trials before it could be commercialised. It is also known that the stringent regulatory environment in the country will mean that human trials and final approval will take many years before it is made commercially available. On the other hand, regulation of clinical trials in many poor countries is weak and quick approval is possible. Many of your competitors also resort to human trials in these countries, often bribing the officials for getting quick approvals. Given this situation, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the ethical issues which arise during clinical trials. (b) Given the above situation, would you prefer to shift human trials to a third country where regulations are lax? Give reasons in support of your choice. (c) Suggest a framework of standard procedure to minimise ethical conflicts and speed-up the approval process of new medicines.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":860,"topper":"Anand Kumar Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/85cf4-11009_759_anand_kumar_sharma_rank_62.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"India has the lowest tax-to-GDP ratio among countries with a similar per capita income on a purchasing power parity basis. Explain the reasons for the low tax-to-GDP ratio in India. What measures can be taken to correct this situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"In spite of various initiatives, the condition of the power sector still remains one of the core challenges for India. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Examine the reasons for poor performance of public sector banks in India. Give an account of the steps taken by the government and RBI to improve their performance. Also analyse whether the risks arising from the consolidation of the Indian banking sector outweigh the potential longer-term benefits.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Tax treaties intended to avoid double taxation have in many cases become instruments for double non-taxation. Elaborate. List the major amendments in the India-Mauritius DTAA and the advantages that are expected to accrue due to it.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":861,"topper":"Anand Kumar Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/f05a0-11009_758_anand_kumar_sharma_rank_62.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What role has the constitution envisaged for the Governor with respect to administration of Scheduled and Tribal Areas? Critically evaluate the success of provisions of Fifth and Sixth schedules in achieving their objectives.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"In view of the argument that governance is caught in a logjam of far too many checks and not enough balances, has the time arrived to have a relook at the powers of Rajya Sabha? Discuss keeping in mind the constitutional rationale and the role performed by Rajya Sabha over the years.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"The constitutional provisions relating to office of profit have been violated over the years in spirit, even as they have been adhered to in letter. Discuss in light of various judgment(s) of the Apex Court in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"While holding simultaneous elections to the Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies offers various advantages, it brings its own set of complexities. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"The right to live with dignity under Article 21 includes the right to die with dignity. Discuss in light of various judicial pronouncements by the Apex Court on this matter. Also, critically examine the various issues associated with the Medical Treatment of Terminally Ill Patients Bill 2016.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Inspite of 15 years of being in existence, it is often argued that MPLADS has failed to meet its objectives. Critically analyse along with reforms required to improve its implementation. Also discuss if this scheme should be discontinued in light of 73rd and 74th amendments to the constitution.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Mentioning the positions taken by the Supreme Court and the Government of India, examine the rationale behind the idea of National Court of Appeal (NCA).","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"In light of frequent droughts experienced in the country, efficient water management is the need of the hour. How far can Draft National Water Framework Bill, 2016 help in achieving this? Analyse its utility in tackling the issues of inter-state water disputes.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"It is often said that the Right to Information act is necessary, but not sufficient to improve governance. Do you agree? Also, examine the various structural, procedural and logistical issues with the act.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"While the Right to Education is based on the idea that every child should have an equal right to quality education, it has been facing challenges on various fronts. Comment. Can privatising education provide a solution to the problems being faced?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Enumerate the key rights being guaranteed by the Mental Health Care Bill, 2013 passed by the Rajya Sabha recently. Also examine the challenges in its implementation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Absence of a powerful and politically accountable leadership in the cities is considered as one of the primary reasons for urban woes. Do you think that direct election of mayor can help in overcoming this issue? What other alternatives can be explored for improving the working of urban local bodies?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"It is more difficult to escape the shadow of social discrimination than it is to break the shackles of economic backwardness. Discuss the statement in the context of Dalit capitalism and give an account of the problems that Dalit entrepreneurs have been facing. Also highlight the steps taken by the government in recent times to encourage Dalit empowerment via the market.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"South Asia, with India at its centre, is the fastest growing region for human trafficking in the world. In this context, examine the reasons for human trafficking in India. How does the Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2016 seek to address this issue?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Though India's performance in Olympics has improved over the years, our sports ecosystem continues to suffer from many deficiencies. Analyze. Enumerate the steps that can be taken to improve India's performance in multi-national sports events.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Though economic relations remain the backbone of the India-GCC relationship, both sides have been looking for new areas of cooperation to strengthen their political and strategic ties. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Whereas, on the one hand, multilateral institutions such as the United Nations and WTO are increasingly beset by logjam, on the other, regional and bilateral initiatives such as the TPP are gaining ground. Do you think India needs to review reliance on multilateralism in favour of bilateral and regional engagements?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Even though India has been steadfast in its commitment to non-proliferation, its relationship with the export control regimes has not been without challenges. Discuss. Also, evaluate the importance of India joining export control regimes.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Even though SAARC has remained a key aspect of India's neighbourhood policy, the efficacy of this regional grouping has been questioned in recent times. Discuss. Also critically examine the options available to India in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"The Indian diaspora is more prosperous than before and its involvement in India's development is increasing. How has India's engagement with its diaspora evolved over the years? Highlighting the initiatives taken by the government to fruitfully engage with the diaspora, comment on the emerging challenges in this context.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":862,"topper":"Anand Kumar Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/72ebc-11009_757_anand_kumar_sharma_rank_62.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Trace the evolution of cave architecture in India with special reference to their design, nature and wall paintings.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"With the help of examples, explain how Folk Paintings as an art form represent an array of human beliefs and cultural diversity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"\"The response to the Partition of Bengal was not a mere expression of Bengali sub-nationalism, but a resistance that carried in it the seeds of a coherent nationalist struggle for India's independence.\" Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"The economic interpretation of British Colonialism by Indian intelligentsia during 1870-1905 brought forward unpleasant facts about the foreign rule. Analyse this statement and assess the impact of these interpretations on the National Movement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"The role of women in Indian nationalism is well acknowledged, however, women who took part in armed struggle against the British are less known. In this context, examine the role played by Indian women in national movement with particular reference to revolutionary struggle.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"It has been argued that unlike the wars in 1962 and 1971, the war in 1965 was indecisive and brought neither victory nor peace to India. Critically analyse the proposition and also highlight how the experience of 1965 was helpful in the war of 1971.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss whether the agrarian movements which emerged from the late 1970's should be referred to as 'New' Farmers' Movements. In light of the problems faced by poor farmers and agricultural labourers, critically evaluate these movements.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Though both Bismarck and Sardar Patel played an important role in unifying their respective countries, yet given the different historical circumstances, the challenges faced by both and the strategies they adopted were different, Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Enumerate the reforms undertaken during the Gorbachev era and explain the reasons for undertaking these. To what extent could these reforms be held responsible for the breakup of the Soviet Union?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"While the impact of French Revolution was largely limited to the European countries, the Russian Revolution had a much wider impact across the globe. Critically analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Give an account of the factors which influence gender equality in basic education. What can be done to bridge the existing gender gap in this context?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"While state action alone cannot ensure social change, no social group howsoever weak or oppressed is only a victim. Examine the statement in the context of organised action for justice and dignity for manual scavengers in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Give an account of the factors driving people to migrate from the countryside to urban areas even if it entails living in slums. Highlight some important facts about slums unique to India. Also discuss some strategies which can be adopted for transforming India's slums.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Define flood plains and explain their significance. Also, examine how anthropogenic activities have contributed to recent instances of urban flooding.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Why do forest fires occur frequently in certain regions of India? Examine the ecological significance of forest fires and identify the measures to tackle the phenomenon.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"What are the different types of rainfall? Give an account of the world distribution of rainfall.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"The prevailing water crisis in the country is not about the unavailability of water rather the mismanagement of available resources. Do you agree? Discuss the short-term and long-term socio-economic impacts of the water crisis on India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Enlist the major fishing zones of the world along with the reasons for their distribution. Does India's deep sea fishing policy warrant a fresh look? Examine in context of the recommendations of the Meena Kumari committee on the matter.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"It has been observed that deltas formed by Indian rivers have been shrinking for the past few years. Discuss reasons for the same in context of different rates of shrinking of deltas of major rivers.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Why does the Arabian Sea experience fewer tropical cyclones as compared to the Bay of Bengal? Explain why tropical cyclones do not occur during the southwest monsoon season.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":863,"topper":"Anand Kumar Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e2f39-11009_873_anand_kumar_sharma_rank_62.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The more remotely power is exercised from the people, the greater is the distance between authority and accountability. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"\"If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion\". In what ways can a compassionate public official be more useful for realizing public service goals?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":864,"topper":"Anand Kumar Sharma","air":62,"year":2018,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/642be-11009_760_anand_kumar_sharma_rank_62.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":865,"topper":"Anand Malhotra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/90e22-1018150_1984_anand-malhotra_rank_67.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"To safeguard and uphold the freedom of speech and expression in India, it is imperative to adequately reform colonial laws that curtail free speech. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What do you understand by the 'doctrine of neutrality'? Explain its significance for constitutional offices in the Indian context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the role of pressure groups in a democratic country. Also, differentiate between pressure groups in India and developed countries. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlighting the factors that have led to increased instances of delegated legislation and administrative adjudication, discuss the issues associated with these. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Highlight the significance of Gram Nyayalayas in providing inexpensive and speedy justice to people in rural areas. Also mention the issues being faced by them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Enumerating the key objectives of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, discuss why the recent amendments in the act are seen as a matter of great concern for the development sector in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Dispute resolution should be seen not as a court where justice is administered, but as a service which is availed of. Discuss the statement in the light of Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The idea that Public Intent Data can play a transformative role in the public sector is not bereft of challenges. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Cabinet committees can play a crucial role in accelerating the government's decision-making and reforms. Critically evaluate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"While the judiciary should not be a silent spectator when constitutional rights of citizens are infringed by executive policies, it must also not assume the role of the executive or pass policy prescriptions. Do you agree? Justify your stand with logical arguments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Local bodies have the constitutional status of being a third tier of the government, but are simultaneously subordinate to the State Government in several key functions and aspects. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"It is not only institutional challenges faced by Election Commission but also the twin threats of money and muscle in Indian electoral politics that need to be addressed for free and fair elections in India to continue. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Fiscal federalism in India has evolved with time. Discuss in light of the developments in recent years. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What do you understand by Constitutionalism? Do you think a written constitution is a necessary condition to ensure Constitutionalism? Also, analyse various provision of the Indian constitution that ensures Constitutionalism. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"It has been argued that digital monopolies pose a threat to the fundamental fabric of market-competition. In this context, examine the effectiveness of the regulatory framework in India to deal with digital monopolies. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is often cited as an example of the rising politicisation of public institutions. In this context, identify the issues associated with the CBI's functioning. What steps can be taken to address these issues? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The focus of policy and governance has hitherto primarily been on output rather than the outcome. Not only does the Aspirational District Programme mark a change in the policy focus but also chooses a collaborative form of governance over a top-down approach. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"While various government initiatives and policies have created opportunities for Self Help Groups (SHGs), there are challenges that still persist. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The principal constraint for India is trying to find solutions to 21st century problems using 19th century government structures. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":866,"topper":"Anand Malhotra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2be6c-1018150_1991_anand-malhotra_rank_67.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Although the treaty on Nuclear Non-Proliferation (NPT) has acquired universal acceptance, it remains deeply flawed. Analyse in the context of India's position on the issues involved. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Highlighting the existing gaps in the South Asian energy cooperation, bring out the steps taken by India to promote energy cooperation with its neighbours. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Critically analyse the significance of membership of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The wide adoption of 5G technology in India is contingent not only on robust IT infrastructure, but also on an effective cybersecurity strategy to tackle the associated risks and vulnerabilities. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the role played by Assam Rifles in internal security of India. Also, comment on the issue of dual control structure of the force. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Enumerating the existing measures to counter bio-terrorism in India, highlight the need for a bio-terrorism law. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Despite the progress made in ensuring better representation of women in the Indian armed forces, much more still needs to be done. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the different types of clean coal technologies. Identify the challenges associated with mainstreaming clean coal technologies. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Low Earth Orbit is becoming increasingly crowded as countries race to launch satellites into space. Highlighting the associated issues, discuss international efforts taken in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Inspite of multiple benefits and growing acceptance of traditional medicine, it faces several hurdles in adoption at a large scale. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"While India-US relations have acquired greater depth in the last two decades, the policies of Washington even in this era continue to pose challenges to New Delhi's strategic interests. Discuss with adequate examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The economic rise of Bangladesh is an opportunity for India and hope for South Asia. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Transboundary water resources require renewed focus in India's neighbourhood policy. Elaborate and provide adequate reasons. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"India's attempts at strengthening its intelligence infrastructure and capabilities have historically been reactive and incremental, rather than holistic and sustainable. Discuss. Also, provide a concrete framework in transforming the country's intelligence capabilities. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The challenge of asymmetric warfare for India due to rapid progression in use of technological innovations and low costs needs ever-greater focus. Explain with domestic and global examples of recent years. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"In light of the prominent instances of drone attacks by both state and non state actors, assess the challenges and capabilities of India in dealing with such security threats. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Bring out the differences between Surface Web, Deep Web and Dark Web. Also, mention the concerns associated with use of Dark Web and steps taken by India in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What are Nano-based Agri-input and food products? Discuss the opportunities and concerns related to use of such products in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"As with any major advancement in technology, robotics brings with it a spectrum of opportunities as well as challenges. Discuss in the context of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":867,"topper":"Anand Malhotra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/bf9c5-1018150_1986_anand-malhotra_rank_67.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the conditions that are conducive for the formation of Karst topography, discuss its distribution around the world. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The extraction of groundwater in India has reached a level that is threatening the water security in the country. Analyse the guidelines issued by the Central Ground Water Authority in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss the challenges that lie in harnessing the potential of hydroelectricity in North-East India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"In light of various recent studies, discuss how climate change is affecting the jet streams. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Highlighting the distribution of coal in India, discuss the issues associated with coal mining. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Assess the efforts India has taken towards achieving the goals of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity . (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Explain the concept of Ecosystem Restoration. What are the challenges and opportunities associated with this concept? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the role played by local bodies in various phases of disaster management. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What do you understand by impact based forecasting in disaster management? How can such forecasting strengthen the disaster management preparedness? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Plate tectonics, which is a unifying theory combining the continental drift and seafloor spreading theories, explains many features and processes that we find on the Earth. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The pattern of the Indian monsoon has been witnessing changes in recent decades. Examine in the light of recent studies linking this phenomenon to climate change. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Highlight the reasons behind high concentration of plantations in South India. Also, give an account of the significance and challenges that the plantation sector of South India is confronted with. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What do you mean by industrial inertia? Bring out the factors that contribute to industrial inertia and also give a few examples from the Indian context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What are rare earth elements? Highlighting their industrial applications, give an account of their distribution across the world. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Marine litter is not just an environmental issue but poses a socio-economic challenge as well. Discuss. Also, enumerate the initiatives taken by the global community to reduce marine litter. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India's response to the Covid-19 pandemic has brought to the fore several inadequacies and ambiguities in India's disaster management framework. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"In light of the increasing industrial disasters in India, examine the reasons for their occurrence. Discuss the steps that have been taken to deal with industrial disasters. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":868,"topper":"Anand Malhotra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1076c-1018150_1985_anand-malhotra_rank_67.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"On the vast panorama of world literature, Kalidasa is considered as a literary genius, second to none. Discuss in the context of writings of Kalidasa. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Tracing the evolution of Shaivism in India, discuss the various philosophical schools associated with it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Starting from the creation of world's first dock, India's maritime history is simply astonishing. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The huge strides India took towards modernisation under Lord Dalhousie were borne out of necessity rather their benevolence. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Indian women, cutting across identities, increasingly participated in the anti-colonial and democratic movements since 1930s. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"North-East India threw up constant challenges to the British hegemony in India. Discuss in the context of anti-colonial struggles in the region. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"British rule brought profound political and economic changes in the Malaya region. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The Spanish Civil War proved to be a 'One Big Dress Rehearsal' for the Second World War. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The 'cutting of Chinese melon' was a landmark event in the history of imperialism. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The Chipko movement became a symbol of many such popular movements emerging in different parts of the country during the 1970s and later. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlighting the unique features of Vesara style, discuss how it symbolizes confluence of Dravidian and Nagara temple architectures. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The roots of Indian classical music date back to ancient India. Elucidate. Also, distinguish between Hindustani and Carnatic music. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Given its inward-looking approach, the Indian School of philosophies still remain relevant in the 21st century. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"World War I brought in socio-economic dislocation for nearly all sections of the Indian population, paving the way for the necessary social mobilization for an impending mass upsurge. Elaborate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"While the Indian capitalists were not in favour of protracted mass civil disobedience, many of them also acknowledged the utility, even necessity, of civil disobedience in getting crucial concessions for their class and the nation. Explain. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The acceptance of partition by the Indian National Congress was only the last stage of the process of gradual concessions given to the Muslim League. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Over the course of the freedom struggle, especially after the Indian Council's Act of 1892, nationalist leaders in India transformed the Imperial Legislative Council, from a powerless machine functioning as a tool of endorsement of government policies into a forum for ventilating popular grievances. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"From the Anglo-Afghan Wars to the US led Global War on Terrorism, Afghanistan has been a battleground for both internal and external actors. Explain. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The roots of the present Israel-Palestine conflict may be traced back to ancient history, however it is the 20th century which has shaped it in its modern form. Explain. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Despite its advocacy for peaceful resolution of disputes, highlight the factors that prompted India to use force to remove Portuguese colonial rule from its territories after independence. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":869,"topper":"Anand Malhotra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2708a-1018150_1988_anand-malhotra_rank_67.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Morality is neither divine commands nor universal principle of thought rather practices developed by groups of human beings striving to avoid mutually harmful conflict and promote mutually beneficial cooperation. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"\"Never do anything against the conscience even if the state demands it.\" In this context, discuss the role of conscience in taking ethical decisions in administration. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"\"While corruption is never good, not all forms of corruption are equally bad for the economy, nor do they cause the same kind of harm.\" Critically analyse the statement in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Emotional Intelligence is an important trait to imbibe in a highly competitive and achievement-oriented environment. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Analyze the significance of appointing ethics officers in the light of strengthening corporate governance in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What is the ethical basis behind the idea of reparations for historical wrongs committed against certain groups? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Gender inequality begins at home and then gets institutionalised at the societal level. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What do you understand by Integrity Pacts? In light of recent events, analyse their utility in ensuring transparency and efficiency in public procurement in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Persuasion plays an important role in public administration. Discuss. Also highlight the various elements of effective persuasion. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The moral circle of humanity has been expanding constantly over time. Discuss in this context whether non-human entities should have the same rights as humans beings. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"Each individual is capable of transforming his immediate environment by attempting a radical transformation inside him\". - J Krishnamurti (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"Facts are many, but the truth is one.\" - Rabindranath Tagore (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"\"It may be expedient but it is not just that some should have less in order that others may prosper.\" - John Rawls (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You are a single mother and work as a school counsellor for the psychological well-being of primary and secondary school children at a reputed school. Recently, you have found through your interactions that several students have been facing emotional trauma and mental health issues. Realising the gravity of the situation you want to discuss this with the school authorities and the board of trustees and come up with an advanced plan that can help parents get better involved. However, during the meeting, concerns are raised regarding your findings and the lack of supporting evidence is also cited by some. Moreover, senior members who are present express a sense of displeasure at what this might mean for the reputation of the school. You are thoroughly appalled with this approach of the school authorities, yet you are mired down in your own financial circumstances. On the basis of the above situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the most relevant stakeholders in the case. (b) What are the dilemmas in the case? (c) Discuss how stigmatisation of mental health issues can be addressed in schools.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"You are working as a Divisional Forest Officer in an area which is home to tigers. Recently, there have been reports of a tiger venturing into agricultural fields and also killing livestock of villagers. Unfortunately, 2-3 villagers have been killed by some wild animals in last few weeks. Villagers claim that the tiger has killed their fellow villagers and request you to protect their lives and property by either relocating or killing the man-eater tiger. They also obstructed investigation of forest officials to ascertain whether it was the work of tiger or some other animals. Your attempts to trap the tiger have not been successful. Concerned over the delay in killing or relocating the tiger, villagers hire a private hunter to kill the tiger on their own and argue that they have a right to defend themselves and their property. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the issues involved in this scenario. (b) What steps would you take as the Divisional Forest Officer to ensure villagers' safety along with protection of tigers?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Though discrimination on racial grounds is generally associated with Western countries, arguably similar notions of colour and racial discrimination are prevalent in India too. Many Indians are found to be obsessed for \"White\" skin tone as visible in matrimonial ads and popularity of whitening creams. They are also found to be more hospitable towards the white-skinned Europeans than the dark-skinned Africans. Even within the country, people can be found to be discriminating fellow countrymen on the basis of their skin tone. People from North-East India face frequent racial abuse and are referred to by various derogatory names. All these point towards racism being practised and accepted in India. Moreover, it is not considered a very serious issue as the anti-discrimination laws in India are not stringent enough to deal with hate crimes associated with racism. (a) In this context, discuss the ethical issues associated with the practice and acceptance of racial discrimination in India. (b) If you have been tasked to formulate a plan to combat hate crimes associated with racism in India and bring about an attitudinal change, what would be your suggestions?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"With its highly coveted line of consumer electronics, a multinational company 'A' has a cult following among loyal consumers and makes profits of crores of rupees. Recently, a report by an international non-governmental organisation has highlighted that in some overseas production centres of the company, the working conditions are hazardous for the labour, which include children also. In some centres, the international environmental standards are also flouted. The company's global head has defended their position by saying that they have little control over monitoring and regulating the entire supply chain due to internationalization of the production process. Based on the above information, answer the following: (a) Do you think company 'A' should be held responsible for ethical lapses made by individuals further down its supply chain? (b) Should customers be expected to take into account the ethical track record of companies while making purchases? Give reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"In a recent survey around social and economic indicators, a certain state in the country was found grossly underperforming. The state is marred with the issues of poverty, hunger, social backwardness, lawlessness and underdevelopment. In about seven decades since gaining independence, this state has continued to perform poorly across various indices. In the past, the Chief Minister had set up a fact finding Committee to report on the chief causes of the backwardness of the State. After years of ground research and surveying, it was found that the one of the main causes of the state's backwardness was its huge population that amplified resource scarcity to unimaginable proportions. Taking a clue from the facts presented in the report, the State Cabinet constitutes a panel of policy makers to consider this question of growing population and suggest suitable revisions to the State's Population Policy. The Panel recommends legislating a Population Control Bill that has a contentious provision in the form of 'One Child' norm. You are the Chief of this Panel and the recommendations of the Panel require your approval to be tabled in the Chief Minister's Office. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the ethical issues related to population control of a compulsory nature that you would consider before approving or rejecting the recommendation? (b) What would be your course of action in the aforementioned case? Suggest reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":870,"topper":"Anand Malhotra","air":67,"year":2021,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/823aa-1018150_1990_anand-malhotra_rank_67.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":871,"topper":"Anand Malhotra","air":67,"year":2021,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/dfffe-1018150_1995_anand-malhotra_rank67.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":872,"topper":"Anand Malhotra","air":67,"year":2021,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a1232-1018150_1996_anand-malhotra_rank67.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":873,"topper":"Anand Malhotra","air":67,"year":2021,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/94505-1018150_1997_anand-malhotra_rank67.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":874,"topper":"ANAND SHARMA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/65d93cae1265db5ffeffd2e87a3f6506/6/mt23rtra001_tc159.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Reason has always existed, but not always in a reasonable form.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"The opposite of poverty is not wealth.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"To forgive is to set a prisoner free and to discover that the prisoner was you.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"A man who wants to lead the orchestra must turn his back on the crowd.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"International Trade is a good indicator of National Security.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"It is not that we use technology, we live technology.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"There is more to life than simply increasing its speed.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Nature is neither a servant nor a master, but a necessary partner.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":875,"topper":"ANAND SHARMA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/212/mt23rtra001_tc155-test-01-gs-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The fabric of Indian philosophical thought owes as much to Northern India as to Southern India. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The Indian society's impulse for social change and reform was a response to its opposition to colonial rule. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What are the factors that led to the Russian revolution and what are the consequences of this revolution? Discuss its influence on the Indian national movement. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the various factors responsible for the uneven temperature distribution on Earth's surface. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The melting of glaciers due to climate change has serious implications for the ecosystem and human society. Discuss the effects of melting glaciers on the environment and the measures that can be taken to address this issue. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The White Revolution was most successful in the Western part of India. Discuss the factors for this regional success of the White Revolution. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"To what extent does seismic investigation contribute to our understanding of the Earth's interior structure? Analyze its significance in detail. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The pace of demographic transition varies across different states of India making population growth a double-edged sword. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The ethnic and cultural diversity in India has always been bound by the thread of unity. Discuss the major factors that have contributed to the cultural unity of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The dichotomy in public and private life in Indian society acts as a major barrier to the annihilation of caste. Justify. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"India was forced into numerous wars post Independence. Highlight the causes and impact of the Indo-Pak and Indo-China wars on our bilateral relationships. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The process of consolidation of Bengal, which started after the Battle of Plassey culminated in the Battle of Buxar. Do you think the Battle of Buxar was more important for the British than Plassey? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Sanskrit literature in general and particularly in the Gupta age set a high watermark for the literary history of ancient India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The configuration of the ocean floor provides essential information about the geological processes that have shaped the Earth's surface. Discuss the major features of the ocean floor and their significance in the study of oceanography. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"With the growing demand for rare earth elements, their distribution has become a critical aspect of the global economy. Discuss the distribution of rare earth elements across the world, their uses, and the environmental impact of their extraction. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Tourism in the hilly states is threatening to exceed the ecological carrying capacity of the region. Analyze the factors contributing to this trend and evaluate the potential Environmental impacts of this phenomenon. What measures can be taken to ensure sustainable tourism in these states? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The Indian monsoon is a complex phenomenon influenced by various climatic factors. Critically examine the role of oceanic and atmospheric factors in determining the intensity and distribution of monsoon rainfall in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Why do traditions in our society impede change? To what extent can social legislation be instrumental against old customary practices? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Slums are not 'problems' that have to be 'solved' - but are indeed a result of lopsided and vested urban policies covering infrastructure provision and socio-economic issues. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Communalism gains strength from economic deprivation, and thrives in environments of social exclusion, creating fertile ground for discontent and division. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":876,"topper":"ANAND SHARMA","air":236,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/233/next-ias-test-summary-report-3-gs-1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":877,"topper":"ANAND SHARMA","air":236,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/211/mt23rtra001_tc156-test-02-gs2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":878,"topper":"ANAND SHARMA","air":236,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/197/next-ias-test-summary-report-2-gs-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":879,"topper":"ANAND SHARMA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/198/next-ias-test-summary-report-1-gs-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by Windfall tax? Do you think that windfall taxes can effectively redistribute wealth and promote greater economic equality?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the perceived successes and challenges of implementing inflation targeting under the new Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) regime.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Assess the potential of millet production in promoting sustainable agriculture and improving food security in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Q4 Jal Jeevan Mission has the potential to end the regional disparity in the availability and accessibi...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)? Discuss its applications and how it can revolutionize the energy program of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Discuss in brief developments and challenges in the Gaganyaan mission of ISRO. What are the possible benefits of the mission for the society?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"What are the key lessons for disaster management and environmental conservation in the Himalayan reg...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"\"The recent radical trends in Punjab show that the Khalistan issue is still simmering.\" Discuss the...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The anonymity and ease of drone operation contribute to the challenges of India's border security. E... Q1 What do you understand by Windfall tax? Do you think that windfall taxes can effectively redistribute wealth and promote greater economic equality?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":880,"topper":"ANAND SHARMA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/205/mt23rtra001_tc157-test-03-gs-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What do you understand by Windfall tax? Do you think that windfall taxes can effectively redistribute wealth and promote greater economic equality?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss the perceived successes and challenges of implementing inflation targeting under the new Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) regime.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"Assess the potential of millet production in promoting sustainable agriculture and improving food security in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Jal Jeevan Mission has the potential to end the regional disparity in the availability and accessibility of drinking water. Highlighting the significance of the mission, discuss the underlying impediment in achieving the desired objectives.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"What do you understand by Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) ? Discuss its applications and how it can revolutionize the energy program of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss in brief development and challenges in the Gaganyaan mission of ISRO. What are the possible benefits of the mission for the society?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"\"Green Hydrogen can be be the silver bullet in our quest to tackle climate change and pollution.\" Critically analyze the statement in light of India's National Green Hydrogen Mission.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"What are the key lessons for disaster management and environmental conservation in the Himalayan region, in light of the recent disaster in Joshimath, Uttarakhand?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"\"The recent radical trends in Punjab show that the Khalistan issue is still simmering.\" Discuss the statement with respect to recent development and suggest measures to handle it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"The anonymity and ease of drone operation contribute to the challenges of India's border security. Elaborate and give suggestions to tackle the drone problem in border areas.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"Electricity Amendment Bill, 2022 brings several advantages for consumers, DISCOMs as well as the environment. Elaborate. Also, list out its shortcomings and suggest some measures to overcome them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"SEBI plays an important role in the regulation of the share market and safeguarding the interest of investors. In the light of given statement, highlight the challenges faced by the SEBI and suggest reforms in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"Despite being a major contributor to the Indian economy, the agriculture sector is plagued by several constraints that impede its growth and development. Discuss the role of technology in overcoming these constraints.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"Evaluate the impact of irrigation on the environment and natural resources, and suggest measures to ensure the sustainability and equity of irrigation practices in agriculture.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"How India benefitted strategically from the contributions of Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha and Dr. Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai in the field of atomic energy and space technology respectively?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Generative AI holds the potential to push the boundaries of innovation in the near future, yet its societal impacts raises substantial challenges. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Explain the purpose of the \"Mangrove Alliance for Climate\" launched at the COP27 UN climate change Conference in Egypt in November 2022. Elaborate on the importance of mangroves in maintaining the coastal ecology of tropical nations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"The formation of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure brings more robustness to the Disaster Management approach in India. Comment and justify the need for a new strategy to tackle Disasters in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"The recent rise in ransomware attacks targeting critical infrastructure and major corporations has highlighted the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity measures and policies. Discussing the key factors contributing to this trends, analyze the impact of these attacks on various sectors.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"In the context of border security, how can cooperation and coordination between different security agencies be improved to ensure effective and efficient management of coastal and terrestrial borders?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":881,"topper":"ANAND SHARMA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/202/mt23rtra001_tc158-test-04-gs-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Public service requires not merely legal but also morally principled action. Public service requires the public servant to place loyalty to the constitution, laws, and ethical principles. Among the three, which do you think must acquire primacy while carrying out official functions? Why? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"What do you understand by \"integrity-based civil disobedience\"? Do you think a challenge to personal integrity can be a justifiable cause for responsible disobedience in civil services? Explain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Recent research has shown that emotions significantly impact personal and professional lives. What are the primary emotions that negatively and positively impact workplace productivity? Explain with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Technical efficiency ensures resource utilization and social efficiency ensures fulfillment of social needs, what does ethical efficiency ensure? Do you think ethical efficiency is more important than technical and social efficiency? Why/Why not? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"Man cannot do right in one department of life whilst he is occupied in doing wrong in any other department.\" Gandhi. Do you think an individual's personal ethics impacts professional life or they both can be compartmentalized? Explain your position with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Goodness is the result of internal imperatives to do what is right, not sanctions from moral rules or rewards from expected consequences. Do you agree? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance. (a) \"To tolerate is purely an act of the mind. That is the essence of virtue. To tolerate is a strength.\" (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In the context of civil service, distinguish between moral and nonmoral values. Identify 5 basic moral values that can serve as foundational values for all services irrespective of the department. Give reasons why those values can be considered foundational. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Citizens' involvement in decision-making is critical to ethics in governance. Do you agree that effective civic engagement mechanisms can facilitate an ethics-driven administration? What do you think are the mechanisms that citizens can use for ensuring ethics in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Social transformation programs such as \"beti bachao and beti padhao\" believes in using advice, counseling, and persuasion but sometimes a little force is also necessary for getting the desired response. Do you think it is a good idea to mix little force with persuasion by public administrators while implementing social schemes of transformation? Explain with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Ultimately foreign policy of every country hinges upon the strength which the nation possesses. Strength may be military or financial and may be also...moral.\" Do you think ethical strength without military or financial muscle will be respected in today's world? Explain your position. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"You are a young officer working with the Municipal Corporation of an industrial city. The city was known for manufacturing ball bearings and auto parts. Most manufacturing units were small-scale units with very little production process automation. The units relied on manual labor, which was in abundance due to the villages close by. As the number of manufacturing units grew, the demand for labor increased, bringing in a steady inflow of laborers into the city. This influx of people into the town led to a mushrooming of slums and encroachments on the sidewalks. Once in a while, the Corporation conducted drives to clear out the slums, but after a time, the slums came back. The illegal slums had become an urban nightmare. You were given the responsibility of clearing out the encroachments and slums with the help of Police authorities. As you started the drive, you realized that the people living by the sidewalks were vulnerable compared to the slum dwellers. Many sidewalk dwellers had recently come to the city after selling their properties in their villages. Now if you drive them out, they have no place to go. Your heart went out to them, and you felt that your departmental action was inhumane, but your official responsibilities demanded stern impartial action. You are desperate to find a way to help the sidewalk dwellers without compromising your official duties. (a) What value conflicts do you notice in the above situation? (b) Can an administrator compromise the value of impartiality for empathy? Discuss. (c) What are the options available in the above situation? (d) Suggest viable solutions for tackling illegal slums and encroachments in urban areas. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"A certain State government was running a welfare scheme for promoting safe motherhood among rural landless laborers' families. The scheme involves the transfer of funds to the beneficiaries to enable them to mitigate income loss due to maternal care responsibilities. Since its implementation, the scheme has done reasonably well on maternal health and economic indicators. You are the Director of the Department responsible for implementing and operating the scheme. Recently you have been receiving reports of welfare fraud being committed by families by producing fake bona fide. The families committed the fraud with the help of local officials responsible for scrutinizing the bonafide. You were concerned because the fraud was seriously undermining the scheme's efficiency. You called for a departmental meeting to discuss and find a solution to the problem. In the meeting, it was decided to merge several available government data sets such as Aadhar cards, voter ID cards, marriage certificates, birth certificates, bank details, and other personal assets. By merging all the data sets, the department would be able to develop the beneficiary's economic profile. And this will help the department scrutinize the documents and detect fraud. This was a comprehensive strategy, but it risked violating an individual's data privacy. As a Department head, you wanted to detect and prevent fraud, but at the same time, you were apprehensive about violating the Data privacy of the stakeholders. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) Do you think violating data privacy is justified to prevent welfare fraud? Why/ Why not? (c) What, according to you, can be the reasons for such welfare frauds happening in the country? (d) Are there any ways and means to prevent such fraud? Give your suggestions. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"You are posted in the Department of Mines, and one of your roles is to help your Department Head negotiate mining leases with private contractors. Recently, the state government demarcated a new mining zone and planned to invite bids for the mining blocs. You were instructed to oversee the bidding process and speed up the contract negotiations. As planned, the tenders were released, bids came in, and tenders were allocated as per the norms. All this happened at a breakneck speed. You wondered, why the hurry? But it was not your place to think and question; you quietly went about your work. As the contractors were about to start operations, you had to instruct them on environmental concerns to watch out for. And to do that, you read the environmental impact assessment report submitted by a consulting firm hired by the department. To your surprise, the report was shoddy and looked cooked up. You got suspicious and raised the issue with your Head, who politely instructed you to do what you were told, and he reminded you that the Department had revenue targets and was under pressure from the Ministry. After the meeting, you, on your own accord, did some digging and found out that the report was fraudulent and the mining activity that was about to start would lead to a massive environmental disaster which the State could not afford. (a) What are the issues and value violations you notice in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you? (c) Discuss the advantage and disadvantages of each option and identify your chosen course of action. (d) Do you think that environmental considerations are sometimes overrated at the cost of development? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Mr. Sharma was the All India Sales Head of a pharmaceutical company with a turnover of 400 crores. The company's main markets were small towns and tier 2 cities. Further, the company did a sizeable amount of business with state government hospitals and health centers. Mr. Sharma had given a lot of freedom to field sales agents to strike deals and negotiate prices with clients. This strategy worked well for the company. Recently Mr. Sharma received word that three company employees were selling products to government hospitals and health centers at a higher price than they were selling to other private hospitals and health centers. The employees were with the company for over five years and were good performers. A few sales staff informally raised the issue of the three getting relatively higher commissions because of their inflated deals. And this was creating a sense of unease among the sales staff. A cursory review of the account of the three showed that, in many instances, the government hospitals were paying more than other private institutions. Under procurement rules, the government is supposed to pay a fair price, one that other cost-conscious customers pay. On inquiry, Mr. Sharma found that the three were not alone; government purchase department officials were helping them scam the Department. Mr. Sharma realized that his sales staff and some corrupt government staff had been defrauding the state exchequer for quite some time. Mr. Sharma immediately reported it to his CEO, and the two discussed how to deal with the sales staff and whether to inform the government about the scam and the involvement of their staff. The issue was informing the government means that there was every possibility that they might be blacklisted, thereby losing a lot of business. Mr. Sharma and CEO were caught in a dilemma regarding how to proceed with the case. (a) What are the ethical and business issues involved in the case? (b) What are the options available to Mr. Sharma and the CEO? (c) Do you think the organizational culture of giving freedom to the sales force led to the issue or was the individual's corrupt nature that led to the problem? Discuss. (d) What ethics mechanisms and steps can the company create and implement to prevent unethical behavior, as mentioned in the case? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":882,"topper":"ANAND SHARMA","air":236,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/200/next-ias-test-summary-report-gs-4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":883,"topper":"ANAND SHARMA","air":236,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/05e79e85886db31c562f8e2fb26b6867/64/socio-5_anand-sharma_-mt23socra004.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":884,"topper":"Anand Vardhan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/12269_632_Anand_Rank_7.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"It has been argued that if the tendency to bypass the Council of States for passing important legislation through the 'nomenclature' of money Bill is not checked legally, it can affect the very basic structure of our Constitution and functioning of the Parliament. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Parliament should be an institution of discussion, debate, deliberation and dissent not of disruption. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"While much has been said about the significance of Indian ocean region, the salience of Pacific has only recently figured prominently in the Indian scheme of things. In what ways are the Pacific Island nations important from India's perspective? What challenges does India face in furthering its influence in the region?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Inspite of the importance of private sector's role in Indian higher education its performance has not been satisfactory. Discuss. What are the challenges that lie ahead in setting up high quality private institutions in the country?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"United Nations Security Council reforms should not only include its expansion but also the way it functions. Analyze.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Passing of private member's bill has been a rarity in India's political history. Compare and contrast government bill and private member's bill. Further discuss the issues w.r.t passage of private member's bill in the Parliament along with suggesting measures to address the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Law Commission in its 262nd report has the recommended the abolition of Death Penalty. What arguments have been put forward by the commission in order to justify its stand. Does this issue necessitate a fresh look in context of the changed socio-economic conditions in the country? Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Transparency and accountability are important not only in state run enterprises but also non-governmental organizations. Discuss. Further, suggest measures on how NGOs can be made more transparent and accountable in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Many of the recent exclusivist outbursts in the northeastern States, including in Manipur, can be attributed to a fear of losing ancestral land to \"outsiders\". In this context, what has been the role of Inner Line Permit system? Also, discuss its limitations and relevance in view of the situation prevailing in the current scenario.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"The move by Assam and Odisha to create legislative councils has created a public debate on the role of upper house in states. In this context, examine the utility of legislative councils.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"The Indian Police Act of 1861, a colonial relic, needs to be replaced with a law that befits a free country. In context of the above statement discuss the need for reforms to establish a professional police force in the country.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"A view which has gained currency is that the no-detention policy under the RTE Act has led to deteriorating standards in learning outcomes. Critically examine this view and suggest measures to improve education standards in the country.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"PRAGATI is a unique blend of e-governance and e-transparecy, which seeks to promote a culture of proactive governance and timely implementation involving realtime presence and exchange among key stakeholders. Illustrate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Discus how Directive Principle of State Policy have shaped the policy making process in India. Do you think it has been successful in achieving its objective. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"India's participation in bilateral and multilateral naval and military exercises represent India's desire to safeguard its sphere of influence and is also a response to changing geo-strategic scenario. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Despite complementarity of interests and needs, India and Central Asia have remained distant for a long time. Explain why. In what ways can the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) help in expanding India's trade and investment links with Central Asia?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"The fourteenth finance commission is advancement over the previous finance commission in terms of improving the federal relations of the country. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"\"The Right to Privacy is not a guaranteed constitutional right.\" Critically discuss this statement in the light of recent controversy around the Aadhar Scheme.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"India's inability to join APEC is not because of lack of interest on her part but due to a variety of other reasons. Explain. What are the expected benefits of such a membership for India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"That the recognition of transgender rights could open up a Pandora's Box on the issue of decriminalization of homosexuality amounts to taking a narrow view on an important question of social justice. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":885,"topper":"Anant Dhanraj Singh","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ANANT-DHANRAJ-SINGH-UPSC-2023-Rank-146-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":15,"question":"Is modernism at a crossroads with cultural and civilisational ethos?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Man often enjoys the comfort of opinion without the discomfort for thought.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"The rise of populism in democratic societies is a threat to the rule of law and constitutionalism.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":886,"topper":"Anant Dhanraj Singh","air":146,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3ab97-1260744_2488_anant_dhanraj_singh_rank_146.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":887,"topper":"Anant Dhanraj Singh","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ANANT-DHANRAJ-SINGH-UPSC-2023-Rank-146-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"It was neither her Coal and Iron reserves, nor the inventions of steam engine and cotton mills, but her democracy and rule of law that made Britain the epicentre of Industrial Revolution. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"In its extent, reach, and revolutionary zeal, Civil Disobedience Movement has a unique place in India's freedom struggle. Elucidate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"How will you explain that Vaishnavism and Shaivism as followed in medieval India represent both local traditions and universal ideals? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What do you understand from land subsidence? Explaining various reasons behind land subsidence, recommend measures to arrest the calamity. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Examining the reasons behind erratic Monsoon, highlight the possible outcomes of the same. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Explore and evaluate the impact of new technologies on Indian society. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Why did Hinduism-which amalgamated and absorbed almost every diverse faith, tradition, belief and practice that arose from within or outside, within its fold- failed to assimilate Islamic cultural beliefs and practices? Give reasons. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Elucidate the differences between Western and Indian model of secularism. To what extent do you agree with the criticism that Indian model of secularism is susceptible to promoting minority appeasement? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"With special reference to India, elucidate how globalisation-a multifaceted phenomenon-has had positive socio-economic outcomes on one hand and widened the gaps between the haves and have nots on the other? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Dravidian temple architecture that came of age during the rule of the Pallavas, could reach its zenith only at the time of the imperial Cholas. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the reasons why pre-independence women movements were led by men. Also analyse the contribution of women-led socio-economic movements in post-independence India in mainstreaming and successfully redressing the concerns of women. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Discuss the causes for salinity ingress along with its various consequences and potential solutions. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The economic and strategic significance of mineral wealth of a country cannot be seen in isolation from the associated socio-ecological impacts of their extraction. Discuss in light of the newfound lithium reserves in Northern India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Explain the mechanism and occurrence of earthquake. With the help of map given below, throw light upon the vulnerability of regions affected by earthquake and earthquake related disasters. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Enumerating different types of tides highlight their significance. Also, explain how tides are different from waves. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"In the contemporary times, the conventional conceptualization of the institution of marriage as well as family is facing evolutionary changes. Do you agree? Justify. To what extent have the state and market played a role in this? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Bring out the reasons and consequences of the spurt in child marriages in recent years. What steps can be taken beyond the legal realms to tackle the menace? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Examine the reasons behind generation of regional sentiments? Do you agree that region-al sentiments and cultural assertiveness may lead to the issue of separatism? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":888,"topper":"Anant Dhanraj Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1c5c5-1260744_2219_anant_dhanraj_singh_rank_146.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Fiscal policy can be a key tool to reduce income inequality as well as make the poorest and the downtrodden a part of the country's growth story. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Digitizing land records will go a long way in ensuring land reforms as well as lessening the burden on the Indian Judiciary. Elaborate. Also, state the measures taken in this context. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"It has been pointed out that competitive politics to fund mostly non-merit subsidies is pushing a few states in India to the brink of a deep fiscal crisis. In this context, discuss the need to rationalise the subsidy regime in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Micro-irrigation has tremendous potential in transforming farming into a profitable and sustainable venture. Discuss the given statement in the context of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Given its vast resources and technical expertise, India can play a key role in assisting the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) in dealing with the impact of climate change. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The recent \"Disaster Management Plan of Ministry of Panchayati Raj (DMP-MoPR)\" aims to develop disaster resilience at the grassroots level. In this context, discuss the rationale behind the formulation of the Plan and highlight its key components. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the internal security implications emanating from the use of Emerging And Disruptive Technologies (EDT) by state and non-state actors. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Identify the impediments faced by India in boosting its defence exports. Also, discuss the steps taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the multiple issues associated with space debris. Also, state the initiatives taken in recent times to tackle this menace. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The adoption of Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) in India is expected to make e-commerce more inclusive and accessible for consumers. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While an agreement was recently reached at the WTO on a deal to curb \"harmful\" government fisheries subsidies, certain concerns raised by India suggests that the matter will require further negotiations. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite the advantages that are associated with the hybrid annuity model (HAM) in the road construction sector, the interest in it has moderated due to various reasons. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The existing MSP procurement regime is neither economically nor agro-ecologically sustainable. Elaborate. Also, evaluate the alternative approaches that can be adopted to improve the existing MSP regime. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"It is being argued that India is struggling with overflowing foodgrains in warehouses. Discuss the statement in view of the existing buffer stock policy of India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Despite increased and regular occurrences of landslides over the past decade in India, the dominant development paradigm has largely not been modified. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India needs a smart border management system to balance legitimate cross border flows with national security interests. Discuss. Also, highlight the initiatives taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Establishing linkages between globalisation and money laundering, discuss the initiatives taken at the national and international levels to combat it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"There have been arguments that India needs to review some of its past assumptions about the nature of outer space and contribute to the development of new global norms. In this context, analyse India's stand in relation to the Artemis Accords. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":889,"topper":"Anant Dhanraj Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ea4f3-1260744_2422_anant_dhanraj_singh_rank_146.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The traditional theatre forms of India reflect the ideals and emotions of the society, and an individual's role in the community. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":890,"topper":"Anant Dhanraj Singh","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ANANT-DHANRAJ-SINGH-UPSC-2023-Rank-146-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Investment in infrastructure is a precursor to social and economic transformation; however, the focus on economic gains must not marginalise the concerns for safety. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What do you understand from Green growth? With special reference to the budget 2023-2024, discuss various government measures to propel green growth in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Project cheetah marks a departure from India's efforts for conservation of various critically-endangered species. In this perspective, do you think the reintroduction of major fauna that has gone extinct is justified? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"In what ways can precision agriculture become a panacea for multipronged challenges plaguing the agriculture sector? Discuss. Also, analyse various impediments of precision farming in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are the reasons for increasing emphasis on the horticulture sector in recent years? Evaluate government measures for the development of the horticulture sector. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Unplanned urbanization has made Indian cities vulnerable to fire safety hazards. Discuss and recommend measures for mitigating urban fires, with special reference to national building code, 2016. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"DPI (Digital Public Infrastructure) is indispensable for digitally enabling citizens and businesses; however, the challenges of exclusion, exploitation, and monopolisation cannot be ignored. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Assess the relevance of the NISAR mission in observing and managing climate change and natural hazards. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Defense indigenization remains the Achilles heel of India's security architecture. Examine the importance of startups in defense sector to make India secure and self-reliant. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Edge in modern warfare lies not so much in the capacity to overwhelm the adversary as much in the ability to nip the threat in the bud. In this context, discuss the role of intelligence in maintaining national security, and also cite challenges associated. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Labour and export intensive industries are key to problems of jobless growth. In this perspective, analyse the opportunities and challenges associated with the textile sector. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"In an era of interconnected challenges, the emerging global polycrisis poses significant implications for India's macroeconomic stability. Examine and suggest measures to make the Indian economy more resilient to global shocks and challenges. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Do you think the low Female Labor Force Participation Rate presents a correct picture about the 'working women' in India's economy? Give reasons in support of your answer. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Across sectors and regions, the most marginalised sections are also the most affected by the impacts of climate change. Explain. Also, present a case for a climate resilient model of development that integrates mitigation and adaptation measures. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite the potential to check the triple whammy of nutritional deficiency, environmental degradation, and receding farm incomes, the adoption of Millets has been abysmally low. Analyse. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"A link between unorganized farming community and formal industrial sector, Food Processing Industries (FPI) can play a key role in advancing the rural economy. Evaluate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What do you understand by generative Artificial Intelligence (AI)? How can policymakers and regulatory bodies effectively address the concerns and challenges posed by generative AI? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Though ethnic fault lines are a major threat, security challenges in the North-East are not confined to the same. Discuss the statement with special reference to Manipur. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Critically examine the role of development initiatives in addressing the root causes of militancy/ terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":891,"topper":"Anant Dhanraj Singh","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ANANT-DHANRAJ-SINGH-UPSC-2023-Rank-146-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The influence of ethical principles on shaping socially responsible behavior is widely acknowledged. How do ethical values facilitate individuals in cultivating a proactive and constructive attitude towards fulfilling their social responsibilities? Can the subjective nature of ethical principles lead to divergent attitudes regarding social responsibility? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Through their actions, interactions, and teachings, schools have the power to mold the moral compass of the next generation. In this perspective, discuss the significance of value-based education in preparing the youth to address the contemporary challenges of society. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'situation ethics'? Critically analyze its strengths and weaknesses in making moral judgements. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Maintaining traditional bonds and familial relationships in an increasingly globalized world requires personal relationships to be governed by ethical principles. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Why should a man be moral? Because it strengthens his will.\" - Swami Vivekanand. In this perspective, discuss the significance of morality for bringing efficiency and effectiveness in public administration. Do you think moral rigidity can be a hindrance in good governance? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Civil servants who embody emotional intelligence exhibit a profound understanding of the human aspect of governance, enabling them to cultivate meaningful relationships, foster cooperation, and drive positive change. Examine ways in which Emotional Intelligence can be inculcated in civil servants. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time.\" - Ruth Bader Ginsburg. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"\"Happiness is that state of consciousness which proceeds from the achievement of one's values\" - Ayn Rand. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":892,"topper":"Anant Dhanraj Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/cddea-1260744_2220_anant_dhanraj_singh_rank_146.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The logic of limitless wealth lies in the basic human instinct for furthering self-interest in the form of profit. In this context, do you think there is a possibility of pursuing ethical capitalism? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"If a law is unjust, a man is not only right to disobey it, he is obligated to do so. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The capacity of Citizens' Charter to initiate any transformative process is conditioned upon it being appropriately designed and effectively executed. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The moral fiber and ethical conduct of public officials not only influence the standard of governance but also their own interests and performance. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The ongoing debate on euthanasia poses several ethical questions. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Foreign aid is a form of neo-colonialism, as the economically wealthier countries can exploit the developing countries under the cloak of aid. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Throwing light on the idea of Universal Humanism propounded by Rabindranath Tagore, discuss its contemporary relevance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree with the view that it is nature and not nurture which determines the emotional intelligence of a person? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Values that guide public administrators can often compete with each other, owing to their relative importance to the larger public interest. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Is it justifiable to say that corruption is a social phenomenon? What are the various ways through which administrative corruption can be tackled? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"\"I do believe that, where there is only a choice between cowardice and violence, I would advise violence.\"- Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"You are posted as the Commissioner of Police in a metropolitan city where a visiting foreign dignitary, with President-level security cover, is scheduled to visit for an official function. As a part of the security preparedness, it has been decided that no vehicular traffic will be allowed on the route which will be taken by the foreign dignitary to reach the venue of the function in the city. However, just 15 minutes before the scheduled arrival of the dignitary, you are informed that a critically-ill patient is stuck on the way to the hospital in a private car along with his family. In this situation, answer the following: (a) Discuss the issues involved in halting traffic for VIP movement. (b) List the options available to you in this situation with their merits and demerits. (c) What will be your course of action? Justify with proper reasoning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Mr. X is a billionaire businessman who heads a conglomerate engaged in insurance, energy generation and distribution, and manufacturing. Despite being globally known as a great philanthropist, he turned down a shareholder request seeking the disclosure of the conglomerate's actions on issues related to climate change as well as diversity and inclusion. Because of increased attention to climate and diversity issues, many leading firms have committed themselves to incorporate relevant considerations in their business strategies. Therefore, some industry-observors wonder if Mr. X is out of touch with the industry at large and have warned him that failing to address climate change issues puts his businesses under systemic risk. But, Mr. X maintained his vote against the disclosure proposal, while at the same time acknowledged the importance of both climate change and a diverse and inclusive work force. However, Mr. X believes that such ethical issues take secondary importance to maximising shareholder profit. (a) Discuss the importance of including climate change strategies and diversity and inclusion in a business organisation? (b) In your opinion, what matters more for a business organisation - socio-environmental concerns or shareholder profit? (c) How can the two above-mentioned issues be reconciled? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"You are posted as a Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district where people of different religious communities are living together peacefully. The district is also famous for its architectural heritage and is regularly visited by tourists from all around the world. However, there has been an incident in the nearby state where people of two different communities have started fighting over religious issues. This incident has a spillover effect over the whole country. In your own area of jurisdiction, you have come to know from various sources about circulation of some hate speech videos, which have the potential to destabilise the law and order situation. You are also aware that some outsiders with dubious intentions have started pouring in your district. In one locality, a shopkeeper who had earlier filed a complaint regarding threats he received for posting something on the internet, is found murdered in cold blood. This incident has stunned the nation. You are being informed that hundreds of people of the community to which the shopkeeper belonged are planning to stage a massive protest in your district. (a) In the given situation, what are the options available to you to ensure that the law and order situation in the district remains stable. Provide a detailed account of your course of action. (b) Do you think the present legal and institutional mechanisms are sufficient to tackle the menace of hate speech in the society? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"The Indian education system suffers from many ills. One of the major issues is the focus on ‘rote learning’, which has been the staple of the Indian education system for many years. While many Indians have attained success despite this system, simply being able to recall information is not enough in today’s world when that information is instantly available to anyone on a mobile phone. A survey of 200 Indian and foreign companies found that only 14% of Indian graduates were prepared for the workforce, largely because most graduates were unable to apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the consequences of ‘rote learning’ on the educational development of young students in the country? (b) Suggest measures that can be taken to address this issue. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":893,"topper":"Anant Dhanraj Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/cfc98-1260744_2425_anant_dhanraj_singh_rank_146.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"For effective corporate governance to take place in the coming years, why is it important to integrate the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics with the multi-stakeholder approach? What benefits can be accrued by such integration? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In acts of corruption, the focus is often only on the demand side of the equation, on public officials who abuse their office for private gain. Frequently, the supply side is given less attention. Those who pay bribes are sometimes depicted as innocent parties and victims of extortionary practices of wily public servants. Do you agree that 'collusive corruption', in which there is a willing bribe-giver, is a formidable challenge for institutions fighting corruption? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Citizens' Charters initiative was a response to the quest for solving the problems, which a citizen encountered, day in and day out, while dealing with the organisations providing public services. But the introduction and implementation of Citizens' Charters in the government of India has been difficult due to the old bureaucratic set up and the rigid attitudes of the work force. Discuss the major obstacles that have been encountered in implementing the Citizens' Charter initiative. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Quality of public service delivery is a major determinant of the quality of life of vulnerable sections in a highly unequal society divided along the lines of class, caste, religion, etc. In this background, do you think that public service delivery is efficient and sufficient enough to improve the lives of vulnerable groups in India? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Wealthy CEOs and founders of successful businesses around the world are increasingly pledging to give away their wealth in philanthropy. Do you think that such a move is sufficient enough to bring about a positive change in the society? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"As organizations across the globe begin their artificial intelligence (AI) transformation, the leap into the AI era is expected to be more challenging than any technology that businesses have grappled with yet. In this background, discuss the concerns around fairness, transparency, and job security that may arise. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The emphasis of Swami Dayanand Saraswati on education, social equality, and ethical values continues to influence the socio-cultural discourse in contemporary India. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Emotional intelligence may not be singularly associated with emotions or intelligence. It can also include a broad range of personality characteristics that might predict success in professional and everyday life. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"In a metropolitan city of India, the law enforcement authorities decided to adopt facial recognition technology to improve their crime-fighting capabilities. They implemented a facial recognition system that integrated with existing surveillance cameras across the city, allowing real-time identification and tracking of individuals. The system was intended to assist in identifying known criminals, missing persons, and suspects in ongoing investigations. One evening, a woman reported a mugging incident where the perpetrator wore a hoodie, obscuring most of his face. The victim provided a vague description to the police, and based on that information, the authorities decided to use facial recognition technology to locate potential suspects. The system scanned through hours of surveillance footage from various locations near the crime scene. The facial recognition algorithm generated a list of potential matches, and one individual's image stood out as a close match to the description provided by the victim. The police considered this individual a prime suspect and proceeded with his arrest. Subsequently, it was discovered that the arrested person was innocent. Further investigation revealed that the facial recognition system had misidentified the innocent individual due to the limitations of the technology and the partial description provided by the victim. The police released the arrested individual; still his reputation got tarnished for life. He, along with his family, was evicted from their current place of residence. The psychological impact of the incident has been tremendous owing to which his job is also on the line. With reference to this case study, answer the following: (a) What are the issues involved in this case? (b) What measures can be taken to minimize the negative implications of adopting such technologies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"With reference to this case study, answer the following: (a) What are the issues involved in this case? (b) What measures can be taken to minimize the negative implications of adopting such technologies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Rina and her friends from the college were working as interns with a company for the last few months. On completion of their internship, some of them, including Rina, have been offered full-time jobs in the company. Being a reputed company, she and her friends accepted the offer. Rina is enthusiastic about her new job and has even established good relationship with some of her company co-workers during her internship. However, during her tenure as an intern, Rina had begun to notice that one of the Vice-Presidents (VPs) of the company was giving her too much attention. He used to make an extra effort to stop by Rina's cubicle and chat, something he was not doing with any of the other interns. He had even tried to connect with Rina over social networking sites. Some of her co-interns also noticed this and began to make offhand comments to Rina about the extra attention being given by the VP. Now that she was has been hired for a full time position, she is fearful that she might have to work with this VP directly. While he has not done or said anything explicitly inappropriate, the extra attention and the fact that her co-workers noticed it, made her very uncomfortable and undermined her concentration at work. The company encourages an open and friendly atmosphere and when she was hired, it was communicated to her that she should always speak to her Manager whenever faced with any uncomfortable work related issues. However, she is concerned to speak about it officially, as the VP has not done anything explicitly wrong. In the given situation: (a) What dilemmas does Rina face? (b) What options does she have? Provide the merits and demerits of each. (c) Highlight the course of action she should adopt, along with justification for the same. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"In the given situation: (a) What dilemmas does Rina face? (b) What options does she have? Provide the merits and demerits of each. (c) Highlight the course of action she should adopt, along with justification for the same. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"You have recently been posted as a Nodal Education Officer in one of the districts, where mass cheating in examinations is a regular phenomenon. Media reports have shown parents and relatives scaling school walls and buildings to pass answer chits to students taking secondary school examinations in the district. Moreover, with the advent of new technological devices, cheating in examinations has become more sophisticated and exam rules are flouted openly. On investigation, it has come to your notice that these rackets are run by many school authorities, including exam invigilators who are mostly teachers, and they are hand in glove for profits. With a shortage of staff, invigilators threaten go on mass strikes if any action is taken. Conducting the exams, cancelling them on account of cheating and having re-exams are a loss of time and money for the government and this vicious cycle goes on. As the Nodal Education Officer of the district, address the following questions: (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (b) How will you resolve the issues in the given case? (c) What long-term strategy needs to be adopted to deal with the menace of cheating in various examinations? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Additionally, companies like BMW, Volvo, Google and Korean battery maker Samsung SDI, vowed in a statement to not buy metals produced from deep-sea mining until the environmental risks of the activity are “comprehensively understood.” In the context of the above-stated information, address the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the given case study? (b) How can the vision of economic development of a nation be achieved without adversely affecting the sustainability of oceans? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"You are a public representative, elected on the ticket of a political party, considered as conservative by many. Your daughter, who has returned years after studying abroad, has conveyed to you her choice of marrying a person from another community. You personally do not consider anything wrong in her choice, and convey your assent to her. You also discuss it with many among your friends and family, and inform them of a grand wedding ceremony you are planning for your daughter. However, a few days after you have shared the news of the forthcoming grand wedding with many, you are informed by your political secretary about an issue being made of the same. He informs you that there are whispers among many people in your constituency about it, and indications of a sense of unease among some prominent citizens. While most of them are enamoured by your plans for a grand wedding ceremony for your daughter, they are unhappy about the bridegroom being from another community. You also get to know through your sources in the party, that your assent to the choice of the bridegroom may lead to a denial of ticket by the high command in the forthcoming elections. You are not only an ambitious politician and a rising star in your political party but also an open-minded, loving and doting father. But howsoever much you love your daughter's freedom and choices, you do not want her decision to adversely affect your political journey. This is more so, when you had been eagerly looking forward to greater responsibilities and a higher stature in the party, given the years of that her wedding will not be held as a private ceremony with only close friends and family, but should be publicised in a grand way, as you had promised earlier to her. Given this situation, answer the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the above situation? (b) What are the various options that you have, as a father and an ambitious politician? (c) What will be your course of action? Justify with proper reasoning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":894,"topper":"Anant Dwivedi","air":40,"year":2020,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1oCtN-ZAfOimJ1sY-V0HQlRPjZR6OiXo4","questions":[]},{"id":895,"topper":"Anant Dwivedi","air":165,"year":2018,"paper":"Optional — Public Administration","optional":true,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1_OU3cLYeWIRYJWlwuVzAeeeylva6x2-w","questions":[]},{"id":896,"topper":"Anant Dwivedi","air":165,"year":2018,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/13dqfusJQ94YR4OaqV11x1VWLVgMkn0g6","questions":[]},{"id":897,"topper":"Ananya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d4d15-967435_2218_ananya_rank-115.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to revisit the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution? Discuss with suitable arguments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Highlighting the advantages of online dispute resolution (ODR) mechanism for justice delivery, discuss the challenges associated with its effective implementation in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Despite the constitutional division of powers, Centre-state disputes have been a perennial feature of Indian democracy. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Do you agree with the view that adopting a framework for lobbying will strengthen participative governance and ease of doing business in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Despite the government encouraging open source instead of proprietary technology for government applications, the true potential of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) and digital platforms remains unrealized. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"As a social safety-valve, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) can be the principal vehicles through which communities voice their concerns. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Despite being lauded for its patient centric approach, the implementation of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, remains sluggish and mired with various issues. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to formulate an Urban Employment Guarantee scheme at the national level? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the relevance of BIMSTEC as a regional organisation to fulfil India's strategic aspirations in the Indian Ocean Region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the relevance of the Gujral Doctrine for India with regard to its relations with its immediate neighbours in the present times. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the pivotal role of the \"Officers of Parliament\" in the Indian Parliamentary system. Also, discuss the constitutional and statutory provisions for their impartial functioning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The Finance Commission plays a crucial role in balancing fiscal federalism in India. In this context, examine the recommendations given by the 15th Finance Commission. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Critically assess whether according statutory backing to the Model Code of Conduct will contribute towards free and fair elections in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The market disruption caused by digital revolution warrants renewed focus and perspective to ensure fair competition in the digital economy. In this light, discuss the need to revamp the Competition Commission of India (CCI). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"There is an urgent need for effective whistle-blowing mechanisms and ensuring that necessary safeguards for the protection of whistle-blowers are established in both public and private spheres in India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"State the reasons behind the poor performance of cooperatives in India. Also, discuss the reforms undertaken by the government to overcome the shortcomings. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Public-Private Partnership model, if harnessed properly, has the potential to bridge the gaps in India's healthcare system. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Although the New Education Policy brings with itself a commendable vision, its success will depend on its ability to effectively integrate with the government's other policy initiatives. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) is born from a collective desire to make the Indo-Pacific region an engine of global economic growth. Comment. Also, discuss India's concerns in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"India needs to identify the priority areas to further its techno-diplomacy amidst the complexities of expanding digital space and New and Emerging Strategic Technologies. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":898,"topper":"Ananya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/57026-967435_2219_ananya_rank-115.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Fiscal policy can be a key tool to reduce income inequality as well as make the poorest and the downtrodden a part of the country's growth story. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Digitizing land records will go a long way in ensuring land reforms as well as lessening the burden on the Indian Judiciary. Elaborate. Also, state the measures taken in this context. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"It has been pointed out that competitive politics to fund mostly non-merit subsidies is pushing a few states in India to the brink of a deep fiscal crisis. In this context, discuss the need to rationalise the subsidy regime in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Micro-irrigation has tremendous potential in transforming farming into a profitable and sustainable venture. Discuss the given statement in the context of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Given its vast resources and technical expertise, India can play a key role in assisting the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) in dealing with the impact of climate change. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The recent \"Disaster Management Plan of Ministry of Panchayati Raj (DMP-MoPR)\" aims to develop disaster resilience at the grassroots level. In this context, discuss the rationale behind the formulation of the Plan and highlight its key components. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the internal security implications emanating from the use of Emerging And Disruptive Technologies (EDT) by state and non-state actors. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Identify the impediments faced by India in boosting its defence exports. Also, discuss the steps taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the multiple issues associated with space debris. Also, state the initiatives taken in recent times to tackle this menace. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The adoption of Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) in India is expected to make e- commerce more inclusive and accessible for consumers. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While an agreement was recently reached at the WTO on a deal to curb \"harmful\" government fisheries subsidies, certain concerns raised by India suggests that the matter will require further negotiations. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite the advantages that are associated with the hybrid annuity model (HAM) in the road construction sector, the interest in it has moderated due to various reasons. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The existing MSP procurement regime is neither economically nor agro-ecologically sustainable. Elaborate. Also evaluate the alternative approaches that can be adopted to improve the existing MSP regime. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"It is being argued that India is struggling with overflowing foodgrains in warehouses. Discuss the statement in view of the existing buffer stock policy of India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Recently, the government has asked all ports to prepare a master plan in order to become 'mega ports' by 2047. In light of this, discuss the challenges faced by ports and suggest remedial measures in order to propel India's blue economy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Inequality in income and wealth translates into carbon inequality. In this context, discuss the significance of addressing carbon inequality for India and suggest ways to achieve it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Despite increased and regular occurrences of landslides over the past decade in India, the dominant development paradigm has largely not been modified. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)15","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India needs a smart border management system to balance legitimate cross border flows with national security interests. Discuss. Also, highlight the initiatives taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Establishing linkages between globalisation and money laundering, discuss the initiatives taken at the national and international levels to combat it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"There have been arguments that India needs to review some of its past assumptions about the nature of outer space and contribute to the development of new global norms. In this context, analyse India's stand in relation to the Artemis Accords. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":899,"topper":"Ananya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/09e37-967435_2220_ananya_rank-115.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The logic of limitless wealth lies in the basic human instinct for furthering self-interest in the form of profit. In this context, do you think there is a possibility of pursuing ethical capitalism? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"If a law is unjust, a man is not only right to disobey it, he is obligated to do so. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The capacity of Citizens' Charter to initiate any transformative process is conditioned upon it being appropriately designed and effectively executed. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The moral fiber and ethical conduct of public officials not only influence the standard of governance but also their own interests and performance. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The ongoing debate on euthanasia poses several ethical questions. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Foreign aid is a form of neo-colonialism, as the economically wealthier countries can exploit the developing countries under the cloak of aid. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Throwing light on the idea of Universal Humanism propounded by Rabindranath Tagore, discuss its contemporary relevance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree with the view that it is nature and not nurture which determines the emotional intelligence of a person? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Values that guide public administrators can often compete with each other, owing to their relative importance to the larger public interest. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Is it justifiable to say that corruption is a social phenomenon? What are the various ways through which administrative corruption can be tackled? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":52,"question":"Do you think that the current legal and institutional framework is adequate to deal with the menace of hate speech in society? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":900,"topper":"Ananya","air":13,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/127JInS9TwH61kwfbxEwvFXCdkU9c_Jnu/view","questions":[]},{"id":901,"topper":"Ananya","air":13,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uvsysxdo7ICD_uRfjyei8nRYr6CAbBfD/view","questions":[]},{"id":902,"topper":"Ananya Awasthi","air":135,"year":2021,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1IMbfTeauasLnLuAj-J2vu5U9dV8gztHC","questions":[]},{"id":903,"topper":"Ananya Das","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d41d0-ananya-das_16_2014_gs_booklet_5.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by Monetary Policy Trilemma? How can it be resolved in Indian context?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"What is inflation targeting? Describe the major recommendations of the Urjit Patel Committee for it.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":904,"topper":"Ananya Das","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/533a3-ananya-das_16_2014_gs_booklet_4.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The persistence of communalism as a significant internal security threat, is rooted in the deadly cocktail of identity politics, developmental deficit and systemic deficiency in state capacity to handle such threats. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What is the difference between a Frontier, Boundary and Border?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"What are the linkages between terrorism and organized crime? Explain their relevance and effect in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"It is the absence of a National Immigration Policy that is at the root of India's inability to deal with the menace of illegal migration and resulting threat to India's internal security. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Only a cooperative security architecture can provide long-term stability and mutual reassurance in the Indo-Pacific region. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"In the light of recently held BIMSTEC Summit 2014, examine the role of BIMSTEC in India's quest for trans-border connectivity with south-east Asian countries.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"India's relationship with Central Asia is based on a unique model of political, economic, cultural and developmental partnership. Elaborate on the issues and prospects related to enhancing India - Central Asia engagement.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":905,"topper":"Ananya Das","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c6c28-ananya-das_16_2014_gs_booklet_3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Examine the role of Sanskrit in development of Indian literature. Also illustrate the influence of Persian language on medieval literature.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Describe various forms of Puppet theatre in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"What was the significance of stupa and how did stupa architecture develop?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Quit India Movement was not just an impulsive response of the masses. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"\"At that time, the free market critique, the human development and the ecological critique, all were scattered and politically weak. There was an overwhelming consensus in favour of a heavy industry oriented, state supported model of development\". Elaborate with respect to the economic model adopted in India during the Nehruvian era.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Give a brief account of the major reasons responsible for the growth of Assam Nationalist movement. What were the major demands of the movement?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"In a short period from August 1988 to December 1991, communism in Eastern Europe was swept away. Elaborate the statement along with causes responsible for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"\"World War I broke out largely because of an arms race, and World War II because of the lack of an arms race.\" Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Globalisation poses a threat to cultural diversity because it is the cause of widespread cultural homogenisation. Critically evaluate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"Elimination of poverty is not merely a question of economic upliftment but is also related to socio-political awareness of people. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"Differentiate between planetary winds and local winds in terms of their origin, influence and scales of operation. Also illustrate the impact of local winds in influencing the climate of any area.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":906,"topper":"Ananya Das","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/86380-ananya-das_16_2014_gs_booklet_1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Are all professions morally equivalent or are some superior to others? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"What are the major ethical concerns governing the functioning of government organisations? How are they different from those in private organisations? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"B. R. Ambedkar was an ardent supporter of the claims of liberty, equality and fraternity. Explain the relevance of his teaching in modern day India and how they act as a backbone for our socio-political development. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"While it is important to expose a wrongdoing, a whistleblower should have the moral backing behind his act of whistleblowing. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Colleges and schools are a microcosm of the real world. Elaborate as to how these are instrumental in character-building. Also suggest certain measures through which these institutions can play a greater role in the current scenario. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"While individual beliefs and values determine one's subjective responsibility, it is the operational environment which guide:/shapes the objective responsibility. Congruence between the two is inevitable for realizing the goal of objectivity in administrative decisions. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":33,"question":"What are values? How are they different from ethics? (100 words) ? ?","marks":null,"words":"100"},{"page":35,"question":"Some alternative measures have been given below. Evaluate the merits and demerits of all the options: a. Ask senior judges to transfer themselves from this case. b. Completely ignore all pressure tactics of the various groups. c. Increase the duration of court hearings to appease the pressure. d. Put the case on the back burner and ask the regulatory body to investigate. e. Stop the media from showing this case with hype. Along with this, also indicate what (not limiting only to the options given above) your advice would be, presenting proper arguments.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Jyoti Gupta is the environmental compliance manager for a small plastics manufacturing company. She is currently faced with a dilemma on whether or not to spend money on a new technology that will reduce the level of a particular toxin in the wastewater that flows out from the back of the factory into a lake. The factory's emission levels are already within legal limits. However, Jyoti knows that environmental regulations for this particular toxin are lagging behind scientific evidence. In fact, a scientist from the university had been quoted in the newspaper recently, saying that if emission levels stayed at this level, the fish in the lake and rivers in the area might soon have to be declared unsafe for human consumption. Further, if companies in the region don't engage in some self-regulation on this issue, there is reason to fear that the government - backed by public opinion - may force companies to begin using the new technology, and may also begin requiring monthly emission level reports (which would be 16. Ronak has heard from his manager that their organization will be downsizing; it could be as little as 5 percent or as much as 30 percent. However, the supervisor told Ronak that 'we' are all under strict orders to keep it quiet' so that the agency's best employees will not seek other jobs. Mohan (one of the finest professionals in Ronak's unit), upon hearing the downsizing rumors, told Ronak that he was sure that he could get another job at a new business if a reduction in force occurred. However, openings at the new business will close soon. Mohan asked Ronak, \"Will there be layoffs?\" and \"Should I get another job now?\" (a) What are the options available to Ronak? (b) Evaluate each of these options and highlight which option you would have preferred, giving reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Ronak has heard from his manager that their organization will be downsizing; it could be as little as 5 percent or as much as 30 percent. However, the supervisor told Ronak that 'we' are all under strict orders to keep it quiet' so that the agency's best employees will not seek other jobs. Mohan (one of the finest professionals in Ronak's unit), upon hearing the downsizing rumors, told Ronak that he was sure that he could get another job at a new business if a reduction in force occurred. However, openings at the new business will close soon. Mohan asked Ronak, \"Will there be layoffs?\" and \"Should I get another job now?\" (a) What are the options available to Ronak? (b) Evaluate each of these options and highlight which option you would have preferred, giving reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"Mr. Sinha assigns a research problem in a high school calculus class. The problem is quite difficult and will require collaborative time and effort of a team. Mr. Sinha divides the class into groups of four students gives them instructions, and tells them when the problem will be due. Pradeep's group has an initial meeting and decides to divide up the work and then collaborate the information. Veena, one of Pradeep's group members, offers to write a particular section of the paper based on some great information she found on the Internet. The other members of the group, including Pradeep, divide the remaining work and proceed with their respective research. One week before the project is due, Pradeep finds out that Veena has chosen to \"copy and paste\" most of her paper from the Internet source. Pradeep picks up on Veena's plagiarism and knows it is wrong, but he needs an \"A\" on this research problem in order to pass Calculus. Pradeep confronts Veena and asks her to redo her paper without plagiarizing, but Veena claims she is too busy with her other classes 18. A terrorist group states that it has concealed a nuclear bomb in Delhi. The authorities have captured the leader of the group. He says that he knows the location of the bomb. He refuses to reveal the location. Torture is guaranteed to produce the information needed to ensure the diffusal of the bomb. (a) Is it ethically acceptable for the authorities to have him tortured to find out where the bomb is and thus save thousands of lives? (b) Suppose instead of catching the leader, the authorities have captured his 16 year old daughter. She is refusing to cooperate with the authorities. In your opinion is it morally justified to have her tortured to acquire necessary information and save thousands of lives?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"A terrorist group states that it has concealed a nuclear bomb in Delhi. The authorities have captured the leader of the group. He says that he knows the location of the bomb. He refuses to reveal the location. Torture is guaranteed to produce the information needed to ensure the diffusal of the bomb. (a) Is it ethically acceptable for the authorities to have him tortured to find out where the bomb is and thus save thousands of lives? (b) Suppose instead of catching the leader, the authorities have captured his 16 year old daughter. She is refusing to cooperate with the authorities. In your opinion is it morally justified to have her tortured to acquire necessary information and save thousands of lives?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":56,"question":"You are in a supermarket with your younger brother. Your brother draws your attention to a young child stealing food packets from the counter. He looks needy and he is taking advantage of the crowded store which the owner fails to manage in peak hours. The owner has a reputation of being a greedy and mean person. What will you do and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":59,"question":"During your election duty you caught hold of a vehicle full of cash. On inquiry, it was revealed to you that the vehicle belongs to a very popular politician of the region and even the exit polls are predicting his victory. The politician calls you up to release the vehicle. You try to approach your senior to seek advice but can't reach him. (a) What are the options available to you? (b) What course of action will you take?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":907,"topper":"Ananya Das","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a48e1-ananya-das_16_2014_gs_booklet_2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Even years after its introduction, the ability of Citizen's Charters in improving the efficiency of public services and making governments more accountable, is found wanting in many areas. In context of this statement, mention the various lacunae in the formulation and implementation of citizen's charters in Ind a and suggest how they can be addressed in light of the Sevottam model. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"For the success of Right to Information (RTI), a major challenge is to develop capacities for access to information. Discuss. How can the capacities of both public authorities and citizens be enhanced? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Define Work Culture. Suggest how an efficient work culture could be developed in the Indian scenario. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"If corruption exists even in rich, economically successful countries, why should developing countries like India be worried about it? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Is behaviour always a reflection of one's attitude? Explain with relevant examples. (100 words)","marks":null,"words":"100"},{"page":24,"question":"Empathy is not only an important ingredient but also an indicator of one's emotional intelligence. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Why do people obey orders, which they know are ethically wrong? (100 words)","marks":null,"words":"100"},{"page":32,"question":"Bring out what this statement means to you in the present context: \"There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but he must take t because conscience tells him it is right.\"- Martin Luther King (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":36,"question":"You are a young DM in a district, which is seeing rapid mushrooming of private Drug de-addiction centres. The centres are known to function in an unethical manner and their business model involves a specific consideration for cases of relapse victims. Although these centres charge at high rates, they are known to give families of addicts hope and institutionalisation of addicts has ensured maintenance of law and order, not seen in neighbouring districts. Analyse the following options for their positive and negative impact on the various stakeholders of the society. (a) Shutting down of the private rehab centres altogether","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"What are the options available to Sandhya?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"Evaluate each of these options and choose the option you find acceptable.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":908,"topper":"Ananya Rana","air":60,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ANANYA-RANA-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-60-Sample-Essay-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. Weakness of attitude becomes weakness of character.\n2. When the well is dry, we know the worth of water.\n3. Technology made large populations possible; large populations now make technology indispensable.\n4. Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":4,"question":"What does characterise an attitude? How does attitude reflect character? What leads to weak attitude and character? Can it be transformed? If yes, how?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"SECTION - B 1. A sailboat that sails backwards can never see the sun rise.\n2. Peace is not the absence of conflict, it's the presence of justice.\n3. The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.\n4. The best things in life are free.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Why peace is not the absence of conflict?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"How peace is presence of justice?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":909,"topper":"Ananya Rana","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/80534-1055139_4514_ananya_rana_rank_60.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Write two essays, choosing one topic from each of the Sections A and B, in about 1000-1200 words each :\n1. You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it.\n2. In matters of conscience, the law of the majority has no place.\n3. He who opens a school door, closes a prison.\n4. Only in the depths of winter can we truly appreciate the warmth of spring.\n5. We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.\n6. Copying is safe; innovation demands courage.\n7. The more we automate, the more human we must become.\n8. The pursuit of instant validation is creating a generation of restless minds.","marks":"125 x 2 = 250","words":"1000-1200 words each"},{"page":7,"question":"1 Only in the depths of winter can we truly appreciate the warmth of spring.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Appreciation of Spring - always in winter?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":910,"topper":"Ananya Rana","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ANANYA-RANA-UPSC-2023-Rank-280-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The ultimate renewable energy is the human ingenuity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Human laws and natural laws mutually reinforce each other.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"History should be understood as evolution of society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"If one has seen further than others it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Is modernism at a crossroads with cultural and civilisational ethos?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Man often enjoys the comfort of opinion without the discomfort for thought.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"The rise of populism in democratic societies is a threat to the rule of law and constitutionalism.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":911,"topper":"Ananya Rana","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/26e96-1055139_4510_ananya_rana_rank_60.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. Folk music serves as a repository of the cultural identity. Discuss the role of folk music in preserving cultural heritage and promoting social cohesion.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. How does the Vesara style of temple architecture represent a synthesis of the Nagara and Dravida styles? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. Discuss the role played by Indians living abroad in advancing the cause of India's freedom struggle. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. How did the Marshall Plan influence the economic recovery and political stability of post-war Europe? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. Discuss the factors responsible for increased cyclonic activity in the Arabian Sea.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. How can technological interventions help in transforming the textile sector in India? What are the initiatives that the government has taken in this regard? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. What is a seiche and how does it form? Discuss the geographical conditions under which seiches are most likely to occur.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. How has rapid urbanisation affected the socio-cultural landscape of peri-urban regions in India?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Examine the role of historical and socio-political factors in driving communalism in Indian politics.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. Globalization has significantly influenced the aspirations, lifestyle, and value systems of Indian youth. Discuss with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. Examine how Chandragupta-II's reign symbolised a golden age of cultural development, laying the foundation for future advancements in Indian art and literature. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. Evaluate the intended and unintended consequences of British educational policies for the Indian society in the colonial period.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. India's territorial disputes after independence were not merely about borders, but also encompass issues of national identity, historical grievances, and geopolitical strategies. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. Discuss the geographical conditions responsible for the development of shola forests in the upper reaches of the Western Ghats. Highlight their ecological significance.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. Discuss the potential of natural hydrogen as a fuel to meet growing global energy demands? Why is it still an untapped industry? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. Why is there a shift of labour-intensive industries from China to South and Southeast Asia? Discuss the advantages and challenges for India in this context.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. Explain the socio-economic transformations resulting from women's migration to metropolitan areas in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. The institution of marriage in India is increasingly becoming a site of conspicuous consumption and commodification. Critically examine the impact of this commercialisation on social equity and gender relations.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. Analyse how recognizing, reducing, and redistributing care work can foster gender equality and promote inclusive development in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. Discuss the changing nature of family structures in urban India. How is it impacting elderly care and socialization of the youth? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":912,"topper":"Ananya Rana","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ANANYA-RANA-UPSC-2023-Rank-280-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"It was neither her Coal and Iron reserves, nor the inventions of steam engine and cotton mills, but her democracy and rule of law that made Britain the epicentre of Industrial Revolution. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"In its extent, reach, and revolutionary zeal, Civil Disobedience Movement has a unique place in India's freedom struggle. Elucidate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"How will you explain that Vaishnavism and Shaivism as followed in medieval India represent both local traditions and universal ideals? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What do you understand from land subsidence? Explaining various reasons behind land subsidence, recommend measures to arrest the calamity. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Examining the reasons behind erratic Monsoon, highlight the possible outcomes of the same. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Explore and evaluate the impact of new technologies on Indian society. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Why did Hinduism-which amalgamated and absorbed almost every diverse faith, tradition, belief and practice that arose from within or outside, within its fold- failed to assimilate Islamic cultural beliefs and practices? Give reasons. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Elucidate the differences between Western and Indian model of secularism. To what extent do you agree with the criticism that Indian model of secularism is susceptible to promoting minority appeasement? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"With special reference to India, elucidate how globalisation-a multifaceted phenomenon-has had positive socio-economic outcomes on one hand and widened the gaps between the haves and have nots on the other? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Dravidian temple architecture that came of age during the rule of the Pallavas, could reach its zenith only at the time of the imperial Cholas. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the reasons why pre-independence women movements were led by men. Also analyse the contribution of women-led socio-economic movements in post-independence India in mainstreaming and successfully redressing the concerns of women. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Discuss the causes for salinity ingress along with its various consequences and potential solutions. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The economic and strategic significance of mineral wealth of a country cannot be seen in isolation from the associated socio-ecological impacts of their extraction. Discuss in light of the newfound lithium reserves in Northern India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Explain the mechanism and occurrence of earthquake. With the help of map given below, throw light upon the vulnerability of regions affected by earthquake and earthquake related disasters. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Enumerating different types of tides highlight their significance. Also, explain how tides are different from waves. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"In the contemporary times, the conventional conceptualization of the institution of marriage as well as family is facing evolutionary changes. Do you agree? Justify. To what extent have the state and market played a role in this? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Bring out the reasons and consequences of the spurt in child marriages in recent years. What steps can be taken beyond the legal realms to tackle the menace? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Examine the reasons behind generation of regional sentiments? Do you agree that regional sentiments and cultural assertiveness may lead to the issue of separatism? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":913,"topper":"Ananya Rana","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/8753a84a20ad78852d2f922fc896d837/64/cava25ecl1569_flt2501.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"Cave paintings are the visual autobiography of a prehistoric man. What can we infer about prehistoric beliefs and social practices from the cave paintings in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"\"Colonial education policy, intended to create obedient clerks, became a channel for political awakening and national self-assertion.\" Discuss (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Evaluate the extent to which the Gupta economy facilitated cultural and scientific advancements. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"India faces a looming freshwater crisis despite its vast river systems. Discuss the causes and evaluate integrated water resource management strategies for sustainability. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How do the Deccan and Chota Nagpur plateaus differ in their physical characteristics and resource potential? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Compare the characteristics of east-flowing and west-flowing rivers with suitable examples. Why do most rivers in India flow eastward? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The Arctic region is emerging as a new frontier for resource exploration. Discuss the opportunities and challenges for India in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"How are changing family structures and migration trends increasingly leading to the social isolation of the elderly in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"In what ways does urbanization challenge traditional notions of social cohesion in Indian society? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Safety and mobility are gendered constraints that significantly influence women's participation in the labour force in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"What do the accounts of Arab and European travellers reveal about the nature of social and economic life in medieval India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"India's linguistic diversity is not a challenge to national integration but a testament to its cultural resilience.' Discuss in the context of contemporary debates on language policy and identity politics in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Examine the role played by reformist organizations like the Brahmo Samaj and Arya Samaj in addressing various social issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"What are rift valleys, and how are they formed? Explain their geomorphological and economic significance. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"What is 'Blue Revolution'? Discuss the major challenges faced in the development of aquaculture in India. Suggest a set of comprehensive strategies to overcome these challenges. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"With accelerating glacial melt in the Himalayas, GLOFs pose a severe hazard downstream. Analyse the causes, impacts, and mitigation strategies related to GLOFs in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Using suitable examples, discuss the conditions required for the formation of salt pans and mangroves in India. How do these ecosystems support coastal resilience? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Caste in India today operates more as a system of identity assertion than of rigid hierarchy. Discuss this transformation in the context of caste group mobilisation and economic change. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Have regional identities in India evolved from cultural expressions to organised assertions of autonomy? Discuss their implications for national cohesion. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"The rise of the new middle class in India is marked by a culture of consumption. In what ways is the transition from conscious to impulsive consumption affecting family structure and dynamics in urban India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":914,"topper":"Ananya Rana","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/8753a84a20ad78852d2f922fc896d837/7/cava25ecl1569_flt2509.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"Pillars are not merely architectural marvels, but also serve as crucial sources of ancient Indian history. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"To what extent did early economic nationalists like Dadabhai Naoroji shape the intellectual foundations of the Indian freedom movement? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"How did the Indian national movement influence freedom movements across the world? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"How does the movement of continental plates help explain the spatial distribution of earthquakes in specific regions of the world? Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"River interlinking is seen as a means to reduce regional water stress. Discuss its advantages and examine the possible environmental and social implications. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the localisation factors for the textile industry in India and examine its economic significance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What are loess deposits, and why do they constitute some of the most agriculturally productive regions of the world? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Screen-based education has improved accessibility but also created new behavioural and social challenges for children. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Why are protectionist and xenophobic trends against Indians rising in the West, despite the global embrace of Indian culture and soft power? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"The caste system in India has adapted to the forces of modernisation, urbanisation, and economic liberalisation. Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Jawaharlal Nehru differed in their approach to nation-building, yet their shared vision was instrumental in shaping modern India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"The Swadeshi Movement marked a significant shift in India's freedom struggle from passive resistance to active mass mobilisation. In this context, discuss the strategies, social impact, and limitations of the movement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"The Western Ghats and the Northeastern Hills receive some of the highest rainfall during the southwest monsoon in India. Discuss the mechanisms responsible for heavy rainfall in these regions and analyse the monsoon's influence on human life in these regions. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Differentiate between forest cover, tree cover, and green cover. How do forest ecosystems in India contribute to climate resilience and carbon sequestration? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Account for the salinity variations in the world's oceans. How does this variation impact ocean circulation and marine ecosystems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"How does the polar cryosphere play a pivotal role in regulating the Earth's climate system? Also, enumerate the key factors responsible for rapid warming in the Arctic. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"\"Religious pluralism and secularism are integral to India's social fabric, but their coexistence requires constant negotiation.\" Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":915,"topper":"Ananya Rana","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/8753a84a20ad78852d2f922fc896d837/82/cava25ecl1569_flt2505.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"In what ways did medieval Indian sculptures and paintings reflect the cultural ethos of their times? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"\"The Cold War was less a military confrontation and more a battle of ideologies.\" Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Critically examine the impact of the Emergency on Indian democracy and civil liberties. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Explain the geological features and ecological importance of the Eastern Ghats. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Explain the origin of the Indian islands in the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss how inland water transport can alter the economy of eastern India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Desertification is not merely a land degradation issue; it is a silent threat to global ecological stability and food security. Discuss (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Is globalisation leading to the erosion of local languages and traditional culture in India? Justify your answer. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Neo-spiritual movements in India reflect the fusion of tradition, modernity, and digital influence in the practice of faith. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"How does the status and role of women in tribal societies differ from gender norms in mainstream Indian society? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"To what extent did vernacular literature in medieval India contribute to challenging established social norms? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Examine the ways in which Gandhian mass movements opened political space for Indian women. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"\"Bose symbolised a blend of militant nationalism and socialist vision.\" Discuss with reference to his political and economic ideas. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Urbanization is posing a threat to the existing urban infrastructure. Discuss the developmental issues it poses and its impact on urban communities. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Discuss the agro-climatic factors necessary for tea cultivation. Why is its production concentrated in specific pockets of Eastern and Southern India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"What factors are responsible for landslides in the Western Ghats? Discuss some mitigation measures to minimize their impact. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Classify the different types of lakes based on their geomorphological origin. Why are certain lake types more prevalent in specific regions of the world? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"With the rise of digital media influencers, traditional role models in Indian society are being replaced. Analyse its impact on youth behaviour and value systems. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":916,"topper":"Ananya Rana","air":60,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/8753a84a20ad78852d2f922fc896d837/76/cava25ecl1569_anu_se005f.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":917,"topper":"Ananya Rana","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3faed-1055139_4511_ananya_rana_rank_60.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. How does the Supreme Court's recent decision on Aligarh Muslim University's minority status affect the interpretation of Article 30 of the Indian Constitution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. The Supreme Court, in a recent verdict, prescribed a time period for the Governor's assent to state legislative bills. What are the implications of this judgment for cooperative federalism and legislative accountability in India?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. Discuss the recent changes and initiatives related to cooperatives that aim to smoothen the tussle between the Centre and States in the cooperative sector.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. In recent years, use of social media and digital mobilisation by civil society has emerged as a powerful form of pressure politics. Examine its impact on policymaking and democratic accountability.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. How is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) emerging as a business-led solution for addressing development challenges in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. Discuss how mechanisms like public consultations and Jan Sunwais in India impact governance outcomes.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. How effective have the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) and Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan been in addressing substance abuse in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. Rote learning and neglect of creativity in foundational education setup in India make it less ready for marketplaces that are now driven by Artificial Intelligence. Do you agree with this view? Substantiate your argument.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Analyze the transformation of the G7 from a symbol of Western strategic unity to a forum marked by internal contradictions. How should India navigate this changing dynamic to advance its strategic interests? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. Discuss the role of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in the development of developing countries. What are the key criticisms associated with its approach? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. The 103rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019 has introduced a new dimension to the principle of affirmative action in India. Critically examine its implications for the broader goal of social justice.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"12 The District Planning Committee (DPC) was envisioned as a key instrument to strengthen grassroots-level planning. How far has it succeeded in achieving this goal? Discuss the challenges faced by DPCs and suggest measures to make them more effective.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. The restrictions imposed under Article 293 of the Constitution on State borrowing powers, though constitutionally valid, may hinder fiscal autonomy of States and disrupt cooperative federalism. Discuss in the light of recent developments.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. Examine the tension between the right to contest elections and the need to uphold electoral ethics under the Representation of the People Act. Should there be a lifetime ban on convicted criminals? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. To what extent has the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme, launched in 2015, succeeded in addressing the declining child sex ratio and empowering the girl child? Suggest measures to enhance its impact at the grassroots level.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are emerging as vehicles of socio-economic transformation in rural India. Examine the role of government in scaling their reach and effectiveness. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. Despite economic growth, multidimensional poverty continues to persist in India. Analyse the underlying causes and discuss the measures taken by the government to address them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. India faces a paradox of food surplus and nutritional deficit. Analyse the structural reasons behind this paradox and suggest reform strategies.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. India's timely response during the economic crises in Sri Lanka and the Maldives reflects its \"Neighbourhood First\" policy in action. Examine how Indian aid has impacted bilateral ties with these nations. What steps can further be taken to promote sustainable economic cooperation in the Indian Ocean region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. Discuss the geostrategic significance of Afghanistan for India in the context of continental connectivity and access to Central Asia. How has the altered political landscape post-2021 affected India's connectivity and energy corridor ambitions?","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":918,"topper":"Ananya Rana","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/8753a84a20ad78852d2f922fc896d837/37/cava25ecl1569_m25gat04.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) plays a pivotal role in laying the foundation for formal primary education and ensuring the holistic development of children.' Examine the current status of ECCE in India. What steps can be taken to improve the quality of elementary education in the country? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"'Despite the growing harmful impact of online spaces on adolescents, curbing these negative effects remains a significant challenge'. Discuss the factors responsible for this challenge and suggest measures to protect adolescents in the digital age. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Analyse the challenges faced by Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in India despite legislative and constitutional safeguards. Suggest reforms to bridge the gap between legislative intent and societal reality to ensure their full inclusion in society. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"'Workplace automation is transforming industries by enhancing efficiency and productivity'. In this context, critically evaluate the social opportunities and risks associated with workplace automation in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The Indian pension system has evolved from the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) to the New Pension Scheme (NPS) and, now to the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS). In this context, discuss the issues associated with the NPS and evaluate the significance of the Unified Pension Scheme. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discuss the key provisions of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, and their role in addressing historical injustices. What are the major challenges in its implementation? Suggest measures to overcome these challenges for effective implementation of forest rights. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":16,"question":"'The rapid growth of the gig economy in India has created new employment opportunities but also exposed significant social security challenges for gig workers'. Discuss these challenges and suggest how the rationalization of labour laws can aid their formalization and integration into the social safety net. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the notable developments made by India in achieving gender parity and examine the barriers that continue to hinder progress. What further measures can be adopted to make progress towards gender parity in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":22,"question":"Critically examine the various welfare measures undertaken for senior citizens in India. Analyse the need for a comprehensive policy to effectively address the challenges faced by the elderly in the country. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"Discuss the factors that have led to a significant increase in internal migration in the country over the past two decades. What are the challenges faced by migrant workers in India? Suggest measures that are needed to address these challenges. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":919,"topper":"Ananya Rana","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/8753a84a20ad78852d2f922fc896d837/49/cava25ecl1569_m25gat03.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Aditya-L1 marks a significant milestone in India's space programme. Discuss its scientific objectives and the broader significance of the mission for India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What is the Internet of Things (IoT)? Discuss its transformative potential for India's information infrastructure and evaluate its role in enhancing agricultural productivity. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Reusable launch vehicles (RLVs) present both technological promise and challenges. Discuss the hurdles in developing RLVs and outline India's progress in this field. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What is Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)? Examine how DPI can accelerate India's development and evaluate the initiatives taken to build a digital stack for the agriculture sector. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"India's proposed mission to Venus poses multiple challenges. Discuss the scientific and technological difficulties associated with exploring Venus. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Operation Sindoor highlighted the decisive role of technology in modern warfare. In this context, examine the technological advancements that contributed to its operational success. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":16,"question":"Human spaceflight poses unique safety challenges. Discuss the major risks involved in human space missions and outline the steps taken under the Gaganyaan mission to address them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":19,"question":"India has made notable progress in nuclear energy. Discuss the technological advancements in this domain and evaluate their contribution to India's developmental goals. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":22,"question":"What are mRNA vaccines? Explain how they function and highlight how they differ from DNA-based vaccines. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"What is fifth-generation warfare? Examine the emerging challenges associated with it and suggest measures India should adopt to strengthen its preparedness. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":920,"topper":"Ananya Rana","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/8753a84a20ad78852d2f922fc896d837/79/cava25ecl1569_flt2510.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"Socialistic ideals and secularism are core features of the Basic Structure doctrine in India. In this context, discuss how judicial decisions have cemented these principles as the cornerstone of constitutional identity. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"\"There is a need to expand the scope of 'corrupt practices' under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, to address emerging forms of electoral malpractices.\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Analyse the distinguishing perspectives on equality as reflected in the constitutional frameworks of India and France. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The shrinking effective share of States in the Union's gross tax revenues, coupled with equity-heavy criteria in horizontal devolution, raises critical concerns for fiscal federalism in India. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"\"Citizenship is the legal foundation of constitutional rights and responsibilities.\" Discuss how India's approach to citizenship reflects its commitment to constitutional values. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Declining fertility rates, coupled with rising life expectancy, require a shift from fertility-focused interventions to human capital investments. Examine in the light of recent population trends. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"The quality of governance is critically linked to the extent and nature of citizen participation in democratic processes.\" Discuss using examples in the Indian context. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"\"Low alignment between educational outcomes and market needs can widen social and economic inequalities.\" Examine this statement in the context of India's skills ecosystem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"The weakening commitment of major powers to international health frameworks poses serious challenges to equitable global cooperation.\" Discuss in light of the U.S. withdrawal from the WHO and its implications for India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"The ongoing conflict in West Asia has exposed the vulnerabilities of regional diplomacy. In this light, discuss the implications of the West Asian conflict for India's strategic autonomy and regional engagement. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"\"Department-related Standing Committees serve as the institutional backbone of legislative scrutiny, yet their potential remains underutilised.\" Critically analyse the challenges faced by Parliamentary Committees in ensuring executive accountability in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"\"President's Rule is a constitutional mechanism to deal with governance failure, not political convenience.\" Under what circumstances can President's Rule be imposed in a State? Discuss the constitutional safeguards and judicial verdicts associated with it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"The recently released Devolution Index reveals wide variation in the performance of States in empowering Panchayati Raj Institutions. While explaining the reasons behind this variation, discuss the role of capacity-building initiatives in enabling PRIs to fulfil their constitutional mandate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"\"In the evolving constitutional and political landscape, the effectiveness of statutory commissions depends on their structural autonomy and independence.\" Discuss in the context of the growing demand for constitutional status for statutory commissions like the National Commission for Women (NCW) and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"\"An independent judiciary is essential for upholding constitutional values, but it must also remain accountable to preserve public trust.\" Discuss in the context of recent issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Institutional autonomy of sectoral regulators is critical for ensuring credibility, transparency, and fair competition. In light of recent incidents, examine the issues pertaining to the independence and autonomy of regulatory bodies in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"How far do you think a caste census is a necessary step toward realising the goals of social justice and equitable development despite the administrative challenges it poses? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"\"The complexity of modern governance demands adaptive and dynamic administrative reforms.\" Evaluate the role of administrative reforms in improving efficiency, transparency, and responsiveness in Indian governance. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"The trajectory of India-China relations in the last 75 years reflects a balance between pragmatic cooperation and unresolved strategic tensions. Discuss the contours of this evolving policy and highlight the measures India should take to counterbalance asymmetries with China. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"The evolution of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) from a maritime security grouping to a multidimensional partnership reflects changing strategic realities in the Indo-Pacific. In this context, examine the opportunities and challenges that QUAD presents for India's regional aspirations and strategic autonomy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":921,"topper":"Ananya Rana","air":60,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/8753a84a20ad78852d2f922fc896d837/72/cava25ecl1569_flt2502.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":922,"topper":"Ananya Rana","air":60,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/8753a84a20ad78852d2f922fc896d837/41/cava25ecl1569_m25gat01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":923,"topper":"Ananya Rana","air":60,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/8753a84a20ad78852d2f922fc896d837/45/cava25ecl1569_m25gat02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":924,"topper":"Ananya Rana","air":60,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ANANYA-RANA-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-60-Sample-AWFG-Copy-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Q.1) How do the changes in Himalayan glaciers reflect and contribute to the visible signs of climate change in the Indian subcontinent? Analyze with relevant examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":3,"question":"Q.6 Discuss the factors influencing the formation of soils. Also, throw light on distribution of major types of soil in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":8,"question":"3. The rate of cyclone formation in Arabian sea has nearly doubled in the last 15 years as compared to those in Bay of Bengal.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":925,"topper":"Ananya Rana","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6a2c5-1055139_4512_ananya_rana_rank_60.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. Analyse the factors that have contributed to India's inclusive economic growth in the past decade. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. The Reserve Bank of India's surplus transfers offer the government much-needed fiscal space, yet they are not without challenges. Critically examine the implications of the RBI's surplus transfers to the government.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. To what extent was the first National Monetization Pipeline (NMP) able to meet its objectives? What are the objectives of the new Asset Monetization Plan 2025-30 as announced in the recent 2025 Budget?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. Examine the major challenges hindering the Indian textile industry from achieving its full potential in the global value chain.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. Why has India become increasingly import-dependent for edible oils despite being a major agricultural economy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. Air accidents are low-frequency but high-impact events. Examine the disaster management protocols in place for aviation-related emergencies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. Chemical pollution poses a grave threat to human health and the environment in India. Discuss the key sources contributing to pervasive chemical contamination and evaluate the effectiveness of existing environmental laws in curbing this problem.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. Missile defence systems are becoming critical for national security in the face of evolving regional threats and advanced weapon technologies. Explain the working principle of missile defence systems. Critically assess India's progress in developing indigenous missile defence capabilities.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Despite multiple resolutions and initiatives undertaken by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), its efforts to counter terrorism have achieved limited success. Discuss the reasons for this limited effectiveness.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. India practices a ‘multi-alignment’ approach in its cyber diplomacy. How does this posture strengthen India’s internal security while maintaining strategic autonomy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. While examining the shortcomings of the land reforms in the past, elaborate what land reforms 2.0 should look like. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. As NITI Aayog completes 10 years of its establishment, critically examine its role in the planning and development paradigm of governance in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. What are the primary causes of limited formal credit penetration among the rural and unbanked populations in India? Comment on the effectiveness of Small Finance Banks in addressing this gap and advancing inclusive financial growth.","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. To what extent has the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for the food processing industry facilitated value addition, employment generation, and global competitiveness in India's food processing industry? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. Waste circularity is emerging as a sustainable solution to India's mounting solid waste crisis. Discuss the key principles of waste circularity and the government's initiative in this regard. How effective have these measures been in fostering a circular economy? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. Discuss the importance of integrating traditional ecological knowledge of India's tribal communities with modern disaster management frameworks. Mention two examples where indigenous practices have contributed to disaster resilience. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. CRISPR technology has rapidly advanced in recent years, with new tools and clinical breakthroughs. Highlight the recent developments in CRISPR-based gene editing technology applications. Discuss the opportunities and ethical challenges these advancements present for healthcare and society.","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. A credible semiconductor ecosystem is pivotal for India's economic security as much as for national security. Analyse the strategic objectives, incentives, and institutional architecture of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM). Identify the major risks that could derail its timelines.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. Intricate inter-play of diverse factors has been the force multipliers for extremism in the North East. Discuss. Suggest a multilayered strategy to tackle the menace of extremism in this region.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. Despite recent steps towards inducting women into combat roles, their participation remains low. Examine the key challenges impeding the greater inclusion of women in the Indian armed forces. Also, suggest suitable measures to enhance their participation.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":926,"topper":"Ananya Rana","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/8753a84a20ad78852d2f922fc896d837/40/cava25ecl1569_m25gat05.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"India aims to achieve 570 GW of solar capacity by 2030, surpassing its global commitments. However, to realise its full potential, India must accelerate solar expansion by addressing the major challenges faced by the solar sector. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the role of technological innovations in addressing the challenges faced by Indian agriculture. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Examine the current status of inland waterways in India and their advantages. What are the key challenges hindering the development of inland waterways in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Skill India Mission has recently been restructured and extended with the aim of equipping the youth with \"future-ready skills.\" In this context, examine the achievements and challenges of the Skill India Mission in the Indian economy. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What is digital currency? Discuss the potential benefits of digital currency in financial transformation and the challenges associated with it. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"For India to raise the manufacturing sector's contribution to GDP from 15% to 25%, strategic reforms and the creation of a robust ecosystem for industrial growth are essential. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":16,"question":"With the growing demand from farmers for a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Prices (MSPs), critically examine the advantages and challenges of legalising MSP. Also, suggest measures to strengthen price support mechanisms for farmers in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":19,"question":"What is Climate Resilient Agriculture (CRA)? Discuss the steps taken by the government to promote CRA and examine the key challenges faced in making Indian agriculture climate-resilient. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the need for Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and their potential to transform Indian agriculture. Highlight the challenges faced by FPOs and the initiatives undertaken by the government to promote them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"Analyse the opportunities for enhancing agricultural exports from India and the challenges impeding their growth. Also, suggest measures needed for a stable and effective Agri-export policy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":927,"topper":"Ananya Rana","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/8753a84a20ad78852d2f922fc896d837/83/cava25ecl1569_flt2511.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"How far do you think the recent proposals to reform India's tax structure will help in improving India's tax buoyancy and base? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"How do the rising trends of economic nationalism and protectionism affect India's global trade competitiveness? What recent measures has India taken to navigate these challenges? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Examine the role of Integrated Farming System (IFM) in improving agricultural productivity and minimizing the environmental impact of agriculture. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"In recent years, Indian agriculture has been witnessing a transformation towards better productivity and improved farmer incomes. What institutional and structural reforms have been undertaken by the Government to make agriculture more rewarding and sustainable? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How do Air Defence systems work? What are the various air-defense systems that India currently possesses? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the potential of RNA editing in treating genetic disorders. What are its advantages over DNA editing? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Urban areas are more vulnerable to disasters due to unplanned growth and infrastructure collapses. Discuss. What strategies do you recommend to enhance urban resilience to such disasters? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Despite its criticality for the success of the Swachha Bharat Mission, solid waste management in India remains at a sub-optimal level. In this context, suggest long-term technological and institutional solutions towards effective solid-waste management. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"Social media has emerged as a new frontier in modern warfare, shaping narratives, influencing perceptions, and impacting national security\". In this context, analyse the role of social media in contemporary conflicts. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"The Border Security Force (BSF) has evolved significantly in its jurisdiction as well as its strategic importance in border management and the internal security framework. Explain the role and mandate of BSF. What are the issues BSF faces while operating in the border States? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"India's growth story is marred by persistent challenges of inequality and the middle-income trap. Discuss. Highlight the approaches India should follow to escape the middle-income trap and ensure inclusive and sustainable economic growth. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"MSMEs are central to the success of the Make in India initiative, yet they face challenges in scaling up and integrating into formal supply chains. Discuss. Suggest structural reforms needed to make MSMEs more resilient and competitive. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"\"The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) aims to achieve 'more crop per drop', yet irrigation efficiency in India remains suboptimal.\" Critically analyse. What reforms are needed to strengthen its implementation? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"The rising import of oilseeds and pulses has made their cultivation unremunerative. In the light of this statement, elucidate the steps needed to promote the production and consumption of oilseeds and pulses in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Explain the scientific principles behind cloud seeding. Highlighting its role in alleviating air pollution and global warming, discuss its potential limitations. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Give an account of the evolution of India's 3-Stage Nuclear Power Programme. What are the advantages and strategic imperatives of realising the thorium-based third stage? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Recent studies indicate that the 2014-2024 decade is the warmest decade and 2024 is the warmest year on record. In the light of rapid global warming, what are the impacts of climate change on biodiversity? Discuss the measures needed to ensure ecological resilience and conservation of species diversity. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Forest fires in India are increasing in frequency and intensity, posing severe ecological and economic challenges. Describe the various causes of forest fires. What measures are followed to prevent and manage forest fires in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"What are organized crimes? Discuss the linkages between organized crime and terrorism. How do such linkages pose internal security challenges to India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"India's north-eastern region is fraught with contentious issues and security challenges. Examine the various security challenges currently prevailing in the region. Discuss the steps to counter these challenges. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":928,"topper":"Ananya Rana","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2c91f-1055139_4513_ananya_rana_rank_60.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. (a) Compassion is the courageous choice to feel another's suffering as one's own, and to act upon it, even when silence is safer and indifference is easier. Examine the significance of compassion as an essential ethical value for civil servants in India. Illustrate your answer with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"1. (b) Marriages in India are transitioning from traditional sacramental unions to more autonomous relationships, reflected in live-in relationships and rising divorce rates. Discuss the ethical dimensions of these changes.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"2. (a) While accountability often necessitates documentation, an overemphasis on bureaucratic procedures and excessive paperwork can inadvertently silence the very voices that public policy intends to empower, particularly at the grassroots. Examine the above statement with suitable illustrations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"2. (b) The principle of impartiality may conflict with the need for compassion towards marginalized communities. Discuss in the context of civil services in India.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":14,"question":"3 (a) What do each of the following quotations mean to you?\n \"The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home.\" - Confucius (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"3. (b) \"Act only according to that maxim through which you can at the same time will that it become a universal law.\" - Immanuel Kant (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"3. (c) \"We are not only responsible for what we do, but also for what we fail to do\" - Molière. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"4. (a) Patriotism encourages ethical questioning, while nationalism often suppresses it. Discuss this statement in light of the formation of political attitudes during high-pressure national events. How can individuals develop moral attitudes that balance national interest with ethical reasoning?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"4. (b) Discuss how employee well-being and fairness can be balanced with efficiency and profitability in private organisations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"5. (a) Do you agree that excessive use of social media and emerging AI technologies may lead to a decline in emotional regulation and moral sensitivity among adolescents? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"5. (b) In light of the increasing incidents of suicides among students in India, discuss how Emotional Intelligence (EI) can aid in managing stress and emotional challenges.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"6. (a) In public service, emotional intelligence is not about suppressing emotion, but mastering its purpose — to connect, to de-escalate, and to uplift others with empathy and strength. Do you agree with this view? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"6. (b) An efficient work culture is built not only on rules, but on shared values. In this context, evaluate the role of leadership and team dynamics in transforming work culture within an organization.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"7 You are posted as the Joint Secretary in the Department of Information Technology of a state. The government recently implemented several citizen-centric digital services, collecting large volumes of personal data from residents. The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, requires that such data be processed only with explicit and informed consent, and mandates that processing must cease immediately upon withdrawal of consent.\nDuring an internal audit, you discover that the department continues to process and analyze personal data of several citizens even after they have formally withdrawn their consent. This data is being used for policy analytics and service improvement purposes not explicitly disclosed at the time of data collection. When you bring this to the attention of your department head, you are informed that halting the processing will disrupt ongoing digital initiatives and may affect state-level performance metrics. Moreover, you find that the consent withdrawal process is cumbersome, and many citizens are unaware of their rights under the DPDP Act.\nYou also learn that a prominent social activist is planning to file a complaint with the Data Protection Board against involuntary use of personal data, which could attract public scrutiny and legal action against the department.\n(a) Identify and discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.\n(b) What are the potential consequences for the department if the issue is not addressed transparently?\n(c) How would you balance the need for efficient public service delivery with the obligation to protect citizens' data rights? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"8 (a) इस प्रकरण में शामिल प्रमुख नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं? हितधारकों और उनके परस्पर विरोधी हितों की पहचान कीजिए।\n(b) लोक निर्माण विभाग के सचिव के रूप में, आप उपयुक्त स्थिति में क्या कार्रवाई करेंगे?\n(c) ऐसी घटनाएं सिविल सेवकों के मनोबल और शासन में जनता के विश्वास को कैसे प्रभावित करती हैं? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)\na) इस प्रकरण में शामिल प्रमुख नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं? हितधारकों और उनके परस्पर विरोधी हितों की पहचान कीजिए।\nb) लोक निर्माण विभाग के सचिव के रूप में, आप उपयुक्त स्थिति में क्या कार्रवाई करेंगे?\nc) ऐसी घटनाएं सिविल सेवकों के मनोबल और शासन में जनता के विश्वास को कैसे प्रभावित करती हैं? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":38,"question":"(a) What are the key ethical issues involved in this situation? Identify the stakeholders and their conflicting interests.\n(b) As the Secretary of the PWD, what actions will you take in above situation?\n(c) How do such incidents affect the morale of civil servants and public trust in governance? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"9 You are the Secretary in the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Government of India. In recent years, an increasing number of civil servants, particularly younger officers from the IAS, IPS, and IRS, have begun maintaining personal YouTube channels and social media pages. On these platforms, they regularly post videos related to their official work — showcasing innovative projects, public outreach initiatives, inspection drives, and sometimes even day-to-day administrative duties.\n\nThese videos often receive widespread public attention, and many viewers express admiration, saying such content enhances transparency, motivates aspirants, and humanizes the bureaucracy. However, concerns have also emerged from various quarters. Senior officers argue that such content may blur the boundaries between personal branding and public service, while some citizens and media commentators point to instances where videos feature vulnerable beneficiaries without consent, raise concerns about misuse of official premises, or seem designed more for personal popularity than public accountability.\n(a) लोक सेवकों द्वारा अपने आधिकारिक कार्यों को सोशल मीडिया पर सार्वजनिक रूप से प्रदर्शित करने के कृत्यों में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों की पहचान कीजिए।\n(b) क्या ऐसी प्रयास जागरूकता और प्रेरणा को प्रोत्साहित देती हैं या क्या ये अनामिता, तटस्थता और सामूहिक सेवा भावना के मूल्यों से समझौता करती हैं? अपना मत दीजिए।\n(c) सचिव के रूप में, लोक सेवकों की उत्तरदायिता डिजिटल सहभागिता सुनिश्चित करने के लिए आप कौन-से मार्गदर्शक सिद्धांत और नीतिगत अनुशासन सुझाएंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"You have been asked to prepare a report with recommendations to balance public interest, institutional integrity, and evolving modes of communication.\n(a) Identify the ethical issues involved in civil servants publicly showcasing their official work on social media.\n(b) Do such practices promote awareness and motivation, or do they compromise the values of anonymity, neutrality, and collective service ethos? Give your opinion.\n(c) As the Secretary, what guiding principles and policy recommendations would you suggest to ensure responsible digital engagement by civil servants?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":47,"question":"10. (a) What are the ethical issues you perceive in the implementation of the GeneFuture program?\n(b) Identify the conflicting interests of different stakeholders in this case.\n(c) What guiding ethical principles would you recommend for implementation of this project? (Answer in 250 words)\na) What are the ethical issues you perceive in the implementation of the GeneFuture program?\nb) Identify the conflicting interests of different stakeholders in this case.\nc) What guiding ethical principles would you recommend for implementation of this project? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"11 You are a dedicated District Health Officer (DHO) with a strong commitment to evidence-based public health practices, recently assigned to a remote district in India. Your immediate and most critical task is to lead a crucial district-wide Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination drive, aimed at achieving 100% immunization coverage among children aged 9 months to 15 years. The success of this drive is vital for the collective health of thousands of children and for the district's overall health indicators, especially with the impending monsoon season posing additional health challenges.\n\nHowever, in one of the largest and most traditional villages in your district, you encounter formidable resistance. The villagers, deeply influenced by the pronouncements of a revered local\n(a) उपयुक्त प्रकरण में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\n(b) इस विरोध को शांत करने के लिए आपके पास तत्काल क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\n(c) अंधविश्वास के व्यापक प्रभाव को दूर करने और संधारणीय लोक स्वास्थ्य परिणामों हेतु वैज्ञानिक सोच को बढ़ावा देने के लिए आप कौन-सी दीर्घकालिक रणनीतियाँ और प्रणालीगत सुधारों का सुझाव देंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case.\n(b) What are the immediate options available to you to overcome this resistance?\n(c) What long-term strategies and systemic reforms would you suggest to address the pervasive influence of superstition and foster a scientific temperament for sustainable public health outcomes? (Answer in 250 words)\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case.\nb) What are the immediate options available to you to overcome this resistance?\nc) What long-term strategies and systemic reforms would you suggest to address the pervasive influence of superstition and foster a scientific temperament for sustainable public health outcomes?","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"12 (a) आपके समक्ष विद्यमान संभावित प्रशासनिक और नैतिक दुविधाएं क्या हैं?\n(b) आपके लिए उपलब्ध सभी विकल्पों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\n(c) आप अपने निर्णय का नैतिक औचित्य सिद्ध करते हुए कौन-सी व्यापक कार्यवाही करेंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)\na) आपके समक्ष विद्यमान संभावित प्रशासनिक और नैतिक दुविधाएं क्या हैं?\nb) आपके लिए उपलब्ध सभी विकल्पों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\nc) आप अपने निर्णय का नैतिक औचित्य सिद्ध करते हुए कौन-सी व्यापक कार्यवाही करेंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":58,"question":"(a) What are the potential administrative and ethical dilemmas you face?\n(b) Discuss all options available to you.\n(c) What comprehensive course of action would you choose to adopt, providing ethical justification for your decision? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":929,"topper":"Ananya Rana","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ANANYA-RANA-UPSC-2023-Rank-280-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The influence of ethical principles on shaping socially responsible behaviour is widely acknowledged. How do ethical values facilitate individuals in cultivating a proactive and constructive attitude towards fulfilling their social responsibilities? Can the subjective nature of ethical principles lead to divergent attitudes regarding social responsibility? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Through their actions, interactions, and teachings, schools have the power to mold the moral compass of the next generation. In this perspective, discuss the significance of value-based education in preparing the youth to address the contemporary challenges of society. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'situation ethics'? Critically analyze its strengths and weaknesses in making moral judgements. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Maintaining traditional bonds and familial relationships in an increasingly globalized world requires personal relationships to be governed by ethical principles. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Why should a man be moral? Because it strengthens his will.\" - Swami Vivekanand. In this perspective, discuss the significance of morality for bringing efficiency and effectiveness in public administration. Do you think moral rigidity can be a hindrance in good governance? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Civil servants who embody emotional intelligence exhibit a profound understanding of the human aspect of governance, enabling them to cultivate meaningful relationships, foster cooperation, and drive positive change. Examine ways in which Emotional Intelligence can be inculcated in civil servants. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The challenges posed by the corporate sector's impact on climate, environmental sustainability, and living conditions has highlighted the need for responsible and inclusive business practices. In this direction, the contemporary discourse on corporate governance is emphasizing the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. Evaluate the ESG framework in equipping the corporate world with the capabilities to fulfill its social roles and responsibilities. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Uniform Civil Code (UCC) aims to create a common set of laws governing personal matters, such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption, irrespective of individuals' religious affiliations. In the context of the ongoing discourse on UCC in India, examine the challenges that arise when attempting to reconcile legal principles with diverse moral considerations. To what extent should the law be influenced by moral/religious principles? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What does each of the following quotation mean to you? a) \\\"When I do good, I feel good; when I do bad, I feel bad, and that is my religion\\\" - Abraham Lincoln. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time.\" – Ruth Bader Ginsburg. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"\"Happiness is that state of consciousness which proceeds from the achievement of one's values\" – Ayn Rand. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":53,"question":"Bring out various ethical dilemmas faced by Kamlesh. b) Consider yourself in Kamlesh's position. What are the various options available to you? c) Critically evaluate each of the option listed by you. d) Which of the above option should Kamlesh adopt and why? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":930,"topper":"Ananya Rana","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/8753a84a20ad78852d2f922fc896d837/77/cava25ecl1569_flt2512.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"\"Duty forms the cornerstone of administrative ethics, yet without integration of other ethical perspectives, it risks becoming mechanical compliance.\" Discuss how the interplay of duty, virtue, principle, and consequences can enrich ethical decision-making in public administration. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"\"The strength of a professional public service lies in its ability to remain non-partisan, even in a deeply political environment.\" Do you agree that partisanship undermines the ethical foundation of public administration? Discuss the risks posed by political bias among civil servants and the safeguards that help uphold neutrality. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"In situations of moral ambiguity, where formal rules fall short, emotional intelligence and conscience become crucial tools. Explain how these internal faculties help public servants navigate ethical grey zones. Support with a suitable example. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"The heart of the ethical dilemma is not the absence of values but the presence of competing responsibilities.\" Discuss how ethical dilemmas in public administration often emerge from the clash of legitimate obligations rather than moral ambiguity. Illustrate with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"\"The growing layers of oversight, media scrutiny, and public expectations have made accountability a double-edged sword for public servants.\" Do you agree that excessive accountability pressure can sometimes hinder ethical judgment and innovation in the bureaucracy? Explain your perspective with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"\"Family, society, and education do not merely transmit values they shape the ethical foundation of public life.\" Discuss how these institutions influence value formation in public servants. Why is the role of these institutions critical in strengthening ethical governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"Gandhian ethics emphasize purity of means, truth, and moral courage even when outcomes are uncertain.\" Critically evaluate whether such absolutist ethics are compatible with the demands of modern public administration, where administrative realism and pragmatism are often necessary. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"\"Procurement decisions are a litmus test of public sector probity, where integrity must resist both institutional pressures and private influence.\" Discuss how the principles of transparency, fairness, and accountability can strengthen ethical conduct in public procurement. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"Attitudes, shaped by personal beliefs and values, influence the ethical behaviour of public servants.\" Explain how moral and political attitudes impact administrative neutrality and integrity in public service. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"Foreign aid is often framed as generosity, but its ethical legitimacy depends on fairness, accountability, and respect for sovereignty.\" Explain the ethical concerns associated with conditional foreign aid. How can donor countries uphold recipient autonomy while ensuring transparency and developmental impact? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context? (a) \"Good government...depends...(on) the qualities of the human beings composing the society over which the government is exercised.\" J S Mill (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":33,"question":"What are the ethical considerations involved in this budget allocation decision?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"How can administrators ensure equitable development while maintaining working relationships with elected representatives? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"You are posted as the Deputy Director (Training) at a state administrative academy. Among the current batch of officer trainees is a probationer known for initiative and strong opinions on social justice and governance. Over the past few weeks, the probationer has been posting commentary on current affairs on his public social media account. While not abusive or inflammatory, his posts openly criticise: * Certain welfare schemes as \"tokenistic,\" * The inaction of state agencies in recent communal incidents, * And call for \"civil resistance\" to regressive laws. Screenshots of his posts have circulated in the department. Some senior officers consider the posts politically charged and believe they undermine the principle of neutrality and decorum expected of civil servants. Others argue he is still under training and needs mentorship, not discipline. You are informally asked by the Director General to \"speak to him\" and submit a recommendation on whether formal action is warranted. The probationer, when confronted, says: \"I posted as a citizen, not as a government mouthpiece. I'm entitled to express myself. My views don't affect my professional objectivity.\" There's growing debate in the academy: Where does personal liberty end and institutional responsibility begin? Is there space for moral conviction in service, or must officers conform fully to institutional restraint even in their private lives?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"What are the key ethical and professional concerns in this situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"How can civil servants balance personal expression with the demands of neutrality and public accountability? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"What are the key ethical issues in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"How can civil servants uphold integrity when informal hierarchies and peer pressure discourage ethical action? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"What are the ethical concerns involved in the allocation of CSR funds in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"How would you assess the competing pressures of organizational politics and public interest?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"What decision would you take, and how would you justify it ethically and professionally? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"What are the administrative and ethical issues involved in the case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"How can senior civil servants uphold neutrality and fairness in politically sensitive postings without inviting retaliation or appearing insubordinate? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":58,"question":"Your team awaits instruction. Some suggest delaying until an in-principle rehabilitation commitment is secured. Others urge immediate compliance to \"avoid contempt.\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":58,"question":"What are the core ethical challenges involved in executing the eviction in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":58,"question":"How should a public servant reconcile legal mandates with humanitarian obligations in contexts of informal urban settlements?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":931,"topper":"Ananya Rana","air":60,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/8753a84a20ad78852d2f922fc896d837/80/cava25ecl1569_flt2504.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":932,"topper":"Ananya Rana","air":280,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ANANYA-RANA-UPSC-2023-Rank-280-MGP-Answer-Copy-Anthropology-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":933,"topper":"Anchal Chauhan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/179d1-199992_1244_anchal-chauhan_rank_183.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the need of an Independent Fiscal Council (IFC) in bringing about transparency and accountability in fiscal processes in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Recognizing the potential of exports in generating employment, a number of steps need to be taken to address India's weakening export competitiveness. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlighting the main features of National Mineral Policy, 2019, discuss how it can help in ensuring sustainable and responsible mining. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlighting the salient features of the PM JI-VAN Yojana, analyze how it can assist in achieving the vision and goals of the National Policy on Biofuels, 2018. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) provides an alternative to capital and chemical intensive agriculture currently being practiced in India. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Marine life is facing 'irreparable damage' from the millions of tonnes of plastic waste which ends up in the oceans each year. In this context, examine the implications of plastic pollution on marine ecosystem and suggest some measures for addressing this problem. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are black holes? Highlight the challenges in imaging a black hole? How were these challenges overcome by the Event Horizon Telescope project? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"While mentioning the objectives of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), discuss the challenges which are hindering the utilization of the ATT to its full potential. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Threats to internal security of India may be posed both through the communication networks and also to the networks. Discuss. Also, highlight the steps taken by the government in making the networks more secure. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlight the importance and challenges related to integration of Variable Renewable Energy (VRE) in India. Mention some steps that can be taken for its smooth integration with the synchronized Indian grid. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"There have been arguments that India could fall into a 'middle income trap'. Explaining the phenomenon, highlight the reasons behind such arguments. How can India avoid it? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Highlighting its importance, discuss the major issues that plague effective monetary policy transmission in India. Also, mention the steps taken by RBI to improve it. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What is Access and Benefit Sharing? Explain how it aids in sustainable use of biodiversity. Also, mention the different global and national level mechanisms for ensuring Access and Benefit Sharing. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Stating the significance, discuss the challenges in achieving disaster resilience of infrastructure. Suggest some ways for mainstreaming it in the development paradigm. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Highlighting the significance of data localization for India, discuss various challenges associated with data localization. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Money Laundering as a socio economic offence is a menace especially for developing countries like India. Comment. What measures have been taken at the domestic and international levels to deal with this menace? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The primary motive of terrorism differs from that of organised crime but there exists a symbiotic relationship between the two. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":934,"topper":"Anchal Chauhan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6f93e-199992_1247_anchal-chauhan_rank_183.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Mention the structure and functions of NITI Aayog. Also, comment on its contemporary relevance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Critically discuss the practice of setting up Fast Track Courts to reduce pendency of cases in the judiciary. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the challenges faced by lower judiciary in India and suggest measures for enhancing their productivity. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Assess the need to formalise the process of post-legislative scrutiny to improve the effectiveness of laws. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in improving the effectiveness of e-governance in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Despite various reforms in the public grievance redressal mechanisms, their effectiveness remain limited. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Explaining the factors that contribute to trafficking of women and children in India, highlight the steps taken in recent times to combat it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"With Vector-Borne Diseases (VBDs) reaching epidemic proportions in India, highlight the factors that have led to their emergence. Also, suggest some measures for their effective control and management. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"After years of neglect, rapidly evolving regional strategic realities are now forcing India and Indonesia to coordinate their policies ever more closely. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Despite several attempts at resetting the ties, various barriers continue to be a cause of concern in the India-Nepal bilateral relations. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Delineate the differences between pressure groups and interest groups. Citing examples, elaborate on the ways in which pressure groups influence government decisions and policy making in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlighting the issues faced by the institutions of local self governance in India, suggest measures that can be taken to improve their effectiveness in the delivery of public goods and services at the grassroot level. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The recent amendment to the Right to Information Act, 2005 will weaken the act and undermine the authority of Information Commissioners. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight the process of delimitation in India. Also, throw light on the debates surrounding the delimitation exercise in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Self Help Groups (SHGs) are vehicles of rural development, which help in the upliftment of marginalized groups. Elucidate. Further, mention the constraints faced by SHGs and how they can be addressed. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"With construction of toilets being only one part of the solution for a clean India, it is time that the Swachh Bharat Mission puts more emphasis on the other facets as well. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Highlight the salient features of Mission Indradhanush. What are the challenges that the mission is facing in its implementation? Suggest measures to address these challenges for progressing towards full immunization coverage. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Assess the importance of skilling in light of changing economic and demographic structure in India. In this regard, how far has the Skill India Mission succeeded in its mandate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What according to you are the reasons that motivated India to create a dedicated Indo-Pacific division in the MEA recently? Also, highlight the challenges for India in the Indo-Pacific region. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"For SCO to become a successful regional grouping, it has to overcome bilateral differences between its members and their respective geopolitical calculations. Comment. Also, discuss the role that SCO can play in enhancing India's interest in the Eurasian region. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":935,"topper":"Anchal Chauhan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/41954-199992_1246_anchal-chauhan_rank_183.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Rock-cut structures were closely associated with various religions and religious activities. Discuss the statement giving relevant examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The legislative and administrative record of the Congress Ministries during their twenty-eight months rule under the Act of 1935 was positive, but the period also witnessed the emergence of serious weaknesses in the Congress. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Kamladevi Chattopadhyay was a multifaceted personality with significant contributions both to pre and post independence India. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The inherent limitations of Napoleon's policy of Continental Blockade ultimately resulted in its failure. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Despite changes in the institution of marriage in recent times, there have been elements of continuity as well. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"There are multiple disabilities that a person experiences in the course of ageing. Elaborate. Also identify key government initiatives taken for addressing them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlight the reasons behind prevalence of low literacy rate among tribals. Also, mention some initiatives taken by the government in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain how Continental Drift Theory describes the changing configuration of the continents. Discuss the prominent evidences given by Alfred Wegener to support his theory. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The variety of landforms on the earth's surface is the result of internal and external forces. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Explaining the concept of Lapse Rate, examine its relationship with atmospheric stability. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The colonial period brought the influence of Western architectural forms to India. In this context, giving examples, highlight the contribution of Europeans to Indian architecture. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The nineteenth century witnessed a struggle against the backward elements of traditional culture. Discuss in the context of socio-religious reform movements. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Explaining the reasons behind partition of Bengal, discuss the successes and limitations of the Swadeshi movement launched in its wake. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The reorganisation of states in India post-independence has been an ongoing process with distinct contributing factors. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The Treaty of Versailles was not a peace agreement based on reconciliation but was 'dictated peace' forced on Germany, which eventually triggered the Second World War. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Legal measures alone are not sufficient for addressing the issue of domestic violence against women, rather it requires intervention at societal level. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"India is undergoing a demographic transition the implications of which are multipronged. Analyze. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Highlight the significance of watershed development in India. Give reasons for the limited success of initiatives directed towards watershed management in India. Also, suggest some measures to improve the design of watershed programs. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Explain the relationship between raw materials and location of industries. How are globalisation and technological advancements changing this relationship? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Explain how natural greenhouse effect helps in maintaining Earth's heat budget. What are the possible implications of rising concentration of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in atmosphere on Earth's heat budget? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":936,"topper":"Anchal Chauhan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b96fc-199992_1245_anchal-chauhan_rank_183.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the attributes of leadership, analyse why it is important for a civil servant.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"A civil servant needs to be objective as well as empathetic. What do you understand by objectivity? Discuss its relationship with empathy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"With rapidly increasing use of information technology, what according to you is the role of ethics in cyber space?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Transparency in government organisations is an essential pre-condition for good governance. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but its lowest ones. Nelson Mandela","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"For achieving success, attitude is equally, if not more important than ability. Discuss with the help of examples from your daily life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"The core of high Emotional Intelligence is self-awareness. If you don't understand your own motivations and behaviours, it is nearly impossible to develop an understanding of others. Discuss with the help of appropriate examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by Integrity Pacts? Highlight the role they can play in bringing transparency in allotment of public contracts and ensuring proper utilization of public funds in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"In the context of rapid technological change, discuss the significance of inculcating moral and spiritual values in educational institutions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Explain the main elements of integral humanism as propounded by Deen Dayal Upadhyay and highlight its contemporary relevance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"It is imperative for a country like India, that code of ethics should be implemented for civil servants on social media platforms as well. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Discuss how effective corporate governance can ensure the equitable treatment of all stakeholders.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"You are posted as the Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district of a state where alcohol prohibition has been imposed recently. The District Excise department has conducted many raids and seized liquor in large quantities, for which it has received state-wide public appreciation. A few months later reports surface in the media that in this district, hundreds of seized bottles of illicit liquor are missing from the government malkhanas or stores. As a result, the government is left red-faced. You are asked by the DM, who is the overall in-charge of the district excise setup, to investigate the matter. Upon investigation, you unearth a nexus of politicians and government officials who smuggled seized liquor and sold it through spurious means both inside and outside the state. In this context, evaluate these options:","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Being aware of the seriousness of the matter, discretely put the detailed investigation report in the public domain and expose the nexus. Also, suggest, without restricting yourself to the given options, the final course of action that you would prefer.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate in a Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected district. The district has witnessed many instances of violence by the naxalites in the past. It has been observed that instances of violence increase as the elections approach. You, as a Returning Officer, are responsible for the smooth conduct of elections. Soon after the announcement of elections, the naxalites gave a call for their boycott and have been threatening people to stay away from them. The people of the district are eager to exercise their voting rights but are scared of the impending acts of violence. Further, with threat to their lives and a low expected turnout, the other electoral officers are also reluctant to go to these areas. In this context, answer the following: (a) Identify the civil service values that are crucial for working in such adversities. (b) Suggest a plan of action to ensure the conduct of free and fair elections in such a situation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate in a district, where many large factories and commercial establishments are located. One such factory is owned by one of your close friends. You visit each other's home frequently and are often seen in public together. Recently, media reported about poor working conditions in your friend's factory. Upon enquiry with the labor office, you come to know that the factory has witnessed frequent labour unrests in the past as well. However, the labour officer told you that he was hesitating to take any action due to your proximity with the owner of the factory. With reference to the facts of the case, answer the following questions: (a) Identifying the stakeholders and public cause, discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) As the District Magistrate, what appropriate course of action will you take? Give reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":937,"topper":"ANCHU WILSON","air":156,"year":2020,"paper":"Optional — Medical Science","optional":true,"source":"IAS Delhi Institute","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tQxhqygOKMR9j77y5sVwIGTUYYrMjfED/view?usp=share_link","questions":[]},{"id":938,"topper":"ANCHU WILSON","air":156,"year":2020,"paper":"Optional — Medical Science","optional":true,"source":"IAS Delhi Institute","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1On30OFmryHY8WbmRqR4a2r0jXqmEs6SQ/view?usp=share_link","questions":[]},{"id":939,"topper":"Anendya Raajsshre","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5e72d-549487_1245_anendya-raajsshre_rank_68.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the attributes of leadership, analyse why it is important for a civil servant.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"A civil servant needs to be objective as well as empathetic. What do you understand by objectivity? Discuss its relationship with empathy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"With rapidly increasing use of information technology, what according to you is the role of ethics in cyber space?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Transparency in government organisations is an essential pre-condition for good governance. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but its lowest ones. Nelson Mandela","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"For achieving success, attitude is equally, if not more important than ability. Discuss with the help of examples from your daily life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"The core of high Emotional Intelligence is self-awareness. If you don't understand your own motivations and behaviours, it is nearly impossible to develop an understanding of others. Discuss with the help of appropriate examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by Integrity Pacts? Highlight the role they can play in bringing transparency in allotment of public contracts and ensuring proper utilization of public funds in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"In the context of rapid technological change, discuss the significance of inculcating moral and spiritual values in educational institutions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Explain the main elements of integral humanism as propounded by Deen Dayal Upadhyay and highlight its contemporary relevance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate in a Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected district. The district has witnessed many instances of violence by the naxalites in the past. It has been observed that instances of violence increase as the elections approach. You, as a Returning Officer, are responsible for the smooth conduct of elections. Soon after the announcement of elections, the naxalites gave a call for their boycott and have been threatening people to stay away from them. The people of the district are eager to exercise their voting rights but are scared of the impending acts of violence. Further, with threat to their lives and a low expected turnout, the other electoral officers are also reluctant to go to these areas. In this context, answer the following: (a) Identify the civil service values that are crucial for working in such adversities. (b) Suggest a plan of action to ensure the conduct of free and fair elections in such a situation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate in a district, where many large factories and commercial establishments are located. One such factory is owned by one of your close friends. You visit each other's home frequently and are often seen in public together. Recently, media reported about poor working conditions in your friend's factory. Upon enquiry with the labor office, you come to know that the factory has witnessed frequent labour unrests in the past as well. However, the labour officer told you that he was hesitating to take any action due to your proximity with the owner of the factory. With reference to the facts of the case, answer the following questions: (a) Identifying the stakeholders and public cause, discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) As the District Magistrate, what appropriate course of action will you take? Give reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are a resident of a remote tribal district, where there is high incidence of malnutrition. As a remedial measure, the District Magistrate has initiated a programme to promote millet cultivation, especially on the lands currently lying fallow in the district. However, this well-intentioned move of the officer receives flak from the local tribals as this may not only change their age-old food habits, but also alter their traditional agricultural practices. They further cite lower remunerative prices of millets as another reason for continuing with their existing crop production pattern. As a civil servant aspirant, who has a keen interest in development of tribal areas, answer the following questions: (a) What according to you are the key issues and challenges involved in the above situation? (b) Identify the key stakeholders and their respective interests. (c) Suggest a course of action that the District Magistrate can take keeping in mind the larger tribal interests.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":940,"topper":"Angad Mehta","air":161,"year":2019,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/44c1f-461609_1252_angad-mehta_161.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":941,"topper":"Angad Mehta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1c46a-461609_1244_angad-mehta_161.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the need of an Independent Fiscal Council (IFC) in bringing about transparency and accountability in fiscal processes in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Recognizing the potential of exports in generating employment, a number of steps need to be taken to address India's weakening export competitiveness. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlighting the main features of National Mineral Policy, 2019, discuss how it can help in ensuring sustainable and responsible mining. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlighting the salient features of the PM JI-VAN Yojana, analyze how it can assist in achieving the vision and goals of the National Policy on Biofuels, 2018. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) provides an alternative to capital and chemical intensive agriculture currently being practiced in India. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Marine life is facing 'irreparable damage' from the millions of tonnes of plastic waste which ends up in the oceans each year. In this context, examine the implications of plastic pollution on marine ecosystem and suggest some measures for addressing this problem. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are black holes? Highlight the challenges in imaging a black hole? How were these challenges overcome by the Event Horizon Telescope project? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"While mentioning the objectives of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), discuss the challenges which are hindering the utilization of the ATT to its full potential. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Threats to internal security of India may be posed both through the communication networks and also to the networks. Discuss. Also, highlight the steps taken by the government in making the networks more secure. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlight the importance and challenges related to integration of Variable Renewable Energy (VRE) in India. Mention some steps that can be taken for its smooth integration with the synchronized Indian grid. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"There have been arguments that India could fall into a 'middle income trap'. Explaining the phenomenon, highlight the reasons behind such arguments. How can India avoid it? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Highlighting its importance, discuss the major issues that plague effective monetary policy transmission in India. Also, mention the steps taken by RBI to improve it. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight the constraints faced by rainfed agriculture in India. Discuss some agronomic practices that can be adopted for stabilizing agricultural production in rainfed areas. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite the steps taken by the government in recent years, a number of problems continue to persist in the urea sector in India. Discuss. What reforms should be taken to address the persisting problems? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What is Access and Benefit Sharing? Explain how it aids in sustainable use of biodiversity. Also, mention the different global and national level mechanisms for ensuring Access and Benefit Sharing. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Stating the significance, discuss the challenges in achieving disaster resilience of infrastructure. Suggest some ways for mainstreaming it in the development paradigm. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Highlighting the significance of data localization for India, discuss various challenges associated with data localization. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Money Laundering as a socio economic offence is a menace especially for developing countries like India. Comment. What measures have been taken at the domestic and international levels to deal with this menace? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The primary motive of terrorism differs from that of organised crime but there exists a symbiotic relationship between the two. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":942,"topper":"Angad Mehta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a1e4b-461609_1243_angad-mehta_161.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Reservation of seats in legislature is needed to ensure meaningful political participation of women and to make the democratic process truly inclusive. Discuss the statement in the light of 108th Constitution Amendment Bill. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the issue of reservation in promotions for SCs and STs in public employment in the light of various judicial pronouncements and constitutional amendments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the reasons behind underperformance of the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs). How can their performance be improved? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlighting the rationale behind continuance of the Official Secrets Act, critically discuss whether the Right to Information should be given precedence over it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What is the rationale behind having a mandatory 'cooling-off' period for retired civil servants? In light of numerous instances of violation of this provision, do you think there is a need to have a relook at Civil Services Conduct Rules? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlighting the key features of POSHAN Abhiyan, explain how it is an improvement over previous interventions in achieving the goal of malnutrition free India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Give an account of the challenges that the multilateral rule-based trading system is facing. With special focus on WTO, discuss how these challenges can be addressed effectively. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Highlight the major impediments affecting India-US trade relations. What possible consequences can the recent withdrawal of Generalized System of Preference (GSP) have on India-US trade relations? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"In a democratic setup, it is imperative that independence be balanced with accountability. Discuss in the context of judiciary in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Despite various strengths, there are certain weaknesses in the existing structure of departments of the government which render the system slow and cumbersome. Analyze. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the light of criticism surrounding the composition and functioning of Rajya Sabha, do you think it exists merely as a secondary house of the Parliament? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Despite legislative changes with respect to funding of political parties in recent years, many challenges still exist with regards to transparency in electoral funding. Discuss. Can state funding of elections help in addressing these challenges? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Successful and long-lasting urban transformation critically depends on reforming the way our cities are governed. In this context, highlight the challenges plaguing urban governance in India and suggest some strategies to overcome those challenges. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Explain the role that SHGs play in poverty alleviation in India. Highlighting the shortcomings of the SHG-Bank Linkage programme, give some suggestions to improve its performance. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Despite initiatives taken by the government in recent years to address the challenges of the Indian higher education system, many reforms are still required to improve its quality and enhance its relevance. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Giving an account of the progress made under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, mention the challenges that it faces in achieving its target. How can the implementation of the programme be fast-tracked? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Island nations of the Indian Ocean hold immense strategic value in shaping the geopolitical contours of the region and ensuring maritime security of India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Development assistance, a key instrument in India's foreign policy, has seen a considerable expansion in the past few years both in its scope and reach. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":943,"topper":"ANIKET","air":81,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/89/air-81-aniket-dnyaneshwar-hirde_test-1_gs1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":944,"topper":"ANIKET","air":81,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/92/air-81-aniket-dnyaneshwar-hirde_test-2_gs2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":945,"topper":"ANIKET","air":81,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/86/air-81-aniket-dnyaneshwar-hirde_test-3_gs3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":946,"topper":"Aniket Dnyaneshwar Hirde","air":81,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a004c-1045939_1992_aniket_dnyaneshwar_hirde_rank_81.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":947,"topper":"Aniket Dnyaneshwar Hirde","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0a8a1-1045939_2089_aniket_dnyaneshwar_hirde_rank_81.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"With the elephant being a vital part of the Buddhist faith, it was widely represented in its sculptures as well. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"India's war of independence was won by the efforts and sacrifices of different sections of the society. In this context, discuss the contributions made by tribal women in the national freedom struggle. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Bring out the key principles underlying Rabindranath Tagore's vision of nationalism during the Indian freedom struggle. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The combination of internal pulls coupled with external pressure as well as colonial resistance prompted the European powers to relinquish their claim over colonies. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Identifying the growth drivers of aquaculture in India, discuss the associated issues. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"While critical minerals are driving the clean energy transition, they bring new vulnerabilities with regard to energy security. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How does the theory of plate tectonics help in explaining the differences in the formation of the Himalayas and Andes mountains? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Critical issues surrounding the condition of groundwater in India need overarching solutions for a water-secure future. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"A large proportion of India's population is expected to live in cities by 2050. In this context, discuss the need for urban green spaces in creating inclusive, resilient, and sustainable cities in the country. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"India's secular approach has remained that of a 'principled distance' and not of 'equi-distance'. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"A major phase in temple architecture in India is associated with the Hoysala dynasty from the 11th to 14th centuries A.D. Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Accounts of Greek historians provide valuable insights into the social and economic conditions in ancient India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Discuss the role played by the Indian diaspora in the freedom struggle of India, especially during the first half of the 20th century. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind the emergence of environmental movements and their significance in post-independent India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Analyse the possible impact of climate change on the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR). What steps can be taken to mitigate it? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Though land subsidence can happen for a host of reasons, it is imperative to estimate its possible impact and chalk out a sustainable plan to minimise the adverse impact. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Discuss the potential of natural resources in the Arctic region as drivers of economic development, while also considering the environmental and social impacts of their exploitation. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Bring out the impact of globalisation in shaping the dynamics of family size, structure and relationships in the modern Indian society. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Migration is an expression of the human aspiration for dignity, safety and a better future. In light of this, examine the multi-dimensional nature of internal migration in India and discuss its inherent relationship with development. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Workplace gender inclusivity in India is skewed against women due to a range of cultural and gender biases existent in the society. Discuss. Also suggest socio-legal measures to address this issue. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":948,"topper":"Aniket Dnyaneshwar Hirde","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a3036-1045939_2091_aniket_dnyaneshwar_hirde_rank_81.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What are the reasons behind the inefficient use of water in Indian agriculture? Suggest measures to improve water use efficiency. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What are the social, economic and environmental benefits of diversifying the food basket under the Public Distribution System (PDS) in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Can re-energising the livestock sector be the key to sustainable livelihood and increasing the income of Indian farmers? Give reasons in support of your answer. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Do you agree that high economic growth in the post-reform period has not resulted in growth trickling down to the marginalised sections, rendering inclusive growth a major concern? Justify your answer. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Evaluate the outcome of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). How can Mission LiFE reinvigorate the NCAP in addressing the issue of air pollution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discuss the impact of wildfires on the ecosystem. Describe the significance of the UNEP's Fire Ready Formula in dealing with the menace of wildfires. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Recently, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) launched its new rocket called Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV). What are its advantages? How can SSLVs be a game changer for ISRO in the years to come? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Why is biopiracy a cause of great concern to the existing traditional knowledge of the developing world? What steps have been taken by the government of India for protecting the existing traditional Indian knowledge? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What are the challenges faced by the Assam Rifles with regard to border management and tackling of insurgency in North-East India? Discuss how these challenges require a reorientation of the force. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The race to put weapons in space may soon pass the point of no return making space the next theatre of arms struggle. What are the possible reasons behind the weaponization of space? Discuss its implications. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNP) recently became the first 100% Landlord Port of India. What do you understand by the Landlord Port model? What are the different models employed in the management of ports? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Analyse the performance of the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) scheme launched to promote farm mechanization in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Discuss the potential of digitization in harnessing the untapped potential of the food processing sector and resolving the challenges that it faces. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What is the significance of land record modernization in India? In this light, state the features of the National Generic Document Registration System (NGDRS). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The use of technology has played a key role in the success of the 'Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana' since its inception. Discuss. What further changes can be incorporated to make the scheme more farmer-friendly? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss how the transition towards renewable energy has the potential to transform the lives of women in India and unlock their potential. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"How does climate change exacerbate the challenges that India faces in eliminating hunger and malnutrition? Discuss in the context of India's commitment to achieve zero hunger by 2030. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What do you understand by digital twin technology? What are the benefits and challenges in its adoption? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Terrorism financing continues to remain a major challenge for the international community despite several efforts to curb it. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) will progressively multiply the opportunities as well as challenges from the national security perspective. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":949,"topper":"Aniket Dnyaneshwar Hirde","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4af1c-1045939_1838_aniket_dnyaneshwar_hirde_rank_81.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The Chalukyan architecture uniquely epitomises the grandeur and hybrid characteristic style of temple building. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The success or failure of a political movement is not always determined by the achievement of its stated goals. Discuss in light of the Ghadar movement. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":950,"topper":"Aniket Dnyaneshwar Hirde","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/77962-1045939_2419_aniket_dnyaneshwar_hirde_rank_81.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the role played by the Directorate of Enforcement in the investigation of offence of money laundering and violations of foreign exchange laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Indian Constitution has been successful in providing a framework for liberal democracy to flourish in India. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":951,"topper":"Aniket Dnyaneshwar Hirde","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/88b82-1045939_1834_aniket_dnyaneshwar_hirde_rank_81.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The Sunga dynasty contributed significantly to the cultural and social development in ancient India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the role of foreign nationals in the Indian freedom struggle during the Gandhian phase. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by tsunamigenic zones? Giving an account of their global distribution, explain the propagation of tsunamis. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are atmospheric lakes? Highlight their characteristics. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What are polymetallic nodules? Highlight their geographical distribution and state their significance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What are technical textiles? In view of their significance, discuss the steps taken by the government to promote them in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the challenges that internal migration creates for urban governance in India. Also, suggest measures to address the same. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the various opportunities and challenges posed by globalization on working women in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the rationale behind anti-conversion laws in India. Also, state the concerns that have been raised with regard to these laws. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Central Asian contacts had a profound political and cultural impact on India in ancient times. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Governance, during the British rule, was a means of exploitation of India rather than a vehicle of public welfare. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Discuss how India successfully dealt with the sensitive issue of language, which had the potential of threatening national unity in the post-independence period. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Bring out the factors, which led to decolonisation after the Second World War. Also, discuss the role played by India in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What are Marine Heat Waves (MHW)? Identify the causes of their formation and discuss their consequences for India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What are the geo-climatic conditions required for oil palm cultivation? Do you agree with the view that India should promote its large-scale cultivation to reduce import dependency? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"In view of the changes witnessed in the state of Himalayan cryosphere, discuss the implications for India's water security. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Ocean warming, ocean acidification and ocean deoxygenation are often referred to as the 'deadly trio' for marine life. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Tribals in India continue to face myriad challenges with regard to healthcare. Discuss the issues faced by them in this context and suggest remedial measures. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Reservation for women perpetuates a \"proxy culture\" as seen in the phenomenon of \"sarpanch patis\". In this context, discuss whether reservation can address the issue of poor participation of women in Indian politics. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":952,"topper":"Aniket Dnyaneshwar Hirde","air":81,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/51204-1045939_2086_aniket_dnyaneshwar_hirde_rank_81.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":953,"topper":"Aniket Dnyaneshwar Hirde","air":81,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/93393beb2b7e996905ce7ea7f8b78443/107/air-81-aniket-dnyaneshwar-hirde_test-2_gs2.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Q.1 There is a need to resolve the ambiguity in the disqualification provisions under section 8 of the Representation of People Act 1951, Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Q.2 Constitution is a mere skeleton whereas constitutionalism is the soul of democracy. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Q.3 \"Electoral bonds are a double-edged sword, providing anonymity to donors while raising concerns about transparency in political funding.\" To what extent have electoral bonds further legitimized opacity in electoral funding?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Q.4 The question of gender equality is central to the debate on Uniform Civil Code. In this light what are the challenges in reconciling UCC with gender equality as enshrined in the constitution?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Q.5 'The Governor's office is neither decorative nor inconsequential, it assumes a constitutional role of profound essence' To what extent does the Governor actively contribute to the governance of a state and reinforce the principles of federalism in the country?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Q.6 Recently demand has been rising in a state regarding the enactment of Social Accountability Law. How such a law can lead to good governance and boost citizens' participation in decision-making. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Q.7 There is a need for convergence of 'nutrition-specific' and 'nutrition-sensitive' interventions to effectively tackle child undernutrition in India. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Q.8 \"MGNREGA, the lynchpin of rural poverty alleviation, has become the victim of fiscal apathy.\" Critically analyze the statement in light of recent developments.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Q.9 \"India must leverage, if not manage, the global divides\". How can the current geopolitical churn pave the way for India's rise to the global high table?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Q.10 \"Berlin can be India's gateway to the European Union.\" Elaborate with respect to Germany's significance in India's relationship with the EU.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.11 How has the Anti-Defection Law impacted the relationship between political parties and individual legislators in India? In light of the recent incidents also discuss the unintended consequences it has on the functioning of democracy in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.12 Critics assert that limitless judicial authority rests on the structural ambiguity of the basic structure doctrine. Has the elastic nature of the basic structure doctrine made the judiciary more powerful than the executive?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.13 Fundamental rights are not gifts bestowed upon by the state rather an individual possesses them independently of the state. In this context discuss the desirability of reasonable restrictions on various fundamental rights.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.14 'S.R. Bommai v. Union of India signified a paradigm shift in the judicial interpretation of the union's authority to assume control of a state's administration.' In this context discuss the significance and impact of the judgement on cementing the federal structure.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"6 Courts have restricted discretion of governor to ensure stability. Eg:- Trust vote only on advice of council of ministers.\n What is Needed More?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"Q.15 The key to effective decentralization is, 'political decentralization should follow finance and functional decentralization'. Discuss in the context of impediments faced by local governance in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.16 Multi-stakeholder partnerships are the key to leveraging collective expertise and networks. How can effective partnership and localized implementation efforts be fostered to accelerate the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in India?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.17 How has the implementation of the POSH Act resulted in limited success in raising awareness about sexual harassment, and what factors have hindered its effective outreach to women employed in the unorganized sector? Propose strategies to bridge this gap and ensure comprehensive protection for women in the unorganized sector against workplace harassment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.18 'Neo-liberal reforms and globalization have deeply transformed the institutions of the welfare state and set the ground for a new type of civil services.' In this context examine the challenges faced in service delivery and suggest adequate reforms.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.19 China views India as its \"Asian Rival\" with an innate ability to counter its hegemonistic goals in Asia. Despite these difficulties in India-China relations, there are also many areas of convergence. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Q.20 Indo-Pacific region in recent times has emerged as a zone of diverging interests and priorities. Discuss. Do you think the Global Security Initiative will supersede QUAD in the region?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"}]},{"id":954,"topper":"Aniket Dnyaneshwar Hirde","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/876453603529616100_PDF_ORIGINAL.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Q1 What do you understand by Windfall tax? Do you think that windfall taxes can effectively redistribute wealth and promote greater economic equality?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2 Discuss the perceived successes and challenges of implementing inflation targeting under the new Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) regime.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Q.3 Assess the potential of millet production in promoting sustainable agriculture and improving food security in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4 Jal Jeevan Mission has the potential to end the regional disparity in the availability and accessibility of drinking water. Highlighting the significance of the mission, discuss the underlying impediments in achieving the desired objectives.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do you understand by Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)? Discuss its applications and how it can revolutionize the energy program of India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss in brief developments and challenges in the Gaganyaan mission of ISRO. What are the possible benefits of the mission for the society?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"Green hydrogen can be the silver bullet in our quest to tackle climate change and pollution\". Critically analyze the statement in light of India's National Green Hydrogen mission.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What are the key lessons for disaster management and environmental conservation in the Himalayan region, in light of the recent disaster in Joshimath, Uttarakhand?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"The recent radical trends in Punjab show that the Khalistan issue is still simmering.\" Discuss the statement with respect to recent developments and suggest measures to handle it.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":24,"question":"The anonymity and ease of drone operation contribute to the challenges of India's border security. Elaborate and give suggestions to tackle the drone problem in border areas.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"1 Electricity Amendment Bill, 2022 brings several advantages for consumers, DISCOMs as well as the environment. Elaborate. Also, list out its shortcomings and suggest some measures to overcome them.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":29,"question":"Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) plays an important role in the regulation of the share market and safeguarding the interests of investors. In the light of given statement, highlight the challenges faced by the SEBI and suggest reforms in this regard.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":32,"question":"13 Despite being a major contributor to the Indian economy, the agriculture sector is plagued by several constraints that impede its growth and development. Discuss the role of technology in overcoming these constraints.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"4 Evaluate the impact of irrigation on the environment and natural resources, and suggest measures to ensure the sustainability and equity of irrigation practices in agriculture.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"2.15 How India benefitted strategically from the contributions of Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha and Dr. Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai in the fields of atomic energy and space technology respectively?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.16 Generative AI holds the potential to push the boundaries of innovation in the near future, yet its societal impact raises substantial challenges. Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.17 Explain the purpose of the \"Mangrove Alliance for Climate\" launched at the COP27 UN Climate Change Conference in Egypt in November 2022. Elaborate on the importance of mangroves in maintaining the coastal ecology of tropical nations.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"18 The Formation of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure brings more robustness to the Disaster Management approach in India. Comment and justify the need for a new strategy to tackle Disasters in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.19 The recent rise in ransomware attacks targeting critical infrastructure and major corporations has highlighted the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity measures and policies. Discussing the key factors contributing to this trend, analyze the impact of these attacks on various sectors.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"In the context of border security, how can cooperation and coordination between different security agencies be improved to ensure effective and efficient management of coastal and terrestrial borders?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"}]},{"id":955,"topper":"Aniket Dnyaneshwar Hirde","air":81,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/57be8-1045939_1837_aniket_dnyaneshwar_hirde_rank_81.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":956,"topper":"Aniket Dnyaneshwar Hirde","air":81,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1vPssR15orJ1PXPDwMS7blrLcaWn7BGar","questions":[]},{"id":957,"topper":"Aniket Dnyaneshwor Hirde","air":81,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/93393beb2b7e996905ce7ea7f8b78443/108/air-81-aniket-dnyaneshwar-hirde_test-1_gs1.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Q.1 The fabric of Indian philosophical thought owes as much to Northern India as to Southern India. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2 The Indian society's impulse for social change and reform was a response to its opposition to colonial rule. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.3 What are the factors that led to the Russian revolution and what are the consequences of this revolution? Discuss its influence on the Indian national movement.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.4 Discuss the various factors responsible for the uneven temperature distribution on Earth's surface.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.5 The melting of glaciers due to climate change has serious implications for the ecosystem and human society. Discuss the effects of melting glaciers on the environment and the measures that can be taken to address this issue.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.6 The White Revolution was most successful in the Western part of India. Discuss the factors for this regional success of the White Revolution.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.7 To what extent does seismic investigation contribute to our understanding of the Earth's interior structure? Analyze its significance in detail.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.8 The pace of demographic transition varies across different states of India making population growth a double-edged sword. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.9 The ethnic and cultural diversity in India has always been bound by the thread of unity. Discuss the major factors that have contributed to the cultural unity of India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.10 The dichotomy in public and private life in Indian society acts as a major barrier to the annihilation of caste. Justify.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.11 India was forced into numerous wars post Independence. Highlight the causes and impact of the Indo-Pak and Indo-China wars on our bilateral relationships.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Q.12 The process of consolidation of Bengal, which started after the Battle of Plassey culminated in the Battle of Buxar. Do you think the Battle of Buxar was more important for the British than Plassey?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Q.13 Sanskrit literature in general and particularly in the Guptan age set a high watermark for the literary history of ancient India. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Q.14 The configuration of the ocean floor provides essential information about the geological processes that have shaped the Earth's surface. Discuss the major features of the ocean floor and their significance in the study of oceanography.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Q.15 With the growing demand for rare earth elements, their distribution has become a critical aspect of the global economy. Discuss the distribution of rare earth elements across the world, their uses, and the environmental impact of their extraction.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Q.16 Tourism in the hilly states is threatening to exceed the ecological carrying capacity of the region. Analyze the factors contributing to this trend and evaluate the potential Environmental impacts of this phenomenon. What measures can be taken to ensure sustainable tourism in these states?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Q.17 The Indian monsoon is a complex phenomenon influenced by various climatic factors. Critically examine the role of oceanic and atmospheric factors in determining the intensity and distribution of monsoon rainfall in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Q.18 Why do traditions in our society impede change? To what extent can social legislation be instrumental against old customary practices?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Q.19 Slums are not 'problems' that have to be 'solved' - but are indeed a result of lopsided and vested urban policies covering infrastructure provision and socio-economic issues. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":52,"question":"Q.20 Communalism gains strength from economic deprivation, and thrives in environments of social exclusion, creating fertile ground for discontent and division. Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":958,"topper":"Aniket Kumar Dwivedi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/65d93cae1265db5ffeffd2e87a3f6506/13/mt23fltpa004_tc016.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Gender Equality is not a \"women's issue\"-it's good for men too.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Is UCC, the unity that we aspire in our diversity?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Problems of 21st century are problems without passport.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"The more we are developing, the more unhealthy we are getting. Where does the real problem lie?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Is Internal Security always an Internal Challenge?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Sports, the toy of humanity","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Is Economy becoming the end rather than the means?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":959,"topper":"Aniket Kumar Dwivedi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/65d93cae1265db5ffeffd2e87a3f6506/14/mt23fltpa004_tc017.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"You can't serve data on a hungry man's plate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"AI is overcoming our mental limitation but not expanding our mental horizon.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"We are using environment for politics, not politics for environment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"The worst form of inequality is to try to make unequal things equal.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Existence is a science, living is an art.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"If the truth shall kill them, let them die.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"The only way to go beyond things, is to go through them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Dream for the best. Be prepared for the worst. Enjoy life in between.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":960,"topper":"Aniket Kumar Dwivedi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/65d93cae1265db5ffeffd2e87a3f6506/11/mt23fltpa004_tc014.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"If you look into someone's face long enough, eventually you feel that you are looking into yourself.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"It is the province of knowledge to speak and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Drop the question what tomorrow may bring, and count as profit every day that fate allows you.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Truth, like a torch, the more it is shook, it shines.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Art is I; science is We.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Only the dead have seen the end of the war.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Act as if it were impossible to fail.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":961,"topper":"Aniket Kumar Dwivedi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/65d93cae1265db5ffeffd2e87a3f6506/12/mt23fltpa004_tc015.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Judge a man by his questions rather than his answers.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Great principles, great ideals know no nationality.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"In struggling with misfortune lies the true proof of virtue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"The whole purpose of Education is to turn mirrors into windows.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"To dwell is to garden.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Reality is the shadow of ideas.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"We can not despair of humanity, since we ourselves are human beings.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":962,"topper":"Aniket Kumar Dwivedi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/65d93cae1265db5ffeffd2e87a3f6506/10/mt23fltpa004_tc013.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Reason has always existed, but not always in a reasonable form.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"The opposite of poverty is not wealth.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"To forgive is to set a prisoner free and to discover that the prisoner was you.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"A man who wants to lead the orchestra must turn his back on the crowd.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"International Trade is a good indicator of National Security.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"It is not that we use technology, we live technology.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"There is more to life than simply increasing its speed.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Nature is neither a servant nor a master, but a necessary partner.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":963,"topper":"Aniket Kumar Dwivedi","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ANIKET-KUMAR-DWIVEDI-UPSC-2023-Rank-226-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Foreign trade is an important milestone on the path of becoming a 5 trillion USD economy. In this context, analyse the potential of the recently released Foreign Trade Policy, 2023 in revamping India's participation in global trade. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Social protection schemes are an integral aspect of a welfare economy; however, the principles of fiscal prudence cannot be ignored. Discuss, with special reference to Old Pension Scheme (OPS). (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand from Agristack? To what extent can it become a panacea for the problems plaguing the farm sector. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The objective of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to provide a long term and equitable solution to the dilemma between free trade and food security has remained unfulfilled. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Even after five decades of the Stockholm conference, narrowing the gaps between the targets and actions remains one of the biggest challenges towards reversing climate change. Discuss. Also, recommend measures for building a coherent actionable strategy to tackle climate change. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What are the impediments in management of E-waste in the country? In what ways can the trinity of citizens, businesses, and the government tackle this menace? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How does nuclear fusion differ from nuclear fission? Assess the relevance of nuclear energy in resolving the global energy security dilemma? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are run of the river hydroelectric projects? How far can run of the river hydroelectric projects balance ecological conservation with socio-economic development? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"A robust border infrastructure is the surest way to counter multifarious threats emanating from inimical actors. Discuss, in light of Vibrant Village Programme. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"How far can a clearly articulated National Security Strategy help in tackling challenges to national security? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What are the factors that influence the inflation trends in the country? Highlighting the impacts, discuss the institutional measures in place to check inflation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Though a cornerstone of Atmanirbhar Bharat, Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme is not without its own challenges. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"How is internationalisation of rupee different from De-Dollarisation? Highlighting the benefits of internationalisation of rupee, discuss the challenges associated with the same. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What are Primary Agricultural Credit Societies? Can the cooperative push alone help in achieving the twin targets of boosting rural economy and mainstreaming small and marginal farm ers? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Farm policies in the country have inadvertently led to undesirable consequences. Do you agree? Giving emphasis on PM PRANAM, discuss ways to enhance soil health and farm productivity. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What do you understand by heat waves? Highlight the reasons and impact of the rising frequency of heat waves across India. Also, recommend some measures to mitigate its impact. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"How is Chandrayaan-3 different from its predecessor, Chandrayaan-2? To what extent can India's presence in Artemis Accords help in furthering the exploration of lunar surface? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Research and Development is the key to unlock the potential of 'knowledge economy.' In this perspective, analyse the role of the National Research Foundation Bill, 2023 in democratizing the research ecosystem in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'Hybrid warfare.' Highlighting its implications for India, recommend measures to develop a comprehensive ecosystem to counter the same. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How are internal security challenges related to peace in neighboring countries? Explain with special reference to instability on India's eastern frontier. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":964,"topper":"Aniket Kumar Dwivedi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/96/mt23fltpa004_tc043-flt-9-gs-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Numerous foreign travellers have vividly documented their observations of the Vijayanagara Empire over time, offering valuable sources for reconstructing its history. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Explain the origin of Indian islands in the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Examine the factors contributing to India's ground water crisis, and its implications for agriculture and water security in the country. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What are critical minerals, and how do they influence technological advancement and national security? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"How does fostering pluralism within Indian society contribute to the endeavour of nation-building? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the changing nature of problems the working class is facing due to the emerging gig economy. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Homogenisation tendencies as a result of globalisation have in fact preserved and promoted the local cultures of India. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What are the circumstances that led to the disintegration of the USSR and the end of the Cold War? How did the end of the cold war contribute to the spread of Globalization across the world? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"How did the enduring legacy of the Harappan Civilization leave a mark on the evolution of Indian culture, even after its sudden decline? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"How did Mahatma Gandhi's participation in the Khilafat Movement illustrate his ability to connect diverse issues and mobilize different communities towards a common cause? To what extent did the Khilafat movement achieve its objective? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"How is Transit Oriented Development (TOD) linked to the concept of a sustainable urban transportation system? Discuss its impact on overall enhanced quality of life for citizens. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Although desert landscapes across the world reflect many similarities the process of desertification is influenced by local factors. Elaborate with suitable examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Explain the various stages of the formation of The Great Himalayas. How Eastern Himalayas is different from Western Himalayas? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Describe the significance of eco-sensitive zones in environmental conservation and provide examples of how they are designated and managed in different geographical regions? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"How has the pandemic reshaped the landscape of education, and what long-term effects might these changes have on teaching methods and learning outcomes? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Analyze the factors behind the upsurge of ethnic identity struggle in the context of India, and discuss their implications for the country's social fabric. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"How does patriarchy differently impact the dynamics of the workplace vis a vis the household? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":965,"topper":"Aniket Kumar Dwivedi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/93/mt23fltpa004_tc039-flt-5-gs-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How did the ancient trade routes connecting India to foreign countries contribute to the exchange and dissemination of culture? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":966,"topper":"Aniket Kumar Dwivedi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/89/mt23fltpa004_tc035-flt-1-gs-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The fabric of Indian philosophical thought owes as much to Northern India as to Southern India. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The Indian society’s impulse for social change and reform was a response to its opposition to colonial rule. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What are the factors that led to the Russian revolution and what are the consequences of this revolution? Discuss its influence on the Indian national movement. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the various factors responsible for the uneven temperature distribution on Earth’s surface. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The melting of glaciers due to climate change has serious implications for the ecosystem and human society. Discuss the effects of melting glaciers on the environment and the measures that can be taken to address this issue. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The White Revolution was most successful in the Western part of India. Discuss the factors for this regional success of the White Revolution. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"To what extent does seismic investigation contribute to our understanding of the Earth's interior structure? Analyze its significance in detail. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The pace of demographic transition varies across different states of India making population growth a double-edged sword. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The ethnic and cultural diversity in India has always been bound by the thread of unity. Discuss the major factors that have contributed to the cultural unity of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The dichotomy in public and private life in Indian society acts as a major barrier to the annihilation of caste. Justify. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"India was forced into numerous wars post Independence. Highlight the causes and impact of the Indo-Pak and Indo-China wars on our bilateral relationships. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The process of consolidation of Bengal, which started after the Battle of Plassey culminated in the Battle of Buxar. Do you think the Battle of Buxar was more important for the British than Plassey? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Sanskrit literature in general and particularly in the Guptan age set a high watermark for the literary history of ancient India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The configuration of the ocean floor provides essential information about the geological processes that have shaped the Earth's surface. Discuss the major features of the ocean floor and their significance in the study of oceanography. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"With the growing demand for rare earth elements, their distribution has become a critical aspect of the global economy. Discuss the distribution of rare earth elements across the world, their uses, and the environmental impact of their extraction. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Tourism in the hilly states is threatening to exceed the ecological carrying capacity of the region. Analyze the factors contributing to this trend and evaluate the potential Environmental impacts of this phenomenon. What measures can be taken to ensure sustainable tourism in these states? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The Indian monsoon is a complex phenomenon influenced by various climatic factors. Critically examine the role of oceanic and atmospheric factors in determining the intensity and distribution of monsoon rainfall in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Why do traditions in our society impede change? To what extent can social legislation be instrumental against old customary practices? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Slums are not 'problems' that have to be 'solved' - but are indeed a result of lopsided and vested urban policies covering infrastructure provision and socio-economic issues. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Communalism gains strength from economic deprivation, and thrives in environments of social exclusion, creating fertile ground for discontent and division. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":967,"topper":"Aniket Kumar Dwivedi","air":226,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/78/flt-test-1-gs-1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":968,"topper":"Aniket Kumar Dwivedi","air":226,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/85/flt-test-5-gs-1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":969,"topper":"Aniket Kumar Dwivedi","air":226,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/88/flt-test-9-gs-1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":970,"topper":"Aniket Kumar Dwivedi","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ANIKET-KUMAR-DWIVEDI-UPSC-2023-Rank-226-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the role of the 'Fourth Estate' in upholding democratic values and analyse the issues affecting press freedom in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The electoral process, though inclusionary in theory, has been pointed out for exclusionary tendencies in practice. Analyse, with special emphasis on role of women in India's representative electoral system. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Assess the effectiveness of Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 in resolution of river-water disputes. Also describe the potential impact of delays in resolution of water disputes. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the significance of the cooperative model of development in addressing the issues of rural growth. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"In order to pass the ultimate test of good governance, welfare state should be close to the people, responsive to their aspirations, and inclusive in its approach. Discuss with special reference to PM PVTG Development Mission. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"To what extent collaboration between the state and civil society organizations (CSOs) help in addressing poverty and malnutrition in the country? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Absence of a robust social infrastructure in the country may become one of the most significant challenges in achieving a developed status by 2047. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Though the changing paradigm towards dialogue and diplomacy in West Asia augurs well for India's interests in this otherwise restive region, presence of inimical actors may reverse the gains. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Water diplomacy can redefine the contours of regional cooperation in South Asia. Discuss with special reference to Indus water treaty 1960. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Despite constitutional backing to the institutions of local governance, the idea of decentralisation has remained hostage to several structural bottlenecks. Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Independent judiciary, as envisaged by the constitution, provides the bedrock for a thriving polity; however, executive encroachment may erode its credibility and affect its efficacy. Evaluate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Executive agencies, working as the watchdog against impropriety, are vital to act against the corrupt; however, pandering to vested interests may have the effect of turning the idea of rule of law on its head. Comment, with special reference to controversies associated with the Enforcement Directorate (ED). (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Critically analyse the role of National Commission for Women (NCW) in wake of its mandate to safeguard women's rights and uphold their socio-economic wellbeing. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Understanding the extent, source, and complexity of deprivations among the multidimensionally poor contributes to more informed policymaking. In this context, analyze the latest National Multidimensional Poverty Index Report by NITI Aayog. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Safely managed drinking water services, as desired by Jal Jeevan Mission, are designated to give multifarious benefits cutting across generations. Discuss. Also, elaborate upon the challenges in ensuring the mission's success. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Legislation like Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989 remains mere legal documents without intense sensitization of public functionaries and the civil society. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Harbinger of global rebalancing, India-Africa ties are a beacon of inclusive, sustainable, and equitable world. Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How do ASEAN centrality, rules-based order, and development partnership with Pacific Island states make Indo-Pacific a theatre of opportunity for India? What are the hurdles in realisation of an inclusive Indo-Pacific construct? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":971,"topper":"Aniket Kumar Dwivedi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/97/mt23fltpa004_tc044-flt-10-gs-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The recent Supreme Court judgments on human rights issues mark a remarkable shift in using International law and treaties not just as a source of inspiration but as a source of law. Examine with reference to relevant case laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The United States and India have their own distinctive jurisprudence on freedom of speech and expression despite the similarities in constitutional provisions. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Fundamental Duties are a reminder that citizenship is not merely a passive status but an active engagement. Discuss. What are the challenges in their legal enforcement? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the mandate of the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT). To what extent earlier SC verdicts have resolved the jurisdictional tussle between CAT and High courts? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"Equality under the Indian constitution, is not merely about formal equality, it also incorporates the idea of substantive equality\". Discuss this statement in light of constitutional provisions and relevant Supreme Court judgments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Pressure groups and political parties are inherently similar in their objective to democratise the political process, however, more and more pressure groups today aspire to transform into political parties. Elaborate and highlight the factors that are encouraging this transformation. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"Can the infusion of foreign educational institutions be a transformative step in enhancing the global competitiveness of higher education in India and addressing the prevailing quality challenges?\" Justify with reason. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"To address the limitations of the public health system, how can the private sector contribute effectively to bridging the gap to ensure equitable and accessible healthcare for all? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"There is an urgent need for global cooperation to eradicate poverty and hunger. In this context analyse how international cooperation can impact efforts to address the challenges of poverty and hunger. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The changing global dynamics require prompt effective and meaningful reforms within the World Trade Organization (WTO), to ensure its relevance and capacity to address modern trade complexities. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"How has the 69th Constitutional amendment led to Delhi's dual governance dilemma? Discuss its impact on cooperative federalism as envisaged in the Constitution. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"\"Constitution envisages an independent judiciary, not insulated judiciary\"; In the light of the given statement, discuss the issues associated with the appointment of judges in the higher judiciary and explore alternatives to the current system. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Under what circumstances can the Governor reserve a state bill for the consideration of the President and why is the provision controversial? Also, discuss the reforms suggested by Punchhi Commission in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The Ninth Schedule fabricated a constitutional paradox to safeguard laws related to socio-economic justice from being challenged under the fundamental right to property. Does the ninth schedule have any relevance in present times? How did the IR Coelho judgment resolve this paradox? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"\"Central Information Commission stands as the guardian of democracy, with an unwavering relevance to good governance.\" Justify the context in terms of the mandate of the CIC. Has the statutory status limited the effectiveness of the commission in recent times? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Discuss the significance of the POCSO Act in ensuring the safety and protection of children against sexual offences. What changes would you suggest to the present Act to enhance its effective implementation? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"\"Technology serves as the catalyst for reshaping the traditional contours of bureaucracy, propelling it to become more efficient, transparent, and citizen-centric.' Explain and also explore how the integration of technology can expedite governmental efforts aimed at modernizing the civil service. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India and US have had an oscillating relationship in the past, to what extent has the relationship acquired depth in recent times? How should New Delhi navigate its relationship with the US after its sharp divergence with Washington on the issue of the Russia- Ukraine war? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"How has the India-ASEAN partnership evolved since the implementation of the 'Look East Policy'? In what ways can India leverage the increasing strength of its economy alongside geopolitical realities as opportunities to foster closer India and ASEAN relations? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":972,"topper":"Aniket Kumar Dwivedi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/94/mt23fltpa004_tc040-flt-6-gs-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Examine the role of the Inter-state Council in promoting vertical (Centre-State) and horizontal (Inter-State) Intergovernmental cooperation and coordination. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the key function of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). What steps should be taken to revamp the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in order to enhance its effectiveness as a true guardian of public funds? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Recognizing the pivotal role of urbanization as a driver of national economic growth, the Fifteenth Finance Commission has suggested major reforms for Urban Local Bodies. Evaluate the recommendations put forward by the Fifteenth Finance Commission in promoting and revitalizing ULBs in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Highlight the key differences in the scope of Freedom of speech and expression as provided under Parliamentary privileges vis a vis Fundamental rights. Why is it necessary to maintain a balance between parliamentary privilege and fundamental rights? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Civil society organizations, play a pivotal role in fostering \"collective private action for the public good\". What challenges do they face in local resource mobilization (LRM) and corporate funding through corporate social responsibility (CSR)? Also, suggest measures. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The first step to eradicating poverty is reliable poverty assessment for program design, implementation, and monitoring. In this context discuss the methodology and significance of NITI Aayog's National Multidimensional Poverty Index. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"In the context of India, despite the presence of constitutional provisions, legal precedents, and international commitments that establish a robust foundation for a right to health, why has there been a lack of explicit legal recognition of this right? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The collective strength of BRICS nations allows for meaningful cooperation on myriad issues, however, the platform's ability to influence the trajectory of bilateral relationships remains limited. Do you agree? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In light of the recent demands to amend the Indus Waters Treaty, discuss the possible implications it could have on the water-sharing mechanism between India and Pakistan. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The doctrine of Parliamentary sovereignty and judicial supremacy has exerted considerable influence in shaping the constitutional frameworks of India and the USA. Citing relevant case laws discuss the role of the judiciary in influencing the constitutions in these countries. Is the scope of judicial review wider in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Delimitation of seats is essential to ensure fair representation and uphold the principles of one vote, one value'. Highlighting the challenges posed by misrepresentation in constituencies analyze the ramifications of population-based delimitation in creating federal tension. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the role of the Supreme Court of India in strengthening the hands of the Election Commission in the discharge of its constitutional responsibility of conducting free and fair elections in the country. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"'The declining role of Parliament undermines the fundamental principle of separation of powers, as it diminishes the legislature's ability to serve as a check on the executive branch and ensure a balanced exercise of power.' Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss the crucial role played by the National Commission of Women in shaping the discourse on gender-sensitive laws in India. To what extent the elevation of the National Commission for Women to a constitutional body would reinforce its authority? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"'Satisfactory and timely redressal of grievances is the cornerstone of 'minimum government, maximum governance.' In this context discuss the challenges associated with current grievance redress mechanisms and suggest measures to strengthen the process. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"'Corruption corrodes the fabric of governance, eroding the public's faith in democratic institutions.' Examine the potential for harmonizing the Right to Information (RTI) Act, the Whistleblower Protection Act (WBPA), and the Lokpal & Lokayukta Act, 2013, to enhance the effectiveness of the anticorruption regime. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Analyze the potential challenges and benefits involved in leveraging SHGs as platforms for skill development, entrepreneurship, and income generation among marginalized communities to effectively counter poverty. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"'India is uniquely positioned on the world map for its rich culture.' In this context discuss the role of culture, diaspora, and democracy as instruments of India's soft power diplomacy. To what extent India has been able to position itself as a 'smart power'? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"The synergy of shared values and vibrant people-to-people connections between India and Australia creates a fertile ground for fostering long-lasting trade relations and strategic collaboration between the two nations. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":973,"topper":"Aniket Kumar Dwivedi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/86/flt-test-6-gs-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Examine the role of the Inter-state Council in promoting vertical (Centre-State) and horizontal (Int...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"Discuss the key function of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). What steps should be taken to revam...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"Recognizing the pivotal role of urbanization as a driver of national economic growth, the Fifteenth...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"Highlight the key differences in the scope of Freedom of speech and expression as provided under Par...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"In light of the recent demands to amend the Indus Waters Treaty, discuss the possible implications i...","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":974,"topper":"Aniket Kumar Dwivedi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/90/mt23fltpa004_tc036-flt-2-gs-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"There is a need to resolve the ambiguity in the disqualification provisions under section 8 of the Representation of People Act 1951. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Constitution is a mere skeleton whereas constitutionalism is the soul of democracy. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"Electoral bonds are a double-edged sword, providing anonymity to donors while raising concerns about transparency in political funding.\" To what extent have electoral bonds further legitimized opacity in electoral funding? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The question of gender equality is central to the debate on Uniform Civil Code. In this light what are the challenges in reconciling UCC with gender equality as enshrined in the constitution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":975,"topper":"Aniket Kumar Dwivedi","air":226,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/82/flt-test-2-gs-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":976,"topper":"Aniket Kumar Dwivedi","air":226,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/79/flt-test-10-gs-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":977,"topper":"Aniket Kumar Dwivedi","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ANIKET-KUMAR-DWIVEDI-UPSC-2023-Rank-226-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Investment in Infrastructure is a precursor to social and economic transformation; however, the focus on economic gains must not marginalise the concerns for safety. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What do you understand from Green growth? With special reference to the budget 2023-2024, discuss various government measures to propel green growth in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Project cheetah marks a departure from India's efforts for conservation of various critically-endangered species. In this perspective, do you think the reintroduction of major fauna that has gone extinct is justified? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"In what ways can precision agriculture become a panacea for multipronged challenges plaguing the agriculture sector? Discuss. Also, analyse various impediments in widespread adoption of precision farming in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are the reasons for increasing emphasis on the horticulture sector in recent years? Evaluate government measures for the development of the horticulture sector. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Unplanned urbanization has made Indian cities vulnerable to fire safety hazards. Discuss and recommend measures for mitigating urban fires, with special reference to national building code, 2016. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"DPI (Digital Public Infrastructure) is indispensable for digitally enabling citizens and businesses; however, the challenges of exclusion, exploitation, and monopolisation cannot be ignored. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Assess the relevance of the NISAR mission in observing and managing climate change and natural hazards. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Defense indigenization remains the Achilles heel of India's security architecture. Examine the importance of startups in defense sector to make India secure and self-reliant. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Edge in modern warfare lies not so much in the capacity to overwhelm the adversary as much in the ability to nip the threat in the bud. In this context, discuss the role of intelligence in maintaining national security, and also cite challenges associated. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Labour and export intensive industries are key to problems of jobless growth. In this perspective, analyse the opportunities and challenges associated with the textile sector. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"In an era of interconnected challenges, the emerging global polycrisis poses significant implications for India's macroeconomic stability. Examine and suggest measures to make the Indian economy more resilient to global shocks and challenges. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Do you think the low Female Labor Force Participation Rate presents a correct picture about the 'working women' in India's economy? Give reasons in support of your answer. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Across sectors and regions, the most marginalised sections are also the most affected by the impacts of climate change. Explain. Also, present a case for a climate resilient model of development that integrates mitigation and adaptation measures. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Despite the potential to check the triple whammy of nutritional deficiency, environmental degradation, and receding farm incomes, the adoption of Millets has been abysmally low. Analyse. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"A link between unorganized farming community and formal industrial sector, Food Processing Industries (FPI) can play a key role in advancing the rural economy. Evaluate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"What do you understand by generative Artificial Intelligence (AI)? How can policymakers and regulatory bodies effectively address the concerns and challenges posed by generative AI? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Though ethnic fault lines are a major threat, security challenges in the North-East are not confined to the same. Discuss the statement with special reference to Manipur. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Critically examine the role of development initiatives in addressing the root causes of militancy/ terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":978,"topper":"Aniket Kumar Dwivedi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/95/mt23fltpa004_tc041-flt-7-gs-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Elaborate on the difference between Capital Account and Current Account as components of Balance of Payment (BOP). Suggest a few measures to balance the BOP deficit of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The logistics sector is one of the important components of the growth of the manufacturing industry. Discuss. Also, mention various components of the recently announced National Logistics Policy 2022. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What is India's stand on the New Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies under WTO? How is the Fisheries sector significant for India? Enumerate the steps taken by the Government to develop this sector. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Analyze the systemic and institutional constraints that continue to hinder land reform efforts in India and propose pragmatic solutions to ensure equitable distribution of land. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What are the unique features and capabilities of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, and how has it contributed to India's defence capabilities and strategic position in the region? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"In line with the country's efforts to explore the depths of the ocean and harness the resources it holds, the Indian government has proposed a deep-sea exploration mission Samudrayaan. How can this mission contribute to the advancement of ocean science and technology in the country? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What is Global Methane Pledge? Do you think the Global Methane Pledge is a positive step toward mitigating methane emissions? Explain India's stance on this issue. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of disaster management in public health. Discuss the key strategies and challenges for managing pandemics and other infectious disease outbreaks. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"The resource curse of Eastern and Central India has been a crucial driver of LWE\". Elaborate and suggest measures for sustainable and inclusive development of the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In light of the declining trend of violence in the North East and J&K region do you think that AFSPA has lived its utility? Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"International trade is centred on the dominant currency paradigm (DCM). Critically Analyze the importance of Hard currency in International trade and Discuss the potential of rupee acceptance in global trade as an alternative to dollar imperialism. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"A demographic Dividend does not ensure growth; it only generates potential. Discuss the steps made by the government to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the demographic transition. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"'Genome editing holds immense potential for crop improvement, but it also raises ethical and safety concerns'. How far do the new guidelines for the safety assessment of genome-edited plants in India, ensure the safety of genetically modified crops? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the impact of direct and indirect farm subsidies on the agriculture sector in India. How have Minimum Support Prices (MSP) affected the agricultural economy? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a rapidly escalating crisis that poses a grave threat to public health worldwide. What are the major contributing factors to the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance, and what steps can be taken to address this global health threat? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by Disruptive innovations? What are some examples of disruptive innovation in recent times, and how have they changed the way industries operate? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Trace the evolution of the Loss and Damage fund. What are the major development related to loss and damage funds in COP 27?, What are the commitments made by India in this conference? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Disaster management is not just about responding to emergencies but also about building resilient communities. Discuss the key strategies that can be used to build community resilience and reduce the impact of disasters. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The transformation of terrorism through the use of new and emerging technologies like metaverse and virtual assets is a matter of concern. How can we counter the Use of New and Emerging Technologies for Terrorist Purposes and Elucidate the importance of the \"Delhi declaration\" in this regard? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"\"The Agnipath scheme is a bitter pill needed for the resilience and efficacy of our armed forces.\" Critically Analyze the statement with relevant arguments. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":979,"topper":"Aniket Kumar Dwivedi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/98/mt23fltpa004_tc045-flt-11-gs-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Differentiate between Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Wholesale Price Index (WPI). Do you think that CPI is a better measure of inflation as compared to WPI? Substantiate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Jobless growth is an inherent feature of India's growth trajectory. What are the major reasons behind the high unemployment rate in India? Suggest remedial measures to improve the overall employment growth (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Bringing urea under the NBS Scheme is seen as the panacea for all the issues related to fertiliser subsidies in India as well as for the environmental problems of agriculture. Highlighting the issues related to urea management, suggest reforms are required to improve the usage of urea in a sustainable manner in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"India's food security faces challenges from not just domestic factors but also global factors. Comment. Discuss some ways to strengthen India's food security. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Recently, India became the 27th signatory to the Artemis Accord led by NASA. Critically analyse its implications for the space exploration programmes in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How does the decomposition of organic matter in the soil contribute to the carbon cycle, and what are the key factors that influence this process? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Climate change mitigation and adaptation strategy is not only about reducing future emissions but also involves active removal of already released carbon into the atmosphere. In this context what do you understand by the concept of Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) and discuss the progress of the international community in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Poor building design, flagrant violations of building codes and fire safety norms and overcrowding of spaces are responsible for the rising risk of fires in urban areas. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Ethnic conflicts and cross-border migration along India-Myanmar and India-Bangladesh borders impact India's internal security. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"What are the main challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in investigating and prosecuting cases of money laundering, and how can they be overcome? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Low tax buoyancy often translates into higher deficits and debt. Can a higher direct tax rate improve the overall tax-to-GDP ratio in India? What other steps can be undertaken to revamp the overall tax structure in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Startups are the driving engines of the fast-changing modern economy. Why have Indian startups failed to realise their potential? What steps can be undertaken to improve the profitability and performance of startups in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Import of edible oils forms a major part of India's import bill. In this context, evaluate the importance of the recently launched National Mission on Edible Oils and Oil Palm (NMEO-OP). What are the environmental concerns related to increasing palm oil production in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"A robust livestock economy can act as a parallel source of farmers' income. Highlighting the role of the livestock economy in the agriculture sector in India discuss the challenges faced by the livestock sector in India. Suggest interventions that can strengthen the livestock sector to contribute to the overall well-being of the farmers. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Nuclear fusion has been hailed as the energy source of the future, with the potential to provide clean, safe, and virtually limitless energy. Discuss the scientific principles behind nuclear fusion and the challenges and opportunities in harnessing this technology for practical applications. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What have been the difficulties in the administration of IPRs in India? Suggest measures to improve the administration of IPRs in order to encourage an innovation-led economy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The recent amendments in the Wildlife Protection Act provide a framework to prevent illegal trade in wild animals and plants to ensure that their survival is not threatened. In this regard, mention the implications of illegal wildlife trade in India and analyse the effectiveness of the recent amendments to address the issue. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Analyse the factors that contribute to the increased incidence and severity of floods in urban areas and the measures that can be taken to reduce the risk and enhance the resilience of the population. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Do you think that intelligence and law enforcement agencies in India have the necessary resources and capabilities to effectively tackle the link between organised crime and terrorism? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"India needs to update its Information Technology Act, of 2000 to deal with emerging internal and external communication security and to make the cyber ecosystem more safe and secure. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":980,"topper":"Aniket Kumar Dwivedi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/91/mt23fltpa004_tc037-flt-3-gs-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What do you understand by Windfall tax? Do you think that windfall taxes can effectively redistribute wealth and promote greater economic equality? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":981,"topper":"Aniket Kumar Dwivedi","air":226,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/83/flt-test-3-gs-3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":982,"topper":"Aniket Kumar Dwivedi","air":226,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/87/flt-test-7-gs-3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":983,"topper":"Aniket Kumar Dwivedi","air":226,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/80/flt-test-11gs-3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":984,"topper":"Aniket Kumar Dwivedi","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ANIKET-KUMAR-DWIVEDI-UPSC-2023-Rank-226-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Celebrity endorsements raise pertinent ethical concerns about responsibility that delve into the realm of ethical considerations of social influence that run deeper than mere surface appeal. In this context, suggest measures to tackle the ethical challenges of celebrity brand endorsements. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Embracing a scientific mindset involves setting aside impulsive inclinations in favor of the pursuit of truth. In your view, how does the integration of scientific thinking contribute to addressing contemporary challenges and promoting societal progress? How can we effectively cultivate a scientific attitude in society? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"In the realm of professional conduct, ethics plays a role that tends to go far beyond fulfilling the roles and responsibilities of the job with diligence and honesty. But some people consider professional competence as the only critical requirement for a job. If faced with a choice, who you would prefer to hire - someone with professional competence or one with strong moral values? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Patriotism can hold different meanings for different people, often shaped by personal experiences and convictions. What does patriotism mean to you? Explain narrating incidents from your life when you exhibited patriotism. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Max Weber's concept of bureaucracy was developed in the early 20th century, but it still influences administrative structures today. In what ways do you see Weberian bureaucracy as relevant in today's rapidly changing world? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Global challenges often test the ethical fiber of nations, urging them to channel narrow pursuit of national-interest into an enlightened self-interest.\" Enumerating the various ethical principles underlying the concept of enlightened national-interest examine its efficacy in helping nations navigate the fine line between pursuing their strategic interests and upholding ethical principles, particularly in times of conflict? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In the realm of governance, a crucial aspect is the art of persuasion. The qualities that make civil servants proficient persuaders empower them to fulfill their responsibilities in an effective manner. Discuss with illustrations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Corruption has multifaceted implications. Some consider it an undeniable vice, while others contend it to be an unavoidable necessity for navigating the bureaucratic complexities. In your opinion, does corruption oil or corrode the gears of development? Substantiate your arguments. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Ethical hacking and malicious hacking stand as divergent paths with distinct intentions and consequences. As technology advances, it becomes imperative to comprehend the nuances that set these practices apart in the cybersecurity landscape. In this perspective, elucidate the principles that differentiate ethical hacking and malicious hacking. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What does each of the following quotation mean to you? a) \"Our greatest ability as humans is not to change the world, but to change ourselves.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":59,"question":"Mr X is travelling by road with his family to attend a marriage ceremony. His grandfather, who is the head of the family is also travelling with him. On the way to their destination, all of them stop at a road side restaurant for lunch. This is a well-known restaurant owned by one of the friends of Mr X. The place is known for its tasty and hygienic food. However, the grandfather notices a picture on the wall of the restaurant and enquires about the religion of the restaurant owner. Mr X's friend belongs to a religion different from the grandfather's religion. The grandfather has a negative attitude towards the religion of Mr X's friend and he insists that he will not eat in that restaurant. He demands that the entire family should leave the restaurant immediately as they are travelling for a happy occasion and eating at this particular restaurant will pollute them. Mr X tries to calm down his grandfather and explain to him that religion has nothing to do with purity or pollution. He also reasons that several travel magazines have rated the restaurant highly, especially for its superior hygiene standards. Also, he points out that there is no restaurant in the way for the next 100 Km and it will be difficult for all to make do without food for that long. However, his arguments fall on deaf years, and which is more his grandfather admonishes him for bringing the family to the restaurant despite being aware about the religion of the owner. Mr X's friend feels insulted and discriminated against due to his religion. Mr X's father is upset but refuses to say anything out of respect for the grandfather. Entire family is embarrassed by the attitude of the grandfather and they are getting ready to leave the restaurant. Mr X is confused regarding how he should act in this situation. a) What are the various ethical issues in the above case study? b) Imagine yourself in the place of Mr X. Evaluate the different courses of actions available with you. What is the most suitable course of action? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":985,"topper":"Aniket Kumar Dwivedi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/81/flt-test-12-gs-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Identify any four components of emotional intelligence relevant to public services. Explain their role in administrative decision-making.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"Explain the difference between codes of ethics, codes of conduct and codes of rules and regulations....","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance. The root ...","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":986,"topper":"Aniket Kumar Dwivedi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/99/mt23fltpa004_tc046-flt-12-gs-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Most civil servants are neither pure deontologists nor pure utilitarians, but they operate according to a kind of ethical pluralism.\" Do you agree? Discuss your position with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The motivation to seek a career in public service and perform public service can be due to attraction to public service, commitment to public values, self-sacrifice and compassion. Among the four, what is the primary public service motivator for you? Explain your motivating factor. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"One of the critical areas of governance is developing policies for managing public health emergencies such as COVID. While tackling such health emergencies, the government may take measures that involve the abdication of liberty on the part of the citizens. According to you, what ethical principles should guide the government's public health policymaking? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Identify any four components of emotional intelligence relevant to public services. Explain their role in administrative decision-making. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Values lie at the core of the diverse world of human behaviour and are expressed in every human decision and action. In keeping with the above statement, explain with the help of illustrations how values impact an individual's behaviour. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Explain the difference between codes of ethics, codes of conduct and codes of rules and regulations. Do you think an increase in the number of codes and regulations is an efficient response to the decline of public trust and integrity issues? Why/why not? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance. \"The root of happiness is Dharma (righteousness), the root of Dharma is Artha (economy), the root of Artha is right governance.\" (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Prioritising ethical concerns within public administration and policy has monetary costs in terms of training and other expenses. Do you think the financial cost of actively pursuing ethical standards by the government is justified? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Distinguish between administrative, legal and professional accountability. Despite multiple institutional accountability mechanisms, the government has failed to make a dent in systemic corruption. What do you think are the reasons for the poor performance of accountability mechanisms? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Economists view transparency as a condition for open markets, and political scientists view it as a condition for public participation. What does transparency imply in public administration ethics? Is it only a flow of information or more than that? Explain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Persuasion performs a number of positive, prosocial functions. However, people often equate persuasion with manipulation and consider it unethical. What are the ethical values a persuader must respect to ensure the ethicality of the act of persuasion? Explain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":37,"question":"You work as an investment banker with one of the country's biggest private banks. You independently handled a team of 15 junior bankers and reported directly to the Head Investment Banking Division. You also networked with individuals with a high net worth in assets and income as part of your job. The purpose of networking was to persuade them to have their income and assets managed by your bank. Over the years, you had brought in a lot of clients for the bank, and you managed assets and accounts for a few big clients. You managed a client with a very sizeable business account, and he frequently received remittances from offshore accounts of his company. In the last six months, you could notice a considerable number of forex transactions had happened in his account. And the money was further moved around to smaller locations within the country. When you tracked the money movement, you noticed that funds were transferred to areas where the client had no business dealings. Government regulations required the bank to report a large inflow of forex funds and client details. You forwarded the details to your Head, who forwarded it to the relevant authorities. When the transactions continued unabated, you got suspicious. On scrutiny, you discovered that the client had dealings with organisations banned by the government for funding anti-national activities. You shared the same information with your Head and requested him to report to the authorities. He said he would look into it. But he didn't. After a few weeks, you raised the matter again, and this time, he curtly told you that the regulations stipulate that account information had to be furnished, which the bank did. It was up to the authorities to scrutinize and take action. The bank was not at fault as it was complying with the law. Further, the Head told you the client was good business for the bank. You were concerned about what to do next as you knew the client was good business, but he was up to no good. (a) What are the issues involved in the case? (b) What are the options available to you? (c) Select your course of action after analysing all the options (d) Do you think breaching client confidentiality and trust can be justified in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Rashmi worked with an NGO that operated non-residential State wide skill development centres. The organisation's work primarily involved upskilling rescued drug addicts who belong to vulnerable sections of society. The objective was to upskill and rehabilitate them by finding employment opportunities and finally reintegrating them within the community. Rashmi's responsibilities included counselling the victims and preparing them mentally and emotionally for a new life. The job involved a lot of one-on-one interaction with the addicts, and sometimes she was privy to personal information that others didn't have. Last month the authorities brought a 23-year-old widow to the centre. As Rashmi interacted with her, she discovered that the widow was introduced to drugs by her husband, who was an addict and had a history of crime. He apparently was killed by drug dealers because of some monetary dispute. The widow confessed to Rashmi that after the death of her husband, she had started selling drugs to support herself and her 4-year-old. This was a detail the police were unaware of. Further, she revealed that she and her child's life were in danger from the drug dealers her husband owed money to. In the last month, Rashmi noticed she was diligent in learning and committed to making a fresh start. One day Rashmi saw that she had been absent for almost a week. After asking around, Rashmi discovered that she had been arrested for peddling drugs. Rashmi went to meet her, widow Rashmi to see her became emotional and about the circumstances about her. Vidwa he said that she was been dealers for drugs to be made to her husband for the money baqiya or when some police officers ko yaha batane ki koshish ki, to unhone us par vishwas karne se inkar kar diya tatha use ek aaropi ke roop mein mana. Use madad ki jarurat hai. Uski durdasha se aahat hokar Rashmi kuch varishth NGO karyakartaon ke sath vidhwa ke mamle ki pairvi karne ke liye varishth prabhari adhikari se milne gayi. Rashmi ne unhe samjhane ki koshish ki ki vidhwa swayam ek peedita hai, aaropi nahi. (a) ? (b) ? (c) ko kya kadam uthana chahiye (d) - ?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"What are the issues and ethical dilemmas involved in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"How would you see the widow as a victim of her husband's crime or an accused? Justify. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What are the issues involved in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"What are the options Pallavi has? How should she navigate the issues with Mr Thakur?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"What do you think is the problem with Mr Thakur, is it a lack of emotional intelligence or something else?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"How do you think you will be able to help Pallavi? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"What options are available to the MP in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"Evaluate the options and suggest a course of action to the MP.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"Distinguish between political and bureaucratic corruption. Can bureaucracy play a role in checking political corruption? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"Do you think whistle-blowing could have been a good option five years back? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":987,"topper":"Aniket Kumar Dwivedi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/92/mt23fltpa004_tc038-flt-4-gs-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Public service requires not merely legal but also morally principled action. Public service requires the public servant to place loyalty to the constitution, laws, and ethical principles. Among the three, which do you think must acquire primacy while carrying out official functions? Why? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"What do you understand by \"integrity-based civil disobedience\"? Do you think a challenge to personal integrity can be a justifiable cause for responsible disobedience in civil services? Explain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Recent research has shown that emotions significantly impact personal and professional lives. What are the primary emotions that negatively and positively impact workplace productivity? Explain with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Technical efficiency ensures resource utilization and social efficiency ensures fulfillment of social needs, what does ethical efficiency ensure? Do you think ethical efficiency is more important than technical and social efficiency? Why/Why not? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"Man cannot do right in one department of life whilst he is occupied in doing wrong in any other department.\" Gandhi. Do you think an individual's personal ethics impacts professional life or they both can be compartmentalized? Explain your position with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Goodness is the result of internal imperatives to do what is right, not sanctions from moral rules or rewards from expected consequences. Do you agree? Discuss.(Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In the context of civil service, distinguish between moral and nonmoral values. Identify 5 basic moral values that can serve as foundational values for all services irrespective of the department. Give reasons why those values can be considered foundational. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Citizens' involvement in decision-making is critical to ethics in governance. Do you agree that effective civic engagement mechanisms can facilitate an ethics-driven administration? What do you think are the mechanisms that citizens can use for ensuring ethics in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Social transformation programs such as \"beti bachao and beti padhao\" believes in using advice, counseling, and persuasion but sometimes a little force is also necessary for getting the desired response. Do you think it is a good idea to mix little force with persuasion by public administrators while implementing social schemes of transformation? Explain with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Ultimately foreign policy of every country hinges upon the strength which the nation possesses. Strength may be military or financial and may be also...moral.\" Do you think ethical strength without military or financial muscle will be respected in today's world? Explain your position. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"You are a young officer working with the Municipal Corporation of an industrial city. The city was known for manufacturing ball bearings and auto parts. Most manufacturing units were small-scale units with very little production process automation. The units relied on manual labor, which was in abundance due to the villages close by. As the number of manufacturing units grew, the demand for labor increased, bringing in a steady inflow of laborers into the city. This influx of people into the city led to a mushrooming of slums and encroachments on the sidewalks. Once in a while, the Corporation conducted drives to clear out the slums, but after a time, the slums came back. The illegal slums had become an urban nightmare. You were given the responsibility of clearing out the encroachments and slums with the help of Police authorities. As you started the drive, you realized that the people living by the sidewalks were vulnerable compared to the slum dwellers. Many sidewalk dwellers had recently come to the city after selling their properties in their villages. Now if you drive them out, you don't have places to go. Your heart went out to them, and you felt that your departmental action was inhumane, but your official responsibilities demanded stern impartial action. You are desperate to find a way to help the sidewalk dwellers without compromising your official duties. (a) What value conflicts do you notice in the above situation? (b) Can an administrator compromise the value of impartiality for empathy? Discuss. (c) What are the options available in the above situation? (d) Suggest viable solutions for tackling illegal slums and encroachments in urban areas. (250 words in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"A certain State government was running a welfare scheme for promoting safe motherhood among rural landless laborers' families. The scheme involves the transfer of funds to the beneficiaries to enable them to mitigate income loss due to maternal care responsibilities. Since its implementation, the scheme has done reasonably well on maternal health and economic indicators. You are the Director of the Department responsible for implementing and operating the scheme. Recently you have been receiving reports of welfare fraud being committed by families by producing fake bona fide. The families committed the fraud with the help of local officials responsible for scrutinizing the bonafide. You were concerned because the fraud was seriously undermining the scheme's efficiency. You called for a departmental meeting to discuss and find a solution to the problem. In the meeting, it was decided to merge several available government data sets such as Aadhar cards, voter ID cards, marriage certificates, birth certificates, bank details, and other personal assets. By merging all the data sets, the department would be able to develop the beneficiary's economic profile. And this will help the department scrutinize the documents and detect fraud. This was a comprehensive strategy, but it risked violating an individual's data privacy. As a Department head, you wanted to detect and prevent fraud, but at the same time, you were apprehensive about violating the Data privacy of the stakeholders. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) Do you think violating data privacy is justified to prevent welfare fraud? Why/ Why not? (c) What, according to you, can be the reasons for such welfare frauds happening in the country? (d) Are there any ways and means to prevent such fraud? Give your suggestions. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"You are posted in the Department of Mines, and one of your roles is to help your Department Head negotiate mining leases with private contractors. Recently, the state government demarcated a new mining zone and planned to invite bids for the mining blocs. You were instructed to oversee the bidding process and speed up the contract negotiations. As planned, the tenders were released, bids came in, and tenders were allocated as per the norms. All this happened at a breakneck speed. You wondered, why the hurry? But it was not your place to think and question; you quietly went about your work. As the contractors were about to start operations, you had to instruct them on environmental concerns to watch out for. And to do that, you read the environmental impact assessment report submitted by a consulting firm hired by the department. To your surprise, the report was shoddy and looked cooked up. You got suspicious and raised the issue with your Head, who politely instructed you to do what you were told, and he reminded that the Department had revenue targets and was under pressure from the Ministry. After the meeting, you, on your own accord, did some digging and found out that the report was fraudulent and the mining activity that was about to start would lead to a massive environmental disaster which the State could not afford. (a) What are the issues and value violations you notice in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you? (c) Discuss the advantage and disadvantages of each option and identify your chosen course of action. (d) Do you think that environmental considerations are sometimes overrated at the cost of development? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Mr. Sharma was the All India Sales Head of a pharmaceutical company with a turnover of 400 crores. The company's main markets were small towns and tier 2 cities. Further, the company did a sizeable amount of business with state government hospitals and health centers. Mr. Sharma had given a lot of freedom to field sales agents to strike deals and negotiate prices with clients. This strategy worked well for the company. Recently Mr. Sharma received word that three company employees were selling products to government hospitals and health centers at a higher price than they were selling to other private hospitals and health centers. The employees were with the company for over five years and were good performers. A few sales staff informally raised the issue of the three getting relatively higher commissions because of their inflated deals. And this was creating a sense of unease among the sales staff. A cursory review of the account of the three showed that, in many instances, the government hospitals were paying more than other private institutions. Under procurement rules, the government is supposed to pay a fair price, one that other cost-conscious customers pay. On inquiry, Mr. Sharma found that the three were not alone; government purchase department officials were helping them scam the Department. Mr. Sharma realized that his sales staff and some corrupt government staff had been defrauding the state exchequer for quite some time. Mr. Sharma immediately reported it to his CEO, and the two discussed how to deal with the sales staff and whether to inform the government about the scam and the involvement of their staff. The issue was informing the government means that there was every possibility that they might be blacklisted, thereby losing a lot of business. Mr. Sharma and CEO were caught in a dilemma regarding how to proceed with the case. (a) What are the ethical and business issues involved in the case? (b) What are the options available to Mr. Sharma and the CEO? (c) Do you think the organizational culture of giving freedom to the sales force led to the issue or was the individual's corrupt nature that led to the problem? Discuss. (d) What ethics mechanisms and steps can the company create and implement to prevent unethical behavior, as mentioned in the case? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"Singh Garh is a primarily rural district with minimal, relatively insignificant industrial activity, except for one consumer goods manufacturing plant, which was the primary source of employment. Development indicators such as health, literacy, etc., were much below the national average. Along with developmental issues, another grave concern was the slow rise in child marriages. Despite the legal sanctions, child marriage continued to rise unabated. (a) - ? (b) ? ? (c) ? , ? (d) ? ?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":988,"topper":"Aniket Kumar Dwivedi","air":226,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/84/flt-test-4-gs-4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":989,"topper":"Aniket Ranjan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/bd315-1135849_2319_aniket-ranjan_rank_48.pdf","questions":[{"page":9,"question":"Why flaws are necessary?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":990,"topper":"Aniket Ranjan","air":48,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ANIKET-RANJANUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-48-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) \"Nalanda is a symbol of India's academic heritage and vibrant cultural exchange\" Elucidate with special references to foreign travelers' accounts.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) The period of Delhi Sultans witnessed the emergence of Indo-Persian culture. Discuss the statement with reference to developments in the fields of literature, art and architecture.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Give a brief account of the contributions of early nationalists to the Indian freedom struggle.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) The Vaikom Satyagraha marked a historic milestone in India's fight against social injustice demonstrating the power of non-violent resistance in dismantling oppressive caste barriers. Explain.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) The Oslo Accords, once hailed as a landmark diplomatic achievement failed to address key issues highlighting the challenges of achieving lasting peace between Israel and Palestine. Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) What are Northern and Southern lights? Explain the phenomenon and discuss their associated impacts on Earth's atmosphere and human activities.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) Identifying the major automobile clusters in India, enumerate the favourable factors for the location of the automobile industry.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Factors responsible for location of Automobile industry","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) \"India's diversity is her greatest strength\" In light of the statement, explain how diversity has enriched and strengthened Indian society.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) Critically examine the effects of globalization on the youth in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) The recognition of LGBTQ rights in India marks significant progress but the journey towards full societal integration and acceptance remains arduous, necessitating a profound socio-cultural shift. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) Throw light upon the importance of seals and sealings in the reconstruction of socio-economic and religious life of the Harappan people. Also, explain why many of the known Harappan settlements are in semi-arid regions.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 Describe the significance of the Dandi March (1930) as the starting point of the Civil Disobedience Movement. Also, discuss the national and international reactions to the Dandi March and the Salt Satyagraha.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13) Give a reasoned account of the distribution of deserts across the earth with the help of relevant examples.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) Discuss the impact of local winds on their associated regions, citing examples from different parts of the world.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Rare Earths Elements (REE) are considered as 'Vitamins of Modern Industry'. In this context, bring out the multi-dimensional implications of uneven distribution of REE in the world.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) Describe the various factors that influence ocean currents and discuss their multi-dimensional impact.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17) Briefly explain the process of tide formation and differentiate between tides and waves.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18) While social media facilitates unprecedented connectivity and self-expression, it can also widen social crevices and fractures. In this context, examine the impact of social media on Indian society.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 \"The regionalism in India is both a response to the failures in addressing regional aspirations and as an assertion of socio-cultural identity\" Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20) Explain how traditional gender roles and responsibilities exacerbate the vulnerability of women to extreme heat conditions. Suggest strategies to mitigate these vulnerabilities.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":991,"topper":"Aniket Ranjan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/318a2-1135849_34899_aniket_ranjan_rank_48.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Discuss in detail the \"Seven Years\" Global War along with its result.","marks":null,"words":"150 - 170"}]},{"id":992,"topper":"Aniket Ranjan","air":48,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ANIKET-RANJANUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-48-Sample-MGP-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) The Indian Constitution does not embody a strict separation of powers rather it introduces a system of checks and balances, with overlapping functions and interdependencies among the legislature, executive, and judiciary. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Recently, the Supreme Court has expanded the scope of Articles 14 and 21 to include the \"right against the adverse effects of climate change\". In this context, citing relevant case laws, discuss the role played by Indian judiciary in 'constitutionalization' of environmental issues.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) The Speaker's inclination to cater to party loyalties often undermines the dignity and impartiality of the office, eroding public trust in the legislative process. Analyse with the help of recent examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"2.4 Assess the effectiveness of SEBI in fulfilling its envisaged role of regulating the securities market, ensuring transparency, and protecting investors' interests.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 The foundational strength of the Indian Constitution stems from its ability to integrate diverse socio-political perspectives. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) Parliamentary committees serve as vital tools for legislative oversight, ensuring accountability and transparency in governance processes. In light of the statement, examine the role of the Public Accounts Committee in establishing financial accountability of the executive.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) Without addressing the issues that hinder the full and effective participation of persons with disabilities in political and public life, the goal of achieving inclusiveness and their empowerment will remain unattainable. Analyze.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) What roles do community-based interventions play in enhancing access to preventive and promotive healthcare services in India?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) The current composition of the UNSC, with under-representation and un-representation of key regions is detrimental to its legitimacy and effectiveness, underscoring the urgent need for reforms. Elaborate. Also, present a case for India's permanent membership in the UNSC.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 \"The ongoing internal crisis in Myanmar is impeding India's Act East Policy.\" In light of the statement, discuss the measures taken by India to deal with the crisis and associated challenges.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The efforts taken by India to deal with the crisis;","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) \"The Basic Structure Doctrine, lauded for safeguarding the core principles of the Constitution against majoritarian impulses, is also criticized for enabling judicial overreach and disturbing the balance of power as envisioned by the Constitution.\" Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 Enumerate the salient features of Representation of People's Act, 1951. In your opinion, what amendments are needed in the Act to further the cause of free and fair elections in light of contemporary challenges.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13) The cooperative nature of Indian federalism is being increasingly challenged by emerging differences in Centre-State relations. Discuss. What steps can be taken to strengthen the cooperative spirit of Indian federalism?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.1 Parliamentary privileges are fundamental for lawmakers to discharge their duties without undue influence. However, ensuring the responsible exercise of these privileges is crucial for fostering public trust and ensuring the accountability of public institutions. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 The Constitution of India provides several rights that empower the individual yet it balances these freedoms with reasonable restrictions in the larger public interest. Discuss how constitutional restrictions on fundamental rights strike a fine balance between individual interests and societal interests. Also, mention the principles that are considered in evaluating the reasonableness of restrictions with reference case laws.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) Self-Help Groups (SHGs) can play a crucial role in alleviating rural poverty by providing women with access to microfinance, enabling them to start small businesses and improve their livelihoods. Examine.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17) Despite the implementation of numerous policies and schemes aimed at combating hunger and malnutrition in the country, their effectiveness remains limited. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18) The true test of good governance is the degree to which it ensures accountability towards citizens and delivers on the promise of sustainable and inclusive human development. Discuss in the context of challenges to good governance in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 As the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) provides a judicial mechanism for the peaceful resolution of international disputes. In this context, throw light on the structure and mandate of ICJ. Also, highlight the challenges it faces in fulfilling its mandate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 Geopolitical shifts pose challenges to India-Russia relations, yet the relationship remains robust, driven by deep-rooted trust and a shared commitment to sustain a multifaceted strategic partnership. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":993,"topper":"Aniket Ranjan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/12i8RXlMNZCf9djIiocf3CubSzA0tW8T2/view","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"The contributions of the founding mothers in the Constituent Assembly and their feminist perspective have shaped India's constitutional discourse. Discuss (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What is a Privilege Motion in the Indian Parliament? How does the Committee of Privileges examine and deal with such motions? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Compare the powers of the head of state in India and the UK. How do their roles reflect the constitutional principles of their respective systems? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"A democracy is only as strong as its Opposition.\" In this light, examine the role of the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and suggest measures to enhance the effectiveness of this institution in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What are the constitutional provisions related to minority educational institutions in India? How have judicial pronouncements shaped the balance between the right to equality and the right to preserve minority identity in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"India is emerging as a global hub for social entrepreneurship. Can social enterprises effectively complement the state in achieving inclusive development? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The SHG-Bank Linkage Programme has been hailed as an indigenous tool for poverty alleviation in India. Examine its impact on improving rural livelihoods and reducing multi-dimensional poverty. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"How far do you think Citizen-led environmental movements have proven to be effective tools of ecological preservation in recent years? Justify with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"Digital governance is emerging as a frontier of the global agenda, and India seeks to lead by example.\" Examine (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":31,"question":"The evolving relationship between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy has been a dynamic feature of India's constitutional journey, often necessitating judicial interventions and constitutional amendments. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"While cooperative federalism is rooted in the design of the Constitution, political considerations have given rise to competitive and confrontational federalism. Examine the role of constitutional and extra-constitutional institutions in reconciling these trends within India's federal structure. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"The growing number of undertrial prisoners in India reflects both systemic and procedural lapses within the criminal justice system. In light of recent Supreme Court directions, discuss the underlying challenges and suggest a multi-pronged approach to address this crisis. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"'The Upper House was envisioned as a reviewing chamber and not a rival to the Lower House.' In light of this statement, do you think the Rajya Sabha continues to fulfil this vision in contemporary Indian polity? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Well-executed government initiatives often fail if operations and maintenance are not integral to the programme design. In the context of the Swachh Bharat Mission in India, discuss how collective action and community ownership can ensure its long-term sustainability. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Freebies in electoral politics have sparked debate over their impact on governance in India. Differentiate between freebies and welfare measures, and examine their impact on governance. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Structural barriers have long impeded the development of a robust research environment, despite the presence of numerous institutions. Discuss how the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) seeks to address these structural challenges. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"India's strategic autonomy remains the guiding principle in navigating relations with the United States and China. In this context, analyse the potential challenges and opportunities for India and how India should navigate this renewed US-China rivalry. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"The launch of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) marks a turning point in India's connectivity diplomacy. Analyse its strategic relevance for India vis-à-vis China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":994,"topper":"Aniket Ranjan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/MT25FLTRA061_FLT2502.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"The contributions of the founding mothers in the Constituent Assembly and their feminist perspective have shaped India's constitutional discourse. Discuss (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What is a Privilege Motion in the Indian Parliament? How does the Committee of Privileges examine and deal with such motions? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Compare the powers of the head of state in India and the UK. How do their roles reflect the constitutional principles of their respective systems? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"A democracy is only as strong as its Opposition.\" In this light, examine the role of the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and suggest measures to enhance the effectiveness of this institution in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What are the constitutional provisions related to minority educational institutions in India? How have judicial pronouncements shaped the balance between the right to equality and the right to preserve minority identity in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"India is emerging as a global hub for social entrepreneurship. Can social enterprises effectively complement the state in achieving inclusive development? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The SHG-Bank Linkage Programme has been hailed as an indigenous tool for poverty alleviation in India. Examine its impact on improving rural livelihoods and reducing multi-dimensional poverty. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"How far do you think Citizen-led environmental movements have proven to be effective tools of ecological preservation in recent years? Justify with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"Digital governance is emerging as a frontier of the global agenda, and India seeks to lead by example.\" Examine (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Examine India's transboundary water-sharing challenges with Pakistan and Bangladesh in light of recent disputes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"The role of Governors in opposition-ruled States has been a flashpoint in Centre-State relations. Critically discuss how gubernatorial overreach challenges the position of state governments and suggest safeguards to mitigate such conflicts. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"The evolving relationship between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy has been a dynamic feature of India's constitutional journey, often necessitating judicial interventions and constitutional amendments. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"While cooperative federalism is rooted in the design of the Constitution, political considerations have given rise to competitive and confrontational federalism. Examine the role of constitutional and extra-constitutional institutions in reconciling these trends within India's federal structure. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"The growing number of undertrial prisoners in India reflects both systemic and procedural lapses within the criminal justice system. In light of recent Supreme Court directions, discuss the underlying challenges and suggest a multi-pronged approach to address this crisis. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"'The Upper House was envisioned as a reviewing chamber and not a rival to the Lower House.' In light of this statement, do you think the Rajya Sabha continues to fulfil this vision in contemporary Indian polity? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Well-executed government initiatives often fail if operations and maintenance are not integral to the programme design. In the context of the Swachh Bharat Mission in India, discuss how collective action and community ownership can ensure its long-term sustainability. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Freebies in electoral politics have sparked debate over their impact on governance in India. Differentiate between freebies and welfare measures, and examine their impact on governance. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Structural barriers have long impeded the development of a robust research environment, despite the presence of numerous institutions. Discuss how the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) seeks to address these structural challenges. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"India's strategic autonomy remains the guiding principle in navigating relations with the United States and China. In this context, analyse the potential challenges and opportunities for India and how India should navigate this renewed US-China rivalry. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"The launch of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) marks a turning point in India's connectivity diplomacy. Analyse its strategic relevance for India vis-à-vis China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":995,"topper":"Aniket Ranjan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/16XcwhgjvYrwaG6GxBKuXzlRatfv7Rqi7/view","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"The recent push towards gender budgeting in the Government Budget reflects its importance for women empowerment. What are the recent initiatives towards gender budgeting in India and their importance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Port-led development is seen as a key driver of economic growth and regional integration in India. Discuss how the Sagarmala initiative can promote port-led growth and the coastal economy. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the importance of livestock farming in a non-farm economy. What is the need for the recently proposed livestock census in promoting animal husbandry? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"How can minimum support prices help in promoting farmers' income? What are the challenges faced by farmers in accessing the benefits of minimum support prices? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What are artificial neural networks? Discuss their importance in machine learning and artificial intelligence. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the importance of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in the defense sector and modern warfare. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Examine the environmental impacts of oil spills on marine and coastal ecosystems. What are the various methods used for cleaning-up of oil spills? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the vulnerability of northern India to earthquake-related disasters. Highlight India's preparedness in mitigating their impacts. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss how cryptocurrency and other emerging technologies contribute to the menace of money laundering and terror financing. What steps have been undertaken by the Government of India to tackle this issue? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"What is hybrid warfare? How is it different from conventional warfare? How can' India navigate the challenge of hybrid warfare? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Despite India's push for a robust digital economy, India faces challenges with regard to digital inclusion. Discuss. Suggest measures to ensure equitable access to digital resources. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"As artificial intelligence penetrates into various sectors of the economy, job losses are becoming a reality. Analysing the impacts of AI on employment, suggest measures to navigate this challenge and promote job growth. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"India's post-harvest losses amount to approximately ₹1,52,790 crore annually. To what extent can post-harvest losses in India be attributed to the constraints in the transport and marketing of agricultural products? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"What are the direct and indirect subsidies in Indian agriculture? How have these subsidies impacted the cropping diversity and farm economy of the country? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Discuss the potential of reusable launch vehicles in future space operations and missions. What are India's initiatives towards the development of reusable launch vehicles? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Explain the aims and objectives of the recently launched BioE3 policy. How can the policy help in ensuring \"green growth\" of the economy? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"What were the various market mechanisms under the Kyoto Protocol? What is Article 6 of the Paris Climate Change Agreement? Explain the significance of the global carbon market in achieving net-zero targets. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Climate change and rapid urbanization have intensified the impact and frequency of heat waves in India. Discuss. How can Heat Action Plans (HAPs) improve heatwave management in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"What are the threats posed to India's internal security by external State and non-state actors? Discuss the strategies necessary to tackle these threats. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"Left-wing extremism (LWE) continues to remain a challenge to India's internal security. Discuss the Government of India's approach towards solving the issue of LWE in the country. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":996,"topper":"Aniket Ranjan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/MT25FLTRA061_FLT2503.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"The recent push towards gender budgeting in the Government Budget reflects its importance for women empowerment. What are the recent initiatives towards gender budgeting in India and their importance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Port-led development is seen as a key driver of economic growth and regional integration in India. Discuss how the Sagarmala initiative can promote port-led growth and the coastal economy. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the importance of livestock farming in a non-farm economy. What is the need for the recently proposed livestock census in promoting animal husbandry? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"How can minimum support prices help in promoting farmers' income? What are the challenges faced by farmers in accessing the benefits of minimum support prices? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What are artificial neural networks? Discuss their importance in machine learning and artificial intelligence. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the importance of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in the defense sector and modern warfare. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Examine the environmental impacts of oil spills on marine and coastal ecosystems. What are the various methods used for cleaning-up of oil spills? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the vulnerability of northern India to earthquake-related disasters. Highlight India's preparedness in mitigating their impacts. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss how cryptocurrency and other emerging technologies contribute to the menace of money laundering and terror financing. What steps have been undertaken by the Government of India to tackle this issue? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"What is hybrid warfare? How is it different from conventional warfare? How can't India navigate the challenge of hybrid warfare? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Despite India's push for a robust digital economy, India faces challenges with regard to digital inclusion. Discuss. Suggest measures to ensure equitable access to digital resources. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"As artificial intelligence penetrates into various sectors of the economy, job losses are becoming a reality. Analysing the impacts of AI on employment, suggest measures to navigate this challenge and promote job growth. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"India's post-harvest losses amount to approximately ₹1,52,790 crore annually. To what extent can post-harvest losses in India be attributed to the constraints in the transport and marketing of agricultural products? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"What are the direct and indirect subsidies in Indian agriculture? How have these subsidies impacted the cropping diversity and farm economy of the country? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Discuss the potential of reusable launch vehicles in future space operations and missions. What are India's initiatives towards the development of reusable launch vehicles? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Explain the aims and objectives of the recently launched BioE3 policy. How can the policy help in ensuring \"green growth\" of the economy? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"What were the various market mechanisms under the Kyoto Protocol? What is Article 6 of the Paris Climate Change Agreement? Explain the significance of the global carbon market in achieving net-zero targets. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Climate change and rapid urbanization have intensified the impact and frequency of heat waves in India. Discuss. How can Heat Action Plans (HAPs) improve heatwave management in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"What are the threats posed to India's internal security by external State and non-state actors? Discuss the strategies necessary to tackle these threats. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"Left-wing extremism (LWE) continues to remain a challenge to India's internal security. Discuss the Government of India's approach towards solving the issue of LWE in the country. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":997,"topper":"Aniket Ranjan","air":48,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1g_gyhPM5GleqIFM_yRu0f0TSdFTY1qx2/view","questions":[]},{"id":998,"topper":"Aniket Ranjan","air":48,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/18WDHtQ4XhLAD2ngAyEQ9bJ4t9uQWanmd/view","questions":[]},{"id":999,"topper":"ANIKET SHANDILYA","air":12,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/768a1-1236108_2488_aniket_shandilya_rank_12.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1000,"topper":"ANIKET SHANDILYA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/cba4a-1236108_2424_aniket_shandilya_rank_12.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What are the different dimensions of food security? Examine India's status in terms of ensuring food security with regard to these dimensions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Modern technologies such as blockchain and ChatGPT are powerful tools with immense potential to transform agriculture into a more efficient and sustainable sector. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What factors have led to the recent acceleration in the trend towards de-dollarization of the global economy? Do you think the dollar will lose its dominance anytime soon? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Despite significant pressure from the developed countries to alter its food subsidy regime, there is merit in India trying to retain its policy support for the poor in the country. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Several initiatives have been taken by the government towards addressing India's water needs, but the issues of water availability and water quality still warrant prioritised intervention. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What are the major drivers of glacial retreat in the Arctic? Describe the potential impact of the retreat of Arctic glaciers on the ecosystem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Space tourism, which was viewed as something straight out of a science fiction movie, is now becoming a reality albeit not without hindrances. What are the challenges associated with space tourism? What measures can be taken to address these challenges? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Global health experts widely believe that the development of CAR-T cell therapy can be a game changer in the treatment of cancer. How can CAR-T cell therapy overcome the limitations of CRISPR-Cas9 technology? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss why the rising deployment of new and emerging technologies by prominent violent extremist organizations demand concerted global efforts. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"With the Line of Actual Control (LAC) remaining tense after the Galwan and Yangste incidents and both India and China ramping up infrastructure in the border areas, discuss the role that ITBP plays in the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Do you think there is a need for a shift from 'land productivity' to 'irrigation water productivity' in India? Justify your answer. What are the challenges in making this shift? Explain. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Examine the role that green hydrogen can play in unlocking the energy security of India. How can the National Green Hydrogen Mission help India in achieving its energy goals? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The government has been weighing a transition from minimum wage to living wage in recent times. What are the benefits and constraints in the adoption of living wage in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The Union Budget affects almost every sector of the Indian economy, yet neither the budgetary processes nor the budget policies come under substantial public scrutiny. Do you agree? Justify your answer. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"India has been able to transform itself from a milk deficit country to the world's biggest milk producer, but the productivity of dairy animals in the country remains a concern. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"While climate change is responsible for crop failures, the agricultural sector itself is partly responsible for extreme weather events. Discuss. What strategy has been adopted under National Agriculture Disaster Management Plan to strengthen the resilience of the farming community in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Some regions in India, including Delhi, are highly vulnerable to the impact of earthquakes originating in the Himalayas. Discuss. What institutional measures have been taken to mitigate earthquake losses in India? Do you think there are significant gaps that still exist? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Recently, scientists announced net energy gain in nuclear fusion reaction, which is considered as a major scientific breakthrough for the future of clean energy. What are the advantages of nuclear fusion based power generation? What are the limitations in using it to generate electricity at a commercial scale? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Keeping in view the recent amendment, examine the efficacy of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, in tackling the menace of money laundering in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Discuss the security threats present in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), which have a direct bearing on India's maritime border interests. Suggest a robust strategy to deal with these threats. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1001,"topper":"ANIKET SHANDILYA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6293e-1236108_2423_aniket_shandilya_rank_12.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With suitable examples, discuss how environmental pressure groups enhance public participation and responsiveness with regard to environmental policies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The recent acknowledgment of sex work as a 'profession' by the Supreme Court is merely the first step in ensuring basic rights and equality for sex workers in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the role played by District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) in providing free legal aid and disseminating legal awareness in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"The collegium system has become a victim of its own success, with the concentration of power in the hands of a few, leading to questions about its legitimacy.\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The wide gap between the number of females graduating every year and those entering the workspace is an issue of paramount importance that needs to be addressed. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"An up to date and functional Civil Registration System (CRS) is essential to the socio-economic planning in India. Discuss in the light of the recent move of the Central government in revamping the CRS system in the country. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What are the key areas of reform if the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has to align with the current economic realities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In recent years, India's relationship with West Asia has evolved from the confines of geopolitics to expanse of geoeconomics. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the 'Doctrine of Essentiality' referred to by the courts in the context of religious practices in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"As per the recently released report of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), there is an urgent need to limit the size of the government in India. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The Institutions of Eminence (IoE) scheme was conceived to develop 'world-class' centres of higher education in India but six years later, it is yet to become the game changer it was intended to be. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) allows for innovative and convenient public services, help overcome inclusion or accessibility barriers, and increase transparency and accountability with real-time data. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Besides legislation, the full realisation of the 'right to health for all' in India demands plugging of social, financial, and infrastructural gaps. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The 'third gender' has not yet been engendered in the Indian society despite legislative nudge. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Among other factors, strained ties with China and Pakistan make it difficult for India to fulfill its expectations from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"The recently concluded initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) between the United States and India promises a long overdue transformation of their partnership in the field of technology. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1002,"topper":"ANIKET SHANDILYA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0bb56-1236108_2422_aniket_shandilya_rank_12.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The traditional theatre forms of India reflect the ideals and emotions of the society, and an individual's role in the community. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":1003,"topper":"ANIKET SHANDILYA","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1c3Bj24DgKAj6qb0D_lno64uAELwL67tI/view","questions":[]},{"id":1004,"topper":"ANIKET SHANDILYA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/54b95-1236108_2425_aniket_shandilya_rank_12.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"For effective corporate governance to take place in the coming years, why is it important to integrate the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics with the multi-stakeholder approach? What benefits can be accrued by such integration? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In acts of corruption, the focus is often only on the demand side of the equation, on public officials who abuse their office for private gain. Frequently, the supply side is given less attention. Those who pay bribes are sometimes depicted as innocent parties and victims of extortionary practices of wily public servants. Do you agree that 'collusive corruption', in which there is a willing bribe-giver, is a formidable challenge for institutions fighting corruption? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Citizens' Charters initiative was a response to the quest for solving the problems, which a citizen encountered, day in and day out, while dealing with the organisations providing public services. But the introduction and implementation of Citizens' Charters in the government of India has been difficult due to the old bureaucratic set up and the rigid attitudes of the work force. Discuss the major obstacles that have been encountered in implementing the Citizens' Charter initiative. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Quality of public service delivery is a major determinant of the quality of life of vulnerable sections in a highly unequal society divided along the lines of class, caste, religion, etc. In this background, do you think that public service delivery is efficient and sufficient enough to improve the lives of vulnerable groups in India? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own.\" - Lao Tzu (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"If ethics are poor at the top, that behavior is copied down through the organization.\" - Robert Noyce (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"The end of law is not to abolish or restrain, but to preserve and enlarge freedom.\" - John Locke (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Wealthy CEOs and founders of successful businesses around the world are increasingly pledging to give away their wealth in philanthropy. Do you think that such a move is sufficient enough to bring about a positive change in the society? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"As organizations across the globe begin their artificial intelligence (AI) transformation, the leap into the AI era is expected to be more challenging than any technology that businesses have grappled with yet. In this background, discuss the concerns around fairness, transparency, and job security that may arise. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The emphasis of Swami Dayanand Saraswati on education, social equality, and ethical values continues to influence the socio-cultural discourse in contemporary India. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Emotional intelligence may not be singularly associated with emotions or intelligence. It can also include a broad range of personality characteristics that might predict success in professional and everyday life. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Traditional forms of state-led accountability, also characterised as vertical and horizontal channels of accountability, are increasingly found to be inadequate, and a myriad of multi-stakeholder and bottom-up citizen directed approaches have come to the fore, to supplement or supplant them. Discuss with illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":33,"question":"With reference to this case study, answer the following: (a) What are the issues involved in this case? (b) What measures can be taken to minimize the negative implications of adopting such technologies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Rina and her friends from the college were working as interns with a company for the last few months. On completion of their internship, some of them, including Rina, have been offered full-time jobs in the company. Being a reputed company, she and her friends accepted the offer. Rina is enthusiastic about her new job and has even established good relationship with some of her company co-workers during her internship. However, during her tenure as an intern, Rina had begun to notice that one of the Vice-Presidents (VPs) of the company was giving her too much attention. He used to make an extra effort to stop by Rina's cubicle and chat, something he was not doing with any of the other interns. He had even tried to connect with Rina over social networking sites. Some of her co-interns also noticed this and began to make offhand comments to Rina about the extra attention being given by the VP. Now that she was has been hired for a full time position, she is fearful that she might have to work with this VP directly. While he has not done or said anything explicitly inappropriate, the extra attention and the fact that her co-workers noticed it, made her very uncomfortable and undermined her concentration at work. The company encourages an open and friendly atmosphere and when she was hired, it was communicated to her that she should always speak to her Manager whenever faced with any uncomfortable work related issues. However, she is concerned to speak about it officially, as the In the given situation: (a) What dilemmas does Rina face? (b) What options does she have? Provide the merits and demerits of each. (c) Highlight the course of action she should adopt, along with justification for the same. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"You have recently been posted as a Nodal Education Officer in one of the districts, where mass cheating in examinations is a regular phenomenon. Media reports have shown parents and relatives scaling school walls and buildings to pass answer chits to students taking secondary school examinations in the district. Moreover, with the advent of new technological devices, cheating in examinations has become more sophisticated and exam rules are flouted openly. On investigation, it has come to your notice that these rackets are run by many school authorities, including exam invigilators who are mostly teachers, and they are hand in glove for profits. With a shortage of staff, invigilators threaten go on mass strikes if any action is taken. Conducting the exams, cancelling them on account of cheating and having re-exams are a loss of time and money for the government and this vicious cycle goes on. As the Nodal Education Officer of the district, address the following questions; (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (b) How will you resolve the issues in the given case? (c) What long-term strategy needs to be adopted to deal with the menace of cheating in various examinations? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Additionally, companies like BMW, Volvo, Google and Korean battery maker Samsung SDI, vowed in a statement to not buy metals produced from deep-sea mining until the environmental risks of the activity are \"comprehensively understood.\" In the context of the above-stated information, address the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the given case study? (b) How can the vision of economic development of a nation be achieved without adversely affecting the sustainability of oceans? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"You are a public representative, elected on the ticket of a political party, considered as conservative by many. Your daughter, who has returned years after studying abroad, has conveyed to you her choice of marrying a person from another community. You personally do not consider anything wrong in her choice, and convey your assent to her. You also discuss it with many among your friends and family, and inform them of a grand wedding ceremony you are planning for your daughter. However, a few days after you have shared the news of the forthcoming grand wedding with many, you are informed by your political secretary about an issue being made of the same. He informs you that there are whispers among many people in your constituency about it, and indications of a sense of unease among some prominent citizens. While most of them are enamoured by your plans for a grand wedding ceremony for your daughter, they are unhappy about the bridegroom being from another community. You also get to know through your sources in the party, that your assent to the choice of the bridegroom may lead to a denial of ticket by the high command in the forthcoming elections. You are not only an ambitious politician and a rising star in your political party but also an open-minded, loving and doting father. But howsoever much you love your daughter's freedom and choices, you do not want her decision to adversely affect your political journey. This is more so, when you had been eagerly looking forward to greater responsibilities and a higher stature in the party, given the years of that her wedding will not be held as a private ceremony with only close friends and family, but should be publicised in a grand way, as you had promised earlier to her. Given this situation, answer the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the above situation? (b) What are the various options that you have, as a father and an ambitious politician? (c) What will be your course of action? Justify with proper reasoning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1005,"topper":"Anil Basak","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d1d60-28487_1330_anil-basak_rank_45.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Assess the feasibility of introducing two time zones in India in the wake of recent proposal made by Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Mention the conditions responsible for occurrence of Temperature Inversion in atmosphere. Elaborating on its various types, highlight its effects on the biosphere. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Identify different factors that trigger Glacial Lake Outburst Floods. Also, suggest certain measures that need to be taken to minimize their impact. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What is palaeomagnetism? Explain how it serves as a bridging evidence for Plate Tectonics Theory. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"With adequate examples, explain how ocean currents influence the formation of fishing grounds across the world. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discussing the reasons behind disappearance of springs, examine how springshed management can help revive springs, especially in the Himalayan region. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Giving a brief account of rising nitrogen emissions in India, discuss why it is a matter of concern. What steps can be taken to limit such emissions? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Montreal Protocol is often considered as the most successful international environmental treaty. Highlighting the achievements of the protocol, discuss the reasons for its success. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Elaborate on the concept of rat-hole mining. In the context of North-Eastern India, highlight its ecological consequences. Also, explain why it still persists despite the ban imposed by National Green Tribunal (NGT)? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the factors responsible for location of high-tech industries in the vicinity of major metropolitan regions. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Explain the reasons behind earthquakes in Himalayas being more intense and frequent than the ones occurring in Alps region. Why are scientists predicting a largescale earthquake in northern India? Also, elaborate upon some prominent earthquake forecasting techniques. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Describe the mechanism of formation, movement and dissipation of tropical cyclones. In this context, explain why the recent 'Titli' cyclone was termed as 'rarest of rare' by IMD. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Differentiate between eustatic and isostatic type of sea-level changes. Also, discuss the resultant landforms which are likely to be formed as a result of sea-level fluctuations. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the vulnerabilities of urban areas to disasters. What measures have been taken to minimise the losses in such areas during disasters? What further improvements would you suggest to make them more resilient? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Explain the role of river as a geomorphic agent with suitable examples of landforms formed during its course of flow. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Analyse how far the 'Katowice Climate Package' goes in achieving the objectives of the Paris Climate agreement amid the concerns of developing countries like India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What is Conservation Agriculture? Highlight the prospects and challenges of adopting Conservation Agriculture in India. Also, mention some important policy considerations for its promotion. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Elaborate the concept, objectives and distribution of Petroleum, Chemicals and Petrochemical Investment Regions (PCPIRs) in India. Also, examine why the PCPIRs have failed to achieve the desired success. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"National Policy on Biofuels 2018 primarily tries to address supply-side issues that have discouraged the production of biofuels within the country. Elaborate. What other benefits are expected from the policy? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Identify the major Uranium reserves in the world and the countries from where India sources it. What measures are required to ensure supply security of fuel for nuclear plants in the country? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1006,"topper":"Anil Basak","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ac6e3-28487_1248_anil-basak_rank_45.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the significance of Credit Rating Agencies (CRAs) in India and highlight the issues in their working. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What are the issues that have limited the success of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in India? Mention some steps that can be taken to address them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The opportunities for start-ups in India are immense, but so are the challenges. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The term 'Circular Economy' is often seen in news. What are the principles that it is based on? Bring out its relevance for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Assess the performance of Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana in achieving its stated objective of financial inclusion. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"How does pollution in rivers impact the surrounding ecosystem? Explain why such pollution has not shown signs of improvement, despite various government initiatives. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What is project MANAV launched by the Department of Biotechnology? Highlight the significance of this project. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Highlighting the properties and applications of superconductors, discuss the constraints related to their practical use. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind India becoming a major destination as well as a transit hub for drug trafficking in South Asia. How does this effect India's internal security? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The development of border areas is an important element in border management. In this context, discuss how the Border Area Development Programme (BADP) seeks to ameliorate the problems faced in border areas. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Examine whether Fixed Term Employment will be able to achieve the objectives of ease of doing business, achieving labour welfare and job creation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"A growing livestock sector augurs well for the low income households to augment their income and escape poverty. Discuss. Further, suggest some strategies for ensuring sustainable livestock sector growth in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Examine whether the time has come for India to usher in full liberalisation of the Capital Account. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlighting the challenges to agriculture extension in India, discuss how ICT can help in addressing them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Now that it has been two years since introduction of GST in India, do you think the system is on the path to achieve its intended objectives? Support your answer with relevant facts. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Highlight the gender specific challenges faced during disaster management. In this regard, discuss how the disaster management cycle can be made more gender sensitive. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Though there are some notable individual achievements, the overall participation of women in scientific research has been abysmally low. Examine. What steps have been taken by the government in this regard? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss the significance of the recent amendments made in the NIA act and the UAPA Act for countering terrorism. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The national security architecture needs to be robust enough to deal with present and evolving threats. Elaborating on the statement, discuss the recent steps taken for modernisation of the national security architecture. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1007,"topper":"Animesh Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/14e48-1305363_3280_animesh_jain_rank_63.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1008,"topper":"Animesh Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/17cdkDjZZYPzV0MdXkWigHazDDfqwh5Dn/view","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Reason has always existed, but not always in a reasonable form.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"The opposite of poverty is not wealth.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"To forgive is to set a prisoner free and to discover that the prisoner was you.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"A man who wants to lead the orchestra must turn his back on the crowd.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"International Trade is a good indicator of National Security.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"It is not that we use technology, we live technology.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"There is more to life than simply increasing its speed.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Nature is neither a servant nor a master, but a necessary partner.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1009,"topper":"Animesh Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/14wBsR0I2gWaudx-aUr3ciDsTRwopKt3Q/view","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The candidate should read the under-mentioned instructions carefully. Violation of any of the following instructions may entail penalty in the form of deduction of marks, cancellation of candidature, debarment from further Examinations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Do not write in the QCA Booklet anything other than the actual answers of the questions such as couplet, obscene or abusive expression, etc., nor","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"If you look into someone's face long enough, eventually you feel that you are looking into yourself.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"It is the province of knowledge to speak and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Drop the question what tomorrow may bring, and count as profit every day that fate allows Q.5 Truth, like a torch, the more it is shook, it shines.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Art is I; science is We.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Only the dead have seen the end of the war.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Act as if it were impossible to fail.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Truth, like a torch, the more it is shook, it shines.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1010,"topper":"Animesh Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XmJbC-UN1X3wv_4XwSqxdQp4joCn6x6g/view","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"You can't serve data on a hungry man's plate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"AI is overcoming our mental limitation but not expanding our mental horizon.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"We are using environment for politics, not politics for environment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"The worst form of inequality is to try to make unequal things equal.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Existence is a science, living is an art.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"If the truth shall kill them, let them die.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"The only way to go beyond things, is to go through them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Dream for the best. Be prepared for the worst. Enjoy life in between.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1011,"topper":"Animesh Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2023_unchecked_MT23MACEN218_TC017.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"You can't serve data on a hungry man's plate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"AI is overcoming our mental limitation but not expanding our mental horizon.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"We are using environment for politics, not politics for environment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"The worst form of inequality is to try to make unequal things equal.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Existence is a science, living is an art.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"If the truth shall kill them, let them die.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"The only way to go beyond things, is to go through them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Dream for the best. Be prepared for the worst. Enjoy life in between.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1012,"topper":"Animesh Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2023_unchecked_MT23MACEN218_TC014.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"If you look into someone's face long enough, eventually you feel that you are looking into yourself.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"It is the province of knowledge to speak and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Drop the question what tomorrow may bring, and count as profit every day that fate allows","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Truth, like a torch, the more it is shook, it shines.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Art is I; science is We.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Only the dead have seen the end of the war.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Act as if it were impossible to fail.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1013,"topper":"Animesh Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2023_unchecked_MT23MACEN218_TC013.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Reason has always existed, but not always in a reasonable form.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"The opposite of poverty is not wealth.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"To forgive is to set a prisoner free and to discover that the prisoner was you.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"A man who wants to lead the orchestra must turn his back on the crowd.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"International Trade is a good indicator of National Security.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"It is not that we use technology, we live technology.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"There is more to life than simply increasing its speed.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Nature is neither a servant nor a master, but a necessary partner.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1014,"topper":"Animesh Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a48af-1305363_2713_animesh_jain_rank_63.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. Nalanda was not only a center of learning, but also a hub for scholars from across Asia. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":5,"question":"2. Domingo Paes, a 16th-century Portuguese traveller, equated Vijayanagara to Rome, highlighting its architectural splendour. What made Vijayanagara the epitome of urbanisation in pre-modern South India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"3. What were the various ways in which nationalism manifested itself in India after the advent of Mahatma Gandhi? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"4. How did the Emergency (1975-77) impact India's democratic institutions and political landscape? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"5. Identify the major tsunamigenic zones in the Indian Ocean and explain the mechanism of tsunami wave propagation.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":13,"question":"6. Discuss the factors responsible for the shift of the sugar industry from North to South India.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":15,"question":"7. What is thermokarst? Analyse its growing relevance in the context of Arctic permafrost thawing and global climate change. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"8. India's slow pace of urbanisation poses significant challenges to its economic and social progress. Examine the factors responsible for this trend. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"9. How does India's diversity influence its democracy? Discuss the initiatives taken to leverage this diversity for national integration.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"10. Examine the role of grassroots women's organisations in transforming rural livelihoods and social attitudes.","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"11. Indian folk and tribal arts are vibrant, living traditions that are passed through generations. Discuss the role of women in preserving traditional knowledge and cultural heritage.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":26,"question":"12. What were the causes and consequences of the Partition of Bengal in 1905? How did it reshape the nationalist strategy in the early 20th century? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"13. How did the \"Century of Humiliation\" (1839-1949) shape modern China's national identity and its approach to foreign relations? Discuss with reference to key events. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"11 Analyze the factors contributing to the concentration of the jute industry in eastern India. Also, discuss the key challenges currently faced by the jute industry. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"15. Enumerate the environmental conditions conducive to the formation of coral reefs. Discuss the major natural and anthropogenic factors responsible for their degradation. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"16. Discuss the factors contributing to the early onset of the monsoon in India. Analyze its socio-economic impacts. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"17. What is Transit Oriented Development (TOD)? Discuss its relevance in addressing urban sprawl, mobility challenges, and inclusive growth in Indian cities.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":44,"question":"18. Urban poverty in India persists despite high economic growth. What are the structural causes of urban poverty in India? Suggest appropriate measures to address the problem of urban poverty. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"19. Evaluate the implications of rising divorce rates and delayed marriages on the family system in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"20. Globalization has brought new opportunities as well as challenges for children in India. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1015,"topper":"Animesh Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/bc29d-1305363_2714_animesh_jain_rank_63.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q1 Delegated legislation is a pragmatic response to the limitations of the legislature but poses challenges to the separation of powers in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q2 How does the federal structure of India differ from that of the United States? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q3 The Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners Act, 2023 has sparked concerns about the erosion of the Election Commission's autonomy. Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"70","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q4 Discuss the key objectives of the e-Courts Project. How does it contribute to enhancing access to justice and improving judicial efficiency in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q5 Discuss the role of digital platforms in empowering SHGs and enhancing their market linkage and credit access. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q6. Analyze the potential of the Institutions of Eminence (IoE) scheme in elevating India's higher education to global standards. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q7 While income poverty has declined, nutritional poverty persists in India. How can the present food security interventions of the government be restructured to address this concern holistically? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q8 Discuss the significance of the SMILE scheme in addressing the vulnerabilities of transgender persons and beggars in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q9 Whoever controls the oceans, runs the world. In this context, discuss the shift in India's maritime strategy from SAGAR to MAHASAGAR (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q10. Evaluate the role of the India-UK FTA in facilitating greater market access and professional mobility. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q11 Examine the role of inter-governmental institutions in facilitating cooperative dialogue and resolving critical governance challenges in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q12 Despite being an important instrument of legislative initiative, Private Member's Bills rarely become laws in India. Examine the factors responsible for this trend. Also, suggest measures to strengthen the role of Private Members in the legislative process. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q13 Discuss the major challenges in effective devolution of funds, functions, and functionaries to the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q14 Lok Adalats and Alternate Dispute Resolution mechanisms have improved access to justice but face limitations in delivering substantive justice. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q15 Critically evaluate the Smart Cities Mission in achieving sustainable urban development and enhancing quality of life in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q16. Assess the effectiveness of the Right to Information Act, 2005 in ensuring transparency and accountability in governance in the last two decades. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q17. Despite progress in healthcare infrastructure and policy reforms, India continues to face critical challenges in the primary healthcare sector. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q18 What are the key objectives of the Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana (PMVDY)? How does the scheme contribute to the economic empowerment of tribal communities in India? Answer in 250 words","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q19 India-Bangladesh relations, once marked by shared history and cultural proximity, are now shaped by strategic calculus, regional competition and shifting domestic politics in both countries. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Relations now shaped by strategic calculus, regional competition and shifting domestic politics:\n1) Bangladesh using China card to hedge against India & Bangladesh joining BRI.\n2) Strengthening Bangladesh-Pakistan ties eg recent meet of Bangladesh-China-Pakistan.\n3) Nationalist/Islamist upsurge in Bangladesh making resolution of contentious teesta issue difficult.\n4) Use of bilateral issues in domestic politics & victimisation of Bangladeshi immigrants has jeopardised ties.\n5) Role of state actors in bilateral ties of West Bengal in Bangladesh teesta issue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"6) Role of outside powers like USA in domestic politics of Bangladesh\n7) Bangladesh diversifying its ties beyond India asserting its strategic autonomy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"Q20. Critically examine the effectiveness of the UNSC in addressing contemporary crises related to international peace and security. What reforms are necessary to enhance its credibility and responsiveness? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1016,"topper":"Animesh Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7492c-1305363_3611_animesh_jain_rank_63.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"How does the Unified Lending Interface (ULI) address the longstanding challenges of agricultural credit in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"By focusing on creating sustainable livelihoods for members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs), the Lakhpati Didi scheme can become a milestone in women's economic upliftment. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"3. What are the key drivers behind the recent changes in cropping patterns across the country? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"4. Mega Food Parks are emerging as job hubs and export engines for agricultural products. Discuss their role in empowering agriculture in India.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":11,"question":"5. How have advancements in technology improved disaster management in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"6. What are the objectives of the CAMPA fund? What are the challenges in its implementation? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"7. Discuss the important contributions of Dr. C.V. Raman to science and technology.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":17,"question":"8. Web 3.0 signals the next phase of web evolution and is expected to bring forth many new opportunities. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"9. Money laundering poses a significant threat to the global financial system, undermining economic stability and security. In this context, discuss the role of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in combating money laundering.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Q1 Role of FATF in combating money laundering:\n1) lays down standards for banks eg KYC norms\n2) capacity building of enforcement agencies eg ED in India\n3) sharing of intelligence across jurisdictions to tackle black money/money laundering\n4) use of grey list and black list to pressurise countries to change laws\n5) provide a standard for anti-money laundering legislations i.e. model laws\n6) work with financial institutions to fix loopholes in systems","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"3(c) India's Special Operations Forces (SOF) are integral to achieving national security objectives. In light of this, discuss the role of India's SOF.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":23,"question":"11. Why is there a need for innovative Public-Private Partnership (PPP) strategies to address the challenges in municipal infrastructure and service delivery in India?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":25,"question":"12) Private sector brings best case studies from across globe eg China, sponge city model to tackle floods","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"12. To what extent has the government aided the MSME sector in realizing its full potential as a powerhouse of the Indian economy? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Examine the importance of creating quality jobs in the formal sector for achieving better income distribution in India. In this context, discuss the role of expanding the manufacturing sector. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"14. Critically examine the feasibility of implementing a legally guaranteed MSP for all crops across India. What challenges would the government face in ensuring procurement and financial sustainability? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"15. Do you agree that India's port infrastructure has significantly transformed, demonstrating notable improvements in efficiency and competitiveness? Justify your answer.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"16. Why is strengthening Community-Based Disaster Management in India crucial for effectively mitigating disasters? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"1) Community aware of local emergency routes and terrain for faster emergency rescue.\n1) Community aware of local emergency routes and terrain for faster emergency rescue.\n11) Making people eyes and ears of disaster management authorities by highlighting loopholes of risky bridge - can collapse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"17. Plastic pollution is a significant environmental issue in India. Discuss the various mitigation measures to deal with this issue and also the government's initiatives in this regard.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Mitigation measures to deal with this issue:\n1) Replacing plastics with alternatives like jute/coir etc.\n2) Use of technology like FAST PETase enzyme to degrade accumulated plastic.\n3) Disposing plastics using deep well injection or burning with carbon capture and storage.\n4) Removing single use plastics.\n5) Recycling plastics and reusing it in areas like road construction.\n6) Raising awareness among people to reduce reliance on plastics.\n7) Proper collection and segregation of plastic waste for proper disposal.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"8. Stem cell therapy, though, offering promising results for various health issues is fraught with certain concerns. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss the role played by various security agencies covered under Central Armed Police Forces in ensuring internal security and managing trans-border crimes in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"8) Tackle human and animal trafficking along Bangladesh border.\n9) Check on organised crime groups operating in border areas based on drugs/trafficking.\n10) Tackle the flow of fake currency notes across borders.\n11) Provide security in high density and vulnerable routes like Amarnath Yatra.\n12) Deployed for along its duty security on festivals, special occasion across country.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"20. How do communication networks like the dark web facilitate cybercrime and terrorism? What steps should India take to address these challenges? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1017,"topper":"Animesh Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2023_unchecked_MT23MACEN218_TC037.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What do you understand by Windfall tax? Do you think that windfall taxes can effectively redistribute wealth and promote greater economic equality? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss the perceived successes and challenges of implementing inflation targeting under the new Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) regime. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Assess the potential of millet production in promoting sustainable agriculture and improving food security in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Jal Jeevan Mission has the potential to end the regional disparity in the availability and accessibility of drinking water. Highlighting the significance of the mission, discuss the underlying impediments in achieving the desired objectives. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do you understand by Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)? Discuss its applications and how it can revolutionize the energy program of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss in brief developments and challenges in the Gaganyaan mission of ISRO. What are the possible benefits of the mission for the society? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"Green hydrogen can be the silver bullet in our quest to tackle climate change and pollution\". Critically analyze the statement in light of India's National Green Hydrogen mission. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What are the key lessons for disaster management and environmental conservation in the Himalayan region, in light of the recent disaster in Joshimath, Uttarakhand? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"The recent radical trends in Punjab show that the Khalistan issue is still simmering.\" Discuss the statement with respect to recent developments and suggest measures to handle it. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The anonymity and ease of drone operation contribute to the challenges of India's border security. Elaborate and give suggestions to tackle the drone problem in border areas. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Electricity Amendment Bill, 2022 brings several advantages for consumers, DISCOMs as well as the environment. Elaborate. Also, list out its shortcomings and suggest some measures to overcome them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) plays an important role in the regulation of the share market and safeguarding the interests of investors. In the light of given statement, highlight the challenges faced by the SEBI and suggest reforms in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Despite being a major contributor to the Indian economy, the agriculture sector is plagued by several constraints that impede its growth and development. Discuss the role of technology in overcoming these constraints. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Evaluate the impact of irrigation on the environment and natural resources, and suggest measures to ensure the sustainability and equity of irrigation practices in agriculture. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"How India benefitted strategically from the contributions of Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha and Dr. Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai in the fields of atomic energy and space technology respectively? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Genreative AI holds the potential to push the boundaries of innovation in the near future, yet its societal impact raises substantial challenges. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Explain the purpose of the \"Mangrove Alliance for Climate\" launched at the COP27 UN Climate Change Conference in Egypt in November 2022. Elaborate on the importance of mangroves in maintaining the coastal ecology of tropical nations. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The Formation of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure brings more robustness to the Disaster Management approach in India. Comment and justify the need for a new strategy to tackle Disasters in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The recent rise in ransomware attacks targeting critical infrastructure and major corporations has highlighted the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity measures and policies. Discussing the key factors contributing to this trend, analyze the impact of these attacks on various sectors. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"In the context of border security, how can cooperation and coordination between different security agencies be improved to ensure effective and efficient management of coastal and terrestrial borders? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1018,"topper":"Animesh Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_Qk_cxRx1pYyzL9m_8WOkUcsD9Urb9gU/view","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What do you understand by Windfall tax? Do you think that windfall taxes can effectively redistribute wealth and promote greater economic equality? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do you understand by Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)? Discuss its applications and how it can revolutionize the energy program of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss in brief developments and challenges in the Gaganyaan mission of ISRO. What are the possible benefits of the mission for the society? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"Green hydrogen can be the silver bullet in our quest to tackle climate change and pollution\". Critically analyze the statement in light of India's National Green Hydrogen mission. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":38,"question":"How India benefitted strategically from the contributions of Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha and Dr. Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai in the fields of atomic energy and space technology respectively? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Genreative AI holds the potential to push the boundaries of innovation in the near future, yet its societal impact raises substantial challenges. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1019,"topper":"Animesh Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/807d5-1305363_3612_animesh_jain_rank_63.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) As AI systems become deeply embedded in societal frameworks, it is imperative to ensure their design and deployment prioritize human well-being, equity, and fairness. In this context, what values should guide the development of trustworthy, human-centered AI systems? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) Ethical leadership is crucial for fostering good governance, as it emphasizes core values such as justice, accountability, and equity. In the face of diverse and challenging scenarios, how can ethical leadership drive transformative change in governance and decision-making? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) Integrity and impartiality are cornerstones of ethical public service, ensuring that decisions are not influenced by personal gains or biases. Upholding these values becomes challenging in situations where external pressures conflict with administrative responsibilities. Examine the importance of integrity and impartiality in civil services. How can a civil servant navigate external pressures to maintain these values while delivering effective governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) Transparency is not just a tool to combat corruption but a fundamental practice that upholds the integrity and legitimacy of public institutions. Examine the above statement with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"3 Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context?\n3 (a) \"He who is not contented with what he has would not be contented with what he would like to have\" - Socrates (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) \"Cultivation of mind should be the ultimate aim of human existence\" - Dr. B.R. Ambedkar (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"3. (c) \"The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good.\" - Samuel Johnson (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"4. (a) Examine the role of social media in shaping moral and political attitudes in contemporary society. Suggest guiding principles for fostering responsible and ethical social media usage.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"4. (b) While Emotional Intelligence (EI) can be a powerful tool for strengthening interpersonal relationships and achieving goals, its misuse raises ethical concerns of manipulating emotions for personal or political advantage. Discuss the dual-edged nature of EI in this context.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":21,"question":"5. (a) Preventive measures play a crucial role in curbing corruption in the long run. In this context, what are the existing preventive mechanisms that aim to prevent corruption? Do you think similar mechanisms should be institutionalized at the organizational level to ensure greater accountability and transparency? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"5. (b) A public servant's primary duty is to recognise the importance of public interest and ensure that it is upheld. How can a public servant balance professional responsibilities while ensuring the public good is effectively served? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"6. (a) With the increasing role of the corporate sector in wealth generation and employment, ethical governance has become essential. Identify and discuss the ethical principles that should guide the corporate sector to ensure the interests of stakeholders and societal well-being. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"6 (b) How does whistleblowing influence trust and accountability in governance? Analyse the ethical dilemmas involved in whistleblowing. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"7. In the following questions, carefully study the cases presented and then answer the questions that follow (in around 250 words):\n(a) इस प्रकरण में शामिल प्रमुख हितधारकों की पहचान कीजिए और उनके संबंधित हितों का विश्लेषण कीजिए।\n(b) आर्थिक विकास, पर्यावरणीय संवेदनशीलता और जनजातीय अधिकारों के बीच संतुलन बनाने में अधिकारी द्वारा सामना की जाने वाली नैतिक दुविधाओं पर चर्चा कीजिए। (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"around 250"},{"page":30,"question":"(a) Identify the key stakeholders involved in the case and analyze their respective interests.\n(b) Discuss the ethical dilemmas faced by the officer in balancing economic development, environmental sustainability, and tribal rights. (Answer in 250 words)\na) Identify the key stakeholders involved in the case and analyze their respective interests.\nb) Discuss the ethical dilemmas faced by the officer in balancing economic development, environmental sustainability, and tribal rights. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"(b) Ethical dilemmas faced by officers\na. tribal rights vs economic growth\nb. growth vs environment sustainability\nc. utilitarianism vs tribal dignity\nd. Following rules vs using discretion","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"8 Akshay, a junior officer in the Public Works Department (PWD), is part of the bid evaluation committee for a prestigious government contract to construct a large public hospital in a major city. During the evaluation, he observes that one of the leading bidders has strong connections to a senior politician's family. Despite the bidder's history of substandard construction work and project delays, several committee members appear to favor this bidder.\nUpon reviewing internal documents, Akshay uncovers evidence suggesting that the bidder's technical credentials have been exaggerated in the evaluation reports. Simultaneously, a more qualified construction company, with a smaller scale but a better track record, has been overlooked. Akshay is concerned that awarding the contract to the politically connected bidder would endanger public safety and lead to wasteful expenditure of taxpayer money.\nDespite his ethical concerns, Akshay fears that raising the issue may lead to retaliation from senior officials, potentially jeopardizing his career and standing within the department. He is thus caught in a moral conflict between his duty to the public and personal job security.\n(a) Identify and analyze the ethical issues involved in the case.\n(b) Discuss the possible courses of action available to Akshay. What would be the most ethical and appropriate course of action in this situation? Justify your response. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"(a) Ethical issues and analysis","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"2. Recommend most qualified company for project merit\na) upheld objectivity in decision making.\nb) discharged my duty as conscientious public servant.\nc) safeguard public safety.\nd) political pressure feeding & tearing of job in PWD.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"(a) Identify the ethical dilemmas faced by Ishita in handling the misinformation crisis.\n(b) What should be Ishita's course of action in balancing freedom of speech, public order, and government directives? Justify your response.\n(c) What steps can be taken to prevent misinformation during natural disasters? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"(c) 1 steps to prevent misinformation during disasters:\n1. surveillance on social media platforms - ensure immediate takedown of false information\n2. Appraise companies (social media) of repercussions of misinformation and seek their cooperation.\n3. proactive information and fact check cell to report factual and correct versions.\n4. flagging false news on social media by replying / answering with true facts","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"10 As a Quality Control Officer at the India unit of a multinational corporation (MNC), you uncover a serious ethical issue—products sold in India are of inferior quality compared to those in developed countries, potentially compromising consumer safety. When you escalate the issue to the Head of Quality Control, he dismisses your concerns, justifying the discrepancy by stating that different markets follow different standards. He further warns that exposing the issue could lead to job losses, possible closure of the India unit, and your own termination. You now face a personal and professional dilemma. On one hand, your father is critically ill, and as the sole earning member, losing your job could jeopardize his treatment. On the other hand, staying silent would mean compromising professional integrity and endangering consumer safety.\n(a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\n(b) What are the options available to the Quality Control Officer to address this issue?\n(c) What responsibilities do corporations have towards consumers in different markets?","marks":null,"words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":46,"question":"(c) Responsibility of corporations to consumers :-","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"11. You are the District Magistrate of a district renowned as the hub for coaching centres specializing in engineering and medical entrance exams. Recently, the district has witnessed a tragic rise in student suicides, with five students in the age group of 15-18 years taking their own lives. These students, who came from various parts of the country, sought admission to prestigious institutions like IITs and AIIMS but were subjected to immense academic and social pressure. The coaching centres, which are largely managed by influential political figures from the ruling party, are reported to have prioritized rankings and revenue generation over the well-being of students.\nThe institutes are said to categorize students into high-performing and low-performing batches, creating additional stress. Many of these students, living in paying guest accommodations or hostels, face isolation, emotional strain, and mental health challenges. Moreover, investigations have uncovered the emergence of a black market for performance-enhancing drugs among students who, under extreme pressure, resort to unethical means to improve their academic standing.\n(a) Highlight the stakeholders involved and discuss the associated ethical issues in the given case.\n(b) Given the situation, what will be your course of action as the District Magistrate?\n(c) Discussing the various reasons for the increasing number of suicides among students, suggest long-term measures to address this issue. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"(c) Reasons for increasing suicides and measures:","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"12. (a) Identify the key stakeholders involved in the case and analyze their respective interests.\n(b) Discuss the ethical dilemmas faced by Priya in balancing urban development, heritage conservation, and the rights of local communities. (Answer in 250 words)\na) Identify the key stakeholders involved in the case and analyze their respective interests.\nb) Discuss the ethical dilemmas faced by Priya in balancing urban development, heritage conservation, and the rights of local communities. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":1020,"topper":"Animesh Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2023_unchecked_MT23MACEN218_TC042.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Public service takes place in a bureaucratic structure with clear lines of authority, value standardization, and accountability mechanisms. Working within such a structure, what do you think are the influences that impact the public servant's ethical decision-making? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What do you understand by the terms 'ethics' and 'integrity'? Do you think they are interrelated? Explain with examples the relationship between ethics and integrity in the context of public administration. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What do you understand by the terms 'ethical behavior' and 'emotionally intelligent behavior'? Identify the relevant emotional intelligence components that act as a reliable guide to ethical behavior. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"To achieve a good life, duty is not sufficient; one needs to develop one's sympathetic feelings for others, and neither duty alone nor good will alone are sufficient to be moral.\" Do you agree with the above statement? Justify your position. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Developing a Scientific temper, innovative mindset, and civic-conscious citizens are major objectives of higher educational institutions. Can higher educational institutions be instrumental in promoting integrity education among youth to establish a public culture of integrity and a corruption-free political culture? If yes, how? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance. (a) The senses deceive from time to time, and it is prudent never to trust wholly those who have deceived us even once. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"\"While competence without compassion can be brutal and inhumane; similarly, compassion without competence can be meaningless for persons seeking help.\" Explain the above with the help of a suitable illustration in the context of public services. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Does the suffering of individuals in one part of the world generate moral demands of assistance on those foreigners who live far away from them? Are these moral demands of assistance justified? Can governments be held morally responsible for failing to help the international community in times of deprivation? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Civil Services ethics has everything to do with management. It is as much a Departmental as a personal issue. Leaders who fail to create systems that facilitate ethical conduct are equally to blame as those who indulge in ethical misconduct. Do you think the Departmental culture leads to ethical misconduct or is the individual with weak willpower culpable? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"You are posted as a District Development officer in a district with a low literacy rate and poor health indicators. As you took charge, your Health Secretary had given express instructions that your priority is to improve health indicators by enhancing the delivery of healthcare services. After taking over, you traveled around the district to study and identify ways of improving healthcare services. During your field trip, you discovered that the issue was not the accessibility of services; it was something else. You found the problem was the myths, misconceptions, and malpractices that hindered the uptake of health care services. For instance, people believed that vaccines caused impotence, immunization was equivalent to birth control, using antenatal care was counterproductive to the health of the mother and baby, and so on. You realize that these beliefs were the behavioral barriers that stood in the way of health and nutrition services. And these behavioral barriers made it difficult for front-line workers to reach out. You discussed your observations with the Health Secretary, and he advised you to seek inputs from the neighboring district DDO who was doing some good work. When you met with the neighboring DDO, you learned he was experimenting with using the Faith leader's influence and reach to persuade people. You were unsure about roping in faith leaders to help you overcome the behavioral barriers. As a civil servant, you felt it would be a mistake to involve faith leaders in health service schemes. When you shared your apprehensions with the Secretary, he firmly instructed you to try and innovate. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) What are the advantages and disadvantages of using Faith leaders as influencers and persuaders?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"You are the Head of an Agency, a special purpose vehicle, responsible for overseeing the last-mile delivery of essential services and sorting out bottlenecks and grievances of the citizens within your jurisdiction. The essential services included Maternal and infant health care, nutritional support to BPL families, drinking water availability, etc. Your agency employed a staff of 15 to carry out regular official operations and handle grievances. Since the agency dealt with complaints, there was an enormous amount of public dealing daily. Sometimes the agency officials had to work beyond office hours to finish the regular office work as public dealings took away most of the office hours. The employees were unhappy doing the extra bit as they were not paid any overtime. A few of them informally raised the issue with you, but you were helpless as the agency rules didn't allow any travel or overtime allowances. You tried taking up the matter with HQ but to no avail. The work stress gradually started showing up among the staff, they became irritable with the complainants, and at times they shouted at them. Besides rudeness, the staff's language became abusive, derogatory, and sometimes casteist. You could notice that there were 4 of them in particular who were getting very abusive and discriminatory while handling grievances. As the Head, you warned them, but there was no marked change in their work attitude. To compound your problem, some of the villagers, through their Sarpanch, raised the issue of rude, disrespectful, and discriminatory behavior with your HQ. The HQ immediately instructed you to take action and create a respectful and dignified workspace. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) What are the action options available to you?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"Examine each of the options and identify your chosen course of action (d) What do you understand by dignity? Distinguish between human and social dignity? Identify the common dignity violations that one notices in government departments. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"You and Ajay were in college together, qualified for the civil services examination, trained, and worked in the same State. Over the years, you and Ajay became good friends and colleagues. Even the families became close to the extent of taking vacations and celebrating festivals together. Professionally, in the last 15 years, both grew, but the paths you and Ajay took differed. You kept your distance from political masters, preferred to be neutral, and refrained from being identified with any group, lobby, or ideology. But Ajay was not discreet about his leanings, and he was well-networked and connected. Because of his networking, Ajay always had postings considered \"plum postings.\" Ajay was posted as CMD of Urban Infrastructure Projects, a high-profile Project with a huge outlay. At the same time, you were working in State Planning Commission for three years and were awaiting your promotion and new posting. When new postings were announced, you were surprised to see your transfer to Vigilance Department. Within a month of taking charge, you were ordered by your Departmental Secretary to conduct an inquiry discreetly into land dealings involving a Minister and his family. You were strictly told to keep it discreet and not to share any information about the investigation with anybody besides the Secretary. As you started the inquiry, you realized Ajay was closely involved with the Minister and his deals. As evidence started piling up, you were shocked to notice Ajay's questionable decisions favoring the Minister and friends. Further, you found evidence of Ajay having assets disproportionately much higher than his declared sources of income. When you shared the details with the Secretary; he immediately ordered you to search Ajay's office and home as he believed Ajay was the medium through which they could catch the Minister for shady land deals. You were in a bind as you knew a search operation would tarnish Ajay's reputation and be traumatic for the family. (a) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas involved in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you? (c) Select your chosen course of action after analyzing the options. (d) What must be your moral motivation in the above case? Should it be duty, care, or consequences? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"You are a Foreign Service official working in an embassy overseas. One of your duties was to liaise with the local Indian community, one of the country's largest immigrant groups. A group of wealthy Indian immigrants wanted to build a place of worship and a school to promote their language and culture. The school was intended to act as a center for promoting and preserving Indian culture among the immigrants. The Indian community leaders went through all the legal procedures to acquire the land, got the building plans approved by the city council, and with all the approvals in place, the construction work began. A few months into the construction, the locals started complaining about noise, and slowly a campaign began against the construction of a religious structure. The local city councilors joined in and raised the issue of how Indian immigrants having their own cultural space will lead to a similar demand from other immigrant communities. And this may escalate intolerance among different ethnic groups. The local politicians filed a public lawsuit to halt the construction and demolish whatever was built. Indian community responded with their lawsuit and approached the embassy for help. They wanted the Ambassador to take up the issue with the government. Meanwhile, the Ambassador deputed you to meet the Indian community leaders to understand the issue and prepare a report. You met with the community leaders and found that the reason for local antipathy towards the Indian community was just an expression of latent racism and intolerance. You presented (a) - ? (b) ? , ? (c) , , ? 20 your observations to the Ambassador and requested him to do something as the Indians were on the right and were being victims of racist behavior. The Ambassador, in turn, replied that he would not like to get involved in local politics. The Indians were citizens of that country; they had nothing to do with India besides ethnicity. Further, a crucial Economic agreement was to be signed between the two countries in the coming weeks, and he did not want to jeopardize the growing relations between the two countries over some local politics. You were shocked to see economics getting priority over the diaspora. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) Do you agree with the Ambassador's position of prioritizing economics over helping the diaspora? Why/why not? (c) Among Care, Consequentialism, and Duty, what do you think is the appropriate perspective to guide Indian Foreign policy? Justify. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":1021,"topper":"Animesh Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1j0ObZQESofwUaHGZoNH5wqd3bqyt1ZsT/view","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"\"The State took taxes from the people only to ensure their prosperity in return like the sun takes moisture from the earth only to give it back in thousandfold measure.\" Kalidasa. Explain the Indian concept of \\\"giving it back\\\" and its relevance as a guiding value for civil servants. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Public service takes place in a bureaucratic structure with clear lines of authority, value standardization, and accountability mechanisms. Working within such a structure, what do you think are the influences that impact the public servant's ethical decision-making? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What do you understand by the terms 'ethics' and 'integrity'? Do you think they are interrelated? Explain with examples the relationship between ethics and integrity in the context of public administration. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What do you understand by the terms 'ethical behavior' and 'emotionally intelligent behavior'? Identify the relevant emotional intelligence components that act as a reliable guide to ethical behavior. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"To achieve a good life, duty is not sufficient; one needs to develop one's sympathetic feelings for others, and neither duty alone nor good will alone are sufficient to be moral.\" Do you agree with the above statement? Justify your position. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Developing a Scientific temper, innovative mindset, and civic-conscious citizens are major objectives of higher educational institutions. Can higher educational institutions be instrumental in promoting integrity education among youth to establish a public culture of integrity and a corruption-free political culture? If yes, how? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance. (a) The senses deceive from time to time, and it is prudent never to trust wholly those who have deceived us even once. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"As professionals, civil servants are career focused and are also self-interested. At the same time, their service ethos imposes an obligation to serve the public interest selflessly. Is it possible for a civil servant to reconcile career and service obligation? Explain your position. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"“While competence without compassion can be brutal and inhumane; similarly, compassion without competence can be meaningless for persons seeking help.” Explain the above with the help of a suitable illustration in the context of public services. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Does the suffering of individuals in one part of the world generate moral demands of assistance on those foreigners who live far away from them? Are these moral demands of assistance justified? Can governments be held morally responsible for failing to help the international community in times of deprivation? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Civil Services ethics has everything to do with management. It is as much a Departmental as a personal issue. Leaders who fail to create systems that facilitate ethical conduct are equally to blame as much as those who indulge in ethical misconduct. Do you think the Departmental culture leads to ethical misconduct or is the individual with weak willpower culpable? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"You are posted as a District Development officer in a district with a low literacy rate and poor health indicators. As you took charge, your Health Secretary had given express instructions that your priority is to improve health indicators by enhancing the delivery of healthcare services. After taking over, you traveled around the district to study and identify ways of improving healthcare services. During your field trip, you discovered that the issue was not the accessibility of services; it was something else. You found the problem was the myths, misconceptions, and malpractices that hindered the uptake of health care services. For instance, people believed that vaccines caused impotence, immunization was equivalent to birth control, using antenatal care was counterproductive to the health of the mother and baby, and so on. You realize that these beliefs were the behavioral barriers that stood in the way of health and nutrition services. And these behavioral barriers made it difficult for front-line workers to reach out. You discussed your observations with the Health Secretary, and he advised you to seek inputs from the neighboring district DDO who was doing some good work. When you met with the neighboring DDO, you learned he was experimenting with using the Faith leader's influence and reach to persuade people. You were unsure about roping in faith leaders to help you overcome the behavioral barriers. As a civil servant, you felt it would be a mistake to involve faith leaders in health service schemes. When you shared your apprehensions with the Secretary, he firmly instructed you to try and innovate. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) What are the advantages and disadvantages of using Faith leaders as influencers and persuaders? (c) If not faith leaders, what are your other options for breaking the behavioral barriers? (d) Do you think it is ethically right for a civil servant to involve faith leaders in promoting government schemes? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"If not faith leaders, what are your other options for breaking the behavioral barriers? (d) Do you think it is ethically right for a civil servant to involve faith leaders in promoting government schemes? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"You are the Head of an Agency, a special purpose vehicle, responsible for overseeing the last-mile delivery of essential services and sorting out bottlenecks and grievances of the citizens within your jurisdiction. The essential services included Maternal and infant health care, nutritional support to BPL families, drinking water availability, etc. Your agency employed a staff of 15 to carry out regular official operations and handle grievances. Since the agency dealt with complaints, there was an enormous amount of public dealing daily. Sometimes the agency officials had to work beyond office hours to finish the regular office work as public dealings took away most of the office hours. The employees were unhappy doing the extra bit as they were not paid any overtime. A few of them informally raised the issue with you, but you were helpless as the agency rules didn't allow any travel or overtime allowances. You tried taking up the matter with HQ but to no avail. The work stress gradually started showing up among the staff, they became irritable with the complainants, and at times they shouted at them. Besides rudeness, the staff's language became abusive, derogatory, and sometimes casteist. You could notice that there were 4 of them in particular who were getting very abusive and discriminatory while handling grievances. As the Head, you warned them, but there was no marked change in their work attitude. To compound your problem, some of the villagers, through their Sarpanch, raised the issue of rude, disrespectful, and discriminatory behavior with your HQ. The HQ immediately instructed you to take action and create a respectful and dignified workspace. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) What are the action options available to you?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"Examine each of the options and identify your chosen course of action (d) What do you understand by dignity? Distinguish between human and social dignity? Identify the common dignity violations that one notices in government departments. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"You and Ajay were in college together, qualified for the civil services examination, trained, and worked in the same State. Over the years, you and Ajay became good friends and colleagues. Even the families became close to the extent of taking vacations and celebrating festivals together.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"What are the ethical issues and dilemmas involved in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"What must be your moral motivation in the above case? Should it be duty, care, or consequences?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"You are a Foreign Service official working in an embassy overseas. One of your duties was to liaise with the local Indian community, one of the country's largest immigrant groups. A group of wealthy Indian immigrants wanted to build a place of worship and a school to promote their language and culture. The school was intended to act as a center for promoting and preserving Indian culture among the immigrants. The Indian community leaders went through all the legal procedures to acquire the land, got the building plans approved by the city council, and with all the approvals in place, the construction work began. A few months into the construction, the locals started complaining about noise, and slowly a campaign began against the construction of a religious structure. The local city councilors joined in and raised the issue of how Indian immigrants having their own cultural space will lead to a similar demand from other immigrant communities. And this may escalate intolerance among different ethnic groups. The local politicians filed a public lawsuit to halt the construction and demolish whatever was built. Indian community responded with their lawsuit and approached the embassy for help. They wanted the Ambassador to take up the issue with the government. Meanwhile, the Ambassador deputed you to meet the Indian community leaders to understand the issue and prepare a report. You met with the community leaders and found that the reason for local antipathy towards the Indian community was just an expression of latent racism and intolerance. You presented (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) Do you agree with the Ambassador's position of prioritizing economics over helping the diaspora? Why/why not? (c) Among Care, Consequentialism, and Duty, what do you think is the appropriate perspective to guide Indian Foreign policy? Justify. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":58,"question":"What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) Do you agree with the Ambassador's position of prioritizing economics over helping the diaspora? Why/why not? (c) Among Care, Consequentialism, and Duty, what do you think is the appropriate perspective to guide Indian Foreign policy? Justify. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":1022,"topper":"Animesh Jain","air":63,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/ANIMESH_JAIN_AIR_63_2025/Test%201,%20PSIR%20Crash%20Course.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1023,"topper":"Animesh Jain","air":63,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/ANIMESH_JAIN_AIR_63_2025/Test%202,%20PSIR%20Crash%20Course.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1024,"topper":"Animesh Jain","air":63,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/ANIMESH_JAIN_AIR_63_2025/Test%203,%20PSIR%20Crash%20Course.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1025,"topper":"Animesh Jain","air":63,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/ANIMESH_JAIN_AIR_63_2025/Test%204,%20PSIR%20Crash%20Course.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1026,"topper":"Animesh Jain","air":63,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/ANIMESH_JAIN_AIR_63_2025/Test%205,%20PSIR%20Crash%20Course.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1027,"topper":"Animesh Jain","air":63,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/ANIMESH_JAIN_AIR_63_2025/Test%206,%20PSIR%20Crash%20Course.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1028,"topper":"Animesh Jain","air":63,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/ANIMESH_JAIN_AIR_63_2025/Test%207,%20PSIR%20Crash%20Course.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1029,"topper":"Animesh Jain","air":63,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/ANIMESH_JAIN_AIR_63_2025/Test%208,%20PSIR%20Crash%20Course.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1030,"topper":"Animesh Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/ANIMESH_MISHRA_SS_GS_2_TEST_2_AIR_428_2025_08fc7c0ed3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the role of the Department Related Standing Committee (DRSC) system in improving parliamentary effectiveness. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Presence of multiple parastatals erodes the autonomy of Urban Local Bodies. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The provisions under Article 360 remain a dead letter even during the worst economic crisis. Analyse. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"'Unique blend of flexibility and rigidity distinguish Indian constitution from that of the US constitution.' Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the role of microfinance institutions (MFI) in rural financial empowerment in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Do you agree that the Aspirational District Programme has emerged as a template for good governance? Substantiate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Rising informality in employment raises the concern for social security. Discuss the statement with reference to platform workers. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Demographic transition demands renewed focus on healthcare intervention patterns. Discuss the statement in the light of geriatric health in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"'Funding remains a major limitation for the effective functioning of multilateral organisations.' Discuss the statement with reference to the functioning of UNESCO. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"How will the BBIN grouping promote regional integration in South Asia? Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"'Financial resources of the centre are elastic, and substantial while that of the states are inelastic and inadequate.' Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"\"Supremacy of the constitution requires all ordinary laws to conform to the constitutional law.\" Discuss the statement with reference to judicial review in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"'The delimitation process creates a wedge between representative democracy and federalism.' Examine. Also suggest measures to address the concerns of federal units. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Examine the impact of recent changes to the election commissioners' appointment process on autonomy and independence of the election commission. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"'Without performance targets, the civil service degenerates into a closed priesthood with no accountability.' Discuss the statement with reference to the Mission Karmayogi. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"The Forest Rights Act, 2006 was a historic effort in doing justice to the tribal community.' Evaluate the status of its implementation and suggest measures for improvement. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"What do you understand by India Stack? Discuss its role in good governance and improving ease of living. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"'You can change our friends but not neighbors.' In the light of the statement, examine the relevance of Gujral doctrine in India's Foreign Policy. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Examine the objectives of the Indian Ocean Rim Association. What importance does it hold for India's strategic interest? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"What are the strategic challenges to the global economy in active decoupling from China? How will it benefit India's economic growth prospects? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1031,"topper":"Animesh Mishra","air":428,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/ANIMESH_SS_MISHRA_SS_GS_4_AIR_428_034dd79be6.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1032,"topper":"Animesh Mishra","air":428,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Bb4gyLc4iOhvHi5k9dRfvQDdweplQ7yh/view","questions":[]},{"id":1033,"topper":"Animesh Pradhan","air":2,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/78e62-1217762_2488_animesh_pradhan_rank_02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1034,"topper":"Animesh Pradhan","air":2,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aXSxxk35o8lW3HS5u17d01P1pKYp4lxN/view","questions":[]},{"id":1035,"topper":"Animesh Pradhan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a23f8-1217762_2424_animesh_pradhan_rank_02.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What are the different dimensions of food security? Examine India's status in terms of ensuring food security with regard to these dimensions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Modern technologies such as blockchain and ChatGPT are powerful tools with immense potential to transform agriculture into a more efficient and sustainable sector. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What factors have led to the recent acceleration in the trend towards de-dollarization of the global economy? Do you think the dollar will lose its dominance anytime soon? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Despite significant pressure from the developed countries to alter its food subsidy regime, there is merit in India trying to retain its policy support for the poor in the country. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Several initiatives have been taken by the government towards addressing India's water needs, but the issues of water availability and water quality still warrant prioritised intervention. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What are the major drivers of glacial retreat in the Arctic? Describe the potential impact of the retreat of Arctic glaciers on the ecosystem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Space tourism, which was viewed as something straight out of a science fiction movie, is now becoming a reality albeit not without hindrances. What are the challenges associated with space tourism? What measures can be taken to address these challenges? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Global health experts widely believe that the development of CAR-T cell therapy can be a game changer in the treatment of cancer. How can CAR-T cell therapy overcome the limitations of CRISPR-Cas9 technology? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss why the rising deployment of new and emerging technologies by prominent violent extremist organizations demand concerted global efforts. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"With the Line of Actual Control (LAC) remaining tense after the Galwan and Yangste incidents and both India and China ramping up infrastructure in the border areas, discuss the role that ITBP plays in the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Do you think there is a need for a shift from 'land productivity' to 'irrigation water productivity' in India? Justify your answer. What are the challenges in making this shift? Explain. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Examine the role that green hydrogen can play in unlocking the energy security of India. How can the National Green Hydrogen Mission help India in achieving its energy goals? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The government has been weighing a transition from minimum wage to living wage in recent times. What are the benefits and constraints in the adoption of living wage in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The Union Budget affects almost every sector of the Indian economy, yet neither the budgetary processes nor the budget policies come under substantial public scrutiny. Do you agree? Justify your answer. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"India has been able to transform itself from a milk deficit country to the world's biggest milk producer, but the productivity of dairy animals in the country remains a concern. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"While climate change is responsible for crop failures, the agricultural sector itself is partly responsible for extreme weather events. Discuss. What strategy has been adopted under National Agriculture Disaster Management Plan to strengthen the resilience of the farming community in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Some regions in India, including Delhi, are highly vulnerable to the impact of earthquakes originating in the Himalayas. Discuss. What institutional measures have been taken to mitigate earthquake losses in India? Do you think there are significant gaps that still exist? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Recently, scientists announced net energy gain in nuclear fusion reaction, which is considered as a major scientific breakthrough for the future of clean energy. What are the advantages of nuclear fusion based power generation? What are the limitations in using it to generate electricity at a commercial scale? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Keeping in view the recent amendment, examine the efficacy of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, in tackling the menace of money laundering in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Discuss the security threats present in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), which have a direct bearing on India's maritime border interests. Suggest a robust strategy to deal with these threats. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1036,"topper":"Animesh Pradhan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6d3e2-1217762_2423_animesh_pradhan_rank_02.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With suitable examples, discuss how environmental pressure groups enhance public participation and responsiveness with regard to environmental policies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The recent acknowledgment of sex work as a 'profession' by the Supreme Court is merely the first step in ensuring basic rights and equality for sex workers in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the role played by District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) in providing free legal aid and disseminating legal awareness in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"The collegium system has become a victim of its own success, with the concentration of power in the hands of a few, leading to questions about its legitimacy.\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"Civil services reforms must go beyond recruitment and standardised training to cope with the present day challenges.\" Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Outcome-based finance models such as social impact bonds have the potential to truly catalyse change and deliver socio-economic impact at scale. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The wide gap between the number of females graduating every year and those entering the workspace is an issue of paramount importance that needs to be addressed. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"An up to date and functional Civil Registration System (CRS) is essential to the socio-economic planning in India. Discuss in the light of the recent move of the Central government in revamping the CRS system in the country. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What are the key areas of reform if the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has to align with the current economic realities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In recent years, India's relationship with West Asia has evolved from the confines of geopolitics to expanse of geoeconomics. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The role of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) is significant in furthering healthy competitiveness aimed at inspiring stakeholders to innovate and augment effectiveness. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"\"The menace of paid news often rears its ugly head during elections.\" Discuss the need for making paid news an electoral offence in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the 'Doctrine of Essentiality' referred to by the courts in the context of religious practices in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"As per the recently released report of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), there is an urgent need to limit the size of the government in India. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The Institutions of Eminence (IoE) scheme was conceived to develop 'world-class' centres of higher education in India but six years later, it is yet to become the game changer it was intended to be. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) allows for innovative and convenient public services, help overcome inclusion or accessibility barriers, and increase transparency and accountability with real-time data. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Besides legislation, the full realisation of the 'right to health for all' in India demands plugging of social, financial, and infrastructural gaps. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The 'third gender' has not yet been engendered in the Indian society despite legislative nudge. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Among other factors, strained ties with China and Pakistan make it difficult for India to fulfill its expectations from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"The recently concluded initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) between the United States and India promises a long overdue transformation of their partnership in the field of technology. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1037,"topper":"Animesh Pradhan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ad292-1217762_2422_animesh_pradhan_rank_02.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The traditional theatre forms of India reflect the ideals and emotions of the society, and an individual's role in the community. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Provide an account of the historical and architectural importance of the Sanchi Stupa. Also, discuss how it inspired the future architecture in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Bhagat Singh made a real breakthrough in terms of revolutionary ideology, the goals of revolution and forms of revolutionary struggle. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Bringing out the factors that led to the Meiji restoration, discuss its significance for Japan. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"It is believed that a nation is an \"imagined community\" held together by common beliefs, history, political aspirations etc. In this context, discuss what the basis of India as a nation is. Also, bring out the threats to the concept of Indian nationhood. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"State the key factors behind the growth of the pharmaceutical industry in India. Additionally, discuss its significance with regard to India's economy and public health.(Answer in 150words)10","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss why the Bay of Bengal is more prone to cyclones than the Arabian Sea. Also, explain the reasons for the decrease in frequency of tropical cyclones during the Southwest monsoon season. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite being destructive in nature, volcanoes are critical for the existence of human life on earth. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The existence of relative deprivation is an important aspect in constructing the argument for regionalism. Explain with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"If India is to realise the goal of 'education for all', the issue of rising cases of bullying and other forms of school violence needs to be addressed immediately. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Bring out the role played by the Ahom Kingdom in shaping the cultural and historical identity of North-East India, and discuss its legacy in contemporary times. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The capitalist class generally remained ambivalent in their support to the Indian National Congress until 1940s. In this context, analyse the varying positions of the Indian capitalists throughout the national movement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Trace the evolution of the press in India. Also, discuss the instrumental impact it had during various stages of the Indian freedom struggle despite the repressive policies of the British. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Mountains are fragile ecosystems vulnerable to the adverse impact of climate change and other anthropogenic interventions. Illustrate with examples. Also, highlight the initiatives taken for their sustainable management. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind unsustainable management of sand resources in India. Highlighting its impact, enumerate the remedial measures taken in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Giving an account of the major lithium-producing countries, discuss the geo-political aspects of lithium production and its environmental implications. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The youth are capable of identifying themselves with a global identity and connecting with events and experiences outside their countries. In this context, discuss the impact of globalization on the various aspects of youth identity. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"As fertility rates decline in India, future demographic concerns center around an ageing population and a weak social security system. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"With a significant proportion of India's population expected to live in urban areas by 2030, the welfare of the urban poor needs to take centre-stage in public policy. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1038,"topper":"Animesh Pradhan","air":2,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XUTvvVN63MAK9MVxQnFOhYf7Haaxwy3z/view","questions":[]},{"id":1039,"topper":"Animesh Pradhan","air":2,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YFFf3gNAFgZFBz8uypFlM3Ogx7In-SlN/view","questions":[]},{"id":1040,"topper":"Animesh Pradhan","air":2,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Qb5mqGl_hMqX962TEXafbvXhuBPNnctS/view","questions":[]},{"id":1041,"topper":"Animesh Pradhan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Skd0q-Fsc2jCQ9vAvOtIZ1OcmowtbPgq/view","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. (a) For effective corporate governance to take place in the coming years, why is it important to integrate the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics with the multi-stakeholder approach? What benefits can be accrued by such integration? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"1. (b) In acts of corruption, the focus is often only on the demand side of the equation, on public officials who abuse their office for private gain. Frequently, the supply side is given less attention. Those who pay bribes are sometimes depicted as innocent parties and victims of extortionary practices of wily public servants. Do you agree that 'collusive corruption', in which there is a willing bribe-giver, is a formidable challenge for institutions fighting corruption?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"2. (a) The Citizens' Charters initiative was a response to the quest for solving the problems, which a citizen encountered, day in and day out, while dealing with the organisations providing public services. But the introduction and implementation of Citizens' Charters in the government of India has been difficult due to the old bureaucratic set up and the rigid attitudes of the work force. Discuss the major obstacles that have been encountered in implementing the Citizens' Charter initiative.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"2. (b) Quality of public service delivery is a major determinant of the quality of life of vulnerable sections in a highly unequal society divided along the lines of class, caste, religion, etc. In this background, do you think that public service delivery is efficient and sufficient enough to improve the lives of vulnerable groups in India? Critically examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"3 (a) What do each of the following quotations mean to you?\n(a) \"The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own.\" - Lao Tzu (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"3. (b) \"If ethics are poor at the top, that behavior is copied down through the organization.\" - Robert Noyce (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"3. (c) \"The end of law is not to abolish or restrain, but to preserve and enlarge freedom.\" - John Locke (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"4. (a) Wealthy CEOs and founders of successful businesses around the world are increasingly pledging to give away their wealth in philanthropy. Do you think that such a move is sufficient enough to bring about a positive change in the society? Critically examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"4. (b) As organizations across the globe begin their artificial intelligence (AI) transformation, the leap into the AI era is expected to be more challenging than any technology that businesses have grappled with yet. In this background, discuss the concerns around fairness, transparency, and job security that may arise. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"5. (a) The emphasis of Swami Dayanand Saraswati on education, social equality, and ethical values continues to influence the socio-cultural discourse in contemporary India. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"5. (b) Write short notes on the following in 30 words each :\n(i) Dedication to public service\n(ii) Non-partisanship in civil service\n(iii) Objectivity in decision-making","marks":"2 x 5 = 10","words":"30 words each"},{"page":28,"question":"6. (a) Emotional intelligence may not be singularly associated with emotions or intelligence. It can also include a broad range of personality characteristics that might predict success in professional and everyday life. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"6. (b) Traditional forms of state-led accountability, also characterised as vertical and horizontal channels of accountability, are increasingly found to be inadequate, and a myriad of multi-stakeholder and bottom-up citizen directed approaches have come to the fore, to supplement or supplant them. Discuss with illustrations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"7 In the context of this case, answer the following:\n(a) What are the issues involved in this case?\n(b) What measures can be taken to reduce the negative impacts of such technologies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"With reference to this case study, answer the following:\n(a) What are the issues involved in this case?\n(b) What measures can be taken to minimize the negative implications of adopting such technologies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"b Measures to be taken to minimise the negative implications of adopting such technology :","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"8 दी गई स्थिति में:\n(a) रीना को किन दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\n(b) उसके पास क्या विकल्प हैं? प्रत्येक के गुण और दोष बताइए।\n(c) उसके द्वारा अपनाई जाने वाली कार्रवाई को रेखांकित कीजिए, साथ ही उसका औचित्य सिद्ध कीजिए।","marks":null,"words":"250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए"},{"page":38,"question":"In the given situation:\n(a) What dilemmas does Rina face?\n(b) What options does she have? Provide the merits and demerits of each.\n(c) Highlight the course of action she should adopt, along with justification for the same.","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":42,"question":"9 You have recently been posted as a Nodal Education Officer in one of the districts, where mass cheating in examinations is a regular phenomenon. Media reports have shown parents and relatives scaling school walls and buildings to pass answer chits to students taking secondary school examinations in the district. Moreover, with the advent of new technological devices, cheating in examinations has become more sophisticated and exam rules are flouted openly. On investigation, it has come to your notice that these rackets are run by many school authorities, including exam invigilators who are mostly teachers, and they are hand in glove for profits. With a shortage of staff, invigilators threaten go on mass strikes if any action is taken. Conducting the exams, cancelling them on account of cheating and having re-exams are a loss of time and money for the government and this vicious cycle goes on.\n\nAs the Nodal Education Officer of the district, address the following questions:\n(a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\n(b) How will you resolve the issues in the given case?\n(c) What long-term strategy needs to be adopted to deal with the menace of cheating in various examinations? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"10 उपयुक्त जानकारी के संदर्भ में, निम्नलिखित पर ध्यान दीजिए:\n(a) प्रस्तुत प्रकरण में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दे कौन-से हैं?\n(b) महासागरों की संधारणीयता पर प्रतिकूल प्रभाव डाले बिना किसी राष्ट्र के आर्थिक विकास के दृष्टिकोण को कैसे प्राप्त किया जा सकता है? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"In the context of the above-stated information, address the following:\n(a) What are the ethical issues in the given case study?\n(b) How can the vision of economic development of a nation be achieved without adversely affecting the sustainability of oceans? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"11 (a) आप एक जिला मजिस्ट्रेट हैं और यह क्षेत्र आपके क्षेत्राधिकार में आता है। दोनों पक्षों के लोग अपनी शिकायतें लेकर आपके पास आए हैं। आप दोनों दृष्टिकोणों में सामंजस्य स्थापित करने के लिए क्या करेंगे?\n(b) कार्रवाई के निम्नलिखित संभावित तरीकों के गुण और दोषों का उल्लेख कीजिए:\n(1) क्षेत्र के निवासियों के विरोध को नजरअंदाज करना और धार्मिक पूजा स्थल को मौजूदा नियमों के अनुसार बनाने की अनुमति दे देना।\n(2) नए पूजा स्थल पर भरोसा करने वाले हजारों उपासकों को निराश करते हुए, निवासियों से सहमत होकर निर्माण पर रोक लगा देना।\n(3) एक समझौते के रूप में, आपके द्वारा पूजा स्थल पर भवन निर्माण संबंधी अतिरिक्त नियमों को लागू किया जाना या डिजाइन में संशोधन पर बल दिया जाना। (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":53,"question":"(a) You are a District Magistrate and the area lies in your jurisdiction. People from both sides have approached you with their grievances. What would you do to reconcile the two points of view?\n(b) Mention the merits and demerits of the following potential courses of action:\n(1) Ignore the opposition from the residents of the area and allow the place of religious worship to be built in accordance with the existing regulations.\n(2) Prohibit the construction, agreeing with the residents while causing distress among the thousands of worshippers counting on the new place of worship.\n(3) As a compromise, you place additional building regulations on the worship place or insist on modifications to the design. (Answer in 250 words)\na) You are a District Magistrate and the area lies in your jurisdiction. People from both sides have approached you with their grievances. What would you do to reconcile the two points of view?\nb) Mention the merits and demerits of the following potential courses of action:\n(1) Ignore the opposition from the residents of the area and allow the place of religious worship to be built in accordance with the existing regulations.\n(2) Prohibit the construction, agreeing with the residents while causing distress among the thousands of worshippers counting on the new place of worship.\n(3) As a compromise, you place additional building regulations on the worship place or insist on modifications to the design.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"2 इस स्थिति को देखते हुए, निम्नलिखित का उत्तर दीजिए:\n(a) उपर्युक्त प्रकरण में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दे कौन-से हैं?\n(b) एक पिता और एक महत्वाकांक्षी राजनीतिज्ञ के रूप में आपके पास उपलब्ध विभिन्न विकल्प क्या हैं?\n(c) आपकी कार्रवाई का तरीका क्या होगा? उचित तर्क सहित पुष्टि कीजिए। (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":58,"question":"Given this situation, answer the following:\n(a) What are the ethical issues in the above situation?\n(b) What are the various options that you have, as a father and an ambitious politician?\n(c) What will be your course of action? Justify with proper reasoning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":1042,"topper":"Animesh Pradhan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1bd1e-1217762_2425_animesh_pradhan_rank_02.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"For effective corporate governance to take place in the coming years, why is it important to integrate the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics with the multi-stakeholder approach? What benefits can be accrued by such integration? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In acts of corruption, the focus is often only on the demand side of the equation, on public officials who abuse their office for private gain. Frequently, the supply side is given less attention. Those who pay bribes are sometimes depicted as innocent parties and victims of extortionary practices of wily public servants. Do you agree that 'collusive corruption', in which there is a willing bribe-giver, is a formidable challenge for institutions fighting corruption? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Citizens' Charters initiative was a response to the quest for solving the problems, which a citizen encountered, day in and day out, while dealing with the organisations providing public services. But the introduction and implementation of Citizens' Charters in the government of India has been difficult due to the old bureaucratic set up and the rigid attitudes of the work force. Discuss the major obstacles that have been encountered in implementing the Citizens' Charter initiative. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Quality of public service delivery is a major determinant of the quality of life of vulnerable sections in a highly unequal society divided along the lines of class, caste, religion, etc. In this background, do you think that public service delivery is efficient and sufficient enough to improve the lives of vulnerable groups in India? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Wealth CEOs and founders of successful businesses around the world are increasingly pledging to give away their wealth in philanthropy. Do you think that such a move is sufficient enough to bring about a positive change in the society? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"As organizations across the globe begin their artificial intelligence (AI) transformation, the leap into the AI era is expected to be more challenging than any technology that businesses have grappled with yet. In this background, discuss the concerns around fairness, transparency, and job security that may arise. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The emphasis of Swami Dayanand Saraswati on education, social equality, and ethical values continues to influence the socio-cultural discourse in contemporary India. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Emotional intelligence may not be singularly associated with emotions or intelligence. It can also include a broad range of personality characteristics that might predict success in professional and everyday life. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Traditional forms of state-led accountability, also characterised as vertical and horizontal channels of accountability, are increasingly found to be inadequate, and a myriad of multi-stakeholder and bottom-up citizen directed approaches have come to the fore, to supplement or supplant them. Discuss with illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":47,"question":"Many proponents of deep-sea drilling argue that tapping into the vast amount of rare earth elements in the Indian Ocean will help shore up national security interests for India, bolster its economy and workforce, and offer a reliable supply of strategic minerals. Keeping this in mind, the government has approved a $540-million programme to study ways of mining nickel, cobalt, manganese and iron hydroxide from the bed of the Indian Ocean 6,000 meters below sea level. The government argues that the project can power India's growth for 100 years. It will also study climate change, explore marine flora and fauna and harness thermal energy. However, a competing point of view alleges that deep ocean drilling poses immense risk to the environment. A comprehensive report on Sustainable Ocean Economy by independent geologists states that \"until the need for, and potential consequences of, deep-sea mining are better understood, the concept is conceptually difficult to align with the definition of a sustainable ocean economy and raises various environmental, legal and governance challenges, as well as possible conflicts with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.\" It also highlights that the profitability of national mining operations, without governmental support or comparably low taxes, remains questionable. If the operations are profitable, it will also raise questions about the equitable sharing of profits derived from a resource taken out of Additionally, companies like BMW, Volvo, Google and Korean battery maker Samsung SDI, vowed in a statement not to buy metals produced from deep-sea mining until the environmental risks of the activity are \"comprehensively understood.\" In the context of the above-stated information, address the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the given case study? (b) How can the vision of economic development of a nation be achieved without adversely affecting the sustainability of oceans? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1043,"topper":"Animesh Pradhan","air":2,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/19Dq_4h2OVpP55arHJv4iB-C6Z-9Zn6Jc/view","questions":[]},{"id":1044,"topper":"Animesh Pradhan","air":2,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e237e-1217762_2295_animesh_pradhan_rank_02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1045,"topper":"Animesh Pradhan","air":2,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e3410-1217762_2296_animesh_pradhan_rank_02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1046,"topper":"Animesh Pradhan","air":2,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d94d6-1217762_2299_animesh_pradhan_rank_02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1047,"topper":"Animesh Pradhan","air":2,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/f33f1-1217762_2300_animesh_pradhan_rank_02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1048,"topper":"Animesh Verma","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Animesh-Verma-UPSC-2023-Rank-38-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Before the borders are broken the minds are invaded.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Talent and passion are only useful tools if one has the work ethic to back them up.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The opportunity of interfaith dialogue: modern solution for globalised world.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The only impossible journey is the one you never begin.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Science applied is the engine of humanity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Eyes cannot see what the mind does not know.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Doubt is the origin of wisdom.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"The relation between environment, resources and conflict is same as the connection between Democracy, human rights and peace. 4. \"The only impossible journey is the one you never begin.\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"\"Science applied is the engine of of humanity.\"","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1049,"topper":"Animesh Verma","air":38,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1f0bc-1278123_2488_animesh_verma_rank_38.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1050,"topper":"Animesh Verma","air":38,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/38d29-1278123_2321_animesh_verma_rank_38.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1051,"topper":"Animesh Verma","air":38,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/60280-1278123_2123_animesh_verma_rank_38.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1052,"topper":"Animesh Verma","air":38,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PAMSFUav5EznFSdX5j0GwPH5UvKa9aY-/view","questions":[]},{"id":1053,"topper":"Animesh Verma","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Animesh-Verma-UPSC-2023-Rank-38-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Among the several factors for India's potential growth, domestic demand is the most effective one. Do you agree? What are other factors that influence the growth trajectory of the country? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What are the shortcomings associated with the functioning of Special Economic Zones? In what ways the Domestic Enterprise and Services Hub (DESH) bill, 2022, can make the working of SEZs more effective? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Examine the utility of e-technology in tackling the problems plaguing the farm sector. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"How far can natural farming effectively balance eco-friendly practices with food security for a populous and under nourished nation like India? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Anti-microbial resistance may take the form of a pandemic in near future if corrective steps are not taken. What are the reasons for rising anti-microbial resistance? Recommend some corrective steps to reverse the insidious spread of anti-microbial resistance in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The application of technology before, during, and after a disaster can help enhance preparedness, mitigate impact and expedite rehabilitation. Analyse. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Though an important element of climate equity, loss and damage is but a brick in the larger edifice of climate justice. Elaborate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Describe the causes and impacts of avalanches. With special emphasis on NDMA guidelines, suggest various mitigation strategies for coping with the incidents of avalanches. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"As the organized crimes have undergone several mutations and acquired new forms and dimensions, there is a need to revaluate the measures taken to combat these threats. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The developments since the abrogation of article 370 may have silenced the guns to a large extent, but lasting peace in the Kashmir valley remains elusive. Critically examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Describe the various concerns related to private cryptocurrencies. Comparing the CBDC proposed by the RBI with these private cryptocurrencies, analyse the significance of CBDC. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Robust logistics sector is a pre-requisite to achieve the target of $5 trillion economy. In this context, examine the potential of National Logistics Policy 2022 in enhancing the efficiency of logistics ecosystem. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Reforms in the fertiliser sector remains a vital and yet unfinished agenda towards heralding sustainable agricultural practices. Evaluate the reformative steps taken by the government to make the usage of fertilisers more effective. What additional measures can be taken to make the fertiliser sector self-sufficient (atmanirbhar) economically in the long run? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Food Processing Industries can provide a sustainable linkage between farm and industry resulting in rich dividends for farmers, consumers, and industrialists alike. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite the ability of the gene modification technology to develop diverse and high-yielding crop hybrids, its acceptance has been mired by apprehensions. Analyse the facts and fears associated with Genetically Modified crops. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"While the applications of 5G technology are multifarious, its effective roll-out is not without challenges. Elaborate. Also, compare and contrast the 5G technology from its predecessor. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The May 2022 amendment to the National Bio-fuel Policy, 2018 has advanced the target of 20% ethanol blending from 2030 to 2025-26. Highlighting the important features of the National Biofuel policy, discuss the significance of biofuels and the major impediments in achieving the targets of the policy. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The initiatives for sustainable development must go beyond government policies, extending to joint efforts by people as trustees of the environment. In light of the statement, discuss how LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) mission can aid in realising 'lifestyle of the planet, for the planet and by the planet'. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Data security has assumed significant importance in a digitised world due to its relevance for both the privacy of an individual and data sovereignty of the nation. What, in your view, are the strengths and weaknesses of the draft Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Bill, 2022 in attaining these twin objectives? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Jointness in operation and synergy of resources are vital for the armed forces in carrying out swift, effective, and decisive actions. Discuss the importance of the post of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). Also, highlight the impediments in seamless theaterisation of armed forces. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1054,"topper":"Animesh Verma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/cba8c-1278123_2218_animesh-verma_rank_38.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to revisit the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution? Discuss with suitable arguments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Highlighting the advantages of online dispute resolution (ODR) mechanism for justice delivery, discuss the challenges associated with its effective implementation in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Despite the constitutional division of powers, Centre-state disputes have been a perennial feature of Indian democracy. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Do you agree with the view that adopting a framework for lobbying will strengthen participative governance and ease of doing business in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Despite the government encouraging open source instead of proprietary technology for government applications, the true potential of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) and digital platforms remains unrealized. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"As a social safety-valve, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) can be the principal vehicles through which communities voice their concerns. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Despite being lauded for its patient centric approach, the implementation of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, remains sluggish and mired with various issues. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to formulate an Urban Employment Guarantee scheme at the national level? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the relevance of BIMSTEC as a regional organisation to fulfil India's strategic aspirations in the Indian Ocean Region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the relevance of the Gujral Doctrine for India with regard to its relations with its immediate neighbours in the present times. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the pivotal role of the \"Officers of Parliament\" in the Indian Parliamentary system. Also, discuss the constitutional and statutory provisions for their impartial functioning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The Finance Commission plays a crucial role in balancing fiscal federalism in India. In this context, examine the recommendations given by the 15th Finance Commission. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Critically assess whether according statutory backing to the Model Code of Conduct will contribute towards free and fair elections in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The market disruption caused by digital revolution warrants renewed focus and perspective to ensure fair competition in the digital economy. In this light, discuss the need to revamp the Competition Commission of India (CCI). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"There is an urgent need for effective whistle-blowing mechanisms and ensuring that necessary safeguards for the protection of whistle-blowers are established in both public and private spheres in India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"State the reasons behind the poor performance of cooperatives in India. Also, discuss the reforms undertaken by the government to overcome the shortcomings. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Public-Private Partnership model, if harnessed properly, has the potential to bridge the gaps in India's healthcare system. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Although the New Education Policy brings with itself a commendable vision, its success will depend on its ability to effectively integrate with the government's other policy initiatives. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) is born from a collective desire to make the Indo-Pacific region an engine of global economic growth. Comment. Also, discuss India's concerns in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"India needs to identify the priority areas to further its techno-diplomacy amidst the complexities of expanding digital space and New and Emerging Strategic Technologies. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1055,"topper":"Animesh Verma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/337f3-1278123_2090_animesh_verma_rank_38.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What is the Doctrine of Severability? Discuss with the help of relevant judicial decisions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The office of Governor needs to be transformed to preserve constitutional governance in India. Discuss in the light of recent controversies surrounding the Governors' office. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"\"Disturbing public order or inciting violence cannot be allowed under the garb of the freedom of speech and expression.\" Discuss with help of the recent Supreme Court judgment on hate speech. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss the role of the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) for the effective functioning of democracy in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are the various ways in which emerging technologies can be utilised by civil servants in ensuring efficient public service delivery and affecting change in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"To what extent, in your opinion, has the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana been successful in promoting skill development and employment in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Examine the potential of the Bhu-Aadhaar project in bringing significant benefits to India's land management system. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the different determinants of the occurrence of child labour in India. What measures can be taken to tackle the issue of child labour in the country? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Despite certain hiccups, recent developments suggest that continuity still looms large in the Indo-Bhutan relationship. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Critical Information Infrastructure has become a global good that requires global norms for its safeguard. What role can the G20 play to safeguard Critical Information Infrastructure? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The tussle between the legislature and judiciary culminated in the 'basic structure' doctrine in the Kesavananda Bharati case. Discuss. What is the significance of the case in limiting the power of the Parliament to amend the Constitution? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The limited revenue generation capacity of municipal corporations has increased their dependence on taxes and grants from the states. What are the issues associated with this trend? What measures are required to improve the finances of the municipal corporations in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"\"The purpose of having a Constitution is to transform the society for the better and this objective is the fundamental pillar of transformative constitutionalism.\" Discuss with the help of recent case laws. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"How can a 'rule of law culture' contribute towards promoting individual liberty and democratic governance in a society like India? What are the challenges in fostering such a culture? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) are not just engaged in charitable work but also involved in political processes for building a just, peaceful, humane, and sustainable future. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Self-help groups (SHGs) have contributed towards rural development and women empowerment, but their uneven geographical impact and rising loan defaults are serious challenges that need to be addressed. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Do you agree with the view that the deep-rooted problems in India's school education system cannot be solved by digital transformation alone? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Examine the impact of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) on the effectiveness and transparency of welfare schemes for the vulnerable sections in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The deepening China-Russia strategic relationship has been described by some as the 'most consequential undeclared alliance in the world.' How can this alliance impact India's national interest? What strategies should India adopt to protect her interests? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India has placed soft power as an important pillar of its foreign policy to enhance its global standing and image abroad. Discuss the statement along with the initiatives taken by the government. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1056,"topper":"Animesh Verma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/990a1-1278123_2091_animesh_verma_rank_38.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What are the reasons behind the inefficient use of water in Indian agriculture? Suggest measures to improve water use efficiency. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What are the social, economic and environmental benefits of diversifying the food basket under the Public Distribution System (PDS) in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Can re-energising the livestock sector be the key to sustainable livelihood and increasing the income of Indian farmers? Give reasons in support of your answer. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Do you agree that high economic growth in the post-reform period has not resulted in growth trickling down to the marginalised sections, rendering inclusive growth a major concern? Justify your answer. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Evaluate the outcome of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). How can Mission LiFE reinvigorate the NCAP in addressing the issue of air pollution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discuss the impact of wildfires on the ecosystem. Describe the significance of the UNEP's Fire Ready Formula in dealing with the menace of wildfires. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Recently, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) launched its new rocket called Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV). What are its advantages? How can SSLVs be a game changer for ISRO in the years to come? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Why is biopiracy a cause of great concern to the existing traditional knowledge of the developing world? What steps have been taken by the government of India for protecting the existing traditional Indian knowledge? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What are the challenges faced by the Assam Rifles with regard to border management and tackling of insurgency in North-East India? Discuss how these challenges require a reorientation of the force. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The race to put weapons in space may soon pass the point of no return making space the next theatre of arms struggle. What are the possible reasons behind the weaponization of space? Discuss its implications. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNP) recently became the first 100% Landlord Port of India. What do you understand by the Landlord Port model? What are the different models employed in the management of ports? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Analyse the performance of the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) scheme launched to promote farm mechanization in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Discuss the potential of digitization in harnessing the untapped potential of the food processing sector and resolving the challenges that it faces. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What is the significance of land record modernization in India? In this light, state the features of the National Generic Document Registration System (NGDRS). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The use of technology has played a key role in the success of the 'Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana' since its inception. Discuss. What further changes can be incorporated to make the scheme more farmer-friendly? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss how the transition towards renewable energy has the potential to transform the lives of women in India and unlock their potential. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"How does climate change exacerbate the challenges that India faces in eliminating hunger and malnutrition? Discuss in the context of India's commitment to achieve zero hunger by 2030. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What do you understand by digital twin technology? What are the benefits and challenges in its adoption? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Terrorism financing continues to remain a major challenge for the international community despite several efforts to curb it. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) will progressively multiply the opportunities as well as challenges from the national security perspective. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1057,"topper":"Animesh Verma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e6306-1278123_2422_animesh-verma_rank_38.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The traditional theatre forms of India reflect the ideals and emotions of the society, and an individual's role in the community. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Provide an account of the historical and architectural importance of the Sanchi Stupa. Also, discuss how it inspired the future architecture in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Bhagat Singh made a real breakthrough in terms of revolutionary ideology, the goals of revolution and forms of revolutionary struggle. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Bringing out the factors that led to the Meiji restoration, discuss its significance for Japan. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"It is believed that a nation is an “imagined community” held together by common beliefs, history, political aspirations etc. In this context, discuss what the basis of India as a nation is. Also, bring out the threats to the concept of Indian nationhood. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"State the key factors behind the growth of the pharmaceutical industry in India. Additionally, discuss its significance with regard to India's economy and public health.(Answer in 150words)10","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss why the Bay of Bengal is more prone to cyclones than the Arabian Sea. Also, explain the reasons for the decrease in frequency of tropical cyclones during the Southwest monsoon season. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite being destructive in nature, volcanoes are critical for the existence of human life on earth. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The existence of relative deprivation is an important aspect in constructing the argument for regionalism. Explain with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"If India is to realise the goal of 'education for all', the issue of rising cases of bullying and other forms of school violence needs to be addressed immediately. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Bring out the role played by the Ahom Kingdom in shaping the cultural and historical identity of North-East India, and discuss its legacy in contemporary times. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The capitalist class generally remained ambivalent in their support to the Indian National Congress until 1940s. In this context, analyse the varying positions of the Indian capitalists throughout the national movement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Trace the evolution of the press in India. Also, discuss the instrumental impact it had during various stages of the Indian freedom struggle despite the repressive policies of the British. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1058,"topper":"Animesh Verma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8157f-1278123_2424_animesh-verma_rank_38.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What are the different dimensions of food security? Examine India's status in terms of ensuring food security with regard to these dimensions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Modern technologies such as blockchain and ChatGPT are powerful tools with immense potential to transform agriculture into a more efficient and sustainable sector. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What factors have led to the recent acceleration in the trend towards de-dollarization of the global economy? Do you think the dollar will lose its dominance anytime soon? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Despite significant pressure from the developed countries to alter its food subsidy regime, there is merit in India trying to retain its policy support for the poor in the country. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Several initiatives have been taken by the government towards addressing India's water needs, but the issues of water availability and water quality still warrant prioritised intervention. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What are the major drivers of glacial retreat in the Arctic? Describe the potential impact of the retreat of Arctic glaciers on the ecosystem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Space tourism, which was viewed as something straight out of a science fiction movie, is now becoming a reality albeit not without hindrances. What are the challenges associated with space tourism? What measures can be taken to address these challenges? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Global health experts widely believe that the development of CAR-T cell therapy can be a game changer in the treatment of cancer. How can CAR-T cell therapy overcome the limitations of CRISPR-Cas9 technology? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss why the rising deployment of new and emerging technologies by prominent violent extremist organizations demand concerted global efforts. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"With the Line of Actual Control (LAC) remaining tense after the Galwan and Yangste incidents and both India and China ramping up infrastructure in the border areas, discuss the role that ITBP plays in the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Do you think there is a need for a shift from 'land productivity' to 'irrigation water productivity' in India? Justify your answer. What are the challenges in making this shift? Explain. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Examine the role that green hydrogen can play in unlocking the energy security of India. How can the National Green Hydrogen Mission help India in achieving its energy goals? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The government has been weighing a transition from minimum wage to living wage in recent times. What are the benefits and constraints in the adoption of living wage in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The Union Budget affects almost every sector of the Indian economy, yet neither the budgetary processes nor the budget policies come under substantial public scrutiny. Do you agree? Justify your answer. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"India has been able to transform itself from a milk deficit country to the world's biggest milk producer, but the productivity of dairy animals in the country remains a concern. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"While climate change is responsible for crop failures, the agricultural sector itself is partly responsible for extreme weather events. Discuss. What strategy has been adopted under National Agriculture Disaster Management Plan to strengthen the resilience of the farming community in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Some regions in India, including Delhi, are highly vulnerable to the impact of earthquakes originating in the Himalayas. Discuss. What institutional measures have been taken to mitigate earthquake losses in India? Do you think there are significant gaps that still exist? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Recently, scientists announced net energy gain in nuclear fusion reaction, which is considered as a major scientific breakthrough for the future of clean energy. What are the advantages of nuclear fusion based power generation? What are the limitations in using it to generate electricity at a commercial scale? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Keeping in view the recent amendment, examine the efficacy of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, in tackling the menace of money laundering in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Discuss the security threats present in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), which have a direct bearing on India's maritime border interests. Suggest a robust strategy to deal with these threats. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1059,"topper":"Animesh Verma","air":38,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Animesh-Verma-UPSC-2023-Rank-38-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1060,"topper":"Animesh Verma","air":38,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Dy2azfksk42x15_dMvQwb9dxLMbzsel7/view","questions":[]},{"id":1061,"topper":"Animesh Verma","air":38,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-mjRac1_av2w2q59TWow8vgxRjFKzCEB/view","questions":[]},{"id":1062,"topper":"Animesh Verma","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Animesh-Verma-UPSC-2023-Rank-38-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"“Two things define you: Your patience when you have nothing and your attitude when you have everything.” What roles do attitude and patience play in the personal and professional lives of civil servants? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Ethical governance is the pivot of a welfare and caregiving State. Discuss how ethical governance can make a welfare state more inclusive, responsive, and citizen-centric? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"\"In this hyperconnected and morally interdependent world, the most important thing we can share is trustworthiness.\" Why is trustworthiness important? In what ways can it be imbibed in an individual? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What does each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"Fortitude is the marshal of thought, the armour of the will, and the fort of reason.\"-Francis Bacon. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"There is no key to happiness; the door is always open.\"- Mother Teresa. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"\"That which is not good for the bee-hive cannot be good for the bees.\"- Marcus Aurelius. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What do you understand by environmental ethics? How is the demand for the 'loss and damage' fund by developing countries ethically justified? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"A vigilant media is the voice of the common folks; however, a tainted media acts as its master's voice. Explain the importance of ethics in the functioning of media. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Although in letter, the rules and laws are driven by objective principles, they cannot be implemented in spirit without adhering to the principles of compassion. Examine with suitable illustrations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Emotional intelligence (EI) is the ability to control your emotions rather than getting controlled by them. What role does EI play in the well-rounded development of an individual? Do you consider yourself an emotionally intelligent person? Justify. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Identify various internal and external pressures that impact ethical decision-making. Have you ever faced such pressure? Give examples from your life. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Guilt is a powerful negative emotion that can eat a man away from inside. Discuss what causes guilt and how it can be managed. Can guilt lead to positive outcomes? Justify. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":42,"question":"What are the ethical issues in the above case study? b) Imagine yourself in the shoes of Kamlesh. What course of action will you adopt in the above situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"Abhay is a senior officer in a government think tank. He is responsible for analysing the demands for funds from various ministries and state governments. His job mandates making recommendations to the government for prioritising the budget expenditure. Abhay's department is presently busy in analysing the demands for funds from five different ministries. The first demand is from the Ministry of Defence for 500 crore rupees. The Ministry of Defence has solicited funds for the acquisition of state-of-the-art bullet proof vests and assault weapons for the armed force personnel posted in insurgent invested areas of Jammu and Kashmir. The second demand is from the Ministry of Heavy Industries. The Ministry of Heavy Industries has demanded 300 crore rupees for the purchase of electric scooters. Distribution of electric scooters was one of the election promises of the incumbent union government in order to reduce pollution levels in the country. Further, as two states are set to go to poll next year, there is an additional pressure from a senior cabinet minister to prioritise this demand. The third demand is for 200 crore rupees from the Ministry of Road Transport. The Ministry of Road Transport has proposed to build robust road connectivity in left wing affected areas and also in the hilly states. It is reasoned that while road connectivity will have a multiplier impact on the economy, it will also improve the governance process. The fourth demand is from the Ministry of Health for 200 crore rupees. The Ministry of Health has targeted to increase the insurance penetration in the country. It is argued that increased insurance penetration will boost public health and reduce out-of-pocket expenditure. The fifth demand is for 300 crore rupees from the Ministry of Women and Child Development. The MoWCD aims to expand its nutrition programme in the country. It is believed that in order to check the high levels of stunting and wasting in the children, the State needs to take a larger role. While each of the government schemes is important, the fiscal space available with the exchequer is limited. Accordingly, Abhay has an elbow space to accommodate schemes worth 1000 crore rupees. Now, it is incumbent upon Abhay to allocate the available money in the most prudent fashion. a) What principles should guide Abhay in the allocation of money? b) Imagine yourself in the position of Abhay. In what order will you prioritise the available funds and why? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":1063,"topper":"Animesh Verma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/015f7-1278123_2425__animesh_verma_rank_38.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"For effective corporate governance to take place in the coming years, why is it important to integrate the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics with the multi-stakeholder approach? What benefits can be accrued by such integration? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In acts of corruption, the focus is often only on the demand side of the equation, on public officials who abuse their office for private gain. Frequently, the supply side is given less attention. Those who pay bribes are sometimes depicted as innocent parties and victims of extortionary practices of wily public servants. Do you agree that 'collusive corruption', in which there is a willing bribe-giver, is a formidable challenge for institutions fighting corruption? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Citizens' Charters initiative was a response to the quest for solving the problems, which a citizen encountered, day in and day out, while dealing with the organisations providing public services. But the introduction and implementation of Citizens' Charters in the government of India has been difficult due to the old bureaucratic set up and the rigid attitudes of the work force. Discuss the major obstacles that have been encountered in implementing the Citizens' Charter initiative. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Quality of public service delivery is a major determinant of the quality of life of vulnerable sections in a highly unequal society divided along the lines of class, caste, religion, etc. In this background, do you think that public service delivery is efficient and sufficient enough to improve the lives of vulnerable groups in India? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? \"The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own.\" - Lao Tzu (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"If ethics are poor at the top, that behavior is copied down through the organization.\" - Robert Noyce (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"The end of law is not to abolish or restrain, but to preserve and enlarge freedom.\" - John Locke (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Wealthy CEOs and founders of successful businesses around the world are increasingly pledging to give away their wealth in philanthropy. Do you think that such a move is sufficient enough to bring about a positive change in the society? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"As organizations across the globe begin their artificial intelligence (AI) transformation, the leap into the AI era is expected to be more challenging than any technology that businesses have grappled with yet. In this background, discuss the concerns around fairness, transparency, and job security that may arise. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The emphasis of Swami Dayanand Saraswati on education, social equality, and ethical values continues to influence the socio-cultural discourse in contemporary India. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Emotional intelligence may not be singularly associated with emotions or intelligence. It can also include a broad range of personality characteristics that might predict success in professional and everyday life. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"In a metropolitan city of India, the law enforcement authorities decided to adopt facial recognition technology to improve their crime-fighting capabilities. They implemented a facial recognition system that integrated with existing surveillance cameras across the city, allowing real-time identification and tracking of individuals. The system was intended to assist in identifying known criminals, missing persons, and suspects in ongoing investigations. One evening, a woman reported a mugging incident where the perpetrator wore a hoodie, obscuring most of his face. The victim provided a vague description to the police, and based on that information, the authorities decided to use facial recognition technology to locate potential suspects. The system scanned through hours of surveillance footage from various locations near the crime scene. The facial recognition algorithm generated a list of potential matches, and one individual's image stood out as a close match to the description provided by the victim. The police considered this individual a prime suspect and proceeded with his arrest. Subsequently, it was discovered that the arrested person was innocent. Further investigation revealed that the facial recognition system had misidentified the innocent individual due to the limitations of the technology and the partial description provided by the victim. The police released the arrested individual; still his reputation got tarnished for life. He, along with his family, was evicted from their current place of residence. The psychological impact of the incident has been tremendous owing to which his job is also on the line. With reference to this case study, answer the following: (a) What are the issues involved in this case? (b) What measures can be taken to minimize the negative implications of adopting such technologies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"With reference to this case study, answer the following: (a) What are the issues involved in this case? (b) What measures can be taken to minimize the negative implications of adopting such technologies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"In the given situation: (a) What dilemmas does Rina face? (b) What options does she have? Provide the merits and demerits of each. (c) Highlight the course of action she should adopt, along with justification for the same. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"You have recently been posted as a Nodal Education Officer in one of the districts, where mass cheating in examinations is a regular phenomenon. Media reports have shown parents and relatives scaling school walls and buildings to pass answer chits to students taking secondary school examinations in the district. Moreover, with the advent of new technological devices, cheating in examinations has become more sophisticated and exam rules are flouted openly. On investigation, it has come to your notice that these rackets are run by many school authorities, including exam invigilators who are mostly teachers, and they are hand in glove for profits. With a shortage of staff, invigilators threaten go on mass strikes if any action is taken. Conducting the exams, cancelling them on account of cheating and having re-exams are a loss of time and money for the government and this vicious cycle goes on. As the Nodal Education Officer of the district, address the following questions: (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (b) How will you resolve the issues in the given case? (c) What long-term strategy needs to be adopted to deal with the menace of cheating in various examinations? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Many proponents of deep-sea drilling argue that tapping into the vast amount of rare earth elements in the Indian Ocean will help shore up national security interests for India, bolster its economy and workforce, and offer a reliable supply of strategic minerals. Keeping this in mind, the government has approved a $540-million programme to study ways of mining nickel, cobalt, manganese and iron hydroxide from the bed of the Indian Ocean 6,000 meters below sea level. The government argues that the project can power India's growth for 100 years. It will also study climate change, explore marine flora and fauna and harness thermal energy. However, a competing point of view alleges that deep ocean drilling poses immense risk to the environment. A comprehensive report on Sustainable Ocean Economy by independent geologists states that \"until the need for, and potential consequences of, deep-sea mining are better understood, the concept is conceptually difficult to align with the definition of a sustainable ocean economy and raises various environmental, legal and governance challenges, as well as possible conflicts with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.\" It also highlights that the profitability of national mining operations, without governmental support or comparably low taxes, remains questionable. If the operations are profitable, it will also raise questions about the equitable sharing of profits derived from a resource taken out of the common heritage of mankind. Additionally, companies like BMW, Volvo, Google and Korean battery maker Samsung SDI, vowed in a statement to not buy metals produced from deep-sea mining until the environmental risks of the activity are \"comprehensively understood.\" In the context of the above-stated information, address the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the given case study? (b) How can the vision of economic development of a nation be achieved without adversely affecting the sustainability of oceans? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"Given this situation, answer the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the above situation? (b) What are the various options that you have, as a father and an ambitious politician? (c) What will be your course of action? Justify with proper reasoning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1064,"topper":"Animesh Verma","air":38,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/70b8c-1278123_2078_animesh_verma_rank_38.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1065,"topper":"Anindya Pandey","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3d7b7-1174117_3128_anindya-pandey_rank_158.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"The world must learn to work together, or finally it will not work at all.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Technology, like art, is a soaring exercise of the human imagination.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"We've begun to raise daughters more like sons, but few have the courage to raise our sons more like our daughters.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1066,"topper":"Anindya Pandey","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ed439-1174117_4514_anindya-pandey_rank_158.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"In matters of conscience, the law of the majority has no place.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"He who opens a school door, closes a prison.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Only in the depths of winter can we truly appreciate the warmth of spring.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Copying is safe; innovation demands courage.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The more we automate, the more human we must become.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The pursuit of instant validation is creating a generation of restless minds.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1067,"topper":"Anindya Pandey","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/10847-1174117_4510_anindya-pandey_rank_158.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Folk music serves as a repository of the cultural identity. Discuss the role of folk music in preserving cultural heritage and promoting social cohesion. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"How does the Vesara style of temple architecture represent a synthesis of the Nagara and Dravida styles? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the role played by Indians living abroad in advancing the cause of India's freedom struggle. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How did the Marshall Plan influence the economic recovery and political stability of post-war Europe? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Discuss the factors responsible for increased cyclonic activity in the Arabian Sea. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can technological interventions help in transforming the textile sector in India? What are the initiatives that the government has taken in this regard? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What is a seiche and how does it form? Discuss the geographical conditions under which seiches are most likely to occur. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"How has rapid urbanisation affected the socio-cultural landscape of peri-urban regions in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Examine the role of historical and socio-political factors in driving communalism in Indian politics. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Globalization has significantly influenced the aspirations, lifestyle, and value systems of Indian youth. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Examine how Chandragupta-II's reign symbolised a golden age of cultural development, laying the foundation for future advancements in Indian art and literature. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Evaluate the intended and unintended consequences of British educational policies for the Indian society in the colonial period. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"India's territorial disputes after independence were not merely about borders, but also encompass issues of national identity, historical grievances, and geopolitical strategies. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the geographical conditions responsible for the development of shola forests in the upper reaches of the Western Ghats. Highlight their ecological significance. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss the potential of natural hydrogen as a fuel to meet growing global energy demands? Why is it still an untapped industry? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Why is there a shift of labour-intensive industries from China to South and Southeast Asia? Discuss the advantages and challenges for India in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Explain the socio-economic transformations resulting from women's migration to metropolitan areas in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The institution of marriage in India is increasingly becoming a site of conspicuous consumption and commodification. Critically examine the impact of this commercialisation on social equity and gender relations. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Analyse how recognizing, reducing, and redistributing care work can foster gender equality and promote inclusive development in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Discuss the changing nature of family structures in urban India. How is it impacting elderly care and socialization of the youth? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1068,"topper":"Anindya Pandey","air":158,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ANINDYA-PANDEYUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-158-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) Rising influence of money power in Indian elections poses a serious challenge to transparency, fairness, and democratic accountability. How can ethical electoral funding be ensured to maintain the integrity of democracy?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) Explain the key dimensions of ethics that influence human behaviour. How do these dimensions shape ethical decision-making in private life?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) \"Academic freedom is the bedrock of scholarly inquiry and intellectual progress.\" Examine the ethical issues that arise when educational institutions yield to political, social, or economic pressures and compromises academic freedom.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"1 What needs to be done?\n1 Ensure independence of higher education institution\n2 Ensure regular funding\n3 Collaborate with leading global institutes\n4 Focus on critical thinking & develop a questioning attitude\n5 Industry - Academia - Government linkage","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"b) Fortitude enables a civil servant to make difficult yet morally right decisions. Explain with reference to real-life examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3 Given below are the three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context?\na) \"When learning is purposeful, creativity blossoms. When creativity blossoms, thinking emanates. When thinking emanates, knowledge is fully lit. When knowledge is lit, the economy flourishes.\" - Abdul Kalam","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) “The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the world's problems.” - Mahatma Gandhi","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"c) \"Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.\" - Dalai Lama","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.4) a) What do you understand by the term 'probity in governance'? Explain how probity acts as the foundation of ethical public administration.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"b) \"Starvation must not be used as a weapon of war.\" Yet, parties involved in conflicts often resort to the blockade of food and medical aid to civilians in conflict zones, deepening the humanitarian crisis. Powerful nations, despite their capacity to intervene, tend to prioritise strategic interests over humanitarian concerns. What ethical considerations should guide powerful nations in preventing such actions and ensuring unimpeded humanitarian access?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.5) a) What teachings of Mahavira are most relevant today and why? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"b) \"In contemporary times, social media platforms have emerged as powerful agents in shaping individual and societal attitudes.\" Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.6) a) What do you understand by the 'voice of conscience'? In what ways can you prepare yourself to listen to the voice of conscience?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"b) Effective utilisation of public funds is not merely an administrative requirement but a moral responsibility of those entrusted with public office. However, instances of funds allocated to government schemes lying idle or being diverted towards extraneous purposes continue to be reported across the country. Examine the reasons for under-utilization and mis-utilization of public funds and their implications.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7 A rail overbridge (ROB) is being planned in the capital city of a central Indian state. The project aims to reduce traffic congestion and ease delays at railway crossings, which affect thousands of daily commuters. It had been a long-standing demand of local residents, and the government approved it to address persistent traffic bottlenecks in the area. The project is to be executed by the State Public Works Department (PWD), with a strict completion deadline of one year i.e. 31st July 2026. The PWD Minister, who is also the local MLA, is scheduled to inaugurate the project in the third week of August 2026. This is planned to take place shortly before the expected announcement of state elections. Ramesh has been selected as the project manager of this prestigious assignment on the basis of his professional competence and experience.\n\nWhile reviewing the approved design plans in preparation for execution, Ramesh identifies a serious flaw. The proposed alignment includes a sharp 90-degree turn, incorporated due to spatial constraints between an electrified railway line on one side and ongoing metro construction on the other. From a technical standpoint, Ramesh believes the design is unsafe. It increases the risk of vehicular accidents, especially for heavy vehicles, and may lead to long-term inconvenience for road users.\n\nRamesh promptly raises the issue with the Chief Engineer. However, the Chief Engineer overrules the concern. He states that the General Arrangement Drawing (GAD) has already been approved by the Bridge Engineering Department, in coordination with Indian Railways. He points out that revisiting the design at this stage shall result in project delays, increased expenditure, and unwanted political attention.\n\nSubsequently, Ramesh comes to know that the contractor awarded the tender to execute the project is a close relative of the PWD Minister. He also receives unofficial communication suggesting that his promotion to Additional Chief Engineer is under active consideration, but could be jeopardised if he creates “unnecessary hurdles” in the project’s timely completion.\n\nThe incumbent state government is eager to complete the overbridge before the elections and present it as a major developmental achievement. This adds to the pressure on Ramesh to expedite project execution without raising further objections. Nonetheless, he remains convinced that the current design is flawed and could have grave implications for public safety if left unaddressed.\n\nMeanwhile, the bridge design has also attracted widespread public attention after being published in a leading local newspaper. Images of the sharp 90-degree turn went viral on social media, drawing criticism and ridicule. Several engineering experts have publicly flagged the alignment as a potential safety hazard, reinforcing Ramesh’s concerns.\na) Under the given conditions, what are the options available to Ramesh as a project manager?\nb) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Ramesh?\nc) What are the professional challenges likely to be faced by Ramesh and his response to overcome such challenges?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"a) दी गई परिस्थितियों में, एक परियोजना प्रबंधक के रूप में रमेश के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं? b) रमेश को किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है? c) रमेश को किन व्यावसायिक चुनौतियों का सामना करना पड़ सकता है तथा ऐसी चुनौतियों पर नियंत्रण पाने के लिए उसकी क्या प्रतिक्रिया होनी चाहिए?\na) दी गई परिस्थितियों में, एक परियोजना प्रबंधक के रूप में रमेश के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nb) रमेश को किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\nc) रमेश को किन व्यावसायिक चुनौतियों का सामना करना पड़ सकता है तथा ऐसी चुनौतियों पर नियंत्रण पाने के लिए उसकी क्या प्रतिक्रिया होनी चाहिए?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":34,"question":"Q.8) Srushti is a young and dynamic IPS officer, posted as Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in a communally sensitive district. Her husband, Arjun, is an IAS officer and posted as Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in the same district. Both are honest, sincere and deeply committed to their work. They have a daughter who is just four months old, and is looked after by a domestic helper. Srushti resumed duty just two weeks ago after six months of maternity leave.\nAt 9 PM on Saturday night, Srushti is in her office reviewing the security arrangements with her team for an upcoming local festival. The situation in the area has been tense throughout the week due to a flare-up between two communities over a petty issue. Around 9:30 PM, she gets a call from the Superintendent of Police. He asks her to prepare a detailed law and order brief for a high-level meeting the next morning.\nSrushti reaches home at 10 PM, feeling exhausted. She has not been getting proper sleep during the week due to frequent night patrolling. Arjun also returns around the same time after a long day in the field. Their daughter has been unwell and cried through most of the previous night. Arjun expresses concern about Srushti's heavy workload and the baby's condition. He tells her that she can not keep pushing herself like this and that the child needs more of her attention. Srushti replies that she cannot afford to step back. She adds that people are already judging her and questioning her commitment to work for availing maternity leave. The conversation gradually turns into an argument. Arjun feels Srushti is ignoring her health and family, while Srushti feels judged and unsupported.\nLater that night, as Srushti sits at her desk preparing the report, she pauses and reflects on the purpose of her work. She had joined the IPS to serve the people and protect the vulnerable. But now, she wonders if she is being fair to her own child and family. Even as recently as last week, she had to cancel the family dinner as she had to attend an urgent meeting at the SP office. She also feels the weight of expectations. Male officers with children are rarely questioned. But as a new mother, she is constantly under scrutiny. Many in the department believe that women, especially new mothers, are not suitable for field duty.\nSrushti starts thinking about her options. She knows that whatever decision she makes will not only impact her own future but also influence the expectations placed on other working mothers in uniform.\na) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\nb) Evaluate the options available to Srushti in the above situation.\nc) What suggestions would you make to help officers like Srushti maintain a healthy work-life balance.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"a) उपर्युक्त मामले में नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\nb) उपरोक्त स्थिति में सृष्टि के लिए उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nc) सृष्टि जैसे अधिकारियों को स्वस्थ कार्य-जीवन संतुलन बनाए रखने में मदद करने के लिए आप क्या सुझाव देंगे?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":39,"question":"Q.9) A reputed Indian beauty & personal care company developed a herbal skin cream for the international market, claiming anti-ageing and skin-repair properties based on traditional Ayurvedic formulations. After obtaining the necessary approvals and export certifications, the company began exporting the product. The product received widespread positive feedback for its quality and natural formulation, and soon became a huge hit in international markets. Riding on this success, the company announced that the product would soon be made available to domestic consumers, with almost the same quality and health benefits.\n\nSubsequently, it secured approval from the domestic regulatory authority and launched the product in the Indian market. Over time, the brand gained a significant share of the domestic market and earned substantial revenues both nationally and internationally.\n\nHowever, during a random sample check, officials discovered that the cream sold in India differed from the version approved by the competent authority. The product failed to meet the claimed herbal composition and purity standards. Further investigation revealed that the company had often been distributing batches that had failed export quality checks.\n\nThe incident triggered widespread public criticism and regulatory scrutiny, leading to a sharp decline in the company’s reputation and financial performance.\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\nb) What actions should the competent regulatory authority take against the personal care company for violating domestic quality standards and distributing rejected export batches in the Indian market?\nc) What course of action is available to the company to manage the crisis and restore public trust and brand credibility?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Q.10 A forest fire has broken out in a hilly district and is rapidly spreading toward an eco-sensitive area that includes four villages (ESA villages). These villages lie along the forest fringe and are surrounded by difficult terrain. The region is known for its biodiversity and traditional forest-based livelihoods. The inhabitants of these villages are mostly poor tribal communities, dependent on forest resources for their sustenance.\nYou, as the District Magistrate of the area, have rushed to the spot with a medical team, police personnel, NGOs, media, and support staff to oversee the rescue and containment operations. Your disaster response team on the ground is small and poorly equipped. Reinforcements from the district headquarter have been requested, but they may take several hours to arrive due to the remoteness and challenging terrain.\nIn the meantime, a group of trained ex-forest guards and local youth from the villages offer to help. They are experienced and familiar with the area. However, existing government rules do not permit the engagement of unofficial personnel in fire control operations without formal clearance and insurance coverage.\nYour team members are divided on this issue. Some members argue that volunteers should be engaged immediately to prevent the fire from spreading. Others caution that involving them without proper approval and safety cover could be risky and against protocol.\nAs the District Magistrate, you are also the Chairperson of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA). The fire is spreading at a very rapid rate, and immediate action is required to protect lives, property, and the environment. You are now in a dilemma.\na) What are the options available to you?\nb) Critically evaluate each of the options identified by you.\nc) What option would you adopt and why?\nd) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by you?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"a) Options available & b) their critical evaluation","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"Q.11) In one of the government primary schools located in a rural block of a district, the newly appointed headmistress observed an unusual practice. The school had been preparing and serving mid-day meals separately to students belonging to different communities. Although the meals were cooked using a common gas connection, separate utensils, cooking areas, and serving arrangements had been in place for more than two decades. Students from the two communities had their food cooked and served by different cooks and ate in separate classrooms, despite attending classes together.\nAfter taking charge, the headmistress decided to discontinue this practice. She directed that food be prepared and served together for all students, using a common kitchen and utensils. However, the decision triggered backlash. A considerable number of parents across communities vehemently opposed the move and stopped sending their children to school. Consequently, attendance fell by almost 60 percent. This also raised concerns regarding the possible discontinuation of the mid-day meal scheme, withdrawal of teaching staff, and even closure of the school due to falling enrolment.\nThe issue has attracted attention from various political and social groups attempting to further polarise the situation and serve their vested interests.\nMarpi Apang, the District Education Officer (DEO), has been tasked by the Deputy Commissioner's office to amicably resolve the matter at the earliest. She has also been directed to submit a detailed report along with the Action Taken Report within a fortnight.\na) Identify the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb) What course of action should Marpi adopt and why?\nc) What should be the responsibilities of different social segments and agencies to create positive social ambiance for accepting such changes?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Q.12 You are a Municipal Commissioner of a tier-2 city experiencing rapid urban expansion. Several high-rise residential and commercial buildings are under construction in the city to meet the growing demand for housing. One such luxury residential complex is being built, employing hundreds of daily-wage labourers, many of whom live in temporary settlements at the construction site. Late one night during the monsoon season, a large section of scaffolding and concrete slabs collapses from the upper floors of one of the under-construction buildings. Seven labourers, including two minors, die on the spot. Several others are critically injured and rushed to the hospital. The tragic incident results in public outrage, intense media scrutiny, and protests by a local NGO. The state government orders a formal inquiry and directs you to submit a report within a week. Your preliminary investigation reveals a series of irregularities. The construction material used is substandard and not in accordance with the National Building Code. Although the approved plan permits construction of fifteen floors, the builder has illegally added two extra floors. Moreover, the structure has encroached on land demarcated for a community park and a fire service lane under the city's Zonal Development Plan. These violations are not reported during site inspections conducted by the building inspector of the municipal corporation. The building clearance was granted during the tenure of your predecessor, who is not only your batchmate but also a close friend. Both of you were roommates during your training at LBSNAA. Prima facie, the case appears to involve a widespread nexus between officials of the Municipal Corporation and the builder. Your colleagues are putting pressure on you to go slow in the inquiry. Some of them suggest that holding the builder accountable could damage the city's image among investors and slow down urban development. Meanwhile, you come to know that the builder is the younger brother of a powerful minister in the state cabinet. One evening, his personal aide visits you privately. He suggests that the matter could be \"mutually settled\" and offers you a premium apartment worth ₹2 crore in the same residential complex. In the same breath, he hints that if the matter is not resolved swiftly in the builder's favour, someone in his office is prepared to file a complaint against you under the SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\nb) What are the options available to you in this situation?\nc) Explain your selected course of action.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"a) मामले में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा करें।\nb) इस स्थिति में आपके पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nc) अपनी चुनी हुई कार्यवाही का विवरण दीजिए।","marks":null,"words":"20 अंक"}]},{"id":1069,"topper":"Aniruddh Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b7ebc-627140_1244_aniruddh-yadav_rank-8.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the need of an Independent Fiscal Council (IFC) in bringing about transparency and accountability in fiscal processes in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Recognizing the potential of exports in generating employment, a number of steps need to be taken to address India's weakening export competitiveness. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlighting the main features of National Mineral Policy, 2019, discuss how it can help in ensuring sustainable and responsible mining. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlighting the salient features of the PM JI-VAN Yojana, analyze how it can assist in achieving the vision and goals of the National Policy on Biofuels, 2018. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) provides an alternative to capital and chemical intensive agriculture currently being practiced in India. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Marine life is facing 'irreparable damage' from the millions of tonnes of plastic waste which ends up in the oceans each year. In this context, examine the implications of plastic pollution on marine ecosystem and suggest some measures for addressing this problem. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are black holes? Highlight the challenges in imaging a black hole? How were these challenges overcome by the Event Horizon Telescope project? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"While mentioning the objectives of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), discuss the challenges which are hindering the utilization of the ATT to its full potential. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Threats to internal security of India may be posed both through the communication networks and also to the networks. Discuss. Also, highlight the steps taken by the government in making the networks more secure. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlight the importance and challenges related to integration of Variable Renewable Energy (VRE) in India. Mention some steps that can be taken for its smooth integration with the synchronized Indian grid. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"There have been arguments that India could fall into a 'middle income trap'. Explaining the phenomenon, highlight the reasons behind such arguments. How can India avoid it? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Highlighting its importance, discuss the major issues that plague effective monetary policy transmission in India. Also, mention the steps taken by RBI to improve it. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight the constraints faced by rainfed agriculture in India. Discuss some agronomic practices that can be adopted for stabilizing agricultural production in rainfed areas. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite the steps taken by the government in recent years, a number of problems continue to persist in the urea sector in India. Discuss. What reforms should be taken to address the persisting problems? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What is Access and Benefit Sharing? Explain how it aids in sustainable use of biodiversity. Also, mention the different global and national level mechanisms for ensuring Access and Benefit Sharing. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Stating the significance, discuss the challenges in achieving disaster resilience of infrastructure. Suggest some ways for mainstreaming it in the development paradigm. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Highlighting the significance of data localization for India, discuss various challenges associated with data localization. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Money Laundering as a socio economic offence is a menace especially for developing countries like India. Comment. What measures have been taken at the domestic and international levels to deal with this menace? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The primary motive of terrorism differs from that of organised crime but there exists a symbiotic relationship between the two. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1070,"topper":"Aniruddh Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0bcff-627140_1247_aniruddh-yadav_rank-8.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Mention the structure and functions of NITI Aayog. Also, comment on its contemporary relevance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Critically discuss the practice of setting up Fast Track Courts to reduce pendency of cases in the judiciary. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the challenges faced by lower judiciary in India and suggest measures for enhancing their productivity. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Assess the need to formalise the process of post-legislative scrutiny to improve the effectiveness of laws. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in improving the effectiveness of e-governance in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Despite various reforms in the public grievance redressal mechanisms, their effectiveness remain limited. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Explaining the factors that contribute to trafficking of women and children in India, highlight the steps taken in recent times to combat it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"With Vector-Borne Diseases (VBDs) reaching epidemic proportions in India, highlight the factors that have led to their emergence. Also, suggest some measures for their effective control and management. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"After years of neglect, rapidly evolving regional strategic realities are now forcing India and Indonesia to coordinate their policies ever more closely. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Despite several attempts at resetting the ties, various barriers continue to be a cause of concern in the India-Nepal bilateral relations. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Delineate the differences between pressure groups and interest groups. Citing examples, elaborate on the ways in which pressure groups influence government decisions and policy making in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlighting the issues faced by the institutions of local self governance in India, suggest measures that can be taken to improve their effectiveness in the delivery of public goods and services at the grassroot level. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The recent amendment to the Right to Information Act, 2005 will weaken the act and undermine the authority of Information Commissioners. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight the process of delimitation in India. Also, throw light on the debates surrounding the delimitation exercise in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Self Help Groups (SHGs) are vehicles of rural development, which help in the upliftment of marginalized groups. Elucidate. Further, mention the constraints faced by SHGs and how they can be addressed. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"With construction of toilets being only one part of the solution for a clean India, it is time that the Swachh Bharat Mission puts more emphasis on the other facets as well. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Highlight the salient features of Mission Indradhanush. What are the challenges that the mission is facing in its implementation? Suggest measures to address these challenges for progressing towards full immunization coverage. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Assess the importance of skilling in light of changing economic and demographic structure in India. In this regard, how far has the Skill India Mission succeeded in its mandate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"What according to you are the reasons that motivated India to create a dedicated Indo-Pacific division in the MEA recently? Also, highlight the challenges for India in the Indo-Pacific region. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"For SCO to become a successful regional grouping, it has to overcome bilateral differences between its members and their respective geopolitical calculations. Comment. Also, discuss the role that SCO can play in enhancing India's interest in the Eurasian region. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1071,"topper":"Aniruddh Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8223c-627140_1246_aniruddh-yadav_rank-8.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Rock-cut structures were closely associated with various religions and religious activities. Discuss the statement giving relevant examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The legislative and administrative record of the Congress Ministries during their twenty-eight months rule under the Act of 1935 was positive, but the period also witnessed the emergence of serious weaknesses in the Congress. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Kamladevi Chattopadhyay was a multifaceted personality with significant contributions both to pre and post independence India. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The inherent limitations of Napoleon's policy of Continental Blockade ultimately resulted in its failure. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Despite changes in the institution of marriage in recent times, there have been elements of continuity as well. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"There are multiple disabilities that a person experiences in the course of ageing. Elaborate. Also identify key government initiatives taken for addressing them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlight the reasons behind prevalence of low literacy rate among tribals. Also, mention some initiatives taken by the government in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain how Continental Drift Theory describes the changing configuration of the continents. Discuss the prominent evidences given by Alfred Wegener to support his theory. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The variety of landforms on the earth's surface is the result of internal and external forces. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Explaining the concept of Lapse Rate, examine its relationship with atmospheric stability. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The colonial period brought the influence of Western architectural forms to India. In this context, giving examples, highlight the contribution of Europeans to Indian architecture. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The nineteenth century witnessed a struggle against the backward elements of traditional culture. Discuss in the context of socio-religious reform movements. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Explaining the reasons behind partition of Bengal, discuss the successes and limitations of the Swadeshi movement launched in its wake. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The reorganisation of states in India post-independence has been an ongoing process with distinct contributing factors. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The Treaty of Versailles was not a peace agreement based on reconciliation but was 'dictated peace' forced on Germany, which eventually triggered the Second World War. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Legal measures alone are not sufficient for addressing the issue of domestic violence against women, rather it requires intervention at societal level. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"India is undergoing a demographic transition the implications of which are multipronged. Analyze. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Highlight the significance of watershed development in India. Give reasons for the limited success of initiatives directed towards watershed management in India. Also, suggest some measures to improve the design of watershed programs. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Explain the relationship between raw materials and location of industries. How are globalisation and technological advancements changing this relationship? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Explain how natural greenhouse effect helps in maintaining Earth's heat budget. What are the possible implications of rising concentration of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in atmosphere on Earth's heat budget? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1072,"topper":"Aniruddh Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/60df4-627140_1245_aniruddh-yadav_rank-8.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the attributes of leadership, analyse why it is important for a civil servant.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"A civil servant needs to be objective as well as empathetic. What do you understand by objectivity? Discuss its relationship with empathy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"With rapidly increasing use of information technology, what according to you is the role of ethics in cyber space?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Transparency in government organisations is an essential pre-condition for good governance. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but its lowest ones. Nelson Mandela","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"For achieving success, attitude is equally, if not more important than ability. Discuss with the help of examples from your daily life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"The core of high Emotional Intelligence is self-awareness. If you don't understand your own motivations and behaviours, it is nearly impossible to develop an understanding of others. Discuss with the help of appropriate examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by Integrity Pacts? Highlight the role they can play in bringing transparency in allotment of public contracts and ensuring proper utilization of public funds in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"In the context of rapid technological change, discuss the significance of inculcating moral and spiritual values in educational institutions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Explain the main elements of integral humanism as propounded by Deen Dayal Upadhyay and highlight its contemporary relevance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"It is imperative for a country like India, that code of ethics should be implemented for civil servants on social media platforms as well. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Discuss how effective corporate governance can ensure the equitable treatment of all stakeholders.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"You are posted as the Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district of a state where alcohol prohibition has been imposed recently. The District Excise department has conducted many raids and seized liquor in large quantities, for which it has received state-wide public appreciation. A few months later reports surface in the media that in this district, hundreds of seized bottles of illicit liquor are missing from the government malkhanas or stores. As a result, the government is left red-faced. You are asked by the DM, who is the overall in-charge of the district excise setup, to investigate the matter. Upon investigation, you unearth a nexus of politicians and government officials who smuggled seized liquor and sold it through spurious means both inside and outside the state. In this context, evaluate these options:","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Being aware of the seriousness of the matter, discretely put the detailed investigation report in the public domain and expose the nexus. Also, suggest, without restricting yourself to the given options, the final course of action that you would prefer.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate in a Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected district. The district has witnessed many instances of violence by the naxalites in the past. It has been observed that instances of violence increase as the elections approach. You, as a Returning Officer, are responsible for the smooth conduct of elections. Soon after the announcement of elections, the naxalites gave a call for their boycott and have been threatening people to stay away from them. The people of the district are eager to exercise their voting rights but are scared of the impending acts of violence. Further, with threat to their lives and a low expected turnout, the other electoral officers are also reluctant to go to these areas. In this context, answer the following: (a) Identify the civil service values that are crucial for working in such adversities. (b) Suggest a plan of action to ensure the conduct of free and fair elections in such a situation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate in a district, where many large factories and commercial establishments are located. One such factory is owned by one of your close friends. You visit each other's home frequently and are often seen in public together. Recently, media reported about poor working conditions in your friend's factory. Upon enquiry with the labor office, you come to know that the factory has witnessed frequent labour unrests in the past as well. However, the labour officer told you that he was hesitating to take any action due to your proximity with the owner of the factory. With reference to the facts of the case, answer the following questions: (a) Identifying the stakeholders and public cause, discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) As the District Magistrate, what appropriate course of action will you take? Give reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are a resident of a remote tribal district, where there is high incidence of malnutrition. As a remedial measure, the District Magistrate has initiated a programme to promote millet cultivation, especially on the lands currently lying fallow in the district. However, this well-intentioned move of the officer receives flak from the local tribals as this may not only change their age-old food habits, but also alter their traditional agricultural practices. They further cite lower remunerative prices of millets as another reason for continuing with their existing crop production pattern. As a civil servant aspirant, who has a keen interest in development of tribal areas, answer the following questions: (a) What according to you are the key issues and challenges involved in the above situation? (b) Identify the key stakeholders and their respective interests. (c) Suggest a course of action that the District Magistrate can take keeping in mind the larger tribal interests.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You have recently been posted as a District Labour Officer in a state, which derives a substantial revenue from tourism. You come to know that a big hotel in the area has not been paying wages as per the Minimum Wages Act. The hotel owner is a powerful local leader having contacts with many influential officials of the state. You have the power to take sou-moto cognizance of such violations and accordingly you initiate a preliminary enquiry into the matter. However, no worker is willing to come forward to lodge a formal complaint because they fear loss of employment. Meanwhile, your action has attracted notice of the higher authorities, and you are advised to drop the matter altogether. You are deeply concerned about the situation as it involves not only violation of the Minimum Wages Act but also denial of basic human rights of the worker. (a) Identify the issues involved in the given case. (b) Consider the options given below:","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Serve a notice to the hotel owner and initiate action as per your powers under the Minimum Wages Act. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each of these options and suggest your preferred course of action, giving reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"You are the Chairman of a Committee, constituted by the government, to suggest measures to improve the quality of education in state-run schools. In view of the increasing dropout rate and the widening gap between students' learning ability in state-run and private schools, answer the following questions: (a) Examine the role of government in the education sector, especially providing primary and secondary education through state-run schools. (b) Identify the principles and values that would guide your recommendations in this regard. (c) Suggest some ways in which quality of education in state-run schools can be improved.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1073,"topper":"Anirudh Jain","air":295,"year":2022,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://academy.forumias.com/optional-test-series/slider%20Image/Anirudh-Jain.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1074,"topper":"Anirudh Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ae2f0-30622_758_anirudh_kumar_rank_146.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What role has the constitution envisaged for the Governor with respect to administration of Scheduled and Tribal Areas? Critically evaluate the success of provisions of Fifth and Sixth schedules in achieving their objectives.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"In view of the argument that governance is caught in a logjam of far too many checks and not enough balances, has the time arrived to have a relook at the powers of Rajya Sabha? Discuss keeping in mind the constitutional rationale and the role performed by Rajya Sabha over the years.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"The constitutional provisions relating to office of profit have been violated over the years in spirit, even as they have been adhered to in letter. Discuss in light of various judgment(s) of the Apex Court in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"While holding simultaneous elections to the Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies offers various advantages, it brings its own set of complexities. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"The right to live with dignity under Article 21 includes the right to die with dignity. Discuss in light of various judicial pronouncements by the Apex Court on this matter. Also, critically examine the various issues associated with the Medical Treatment of Terminally Ill Patients Bill 2016.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Inspite of 15 years of being in existence, it is often argued that MPLADS has failed to meet its objectives. Critically analyse along with reforms required to improve its implementation. Also discuss if this scheme should be discontinued in light of 73rd and 74th amendments to the constitution.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Mentioning the positions taken by the Supreme Court and the Government of India, examine the rationale behind the idea of National Court of Appeal (NCA).","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"In light of frequent droughts experienced in the country, efficient water management is the need of the hour. How far can Draft National Water Framework Bill, 2016 help in achieving this? Analyse its utility in tackling the issues of inter-state water disputes.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"It is often said that the Right to Information act is necessary, but not sufficient to improve governance. Do you agree? Also, examine the various structural, procedural and logistical issues with the act.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"While the Right to Education is based on the idea that every child should have an equal right to quality education, it has been facing challenges on various fronts. Comment. Can privatising education provide a solution to the problems being faced?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Enumerate the key rights being guaranteed by the Mental Health Care Bill, 2013 passed by the Rajya Sabha recently. Also examine the challenges in its implementation. , 2013 - ,","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Absence of a powerful and politically accountable leadership in the cities is considered as one of the primary reasons for urban woes. Do you think that direct election of mayor can help in overcoming this issue? What other alternatives can be explored for improving the working of urban local bodies? , ? ?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"It is more difficult to escape the shadow of social discrimination than it is to break the shackles of economic backwardness. Discuss the statement in the context of Dalit capitalism and give an account of the problems that Dalit entrepreneurs have been facing. Also highlight the steps taken by the government in recent times to encourage Dalit empowerment via the market.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"South Asia, with India at its centre, is the fastest growing region for human trafficking in the world. In this context, examine the reasons for human trafficking in India. How does the Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2016 seek to address this issue?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Though India's performance in Olympics has improved over the years, our sports ecosystem continues to suffer from many deficiencies. Analyze. Enumerate the steps that can be taken to improve India's performance in multi-national sports events.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Though economic relations remain the backbone of the India-GCC relationship, both sides have been looking for new areas of cooperation to strengthen their political and strategic ties. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Whereas, on the one hand, multilateral institutions such as the United Nations and WTO are increasingly beset by logjam, on the other, regional and bilateral initiatives such as the TPP are gaining ground. Do you think India needs to review reliance on multilateralism in favour of bilateral and regional engagements?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Even though India has been steadfast in its commitment to non-proliferation, its relationship with the export control regimes has not been without challenges. Discuss. Also, evaluate the importance of India joining export control regimes.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Even though SAARC has remained a key aspect of India's neighbourhood policy, the efficacy of this regional grouping has been questioned in recent times. Discuss. Also critically examine the options available to India in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"The Indian diaspora is more prosperous than before and its involvement in India's development is increasing. How has India's engagement with its diaspora evolved over the years? Highlighting the initiatives taken by the government to fruitfully engage with the diaspora, comment on the emerging challenges in this context.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1075,"topper":"Anirudh Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b47b8-30622_762_anirudh_kumar_rank_146.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Even though the Representation of the People Act has been amended from time to time, the issues pertaining to criminalisation and influence of money power remain unresolved. Comment. Also discuss the role played by the judiciary and the Election Commission in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"The main function of the Public Accounts Committee is to ascertain that the money granted by Parliament has been spent by the government within the scope of the demand. In this context, critically analyse the role played by the Public Accounts Committee.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Referendums are portrayed as popular governance in its purest form, however, it is also argued that they often subvert democracy rather than serve it. Examine in the light of recent developments across the globe.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"What do you understand by special category status for states? Examine its contribution in bringing balanced regional development in the country. In light of the 14th Finance Commission recommendations, analyse whether this categorisation has outlived its relevance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"It is contended that GST regime will significantly curb the financial autonomy of states by taking away substantial taxation powers. In this regard, examine the impact of the GST regime on federal structure of our polity. What are the proposed mechanisms in the bill which seek to address this issue?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"What is the rationale behind the changes in the budgetary process approved by the Union Cabinet recently? Do you think it is a step forward towards efficient governance and fiscal prudence?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Critically examine the provisions of the recently introduced Citizenship Amendment Bill 2016. Are some provisions of the bill against India's secular principles?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Whereas the legislature is empowered to regulate the ratification of interr ational treaties in the United states, in India it is mostly the domain of the executive. Examine the rationale and benefits of these two approaches with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"What are the reasons for the declining rate of child adoption in India? Discuss whether the amended Juvenile Justice (Care & Protection of Children) Act, 2015 can address this issue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Bill passed recently aims at striking a balance between education and India's economic reality. Critically analyze.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Though the the Maharashtra Protection of People from Social Boycott (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act of 2016 is an important step in the long-standing struggle against social exclusion, it is only the first step. Comment. Also discuss the challenges in implementation of the act.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Though the Criminal Tribes Act, 1871 was annulled soon after independence, the communities designated as Denotified Tribes (DNT) and Nomadic Tribes (NT) remain amongst the most discriminated and disadvantaged groups in the country. Comment. Also discuss the steps taken by the government to improve their condition.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"The idea of a Pay Commission is to revise the pay scales of the government staff. In light of the recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission examine the need for the introduction of performance linked pay for government employees as in the case of private sector. Also comment on the need for the introduction of pay parity among various services.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Even though India and Russia have enjoyed a close relationship over the years, it has not been immune to the changing power dynamics globally. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"The Indus Water Treaty has survived multiple wars and is often cited as a successful example of transboundary sharing of river waters. In this context, identify the key provisions of the treaty and examine the options that India can exercise to pursue its strategic interests vis-a-vis Pakistan.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"The Iranian nuclear agreement presents an opportunity for moving towards a new security order in the Persian Gulf. Elaborate in the context of changing scenario in the region. What are the likely implications for India in this context?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Considering the diversity among Pacific Island Countries (PICs), India has a huge scope for building multi-sectoral cooperation tailored to the specific conditions in these islands. Discuss. Also examine the strategic importance of PICs for India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Though BRICS is neither an economic union nor a political coalition, it creates space for India to move the contemporary international order towards alternative models of development and governance. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Since the end of Cold War, the focus and role of NAM have changed significantly. Discuss. Also analyse its relevance for India in the emerging geo-political order.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Despite a consensus that a collective global effort is needed to alleviate the ongoing refugee crisis, efforts made so far have hardly yielded the desired results. Do you agree? Briefly highlight the socio-political impact of this crisis on destination countries. Also highlight the role that India can play in this situation.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1076,"topper":"Anirudha Pandey","air":64,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/14116-108343_1253_anirudha-pandey_rank-64.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1077,"topper":"Anirudha Pandey","air":64,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/09a51-108343_1753_anirudha-pandey_rank-64.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1078,"topper":"Anirudha Pandey","air":64,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/07a74-108343_1458_anirudha-pandey_rank-64.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1079,"topper":"Anirudha Pandey","air":64,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1HRRD5_sQEyjVVFf6twzN3E0TNX21eQlF","questions":[]},{"id":1080,"topper":"Anirudha Pandey","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/61502-108343_1863_anirudha-pandey_rank-64.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Parliamentary oversight of administration is not an end in itself rather it acts as a means to strengthen the efficient functioning of the administration. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Tenth Schedule of the Constitution has weakened the democratic credentials of India's representative democracy. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Article 246 of the Indian Constitution is considered as the cornerstone of Centre-state legislative relations. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Although the provision of issuing ordinances amounts to the usurpation of legislative power by the Executive, both Centre and states in India have taken unrestrained course to it. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"There has been a manifold increase in the number of ministries in the central government since independence. Do you agree with the view there is a need to phase out many ministries and amalgamate others in this context? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Evaluate the success of Digital India in fulfilling its vision of transforming India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Examine the issues related to poverty measurement in India. Suggest measures to improve upon the existing methodologies. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"As one of the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, discuss the rationale behind internationalisation of higher education in India and its associated challenges. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Stating the significance of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), examine whether they have been as beneficial as expected for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Though multilateral development banks (MDBs) are crucial for holistic development of developing nations like India, there are certain legitimate concerns about their functioning. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Despite the legal framework to resolve inter-state river water disputes, why do they continue to exist? Also, discuss measures that can be taken to resolve such disputes in an expeditious and agreeable manner. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"While use of technology is a welcome step towards improving the efficiency of the judicial system, it must be understood that technology itself comes with a set of challenges that make justice even more inaccessible. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The current urban planning capacities in India are extremely skeletal and need systemic reforms and a change in mindset. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Reservation for women in the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) has not translated into corresponding increase in women's representation in India's state legislatures. Bringing out the reasons for the same, discuss how under-representation of women in the state legislatures can be corrected. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"For effective public service delivery, there is need to shift from traditional accountability mechanisms to social accountability mechanisms. In this context, discuss the pre-conditions for the success of social accountability efforts and challenges associated with them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) remains one of the most ambitious programmes for public welfare and rural development, but its objectives cannot be achieved without strong and capable Panchayati Raj Institutions. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Despite legal safeguards and international conventions, the State has failed to uphold the rights of persons with disabilities in general and those with psychosocial disabilities in particular. Discuss in the context of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"To what extent has the PM Awas Yojana (Gramin) been successful in solving the problem of rural housing in India? Discuss with adequate arguments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Despite the potential of India's Neighbourhood First policy, there have been several impediments to regional cooperation in South Asia. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"It is argued that China's Belt and Road Initiative has resulted in unsustainable debt-for-infrastructure deals in several countries across continents and it is a part of debt trap diplomacy. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1081,"topper":"Anirudha Pandey","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/553cb-108343_1836_anirudha-pandey_rank-64.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The PM-AASHA scheme is aimed at improving procurement mechanism as well as ensuring remunerative prices for farmers. In this context, highlight the various components of the scheme and discuss the concerns associated with it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Explaining the concept of blended finance, discuss the role it can play in mobilizing capital for infrastructure development in developing countries like India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss the challenges faced in the revival and revamp of dry ports in India and state the measures that can be adopted in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Monoculture is one of the major threats to ensuring food security and sustainability of Indian agriculture. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Aapda Mitra - a force of volunteers from across India trained in disaster response - is becoming a game changer in the field of disaster management in the country. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Why is the rise in lone wolf attacks considered as a serious challenge for security agencies around the world? Highlight the role of the internet in exacerbating such attacks. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The fundamental inefficiencies embedded in our military structures and processes are now being addressed through a slew of defence reforms in the country. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"In light of the recent establishment of the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in India, discuss the advantages and challenges in mainstreaming traditional medicine in the country. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Nano Urea Liquid has the potential to transform farming in India and across the world by improving productivity while reducing environmental pollution and input cost. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss the domino effect of high crude oil prices on the Indian economy. Also, enumerate the measures that India can take in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The consistent high operating ratio of the Indian Railways is indicative of its incapability to generate high operational surplus. Explain the reasons behind this trend. Also, highlight the remedial measures taken by the government in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Micro food processing sector is the key driver of growth in the Indian economy as it encourages food processing innovation. In this context, state the challenges faced by the micro food processing sector and discuss how the recent initiatives taken by the government aim to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Despite efforts by successive governments, equitable growth remains elusive and income inequality continues to persist in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Stating the factors that determine the employment situation of an economy in the long-term, discuss the measures that are needed for India to address its unemployment problem. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"In view of the rapidly increasing socio-economic damage caused by disasters, integrating Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) into development planning requires an effective stakeholder engagement mechanism. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Provide an account of the existing carbon trading mechanisms in India. Also, discuss the significance of an efficient carbon trading market in the country and state the challenges that currently exist. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The menace of drug trafficking in India has been on a rise due to a mix of factors, both internal and external. Discuss. Also, state the challenges posed by drug trafficking in India's national security. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The Andaman and Nicobar islands' strategic significance in the Indian Ocean region (IOR) has been underplayed by India's policy of 'masterly inactivity and benign neglect'. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India has recently commissioned the world's first large International Liquid-Mirror Telescope (ILMT). How will the newly commissioned telescope aid in India's astronomical observations and research? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1082,"topper":"Anirudha Pandey","air":64,"year":2022,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/20567-108343_2211_anirudha-pandey_rank-64.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1083,"topper":"Anirudha Pandey","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d2aef-108343_2214_anirudha-pandey_rank-64.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The ideals of 'Dhamma' by Ashoka present key learnings on public morality. Discuss. Also, state their relevance for public servants. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Although bribery is illegal and counterproductive, public officials still demand bribes, and executives in the private sector remain tempted to pay up. In this context, discuss ways in which corporations can build a framework to eliminate the practice of offering kickbacks. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"It is argued that the Indian bureaucracy suffers from indecision and risk aversion. Do you agree? Justify with logical arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Although open and transparent governance has gained ground, do you agree with the view that there is merit in withholding some information from people? Justify your arguments with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"While it may seem restrictive, anonymity is one of the greatest strengths of the civil services. Comment in the context of growth of social media in recent times. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"A legally enforceable code of ethics for civil servants, which not only prescribes the ethical values they must display in their public life but also provides sanctions for violations of these values, is the need of the hour. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Examine the issue of foreign aid in global politics from an ethical perspective. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"There is a need for an effective climate governance structure within the broad framework of corporate governance. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"A well-developed Emotional intelligence is not only an instrumental tool in accomplishing goals, but has a dark side as a weapon for manipulating others by robbing them of their capacity to reason.\" Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The opportunities and threats created by emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) require leaders across business, government and civil society to understand the importance of values and ethics in technological development. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"All persons ought to endeavour to follow what is right, and not what is established.\" — Aristotle (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":34,"question":"Capital punishment, or \"death penalty,\" is an institutionalized practice designed to result in deliberately executing persons in response to actual or supposed misconduct and following an authorized, rule-governed process to conclude that the person is responsible for violating norms that warrant execution. Punitive executions have historically been imposed by diverse kinds of authorities, for an expansive range of conduct, political or religious beliefs and practices, for a status beyond one's control, or without employing any significant due process procedures. Punitive executions also have been and continue to be carried out more informally, such as by terrorist groups, urban gangs, and mobs. For centuries in Europe and America, discussions have focused on capital punishment as an institutionalized, rule-governed practice of modern states and legal systems governing serious criminal conduct and procedures. In light of the above debate of capital punishment, answer the following questions: (a) What are the arguments in favour of and against having capital punishment in the criminal justice system? (b) Do you think capital punishment has a place in modern civilised society? Examine in the context of moral implications involved in awarding it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"Does capital punishment have a place in modern society?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"An Indian company is active in the telecom sector, and is the majority owner of a telecom company based in other geographies across the world. At one of its European headquarters, there emerged whistleblowing allegations that a local executive was bribing local government officials in order to obtain telecom cabling and construction contracts from the local government. The kickbacks were allegedly paid through a third-party consultant. More specifically, there were allegations that the executive, the third party, and a government official had some sort of business interest in common, possibly shareholdings in a limited company or the joint ownership of an undisclosed asset. The company is thought to be particularly close to the ruling dispensation in India and the news has now raised pressure to put its business operations in India under scanner as well. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the ethical challenges in the given case? (b) Identify the different stakeholders and their interests. (c) As the CEO of the firm, how would you respond to the given situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are the Chairperson of Staff Selection Commission of a state. Recently, an exam for recruitment to the position of sub-inspectors was conducted by the Commission. But a video of some students using hi-tech devices like spy-mics, and placing \"solvers\" to cheat in the exam by hiding bluetooth devices in wig, has been surfacing on the internet. Also, this is not an isolated incident; many instances of organized cheating scandals have shocked the state in recent years. Students are agitated and demanding cancellation of the exam and there is pressure on you to resign. However, your daughter had also appeared in this exam and is confident of clearing it. There are many other students who had waited for this exam for a long time and are hopeful of clearing it with honest efforts. Whatever decision the Commission takes is bound to affect the career of a large number of candidates who appeared in the exam, including your own daughter. (a) Highlight the ethical issues concerned in the case. (b) Why is cheating in examinations prevalent in many states across India? (c) What measures would you take to make sure that a similar situation does not arise in future?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Sunil has been posted as a DM in a hilly district which is vulnerable to several natural disasters. The district is known for a pilgrimage site and is frequently visited by tourists from all over India. The major occupation of locals therefore lies in the hospitality business. Unfortunately, after a few days of his joining, the district faced a major earthquake. It has led to high casualties and damages to the essential infrastructure such as roads and bridges. Both locals and tourists are trapped at different routes and locations. An international convoy of dignitaries from a neighboring country which has come to pay their obeisance at the pilgrimage site, is also trapped due to the disaster. Because of this, Sunil has to divert most of the available resources in the rescue operation of the foreign dignitaries. People are emotionally distressed due to the disaster, and delayed response from authorities to their needs has led to a law-and-order situation in the district. People from other states whose families are trapped and need immediate assistance are also getting restless and flooding the emergency helplines with complaints and requests. (a) Discuss the issues being faced by Sunil in the given scenario. (b) Mention a course of action that Sunil must take to maintain law-and-order as well as to expediate rescue operations of all concerned.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"You are the Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district. One of your subordinates informs you that a girl has reached out to him and complained about a potential death threat to her and her boyfriend who belongs to another caste. Both the families are averse to their union. She has also informed that the local police station is neither filing any complaint nor giving her any assurance of protection. The girl belongs to the dominant caste of the region and her father is a prominent local leader of the party which is in power in the state. On further enquiry, you come to know that both the girl and her boyfriend are adults. They have moved out of the house and have started living together. This has further angered both the families and they are accusing each other of abduction. In the given scenario, answer the following questions: (a) Bring out the ethical dilemma faced by the you. (b) What would be a suitable course of action to resolve the issue? (c) At times, such instances lead to violence and may end up in honour killings. Discuss the reasons behind their social acceptance in parts of India despite the legal sanction against them.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1084,"topper":"Anirudha Pandey","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4ba07-108343_1841_anirudha-pandey_rank-64.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the meaning of self-efficacy, along with its key determinants. Also, discuss the significance of high self-efficacy for a civil servant. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have the right to do and what is right to do. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Dealing with an ethical dilemma not only requires following rules and regulations, but also requires adherence to moral prudence and altruism. Explain in the context of civil services in India, with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Code of Conduct for the civil services in India has merely remained a code; it has not helped promote ethical and moral values in governance. In this context, discuss the need for a National Commission on Integrity and Transparency in Governance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Digital ethics principles are necessary to prevent erosion of public values and deal with the ethical implications of digitizing governance systems. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Despite differences in terms of organizational values guiding the public and private sectors, there remain certain values that are equally important to both. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Bring out the difference between accountability and responsibility. Also, discuss the significance of accountability in ensuring ethical governance in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Though laws and rules can be considered as the principal guide on morality for public administrators, they are not sufficient in themselves. Substantiate with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Transparency is vital to cultivate public trust in government and to prevent, detect and deter corruption effectively. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Just-in-time release of funds heralds a significant reform for the Indian government's payment architecture. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.\"- Marcus Aurelius (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":1085,"topper":"Anirudha Pandey","air":64,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2af49-108343_1837_anirudha-pandey_rank-64.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1086,"topper":"Anirudha Pandey","air":64,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1UHKR5OuWLTNYd60eeiXZJ5vko-6Tm-D5","questions":[]},{"id":1087,"topper":"Anisha","air":94,"year":2019,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/00a6b-403440_1254_anisha_rank_94.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1088,"topper":"Anisha","air":94,"year":2019,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8925f-403440_1253_anisha_rank_94.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1089,"topper":"Anisha","air":94,"year":2019,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0eebb-403440_1146_anisha_rank_94.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1090,"topper":"Anisha","air":94,"year":2019,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ef968-403440_1439_anisha_rank_94.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1091,"topper":"Anisha Shrivastav","air":66,"year":2020,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/16028-456598_1457_anisha-shrivastav_rank_66.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1092,"topper":"Anisha Shrivastav","air":66,"year":2020,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/32617-456598_1420_anisha-shrivastav_rank_66.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1093,"topper":"Anita","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/ANITA_SS_GS_1_TEST_1_AIR_644_2025_4a8f555501.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Discuss how the tussle between various organs of the state reflects tensions between the doctrine of separation of powers and the need for checks and balances in Indian democracy. Illustrate with case laws. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"\"The anti-defection law was envisaged to curb unethical political defection but has ended up centralising power within party leadership\". Examine the implications of this trend on federalism and intra-party democracy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"The right to property, although not a fundamental right, its deprivation must still follow due process of law.\" Discuss the statement in light of the recent Supreme Court's directions on demolition protocols and the principles of natural justice. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Despite its transformative intent, the implementation of the provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA) has remained uneven and inconsistent across states. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How can India reconcile the need for gender sensitivity with the demand for gender neutrality in its legal system to achieve true substantive equality? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"The one-size-fits-all approach to policymaking often ignores India's regional heterogeneity\". Discuss the implications of centralized governance on state-level autonomy and inclusive development. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) seeks to integrate fragmented pension systems across sectors. Critically evaluate its potential to ensure inclusivity and social security. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The growing focus on multipolarity has kept BRICS relevant in an evolving world order. Examine the strategic significance of BRICS for India and the Global South. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Analyze how the recent crisis in Bangladesh impacts India-Bangladesh relations and India's Neighbourhood First Policy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The constitutional status of State Election Commissions (SECs) has not translated into real functional independence. Discuss the impact of this institutional weakness on the functioning of local self-governments in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Explain the concept of 'cohabitation' in the French semi-presidential system. Analyse why India's parliamentary system structurally prevents such an arrangement. What lessons, if any, can India draw from the French experience? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"\"Absence of timelines for granting assent under Article 200 enables constitutional subversion.\" Do you agree? Justify your answer. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Evaluate the role of the Legal Services Authority in ensuring equal access to legal aid for underprivileged sections of society. What are the key reforms required to enhance its effectiveness? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"While the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is often seen as the conscience-keeper of Parliament, it faces structural and political constraints. Critically assess the committee's effectiveness in ensuring transparency and accountability in public financial management. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Digital health is not just a technological solution but a governance imperative. In light of India's initiatives like Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) and CoWIN, examine how digital infrastructure can strengthen universal health coverage. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Does the lateral entry reform in civil services strike the right balance between efficiency and accountability? Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Informal pressure groups often act as early warning systems in democratic societies. Assess their role in safeguarding public interest. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"The India-Russia relationship is rooted in Cold War solidarity but faces strategic inertia in a fast-changing multipolar world. Examine whether this bilateral relationship needs a pragmatic reset. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"The evolving \"Great Game\" in the Arctic has opened new frontiers of strategic competition. Discuss its implications for India's energy security, scientific diplomacy, and multilateral engagement. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1094,"topper":"Anita Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/16663_844_Anita_Rank_350.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"It has been assessed that radicalisation is a security threat to India. Explain the basis of such an assessment with examples. What are the key pillars of the counter radicalisation strategy of the government?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Arguments on Siachen issue often move around the idea of demilitarisation. Examining the key attributes of the Siachen issue explain the basis of arguments regarding its demilitarisation? Also highlight the arguments against such an idea.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Money laundering and terrorism have strong inter linkages. Illustrate. In this context, how far do the steps taken by the government confirm with the international commitments?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Longstanding issue of insurgency in the Northeast highlights the linkage between violence, remoteness, underdevelopment and alienation. Elaborate. Also, suggest some corrective measures for a lasting resolution of the conflicts in this region.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"While on the one hand China's One Road One Belt initiative poses security concerns and challenges for India, on the other, it can help improve India's connectivity to major markets and resource supplies. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"NATGRID was an ambitious step involving intelligence reforms, however, it remained a non-starter. Explain. In the context of recent initiatives to revive the NATGRID and the challenges it faced previously what steps are required to make it effective?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"India’s national security architecture faces a difficult task in detecting digital intrusion in cyberspace. What are the challenges India faces w.r.t. Digital Intrusion? How can these challenges be overcome?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Relations with Iran hold a lot of potential for India’s ambitions for West Asia and beyond, however, realising this potential also involves certain global and regional challenges. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"The internal crisis in Nepal over the past few years has given concrete shape to the fears of China gaining upper hand vis-a-vis a traditionally influential India. Elaborate. What can India do to further strengthen its ties with the Himalayan nation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"The Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement (TPP), touted as the world's biggest trade deal to date, has danger of bending the WTO rules. In this context, discuss the impact TPP can have on India's foreign trade. What are the options that India has to deal with the issues arising out of the TPP?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Legal proceedings initiated by the Marshall Islands against India, Pakistan and Britain over nuclear weapons in the International Court of Justice highlights the issues of jurisidiction of the court. What is India's position vis-a-vis the jurisdiction of the ICJ? Also differentiate between binding and advisory pronunciations of the court with suitable examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Even though the refugee crisis in Europe does not affect India directly, it presents an opportunity for India to showcase its commitment and capability to take greater responsibility in dealing with global issues. Comment in light of India's strengths, experience and international commitments regarding refugees.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"India is endowed with an amazing variety and wealth of soft power resources. Providing examples, illustrate the utilisation of soft power in diplomatic initiatives of the recent past. What are the limitations of the soft power approach in diplomacy in case of a developing country such as India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Highlight the features of NAVIC and bring out its significance for India. How is it different from GAGAN? Examine whether NAVIC can be a replacement of GPS for India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"What are Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) and how are they an improvement over carbon fibres? Highlight the various unique properties of CNTs which makes them suitable to the manufacturing industry.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Explain the significance of gravitational waves recently detected by LIGO. What are the objectives of the recently envisaged LIGO-India project and what benefits will India accrue from it?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"What are the criteria employed for a pandemic to be declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the WHO? In the wake of recent Ebola and Zika virus outbreaks examine the efficacy of the prevalent architecture of global health governance. Also, assess India's preparedness in handling such global epidemics.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Give a brief explanation of CRISPR - gene editing technology. Also discuss its significance in modern biology and agriculture.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Even though large infrastructure projects like High Speed Rail (HSR) facilitate greater technological development, they come with their own set of challenges. Examine in the context of proposed HSR projects in India. Suggest some measures on how HSR can truly be 'Made in India'.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"What do you understand by Big-data? Using SDGs as an example, discuss its role in effective implementation of public policy. Also mention challenges faced in using Big-Data and measures to overcome them.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1095,"topper":"Anita Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/16663_845_Anita_Rank_350.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Soil management in Northeast India is critical for a viable agriculture economy. In this context, discuss the problems of soils in Northeast India. Suggest some steps that can be taken to counter this problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"How does the plate tectonics theory help explain the formation of Himalayas and Deccan Traps?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Inspite being one of the largest producer of fish, there is still considerable scope of improvement in the fishery sector. In light of the above statement, discuss the problems and prospects of Fishery industry in India with respect to both inland and marine fisheries.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Vegetation in deserts and saline areas have highly specialized means of adapting themselves to the environment. Explain.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Give an account of the distribution of cement industry in India and the factors that affect its location. Also trace the growth of cement industry in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Despite the enormous demand of electronics, the manufacturing of electronic goods has not been a feature of the Indian industry. Enumerate the reasons for the same. Suggest measures which are required to acheive the target of Net Zero Import by 2020.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Agroforestry is seen as a solution to meet the challenges of food, nutrition, energy, employment and environment security. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Explain the phenomenon of Tsunami formation and highlight reasons for India's vulnerability to Tsunamis. List some measures to mitigate the impact of Tsunamis.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Explain the role of Himalayas in influencing the climate of South Asia. Enumerate the changes observed recently in the Himalayan region with respect to climate and geomorphology. What are the possible anthropogenic causes behind them?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Explain the different types of earthquake waves and the concept of shadow zone. What inferences can we draw from shadow zones regarding the interior of the Earth?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Explain the difference between chemical weathering and physical weathering. What is the ecological and economic significance of weathering?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Tropical regions are not only the most resource rich but also one of the most underdeveloped regions of the world. What are the factors responsible for this? How have some of the tropical countries turned their natural limitations to their advantage? Illustrate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Coral reefs are the most biologically diverse and economically valuable ecosystems on earth. Elaborate. Discuss the factors responsible for the decline of coral reefs across the world. Also, list some measures that have been taken for their preservation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Despite EIA being a useful policy tool for sustainable development, deficiencies in its design and implementation have prevented it from realising its potential. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"According to the Indian Fertiliser Scenario 2014, the use of urea in India has increased by more than 50 per cent since 2000. How does human intervention turn nitrogen from a nutrient to a pollutant? Discuss the impacts of nitrogen pollution on environment and human health. Also, explain how nitrogen pollution can be managed.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Temperate grasslands are called 'Granaries of the world'. Elucidate. How have the farming practices adopted in these regions impacted the environment?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Enumerate the global targets and priorities for action of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. Discuss the positive features and limitations of the framework.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"What is a heat wave? Discuss the health impacts of heat wave in India. Analyse the reasons behind high incidence of mortality rates due to heat wave in India. Suggest measures to tackle the above problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"\"Rising accidents involving merchant ships leading to oil spills in Indian waters is a growing concern that needs to be addressed.\" Discuss the impact of oil spills on marine environment. Also, suggest measures to prevent such disasters.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Forest fire pose a threat not only to the forest wealth but also to the entire regime of flora and fauna. What are the causes of forest fire? Discuss the ecological, economic and social impacts of forest fires.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1096,"topper":"Anita Yadav","air":350,"year":2016,"paper":"Optional — Philosophy","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/16663_785_Anita_Rank_350.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1097,"topper":"Anita Yadav","air":350,"year":2016,"paper":"Optional — Philosophy","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/16663_786_Anita_Rank_350.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1098,"topper":"Anita Yadav","air":350,"year":2016,"paper":"Optional — Philosophy","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/16663_783_Anita_Rank_350.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1099,"topper":"Anjali Garg","air":79,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1E7uLaGlO-R2mpeEzqgKkeb-qzQYRxODV","questions":[]},{"id":1100,"topper":"Anjali Garg","air":79,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1t4RtozsKP-kkPX0IvQHLDr9m9tMpAem1","questions":[]},{"id":1101,"topper":"Anjali Joy","air":416,"year":2022,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/97710-1073421_2097_anjali-joy_rank-416.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The change in intellectual orientation in Europe led to the emergence of sociology. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Do you think phenomenology restore the primacy of human experience and meaning giving acts of human consciousness ?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"How viable is Interview Method in present era of social-distancing and virtual world? Can we eliminate it altogether, given the imp. of the method?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Do you agree that Pattern Variable Theory is preconceived?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"In Marx's view, social stratification is created by people's differing relationship to the means of production. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Micro sociological understanding of self & society ought to be different from macro-sociological understanding of social-systems. How?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"The process of embourgeoisement is antithetical to the concept of 'proletarisation' and 'class-in-itself'. Critically analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Modernity has many children, one of them is fundamentalism. Critically evaluate the relevance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Through Protestant Ethic and Spirit of Capitalism, Weber stressed the influence of rel. attitude on economy. How far do you think rel. influence economic outcomes in contemporary times?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Doing Oral History takes you beyond the confines of archives. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"According to Marx, 'labour is the source of wealth and prime basic condition of human existence. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"There is a strong correspondence b/w sociology of Religion and Sociology of knowledge. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"Examine dig-parenting as a need of the hour in an increasingly digitised world.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"Many social theorists have built on Marx's conflict theory to bolster it, grow it and refine it over the years. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"The overriding goal of each state is to maximize its share of world power, which means gaining at expense of others. Discuss in Weberian con Normalisation -- Do you think the informal is planned for sustenance of the formal?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Normalisation -- Do you think the informal is planned for sustenance of the formal?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Industrialisation has disrupted trad. relationship b/w generations, as well as, the relationship b/w spouses in a familial structure. Discuss","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1102,"topper":"Anjali Joy","air":416,"year":2022,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e4fac-1073421_2100_anjali-joy_rank-416.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1103,"topper":"Anjali Shrotriya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8f403-166005_2032_anjali-shrotriya_rank_44.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"It has been argued that some parts of Article 22 are not Fundamental Rights but 'Fundamental Dangers' to the citizens of India. Discuss in light of the debate on issues around the preventive detention laws in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The administration of justice is not limited to conviction of the guilty and acquittal of the innocent but also ensuring fair and speedy trial. In view of this, discuss the reasons behind increase in the number of undertrials in India and measures taken to ameliorate the issues faced by them. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Highlighting the significance of cooperatives in India, discuss how the recently created Ministry of Cooperation will give an impetus to them. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The NGT Act gives much leeway to the tribunal to go beyond a mere adjudicatory role and act as a sui generis institution with the capacity to provide redressal for environmental exigencies. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"In the context of demographic changes highlighted by the NFHS-5, do you think population control legislations will be a step in the right direction? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The utility of PMAY-G hinges on its design, which is a marked improvement over the previous rural housing schemes. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The nutritional status of India has been a matter of long standing public threat. Discuss. Also, suggest measures to overcome the problem of nutritional crisis in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"To realise the potential of its growing population, India's march towards development will undoubtedly be incomplete without skills and education. In this context, discuss the significance of the recently launched RISE and EQUIP schemes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the centrality of ASEAN bloc in India's Act East policy and SAGAR initiative. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss China's Polar Silk Road initiative in view of the growing interest in the Arctic region and state its implications for India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"A robust and fair electoral system in India is hinged upon few key reforms in the Representation of People's Act. Discuss in the context of contemporary issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Even though pressure groups play an important role in governance, there have been issues surrounding transparency in the representativeness of the groups and their funding as well as their relationship with the government. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite reforms by the Central and state governments to overhaul the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), several challenges remain with regard to their efficient functioning. Elucidate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Welfare initiatives embody civil rights, whereas freebies cultivate a patron-client syndrome. Examine in the context of governance in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Even though non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are an integral part of a nation's developmental ethos, the State has legitimate interest, legal authority and constitutional duty to curb the activities of those NGOs, which attempt to hamper national development at the behest of the forces inimical to India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Despite their significance, India has not been able to strengthen its ties with the Central Asian countries. Bringing out the reasons for the same, discuss how India can deepen its relationship with countries in this region. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Discuss the concerns that have arisen in India-Sri Lanka relations in recent times. How can India ensure a favourable relationship with Sri Lanka given its importance in the Indian Ocean region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1104,"topper":"Anjali Shrotriya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c940f-166005_2031_anjali-shrotriya_rank_44.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The Kakatiya dynasty left an indelible mark in the fields of architecture and literature. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Bal Gangadhar Tilak was instrumental in creating a national consciousness and giving political voice to the masses during the course of national movement. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The 1929 Lahore session of Congress shaped the vision for an independent India in many important ways. Explain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Explain, in what ways, different historical experiences led countries like China and Japan on widely divergent paths to building independent and modern nations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What is Madden-Julian Oscillation? How does it differ from El-Nino? Discuss its impact on Indian Monsoon. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What are endogenic forces? Highlight their types and discuss the role played by them in forming various landforms on the earth. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"In context of the significance of the Himalayan mountain system for South Asia, explain the factors responsible for melting of glaciers and its impact on the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The COVID-19 pandemic has not only exposed globalisation as highly vulnerable and fragile but also forced a rethinking on its merits. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"In what ways are caste-based inequities still manifested in urban India? Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Menstruation has always been surrounded by taboos and myths that exclude women from many aspects of socio-cultural life. Discuss in the context of India. Also, suggest some steps to combat these taboos and myths. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Provide an account of the origin and spread of devotional Bhakti in South India and discuss how this popular movement expressed itself in the vernacular literature of the south. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The idea of urban decay in India in early medieval times has been propounded by some but evidences from various parts of the country suggest otherwise. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Identifying the factors affecting the location of semiconductor and electronic chip making industry, discuss the reasons behind their current global shortage. What steps has India taken in recent times to support its electronic manufacturing ecosystem? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Identifying the active and passive factors affecting pedogenesis, explain the processes involved in soil formation. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Pre-monsoon season in India is characterised by thunderstorms, lightning and many such events. In this context, explain how thunderstorms are formed and discuss the impact of pre-monsoonal rainfall in various regions of India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Diversification of energy basket is no longer a choice for India, it has become a necessity. Elucidate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The contemporary Indian society finds itself caught at the intersection of a growing aspiration to mimic the West and a revival of the conservative traditional outlook. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"In view of the visible trends in India's urbanisation, discuss the key considerations for a new urbanisation policy to guide the planning and management of cities in a sustainable manner. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1105,"topper":"Anjali Shrotriya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/26e57-166005_2033_anjali-shrotriya_rank_44.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Stating the issues associated with agricultural extension in India, discuss the role of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in strengthening the national agricultural research extension system. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In India, the food processing sector is emerging as a high-growth and high-profit sector due to its immense potential for value addition. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Explaining the concept of livestock-based Integrated Farming System (IFS), discuss its benefits. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"While Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) are spearheading entrepreneurship across the world, India still has one of the lowest entrepreneurship rates. Discuss. Also, state the policy measures that have been taken to increase the pace of entrepreneurship in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"ISRO is no longer confined only to the launching of satellites, but it has been constantly enlarging its role in development activities over the years. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"State the reasons behind targeting of Critical Information Infrastructure (CII) by state and non-state actors. Also, discuss the steps taken by the Indian government to secure its CII. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Despite the strategic significance of North-East India, the region faces several security threats. Discuss. Also, state the measures taken by the government to ensure peace and stability in the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Indian Railways has suffered from chronic under-investment, which has adversely impacted key areas of its operations. In this context, discuss the challenges faced by the railways in speedy creation of infrastructure. Also, mention the steps taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"A disruptive approach to research & development (R&D), with a focus on last mile obligations of the agricultural system is necessary to realize India's objective of doubling farmer's income. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"India's power distribution companies and electrical grids must undergo reforms to transition from fossil fuels to more sustainable forms of renewable energy. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The practice of input-intensive agriculture in India needs a massive overhaul due to its unsustainability and negative consequences. In this context, discuss the significance of Low External Input Sustainable Agriculture (LEISA). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The recently released IPCC Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) - 2021 has been deemed as 'code red' for humanity. In this context, discuss the various concerns raised in the report with special focus on India. Also, enlist the remedial measures given by the report. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Multiple chemical disasters from the Bhopal gas tragedy to gas leak in Visakhapatnam have brought into focus the risks posed by hazardous chemicals (HAZCHEM) in India. In view of this, discuss the preparedness as well as gaps in Chemical Disaster Management (CDM) in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The growing demand for liberalisation of public health-related goods and services amidst the pandemic has raised critical issues with regard to the current intellectual property regime. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Highlighting the reasons behind suboptimal results in indigenization of defence technologies in India, suggest measures which can accelerate the pace of indigenization in the defence sector. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Discuss the factors behind conceptualization of different Central Armed Police Forces for guarding the international borders. Also, highlight the contribution of these forces in ensuring security of India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Discuss the vulnerability of virtual assets in terms of their misuse for money laundering activities. Also, state corrective measures that can be taken to mitigate the risks posed by the use of virtual assets. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1106,"topper":"Anjali Shrotriya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a5f20-166005_2034_anjali-shrotriya_rank_44.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Explain the concept of Sarvodaya with the help of examples from the lives of prominent personalities. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The life and teachings of Guru Nanak presents a template for leading a life within the corridors of ethics and values. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"There is no 'invisible hand' channeling self-interest into some social optimum. In this context, the State has an integral role to play in making available essential public goods and services, despite the increasing pace of privatization. Do you agree? Justify with examples from India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Even though the state actors who make rules and implement them have an important role to play in the fight against corruption, the battle is not likely to succeed without the active efforts of various segments of society. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do you understand by Social Intelligence? Discuss its various components and explain how it is different from Emotional Intelligence. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Ethical behaviour is the best not merely in the context of morality, but it is also the best in the context of one's own career prospects. Discuss in the context of civil services in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The press is an important agent in ensuring the citizen's right to receive and impart information as a measure of probity in governance. In this context, do you think that the press in India discharges its duty honestly? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The failure to deliver on its promises by Citizen's Charters in the last two decades has shown that there are some complex set of factors underlying this seemingly simple task. What are they? Identify and provide their resolution. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Medical ethics is particularly relevant in decisions regarding involuntary treatment and involuntary commitment. In view of this, highlighting the importance of medical ethics, discuss the issues in its implementation. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The fundamental principle in a democracy is that all public functionaries are trustees of the people and this trusteeship relationship requires that the authority entrusted to the functionaries be exercised in 'public interest'. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? “ , ” - \"If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.\" - Desmond Tutu (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":37,"question":"Industry professionals are increasingly being hired by the government for their private sector experience and their influence in industries that the government is attempting to regulate or do business with. Similarly, the industry is also looking to attract people from the public sector with high-paying employment offers to get access within the government departments, seek favourable legislations and regulations as well as government contracts. Such inside knowledge of the system, including any loopholes that might exist give private businesses a competitive advantage. Both industry professionals and government officials stand to gain from such associations. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the direct recruitment of industry professionals in important government positions? (b) Do you think a longer mandatory cooling off period for government officials before they join private firms can help in addressing some of the issues? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"You are working as the Head of Ethics and Compliance in a big mobile manufacturing company that is known for its innovation and quality products. Both the customers and the shareholders are pleased with the performance of the company as they get value for their money and high returns on their investments respectively. Tin is a major component in the products manufactured by your company. It was recently brought to your attention that workers - many of them children - are working in unsafe conditions, digging tin out by hand in mines prone to landslides that could bury them alive. About 70% of the tin used in smartphones manufactured by the company comes from these more dangerous, small-scale mines. The company defends its practices by saying it only has so much control over monitoring and regulating its component sources. The justification advanced of its sourcing practices is that it is a complex process, with tens of thousands of miners selling tin, many of them through middle-men or third-party contractors. Based on the above case, answer the following questions: (a) What are the ethical issues in the above case? (b) Can customers of the company be expected to take into account such practices before buying any product of the company? (c) If the management were to seek your opinion on the matter, what course of action will you suggest? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the ethical concerns in allowing the operation of educational institutions on a profit motivation? (b) Is the most important role of education preparing people for gainful employment or should education and knowledge be appreciated for their own sake? (c) Discuss various ways in which value-based education can be instilled. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"Beggars are a common sight at traffic junctions and places of worship across cities in India. They are labelled as nuisance makers who often harass commuters and devotees by relentlessly pestering for money. Recently, an appeal was made in the Supreme Court to end this practice by putting a ban on begging in the national capital. However, human rights groups have advocated that banning begging is not the ideal way to end it, as the underlying socio-economic issues that lead to begging remain unresolved. In this context: (a) Bring out the moral and ethical concerns pertaining to begging in India. (b) Discuss the factors that pushes an individual to opt for begging. (c) If you pass by a beggar, what will you do - give your money to a beggar or ignore the beggar and give your spare money instead to charities that assist the most needy? Give logical reasons in support of your answer. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1107,"topper":"Anjali Thakur","air":43,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/93393beb2b7e996905ce7ea7f8b78443/2/air-43-thakur-anjali-ajay_test-5_gs1.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. How did the ancient trade routes connecting India to foreign countries contribute to the exchange and dissemination of culture?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. The Quit India movement was a people's movement cutting across the class divides but it was the women's leadership that left a clear mark. Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. 'The hallmark of post-independent India has been its remarkable strides in science and technology'. To what extent did scientific development during this period put India on the path of modernity?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. Discuss the feasibility of Interlinking rivers to resolve the issue of water stress in other regions.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. How will the structural shift from coal-based power plants to renewable energy generation impact human development in coal-bearing states?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. To what extent temperature and precipitation are the most important factors that determine soil properties?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. Why are severe and intense cyclones becoming a regular phenomenon in the Arabian Sea? Substantiate with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. In the context of cultural diversity in India, can we consider Southern states as distinct cultural units in comparison to the rest of India? Substantiate your view.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Poverty and population growth are locked in a vicious cycle, where poverty restricts individuals' ability to break free from the cycle, while population growth strains resources. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. India has a rich heritage in the internationalization of education. In this context how will the recent push for the 'internationalization of education' impact society and foster cultural exchange?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. 'Although there were many differences between the Gandhara and Mathura art, they considerably influenced the Amravati school of art.' Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"15 'England's Industrial Revolution not only transformed the economic landscape but also had far-reaching social and cultural impacts'. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. How did the social reform and ideological struggle against the backward traditional elements and hegemony of colonial culture in the nineteenth century influence the emergence of a distinct cultural identity and national consciousness?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"4. How does temperature inversion affect atmospheric conditions and what are its implications for local weather patterns and air pollution levels?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. What are the geographical factors responsible for mangrove vegetation in India? How does climate change pose a threat to mangrove vegetation in India?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"6. What are the geographical and economic factors that influence the location of the sugar industry, and how do they contribute to the growth of the industry in India and different parts of the world?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"How contribute to growth of industry?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"17. What are the key strategies used in dryland farming to overcome water scarcity and maximize agricultural productivity in arid and semi-arid regions? Also, discuss the need to promote dryland farming in India.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. How has the contemporary women's movement encompassed diverse approaches beyond traditional methods? Also, highlight the unique contribution and challenges of the contemporary women's movement.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. Do you think that the forces of modernization that catalyzed the eradication of social evils in Indian society have also threatened our cultural values and ethos?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":53,"question":"20. In the context of states in India evaluate the relationship between regional disparity and sentiments of regionalism. Is regionalism antagonistic to the idea of nationalism?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 150"}]},{"id":1108,"topper":"Anjali Thakur","air":43,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/93393beb2b7e996905ce7ea7f8b78443/3/air-43-thakur-anjali-ajay_test-1_gs1.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Q1 The fabric of Indian philosophical thought owes as much to Northern India as to Southern India. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2 The Indian society's impulse for social change and reform was a response to its opposition to colonial rule. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.3 What are the factors that led to the Russian revolution and what are the consequences of this revolution? Discuss its influence on the Indian national movement.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.4 Discuss the various factors responsible for the uneven temperature distribution on Earth's surface.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.5 The melting of glaciers due to climate change has serious implications for the ecosystem and human society. Discuss the effects of melting glaciers on the environment and the measures that can be taken to address this issue.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.6 The White Revolution was most successful in the Western part of India. Discuss the factors for this regional success of the White Revolution.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.7 To what extent does seismic investigation contribute to our understanding of the Earth's interior structure? Analyze its significance in detail.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"2.8 The pace of demographic transition varies across different states of India making population growth a double-edged sword. Comment. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"9 The ethnic and cultural diversity in India has always been bound by the thread of unity. Discuss the major factors that have contributed to the cultural unity of India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.10 The dichotomy in public and private life in Indian society acts as a major barrier to the annihilation of caste. Justify.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.11 India was forced into numerous wars post Independence. Highlight the causes and impact of the Indo-Pak and Indo-China wars on our bilateral relationships.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":28,"question":"Q.12 The process of consolidation of Bengal, which started after the Battle of Plassey culminated in the Battle of Buxar. Do you think the Battle of Buxar was more important for the British than Plassey?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":31,"question":"13 Sanskrit literature in general and particularly in the Guptan age set a high watermark for the literary history of ancient India. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Q.14 The configuration of the ocean floor provides essential information about the geological processes that have shaped the Earth's surface. Discuss the major features of the ocean floor and their significance in the study of oceanography.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":37,"question":"Q15 With the growing demand for rare earth elements, their distribution has become a critical aspect of the global economy. Discuss the distribution of rare earth elements across the world, their uses, and the environmental impact of their extraction.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Q.16 Tourism in the hilly states is threatening to exceed the ecological carrying capacity of the region. Analyze the factors contributing to this trend and evaluate the potential Environmental impacts of this phenomenon. What measures can be taken to ensure sustainable tourism in these states?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Q.17 The Indian monsoon is a complex phenomenon influenced by various climatic factors. Critically examine the role of oceanic and atmospheric factors in determining the intensity and distribution of monsoon rainfall in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Q.18 Why do traditions in our society impede change? To what extent can social legislation be instrumental against old customary practices?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Q.19 Slums are not 'problems' that have to be 'solved' - but are indeed a result of lopsided and vested urban policies covering infrastructure provision and socio-economic issues. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":52,"question":"Q.20 Communalism gains strength from economic deprivation, and thrives in environments of social exclusion, creating fertile ground for discontent and division. Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1109,"topper":"Anjali Thakur","air":43,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/134/air-43-thakur-anjali-ajay_test-6_gs2.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. \"Interstate border disputes, if not promptly and impartially settled, can transform into persistent issues that impede development and generate friction\". Highlighting the constitutional and legal framework to resolve interstate disputes, explain why Independent India has failed to resolve inter-state border disputes.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. Examine the role of the Inter-state Council in promoting vertical (Centre-State) and horizontal (Inter-State) Intergovernmental cooperation and coordination.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. Discuss the key function of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). What steps should be taken to revamp the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in order to enhance its effectiveness as a true guardian of public funds?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. Recognizing the pivotal role of urbanization as a driver of national economic growth, the Fifteenth Finance Commission has suggested major reforms for Urban Local Bodies. Evaluate the recommendations put forward by the Fifteenth Finance Commission in promoting and revitalizing ULBs in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. Highlight the key differences in the scope of Freedom of speech and expression as provided under Parliamentary privileges vis a vis Fundamental rights. Why is it necessary to maintain a balance between parliamentary privilege and fundamental rights?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. Civil society organizations, play a pivotal role in fostering \"collective private action for the public good\". What challenges do they face in local resource mobilization (LRM) and corporate funding through corporate social responsibility (CSR)? Also, suggest measures.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. The first step to eradicating poverty is reliable poverty assessment for program design, implementation, and monitoring. In this context discuss the methodology and significance of NITI Aayog's National Multidimensional Poverty Index.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. In the context of India, despite the presence of constitutional provisions, legal precedents, and international commitments that establish a robust foundation for a right to health, why has there been a lack of explicit legal recognition of this right?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. The collective strength of BRICS nations allows for meaningful cooperation on myriad issues, however, the platform's ability to influence the trajectory of bilateral relationships remains limited. Do you agree?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. In light of the recent demands to amend the Indus Waters Treaty, discuss the possible implications it could have on the water-sharing mechanism between India and Pakistan.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. The doctrine of Parliamentary sovereignty and judicial supremacy has exerted considerable influence in shaping the constitutional frameworks of India and the USA. Citing relevant case laws discuss the role of the judiciary in influencing the constitutions in these countries. Is the scope of judicial review wider in India?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":29,"question":"2. Delimitation of seats is essential to ensure fair representation and uphold the principles of one vote, one value'. Highlighting the challenges posed by misrepresentation in constituencies analyze the ramifications of population-based delimitation in creating federal tension.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. Discuss the role of the Supreme Court of India in strengthening the hands of the Election Commission in the discharge of its constitutional responsibility of conducting free and fair elections in the country.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"4. 'The declining role of Parliament undermines the fundamental principle of separation of powers, as it diminishes the legislature's ability to serve as a check on the executive branch and ensure a balanced exercise of power.' Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"How declined role leads to lack of SoP?\n1 A vacuum created -> filled by judiciary -> judicial activism (eg Vishakha Guidelines)\n2 Reduced role of check & balance - Parliament + Executive (Art 75 - responsible to legislature) -> Judiciary (Removal of judges)\n3 Tyranny of Executives (eg frequent executive orders - ordinances without effort to getting it passed)\n4 Ordinance raj if dysfunction parliament","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"15. Discuss the crucial role played by the National Commission of Women in shaping the discourse on gender-sensitive laws in India. To what extent the elevation of the National Commission for Women to a constitutional body would reinforce its authority?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":41,"question":"6. Satisfactory and timely redressal of grievances is the cornerstone of 'minimum government, maximum governance.' In this context discuss the challenges associated with current grievance redress mechanisms and suggest measures to strengthen the process.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. 'Corruption corrodes the fabric of governance, eroding the public's faith in democratic institutions.' Examine the potential for harmonizing the Right to Information (RTI) Act, the Whistleblower Protection Act (WBPA), and the Lokpal & Lokayukta Act, 2013, to enhance the effectiveness of the anticorruption regime.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"15 Analyze the potential challenges and benefits involved in leveraging SHGs as platforms for skill development, entrepreneurship, and income generation among marginalized communities to effectively counter poverty.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. 'India is uniquely positioned on the world map for its rich culture.' In this context discuss the role of culture, diaspora, and democracy as instruments of India's soft power diplomacy. To what extent India has been able to position itself as a 'smart power'?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":53,"question":"1 The synergy of shared values and vibrant people-to-people connections between India and Australia creates a fertile ground for fostering long-lasting trade relations and strategic collaboration between the two nations. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"}]},{"id":1110,"topper":"Anjali Thakur","air":43,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/126/air-43-thakur-anjali-ajay_test-7_gs3.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. Elaborate on the difference between Capital Account and Current Account as components of Balance of Payment (BOP). Suggest a few measures to balance the BOP deficit of India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. The logistics sector is one of the important components of the growth of the manufacturing industry. Discuss. Also, mention various components of the recently announced National Logistics Policy 2022.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. What is India's stand on the New Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies under WTO? How is the Fisheries sector significant for India? Enumerate the steps taken by the Government to develop this sector.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. Analyze the systemic and institutional constraints that continue to hinder land reform efforts in India and propose pragmatic solutions to ensure equitable distribution of land.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. What are the unique features and capabilities of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, and how has it contributed to India's defence capabilities and strategic position in the region?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":16,"question":"a In line with the country's efforts to explore the depths of the ocean and harness the resources it holds, the Indian government has proposed a deep-sea exploration mission Samudrayaan. How can this mission contribute to the advancement of ocean science and technology in the country?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. What is Global Methane Pledge? Do you think the Global Methane Pledge is a positive step toward mitigating methane emissions? Explain India's stance on this issue.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of disaster management in public health. Discuss the key strategies and challenges for managing pandemics and other infectious disease outbreaks.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. \"The resource curse of Eastern and Central India has been a crucial driver of LWE\". Elaborate and suggest measures for sustainable and inclusive development of the region.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. In light of the declining trend of violence in the North East and J&K region do you think that AFSPA has lived its utility? Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. International trade is centred on the dominant currency paradigm (DCM). Critically Analyze the importance of Hard currency in International trade and Discuss the potential of rupee acceptance in global trade as an alternative to dollar imperialism.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. A demographic Dividend does not ensure growth; it only generates potential. Discuss the steps made by the government to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the demographic transition.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":31,"question":"3) Service sector\n3) Promoting tourism (PRAJHAD scheme)\n3) more formal educational training\n3) challenges exist\n3) How will demography get absorbed?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"13. 'Genome editing holds immense potential for crop improvement, but it also raises ethical and safety concerns'. How far do the new guidelines for the safety assessment of genome-edited plants in India, ensure the safety of genetically modified crops?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":35,"question":"14 Discuss the impact of direct and indirect farm subsidies on the agriculture sector in India. How have Minimum Support Prices (MSP) affected the agricultural economy?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a rapidly escalating crisis that poses a grave threat to public health worldwide. What are the major contributing factors to the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance, and what steps can be taken to address this global health threat?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":39,"question":"what steps needed?\n1 fixed combined doses in case of TB where 6-7 tablets are to be taken causes compliance burden.\n2 FCD will make it one tablet easy to take regularly.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"10 What do you understand by Disruptive Innovations? What are some examples of disruptive innovation in recent times, and how have they changed the way industries operate?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. Trace the evolution of the Loss and Damage fund, What are the major development related to loss and damage funds in COP 27?, What are the commitments made by India in this conference?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":47,"question":"Disaster management is not just about responding to emergencies but also about building resilient communities. Discuss the key strategies that can be used to build community resilience and reduce the impact of disasters.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. The transformation of terrorism through the use of new and emerging technologies like metaverse and virtual assets is a matter of concern. How can we counter the Use of New and Emerging Technologies for Terrorist Purposes and Elucidate the importance of the \"Delhi declaration\" in this regard?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":51,"question":"7 How can we counter this?\n1 through strict legal frameworks\n2 creating a task force to have oversight on it\n3 international collaborations\n4 frequent conferences and meeting","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"Q.0 \"The Agnipath scheme is a bitter pill needed for the resilience and efficacy of our armed forces.\" Critically Analyze the statement with relevant arguments.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1111,"topper":"Anjali Thakur","air":43,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/139/air-43-thakur-anjali-ajay_test-8_gs4.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. (a) \"The State took taxes from the people only to ensure their prosperity in return like the sun takes moisture from the earth only to give it back in thousandfold measure.\" Kalidasa.\n\nExplain the Indian concept of \"giving it back\" and its relevance as a guiding value for civil servants.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"(b) Public service takes place in a bureaucratic structure with clear lines of authority, value standardization, and accountability mechanisms. Working within such a structure, what do you think are the influences that impact the public servant's ethical decision-making?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What influence/impact public servants ethical decision making?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"2 (a) What do you understand by the terms 'ethics' and 'integrity'? Do you think they are interrelated? Explain with examples the relationship between ethics and integrity in the context of public administration.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"(b) What do you understand by the terms ethical behavior' and 'emotionally intelligent behavior'? Identify the relevant emotional intelligence components that act as a reliable guide to ethical behavior.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"1 (a) \"To achieve a good life, duty is not sufficient, one needs to develop one's sympathetic feelings for others, and neither duty alone nor good will alone are sufficient to be moral.\" Do you agree with the above statement? Justify your position.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":16,"question":"(b) Developing a Scientific temper, innovative mindset, and civic-conscious citizens are major objectives of higher educational institutions. Can higher educational institutions be instrumental in promoting integrity education among youth to establish a public culture of integrity and a corruption-free political culture? If yes, how?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":18,"question":"4. Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance.\n(a) The senses deceive from time to time, and it is prudent never to trust wholly those who have deceived us even once. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"why not to trust completely?\n1 Against the principle of person who upholds integrity; Accountability\n2 Lack of objectivity defines relationship and if trust is broken - its difficult to reestablish.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"(b) \"The price good men pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men.\"","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"(c) \"Men must have corrupted nature a little, for they were not born wolves, and they have become wolves.\" (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"5. (a) As professionals, civil servants are career focused and are also self-interested. At the same time, their service ethos imposes an obligation to serve the public interest selflessly. Is it possible for a civil servant to reconcile career and service obligation? Explain your position.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"(b) \"While competence without compassion can be brutal and inhumane; similarly, compassion without competence can be meaningless for persons seeking help.\" Explain the above with the help of a suitable illustration in the context of public services.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"6. (a) Does the suffering of individuals in one part of the world generate moral demands of assistance on those foreigners who live far away from them? Are these moral demands of assistance justified? Can governments be held morally responsible for failing to help the international community in times of deprivation? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":30,"question":"(b) Civil Services ethics has everything to do with management. It is as much a Departmental as a personal issue. Leaders who fail to create systems that facilitate ethical conduct are equally to blame as much as those who indulge in ethical misconduct. Do you think the Departmental culture leads to ethical misconduct or is the individual with weak willpower culpable? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"2 You are posted as a District Development officer in a district with a low literacy rate and poor health indicators. As you took charge, your Health Secretary had given express instructions that your priority is to improve health indicators by enhancing the delivery of healthcare services.\n\nAfter taking over, you traveled around the district to study and identify ways of improving healthcare services. During your field trip, you discovered that the issue was not the accessibility of services; it was something else. You found the problem was the myths, misconceptions, and malpractices that hindered the uptake of health care services. For instance, people believed that vaccines caused impotence, immunization was equivalent to birth control, using antenatal care was counterproductive to the health of the mother and baby, and so on.\n\nYou realize that these beliefs were the behavioral barriers that stood in the way of health and nutrition services. And these behavioral barriers made it difficult for front-line workers to reach out.\n\nYou discussed your observations with the Health Secretary, and he advised you to seek inputs from the neighboring district DDO who was doing some good work. When you met with the neighboring DDO, you learned he was experimenting with using the Faith leader's influence and reach to persuade people. You were unsure about roping in faith leaders to help you overcome the behavioral barriers. As a civil servant, you felt it would be a mistake to involve faith leaders in health service schemes. When you shared your apprehensions with the Secretary, he firmly instructed you to try and innovate.\n(a) What are the issues involved in the above case?\n(b) What are the advantages and disadvantages of using Faith leaders as influencers and persuaders?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"(c) and (d) (c) If not faith leaders, what are your other options for breaking the behavioral barriers?\n(d) Do you think it is ethically right for a civil servant to involve faith leaders in promoting government schemes? (Answer in 250 words) 20 Marks","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"(a) What are the issues involved in the above case?\n(b) What are the action options available to you?\na) What are the issues involved in the above case?\nb) What are the action options available to you?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"(d) What do you understand by dignity? Distinguish between human and social dignity? Identify the common dignity violations that one notices in government departments.","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":42,"question":"9. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (50 words) 5 marks\n(b) Ethically analyze the company's position on paying damages and justify why/why not the company should be liable for damages. (120 words) 10 marks.\n(c) What do you understand by the term moral responsibility? When do you think a person or an entity becomes morally responsible for actions committed or omitted? (80 words) 5 marks\na) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (50 words) 5 marks\nb) Ethically analyze the company's position on paying damages and justify why/why not the company should be liable for damages. (120 words) 10 marks.\nc) What do you understand by the term moral responsibility? When do you think a person or an entity becomes morally responsible for actions committed or omitted? (80 words) 5 marks","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"(a) उपरोक्त मामले में कौन से नैतिक मुद्दे और दुविधाएँ शामिल हैं? (b) आपके पास कौन से विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं? (c) विकल्पों का विश्लेषण करने के बाद अपनी चुनी हुई कार्रवाई का चयन करें। (d) उपरोक्त मामले में आपकी नैतिक प्रेरणा क्या होनी चाहिए? क्या यह कर्तव्य, दायित्व या परिणाम होना चाहिए?\na) उपरोक्त मामले में कौन से नैतिक मुद्दे और दुविधाएँ शामिल हैं?\nb) आपके पास कौन से विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nc) विकल्पों का विश्लेषण करने के बाद अपनी चुनी हुई कार्रवाई का चयन करें।\nd) उपरोक्त मामले में आपकी नैतिक प्रेरणा क्या होनी चाहिए? क्या यह कर्तव्य, दायित्व या परिणाम होना चाहिए?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए"},{"page":48,"question":"(a) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas involved in the above case?\n(b) What are the options available to you?\n(c) Select your chosen course of action after analyzing the options.\n(d) What must be your moral motivation in the above case? Should it be duty, care, or consequences?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":52,"question":"11. You are a young police officer undergoing field training along with some of your batchmates. You and Vikas are spending two weeks in a police station learning the nitty gritty and nuances of field-level policing. Every day there was something new to learn.\n\nOne afternoon the Station received a distress call from a beat constable working the wholesale market beat. A quarrel had broken out between two groups of traders and which soon turned violent. He tried intervening with his colleague, but they failed to keep things in control. Some traders turned against the constables and started beating them with iron rods. The call came in when one of the constables had taken severe blows to the head, and he needed emergency attention.\n\nA team rushed to the spot to help and take charge of the situation. By the time the team reached, the miscreants had fled the scene. The injured constable was rushed to the hospital in a very precarious condition. A team reached the spot and assessed the situation. By then the miscreants had fled. The constable was taken to hospital in a critical condition. The police station was in turmoil and the police team was determined to catch the culprits. The arrested miscreants were kept in custody overnight and were to be produced in court the next day. You and Vikas saw some senior police officers beating the miscreants to teach them a lesson and keep other police personnel away from the miscreants. This continued for several hours. One of the miscreants was shivering badly due to a history of heart disease and was taken to hospital and survived. The incident was reported to the headquarters.\n\nDuring interrogation, all present at the police station were called for questioning. Everyone present said that the miscreants were beaten but no more than a few slaps and nothing else. You and Vikas informally requested to downplay the incident. Vikas was calm but you felt that the truth was being compromised. You are thinking whether the police is for security, custody security or the abuse of service values. You are under stress and thinking about options.\n(a) Which ethical issues are involved in the above case?\n(b) According to you, what should be done with police personnel who follow principles, obedience and discipline in the above case and why? Argue.\n(c) According to you, what priority should be given in civil service, impartiality towards the department, or impartiality towards your decisions and service values? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"(a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\n(b) What do you think principle-oriented and rule-abiding police personnel must do in the above case? Why? Justify\n(c) What do you think must assume priority in civil service, loyalty to the department, or being impartial and non-partisan in your decisions and service values?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":57,"question":"(a), (b), (c) (a) उपरोक्‍त मामले में कौन-कौन से मुद्दे शामिल हैं ?\n(b) क्या आप प्रवासी भारतीयों की मदद के बजाय अर्थनीति को प्राथमिकता देने के राजदूत के रूप से सहमत हैं? अगर हाँ तो क्यों, अगर नहीं तो क्यों नहीं?\n(c) दायित्व, परिणामवाद और कर्तव्य के बीच, आपके अनुसार भारतीय विदेश नीति का मार्गदर्शन करने के लिए उपयुक्त परिप्रेक्ष्य क्या है? तर्क दीजिए।\na) उपरोक्‍त मामले में कौन-कौन से मुद्दे शामिल हैं ?\nb) क्या आप प्रवासी भारतीयों की मदद के बजाय अर्थनीति को प्राथमिकता देने के राजदूत के रूप से सहमत हैं? अगर हाँ तो क्यों, अगर नहीं तो क्यों नहीं?\nc) दायित्व, परिणामवाद और कर्तव्य के बीच, आपके अनुसार भारतीय विदेश नीति का मार्गदर्शन करने के लिए उपयुक्त परिप्रेक्ष्य क्या है? तर्क दीजिए।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए"},{"page":58,"question":"(a) What are the issues involved in the above case?\n(b) Do you agree with the Ambassador's position of prioritizing economics over helping the diaspora? Why/why not?\n(c) Among Care, Consequentialism, and Duty, what do you think is the appropriate perspective to guide Indian Foreign policy? Justify.\na) What are the issues involved in the above case?\nb) Do you agree with the Ambassador's position of prioritizing economics over helping the diaspora? Why/why not?\nc) Among Care, Consequentialism, and Duty, what do you think is the appropriate perspective to guide Indian Foreign policy? Justify.","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"}]},{"id":1112,"topper":"Anjali Thakur","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1imZz8T2RCRDoKRxMwZ85JCVb99xNkE02/view","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. (a) \"The State took taxes from the people only to ensure their prosperity in return like the sun takes moisture from the earth only to give it back in thousandfold measure.\" Kalidasa.\n\nExplain the Indian concept of \"giving it back\" and its relevance as a guiding value for civil servants.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"(b) Public service takes place in a bureaucratic structure with clear lines of authority, value standardization, and accountability mechanisms. Working within such a structure, what do you think are the influences that impact the public servant's ethical decision-making?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":9,"question":"What influence/impact public servants ethical decision making?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"2 (a) What do you understand by the terms 'ethics' and 'integrity'? Do you think they are interrelated? Explain with examples the relationship between ethics and integrity in the context of public administration.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"(b) What do you understand by the terms ethical behavior' and 'emotionally intelligent behavior'? Identify the relevant emotional intelligence components that act as a reliable guide to ethical behavior.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"1 (a) \"To achieve a good life, duty is not sufficient, one needs to develop one's sympathetic feelings for others, and neither duty alone nor good will alone are sufficient to be moral.\" Do you agree with the above statement? Justify your position.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":16,"question":"Developing a Scientific temper, innovative mindset, and civic-conscious citizens are major objectives of higher educational institutions. Can higher educational institutions be instrumental in promoting integrity education among youth to establish a public culture of integrity and a corruption-free political culture? If yes, how?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":18,"question":"4. Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance.\n(a) The senses deceive from time to time, and it is prudent never to trust wholly those who have deceived us even once. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"(b) \"The price good men pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men.\"","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"(c) \"Men must have corrupted nature a little, for they were not born wolves, and they have become wolves.\" (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"How they have become wolves?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"5. (a) As professionals, civil servants are career focused and are also self-interested. At the same time, their service ethos imposes an obligation to serve the public interest selflessly. Is it possible for a civil servant to reconcile career and service obligation? Explain your position.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"(b) \"While competence without compassion can be brutal and inhumane; similarly, compassion without competence can be meaningless for persons seeking help.\" Explain the above with the help of a suitable illustration in the context of public services.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"6. (a) Does the suffering of individuals in one part of the world generate moral demands of assistance on those foreigners who live far away from them? Are these moral demands of assistance justified? Can governments be held morally responsible for failing to help the international community in times of deprivation? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":30,"question":"(b) Civil Services ethics has everything to do with management. It is as much a Departmental as a personal issue. Leaders who fail to create systems that facilitate ethical conduct are equally to blame as much as those who indulge in ethical misconduct. Do you think the Departmental culture leads to ethical misconduct or is the individual with weak willpower culpable? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"7 You are posted as a District Development officer in a district with a low literacy rate and poor health indicators. As you took charge, your Health Secretary had given express instructions that your priority is to improve health indicators by enhancing the delivery of healthcare services.\n\nAfter taking over, you traveled around the district to study and identify ways of improving healthcare services. During your field trip, you discovered that the issue was not the accessibility of services; it was something else. You found the problem was the myths, misconceptions, and malpractices that hindered the uptake of health care services. For instance, people believed that vaccines caused impotence, immunization was equivalent to birth control, using antenatal care was counterproductive to the health of the mother and baby, and so on.\n\nYou realize that these beliefs were the behavioral barriers that stood in the way of health and nutrition services. And these behavioral barriers made it difficult for front-line workers to reach out.\n\nYou discussed your observations with the Health Secretary, and he advised you to seek inputs from the neighboring district DDO who was doing some good work. When you met with the neighboring DDO, you learned he was experimenting with using the Faith leader's influence and reach to persuade people. You were unsure about roping in faith leaders to help you overcome the behavioral barriers. As a civil servant, you felt it would be a mistake to involve faith leaders in health service schemes. When you shared your apprehensions with the Secretary, he firmly instructed you to try and innovate.\n(a) What are the issues involved in the above case?\n(b) What are the advantages and disadvantages of using Faith leaders as influencers and persuaders?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"(c) and (d) (c) If not faith leaders, what are your other options for breaking the behavioral barriers?\n(d) Do you think it is ethically right for a civil servant to involve faith leaders in promoting government schemes? (Answer in 250 words) 20 Marks","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"(a) What are the issues involved in the above case?\n(b) What are the action options available to you?\na) What are the issues involved in the above case?\nb) What are the action options available to you?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"(d) What do you understand by dignity? Distinguish between human and social dignity? Identify the common dignity violations that one notices in government departments.","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":42,"question":"9 (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (50 words) 5 marks\n(b) Ethically analyze the company's position on paying damages and justify why/why not the company should be liable for damages. (120 words) 10 marks.\n(c) What do you understand by the term moral responsibility? When do you think a person or an entity becomes morally responsible for actions committed or omitted? (80 words) 5 marks\na What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (50 words) 5 marks\nb Ethically analyze the company's position on paying damages and justify why/why not the company should be liable for damages. (120 words) 10 marks.\nc What do you understand by the term moral responsibility? When do you think a person or an entity becomes morally responsible for actions committed or omitted? (80 words) 5 marks","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"(a) उपरोक्त मामले में कौन से नैतिक मुद्दे और दुविधाएँ शामिल हैं? (b) आपके पास कौन से विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं? (c) विकल्पों का विश्लेषण करने के बाद अपनी चुनी हुई कार्रवाई का चयन करें। (d) उपरोक्त मामले में आपकी नैतिक प्रेरणा क्या होनी चाहिए? क्या यह कर्तव्य, दायित्व या परिणाम होना चाहिए?\na) उपरोक्त मामले में कौन से नैतिक मुद्दे और दुविधाएँ शामिल हैं?\nb) आपके पास कौन से विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nc) विकल्पों का विश्लेषण करने के बाद अपनी चुनी हुई कार्रवाई का चयन करें।\nd) उपरोक्त मामले में आपकी नैतिक प्रेरणा क्या होनी चाहिए? क्या यह कर्तव्य, दायित्व या परिणाम होना चाहिए?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए"},{"page":48,"question":"(a) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas involved in the above case?\n(b) What are the options available to you?\n(c) Select your chosen course of action after analyzing the options.\n(d) What must be your moral motivation in the above case? Should it be duty, care, or consequences?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":52,"question":"11. You are a young police officer undergoing field training along with some of your batchmates. You and Vikas are spending two weeks in a police station learning the nitty gritty and nuances of field-level policing. Every day there was something new to learn.\n\nOne afternoon the Station received a distress call from a beat constable working the wholesale market beat. A quarrel had broken out between two groups of traders and which soon turned violent. He tried intervening with his colleague, but they failed to keep things in control. Some traders turned against the constables and started beating them with iron rods. The call came in when one of the constables had taken severe blows to the head, and he needed emergency attention.\n\nA team rushed to the spot to help and take charge of the situation. By the time the team reached, the miscreants had fled the scene. The injured constable was rushed to the hospital in a very precarious condition. A team reached the spot and assessed the situation. By then the miscreants had fled. The constable was taken to hospital in a critical condition. The police station team arrested some miscreants but some were still missing. The arrested miscreants were kept in custody overnight and presented in court the next day. That night you and Vikas saw some senior police officers beating the miscreants to teach them a lesson and keep other police personnel away from the miscreants. This continued for several hours. One of the miscreants was shivering badly due to a history of heart disease and mild stroke. He was taken to hospital and survived. The incident was reported to the headquarters.\n\nDuring interrogation, all present at the police station were called for questioning. Everyone present said that the miscreants were only slapped and not beaten. You and Vikas informally requested them to admit the truth but they refused. You think about whether police security is for custody security and what happened is misconduct and against service values. You are under stress and thinking about options.\n(a) Which ethical issues are involved in the above case?\n(b) According to you, what should be done with police personnel who follow principles, discipline and rules in the above case and why? Give reasons.\n(c) According to you, what priority should be given in civil service, impartiality towards department, or impartiality towards your decisions and service values? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"(a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\n(b) What do you think principle-oriented and rule-abiding police personnel must do in the above case? Why? Justify\n(c) What do you think must assume priority in civil service, loyalty to the department, or being impartial and non-partisan in your decisions and service values?\na) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\nb) What do you think principle-oriented and rule-abiding police personnel must do in the above case? Why? Justify\nc) What do you think must assume priority in civil service, loyalty to the department, or being impartial and non-partisan in your decisions and service values?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":57,"question":"(a) उपरोक्‍त मामले में कौन-कौन से मुद्दे शामिल हैं ?\n(b) क्या आप प्रवासी भारतीयों की मदद के बजाय अर्थनीति को प्राथमिकता देने के राजदूत के रूप से सहमत हैं ? अगर हाँ तो क्यों, अगर नहीं तो क्यों नहीं ?\n(c) दायित्व, परिणामवाद और कर्तव्य के बीच, आपके अनुसार भारतीय विदेश नीति का मार्गदर्शन करने के लिए उपयुक्त परिप्रेक्ष्य क्या है ? तर्क दीजिए।\na) उपरोक्‍त मामले में कौन-कौन से मुद्दे शामिल हैं ?\nb) क्या आप प्रवासी भारतीयों की मदद के बजाय अर्थनीति को प्राथमिकता देने के राजदूत के रूप से सहमत हैं ? अगर हाँ तो क्यों, अगर नहीं तो क्यों नहीं ?\nc) दायित्व, परिणामवाद और कर्तव्य के बीच, आपके अनुसार भारतीय विदेश नीति का मार्गदर्शन करने के लिए उपयुक्त परिप्रेक्ष्य क्या है ? तर्क दीजिए।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए"},{"page":58,"question":"(a) What are the issues involved in the above case?\n(b) Do you agree with the Ambassador's position of prioritizing economics over helping the diaspora? Why/why not?\n(c) Among Care, Consequentialism, and Duty, what do you think is the appropriate perspective to guide Indian Foreign policy? Justify.\na) What are the issues involved in the above case?\nb) Do you agree with the Ambassador's position of prioritizing economics over helping the diaspora? Why/why not?\nc) Among Care, Consequentialism, and Duty, what do you think is the appropriate perspective to guide Indian Foreign policy? Justify.","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"}]},{"id":1113,"topper":"Anju","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/312d3-1188680_2349_anju_rank_60.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the differences between affirmative action in India and the United States. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"There has been a demand to give more teeth to the Lokayuktas in states to enable them to fulfill their envisaged roles. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss the evolution of trade unions in India. How is their role changing in the present times? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"\"Improving the administration of justice at the lower level of the judiciary is crucial for enhancing justice delivery in India.\" Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the role of the Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities in safeguarding the constitutional rights of linguistic minorities in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"To what extent, do you think, asymmetry in India's federalism is a necessity? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Although created to de-burden the judiciary, tribunals in India have evolved with their own set of challenges. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Assess the effectiveness of the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) as an organization mandated for tackling corruption in India, (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The institution of CBI needs revitalisation and redefining of its status, powers and functions. Discuss in the light of the recent parliamentary panel recommendations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"\"Lack of effective functioning prevents the Parliament from fulfilling its role of deliberative lawmaking and holding the executive accountable.\" Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"Poverty is an adequate marker of deprivation that the state can address through reservations to give effect to the constitutional ethos of equality and empowerment.\" In light of this, critically examine whether the 103rd Constitutional Amendment Act can redefine welfare in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"To what extent, in your opinion, do India's federal inter-governmental institutions provide a crucial platform of communication and dialogue for the Center and states to address the outstanding issues of governance? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"\"The PESA Act of 1996 established the Gram Sabha as the primary vehicle of local governance in Scheduled Areas.\" Discuss the challenges faced by Gram Sabhas in Scheduled Areas. What steps need to be taken to improve their functioning? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"\"The Supreme Court has declared access to Internet as a fundamental right but the government still imposes frequent Internet bans to maintain public order.\" Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"\"The presence of the anti-defection law has undermined democracy by inhibiting legislators from exercising their choice and ability to function independently, and restricted decision making in legislatures to a few who control political parties.\" Critically examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"In what ways does the interpretation of the right to freedom of speech and expression in India differ from that in the USA? Discuss with the help of case laws. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Discuss the role played by the State Finance Commissions (SFCs) in empowering the local governments in India. What reforms are needed to make them more effective? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"A democracy requires a system of checks and balances to prevent the arbitrary use of power by the elected government of the day. In this light, discuss the role played by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India. What reforms are needed to make the CAG more effective in carrying out its responsibilities? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Critically examine whether the measures to enhance the functioning of the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) have been effective in improving local governance in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"To what extent, in your opinion, can the recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission contribute to fostering accountability and promoting effective governance at the grassroots level in India? (Answer in 250 words)15","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1114,"topper":"Anju","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3361a-1188680_2344_anju_rank_60.pdf","questions":[{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by digital tax? Bringing out the rationale behind introducing digital tax in India, discuss the associated challenges.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"What do you understand by Balance of Payments (BoP)? Highlight its different components. Also, discuss the implications of BoP deficit.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Explain the concept of gender budgeting and discuss how it can be implemented effectively in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Highlighting the current status of Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) in India, discuss the major steps taken to resolve the NPA crisis.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Despite the benefits of Conclusive Land Titling, there are several challenges that remain in implementing it in India. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Though the GDP is the most widely used indicator for comparing well-being across countries, it has certain limitations. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"While various initiatives have been taken to improve the fiscal health of states in India in recent times, there still remain various issues that need to be addressed. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"The internationalisation of rupee has its own benefits for the economy, but it is not free from certain risks. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Highlighting the factors inhibiting the export competitiveness of India, bring out the measures needed to enhance the contribution of exports in India's economic growth.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Farm prosperity in India hinges largely on the unfinished task of land reforms. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Discuss the significance of green accounting and the challenges in its implementation in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"What is a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) and how is it different from a commercial bank? Discuss the significance of NBFCs in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Bring out the role of Outcome Budgeting in contributing to the efficient allocation of resources and the achievement of government's socio-economic objectives in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"What is the Twin Deficit problem? Discuss how it affects the Indian economy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"In the post-reforms era, there was a surge in outsourcing to India. What were the factors that made India a favourite outsourcing destination? Bring out the role played by it in India's economic development.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Rising public debt inflicts a burden on the economy. Explain. Also, discuss how the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act, 2003 seeks to address it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Discuss the monetary policy framework in India. Also, highlight the dilemmas posed by monetary management.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1115,"topper":"Anju","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/37b1c-1188680_2368_anju_rank_60.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The evolving interpretation by the courts have led to the expansion of the scope of the Right to Life and Personal Liberty under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. Discuss with the help of relevant case laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Analyse how Section 8A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 preserves the integrity of the electoral process in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"With what objectives was the Ninth Schedule of the Indian Constitution initially introduced? Can the Supreme Court review a legislation that has been placed in the Ninth Schedule? Discuss with the help of case laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Online Dispute Resolution's (ODR) promise of access to just, speedy and effective resolution of disputes is beset with several challenges. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The Right to Information (RTI) Act has fallen into redundancy owing to the issues faced by the Office of the Central Information Commission. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"How has Information and Communication Technology (ICT) transformed the governance landscape at the grassroots level in India? What are the key obstacles in leveraging its full potential? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How does the politicization of the civil services corrode the 'steel frame' of governance in India? What measures can be implemented to counteract this effect? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Gender is an important dimension of ageing. What measures can be taken to solve the problems of elderly women facing social alienation and deprivation in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What role can the Indian diaspora play in fostering political and economic engagement between India and African countries? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"More than a decade after its inception, the benefits of the Belt and Road Initiative have proven to be illusory, especially for developing countries. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss the financial constraints faced by the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in India. What measures can be taken to augment their revenue resources? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Discuss the role of the Election Commission of India (ECI) in ensuring free and fair elections in India. How will the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Act, 2023 impact the independence of the ECI? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 has played a significant role in preventing atrocities and providing protection against discrimination of marginalized communities in India. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the functions of the National Commission for Women (NCW). How does the Commission benefit from having the powers of a civil court in dealing with women's issues? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Critically analyse the effectiveness of the POCSO Act, 2012 in addressing the issue of child sexual abuse in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Critically evaluate the implementation of the Smart Cities Mission in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"While extreme poverty has declined considerably in India, access to healthy food still remains a luxury. Discuss the reasons for poor access to healthy food and suggest measures to overcome the same. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Examine the role of publicly funded health insurance in improving health outcomes in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"To what extent has India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy been successful in enhancing its relations with the neighbouring countries? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Examine the effects of escalating conflicts in West Asia on regional and global stability, highlighting the significant repercussions for India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1116,"topper":"Anju","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/59209-1188680_2929_anju_rank_60.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Expression of dissent is central to the functioning of the Parliament. In light of this, discuss the role of the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in India's parliamentary system. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"How can the integration of technology into judicial processes enhance accessibility, capability, and efficiency in justice delivery? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Supreme Court of India has upheld unique asymmetry in India's federalism by intricately balancing centralized authority and regional autonomy. Discuss with the help of relevant case laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Evaluate the effectiveness of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes in safeguarding the interests of the Scheduled Castes in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Executive accountability to the legislature through Parliamentary Committees has been the hallmark of the Indian political system. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can India make Citizens' Charter a powerful tool for improving governance and empowering citizens? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How do corporate donors aid NGOs in facilitating holistic development in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite its merits, should the POCSO Act be revisited to correct the existing inadequacies? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"China's acquisition of strategic ports globally has significant implications for international trade routes and economic relations. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"What are the main functions of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)? How will its recent treaty on intellectual property, genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge benefit India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) plays a crucial role in combating corruption, its functioning is often criticized for being partisan and acting against the federal spirit. Discuss with the help of suitable examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Governors in India often overstep their constitutional role and fail to act effectively when needed. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Both India and the USA adhere to democratic principles but their electoral systems exhibit significant differences. What are the key differences in electoral practices between the two countries? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"How far do you agree with the view that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has met its objective of ensuring environmental justice in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Though Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) have become a platform for competitive politics, they have not emerged as an agency of planning and service delivery. Why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by interoperability in e-governance? What steps have been taken by the government to ensure interoperability and integration of various e-governance systems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"When it comes to sexual and reproductive health of women in India, rights-based discourse has largely been bypassed not just by the societal norms but also by the legal norms. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"How effective has India been in enhancing immunization coverage over the years? What challenges continue to affect immunization efforts in the country? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India used its Presidency of the G20 to bring the voice of the Global South to the centre stage. Discuss with special reference to Africa. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"India's relationship with the UAE has witnessed a remarkable expansion across various domains in the last decade. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1117,"topper":"Anju Maeena","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8e27d-792327_2219_anju-maeena_rank-877.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Fiscal policy can be a key tool to reduce income inequality as well as make the poorest and the downtrodden a part of the country's growth story. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Digitizing land records will go a long way in ensuring land reforms as well as lessening the burden on the Indian Judiciary. Elaborate. Also, state the measures taken in this context. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"It has been pointed out that competitive politics to fund mostly non-merit subsidies is pushing a few states in India to the brink of a deep fiscal crisis. In this context, discuss the need to rationalise the subsidy regime in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Micro-irrigation has tremendous potential in transforming farming into a profitable and sustainable venture. Discuss the given statement in the context of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Given its vast resources and technical expertise, India can play a key role in assisting the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) in dealing with the impact of climate change. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The recent \"Disaster Management Plan of Ministry of Panchayati Raj (DMP-MoPR)\" aims to develop disaster resilience at the grassroots level. In this context, discuss the rationale behind the formulation of the Plan and highlight its key components. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the internal security implications emanating from the use of Emerging And Disruptive Technologies (EDT) by state and non-state actors. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Identify the impediments faced by India in boosting its defence exports. Also, discuss the steps taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the multiple issues associated with space debris. Also, state the initiatives taken in recent times to tackle this menace. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The adoption of Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) in India is expected to make e-commerce more inclusive and accessible for consumers. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While an agreement was recently reached at the WTO on a deal to curb \"harmful\" government fisheries subsidies, certain concerns raised by India suggests that the matter will require further negotiations. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite the advantages that are associated with the hybrid annuity model (HAM) in the road construction sector, the interest in it has moderated due to various reasons. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The existing MSP procurement regime is neither economically nor agro-ecologically sustainable. Elaborate. Also, evaluate the alternative approaches that can be adopted to improve the existing MSP regime. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"It is being argued that India is struggling with overflowing foodgrains in warehouses. Discuss the statement in view of the existing buffer stock policy of India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Recently, the government has asked all ports to prepare a master plan in order to become 'mega ports' by 2047. In light of this, discuss the challenges faced by ports and suggest remedial measures in order to propel India's blue economy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Inequality in income and wealth translates into carbon inequality. In this context, discuss the significance of addressing carbon inequality for India and suggest ways to achieve it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Despite increased and regular occurrences of landslides over the past decade in India, the dominant development paradigm has largely not been modified. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)15","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India needs a smart border management system to balance legitimate cross border flows with national security interests. Discuss. Also, highlight the initiatives taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Establishing linkages between globalisation and money laundering, discuss the initiatives taken at the national and international levels to combat it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"There have been arguments that India needs to review some of its past assumptions about the nature of outer space and contribute to the development of new global norms. In this context, analyse India's stand in relation to the Artemis Accords. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1118,"topper":"Ankit","air":34,"year":2018,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/25670_1075_Ankit_Rank_34.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1119,"topper":"Ankit","air":34,"year":2018,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/25670_1077_Ankit_Rank_34.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1120,"topper":"Ankit","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/25670_1152_Ankit_Rank_34.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The crucial position accorded to the Speaker in Indian legislatures, makes it imperative to protect them from undue political pressures. Examine. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Examine the significance of Gram Sabhas, as mentioned in Article 243A of the Indian constitution, in the development process with special reference to Fifth Schedule areas. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"On what grounds can a person be denied the right to contest elections to the Parliament in India? Will a lifetime ban on those convicted of heinous crimes address the problem of criminalization of politics? Discuss in light of recent judgments by the Supreme Court. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Departmentally-Related Standing Committees have been referred to as mini-parliaments in India. Highlight their relevance in a democratic polity and discuss, with examples, how they improve the overall effectiveness of the Parliament. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Social audit has a crucial role in effective implementation of social sector programmes. Comment. Also, discuss its strengths and limitations. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discuss the significance of the 268th report of the Law Commission in addressing the problems of undertrials in India. What other measures can be taken in this regard? (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Enumerate the major welfare schemes for the elderly in India. Examine whether their benefits are reaching the targeted population. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Demographic dividend may become demographic liability in the absence of adequate skill development. In this context, discuss the importance of National Policy for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, 2015. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"It has been acknowledged widely that smart power is the best possible way for achieving intended foreign policy outcomes. Examine in the context of India. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Accession to the Ashgabat agreement is valuable for connecting India to its extended neighbourhood. What is the Ashgabat Agreement? Assess its significance for India. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Despite long-term recognition of the problem of pendency of cases in the courts, limited progress has been made in reducing their number. What are the possible reasons for such a scenario? Suggest a framework of measures that can be taken to address this issue. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Despite the phrase 'due process of law' not being mentioned in the Constitution, the Supreme Court, over the years, has adopted the doctrines of 'procedural due process' and 'substantive due process' into Indian constitutional law. Comment. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Mention the constitutional provisions to safeguard and ensure the independent and impartial functioning of the UPSC. Further, assess the limitations of UPSC in effectively performing its role as the 'watchdog of merit system' in India as envisioned by the Constitution. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Faulty regulatory policies can have a severe adverse effect on the efficient interplay of market forces and end up harming public interest. Examine in the context of systemic issues pertaining to regulatory environment in India. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"There is a need to introduce urgent reforms in the Cooperative sector to deal with the challenges that it has been facing. Discuss. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1121,"topper":"Ankit","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/25670_1068_Ankit_Rank_34.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"There are many challenges in sustainably scaling up renewable energy in India. Analyse. Also, discuss what can be done to address these challenges. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The policies and indicators introduced by the government, in recent times, to finance urban development in India are key in addressing the existing challenges. Discuss with special reference to municipal bonds. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"With a number of issues continuing to be a roadblock, a large section of India's rural population is still 'financially excluded'. Discuss. Analyse how these issues can be addressed and the measures taken by the government and RBI recently in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'Environmental Accounting'? Discussing the rationale behind introducing environmental accounting, highlight its status in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"While access to irrigation is important, efficiency of water use is equally, if not more, crucial. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"For a holistic approach to disaster risk reduction, there is a need to mainstream indigenous traditional knowledge and link it with modern technologies. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do you understand by food irradiation? Highlighting some of its unique applications, examine its relevance for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Whereas misuse of technology has abetted the spread of fake news, it is with the aid of technology that this menace can be curbed. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Explain the salient features of the recently established Defence Planning Committee. How can it help in credible defence preparedness? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Recent reports of Maoist leaders having amassed huge assets in property and cash underlines the significance of probing the funding network as part of counter-terrorism efforts. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Not only do services MSMEs contribute mightily to the overall GDP growth, they have a powerful, multiplier impact on the local economies as well. Elaborating on the statement, highlight the problems faced by service sector MSMEs. How can the government make it easier for MSMEs to start and grow a business? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Contract Farming has many advantages, however it suffers from market failures. Elaborate. What can the government do to correct problems that lead to contract failures? Also, discuss whether the Model Contract Farming Act, 2018 is a step in the right direction. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Suggest the measures needed to improve the employability of labour force as well as increasing number of employment opportunities in light of structural changes being brought by disruptive technologies. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"India's trade policy in agriculture, marred by ad-hocism and pro-consumer bias, has constrained realization of export potential, and prevented the farmers from reaping the benefits. Examine the statement and discuss ways, including government initiatives, to improve agricultural exports. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Is currency exchange rate a suitable measure of relative economic performance of countries? Despite improving macro-economic fundamentals, trade deficit in India continues to widen. Bring out the factors responsible for this situation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"It will take much more than relief packages to address the problems being faced by the sugar industry in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"NAPCC, almost 10 years old and formulated with lofty objectives, has not served as the best answer to cope with the impacts of climate change. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Proliferation of nuclear weapons and the threat of their use are key concerns for global security nonetheless existing international arrangements seem to be ineffective. Comment. Also, identify the salient features of India's policy in this context and discuss whether India should join the NPT in the current form. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The maritime security domain requires collective multilateral and regional cooperation to combat non traditional threats. Discuss in the context of threats in the Western Indian Ocean and the recent amendments in the Djibouti Code of Conduct. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India's space programme was initiated with the vision of utilising outer space for peaceful purposes, however with changing times it has the potential to play a significant role in strengthening security capabilities of India. Discuss with adequate examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1122,"topper":"Ankit Agrawal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/65d93cae1265db5ffeffd2e87a3f6506/16/pttp220280_tc062.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"If you look into someone's face long enough, eventually you feel that you are looking into yourself.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"It is the province of knowledge to speak and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Drop the question what tomorrow may bring, and count as profit every day that fate allows you.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"B / Section-B Q.5 Truth, like a torch, the more it is shook, it shines. , , , Q.6 Art is I; science is We. ; Q.7 Only the dead have seen the end of the war. Q.8 Act as if it were impossible to fail.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1123,"topper":"Ankit Agrawal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/79922-610540_4514_ankit-agrawal_rank_217.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"In matters of conscience, the law of the majority has no place.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"He who opens a school door, closes a prison.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Only in the depths of winter can we truly appreciate the warmth of spring.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Copying is safe; innovation demands courage.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The more we automate, the more human we must become.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The desire for immediate recognition is birthing a generation with a restless","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1124,"topper":"Ankit Agrawal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/90/mts_2023_unchecked_pttp220280_tc062.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"If you look into someone's face long enough, eventually you feel that you are looking into yourself.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"It is the province of knowledge to speak and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Drop the question what tomorrow may bring, and count as profit every day that fate allows you.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"MODERN WORLD: CLOUDS OF CONFUSION","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Truth, like a torch, the more it is shook, it shines.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Art is I; science is We.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Only the dead have seen the end of the war.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Act as if it were impossible to fail.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1125,"topper":"Ankit Agrawal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/76/mts_2023_unchecked_pttp220280_tc061.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Reason has always existed, but not always in a reasonable form.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"The opposite of poverty is not wealth.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"To forgive is to set a prisoner free and to discover that the prisoner was you.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"A man who wants to lead the orchestra must turn his back on the crowd.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"FORGIVENESS IS NOT UNIVERSAL & EVER LASTING","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"International Trade is a good indicator of National Security.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"It is not that we use technology, we live technology.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"There is more to life than simply increasing its speed.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Nature is neither a servant nor a master, but a necessary partner.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1126,"topper":"Ankit Agrawal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/781770142252687b4750b386de5a9f2e/33/mts_2023_unchecked_pttp220280_tc063.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Little strokes fell great oaks.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Judge a man by his questions rather than his answers.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Great principles,great ideals know no nationality.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"In struggling with misfortune lies the true proof of virtue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"LITTLE EFFORTS : NUCLEAR FUSION RELEASES MORE ENERGY THAN NUCLEAR FISSION","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The whole purpose of Education is to turn mirrors into windows.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"To dwell is to garden.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Reality is the shadow of ideas.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"We can not despair of humanity, since we ourselves are human beings.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Ideas shaping Reality: Architect of Structure","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1127,"topper":"Ankit Agrawal","air":297,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/65d93cae1265db5ffeffd2e87a3f6506/15/pttp220280_tc061.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1128,"topper":"Ankit Agrawal","air":297,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/65d93cae1265db5ffeffd2e87a3f6506/17/pttp220280_tc063.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1129,"topper":"Ankit Agrawal","air":297,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ANKIT-AGRAWAL-UPSC-2023-Rank-297-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1130,"topper":"Ankit Agrawal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/748520c30390b56bbbd3f8693a3b3ea3/37/pttp220280_tc071-test-01-gs-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"The fabric of Indian philosophical thought owes as much to Northern India as to Southern India. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The Indian society's impulse for social change and reform was a response to its opposition to colonial rule. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What are the factors that led to the Russian revolution and what are the consequences of this revolution? Discuss its influence on the Indian national movement. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the various factors responsible for the uneven temperature distribution on Earth's surface. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The melting of glaciers due to climate change has serious implications for the ecosystem and human society. Discuss the effects of melting glaciers on the environment and the measures that can be taken to address this issue. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The White Revolution was most successful in the Western part of India. Discuss the factors for this regional success of the White Revolution. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"To what extent does seismic investigation contribute to our understanding of the Earth's interior structure? Analyze its significance in detail. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The pace of demographic transition varies across different states of India making population growth a double-edged sword Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The ethnic and cultural diversity in India has always been bound by the thread of unity Discuss the major factors that have contributed to the cultural unity of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The dichotomy in public and private life in Indian society acts as a major barrier to the annihilation of caste Justify. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"India was forced into numerous wars post Independence. Highlight the causes and impact of the Indo-Pak and Indo-China wars on our bilateral relationships. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"The process of consolidation of Bengal, which started after the Battle of Plassey culminated in the Battle of Buxar. Do you think the Battle of Buxar was more important for the British than Plassey? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Sanskrit literature in general and particularly in the Guptan age set a high watermark for the literary history of ancient India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"The configuration of the ocean floor provides essential information about the geological processes that have shaped the Earth's surface. Discuss the major features of the ocean floor and their significance in the study of oceanography. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"With the growing demand for rare earth elements, their distribution has become a critical aspect of the global economy. Discuss the distribution of rare earth elements across the world, their uses, and the environmental impact of their extraction. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Tourism in the hilly states is threatening to exceed the ecological carrying capacity of the region. Analyze the factors contributing to this trend and evaluate the potential Environmental impacts of this phenomenon. What measures can be taken to ensure sustainable tourism in these states? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"The Indian monsoon is a complex phenomenon influenced by various climatic factors. Critically examine the role of oceanic and atmospheric factors in determining the intensity and distribution of monsoon rainfall in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Why do traditions in our society impede change? To what extent can social legislation be instrumental against old customary practices? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1131,"topper":"Ankit Agrawal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/ankit-agrawal-test-1-1747820152765.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Examine the role of numismatic evidence in understanding the political and economic history of ancient India. Provide specific examples.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Assess the impact of women's organizations in mobilizing women across diverse socio-economic and regional backgrounds in pre-independence India.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":8,"question":"How did the policy of non-alignment reflect the aspirations of India and other newly independent nations to maintain their sovereignty and resist colonial pressures?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the processes involved in volcanism. Highlight the major volcanic regions in the world and their associated tectonic settings.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Explain the geological features and ecological importance of the Eastern Ghats.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":14,"question":"Earlier known as coarse cereals the government rebranded millets in 2018 as nutri-cereals. In this context discuss the ecological and nutritional significance of millets","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":16,"question":"What are the potential consequences of Arctic ice melt on biodiversity and ecosystems? How might these changes impact global ecological balance","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Do you think the Uniform Civil Code contradicts the idea of religious pluralism and cultural differences in Indian society?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss the concept of healthy active ageing in the context of demographic shifts in India. How does it contribute to social inclusion?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":22,"question":"How is the transition from conscious consumption to compulsive consumption impacting family structure and dynamics in urban areas?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss with examples the key features of Vijayanagara architecture. How did Indo-Islamic elements manifest in their structures?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Compare and contrast the features of ancient Indian universities like Nalanda and Takshashila with modern state-funded universities in India. What lessons can modern universities learn from ancient ones to improve their effectiveness?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Analyze the ideological differences and similarities between the revolutionary movement(1920-1930s) and the Gandhian non-violent struggle. How did these two ideologies influence each other?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":33,"question":"What are the various types of glacial landforms formed in the Indian Himalayas? How do these features impact local ecosystems and human activities?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Discuss the unique geographical features of the Indian Ocean and their impact on global oceanic circulation patterns. How do these features influence the climate of the Indian subcontinent?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Urban heat islands (UHIs) have become a significant phenomenon in Indian cities, exacerbating the frequency and intensity of heat waves. Analyze the underlying factors contributing to this phenomenon and critically assess the existing mitigation strategies.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Evaluate the primary factors contributing to regional disparities in the sugar industry between North India and Peninsular India. What measures can be undertaken to reduce the surplus sugar production?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Discuss how gender-based violence in India is a manifestation of patriarchal values. To what extent has modernisation in law served as an instrument of women's empowerment in this regard?","marks":"15","words":null}]},{"id":1132,"topper":"Ankit Agrawal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/137/mts_2023_unchecked_pttp220280_tc071.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"The fabric of Indian philosophical thought owes as much to Northern India as to Southern India. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The Indian society's impulse for social change and reform was a response to its opposition to colonial rule. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the various factors responsible for the uneven temperature distribution on Earth's surface. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The melting of glaciers due to climate change has serious implications for the ecosystem and human society. Discuss the effects of melting glaciers on the environment and the measures that can be taken to address this issue. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The White Revolution was most successful in the Western part of India. Discuss the factors for this regional success of the White Revolution. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"To what extent does seismic investigation contribute to our understanding of the Earth's interior structure? Analyze its significance in detail. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The pace of demographic transition varies across different states of India making population growth a double-edged sword Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The ethnic and cultural diversity in India has always been bound by the thread of unity. Discuss the major factors that have contributed to the cultural unity of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The dichotomy in public and private life in Indian society acts as a major barrier to the annihilation of caste. Justify. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"India was forced into numerous wars post Independence. Highlight the causes and impact of the Indo-Pak and Indo-China wars on our bilateral relationships. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"The process of consolidation of Bengal, which started after the Battle of Plassey culminated in the Battle of Buxar. Do you think the Battle of Buxar was more important for the British than Plassey? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Sanskrit literature in general and particularly in the Guptan age set a high watermark for the literary history of ancient India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"The configuration of the ocean floor provides essential information about the geological processes that have shaped the Earth's surface. Discuss the major features of the ocean floor and their significance in the study of oceanography. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"With the growing demand for rare earth elements, their distribution has become a critical aspect of the global economy. Discuss the distribution of rare earth elements across the world, their uses, and the environmental impact of their extraction. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Tourism in the hilly states is threatening to exceed the ecological carrying capacity of the region. Analyze the factors contributing to this trend and evaluate the potential Environmental impacts of this phenomenon. What measures can be taken to ensure sustainable tourism in these states? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"The Indian monsoon is a complex phenomenon influenced by various climatic factors. Critically examine the role of oceanic and atmospheric factors in determining the intensity and distribution of monsoon rainfall in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Why do traditions in our society impede change? To what extent can social legislation be instrumental against old customary practices? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Slums are not 'problems' that have to be 'solved' - but are indeed a result of lopsided and vested urban policies covering infrastructure provision and socio-economic issues. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Communalism gains strength from economic deprivation, and thrives in environments of social exclusion, creating fertile ground for discontent and division. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1133,"topper":"Ankit Agrawal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9d965-610540_4510_ankit-agrawal_rank_217.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Folk music serves as a repository of the cultural identity. Discuss the role of folk music in preserving cultural heritage and promoting social cohesion. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"How does the Vesara style of temple architecture represent a synthesis of the Nagara and Dravida styles? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the role played by Indians living abroad in advancing the cause of India's freedom struggle. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How did the Marshall Plan influence the economic recovery and political stability of post-war Europe? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Discuss the factors responsible for increased cyclonic activity in the Arabian Sea. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can technological interventions help in transforming the textile sector in India? What are the initiatives that the government has taken in this regard? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What is a seiche and how does it form? Discuss the geographical conditions under which seiches are most likely to occur. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"How has rapid urbanisation affected the socio-cultural landscape of peri-urban regions in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Examine the role of historical and socio-political factors in driving communalism in Indian politics. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Globalization has significantly influenced the aspirations, lifestyle, and value systems of Indian youth. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Examine how Chandragupta-II's reign symbolised a golden age of cultural development, laying the foundation for future advancements in Indian art and literature. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Evaluate the intended and unintended consequences of British educational policies for the Indian society in the colonial period. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"India's territorial disputes after independence were not merely about borders, but also encompass issues of national identity, historical grievances, and geopolitical strategies. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the geographical conditions responsible for the development of shola forests in the upper reaches of the Western Ghats. Highlight their ecological significance. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss the potential of natural hydrogen as a fuel to meet growing global energy demands? Why is it still an untapped industry? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Why is there a shift of labour-intensive industries from China to South and Southeast Asia? Discuss the advantages and challenges for India in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Explain the socio-economic transformations resulting from women's migration to metropolitan areas in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The institution of marriage in India is increasingly becoming a site of conspicuous consumption and commodification. Critically examine the impact of this commercialisation on social equity and gender relations. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Analyse how recognizing, reducing, and redistributing care work can foster gender equality and promote inclusive development in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Discuss the changing nature of family structures in urban India. How is it impacting elderly care and socialization of the youth? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1134,"topper":"Ankit Agrawal","air":217,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/19/mts_2024_unchecked_pttp220280_gsmac2401.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1135,"topper":"Ankit Agrawal","air":297,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/748520c30390b56bbbd3f8693a3b3ea3/46/pttp220280_test-01-gs-1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1136,"topper":"Ankit Agrawal","air":297,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ANKIT-AGRAWAL-UPSC-2023-Rank-297-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1137,"topper":"Ankit Agrawal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/748520c30390b56bbbd3f8693a3b3ea3/40/pttp220280_tc072-test-2-gs-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"There is a need to resolve the ambiguity in the disqualification provisions under section 8 of the Representation of People Act 1951. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Constitution is a mere skeleton whereas constitutionalism is the soul of democracy. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"\"Electoral bonds are a double-edged sword, providing anonymity to donors while raising concerns about transparency in political funding.\" To what extent have electoral bonds further legitimized opacity in electoral funding? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The question of gender equality is central to the debate on Uniform Civil Code. In this light what are the challenges in reconciling UCC with gender equality as enshrined in the constitution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Recently demand has been rising in a state regarding the enactment of Social Accountability Law. How such a law can lead to good governance and boost citizens' participation in decision-making. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"MGNREGA, the lynchpin of rural poverty alleviation, has become the victim of fiscal apathy.\" Critically analyze the statement in light of recent developments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"\"India must leverage, if not manage, the global divides\". How can the current geopolitical churn pave the way for India's rise to the global high table? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"Berlin can be India's gateway to the European Union.\" Elaborate with respect to Germany's significance in India's relationship with the EU. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"How has the Anti-Defection Law impacted the relationship between political parties and individual legislators in India? In light of the recent incidents also discuss the unintended consequences it has on the functioning of democracy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Critics assert that limitless judicial authority rests on the structural ambiguity of the basic structure doctrine. Has the elastic nature of the basic structure doctrine made the judiciary more powerful than the executive? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Fundamental rights are not gifts bestowed upon by the state rather an individual possesses them independently of the state. In this context discuss the desirability of reasonable restrictions on various fundamental rights. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"S.R. Bommai v. Union of India signified a paradigm shift in the judicial interpretation of the union's authority to assume control of a state's administration. In this context discuss the significance and impact of the judgement on cementing the federal structure. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"The key to effective decentralization is, political decentralization should follow finance and functional decentralization. Discuss in the context of impediments faced by local governance in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Multi-stakeholder partnerships are the key to leveraging collective expertise and networks. How can effective partnership and localized implementation efforts be fostered to accelerate the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"How has the implementation of the POSH Act resulted in limited success in raising awareness about sexual harassment, and what factors have hindered its effective outreach to women employed in the unorganized sector? Propose strategies to bridge this gap and ensure comprehensive protection for women in the unorganized sector against workplace harassment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Neo-liberal reforms and globalization have deeply transformed the institutions of the welfare state and set the ground for a new type of civil services. In this context examine the challenges faced in service delivery and suggest adequate reforms. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"China views India as its \"Asian Rival\" with an innate ability to counter its hegemonic goals in Asia. Despite these difficulties in India-China relations, there are also many areas of convergence. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Indo-Pacific region in recent times has emerged as a zone of diverging interests and priorities. Discuss. Do you think the Global Security Initiative will supersede QUAD in the region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1138,"topper":"Ankit Agrawal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/748520c30390b56bbbd3f8693a3b3ea3/45/pttp220280_-test-02-gs-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"There is a need to resolve the ambiguity in the disqualification provisions under section 8 of the Representation of People Act 1951. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Constitution is a mere skeleton whereas constitutionalism is the soul of democracy. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The question of gender equality is central to the debate on Uniform Civil Code. In this light what a...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Recently demand has been rising in a state regarding the enactment of Social Accountability Law. How...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"\"Berlin can be India's gateway to the European Union.\" Elaborate with respect to Germany's significance in India's relationship with the EU. There is a need to resolve the ambiguity in the disqualification provisions under section 8 of the Representation of People Act 1951. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1139,"topper":"Ankit Agrawal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/ankit-agrawal-test-2-1747820167222.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"The rule of law and judicial review are interdependent as one cannot truly exist without the other. In this context can judicial review be considered the most important aspect among those that constitute the basic structure of the Constitution? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"How does the power and authority of Delhi's lieutenant governor compare to that of the governors of other states, particularly in terms of acting on the aid and advice of the council of ministers? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss the role of the judiciary in navigating the tension between the right to religion and constitutional morality in India in recent times. Refer to relevant case laws. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The principle of 'Separation of Powers' is a key feature of the American Constitution. In this context, compare how the Indian Constitution's functional separation of powers distinguishes itself from the US system. What are the advantages of a check and balance system over a rigid Separation of Powers? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution is more than a legal provision that empowers tribal regions with self-rule. How does the sixth schedule foster development while respecting their traditional governance systems and cultural practices? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How do partnerships between Civil Society Organizations and Government Entities contribute to India's development goals? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss the importance of cultivating a culture of life-long learning among Indian civil servants. How has Mission Karmyogi contributed to this objective? Illustrate with examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Given India's strides in reducing extreme poverty, should the country consider redefining its poverty line to better reflect the current socio-economic realities? Discuss the potential benefits and challenges associated with redefinition of the poverty line. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Evaluate the impact of the deepening political divisions with the major Western States on global governance and international cooperation. How should India navigate these divisions to advance its national interests on the global stage? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"How does India's Arctic Policy align with its broader foreign policy objectives? Broadly discuss the collaborations and agreements India is involved in with the Arctic Council. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In what ways are the terms of reference of the 16th Finance Commission different from that of the previous Finance Commissions. Despite increasingly progressive devolution by subsequent Finance Commissions, examine the factors that propel economic disparities across various States. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Compare and contrast the powers and working of the Ethics Committee and the Privileges Committee in addressing cases of 'unethical' conduct and breach of privileges. How do these Committees complement each other in maintaining parliamentary discipline? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"In the context of persistent legislative dysfunction in India, analyze the evolving role of judicial activism in shaping public policy and governance. Using examples from landmark court cases, evaluate the effectiveness of judicial interventions in addressing governance gaps and safeguarding citizens' rights. (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"To what extent does the level of internal democracy within political parties impact the functioning and legitimacy of the Indian party system? What reforms can address the challenges of inadequate intraparty democracy in India? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"\"The NHRC must not only be a watchdog but also a beacon of hope for the marginalized and oppressed.\" In this context discuss the role and mandate of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in India. How does the current composition and functioning of the NHRC affect its independence and effectiveness? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"The persistent health equity challenges in India pose a critical barrier in achieving Universal Health Coverage. In this context discuss the role of the public and private sectors in ensuring adequate health access and outcomes across rural and urban areas.(250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals requires consideration of regional context and local situations. In light of this statement examine the role of Panchayats as catalysts for grassroot development and advancing sustainable development.(250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"What are the implications of the POCSO Act on the rights and welfare of children in India? Analyze the role of the POCSO Act in transforming India's legal framework for child protection. (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Examine the influence of human rights issues and democratic values on the diplomatic relationship between the U.S. and India. How have these concerns affected bilateral engagements and what can be done to mitigate tensions arising from these issues? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Examine the geopolitical challenges India faces in South Asia despite its global rise. How can India navigate these challenges to strengthen its regional leadership? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1140,"topper":"Ankit Agrawal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/119/mts_2023_unchecked_pttp220280_tc072.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"There is a need to resolve the ambiguity in the disqualification provisions under section 8 of the Representation of People Act 1951. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Constitution is a mere skeleton whereas constitutionalism is the soul of democracy. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Electoral bonds are a double-edged sword, providing anonymity to donors while raising concerns about transparency in political funding. To what extent have electoral bonds further legitimized opacity in electoral funding? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The question of gender equality is central to the debate on Uniform Civil Code. In this light what are the challenges in reconciling UCC with gender equality as enshrined in the constitution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The Governor's office is neither decorative nor inconsequential, it assumes a constitutional role of profound essence. To what extent does the Governor, actively contribute to the governance of a state and reinforce the principles of federalism in the country? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Recently demand has been rising in a state regarding the enactment of Social Accountability Law. How such a law can lead to good governance and boost citizens' participation in decision-making. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"There is a need for convergence of 'nutrition-specific' and 'nutrition-sensitive' interventions to effectively tackle child undernutrition in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"MGNREGA, the lynchpin of rural poverty alleviation, has become the victim of fiscal apathy.\" Critically analyze the statement in light of recent developments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"\"India must leverage, if not manage, the global divides.\" How can the current geopolitical churn pave the way for India's rise to the global high table? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"Berlin can be India's gateway to the European Union.\" Elaborate with respect to Germany's significance in India's relationship with the EU. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"How has the Anti-Defection Law impacted the relationship between political parties and individual legislators in India? In light of the recent incidents also discuss the unintended consequences it has on the functioning of democracy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Critics assert that limitless judicial authority rests on the structural ambiguity of the basic structure doctrine. Has the elastic nature of the basic structure doctrine made the judiciary more powerful than the executive? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Fundamental rights are not gifts bestowed upon by the state rather an individual possesses them independently of the state. In this context discuss the desirability of reasonable restrictions on various fundamental rights. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"S.R. Bommai v. Union of India signified a paradigm shift in the judicial interpretation of the union's authority to assume control of a state's administration.' In this context discuss the significance and impact of the judgement on cementing the federal structure. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"The key to effective decentralization is, 'political decentralization should follow finance and functional decentralization'. Discuss in the context of impediments faced by local governance in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Multi-stakeholder partnerships are the key to leveraging collective expertise and networks. How can effective partnership and localized implementation efforts be fostered to accelerate the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"How has the implementation of the POSH Act resulted in limited success in raising awareness about sexual harassment, and what factors have hindered its effective outreach to women employed in the unorganized sector? Propose strategies to bridge this gap and ensure comprehensive protection for women in the unorganized sector against workplace harassment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Neo-liberal reforms and globalization have deeply transformed the institutions of the welfare state and set the ground for a new type of civil services.' In this context examine the challenges faced in service delivery and suggest adequate reforms. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1141,"topper":"Ankit Agrawal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/91/mts_2023_unchecked_pttp220280_tc076.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Interstate border disputes, if not promptly and impartially settled, can transform into persistent issues that impede development and generate friction. Highlighting the constitutional and legal framework to resolve interstate disputes, explain why Independent India has failed to resolve inter-state border disputes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Examine the role of the Inter-state Council in promoting vertical (Centre-State) and horizontal (Inter-State) Intergovernmental cooperation and coordination. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss the key function of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) What steps should be taken to revamp the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in order to enhance its effectiveness as a true guardian of public funds? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Recognizing the pivotal role of urbanization as a driver of national economic growth, the Fifteenth Finance Commission has suggested major reforms for Urban Local Bodies. Evaluate the recommendations put forward by the Fifteenth Finance Commission in promoting and revitalizing ULBs in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":37,"question":"Discuss the crucial role played by the National Commission for Women in shaping the discourse on gender-sensitive laws in India. To what extent the elevation of the National Commission for Women to a constitutional body would reinforce its authority? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"'Satisfactory and timely redressal of grievances is the cornerstone of 'minimum government, maximum governance.' In this context discuss the challenges associated with current grievance redress mechanisms and suggest measures to strengthen the process. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1142,"topper":"Ankit Agrawal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/47512-610540_4511_ankit-agrawal_rank_217.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How does the Supreme Court's recent decision on Aligarh Muslim University's minority status affect the interpretation of Article 30 of the Indian Constitution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The Supreme Court, in a recent verdict, prescribed a time period for the Governor's assent to state legislative bills. What are the implications of this judgment for cooperative federalism and legislative accountability in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the recent changes and initiatives related to cooperatives that aim to smoothen the tussle between the Centre and States in the cooperative sector. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"In recent years, use of social media and digital mobilisation by civil society has emerged as a powerful form of pressure politics. Examine its impact on policymaking and democratic accountability. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) emerging as a business-led solution for addressing development challenges in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss how mechanisms like public consultations and Jan Sunwais in India impact governance outcomes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How effective have the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) and Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan been in addressing substance abuse in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Rote learning and neglect of creativity in foundational education setup in India make it less ready for marketplaces that are now driven by Artificial Intelligence. Do you agree with this view? Substantiate your argument. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Analyze the transformation of the G7 from a symbol of Western strategic unity to a forum marked by internal contradictions. How should India navigate this changing dynamic to advance its strategic interests? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the role of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in the development of developing countries. What are the key criticisms associated with its approach? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The 103rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019 has introduced a new dimension to the principle of affirmative action in India. Critically examine its implications for the broader goal of social justice. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The District Planning Committee (DPC) was envisioned as a key instrument to strengthen grassroots-level planning. How far has it succeeded in achieving this goal? Discuss the challenges faced by DPCs and suggest measures to make them more effective. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The restrictions imposed under Article 293 of the Constitution on State borrowing powers, though constitutionally valid, may hinder fiscal autonomy of States and disrupt cooperative federalism. Discuss in the light of recent developments. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Examine the tension between the right to contest elections and the need to uphold electoral ethics under the Representation of the People Act. Should there be a lifetime ban on convicted criminals? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1143,"topper":"Ankit Agrawal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5f0ad-610540_4512_ankit-agrawal_rank_217.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Analyse the factors that have contributed to India's inclusive economic growth in the past decade. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The Reserve Bank of India's surplus transfers offer the government much-needed fiscal space, yet they are not without challenges. Critically examine the implications of the RBI's surplus transfers to the government. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"To what extent was the first National Monetization Pipeline (NMP) able to meet its objectives? What are the objectives of the new Asset Monetization Plan 2025–30 as announced in the recent 2025 Budget? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Examine the major challenges hindering the Indian textile industry from achieving its full potential in the global value chain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Why has India become increasingly import-dependent for edible oils despite being a major agricultural economy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Air accidents are low-frequency but high-impact events. Examine the disaster management protocols in place for aviation-related emergencies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Chemical pollution poses a grave threat to human health and the environment in India. Discuss the key sources contributing to pervasive chemical contamination and evaluate the effectiveness of existing environmental laws in curbing this problem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Missile defence systems are becoming critical for national security in the face of evolving regional threats and advanced weapon technologies. Explain the working principle of missile defence systems. Critically assess India's progress in developing indigenous missile defence capabilities. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Despite multiple resolutions and initiatives undertaken by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), its efforts to counter terrorism have achieved limited success. Discuss the reasons for this limited effectiveness. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"India practices a 'multi-alignment' approach in its cyber diplomacy. How does this posture strengthen India's internal security while maintaining strategic autonomy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While examining the shortcomings of the land reforms in the past, elaborate what land reforms 2.0 should look like. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"As NITI Aayog completes 10 years of its establishment, critically examine its role in the planning and development paradigm of governance in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What are the primary causes of limited formal credit penetration among the rural and unbanked populations in India? Comment on the effectiveness of Small Finance Banks in addressing this gap and advancing inclusive financial growth.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"To what extent has the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for the food processing industry facilitated value addition, employment generation, and global competitiveness in India's food processing industry? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Waste circularity is emerging as a sustainable solution to India's mounting solid waste crisis. Discuss the key principles of waste circularity and the government's initiative in this regard. How effective have these measures been in fostering a circular economy? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Discuss the importance of integrating traditional ecological knowledge of India's tribal communities with modern disaster management frameworks. Mention two examples where indigenous practices have contributed to disaster resilience. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"CRISPR technology has rapidly advanced in recent years, with new tools and clinical breakthroughs. Highlight the recent developments in CRISPR-based gene editing technology applications. Discuss the opportunities and ethical challenges these advancements present for healthcare and society. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"A credible semiconductor ecosystem is pivotal for India's economic security as much as for national security. Analyse the strategic objectives, incentives, and institutional architecture of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM). Identify the major risks that could derail its timelines. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1144,"topper":"Ankit Agrawal","air":217,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/17/mts_2024_unchecked_pttp220280_gsmac2402.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1145,"topper":"Ankit Agrawal","air":297,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/748520c30390b56bbbd3f8693a3b3ea3/42/pttp220280_tc076-test-6-gs2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1146,"topper":"Ankit Agrawal","air":297,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/748520c30390b56bbbd3f8693a3b3ea3/48/pttp220280_-test-06-gs-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1147,"topper":"Ankit Agrawal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/748520c30390b56bbbd3f8693a3b3ea3/38/pttp220280_tc073-test-3-gs-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"What do you understand by Windfall tax? Do you think that windfall taxes can effectively redistribute wealth and promote greater economic equality? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss the perceived successes and challenges of implementing inflation targeting under the new Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) regime. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Assess the potential of millet production in promoting sustainable agriculture and improving food security in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Jal Jeevan Mission has the potential to end the regional disparity in the availability and accessibility of drinking water. Highlighting the significance of the mission, discuss the underlying impediments in achieving the desired objectives. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What do you understand by Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)? Discuss its applications and how it can revolutionize the energy program of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Discuss in brief developments and challenges in the Gaganyaan mission of ISRO. What are the possible benefits of the mission for the society? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"\"Green hydrogen can be the silver bullet in our quest to tackle climate change and pollution\". Critically analyze the statement in light of India's National Green Hydrogen mission. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What are the key lessons for disaster management and environmental conservation in the Himalayan region, in light of the recent disaster in Joshimath, Uttarakhand? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"\"The recent radical trends in Punjab show that the Khalistan issue is still simmering.\" Discuss the statement with respect to recent developments and suggest measures to handle it. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The anonymity and ease of drone operation contribute to the challenges of India's border security. Elaborate and give suggestions to tackle the drone problem in border areas. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Electricity Amendment Bill, 2022 brings several advantages for consumers, DISCOMs as well as the environment. Elaborate. Also list out its shortcomings and suggest some measures to overcome them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) plays an important role in the regulation of the share market and safeguarding the interests of investors. In the light of given statement, highlight the challenges faced by the SEBI and suggest reforms in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Despite being a major contributor to the Indian economy, the agriculture sector is plagued by several constraints that impede its growth and development. Discuss the role of technology in overcoming these constraints. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Evaluate the impact of irrigation on the environment and natural resources and suggest measures to ensure the sustainability and equity of irrigation practices in agriculture. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"How India benefitted strategically from the contributions of Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha and Dr. Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai in the fields of atomic energy and space technology respectively? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Genreative AI holds the potential to push the boundaries of innovation in the near future, yet its societal impact raises substantial challenges. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Explain the purpose of the \"Mangrove Alliance for Climate\" launched at the COP27 UN Climate Change Conference in Egypt in November 2022. Elaborate on the importance of mangroves in maintaining the coastal ecology of tropical nations. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"The Formation of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure brings more robustness to the Disaster Management approach in India. Comment and justify the need for a new strategy to tackle Disasters in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"The recent rise in ransomware attacks targeting critical infrastructure and major corporations has highlighted the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity measures and policies. Discussing the key factors contributing to this trend, analyze the impact of these attacks on various sectors. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"In the context of border security, how can cooperation and coordination between different security agencies be improved to ensure effective and efficient management of coastal and terrestrial borders? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1148,"topper":"Ankit Agrawal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/ankit-agrawal-test-3-1747820178455.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Highlighting the factors contributing to high fiscal deficit in India, discuss the potential consequences of such deficit and suggest measures to ensure fiscal consolidation. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"India's aspiration to be a developed nation by 2047 hinges on significant capital investment. In light of this, discuss the potential of capital investment in achieving this vision. What are the challenges India faces in this regard? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"\"With growing urbanization, peri-urban agriculture is emerging as a significant contributor to fresh farm produce needs\". In this context, discuss the opportunities and challenges associated with promoting peri-urban agriculture in a sustainable manner. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What are the major challenges faced by India's agriculture sector to achieve self-sufficiency in pulses and vegetable oils? Suggest measures to address these challenges. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Evaluate the potential of biomanufacturing and bio-foundry in driving India's future towards a sustainable green economy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What are the principles behind the working of Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV)? Explain the significance and potential benefits of use of RLVs in India's space commerce. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Examine the key features of the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) 2023. Analyze its potential for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"In light of the increased intensity, frequency and duration of heat waves in the last decade, do you think the time has come to include \"heat waves\" as a notified disaster under the Disaster Management Act, 2005? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Recently formulated 'joint doctrine for cyberspace operations' by Indian armed forces will lead to strengthening of the cyber-security posture for both conventional operations as well as gray zone warfare. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the necessity and potential issues surrounding the extension of the Border Security Force's (BSF) territorial jurisdiction in states adjacent to Pakistan and Bangladesh. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"India's economic growth story is often overshadowed by the persistent challenges of unemployment. Analyze the concept of structural unemployment and discuss its relevance in the context of India's current economic situation. Suggest policy measures to promote inclusive job growth. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Discuss the role of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in fostering regional growth in India. How can MSMEs contribute to achieving industrial diversification and technological advancement? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"\"The sole point of MSP is to protect farmers from sudden price shocks\" Do you think legalization of MSP can insure farmers from sudden price shocks? What are the other measures which can be taken to make MSP-led procurement effective? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Discuss the role of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) in the Public Distribution System (PDS) to ensure food security in India. Suggest necessary reforms in the functioning of FCI to enhance its efficiency and effectiveness. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Discuss the role of nanotechnology on enhancing agricultural productivity and food security in India. Highlight recent developments and potential benefits and risks of use of nano-fertilizers and nano-pesticides. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"The Nobel Prize in Physics of 2023 was jointly awarded to Ekimov, Brus and Bawendi for the discovery of synthesis of quantum dots. In this context, discuss the applications of quantum dots. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Evaluate the role of protected areas in biodiversity conservation in India. How effective have national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves been in preserving India's biodiversity? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"India's response to left wing extremism needs to integrate soft approaches like socio-economic policies and dialogue along with hard security measures to address the root causes of Naxalism. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1149,"topper":"Ankit Agrawal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/106/mts_2023_unchecked_pttp220280_tc073.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"What do you understand by Windfall tax? Do you think that windfall taxes can effectively redistribute wealth and promote greater economic equality? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss the perceived successes and challenges of implementing inflation targeting under the new Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) regime. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Assess the potential of millet production in promoting sustainable agriculture and improving food security in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Jal Jeevan Mission has the potential to end the regional disparity in the availability and accessibility of drinking water. Highlighting the significance of the mission, discuss the underlying impediments in achieving the desired objectives. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What do you understand by Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)? Discuss its applications and how it can revolutionize the energy program of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Discuss in brief developments and challenges in the Gaganyaan mission of ISRO. What are the possible benefits of the mission for the society? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"\"Green hydrogen can be the silver bullet in our quest to tackle climate change and pollution\". Critically analyze the statement in light of India's National Green Hydrogen mission. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What are the key lessons for disaster management and environmental conservation in the Himalayan region, in light of the recent disaster in Joshimath, Uttarakhand? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"\"The recent radical trends in Punjab show that the Khalistan issue is still simmering.\" Discuss the statement with respect to recent developments and suggest measures to handle it. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The anonymity and ease of drone operation contribute to the challenges of India's border security. Elaborate and give suggestions to tackle the drone problem in border areas. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Electricity Amendment Bill, 2022 brings several advantages for consumers, DISCOMs as well as the environment. Elaborate Also list out its shortcomings and suggest some measures to overcome them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) plays an important role in the regulation of the share market and safeguarding the interests of investors. In the light of given statemen, highlight the challenges faced by the SEBI and suggest reforms in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Despite being a major contributor to the Indian economy, the agriculture sector is plagued by several constraints that impede its growth and development. Discuss the role of technology in overcoming these constraints. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Evaluate the impact of irrigation on the environment and natural resources and suggest measures to ensure the sustainability and equity of irrigation practices in agriculture. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"How India benefitted strategically from the contributions of Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha and Dr. Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai in the fields of atomic energy and space technology respectively? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Genreative AI holds the potential to push the boundaries of innovation in the near future, yet its societal impact raises substantial challenges. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Explain the purpose of the \"Mangrove Alliance for Climate\" launched at the COP27 UN Climate Change Conference in Egypt in November 2022. Elaborate on the importance of mangroves in maintaining the coastal ecology of tropical nations. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"The Formation of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure brings more robustness to the Disaster Management approach in India. Comment and justify the need for a new strategy to tackle Disasters in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"The recent rise in ransomware attacks targeting critical infrastructure and major corporations has highlighted the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity measures and policies. Discussing the key factors contributing to this trend, analyze the impact of these attacks on various sectors. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"In the context of border security, how can cooperation and coordination between different security agencies be improved to ensure effective and efficient management of coastal and terrestrial borders? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1150,"topper":"Ankit Agrawal","air":217,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/16/mts_2024_unchecked_pttp220280_gsmac2403.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1151,"topper":"Ankit Agrawal","air":297,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/748520c30390b56bbbd3f8693a3b3ea3/44/pttp220280_-test-03-gs-3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1152,"topper":"Ankit Agrawal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/748520c30390b56bbbd3f8693a3b3ea3/39/pttp220280_tc074-test-4-gs-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Public service requires not merely legal but also morally principled action. Public service requires the public servant to place loyalty to the constitution, laws and ethical principles. Among the three which do you think must acquire primacy while carrying out official functions? Why? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand by \"integrity-based civil disobedience\"? Do you think a challenge to personal integrity can be a justifiable cause for responsible disobedience in civil services? Explain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Recent research has shown that emotions significantly impact personal and professional lives. What are the primary emotions that negatively and positively impact workplace productivity? Explain with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Technical efficiency ensures resource utilization and social efficiency ensures fulfillment of social needs, what does ethical efficiency ensure? Do you think ethical efficiency is more important than technical and social efficiency? Why/Why not? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Man cannot do right in one department of life whilst he is occupied in doing wrong in any other department.\" (Gandhi). Do you think an individual's personal ethics impacts professional life or they both can be compartmentalized? Explain your position with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Goodness is the result of internal imperatives to do what is right, not sanctions from moral rules or rewards from expected consequences. Do you agree? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"In the context of civil service, distinguish between moral and nonmoral values. Identify 5 basic moral values that can serve as foundational values for all services irrespective of the department. Give reasons why those values can be considered foundational. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Citizens' involvement in decision-making is critical to ethics in governance. Do you agree that effective civic engagement mechanisms can facilitate an ethics-driven administration? What do you think are the mechanisms that citizens can use for ensuring ethics in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Social transformation programs such as \"beti bachao and beti padhao\" believes in using advice, counseling, and persuasion but sometimes a little force is also necessary for getting the desired response. Do you think it is a good idea to mix little force with persuasion by public administrators while implementing social schemes of transformation? Explain with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Ultimately foreign policy of every country hinges on the strength which the nation possesses. Strength may be military or financial and may be also...moral. Do you think ethical strength without military or financial muscle will be respected in today's world? Explain your position. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":31,"question":"You are a young officer working with the Municipal Corporation of an industrial city. The city was known for manufacturing ball bearings and auto parts. Most manufacturing units were small-scale units with very little production process automation. The units relied on manual labor which was in abundance due to the villages close by. As the number of manufacturing units grew, the demand for labor increased, bringing in a steady inflow of laborers into the city. This influx of people into the town led to a mushrooming of slums and encroachments on the sidewalks. Once in a while, the Corporation conducted drives to clear out the slums, but after a time, the slums came back. The illegal slums had become an urban nightmare. You were given the responsibility of clearing out the encroachments and slums with the help of Police authorities. As you started the drive, you realized that the people living by the sidewalks were vulnerable compared to the slum dwellers. Many sidewalk dwellers had recently come to the city after selling their properties in their villages. Now if you drive them out, they have no place to go. Your heart went out to them, and you felt that your departmental action was inhumane but your official responsibilities demanded stern impartial action. You are desperate to find a way to help the sidewalk dwellers without compromising your official duties. (a) What value conflicts do you notice in the above situation? (b) Can an administrator compromise the value of impartiality for empathy? Discuss. (c) What are the options available in the above situation? (d) Suggest viable solutions for tackling illegal slums and encroachments in urban areas. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"A certain State government was running a welfare scheme for promoting safe motherhood among rural landless laborers' families. The scheme involves the transfer of funds to the beneficiaries to enable them to mitigate income loss due to maternal care responsibilities. Since its implementation, the scheme has done reasonably well on maternal health and economic indicators. You are the Director of the Department responsible for implementing and operating the scheme. Recently you have been receiving reports of welfare fraud being committed by families by producing fake bona fide. The families committed the fraud with the help of local officials, responsible for scrutinizing the bonafide. You were concerned because the fraud was seriously undermining the scheme's efficiency. You called for a departmental meeting to discuss and find a solution to the problem. In the meeting, it was decided to merge several available government data sets such as Aadhar cards, voter ID cards, marriage certificates, birth certificates, bank details, and other personal assets. By merging all the data sets, the department would be able to develop the beneficiary's economic profile. And this will help the department scrutinize the documents and detect fraud. This was a comprehensive strategy, but it risked violating an individual's data privacy. As a Department head, you wanted to detect and prevent fraud, but at the same time, you were apprehensive about violating the Data privacy of the stakeholders. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) Do you think violating data privacy is justified to prevent welfare fraud? Why/ Why not? (c) What according to you, can be the reasons for such welfare frauds happening in the country? (d) Are there any ways and means to prevent such fraud? Give your suggestions. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"You are posted in the Department of Mines, and one of your roles is to help your Department Head negotiate mining leases with private contractors. Recently, the state government demarcated a new mining zone and planned to invite bids for the mining blocs. You were instructed to oversee the bidding process and speed up the contract negotiations. As planned, the tenders were released, bids came in, and tenders were allocated as per the norms. All this happened at a breakneck speed. You wondered, why the hurry? But it was not your place to think and question; you quietly went about your work. As the contractors were about to start operations, you had to instruct them on environmental concerns to watch out for. And to do that, you read the environmental impact assessment report submitted by a consulting firm hired by the department. To your surprise, the report was shoddy and looked cooked up. You got suspicious and raised the issue with your Head, who politely instructed you to do what you were told, and he reminded you that the Department had revenue targets and was under pressure from the Ministry. After the meeting, you, on your own accord, did some digging and found out that the report was fraudulent and the mining activity that was about to start would lead to a massive environmental disaster which the State could not afford. (a) What are the issues and value violations you notice in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you? (c) Discuss the advantage and disadvantages of each option and identify your chosen course of action. (d) Do you think that environmental considerations are sometimes overrated at the cost of development? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (b) Do you think corporate businesses such as GAMA must consider international ethics while pursuing business interests? Why/why not? (c) Do you think a corporate's social responsibility extends beyond one's immediate community to the international community? Why/Why not? (d) Do you think the Defence sector companies marketing sensitive technologies must be regulated by their respective governments, or regulation may curtail their entrepreneurial and innovation energy? Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Mr. Sharma was the All India Sales Head of a pharmaceutical company with a turnover of 400 crores. The company's main markets were small towns and tier 2 cities. Further, the company did a sizeable amount of business with state government hospitals and health centers. Mr. Sharma had given a lot of freedom to field sales agents to strike deals and negotiate prices with clients. This strategy worked well for the company. Recently Mr. Sharma received word that three company employees were selling products to government hospitals and health centers at a higher price than they were selling to other private hospitals and health centers. The employees were with the company for over five years and were good performers. A few sales staff informally raised the issue of the three getting relatively higher commissions because of their inflated deals. And this was creating a sense of unease among the sales staff. A cursory review of the account of the three showed that, in many instances, the government hospitals were paying more than other private institutions. Under procurement rules, the government is supposed to pay a fair price, one that other cost-conscious customers pay. On inquiry, Mr. Sharma found that the three were not alone; government purchase department officials were helping them scam the Department. Mr. Sharma realized that his sales staff and some corrupt government staff had been defrauding the state exchequer for quite some time. Mr. Sharma immediately reported it to his CEO, and the two discussed how to deal with the sales staff and whether to inform the government about the scam and the involvement of their staff. The issue is that informing the government means that there was every possibility that they might be blacklisted, thereby losing a lot of business. Mr. Sharma and CEO were caught in a dilemma regarding how to proceed with the case. (a) What are the ethical and business issues involved in the case? (b) What are the options available to Mr. Sharma and the CEO? (c) Do you think the organizational culture of giving freedom to the sales force led to the issue or was the individual's corrupt nature that led to the problem? Discuss. (d) What ethics mechanisms and steps can the company create and implement to prevent unethical behavior, as mentioned in the case? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":1153,"topper":"Ankit Agrawal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/748520c30390b56bbbd3f8693a3b3ea3/41/pttp220280_tc078-test-8-gs-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"\"The State took taxes from the people only to ensure their prosperity in return like the sun takes moisture from the earth only to give it back in thousandfold measure.\" Kalidasa. Explain the Indian concept of \"giving it back\" and its relevance as a guiding value for civil servants. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Public service takes place in a bureaucratic structure with clear lines of authority, value standardization, and accountability mechanisms. Working within such a structure, what do you think are the influences that impact the public servant's ethical decision-making? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by the terms 'ethics' and 'integrity'? Do you think they are interrelated? Explain with examples the relationship between ethics and integrity in the context of public administration. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What do you understand by the terms 'ethical behavior' and 'emotionally intelligent behavior'? Identify the relevant emotional intelligence components that act as a reliable guide to ethical behavior. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"To achieve a good life, duty is not sufficient; one needs to develop one's sympathetic feelings for others, and neither duty alone nor good will alone are sufficient to be moral.\" Do you agree with the above statement? Justify your position. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Developing a Scientific temper, innovative mindset and civic-conscious citizens are major objectives of higher educational institutions. Can higher educational institutions be instrumental in promoting integrity education among youth to establish a public culture of integrity and a corruption-free political culture? If yes, how? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance. (a) The senses deceive from time to time, and it is prudent never to trust wholly those who have deceived us even once. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"As professionals, civil servants are career focused and are also self-interested. At the same time, their service ethos imposes an obligation to serve the public interest selflessly. Is it possible for a civil servant to reconcile career and service obligation? Explain your position. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"While competence without compassion can be brutal and inhumane; similarly, compassion without competence can be meaningless for persons seeking help. Explain the above with the help of a suitable illustration in the context of public services. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Does the suffering of individuals in one part of the world generate moral demands of assistance on those foreigners who live far away from them? Are these moral demands of assistance justified? Can governments be held morally responsible for failing to help the international community in times of deprivation? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Civil Services ethics has everything to do with management. It is as much a Departmental as a personal issue. Leaders who fail to create systems that facilitate ethical conduct are equally to blame as much as those who indulge in ethical misconduct. Do you think the Departmental culture leads to ethical misconduct or is the individual with weak willpower culpable? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":31,"question":"You are posted as a District Development officer in a district with a low literacy rate and poor health indicators. As you took charge, your Health Secretary had given express instructions that your priority is to improve health indicators by enhancing the delivery of healthcare services. After taking over, you traveled around the district to study and identify ways of improving healthcare services. During your field trip, you discovered that the issue was not the accessibility of services; it was something else. You found the problem was the myths, misconceptions, and malpractices that hindered the uptake of health care services. For instance, people believed that vaccines caused impotence, immunization was equivalent to birth control, using antenatal care was counterproductive to the health of the mother and baby, and so on. You realize that these beliefs were the behavioral barriers that stood in the way of health and nutrition services. And these behavioral barriers made it difficult for front-line workers to reach out. You discussed your observations with the Health Secretary, and he advised you to seek inputs from the neighboring district DDO who was doing some good work. When you met with the neighboring DDO, you learned he was experimenting with using the Faith leader's influence and reach to persuade people. You were unsure about roping in faith leaders to help you overcome the behavioral barriers. As a civil servant, you felt it would be a mistake to involve faith leaders in health service schemes. When you shared your apprehensions with the Secretary, he firmly instructed you to try and innovate. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) What are the advantages and disadvantages of using Faith leaders as influencers and persuaders? (c) If not faith leaders, what are your other options for breaking the behavioral barriers? (d) Do you think it is ethically right for a civil servant to involve faith leaders in promoting government schemes? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"You are the Head of an Agency, a special purpose vehicle, responsible for overseeing the last-mile delivery of essential services and sorting out bottlenecks and grievances of the citizens within your jurisdiction. The essential services included Maternal and infant health care, nutritional support to BPL families, drinking water availability, etc. Your agency employed a staff of 15 to carry out regular official operations and handle grievances. Since the agency dealt with complaints, there was an enormous amount of public dealing daily. Sometimes the agency officials had to work beyond office hours to finish the regular office work as public dealings took away most of the office hours. The employees were unhappy doing the extra bit as they were not paid any overtime. A few of them informally raised the issue with you, but you were helpless as the agency rules didn't allow any travel or overtime allowances. You tried taking up the matter with HQ but to no avail. The work stress gradually started showing up among the staff, they became irritable with the complainants, and at times they shouted at them. Besides rudeness, the staff's language became abusive, derogatory, and sometimes casteist. You could notice that there were 4 of them in particular who were getting very abusive and discriminatory while handling grievances. As the Head, you warned them, but there was no marked change in their work attitude. To compound your problem, some of the villagers, through their Sarpanch, raised the issue of rude, disrespectful, and discriminatory behavior with your HQ. The HQ immediately instructed you to take action and create a respectful and dignified workspace. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) What are the action options available to you?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"You and Ajay were in college together, qualified for the civil services examination, trained, and worked in the same State. Over the years, you and Ajay became good friends and colleagues. Even the families became close to the extent of taking vacations and celebrating festivals together.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"What are the ethical issues and dilemmas involved in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"What must be your moral motivation in the above case? Should it be duty, care, or consequences?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":56,"question":"You are a Foreign Service official working in an embassy overseas. One of your duties was to liaise with the local Indian community, one of the country's largest immigrant groups. A group of wealthy Indian immigrants wanted to build a place of worship and a school to promote their language and culture. The school was intended to act as a center for promoting and preserving Indian culture among the immigrants. The Indian community leaders went through all the legal procedures to acquire the land, got the building plans approved by the city council, and with all the approvals in place, the construction work began. A few months into the construction, the locals started complaining about noise, and slowly a campaign began against the construction of a religious structure. The local city councilors joined in and raised the issue of how Indian immigrants having their own cultural space will lead to a similar demand from other immigrant communities. And this may escalate intolerance among different ethnic groups. The local politicians filed a public lawsuit to halt the construction and demolish whatever was built. Indian community responded with their lawsuit and approached the embassy for help. They wanted the Ambassador to take up the issue with the government. Meanwhile, the Ambassador deputed you to meet the Indian community leaders to understand the issue and prepare a report. You met with the community leaders and found that the reason for local antipathy towards the Indian community was just an expression of latent racism and intolerance. You presented (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) Do you agree with the Ambassador's position of prioritizing economics over helping the diaspora? Why/why not? (c) Among Care, Consequentialism, and Duty, what do you think is the appropriate perspective to guide Indian Foreign policy? Justify. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":1154,"topper":"Ankit Agrawal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/ankit-agrawal-test-4-1747820190197.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"A. \"It is wrong to assume that ethical decisions are, can or should be purely rational and principled. Human feelings are an inseparable part of our ethical life.\" In what way do feelings impact our ethical decisions? Illustrate with examples. (150 words, 10 marks) B. What do you understand by ethics management? Can public officials manage ethics in the work place in a manner similar to managing budgets, policies and people? Do you think adopting codes of ethics and conduct is sufficient enough for managing ethics in the workplace or something more is needed? Discuss. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"A. While traditional ethics has focussed on notions of justice, fair allocation and obligations, ethics of care emphasise maintaining connectedness and promoting care. Which of the above two ethical perspectives is more suitable for guiding ethical decision making in the context of public services. Explain your position with suitable examples. (150 words, 10 marks) B. What does the term \"quality\" mean in service delivery? What are the components of service quality and indicate ways and means for ensuring total quality in terms of efficiency, economy and effectiveness. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"A. In the context of public service, what does public service attitude mean? Discuss the attitude biases that affects a public servants on field decision making? Explain how a public servant can overcome such attitude biases? (150 words, 10 marks) B. \"I am a Moslem; I am a Hindu; I am a Christian; I am a Jew,\" Mahatma Gandhi. What did Mahatma Gandhi mean by the above statement? Some philosophers have argued that religion is harmful to the moral life, whereas others have claimed that it is necessary to it. Explain your position on the relationship between religion and morality. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"A. \"There is only one responsibility of business, namely to use its resources and engage in activities designed to increase profits. Do you think corporations, by indulging in social responsibilities, are compromising their core resource utilisation and production responsibility by diverting resources into unproductive social endeavours? (150 words, 10 marks) B. Do you think values such as \"tyaga,\" (renunciation) \"seva,\" (service) \"daanam,\" (Charity) \"damah,\" (self-control) that are espoused in traditional Indian Wisdom have relevance for modern day public servants? Why? Why not? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"A. Explain the difference between conflict among interests and conflict among various sources of authority. Illustrate with relevant examples. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"B. The domain of governance is ridden with uncertainties, ambiguities and paradoxes and this can at times lead to timidity and withdrawal among public administrators. Discuss the relevance of inner courage for overcoming and coping with ambiguities. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Given below are three quotations of philosophers. What do each of the quotations convey to you in the present context?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Case Study 1: You are the Compliance Officer at GreenTech Industries, a company that manufactures eco-friendly products and believes in making positive environmental impacts. Your primary responsibility is to ensure that the company adheres to environmental laws and ethical standards. The Company recently developed a new product that promises significant ecological benefits but involves a manufacturing process that produces hazardous waste. During an internal audit, you discover that the hazardous waste from the new product's manufacturing process is being disposed of in a manner that technically meets legal standards but raises serious ethical concerns. While compliant with current laws, the disposal method poses potential risks to a local community's health and the environment in the long term. Legally, GreenTech Industries is not violating any regulations. The waste disposal method is within the permissible limits set by environmental laws. However, ethically, you are aware that continued use of this method could significantly harm the local community and ecosystem. You were left wondering, on the one hand, the Company was legally correct, but on the other, it was hypocritical about its avowed values of positively impacting the environment. As a conscientious professional, you are serious about taking action, but the challenge is its whats and hows. 1. What are the ethical issues and dilemmas that confronts you in the above case? 2. Discuss the available options along with its merits and demerits. 3. What will be your chosen course of action? Why (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"What are the administrative and ethical issues involved in the above situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Discuss the merits and demerits of each option and explain your chosen course of action along with reasons (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"What are the issues involved in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Is it ethically justified to be devoted to duty at the cost of the personal safety of the staff? Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"How will you go about doing your election duties without compromising the safety of your staff? Explain. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Do you think the above case involves a conflict of interest or there are more issues? Explain","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Keeping the above case in perspective, discuss the relevance of impartiality and non-partisanship as professional value.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Discuss the administrative and ethical issues involved in the above case.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Do you think it was morally right on your part to write to the minister? Justify.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"How will you respond to the action initiated against you? Discuss the available options and justify your selected course of action. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Identify and explain your chosen course of action after evaluating the merits and demerits of each option. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":1155,"topper":"Ankit Agrawal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/85/mts_2023_unchecked_pttp220280_tc074.pdf","questions":[{"page":23,"question":"In the context of civil service, distinguish between moral and nonmoral values. Identify 5 basic moral values that can serve as foundational values for all services, irrespective of the department. Give reasons why those values can be considered foundational. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":1156,"topper":"Ankit Agrawal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/4/mts_2024_unchecked_pttp220280_gsmac2404.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"A. \"It is wrong to assume that ethical decisions are, can or should be purely rational and principled. Human feelings are an inseparable part of our ethical life.\" In what way do feelings impact our ethical decisions? Illustrate with examples. (150 words, 10 marks) B. What do you understand by ethics management? Can public officials manage ethics in the work place in a manner similar to managing budgets, policies and people? Do you think adopting codes of ethics and conduct is sufficient enough for managing ethics in the workplace or something more is needed? Discuss. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"A. While traditional ethics has focussed on notions of justice, fair allocation and obligations, ethics of care emphasise maintaining connectedness and promoting care. Which of the above two ethical perspectives is more suitable for guiding ethical decision making in the context of public services. Explain your position with suitable examples. (150 words, 10 marks) B. What does the term \\u201cquality\\u201d mean in service delivery? What are the components of service delivery and indicate ways and means for ensuring total quality in terms of efficiency, economy and effectiveness. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"A. In the context of public service, what does public service attitude mean? Discuss the attitude biases that affects a public servants on field decision making? Explain how a public servant can overcome such attitude biases? (150 words, 10 marks) B. \\u201cI am a Moslem; I am a Hindu; I am a Christian; I am a Jew,\\u201d Mahatma Gandhi. What did Mahatma Gandhi mean by the above statement? Some philosophers have argued that religion is harmful to the moral life, whereas others have claimed that it is necessary to it. Explain your position on the relationship between religion and morality. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"A. \"There is only one responsibility of business, namely to use its resources and engage in activities designed to increase profits. Do you think corporations, by indulging in social responsibilities, are compromising their core resource utilisation and production responsibility by diverting resources into unproductive social endeavours? (150 words, 10 marks) B. Do you think values such as \"tyaga,\" (renunciation) \"seva,\" (service) \"daanam,\" (Charity) \"damah,\" (self-control) that are espoused in traditional Indian Wisdom have relevance for modern day public servants? Why? Why not? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"A. Explain the difference between conflict among interests and conflict among various sources of authority. Illustrate with relevant examples. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"B. The domain of governance is ridden with uncertainties, ambiguities and paradoxes and this can at times lead to timidity and withdrawal among public administrators. Discuss the relevance of inner courage for overcoming and coping with ambiguities. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"What are the ethical issues and dilemmas that confronts you in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Discuss the available options along with its merits and demerits.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"What will be your chosen course of action? Why (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"What are the administrative and ethical issues involved in the above situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Discuss the merits and demerits of each option and explain your chosen course of action along with reasons (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"What are the issues involved in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Is it ethically justified to be devoted to duty at the cost of the personal safety of the staff? Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"How will you go about doing your election duties without compromising the safety of your staff? Explain. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Do you think the above case involves a conflict of interest or there are more issues? Explain.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Keeping the above case in perspective, discuss the relevance of impartiality and non-partisanship as professional value.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Discuss the administrative and ethical issues involved in the above case.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Do you think it was morally right on your part to write to the minister? Justify","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"How will you respond to the action initiated against you? Discuss the available options and justify your selected course of action. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Identify and explain your chosen course of action after evaluating the merits and demerits of each option. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":1157,"topper":"Ankit Agrawal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/69/mts_2023_unchecked_pttp220280_tc078.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"\"The State took taxes from the people only to ensure their prosperity in return like the sun takes moisture from the earth only to give it back in thousandfold measure. Kalidasa. Explain the Indian concept of 'giving it back' and its relevance as a guiding value for civil servants. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks\"","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Public service takes place in a bureaucratic structure with clear lines of authority, value standardization, and accountability mechanisms. Working within such a structure, what do you think are the influences that impact the public servant's ethical decision-making? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by the terms 'ethics' and 'integrity'? Do you think they are interrelated? Explain with examples the relationship between ethics and integrity in the context of public administration. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What do you understand by the terms 'ethical behavior' and 'emotionally intelligent behavior'? Identify the relevant emotional intelligence components that act as a reliable guide to ethical behavior. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"To achieve a good life, duty is not sufficient; one needs to develop one's sympathetic feelings for others, and neither duty alone nor good will alone are sufficient to be moral.\" Do you agree with the above statement? Justify your position. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Developing a Scientific temper, innovative mindset and civic-conscious citizens are major objectives of higher educational institutions. Can higher educational institutions be instrumental in promoting integrity education among youth to establish a public culture of integrity and a corruption-free political culture? If yes, how? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance. (a) The senses deceive from time to time, and it is prudent never to trust wholly those who have deceived us even once. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"As professionals, civil servants are career focused and are also self-interested. At the same time, their service ethos imposes an obligation to serve the public interest selflessly. Is it possible for a civil servant to reconcile career and service obligation? Explain your position. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"While competence without compassion can be brutal and inhumane; similarly, compassion without competence can be meaningless for persons seeking help. (Explain the above with the help of a suitable illustration in the context of public services. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Does the suffering of individuals in one part of the world generate moral demands of assistance on those foreigners who live far away from them? Are these moral demands of assistance justified? Can governments be held morally responsible for failing to help the international community in times of deprivation? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Civil Services ethics has everything to do with management. It is as much a Departmental as a personal issue. Leaders who fail to create systems that facilitate ethical conduct are equally to blame as much as those who indulge in ethical misconduct. Do you think the Departmental culture leads to ethical misconduct or is the individual with weak willpower culpable? (Discuss). (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":37,"question":"What do you understand by dignity? Distinguish between human and social dignity? Identify the common dignity violations that one notices in government departments. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"As you started the inquiry, you realized Ajay was closely involved with the Minister. As evidence started piling up, you were shocked to notice Ajay's questionable decisions favoring the Minister and friends. Further, you found evidence of Ajay having assets disproportionately much higher than his declared sources of income. When you shared the details with the Secretary, he immediately ordered you to search Ajay's office and home as he believed Ajay was the medium through which they could catch the Minister for shady land deals. You were in a bind as you knew a search operation would tarnish Ajay's reputation and be traumatic for the family. (a) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas involved in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you? (c) Select your chosen course of action after analyzing the options. (d) What must be your moral motivation in the above case? Should it be duty, care, or consequences? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":56,"question":"You are a Foreign Service official working in an embassy overseas. One of your duties was to liaise with the local Indian community, one of the country's largest immigrant groups. A group of wealthy Indian immigrants wanted to build a place of worship and a school to promote their language and culture. The school was intended to act as a center for promoting and preserving Indian culture among the immigrants. The Indian community leaders went through all the legal procedures to acquire the land, got the building plans approved by the city council, and with all the approvals in place, the construction work began. A few months into the construction, the locals started complaining about noise, and slowly a campaign began against the construction of a religious structure. The local city councilors joined in and raised the issue of how Indian immigrants having their own cultural space will lead to a similar demand from other immigrant communities. And this may escalate intolerance among different ethnic groups. The local politicians filed a public lawsuit to halt the construction and demolish whatever was built. Indian community responded with their lawsuit and approached the embassy for help. They wanted the Ambassador to take up the issue with the government. Meanwhile, the Ambassador deputed you to meet the Indian community leaders to understand the issue and prepare a report. You met with the community leaders and found that the reason for local antipathy towards the Indian community was just an expression of latent racism and intolerance. You presented your observations to the Ambassador and requested him to do something as the Indians were on the right and were being victims of racist behavior. The Ambassador, in turn, replied that he would not like to get involved in local politics. The Indians were citizens of that country; they had nothing to do with India besides ethnicity. Further, a crucial Economic agreement was about to be signed between the two countries in the coming weeks, and he did not want to jeopardize the growing relations between the two countries over some local politics. You were shocked to see economics getting priority over the diaspora. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) Do you agree with the Ambassador's position of prioritizing economics over helping the diaspora? Why/why not? (c) Among Care, Consequentialism, and Duty, what do you think is the appropriate perspective to guide Indian Foreign policy? Justify. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":1158,"topper":"Ankit Agrawal","air":297,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/748520c30390b56bbbd3f8693a3b3ea3/47/pttp220280_-test-04-gs-4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1159,"topper":"Ankit Agrawal","air":297,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/748520c30390b56bbbd3f8693a3b3ea3/43/pttp220280_-test-08-gs-4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1160,"topper":"Ankit Agrawal","air":297,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ANKIT-AGRAWAL-UPSC-2023-Rank-297-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1161,"topper":"Ankit Agrawal","air":217,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Geography","optional":true,"source":"LotusArise","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1w21l883U5lG1L47jAohHnLO6_G44V8xy/view","questions":[]},{"id":1162,"topper":"Ankit Agrawal","air":217,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Geography","optional":true,"source":"LotusArise","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xByW3Wz5WIvIupnnuSvKF5sC_UzbAHwG/view","questions":[]},{"id":1163,"topper":"Ankit Agrawal","air":217,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Geography","optional":true,"source":"LotusArise","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Mc5Zq3Evn4rCLjsw_xuk0r160rQW5BMk/view","questions":[]},{"id":1164,"topper":"Ankit Agrawal","air":217,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Geography","optional":true,"source":"LotusArise","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1d2j3zAcphypfHmQkRMXBF2HHPWFZI1cg/view","questions":[]},{"id":1165,"topper":"Ankit Agrawal","air":217,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Geography","optional":true,"source":"LotusArise","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yGDUJZ6qwfVkRYE0J6UmYsgl012rrD_K/view","questions":[]},{"id":1166,"topper":"Ankit Agrawal","air":217,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Geography","optional":true,"source":"LotusArise","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZxOsi-IEm4PhHjCt6U9ZUksUXciOomKD/view","questions":[]},{"id":1167,"topper":"Ankit Agrawal","air":217,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Geography","optional":true,"source":"LotusArise","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sbDBU0P89P0UGpuw0SCOotVwSU-8We2V/view","questions":[]},{"id":1168,"topper":"Ankit Agrawal","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/ANKIT-AGRAWAL-UPSC-2024-Rank-267-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The Hoysala period saw the development of a distinctive style of temple architecture renowned for its intricacy and artistic brilliance. Elaborate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"British colonial rule had a profound impact on Indian agriculture, fundamentally altering the traditional agrarian economy which led to severe peasant resistance. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The history of India's independence would remain incomplete without acknowledging the significant contributions from the Northeast region. Substantiate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The diversity of landforms across the Earth's surface reflects the unique signatures left by different geomorphic agents. In this context, describe the various erosional and depositional landforms created by glacial action. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Explain the factors contributing to the variability of the Indian monsoon. Also, discuss its multi-dimensional impact. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"At the time of her independence, India was beset with multiple challenges. Enumerating those challenges, analyze how far India has been able to address them. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What do you understand by the Meiji restoration? Discuss its impact on Japan and the world. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the reasons for the rise in prevalence of substance abuse in India. Also, examine its impact on family and society. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Do you think that a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is essential in a multi-cultural and diverse country like India? Justify your answer. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss how the Bhakti movement, along with questioning the established social order, also made substantial contributions to the development of devotional literature. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The Marathas posed a formidable challenge to British expansion but could not consolidate their power into a centralized authority capable of rivaling British dominance in India. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The political reorganization of states and territories has been an ongoing process in the post-independence era. Discuss with examples. How successful has it been in accommodating diverse regional aspirations? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlighting the contributions of revolutionaries to the Indian freedom movement, discuss the factors that limited their efforts. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The aspirations of the Indian national movement extended to securing social justice and economic regeneration in addition to political freedom. Elaborate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The 'paper partition' of Africa and its prolonged journey to decolonization stand in contrast to colonial experiences elsewhere. Analyse. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"\"India faces a grave water crisis due to soaring demand, pollution, and climate change, which necessitates urgent measures to ensure water security for all. Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Provide a reasoned account of the global distribution of volcanoes with the help of a world map. Also, discuss the various consequences of volcanoes. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"\"A seemingly casteless upper caste and an apparently caste-defined lower caste is one of the central aspects of the institution of caste in contemporary times.\" Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Tolerance and harmony are engrained in societal ethos of India, but communal discord remains a significant threat to the nation's pluralistic fabric. Elaborate (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1169,"topper":"Ankit Jarwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/39706-45884948_4514_ankit-jarwal_rank_205.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"In matters of conscience, the law of the majority has no place.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"He who opens a school door, closes a prison.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Only in the depths of winter can we truly appreciate the warmth of spring.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The pursuit of instant validation is creating a generation of restless minds.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1170,"topper":"Ankit Jarwal","air":205,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ANKIT-JARWALUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-205-Sample-MGP-Copy-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) Why has public bathing been a recurring practice across cultures and societies? Discuss with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Estimate the contributions of Chalukyas of Badami to Indian heritage and culture.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3 Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar had contrasting philosophies and approaches on caste and social reform. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) What factors can be attributed to the rising incidents of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) in the Himalayan region? Discuss with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 \"Migration is a vital livelihood strategy for rural households in developing countries like India.\" Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) Bring out the interdependence between physical and chemical weathering with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) Discuss how social media is reshaping identity formation and self-worth among adolescents in contemporary Indian society.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) The disproportionate preference for government jobs in certain Indian states is not merely a matter of personal aspiration. Analyze.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 Explain the significance of population education in light of India's status as the world's most populous nation.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) Globalization has infused Indian festivals with commercial elements, while also helping preserve and popularize them in new ways. Do you agree? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 India has a rich tradition of diverse dance forms, encompassing both classical and folk styles. Illustrate how they reflect the country's rich spiritual, cultural, and social life.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) The third decade of the 20th century witnessed the emergence of new forces and ideological currents that influenced the character of the Indian national movement. Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13) Analyse the circumstances that led to Simla Agreement in 1972. Discuss the significance of the agreement.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Significance of Shimla agreement","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 \"The Vietnam War was a proxy conflict rooted in the ideological rivalry of the Cold War.\" Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Discuss the concept of isostasy and explain its role in shaping Earth's major landforms.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) The Indian Ocean is warming at an alarming rate. How may it affect the food security of India?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 Describing the distribution of sugarcane producing countries, examine the major environmental challenges associated with its cultivation.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 The richness and diversity of Indian society find vivid expression in the unique culture of its tribal communities. Elucidate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Why is it essential to focus on health in the context of urban planning and reforms? How can this be achieved?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 Analyze the socio-cultural factors contributing to the high attrition rate among women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers in India. Suggest measures to improve their retention in STEM.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1171,"topper":"Ankit Jarwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/213a0-45884948_4510_ankit-jarwal_rank_205.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Folk music serves as a repository of the cultural identity. Discuss the role of folk music in preserving cultural heritage and promoting social cohesion. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"How does the Vesara style of temple architecture represent a synthesis of the Nagara and Dravida styles? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the role played by Indians living abroad in advancing the cause of India's freedom struggle. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How did the Marshall Plan influence the economic recovery and political stability of post-war Europe? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Discuss the factors responsible for increased cyclonic activity in the Arabian Sea. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can technological interventions help in transforming the textile sector in India? What are the initiatives that the government has taken in this regard? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What is a seiche and how does it form? Discuss the geographical conditions under which seiches are most likely to occur. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"How has rapid urbanisation affected the socio-cultural landscape of peri-urban regions in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Examine the role of historical and socio-political factors in driving communalism in Indian politics. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Globalization has significantly influenced the aspirations, lifestyle, and value systems of Indian youth. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Examine how Chandragupta-II's reign symbolised a golden age of cultural development, laying the foundation for future advancements in Indian art and literature. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Evaluate the intended and unintended consequences of British educational policies for the Indian society in the colonial period. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"India's territorial disputes after independence were not merely about borders, but also encompass issues of national identity, historical grievances, and geopolitical strategies. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the geographical conditions responsible for the development of shola forests in the upper reaches of the Western Ghats. Highlight their ecological significance. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss the potential of natural hydrogen as a fuel to meet growing global energy demands? Why is it still an untapped industry? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Why is there a shift of labour-intensive industries from China to South and Southeast Asia? Discuss the advantages and challenges for India in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Explain the socio-economic transformations resulting from women's migration to metropolitan areas in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The institution of marriage in India is increasingly becoming a site of conspicuous consumption and commodification. Critically examine the impact of this commercialisation on social equity and gender relations. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Analyse how recognizing, reducing, and redistributing care work can foster gender equality and promote inclusive development in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Discuss the changing nature of family structures in urban India. How is it impacting elderly care and socialization of the youth? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1172,"topper":"Ankit Jarwal","air":205,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ANKIT-JARWALUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-205-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1 \"India's democratic roots are deeply embedded in its ancient civilizational ethos.\" Discuss in the context of India being referred to as the 'Mother of Democracy'.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Elucidate the significance of tiger and elephant figures in Indian mythology, art and architecture.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3 The arrival of Lord William Bentinck marked a period of transformation in the British Indian State. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4 Explain how the American War of Independence deprived Great Britain of one empire, but it strengthened the foundations of another.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 What are Rare Earth Elements (REEs)? Discuss the multi-dimensional implications of uneven distribution of REEs in the world.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) Highlight the salient differences between the Himalayan and the Peninsular drainage Systems.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) Describe the nature and mode of origin of the main types of rock at the earth's crust.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8 The alienation of modern lifestyles from nature has contributed to the ongoing environmental crisis in India. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 What do you understand by the term 'urbanisation of poverty'? Also, explain how urban poverty differs from rural poverty in India?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) Globalization has redefined the idea of community and kinship in Indian society. Do you agree? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) The flourishing of various art forms during the Kushana period reflects the rich and diverse cultural landscape of the time. What insights does this provide into the socio-cultural aspects of that era?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) Trace the events that led to the Civil Disobedience Movement. What were its outcomes?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13) Mahatma Jyotirao Phule's reformist ideas played a significant role in shaping the social foundations of the Indian freedom movement. Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 The interlinking of rivers offers several benefits, but also raises significant socio-economic and environmental concerns. Analyze.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Explain the concept of rain shadow effect. How does it influence the distribution of precipitation and vegetation across mountain ranges?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) Bring out the major features of the Indian monsoon and elaborate upon its causative factors.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 What are the geographical factors responsible for the growth of mangrove vegetation in India? Also highlight its role in coastal ecology.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 To what extent can the rise of 'Kidfluencers' be seen as a reflection of changing family structures and parental aspirations in Indian society?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Women often form the backbone of grassroots movements in India, yet they remain largely invisible and excluded from the decision-making process. Examine.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20) Do you agree with the view that social media is a 'double edged sword'? Discuss in the context of its impact on Indian society.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1173,"topper":"Ankit Jarwal","air":205,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ANKIT-JARWALUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-205-Sample-MGP-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1 To what extent, in your opinion, have the ideals of the Preamble been realised in the country's 75-year constitutional journey?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) The evolution of property rights in India reflects an intricate relationship that exists between individual rights and public welfare. Discuss this statement with the help of relevant constitutional provisions and case laws.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3 Under what conditions can the 'National' Emergency be proclaimed by the President of India? What are the consequences when such a proclamation remains in force? When was it last imposed in the country?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) 'Lack of a binding framework for pre-legislative consultations in India limits citizen engagement in the lawmaking.' Propose measures to strengthen the role of public consultation in the legislative process.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 'The recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission have enabled the States to improve their fiscal conditions.' Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) In what ways do industry and business associations contribute to socio-economic development in the country? Explain with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7 \"India's poverty lies in the eyes of the beholder.\" In light of this statement, examine the need for a credible and periodically updated poverty estimation framework in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8 The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 falls short of achieving its intended objectives. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 'Starved of funds, shackled by geopolitics, WHO is facing a crisis of capacity and credibility.' Discuss the statement in the light of USA's withdrawal and its accusation of the health body of being 'biased towards China and mishandling the COVID-19 pandemic'.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 The world continues to operate in a ‘my terrorist’ versus ‘your terrorist’ paradigm. Explain. What strategies would you suggest to develop a unified, comprehensive, and rules-based global approach to tackle the menace of terrorism?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 Briefly explain the procedure laid down in the Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1951 for the registration of political parties with the Election Commission of India (ECI). What are Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs)? What concerns are associated with them? Does the ECI have powers to de-register a political party?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) Assess the role of NITI Aayog over the past decade in promoting cooperative and competitive federalism.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 'The post of Deputy Speaker goes beyond ceremonial significance and is indispensable to Indian parliamentary democracy.' Discuss with relevant constitutional provisions and conventions. Also, examine the implications of the prolonged vacancy of the Deputy Speaker's post.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 Is the growing demand for stricter regulation of online content justified, or does it pose a threat to the right to freedom of speech and expression? Examine in light of recent judicial pronouncements.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Critically examine the 'in-house procedure' adopted by the Apex Court to inquire into allegations of misconduct against judges of constitutional courts in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 Recent controversies over alleged malpractices in the electoral rolls have renewed demands for the mandatory linkage of Aadhaar with Voter ID. What is your opinion? Give reasons in support of your answer.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 Lateral entry into civil services is seen as a reformative step, yet it continues to attract criticism and controversy. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18) While rankings aim to benchmark the performance of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), concerns remain about whether current ranking frameworks reflect the broader goals of education. Suggest measures to make the ranking system more objective, inclusive, and aligned with educational and societal outcomes.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Examine the factors behind the growing salience of the Arctic region in international politics. Discuss, in this context, strategies for India to recalibrate its Arctic engagement.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 Bangladesh is a key pillar of India's Neighborhood First policy, but recent developments on both sides threaten to disrupt the 'Sonali Adhyay' in bilateral relations. Analyze.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1174,"topper":"Ankit Jarwal","air":205,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ANKIT-JARWALUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-205-Sample-MGP-Copy-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) Rising influence of money power in Indian elections poses a serious challenge to transparency, fairness, and democratic accountability. How can ethical electoral funding be ensured to maintain the integrity of democracy?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) Explain the key dimensions of ethics that influence human behaviour. How do these dimensions shape ethical decision-making in private life?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"6 cosmopolitan moral theory explain political boundary relevant in ethics and action","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) “Academic freedom is the bedrock of scholarly inquiry and intellectual progress.” Examine the ethical issues that arise when educational institutions yield to political, social, or economic pressures and compromises academic freedom.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) Fortitude enables a civil servant to make difficult yet morally right decisions. Explain with reference to real-life examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3 Given below are the three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context?\na) “When learning is purposeful, creativity blossoms. When creativity blossoms, thinking emanates. When thinking emanates, knowledge is fully lit. When knowledge is lit, the economy flourishes.”- Abdul Kalam.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) \"The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the world's problems.\" - Mahatma Gandhi","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"c) \"Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.\" - Dalai Lama","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.4) a) What do you understand by the term 'probity in governance'? Explain how probity acts as the foundation of ethical public administration.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"b) \"Starvation must not be used as a weapon of war.\" Yet, parties involved in conflicts often resort to the blockade of food and medical aid to civilians in conflict zones, deepening the humanitarian crisis. Powerful nations, despite their capacity to intervene, tend to prioritise strategic interests over humanitarian concerns. What ethical considerations should guide powerful nations in preventing such actions and ensuring unimpeded humanitarian access?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.5) a) What teachings of Mahavira are most relevant today and why? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"b) \"In contemporary times, social media platforms have emerged as powerful agents in shaping individual and societal attitudes.\" Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.6) a) What do you understand by the ‘voice of conscience’? In what ways can you prepare yourself to listen to the voice of conscience?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"b) Effective utilisation of public funds is not merely an administrative requirement but a moral responsibility of those entrusted with public office. However, instances of funds allocated to government schemes lying idle or being diverted towards extraneous purposes continue to be reported across the country. Examine the reasons for under-utilization and mis-utilization of public funds and their implications.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7 A rail overbridge (ROB) is being planned in the capital city of a central Indian state. The project aims to reduce traffic congestion and ease delays at railway crossings, which affect thousands of daily commuters. It had been a long-standing demand of local residents, and the government approved it to address persistent traffic bottlenecks in the area. The project is to be executed by the State Public Works Department (PWD), with a strict completion deadline of one year i.e. 31st July 2026. The PWD Minister, who is also the local MLA, is scheduled to inaugurate the project in the third week of August 2026. This is planned to take place shortly before the expected announcement of state elections. Ramesh has been selected as the project manager of this prestigious assignment on the basis of his professional competence and experience.\n\nWhile reviewing the approved design plans in preparation for execution, Ramesh identifies a serious flaw. The proposed alignment includes a sharp 90-degree turn, incorporated due to spatial constraints between an electrified railway line on one side and ongoing metro construction on the other. From a technical standpoint, Ramesh believes the design is unsafe. It increases the risk of vehicular accidents, especially for heavy vehicles, and may lead to long-term inconvenience for road users.\n\nRamesh promptly raises the issue with the Chief Engineer. However, the Chief Engineer overrules the concern. He states that the General Arrangement Drawing (GAD) has already been approved by the Bridge Engineering Department, in coordination with Indian Railways. He points out that revisiting the design at this stage shall result in project delays, increased expenditure, and unwanted political attention.\n\nSubsequently, Ramesh comes to know that the contractor awarded the tender to execute the project is a close relative of the PWD Minister. He also receives unofficial communication suggesting that his promotion to Additional Chief Engineer is under active consideration, but could be jeopardised if he creates \"unnecessary hurdles\" in the project's timely completion.\n\nThe incumbent state government is eager to complete the overbridge before the elections and present it as a major developmental achievement. This adds to the pressure on Ramesh to expedite project execution without raising further objections. Nonetheless, he remains convinced that the current design is flawed and could have grave implications for public safety if left unaddressed.\n\nMeanwhile, the bridge design has also attracted widespread public attention after being published in a leading local newspaper. Images of the sharp 90-degree turn went viral on social media, drawing criticism and ridicule. Several engineering experts have publicly flagged the alignment as a potential safety hazard, reinforcing Ramesh's concerns.\na) Under the given conditions, what are the options available to Ramesh as a project manager?\nb) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Ramesh?\nc) What are the professional challenges likely to be faced by Ramesh and his response to overcome such challenges?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"a) दी गई परिस्थितियों में, एक परियोजना प्रबंधक के रूप में रमेश के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nb) रमेश को किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\nc) रमेश को किन व्यावसायिक चुनौतियों का सामना करना पड़ सकता है तथा ऐसी चुनौतियों पर नियंत्रण पाने के लिए उसकी क्या प्रतिक्रिया होनी चाहिए?\na) दी गई परिस्थितियों में, एक परियोजना प्रबंधक के रूप में रमेश के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nb) रमेश को किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\nc) रमेश को किन व्यावसायिक चुनौतियों का सामना करना पड़ सकता है तथा ऐसी चुनौतियों पर नियंत्रण पाने के लिए उसकी क्या प्रतिक्रिया होनी चाहिए?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":34,"question":"Q.8) Srushti is a young and dynamic IPS officer, posted as Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in a communally sensitive district. Her husband, Arjun, is an IAS officer and posted as Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in the same district. Both are honest, sincere and deeply committed to their work. They have a daughter who is just four months old, and is looked after by a domestic helper. Srushti resumed duty just two weeks ago after six months of maternity leave.\n\nAt 9 PM on Saturday night, Srushti is in her office reviewing the security arrangements with her team for an upcoming local festival. The situation in the area has been tense throughout the week due to a flare-up between two communities over a petty issue. Around 9:30 PM, she gets a call from the Superintendent of Police. He asks her to prepare a detailed law and order brief for a high-level meeting the next morning.\n\nSrushti reaches home at 10 PM, feeling exhausted. She has not been getting proper sleep during the week due to frequent night patrolling. Arjun also returns around the same time after a long day in the field. Their daughter has been unwell and cried through most of the previous night. Arjun expresses concern about Srushti's heavy workload and the baby's condition. He tells her that she can not keep pushing herself like this and that the child needs more of her attention. Srushti replies that she cannot afford to step back. She adds that people are already judging her and questioning her commitment to work for availing maternity leave. The conversation gradually turns into an argument. Arjun feels Srushti is ignoring her health and family, while Srushti feels judged and unsupported.\n\nLater that night, as Srushti sits at her desk preparing the report, she pauses and reflects on the purpose of her work. She had joined the IPS to serve the people and protect the vulnerable. But now, she wonders if she is being fair to her own child and family. Even as recently as last week, she had to cancel the family dinner as she had to attend an urgent meeting at the SP office. She also feels the weight of expectations. Male officers with children are rarely questioned. But as a new mother, she is constantly under scrutiny. Many in the department believe that women, especially new mothers, are not suitable for field duty.\n\nSrushti starts thinking about her options. She knows that whatever decision she makes will not only impact her own future but also influence the expectations placed on other working mothers in uniform.\na) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\nb) Evaluate the options available to Srushti in the above situation.\nc) What suggestions would you make to help officers like Srushti maintain a healthy work-life balance.","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":35,"question":"a) उपर्युक्त मामले में नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\nb) उपरोक्त स्थिति में सृष्टि के लिए उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nc) सृष्टि जैसे अधिकारियों को स्वस्थ कार्य-जीवन संतुलन बनाए रखने में मदद करने के लिए आप क्या सुझाव देंगे?\na) उपर्युक्त मामले में नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\nb) उपर्युक्त स्थिति में सृष्टि के लिए उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nc) सृष्टि जैसे अधिकारियों को स्वस्थ कार्य-जीवन संतुलन बनाए रखने में मदद करने के लिए आप क्या सुझाव देंगे?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":39,"question":"Q.9) A reputed Indian beauty & personal care company developed a herbal skin cream for the international market, claiming anti-ageing and skin-repair properties based on traditional Ayurvedic formulations. After obtaining the necessary approvals and export certifications, the company began exporting the product. The product received widespread positive feedback for its quality and natural formulation, and soon became a huge hit in international markets. Riding on this success, the company announced that the product would soon be made available to domestic consumers, with almost the same quality and health benefits.\n\nSubsequently, it secured approval from the domestic regulatory authority and launched the product in the Indian market. Over time, the brand gained a significant share of the domestic market and earned substantial revenues both nationally and internationally.\n\nHowever, during a random sample check, officials discovered that the cream sold in India differed from the version approved by the competent authority. The product failed to meet the claimed herbal composition and purity standards. Further investigation revealed that the company had often been distributing batches that had failed export quality checks.\n\nThe incident triggered widespread public criticism and regulatory scrutiny, leading to a sharp decline in the company's reputation and financial performance.\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\nb) What actions should the competent regulatory authority take against the personal care company for violating domestic quality standards and distributing rejected export batches in the Indian market?\nc) What course of action is available to the company to manage the crisis and restore public trust and brand credibility?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Q.10 A forest fire has broken out in a hilly district and is rapidly spreading toward an eco-sensitive area that includes four villages (ESA villages). These villages lie along the forest fringe and are surrounded by difficult terrain. The region is known for its biodiversity and traditional forest-based livelihoods. The inhabitants of these villages are mostly poor tribal communities, dependent on forest resources for their sustenance.\nYou, as the District Magistrate of the area, have rushed to the spot with a medical team, police personnel, NGOs, media, and support staff to oversee the rescue and containment operations. Your disaster response team on the ground is small and poorly equipped. Reinforcements from the district headquarter have been requested, but they may take several hours to arrive due to the remoteness and challenging terrain.\nIn the meantime, a group of trained ex-forest guards and local youth from the villages offer to help. They are experienced and familiar with the area. However, existing government rules do not permit the engagement of unofficial personnel in fire control operations without formal clearance and insurance coverage.\nYour team members are divided on this issue. Some members argue that volunteers should be engaged immediately to prevent the fire from spreading. Others caution that involving them without proper approval and safety cover could be risky and against protocol.\nAs the District Magistrate, you are also the Chairperson of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA). The fire is spreading at a very rapid rate, and immediate action is required to protect lives, property, and the environment. You are now in a dilemma.\na) What are the options available to you?\nb) Critically evaluate each of the options identified by you.\nc) What option would you adopt and why?\nd) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by you?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.11) In one of the government primary schools located in a rural block of a district, the newly appointed headmistress observed an unusual practice. The school had been preparing and serving mid-day meals separately to students belonging to different communities. Although the meals were cooked using a common gas connection, separate utensils, cooking areas, and serving arrangements had been in place for more than two decades. Students from the two communities had their food cooked and served by different cooks and ate in separate classrooms, despite attending classes together.\nAfter taking charge, the headmistress decided to discontinue this practice. She directed that food be prepared and served together for all students, using a common kitchen and utensils. However, the decision triggered backlash. A considerable number of parents across communities vehemently opposed the move and stopped sending their children to school. Consequently, attendance fell by almost 60 percent. This also raised concerns regarding the possible discontinuation of the mid-day meal scheme, withdrawal of teaching staff, and even closure of the school due to falling enrolment. The issue has attracted attention from various political and social groups attempting to further polarise the situation and serve their vested interests.\nMarpi Apang, the District Education Officer (DEO), has been tasked by the Deputy Commissioner's office to amicably resolve the matter at the earliest. She has also been directed to submit a detailed report along with the Action Taken Report within a fortnight.\na) Identify the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb) What course of action should Marpi adopt and why?\nc) What should be the responsibilities of different social segments and agencies to create positive social ambiance for accepting such changes?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Q.12 You are a Municipal Commissioner of a tier-2 city experiencing rapid urban expansion. Several high-rise residential and commercial buildings are under construction in the city to meet the growing demand for housing. One such luxury residential complex is being built, employing hundreds of daily-wage labourers, many of whom live in temporary settlements at the construction site. Late one night during the monsoon season, a large section of scaffolding and concrete slabs collapses from the upper floors of one of the under-construction buildings. Seven labourers, including two minors, die on the spot. Several others are critically injured and rushed to the hospital. The tragic incident results in public outrage, intense media scrutiny, and protests by a local NGO. The state government orders a formal inquiry and directs you to submit a report within a week. Your preliminary investigation reveals a series of irregularities. The construction material used is substandard and not in accordance with the National Building Code. Although the approved plan permits construction of fifteen floors, the builder has illegally added two extra floors. Moreover, the structure has encroached on land demarcated for a community park and a fire service lane under the city's Zonal Development Plan. These violations are not reported during site inspections conducted by the building inspector of the municipal corporation. The building clearance was granted during the tenure of your predecessor, who is not only your batchmate but also a close friend. Both of you were roommates during your training at LBSNAA. Prima facie, the case appears to involve a widespread nexus between officials of the Municipal Corporation and the builder. Your colleagues are putting pressure on you to go slow in the inquiry. Some of them suggest that holding the builder accountable could damage the city's image among investors and slow down urban development. Meanwhile, you come to know that the builder is the younger brother of a powerful minister in the state cabinet. One evening, his personal aide visits you privately. He suggests that the matter could be \"mutually settled\" and offers you a premium apartment worth ₹2 crore in the same residential complex. In the same breath, he hints that if the matter is not resolved swiftly in the builder's favour, someone in his office is prepared to file a complaint against you under the SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\nb) What are the options available to you in this situation?\nc) Explain your selected course of action.","marks":"20","words":"20 marks; 250"},{"page":53,"question":"a) मामले में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा करें।\nb) इस स्थिति में आपके पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nc) अपनी चुनी हुई कार्यवाही का विवरण दीजिए।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"}]},{"id":1175,"topper":"Ankit Jarwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/842e8-45884948_4511_ankit-jarwal_rank_205.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How does the Supreme Court's recent decision on Aligarh Muslim University's minority status affect the interpretation of Article 30 of the Indian Constitution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The Supreme Court, in a recent verdict, prescribed a time period for the Governor's assent to state legislative bills. What are the implications of this judgment for cooperative federalism and legislative accountability in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the recent changes and initiatives related to cooperatives that aim to smoothen the tussle between the Centre and States in the cooperative sector. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"In recent years, use of social media and digital mobilisation by civil society has emerged as a powerful form of pressure politics. Examine its impact on policymaking and democratic accountability. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) emerging as a business-led solution for addressing development challenges in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss how mechanisms like public consultations and Jan Sunwais in India impact governance outcomes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How effective have the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) and Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan been in addressing substance abuse in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Rote learning and neglect of creativity in foundational education setup in India make it less ready for marketplaces that are now driven by Artificial Intelligence. Do you agree with this view? Substantiate your argument. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Analyze the transformation of the G7 from a symbol of Western strategic unity to a forum marked by internal contradictions. How should India navigate this changing dynamic to advance its strategic interests? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the role of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in the development of developing countries. What are the key criticisms associated with its approach? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The 103rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019 has introduced a new dimension to the principle of affirmative action in India. Critically examine its implications for the broader goal of social justice. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The District Planning Committee (DPC) was envisioned as a key instrument to strengthen grassroots-level planning. How far has it succeeded in achieving this goal? Discuss the challenges faced by DPCs and suggest measures to make them more effective. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The restrictions imposed under Article 293 of the Constitution on State borrowing powers, though constitutionally valid, may hinder fiscal autonomy of States and disrupt cooperative federalism. Discuss in the light of recent developments. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Examine the tension between the right to contest elections and the need to uphold electoral ethics under the Representation of the People Act. Should there be a lifetime ban on convicted criminals? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"To what extent has the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme, launched in 2015, succeeded in addressing the declining child sex ratio and empowering the girl child? Suggest measures to enhance its impact at the grassroots level. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are emerging as vehicles of socio-economic transformation in rural India. Examine the role of government in scaling their reach and effectiveness. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Despite economic growth, multidimensional poverty continues to persist in India. Analyse the underlying causes and discuss the measures taken by the government to address them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India faces a paradox of food surplus and nutritional deficit. Analyse the structural reasons behind this paradox and suggest reform strategies. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India's timely response during the economic crises in Sri Lanka and the Maldives reflects its \"Neighbourhood First\" policy in action. Examine how Indian aid has impacted bilateral ties with these nations. What steps can further be taken to promote sustainable economic cooperation in the Indian Ocean region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Discuss the geostrategic significance of Afghanistan for India in the context of continental connectivity and access to Central Asia. How has the altered political landscape post-2021 affected India's connectivity and energy corridor ambitions? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1176,"topper":"Ankit Jarwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/31e42-45884948_4512_ankit-jarwal_rank_205.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Analyse the factors that have contributed to India's inclusive economic growth in the past decade. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The Reserve Bank of India's surplus transfers offer the government much-needed fiscal space, yet they are not without challenges. Critically examine the implications of the RBI's surplus transfers to the government. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"To what extent was the first National Monetization Pipeline (NMP) able to meet its objectives? What are the objectives of the new Asset Monetization Plan 2025–30 as announced in the recent 2025 Budget? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Examine the major challenges hindering the Indian textile industry from achieving its full potential in the global value chain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Why has India become increasingly import-dependent for edible oils despite being a major agricultural economy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Air accidents are low-frequency but high-impact events. Examine the disaster management protocols in place for aviation-related emergencies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Chemical pollution poses a grave threat to human health and the environment in India. Discuss the key sources contributing to pervasive chemical contamination and evaluate the effectiveness of existing environmental laws in curbing this problem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Missile defence systems are becoming critical for national security in the face of evolving regional threats and advanced weapon technologies. Explain the working principle of missile defence systems. Critically assess India's progress in developing indigenous missile defence capabilities. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Despite multiple resolutions and initiatives undertaken by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), its efforts to counter terrorism have achieved limited success. Discuss the reasons for this limited effectiveness. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"India practices a 'multi-alignment' approach in its cyber diplomacy. How does this posture strengthen India's internal security while maintaining strategic autonomy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While examining the shortcomings of the land reforms in the past, elaborate what land reforms 2.0 should look like. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"As NITI Aayog completes 10 years of its establishment, critically examine its role in the planning and development paradigm of governance in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What are the primary causes of limited formal credit penetration among the rural and unbanked populations in India? Comment on the effectiveness of Small Finance Banks in addressing this gap and advancing inclusive financial growth.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"To what extent has the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for the food processing industry facilitated value addition, employment generation, and global competitiveness in India's food processing industry? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Waste circularity is emerging as a sustainable solution to India's mounting solid waste crisis. Discuss the key principles of waste circularity and the government's initiative in this regard. How effective have these measures been in fostering a circular economy? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Discuss the importance of integrating traditional ecological knowledge of India's tribal communities with modern disaster management frameworks. Mention two examples where indigenous practices have contributed to disaster resilience. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"CRISPR technology has rapidly advanced in recent years, with new tools and clinical breakthroughs. Highlight the recent developments in CRISPR-based gene editing technology applications. Discuss the opportunities and ethical challenges these advancements present for healthcare and society. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"A credible semiconductor ecosystem is pivotal for India's economic security as much as for national security. Analyse the strategic objectives, incentives, and institutional architecture of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM). Identify the major risks that could derail its timelines. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Intricate inter-play of diverse factors has been the force multipliers for extremism in the North East. Discuss. Suggest a multilayered strategy to tackle the menace of extremism in this region. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Despite recent steps towards inducting women into combat roles, their participation remains low. Examine the key challenges impeding the greater inclusion of women in the Indian armed forces. Also, suggest suitable measures to enhance their participation. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1177,"topper":"Ankit Jarwal","air":205,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lDvaCqSr4luANGjltp5IGALioqyp3QEm/view","questions":[]},{"id":1178,"topper":"Ankit Kumar Jain","air":173,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0ebfe-649298_2043_ankit-kumar-jain_rank-173.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1179,"topper":"Ankit Kumar Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8da23-649298_1411_ankit-kumar-jain_rank-173.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Why are shell companies seen as attractive vehicles for those seeking to launder money or conduct illicit activity? Highlight some steps that have been taken by the government in recent times to curb shell companies in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What is SMART policing? Highlight the reforms required in the current system to realize this vision. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Giving a brief account of the Bodoland dispute, discuss the key aspects of the third Bodo Peace Accord. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What is 'dark net'? How does it pose a security challenge for India? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Given the duties and functions of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), discuss why its establishment is being seen as an important defence reform. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Data Protection is not just a privacy issue, it is also a national security issue. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlighting the role of the National Security Guard in India, discuss the issues associated with this force. What are the reforms required in this regard? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Highlighting the key changes made by the National Investigation Agency (Amendment) Act, 2019, discuss the objections that have been raised against these. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Subsequent to the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, the coastal security arrangement has been thoroughly reviewed by the Government of India. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Non-state actors are significant conduits in many important national security challenges faced by India. Explain with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"With increasing incidents of cyber attacks, it is imperative that India takes urgent steps to address the cyber security challenges that it currently faces. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Identify the various issues related to Indo-Bangladesh border and challenges faced in managing this border. What measures has the government taken in this regard? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1180,"topper":"Ankit Kumar Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/be7f8-649298_1408_ankit-kumar-jain_rank-173.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Rural health care in India faces significant challenges. Elaborate. What can be done to deal with these challenges? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"It has been argued that private sector reduces education to the status of a commodity. In this context, discuss why education should be seen as a necessary public good. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Despite undertaking many initiatives, malnutrition continues to be a matter of concern for India. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Critically discuss the idea that followers of a religion share not only a community of religious interests but also common secular interests. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The constant and aggravated contact with the Western culture has had an erosional impact on the Indian value system. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"A dispersed pattern of urbanisation leads to sprawl with associated problems. In this context, discuss how India should manage the inevitable process of urban growth going into the future. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) are in dire need of focused attention in view of the problems they are facing. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Highlight the challenges associated with the rising number of old age dependents in India. What can be done to deal with these challenges? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Highlight the impact of drug addiction on individuals, families and society. In this context, discuss the approach adopted by National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"A Uniform Civil Code is a much needed step for India to move forward in the 21st century. Critically analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"In India, geography, identity and a sense of deprivation have historically combined to drive regionalism. Elaborate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"According to the WHO, health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well being. In this context, discuss emerging trends in mental health issues in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What are the challenges associated with cultural diversity in India? How has India been able to accommodate and manage this cultural diversity? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The high incidence of poverty combined with multiple deprivations among poor is the most important development challenge for India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Caste in India has maintained its political significance despite dilution of its social character. Discuss with relevant examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"It can be argued that caste like social stratification is a feature present across religious distinctions in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What are some of the problems faced by migrants in urban areas in India? Suggest some policy reforms to address these problems. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Highlight the need and challenges of mainstreaming vocational education in India. What measures have been taken by the government in this regard? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1181,"topper":"Ankit Kumar Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/55db2-649298_2205_ankit-kumar-jain_rank-173.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by 'constitutionalism'? Highlight various ways in which the Indian Constitution underscores this principle. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"With adequate arguments and examples, elaborate your views on whether interest and pressure groups in India are undermining democracy or strengthening it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The Competition Commission of India (CCI) effectively reflects a shift from the era of Licence Raj to a conducive regulatory ambience for enhancing consumer welfare by encouraging competition in the market. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Mention various initiatives taken for online delivery of judicial services in India. Also, discuss the challenges faced in their implementation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Bring out the similarities and differences in the Bill of Rights in the Constitution of the United States and Fundamental Rights in the Constitution of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"It is often argued that the implementation of The Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 has so far been tardy and ineffectual. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The National Digital Health Mission (NDHM) has the potential to bring a new revolution in India's health sector in multiple ways. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain the rationale behind the creation of a Social Stock Exchange in India. Do you think this move would boost social impact investing in the country? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Broadly explain the composition and functions of the District Mineral Foundation (DMF). Also, discuss the issues in the effective utilisation of DMF funds. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Illiteracy and poverty are hindrances in the formation of healthy public opinion on public policies. Discuss with suitable examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"A critical appraisal of the outcomes of the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act underlines the need for second-generation reforms to strengthen decentralisation of urban local governance in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Asymmetry is an important characteristic of federalism in India, which has helped in the accommodation of diverse demands inherent in our democracy. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"It is argued that unchecked and rampant exercise of the power to insert laws in the Ninth Schedule results in undermining of Constitutional supremacy and creation of Parliamentary hegemony. Do you agree? Justify your stand with logical arguments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Though the antecedents of the Indian Constitution can be traced to a series of British colonial legislations and other Constitutions of the world, in spirit and practice it has been completely Indian. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"In India, the Finance Commissions are established pursuant to the constitutional mandate. In this context, do you think the State Finance Commissions have been effective in promoting fiscal federalism? Substantiate with arguments. (250words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"In India's political system, the Executive and Legislature are not strictly separated; instead, their relationship is intimate and non-dichotomous. (250 words) 15 Comment.","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Reduction in the overall size of the bureaucracy has been seen as the underlying idea behind civil services reforms. Is it a good idea to reduce the size of the Indian bureaucracy? Examine in light of the experience of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"There is a need to ensure better ethical standards, accountability and management of temples in India. Discuss in the context of issues associated with state intervention in management of temples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Over 15 years of the Right to Information Act have thrown up multiple experiences, some of which need to be built upon, while others necessitate steps to uphold the act in its letter and spirit. Explain with examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The issuance of Citizens' Charters alone cannot change the mindset of staff and clients overnight; rather, regular, untiring and persistent efforts are required to bring about attitudinal changes. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1182,"topper":"Ankit Kumar Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ac334-649298_1410_ankit-kumar-jain_rank-173.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What is Blue Dot Network? Assess its significance for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Explain the role played by the IMF in maintaining global financial stability. Also, discuss the importance of impending reforms in IMF's structure. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"An engaging feature of the current global situation is the transformation of the Sino-Russian relationship. Examine the potential of this evolving situation for India's foreign policy. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"In the context of the \"Neighbourhood First\" and \"Act East\" policies of India, Myanmar is a pivotal country. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Highlight the structure and mandate of the United Nations Human Rights Council. Bring out some of the concerns that have been raised against its working in recent times. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Highlighting the significance of the Indian diaspora, enumerate the initiatives taken by the government for engaging the Indian Diaspora around the world. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Emerging technologies are increasingly playing a key role in international relations. Discuss in the context of MEA's decision of setting up of a new division on New and Emerging Strategic Technologies (NEST). (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"India-Nepal relations are based on significant potential for close interdependence, but they are simultaneously marred by periodic frictions. (150 words) 10 Comment.","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Giving an account of WHO's triple billion targets, highlight the reforms it has initiated to achieve these. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"India has good relations with both Israel and the Palestinian leadership. In this context, assess the role India can play in bringing lasting peace to the region. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Why did India decide not to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)? Discuss in the context of domestic interests, India's experience of the free trade agreements and prevailing realities of external trade. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"It has been argued that the ties between India and Bangladesh are currently passing through a golden chapter. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"India has consistently argued for nuclear disarmament yet has not signed some of the most significant global treaties in this context. What are the reasons for the same? Do you think its time to revisit India's stand on the issue? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Given the increasing salience of the Indo-Pacific concept in global discourse, India has taken various measures to advance its Indo-Pacific vision. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Overcoming the hesitations of history, India and USA are on the path of developing a truly Comprehensive Global Strategic partnership. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"United Nations Security Council (UNSC) must reflect changing global reality. Discuss in the context of existing structure and functions of the UNSC and the demands for reforms. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"South China Sea disputes are regional in nature but global in terms of possible consequences. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Some of the achievements of BRICS are impressive, however much more is needed for it to achieve its objectives and true potential. Explain. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The relevance of the Non Aligned Movement (NAM) has remained a perennial question after the end of the cold war. What are the ideas that this grouping can work on to answer this question in the changing global context? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Indo-UAE relations have reached an extraordinary level of friendship and bonhomie. Analyse the strategic nature of these relations in the context of important issues and recent developments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1183,"topper":"Ankit Kumar Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/31818-649298_1512_ankit-kumar-jain_rank-173.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Persuasion plays an important role in public administration. Discuss. Also highlight the various elements of effective persuasion. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"\"Never do anything against the conscience even if the state demands it.\" In this context, discuss the role of conscience in taking ethical decisions in administration. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Raja Ram Mohan Roy's liberal views on social and religious issues have much relevance in present day India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The moral circle of humanity has been expanding constantly over time. Discuss in this context whether non-human entities should have the same rights as humans beings. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"Each individual is capable of transforming his immediate environment by attempting a radical transformation inside him\". - J Krishnamurti (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"An important requisite for ensuring probity in governance is absence of corruption. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The right to information (RTI) and the right to privacy (RTP) complement each other in holding the government accountable to the people, however, in cases of conflict, they can be reconciled keeping public interest in mind. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Explain the ethical issues involved in spending government funds for advertisement campaigns and publicity. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Explaining the concept of political neutrality, discuss its significance in administration. Also, highlight how the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules seek to ensure political neutrality in the civil services. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"In light of the recurring issues, there is a constant need to search for better ethical frameworks and models of corporate governance. Discuss with adequate examples and evidence in support of your arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":41,"question":"You are working as a Divisional Forest Officer in an area which is home to tigers. Recently, there have been reports of a tiger venturing into agricultural fields and also killing livestock of villagers. Unfortunately, 2-3 villagers have been killed by some wild animals in last few weeks. Villagers claim that the tiger has killed their fellow villagers and request you to protect their lives and property by either relocating or killing the man-eater tiger. They also obstructed investigation of forest officials to ascertain whether it was the work of tiger or some other animals. Your attempts to trap the tiger have not been successful. Concerned over the delay in killing or relocating the tiger, villagers hire a private hunter to kill the tiger on their own and argue that they have a right to defend themselves and their property. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the issues involved in this scenario. (b) What steps would you take as the Divisional Forest Officer to ensure villagers' safety along with protection of tigers?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"You work as a marketing consultant for a multinational company that specializes in various products including nutrient supplements, diet pills etc. The company pays its employees extremely well and provides satisfactory fringe benefits. Your manager has hinted that he will recommend you for overseas company transfer, which will improve your job profile. This has motivated you to work harder and perform better. The company has to advertise and sell a new weight loss pill 'X'. As per in-company research, it has minimal or no side effects and has no adverse impacts on health, which is its unique selling point (USP). You are given the responsibility of heading the marketing team for advertising pill 'X'. Due to a well-crafted marketing strategy including endorsement by a renowned celebrity, the product has generated considerable public attention. However, while working on an advertisement campaign for the pill, you find out that the in-company research findings of pill 'X' are fabricated. While it indeed has no side-effects, there are no proven benefits of taking the pill as well. It merely acts as a placebo. When you bring up the issue with your manager, he promptly tells you to keep the facts to yourself. He also indirectly brings up the fact that your performance review date is approaching and hints that you will get transferred overseas if you prove your loyalty to the company. Based on the given information, address the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders in this situation. (b) State the ethical issues that arise in this case. (c) Discuss your options in this scenario and mention your next step.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1184,"topper":"ANKIT RAJPUT","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/ANKIT-RAJPUT-UPSC-2024-Rank-427-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The synthesis of Islamic architectural styles with elements from local Indian traditions contributed to the development of Indo-Islamic architecture in India. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Why did the British emerged as the preeminent power after succeeding against other European powers in the Indian subcontinent? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"While the revolutionaries contributed significantly to the Indian freedom struggle, their impact was limited by multiple factors. Elaborate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Arab-Israeli conflict should be understood as a product of both internal dynamics and the outcome of manipulative strategies employed by imperial powers. Analyse. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Plate tectonics theory was not a 'eureka moment' but a culmination of different related theories and observations. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What is Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF)? Explaining the factors behind the rising incidents of GLOF in the Himalayan region, discuss two recent examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Discuss the factors behind distribution of global palm oil production. Why does India depend on palm oil imports despite having conditions suitable for its cultivation? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The Eastern and Western Himalayas belong to the same mountain range but exhibit significant differences. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Do you agree with the view that Indian society is increasingly becoming westernized under the influence of globalization and losing its customs and traditions? Justify. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The richness and diversity of Indian society is aptly seen in its rich tribal culture across the length and breadth of the country. Elucidate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"\"While Lord Lytton's tenure was marked by oppressive policies and harsh measures, Lord Ripon's administration stood out for its reformative approach and efforts to address Indian grievances.\" Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Non-Cooperation Movement democratized India's freedom struggle but suffered from inherent limitations. Analyse. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"How far do you agree that emergency was imposed to save individual vested interests and not the nation? What were the short term and long-term impacts of emergency? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The Indian monsoon is being increasingly characterized by extreme weather events ranging from prolonged dry spells to torrential precipitation. In this context, bring out the factors contributing to the variability of the Indian monsoon and discuss its multi-dimensional impact. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Often called 'white gold,' lithium has emerged as a priority metal in achieving the global energy transition. Explain. Also, outline the distribution of lithium in India and the world, and discuss the implications of its uneven availability globally. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"How does caste-based discrimination exhibit itself in modern times? Why has casteism survived in India despite focused approach for its eradication? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The escalating water crisis across Indian states has brought the country to a tipping point, with severe implications. Highlighting the reasons for this crisis, discuss its socio-economic impact. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Women's vulnerability to extreme heat conditions in the country is exacerbated by gendered roles and societal expectations. Discuss. Also, suggest measures to mitigate these vulnerabilities. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The progress in the sphere of LGBTQ rights in the country is undeniable, but the path to full societal integration is fraught with challenges, requiring a concerted effort to change deeply entrenched cultural attitudes. Elaborate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1185,"topper":"Ankit Raushan","air":255,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ANKIT-RAUSHANUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-255-Sample-Essay-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. The glass ceiling is not invisible, it is just too high for many to see.\n2. Social justice is not charity, it is structural rebalancing.\n3. A nation's greatness is measured by how it treats its weakest members, and that includes its children.\n4. When we speak of 'Inclusive India', we must ask: Inclusive for whom?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"2. The age of smart devices and the decline of wise choices.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Has our advancement in technologies has started to enslaving us? Is smart devices forcing or nudging us to take unsmart decisions? Are we truly lost in the network of Internet of Things?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1186,"topper":"Ankit Raushan","air":255,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ANKIT-RAUSHANUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-255-Sample-Essay-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. Glaciers are the canaries in the coal mine of climate change.\n2. To be content with little is difficult; to be content with much, impossible.\n3. The true cost of economic and leadership gaps is deferred growth and skewed transitions.\n4. An India that is not pluralist is not India at all.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"2. The saddest aspect of life right now is that science gathers knowledge faster than society gathers wisdom.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"humanity is going? Can technology will always be the Frankenstein monster which will devour us? Or can the knowledge of science walk in hand in hand with wisdom?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1187,"topper":"Ankit Raushan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/49fe7-45936806_4514_ankit-raushan_rank_255.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"In matters of conscience, the law of the majority has no place.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"He who opens a school door, closes a prison.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Only in the depths of winter can we truly appreciate the warmth of spring.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Copying is safe; innovation demands courage.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The more we automate, the more human we must become.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The pursuit of instant validation is creating a generation of restless minds.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1188,"topper":"Ankit Raushan","air":255,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ANKIT-RAUSHANUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-255-Sample-MGP-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1 \"Nalanda is a symbol of India's academic heritage and vibrant cultural exchange\". Elucidate with special references to foreign travelers' accounts.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) The period of Delhi Sultans witnessed the emergence of Indo-Persian culture. Discuss the statement with reference to developments in the fields of literature, art and architecture.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Give a brief account of the contributions of early nationalists to the Indian freedom struggle.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) The Vaikom Satyagraha marked a historic milestone in India's fight against social injustice, demonstrating the power of non-violent resistance in dismantling oppressive caste barriers. Explain.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 The Oslo Accords, once hailed as a landmark diplomatic achievement, failed to address key issues, highlighting the challenges of achieving lasting peace between Israel and Palestine. Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) What are Northern and Southern lights? Explain the phenomenon and discuss their associated impacts on Earth's atmosphere and human activities.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) Identifying the major automobile clusters in India, enumerate the favourable factors for the location of the automobile industry.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.B) \"India's diversity is her greatest strength.\" In light of the statement, explain how diversity has enriched and strengthened Indian society.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"India must remember that unity in Diversity has always been its strength, and hence \"Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat\"?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 Critically examine the effects of globalization on the youth in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 The recognition of LGBTQ rights in India marks significant progress, but the journey towards full societal integration and acceptance remains arduous, necessitating a profound socio-cultural shift. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) Throw light upon the importance of seals and sealings in the reconstruction of socio-economic and religious life of the Harappan people. Also, explain why many of the known Harappan settlements are in semi-arid regions.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 Describe the significance of the Dandi March (1930) as the starting point of the Civil Disobedience Movement. Also, discuss the national and international reactions to the Dandi March and the Salt Satyagraha.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13) Give a reasoned account of the distribution of deserts across the earth with the help of relevant examples.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 Discuss the impact of local winds on their associated regions, citing examples from different parts of the world.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Rare Earths Elements (REE) are considered as 'Vitamins of Modern Industry'. In this context, bring out the multi-dimensional implications of uneven distribution of REE in the world.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Describe the various factors that influence ocean currents and discuss their multi-dimensional impact.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17) Briefly explain the process of tide formation and differentiate between tides and waves.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18) While social media facilitates unprecedented connectivity and self-expression, it can also widen social crevices and fractures. In this context, examine the impact of social media on Indian society.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 \"The regionalism in India is both a response to the failures in addressing regional aspirations and as an assertion of socio-cultural identity in the face of perceived marginalization.\" Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 Explain how traditional gender roles and responsibilities exacerbate the vulnerability of women to extreme heat conditions. Suggest strategies to mitigate these vulnerabilities.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1189,"topper":"Ankit Raushan","air":255,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ANKIT-RAUSHANUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-255-Sample-MGP-Copy-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) Why has there been an increased focus on negotiating, renegotiating and concluding Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) by India in recent years?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) A well-designed fiscal policy can serve as a vital instrument to facilitate the equitable distribution of resources and ensure the welfare of all sections of society. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) What are the primary factors contributing to India's significant reliance on imported edible oils? What measures do you suggest to increase domestic production and to reduce India's reliance on imported edible oils?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) With the growing water crisis in India, micro irrigation offers a sustainable solution for water conservation; however, its adoption remains skewed and below its potential. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) The recurring railway accidents highlight the urgent necessity for addressing the myriad challenges related to safety, undercapacity and lack of modernization within Indian Railways. Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) How does NISAR mission exemplify international cooperation in space exploration and scientific research? In what ways will it help in climate change monitoring and natural hazard management?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7 Nuclear technology can play a transformative role in enhancing food security and agricultural sustainability. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) Increasing frequency of forest fires in India underscores the urgent need for sustainable forest management practices. In light of the statement, bring out the causes and multidimensional impact of forest fires. Also, suggest measures for their prevention and management.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) What reasons can be attributed to the recent surge in terror related violence in Jammu and Kashmir? What strategies would you suggest to counter it?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 In the light of recent events, throw light on the possible implications of 'cyber slavery' on internal security of India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) \"The liberalization policies of 1991 significantly enhanced India's economic dynamism, but the evolving global and domestic landscape necessitates 'Reforms 2.0' for sustained economic development and prosperity.\" Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) Infrastructure development is essential not just for economic transformation but also for sustainable development and societal well-being. Elaborate with examples.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 Bring out the significance of aquaculture towards nutrition security, livelihood generation, and economic growth. Also, mention various measures taken by the government to promote aquaculture in the country.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) The MSP system, though well-intentioned, has led to market distortions and ecological stress, necessitating reforms to make it more inclusive and efficient. Examine.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Biotechnology holds immense potential for achieving sustainable food production, efficient waste management and significant advancements in human health. Elucidate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 Climate change is leading to significant alterations in ecosystems, resulting in cascading effects on biodiversity, ecosystem services, and human livelihoods, necessitating integrated approaches to conservation and climate adaptation. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17) Urban areas, often referred to as the cradle of civilization and growth engines, are increasingly experiencing various natural and man-made disasters. Discuss in the Indian context. Also, suggest suitable mitigation and management strategies.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 \"India's disaster management framework has made significant progress in the 21st century, yet challenges persist in ensuring timely response and effective coordination during crises.\" Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Explain how the symbiotic relationship between organized crime and terrorism further aggravates internal security concerns. What steps can be taken to address this linkage and the threats emerging from it?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 Strengthening security apparatus in border areas and forging developmental partnerships with the locals are essential components of a robust and effective border management strategy. Discuss, with initiatives taken by the government in this regard.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1190,"topper":"Ankit Raushan","air":255,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FoqZDoh-GN8JMIJijmkmdPZdLFNTC-pm/view","questions":[]},{"id":1191,"topper":"ANKIT THAWANEY","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/ANKIT-THAWANEY-UPSC-2024-Rank-273-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Fundamental rights chapter of the constitution is the \"north star\" of the universe of constitutionalism. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Just because a person is offended by someone's speech or word; it does not mean that an offence has been committed. In this context, discuss the issues surrounding the use of the section 295A and 153A of IPC. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Present a comparative analysis of political system of India and Sri-Lanka. How far do you agree that the reason for the economic crisis in Sri-Lanka lies in its political structure? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The changed nature of civil society due to its professionalization has helped in deepening of democracy but at the cost of participation and accountability. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"While National Green Tribunal (NGT) has made immense contribution to protection of environment, various structural and functional issues have limited its effectiveness. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Policy of reservation, started to provide equality of opportunities, has fallen victim to political opportunism. Critically examine the success of affirmative actions in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Unless the factors that prevent effective and full participation of persons with disability in political and public life are addressed, the goal of inclusiveness and empowerment will remain elusive. Analyze. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The criminal justice system has made the process itself a punishment leading to the prolonged incarceration of undertrials. Highlighting the reasons for the large number of undertrial prisoners, examine the desirability of a dedicated bail law. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"China's interest in Russia is not only that of a strategic partner, but also for it being a strategic diversion for the west. Analyze. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Appraise the role of Indian diaspora in the economies of West Asia and Africa. What initiatives can be taken to address the issues faced by the diaspora in these regions? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Electoral reform is a continuous effort to make election funding transparent, election process inclusive, and political parties accountable. Discuss issues related to election funding, proposal for remote voting and regulation of Registered Unrecognized Political Parties (RUPPs). (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Judicial accountability and independence are mutually reinforcing. Do you agree? In what ways can judicial accountability be enhanced without impinging on its independence? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Ordinances deny legislative legitimacy to executive actions and weakens democratic accountability of elected government. Discuss the rationale behind inclusion of ordinance making power in the constitution and various safeguards against its misuse. Has the ordinance making power outlived its utility in present times? Justify. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The achievement of Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 can happen only if we consider local context and situations. In light of this statement, examine the critical role as well as capabilities of PRIs in meeting the SDGs. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Ayushman Bharat is a revolutionary intervention but falls short of recognizing the right to health as a universal basic right. In this perspective, discuss the need for and impediments in ensuring the right to health for all in the country. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Assess the performance of MGNREGA in generation of sustainable employment and creation of durable assets in rural India. Can this model be replicated in urban areas as well? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Poverty is driving women into the workforce, while education seems to drive them out of it. What explains this anomaly? How can Self Help Groups (SHGs) correct this aberration? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Rather than seeing it as a replacement for SAARC, BIMSTEC must be appreciated for its critical role as a bridge between South Asia and ASEAN. Analyze. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Compare the aims and objectives of I2U2 and Quad. What importance does I2U2 hold for India? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1192,"topper":"Ankita Choudhary","air":14,"year":2018,"paper":"Optional — Public Administration","optional":true,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1aWqP3D7qNvAzoN2UWIXHyN7WONKBzapS","questions":[]},{"id":1193,"topper":"Ankita Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/00a1e-87661_1692__ankita-jain_rank_3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"In India, ancient and medieval storage structures such as the step wells, are not only magnificent in their conception, architecture and ornamentation but also hold a lesson for contemporary water concerns. Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Curzon's domestic and foreign policies were motivated by the urge to further strengthen the British position in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The story of India's freedom struggle cannot be complete without recognizing the role that many leaders of North East India played during the time. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The peasant awakening seen in 1930s in India was largely a result of the combination of particular economic and political developments of that period. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"With modern education being introduced in India to meet the interests of the British, its reach was restricted and its character unsatisfactory. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The Sykes-Picot agreement had consequences that can still be seen in West Asia. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Most of the factors responsible for Scramble for Africa had to do with events in Europe. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What was the policy of apartheid prevalent in South Africa? Highlight the role played by prominent African leaders in bringing an end to it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The involvement of local voluntary organizations or Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) has been an important feature of environmental movements in India. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The architecture of Pallava kingdom has a distinctive style comprising of cave temples, monolithic temples and structural temples. Elaborate with examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The subject of Indian folk art paintings is as diverse as the Indian cultural milieu itself. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Though India as a whole had been ruled by some emperors in the past, it was only in the 19th century that the concept of national identity and national consciousness emerged. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What were the conditions and circumstances that led to the emergence of Socialist Movement in India? Analyse the impact of socialist ideas on the Indian National Movement. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The short-sightedness of Congress, Jinnah's ambitions and British amorality - all played their part in the partition of India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The Marathas had the potential to develop into a new pan-India empire replacing the Mughals, but that potential was never fully realized because of the nature of the Maratha polity itself. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The failures of February revolution were the primary reasons behind October revolution in Russia. Examine. Also, discuss the consequences of October revolution for Russia and the world. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The League of Nations was only as strong as the determination of its leading members to stand up to fascist regimes. Examine in context of failure of the League of Nations. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"While the roots of Naga insurgency lay in issues of identity and ethnicity, over the course of time it has evolved into a complex problem with political, social and economic ramifications. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1194,"topper":"Ankita Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0eb59-87661_1691_ankita-jain_rank_3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The practice of passing of bills without the scrutiny by the parliamentary standing committees undermines their significance and sets a wrong precedent. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The right to recall is a much-needed step to deepen democracy in India. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Is anti-defection law a restriction on the freedom of choice of legislators? Examine and also highlight the role played by the Speaker in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Inter-state river water disputes have been among the most pressing issues faced by the Indian federal system. In this context, examine the potential of the Inter-State River Water Disputes (Amendment) Bill, 2019 in addressing the issues involved. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The expressions 'equality before the law' and 'equal protection of the laws' may seem to be identical, but, in fact, they mean different things. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Idea of the Civil Services Board has been widely hailed as a key civil services reform, however it is not without its own limitation. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"It is argued that the introduction of compulsory voting in India would strengthen its democratic credentials. Critically analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Setting up of an Open Government Data (OGD) Platform can potentially be a game-changer for transparency and accountability. Analyse. Also, identify the challenges that remain in translating this potential into reality. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"There have been concerns related to foreign funding to NGOs in India. In this context, examine the current framework regulating the same. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Social audit not only increases accountability and transparency but also facilitates good governance. Discuss. Also, highlight the impediments faced in institutionalizing social audits in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlight the Quasi-Judicial and Advisory functions of the Election Commission of India. Do you think the powers of the Election Commission need a relook in context of the challenges it has faced in recent years? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Increase in the number of judges at the Supreme Court is a welcome step, nonetheless efficient functioning of the judiciary requires broader reforms at all levels of judicial hierarchy. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Federal tensions in India highlight the need for reforming the Seventh Schedule through the addition, removal and appropriate placement of entries. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What do you understand by doctrine of eminent domain? How can it be applied to understand the evolution of right to property under the Indian constitution? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Explain the structure and function of the National Commission for Backward Classes. What is the significance of recent changes made in its status? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss each adjective attached to the word 'Justice' in the 'Preamble'. Highlight some constitutional and legal steps taken towards each of them in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What are the challenges in conducting free and fair elections in the era of proliferation of social media? In this context, identifying the steps taken by the ECI, suggest further measures. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Explain how the linkage between banks, NGOs and SHGs helps in facilitating access to microfinance and contributes to the development of rural areas. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Identify the different issues associated with the design and implementation of MGNREGA. What reforms have been taken in recent times to address the above-identified issues? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"A sound legal framework, robust institutional mechanism for establishing rule of law, competent and dedicated workforce and decentralization and delegation are some of the necessary preconditions for good governance. Elaborate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1195,"topper":"Ankita Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3c40f-87661_1244_ankita-jain_rank_3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the need of an Independent Fiscal Council (IFC) in bringing about transparency and accountability in fiscal processes in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Recognizing the potential of exports in generating employment, a number of steps need to be taken to address India's weakening export competitiveness. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlighting the main features of National Mineral Policy, 2019, discuss how it can help in ensuring sustainable and responsible mining. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlighting the salient features of the PM JI-VAN Yojana, analyze how it can assist in achieving the vision and goals of the National Policy on Biofuels, 2018. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) provides an alternative to capital and chemical intensive agriculture currently being practiced in India. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Marine life is facing 'irreparable damage' from the millions of tonnes of plastic waste which ends up in the oceans each year. In this context, examine the implications of plastic pollution on marine ecosystem and suggest some measures for addressing this problem. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are black holes? Highlight the challenges in imaging a black hole? How were these challenges overcome by the Event Horizon Telescope project? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"While mentioning the objectives of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), discuss the challenges which are hindering the utilization of the ATT to its full potential. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Threats to internal security of India may be posed both through the communication networks and also to the networks. Discuss. Also, highlight the steps taken by the government in making the networks more secure. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlight the importance and challenges related to integration of Variable Renewable Energy (VRE) in India. Mention some steps that can be taken for its smooth integration with the synchronized Indian grid. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"There have been arguments that India could fall into a 'middle income trap'. Explaining the phenomenon, highlight the reasons behind such arguments. How can India avoid it? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Highlighting its importance, discuss the major issues that plague effective monetary policy transmission in India. Also, mention the steps taken by RBI to improve it. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight the constraints faced by rainfed agriculture in India. Discuss some agronomic practices that can be adopted for stabilizing agricultural production in rainfed areas. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite the steps taken by the government in recent years, a number of problems continue to persist in the urea sector in India. Discuss. What reforms should be taken to address the persisting problems? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What is Access and Benefit Sharing? Explain how it aids in sustainable use of biodiversity. Also, mention the different global and national level mechanisms for ensuring Access and Benefit Sharing. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Stating the significance, discuss the challenges in achieving disaster resilience of infrastructure. Suggest some ways for mainstreaming it in the development paradigm. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Highlighting the significance of data localization for India, discuss various challenges associated with data localization. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Money Laundering as a socio economic offence is a menace especially for developing countries like India. Comment. What measures have been taken at the domestic and international levels to deal with this menace? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The primary motive of terrorism differs from that of organised crime but there exists a symbiotic relationship between the two. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1196,"topper":"Ankita Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pLs3lYsbKQpy4MZi9yHv3e_II7fFur2v/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) Highlighting the attributes of leadership, analyse why it is important for a civil servant.","marks":"10","words":"not more than 150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) A civil servant needs to be objective as well as empathetic. What do you understand by objectivity? Discuss its relationship with empathy.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) With rapidly increasing use of information technology, what according to you is the role of ethics in cyber space?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) Transparency in government organisations is an essential pre-condition for good governance. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":10,"question":"Therefore, transparency is a precondition to good governance and it is ensured in the present system through various laws and acts like RTI, POGA etc. which helps in achieving ideals of the constitution like empowerment of citizen and Government - of the people, by the people, for the people?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"3. Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context:\n(a) A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but its lowest ones. [Nelson Mandela]","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) The highest education is that which does not merely give us information but makes our life in harmony with all existence. Rabindranath Tagore (10)","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":15,"question":"4. (a) For achieving success, attitude is equally, if not more important than ability. Discuss with the help of examples from your daily life.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":17,"question":"4. (b) The core of high Emotional Intelligence is self-awareness. If you don't understand your own motivations and behaviours, it is nearly impossible to develop an understanding of others. Discuss with the help of appropriate examples.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":19,"question":"5. (a) What do you understand by Integrity Pacts? Highlight the role they can play in bringing transparency in allotment of public contracts and ensuring proper utilization of public funds in India.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":21,"question":"5. (b) In the context of rapid technological change, discuss the significance of inculcating moral and spiritual values in educational institutions.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":23,"question":"6. Explain the main elements of integral humanism as propounded by Deen Dayal Upadhyay and highlight its contemporary relevance.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":25,"question":"7. It is imperative for a country like India, that code of ethics should be implemented for civil servants on social media platforms as well. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":27,"question":"8. Discuss how effective corporate governance can ensure the equitable treatment of all stakeholders.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":29,"question":"9. You are posted as the Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district of a state where alcohol prohibition has been imposed recently. The District Excise department has conducted many raids and seized liquor in large quantities, for which it has received state-wide public appreciation. A few months later reports surface in the media that in this district, hundreds of seized bottles of illicit liquor are missing from the government malkhanas or stores. As a result, the government is left red-faced. You are asked by the DM, who is the overall in-charge of the district excise setup, to investigate the matter. Upon investigation, you unearth a nexus of politicians and government officials who smuggled seized liquor and sold it through spurious means both inside and outside the state. In this context, evaluate these options:\n1. Report your findings to the DM and seek instructions for further actions, stating clearly the criminal offences committed prima facie.\n2. Charge all accused under legal provisions and let the law take its own course.\n3. Being aware of the seriousness of the matter, discretely put the detailed investigation report in the public domain and expose the nexus.","marks":"20","words":"in around 250"},{"page":34,"question":"10. You are posted as a District Magistrate in a Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected district. The district has witnessed many instances of violence by the naxalites in the past. It has been observed that instances of violence increase as the elections approach. You, as a Returning Officer, are responsible for the smooth conduct of elections. Soon after the announcement of elections, the naxalites gave a call for their boycott and have been threatening people to stay away from them. The people of the district are eager to exercise their voting rights but are scared of the impending acts of violence. Further, with threat to their lives and a low expected turnout, the other electoral officers are also reluctant to go to these areas. In this context, answer the following:\n(a) Identify the civil service values that are crucial for working in such adversities.\n(b) Suggest a plan of action to ensure the conduct of free and fair elections in such a situation.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":35,"question":"(a) Civil services values that are crucial for such scenarios:","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"11. You are posted as a District Magistrate in a district, where many large factories and commercial establishments are located. One such factory is owned by one of your close friends. You visit each other's home frequently and are often seen in public together. Recently, media reported about poor working conditions in your friend's factory. Upon enquiry with the labor office, you come to know that the factory has witnessed frequent labour unrests in the past as well. However, the labour officer told you that he was hesitating to take any action due to your proximity with the owner of the factory. With reference to the facts of the case, answer the following questions:\n(a) Identifying the stakeholders and public cause, discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\n(b) As the District Magistrate, what appropriate course of action will you take? Give reasons for the same.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":44,"question":"12. You are a resident of a remote tribal district, where there is high incidence of malnutrition. As a remedial measure, the District Magistrate has initiated a programme to promote millet cultivation, especially on the lands currently lying fallow in the district. However, this well-intentioned move of the officer receives flak from the local tribals as this may not only change their age-old food habits, but also alter their traditional agricultural practices. They further cite lower remunerative prices of millets as another reason for continuing with their existing crop production pattern. As a civil servant aspirant, who has a keen interest in development of tribal areas, answer the following questions:\n(a) What according to you are the key issues and challenges involved in the above situation?\n(b) Identify the key stakeholders and their respective interests.\n(c) Suggest a course of action that the District Magistrate can take keeping in mind the larger tribal interests.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":49,"question":"13. You have recently been posted as a District Labour Officer in a state, which derives a substantial revenue from tourism. You come to know that a big hotel in the area has not been paying wages as per the Minimum Wages Act. The hotel owner is a powerful local leader having contacts with many influential officials of the state. You have the power to take sou-moto cognizance of such violations and accordingly you initiate a preliminary enquiry into the matter. However, no worker is willing to come forward to lodge a formal complaint because they fear loss of employment. Meanwhile, your action has attracted notice of the higher authorities, and you are advised to drop the matter altogether. You are deeply concerned about the situation as it involves not only violation of the Minimum Wages Act but also denial of basic human rights of the worker.\n(a) Identify the issues involved in the given case.\n(b) Consider the options given below:\n1. Follow the informal advise of the higher authorities.\n2. Convince the owner of the hotel to take note of these violations and take appropriate remedial measures.\n3. Submit a detailed report on the matter highlighting violations of workers' rights and seek formal directions from the competent authority.\n4. Serve a notice to the hotel owner and initiate action as per your powers under the Minimum Wages Act.\n\nEvaluate the merits and demerits of each of these options and suggest your preferred course of action, giving reasons.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":50,"question":"4. होटल स्वामी को नोटिस जारी करेंगे और न्यूनतम मजदूरी अधिनियम के अंतर्गत अपनी शक्तियों के अनुसार कार्यवाही करेंगे। इनमें से प्रत्येक विकल्प के गुणों और दोषों का मूल्यांकन कीजिए तथा कारण प्रस्तुत करते हुए अपनी पसंद की कार्यवाही का सुझाव दीजिए।","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"14. You are the Chairman of a Committee, constituted by the government, to suggest measures to improve the quality of education in state-run schools. In view of the increasing dropout rate and the widening gap between students' learning ability in state-run and private schools, answer the following questions:\n(a) Examine the role of government in the education sector, especially providing primary and secondary education through state-run schools.\n(b) Identify the principles and values that would guide your recommendations in this regard.\n(c) Suggest some ways in which quality of education in state-run schools can be improved.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":57,"question":"10) Ways to improve Education quality\n(1) better infrastructure\n(2) Regulation in Teacher training programs\n(3) promoting girls education\n(4) State level Board exam after every (3-4) grades, eg. one at Grade 1, then Grade 5, 8, 10 and 12","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1197,"topper":"Ankita Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1plfnSdKbBl4AR89lzij7xFh6rqbdiPgW/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1 Norms of social morality should not be applied to acts of civil servants while they are carrying out their professional roles and responsibilities to further the common good. Critically analyze.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":4,"question":"(4) Hero-worship by society starts influencing opinion & decisions of civil servants. What should civil servant do?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"1 (b) Determination of ethics in state policies and actions is not easy because every policy and action has both positive and negative aspects viewed from different stakeholders' perspectives. Discuss with suitable examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"2(a) What do you understand by Global ethics in today's world? Highlight the role that global ethics can play in achieving universally accepted goals.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"How Global ethics can help?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"2(b) Highlight the important teachings of Swami Vivekananda relevant to the youth of today.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"3 Bring out meaning of below quotations:\n(a) Courage is the most important of all virtues because without courage, you can't practice any other virtue consistently.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"41(a) Can a war ever be justified on moral grounds? Support your answer with suitable arguments.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"41b) Do you think that ethical principles are universal in nature? Justify your answer with relevant examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"5(a) For civil servants, both professional competence and commitment to ethics are equally important. Analyze.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"5(b) Despite changing family structures, it still plays an important role in nurturing core societal values. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"6 Impartiality as a core value of civil servants should not become a hurdle in showing compassion towards weaker section of the society. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"1 Tolerance is not enough, it is the idea of acceptance that accommodates diversities and make a society inclusive. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"8 Companies adhering to the norms of corporate governance emerge as winners in the long run. Evaluate with the help of suitable examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"9. You are posted as a DCP in the national capital of the country. In a locality which falls under your jurisdiction, protests have been going on for the last one month against a decision taken by the government. While these protests have been non-violent in nature and are being led by women, the protesters have blocked a major road which connects a number of satellite cities. This has led to traffic jams and congestion causing inconvenience to people who use this road for commuting to work, causing hardships and a loss to the economy. A number of people filed complaints in this regard and also approached the courts. The High Court has directed the police to keep larger public interest in mind and take appropriate action.\n\nIn light of the information given above, answer the following questions:\n(a) While highlighting the significance of right to protest in a democratic setup, discuss the limitations on this right, even if the protests are non-violent, as in this case.\n(b) What are the options available to you?\n(c) Evaluate each of these options and choose the option you would adopt, giving reasons.","marks":"20","words":"in around 250"},{"page":34,"question":"10. You are a sportsman who has been recently included in the national team squad for an upcoming international tournament. Many others are fighting for the same position and you would like to cement your place in the team as soon as possible. While you are practicing at a training session for the tournament with your fellow team mates, one amongst them offers you a prohibited substance. He claims that it will help you in improving your performance in the tournament. He also informs you that a lot of other team mates also use performance enhancing drugs or PEDs to improve their performance in tournaments.\nIn this context, answer the following questions:\n(a) What are the options available to you in the above case? Which amongst these will you choose and why?\n(b) Discuss the ethical issues involved in doping by sportspersons.","marks":null,"words":"20"},{"page":40,"question":"Why is it that people applaud these actions of the police? Do you share such sentiments? Justify with relevant arguments.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":41,"question":"11 Why do people applaud?\n(i) Justice is seen to be achieved by such encounters.\n(ii) Retributive justice is achieved. That is punishment in proportion to the crime.\n(iii) Pendency in courts - JUSTICE DELAYED IS JUSTICE DENIED.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"12 In this context, answer the following questions:\n(a) Giving examples, illustrate the difference between enforced change and 'Nudge' techniques?\n(b) Identify the ethical concerns associated with the nudge technique. Also, suggest ways for using nudging theory ethically.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":51,"question":"(a) What are the administrative challenges that you face in such a situation to restore the credibility of the administration?\n(b) Given the resources and command of the government, what short-term and long-term measures can be taken to earn back the trust of the people and their willing cooperation?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":56,"question":"14 In contemporary times, disruptions have become an endemic feature of the functioning of Indian Parliament. Though it is not a new phenomenon, disruptions, which were an exception earlier, seem to have become the new normal. The years gone by have seen MPs raise slogans, snatch papers from ministers and indulge in theatrics. Crucial time of the Parliament, which ought to have been spent in debating appropriateness of legislation or other important issues, is getting unnecessarily wasted.\n\nIn this context, answer the following:\n(a) Identify the ethical issues involved from the point of view of different stakeholders?\n(b) What are the reasons behind such a scenario?\n(c) Is merely having a code of conduct or ethics sufficient to resolve this situation?","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":1198,"topper":"Ankita Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1H7Fx2c0em9EA-vWjQk7QF7rZWytdotWn/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) Highlighting the attributes of leadership, analyse why it is important for a civil servant.","marks":"10","words":"not more than 150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) A civil servant needs to be objective as well as empathetic. What do you understand by objectivity? Discuss its relationship with empathy.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) With rapidly increasing use of information technology, what according to you is the role of ethics in cyber space?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) Transparency in government organisations is an essential pre-condition for good governance. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":10,"question":"Therefore, transparency is a precondition to Good Governance and it is ensured in the present system through various laws and acts like RTI, POGA etc. which helps in achieving ideals of the constitution like empowerment of citizen and Government - of the people, by the people, for the people?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"3 Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context:\n(a) A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but its lowest ones. [Nelson Mandela]","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) The highest education is that which does not merely give us information but makes our life in harmony with all existence. Rabindranath Tagore (10)","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":15,"question":"4. (a) For achieving success, attitude is equally, if not more important than ability. Discuss with the help of examples from your daily life.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":17,"question":"4. (b) The core of high Emotional Intelligence is self-awareness. If you don't understand your own motivations and behaviours, it is nearly impossible to develop an understanding of others. Discuss with the help of appropriate examples.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":19,"question":"5. (a) What do you understand by Integrity Pacts? Highlight the role they can play in bringing transparency in allotment of public contracts and ensuring proper utilization of public funds in India.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":21,"question":"5. (b) In the context of rapid technological change, discuss the significance of inculcating moral and spiritual values in educational institutions.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":23,"question":"6. Explain the main elements of integral humanism as propounded by Deen Dayal Upadhyay and highlight its contemporary relevance.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":25,"question":"7. It is imperative for a country like India, that code of ethics should be implemented for civil servants on social media platforms as well. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":27,"question":"8. Discuss how effective corporate governance can ensure the equitable treatment of all stakeholders.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":29,"question":"9. You are posted as the Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district of a state where alcohol prohibition has been imposed recently. The District Excise department has conducted many raids and seized liquor in large quantities, for which it has received state-wide public appreciation. A few months later reports surface in the media that in this district, hundreds of seized bottles of illicit liquor are missing from the government malkhanas or stores. As a result, the government is left red-faced. You are asked by the DM, who is the overall in-charge of the district excise setup, to investigate the matter. Upon investigation, you unearth a nexus of politicians and government officials who smuggled seized liquor and sold it through spurious means both inside and outside the state. In this context, evaluate these options:\n1. Report your findings to the DM and seek instructions for further actions, stating clearly the criminal offences committed prima facie.\n2. Charge all accused under legal provisions and let the law take its own course.\n3. Being aware of the seriousness of the matter, discretely put the detailed investigation report in the public domain and expose the nexus.","marks":"20","words":"in around 250"},{"page":34,"question":"10. You are posted as a District Magistrate in a Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected district. The district has witnessed many instances of violence by the naxalites in the past. It has been observed that instances of violence increase as the elections approach. You, as a Returning Officer, are responsible for the smooth conduct of elections. Soon after the announcement of elections, the naxalites gave a call for their boycott and have been threatening people to stay away from them. The people of the district are eager to exercise their voting rights but are scared of the impending acts of violence. Further, with threat to their lives and a low expected turnout, the other electoral officers are also reluctant to go to these areas. In this context, answer the following:\n(a) Identify the civil service values that are crucial for working in such adversities.\n(b) Suggest a plan of action to ensure the conduct of free and fair elections in such a situation.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":35,"question":"(a) Civil services values that are crucial for such scenarios:","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"11. You are posted as a District Magistrate in a district, where many large factories and commercial establishments are located. One such factory is owned by one of your close friends. You visit each other's home frequently and are often seen in public together. Recently, media reported about poor working conditions in your friend's factory. Upon enquiry with the labor office, you come to know that the factory has witnessed frequent labour unrests in the past as well. However, the labour officer told you that he was hesitating to take any action due to your proximity with the owner of the factory. With reference to the facts of the case, answer the following questions:\n(a) Identifying the stakeholders and public cause, discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\n(b) As the District Magistrate, what appropriate course of action will you take? Give reasons for the same.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":44,"question":"12. You are a resident of a remote tribal district, where there is high incidence of malnutrition. As a remedial measure, the District Magistrate has initiated a programme to promote millet cultivation, especially on the lands currently lying fallow in the district. However, this well-intentioned move of the officer receives flak from the local tribals as this may not only change their age-old food habits, but also alter their traditional agricultural practices. They further cite lower remunerative prices of millets as another reason for continuing with their existing crop production pattern. As a civil servant aspirant, who has a keen interest in development of tribal areas, answer the following questions:\n(a) What according to you are the key issues and challenges involved in the above situation?\n(b) Identify the key stakeholders and their respective interests.\n(c) Suggest a course of action that the District Magistrate can take keeping in mind the larger tribal interests.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":49,"question":"13. You have recently been posted as a District Labour Officer in a state, which derives a substantial revenue from tourism. You come to know that a big hotel in the area has not been paying wages as per the Minimum Wages Act. The hotel owner is a powerful local leader having contacts with many influential officials of the state. You have the power to take (sou-moto) cognizance of such violations and accordingly you initiate a preliminary enquiry into the matter. However, no worker is willing to come forward to lodge a formal complaint because they fear loss of employment. Meanwhile, your action has attracted notice of the higher authorities, and you are advised to drop the matter altogether. You are deeply concerned about the situation as it involves not only violation of the Minimum Wages Act but also denial of basic human rights of the worker.\n(a) Identify the issues involved in the given case.\n(b) Consider the options given below:\n1. Follow the informal advise of the higher authorities.\n2. Convince the owner of the hotel to take note of these violations and take appropriate remedial measures.\n3. Submit a detailed report on the matter highlighting violations of workers' rights and seek formal directions from the competent authority.\n4. Serve a notice to the hotel owner and initiate action as per your powers under the Minimum Wages Act.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":50,"question":"4. होटल स्वामी को नोटिस जारी करेंगे और न्यूनतम मजदूरी अधिनियम के अंतर्गत अपनी शक्तियों के अनुसार कार्यवाही करेंगे। इनमें से प्रत्येक विकल्प के गुणों और दोषों का मूल्यांकन कीजिए तथा कारण प्रस्तुत करते हुए अपनी पसंद की कार्यवाही का सुझाव दीजिए।","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"14. You are the Chairman of a Committee, constituted by the government, to suggest measures to improve the quality of education in state-run schools. In view of the increasing dropout rate and the widening gap between students' learning ability in state-run and private schools, answer the following questions:\n(a) Examine the role of government in the education sector, especially providing primary and secondary education through state-run schools.\n(b) Identify the principles and values that would guide your recommendations in this regard.\n(c) Suggest some ways in which quality of education in state-run schools can be improved.","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":1199,"topper":"Ankita Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/26ff2-87661_1695_ankita-jain_rank_3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Norms of social morality should not be applied to acts of civil servants while they are carrying out their professional roles and responsibilities to further the common good. Critically analyze. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Determination of ethics in state policies and actions is not easy because every policy and action has both positive and negative aspects viewed from different stakeholders' perspectives. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand by global ethics in today's world? Highlight the role that global ethics can play in achieving universally accepted goals.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Highlight the important teachings of Swami Vivekananda relevant to the youth of today.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Bring out meaning of below quotations:- (a) Courage is the most important of all virtues because without courage, you can't practice any other virtue consistently.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Can a war ever be justified on moral grounds? Support your answer with suitable arguments.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Do you think that ethical principles are universal in nature? Justify your answer with relevant examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"For civil servants, both professional competence and commitment to ethics are equally important. Analyze.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Despite changing family structure, it still plays an important role in nurturing core societal values. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Impartiality as a core value of civil servants should not become a hurdle in showing compassion towards weaker section of the society. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Recently, the four accused in the rape and murder of a veterinary doctor were shot down by the police while they were in police custody. The police claimed that the four accused were taken to the site of the rape in the early hours of the morning. They managed to snatch two pistols from the policemen, fired and injured two cops, and were shot in retaliation. Soon thereafter, a majority of the public welcomed the news of the police shooting the alleged rapists. Why is it that people applaud these actions of the police? Do you share such sentiments? Justify with relevant arguments.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":56,"question":"What are the administrative challenges that you face in such a situation to restore the credibility of the administration? (b) Given the resources and command of the government, what short-term and long-term measures can be taken to earn back the trust of the people and their willing cooperation? In contemporary times, disruptions have become an endemic feature of the functioning of Indian Parliament. Though it is not a new phenomenon, disruptions, which were an exception earlier, seem to have become the new normal. The years gone by have seen MPs raise slogans, snatch papers from ministers and indulge in theatrics. Crucial time of the Parliament, which ought to have been spent in debating appropriateness of legislation or other important issues, is getting unnecessarily wasted. In this context, answer the following: (a) Identify the ethical issues involved from the point of view of different stakeholders? (b) What are the reasons behind such a scenario? (c) Is merely having a code of conduct or ethics sufficient to resolve this situation?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1200,"topper":"Ankita Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2c114-87661_1245_ankita-jain_rank_3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the attributes of leadership, analyse why it is important for a civil servant.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"A civil servant needs to be objective as well as empathetic. What do you understand by objectivity? Discuss its relationship with empathy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"With rapidly increasing use of information technology, what according to you is the role of ethics in cyber space?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Transparency in government organisations is an essential pre-condition for good governance, Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but its lowest ones. [Nelson Mandela]","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"In the context of rapid technological change, discuss the significance of inculcating moral and spiritual values in educational institutions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Explain the main elements of integral humanism as propounded by Deen Dayal Upadhyay and highlight its contemporary relevance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"It is imperative for a country like India, that code of ethics should be implemented for civil servants on social media platforms as well. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Discuss how effective corporate governance can ensure the equitable treatment of all stakeholders.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"You are the Chairman of a Committee, constituted by the government, to suggest measures to improve the quality of education in state-run schools. In view of the increasing dropout rate and the widening gap between students' learning ability in state-run and private schools, answer the following questions: (a) Examine the role of government in the education sector, especially providing primary and secondary education through state-run schools. (b) Identify the principles and values that would guide your recommendations in this regard. (c) Suggest some ways in which quality of education in state-run schools can be improved.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1201,"topper":"Ankita Patil","air":140,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ANKITA-ANIL-PATIL-RANKUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-140-Sample-ESSAY-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"(1) TRUE LEADERSHIP LIES IN SERVING NOT RULING","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Does a true king always reside in palaces?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"What other reasons can contribute to such a charitable attitude?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"1 THE GREAT AIM OF EDUCATION IS NOT KNOWLEDGE BUT ACTION","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1202,"topper":"Ankita Patil","air":140,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ANKITA-ANIL-PATIL-RANKUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-140-Sample-MGP-Copy-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) Why has public bathing been a recurring practice across cultures and societies? Discuss with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Estimate the contributions of Chalukyas of Badami to Indian heritage and culture.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar had contrasting philosophies and approaches on caste and social reform. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) What factors can be attributed to the rising incidents of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) in the Himalayan region? Discuss with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) \"Migration is a vital livelihood strategy for rural households in developing countries like India.\" Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) Bring out the interdependence between physical and chemical weathering with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7 Discuss how social media is reshaping identity formation and self-worth among adolescents in contemporary Indian society.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) The disproportionate preference for government jobs in certain Indian states is not merely a matter of personal aspiration. Analyze.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 Explain the significance of population education in light of India's status as the world's most populous nation.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) Globalization has infused Indian festivals with commercial elements, while also helping preserve and popularize them in new ways. Do you agree? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 India has a rich tradition of diverse dance forms, encompassing both classical and folk styles. Illustrate how they reflect the country's rich spiritual, cultural, and social life.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 The third decade of the 20th century witnessed the emergence of new forces and ideological currents that influenced the character of the Indian national movement. Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13) Analyse the circumstances that led to Simla Agreement in 1972. Discuss the significance of the agreement.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 \"The Vietnam War was a proxy conflict rooted in the ideological rivalry of the Cold War\" Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15) Discuss the concept of isostasy and explain its role in shaping Earth's major landforms.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 The Indian Ocean is warming at an alarming rate. How may it affect the food security of India?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 Describing the distribution of sugarcane producing countries, examine the major environmental challenges associated with its cultivation.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 The richness and diversity of Indian society find vivid expression in the unique culture of its tribal communities. Elucidate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Why is it essential to focus on health in the context of urban planning and reforms? How can this be achieved?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 Analyze the socio-cultural factors contributing to the high attrition rate among women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers in India; suggest measures to improve their retention in STEM.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1203,"topper":"Ankita Patil","air":140,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ANKITA-ANIL-PATIL-RANKUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-140-Sample-MGP-Copy-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) The contributions of the \"founding mothers\" of the Indian Republic are often under-acknowledged, yet they are crucial to understanding the evolution of gender-sensitive constitutional jurisprudence.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) How has asymmetric federalism helped India accommodate its diverse regional needs? Discuss with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) The collegium system of judicial appointments remains the best mechanism to safeguard the judiciary's independence. Critically examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Explain how the terms 'socialist' and 'secular' in the Preamble embody specific meanings in the Indian context.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) The role of State Finance Commissions in building regional equity and strengthening the federal link has largely been underutilized. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6 \"Right to vote is fundamental to democracy, and depriving undertrial prisoners of this right while allowing contesting elections reflects a flawed legal framework.\" Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) In what ways can community-based interventions improve access to preventive and promotive healthcare services in the country?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) The increasing elderly population in India faces numerous challenges highlighting the need for a comprehensive policy framework to manage this demographic transition. Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) Discuss the role of the International Atomic Energy Association (IAEA) towards promoting safe and peaceful use of nuclear technologies in the world.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) The rapidly escalating tensions between Israel and Iran in West Asia can have significant economic and geopolitical repercussions for India. Explain with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 Simultaneous elections are advocated as a step towards reforming the electoral process and streamlining governance; however, their broader implications for democracy and federalism remain contentious. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) Bring out the rationale behind the introduction and implementation of the three new criminal laws. Highlighting key features of the laws, state the associated concerns.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13) Examine the role of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) in ensuring corporate governance and addressing insolvency issues in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) Differentiate between the clemency powers of the Presidents of India and the USA. Also, critically examine the vesting of clemency power in the executive.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 \"Rape is a rape; it cannot be condoned on the basis of the marital relationship between the victim and the accused.\" In light of the statement, throw light on the ongoing debate regarding the criminalization of marital rape.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 Discuss the role played by the Swachh Bharat Mission over the past decade in bringing a positive change in life of women, children and marginalized communities.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 How do Centrally Sponsored Schemes differ from Central Sector Schemes? Highlighting the concerns raised by some states regarding Centrally Sponsored Schemes, suggest remedial measures.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 The Doctrine of Democratic Governance makes it necessary that the public perception of the integrity and commitment of civil servants becomes absolutely positive. Discuss","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 While BRICS and Quad may have different priorities, both have their salience in advancing India's strategic interests. Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 \"The strategic competition between India and China is determining India's foreign policy towards its South Asian neighbors.\" Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1204,"topper":"Ankita Patil","air":140,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ANKITA-ANIL-PATIL-RANKUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-140-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) While the Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) scheme and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme are both designed to boost economic growth, they employ different approaches and focus on distinct outcomes. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) What do you understand by 'Reverse Brain Drain'? Identify the key drivers of the rising trend of this phenomenon in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) The Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) not only enhances logistics efficiency but also represents a pivotal milestone in the country's infrastructure development and economic growth. In this context, describe the significance of the Dedicated Freight Corridor.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Define precision agriculture. How can it help in optimizing crop production and resource management?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) Why has rice not seen similar innovation in processed food products compared to wheat, despite being a staple in many regions of the country?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) Explain the working principle of the pumped storage hydropower system. What are the key advantages it offers compared to other power storage technologies?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) Describe the major outcomes of the 29th session of the Conference of Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) How can emerging solar technologies address the twin challenges of resource scarcity and environmental degradation? Illustrate your answer with recent innovations in the field.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 What is 'research security'? What are the key hurdles in ensuring research security in India?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) is necessary for maintaining peace and stability in the 'disturbed areas'. Critically examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 How has inadequate progress on factor market reforms impacted India's double-digit growth aspirations? What measures has the government taken in this regard?","marks":"15","words":"15"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 What are the factors responsible for the recent depreciation of the Indian Rupee? Discuss its implications for the economy and suggest policy measures to stabilize the currency.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13) While Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) can resolve the issues of small farmers and boost agrarian economy, the realization of their potential is hindered by a multitude of factors. Analyze.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 Discuss the significance of aquaculture towards nutrition security, livelihood generation, and economic growth. Also mention various initiatives taken by the government to promote sustainable aquaculture in the country.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 What is gene therapy? What makes it a better treatment option than the conventional approaches?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) Why are countries keen on developing their own space stations? What obstacles do they face in the process, and how can these be overcome?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17) Climate change is causing profound alterations in ecosystems, triggering cascading impacts on biodiversity, ecosystem services, and human livelihoods, which demands integrated approaches to conservation and climate adaptation. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18) Often referred to as the 'cradle of civilization' and 'growth engines', urban areas are increasingly experiencing various natural and man-made disasters. Discuss in the Indian context. Also, suggest suitable mitigation and management strategies.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 How does India's geographical location heighten its vulnerability to drug trafficking? Also, analyze various internal security risks linked to drug trafficking.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20) The increasing frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks pose a significant threat to national security. Discuss the major challenges in ensuring cybersecurity in the country and enumerate the measures taken by the government in this regard.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1205,"topper":"Ankita Puwar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d24ff-511795_1511_ankita-puwar_rank-28.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Despite a vast coast line and a number of waterways, why has India not been able to achieve its potential in bringing a significant modal shift from rail and road to waterways? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The move to establish a National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development, to reverse the drag on India's growth potential will have its own set of challenges. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlighting the issues related to the current fertilizer subsidy regime in India, discuss the need for reforms in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Identifying the need for a climate resilient agriculture in India, discuss how it can be achieved. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Mega Food Parks (MFPs) were considered to be a gamechanger for the food processing sector in India, but their progress remains stunted. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do you understand by impact based forecasting in disaster management? How can such forecasting strengthen the disaster management preparedness? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Low Earth Orbit is becoming increasingly crowded as countries race to launch satellites into space. Highlighting the associated issues, discuss international efforts taken in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Enumerating the existing measures to counter bio-terrorism in India, highlight the need for a bio-terrorism law. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss the potential of \"Integrated Law Enforcement Centres\" and \"Smart Walls\" on India's border areas to address the prevailing security challenges. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Farm loan waivers are neither adequate nor recommended for promoting sustained agricultural growth. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"A number of initiatives in recent years have focussed on the MSME sector. Why is there a need to focus on this sector? Also, identify the measures taken by the government and further scope of action. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Skilling the Indian population faces a 3E challenge - Education, Employment and Employability. Discuss. Also suggest interventions required to effectively manage this challenge. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Despite its importance, agricultural marketing faces various institutional and infrastructural related issues in India. Elaborate. Also, enlist the measures that have been taken in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Marine litter is not just an environmental issue but poses a socio-economic challenge as well. Discuss. Also, enumerate the initiatives taken by the global community to reduce marine litter. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Assess India's vulnerability to flash floods and suggest measures for better resilience to flash floods. In this context, also briefly highlight the significance of recently launched Flash Flood Guidance System (FFGS) operated by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Hydrogen based energy production can play a key role in a clean, secure and affordable energy future. In this context, identify the potential and opportunities for utilising hydrogen based technologies. What are the challenges that need to be addressed to fullfill the potential? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Despite the huge promise of satellite-based internet connectivity, it hasn't gained traction on a significant commercial scale, especially in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"India's attempts at strengthening its intelligence infrastructure and capabilities have historically been reactive and incremental, rather than holistic and sustainable. Discuss. Also, provide a concrete framework in transforming the country's intelligence capabilities. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"In light of the prominent instances of drone attacks by both state and non state actors, assess the challenges and capabilities of India in dealing with such security threats. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1206,"topper":"Ankita Puwar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7d0a3-511795_1516_ankita-puwar_rank-28.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Do laws need to be consistent with the prevalent moral norms? Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"\"People's indifference is the best breeding ground for corruption to grow\". Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"In the context of COVID-19 pandemic, discuss the importance of Emotional Intelligence among healthcare workers. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"It is the 'spirit of service' that motivates a public servant to serve the country's interests and address people's issues. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Ethics does its work in the world by granting and withdrawing legitimacy. Discuss in the context of role of ethics in international relations. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Sustainable growth of an organisation can result only by aligning its decisions to the interests of all stakeholders, not merely its shareholders. Do you agree? Justify with logical arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri's life exemplifies value-driven public service of the highest order. What are the values one can learn from his life to be a good citizen and a good administrator? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"There is a view that the institutional mechanisms to ensure accountability of civil servants have weakened over time. In this context, discuss the need of a social accountability law in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Why has anonymity of civil servants traditionally been seen as an important arrangement? In this context, discuss your opinion on the doctrine of facelessness in civil services. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In the age of social media, influencers have a huge following and have gained prominent marketing roles. In this context, discuss the ethical issues involved in influencer marketing. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or the darkness of destructive selfishness. - Martin Luther King Jr. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You are a young officer posted as the Sub Divisional Magistrate in a district which houses factories for making match boxes and fire crackers. It is brought to your notice that a large number of children are working in these hazardous activities. The government had previously released a notification that owners of these manufacturing units need to report on the profiles of their employees annually to prevent child labour. These manufacturing units, abiding by the directives of the government, publish such reports annually and claim to have successfully put an end to employment of child labour. However, there are reports that these units are taking advantage of loopholes in the law. They are using contractors to continue to indirectly hire children without them officially being on the payroll of the units. Families of these child labourers are poor and see this as an essential source of income. An influential local politician also owns some of these manufacturing units and is known to put pressure on the officers involved for not taking any action against child labour. (a) Identify the stakeholders and ethical issues in this case. (b) How would you approach the problem and what would be the main elements of your action? (c) What medium to long-term measures will you propose to tackle the problem of child labour in the district?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Many states in India have experimented with prohibition of liquor at various times. However, it is common knowledge that many such states have a thriving illegal liquor industry. Moreover, it is ironical that while many political parties have prohibition prominently mentioned in their manifestos, it is politicians who distribute alcohol among voters during their election campaigns. This also gives rise to illicit liquor trade and many people lose their lives to it. (a) What are the socio-economic problems that are widely attributed to alcoholism? (b) Do you think prohibiting liquor creates more problems than it proposes to solve? (c) Short of prohibition, what can be done to tackle the problem of rising alcoholism, particularly among the youth of the country?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate (DM) of a district where residents are facing the menace of stray dogs. Instances of dogs chasing two-wheelers, cyclists and attacking pedestrians are on the rise. Elderly persons as well as children are the worst-hit and recently, an 8 year old girl was severely injured by a pack of dogs. The perceived magnanimity of the problem and inaction from government authorities have prompted vigilante groups to cull dogs in mass numbers. However, local NGOs have come out against such a practice of mass culling and are calling for stringent action against those killing stray dogs. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (b) As the DM, suggest short-term and long-term measures to tackle the above issue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are a young officer posted as the Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district. You have received information that at a party some people were harassed by your subordinate police officer. On further inquiry, you came to know that two complaints have been filed - one by the police and the other by people who organised the party. According to the police, people had gathered without permission and were not following COVID 19 appropriate behaviour and social distancing norms. But on the other hand, the complaint filed by the party organisers says that police entered the private venue due to loud noise and harassed everyone at the party including women guests. According to them, your subordinate police officer even tore apart the document, which granted permission to organise the party. A video of this incident, showing your subordinate officer tearing off a document, is being widely circulated on social media platforms. Due to this, social activists want you to take strict action against your subordinate police officer. (a) Identify the ethical issues in the case. (b) What are the factors that can influence decision by competent authorities in such instances? Do you think mobilising public opinion through social media is a fair way to influence the decision in such cases? (c) As the SP, what will be your course of action in this situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"As India's vaccination drive against the COVID-19 pandemic breaches the 100 crore inoculation mark, some of the most backward tribal districts of the country still remain unvaccinated. You are the new District Magistrate (DM) in one such tribal district. The vaccination drive has been unsuccessful in the district so far despite imminent threats of the virus. It is believed that the tribals of the district refuse to get vaccinated due to their personal beliefs regarding immunization. Further, the community doctor who works in geriatrics and has almost daily contact with members of the district, too has refused to be vaccinated based on his personal beliefs. This has made the people more adamant about their decision to remain unvaccinated. Additionally, rumours of a few deaths post-vaccination have spread in the district. There is also a high risk of rising cases in the nearby districts spilling over to your district. There is a dire need for assuaging the fear of people and extreme pressure on the administration to take action and conduct the vaccination drive smoothly. (a) What are the ethical issues in the given case? (b) As the DM in charge, what steps will you take to tackle the issues? (c) Discuss how persuasion can be used to convince people to voluntarily get vaccinated.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"In India, there exists a huge gap between demand for organ transplants and available donors, both living and cadaver. Besides a lack of awareness on organ donation, the rise of non-communicable and lifestyle diseases, such as hypertension and diabetes have led to increased instances of organ failure, in turn putting even more pressure on the demand for vital organs. According to reports, an estimated four lakh people die in India every year waiting for an organ transplant. Other than the legal and administrative issues, there are various ethical issues related to organ donation and transplantation in India. Provide an account of these ethical issues in detail. Also, discuss how the gap between demand and supply of organs in India can be closed.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1207,"topper":"Ankita Puwar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2398c-511795_2214_ankita-puwar_rank-28.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The ideals of 'Dhamma' by Ashoka present key learnings on public morality. Discuss. Also, state their relevance for public servants. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Although bribery is illegal and counterproductive, public officials still demand bribes, and executives in the private sector remain tempted to pay up. In this context, discuss ways in which corporations can build a framework to eliminate the practice of offering kickbacks. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"It is argued that the Indian bureaucracy suffers from indecision and risk aversion. Do you agree? Justify with logical arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Although open and transparent governance has gained ground, do you agree with the view that there is merit in withholding some information from people? Justify your arguments with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"While it may seem restrictive, anonymity is one of the greatest strengths of the civil services. Comment in the context of growth of social media in recent times. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"A legally enforceable code of ethics for civil servants, which not only prescribes the ethical values they must display in their public life but also provides sanctions for violations of these values, is the need of the hour. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Examine the issue of foreign aid in global politics from an ethical perspective. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"There is a need for an effective climate governance structure within the broad framework of corporate governance. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"A well-developed Emotional intelligence is not only an instrumental tool in accomplishing goals, but has a dark side as a weapon for manipulating others by robbing them of their capacity to reason.\" Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The opportunities and threats created by emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) require leaders across business, government and civil society to understand the importance of values and ethics in technological development. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"All persons ought to endeavour to follow what is right, and not what is established.\" - Aristotle (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"It is compassion, the most gracious of virtues, which moves the world.\" — Tiruvalluvar, Kural (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"\"I understand democracy as something that gives the weak the same chance as the strong.\" — Mahatma Gandhi (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You come across a news report of a state 'X', which has a considerable number of school going children suffering from malnourishment. To overcome this, the state recently rolled out a policy to introduce eggs in mid-day meals in schools. However, some parents, teachers and a few religious groups have protested against the move. The report states that the Minister of Education of state 'X' has assured the public of a reversal in the policy. You are aware that this may be because elections are approaching in the state and the party in power may not want to antagonise a particular religious group, which is its key supporter. In light of this, answer the following: (a) Highlight the stakeholders in the given case study. (b) Examine the options available in the given situation. (c) According to you, what is the best course of action and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Capital punishment, or \"death penalty,\" is an institutionalized practice designed to result in deliberately executing persons in response to actual or supposed misconduct and following an authorized, rule-governed process to conclude that the person is responsible for violating norms that warrant execution. Punitive executions have historically been imposed by diverse kinds of authorities, for an expansive range of conduct, political or religious beliefs and practices, for a status beyond one's control, or without employing any significant due process procedures. Punitive executions also have been and continue to be carried out more informally, such as by terrorist groups, urban gangs, and mobs. For centuries in Europe and America, discussions have focused on capital punishment as an institutionalized, rule-governed practice of modern states and legal systems governing serious criminal conduct and procedures. In light of the above debate of capital punishment, answer the following questions: (a) What are the arguments in favour of and against having capital punishment in the criminal justice system? (b) Do you think capital punishment has a place in modern civilised society? Examine in the context of moral implications involved in awarding it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"An Indian company is active in the telecom sector and is the majority owner of a telecom company based in other geographies across the world. At one of its European headquarters, there emerged whistleblowing allegations that a local executive was bribing local government officials in order to obtain telecom cabling and construction contracts from the local government. The kickbacks were allegedly paid through a third-party consultant. More specifically, there were allegations that the executive, the third party, and a government official had some sort of business interest in common, possibly shareholdings in a limited company or the joint ownership of an undisclosed asset. The company is thought to be particularly close to the ruling dispensation in India and the news has now raised pressure to put its business operations in India under scanner as well. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the ethical challenges in the given case? (b) Identify the different stakeholders and their interests. (c) As the CEO of the firm, how would you respond to the given situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are the Chairperson of Staff Selection Commission of a state. Recently, an exam for recruitment to the position of sub-inspectors was conducted by the Commission. But a video of some students using hi-tech devices like spy-mics, and placing \"solvers\" to cheat in the exam by hiding bluetooth devices in wig, has been surfacing on the internet. Also, this is not an isolated incident; many instances of organized cheating scandals have shocked the state in recent years. Students are agitated and demanding cancellation of the exam and there is pressure on you to resign. However, your daughter had also appeared in this exam and is confident of clearing it. There are many other students who had waited for this exam for a long time and are hopeful of clearing it with honest efforts. Whatever decision the Commission takes is bound to affect the career of a large number of candidates who appeared in the exam, including your own daughter. (a) Highlight the ethical issues concerned in the case. (b) Why is cheating in examinations prevalent in many states across India? (c) What measures would you take to make sure that a similar situation does not arise in future?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Sunil has been posted as a DM in a hilly district which is vulnerable to several natural disasters. The district is known for a pilgrimage site and is frequently visited by tourists from all over India. The major occupation of locals therefore lies in the hospitality business. Unfortunately, after a few days of his joining, the district faced a major earthquake. It has led to high casualties and damages to the essential infrastructure such as roads and bridges. Both locals and tourists are trapped at different routes and locations. An international convoy of dignitaries from a neighboring country which has come to pay their obeisance at the pilgrimage site, is also trapped due to the disaster. Because of this, Sunil has to divert most of the available resources in the rescue operation of the foreign dignitaries. People are emotionally distressed due to the disaster, and delayed response from authorities to their needs has led to a law-and-order situation in the district. People from other states whose families are trapped and need immediate assistance are also getting restless and flooding the emergency helplines with complaints and requests. (a) Discuss the issues being faced by Sunil in the given scenario. (b) Mention a course of action that Sunil must take to maintain law-and-order as well as to expediate rescue operations of all concerned.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"You are the Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district. One of your subordinates informs you that a girl has reached out to him and complained about a potential death threat to her and her boyfriend who belongs to another caste. Both the families are averse to their union. She has also informed that the local police station is neither filing any complaint nor giving her any assurance of protection. The girl belongs to the dominant caste of the region and her father is a prominent local leader of the party which is in power in the state. On further enquiry, you come to know that both the girl and her boyfriend are adults. They have moved out of the house and have started living together. This has further angered both the families and they are accusing each other of abduction. In the given scenario, answer the following questions: (a) Bring out the ethical dilemma faced by the you. (b) What would be a suitable course of action to resolve the issue? (c) At times, such instances lead to violence and may end up in honour killings. Discuss the reasons behind their social acceptance in parts of India despite the legal sanction against them.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1208,"topper":"Ankita Puwar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/30e06-511795_1865_ankita-puwar_rank-28.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"An ethical action is rooted in the temporal and spatial dimensions of societies. Discuss with adequate examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Unstable marriages and families can lead to failures of moral development in children and overall moral decline in the society. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"An ethical work culture is a prerequisite for sustainable growth of an organization. Discuss and suggest some measures to build an ethical work culture in an organization. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Crises, humanitarian or economic, often create the perfect storm for corruption to thrive. Discuss with examples. What measures can be taken to mitigate corruption during a crisis? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the various ethical concerns associated with vaccine passport for international travel. Also, suggest the measures that can be taken to deal with these concerns. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The edifice of good corporate governance is dependent on the efficacy and effectiveness of independent directors. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"Enlightenment is man's emergence from his self-incurred immaturity.\" - Immanuel Kant (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The issue of marital rape is often ignored due to the belief that marriage is a sacred institution. In this context, discuss whether marital rape should be criminalised. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Students should be taught the importance of \"doing what's right\" at a young age. Discuss how the New Education Policy seeks to impart value based education to students of all age groups. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The role of emotional intelligence is crucial for public servants in overcoming adversity. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"What are the important learnings from the life and teachings of Sri Adi Shankaracharya that can help public servants in their personal and professional lives. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Citizen's Charters are tools that help conventional organizations develop socially sensitive and ethically oriented professional conduct. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You are working as the Head of the Human Resources Department in a consultancy firm ABC Corp. A female employee of the firm comes to you complaining about sexual harassment in the company premise at the hands of the CEO of one of your clients, XYZ Corp., when the latter visited your firm for a client interaction. XYZ Corp. happens to be a major source of revenue for your company. Also, the CEO of XYZ Corp. is considered as a very reputed professional and is highly regarded by the senior management of your firm. In the past, you have witnessed members of your senior management praise the professional and no-nonsense attitude of the CEO of XYZ Corp. However, the female employee, who has approached you, is also sure that the CEO knowingly misbehaved with her. In light of the situation: (a) Discuss the issues involved in this case. (b) What are the options available to you and what course of action would you take? Give logical arguments to support your answer.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Records show that there have been numerous cases of custodial deaths in the last 20 years in India. Very few policeman have been convicted so far in such cases. Recently, you come across the case of custodial death of a youth in one of the backward districts of the country. It has been reported that the youth was detained on frivolous grounds of kidnapping a girl from another community. As a young graduate student, preparing for the civil services examination conducted by the UPSC, answer the following: (a) Why is there a frequent violation of the code of conduct and abuse of authority by law enforcement officers at various levels in India? (b) Is the use of violence and show of 'quick justice' by the policemen increasingly becoming acceptable by the society? Justify your stand with relevant arguments. (c) What can be done to comprehensively deal with the issue of torture and custodial deaths in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"A prominent stand-up comedian from your country has recently delivered a performance at an event in another country. Owing to the fame and hype associated with this event, the performance has been broadcast across the globe to millions of viewers. In the performance, the comedian brings up the dichotomy and paradoxes associated with the society and culture of your country. He brings up issues like status of women, violence against women, caste, politics etc. in his monologue. The performance touches upon such sensitive issues that it has polarised the audience. A vast section of people are affected by this and have organized huge demonstrations and have appealed the government to direct the broadcasting platform to remove this content from their platform. They are also pushing the government to take action against the comedian. An FIR too has been filed against him. On the other hand, there is also a significant outpour of support for the comedian. (a) What are the core ethical issues arising from this case? (b) The recent spate of FIRs against show creators, artists etc. highlight the need of regulation of content that is circulated online. Should such a step be taken by the government? Substantiate with reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are a District Magistrate posted in a backward district of the country. You are responsible for getting an Atal Residential School built on the village land in your district. The contract for the construction of the school has been assigned to a popular local leader's son. This land is presently occupied by tribal communities but they cannot produce any ownership records. They claim that they have resided on the land for generations. They also allege that the administration is pressurising them to vacate their land to build the school and have assured that they will be relocated elsewhere. However, they are hesitant to do so as it will uproot them from their homes and will affect their livelihood. One of the prominent tribal leaders has highlighted this issue and it has caught the attention of the mainstream media. In the light of the situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders involved in the case and their respective interests. (b) Discuss the various ethical concerns in the given case. (c) What are the options available to you and which of these options you will choose? Justify.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Across the world, there is often a taxing demand on correct manners, etiquettes and moral responsibility by celebrities and public figures and there is huge public outrage if they act carelessly. Even for small mistakes, public figures have to apologise, or take an early retirement out of shame. This is often aggravated by the media, which relentlessly reports on the issue and the public who enjoy the voyeurism offered by entertainment - footage of star cars being chased, leaked WhatsApp chats etc. Further, there is hardly any unbiased and civil debate when it comes to celebrities and their social responsibilities. In most cases, the argument does not even centre around the actual issue and gets subsumed by overarching subplots. Messy trolling, often misdirected, is a common feature in all. Even serious issues like suicide and drug use are reduced to parenting problems and witch-hunt is often seen. In this context: (a) Is there any difference between a public figure and private person when it comes to privacy? Should public figures also have some reasonable amount of privacy? (b) Do you think it is fair to expect role models, such as celebrities and public figures, to act more responsibly as compared to ordinary citizens? (c) Discuss the importance of responsible journalism in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"You are the Municipal Commissioner of a large city, which has witnessed unprecedented increase in biomedical waste. Recently, 15 sanitation workers lost their lives and close to 100 have been seriously infected owing to this increase in waste. Apart from biomedical waste, the city is also facing a major problem in management of household waste. There is a view that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the problems of the waste management sector. Despite the fact that the government has notified rules regarding disposal, collection and treatment of waste and has initiated numerous awareness campaigns in the past, still, the problem does not seem to be getting under control. In view of this, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the stakeholders and the significance of their involvement in addressing the issue. (b) In your opinion, what are the reasons behind apathy of people towards issues like waste disposal that affect the larger interests of the society? (c) As the Municipal Commissioner, suggest some practical techniques to bring about an attitudinal change among residents of the city towards this issue.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1209,"topper":"Ankita Puwar","air":28,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8a376-511795_1525_ankita-puwar_rank-28.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1210,"topper":"ANKITA RATH","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/ANKITA-RATH-UPSC-2024-Rank-443-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Ethics in private life may reflect personal beliefs; in public life, they must uphold legal and societal norms. Discuss the contrasting ways in which ethical principles operate in private and public relations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Despite legal provisions, instances of sexual violence against women continue to rise. How can a \"change in attitude\" address this issue? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Do you agree with the utilitarian principle that 'the greatest happiness of the greatest number' should guide decision-making and public policy formulation? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The development of an individual's values is a multifaceted process, involving engagement of diverse institutions such as family, society, and educational establishments. Discuss with examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What does each of the following quotations mean to you? a) \"Experience is the only teacher we have. We may talk and reason all our lives, but we shall not understand a word of truth, until we experience it ourselves\". Swami Vivekananda (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The balance between laws and conscience is delicate; when synchronized, they promote ethical conduct, but their discord can give rise to significant ethical dilemmas. Illustrate with examples (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"Good governance is not only about rules and regulations but also the character and conduct of those who govern.\" Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"\"In the realm of international relations, ethics often takes a backseat to national interest, which primarily drives foreign policy decisions.\" Critically examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The essence of business is profit, but it must be achieved through responsible and sustainable practices. Elaborate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"What are the ethical concerns associated with Artificial Intelligence? How can ethics help in resolving them? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"While some argue that values are influenced by temporal and situational factors, others uphold the belief in timeless and universal human values. What is your opinion in this regard? Justify your answer. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":40,"question":"EduLab Pvt. Ltd. is a globally renowned Ed-tech company known for its online products. Recently, it faced significant challenges despite the substantial growth in the online education sector driven by technological advancements such as the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The company reported unprecedented net losses, prompting a comprehensive overhaul of its operations to streamline processes and improve efficiency. To address these financial challenges, the company decided to incorporate new technologies, including AI and automation. This strategic shift led to the decision to lay off almost 10% of its workforce. It was also a cost-cutting measure aimed at reducing expenditure on human resources and reign in the mounting losses. Following the layoffs, the company made headlines by giving substantial bonuses to its senior management. They also signed a high-profile sports personality as their brand ambassador with a multimillion-dollar contract. Reports indicated continued excessive spending on first-class travel and generous salaries for senior officers, casting doubt on the company's claims of financial strain. The abrupt manner in which the layoffs were executed left many employees in distress. Concerns arose over their financial obligations, such as EMIs, school fees, and caregiving responsibilities. Media coverage highlighted grievances from laid-off employees regarding contractual obligations that were allegedly ignored. The absence of any severance package or outplacement assistance further exacerbated their plight. Employees felt abandoned and betrayed, questioning the ethicality of the management's actions. In the wake of the public backlash, EduLab's CEO issued a CEO statement defending the company's actions, emphasizing the necessity of tough decisions for long-term survival and shareholder value. However, this response failed to placate the critics, who argued that the burden of the company's financial troubles should not fall disproportionately on the vulnerable workforce, especially while executives continued to enjoy lavish perks. (a) Identify the ethical issues involved in the given case study. (b) As a senior advisor to EduLab, what recommendations would you give to the CEO to address the crisis and rebuild trust with stakeholders? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Nitish is an aspiring civil servant. One day, while reading the newspaper, he came across an article about a demolition drive. In a large Indian city, the state government had launched a significant urban reclamation project aimed at restoring the banks of a heavily polluted river. The river, which flows through a densely populated area, had become severely degraded due to illegal encroachments and industrial pollution. Over several decades, thousands of families had settled along the riverbanks, constructing homes, shops, and factories without proper authorization. The river had long been a dumping ground for industrial waste from other parts of the city, contributing to severe pollution. Environmentalists have time and again emphasized the need for a comprehensive clean-up and sustainable development plan. To rejuvenate the river and its surroundings, the state government initiated a comprehensive demolition drive to remove the illegal constructions. The project aimed not only to restore the river's natural ecosystem but also to develop the area into an eco-tourism destination. The demolition faced strong resistance from the residents, including appeals and protests in front of local authorities. Many residents, claiming that they had settled with the tacit approval of administration, hold the administration itself responsible for the issue. Some of them approached the courts to halt the demolition. The blame-game has erupted between the government and the residents. Nitish, who comes from a modest family background, sat there and remembered the pain of those who had spent their life savings to build homes and businesses. The drive disrupted local business and displaced thousands of families. They questioned whether uprooting settled communities by demolishing residential and commercial properties is justified in a country where millions of people are homeless, poor, and have very little savings. a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case. b) Do you think Nitish's reasoning is justified? Discuss with a cost-benefit assessment. c) As an outsider, what measures would you suggest to prevent such situations and manage the interests of all stakeholders? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":1211,"topper":"Ankur Das","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/15fb0-670858_1429_ankur-das_rank_52.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Illustrate how pressure groups have emerged as a strong mechanism for making democracy participatory and responsive. (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Explain the significance and controversies, if any, associated with the Article 35A of the Indian constitution. (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The ambiguity surrounding lobbying in India is further exacerbated by the country's endemic corruption. In this context, critically examine the case for legalising lobbying in India. (150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Independent India adopted a modified version of the Westminster model of government. In this context discuss the commonalities and differences between the political system of India and UK. (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Political parties are an integral part of the democratic set up of India. In the context, discuss the need for strengthening the process of institutionalization of intra-party democracy in political parties in India. (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"It is of paramount importance to ensure that the Election Commission of India (ECI) be fully insulated from political pressure to maintain the purity of elections. In this context, discuss the need to have a relook at the process of appointment and removal of election commissioners to the ECI. (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In post-liberalised India, it is imperative that the role of state be that of a facilitator, and not one of a regulator. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"By providing new pools of leadership talent, lateral entry will help in addressing the most crucial challenges that the civil services in India currently face. Critically evaluate. (150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the need for an effective and functional working relationship between Gram Panchayats and SHGs. How can an efficient synergy between the two be achieved? (150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Public service delivery in India has long been marred by various issues leading to poor service delivery outcomes. While discussing the reasons for the same, suggest ways to make public service delivery more efficient. (150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlighting different Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms available in India, explain their importance. Also, mention different measures that have been adopted to further improve the framework of ADR in India. (250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Success of the institutions of local self-governance depends largely on the attitude of state governments. Discuss in the context of constitutional provisions and recent experience of the working of these institutions in India. (250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Right to freedom of religion cannot be allowed to deny right to equality and individual dignity. Discuss in the light of constitutional provisions and recent judicial pronouncements. (250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Identify the key areas of reforms required in the judicial system in India. In this context, examine the significance of the idea of putting in place an All-India Judicial Service. (250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"While there are existing laws for the same, substantial efforts still need to be undertaken to prohibit people with criminal antecedents from entering into politics. Discuss in context of the problem of criminalization of politics in India and resulting issues. (250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"On the recent World Press Freedom Index (WPFI) India ranks 140. Elucidate the significance of media in a democracy like India. Identify the major issues affecting the media in contemporary times. In this context, enumerate the measures to address these issues. (250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Explain why the doctrine of separation of powers is considered as an indispensable part of a democratic setup. Also, discussing this doctrine in the context of India, explain the principle of 'checks and balances'. (250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Government schemes in India have long suffered from monitoring and implementation challenges. What steps have been taken by the government recently in this regard? Also discuss the potential of social audit in addressing these challenges. (250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"In the context of recent concerns related to functioning of NGOs in India, discuss the need for self-regulatory guidelines and transparency mechanisms to restore the credibility of voluntary organisations. (250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Focusing on technology without realizing that e-Governance is basically about ushering reforms in governance has meant that the potential of e-governance has not been realized. Discussing the statement, suggest what should be done to address this situation. (250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1212,"topper":"Ankur Das","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/75562-670858_1432_ankur-das_rank_52.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explaining the reasons behind India's lower female labour force participation rates (LFPR), list the steps that have been taken to augment it. What more needs to be done? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"By rebalancing project risks between the public and private sectors, the HAM model has encouraged investments in the road infrastructure sector. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Examine the need for a comprehensive policy on e-commerce in view of its domestic expansion as well as safeguarding India's interests globally. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"In view of the growing significance of FinTech innovations, discuss the potential and challenges of mainstreaming FinTech in Indian economy. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"With India striving to achieve its development objectives, examine how blue economy can help in pursuing the objectives of economic development and ecological sustainability. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Reliance on borrowings for capital expenditure in railways reflects a weakening financial position. Comment on the statement and discuss ways in which better resource generation and utilisation can be achieved therein. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"With water increasingly becoming a scarce resource, large scale adoption of micro irrigation techniques could prove to be a game changer in India. Analyse. Also enumerate various steps taken by the government to promote micro irrigation in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Livestock farming not only contributes to climate change but is also affected by it. Elaborate the statement and discuss some measures that can be taken to make livestock farming more sustainable as well as resilient. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The cropping pattern of a region is influenced by geo-climatic, socio-cultural, economic, historical and political factors. Substantiate with relevant examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"A developed Inland Waterway Transport (IWT) will not only augment the overall transport capacity of the country, but also help correct the multi-modal transport mix. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Can the consolidation of banks help in stemming the existing problems in the banking sector? Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Why has the contribution of manufacturing sector, as a percentage of the GDP, remained stagnant in the recent years? In this context, analyse the achievements of National Manufacturing Policy, 2011 with regards to its intended objectives. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"One of the goals that a developing economy aspires for is to bring down the Incremental Capital-Output Ratio (ICOR). In this context, what are the constraints that underlie the efficient conversion of savings rate to investments in the Indian economy? Also suggest some measures to improve this efficiency. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight the factors responsible for rise in the number of start-ups in India in recent years. Analyzing the challenges in the existing start-up ecosystem, suggest some measures to resolve them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"There is a high cost of compliance as well as complexities associated with existing labour laws at centre and state levels. Discuss. What steps have recently been taken by the central government to address these challenges? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The contribution of coal based power generation is not expected to substantially go down in the next few decades, despite growing importance of renewables. Comment on the statement in light of increasing demand for power in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Elaborate the strategic and operational elements of the Agriculture Export Policy, 2018 and discuss the role it can play to achieve the target of doubling farmers' income by 2022. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Development of food processing industry will help in achieving the twin goals of inclusive growth and food security. Discuss. Also, account for the competitive advantages enjoyed by India in the food processing sector. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Identify the problems faced by Indian agriculture as a consequence of changing land holding pattern as witnessed in the findings of Agriculture census, 2015-16. In light of these problems, suggest suitable ways to resolve such structural issues in agriculture. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1213,"topper":"Ankur Das","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/58c82-670858_1242_ankur-das_rank_52.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Tribal art in India generally reflects the creative energy found in rural areas that acts as an undercurrent to the craftsmanship. Explain with reference to the Worli and Gond paintings. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Though it had its achievements, the exclusion of Indians from the system was a key feature of judicial reforms introduced by Cornwallis. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Marshall Plan was important in the recovery of the European states from the aftermath of the Second World War. However, it also became a crucial factor in the creation of two Europes i.e. East and West. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Examine the causes behind the existence of bonded labour in contemporary India. Also, discuss the steps that should be taken for its redress. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"State the factors that enhance the risk for initiation or continuation of abuse of drugs by the youth. What measures can be taken to address this issue? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Critically analyze the impact of globalization on culture in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"How do increasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions impact coastal and marine ecosystems? Highlight various measures that can be taken for protection and restoration of such vulnerable ecosystems. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Explain the phenomenon of a Polar Vortex. Also, comment on the reasons as to why tropical areas as south as Florida have been witnessing sub-zero temperatures in recent years. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The most powerful trend of medieval Indian literature is devotional poetry which dominates almost all the major languages of the country. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Discuss the major changes introduced by the Government of India Act, 1919 and its significance as a historical landmark in the Indian freedom struggle. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Multiple factors allowed the British to gain control over India. In this context, highlighting the main developments, trace the course of British conquest of India from 1757 to 1856. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"With India becoming increasingly urban and the urban poor increasing in number, it is imperative that the challenges they face be addressed urgently. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Violations of women's sexual and reproductive health rights are often deeply engrained in societal values and traditions. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by the term Land Degradation Neutrality? Highlight its significance and the steps required to achieve it. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"State the geographical and economic importance of Hindukush-Himalayan region. How are the critical geographical features of this region changing and what possible consequences will it have? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What is the most accepted reasoning behind occurrence of earth's magnetism? Discuss the factors behind its variation temporally and spatially. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Explain Walker Circulation. Discuss how it influences Indian Monsoon. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1214,"topper":"Ankur Kaushik","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/26775_1068_Ankur_Kaushik_Rank_37.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"There are many challenges in sustainably scaling up renewable energy in India. Analyse. Also, discuss what can be done to address these challenges. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The policies and indicators introduced by the government, in recent times, to finance urban development in India are key in addressing the existing challenges. Discuss with special reference to municipal bonds. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"With a number of issues continuing to be a roadblock, a large section of India's rural population is still 'financially excluded'. Discuss. Analyse how these issues can be addressed and the measures taken by the government and RBI recently in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'Environmental Accounting'? Discussing the rationale behind introducing environmental accounting, highlight its status in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"While access to irrigation is important, efficiency of water use is equally, if not more, crucial. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"For a holistic approach to disaster risk reduction, there is a need to mainstream indigenous traditional knowledge and link it with modern technologies. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do you understand by food irradiation? Highlighting some of its unique applications, examine its relevance for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Whereas misuse of technology has abetted the spread of fake news, it is with the aid of technology that this menace can be curbed. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Explain the salient features of the recently established Defence Planning Committee. How can it help in credible defence preparedness? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Recent reports of Maoist leaders having amassed huge assets in property and cash underlines the significance of probing the funding network as part of counter-terrorism efforts. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Not only do services MSMEs contribute mightily to the overall GDP growth, they have a powerful, multiplier impact on the local economies as well. Elaborating on the statement, highlight the problems faced by service sector MSMEs. How can the government make it easier for MSMEs to start and grow a business? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Contract Farming has many advantages, however it suffers from market failures. Elaborate. What can the government do to correct problems that lead to contract failures? Also, discuss whether the Model Contract Farming Act, 2018 is a step in the right direction. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Suggest the measures needed to improve the employability of labour force as well as increasing number of employment opportunities in light of structural changes being brought by disruptive technologies. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"India's trade policy in agriculture, marred by ad-hocism and pro-consumer bias, has constrained realization of export potential, and prevented the farmers from reaping the benefits. Examine the statement and discuss ways, including government initiatives, to improve agricultural exports. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Is currency exchange rate a suitable measure of relative economic performance of countries? Despite improving macro-economic fundamentals, trade deficit in India continues to widen. Bring out the factors responsible for this situation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"It will take much more than relief packages to address the problems being faced by the sugar industry in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"NAPCC, almost 10 years old and formulated with lofty objectives, has not served as the best answer to cope with the impacts of climate change. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Proliferation of nuclear weapons and the threat of their use are key concerns for global security nonetheless existing international arrangements seem to be ineffective. Comment. Also, identify the salient features of India's policy in this context and discuss whether India should join the NPT in the current form. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The maritime security domain requires collective multilateral and regional cooperation to combat non traditional threats. Discuss in the context of threats in the Western Indian Ocean and the recent amendments in the Djibouti Code of Conduct. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India's space programme was initiated with the vision of utilising outer space for peaceful purposes, however with changing times it has the potential to play a significant role in strengthening security capabilities of India. Discuss with adequate examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1215,"topper":"Ankur Kaushik","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/26775_1071_Ankur_Kaushik_Rank_37.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) is more than just the keeper of our national accounts; it is also a conscience-keeper and a watchdog. Examine the statement in light of making the auditing process more effective. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The concern for transparency in political funding is at odds with the Electoral Bond Scheme notified by the government. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Lobbying in India exists in a perennially grey legal and policy arena. In this context, discuss the need to formally recognize and regulate lobbying in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"More than a decade after it was passed, the implementation of the RTI Act leaves much to be desired. Comment. Also discuss the issues associated with the recent proposals to amend the RTI Act. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Critically discuss the evolving policy on reservation in promotions in India with special focus on its ability to meet the objectives of social justice. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"India produces enough food for its people, but not all people get enough food to eat. Discussing this paradox, highlight some of the major interventions taken in the past few years in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"India sees Indian Ocean as not just a water body, but a global stage for continued economic, social, and cultural dialogue. Elaborate.(150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In the context of India taking greater responsibility in management of the global commons, there has been a shift in India's climate change negotiation stance. In this context, analyze the evolution of India's climate policy. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlighting the constitutional role of the Finance Commission (FC), discuss the issues which are being debated w.r.t. terms of reference (ToR) of the 15th Finance Commission. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The spirit of the constitution of India represents a synthesis of Indian values, democratic and socialist movements in west and our independence movement. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"What is the importance of an independent judiciary in a democracy? Highlight the safeguards in our political-constitutional setup to ensure the independence of judiciary. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Even though Indian federalism has matured quite a bit, with states having far greater control of their economic and political management, serious structural problems still remain. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The recent amendments to the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 strike a balance between enforcement overzealousness and the need for stringent action against corrupt public servants. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Identifying the various issues plaguing the voluntary sector in India, discuss the need for a national accreditation agency to overcome them. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Given the importance of a teacher in affecting the learning outcomes of children, discuss the problems in the present system of teacher training in India. How can these be addressed? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The implementation of a scheme with such scale and benefit as Ayushman Bharat is likely to face many obstacles. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Given the fact that India cannot match China's financial clout, it is seen to be diversifying the ways in which it can enhance cooperation and promote its diplomatic profile in Africa. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Discuss how American sanctions on its adversaries affect India. Taking the example of CAATSA, analyse how India can shield its strategic interests in face of such sanctions. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1216,"topper":"Ankur Kaushik","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/26775_1072_Ankur_Kaushik_Rank_37.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain why it is important to urgently address the problem of poor land records and infirmity of land titles in India. Also discuss how this problem can be addressed. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What are the special features of the infrastructure sector that make its financing a challenge? What measures have been taken to facilitate adequate amount of finance to this sector? (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Despite favourable circumstances, India's electronics manufacturing has been unable to respond to the rising demand. Discuss. What steps can be taken to address this situation? (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Despite registering a high growth rate in the post-reform era, India continues to witness a high incidence of poverty. Explain this paradox and suggest ways to resolve it. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"In light of the argument that India has entered a regime of permanent surpluses, discuss whether the time has come to remove agricultural commodities completely from Essential Commodities Act. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The 1988 National Forest Policy (NFP) was visionary in its scope and ambition. However, there is a need for a new forest policy in the current context. Discuss. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How does rapid urbanization increases the vulnerability to major disasters? Explaining with examples, suggest measures to develop disaster-resilient cities. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain DNA profiling and highlight its forensic application. Also discuss the significance of DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2018 in this regard. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What is meant by the term Blue Water Capabilities? In this context, identify the key measures that have been undertaken to enhance the blue water capabilities of the Indian Navy. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Identify the factors that make India vulnerable to drug trafficking? Also discuss the key steps taken to deal with it in our country. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"How do higher global crude oil prices affect the Indian economy? What steps can be taken to gradually insulate India from global oil price volatility in the long term? (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Explaining the importance, highlight the achievements of dairy sector in India. Examine whether over-production is the reason for the problems being faced by the dairy industry. Give some solutions to address the problems. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"There has been a focus on Textile and Apparels industry in India in recent years. Elaborate the potential of this industry and the challenges that lie in achieving it. What steps have been taken in this regard? (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"How do transportation corridors in biodiversity rich areas impact the wildlife? Examine the current policy framework in this regard. Also, suggest measures to minimise the negative effects while balancing the need for development. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The potential of technology to aid farmers in increasing productivity as well as reducing susceptibility to climate change remains underutilized. Identify the reasons for the same and suggest measures to improve technological penetration in agriculture. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What is Intelligent Transportation System (ITS)? Explaining the need of ITS in India, identify the challenges in deploying it. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Explain the concept and significance of Data Localisation. Also discuss its limitations in strengthening law enforcement efforts in the context of Srikrishna Committee report and the draft Personal Data Protection Bill, 2018. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"What is the link between illegal immigration and national security? In this context, critically discuss the exercise of creating a National Register of Citizens in Assam. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1217,"topper":"Ankur Kaushik","air":37,"year":2018,"paper":"Optional — Public Administration","optional":true,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Zxshn9hF6Jkq70CMC_WJ3YtunDeuBjJi","questions":[]},{"id":1218,"topper":"Ankur Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/652f0-1202306_2124_ankur-kumar_rank-257.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"To be content with little, is difficult; to be content with much, impossible.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1219,"topper":"Ankur Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2d016-1202306_2125_ankur-kumar_rank-257.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"There is nothing in the intellect that was not previously in the senses.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1220,"topper":"Ankur Kumar","air":257,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5ca5e-1202306_2123_ankur-kumar_rank-257.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1221,"topper":"Ankur Kumar","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ANKUR-KUMAR-UPSC-2023-Rank-286-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"How would you explain the anomaly of chronic hunger and malnutrition coexisting with surplus food grain production in the country? How can this anomaly be resolved? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Animal husbandry is the key to supplement farm income, make agriculture sustainable and enhance value addition in food processing chain. Discuss and evaluate the various government measures to boost animal husbandry sector. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Despite their flaws in limiting access to larger market and poor price realization for agricultural produce, APMCs have their utility. Analyse the statement and suggest reforms in agriculture marketing in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Cropping pattern in the country does not concur with the agro-climatic reality, leading to unintended and undesirable consequences. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Digital technologies can transform agriculture into an enterprise. Examine and identify various constraints in application of ICT in agricultural sector. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Reforms in Public distribution system (PDS) and Food Corporation of India (FCI) are two sides of the same coin. Discuss the statement along with suitable reforms in PDS and FCI. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":16,"question":"India is one of the largest producers of food, yet Food Processing Industry (FPI) is not well developed in the country. Examine the inhibiting factors and recommend some remedial actions to promote FPIs. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":19,"question":"Direct income transfer to farmers can improve production, increase resilience to market volatility and encourage adoption of new farming techniques. Analyze the various benefits and bottlenecks of the PM-Kisan Yojana. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the rationale behind declaring Minimum Support Price (MSP) and various issues related to MSP regime in the country. Do you think that providing legal backing to MSP is necessary and sufficient for making farming financially sustainable? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1222,"topper":"Ankur Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/84c46-1202306_2218_ankur-kumar_rank-257.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to revisit the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution? Discuss with suitable arguments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Highlighting the advantages of online dispute resolution (ODR) mechanism for justice delivery, discuss the challenges associated with its effective implementation in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Despite the constitutional division of powers, Centre-state disputes have been a perennial feature of Indian democracy. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Do you agree with the view that adopting a framework for lobbying will strengthen participative governance and ease of doing business in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Despite the government encouraging open source instead of proprietary technology for government applications, the true potential of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) and digital platforms remains unrealized. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"As a social safety-valve, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) can be the principal vehicles through which communities voice their concerns. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Despite being lauded for its patient centric approach, the implementation of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, remains sluggish and mired with various issues. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to formulate an Urban Employment Guarantee scheme at the national level? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the relevance of BIMSTEC as a regional organisation to fulfil India's strategic aspirations in the Indian Ocean Region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the relevance of the Gujral Doctrine for India with regard to its relations with its immediate neighbours in the present times. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the pivotal role of the \"Officers of Parliament\" in the Indian Parliamentary system. Also, discuss the constitutional and statutory provisions for their impartial functioning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The Finance Commission plays a crucial role in balancing fiscal federalism in India. In this context, examine the recommendations given by the 15th Finance Commission. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Critically assess whether according statutory backing to the Model Code of Conduct will contribute towards free and fair elections in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The market disruption caused by digital revolution warrants renewed focus and perspective to ensure fair competition in the digital economy. In this light, discuss the need to revamp the Competition Commission of India (CCI). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"There is an urgent need for effective whistle-blowing mechanisms and ensuring that necessary safeguards for the protection of whistle-blowers are established in both public and private spheres in India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"State the reasons behind the poor performance of cooperatives in India. Also, discuss the reforms undertaken by the government to overcome the shortcomings. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Public-Private Partnership model, if harnessed properly, has the potential to bridge the gaps in India's healthcare system. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Although the New Education Policy brings with itself a commendable vision, its success will depend on its ability to effectively integrate with the government's other policy initiatives. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) is born from a collective desire to make the Indo-Pacific region an engine of global economic growth. Comment. Also, discuss India's concerns in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"India needs to identify the priority areas to further its techno-diplomacy amidst the complexities of expanding digital space and New and Emerging Strategic Technologies. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1223,"topper":"Ankur Kumar","air":286,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ANKUR-KUMAR-UPSC-2023-Rank-286-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1224,"topper":"Ankur Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/49edd-1202306_2220_ankur-kumar_rank-257.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The logic of limitless wealth lies in the basic human instinct for furthering self-interest in the form of profit. In this context, do you think there is a possibility of pursuing ethical capitalism? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"If a law is unjust, a man is not only right to disobey it, he is obligated to do so. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The capacity of Citizens' Charter to initiate any transformative process is conditioned upon it being appropriately designed and effectively executed. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The moral fiber and ethical conduct of public officials not only influence the standard of governance but also their own interests and performance. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The ongoing debate on euthanasia poses several ethical questions. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Foreign aid is a form of neo-colonialism, as the economically wealthier countries can exploit the developing countries under the cloak of aid. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Throwing light on the idea of Universal Humanism propounded by Rabindranath Tagore, discuss its contemporary relevance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree with the view that it is nature and not nurture which determines the emotional intelligence of a person? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Values that guide public administrators can often compete with each other, owing to their relative importance to the larger public interest. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Is it justifiable to say that corruption is a social phenomenon? What are the various ways through which administrative corruption can be tackled? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \" ; \" \"Overcoming poverty is not a task of charity; it is an act of justice.\" Nelson Mandela (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"You are posted as the Commissioner of Police in a metropolitan city where a visiting foreign dignitary, with President-level security cover, is scheduled to visit for an official function. As a part of the security preparedness, it has been decided that no vehicular traffic will be allowed on the route which will be taken by the foreign dignitary to reach the venue of the function in the city. However, just 15 minutes before the scheduled arrival of the dignitary, you are informed that a critically-ill patient is stuck on the way to the hospital in a private car along with his family. In this situation, answer the following: (a) Discuss the issues involved in halting traffic for VIP movement. (b) List the options available to you in this situation with their merits and demerits. (c) What will be your course of action? Justify with proper reasoning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"The transgender community has been a part of India's social set up since the very beginning but never recognized as a reputable part of the society. 'Hijra' is a term traditionally used in India for transgender women who were born male. The role and value of this community in accordance with the sacred Hindu texts condenses to the performance of blessings at marriage and birth ceremonies for good fortune. With the advent of the British Raj in the 19th century, the acts of \"cross-dressing\" were registered as a criminal offence and if such offences were committed repeatedly, imprisonment followed. Thus, began the criminalization of hijras. Today, although legally supported and socially empowered as compared to earlier times, hijras are still subject to transphobic discrimination-associated violence, poverty, and segregation. In light of the above, answer the following: (a) Identify the challenges faced by transgenders during the different stages of their life. (b) Discuss the reasons for the continuing discrimination against trangenders in India despite several initiatives for their upliftment in recent times. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"You are an IPS officer posted as the Inspector General of Police in a state. The recent death of a father-son duo in one of the districts in the state, due to custodial violence allegedly in the presence of the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), has sparked anger across the state. This is not an isolated incident, as there have been allegations raised by human rights groups in the past regarding custodial deaths due to physical assault by the police. The High Court of the State, taking suo moto cognizance of the recent incident, has served a notice to the state government, seeking a detailed report on the rising instances of custodial deaths. The state government has constituted a Committee to probe the incident and submit a detailed report about the veracity of facts related to it. You have been asked to head the Committee. You know the Deputy Superintendent of Police of the district to be an honest, hardworking and upright officer. He has privately requested you to absolve him of any wrongdoing as he claims not to be present when the incident occurred. You know that any action against him will be detrimental to his reputation and career. On the other hand, the seniors in the department are pressurising you to put all the blame on the DSP and make him a sacrificial lamb in order to protect the overall image of the police in the state. In the given scenario, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the stakeholders and the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) What steps will you take to ensure that the enquiry is seen to be fair and impartial? (c) Given the challenges that the police forces in India operate under in their day-to-day functioning, suggest some initiatives to address them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Mr. X is a billionaire businessman who heads a conglomerate engaged in insurance, energy generation and distribution, and manufacturing. Despite being globally known as a great philanthropist, he turned down a shareholder request seeking the disclosure of the conglomerate's actions on issues related to climate change as well as diversity and inclusion. Because of increased attention to climate and diversity issues, many leading firms have committed themselves to incorporate relevant considerations in their business strategies. Therefore, some industry-observors wonder if Mr. X is out of touch with the industry at large and have warned him that failing to address climate change issues puts his businesses under systemic risk. But, Mr. X maintained his vote against the disclosure proposal, while at the same time acknowledged the importance of both climate change and a diverse and inclusive work force. However, Mr. X believes that such ethical issues take secondary importance to maximising shareholder profit. (a) Discuss the importance of including climate change strategies and diversity and inclusion in a business organisation? (b) In your opinion, what matters more for a business organisation - socio-environmental concerns or shareholder profit? (c) How can the two above-mentioned issues be reconciled? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"You are posted as a Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district where people of different religious communities are living together peacefully. The district is also famous for its architectural heritage and is regularly visited by tourists from all around the world. However, there has been an incident in the nearby state where people of two different communities have started fighting over religious issues. This incident has a spillover effect over the whole country. In your own area of jurisdiction, you have come to know from various sources about circulation of some hate speech videos, which have the potential to destabilise the law and order situation. You are also aware that some outsiders with dubious intentions have started pouring in your district. In one locality, a shopkeeper who had earlier filed a complaint regarding threats he received for posting something on the internet, is found murdered in cold blood. This incident has stunned the nation. You are being informed that hundreds of people of the community to which the shopkeeper belonged are planning to stage a massive protest in your district. (a) In the given situation, what are the options available to you to ensure that the law and order situation in the district remains stable. Provide a detailed account of your course of action. (b) Do you think the present legal and institutional mechanisms are sufficient to tackle the menace of hate speech in the society? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"The Indian education system suffers from many ills. One of the major issues is the focus on 'rote learning', which has been the staple of the Indian education system for many years. While many Indians have attained success despite this system, simply being able to recall information is not enough in today's world when that information is instantly available to anyone on a mobile phone. A survey of 200 Indian and foreign companies found that only 14% of Indian graduates were prepared for the workforce, largely because most graduates were unable to apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the consequences of 'rote learning' on the educational development of young students in the country? (b) Suggest measures that can be taken to address this issue. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1225,"topper":"Ankur Kumar","air":257,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c2524-1202306_1819_ankur-kumar_rank-257.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1226,"topper":"Ankur Kumar","air":286,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ANKUR-KUMAR-UPSC-2023-Rank-286-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1227,"topper":"Ankur Kumar","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ANKUR-KUMAR-UPSC-2023-Rank-286-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-5.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Path to a digital India should traverse through the villages but seems to have bypassed the ideal trajectory. Critically examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Narrow understanding of disability has marginalised people suffering from mental disorders. Elucidate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Vocational training needs to be blended with mainstream education in order to bridge the wide skills gap. Discuss the status of vocational training in the country. How does National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, promote vocational education? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) addresses the need for interoperability in health services through a unified health interface. Elaborate its significance in digitising the health care ecosystem. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Objectives of a welfare government remains incomplete without a progressive ecosystem for the children's development. Discuss with special emphasis to recently passed Juvenile Justice Amendment Act, 2021. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"To ensure effective implementation of policies addressing socio-economic challenges, behavioural changes are as important as government intervention. Comment with relevant illustrations. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":16,"question":"Compromised health infrastructure has led to a situation where the marginalised are \"one ill-ness away\" from falling into poverty. Highlight the issues with country's health infrastructure giving a suitable framework for reforms. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":19,"question":"How far have Forest Rights Act, 2006 (FRA) and Panchayat (Extension of the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA) been successful in attaining their desired objectives? What needs to be done to improve their implementation on ground? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":22,"question":"Enduring effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have exacerbated existing issues of poverty and hunger. Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"Despite the presence of a plethora of development schemes, India lags behind in creating a prosperous society. Is it a design issue or an implementation bottleneck? What suggestions would you make to improve the performance of developmental schemes? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1228,"topper":"Ankur Kumar Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/798c2-72314_1450_ankur-kumar-jain_rank_205.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"An effective crop insurance system is crucial in cushioning income losses for farmers. In this context, assess the performance of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Explaining the significance of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), highlight the challenges that need to be addressed for it to achieve its true potential. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the potential of multimodal transport in transforming India's transportation and logistics sector. Mention the measures taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Private investment is a key driver that catalyses an economy into a self-sustaining cycle of growth. Explaining the statement, highlight the steps that should be taken to revive private investment in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Chandrayaan-2 has not only been considered as one of the most challenging missions of ISRO but also more technologically advanced than Chandrayaan-1. Elaborate. Further, examine how lunar exploration can benefit humanity in general. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Given the strategic rivalries and growing space capabilities of many countries, militarisation of outer space is considered a threat. In this context, discuss the need for a rule-based order to securely govern outer space. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Money laundering not only threatens the stability of the financial system of India but also its national security. Elucidate. In this context, discuss how far the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 addresses these issues. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Discuss the need for agricultural marketing reforms in India. Also, identify the key aspects of agricultural markets that need to be reformed. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite the government meeting its disinvestment targets in recent years, its efforts towards strategic disinvestment and privatisation remain limited. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"There have been arguments that employment creation and productivity do not grow adequately as firms age in India. In this context, analyse why Indian firms start small and stay small. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Bring out the importance of focussing on energy efficiency for achieving energy security in India. What steps have been taken by the government in this regard? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Despite having a statutory framework for minimum wages since long, many workers continue to remain outside its reach. Examine the reasons and suggest corrective measures in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Highlight the significance of a well-established carbon market in India. In this context, explaining the mechanism of renewable energy certificates (REC), highlight the challenges that the REC market faces. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The roots of insurgency in the North Eastern region are embedded in a host of factors. Discuss. What measures have been taken to tackle cross-border insurgency in this area? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Highlight the challenges faced by India in countering terror financing. Also, mention the steps taken by India in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1229,"topper":"Ankur Kumar Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e1141-72314_1448_ankur-kumar-jain_rank_205.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"It is argued that mathematics and astronomy were an important part of intellectual development in ancient India. In this context, highlight the major contributions of ancient India to these areas. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In context of the rivalries, which existed between the English and French trading companies in India, highlight the factors, which led to the success of the English East India Company in its struggle against the French. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What were the causes of the Iranian Revolution of 1979? In what ways do the consequences of this revolution remain relevant even today? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Analyze the impact of globalization on indigenous craft, literary traditions and traditional knowledge systems in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Juvenile delinquency has attracted much media attention in recent years. What are the factors that drive the juveniles towards crime? In this context, state the significance of rehabilitative and reformative measures for juvenile delinquents. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Highlighting the health challenges that tribals are facing in India, suggest a roadmap to improve the health indicators of the tribals. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Give an account of the geographical distribution pattern of major agro-based industries in India. Also, explain their multiplier effect on rural economy. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Highlight the reasons and resultant implications of disappearance of urban water bodies in India. Mention some of the steps which can be taken in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Explaining the role that Ocean Iron Fertilization can play in the fight against climate change, discuss the concerns associated with its large-scale adoption. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"Trace the evolution of British policy towards the princely states in India. How did the freedom movement impact the people of these princely states? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Give a brief account of the circumstances under which Simla agreement was signed in 1972. Mentioning its important provisions, discuss whether it was a lost opportunity for India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"State the push and pull factors responsible for internal migration in India. Also examine how it is impacting urban transition in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Examine the factors responsible for poor performance of family planning programme in India. Suggest some family planning strategies, which can be adopted for improving reproductive health outcomes and achieving family welfare. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Giving examples, highlight the reasons behind existence of regional disparities in India. Suggest some strategies to address them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Highlighting different factors affecting Indian monsoon, explain why it is difficult to predict it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1230,"topper":"Ankur Kumar Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/83331-72314_1449_ankur-kumar-jain_rank_205.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Bringing higher judiciary under the ambit of RTI has its own merits and demerits. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Tribunals in India have not just replicated some of the problems that our judiciary suffers from but added a few more. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Parliamentary privileges are not always used for the aims they were intended to serve. In this context, discuss the need for codification of these privileges in light of recent developments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"There is a point of view that the office of Governor has outlived its relevance and needs to be abolished. Critically examine in the current context. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Is lateral entry in civil services the panacea to address the challenges, which hamper the effective functioning of bureaucracy in India? Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Highlighting the grievances of states towards Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS), explain how the government has sought to rationalise these schemes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The PM Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) has begun well and holds a lot of promise, however it needs to address multiple challenges to become a success. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Highlighting its key features, examine the need for the passage of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill by the Parliament at the earliest. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"With changing times India's engagement with its diaspora has also undergone a change. Explain in the context of government policies on diaspora. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Despite its immense potential, the challenges associated with RCEP for India cannot be ignored. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Decentralisation in India has been fairly successful at the political level, however on the fiscal and administrative fronts progress is marred by several bottlenecks. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The provisions of the Anti-Defection Law have been repeatedly violated and are routinely misinterpreted. Examine. Also, suggest measures to strengthen the Anti-Defection Law. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The amendment process for the Indian Constitution follows a middle path between rigidity and flexibility. Comment in comparative perspective. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Assess the effectiveness of the institutional architecture of Indian federalism in settling inter-state disputes. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The recent advances in technologies have the potential to make e-governance a very potent tool for ushering in an era of good governance. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"While Indians are donating to charitable causes more than ever, philanthropy in India is still at a formative stage. In this context, highlight the significance of philanthropy and state the factors holding back philanthropy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Highlight the challenges faced in implementation of healthcare schemes in India. Examine how creation of a robust digital health ecosystem can prove to be a game changer in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"For India to emerge as a knowledge superpower, it is imperative to address the challenges of access, equity, quality, affordability and accountability faced by the current education system. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Ties with both USA and Russia are important for India, however, both these relations have their own sets of challenges, and some of these are further accentuated by the friction between these two powers. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1231,"topper":"Ankur Kumar Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/42039-72314_1451_ankur-kumar-jain_rank_205.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"It is morally permissible to perform an action in pursuit of a good end in full knowledge that the action might also bring about bad results. Critically examine the statement with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"An essential element that distinguishes a career in public service from jobs elsewhere is its focus on public service ethos. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The foundational values of efficiency, impartiality, empathy, and incorruptibility are an integral part of civil services. Elaborate with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The foreign policy of nations is primarily guided by national interests. Do you think the pursuit of such exclusive concerns leaves little scope for ethics in international relations? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Corporate Social Responsibility can help in changing the perception of 'business ethics' being an oxymoron. Critically analyze. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) Intolerance is itself a form of violence and an obstacle to the growth of a true democratic spirit. - Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Citizens' Charters by themselves cannot achieve the desired results in improving quality of public services. Discuss the statement in light of the Sevottam Model. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"What do you understand by social capital? Explain its relationship with good governance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Emotional Intelligence is an essential ingredient for managing personal and organizational change. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Do you agree that privatization and outsourcing of selected public services will help improve the quality of public service delivery and in particular reduce the incidence of corruption? Substantiate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"Do you think that citizens of a country have the first claim on resources of a nation in every situation? Justify your answer with valid arguments.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"CCTV , - , : (a) ? (b) , You have been recently posted as a District Education Officer in a district, which is notorious for mass copying. It again witnessed some disturbing incidents during the recent Board examination. In some of the examination centers located in your district, the parents virtually took over the centres to help their wards to copy during the exams. The parents justified their act by arguing that the concerned teachers did not take classes at all during the year. Upon enquiry, you found that invigilators turned a blind eye in this situation and school administrations were also involved in tampering with the CCTV footage of the incidents. You also found that teacher absenteeism has indeed been rampant. Further, concerns regarding this had been repeatedly raised by parents in the past, but no action was taken. In this situation: (a) What course of action would you take in the immediate to short term to deal with the issue at hand? (b) Explaining the ramifications of such incidents for the society at large, highlight some long-term reforms that should be taken to prevent such incidents from re-occurring. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"You are recently posted as District Magistrate in a district, which is a major hub of industrial activities and attracts workers from different places and communities. The workers of these industries often utilize the open spaces on roads for performing their daily prayers, though only for a short period of time. The lack of a place of worship close to the work places, is cited as the reason for continuance of this practice. However, some residents of nearby areas have been objecting to this practice due to the inconvenience caused by congestion on the roads. There have also been complaints of alleged illegal encroachments over public land in garb of this practice. One day, you are informed that a group of locals disrupted the workers at the time of worship. The incident led to clashes between several groups and a law and order problem has arisen in the district. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) What are the options available before you? Evaluate the merits and demerits of each one of them. (b) What course of action would you choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"You are the district magistrate in a district of a hill state. An NRI tycoon is planning to arrange a large wedding ceremony in your district. Given the scale of the ceremony, a feasibility report was prepared. The report has called for adopting a cautious approach and has raised concerns regarding its impact on the environment. Recognizing this, the NRI has offered extra compensation for the prospective environmental damages. Also, the local MLA and some prominent residents are arguing that such a wedding can help in developing the district as a tourist hotspot and turn it into a popular wedding destination, bringing prosperity for the residents. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders in the given situation and their respective interests. (b) Highlight the options available to you and the course of action you will take, giving reasons for the same. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"The challenge of climate change presents the world with several fundamental ethical dilemmas. From a global perspective, it presents the world with a collective action problem: all countries have a collective interest in controlling global carbon emissions. But each individual country also has incentives to over-consume in response to societal demands for economic growth and prosperity. Developing nations faced with these costs may encounter further challenges as the impact of climate change will most likely fall disproportionately on the poor, thus also raising issues of fairness and inequality. As an intergenerational problem, the consequences of actions taken by the current generation will have the greatest impact on future generations. While it is intuitive that the current generation has some ethical responsibility to leave an inhabitable world to future generations, the extent of this obligation is less clear. Answer the following questions in this regard: (a) To what extent do humans have a moral responsibility to future generations that are yet to be born? (b) Do developed countries have a greater responsibility to take action and bear more costs of controlling climate change than developing countries? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1232,"topper":"Ankur Tripathi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/essay-test-1-ankur-tripathi-1745478304325.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Q.2 In the flood of data, the thirst still remains.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8 Present demonstrates the lessons of history, albeit the hard way.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1233,"topper":"Ankur Tripathi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/essay-test-2-ankur-tripathi-1745478370133.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"Q.1 The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Q.7 TO BE OR NOT TO BE, THAT IS THE QUESTION","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"NOT TO BE - IS THAT AN OPTION?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1234,"topper":"Ankur Tripathi","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/ankur-tripathi-gs-mains-advanced-course-2024-1745409460709.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"A \"It is wrong to assume that ethical decisions are, can or should be purely rational and principled. Human feelings are an inseparable part of our ethical life.\" In what way do feelings impact our ethical decisions? Illustrate with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Is Code of Ethics & Code of Conduct sufficient?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"Q.2 A. While traditional ethics has focussed on notions of justice, fair allocation and obligations, ethics of care emphasise maintaining connectedness and promoting care. Which of the above two ethical perspectives is more suitable for guiding ethical decision making in the context of public services. Explain your position with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"A In the context of public service, what does public service attitude mean? Discuss the attitude biases that affects a public servants on field decision making? Explain how a public servant can overcome such attitude biases?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"A \"There is only one responsibility of business, namely to use its resources and engage in activities designed to increase profits.\" Do you think corporations, by indulging in social responsibilities, are compromising their core resource utilisation and production responsibility by diverting resources into unproductive social endeavours?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"A Explain the difference between conflict among interests and conflict among various sources of authority. Illustrate with relevant examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"B Governance by virtue of being a creative process is filled with uncertainties, ambiguities & paradoxes, which needs to be reviewed for Good Governance","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Given below are three quotations of philosophers. What do each of the quotations convey to you in the present context?\nA \"To feel for others, and little for ourselves; to restrain our selfish, and exercise our benevolent affections, constitutes the perfection of human nature.\" Adam Smith (150 words, 10 marks)\nB \"Virtue lies in our power, and so does vice; because where it is in our power to act, it is also in our power not to act.\" Aristotle (150 words, 10 marks)\nC \"I know that I am intelligent, because I know that I know nothing.\" Socrates (150 words, 10 marks)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"1 What are the ethical issues and dilemmas that confronts you in the above case?\n2 Discuss the available options along with its merits and demerits.\n3 What will be your chosen course of action? Why","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Case Study 2 You are the District Collector of a rural district where traditional social customs and religious practices strongly influence daily life. Recently, a case has emerged involving a local temple and its long-standing tradition of excluding women from certain religious rituals and spaces.\n\nA group of educated young women from the village, inspired by the increasing national dialogue on gender equality, has petitioned for the right to participate in these religious rituals. They argued that excluding women is discriminatory and violates their constitutional rights. However, the temple authorities and a significant portion of the local community vehemently oppose this change, citing religious texts and long-standing customs.\n\nAs the District Collector, you face a complex ethical dilemma. Legally, you are obliged to uphold the Indian Constitution, which guarantees equality and prohibits gender-based discrimination. However, enforcing this law could lead to significant unrest in the community, where traditional customs and religious beliefs are deeply entrenched. And you are aware that the district has a history of unrest on religious matters, and local politicians did not mind stoking the unrest for political gains.\n\nThe moral argument for gender equality clashes with the community's religious sentiments. The temple authorities believe that altering the rituals would desecrate their sacred traditions. Meanwhile, the women demanding entry see this as a moral and legal fight for their rights. You as a district collector was in a precarious dilemma, one on hand being a progressive officer you knew what is the right thing to do but on the other as an administrative professional you didn't want an unrest with religious tone at your hands.\n1. Who all are involved in the administrative and ethical issues in the above situation?\n2. What are the alternatives available to you in the above situation?\n3. Discuss the merits and demerits of each alternative and explain the action chosen by you with reasons.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"1, 2, 3 1. What are the administrative and ethical issues involved in the above situation?\n2. What are the options available to you in the above situation?\n3. Discuss the merits and demerits of each option and explain your chosen course of action along with reasons.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"4 What constitutes essential religious practices of a religion.\n5 Value conflict - customary vs constitutional.\n2 Options available in this case\n3 Demerits & merits of each option","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"2) Go for allowing women to take part in ritual","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"What are the issues involved in the above case?\n2. Is it ethically justified to be devoted to duty at the cost of the personal safety of the staff? Discuss.\n3. How will you go about doing your election duties without compromising the safety of your staff? Explain.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"2 Devotion to duty at cost of safety of staff?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"1. Do you think the above case involves a conflict of interest or there are more issues? Explain\n2. Keeping the above case in perspective, discuss the relevance of impartiality and non-partisanship as professional value.\n3. In hindsight, how do you think you could have avoided the above unpleasant situation?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"3 How this situation might have been avoided","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"1. Discuss the administrative and ethical issues involved in the above case.\n2. Do you think it was morally right on your part to write to the minister? Justify.\n3. How will you respond to the action initiated against you? Discuss the available options and justify your selected course of action.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"2 Was I justified in writing to minister","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"1. What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\n2. What are the options available to you?\n3. Identify and explain your chosen course of action after evaluating the merits and demerits of each option.","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":1235,"topper":"Ankur Tripathi","air":50,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/ANKUR-TRIPATHI-UPSC-2024-Rank-50-MGP-Sample-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1236,"topper":"Anmol Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0e07f-22534_763_anmol-jain_rank_14..pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The most important challenge in managing the public sector in India is balancing its accountability with autonomy. Discuss with relevant examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Most rural poor are excluded from the ambit of the formal financial system, which raises their dependence on informal sources as well as exposure to financial distress. In this context, explain why formal sector lending, especially to farmers, is so limited. Also suggest some steps that need to be taken to increase access to formal credit in rural areas.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"Efforts should be made to support Indian businesses to invest abroad as several direct and indirect benefits accrue to the home country from outward foreign direct investment. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"Monetary policy transmission in India has largely remained ineffective. What are the reasons behind this? Explain what marginal cost-based lending rate (MCLR) is and how it can affect monetary policy transmission in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"India's most pressing labour market challenge going forward is to generate a large number of formal sector jobs. In this context, discuss the constraints on formalisation of workforce. Also highlight how these constraints can be overcome.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"What are the objectives of public debt management in India? Examine the rationale for setting up an independent agency to manage government debt. Also highlight the issues that need to be addressed to ensure successful debt management by an agency other than the RBI.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Explaining the rationale behind ceiling on agricultural land holdings, discuss whether land ceiling has stifled agricultural growth in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Augmenting the employment potential is linked with the need for increasing India's share in world exports. What are the objectives of the Foreign Trade Policy ? How does it seek to achieve these objectives in the coming years?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"The advent of differentiated banking marks the beginning of a radical overhaul of the banking structure that would address the abysmal levels of financial inclusion in India. Elaborate. What are the possible issues that could impede the functioning of these banks?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"While explaining the reasons behind slump in revenue of Indian railways, discuss whether the recently announced \"dynamic fare pricing\" can help in addressing the problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"What is Google Street View? Discuss the grounds on which India has refused to allow Google to launch its Street View service in the country.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"Increasing use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) pose unique policy challenges that transcend conventional domains of national security, privacy and business practices. Analyse in the context of the draft guidelines that have been issued by the DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation). Also examine the significance of UAVs in achieving the goal of inclusive development.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"What is Artificial Intelligence? Can it be a potential game changer in improving governance? Examine the challenges that lie in its use.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"The government recently announced its plan to make India a 100% electric vehicle nation by 2030. What are the advantages of Electric Vehicles over internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles? Highlight the challenges that the government needs to overcome to implement this plan.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"While the provisions of the Montreal Protocol have helped phase out CFCs, the alternative to them have contributed to another problem. Comment. How will the Kigali agreement help in addressing this problem?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Despite a wide range of problems and issues, India supports 57 per cent of the world population of tigers. Enumerate the challenges in maintaining the growth of tiger population in India. What are the salient features of the strategy adopted by India over the years to support the tiger population? Also highlight the measures required to further improve the situation in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"What are the reasons for indiscriminate sand mining from rivers in India? Analyse its adverse effects on economy and ecology of the region. In context of the 2015 guidelines released by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, highlight the measures that can be adopted to curb the practice of sand mining.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"India's commitment to Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) is evident from the fact that it became one of the first countries to align its National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP) with the Sendai Framework. What are the salient features of India's first National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP)? How can this plan help in effective disaster management?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Recent instances have led many to not use plastic or electronic transactions, despite the convenience. Discuss the issues associated with the rise of currency in circulation in the economy in recent times. Also, highlighting the advantages of a cashless economy, suggest measures required to bolster its popular acceptability.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"Whereas proliferation of traditional nuclear weapons has long been a concern, the issue of dirty bombs and orphan sources has also become important in recent years. Explain what a dirty bomb is and highlight the concerns linked with nuclear terrorism in India. In this context, what are the issues that need to be addressed to effectively ensure the security of nuclear material in India outside the already secured nuclear installations?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1237,"topper":"Anmol Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3a5f9-22534_747_anmol-jain_rank_14..pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"A broad ethical framework as a guiding light for international relations will not only ensure harmonious relations between nations but will also lead to progress of the human race. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"What does inequality mean to you? What are the different kinds of inequality? Is inequality morally wrong?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"One has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws. In light of this statement, examine the relevance of civil disobedience in a modern democratic society. Discuss the duties and responsibilities of a law enforcing officer in such situations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Ensuring accountability in the administration just adds another layer in the bureaucratic process. Examine. Differentiate between accountability and responsibility. Suggest some measures through which administrative accountability can be made more effective in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"\"Morality is based neither on the principle of utility, nor on a law of nature, but on human reason. But human reason can be fallible.\" Comment., What does morality mean to you?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"For effective public service delivery, the need today is to move from traditional accountability mechanisms to social accountability through greater civic engagement. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"What do you mean by social justice? Explain with examples, why it is imperative for a society to promote social justice.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Investigative reporting by media can be a significant source of information on corruption. What are ethical issues involved in investigative journalism? What safeguards can be introduced to prevent its misuse?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"While transplantation of organs represents one of the most spectacular achievements of modern medical science, it has raised many ethical issues as well. Discuss. Also, examine the issues related to organ transplantation in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"There can be honesty without integrity, but no integrity without honesty. Do you agree? Justify your stand with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"\"It is not always the same thing to be a good person and a good citizen.\" Explain the meaning of this statement and analyse its implications for a democratic society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Value of compassion towards the weak extends the limits of operations of a public servant by introducing flexibility but dilutes the principle of objectivity, how will you deal with it as a public servant?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Which administrator had a lasting impact on your decision to join the civil services and why? Should administrators have increased media presence so that the common man can know more about their efforts and achievements? Justify your stand.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"You are a Secretary in a government department. Your Minister has proposed an unemployment grant, which is expected to cost the public exchequer heavily. Having already taken the decision, he asks you to come up with research to support the scheme. Despite your best efforts, you fail to find socio-economic benefit in it. You approach the Minister with relevant facts and studies and ask him to reconsider his decision. Instead, he asks you to suppress the negative impacts and actively promote the scheme through mass media as the percieved social impacts are more important than economic impacts. Elections are due in a short time and the political party currently in power is expected to win. You are also due for promotion at the same time. You are expected to fully cooperate in the situation and make the scheme a success, however flawed its foundations may be. (a) List the different stakeholders in the above situation and mention their prospective interests. (b) Discuss the ethical dilemma which you face in this situation. (c) Some of the alternatives for you to handle the situation could be: • Do as asked by the Minister.. • Insist on publication of results and let the public decide whether it wants the scheme. • Call a press conference and brief the media about the results and the callous attitude of the Minister. Suggest any other possible option(s). Evaluate all of them and suggest the best course of action, giving reasons for it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"The International Money Bank has granted loan to the government to construct ten dams. The dams would provide water for irrigation of crops, control floods in some parts of your district, and supply drinking water to numerous towns and cities. Seven of these dams are to be constructed in areas of high ecological value occupied by native groups who are challenging the government. The native groups, who oppose the construction of the dams, represent a minority compared to the multiple towns and cities which would benefit from the dams. Nevertheless, it should be taken under consideration that the natives consider the forests as their own. Also, their distinctive life style and culture is intimately related to the existence of these natural areas. It has been noted that the forests also have a very high ecological value. If this project is completed, their land would submerge and the natives would have to be relocated. The International Money Bank is aware of this yet it has granted the loan. You are the District Magistrate of this district. Every day protests and demonstrations are happening in your office. The government has given you the responsibility to manage the situation. What are the various options available to you. Evaluate all of them and suggest the best course of action, giving reasons for it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"You recently joined the civil administration as a young District Commissioner. As a part of fulfilling their electoral promise, the new government in the state announced total prohibition on production, sale and purchase of liquor. This has not only led to smuggling of liquor from neighbouring states but also production of illicit liquor in the state, known as hooch. Women of the area decide to go on a protest against consumption of illicit liquor. The political authorities scapegoat you for mismanagement. (a) What are the issues involved in this case? (b) What are the various options available to you. Evaluate all of them and suggest the best course of action, giving reasons for it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"You are a doctoral student at a large university in the final months of your research on a potentially revolutionary technology. Meanwhile, you have also applied for post-doctoral research cum teaching positions at various universities. To your pleasant surprise, you get an interview call from your undergraduate alma mater, a prestigious research institution in a city where you would love to live. In the interview, the department chair asks for detailed information about your research. Your group is working on a patent application and its members have agreed not to provide details until a paper currently being prepared is submitted for publication. You explain the situation and tell them that you would be glad to send them an early preprint when it is available. But the Chair pushes harder for this information, remarking that the Department seeks team players, willing to share information with department colleagues. She also appeals to your undergraduate connection with the institution. (a) Enumerate the ethical issues involved in the case in light of your current responsibilities vis-a-vis future expectations. (b) Discuss the possible motivations of the department chair in pressing you for detailed information. (c) What stand will you take in such a situation? Give reasonable justification for your arguments.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1238,"topper":"Anmol Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/13784-22534_759_anmol-jain_rank_14.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"India has the lowest tax-to-GDP ratio among countries with a similar per capita income on a purchasing power parity basis. Explain the reasons for the low tax-to-GDP ratio in India. What measures can be taken to correct this situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"In spite of various initiatives, the condition of the power sector still remains one of the core challenges for India. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"Examine the reasons for poor performance of public sector banks in India. Give an account of the steps taken by the government and RBI to improve their performance. Also analyse whether the risks arising from the consolidation of the Indian banking sector outweigh the potential longer-term benefits.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"Tax treaties intended to avoid double taxation have in many cases become instruments for double non-taxation. Elaborate. List the major amendments in the India-Mauritius DTAA and the advantages that are expected to accrue due to it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Emerging ICT and their appropriation by society constitutes a threat that demands new competencies and practices to be developed and integrated in the existing police work. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"What are P-Notes and how do they impact the financial system in India? In this context, also highlight the recent regulatory measures taken by SEBI to deal with them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"The rising levels of e-waste generation in India have been a matter of concern in recent years. Examine the underlying causes of this scenario and the challenges associated with it. How can the new E-Waste Management Rules, 2016 help in meeting these concerns?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Terror groups, much like corporate bodies have well and truly embraced and exploited the benefits of globalisation. Discuss the statement with reference to terror financing and propaganda activities.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"What is net-metering? Critically analyse its potential in incentivising distributed generation in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"Explain the challenges associated with predicting the monsoon accurately. Can shifting to a completely dynamical model from the one used by the IMD presently help in improving the accuracy of predicting the monsoon?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"The Compensatory Afforestation Fund Bill would require to work along with the Forest Rights Act in order to achieve the aims of environment protection while also ensuring rights of the tribal people. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"It has been argued that India's strained patent protection and IP administration has failed to keep pace with growing technological advances. In this context, examine the provisions of the new Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Policy, 2016. Also explain how the new policy can help boost innovation and entrepreneurship in the country.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"Though the frequency of both droughts and floods has increased in many states of the country, the preparedness level for mitigating their impacts still has significant gaps. Discuss in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"In view of the high levels of inequality in India, it is imperative to not only broaden access to education and health but also financial services. Discuss. Also highlight the efforts made by the government in recent times to address inequality by promoting financial inclusion.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Examine the need for indigenization of the defence industry in India. While highlighting its challenges, analyse how the new Defence Procurement Policy (DPP) and relaxations in FDI norms can address these challenges.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"Digital technologies have the potential to dramatically transform higher education. Giving a special emphasis to MOOCs, analyse the statement in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"The Civil Aviation Policy 2016 would help in building a more modern, safe, secure and sustainable aviation industry while also boosting regional connectivity and tourism. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"What is the significance of start-ups for Indian economy? Critically analyse the provisions of \"Start-up India\" program and the challenges that lie ahead in its effective implementation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by methanol economy? Discuss its environmental and economic advantages. How does methanol compare with other new generational fuels such as ethanol and hydrogen?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"Differentiating between Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality, explain why it is argued by many that these technologies are not just about gaming but can change our lives.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1239,"topper":"Anmol Rathore","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mp8Rmf4KZvHIBTFw0mDmdYL0pxKb0RSE/view","questions":[]},{"id":1240,"topper":"Anmol Rathore","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cChrjK8W3-bLHaW-PUe3YrJsQ2L3nDa6/view","questions":[]},{"id":1241,"topper":"Anmol Rathore UPSC IAS 2023 Topper AIR 7","air":7,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Anmol-Rathore-UPSC-2023-Rank-7-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1242,"topper":"Anmol Rathore UPSC IAS 2023 Topper AIR 7","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Anmol-Rathore-UPSC-2023-Rank-7-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The various archaeological evidences paint a rich picture of the social, economic and religious life of the Harappan people. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Contradicting the doomsayers of idea of India as a nation, India has exhibited a successful experiment in democracy. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Growth of the Indian National Movement was both a response to and a reason for changes in the British policy in the country. Elaborate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Collapse of the USSR was as much a consequence of internal unrest as of external factors. Analyze this statement and discuss the impacts of fall of USSR. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Expectation that modernization and economic development would lead to secularization of the society has been belied in the country. Do you agree? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Caste system is a dynamic reality that is acquiring a greater degree of flexibility in the modern society. In light of this statement, elucidate how the caste system has changed since independence along with the underlying reasons for these changes. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Analyze the role of digital technologies in bridging gender gap in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Why does Western Ghat receive more rainfall than Eastern Ghat? How does the rainfall variation impact the vegetation and human activities in these regions? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Semiconductor industry has assumed great geopolitical significance in the present context. Comment and highlight the reasons for current global shortage in microprocessor availability. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Trade was not just an economic activity in ancient India, it facilitated exchange of ideas and technologies that had social, cultural and political consequences. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The viceroyalty of Lord Lytton and Lord Ripon was marked by the full display of colonial relation between India and Britain. Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Although Mahatma Gandhi accepted Jawahar Lal Nehru as his successor, the two had marked differences during the freedom struggle and in their vision for independent India. Elaborate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Identify and examine reasons behind the deglobalization wave across the world. Analyze its impact on the Indian society. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Social media, envisaged as a domain of individual freedom and creativity, is widening social crevices and fractures. Discuss the impact of social media on society. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Identify the reasons for regional variations in the fertility rate across the country and its social consequences. Examine the need of a population control law in the country. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The nature of urbanization in the country has given rise to new social and ecological challenges, instead of solving the old ones. Examine with suitable illustrations. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Account for variations in oceanic temperature and discuss its multi-dimensional effects. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Assess India's vulnerability to water related disasters. How can better management of water resource make the country more resilient towards such disasters? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1243,"topper":"Anmol Rathore UPSC IAS 2023 Topper AIR 7","air":7,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Anmol-Rathore-UPSC-2023-Rank-7-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1244,"topper":"Anmol Rathore UPSC IAS 2023 Topper AIR 7","air":7,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Anmol-Rathore-UPSC-2023-Rank-7-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1245,"topper":"Anmol Sher Singh Bedi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/24247_843_Anmol_Rank_2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the need for adhering to the road map for fiscal consolidation by fixing the fiscal deficit. Has the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, 2003 served the purpose for which it was envisaged?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Public investment in railways has a multiplier effect for the larger economy. Elaborate. What factors have held back the railways despite having a separate budget and considerable resources? In this context, enumerate the relevant recommendations of Bibek Debroy committee?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"\"There is a myth that small firms create the most jobs in an economy. The fact is that small firms that grow big create the jobs\". In context of the Indian economy what are the factors that prevent firms that start small from growing bigger. What progress has India made in this respect and what other measures are required?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Enumerate the reasons why problem of NPAs is more pronounced in the public sector banks as compared to the private sector. Discuss the implications of having high NPAs in an economy. Also list the measures which the government has taken in order to address them","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Mention the salient features of the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) proposed by the government to reinvigorate private investment in infrastructure sector. How is it an improvement over the EPC model?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Even within the multilateral format of WTO the FTA route has served India well. Comment. How can India effectively deal with the challenges posed by the new mega regional agreements such as TPP?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Cashless economy is a global trend now. What are the challenges of achieving a cashless economy in the case of India? How can these challenges be overcome?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Abysmal level of formally skilled workers in Indian economy, as indicated by the Labour Bureau Report 2014, is a cause of concern. What are the factors responsible for such a scenario? Also, examine the measures taken by the government in recent years to address the relevant concerns.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"In the 10 years of its existence MGNREGA has won laurels as well as attracted criticism. Comment. What changes are required for the scheme to be relevant in the current scenario.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Power sector reforms, crucial as they are, have remained elusive. Discuss the reasons for their failure. How far can the UDAY scheme address the issues concerning DISCOMS and improve the entire power sector value chain?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Market volatility and vulnerability to weather are the major issues facing Indian agriculture. Elaborate. In this regard, critically examine the importance of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana vis-a-vis earlier insurance schemes in addressing the problems of Indian agriculture.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"The Hydrocarbon Exploration Licensing Policy (HELP) is a step forward from the New Exploration Licensing Policy (NELP). Compare the two policies and elaborate how HELP can encourage investment in the hydrocarbon sector as well as curtail India's export dependence?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Although equal land ownership rights are essential for the economic empowerment of women, these rights are often overlooked. Discuss. What steps have been taken by the government to ensure land rights for women?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"It has been argued that the Nutrient based subsidy (NBS) scheme launched in 2010 has created more problems than it intended to solve. Examine. What measures are required to address concerns arising out of the fertilizer subsidy policy in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"The success of \"Operation Flood\" proves that thoughtful intervention in the livestock sector has the potential of acting as a growth engine for the agriculture sector and rural economy. In light of this, examine the potential of the livestock sector and the challenges it faces. Also enumerate the steps taken by the government in recent years to leverage the potential of this sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"What are the twin objectives of government food procurement policy in India? Discuss the instruments of this policy. Do you think there is an urgent need for rationalization of MSP policy in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Discuss the potential of Food Processing Industry with regards to employment generation in India. What are the key impediments which need to be overcome before the sector can become internationa ly competitive and achieve high growth?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Mixed farming for the resource poor farmer is mostly a poverty induced option. Comment. What role can the government play to help farmers realise the potential from mixed farming.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"What do you understand by cropping pattern? What are the factors that influence the cropping pattern in India? Is there a need to change the cropping pattern in the country keeping the agro-ecological concerns in mind?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1246,"topper":"Anmol Sher Singh Bedi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/24247_845_Anmol_Rank_2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Soil management in Northeast India is critical for a viable agriculture economy. In this context, discuss the problems of soils in Northeast India. Suggest some steps that can be taken to counter this problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"How does the plate tectonics theory help explain the formation of Himalayas and Deccan Traps?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Inspite being one of the largest producer of fish, there is still considerable scope of improvement in the fishery sector. In light of the above statement, discuss the problems and prospects of Fishery industry in India with respect to both inland and marine fisheries.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Vegetation in deserts and saline areas have highly specialized means of adapting themselves to the environment. Explain.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Give an account of the distribution of cement industry in India and the factors that affect its location. Also trace the growth of cement industry in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Despite the enormous demand of electronics, the manufacturing of electronic goods has not been a feature of the Indian industry. Enumerate the reasons for the same. Suggest measures which are required to acheive the target of Net Zero Import by 2020.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Agroforestry is seen as a solution to meet the challenges of food, nutrition, energy, employment and environment security. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Explain the phenomenon of Tsunami formation and highlight reasons for India's vulnerability to Tsunamis. List some measures to mitigate the impact of Tsunamis.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Explain the role of Himalayas in influencing the climate of South Asia. Enumerate the changes observed recently in the Himalayan region with respect to climate and geomorphology. What are the possible anthropogenic causes behind them ?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Explain the different types of earthquake waves and the concept of shadow zone. What inferences can we draw from shadow zones regarding the interior of the Earth?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Explain the difference between chemical weathering and physical weathering. What is the ecological and economic significance of weathering?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Tropical regions are not only the most resource rich but also one of the most underdeveloped regions of the world. What are the factors responsible for this? How have some of the tropical countries turned their natural limitations to their advantage? Illustrate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Coral reefs are the most biologically diverse and economically valuable ecosystems on earth. Elaborate. Discuss the factors responsible for the decline of coral reefs across the world. Also, list some measures that have been taken for their preservation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Despite EIA being a useful policy tool for sustainable development, deficiencies in its design and implementation have prevented it from realising its potential. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"According to the Indian Fertiliser Scenario 2014, the use of urea in India has increased by more than 50 per cent since 2000. How does human intervention turn nitrogen from a nutrient to a pollutant? Discuss the impacts of nitrogen pollution on environment and human health. Also, explain how nitrogen pollution can be managed.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Temperate grasslands are called 'Granaries of the world'. Elucidate. How have the farming practices adopted in these regions impacted the environment?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Enumerate the global targets and priorities for action of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. Discuss the positive features and limitations of the framework.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"What is a heat wave? Discuss the health impacts of heat wave in India. Analyse the reasons behind high incidence of mortality rates due to heat wave in India. Suggest measures to tackle the above problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"\"Rising accidents involving merchant ships leading to oil spills in Indian waters is a growing concern that needs to be addressed.\" Discuss the impact of oil spills on marine environment. Also, suggest measures to prevent such disasters.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Forest fire pose a threat not only to the forest wealth but also to the entire regime of flora and fauna. What are the causes of forest fire? Discuss the ecological, economic and social impacts of forest fires.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1247,"topper":"Anmol Sher Singh Bedi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/24247_759_Anmol_Rank_2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"India has the lowest tax-to-GDP ratio among countries with a similar per capita income on a purchasing power parity basis. Explain the reasons for the low tax-to-GDP ratio in India. What measures can be taken to correct this situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"In spite of various initiatives, the condition of the power sector still remains one of the core challenges for India. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Examine the reasons for poor performance of public sector banks in India. Give an account of the steps taken by the government and RBI to improve their performance. Also analyse whether the risks arising from the consolidation of the Indian banking sector outweigh the potential longer-term benefits.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Tax treaties intended to avoid double taxation have in many cases become instruments for double non-taxation. Elaborate. List the major amendments in the India-Mauritius DTAA and the advantages that are expected to accrue due to it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Emerging ICT and their appropriation by society constitutes a threat that demands new competencies and practices to be developed and integrated in the existing police work. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"What are P-Notes and how do they impact the financial system in India? In this context, also highlight the recent regulatory measures taken by SEBI to deal with them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"The rising levels of e-waste generation in India have been a matter of concern in recent years. Examine the underlying causes of this scenario and the challenges associated with it. How can the new E-Waste Management Rules, 2016 help in meeting these concerns?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Terror groups, much like corporate bodies have well and truly embraced and exploited the benefits of globalisation. Discuss the statement with reference to terror financing and propaganda activities.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"What is net-metering? Critically analyse its potential in incentivising distributed generation in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Explain the challenges associated with predicting the monsoon accurately. Can shifting to a completely dynamical model from the one used by the IMD presently help in improving the accuracy of predicting the monsoon?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"The Compensatory Afforestation Fund Bill would require to work along with the Forest Rights Act in order to achieve the aims of environment protection while also ensuring rights of the tribal people. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"It has been argued that India's strained patent protection and IP administration has failed to keep pace with growing technological advances. In this context, examine the provisions of the new Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Policy, 2016. Also explain how the new policy can help boost innovation and entrepreneurship in the country.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Though the frequency of both droughts and floods has increased in many states of the country, the preparedness level for mitigating their impacts still has significant gaps. Discuss in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"In view of the high levels of inequality in India, it is imperative to not only broaden access to education and health but also financial services. Discuss. Also highlight the efforts made by the government in recent times to address inequality by promoting financial inclusion.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Examine the need for indigenization of the defence industry in India. While highlighting its challenges, analyse how the new Defence Procurement Policy (DPP) and relaxations in FDI norms can address these challenges.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Digital technologies have the potential to dramatically transform higher education. Giving a special emphasis to MOOCs, analyse the statement in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"The Civil Aviation Policy 2016 would help in building a more modern, safe, secure and sustainable aviation industry while also boosting regional connectivity and tourism. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"What is the significance of start-ups for Indian economy? Critically analyse the provisions of \"Start-up India\" program and the challenges that lie ahead in its effective implementation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"What do you understand by methanol economy? Discuss its environmental and economic advantages. How does methanol compare with other new generational fuels such as ethanol and hydrogen?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Differentiating between Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality, explain why it is argued by many that these technologies are not just about gaming but can change our lives.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1248,"topper":"Anmol Sher Singh Bedi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/24247_760_Anmol_Rank_2.pdf","questions":[{"page":25,"question":"What do you mean by 'anonymity in the civil services'? Explain why anonymity and neutrality are considered as important traits for civil servants.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Prescription of dresscode for women not only violates their liberty but also reflects outdated views on gender relations as well as proper conduct. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"What are the immediate steps which should be taken in such a situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"Suggest some long term measures to ensure that such a situation is not repeated.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"What are the options available to you? Evaluate each of these options and choose the option which you would adopt, giving reasons.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1249,"topper":"ANNA SINHA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/136/nias2300020762_tc038-test-4-gs-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":28,"question":"\"In urban planning, you think big; because you're planning for decades ahead\" - Khushpal Singh","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1250,"topper":"ANNA SINHA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/24/nias2300020762_tc038-test-4-gs-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"What do you understand by \"integrity-based civil disobedience\"? Do you think a challenge to personal...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance. \"To tolera...","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1251,"topper":"Annaburna Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/111/pttp220600_tc073-test-03-gs-03.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Q.1 What do you understand by Windfall tax? Do you think that windfall taxes can effectively redistribute wealth and promote greater economic equality?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":8,"question":"Q.2 Discuss the perceived successes and challenges of implementing inflation targeting under the new Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) regime.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Q.3 Assess the potential of millet production in promoting sustainable agriculture and improving food security in India.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":12,"question":"Q.4 Jal Jeevan Mission has the potential to end the regional disparity in the availability and accessibility of drinking water. Highlighting the significance of the mission, discuss the underlying impediments in achieving the desired objectives.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Q.5 What do you understand by Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)? Discuss its applications and how it can revolutionize the energy program of India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Q.6 Discuss in brief developments and challenges in the Gaganyaan mission of ISRO. What are the possible benefits of the mission for the society?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":18,"question":"Q.7 \"Green hydrogen can be the silver bullet in our quest to tackle climate change and pollution\". Critically analyze the statement in light of India's National Green Hydrogen mission.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Q.8 What are the key lessons for disaster management and environmental conservation in the Himalayan region, in light of the recent disaster in Joshimath, Uttarakhand?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Q.9 \"The recent radical trends in Punjab show that the Khalistan issue is still simmering.\" Discuss the statement with respect to recent developments and suggest measures to handle it.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Q.10 The anonymity and ease of drone operation contribute to the challenges of India's border security. Elaborate and give suggestions to tackle the drone problem in border areas.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.11 Electricity Amendment Bill, 2022 brings several advantages for consumers, DISCOMs as well as the environment. Elaborate. Also, list out its shortcomings and suggest some measures to overcome them.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":28,"question":"3. Explore power grid options to sustained supply.\n4. Behavioral change promotion (LIFE approach) as long term measure","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Q.12 Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) plays an important role in the regulation of the share market and safeguarding the interests of investors. In the light of given statement, highlight the challenges faced by the SEBI and suggest reforms in this regard.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.13 Despite being a major contributor to the Indian economy, the agriculture sector is plagued by several constraints that impede its growth and development. Discuss the role of technology in overcoming these constraints.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.14 Evaluate the impact of irrigation on the environment and natural resources and suggest measures to ensure the sustainability and equity of irrigation practices in agriculture.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.15 How India benefitted strategically from the contributions of Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha and Dr. Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai in the fields of atomic energy and space technology respectively?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":40,"question":"Q.16 Generative AI holds the potential to push the boundaries of innovation in the near future, yet its societal impact raises substantial challenges. Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":43,"question":"Q.17 Explain the purpose of the \"Mangrove Alliance for Climate\" launched at the COP27 UN Climate Change Conference in Egypt in November 2022. Elaborate on the importance of mangroves in maintaining the coastal ecology of tropical nations.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Q.18 The Formation of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure brings more robustness to the Disaster Management approach in India. Comment and justify the need for a new strategy to tackle Disasters in India.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":49,"question":"Q.19 The recent rise in ransomware attacks targeting critical infrastructure and major corporations has highlighted the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity measures and policies. Discussing the key factors contributing to this trend, analyze the impact of these attacks on various sectors.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Q.20 In the context of border security, how can cooperation and coordination between different security agencies be improved to ensure effective and efficient management of coastal and terrestrial borders?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"}]},{"id":1252,"topper":"Annanya Srivastav","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ANNANYA-SRIVASTAV-UPSC-2023-Rank-182-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The ultimate renewable energy is the human ingenuity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Human laws and natural laws mutually reinforce each other.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"History should be understood as evolution of society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"If one has seen further than others it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Is modernism at a crossroads with cultural and civilisational ethos?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Man often enjoys the comfort of opinion without the discomfort for thought.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"The rise of populism in democratic societies is a threat to the rule of law and constitutionalism.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"It's time for us to turn to each other, not on each other.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1253,"topper":"Annanya Srivastav","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ANNANYA-SRIVASTAV-UPSC-2023-Rank-182-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Basic structure doctrine has prevented the Parliament, a creature of the constitution, from becoming the master of the constitution. Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The power of pressure groups lies not in their size or elaborate organization, but in their ability to mobilize public opinion and create lasting change. With help of relevant examples, discuss how informal pressure groups shape public policy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Analyse the reasons for degeneration of parliamentary functioning in recent time. Also, suggest measure to make the parliament more productive. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Subordination of investigative agencies to the executive is fraught with disastrous consequences. Discuss the statement in light of the criticism of the Central Bureau of Investigation as a \"caged parrot\". (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The Election Commission of India has a vital role in building a robust framework of electoral democracy. Highlighting challenges associated with the functioning of ECI, suggest measures to reform the body. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Anti-defection law has failed to address and resolve the evil of political defection satisfactorily. Discuss various issues surrounding the Anti-defection law and recommend some corrective measures. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do you mean by 'doctrine of essentiality'? How has judiciary used this doctrine to address conflict between various fundamental rights? Explain with examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Frequent reliance on the ordinance making power by the government, not only dilutes the basic tenets of executive accountability in a parliamentary democracy, but also overlooks the democratic traditions of building consensus. Discuss with relevant examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"Bail not Jail\" is the cardinal principle that upholds the sacrosanct ideas of individual's liberty and dignity. Explain the statement, citing various case laws. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Dispute redressal is the most important component of cooperative federalism. How does the Interstate Council facilitate the resolution of disputes related to states in India, and what are the challenges associated with this process? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Despite its vital role for the smooth functioning of the body politic, constitutional punctuality remains conspicuous by its absence. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Electoral bond was brought in as a reform that was high on intent but has proved to be low on substance. Do you agree? Justify. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Considering the non-enforceable nature of fundamental duties and directive principles of state policy, critically examine their impact in socio-political norms. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Referring to the case laws through which the collegium system in India evolved, critically assess its functioning. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Democracy thrives on disagreements; critical and dissenting voices make a society vibrant. In your opinion, do limitations on hate speech infringe right to freedom of speech and expression? Discuss how hate speech impacts the society and ways to restrain it. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Why is it important to ensure separation of powers between various organs of the State? Also, explain Indian model of separation of power with relevant provisions in the constitution. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by the First Past the Post System (FPPS)? Why was FPPS preferred over the Proportional Representation (PR) system for elections to the Lok Sabha/Vidhan Sabha? Also, critically examine the consequences of this preference. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Compare the position of the Speaker in Indian and British parliamentary system? Also, discuss various controversies related to functioning of Office of Speaker in Indian context and suggest corresponding reforms. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Why was parliamentary form of government adopted for independent India? Do you agree with the opinion that Indian government is increasingly transitioning towards presidential form? Justify. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The Representation of People's Act, the bedrock of free and fair elections in the country, has failed to keep pace with the contemporary challenges. Highlighting the shortcomings in the legislation, suggest reforms to make it more effective. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1254,"topper":"Annanya Srivastav","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ANNANYA-SRIVASTAV-UPSC-2023-Rank-182-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Ahimsa is not only the negative refusal to do harm, but also the positive doing of good. In this perspective, discuss the significance of 'ahimsa' in modern times. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Which famous personality has influenced you and why? In what ways have you emulated their example in your own life? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What does the following quotation mean to you? a) \"The greatest wealth is to live content with little\"-Plato","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"\"Whatever is begun in anger, ends in shame\"-Benjamin Franklin.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"\"Happiness is that state of consciousness which proceeds from the achievement of one's values\" - Ayn Rand.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"What do you understand by emotional intelligence? Examine the importance of emotional intelligence in personal and professional life. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Political attitude has as much to do with society as with politics. Discuss with suitable illustrations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The influence of ethical principles on shaping socially responsible behavior is widely acknowledged. How do ethical values facilitate individuals in cultivating a proactive and constructive attitude towards fulfilling their social responsibilities? Can the subjective nature of ethical principles lead to divergent attitudes regarding social responsibility? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Through their actions, interactions, and teachings, schools have the power to mold the moral compass of the next generation. In this perspective, discuss the significance of value-based education in preparing the youth to address the contemporary challenges of society. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'situation ethics'? Critically analyze its strengths and weaknesses in making moral judgements. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Maintaining traditional bonds and familial relationships in an increasingly globalized world requires personal relationships to be governed by ethical principles. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":35,"question":"Naveen and Vinod, final year undergraduate students at ABC college of engineering, are close friends. Naveen has been a meritorious student and got appointed as the secretary of the training and placement cell, which has the mandate to oversee the campus placements of the students. Vinod, on the other hand, spent more time on leisure activities and paid less attention to his academic performance. However, the lackadaisical attitude of Vinod began to reflect on his grades. His poor performance in the majority of subjects meant that he had to complete some courses again, in order to graduate in time. As Vinod struggled to complete his extra courses, he barely had any time left for anything else. The immense fatigue was also evident from his deteriorating physical and psychological health. Around this time the campus placement in the ABC college had started. While all other students were preparing for the recruitment tests, Vinod had barely any time for the same. Vinod's parents, who had taken loan for Vinod's education, are expecting Vinod to get a good job. The guilt of wasting his college years and letting down his poor parents was becoming unbearable for Vinod, as a result of which he had a nervous breakdown. Naveen, who in his capacity as secretary of training and placement cell, was busy organising the recruitment drive, was aware that the chances of Vinod getting recruited were very slim. He also knew that Vinod was repenting in true sense and working very hard to complete his courses, despite his deteriorating emotional health. Naveen was afraid that if Vinod did not get a job, he may take some extreme step. Naveen has in his possession the question paper for the recruitment test to be held next week. Vinod had in the past requested Naveen to help him in any way possible to get a decent job. While Naveen knows that sharing the questions with Vinod may help him get through the exam, it would be ethically incorrect. Now, Naveen is in a dilemma over the course of action he should take. a) What are the ethical dilemmas before Naveen in this case? b) Identify and evaluate the various courses of actions available before Naveen. If you were in Naveen's shoes, which course of action would you choose and why? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":1255,"topper":"ANNAPURNA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/68_Annapurna_12319_638_GS.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What is the role of education in bringing about social change? Discuss in the context of India with relevant examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Where the roots of private virtues are diseased, the fruits of public probity cannot but be corrupt. Discuss this statement in the context of civil services in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by political attitude? What are the factors that shape the political attitude of a person? Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations provides blanket cover to the activities of diplomats and their family members? What are ethical issues arising out of such a wholesale cover? What would you suggest to address those problems?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Given below are two quotations of great moral thinkers/philosophers. For each of these quotations, bring out what it means to you in the present context: (a) \"Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.\"-Aristotle.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"\"The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, but wiser people so full of doubts.\"- Bertrand Russell.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"\"Persuasion makes society work smoothly while physical coercion grinds it to a halt\". Giving examples, compare the effectiveness of persuasion as an influence tactic vis-a-vis coercion in bringing change in society. In what ways persuasion can be used by civil servants to remove social evils existing in society?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"What do you understand by emotional sensitivity? Elaborate how emotional sensitivity is important for ethical behavior. What measures have you taken to enhance our emotional sensitivity?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"There are no universal moral rules which apply to all persons. Examine by giving relevant examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Some decisions, which are in the best interest of the organisation, require deviation from the existing policies, rules and guidelines. As a civil servant how would you deal with such situations. Illustrate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Developing 'scientific temper' is one of the fundamental duties of Indian citizens under Article 51A of the Constitution. What do you understand by scientific temper? Explain its role in increasing tolerance in the society. What have you done to develop your scientific temper?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"There are only crimes, no criminals. Ir the light of this statement, examine retributive and reformative forms of punishment from moral perspective.10","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"What do you understand by 'belief'? How does it shape into value system? Illustrate with examples from your personal life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Ram is an Indian student in Oxford University. His best friend 'Harry' is a Britisher. Recently they both watched the debate where an Indian MP argued that Britain owes an apology and reparations to India for the historical wrongs committed during its rule. Harry objects the idea on these grounds: \"I never exploited any Indian. None of my family members ever worked for British East India Company. I don't know why I should have to pay for someone who exploited Indians, generations before I was born\". Making present-day citizens to pay reparations for the past wrongs, seems to raise some concerns. They both come to you (an Ethics professor) and ask you to decide who among them is correct. Critically analyze their arguments and bring out the ethical issues involved.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"A common sight in India at traffic signals, railway stations and urban markets, is that of a destitute woman, begging, with a child in her arms. At times, out of pity or out of fear, from being cursed by God, or out of irritation, we tend to give them some coins or money and drive them away. In this context, bring out the ethical issues associated with beggary. Indicate the socio-economic reasons behind it. Also, discuss the attitudinal aspects of people towards beggars. What feasible steps can be taken to effectively control this serious problem of our country?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":58,"question":"You are a working as a junior engineer in second year of your job. A senior engineer has been on sick leave, and you are due to go on study leave. You have been told by your manager that, before you go on leave, you must complete some complicated repair and maintenance work. The deadline suggested appears unrealistic, given the complexity of the work. You feel that you are not sufficiently experienced to complete the work alone. You would need additional supervision to complete it to the required standard, and your manager has stated his inability to offer the necessary support. If you try to complete the work within the proposed timeframe but fail to meet the expected quality, you could face repercussions after your return from study leave. You feel slightly intimidated by your manager, and also feel pressure to do what you can for the company and ensure long term job security. Indicate various options that are available with you in this situation. Evaluate all of them and suggest the best course of action, giving your reasons for it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":62,"question":"Euthanasia is the practice of intentionally ending the life of someone who's suffering from an incurable illness or is in an irreversible coma. In the last stages of a terminal illness, for instance, patients who don't want to live the rest of their life in agonising pain may ask a doctor or family member to help them end their lives. Euthanasia may be active or passive and Euthanasia may be voluntary or involuntary. All these aspects raise different ethical concerns for the patient, doctor as well as the relatives of the patient. Discuss these ethical issues and the various social and attitudinal factors that play a role in the decision in euthanasia. Should there be a uniform policy to tackle cases related to euthanasia? Explain with relevant examples.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1256,"topper":"ANNAPURNA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/68_Annapurna_12319_634_GS.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Even though women may have equal skills, qualifications and commitment as men, they face much more difficulty in rising up the leadership hierarchy. Discuss the reasons for the same. Also, explain the importance of having gender parity in positions of leadership.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"All correct decisions are honest and a l incorrect decisions are dishonest. Do you agree? How should the correctness and incorrectness of a decision be decided?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Should birth control be a voluntary exercise or a government policy in a country? In this regard, examine the ethical dimensions of having a One Child Policy in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"An organisation consists of a variety of individuals with varying values and degrees of motivation. What challenges do leaders face when forging a harmonious work culture in such an organisation? How can leaders engender a sense of inclusion in face of such diversity?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Notwithstanding compassion and morality, it is national interest that ultimately determines a country's decisions in international relations. Discuss this statement in the context of the current refugee crisis.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"What are the ethical issues involved in climate change negotiations? Suggest some strategies to address the divergence in ethical positions of different nations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Why is there a need for Performance Management System in an outcome oriented government? Evaluate the feasibility of peer review in context of Indian civil services.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Discretionary power in the hands of public servants is a necessary evil. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"The landmark judgment by the Supreme Court of India recognized the transgender as a third sex. What attitudes do you notice towards the transgender people in India? Discuss some steps to facilitate a dignified life for the transgender people.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"What key characteristics of a person conveying a message make it more persuasive? When celebrities endorse a product, they do so knowing that their endorsement will persuade people to buy it. What duty do they have towards the consumers?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"It is said that child labor cannot be ethical at all. Do you agree? Discuss with respect to the proposed amendments to the Child Labour Act.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Are emotions an inhibiting factor in effective decision-making? Discuss in the context of public services.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"What do you understand by the Sarvodaya philosophy of Gandhiji? Why is Sarvodaya relevant for civil servants in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"You are the leader of a 5 member team that has been assigned to carry out social impact assessment of a project proposed in a Naxal area. Members have been allotted a remote village each to conduct surveys and ascertain views of local people. You are under strict instructions not to disclose the identity of respondents outside the project. While compiling data, you are puzzled by the responses from one of the villages. You accompany the point-person for that village next day for verification. You randomly pick a person from the list of respondents and ask her for clarification of the response she had given earlier. She seems confused and denies any knowledge of the survey being conducted, let alone she being questioned. You try to verify this from other respondents and get similar replies. This 11. You are the officer in charge of overseeing refugees' related issues in a multilateral humanitarian organisation. There is an ethnicity based civil war going on in a region and as a result, many people are being displaced. Hitherto, the economically better-off neighbouring countries have accommodated the streams of migrants with financial support from your organisation. The violence in the region has increased recently and the flux of people seeking refuge has grown substantially. With countries sealing their borders, the refugees are left in a vulnerable situation. You are sent to negotiate for humanitarian settlement of refugees with the neighbouring countries, who also happen to be a powerful economic bloc. However, they refuse any more accommodation on the following grounds: (a) Drainage of resources in face of subdued economic conditions. (b) Domestic political repercussions. (c) Rehabilitation will encourage more influx and indirectly fuel the","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"You are the officer in charge of overseeing refugees' related issues in a multilateral humanitarian organisation. There is an ethnicity based civil war going on in a region and as a result, many people are being displaced. Hitherto, the economically better-off neighbouring countries have accommodated the streams of migrants with financial support from your organisation. The violence in the region has increased recently and the flux of people seeking refuge has grown substantially. With countries sealing their borders, the refugees are left in a vulnerable situation. You are sent to negotiate for humanitarian settlement of refugees with the neighbouring countries, who also happen to be a powerful economic bloc. However, they refuse any more accommodation on the following grounds: (a) Drainage of resources in face of subdued economic conditions. (b) Domestic political repercussions. (c) Rehabilitation will encourage more influx and indirectly fuel the","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are a Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) in an urban district. The forest cover in the district is as low as 12% and it needs to be increased as per government guidelines. By ecological and environmental perspective also it is imperative that more trees should be planted. However, you find out that while there is a grant of Rs. 1.5 crore for your division to plant trees under the Hariyali Scheme, most of this fund is lying unused. Since, it is December and as per government rules all the unused grant should be returned to the government as the financial year closes, it seems you will have to return the money completely. Also, there are strong indications from the ministry that government is mulling over a budgetary cut on Hariyali mission because most of the funds go unused. There is a strong possibility that if you return the money in this financial year you wont get it in the next financial year and even if you get, it will be a very insignificant amount. Indicate various options that you think are available in this situation","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1257,"topper":"Annapurna Singh","air":99,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/aad9f-548353_2488_annapurna_singh_rank_99_.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1258,"topper":"Annapurna Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/109/pttp220600_tc071-test-01-gs-01.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Q.1 The fabric of Indian philosophical thought owes as much to Northern India as to Southern India. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":8,"question":"Q.2 The Indian society's impulse for social change and reform was a response to its opposition to colonial rule. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Q.3 What are the factors that led to the Russian revolution and what are the consequences of this revolution? Discuss its influence on the Indian national movement.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":12,"question":"Q.4 Discuss the various factors responsible for the uneven temperature distribution on Earth's surface.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Q.5 The melting of glaciers due to climate change has serious implications for the ecosystem and human society. Discuss the effects of melting glaciers on the environment and the measures that can be taken to address this issue.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":16,"question":"Q.6 The White Revolution was most successful in the Western part of India. Discuss the factors for this regional success of the White Revolution.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":18,"question":"Q.7 To what extent does seismic investigation contribute to our understanding of the Earth's interior structure? Analyze its significance in detail.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Q.8 The pace of demographic transition varies across different states of India making population growth a double-edged sword. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":22,"question":"Q.9 The ethnic and cultural diversity in India has always been bound by the thread of unity. Discuss the major factors that have contributed to the cultural unity of India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Q.10 The dichotomy in public and private life in Indian society acts as a major barrier to the annihilation of caste. Justify.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.11 India was forced into numerous wars post Independence. Highlight the causes and impact of the Indo-Pak and Indo-China wars on our bilateral relationships.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.12 The process of consolidation of Bengal, which started after the Battle of Plassey culminated in the Battle of Buxar. Do you think the Battle of Buxar was more important for the British than Plassey?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":30,"question":"II Culmination in Battle of Buxar\n1) Battle of Buxar acted as the final nail in\n4) Battle of Plassey provided for","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"Q.13 Sanskrit literature in general and particularly in the Guptan age set a high watermark for the literary history of ancient India. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.14 The configuration of the ocean floor provides essential information about the geological processes that have shaped the Earth's surface. Discuss the major features of the ocean floor and their significance in the study of oceanography.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.15 With the growing demand for rare earth elements, their distribution has become a critical aspect of the global economy. Discuss the distribution of rare earth elements across the world, their uses and the environmental impact of their extraction.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.16 Tourism in the hilly states is threatening to exceed the ecological carrying capacity of the region. Analyze the factors contributing to this trend and evaluate the potential Environmental impacts of this phenomenon. What measures can be taken to ensure sustainable tourism in these states?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.17 The Indian monsoon is a complex phenomenon influenced by various climatic factors. Critically examine the role of oceanic and atmospheric factors in determining the intensity and distribution of monsoon rainfall in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.18 Why do traditions in our society impede change? To what extent can social legislation be instrumental against old customary practices?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.19 Slums are not 'problems' that have to be 'solved' -- but are indeed a result of lopsided and vested urban policies covering infrastructure provision and socio-economic issues. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":53,"question":"Q.20 Communalism gains strength from economic deprivation, and thrives in environments of social exclusion, creating fertile ground for discontent and division. Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1259,"topper":"Annapurna Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1f200-548353_2217_annapurna_singh_rank_99.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With examples, discuss how the cultural traditions from various regions of India get reflected in regional music. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Highlighting the emergence of the working class movement, discuss its contribution towards India's freedom struggle. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Do you agree with the view that Gandhian politics was, in a sense, a continuation of Tilak's politics? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"It is said that the world's oceans are losing their 'memory' due to human-induced warming. Comment. Also, discuss the consequences of the phenomenon. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What is soil amendment? Evaluate the benefits and concerns associated with it. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"It has been suggested that the next decade may see a boom in hybrid power plants. Stating the advantages that such power plants offer, discuss the associated challenges. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What are Van Allen Radiation Belts? Explaining their formation, discuss why there has been a growing focus on their study. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss whether marital rape should be criminalised in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What is care economy? Highlight the challenges associated with it and mention the steps taken to address them in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Post-pandemic India is staring at the challenge of \"learning poverty\". Analyse its implications and discuss a way ahead. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Bring out the evolution of mural traditions in South India. Also, elaborate on their significant characteristics. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Indian nationalism that confronted British imperialism in the 19th century was a product of colonial modernity. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Environmentalism surfaced in the form of many organised movements in post independence India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Do you agree with the view that continental blockade was an ill-conceived strategy by Napoleon to conquer Britain through economic means? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What do you understand by the Arctic Paradox? Highlight the spatial distribution of mineral and energy resources in the Arctic region. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Cryosphere changes have a tendency to bring about a devastating impact on the ecosystem and its people. Discuss. Also, enlist measures to tackle this threat. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The frequent instances of urban flooding pose a severe risk to the urban ecosystem in India. Discuss with special emphasis on its impact on the critical infrastructure. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Sand is not only critical for economic development but also provides crucial ecosystem services. Elaborate. In this context, discuss the importance of sustainable sand mining in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The challenge of unbridled and unbalanced growth of urban spaces in India necessitates reforms in urban planning and capacity. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Feminist movements in India have historically lacked inclusivity, often growing within a limited Western upper-class psyche. Critically discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1260,"topper":"Annapurna Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ddd8a-548353_2423_annapurna_singh_rank_99.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With suitable examples, discuss how environmental pressure groups enhance public participation and responsiveness with regard to environmental policies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The recent acknowledgment of sex work as a 'profession' by the Supreme Court is merely the first step in ensuring basic rights and equality for sex workers in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the role played by District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) in providing free legal aid and disseminating legal awareness in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"The collegium system has become a victim of its own success, with the concentration of power in the hands of a few, leading to questions about its legitimacy.\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"Civil services reforms must go beyond recruitment and standardised training to cope with the present day challenges.\" Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Outcome-based finance models such as social impact bonds have the potential to truly catalyse change and deliver socio-economic impact at scale. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The wide gap between the number of females graduating every year and those entering the workspace is an issue of paramount importance that needs to be addressed. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"An up to date and functional Civil Registration System (CRS) is essential to the socio-economic planning in India. Discuss in the light of the recent move of the Central government in revamping the CRS system in the country. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What are the key areas of reform if the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has to align with the current economic realities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In recent years, India's relationship with West Asia has evolved from the confines of geopolitics to expanse of geoeconomics. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The role of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) is significant in furthering healthy competitiveness aimed at inspiring stakeholders to innovate and augment effectiveness. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"\"The menace of paid news often rears its ugly head during elections.\" Discuss the need for making paid news an electoral offence in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the 'Doctrine of Essentiality' referred to by the courts in the context of religious practices in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"As per the recently released report of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), there is an urgent need to limit the size of the government in India. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The Institutions of Eminence (IoE) scheme was conceived to develop 'world-class' centres of higher education in India but six years later, it is yet to become the game changer it was intended to be. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) allows for innovative and convenient public services, help overcome inclusion or accessibility barriers, and increase transparency and accountability with real-time data. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Besides legislation, the full realisation of the 'right to health for all' in India demands plugging of social, financial, and infrastructural gaps. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The 'third gender' has not yet been engendered in the Indian society despite legislative nudge. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Among other factors, strained ties with China and Pakistan make it difficult for India to fulfill its expectations from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"The recently concluded initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) between the United States and India promises a long overdue transformation of their partnership in the field of technology. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1261,"topper":"Annapurna Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/993b2-548353_2422_annapurna_singh_rank_99.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The traditional theatre forms of India reflect the ideals and emotions of the society, and an individual's role in the community. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":1262,"topper":"Annapurna Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d209b-548353_2424_annapurna_singh_rank_99.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What are the different dimensions of food security? Examine India's status in terms of ensuring food security with regard to these dimensions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":1263,"topper":"Annapurna Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/110/pttp220600_tc072-test-02-gs02.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Q.1 There is a need to resolve the ambiguity in the disqualification provisions under section 8 of the Representation of People Act 1951. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Q.2 Constitution is a mere skeleton whereas constitutionalism is the soul of democracy. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Q.3 \"Electoral bonds are a double-edged sword, providing anonymity to donors while raising concerns about transparency in political funding.\" To what extent have electoral bonds further legitimized opacity in electoral funding?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Q.4 The question of gender equality is central to the debate on Uniform Civil Code. In this light what are the challenges in reconciling UCC with gender equality as enshrined in the constitution?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Q.5 The Governor's office is neither decorative nor inconsequential, it assumes a constitutional role of profound essence. To what extent does the Governor actively contribute to the governance of a state and reinforce the principles of federalism in the country?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Q.6 Recently demand has been rising in a state regarding the enactment of Social Accountability Law. How such a law can lead to good governance and boost citizens' participation in decision-making.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Q.7 There is a need for convergence of 'nutrition-specific' and 'nutrition-sensitive' interventions to effectively tackle child undernutrition in India. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":20,"question":"Q.8 \"MGNREGA, the lynchpin of rural poverty alleviation, has become the victim of fiscal apathy.\" Critically analyze the statement in light of recent developments.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Q.9 \"India must leverage, if not manage, the global divides\". How can the current geopolitical churn pave the way for India's rise to the global high table?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Q.10 \"Berlin can be India's gateway to the European Union.\" Elaborate with respect to Germany's significance in India's relationship with the EU.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.11 How has the Anti-Defection Law impacted the relationship between political parties and individual legislators in India? In light of the recent incidents also discuss the unintended consequences it has on the functioning of democracy in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.12 Critics assert that limitless judicial authority rests on the structural ambiguity of the basic structure doctrine. Has the elastic nature of the basic structure doctrine made the judiciary more powerful than the executive?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.13 Fundamental rights are not gifts bestowed upon by the state rather an individual possesses them independently of the state. In this context discuss the desirability of reasonable restrictions on various fundamental rights.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.14 'S.R. Bommai v. Union of India signified a paradigm shift in the judicial interpretation of the union's authority to assume control of a state's administration.' In this context discuss the significance and impact of the judgement on cementing the federal structure.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.15 The key to effective decentralization is, 'political decentralization should follow finance and functional decentralization'. Discuss in the context of impediments faced by local governance in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.16 Multi-stakeholder partnerships are the key to leveraging collective expertise and networks. How can effective partnership and localized implementation efforts be fostered to accelerate the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in India?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.17 How has the implementation of the POSH Act resulted in limited success in raising awareness about sexual harassment, and what factors have hindered its effective outreach to women employed in the unorganized sector? Propose strategies to bridge this gap and ensure comprehensive protection for women in the unorganized sector against workplace harassment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.18 Neo-liberal reforms and globalization have deeply transformed the institutions of the welfare state and set the ground for a new type of civil services. In this context examine the challenges faced in service delivery and suggest adequate reforms.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.19 China views India as its \"Asian Rival\" with an innate ability to counter its hegemonistic goals in Asia. Despite these difficulties in India-China relations, there are also many areas of convergence. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":53,"question":"Q.20 Indo-Pacific region in recent times has emerged as a zone of diverging interests and priorities. Discuss. Do you think the Global Security Initiative will supersede QUAD in the region?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"}]},{"id":1264,"topper":"Annapurna Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/112/pttp220600_tc074-test-04-gs-04.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"1. (a) Public service requires not merely legal but also morally principled action. Public service requires the public servant to place loyalty to the constitution, laws, and ethical principles. Among the three, which do you think must acquire primacy while carrying out official functions? Why? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"(b) What do you understand by \"integrity-based civil disobedience\"? Do you think a challenge to personal integrity can be a justifiable cause for responsible disobedience in civil services? Explain.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"2. (a) Recent research has shown that emotions significantly impact personal and professional lives. What are the primary emotions that negatively and positively impact workplace productivity? Explain with relevant examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"(b) Technical efficiency ensures resource utilization and social efficiency ensures fulfillment of social needs, what does ethical efficiency ensure? Do you think ethical efficiency is more important than technical and social efficiency? Why/Why not?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":13,"question":"3 (a) \"Man cannot do right in one department of life whilst he is occupied in doing wrong in any other department.\" Gandhi.\nDo you think an individual's personal ethics impacts professional life or they both can be compartmentalized? Explain your position with relevant examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"(b) Goodness is the result of internal imperatives to do what is right, not sanctions from moral rules or rewards from expected consequences. Do you agree? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"4. Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance.\n(a) \"To tolerate is purely an act of the mind. That is the essence of virtue. To tolerate is a strength.\" (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"(b) \"It is our first duty to serve society, and after we have done that, we may attend wholly to the salvation of our souls.\"","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"(c) \"Periods of peace are the empty pages in the history books\" (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"5 (a) In the context of civil service, distinguish between moral and nonmoral values. Identify 5 basic moral values that can serve as foundational values for all service irrespective of the department. Give reasons why those values can be considered foundational.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"(b) Citizens' involvement in decision-making is critical to ethics in governance. Do you agree that effective civic engagement mechanisms can facilitate an ethics-driven administration? What do you think are the mechanisms that citizens can use for ensuring ethics in governance?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"6. (a) Social transformation programs such as \"beti bachao and beti padhao\" believes in using advice, counseling, and persuasion but sometimes a little force is also necessary for getting the desired response. Do you think it is a good idea to mix little force with persuasion by public administrators while implementing social schemes of transformation? Explain with relevant examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"(b) Ultimately foreign policy of every country hinges upon the strength which the nation possesses. Strength may be military or financial and may be also moral. Do you think ethical strength without military or financial muscle will be respected in today's world? Explain your position.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"7 You are a young officer working with the Municipal Corporation of an industrial city. The city was known for manufacturing ball bearings and auto parts. Most manufacturing units were small-scale units with very little production process automation. The units relied on manual labor, which was in abundance due to the villages close by. As the number of manufacturing units grew, the demand for labor increased, bringing in a steady inflow of laborers into the city. This influx of people into the town led to a mushrooming of slums and encroachments on the sidewalks. Once in a while, the Corporation conducted drives to clear out the slums but after a time, the slums came back. The illegal slums had become an urban nightmare. You were given the responsibility of clearing out the encroachments and slums with the help of Police authorities. As you started the drive, you realized that the people living by the sidewalks were vulnerable compared to the slum dwellers. Many sidewalk dwellers had recently come to the city after selling their properties in their villages. Now if you drive them out, they have no place to go. Your heart went out to them, and you felt that your departmental action was inhumane, but your official responsibilities demanded stern impartial action. You are desperate to find a way to help the sidewalk dwellers without compromising your official duties.\n(a) What value conflicts do you notice in the above situation?\n(b) Can an administrator compromise the value of impartiality for empathy? Discuss.\n(c) What are the options available in the above situation?\n(d) Suggest viable solutions for tackling illegal slums and encroachments in urban areas.","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":37,"question":"8 A certain State government was running a welfare scheme for promoting safe motherhood among rural landless laborers' families. The scheme involves the transfer of funds to the beneficiaries to enable them to mitigate income loss due to maternal care responsibilities. Since its implementation, the scheme has done reasonably well on maternal health and economic indicators. You are the Director of the Department responsible for implementing and operating the scheme. Recently you have been receiving reports of welfare fraud being committed by families by producing fake bona fide. The families committed the fraud with the help of local officials responsible for scrutinizing the bonafide. You were concerned because the fraud was seriously undermining the scheme's efficiency. You called for a departmental meeting to discuss and find a solution to the problem. In the meeting, it was decided to merge several available government data sets such as Aadhar cards, voter ID cards, marriage certificates, birth certificates, bank details, and other personal assets. By merging all the data sets, the department would be able to develop the beneficiary's economic profile. And this will help the department scrutinize the documents and detect fraud. This was a comprehensive strategy, but it risked violating an individual's data privacy. As a Department head, you wanted to detect and prevent fraud, but at the same time, you were apprehensive about violating the Data privacy of the stakeholders.\n(a) What are the issues involved in the above case?\n(b) Do you think violating data privacy is justified to prevent welfare fraud? Why/ Why not?\n(c) What, according to you, can be the reasons for such welfare frauds happening in the country?\n(d) Are there any ways and means to prevent such fraud? Give your suggestions.","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":42,"question":"9 You are posted in the Department of Mines, and one of your roles is to help your Department Head negotiate mining leases with private contractors. Recently, the state government demarcated a new mining zone and planned to invite bids for the mining blocs. You were instructed to oversee the bidding process and speed up the contract negotiations. As planned, the tenders were released, bids came in, and tenders were allocated as per the norms. All this happened at a breakneck speed. You wondered, why the hurry? But it was not your place to think and question; you quietly went about your work.\nAs the contractors were about to start operations, you had to instruct them on environmental concerns to watch out for. And to do that, you read the environmental impact assessment report submitted by a consulting firm hired by the department. To your surprise, the report was shoddy and looked cooked up. You got suspicious and raised the issue with your Head, who politely instructed you to do what you were told, and he reminded you that the Department had revenue targets and was under pressure from the Ministry.\nAfter the meeting, you, on your own accord, did some digging and found out that the report was fraudulent and the mining activity that was about to start would lead to a massive environmental disaster which the State could not afford.\n(a) What are the issues and value violations you notice in the above case?\n(b) What are the options available to you?\n(c) Discuss the advantage and disadvantages of each option and identify your chosen course of action.\n(d) Do you think that environmental considerations are sometimes overrated at the cost of development?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":47,"question":"(a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\n(a) उपरोक्त मामले में कौन-कौन से नैतिक मुद्दे शामिल हैं?\n(b) क्या आपको लगता है कि GAMA जैसे कॉर्पोरेट व्यवसायों को व्यावसायिक हितों को आगे बढ़ाते समय अंतरराष्ट्रीय नैतिकता पर विचार करना चाहिए? अगर हाँ तो क्यों, अगर नहीं तो क्यों नहीं?\n(c) क्या आपको लगता है कि एक कॉर्पोरेट की सामाजिक जिम्मेदारी उसके निकट समुदाय से कहीं बढ़कर अंतरराष्ट्रीय समुदाय तक फैली हुई है? अगर हाँ तो क्यों, अगर नहीं तो क्यों नहीं?\n(d) क्या आपको लगता है कि संवेदनशील प्रौद्योगिकियों का विपणन करने वाली रक्षा क्षेत्र की कंपनियों को उनकी संबंधित सरकारों द्वारा विनियमित किया जाना चाहिए, या विनियम उनकी उद्यमशीलता और नवाचार ऊर्जा को कम कर सकता है? चर्चा कीजिए।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए"},{"page":48,"question":"(b), (c), (d) (b) Do you think corporate businesses such as GAMA must consider international ethics while pursuing business interests? Why/why not?\n(c) Do you think a corporate's social responsibility extends beyond one's immediate community to the international community? Why/Why not?\n(d) Do you think the Defence sector companies marketing sensitive technologies must be regulated by their respective governments, or regulation may curtail their entrepreneurial and innovation energy? Discuss.","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":49,"question":"b International ethics while business interest","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"11 (a) इस मामले में कौन-से नैतिक और व्यावसायिक मुद्दे शामिल हैं?\n(b) श्री शर्मा और सीईओ के पास कौन-कौन से विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\n(c) क्या आपको लगता है कि बिक्री कार्यबल को स्वतंत्रता देने की संगठनात्मक संस्कृति के कारण समस्या उत्पन्न हुई या व्यक्ति की भ्रष्ट प्रवृत्ति के कारण समस्या उत्पन्न हुई? चर्चा कीजिए।\n(d) जैसा कि इस मामले में बताया गया है, ऐसे अनैतिक व्यवहार को रोकने के लिए कंपनी कौन-से नैतिक तंत्र और उपाय निर्माण और कार्यान्वित कर सकती है? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)\na) इस मामले में कौन-से नैतिक और व्यावसायिक मुद्दे शामिल हैं?\nb) श्री शर्मा और सीईओ के पास कौन-कौन से विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nc) क्या आपको लगता है कि बिक्री कार्यबल को स्वतंत्रता देने की संगठनात्मक संस्कृति के कारण समस्या उत्पन्न हुई या व्यक्ति की भ्रष्ट प्रवृत्ति के कारण समस्या उत्पन्न हुई? चर्चा कीजिए।\nd) जैसा कि इस मामले में बताया गया है, ऐसे अनैतिक व्यवहार को रोकने के लिए कंपनी कौन-से नैतिक तंत्र और उपाय निर्माण और कार्यान्वित कर सकती है?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":53,"question":"(a) What are the ethical and business issues involved in the case?\n(b) What are the options available to Mr. Sharma and the CEO?\n(c) Do you think the organizational culture of giving freedom to the sales force led to the issue or was the individual's corrupt nature that led to the problem? Discuss.\n(d) What ethics mechanisms and steps can the company create and implement to prevent unethical behavior, as mentioned in the case?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":57,"question":"12 (a) उपरोक्त मामले में कौन-कौन से मुद्दे शामिल हैं?\n(b) आपको क्या लगता है रश्मि को क्या करना चाहिए? क्या रश्मि के लिए स्थानीय प्रशासन को शामिल करना अच्छा विचार होगा? कार्यान्वयन योग्य कार्यवाही का सुझाव दीजिए।\n(c) क्या आपको लगता है कि कंपनियों को उस क्षेत्र की सामाजिक समस्याओं के लिए भी जिम्मेदारी स्वीकार करनी चाहिए जहाँ वे अपना कार्य करती हैं? अगर हाँ तो क्यों, अगर नहीं तो क्यों नहीं?\n(d) श्रमिक संघ की इतनी आक्रामक प्रतिक्रिया के क्या कारण हो सकते हैं? आपके अनुसार रश्मि को कर्मचारी संघ को कैसे संभालना चाहिए? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए) 20 अंक\na) उपरोक्त मामले में कौन-कौन से मुद्दे शामिल हैं?\nb) आपको क्या लगता है रश्मि को क्या करना चाहिए? क्या रश्मि के लिए स्थानीय प्रशासन को शामिल करना अच्छा विचार होगा? कार्यान्वयन योग्य कार्यवाही का सुझाव दीजिए।\nc) क्या आपको लगता है कि कंपनियों को उस क्षेत्र की सामाजिक समस्याओं के लिए भी जिम्मेदारी स्वीकार करनी चाहिए जहाँ वे अपना कार्य करती हैं? अगर हाँ तो क्यों, अगर नहीं तो क्यों नहीं?\nd) श्रमिक संघ की इतनी आक्रामक प्रतिक्रिया के क्या कारण हो सकते हैं? आपके अनुसार रश्मि को कर्मचारी संघ को कैसे संभालना चाहिए? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए) 20 अंक","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":58,"question":"(a) What are the issues involved in the above case?\n(b) What do you think Rashmi should do? Would it be a good idea for Rashmi to involve local administration? Suggest an implementable course of action.\n(c) Do you think companies should also accept responsibility for the social problems of the region where they operate? Why/why not?\n(d) What could be the reasons for such an aggressive reaction from the workers union? How do you think Rashmi should handle the workers union?\na) What are the issues involved in the above case?\nb) What do you think Rashmi should do? Would it be a good idea for Rashmi to involve local administration? Suggest an implementable course of action.\nc) Do you think companies should also accept responsibility for the social problems of the region where they operate? Why/why not?\nd) What could be the reasons for such an aggressive reaction from the workers union? How do you think Rashmi should handle the workers union?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"}]},{"id":1265,"topper":"Annapurna Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/08b57-548353_2425_annapurna_singh_rank_99.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"For effective corporate governance to take place in the coming years, why is it important to integrate the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics with the multi-stakeholder approach? What benefits can be accrued by such integration? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In acts of corruption, the focus is often only on the demand side of the equation, on public officials who abuse their office for private gain. Frequently, the supply side is given less attention. Those who pay bribes are sometimes depicted as innocent parties and victims of extortionary practices of wily public servants. Do you agree that 'collusive corruption', in which there is a willing bribe-giver, is a formidable challenge for institutions fighting corruption? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Citizens' Charters initiative was a response to the quest for solving the problems, which a citizen encountered, day in and day out, while dealing with the organisations providing public services. But the introduction and implementation of Citizens' Charters in the government of India has been difficult due to the old bureaucratic set up and the rigid attitudes of the work force. Discuss the major obstacles that have been encountered in implementing the Citizens' Charter initiative. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Quality of public service delivery is a major determinant of the quality of life of vulnerable sections in a highly unequal society divided along the lines of class, caste, religion, etc. In this background, do you think that public service delivery is efficient and sufficient enough to improve the lives of vulnerable groups in India? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own.\" - Lao Tzu (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"If ethics are poor at the top, that behavior is copied down through the organization.\" - Robert Noyce (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"The end of law is not to abolish or restrain, but to preserve and enlarge freedom.\" - John Locke (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Wealthy CEOs and founders of successful businesses around the world are increasingly pledging to give away their wealth in philanthropy. Do you think that such a move is sufficient enough to bring about a positive change in the society? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"As organizations across the globe begin their artificial intelligence (AI) transformation, the leap into the AI era is expected to be more challenging than any technology that businesses have grappled with yet. In this background, discuss the concerns around fairness, transparency, and job security that may arise. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The emphasis of Swami Dayanand Saraswati on education, social equality, and ethical values continues to influence the socio-cultural discourse in contemporary India. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Emotional intelligence may not be singularly associated with emotions or intelligence. It can also include a broad range of personality characteristics that might predict success in professional and everyday life. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":47,"question":"Many proponents of deep-sea drilling argue that tapping into the vast amount of rare earth elements in the Indian Ocean will help shore up national security interests for India, bolster its economy and workforce, and offer a reliable supply of strategic minerals. Keeping this in mind, the government has approved a $540-million programme to study ways of mining nickel, cobalt, manganese and iron hydroxide from the bed of the Indian Ocean 6,000 meters below sea level. The government argues that the project can power India's growth for 100 years. It will also study climate change, explore marine flora and fauna and harness thermal energy. However, a competing point of view alleges that deep ocean drilling poses immense risk to the environment. A comprehensive report on Sustainable Ocean Economy by independent geologists states that \"until the need for, and potential consequences of, deep-sea mining are better understood, the concept is conceptually difficult to align with the definition of a sustainable ocean economy and raises various environmental, legal and governance challenges, as well as possible conflicts with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.\" It also highlights that the profitability of national mining operations, without governmental support or comparably low taxes, remains questionable. If the operations are profitable, it will additionally, companies like BMW, Volvo, Google and Korean battery maker Samsung SDI, vowed in a statement to not buy metals produced from deep-sea mining until the environmental risks of the activity are \"comprehensively understood.\" In the context of the above-stated information, address the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the given case study? (b) How can the vision of economic development of a nation be achieved without adversely affecting the sustainability of oceans? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1266,"topper":"Annapurna Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/106/pttp220600_tc072-test-02-gs02.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"There is a need to resolve the ambiguity in the disqualification provisions under section 8 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"Constitution is a mere skeleton whereas constitutionalism is the soul of democracy. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"\"Electoral bonds are a double-edged sword, providing anonymity to donors while raising concerns about transparency in political funding.\" Critically examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"The question of gender equality is central to the debate on Uniform Civil Code. In this light what are the challenges in its implementation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"'The Governor's office is neither decorative nor inconsequential, it assumes a constitutional role of a sentinel.' Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"Recently demand has been rising in a state regarding the enactment of Social Accountability Law. Highlight the significance of such a law in ensuring effective governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"There is a need for convergence of 'nutrition-specific' and 'nutrition-sensitive' interventions to ensure food and nutritional security in India. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"\"MGNREGA, the lynchpin of rural poverty alleviation, has become the victim of fiscal apathy.\" Critically analyze.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"\"India must leverage, if not manage, the global divides\". How can the current geopolitical churn pave the way for India's rise as a 'leading power'?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"\"Berlin can be India's gateway to the European Union.\" Elaborate with respect to Germany's significance in India's foreign policy.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1267,"topper":"Annapurna Singh","air":99,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/105/pttp220600_tc071-test-01-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1268,"topper":"Annapurna Singh","air":99,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/107/pttp220600_tc073-test-03-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1269,"topper":"Annapurna Singh","air":99,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/108/pttp220600_tc074-test-04-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1270,"topper":"Annu Koushik","air":225,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/ESSAY_PROGRAME_ANNU_KOUSIK_NARASIMHA_ESSAY_2_8cf48e23e5.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1271,"topper":"Annu Koushik","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/SURE_SHORT_2024_GS_PAPER_GS_1_ANNU_KOUSHIK_T_5_AIR_225_f69ecf0c38.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Religious philosophies had a profound impact on the development of Mauryan Architecture. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The fall of the Maratha Empire removed the last hurdle on the path to British paramountcy in India. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The Home Rule Movement created a transition from 'prayer' and 'petition' to 'demand' and 'agitation'. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"'The war to end all wars failed to enshrine peace and stability in the world.' Discuss the statement in the context of the First World War. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"\"The Indo-Gangetic plains are highly prone to heatwaves.\" Discuss the causes and suggest suitable measures for management. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"How does geomorphology influence the soil character? Discuss with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Evaluate the status of India's mangrove ecosystem and its function as a bioshield with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Stress on the Himalayan geo-resources threatens the lifeline of a billion population. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Caste as social capital is deployed more for parochial interests than for social unity. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Assess the impact of women organizations in bridging the gender divide in Indian society. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Educational and Socio-Cultural initiatives of the British regenerated the sense of reasoning in Indian society. Critically examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Constitutional developments in British India were reactive rather than genuine efforts for good governance. Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Ocean currents moderates the thermal extremities along the coastal regions. Discuss the statement with suitable examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Global warming opens a new world of opportunities in the arctic region. Critically examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Competing demand for land as a resource limits the development of mega solar parks in India.' In the light of the statement, evaluate the potential of rooftop solar power in meeting renewable energy targets for India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Give an account on the distribution of rare earth elements (REE). Discuss their importance for the fourth industrial revolution. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"India's improvement over the multidimensional poverty index juxtaposes performance in global hunger index. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Mention the challenges faced by Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG). Discuss the significance of PM-JANMAN in empowering the tribal community. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The patriarchal interpretation of religious beliefs shaped the contemporary socio-economic status of women in India. Discuss with suitable examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1272,"topper":"Annu Koushik","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/SURE_SHORT_2024_GS_PAPER_GS_4_2024_ANNU_KOUSHIK_AIR_225_T_8_T_882d4f50aa.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Analyse the ethical implications of using generative artificial intelligence in creative industries. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"How can implementing citizen charters enhance transparency and combat corruption in public institutions? Support your answer with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What are the key teachings of Thiruvalluvar, and how are they relevant in today's world? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What does each of the following quotations mean to you in the present context? a) \"In a conflict between the heart and the brain, follow your heart\"- Swami Vivekananda (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Attitude shapes our perceptions and intentions, but behaviour is the tangible expression of these internal states in real-world actions. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What are the ethical concerns surrounding developed nations setting climate targets for developing countries without providing adequate financial support? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Misusing of benefits intended for the weaker sections of society leads to various moral consequences. Discuss. How can such misuse be prevented to ensure equitable distribution of resources? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"How should individuals address ethical dilemmas where adherence to organisational policies conflicts with personal moral principles? Illustrate with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":39,"question":"You are a renowned financial influencer with a substantial online following, celebrated for your astute investment advice. One day, Digital PayTech, a leading company in the digital payments sector, reaches out to you. They hope to leverage your influence to attract more investors and strengthen their position as a market leader. Enthusiastic about the promising growth potential in digital payments and eager to present what seems like an excellent investment opportunity, you agree to endorse Digitalpaytech stocks. Digital PayTech, a publicly traded entity, has made a name for itself by developing secure and user-friendly digital payment solutions. Their innovative approach has garnered industry acclaim, and they are recognized as pioneers in transforming the payment landscape. Eager about the partnership, you create engaging content endorsing Digital PayTech's stocks, highlighting their cutting-edge technology and the surging demand for digital payment solutions. Trusting your expertise, your followers invest in Digital PayTech's stocks. However, unexpected challenges soon arise. New compliance requirements bring in stringent rules on financial reporting and data protection, creating operational hurdles. Changes in licensing and authorization severely impact Digital PayTech's market presence and service offerings. Additionally, heightened security standards necessitate significant investments in cybersecurity. Sudden alterations in fee structures and pricing regulations adversely affect the company's revenue models and profitability. Amidst these challenges, financial mismanagement within Digital PayTech comes to light, casting doubt on the accuracy of their reported financial statements. These cumulative issues lead to a sharp decline in Digital PayTech's stock value, resulting in financial losses for your followers who had invested based on your recommendation. The financial influencer now faces the challenge of addressing the repercussions of the failed endorsement. Followers express disappointment and frustration, questioning the due diligence process and decision-making behind the recommendation. Legal inquiries and regulatory investigations intensify, adding to the complexity of the situation. a) List the moral values that will guide you. b) What are the ethical issues involved in the given case? c) What are the options available to you? Evaluate each of these options and choose the option you would adopt giving reasons. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The government has proposed a phased strategic disinvestment of the State Public Sector Bank, allowing private companies to acquire stakes and manage various banking operations. This decision has sparked widespread outrage among the bank employees, leading to a strike. As the head of the workers' union, you attended a crucial meeting with state officials, where they outlined issues such as inefficiency, corruption, and deteriorating service quality. The officials presented data showing that the bank has been operating at a significant loss for several years, with mounting non-performing assets (NPAs), outdated technology, and increasing customer complaints about poor service. In response, you presented the workers' perspective, emphasising their long-standing grievances. The employees are concerned about job security, fearing that privatisation will lead to mass layoffs, reduced benefits, and a loss of the job stability traditionally associated with public sector employment. There are also concerns about the potential for increased fees and reduced access to banking services for lower-income customers. Meanwhile, the state public sector bank is in a dire state. Branches are frequently understaffed, leading to long queues and delays, and customers are facing issues with accessing basic banking services, leading to a massive public outcry. The media has picked up the story, with reports highlighting the plight of the employees and the inconvenience to the public. The situation is tense, with public protests growing louder and the strike showing no signs of abating. The deadlock between the two parties has intensified, with neither side willing to compromise. Amidst this standoff, state officials have approached you with an offer of a substantial bribe and other perks to secure your compliance with the privatisation plan. They argue that this phased approach is necessary to modernize the banking sector, attract investment, and ensure sustainable operations. a) What are the ethical issues involved in the given case? b) What are the options available to you? Evaluate each of these options and choose the option you would adopt giving reasons. c) Based on the given case study, mention steps taken to improve the banking sector in India. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"Ms. Radhika, a dedicated civil servant tasked with overseeing the Right to Education (RTE) implementation in her state, is jolted by the tragic death of Rani, a Dalit student, who succumbed to injuries inflicted by a teacher's violent assault. The incident rapidly gains media attention, sparking intense demands for accountability and justice from the opposition. Reflecting on her past visits to schools, Ms. Radhika remembers Rani as a promising and eager learner, whose enthusiasm was marred by the harsh reality of social exclusion. Rani's caste marked her for isolation, both from peers and teachers. She recalls the evident disparity in her treatment—fewer opportunities, less attention, and unfair bias directly linked to her caste identity. Upon deeper scrutiny, Ms. Radhika uncovers systemic flaws within the urban education framework. Complaints about caste discrimination during school admissions surfaced, revealing a failure to uphold RTE's core tenets. Admission policies and classroom environments perpetuated caste biases, with students from marginalised backgrounds facing segregation and unfair treatment. Educational materials often reinforced caste prejudices, while parents from lower-caste communities struggled to engage in their children's schooling due to systemic barriers. The situation deteriorates further when local politicians, motivated by caste biases, attempt to suppress the incident, thus obstructing justice for Rani. Political pressure influences the administration to downplay the issue, risking the concealment of the deeper, systemic inequalities in urban education. Ms. Radhika faces a daunting challenge: addressing these injustices while navigating potential backlash from influential communities and safeguarding her own career amidst the turmoil. a) What are the ethical issues involved in the given case for Ms. Radhika? b) List the moral values that will guide her. c) How can Ms. Radhika ethically navigate the entrenched nature of caste-based discrimination within the urban education system? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":1273,"topper":"Annu Kousik Narasimha","air":225,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/MATHS-T10-ANNU-KOUSIK-NARASIMHA-R225-1750231251828.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1274,"topper":"Annu Kousik Narasimha","air":225,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/MATHS-T2-ANNU-KOUSIK-NARASIMHA-R225-1750231285686.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1275,"topper":"Annu Kousik Narasimha","air":225,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/MATHS-T3-ANNU-KOUSIK-NARASIMHA-R225-1750231313584.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1276,"topper":"Annu Kousik Narasimha","air":225,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/MATHS-T4-ANNU-KOUSIK-NARASIMHA-R225-1750231423040.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1277,"topper":"Annu Kousik Narasimha","air":225,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/MATHS-T5-ANNU-KOUSIK-NARASIMHA-R225-1750231452266.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1278,"topper":"Annu Kousik Narasimha","air":225,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/MATHS-T6-ANNU-KOUSIK-NARASIMHA-R225-1750231475025.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1279,"topper":"Annu Kousik Narasimha","air":225,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/MATHS-T7-ANNU-KOUSIK-NARASIMHA-R225-1750231501133.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1280,"topper":"Annu Kousik Narasimha","air":225,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/MATHS-T9-ANNU-KOUSIK-NARASIMHA-R225-1750231526027.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1281,"topper":"Anoushka Sharma","air":20,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6c02d-1040213_1753_anoushka-sharma_rank-20.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1282,"topper":"Anoushka Sharma","air":20,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/76e4e-1040213_1992_anoushka-sharma_rank-20.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1283,"topper":"Anoushka Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0ca05-1040213_1511_anoushka-sharma_rank-20.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Despite a vast coast line and a number of waterways, why has India not been able to achieve its potential in bringing a significant modal shift from rail and road to waterways? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The move to establish a National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development, to reverse the drag on India's growth potential will have its own set of challenges. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlighting the issues related to the current fertilizer subsidy regime in India, discuss the need for reforms in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Identifying the need for a climate resilient agriculture in India, discuss how it can be achieved. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Mega Food Parks (MFPs) were considered to be a gamechanger for the food processing sector in India, but their progress remains stunted. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do you understand by impact based forecasting in disaster management? How can such forecasting strengthen the disaster management preparedness? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Low Earth Orbit is becoming increasingly crowded as countries race to launch satellites into space. Highlighting the associated issues, discuss international efforts taken in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Enumerating the existing measures to counter bio-terrorism in India, highlight the need for a bio-terrorism law. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the potential of \"Integrated Law Enforcement Centres\" and \"Smart Walls\" on India's border areas to address the prevailing security challenges. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Farm loan waivers are neither adequate nor recommended for promoting sustained agricultural growth. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"A number of initiatives in recent years have focussed on the MSME sector. Why is there a need to focus on this sector? Also, identify the measures taken by the government and further scope of action. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Skilling the Indian population faces a 3E challenge - Education, Employment and Employability. Discuss. Also suggest interventions required to effectively manage this challenge. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Despite its importance, agricultural marketing faces various institutional and infrastructural related issues in India. Elaborate. Also, enlist the measures that have been taken in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Marine litter is not just an environmental issue but poses a socio-economic challenge as well. Discuss. Also, enumerate the initiatives taken by the global community to reduce marine litter. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Assess India's vulnerability to flash floods and suggest measures for better resilience to flash floods. In this context, also briefly highlight the significance of recently launched Flash Flood Guidance System (FFGS) operated by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Hydrogen based energy production can play a key role in a clean, secure and affordable energy future. In this context, identify the potential and opportunities for utilising hydrogen based technologies. What are the challenges that need to be addressed to fullfill the potential? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Despite the huge promise of satellite-based internet connectivity, it hasn't gained traction on a significant commercial scale, especially in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India's attempts at strengthening its intelligence infrastructure and capabilities have historically been reactive and incremental, rather than holistic and sustainable. Discuss. Also, provide a concrete framework in transforming the country's intelligence capabilities. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"In light of the prominent instances of drone attacks by both state and non state actors, assess the challenges and capabilities of India in dealing with such security threats. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1284,"topper":"Anoushka Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d5ed8-1040213_1863_anoushka-sharma_rank-20.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Parliamentary oversight of administration is not an end in itself rather it acts as a means to strengthen the efficient functioning of the administration. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Tenth Schedule of the Constitution has weakened the democratic credentials of India's representative democracy. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Article 246 of the Indian Constitution is considered as the cornerstone of Centre-state legislative relations. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Although the provision of issuing ordinances amounts to the usurpation of legislative power by the Executive, both Centre and states in India have taken unrestrained course to it. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"There has been a manifold increase in the number of ministries in the central government since independence. Do you agree with the view there is a need to phase out many ministries and amalgamate others in this context? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Evaluate the success of Digital India in fulfilling its vision of transforming India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Examine the issues related to poverty measurement in India. Suggest measures to improve upon the existing methodologies. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"As one of the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, discuss the rationale behind internationalisation of higher education in India and its associated challenges. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Stating the significance of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), examine whether they have been as beneficial as expected for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Though multilateral development banks (MDBs) are crucial for holistic development of developing nations like India, there are certain legitimate concerns about their functioning. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Despite the legal framework to resolve inter-state river water disputes, why do they continue to exist? Also, discuss measures that can be taken to resolve such disputes in an expeditious and agreeable manner. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"While use of technology is a welcome step towards improving the efficiency of the judicial system, it must be understood that technology itself comes with a set of challenges that make justice even more inaccessible. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The current urban planning capacities in India are extremely skeletal and need systemic reforms and a change in mindset. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Reservation for women in the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) has not translated into corresponding increase in women's representation in India's state legislatures. Bringing out the reasons for the same, discuss how under-representation of women in the state legislatures can be corrected. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"For effective public service delivery, there is need to shift from traditional accountability mechanisms to social accountability mechanisms. In this context, discuss the pre-conditions for the success of social accountability efforts and challenges associated with them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) remains one of the most ambitious programmes for public welfare and rural development, but its objectives cannot be achieved without strong and capable Panchayati Raj Institutions. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Despite legal safeguards and international conventions, the State has failed to uphold the rights of persons with disabilities in general and those with psychosocial disabilities in particular. Discuss in the context of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"To what extent has the PM Awas Yojana (Gramin) been successful in solving the problem of rural housing in India? Discuss with adequate arguments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Despite the potential of India's Neighbourhood First policy, there have been several impediments to regional cooperation in South Asia. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"It is argued that China's Belt and Road Initiative has resulted in unsustainable debt-for-infrastructure deals in several countries across continents and it is a part of debt trap diplomacy. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1285,"topper":"Anoushka Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5d1a6-1040213_1513_anoushka-sharma_rank-20.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"In the context of protection of monuments, explain the role of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Also, comment on the challenges faced by ASI and measures taken to address these. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Tribal art has a huge potential for acting as an economic resource and a tool for socio-economic transformation of tribals in India. Elucidate. Also highlight the challenges in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Though the Government of India Act, 1919 proposed some radical administrative changes, it remained short of fulfilling aspirations of Indians. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Often deemed as the 'forgotten conflict', the Korean War had far-reaching implications. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Explaining the origin of earth's magnetism, discuss its significance with special reference to its interaction with solar particles. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discussing the challenges pertaining to dam safety in India, highlight the potential of Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project to address them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What is understood by Carbon Compensation Depth (CCD)? Discuss the implications of the rise in this depth due to anthropogenic warming as well. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"In view of demographic changes in recent decades, do you think India needs a two-child policy? Discuss in light of various strands of the debate surrounding this issue. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Globalization is incredibly efficient but has so far been incredibly unjust. Examine the statement in the context of developing countries like India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"It would not be completely wrong to state that in India, art is religion and religion is art.\" In light of the statement, discuss the impact of various religions on art in India, citing relevant examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Despite organizational apathy from the indian National Congress in its initial years, the working class in various parts of the country subsequently participated overwhelmingly in the nationalist movement. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Though some of his early measures restored faith among the Indians in the liberal tradition of England, Lord Ripon's tenure did not bring about significant changes in the conservative mindset of the colonial bureaucracy. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The New Social Movements in post-independence period made an important beginning in awakening the society against injustices and deepened the very notion of democracy in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What are the reasons for recurrent and often catastrophic wildfires in places like Australia and the United States? Are there any lessons to be learnt from these events by india? Explain adequately. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss why India needs a cross border flood management mechanism. Also, state the major issues in cross border flood management and suggest remedial measures in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Depletion of water resources in India is both a geo-climatic phenomenon as well as a result some short-sighted government policies. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the major lithospheric plates? How and why do these plates move? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"There exists a wide gap between the constitutionally professed secularism and its practice in India. Do you agree? Substantiate with relevant arguments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India spends less than one per cent of GDP on care work infrastructure and services. In view of the statement, explain how increased public investment in care economy infrastructure can be instrumental in meeting multiple policy objectives. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1286,"topper":"Anoushka Sharma","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/13h5R2GibmzGJxQ2ONvmq4rPtMJ8FCIF8/view","questions":[]},{"id":1287,"topper":"Anoushka Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/71277-1040213_1502_anoushka-sharma_rank-20.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"It is often argued that there is a crisis of values in modern society. Do you agree with this view? Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Explain the role of society in imparting values. In this context also, discuss a situation wherein acquired values learnt from home or school guided you in a situation of dilemma. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"For a public servant to fulfill his ethical obligations, it is important that there be no dichotomy between his personal ethics and public ethics. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Transparency is not only a bulwark against corruption in administration but also strengthens moral standards in governance. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Morality is neither divine commands nor universal principle of thought rather practices developed by groups of human beings striving to avoid mutually harmful conflict and promote mutually beneficial cooperation. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Explain different aspects of the 'right conduct' taught by Mahavira to attain a life full of happiness and content. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Discuss the standards of behavior expected from civil servants in carrying out their role of developing and implementing government policies and delivering public services. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Bring out the differences between the ethical issues faced by government and private institutions and the reasons therein. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What is the ethical basis behind the idea of reparations for historical wrongs committed against certain groups? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What do you understand by Integrity Pacts? In light of recent events, analyse their utility in ensuring transparency and efficiency in public procurement in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"We are what our thoughts have made us; so take care about what you think. Words are secondary. Thoughts live; they travel far.\" - Swami Vivekananda","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"There was an incident at a company wherein a fire broke out and led to a number of casualties. During the preliminary inquiry, one of the employees and bystander witnesses, specified that the company had taken all the safety measures and the management was not at fault. During litigation, the same employee was identified as a witness and his deposition was to be taken. The issue is now in the court. You are a Senior Manager of the company and accompanying the said employee to the court for the deposition. On the way the employee tells you that he had lied during the inquiry; and that the truth was worse than the company than he had stated previously. (a) Identify the various ethical issues you would face in this situation. (b) What would you suggest the employee to do? Give reasons for your suggestions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Though discrimination on racial grounds is generally associated with Western countries, arguably similar notions of colour and racial discrimination are prevalent in India too. Many Indians are found to be obsessed for \"White\" skin tone as visible in matrimonial ads and popularity of whitening creams. They are also found to be more hospitable towards the white-skinned Europeans than the dark-skinned Africans. Even within the country, people can be found to be discriminating fellow countrymen on the basis of their skin tone. People from North-East India face frequent racial abuse and are referred to by various derogatory names. All these point towards racism being practised and accepted in India. Moreover, it is not considered a very serious issue as the anti-discrimination laws in India are not stringent enough to deal with hate crimes associated with racism. (a) In this context, discuss the ethical issues associated with the practice and acceptance of racial discrimination in India. (b) If you have been tasked to formulate a plan to combat hate crimes associated with racism in India and bring about an attitudinal change, what would be your suggestions?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"With its highly coveted line of consumer electronics, a multinational company 'A' has a cult following among loyal consumers and makes profits of crores of rupees. Recently, a report by an international non-governmental organisation has highlighted that in some overseas production centres of the company, the working conditions are hazardous for the labour, which include children also. In some centres, the international environmental standards are also flouted. The company's global head has defended their position by saying that they have little control over monitoring and regulating the entire supply chain due to internationalization of the production process. Based on the above information, answer the following: (a) Do you think company 'A' should be held responsible for ethical lapses made by individuals further down its supply chain? (b) Should customers be expected to take into account the ethical track record of companies while making purchases? Give reasons.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1288,"topper":"Anoushka Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2540b-1040213_1512_anoushka-sharma_rank-20.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Persuasion plays an important role in public administration. Discuss. Also highlight the various elements of effective persuasion. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"\"Never do anything against the conscience even if the state demands it.\" In this context, discuss the role of conscience in taking ethical decisions in administration. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Raja Ram Mohan Roy's liberal views on social and religious issues have much relevance in present day India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The moral circle of humanity has been expanding constantly over time. Discuss in this context whether non-human entities should have the same rights as human beings. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"Each individual is capable of transforming his immediate environment by attempting a radical transformation inside him\". - J Krishnamurti (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"An important requisite for ensuring probity in governance is absence of corruption. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The right to information (RTI) and the right to privacy (RTP) complement each other in holding the government accountable to the people, however, in cases of conflict, they can be reconciled keeping public interest in mind. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Explain the ethical issues involved in spending government funds for advertisement campaigns and publicity. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Explaining the concept of political neutrality, discuss its significance in administration. Also, highlight how the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules seek to ensure political neutrality in the civil services. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"In light of the recurring issues, there is a constant need to search for better ethical frameworks and models of corporate governance. Discuss with adequate examples and evidence in support of your arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":51,"question":"You work as a marketing consultant for a multinational company that specializes in various products including nutrient supplements, diet pills etc. The company pays its employees extremely well and provides satisfactory fringe benefits. Your manager has hinted that he will recommend you for overseas company transfer, which will improve your job profile. This has motivated you to work harder and perform better. The company has to advertise and sell a new weight loss pill ‘X’. As per in-company research, it has minimal or no side effects and has no adverse impacts on health, which is its unique selling point (USP). You are given the responsibility of heading the marketing team for advertising pill ‘X’. Due to a well-crafted marketing strategy including endorsement by a renowned celebrity, the product has generated considerable public attention. However, while working on an advertisement campaign for the pill, you find out that the in-company research findings of pill ‘X’ are fabricated. While it indeed has no side-effects, there are no proven benefits of taking the pill as well. It merely acts as a placebo. When you bring up the issue with your manager, he promptly tells you to keep the facts to yourself. He also indirectly brings up the fact that your performance review date is approaching and hints that you will get transferred overseas if you prove your loyalty to the company. Based on the given information, address the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders in this situation. (b) State the ethical issues that arise in this case. (c) Discuss your options in this scenario and mention your next step.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1289,"topper":"Anshu Priya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7118b-500582_1862_anshu-priya_rank16.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Jyotiba Phule was not only a key social reformer but also a patron of literary works. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Cave paintings in India have a long tradition with both religious as well as secular attributes. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The Swadeshi movement started as an anti-partition movement, but became a multi-faceted mass movement after 1905. Elaborate (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Although the National Emergency of 1975 was a temporary blip in independent India's history, it emboldened the spirit and resistance of our democracy. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Examine the relationship between the Walker Circulation and the Indian Monsoon. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Identifying the factors responsible for formation of tides, discuss their geographic and economic significance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What are Rossby waves? Discuss the role played by them in shaping the climate of the earth. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"One of the reasons for increased global interest in Afghanistan is its endowment with key natural resources. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The traditional structure of the caste system has witnessed paradoxical changes over the last few decades in India. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Economic empowerment of women is the key to ensure their social empowerment. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"India has the highest number of endangered languages in the world as per the UNESCO. In this context, discuss the factors that have endangered native languages in India and highlight the steps taken to conserve and protect these languages. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The policy of 'Subsidiary Alliance' helped in establishing British control over internal affairs of Indian states without incurring any direct imperial liability. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"\"Before 1857 the British were effectively working against the traditional grain of Indian society; afterwards they were working with it\". Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Enumerating the revolutionary maxims propounded by Sun Yat-sen, discuss the conditions that led to the revival of Chinese nationalism in the early 20th century. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Based on their geological age, present a brief account of the classification and distribution of coal reserves in India. Also, discuss the ongoing stress in the coal sector in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What is Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC)? Discuss the reasons for recent decline in the AMOC and its associated impact. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Recent reports and National Family Health Surveys have signalled a monumental shift in Indian demographics. Highlighting this shift, discuss the challenges that it will pose. Also, suggest remedial measures. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Looking at all poverty from the rural perspective and applying rural solutions to urban conditions will not yield results. Discuss the statement in context of differences between urban and rural poverty in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Regional movements are often conservative in orientation, supported by traditional social classes and religious groups and oppose social change imposed by modernity. Critically discuss in the context of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1290,"topper":"Anshu Priya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a789f-500582_1863_anshu-priya_rank16.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Parliamentary oversight of administration is not an end in itself rather it acts as a means to strengthen the efficient functioning of the administration. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Tenth Schedule of the Constitution has weakened the democratic credentials of India's representative democracy. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Article 246 of the Indian Constitution is considered as the cornerstone of Centre-state legislative relations. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Although the provision of issuing ordinances amounts to the usurpation of legislative power by the Executive, both Centre and states in India have taken unrestrained course to it. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"There has been a manifold increase in the number of ministries in the central government since independence. Do you agree with the view there is a need to phase out many ministries and amalgamate others in this context? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Evaluate the success of Digital India in fulfilling its vision of transforming India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Examine the issues related to poverty measurement in India. Suggest measures to improve upon the existing methodologies. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"As one of the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, discuss the rationale behind internationalisation of higher education in India and its associated challenges. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Stating the significance of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), examine whether they have been as beneficial as expected for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Though multilateral development banks (MDBs) are crucial for holistic development of developing nations like India, there are certain legitimate concerns about their functioning. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Despite the legal framework to resolve inter-state river water disputes, why do they continue to exist? Also, discuss measures that can be taken to resolve such disputes in an expeditious and agreeable manner. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"While use of technology is a welcome step towards improving the efficiency of the judicial system, it must be understood that technology itself comes with a set of challenges that make justice even more inaccessible. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The current urban planning capacities in India are extremely skeletal and need systemic reforms and a change in mindset. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Reservation for women in the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) has not translated into corresponding increase in women's representation in India's state legislatures. Bringing out the reasons for the same, discuss how under-representation of women in the state legislatures can be corrected. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"For effective public service delivery, there is need to shift from traditional accountability mechanisms to social accountability mechanisms. In this context, discuss the pre-conditions for the success of social accountability efforts and challenges associated with them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) remains one of the most ambitious programmes for public welfare and rural development, but its objectives cannot be achieved without strong and capable Panchayati Raj Institutions. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Despite legal safeguards and international conventions, the State has failed to uphold the rights of persons with disabilities in general and those with psychosocial disabilities in particular. Discuss in the context of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"To what extent has the PM Awas Yojana (Gramin) been successful in solving the problem of rural housing in India? Discuss with adequate arguments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Despite the potential of India's Neighbourhood First policy, there have been several impediments to regional cooperation in South Asia. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"It is argued that China's Belt and Road Initiative has resulted in unsustainable debt-for-infrastructure deals in several countries across continents and it is a part of debt trap diplomacy. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1291,"topper":"Anshu Priya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9bcbb-500582_1515_anshu-priya_rank16.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the meaning of off-budget borrowings and its role in helping the government raise funds for various expenditures. Also, comment on its desirability. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"It is argued that genetically modified food crops are required to ensure food security of India. Examine in view of concerns regarding introduction of GM crops. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"India's price intervention policies to support its agricultural sector not only create a broken system but also complicate matters related to international trade rules. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"India has an opportunity to become a leading global food supplier provided it has an efficient supply chain and the right marketing strategies. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Land banks are increasingly gaining prominence in India to encourage land-use efficiency and enable economic growth. In this context, discuss the benefits of a land bank and state the concerns associated with it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Desertification has been described as one of the greatest environmental challenges of our time and climate change is making it worse. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In the context of intellectual property rights, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of releasing projects under an 'Open Source' license. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"\"Indian space sector has been dominated by a single umbrella of government and government institutions.\" In light of the statement, discuss the significance of Indian Space Association in providing an impetus to space technology in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Man and machine both have an important role in national security and making urban areas secure. In this context, discuss how technology is a major stakeholder in addressing the internal security challenges of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"National Security Guard (NSG) has emerged as a formidable force equipped to handle various manifestations of terrorism. Discuss the mandate and achievements of this force. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do you understand by asset monetisation? Why is it needed in India? In this context, discuss the issues that need to be addressed for the National Monetisation Pipeline to succeed. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"What is social stock exchange (SSE)? Discuss the need for setting up of SSEs and key challenges in their effective implementation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the context of India, highlight the importance of agriculture extension. What are the challenges faced in provisioning of agriculture extension services? How does the National Mission on Agricultural Extension & Technology (NMAET) address these issues? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Clearly delineate the 'employment problem' that India currently faces. Also, explain the fundamental reasons behind existence of this problem. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Although steps have been taken for integrating the dispersed logistics activities of maritime trade, much more needs to be done to make India a maritime powerhouse Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Accounting for natural capital and ecosystem services is crucial to understand the link between the economy and environment. Discuss with specific references to India's initiatives in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Rapid and unplanned urbanisation accompanied by population growth have increased both the risk and impact of natural disasters. Discuss the statement along with adequate measures to address the relevant concerns in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"National Hydrogen Mission can be a game changer for India's rising energy demands. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Despite geo-strategic instability of its region and a keen awareness of the cyber threat it faces, India has made only 'modest progress' in developing its policy and doctrine for cyberspace security. Critically examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Developmental interventions alone cannot play a defining role in the resolution of existing and protracted internal conflicts in various parts of India within a reasonable time frame. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1292,"topper":"Anshu Priya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b838a-500582_1516_anshu-priya_rank16.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"People's indifference is the best breeding ground for corruption to grow.\" Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"In the context of COVID-19 pandemic, discuss the importance of Emotional Intelligence among healthcare workers. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Ethics does its work in the world by granting and withdrawing legitimacy. Discuss in the context of role of ethics in international relations. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or the darkness of destructive selfishness. – Martin Luther King Jr. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":1293,"topper":"Anshu Priya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e2bb6-500582_1865_anshu-priya_rank16.pdf","questions":[{"page":15,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) Enlightenment is man's emergence from his self-incurred immaturity. - Immanuel Kant (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":1294,"topper":"Anshu Priya","air":16,"year":2021,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1ca2e-500582_1420_anshu-priya_rank16.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1295,"topper":"Anshul","air":22,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/20/air-22-anshul-bhatt_test-5_gs1.pdf","questions":[{"page":21,"question":"9 David E. Bloom in his work 'Demographic transition in East Asia' has show the positive relation between development and population","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Ans4 \"Does flapping of wings of a butterfly in Brazil affects the storm in Texas\" - Lorenzo.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"1b Geographical and Economic factors that influence the location of sugar industry","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"Qn. 1 Dry land farming refers to production\na) ways in areas deficient in water.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1296,"topper":"Anshul","air":22,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/23/air-22-anshul-bhatt_test-1_gs1.pdf","questions":[{"page":35,"question":"Features of ocean floor and their significance in the study of oceanography","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1297,"topper":"Anshul","air":22,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/19/air-22-anshul-bhatt_test-6_gs2.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Why independent India failed to solve disputes","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Reason for law's explicit mention of Right to Health","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"Ramification of population based ramification in federal tensions","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Transparency International describes corruption as the abuse of entrusted power for private gain?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1298,"topper":"Anshul","air":22,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/22/air-22-anshul-bhatt_test-3_gs3.pdf","questions":[{"page":34,"question":"Impact of irrigation on environment and natural resources","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Importance of Mangrove in maintaining tropical ecology","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1299,"topper":"ANSHUL BHAT","air":22,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/6/air-22-anshul-bhatt_test-1_gs1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1300,"topper":"ANSHUL BHAT","air":22,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/2/air-22-anshul-bhatt_test-5_gs1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1301,"topper":"ANSHUL BHAT","air":22,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/4/air-22-anshul-bhatt_test-6_gs2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1302,"topper":"ANSHUL BHAT","air":22,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/5/air-22-anshul-bhatt_test-3_gs3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1303,"topper":"ANSHUL BHAT","air":22,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/21/air-22-anshul-bhatt_test-4_gs4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1304,"topper":"ANSHUL BHAT","air":22,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/1/air-22-anshul-bhatt_test-4_gs4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1305,"topper":"ANSHUL BHAT","air":22,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/18/air-22-anshul-bhatt_test-8_gs4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1306,"topper":"ANSHUL BHAT","air":22,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/3/air-22-anshul-bhatt_test-8_gs4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1307,"topper":"Anshul Bhatt","air":22,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ANSHUL-BHATT-UPSC-2023-Rank-22-AWFG-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1308,"topper":"Anshul Bhatt","air":22,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ANSHUL-BHATT-UPSC-2023-Rank-22-AWFG-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1309,"topper":"Anshul Bhatt","air":22,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ANSHUL-BHATT-UPSC-2023-Rank-22-AWFG-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1310,"topper":"Anshul Hindal","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ANSHUL-HINDAL-UPSC-2023-Rank-48-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Institutions reflect the cultural values of the societies in which they are established.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"He who has a 'why' to live for, can bear almost any 'how'.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The power of perception shapes our understanding of reality.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The tree that would grow to heaven must send its roots to hell.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"One health approach: a call for ecological equity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Culture can unite what history and geography has divided.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Social evils have not completely left the ground, instead are changing their form.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1311,"topper":"Anshul Hindal","air":48,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0deaa-364372_2488_anshul_hindal_rank_48.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1312,"topper":"Anshul Hindal","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ANSHUL-HINDAL-UPSC-2023-Rank-48-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"In many ways, the Spanish civil war was the opening act of WWII. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"How will you explain the different fates of Buddhism and Jainism despite a slew of similarities in the two religions? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Non-Cooperation Movement democratized India's freedom struggle but suffered from inherent limitations. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Critically analyse the efficacy of linguistic reorganization of states in addressing the reasons for linguistic divides in post-independent India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Briefly discuss the role of plate tectonics theory in explaining the location of volcanoes. Also, explain the multifarious impacts of volcanoes on the surrounding regions. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Taking further the success of Aspirational Districts Programme, Aspirational Blocks can help achieve the twin objectives of balanced growth and checking stress migration. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Describe the critical factors for location of defense industries and suggest measures to overcome the challenges. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"To what extent can Socio-Economic-Caste Census (SECC) address the challenges in achieving equitable resource allocation and targeted welfare? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Indian society is premised on some common values that give it a composite texture as well as some diverse practices that deepen its heterogeneity. Elucidate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What are the factors that influence population growth in the country? In this perspective, examine the relevance and need of raising the minimum marriageable age of women for population development. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Bring out the reasons behind the tribal unrest in British India. Also, analyze the reasons for their limited success. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The independence of India was not a result of a forced expulsion of the Empire, as desired by the Quit India Movement; it was rather a confluence of domestic politics and global circumstances. Analyze. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Explain why Sufism, a liberal reform movement in Islam could deepen its roots in the Indian sub-continent, despite Islam being a foreign religion? Also, bring out the impacts of Sufism on Indian society. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Enumerate the reasons behind rising intensity and frequency of cyclones in the Arabian Sea in recent years. Giving special reference to NDMA guidelines, recommend measures to check the adverse impacts of cyclones. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Examine the impacts of climate change on the hydrological cycle and suggest suitable mitigation and adaptation strategies to contain the harmful implications. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Defining continental shelf, highlight its resource potential and ecological significance. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Rooted in patriarchal values, gender-based violence, in all its manifestations, is antithetical to societal growth. Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The caste calculus in the Indian society remains predominant and continues to project its shadow on social, political, and economic domains. Do you agree? Substantiate your answer. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss various factors contributing to the water woes faced by Indian cities. Also, explain complexities in implementing a comprehensive water management plan. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Though important elements of group identity, religion and region also run the risk of deepening communal cleavages. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1313,"topper":"Anshul Hindal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/eddfa-364372_2423_anshul-hindal_rank_48.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With suitable examples, discuss how environmental pressure groups enhance public participation and responsiveness with regard to environmental policies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The recent acknowledgment of sex work as a 'profession' by the Supreme Court is merely the first step in ensuring basic rights and equality for sex workers in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the role played by District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) in providing free legal aid and disseminating legal awareness in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"The collegium system has become a victim of its own success, with the concentration of power in the hands of a few, leading to questions about its legitimacy.\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Civil services reforms must go beyond recruitment and standardised training to cope with the present day challenges. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Outcome-based finance models such as social impact bonds have the potential to truly catalyse change and deliver socio-economic impact at scale. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The wide gap between the number of females graduating every year and those entering the workspace is an issue of paramount importance that needs to be addressed. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"An up to date and functional Civil Registration System (CRS) is essential to the socio-economic planning in India. Discuss in the light of the recent move of the Central government in revamping the CRS system in the country. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What are the key areas of reform if the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has to align with the current economic realities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In recent years, India's relationship with West Asia has evolved from the confines of geopolitics to expanse of geoeconomics. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The role of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) is significant in furthering healthy competitiveness aimed at inspiring stakeholders to innovate and augment effectiveness. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"\"The menace of paid news often rears its ugly head during elections.\" Discuss the need for making paid news an electoral offence in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the 'Doctrine of Essentiality' referred to by the courts in the context of religious practices in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"As per the recently released report of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), there is an urgent need to limit the size of the government in India. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The Institutions of Eminence (IoE) scheme was conceived to develop 'world-class' centres of higher education in India but six years later, it is yet to become the game changer it was intended to be. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) allows for innovative and convenient public services, help overcome inclusion or accessibility barriers, and increase transparency and accountability with real-time data. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Besides legislation, the full realisation of the 'right to health for all' in India demands plugging of social, financial, and infrastructural gaps. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The 'third gender' has not yet been engendered in the Indian society despite legislative nudge. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Among other factors, strained ties with China and Pakistan make it difficult for India to fulfill its expectations from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"The recently concluded initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) between the United States and India promises a long overdue transformation of their partnership in the field of technology. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1314,"topper":"Anshul Hindal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/03252-364372_2424_anshul-hindal_rank_48.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What are the different dimensions of food security? Examine India's status in terms of ensuring food security with regard to these dimensions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Modern technologies such as blockchain and ChatGPT are powerful tools with immense potential to transform agriculture into a more efficient and sustainable sector. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What factors have led to the recent acceleration in the trend towards de-dollarization of the global economy? Do you think the dollar will lose its dominance anytime soon? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Despite significant pressure from the developed countries to alter its food subsidy regime, there is merit in India trying to retain its policy support for the poor in the country. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Several initiatives have been taken by the government towards addressing India's water needs, but the issues of water availability and water quality still warrant prioritised intervention. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What are the major drivers of glacial retreat in the Arctic? Describe the potential impact of the retreat of Arctic glaciers on the ecosystem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Space tourism, which was viewed as something straight out of a science fiction movie, is now becoming a reality albeit not without hindrances. What are the challenges associated with space tourism? What measures can be taken to address these challenges? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Global health experts widely believe that the development of CAR-T cell therapy can be a game changer in the treatment of cancer. How can CAR-T cell therapy overcome the limitations of CRISPR-Cas9 technology? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss why the rising deployment of new and emerging technologies by prominent violent extremist organizations demand concerted global efforts. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"With the Line of Actual Control (LAC) remaining tense after the Galwan and Yangste incidents and both India and China ramping up infrastructure in the border areas, discuss the role that ITBP plays in the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Do you think there is a need for a shift from 'land productivity' to 'irrigation water productivity' in India? Justify your answer. What are the challenges in making this shift? Explain. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Examine the role that green hydrogen can play in unlocking the energy security of India. How can the National Green Hydrogen Mission help India in achieving its energy goals? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The government has been weighing a transition from minimum wage to living wage in recent times. What are the benefits and constraints in the adoption of living wage in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The Union Budget affects almost every sector of the Indian economy, yet neither the budgetary processes nor the budget policies come under substantial public scrutiny. Do you agree? Justify your answer. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"India has been able to transform itself from a milk deficit country to the world's biggest milk producer, but the productivity of dairy animals in the country remains a concern. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"While climate change is responsible for crop failures, the agricultural sector itself is partly responsible for extreme weather events. Discuss. What strategy has been adopted under National Agriculture Disaster Management Plan to strengthen the resilience of the farming community in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Some regions in India, including Delhi, are highly vulnerable to the impact of earthquakes originating in the Himalayas. Discuss. What institutional measures have been taken to mitigate earthquake losses in India? Do you think there are significant gaps that still exist? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Recently, scientists announced net energy gain in nuclear fusion reaction, which is considered as a major scientific breakthrough for the future of clean energy. What are the advantages of nuclear fusion based power generation? What are the limitations in using it to generate electricity at a commercial scale? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Keeping in view the recent amendment, examine the efficacy of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, in tackling the menace of money laundering in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Discuss the security threats present in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), which have a direct bearing on India's maritime border interests. Suggest a robust strategy to deal with these threats. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1315,"topper":"Anshul Hindal","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ANSHUL-HINDAL-UPSC-2023-Rank-48-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the role of the 'Fourth Estate' in upholding democratic values and analyse the issues affecting press freedom in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The electoral process, though inclusionary in theory, has been pointed out for exclusionary tendencies in practice. Analyse, with special emphasis on role of women in India's representative electoral system. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Assess the effectiveness of Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 in resolution of river- water disputes. Also describe the potential impact of delays in resolution of water disputes. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the significance of the cooperative model of development in addressing the issues of rural growth. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"In order to pass the ultimate test of good governance, welfare state should be close to the people, responsive to their aspirations, and inclusive in its approach. Discuss with special reference to PM PVTG Development Mission. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"To what extent collaboration between the state and civil society organizations (CSOs) help in addressing poverty and malnutrition in the country? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Absence of a robust social infrastructure in the country may become one of the most significant challenges in achieving a developed status by 2047. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Though the changing paradigm towards dialogue and diplomacy in West Asia augurs well for India's interests in this otherwise restive region, presence of inimical actors may reverse the gains. (10 marks, 150 words) Explain.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Water diplomacy can redefine the contours of regional cooperation in South Asia. Discuss with special reference to Indus water treaty 1960. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Despite constitutional backing to the institutions of local governance, the idea of decentralisation has remained hostage to several structural bottlenecks. Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Critically analyse the role of National Commission for Women (NCW) in wake of its mandate to safeguard women's rights and uphold their socio-economic wellbeing. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Understanding the extent, source, and complexity of deprivations among the multidimensionally poor contributes to more informed policymaking. In this context, analyze the latest National Multidimensional Poverty Index Report by NITI Aayog. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Safely managed drinking water services, as desired by Jal Jeevan Mission, are designated to give multifarious benefits cutting across generations. Discuss. Also, elaborate upon the challenges in ensuring the mission's success. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Legislation like Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989 remains mere legal documents without intense sensitization of public functionaries and the civil society. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Harbinger of global rebalancing, India-Africa ties are a beacon of inclusive, sustainable, and equitable world. Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How do ASEAN centrality, rules-based order, and development partnership with Pacific Island states make Indo-Pacific a theatre of opportunity for India? What are the hurdles in realisation of an inclusive Indo-Pacific construct? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1316,"topper":"Anshul Hindal","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ANSHUL-HINDAL-UPSC-2023-Rank-48-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Celebrity endorsements raise pertinent ethical concerns about responsibility that delve into the realm of ethical considerations of social influence that run deeper than mere surface appeal. In this context, suggest measures to tackle the ethical challenges of celebrity brand endorsements. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Embracing a scientific mindset involves setting aside impulsive inclinations in favor of the pursuit of truth. In your view, how does the integration of scientific thinking contribute to addressing contemporary challenges and promoting societal progress? How can we effectively cultivate a scientific attitude in society? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"In the realm of professional conduct, ethics plays a role that tends to go far beyond fulfilling the roles and responsibilities of the job with diligence and honesty. But some people consider professional competence as the only critical requirement for a job. If faced with a choice, who would you prefer to hire - someone with professional competence or one with strong moral values? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Patriotism can hold different meanings for different people, often shaped by personal experiences and convictions. What does patriotism mean to you? Explain narrating incidents from your life when you exhibited patriotism. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Max Weber's concept of bureaucracy was developed in the early 20th century, but it still influences administrative structures today. In what ways do you see Weberian bureaucracy as relevant in today's rapidly changing world? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Global challenges often test the ethical fiber of nations, urging them to channel narrow pursuit of national-interest into an enlightened self-interest.\" Enumerating the various ethical principles underlying the concept of enlightened national-interest examine its efficacy in helping nations navigate the fine line between pursuing their strategic interests and upholding ethical principles, particularly in times of conflict? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In the realm of governance, a crucial aspect is the art of persuasion. The qualities that make civil servants proficient persuaders empower them to fulfill their responsibilities in an effective manner. Discuss with illustrations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Corruption has multifaceted implications. Some consider it an undeniable vice, while others contend it to be an unavoidable necessity for navigating the bureaucratic complexities. In your opinion, does corruption oil or corrode the gears of development? Substantiate your arguments. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Ethical hacking and malicious hacking stand as divergent paths with distinct intentions and consequences. As technology advances, it becomes imperative to comprehend the nuances that set these practices apart in the cybersecurity landscape. In this perspective, elucidate the principles that differentiate ethical hacking and malicious hacking. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What does each of the following quotation mean to you? a) \"Our greatest ability as humans is not to change the world, but to change ourselves.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":36,"question":"Manoj ke mata-pita mein kin gunon ki kami hai? b) kisi vyakti ke kaun se gun use aatmahatya jaisa charam kadam uthane se rok sakte hain? c) kes studi mein darshaye anusar shiksha pranali ke sath vibhinn naitik mudde kya hain? (20 ank, 250 shabd)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"What are the key ethical concerns present in the above case study? b) According to you between the twin objectives of development and conservation what should be given more priority and why? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":59,"question":"Mr X is travelling by road with his family to attend a marriage ceremony. His grandfather, who is the head of the family is also travelling with him. On the way to their destination, all of them stop at a road side restaurant for lunch. This is a well-known restaurant owned by one of the friends of Mr X. The place is known for its tasty and hygienic food. However, the grandfather notices a picture on the wall of the restaurant and enquires about the religion of the restaurant owner. Mr X's friend belongs to a religion different from the grandfather's religion. The grandfather has a negative attitude towards the religion of Mr X's friend and he insists that he will not eat in that restaurant. He demands that the entire family should leave the restaurant immediately as they are travelling for a happy occasion and eating at this particular restaurant will pollute them. Mr X tries to calm down his grandfather and explain to him that religion has nothing to do with purity or pollution. He also reasons that several travel magazines have rated the restaurant highly, especially for its superior hygiene standards. Also, he points out that there is no restaurant in the way for the next 100 Km and it will be difficult for all to make do without food for that long. However, his arguments fall on deaf years, and which is more his grandfather admonishes him for bringing the family to the restaurant despite being aware about the religion of the owner. Mr X's friend feels insulted and discriminated against due to his religion. Mr X's father is upset but refuses to say anything out of respect for the grandfather. Entire family is embarrassed by the attitude of the grandfather and they are getting ready to leave the restaurant. Mr X is confused regarding how he should act in this situation. a) What are the various ethical issues in the above case study? b) Imagine yourself in the place of Mr X. Evaluate the different courses of actions available with you. What is the most suitable course of action? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":1317,"topper":"Anshul Hindal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8c83c-364372_1494_anshul_hindal_rank_48.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by probity in governance? Explain, with examples, how it enhances transparency and accountability in the administration. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Differentiating between empathy and compassion, discuss the importance of compassion towards weaker sections of society in the administration. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Ethics may, at times, seem to be in conflict with law and vice-versa. Discuss with suitable examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Explaining the concept of Emotional Intelligence, highlight its role in administration. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Examine the relevance of the following in the context of civil services: (a) Integrity and Honesty (b) Objectivity and Neutrality (c) Impartiality and Non-partisanship (d) Accountability and Responsibility","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Is it always morally wrong to lie? Justify your stand with relevant examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Bring out the difference between Attitude and Aptitude. What type of attitude is expected of civil servants in India, in your view? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"How can one use Gandhiji's talisman for resolving ethical dilemmas in day-to-day life? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"People's attitudes are shaped by their social experience and circumstances. Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Explain the following terms with suitable examples. (a) Beliefs (b) Values (c) Norms (d) Principles (e) Morals","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Though utilitarianism is one of the most influential moral theories, it is criticized on many grounds. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"What are the various types of ethical dilemmas faced by a civil servant in India? Highlight the key elements of strategies used to resolve these dilemmas. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You have joined as a reporter in a newly launched news channel. This choice was based on the assurance given by channel's management that it would emerge as the voice of the downtrodden. While working on various assignments, you reported political incidents and covered national stories as instructed by the organization. But later you come to know that the channel was targeting particular individuals, rather than serving its stated mission. The reporters were also pressurised to go out of the way to accomplish the organisation's wishes. Given the economic slowdown, most reporters complied with these directives. Some who left the job, also did not blow the whistle against the organisation fearing lack of other employment opportunities. Recently, you have also been assigned a similar task by the organisation. In this context, (a) Identify the various ethical issues involved in this case. (b) You tried to convince the management to change its functioning and work as per its assurance given earlier but to no avail. In such a scenario, consider the options given below:","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Follow the task given by the organisation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Blow the whistle on the organisation's working. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each of these options and suggest your preferred course of action, giving reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"You are the District Magistrate of a hilly district, which has recently been struck by flash floods and landslides causing supply routes to be cut off. It is brought to your notice that shopkeepers in the area are taking advantage of the situation by exorbitantly increasing the prices of various goods. One example is the case of a dhaba charging Rs, 250 for a paratha citing supply constraints. Others have also been reported to be charging exorbitant prices for transportation and other services. Given the difficult situation, there have also been issues of law and order where people have resorted to picketing of shops in retaliation to the increased prices. On enquiring, representatives of shopkeepers argue that since supply is constrained, prices are bound to increase. They further argue that higher prices are, in fact, helpful in ensuring judicious use of goods and services that are most urgently needed during emergencies. (a) Identify the various issues from the perspective of different stakeholders involved. (b) What will be the course of action you will undertake? Justify your stand with relevant arguments.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate in your home state. Recently, rumours have started doing rounds in your office regarding your closeness with one of the businessmen in your district who happens to be your close childhood friend. The basis of the rumours is an expensive motorbike that he has gifted to your son on his birthday. Although exchange of gifts has been happening between his family and yours for many years, but this year, it has caught public eye owing to your posting in the same district. In this context, answer the following: (a) Highlight the difference between an acceptable gift and a bribe for a civil servant. (b) Give an account of the ethical issues present in the given case. (c) What would be your course of action in this scenario?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"It has been argued that ethics in journalism is on a downward spiral. This is most evident in the case of media trials. There are glaring instances of yellow journalism, wherein the media bothers little about authenticity of sources, and sensationalises news to increase TRPs and gain more audience. At times, the electronic media in particular, has been found to be functioning as parallel courts, indulging in direct allegations and public vilification of the accused. In this context: (a) Discuss the various issues associated with yellow journalism. (b) What principles, in your view, need to be followed to make sure that media glare does not turn into a media trial?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"India is one of the biggest fairness product markets in the world. A number of firms produce, advertise and sell fairness creams, marketed mainly as whitening products in the country. At the same time there have been many debates on this issue, particularly in recent times, with many arguing that such advertisements should be banned altogether. In this context, answer the following: (a) What are the ethical issues involved in advertising of fairness products? (b) Highlight the consequences of preference for light-skinned people in a society like India? (c) Do you think such issues are better tackled at the societal level rather than regulating advertisements through legal and administrative measures?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":56,"question":"Consequences of preference for light skinned people in a society like India.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1318,"topper":"Anshul Hindal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/99f15-364372_2425_anshul_hindal_rank_48.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"For effective corporate governance to take place in the coming years, why is it important to integrate the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics with the multi-stakeholder approach? What benefits can be accrued by such integration? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In acts of corruption, the focus is often only on the demand side of the equation, on public officials who abuse their office for private gain. Frequently, the supply side is given less attention. Those who pay bribes are sometimes depicted as innocent parties and victims of extortionary practices of wily public servants. Do you agree that 'collusive corruption', in which there is a willing bribe-giver, is a formidable challenge for institutions fighting corruption? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Citizens' Charters initiative was a response to the quest for solving the problems, which a citizen encountered, day in and day out, while dealing with the organisations providing public services. But the introduction and implementation of Citizens' Charters in the government of India has been difficult due to the old bureaucratic set up and the rigid attitudes of the work force. Discuss the major obstacles that have been encountered in implementing the Citizens' Charter initiative. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Quality of public service delivery is a major determinant of the quality of life of vulnerable sections in a highly unequal society divided along the lines of class, caste, religion, etc. In this background, do you think that public service delivery is efficient and sufficient enough to improve the lives of vulnerable groups in India? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own.\" - Lao Tzu (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"If ethics are poor at the top, that behavior is copied down through the organization.\" - Robert Noyce (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"The end of law is not to abolish or restrain, but to preserve and enlarge freedom.\" - John Locke (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Wealthy CEOs and founders of successful businesses around the world are increasingly pledging to give away their wealth in philanthropy. Do you think that such a move is sufficient enough to bring about a positive change in the society? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"As organizations across the globe begin their artificial intelligence (AI) transformation, the leap into the AI era is expected to be more challenging than any technology that businesses have grappled with yet. In this background, discuss the concerns around fairness, transparency, and job security that may arise. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The emphasis of Swami Dayanand Saraswati on education, social equality, and ethical values continues to influence the socio-cultural discourse in contemporary India. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Emotional intelligence may not be singularly associated with emotions or intelligence. It can also include a broad range of personality characteristics that might predict success in professional and everyday life. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":48,"question":"Additionally, companies like BMW, Volvo, Google and Korean battery maker Samsung SDI, vowed in a statement to not buy metals produced from deep-sea mining until the environmental risks of the activity are \"comprehensively understood.\" In the context of the above-stated information, address the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the given case study? (b) How can the vision of economic development of a nation be achieved without adversely affecting the sustainability of oceans? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1319,"topper":"Anshul Hindal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/24588-364372_1512_anshul_hindal_rank_48.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Persuasion plays an important role in public administration. Discuss. Also highlight the various elements of effective persuasion. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"\"Never do anything against the conscience even if the state demands it.\" In this context, discuss the role of conscience in taking ethical decisions in administration. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Raja Ram Mohan Roy's liberal views on social and religious issues have much relevance in present day India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The moral circle of humanity has been expanding constantly over time. Discuss in this context whether non-human entities should have the same rights as humans beings. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"Each individual is capable of transforming his immediate environment by attempting a radical transformation inside him\". - J Krishnamurti (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"True compassion means not only feeling another's pain but also being moved to help relieve it\" - Daniel Goleman (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"An important requisite for ensuring probity in governance is absence of corruption. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The right to information (RTI) and the right to privacy (RTP) complement each other in holding the government accountable to the people, however, in cases of conflict, they can be reconciled keeping public interest in mind. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Explain the ethical issues involved in spending government funds for advertisement campaigns and publicity. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Explaining the concept of political neutrality, discuss its significance in administration. Also, highlight how the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules seek to ensure political neutrality in the civil services. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"In light of the recurring issues, there is a constant need to search for better ethical frameworks and models of corporate governance. Discuss with adequate examples and evidence in support of your arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":1320,"topper":"Anshul Hindal","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/12EB4RX00oWhW66tk8K-CKZDpHojMt79K/view","questions":[]},{"id":1321,"topper":"Anshul Hindal","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1woxHWdgxKUkfmnyKrHrj4RQuh4t3Aw7B/view","questions":[]},{"id":1322,"topper":"Anshul Hindal","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tUBSjBUdc4O7d2QmvHJ-YKF4f5_eGqVz/view","questions":[]},{"id":1323,"topper":"Anshul Hindal","air":48,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0c51d-364372_2298_anshul_hindal_rank_48.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Indian state shifted has from socialist state to liberal state post 1991. Analyse the impact of market led approach to development in the last three decades.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"The Constitution of India was adopted to force the pace of social and material renaissance in India as a step towards social change and nation building. Explain.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Though slums vary from one type to another, but certain general patterns of slums are universal. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Women's movements in India are often accused of having a narrow middle-class base. Evaluate the statement in terms of leadership & issues of these movements.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"What is the relationship between political elites and the business community in India, and how does this impact economic growth and development in the country?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Although participation of the private sector in education is today the need of the hour, nevertheless certain concerns are expressed regarding the rapid growth of educational institutions under private management. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"The entire family system will be under great stress if marital rape is brought under law. In the light of this statement, critically discuss the necessity of criminalising marital rape in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"Planning is commitment to concentrated actions. It is adjustment of social institutions to new social, economic and political conditions. In this context discuss planning as an agent of social change.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"Rapid urbanization is antithetical to sustainable development. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Politicisation of religion is threat to Indian democracy. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Child labour is a crime committed by few, but the whole society is responsible. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"\"Manual scavenging is a stink that never washes off\". In the light of this statement, provide the reasons for the unabated existence of manual scavenging in Indian society and suggest possible solutions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"Government accountability for the consequences of state-imposed displacement has been virtually absent. Discuss social and cultural implications of displacement for the displaced communities in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Of all the developmental programmes introduced during post-independence period, the Green Revolution is considered to have been the most successful. Critically analyse this statement.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1324,"topper":"Anshul Hindal","air":48,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ec89f-364372_2300_anshul_hindal_rank_48.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1325,"topper":"Anshul Hindal","air":48,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d3d49-364372_2301_anshul_hindal_rank_48.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Considering the impact of globalization, examine the evolving scope of sociology and how it has adapted to study and address contemporary social issues.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Methodology encompasses a system of rules, principles, and procedures that form the basis of scientific investigation. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss the role of socialization and cultural transmission in shaping conformist and deviant behavior among individuals.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the role of reliability and validity in a sociological research.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"\"The fate of our times is characterized by rationalization and intellectualization and, above all, by the disenchantment of the world.\" How far is the Weber's statement valid in today's society?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"How far do you agree that Euro-centric theories of social stratification have not been able to fully capture the complexities and nuances of India's diverse and stratified society?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Social movements are collective actions to bring or to resist social change. Differentiate between Old and new social movements.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"Sampling is a convenient tool to gather information about a population, but it can be grossly misleading as well. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"The process of secularisation was greatly aided by transformation of human consciousness triggered by the popularisation of scientific ideas among common people. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"\"Rising divorce rates are indicative of changing attitudes towards marriage and commitment in contemporary societies.\" In light of this, discuss the reasons behind increasing number of divorces in contemporary times.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Structural functionalism views social change as a gradual process of adaptation and equilibrium restoration in societies. Explain.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"Artificial intelligence is changing the relationship between man and technology. Elucidate the role of technology as a medium of social change.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"Investigate the experiences of transgender individuals in India regarding the negotiation of self-identity. How do cultural attitudes and legal recognition influence their sense of self and belonging?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"The course of human history involves a progressive development of the means of production paralleled by a corresponding increase in human alienation. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1326,"topper":"Anshul Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/ANSHUL_SINGH_SS_GS_1_AIR_873_40e7c95f4d.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"The evolution of temple architecture in India illustrates the synthesis of art, religion, and polity. Illustrate with suitable examples from South India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The rise and development of the new religious ideas in the 6th B.C India have brought significant changes to contemporary social life. Do you agree? Justify using examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Under colonialism, India's traditional economic structure was reoriented to fit into the economic needs of industrial Britain. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are Western disturbances? Explain their role in influencing the weather patterns of northern India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discuss the non-conventional energy potential of peninsular India with relevant examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Why are most of India's iron and steel plants concentrated in the eastern and central parts of the country? Illustrate with examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"In contemporary India, marriage is increasingly perceived as a personal choice rather than a societal obligation. Enumerate the socio-economic forces behind this transformation and assess its potential impact on family structure. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Analyse to what extent does regionalism contributes to the deepening of decentralization in India? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the potential socio-political implications of implementing a nationwide caste census. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The Lucknow Pact of 1916 was both a high point of Hindu-Muslim unity and a harbinger of future communal divisions. Comment (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"While the Bhakti and Sufi movements emerged from different religious milieus, their convergence lay in the realm of devotion and dissent.\" Examine the socio-religious significance of their interaction in medieval India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Contrast the approaches of Sardar Patel and Jawaharlal Nehru in handling princely states and regional integration. How did their differing visions shape the evolution of the Indian Union? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"The American Civil War was not just a political conflict but a clash of two divergent economic systems. Substantiate (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"What are marine heatwaves? Examine the causes of the increasing frequency of marine heatwaves. How do they influence the onset of the summer monsoon in India? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Assess the effectiveness of tribal development programmes in India. Why do tribal areas continue to experience developmental setbacks, and what are the challenges? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"\"As the world's water towers melt, the risk of water stress increases.\" Discuss how the Himalayan glaciers' retreat could redefine freshwater availability and regional hydropolitics in South Asia. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Despite increasing participation of women in the professional workforce, their presence in top leadership remains minimal. Examine the interplay of societal norms and workplace structures in perpetuating this gender gap. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"The phenomenon of 'livability atrophy' in Indian cities reflects the widening gap between urban expansion and quality of life. Examine the causes and consequences of this trend, and suggest measures to make urban growth more humane and sustainable. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Define transnationalism and examine the factors that have led to the increasing global interconnectedness of diaspora communities. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Communalism in India, rooted in historical legacies and socio-economic inequalities, continues to undermine social cohesion and national integration. Discuss with examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1327,"topper":"Anshul Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/ANSHUL_SINGH_SS_GS_2_AIR_873_5b0c98a9a2.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"'Constitutional morality' is not a natural sentiment in India but has to be cultivated. Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer with relevant examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Supreme Court's recent invocation of Article 142 to confer 'deemed assent' to state bills raises critical questions about the separation of powers. Critically examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The impartiality of the Speaker of Lok Sabha is central to the integrity of the legislative process. Explain with relevant examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"How does the Sixth Schedule balance tribal autonomy with national integration? Evaluate its success and limitations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Explain how Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, while aiming to safeguard privacy, risks weakening the transparency framework established by the Right to Information Act, 2005. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms offer a viable solution to India's overburdened judiciary. Enumerate the types of ADR mechanisms in India and analyze their advantages over conventional litigation. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Examine how Community-based financial institutions promote responsive governance and address structural inequalities, especially for marginalized women. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Despite their intended purpose, Citizen's Charters in India have fallen short in transforming administration into a citizen-centric service system. Do you agree? Justify your answer. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Mauritius remains the 'Star and Key' to the Indian Ocean for India. Analyze the geopolitical significance of Mauritius in India's Indian Ocean strategy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Discuss the constitutional and statutory provisions governing the disqualification of Members of Parliament in India. How effective are they in upholding the integrity of the legislature? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"India's fiscal federalism is heavily vertical, transactional, and tax-centric. In light of this, critically examine the case for institutionalizing \"resource federalism\" to ensure more equitable and autonomous state-level economic development. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"While India has a structured but rarely used process for the removal of judges, the UK emphasizes ministerial responsibility and in-house mechanisms. Compare and evaluate these approaches in maintaining judicial accountability. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Despite being part of the Directive Principles, the Uniform Civil Code remains unrealised at the national level. Examine the factors behind the delay and suggest potential measure for its national implementation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Judicial recognition of intra-caste inequality within Scheduled Castes opens new debates in affirmative action policies. Examine the challenges and opportunities this poses for social justice in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"AI-driven education can play a transformative role in achieving the goals of New Education Policy 2020. Discuss the opportunities and challenges in integrating Artificial Intelligence into India's education system. What safeguards are needed to ensure its safe deployment? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Discuss the role of targeted welfare schemes for nomadic communities in achieving inclusive development. What are the implementation bottlenecks and how can they be resolved? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"\"Cultural diplomacy through diaspora outreach has emerged as a soft power tool in India's global engagement strategy.\" Evaluate the strengths and limitations of diaspora-led cultural diplomacy in advancing India's national interest. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"How have the growing tensions between the U.S., Israel, and Iran affected regional stability in West Asia? In this context, evaluate the key considerations for India's foreign policy to safeguard its interests in West Asia. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"With overlapping geographical and strategic interests, ASEAN-BIMSTEC cooperation can enhance Indo-Pacific connectivity and resilience. Analyze the institutional, political, and external challenges that impede this collaboration. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1328,"topper":"Anshul Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/ANSHUL_SINGH_SS_GS_4_AIR_873_c47492502f.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"\"Integrity in isolation may ensure honesty, but without impartiality and non-partisanship, governance cannot be ethical.\" Evaluate the interdependence of these foundational values in the context of public service. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"\"The essence of ethics in human actions involves a balance between individual autonomy and societal norms\". Examine this statement by exploring how ethical frameworks reconcile personal freedom with social responsibility. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Is conscience a universal moral compass, or is it shaped by society and upbringing? Illustrate with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"How can the ethical principles rooted in ancient Indian philosophy serve as a guide for policymakers and administrators in balancing development with ecological sustainability? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context? (a) Cultivation of mind should be the ultimate aim of human existence.—Dr. B. R. Ambedkar (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"Technology is ethically neutral until we apply it.\" Discuss this statement with reference to the ethical challenges posed by artificial intelligence and data privacy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Rules and procedures are essential for institutional functioning. However, they are not substitutes for ethical leadership and value-based discretion. Justify your answer with examples from public administration. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Is it ethically justified for youth to remain apolitical in a democracy if politics determines the moral fabric of society? Critically examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Explain three moral dilemmas commonly faced by civil servants. Provide ethical frameworks to resolve them effectively. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"\"Sporting fairness and gender inclusivity are often on a collision course.\" Discuss the ethical dimensions involved in allowing transgender athletes to participate in women's sports. Should fairness outweigh inclusion? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"How can Buddhist principles guide public servants in maintaining a balance between personal well-being and professional responsibilities in high-pressure governance environments? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":1329,"topper":"ANSHUL YADAV","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/ANSHUL-YADAV-UPSC-2024-Rank-473-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"How far do you agree that a robust domestic demand is the most important driver of India's economic growth? What are other factors that influence the growth trajectory of the country? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Macroeconomic stability is not solely dependent on the quantity of foreign exchange reserves, but also on the strategy and sources on which they are built. Discuss in an Indian context. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"DPI (Digital Public Infrastructure) is a critical enabler of digital transformation for both businesses and citizens; however, it comes with its own set of challenges. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The skewed emphasis on certain crops has distorted the cropping pattern in India, which has led to grave socio-economic and environmental consequences. Elaborate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Private participation in propelling India's space journey is widely acknowledged but is yet to be fully tapped. In light of the statement, analyse the hurdles faced by the private sector and also recommend measures to unlock greater private participation in the space economy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"With recent advances in technology, robots are now equipped to perform more than just conventional and routine tasks, which brings new opportunities as well as risks. In this context, evaluate the future potential of the robotics sector. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Technology plays a multidimensional role in augmenting the disaster management apparatus of the country. Discuss. Also, bring out the measures needed to enhance the usage of such technologies in managing disasters. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Outlining the various cyber threats faced by India, assess the state of the country's preparedness to deal with the same. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Explain how the geographical location of India makes it extremely vulnerable to the menace of drug trafficking. What are the various internal security threats posed by drug trafficking? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Inclusive growth is a roadmap to intergenerational equity, redistribution of wealth, and employment generation. Explain. Also, discuss the steps taken by the government towards achieving inclusive growth. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Discuss the significance of Multimodal Transport System in achieving last mile connectivity, improving logistics efficiency, and addressing the twin problems of pollution and congestion. What measures can be taken to ensure efficient multimodal transport connectivity in India? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Highlighting the rationale behind declaring MSP, discuss various issues related to the MSP regime in the country. Also, critically analyse the efficacy of legalizing MSP towards ensuring financial sustainability in farming. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Food Processing Industries (FPIs) can act as a bridge between the informal farming community and the formal industrial sector, which can help boost the rural economy. Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the role of biotechnology in enhancing agricultural productivity. Also, highlight the concerns regarding the application of biotechnology in agriculture. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Discuss the repercussions on marine ecosystem and economy resulting from the combined effects of ocean acidification, ocean warming, and oxygen loss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The invisible nature of groundwater is a major obstacle in the path towards achieving the twin objectives of building climate resilience and meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Despite various efforts, a lasting solution to the insurgency in the north-eastern region of India remains elusive. Analyse the reasons behind the continuation of insurgency in the region. Also, suggest effective measures to tackle it. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"While developmental initiatives have a significant role to play, they alone cannot root out terrorism/militancy in Jammu and Kashmir. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1330,"topper":"Anshuman Raj","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a37e3-22419_1244_anshuman-raj_rank_107.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the need of an Independent Fiscal Council (IFC) in bringing about transparency and accountability in fiscal processes in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Recognizing the potential of exports in generating employment, a number of steps need to be taken to address India's weakening export competitiveness. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlighting the main features of National Mineral Policy, 2019, discuss how it can help in ensuring sustainable and responsible mining. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlighting the salient features of the PM JI-VAN Yojana, analyze how it can assist in achieving the vision and goals of the National Policy on Biofuels, 2018. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) provides an alternative to capital and chemical intensive agriculture currently being practiced in India. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Marine life is facing 'irreparable damage' from the millions of tonnes of plastic waste which ends up in the oceans each year. In this context, examine the implications of plastic pollution on marine ecosystem and suggest some measures for addressing this problem. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are black holes? Highlight the challenges in imaging a black hole? How were these challenges overcome by the Event Horizon Telescope project? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"While mentioning the objectives of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), discuss the challenges which are hindering the utilization of the ATT to its full potential. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Threats to internal security of India may be posed both through the communication networks and also to the networks. Discuss. Also, highlight the steps taken by the government in making the networks more secure. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlight the importance and challenges related to integration of Variable Renewable Energy (VRE) in India. Mention some steps that can be taken for its smooth integration with the synchronized Indian grid. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"There have been arguments that India could fall into a 'middle income trap'. Explaining the phenomenon, highlight the reasons behind such arguments. How can India avoid it? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Highlighting its importance, discuss the major issues that plague effective monetary policy transmission in India. Also, mention the steps taken by RBI to improve it. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight the constraints faced by rainfed agriculture in India. Discuss some agronomic practices that can be adopted for stabilizing agricultural production in rainfed areas. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite the steps taken by the government in recent years, a number of problems continue to persist in the urea sector in India. Discuss. What reforms should be taken to address the persisting problems? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What is Access and Benefit Sharing? Explain how it aids in sustainable use of biodiversity. Also, mention the different global and national level mechanisms for ensuring Access and Benefit Sharing. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Stating the significance, discuss the challenges in achieving disaster resilience of infrastructure. Suggest some ways for mainstreaming it in the development paradigm. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Highlighting the significance of data localization for India, discuss various challenges associated with data localization. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Money Laundering as a socio economic offence is a menace especially for developing countries like India. Comment. What measures have been taken at the domestic and international levels to deal with this menace? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The primary motive of terrorism differs from that of organised crime but there exists a symbiotic relationship between the two. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1331,"topper":"Anshuman Raj","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/cf7b2-22419_1243_anshuman-raj_rank_107.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Reservation of seats in legislature is needed to ensure meaningful political participation of women and to make the democratic process truly inclusive. Discuss the statement in the light of 108th Constitution Amendment Bill. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the issue of reservation in promotions for SCs and STs in public employment in the light of various judicial pronouncements and constitutional amendments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the reasons behind underperformance of the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs). How can their performance be improved? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlighting the rationale behind continuance of the Official Secrets Act, critically discuss whether the Right to Information should be given precedence over it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What is the rationale behind having a mandatory 'cooling-off' period for retired civil servants? In light of numerous instances of violation of this provision, do you think there is a need to have a relook at Civil Services Conduct Rules? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlighting the key features of POSHAN Abhiyan, explain how it is an improvement over previous interventions in achieving the goal of malnutrition free India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Give an account of the challenges that the multilateral rule-based trading system is facing. With special focus on WTO, discuss how these challenges can be addressed effectively. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Highlight the major impediments affecting India-US trade relations. What possible consequences can the recent withdrawal of Generalized System of Preference (GSP) have on India-US trade relations? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"In a democratic setup, it is imperative that independence be balanced with accountability. Discuss in the context of judiciary in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Despite various strengths, there are certain weaknesses in the existing structure of departments of the government which render the system slow and cumbersome. Analyze. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the light of criticism surrounding the composition and functioning of the Rajya Sabha, do you think it exists merely as a secondary house of the Parliament? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Despite legislative changes with respect to funding of political parties in recent years, many challenges still exist with regards to transparency in electoral funding. Discuss. Can state funding of elections help in addressing these challenges? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Successful and long-lasting urban transformation critically depends on reforming the way our cities are governed. In this context, highlight the challenges plaguing urban governance in India and suggest some strategies to overcome those challenges. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Explain the role that SHGs play in poverty alleviation in India. Highlighting the shortcomings of the SHG-Bank Linkage programme, give some suggestions to improve its performance. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Despite initiatives taken by the government in recent years to address the challenges of the Indian higher education system, many reforms are still required to improve its quality and enhance its relevance. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Giving an account of the progress made under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, mention the challenges that it faces in achieving its target. How can the implementation of the programme be fast-tracked? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Island nations of the Indian Ocean hold immense strategic value in shaping the geopolitical contours of the region and ensuring maritime security of India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Development assistance, a key instrument in India's foreign policy, has seen a considerable expansion in the past few years both in its scope and reach. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1332,"topper":"Anshuman Raj","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/eaf29-22419_1242_anshuman-raj_rank_107.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Tribal art in India generally reflects the creative energy found in rural areas that acts as an undercurrent to the craftsmanship. Explain with reference to the Worli and Gond paintings. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Though it had its achievements, the exclusion of Indians from the system was a key feature of judicial reforms introduced by Cornwallis. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Marshall Plan was important in the recovery of the European states from the aftermath of the Second World War. However, it also became a crucial factor in the creation of two Europes i.e. East and West. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Examine the causes behind the existence of bonded labour in contemporary India. Also, discuss the steps that should be taken for its redress. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"State the factors that enhance the risk for initiation or continuation of abuse of drugs by the youth. What measures can be taken to address this issue? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Critically analyze the impact of globalization on culture in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"How do increasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions impact coastal and marine ecosystems? Highlight various measures that can be taken for protection and restoration of such vulnerable ecosystems. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Explain the phenomenon of a Polar Vortex. Also, comment on the reasons as to why tropical areas as south as Florida have been witnessing sub-zero temperatures in recent years. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The most powerful trend of medieval Indian literature is devotional poetry which dominates almost all the major languages of the country. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Discuss the major changes introduced by the Government of India Act, 1919 and its significance as a historical landmark in the Indian freedom struggle. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Multiple factors allowed the British to gain control over India. In this context, highlighting the main developments, trace the course of British conquest of India from 1757 to 1856. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"With India becoming increasingly urban and the urban poor increasing in number, it is imperative that the challenges they face be addressed urgently. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Violations of women's sexual and reproductive health rights are often deeply engrained in societal values and traditions. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by the term Land Degradation Neutrality? Highlight its significance and the steps required to achieve it. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"State the geographical and economic importance of Hindukush-Himalayan region. How are the critical geographical features of this region changing and what possible consequences will it have? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What is the most accepted reasoning behind occurrence of earth's magnetism? Discuss the factors behind its variation temporally and spatially. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Explain Walker Circulation. Discuss how it influences Indian Monsoon. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1333,"topper":"Anshuman Raj","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/58539-22419_1245_anshuman-raj_rank_107.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the attributes of leadership, analyse why it is important for a civil servant.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"A civil servant needs to be objective as well as empathetic. What do you understand by objectivity? Discuss its relationship with empathy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"With rapidly increasing use of information technology, what according to you is the role of ethics in cyber space?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Transparency in government organisations is an essential pre-condition for good governance. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but its lowest ones. Nelson Mandela","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"For achieving success, attitude is equally, if not more important than ability. Discuss with the help of examples from your daily life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"The core of high Emotional Intelligence is self-awareness. If you don't understand your own motivations and behaviours, it is nearly impossible to develop an understanding of others. Discuss with the help of appropriate examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by Integrity Pacts? Highlight the role they can play in bringing transparency in allotment of public contracts and ensuring proper utilization of public funds in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"In the context of rapid technological change, discuss the significance of inculcating moral and spiritual values in educational institutions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Explain the main elements of integral humanism as propounded by Deen Dayal Upadhyay and highlight its contemporary relevance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate in a district, where many large factories and commercial establishments are located. One such factory is owned by one of your close friends. You visit each other's home frequently and are often seen in public together. Recently, media reported about poor working conditions in your friend's factory. Upon enquiry with the labor office, you come to know that the factory has witnessed frequent labour unrests in the past as well. However, the labour officer told you that he was hesitating to take any action due to your proximity with the owner of the factory. With reference to the facts of the case, answer the following questions: (a) Identifying the stakeholders and public cause, discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) As the District Magistrate, what appropriate course of action will you take? Give reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are a resident of a remote tribal district, where there is high incidence of malnutrition. As a remedial measure, the District Magistrate has initiated a programme to promote millet cultivation, especially on the lands currently lying fallow in the district. However, this well-intentioned move of the officer receives flak from the local tribals as this may not only change their age-old food habits, but also alter their traditional agricultural practices. They further cite lower remunerative prices of millets as another reason for continuing with their existing crop production pattern. As a civil servant aspirant, who has a keen interest in development of tribal areas, answer the following questions: (a) What according to you are the key issues and challenges involved in the above situation? (b) Identify the key stakeholders and their respective interests. (c) Suggest a course of action that the District Magistrate can take keeping in mind the larger tribal interests.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You have recently been posted as a District Labour Officer in a state, which derives a substantial revenue from tourism. You come to know that a big hotel in the area has not been paying wages as per the Minimum Wages Act. The hotel owner is a powerful local leader having contacts with many influential officials of the state. You have the power to take sou-moto cognizance of such violations and accordingly you initiate a preliminary enquiry into the matter. However, no worker is willing to come forward to lodge a formal complaint because they fear loss of employment. Meanwhile, your action has attracted notice of the higher authorities, and you are advised to drop the matter altogether. You are deeply concerned about the situation as it involves not only violation of the Minimum Wages Act but also denial of basic human rights of the worker. (a) Identify the issues involved in the given case. (b) Consider the options given below:","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Serve a notice to the hotel owner and initiate action as per your powers under the Minimum Wages Act. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each of these options and suggest your preferred course of action, giving reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"You are the Chairman of a Committee, constituted by the government, to suggest measures to improve the quality of education in state-run schools. In view of the increasing dropout rate and the widening gap between students' learning ability in state-run and private schools, answer the following questions: (a) Examine the role of government in the education sector, especially providing primary and secondary education through state-run schools. (b) Identify the principles and values that would guide your recommendations in this regard. (c) Suggest some ways in which quality of education in state-run schools can be improved.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1334,"topper":"Antriksh Jain","air":130,"year":2021,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/114bb-833625_1995_antriksh-jain_rank_130.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1335,"topper":"Antriksh Jain","air":130,"year":2021,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5a9e1-833625_1999_antriksh-jain_rank_130.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1336,"topper":"Anubhav","air":309,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ANUBHAV-UPSC-2023-Rank-309-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1337,"topper":"Anubhav","air":309,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ANUBHAV-UPSC-2023-Rank-309-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1338,"topper":"Anubhav","air":309,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ANUBHAV-UPSC-2023-Rank-309-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1339,"topper":"Anubhav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/cc80e7c81f00eaa4f15f78533b4a4ad5/14/mts_2025_unchecked_mt25flton011_flt2512.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"\"Duty forms the cornerstone of administrative ethics, yet without integration of other ethical perspectives, it risks becoming mechanical compliance.\" Discuss how the interplay of duty, virtue, principle, and consequences can enrich ethical decision-making in public administration. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"The strength of a professional public service lies in its ability to remain non-partisan, even in a deeply political environment.\" Do you agree that partisanship undermines the ethical foundation of public administration? Discuss the risks posed by political bias among civil servants and the safeguards that help uphold neutrality. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"In situations of moral ambiguity, where formal rules fall short, emotional intelligence and conscience become crucial tools. Explain how these internal faculties help public servants navigate ethical grey zones. Support with a suitable example. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"Gandhian ethics emphasize purity of means, truth, and moral courage even when outcomes are uncertain.\" Critically evaluate whether such absolutist ethics are compatible with the demands of modern public administration, where administrative realism and pragmatism are often necessary. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"Procurement decisions are a litmus test of public sector probity, where integrity must resist both institutional pressures and private influence.\" Discuss how the principles of transparency, fairness, and accountability can strengthen ethical conduct in public procurement. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"Attitudes, shaped by personal beliefs and values, influence the ethical behaviour of public servants.\" Explain how moral and political attitudes impact administrative neutrality and integrity in public service. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"\"Foreign aid is often framed as generosity, but its ethical legitimacy depends on fairness, accountability, and respect for sovereignty.\" Explain the ethical concerns associated with conditional foreign aid. How can donor countries uphold recipient autonomy while ensuring transparency and developmental impact? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":34,"question":"What are the ethical considerations involved in this budget allocation decision?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"How can administrators ensure equitable development while maintaining working relationships with elected representatives? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"You are posted as the Deputy Director (training) at a state administrative academy. Among the current batch of officer-trainees is a probationer known for initiative and strong opinions on social justice and governance. Over the past few weeks, the probationer has been posting commentary on current affairs on his public social media account. While not abusive or inflammatory, his posts openly criticise: * Certain welfare schemes as 'tokenistic,' * The inaction of state agencies in recent communal incidents, * And call for 'civil resistance' to regressive laws. Screenshots of his posts have circulated in the department. Some senior officers consider the posts politically charged and believe they undermine the principle of neutrality and decorum expected of civil servants. Others argue he is still under training and needs mentorship, not discipline. You are informally asked by the Director General to speak to him and submit a recommendation on whether formal action is warranted. The probationer, when confronted, says: \"I posted as a citizen, not as a government mouthpiece. I'm entitled to express myself. My views don't affect my professional objectivity.\" There's a growing debate in the academy: Where does personal liberty end and institutional responsibility begin? Is there space for moral conviction in service, or must officers conform fully to institutional restraint even in their private lives?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"What are the key ethical and professional concerns in this situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"How can civil servants balance personal expression with the demands of neutrality and public accountability? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the key ethical issues in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"How can civil servants uphold integrity when informal hierarchies and peer pressure discourage ethical action? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"You are posted as the General Manager (CSR) in a large public sector undertaking (PSU) in the mining sector. Your role involves evaluating and disbursing funds under the company's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) mandate, especially in districts affected by mining-related displacement. Your team has shortlisted three NGOs for a major livelihood promotion initiative: • Two are small, field-tested organizations with verifiable work in the affected tribal belt. • The third is a well-connected urban NGO, recently floated by a relative of a senior PSU board member. It has flashy brochures and political backing, but no track record in the region. During internal discussions, subtle signals are sent that favour the third NGO, with phrases like “strategic alignment” and “long-term stakeholder management.” The CSR committee chair even jokes, “It’s just CSR, not rocket science.” Meanwhile, field officers caution you that the communities need culturally rooted, decentralized interventions and the urban NGO's one-size-fits-all proposal won't work. Some colleagues suggest approving all three, dividing funds equally. You must finalize your funding recommendation this week. Technically, all three proposals have passed minimum screening, though the field evidence differs widely. Your decision will affect both ground impact and organizational politics and will set a precedent for future CSR allocations. 1. What are the ethical concerns involved in the allocation of CSR funds in this case? 2. How would you assess the competing pressures of organizational politics and public interest? 3. What decision would you take, and how would you justify it ethically and professionally? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"You are posted as the District Magistrate in a tier-2 city. As part of routine administrative coordination, you recently conducted a performance review of key departments. The Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) in your district was commended for resolving a large backlog of land dispute cases and digitizing over 6,000 property records in a high-conflict zone. Her work has improved grievance redressal and reduced local litigation. However, you soon receive an internal note from the General Administration Department, asking for your remarks on a “routine” proposal to transfer the RDO to a remote sub-division. No performance concerns are cited. Informally, you learn that the RDO's strict application of land laws has led to resistance from local political leaders. Some had interests in disputed religious landholdings and were reportedly unhappy with her refusal to accommodate “community sentiments.” During a recent meeting, a senior MLA remarked that officers should be “more politically aware of local dynamics.” The officer has not filed a formal complaint but appears demoralized. Your senior colleagues hint this may be a “signal” to adjust administrative behaviour. Your confidential note, due in 48 hours, will influence the transfer's fate. There is no legal bar, but tenure guidelines recommend a minimum 2-year posting, and the officer is only 10 months into the role. 1. What are the administrative and ethical issues involved in the case? 2. What would be your response in the official note, and why? 3. How can senior civil servants uphold neutrality and fairness in politically sensitive postings without inviting retaliation or appearing insubordinate? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":59,"question":"What are the core ethical challenges involved in executing the eviction in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":59,"question":"How should a public servant reconcile legal mandates with humanitarian obligations in contexts of informal urban settlements?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1340,"topper":"Anubhav","air":309,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ANUBHAV-UPSC-2023-Rank-309-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1341,"topper":"Anubhav Agrawal","air":188,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1c7c9-1051963_1819_anubhav-agrawal_rank_188.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1342,"topper":"Anubhav Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9704_766_Anubhav_Singh_Rank_8.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Legislative Councils in states are expensive and otherwise superfluous legislative appendages. Examine the utility of legislative councils in this context. Also, comment on the procedural aspect of setting up and abolishing them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"While some argue that Article 3 provides usurping powers to the center at the cost of states, according to others it enables the Parliament to maintain and preserve federalism as enshrined in the constitution. Discuss. Is it time to have a relook at Article 3 in the spirit of co-operative federalism?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"While the British Parliament is a sovereign legislature, the Parliaments of India and USA are non-sovereign legislatures. Explain. Also, compare the organisation and powers of the Indian Lok Sabha with the British House of Commons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"While Fundamental Rights are crucial to the survival of a vibrant democracy, Fundamental Duties are equally important. While enumerating the Fundamental Duties, discuss the statement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Several constitutional experts have found the process of appointment and removal of governor to be against the very grain of democratic traditions and constitutional propriety. Do you think that this process warrants a fresh look in context of recent controversies surrounding the post?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Repeated violations of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) have raised questions on its effectiveness. In this light, discuss the idea of making MCC a part of Representation of Peoples Act, 1951.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"The government cannot condition receipt of public benefits on waiver of fundamental rights. Discuss this statement in context of the recent issues raised in the Aadhaar petitions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Though the institutions protecting human rights and rights of the vulnerable sections are meant to act as watchdogs, they are treated as subordinate departments with scant regard for their autonomy or statutory character. Discuss the issues which these institutions are facing related to appointment, structure and functioning.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Equality of seats among states in Rajya Sabha could not be adopted after independence because of the circumstances prevailing at that time. However, there is a need to take a fresh look at this. Evaluate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"It is contended that the implementation of One-Rank-One-Pension (OROP) for the armed forces would create a severe strain on government finances. Explain the principles underlying the OROP and arguments that have been cited in its support as well as opposition.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Article 311 of the Constitution has been a matter of much debate. Arguments range from its retention in its present form, or even strengthening it, to its total deletion. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"While Public Interest Litigations have provided access to justice for the poor and the marginalized sections of the society but many vested interests have also misused it. In this context, examine the utility of PILs as a tool of social justice.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"What do you understand by alternate dispute redressal mechanism? Discuss the various tools of ADR. In light of the problems faced by the Indian judiciary enumerate the advantages of Lok Adalats.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Bringing political parties under the ambit of RTI will not only usher accountability and transparency in governance but will also be a major step towards electoral reforms. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"A generational shift in railway operations is required. In light of this, discuss the need for an independent tariff and safety regulatory authority of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"It has been argued that the 'First past the post' system fails to represent the will of the majority and encourages vote-bank politics. In this context, examine whether India should adopt Proportional Representation System to reform our electoral process.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"Independence of judiciary and separation of powers, both are part of the basic structure of the constitution. In this context, discuss the recent Supreme Court judgment on the constitutional validity of the National Judicial Appointments Commission.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"AMRUT gives state governments the flexibility in designing schemes and eases central monitoring. Explain. How far can it recast the urban landscape of India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"There has been a tendency to resolve specialized cases faster through the means of Tribunals. In light of this, discuss the issue of increasing \"tribunalisation\" of courts in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"While the 73rd and 74th constitutional amendments provided for representation to women in local governance, much work remains to be done to ensure their true participation, given their present socio-economic conditions. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1343,"topper":"Anudeep Durishetty","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PcCaAdLCzimGTXmiFSDc1WNq_qqmJERV/view","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Discuss the factors that make Indian railways prone to disasters? Critically analyse the steps taken by the government to manage railway disasters? In your opinion what more can be done to ensure safety in Indian Railways?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"National Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (NPDRR) will make disaster management a participatory process. Explain and also enumerate the important steps taken by the government in furtherance to its commitment to the Sendai framework?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss the disasters vulnerability in Urban India. Analyse the need and suggest measures for developing an urban resilience strategy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"For a permanent solution to flooding there needs to be a shift in understanding of flood from being an extreme weather event to a hazard which is partly natural and partly anthropogenic. Discuss. Also, suggest structural and non-structural measures that can be adopted in India to mitigate flood.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"\"Although the Government of India aligned its domestic anti-money laundering / countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) laws with international standards, it has yet to implement the legislation effectively\". Critically analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"According to a government report there are large numbers of shell companies registered in India. How the existence of these shell companies promotes money laundering and black money? What are the steps taken by the government to stop them?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Do you think 'Digital India' initiative need a cyber security reboot? Discuss how India's partnership with Israel can help it achieve its goal of securing its cyber infrastructure.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'ethical hacking'? Discuss the need of ethical hackers in the India cyber space.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"\"Security forces can't solve the Naxal problem alone, impact comes when all the dimensions are incorporated\". Elaborate. Also, suggest measures to stop the youth from joining the Naxal forces.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'Cyber Terrorism'? How is Social Media helping further the cause of terrorism? What are the challenges faced by the government agencies in monitoring social media?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"Elaborate on the challenge of counterfeit currency in India. How does counterfeit currency threaten internal security of the nation? What are the steps taken by the Government of India to tackle this problem? Why is demonetisation hardly a durable solution to the problem of counterfeit currency in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Elaborate on the critical role played by food processing sector in the socio-economic sphere. What are the key bottlenecks being faced by the food processing sector in India? Suggest some measures that can help India in attracting FDI and private investment into the sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"\"The overhaul and implementation of the food safety laws in India are directly related to the growth of food processing sector in India\". In this context, discuss the various hindrances to the food safety standards in India? (b) Discuss the concept of Mega Food Parks in India? What are its advantages for India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"India recently overtook Japan to become the second-largest steel producer in the world after China. In this context, what are the factors that determine the location of steel industry in India? What is scrap-based steel industry? Discuss its relevance for India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"In the context of the regions that have a dominance of cotton industry in India, discuss the various factors responsible for the location of cotton industry there? (b) Give reasons as to why Canada accounts for almost half of the world's total production of Paper (newsprint) and pulp.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"The recently announced Innovative Poultry Production Project (IPPP, under the National Livestock Mission) would orient the growth of egg production away from industrial systems; systems that have proven to reduce employment opportunities in the farming sector, damage the natural environment, compromise animal welfare and negatively impact human health. Elaborate","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Selling the animals for slaughter provides an important channel through which the livestock asset is encashed for future investment in livelihoods. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Agriculture is major economic activity in India involving 50% of the population. But agriculture education has not been given much importance. Discuss the role of ICAR in agricultural education and challenges faced by them. Examine various government strategies for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Discuss various types of irrigation systems which can be used to fulfil government's initiative of 'Har Khet ko pani' and 'per drop more crops'. Also, discuss the relevance of traditional irrigation systems in present times.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1344,"topper":"Anudeep Durishetty","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IHNxmAyYqxD6dNjqahEvs2KBGfKew1k9/view","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"What differences do you see in ethics, in public and private relationships? Can there be a conflict between the two? Argue giving suitable examples. (10 Marks) (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"It is estimated that only 3% of Indians pay income tax. How can such attitudes be changed? Also point out what steps can be taken to imbibe the spirit of nation building in the youth today? (10 Marks) (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"There are times when our conscience and the law of the land are at conflict. (Point out an example from your personal life when you encountered such a situation). How did you deal with it? What should be an appropriate course of action, in general, when one is faced with such a conflict? (10 Marks) (300 Words) 150","marks":"10","words":"300"},{"page":8,"question":"It is said that in International relations, pursuit of one's own interest should be the only objective. Do you agree? (10 Marks) (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"If you were asked to design a new framework for defining work culture in Government agencies, what would be the basic tenets of such a framework be? (10 Marks) (150 Words) (b) How would you go about making Government servants imbibe this new work culture? (10 Marks) (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Impartiality, empathy and objectivity are said to be important values in public service. What do you understand by each of these terms? Can there be instances when one is faced with a conflict among these values? How can such conflicts be resolved? (10 Marks) (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"In the context of public service what does \"responsibility\" mean? What measures can be adopted to ensure individual and collective responsibility of public servants? (10 Marks) (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Integrity is a positive emotion which is important in both personal and professional arena.\" In the light of the given statement, answer the following questions. a) How can integrity help in dealing with the challenges of both personal and professional life? (10 Marks) (150 Words) b) How can the principles of integrity be imbibed in public servants? (10 Marks) (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"When dealing with people, remember you are not dealing with creatures of logic, but with creatures of emotion\". Explain the meaning and significance of this statement. Write a note on its applicability in modern times. (10 Marks) (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"Environmental values are more important than economic values\". Discuss the above statement with examples in the context of inclusive growth of a nation. (10 Marks) (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"You are a district magistrate. A tragic incident took place at tertiary health care centre in your district were nearly 30 infants, suffering from acute encephalitis, died due to oxygen deprivation. Dr X, the head of the encephalitis ward and a pediatrician, managed to save many lives. He rushed to the clinics of his doctor friends and brought around 12 oxygen cylinders in his car. He even spent some money from his own pocket. The parents in the hospital had said that had it not been for X's work, the number of deaths would be more than 30. National media hailed Dr. X as hero for being forefront of rescue effort, bringing oxygen cylinders for the new-born babies who were fighting for their life on the chaotic day when the mass deaths took place at the hospital. However, preliminary enquiry by you revealed that he was involved in selling subsidised oxygen cylinders from the hospital in the open market. This was one of the reasons for the shortage of oxygen. The enquiry also shows that previously he was charged with medical negligence and also accused of private practice. Dr. X, however is being hailed as national hero by the media. a) As a DM what would be your immediate course of action on Dr. X?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"A young man has died of multiple wounds after he was stabbed by two attackers in one of the busy streets in your area. (Though over a 100 people had gathered there, no one came forward to help him despite his repeated cries for help. The two men who had stabbed him were arrested later. While no eye-witnesses came forward to give their statement to the police, a 57-second video shot by a bystander is the only proof that showed the bleeding man lying on the road, a knife sticking out of his ribs. a) Do you thing behaviour of people making video of victim rather than helping him is moral? b) Would your opinion above change, if instead of a private citizens, a media person was recording the video? c) What action you will take if you are present in that situation? d) What are moral responsibilities of people in such situation? (20 Marks) (300 Words)","marks":"20","words":"300"},{"page":36,"question":"You are the administrator of a Union Territory. A very popular \"godmen\" in your area has been accused of crimes ranging from sexual abuse to murder. The court has passed arrest orders against the Godman. The Godman not only has tens of thousands of followers but also has several bureaucrats and politicians who are sympathetic to him. As an administrator you are compelled to act on the court orders, and make arrests. You are aware that doing so will not be easy, and will lead to large scale violence by his supporters. Additionally you may be politically penalised for doing your job. a) Analyse the reasons for Godman's syndrome in Indian society. b) In such a situation, what will be your course of action and your priorities? c) As a civil servant who are agents of social change, suggest few measures to solve the problem. (20 Marks) (250 Words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":1345,"topper":"Anudeep Durishetty","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1W3o5Wgq9P09tpZPBXU7G5g_bflpRBvWv/view","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"\"Full Membership of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is in con- sonance with India's economic expansion as well as national security.\" Critical- ly evaluate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Instability in neighbouring countries affects India's stability. Discuss. Also enumerate the threats posed to India due to the same. Suggest ways in which India can tackle such threats.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"What do you understand by Intellectual Property Rights? Write a short note on the different types of Intellectual Property Rights. (b) The Government has, in-principle approved intellectual property exchange recently. What is Intellectual Property Exchange? Bring out the benefits and challenges of the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"\"India needs to develop a coherent and strong Diaspora policy.\" Discuss in the context of contribution made, and challenges being faced by the Indian Diaspora.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"\"The Police is believed to be vital arm of state which should reform itself according to nature of modern state.\" Discuss in the context of Prakash Singh case. Also outline the need for community policing in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"\"Self-help group movement has emerged as a successful model that can pull vast multitudes of rural population from poverty into prosperity.\" Critically examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"According to recent WHO report, mental health disorders are increasing at a very fast in India. However, it remains the most neglected aspect of healthcare system.\" Examine the given statement in the light of the recently enacted Mental Healthcare Act.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"What is Universal Social Security network? Explain its significance. (b) Discuss the need for the Payment of Wages (Amendment) Bill 2017. Examine its impact on various sectors.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Trace the evolution of the definition of poverty line in India. Evaluate the effectiveness of government interventions towards poverty eradication since independence.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"The debate around \"Minimum Government, Maximum Governance\" has been able to focus only on Government while Governance has taken a back seat. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1346,"topper":"Anudeep Durishetty","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OsW1-H3oG8sY6YmD3fgf90G4cqzqDghB/view","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Political democracy cannot last without economic and social democracy. What provisions in the Constitution facilitate the establishment of economic and social democracy in India? How far have they been achieved?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"How do pressure groups influence the policies of the government? In the Indian context, do they have a democratization effect or are they mere promoters of narrow interests? Illustrate with suitable examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"The issue of judicial delays and backlogs has long been an issue plaguing the justice system in India. In the light of this, give an account of various alternate dispute redressal mechanisms available, and analyse their suitability and efficacy in reducing judicial delays and backlogs.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"The role of Civil Services in our democracy has seen a sea change since Independence. Give an account of the changing demands from the civil services in our democratic setup. Also, elaborate on the roles that have stayed constant through these years since Independence.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"Do you think the consent of the Chief Minister of the concerned state should be made essential for the appointment of the Governor? Give an account of Sarkaria commission's observations in this regard. Is the appointment of civil servants as Governors a healthy trend?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"The Election Commission and the Representation of People's Act form the institutional and legal cornerstone of free and fair elections in India. In this context, what amendments would you propose in the Representation of People's Act to ensure free and fair elections?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"\"The AAGC is not an answer for China's OBOR as the approaches of India and China towards Africa are essentially different.\" Critically examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"How far do you think has India's foreign policy traveled from the heydays of Non-Aligned Movement? What factors in your opinion have contributed to it?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"\"Brexit offers India new opportunities of engaging in trade with Europe.\" Examine.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1347,"topper":"Anudeep Durishetty","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UKvr6iSjNEI1FI4W65P5aZpV1JD79QvI/view","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"Black money at best can act as a steroid which gives temporary boost to economic growth. Critically examine. (b) Does the setting up of the Monetary Policy Committee bring into question the independence of the central bank? Give arguments in support of your answer.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"India today has the twin challenges of economic growth (to meet the development aspirations of a large population, and cutting emissions). Elaborate. How can India balance her commitments to economic growth and environmental preservation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Demonetisation intended not just to clean and streamline the economy but also to boost electoral reforms. Critically examine. (b) Demonetisation has not only done what it sought to do, but also done what it did not seek to do. In the light of the given statement, list the unintended consequences of demonetisation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"\"India's rate of employment has declined and job creation has not kept up with the growing working-age population.\" What ails job creations in India? What are the government interventions for the same? Suggest measures needed to leverage the growing working age population in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"How is development, or the lack of it, linked to the spread of Left Wing Extremism? Discuss the steps undertaken by the government to tackle it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Different modes of transportation in India are often competitive rather than being cooperative. Comment. Also, bring out the consequence of the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"There has been a recent series of farm loan waivers by different state governments. Critically examine the impact of such waivers on fiscal health as well as on the farmers. Do farm loan waivers meet their intended goals?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Trace the history of land reforms in India. Do you think they have been able to achieve their purpose? Justify your answer.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Critically analyse the suitability of direct benefits transfer as an alternative to the existing Public Distribution System.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Transforming the food processing industry will not only generate employment and result in better realizations for the farmers, but it will also earn us better foreign exchange. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1348,"topper":"Anuj","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ecf45-1188680_2366_anju_rank_60.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"How can the family effectively transmit core moral principles in an era dominated by digital influences? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Though conscience generally serves as a crucial guide in ethical decision-making, it is sometimes fraught with limitations. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What ethical principles should govern the utilization of public funds? Discuss the moral implications of using taxpayer money to bail out large corporations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Probity means more than just the avoidance of corrupt or dishonest conduct. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What does the following quotation convey to you in the present context. (a) \"To educate a man in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society.\" - Theodore Roosevelt (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.\" - Henry Ford (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"\"Laws are silent in times of war.\" - Cicero (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Good corporate governance is about intellectual honesty and not just sticking to rules and regulations. Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"In general, the higher a position in an organization, the more emotional intelligence matters. Do you agree with this view? Give reasons in support of your answer. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In addition to neutrality and non-partisanship, tolerance and inclusion are other important values that facilitate the civil servants to be more competent in a diverse country like India. Explain with suitable illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What are the key principles of public service delivery? Discuss the challenges associated with providing effective public service delivery in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"When it comes to attitudinal change towards sustainable development, behavioural nudges are the way forward. Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"What lessons can be learnt from the life of Mother Teresa? Discuss their relevance in the contemporary world. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Identify the key stakeholders involved in this case. (b) Explain the measures you, as the Superintendent of Police, will take to address the stampede situation and curb the spread of fake news through social media. (c) Discuss the ethical considerations you must keep in mind while implementing these measures, particularly in balancing public safety with individual rights and religious sentiments. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"What are the ethical issues involved in Ravi's decision to endorse the bottled water product?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the broader implications of celebrity endorsements and their influence on public health and consumer behaviour. (c) How can public figures like Ravi use their influence to promote ethical business practices in the advertising industry? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"As the District Magistrate, you are faced with the challenge of addressing both the immediate crisis and the systemic issues that have led to this situation. (a) Identify the key stakeholders involved in this case and their respective interests. (b) Discuss the immediate measures you will take to provide relief to the affected farming community. (c) Discuss the ethical dilemmas you might face while implementing your chosen course of action and how you would navigate them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Sagar Mehta, a 42-year-old professional with an impeccable track record in the corporate world, had recently accepted the position of CEO at Infratech Solutions, one of India's largest infrastructure companies. Known for its expertise in designing and constructing roads and bridges, Infratech had built a strong reputation over the past three decades, primarily working on projects for state public works departments and occasionally securing contracts with national agencies. For Sagar, this role was the culmination of 15 years of hard work and dedication. He had climbed the corporate ladder through sheer talent and integrity, always adhering to ethical business practices. His appointment as CEO of Infratech was seen as a breath of fresh air in an industry often marred by controversies. Eight months into his new role, Sagar was feeling confident about the direction in which he was steering the company. He had implemented new technologies, streamlined processes, and was pushing for more sustainable practices in their projects. One evening, while reviewing some financial documents, Sagar noticed a pattern of large outflows to various obscure entities just before major contract announcements. Intrigued and slightly concerned, he decided to dig deeper. He found out that Infratech had been making substantial political donations to the election campaigns of ruling party members in states where they were bidding for contracts. These donations were carefully timed and strategically distributed to maximize the company's chances of securing lucrative government projects. Sagar had always prided himself on running clean operations. Determined to address this issue, Sagar raised the matter at the next Board meeting. To his shock and dismay, the Board of Directors not only acknowledged the practice but also strongly defended it. The message was clear - the Board expected Sagar to continue this practice, and any deviation could jeopardize not just the company's stability but also his position as CEO. As Sagar left the meeting, he felt the weight of this ethical dilemma bearing down on him. On the one hand, he was responsible for the company's success and the livelihoods of thousands of employees who depended on Infratech. On the other hand, he was now complicit in a practice that he found ethically questionable and potentially illegal. (a) State the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) Evaluate the options available to Sagar. (c) What should be his course of action? Give reasons to support your answer. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"As you stand there, torn between your professional duty and your love for your daughter, you realize the weight of the decision before you. The integrity of the entire examination system hangs in the balance, as does the future of millions of students - including your own child. (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) As a person responsible for ensuring exam protocols, what are the options available to you? What course of action will you follow and why?(Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1349,"topper":"Anuj","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8db17-1188680_2370_anju_rank_60.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Does moral conscience always complement laws, rules, and regulations in ethical decision-making? Support your answer with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Compassion towards weaker sections of society is essential and non-negotiable in a country like India. Examine with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Corruption exists and thrives in Indian society because it is socially accepted and even seen as aspirational. Do you agree with this view? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Social accountability is increasingly recognized as a means of enhancing democratic governance and improving service delivery. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What does the following quotation convey to you in the present context. (a) \"The human voice can never reach the distance that is covered by the still small voice of conscience.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Fortitude is the marshal of thought, the armor of the will, and the fort of reason.\" - Francis Bacon. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"\"Character is repeated habits, and repeated habits alone can reform character.\" - Swami Vivekananda (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"How can organizations balance healthy competition while preventing undue pressure on employees? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Formation of attitudes is a crucial aspect of the socialization process. Discuss the various factors that contribute to the development of attitudes in individuals. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Conflicts are inevitable in any workplace, and administrative roles are no exception. In light of this, discuss the role of emotional intelligence in conflict management. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Discuss how attitude plays a crucial role in shaping our perceptions and interactions with the world. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Recent studies indicate that Generation Z is experiencing higher levels of loneliness than the previous generations. What are the possible reasons for this trend? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"What are the ethical dilemmas faced by Neeraj in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"How does the work culture influence employees' willingness to report potential wrongdoing?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"What role does leadership play in fostering an ethical work culture? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Anmol, the Chief Development Officer of a remote and aspirational district in India, faces a complex ethical dilemma. The district benefitted from the government's recent development initiatives, but it still struggles in the fields of health and education. Partnering with a national NGO, Anmol has seen significant improvements in these areas, especially during natural disasters when the NGO's role in delivering lifesaving medicines was critical. During one such disaster, the NGO played a significant role in providing critical life-saving medicines to people and prevented the loss of lives and spread of communicable diseases. Anmol's as well as the NGO's work during this time was recognised widely and even rewarded by the state and Central governments. However, Anmol later learned that the NGO has been involved in bribing local officials to operate effectively. This practice, although illegal, is seemingly widespread in the district. Anmol is now at a crossroads, having to decide how to address this issue without jeopardizing the essential services provided by the NGO, as they complement the government's efforts and there are no viable alternatives in the region. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in this case? (b) List the options available to Anmol and evaluate their merits and demerits. (c) Which option should Anmol choose and why? Justify with arguments. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Ravish, hailing from a modest background, worked diligently to gain admission to a prestigious university. After graduating with commendable academic credentials, he secured a well-paying job at a leading multinational company. Driven by ambition, he left the job after gaining a few years of experience to launch his own startup. Thanks to the startup boom in the country, Ravish was able to secure significant capital from investors with relative ease. His hard work and dedication fueled the rapid growth and success of his startup. However, as the company flourished, Ravish's extravagant lifestyle began to attract public attention. As the founder and CEO, he drew a substantial salary, believing it to be justified given his efforts in building the company from scratch. A few years later, an economic downturn put Ravish's startup under financial strain. Investors, now focused on profitability, withdrew their support, leaving Ravish under immense pressure to cut costs in order to sustain the business. Consequently, he decided to downsize the workforce and communicated this decision through a personalized video message to his employees. Within hours of the video's release, it went viral on social media, accompanied by images from Ravish's lavish wedding that had taken place just two months prior. The public criticized Ravish for his opulent lifestyle while simultaneously laying off a significant number of employees. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the given case? (b) In light of the above case, discuss the ethical considerations regarding disparities in remuneration between top-level leaders and their subordinates in corporate organizations. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Within hours of the video's release, it went viral on social media, accompanied by images from Ravish's lavish wedding that had taken place just two months prior. The public criticized Ravish for his opulent lifestyle while simultaneously laying off a significant number of employees. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the given case? (b) In light of the above case, discuss the ethical considerations regarding disparities in remuneration between top-level leaders and their subordinates in corporate organizations. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"Vikram, a senior data scientist, is leading a team to develop an Artificial Intelligence (AI) system for a e-commerce platform. He has to enhance customer experience by providing personalized recommendations based on user behaviour. The success of this project is critical not only for the company's growth but also for Vikram's team, which has been underperforming in the recent months. The stakes are high, and the team is at risk of suspension if it fails to deliver on this project. To improve the accuracy of the AI algorithms, Vikram's team considers incorporating sensitive personal information, including users' purchasing history, location data, health records and social media activities. While this could significantly enhance the system's effectiveness, it raises concerns about privacy and the potential misuse of sensitive data. Also, a data breach has occurred earlier on the e-commerce platform, and personal information of thousands of users was exposed to unauthorized entities. The incident became widely publicized, leading to regulatory scrutiny and potential legal action against the company. Vikram faces pressure from the company's marketing department to prioritize revenue generation over user privacy. The marketing team suggests implementing tactics that subtly encourage users to make more purchases, even if it means manipulating their preferences or creating a sense of urgency. (a) Identify the ethical issues faced by Vikram in developing the AI system. (b) What are the options available to Vikram in addressing this case? (c) How can ethics be an integral component of AI systems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":56,"question":"Identify the ethical issues faced by Vikram in developing the AI system. (b) What are the options available to Vikram in addressing this case? (c) How can ethics be an integral component of AI systems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1350,"topper":"Anuj Malik","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/26968_770_Anuj_Rank_16.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Doubling Farm Incomes: Issues, Prospects And Challenges","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"National Interest should come second to the interests of humanity.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1351,"topper":"Anuj Malik","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/26968_757_Anuj_Rank_16.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Trace the evolution of cave architecture in India with special reference to their design, nature and wall paintings.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"With the help of examples, explain how Folk Paintings as an art form represent an array of human beliefs and cultural diversity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"The role of women in Indian nationalism is well acknowledged, however, women who took part in armed struggle against the British are less known. In this context, examine the role played by Indian women in national movement with particular reference to revolutionary struggle.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"It has been argued that unlike the wars in 1962 and 1971, the war in 1965 was indecisive and brought neither victory nor peace to India. Critically analyse the proposition and also highlight how the experience of 1965 was helpful in the war of 1971.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss whether the agrarian movements which emerged from the late 1970's should be referred to as 'New' Farmers' Movements. In light of the problems faced by poor farmers and agricultural labourers, critically evaluate these movements.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Though both Bismarck and Sardar Patel played an important role in unifying their respective countries, yet given the different historical circumstances, the challenges faced by both and the strategies they adopted were different, Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Enumerate the reforms undertaken during the Gorbachev era and explain the reasons for undertaking these. To what extent could these reforms be held responsible for the breakup of the Soviet Union?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"While the impact of French Revolution was largely limited to the European countries, the Russian Revolution had a much wider impact across the globe. Critically analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Give an account of the factors which influence gender equality in basic education. What can be done to bridge the existing gender gap in this context?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"While state action alone cannot ensure social change, no social group howsoever weak or oppressed is only a victim. Examine the statement in the context of organised action for justice and dignity for manual scavengers in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Give an account of the factors driving people to migrate from the countryside to urban areas even if it entails living in slums. Highlight some important facts about slums unique to India. Also discuss some strategies which can be adopted for transforming India's slums.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Define flood plains and explain their significance. Also, examine how anthropogenic activities have contributed to recent instances of urban flooding.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Why do forest fires occur frequently in certain regions of India? Examine the ecological significance of forest fires and identify the measures to tackle the phenomenon.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"What are the different types of rainfall? Give an account of the world distribution of rainfall","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"The prevailing water crisis in the country is not about the unavailability of water rather the mismanagement of available resources. Do you agree? Discuss the short-term and long-term socio-economic impacts of the water crisis on India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Enlist the major fishing zones of the world along with the reasons for their distribution. Does India's deep sea fishing policy warrant a fresh look? Examine in context of the recommendations of the Meena Kumari committee on the matter.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"It has been observed that deltas formed by Indian rivers have been shrinking for the past few years. Discuss reasons for the same in context of different rates of shrinking of deltas of major rivers.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Why does the Arabian Sea experience fewer tropical cyclones as compared to the Bay of Bengal? Explain why tropical cyclones do not occur during the southwest monsoon season.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1352,"topper":"Anuj Malik","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/26968_759_Anuj_Rank_16.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"India has the lowest tax-to-GDP ratio among countries with a similar per capita income on a purchasing power parity basis. Explain the reasons for the low tax-to-GDP ratio in India. What measures can be taken to correct this situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"In spite of various initiatives, the condition of the power sector still remains one of the core challenges for India. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Examine the reasons for poor performance of public sector banks in India. Give an account of the steps taken by the government and RBI to improve their performance. Also analyse whether the risks arising from the consolidation of the Indian banking sector outweigh the potential longer-term benefits.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Tax treaties intended to avoid double taxation have in many cases become instruments for double non-taxation. Elaborate. List the major amendments in the India-Mauritius DTAA and the advantages that are expected to accrue due to it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Emerging ICT and their appropriation by society constitutes a threat that demands new competencies and practices to be developed and integrated in the existing police work. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"What are P-Notes and how do they impact the financial system in India? In this context, also highlight the recent regulatory measures taken by SEBI to deal with them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"The rising levels of e-waste generation in India have been a matter of concern in recent years. Examine the underlying causes of this scenario and the challenges associated with it. How can the new E-Waste Management Rules, 2016 help in meeting these concerns?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Terror groups, much like corporate bodies have well and truly embraced and exploited the benefits of globalisation. Discuss the statement with reference to terror financing and propaganda activities.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"What is net-metering? Critically analyse its potential in incentivising distributed generation in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Explain the challenges associated with predicting the monsoon accurately. Can shifting to a completely dynamical model from the one used by the IMD presently help in improving the accuracy of predicting the monsoon?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"The Compensatory Afforestation Fund Bill would require to work along with the Forest Rights Act in order to achieve the aims of environment protection while also ensuring rights of the tribal people. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"It has been argued that India's strained patent protection and IP administration has failed to keep pace with growing technological advances. In this context, examine the provisions of the new Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Policy, 2016. Also explain how the new policy can help boost innovation and entrepreneurship in the country.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Though the frequency of both droughts and floods has increased in many states of the country, the preparedness level for mitigating their impacts still has significant gaps. Discuss in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"In view of the high levels of inequality in India, it is imperative to not only broaden access to education and health but also financial services. Discuss. Also highlight the efforts made by the government in recent times to address inequality by promoting financial inclusion.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Examine the need for indigenization of the defence industry in India. While highlighting its challenges, analyse how the new Defence Procurement Policy (DPP) and relaxations in FDI norms can address these challenges.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Digital technologies have the potential to dramatically transform higher education. Giving a special emphasis to MOOCs, analyse the statement in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"The Civil Aviation Policy 2016 would help in building a more modern, safe, secure and sustainable aviation industry while also boosting regional connectivity and tourism. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"What is the significance of start-ups for Indian economy? Critically analyse the provisions of \"Start-up India\" program and the challenges that lie ahead in its effective implementation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"What do you understand by methanol economy? Discuss its environmental and economic advantages. How does methanol compare with other new generational fuels such as ethanol and hydrogen?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Differentiating between Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality, explain why it is argued by many that these technologies are not just about gaming but can change our lives.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1353,"topper":"Anuj Malik","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/26968_760_Anuj_Rank_16.pdf","questions":[{"page":25,"question":"What do you mean by ‘anonymity in the civil services’? Explain why anonymity and neutrality are considered as important traits for civil servants.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Prescription of dresscode for women not only violates their liberty but also reflects outdated views on gender relations as well as proper conduct. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Evaluate each of these options and choose the option which you would adopt, giving reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"What are the immediate steps which should be taken in such a situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Suggest some long term measures to ensure that such a situation is not repeated.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"What are the options available to you? Evaluate each of these options and choose the option which you would adopt, giving reasons.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1354,"topper":"Anuja Trivedi","air":80,"year":2022,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gORu0YEIHWl-mu69oILj9AynbR1Ade-r/view","questions":[]},{"id":1355,"topper":"Anukriti Sharma","air":138,"year":2019,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/87a98-8965_1252_anukriti-sharma_rank_138.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1356,"topper":"Anunay Anand","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/103e7-832681_2218_anunay-anand_rank-185.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to revisit the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution? Discuss with suitable arguments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Highlighting the advantages of online dispute resolution (ODR) mechanism for justice delivery, discuss the challenges associated with its effective implementation in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Despite the constitutional division of powers, Centre-state disputes have been a perennial feature of Indian democracy. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Do you agree with the view that adopting a framework for lobbying will strengthen participative governance and ease of doing business in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Despite the government encouraging open source instead of proprietary technology for government applications, the true potential of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) and digital platforms remains unrealized. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"As a social safety-valve, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) can be the principal vehicles through which communities voice their concerns. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Despite being lauded for its patient centric approach, the implementation of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, remains sluggish and mired with various issues. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to formulate an Urban Employment Guarantee scheme at the national level? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the relevance of BIMSTEC as a regional organisation to fulfil India's strategic aspirations in the Indian Ocean Region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the relevance of the Gujral Doctrine for India with regard to its relations with its immediate neighbours in the present times. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the pivotal role of the \"Officers of Parliament\" in the Indian Parliamentary system. Also, discuss the constitutional and statutory provisions for their impartial functioning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The Finance Commission plays a crucial role in balancing fiscal federalism in India. In this context, examine the recommendations given by the 15th Finance Commission. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Critically assess whether according statutory backing to the Model Code of Conduct will contribute towards free and fair elections in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The market disruption caused by digital revolution warrants renewed focus and perspective to ensure fair competition in the digital economy. In this light, discuss the need to revamp the Competition Commission of India (CCI). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"There is an urgent need for effective whistle-blowing mechanisms and ensuring that necessary safeguards for the protection of whistle-blowers are established in both public and private spheres in India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"State the reasons behind the poor performance of cooperatives in India. Also, discuss the reforms undertaken by the government to overcome the shortcomings. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Public-Private Partnership model, if harnessed properly, has the potential to bridge the gaps in India's healthcare system. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Although the New Education Policy brings with itself a commendable vision, its success will depend on its ability to effectively integrate with the government's other policy initiatives. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) is born from a collective desire to make the Indo-Pacific region an engine of global economic growth. Comment. Also, discuss India's concerns in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"India needs to identify the priority areas to further its techno-diplomacy amidst the complexities of expanding digital space and New and Emerging Strategic Technologies. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1357,"topper":"Anunay Anand","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/396ad-832681_2219_anunay-anand_rank-185.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Fiscal policy can be a key tool to reduce income inequality as well as make the poorest and the downtrodden a part of the country's growth story. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Digitizing land records will go a long way in ensuring land reforms as well as lessening the burden on the Indian Judiciary. Elaborate. Also, state the measures taken in this context. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"It has been pointed out that competitive politics to fund mostly non-merit subsidies is pushing a few states in India to the brink of a deep fiscal crisis. In this context, discuss the need to rationalise the subsidy regime in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Micro-irrigation has tremendous potential in transforming farming into a profitable and sustainable venture. Discuss the given statement in the context of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Given its vast resources and technical expertise, India can play a key role in assisting the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) in dealing with the impact of climate change. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The recent \"Disaster Management Plan of Ministry of Panchayati Raj (DMP-MoPR)\" aims to develop disaster resilience at the grassroots level. In this context, discuss the rationale behind the formulation of the Plan and highlight its key components. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the internal security implications emanating from the use of Emerging And Disruptive Technologies (EDT) by state and non-state actors. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Identify the impediments faced by India in boosting its defence exports. Also, discuss the steps taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the multiple issues associated with space debris. Also, state the initiatives taken in recent times to tackle this menace. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The adoption of Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) in India is expected to make e-commerce more inclusive and accessible for consumers. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While an agreement was recently reached at the WTO on a deal to curb \"harmful\" government fisheries subsidies, certain concerns raised by India suggests that the matter will require further negotiations. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite the advantages that are associated with the hybrid annuity model (HAM) in the road construction sector, the interest in it has moderated due to various reasons. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The existing MSP procurement regime is neither economically nor agro-ecologically sustainable. Elaborate. Also, evaluate the alternative approaches that can be adopted to improve the existing MSP regime. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"It is being argued that India is struggling with overflowing foodgrains in warehouses. Discuss the statement in view of the existing buffer stock policy of India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Recently, the government has asked all ports to prepare a master plan in order to become 'mega ports' by 2047. In light of this, discuss the challenges faced by ports and suggest remedial measures in order to propel India's blue economy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Inequality in income and wealth translates into carbon inequality. In this context, discuss the significance of addressing carbon inequality for India and suggest ways to achieve it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Despite increased and regular occurrences of landslides over the past decade in India, the dominant development paradigm has largely not been modified. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India needs a smart border management system to balance legitimate cross border flows with national security interests. Discuss. Also, highlight the initiatives taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Establishing linkages between globalisation and money laundering, discuss the initiatives taken at the national and international levels to combat it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"There have been arguments that India needs to review some of its past assumptions about the nature of outer space and contribute to the development of new global norms. In this context, analyse India's stand in relation to the Artemis Accords. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1358,"topper":"Anunay Anand","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1a477-832681_2217_anunay-anand_rank-185.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With examples, discuss how the cultural traditions from various regions of India get reflected in regional music. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Highlighting the emergence of the working class movement, discuss its contribution towards India's freedom struggle. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Do you agree with the view that Gandhian politics was, in a sense, a continuation of Tilak's politics? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"It is said that the world's oceans are losing their 'memory' due to human-induced warming. Comment. Also, discuss the consequences of the phenomenon. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What is soil amendment? Evaluate the benefits and concerns associated with it. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"It has been suggested that the next decade may see a boom in hybrid power plants. Stating the advantages that such power plants offer, discuss the associated challenges. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What are Van Allen Radiation Belts? Explaining their formation, discuss why there has been a growing focus on their study. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss whether marital rape should be criminalised in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What is care economy? Highlight the challenges associated with it and mention the steps taken to address them in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Post-pandemic India is staring at the challenge of \"learning poverty\". Analyse its implications and discuss a way ahead. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Bring out the evolution of mural traditions in South India. Also, elaborate on their significant characteristics. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Indian nationalism that confronted British imperialism in the 19th century was a product of colonial modernity. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Environmentalism surfaced in the form of many organised movements in post independence India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Do you agree with the view that continental blockade was an ill-conceived strategy by Napoleon to conquer Britain through economic means? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What do you understand by the Arctic Paradox? Highlight the spatial distribution of mineral and energy resources in the Arctic region. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Cryosphere changes have a tendency to bring about a devastating impact on the ecosystem and its people. Discuss. Also, enlist measures to tackle this threat. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The frequent instances of urban flooding pose a severe risk to the urban ecosystem in India. Discuss with special emphasis on its impact on the critical infrastructure. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Sand is not only critical for economic development but also provides crucial ecosystem services. Elaborate. In this context, discuss the importance of sustainable sand mining in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The challenge of unbridled and unbalanced growth of urban spaces in India necessitates reforms in urban planning and capacity. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Feminist movements in India have historically lacked inclusivity, often growing within a limited Western upper-class psyche. Critically discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1359,"topper":"Anunay Anand","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a5e6c-832681_2220_anunay-anand_rank-185.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The logic of limitless wealth lies in the basic human instinct for furthering self-interest in the form of profit. In this context, do you think there is a possibility of pursuing ethical capitalism? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"If a law is unjust, a man is not only right to disobey it, he is obligated to do so. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The capacity of Citizens' Charter to initiate any transformative process is conditioned upon it being appropriately designed and effectively executed. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The moral fiber and ethical conduct of public officials not only influence the standard of governance but also their own interests and performance. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The ongoing debate on euthanasia poses several ethical questions. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Foreign aid is a form of neo-colonialism, as the economically wealthier countries can exploit the developing countries under the cloak of aid. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Throwing light on the idea of Universal Humanism propounded by Rabindranath Tagore, discuss its contemporary relevance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree with the view that it is nature and not nurture which determines the emotional intelligence of a person? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Values that guide public administrators can often compete with each other, owing to their relative importance to the larger public interest. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Is it justifiable to say that corruption is a social phenomenon? What are the various ways through which administrative corruption can be tackled? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"\"I do believe that, where there is only a choice between cowardice and violence, I would advise violence.\"- Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":47,"question":"Mr. X is a billionaire businessman who heads a conglomerate engaged in insurance, energy generation, and distribution, and manufacturing. Despite being globally known as a great philanthropist, he turned down a shareholder request seeking the disclosure of the conglomerate's actions on issues related to climate change as well as diversity and inclusion. Because of increased attention to climate and diversity issues, many leading firms have committed themselves to incorporate relevant considerations in their business strategies. Therefore, some industry-observers wonder if Mr. X is out of touch with the industry at large and have warned him that failing to address climate change issues puts his businesses under systemic risk. But, Mr. X maintained his vote against the disclosure proposal, while at the same time acknowledged the importance of both climate change and a diverse and inclusive work force. However, Mr. X believes that such ethical issues take secondary importance to maximising shareholder profit. (a) Discuss the importance of including climate change strategies and diversity and inclusion in a business organisation? (b) In your opinion, what matters more for a business organisation - socio-environmental concerns or shareholder profit? (c) How can the two above-mentioned issues be reconciled? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"The Indian education system suffers from many ills. One of the major issues is the focus on rote learning which has been the staple of the Indian education system for many years. While many Indians have attained success despite this system, simply being able to recall information is not enough in today's world when that information is instantly available to anyone on a mobile phone. A survey of 200 Indian and foreign companies found that only 14% of Indian graduates were prepared for the workforce, largely because most graduates were unable to apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the consequences of rote learning on the educational development of young students in the country? (b) Suggest measures that can be taken to address this issue. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1360,"topper":"Anunaya Jha","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/62447-anunaya-jha_57_2014_essay_booklet_1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"Mangalyaan vs Poverty: Where should India focus?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1361,"topper":"Anunaya Jha","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/932ef-anunaya-jha_57_2014_essay_booklet_2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The Great Game: Sports and its their administration bodies in India.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1362,"topper":"Anup Das","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4e6f4-127102_2208_anup-das_rank-38.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"An effective approach to green budgeting is underpinned by strong strategic framework, tools for evidence generation and an enabling budgetary governance framework. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"State the need for circular economy in India and the challenges associated with it. Also, discuss the measures that are required to build a circular economy in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The Major Port Authorities Act, 2021, seeks to grant greater autonomy and flexibility to the major ports and professionalise their governance. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Increasing the share of rail freight in the overall modal mix could present a golden opportunity for India to shift to an efficient freight paradigm. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Investment in infrastructure is pivotal for accelerated and inclusive socio-economic development of a country. In this context, discuss the significance of the National Monetisation Pipeline. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discuss the need for a National Employment Policy in India. What should be taken into account while formulating such a policy? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Planning for the potential long-term impacts of climate change on agriculture needs to be prioritised to mitigate threats it poses to India's food security. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"In light of various issues being faced, discuss the need for a revamped and need-based PDS in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Analyse the need for shifting from presumptive land titling to conclusive land titling system in India. Also, highlight the hurdles in its implementation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What do you understand by methanol economy? Critically discuss its role in achieving India's energy security and economic prosperity. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"State finances in India present a worrying picture, with debt sustainability being a major concern. Discuss in context of the recent RBI report on state finances. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The Indian experience provides several lessons of an inclusive digital economy model that enables formal digital governance structure at a low cost and with easier access. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"To capitalize on its demographic dividend, India must create well-paying, high productivity jobs. In view of this, discuss the challenges in creation of such jobs in India. What policy measures can help in addressing these challenges? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Though Special Economic Zones (SEZs) can play a significant role in export promotion in India, they are struggling with multiple challenges. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Do you agree with the view that the mixed results of economic reforms in the last three decades can be attributed to the reforms being half-baked and incomplete? Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Dairying is a viable livelihood option for a large section of the population. In this context, discuss the significance, challenges faced and associated government initiatives for the dairy sector in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The imperative to increase farmers' income must shift to creating value chains and must not be reliant on the MSP regime and subsidy bias prevalent in the current Indian agricultural system. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Food processing industry provides a vital link between the two pillars of the economy, i.e. agriculture and industry. In view of this, examine the constraints faced by the agri-food supply chain system in India. Suggest suitable solutions as well. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Availability of adequate storage infrastructure has a direct bearing on agricultural yield and farmer's income. Comment. In this context, discuss the measures that can be undertaken to enhance India's agriculture storage capacity. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Owing to rapid depletion of water resources, there is an urgent need to increase water use efficiency. In this context, discuss the status of irrigation in India and challenges faced. Also, suggest suitable measures to address the challenges. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1363,"topper":"Anup Garg","air":269,"year":2021,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1TQH1etmYD6CBOy5dq9RHgj01hDEJOQRO","questions":[]},{"id":1364,"topper":"Anup Garg","air":269,"year":2021,"paper":"Optional — Public Administration","optional":true,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1yy1Ri6ubVctczkpAHy3tjlu-uAsi9uBX","questions":[]},{"id":1365,"topper":"ANUP NAYAK","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/115/mt23rton004_tc157-test-03-gs-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What do you understand by Windfall tax? Do you think that windfall taxes can effectively redistribute wealth and promote greater economic equality? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss the perceived successes and challenges of implementing inflation targeting under the new Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) regime. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Assess the potential of millet production in promoting sustainable agriculture and improving food security in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do you understand by Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)? Discuss its applications and how it can revolutionize the energy program of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss in brief developments and challenges in the Gaganyaan mission of ISRO. What are the possible benefits of the mission for the society? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"Green hydrogen can be the silver bullet in our quest to tackle climate change and pollution\". Critically analyze the statement in light of India's National Green Hydrogen mission. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What are the key lessons for disaster management and environmental conservation in the Himalayan region, in light of the recent disaster in Joshimath, Uttarakhand? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"The recent radical trends in Punjab show that the Khalistan issue is still simmering.\" Discuss the statement with respect to recent developments and suggest measures to handle it. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The anonymity and ease of drone operation contribute to the challenges of India's border security. Elaborate and give suggestions to tackle the drone problem in border areas. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Electricity Amendment Bill, 2022 brings several advantages for consumers, DISCOMs as well as the environment. Elaborate. Also, list out its shortcomings and suggest some measures to overcome them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) plays an important role in the regulation of the share market and safeguarding the interests of investors. In the light of given statement, highlight the challenges faced by the SEBI and suggest reforms in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Despite being a major contributor to the Indian economy, the agriculture sector is plagued by several constraints that impede its growth and development. Discuss the role of technology in overcoming these constraints. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Evaluate the impact of irrigation on the environment and natural resources, and suggest measures to ensure the sustainability and equity of irrigation practices in agriculture. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"How India benefitted strategically from the contributions of Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha and Dr. Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai in the fields of atomic energy and space technology respectively? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Genreative AI holds the potential to push the boundaries of innovation in the near future, yet its societal impact raises substantial challenges. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Explain the purpose of the \"Mangrove Alliance for Climate\" launched at the COP27 UN Climate Change Conference in Egypt in November 2022. Elaborate on the importance of mangroves in maintaining the coastal ecology of tropical nations. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"The Formation of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure brings more robustness to the Disaster Management approach in India. Comment and justify the need for a new strategy to tackle Disasters in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"The recent rise in ransomware attacks targeting critical infrastructure and major corporations has highlighted the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity measures and policies. Discussing the key factors contributing to this trend, analyze the impact of these attacks on various sectors. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"In the context of border security, how can cooperation and coordination between different security agencies be improved to ensure effective and efficient management of coastal and terrestrial borders? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1366,"topper":"ANUP NAYAK","air":1001,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/114/mt23rton004_tc157-test-03-gs-3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1367,"topper":"ANUPAM SHUKLA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/10_Anupam%20Shukla_14236_707_GS.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The National Cyber Security Policy (NCSP), 2013 presented an opportunity to understand existing legal limitations before devising a future framework. In this context, enumerate the objectives and strategies of NCSP. Also, discuss the shortcomings and limitations that it has been suffering from.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Any counter-terrorism strategy can succeed only if sources of terrorist funding are blocked by efficient financial regulation. In light of the statement discuss the need for an efficient legal framework to combat terror financing in India and steps taken by the government in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"What is Bio-Terrorism? Why is it more perilous than acts of conventional terrorism? Is India prepared to deal with bio-terrorism? Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"The formation of the United Liberation Front of Western South East Asia (UNLFW) poses a serious threat to the North-East region. In this context, discuss the implications of coming together of various insurgent groups on the security of North-East region. What strategies should be adopted to counter this threat?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"In the context of increasing need for integration of defence forces, there is a growing demand for appointment of a single chief for the three arms of defence services. In light of the above statement examine the desirability of such an appointment as recommended by various committees.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"With the Golden Crescent and the Golden Triangle in India's neighbourhood, drug trafficking poses a great threat to India's security. Analyse. Examine the role of non-state actors in drug trafficking in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"A multi-pronged conflict management and resolution strategy is necessary to deal with left wing extremism in India. In this context, examine the effectiveness of the surrender cum rehabilitation scheme for left wing extremists.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"What are the reasons for under-representation of women in science in India? How does it affect the prospect of holistic development of the nation? Suggest some measures which should be taken to tackle the above problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"How do Regenerative Medicines work? Discuss the initiatives taken by the Government of India to develop this field. What are the ethical issues that arise in the use of regenerative medicines?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"With growing concerns w.r.t. global climate change and energy security, biofuels have been gaining popularity. What are the advantages of using biofuels? Discuss the implications of biofuel expansion on food security, social welfare and environment in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"With reference to telecommunication, what are White Spaces? How can they be utilised to improve internet coverage? Also differentiate between White-Fi and Wi-Fi.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Graphene has been touted as the \"miracle material\" of the 21st century. Describe the structure and properties of graphene. Also list its potential applications. Discuss the challenges that are arising in the commercial use of graphene.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"What do you understand by Big Data Analytics? Discuss the benefits and dangers posed by it with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"What are Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)? Discuss the opportunities and challenges that have arisen with the private use of UAVs on the rise.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"\"China's rising influence on India's periphery underlines the requirement for India to craft an independent and robust regional role in South Asia.\" Discuss the statement in the context of China's Maritime Silk Route initiative. Do you think India should participate in this initiative?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"The delimitation of Indo-Bangladesh maritime boundary by Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) has wide economic and strategic implications, not only for India and Bangladesh but for the entire Bay of Bengal region. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Initiatives such as NDB and AIIB represent not on y an assertion of rising powers vis. a vis. the existing institutions dominated by the West, but also underline the requirement of diversifying investment sources for the developing world in arenas such as infrastructure. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"India has decided to go ahead with the proposed Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal transport corridor. Discuss its implications for the South Asian region.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Discuss the strategic, political and economic mplications of India's membership to the SCO.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"West Asia is a key region for India on multiple counts. Has the region being accorded the importance that it deserves in recent times? Have bilateral engagements such as ones with Israel and Iran come at the cost of waning influence of India in the larger West Asian region?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1368,"topper":"ANUPAM SHUKLA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/10_Anupam%20Shukla_14236_704_GS.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Even though the equatorial regions have great potential in timber resources, the lumbering industry has not developed properly in these regions. What could be the possible reasons behind this? Discuss the suitability of the equatorial regions for plantation agriculture.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Transport linkages and government policies are the two most important factors influencing the establishment of Footloose industries. What are the other factors, which influence the location of these industries? Discuss in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"\"Change in latitude and altitude leads to variation in temperature and vegetation\". Analyze.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Jute, \"The Golden Fibre\" enjoys significant ecological and economic advantages over other fibres yet it has been struggling to survive. In this context, discuss the problems associated with the Jute Industry in India. To what extent can the Jute Technology Mission address the same?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"How do global pressure belts explain the formation of climatic regions across the world?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"What are extra tropical cyclones? How are they different from tropical cyclones? Why do the tropical cyclones weaken over the land after landfall?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Describe the different types of earthquake waves and their modes of propagation. How do the earthquakes occurring in the Fold Mountain regions differ from those occurring at large reservoirs/dams? What is the difference between Shallow-focus and deep-focus earthquakes?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Which are the prominent monsoon regions other than the Indian sub-continent? Elucidate the crucial role played by the Tibetan Plateau in regulating monsoons over the sub-continent.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"What are Rare Earth Elements? What are their uses? How is India positioned in the global distribution of these resources?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"\"The potential of Inland Water transport (IWT) to encourage and support increased economic and social development is enormous\". Discuss the factors responsible for the slow growth of IWT in India with special emphasis on geographical limitations. Enumerate some steps taken by the government in order to make this form of transportation competitive with respect to rail and road.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"Lakshadweep has been facing a drastic decline in coral cover in recent years. Discuss various environmental and anthropogenic factors behind this phenomenon. How can El Nino be disastrous for the world's coral reefs? Illustrate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Municipal Solid waste management is fast becoming a nightmare for citizens and local authorities in cities across India. Enumerate the steps taken by various municipal bodies to tackle this enormous problem in India. Can WtE (Waste to Energy) be a feasible solution to this fast growing problem?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"It has been observed that the ozone hole develops over Antarctica, and not over manufacturing centers where chlorofluorocarbons are released prodigiously. How can you explain this phenomenon? Examine the possible health and environmental impacts of ozone depletion.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"India is the 3rd largest producer of coal in the world but commercial production of Coal Bed Methane has not yet started. What are the environmental and economic constraints associated with the production of coal bed methane in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"Hydrofluorocarbons have emerged as contentious issue in climate talks. Discuss whether HFCs should be dealt with under Montreal or Kyoto Protocol.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"\"Wetlands provide ecosystem services essential to people and the environment, valued at billions of dollars\". Explain briefly. Enumerate the causes for wetland losses across India. Further, elaborate on some international and national measures taken to protect them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"What do you understand by the phenomenon of Cloud Burst? How is it related to flash floods? Why are hilly areas more prone to the ill effects of cloud burst?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"What are Tsunamigenic zones? Give examples of such zones in the vicinity of Indian Coastal regions. Examine the preparedness level of India to minimize the impact of Tsunamis.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":55,"question":"\"Community based disaster management, which seeks to empower community directly to enhance their indigenous coping mechanisms, is a must\". Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1369,"topper":"ANUPAM SHUKLA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/10_Anupam%20Shukla_14236_706_GS.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Even though the Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana is an accelerated effort towards financial inclusion, mere opening of bank accounts will not transform into financial inclusion in India. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Discuss the importance of unorganised sector in the Indian economy. Examine the measures taken by the government to overcome the challenges faced by the unorganized sector in the country.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"\"Labour reforms are often cited as the key to unlock the potential of Indian economy.\" In this context discuss the importance of labour reforms in India. Enumerate the measures taken by the government recently in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"MUDRA bank has been termed as a game changer for micro finance sector in the country. What are the objectives of MUDRA Bank? Is there a need of such an institution when there already are multiple schemes and institutions operating for the same purpose?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Despite being an efficient and cheap means of transport, railway has consistently lost its share of freight to road transport. Enumerate the reasons for the same. How far can the high speed freight corridor help in addressing this issue?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"What are Offshore Rupee Bonds? Giving examples, discuss their benefits with regards to mobilisation of resources for domestic sector. Also, comment on their role in internationalisation of Indian Rupee.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Unlike many other countries, small enterprises in India remain small and even shrink. Bring out the factors responsible for such a trend in India. What steps have been taken by the government in this regard?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"How is the EPC model of investment in infrastructure different from the BOT model? What are reasons behind a favorable push for the EPC model over PPP in road sector in recent years?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Despite one of the longest coastlines in the world, India's port facilities and shipping industry are beset by numerous problems. Explain. Discuss some of the corrective measures taken by the government to overcome these problems.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"How has the process of liberalisation, which has otherwise led to high economic growth, affected the employment rate and the nature of employment in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Food processing industry needs a fillip in the form of better logistics, access to credit, technology indigenisation and implementation of food safety laws. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Agro forestry has immense potential in contributing to sustainable development and increasing farm income. Yet, it has failed tc take off in a big way in India. In this context discuss the problems and challenges of Agroforestry in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Agricultural marketing in India is the weakest link in the agricultural economy. In this context discuss the problems of agricultural marketing in India. How far can setting up of national markets help in addressing these problems?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Animal rearing is a key livelihood and risk mitigation strategy for tribals and small and marginal farmers, particularly across the rainfed regions of India. Substantiate. Also, discuss some strategies to realize the potential of this sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"The idea of Second Green Revolution needs to be explored if India wishes to achieve food security, raise farmer income and develop sustainable agriculture. Discuss. Also, elaborate the steps that the government has taken to implement the Second Green Revolution.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Lack of resources and inadequate incentive structures, have led to the breakdown of agricultural extension services in most states. Comment. Suggest some measures to improve agriculture extension services in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"\"Contract farming occupies a crucial role in agricultural economy of India because of small farm sizes\". Evaluate. Analyse the various issues plaguing contract farming in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Reviving the Farm Income Insurance Scheme could be the best tool for marginal farmers to fight falling prices of agricultural products in an increasingly globalized marketplace. Explain.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"The scope of Land reforms needs to be widened beyond the mere activity of redistribution of land and fixing land ceilings to a systemic restructuring that undertakes reforms in the sector of energy and water. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"In recent years, savings rate in the Indian economy has witnessed a consistent decline. What are the factors responsible for this trend? How has the composition of savings changed in the last few years? Suggest measures to improve and better channelize household savings.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1370,"topper":"Anupam Singhal","air":138,"year":2018,"paper":"Optional — Public Administration","optional":true,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/18oE11PallXeHQuEBua6HbTgg0ls6Zy0q","questions":[]},{"id":1371,"topper":"Anupam Yadav","air":237,"year":2024,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/anupam-yadav-test-1-1747726390715.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1372,"topper":"Anupam Yadav","air":237,"year":2024,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/anupam-yadav-test-2-1747726405210.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1373,"topper":"Anupam Yadav","air":237,"year":2024,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/anupam-yadav-test-7-1747726483739.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1374,"topper":"Anupam Yadav","air":237,"year":2024,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/anupam-yadav-test-3-1747726416871.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1375,"topper":"Anupam Yadav","air":237,"year":2024,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/anupam-yadav-test-4-1747726432365.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1376,"topper":"Anupam Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/anupam-yadav-test-6-1747726466748.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"What do you understand by public service values? Discuss their role in public administration. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"\"Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have the right to do and what is right to do.\" Explain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":1377,"topper":"Anupam Yadav","air":237,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/anupam-yadav-test-5-1747726453206.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1378,"topper":"Anupriya Choudhary","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/72e22-491283_1246_anupriya-choudhary_rank-239.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Rock-cut structures were closely associated with various religions and religious activities. Discuss the statement giving relevant examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The legislative and administrative record of the Congress Ministries during their twenty-eight months rule under the Act of 1935 was positive, but the period also witnessed the emergence of serious weaknesses in the Congress. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Kamladevi Chattopadhyay was a multifaceted personality with significant contributions both to pre and post independence India. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The inherent limitations of Napoleon's policy of Continental Blockade ultimately resulted in its failure. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Despite changes in the institution of marriage in recent times, there have been elements of continuity as well. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"There are multiple disabilities that a person experiences in the course of ageing. Elaborate. Also identify key government initiatives taken for addressing them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlight the reasons behind prevalence of low literacy rate among tribals. Also, mention some initiatives taken by the government in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain how Continental Drift Theory describes the changing configuration of the continents. Discuss the prominent evidences given by Alfred Wegener to support his theory. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The variety of landforms on the earth's surface is the result of internal and external forces. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Explaining the concept of Lapse Rate, examine its relationship with atmospheric stability. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The colonial period brought the influence of Western architectural forms to India. In this context, giving examples, highlight the contribution of Europeans to Indian architecture. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The nineteenth century witnessed a struggle against the backward elements of traditional culture. Discuss in the context of socio-religious reform movements. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Explaining the reasons behind partition of Bengal, discuss the successes and limitations of the Swadeshi movement launched in its wake. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The reorganisation of states in India post-independence has been an ongoing process with distinct contributing factors. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The Treaty of Versailles was not a peace agreement based on reconciliation but was 'dictated peace' forced on Germany, which eventually triggered the Second World War. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Legal measures alone are not sufficient for addressing the issue of domestic violence against women, rather it requires intervention at societal level. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"India is undergoing a demographic transition the implications of which are multipronged. Analyze. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Highlight the significance of watershed development in India. Give reasons for the limited success of initiatives directed towards watershed management in India. Also, suggest some measures to improve the design of watershed programs. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Explain the relationship between raw materials and location of industries. How are globalisation and technological advancements changing this relationship? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Explain how natural greenhouse effect helps in maintaining Earth's heat budget. What are the possible implications of rising concentration of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in atmosphere on Earth's heat budget? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1379,"topper":"Anupriya Choudhary","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/76f31-491283_1248_anupriya-choudhary_rank-239.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the significance of Credit Rating Agencies (CRAs) in India and highlight the issues in their working. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What are the issues that have limited the success of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in India? Mention some steps that can be taken to address them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The opportunities for start-ups in India are immense, but so are the challenges. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The term 'Circular Economy' is often seen in news. What are the principles that it is based on? Bring out its relevance for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Assess the performance of Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana in achieving its stated objective of financial inclusion. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"How does pollution in rivers impact the surrounding ecosystem? Explain why such pollution has not shown signs of improvement, despite various government initiatives. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What is project MANAV launched by the Department of Biotechnology? Highlight the significance of this project. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Highlighting the properties and applications of superconductors, discuss the constraints related to their practical use. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind India becoming a major destination as well as a transit hub for drug trafficking in South Asia. How does this effect India's internal security? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The development of border areas is an important element in border management. In this context, discuss how the Border Area Development Programme (BADP) seeks to ameliorate the problems faced in border areas. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Examine whether Fixed Term Employment will be able to achieve the objectives of ease of doing business, achieving labour welfare and job creation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"A growing livestock sector augurs well for the low income households to augment their income and escape poverty. Discuss. Further, suggest some strategies for ensuring sustainable livestock sector growth in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Examine whether the time has come for India to usher in full liberalisation of the Capital Account. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlighting the challenges to agriculture extension in India, discuss how ICT can help in addressing them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Now that it has been two years since introduction of GST in India, do you think the system is on the path to achieve its intended objectives? Support your answer with relevant facts. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Highlight the gender specific challenges faced during disaster management. In this regard, discuss how the disaster management cycle can be made more gender sensitive. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1380,"topper":"Anupriya Choudhary","air":239,"year":2022,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6d535-491283_1247_anupriya-choudhary_rank-239.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1381,"topper":"Anupriya Choudhary","air":239,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/395bd-491283_1990_anupriya-choudhary_rank-239.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1382,"topper":"Anupriya Rai","air":258,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ANUPRIYA-RAIUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-258-Sample-Essay-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. Happiness is nothing more than good health and a bad memory.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"2. Energy drives economies and sustains societies.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1383,"topper":"Anupriya Rai","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/65d93cae1265db5ffeffd2e87a3f6506/21/pttp220437_tc062.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"If you look into someone's face long enough, eventually you feel that you are looking into yourself.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"It is the province of knowledge to speak and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Drop the question what tomorrow may bring, and count as profit every day that fate allows you.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Truth, like a torch, the more it is shook, it shines.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Art is I; science is We.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Only the dead have seen the end of the war.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Act as if it were impossible to fail.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1384,"topper":"Anupriya Rai","air":258,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9203e-1232405_2121_anupriya-rai_rank_258.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1385,"topper":"Anupriya Rai","air":640,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/65d93cae1265db5ffeffd2e87a3f6506/20/pttp220437_tc061.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1386,"topper":"Anupriya Rai","air":640,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/65d93cae1265db5ffeffd2e87a3f6506/22/pttp220437_tc063.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1387,"topper":"Anupriya Rai","air":640,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/118/pttp220437_tc071-test-01-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1388,"topper":"Anupriya Rai","air":258,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ANUPRIYA-RAIUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-258-Sample-MGP-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1 Fundamental rights chapter of the constitution is the \"north star\" of the universe of constitutionalism. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Just because a person is offended by someone's speech or word; it does not mean that an offence has been committed. In this context, discuss the issues surrounding the use of the section 295A and 153A of IPC.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3 Present a comparative analysis of political system of India and Sri-Lanka. How far do you agree that the reason for the economic crisis in Sri-Lanka lies in its political structure?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) The changed nature of civil society due to its professionalization has helped in deepening of democracy but at the cost of participation and accountability. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) While National Green Tribunal (NGT) has made immense contribution to protection of environment, various structural and functional issues have limited its effectiveness. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) Policy of reservation, started to provide equality of opportunities, has fallen victim to political opportunism. Critically examine the success of affirmative actions in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7 Unless the factors that prevent effective and full participation of persons with disability in political and public life are addressed, the goal of inclusiveness and empowerment will remain elusive. Analyze.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8 The criminal justice system has made the process itself a punishment leading to the prolonged incarceration of undertrials. Highlighting the reasons for the large number of undertrial prisoners, examine the desirability of a dedicated bail law.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) China's interest in Russia is not only that of a strategic partner, but also for it being a strategic diversion for the west. Analyze.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 Appraise the role of Indian diaspora in the economies of West Asia and Africa. What initiatives can be taken to address the issues faced by the diaspora in these regions?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) Electoral reform is a continuous effort to make election funding transparent, election process inclusive, and political parties accountable. Discuss issues related to election funding, proposal for remote voting and regulation of Registered Unrecognized Political Parties (RUPPs).","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 Judicial accountability and independence are mutually reinforcing. Do you agree? In what ways can judicial accountability be enhanced without impinging on its independence?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 Ordinances deny legislative legitimacy to executive actions and weakens democratic accountability of elected government. Discuss the rationale behind inclusion of ordinance making power in the constitution and various safeguards against its misuse. Has the ordinance making power outlived its utility in present times? Justify.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) Multiplicity of central investigative agencies leads to not only problems of overlapping jurisdiction and duplication of functions but also dilution of federal principles. Highlighting various issues related to the functioning of central investigating agencies, argue the case for an independent umbrella body for their regulation.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 The achievement of Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 can happen only if we consider local context and situations. In light of this statement, examine the critical role as well as capabilities of PRIs in meeting the SDGs.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 Ayushman Bharat is a revolutionary intervention but falls short of recognizing the right to health as a universal basic right. In this perspective, discuss the need for and impediments in ensuring the right to health for all in the country.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 Assess the performance of MGNREGA in generation of sustainable employment and creation of durable assets in rural India. Can this model be replicated in urban areas as well?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 Poverty is driving women into the workforce, while education seems to drive them out of it. What explains this anomaly? How can Self Help Groups (SHGs) correct this aberration?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Rather than seeing it as a replacement for SAARC, BIMSTEC must be appreciated for its critical role as a bridge between South Asia and ASEAN. Analyze.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 Compare the aims and objectives of I2U2 and Quad. What importance does I2U2 hold for India?","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1389,"topper":"Anupriya Rai","air":640,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/119/pttp220437_tc072-test-02-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1390,"topper":"Anupriya Rai","air":258,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ANUPRIYA-RAIUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-258-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) seeks to democratize the nation's online market by catalysing a shift from a platform centric to an open model of e-commerce. Enumerate the issues in platform centric e-commerce model and discuss the significance of ONDC.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Highlighting the existing bottlenecks in infrastructure development in the country, examine the role of PM Gati Shakti-National Master Plan for Multi-Modal Connectivity to overcome these challenges.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Often cited as responsible for many of the agriculture's maladies, Minimum Support Price (MSP) policy can also provide their remedies. Analyze the statement with special reference to issues related to mono-cropping and climate change.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4 Explain the critical role of the fisheries sector for development of coastal areas. Describing the major outcomes of the 12th ministerial of WTO, discuss India's concerns related to the impact of these outcomes on fisheries sector in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) What are the advantages of liquid nano urea over conventional fertilizers? Also bring out other applications of nanotechnology in the agriculture sector.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) Discuss the reasons for rising anti-microbial resistance (AMR) in India and the efforts to control it. Can traditional medicine help in controlling AMR in the country?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7 Critically evaluate the various government initiatives to promote renewable energy in the country. How far can the Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill, 2022 contribute towards the objective of decarbonizing the economy?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) Frequent sea incursions and accelerated coastal erosion pose a grave threat to our environment. Analyzing their impacts, propose some corrective measures.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q9 Emerging internal security threats of the 21st century call for a modern, efficient and responsive police force. In this perspective, present a case for well-rounded police reforms.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) Money laundering undermines the integrity of the financial system and threatens national security. Elaborate. How effective has Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA) been in checking the problem of money laundering in the country?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q11 In the five years since its launch to create \"One Nation, One Tax, One Market\", Goods and Services Tax (GST) has been a cause of celebration as well as a source of worry for the stakeholders. In light of this statement, assess the performance of GST.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 Discussing the reasons for high Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) in Indian banking sector, critically examine the utility of Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) and National Asset Reconstruction Company Ltd (NARCL) for reducing financial stress on banks.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 While post-independence policies have transformed India from a 'ship to mouth' economy to a net exporter of agri-products, nutrition security is yet an unrealized objective. Analyze.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 Examine the critical role of Food Corporation of India (FCI) in food management in the country. Highlight various challenges faced by the FCI and suggest reforms to make it more effective in its functioning.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15) What do you understand by Artificial Intelligence (AI)? Analyze its predictive and prescriptive applications to improve governance in the country and list out the challenges inherent in AI.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 How is 5G different from previous generations of tele-communication technology? Underlining the transformative application of 5G technology, discuss various challenges in its roll-out.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 Why is Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) seen as a regulatory hurdle to development rather than an integral part of developmental planning? How far can the recently proposed ranking system for State EIA Authorities (SEIAA) help in changing this perception?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 Unscientific, unmindful and unregulated tourism in the ecologically fragile areas has increased the vulnerabilities of these regions towards a plethora of disasters. Examine the statement and suggest strategies for sustainable tourism.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 How are 'hybrid-militants' different from militants and Over Ground Workers (OGW)? In what ways have hybrid-militants changed the security concerns in Jammu and Kashmir? Also recommend effective measures to counter them.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20) Explain the linkages of human trafficking with other illicit activities such as drug trafficking, gun-running, and terrorism. Discuss the measures to tackle the menace of human trafficking with special reference of draft Trafficking in Persons (Prevention, Care & Rehabilitation) Bill 2021.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1391,"topper":"Anupriya Rai","air":258,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ANUPRIYA-RAIUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-258-Sample-MGP-Copy-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) Ethical governance is the foundation of a welfare state. Identify essential ethical traits of a welfare state. Discuss ways and means to promote ethics in governance.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) While one group considers abortion as unmitigated evil, the other sees it as morally acceptable. Analyse various ethical concerns related to abortion and give your opinion on the issue.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) Conscience keeps ethics from fading when faced with a tough decision. Discuss in context of civil servants.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) What are the various conflicts of values that civil servants face while performing their duty? How can such conflicts be resolved? Discuss with illustrations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) a) Emotional intelligence (EI) not only helps in managing stress but also transforms distress into eustress. Elaborate with relevant examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) Differentiate between the following:\ni. Gratitude and Gratification\nii. Moral myopia vs Moral muteness","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.4) a) Although attitude and behaviour are interrelated, the former is a predisposition while the latter is an option. Discuss the structure of attitude and explain the relationship between attitude and behaviour.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"b) Civil servants should work for a cause and not for applause. In light of this statement, examine why bureaucratic anonymity is considered a foundational value for a civil servant. How far do you agree that the principle of bureaucratic anonymity has been diluted in the age of social media?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.5) What does each of the following quotation mean to you?\na) A man can give up a right, but he may not give up a duty without being guilty of a grave dereliction.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"b) Justice without force is futile, force without justice is tyrannical.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.6) a) Ethics in international relations is a myth, only national interest determines the foreign policy. How far do you agree with this statement? Discuss with suitable illustrations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"b) It is not power, but fear that corrupts. Fear of losing power corrupts those who wield it and fear of the scourge of power corrupts those who are subject to it. Examine the statement in context of political corruption.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"c) Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel. What do you understand by this statement? In your opinion, which five values should Indian education system inculcate in every student? Justify your choice.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7 Based on this case study, answer the following:\na) Identify various ethical issues involved in this incident.\nb) In your opinion, whether vaccine mandates are a violation of individual liberty or a reasonable restriction on personal freedom. Justify.\nc) Discuss the ethical responsibility of famous personalities while conducting themselves in public.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"इस केस स्टडी के आधार पर, निम्नलिखित के उत्तर दें :\na) इस घटना में शामिल विभिन्न नैतिक मुद्दों की पहचान करें।\nb) आपकी राय में, क्या वैक्सीन अधिनियम व्यक्तिगत स्वतंत्रता का उल्लंघन है या व्यक्तिगत स्वतंत्रता पर उचित प्रतिबंध है। औचित्य सिद्ध करें।\nc) सार्वजनिक रूप से स्वयं का संचालन करते समय प्रसिद्ध व्यक्तियों की नैतिक जिम्मेदारी पर चर्चा करें।","marks":null,"words":"20 अंक"},{"page":34,"question":"Q.8 You are an IFS officer who heads a diplomatic mission in a European country. You live there with your wife and children. Your parents and few of your relatives are also visiting you for vacation. The country is known for its scenic mountains and it is a popular destination for tourists. In an unexpected turn of events, the country in which you are posted has been attacked by its neighbour due to some unresolved bilateral issues. All the major transportation channels have been adversely impacted by the attack. Flights have been cancelled and airspace above the country has been declared unsafe for commercial aircrafts. You have received an urgent communication from New Delhi asking you to prepare a plan for evacuation of Indians from the besieged country. You have been informed that a friendly neighbouring country of India has sought India's help to evacuate its citizens. Due to war, only a limited number of people can be evacuated in one go and multiple rounds would be required for evacuating everyone. You have identified following groups of people who are to be evacuated:\ni You, your wife, children, parents and relatives.\nii Diplomatic staff at the mission.\niii Indian tourists visiting the country.\niv Indian students studying in the country.\nv A film crew and actors who were shooting a film in the country. These include some of the biggest names of Bollywood.\nvi Citizens of the friendly neighbouring country that has requested India's help.\n As a civil services officer of the state, what would be the order in which you would evacuate these people and why? Give Justifications.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Q.9) Rashmi is a young IPS officer who is posted as the SP law and order in a district that has a history of communal clashes. During a cultural event, a political leader made certain controversial comments regarding the religion of another community that can potentially harm communal harmony in the district. The representatives of the aggrieved community met Rashmi with their complaint. An FIR was registered in the matter and the police department promptly started an investigation. During questioning, the accused political leader denied the charges. He claimed that he was exercising his right to freedom of expression and had no intention of hurting anyone's feelings. He even offered to tender an apology if his statement had hurt someone's religious feelings. However, the aggrieved community was not satisfied with this apology and demanded strict action against the accused. The next day, a video went viral on social media in which the accused political leader can be seen making derogatory statements against another religious faith. However, Rashmi suspects that the video going viral on the internet is a doctored video and someone has mischievously edited it to make it more vitriolic and inflammatory. The video has ignited communal tensions in the district. The accused political leader belongs to an influential community and his community has put their support behind him. Local intelligence has warned that some anti-social elements are trying to use this opportunity to create communal riot in the district. The entire matter has been politicized and is being covered by the national media. In this situation answer the following:\na) What differentiates a hate speech from a free speech?\nb) Why does social media have a very strong influence over the actions and thoughts of its users?\nc) What is the most suitable course of action for Rashmi in this situation? Justify.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"a) Hate speech and triggering of communal sentiments have in recent years caused disruption in community harmony and spirit of brotherhood.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"b) Social media have strong influence over its users because:-\n1 Serve as a quick and mass-coverage tool of communication Eg- Facebook\n2 Allow spread of hate content with speed of a wildfire - Zakir Naik speech\n3 Influential personalities misuse social media to spread disharmony","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Q.10) In this scenario, answer the following:\na) Why do doctors face violence in the country?\nb) Identify various moral-ethical and administrative lapses in this case.\nc) What would you recommend in this case? Give rationale behind giving those recommendations.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"a) देश में डॉक्टरों को हिंसा का सामना क्यों करना पड़ता है?\nb) इस मामले में विभिन्न नैतिक-नीति विषयक और प्रशासनिक खामियों की पहचान करें।\nc) इस मामले में आप क्या सुझाव देंगे? उन सुझावों को देने के पीछे तर्क दीजिए।","marks":null,"words":"20 अंक"},{"page":49,"question":"Q.11 On the basis of above case study, answer the following:\na) Identify various ethical dilemmas involved in this case study.\nb) What can be the other options to achieve justice in the given case, apart from demolition of the illegal towers? Evaluate each of these options and suggest the most suitable option.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"Q.12) Lithium is emerging as the new gold in the modern world. It is used extensively in making rechargeable batteries that are used across phones, laptops, electric vehicles etc. As the world is transitioning towards clean energy, demand for lithium is rising exponentially. India is dependent on imports for her lithium needs. Recently, a large lithium deposit has been found during a geological survey in Central India. According to initial estimates, the reserve is large enough to not only fulfill domestic requirements but also leave enough surplus for India to export lithium to other countries. The news of this discovery is covered by national media. This reserve can provide much needed impetus to adoption and development of green energy technologies in the country. Many prominent union ministers have expressed their desire for timely development of lithium mines and claimed that this discovery to be an outcome of their far-sighted governance and development model.\n\nAmit is a senior government official who has been appointed as project development officer for this mining project. During initial assessment of the project, Amit found that the discovered reserve lies inside a forest inhabited by tribals. This is a pristine forest, hitherto untouched by humans, other than indigenous tribal communities. This forest hosts a wide variety of flora and fauna, many of which are endemic. Further, the lithium reserve lies at the foothill of a hillock. This hillock has a small shrine where the deity worshipped by the tribals is located. Lithium mining in this area would mean destruction of forest, blasting of the mountain where shrine of the tribal deity is located and displacement of tribals. The tribal population is against this mining project; They consider this project as an assault on their way of life and culture. Intelligence report suggests that if these tribals are forcefully displaced and their shrine destroyed, they can become easy targets for the Naxal indoctrination and create a security nightmare for the state. On the other hand, Amit is facing political pressure for execution of this project and has been repeatedly reminded that not only this project is of national importance but also can be a stepping stone for his career.\n\nAmit is your colleague and a close friend. He asks you for your advice in this matter. Based on the described situation, help Amit identify various ethical dilemmas in this case. In your opinion, what is the most suitable course of action for Amit? Justify your choice.","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":1392,"topper":"Anupriya Rai","air":189,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/114e9-810715_2528_anupriya_rai_rank_189.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"While Dumont's work on caste in India has been influential, it has also been subject to criticism. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Evaluate how the concept of Dominant Caste concept has been utilized in analyzing social hierarchies?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"While caste remains an important dimension of modern social life, its relevance is mostly limited in contemporary times. Critically discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Do you think that marriage as a sacrament is losing its relevance in contemporary India? Present a sociological overview.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Religious beliefs and values influence political ideologies, policymaking, and governance. Analyze the relationship between religion and politics in contemporary India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Account for an evolution of industrial class structure in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Explain the Interactional approach to study of caste in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"It has been observed by I. P. Desai and other sociologists that nuclear family in India is merely a stage in the joint family cycle. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"Meenakshi Mukherjee observes that social conformity has always been more obligatory for a woman than for a man. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Discuss the impact of legal reforms on family structures in India, with a focus on changes in inheritance laws, property rights, and marital legislations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"British rule produced radical and lasting changes in Indian society and culture. Examine the statement in the light of M.N. Srinivas's concept of westernization.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"\"It is not politics that gets caste ridden; it is caste that gets politicized.\" Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"\"While a caste struggled for a higher position for itself in the local hierarchy, it resented the efforts of others, in particular the lower castes to move up\". Examine the nature of inter-caste struggle in the context of this statement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"Religious minority groups in India encounter numerous challenges, encompassing declining population trends and identity-related crises that warrant critical examination and discussion. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1393,"topper":"Anupriya Rai","air":189,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/66f11-810715_2529_anupriya_rai_rank_189.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"\"Constitution of India is not just a political document but a source of social change\". Explain in this context, Yogendra Singh's perspective on law and social change.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"\"Paid menstrual leaves for women will reinforce existing stereotypes\". Critically analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"\"Caste must be counted because it counts\". Discuss the statement in light of the recent debates over caste- based census.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"\"The trajectory of urban development is the major reason for environmental issues in urban areas\". Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"\"While education is a tool of social change, it's commercialization is leading to the opposite\". Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"\"Green revolution led to profound structural and cultural changes in rural and agrarian societies in India\". Analyse the various functional and dysfunctional changes brought by green revolution.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"The modern working class came into being with the rise of capitalist mode of production. In light of this, discuss the emergence and consolidation of working class in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"To what extent do you agree with the assertion that the processes of industrialization and urbanization in India have reduced the significance of caste differences while strengthening the influence of class dynamics? Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"Explain the changes brought by globalisation in the modes of production in Indian agriculture?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"Evaluate the concept of new social movements in the context of Indian society, considering their reflection on societal changes.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"Discuss the role of indigenous communities and traditional knowledge systems in promoting environmental conservation and sustainable practices in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Analyze the various perspectives on comprehending the concept of \"ethnicity\".","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"In your opinion, has the allocation of seats for women in local governance contributed to the enhancement of Indian democracy?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"Discuss the challenges to secularism posed by rising religious nationalism and communal tensions. What are the possible strategies for promoting religious tolerance and social harmony?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"Analyze the social and economic determinants of child and infant mortality in India, and suggest interventions to improve maternal and child health outcomes.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Pressure groups play a significant role in influencing policy agendas. Analyze the strategies and effectiveness of pressure groups in the Indian political landscape.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1394,"topper":"Anupriya Rai","air":189,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/73010-810715_2530_anupriya_rai_rank_189.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Sociology is considered to be the 'daughter of industrial revolution'. Explain.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Explain the historical analysis as a research method in sociology.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Variables play crucial role in social research. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Herbert Spencer explained the evolution of society by drawing parallels with biological evolution. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Mobility is often touted as a solution to inequality. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"How did Émile Durkheim apply concepts of mechanical and organic solidarity to study social integration and solidarity in modern industrial society?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Marx's idea of history was opposed to philosophy of idealism. Examine the statement in the context of materialist conception of history.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Triangulation is a valuable strategy in social sciences to enhance the credibility, reliability, and comprehensiveness of research findings. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"What does the term \"hermeneutics\" signify, and in what ways is it applied within the field of sociology?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Evaluate the importance of the informal sector within the context of developing economies.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"Evaluate whether identity politics serves as a divisive or unifying force, using specific examples to support your analysis.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Analyze how industrialization has altered the traditional dynamics between generations and the relationships between spouses within the family structure.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"The greying of human societies has become a problem for developing countries. Explain.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"Examine the notion of 'Civil Society' with a critical lens. In what ways does civil society facilitate democratic governance and promote political stability?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss the feminist rejection of structural functionalist understanding of family. Illustrate this in context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Media has become a vital source of influence, social interaction. Discuss the role of media as a medium of social change from sociological perspectives.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1395,"topper":"Anupriya Rai","air":189,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/21b47-810715_2531_anupriya_rai_rank_189.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"\"The politicization of caste identities has led to a deepening of democratic processes in India.\" Critically evaluate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"\"The Indological perspective on Indian society tends to emphasize cultural continuity and overlooks the dynamics of social change.\" Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Critically examine Daniel Thorner's approach to study Indian agrarian society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Ghurye's analysis of tribes was based on tribe caste continuum. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the importance of the theory of Little Tradition and Great Tradition in comprehending social change in Indian society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"The hallmark of Srinivas perspective on Indian society was to break out from confines of textual authority. In this context critically analyse the structural-functionalist perspective in the analysis of Indian Society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"\"The application of Historical Materialism provided a new method in understanding Indian social reality\". Discuss the statement in context of A. R. Desai's understanding of Indian nationalism.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Comment on how Brahminical Patriarchy represents the convergence of two major issues: casteism and sexism.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"The concept of paternity leave challenges the patriarchal notion that child-rearing is solely a woman's responsibility. In this context, discuss the challenges associated with implementing paternity leave provisions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Though the credit to establish Indian sociological tradition goes to G S Ghurye, but it was M N Srinivas who led it to maturity. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"\"Family is an imagination while household is a reality\". Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Analyze and critique how women are represented in Indian media.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"\"Each caste is demanding superiority to equals and equality to superiors\". Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"Political parties essentially emerge from social movements. Support your view with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"How much can the rise of communalism in India be attributed to the period of colonial rule?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"\"Climate change is not just an environmental issue but also a social justice issue,\" Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"According to NFHS-5, women have outnumbered men in India for the first time in history. Do you believe this reflects the success of family planning in India? Provide a critical analysis of the situation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"Secularism is the cardinal principle of Indian constitution. Discuss the problems faced by religious minorities in India, in the light of secular framework in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Unemployment among the educated has significant social consequences that extend beyond the individual to affect families, and society as a whole. Explain.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1396,"topper":"Anupriya Rai","air":640,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/116/pttp220437_tc071-test-01-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1397,"topper":"Anupriya Rai","air":640,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/117/pttp220437_tc072-test-02-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1398,"topper":"Anupriya Sakya","air":120,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/005e5-1297803_2488_anupriya_sakya_rank_120.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1399,"topper":"Anupriya Sakya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c1ba9-1297803_2930_anupriya_sakya_rank_120.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How is the rapid growth of the food processing industry leading to food safety challenges in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":1400,"topper":"Anupriya Sakya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c1827-1297803_2219_anupriya_sakya_rank_120.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Fiscal policy can be a key tool to reduce income inequality as well as make the poorest and the downtrodden a part of the country's growth story. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Given its vast resources and technical expertise, India can play a key role in assisting the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) in dealing with the impact of climate change. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The recent \"Disaster Management Plan of Ministry of Panchayati Raj (DMP-MoPR)\" aims to develop disaster resilience at the grassroots level. In this context, discuss the rationale behind the formulation of the Plan and highlight its key components. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the internal security implications emanating from the use of Emerging And Disruptive Technologies (EDT) by state and non-state actors. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Identify the impediments faced by India in boosting its defence exports. Also, discuss the steps taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the multiple issues associated with space debris. Also, state the initiatives taken in recent times to tackle this menace. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The adoption of Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) in India is expected to make e-commerce more inclusive and accessible for consumers. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While an agreement was recently reached at the WTO on a deal to curb \"harmful\" government fisheries subsidies, certain concerns raised by India suggests that the matter will require further negotiations. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite the advantages that are associated with the hybrid annuity model (HAM) in the road construction sector, the interest in it has moderated due to various reasons. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The existing MSP procurement regime is neither economically nor agro-ecologically sustainable. Elaborate. Also, evaluate the alternative approaches that can be adopted to improve the existing MSP regime. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"It is being argued that India is struggling with overflowing foodgrains in warehouses. Discuss the statement in view of the existing buffer stock policy of India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Recently, the government has asked all ports to prepare a master plan in order to become 'mega ports' by 2047. In light of this, discuss the challenges faced by ports and suggest remedial measures in order to propel India's blue economy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Inequality in income and wealth translates into carbon inequality. In this context, discuss the significance of addressing carbon inequality for India and suggest ways to achieve it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Despite increased and regular occurrences of landslides over the past decade in India, the dominant development paradigm has largely not been modified. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India needs a smart border management system to balance legitimate cross border flows with national security interests. Discuss. Also, highlight the initiatives taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Establishing linkages between globalisation and money laundering, discuss the initiatives taken at the national and international levels to combat it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"There have been arguments that India needs to review some of its past assumptions about the nature of outer space and contribute to the development of new global norms. In this context, analyse India's stand in relation to the Artemis Accords. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1401,"topper":"Anupriya Sakya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/dfd0c-1297803_2424_anupriya_sakya_rank_120.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What are the different dimensions of food security? Examine India's status in terms of ensuring food security with regard to these dimensions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Modern technologies such as blockchain and ChatGPT are powerful tools with immense potential to transform agriculture into a more efficient and sustainable sector. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What factors have led to the recent acceleration in the trend towards de-dollarization of the global economy? Do you think the dollar will lose its dominance anytime soon? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Despite significant pressure from the developed countries to alter its food subsidy regime, there is merit in India trying to retain its policy support for the poor in the country. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Several initiatives have been taken by the government towards addressing India's water needs, but the issues of water availability and water quality still warrant prioritised intervention. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What are the major drivers of glacial retreat in the Arctic? Describe the potential impact of the retreat of Arctic glaciers on the ecosystem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Space tourism, which was viewed as something straight out of a science fiction movie, is now becoming a reality albeit not without hindrances. What are the challenges associated with space tourism? What measures can be taken to address these challenges? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":1402,"topper":"Anupriya Sakya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ee3e7-1297803_2931_anupriya_sakya_rank_120.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The end cannot justify the means, for the simple and obvious reason that the means employed determine the nature of the ends produced. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":1403,"topper":"Anupriya Sakya","air":120,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Public Administration","optional":true,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/u/2/folders/1fOTtC_LBZJtULbSM_sNecJU0yIYWtGQy","questions":[]},{"id":1404,"topper":"Anurag Chopra","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ANURAG-CHOPRA-UPSC-2023-Rank-210-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"We need greater environmental awareness and sustainable development in the face of climate change and ecocide.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"A moral system valid for all is basically immoral.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The pursuit of knowledge leads to the discovery of truth.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Less is more and small is beautiful: the new mantra for world peace","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"Investment in human resource development can ensure security of future society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"Men survive on adversity and perish in ease and comfort.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"Every saint has a past, and every sinner has a future.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1405,"topper":"Anurag Chopra","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ANURAG-CHOPRA-UPSC-2023-Rank-210-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Investment in infrastructure is a precursor to social and economic transformation; however, the focus on economic gains must not marginalise the concerns for safety. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What do you understand from Green growth? With special reference to the budget 2023-2024, discuss various government measures to propel green growth in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Project cheetah marks a departure from India's efforts for conservation of various critically-endangered species. In this perspective, do you think the reintroduction of major fauna that has gone extinct is justified? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"In what ways can precision agriculture become a panacea for multipronged challenges plaguing the agriculture sector? Discuss. Also, analyse various impediments in widespread adoption of precision farming in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are the reasons for increasing emphasis on the horticulture sector in recent years? Evaluate government measures for the development of the horticulture sector. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Unplanned urbanization has made Indian cities vulnerable to fire safety hazards. Discuss and recommend measures for mitigating urban fires, with special reference to national building code, 2016. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"DPI (Digital Public Infrastructure) is indispensable for digitally enabling citizens and businesses; however, the challenges of exclusion, exploitation, and monopolisation cannot be ignored. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Assess the relevance of the NISAR mission in observing and managing climate change and natural hazards. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Defense indigenization remains the Achilles heel of India's security architecture. Examine the importance of startups in defense sector to make India secure and self-reliant. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Edge in modern warfare lies not so much in the capacity to overwhelm the adversary as much in the ability to nip the threat in the bud. In this context, discuss the role of intelligence in maintaining national security, and also cite challenges associated. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Labour and export intensive industries are key to problems of jobless growth. In this perspective, analyse the opportunities and challenges associated with the textile sector. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"In an era of interconnected challenges, the emerging global polycrisis poses significant implications for India's macroeconomic stability. Examine and suggest measures to make the Indian economy more resilient to global shocks and challenges. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Do you think the low Female Labor Force Participation Rate presents a correct picture about the 'working women' in India's economy? Give reasons in support of your answer. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Across sectors and regions, the most marginalised sections are also the most affected by the impacts of climate change. Explain. Also, present a case for a climate resilient model of development that integrates mitigation and adaptation measures. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite the potential to check the triple whammy of nutritional deficiency, environmental degradation, and receding farm incomes, the adoption of Millets has been abysmally low. Analyse. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"A link between unorganized farming community and formal industrial sector, Food Processing Industries (FPI) can play a key role in advancing the rural economy. Evaluate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What do you understand by generative Artificial Intelligence (AI)? How can policymakers and regulatory bodies effectively address the concerns and challenges posed by generative AI? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Though ethnic fault lines are a major threat, security challenges in the North-East are not confined to the same. Discuss the statement with special reference to Manipur. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Critically examine the role of development initiatives in addressing the root causes of militancy/ terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1406,"topper":"Anurag Chopra","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ANURAG-CHOPRA-UPSC-2023-Rank-210-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Green Hydrogen is necessary for the country to modernize without carbonizing; however, its adoption is beset with several challenges. Elaborate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) must graduate from a mere statutory exercise to a conscious effort for achieving development with minimal ecological cost. Analyse. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand by Single Use Plastic (SUP)? Discuss the need of and challenges associated with banning SUP in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The incidents of forest fires present a doble whammy of loss of green cover and an increase in harmful emissions. Bring out the reasons behind frequent occurrences of forest fires. Also, under-lining the harmful impacts, suggest ways to contain the same. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Why does a coherent response to recurring disasters remains elusive in the country, despite having a well-structured Disaster Management Act, 2005? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Highlighting different kinds of cyberthreats faced by India, evaluate the current status of cybersecurity framework in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Often criticised as draconian by human rights activists, AFSPA is justified as a necessary evil by its supporters. Critically appraise the utility of Armed Forces Special Powers Act in light of the prevailing security situation. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Money laundering is a global problem that cannot be solved by isolated responses. Discuss the statement and also suggest ways to curb the menace. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"India needs modern armed forces and younger, leaner battle-ready soldiers to tackle security challenges of 21st century. In this perspective, evaluate the Agnipath scheme. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Examine the linkages between terrorism and organized crime. Present a case for breaking the illicit bond between the two. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Explain the critical role of wetlands in achieving sustainable development. Discuss various threats to wetland ecosystem and recommend measures for their conservation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"India's target to achieve net zero emissions by 2070 is contingent on several complimentary factors. Identifying these factors, suggest ways to reduce the emission intensity of the country. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Warming ocean temperatures, oxygen loss and ocean acidification form a deadly trio for marine ecosystem that can have irreversible repercussions for environment as well as economy. Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Examine the factors that heightens the vulnerability of Indian cities to urban floods. In light of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) guidelines on urban floods, discuss suitable mitigation and management strategy. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The dilemma of controlling rise in global temperatures while also meeting consistently rising energy demands calls for collaborative measures at the global level. How far can Green Grids Initiative (GGI) balance the looming climatic crisis with growing developmental needs? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Despite being seminal to the security and integrity of the country, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) themselves face a plethora of challenges. Discuss the statement, suggesting ways to ameliorate their problems. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What are the reasons behind continuation of insurgency in the North-Eastern region of the country? Highlight the government initiatives to check insurgency in North-East. Also, recommend measures required to deal with this threat. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"In what ways fake news has impacted internal security of the country? How can fake news be identified and controlled? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Internal Security of the country is a shared responsibility between the citizens and the government. With the help of the map given below, describe various internal security challenges to the country. What steps should be taken to strengthen the internal security situation? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Though Naxalism is showing a downward trend, it is not only thriving in its core areas of influence but also changing its form. Analysing the reason for its retreat, underline the factors behind its continuance. Also, discuss measures towards eliminating LWE from the country altogether. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1407,"topper":"Anurag Chopra","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ANURAG-CHOPRA-UPSC-2023-Rank-210-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"\"Two things define you: Your patience when you have nothing and your attitude when you have everything.\" What roles do attitude and patience play in the personal and professional lives of civil servants? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Ethical governance is the pivot of a welfare and caregiving State. Discuss how ethical governance can make a welfare state more inclusive, responsive, and citizen-centric? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"\"In this hyperconnected and morally interdependent world, the most important thing we can share is trustworthiness.\" Why is trustworthiness important? In what ways can it be imbibed in an individual? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What does each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"Fortitude is the marshal of thought, the armour of the will, and the fort of reason.\"-Francis Bacon. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"There is no key to happiness; the door is always open.\"- Mother Teresa. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"\"That which is not good for the bee-hive cannot be good for the bees.\"- Marcus Aurelius. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What do you understand by environmental ethics? How is the demand for the 'loss and damage' fund by developing countries ethically justified? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"A vigilant media is the voice of the common folks; however, a tainted media acts as its master's voice. Explain the importance of ethics in the functioning of media. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Although in letter, the rules and laws are driven by objective principles, they cannot be implemented in spirit without adhering to the principles of compassion. Examine with suitable illustrations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Emotional intelligence (EI) is the ability to control your emotions rather than getting controlled by them. What role does EI play in the well-rounded development of an individual? Do you consider yourself an emotionally intelligent person? Justify. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Identify various internal and external pressures that impact ethical decision-making. Have you ever faced such pressure? Give examples from your life. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Guilt is a powerful negative emotion that can eat a man away from inside. Discuss what causes guilt and how it can be managed. Can guilt lead to positive outcomes? Justify. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":37,"question":"List the ethical arguments for and against 'savior sibling'. Do you think it is ethical for parents to give consent for bone marrow donation on behalf of children? b) If the procedure involves organ donation, can it have a permanent effect on the baby, will it still be an ethical medical practice? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Abhay is a senior officer in a government think tank. He is responsible for analysing the demands for funds from various ministries and state governments. His job mandates making recommendations to the government for prioritising the budget expenditure. Abhay's department is presently busy in analysing the demands for funds from five different ministries. The first demand is from the Ministry of Defence for 500 crore rupees. The Ministry of Defence has solicited funds for the acquisition of state-of-the-art bullet proof vests and assault weapons for the armed force personnel posted in insurgent invested areas of Jammu and Kashmir. The second demand is from the Ministry of Heavy Industries. The Ministry of Heavy Industries has demanded 300 crore rupees for the purchase of electric scooters. Distribution of electric scooters was one of the election promises of the incumbent union government in order to reduce pollution levels in the country. Further, as two states are set to go to poll next year, there is an additional pressure from a senior cabinet minister to prioritise this demand. The third demand is for 200 crore rupees from the Ministry of Road Transport. The Ministry of Road Transport has proposed to build robust road connectivity in left wing affected areas and also in the hilly states. It is reasoned that while road connectivity will have a multiplier impact on the economy, it will also improve the governance process. The fourth demand is from the Ministry of Health for 200 crore rupees. The Ministry of Health has targeted to increase the insurance penetration in the country. It is argued that increased insurance penetration will boost public health and reduce out-of-pocket expenditure. The fifth demand is for 300 crore rupees from the Ministry of Women and Child Development. The MoWCD aims to expand its nutrition programme in the country. It is believed that in order to check the high levels of stunting and wasting in the children, the State needs to take a larger role. While each of the government schemes is important, the fiscal space available with the exchequer is limited. Accordingly, Abhay has an elbow space to accommodate schemes worth 1000 crore rupees. Now, it is incumbent upon Abhay to allocate the available money in the most prudent fashion. a) What principles should guide Abhay in the allocation of money? b) Imagine yourself in the position of Abhay. In what order will you prioritise the available funds and why? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"While every government scheme is important, the fiscal space available to the exchequer is limited. Accordingly, Abhay has the capacity to accommodate schemes worth Rs 1000 crore. Now, it is up to Abhay to allocate the available funds in the most prudent manner. a) What principles should guide Abhay in the allocation of funds? b) Imagine yourself in the position of Abhay. In what order would you prioritize the available funds and why? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"Based on the above-mentioned conditions, answer the following questions : a) What were the ethical flaws in Raman's conduct? b) Discuss the merits and demerits of the various courses of action available to Avnish. c) What are the various dilemmas before Avnish? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":61,"question":"What are the ethical issues involved in the above case study? b) How will this action affect the overall work-culture of the company? c) Examine the need for corporate ethics in large corporations. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":1408,"topper":"Anurag Dwivedi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/58592-107820_1244_anurag-dwivedi_rank_114.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the need of an Independent Fiscal Council (IFC) in bringing about transparency and accountability in fiscal processes in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Recognizing the potential of exports in generating employment, a number of steps need to be taken to address India's weakening export competitiveness. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlighting the main features of National Mineral Policy, 2019, discuss how it can help in ensuring sustainable and responsible mining. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlighting the salient features of the PM JI-VAN Yojana, analyze how it can assist in achieving the vision and goals of the National Policy on Biofuels, 2018. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) provides an alternative to capital and chemical intensive agriculture currently being practiced in India. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Marine life is facing 'irreparable damage' from the millions of tonnes of plastic waste which ends up in the oceans each year. In this context, examine the implications of plastic pollution on marine ecosystem and suggest some measures for addressing this problem. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are black holes? Highlight the challenges in imaging a black hole? How were these challenges overcome by the Event Horizon Telescope project? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"While mentioning the objectives of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), discuss the challenges which are hindering the utilization of the ATT to its full potential. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Threats to internal security of India may be posed both through the communication networks and also to the networks. Discuss. Also, highlight the steps taken by the government in making the networks more secure. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlight the importance and challenges related to integration of Variable Renewable Energy (VRE) in India. Mention some steps that can be taken for its smooth integration with the synchronized Indian grid. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"There have been arguments that India could fall into a 'middle income trap'. Explaining the phenomenon, highlight the reasons behind such arguments. How can India avoid it? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Highlighting its importance, discuss the major issues that plague effective monetary policy transmission in India. Also, mention the steps taken by RBI to improve it. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight the constraints faced by rainfed agriculture in India. Discuss some agronomic practices that can be adopted for stabilizing agricultural production in rainfed areas. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite the steps taken by the government in recent years, a number of problems continue to persist in the urea sector in India. Discuss. What reforms should be taken to address the persisting problems? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What is Access and Benefit Sharing? Explain how it aids in sustainable use of biodiversity. Also, mention the different global and national level mechanisms for ensuring Access and Benefit Sharing. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Stating the significance, discuss the challenges in achieving disaster resilience of infrastructure. Suggest some ways for mainstreaming it in the development paradigm. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Highlighting the significance of data localization for India, discuss various challenges associated with data localization. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Money Laundering as a socio economic offence is a menace especially for developing countries like India. Comment. What measures have been taken at the domestic and international levels to deal with this menace? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The primary motive of terrorism differs from that of organised crime but there exists a symbiotic relationship between the two. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1409,"topper":"Anurag Dwivedi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/739b1-107820_1243_anurag-dwivedi_rank_114.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Reservation of seats in legislature is needed to ensure meaningful political participation of women and to make the democratic process truly inclusive. Discuss the statement in the light of 108th Constitution Amendment Bill. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the issue of reservation in promotions for SCs and STs in public employment in the light of various judicial pronouncements and constitutional amendments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the reasons behind underperformance of the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs). How can their performance be improved? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlighting the rationale behind continuance of the Official Secrets Act, critically discuss whether the Right to Information should be given precedence over it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What is the rationale behind having a mandatory 'cooling-off' period for retired civil servants? In light of numerous instances of violation of this provision, do you think there is a need to have a relook at Civil Services Conduct Rules? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlighting the key features of POSHAN Abhiyan, explain how it is an improvement over previous interventions in achieving the goal of malnutrition free India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Give an account of the challenges that the multilateral rule-based trading system is facing. With special focus on WTO, discuss how these challenges can be addressed effectively. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Highlight the major impediments affecting India-US trade relations. What possible consequences can the recent withdrawal of Generalized System of Preference (GSP) have on India-US trade relations? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"In a democratic setup, it is imperative that independence be balanced with accountability. Discuss in the context of judiciary in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Despite various strengths, there are certain weaknesses in the existing structure of departments of the government which render the system slow and cumbersome. Analyze. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the light of criticism surrounding the composition and functioning of Rajya Sabha, do you think it exists merely as a secondary house of the Parliament? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Despite legislative changes with respect to funding of political parties in recent years, many challenges still exist with regards to transparency in electoral funding. Discuss. Can state funding of elections help in addressing these challenges? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Successful and long-lasting urban transformation critically depends on reforming the way our cities are governed. In this context, highlight the challenges plaguing urban governance in India and suggest some strategies to overcome those challenges. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Explain the role that SHGs play in poverty alleviation in India. Highlighting the shortcomings of the SHG-Bank Linkage programme, give some suggestions to improve its performance. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Despite initiatives taken by the government in recent years to address the challenges of the Indian higher education system, many reforms are still required to improve its quality and enhance its relevance. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Giving an account of the progress made under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, mention the challenges that it faces in achieving its target. How can the implementation of the programme be fast-tracked? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Island nations of the Indian Ocean hold immense strategic value in shaping the geopolitical contours of the region and ensuring maritime security of India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Development assistance, a key instrument in India's foreign policy, has seen a considerable expansion in the past few years both in its scope and reach. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1410,"topper":"Anurag Dwivedi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ab2e5-107820_1246_anurag-dwivedi_rank_114.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Rock-cut structures were closely associated with various religions and religious activities. Discuss the statement giving relevant examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The legislative and administrative record of the Congress Ministries during their twenty-eight months rule under the Act of 1935 was positive, but the period also witnessed the emergence of serious weaknesses in the Congress. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Kamladevi Chattopadhyay was a multifaceted personality with significant contributions both to pre and post independence India. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The inherent limitations of Napoleon's policy of Continental Blockade ultimately resulted in its failure. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Despite changes in the institution of marriage in recent times, there have been elements of continuity as well. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"There are multiple disabilities that a person experiences in the course of ageing. Elaborate. Also identify key government initiatives taken for addressing them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlight the reasons behind prevalence of low literacy rate among tribals. Also, mention some initiatives taken by the government in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain how Continental Drift Theory describes the changing configuration of the continents. Discuss the prominent evidences given by Alfred Wegener to support his theory. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The variety of landforms on the earth's surface is the result of internal and external forces. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Explaining the concept of Lapse Rate, examine its relationship with atmospheric stability. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The colonial period brought the influence of Western architectural forms to India. In this context, giving examples, highlight the contribution of Europeans to Indian architecture. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The nineteenth century witnessed a struggle against the backward elements of traditional culture. Discuss in the context of socio-religious reform movements. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Explaining the reasons behind partition of Bengal, discuss the successes and limitations of the Swadeshi movement launched in its wake. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The reorganisation of states in India post-independence has been an ongoing process with distinct contributing factors. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The Treaty of Versailles was not a peace agreement based on reconciliation but was 'dictated peace' forced on Germany, which eventually triggered the Second World War. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Legal measures alone are not sufficient for addressing the issue of domestic violence against women, rather it requires intervention at societal level. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"India is undergoing a demographic transition the implications of which are multipronged. Analyze. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Highlight the significance of watershed development in India. Give reasons for the limited success of initiatives directed towards watershed management in India. Also, suggest some measures to improve the design of watershed programs. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Explain the relationship between raw materials and location of industries. How are globalisation and technological advancements changing this relationship? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Explain how natural greenhouse effect helps in maintaining Earth's heat budget. What are the possible implications of rising concentration of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in atmosphere on Earth's heat budget? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1411,"topper":"Anurag Dwivedi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/505ea-107820_1069_anurag-dwivedi_rank_114.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Growing awareness about terminal as well as mental illness has given credence to the idea of \"living wills\". What is a living will? Discuss the ethical issues to be considered from an individual as well as social perspective to formulate and implement it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"In order to improve the bureaucratic work culture and productivity, there is a need to downsize government and privatize some of the services. Critically discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Examine the contemporary relevance of Gandhiji's talisman as a means of resolving ethical dilemmas in day to day life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"\"Intelligence plus character–that is the goal of true education.\" Assess whether such an objective can be achieved within the existing system of education in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"\"A blanket prohibition of criticism of the policies of the Government is invalid and void, and it makes no difference if the person criticizing happens to be a government servant.\" Critically discuss in the context of Civil Service Conduct Rules, 1964.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"\"Man by nature is a political animal\". Explain with reference to Aristotle's idea of the state in life of the society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"What are the factors that have influenced the contemporary attitude of the state and the society towards homosexuality in India? Also, comment on the changing attitude and the factors driving this change.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"With behavioural issues and suicides among children on the rise, teachers and parents need to play an active part in ensuring mental well-being. Discuss. Also, explain the importance of emotional intelligence in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"The policy of Dhamma advocated by Ashoka through his edicts remains relevant in the context of issues in public life even today. Elucidate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Arguably, poverty is not only a matter of statistics. It is a reflection on the kind of society we live in. In this context, discuss the ethical implications for a society that witnesses high incidence of poverty.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Every superstition cannot be removed by the force of law. For that, a mental change is necessary. Comment. Also, explain how educators and public figures can help in eradicating superstition and instilling scientific temper among people.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Many argue that there are times, when war is morally permissible, and even obligatory. Critically discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"It has been argued that traditional approaches to corporate social responsibility (CSR) are inadequate. Discuss. Also, examine the role of Social License to Operate (SLO) in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"A renowned and critically acclaimed producer-director has come up with a new movie based on retelling of the freedom movement. The trailer of this project depicts prominent freedom fighters and various aspects of their personalities. It is a project that involves substantial sums of money and has taken collaborative efforts of 3 years. However, certain political and social activists have objected to what they perceived as negative portrayal of some freedom fighters. As such, they have opposed the release of this movie and issued threats with serious consequences. This has come in the context of increase in the number of instances involving many groups issuing threats against one or the other movie. In such a context you have been designated as the head of a special committee with the broad responsibility of reviewing the film certification process in general as well as the checking the historical accuracy of the events depicted in this particular movie. 20 (a) Who are the key stakeholders you would involve as part of the consultation process? (b) What are the principles that you would consider while giving your recommendations to the government? Also, provide an outline of a solution that you deem appropriate in the prevailing context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"There have been reports of repeat instances of mob lynching in different states of India. It has been pointed out that these presumably faceless mobs gather impromptu on the basis of unverified information on issues that affect the collective conscience of the society such as child trafficking, sexual harassment, cow slaughter etc. Most of the people don't even regret their action of violating the law and even get away with committing such a heinous crime. (a) What are the socio-psychological factors that motivate people to join the mob and kill fellow human beings? (b) Identify the implications of increasing crime of lynching on society. (c) Examine the role of social media in recent instances of mob lynching. As a law enforcement officer, how will you prevent such incidents from happening in your district?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"We live in a time when almost everything can be bought and sold. Over the past few years, markets and market values have come to govern our lives as never before. Today the logic of buying and selling no longer applies to material good alone but increasingly governs the whole of life. However, there is a wide spread realization that markets have become detached from morals and we need to somehow reconnect them. The use of markets to allocate social goods has also been a cause of concern. In this context, answer the following: 20 (a) Is greed wholly a vice or a trait of character that has both positive and negative sides? Could you relate it to the utilitarian philosophy that emphasizes pursuit of self interest by individuals as the basis of economic well being? (b) Are there some things that money shouldn't buy? Illustrate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are the head of a policy think-tank. There is a proposal to cut down more than 10,000 trees to build a residential colony in the capital of the country. The city has one of the highest homeless population in the country and the settlement will be used for them. This news has generated a lot of public debate. While on the one hand is the need to expand urban infrastructure in order to meet the demands of the growing population, on the other, is the environmental concern. In last ten years, the city has lost more than half of its green cover and has seen increased frequency of extreme climatic events. You are asked to deliver a lecture for the policymakers and concerned citizens, in which you have to specifically deal with the following questions: (a) Why do you think such situations arise in the first place where developmental activities and environmental concerns often come out as antithetical to each other? (b) What should be the short-term and long-term solutions for tackling such situations? (c) What are the potential benefits of inculcating environmental concerns in the policy making and planning process?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1412,"topper":"ANURAG GHUGE","air":624,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"IAS Delhi Institute","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vkiNZP4UfX0Zqa5FTpZw9W07k_YRw-XN/view?usp=sharing","questions":[]},{"id":1413,"topper":"ANURAG GHUGE","air":624,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"IAS Delhi Institute","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tt6uIIR5WhN6K3Kgk3g_uv38HCIkeC0V/view?usp=sharing","questions":[]},{"id":1414,"topper":"ANURAG GHUGE","air":624,"year":2022,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"IAS Delhi Institute","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ospeVNlZKLr8tIvNN6pBwWcL74TbEJXS/view?usp=sharing","questions":[]},{"id":1415,"topper":"Anurag Ranjan Vatas","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d3a4c-516283_3128_anurag_ranjan_vatas_rank_651.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"The world must learn to work together, or finally it will not work at all.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Technology, like art, is a soaring exercise of the human imagination.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"We've begun to raise daughters more like sons, but few have the courage to raise our sons more like our daughters.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1416,"topper":"Anurag Ranjan Vats","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/46ba2-516283_2929_anurag-_ranjan_vats_rank_651.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Expression of dissent is central to the functioning of the Parliament. In light of this, discuss the role of the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in India's parliamentary system. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"How can the integration of technology into judicial processes enhance accessibility, capability, and efficiency in justice delivery? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Supreme Court of India has upheld unique asymmetry in India's federalism by intricately balancing centralized authority and regional autonomy. Discuss with the help of relevant case laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Evaluate the effectiveness of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes in safeguarding the interests of the Scheduled Castes in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Executive accountability to the legislature through Parliamentary Committees has been the hallmark of the Indian political system. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can India make Citizens' Charter a powerful tool for improving governance and empowering citizens? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How do corporate donors aid NGOs in facilitating holistic development in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite its merits, should the POCSO Act be revisited to correct the existing inadequacies? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"China's acquisition of strategic ports globally has significant implications for international trade routes and economic relations. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"What are the main functions of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)? How will its recent treaty on intellectual property, genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge benefit India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) plays a crucial role in combating corruption, its functioning is often criticized for being partisan and acting against the federal spirit. Discuss with the help of suitable examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Governors in India often overstep their constitutional role and fail to act effectively when needed. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Both India and the USA adhere to democratic principles but their electoral systems exhibit significant differences. What are the key differences in electoral practices between the two countries? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"How far do you agree with the view that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has met its objective of ensuring environmental justice in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Though Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) have become a platform for competitive politics, they have not emerged as an agency of planning and service delivery. Why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by interoperability in e-governance? What steps have been taken by the government to ensure interoperability and integration of various e-governance systems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"When it comes to sexual and reproductive health of women in India, rights-based discourse has largely been bypassed not just by the societal norms but also by the legal norms. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"How effective has India been in enhancing immunization coverage over the years? What challenges continue to affect immunization efforts in the country? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India used its Presidency of the G20 to bring the voice of the Global South to the centre stage. Discuss with special reference to Africa. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"India's relationship with the UAE has witnessed a remarkable expansion across various domains in the last decade. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1417,"topper":"Anurag Ranjan Vats","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d1013-516283_2931_anurag-_ranjan_vats_rank_651.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The end cannot justify the means, for the simple and obvious reason that the means employed determine the nature of the ends produced. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss how the relationship between law and ethics is dynamic and continuously shaped by societal changes. Provide examples to illustrate this dynamic relationship. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Differentiate between probity and integrity with suitable examples. How do these values contribute to ethical governance and decision-making in the civil services? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the ethical implications of withholding information in public administration. How can transparency enhance accountability and reduce corruption in government institutions? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"There is no school equal to a decent home and no teacher equal to a virtuous parent.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.\" - Leo Tolstoy (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"To see what is right and not do it is a lack of courage.\" - Confucius (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What factors lead to a positive attitude in a person? How does positive attitude enhance the effectiveness of civil servants in performing their duties? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss how emotional intelligence can influence ethical decision-making in the allocation of scarce public resources. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Various international humanitarian organizations provide emergency aid in conflict zones around the world. Highlight the ethical challenges faced by such organizations. What are the principles that guide international humanitarian work? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Why is persuasion regarded as an important skill for civil servants? What are the key considerations that should guide persuasion in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"What role can ethical leadership play in curbing corruption, especially in public service? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"What were the major teachings of Swami Dayanand Saraswati? Explain their relevance in addressing the current ethical and social challenges in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":33,"question":"Discuss the ethical dilemma Karan faces in deciding whether to report the incident against Mariyam's wishes. (b) Evaluate the options available to Karan. Which of these options should he choose and why? (c) What responsibilities do organizations like XYZ Corp have in preventing and addressing sexual harassment and creating inclusive workplace environments? (Answer in 250 words)20","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Jay, a civil servant, was appointed as the Commissioner in the state's Education Department a year ago. In his initial months, he implemented several policies and programmes that were transforming the Education Ministry's operations, gaining a good reputation that could potentially benefit the concerned minister in the upcoming elections. However, Jay now faces a significant challenge. As part of his responsibilities, he must approve the recruitment of new teachers for government schools. He has received a list of 120 candidates recommended for vacant posts, but suspects the recruitment process was unfair. Jay had also received several complaints claiming that the process had not been meritocratic. Upon review, Jay discovers evidence suggesting that many names on the list are the result of political patronage - a prevalent issue in the state where politicians use recruitment to gain political support. Jay believes the Education Minister is engaging in this practice as the election season approaches. This situation reminds Jay of a past incident when, as a junior officer, he refused to entertain an unnecessary procurement request. Consequently, he was transferred within a week, and he and his family faced frivolous anti-corruption complaints as retaliation. His successor approved the procurement at even higher rates. Jay is now concerned that blocking the current recruitment could lead to similar consequences. In addition, he fears that if he stands against this unfair recruitment process, the projects he personally initiated in the Education Ministry could be terminated. (a) What are the options available to Jay as the Commissioner of the Education Department? Evaluate each of these options. (b) What option should Jay adopt and why? (c) How can civil servants like Jay be better protected when they attempt to uphold ethical standards in their work? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"What are the options available to Jay as the Commissioner of the Education Department? Evaluate each of these options. (b) What option should Jay adopt and why? (c) How can civil servants like Jay be better protected when they attempt to uphold ethical standards in their work? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"As the District Magistrate of X city, you are responsible for overseeing the construction of a new metro depot in an urban forest area, which is a critical infrastructure project aimed at improving public transportation and reducing traffic congestion and air pollution. The project, however, requires the clearance of a substantial portion of the forest, which has triggered strong opposition from environmental activists, local residents, and NGOs. This forest is widely regarded as essential for the city's ecological balance, often referred to as the city's \"lungs.\" In addition to the environmental concerns, you are under considerable pressure from politicians at the state-level to expedite the project, given the upcoming elections in two years. The political leadership emphasizes the benefits of the metro project for the city's development and its potential to garner electoral support. The project is expected to significantly reduce travel time for thousands of commuters and potentially decrease overall vehicle emissions in the city. However, it would also lead to the loss of thousands of trees and disrupt local ecosystems. As you prepare to make a decision, you are aware that your choice will have far-reaching consequences for both the city's development and its environment. (a) Identify the ethical dilemmas involved in the above case. (b) Evaluate the options available to you in the above situation. Which of these would you choose and why? (c) Suggest some measures that could be implemented to balance urban development needs with environmental conservation in future projects. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Dr. Mehra is a senior drug developer at a leading pharmaceutical company in India, renowned for producing various medications, including lifesaving drugs critical for treating chronic and rare diseases. Since its inception, the company has emphasized the quality and affordability of its drugs. Recently, under revised government guidelines, pharmaceutical companies are required to market a finished product only after obtaining \"satisfactory results\" from tests on the ingredients. Additionally, they must retain a sufficient quantity of samples of both intermediate and final products to allow repeated testing or verification of a batch. Dr. Mehra's team is in the final stages of developing a new medication for a rare but life-threatening disease. This drug has shown promising results in clinical trials. However, there have been unresolved concerns about the long-term side effects of the drug, observed in a small percentage of trial subjects. Despite this, the company has not released any major drug in the past decade, leading to significant pressure from the board members to expedite the drug's release. (a) Identify the stakeholders in the above case study. (b) Discuss the ethical issues faced by Dr. Mehra. (c) Analyse the options available to Dr. Mehra in the above case. Which of these would you choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"You have been appointed as the Under Secretary in the State Urban Development Department. The Department has been tasked with a prestigious project aimed at revitalizing the infrastructure of a city with deep historical significance. This project, which you are extremely passionate about, involves modernizing public transportation, restoring heritage buildings, and creating green spaces while preserving the city's cultural essence. Excited by the opportunity, you spent weeks researching and drafting a comprehensive proposal. Your plan included innovative ideas for sustainable development, community engagement, and leveraging technology for urban planning. You presented these initial plans in a departmental meeting, hoping to inspire your colleagues and kickstart the project. However, your enthusiasm was met with indifference. Your colleagues showed little interest, he seemed equally indifferent, casually mentioning that he is set to retire in six months and that the project has a long gestation period. Determined to see the project succeed, you took it upon yourself to drive it forward. For the past two months, you have been working more than 12 hours a day, often late into the night, sacrificing time with your family. Your dedication is driven by your belief in the project's potential to transform the lives of the city's residents and preserve its rich heritage for future generations. Two months into the project, a review meeting is called by the Chief Secretary. During the meeting, Department heads from various sectors are present to discuss ongoing and upcoming projects. When it is time to present the urban revitalization project, your boss stands up. To your shock, he presents your draft proposal as his own work, taking all the credit for the innovative ideas and comprehensive planning. As you sit there, listening to your superior claim your hard work as his own, you feel a mix of anger, disappointment, and demoralization. This incident not only undermines your efforts but also leaves you questioning the value of your dedication in a work culture that does not seem to support collaboration or recognize individual contributions. (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) How does the above-mentioned work culture affect workplace morale and productivity? (c) What are the options available to you and how would you address the situation? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":59,"question":"In light of the above case, discuss the ethical issues that may arise from the nexus between corporate, political, and bureaucratic interests. (b) As a conscientious civil servant, evaluate the options available to Arun. Which option should he choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1418,"topper":"Anurag Singh","air":120,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2024_unchecked_GSPM24N11004_GSMAC2409.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1419,"topper":"Anurag Singh","air":120,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2024_unchecked_GSPM24N11004_GSMAC2405.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1420,"topper":"Anurag Singh","air":120,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2025_unchecked_GSPM24N11004_GATB02-2502.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1421,"topper":"Anurag Singh","air":120,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2024_unchecked_GSPM24N11004_GSMAC2410.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1422,"topper":"Anurag Singh","air":120,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2024_unchecked_GSPM24N11004_GSMAC2406.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1423,"topper":"Anurag Singh","air":120,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2024_unchecked_GSPM24N11004_GSMAC2411.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1424,"topper":"Anurag Singh","air":120,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2024_unchecked_GSPM24N11004_GSMAC2407.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1425,"topper":"Anurag Singh","air":120,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2024_unchecked_GSPM24N11004_GSMAC2403.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1426,"topper":"Anurag Singh","air":120,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2024_unchecked_GSPM24N11004_EE2401.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1427,"topper":"Anurag Singh","air":120,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2024_unchecked_GSPM24N11004_EE2402.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1428,"topper":"Anusha Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3fce6-146775_3128_anusha-jain_rank_251.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"The world must learn to work together, or finally it will not work at all.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Technology, like art, is a soaring exercise of the human imagination.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"We've begun to raise daughters more like sons, but few have the courage to raise our sons more like our daughters.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1429,"topper":"Anusha Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a4016-146775_2928_anusha-jain_rank_251.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How does tribal art provide valuable insights into the cultural perspectives and values of Indian tribal communities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What are the key factors that accelerated decolonization post-World War II? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How does human encroachment impact water bodies in urban areas? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How do physical geographical features influence the development and operation of transportation systems? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How are ocean trenches formed? Describe the significant characteristics of these oceanic relief formations. (Answer in 150words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Identify the reasons behind increasing number of extreme rainfall events throughout India in recent times. Assess their socio-economic impact. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"India is expected to have the largest working-age population in the world by 2030 and it cannot afford low participation of women in the workforce anymore. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Do you agree that there has been a progressive secularization of caste in India? Support your view with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Why is inequality increasing in India despite the fall in overall poverty? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"How did the competitive and hostile dynamic between Brahminism and Buddhism over funding, followers, and ideology mark the decline of Buddhism? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"European travellers' accounts in the medieval period have played an important role in shaping our understanding of the empires and people of that period in India. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The British victory in the Battle of Plassey in 1757 not just changed the course of Indian history but also that of the world. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Why was it more difficult to rehabilitate refugees in West Bengal as compared to Punjab after partition? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss the economic and social costs associated with the transition from coal to green energy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Explain the process of formation of volcanic calderas. How do they contribute to the scenic beauty of the region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the reasons behind the increased frequency and intensity of heat waves globally? How will it impact global food security? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India's approach to secularism does not merely challenge inter-religious domination but intra-religious domination as well. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Do you agree with the view that Indian cities are turning into landscapes of stark inequality and social exclusion? What steps can be taken to make urban areas more egalitarian in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1430,"topper":"Anusha Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/54eb4-146775_2929_anusha-jain_rank_251.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Expression of dissent is central to the functioning of the Parliament. In light of this, discuss the role of the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in India's parliamentary system. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"How can the integration of technology into judicial processes enhance accessibility, capability, and efficiency in justice delivery? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Supreme Court of India has upheld unique asymmetry in India's federalism by intricately balancing centralized authority and regional autonomy. Discuss with the help of relevant case laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Evaluate the effectiveness of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes in safeguarding the interests of the Scheduled Castes in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Executive accountability to the legislature through Parliamentary Committees has been the hallmark of the Indian political system. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can India make Citizens' Charter a powerful tool for improving governance and empowering citizens? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How do corporate donors aid NGOs in facilitating holistic development in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite its merits, should the POCSO Act be revisited to correct the existing inadequacies? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"China's acquisition of strategic ports globally has significant implications for international trade routes and economic relations. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"What are the main functions of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)? How will its recent treaty on intellectual property, genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge benefit India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) plays a crucial role in combating corruption, its functioning is often criticized for being partisan and acting against the federal spirit. Discuss with the help of suitable examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Governors in India often overstep their constitutional role and fail to act effectively when needed. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Both India and the USA adhere to democratic principles but their electoral systems exhibit significant differences. What are the key differences in electoral practices between the two countries? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"How far do you agree with the view that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has met its objective of ensuring environmental justice in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Though Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) have become a platform for competitive politics, they have not emerged as an agency of planning and service delivery. Why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by interoperability in e-governance? What steps have been taken by the government to ensure interoperability and integration of various e-governance systems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"When it comes to sexual and reproductive health of women in India, rights-based discourse has largely been bypassed not just by the societal norms but also by the legal norms. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"How effective has India been in enhancing immunization coverage over the years? What challenges continue to affect immunization efforts in the country? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India used its Presidency of the G20 to bring the voice of the Global South to the centre stage. Discuss with special reference to Africa. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"India's relationship with the UAE has witnessed a remarkable expansion across various domains in the last decade. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1431,"topper":"Anusha Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4a810-146775_2930_anusha-jain_rank_251.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How is the rapid growth of the food processing industry leading to food safety challenges in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Under the Public Distribution System of India, the Fair Price Shop (FPS) transformation is an evolving process. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"How are agri-tech startups in India helping farmers in enhancing farm productivity and market access? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the role of digitization of land records in the effective implementation of land reforms in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"To fully exploit its demographic dividend and accelerate economic growth, India needs to adopt a manufacturing-led growth model. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can the resilience of Indian coastal communities be strengthened to tackle the growing natural hazards resulting from climate change? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How does the Green Credit Programme extend beyond carbon management to promote a more sustainable environment in India? What are the various concerns about its implementation? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What is the need for NavIC when existing satellite navigation systems are already available? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Cyber-enabled financial crime has emerged as the new frontier of global money laundering. Discuss. How can the government address this issue? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The Indian Army is observing the year 2024 as the 'Year of Technology Absorption'. In light of this, explain why there is a need for technology absorption in the defence sector of India. What challenges can India face in this initiative? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What are the issues faced in the development of trade and industries in the North-Eastern Region (NER) of India? Comment on the measures that have been taken to tackle these issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the era of climate change and growing water scarcity, how can micro-irrigation systems contribute to sustainable agricultural practices in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What strategies can be adopted to overcome the issues pertaining to freight transportation in the Indian Railways and increase its share in the domestic freight? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the factors that have aided India in making impressive strides in the renewable energy sector and establishing itself as a frontrunner in the global renewable energy transition. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"How does agricultural runoff containing fertilizers and pesticides contribute to environmental pollution? What measures can be taken to mitigate the impact of agricultural runoff? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The growing influx of tourists in Himalayan states has breached their ecological carrying capacity, leading to significant man-made disasters. What measures can be implemented to prevent such disasters while promoting sustainable tourism? Discuss with relevant examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"How do superconductors fuel innovation in diverse fields of science and technology? Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"While India has laws covering almost all types of intellectual property rights, numerous enforcement, regulatory and administrative challenges hamper the commercialisation of IPRs in India. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Keeping in view the challenges in creating integrated theatre commands, examine how the theaterisation of commands can lead to greater integration and rationalisation of manpower and resources among the three services. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Treating border villages as first villages not just geographically but also in terms of facilities can be a key strategy for enhancing border security. Discuss. Also, highlight the measures being taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1432,"topper":"Anusha Pillay","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ANUSHA-PILLAY-UPSC-2023-Rank-202-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"We need greater environmental awareness and sustainable development in the face of climate change and ecocide.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"A moral system valid for all is basically immoral.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The pursuit of knowledge leads to the discovery of truth.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Less is more and small is beautiful: the new mantra for world peace","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Investment in human resource development can ensure security of future society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Men survive on adversity and perish in ease and comfort.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Every saint has a past, and every sinner has a future.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Ethical issues arise only when science is applied to technology.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1433,"topper":"Anusha Pillay","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ANUSHA-PILLAY-UPSC-2023-Rank-202-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Basic structure doctrine has prevented the Parliament, a creature of the constitution, from becoming the master of the constitution. Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The power of pressure groups lies not in their size or elaborate organization, but in their ability to mobilize public opinion and create lasting change. With help of relevant examples, discuss how informal pressure groups shape public policy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Analyse the reasons for degeneration of parliamentary functioning in recent time. Also, suggest measure to make the parliament more productive. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Subordination of investigative agencies to the executive is fraught with disastrous consequences. Discuss the statement in light of the criticism of the Central Bureau of Investigation as a \"caged parrot\". (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The Election Commission of India has a vital role in building a robust framework of electoral democracy. Highlighting challenges associated with the functioning of ECI, suggest measures to reform the body. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Anti-defection law has failed to address and resolve the evil of political defection satisfactorily. Discuss various issues surrounding the Anti-defection law and recommend some corrective measures. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do you mean by 'doctrine of essentiality'? How has judiciary used this doctrine to address conflict between various fundamental rights? Explain with examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Frequent reliance on the ordinance making power by the government, not only dilutes the basic tenets of executive accountability in a parliamentary democracy, but also overlooks the democratic traditions of building consensus. Discuss with relevant examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"Bail not Jail\" is the cardinal principle that upholds the sacrosanct ideas of individual's liberty and dignity. Explain the statement, citing various case laws. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Dispute redressal is the most important component of cooperative federalism. How does the Interstate Council facilitate the resolution of disputes related to states in India, and what are the challenges associated with this process? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Despite its vital role for the smooth functioning of the body politic, constitutional punctuality remains conspicuous by its absence. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Electoral bond was brought in as a reform that was high on intent but has proved to be low on substance. Do you agree? Justify. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Considering the non-enforceable nature of fundamental duties and directive principles of state policy, critically examine their impact in socio-political norms. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Referring to the case laws through which the collegium system in India evolved, critically assess its functioning. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Democracy thrives on disagreements; critical and dissenting voices make a society vibrant. In your opinion, do limitations on hate speech infringe right to freedom of speech and expression? Discuss how hate speech impacts the society and ways to restrain it. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Why is it important to ensure separation of powers between various organs of the State? Also, explain Indian model of separation of power with relevant provisions in the constitution. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by the First Past the Post System (FPPS)? Why was FPPS preferred over the Proportional Representation (PR) system for elections to the Lok Sabha/Vidhan Sabha? Also, critically examine the consequences of this preference. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Compare the position of the Speaker in Indian and British parliamentary system? Also, discuss various controversies related to functioning of Office of Speaker in Indian context and suggest corresponding reforms. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Why was parliamentary form of government adopted for independent India? Do you agree with the opinion that Indian government is increasingly transitioning towards presidential form? Justify. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The Representation of People's Act, the bedrock of free and fair elections in the country, has failed to keep pace with the contemporary challenges. Highlighting the shortcomings in the legislation, suggest reforms to make it more effective. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1434,"topper":"Anusha Pillay","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ANUSHA-PILLAY-UPSC-2023-Rank-202-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"To what extent, in your opinion, Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in India have enabled women led development at the grassroot level? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Narrow understanding of disability has marginalised people suffering from mental disorders. Elucidate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) addresses the need for interoperability in health services through a unified health interface. Elaborate its significance in digitising the health care ecosystem. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Objectives of a welfare government remains incomplete without a progressive ecosystem for the children's development. Discuss with special emphasis to recently passed Juvenile Justice Amendment Act, 2021. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Decriminalization of homosexuality by the SC in Navtej Singh Jauhar case remains a task half done, specially without the socio-political sensitisation about the issues faced by LGBTQIA+ community. Elaborate in light of ongoing debates on same sex marriage. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"India's \"balancing act\" in the ongoing Ukraine crisis is borne out of mature strategic thinking rather than mere necessities. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What do you understand by Non-Aligned-Movement (NAM)? Is India's foreign policy still guided by the principles of non-Alignment? Justify. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Built upon common democratic values and shared vision of strategic autonomy, India-France bilateral ties exude a promise of stability, growth, and security in a time of geo-political flux and uncertainty. Do you agree? Substantiate your answer. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"As an important attribute of soft power, \"Knowledge diplomacy\" has the potential to further various objectives of foreign policy. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The profound impact of the data revolution and widespread smartphone usage has necessitated the use of digital tools in welfare programmes. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The critical reason for poor public health indicators in India goes beyond recognition of right to health as fundamental right. Do you think that a statutory framework alone can ameliorate the situation? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Reforming the education infrastructure through digital interventions is a progressive step, but it has its limitations too. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The unique attributes and strengths of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and the government make them complimentary to one another in the governance and developmental process. Comment. Evaluate the need for effective and progressive regulation of the NGOs. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"How far have Forest Rights Act, 2006 and PESA Act, 1996 been successful in attaining their desired objectives? What needs to be done to improve their implementation on ground? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Enduring effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have exacerbated existing issues of poverty and hunger. Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Instability in its neighbourhood combined with displacement and humanitarian crisis don't augur well for India's interest in the region. Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The new cold war between the USA and China may have the effect of casting a long shadow on India's strategic interests from Pacific to Atlantic. Evaluate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"For creation of a stable, peaceful and prosperous multipolar order, UN Security Council (UNSC) reforms are an urgent imperative. Examine the statement and present a case for India's permanent membership in UNSC. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Presidency of G20 is but a reflection of India's quest for a more just and polycentric world order, where the voice of the global south is mainstreamed not muzzled. Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1435,"topper":"Anusha Pillay","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ANUSHA-PILLAY-UPSC-2023-Rank-202-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Ahimsa is not only the negative refusal to do harm, but also the positive doing of good. In this perspective, discuss the significance of 'ahimsa' in modern times. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Which famous personality has influenced you and why? In what ways have you emulated their example in your own life? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What does the following quotation mean to you? a) \"The greatest wealth is to live content with little\"-Plato (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"\"Whatever is begun in anger, ends in shame\"-Benjamin Franklin. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do you understand by emotional intelligence? Examine the importance of emotional intelligence in personal and professional life. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The influence of ethical principles on shaping socially responsible behavior is widely acknowledged. How do ethical values facilitate individuals in cultivating a proactive and constructive attitude towards fulfilling their social responsibilities? Can the subjective nature of ethical principles lead to divergent attitudes regarding social responsibility? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Through their actions, interactions and education, schools have the power to mold the moral compass of the next generation. In this perspective, discuss the significance of value-based education in preparing the youth to address the contemporary challenges of society. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'situation ethics'? Critically analyze its strengths and weaknesses in making moral judgements. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Maintaining traditional bonds and familial relationships in an increasingly globalized world requires personal relationships to be governed by ethical principles. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"What are the various ethical issues involved in the above case study? b) You are a close friend of Akhilesh. What advice will you give, in this situation, to Akhilesh in order to convince his father to abstain from giving dowry and organising a lavish wedding? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Naveen and Vinod, final year undergraduate students at ABC college of engineering, are close friends. Naveen has been a meritorious student and got appointed as the secretary of the training and placement cell, which has the mandate to oversee the campus placements of the students. Vinod, on the other hand, spent more time on leisure activities and paid less attention to his academic performance. However, the lackadaisical attitude of Vinod began to reflect on his grades. His poor performance in the majority of subjects meant that he had to complete some courses again, in order to graduate in time. As Vinod struggled to complete his extra courses, he barely had any time left for anything else. The immense fatigue was also evident from his deteriorating physical and psychological health. Around this time the campus placement in the ABC college had started. While all other students were preparing for the recruitment tests, Vinod had barely any time for the same. Vinod's parents, who had taken loan for Vinod's education, are expecting Vinod to get a good job. The guilt of wasting his college years and letting down his poor parents was becoming unbearable for Vinod, as a result of which he had a nervous breakdown. Naveen, who in his capacity as secretary of training and placement cell, was busy organising the recruitment drive, was aware that the chances of Vinod getting recruited were very slim. He also knew that Vinod was repenting in true sense and working very hard to complete his courses, despite his deteriorating emotional health. Naveen was afraid that if Vinod did not get a job, he may take some extreme step. Naveen has in his possession the question paper for the recruitment test to be held next week. Vinod had in the past requested Naveen to help him in any way possible to get a decent job. While Naveen knows that sharing the questions with Vinod may help him get through the exam, it would be ethically incorrect. Now, Naveen is in a dilemma over the course of action he should take. a) What are the ethical dilemmas before Naveen in this case? b) Identify and evaluate the various courses of actions available before Naveen. If you were in Naveen's shoes, which course of action would you choose and why? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":1436,"topper":"Anushka Jain","air":283,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1TJ7HUiPFhS3AMUhRolI_4BhgRq166N9S","questions":[]},{"id":1437,"topper":"Anushka Jain","air":283,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Public Administration","optional":true,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/u/2/folders/1yHKcjJsZQhKlLcoYJixoPJLfh6n_3Dvy","questions":[]},{"id":1438,"topper":"ANUSHKA KARNWAL","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/65d93cae1265db5ffeffd2e87a3f6506/24/aim24gcra071_tc031.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"If you look into someone's face long enough, eventually you feel that you are looking into yourself.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"It is the province of knowledge to speak and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Drop the question what tomorrow may bring, and count as profit every day that fate allows you.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1439,"topper":"ANUSHKA KARNWAL","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/65d93cae1265db5ffeffd2e87a3f6506/25/aim24gcra071_tc032.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Little strokes fell great oaks.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Judge a man by his questions rather than his answers.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Great principles, great ideals know no nationality.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"In struggling with misfortune lies the true proof of virtue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"The whole purpose of Education is to turn mirrors into windows.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"To dwell is to garden.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Reality is the shadow of ideas.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"We can not despair of humanity, since we ourselves are human beings.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1440,"topper":"ANUSHKA KARNWAL","air":435,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/65d93cae1265db5ffeffd2e87a3f6506/23/aim24gcra071_tc030.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1441,"topper":"ANUSHKA KARNWAL","air":435,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/131/aim24gcra071_tc048-test-02-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1442,"topper":"ANUSHKA KARNWAL","air":435,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/132/aim24gcra071_tc049-test-03-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1443,"topper":"ANUSHKA KARNWAL","air":435,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/133/aim24gcra071_tc050-test-04-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1444,"topper":"ANUSHKA KARNWAL","air":435,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/134/aim24gcra071_tc052-test-06-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1445,"topper":"ANUSHKA KARNWAL","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/135/aim24gcra071_tc053-test-07-gs-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"\"Man cannot do right in one department of life whilst he is occupied in doing wrong in any other department.\" Gandhi. Do you think an individual's personal ethics impacts professional life or they both can be compartmentalized? Explain your position with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Goodness is the result of internal imperatives to do what is right, not sanctions from moral rules or rewards from expected consequences. Do you agree? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Social transformation programs such as \"beti bachao and beti padhao\" believes in using advice, counseling, and persuasion but sometimes a little force is also necessary for getting the desired response. Do you think it is a good idea to mix little force with persuasion by public administrators while implementing social schemes of transformation? Explain with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Ultimately foreign policy of every country hinges upon the strength which the nation possesses. Strength may be military or financial and may be also...moral.\" Do you think ethical strength without military or financial muscle will be respected in today's world? Explain your position. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"To achieve a good life, duty is not sufficient; one needs to develop one's sympathetic feelings for others, and neither duty alone nor good will alone are sufficient to be moral.\" Do you agree with the above statement? Justify your position. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Developing a scientific temper, innovative mindset, and civic-conscious citizens are major objectives of higher educational institutions. Can higher educational institutions be instrumental in promoting integrity education among youth to establish a public culture of integrity and a corruption-free political culture? If yes, how? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance. \"To tolerate is purely an act of the mind. That is the essence of virtue. To tolerate is a strength.\" (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What do you understand by the terms 'ethics' and 'integrity'? Do you think they are interrelated? Explain with examples the relationship between ethics and integrity in the context of public administration. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"What do you understand by the terms 'ethical behaviour' and 'emotionally intelligent behaviour'? Identify the relevant emotional intelligence components that act as a reliable guide to ethical behaviour. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Does the suffering of individuals in one part of the world generate moral demands of assistance on those foreigners who live far away from them? Are these moral demands of assistance justified? Can governments be held morally responsible for failing to help the international community in times of deprivation? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Civil Services ethics has everything to do with management. It is as much a Departmental as a personal issue. Leaders who fail to create systems that facilitate ethical conduct are equally to blame as much as those who indulge in ethical misconduct. Do you think the Departmental culture leads to ethical misconduct or is the individual with weak willpower culpable? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":31,"question":"Do you think a corporate's social responsibility extends beyond one's immediate community to the international community? Why/Why not? (d) Do you think the Defence sector companies marketing sensitive technologies must be regulated by their respective governments, or regulation may curtail their entrepreneurial and innovation energy? Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) What do you think Rashmi should do? Would it be a good idea for Rashmi to involve local administration? Suggest an implementable course of action. (c) Do you think companies should also accept responsibility for the social problems of the region where they operate? Why/why not? (d) What could be the reasons for such an aggressive reaction from the workers union? How do you think Rashmi should handle the workers union? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"You are posted as a District Development officer in a district with a low literacy rate and poor health indicators. As you took charge, your Health Secretary had given express instructions that your priority is to improve health indicators by enhancing the delivery of healthcare services. After taking over, you travelled around the district to study and identify ways of improving healthcare services. During your field trip, you discovered that the issue was not the accessibility of services; it was something else. You found the problem was the myths, misconceptions, and malpractices that hindered the uptake of health care services. (For instance, people believed that vaccines caused impotence, immunization was equivalent to birth control, using antenatal care was counterproductive to the health of the mother and baby, and so on.) You realize that these beliefs were the behavioural barriers that stood in the way of health and nutrition services. And these behavioural barriers made it difficult for front-line workers to reach out. You discussed your observations with the Health Secretary, and he advised you to seek inputs from the neighbouring district DDO who was doing some good work. When you met with the neighbouring DDO, you learned he was experimenting with using the Faith leader's influence and reach to persuade people. You were unsure about roping in faith leaders to help you overcome the behavioural barriers. As a civil servant, you felt it would be a mistake to involve faith leaders in health service schemes. When you shared your apprehensions with the Secretary, he firmly instructed you to try and innovate. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) What are the advantages and disadvantages of using Faith leaders as influencers and persuaders? (c) If not faith leaders, what are your other options for breaking the behavioural barriers? (d) Do you think it is ethically right for a civil servant to involve faith leaders in promoting government (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"You are the Head of an Agency, a special purpose vehicle, responsible for overseeing the last-mile delivery of essential services and sorting out bottlenecks and grievances of the citizens within your jurisdiction. The essential services included Maternal and infant health care, nutritional support to BPL families, drinking water availability, etc. Your agency employed a staff of 15 to carry out regular official operations and handle grievances. Since the agency dealt with complaints, there was an enormous amount of public dealing daily. Sometimes the agency officials had to work beyond office hours to finish the regular office work as public dealings took away most of the office hours. The employees were unhappy doing the extra bit as they were not paid any overtime. A few of them informally raised the issue with you, but you were helpless as the agency rules didn't allow any travel or overtime allowances. You tried taking up the matter with HQ but to no avail. The work stress gradually started showing up among the staff, they became irritable with the complainants, and at times they shouted at them. Besides rudeness, the staff's language became abusive, derogatory, and sometimes casteist. You could notice that there were 4 of them in particular who were getting very abusive and discriminatory while handling grievances. As the Head, you warned them, but there was no marked change in their work attitude. To compound your problem, some of the villagers, through their Sarpanch, raised the issue of rude, disrespectful, and discriminatory behavior with your HQ. The HQ immediately instructed you to take action and create a respectful and dignified workspace. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) What are the action options available to you? (c) Examine each of the options and identify your chosen course of action (d) What do you understand by dignity? Distinguish between human and social dignity? Identify the common dignity violations that one notices in government departments. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":56,"question":"You are a Foreign Service official working in an embassy overseas. One of your duties was to liaise with the local Indian community, one of the country's largest immigrant groups. A group of wealthy Indian immigrants wanted to build a place of worship and a school to promote their language and culture. The school was intended to act as a center for promoting and preserving Indian culture among the immigrants. The Indian community leaders went through all the legal procedures to acquire the land, got the building plans approved by the city council, and with all the approvals in place, the construction work began. A few months into the construction, the locals started complaining about noise, and slowly a campaign began against the construction of a religious structure. The local city councilors joined in and raised the issue of how Indian immigrants having their own cultural space will lead to a similar demand from other immigrant communities. And this may escalate intolerance among different ethnic groups. The local politicians filed a public lawsuit to halt the construction and demolish whatever was built. Indian community responded with their lawsuit and approached the embassy for help. They wanted the Ambassador to take up the issue with the government. Meanwhile, the Ambassador deputed you to meet the Indian community leaders to understand the issue and prepare a report. You met with the community leaders and found that the reason for local antipathy towards the Indian community was just an expression of latent racism and intolerance. You presented your observations to the Ambassador and requested him to do something as the Indians were on the right and were being victims of racist behavior. The Ambassador, in turn, replied that he would not like to get involved in local politics. The Indians were citizens of that country; they had nothing to do with India besides ethnicity. Further, a crucial Economic agreement was about to be signed between the two countries in the coming weeks, and he did not want to jeopardize the growing relations between the two countries over some local politics. You were shocked to see economics getting priority over the diaspora. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) Do you agree with the Ambassador's position of prioritizing economics over helping the diaspora? Why/why not? (c) Among Care, Consequentialism, and Duty, what do you think is the appropriate perspective to guide Indian Foreign policy? Justify. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":1446,"topper":"ANUSHKA KARNWAL","air":435,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/124/aim24gcra071_tc053-test-07-gs-4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1447,"topper":"ANUSHKA KARNWAL","air":435,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/136/aim24gcra071_tc058-test-12-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1448,"topper":"ANUSHKA KARNWAL","air":435,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/120/aim24gcra071_tc048-test-02-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1449,"topper":"ANUSHKA KARNWAL","air":435,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/121/aim24gcra071_tc049-test-03-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1450,"topper":"ANUSHKA KARNWAL","air":435,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/122/aim24gcra071_tc050-test-04-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1451,"topper":"ANUSHKA KARNWAL","air":435,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/123/aim24gcra071_tc052-test-06-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1452,"topper":"ANUSHKA KARNWAL","air":435,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/125/aim24gcra071_tc058-test-12-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1453,"topper":"Anushtha Kalia","air":228,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ANUSHTHA-KALIAUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-228-Sample-ESSAY-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Were women missing historically?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Today's missing women: where and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Are all women MISSING?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"How can leaders become empowering?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1454,"topper":"Anya Das","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8add3-25997_769_anya_das_rank_60.pdf","questions":[{"page":17,"question":"WE DO NOT PUNISH THE WRONGDOER UNLESS HE IS SMALL AND WEAK","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1455,"topper":"Anya Das","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/f230a-25997_1076_anya_das_rank_60.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Cinema : a reflection of society or a tool of social transformation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"LANGUAGE SHOULD NOT BE A BARRIER BUT A FACILITATOR.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1456,"topper":"Anya Das","air":60,"year":2018,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3ef01-25997_768_anya_das_rank_60.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1457,"topper":"Anya Das","air":60,"year":2018,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d1d4f-25997_770_anya_das_rank_60.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1458,"topper":"Anya Das","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3b37f-25997_1151_anya_das_rank_60.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Shrenis were very sound and stable institutions, and enjoyed considerable moral and social prestige not only among their own members, but in society at large. In light of the statement, explain the significant aspects of Shrenis or Guilds in ancient India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Marathas failed to fill the political vacuum created by the decline of the Mughal Empire because of a number of reasons. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The East India Company as a political power had long been dead, what the Act of 1858 did was to give its corpse a decent burial. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Spanish Civil War though fought locally, had far reaching and widespread significance. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss how the culture of consumption has played a crucial role in the process of globalisation especially in shaping the growth of cities in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Although it was outlawed 25 years ago, manual scavenging continues to be prevalent in India. Analysing the reasons behind this problem, discuss what can be done to address it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Explain the concept of soil liquefaction. Illustrate how it manifests during seismic events. What preventive steps can be taken to minimise its impact? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Identify the factors that determine density of ocean waters. Discuss the latitudinal distribution of density and explain the seasonal changes that occur, if any. Also, illustrate its relationship with ocean currents. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Explain how the scientific understanding of the earth's interior has improved with analysis of seismic waves. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Highlight the key factors that need to be considered in deciding the location of nuclear power plants. Also, explain the difficulties India faces in utilizing the large reserves of thorium as part of its civil nuclear programme. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Both the Pallavas and the Cholas played a significant role in the development of structural temples in South India. Explain with examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The views of Gandhi, Nehru and Bose broadly represented the major strands of debate on the question of India's support to British efforts in World War-II. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Even as the British tried to suppress it at every conceivable opportunity, the vernacular press played a crucial role in the freedom movement. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Explain the issues that shaped the Assam Movement. In this context, also comment on the significance of the Assam Accord of 1985. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the diverse processes through which nation-states and nationalism came into being in nineteenth-century Europe. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss why women continue to bear an uneven burden of the terminal methods of family planning in India. What can be done to address this unevenness? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Secularism in India is based on the idea of equal respect for all religions rather than strict separation of state and religion. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are jet streams? How do they influence rainfall in India? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Illustrating the mountain building process that led to the formation of Himalayas, elaborate why they are often referred to as young and restless mountains. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"What do you understand by Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM)? How does National Water Policy, 2012 try to promote IWRM? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1459,"topper":"Anya Das","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6229a-25997_1066_anya_das_rank_60.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The cave architecture in India not only enlighten us with information of tradition and customs of ancient times but also illustrate considerable accomplishment with regard to structural engineering and artistry. Discuss. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"While the Battle of Plassey laid the foundation of British Empire in India, it was the Battle of Buxar that proved to be the turning point of British fortunes in India. Discuss. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Among many novel methods and themes, the Swadeshi Movement laid great emphasis not only on boycott but also on self-reliance. Discuss. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The idea of linguistic states predated independence, however it took some time even after independence for this idea to be implemented. Discuss. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Dr. B. R. Ambedkar understood that persistent inequalities pose fundamental challenges to the economic and social well-being of the nation and people. In this context, discuss the key contributions of Dr. Ambedkar in the history of modern India. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"It has been pointed out that in recent times, while the proportional share of nuclear households has dipped in urban areas it has risen in rural areas. Analyse the reasons behind this trend. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Separation, and not divorce, is the dominant form of marriage dissolution for most women in India. What could be the possible reasons behind this? Also, discuss why there are striking differences in divorce rates between the different regions in India. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Elaborate on the factors responsible for the evolution of the current drainage system in Indian sub-continent, with special emphasis on the characteristic features of Himalayan and Peninsular rivers. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Enumerate the features of Plantation Agriculture and the problems faced by them. Given the fact that area under cultivation of palm oil has been increasing, discuss the benefits and challenges associated with it. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Bring out the distinctive features of Gandhara, Mathura and Amravati schools of art that flourished towards the first century CE. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The British in India wanted not only territorial conquest and control over revenues; they also felt that they had a cultural mission: to 'civilise the natives', change their customs and values. Critically discuss. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi being close associates, there were significant differences between the two regarding the role of state and the control that it exercised. Comment. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Enumerating the reasons behind Sino-Soviet split in the second half of the 20th century, analyse its impact on the Cold War. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"History has disproved the prediction that democracy would not succeed in India. In this context, critically assess the achievements and challenges of democracy in India since Independence. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Enumerate the key issues faced by working women in contemporary Indian society and the steps taken by the government to address them. Also, critically examine the key features of Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act 2017. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Despite tropical areas being the major emitters of CFCs, the phenomenon of ozone hole formation is largely confined to polar areas and that too over the Antarctic and in early spring. Elaborate. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1460,"topper":"Anya Das","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/77457-25997_1067_anya_das_rank_60.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What is the role that opposition plays in a democracy like India? In this context, discuss whether our Parliament can benefit from a shadow cabinet. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Where there is a right, there is a remedy. In this context, discuss the nature and significance of writs in India with adequate examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Enumerate the objectives of NITI Aayog. Also, discuss the performance of this body since its inception and suggest measures to make it more effective. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"In view of the political class's inability to develop and maintain conventions relating to the appropriate use of Article 356, the Supreme Court's decision in the Bommai case provided much needed clarity. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Press freedom and good governance are not mutually exclusive. They support each other while promoting a country's economic and human development. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"SHGs have succeeded in delivering financial inclusion, but for them to evolve as viable business enterprise requires a different approach. Analyse in the context of the twin goals of rural growth and promotion of women's entrepreneurship. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The focus of higher education in India has been on a select few Central or autonomous institutions where as the ones in states remain neglected. Commenting on the statement, highlight the significance of Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the role played by PRIs in political empowerment of women. Also, suggest measures to further increase their political participation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What is Strategic Autonomy? Critically examine the elements of such a policy in India's contemporary foreign policy in the context of recent developments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"IBSA and BRICS are both examples of India's quest for multialignment, however there are key differences in their orientation. Discuss in the context of the relevance of these groupings for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What are the various modes of Alternate Dispute Redressal (ADR) mechanisms available in India? Identifying the problems being faced by them, provide suggestions needed to increase their effectiveness. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"While the power to punish for the contempt of court is a much needed tool to protect the administration of justice from being maligned, it is time that it be relooked into. Critically analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Criminalisation of politics remains a key concern for the Indian political system. In this context, analyse the role played by the Supreme Court and Election Commission over the years. Also, in what ways can the media play a positive role? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight, in brief, the mandate of the National Commission for Minorities (NCM). Identify the different challenges that the commission faces and suggest measures to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The recent decision of the government to open up positions at the senior levels in bureaucracy through lateral entry is an important but only small step in the direction of much needed reforms in the higher civil services. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Identifying the broad contours of the 'Transformation of Aspirational Districts' programme, explain how it adopts a novel strategy to address backwardness. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"How did India fare on the Millennium Development Goals related to health? In this regard, identify the relevant Sustainable Development Goals and evaluate India's capacity to meet them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the different rights recognized under the Forest Rights Act, 2006? Highlight the gaps in the implementation of community forest rights and community forest resource rights granted under the Forest Rights Act. Also, suggest measures to address the current scenario. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Progress in India-US ties has been accompanied by equally significant divergences on important issues. Examine in the context of recent developments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Despite bonhomie, the structural differences between Indian and Israeli national security situations, their worldviews and absence of explicitly shared enemies limit stronger strategic rapprochement. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1461,"topper":"Anya Das","air":60,"year":2018,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b7b97-25997_760_anya_das_rank_60.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1462,"topper":"Anya Das","air":60,"year":2018,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/15aTuIt5Y7AZ6zL0PIS_ytALrkvtGlMp-","questions":[]},{"id":1463,"topper":"Anya Das","air":60,"year":2018,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1SedkG08KIGGLNhnZglw3dCwPQF6jDooj","questions":[]},{"id":1464,"topper":"Apala Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/188aYtJtZ4OuIEHs3R5pi7SKIjguCZfZF/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) What do you understand by \"public\" in public service? List out the principles of Public Life as recommended by the Nolan Committee in this context.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) Public funds suffers from three problems - Misutilisation, Underutilisation and misappropriation. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) It is said that everyone has a conscience. What then explains immoral acts by people?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) Discuss the inherent contradictions in synthesising Law and Compassion. How can law be made more compassionate?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) a) Amendments to the RTI Act are said to completely undermine the original purpose of the Act. Do you agree with this view?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) The recent cases of businesses indulging in loot of public money is a sign that business and ethics are incompatible. Give your views?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.4) What do each of the following quotations mean to you?\na) \"An unexamined life is not worth living\". - Socrates.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"b) \"A man is but the product of his thoughts. What he thinks he becomes.\" - M.K. Gandhi","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.5) a) Distinguish between a) Persuasion and Manipulation, b) Persuasion and Propaganda.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"b) Discuss how attitude is formed. Why is it difficult to change attitude once formed?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.6) a) Critically examine the role of family and society in inculcating values in an individual.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"b) What role does Emotional Intelligence play in the personal and professional life of a Civil Servant?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"c) What is the role of neutrality in building good relations between the Minister and the Civil Servant?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7) You are an anthropologist assigned to stay with a tribe which lives in deep forests. You should prepare a case study regarding their ways of living and culture. You have been asked to study them without interfering in their rituals and culture. You realize that the tribe practices selective infanticide based on their religious beliefs, and have unintentionally been a witness to it. Some people from the adjoining areas have filed a complaint against this to the police. You have been summoned to the Police Station for questioning.\nAnswer the below questions based on the information provided above.\na) What choices do you have?\nb) Every choice that you make will have a negative and a positive impact. Analyse the consequences of each of your choices.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Q.8) You are working a Sub Divisional Magistrate in a district with natural resources. A powerful organized mafia in the district has come under your scanner which has been indulging in illegal mining. You want to act, but you have received direct threats from them. You have also been promised incentives for not taking any action. On seeking advice from your immediate superior, you are advised to turn a blind eye to the whole issue. You contacted the mining department head in the state capital for the same reporting both - the issue and the advice of your superior. Your department head advises you to listen to your superior or seek a transfer.\n\nYou once again take up this issue with your superior. Your superior tells you that many people are employed as labourers and daily wage workers by the illegal mining industry. This will ruin livelihoods and lead to local unrest.\na) What are the possible courses of actions for you in the given circumstances?\nb) What course of action will you finally choose and why?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Q.9) You are leading a rescue operation in a flood affected area. The flood has wreaked havoc and thousands of people and their homes are stranded in deep water. There has been a severe shortage of food and drinking water since the last few days. Because of the difficult topography of the area and heavy rainfall, the rescue operation is taking a lot of time. You have also lost information about one of your rescue team members who has become untraceable. It has been one of the most challenging assignments of your life. When your team finally reaches one of the rescue spots, the people there abuse and assault your man because of the pent-up anger. The remaining team members are now requesting you to call off the rescue operation as they are worried about their own safety. Also, your efforts are being shown in a negative light by the print and electronic media.\n\nIdentify the ethical dilemma involved. How will you handle the situation in such circumstances? List the qualities which should be at display by the officer in such circumstances.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.10 In a modern democratic polity, there is a concept of the political executive and permanent executive elected people's representatives forms the political executive and bureaucracy form the permanent executive. Ministers frame policy decisions and bureaucrats execute these. In the initial decades after independence, the relationship between the permanent executives and the political executives were characterized by mutual understanding, respect, and cooperation, without encroaching upon each other's domain.\n\nHowever, in subsequent decades, the situation has changed. There are instances of the political executive insisting upon the permanent executives to follow its agenda. Respect for an appreciation of upright bureaucrats has declined. There is an increasing tendency among the political executive to get involved in routine administrative matters such as transfers, posting etc. Under this scenario, there is a definitive trend towards 'politicization of bureaucracy'. The rising materialism and acquisitiveness in social life has also adversely impacted upon the ethical values of both the permanent executive and the political executive.\n\nWhat are the consequences of this 'politicization of bureaucracy'? Discuss.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Q.11 In one of the districts of a frontier state, narcotics menace has been rampant. This has resulted in money laundering, mushrooming of poppy farming, arms smuggling and near stalling of education. The system is on the verge of collapse. The situation has been further worsened by unconfirmed reports that local politicians, as well as some senior police officers, are providing surreptitious patronage to the drug mafia. At that point of time a woman police officer, known for her skills in handling such situations is appointed as superintendent of police to bring the situation to normalcy.\n\nIf you are the same police officer, identify the various dimensions of the crisis. Based on your understanding, suggest measures to deal with the crisis.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Q.12 In recent times, there has been an increasing concern in India to develop effective civil service ethics, code of conduct, transparency measures, ethics and integrity systems and anti-corruption agencies. In view of this, there is a need being felt to focus on three specific areas, which are directly relevant to the problems of internalizing integrity and ethics in the civil services. These are as follows:\na) Anticipating specific threats to ethical standards and integrity in the civil services,\nb) Strengthening the ethical competence of civil servant and\nc) Developing administrative processes and practices which promote ethical values and integrity in civil services.\n Suggest institutional measures to address the above three issues.","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":1465,"topper":"Apala Mishra","air":9,"year":2020,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1pxz3rnstSJa8yiphDONYvBiFY70G7cvn","questions":[]},{"id":1466,"topper":"Aparajita Aryan","air":381,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/APARAJITA-ARYAN-UPSC-2023-Rank-381-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1467,"topper":"Aparajita Aryan","air":381,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/APARAJITA-ARYAN-UPSC-2023-Rank-381-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1468,"topper":"Aparajita Aryan","air":381,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/APARAJITA-ARYAN-UPSC-2023-Rank-381-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1469,"topper":"Aparajita Aryan","air":381,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/APARAJITA-ARYAN-UPSC-2023-Rank-381-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1470,"topper":"Aparna Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2071_1023_Aparna_Gupta_Rank_38.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The evolution of temple-building in India can be attributed to factors such as changing form of worship, improvement in the skills of the craftsmen and the increase in funding provided by kings and rich merchants. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Metal casting in India appears to be one of the oldest sculptural traditions. Discuss the significance of cire-perduor or \"lost wax\" technique in the sculptural tradition of India with examples from different regions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"India's middle ages brought about a very rich tradition of devotional literature of remarkable merit which dispels the assumption of a dark period of India's history. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"The outbreak of World War II in 1939 divided the nationalists over the next course of action in the freedom struggle. Elaborate. In this context, also examine the factors that led to INC launching the Quit India Movement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"How did the Indian industrialists contribute to the freedom struggle? Did the emergence of the socialistic trend during the later period of the struggle deter them from supporting the freedom struggle? Analyze.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The social-religious reform movements of the 19th and 20th century in British India not only tried to purge the Indian society of various social evils but also prepared the ground for the Indian freedom struggle. Analyze.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"The dawn of 19th century was marked by large scale expansion of the British empire into India, especially during the governorship of Wellesley. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"United States entered the Vietnam war incrementally, in a series of steps between 1950 and 1965. Elucidate. Also analyse the reasons for America's failure in the war.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Even though there is much that is wrong with the European Union (EU), its achievements can not be discounted either. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Despite being a failure, 1848 revolutions remain a watershed event in European History. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"The events that led to the American Revolution had causes rooted in the social, economic, political and ideological context of that time. Elaborate. Also, bring out the influence that the American Revolution had on the French Revolution.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"In the context of Punjab crisis it can be argued that language, religion and regionalism combined into a potentially explosive situation which political elites struggled to contain. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"What were the factors that led to the declaration of Emergency in 1975? Why is it considered as the dark period of Indian democracy? In this context, discuss the response to the imposition of emergency among the masses, media and political class.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"The role of women since independence has not been confined to issues of women alone, rather they have played an important role in the issues related to peasants, tribals, farmers, trade unions and environment. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Critically examine the point of view that cultural diversity in India has been a hindrance to the process of nation building.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Equality of opportunity requires not only open competition for advantaged positions but also fair access to qualifications required for those positions. Discuss in the Indian context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Portrayal of stereotypical sensational images of women not only reduces their identity to a mere object of desire but also reinforces the patriarchal structure of the society. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Explain the concept of planned obsolescence with examples and discuss its impact for an economy. In this context, comment on Indian society's move towards throwaway culture.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Employment is a vital factor in empowerment of persons with disabilities. Analyse. Enumerate the steps taken by the government to increase employment of persons with disabilities.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"While many see globalisation as synonymous with westernisation, evidence suggests that the process of globalisation has not been a one way street. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1471,"topper":"Aparna Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2071_1024_Aparna_Gupta_Rank_38.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The idea of Universal Basic income has gained appeal in recent months. Enumerating the challenges in its implementation, discuss whether it can be a potent tool to reduce leakages in the system and address inequality in the economy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"A peculiar combination of factors explain India's poor export performance in recent times. Comment. How can the Foreign Trade Policy help in improving India's share in global trade?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"What are Advance Pricing Agreements and how are they related to Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS)? Discuss their relevance for India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"What is meant by public debt? Highlight the objectives of public debt management. Explain why it is considered prudent to disaggregate debt management from monetary policy and take it out of the realm of central bank.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"There is an urgent need for India to get infrastructure financing, however, the current investment model of PPPs is poorly designed and needs restructuring. Discuss the issues plaguing the success of PPPs with respect to stalled projects, risk management, governance & institutional capacity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"What are the reasons behind a low tax base in India? Discuss the issues associated with it and the steps required to widen the tax base.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Even though the construction sector has significant multiplier effect on the economy, in recent years, it has been showing signs of stress. What are the causes for such a state of affairs? In this context, also highlight the steps taken by the government.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"The worsening road safety situation in India is further complicated by an increasing population and proliferation of vehicles on the road. Discuss. Also, highlight the steps that are being taken by the government to address the issue of road safety and reduce the associated fatalities.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Briefly highlight the parameters used by the government to determine the extent of poverty in India. Examine the relationship of economic growth and poverty alleviation in the post-reforms era.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Explain why the government has adopted the HELP in place of the NELP that was existing for almost a decade. Also discuss how HELP has the potential to transform India's E&P activities with special emphasis on non-conventional sources of energy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Successive governments have resorted to disinvestment of sick and loss-making PSUs. What, according to you, are the targets which the government seek to meet from this exercise? Also explain why the disinvestment targets have not been met in the past.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"What is hydroponics? Discuss its relevance in light of limited land availability while ensuring food security.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"It is argued by many that there is an urgent need for states to reform land laws and, in particular, tenancy laws. What are the factors cited for the need of such reforms? Identify the impediments in the way of such reforms and highlight the benefits that would accrue from them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Discuss the potential of horticulture sector in realizing the government's vision of doubling the farm income. Also, highlight the challenges which are needed to be addressed for realizing full potential of this sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Not only does the yield (measured in tonnes/ha.) of a crop but a number of other factors determine the choice of crops that a farmer cultivates. Elaborate with special focus on cropping pattern in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Discuss the significance of food processing industry in the economic development of the country and the challenges which need to be tackled for sustained growth of the industry. Also elaborate on the the salient features of National Mission on Food Processing.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Financial support to farmers through various instruments has been a crucial aspect of agricultural policy of the government. Examine whether the proposal of moving towards direct transfer of benefits and universal crop insurance would alleviate the existing concerns in the current scenario.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Buffer stocking of food grains is seen as a vehicle to deliver strategic food and agricultural domestic support policies, however, there is a growing consensus that the programme has been not just costly but also imprudently wasteful. Critically evaluate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Discuss the lacunae in implementation of Minimum Wages Act in ensuring the welfare of agricultural labour. Also, suggest some other measures to improve the situation of agricultural labourers in the country.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"In spite of having the world's largest livestock population in India, the potential of animal rearing remains underutilized. In this context, discuss the challenges faced by the meat and poultry sector and suggest measures for accelerated and sustained growth for this sector.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1472,"topper":"Aparna Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2071_860_Aparna_Rank_38.pdf","questions":[{"page":9,"question":"Discuss the influence that parents have on values of their children and the role they can play in transmitting good values and resisting negative influences. Why is it that, at times, the values of children differ from that of their parents?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"What does 'public service' means to you? Describe the various ways in which one can serve the public. Does one necessarily serve the public better by entering the civil services? Justify your stand.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss the role and importance of independent directors for corporate governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Is there a conflict between morality and freedom? Discuss with reference to Kant's views on categorical imperative.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"\"Since at the beginning and end of our lives we are so dependent on other's kindness, how can it be that in the middle we neglect the kindness towards others?\" - The Dalai Lama. Bring out what you understand by this quote and discuss its relevance in the Indian society.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1473,"topper":"Aparna Gupta","air":38,"year":2017,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2071_647_Aparna_Rank_38.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1474,"topper":"Apeksh Jakhar","air":782,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Drishti IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.drishtiias.com/images/pdf/Apeksh%20Raj%20Jakhar_Essay.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1475,"topper":"Apeksh Jakhar","air":782,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nowPOMaoLPMFaLEaCH1Ga7sperm4pBdr/view","questions":[]},{"id":1476,"topper":"APOORV BALPANDE","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"IAS Delhi Institute","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RjrLLv0BGZrd1dvXZ0t54rpIh3ox7gW9/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Define ethics. What does ethics mean in private and public relationships?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"He should ask Ama; ~ hand to take a seat, proceed to another room, inf?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1477,"topper":"APOORV BALPANDE","air":546,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"IAS Delhi Institute","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RjrLLv0BGZrd1dvXZ0t54rpIh3ox7gW9/view?usp=sharing","questions":[]},{"id":1478,"topper":"Aprajit","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e7ced-149136_1232_aprajit_rank_174.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"With adequate examples, explain how ocean currents influence the formation of fishing grounds across the world. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Assess the feasibility of introducing two time zones in India in the wake of recent proposal made by Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Giving examples, explain how land topography affects the regional and planetary wind systems. Also, differentiate between the westerlies of the northern and southern hemisphere. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Mention the conditions responsible for occurrence of Temperature Inversion in atmosphere. Elaborating on its various types, highlight its effects on the biosphere. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Explain how ISRO's Chandrayaan 1 mission has improved our scientific understanding of moon. How will Chandrayaan 2 be different from its predecessor in terms of technology and objectives? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Identify different factors that trigger Glacial Lake Outburst Floods. Also, suggest certain measures that need to be taken to minimize their impact. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What is palaeomagnetism? Explain how it serves as a bridging evidence for Plate Tectonics Theory. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the significance of phytoplankton in marine ecosystem. Also, explain the causes and consequences of the phytoplankton blooms. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss India's vulnerability to chemical disasters. In this context, mention safety initiatives taken to address chemical risk in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Comment on the variability of ocean bottom topography. Also, give an account of formation of the mid-oceanic ridge system. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"What is the impact of rising ocean temperature on biosphere? Provide an account of the measures that can be taken to address its causes as well as effects. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Explain the reasons behind earthquakes in Himalayas being more intense and frequent than the ones occurring in Alps region. Why are scientists predicting a largescale earthquake in northern India? Also, elaborate upon some prominent earthquake forecasting techniques. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlighting India's vulnerability to droughts, discuss the major guidelines of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) for management of droughts. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Describe the mechanism of formation, movement and dissipation of tropical cyclones. In this context, explain why the recent 'Titli' cyclone was termed as 'rarest of rare' by IMD. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What are the forces that drive the movement of lithospheric plates? In this context, identify the different types of plate boundaries based on their nature of interaction with suitable examples of the characteristic features formed along them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Explain the role of river as a geomorphic agent with suitable examples of landforms formed during its course of flow. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What is Community Based Disaster Management (CBDM)? Highlight its main principles, features and significance for resilient disaster preparedness in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Differentiate between eustatic and isostatic type of sea-level changes. Also, discuss the resultant landforms which are likely to be formed as a result of sea-level fluctuations. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Discuss the vulnerabilities of urban areas to disasters. What measures have been taken to minimise the losses in such areas during disasters? What further improvements would you suggest to make them more resilient? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1479,"topper":"Aprajit","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3c272-149136_1234_aprajit_rank_174.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explaining the reasons behind India's lower female labour force participation rates (LFPR), list the steps that have been taken to augment it. What more needs to be done? (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Parliamentary scrutiny over public finance is an important aspect of governmental accountability. In this context, discuss the role, importance and challenges in establishing a Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO) for effective oversight of budgetary process. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the various challenges faced by MSMEs in accessing credit. Also, mention some of the recent steps taken by the government and RBI to address this issue. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"By rebalancing project risks between the public and private sectors, the HAM model has encouraged investments in the road infrastructure sector. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"In view of the growing significance of FinTech innovations, discuss the potential and challenges of mainstreaming FinTech in Indian economy. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"With India striving to achieve its development objectives, examine how blue economy can help in pursuing the objectives of economic development and ecological sustainability. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Despite many advantages associated with Electric Vehicles, there are many technical and commercial challenges for mainstreaming them. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"A rapidly changing economic structure and demography require a comprehensive employment policy to address the multitude of challenges that might arise in future. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Examine the need for a comprehensive policy on e-commerce in view of its domestic expansion as well as safeguarding India's interests globally. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the need for deepening bond markets for Indian economy. Also, identify the reasons behind weak development of bond market in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"In the context of IL&FS crisis, explain the risks that the economy faces due to laxity in the regulation of the Non Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs). (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"What do you understand by Universal Basic Income (UBI)? Discuss the advantages that it presents over the existing social protection schemes in India. Also, identify the criticism associated with the idea of UBI for a country like India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Critically examine the practice of resorting to farm loan waivers as a means to alleviate agricultural distress. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight the factors responsible for rise in the number of start-ups in India in recent years. Analyzing the challenges in the existing start-up ecosystem, suggest some measures to resolve them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the idea of participatory budgeting and its significance for India. Also, identify the challenges in mainstreaming participatory budgeting in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Can the consolidation of banks help in stemming the existing problems in the banking sector? Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"There is a high cost of compliance as well as complexities associated with existing labour laws at centre and state levels. Discuss. What steps have recently been taken by the central government to address these challenges? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Why have Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in India not been able to achieve the desired objectives? In this context, suggest some measures to revive SEZs in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Why has the contribution of manufacturing sector, as a percentage of the GDP, remained stagnant in the recent years? In this context, analyse the achievements of National Manufacturing Policy, 2011 with regards to its intended objectives. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"One of the goals that a developing economy aspires for is to bring down the Incremental Capital-Output Ratio (ICOR). In this context, what are the constraints that underlie the efficient conversion of savings rate to investments in the Indian economy? Also suggest some measures to improve this efficiency. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1480,"topper":"Aprajit","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/50a6a-149136_1247_aprajit_rank_174.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Mention the structure and functions of NITI Aayog. Also, comment on its contemporary relevance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Critically discuss the practice of setting up Fast Track Courts to reduce pendency of cases in the judiciary. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the challenges faced by lower judiciary in India and suggest measures for enhancing their productivity. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Assess the need to formalise the process of post-legislative scrutiny to improve the effectiveness of laws. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in improving the effectiveness of e-governance in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Despite various reforms in the public grievance redressal mechanisms, their effectiveness remain limited. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Explaining the factors that contribute to trafficking of women and children in India, highlight the steps taken in recent times to combat it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"With Vector-Borne Diseases (VBDs) reaching epidemic proportions in India, highlight the factors that have led to their emergence. Also, suggest some measures for their effective control and management. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"After years of neglect, rapidly evolving regional strategic realities are now forcing India and Indonesia to coordinate their policies ever more closely. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Despite several attempts at resetting the ties, various barriers continue to be a cause of concern in the India-Nepal bilateral relations. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Delineate the differences between pressure groups and interest groups. Citing examples, elaborate on the ways in which pressure groups influence government decisions and policy making in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlighting the issues faced by the institutions of local self governance in India, suggest measures that can be taken to improve their effectiveness in the delivery of public goods and services at the grassroot level. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The recent amendment to the Right to Information Act, 2005 will weaken the act and undermine the authority of Information Commissioners. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight the process of delimitation in India. Also, throw light on the debates surrounding the delimitation exercise in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Self Help Groups (SHGs) are vehicles of rural development, which help in the upliftment of marginalized groups. Elucidate. Further, mention the constraints faced by SHGs and how they can be addressed. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"With construction of toilets being only one part of the solution for a clean India, it is time that the Swachh Bharat Mission puts more emphasis on the other facets as well. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Highlight the salient features of Mission Indradhanush. What are the challenges that the mission is facing in its implementation? Suggest measures to address these challenges for progressing towards full immunization coverage. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Assess the importance of skilling in light of changing economic and demographic structure in India. In this regard, how far has the Skill India Mission succeeded in its mandate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What according to you are the reasons that motivated India to create a dedicated Indo-Pacific division in the MEA recently? Also, highlight the challenges for India in the Indo-Pacific region. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"For SCO to become a successful regional grouping, it has to overcome bilateral differences between its members and their respective geopolitical calculations. Comment. Also, discuss the role that SCO can play in enhancing India's interest in the Eurasian region. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1481,"topper":"Aprit Upadhyay","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/14038_760_Arpit_Rank_94.pdf","questions":[{"page":13,"question":"What are the various sources through which humans can judge the correctness of their actions? In the context of public life discuss how these sources are important in offering a clear and practical guidance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"What do you mean by 'anonymity in the civil services'? Explain why anonymity and neutrality are considered as important traits for civil servants.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Prescription of dresscode for women not only violates their liberty but also reflects outdated views on gender relations as well as proper conduct. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Evaluate each of these options and choose the option which you would adopt, giving reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"What are the immediate steps which should be taken in such a situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"Suggest some long term measures to ensure that such a situation is not repeated.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"What are the options available to you? Evaluate each of these options and choose the option which you would adopt, giving reasons.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1482,"topper":"Apsara","air":192,"year":2024,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Insights IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.insightsonindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Apsara-upsc-rank-192-gs-2-topper-copy.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1483,"topper":"Apsara","air":192,"year":2024,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Insights IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.insightsonindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Apsara-upsc-rank-192-gs-3-topper-copy.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1484,"topper":"Apsara","air":192,"year":2024,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Insights IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.insightsonindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Apsara-upsc-rank-192-gs-3-topper-copy-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1485,"topper":"Apsara N","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1km8XA96qDN9vhENkr0zX3TKmMeKUbC4u/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Enumerate the principles of democracy. Why is it considered a fundamental pillar of modern governance? (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Elucidate the need for effective technology governance in India. What steps is the government taking in this direction? (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'Delegated Legislation'? In what ways does it help in streamlining administrative processes? (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"How has globalization influenced the organizational structure and functioning of administrative bodies in India? Cite examples to illustrate your points.(10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"\"Good governance lays the foundation for inclusive development, knitting together the fabric of a just and equitable society.\" Elaborate. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"E-governance is about the use of ICT for steering the citizens and promoting public service. Explain. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Mission Karmayogi aims to create a professional, well-trained and future-looking civil service. Comment. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"How does the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) contribute to the regulation and development of fair and transparent markets in India while promoting corporate governance? (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Define the term 'Public Policy'. How are they formulated, implemented, and evaluated in the context of new-age governance? (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Mention the key features of the Citizen's Charter that make it an effective tool for ensuring administrative accountability. Discuss its limitations and suggest improvements. (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"\"Aadhaar has revolutionised service delivery and reduced corruption, yet is grappling with systemic flaws, data breaches, and the potential for exclusion of marginalized sections.\" Discuss. (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Access to information is a fundamental right that promotes transparency and accountability. Comment on the recent issues undermining it and give your suggestion to make it more effective. (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the significance of the decennial census in India. In what way does the delay in conducting it hinder targeted interventions and addressing socio-economic disparities? (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Show, using examples, the distinction between a generalist and a specialist in the context of the Indian bureaucracy. Also, discuss the benefits and concerns associated with the lateral entry of specialists into the Indian bureaucracy. (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Mention the key roles and functions performed by Self Help Groups (SHGs) in promoting socio-economic development. What measures has the Government undertaken to support the growth of SHGs? (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Persistent inter-state disputes in India highlight the need for a robust institutional mechanism. Discuss (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Trace the evolution of Niti Aayog since its establishment. What key roles and responsibilities does it hold? Do you believe it has transformed into a \"super cabinet\"? Why or why not? (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Differentiating between Constitution and Constitutionalism, mention key constitutional provisions in India that uphold the principles of constitutionalism. How has it contributed to the stability and governance in India? (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Critically evaluate the role played by civil societies in India in creating a more inclusive and diverse society, going beyond the traditional electoral processes.(15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1486,"topper":"Apsara N","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UpSShPHU5W3hqKXcxyeyXnVlLPE0_vuJ/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the role of public-private partnerships (PPPs), especially the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM), in hastening infrastructure development and surmounting funding limitations? (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Do supermarkets contribute to small farmers' income by reducing the number of market intermediaries in India? Argue (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'watershed management'? Describe its prospects and limitations. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Briefly discuss the irrigation scenario of India and explain current initiatives for increasing the area under irrigation in India. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"How do subsidies impact the choices farmers make regarding their cropping patterns and crop diversity? Illustrate with examples. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discuss the role of market intelligence in the marketing of agricultural commodities. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Mention the principles of organic and natural farming. Also, discuss their role in sustaining agricultural production. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Analyse the potential economic implications of farm mechanization for small and marginal farmers in terms of cost-effectiveness and income enhancement. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Explain the significance of the Yellow Revolution for India's economy.(10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Analyze the key reasons behind the decline in SEZs' growth and their underutilization in India. How does the Development of Enterprise and Service Hubs (DESH) Bill, 2022 aims to address them? (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"India's port sector is experiencing substantial reform, fostering growth and global recognition. Discuss. What significant policy and legislative changes have been taken in this regard? (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"How do reforms in the Food Cooperation of India strengthen Public Distribution System (PDS) efficiency and improve food security for vulnerable populations in India? (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Despite challenges, PM KISAN has played a significant role in addressing agrarian concerns and fostering rural growth. Critically examine the statement. (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Explain the current status of MSP in India and its role in ensuring farmers' income security? In your opinion, does giving legal backing to MSP alone guarantee financial sustainability for all farmers? (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Highlight the significance of the fisheries sector in terms of food security, livelihoods, and economic growth. Also, shed light on concerns regarding the fisheries subsidies pact being discussed at the World Trade Organization (WTO). (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What are the economic, Social and environmental benefits of promoting millet cultivation on a larger scale? Identify the factors that contribute to its low adoption in India and suggest measures to address them. (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Genetically modified (GM) crops promise enhanced yields and resilience, yet raise concerns about ecological impact and food safety. Discuss using examples.(15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"How do intellectual property rights affect farmers' access to seeds, innovations, and traditional knowledge? What role does the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Act play in balancing farmers' interests with those of seed companies? (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Critically examine the benefits and challenges of the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP). Also, suggest measures to enhance the scheme's effectiveness. (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1487,"topper":"Apsara N","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sZb0DSZrxGK-0VByX4Utl5Q2rIbYIGo5/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Despite numerous recent poverty eradication measures, why does the issue of poverty persist in India? (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Investments in human capital contribute to sustained economic development. Illustrate. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What sets fiscal policy apart from monetary policy, and how do they influence the economy differently? Briefly elaborate on the tools that the RBI and the government employ to manage them. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Explain the concept of inclusive growth and its key indicators. How does it go beyond mere economic growth in measuring a nation's progress? (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Public Sector Undertakings are said to be the most overfed part of the undernourished economy in India. Comment. Suggest how PSUs' functioning can be improved. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"A transition to clean energy is a huge economic opportunity for India. Elucidate. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Critically assess the implications of the 'Gig Economy' in the formal and informal sectors in India. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain the concept of a Sovereign Green Bond and its significance for India's economy. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Diversification away from US Dollar ('De-dollarization') is meant to insulate economies from geopolitical risks. Comment. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Explain the concept of Outcome budgeting and discuss how it can be implemented effectively in India. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"How have India's industrial policies adapted to changing global and domestic economic landscapes since Independence? Demonstrate using examples. (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme has led to a significant increase in production, employment generation, economic growth and exports in the country. Discuss (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Food inflation in India has been rising due to various factors. Identifying those factors, delineate their impact on vulnerable populations. What makes controlling food inflation challenging in India? Discuss. (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"India's GDP is expected to reach $5 trillion by 2025 by leveraging on digitization, globalization, favourable demographics and structural reforms. Elucidate. (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Identify the factors behind the high central and state fiscal deficit in India in recent times. Discuss its ramifications, and propose remedial measures. (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The opportunities for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) in India are immense but so are the challenges. Discuss (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Mention the key components of the National Logistics Policy 2022. How does the policy aim to address the existing challenges and bottlenecks in India's logistics sector? (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Examine the opportunities and challenges that arise from the process of digitization of the Indian economy. How has the government's Digital India initiative contributed to it? (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss the potential multiplier effects of infrastructure investment on various sectors of the economy and its impact on overall growth and development. Mention government policies in this regard. (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"GST has contributed to the formalization Indian economy and boosted economic growth significantly, despite implementation challenges. Discuss (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1488,"topper":"Apurv Anand","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/APURV-ANAND-UPSC-2023-Rank-163-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Shelving hard decisions is the least ethical course.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"All things come into being by conflict of opposites.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The arc of the moral universe is long but it bends towards justice.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Disinterested intellectual curiosity is the lifeblood of civilisation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Women's freedom is the sign of social freedom.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"If humankind poisoned nature, nature in turn poison humankind","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"History Doesn't Repeat Itself, but it often rhymes.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"The century advances but every individual begins anew.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1489,"topper":"Apurv Anand","air":163,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SZQ96px6vgw2Ce2COyRfkUR8Mm5uSt2R/view","questions":[]},{"id":1490,"topper":"Apurv Anand","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/APURV-ANAND-UPSC-2023-Rank-163-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Giving suitable examples, highlight the universal values promoted by ancient Indian scriptures. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"How will you explain that the nationalist response to the partition of Bengal fundamentally altered the course of the Indian Freedom Struggle? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Enumerate the contribution of Adi Shankaracharya in forging Indian Cultural Nationalism. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"How far do you agree that the independence granted to countries of the third world in Asia and Africa were not so much a consequence of their national freedom struggle as it was a consequence of the demise of Britain as a reigning world power in the aftermath of the Second World War? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Examine the implications of Arctic amplification on global and local climate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The increasing incidents of heat waves in the Northern Hemisphere can be attributed to multiple man made and natural factors. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Describe how the geophysical characteristic of the Western Coast differs from the Eastern Coast. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Far from being standalone occurrences, incidents of land subsidence are a result of larger systemic failure. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Trace the evolution of regionalism in India. How does it manifest in modern times? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Explore and evaluate the implications of Artificial Intelligence on society and family. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What explains the success of the British in comparison to the various other European powers that came to India when it comes to colonization of the Indian sub-continent? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"How far is location of semiconductor manufacturing facilities guided by its mining locations? Highlighting the reasons behind recent semiconductor chip shortfall, explain the challenges in domestic chip manufacturing. Also, bring out the steps taken by the government in achieving semiconductor independence. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight the reasons behind increasing cases of extreme precipitation. What factors apart from the above, are responsible for increasing urban floods? Give suitable examples from across the world to substantiate your answer. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Compare the Continental Drift Theory and Plate Tectonic Theory. How does Plate Tectonic Theory explain orogenesis and volcanism? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The measure of a society's progress is how it treats its children, more so in a democracy, as children cannot speak for themselves, and nor do they form a political constituency. Discuss various legal-constitutional steps taken since independence in this regard. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The Indian model of Secularism offers a quintessential solution to fighting religious hate crimes, communalism and promoting cultural-religious tolerance that can be a model for the West. Justify. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the drivers of internal migration in the country? Do you agree that the Covid pandemic and Work from Home models of industrial engagements have checked this phenomenon? Give reasons to justify your answer. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"A natural succession to the demographic dividend is the burden of an ageing population. What are the issues with an ageing population in your opinion? Discuss the several steps taken by the government in this regard, with suitable suggestions. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Caste based discrimination continues in Indian Society acquiring new forms, while retaining the old forms. Discuss. Also explain why casteism has survived in modern India despite a focused approach for its eradication. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1491,"topper":"Apurv Anand","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/APURV-ANAND-UPSC-2023-Rank-163-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Critically evaluate the significance of the Basic Structure Doctrine in the five decades since its judicial pronouncement. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Though defamation law is vital to protect one's reputation and dignity in society, weaponization of the same to curb dissent and free speech is antithetical in a constitutional democracy. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Explore the legal-constitutional basis for the conflicts between the elected government and the institution of the Lieutenant Governor over the governance process in the Union Territory of Delhi. Analyse the role that the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 2023, can play in resolving it. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The objective of the Mediation Bill, 2023 is to have a mediation first approach to civil and commercial disputes resolution, with the purpose of reducing the burden of litigation on Courts, providing alternate means of disputes resolution, and enhancing the country's reputation as an investor friendly destination. Comment, with special emphasis on the salient features of the bill. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"A middle point between socialism and capitalism, cooperatives bring the best of the both worlds. Assess the utility of the cooperative model in effecting rural prosperity. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Evaluate the efficacy of Forest Rights Act, 2006 (FRA) and Panchayat (Extension of the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA) in attaining their mandate. Also, recommend measures to make these legislations more effective in attaining their desired objectives. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Differentiate between the legal and illegal means adopted by advocacy networks to advance their interests. What are the factors that limit their effectiveness as a pressure group? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the steps taken by the government in empowering Self Help Groups as a development partner in poverty alleviation. Also highlight the challenges in the working of SHGs. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Changing strategic realities come with their own constraints and possibilities. Describe briefly India's defense diplomacy in the context of contemporary geopolitics. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Explain the significance and implications of the China-brokered diplomatic accord between Iran and Saudi Arabia. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"A key pillar of Constitutional morality is constitutional punctuality. Illustrate with suitable examples, how a lack of constitutional punctuality not only hinders democratic functioning of the State, but also goes against the spirit of the Constitution. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Free and fair elections are the lifeblood of a democracy, and electoral reforms are at the core of political reforms. In this context, highlighting the challenges to functioning of the Election Commission, suggest the necessary reforms needed, with special reference to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Other Election Commissioners ECs (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The overhaul of India's criminal justice system is not only a long due reform, it is also imperative for decolonizing India's penal system. Elucidate in the light of recently proposed trinity of Bhartiya Nyaya Samhita Bill, 2023, Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita Bill, 2023 and Bharatiya Sakshya Bill, 2023. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What ails institutions of Higher education? Bring out the possibilities and challenges that come with the entry and operation of foreign educational institutions seeking to impart higher education. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Partnership between the State and CSOs for delivering development, while promising at face value, is fraught with challenges. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Critically analyse the working of the POCSO Act, 2012 in addressing the menace of child sex abuse in society in the 10 years since its enactment. How far has the National Commission for protection of child rights been successful in fulfilling its mandate? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Discuss the challenges that keep India multi-dimensionally poor with special reference to NITI Ayog's National Multidimensional Poverty Index Report. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"BRICS can serve as a platform for shaping a post-Western global order, but the potential of the grouping is held back by internal contradictions. Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"\"WTO is dead! Long live WTO!\" In the context of this statement, account for the reasons behind why the WTO is dysfunctional. In your opinion, what reforms are needed to promote resilient, sustainable, and inclusive world trade. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1492,"topper":"Apurv Anand","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/APURV-ANAND-UPSC-2023-Rank-163-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"While knowledge and skills are crucial, they should be accompanied by a strong foundation of ethics. In this context, discuss the importance of ethics in education and the role of educational institutions in imparting ethical values. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Mahatma Gandhi considered ahimsa is the highest duty. He express that even if we cannot practice it in full, we must try to understand its spirit and refrain as far as is humanly possible from violence. Do you think, this articulated profoundness of Ahimsa is still relevant? Justify your answer. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The debate of ends versus means is a never ending one. While teleologists stress the need for the right ends, deontologists argue that the ends, no matter how valuable, cannot justify the means. What are the pitfalls in justifying right ends over right means? Also analyze the implications of always adhering to the right means. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"How does Emotional Intelligence (EI) help in balancing personal as well as professional life? Discuss with examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What does each of the following quotations mean to you? a) \"Experience is the only teacher we have. We may talk and reason all our lives, but we shall not understand a word of truth, until we experience it ourselves\" - Swami Vivekananda (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Individuals should cultivate noble traits so that socio-political organizations are free from highly despicable men.\" - Thirukkural (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"\"Happiness is a mysterious thing, to be found somewhere between too little and too much.\" - Ruskin Bond (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"I would rather try to persuade a man to go along, because once I have persuaded him, he will stick. If I scare him, he will stay just as long as he is scared, and then he is gone. Persuasion can often achieve what coercion cannot. In this context, evaluate the significance of persuasion for heralding social transformations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Examine the relevance of following in the context of civil services: (10 marks, 150 words) i. Neutrality ii. Intellectual Courage iii. Diligence iv. Selflessness","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Why is leadership is considered a foundational value for civil services and a fundamental attribute to be a civil servant? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"There are certain standards that society expects from those who are elected or appointed to public office to observe and maintain in the conduct of the public affairs to which they have been entrusted. Those in positions of power can use these positions to take decisions that are solely in the public interest or they can use them to benefit themselves. Where the roots of private virtue are diseased, the fruit of public probity cannot but be corrupt. What do you understand by probity and discuss how probity in public life can be inculcated? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Ethical quandary lies in exploring the complex interplay between absoluteness and relativity in ethical considerations. Can ethical principles be regarded as universally absolute, or does the notion of relativity, often associated with physics, also apply to ethics? Share your perspective and provide supporting arguments. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Since its enactment, Right to Information (RTI) Act has helped in improving the levels of transparency and accountability in public institutions. However, many argue that the quality of public service delivery in India is still far from satisfactory. In this background, do you find RTI Act efficient enough to improve the public service delivery for Indian citizens. Critically discuss the need for a Right to Public Service Act (RSPA) to make Indian governance more ethical and efficient. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Suman is a young IPS officer who is posted as the SP law and order in a district that has a history of communal clashes. During a cultural event, a political leader made certain controversial comments regarding the religion of another community that can potentially harm communal harmony in the district. The representatives of the aggrieved community met Suman with their complaint. An FIR was registered in the matter and the police department promptly started an investigation. During questioning, the accused political leader denied the charges. He claimed that he was exercising his right to freedom of expression and had no intention of hurting anyone's feelings. . He even offered to tender an apology if his statement had hurt someone's religious feelings. However, the aggrieved community was not satisfied with this apology and demanded strict action against the accused. The next day, a video went viral on social media in which the accused political leader can be seen making derogatory statements against another religious faith. However, Suman suspects that the video going viral on the internet is a doctored video and someone has mischievously edited it to make it more vitriolic and inflammatory. The video has ignited communal tensions in the district. The accused political leader belongs to an influential community and his community has put their support behind him. Local intelligence has warned that some anti-social elements are trying to use this opportunity to create communal riot in the district. The entire matter has been politicized and is being covered by the national media. In this situation answer the following: a) What differentiates a hate speech from a free speech? b) Why does social media have a very strong influence over the actions and thoughts of its users? c) What is the most suitable course of action for Suman in this situation? Justify. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"You have recently started working at your dream company. You have hired in the strategies department along with two other new joiners. All of you have just graduated out of college. You have very friendly relations with co-joiners. The three of you have been helping each other at work. The experience of working together has built strong camaraderie between the three of you. Your boss has publicly appreciated the strong team-spirit displayed by you and your colleagues. At the annual review, you have been given a higher pay raise, and a more lucrative job profile. The promotion doesn't come as a surprise to you. You have worked beyond office hours more as a rule rather than as an exception. The project you worked at was adjudged 'the best project of the year in business impact' at the annual corporate awards. One of your co-joiners remarks, in presumably good humor, that you should suggest to your boss to allocate similar high impact projects to your friends as well. You also perceive suggestions towards the shared surname being the reason for special affinity of your boss towards you, indicating at the fact that your boss and you have the same caste. You feel hurt but you also try to think about the remarks with an open mind. You assess that the three of you have indeed worked hard with sincerity. One of your friends, in fact, worked very efficiently despite a personal tragedy at home. There was already a salary differential between you and your colleagues based on the pedigree of your college. The higher pay raise to you has expanded the differential pay structure further. You always considered the initial pay differential to be against the principle of equal pay for equal work. But now you feel your friends may not have been given equal opportunities as well. You are inclined to the belief that efforts and talent of your colleagues have been under-appreciated and you start feeling guilty about your promotion. Based on the given information, discuss the options that are available to you for addressing the guilt. What are the merits and demerits of those choices? Which option would you choose? Justify. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":1493,"topper":"Apurv Chauhan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/de8b0-13129_1064_apurv-chauhan_rank_34.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlight the characteristics and applications of Cyber Physical systems. Also, enumerate the various objectives of the Cyber Physical Systems programme recently launched by the government. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Explaining the rationale behind Geographical Indication (GI) protection, highlight the issues in harnessing the potential commercial benefits of GI in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand by Free Space Optical Communication (FSOC) Technology? Critically explain its potential in connecting rural and remote areas in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What are Orphan Drugs? Examine the significance of putting in place a policy framework for such drugs in a developing country such as India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Highlight the factors that give advantage in attracting talent to a particular country. In this context, what steps should the government take to turn \"brain drain\" into \"brain gain\" in India? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What are quantum computers? Discuss their potential in solving problems that are too complex for today's classical computers. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Discuss the obstacles in women's access to science education in India and also suggest remedial measures to overcome these obstacles. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"With the help of examples from various fields discuss the achievements and limitations of India's performance in indigenisation and development of new technology. Also, comment on the significance of MSME sector in achieving indigenisation of technology. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"India needs to collaborate and participate in international scientific projects in order to place itself as a major player in cutting edge research. Discuss in the light of ongoing global mega science projects. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What is Mitochondrial Replacement Therapy? Discuss its potential in reducing genetic disorders. Also, list various issues around its use in fertility medicine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The rapid diffusion of Artificial Intelligence begets unique opportunities and challenges for India. Discuss. What can be done to address these challenges? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Briefly explain the concept of Additive Manufacturing as well as its advantages and challenges in comparison with conventional manufacturing methods. Also, comment on its potential in terms of revolutionising organ replacement in humans. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"What is the Human Genome Project-write (HGP-write) and how is it different from the earlier Human Genome Project (HGP)? In this context, also critically explain the potential benefits of the HGP projects for healthcare activities in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Comment upon the need for encouraging participation of private players in the space sector in India. Can it be argued that furthering India's achievements in the space sector requires a comprehensive space law? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Water shortage in India has been sought to be addressed through various policy and technological interventions. Explain. Also, examine the benefits of desalination technology and the costs associated with it. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Originally devised as a distributed ledger technology for Bitcoin, Blockchain offers a wide range of applications across sectors, especially banking and finance. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by TRIPS plus provisions being advocated by developed countries outside the WTO based TRIPS agreement? Do you think India should show some flexibility and incorporate certain TRIPS plus provisions in its IPR regime? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What do you understand by Digital therapeutics? Discuss the opportunities & challenges of Digital Therapeutics specifically in context of preventing lifestyle diseases in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The efforts to improve science and R&D in India need to go beyond questions of expenditure. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Adopting a mission mode approach for developing energy storage systems will be crucial for realizing India's electric mobility ambitions as well as achieving our renewable energy targets. Analyze. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1494,"topper":"Apurv Chauhan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/50fd8-13129_1063_apurv-chauhan_rank_34.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explaining the significance of RCEP, discuss various aspects of India's engagement in this initiative. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"It has been acknowledged widely that smart power is the best possible way for achieving intended foreign policy outcomes. Examine in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"On the one hand, water has the potential of bringing closer regional integration in South Asia, on the other it has remained symbolic of the trust deficit between the countries in India's neighbourhood. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Despite a strong case for a Broad-based Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA) between India and the European Union (EU), negotiations have been stuck for long owing to multiple factors. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Non-alignment, though much debated, has retained its significance over the years in India's foreign policy engagements. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"India-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship, 1950 forms the bedrock of the India-Nepal relations. However, considering recent changes in the region, revising the treaty would be a prudent step. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Accession to the Ashgabat agreement is valuable for connecting India to its extended neighbourhood. What is the Ashgabat Agreement? Assess its significance for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The peace initiative of the Afghan government has raised some difficulties for India, nonetheless India's engagement with Afghanistan is strong enough to withstand such difficulties. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is a natural choice for India to fulfill key foreign policy priorities. In this context, discuss the issues behind hitherto slow progress and the reasons for reinvigorated optimism regarding BIMSTEC. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Highlighting its mandate, discuss the significance of International Solar Alliance in positioning India to key global leadership role. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"India's engagement with its extended neighbourhood in West Asia has evolved into a 'Look West' approach in recent times. However, multiple faultlines in this volatile region require a balancing act on the part of India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"While India and Russia have enjoyed good relations since the Soviet era, relying on the past may not be enough to deal with shift in the relationship in light of the rapidly evolving geopolitical realities. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"India-China ties, marked by a broad convergence on transnational issues, on one hand and geostrategic rivalry on the other, have profound implications not only for the two countries but also the current international system. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"For BRICS to remain relevant, its members must make a realistic assessment of the initiative's opportunities and inherent limitations. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Sluggish progress of the Doha round signals that the WTO is proving to be ineffective in promoting free trade. Identifying the factors behind this, comment on the relevance of WTO in present context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The India-France Strategic Partnership launched in 1998 seems to have finally come of age. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Despite the great strides made, India-ASEAN relations have not measured up to expectations. Critically examine in the context of recent commemoration of relations by the two sides through the Delhi Declaration. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"India's expanding interests rather than endorsement by others should be the basis of its engagement with what is being termed as the Indo-Pacific. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"In what ways has the engagement between India and its diaspora evolved over the years? What role can the Indian diaspora play in furthering and shaping India's foreign policy goals? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India-Bangladesh relations have been termed one of fraternal friendship. What have been the key achievements in this context in the last few years? Also, identify steps to further consolidate these relations. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1495,"topper":"Apurv Chauhan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9e901-13129_1062_apurv-chauhan_rank_34.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Technical solutions are necessary to augment the traditional methods of guarding the border. In this context, while mentioning the different components of Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS), discuss how it can help to address the gaps in the present system of border security. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"To deal with myriad challenges of 'Behavioural Microtargeting' and 'Psychographic Messaging', analyse the need for having a robust data protection framework in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"In comparison to conventional warfare, the possibility of successful deterrence against cyber warfare is both limited and complicated. Discuss. Also, elaborate upon India's preparedness in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Given India's complex security challenges, UAVs have the potential to aid the Indian armed forces on multiple fronts. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Although open borders facilitate cultural continuity & greater interaction, their security implications cannot be undermined. Discuss the statement in context of India's open border policy with Nepal & Bhutan. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What is the role played by Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in border management? Also, elaborating on the problems of infrastructural deficiencies and poor personnel management faced by CAPF, suggest remedies to tackle these issues. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Analyse the impact that the instability in the wider South Asian region has on India's internal security. What steps can be taken to minimise such impact? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Deployment of central armed forces in states has been a contentious issue. Mention the issues involved and suggest some remedial measures. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"In what ways does the physiography of India pose a challenge to its counter-terrorism efforts? What can be done to deal with these challenges? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What are the components of India's Ballistic Missile Defence System? Also, discuss how a Ballistic Missile Defence System enhances India's strategic options. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Giving examples, elaborate how India's approach to becoming a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region is taking shape. What are the challenges and opportunities associated with this approach? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime) has pitched for the need of an integrated approach in order to address the difficulties in preventing, detecting, investigating and prosecuting Transnational Organised Crimes (TOC). Elaborating on these difficulties, discuss how an integrated approach can help in tackling TOCs. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"With changes in technology, financial frauds are taking the shape and modalities of organized crime. Discuss the implications of such a trend and suggest a holistic approach to develop a sound fraud management system in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"While nuclear weapons and traditional military capability remain the options of last resort, dealing with subconventional and proxy warfare requires enhanced measures given the nature of persistent threat. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The Government has adopted a holistic approach built around simultaneous implementation of a security agenda, developmental activities and promotion of good governance to address the Left Wing Extremism in India. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"National security challenges, which are less traditional war threats but more diffused and ambiguous, can no longer be dealt with in silos. In this context, examine the need for having a National Security Strategy and also, highlight the challenges that the government faces in spelling out such a strategy. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Highlighting the need for SMART policing in India, suggest some administrative, legislative and technological reforms in order to realize this vision. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind private sector playing a merely peripheral role in defence manufacturing in India. Also, explain how the Draft Defence Production Policy, 2018 seeks to augment private sector participation in defence manufacturing in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Discuss the implications of insufficient allocation of funds on capacity building, modernisation & operational preparedness of the defence forces in India. Also, suggest necessary steps to maintain & augment defence capabilities in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1496,"topper":"Apurv Chauhan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2a236-13129_1049_apurv-chauhan_rank_34.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Concerns regarding the wide formulation and indiscreet application of discretionary powers of the Governor need closer attention. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Explain the concept of subordinate legislation in India. Also discuss the mechanisms for their scrutiny and control. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The crucial position accorded to the Speaker in Indian legislatures, makes it imperative to protect them from undue political pressures and incentives. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Departmentally-Related Standing Committees have been referred to as mini-parliaments in India. Highlight their relevance in a democratic polity and discuss, with examples, how they improve the overall effectiveness of the Parliament. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Enumerate the issues associated with functioning of tribunals in India. How can these be addressed? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Examine the significance of Gram Sabhas, as mentioned in Article 243A of the Indian constitution, in the development process with special reference to Fifth Schedule areas. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The Rajya Sabha is merely a secondary house rather than a second house in the Indian Parliamentary system. Critically analyze the statement. Also, compare and contrast the position of the Rajya Sabha vis-à-vis the State legislative councils. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"A major shift is needed in the institutional framework of the Central Water Commission (CWC) and the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) to make water management more holistic and multidisciplinary. Discuss in the context of Mihir Shah Committee recommendations. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"On what grounds can a person be denied the right to contest elections to the Parliament in India? Will a life-time ban on those convicted of heinous crimes address the problem of criminalisation of politics? Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Directive Principles can be considered as even more important than the Fundamental Rights because they provide a positive thrust towards welfare. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"In light of demands for replacement of the FPTP (First Past the Post) system with other alternatives, compare the merits and enumerate the challenges associated with replacing the current system. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Despite long term recognition of the problem of pendency of cases in the courts, limited progress has been made in reducing their number. What are the possible reasons for such a scenario? Suggest a framework of measures that can be taken to address this issue. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite the phrase 'due process of law' not being included in Article 21, the Supreme Court, over the years, has adopted the doctrines of 'procedural due process' and 'substantive due process' into Indian constitutional law. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Can we say that cooperative federalism in India has strengthened in the postliberalisation era? Give reasons in support of your answer. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Faulty regulatory policies can have a severe adverse effect on the efficient interplay of market forces and end up harming public interest. Examine in the context of systemic issues pertaining to regulatory environment in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Mention the constitutional provisions to safeguard and ensure the independent and impartial functioning of the UPSC. Further, assess the limitations of UPSC in effectively performing its role as the 'watchdog of merit system' in India as envisioned by the Constitution. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What are the key issues in the context of electoral funding in India? How far do you think the idea of state funding of elections can address these issues? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Separation of powers in case of India has acquired its own uniqueness under the constitutional arrangement. Explain. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Highlight the extent of President's powers under Article 352. Comment on the judicial scrutiny of proclamation and the exercise of executive powers under National Emergency. How is this power different from the one bestowed under Article 356? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Fiscal transfers from the Centre to States are critical in India. In this context, explain the rationale of both general and specific purpose fiscal transfers. Also highlight the problems witnessed in the design and implementation of specific purpose transfers. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1497,"topper":"Apurva Verma","air":42,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/u/2/folders/10zuhHVJLebossEp_GoOjXBmEmBU3R2es","questions":[]},{"id":1498,"topper":"Apurva Verma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/327fc-623655_4512_apurva-verma_rank_42.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. Analyse the factors that have contributed to India's inclusive economic growth in the past decade. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. The Reserve Bank of India's surplus transfers offer the government much-needed fiscal space, yet they are not without challenges. Critically examine the implications of the RBI's surplus transfers to the government.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. To what extent was the first National Monetization Pipeline (NMP) able to meet its objectives? What are the objectives of the new Asset Monetization Plan 2025-30 as announced in the recent 2025 Budget? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. Examine the major challenges hindering the Indian textile industry from achieving its full potential in the global value chain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. Why has India become increasingly import-dependent for edible oils despite being a major agricultural economy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. Air accidents are low-frequency but high-impact events. Examine the disaster management protocols in place for aviation-related emergencies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. Chemical pollution poses a grave threat to human health and the environment in India. Discuss the key sources contributing to pervasive chemical contamination and evaluate the effectiveness of existing environmental laws in curbing this problem.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. Missile defence systems are becoming critical for national security in the face of evolving regional threats and advanced weapon technologies. Explain the working principle of missile defence systems. Critically assess India's progress in developing indigenous missile defence capabilities.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Despite multiple resolutions and initiatives undertaken by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), its efforts to counter terrorism have achieved limited success. Discuss the reasons for this limited effectiveness.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. India practices a ‘multi-alignment’ approach in its cyber diplomacy. How does this posture strengthen India’s internal security while maintaining strategic autonomy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. While examining the shortcomings of the land reforms in the past, elaborate what land reforms 2.0 should look like. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. As NITI Aayog completes 10 years of its establishment, critically examine its role in the planning and development paradigm of governance in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. What are the primary causes of limited formal credit penetration among the rural and unbanked populations in India? Comment on the effectiveness of Small Finance Banks in addressing this gap and advancing inclusive financial growth.","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. To what extent has the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for the food processing industry facilitated value addition, employment generation, and global competitiveness in India's food processing industry? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. Waste circularity is emerging as a sustainable solution to India's mounting solid waste crisis. Discuss the key principles of waste circularity and the government's initiative in this regard. How effective have these measures been in fostering a circular economy? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. Discuss the importance of integrating traditional ecological knowledge of India's tribal communities with modern disaster management frameworks. Mention two examples where indigenous practices have contributed to disaster resilience. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. CRISPR technology has rapidly advanced in recent years, with new tools and clinical breakthroughs. Highlight the recent developments in CRISPR-based gene editing technology applications. Discuss the opportunities and ethical challenges these advancements present for healthcare and society.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"18 A credible semiconductor ecosystem is pivotal for India's economic security as much as for national security. Analyse the strategic objectives, incentives, and institutional architecture of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM). Identify the major risks that could derail its timelines.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. Intricate inter-play of diverse factors has been the force multipliers for extremism in the North East. Discuss. Suggest a multilayered strategy to tackle the menace of extremism in this region. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. Despite recent steps towards inducting women into combat roles, their participation remains low. Examine the key challenges impeding the greater inclusion of women in the Indian armed forces. Also, suggest suitable measures to enhance their participation. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1499,"topper":"Apurva Verma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d70d5-623655_4513_apurva-verma_rank_42.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. (a) Compassion is the courageous choice to feel another's suffering as one's own, and to act upon it, even when silence is safer and indifference is easier. Examine the significance of compassion as an essential ethical value for civil servants in India. Illustrate your answer with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"1. (b) Marriages in India are transitioning from traditional sacramental unions to more autonomous relationships, reflected in live-in relationships and rising divorce rates. Discuss the ethical dimensions of these changes.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"2. (a) While accountability often necessitates documentation, an overemphasis on bureaucratic procedures and excessive paperwork can inadvertently silence the very voices that public policy intends to empower, particularly at the grassroots. Examine the above statement with suitable illustrations.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":12,"question":"2. (b) The principle of impartiality may conflict with the need for compassion towards marginalized communities. Discuss in the context of civil services in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"3 (a) What do each of the following quotations mean to you?\n(a) \"The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home.\" - Confucius (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"3. (b) \"Act only according to that maxim through which you can at the same time will that it become a universal law.\" - Immanuel Kant (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"3. (c) \"We are not only responsible for what we do, but also for what we fail to do\"- Molière. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"4. (a) Patriotism encourages ethical questioning, while nationalism often suppresses it. Discuss this statement in light of the formation of political attitudes during high-pressure national events. How can individuals develop moral attitudes that balance national interest with ethical reasoning?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"4. (b) Discuss how employee well-being and fairness can be balanced with efficiency and profitability in private organisations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"5. (a) Do you agree that excessive use of social media and emerging AI technologies may lead to a decline in emotional regulation and moral sensitivity among adolescents? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"5. (b) In light of the increasing incidents of suicides among students in India, discuss how Emotional Intelligence (EI) can aid in managing stress and emotional challenges.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"6. (a) In public service, emotional intelligence is not about suppressing emotion, but mastering its purpose — to connect, to de-escalate, and to uplift others with empathy and strength. Do you agree with this view? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"6. (b) An efficient work culture is built not only on rules, but on shared values. In this context, evaluate the role of leadership and team dynamics in transforming work culture within an organization.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"7 You are posted as the Joint Secretary in the Department of Information Technology of a state. The government recently implemented several citizen-centric digital services, collecting large volumes of personal data from residents. The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, requires that such data be processed only with explicit and informed consent, and mandates that processing must cease immediately upon withdrawal of consent.\n\nDuring an internal audit, you discover that the department continues to process and analyze personal data of several citizens even after they have formally withdrawn their consent. This data is being used for policy analytics and service improvement, purposes not explicitly disclosed at the time of data collection. When you bring this to the attention of your department head, you are informed that halting the processing will disrupt ongoing digital initiatives and may affect state-level performance metrics. Moreover, you find that the consent withdrawal process is cumbersome, and many citizens are unaware of their rights under the DPDP Act.\n\nYou also learn that a prominent social activist is planning to file a complaint with the Data Protection Board against involuntary use of personal data, which could attract public scrutiny and legal action against the department.\n(a) Identify and discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.\n(b) What are the potential consequences for the department if the issue is not addressed transparently?\n(c) How would you balance the need for efficient public service delivery with the obligation to protect citizens’ data rights? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"8 You are an IAS officer, currently serving as the Secretary of the Public Works Department in a hill state. Recently, a disturbing incident has come to light involving a senior Cabinet Minister and two engineers of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). During an inspection of a critical highway project, the Minister was allegedly seen on video physically assaulting and verbally abusing the engineers in full public view. The video, recorded by bystanders, went viral on social media and was widely covered by television channels, sparking both outrage and support from different sections of society. The Minister later defended his actions, alleging that the officials were corrupt, unresponsive to local grievances, and responsible for inordinate delays in the project. He insisted that his actions were driven by public frustration and the urgency of delivering infrastructure to a remote region.\n\nHowever, the engineers have filed a police complaint and written to their superiors, claiming they were targeted for resisting political pressure to award contracts to specific local contractors linked to the Minister. As the situation escalated, a union of NHAI engineers declared a strike,\n(a) इस प्रकरण में शामिल प्रमुख नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं? हितधारकों और उनके परस्पर विरोधी हितों की पहचान कीजिए।\n(b) लोक निर्माण विभाग के सचिव के रूप में, आप उपयुक्त स्थिति में क्या कार्रवाई करेंगे?\n(c) ऐसी घटनाएं सिविल सेवकों के मनोबल और शासन में जनता के विश्वास को कैसे प्रभावित करती हैं? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"(a) What are the key ethical issues involved in this situation? Identify the stakeholders and their conflicting interests.\n(b) As the Secretary of the PWD, what actions will you take in above situation?\n(c) How do such incidents affect the morale of civil servants and public trust in governance? (Answer in 250 words)\na) What are the key ethical issues involved in this situation? Identify the stakeholders and their conflicting interests.\nb) As the Secretary of the PWD, what actions will you take in above situation?\nc) How do such incidents affect the morale of civil servants and public trust in governance?","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"9 You are the Secretary in the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Government of India. In recent years, an increasing number of civil servants, particularly younger officers from the IAS, IPS, and IRS, have begun maintaining personal YouTube channels and social media pages. On these platforms, they regularly post videos related to their official work — showcasing innovative projects, public outreach initiatives, inspection drives, and sometimes even day-to-day administrative duties.\n\nThese videos often receive widespread public attention, and many viewers express admiration, saying such content enhances transparency, motivates aspirants, and humanizes the bureaucracy. However, concerns have also emerged from various quarters. Senior officers argue that such content may blur the boundaries between personal branding and public service, while some citizens and media commentators point to instances where videos feature vulnerable beneficiaries without consent, raise concerns about misuse of official premises, or seem designed more for personal popularity than public accountability.\n\nYou have been asked to prepare a report, including recommendations, to maintain a balance between public interest, institutional integrity, and evolving modes of communication.\n(a) Identify the ethical issues involved in civil servants publicly showcasing their official work on social media platforms.\n(b) Do such efforts promote awareness and motivation, or do they compromise anonymity, neutrality, and the values of collective service? Give your opinion.\n(c) As Secretary, what guiding principles and policy measures would you suggest to ensure digital accountability of civil servants? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"You have been asked to prepare a report with recommendations to balance public interest, institutional integrity, and evolving modes of communication.\n(a) Identify the ethical issues involved in civil servants publicly showcasing their official work on social media.\n(b) Do such practices promote awareness and motivation, or do they compromise the values of anonymity, neutrality, and collective service ethos? Give your opinion.\n(c) As the Secretary, what guiding principles and policy recommendations would you suggest to ensure responsible digital engagement by civil servants? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"10 You are the Director of the National Bioethics Commission who is responsible for assessing the ethical feasibility and oversight of a nationwide gene sequencing program. The project named GeneFuture, aims to sequence the DNA of every newborn child and store it in a centralized national database. The objective is to identify genetic predispositions to serious diseases early in life, allowing for preventive treatment and personalized medicine. Over 100,000 babies have already been enrolled in the pilot phase of the program. The government claims that this move is a landmark step in public health advancement.\n\nHowever, collection of newborn genetic data raises significant ethical concerns, particularly around informed consent, which may not fully capture parents' understanding of the long-term risks involved. Once gathered, this sensitive data could be misused for purposes such as surveillance, insurance discrimination, or commercial marketing by third parties. Uncertainty over data ownership—whether it lies with the state, parents, or the individual as they mature—further complicates the issue. The involvement of private tech and pharmaceutical companies heightens fears of commercial exploitation, especially in the absence of clear mechanisms for individuals to withdraw consent or delete their genetic information upon reaching adulthood.\n(a) What are the ethical issues you perceive in the implementation of the GeneFuture program?\n(b) Identify the conflicting interests of different stakeholders in this case.\n(c) What guiding ethical principles would you recommend for implementation of this project? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"11. You are a dedicated District Health Officer (DHO) with a strong commitment to evidence-based public health practices, recently assigned to a remote district in India. Your immediate and most critical task is to lead a crucial district-wide Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination drive, aimed at achieving 100% immunization coverage among children aged 9 months to 15 years. The success of this drive is vital for the collective health of thousands of children and for the district's overall health indicators, especially with the impending monsoon season posing additional health challenges.\n\nHowever, in one of the largest and most traditional villages in your district, you encounter formidable resistance. The villagers, deeply influenced by the pronouncements of a revered local spiritual leader, strongly believe that vaccination is an attack on evil spirits and that traditional herbal remedies and blessings provide sufficient protection. This spiritual leader, who is actually a well-intentioned but rigid individual, publicly advises his followers to oppose vaccination. As a result, vaccination camps in the village have been almost completely boycotted. Your health workers, some of whom are local and face social ostracism or even threats of physical harm, are struggling to overcome this resistance. The state health department is under intense pressure to meet vaccination targets and has warned against using force, as it could lead to public unrest. Meanwhile, a large annual fair is about to be held, attracting people from many villages and areas. If this village remains unvaccinated, the spread of MR could become a serious and immediate threat to the entire district and beyond.\n(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the above scenario.\n(b) What immediate alternatives do you have to peacefully address this resistance?\n(c) Suggest long-term strategies and systemic improvements to scientifically counter widespread superstition and enhance community health outcomes. (Answer in about 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case.\n(b) What are the immediate options available to you to overcome this resistance?\n(c) What long-term strategies and systemic reforms would you suggest to address the pervasive influence of superstition and foster a scientific temperament for sustainable public health outcomes? (Answer in 250 words)\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case.\nb) What are the immediate options available to you to overcome this resistance?\nc) What long-term strategies and systemic reforms would you suggest to address the pervasive influence of superstition and foster a scientific temperament for sustainable public health outcomes?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"(a) Ethical issues involved:\n1 Consensus-based vaccination in a vaccine-dissent population\n2 Lack of education fuelling misinformation and fake news\n3 Chances of a wide outbreak vs Right to choice of people\n4 Blind faith vs scientific evidence\n5 Social ostracization vs violent behaviour\n6 Target sampling vs People's hesitancy","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"12. You are a highly motivated and principle-driven Gram Panchayat Secretary, recently posted in a large and socio-economically diverse village in a remote district. Your immediate and most critical task is the meticulous verification of beneficiaries for the 'Gramin Awas Yojana' – a flagship state housing scheme aimed at providing 'pucca' (brick) houses to the genuinely impoverished and landless households. The scheme is under tight deadlines, with funds ...\n(a) आपके समक्ष विद्यमान संभावित प्रशासनिक और नैतिक दुश्विधाएं क्या हैं?\n(b) आपके लिए उपलब्ध सभी विकल्पों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\n(c) आप अपने निर्णय का नैतिक औचित्य सिद्ध करते हुए कौन-सी व्यापक कार्यवाही करेंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":58,"question":"(a) What are the potential administrative and ethical dilemmas you face?\n(b) Discuss all options available to you.\n(c) What comprehensive course of action would you choose to adopt, providing ethical justification for your decision? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1500,"topper":"Apurva Verma","air":42,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/APURVA_VERMA_AIR_42_2025/Test%202,%20PSIR%20Crash%20Course.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1501,"topper":"Apurva Verma","air":42,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/APURVA_VERMA_AIR_42_2025/Test%203,%20PSIR%20Crash%20Course.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1502,"topper":"Apurva Verma","air":42,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/APURVA_VERMA_AIR_42_2025/Test%204,%20PSIR%20Crash%20Course.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1503,"topper":"Aradhana Chauhan","air":251,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ARADHANA-CHAUHAN-UPSC-2023-Rank-251-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1504,"topper":"Aradhana Chauhan","air":251,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ARADHANA-CHAUHAN-UPSC-2023-Rank-251-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1505,"topper":"Aradhana Chauhan","air":251,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ARADHANA-CHAUHAN-UPSC-2023-Rank-251-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1506,"topper":"Aradhana Chauhan","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ARADHANA-CHAUHAN-UPSC-2023-Rank-251-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The influence of ethical principles on shaping socially responsible behavior is widely acknowledged. How do ethical values facilitate individuals in cultivating a proactive and constructive attitude towards fulfilling their social responsibilities? Can the subjective nature of ethical principles lead to divergent attitudes regarding social responsibility? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":3,"question":"Through their actions, interactions, and teachings, schools have the power to mold the moral compass of the next generation. In this perspective, discuss the significance of value-based education in preparing the youth to address the contemporary challenges of society. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":1507,"topper":"Aradhana Chouhan","air":251,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mOL-GEvlYKao3NyYGOU5e7W9xga1tBF4/view","questions":[]},{"id":1508,"topper":"Aranksha Yadav","air":201,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/28b8b-974747_1457_aranksha-yadav_rank-201.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1509,"topper":"Aranksha Yadav","air":201,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7227c-974747_1458_aranksha-yadav_rank-201.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1510,"topper":"Aranksha Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/214ee-974747_2218_aranksha-yadav_rank-201.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to revisit the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution? Discuss with suitable arguments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Highlighting the advantages of online dispute resolution (ODR) mechanism for justice delivery, discuss the challenges associated with its effective implementation in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Despite the constitutional division of powers, Centre-state disputes have been a perennial feature of Indian democracy. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Do you agree with the view that adopting a framework for lobbying will strengthen participative governance and ease of doing business in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Despite the government encouraging open source instead of proprietary technology for government applications, the true potential of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) and digital platforms remains unrealized. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"As a social safety-valve, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) can be the principal vehicles through which communities voice their concerns. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Despite being lauded for its patient centric approach, the implementation of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, remains sluggish and mired with various issues. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":1511,"topper":"Aranksha Yadav","air":201,"year":2022,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8a082-974747_1418_aranksha-yadav_rank-201.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1512,"topper":"Aranksha Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/88ed6-974747_1697_aranksha-yadav_rank-201.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"RTI Act, 2005 is a milestone in Indian democracy as it promotes transparency and empowers citizens. Discuss the reasons for criticism of the Act. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":1513,"topper":"Aranyak Saikia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/cec60-41166_1256_aranyak-saikia_rank_59.pdf","questions":[{"page":17,"question":"EASE OF DOING SCIENCE' NEEDS TO COMPLEMENT 'EASE OF DOING BUSINESS' FOR LONG-TERM GROWTH AND DYNAMISM OF THE NATION","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1514,"topper":"Aranyak Saikia","air":59,"year":2019,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/452ce-41166_929_aranyak-saikia_rank_59.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1515,"topper":"Aranyak Saikia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c6838-41166_876_aranyak-saikia_rank_59.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"While India has taken a number of steps in order to substantially improve its ranking in the World Bank's 'Ease of Doing Business' Index, it needs to take further action in this regard. Elaborate. Also analyse the utility of these rankings vis-a-vis India's objective of facilitating a sound entrepreneurial environment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"In wake of the agrarian crisis that the country is witnessing, discuss the need for adopting an income-centric approach in preference to a production-centric one as the basis of agricultural policy. In this context, also highlight the steps that should be taken to achieve the goal of doubling the income of farmers by 2021-22 and the challenges that exist.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"It is argued that India's fiscal centre of gravity has rapidly shifted from the Centre to the States. Analyse the statement in context of the debate on fiscal discipline. Also, enumerate the key recommendations of the N.K. Singh panel on Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Strategic sale of state-run firms is a prudent step to deal with the challenges being faced by the public sector enterprises in India. Comment. Also enumerate other measures that can be taken in light of NITI Aayog's suggestions in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"Shell companies in India are neither legally defined nor properly understood. Analyse in the light of recent developments, prevalent understanding and steps required to effectively deal with shell companies.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"If a larger population in India is to be involved in the economy in a big way, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are key. Elaborate. Also discuss the challenges faced by the SME sector in India and give an account of the measures taken by the government to deal with these.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"What are the reasons for the growing informalization of industrial labour in India? Discuss the issues associated with the phenomenon and reforms required to deal with them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"A number of far-reaching developments have taken place in the local and global energy space which have to be reflected in our own energy policy framework. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"The Indian IT-BPM (Information Technology-Business Process Management) industry is a global powerhouse today and its impact on India and the world has been unprecedented. Comment. Also, mention the challenges being faced by India's IT-BPM sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"An effective multi-modal logistics and transport sector will make the Indian economy more competitive. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"Climate change threatens sustainable development, impairs socio-economic development and reinforces cycles of poverty across the globe. In this context, discuss the utility of climate risk insurance as an instrument within a comprehensive climate risk management system","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Why are women particularly vulnerable to the impact of natural disasters? Also analyse, with adequate examples, how women can play a more effective role in disaster risk management cycle.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"In view of the seriousness of heat waves and its consequences, greater attention is required for dealing with it as a natural disaster. Analyse in the context of recent developments and the actions taken by relevant government bodies.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"While genome editing offers immense potential benefits in the area of healthcare, there are a lot of apprehensions regarding its use. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Discuss various ways in which supercomputers have benefitted mankind over the years. Also enumerate the objectives of the National Supercomputing Mission and the mechanism for its implementation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Widely seen as a disruption for the traditional banking and financial institutions, cryptocurrencies have gained significant traction lately, at the same time creating a regulatory nightmare for regulators across the globe. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"An internationally-binding agreement to strengthen the Outer Space Treaty of 1967 is both desirable and increasingly a necessity. Analyse in view of the traditional and emerging challenges in this arena.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Even after nearly 60 years in existence, AFSPA remains at the centre of debates with respect to countering violent insurgencies, role of the states and local communities. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Analyse the challenges and opportunities inherent in the push for indigenisation of defence production in India. Also, identify the measures through which indigenous manufacturing of defence equipments is being encouraged by the Government.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"India's ability to puruse a clear-cut strategic vision depends on its ability to improve institutional cooperation and coordination between the armed forces and civilian bureaucracy. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1516,"topper":"Aranyak Saikia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/59294-41166_875_aranyak-saikia_rank_59.pdf","questions":[{"page":21,"question":"Moving the subject of water from state list to concurrent list will solve the issues related to governance of water resources. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Give an account of the areas of potential conflict in the relationship between the political executive and civil servants. Also discuss why a healthy working relationship between the two is critical for good governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"Despite their location in the non-political domain of civil society, NGOs have ended up playing a key, if indirect, role in India's politics. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Magnitude of India's urbanisation is not unusual but the pattern is. In this context, examine the issues in the governance of cities in India. Also suggest the reforms required to make Indian cities dynamos of competitive sub-federalism.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"Social boycott should be treated as a criminal offence, rather than being considered as just another form of social evil plaguing the Indian society. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Human Trafficking in India has emerged as a serious issue, which calls for understanding the complexity of the problem and devising an effective strategy to combat it. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"A weak teacher education system is at the core of India's problems in school education. Evaluate. In this context, also enumerate the recommendations of the High-Powered Commission on Teacher Education constituted by the Supreme Court of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"It has been argued that the recent order of the Supreme Court to prevent the misuse of Section 498A institutionalises the prejudices and rehabilitates the myths, which the women's movement in India has battled over decades. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"As strategic interests between India and US continue to converge, defence has emerged as a major area of cooperation between the two. Discuss the significance and possible implications of this development.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"India's contribution to peacekeeping missions of the United Nations has remained steadfast despite changes in the nature, form and variety of UN peace keeping missions. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"India's partnership with Africa is an amalgam of African development priorities as well as India's development objectives. Discuss. Also highlight the initiatives taken by India in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Comment on the role of International Court of Justice in upholding the values of international law. In this context, also highlight the association of India with the ICJ over the years.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"In view of the focus on trans-regional economic corridors and changing regional geo-politics and geo-economics, critically discuss the idea of an Indo-Pacific Economic Corridor.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1517,"topper":"Aranyak Saikia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/80bfa-41166_1242_aranyak-saikia_rank_59.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Tribal art in India generally reflects the creative energy found in rural areas that acts as an undercurrent to the craftsmanship. Explain with reference to the Worli and Gond paintings. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Though it had its achievements, the exclusion of Indians from the system was a key feature of judicial reforms introduced by Cornwallis. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Marshall Plan was important in the recovery of the European states from the aftermath of the Second World War. However, it also became a crucial factor in the creation of two Europes i.e. East and West. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Examine the causes behind the existence of bonded labour in contemporary India. Also, discuss the steps that should be taken for its redress. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"State the factors that enhance the risk for initiation or continuation of abuse of drugs by the youth. What measures can be taken to address this issue? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Critically analyze the impact of globalization on culture in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"How do increasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions impact coastal and marine ecosystems? Highlight various measures that can be taken for protection and restoration of such vulnerable ecosystems. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Explain the phenomenon of a Polar Vortex. Also, comment on the reasons as to why tropical areas as south as Florida have been witnessing sub-zero temperatures in recent years. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The most powerful trend of medieval Indian literature is devotional poetry which dominates almost all the major languages of the country. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Discuss the major changes introduced by the Government of India Act, 1919 and its significance as a historical landmark in the Indian freedom struggle. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Multiple factors allowed the British to gain control over India. In this context, highlighting the main developments, trace the course of British conquest of India from 1757 to 1856. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"With India becoming increasingly urban and the urban poor increasing in number, it is imperative that the challenges they face be addressed urgently. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Violations of women's sexual and reproductive health rights are often deeply engrained in societal values and traditions. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by the term Land Degradation Neutrality? Highlight its significance and the steps required to achieve it. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"State the geographical and economic importance of Hindukush-Himalayan region. How are the critical geographical features of this region changing and what possible consequences will it have? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What is the most accepted reasoning behind occurrence of earth's magnetism? Discuss the factors behind its variation temporally and spatially. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Explain Walker Circulation. Discuss how it influences Indian Monsoon. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1518,"topper":"Aranyak Saikia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/df4c5-41166_1249_aranyak-saikia_rank_59.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by cultural sensitivity? Identify the ways in which individuals and organisations can benefit from cultural sensitivity in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"In the quest for scientific and technological development, ethical values should not be neglected. Discuss in the current context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"In a plural society like India, education should help the individual to celebrate the plurality and visualize the inherent unity of cultures and values. Analyze the statement in the present context with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Elucidate Swami Vivekananda's ideas on nationalism.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. Mahatma Gandhi","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Explaining the concept of moral attitude, discuss how social media is shaping moral attitudes of people.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Analyse the importance of both influence and persuasion for effective leadership.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Analyze the significance of adopting a code of ethics for creating a healthy work culture in an organization.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Ethos, ethics, equity and efficiency are key criteria on the basis of which the competency of civil servants should be judged. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"The mandatory nature of Corporate Social Responsibility goes against the notion of philanthropy. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"You are posted as Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district, which has a bustling market in the district headquarters with a high footfall. The area has traditionally been occupied by street vendors and hawkers. They form an intrinsic part of the market system in the area and derive their livelihood from it. Recently, you got reports that the policemen posted in the area harass the hawkers and also extort 'hafta' - a weekly bribe - from them despite complying with the laws. It has been brought to your notice that while those who comply with this arrangement are allowed to carry on with their daily operations, those who do not are being evicted from the market area. In the process of eviction, they are even physically assaulted and their saleable items are often confiscated and destroyed. As a result, some street vendors have been staging protests against the local administration in the market and have blocked the normal market passage. They have also threatened to intensify their protest over a period of time. The local police, however, has been in denial of any such wrong doings and argue that they are merely removing illegal encroachments, which were causing traffic jam in the area. In this situation, answer the following: (a) Mention the stakeholders and ethical issues involved in the case. (b) As the Superintendent of Police, what course of action would you adopt for diffusing the tensions in the area? Also, suggest some policy recommendations, which will help resolve the issues in the long-term.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"A mid level manager in a food and beverages firm has been assigned the responsibility to deal with tensions arising in a rural area between the firm and the local farmers. These farmers supply the company with bananas, which are used exclusively by the company in its niche products. The banana plantations are growing a variety developed by the firm. The core issue revolves around the perceived violation of company's IPR as many of the farmers in the neighbouring areas have also started growing the same variety of banana. It is suspected that the farmers with whom the company had a contract have shared the breed with others in the region. The legal department of the firm is of the opinion that a legal complaint against the farmers is the only way to protect the IPR of the company. It would also set a precedent for the future. However, many in the firm also believe that such a step would escalate the matter. In such a scenario, identify the key issues to be addressed. What measures would you suggest to deal with these issues?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You have recently been posted as a probationary officer in the District Magistrate's office in a tribal district. During one of the fieldtrips, while interacting with the tribals, you come to know about a private company, established a few years back, which has transformed their lives. The company, using the traditional knowledge of tribals, had launched a series of products and provided numerous livelihood opportunities to the tribals. Upon further enquiry, you come to know that while the lives of tribals had indeed improved, the distribution of profits however, has been quite disproportionate. The company has seen a huge growth in its operations and its owners have amassed huge wealth. It is also planning to file for IPR, which may further hinder the interests of the tribals. You feel that tribals have been left short changed and there has not been an equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the use of their resources. When you tried to approach the Gram Sabha and voice your concerns, the tribals requested you not to intervene as they do not have any alternatives. They also argue that governments in the past have failed to protect their interests. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the different stakeholders and their interests involved in this case. (b) Present a case to convince the District Magistrate for the need of government intervention in the situation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Various studies have found out that cases of depression and mental illness have increased exponentially in the recent past. Also, in the age group of 15-30 years, this problem is further pronounced. Furthermore, the rising trend of suicides in this age group has been attributed to depression. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Present an ethical critique of the prevalent societal attitude towards mental illness. (b) Given the magnitude of the problem among younger generation/young adults, analyse the role of the following: i. Parenting ii. Social Media iii. Video Games","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1519,"topper":"Aravind Kumar T","air":348,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ARAVIND-KUMAR-T-UPSC-2023-Rank-348-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1520,"topper":"Aravind Kumar T","air":348,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ARAVIND-KUMAR-T-UPSC-2023-Rank-348-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1521,"topper":"Aravind Kumar T","air":348,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ARAVIND-KUMAR-T-UPSC-2023-Rank-348-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1522,"topper":"Aravind Kumar T","air":348,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ARAVIND-KUMAR-T-UPSC-2023-Rank-348-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1523,"topper":"Archana P P","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a5d24-90668_873_archana-p-p_rank_99.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"The more remotely power is exercised from the people, the greater is the distance between authority and accountability. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":4,"question":"\"If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion\". In what ways can a compassionate public official be more useful for realizing public service goals?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"The recent decision by the government to ban use of red beacons is only a symbolic gesture and a lot more needs to be done to end the VIP culture in India. Critically discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"To what extent can financial incentives help shape attitude towards social issues? Discuss with relevant examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"At times, moral behaviour can be constrained by the complexity of legal system. Explain. In this context, explain the purpose of legal protection for good samaritans in the case of road accidents.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Examine the different ethical issues involved in the use of public shaming as a punitive measure. Do you think this is an appropriate measure to address the problem of rising crime rates.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"Why did Gunnar Myrdal use the term 'soft state' in the context of South Asia? Do you think such a characterisation is still relevant in the case of India today?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Intolerance can be linked both to prejudices and value judgments. Elaborate with relevant examples. Also discuss how intolerance can be countered in a multicultural society like India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Social attitude towards corruption has become more forgiving with time leading to a view of illegal gains and misappropriation of public assets as a \"rightful\" individual prerogative. Analyse in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"What are the factors which draw people to public service? Suggest measures to keep public servants motivated.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"Corporate Governance provides a framework that defines the rights, roles and responsibilities of various groups within an organization. (a) Elaborate the need to incorporate the principles of Corporate Governance to enhance the effectiveness of the public sector enterprises. (b) Identify the challenges specific to the public sector when it comes to the application of good practices of corporate governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Emotions, earlier considered as an irrational factor in decision-making, are now recognised as a critical factor of judgment. In this regard, answer the following questions: (a) How can Emotional Intelligence help in coping with the intense pressure and occupational stress faced by police officers and armed forces in discharge of their duties? (b) What are the some of the concerns in incorporating and assessment of emotional intelligence skills in public service?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"You, a manager in one of the top IT firms in the country, are tasked with hiring new recruits for an upcoming project. You find that the company has given tacit instructions of not hiring female candidates in view of the new maternity law passed by the Government. You find this highly objectionable and lodge a protest with people in the higher management but they are firm as they want to cut down all the unnecessary costs. Based on this information, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the stakeholders and their interests in the situation. (b) What are the dilemmas that a recruiting manager may face in such a scenario? (c) What are the different options available to you? Which one will you pursue and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"There has been a perceptible rise in the cost of healthcare services provided by private hospitals. In absence of adequate and quality government hospitals, people are forced to opt for private hospitals, especially for life threatening diseases and injuries. You recently visit one of your friends admitted in a famous private hospital. You found out that the hospital is charging a huge amount of money, which seems to be unreasonable. You confront the staff and ask them to explain the rationale behind such high charges. Their response is that the charges are fair for the kind of services they are providing. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in this situation? (b) Given how other professions price their services, discuss the feasibility of capping the amount of fees charged by doctors and private hospitals. (c) How can the provision of quality services and need for profit be reconciled with society's interests in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"You are the District Magistrate in a district where a significant number of transgenders reside. While discrimination against the community is well known, commuters increasingly complain of harassment at their hands, especially at traffic junctions where transgenders are mostly involved in begging. This, at times, also leads to traffic management issues. You have received a number of complaints in this regard and have to act quickly to resolve it. However, a group of transgender associations argue that begging is their only source of livelihood. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Describe the ethical issues involved in this case. Discuss the attitude of people towards transgenders in general and reasons for the same. (b) What possible courses of action can be undertaken in such situations? Discuss their merits and demerits.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Mr. X is the head of an NGO working in the field of environment conservation and protection. He is in dire need of funds for the NGO's operations and payments to his staff. He is approached by an official of a large infrastructure company, who is ready to provide the required funding for the NGO. But, in a quid pro quo, he asks Mr. X to raise objections over the bypassing of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) norms in an ongoing PPP project through his NGO. This project is being implemented by a rival infrastructure company. Mr. X knows that there have been instances of high level corruption in the process of granting EIA to mega projects and the information provided by the official seems to be authentic. Hence, he accepts the money and agrees to raise the objection. (a) Considering the circumstances of the case, is Mr..X correct in accepting the money? Give appropriate reasons for your answer. (b) If you were in place of Mr. X, what would have been your course of action? Give reasons for it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"You are a civil servant posted in a state where elections were recently held. The newly elected Chief Minister had promised to ban alcohol in several of his election campaigns as well as his election manifesto, which was widely praised and supported by women of the state. Fulfilling his electoral promise, the Chief Minister has ordered a blanket ban on the sale of alcohol in the state. Following the ban, concerns have been raised about the feasibility of the ban and whether the government should interfere in what is considered by many to be a matter of personal choice. (a) Who are the stakeholders in this case and how are they affected by the ban? (b) Is blanket ban on alcohol a feasible action? (c) Identify the issues that may arise while enforcing the ban and the steps you will take to handle them, as a civil servant.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"Regulation and procedure of human clinical trials vary from nation to nation. Stem cell research, as an emerging biomedical field, requires approval for human trials and encounters multiple challenges. You are the head of a team of scientists who developed a new Tissue Engineering system, which appears to be a promising means of regenerating heart tissue. Trials of the system have already been conducted on animals and yielded good results. Millions of people suffering from critical heart diseases would benefit immensely if this medication is immediately made available to them. However, you need to conduct human clinical trials before it could be commercialised. It is also known that the stringent regulatory environment in the country will mean that human trials and final approval will take many years before it is made commercially available. On the other hand, regulation of clinical trials in many poor countries is weak and quick approval is possible. Many of your competitors also resort to human trials in these countries, often bribing the officials for getting quick approvals. Given this situation, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the ethical issues which arise during clinical trials. (b) Given the above situation, would you prefer to shift human trials to a third country where regulations are lax? Give reasons in support of your choice. (c) Suggest a framework of standard procedure to minimise ethical conflicts and speed-up the approval process of new medicines.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1524,"topper":"Archana P P","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2f325-90668_873_archana-p-p_rank_40.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"The more remotely power is exercised from the people, the greater is the distance between authority and accountability. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":4,"question":"\"If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion\". In what ways can a compassionate public official be more useful for realizing public service goals?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"The recent decision by the government to ban use of red beacons is only a symbolic gesture and a lot more needs to be done to end the VIP culture in India. Critically discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"To what extent can financial incentives help shape attitude towards social issues? Discuss with relevant examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"At times, moral behaviour can be constrained by the complexity of legal system. Explain. In this context, explain the purpose of legal protection for good samaritans in the case of road accidents.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Examine the different ethical issues involved in the use of public shaming as a punitive measure. Do you think this is an appropriate measure to address the problem of rising crime rates.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"Why did Gunnar Myrdal use the term 'soft state' in the context of South Asia? Do you think such a characterisation is still relevant in the case of India today?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Intolerance can be linked both to prejudices and value judgments. Elaborate with relevant examples. Also discuss how intolerance can be countered in a multicultural society like India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Social attitude towards corruption has become more forgiving with time leading to a view of illegal gains and misappropriation of public assets as a \"rightful\" individual prerogative. Analyse in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"What are the factors which draw people to public service? Suggest measures to keep public servants motivated.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"Corporate Governance provides a framework that defines the rights, roles and responsibilities of various groups within an organization. (a) Elaborate the need to incorporate the principles of Corporate Governance to enhance the effectiveness of the public sector enterprises. (b) Identify the challenges specific to the public sector when it comes to the application of good practices of corporate governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Emotions, earlier considered as an irrational factor in decision-making, are now recognised as a critical factor of judgment. In this regard, answer the following questions: (a) How can Emotional Intelligence help in coping with the intense pressure and occupational stress faced by police officers and armed forces in discharge of their duties? (b) What are the some of the concerns in incorporating and assessment of emotional intelligence skills in public service?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"You, a manager in one of the top IT firms in the country, are tasked with hiring new recruits for an upcoming project. You find that the company has given tacit instructions of not hiring female candidates in view of the new maternity law passed by the Government. You find this highly objectionable and lodge a protest with people in the higher management but they are firm as they want to cut down all the unnecessary costs. Based on this information, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the stakeholders and their interests in the situation. (b) What are the dilemmas that a recruiting manager may face in such a scenario? (c) What are the different options available to you? Which one will you pursue and why?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1525,"topper":"Archit Deva","air":357,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ARCHIT-DEVA-UPSC-2023-Rank-357-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1526,"topper":"Archit Deva","air":357,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ARCHIT-DEVA-UPSC-2023-Rank-357-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1527,"topper":"Archit Deva","air":357,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ARCHIT-DEVA-UPSC-2023-Rank-357-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1528,"topper":"Archit Dongre","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/48cd5-1138117_2070_dongre_archit_parag_rank_03.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) Differentiating between courage and bravery, discuss why courage is often thought of as the first of all virtues.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) Discuss how social, cultural and religious factors act as determinants of ethics.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) Bring out the relevance of the teachings of Gautam Buddha in contemporary times.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) If one takes care of the means the end will take care of itself. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"3. (a) Explain the relevance of the following in the context of civil services:\n(i) Impersonality\n(ii) Anonymity\n(iii) Perseverance\n(iv) Fairness","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) With the help of relevant examples, bring out the difference between the following:\n(i) Intelligence Quotient and Emotional Quotient\n(ii) Attitude and Aptitude","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"4. (a) What do you understand by political neutrality? Explain its significance in public service.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"4. (b) There is more to integrity than honesty. Illustrate with examples. Also, suggest ways to inculcate integrity as a value in civil services.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"4. (c) What do you understand by probity? Why is it considered essential for good governance?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"5. (a) Although utilitarianism is arguably the most reason-based approach to determining right and wrong, it has obvious limitations. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"5. (b) What do you understand by ethical dilemma? Explain with examples, how it can lead to crisis of conscience.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"6. (a) What is code of conduct? How is it different from code of ethics?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"6. (b) Bring out the relevance of the seven principles of public life stated by the Nolan Committee in the Indian context, with the help of examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"7. The Right to Information (RTI) Act is one of the most important reforms brought by the government. You have recently been transferred as the Public Information Officer (PIO) in the irrigation department of a district. While inspecting the RTI applications, you find that many of these applications relate to information on the recruitment of staff in your department. Your juniors point out that all of these have been filed by an aspiring local politician who may be trying to create an issue related to irregularities in recruitment in the department. The department fears that he is filing RTI applications for political gains in the upcoming state elections.\nIn this context, answer the following questions:\n(a) Identify the stakeholders and the issues involved in the case.\n(b) What measures will you take to handle the situation?","marks":"20","words":"around 250"},{"page":34,"question":"8. You are the managing director of a pharmaceutical company. Your company has won a tender for supply of generic affordable medicines to the state health department. In order to win the tender, you had kept the profit margins very low. However, after winning the tender, you got a call from the Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the Health Minister for a 2% cut in the total purchase of goods. You tried to meet the Health Minister in this respect, but he also hinted at doing the job as per the instructions of the OSD. You cannot refuse to go ahead with the tender because of the risk of losing your 5% security deposit. Further, the firm can be blacklisted for not fulfilling the obligations of the approved tender.\nSome of the options to deal with the situation are given below. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each of these options.\n(a) Follow the advice of the minister and comply with the demands of the OSD.\n(b) File a police complaint against the OSD for corruption.\n(c) Tip the media anonymously about the issue to build pressure on the concerned Minister.\n(d) Leave the allotted tender.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":39,"question":"9. The promotion of harmful products like liquor, tobacco, etc. through mass media and advertisements have been banned in India. However, many companies are roping in big celebrities to promote these harmful products and brands through surrogate advertisement. In the disguise of another product, surrogate advertising is used to promote regulated products, like cigarettes and alcohol. There have been many debates on this issue, particularly in recent times, with many arguing that such advertisements should be banned altogether.\n\nIn this context, answer the following:\n(a) What are the ethical issues involved in surrogate advertising?\n(b) Suggest steps that can be taken to address these type of advertisements in India.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":44,"question":"10. You are a young officer who has recently been posted as the District Magistrate in a district where power cuts are a regular phenomenon. A thermal power plant is proposed in your district, which has the potential to not only meet the energy demand of yours but also that of neighbouring districts, and also provide employment opportunities for the people of your district. However, a few people from the district are protesting against it because of the concerns of displacement and the potential pollution issue that the project may lead to. It is brought to your notice that prominent local leaders have mobilized a large crowd and are planning to march towards the Collectorate. You have also received information that the crowd may turn violent due to the presence of miscreants. In the context of this situation, address the following:\n(a) Identify the stakeholders and highlight the issues involved in the above case.\n(b) State the measures that you would take as the District Magistrate.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":49,"question":"11. Today, digital games and gameful interactions with a digital dimension are rapidly becoming pervasive in society. It is a highly engaging pastime and also a vehicle for acquiring knowledge and/or modifying attitudes and behaviours at various levels, whether by explicit intention or otherwise. Online games' increasingly important role in society brings about ethical implications that cannot be ignored, and have sometimes been the object of heated public and academic debate.\n(a) Discuss the various social and psychological issues involved in online gaming.\n(b) Give some suggestions to address the harmful impact of online gaming on the society.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":54,"question":"12. Climate change and environmental degradation have caused havoc globally. It has repercussions on the life and livelihood of each and every individual on the planet. Despite its huge impact, climate change and environmental conservation have not become an electoral issue in India. Globally, green parties are making strides, albeit gradually. In countries like Netherlands, Sweden and Australia, they have begun to make a mark in electoral politics. In India, however, there is no such development.\n(a) In your view, why has politics in India not seen it's 'green moment' yet?\n(b) Do you think people in India are generally apathetic to climate change and environment related issues? Suggest some initiatives to bring about a change in the attitude of the people towards the issue.","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":1529,"topper":"Archit Dongre","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/cfdc4-1138117_2425_dongre_archit_parag_rank_03.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. (a) For effective corporate governance to take place in the coming years, why is it important to integrate the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics with the multi-stakeholder approach? What benefits can be accrued by such integration? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"1. (b) In acts of corruption, the focus is often only on the demand side of the equation, on public officials who abuse their office for private gain. Frequently, the supply side is given less attention. Those who pay bribes are sometimes depicted as innocent parties and victims of extortionary practices of wily public servants. Do you agree that 'collusive corruption', in which there is a willing bribe-giver, is a formidable challenge for institutions fighting corruption?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"2. (a) The Citizens' Charters initiative was a response to the quest for solving the problems, which a citizen encountered, day in and day out, while dealing with the organisations providing public services. But the introduction and implementation of Citizens' Charters in the government of India has been difficult due to the old bureaucratic set up and the rigid attitudes of the work force. Discuss the major obstacles that have been encountered in implementing the Citizens' Charter initiative.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"2. (b) Quality of public service delivery is a major determinant of the quality of life of vulnerable sections in a highly unequal society divided along the lines of class, caste, religion, etc. In this background, do you think that public service delivery is efficient and sufficient enough to improve the lives of vulnerable groups in India? Critically examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"3 (a) What do each of the following quotations mean to you?\n(a) \"The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own.\" - Lao Tzu (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"3. (b) \"If ethics are poor at the top, that behavior is copied down through the organization.\" - Robert Noyce (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"3. (c) \"The end of law is not to abolish or restrain, but to preserve and enlarge freedom.\" - John Locke (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"4. (a) Wealthy CEOs and founders of successful businesses around the world are increasingly pledging to give away their wealth in philanthropy. Do you think that such a move is sufficient enough to bring about a positive change in the society? Critically examine.","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"4. (b) As organizations across the globe begin their artificial intelligence (AI) transformation, the leap into the AI era is expected to be more challenging than any technology that businesses have grappled with yet. In this background, discuss the concerns around fairness, transparency, and job security that may arise.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"5. (a) The emphasis of Swami Dayanand Saraswati on education, social equality, and ethical values continues to influence the socio-cultural discourse in contemporary India. Discuss with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"5. (b) Write short notes on the following in 30 words each :\n(i) Dedication to public service\n(ii) Non-partisanship in civil service\n(iii) Objectivity in decision-making","marks":"2 x 5 = 10","words":"30 words each"},{"page":28,"question":"6. (a) Emotional intelligence may not be singularly associated with emotions or intelligence. It can also include a broad range of personality characteristics that might predict success in professional and everyday life. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"6. (b) Traditional forms of state-led accountability, also characterised as vertical and horizontal channels of accountability, are increasingly found to be inadequate, and a myriad of multi-stakeholder and bottom-up citizen directed approaches have come to the fore, to supplement or supplant them. Discuss with illustrations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"7 In the context of this case, answer the following:\n(a) What are the issues involved in this case?\n(b) What measures can be taken to reduce the adverse effects of such technologies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"With reference to this case study, answer the following:\n(a) What are the issues involved in this case?\n(b) What measures can be taken to minimize the negative implications of adopting such technologies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"8 Rina and her friends from the college were working as interns with a company for the last few months. On completion of their internship, some of them, including Rina, have been offered full-time jobs in the company. Being a reputed company, she and her friends accepted the offer. Rina is enthusiastic about her new job and has even established good relationship with some of her company co-workers during her internship. However, during her tenure as an intern, Rina had begun to notice that one of the Vice-Presidents (VPs) of the company was giving her too much attention. He used to make an extra effort to stop by Rina's cubicle and chat, something he was not doing with any of the other interns. He had even tried to connect with Rina over social networking sites. Some of her co-interns also noticed this and began to make offhand comments to Rina about the extra attention being given by the VP.\n\nNow that she was has been hired for a full time position, she is fearful that she might have to work with this VP directly. While he has not done or said anything explicitly inappropriate, the extra attention and the fact that her co-workers noticed it, made her very uncomfortable and undermined her concentration at work.\n\nThe company encourages an open and friendly atmosphere and when she was hired, it was communicated to her that she should always speak to her Manager whenever faced with any uncomfortable work related issues. However, she is concerned to speak about it officially, as the VP has not explicitly done anything wrong.\n(a) रीना को किन दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\n(b) उसके पास क्या विकल्प हैं? प्रत्येक के गुण और दोष बताइए।\n(c) उसके द्वारा अपनाई जाने वाली कार्रवाई को रेखांकित कीजिए, साथ ही उसका औचित्य सिद्ध कीजिए। (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"In the given situation:\n(a) What dilemmas does Rina face?\n(b) What options does she have? Provide the merits and demerits of each.\n(c) Highlight the course of action she should adopt, along with justification for the same.","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":42,"question":"9 As the Nodal Education Officer of the district, address the following questions:\n(a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\n(b) How will you resolve the issues in the given case?\n(c) What long-term strategy needs to be adopted to deal with the menace of cheating in various examinations? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"उपयुक्त जानकारी के संदर्भ में, निम्नलिखित पर ध्यान दीजिए:\n(a) प्रस्तुत प्रकरण में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दे कौन-से हैं?\n(b) महासागरों की संधारणीयता पर प्रतिकूल प्रभाव डाले बिना किसी राष्ट्र के आर्थिक विकास के दृष्टिकोण को कैसे प्राप्त किया जा सकता है? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"In the context of the above-stated information, address the following:\n(a) What are the ethical issues in the given case study?\n(b) How can the vision of economic development of a nation be achieved without adversely affecting the sustainability of oceans? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"11 (a) आप एक जिला मजिस्ट्रेट हैं और यह क्षेत्र आपके क्षेत्राधिकार में आता है। दोनों पक्षों के लोग अपनी शिकायतें लेकर आपके पास आए हैं। आप दोनों दृष्टिकोणों में सामंजस्य स्थापित करने के लिए क्या करेंगे?\n(b) कारवाई के निम्नलिखित संभावित तरीकों के गुण और दोषों का उल्लेख कीजिए:\n(1) क्षेत्र के निवासियों के विरोध को नजरअंदाज करना और धार्मिक पूजा स्थल को मौजूदा नियमों के अनुसार बनाने की अनुमति दे देना।\n(2) नए पूजा स्थल पर भरोसा करने वाले हजारों उपासकों को निराश करते हुए, निवासियों से सहमत होकर निर्माण पर रोक लगा देना।\n(3) एक समझौते के रूप में, आपके द्वारा पूजा स्थल पर भवन निर्माण संबंधी अतिरिक्त नियमों को लागू किया जाना या डिजाइन में संशोधन पर बल दिया जाना। (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"(a) You are a District Magistrate and the area lies in your jurisdiction. People from both sides have approached you with their grievances. What would you do to reconcile the two points of view?\n(b) Mention the merits and demerits of the following potential courses of action:\n(1) Ignore the opposition from the residents of the area and allow the place of religious worship to be built in accordance with the existing regulations.\n(2) Prohibit the construction, agreeing with the residents while causing distress among the thousands of worshippers counting on the new place of worship.\n(3) As a compromise, you place additional building regulations on the worship place or insist on modifications to the design. (Answer in 250 words)\na) You are a District Magistrate and the area lies in your jurisdiction. People from both sides have approached you with their grievances. What would you do to reconcile the two points of view?\nb) Mention the merits and demerits of the following potential courses of action:\n(1) Ignore the opposition from the residents of the area and allow the place of religious worship to be built in accordance with the existing regulations.\n(2) Prohibit the construction, agreeing with the residents while causing distress among the thousands of worshippers counting on the new place of worship.\n(3) As a compromise, you place additional building regulations on the worship place or insist on modifications to the design.","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"12 You are a public representative, elected on the ticket of a political party, considered as conservative by many. Your daughter, who has returned years after studying abroad, has conveyed to you her choice of marrying a person from another community. You personally do not consider anything wrong in her choice, and convey your assent to her. You also discuss it with many among your friends and family, and inform them of a grand wedding ceremony you are planning for your daughter. However, a few days after you have shared the news of the forthcoming grand wedding with many, you are informed by your political secretary about an issue being made of the same. He informs you that there are whispers among many people in your constituency about it, and indications of a sense of unease among some prominent citizens. While most of them are enamoured by your plans for a grand wedding ceremony for your daughter, they are unhappy about the bridegroom being from another community. You also get to know through your sources in the party, that your assent to the choice of the bridegroom may lead to a denial of ticket by the high command in the forthcoming elections. You are not only an ambitious politician and a rising star in your political party but also an open-minded, loving and doting father. But howsoever much you love your daughter's freedom and choices, you do not want her decision to adversely affect your political journey. This is more so, when you had been eagerly looking forward to greater responsibilities and a higher stature in the party, given the years of hardwork you have put in, as a politician. Your daughter, on the other hand, is firm with her choice and does not want her impending grand wedding to be affected in any way. She is adamant\n(a) उपयुक्त प्रकरण में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दे कौन-से हैं?\n(b) एक पिता और एक महत्वाकांक्षी राजनीतिज्ञ के रूप में आपके पास उपलब्ध विभिन्न विकल्प क्या हैं?\n(c) आपकी कार्रवाई का तरीका क्या होगा? उचित तर्क सहित पुष्टि कीजिए। (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":58,"question":"Given this situation, answer the following:\n(a) What are the ethical issues in the above situation?\n(b) What are the various options that you have, as a father and an ambitious politician?\n(c) What will be your course of action? Justify with proper reasoning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":1530,"topper":"Archit Nigam","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/36cf5-104282_1325_archit-nigam_rank_270.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explaining the need and objectives of land reforms in India, assess the steps taken by the government in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Explain how Fiscal Policy can be used to control inflation, accelerate the rate of economic growth and achieve economic stability.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by devaluation of a currency? How is it different from currency depreciation? Explain how an economy benefits or suffers because of depreciation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"What were the key components of the economic reforms undertaken in the Indian economy in 1991? What objectives were sought to be achieved through them? Examine how successful have they been in meeting them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Explain the process of credit creation by the banking system in an economy. Also, highlight the factors which limit the power of commercial banks to create credit.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"What is Outcome Budgeting? Explaining its relevance for management of public finance, highlight the challenges in implementing it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Explain the concept of GDP Deflator. Can it be argued that it is a more accurate indicator of inflation, as compared to CPI and WPI?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"The central bank adopts quantitative and qualitative methods to control credit creation by commercial banks. What is the difference between quantitative and qualitative methods? Also, explain the concepts of Repo Rate, Cash Reserve Ratio and Statutory Liquidity Ratio.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Bring out the difference between proportional, progressive, regressive and degressive taxation. Also explain why progressive taxation is desirable and popular all over the world.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"What are the different approaches for measurement of National Income? Explain the difficulties in estimation of national income by each of these approaches. What steps have been taken in recent times to improve accuracy in national income accounting?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"What is the rationale behind government tapping into private resources for large infrastructure projects? In this context, highlight the various problems that can arise in a PPP contract and list the measures that have been taken to minimise them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Development of ports is the mandatory first step for port-led development to succeed and India to improve its ease of doing business. Discuss the issues that have constrained the growth of port infrastructure in the country. Also, suggest some ways to overcome them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"While electrification of all inhabited villages is a significant achievement, much more is needed to ensure that electricity demand of every household is fulfilled. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"What is Inclusive Growth? Identifying its important features, discuss why it is an important objective of India's growth plans.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"What is Industrial Revolution 4.0? Critically discuss the effects it may have on Indian economy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Highlighting the objectives of Public Distribution System in India, discuss the issues associated with it. Also, critically discuss the role technology can play in addressing these issues.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Explaining the various problems with the current agricultural marketing system in India, suggest measures that are needed to address these.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Explain the significance of the food processing sector in India and highlight the challenges it faces. What steps have been taken by the government in recent years for the development of this sector?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Explain the significance of solar energy for meeting India's energy demands. What are the challenges that lie in harnessing its potential? What steps have been taken to address them?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"What do you understand by Human Capital? Highlight the prospects and challenges of human capital formation in India.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1531,"topper":"Archit Nigam","air":270,"year":2019,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0abed-104282_1234_archit-nigam_rank_270.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1532,"topper":"Archit Nigam","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1dd49-104282_1235_archit-nigam_rank_270.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Given below are two quotations. For each of these bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) The golden rule of conduct is mutual toleration, seeing that we will never all think alike and we shall always see Truth in fragment and from different points of vision. Mahatma Gandhi.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Impersonal management, a characteristic feature of a Weberian bureaucracy, develops over time into indifference, especially with regard to weaker sections of the society. Critically discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"In pursuit of political power, means are often compromised that leads to competitive reliance on unethical practices resulting in erosion of public trust. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"It takes more than a corporate governance policy to inspire ethical behavior and sustain a truly ethical workplace. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"\"Law should be so succinct that it can be carried in the pocket of the coat and it should be so simple that it can be understood by a peasant.\" Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Ethics in international relations has the potential to cater to the diplomatic challenges of 21st century. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Nolan Committee provides for one of the most comprehensive statements of what constitutes ethical standards for holders of public office. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"The sharper the socio-economic disparities, the greater the incentive towards corruption. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"The moral worth of an action depends not on the consequences that flow from it, but on its motivation. Explain the statement with the help of suitable examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"The universal adoption of common good approach poses the ethical dilemma of putting collective interests over and above the individual interests. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Compassion should never be considered as weakness, but rather as an essential element for providing a congenial administrative working environment. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Explain what you understand by the following values and discuss their importance for civil services: 10 (a) Professionalism","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"There have been widespread protests both in favour of and against advancing reservation in educational institutions and government jobs to a certain section of the society. You are the chairman of a high level commission that was constituted to look into the matter. The commission has found no compelling reasons to provide reservation to this section and is about to submit its final report to the government. Meanwhile, the government takes the decision to extend reservation to the section, turning the commission's findings inconsequential. You have also been requested to ensure that the final report supports the government's decision. (a) Discuss the dilemma that you face in this situation? (b) What course of action would you adopt and why? (c) Also discuss the ethical issues involved with the policy of affirmative action in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"You are an honest and responsible civil servant. You often observe the following: (a) If one wants to remain effective and powerful to create impact on the lives of people, one should remain loyal to those in power. (b) Following ethical means may not be practical and effective at all times. (c) Petty corruption expedites the service delivery. Examine the above statements with their merits and demerits.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Recently, two national level sportspersons who are integral members of their team, made some comments in a talk show which were perceived as being grossly misogynistic and racist. This created a huge controversy and they were temporarily suspended from the team pending an enquiry. In light of these events, answer the following questions: (a) Do you think public figures have an additional responsibility in so far as expressing their views on matters of public importance is concerned? Give reasons. (b) According to you, what are the reasons that some prominent public figures make such misogynistic comments, and even get away without any consequences? (c) As the person in charge to enquire into the conduct, what factors would you consider to examine it and what punishment, if any, would you prescribe in this specific case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"There are large number of leather industries in a major industrial town of India. They provide employment to large number of people and are also a prominent source of revenue for the state. Lately it has been observed that despite following the present emission control rules, the collective ecological footprint of these industries remains quite high affecting the surrounding areas in an adverse manner. The new technologies available for emission control are quite costly and thus acts as a disincentive for the owners of the industries for adopting them. In light of this information, the government is contemplating the following options: (a) Shutting down the industries in the region (b) Relocating the industries to a new region (c) Making the emission control rules stricter (d) Providing incentives to the industry owners for adoption of new technology. 20 Analyse the above options in terms of their merits and demerits. What course of action would you choose and why?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1533,"topper":"Archit Nigam","air":270,"year":2019,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/082c2-104282_1238_archit-nigam_rank_270.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1534,"topper":"Archita Goyal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b094b-622963_2209_archita-goyal_rank-43.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"The window to realise India's demographic potential is narrowing with time. Discuss in context of factors affecting employability of youth & remedial measures","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Given the deeply gendered impact of population control measures, examine the need to rethink the current approach of population control measures in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Indian healthcare system is marred by excessive brain drain of healthworkers. Discuss & suggest measures to address phenomenon.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Though various women organisations have played key role in promoting entrepreneurship among women, there continues to exist obstacles that impede women entrepreneurship. Discuss. Context of India","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Discuss issues faced by domestic workers in India. Suggest measures to empower them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"It has been argued by some that raising min. age of marriage for females only addresses symptoms rather than underlying causes of gender related issue in India. Discuss","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"There have been arguments that- given socio-economic status of backward classes castes in India, caste based census is the need of the hour. Do you agree?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"While pvt sector participation in higher edu system of India is a necessity, it creates issues that need careful redressal. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"Regionalism in India is a multi-dimensional phenomenon, at once geo-cultural, politico-economic & above all, psychological. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"By adopting a variation of western secularism, we invited a condition that gradually weakened the process of secularisation in India. Critically analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"Given the impact on both individual resilience & resilience fees, is there a case for strong universal social protection in India? Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"Examine multi dimensional impact of globalisation on tribal development in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"What do you understand by feminization of old age? Highlight the issues associated with it in Indian context. Also, mention measures taken.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Strengthening the system of govt run schools is a prerequisite in ensuring social empowerment & inclusive development in India. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Though unity in diversity has been a mainstay of India as a nation, there exists certain threats in this regard. Discuss. Also bring relevance of civil society in sustaining diversity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"In the light of recently released MPI by India, assess progress on eradication of Multi-dim poverty.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"Indian cities are not only mimicking social & cultural structures of inequality & exclusion found in rural areas but are also creating faultlines for future conflict. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1535,"topper":"Archita Goyal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4c422-622963_1862_archita-goyal_rank-43.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Jyotiba Phule was not only a key social reformer but also a patron of literary works. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Cave paintings in India have a long tradition with both religious as well as secular attributes. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Swadeshi movement started as an anti-partition movement, but became a multi-faceted mass movement after 1905. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Although National Emergency of 1975 was temporary blip in independent India's history, it emboldened spirit of resistance of democracy. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Examine relationship between Walker cell & Indian Monsoon.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Identifying factors responsible for formation of tides, discuss their geographic & economic significance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"What are Rossby waves? Discuss role played by them in shaping climate of earth.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"One of the reasons for increased global interest in Afghanistan is its endowment with key natural resources. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Traditional structure of caste system has witnessed paradoxical changes over last few decades in India. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Economic empowerment of women is key to ensure social empowerment. Discuss in context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"India has the highest no. of endangered languages in the world as per UNESCO. In this context, discuss factors that have endangered native languages in India & highlight steps taken to conserve & protect","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Policy of 'subsidiary alliance' helped in establishing British control over internal affairs of Indian states without incurring any direct imperial liability. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"\"Before 1857, the British were effectively working against the traditional grain of Indian society; afterwards they were working with it\". Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"Enumerating revolutionary maxims propounded by Sun Yat Sen, discuss conditions that led to revival of Chinese nationalism in early 20th C.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Based on their geological age, present a brief account of classification & distribution of coal reserves in India. Discuss ongoing stress in coal sector in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"What is Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation? Discuss reasons for decline & impact.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Recent reports & NFHS have signalled monumental shift in Indian demographics. Highlighting this shift, discuss challenges & measures.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Looking at all poverty from rural perspective & applying rural solutions to urban conditions will not give results. Discuss statement in context of differences b/w rural & urban poverty.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Regional movements are often conservative in orientation, supported by traditional social classes & religious groups & oppose social change imposed by modernity. Critically discuss.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1536,"topper":"Archita Goyal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/da292-622963_1863_archita-goyal_rank-43.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Parliamentary oversight of administration is not an end in itself, rather it acts as a means to strengthen efficient functioning of administration. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Xth Schedule of Constitution has weakened democratic credentials of India's representative democracy. Critically discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Art 246 of Indian Constitution is considered as Cornerstone of Centre - State legislative relations. Discuss .","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Although the provision of issuing ordinances amounts to usurpation of legislative power by Executive, both centre & states in India have taken unrestrained course to it. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"There has been manifold increase in the no. of ministries in central govt since independence. Do you agree with the view there is a need to phase out many ministries & amalgamate others in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Stating the significance of FTAs, examine whether they have been as beneficial as expected for India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Though multilateral devpt banks are crucial for holistic devpt of devping nations like India, there are certain legitimate concerns about their functioning. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Despite legal f/w to resolve inter-state water disputes, why do they continue to exist? Also, discuss measures that can be taken to resolve such disputes in expeditious & agreeable manner.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"While use of technology is a welcome step towards improving the efficiency of judicial system, it must be understood that tech itself comes with set of challenges that make justice even more inaccessible. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"The current urban planning capabilities capacities in India are extremely skeletal & need systemic reforms & change in mindset. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"MNREGA remains one of the most ambitious programmes for public welfare & rural devpt., but its objectives cannot be achieved without strong & capable PRI. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Despite legal safeguards & int'l conventions, the state has failed to uphold rights of PWDs in general & those with psychosocial disabilities in particular. Discuss in context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"It is argued that China's BRI has resulted in unsustainable debt-for-infrastructure deals in several countries across continents. Is it a part of debt trap diplomacy? Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1537,"topper":"Archita Goyal","air":43,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5d4ad-622963_1837_archita-goyal_rank-43.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1538,"topper":"Areeba Nomaan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/65d93cae1265db5ffeffd2e87a3f6506/27/mt23rcapa111_tc701.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"If you look into someone's face long enough, eventually you feel that you are looking into yourself.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"It is the province of knowledge to speak and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Drop the question what tomorrow may bring, and count as profit every day that fate allows you.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Truth, like a torch, the more it is shook, it shines.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Art is I; science is We.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Only the dead have seen the end of the war.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Act as if it were impossible to fail.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1539,"topper":"Areeba Nomaan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/65d93cae1265db5ffeffd2e87a3f6506/26/mt23rcapa111_702.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"You can't serve data on a hungry man's plate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"AI is overcoming our mental limitation but not expanding our mental horizon.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"We are using environment for politics, not politics for environment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"The worst form of inequality is to try to make unequal things equal.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Existence is a science, living is an art.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"If the truth shall kill them, let them die.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"The only way to go beyond things, is to go through them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Dream for the best. Be prepared for the worst. Enjoy life in between.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1540,"topper":"Areeba Nomaan","air":339,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Areeba-Nomaan-UPSC-IAS-2023-Toppers-AIR-339-Sample-MGP-Essay-Copy.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1541,"topper":"Areeba Nomaan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/83810dd59efd30c0b535c81e08a356c1/2/mt23rcapa111_tc707-test-05-gs-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How did the ancient trade routes connecting India to foreign countries contribute to the exchange and dissemination of culture? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The Quit India movement was a people's movement cutting across the class divides but it was the women's leadership that left a clear mark. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"'The hallmark of post-Independent India has been its remarkable strides in science and technology'. To what extent did scientific development during this period put India on the path of modernity? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the feasibility of Interlinking rivers to resolve the issue of water stress in other regions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How will the structural shift from coal-based power plants to renewable energy generation impact human development in coal-bearing states? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"To what extent temperature and precipitation are the most important factors that determine soil properties? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Why are severe and intense cyclones becoming a regular phenomenon in the Arabian Sea? Substantiate with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"In the context of cultural diversity in India, can we consider Southern states as distinct cultural units in comparison to the rest of India? Substantiate your view. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Poverty and population growth are locked in a vicious cycle, where poverty restricts individuals' ability to break free from the cycle, while population growth strains resources. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"India has a rich heritage in the internationalization of education. In this context how will the recent push for the 'internationalization of education' impact society and foster cultural exchange? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Although there were many differences between the Gandhara and Mathura art, they considerably influenced the Amravati school of art. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"'England's Industrial Revolution not only transformed the economic landscape but also had far-reaching social and cultural impacts'. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"How did the social reform and ideological struggle against the backward traditional elements and hegemony of colonial culture in the nineteenth century influence the emergence of a distinct cultural identity and national consciousness? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"How does temperature inversion affect atmospheric conditions and what are its implications for local weather patterns and air pollution levels? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What are the geographical factors responsible for mangrove vegetation in India? How does climate change pose a threat to mangrove vegetation in India? ( Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What are the geographical and economic factors that influence the location of the sugar industry, and how do they contribute to the growth of the industry in India and different parts of the world? ( Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the key strategies used in dryland farming to overcome water scarcity and maximize agricultural productivity in arid and semi-arid regions? Also, discuss the need to promote dryland farming in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"How has the contemporary women's movement encompassed diverse approaches beyond traditional methods? Also, highlight the unique contribution and challenges of the contemporary women's movement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Do you think that the forces of modernization that catalyzed the eradication of social evils in Indian society have also threatened our cultural values and ethos? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"15","words":"150"},{"page":53,"question":"In the context of states in India evaluate the relationship between regional disparity and sentiments of regionalism. Is regionalism antagonistic to the idea of nationalism? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"15","words":"150"}]},{"id":1542,"topper":"Areeba Nomaan","air":339,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ff162fc0430025272826e0c794787a7c/30/mt23rcapa111_tc703-test-01-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1543,"topper":"Areeba Nomaan","air":339,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/117/mt23rcapa111_tc707-test-05-gs-1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1544,"topper":"Areeba Nomaan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ff162fc0430025272826e0c794787a7c/31/mt23rcapa111_tc708-test-06-gs-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"\"Interstate border disputes, if not promptly and impartially settled, can transform into persistent issues that impede development and generate friction\". Highlighting the constitutional and legal framework to resolve interstate disputes, explain why Independent India has failed to resolve inter-state border disputes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Examine the role of the Inter-state Council in promoting vertical (Centre-State) and horizontal (Inter-State) Intergovernmental cooperation and coordination. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the key function of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). What steps should be taken to revamp the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in order to entrance its effectiveness as a true guardian of public funds? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Recognizing the pivotal role of urbanization as a driver of national economic growth, the Fifteenth Finance Commission has suggested major reforms for Urban Local Bodies. Evaluate the recommendations put forward by the Fifteenth Finance Commission in promoting and revitalizing ULBs in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Highlight the key differences in the scope of Freedom of speech and expression as provided under Parliamentary privileges vis a vis fundamental rights. Why is it necessary to maintain a balance between parliamentary privilege and fundamental rights? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Civil society organizations, play a pivotal role in fostering \"collective private action for the public good\". What challenges do they face in local resource mobilization (LRM) and corporate funding through corporate social responsibility (CSR)? Also, suggest measures. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The first step to eradicating poverty is reliable poverty assessment for program design, implementation, and monitoring. In this context discuss the methodology and significance of NITI Aayog's National Multidimensional Poverty Index. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"In the context of India, despite the presence of constitutional provisions, legal precedents, and international commitments that establish a robust foundation for a right to health, why has there been a lack of explicit legal recognition of this right? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The collective strength of BRICS nations allows for meaningful cooperation on myriad issues, however, the platform's ability to influence the trajectory of bilateral relationships remains limited. Do you agree? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In light of the recent demands to amend the Indus Waters Treaty, discuss the possible implications it could have on the water-sharing mechanism between India and Pakistan. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The doctrine of Parliamentary sovereignty and judicial supremacy has exerted considerable influence in shaping the constitutional frameworks of India and the USA. Citing relevant case laws discuss the role of the judiciary in influencing the constitutions in these countries. Is the scope of judicial review wider in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the role of the Supreme Court of India in strengthening the hands of the Election Commission in the discharge of its constitutional responsibility of conducting free and fair elections in the country. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"'The declining role of Parliament undermines the fundamental principle of separation of powers, as it diminishes the legislature's ability to serve as a check on the executive branch and ensure a balanced exercise of power.' Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss the crucial role played by the National Commission of Women in shaping the discourse on gender-sensitive laws in India. To what extent the elevation of the National Commission for Women to a constitutional body would reinforce its authority? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"'Satisfactory and timely redressal of grievances is the cornerstone of 'minimum government, maximum governance.' In this context discuss the challenges associated with current grievance redress mechanisms and suggest measures to strengthen the process. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"'Corruption corrodes the fabric of governance, eroding the public's faith in democratic institutions.' Examine the potential for harmonizing the Right to Information (RTI) Act, the Whistleblower Protection Act (WBPA), and the Lokpal & Lokayukta Act, 2013, to enhance the effectiveness of the anticorruption regime. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Analyze the potential challenges and benefits involved in leveraging SHGs as platforms for skill development, entrepreneurship, and income generation among marginalized communities to effectively counter poverty. Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"'India is uniquely positioned on the world map for its rich culture.' In this context discuss the role of culture, diaspora, and democracy as instruments of India's soft power diplomacy. To what extent India has been able to position itself as a 'smart power'? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"The synergy of shared values and vibrant people-to-people connections between India and Australia creates a fertile ground for fostering long-lasting trade relations and strategic collaboration between the two nations. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1545,"topper":"Areeba Nomaan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/115/mt23rcapa111_tc708-test-06-gs-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Examine the role of the Inter-state Council in promoting vertical (Centre-State) and horizontal (Int...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"Discuss the key function of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). What steps should be taken to revam...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"Q4 Recognizing the pivotal role of urbanization as a driver of national economic growth, the Fifteenth...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"Highlight the key differences in the scope of Freedom of speech and expression as provided under Par...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"In light of the recent demands to amend the Indus Waters Treaty, discuss the possible implications i...","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1546,"topper":"Areeba Nomaan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ff162fc0430025272826e0c794787a7c/29/mt23rcapa111_tc705-test-03-gs-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What do you understand by Windfall tax? Do you think that windfall taxes can effectively redistribute wealth and promote greater economic equality? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss the perceived successes and challenges of implementing inflation targeting under the new Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) regime. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Assess the potential of millet production in promoting sustainable agriculture and improving food security in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Jal Jeevan Mission has the potential to end the regional disparity in the availability and accessibility of drinking water. Highlighting the significance of the mission, discuss the underlying impediments in achieving the desired objectives. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do you understand by Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)? Discuss its applications and how it can revolutionize the energy program of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss in brief developments and challenges in the Gaganyaan mission of ISRO. What are the possible benefits of the mission for the society? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"Green hydrogen can be the silver bullet in our quest to tackle climate change and pollution\". Critically analyze the statement in light of India's National Green Hydrogen mission. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What are the key lessons for disaster management and environmental conservation in the Himalayan region, in light of the recent disaster in Joshimath, Uttarakhand? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"The recent radical trends in Punjab show that the Khalistan issue is still simmering.\" Discuss the statement with respect to recent developments and suggest measures to handle it. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The anonymity and ease of drone operation contribute to the challenges of India's border security. Elaborate and give suggestions to tackle the drone problem in border areas. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Electricity Amendment Bill, 2022 brings several advantages for consumers, DISCOMs as well as the environment. Elaborate. Also, list out its shortcomings and suggest some measures to overcome them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) plays an important role in the regulation of the share market and safeguarding the interests of investors. In the light of given statement, highlight the challenges faced by the SEBI and suggest reforms in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Despite being a major contributor to the Indian economy, the agriculture sector is plagued by several constraints that impede its growth and development. Discuss the role of technology in overcoming these constraints. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Evaluate the impact of irrigation on the environment and natural resources, and suggest measures to ensure the sustainability and equity of irrigation practices in agriculture. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"How India benefitted strategically from the contributions of Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha and Dr. Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai in the fields of atomic energy and space technology respectively? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Genreative AI holds the potential to push the boundaries of innovation in the near future, yet its societal impact raises substantial challenges. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Explain the purpose of the \"Mangrove Alliance for Climate\" launched at the COP27 UN Climate Change Conference in Egypt in November 2022. Elaborate on the importance of mangroves in maintaining the coastal ecology of tropical nations. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The Formation of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure brings more robustness to the Disaster Management approach in India. Comment and justify the need for a new strategy to tackle Disasters in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The recent rise in ransomware attacks targeting critical infrastructure and major corporations has highlighted the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity measures and policies. Discussing the key factors contributing to this trend, analyze the impact of these attacks on various sectors. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"In the context of border security, how can cooperation and coordination between different security agencies be improved to ensure effective and efficient management of coastal and terrestrial borders? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1547,"topper":"Areeba Nomaan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/83810dd59efd30c0b535c81e08a356c1/6/mt23rcapa111_tc709-test-07-gs-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Elaborate on the difference between Capital Account and Current Account as components of Balance of Payment (BOP). Suggest a few measures to balance the BOP deficit of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The logistics sector is one of the important components of the growth of the manufacturing industry. Discuss. Also, mention various components of the recently announced National Logistics Policy 2022. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What is India's stand on the New Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies under WTO? How is the Fisheries sector significant for India? Enumerate the steps taken by the Government to develop this sector. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Analyze the systemic and institutional constraints that continue to hinder land reform efforts in India and propose pragmatic solutions to ensure equitable distribution of land. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What are the unique features and capabilities of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, and how has it contributed to India's defence capabilities and strategic position in the region? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"In line with the country's efforts to explore the depths of the ocean and harness the resources it holds, the Indian government has proposed a deep-sea exploration mission Samudrayaan. How can this mission contribute to the advancement of ocean science and technology in the country? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What is Global Methane Pledge? Do you think the Global Methane Pledge is a positive step toward mitigating methane emissions? Explain India's stance on this issue. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of disaster management in public health. Discuss the key strategies and challenges for managing pandemics and other infectious disease outbreaks. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"The resource curse of Eastern and Central India has been a crucial driver of LWE\". Elaborate and suggest measures for sustainable and inclusive development of the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In light of the declining trend of violence in the North East and J&K region do you think that AFSPA has lived its utility? Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"International trade is centred on the dominant currency paradigm (DCM). Critically Analyze the importance of Hard currency in international trade and Discuss the potential of rupee acceptance in global trade as an alternative to dollar imperialism. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"A Demographic Dividend does not ensure growth; it only generates potential. Discuss the steps made by the government to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the demographic transition. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"'Genome editing holds immense potential for crop improvement, but it also raises ethical and safety concerns.' How far do the new guidelines for the safety assessment of genome-edited plants in India, ensure the safety of genetically modified crops? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the impact of direct and indirect farm subsidies on the agricultural sector in India. How have Minimum Support Prices (MSP) affected the agricultural economy? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a rapidly escalating crisis that poses a grave threat to public health worldwide. What are the major contributing factors to the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance, and what steps can be taken to address this global health threat? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by Disruptive innovations? What are some examples of disruptive innovation in recent times, and how have they changed the way industries operate? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Trace the evolution of the Loss and Damage fund. What are the major development related to loss and damage funds in COP 27?, What are the commitments made by India in this conference? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Disaster management is not just about responding to emergencies but also about building resilient communities. Discuss the key strategies that can be used to build community resilience and reduce the impact of disasters. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The transformation of terrorism through the use of new and emerging technologies like metaverse and virtual assets is a matter of concern. How can we counter the Use of New and Emerging Technologies for Terrorist Purposes and Elucidate the importance of the \"Delhi declaration\" in this regard? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"\"The Agnipath scheme is a bitter pill needed for the resilience and efficacy of our armed forces.\" Critically Analyze the statement with relevant arguments. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1548,"topper":"Areeba Nomaan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/122/mt23rcapa111_tc709-test-07-gs-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Elaborate on the difference between Capital Account and Current Account as components of Balance of ...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"The logistics sector is one of the important components of the growth of the manufacturing industry....","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"What is India's stand on the New Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies under WTO? How is the Fisheries se...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"Analyze the systemic and institutional constraints that continue to hinder land reform efforts in In...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"What are the unique features and capabilities of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, and how has ...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"What is Global Methane Pledge? Do you think the Global Methane Pledge is a positive step toward miti...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of disaster management in public health. Discus...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"\"The resource curse of Eastern and Central India has been a crucial driver of LWE\". Elaborate and su...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"In light of the declining trend of violence in the North East and J&K region do you think that AFSPA has lived its utility? Comment.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1549,"topper":"Areeba Nomaan","air":339,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/109/mt23rcapa111_tc705-test-03-gs-3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1550,"topper":"Areeba Nomaan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/83810dd59efd30c0b535c81e08a356c1/4/mt23rcapa111_tc710-test-08-gs-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Public service takes place in a bureaucratic structure with clear lines of authority, value standardization, and accountability mechanisms. Working within such a structure, what do you think are the influences that impact the public servant's ethical decision-making? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What do you understand by the terms 'ethics' and 'integrity'? Do you think they are interrelated? Explain with examples the relationship between ethics and integrity in the context of public administration. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What do you understand by the terms 'ethical behavior' and 'emotionally intelligent behavior'? Identify the relevant emotional intelligence components that act as a reliable guide to ethical behavior. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"To achieve a good life, duty is not sufficient; one needs to develop one's sympathetic feelings for others, and neither duty alone nor good will alone are sufficient to be moral.\" Do you agree with the above statement? Justify your position. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Developing a Scientific temper, innovative mindset, and civic-conscious citizens are major objectives of higher educational institutions. Can higher educational institutions be instrumental in promoting integrity education among youth to establish a public culture of integrity and a corruption-free political culture? If yes, how? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance. (a) The senses deceive from time to time, and it is prudent never to trust wholly those who have deceived us even once. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"As professionals, civil servants are career focused and are also self-interested. At the same time, their service ethos imposes an obligation to serve the public interest selflessly. Is it possible for a civil servant to reconcile career and service obligation? Explain your position. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"\"While competence without compassion can be brutal and inhumane; similarly, compassion without competence can be meaningless for persons seeking help.\" Explain the above with the help of a suitable illustration in the context of public services. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Does the suffering of individuals in one part of the world generate moral demands of assistance on those foreigners who live far away from them? Are these moral demands of assistance justified? Can governments be held morally responsible for failing to help the international community in times of deprivation? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Civil Services ethics has everything to do with management. It is as much a Departmental as a personal issue. Leaders who fail to create systems that facilitate ethical conduct are equally to blame as much as those who indulge in ethical misconduct. Do you think the Departmental culture leads to ethical misconduct or is the individual with weak willpower culpable? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"You are posted as a District Development officer in a district with a low literacy rate and poor health indicators. As you took charge, your Health Secretary had given express instructions that your priority is to improve health indicators by enhancing the delivery of healthcare services. After taking over, you traveled around the district to study and identify ways of improving healthcare services. During your field trip, you discovered that the issue was not the accessibility of services; it was something else. You found the problem was the myths, misconceptions, and malpractices that hindered the uptake of health care services. For instance, people believed that vaccines caused impotence, immunization was equivalent to birth control, using antenatal care was counterproductive to the health of the mother and baby, and so on. You realize that these beliefs were the behavioral barriers that stood in the way of health and nutrition services. And these behavioral barriers made it difficult for front-line workers to reach out. You discussed your observations with the Health Secretary, and he advised you to seek inputs from the neighboring district DDO who was doing some good work. When you met with the neighboring DDO, he learned he was experimenting with using the Faith leader's influence and reach to persuade people. You were unsure about roping in faith leaders to help you overcome the behavioral barriers. As a civil servant, you felt it would be a mistake to involve faith leaders in health service schemes. When you shared your apprehensions with the Secretary, he firmly instructed you to try and innovate. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) What are the advantages and disadvantages of using Faith leaders as influencers and persuaders? (c) If not faith leaders, what are your other options for breaking the behavioral barriers? (d) Do you think it is ethically right for a civil servant to involve faith leaders in promoting government schemes? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"If not faith leaders, what are your other options for breaking the behavioral barriers? Do you think it is ethically right for a civil servant to involve faith leaders in promoting government schemes? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":1551,"topper":"Areeba Nomaan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/83810dd59efd30c0b535c81e08a356c1/11/mt23rcapa111_tc706-test-04-gs-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Public service requires not merely legal but also morally principled action. Public service requires the public servant to place loyalty to the constitution, laws, and ethical principles. Among the three, which do you think must acquire primacy while carrying out official functions? Why? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"What do you understand by \"integrity-based civil disobedience\"? Do you think a challenge to personal integrity can be a justifiable cause for responsible disobedience in civil services? Explain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Recent research has shown that emotions significantly impact personal and professional lives. What are the primary emotions that negatively and positively impact workplace productivity? Explain with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Technical efficiency ensures resource utilization and social efficiency ensures fulfillment of social needs, what does ethical efficiency ensure? Do you think ethical efficiency is more important than technical and social efficiency? Why/Why not? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Do you think an individual's personal ethics impacts professional life or they both can be compartmentalized? Explain your position with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks\"","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"Goodness is the result of internal imperatives to do what is right, not sanctions from moral rules or rewards from expected consequences. Do you agree? Discuss.(Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks\"","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"In the context of civil service, distinguish between moral and nonmoral values. Identify 5 basic moral values that can serve as foundational values for all services irrespective of the department. Give reasons why those values can be considered foundational. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Citizens' involvement in decision-making is critical to ethics in governance. Do you agree that effective civic engagement mechanisms can facilitate an ethics-driven administration? What do you think are the mechanisms that citizens can use for ensuring ethics in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Social transformation programs such as “beti bachao and beti padhao” believes in using advice, counseling, and persuasion but sometimes a little force is also necessary for getting the desired response. Do you think it is a good idea to mix little force with persuasion by public administrators while implementing social schemes of transformation? Explain with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Ultimately foreign policy of every country hinges upon the strength which the nation possesses. Strength may be military or financial and may be also…moral.” Do you think ethical strength without military or financial muscle will be respected in today's world? Explain your position. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"You are a young officer working with the Municipal Corporation of an industrial city. The city was known for manufacturing ball bearings and auto parts. Most manufacturing units were small-scale units with very little production process automation. The units relied on manual labor, which was in abundance due to the villages close by. As the number of manufacturing units grew, the demand for labor increased, bringing in a steady inflow of laborers into the city. This influx of people into the town led to a mushrooming of slums and encroachments on the sidewalks. Once in a while, the Corporation conducted drives to clear out the slums, but after a time, the slums came back. The illegal slums had become an urban nightmare. You were given the responsibility of clearing out the encroachments and slums with the help of Police authorities. As you started the drive, you realized that the people living by the sidewalks were vulnerable compared to the slum dwellers. Many sidewalk dwellers had recently come to the city after selling their properties in their villages. Now if you drive them out, they have no place to go. Your heart went out to them, and you felt that your departmental action was inhumane, but your official responsibilities demanded stern impartial action. You are desperate to find a way to help the sidewalk dwellers, without compromising your official duties. (a) What value conflicts do you notice in the above situation? (b) Can an administrator compromise the value of impartiality for empathy? Discuss. (c) What are the options available in the above situation? (d) Suggest viable solutions for tackling illegal slums and encroachments in urban areas. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"A certain State government was running a welfare scheme for promoting safe motherhood among rural landless laborers' families. The scheme involves the transfer of funds to the beneficiaries to enable them to mitigate income loss due to maternal care responsibilities. Since its implementation, the scheme has done reasonably well in maternal health and economic indicators. You are the Director of the Department responsible for implementing and operating the scheme. Recently you have been receiving reports of welfare fraud being committed by families by producing fake bona fide. The families committed the fraud with the help of local officials responsible for scrutinizing the bonafide. You were concerned because the fraud was seriously undermining the scheme's efficiency. You called for a departmental meeting to discuss and find a solution to the problem. In the meeting, it was decided to merge several available government data sets such as Aadhar cards, voter ID cards, marriage certificates, birth certificates, bank details, and other personal assets. By merging all the data sets, the department would be able to develop the beneficiary's economic profile. And this will help the department scrutinize the documents and detect fraud. This was a comprehensive strategy, but it risked violating an individual's data privacy. As a Department head, you wanted to detect and prevent fraud, but at the same time, you were apprehensive about violating the Data privacy of the stakeholders. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) Do you think violating data privacy is justified to prevent welfare fraud? Why/ Why not? (c) What, according to you, can be the reasons for such welfare frauds happening in the country? (d) Are there any ways and means to prevent such fraud? Give your suggestions. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"You are posted in the Department of Mines, and one of your roles is to help your Department Head negotiate mining leases with private contractors. Recently, the state government demarcated a new mining zone and planned to invite bids for the mining blocs. You were instructed to oversee the bidding process and speed up the contract negotiations. As planned, the tenders were released, bids came in, and tenders were allocated as per the norms. All this happened at a breakneck speed. You wondered, why the hurry? But it was not your place to think and question; you quietly went about your work. As the contractors were about to start operations, you had to instruct them on environmental concerns to watch out for. And to do that, you read the environmental impact assessment report submitted by a consulting firm hired by the department. To your surprise, the report was shoddy and looked cooked up. You got suspicious and raised the issue with your Head, who politely instructed you to do what you were told, and he reminded you that the Department had revenue targets and was under pressure from the Ministry. After the meeting, you, on your own accord, did some digging and found out that the report was fraudulent and the mining activity that was about to start would lead to a massive environmental disaster which the State could not afford. (a) What are the issues and value violations you notice in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you? (c) Discuss the advantage and disadvantages of each option and identify your chosen course of action. (d) Do you think that environmental considerations are sometimes overrated at the cost of development? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":1552,"topper":"Areeba Nomaan","air":339,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/111/mt23rcapa111_tc706-test-04-gs-4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1553,"topper":"Areeba Nomaan","air":339,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/121/mt23rcapa111_tc710-test-08-gs-4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1554,"topper":"Areeba Nomaan","air":339,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Areeba-Nomaan-UPSC-IAS-2023-Toppers-AIR-339-Sample-MGP-Ethics-Copy.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1555,"topper":"Areeba Nomaan","air":339,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/113/mt23rcapa111_tc703-test-01-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1556,"topper":"Areeba Nomaan","air":339,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Areeba-Nomaan-UPSC-IAS-2023-Toppers-AIR-339-Sample-MGP-GS-Copy.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1557,"topper":"Arfa Usmani","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/65d93cae1265db5ffeffd2e87a3f6506/29/pttp221371_tc062.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"If you look into someone's face long enough, eventually you feel that you are looking into yourself.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"It is the province of knowledge to speak and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Drop the question what tomorrow may bring, and count as profit every day that fate allows you.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"Truth, like a torch, the more it is shook, it shines. , , ,","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"Art is I; science is We. ;","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"Only the dead have seen the end of the war.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"Act as if it were impossible to fail.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1558,"topper":"Arfa Usmani","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/65d93cae1265db5ffeffd2e87a3f6506/30/pttp221371_tc063.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Little strokes fell great oaks.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Judge a man by his questions rather than his answers.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Great principles, great ideals know no nationality.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"In struggling with misfortune lies the true proof of virtue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"The whole purpose of Education is to turn mirrors into windows.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"To dwell is to garden.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Reality is the shadow of ideas.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"We can not despair of humanity, since we ourselves are human beings.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1559,"topper":"Arfa Usmani","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/65d93cae1265db5ffeffd2e87a3f6506/31/pttp221371_tc064.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Gender Equality is not a \"women's issue\"-it's good for men too.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Is UCC, the unity that we aspire in our diversity?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Problems of 21st century are problems without passport.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"The more we are developing, the more unhealthy we are getting. Where does the real problem lie?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Is Internal Security always an Internal Challenge?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Sports, the toy of humanity","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Is Economy becoming the end rather than the means?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1560,"topper":"Arfa Usmani","air":111,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/65d93cae1265db5ffeffd2e87a3f6506/28/pttp221371_tc061.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1561,"topper":"Arfa Usmani","air":111,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/65d93cae1265db5ffeffd2e87a3f6506/32/pttp221371_tc065.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1562,"topper":"Arfa Usmani","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/748520c30390b56bbbd3f8693a3b3ea3/73/pttp221371_tc075-test-5-gs-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"How did the ancient trade routes connecting India to foreign countries contribute to the exchange and dissemination of culture? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"The Quit India movement was a people's movement cutting across the class divides but it was the women's leadership that left a clear mark. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"'The hallmark of post-Independent India has been its remarkable strides in science and technology'. To what extent did scientific development during this period put India on the path of modernity? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the feasibility of Interlinking rivers to resolve the issue of water stress in other regions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How will the structural shift from coal-based power plants to renewable energy generation impact human development in coal-bearing states? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"To what extent temperature and precipitation are the most important factors that determine soil properties? ( Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Why are severe and intense cyclones becoming a regular phenomenon in the Arabian Sea? Substantiate with examples. ( Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"In the context of cultural diversity in India, can we consider Southern states as distinct cultural units in comparison to the rest of India? Substantiate your view. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Poverty and population growth are locked in a vicious cycle, where poverty restricts individuals' ability to break free from the cycle, while population growth strains resources. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"India has a rich heritage in the internationalization of education. In this context how will the recent push for the 'internationalization of education' impact society and foster cultural exchange? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"'Although there were many differences between the Gandhara and Mathura art, they considerably influenced the Amravati school of art.' Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1563,"topper":"Arfa Usmani","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/748520c30390b56bbbd3f8693a3b3ea3/78/pttp221371_tc071-test-1-gs-01.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"The fabric of Indian philosophical thought owes as much to Northern India as to Southern India. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The Indian society's impulse for social change and reform was a response to its opposition to colonial rule. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What are the factors that led to the Russian revolution and what are the consequences of this revolution? Discuss its influence on the Indian national movement. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the various factors responsible for the uneven temperature distribution on Earth's surface. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The melting of glaciers due to climate change has serious implications for the ecosystem and human society. Discuss the effects of melting glaciers on the environment and the measures that can be taken to address this issue. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The White Revolution was most successful in the Western part of India. Discuss the factors for this regional success of the White Revolution. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"To what extent does seismic investigation contribute to our understanding of the Earth's interior structure? Analyze its significance in detail. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The pace of demographic transition varies across different states of India making population growth a double-edged sword. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The ethnic and cultural diversity in India has always been bound by the thread of unity. Discuss the major factors that have contributed to the cultural unity of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The dichotomy in public and private life in Indian society acts as a major barrier to the annihilation of caste. Justify. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"India was forced into numerous wars post Independence. Highlight the causes and impact of the Indo-Pak and Indo-China wars on our bilateral relationships. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"The process of consolidation of Bengal, which started after the Battle of Plassey culminated in the Battle of Buxar. Do you think the Battle of Buxar was more important for the British than Plassey? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Sanskrit literature in general and particularly in the Guptan age set a high watermark for the literary history of ancient India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"The configuration of the ocean floor provides essential information about the geological processes that have shaped the Earth's surface. Discuss the major features of the ocean floor and their significance in the study of oceanography. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"With the growing demand for rare earth elements, their distribution has become a critical aspect of the global economy. Discuss the distribution of rare earth elements across the world, their uses, and the environmental impact of their extraction. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Tourism in the hilly states is threatening to exceed the ecological carrying capacity of the region. Analyze the factors contributing to this trend and evaluate the potential Environmental impacts of this phenomenon. What measures can be taken to ensure sustainable tourism in these states? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"The Indian monsoon is a complex phenomenon influenced by various climatic factors. Critically examine the role of oceanic and atmospheric factors in determining the intensity and distribution of monsoon rainfall in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Why do traditions in our society impede change? To what extent can social legislation be instrumental against old customary practices? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Slums are not 'problems' that have to be 'solved' – but are indeed a result of lopsided and vested urban policies covering infrastructure provision and socio-economic issues. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Communalism gains strength from economic deprivation, and thrives in environments of social exclusion, creating fertile ground for discontent and division. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1564,"topper":"Arfa Usmani","air":111,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/72/pttp221371_tc075-test-5-gs-1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1565,"topper":"Arfa Usmani","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/748520c30390b56bbbd3f8693a3b3ea3/72/pttp221371_tc076-test-6-gs-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"\"Interstate border disputes, if not promptly and impartially settled, can transform into persistent issues that impede development and generate friction\". Highlighting the constitutional and legal framework to resolve interstate disputes, explain why Independent India has failed to resolve inter-state border disputes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Examine the role of the Inter-state Council in promoting vertical (Centre-State) and horizontal (Inter-State) Intergovernmental cooperation and coordination. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss the key function of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). What steps should be taken to revamp the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in order to enhance its effectiveness as a true guardian of public funds? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Recognizing the pivotal role of urbanization as a driver of national economic growth, the Fifteenth Finance Commission has suggested major reforms for Urban Local Bodies. Evaluate the recommendations put forward by the Fifteenth Finance Commission in promoting and revitalizing ULBs in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Highlight the key differences in the scope of Freedom of speech and expression as provided under Parliamentary privileges vis a vis Fundamental rights. Why is it necessary to maintain a balance between parliamentary privilege and fundamental rights? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Civil society organizations, play a pivotal role in fostering \"collective private action for the public good\". What challenges do they face in local resource mobilization (LRM) and corporate funding through corporate social responsibility (CSR)? Also, suggest measures. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The first step to eradicating poverty is reliable poverty assessment for program design, implementation, and monitoring. In this context discuss the methodology and significance of NITI Aayog's National Multidimensional Poverty Index. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"In the context of India, despite the presence of constitutional provisions, legal precedents, and international commitments that establish a robust foundation for a right to health, why has there been a lack of explicit legal recognition of this right? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The collective strength of BRICS nations allows for meaningful cooperation on myriad issues, however, the platform's ability to influence the trajectory of bilateral relationships remains limited. Do you agree? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"In light of the recent demands to amend the Indus Waters Treaty, discuss the possible implications it could have on the water-sharing mechanism between India and Pakistan. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The doctrine of Parliamentary sovereignty and judicial supremacy has exerted considerable influence in shaping the constitutional frameworks of India and the USA. Citing relevant case laws discuss the role of the judiciary in influencing the constitutions in these countries. Is the scope of judicial review wider in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Delimitation of seats is essential to ensure fair representation and uphold the principles of one vote, one value. Highlighting the challenges posed by misrepresentation in constituencies, analyze the ramifications of population-based delimitation in creating federal tension. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Discuss the role of the Supreme Court of India in strengthening the hands of the Election Commission in the discharge of its constitutional responsibility of conducting free and fair elections in the country. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1566,"topper":"Arfa Usmani","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/748520c30390b56bbbd3f8693a3b3ea3/75/pttp221371_tc072-test-2-gs-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"There is a need to resolve the ambiguity in the disqualification provisions under section 8 of the Representation of People Act 1951. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Constitution is a mere skeleton whereas constitutionalism is the soul of democracy. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"\"Electoral bonds are a double-edged sword, providing anonymity to donors while raising concerns about transparency in political funding.\" To what extent have electoral bonds further legitimized opacity in electoral funding? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The question of gender equality is central to the debate on Uniform Civil Code. In this light what are the challenges in reconciling UCC with gender equality as enshrined in the constitution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"'The Governor's office is neither decorative nor inconsequential, it assumes a constitutional role of profound essence' To what extent does the Governor, actively contribute to the governance of a state and reinforce the principles of federalism in the country? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Recently demand has been rising in a state regarding the enactment of Social Accountability Law. How such a law can lead to good governance and boost citizens' participation in decision-making. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"There is a need for convergence of 'nutrition-specific' and 'nutrition-sensitive' interventions to effectively tackle child undernutrition in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"MGNREGA, the lynchpin of rural poverty alleviation, has become the victim of fiscal apathy.\" Critically analyze the statement in light of recent developments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"India must leverage, if not manage, the global divides\". How can the current geopolitical churn pave the way for India's rise to the global high table? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"Berlin can be India's gateway to the European Union.\" Elaborate with respect to Germany's significance in India's relationship with the EU. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"How has the Anti-Defection Law impacted the relationship between political parties and individual legislators in India? In light of the recent incidents also discuss the unintended consequences it has on the functioning of democracy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1567,"topper":"Arfa Usmani","air":111,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/66/pttp221371_tc072-test-2-gs-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1568,"topper":"Arfa Usmani","air":111,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/77/pttp221371_tc076-test-6-gs-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1569,"topper":"Arfa Usmani","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/70/pttp221371_tc077-test-7-gs-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Elaborate on the difference between Capital Account and Current Account as components of Balance of ...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"The logistics sector is one of the important components of the growth of the manufacturing industry....","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"What is India's stand on the New Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies under WTO? How is the Fisheries se...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"Analyze the systemic and institutional constraints that continue to hinder land reform efforts in In...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"What are the unique features and capabilities of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, and how has ...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"What is Global Methane Pledge? Do you think the Global Methane Pledge is a positive step toward miti...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of disaster management in public health. Discus...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"“The resource curse of Eastern and Central India has been a crucial driver of LWE”. Elaborate and su...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"In light of the declining trend of violence in the North East and J&K region do you think that AFSPA has lived its utility? Comment.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1570,"topper":"Arfa Usmani","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/748520c30390b56bbbd3f8693a3b3ea3/77/pttp221371_tc077-test-7-gs-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Elaborate on the difference between Capital Account and Current Account as components of Balance of Payment (BOP). Suggest a few measures to balance the BOP deficit of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"The logistics sector is one of the important components of the growth of the manufacturing industry. Discuss. Also, mention various components of the recently announced National Logistics Policy 2022. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"What is India's stand on the New Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies under WTO? How is the Fisheries sector significant for India? Enumerate the steps taken by the Government to develop this sector. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Analyze the systemic and institutional constraints that continue to hinder land reform efforts in India and propose pragmatic solutions to ensure equitable distribution of land. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What are the unique features and capabilities of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, and how has it contributed to India's defence capabilities and strategic position in the region? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"In line with the country's efforts to explore the depths of the ocean and harness the resources it holds, the Indian government has proposed a deep-sea exploration mission Samudrayaan. How can this mission contribute to the advancement of ocean science and technology in the country? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What is Global Methane Pledge? Do you think the Global Methane Pledge is a positive step toward mitigating methane emissions? Explain India's stance on this issue. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of disaster management in public health. Discuss the key strategies and challenges for managing pandemics and other infectious disease outbreaks. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"The resource curse of Eastern and Central India has been a crucial driver of LWE\". Elaborate and suggest measures for sustainable and inclusive development of the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"In light of the declining trend of violence in the North East and J&K region do you think that AFSPA has lived its utility? Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"International trade is centred on the dominant currency paradigm (DCM). Critically Analyze the importance of Hard currency in International trade and Discuss the potential of rupee acceptance in global trade as an alternative to dollar imperialism. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"A demographic Dividend does not ensure growth; it only generates potential. Discuss the steps made by the government to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the demographic transition. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"'Genome editing holds immense potential for crop improvement, but it also raises ethical and safety concerns'. How far do the new guidelines for the safety assessment of genome-edited plants in India, ensure the safety of genetically modified crops? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Discuss the impact of direct and indirect farm subsidies on the agriculture sector in India. How have Minimum Support Prices (MSP) affected the agricultural economy? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a rapidly escalating crisis that poses a grave threat to public health worldwide. What are the major contributing factors to the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance, and what steps can be taken to address this global health threat? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1571,"topper":"Arfa Usmani","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/748520c30390b56bbbd3f8693a3b3ea3/74/pttp221371_tc073-test-3-gs-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"What do you understand by Windfall tax? Do you think that windfall taxes can effectively redistribute wealth and promote greater economic equality? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Discuss the perceived successes and challenges of implementing inflation targeting under the new Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) regime. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Assess the potential of millet production in promoting sustainable agriculture and improving food security in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Jal Jeevan Mission has the potential to end the regional disparity in the availability and accessibility of drinking water. Highlighting the significance of the mission, discuss the underlying impediments in achieving the desired objectives. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What do you understand by Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)? Discuss its applications and how it can revolutionize the energy program of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Discuss in brief developments and challenges in the Gaganyaan mission of ISRO. What are the possible benefits of the mission for the society? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"Green hydrogen can be the silver bullet in our quest to tackle climate change and pollution\". Critically analyze the statement in light of India's National Green Hydrogen mission. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What are the key lessons for disaster management and environmental conservation in the Himalayan region, in light of the recent disaster in Joshimath, Uttarakhand? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":1572,"topper":"Arfa Usmani","air":111,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/76/pttp221371_tc073-test-3-gs-3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1573,"topper":"Arfa Usmani","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6ccf8-719762_2220_arfa-usmani_rank_124.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. (a) The logic of limitless wealth lies in the basic human instinct for furthering self-interest in the form of profit. In this context, do you think there is a possibility of pursuing ethical capitalism? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"1. (b) If a law is unjust, a man is not only right to disobey it, he is obligated to do so. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"2. (a) The capacity of Citizens' Charter to initiate any transformative process is conditioned upon it being appropriately designed and effectively executed. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"2. (b) The moral fiber and ethical conduct of public officials not only influence the standard of governance but also their own interests and performance. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"3. (a) The ongoing debate on euthanasia poses several ethical questions. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"3. (b) Foreign aid is a form of neo-colonialism, as the economically wealthier countries can exploit the developing countries under the cloak of aid. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"4. (a) Throwing light on the idea of Universal Humanism propounded by Rabindranath Tagore, discuss its contemporary relevance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"4. (b) Do you agree with the view that it is nature and not nurture which determines the emotional intelligence of a person? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"5. (a) Values that guide public administrators can often compete with each other, owing to their relative importance to the larger public interest. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"5. (b) Is it justifiable to say that corruption is a social phenomenon? What are the various ways through which administrative corruption can be tackled? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"6 (a) What do each of the following quotations mean to you?\n(a) \"Overcoming poverty is not a task of charity; it is an act of justice.\" Nelson Mandela (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"6. (b) \"I do believe that, where there is only a choice between cowardice and violence, I would advise violence.\"- Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"6. (c) \"Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle.\" Martin Luther King Jr (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"7 You are posted as the Commissioner of Police in a metropolitan city where a visiting foreign dignitary, with President-level security cover, is scheduled to visit for an official function. As a part of the security preparedness, it has been decided that no vehicular traffic will be allowed on the route which will be taken by the foreign dignitary to reach the venue of the function in the city. However, just 15 minutes before the scheduled arrival of the dignitary, you are informed that a critically-ill patient is stuck on the way to the hospital in a private car along with his family.\n\nIn this situation, answer the following:\n(a) Discuss the issues involved in halting traffic for VIP movement.\n(b) List the options available to you in this situation with their merits and demerits.\n(c) What will be your course of action? Justify with proper reasoning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"8 In light of the above, answer the following:\n(a) Identify the challenges faced by transgenders during the different stages of their life.\n(b) Discuss the reasons for the continuing discrimination against transgenders in India despite several initiatives for their upliftment in recent times. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"9 In the given scenario, answer the following questions:\n(a) Identify the stakeholders and the ethical issues involved in the case.\n(b) What steps will you take to ensure that the enquiry is seen to be fair and impartial?\n(c) Given the challenges that the police forces in India operate under in their day-to-day functioning, suggest some initiatives to address them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"(a), (b), (c) (a) Discuss the importance of including climate change strategies and diversity and inclusion in a business organisation?\n(b) In your opinion, what matters more for a business organisation - socio-environmental concerns or shareholder profit?\n(c) How can the two above-mentioned issues be reconciled? (Answer in 250 words)\n(a) Discuss the importance of including climate change strategies and diversity and inclusion in a business organisation?\n(b) In your opinion, what matters more for a business organisation - socio-environmental concerns or shareholder profit?\n(c) How can the two above-mentioned issues be reconciled? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"11 You are posted as a Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district where people of different religious communities are living together peacefully. The district is also famous for its architectural heritage and is regularly visited by tourists from all around the world. However, there has been an incident in the nearby state where people of two different communities have started fighting over religious issues. This incident has a spillover effect over the whole country. In your own area of jurisdiction, you have come to know from various sources about circulation of some hate speech videos, which have the potential to destabilise the law and order situation. You are also aware that some outsiders with dubious intentions have started pouring in your district. In one locality, a shopkeeper who had earlier filed a complaint regarding threats he received for posting something on the internet, is found murdered in cold blood. This incident has stunned the nation. You are being informed that hundreds of people of the community to which the shopkeeper belonged are planning to stage a massive protest in your district.\n(a) In the given situation, what are the options available to you to ensure that the law and order situation in the district remains stable. Provide a detailed account of your course of action.\n(b) Do you think the present legal and institutional mechanisms are sufficient to tackle the menace of hate speech in the society? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"12 The Indian education system suffers from many ills. One of the major issues is the focus on 'rote learning', which has been the staple of the Indian education system for many years. While many Indians have attained success despite this system, simply being able to recall information is not enough in today's world when that information is instantly available to anyone on a mobile phone. A survey of 200 Indian and foreign companies found that only 14% of Indian graduates were prepared for the workforce, largely because most graduates were unable to apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems.\n\nIn this context, answer the following questions:\n(a) What are the consequences of 'rote learning' on the educational development of young students in the country?\n(b) Suggest measures that can be taken to address this issue. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":1574,"topper":"Arfa Usmani","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/748520c30390b56bbbd3f8693a3b3ea3/79/pttp221371_tc078-test-8-gs-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"\"The State took taxes from the people only to ensure their prosperity in return like the sun takes moisture from the earth only to give it back in thousandfold measure.\" Kalidasa. Explain the Indian concept of \\\"giving it back\\\" and its relevance as a guiding value for civil servants. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Public service takes place in a bureaucratic structure with clear lines of authority, value standardization, and accountability mechanisms. Working within such a structure, what do you think are the influences that impact the public servant's ethical decision-making? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"What do you understand by the terms 'ethics' and 'integrity'? Do you think they are interrelated? Explain with examples the relationship between ethics and integrity in the context of public administration. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What do you understand by the terms 'ethical behavior' and 'emotionally intelligent behavior'? Identify the relevant emotional intelligence components that act as a reliable guide to ethical behavior. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"To achieve a good life, duty is not sufficient; one needs to develop one's sympathetic feelings for others, and neither duty alone nor good will alone are sufficient to be moral.\" Do you agree with the above statement? Justify your position. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Developing a Scientific temper, innovative mindset, and civic-conscious citizens are major objectives of higher educational institutions. Can higher educational institutions be instrumental in promoting integrity education among youth to establish a public culture of integrity and a corruption-free political culture? If yes, how? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance. (a) The senses deceive from time to time, and it is prudent never to trust wholly those who have deceived us even once. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"As professionals, civil servants are career focused and are also self-interested. At the same time, their service ethos imposes an obligation to serve the public interest selflessly. Is it possible for a civil servant to reconcile career and service obligation? Explain your position. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"While competence without compassion can be brutal and inhumane; similarly, compassion without competence can be meaningless for persons seeking help.\" Explain the above with the help of a suitable illustration in the context of public services. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Does the suffering of individuals in one part of the world generate moral demands of assistance on those foreigners who live far away from them? Are these moral demands of assistance justified? Can governments be held morally responsible for failing to help the international community in times of deprivation? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Civil Services ethics has everything to do with management. It is as much a Departmental as a personal issue. Leaders who fail to create systems that facilitate ethical conduct are equally to blame as much as those who indulge in ethical misconduct. Do you think the Departmental culture leads to ethical misconduct or is the individual with weak willpower culpable? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"You are posted as a District Development officer in a district with a low literacy rate and poor health indicators. As you took charge, your Health Secretary had given express instructions that your priority is to improve health indicators by enhancing the delivery of healthcare services. After taking over, you traveled around the district to study and identify ways of improving healthcare services. During your field trip, you discovered that the issue was not the accessibility of services; it was something else. You found the problem was the myths, misconceptions, and malpractices that hindered the uptake of health care services. For instance, people believed that vaccines caused impotence, immunization was equivalent to birth control, using antenatal care was counterproductive to the health of the mother and baby, and so on. You realize that these beliefs were the behavioral barriers that stood in the way of health and nutrition services. And these behavioral barriers made it difficult for front-line workers to reach out. You discussed your observations with the Health Secretary, and he advised you to seek inputs from the neighboring district DDO who was doing some good work. When you met with the neighboring DDO, you learned he was experimenting with using the Faith leader's influence and reach to persuade people. You were unsure about roping in faith leaders to help you overcome the behavioral barriers. As a civil servant, you felt it would be a mistake to involve faith leaders in health service schemes. When you shared your apprehensions with the Secretary, he firmly instructed you to try and innovate. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) What are the advantages and disadvantages of using Faith leaders as influencers and persuaders? (c) If not faith leaders, what other options do you have to break the behavioral barriers? (d) Do you think it is ethically right for a civil servant to involve faith leaders in promoting government schemes? (250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"If not faith leaders, what are your other options for breaking the behavioral barriers?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"Do you think it is ethically right for a civil servant to involve faith leaders in promoting government schemes? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"You are the Head of an Agency, a special purpose vehicle, responsible for overseeing the last-mile delivery of essential services and sorting out bottlenecks and grievances of the citizens within your jurisdiction. The essential services included Maternal and infant health care, nutritional support to BPL families, drinking water availability, etc. Your agency employed a staff of 15 to carry out regular official operations and handle grievances. Since the agency dealt with complaints, there was an enormous amount of public dealing daily. Sometimes the agency officials had to work beyond office hours to finish the regular office work as public dealings took away most of the office hours. The employees were unhappy doing the extra bit as they were not paid any overtime. A few of them informally raised the issue with you, but you were helpless as the agency rules didn't allow any travel or overtime allowances. You tried taking up the matter with HQ but to no avail. The work stress gradually started showing up among the staff, they became irritable with the complainants, and at times they shouted at them. Besides rudeness, the staff's language became abusive, derogatory, and sometimes casteist. You could notice that there were 4 of them in particular who were getting very very abusive and discriminatory while handling grievances. As the Head, you warned them, but there was no marked change in their work attitude. To compound your problem, some of the villagers, through their Sarpanch, raised the issue of rude, disrespectful, and discriminatory behavior with your HQ. The HQ immediately instructed you to take action and create a respectful and dignified workspace. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"Examine each of the options and identify your chosen course of action (d) What do you understand by dignity? Distinguish between human and social dignity? Identify the common dignity violations that one notices in government departments. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"As you started the inquiry, you realized Ajay was closely involved with the Minister and his deals. As evidence started piling up, you were shocked to notice Ajay's questionable decisions favoring the Minister and friends. Further, you found evidence of Ajay having assets disproportionately much higher than his declared sources of income. When you shared the details with the Secretary, he immediately ordered you to search Ajay's office and home as he believed Ajay was the medium through which they could catch the Minister for shady land deals. You were in a bind as you knew a search operation would tarnish Ajay's reputation and be traumatic for the family. (a) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas involved in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you? (c) Select your chosen course of action after analyzing the options. (d) What must be your moral motivation in the above case? Should it be duty, care, or consequences? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"You are a Foreign Service official working in an embassy overseas. One of your duties was to liaise with the local Indian community, one of the country's largest immigrant groups. A group of wealthy Indian immigrants wanted to build a place of worship and a school to promote their language and culture. The school was intended to act as a center for promoting and preserving Indian culture among the immigrants. The Indian community leaders went through all the legal procedures to acquire the land, got the building plans approved by the city council, and with all the approvals in place, the construction work began. A few months into the construction, the locals started complaining about noise, and slowly a campaign began against the construction of a religious structure. The local city councilors joined in and raised the issue of how Indian immigrants having their own cultural space will lead to a similar demand from other immigrant communities. And this may escalate intolerance among different ethnic groups. The local politicians filed a public lawsuit to halt the construction and demolish whatever was built. Indian community responded with their lawsuit and approached the embassy for help. They wanted the Ambassador to take up the issue with the government. Meanwhile, the Ambassador deputed you to meet the Indian community leaders to understand the issue and prepare a report. You met with the community leaders and found that the reason for local antipathy towards the Indian community was just an expression of latent racism and intolerance. You presented your observation to the Ambassador and requested him to intervene as the Indians were in the right and were victims of racist behavior. In return, the Ambassador replied that he did not want to get involved in local politics. Indian citizens of that country have nothing to do with India. Moreover, there is a major economic agreement between the two countries about to be signed, and he did not want to jeopardize the growing relations between the two countries over local politics. You were surprised to see that economics is getting priority over overseas Indians. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) Do you agree with the Ambassador's stance of prioritizing economics over helping overseas Indians? If yes why, if not why not? (c) Between responsibility, consequentialism and duty, what according to you is the appropriate perspective to guide Indian foreign policy? Justify. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":1575,"topper":"Arfa Usmani","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/71/pttp221371_tc074-test-4-gs-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"What do you understand by \"integrity-based civil disobedience\"? Do you think a challenge to personal...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance. \"To tolera...","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1576,"topper":"Arfa Usmani","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/748520c30390b56bbbd3f8693a3b3ea3/76/pttp221371_tc074-test-4-gs-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Public service requires not merely legal but also morally principled action. Public service requires the public servant to place loyalty to the constitution, laws, and ethical principles. Among the three, which do you think must acquire primacy while carrying out official functions? Why? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"What do you understand by \"integrity-based civil disobedience\"? Do you think a challenge to personal integrity can be a justifiable cause for responsible disobedience in civil services? Explain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Recent research has shown that emotions significantly impact personal and professional lives. What are the primary emotions that negatively and positively impact workplace productivity? Explain with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Technical efficiency ensures resource utilization and social efficiency ensures fulfillment of social needs, what does ethical efficiency ensure? Do you think ethical efficiency is more important than technical and social efficiency? Why/Why not? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"Man cannot do right in one department of life whilst he is occupied in doing wrong in any other department.\" Gandhi. Do you think an individual's personal ethics impacts professional life or they both can be compartmentalized? Explain your position with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Goodness is the result of internal imperatives to do what is right, not sanctions from moral rules or rewards from expected consequences. Do you agree? Discuss.(Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance. (a) \"To tolerate is purely an act of the mind. That is the essence of virtue. To tolerate is a strength.\" (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"In the context of civil service, distinguish between moral and nonmoral values. Identify 5 basic moral values that can serve as foundational values for all services irrespective of the department. Give reasons why those values can be considered foundational. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Citizens' involvement in decision-making is critical to ethics in governance. Do you agree that effective civic engagement mechanisms can facilitate an ethics-driven administration? What do you think are the mechanisms that citizens can use for ensuring ethics in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Social transformation programs such as “beti bachao and beti padhao” believes in using advice, counseling, and persuasion but sometimes a little force is also necessary for getting the desired response. Do you think it is a good idea to mix little force with persuasion by public administrators while implementing social schemes of transformation? Explain with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Ultimately foreign policy of every country hinges upon the strength which the nation possesses. Strength may be military or financial and may be also…moral.\" Do you think ethical strength without military or financial muscle will be respected in today's world? Explain your position. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"You are a young officer working with the Municipal Corporation of an industrial city. The city was known for manufacturing ball bearings and auto parts. Most manufacturing units were small-scale units with very little production process automation. The units relied on manual labor, which was in abundance due to the villages close by. As the number of manufacturing units grew, the demand for labor increased, bringing in a steady inflow of laborers into the city. This influx of people into the town led to a mushrooming of slums and encroachments on the sidewalks. Once in a while, the Corporation conducted drives to clear out the slums, but after a time, the slums came back. The illegal slums had become an urban nightmare. You were given the responsibility of clearing out the encroachments and slums with the help of Police authorities. As you started the drive, you realized that the people living by the sidewalks were vulnerable compared to the slum dwellers. Many sidewalk dwellers had recently come to the city after selling their properties in their villages. Now if you drive them out, they have no place to go. Your heart went out to them, and you felt that your departmental action was inhumane, but your official responsibilities demanded stern impartial action. You are desperate to find a way to help the sidewalk dwellers without compromising your official duties. (a) What value conflicts do you notice in the above situation? (b) Can an administrator compromise the value of impartiality for empathy? Discuss. (c) What are the options available in the above situation? (d) Suggest viable solutions for tackling illegal slums and encroachments on urban areas. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"A certain State government was running a welfare scheme for promoting safe motherhood among rural landless laborers' families. The scheme involves the transfer of funds to the beneficiaries to enable them to mitigate income loss due to maternal care responsibilities. Since its implementation, the scheme has done reasonably well on maternal health and economic indicators. You are the Director of the Department responsible for implementing and operating the scheme. Recently you have been receiving reports of welfare fraud being committed by families by producing fake bona fide. The families committed the fraud with the help of local officials responsible for scrutinizing the bona fide. You were concerned because the fraud was seriously undermining the scheme's efficiency. You called for a departmental meeting to discuss and find a solution to the problem. In the meeting, it was decided to merge several available government data sets such as Aadhar cards, voter ID cards, marriage certificates, birth certificates, bank details, and other personal assets. By merging all the data sets, the department would be able to develop the beneficiary's economic profile. And this will help the department scrutinize the documents and detect fraud. This was a comprehensive strategy, but it risked violating an individual's data privacy. As a Department head, you wanted to detect and prevent fraud, but at the same time, you were apprehensive about violating the Data privacy of the stakeholders. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) Do you think violating data privacy is justified to prevent welfare fraud? Why/Why not? (c) What, according to you, can be the reasons for such welfare frauds happening in the country? (d) Are there any ways and means to prevent such fraud? Give your suggestions. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"You are posted in the Department of Mines, and one of your roles is to help your Department Head negotiate mining leases with private contractors. Recently, the state government demarcated a new mining zone and planned to invite bids for the mining blocs. You were instructed to oversee the bidding process and speed up the contract negotiations. As planned, the tenders were released, bids came in, and tenders were allocated as per the norms. All this happened at a breakneck speed. You wondered, why the hurry? But it was not your place to think and question; you quietly went about your work. As the contractors were about to start operations, you had to instruct them on environmental concerns to watch out for. And to do that, you read the environmental impact assessment report submitted by a consulting firm hired by the department. To your surprise, the report was shoddy and looked cooked up. You got suspicious and raised the issue with your Head, who politely instructed you to do what you were told, and he reminded you that the Department had revenue targets and was under pressure from the Ministry. After the meeting, you, on your own accord, did some digging and found out that the report was fraudulent and the mining activity that was about to start would lead to a massive environmental disaster which the State could not afford. (a) What are the issues and value violations you notice in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you? (c) Discuss the advantage and disadvantages of each option and identify your chosen course of action. (d) Do you think that environmental considerations are sometimes overrated at the cost of development? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Do you think corporate businesses such as GAMA must consider international ethics while pursuing business interests? Why/why not? (c) Do you think a corporate's social responsibility extends beyond one's immediate community to the international community? Why/Why not? (d) Do you think the Defence sector companies marketing sensitive technologies must be regulated by their respective governments, or regulation may curtail their entrepreneurial and innovation energy? Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":1577,"topper":"Arfa Usmani","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/05a45-719762_2220_arfa_usmani_rank_111.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The logic of limitless wealth lies in the basic human instinct for furthering self-interest in the form of profit. In this context, do you think there is a possibility of pursuing ethical capitalism? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"If a law is unjust, a man is not only right to disobey it, he is obligated to do so. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The capacity of Citizens' Charter to initiate any transformative process is conditioned upon it being appropriately designed and effectively executed. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The moral fiber and ethical conduct of public officials not only influence the standard of governance but also their own interests and performance. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The ongoing debate on euthanasia poses several ethical questions. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Foreign aid is a form of neo-colonialism, as the economically wealthier countries can exploit the developing countries under the cloak of aid. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Throwing light on the idea of Universal Humanism propounded by Rabindranath Tagore, discuss its contemporary relevance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree with the view that it is nature and not nurture which determines the emotional intelligence of a person? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Values that guide public administrators can often compete with each other, owing to their relative importance to the larger public interest. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Is it justifiable to say that corruption is a social phenomenon? What are the various ways through which administrative corruption can be tackled? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"Overcoming poverty is not a task of charity; it is an act of justice.\" Nelson Mandela (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"\"I do believe that, where there is only a choice between cowardice and violence, I would advise violence.\"- Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"You are posted as the Commissioner of Police in a metropolitan city where a visiting foreign dignitary, with President-level security cover, is scheduled to visit for an official function. As a part of the security preparedness, it has been decided that no vehicular traffic will be allowed on the route which will be taken by the foreign dignitary to reach the venue of the function in the city. However, just 15 minutes before the scheduled arrival of the dignitary, you are informed that a critically-ill patient is stuck on the way to the hospital in a private car along with his family. In this situation, answer the following: (a) Discuss the issues involved in halting traffic for VIP movement. (b) List the options available to you in this situation with their merits and demerits. (c) What will be your course of action? Justify with proper reasoning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"The transgender community has been a part of India's social set up since the very beginning but never recognized as a reputable part of the society. 'Hijra' is a term traditionally used in India for transgender women who were born male. The role and value of this community in accordance with the sacred Hindu texts condenses to the performance of blessings at marriage and birth ceremonies for good fortune. With the advent of the British Raj in the 19th century, the acts of \"cross-dressing\" were registered as a criminal offence and if such offences were committed repeatedly, imprisonment followed. Thus, began the criminalization of hijras. Today, although legally supported and socially empowered as compared to earlier times, hijras are still subject to transphobic discrimination-associated violence, poverty, and segregation. In light of the above, answer the following: (a) Identify the challenges faced by transgenders during the different stages of their life. (b) Discuss the reasons for the continuing discrimination against trangenders in India despite several initiatives for their upliftment in recent times. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"You are an IPS officer posted as the Inspector General of Police in a state. The recent death of a father-son duo in one of the districts in the state, due to custodial violence allegedly in the presence of the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), has sparked anger across the state. This is not an isolated incident, as there have been allegations raised by human rights groups in the past regarding custodial deaths due to physical assault by the police. The High Court of the State, taking suo moto cognizance of the recent incident, has served a notice to the state government, seeking a detailed report on the rising instances of custodial deaths. The state government has constituted a Committee to probe the incident and submit a detailed report about the veracity of facts related to it. You have been asked to head the Committee. You know the Deputy Superintendent of Police of the district to be an honest, hardworking and upright officer. He has privately requested you to absolve him of any wrongdoing as he claims not to be present when the incident occurred. You know that any action against him will be detrimental to his reputation and career. On the other hand, the seniors in the department are pressurising you to put all the blame on the DSP and make him a sacrificial lamb in order to protect the overall image of the police in the state. In the given scenario, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the stakeholders and the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) What steps will you take to ensure that the enquiry is seen to be fair and impartial? (c) Given the challenges that the police forces in India operate under in their day-to-day functioning, suggest some initiatives to address them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Mr. X is a billionaire businessman who heads a conglomerate engaged in insurance, energy generation and distribution, and manufacturing. Despite being globally known as a great philanthropist, he turned down a shareholder request seeking the disclosure of the conglomerate's actions on issues related to climate change as well as diversity and inclusion. Because of increased attention to climate and diversity issues, many leading firms have committed themselves to incorporate relevant considerations in their business strategies. Therefore, some industry-observers wonder if Mr. X is out of touch with the industry at large and have warned him that failing to address climate change issues puts his businesses under systemic risk. But, Mr. X maintained his vote against the disclosure proposal, while at the same time acknowledged the importance of both climate change and a diverse and inclusive work force. However, Mr. X believes that such ethical issues take secondary importance to maximising shareholder profit. (a) Discuss the importance of including climate change strategies and diversity and inclusion in a business organisation? (b) In your opinion, what matters more for a business organisation - socio-environmental concerns or shareholder profit? (c) How can the two above-mentioned issues be reconciled? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"You are posted as a Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district where people of different religious communities are living together peacefully. The district is also famous for its architectural heritage and is regularly visited by tourists from all around the world. However, there has been an incident in the nearby state where people of two different communities have started fighting over religious issues. This incident has a spillover effect over the whole country. In your own area of jurisdiction, you have come to know from various sources about circulation of some hate speech videos, which have the potential to destabilise the law and order situation. You are also aware that some outsiders with dubious intentions have started pouring in your district. In one locality, a shopkeeper who had earlier filed a complaint regarding threats he received for posting something on the internet, is found murdered in cold blood. This incident has stunned the nation. You are being informed that hundreds of people of the community to which the shopkeeper belonged are planning to stage a massive protest in your district. (a) In the given situation, what are the options available to you to ensure that the law and order situation in the district remains stable. Provide a detailed account of your course of action. (b) Do you think the present legal and institutional mechanisms are sufficient to tackle the menace of hate speech in the society? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"The Indian education system suffers from many ills. One of the major issues is the focus on 'rote learning', which has been the staple of the Indian education system for many years. While many Indians have attained success despite this system, simply being able to recall information is not enough in today's world when that information is instantly available to anyone on a mobile phone. A survey of 200 Indian and foreign companies found that only 14% of Indian graduates were prepared for the workforce, largely because most graduates were unable to apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the consequences of 'rote learning' on the educational development of young students in the country? (b) Suggest measures that can be taken to address this issue. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1578,"topper":"Arfa Usmani","air":111,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/84/pttp221371_tc078-test-8-gs-4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1579,"topper":"Arfa Usmani","air":111,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/68/pttp221371_tc071-test-1-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1580,"topper":"Arijit Kumar","air":735,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Law","optional":true,"source":"De Facto Law","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.defactolaw.in/_files/ugd/9bce74_e8dd29e6f3674affbd05802b17d05699.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1581,"topper":"Arijit Kumar","air":735,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Law","optional":true,"source":"De Facto Law","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.defactolaw.in/_files/ugd/9bce74_c63ca1db3a604af08d3ac3624e845023.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1582,"topper":"Arijit Kumar","air":735,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Law","optional":true,"source":"De Facto Law","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.defactolaw.in/_files/ugd/9bce74_557ada3b3ca84efab22c1043c9eea7bd.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1583,"topper":"Arijit Kumar","air":735,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Law","optional":true,"source":"De Facto Law","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.defactolaw.in/_files/ugd/9bce74_3325eb39ba5a4b2a8a788502ee4d60fb.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1584,"topper":"Arijit Kumar","air":735,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Law","optional":true,"source":"De Facto Law","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.defactolaw.in/_files/ugd/9bce74_26d93893dab242f8b89a781fda6e3346.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1585,"topper":"Arjun Gupta","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Arjun-Gupta-UPSC-2023-Rank-32-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"The consequences flowing from genetically modified organisms are debatable, but the advantages justify the risk. Do you agree? Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"How are fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) different from battery electric vehicle (BEV)? High-lighting advantages of electric vehicles, suggest measures for accelerating e-mobility adoption in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Space based technologies are helpful in not only monitoring development, but also enhancing it. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns for an environmentally conscious world is not possible without fundamental changes in lifestyle. Discuss this statement in light of Lifestyle for the Environment (LiFE) Movement. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Managing risks, rather than impacts, lies at the core of effective disaster management strategy. In light of this statement, describe the flood risk profile of India and evaluate preparedness for effective flood management. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Solar power sector is not only leading the mitigation efforts against climate change, but the innovations in solar power can also accelerate adaptation of agriculture to a new reality of changed climate. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Necessitated by contingent law & order situation in the North-Eastern states in 1958, Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) continues to be applicable even after six decades of its enactment despite widespread criticism. Critically evaluate the utility of AFSPA in light of prevailing security environment in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Why has fake news on the internet emerged as an internal security challenge? How can we identify a fake news? Also, throw light on legal and institutional arrangements to tackle fake news. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the salient features of Agnipath scheme. Underlining the benefits of the scheme, mention ways to overcome associated challenges. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Examine how advancements in technology has allowed organize crime syndicates to not only expand but also diversify their activities. Also recommend suitable measures to tackle the menace of organized crime. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Nanotechnology is an inter-disciplinary and inter-connected science that has revolutionary applications across sectors. In this perspective, discuss the relevance of nanotechnology for socio-economic development in the country. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The increasing demand for stronger Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) protections is motivated by a desire to invigorate a groundswell of innovation, but it is more likely to lead towards IP monopolies. Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Single use plastic (SUP) is a health, economic and environmental scourge, that requires governments to regulate, businesses to innovate and individuals to act. Examine in context of recently introduced ban on SUPs. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Green hydrogen can be the engine of a sustainable economy, but it would require crossing financial and technological barriers. Discuss the reasons for increasing interest in green hydrogen and challenges in its adoption as the fuel of the future. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Making the invisible groundwater visible is critical for building climate resilience and achieving sustainable development goals. Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Despite the presence of a strong institutional framework and clearly stated policy, huge losses in terms of human, financial, environmental and livelihood show that India still struggles in effective management of disasters. Discuss the reasons for the gap between policy and practices related to disaster management in the country. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Present a brief account of various security forces deployed to protect India's terrestrial and maritime borders. Also, bring out various challenges faced by border security forces and suggest easures to effectively address them. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"In what ways management of maritime borders differ from that of territorial borders? Also, analyze various vulnerabilities that arise from a large maritime boundary of the country. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Cyberthreats can wage a dual war on the state and citizens, disrupting the national security as well as social stability. Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1586,"topper":"Arjun Gupta","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Arjun-Gupta-UPSC-2023-Rank-32-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":41,"question":"Assess the performance of MGNREGA in generation of sustainable employment and cre tion of durable assets in nural India. Can this model be replicated in urban areas as well!?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"Compare the aims and objectives of 12U2 and Quad. What importance does 1202 hold lor India? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1587,"topper":"Arjun Gupta","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Arjun-Gupta-UPSC-2023-Rank-32-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"The reasons for World War I lay in Bismarck's system of alliances. Critically analyze (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Explain the phenomenon of nmarine heat waves and their multi-dimensional impacs (10 marks, I50 words)","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Covid-199 pandemic has brought lundamental changes in the labour marketd nature olobs Enumerate these changes and diseuss their social conseque es. (10 narks, 50 words)","marks":null,"words":"50"},{"page":38,"question":"Explain. Also analyze thhe role of cities in achieving carbon neutrality and","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Account for the shift in location of sugar industry. What has been the economic and","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Population composition, rather than population size, is more critical determinant of develop- hent trajectory of a country. Examine. Also discuss the desirability of raising legal age of narriage","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"While equal rights have been granted to both men and women to participate in economie activities, economic empowerment of women has been slow in coming due to various soctal batri ers. Examine the statement based on your understanding of economic empowerment.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1588,"topper":"Arjun Gupta","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Arjun-Gupta-UPSC-2023-Rank-32-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":29,"question":"What principles of corporate ethics would you consider while taking the decision in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Examine various options availatble with you for handling the issue at hand. What will you do in the given case? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"How will you motivate the task force to work with honesty in this adverse condition?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Identify the various dimensions of the crisis. Based on your understanding, suggest measures to deal with the crisis. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"What are the different courses of action that you can take? ldentify the most suitable course of action and justify your choice. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the various ethical issues involved in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Do you think Rashmi is justified in demanding a permanent government job?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Do you think the is government justified in terminating the contracts of corona warriors?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Consider yourself in the position of Health secretary in the concerned state. What would to address the issue you do at hand? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Examine the various ethical issues involved in this case.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Help Jayant identify different options available with him to its and cope with the crisis?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"As a mutual friend, what advice would you give to and Jayant Sarita in this case so that return back to being a they can happy couple?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"How can Jayant develop the qualities that are required to handle such crisis situations in life?","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":1589,"topper":"Arpit Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/36f2b-638107_1405_arpit-gupta_rank_54.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The effectiveness of microcredit has come under question in recent times due to multiple reasons. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"For minimising distribution losses in the power sector, public private partnership (PPP) and input-based distribution franchisee models can provide the solution. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What is gender budgeting? Give an account of the issues due to which gender budgeting has not been a fruitful exercise in India. Also, suggest measures required to address these issues. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlight the issues faced by the corporate bond market in India and suggest reforms required in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"In light of the renewed focus on strategic disinvestment in recent times, examine the rationale behind it and also discuss the concerns raised against it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"While identifying the need for providing social security to gig workers, highlight the challenges that exist in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Do you think that multi-year budgeting is the need of the hour in India? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are the issues faced in financing of infrastructure in India? Give an account of the steps taken by the government to resolve these in recent times. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Investment in social infrastructure is key to engineer an inclusive and sustainable growth in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"It is imperative that the present system is re-engineered and a transition towards Outcome Budgeting is made for effective Public Finance Management in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"There have been indications of sluggish growth in labour intensive industries in India in recent times. Analyse the reasons behind this trend. What can be done to reverse the trend? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"While some associate increased penetration of technology and industrialization with increase in inequality in India, the reasons for the same lie somewhere else. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"It has been argued that a fiscal stimulus can help revive the Indian economy and deal with the current slowdown. Discuss in context of prevalent situation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"While public private partnership (PPP) in Indian Railways should be encouraged, there is a need to manage the transition to PPP model carefully. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"A worrying trend for Indian economy has been the decline in private investment in the past few years. Highlight the reasons behind it. What steps should be taken to revive private investment in the economy? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs) in India are in need of urgent reforms addressing their regulatory, structural and operational issues. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Identify the factors that have facilitated digital financial inclusion in India. Mention the steps that have been taken by the government in this regard. What are the challenges that remain going forward? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Why is participation in Global Value Chains (GVCs) important for India? Highlighting some of the concerns associated with GVCs, suggest some measures for India to reap benefits from participating in them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What is the significance of state finances for macro-economic stability in India? Also, highlight the issues with states' fiscal management in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Though Code on Industrial Relations, 2019 is aimed at reducing labour dispute as well as ease of doing business, it also restricts the collective bargaining power of the workers. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1590,"topper":"Arpit Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/17482-638107_1417_arpit-gupta_rank_54.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Dadabhai Naoroji left an indelible imprint on the national movement. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Quit India movement marked a new direction in the struggle against the British colonial rule in India. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The end of World War II marked the birth of a new international order. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Simla Agreement (1972) and Lahore Declaration (1999) are two key milestones in the history of the Indian subcontinent. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Social security should not only involve economic empowerment but also social empowerment. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Explain with examples how globalisation is manifested in both local in the global and the global in the local. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In light of persistence of various forms of violence against women in India, discuss the ways in which the issue can be addressed effectively. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What is an urban forest? Highlight its benefits and steps taken by the government to promote urban forestry in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"How has globalization impacted the location of the IT industry? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"How can eco-tourism be used to sustainably harness the potential of tourism industry in India? Discuss the challenges and steps taken by the government in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The advent of Buddhism and Jainism was instrumental in the development of architecture in ancient India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The reactionary policies of Lord Lytton and the liberal policies of his successor Lord Rippon acted as catalyst in the formation of the Indian National Congress. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Gandhiji changed his methods of struggle against the British from time-to-time to suit the varied circumstances and problems that needed to be tackled. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Bring out the relationship between the industrial revolution and the advent of imperialism in different parts of the world. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The caste system in India has continued to persist by adapting itself to a variety of changing socio-economic and political conditions in the past few decades. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"It is argued by some that regionalism is a threat to national integrity while others consider it as a highly impactful tool in facilitating political participation. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Describe the process of rift valley formation, with special emphasis on the Great Rift Valley System. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India's water resources have witnessed rapid depletion due to a mix of economic, geographic, and political factors. Explain and discuss its implications. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How are plateaus formed? Also, briefly discuss the features of the Deccan plateau and its economic significance. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1591,"topper":"Arpit Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a1500-638107_1523_arpit-gupta_rank_54.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Enumerate the issues associated with functioning of the Central Information Commission. How can these issues be addressed? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"In India, Governor's discretionary powers are wider than those of the President. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the objectives that were sought to be achieved through tribunals. How successful have they been in meeting them? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Instead of the government regulating Over-the-top (OTT) platforms, there have been calls for a self-regulating mechanism for such platforms, as in the case of print media. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Bring out the arguments surrounding the issue of some states reserving jobs for locals in the private sector. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Identifying the key elements of Mission Karmayogi, briefly explain how it can lead to holistic development of the human resources and state's capacity. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlighting the role played by ASHA workers in public health system of India, discuss the challenges faced by them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"While internationalisation of higher education has many potential benefits for India, certain challenges will need to be addressed in this regard. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"India needs to adopt a more pragmatic stance in the context of the ongoing intra-Afghan talks. Discuss, in the light of India's engagement with Afghanistan. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In the geo-strategic context of West Asia, the recent efforts to normalise relations between Israel and UAE may open new possibilities for India. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"It is not only the content of election manifestos but also the past performance with respect to promises made in election manifestos that need to be regulated. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"In order to achieve a reduction in the pendency of cases and a return to the Supreme Court’s original role as a final appellate court, setting up of a National Court of Appeal is the need of the hour. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The Constitution of India reflects an amalgamation of spirit of Indian freedom struggle and various administrative provisions of different acts of British rule in India. Explain. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Mention the key components of the SVAMITVA scheme. Also, highlight its intended benefits and discuss the potential issues in its implementation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Sharing of information among all stakeholders in government functioning is a leading practice towards good governance. Discuss with examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"India has an oversized and bloated government which acts as a drag on economic efficiency and growth. Critically evaluate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Though the National Digital Health Mission is a step in the right direction for both patients and the healthcare system, concerns around data privacy need to be addressed. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"One Nation One Ration card has the potential to significantly transform the lives of migrant workers in India. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The World Trade Organization is buffeted by multiple challenges which have eroded the credibility of the organization. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"BIMSTEC is indispensable for India's efforts in promoting regional cooperation and integration in the neighbourhood. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1592,"topper":"Arpit Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/16b8a-638107_1409_arpit-gupta_rank_54.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"While the Right to Information Act is considered path breaking in promoting transparency and accountability, discuss why some argue that it has not been able to fully achieve its objectives. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"'The Citizens' Charter sees public services through the eyes of those who use them.' Discuss how emergence of citizens' charters have altered the concept of accountability and improved the delivery of public services. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"How can organizational culture impact public service motivation and sustain values in administration? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"It is imperative that civil servants have leadership skills to bring about meaningful change in the present day India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Digitization of service delivery and online public interface have the potential to transform governance in India. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) There is a higher court than courts of justice and that is the court of conscience. It supersedes all other courts. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"As interactive technologies such as Artificial Intelligence penetrate peoples' lives, the lack of understanding of their social influence carries a risk of them doing more harm than good. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Examine the role of media in promoting probity in governance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"A civil servant's conduct is expected to be a model of ethical behaviour. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Given the importance of inculcating emotional intelligence from an early age, discuss how schools can play a prominent role in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"The utilisation of public funds in a democracy like India must be based on the principles of transparency, accountability and efficiency. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"A manufacturing company is located in a small town where it is not easy for people to find jobs otherwise. The company has stayed in the town even though it could find cheaper workers elsewhere, because workers are loyal to the company due to the jobs it provides. Over the years, the company has developed a reputation in the town for taking care of its employees and being a responsible corporate citizen, owing to its CSR activities. The manufacturing process used by the company produces a by-product that has been flowing into the town river for some time now. According to some media reports people living near the river have started reporting illnesses off late and there is also damage to aquatic life. People, however, have refused to come forward as their livelihood depends on the company. You being the Sustainability Officer of the company believe it to be your duty to report this to the higher management. You are of the opinion that this matter is associated with the prestige of the company and should be taken seriously. In the meanwhile the new CEO, who has just joined the company, has called you for briefing and understanding the local issues. On the basis of the above case, answer the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders in the case above. (b) What arguments would you put forth to the CEO to convince him to act on this matter?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"A recent phenomenon called as 'Deepfakes' has gained media attention. It has been found to be a powerful technology through which programmers can manipulate a video or audio content and make them look real. While the technique can be used to have some harmless fun, it is rife with possibilities of misuse. From creating fake pornographic videos to making politicians appear to say things they did not, the potential for damage to individuals, organisations and societies is vast. (a) Identify the potential damaging effects of such a technological tool? (b) What steps are required to minimise the impact and adequately deal with the misuse of such technologies?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"Disciplining children remains a pertinent challenge for educational institutions across India. Often, it is found that potentially dangerous forms of disciplining are frequently resorted to in India. These include physical and emotional punishment and in some cases, negative reinforcement by the teachers. Although these are old forms of school violence, they have only recently started to be looked upon systematically as a problem. Until now, corporal punishment and negative reinforcement and the forms these take, were frequently dismissed, and ignored in India. However, it is now being realized that their effects are quite concerning. Further, it is also in light of a cultural acceptance of such harmful and ineffective disciplining processes, that issues as serious as bullying, teasing and ragging in schools escape scrutiny and redressal. In the light of the aforementioned observations, discuss the following questions: (a) What are the effects of such processes of disciplining on the growth and development of children? (b) Suggest some alternate ways to ensure disciplining of school children.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"You are a member of a High-level Committee that has been formed to monitor discrimination and violence against Scheduled Castes (SCs) and suggest measures to curb them. When you delve deeper into the issue, you come across many recent incidents, which confirm the widely held belief that SCs are consistently humiliated on a daily basis. On the basis of the above information, answer the following: (a) Discuss why there is widespread discrimination and violence against SCs despite enactment of suitable legislations to prevent such instances. (b) As a member of the High-level Committee, suggest legal and administrative measures to prevent atrocities against the SCs. (c) State the role of media and civil society in bringing about behavioural change in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1593,"topper":"Arpit Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/28284-638107_1525_arpit-gupta_rank_54.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Administration discretion can be a blessing if used correctly, however its misuse can prove to be a curse. Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"There is a view that corrupt practices have been socially accepted in India. How can this 'acceptance' be shifted to 'rejection' towards corruption? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Ethical business practices are key for long-term survival of a company. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Law succeeds in encouraging ethical behaviour in a society only when it is backed by conscience of its individuals. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter. Martin Luther King Jr. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do you understand by Social Intelligence? Discuss its relation with the Emotional Intelligence of an individual. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"While code of conduct presents a structure to organized values, code of ethics gives a foundation to that structure. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"According to Buddhism, for a man to be perfect there are two qualities that he should develop equally: compassion (karuna) on one side, and wisdom (panna) on the other. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The life of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam presents a broad range of lessons and virtues to be learnt by public servants in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Identify which essential information should be made available to the public via Citizen's Charter? Also, suggest some steps for successful implementation of the Citizen's Charter. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Respect for human rights and humanitarian principles is a responsibility for all members of the international community. Discuss in the context of roles and responsibilities of States for protection of refugees. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"What is red-tapism? Why is it considered a hurdle in the process of transitioning towards citizen centric governance? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Given the rising tide of Covid induced fatalities, the government is under extreme pressure to deliver some vaccine to the population. You are the Cabinet Secretary to the Government of India. You are heading the committee to oversee the process of vaccine development and distribution to fight against the Covid outbreak in the country. You have been asked to expedite the process and come up with a solution at the earliest. Some vaccines are available around the globe, but they are in limited supply and also expensive. One of the indigenously developed vaccine has shown initial positive results, but health experts have raised concerns over its safety, efficacy and the methodology being followed for its approval. Other promising vaccines under development, following a rigorous methodology, may take months to enter the market. In this context: (a) What are the critical issues involved in the case? (b) Explain, with relevant reasons, the course of action that you would take.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Literacy levels have been increasing in India over the past few decades, and the literacy rate was found to be 74.04 per cent after the 2011 census. Though this increase in literacy rate seems like a very great accomplishment, it is a matter of concern that still so many people in India cannot even read and write. Children are going to school but not learning much beyond \"floor level tasks\". Moreover, the higher literacy level has not resulted in better human values and this is manifested in the troubled atmosphere in the society at large. This failure of the education system to reform human behavior is troubling for a young democracy, like India. Given this situation, answer the following: (a) What role is education expected to play in reforming human behaviour and inculcating human values? (b) Do you think only the government is responsible for this state of the education system? If not, identify the stakeholders who should press for a change in the education system in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Problems surrounding air pollution present an urgent challenge for many countries, including India. Among other reasons, this challenge has been exacerbated by the indifferent attitude of people towards it. Various studies have pointed out the harmful effects of air pollution. Despite the government bringing various regulations on activities like stubble burning and bursting fire crackers, people violate them. (a) Discuss the reasons behind such behaviour on part of society towards air pollution. (b) Suggest measures that are required to be undertaken to nudge people towards pro-environment behaviour.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"In recent times, social media has emerged as an important platform for all to share their information and opinions. Many civil servants are also quite active on the social media. Given this situation, there have been calls to revise or update the Civil Services Conduct Rules. Suppose you are a senior IAS officer who is heading a panel set up by the government to bring suitable changes in the conduct rules. Elaborate on how you will respond to the following questions: (a) What are the issues with a civil servant expressing his/her views on social media on various matters? (b) Should criticism of government policies on social media by civil servants be allowed? (c) How should civil servants conduct themselves on social media?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Economic growth has been the primary goal of economic policies, and the principal measure of an economy's success. In the last few decades, economic growth benefitted mankind in multiple ways. But alongside these benefits, it also generated significant issues and a series of converging challenges. In light of this, answer the following: (a) What was the rationale behind GDP growth being considered the pillar of economic policies the world over in the past few decades? (b) Explain the need to go beyond GDP growth and reassess our measures of development. Identify some of the components that need to be complemented with GDP growth going forward.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"The Covid-19 pandemic is far from over but governments across the world appear to have either relaxed lockdown parameters or will do so soon. Containing Covid and restoring our economies requires not just good policy decisions and medical advice; it also needs continued compliance with the recommended behavioural changes. Daunting as they may seem, the drastic changes in behaviour being called for, can indeed be brought about. Answer the following in this regard: (a) Why is behavioural change seen to be desirable in a country like India, when it is faced with a pandemic of the kind of Covid-19? (b) What role have different stakeholders in India been playing in helping communities adhere to the desired behaviour? (c) Discuss the challenges in bringing about behavioural change, particularly in such an environment of anxiety and uncertainties.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1594,"topper":"Arpit Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4b36e-638107_1416_arpit-gupta_rank_54.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the significance of ethical work culture, suggest ways by which it can be imbibed in an organization. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Upholding probity in governance is not only contingent on values of an individual but also the processes of the institution. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The nature of a business's operations has a major influence on the ethical issues with which it must contend. Giving examples, discuss how business ethics is crucial in today's world. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"An honest bureaucrat can be put to inconvenience but the dishonest one is more likely to suffer in the long run. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The notion of an ethical foreign policy downplays the realities of international politics. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Conscience can neither be silent nor delayed as a source of ethical guidance. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) To educate a person in the mind but not in morals is to educate a menace to society. - Theodore Roosevelt (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"Children are great imitators, so give them something great to imitate.\" In this context, discuss the importance of role models in inculcating values in children. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The Covid-19 pandemic has brought with it an environment of uncertainties and hardships. In this context, discuss the significance of emotional intelligence in dealing with the situation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Bring out the role of social media in shaping one's moral and political attitude. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Environmental ethics is about the moral relationship of human beings to, and also the value and moral status of, the environment and its non-human contents. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"The Citizens' Charter cannot be an end in itself; it is rather a means to an end. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You are the District Magistrate of district, which has recently witnessed rapid transmission of the Covid-19 pandemic. The district has high population density and a sizeable chunk of migrant workers. There has been a shutdown of business activities and the workers are yearning to go back to their native places. The administration has announced a strict lockdown and divided the district into containment zones. There is a severe shortage of people, material and money in the administration and fear and panic is seen to be gripping them. (a) What are the qualities of a civil servant that are revealed in such testing times? (b) What measures would you suggest for: (i) Dealing with the current issue. (ii) Making the district administration more resilient to respond to such a critical situation in the future.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"In recent times, the country witnessed protests based on opposition to some steps taken by the government. Whereas, mostly these were peaceful protests, at a few places these activities turned violent leading to destruction of public property. In some places government arrested few of the protesters and imposed heavy fines on them for the destruction of the property. In case they could not pay, their private property was confiscated by the government for the damage done to the public property. In addition to this, some governments published the photographs, names and addresses of those accused of vandalism during protests at various locations. (a) What are the issues of public importance at stake in this case? (b) Are their any ethical or legal principles at play here which may be conflicting? (c) What should be the principles guiding a democratic state in such circumstances?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"The global toll of the COVID-19 pandemic is enormous: more than a half-million lives lost, hundreds of millions out of work, and trillions of dollars of wealth destroyed. And the disease has by no means run its course. There is tremendous interest in the development of a vaccine, with more than a hundred initiatives under way around the world. Even if one or more vaccines emerge that promise to make people less susceptible to COVID-19, the public-health problem will not be eliminated. But policymakers can avert some foreseeable problems by starting to address key questions about financing and distribution now. In view of the above scenario, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the different stakeholders involved in this scenario. (b) Identify some of the ethical questions and issues that are likely to emerge as the vaccine becomes available. (c) Who, in your opinion, should be amongst the first recipients of the vaccine? Give reasons for your answer.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"You are the head of a PSU, which has recently been entrusted with construction of a new airport in a metropolitan city. However, the area in the immediate neighbourhood of the proposed airport runways have large tracts of land occupied by dense slum settlements. If the airport is to be constructed, approximately 75,000 slum families will have to be humanly rehabilitated. The sheer scale of this rehabilitation, almost similar to an urban renewal, has thrown up many challenges. Foremost among these is identifying an appropriate location for rehabilitation of slum dwellers. You are faced with the following options in this regard, each of which have their own merits and demerits: (a) There is no reasonably priced land in close vicinity of the present slums. A vacant parcel of land that you have identified close-by will have to be developed afresh along with all civic amenities, and this will entail huge cost for the PSU. (b) There is another location, which is very far-off where a factory once stood. All the required civic amenities are in place here and the factory can be converted into appropriate houses at little cost to the PSU. However, there will be loss of livelihood on relocation to this area because of its distance from the current slum location. (c) There is yet another site, which can be used for rehabilitation at reasonable cost. Neither is it too far nor will it entail huge monetary cost, but exercising this option involves cutting a large number of trees, which may adversely affect the ecology of the area. This is likely to face resistance from environmental groups. Given the above options and the associated challenges, which of these sites will you choose for rehabilitation of slum dwellers? Provide adequate justification for your choice.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"You are an Indian Forest Service Officer posted in a division which falls in the coastal regulation zone and contains multiple wildlife sanctuaries. Recently, the State government has brought up a proposal of a new food processing park in your division. Under the proposal, around 175 square kilometers of forest land will be acquired as per the law. The developers of the project claim the various socio-economic benefits it can provide to the people in the area. Due to this a sizeable chunk of trees will be uprooted. There are studies which suggest that such initiatives have a long-term impact on wildlife and also leads to human-wildlife conflict. Some residents living in the periphery of the forest have supported this move in hope of employment opportunities. However, traditional dwellers of the forests have protested against this move. The government has constituted a committee to frame guidelines for sustainable operation of this project. The committee has asked for your suggestions in this regard. (a) Identify the principles and values that would guide your suggestions in this regard. (b) What course of action should be taken in order to balance the social and environmental needs in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"The RTI Act, which became operational in 2005 empowers the Indian citizens to seek information from public authorities. This, in effect, makes the Government and its functionaries more accountable and responsible. However, it has faced resistance because of the entrenched bureaucratic culture and it is taking time to change the mindset of the people in the government to new realities in wake of the act. This has led to implementation issues and questions have also been raised against the effectiveness of the act in achieving its desired objectives. Apart from this, certain issues related to the information seeker have also been raised from time to time. In view of the innumerable challenges answer the following: (a) Explain the importance of a transparent government system in a democracy, like India. (b) Elaborate on the challenges that the implementation of RTI has faced, in the context of information seeker (demand-side) as well as those entrusted to give information (supply-side). (c) Discuss the role that such a legislation can be expected to play given the ground realities in our country. How can it be ensured that such legislations are effective in achieving their envisaged objectives?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1595,"topper":"Arpit Kumar","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ARPIT-KUMAR-UPSC-2023-Rank-136-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Institutions reflect the cultural values of the societies in which they are established.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"He who has a 'why' to live for, can bear almost any 'how'.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The power of perception shapes our understanding of reality.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The tree that would grow to heaven must send its roots to hell.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1596,"topper":"Arpit Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/19123-546705_2319_arpit-kumar_rank_136.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"\"A diamond with a flaw is better than a pebble without any flaw.\"","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1597,"topper":"Arpit Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e2b45-546705_2488_arpit-kumar_rank_136.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"A mind all logic is like a knife all blade, it makes the hand bleed that uses it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"History is a cyclic poem written by time upon the memories of man.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The wise man does at once what the fool does finally.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The world is a tragedy to those who feel, but a comedy to those who think.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Perfect clarity would profit the intellect but damage the will.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1598,"topper":"Arpit Kumar","air":421,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wNdlUvaPRNP_NvY26qpI68tYtXFxAQDh/view","questions":[]},{"id":1599,"topper":"Arpit Kumar","air":136,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d4758-546705_2320_arpit-kumar_rank_136.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1600,"topper":"Arpit Kumar","air":421,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Drishti IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.drishtiias.com/images/pdf/Arpit%20Kumar_Essay%20Copy%201.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1601,"topper":"Arpit Kumar","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ARPIT-KUMAR-UPSC-2023-Rank-136-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"In many ways, the Spanish civil war was the opening act of WWII. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"How will you explain the different fates of Buddhism and Jainism despite a slew of similarities in the two religions? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Non-Cooperation Movement democratized India's freedom struggle but suffered from inherent limitations. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Critically analyse the efficacy of linguistic reorganization of states in addressing the reasons for linguistic divides in post-independent India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Briefly discuss the role of plate tectonics theory in explaining the location of volcanoes. Also, explain the multifarious impacts of volcanoes on the surrounding regions. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Taking further the success of Aspirational Districts Programme, Aspirational Blocks can help achieve the twin objectives of balanced growth and checking stress migration. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Describe the critical factors for location of defense industries and suggest measures to overcome the challenges. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"To what extent can Socio-Economic-Caste Census (SECC) address the challenges in achieving equitable resource allocation and targeted welfare? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Indian society is premised on some common values that give it a composite texture as well as some diverse practices that deepen its heterogeneity. Elucidate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What are the factors that influence population growth in the country? In this perspective, examine the relevance and need of raising the minimum marriageable age of women for population development. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Bring out the reasons behind the tribal unrest in British India. Also, analyze the reasons for their limited success. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The independence of India was not a result of a forced expulsion of the Empire, as desired by the Quit India Movement; it was rather a confluence of domestic politics and global circumstances. Analyze. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Explain why Sufism, a liberal reform movement in Islam could deepen its roots in the Indian sub-continent, despite Islam being a foreign religion? Also, bring out the impacts of Sufism on Indian society. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Enumerate the reasons behind rising intensity and frequency of cyclones in the Arabian Sea in recent years. Giving special reference to NDMA guidelines, recommend measures to check the adverse impacts of cyclones. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Examine the impacts of climate change on the hydrological cycle and suggest suitable mitigation and adaptation strategies to contain the harmful implications. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Defining continental shelf, highlight its resource potential and ecological significance. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Rooted in patriarchal values, gender-based violence, in all its manifestations, is antithetical to societal growth. Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The caste calculus in the Indian society remains predominant and continues to project its shadow on social, political, and economic domains. Do you agree? Substantiate your answer. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss various factors contributing to the water woes faced by Indian cities. Also, explain complexities in implementing a comprehensive water management plan. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Though important elements of group identity, religion and region also run the risk of deepening communal cleavages. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1602,"topper":"Arpit Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3b07f-546705_2419_arpit_kumar_rank_136.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the role played by the Directorate of Enforcement in the investigation of offence of money laundering and violations of foreign exchange laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Indian Constitution has been successful in providing a framework for liberal democracy to flourish in India. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand by the \"principle of subsidiarity\"? Discuss its importance in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"\"The moral value of fundamental duties would not be to smother rights but to establish a democratic balance by making the people conscious of their duties equally as they are conscious of their rights\". Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Do you think the exercise of delegated legislation by the executive goes against the principle of separation of powers? Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"A key factor behind poor governance is a system of thinking and working in silos. Discuss in the context of public services in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Unsafe abortions are a critical issue affecting the reproductive and maternal health of women in India. Identify the reasons behind the same and suggest remedial measures as well. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Digital healthcare has the potential to address the perennial issues pertaining to accessibility and affordability of healthcare in India. In this context, discuss the role of Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission in putting the country at the cusp of a 'digital health' revolution. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"As the only G20 member from South Asia, the G20 leadership is an ideal opportunity for India to use it as an effective platform to amplify South Asia's voice at the global stage. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The India-UAE CEPA will serve as a catalyst to bolster economic ties between the two countries and give India greater access to the region. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"A dysfunctional criminal justice system, absence of well-considered legislation and need for domain expertise, are being seen as the new challenges for the Indian judiciary. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"To what extent has the anti-defection law been able to address the issue of political instability in India? Discuss with suitable arguments. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Governance of inter-state rivers in India suffers from various issues due to conflictual federalism. Discuss. Also, highlight the mechanisms, which can be utilised to resolve inter-state river water disputes in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Elaborate on the fundamental aspects in which the Indian Constitution differed from its contemporaries despite being a post-colonial document. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Freebies, especially ahead of elections, do more harm than good to the society. Do you agree? Give logical arguments in support of your answer. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The Smart Cities Mission, which was launched to change the urban landscape of India has produced mixed results. Discuss. Also, highlight the challenges faced in executing the Mission. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"It has been argued that despite several hurdles faced by the entrepreneurship ecosystem in India, the future of India is likely to be shaped by its entrepreneurs. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Though the 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' scheme has given much-need attention to gender discrimination, it has failed to yield desired results due to poor implementation and monitoring. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"As security threats increase in form and frequency in the South-West Indian Ocean, discuss the role played by India in relation to small island developing states (SIDS) in the region. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"As India re-imagines its neighbourhood, cross-border connectivity through sub-regions is becoming increasingly vital. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1603,"topper":"Arpit Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0b383-546705_1824_arpit_kumar_rank_136.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"What is a cloudburst and what are its effects? Why are they more frequent in the Himalayan region? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Volcanic eruptions are widely considered to be agents of destruction but they also have certain positive impacts on the people and landscape. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"How does the interaction between oceans and the atmosphere stabilize and regulate the climatic variations over the earth? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Despite its potential, there are several challenges in the implementation of the Ken-Betwa Link Project. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"How are atolls formed? Discuss the threats faced by them due to anthropogenic factors. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Foaming in the beginning of winters in River Yamuna in and around Delhi has been in news. Identify the reasons behind this and discuss its larger impact. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain the process of formation of a tsunami. Also, mention the tsunami preparedness and mitigation efforts taken by the government. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the role of geospatial technologies in developing effective approaches for disaster risk reduction and disaster management. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the key challenges in implementation of school safety measures in India. How does the National Policy on Disaster Management (NPDM), 2009, seek to address these challenges? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Post drift theories based on ocean floor mapping provided new dimensions to the study of distribution of oceans and continents. Elaborate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Explain the phenomenon of heat waves. Also, enumerate conditions favourable for the development of heat waves in India and their associated health impacts. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Elaborate various factors that determine the nature of circulation of the oceanic currents. Also, highlight the major oceanic currents along with their unique features. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Despite both being polar regions, the environmental threats faced by the Arctic region are slightly accentuated as compared to Antarctica. Comment. Also, discuss the measures needed to protect the Arctic ecosystem. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Explaining the formation of the Great Northern Plains of India, describe its physiographic divisions and their important characteristics. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"In recent years, states of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh have witnessed an alarming increase in the rate of landslides. Discuss the reasons for this increase and suggest some remedial measures. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Haphazard growth and poor management make the Indian cities the locus of disasters, both large and small. Comment. Also, discuss the current gaps in policies in addressing these challenges. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the reasons behind vulnerability of coastal areas to cyclones in India? In this context, critically discuss India's cyclone management framework. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"To build greater disaster resilience amongst communities, it is important to avoid looking at disaster events in isolation and understand the interconnections between global disasters. Elaborate, with examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How does the Himalayan mountain range shape the climate of the Indian subcontinent? Also, discuss the impact of the warming of the Himalayas on the Indian subcontinent. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1604,"topper":"Arpit Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c1e5c-546705_1812_arpit_kumar_rank_136.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What are the basic functions of a constitution? Illustrate in the context of the Indian Constitution.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Highlighting the functions of National Green Tribunal, discuss its importance and limitations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Bring out the difference between the First Past the Post (FPTP) and Proportional Representation (PR) systems. Also, explain the merits and demerits of each for a country like India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"The Indian Constitution strikes a balance between flexibility and rigidity. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"What is a pressure group? Describing the functions that it performs, explain how it is different from a political party.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Mentioning the functions that are performed by the UPSC, discuss its working as the 'watchdog of the merit system' in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"What are the various instruments available to the legislature to uphold the accountability of the executive in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the federal and unitary features of the Indian Constitution.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Compare and contrast the Indian Judicial system with the American Judicial system.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Give an account of the functions performed by the National Commission for Backward Classes.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"Explain the significance of local bodies in strengthening the democratic spirit in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"Highlighting the reasons behind judicial pendency in India, mention the steps, which can be taken to address this problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"The position of Legislative Councils in State Legislatures is much weaker than the Rajya Sabha in Parliament. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Explaining the meaning of Contempt of Court, discuss the arguments that are advanced in its favour as well as against it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"What are the grounds of disqualification of membership of the Parliament and state legislatures, as mentioned in The Representation of People Act 1951?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"Explain the procedure through which the Constitution of India can be amended. Also, discuss its limitations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"The Union list prevails over the other lists in terms of distribution of legislative powers in the Indian Constitution. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"The doctrine of Separation of Powers is the bedrock of Indian parliamentary democracy. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":55,"question":"Explaining the power of the President to promulgate ordinances, mention the various limitations that exist in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":58,"question":"Despite often being described as \"first among equals\", the position of the Prime Minister vis-a-vis other ministers in the Council of Ministers is one of pre-eminence. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1605,"topper":"Arpit Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1efe0-546705_1818_arpit_kumar_rank_136.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the meaning of regionalism and highlight the various forms that it can take, with suitable examples from India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"E-governance is a very vital element in improving public service delivery in India. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Explain why child labour continues to persist in India, despite stringent measures taken by the government for its eradication. ,","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"It is argued that the role of women in family often remains unrecognised. In this context, do you think wages for housework is an idea whose time has come? , ?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Highlight the role of the Right To Information (RTI) Act, 2005 in ensuring transparency and good governance in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Explain the reasons behind growing mental health issues faced in India. State the policy measures taken in this regard as well.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Enumerate the measures taken for population control in India. Also, discuss whether there is a need for a new Population Policy in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"What do you understand by secularism in the context of India? Explain how secularism is reflected in our constitutional provisions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Discuss the role played by SHGs in rural development in India. Also, mention various measures which have been taken by the government to promote SHGs in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"What are the various challenges being faced by school going children in India in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Identify the barriers faced by Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in India. What measures have been taken by the government in this context?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Examine whether the relationship between civil services and democracy is complementary or paradoxical.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"What are the obstacles faced in the implementation of various e-governance initiatives in India? Provide some feasible suggestions to overcome these obstacles.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"What are the challenges faced by India's primary healthcare system? Mention the government initiatives to address these challenges.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Giving an account of the initiatives taken by the government for urban development in recent years, explain how they seek to solve some of the major problems of urbanization faced in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Highlighting the general deficiencies in implementation of citizen's charters in India, enumerate the measures required to make them an effective tool of enhancing accountability in governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Analyse the changes that have taken place in the traditional joint family system in India in recent decades.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Discuss the vulnerabilities faced by the elderly in India and highlight some steps taken by the government to address these.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"With the help of suitable examples, examine the impact of globalization on environment.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1606,"topper":"Arpit Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d1a3e-546705_2418_arpit_kumar_rank_136.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Elaborate on the key traits inherent to the sculptures of the Vijayanagara Empire. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Women revolutionaries made brave and unforgettable contributions to the freedom struggle in India. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss how the introduction of English education in India by the British helped strengthen anti-colonialism in the country. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The disintegration of the Soviet Union in the late 20th century had a profound impact on India. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"In view of the prevailing issues, discuss the need for reforming the urban infrastructure and mobility services in India through a gender lens. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"In India, the rate of growth of elderly population in 2011-21 was about three times the rate of growth of the general population. In this context, discuss why policies for the elderly are a crucial aspect for India's overall development. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"While globalisation is allegedly responsible for human rights violations, it allows human rights movements to counter its excesses and negative effects. Elaborate with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The present drainage system of the Himalayas is, to a great extent, the result of progressive river piracy. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Illustrate the geographical distribution of polymetallic nodules and discuss their significance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What do you understand by archipelagos? Explain the different processes involved in their formation, with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Tribal and folk arts in India are confronting several challenges of the modern age in a bid to survive. Discuss. Also, highlight the various initiatives taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the distinguishing features of Indian classical dances. Also, discuss how these dances are a manifestation of spirituality. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite the Chauri Chaura incident slowing down the momentum of Indian freedom struggle for a while, the Non-Cooperation Movement remains a watershed in the history of the Indian freedom struggle. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Bring out the contributions of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan in the fields of education and foreign affairs. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Enumerate the factors driving feminization in agriculture and discuss its effects. Also, state the ways in which women can be empowered in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"In India, suicide has become one of the leading causes of death among those aged 15-29. Bringing out the reasons behind the same, discuss the priority areas of the National Suicide Prevention Strategy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Giving a brief account of the lakes formed due to Earth's movement, discuss the economic and ecological significance of lakes. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India has the potential to generate 180,000 MW of ocean thermal energy, however, progress in this regard has been slow. In this context, highlight the associated challenges and suggest remedial measures. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Bringing out the availability of natural gas hydrates in India, discuss the promise as well as the challenges associated with their exploration. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1607,"topper":"Arpit Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d3156-546705_1824_arpit_kumar_rank_136.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"What is a cloudburst and what are its effects? Why are they more frequent in the Himalayan region? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Volcanic eruptions are widely considered to be agents of destruction but they also have certain positive impacts on the people and landscape. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"How does the interaction between oceans and the atmosphere stabilize and regulate the climatic variations over the earth? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Despite its potential, there are several challenges in the implementation of the Ken-Betwa Link Project. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"How are atolls formed? Discuss the threats faced by them due to anthropogenic factors. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Foaming in the beginning of winters in River Yamuna in and around Delhi has been in news. Identify the reasons behind this and discuss its larger impact. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain the process of formation of a tsunami. Also, mention the tsunami preparedness and mitigation efforts taken by the government. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the role of geospatial technologies in developing effective approaches for disaster risk reduction and disaster management. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the key challenges in implementation of school safety measures in India. How does the National Policy on Disaster Management (NPDM), 2009, seek to address these challenges? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Post drift theories based on ocean floor mapping provided new dimensions to the study of distribution of oceans and continents. Elaborate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Explain the phenomenon of heat waves. Also, enumerate conditions favourable for the development of heat waves in India and their associated health impacts. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Elaborate various factors that determine the nature of circulation of the oceanic currents. Also, highlight the major oceanic currents along with their unique features. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"In recent years, states of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh have witnessed an alarming increase in the rate of landslides. Discuss the reasons for this increase and suggest some remedial measures. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Haphazard growth and poor management make the Indian cities the locus of disasters, both large and small. Comment. Also, discuss the current gaps in policies in addressing these challenges. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the reasons behind vulnerability of coastal areas to cyclones in India? In this context, critically discuss India's cyclone management framework. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"To build greater disaster resilience amongst communities, it is important to avoid looking at disaster events in isolation and understand the interconnections between global disasters. Elaborate, with examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How does the Himalayan mountain range shape the climate of the Indian subcontinent? Also, discuss the impact of the warming of the Himalayas on the Indian subcontinent. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1608,"topper":"Arpit Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7a3c8-546705_1832_arpit_kumar_rank_136.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the vulnerability of India's critical infrastructure to cyber attacks, discuss the various steps taken by the government to boost cyber security. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the role that space technology can play in strengthening India's border security. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss the challenges associated with inclusion of women in armed forces, particularly in combat roles in India. How can these challenges be addressed? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by hybrid warfare? Discuss India's preparedness in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the rationale behind delegating policing powers to Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) in border states. Highlight the issues arising from it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discuss the factors that have helped sustain Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in India. What steps has the government taken in recent times to counter LWE? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Highlight the critical role that the National Security Guard (NSG) plays in ensuring internal security of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Do you agree with the view that India needs to establish a dedicated Space Force to address its military needs? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss how cryptocurrencies can become a tool of money laundering in India. Also, highlight the steps taken by the government in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Radicalisation of youth by extremist organisations poses a serious security risk to India. Discuss. Also, suggest measures for de-radicalisation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Recent events have highlighted that nations with weak militaries cannot sustain themselves against technologically advanced adversaries. Discuss. What lessons can India learn from these events? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The dark web can be an ideal platform for several criminal and terrorist activities. Discuss with examples. Also, suggest measures to tackle the misuse of dark web. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What are Integrated Theatre Commands (ITCs)? Discuss the importance of setting up ITCs in India and challenges in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Decoupling organized crime from terrorism requires a holistic approach. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"India faces a number of security threats and challenges that originate from the seas. Discuss. Also, give an account of the initiatives taken to strengthen the coastal security of India in recent times. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Discuss the extent of the problem of narco-terrorism in India. What measures have been taken by the government to counter and control this problem? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"A mix of internal and external factors pose security threats in North-East India. Discuss. What steps has the government taken to maintain peace and stability in this region? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"In light of the increasing security challenges faced by India, state the need for achieving self-reliance in defence manufacturing. Also, discuss the challenges in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Data privacy laws require a balancing act between personal liberty and sovereign security. Discuss in the context of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1609,"topper":"Arpit Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1146f-546705_2423_arpit_kumar_rank_136.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With suitable examples, discuss how environmental pressure groups enhance public participation and responsiveness with regard to environmental policies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The recent acknowledgment of sex work as a 'profession' by the Supreme Court is merely the first step in ensuring basic rights and equality for sex workers in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the role played by District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) in providing free legal aid and disseminating legal awareness in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"The collegium system has become a victim of its own success, with the concentration of power in the hands of a few, leading to questions about its legitimacy.\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"Civil services reforms must go beyond recruitment and standardised training to cope with the present day challenges.\" Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"Outcome-based finance models such as social impact bonds have the potential to truly catalyse change and deliver socio-economic impact at scale. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"The wide gap between the number of females graduating every year and those entering the workspace is an issue of paramount importance that needs to be addressed. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words) 10\"","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"An up to date and functional Civil Registration System (CRS) is essential to the socio-economic planning in India. Discuss in the light of the recent move of the Central government in revamping the CRS system in the country. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What are the key areas of reform if the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has to align with the current economic realities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In recent years, India's relationship with West Asia has evolved from the confines of geopolitics to expanse of geoeconomics. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The role of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) is significant in furthering healthy competitiveness aimed at inspiring stakeholders to innovate and augment effectiveness. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"\"The menace of paid news often rears its ugly head during elections.\" Discuss the need for making paid news an electoral offence in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the 'Doctrine of Essentiality' referred to by the courts in the context of religious practices in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"As per the recently released report of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), there is an urgent need to limit the size of the government in India. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The Institutions of Eminence (IoE) scheme was conceived to develop 'world-class' centres of higher education in India but six years later, it is yet to become the game changer it was intended to be. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) allows for innovative and convenient public services, help overcome inclusion or accessibility barriers, and increase transparency and accountability with real-time data. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Besides legislation, the full realisation of the 'right to health for all' in India demands plugging of social, financial, and infrastructural gaps. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The 'third gender' has not yet been engendered in the Indian society despite legislative nudge. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Among other factors, strained ties with China and Pakistan make it difficult for India to fulfill its expectations from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"The recently concluded initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) between the United States and India promises a long overdue transformation of their partnership in the field of technology. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1610,"topper":"Arpit Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4e98b-546705_1836_arpit_kumar_rank_136.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The PM-AASHA scheme is aimed at improving procurement mechanism as well as ensuring remunerative prices for farmers. In this context, highlight the various components of the scheme and discuss the concerns associated with it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Explaining the concept of blended finance, discuss the role it can play in mobilizing capital for infrastructure development in developing countries like India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss the challenges faced in the revival and revamp of dry ports in India and state the measures that can be adopted in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Monoculture is one of the major threats to ensuring food security and sustainability of Indian agriculture. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Aapda Mitra - a force of volunteers from across India trained in disaster response - is becoming a game changer in the field of disaster management in the country. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Why is the rise in lone wolf attacks considered as a serious challenge for security agencies around the world? Highlight the role of the internet in exacerbating such attacks. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The fundamental inefficiencies embedded in our military structures and processes are now being addressed through a slew of defence reforms in the country. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"In light of the recent establishment of the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in India, discuss the advantages and challenges in mainstreaming traditional medicine in the country. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Nano Urea Liquid has the potential to transform farming in India and across the world by improving productivity while reducing environmental pollution and input cost. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss the domino effect of high crude oil prices on the Indian economy. Also, enumerate the measures that India can take in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The consistent high operating ratio of the Indian Railways is indicative of its incapability to generate high operational surplus. Explain the reasons behind this trend. Also, highlight the remedial measures taken by the government in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Micro food processing sector is the key driver of growth in the Indian economy as it encourages food processing innovation. In this context, state the challenges faced by the micro food processing sector and discuss how the recent initiatives taken by the government aim to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Despite efforts by successive governments, equitable growth remains elusive and income inequality continues to persist in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Stating the factors that determine the employment situation of an economy in the long-term, discuss the measures that are needed for India to address its unemployment problem. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"In view of the rapidly increasing socio-economic damage caused by disasters, integrating Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) into development planning requires an effective stakeholder engagement mechanism. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Provide an account of the existing carbon trading mechanisms in India. Also, discuss the significance of an efficient carbon trading market in the country and state the challenges that currently exist. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The menace of drug trafficking in India has been on a rise due to a mix of factors, both internal and external. Discuss. Also, state the challenges posed by drug trafficking to India's national security. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The Andaman and Nicobar islands' strategic significance in the Indian Ocean region (IOR) has been underplayed by India's policy of 'masterly inactivity and benign neglect'. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India has recently commissioned the world's first large International Liquid-Mirror Telescope (ILMT). How will the newly commissioned telescope aid in India's astronomical observations and research? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1611,"topper":"Arpit Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9fd5f-546705_1840_arpit_kumar_rank_136.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"While fixed-term employment offers an ingenious way to address specific issues faced by both employers and employees, there are also some concerns associated with it. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"An efficient logistics sector with a focus on warehousing is pivotal to the success of the Bharatmala Pariyojana. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'irrigation scheduling'? Bringing out the advantages provided by it, discuss the difficulties faced in applying it on a farm level. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"While the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana was touted as the largest crop insurance scheme globally in terms of farmer participation, various concerns have arisen since its implementation. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The Stockholm Conference commenced the contemporary \"environmental era\", which brought a paradigm shift in the environmental governance and set a tone for multi-lateral environmental regime. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The world has witnessed a huge surge in climate-induced disasters, which are largely driven by anthropogenic factors. In this context, analyse the role of early warning systems in mitigating the impact of the disasters. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Critically examine the implications of leveraging technology in policing. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"How far do you agree with the view that climate change poses a threat to international peace and security? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by a virtual private network (VPN)? Highlight its advantages and discuss the concerns posed by it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The discovery of the Higgs Boson at the Large Hadron Collider in CERN completed 10 years recently. In this context, discuss the role played by CERN in overall scientific development. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlighting the factors that affect the cropping pattern in India, discuss the need for modifying it in the context of the emerging agro-ecological concerns. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"While the budgetary reforms undertaken by the Central government in recent years have led to better management of government expenditure, there are some issues that still need redressal. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"For India to create a 'future ready' railway system, it must harness innovation and resource efficiency. Discuss the statement in the context of the measures enlisted in the National Rail Plan 2030. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the significance of technology in the Indian agricultural sector. Also, state the challenges in realising its potential to improve agricultural efficiency and increase the income of the farmers. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite the digital transformation in the Public Distribution System (PDS) in India, several challenges still remain. Elaborate. Also, suggest measures to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss the various concerns that exist with regard to fuel efficiency regulations for vehicles in India. Also, suggest the measures that can be taken in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Urban fire is becoming a serious cause of concern in Indian cities. In this context, highlight the major causes behind urban fires in India. What steps can be taken to build robust fire resilience in Indian cities? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Drones in border areas present a serious threat for border management in India. Elaborate. Also, discuss the different measures taken to regulate the use of drones in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Despite a global framework to prevent weaponization of space, it has been increasing in the recent times. Discuss. Also, give an account of the implications of space weaponization. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"What do you understand by a bio-economy? Highlight the role that the National Biotechnology Development Strategy 2021-2025 can play in creating a robust bio-economy in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1612,"topper":"Arpit Kumar","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ARPIT-KUMAR-UPSC-2023-Rank-136-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The influence of ethical principles on shaping socially responsible behavior is widely acknowledged. How do ethical values facilitate individuals in cultivating a proactive and constructive attitude towards fulfilling their social responsibilities? Can the subjective nature of ethical principles lead to divergent attitudes regarding social responsibility? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Through their actions, interactions, and teachings, schools have the power to mold the moral compass of the next generation. In this perspective, discuss the significance of value-based education in preparing the youth to address the contemporary challenges of society. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'situation ethics'? Critically analyze its strengths and weaknesses in making moral judgements. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Maintaining traditional bonds and familial relationships in an increasingly globalized world requires personal relationships to be governed by ethical principles. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Why should a man be moral? Because it strengthens his will.\" - Swami Vivekanand. In this perspective, discuss the significance of morality for bringing efficiency and effectiveness in public administration. Do you think moral rigidity can be a hindrance in good governance? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Civil servants who embody emotional intelligence exhibit a profound understanding of the human aspect of governance, enabling them to cultivate meaningful relationships, foster cooperation, and drive positive change. Examine ways in which Emotional Intelligence can be inculcated in civil servants. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":1613,"topper":"Arpit Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a36e3-546705_2088_arpit_kumar_rank_136.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The principle of double effect is based on the idea that if a person's behaviour or conduct is intended to achieve a goal which is morally good, however, as a result, there is a morally bad side-effect, then it is still acceptable to adopt that particular behaviour or conduct. How far can this principle aid in resolving difficult moral situations? Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Indian Republic chose Ashoka's Lion Capital at Sarnath as its state emblem to reflect the same harmony achieved by him and effect a continuity with his humane policies towards the people of the modern Indian nation. In this background, discuss the ethical teachings that find resonance in Ashoka's life. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Compassion and tolerance are necessities and not luxuries, as without them, humanity cannot survive. How do the values of compassion and tolerance assist in the day-to-day functioning of a civil servant? Explain using suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Transparency is a necessary condition for accountability, but it does not automatically guarantee accountability. Discuss. Under what conditions does transparency lead to accountability? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What does each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \" ' . \"A great man is different from an eminent one in that he is ready to be the servant of the society.\" B.R. Ambedkar (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The concept of ethical corporate governance works on the principle of balance of equity, which seeks to balance the interests of the company, customers, suppliers, financers, government and shareholders on the one hand and the community at large on the other hand. Which values play a central role in ensuring ethical corporate governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Toxic work environment and overwork are social problems, which require the government, labour unions, health officials and corporates to formulate appropriate policies. What are the ethical issues that should be considered while formulating appropriate policies in this regard? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"For leaders, having emotional intelligence is vital for success as it helps them to read and regulate their own emotions while intuitively grasping how others feel and gauging their emotional state. But effective leadership in today's interconnected world necessitates going beyond emotional intelligence and cultivating cultural intelligence. Discuss with illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Probity is confirmed integrity, which is usually regarded as being incorruptible. What is the significance of probity in governance? How important is the role of leadership in fostering probity and ethical governance in public service? Explain using suitable illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Analyse the role of moral attitude in shaping the perception and response to marital rape in India. Explain the ethical considerations in criminalising marital rape in the country. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Apart from consciousness, one needs to possess conscience in order to make ethical decisions. Explain with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Even if the LGBTQIA+ couples live together, legally, they are on a slippery slope. They do not enjoy the rights that married couples do. For example, the LGBTQIA+ couples cannot adopt children or have a child by surrogacy, they do not have automatic rights to inheritance, maintenance and tax benefits, and after a partner passes away, they cannot avail benefits like pension or compensation. Most of all, since marriage is a social institution that is created by and highly regulated by law, without this social sanction, same-sex couples struggle to make a life together. A number of petitions have been filed in recent years in courts for the legal recognition of same-sex marriages. Gender rights campaigners believe that recognizing same-sex marriages is the next logical step after the decriminalization of homosexuality. However, the other point of view is that the concept of marriage ought not to be disturbed or diluted by judicial interpretation. It is argued that a middle path could be for the government to set up a panel to look into the pleas of same sex couples and recommend a way out. As an aware individual, who understands various dimensions of this issue, answer the following: (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) Do you think same-sex marriage should be recognised by the State in India? (c) Critically examine whether law can be effective in bringing about social change.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"As an aware individual, who understands various dimensions of this issue, answer the following: (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) Do you think same-sex marriage should be recognised by the State in India? (c) Critically examine whether law can be effective in bringing about social change.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"After going into some details, he realized that the sales team of his company was indulging in malpractices to lure poor parents to buy courses for their children. He informed this to the head of his department but the head did not seem concerned. Some of his colleagues informed him that this is a normal practice in the ed-tech industry to achieve sales targets. Further, he was also informed that due to the recent funding crunch in start-ups, the company is under severe pressure to show profits, else there will be mass layoffs. (a) Identify the ethical issues associated with the case above. (b) Under the given conditions, what are the options available to Raj? (c) Critically evaluate each of these options. (d) What course of action should Raj adopt? Justify with valid reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"As the Head of the Municipal Corporation, you are faced with a challenging situation wherein two groups of concerned citizens have approached you. One, expressing their frustrations and concerns regarding the menace caused by street dogs in the city and other, taking steps towards encouraging compassion and humane treatment to these silent beings. The first plea highlights the rising incidents of stray dogs' attacking or killing the vulnerable members of society especially children. They point to inadequate sterilisation and vaccination of dogs as exacerbating the situation. They demand the immediate removal of street dogs and their relocation elsewhere. The second plea however points to ineffective animal healthcare and control, illegal breeding centres, pet owners abandoning their pets on the streets as root of the problem. They argue that the system or the people responsible for the situation should be punished, not the animals. Furthermore, India has laws in place that make it illegal to remove a dog from the streets. This means that once a dog is on the streets, it has a \"right\" to stay there unless adopted. Balancing the animals' right to life with human safety concerns is proving to be a difficult task. (a) What are the ethical dilemmas involved in the case? (b) Evaluate the implications of favouring one plea over the other. (c) What course of action would resolve the situation in the immediate as well as long term?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"You are young upright person who has been newly appointed in the Anti-Corruption Bureau of your district. After joining, your office receives a tip-off from an anonymous person that an engineer working with the Municipal Corporation of the city has amassed wealth much beyond his known sources of income and is hand in gloves in corrupt activities. Because the law is clear that anonymous complaints cannot be acted upon, you ignore the complaint. But in the next few weeks, you receive a few more anonymous complaints against the concerned engineer. You begin to make enquiries against the engineer and find that he is indeed a very corrupt officer. Some time later, you make up your mind to conduct raids on his office and house, even though you have not received any official complaint in the prescribed format against him till date. What you unearth during the raids is shocking for you and your staff. You find not only vast amounts of unaccounted currency, much beyond the means of the engineer, but also gold, travel tickets to visits made abroad, reservations in five-star hotels, and a whole bunch of clinching evidence against influential politicians and bureaucrats - appointed in the past as well as present ones - in the district. However, soon after conducting the raid, you start receiving subtle messages from your superiors to drop the investigation in the interest of your own long-term career and the safety and security of your loved ones. They also point out that you had not followed the rules stipulated for conducting the raid, and if the matter were to reach the courts, it would be disposed off in no time due to procedural lapses on your part. Since, you are an upright officer, you ignore these warnings and continue with your investigation. However, soon you are put on administrative leave on the ground of flouting the rules. You also come to know that a few of your juniors have filed a complaint against you for being involved in corruption. They have also complained that you instructed them to extort money from not only the concerned engineer but also the politicians and bureaucrats against whom you unearthed evidence, to put a halt to the investigation. Based on the above scenario, answer the following: (a) Identify the various stakeholders and the issues involved in the case. (b) What options do you have in the given situation? (c) Analyse the merits and demerits of each of these options. (d) Discuss your course of action, with proper justification.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Officer A's social media posts have been prominently picked up and publicised by a local news outlet further escalating the situation. The issue has now gone beyond the realms of the state administration, leading to intense public speculation and media scrutiny. All these events have unfolded on a public platform and have tarnished the image of the civil services and created a disruption in the working of the state administration. The Central Government is closely monitoring the situation and has exerted pressure for appropriate disciplinary action against the officers involved. (a) What are ethical issues involved in this situation? (b) What are the options available to you as the Chief Secretary? (c) Which option would you choose and why?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1614,"topper":"Arpit Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ef55e-546705_2425_arpit_kumar_rank_136.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"For effective corporate governance to take place in the coming years, why is it important to integrate the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics with the multi-stakeholder approach? What benefits can be accrued by such integration? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In acts of corruption, the focus is often only on the demand side of the equation, on public officials who abuse their office for private gain. Frequently, the supply side is given less attention. Those who pay bribes are sometimes depicted as innocent parties and victims of extortionary practices of wily public servants. Do you agree that 'collusive corruption', in which there is a willing bribe-giver, is a formidable challenge for institutions fighting corruption? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Citizens' Charters initiative was a response to the quest for solving the problems, which a citizen encountered, day in and day out, while dealing with the organisations providing public services. But the introduction and implementation of Citizens' Charters in the government of India has been difficult due to the old bureaucratic set up and the rigid attitudes of the work force. Discuss the major obstacles that have been encountered in implementing the Citizens' Charter initiative. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Quality of public service delivery is a major determinant of the quality of life of vulnerable sections in a highly unequal society divided along the lines of class, caste, religion, etc. In this background, do you think that public service delivery is efficient and sufficient enough to improve the lives of vulnerable groups in India? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Wealthy CEOs and founders of successful businesses around the world are increasingly pledging to give away their wealth in philanthropy. Do you think that such a move is sufficient enough to bring about a positive change in the society? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"As organizations across the globe begin their artificial intelligence (AI) transformation, the leap into the AI era is expected to be more challenging than any technology that businesses have grappled with yet. In this background, discuss the concerns around fairness, transparency, and job security that may arise. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The emphasis of Swami Dayanand Saraswati on education, social equality, and ethical values continues to influence the socio-cultural discourse in contemporary India. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Emotional intelligence may not be singularly associated with emotions or intelligence. It can also include a broad range of personality characteristics that might predict success in professional and everyday life. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Traditional forms of state-led accountability, also characterised as vertical and horizontal channels of accountability, are increasingly found to be inadequate, and a myriad of multi-stakeholder and bottom-up citizen directed approaches have come to the fore, to supplement or supplant them. Discuss with illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":33,"question":"With reference to this case study, answer the following: (a) What are the issues involved in this case? (b) What measures can be taken to minimize the negative implications of adopting such technologies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"In the given situation: (a) What dilemmas does Rina face? (b) What options does she have? Provide the merits and demerits of each. (c) Highlight the course of action she should adopt, along with justification for the same. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Additionally, companies like BMW, Volvo, Google and Korean battery maker Samsung SDI, vowed in a statement to not buy metals produced from deep-sea mining until the environmental risks of the activity are \"comprehensively understood.\" In the context of the above-stated information, address the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the given case study? (b) How can the vision of economic development of a nation be achieved without adversely affecting the sustainability of oceans? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":58,"question":"That her wedding will not be held as a private ceremony with only close friends and family, but should be publicised in a grand way, as you had promised earlier to her. Given this situation, answer the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the above situation? (b) What are the various options that you have, as a father and an ambitious politician? (c) What will be your course of action? Justify with proper reasoning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1615,"topper":"Arpit Kumar","air":421,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1b3EK-LCUYG8C2UcVmX4g_O4zoW1qpSi2/view","questions":[]},{"id":1616,"topper":"Arpit Kumar","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/ARPIT-KUMAR-UPSC-2024-Rank-421-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by 'green growth'? Enumerate the measures taken by the government to promote green growth in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"DPI (Digital Public Infrastructure) is a critical enabler of digital transformation for both businesses and citizens; however, it comes with its own set of challenges. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Explain the different types of trade agreements? How is a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) different from a Free Trade Agreement (FTA)? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The rationale behind the MSP system is well acknowledged, but it requires comprehensive reforms to mitigate the unintended consequences on the market and environment. Analyse. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"How can quantum technologies optimize production processes and improve efficiency in the manufacturing sector? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Biofuels can play a role in energy security by reducing India's reliance on imported fossil fuels and diversifying its energy mix. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Alongside the alarming depletion, rising pollution levels of groundwater resources are exacerbating the water crisis in India. In light of the statement, bring out the reasons for groundwater pollution in the country. Suggest remedial measures and mention the initiatives taken by the government in this regard. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are marine heat waves? Throw light on its impact on marine ecosystem and coastal communities. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Elaborate on the need for a clearly articulated National Security Strategy for systematic, consistent and coherent approach towards national security. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"India's precarious location on the drug map makes it extremely vulnerable to drug trafficking. Illustrate. How does drug trafficking affect India's internal security? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The much-cherished demographic dividend of India can be leveraged only if the twin challenges of unemployment and unemployability are addressed holistically. Analyse. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Despite government efforts at 'Make in India', what are the key impediments in making in India? Suggest measures to encourage domestic manufacturing. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"India is one of the largest producers of food, yet Food Processing Industry (FPI) is not well developed in the country. Examine the inhibiting factors and recommend some remedial actions to promote FPIs. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Adoption of millets can provide unique solutions to the problems of nutritional deficiency, ecological degradation, and receding farm incomes; however, the realization of its complete potential is hindered by a slew of factors. Analyse. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Describe how the Gaganyaan mission can help achieve India's broader national objectives. Also, throw light on the key challenges that the mission faces. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Green Hydrogen is necessary for the country to modernize without carbonizing; however, its adoption is beset with several challenges. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Biotechnology, by integrating biological sciences with technological innovations, offers comprehensive solutions to some of the most pressing challenges in food production, waste management and human health. Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Explain the causes and impacts of landslides. Also, discuss the various measures to mitigate their impact, with a special emphasis on National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) guidelines. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"As threats to maritime security evolve, India faces multifaceted challenges that necessitate a comprehensive and proactive approach to safeguard its strategic interests. In light of the statement, throw light on the key maritime security challenges in India. Also, highlight the measures taken by the government to strengthen maritime security in the country. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Bring out the challenges posed by 'hybrid warfare' to the national security and suggest comprehensive counter-measures. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1617,"topper":"Arpit Kumar","air":136,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ARPIT_KUMAR-UPSC-2023-Rank-136-MGP-Answer-Copy-Answer-Writing.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1618,"topper":"Arpit Sangal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/cf3e8-554275_1417_arpit-sangal_rank_53.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Dadabhai Naoroji left an indelible imprint on the national movement. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Quit India movement marked a new direction in the struggle against the British colonial rule in India. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The end of World War II marked the birth of a new international order. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Simla Agreement (1972) and Lahore Declaration (1999) are two key milestones in the history of the Indian subcontinent. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Social security should not only involve economic empowerment but also social empowerment. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Explain with examples how globalisation is manifested in both local in the global and the global in the local. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In light of persistence of various forms of violence against women in India, discuss the ways in which the issue can be addressed effectively. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What is an urban forest? Highlight its benefits and steps taken by the government to promote urban forestry in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"How has globalization impacted the location of the IT industry? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"How can eco-tourism be used to sustainably harness the potential of the tourism industry in India? Discuss the challenges and steps taken by the government in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The advent of Buddhism and Jainism was instrumental in the development of architecture in ancient India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The reactionary policies of Lord Lytton and the liberal policies of his successor Lord Rippon acted as catalyst in the formation of the Indian National Congress. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Gandhiji changed his methods of struggle against the British from time-to-time to suit the varied circumstances and problems that needed to be tackled. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Bring out the relationship between the industrial revolution and the advent of imperialism in different parts of the world. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The caste system in India has continued to persist by adapting itself to a variety of changing socio-economic and political conditions in the past few decades. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"It is argued by some that regionalism is a threat to national integrity while others consider it as a highly impactful tool in facilitating political participation. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Describe the process of rift valley formation, with special emphasis on the Great Rift Valley System. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India's water resources have witnessed rapid depletion due to a mix of economic, geographic, and political factors. Explain and discuss its implications. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How are plateaus formed? Also, briefly discuss the features of the Deccan plateau and its economic significance. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1619,"topper":"Arpit Sangal","air":53,"year":2021,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/17c5b-554275_1418_arpit-sangal_rank_53.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1620,"topper":"Arpit Sangal","air":53,"year":2021,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/026e2-554275_1419_arpit-sangal_rank_53.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1621,"topper":"Arpit Sangal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/06a4f-554275_1406_arpit-sangal_rank_53.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Norms of social morality should not be applied to acts of civil servants while they are carrying out their professional roles and responsibilities to further the common good. Critically analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Determination of ethics in state policies and actions is not easy because every policy and action has both positive and negative aspects viewed from different stakeholders' perspectives. Discuss with suitable examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand by global ethics in today's world? Highlight the role that global ethics can play in achieving universally accepted goals. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlight the important teachings of Swami Vivekananda, relevant to the youth of today. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) Courage is the most important of all the virtues because without courage, you can't practice any other virtue consistently. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Can a war ever be justified on moral grounds? Support your answer with suitable arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Do you think that ethical principles are universal in nature? Justify your answer with relevant examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"For civil servants, both professional competence and commitment to ethics are equally important. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Despite changing family structure, it still plays an important role in nurturing core societal values. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Impartiality as a core value of civil services should not become a hurdle in showing compassion towards weaker sections of the society. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":34,"question":"You are a sportsman who has been recently included in the national team squad for an upcoming international tournament. Many others are fighting for the same position and would like to cement your place in the team as soon as possible. While you are practicing at a training session for the tournament with your fellow team mates, one amongst them offers you a prohibited substance. He claims that it will help you in improving your performance in the tournament. He also informs you that a lot of other team mates also use performance enhancing drugs or PEDs to improve their performance in tournaments. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the options available to you in the above case? Which amongst these will you choose and why? (b) Discuss the ethical issues involved in doping by sportspersons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Recently, the four accused in the rape and murder of a veterinary doctor were shot down by the police while they were in police custody. The police claimed that the four accused were taken to the site of the rape in the early hours of the morning. They managed to snatch two pistols from the policemen, fired and injured two cops, and were shot in retaliation. Soon thereafter, a majority of the public welcomed the news of the police shooting the alleged rapists. Why is it that people applaud these actions of the police? Do you share such sentiments? Justify with relevant arguments.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Public policy is being increasingly informed by insights from the behavioural sciences. One such behavioural approach is the Nudge theory. It is mainly concerned with the design of choices, which influences the decisions we make. Nudge theory proposes that the designing of choices should be based on how people actually think and decide, rather than how leaders and authorities traditionally believe people think and decide. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) Giving examples, illustrate the difference between enforced change and 'Nudge' techniques? (b) Identify the ethical concerns associated with the nudge technique. Also, suggest ways for using nudging theory ethically.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1622,"topper":"Arpit Sangal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d9f5e-554275_1398_arpit-sangal_rank_53.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Bring out Gandhiji's philosophy of Means and Ends. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Probity is an essential condition of good governance. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand by ethical dilemma? Bring out some examples of ethical dilemma often faced by civil servants. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Why are certain rights considered universal in nature? Explain using examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Explain in brief, what you understand by the following: (a) Beliefs (b) Values (c) Norms (d) Ethics (e) Morals (300 words)","marks":null,"words":"300"},{"page":15,"question":"What do you understand by the terms transparency and accountability in administration? Bring out the relationship between the two. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss whether some restrictions on enjoyment of freedom are necessary in the interest of social harmony. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Analyse the role played by family and educational institutions in development of one's character. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"What do you understand by utilitarianism? Illustrate with examples the grounds on which it has been criticized. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'conflict of interest'? How can conflict of interest in public service be resolved? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Today, homosexuality and queer identities may be acceptable to more Indians than ever before, but within the boundaries of family, home and school, acceptance of their sexuality and freedom to openly express their gender choices still remain a constant struggle for LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer) people. While LGBTQ voices heard through several online and real-world platforms form an important part of LGBTQ activism, these expose only a small part of the diverse challenges faced by the community. In light of this situation: (a) Explain the ways in which discrimination against LGBTQs creates problems for them in different aspects of life. (b) What attitudinal changes are necessary to adopt a more humane approach towards this group for their betterment and assimilation in the society?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"In a metropolitan city a new metro rail project has been sanctioned. The project is expected to reduce traffic congestion, lower the pollution levels in the city and save significant amount of fossil fuel. However, the project requires construction of a car shed for the metro terminus station. The city is already very congested and not much land is available except a patch of green belt within the municipal area. Consequently, the municipal corporation's Tree Authority approved a proposal to cut down about 2700 trees to make way for the metro car shed. The approval enraged environment action and citizens' groups who have organized protest rallies demanding withdrawal of this order and conservation of the green belt. The print and electronic media also took up the cause. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the different stakeholders in the given case. Also, bring out the issues involved from the point of view of different stakeholders. (b) If you are the Municipal Commissioner, what course of action will you adopt keeping in mind the interests of different stakeholders?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"The right to protest is an integral part of democracy. But protests often take a violent turn and lead to destruction of life and property. In such situations, it is the duty of the police force to deal with the violent protests and restore normalcy. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What challenges does the police force face in such situations? (b) As the SP in the capital city of a state where such protests often take place, how would you deal with such a situation when faced with it?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"The founding fathers of the Indian Constitution envisaged a neutral, apolitical civil service. The conduct rules governing the All-India Services explicitly prohibit participation of a member of service in politics. It also limits connection of officers with Press or Radio to matters of public interest. And it also prevents them from criticizing the Government in public. (a) Why is it important for civil servants to be politically neutral? (b) Highlight the challenges faced by politically neutral civil servants in different situations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Recently, the Motor Vehicles Act was amended to hike the fines for violations of various traffic rules. While the intention of the amendments was to deter people from violating the law and strictly follow traffic rules in the interest of road safety, these measures are being opposed as it is felt that the fines are too excessive and beyond the reach of common man. (a) In light of this, critically analyse the ethical aspects of the recent amendments. (b) Are legislative measures alone sufficient in bringing about behavioural change?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming economy and society and will almost certainly continue to do so in the coming decades. This transformation will have deep ethical impact, with these powerful new technologies both improving and disrupting human lives. In this context, identify the ethical considerations, if any, of the following issues associated with the use of AI: (a) Privacy (b) AI induced unemployment (c) Potential for misuse","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1623,"topper":"Arpit Sangal","air":53,"year":2021,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1F65o8abqifksSNtEDC_HL36gNsm47uzp","questions":[]},{"id":1624,"topper":"Arpit Singh","air":386,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/ARPIT_SINGH_SS_GS_2_AIR_386_2025_3721300f28.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1625,"topper":"Arpit Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/ARPIT_SINGH_SS_GS_4_AIR_386_2025_cad376447e.pdf","questions":[{"page":43,"question":"In this digital age, social media influencers wield enormous influence in shaping narratives and perceptions. It results in desirable and undesirable outcomes. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the way free thinking is promoted by social media influencers? (b) What should be the role of public figures in promoting ethical values in society? (c) Suggest a policy framework for responsible influencer content. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"You are the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of a leading tech firm that has developed a cutting-edge AI-based system for public service delivery. The system promises to streamline processes, reduce corruption, and improve efficiency. However, during the final testing phase, you discover that the AI model exhibits significant biases against certain marginalized groups, leading to misidentification and potential exclusion from essential services. Additionally, the system's high computational requirements raise serious environmental concerns due to its carbon footprint. Your CEO is pushing for an immediate rollout to meet quarterly targets and secure future investments, arguing that these issues can be addressed through future updates. (a) Identify the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) What are the options available to you? Evaluate each option.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1626,"topper":"Arshad Muhammed","air":276,"year":2021,"paper":"Optional — Public Administration","optional":true,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1u4EshYLmP-PFqkgamfLEY-dIMi2KF8tX","questions":[]},{"id":1627,"topper":"Arshad Muhammed","air":276,"year":2021,"paper":"Optional — Public Administration","optional":true,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1nhpkpfvo2oCptv0K13MoJ2GhcqjU_Gqa","questions":[]},{"id":1628,"topper":"Arshad Qureshi","air":993,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Law","optional":true,"source":"De Facto Law","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.defactolaw.in/_files/ugd/9bce74_1045946168e047109552f828a477eb07.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1629,"topper":"Arth Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/01d61-488737_1394_arth-jain_rank_16.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the value-added, income and expenditure methods of estimating national income.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Explain why Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector is regarded as the 'growth engine' of the Indian economy. Suggest key reforms that are required for improving the overall business climate for MSMEs in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"The average size of holdings has shown a steady declining trend over the last three decades. What are the challenges faced by farmers due to fragmentation of land? What needs to be done in this regard?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Distinguishing between a flexible and fixed exchange rate system, explain how exchange rate is determined under a flexible exchange rate system.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Discuss why enacting appropriate land leasing laws should be given priority in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of a country can not be taken as an index of the welfare of the people of that country. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Bringing out the difference between depreciation and devaluation of a currency, explain how they affect foreign trade of a country.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Explain the mechanism of credit creation by the banking system in an economy. What are the factors that limit such credit creation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"With the help of a diagram, explain the circular flow of income in a simple economy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Explain the meaning of Balance of Payments and give an account of various components included within current and capital account.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Explain the demand-pull and cost-push factors of inflation in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Explain the different quantitative and qualitative policy tools used to regulate money supply in the economy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"What is liquidity trap? Discuss its implications on the economy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Why is the RBI called as the 'lender of last resort'? What other functions are performed by RBI while acting as a banker to commercial banks and the government?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"What are the key issues in fiscal management in India? How can these issues be addressed?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"What is sterilization? Explain how it is deployed by RBI in stabilizing the money supply against external shocks.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Bringing out the difference between fiscal deficit, primary deficit and revenue deficit, explain the implications of a high fiscal deficit on the economy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Explain, in brief, the various components of budget receipts and expenditure.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Highlight the monetary and fiscal measures that can be taken to address the phenomenon of inflation. Also explain their limitations.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1630,"topper":"Arth Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1277c-488737_1391_arth-jain_rank_16.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Enumerate important privileges enjoyed by each House of Parliament collectively and its members individually and also discuss their significance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Give an account of the composition and functions of the Finance Commission as mentioned in the Constitution of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Preamble shows the general purposes behind several provisions in the Constitution, and is a key to the minds of the makers of the Constitution. Explain. Also, comment on the amendability of the Preamble.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Explain the principle of subsidiarity, its importance and discuss how the 73rd constitutional amendment act tries to achieve it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Explaining the importance of an independent judiciary, highlight the relevant Constitutional provisions that safeguard and ensure the independent and impartial functioning of the Supreme Court.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Mention the six freedoms as guaranteed under Article 19 of the Indian Constitution. Also, comment on the way in which the constitution has attempted to strike a balance between individual liberty and interests of society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"With examples, discuss the significance of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in light of costly and time-consuming litigation process in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Explain why the Indian Constitution has been argued to have created a 'federation with a centralising tendency'.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"The parliamentary control over government and administration in India is more theoretical than practical. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Why did the Constituent Assembly replace the original plan to have elected governors in favour of appointment by the President? Also, bring out the arguments that are raised against the current form of appointment of Governors.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Explaining the concept of judicial activism, discuss why it is important for courts not to take over the functions of the legislature or the executive.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Compare the constitutional position of Rajya Sabha with the Lok Sabha in terms of legislative powers. Also bring out special powers given to Rajya Sabha in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Comment upon the distribution of legislative subjects between the Centre and states. Under what circumstances does the Parliament make laws on matters enumerated in the State list?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Explain the significance of the concept of 'separation of powers' in a democracy. What can be the reasons for India not following the doctrine in the strict sense?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Explain the grounds on which a National Emergency can be declared and highlight its effects on Centre-state relations and Fundamental Rights.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Analyze how the CAG ensures financial accountability of the Executive to the Legislature while working as an independent Constitutional body.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Highlight the veto powers of the President of India. How does the veto powers of the Governor differ from that of the President?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Even though the parliamentary system of government in India is largely based on the British parliamentary model it never became a replica of the British system. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"A number of judicial pronouncements and constitutional amendments have altered the balance between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of Sate Policy since the commencement of the constitution. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Highlight the powers and functions of the Election Commission of India (ECI). Also, discuss the issues regarding the independence and impartiality of the ECI.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1631,"topper":"Arth Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/f081a-488737_1414_arth-jain_rank_16.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The right to recall is a much-needed step to deepen democracy in India. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"For the justice delivery system to work for the ordinary citizen, it is imperative that the issues affecting the functioning of the lower courts in India be urgently addressed. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Is anti-defection law a restriction on the freedom of choice of legislators? Examine and also highlight the role played by Speaker in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What are the various issues pertaining to functioning and performance of state legislatures in India? In this context, suggest some measures to make state assemblies more transparent and effective. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Social audit not only increases accountability and transparency but also facilitates good governance. Discuss. Also, highlight the impediments faced in institutionalizing social audits in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Explain the idea behind introduction of citizen's charters in India. Also, discuss the problems faced in their implementation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The Public Distribution System in India has shown laudable improvements, however in the context of migrant workers and those still left out, it needs multiple adjustments. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"While India has shown improvement in a number of socio-economic indicators over the years, considerable work still needs to be done to improve India's performance in the Global Hunger Index. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the border issue between India and Nepal in view of the observation that it is both a testimony to the special relationship and a source of recurring frictions. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The evolving global situation around Covid-19 simultaneously highlights the relevance of the World Health Organisation (WHO) as well as its existing lacunae. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Identifying the different capacity gaps that exist in Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), highlight the need for capacity building of these bodies. What steps have been taken by the government of India in this regard? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Assess the performance of the GST Council as a constitutional body vested with powers to take all major decisions relating to Goods and Services Tax. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Discuss each adjective attached to the word 'Justice' in the 'Preamble'. Highlight some constitutional and legal steps taken towards each of them in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Federal tensions in India highlight the need for reforming the Seventh Schedule through the addition, removal and appropriate placement of entries. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The 'globalisation' discourse has reinforced the role of civil society in the management of many socio-economic areas that hitherto belonged to the State. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Highlighting the need for reforms in civil services with special focus on the Indian Administrative Services (IAS), critically discuss the apprehensions associated with lateral entry in civil services. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Online education is gaining traction in India due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. Identify the different challenges that need to be addressed before it can emerge as a feasible alternative to classroom learning in India. Suggest some measures to address the above-identified challenges. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"In recent times, Randomised Control Trials (RCTs) have acquired salience in policy debates. In the context of poverty alleviation programmes in India, discuss the role RCTs can play in policy formulation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Internationally the rise of protectionism and changing approach of many countries towards migration may have a significant impact on the Indian Diaspora. Explain. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1632,"topper":"Arth Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b6e72-488737_1398_arth-jain_rank_16.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Bring out Gandhiji's philosophy of Means and Ends. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Probity is an essential condition of good governance. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand by ethical dilemma? Bring out some examples of ethical dilemma often faced by civil servants. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Why are certain rights considered universal in nature? Explain using examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Explain in brief, what you understand by the following: (a) Beliefs (b) Values (c) Norms (d) Ethics (e) Morals (300 words)","marks":null,"words":"300"},{"page":15,"question":"What do you understand by the terms transparency and accountability in administration? Bring out the relationship between the two. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss whether some restrictions on enjoyment of freedom are necessary in the interest of social harmony. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Analyse the role played by family and educational institutions in development of one's character. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"What do you understand by utilitarianism? Illustrate with examples the grounds on which it has been criticized. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'conflict of interest'? How can conflict of interest in public service be resolved? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Today, homosexuality and queer identities may be acceptable to more Indians than ever before, but within the boundaries of family, home and school, acceptance of their sexuality and freedom to openly express their gender choices still remain a constant struggle for LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer) people. While LGBTQ voices heard through several online and real-world platforms form an important part of LGBTQ activism, these expose only a small part of the diverse challenges faced by the community. In light of this situation: (a) Explain the ways in which discrimination against LGBTQs creates problems for them in different aspects of life. (b) What attitudinal changes are necessary to adopt a more humane approach towards this group for their betterment and assimilation in the society?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"In a metropolitan city a new metro rail project has been sanctioned. The project is expected to reduce traffic congestion, lower the pollution levels in the city and save significant amount of fossil fuel. However, the project requires construction of a car shed for the metro terminus station. The city is already very congested and not much land is available except a patch of green belt within the municipal area. Consequently, the municipal corporation's Tree Authority approved a proposal to cut down about 2700 trees to make way for the metro car shed. The approval enraged environment action and citizens' groups who have organized protest rallies demanding withdrawal of this order and conservation of the green belt. The print and electronic media also took up the cause. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the different stakeholders in the given case. Also, bring out the issues involved from the point of view of different stakeholders. (b) If you are the Municipal Commissioner, what course of action will you adopt keeping in mind the interests of different stakeholders?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"The right to protest is an integral part of democracy. But protests often take a violent turn and lead to destruction of life and property. In such situations, it is the duty of the police force to deal with the violent protests and restore normalcy. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What challenges does the police force face in such situations? (b) As the SP in the capital city of a state where such protests often take place, how would you deal with such a situation when faced with it?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"The founding fathers of the Indian Constitution envisaged a neutral, apolitical civil service. The conduct rules governing the All-India Services explicitly prohibit participation of a member of service in politics. It also limits connection of officers with Press or Radio to matters of public interest. And it also prevents them from criticizing the Government in public. (a) Why is it important for civil servants to be politically neutral? (b) Highlight the challenges faced by politically neutral civil servants in different situations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Recently, the Motor Vehicles Act was amended to hike the fines for violations of various traffic rules. While the intention of the amendments was to deter people from violating the law and strictly follow traffic rules in the interest of road safety, these measures are being opposed as it is felt that the fines are too excessive and beyond the reach of common man. (a) In light of this, critically analyse the ethical aspects of the recent amendments. (b) Are legislative measures alone sufficient in bringing about behavioural change?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming economy and society and will almost certainly continue to do so in the coming decades. This transformation will have deep ethical impact, with these powerful new technologies both improving and disrupting human lives. In this context, identify the ethical considerations, if any, of the following issues associated with the use of AI: (a) Privacy (b) AI induced unemployment (c) Potential for misuse","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1633,"topper":"Artika Shukla","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/visionias_9582_635_Artika.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Mughal chronicles present the empire as comprising many different ethnic and religious communities; the emperor stood at the centre of it and ensured that justice and peace prevailed. Elaborate in the context of sulh-i kul as described by Abu'l Fazl.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Nalanda school of sculpture was the culmination of a synthesis between the local tradition and surrounding areas. Elaborate. Also enumerate the features that make the Nalanda art distinct.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss the contribution of Vijayanagar Empire to Indian art and architecture.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"The striking thing about modern India is that the men and women who made its history also wrote more authoritatively about it. In this context, highlight the literary contributions of B.R. Ambedkar, Jawaharlal Nehru and M.K. Gandhi.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Railways, which served as an important tool of industrial revolution in many western countries, acted in India as a catalyst of colonization. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Highlight the salient features of British policy towards Princely states during the 20th century. How did the policy of Indian National Congress evolve towards democratic movements in the Princely States?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1634,"topper":"Artika Shukla","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/visionias_9582_624_Artika.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"How has the process of liberalisation, which has otherwise led to high economic growth, affected the employment rate and the nature of employment in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Even though the Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana is an accelerated effort towards financial inclusion, mere opening of bank accounts will not transform into financial inclusion in India. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Successive Finance Commissions have tried to balance the twin issues of fiscal discipline and regional disparities. Yet, they have been criticized by both the rich and poor states for neglecting their needs. Discuss. How far has the $14^{\\text{th}}$ Finance Commission been able to address this issue?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the importance of unorganised sector in the Indian economy. Examine the measures taken by the government to overcome the challenges faced by the unorganized sector in the country.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"\"Labour reforms are often cited as the key to unlock the potential of Indian economy.\" In this context discuss the importance of labour reforms in India. Enumerate the measures taken by the government recently in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"MUDRA bank has been termed as a game changer for micro finance sector in the country. What are the objectives of MUDRA Bank? Is there a need of such an institution when there already are multiple schemes and institutions operating for the same purpose?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Despite one of the longest coastlines in the world, India's port facilities and shipping industry are beset by numerous problems. Explain. Discuss some of the corrective measures taken by the government to overcome these problems.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"\"Make in India initiative is a big step in the direction towards making India an investment hub for manufacturing but what we need is Make for India and not Make in India\". Critically analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Despite being an efficient and cheap means of transport, railway has consistently lost its share of freight to road transport. Enumerate the reasons for the same. How far can the high speed freight corridor help in addressing this issue?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"\"Recently decline in fiscal deficit has mainly come through reduction in expenditure rather than by the way of realization of higher revenue\". Comment. Discuss the challenges in revenue mobilization in India and measures required to address this issue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"What are Offshore Rupee Bonds? Giving examples, discuss their benefits with regards to mobilisation of resources for domestic sector. Also, comment on their role in internationalisation of Indian Rupee.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Unlike many other countries, small enterprises in India remain small and even shrink. Bring out the factors responsible for such a trend in India. What steps have been taken by the government in this regard?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"How is the newly proposed GST different from the present tax system for goods and services? Examine the benefits that can accrue to the Indian economy with its introduction. Discuss the various issues in the implementation of GST in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"\"A new way of measuring GDP created the world's fastest-growing major economy overnight\". In the context of India analyse the benefits and concerns raised by the new methodology adopted to calculate GDP figures by the Central Statistical Organisation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"In recent years, savings rate in the Indian economy has witnessed a consistent decline. What are the factors responsible for this trend? How has the composition of savings changed in the last few years? Suggest measures to improve and better channelize household savings.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Increase in the cap for FDI in Insurance sector to 49% was long due. How is it going to benefit the insurance sector in India? What are main reasons for the opposition to this move?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"\"Dedicated freight corridors have a huge potential to revive the manufacturing sector in the country\" Explain. What are the various issues which have slowed down the implementation of these projects?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"How is the EPC model of investment in infrastructure different from the BOT model? What are reasons behind a favorable push for the EPC model over PPP in road sector in recent years?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1635,"topper":"Artika Shukla","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/visionias_9582_634_Artika.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Even though women may have equal skills, qualifications and commitment as men, they face much more difficulty in rising up the leadership hierarchy. Discuss the reasons for the same. Also, explain the importance of having gender parity in positions of leadership.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"All correct decisions are honest and all incorrect decisions are dishonest. Do you agree? How should the correctness and incorrectness of a decision be decided?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Should birth control be a voluntary exercise or a government policy in a country? In this regard, examine the ethical dimensions of having a One Child Policy in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"An organisation consists of a variety of individuals with varying values and degrees of motivation. What challenges do leaders face when forging a harmonious work culture in such an organisation? How can leaders engender a sense of inclusion in face of such diversity?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Notwithstanding compassion and morality, it is national interest that ultimately determines a country's decisions in international relations. Discuss this statement in the context of the current refugee crisis.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"What are the ethical issues involved in climate change negotiations? Suggest some strategies to address the divergence in ethical positions of different nations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Why is there a need for Performance Management System in an outcome oriented government? Evaluate the feasibility of peer review in context of Indian civil services.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Discretionary power in the hands of public servants is a necessary evil. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"The landmark judgment by the Supreme Court of India recognized the transgender as a third sex. What attitudes do you notice towards the transgender people in India? Discuss some steps to facilitate a dignified life for the transgender people.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"What key characteristics of a person conveying a message make it more persuasive? When celebrities endorse a product, they do so knowing that their endorsement will persuade people to buy it. What duty do they have towards the consumers?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"It is said that child labor cannot be ethical at all. Do you agree? Discuss with respect to the proposed amendments to the Child Labour Act.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Are emotions an inhibiting factor in effective decision-making? Discuss in the context of public services.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"What do you understand by the Sarvodaya philosophy of Gandhiji? Why is Sarvodaya relevant for civil servants in India?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1636,"topper":"Artika Shukla","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iKN6fVbJxMHEcJq9ohCRKCAs7n-q1BfV/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) Even though women may have equal skills, qualifications and commitment as men, they face much more difficulty in rising up the leadership hierarchy. Discuss the reasons for the same. Also, explain the importance of having gender parity in positions of leadership.","marks":"10","words":"not more than 150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) All correct decisions are honest and all incorrect decisions are dishonest. Do you agree? How should the correctness and incorrectness of a decision be decided?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) Should birth control be a voluntary exercise or a government policy in a country? In this regard, examine the ethical dimensions of having a One Child Policy in India.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) An organisation consists of a variety of individuals with varying values and degrees of motivation. What challenges do leaders face when forging a harmonious work culture in such an organisation? How can leaders engender a sense of inclusion in face of such diversity?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":11,"question":"3. (a) Notwithstanding compassion and morality, it is national interest that ultimately determines a country's decisions in international relations. Discuss this statement in the context of the current refugee crisis.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) What are the ethical issues involved in climate change negotiations? Suggest some strategies to address the divergence in ethical positions of different nations.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":15,"question":"4. (a) Why is there a need for Performance Management System in an outcome oriented government? Evaluate the feasibility of peer review in context of Indian civil services.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":17,"question":"4. (b) Discretionary power in the hands of public servants is a necessary evil. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":19,"question":"5. (a) The landmark judgment by the Supreme Court of India recognized the transgender as a third sex. What attitudes do you notice towards the transgender people in India? Discuss some steps to facilitate a dignified life for the transgender people.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":21,"question":"5. (b) What key characteristics of a person conveying a message make it more persuasive? When celebrities endorse a product, they do so knowing that their endorsement will persuade people to buy it. What duty do they have towards the consumers?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":23,"question":"6. It is said that child labor cannot be ethical at all. Do you agree? Discuss with respect to the proposed amendments to the Child Labour Act.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":25,"question":"7. Are emotions an inhibiting factor in effective decision-making? Discuss in the context of public services.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":27,"question":"8. What do you understand by the Sarvodaya philosophy of Gandhiji? Why is Sarvodaya relevant for civil servants in India?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":29,"question":"9. You are the leader of a 5 member team that has been assigned to carry out social impact assessment of a project proposed in a Naxal area. Members have been allotted a remote village each to conduct surveys and ascertain views of local people. You are under strict instructions not to disclose the identity of respondents outside the project. While compiling data, you are puzzled by the responses from one of the villages. You accompany the point-person for that village next day for verification. You randomly pick a person from the list of respondents and ask her for clarification of the response she had given earlier. She seems confused and denies any knowledge of the survey being conducted, let alone she being questioned. You try to verify this from other respondents and get similar replies. This raises serious doubts about the integrity and credibility of the survey process.\n(a) What are the ethical issues involved in the situation?\n(b) As a team leader accountable for credibility of the survey and working on a hard timeline, what are the possible options before you? List their merits and demerits.\n(c) Giving reasons, state the course of action you would follow.","marks":"20","words":"in around 250"},{"page":34,"question":"10. Gajendra, once a struggling film actor, was accused and later exonerated of rape charges, which the jury found out to be motivated and fake. Not able to cope up with the situation, he changed profession and moved on. Thirty years later, while his closest friends know about the incident but his co-workers do not. One day, out of curiosity, he searches for his name on the internet, and to his surprise, finds that the third entry that comes up is an old report in a local newspaper about the rape charges he faced. Gajendra is upset; after all these years, he would like to be able to disclose the event only to whomever he wants. He has heard about the decision of European Court of Justice which allows individuals to submit requests to a search engine to remove certain results from searches on their names, and citing the same, requests the search engine and media outlet to remove the results.\n Valid arguments can be advanced for making the Right to be Forgotten a fundamental right? What those arguments could be? What limitations, if any, can it be subjected to? Should there be any obligations on the search engines regarding cases which are no longer relevant, as the one mentioned above?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":39,"question":"11. You are the officer in charge of overseeing refugees' related issues in a multilateral humanitarian organisation. There is an ethnicity based civil war going on in a region and as a result, many people are being displaced. Hitherto, the economically better-off neighbouring countries have accommodated the streams of migrants with financial support from your organisation. The violence in the region has increased recently and the flux of people seeking refuge has grown substantially. With countries sealing their borders, the refugees are left in a vulnerable situation. You are sent to negotiate for humanitarian settlement of refugees with the neighbouring countries, who also happen to be a powerful economic bloc. However, they refuse any more accommodation on the following grounds:\n(a) Drainage of resources in face of subdued economic conditions.\n(b) Domestic political repercussions.\n(c) Rehabilitation will encourage more influx and indirectly fuel the persecutors.\n(d) Permanency of settlement in face of better prospects than at home.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":44,"question":"12. You are a Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) in an urban district. The forest cover in the district is as low as 11% and it needs to be increased as per government guidelines. By ecological and environmental perspective also it is imperative that more trees should be planted. However, you find out that while there is a grant of Rs. 1.5 crore for your division to plant trees under the Hariyali Scheme, most of this fund is lying unused. Since, it is December and as per government rules all the unused grant should be returned to the government as the financial year closes, it seems you will have to return the money completely. Also, there are strong indications from the ministry that government is mulling over a budgetary cut on Hariyali mission because most of the funds go unused. There is a strong possibility that if you return the money in this financial year you wont get it in the next financial year and even if you get, it will be a very insignificant amount. Indicate various options that you think are available in this situation. Evaluate these options and choose the most appropriate path to be adopted?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":49,"question":"13. You, an anthropologist, have developed cordial relations with a tribal community which was hitherto isolated from rest of the humanity. Notwithstanding increased interest of researchers and media for the newly discovered tribe, you are the only person from outside whom they trust. They are ardent believers in their goddess and, trusting you, take you to her abode on a holy mountain. To your surprise, you find that the mountain is a reservoir of Uranium that can be used in your power-starved country's nuclear power plants. Besides, you are aware that Uranium being radioactive, it is highly risky to go near the mountain. You try to convince the people about harmful effects it can have and the utilitarian value that it possess for the country. However, they are in no mood to argue and politely ask you to leave. You fear that very soon the outside world will find about this and the vulnerable tribe would be displaced from their land.\n(a) Evaluate the following courses of action which you can take for their ethical merits and demerits:\ni. You would continue to convince the people yourself about the possible consequences and urge them to relocate.\nii. You would call in local and national NGOs for protecting the rights of the people against the State and file a PIL in Supreme Court if the State proceeds with dispossession.\niii. You would yourself tell the government and the scientific community about the reserves and let them proceed in their own way.\n(b) Without restricting yourself to the above options, state the course of action that you would take and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"14. A junior member of staff has just returned to work after taking special leave to care for her elderly mother. For financial reasons she needs to work full-time. She has been having difficulties with her mother's home care arrangements, causing her to miss a number of team meetings (which usually take place at the beginning of each day) and to leave work early. She is very competent in her work but her absences are putting pressure on her and her overworked colleagues. You are her manager, and you are aware that the flow of work through the practice is coming under pressure. One of her male colleagues is beginning to make comments such as \"a woman's place is in the home\", and is undermining her at every opportunity, putting her under even greater stress.\nWhat possible steps can you take to ensure that the work of the team does not suffer while also taking other humanitarian considerations into account.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1637,"topper":"Arun Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/065ce-1445517_2365_arun_kumar_rank_911.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"How has the absence of effective and equitable land reforms contributed to the persistence of poverty in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Comment on how the Unified Payment Interface (UPI) has unleashed financial inclusion in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss the role of Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) in supporting India's economic growth and infrastructure development. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"India needs to leverage its comparative advantage in food processing to transform the sector into a global powerhouse. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"How do plastics contribute to climate change? Why has India not been successful at controlling plastic pollution despite initiating several measures? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Explain the causes of frequent stampedes at public places in India. How can such incidents be prevented? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What are the latest advancements in the field of humanoid robots? Discuss the issues surrounding the impact of these robots on society. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"How has recombinant DNA technology revolutionized genetic engineering? Provide examples to illustrate its impact. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"New and evolving tactics employed by non-state actors in Jammu and Kashmir have created significant security challenges in the region. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Why has there been an uneven tilt towards water-intensive cropping pattern in India? Discuss the measures that can be implemented to ensure a sustainable water-use cropping pattern. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Mainstreaming climate change concerns within the development agenda requires integration of climate finance into the budgeting process. In this light, discuss the need for climate budgeting in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"What role do Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) play in the storage and marketing of agricultural produce in India? Comment on the significance of the recently launched 'World's Largest Grain Storage Plan in Cooperative Sector'. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The expansion of existing airports and the development of new airports in India can provide benefits beyond merely improving travel connectivity. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"India is on the cusp of a significant transformation in its energy sector and is set to substantially augment the country's energy capacity. What makes this transformation sustainable and inclusive? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in its recent report emphasizes that carbon dioxide removal (CDR) will be necessary to achieve net negative CO2 emissions. What is CDR? Describe the different methods to attain CDR and discuss the associated challenges. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What makes India vulnerable to flood-related hazards? Giving suitable examples, analyse the causes for flood-related disasters in various parts of India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"How do ISRO's Aditya-L1 mission and NASA's Parker Solar Probe differ in their study of the sun? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Bring out the detrimental impact of money laundering on the economy and national security of India. Discuss the challenges faced in countering this menace. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Defence exports are a strategic imperative for India to enhance its stature on the global stage. Discuss. What are the measures adopted by the government to bolster defence exports? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1638,"topper":"Arun Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1545b-1445517_2364_arun_kumar_rank_911.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the criticisms faced by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in fulfilling its mandate of investigating offences of money laundering and violations of foreign exchange laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Why are the Departmentally Related Standing Committees (DRSCs), also known as 'Mini Parliament', not effective in carrying out their functions? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What are the similarities and differences with regard to the separation of powers in India, USA, and UK? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Though measures adopted by the Central government have impacted state finances, the state governments themselves are mainly responsible for the financial challenges they face. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The Supreme Court of India recently recognised that the right against the adverse impacts of climate change is intertwined with the right to life and equality. Discuss the role played by the judiciary in constitutionalization of environmental issues. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"SHG federations have emerged as an important institutional innovation to sustain SHGs in India. Discuss. What inadequacies hamper their functioning? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Frequent transfers are a pervasive problem among the higher civil service in India. Discuss the drawbacks associated with frequent transfers of civil servants and suggest reforms to overcome this issue. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Despite being a major food producer and implementing extensive nutrition programmes, why does India continue to struggle with the malnutrition crisis? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"India's close engagements with Iran would continue even if it may cause discomfort with the West.\" In the light of the above statement, explain why maintaining a relationship with Iran is significant for India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the role of the India-China Border Peace and Tranquility Agreement (BPTA) in effectively diffusing border tensions between India and China. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"To what extent, in your opinion, can holding simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies augment overall governance in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The Indian Constitution is a living document that has evolved with time to reflect the changing needs and aspirations of the society. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"How do the deficiencies in the Indian criminal justice system impact the human rights of undertrial prisoners? What reforms are necessary to address these deficiencies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Why has the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) not been able to effectively carry out its role as the watchdog of human rights in India? What are the reasons that have prevented it from getting accreditation from the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI)? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the background and key provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. List the implementation challenges that the Act faces. What measures can improve its effectiveness? Refer to Supreme Court judgments in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"With issues of prejudice and partisanship associated with Speakers of State Legislative Assemblies, should the powers under the anti-defection law be taken away from their hands? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Recently, the UGC released regulations for establishment and operation of campuses by foreign universities in India. Discuss the reasons for allowing the entry of Foreign Higher Educational Institutions (FHEIs) in India. What are the major obstacles in ensuring their smooth entry? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"To what extent has the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) achieved its core objectives? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"\"Changing geopolitical realities make the strategic location of the Bay of Bengal crucial to the wider concept of the Indo-Pacific.\" In the light of the above statement, discuss the role of the BIMSTEC in enhancing regional cooperation and promoting stability. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Discuss how India's expanding defence diplomacy strengthens its influence in the neighbourhood. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1639,"topper":"Arun Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e2bd8-1445517_2366_arun_kumar_rank_911.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"How can the family effectively transmit core moral principles in an era dominated by digital influences? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Though conscience generally serves as a crucial guide in ethical decision-making, it is sometimes fraught with limitations. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What ethical principles should govern the utilization of public funds? Discuss the moral implications of using taxpayer money to bail out large corporations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Probity means more than just the avoidance of corrupt or dishonest conduct. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What does the following quotation convey to you in the present context. (a) \"To educate a man in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society.\" - Theodore Roosevelt (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.\" - Henry Ford (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"\"Laws are silent in times of war.\" - Cicero (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Good corporate governance is about intellectual honesty and not just sticking to rules and regulations. Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"In general, the higher a position in an organization, the more emotional intelligence matters. Do you agree with this view? Give reasons in support of your answer. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In addition to neutrality and non-partisanship, tolerance and inclusion are other important values that facilitate the civil servants to be more competent in a diverse country like India. Explain with suitable illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What are the key principles of public service delivery? Discuss the challenges associated with providing effective public service delivery in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"When it comes to attitudinal change towards sustainable development, behavioural nudges are the way forward. Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"What lessons can be learnt from the life of Mother Teresa? Discuss their relevance in the contemporary world. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You are the Superintendent of Police in a city hosting a major religious festival at a temple. The event is expected to attract over a million pilgrims, far exceeding the temple's infrastructure capacity. Despite extensive planning and precautionary measures, a sudden crowd surge near the main shrine entrance has resulted in a stampede, causing multiple casualties and numerous injuries. The situation has escalated, with panic spreading among the devotees present at the temple. Adding to the complexity, instances of fake news are rapidly circulating through WhatsApp groups and social media platforms, falsely attributing the stampede to communal clashes. This misinformation is causing widespread panic among the general public and threatens to ignite communal riots in the district. As the Superintendent of Police, you find yourself at the center of this crisis, faced with the dual challenge of managing the immediate aftermath of the stampede and countering the spread of potentially dangerous misinformation. (a) Identify the key stakeholders involved in this case. (b) Explain the measures you, as the Superintendent of Police, will take to address the stampede situation and curb the spread of fake news through social media. (c) Discuss the ethical considerations you must keep in mind while implementing these measures, particularly in balancing public safety with individual rights and religious sentiments. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Ravi Sharma, a renowned movie actor, finds himself in an ethical dilemma regarding a lucrative endorsement deal offered by a prominent bottled water company. However, the bottled water company is a subsidiary of a major alcohol brand, and the water bottles carry the same branding as the alcohol products. The advertising campaign is designed to reinforce the alcohol brand's image under the guise of promoting a healthy product. Ravi is known for his socially responsible public image and advocacy for healthy living. He is deeply aware of the harmful effects of alcohol, having lost a close family member to an alcohol-related illness. However, the financial reward from this endorsement deal is substantial and could significantly support Ravi's philanthropic activities, particularly his initiatives for providing education and healthcare to underprivileged communities. This situation places Ravi at a crossroads, forcing him to choose between accepting a deal that could indirectly promote alcohol use and rejecting it on ethical grounds, potentially foregoing significant funding for his charitable work. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in Ravi's decision to endorse the bottled water product?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the broader implications of celebrity endorsements and their influence on public health and consumer behaviour. (c) How can public figures like Ravi use their influence to promote ethical business practices in the advertising industry? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"As the District Magistrate, you are faced with the challenge of addressing both the immediate crisis and the systemic issues that have led to this situation. (a) Identify the key stakeholders involved in this case and their respective interests. (b) Discuss the immediate measures you will take to provide relief to the affected farming community. (c) Discuss the ethical dilemmas you might face while implementing your chosen course of action and how you would navigate them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Mr. V, recently appointed as the head of Aztack's India division, faces a significant ethical dilemma regarding the company's baby food products. Recently, it has come to public attention that Aztack's baby products in India contain nearly 3 grams of sugar per serving, while similar products in wealthier nations like Germany and the UK have no added sugar. Aztack defends this practice, stating that the sugar levels comply with local regulations. However, the nutritional information on these products omits details about added sugars. This revelation has sparked backlash from civil society, NGOs, and health experts, who argue that added sugar in baby products is dangerous and unnecessary. The criticism is growing, putting Aztack's reputation and market position at risk. Mr. V faces a serious challenge. Removing these baby products from the market could result in significant financial losses for the company, potentially leading to employee layoffs and even the possibility of the company shutting down, given its already precarious financial state. The senior management is pressuring him to resolve the issue without making drastic changes that could affect the company's profit. (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) Evaluate the options available to Mr. V in the above situation. (c) Which of the above would be the most appropriate option for Mr.V and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Sagar Mehta, a 42-year-old professional with an impeccable track record in the corporate world, had recently accepted the position of CEO at Infratech Solutions, one of India's largest infrastructure companies. Known for its expertise in designing and constructing roads and bridges, Infratech had built a strong reputation over the past three decades, primarily working on projects for state public works departments and occasionally securing contracts with national agencies. For Sagar, this role was the culmination of 15 years of hard work and dedication. He had climbed the corporate ladder through sheer talent and integrity, always adhering to ethical business practices. His appointment as CEO of Infratech was seen as a breath of fresh air in an industry often marred by controversies. Eight months into his new role, Sagar was feeling confident about the direction in which he was steering the company. He had implemented new technologies, streamlined processes, and was pushing for more sustainable practices in their projects. One evening, while reviewing some financial documents, Sagar noticed a pattern of large outflows to various obscure entities just before major contract announcements. Intrigued and slightly concerned, he decided to dig deeper. He found out that Infratech had been making substantial political donations to the election campaigns of ruling party members in states where they were bidding for contracts. These donations were carefully timed and strategically distributed to maximize the company's chances of securing lucrative government projects. Sagar had always prided himself on running clean operations. Determined to address this issue, Sagar raised the matter at the next Board meeting. To his shock and dismay, the Board of Directors not only acknowledged the practice but also strongly defended it. The message was clear - the Board expected Sagar to continue this practice, and any deviation could jeopardize just not the company's stability but also his position as CEO. As Sagar left the meeting, he felt the weight of this ethical dilemma bearing down on him. On the one hand, he was responsible for the company's success and the livelihoods of thousands of employees who depended on Infratech. On the other hand, he was now complicit in a practice that he found ethically questionable and potentially illegal. (a) State the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) Evaluate the options available to Sagar. (c) What should be his course of action? Give reasons to support your answer. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"As you stand there, torn between your professional duty and your love for your daughter, you realize the weight of the decision before you. The integrity of the entire examination system hangs in the balance, as does the future of millions of students - including your own child. (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) As a person responsible for ensuring exam protocols, what are the options available to you? What course of action will you follow and why?(Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1640,"topper":"Arun Malviya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8cc2e-1206849_2063_arun_malviya_rank_893.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Explain the importance of a Constitution in the context of a democratic country like India. (Answer in 200 words)","marks":null,"words":"200"},{"page":5,"question":"Bring out the differences between 'coming together federations' and 'holding together federations' with examples. (Answer in 200 words)","marks":null,"words":"200"},{"page":14,"question":"What do you understand by rule of law? Explain, how this idea is reflected in the Constitution of India. (Answer in 200 words) 12.5","marks":null,"words":"200"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain the concept of separation of powers. What are the provisions in the Indian Constitution, which reflect separation of powers? (Answer in 200 words) 12.5","marks":null,"words":"200"},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss the veto powers of the President of India. (Answer in 200 words)","marks":null,"words":"200"},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss the role of the Departmentally Related Standing Committees in strengthening parliamentary democracy in India. (Answer in 200 words)","marks":null,"words":"200"},{"page":26,"question":"What do you understand by pressure groups? Citing examples, state the different types of techniques used by pressure groups. (Answer in 200 words) 12.5","marks":null,"words":"200"},{"page":29,"question":"Enumerate the composition and functions of the National Commission for Women (NCW). Also, highlight the initiatives taken by the Commission to give an impetus to women empowerment. (Answer in 200 words) 12.5","marks":null,"words":"200"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight the devolution of powers under the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts. Do you think the process of devolution has been less than satisfactory so far? (Answer in 200 words)","marks":null,"words":"200"},{"page":35,"question":"Although quasi-judicial bodies have powers resembling those of the judicial bodies, there are important points of distinction between the two. Elaborate. (Answer in 200 words)","marks":null,"words":"200"},{"page":40,"question":"The basic structure doctrine of the Indian Constitution is a judicial innovation. Analyse. (Answer in 200 words)","marks":null,"words":"200"},{"page":43,"question":"Highlight the various challenges in ensuring cooperative federalism in India. Also, suggest measures to foster cooperative federalism. (Answer in 200 words)","marks":null,"words":"200"},{"page":46,"question":"Despite having features borrowed from Constitutions of various other countries, the Constitution of India remains unique. Discuss. (Answer in 200 words)","marks":null,"words":"200"},{"page":49,"question":"Is there a need to rationalize the large number of ministries in the Government of India? Discuss with logical arguments. (Answer in 200 words)","marks":null,"words":"200"},{"page":52,"question":"Provide an account of the role of UPSC. Also, enumerate the Constitutional provisions to safeguard and ensure the independence and impartial functioning of the UPSC. (Answer in 200 words)","marks":null,"words":"200"},{"page":55,"question":"What are tribunals? How is Article 323A different from Article 323B of the Indian Constitution? (Answer in 200 words)","marks":null,"words":"200"},{"page":57,"question":"On what grounds can President's Rule be imposed in a state? Also, mention the procedure of its imposition and its effects. (Answer in 200 words)","marks":null,"words":"200"}]},{"id":1641,"topper":"Arun Malviya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/cc384-1206849_2069_arun_malviya_rank_893.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the various forms of regionalism that have emerged in India since independence.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Although globalisation has created new opportunities for women in India, it has created some issues as well. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Explain the concept of Social Impact Assessment and state its significance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Bring out the changes that have been witnessed in the caste system over the past few decades.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Enumerate the salient features of Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan. Also, highlight the challenges that need to be overcome to make the initiative a success.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"What are the challenges faced by the transgender community? Enumerate the various steps taken to address these challenges.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Right to information and transparency in administration are prerequisites for good governance. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"Analyse the significance and challenges associated with the adoption of e-governance in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Discuss how Citizen's Charter has emerged as an innovative tool for reinforcing citizen-centric governance. Also, list the various constraints faced in its effective implementation in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"Although bureaucracy may seem to be at odds with democracy, it is much needed for the effective functioning of a democracy. Discuss in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"The potential of digital education cannot be fully realised unless the challenges of digital divide are overcome. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"Provide an account of the role played by NGOs in rural development in India, with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"India has a unique opportunity to develop before population ageing sets in. In this context, analyse how India can reap its demographic dividend going forward.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Despite various measures, why does manual scavenging continue to persist in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"Highlight the significance of Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana and discuss the issues associated with it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"National e-Governance Plan in Agriculture (NeGPA) is a positive move towards digitizing agriculture in India. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"What do you understand by minimum government and maximum governance? State the initiatives taken by the government in this regard in recent times.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":56,"question":"Give an account of the role played by women's organisations to improve the status of women in post-independent India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":59,"question":"Highlight the measures taken by the government to promote Self Help Groups (SHGs) in India. Also, discuss the issues that SHGs continue to face.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1642,"topper":"Arun Malviya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b3909-1206849_2070_arun_malviya_rank_893.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Differentiating between courage and bravery, discuss why courage is often thought of as the first of all virtues. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss how social, cultural and religious factors act as determinants of ethics. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Bring out the relevance of the teachings of Gautam Buddha in contemporary times. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"If one takes care of the means the end will take care of itself. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Explain the relevance of the following in the context of civil services: (i) Impersonality (ii) Anonymity (iii) Perseverance (iv) Fairness (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"With the help of relevant examples, bring out the difference between the following: (150 words) 10 (i) Intelligence Quotient and Emotional Quotient (ii) Attitude and Aptitude","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do you understand by political neutrality? Explain its significance in public service. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"There is more to integrity than honesty. Illustrate with examples. Also, suggest ways to inculcate integrity as a value in civil services. (150words)10","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by probity? Why is it considered essential for good governance? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Although utilitarianism is arguably the most reason-based approach to determining right and wrong, it has obvious limitations. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do you understand by ethical dilemma? Explain with examples, how it can lead to crisis of conscience. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"What is code of conduct? How is it different from code of ethics? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Bring out the relevance of the seven principles of public life stated by the Nolan Committee in the Indian context, with the help of examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"The Right to Information (RTI) Act is one of the most important reforms brought by the government. You have recently been transferred as the Public Information Officer (PIO) in the irrigation department of a district. While inspecting the RTI applications, you find that many of these applications relate to information on the recruitment of staff in your department. Your juniors point out that all of these have been filed by an aspiring local politician who may be trying to create an issue related to irregularities in recruitment in the department. The department fears that he is filing RTI applications for political gains in the upcoming state elections. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the stakeholders and the issues involved in the case. (b) What measures will you take to handle the situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"You are the managing director of a pharmaceutical company. Your company has won a tender for supply of generic affordable medicines to the state health department. In order to win the tender, you had kept the profit margins very low. However, after winning the tender, you got a call from the Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the Health Minister for a 2% cut in the total purchase of goods. You tried to meet the Health Minister in this respect, but he also hinted at doing the job as per the instructions of the OSD. You cannot refuse to go ahead with the tender because of the risk of losing your 5% security deposit. Further, the firm can be blacklisted for not fulfilling the obligations of the approved tender. Some of the options to deal with the situation are given below. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each of these options. (a) Follow the advice of the minister and comply with the demands of the OSD. (b) File a police complaint against the OSD for corruption. (c) Tip the media anonymously about the issue to build pressure on the concerned Minister. (d) Leave the allotted tender. Also, not limiting to the options given above, suggest the course of action you will take, giving appropriate reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"The promotion of harmful products like liquor, tobacco, etc. through mass media and advertisements have been banned in India. However, many companies are roping in big celebrities to promote these harmful products and brands through surrogate advertisement. In the disguise of another product, surrogate advertising is used to promote regulated products, like cigarettes and alcohol, There have been many debates on this issue, particularly in recent times, with many arguing that such advertisements should be banned altogether. In this context, answer the following: (a) What are the ethical issues involved in surrogate advertising? (b) Suggest steps that can be taken to address these type of advertisements in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are a young officer who has recently been posted as the District Magistrate in a district where power cuts are a regular phenomenon. A thermal power plant is proposed in your district, which has the potential to not only meet the energy demand of yours but also that of neigbouring districts, and also provide employment opportunities for the people of your district. However, a few people from the district are protesting against it because of the concerns of displacement and the potential pollution issue that the project may lead to. It is brought to your notice that prominent local leaders have mobilized a large crowd and are planning to march towards the Collectorate. You have also received information that the crowd may turn violent due to the presence of miscreants. In the context of this situation, address the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders and highlight the issues involved in the above case. (b) State the measures that you would take as the District Magistrate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Today, digital games and gameful interactions with a digital dimension are rapidly becoming pervasive in society. It is a highly engaging pastime and also a vehicle for acquiring knowledge and/or modifying attitudes and behaviours at various levels, whether by explicit intention or otherwise. Online games' increasingly important role in society brings about ethical implications that cannot be ignored, and have sometimes been the object of heated public and academic debate. (a) Discuss the various social and psychological issues involved in online gaming. (b) Give some suggestions to address the harmful impact of online gaming on the society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Climate change and environmental degradation have caused havoc globally. It has repercussions on the life and livelihood of each and every individual on the planet. Despite its huge impact, climate change and environmental conservation have not become an electoral issue in India. Globally, green parties are making strides, albeit gradually. In countries like Netherlands, Sweden and Australia, they have begun to make a mark in electoral politics. In India, however, there is no such development. (a) In your view, why has politics in India not seen it's 'green moment' yet? (b) Do you think people in India are generally apathetic to climate change and environment related issues? Suggest some initiatives to bring about a change in the attitude of the people towards the issue.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1643,"topper":"Arun Pandian N","air":213,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/16heDKsOEzwKZqFuK4EycnnR25ZPJEUNi","questions":[]},{"id":1644,"topper":"Arunprakash M","air":407,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Shankar IAS Parliament","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.shankariasparliament.com/uploads/downloads/ARUNPRAKASH_M_P1.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Describe various characteristics of a ‘social fact’. How is rate of suicide a social fact according to Durkheim? (10M)","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":1,"question":"With suitable examples, explain how conformity and deviance coexist in a society as propounded by R.K. Merton. (10M)","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":1,"question":"What are informal organisations? Are NGOs informal organisations? (10M)","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Explain the Cybernetic theory of hierarchy of Talcott Parsons? (10M)","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Describe the main idea of Max Weber’s book, ‘The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism’ as a critique of Marxism. (20M)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":1,"question":"How does Marx view social conflict as an essential element in social change? (20M)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":1,"question":"How has the idea of Work From Home' forced us to redefine the formal and informal organisation of work? (20M)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Analyse the causes and impact of gendered division of labour on social organization of work .(20M)","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":1645,"topper":"Arunprakash M","air":407,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Shankar IAS Parliament","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.shankariasparliament.com/uploads/downloads/ARUNPRAKASH_M_P2.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Indian modernity has paradoxical features of continuity and change. Elaborate. (20) (b) Differentiate between the ‘Indological’ and ‘Functional’ perspectives on the study of caste system. (20) (c) What is tribe caste continuum?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":2,"question":"Discuss how population policies of India altered the socio-demographic profile of India. (20) (b) Do you think constitutional modernity has led to the minority empowerment?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":2,"question":"Give a sociological analysis of the emerging trends in the role of ethnicity in social movements in India. (20) (b) Critically analyse the impact of the changing trends of urbanization on Indian women. (20) (c) Discuss the changing nature of migration in India. (10) SECTION B","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":2,"question":"Write short answers to the following questions in about 150 words each, with a sociological perspective: (10 x 5 = 50) (a) Examine with suitable examples the recent trends in the marital practices in India. (10) (b) Is violence against women and children a manifestation of patriarchy?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":3,"question":"Assess the performance of rural development programmes in rural empowerment and poverty alleviation. (20) (b) Discuss the major challenges related to the environment crisis in India. What measures would you suggest to overcome this crisis?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Describe the changing dynamics of rural conflicts in India. Substantiate with suitable examples. (20) (b) Discuss the nexus between caste, class and power in Indian social scenario. (20) (c) To what extent has land reforms been effective in strengthening democracy in India?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Explain the reasons for the spurt of overt expressions of religiosity in modern India. (20) (b) Examine the nature of rural-urban disparities in the standard of living across different regions of India. (20) (c) Compare and contrast education attainment of various social groups in India.","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":1646,"topper":"Arunprakash M","air":407,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Shankar IAS Parliament","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.shankariasparliament.com/uploads/downloads/ARUNPRAKASH_M_P3.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Do you agree with Max Weber's idea that bureaucracy has the potential to become an iron cage ? Justify your answer.(10m)","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Critically assess the Marxian theory of 'Alienation'.\"(10m)","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Critically examine the dialectics involved in each mode of production as propounded by Karl Marx.(20m)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":1,"question":"According to Mead, “We play a key role in our own socialisation.” Explain(20m)","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":1647,"topper":"Arunprakash M","air":407,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Shankar IAS Parliament","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.shankariasparliament.com/uploads/downloads/ARUNPRAKASH_M_P4.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Critically examine the concept of sanskritisation with suitable illustrations. (10m)","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Do you agree with the view of Andre Beteille that india’s villages are representative of Indian society’s basic civilizational values? Present a sociological overview. (10m)","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Discuss the role of technology in agrarian change in India. (10m)","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Examine the features and relevance of Indological studies of Ghurye and Dumont. (20m)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Evaluate the efficiency of land reforms in India. Can the lacunae be addressed in Land Reforms 2.0? (20m)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Discuss the challenges during village studies in India. (20m)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Examine the factors responsible for the rural unrest in contemporary India. (20m)","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":1648,"topper":"Arusha Sharad Patil","air":553,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ceff8-1090050_2527_arusha_sharad_patil_rank_553.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1649,"topper":"Arusha Sharad Patil","air":553,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9222c-1090050_2528_arusha_sharad_patil_rank_553.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1650,"topper":"Arusha Sharad Patil","air":553,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b0207-1090050_2530_arusha_sharad_patil_rank_553.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1651,"topper":"Arusha Sharad Patil","air":553,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4229e-1090050_2531_arusha_sharad_patil_rank_553.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1652,"topper":"ARUSHI BABBAR","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/65d93cae1265db5ffeffd2e87a3f6506/33/mt23aven011_tc115.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"You can't serve data on a hungry man's plate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"AI is overcoming our mental limitation but not expanding our mental horizon.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"We are using environment for politics, not politics for environment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"The worst form of inequality is to try to make unequal things equal.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"Existence is a science, living is an art.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"If the truth shall kill them, let them die.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"The only way to go beyond things, is to go through them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"Dream for the best. Be prepared for the worst. Enjoy life in between.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1653,"topper":"ARUSHI BABBAR","air":484,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/145/mt23aven011_tc116-test-01-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1654,"topper":"ARUSHI BABBAR","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/142/mt23aven011_tc117-test-02-gs-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Discuss the mandate of the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT). To what extent earlier SC verdicts...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"\"Can the infusion of foreign educational institutions be a transformative step in enhancing the glob...","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1655,"topper":"ARUSHI BABBAR","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/146/mt23aven011_tc117-test-02-gs-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The recent Supreme Court judgments on human rights issues mark a remarkable shift in using International law and treaties not just as a source of inspiration but as a source of law. Examine with reference to relevant case laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The United States and India have their own distinctive jurisprudence on freedom of speech and expression despite the similarities in constitutional provisions. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Fundamental Duties are a reminder that citizenship is not merely a passive status but an active engagement. Discuss. What are the challenges in their legal enforcement? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the mandate of the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT). To what extent earlier SC verdicts have resolved the jurisdictional tussle between CAT and High courts? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Equality under the Indian constitution is not merely about formal equality, it also incorporates the idea of substantive equality'. Discuss this statement in light of constitutional provisions and relevant Supreme Court judgments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Pressure groups and political parties are inherently similar in their objective to democratise the political process, however, more and more pressure groups today aspire to transform into political parties. Elaborate and highlight the factors that are encouraging this transformation. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"Can the infusion of foreign educational institutions be a transformative step in enhancing the global competitiveness of higher education in India and addressing the prevailing quality challenges?\" Justify with reason. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"To address the limitations of the public health system, how can the private sector contribute effectively to bridging the gap to ensure equitable and accessible healthcare for all? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"There is an urgent need for global cooperation to eradicate poverty and hunger. In this context analyse how international cooperation can impact efforts to address the challenges of poverty and hunger. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The changing global dynamics require prompt effective and meaningful reforms within the World Trade Organization (WTO), to ensure its relevance and capacity to address modern trade complexities. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"How has the 69th Constitutional amendment led to Delhi's dual governance dilemma? Discuss its impact on cooperative federalism as envisaged in the Constitution. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"\"Constitution envisages an independent judiciary, not insulated judiciary\"; In the light of the given statement, discuss the issues associated with the appointment of judges in the higher judiciary and explore alternatives to the current system. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1656,"topper":"ARUSHI BABBAR","air":484,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/147/mt23aven011_tc118-test-03-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1657,"topper":"ARUSHI BABBAR","air":484,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/148/mt23aven011_tc119-test-04-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1658,"topper":"ARUSHI BABBAR","air":484,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/141/mt23aven011_tc116-test-01-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1659,"topper":"ARUSHI BABBAR","air":484,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/143/mt23aven011_tc118-test-03-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1660,"topper":"ARUSHI BABBAR","air":484,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/144/mt23aven011_tc119-test-04-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1661,"topper":"Arushi Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e6d5f-15577_771_arushi-mishra_rank_229.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Access to clean water can not only change lines and livelihoods but also transform societies and economies.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Conventional Media and Social Media : competitive or complementary?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1662,"topper":"Arushi Mishra","air":229,"year":2019,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5ebe8-15577_768_arushi-mishra_rank_229.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1663,"topper":"Arushi Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d5a62-15577_755_arushi-mishra_rank_229.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the reasons for low organ donation in India. How can the Green Corridor concept smoothen the process of organ transplantation in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Highlight the features of NAVIC and bring out its significance for India. How is it different from GAGAN? Examine whether NAVIC can be a replacement of GPS for India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Explain the concept of Internet of Things (IoT) with examples. How can IoT play a role in the transformation of India into a digital economy?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"What are Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) and how are they an improvement over carbon fibres? Highlight the various unique properties of CNTs which makes them suitable to the manufacturing industry.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Explain the significance of gravitational waves recently detected by LIGO. What are the objectives of the recently envisaged LIGO-India project and what benefits will India accrue from it?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Fracking is key to shale gas extraction. Explain. Enumerate the steps taken by India in recent times for shale development. Also discuss the challenges that India faces in shale gas extraction.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"In recent years India is said to be facing a health epidemic with the rise in number of diabetics. Explain the reasons for prevalence of such a high number of diabetics in India. In which areas should efforts be directed to control this problem?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Explain in brief the three staged nuclear program of India. What are the advantages of thorium over other nuclear fuels? Examine the hurdles in the way of large-scale deployment of thorium-fuelled reactors in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"What do you understand by Net Neutrality? Analyze the perspectives of various stakeholders on the issue. What do TRAI's 2016 regulations mean for net neutrality?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"What are the criteria employed for a pandemic to be declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the WHO? In the wake of recent Ebola and Zika virus outbreaks examine the efficacy of the prevalent architecture of global health governance. Also, assess India's preparedness in handling such global epidemics.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"How is the recently launched Unified Payments Interface (UPI) system different from the prevailing funds transfer systems? Discuss its potential to change the payments landscape in India, with special reference to financial inclusion.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Discuss the key challenges associated with global internet governance? What is India's stand with respect to it?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Give a brief explanation of CRISPR - gene editing technology. Also discuss its significance in modern biology and agriculture.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"What do you understand by Big-data? Using SDGs as an example, discuss its role in effective implementation of public policy. Also mention challenges faced in using Big-Data and measures to overcome them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"In context of space technology, what is a Reusable Launch Vehicle? Examine the rationale behind its development. Discuss the technological and economic challenges that RLV development faces in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Discuss the grounds on which introduction of genetically modified crops are resisted in India. Can focus on traditional farming practices provide an alternative to GM crops in dealing with the problem of food shortage?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Even though large infrastructure projects like High Speed Rail (HSR) facilitate greater technological development, they come with their own set of challenges. Examine in the context of proposed HSR projects in India. Suggest some measures on how HSR can truly be 'Made in India'.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"The rise of antibiotic resistant bacteria can be attributed to many factors and is a cause of global concern. Elaborate. Explain how surveillance, research and global cooperation are key in tackling this menace with special reference to India as a global pharmaceutical hub.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Explain the principle behind signal propagation in an Optical Fibre. Why is optical fibre network considered critical to meet the goals of Digital India Programme? Discuss the challenges being faced in implementation of NOFN/Bharatnet and give suggestions to overcome them.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1664,"topper":"Arushi Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/acb5d-15577_756_arushi-mishra_rank_229.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"India has recently acquired the membership of MTCR, whereas it aspires to enter the NSG. In this context, what is the significance of MTCR and NSG for India? Discuss the factors that are responsible for the different outcomes of India's effort to acquire the membership of these two.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"India's membership in SCO promises to be a win-win proposition for all the stakeholders including Central Asia, Russia and India. Comment. Can this move improve the security situation in Aghanistan?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"The Nano mission has not only established a good eco-system to pursue basic research but also nurtured application-oriented R&D, focused on useful technologies and products. Comment. Also examine the need of building a regulatory framework encompassing public safety to harness the advances made in nanotechnology.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"World Drug Report 2016 identifies India as a transit point for drugs headed for other destinations. Examine the causes and consequences of such a state of affairs in the context of rising spectre of drug consumption in some states in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"How is the Sagarmala project a concept in the direction of implementation of Blue revolution? Examine whether the Sagarmala project can also provide a balance to the Maritime Silk Road initiative by China.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"How is the \"Human Genome Project-write\" (HGP-write) different from the previous Human Genome Project? Examine the potential benefits of HGP-write for India. Also discuss the associated ethical and scientific concerns.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"In recent times, instances of lone wolf terrorist attacks have been on an increase. Examine the causes and suggest how India should prepare itself to avoid such attacks.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"The present global scenario makes it imperative that the Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean must be seen as inter-connected entities. Discuss how India can leverage its position in the Indo-Pacific region to promote its interests.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"While LEDs have many advantages there are certain disadvantages and challenges in its use as well. Elaborate. Highlight the measures taken by the government to promote LEDs in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"India accounts for one of the largest HIV infected population in the world. Explain the major reasons for such high prevalance. Also examine the steps taken by the government over the years to curb the spread of HIV.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"At a time when all major countries are deepening their ties with Africa, establishing economic and strategic relations with it poses a distinct challenge for India. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"The issue of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) as seen in the 'Special 301' list, remains a bone of contention in otherwise burgeoning Indo-US ties. What is the significance of India being put in the Priority Watch List? Examine the merits of WTO dispute settlement mechanism over bilateral negotiations in the context of IPR issue between India and United States.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"NISAR is being celebrated as the biggest collaboration between NASA and ISRO. Elaborate upon the purpose, special features and future prospects of this mission.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Taking example of Google Street View, discuss the importance as well as challenges posed by the availability of Geospatial information. Also, analyse the important features of the Geospatial Information Bill, 2015.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"What are technology business incubators? Elaborate upon the challenges faced by startups in India. How can the Atal Innovation Mission help in promoting technology business incubators in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"The 2016 Nuclear Security Summit marks the end of a process that began in 2010 with the aim to \"secure all vulnerable nuclear material around the world within four years\". Although it has failed to achieve its stated goal but its failure has been nevertheless a glorious failure. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"India's achievements in the space sector have not only pushed our scientific frontiers but are also critical in ensuring our national security. In the above context, discuss the role of various space missions and the need to develop a space security policy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"What do you mean by cloud seeding? Critically examine its utility as a substitute for bad monsoon.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"What is Li-Fi and how does it differ from Wi-fi technology? Explain the advantages, limitations and potential applications of Li-Fi technology.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"It has been argued that India and Latin America need to enlarge and strengthen existing agreements in order to mutually gain from the potential of their partnership. Discuss with special reference to India- MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1665,"topper":"Arvind Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/74c9d-arvind-singh_10_2014_essay_booklet_1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Indian society provides a paradox of unity in diversity along with intolerance and prejudice.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1666,"topper":"Arvind Singh","air":10,"year":2014,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/550c7-arvind-singh_10_2014_essay_booklet_2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1667,"topper":"Arvind Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/f3ed6-arvind-singh_10_2014_gs_booklet_5.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by Monetary Policy Trilemma? How can it be resolved in Indian context? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"What is inflation targeting? Describe the major recommendations of the Urjit Patel Committee for it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"India is being accused of sabotaging the trade facilitation agreement with its rigid stance on the issue of public stockholding of food grains. Bring out the major reasons for India's stand at WTO negotiations related to the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). Do you think India's stand was justified?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"\"Unspent provisions in a grant or appropriation indicate either poor budgeting or shortfall in performance or both\". Elaborate this statement in the context of budgeting in India. Also suggest few remedies to overcome it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"An efficient financial system is regarded as an essential prerequisite for higher economic growth. In this context, elaborate on the recommendation given by FSLRC for strengthening the Financial Sector in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"PPP based infrastructure projects have displayed good progress in some sectors, whereas limited success in others. Substantiate. Also explain the various challenges being faced by them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Rational energy prices provide the right signal to both producers and consumers and also lead to a demand-supply match. Highlight the steps taken by the government for rationalizing the energy prices in different sectors.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"The National Land Reforms Policy 2013 focuses on those aspects of land reforms, which if implemented in true letter and spirit will have the potential to tilt the balance in favor of the landless and poor. Critically Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"What are the sources of Irrigation in India? Mention the contribution of each source in the total irrigation capacity and their geographical distribution.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"One of the principal aims of improving agricultural marketing is to make agriculture more viable for the small farmers in India. In the above context, comment on the strengths and weaknesses of Cooperative and Contract farming in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"There is an urgent need to put into effect an expenditure switch from subsidies to investment in order to lift Indian agriculture from its current stagnation. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":55,"question":"The sustainability of Public Distribution System is a matter of concern.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":59,"question":"\"Compared to animal husbandry's contribution to the Indian economy, the sector has received much less resources and institutional support.\" Analyse the above statement in the light of challenges faced by livestock sector in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":64,"question":"What is the role of forward and backward integration in ensuring success of Supply Chain Management in the Indian Food Processing industry?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1668,"topper":"Arvind Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8217b-arvind-singh_10_2014_gs_booklet_3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Examine the role of Sanskrit in development of Indian literature. Also illustrate the influence of Persian language on medieval literature.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Describe various forms of Puppet theatre in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"What was the significance of stupa and how did stupa architecture develop?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Quit India Movement was not just an impulsive response of the masses. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"\"At that time, the free market critique, the human development and the ecological critique, all were scattered and politically weak. There was an overwhelming consensus in favour of a heavy industry oriented, state supported model of development\". Elaborate with respect to the economic model adopted in India during the Nehruviar era.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Give a brief account of the major reasons responsible for the growth of Assam Nationalist movement. What were the major demands of the movement?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"In a short period from August 1988 to December 1991, communism in Eastern Europe was swept away. Elaborate the statement along with causes responsible for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"\"World War I broke out largely because of an arms race, and World War II because of the lack of an arms race.\" Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Globalisation poses a threat to cultural diversity because it is the cause of widespread cultural homogenisation. Critically evaluate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"Elimination of poverty is not merely a question of economic upliftment but is also related to socio-political awareness of people. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"Differentiate between planetary winds and local winds in terms of their origin, influence and scales of operation. Also illustrate the impact of local winds in influencing the climate of any area.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":56,"question":"How does the theory of Plate Tectonics help in explaining the theory of continental drift?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Describe the causative factors which generate waves and also discuss its movement from the open seas till it 'breaks' at the shore.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":66,"question":"What are the reasons behind River Kosi being a flood prone river? Suggest some strategies to overcome the problems created by it.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1669,"topper":"Arvind Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/875c6-arvind-singh_10_2014_gs_booklet_4.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What institutional changes would be required if the Finance Commission were to undertake Planning Commission's functions and the latter discontinued? Do you think such a move would be correct? (Answer in 200 words)","marks":null,"words":"200"},{"page":8,"question":"Is there a need for givir g states a greater say while finalizing the terms of reference of the Finance Commission?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"If the political class intends to uphold the position of Governor, as was envisaged by the Constitution, then significant reforms will have to be introduced with respect to the appointment and removal of this important constitutional dignitary. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Equality of seats among States in the Rajya Sabha is a principle, which found a great deal of acceptance in the Constituent Assembly. However, it could not be adopted because of the circumstances prevailing at that time. Is there a need to look afresh at this?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Article 145 of the Indian Constitution says that any \"substantial question of law\" relating to the interpretation of the Constitution must be heard by benches of at least five judges. But some of the most important constitutional cases, like Salwa Judum and Naz foundation, were decided by smaller benches. Why is there a need for larger benches? What are the possible reasons for smaller benches hearing such important cases?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Empowered Group of Ministers lead to early and effective decision-making on particular issues. Critically analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Articles 256 and 257 have been a major bone of contention in the Union-State relationship. Contrast the provisions of the two and propose a framework for the relationship, which is coherent with federal and parliamentary nature of Indian democracy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"What are Lok Adalats? Can they serve as an alternative to the regular legal redressal mechanisms available through courts?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"Judicial Activism has hurt the separation of power principle in India and is not healthy for Indian polity. With the help of few judgments given by the Supreme Court of India, critically analyse this statement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"What is the difference between Exit and Opinion Polls? Should Opinion polls be banned on the ground that they influence the voting behaviour of people?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"\"Prime Minister represents the executive government in a way that no single member of the Council of Ministers (CoM) or even the entire CoM can.\" Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"'Candidates should not be allowed to contest election simultaneously for the same office from more than one constituency.' Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":55,"question":"India has become the first country to ratify the Marrakesh Convention that codifies exemptions to copyrights to benefit the blind and impaired readers. Discuss the importance of this event and the challenges that lie further ahead of it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":59,"question":"Pressure groups ensure that an individual's democratic rights are not confined just to the act of voting. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":63,"question":"Well-wishers of the judicial system are more concerned about transparency and accountability of the procedure for appointment of judges of higher courts rather than who appoints them. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1670,"topper":"Arvind Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5e384-arvind-singh_10_2014_gs_booklet_1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Are all professions morally equivalent or are some superior to others? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"What are the major ethical concerns governing the functioning of government organisations? How are they different from those in private organisations? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"B. R. Ambedkar was an ardent supporter of the claims of liberty, equality and fraternity. Explain the relevance of his teaching in modern day India and how they act as a backbone for our socio-political development. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"While it is important to expose a wrongdoing, 'a whistleblower should have the moral backing behind his act of whistleblowing. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Colleges and schools are a microcosm of the real world. Elaborate as to how these are instrumental in character-building. Also suggest certain measures through which these institutions can play a greater role in the current scenario. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"While individual beliefs and values determine one's subjective responsibility, it is the operational environment which guides/shapes the objective responsibility. Congruence between the two is inevitable for realizing the goal of objectivity in administrative decisions. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":33,"question":"What are values? How are they different from 'ethics? (100 words)","marks":null,"words":"100"},{"page":44,"question":"Ronak has heard from his manager that their organization will be downsizing; it could be as little as 5 percent or as much as 30 percent. However, the supervisor told Ronak that \"we're all under strict orders to keep it quiet\" so that the agency's best employees will not seek other jobs. Mohan (one of the finest professionals in Ronak's unit), upon hearing the downsizing rumors, told Ronak that he was sure that he could get another job at a new business if a reduction in force occurred. However, openings at the new business will close soon. Mohan asked Ronak, \"Will there be layoffs?\" and \"Should I get another job now?\" (a) What are the options available to Ronak? (b) Evaluate each of these options and highlight which option you would have preferred, giving reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"A terrorist group states that it has concealed a nuclear bomb in Delhi. The authorities have captured the leader of the group. He says that he knows the location of the bomb. He refuses to reveal the location. Torture is guaranteed to produce the information needed to ensure the diffusal of the bomb. (a) Is it ethically acceptable for the authorities to have him tortured to find out where the bomb is and thus save thousands of lives? (b) Suppose instead of catching the leader, the authorities have captured his 16 year old daughter. She is refusing to cooperate with the authorities. In your opinion is it morally justified to have her tortured to acquire necessary information and save thousands of lives?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":56,"question":"Mr. Sinha assigns a research problem in a high school calculus class. The problem is quite difficult and will require collaborative time and effort of a team. Mr. Sinha divides the class into groups of four students, gives them instructions, and tells them when the problem will be due. Pradeep's group has an initial meeting and decides to divide up the work and then collaborate the information. Veena, one of Pradeep's group members, offers to write a particular section of the paper based on some great information she found on the Internet. The other members of the group, including Pradeep, divide the remaining work and proceed with their respective research. One week before the project is due, Pradeep finds out that Veena has chosen to \"copy and paste\" most of her paper from the Internet source. Pradeep picks up on Veena's plagiarism and knows it is wrong, but he needs an \"A\" on this research problem in order to pass Calculus. Pradeep confronts Veena and asks her to redo her paper without plagiarizing, but \" \" , \"A\" - : , 18. A terrorist group states that it has concealed a nuclear bomb in Delhi. The authorities have captured the leader of the group. He says that he knows the location of the bomb. He refuses to reveal the location. Torture is guaranteed to produce the information needed to ensure the diffusal of the bomb. (a) Is it ethically acceptable for the authorities to have him tortured to find out where the bomb is and thus save thousands of lives? (b) Suppose instead of catching the leader, the authorities have captured his 16 year old daughter. She is refusing to cooperate with the authorities. In your opinion is it morally justified to have her tortured to acquire necessary information and save thousands of lives? 19. You are in a supermarket with your younger brother. Your brother draws your attention to a young child stealing food packets from the counter. He looks needy and he is taking advantage of the crowded store which the owner fails to manage in peak hours. The owner has a reputation of being a greedy and mean person. What will you do and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":56,"question":"You are in a supermarket with your younger brother. Your brother draws your attention to a young child stealing food packets from the counter. He looks needy and he is taking advantage of the crowded store which the owner fails to manage in peak hours. The owner has a reputation of being a greedy and mean person. What will you do and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":59,"question":"During your election duty you caught hold of a vehicle full of cash. On inquiry, it was revealed to you that the vehicle belongs to a very popular politician of the region and even the exit polls are predicting his victory. The politician calls you up to release the vehicle. You try to approach your senior to seek advice but can't reach him. (a) What are the options available to you? (b) What course of action will you take?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1671,"topper":"Arvind Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/df777-arvind-singh_10_2014_gs_booklet_2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Even years after its introduction, the ability of Citizen's Charters in improving the efficiency of public services and making governments more accountable, is found wanting in many areas. In context of this statement, mention the various lacunae in the formulation and implementation of citizen's charters in India and suggest how they can be addressed in light of the Sevottam model. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"For the success of Right to Information (RTI), a major challenge is to develop capacities for access to information. Discuss. How can the capacities of both public authorities and citizens be enhanced? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Define Work Culture. Suggest how an efficient work culture could be developed in the Indian scenario. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"If corruption exists even in rich, economically successful countries, why should developing countries like India be worried about it? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Is behaviour always a reflection of one's attitude? Explain with relevant examples. (100 words)","marks":null,"words":"100"},{"page":24,"question":"Empathy is not only an important ingredient but also an indicator of one's emotional intelligence. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Why do people obey orders, which they know are ethically wrong? (100 words)","marks":null,"words":"100"},{"page":32,"question":"Bring out what this statement means to you in the present context: \"There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but he must take it because conscience tells him it is right.\"- Martin Luther King (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":36,"question":"You are a young DM in a district, which is seeing rapid mushrooming of private Drug de-addiction centres. The centres are known to function in an unethical manner and their business model involves a specific consideration for cases of relapse victims. Although these centres charge at high rates, they are known to give families of addicts hope and institutionalisation of addicts has ensured maintenance of law and order, not seen in neighbouring districts. Analyse the following options for their positive and negative impact on the various stakeholders of the society. (a) Shutting down...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"What are the options available to Sandhya?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"Evaluate each of these options and choose the option you find acceptable, giving reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":61,"question":"What are the options available to Kathi?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":61,"question":"Evaluate each of these options and choose the option, which you recommend Kathi to adopt giving reasons. 15 , , , 20. You are a young reporter who has unearthed the case of the government secretly pledging gold to a foreign country. Reporting of the said activity would trigger a downward spiral for the economy as trust in the government would decrease, domestic and foreign investors will pull out investments from the country. The reporting of the incident would definitely improve your career prospects. You are still to share this information with anybody. What will you do and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":61,"question":"You are a young reporter who has unearthed the case of the government secretly pledging gold to a foreign country. Reporting of the said activity would trigger a downward spiral for the economy as trust in the government would decrease, domestic and foreign investors will pull out investments from the country. The reporting of the incident would definitely improve your career prospects. You are still to share this information with anybody. What will you do and why?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1672,"topper":"Arvind Singh","air":10,"year":2014,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9dcf4-arvind-singh_10_2014_sociology_booklet_1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1673,"topper":"Arvind Singh","air":10,"year":2014,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/dc4d1-arvind-singh_10_2014_sociology_booklet_2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1674,"topper":"ARYAN","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/ARYAN-UPSC-2024-Rank-264-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) seeks to democratize the nation's online market by catalysing a shift from a platform centric to an open model of e-commerce. Enumerate the issues in platform centric e-commerce model and discuss the significance of ONDC. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Highlighting the existing bottlenecks in infrastructure development in the country, examine the role of PM Gati Shakti-National Master Plan for Multi-Modal Connectivity to overcome these challenges. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Often cited as responsible for many of the agriculture's maladies, Minimum Support Price (MSP) policy can also provide their remedies. Analyze the statement with special reference to issues related to mono-cropping and climate change. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Explain the critical role of the fisheries sector for development of coastal areas. Describing the major outcomes of the 12th ministerial of WTO, discuss India's concerns related to the impact of these outcomes on fisheries sector in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are the advantages of liquid nano urea over conventional fertilizers? Also bring out other applications of nanotechnology in the agriculture sector. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discuss the reasons for rising anti-microbial resistance (AMR) in India and the efforts to control it. Can traditional medicine help in controlling AMR in the country? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Critically evaluate the various government initiatives to promote renewable energy in the country. How far can the Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill, 2022 contribute towards the objective of decarbonizing the economy? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Money laundering undermines the integrity of the financial system and threatens national security. Elaborate. How effective has Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA) been in checking the problem of money laundering in the country? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"In the five years since its launch to create \"One Nation, One Tax, One Market\", Goods and Services Tax (GST) has been a cause of celebration as well as a source of worry for the stakeholders. In light of this statement, assess the performance of GST. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Discussing the reasons for high Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) in Indian banking sector, critically examine the utility of Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) and National Asset Reconstruction Company Ltd (NARCL) for reducing financial stress on banks. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"While post-independence policies transformed India from a 'ship to mouth' economy to a net exporter of agri-products, nutrition security is yet an unrealized objective. Analyze. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Examine the critical role of Food Corporation of India (FCI) in food management in the country. Highlight various challenges faced by the FCI and suggest reforms to make it more effective in its functioning. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What do you understand by Artificial Intelligence (AI)? Analyze its predictive and prescriptive applications to improve governance in the country and list out the challenges inherent in AI. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"How is 5G different from previous generations of tele-communication technology? Underlining the transformative application of 5G technology, discuss various challenges in its roll-out. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Why is Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) seen as a regulatory hurdle to development rather than an integral part of developmental planning? How far can the recently proposed ranking system for State EIA Authorities (SEIAA) help in changing this perception? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Unscientific, unmindful, and unregulated tourism in the ecologically fragile areas has increased the vulnerabilities of these regions towards a plethora of disasters. Examine the statement and suggest strategies for sustainable tourism. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"How are 'hybrid-militants' different from militants and Over Ground Workers (OGW)? In what ways have hybrid-militants changed the security concerns in Jammu and Kashmir? Also recommend effective measures to counter them. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Explain the linkages of human trafficking with other illicit activities, such as drug trafficking, gun-running, and terrorism. Discuss the measures to tackle the menace of human trafficking with special reference of draft Trafficking in Persons (Prevention, Care & Rehabilitation) Bill 2021. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1675,"topper":"Aryan Kumar Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b8a3b-45815385_3128_aryan-kumar-singh_rank_104.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"The world must learn to work together, or finally it will not work at all.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Technology, like art, is a soaring exercise of the human imagination.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"We've begun to raise daughters more like sons, but few have the courage to raise our sons more like our daughters.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its sho<<","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1676,"topper":"Aryan Kumar Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5b6f4-45815385_2928_aryan-kumar-singh_rank_104.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How does tribal art provide valuable insights into the cultural perspectives and values of Indian tribal communities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What are the key factors that accelerated decolonization post-World War II? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How does human encroachment impact water bodies in urban areas? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How do physical geographical features influence the development and operation of transportation systems? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How are ocean trenches formed? Describe the significant characteristics of these oceanic relief formations. (Answer in 150words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Identify the reasons behind increasing number of extreme rainfall events throughout India in recent times. Assess their socio-economic impact. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"India is expected to have the largest working-age population in the world by 2030 and it cannot afford low participation of women in the workforce anymore. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Do you agree that there has been a progressive secularization of caste in India? Support your view with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Why is inequality increasing in India despite the fall in overall poverty? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"How did the competitive and hostile dynamic between Brahminism and Buddhism over funding, followers, and ideology mark the decline of Buddhism? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"European travellers' accounts in the medieval period have played an important role in shaping our understanding of the empires and people of that period in India. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The British victory in the Battle of Plassey in 1757 not just changed the course of Indian history but also that of the world. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Why was it more difficult to rehabilitate refugees in West Bengal as compared to Punjab after partition? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss the economic and social costs associated with the transition from coal to green energy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Explain the process of formation of volcanic calderas. How do they contribute to the scenic beauty of the region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the reasons behind the increased frequency and intensity of heat waves globally? How will it impact global food security? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India's approach to secularism does not merely challenge inter-religious domination but intra-religious domination as well. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Do you agree with the view that Indian cities are turning into landscapes of stark inequality and social exclusion? What steps can be taken to make urban areas more egalitarian in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1677,"topper":"Aryan Kumar Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2627e-45815385_2929_aryan-kumar-singh_rank_104.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. Expression of dissent is central to the functioning of the Parliament. In light of this, discuss the role of the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in India's parliamentary system. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. How can the integration of technology into judicial processes enhance accessibility, capability, and efficiency in justice delivery? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. The Supreme Court of India has upheld unique asymmetry in India's federalism by intricately balancing centralized authority and regional autonomy. Discuss with the help of relevant case laws.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. Evaluate the effectiveness of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes in safeguarding the interests of the Scheduled Castes in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. Executive accountability to the legislature through Parliamentary Committees has been the hallmark of the Indian political system. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. How can India make Citizens' Charter a powerful tool for improving governance and empowering citizens? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. How do corporate donors aid NGOs in facilitating holistic development in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. Despite its merits, should the POCSO Act be revisited to correct the existing inadequacies? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. China's acquisition of strategic ports globally has significant implications for international trade routes and economic relations. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. What are the main functions of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)? How will its recent treaty on intellectual property, genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge benefit India?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. While the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) plays a crucial role in combating corruption, its functioning is often criticized for being partisan and acting against the federal spirit. Discuss with the help of suitable examples.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. Governors in India often overstep their constitutional role and fail to act effectively when needed. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. Both India and the USA adhere to democratic principles but their electoral systems exhibit significant differences. What are the key differences in electoral practices between the two countries? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. How far do you agree with the view that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has met its objective of ensuring environmental justice in India?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. Though Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) have become a platform for competitive politics, they have not emerged as an agency of planning and service delivery. Why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. What do you understand by interoperability in e-governance? What steps have been taken by the government to ensure interoperability and integration of various e-governance systems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. When it comes to sexual and reproductive health of women in India, rights-based discourse has largely been bypassed not just by the societal norms but also by the legal norms. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. How effective has India been in enhancing immunization coverage over the years? What challenges continue to affect immunization efforts in the country? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. India used its Presidency of the G20 to bring the voice of the Global South to the centre stage. Discuss with special reference to Africa. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. India's relationship with the UAE has witnessed a remarkable expansion across various domains in the last decade. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"}]},{"id":1678,"topper":"Aryan Kumar Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e40de-45815385_2930_aryan-kumar-singh_rank_104.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. How is the rapid growth of the food processing industry leading to food safety challenges in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. Under the Public Distribution System of India, the Fair Price Shop (FPS) transformation is an evolving process. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. How are agri-tech startups in India helping farmers in enhancing farm productivity and market access? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. Discuss the role of digitization of land records in the effective implementation of land reforms in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. To fully exploit its demographic dividend and accelerate economic growth, India needs to adopt a manufacturing-led growth model. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. How can the resilience of Indian coastal communities be strengthened to tackle the growing natural hazards resulting from climate change?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. How does the Green Credit Programme extend beyond carbon management to promote a more sustainable environment in India? What are the various concerns about its implementation?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. What is the need for NavIC when existing satellite navigation systems are already available?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Cyber-enabled financial crime has emerged as the new frontier of global money laundering. Discuss. How can the government address this issue? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. The Indian Army is observing the year 2024 as the 'Year of Technology Absorption'. In light of this, explain why there is a need for technology absorption in the defence sector of India. What challenges can India face in this initiative? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. What are the issues faced in the development of trade and industries in the North-Eastern Region (NER) of India? Comment on the measures that have been taken to tackle these issues.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. In the era of climate change and growing water scarcity, how can micro-irrigation systems contribute to sustainable agricultural practices in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. What strategies can be adopted to overcome the issues pertaining to freight transportation in the Indian Railways and increase its share in the domestic freight? (Answer 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. Discuss the factors that have aided India in making impressive strides in the renewable energy sector and establishing itself as a frontrunner in the global renewable energy transition. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. How does agricultural runoff containing fertilizers and pesticides contribute to environmental pollution? What measures can be taken to mitigate the impact of agricultural runoff? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. The growing influx of tourists in Himalayan states has breached their ecological carrying capacity, leading to significant man-made disasters. What measures can be implemented to prevent such disasters while promoting sustainable tourism? Discuss with relevant examples.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. How do superconductors fuel innovation in diverse fields of science and technology? Illustrate with examples.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. While India has laws covering almost all types of intellectual property rights, numerous enforcement, regulatory and administrative challenges hamper the commercialisation of IPRs in India. Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. Keeping in view the challenges in creating integrated theatre commands, examine how the theaterisation of commands can lead to greater integration and rationalisation of manpower and resources among the three services.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. Treating border villages as first villages not just geographically but also in terms of facilities can be a key strategy for enhancing border security. Discuss. Also, highlight the measures being taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1679,"topper":"Aryan Kumar Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5d102-45815385_2931_aryan-kumar-singh_rank_104.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The end cannot justify the means, for the simple and obvious reason that the means employed determine the nature of the ends produced. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss how the relationship between law and ethics is dynamic and continuously shaped by societal changes. Provide examples to illustrate this dynamic relationship. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Differentiate between probity and integrity with suitable examples. How do these values contribute to ethical governance and decision-making in the civil services? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the ethical implications of withholding information in public administration. How can transparency enhance accountability and reduce corruption in government institutions? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? \"There is no school equal to a decent home and no teacher equal to a virtuous parent.\"- Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.\" - Leo Tolstoy (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"To see what is right and not do it is a lack of courage.\" - Confucius (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What factors lead to a positive attitude in a person? How does positive attitude enhance the effectiveness of civil servants in performing their duties? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss how emotional intelligence can influence ethical decision-making in the allocation of scarce public resources. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Various international humanitarian organizations provide emergency aid in conflict zones around the world. Highlight the ethical challenges faced by such organizations. What are the principles that guide international humanitarian work? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":1680,"topper":"ARYAN SHARMA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/65d93cae1265db5ffeffd2e87a3f6506/36/aim24gcl1006_tc032.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Little strokes fell great oaks.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Judge a man by his questions rather than his answers.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Great principles,great ideals know no nationality.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"In struggling with misfortune lies the true proof of virtue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"The whole purpose of Education is to turn mirrors into windows.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"To dwell is to garden.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Reality is the shadow of ideas.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"We can not despair of humanity, since we ourselves are human beings.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1681,"topper":"ARYAN SHARMA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/65d93cae1265db5ffeffd2e87a3f6506/35/aim24gcl1006_tc031.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"If you look into someone's face long enough, eventually you feel that you are looking into yourself.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"It is the province of knowledge to speak and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Drop the question what tomorrow may bring, and count as profit every day that fate allows you.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Truth, like a torch, the more it is shook, it shines.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Art is I; science is We.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Only the dead have seen the end of the war.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Act as if it were impossible to fail.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1682,"topper":"ARYAN SHARMA","air":352,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/65d93cae1265db5ffeffd2e87a3f6506/34/aim24gcl1006_tc030.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1683,"topper":"ARYAN SHARMA","air":352,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/170/aim24gcl1006_tc055-test-09-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1684,"topper":"ARYAN SHARMA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/174/aim24gcl1006_tc056-test-10-gs-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The recent Supreme Court judgments on human rights issues mark a remarkable shift in using International law and treaties not just as a source of inspiration but as a source of law. Examine with reference to relevant case laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The United States and India have their own distinctive jurisprudence on freedom of speech and expression despite the similarities in constitutional provisions. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Fundamental Duties are a reminder that citizenship is not merely a passive status but an active engagement. Discuss. What are the challenges in their legal enforcement? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the mandate of the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT). To what extent earlier SC verdicts have resolved the jurisdictional tussle between CAT and High courts? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Equality under the Indian constitution is not merely about formal equality, it also incorporates the idea of substantive equality. Discuss this statement in light of constitutional provisions and relevant Supreme Court judgments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Pressure groups and political parties are inherently similar in their objective to democratise the political process, however, more and more pressure groups today aspire to transform into political parties. Elaborate and highlight the factors that are encouraging this transformation. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Can the infusion of foreign educational institutions be a transformative step in enhancing the global competitiveness of higher education in India and addressing the prevailing quality challenges? Justify with reason. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"To address the limitations of the public health system, how can the private sector contribute effectively to bridging the gap to ensure equitable and accessible healthcare for all? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"There is an urgent need for global cooperation to eradicate poverty and hunger. In this context analyse how international cooperation can impact efforts to address the challenges of poverty and hunger. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The changing global dynamics require prompt effective and meaningful reforms within the World Trade Organization (WTO), to ensure its relevance and capacity to address modern trade complexities. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"How has the 69th Constitutional amendment led to Delhi's dual governance dilemma? Discuss its impact on cooperative federalism as envisaged in the Constitution. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"\"Constitution envisages an independent judiciary, not insulated judiciary\"; In the light of the given statement, discuss the issues associated with the appointment of judges in the higher judiciary and explore alternatives to the current system. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Under what circumstances can the Governor reserve a state bill for the consideration of the President and why is the provision controversial? Also, discuss the reforms suggested by Punchhi Commission in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The Ninth Schedule fabricated a constitutional paradox to safeguard laws related to socio-economic justice from being challenged under the fundamental right to property. Does the ninth schedule have any relevance in present times? How did the IR Coelho judgment resolve this paradox? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"\"Central Information Commission stands as the guardian of democracy, with an unwavering relevance to good governance.\" Justify the context in terms of the mandate of the CIC. Has the statutory status limited the effectiveness of the commission in recent times? (\\tAnswer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Discuss the significance of the POCSO Act in ensuring the safety and protection of children against sexual offences. What changes would you suggest to the present Act to enhance its effective implementation? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Technology serves as the catalyst for reshaping the traditional contours of bureaucracy, propelling it to become more efficient, transparent, and citizen-centric. Explain and also explore how the integration of technology can expedite governmental efforts aimed at modernizing the civil service. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India and US have had an oscillating relationship in the past, to what extent has the relationship acquired depth in recent times? How should New Delhi navigate its relationship with the US after its sharp divergence with Washington on the issue of the Russia- Ukraine war? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"How has the India-ASEAN partnership evolved since the implementation of the 'Look East Policy'? In what ways can India leverage the increasing strength of its economy alongside geopolitical realities as opportunities to foster closer India and ASEAN relations? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1685,"topper":"ARYAN SHARMA","air":352,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/8/aim24gcl1006_tc056-test-10-gs-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1686,"topper":"ARYAN SHARMA","air":352,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/172/aim24gcl1006_tc057-test-11-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1687,"topper":"ARYAN SHARMA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/178/aim24gcl1006_tc058-test-12-gs-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Most civil servants are neither pure deontologists nor pure utilitarians, but they operate according to a kind of ethical pluralism.\" Do you agree? Discuss your position with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The motivation to seek a career in public service and perform public service can be due to attraction to public service, commitment to public values, self-sacrifice and compassion. Among the four, what is the primary public service motivator for you? Explain your motivating factor. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"One of the critical areas of governance is developing policies for managing public health emergencies such as COVID. While tackling such health emergencies, the government may take measures that involve the abdication of liberty on the part of the citizens. According to you, what ethical principles should guide the government's public health policymaking? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Identify any four components of emotional intelligence relevant to public services. Explain their role in administrative decision-making. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Values lie at the core of the diverse world of human behaviour and are expressed in every human decision and action. In keeping with the above statement, explain with the help of illustrations how values impact an individual's behaviour. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Explain the difference between codes of ethics, codes of conduct and codes of rules and regulations. Do you think an increase in the number of codes and regulations is an efficient response to the decline of public trust and integrity issues? Why/why not? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Prioritising ethical concerns within public administration and policy has monetary costs in terms of training and other expenses. Do you think the financial cost of actively pursuing ethical standards by the government is justified? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Distinguish between administrative, legal and professional accountability. Despite multiple institutional accountability mechanisms, the government has failed to make a dent in systemic corruption. What do you think are the reasons for the poor performance of accountability mechanisms? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Economists view transparency as a condition for open markets, and political scientists view it as a condition for public participation. What does transparency imply in public administration ethics? Is it only a flow of information or more than that? Explain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Persuasion performs a number of positive, prosocial functions. However, people often equate persuasion with manipulation and consider it unethical. What are the ethical values a persuader must respect to ensure the ethicality of the act of persuasion? Explain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":37,"question":"You work as an investment banker with one of the country's biggest private banks. You independently handled a team of 15 junior bankers and reported directly to the Head Investment Banking Division. You also networked with individuals with a high net worth in assets and income as part of your job. The purpose of networking was to persuade them to have their income and assets managed by your bank. Over the years, you had brought in a lot of clients for the bank, and you managed assets and accounts for a few big clients. You managed a client with a very sizeable business account, and he frequently received remittances from offshore accounts of his company. In the last six months, you could notice a considerable number of forex transactions had happened in his account. And the money was further moved around to smaller locations within the country. When you tracked the money movement, you noticed that funds were transferred to areas where the client had no business dealings. Government regulations required the bank to report a large inflow of forex funds and client details. You forwarded the details to your Head, who forwarded it to the relevant authorities. When the transactions continued unabated, you got suspicious. On scrutiny, you discovered that the client had dealings with organisations banned by the government for funding anti-national activities. You shared the same information with your Head and requested him to report to the authorities. He said he would look into it. But he didn't. After a few weeks, you raised the matter again, and this time, he curtly told you that the regulations stipulate that account information had to be furnished, which the bank did. It was up to the authorities to scrutinise and take action. The bank was not at fault as it was complying with the law. Further, the Head told you the client was good business for the bank. You were concerned about what to do next as you knew the client was good business, but he was up to no good. (a) What are the issues involved in the case? (b) What are the options available to you? (c) Select your course of action after analysing all the options (d) Do you think breaching client confidentiality and trust can be justified in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"What are the issues involved in the case? 2. What are the options available to you? 3. Select your course of action after analysing all the options 4. Do you think breaching client confidentiality and trust can be justified in the above case? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"What are the issues and ethical dilemmas involved in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"How would you see the widow as a victim of her husband's crime or an accused? Justify. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What are the issues involved in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"What are the options Pallavi has? How should she navigate the issues with Mr Thakur?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"What do you think is the problem with Mr Thakur, is it a lack of emotional intelligence or something else?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"How do you think you will be able to help Pallavi? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"What options are available to the MP in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"Evaluate the options and suggest a course of action to the MP.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"Distinguish between political and bureaucratic corruption. Can bureaucracy play a role in checking political corruption? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"Do you think whistle-blowing could have been a good option five years back? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":1688,"topper":"ARYAN SHARMA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/176/aim24gcl1006_tc054-test-08-gs-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Public service takes place in a bureaucratic structure with clear lines of authority, value standardization, and accountability mechanisms. Working within such a structure, what do you think are the influences that impact the public servant's ethical decision-making? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"As professionals, civil servants are career focused and are also self-interested. At the same time, their service ethos imposes an obligation to serve the public interest selflessly. Is it possible for a civil servant to reconcile career and service obligation? Explain your position. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"While competence without compassion can be brutal and inhumane; similarly, compassion without competence can be meaningless for persons seeking help.\" Explain the above with the help of a suitable illustration in the context of public services. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Public service requires not merely legal but also morally principled action. Public service requires the public servant to place loyalty to the constitution, laws, and ethical principles. Among the three, which do you think must acquire primacy while carrying out official functions? Why? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What do you understand by “integrity-based civil disobedience”? Do you think a challenge to personal integrity can be a justifiable cause for responsible disobedience in civil services? Explain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance. (a) The senses deceive from time to time, and it is prudent never to trust wholly those who have deceived us even once. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Recent research has shown that emotions significantly impact personal and professional lives. What are the primary emotions that negatively and positively impact workplace productivity? Explain with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Technical efficiency ensures resource utilization and social efficiency ensures fulfillment of social needs, what does ethical efficiency ensure? Do you think ethical efficiency is more important than technical and social efficiency? Why/Why not? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"In the context of civil service, distinguish between moral and nonmoral values. Identify 5 basic moral values that can serve as foundational values for all services irrespective of the department. Give reasons why those values can be considered foundational. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Citizens' involvement in decision-making is critical to ethics in governance. Do you agree that effective civic engagement mechanisms can facilitate an ethics-driven administration? What do you think are the mechanisms that citizens can use for ensuring ethics in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"You are a young officer working with the Municipal Corporation of an industrial city. The city was known for manufacturing ball bearings and auto parts. Most manufacturing units were small-scale units with very little production process automation. The units relied on manual labor, which was in abundance due to the villages close by. As the number of manufacturing units grew, the demand for labor increased, bringing in a steady inflow of laborers into the city. This influx of people into the town led to a mushrooming of slums and encroachments on the sidewalks. Once in a while, the Corporation conducted drives to clear out the slums, but after a time, the slums came back. The illegal slums had become an urban nightmare. You were given the responsibility of clearing out the encroachments and slums with the help of Police authorities. As you started the drive, you realized that the people living by the sidewalks were vulnerable compared to the slum dwellers. Many sidewalk dwellers had recently come to the city after selling their properties in their villages. Now if you drive them out, they have no place to go. Your heart went out to them, and you felt that your departmental action was inhumane, but your official responsibilities demanded stern impartial action. You are desperate to find a way to help the sidewalk dwellers without compromising your official duties. (a) What value conflicts do you notice in the above situation? (b) Can an administrator compromise the value of impartiality for empathy? Discuss. (c) What are the options available in the above situation? (d) Suggest viable solutions for tackling illegal slums and encroachments in urban areas. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"A certain State government was running a welfare scheme for promoting safe motherhood among rural landless laborers' families. The scheme involves the transfer of funds to the beneficiaries to enable them to mitigate income loss due to maternal care responsibilities. Since its implementation, the scheme has done reasonably well on maternal health and economic indicators. You are the Director of the Department responsible for implementing and operating the scheme. Recently you have been receiving reports of welfare fraud being committed by families by producing fake bona fide. The families committed the fraud with the help of local officials responsible for scrutinizing the bonafide. You were concerned because the fraud was seriously undermining the scheme's efficiency. You called for a departmental meeting to discuss and find a solution to the problem. In the meeting, it was decided to merge several available government data sets such as Aadhar cards, voter ID cards, marriage certificates, birth certificates, bank details, and other personal assets. By merging all the data sets, the department would be able to develop the beneficiary's economic profile. And this will help the department scrutinize the documents and detect fraud. This was a comprehensive strategy, but it risked violating an individual's data privacy. As a Department head, you wanted to detect and prevent fraud, but at the same time, you were apprehensive about violating the Data privacy of the stakeholders. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) Do you think violating data privacy is justified to prevent welfare fraud? Why/ Why not? (c) What, according to you, can be the reasons for such welfare frauds happening in the country? (d) Are there any ways and means to prevent such fraud? Give your suggestions. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"You are posted in the Department of Mines, and one of your roles is to help your Department Head negotiate mining leases with private contractors. Recently, the state government demarcated a new mining zone and planned to invite bids for the mining blocs. You were instructed to oversee the bidding process and speed up the contract negotiations. As planned, the tenders were released, bids came in, and tenders were allocated as per the norms. All this happened at a breakneck speed. You wondered, why the hurry? But it was not your place to think and question; you quietly went about your work. As the contractors were about to start operations, you had to instruct them on environmental concerns to watch out for. And to do that, you read the environmental impact assessment report submitted by a consulting firm hired by the department. To your surprise, the report was shoddy and looked cooked up. You got suspicious and raised the issue with your Head, who politely instructed you to do what you were told, and he reminded you that the Department had revenue targets and was under pressure from the Ministry. After the meeting, you, on your own accord, did some digging and found out that the report was fraudulent and the mining activity that was about to start would lead to a massive environmental disaster which the State could not afford. (a) What are the issues and value violations you notice in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you? (c) Discuss the advantage and disadvantages of each option and identify your chosen course of action. (d) Do you think that environmental considerations are sometimes overrated at the cost of development? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Mr. Sharma was the All India Sales Head of a pharmaceutical company with a turnover of 400 crores. The company's main markets were small towns and tier 2 cities. Further, the company did a sizeable amount of business with state government hospitals and health centers. Mr. Sharma had given a lot of freedom to field sales agents to strike deals and negotiate prices with clients. This strategy worked well for the company. Recently Mr. Sharma received word that three company employees were selling products to government hospitals and health centers at a higher price than they were selling to other private hospitals and health centers. The employees were with the company for over five years and were good performers. A few sales staff informally raised the issue of the three getting relatively higher commissions because of their inflated deals. And this was creating a sense of unese among the sales staff. A cursory review of the account of the three showed that, in many instances, the government hospitals were paying more than other private institutions. Under procurement rules, the government is supposed to pay a fair price, one that other cost-conscious customers pay. On inquiry, Mr. Sharma found that the three were not alone; some corrupt government officials were helping them scam the Department. Mr. Sharma realized that his sales staff and some corrupt government staff had been defrauding the state exchequer for quite some time. Mr. Sharma immediately reported it to his CEO, and the two discussed how to deal with the sales staff and whether to inform the government about the scam and the involvement of their staff. The issue was informing the government means that there was every possibility that they might be blacklisted, thereby losing a lot of business. Mr. Sharma and CEO were caught in a dilemma regarding how to proceed with the case. (a) What are the ethical and business issues involved in the case? (b) What are the options available to Mr. Sharma and the CEO? (c) Do you think the organizational culture of giving freedom to the sales force led to the issue or was the individual's corrupt nature that led to the problem? Discuss. (d) What ethics mechanisms and steps can the company create and implement to prevent unethical behavior, as mentioned in the case? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":1689,"topper":"ARYAN SHARMA","air":352,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/19/aim24gcl1006_tc054-test-08-gs-4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1690,"topper":"ARYAN SHARMA","air":352,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/16/aim24gcl1006_tc058-test-12-gs-4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1691,"topper":"ARYAN SHARMA","air":352,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/6/aim24gcl1006_tc055-test-09-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1692,"topper":"ARYAN SHARMA","air":352,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/27/aim24gcl1006_tc057-test-11-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1693,"topper":"Aryan Sirsikar","air":175,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ARYAN-SIRSIKAR-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-175-Sample-Essay-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Write two essays, choosing one topic from each of the following Section A and B in about 1000 - 1200 words each. 125*2 = 250 Marks\nSECTION - A 1. We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.\n 2. The civilisation that doesn't adopt modern technologies becomes extinct.\n 3. Data without wisdom and innovation without ethics are dangerous tools.\n 4. The doubter is a true man of science.\nSECTION - B 1. The empires of the future will be the empires of the mind.\n 2. Responsibility is the invisible thread that holds freedom together.\n 3. You may not be able to do everything, but do something.\n 4. Behavior is the mirror in which everyone shows their image.","marks":"125*2 = 250","words":"about 1000 - 1200 words each"},{"page":5,"question":"The Civilisation That Doesn't Adopt Modern Technology Becomes Extinct","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"2 John Marshall and E. Mackay studied this spectacular fall of the Harappans. They believed that despite great civilisational advance, the \"suicidal weakness\" of the Harappans was their 'inflexibility to modern technology and new ideas'. This is evident from the fact that despite periodic flooding and earthquakes in various cities not much was done to counter the same. On the other hand, Mesopotamia with its flood protection technology flourished. What does this tell us?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"What is civilisation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"What is technology?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"But is it a panacea?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"You May Not Be Able To Do Everything, But Do Something","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1694,"topper":"Aryan Sirsikar","air":175,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ARYAN-SIRSIKAR-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-175-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) \"India's democratic roots are deeply embedded in its ancient civilizational ethos.\" Discuss in the context of India being referred to as the 'Mother of Democracy'.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Elucidate the significance of tiger and elephant figures in Indian mythology, art and architecture.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) The arrival of Lord William Bentinck marked a period of transformation in the British Indian State. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Explain how the American War of Independence deprived Great Britain of one empire, but it strengthened the foundations of another.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) What are Rare Earth Elements (REEs)? Discuss the multi-dimensional implications of uneven distribution of REEs in the world.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) Highlight the salient differences between the Himalayan and the Peninsular drainage Systems.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) Describe the nature and mode of origin of the main types of rock at the earth's crust.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) The alienation of modern lifestyles from nature has contributed to the ongoing environmental crisis in India. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) What do you understand by the term 'urbanisation of poverty'? Also, explain how urban poverty differs from rural poverty in India?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) Globalization has redefined the idea of community and kinship in Indian society. Do you agree? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) The flourishing of various art forms during the Kushana period reflects the rich and diverse cultural landscape of the time. What insights does this provide into the socio-cultural aspects of that era?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) Trace the events that led to the Civil Disobedience Movement. What were its outcomes?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 Mahatma Jyotirao Phule's reformist ideas played a significant role in shaping the social foundations of the Indian freedom movement. Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Phule's role in shaping social foundation of Freedom Movement\n(i) Give view to origin of Dalit leaders such as Gopal Baba Walangkar, Dr Ambedkar etc.\n(ii) Increasing participation of women in freedom struggle.\n(iii) Leaders like Kanchan Devi.\n(iv) Combining freedom struggle with demand for social reform.\n(v) Indian social congress by MG Ranade.\n(vi) Organisations like Social Service League and Lokhatal's servant of India society based on Phule's idea of social.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) The interlinking of rivers offers several benefits, but also raises significant socio-economic and environmental concerns. Analyze.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Explain the concept of rain shadow effect. How does it influence the distribution of precipitation and vegetation across mountain ranges?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Rain Shadow Effect on Various Mountain Ranges","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) Bring out the major features of the Indian monsoon and elaborate upon its causative factors.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17) What are the geographical factors responsible for the growth of mangrove vegetation in India? Also highlight its role in coastal ecology.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 To what extent can the rise of 'Kidfluencers' be seen as a reflection of changing family structures and parental aspirations in Indian society?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Women often form the backbone of grassroots movements in India, yet they remain largely invisible and excluded from the decision-making process. Examine.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20) Do you agree with the view that social media is a 'double edged sword'? Discuss in the context of its impact on Indian society.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1695,"topper":"Aryan Sirsikar","air":175,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ARYAN-SIRSIKAR-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-175-Sample-MGP-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) To what extent, in your opinion, have the ideals of the Preamble been realised in the country's 75-year constitutional journey?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) The evolution of property rights in India reflects an intricate relationship that exists between individual rights and public welfare. Discuss this statement with the help of relevant constitutional provisions and case laws.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Under what conditions can the 'National' Emergency be proclaimed by the President of India? What are the consequences when such a proclamation remains in force? When was it last imposed in the country?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) 'Lack of a binding framework for pre-legislative consultations in India limits citizen engagement in the lawmaking.' Propose measures to strengthen the role of public consultation in the legislative process.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) 'The recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission have enabled the States to improve their fiscal conditions.' Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) In what ways do industry and business associations contribute to socio-economic development in the country? Explain with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) \"India's poverty lies in the eyes of the beholder.\" In light of this statement, examine the need for a credible and periodically updated poverty estimation framework in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 falls short of achieving its intended objectives. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 'Starved of funds, shackled by geopolitics, WHO is facing a crisis of capacity and credibility'. Discuss the statement in the light of USA's withdrawal and its accusation of the health body of being 'biased towards China and mishandling the COVID-19 pandemic'.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) The world continues to operate in a 'my terrorist' versus 'your terrorist' paradigm. Explain. What strategies would you suggest to develop a unified, comprehensive, and rules-based global approach to tackle the menace of terrorism?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 Briefly explain the procedure laid down in the Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1951 for the registration of political parties with the Election Commission of India (ECI). What are Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs)? What concerns are associated with them? Does the ECI have powers to de-register a political party?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) Assess the role of NITI Aayog over the past decade in promoting cooperative and competitive federalism.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 'The post of Deputy Speaker goes beyond ceremonial significance and is indispensable to Indian parliamentary democracy.' Discuss with relevant constitutional provisions and conventions. Also, examine the implications of the prolonged vacancy of the Deputy Speaker's post.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) Is the growing demand for stricter regulation of online content justified, or does it pose a threat to the right to freedom of speech and expression? Examine in light of recent judicial pronouncements.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15) Critically examine the 'in-house procedure' adopted by the Apex Court to inquire into allegations of misconduct against judges of constitutional courts in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) Recent controversies over alleged malpractices in the electoral rolls have renewed demands for the mandatory linkage of Aadhaar with Voter ID. What is your opinion? Give reasons in support of your answer.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 Lateral entry into civil services is seen as a reformative step, yet it continues to attract criticism and controversy. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18) While rankings aim to benchmark the performance of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), concerns remain about whether current ranking frameworks reflect the broader goals of education. Suggest measures to make the ranking system more objective, inclusive, and aligned with educational and societal outcomes.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Examine the factors behind the growing salience of the Arctic region in international politics. Discuss, in this context, strategies for India to recalibrate its Arctic engagement.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 Bangladesh is a key pillar of India's Neighborhood First policy, but recent developments on both sides threaten to disrupt the 'Sonali Adhyay' in bilateral relations. Analyze.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1696,"topper":"Aryan Sirsikar","air":175,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ARYAN-SIRSIKAR-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-175-Sample-MGP-Copy-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) How has the evolution of data-driven targeting from service personalization to behavioral prediction created new ethical challenges for society? Discuss with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) Even with legal safeguards in place, instances of sexual violence against women persist. How can a \"change in attitude\" help address this issue?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) What is meant by 'parliamentary ethics'? Discuss its significance in maintaining democratic values in the context of recent developments in Indian politics.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) A \"non-absolutist approach\" has been a defining feature of ethical considerations in Indian society and its philosophical traditions. Do you agree? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context?\na) \"You may never know what results come from your action. But if you do nothing, there will be no result\" Mahatma Gandhi","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) \"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.\" Martin Luther King Jr.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"c) \"Experience is the only teacher we have. We may talk and reason all our lives, but we shall not understand a word of truth, until we experience it ourselves\". Swami Vivekananda","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.4) a) The interplay between laws and conscience is subtle; their synergy encourages ethical conduct, while dissonance can give rise to significant ethical dilemmas. Illustrate with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"b) \"In post-conflict rehabilitation, the pursuit of justice must be balanced with the need for reconciliation.\" Examine this statement in the context of addressing ethnic violence.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.5) a) What do you understand by the term \"Conflict of Interest\"? How does it manifest in the decision making by public servants? In what ways can it be minimized?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"b) The utilitarian principle of 'the greatest happiness of the greatest number' should guide decision-making and public policy formulation. What is your opinion in this regard? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.6) a) The risks to civilian aviation in conflict zones underscore the need for an ethical framework prioritizing human lives. Yet, the interplay of state interests and sovereignty complicates global responses. What ethical principles should guide nations in addressing aviation safety and how can the international community address these risks?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"b) \"Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom\" Bring out the importance of emotional intelligence (EI) in self-realisation. How can it be developed?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7 Prateek Kumar, the Project Manager, is in charge of the construction of a highly anticipated highway that is expected to drive regional development. The project aims to enhance connectivity, boost trade, and create substantial employment opportunities. Given its importance, it has become a focal point for the ruling party, which is actively promoting it as a symbol of progress ahead of the upcoming state elections next year. The timely completion of the highway is crucial, as the Chief Minister is scheduled to inaugurate it upon completion. This has led to added pressure on Prateek and his team to meet the approaching deadline, which is set for next month.\nDuring a routine inspection, Prateek discovers that a particular stretch of the highway has been built with substandard materials. This section fails to meet the required safety and durability standards, posing a serious threat to public safety and lives. If left unresolved, the compromised quality could lead to accidents, undermining both the project's credibility and the government's promises for safe and reliable infrastructure. Concerned, Prateek raises the issue with the contractor, but the contractor downplays the severity, claiming that minor adjustments will fix the problem without causing major delays.\nIn a subsequent team meeting, some senior members suggest that Prateek overlook the quality concerns to ensure the project remains on schedule. They argue that the majority of the highway meets standards and emphasize the severe economic and political consequences of delays. With elections approaching, they stress the importance of the Chief Minister's inauguration as a key political event. They warn that any delay could damage the ruling party's image, harm its electoral prospects, and potentially have repercussions for the team and the organization.\nLater, the contractor privately approaches Prateek with a substantial bribe, urging him to ignore the issue and allow the project to proceed. The contractor justifies his actions by citing financial pressures and the need to complete the project on time. Prateek is an honest and upright officer, but he understands that addressing the problem would delay the project, making it impossible to meet the deadline.\na Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\nb Under the given conditions, what are the options available to Prateek as the Project Manager? Critically evaluate each of the options.\nc What option should Prateek adopt and why?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":30,"question":"a. मामले में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा करें।\nb. दी गई परिस्थितियों में, प्रोजेक्ट मैनेजर के रूप में प्रतीक के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं? प्रत्येक विकल्प का आलोचनात्मक मूल्यांकन करें।\nc. प्रतीक को कौन सा विकल्प अपनाना चाहिए और क्यों?","marks":null,"words":"20 अंक"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.8 Ramesh is a ninth-class student of Shiksha Public School from a lower-middle-class family in a tier-3 city. He had a deep interest in creative arts like music and dance and had always excelled in them. Teachers and friends often praised his talent, and Ramesh dreamed of pursuing a career in performing arts. However, his parents envisioned a different path for him, which was becoming an engineer. Coming from modest backgrounds and facing financial difficulties, Ramesh's parents were banking on his engineering career to secure a stable and prosperous future. When Ramesh shared his dream with his parents, they strongly opposed it, as expected. His father dismissed his passion as unrealistic and said music and dance were not respectable professions. He also compared Ramesh to his cousin Mahesh, who had secured a high-paying job after graduating from a top engineering college. Ramesh felt pressured and reluctantly agreed to pursue science in school. After completing his board exams, his parents sent him to Kotanagar, a coaching hub known for engineering entrance exam preparation. To finance Ramesh's coaching fees, his parents mortgaged their only ancestral property, emphasizing the importance of Ramesh's success in the upcoming engineering entrance exams. Ramesh, torn between his dreams and his family's expectations, resolved to work hard. However, the demanding coaching schedule, coupled with his lack of interest in the subjects, began to take a toll on his mental health. Far from home, Ramesh felt isolated and depressed. He missed his friends, school environment, and the hobbies that once brought him joy. The pressure to perform was immense, with his mock test results consistently falling short of expectations. Over time, he began withdrawing from others, even avoiding phone calls with his parents. After two years of grueling preparation, Ramesh appeared for the entrance exam under the weight of crushing expectations. When the results were declared, he was unable to secure admission to a prestigious engineering college. The disappointment in his parents' voices further deepened his guilt and sense of failure. Feeling like a burden and unable to bear the weight of unmet expectations, Ramesh took a drastic step and ended his life by jumping from his hostel building. In his final note, Ramesh apologized to his parents for failing to meet their aspirations and expressed his regret for letting them down.\na Based on the above case study, discuss the ethical issues with the education system.\nb What are the qualities lacked by Ramesh's parents?\nc What qualities in a person can prevent them from taking the extreme step of suicide?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"a. उपरोक्‍त केस स्‍टडी के आधार पर शिक्षा प्रणाली से जुड़े नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा करें।\nb. रमेश के माता-पिता में कौन से गुणों का अभाव है?\nc. किसी व्यक्ति के कौन से गुण उसे आत्महत्या जैसा चरम कदम उठाने से रोक सकते हैं?\na उपरोक्‍त केस स्‍टडी के आधार पर शिक्षा प्रणाली से जुड़े नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा करें।\nb रमेश के माता-पिता में कौन से गुणों का अभाव है?\nc किसी व्यक्ति के कौन से गुण उसे आत्महत्या जैसा चरम कदम उठाने से रोक सकते हैं?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.9 Inside a busy city administration office, Joint Municipal Commissioner Keerthi, who also serves as the Public Information Officer (PIO), faces a challenging situation. Recently, an RTI application has been received, demanding details about public infrastructure projects initiated during her tenure. Upon reviewing the requested information, Keerthi discovers that certain decisions made regarding these projects were not entirely sound in hindsight. These decisions, although taken in good faith and after due diligence, failed to realize promised outcomes. There were other employees also who were party to this decision. The disclosure of this information could potentially lead to scrutiny and backlash against herself, the employees, and contractors involved. Known for her integrity and commitment to public service, Keerthi finds herself at a crossroads. The RTI Act has served as a critical check against administrative arbitrariness, ensuring transparency and accountability. However, she also observes a troubling trend. RTI applications are often used by vested interests and activists seeking personal gain rather than genuine public interest. Some activists even resort to threats or extortion tactics, undermining the integrity of the RTI process. She fears the requested RTI information could be similarly exploited. Moreover, the employees involved are requesting her to withhold the information. In navigating this situation, Keerthi weighs her options carefully.\na. Critically examine the options available to Keerthi in the above situation.\nb. Which of the above would be the most appropriate for Keerthi and why?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Q.10) Littering at popular tourist destinations has become a significant environmental and ethical concern in India. A recent incident highlighted this issue when tourists were observed throwing tissue papers and a cake box on the road after celebrating a birthday. When a local politely requested them to use a nearby dustbin just 5 feet away, the tourists dismissed the appeal, claiming no dustbin was available. The situation escalated when their driver threw a plastic bag into the adjacent valley. Public reactions to the incident were divided. Some individuals commended the intervention as an effort to promote civic responsibility, emphasizing the need to protect fragile ecosystems like hill stations. Many argued that tourists must adhere to basic environmental ethics and that public spaces are a shared responsibility. Critics also highlighted the broader implications of such irresponsible behavior on the environment and local livelihoods. On the other hand, the tourists involved accused those intervening of interfering in their personal affairs, claiming their privacy was being violated. The argument that the tourists were being publicly shamed through the viral video added another layer to the ethical debate. Many questioned whether posting such incidents online, even for a social cause, was appropriate or necessary. The debate continues, with one side emphasizing the collective responsibility to preserve public spaces and the environment, while the other raises concerns about individual privacy and autonomy.\na. What are the ethical concerns associated with tourists littering at public destinations?\nb. How can ethical tourism practices be integrated into policies to address issues like littering at tourist destinations?\nc. Suggest a course of action that balances environmental responsibility and individual rights. Justify your answer.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Q.11 With multipronged strategy of the Central and State Governments, especially in the last few years, the Naxalite problem has been resolved to a large extent in the affected states of the country. However, there are a few pockets in certain states where the naxalite problem still persists, mainly due to the involvement of foreign countries. Rohit is posted as SP (Special Operations) for the last one year, in one of the districts which is still affected by the naxalite problem. The district administration has taken a lot of developmental works in the recent past in the naxalite-affected areas to win the hearts and minds of the people. Over a period of time, Rohit has established an excellent intelligence network to get real-time information regarding the movement of naxalite cadre. To instill confidence in the public and have moral ascendancy over the naxalites, a number of cordon and search operations are being conducted by the police. Rohit, who himself was leading one of the contingents, got a message through his intelligence source that about ten hardcore naxalites were hiding in a particular village with sophisticated weapons. Without wasting any time, Rohit reached the target village with his team and laid out a foolproof cordon and started carrying out a systematic search. During the search, his team managed to overpower all the naxalites along with their automatic weapons. However, in the meantime, more than a hundred tribal women surrounded the village and started marching towards the target house. They were shouting and demanding the immediate release of insurgents since they are their protectors and saviors. The situation on the ground was becoming very critical as the tribal women were extremely agitated and aggressive. Rohit tried to contact his superior officer (IG Special Operations) of the state on the radio set and on mobile phone, but failed to do so due to poor connectivity. Rohit was in great dilemma since out of the naxalites apprehended, two were not only hardcore top insurgents with prize money of ₹10 lakhs on their heads, but were also involved in a recent ambush on the security forces. However, if he did not release the naxalites, the situation could get out of control since the tribal women were aggressively charging towards them. In that case, to control the situation, Rohit might have to resort to firing, which may lead to valuable loss of lives of civilians and would further complicate the situation.\na What are the options available with Rohit to cope with the situation?\nb What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Rohit?\nc Which of the options, do you think, would be more appropriate for Rohit to adopt and why?\nd In the present situation, what are the extra precautionary measures to be taken by the police in dealing with women protesters?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":56,"question":"Q.12 In the lush green expanse of the Eastern Ghats, a significant change is underway. The state government has announced a new infrastructure project — a highway connecting City A and City B. This project, envisioned as a catalyst for economic growth and enhanced connectivity, also promises to attract significant investments, including from a major semiconductor company. The semiconductor company is important for strategic purposes, given the growing importance of semiconductors in defense, space, and communications sectors. However, the proposed highway passes through a densely forested tribal area, home to an indigenous community deeply connected to the land. The local tribal community, reliant on the forest for their livelihood and cultural practices, is alarmed by the prospect of displacement and the extensive forest clearance required by the project. The forest is not just their home but a crucial part of their identity and source of livelihood. It is where their ancestors are buried, where they grow medicinal plants, and where their children play. The community's leaders, including Meera, a respected elder, are determined to protect their land. They fear losing their ancestral lands and the destruction of their way of life. Determined to make their voices heard, the community organizes a protest march to the office of the District Magistrate and seeks time to meet the DM. The DM, Vikash known for his fair and balanced approach, listens intently as Meera and other leaders explain their fears. They asserted their legally protected right to manage and protect the forest. Meanwhile, in the corporate offices of M&T Infrastructure Ltd., CEO Sunil is grappling with the growing unrest. The company has been contracted to build the highway, but the resistance from the tribal community poses a significant challenge. Delays could lead to escalating costs and potential project failure. Sunil decides to seek a meeting with Saritha, the Chief Secretary of State, to discuss the situation. Saritha, overseeing the project from the state secretariat, is aware of the delicate balance needed. The project is crucial for the state's development and aligns with the policy of promoting ease of doing business. Moreover, the potential investment from the semiconductor company is strategically important for both the state and the nation. Any delay or hindrance could tarnish the state's reputation and dissuade future investments. When Sunil meets Saritha, he lays out his concerns. \"Madam Secretary, the protests are intensifying. If this continues, we might have to consider withdrawing from the project. The financial risks are becoming untenable.\" The ruling party, keen to maintain its pro-development image, wants early completion of the project and the materialization of the semiconductor manufacturing plant to fulfill its poll promises. The Chief Secretary conveys the policy of the state government and the concerns of M&T Infrastructure Ltd. to the District Magistrate of the district concerned. As the administrative head of the district, the responsibility for maintaining law and order and facilitating development projects rests upon him.\na. What are the ethical issues involved in the case?\nb. Evaluate the options available to Vikash being District Magistrate of the area.\nc. What course of action should Vikash adopt and why?","marks":null,"words":"20"},{"page":57,"question":"a. इस मामले में नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\nb. क्षेत्र के जिला मजिस्ट्रेट होने के नाते विकास के लिए उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nc. विकास को क्या कार्यवाही अपनानी चाहिए और क्यों?\na इस मामले में नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\nb क्षेत्र के जिला मजिस्ट्रेट होने के नाते विकास के लिए उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nc विकास को क्या कार्यवाही अपनानी चाहिए और क्यों?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"}]},{"id":1697,"topper":"Aryan Sirsikar","air":175,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ARYAN-SIRSIKAR-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-175-Sample-MGP-Copy-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) Explain the significance of the recent changes made to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) with respect to labour market data estimation in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Discuss the implications of the rising trend of protectionism and tariff wars in global trade for India's macroeconomic stability.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) \"Genome-edited crops have the potential to strengthen food and nutritional security in the country.\" Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Assess the role of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) in expanding irrigation coverage and improving on-farm water use efficiency.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 Starlink, a satellite internet service provider, has recently been granted a license to operate in India. What is satellite internet? How does it work? What are its advantages and limitations?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) What is a Geographical Indication (GI)? What are the legal frameworks governing it? How does it differ from a trademark? How can GI infringement be tackled?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) What are the salient features of Mission Mausam launched by the Government of India? Why is such a mission needed? What are the likely challenges in its effective implementation?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8 Highlight the key provisions of the Disaster Management (Amendment) Act, 2025. How would the amendment help strengthen the disaster management framework in the country?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) 'Operation Sindoor' signals a strategic evolution in India's approach to cross-border terrorism. Analyze.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) 'Cyberspace has emerged as a distinct domain of warfare, posing serious threats to national security.' Discuss this statement and suggest counter-measures.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 What are the key objectives of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016? To what extent has it been successful in achieving them?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) Despite phenomenal growth in recent years, India's startup ecosystem lags in innovation across strategic sectors. Identify the factors responsible for this inadequate focus on deep-tech and suggest strategies to bridge this gap.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13) What is floriculture? How is it helpful in enhancing farm income and boosting agri-exports?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"1 Floriculture Boosting Farm Income & Agriculture Exports","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 \"Women play a crucial role in Indian agriculture, yet continue to face systemic exclusion.\" Discuss with reference to land ownership, access to credit, and agri-extension services. What initiatives has the government taken in this regard?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Launched on 25th June 2025, the Axiom-4 (Ax-04) mission has been much in the news since then. What are the key features of the mission? What significance does it hold for the Gaganyaan project and India's long-term space ambitions?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) Energy storage technology is one of the major components of renewable energy integration and decarbonization of world energy systems. Briefly discuss any three such technologies, citing their key merits and demerits.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17) Global Pandemic Agreement (2025) recognizes the 'One Health' approach as critical to pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. Highlight the key features of the agreement and elaborate on how the One Health approach can help in preventing future pandemics. What steps are needed to integrate this approach into India's environmental and health governance?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18) The frequency and intensity of heatwaves, particularly in urban centres, have increased in recent years. Describe the various causes and effects of heatwaves. What policies and frameworks have been adopted in India towards extreme heat risk management?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Discuss how emerging technologies and globalization contribute to terror financing. Elaborate measures to tackle the menace of terror financing both at national and international levels.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20) Explain the key components of the National Policy and Action Plan (2015) that have contributed to the significant decline of Left-Wing Extremism (LWE). What additional steps would you suggest to eliminate LWE in the near future?","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1698,"topper":"Aryan Sirsikar","air":175,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FadWBNZQwfQR76nMKOWt4U0FzsR-9QKw/view","questions":[]},{"id":1699,"topper":"Aryan Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Visionias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c86d7-1537720_4514_aryan_yadav_rank_31.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Write two essays, choosing one topic from each of the Sections A and B, in about 1000-1200 words each :\n1. You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it.\n2. In matters of conscience, the law of the majority has no place.\n3. He who opens a school door, closes a prison.\n4. Only in the depths of winter can we truly appreciate the warmth of spring.\n5. We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.\n6. Copying is safe; innovation demands courage.\n7. The more we automate, the more human we must become.\n8. The pursuit of instant validation is creating a generation of restless minds.","marks":"125 x 2 = 250","words":"1000-1200 words each"},{"page":14,"question":"What then can we do to truly appreciate the warmth of the spring?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1700,"topper":"Aryan Yadav","air":31,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ARYAN-YADAVUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-31-Sample-MGP-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) What are the main features of Vedic society and religion? Do you think some of the features are still prevailing in Indian society?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) The synthesis of Islamic architectural styles with elements from local Indian traditions contributed to the development of Indo-Islamic architecture in India. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) What were the reasons behind the relative peace and lack of major international conflicts during the 1920s?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4 Discuss the significance of the 1998 Pokhran nuclear tests as a transformative moment in India's post-independence history.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) What were the reasons that the British emerged as the preeminent power after succeeding against other European powers in the Indian subcontinent?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) \"The very policy that was meant to further subjugate Indians catalyzed free thought and questioned the notion of British superiority.\" Discuss in the context of British education policy in colonial India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How British Education policy catalysed free thought","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7 How far do you agree with the view that Stalinism was just a continuation of Leninism?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) The revolt of 1857 was far more than a mutiny, yet much less than the first war of independence. Do you agree? Substantiate your views.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) Unemployment is not just an economic challenge, but a social one with far-reaching consequences. In this context, discuss the social impact of unemployment in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 \"The socio-cultural consequences of the contact between tribal and non-tribal populations are complex and multifaceted.\" Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 Differentiate between the Nagara and Dravida styles of temple architecture. Explain how the Vesara architectural style creatively amalgamated architectural elements of both, while introducing innovative elements of its own.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 Identify the key reasons behind British colonial intervention in Malaya in the 19th century. How did Malaya react to British colonial rule?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 The integration of the Princely States into the Indian Union after partition involved overcoming significant administrative and socio-cultural hurdles. Discuss the statement with special emphasis on the integration of Hyderabad. Also, throw light on the role of Sardar Patel in the integration process.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 Non-Cooperation-Khilafat Movement was a watershed event in the Indian freedom struggle, but it suffered from inherent limitations. Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 The Bhakti movement, emphasizing 'personal connection' to the DIVINE, had a profound impact on various aspects of Indian society. Highlighting the main features of the Bhakti movement, discuss its contribution towards the development of vernacular languages across the country.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) Discuss the developments in the field of art and architecture during the Mauryan period.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 The German unification was achieved more by 'coal and iron' than by 'blood and iron'. Examine.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 How do conventional gender roles and responsibilities make women more susceptible to the impacts of extreme heat conditions? What measures would you suggest reducing these vulnerabilities?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 \"The changing nature of revolutionary extremism in the Indian national movement reflects a broader shift in political consciousness.\" Substantiate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 While there are extensive policies focused on equity and social justice, yet the underprivileged sections are deprived of full benefits of affirmative action guaranteed by the Constitution. Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1701,"topper":"Aryan Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/11d9d-1537720_4510_aryan_yadav_rank_31.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. Folk music serves as a repository of the cultural identity. Discuss the role of folk music in preserving cultural heritage and promoting social cohesion.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. How does the Vesara style of temple architecture represent a synthesis of the Nagara and Dravida styles? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. Discuss the role played by Indians living abroad in advancing the cause of India's freedom struggle. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. How did the Marshall Plan influence the economic recovery and political stability of post-war Europe? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. Discuss the factors responsible for increased cyclonic activity in the Arabian Sea. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. How can technological interventions help in transforming the textile sector in India? What are the initiatives that the government has taken in this regard? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. What is a seiche and how does it form? Discuss the geographical conditions under which seiches are most likely to occur. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. How has rapid urbanisation affected the socio-cultural landscape of peri-urban regions in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Examine the role of historical and socio-political factors in driving communalism in Indian politics. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. Globalization has significantly influenced the aspirations, lifestyle, and value systems of Indian youth. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. Examine how Chandragupta-II's reign symbolised a golden age of cultural development, laying the foundation for future advancements in Indian art and literature.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":27,"question":"How it laid foundation for future advancements of art & literature in India","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"12. Evaluate the intended and unintended consequences of British educational policies for the Indian society in the colonial period. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. India's territorial disputes after independence were not merely about borders, but also encompass issues of national identity, historical grievances, and geopolitical strategies. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. Discuss the geographical conditions responsible for the development of shola forests in the upper reaches of the Western Ghats. Highlight their ecological significance.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. Discuss the potential of natural hydrogen as a fuel to meet growing global energy demands? Why is it still an untapped industry? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. Why is there a shift of labour-intensive industries from China to South and Southeast Asia? Discuss the advantages and challenges for India in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. Explain the socio-economic transformations resulting from women's migration to metropolitan areas in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. The institution of marriage in India is increasingly becoming a site of conspicuous consumption and commodification. Critically examine the impact of this commercialisation on social equity and gender relations. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. Analyse how recognizing, reducing, and redistributing care work can foster gender equality and promote inclusive development in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. Discuss the changing nature of family structures in urban India. How is it impacting elderly care and socialization of the youth? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1702,"topper":"Aryan Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/64531-1537720_4511_aryan_yadav_rank_31.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. How does the Supreme Court’s recent decision on Aligarh Muslim University’s minority status affect the interpretation of Article 30 of the Indian Constitution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. The Supreme Court, in a recent verdict, prescribed a time period for the Governor's assent to state legislative bills. What are the implications of this judgment for cooperative federalism and legislative accountability in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. Discuss the recent changes and initiatives related to cooperatives that aim to smoothen the tussle between the Centre and States in the cooperative sector. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. In recent years, use of social media and digital mobilisation by civil society has emerged as a powerful form of pressure politics. Examine its impact on policymaking and democratic accountability.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. How is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) emerging as a business-led solution for addressing development challenges in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. Discuss how mechanisms like public consultations and Jan Sunwais in India impact governance outcomes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. How effective have the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) and Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan been in addressing substance abuse in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. Rote learning and neglect of creativity in foundational education setup in India make it less ready for marketplaces that are now driven by Artificial Intelligence. Do you agree with this view? Substantiate your argument.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Analyze the transformation of the G7 from a symbol of Western strategic unity to a forum marked by internal contradictions. How should India navigate this changing dynamic to advance its strategic interests? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. Discuss the role of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in the development of developing countries. What are the key criticisms associated with its approach? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. The 103rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019 has introduced a new dimension to the principle of affirmative action in India. Critically examine its implications for the broader goal of social justice.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. The District Planning Committee (DPC) was envisioned as a key instrument to strengthen grassroots-level planning. How far has it succeeded in achieving this goal? Discuss the challenges faced by DPCs and suggest measures to make them more effective.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. The restrictions imposed under Article 293 of the Constitution on State borrowing powers, though constitutionally valid, may hinder fiscal autonomy of States and disrupt cooperative federalism. Discuss in the light of recent developments. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. Examine the tension between the right to contest elections and the need to uphold electoral ethics under the Representation of the People Act. Should there be a lifetime ban on convicted criminals? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. To what extent has the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme, launched in 2015, succeeded in addressing the declining child sex ratio and empowering the girl child? Suggest measures to enhance its impact at the grassroots level.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are emerging as vehicles of socio-economic transformation in rural India. Examine the role of government in scaling their reach and effectiveness.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. Despite economic growth, multidimensional poverty continues to persist in India. Analyse the underlying causes and discuss the measures taken by the government to address them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. India faces a paradox of food surplus and nutritional deficit. Analyse the structural reasons behind this paradox and suggest reform strategies. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. India's timely response during the economic crises in Sri Lanka and the Maldives reflects its \"Neighbourhood First\" policy in action. Examine how Indian aid has impacted bilateral ties with these nations. What steps can further be taken to promote sustainable economic cooperation in the Indian Ocean region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. Discuss the geostrategic significance of Afghanistan for India in the context of continental connectivity and access to Central Asia. How has the altered political landscape post-2021 affected India's connectivity and energy corridor ambitions? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1703,"topper":"Aryan Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4d1bd-1537720_4512_aryan_yadav_rank_31.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. Analyse the factors that have contributed to India's inclusive economic growth in the past decade.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. The Reserve Bank of India's surplus transfers offer the government much-needed fiscal space, yet they are not without challenges. Critically examine the implications of the RBI's surplus transfers to the government. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. To what extent was the first National Monetization Pipeline (NMP) able to meet its objectives? What are the objectives of the new Asset Monetization Plan 2025–30 as announced in the recent 2025 Budget? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. Examine the major challenges hindering the Indian textile industry from achieving its full potential in the global value chain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. Why has India become increasingly import-dependent for edible oils despite being a major agricultural economy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"'10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. Air accidents are low-frequency but high-impact events. Examine the disaster management protocols in place for aviation-related emergencies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. Chemical pollution poses a grave threat to human health and the environment in India. Discuss the key sources contributing to pervasive chemical contamination and evaluate the effectiveness of existing environmental laws in curbing this problem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. Missile defence systems are becoming critical for national security in the face of evolving regional threats and advanced weapon technologies. Explain the working principle of missile defence systems. Critically assess India's progress in developing indigenous missile defence capabilities.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Despite multiple resolutions and initiatives undertaken by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), its efforts to counter terrorism have achieved limited success. Discuss the reasons for this limited effectiveness.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. India practices a ‘multi-alignment’ approach in its cyber diplomacy. How does this posture strengthen India’s internal security while maintaining strategic autonomy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. While examining the shortcomings of the land reforms in the past, elaborate what land reforms 2.0 should look like. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. As NITI Aayog completes 10 years of its establishment, critically examine its role in the planning and development paradigm of governance in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. What are the primary causes of limited formal credit penetration among the rural and unbanked populations in India? Comment on the effectiveness of Small Finance Banks in addressing this gap and advancing inclusive financial growth.","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. To what extent has the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for the food processing industry facilitated value addition, employment generation, and global competitiveness in India's food processing industry? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. Waste circularity is emerging as a sustainable solution to India's mounting solid waste crisis. Discuss the key principles of waste circularity and the government's initiative in this regard. How effective have these measures been in fostering a circular economy? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. Discuss the importance of integrating traditional ecological knowledge of India's tribal communities with modern disaster management frameworks. Mention two examples where indigenous practices have contributed to disaster resilience. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17 CRISPR technology has rapidly advanced in recent years, with new tools and clinical breakthroughs. Highlight the recent developments in CRISPR-based gene editing technology applications. Discuss the opportunities and ethical challenges these advancements present for healthcare and society.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. A credible semiconductor ecosystem is pivotal for India's economic security as much as for national security. Analyse the strategic objectives, incentives, and institutional architecture of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM). Identify the major risks that could derail its timelines.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. Intricate inter-play of diverse factors has been the force multipliers for extremism in the North East. Discuss. Suggest a multilayered strategy to tackle the menace of extremism in this region.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. Despite recent steps towards inducting women into combat roles, their participation remains low. Examine the key challenges impeding the greater inclusion of women in the Indian armed forces. Also, suggest suitable measures to enhance their participation. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1704,"topper":"Aryan Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/872d7-1537720_4513_aryan_yadav_rank_31.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. (a) Compassion is the courageous choice to feel another's suffering as one's own, and to act upon it, even when silence is safer and indifference is easier. Examine the significance of compassion as an essential ethical value for civil servants in India. Illustrate your answer with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"1. (b) Marriages in India are transitioning from traditional sacramental unions to more autonomous relationships, reflected in live-in relationships and rising divorce rates. Discuss the ethical dimensions of these changes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"2. (a) While accountability often necessitates documentation, an overemphasis on bureaucratic procedures and excessive paperwork can inadvertently silence the very voices that public policy intends to empower, particularly at the grassroots. Examine the above statement with suitable illustrations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"2. (b) The principle of impartiality may conflict with the need for compassion towards marginalized communities. Discuss in the context of civil services in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"3 (a) What do each of the following quotations mean to you?\na \"The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home.\" - Confucius (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"3. (b) \"Act only according to that maxim through which you can at the same time will that it become a universal law.\" - Immanuel Kant (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"3. (c) \"We are not only responsible for what we do, but also for what we fail to do\" - Molière. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"4. (a) Patriotism encourages ethical questioning, while nationalism often suppresses it. Discuss this statement in light of the formation of political attitudes during high-pressure national events. How can individuals develop moral attitudes that balance national interest with ethical reasoning?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"4. (b) Discuss how employee well-being and fairness can be balanced with efficiency and profitability in private organisations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"5. (a) Do you agree that excessive use of social media and emerging AI technologies may lead to a decline in emotional regulation and moral sensitivity among adolescents? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"5. (b) In light of the increasing incidents of suicides among students in India, discuss how Emotional Intelligence (EI) can aid in managing stress and emotional challenges.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"6. (a) In public service, emotional intelligence is not about suppressing emotion, but mastering its purpose — to connect, to de-escalate, and to uplift others with empathy and strength. Do you agree with this view? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"6. (b) An efficient work culture is built not only on rules, but on shared values. In this context, evaluate the role of leadership and team dynamics in transforming work culture within an organization.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"7 You are posted as the Joint Secretary in the Department of Information Technology of a state. The government recently implemented several citizen-centric digital services, collecting large volumes of personal data from residents. The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, requires that such data be processed only with explicit and informed consent, and mandates that processing must cease immediately upon withdrawal of consent.\n\nDuring an internal audit, you discover that the department continues to process and analyze personal data of several citizens even after they have formally withdrawn their consent. This data is being used for policy analytics and service improvement, purposes not explicitly disclosed at the time of data collection. When you bring this to the attention of your department head, you are informed that halting the processing will disrupt ongoing digital initiatives and may affect state-level performance metrics. Moreover, you find that the consent withdrawal process is cumbersome, and many citizens are unaware of their rights under the DPDP Act.\n\nYou also learn that a prominent social activist is planning to file a complaint with the Data Protection Board against involuntary use of personal data, which could attract public scrutiny and legal action against the department.\n(a) Identify and discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.\n(b) What are the potential consequences for the department if the issue is not addressed transparently?\n(c) How would you balance the need for efficient public service delivery with the obligation to protect citizens’ data rights? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"8 You are an IAS officer, currently serving as the Secretary of the Public Works Department in a hill state. Recently, a disturbing incident has come to light involving a senior Cabinet Minister and two engineers of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). During an inspection of a critical highway project, the Minister was allegedly seen on video physically assaulting and verbally abusing the engineers in full public view. The video, recorded by bystanders, went viral on social media and was widely covered by television channels, sparking both outrage and support from different sections of society. The Minister later defended his actions, alleging that the officials were corrupt, unresponsive to local grievances, and responsible for inordinate delays in the project. He insisted that his actions were driven by public frustration and the urgency of delivering infrastructure to a remote region.\n\nHowever, the engineers have filed a police complaint and written to their superiors, claiming they were targeted for resisting political pressure to award contracts to specific local contractors linked to the Minister. As the situation escalated, a union of NHAI engineers declared a strike,\n(a) इस प्रकरण में शामिल प्रमुख नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं? हितधारकों और उनके परस्पर विरोधी हितों की पहचान कीजिए।\n(b) लोक निर्माण विभाग के सचिव के रूप में, आप उपयुक्त स्थिति में क्या कार्रवाई करेंगे?\n(c) ऐसी घटनाएं सिविल सेवकों के मनोबल और शासन में जनता के विश्वास को कैसे प्रभावित करती हैं? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"(a) What are the key ethical issues involved in this situation? Identify the stakeholders and their conflicting interests.\n(b) As the Secretary of the PWD, what actions will you take in above situation?\n(c) How do such incidents affect the morale of civil servants and public trust in governance? (Answer in 250 words)\na) What are the key ethical issues involved in this situation? Identify the stakeholders and their conflicting interests.\nb) As the Secretary of the PWD, what actions will you take in above situation?\nc) How do such incidents affect the morale of civil servants and public trust in governance?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"9 You are the Secretary in the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Government of India. In recent years, an increasing number of civil servants, particularly younger officers from the IAS, IPS, and IRS, have begun maintaining personal YouTube channels and social media pages. On these platforms, they regularly post videos related to their official work — showcasing innovative projects, public outreach initiatives, inspection drives, and sometimes even day-to-day administrative duties.\n\nThese videos often receive widespread public attention, and many viewers express admiration, saying such content enhances transparency, motivates aspirants, and humanizes the bureaucracy. However, concerns have also emerged from various quarters. Senior officers argue that such content may blur the boundaries between personal branding and public service, while some citizens and media commentators point to instances where videos feature vulnerable beneficiaries without consent, raise concerns about misuse of official premises, or seem designed more for personal popularity than public accountability.\n(a) लोक सेवकों द्वारा अपने आधिकारिक कार्यों को सोशल मीडिया पर सार्वजनिक रूप से प्रदर्शित करने के कृत्यों में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों की पहचान कीजिए।\n(b) क्या ऐसी प्रयासें जागरूकता और प्रेरणा को प्रोत्साहन देती हैं या क्या ये अनामिता, तटस्थता और सामूहिक सेवा भावना के मूल्यों से समझौता करती हैं? अपना मत दीजिए।\n(c) सचिव के रूप में, लोक सेवकों की उत्तरदायित्व डिजिटल सहभागिता सुनिश्चित करने के लिए आप कौन-से मार्गदर्शक सिद्धांत और नीतिगत अनुशासन सुझाएंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":43,"question":"In one case, a district magistrate was seen filming a surprise school inspection in which teachers were scolded on camera — the video was later posted to his personal YouTube channel that is also monetized. While some praised the officer's strictness, others criticized the public shaming of teachers and the breach of service dignity. In another case, a police officer was seen directing a flood rescue operation while his staff filmed drone footage, later edited into a motivational video for social media. You have been asked to prepare a report with recommendations to balance public interest, institutional integrity, and evolving modes of communication.\n(a) Identify the ethical issues involved in civil servants publicly showcasing their official work on social media.\n(b) Do such practices promote awareness and motivation, or do they compromise the values of anonymity, neutrality, and collective service ethos? Give your opinion.\n(c) As the Secretary, what guiding principles and policy recommendations would you suggest to ensure responsible digital engagement by civil servants? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"10 You are the Director of the National Bioethics Commission who is responsible for assessing the ethical feasibility and oversight of a nationwide gene sequencing program. The project named GeneFuture, aims to sequence the DNA of every newborn child and store it in a centralized national database. The objective is to identify genetic predispositions to serious diseases early in life, allowing for preventive treatment and personalized medicine. Over 100,000 babies have already been enrolled in the pilot phase of the program. The government claims that this move is a landmark step in public health advancement.\n\nHowever, collection of newborn genetic data raises significant ethical concerns, particularly around informed consent, which may not fully capture parents' understanding of the long-term risks involved. Once gathered, this sensitive data could be misused for purposes such as surveillance, insurance discrimination, or commercial marketing by third parties. Uncertainty over data ownership—whether it lies with the state, parents, or the individual as they mature—further complicates the issue. The involvement of private tech and pharmaceutical companies heightens fears of commercial exploitation, especially in the absence of clear mechanisms for individuals to withdraw consent or delete their genetic information upon reaching adulthood.\n(a) What are the ethical issues you perceive in the implementation of the GeneFuture program?\n(b) Identify the conflicting interests of different stakeholders in this case.\n(c) What guiding ethical principles would you recommend for implementation of this project? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"11 You are a dedicated District Health Officer (DHO) with a strong commitment to evidence-based public health practices, recently assigned to a remote district in India. Your immediate and most critical task is to lead a crucial district-wide Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination drive, aimed at achieving 100% immunization coverage among children aged 9 months to 15 years. The success of this drive is vital for the collective health of thousands of children and for the district's overall health indicators, especially with the impending monsoon season posing additional health challenges.\n\nHowever, in one of the largest and most traditional villages in your district, you encounter formidable resistance. The villagers, deeply influenced by the pronouncements of a revered local\n(a) उपयुक्त प्रकरण में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\n(b) इस विरोध को शांत करने के लिए आपके पास तत्काल क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\n(c) अंधविश्वास के व्यापक प्रभाव को दूर करने और संधारणीय लोक स्वास्थ्य परिणामों हेतु वैज्ञानिक सोच को बढ़ावा देने के लिए आप कौन-सी दीर्घकालिक रणनीतियाँ और प्रणालीगत सुधारों का सुझाव देंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case.\n(b) What are the immediate options available to you to overcome this resistance?\n(c) What long-term strategies and systemic reforms would you suggest to address the pervasive influence of superstition and foster a scientific temperament for sustainable public health outcomes? (Answer in 250 words)\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case.\nb) What are the immediate options available to you to overcome this resistance?\nc) What long-term strategies and systemic reforms would you suggest to address the pervasive influence of superstition and foster a scientific temperament for sustainable public health outcomes?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"12 (a) आपके समक्ष विद्यमान संभावित प्रशासनिक और नैतिक दुविधाएं क्या हैं?\n(b) आपके लिए उपलब्ध सभी विकल्पों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\n(c) आप अपने निर्णय का नैतिक औचित्य सिद्ध करते हुए कौन-सी व्यापक कार्यवाही करेंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)\na) आपके समक्ष विद्यमान संभावित प्रशासनिक और नैतिक दुविधाएं क्या हैं?\nb) आपके लिए उपलब्ध सभी विकल्पों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\nc) आप अपने निर्णय का नैतिक औचित्य सिद्ध करते हुए कौन-सी व्यापक कार्यवाही करेंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":58,"question":"(a) What are the potential administrative and ethical dilemmas you face?\n(b) Discuss all options available to you.\n(c) What comprehensive course of action would you choose to adopt, providing ethical justification for your decision? (Answer in 250 words)\na) What are the potential administrative and ethical dilemmas you face?\nb) Discuss all options available to you.\nc) What comprehensive course of action would you choose to adopt, providing ethical justification for your decision? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1705,"topper":"Asad Aqeel","air":321,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ASAD-AQEELUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-321-Sample-ESSAY-COPY-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. Modern day charity is not mere donation.\n2. No man is good enough to govern another man without that man's consent.\n3. The philosophy that all creatures have a purpose needs due attention.\n4. An administrator does the thing right, while a leader does the right thing.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1706,"topper":"Asad Aqeel","air":321,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ASAD-AQEELUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-321-Sample-ESSAY-COPY-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. Gender related movements and their manifestations vary across time and space.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Globalising impact on entrepreneurship led inclusion","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1707,"topper":"Asad Aqeel","air":321,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ASAD-AQEELUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-321-Sample-MGP-COPY-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) How will you explain that the Government of India Act 1935 was seminal in giving shape to the Indian constitution?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) The constitution of India is not a bag of borrowing, but a 'beautiful patchwork' that aptly mirrors the nation's diversity. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3 In what ways does the preamble reflect the ideals and aspirations of the Indian Constitution? To what extent have these aspirations been realised?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Strengthening the National Commission of Scheduled Tribes (NCST) through various complementary mechanisms can go a long way towards mainstreaming the welfare of the tribals. Explain.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) What is the process for amending the Constitution of India? Discuss the significance of the Kesavananda Bharati case in relation to the power of Parliament to amend the Constitution.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) Though President of India is the constitutional head of the state, he is only a nominal executive and not a real executive. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7 Analyze the process of delimiting constituencies, highlighting its significance as well as the challenges.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8 The ordinance-making power of the executive is antithetical to the principles of accountability and democratic consensus. Examine with suitable illustrations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) How will you explain that Indian federalism is a happy mix of Unitarianism and confederalism?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 \"The Attorney General of India holds a pivotal position in the legal system and represents the interests of the government.\" Explain how this is reflected in the method and terms of appointment as well as the scope of her powers and responsibilities.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 Evaluate the first-past-the-post (FPTP) system in ensuring a representative polity. Can a move towards a proportional electoral system address the limitations of the first-past-the-post system?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) The Indian constitution is unique in the sense that it not only creates a limited government but also establishes a welfare state. Explain with suitable examples.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 Though importance of executive agencies in checking corruption and impropriety cannot be overstated, their misuse for political ends is anathema to the rule of law. Comment, with special reference to Enforcement Directorate (ED).","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 Throwing light on the constitutional provisions for safeguarding the autonomy of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), recommend measures to enhance its role as the conscience keeper of the government.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 In a democratic society, individual rights and freedoms are always balanced against the larger interests of society and the state. To what extent do the constitutional restrictions on fundamental rights strike a balance between individual liberty and societal interests? What factors are considered in evaluating the reasonableness of such restrictions? Refer to the case laws.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 The 69th constitutional amendment provides special provisions for the governance of the Union Territory of Delhi. Discuss and analyse the implications of divergences on various issues between the elected government and the Lieutenant Governor.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 Examine the role of the National Commission for Women (NCW) in protecting and promoting the rights of women in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 The tenets of independent judiciary, life-breath of constitutional democracy, stand perpetually undermined by the executive encroachment into the judicial domain. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"19) Despite constitutional backing, urban planning and governance have given limited dividends on the ground. Enumerating the reasons for the same, suggest measures to ameliorate the situation.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 \"Amidst the clamor of competing interests, the government's wisdom lies in striking a fine balance, harnessing the energies of pressure groups while staying steadfast in its commitment to uphold the broader public interest.\" How do pressure groups influence public affairs? How can the government strike a balance between accommodating the demands of pressure groups while ensuring the overall public interest is upheld?","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1708,"topper":"Asad Aqeel","air":321,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ASAD-AQEELUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-321-Sample-MGP-COPY-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) It is often said that politics and ethics belong to different worlds. What is your opinion in this regard? Justify your answer with illustration. Also, highlight the consequences of divergence between politics and ethics.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) \"Those who are ready to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.\" In the context of this statement, bring out the ethical issues involved with creating a surveillance state for the sake of national security.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) Family plays a prominent role in the value development of an individual. Elucidate. Also, examine the impact of the changing nature of families on children's moral development.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) Different individuals have different conceptions of patriotism. What does patriotism mean to you? Narrate in brief any two real-life incidents when you displayed patriotism.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) a) Moral behaviour is not only good for the community in which one is a part but also for the individuals who profess it. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) Discuss the important teachings of Swami Vivekananda. Bring out their relevance in the contemporary world.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.4) a) \"Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.\" Discuss the importance of emotional intelligence in self-realisation. Do you think emotional intelligence can be learned?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"b) What do you understand by environmental ethics? Examine the ethical concerns in 'phase-down versus phase out debate' in the use of coal by developing countries.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.5) a) \"Two things define you: Your patience when you have nothing and your attitude when you have everything.\" What roles do attitude and patience play in the personal and professional lives of civil servants?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"b) Gendered attitudes convert differences in sexes into discriminations. Examine the factors responsible for negative attitudes toward women in the Indian society. How can these attitudes be changed?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.6 What does each of the following quotation mean to you?\na) \"Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.\" - Mahatma Gandhi. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"b) \"The price good men pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men.\" - Plato.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"c) \"Whatever is begun in anger, ends in shame\" - Benjamin Franklin.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7 Prahlad is a climate conscious and responsible citizen, who left his well-paying job as a senior manager in a multinational company to start a small firm that would manufacture eco-friendly products. The motto of his company is \"no waste, all green\". His firm makes bio-degradable polymer which can be used as an alternative to plastic bags, bottles, plates etc. Prahlad thinks that this will promote a healthier environment and will have a positive impact on people's health. It will also help address the problem of climate change by reducing one's carbon footprint. For this to be achieved, he believes that not just products, but the process too should be less polluting. This is why, he invested heavily in non-polluting machinery. These machines are certified as \"green machines\". In fact, some of them were even imported from other countries. All of this has gained him a good reputation in the eyes of critics and environmentalists. But as the technology used in manufacturing these products is new, imported and expensive, the products made by Prahlad's firm is costlier than conventional plastic products. Prahlad has proved that his product is environmentally benign, but he was unable to scale up production because of he ran out of funds. Prahlad knows that if he could start manufacturing the polymer at a large scale and leverage economies of scale his product would become more price competitive to conventional plastics. Prahlad used last of his funds to publicize his product. Prahlad thought that with this publicity, raising funds from the market would be easy. Prahlad reached out to many investors, and they showed great interest in Prahlad's product. But none of them were willing to invest money in this product. They feared that this new product, being much expensive, would not be able to compete with the conventional plastic products. Prahlad's firm is also losing his existing customer who complain about very high cost of his products. Both Prahlad's prospective investors and past customers know that this technology is less polluting and environmentally benign and has a positive attitude towards it. But consumer concern and attitude about the environment does not readily translate into the purchase of environmentally friendly products. Academic research has also identified this gap between purchase intentions and behaviors. Prahlad knows that if he changes the production procedure, things can look better for the company on the financial front, but that can take away his reputation and will also be against his own beliefs. The only possible hope is to expand his consumer base, sell his products at full capacity and convince investors to invest in his eco-friendly venture to keep his green industry running. Consider yourself in Prahlad's position and answer the following questions:\na) How will you induce behavioral change to nudge people to move towards eco-friendly products?\nb) What factors will you have to consider while inspiring such a change?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":30,"question":"खुद को प्रहलाद की स्थिति में रखें और निम्नलिखित प्रश्नों के उत्तर दें:\na) आप लोगों को पर्यावरण-अनुकूल उत्पादों की ओर बढ़ने के लिए प्रेरित करने के लिए व्यवहार में बदलाव कैसे लाएंगे?\nb) इस तरह के बदलाव को प्रेरित करते समय आपको किन कारकों पर विचार करना होगा?","marks":null,"words":"20 अंक"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.8) A gaming website dedicated to chess has gained popularity in recent times due to its online lessons and tips for improving skills in the game. You have recently started playing chess at the platform. The platform provides you analysis of your games and suggests areas of improvement. The online lessons have helped you improve your game a lot over a very short time. You are amazed at the ability of competing with players of all levels of skills from across the world. While testing and improving your chess skills on the platform, you have made friendship and acquaintances with many competitive chess players from different parts of the world. Recently, you have been encountering racial, religious and stereotypical remarks during the games from the other players. Initially you ignored such things as childish tactics by an opponent to distract you from your gameplay. Later you would try to engage with such people to dispel stereotypes. But increasingly such experiences are making you sad and bitter. Now you block such people as you encounter them.\n\nWhat started as a fun and stimulating experience for you has become a source of negativity in your life. In your discussions with other people, you come to realize that they have also experienced similar racial and religious slurs, and many people have left the platform to avoid the abusive experience. You also sense that this is not an issue specific to this gaming website but is part of the generally seen behaviour on social media. You used to consider online trolling as harmless puns that could not create actual harm, but after experiencing its dark side as a victim you are realizing its negative impact.\n\nGiven this information, what are your thoughts on the following :\na) How should one deal with the issues of on-line abuse such as in the case above? What options are available to you?\nb) What values should guide online behaviour? Do these values differ from values governing offline conduct?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"a) किसी को ऑनलाइन दुरव्यवहार के मुद्दों से कैसे निपटना चाहिए, जैसा कि ऊपर के केस अध्ययन में है? आपके पास कौन से विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nb) ऑनलाइन व्यवहार को किन मूल्यों द्वारा निर्देशित किया जाना चाहिए? क्या ये मूल्य ऑफ़लाइन आचरण को नियंत्रित करने वाले मूल्यों से भिन्न हैं?\na) किसी को ऑनलाइन दुरव्यवहार के मुद्दों से कैसे निपटना चाहिए, जैसा कि ऊपर के केस अध्ययन में है? आपके पास कौन से विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nb) ऑनलाइन व्यवहार को किन मूल्यों द्वारा निर्देशित किया जाना चाहिए? क्या ये मूल्य ऑफ़लाइन आचरण को नियंत्रित करने वाले मूल्यों से भिन्न हैं?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.9) You are working as Director (Human Resource) in a software company. Various factors such as economic slowdown in some of the major trade partners of India and disruptive technological changes like generative Artificial Intelligence require rapid adaptive measures from businesses to survive. The marketing department has reported that there is lack of demand for the services provided by your company in the market and business-as-usual scenario could spell doom for the company. Your company has decided to take a slew of measures to tread through a tough phase of the business which include technological rejuvenation of the company and streamlining the workforce. A significant number of employees in your organization are above fifty years of age and are finding it difficult to adapt to the new working conditions and the rapid upskilling required by the company. After proper training, the employees were subjected to a test, and a list was prepared of those who are above fifty years of age and who did not do well in the test. You have been told by the board of directors that they have plans to lay off approximately 25% of the employees. This is essential for the efficiency and survival of the company. You have been given a list of employees who are to be laid off and you have been told to communicate to them the decision of the company to terminate them.\n\nIn the above list, there is an employee who has been working in the company for twenty years. He is known for his discipline, integrity, and loyalty to the company. His financial situation is not good at present as he applied for personal loan a few months ago in order to meet the expenses of his ailing father who was hospitalized. He is sole breadwinner of the family and has two dependent daughters. Marriage of one of the daughters is scheduled for next month.\na) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\nb) As the head of the HR department, what ethical dilemma do you face?\nc) Do you think that the company's decision is appropriate? According to you what should have been the ideal course of action in the given scenario?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"a) उपरोक्त केस अध्ययन में नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\nb) मानव संसाधन विभाग के प्रमुख के रूप में, आपको किस नैतिक दुश्वार का सामना करना पड़ता है?\nc) क्या आपको लगता है कि कंपनी का निर्णय उचित है? आपके अनुसार दिए गए परिदृश्य में कार्रवाई का आदर्श तरीका क्या होना चाहिए था?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.10) Mr. A is travelling by road with his family to attend a marriage ceremony. His grandfather, who is the head of the family, is also travelling with him. On the way to their destination, all of them stop at a roadside restaurant for lunch. This is a well-known restaurant owned by one of the friends of Mr. A. The place is known for its tasty and hygienic food.\n\nHowever, the grandfather notices a picture on the wall of the restaurant and enquires about the religion of the restaurant owner. Mr. A's friend belongs to a religion different from his grandfather's religion. The grandfather has a negative attitude towards the religion of Mr. A's friend, and he insists that he will not eat in that restaurant. He demands that the entire family leave the restaurant immediately, as they are travelling for a happy occasion and eating at this particular restaurant will pollute them. Mr. A tries to calm down his grandfather and explain to him that religion has nothing to do with purity or pollution. He also reasons that several travel magazines have rated the restaurant highly, especially for its superior hygiene standards. Also, he points out that there is no restaurant in the way for the next 100 km, and it will be difficult for all to make do without food for that long. However, his arguments fall on deaf ears, and more specifically, his grandfather admonishes him for bringing the family to the restaurant despite being aware of the religion of the owner. Mr. A's friend feels insulted and discriminated against due to his religion. Mr. A's father is upset but refuses to say anything out of respect for the grandfather. The entire family is embarrassed by the attitude of the grandfather, and they are getting ready to leave the restaurant. Mr. A is confused regarding how he should act in this situation.\na) What are the various ethical issues in the above case study?\nb) Imagine yourself in the place of Mr. A. Evaluate the different courses of action available to you. What is the most suitable course of action?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"a) उपरोक्त केस अध्ययन में विभिन्न नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\nb) खुद को श्री A की जगह पर रखकर कल्पना कीजिए। दी गई विभिन्न कार्यवाही का मूल्यांकन कीजिए। सबसे उपयुक्त कार्यवाही क्या है?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":52,"question":"Q.11 On a cold and foggy night in December, Arun and Seema, both unknown to each other, boarded a train for Lucknow at the Delhi junction. Both were going to their home town on the weekend. It was supposed to be a routine train journey of 7-8 hours. Arun, a first-year graduate from a reputed institute in Delhi, aspires to join DRDO and make a career in the R&D field. Seema, a national-level volleyball player, had dreams of joining the paramilitary forces. Both checked their tickets and got comfortable in their respective seats in the coach S7.\nThe train gave the final horn and slowly started leaving the station. Amidst the chugging of the engine and the train wheels clacking on the tracks, both Arun and Seema fall asleep. But as fate would have it that night, a routine train journey turned out to be a nightmare for the passengers of coach S7, including Arun and Seema. The train was on its scheduled two-minute halt at an outskirt station when suddenly 4-5 robbers entered the coach S7. They asked all the passengers to hand over their valuables without any fuss. None of the passengers could gather the courage to confront them, as they had country-made pistols and sharp-edged weapons. But somehow, Arun and Seema mustered the courage and resisted the robbers. The robbers threatened them with dire consequences and asked them to comply with their command. But both remained adamant and even refused to hand over their valuables to the robbers. To teach them a lesson and set an example for the other passengers, both Arun and Seema were thrown out of the moving train. At that very moment, another train was approaching on the parallel track, and both were hit by it; Arun lost his right arm, Seema lost her left leg, and she had multiple fractures in the spinal cord.\nBoth met somewhat similar fates that night, but both faced the 'tragedy' that unfolded with them in a completely different manner. In spite of full support from his family, Arun lost all hope and got disenchanted with life. He couldn't accept the new reality and went into depression. Also, the thoughts of committing suicide would often come into his mind. Seema, on the other hand, after completing her treatment, decided to pursue her dreams. She was also encouraged by his family and friends to start a new life. She started training with a prosthetic leg and resumed playing volleyball. Not only this, she decided to push boundaries and chose mountaineering. And around two years later, she became the world's first female amputee to scale Mount Everest.\nThe stories of Arun and Seema highlight the importance of the adversity quotient. But it is also evident that different people possess different levels of adversity quotient. Based on your understanding of the above case study, answer the following:\na) Examine the importance of the adversity quotient in life, citing examples. How can the adversity quotient be developed?\nb) As a friend of Arun, what suggestions would you give to him to overcome the aftermath of the tragedy?","marks":null,"words":"20"},{"page":53,"question":"a) उदाहरण देते हुए जीवन में प्रतिकूलता के महत्व की परिक्षण कीजिए। एडवर्सिटी कोषंट (AQ) को कैसे विकसित किया जा सकता है?\nb) अरुण के मित्र के रूप में, आप उसे संकट के बाद के परिणामों से उबरने के लिए क्या सुझाव देंगे?\na) उदाहरण देते हुए जीवन में प्रतिकूलता के महत्व की परिक्षण कीजिए। एडवर्सिटी कोषंट (AQ) को कैसे विकसित किया जा सकता है?\nb) अरुण के मित्र के रूप में, आप उसे संकट के बाद के परिणामों से उबरने के लिए क्या सुझाव देंगे?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":58,"question":"Q.12 Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, Purabkashi is a town located on the way to major pilgrimage destinations. The town is traversed by a section of the Panch-Dham Road Project, whose objective is to improve connectivity to the five major pilgrimage centers in the region. The project aims to develop and widen nearly 900 km of national highways in the Himalayas, making journeys to these centers safer, faster, and more convenient. The project is being constructed at a very high cost and is expected to boost tourism in the region and reduce road accidents occurring in the hilly region. The project is also important from a security point of view, as these roads can act as strategic feeder roads that connect the border with the Army camps in the nearby areas. The roads may facilitate quicker movement of troops and supplies and can serve as a strategic asset in connecting the border regions. However, from the conception stage of the project itself, various NGOs have raised several fault lines regarding its environmental sustainability. It has been noted that the project may destroy about 690 hectares of forests, and an estimated 20 million cubic meters of soil need to be removed. Experts raise concern that such a high-impact activity may aggravate erosion and destabilize the slopes. Large-scale uprooting of vegetation can prove to be perilous for biodiversity and regional ecology. Indiscriminate blasting during road construction creates cracks in soil and rocks that may enhance the possibility of landslides and associated disasters in the future. In 2018, the project was challenged in the Supreme Court by an NGO for its potential impact on the Himalayan ecology due to felling trees, cutting hills, and dumping excavated material. The Supreme Court then constituted a high-powered committee that warned against widening the road by 12 meters. It had suggested that the widening stay between 5.5 and 7 meters. However, this recommendation by independent experts was opposed by government officials and ultimately sidelined. The worst fears of the local and scientific communities came true when about 40 workers got trapped inside a tunnel after the under-construction tunnel structure collapsed in Purabkashi. Overnight, Purabkashi became the talk of the country. The project was awarded to the contractor, PQR Enterprises. Mr. Vinay Kumar, who has experience completing many such projects in the past, was appointed as Project Director, overseeing the smooth completion of the project and monitoring the contractor's work. Mr. Vinay is known for his honesty and dedication. Prior to the mishap, he had successfully overseen this project to meet its timeline. But after the mishap, the higher authorities are privately requesting the project director, Mr. Vinay, to take responsibility for the mishap. To manage the growing resentment in the locality and nationwide, he is being asked to step down as project director. But Mr. Vinay feels that he is being unfairly blamed. To alleviate the pressure from the public, he is being scapegoated. The project had issues right from the conception stage, given the ecological fragility of the region. Various ecological experts and geological scientists think that the incident has exposed not only the project's vulnerabilities but also the lapses in the safe tunnel construction mechanisms carried out, like the failure to construct an escape tunnel. Several experts have pointed out this incident as a warning for future disasters, as now questions have been raised about the fragility of the Himalayas in sustaining massive infrastructure projects like the Panch-Dham project. The government, despite many voices against the project, is treating the incident as an isolated incident and moving on with the further construction of the project. There is a protest happening in the state with a demand by the people to consider the project's environmental consequences and also the operations of the contractor, PQR Enterprises, in the particular project.\na) What are the various ethical issues involved in the above case study?\nb) As the head of the Panch-Dham Project, what are the options available to Mr. Vinay? Analyze the advantages and disadvantages of each.\nc) In your opinion, between the twin objectives of development and conservation, what should be given more priority and why?","marks":"20","words":"20"}]},{"id":1709,"topper":"Asad Zuberi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ad98a-1222481_1862_asad-zuberi_rank-86.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Jyotiba Phule was not only a key social reformer but also a patron of literary works. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Cave paintings in India have a long tradition with both religious as well as secular attributes. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The Swadeshi movement started as an anti-partition movement, but became a multi-faceted mass movement after 1905. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Although the National Emergency of 1975 was a temporary blip in independent India's history, it emboldened the spirit and resistance of our democracy. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Examine the relationship between the Walker Circulation and the Indian Monsoon. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Identifying the factors responsible for formation of tides, discuss their geographic and economic significance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What are Rossby waves? Discuss the role played by them in shaping the climate of the earth. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"One of the reasons for increased global interest in Afghanistan is its endowment with key natural resources. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The traditional structure of the caste system has witnessed paradoxical changes over the last few decades in India. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Economic empowerment of women is the key to ensure their social empowerment. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"India has the highest number of endangered languages in the world as per the UNESCO. In this context, discuss the factors that have endangered native languages in India and highlight the steps taken to conserve and protect these languages. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The policy of 'Subsidiary Alliance' helped in establishing British control over internal affairs of Indian states without incurring any direct imperial liability. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"\"Before 1857 the British were effectively working against the traditional grain of Indian society; afterwards they were working with it\". Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Enumerating the revolutionary maxims propounded by Sun Yat-sen, discuss the conditions that led to the revival of Chinese nationalism in the early 20th century. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Based on their geological age, present a brief account of the classification and distribution of coal reserves in India. Also, discuss the ongoing stress in the coal sector in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What is Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC)? Discuss the reasons for recent decline in the AMOC and its associated impact. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Recent reports and National Family Health Surveys have signalled a monumental shift in Indian demographics. Highlighting this shift, discuss the challenges that it will pose. Also, suggest remedial measures. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Looking at all poverty from the rural perspective and applying rural solutions to urban conditions will not yield results. Discuss the statement in context of differences between urban and rural poverty in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Regional movements are often conservative in orientation, supported by traditional social classes and religious groups and oppose social change imposed by modernity. Critically discuss in the context of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1710,"topper":"Asad Zuberi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a63ab-1222481_1515_asad-zuberi_rank-86.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the meaning of off-budget borrowings and its role in helping the government raise funds for various expenditures. Also, comment on its desirability. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"It is argued that genetically modified food crops are required to ensure food security of India. Examine in view of concerns regarding introduction of GM crops. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"India's price intervention policies to support its agricultural sector not only create a broken system but also complicate matters related to international trade rules. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"India has an opportunity to become a leading global food supplier provided it has an efficient supply chain, and the right marketing strategies. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Land banks are increasingly gaining prominence in India to encourage land-use efficiency and enable economic growth. In this context, discuss the benefits of a land bank and state the concerns associated with it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Desertification has been described as one of the greatest environmental challenges of our time and climate change is making it worse. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In the context of intellectual property rights, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of releasing projects under an 'Open Source' license. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"\"Indian space sector has been dominated by a single umbrella of government and government institutions.\" In light of the statement, discuss the significance of Indian Space Association in providing an impetus to space technology in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Man and machine both have an important role in national security and making urban areas secure. In this context, discuss how technology is a major stakeholder in addressing the internal security challenges of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"National Security Guard (NSG) has emerged as a formidable force equipped to handle various manifestations of terrorism. Discuss the mandate and achievements of this force. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do you understand by asset monetisation? Why is it needed in India? In this context, discuss the issues that need to be addressed for the National Monetisation Pipeline to succeed. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"What is social stock exchange (SSE)? Discuss the need for setting up of SSEs and key challenges in their effective implementation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the context of India, highlight the importance of agriculture extension. What are the challenges faced in provisioning of agriculture extension services? How does the National Mission on Agricultural Extension & Technology (NMAET) address these issues? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Clearly delineate the 'employment problem' that India currently faces. Also, explain the fundamental reasons behind existence of this problem. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Although steps have been taken for integrating the dispersed logistics activities of maritime trade, much more needs to be done to make India a maritime powerhouse. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Accounting for natural capital and ecosystem services is crucial to understand the link between the economy and environment. Discuss with specific references to India's initiatives in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Rapid and unplanned urbanisation accompanied by population growth have increased both the risk and impact of natural disasters. Discuss the statement along with adequate measures to address the relevant concerns in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"National Hydrogen Mission can be a game changer for India's rising energy demands. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Despite geo-strategic instability of its region and a keen awareness of the cyber threat it faces, India has made only 'modest progress' in developing its policy and doctrine for cyberspace security. Critically examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Developmental interventions alone cannot play a defining role in the resolution of existing and protracted internal conflicts in various parts of India within a reasonable time frame. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1711,"topper":"Asad Zuberi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3d0b4-1222481_1514_asad-zuberi_rank-86.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the changes introduced by the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) Amendment Act, 2021, analyse various issues with the amended Act. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Are there valid arguments for continuing with sedition law in 21st century democratic India? Discuss in light of the debate surrounding it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Identify the issues that have contributed to a decline in the performance of Parliamentary Standing Committees. How can these issues be addressed? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Despite being a non-constitutional body, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) has wielded immense decision-making power in India. Discuss the advantages and issues associated with it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the role of data in governance in India. Also, state the various challenges in this regard and suggest remedial measures. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"With specific examples, elaborate upon the conditions that led to the emergence of a new civil society in urban India in the last few decades. Also, highlight its contribution towards effecting governance and policy changes. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The Gati Shakti mission has the potential to not only address the issue of infrastructure bottlenecks but also streamline the governance processes in the country. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Giving an account of the issues faced by workers in the informal sector, discuss whether the recently launched e-Shram portal can help in addressing them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Clarifying the significance of the recent developments on the issue of global minimum tax, discuss its prospects and challenges for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Announcement of the AUKUS security pact heralds a new era of global geo-politics. Comment. Also, discuss how it may affect India's interests. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Effective devolution of finances is an important requirement for Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) to fulfill their objectives. Discuss while also elaborating on the reasons behind lack of financial resources for PRIs in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Judicial activism is a necessary tool to guard against \"legislative adventurism and executive excesses\". Critically discuss in the context of the doctrine of separation of powers as provided in the Constitution of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The electoral bond scheme is part of what appears to be a growing trend away from transparency and accountability, in electoral funding. Critically analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The significance of the principle of subsidiarity was well reflected in the management of the COVID-19 pandemic. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Social media has ushered in greater transparency and accountability in governance. But accountability through social media is no alternative to institutional accountability. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Although the State has the right incentives and intentions to deliver public services efficiently, its capacity to do so is questionable. Critically discuss in the context of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The problem of hunger in India does not lie in food production but various other underlying issues. Discuss in the wake of decline in India's ranking in the Global Hunger Index, 2021. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Democratization of primary healthcare is indispensable for fulfilling the objectives of equitable and comprehensive care in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"In the context of the evolving discourse on the Indo-Pacific, analyse the factors driving the global shift towards the region. Also, identify India's interests and challenges in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India's Afghanistan policy must be based on a clear-eyed understanding of important strategic goals in the region amidst the current regional and global strategic environment. Elaborate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1712,"topper":"Asad Zuberi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1doaLAYQZeJtfeOoaXG4v50XT3dwFghPT/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) Do laws need to be consistent with the prevalent moral norms? Discuss with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) \"People's indifference is the best breeding ground for corruption to grow\". Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) In the context of COVID-19 pandemic, discuss the importance of Emotional Intelligence among healthcare workers.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) It is the 'spirit of service' that motivates a public servant to serve the country's interests and address people's issues. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"3. (a) Ethics does its work in the world by granting and withdrawing legitimacy. Discuss in the context of role of ethics in international relations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) Sustainable growth of an organisation can result only by aligning its decisions to the interests of all stakeholders, not merely its shareholders. Do you agree? Justify with logical arguments.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"4. (a) Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri's life exemplifies value-driven public service of the highest order. What are the values one can learn from his life to be a good citizen and a good administrator?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"4. (b) There is a view that the institutional mechanisms to ensure accountability of civil servants have weakened over time. In this context, discuss the need of a social accountability law in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"5. (a) Why has anonymity of civil servants traditionally been seen as an important arrangement? In this context, discuss your opinion on the doctrine of facelessness in civil services.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"5. (b) In the age of social media, influencers have a huge following and have gained prominent marketing roles. In this context, discuss the ethical issues involved in influencer marketing.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"6. What do each of the following quotations mean to you?\n(a) Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or the darkness of destructive selfishness. – Martin Luther King Jr.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"6. (b) Let us sacrifice our today so that our children can have a better tomorrow. - A.P.J. Abdul Kalam","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"6. (c) I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress which women have achieved. - B.R. Ambedkar","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"7 You are a young officer posted as the Sub Divisional Magistrate in a district which houses factories for making match boxes and fire crackers. It is brought to your notice that a large number of children are working in these hazardous activities. The government had previously released a notification that owners of these manufacturing units need to report on the profiles of their employees annually to prevent child labour. These manufacturing units, abiding by the directives of the government, publish such reports annually and claim to have successfully put an end to employment of child labour. However, there are reports that these units are taking advantage of loopholes in the law. They are using contractors to continue to indirectly hire children without them officially being on the payroll of the units. Families of these child labourers are poor and see this as an essential source of income. An influential local politician also owns some of these manufacturing units and is known to put pressure on the officers involved for not taking any action against child labour.\n(a) Identify the stakeholders and ethical issues in this case.\n(b) How would you approach the problem and what would be the main elements of your action?\n(c) What medium to long-term measures will you propose to tackle the problem of child labour in the district?","marks":"20","words":"around 250"},{"page":34,"question":"8. Many states in India have experimented with prohibition of liquor at various times. However, it is common knowledge that many such states have a thriving illegal liquor industry. Moreover, it is ironical that while many political parties have prohibition prominently mentioned in their manifestos, it is politicians who distribute alcohol among voters during their election campaigns. This also gives rise to illicit liquor trade and many people lose their lives to it.\n(a) What are the socio-economic problems that are widely attributed to alcoholism?\n(b) Do you think prohibiting liquor creates more problems than it proposes to solve?\n(c) Short of prohibition, what can be done to tackle the problem of rising alcoholism, particularly among the youth of the country?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":39,"question":"9. You are posted as a District Magistrate (DM) of a district where residents are facing the menace of stray dogs. Instances of dogs chasing two-wheelers, cyclists and attacking pedestrians are on the rise. Elderly persons as well as children are the worst-hit and recently, an 8 year old girl was severely injured by a pack of dogs. The perceived magnanimity of the problem and inaction from government authorities have prompted vigilante groups to cull dogs in mass numbers. However, local NGOs have come out against such a practice of mass culling and are calling for stringent action against those killing stray dogs.\n(a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\n(b) As the DM, suggest short-term and long-term measures to tackle the above issue.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":44,"question":"10. You are a young officer posted as the Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district. You have received information that at a party some people were harassed by your subordinate police officer. On further inquiry, you came to know that two complaints have been filed - one by the police and the other by people who organised the party. According to the police, people had gathered without permission and were not following COVID-19 appropriate behaviour and social distancing norms. But on the other hand, the complaint filed by the party organisers says that police entered the private venue due to loud noise and harassed everyone at the party including women guests. According to them, your subordinate police officer even tore apart the document, which granted permission to organise the party. A video of this incident, showing your subordinate officer tearing off a document, is being widely circulated on social media platforms. Due to this, social activists want you to take strict action against your subordinate police officer.\n(a) Identify the ethical issues in the case.\n(b) What are the factors that can influence decision by competent authorities in such instances? Do you think mobilising public opinion through social media is a fair way to influence the decision in such cases?\n(c) As the SP, what will be your course of action in this situation?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":49,"question":"11. As India's vaccination drive against the COVID-19 pandemic breaches the 100 crore inoculation mark, some of the most backward tribal districts of the country still remain unvaccinated. You are the new District Magistrate (DM) in one such tribal district. The vaccination drive has been unsuccessful in the district so far despite imminent threats of the virus. It is believed that the tribals of the district refuse to get vaccinated due to their personal beliefs regarding immunization. Further, the community doctor who works in geriatrics and has almost daily contact with members of the district, too has refused to be vaccinated based on his personal beliefs. This has made the people more adamant about their decision to remain unvaccinated. Additionally, rumours of a few deaths post-vaccination have spread in the district. There is also a high risk of rising cases in the nearby districts spilling over to your district. There is a dire need for assuaging the fear of people and extreme pressure on the administration to take action and conduct the vaccination drive smoothly.\n(a) What are the ethical issues in the given case?\n(b) As the DM in charge, what steps will you take to tackle the issues?\n(c) Discuss how persuasion can be used to convince people to voluntarily get vaccinated.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":54,"question":"12. In India, there exists a huge gap between demand for organ transplants and available donors, both living and cadaver. Besides a lack of awareness on organ donation, the rise of non-communicable and lifestyle diseases, such as hypertension and diabetes have led to increased instances of organ failure, in turn putting even more pressure on the demand for vital organs. According to reports, an estimated four lakh people die in India every year waiting for an organ transplant. Other than the legal and administrative issues, there are various ethical issues related to organ donation and transplantation in India. Provide an account of these ethical issues in detail. Also, discuss how the gap between demand and supply of organs in India can be closed.","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":1713,"topper":"Asad Zuberi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QtAj4dJhAQhwvQH3dx7rRTm2vMGGXfcA/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) An ethical action is rooted in the temporal and spatial dimensions of societies. Discuss with adequate examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) Unstable marriages and families can lead to failures of moral development in children and overall moral decline in the society. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) An ethical work culture is a prerequisite for sustainable growth of an organization. Discuss and suggest some measures to build an ethical work culture in an organization.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) Crises, humanitarian or economic, often create the perfect storm for corruption to thrive. Discuss with examples. What measures can be taken to mitigate corruption during a crisis?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"3. (a) Discuss the various ethical concerns associated with vaccine passport for international travel. Also, suggest the measures that can be taken to deal with these concerns.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) The edifice of good corporate governance is dependent on the efficacy and effectiveness of independent directors. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"4. What do each of the following quotations mean to you?\n(a) \"Enlightenment is man's emergence from his self-incurred immaturity.\" - Immanuel Kant","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"4. (b) 'Knowledge gives us power, love gives us fullness.' - Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"5. (a) The issue of marital rape is often ignored due to the belief that marriage is a sacred institution. In this context, discuss whether marital rape should be criminalised.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"5. (b) Students should be taught the importance of \"doing what's right\" at a young age. Discuss how the New Education Policy seeks to impart value based education to students of all age groups.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"6. (a) The role of emotional intelligence is crucial for public servants in overcoming adversity. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"6. (b) What are the important learnings from the life and teachings of Sri Adi Shankaracharya that can help public servants in their personal and professional lives.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"6. (c) Citizen's Charters are tools that help conventional organizations develop socially sensitive and ethically oriented professional conduct. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"7. You are working as the Head of the Human Resources Department in a consultancy firm ABC Corp. A female employee of the firm comes to you complaining about sexual harassment in the company premise at the hands of the CEO of one of your clients, XYZ Corp., when the latter visited your firm for a client interaction. XYZ Corp. happens to be a major source of revenue for your company. Also, the CEO of XYZ Corp. is considered as a very reputed professional and is highly regarded by the senior management of your firm. In the past, you have witnessed members of your senior management praise the professional and no-nonsense attitude of the CEO of XYZ Corp. However, the female employee, who has approached you, is also sure that the CEO knowingly misbehaved with her. In light of the situation:\n(a) Discuss the issues involved in this case.\n(b) What are the options available to you and what course of action would you take? Give logical arguments to support your answer.","marks":"20","words":"in around 250"},{"page":34,"question":"8 Records show that there have been numerous cases of custodial deaths in the last 20 years in India. Very few policeman have been convicted so far in such cases. Recently, you come across the case of custodial death of a youth in one of the backward districts of the country. It has been reported that the youth was detained on frivolous grounds of kidnapping a girl from another community. As a young graduate student, preparing for the civil services examination conducted by the UPSC, answer the following:\n(a) Why is there a frequent violation of the code of conduct and abuse of authority by law enforcement officers at various levels in India?\n(b) Is the use of violence and show of 'quick justice' by the policemen increasingly becoming acceptable by the society? Justify your stand with relevant arguments.\n(c) What can be done to comprehensively deal with the issue of torture and custodial deaths in India?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":35,"question":"a) Reasons for frequent violations of COC\n1 concentration of authority in few hands and intense power at hands of police","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"9. A prominent stand-up comedian from your country has recently delivered a performance at an event in another country. Owing to the fame and hype associated with this event, the performance has been broadcast across the globe to millions of viewers. In the performance, the comedian brings up the dichotomy and paradoxes associated with the society and culture of your country. He brings up issues like status of women, violence against women, caste, politics etc. in his monologue. The performance touches upon such sensitive issues that it has polarised the audience. A vast section of people are affected by this and have organized huge demonstrations and have appealed the government to direct the broadcasting platform to remove this content from their platform. They are also pushing the government to take action against the comedian. An FIR too has been filed against him. On the other hand, there is also a significant outpour of support for the comedian.\n(a) What are the core ethical issues arising from this case?\n(b) The recent spate of FIRs against show creators, artists etc. highlight the need of regulation of content that is circulated online. Should such a step be taken by the government? Substantiate with reasons.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":44,"question":"10. You are a District Magistrate posted in a backward district of the country. You are responsible for getting an Atal Residential School built on the village land in your district. The contract for the construction of the school has been assigned to a popular local leader's son. This land is presently occupied by tribal communities but they cannot produce any ownership records. They claim that they have resided on the land for generations. They also allege that the administration is pressurising them to vacate their land to build the school and have assured that they will be relocated elsewhere. However, they are hesitant to do so as it will uproot them from their homes and will affect their livelihood. One of the prominent tribal leaders has highlighted this issue and it has caught the attention of the mainstream media. In the light of the situation, answer the following:\n(a) Identify the stakeholders involved in the case and their respective interests.\n(b) Discuss the various ethical concerns in the given case.\n(c) What are the options available to you and which of these options you will choose? Justify.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":49,"question":"11. Across the world, there is often a taxing demand on correct manners, etiquettes and moral responsibility by celebrities and public figures and there is huge public outrage if they act carelessly. Even for small mistakes, public figures have to apologise, or take an early retirement out of shame. This is often aggravated by the media, which relentlessly reports on the issue and the public who enjoy the voyeurism offered by entertainment – footage of star cars being chased, leaked WhatsApp chats etc. Further, there is hardly any unbiased and civil debate when it comes to celebrities and their social responsibilities. In most cases, the argument does not even centre around the actual issue and gets subsumed by overarching subplots. Messy trolling, often misdirected, is a common feature in all. Even serious issues like suicide and drug use are reduced to parenting problems and witch-hunt is often seen. In this context:\n(a) Is there any difference between a public figure and private person when it comes to privacy? Should public figures also have some reasonable amount of privacy?\n(b) Do you think it is fair to expect role models, such as celebrities and public figures, to act more responsibly as compared to ordinary citizens?\n(c) Discuss the importance of responsible journalism in this context.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":50,"question":"(a) Difference between Public-Private\n1) Actions of Public figures are widely seen by all.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"(c) Importance of Responsible Journalism","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"12. You are the Municipal Commissioner of a large city, which has witnessed unprecedented increase in biomedical waste. Recently, 15 sanitation workers lost their lives and close to 100 have been seriously infected owing to this increase in waste. Apart from biomedical waste, the city is also facing a major problem in management of household waste. There is a view that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the problems of the waste management sector. Despite the fact that the government has notified rules regarding disposal, collection and treatment of waste and has initiated numerous awareness campaigns in the past, still, the problem does not seem to be getting under control. In view of this, answer the following questions:\n(a) Identify the stakeholders and the significance of their involvement in addressing the issue.\n(b) In your opinion, what are the reasons behind apathy of people towards issues like waste disposal that affect the larger interests of the society?\n(c) As the Municipal Commissioner, suggest some practical techniques to bring about an attitudinal change among residents of the city towards this issue.","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":1714,"topper":"Asad Zuberi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DRveh0RRNbf6zb52YjZTekEKYi6ykeYR/view","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Q.1 (a) Identify five important sources of ethical guidance to a public servant. Substantiate how these sources can be helpful to a public servant in observing the basic principles of public life.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"2.1 (b) The civil servants of 21st century are responsible for creation of New India and thus needs to be administratively sound, ethically responsible and technologically savvy. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"(a) Discuss the importance of persuasive communication as a tool for social change and how it can be used in motivating people for public health initiatives.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"2.2 (b) What is the difference between attitude and aptitude? Which of the two according to you holds more importance in the life of a civil servant? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.3 (a) What does each of the following quotations mean to you? \"Look at a stone cutter hammering away at his rock, perhaps a hundred times without as much as a crack showing in it, Yet at the hundred-and-first blow it will split in two and I know it was not the last blow that did it, but all that had gone before.\" - Jacob A. Riis","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"(b) \"Peace is a daily, a weekly, a monthly process, gradually changing opinions, slowly eroding old barriers, quietly building new structures.\" - John F. Kennedy. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"(c) \"You don't teach morals and ethics and empathy and kindness in the schools. You teach that at home and children learn by example\". Judy Sheindlin.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":19,"question":"(a) To become an asset to our country, its youth needs to be instilled with the right values and the right attitude. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"2.4 (b) Evaluate how the concept of emotional intelligence as ingrained in Indian philosophical traditions is relevant today for a public servant?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.5 (a) Abandoning of Ethics in International Relations directly impinges on the Greatest Good of Greatest Number. Do you agree? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.5 (b) Differentiate between the terms impartiality and non-partisanship. Explain the significance of these values for the civil servant.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Q.6 (a) Laws and rules are necessary but not sufficient directives for observation of Ethics in public life. Analyse with the help of examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.6 (b) \"The most important persuasion tool you have in your entire arsenal is integrity.\" In the context of given statement, explain how integrity helps in public services?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":31,"question":"Q.7 A. Identify the ethical dilemmas involved in the case?\nB. What are the possible solutions available? What solution will you choose? (Answer in 250 words)\nA Identify the ethical dilemmas involved in the case?\nB What are the possible solutions available? What solution will you choose?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Q.8 Suppose, you are appointed as the head of the committee formed by the government:\nA. What will be your immediate action plan to diffuse the tension? Explain.\nB. What long term measures would you recommend in your report to avoid any such tension in future? Give details.","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.9 Discuss the following with reference to this case:\nA. Identify the civil service values that are crucial for working in such situations.\nB. Given the need for proper utilization of funds and functionaries for the welfare and development of the society, discuss the options available to you. Is resigning a worthy option?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":46,"question":"Q.10 You are the same police officer, identify the various dimensions of the crisis. Based on your understanding suggest measures to deal with the crisis.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Q.11 Based on the above case study, answer the following questions:\nA Identify the ethical dilemmas faced by you?\nB What values, in your opinion, organization's workforce contribute to the business and its success?\nC Discuss the course of action that you will adopt? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":56,"question":"Q.12 Manual scavenging is the practice of removing human excreta by hand from sewers or septic tanks. India banned the practice under the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013 (PEMSR). The Act bans the use of any individual for manually cleaning, carrying, disposing of or otherwise handling in any manner, human excreta till its disposal. In 2013, the definition of manual scavengers was also broadened to include people employed to clean septic tanks, ditches, or railway tracks. The Act recognizes manual scavenging as a \"dehumanizing practice,\" and cites a need to \"correct the historical injustice and indignity suffered by the manual scavengers. Yet, manual scavenging remains an embodiment of injustice and failure of India to follow Gandhian ideas and rethink the manual scavenger as a creative archetype for social change. The status of the scavenger shows the emptiness of current Gandhian thought and its alienation from justice. The tragedy of scavenging as a manual task begins in this failure of possibilities. Instead of being a life-giving hypothesis, it has become a necrophilic ritual and a great failure to Gandian principles. It is a reminder that democracy has a deodorised conscience. When it wears out, it stinks. You are DM of a very poor district in the hinterland of India. It has come to your notice that manual scavenging is widely prevalent in the district even though the new law prohibits manual scavenging in any form. Upon enquiry, you have found that the number of manual scavengers has been reported to be very low, however, hundreds of dry latrines in the district depict a different picture. You have also noticed two more important trends: first, most of the manual scavengers are Dalits, and second, in many of the cases they themselves go to the houses and request the owners to clean their toilets manually, as it would provide monetary benefits. The entire district administration has been criticized by the media and there is political pressure on you to manipulate the data in a way that it shows less number of manual scavengers in the district. Based on the given information answer the following:\nA. Analysing the reasons, why manual scavenging continues to be prevalent in India?\nB. List the options available to you in the given case. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each.\nC. Discuss some feasible steps that you can take to control this serious problem.","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"}]},{"id":1715,"topper":"Asad Zuberi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6d5b6-1222481_1516_asad-zuberi_rank-86.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Do laws need to be consistent with the prevalent moral norms? Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"\"People's indifference is the best breeding ground for corruption to grow\". Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"In the context of COVID-19 pandemic, discuss the importance of Emotional Intelligence among healthcare workers. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"It is the 'spirit of service', that motivates a public servant to serve the country's interests and address people's issues. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Ethics does its work in the world by granting and withdrawing legitimacy. Discuss in the context of role of ethics in international relations. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Sustainable growth of an organisation can result only by aligning its decisions to the interests of all stakeholders, not merely its shareholders. Do you agree? Justify with logical arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri's life exemplifies value-driven public service of the highest order. What are the values one can learn from his life to be a good citizen and a good administrator? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"There is a view that the institutional mechanisms to ensure accountability of civil servants have weakened over time. In this context, discuss the need of a social accountability law in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Why has anonymity of civil servants traditionally been seen as an important arrangement? In this context, discuss your opinion on the doctrine of facelessness in civil services. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In the age of social media, influencers have a huge following and have gained prominent marketing roles. In this context, discuss the ethical issues involved in influencer marketing. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or the darkness of destructive selfishness. - Martin Luther King Jr. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You are a young officer posted as the Sub Divisional Magistrate in a district which houses factories for making match boxes and fire crackers. It is brought to your notice that a large number of children are working in these hazardous activities. The government had previously released a notification that owners of these manufacturing units need to report on the profiles of their employees annually to prevent child labour. These manufacturing units, abiding by the directives of the government, publish such reports annually and claim to have successfully put an end to employment of child labour. However, there are reports that these units are taking advantage of loopholes in the law. They are using contractors to continue to indirectly hire children without them officially being on the payroll of the units. Families of these child labourers are poor and see this as an essential source of income. An influential local politician also owns some of these manufacturing units and is known to put pressure on the officers involved for not taking any action against child labour. (a) Identify the stakeholders and ethical issues in this case. (b) How would you approach the problem and what would be the main elements of your action? (c) What medium to long-term measures will you propose to tackle the problem of child labour in the district?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Many states in India have experimented with prohibition of liquor at various times. However, it is common knowledge that many such states have a thriving illegal liquor industry. Moreover, it is ironical that while many political parties have prohibition prominently mentioned in their manifestos, it is politicians who distribute alcohol among voters during their election campaigns. This also gives rise to illicit liquor trade and many people lose their lives to it. (a) What are the socio-economic problems that are widely attributed to alcoholism? (b) Do you think prohibiting liquor creates more problems than it proposes to solve? (c) Short of prohibition, what can be done to tackle the problem of rising alcoholism, particularly among the youth of the country?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate (DM) of a district where residents are facing the menace of stray dogs. Instances of dogs chasing two-wheelers, cyclists and attacking pedestrians are on the rise. Elderly persons as well as children are the worst-hit and recently, an 8 year old girl was severely injured by a pack of dogs. The perceived magnanimity of the problem and inaction from government authorities have prompted vigilante groups to cull dogs in mass numbers. However, local NGOs have come out against such a practice of mass culling and are calling for stringent action against those killing stray dogs. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (b) As the DM, suggest short-term and long-term measures to tackle the above issue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"As India's vaccination drive against the COVID-19 pandemic breaches the 100 crore inoculation mark, some of the most backward tribal districts of the country still remain unvaccinated. You are the new District Magistrate (DM) in one such tribal district. The vaccination drive has been unsuccessful in the district so far despite imminent threats of the virus. It is believed that the tribals of the district refuse to get vaccinated due to their personal beliefs regarding immunization. Further, the community doctor who works in geriatrics and has almost daily contact with members of the district, too has refused to be vaccinated based on his personal beliefs. This has made the people more adamant about their decision to remain unvaccinated. Additionally, rumours of a few deaths post-vaccination have spread in the district. There is also a high risk of rising cases in the nearby districts spilling over to your district. There is a dire need for assuaging the fear of people and extreme pressure on the administration to take action and conduct the vaccination drive smoothly. (a) What are the ethical issues in the given case? (b) As the DM in charge, what steps will you take to tackle the issues? (c) Discuss how persuasion can be used to convince people to voluntarily get vaccinated.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"In India, there exists a huge gap between demand for organ transplants and available donors, both living and cadaver. Besides a lack of awareness on organ donation, the rise of non-communicable and lifestyle diseases such as hypertension and diabetes have led to increased instances of organ failure, in turn putting even more pressure on the demand for vital organs. According to reports, an estimated four lakh people die in India every year waiting for an organ transplant. Other than the legal and administrative issues, there are various ethical issues related to organ donation and transplantation in India. Provide an account of these ethical issues in detail. Also, discuss how the gap between demand and supply of organs in India can be closed.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1716,"topper":"Asad Zuberi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0bafa-1222481_1865_asad-zuberi_rank-86.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"An ethical action is rooted in the temporal and spatial dimensions of societies. Discuss with adequate examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Unstable marriages and families can lead to failures of moral development in children and overall moral decline in the society. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"An ethical work culture is a prerequisite for sustainable growth of an organization. Discuss and suggest some measures to build an ethical work culture in an organization. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Crises, humanitarian or economic, often create the perfect storm for corruption to thrive. Discuss with examples. What measures can be taken to mitigate corruption during a crisis? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the various ethical concerns associated with vaccine passport for international travel. Also, suggest the measures that can be taken to deal with these concerns. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The edifice of good corporate governance is dependent on the efficacy and effectiveness of independent directors. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"Enlightenment is man's emergence from his self-incurred immaturity.\" - Immanuel Kant (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The issue of marital rape is often ignored due to the belief that marriage is a sacred institution. In this context, discuss whether marital rape should be criminalised. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Students should be taught the importance of \"doing what's right\" at a young age. Discuss how the New Education Policy seeks to impart value based education to students of all age groups. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The role of emotional intelligence is crucial for public servants in overcoming adversity. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"What are the important learnings from the life and teachings of Sri Adi Shankaracharya that can help public servants in their personal and professional lives. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Citizen's Charters are tools that help conventional organizations develop socially sensitive and ethically oriented professional conduct. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You are working as the Head of the Human Resources Department in a consultancy firm ABC Corp. A female employee of the firm comes to you complaining about sexual harassment in the company premise at the hands of the CEO of one of your clients, XYZ Corp., when the latter visited your firm for a client interaction. XYZ Corp. happens to be a major source of revenue for your company. Also, the CEO of XYZ Corp. is considered as a very reputed professional and is highly regarded by the senior management of your firm. In the past, you have witnessed members of your senior management praise the professional and no-nonsense attitude of the CEO of XYZ Corp. However, the female employee, who has approached you, is also sure that the CEO knowingly misbehaved with her. In light of the situation: (a) Discuss the issues involved in this case. (b) What are the options available to you and what course of action would you take? Give logical arguments to support your answer.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Records show that there have been numerous cases of custodial deaths in the last 20 years in India. Very few policeman have been convicted so far in such cases. Recently, you come across the case of custodial death of a youth in one of the backward districts of the country. It has been reported that the youth was detained on frivolous grounds of kidnapping a girl from another community. As a young graduate student, preparing for the civil services examination conducted by the UPSC, answer the following: (a) Why is there a frequent violation of the code of conduct and abuse of authority by law enforcement officers at various levels in India? (b) Is the use of violence and show of 'quick justice' by the policemen increasingly becoming acceptable by the society? Justify your stand with relevant arguments. (c) What can be done to comprehensively deal with the issue of torture and custodial deaths in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"A prominent stand-up comedian from your country has recently delivered a performance at an event in another country. Owing to the fame and hype associated with this event, the performance has been broadcast across the globe to millions of viewers. In the performance, the comedian brings up the dichotomy and paradoxes associated with the society and culture of your country. He brings up issues like status of women, violence against women, caste, politics etc. in his monologue. The performance touches upon such sensitive issues that it has polarised the audience. A vast section of people are affected by this and have organized huge demonstrations and have appealed the government to direct the broadcasting platform to remove this content from their platform. They are also pushing the government to take action against the comedian. An FIR too has been filed against him. On the other hand, there is also a significant outpour of support for the comedian. (a) What are the core ethical issues arising from this case? (b) The recent spate of FIRs against show creators, artists etc. highlight the need of regulation of content that is circulated online. Should such a step be taken by the government? Substantiate with reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are a District Magistrate posted in a backward district of the country. You are responsible for getting an Atal Residential School built on the village land in your district. The contract for the construction of the school has been assigned to a popular local leader's son. This land is presently occupied by tribal communities but they cannot produce any ownership records. They claim that they have resided on the land for generations. They also allege that the administration is pressurising them to vacate the land to build the school and have assured that they will be relocated elsewhere. However, they are hesitant to do so as it will uproot them from their homes and will affect their livelihood. One of the prominent tribal leaders has highlighted this issue and it has caught the attention of the mainstream media. In the light of the situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders involved in the case and their respective interests. (b) Discuss the various ethical concerns in the given case. (c) What are the options available to you and which of these options you will choose? Justify.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Across the world, there is often a taxing demand on correct manners, etiquettes and moral responsibility by celebrities and public figures and there is huge public outrage if they act carelessly. Even for small mistakes, public figures have to apologise, or take an early retirement out of shame. This is often aggravated by the media, which relentlessly reports on the footage of star cars being chased, leaked WhatsApp chats etc. Further, there is hardly any unbiased and civil debate when it comes to celebrities and their social responsibilities. In most cases, the argument does not even centre around the actual issue and gets subsumed by overarching subplots. Messy trolling, often misdirected, is a common feature in all. Even serious issues like suicide and drug use are reduced to parenting problems and witch-hunt is often seen. In this context: (a) Is there any difference between a public figure and private person when it comes to privacy? Should public figures also have some reasonable amount of privacy? (b) Do you think it is fair to expect role models, such as celebrities and public figures, to act more responsibly as compared to ordinary citizens? (c) Discuss the importance of responsible journalism in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"You are the Municipal Commissioner of a large city, which has witnessed unprecedented increase in biomedical waste. Recently, 15 sanitation workers lost their lives and close to 100 have been seriously infected owing to this increase in waste. Apart from biomedical waste, the city is also facing a major problem in management of household waste. There is a view that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the problems of the waste management sector. Despite the fact that the government has notified rules regarding disposal, collection and treatment of waste and has initiated numerous awareness campaigns in the past, still, the problem does not seem to be getting under control. In view of this, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the stakeholders and the significance of their involvement in addressing the issue. (b) In your opinion, what are the reasons behind apathy of people towards issues like waste disposal that affect the larger interests of the society? (c) As the Municipal Commissioner, suggest some practical techniques to bring about an attitudinal change among residents of the city towards this issue.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1717,"topper":"Asad Zuberi","air":86,"year":2022,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1b5RTE8kmVTQfqT3XRL3Y6_wnTdCKM59J/view","questions":[]},{"id":1718,"topper":"Aseem Mahajan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/ASEEM_MAHAJAN_SS_MAINS_CAMP_GS_1_AIR_408_02710fd45e.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Ancient rock-cut caves are great examples of religious harmony. Illustrate using examples from Southern and Western India. (10 marks / 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The Gupta period marked a shift in the position of women in Indian society when compared to earlier times. Evaluate. (10 marks / 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"\"The pen was as mighty as the sword in India's struggle for freedom.\" Discuss the impact of art and literature in resisting colonial rule. (10 marks / 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are Western disturbances? Explain their role in influencing the weather patterns of northern India. (10 marks / 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Describe artesian aquifers and state the geological and environmental conditions necessary for their formation. (10 marks / 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How do ENSO, IOD (Indian Ocean Dipole), and MJO (Madden-Julian Oscillation) interact to influence the Indian monsoon system? (10 marks / 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are shallow-focus earthquakes? Discuss the factors responsible for their frequent occurrence in the Indo-Gangetic plain. (10 marks / 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"India's unity is often said to be sustained by its diversity.\" Discuss with reference to the key features of Indian society that foster this unity. (10 marks / 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Explain how globalisation has led to the erosion of regional languages in India and what steps can be taken to preserve them. (10 marks / 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss the potential socio-political implications of implementing a nationwide caste census. (10 marks / 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"India's pre-modern kingdoms evolved sustainable water management systems suited to regional ecological conditions.\" Examine with reference to the contributions of the Cholas and the Vijayanagara Empire. (15 marks / 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Was the transition from August Offer to Mountbatten Plan a reflection of India's growing political maturity and British imperial decline? Discuss. (15 marks / 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"The French Revolution was not merely a reaction to recent events but also the outcome of prolonged structural imbalances and social discontent. Explain. (15 marks / 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Evaluate the geophysical drivers behind ocean circulation systems and their implications for marine biodiversity and monsoonal variability. (15 marks / 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"What are marine heatwaves? Examine the causes of the increasing frequency of marine heatwaves. How do they influence the onset of the summer monsoon in India? (15 marks / 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"The Eastern Himalayan and Northeastern region of India holds immense strategic and ecological value. Comment on its resource potential and highlight the constraints affecting its effective utilisation. (15 marks / 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Explain the regional variation in desertification trends across India. What impact does it have on food security? (15 marks / 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"The phenomenon of 'livability atrophy' in Indian cities reflects the widening gap between urban expansion and quality of life. Examine the causes and consequences of this trend, and suggest measures to make urban growth more humane and sustainable. (15 marks / 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Define transnationalism and examine the factors that have led to the increasing global interconnectedness of diaspora communities. (15 marks / 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"With urban flood events rising, examine how unplanned urban expansion amplifies climate risk. Suggest long-term and institutional measures to build resilient urban infrastructure. (15 marks / 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1719,"topper":"Aseem Mahajan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/ASEEM_MAHAJAN_SS_MAINS_CAMP_GS_2_AIR_408_0a45dd44f0.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"'Constitutional morality' is not a natural sentiment in India but has to be cultivated. Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer with relevant examples. (10 marks / 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"\"The anti-defection law was envisaged to curb unethical political defection but has ended up centralising power within party leadership\". Examine the implications of this trend on federalism and intra-party democracy. (10 marks / 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"\"The Supreme Court's recent invocation of Article 142 to confer 'deemed assent' to state bills raises critical questions about the separation of powers. Critically examine. (10 marks / 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"\"Justice delayed is justice denied\" is a common adage. Explain how the Black Coat Syndrome challenges this principle and how Lok Adalats can restore faith in the justice delivery system. (10 marks / 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"In light of the increasing relevance of uncontested elections and NOTA, critically examine whether electoral reforms are needed to ensure democratic legitimacy. (10 marks / 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Localising Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is not merely a policy choice but a governance imperative. Do you agree? Justify using suitable examples. (10 marks / 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"\"The Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) is both a regulatory necessity and a constraint on civil society.\" Critically analyse this statement in light of declining foreign aid and increasing scrutiny on NGOs. (10 marks / 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) seeks to integrate fragmented pension systems across sectors. Critically evaluate its potential to ensure inclusivity and social security. (10 marks / 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The growing focus on multipolarity has kept BRICS relevant in an evolving world order. Examine the strategic significance of BRICS for India and the Global South. (10 marks / 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"Corridor-based diplomacy marks a new phase in global connectivity politics.\" Examine the strategic implications of India's participation in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). (10 marks / 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Despite being part of the Directive Principles, the Uniform Civil Code remains unrealised at the national level. Examine the factors behind the delay and suggest potential measures for its national implementation. (15 marks / 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"\"Personal liberty, dissent, and justice are not merely abstract ideals but operational pillars of Indian democracy.\" In this reference, discuss the implications of Section 152 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) on free speech and democratic dissent. (15 marks / 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"The success of cooperative federalism in India depends on the effective functioning of constitutional and non-constitutional bodies.\" Do you agree? Discuss with examples. (15 marks / 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"While India has a structured but rarely used process for the removal of judges, the UK emphasizes ministerial responsibility and in house mechanisms. Compare and evaluate these approaches in maintaining judicial accountability. (15 marks / 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"\"Judicial recognition of intra-caste inequality within Scheduled Castes opens new debates in affirmative action policies\". Examine the challenges and opportunities this poses for social justice in India. (15 marks / 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"The lack of clear regulatory oversight on virtual digital assets (VDA) in India raises concerns about transparency, accountability, and misuse. Discuss the governance challenges and suggest institutional reforms to regulate the VDA sector. (15 marks / 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"As migration patterns diversify across India, newer urban centres face challenges of integration and service delivery. Analyse the implications for governance and suggest how migrant support systems can be strengthened. (15 marks / 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"India's poor human capital limits workforce productivity and impedes growth. Discuss the key structural constraints and suggest targeted reforms needed to strengthen human capital and effectively harness the country's demographic dividend. (15 marks / 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"\"How have the growing tensions between the U.S., Israel, and Iran affected regional stability in West Asia? In this context, evaluate the key considerations for India's foreign policy to safeguard its interests in West Asia.\" (15 marks / 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"The evolving \"Great Game\" in the Arctic has opened new frontiers of strategic competition. Discuss its implications for India's energy security, scientific diplomacy, and multilateral engagement. (15 marks / 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1720,"topper":"Aseem Mahajan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/ASEEM_MAHAJAN_SS_MAINS_CAMP_GS_3_AIR_408_a7261b4c89.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"GDP estimation in India faces concerns over outdated methods and data gaps. Examine the methodology adopted to compute GDP in the country and suggest improvements. (10 marks / 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Explain the concept of the “Missing Middle” in India's industrial ecosystem. How does it affect economic growth and employment generation? (10 marks / 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The 2025 Economic Survey has highlighted deregulation as a tool for financial deepening. In this context, enumerate the potential benefits and risks of deregulation in the financial services sector. (10 marks / 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What is carbon farming? Explain its role in sustainable agriculture and climate change mitigation. Discuss the key practices involved. (10 marks / 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":1721,"topper":"Ashi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Unknown","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/ashi-essay-test-2-1745478478186.pdf","questions":[{"page":13,"question":"Q7 To be or not to be that is the question.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1722,"topper":"Ashi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Iasprepkit","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/ashi-essay-test-3-1745478494924.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Case for a risk appetite\nThus there are serious concerns associated with not taking risks in life. This underscores the need to cultivate some courage and a risk appetite. But what good does this do for us?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"3 Why is it risky to play safe?\n (consequences)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"05 \"Geopolitics affects every country whether at war or peace\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Countries as change makers\n\nThus we have seen geopolitics is all pervasive. It is impartial in the sense that it affects everybody in myriad ways. But is the interaction always unidirectional?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1723,"topper":"Ashi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/ashi-essay-test-4-1745478511649.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Q4 The profits accrue most who serves the best.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"1 Why serve?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1724,"topper":"Ashi Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2e57b-1248985_3128_ashi_sharma_rank_12.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"The world must learn to work together, or finally it will not work at all.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Technology, like art, is a soaring exercise of the human imagination.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"We've begun to raise daughters more like sons, but few have the courage to raise our sons more like our daughters.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"People's will cannot make injustice into justice.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1725,"topper":"Ashi Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/test-2-ashi-sharma-1745407636142.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Q1. Role of Numismatics in understanding Ancient India","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Q2 The socio-religious reforms of the 20th century gave an impetus for formation of women organisations to fight for gender equality.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Q4 Recent volcanic eruptions in Italy and Hawaii have gained attention towards the phenomenon of volcanism","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Q6 Recently the year 2023 was celebrated as the International Year of Millets, highlighting the importance of the nutri cereals.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Q12. Recently the PM Modi inaugurated the campus of Nalanda University highlighting the rich history of higher education in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"4. The recent glacial lake outburst in Uttarakhand has increased interest in glacial landforms in the Indian Himalayas","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Q18 Article 38 states the imperative to ensure justice (social, economical and political) which can be made possible by social mobility in our society.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1726,"topper":"Ashi Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/cd513-1248985_2424_ashi_sharma_rank_12.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What are the different dimensions of food security? Examine India's status in terms of ensuring food security with regard to these dimensions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Modern technologies such as blockchain and ChatGPT are powerful tools with immense potential to transform agriculture into a more efficient and sustainable sector. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What factors have led to the recent acceleration in the trend towards de-dollarization of the global economy? Do you think the dollar will lose its dominance anytime soon? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Despite significant pressure from the developed countries to alter its food subsidy regime, there is merit in India trying to retain its policy support for the poor in the country. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Several initiatives have been taken by the government towards addressing India's water needs, but the issues of water availability and water quality still warrant prioritised intervention. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What are the major drivers of glacial retreat in the Arctic? Describe the potential impact of the retreat of Arctic glaciers on the ecosystem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Space tourism, which was viewed as something straight out of a science fiction movie, is now becoming a reality albeit not without hindrances. What are the challenges associated with space tourism? What measures can be taken to address these challenges? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Global health experts widely believe that the development of CAR-T cell therapy can be a game changer in the treatment of cancer. How can CAR-T cell therapy overcome the limitations of CRISPR-Cas9 technology? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss why the rising deployment of new and emerging technologies by prominent violent extremist organizations demand concerted global efforts. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"With the Line of Actual Control (LAC) remaining tense after the Galwan and Yangste incidents and both India and China ramping up infrastructure in the border areas, discuss the role that ITBP plays in the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Do you think there is a need for a shift from 'land productivity' to 'irrigation water productivity' in India? Justify your answer. What are the challenges in making this shift? Explain. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Examine the role that green hydrogen can play in unlocking the energy security of India. How can the National Green Hydrogen Mission help India in achieving its energy goals? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The government has been weighing a transition from minimum wage to living wage in recent times. What are the benefits and constraints in the adoption of living wage in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The Union Budget affects almost every sector of the Indian economy, yet neither the budgetary processes nor the budget policies come under substantial public scrutiny. Do you agree? Justify your answer. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"India has been able to transform itself from a milk deficit country to the world's biggest milk producer, but the productivity of dairy animals in the country remains a concern. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"While climate change is responsible for crop failures, the agricultural sector itself is partly responsible for extreme weather events. Discuss. What strategy has been adopted under National Agriculture Disaster Management Plan to strengthen the resilience of the farming community in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Some regions in India, including Delhi, are highly vulnerable to the impact of earthquakes originating in the Himalayas. Discuss. What institutional measures have been taken to mitigate earthquake losses in India? Do you think there are significant gaps that still exist? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Recently, scientists announced net energy gain in nuclear fusion reaction, which is considered as a major scientific breakthrough for the future of clean energy. What are the advantages of nuclear fusion based power generation? What are the limitations in using it to generate electricity at a commercial scale? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Keeping in view the recent amendment, examine the efficacy of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, in tackling the menace of money laundering in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Discuss the security threats present in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), which have a direct bearing on India's maritime border interests. Suggest a robust strategy to deal with these threats. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1727,"topper":"Ashi Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3832c-1248985_2929_ashi_sharma_rank_12.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Expression of dissent is central to the functioning of the Parliament. In light of this, discuss the role of the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in India's parliamentary system. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"How can the integration of technology into judicial processes enhance accessibility, capability, and efficiency in justice delivery? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Supreme Court of India has upheld unique asymmetry in India's federalism by intricately balancing centralized authority and regional autonomy. Discuss with the help of relevant case laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Evaluate the effectiveness of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes in safeguarding the interests of the Scheduled Castes in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Executive accountability to the legislature through Parliamentary Committees has been the hallmark of the Indian political system. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can India make Citizens' Charter a powerful tool for improving governance and empowering citizens? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How do corporate donors aid NGOs in facilitating holistic development in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite its merits, should the POCSO Act be revisited to correct the existing inadequacies? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"China's acquisition of strategic ports globally has significant implications for international trade routes and economic relations. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"What are the main functions of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)? How will its recent treaty on intellectual property, genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge benefit India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) plays a crucial role in combating corruption, its functioning is often criticized for being partisan and acting against the federal spirit. Discuss with the help of suitable examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Governors in India often overstep their constitutional role and fail to act effectively when needed. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Though Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) have become a platform for competitive politics, they have not emerged as an agency of planning and service delivery. Why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by interoperability in e-governance? What steps have been taken by the government to ensure interoperability and integration of various e-governance systems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"When it comes to sexual and reproductive health of women in India, rights-based discourse has largely been bypassed not just by the societal norms but also by the legal norms. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"How effective has India been in enhancing immunization coverage over the years? What challenges continue to affect immunization efforts in the country? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India used its Presidency of the G20 to bring the voice of the Global South to the centre stage. Discuss with special reference to Africa. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"India's relationship with the UAE has witnessed a remarkable expansion across various domains in the last decade. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1728,"topper":"Ashi Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/59076-1248985_2928_ashi_sharma_rank_12.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How does tribal art provide valuable insights into the cultural perspectives and values of Indian tribal communities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What are the key factors that accelerated decolonization post-World War II? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How does human encroachment impact water bodies in urban areas? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How do physical geographical features influence the development and operation of transportation systems? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How are ocean trenches formed? Describe the significant characteristics of these oceanic relief formations. (Answer in 150words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Identify the reasons behind increasing number of extreme rainfall events throughout India in recent times. Assess their socio-economic impact. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Do you agree that there has been a progressive secularization of caste in India? Support your view with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Why is inequality increasing in India despite the fall in overall poverty? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"How did the competitive and hostile dynamic between Brahminism and Buddhism over funding, followers, and ideology mark the decline of Buddhism? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"European travellers' accounts in the medieval period have played an important role in shaping our understanding of the empires and people of that period in India. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The British victory in the Battle of Plassey in 1757 not just changed the course of Indian history but also that of the world. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Why was it more difficult to rehabilitate refugees in West Bengal as compared to Punjab after partition? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss the economic and social costs associated with the transition from coal to green energy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Explain the process of formation of volcanic calderas. How do they contribute to the scenic beauty of the region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the reasons behind the increased frequency and intensity of heat waves globally? How will it impact global food security? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India's approach to secularism does not merely challenge inter-religious domination but intra-religious domination as well. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Do you agree with the view that Indian cities are turning into landscapes of stark inequality and social exclusion? What steps can be taken to make urban areas more egalitarian in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1729,"topper":"Ashi Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9d505-1248985_2930_ashi_sharma_rank_12.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How is the rapid growth of the food processing industry leading to food safety challenges in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Under the Public Distribution System of India, the Fair Price Shop (FPS) transformation is an evolving process. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"How are agri-tech startups in India helping farmers in enhancing farm productivity and market access? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the role of digitization of land records in the effective implementation of land reforms in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"To fully exploit its demographic dividend and accelerate economic growth, India needs to adopt a manufacturing-led growth model. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can the resilience of Indian coastal communities be strengthened to tackle the growing natural hazards resulting from climate change? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How does the Green Credit Programme extend beyond carbon management to promote a more sustainable environment in India? What are the various concerns about its implementation? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What is the need for NavIC when existing satellite navigation systems are already available? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Cyber-enabled financial crime has emerged as the new frontier of global money laundering. Discuss. How can the government address this issue? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The Indian Army is observing the year 2024 as the 'Year of Technology Absorption'. In light of this, explain why there is a need for technology absorption in the defence sector of India. What challenges can India face in this initiative? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What are the issues faced in the development of trade and industries in the North-Eastern Region (NER) of India? Comment on the measures that have been taken to tackle these issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the era of climate change and growing water scarcity, how can micro-irrigation systems contribute to sustainable agricultural practices in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What strategies can be adopted to overcome the issues pertaining to freight transportation in the Indian Railways and increase its share in the domestic freight? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the factors that have aided India in making impressive strides in the renewable energy sector and establishing itself as a frontrunner in the global renewable energy transition. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"How does agricultural runoff containing fertilizers and pesticides contribute to environmental pollution? What measures can be taken to mitigate the impact of agricultural runoff? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The growing influx of tourists in Himalayan states has breached their ecological carrying capacity, leading to significant man-made disasters. What measures can be implemented to prevent such disasters while promoting sustainable tourism? Discuss with relevant examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"How do superconductors fuel innovation in diverse fields of science and technology? Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"While India has laws covering almost all types of intellectual property rights, numerous enforcement, regulatory and administrative challenges hamper the commercialisation of IPRs in India. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Keeping in view the challenges in creating integrated theatre commands, examine how the theaterisation of commands can lead to greater integration and rationalisation of manpower and resources among the three services. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Treating border villages as first villages not just geographically but also in terms of facilities can be a key strategy for enhancing border security. Discuss. Also, highlight the measures being taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1730,"topper":"Ashi Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/gs-mac-test-6-ashi-sharma-1745408061832.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"1. Federal governance is characterised by institutionalized arrangements for solving problems generated by pluralism based on consultation and mutual consent. How have Zonal Councils evolved from merely advisory bodies to proactive platforms for action?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"2. Secularism under the Indian constitution is encapsulated in the broader concept of constitutional commitment to equality. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"3. 'There is a need to shift the focus of Section 8 of the Representation of People Act, 1951 from the duration of the sentence to the gravity of the offence. Comment on how the current classification under Section 8 leads to arbitrary categorisation of offences. Also, mention the remedies available to a person disqualified under this section.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"4. What is the significance of the Leader of Opposition in the Indian parliamentary system? How does the role of the opposition contribute to the checks and balances in a democracy?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"5. \"The core ideals of the Preamble – sovereignty, socialism, secularism, and democracy – form the bedrock of India's constitutional framework\" Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"6. Assess the implications of the 103rd Constitutional Amendment, which introduced a ten per cent reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), on the principle of social justice in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"7. The focus of welfare schemes in India is shifting from \"well-being\" towards \"over-dependency\". In light of this, do you agree that welfare schemes have inculcated a \"freebies culture\" in India leading to a divergence of focus from poverty and hunger alleviation?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"8. E-governance is not just about efficiency; it's about making governance accessible and inclusive for every citizen. Explain.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"9. With the advent of new regional and multilateral agreements like QUAD, AUKUS, I2U2 etc the old world order represented by organizations like NAM, Davos, and G77 is losing its relevance. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"10. The island states and territories from the South Pacific to the African coast have become new nodes in India's changing strategic geography. In this context, highlight the importance of these island states for India and also throw light upon the initiatives taken by India to strengthen ties with these states.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"11. Electoral funding in India is fraught with the double whammy of legal loopholes and political inefficiencies. In this context, discuss the challenges to electoral funding. What lessons can India draw from global best practices in this regard?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"12. Pressure groups form the social foundation of a democracy. In this context, discuss pressure groups' key contributions in promoting social security measures for workers in India and how they address the gaps in existing policies","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"13. The Constitution envisages the principle of federal supremacy in the executive space of Indian federal polity. Discuss while referring to the relevant Constitutional provisions and case laws. How are contentious issues regarding the distribution of powers resolved?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"14. Delimitation of seats is essential to ensure fair representation and uphold the principles of one vote, one value. Highlighting the challenges posed by misrepresentation in constituencies analyse the ramifications of population-based delimitation in creating federal tension.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"15. To what extent can the PIL system be held responsible for shifting the focus of the higher Courts from \"constitutional matters\" to day-to-day matters? What role can the trial Courts play in reducing the overall burden on higher Courts?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"16. India's higher education system needs significant reforms to align with global standards. How does the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 aim to address these challenges, and what lessons can India learn from international practices to enhance its higher education system? Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"17. The Right to Information (RTI) Act is hailed for its transformative impact on the quest for transparency and accountability in Indian governance. However, multifaceted challenges and systemic limitations impede its effective implementation. Discuss. Also, suggest measures for its effective implementation.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"18. Discuss the unique challenges and opportunities Self Help Groups (SHGs) encounter in urban areas compared to rural ones and how can microfinance be adapted to tackle urban poverty.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"19. Highlight the significance of the recently envisaged India-Middle East-Europe corridor for India's connectivity with the world, especially the West. Do you think, in recent times, transport and energy initiatives have taken precedence in India's foreign policy?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"20. Despite the recent rise in politically contentious issues, the India-Canada bilateral relationship has remained committed to shared values of democracy, pluralism, expanding economic engagement and long-standing people-to-people ties. Highlighting the significant pillars of the India-Canada relationship, discuss the potential areas of cooperation and collaboration between India and Canada.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1731,"topper":"Ashi Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/gs-mac-test-5-ashi-sharma-1745407968767.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Q.1 Highlighting the elements of urbanization discuss how agriculture played a pivotal role in the enduring success and longevity of the Harrapan Civilization.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Q.2 The Quit India Movement marked the awakening of the nation's soul and brought diverse sections together in a unified vision of Independence. Discuss","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Q.3 Analyze the impact of World War II in accelerating the process of decolonization in Asia and Africa.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Q.4 Discuss the various types of sedimentary rocks and their formation processes. What is the economic significance of sedimentary rocks?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Q.5 What are the characteristics of anticyclonic circulations, and how do they influence weather patterns over the Indian subcontinent?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Q.6 What is coral bleaching, and what are its main causes? Also, evaluate the role of marine protected areas (MPAs) in the conservation of coral reefs.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Q.7 Discuss the role of economic corridors in fostering regional economic integration and development. How do projects like the Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor (CBIC) align with India's broader economic growth strategies?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Q.8 What is gender fluid identity, and what are the LGBTQ community's ongoing challenges to full societal inclusion and equal treatment?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Q.9 How does the interplay between regional and national identities fuel the emergence of regionalistic sentiments? How can we balance regional identities with broader national identity?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Q.10 How do various cultural practices and traditions contribute to the idea of Unity in Diversity? Provide examples to support your argument.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Q.11 What is the significance of Stupa art in the context of Buddhist architecture and culture? Discuss its various elements and symbolism and their role in conveying Buddhist beliefs.","marks":"15 marks, 250","words":"15"},{"page":27,"question":"Q.12 \"The dual struggle against entrenched social customs and colonial dominance was a prominent feature of socio-religious reform movements in 19th century India.\" How did the socio-religious reform movements of 19th century India respond to colonial cultural and ideological hegemony?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Q.13 How did the British policies contribute to the de-industrialization of India and how did this process affect the lives of Indian artisans and the broader economy?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Q.14 What are the factors that lead to the formation of local winds? Discuss their impact on the weather and climate in various regions, providing relevant examples.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Q.15 What are the primary drivers of freshwater scarcity in megacities like Bangalore and Hyderabad? Suggest comprehensive solutions that address both supply and demand aspects of urban water management.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Q.16 What is the Blue Revolution? What are the significant hurdles in aquaculture development, and what comprehensive strategies can be implemented to address them?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Q.17 What are the key factors influencing the establishment of large-scale solar farms in India, and what are their environmental and social impacts? How can India balance the expansion of solar energy with the need to protect biodiversity and local ecosystems?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Q.18 In what ways do social media platforms perpetuate and challenge social inequalities and power structures? Provide a critical analysis.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Q.19 Give a comparative analysis of the tribal and mainstream societies. Is tribal society more progressive than mainstream society? Argue with examples.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Q.20 In what ways does poverty intersect with other social problems like caste, social stratification, and gender inequality? What comprehensive strategies do you suggest to address these interrelated issues?","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1732,"topper":"Ashi Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/gs-test-3-ashi-sharma-1745407770302.pdf","questions":[{"page":24,"question":"Q13 The Govt announces MSP upon the recommendations of the CCAP as a price stabilisation measure, but during the recent farmer protests there have been demands to provide MSP as a legal entitlement.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1733,"topper":"Ashi Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/ethics-enhancer-test-1-ashi-sharma-1745407520398.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"1. (a) Explain the relationship between Public Service Values and Public Administration Ethics. Do you think public service values are only eloquent statements for glorifying the Department's mission, or do they have any utility for public servants? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"1. (b) How does the conscientious public servant sort through competing considerations and determine \"the right thing to do\"? When it comes to serving the public, how does one put one's values into practice? Illustrate with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. (a) What do you understand by good governance in public administration and corporations? How do they differ? Identify and explain three principles that can act as a foundation for good governance in a corporate setting.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"2 (b) One hallmark of good governance is government departments' adherence to strict ethical standards when procuring goods and services for public programmes. Identify and explain the ethical principles that must be respected to maintain the integrity of the procurement process.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"3. (a) How should public servants ethically balance stakeholder interests, official obligations and regime values when making administrative decisions, and which of these should be given the most moral weight?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"3. (b) Recent researchers have argued that the government's health and social-based interventions are significantly less effective without the emotional skills of self-awareness and empathy. Do you agree? Justify your answer with relevant examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"4 (a) Discuss with relevant examples how civil servants' political and moral attitudes impact their work ethics and daily administrative decision-making.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"4. (b) \"The motive has nothing to do with the morality of the action.\" In light of the above statement, do you think motive is irrelevant in determining the morality of an action? Explain your position with relevant examples.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":20,"question":"5. (a) Explain the contemporary relevance of Jain Tirthankaras' vow-based moral philosophy.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"5. (b) What ethical dilemmas arise from the use of economic sanctions in international relations, and how can policymakers balance these concerns with the need to punish illegal behaviours and compel political change?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":24,"question":"6. Discuss the relevance of the following quotes to the present times.\n(a) \"Wars begin in the minds of men, and in those minds, love and compassion would have built the defences of peace\"","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"6. (b) \"May you live your life as if the maxim of your actions were to become universal law.\"","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"6. (c) आचरण का सुनहरा नियम (the golden rule of conduct) पारस्परिक सहिष्णुता (mutual toleration) है, यह देखते हुए कि हम सभी कभी एक जैसा नहीं सोचेंगे और हम हमेशा सत्य को टुकड़ों में देखेंगे और दृष्टि के विभिन्न दृष्टिकोण बनाएंगे।\n(150 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए) 10 अंक\n\nThe golden rule of conduct is mutual toleration seeing that we will never all think alike and we shall always see Truth in fragment and form different angles of vision.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"7 As a new CEO:\n(a) What decision options are available to you?\n(b) What are the issues involved in the above case?\n(c) What will be your chosen course of action and Why?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"8 (a) उपरोक्त मामले में नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं? (b) एक डी डी ओ के रूप में, आपके पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं? (c) अपनी चुनी हुए कार्य-विधि के साथ-साथ अपने कारणों की व्याख्या कीजिए। (d) उपरोक्त मामले को देखते हुए, मानवीय संकट की स्थितियों से निपटने के लिए सबसे अच्छा नैतिक सिद्धांत क्या होगा? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए) 20 अंक\na) उपरोक्त मामले में नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\nb) एक डी डी ओ के रूप में, आपके पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nc) अपनी चुनी हुए कार्य-विधि के साथ-साथ अपने कारणों की व्याख्या कीजिए।\nd) उपरोक्त मामले को देखते हुए, मानवीय संकट की स्थितियों से निपटने के लिए सबसे अच्छा नैतिक सिद्धांत क्या होगा?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":36,"question":"(a) What are the ethical issues in the above case?\n(b) As a DDO, what are the options available to you?\n(c) Explain your chosen course of action, along with your reasons.\n(d) Given the above case, what would be the best ethical theory for handling human distress situations?\na) What are the ethical issues in the above case?\nb) As a DDO, what are the options available to you?\nc) Explain your chosen course of action, along with your reasons.\nd) Given the above case, what would be the best ethical theory for handling human distress situations?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":40,"question":"9 (a) उपरोक्त मामले में नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\n(b) एक एसपी के रूप में आपके पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\n(c) अपनी चुनी हुई कार्रवाई के तरीके की व्याख्या कीजिए।\n(d) यदि आपको बीमा योजना को बढ़ावा देने का कोई बेहतर तरीका सुझाना हो, तो वह क्या होगा?\na) उपरोक्त मामले में नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\nb) एक एसपी के रूप में आपके पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nc) अपनी चुनी हुई कार्रवाई के तरीके की व्याख्या कीजिए।\nd) यदि आपको बीमा योजना को बढ़ावा देने का कोई बेहतर तरीका सुझाना हो, तो वह क्या होगा?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":41,"question":"You were wondering about the course of action, as the deductions were legal, and the agents were technically following instructions. But, in the process, they were exploiting the poor villagers.\n(a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\n(b) What are the options available to you as an SP?\n(c) Explain your chosen course of an action.\n(d) If you have to recommend a better way of promoting the bima yojna, what would that be?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":45,"question":"10. (a) उपरोक्त स्थिति में आपके पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\n(b) आप किस तरह की कार्रवाई चुनेंगे?\n(c) मामले में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों की पहचान कीजिए।\n(d) लोगों की जरूरतों का फायदा उठाने वाले कार्टेल से निपटने के लिए कुछ उपाय सुझाएं।\na) उपरोक्त स्थिति में आपके पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nb) आप किस तरह की कार्रवाई चुनेंगे?\nc) मामले में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों की पहचान कीजिए।\nd) लोगों की जरूरतों का फायदा उठाने वाले कार्टेल से निपटने के लिए कुछ उपाय सुझाएं।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए"},{"page":46,"question":"(a) What are the options available to you in the above situation?\n(b) What will be your chosen course of action?\n(c) Identify the ethical issues involved in the case\n(d) Suggest some measures for handling cartels who prey on people's needs.\na) What are the options available to you in the above situation?\nb) What will be your chosen course of action?\nc) Identify the ethical issues involved in the case\nd) Suggest some measures for handling cartels who prey on people's needs.","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":50,"question":"11 (a) If you are the ethics officer of AquaTech enquiring, who will you hold responsible for the fatality? Why?\n(b) Discuss some common ethical issues that arise while using artificial intelligence.\na) If you are the ethics officer of AquaTech enquiring, who will you hold responsible for the fatality? Why?\nb) Discuss some common ethical issues that arise while using artificial intelligence.","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":54,"question":"12 (a) उपरोक्त मामले में क्या मुद्दे शामिल हैं?\n(b) आपके पास सीमित बजट होने के बावजूद, आपने जादू-टोना से संबंधित अंधविश्वासों से निपटने के लिए धन आवंटित करने का फैसला किया। आप समुदाय और हितधारकों के समक्ष अपने निर्णय को कैसे उचित ठहराएंगे?\n(c) यह देखते हुए कि जादू-टोना से संबंधित अपराधों की शुरुआत में बीडीओ द्वारा रिपोर्ट नहीं की गई थी, आप इस संचार की कमी को कैसे दूर करेंगे और कैसे आगे चलकर बेहतर रिपोर्टिंग और पारदर्शिता सुनिश्चित करेंगे?\na) उपरोक्त मामले में क्या मुद्दे शामिल हैं?\nb) आपके पास सीमित बजट होने के बावजूद, आपने जादू-टोना से संबंधित अंधविश्वासों से निपटने के लिए धन आवंटित करने का फैसला किया। आप समुदाय और हितधारकों के समक्ष अपने निर्णय को कैसे उचित ठहराएंगे?\nc) यह देखते हुए कि जादू-टोना से संबंधित अपराधों की शुरुआत में बीडीओ द्वारा रिपोर्ट नहीं की गई थी, आप इस संचार की कमी को कैसे दूर करेंगे और कैसे आगे चलकर बेहतर रिपोर्टिंग और पारदर्शिता सुनिश्चित करेंगे?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए"},{"page":55,"question":"(a) What are the issues involved in the above case?\n(b) With a limited budget at your disposal, you decide to allocate funds to tackle witchcraft-related superstitions. How would you justify your decision to the community and stakeholders?\n(c) Given that witchcraft-related crimes were not initially reported by the BDOs, how would you address this lack of communication and ensure better reporting and transparency moving forward? (Answer in 250 words) 20 marks","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":1734,"topper":"Ashi Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d0a28-1248985_2425_ashi_sharma_rank_12.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"For effective corporate governance to take place in the coming years, why is it important to integrate the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics with the multi-stakeholder approach? What benefits can be accrued by such integration? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In acts of corruption, the focus is often only on the demand side of the equation, on public officials who abuse their office for private gain. Frequently, the supply side is given less attention. Those who pay bribes are sometimes depicted as innocent parties and victims of extortionary practices of wily public servants. Do you agree that 'collusive corruption', in which there is a willing bribe-giver, is a formidable challenge for institutions fighting corruption? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Citizens' Charters initiative was a response to the quest for solving the problems, which a citizen encountered, day in and day out, while dealing with the organisations providing public services. But the introduction and implementation of Citizens' Charters in the government of India has been difficult due to the old bureaucratic set up and the rigid attitudes of the work force. Discuss the major obstacles that have been encountered in implementing the Citizens' Charter initiative. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Quality of public service delivery is a major determinant of the quality of life of vulnerable sections in a highly unequal society divided along the lines of class, caste, religion, etc. In this background, do you think that public service delivery is efficient and sufficient enough to improve the lives of vulnerable groups in India? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own.\" - Lao Tzu (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"If ethics are poor at the top, that behavior is copied down through the organization.\" - Robert Noyce (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"The end of law is not to abolish or restrain, but to preserve and enlarge freedom.\" - John Locke (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Wealthy CEOs and founders of successful businesses around the world are increasingly pledging to give away their wealth in philanthropy. Do you think that such a move is sufficient enough to bring about a positive change in the society? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"As organizations across the globe begin their artificial intelligence (AI) transformation, the leap into the AI era is expected to be more challenging than any technology that businesses have grappled with yet. In this background, discuss the concerns around fairness, transparency, and job security that may arise. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The emphasis of Swami Dayanand Saraswati on education, social equality, and ethical values continues to influence the socio-cultural discourse in contemporary India. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Emotional intelligence may not be singularly associated with emotions or intelligence. It can also include a broad range of personality characteristics that might predict success in professional and everyday life. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Traditional forms of state-led accountability, also characterised as vertical and horizontal channels of accountability, are increasingly found to be inadequate, and a myriad of multi-stakeholder and bottom-up citizen directed approaches have come to the fore, to supplement or supplant them. Discuss with illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"In a metropolitan city of India, the law enforcement authorities decided to adopt facial recognition technology to improve their crime-fighting capabilities. They implemented a facial recognition system that integrated with existing surveillance cameras across the city, allowing real-time identification and tracking of individuals. The system was intended to assist in identifying criminals, missing persons, and suspects in ongoing investigations. One evening, a woman reported a mugging incident where the perpetrator wore a hoodie, obscuring most of his face. The victim provided a vague description to the police, and based on that information, the authorities decided to use facial recognition technology to locate potential suspects. The system scanned through hours of surveillance footage from various locations near the crime scene. The facial recognition algorithm generated a list of potential matches, and one individual's image stood out as a close match to the description provided by the victim. The police considered this individual a prime suspect and proceeded with his arrest. Subsequently, it was discovered that the arrested person was innocent. Further investigation revealed that the facial recognition system had misidentified the innocent individual due to the limitations of the technology and the partial description provided by the victim. The police released the arrested individual; still his reputation got tarnished for life. He, along with his family, was evicted from their current place of residence. The psychological impact of the incident has been tremendous owing to which his job is also on the line. With reference to this case study, answer the following: (a) What are the issues involved in this case? (b) What measures can be taken to minimize the negative implications of adopting such technologies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"With reference to this case study, answer the following: (a) What are the issues involved in this case? (b) What measures can be taken to minimize the negative implications of adopting such technologies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Rina and her friends from the college were working as interns with a company for the last few months. On completion of their internship, some of them, including Rina, have been offered full-time jobs in the company. Being a reputed company, she and her friends accepted the offer. Rina is enthusiastic about her new job and has even established good relationship with some of her company co-workers during her internship. However, during her tenure as an intern, Rina had begun to notice that one of the Vice-Presidents (VPs) of the company was giving her too much attention. He used to make an extra effort to stop by Rina's cubicle and chat, something he was not doing with any of the other interns. He had even tried to connect with Rina over social networking sites. Some of her co-interns also noticed this and began to make offhand comments to Rina about the extra attention being given by the VP. Now that she was has been hired for a full time position, she is fearful that she might have to work with this VP directly. While he has not done or said anything explicitly inappropriate, the extra attention and the fact that her co-workers noticed it, made her very uncomfortable and undermined her concentration at work. The company encourages an open and friendly atmosphere and when she was hired, it was communicated to her that she should always speak to her Manager whenever faced with any uncomfortable work related issues. However, she is concerned to speak about it officially, as the VP has explicitly done nothing wrong. In the given situation: (a) What dilemmas does Rina face? (b) What options does she have? Provide the merits and demerits of each. (c) Highlight the course of action she should adopt, along with justification for the same. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"In the given situation: (a) What dilemmas does Rina face? (b) What options does she have? Provide the merits and demerits of each. (c) Highlight the course of action she should adopt, along with justification for the same. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"You have recently been posted as a Nodal Education Officer in one of the districts, where mass cheating in examinations is a regular phenomenon. Media reports have shown parents and relatives scaling school walls and buildings to pass answer chits to students taking secondary school examinations in the district. Moreover, with the advent of new technological devices, cheating in examinations has become more sophisticated and exam rules are flouted openly. On investigation, it has come to your notice that these rackets are run by many school authorities, including exam invigilators who are mostly teachers, and they are hand in glove for profits. With a shortage of staff, invigilators threaten go on mass strikes if any action is taken. Conducting the exams, cancelling them on account of cheating and having re-exams are a loss of time and money for the government and this vicious cycle goes on. As the Nodal Education Officer of the district, address the following questions: (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (b) How will you resolve the issues in the given case? (c) What long-term strategy needs to be adopted to deal with the menace of cheating in various examinations? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Many proponents of deep-sea drilling argue that tapping into the vast amount of rare earth elements in the Indian Ocean will help shore up national security interests for India, bolster its economy and workforce, and offer a reliable supply of strategic minerals. Keeping this in mind, the government has approved a $540-million programme to study ways of mining nickel, cobalt, manganese and iron hydroxide from the bed of the Indian Ocean 6,000 meters below sea level. The government argues that the project can power India's growth for 100 years. It will also study climate change, explore marine flora and fauna and harness thermal energy. However, a competing point of view alleges that deep ocean drilling poses immense risk to the environment. A comprehensive report on Sustainable Ocean Economy by independent geologists states that \"until the need for, and potential consequences of, deep-sea mining are better understood, the concept is conceptually difficult to align with the definition of a sustainable ocean economy and raises various environmental, legal and governance challenges, as well as possible conflicts with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.\" It also highlights that the profitability of national mining operations, without governmental support or comparably low taxes, remains questionable. If the operations are profitable, it will also raise questions about the equitable sharing of profits derived from a resource taken out of the common heritage of mankind. Additionally, companies like BMW, Volvo, Google and Korean battery maker Samsung SDI, vowed in a statement to not buy metals produced from deep-sea mining until the environmental risks of the activity are \"comprehensively understood.\" In the context of the above-stated information, address the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the given case study? (b) How can the vision of economic development of a nation be achieved without adversely affecting the sustainability of oceans? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":58,"question":"That her wedding will not be held as a private ceremony with only close friends and family, but should be publicised in a grand way, as you had promised earlier to her. Given this situation, answer the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the above situation? (b) What are the various options that you have, as a father and an ambitious politician? (c) What will be your course of action? Justify with proper reasoning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1735,"topper":"Ashi Sharma","air":12,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/gs-test-4-ashi-sharma-1745407846134.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1736,"topper":"Ashi Sharma","air":12,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Public Administration","optional":true,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Q3ZCMifmCyRm71R25KoMWcYin7adiBBk","questions":[]},{"id":1737,"topper":"Ashima Mittal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/rank_12_11747_771_ashima_mittal.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Technology is a useful servant but a dangerous master","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Is the economic development of developing countries more important than protecting the environment?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"Economic Development of developing countries more important than protecting the environment?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1738,"topper":"Ashima Mittal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/rank_12_11747_768_ashima_mittal.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"CALAMITIES ARE NATURAL BUT DISASTERS ARE MAN-MADE","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1739,"topper":"Ashima Mittal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/11747_874_Aashima_Rank_12.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The greatness of the Mughal achievement in the political unification of India was matched by the splendour and beauty of the work of architects, poets, historians, painters and musicians who flourished in the period. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Traditionally, India had developed wide-ranging water harvesting techniques in keeping with the local ecological conditions and their water needs. Substantiate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Imperial rivalries of 18th Century Europe were played out in India as well. Comment in the context of the Carnatic Wars.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"The Lucknow session of 1916 was a watershed event during the freedom struggle of India due to various reasons. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Reforms initiated by the Justice Party became a model for social affirmative action in the country. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"War in the Korean Peninsula proved to be disastrous for Korea, a missed opportunity for the United States and a defining moment for China. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"The Munich Pact brought neither peace nor stability in relations between European countries, rather it turned out to be an act of appeasement that made war inevitable. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Explain how Gandhi's non-violent philosophy influenced Martin Luther King Jr.'s methods. Also discuss the contributions and accomplishments of King to ensure civil-rights for all people regardless of race in America.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Apart from the linguistic reorganisation of states, the three language formula was an important part of government policy to address the language question in India. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Enumerate the measures for the welfare of Unorganised Workers in India. In the context of problems being faced by 'domestic helps', discuss the need for additional measures to safeguard their interests.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"The manner in which the mentally ill have been treated in India suggests that policy measures alone may not be sufficient to address the challenges faced by them. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Highlight the characteristics of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) and discuss the challenges faced by them. Also enumerate the measures taken by the government to address these challenges.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"While suburbanisation is a common phenomenon in most urbanising countries, it is occurring at a relatively early stage of India's urban development. Enumerating the reasons behind this development, highlight the challenges it is creating for Indian cities.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Various geographical and anthropogenic factors have rendered Brahmaputra Valley susceptible to recurrent floods. Discuss the causes and suggest suitable measures of mitigation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Give a brief account of Earth's heat budget. Also discuss how increasing concentration of carbon dioxide in Earth's atmosphere effects it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Give an outline of the major geological events that have shaped the present drainage system of Peninsular India. Also, explain why peninsular rivers are unsuitable for navigation but facilitate hydroelectric power generation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Elaborate with examples as to how government policies influence the location of industries. Also, mention the steps taken by the Government of India to stimulate industrial activity in backward regions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Explain, in brief, the process of cloud formation. Also, elucidate how clouds can help in weather forecasting.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"The socio-economic and ecological consequences of soil degradation are far-reaching. Discuss. Suggest measures that can be taken to restore soil fertility and arrest soil degradation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Development of island territories requires a careful balancing of environmental and tribal concerns with exploitation of economic potential. Elaborating on the threats faced by island territories of India, comment on the recent measures proposed by the government regarding their development.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1740,"topper":"Ashima Mittal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/11747_875_Aashima_Rank_12.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Centralising recruitment through an All-India Judicial Service (AIJS) will not address the multiple problems in the judiciary and cause new ones instead. Critically evaluate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"The roots of the most pertinent challenges faced by Indian politics today can be traced to the lack of intra-party democracy in candidate selection and internal elections. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"While the idea behind merger of autonomous bodies in India is to curb overlapping work and reduce expenditure, it may end up doing more harm than good. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Well-defined electoral laws and greater powers for the Election Commission of India are required as the existing laws and mechanisms are inadequate to deal with new challenges. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Privileges should be defined and delimited for the free and independent functioning of the legislatures. In this context, discuss whether there is a need to re-examine the balance between fundamental rights and parliamentary privileges in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The principle of accountability is an essential part of the rule of law. In this context, discuss the lacunae in government's approach and judiciary's response to the phenomenon of extrajudicial killings in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Explain the rationale behind enacting the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016. Discuss how it can help in revitalizing consumer confidence in the real estate market. Also highlight the hurdles that remain in implementing it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Moving the subject of water from state list to concurrent list will solve the issues related to governance of water resources. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Give an account of the areas of potential conflict in the relationship between the political executive and civil servants. Also discuss why a healthy working relationship between the two is critical for good governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Despite their location in the non-political domain of civil society, NGOs have ended up playing a key, if indirect, role in India's politics. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Magnitude of India's urbanisation is not unusual but the pattern is. In this context, examine the issues in the governance of cities in India. Also suggest the reforms required to make Indian cities dynamos of competitive sub-federalism.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Social boycott should be treated as a criminal offence, rather than being considered as just another form of social evil plaguing the Indian society. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Human Trafficking in India has emerged as a serious issue which calls for understanding the complexity of the problem and devising an effective strategy to combat it. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"A weak teacher education system is at the core of India's problems in school education. Evaluate. In this context, also enumerate the recommendations of the High-Powered Commission on Teacher Education constituted by the Supreme Court of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"India's contribution to peacekeeping missions of the United Nations has remained steadfast despite changes in the nature, form and variety of UN peace keeping missions. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"India's partnership with Africa is an amalgam of African development priorities as well as India's development objectives. Discuss. Also highlight the initiatives taken by India in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Comment on the role of International Court of Justice in upholding the values of international law. In this context, also highlight the association of India with the ICJ over the years.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"In view of the focus on trans-regional economic corridors and changing regional geo-politics and geo-economics, critically discuss the idea of an Indo-Pacific Economic Corridor.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1741,"topper":"Ashima Mittal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/11747_877_Aashima_Rank_12.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The seeds of patriarchy and gender inequality are sown at home, which manifest as a weed at the societal level. Elucidate. Suggest an ethical framework to systematically address the issue of patriarchy in the Indian society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"What are the factors which drive people to take law in their own hands rather than following the due process of law? Discuss ways to address the problem of mob justice.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"In a democracy, the purpose of the government should be to make it easy for people to do good and difficult to do wrong. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss John Stuart Mill's idea on freedom of thought and expression. Also, give reasons as to why, according to Mill, representative democracy is the best form of government despite its inherent weaknesses. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"It is argued by some that nuclear weapons have acted more as a deterrent than leading to war and mass destruction. In this context, discuss whether it is ethically right to possess nuclear weapons to create nuclear deterrence. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Differentiate between administration and leadership. Highlighting the traits which characterize an effective leader, discuss the importance of leadership in ensuring effective public service delivery in a bureaucratic setup.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Apart from functional knowledge and expertise, the efficacy of a civil servant also depends upon his emotional intelligence. How does emotional intelligence contribute to efficacy? How can civil servants enhance their emotional intelligence?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Enumerate the mechanisms that promote accountability of public officials in discharging their functions and responsibilities in India. Also discuss why ensuring accountability for performance is not a simple task in government service","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) \"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"\"Prejudices are what fools use for reason.\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Ensuring that government decisions are not influenced by public officials' private interests is a growing concern. Discuss in the context of India. Also enumerate the core principles reflected by OECD guidelines for managing conflict of interest in the public sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Discuss, with examples, the significance of principles of public life as recommended by Nolan committee. Why are these principles considered as an essential set of expectations from public servants?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"A peculiar inhuman situation exists for the people fleeing from war zones - they cannot go back to their homeland for fear of being persecuted and no country is ready to bear their burden due to various reasons. Citing contemporary examples, discuss the ethical issues involved in such situations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"As the administrator in-charge of your area you are witness to the widespread food wastage in lavish parties as well as in restaurants and eateries, on one hand and people starving due to inability to ensure one square-meal a day, on the other. Realizing that it is not the scarcity of resources, but the habit of people that is causing paucity in availability of food, you decide that certain measures are needed to be taken in order to deal with the issue of starvation at the grassroot level. 20 Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) What measures would you take to deal with wastage of food in your area? (c) What explains this co-existence of affluence and hunger in developing countries like India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"The excluded and marginalized section of society are worst hit by globalization. Take the case of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) like Sentinelese of Andaman & Nicobar islands; their population has reduced drastically and they are facing various other problems as well. In this context answer the following questions: 20 (a) What are the challenges faced by PVTGs due to globalisation? (b) If you are posted as a Development Officer in such an area, what will be your priorities to reduce their vulnerabilities and ensure welfare?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Undercover journalism exposes injustices, negligence, corruption and wrongdoing and yet going undercover to expose wrongdoing remains controversial. But, undercover journalists contend that they are fulfilling a fundamental duty of finding truth through their journalism. They argue that public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy and the duty of the journalist is to further those ends by seeking truth and providing a fair and comprehensive account of events and issues. So, there are some supporters of this kind of journalism, which sometimes infringe the privacy of individuals. However, some journalists also urge avoiding surreptitious methods of gathering information except when traditional open methods will not yield information vital to the public. In this context, answer the following questions: 20 (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the practice of undercover journalism? (b) Do you support the practice of undercover investigation by journalists? Give reasons in support of your answer.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are the chief executive of ABC Ltd., an automotive component manufacturing company. Until recently, all of your production plants were located in City X, However, the cost of production has risen, causing profits to decline. A number of factors have led to an increase in the production costs. First, the union representing the workers in your plant waged a successful strike resulting in increased salary and benefits. A second factor has been imposition of stringent environmental regulations. Shareholders are concerned about the declining fortunes of the company. Many of the competitors have moved their operations to less-developed cities, where the operating costs are less than in City X. ABC Ltd. is a major employer in the city where it is located, and you know that a plant closure will cause economic dislocation in the city. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) What are the ethical issues involved in this case? (b) How can the interests of different stakeholders be reconciled in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You are posted as a District Education Officer (DEO) in a Maoist affected district. You have been specifically given the responsibility to work on the literacy mission. After reading the education reports and doing field visits, you find that the number of out of school children has increased drastically and the motivation among students and teachers is also low. While certain basic infrastructure is already in place, the major hurdle in attracting students to these schools include the attitude of inhabitants towards education and the security risks involved in sending children to schools. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Analyse the reasons behind such an attitude. 20 (b) As a DEO, what are the steps that you would take in order to increase the school attendance and change the prevalent attitude of inhabitants towards education?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Mr. Pradeep is a senior civil servant in the central government and is involved in the budgeting department. In the course of performing his duties, he comes to know about diversion of funds earmarked for SC/ST sub-plan for other purposes. While he is not directly responsible for this aspect of the budget, he raised his concerns to the department concerned. He also learns that the minister responsible as well as senior most civil servants are aware of the practice and have given tacit approval for it. Soon thereafter, Pradeep was summoned to talk on the issue and was told that since the matter is not within his jurisdiction, he should 'keep his nose out of it'. After much soul searching, Pradeep decided to obey his supervisors by leaving the matter alone. Based on the information given, answer the following questions: (a) Elaborate on the internal dissonance that Pradeep faces in the given situation. 20 (b) On what basis can the decision of Pradeep be justified? (c) Had you been in Pradeep's place, what would have been the course of action chosen by you? Recognise the merits and demerits, if any.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1742,"topper":"Ashish","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6d4ce-1010258_1863_ashish_rank_23.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Parliamentary oversight of administration is not an end in itself rather it acts as a means to strengthen the efficient functioning of the administration. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Tenth Schedule of the Constitution has weakened the democratic credentials of India's representative democracy. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Article 246 of the Indian Constitution is considered as the cornerstone of Centre-state legislative relations. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Although the provision of issuing ordinances amounts to the usurpation of legislative power by the Executive, both Centre and states in India have taken unrestrained course to it. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"There has been a manifold increase in the number of ministries in the central government since Independence. Do you agree with the view there is a need to phase out many ministries and amalgamate others in this context? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Evaluate the success of Digital India in fulfilling its vision of transforming India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Examine the issues related to poverty measurement in India. Suggest measures to improve upon the existing methodologies. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"As one of the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, discuss the rationale behind internationalisation of higher education in India and its associated challenges. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Stating the significance of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), examine whether they have been as beneficial as expected for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Though multilateral development banks (MDBs) are crucial for holistic development of developing nations like India, there are certain legitimate concerns about their functioning. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Despite the legal framework to resolve Inter-state river water disputes, why do they continue to exist? Also, discuss measures that can be taken to resolve such disputes in an expeditious and agreeable manner. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"While use of technology is a welcome step towards improving the efficiency of the judicial system, it must be understood that technology itself comes with a set of challenges that make justice, even more inaccessible. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The current urban planning capacities in India are extremely skeletal and need systemic reforms and a change in mindset. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Reservation for women in the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) has not translated into corresponding increase in women's representation in India's state legislatures. Bringing out the reasons for the same, discuss how under-representation of women in the state legislatures can be corrected. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"For effective public service delivery, there is need to shift from traditional accountability mechanisms to social accountability mechanisms. In this context, discuss the pre-conditions for the success of social accountability efforts and challenges associated with them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) remains one of the most ambitious programmes for public welfare and rural development, but its objectives cannot be achieved without strong and capable Panchayati Raj Institutions. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Despite legal safeguards and international conventions, the State has failed to uphold the rights of persons with disabilities in general and those with psychosocial disabilities in particular. Discuss in the context of India, (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"To what extent has the PM Awas Yojana (Gramin) been successful in solving the problem of rural housing in India? Discuss with adequate arguments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Despite the potential of India's Neighbourhood First policy, there have been several impediments to regional cooperation in South Asia. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"It is argued that China's Belt and Road Initiative has resulted in unsustainable debt-for-infrastructure deals in several countries across continents and it is a part of debt trap diplomacy. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1743,"topper":"Ashish","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/da635-298400_1243_ashish_rank_53.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Reservation of seats in legislature is needed to ensure meaningful political participation of women and to make the democratic process truly inclusive. Discuss the statement in the light of 108th Constitution Amendment Bill. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the issue of reservation in promotions for SCs and STs in public employment in the light of various judicial pronouncements and constitutional amendments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the reasons behind underperformance of the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs). How can their performance be improved? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlighting the rationale behind continuance of the Official Secrets Act, critically discuss whether the Right to Information should be given precedence over it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What is the rationale behind having a mandatory 'cooling-off' period for retired civil servants? In light of numerous instances of violation of this provision, do you think there is a need to have a relook at Civil Services Conduct Rules? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlighting the key features of POSHAN Abhiyan, explain how it is an improvement over previous interventions in achieving the goal of malnutrition free India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Give an account of the challenges that the multilateral rule-based trading system is facing. With special focus on WTO, discuss how these challenges can be addressed effectively. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Highlight the major impediments affecting India-US trade relations. What possible consequences can the recent withdrawal of Generalized System of Preference (GSP) have on India-US trade relations? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"In a democratic setup, it is imperative that independence be balanced with accountability. Discuss in the context of judiciary in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Despite various strengths, there are certain weaknesses in the existing structure of departments of the government which render the system slow and cumbersome. Analyze. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the light of criticism surrounding the composition and functioning of Rajya Sabha, do you think it exists merely as a secondary house of the Parliament? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Despite legislative changes with respect to funding of political parties in recent years, many challenges still exist with regards to transparency in electoral funding. Discuss. Can state funding of elections help in addressing these challenges? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Successful and long-lasting urban transformation critically depends on reforming the way our cities are governed. In this context, highlight the challenges plaguing urban governance in India and suggest some strategies to overcome those challenges. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Explain the role that SHGs play in poverty alleviation in India. Highlighting the shortcomings of the SHG-Bank Linkage programme, give some suggestions to improve its performance. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Despite initiatives taken by the government in recent years to address the challenges of the Indian higher education system, many reforms are still required to improve its quality and enhance its relevance. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Giving an account of the progress made under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, mention the challenges that it faces in achieving its target. How can the implementation of the programme be fast-tracked? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Island nations of the Indian Ocean hold immense strategic value in shaping the geopolitical contours of the region and ensuring maritime security of India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Development assistance, a key instrument in India's foreign policy, has seen a considerable expansion in the past few years both in its scope and reach. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1744,"topper":"Ashish","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/cd1eb-298400_1247_ashish_rank_53.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Mention the structure and functions of NITI Aayog. Also, comment on its contemporary relevance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Critically discuss the practice of setting up Fast Track Courts to reduce pendency of cases in the judiciary. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the challenges faced by lower judiciary in India and suggest measures for enhancing their productivity. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Assess the need to formalise the process of post-legislative scrutiny to improve the effectiveness of laws. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in improving the effectiveness of e-governance in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Despite various reforms in the public grievance redressal mechanisms, their effectiveness remain limited. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Explaining the factors that contribute to trafficking of women and children in India, highlight the steps taken in recent times to combat it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"With Vector-Borne Diseases (VBDs) reaching epidemic proportions in India, highlight the factors that have led to their emergence. Also, suggest some measures for their effective control and management. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"After years of neglect, rapidly evolving regional strategic realities are now forcing India and Indonesia to coordinate their policies ever more closely. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Despite several attempts at resetting the ties, various barriers continue to be a cause of concern in the India-Nepal bilateral relations. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Delineate the differences between pressure groups and interest groups. Citing examples, elaborate on the ways in which pressure groups influence government decisions and policy making in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlighting the issues faced by the institutions of local self governance in India, suggest measures that can be taken to improve their effectiveness in the delivery of public goods and services at the grassroot level. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The recent amendment to the Right to Information Act, 2005 will weaken the act and undermine the authority of Information Commissioners. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight the process of delimitation in India. Also, throw light on the debates surrounding the delimitation exercise in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Self Help Groups (SHGs) are vehicles of rural development, which help in the upliftment of marginalized groups. Elucidate. Further, mention the constraints faced by SHGs and how they can be addressed. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"With construction of toilets being only one part of the solution for a clean India, it is time that the Swachh Bharat Mission puts more emphasis on the other facets as well. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Highlight the salient features of Mission Indradhanush. What are the challenges that the mission is facing in its implementation? Suggest measures to address these challenges for progressing towards full immunization coverage. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Assess the importance of skilling in light of changing economic and demographic structure in India. In this regard, how far has the Skill India Mission succeeded in its mandate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What according to you are the reasons that motivated India to create a dedicated Indo-Pacific division in the MEA recently? Also, highlight the challenges for India in the Indo-Pacific region. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"For SCO to become a successful regional grouping, it has to overcome bilateral differences between its members and their respective geopolitical calculations. Comment. Also, discuss the role that SCO can play in enhancing India's interest in the Eurasian region. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1745,"topper":"Ashish","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8ff91-298400_1244_ashish_rank_53.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the need of an Independent Fiscal Council (IFC) in bringing about transparency and accountability in fiscal processes in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Recognizing the potential of exports in generating employment, a number of steps need to be taken to address India's weakening export competitiveness. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlighting the main features of National Mineral Policy, 2019, discuss how it can help in ensuring sustainable and responsible mining. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlighting the salient features of the PM JI-VAN Yojana, analyze how it can assist in achieving the vision and goals of the National Policy on Biofuels, 2018. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) provides an alternative to capital and chemical intensive agriculture currently being practiced in India. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Marine life is facing 'irreparable damage' from the millions of tonnes of plastic waste which ends up in the oceans each year. In this context, examine the implications of plastic pollution on marine ecosystem and suggest some measures for addressing this problem. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are black holes? Highlight the challenges in imaging a black hole? How were these challenges overcome by the Event Horizon Telescope project? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"While mentioning the objectives of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), discuss the challenges which are hindering the utilization of the ATT to its full potential. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Threats to internal security of India may be posed both through the communication networks and also to the networks. Discuss. Also, highlight the steps taken by the government in making the networks more secure. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlight the importance and challenges related to integration of Variable Renewable Energy (VRE) in India. Mention some steps that can be taken for its smooth integration with the synchronized Indian grid. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"There have been arguments that India could fall into a 'middle income trap'. Explaining the phenomenon, highlight the reasons behind such arguments. How can India avoid it? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Highlighting its importance, discuss the major issues that plague effective monetary policy transmission in India. Also, mention the steps taken by RBI to improve it. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight the constraints faced by rainfed agriculture in India. Discuss some agronomic practices that can be adopted for stabilizing agricultural production in rainfed areas. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite the steps taken by the government in recent years, a number of problems continue to persist in the urea sector in India. Discuss. What reforms should be taken to address the persisting problems? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What is Access and Benefit Sharing? Explain how it aids in sustainable use of biodiversity. Also, mention the different global and national level mechanisms for ensuring Access and Benefit Sharing. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Stating the significance, discuss the challenges in achieving disaster resilience of infrastructure. Suggest some ways for mainstreaming it in the development paradigm. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Highlighting the significance of data localization for India, discuss various challenges associated with data localization. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Money Laundering as a socio economic offence is a menace especially for developing countries like India. Comment. What measures have been taken at the domestic and international levels to deal with this menace? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The primary motive of terrorism differs from that of organised crime but there exists a symbiotic relationship between the two. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1746,"topper":"Ashish","air":23,"year":2021,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/42caf-1010258_1987_ashish_rank_23.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1747,"topper":"Ashish","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/f17f5-1010258_1516_ashish_rank_23.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"People's indifference is the best breeding ground for corruption to grow\". Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"In the context of COVID-19 pandemic, discuss the importance of Emotional Intelligence among healthcare workers. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Ethics does its work in the world by granting and withdrawing legitimacy. Discuss in the context of role of ethics in international relations. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or the darkness of destructive selfishness. - Martin Luther King Jr. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":1748,"topper":"Ashish","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5ed44-298400_1249_ashish_rank_53.pdf","questions":[{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. Mahatma Gandhi","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"The mandatory nature of Corporate Social Responsibility goes against the notion of philanthropy. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"There have been arguments that rich countries owe an obligation to people living in poor countries. In this context, discuss the issues associated with foreign aid.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"It is essential that people have access to information if they are to have the capacity to exercise other rights. Discuss the statement with focus on importance of RTI in governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Various studies have found out that cases of depression and mental illness have increased exponentially in the recent past. Also, in the age group of 15-30 years, this problem is further pronounced. Furthermore, the rising trend of suicides in this age group has been attributed to depression. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Present an ethical critique of the prevalent societal attitude towards mental illness. (b) Given the magnitude of the problem among younger generation/young adults, analyse the role of the following: i. Parenting ii. Social Media iii. Video Games","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1749,"topper":"Ashish","air":23,"year":2021,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e9d19-1010258_1990_ashish_rank_23.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1750,"topper":"ASHISH BISHNOI","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/65d93cae1265db5ffeffd2e87a3f6506/38/pttp220360_tc062.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"If you look into someone's face long enough, eventually you feel that you are looking into yourself.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"It is the province of knowledge to speak and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Drop the question what tomorrow may bring, and count as profit every day that fate allows you.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1751,"topper":"ASHISH BISHNOI","air":652,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/65d93cae1265db5ffeffd2e87a3f6506/37/pttp220360_tc061.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1752,"topper":"ASHISH BISHNOI","air":652,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/155/pttp220360_tc075-test-05-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1753,"topper":"ASHISH BISHNOI","air":652,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/156/pttp220360_tc076-test-06-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1754,"topper":"ASHISH BISHNOI","air":652,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/157/pttp220360_tc077-test-07-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1755,"topper":"ASHISH BISHNOI","air":652,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/152/pttp220360_tc075-test-05-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1756,"topper":"ASHISH BISHNOI","air":652,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/153/pttp220360_tc076-test-06-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1757,"topper":"ASHISH BISHNOI","air":652,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/154/pttp220360_tc077-test-07-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1758,"topper":"Ashish Joon","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c27ce-1904_1058_ashish-joon_rank_271.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"While on one hand, urbanization is creating potential for social integration and economic opportunity, on the other hand, it is also leading to segregation and exclusion based on socio-economic status. Examine the paradox in context of Indian cities. What steps can be taken to make urban space truly inclusive?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"The achievement of Sustainable Development Goals depends crucially on, among other factors, formulating development strategies that reflect the current and future population dynamics. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"Globalization is a double-edged sword, which on one hand ensures economic growth but on the other hand, assaults national sovereignty, erodes local culture and threatens economic and social stability. Critically examine the statement in context of Indian society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"Is the Indian notion of secularism, based on uniform respect for all religions by the state and separation of religion from public institutional practices, adequate to ensure a secular state? Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"There is an emerging pattern of a predominantly youthful north and a maturing south and west. Analyze the possible implications of such a demographic divergence on policy-making in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Given the significant increase in urban population, it is important that the nature and extent of urban poverty should be recognised and adequately addressed by public policy in India. Discuss in the context of problems faced by urban poor and the government programmes and initiatives taken to deal with them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"It is assumed that urbanization along with industrialization would induce certain essential changes in the caste based system of stratification. In this context, discuss how the caste system has continued to persist and exert its influence in urban social life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Decline in child sex ratio, caused by various reasons, is a serious problem with severe socio-economic, demographic and cultural implications. Discuss in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"The surge in urban crimes is a grim reminder of the unplanned & rapid nature of urbanization in India. Discuss. Also, list measures that can be taken to tackle the issue of urban crimes in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"Care for the elderly is fast emerging as a critical element of both public and private concern. Discuss in the context of India's increasing population of the elderly.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Rapid urbanization not only requires addressing the deficits in urban areas but also addressing those that are created because of it in rural areas. Comment. Also, evaluate the success of government programmes to reduce the stress on rural population because of urbanization.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"The relegation of women to private sphere of life is the main cause behind gender inequality and exploitation in India. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"Education is an important avenue for uplifting the socio-economic status of the Scheduled Tribes. In this context, highlight the challenges faced in providing education to tribals in India. Also, suggest some measures for improvement of tribal education.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Even though millions have been lifted out of poverty in recent decades, the rise in inequality may have dire consequences for the society. Explain in the light of recent studies highlighting this increasing trend.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Growing 'informalization of labour market' is perceived as a barrier to realising economic potential as well as a hindrance to longrun economic development and poverty reduction. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"The focus on risk factors that appear at a young age and timely interventions is the key to preventing child delinquency and its escalation into chronic criminality. Analyse the statement with respect to growing incidences of child delinquency in context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Digital technology can either be a game changer for disadvantaged children or yet another dividing line that prevents children from fulfilling their potential. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"The demand by nativist political parties and movements that employment preferences be given to \"local\" people has raised certain issues. Examine the statement in the context of 'son of soil theory' in India. Also discuss, why such demands develop in some states and cities and not in others.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"The mixing of caste and politics resulting into 'politicization of caste' and 'casteization of politics' in contemporary India has become a grave challenge to our democracy. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"Explaining the importance of middle class in the developmental process of a country, discuss the grounds on which the Indian middle class is criticized by some.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1759,"topper":"Ashish Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Ashish-Singhal-MGP-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"\"Control communication and you control the people communicating\".","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Perhaps it's time to dumb down our 'smart' life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Science is organized knowledge, wisdom is organised life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement and success have no meaning.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1760,"topper":"Ashish Kumar","air":53,"year":2019,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/16UoyO5iyBAyl_AmqRar46Xdd0zOctI3q","questions":[]},{"id":1761,"topper":"Ashish Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Ashish-Singhal-MGP-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"World War 1 was believed to be a 'war to end all wars'; however, its aftermath made another world war inevitable. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The seeds of distrust planted between the West and Russia during the Bolshevik revolution, manifested in the form of cold war that altered the global order. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Arab-Israel conflict is as much a result of their internal contradictions as an outcome of manipulative tactics of the imperial powers. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Enumerate the reasons behind outbreak of the civil war in China. Also, analyse the wide-reaching impacts of its outcome. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Napoleon was the child of French revolution who betrayed the revolution in France but revolutionized other parts of the world. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":16,"question":"Why were Asian and African countries so easily dominated and colonized by the western powers? Also, contrast the consequence of this domination for colonizers and colonized countries. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1762,"topper":"Ashish Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1D6Gm6CxQcEkoQq20sZ49GR1f9v3XBOv0/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) It is often said that politics and ethics belong to different worlds. What is your opinion in this regard? Justify your answer with illustration. Also, highlight the consequences of divergence between politics and ethics.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"2) \"Integrity is telling the truth to other people.\" Examine the importance of integrity and honesty for a public servant. Also, suggest measures to cultivate these attributes.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"2 (2) a) Discuss the importance of emotional intelligence in self-realisation. Do you think emotional intelligence can be learned?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) Differentiate between:\n(i) Rules and Laws\n(ii) Attitude and Belief","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"a) \"Human behaviour flows from three main sources: desire, emotions, and knowledge\" - Plato","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"a) \"There is a higher court than courts of justice and that is the court of conscience. It supersedes all other courts.\" - Mahatma Gandhi","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"2. 4) a) Write short notes on the following in about 150 words each: (10 marks, 150 words)\n(i) Ethical governance\n(ii) compassion in public life\n(iii) Selflessness\n(iv) Crisis of conscience\n(v) Non-partisanship","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"b) Work culture of an organization also plays an important role in harnessing positive outcomes. Discuss the statement in light of the work culture in government organizations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"With the help of suitable examples, illustrate how it affects the working of public servants. In what ways can conflict of interest be minimised?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.\" In the context of this statement, bring out the ethical issues involved with creating a surveillance state for the sake of national security.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Explaining the statement, evaluate various measures available to ensure transparency and accountability in the governance process.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"b) In your opinion, what qualities make a person a 'good person'? Do you think all good persons share similar traits or do their qualities change with 'stan, kal, patra' (place, time and role)?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7 a) Why are the incidents of petty corruption trivialized? According to you, is it justifiable to ignore small incidents of corruption?\nb) What are various ethical dilemmas in the above case study?\na) Why are the incidents of petty corruption trivialized? According to you, is it justifiable to ignore small incidents of corruption?\nb) What are various ethical dilemmas in the above case study?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"c) Discuss the merits and demerits of various options available to Suresh. Also, what, according to you, will be the ideal course of action and why?\na) छोटे-छोटे भ्रष्टाचार की घटनाओं को तुच्छ क्यों समझा जाता है? आपके हिसाब से क्या भ्रष्टाचार की छोटी-छोटी घटनाओं को नजरअंदाज करना जायज है?\nb) उपरोक्त केस स्टडी में विभिन्न नैतिक दुविधाएं क्या हैं?\nc) सुरेश के लिए उपलब्ध विभिन्न विकल्पों के गुण-दोषों की चर्चा कीजिए। साथ ही, आपके अनुसार आदर्श कार्यवाही क्या होगी और क्यों?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"a) What are various ethical issues in the above case study?\nb) What explains the bureaucratic apathy as highlighted in the above instances? How can the same be corrected?\nc) What virtues in a civil servant/public official could have prevented the above incidents?\na) What are various ethical issues in the above case study?\nb) What explains the bureaucratic apathy as highlighted in the above instances? How can the same be corrected?\nc) What virtues in a civil servant/public official could have prevented the above incidents?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"a) उपर्युक्त केस स्टडी में विभिन्न नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\nb) उपयुक्त उदाहरणों में उजागर की गई नौकरशाही की उदासीनता या निष्क्रियता की क्या व्याख्या है? इसे कैसे ठीक किया जा सकता है?\nc) एक सिविल सेवक / लोक अधिकारी में कौन से गुण उपर्युक्त घटनाओं को रोक सकते थे?\na) उपर्युक्त केस स्टडी में विभिन्न नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\nb) उपयुक्त उदाहरणों में उजागर की गई नौकरशाही की उदासीनता या निष्क्रियता की क्या व्याख्या है? इसे कैसे ठीक किया जा सकता है?\nc) एक सिविल सेवक / लोक अधिकारी में कौन से गुण उपर्युक्त घटनाओं को रोक सकते थे?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":41,"question":"On the basis of the above case, answer the following questions:\na) Who are the different stakeholders involved in this case? Also, identify their interests/concerns.\nb) What should be the course of action of the new CEO to handle the situation at hand? Which ethical principles should guide his actions? Explain.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.10 The national capital has been under the grip of an outbreak of dengue fever which has affected many areas in the city. Negligent administration and ignorance of the general public have led to water logging in various places in the capital, which has become the breeding grounds for mosquitos. Comprehensive coverage of the issue in national and international media has become an embarrassment for the ruling dispensation in the capital.\n\nTo control the outbreak, the administration swung into action and a taskforce was created to control the situation in the city. The Chief Minister visited many areas which were hot spots of the dengue outbreak and announced that all the victims of dengue would be provided free treatment and be paid a government allowance to make up for the wage loss due to dengue. To identify the beneficiaries of the government's plan, Rajesh, a member of the taskforce, was given the responsibility of conducting a survey and recording the names of the victims.\na) Based on this case study, identify the various ethical dilemmas faced by Rajesh.\nb) If you were in Rajesh's shoes, what would you have done? Present an assessment and justification of your suggested course of action.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"a) इस केस स्टडी के आधार पर, राकेश के सामने आने वाली विभिन्न नैतिक दुविधाओं की पहचान करें।\nb) यदि आप राकेश के स्थान पर होते, तो क्या करते? अपनी सुझाई गई कार्रवाई का मूल्यांकन और औचित्य प्रस्तुत करें।\na) इस केस स्टडी के आधार पर, राकेश के सामने आने वाली विभिन्न नैतिक दुविधाओं की पहचान करें।\nb) यदि आप राकेश के स्थान पर होते, तो क्या करते? अपनी सुझाई गई कार्रवाई का मूल्यांकन और औचित्य प्रस्तुत करें।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":53,"question":"a) Examine various ethical issues involved in the case presented above.\nb) Do you think the actions of Satish were ethically justified? Justify your opinion.\nc) What should Satish do in this situation for handling the allegations of corruption levelled against him?\na) Examine various ethical issues involved in the case presented above.\nb) Do you think the actions of Satish were ethically justified? Justify your opinion.\nc) What should Satish do in this situation for handling the allegations of corruption levelled against him?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"a) ऊपर प्रस्तुत मामले में शामिल विभिन्न नैतिक मुद्दों की जांच करें।\nb) क्या आपको लगता है कि सतीश के कार्य को नैतिक रूप से औचित्यपूर्ण ठहराया जा सकता है? अपने मत का औचित्य सिद्ध कीजिए।\nc) सतीश को इस स्थिति में अपने ऊपर लगे भ्रष्टाचार के आरोपों से निपटने के लिए क्या करना चाहिए?","marks":null,"words":"20 अंक"},{"page":59,"question":"Analyze the various ethical issues involved in the case of moonlighting.\n Do you think Comsoft's decision to terminate the employment of Arvind is justified? Why or why not?\n Identify various qualities which could help Arvind handle this situation.","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":1763,"topper":"Ashish Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Ashish-Singhal-MGP-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"It is often said that politics and ethics belong to different worlds. What is your opinion in this regard? Justify your answer with illustration. Also, highlight the consequences of divergence between politics and ethics. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Integrity is telling oneself the truth and honesty is telling the truth to other people.\" Examine the importance of integrity and honesty for a public servant. Also, suggest measures to cultivate these attributes. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":1764,"topper":"Ashish Puniya","air":557,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2c5e2-481289_1753_ashish-puniya_rank-557.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1765,"topper":"Ashish Puniya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/30b5c-481289_1513_ashish-puniya_rank-557.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"In the context of protection of monuments, explain the role of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Also, comment on the challenges faced by ASI and measures taken to address these. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Tribal art has a huge potential for acting as an economic resource and a tool for socio-economic transformation of tribals in India. Elucidate. Also highlight the challenges in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Though the Government of India Act, 1919 proposed some radical administrative changes, it remained short of fulfilling aspirations of Indians. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Often deemed as the 'forgotten conflict', the Korean War had far-reaching implications. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Explaining the origin of earth's magnetism, discuss its significance with special reference to its interaction with solar particles. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discussing the challenges pertaining to dam safety in India, highlight the potential of Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project to address them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What is understood by Carbon Compensation Depth (CCD)? Discuss the implications of the rise in this depth due to anthropogenic warming as well. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"In view of demographic changes in recent decades, do you think India needs a two-child policy? Discuss in light of various strands of the debate surrounding this issue. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Globalization is incredibly efficient but has so far been incredibly unjust. Examine the statement in the context of developing countries like India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"It would not be completely wrong to state that in India, art is religion and religion is art.\" In light of the statement, discuss the impact of various religions on art in India, citing relevant examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Despite organizational apathy from the Indian National Congress in its initial years, the working class in various parts of the country subsequently participated overwhelmingly in the nationalist movement. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Though some of his early measures restored faith among the Indians in the liberal tradition of England, Lord Ripon's tenure did not bring about significant changes in the conservative mindset of the colonial bureaucracy. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The New Social Movements in post-independence period made an important beginning in awakening the society against injustices and deepened the very notion of democracy in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What are the reasons for recurrent and often catastrophic wildfires in places like Australia and the United States? Are there any lessons to be learnt from these events by India? Explain adequately. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss why India needs a cross border flood management mechanism. Also, state the major issues in cross border flood management and suggest remedial measures in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Depletion of water resources in India is both a geo-climatic phenomenon as well as a result some short-sighted government policies. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the major lithospheric plates? How and why do these plates move? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"There exists a wide gap between the constitutionally professed secularism and its practice in India. Do you agree? Substantiate with relevant arguments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India spends less than one per cent of GDP on care work infrastructure and services. In view of the statement, explain how increased public investment in care economy infrastructure can be instrumental in meeting multiple policy objectives. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1766,"topper":"Ashish Puniya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4ac42-481289_1511_ashish-puniya_rank-557.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Despite a vast coast line and a number of waterways, why has India not been able to achieve its potential in bringing a significant modal shift from rail and road to waterways? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The move to establish a National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development, to reverse the drag on India's growth potential will have its own set of challenges. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlighting the issues related to the current fertilizer subsidy regime in India, discuss the need for reforms in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Identifying the need for a climate resilient agriculture in India, discuss how it can be achieved. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Mega Food Parks (MFPs) were considered to be a gamechanger for the food processing sector in India, but their progress remains stunted. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do you understand by impact based forecasting in disaster management? How can such forecasting strengthen the disaster management preparedness? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Low Earth Orbit is becoming increasingly crowded as countries race to launch satellites into space. Highlighting the associated issues, discuss international efforts taken in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Enumerating the existing measures to counter bio-terrorism in India, highlight the need for a bio-terrorism law. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the potential of \"Integrated Law Enforcement Centres\" and \"Smart Walls\" on India's border areas to address the prevailing security challenges. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Farm loan waivers are neither adequate nor recommended for promoting sustained agricultural growth. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"And infrastructural related issues in India. Elaborate. Also, enlist the measures that have been taken in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Marine litter is not just an environmental issue but poses a socio-economic challenge as well. Discuss. Also, enumerate the initiatives taken by the global community to reduce marine litter. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Assess India's vulnerability to flash floods and suggest measures for better resilience to flash floods. In this context, also briefly highlight the significance of recently launched Flash Flood Guidance System (FFGS) operated by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Hydrogen based energy production can play a key role in a clean, secure and affordable energy future. In this context, identify the potential and opportunities for utilising hydrogen based technologies. What are the challenges that need to be addressed to fullfill the potential? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Despite the huge promise of satellite-based internet connectivity, it hasn't gained traction on a significant commercial scale, especially in India. (250 words) 15 Discuss.","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India's attempts at strengthening its intelligence infrastructure and capabilities have historically been reactive and incremental, rather than holistic and sustainable. Discuss. Also, provide a concrete framework in transforming the country's intelligence capabilities. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"In light of the prominent instances of drone attacks by both state and non state actors, assess the challenges and capabilities of India in dealing with such security threats. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1767,"topper":"Ashish Puniya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/48386-481289_2217_ashish-puniya_rank-557.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With examples, discuss how the cultural traditions from various regions of India get reflected in regional music. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Highlighting the emergence of the working class movement, discuss its contribution towards India's freedom struggle. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Do you agree with the view that Gandhian politics was, in a sense, a continuation of Tilak's politics? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"It is said that the world's oceans are losing their 'memory' due to human-induced warming. Comment. Also, discuss the consequences of the phenomenon. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What is soil amendment? Evaluate the benefits and concerns associated with it. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"It has been suggested that the next decade may see a boom in hybrid power plants. Stating the advantages that such power plants offer, discuss the associated challenges. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What are Van Allen Radiation Belts? Explaining their formation, discuss why there has been a growing focus on their study. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss whether marital rape should be criminalised in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What is care economy? Highlight the challenges associated with it and mention the steps taken to address them in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Post-pandemic India is staring at the challenge of “learning poverty”. Analyse its implications and discuss a way ahead. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Bring out the evolution of mural traditions in South India. Also, elaborate on their significant characteristics. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Indian nationalism that confronted British imperialism in the 19th century was a product of colonial modernity. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Environmentalism surfaced in the form of many organised movements in post independence India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Do you agree with the view that continental blockade was an ill-conceived strategy by Napoleon to conquer Britain through economic means? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What do you understand by the Arctic Paradox? Highlight the spatial distribution of mineral and energy resources in the Arctic region. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Cryosphere changes have a tendency to bring about a devastating impact on the ecosystem and its people. Discuss. Also, enlist measures to tackle this threat. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The frequent instances of urban flooding pose a severe risk to the urban ecosystem in India. Discuss with special emphasis on its impact on the critical infrastructure. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Sand is not only critical for economic development but also provides crucial ecosystem services. Elaborate. In this context, discuss the importance of sustainable sand mining in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The challenge of unbridled and unbalanced growth of urban spaces in India necessitates reforms in urban planning and capacity. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Feminist movements in India have historically lacked inclusivity, often growing within a limited Western upper-class psyche. Critically discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1768,"topper":"Ashish Puniya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6edf9-481289_2218_ashish-puniya_rank-557.pdf","questions":[{"page":14,"question":"Despite the government encouraging open source instead of proprietary technology for government applications, the true potential of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) and digital platforms remains unrealized. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"As a social safety-valve, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) can be the principal vehicles through which communities voice their concerns. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Despite being lauded for its patient centric approach, the implementation of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, remains sluggish and mired with various issues. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to formulate an Urban Employment Guarantee scheme at the national level? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the relevance of BIMSTEC as a regional organisation to fulfil India's strategic aspirations in the Indian Ocean Region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the relevance of the Gujral Doctrine for India with regard to its relations with its immediate neighbours in the present times. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"Critically assess whether according statutory backing to the Model Code of Conduct will contribute towards free and fair elections in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The market disruption caused by digital revolution warrants renewed focus and perspective to ensure fair competition in the digital economy. In this light, discuss the need to revamp the Competition Commission of India (CCI). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"There is an urgent need for effective whistle-blowing mechanisms and ensuring that necessary safeguards for the protection of whistle-blowers are established in both public and private spheres in India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"State the reasons behind the poor performance of cooperatives in India. Also, discuss the reforms undertaken by the government to overcome the shortcomings. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1769,"topper":"Ashish Puniya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/21e0a-481289_2219_ashish-puniya_rank-557.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Fiscal policy can be a key tool to reduce income inequality as well as make the poorest and the downtrodden a part of the country's growth story. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Digitizing land records will go a long way in ensuring land reforms as well as lessening the burden on the Indian Judiciary. Elaborate. Also, state the measures taken in this context. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"It has been pointed out that competitive politics to fund mostly non-merit subsidies is pushing a few states in India to the brink of a deep fiscal crisis. In this context, discuss the need to rationalise the subsidy regime in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Micro-irrigation has tremendous potential in transforming farming into a profitable and sustainable venture. Discuss the given statement in the context of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Given its vast resources and technical expertise, India can play a key role in assisting the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) in dealing with the impact of climate change. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The recent \"Disaster Management Plan of Ministry of Panchayati Raj (DMP-MoPR)\" aims to develop disaster resilience at the grassroots level. In this context, discuss the rationale behind the formulation of the Plan and highlight its key components. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the internal security implications emanating from the use of Emerging And Disruptive Technologies (EDT) by state and non-state actors. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Identify the impediments faced by India in boosting its defence exports. Also, discuss the steps taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the multiple issues associated with space debris. Also, state the initiatives taken in recent times to tackle this menace. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The adoption of Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) in India is expected to make e-commerce more inclusive and accessible for consumers. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While an agreement was recently reached at the WTO on a deal to curb \"harmful\" government fisheries subsidies, certain concerns raised by India suggests that the matter will require further negotiations. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite the advantages that are associated with the hybrid annuity model (HAM) in the road construction sector, the interest in it has moderated due to various reasons. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Recently, the government has asked all ports to prepare a master plan in order to become 'mega ports' by 2047. In light of this, discuss the challenges faced by ports and suggest remedial measures in order to propel India's blue economy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Inequality in income and wealth translates into carbon inequality. In this context, discuss the significance of addressing carbon inequality for India and suggest ways to achieve it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Despite increased and regular occurrences of landslides over the past decade in India, the dominant development paradigm has largely not been modified. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India needs a smart border management system to balance legitimate cross border flows with national security interests. Discuss. Also, highlight the initiatives taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Establishing linkages between globalisation and money laundering, discuss the initiatives taken at the national and international levels to combat it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"There have been arguments that India needs to review some of its past assumptions about the nature of outer space and contribute to the development of new global norms. In this context, analyse India's stand in relation to the Artemis Accords. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1770,"topper":"Ashish Puniya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/22dd0-481289_1830_ashish-puniya_rank-557.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"According to you, what are the main reasons behind prejudice against certain sections of a society? Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss how persuasion acts as a functional pillar in attitudinal change and attitude formation with requisite examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"A legally enforceable code of ethics for civil servants, which not only prescribes the ethical values they must display in their public life but also provides sanctions for violations of these values, is the need of the hour. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Although open and transparent governance has gained ground, do you agree with the view that there is merit in withholding some information from people? Justify your arguments with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Although bribery is illegal and counterproductive, public officials still demand bribes, and executives in the private sector remain tempted to pay up. In this context, discuss ways in which corporations can build a framework to eliminate the practice of offering kickbacks. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Identifying the issues associated with utilization of public funds, discuss the various ethical principles which can help devise strategies for better utilization of public funds in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"All persons ought to endeavour to follow what is right, and not what is established.\" - Aristotle (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"\"It is compassion, the most gracious of virtues, which moves the world.\" - Tiruvalluvar, Kural (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":1771,"topper":"Ashish Puniya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/53388-481289_2220_ashish-puniya_rank-557.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The logic of limitless wealth lies in the basic human instinct for furthering self-interest in the form of profit. In this context, do you think there is a possibility of pursuing ethical capitalism? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"If a law is unjust, a man is not only right to disobey it, he is obligated to do so. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The capacity of Citizens' Charter to initiate any transformative process is conditioned upon it being appropriately designed and effectively executed. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The moral fiber and ethical conduct of public officials not only influence the standard of governance but also their own interests and performance. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The ongoing debate on euthanasia poses several ethical questions. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Foreign aid is a form of neo-colonialism, as the economically wealthier countries can exploit the developing countries under the cloak of aid. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Throwing light on the idea of Universal Humanism propounded by Rabindranath Tagore, discuss its contemporary relevance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree with the view that it is nature and not nurture which determines the emotional intelligence of a person? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Values that guide public administrators can often compete with each other, owing to their relative importance to the larger public interest. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Is it justifiable to say that corruption is a social phenomenon? What are the various ways through which administrative corruption can be tackled? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"Overcoming poverty is not a task of charity; it is an act of justice.\" Nelson Mandela (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"\"I do believe that, where there is only a choice between cowardice and violence, I would advise violence.\"- Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"You are posted as the Commissioner of Police in a metropolitan city where a visiting foreign dignitary, with President-level security cover, is scheduled to visit for an official function. As a part of the security preparedness, it has been decided that no vehicular traffic will be allowed on the route which will be taken by the foreign dignitary to reach the venue of the function in the city. However, just 15 minutes before the scheduled arrival of the dignitary, you are informed that a critically-ill patient is stuck on the way to the hospital in a private car along with his family. In this situation, answer the following: (a) Discuss the issues involved in halting traffic for VIP movement. (b) List the options available to you in this situation with their merits and demerits. (c) What will be your course of action? Justify with proper reasoning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Mr. X is a billionaire businessman who heads a conglomerate engaged in insurance, energy generation and distribution, and manufacturing. Despite being globally known as a great philanthropist, he turned down a shareholder request seeking the disclosure of the conglomerate's actions on issues related to climate change as well as diversity and inclusion. Because of increased attention to climate and diversity issues, many leading firms have committed themselves to incorporate relevant considerations in their business strategies. Therefore, some industry-observors wonder if Mr. X is out of touch with the industry at large and have warned him that failing to address climate change issues puts his businesses under systemic risk. But, Mr. X maintained his vote against the disclosure proposal, while at the same time acknowledged the importance of both climate change and a diverse and inclusive work force. However, Mr. X believes that such ethical issues take secondary importance to maximising shareholder profit. (a) Discuss the importance of including climate change strategies and diversity and inclusion in a business organisation? (b) In your opinion, what matters more for a business organisation - socio-environmental concerns or shareholder profit? (c) How can the two above-mentioned issues be reconciled? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"You are posted as a Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district where people of different religious communities are living together peacefully. The district is also famous for its architectural heritage and is regularly visited by tourists from all around the world. However, there has been an incident in the nearby state where people of two different communities have started fighting over religious issues. This incident has a spillover effect over the whole country. In your own area of jurisdiction, you have come to know from various sources about circulation of some hate speech videos, which have the potential to destabilise the law and order situation. You are also aware that some outsiders with dubious intentions have started pouring in your district. In one locality, a shopkeeper who had earlier filed a complaint regarding threats he received for posting something on the internet, is found murdered in cold blood. This incident has stunned the nation. You are being informed that hundreds of people of the community to which the shopkeeper belonged are planning to stage a massive protest in your district. (a) In the given situation, what are the options available to you to ensure that the law and order situation in the district remains stable. Provide a detailed account of your course of action. (b) Do you think the present legal and institutional mechanisms are sufficient to tackle the menace of hate speech in the society? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"The Indian education system suffers from many ills. One of the major issues is the focus on 'rote learning', which has been the staple of the Indian education system for many years. While many Indians have attained success despite this system, simply being able to recall information is not enough in today's world when that information is instantly available to anyone on a mobile phone. A survey of 200 Indian and foreign companies found that only 14% of Indian graduates were prepared for the workforce, largely because most graduates were unable to apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the consequences of 'rote learning' on the educational development of young students in the country? (b) Suggest measures that can be taken to address this issue. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1772,"topper":"Ashish Singhal","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_gYZ5iVYeBH0msrRsZZ8ULW5_N6lrYrJ/view","questions":[]},{"id":1773,"topper":"Ashish Singhal","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_esK7GSKHZx02dE5ar1suKIoxr2hC8ze/view","questions":[]},{"id":1774,"topper":"ASHISH TIWARI","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/visionias_15633_631_Ashish.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Indian Martial Arts, while enjoying the sanctity of ancient texts, are also closely correlated with culture and geography. Illustrate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"In addition to religious unrest, political and economic factors were also responsible for the rise of Buddhism and Jainism in the 6th century B.C. Explain.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Trace the evolution of Hindustani and Carnatic styles of music in India. Discuss their salient features. Explain why different forms do not exist in Carnatic style of music unlike Hindustani music.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"\"The culture of democracy and respect for civil liberties in India is not 'the lasting contribution of colonialism', but a result of the national freedom movement.\" Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"The developments in the second half of 18th century proved conducive for the rise of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and establishment of a powerful kingdom in Punjab. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Many Indian revolutionaries abroad viewed the outbreak of First World War as an opportunity to overthrow the British rule from India. In this context, examine the role of Ghadar party movement and its impact on the Indian national movement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"The Indian National Movement was not only inspired by developments around the world but also actively forged linkages with others on the issues of imperialism and colonialism. Explain.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"The State Reorganization Commission turned language from a dividing force to a cementing and integrating one. Critically evaluate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"\"The National Emergency of 1975 was like a vaccination against the dictatorship. It was painful and caused fever, but strengthened the resistance of our democracy.\" Analyze the statement in light of the outcomes of the emergency era.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"The issues that gave rise to the Assam movement in 1979 were a combination of cultural pride and economic backwardness. Explain. Do you think that the Assam Accord of 1985 has been able to address these issues?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"The genesis of the revolution in Iran had a number of common aspects with those that had overturned regimes in Europe in the past - France in 1789 and Russia in 1917, yet its execution was distinctly different. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"The Monroe doctrine provided the basis for American expansion and the emergence of USA as an imperialist power. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"\"If Balkans were the powder keg of Europe in the early 20th century, then it was the great powers of Europe who supplied the powder.\" In light of the above statement, explain how the 'Eastern question' fuelled the First World War.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Bring out the salient features of the 'Great Leap Forward' of China in 1960s. Also discuss its successes and failures.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"While some contend that prostitution is a victimless crime, others argue that it is inherently immoral, commercially exploitative and promotes the repression of women. In this context, discuss whether prostitution should be legalized in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Marriage and family institutions in India are marked by continuity as well as change. Discuss in the context of legislations and socio-economic changes that have been taking place over the past few decades in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"\"Migration is influenced both by the pattern of development and the social structure.\" Discuss this statement in the context of existing pattern of migration in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"The uneven spatial distribution of population in India suggests its close relationship with physical, social and historical factors. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Analyze the latitudinal distribution of salinity. Why is salinity in subtropics greater than in equatorial regions?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"India has enormous potential in terms of harnessing renewable energy sources. Elucidate the geo-climatic factors suitable for harnessing this potential. Further, elaborate on the steps taken by the government in making India a hub of renewable power.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":63,"question":"What are changes in an economy that affect the land use pattern? Discuss in context of developing countries like India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":66,"question":"What are the reasons for the poor development of livestock in tropical/equatorial regions as compared to the temperate regions? Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":69,"question":"What do you mean by \"Shadow Zones\" in seismology? How do the shadow zones of P-Waves differ from those of S-Waves. Also discuss the difference in their mode of propagation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":72,"question":"What do you mean by Western Disturbances? Elaborate on the socio-cultural and economic impacts of Western Disturbances in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":75,"question":"Warm and cold fronts are manifestations of the interaction of different air masses. Explain the process of front formation along with the weather conditions associated with them.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1775,"topper":"ASHISH TIWARI","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/visionias_15633_633_Ashish.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"How are SDGs an improvement over MDGs? What are the challenges that are foreseen in the implementation of SDGs? What are the lessons that India can learn from the progress made on MDGs that could inform and enhance its performance on SDGs?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Discuss the possible reasons behind China's recent decision to devalue the yuan. Also, examine the impact that yuan's devaluation may have on India and rest of the world.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"An unmanaged border accentuates threats from unconventional sources by providing easy points of ingress and egress. Discuss in the context of India's international border along the north eastern states.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"While India's disaster response in recent times has improved significantly in saving lives, it needs to improve its capacity in saving livelihoods as well. In context of the above statement, examine India's Disaster Risk Reduction System.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Given the threat of climate change, there is an urgent need to move towards Climate Smart Agriculture. Elaborate. Also, discuss the strategies to make high cost technologies accessible to the Indian farmers.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Instead of running piecemeal schemes that do not address the specific challenge of poverty-ridden households it is better to use concrete tools such as SECC. In light of the above statement, explain how SECC data can be utilized to address multi-dimensional aspects of poverty.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"While a strong and vibrant democracy is our shield against radicalizing forces such as the ISIS, we should not neglect the threat of radicalisation through cyber space where modern day wars are fought. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"According to UNEP report, up to 90% of the world's electronic waste is traded or dumped illegally in Asia and Africa, with India being one of the main destinations. Mention the hazards of this illegal dumping and discuss how India can tackle this challenge.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"What constitutes the MSME sector in India? Examine the' reasons for its slow growth and enumerate the initiatives taken by the Government to revive MSMEs.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"RBI has recently classified some banks as 'Domestic Systemically Important Banks' (D-SIBs). What is the rationale behind this move? Examine the possible implications of this step.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"INDCs signal the end of CBDR as well as the underlying principle of historic responsibility and respective capabilities. Critically analyse. How far do technology and finance hold the key to viable progress on restricting global warming within reasonable limits?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Even though Flyash is a valuable resource material, but if not managed well, it may pose environmental challenges. Comment. Also list a few steps that have been taken by the government to promote the use of flyash.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Rising income inequality is a widespread concern for advanced as well as emerging economies. Illustrate how inequality impedes economic growth. Also, examine the steps taken by India to tackle income inequality.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"What are biosimilars? How are they different from traditional generic drugs? Enumerate the regulatory requirements present for biosimilars in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Discuss the sectoral composition of workforce across India and the problems associated with it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"India needs a national common market for agricultural commodities by making the Agricultural Produce Market Committees just one among the many options available for the farmers to sell their produce. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Banking is hobbled by policy, which creates double financial repression, and by structural factors, which impede competition. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"India's SAGAR approach to the Indian Ocean Region presents an opportunity for it to play the role of security provider as well as facilitator of Blue Economy. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"The multiplicity of labour laws and difficulty in coping with them are an impediment to industrial development in India. Critically examine. What are the labour reform measures initiated by the government for ensuring compliance and promoting ease of doing business.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Climate Change has the potential to create migrant crisis across the world and force people to become Climate Exile. How serious is this problem for a country like India? Examine the adequacy of existing global frameworks and institutions to deal with such crisis. In context of the upcoming Paris Conference, discuss the measures that should be taken by the international community in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1776,"topper":"ASHISH TIWARI","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/visionias_15633_634_Ashish.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Even though women may have equal skills, qualifications and commitment as men, they face much more difficulty in rising up the leadership hierarchy. Discuss the reasons for the same. Also, explain the importance of having gender parity in positions of leadership. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"All correct decisions are honest and all incorrect decisions are dishonest. Do you agree? How should the correctness and incorrectness of a decision be decided? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":1777,"topper":"ASHISH TIWARI","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/visionias_15633_622_Ashish.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"In this age of information and consumerism, the image of women portrayed by mass media greatly influences our social attitude towards them. Critically evaluate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What is social accountability? How can it act as a more effective mechanism than the conventional methods of extracting accountability? What steps can a civil servant take to improve the effectiveness of social accountability in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Biometric attendance, punctuality and cleanliness provide only a good start towards the improvement of work culture. A lot more is required to improve the work culture of the Indian bureaucracy and make it more responsive and citizen centric. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Of all government activities, public procurement is amongst the one most vulnerable to fraud and corruption. Explain with examples. Further, what steps would you suggest to maintain probity in public procurement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"\"Those who say religion has nothing to do with politics do not know what religion is\". Explain. Further examine the role of religion in formation of political attitude in the Indian context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"\"Emotion can lead to our worst decisions or our best ones: The difference is emotional intelligence.\" In light of the given statement, illustrate how emotional intelligence is critical in decision making. How can it help a civil servant in taking prudent decisions?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"\"Anyone who doesn't take truth seriously in small matters cannot be trusted in large ones either.\"- Albert Einstein. Bring out what this statement means to you in the present context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Recent incidents of moral policing is symptomatic of the growing intolerance in Indian society. Analyse with examples. Suggest some measures to address this issue.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1778,"topper":"Ashmil","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/MOHAMMED-ASHMIL-SHAHUPSC_IAS_2025_Toppers_AIR_382_Sample_ESSAY_2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"1. The empires of the future will be the empires of the mind.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1779,"topper":"Ashmil","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/MOHAMMED-ASHMIL-SHAHUPSC_IAS_2025_Toppers_AIR_382_Sample_MGP_2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1 To what extent in your opinion, have the ideals of the Preamble been realised in the country's 75-year constitutional journey?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) The evolution of property rights in India reflects an intricate relationship that exists between individual rights and public welfare. Discuss this statement with the help of relevant constitutional provisions and case laws.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3 Under what conditions can the 'National' Emergency be proclaimed by the President of India? What are the consequences when such a proclamation remains in force? When was it last imposed in the country?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) 'Lack of a binding framework for pre-legislative consultations in India limits citizen engagement in the lawmaking.' Propose measures to strengthen the role of public consultation in the legislative process.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 'The recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission have enabled the States to improve their fiscal conditions.' Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) In what ways do industry and business associations contribute to socio-economic development in the country? Explain with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) \"India's poverty lies in the eyes of the beholder\" In light of this statement, examine the need for a credible and periodically updated poverty estimation framework in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 falls short of achieving its intended objectives. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) 'Starved of funds, shackled by geopolitics WHO is facing a crisis of capacity and credibility'. Discuss the statement in the light of USA's withdrawal and its accusation of the health body of being 'biased towards China and mishandling the COVID-19 pandemic'.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 The world continues to operate in a 'my terrorist' versus 'your terrorist' paradigm. Explain. What strategies would you suggest to develop a unified, comprehensive, and rules-based global approach to tackle the menace of terrorism?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 Briefly explain the procedure laid down in the Representation of the People Act (RPA) 1951 for the registration of political parties with the Election Commission of India (ECI). What are Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs)? What concerns are associated with them? Does the ECI have powers to de-register a political party?","marks":null,"words":"15"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 Assess the role of NITI Aayog over the past decade in promoting cooperative and competitive federalism.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13) 'The post of Deputy Speaker goes beyond ceremonial significance and is indispensable to Indian parliamentary democracy.' Discuss with relevant constitutional provisions and conventions. Also, examine the implications of the prolonged vacancy of the Deputy Speaker's post.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 Is the growing demand for stricter regulation of online content justified, or does it pose a threat to the right to freedom of speech and expression? Examine in light of recent judicial pronouncements.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15) Critically examine the 'in-house procedure' adopted by the Apex Court to inquire into allegations of misconduct against judges of constitutional courts in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) Recent controversies over alleged malpractices in the electoral rolls have renewed demands for the mandatory linkage of Aadhaar with Voter ID. What is your opinion? Give reasons in support of your answer.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17) Lateral entry into civil services is seen as a reformative step, yet it continues to attract criticism and controversy. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18) While rankings aim to benchmark the performance of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), concerns remain about whether current ranking frameworks reflect the broader goals of education. Suggest measures to make the ranking system more objective, inclusive and aligned with educational and societal outcomes.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Examine the actors behind the growing salience of the Arctic region in international politics. Discuss, in this context, strategies for India to recalibrate its Arctic engagement","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20) Bangladesh is a key pillar of India's Neighborhood First policy, but recent developments on both sides threaten to disrupt the Sonali Adhyay in bilateral relations. Analyze.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1780,"topper":"Ashmil Shah","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/MOHAMMED-ASHMIL-SHAHUPSC_IAS_2025_Toppers_AIR_382_Sample_MGP_3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) Rising influence of money power in Indian elections poses a serious challenge to transparency, fairness, and democratic accountability. How can ethical electoral funding be ensured to maintain the integrity of democracy?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) Explain the key dimensions of ethics that influence human behaviour. How do these dimensions shape ethical decision-making in private life?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) \"Academic freedom is the bedrock of scholarly inquiry and intellectual progress.\" Examine the ethical issues that arise when educational institutions yield to political, social, or economic pressures and compromises academic freedom.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) Fortitude enables a civil servant to make difficult yet morally right decisions. Explain with reference to real-life examples","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3 Given below are the three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context?\na) \"When learning is purposeful, creativity blossoms. When creativity blossoms, thinking emanates. When thinking emanates, knowledge is fully lit. When knowledge is lit, the economy flourishes.\" - Abdul Kalam (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) \"The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the world's problems.\" - Mahatma Gandhi","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q1 Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.4) a) What do you understand by the term 'probity in governance'? Explain how probity acts as the foundation of ethical public administration.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"b) \"Observation must not be used as a weapon of war\" Yet, parties involved in conflicts often resort to the blockade of food and medical aid to civilians in conflict zones, deepening the humanitarian crisis. Powerful nations, despite their capacity to intervene, tend to prioritize strategic interests over humanitarian concerns. What ethical considerations should guide powerful nations in preventing such actions and ensuring unimpeded humanitarian access?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.5) a) What teachings of Mahavira are most relevant today and why? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"b) \"In contemporary times, social media platforms have emerged as powerful agents in shaping individual and societal attitudes.\" Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.6) a) What do you understand by the 'voice of conscience'? In what ways can you prepare yourself to listen to the voice of conscience?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"b) Effective utilisation of public funds is not merely an administrative requirement but a moral responsibility of those entrusted with public office. However, instances of funds allocated to government schemes lying idle or being diverted towards extraneous purposes continue to be reported across the country. Examine the reasons for under-utilization and mis utilization of public funds and their implications","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7 A rail overbridge (ROB) is being planned in the capital city of a central Indian state. The project aims to reduce traffic congestion and ease delays at railway crossings, which affect thousands of daily commuters. It had been a long-standing demand of local residents, and the government approved it to address persistent traffic bottlenecks in the area. The project is to be executed by the State Public Works Department (PWD), with a strict completion deadline of one year i.e. 31st July 2026. The PWD Minister, who is also the local MLA, is scheduled to inaugurate the project in the third week of August 2026. This is planned to take place shortly before the expected announcement of state elections. Ramesh has been selected as the project manager of this prestigious assignment on the basis of his professional competence and experience.\nWhile reviewing the approved design plans in preparation for execution, Ramesh identifies a serious flaw. The proposed alignment includes a sharp 90-degree turn, incorporated due to spatial constraints between an electrified railway line on one side and ongoing metro construction on the other. From a technical standpoint, Ramesh believes the design is unsafe. It increases the risk of vehicular accidents, especially for heavy vehicles, and may lead to long-term inconvenience for road users.\nRamesh promptly raises the issue with the Chief Engineer. However, the Chief Engineer overrules the concern. He states that the General Arrangement Drawing (GAD) has already been approved by the Bridge Engineering Department, in coordination with Indian Railways. He points out that revisiting the design at this stage shall result in project delays, increased expenditure, and unwanted political attention.\nSubsequently, Ramesh comes to know that the contractor awarded the tender to execute the project is a close relative of the PWD Minister. He also receives unofficial communication suggesting that his promotion to Additional Chief Engineer is under active consideration, but could be jeopardised if he creates \"unnecessary hurdles\" in the project’s timely completion.\nThe incumbent state government is eager to complete the overbridge before the elections and present it as a major developmental achievement. This adds to the pressure on Ramesh to expedite project execution without raising further objections. Nonetheless, he remains convinced that the current design is flawed and could have grave implications for public safety if left unaddressed.\nMeanwhile, the bridge design has also attracted widespread public attention after being published in a leading local newspaper. Images of the sharp 90-degree turn went viral on social media, drawing criticism and ridicule. Several engineering experts have publicly flagged the alignment as a potential safety hazard, reinforcing Ramesh’s concerns.\na) Under the given conditions, what are the options available to Ramesh as a project manager?\nb) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Ramesh?\nc) What are the professional challenges likely to be faced by Ramesh and his response to overcome such challenges?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":30,"question":"a) दी गई परिस्थितियों में, एक परियोजना प्रबंधक के रूप में रमेश के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nb) रमेश को किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\nc) रमेश को किन व्यावसायिक चुनौतियों का सामना करना पड़ सकता है तथा ऐसी चुनौतियों पर नियंत्रण पाने के लिए उसकी क्या प्रतिक्रिया होनी चाहिए?\na) दी गई परिस्थितियों में, एक परियोजना प्रबंधक के रूप में रमेश के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nb) रमेश को किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\nc) रमेश को किन व्यावसायिक चुनौतियों का सामना करना पड़ सकता है तथा ऐसी चुनौतियों पर नियंत्रण पाने के लिए उसकी क्या प्रतिक्रिया होनी चाहिए?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.8 Srushti is a young and dynamic IPS officer, posted as Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in a communally sensitive district. Her husband, Arjun, is an IAS officer and posted as Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in the same district. Both are honest, sincere and deeply committed to their work. They have a daughter who is just four months old, and is looked after by a domestic helper. Srushti resumed duty just two weeks ago after six months of maternity leave.\n\nAt 9 PM on Saturday night, Srushti is in her office reviewing the security arrangements with her team for an upcoming local festival. The situation in the area has been tense throughout the week due to a flare-up between two communities over a petty issue. Around 9:30 PM, she gets a call from the Superintendent of Police. He asks her to prepare a detailed law and order brief for a high-level meeting the next morning.\n\nSrushti reaches home at 10 PM, feeling exhausted. She has not been getting proper sleep during the week due to frequent night patrolling. Arjun also returns around the same time after a long day in the field. Their daughter has been unwell and cried through most of the previous night. Arjun expresses concern about Srushti's heavy workload and the baby's condition. He tells her that she can not keep pushing herself like this and that the child needs more of her attention. Srushti replies that she cannot afford to step back. She adds that people are already judging her and questioning her commitment to work for availing maternity leave. The conversation gradually turns into an argument. Arjun feels Srushti is ignoring her health and family, while Srushti feels judged and unsupported.\n\nLater that night, as Srushti sits at her desk preparing the report, she pauses and reflects on the purpose of her work. She had joined the IPS to serve the people and protect the vulnerable. But now, she wonders if she is being fair to her own child and family. Even as recently as last week, she had to cancel the family dinner as she had to attend an urgent meeting at the SP office. She also feels the weight of expectations. Male officers with children are rarely questioned. But as a new mother, she is constantly under scrutiny. Many in the department believe that women, especially new mothers, are not suitable for field duty.\n\nSrushti starts thinking about her options. She knows that whatever decision she makes will not only impact her own future but also influence the expectations placed on other working mothers in uniform.\na) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\nb) Evaluate the options available to Srushti in the above situation.\nc) What suggestions would you make to help officers like Srushti maintain a healthy work-life balance.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"a) उपयुक्त मामले में नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\nb) उपरोक्त स्थिति में सृष्टि के लिए उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nc) सृष्टि जैसे अधिकारियों को स्वस्थ कार्य-जीवन संतुलन बनाए रखने में मदद करने के लिए आप क्या सुझाव देंगे?\na) उपयुक्त मामले में नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\nb) उपरोक्त स्थिति में सृष्टि के लिए उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nc) सृष्टि जैसे अधिकारियों को स्वस्थ कार्य-जीवन संतुलन बनाए रखने में मदद करने के लिए आप क्या सुझाव देंगे?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":41,"question":"Q 8 A reputed Indian beauty & personal care company developed a herbal skin cream for the external home market, claiming anti-ageing and skin repair properties based on traditional Ayurvedic formulae. After obtaining the necessary approvals and export certifications, the company began exporting the product. The product received widespread positive feedback for its quality and natural formula base and soon became a huge hit in international markets. Riding on this success, the company announced that the product would soon be made available to domestic consumers, with almost the same quality and health benefits.\n\nSubsequently, it secured approval from the domestic regulatory authority and launched the product in the Indian market. Over time, the brand gained a significant share of the domestic market and earned substantial revenues both nationally and internationally.\n\nHowever, during a random sample check, officials discovered that the cream sold in India differed from the version approved by the competent authority. The product failed to meet the claimed herbal composition and purity standards. Further investigation revealed that the company had often been distributing batches that had failed export quality checks.\n\nThe incident triggered widespread public criticism and regulatory scrutiny, leading to a sharp decline in the company's reputation and financial performance.\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\nb) What actions should the competent regulatory authority take against the personal care company for violating domestic quality standards and distributing rejected export batches in the Indian market?\nc) What course of action is available to the company to manage the crisis and restore public trust and brand credibility?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Q. 10) A forest fire has broken out in a hilly district and is rapidly spreading toward an eco-sensitive area that includes four villages (ESA villages). These villages lie along the forest fringe and are surrounded by difficult terrain. The region is known for its biodiversity and traditional forest-based livelihoods. The inhabitants of these villages are mostly poor tribal communities, dependent on forest resources for their sustenance.\nYou, as the District Magistrate of the area, have rushed to the spot with a medical team, police personnel, NGOs, media, and support staff to oversee the rescue and containment operations. Your disaster response team on the ground is small and poorly equipped. Reinforcements from the district headquarter have been requested, but they may take several hours to arrive due to the remoteness and challenging terrain.\nIn the meantime, a group of trained ex-forest guards and local youth from the villages offer to help. They are experienced and familiar with the area. However, existing government rules do not permit the engagement of unofficial personnel in fire control operations without formal clearance and insurance coverage.\nYour team members are divided on this issue. Some members argue that volunteers should be engaged immediately to prevent the fire from spreading. Others caution that involving them without proper approval and safety cover could be risky and against protocol.\nAs the District Magistrate, you are also the Chairperson of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA). The fire is spreading at a very rapid rate, and immediate action is required to protect lives, property, and the environment. You are now in a dilemma.\na) What are the options available to you?\nb) Critically evaluate each of the options identified by you.\nc) What option would you adopt and why?\nd) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by you?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"2) Do the operations involving the ex-forest guards","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"(a) Do the quick analysis of the issue: if it demands immediate & difficult process -> include ex-forept guards.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Q.11 In one of the government primary schools located in a rural block of a district, the newly appointed headmistress observed an unusual practice. The school had been preparing and serving mid-day meals separately to students belonging to different communities. Although the meals were cooked using a common gas connection, separate utensils, cooking areas, and serving arrangements had been in place for more than two decades. Students from the two communities had their food cooked and served by different cooks and ate in separate classrooms, despite attending classes together.\nAfter taking charge, the headmistress decided to discontinue this practice. She directed that food be prepared and served together for all students, using a common kitchen and utensils. However, the decision triggered backlash. A considerable number of parents across communities vehemently opposed the move and stopped sending their children to school. Consequently, attendance fell by almost 60 percent. This also raised concerns regarding the possible discontinuation of the mid-day meal scheme, withdrawal of teaching staff, and even closure of the school due to falling enrolment.\nThe issue has attracted attention from various political and social groups attempting to polarise the situation and serve their vested interests.\nMarpi Apang, the District Education Officer (DEO), has been tasked by the Deputy Commissioner's office to amicably resolve the matter at the earliest. She has also been directed to submit a detailed report along with the Action Taken Report within a fortnight.\na) Identify the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb) What course of action should Marpi adopt and why?\nc) What should be the responsibilities of different social segments and agencies to create positive social ambiance for accepting such changes?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":56,"question":"Q.12) You are a Municipal Commissioner of a tier-2 city experiencing rapid urban expansion. Several high-rise residential and commercial buildings are under construction in the city to meet the growing demand for housing. One such luxury residential complex is being built, employing hundreds of daily-wage labourers, many of whom live in temporary settlements at the construction site. Late one night during the monsoon season, a large section of scaffolding and concrete slabs collapses from the upper floors of one of the under-construction buildings. Seven labourers, including two minors, die on the spot. Several others are critically injured and rushed to the hospital. The tragic incident results in public outrage, intense media scrutiny, and protests by a local NGO. The state government orders a formal inquiry and directs you to submit a report within a week. Your preliminary investigation reveals a series of irregularities. The construction material used is substandard and not in accordance with the National Building Code. Although the approved plan permits construction of fifteen floors, the builder has illegally added two extra floors. Moreover, the structure has encroached on land demarcated for a community park and a fire service lane under the city’s Zonal Development Plan. These violations are not reported during site inspections conducted by the building inspector of the municipal corporation. The building clearance was granted during the tenure of your predecessor, who is not only your batchmate but also a close friend. Both of you were roommates during your training at LBSNAA. Prima facie, the case appears to involve a widespread nexus between officials of the Municipal Corporation and the builder. Your colleagues are putting pressure on you to go slow in the inquiry. Some of them suggest that holding the builder accountable could damage the city’s image among investors and slow down urban development. Meanwhile, you come to know that the builder is the younger brother of a powerful minister in the state cabinet. One evening, his personal aide visits you privately. He suggests that the matter could be “mutually settled” and offers you a premium apartment worth ₹2 crore in the same residential complex. In the same breath, he hints that if the matter is not resolved swiftly in the builder’s favour, someone in his office is prepared to file a complaint against you under the SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\nb) What are the options available to you in this situation?\nc) Explain your selected course of action.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"a) मामले में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा करें।\nb) इस स्थिति में आपके पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध है?\nc) अपनी चुनी हुई कार्यवाही का विवरण दीजिए।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":62,"question":"1 How to bring creativity in Case studies?\n2 Quote based question - how to address effectively?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1781,"topper":"Ashutosh Kumar","air":77,"year":2021,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a0b23-657129_1754_ashutosh-kumar_rank_77.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1782,"topper":"Ashutosh Kumar","air":77,"year":2021,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1714f-657129_1752_ashutosh-kumar_rank_77.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1783,"topper":"Ashutosh Kumar","air":77,"year":2021,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/679c4-657129_1500_ashutosh-kumar_rank_77.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1784,"topper":"Ashutosh Kumar","air":77,"year":2021,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/06a0f-657129_1514_ashutosh-kumar_rank_77.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1785,"topper":"Ashutosh Kumar","air":77,"year":2021,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/385c6-657129_1515_ashutosh-kumar_rank_77.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1786,"topper":"Ashutosh Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5e7ba-657129_1494_ashutosh-kumar_rank_77.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by probity in governance? Explain, with examples, how it enhances transparency and accountability in the administration. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Differentiating between empathy and compassion, discuss the importance of compassion towards weaker sections of society in the administration. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Ethics may, at times, seem to be in conflict with law and vice-versa. Discuss with suitable examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Explaining the concept of Emotional Intelligence, highlight its role in administration. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Examine the relevance of the following in the context of civil services: (a) Integrity and Honesty (b) Objectivity and Neutrality (c) Impartiality and Non-partisanship (d) Accountability and Responsibility","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Is it always morally wrong to lie? Justify your stand with relevant examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Bring out the difference between Attitude and Aptitude. What type of attitude is expected of civil servants in India, in your view? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"How can one use Gandhiji's talisman for resolving ethical dilemmas in day-to-day life? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"People's attitudes are shaped by their social experience and circumstances. Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Explain the following terms with suitable examples. (a) Beliefs (b) Values (c) Norms (d) Principles (e) Morals","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Though utilitarianism is one of the most influential moral theories, it is criticized on many grounds. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"What are the various types of ethical dilemmas faced by a civil servant in India? Highlight the key elements of strategies used to resolve these dilemmas. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You have joined as a reporter in a newly launched news channel. This choice was based on the assurance given by channel's management that it would emerge as the voice of the downtrodden. While working on various assignments, you reported political incidents and covered national stories as instructed by the organization. But later you come to know that the channel was targeting particular individuals, rather than serving its stated mission. The reporters were also pressurised to go out of the way to accomplish the organisation's wishes. Given the economic slowdown, most reporters complied with these directives. Some who left the job, also did not blow the whistle against the organisation fearing lack of other employment opportunities. Recently, you have also been assigned a similar task by the organisation. In this context, (a) Identify the various ethical issues involved in this case. (b) You tried to convince the management to change its functioning and work as per its assurance given earlier but to no avail. In such a scenario, consider the options given below:","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Follow the task given by the organisation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Blow the whistle on the organisation's working. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each of these options and suggest your preferred course of action, giving reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"You are the District Magistrate of a hilly district, which has recently been struck by flash floods and landslides causing supply routes to be cut off. It is brought to your notice that shopkeepers in the area are taking advantage of the situation by exorbitantly increasing the prices of various goods. One example is the case of a dhaba charging Rs. 250 for a paratha citing supply constraints. Others have also been reported to be charging exorbitant prices for transportation and other services. Given the difficult situation, there have also been issues of law and order where people have resorted to picketing of shops in retaliation to the increased prices. On enquiring, representatives of shopkeepers argue that since supply is constrained, prices are bound to increase. They further argue that higher prices are, in fact, helpful in ensuring judicious use of goods and services that are most urgently needed during emergencies. (a) Identify the various issues from the perspective of different stakeholders involved. (b) What will be the course of action you will undertake? Justify your stand with relevant arguments.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"It has been argued that ethics in journalism is on a downward spiral. This is most evident in the case of media trials. There are glaring instances of yellow journalism, wherein the media bothers little about authenticity of sources, and sensationalises news to increase TRPs and gain more audience. At times, the electronic media in particular, has been found to be functioning as parallel courts, indulging in direct allegations and public vilification of the accused. In this context: (a) Discuss the various issues associated with yellow journalism. (b) What principles, in your view, need to be followed to make sure that media glare does not turn into a media trial?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"India is one of the biggest fairness product markets in the world. A number of firms produce, advertise and sell fairness creams, marketed mainly as whitening products in the country. At the same time there have been many debates on this issue, particularly in recent times, with many arguing that such advertisements should be banned altogether. In this context, answer the following: (a) What are the ethical issues involved in advertising of fairness products? (b) Highlight the consequences of preference for light-skinned people in a society like India? (c) Do you think such issues are better tackled at the societal level rather than regulating advertisements through legal and administrative measures?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1787,"topper":"Ashutosh Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8022e-277076_3128_ashutosh_mishra_rank_195.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"The world must learn to work together, or finally it will not work at all.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Technology, like art, is a soaring exercise of the human imagination.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"We've begun to raise daughters more like sons, but few have the courage to raise our sons more like our daughters.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1788,"topper":"Ashutosh Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/43094-277076_1842_ashutosh_mishra_rank_198.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"While powers and privileges are indispensable for the due discharge of the duties of the legislature, it is necessary to maintain a balance between legislative privileges and fundamental rights. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What do you understand by the 'doctrine of neutrality'? Explain its significance for constitutional offices in the Indian context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Pressure groups are seen to play a constructive, positive role in deepening democracy and enhancing our liberties, but they have also been criticized on many counts. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlight the significance of Gram Nyayalayas in providing inexpensive and speedy justice to people in rural areas. Also mention the issues being faced by them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Highlighting the issue of political defections in India, discuss the significance of Kihoto Hollohan judgment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Cabinet committees can play a crucial role in accelerating the government's decision-making and reforms. Critically evaluate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlighting the factors that have led to increased instances of delegated legislation and administrative adjudication, discuss the issues associated with these. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the need to set up a separate authority to manage government-owned surplus land assets. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Dispute resolution should be seen not as a court where justice is administered, but as a service which is availed of. Discuss the statement in the light of Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"While the federal principle is one of the basic features of our Constitution, unlike other model federal Constitutions of the world, Indian federalism leans in favour of a strong Centre. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"To what extent and in what ways should a judiciary be accountable to the society, while remaining mindful of the constitutional organisation of the government? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"It is not only institutional challenges faced by Election Commission but also the twin threats of money and muscle in Indian electoral politics that need to be addressed for free and fair elections in India to continue. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Local bodies have the constitutional status of being a third tier of the government, but are simultaneously subordinate to the State Government in several key functions and aspects. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What do you understand by Constitutionalism? Do you think a written constitution is a necessary condition to ensure Constitutionalism? Also, analyse various provision of the Indian constitution that ensures Constitutionalism. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"While various government initiatives and policies have created opportunities for Self Help Groups (SHGs), there are challenges that still persist. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Highlight the challenges associated with skill development in India. Discuss how Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana attempts to address the above identified challenges. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"It has been argued that digital monopolies pose a threat to the fundamental fabric of market-competition. In this context, examine the effectiveness of the regulatory framework in India to deal with digital monopolies. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"E-governance facilitates administrative systems by enabling administrative development and effective service delivery. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The focus of policy and governance has hitherto primarily been on output rather than the outcome. Not only does the Aspirational District Programme mark a change in the policy focus but also chooses a collaborative form of governance over a top-down approach. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1789,"topper":"Ashutosh Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c03b3-277076_2930_ashutosh_mishra_rank_198.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How is the rapid growth of the food processing industry leading to food safety challenges in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Under the Public Distribution System of India, the Fair Price Shop (FPS) transformation is an evolving process. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"How are agri-tech startups in India helping farmers in enhancing farm productivity and market access? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the role of digitization of land records in the effective implementation of land reforms in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"To fully exploit its demographic dividend and accelerate economic growth, India needs to adopt a manufacturing-led growth model. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can the resilience of Indian coastal communities be strengthened to tackle the growing natural hazards resulting from climate change? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How does the Green Credit Programme extend beyond carbon management to promote a more sustainable environment in India? What are the various concerns about its implementation? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What is the need for NavIC when existing satellite navigation systems are already available? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Cyber-enabled financial crime has emerged as the new frontier of global money laundering. Discuss. How can the government address this issue? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The Indian Army is observing the year 2024 as the 'Year of Technology Absorption'. In light of this, explain why there is a need for technology absorption in the defence sector of India. What challenges can India face in this initiative? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What are the issues faced in the development of trade and industries in the North-Eastern Region (NER) of India? Comment on the measures that have been taken to tackle these issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the era of climate change and growing water scarcity, how can micro-irrigation systems contribute to sustainable agricultural practices in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the factors that have aided India in making impressive strides in the renewable energy sector and establishing itself as a frontrunner in the global renewable energy transition. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"How does agricultural runoff containing fertilizers and pesticides contribute to environmental pollution? What measures can be taken to mitigate the impact of agricultural runoff? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The growing influx of tourists in Himalayan states has breached their ecological carrying capacity, leading to significant man-made disasters. What measures can be implemented to prevent such disasters while promoting sustainable tourism? Discuss with relevant examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"How do superconductors fuel innovation in diverse fields of science and technology? Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"While India has laws covering almost all types of intellectual property rights, numerous enforcement, regulatory and administrative challenges hamper the commercialisation of IPRs in India. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Keeping in view the challenges in creating integrated theatre commands, examine how the theaterisation of commands can lead to greater integration and rationalisation of manpower and resources among the three services. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Treating border villages as first villages not just geographically but also in terms of facilities can be a key strategy for enhancing border security. Discuss. Also, highlight the measures being taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1790,"topper":"Ashutosh Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/55c73-277076_2928_ashutosh_mishra_rank_198.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How does tribal art provide valuable insights into the cultural perspectives and values of Indian tribal communities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What are the key factors that accelerated decolonization post-World War II? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How does human encroachment impact water bodies in urban areas? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How do physical geographical features influence the development and operation of transportation systems? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How are ocean trenches formed? Describe the significant characteristics of these oceanic relief formations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Identify the reasons behind increasing number of extreme rainfall events throughout India in recent times. Assess their socio-economic impact. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"India is expected to have the largest working-age population in the world by 2030 and it cannot afford low participation of women in the workforce anymore. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Do you agree that there has been a progressive secularization of caste in India? Support your view with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Why is inequality increasing in India despite the fall in overall poverty? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"How did the competitive and hostile dynamic between Brahminism and Buddhism over funding, followers, and ideology mark the decline of Buddhism? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"European travellers' accounts in the medieval period have played an important role in shaping our understanding of the empires and people of that period in India. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The British victory in the Battle of Plassey in 1757 not just changed the course of Indian history but also that of the world. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Why was it more difficult to rehabilitate refugees in West Bengal as compared to Punjab after partition? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss the economic and social costs associated with the transition from coal to green energy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Explain the process of formation of volcanic calderas. How do they contribute to the scenic beauty of the region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the reasons behind the increased frequency and intensity of heat waves globally? How will it impact global food security? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India's approach to secularism does not merely challenge inter-religious domination but intra-religious domination as well. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Do you agree with the view that Indian cities are turning into landscapes of stark inequality and social exclusion? What steps can be taken to make urban areas more egalitarian in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1791,"topper":"Ashutosh Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/ashutosh-mishra-test-3-1747639451269.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Federal governance is characterised by institutionalized arrangements for solving problems generated by pluralism based on consultation and mutual consent. How have Zonal Councils evolved from merely advisory bodies to proactive platforms for action? (Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Secularism under the Indian constitution is encapsulated in the broader concept of constitutional commitment to equality. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"There is a need to shift the focus of Section 8 of the Representation of People Act, 1951 from the duration of the sentence to the gravity of the offence. Comment on how the current classification under Section 8 leads to arbitrary categorisation of offences. Also, mention the remedies available to a person disqualified under this section. (Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What is the significance of the Leader of Opposition in the Indian parliamentary system? How does the role of the opposition contribute to the checks and balances in a democracy? (Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The core ideals of the Preamble - sovereignty, socialism, secularism and democracy - form the bedrock of India's constitutional framework. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Assess the implications of the 103rd Constitutional Amendment, which introduced a ten percent reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), on the principle of social justice in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The focus of welfare schemes in India is shifting from \"well-being\" towards \"over-dependency\". In light of this, do you agree that welfare schemes have inculcated a \"freebies culture\" in India leading to a divergence of focus from poverty and hunger alleviation? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"E-governance is not just about efficiency; it's about making governance accessible and inclusive for every citizen. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"With the advent of new regional and multilateral agreements like QUAD, AUKUS, I2U2 etc the old world order represented by organizations like NAM, Davos, and G77 is losing its relevance. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The island states and territories from the South Pacific to the African coast have become new nodes in India's changing strategic geography. In this context, highlight the importance of these island states for India and also throw light upon the initiatives taken by India to strengthen ties with these states. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Electoral funding in India is fraught with the double whammy of legal loopholes and political inefficiency. In this context, discuss the challenges to electoral funding. What lessons can India draw from global best practices in this regard? (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Pressure groups form the social foundation of a democracy. In this context, discuss pressure groups' key contributions in promoting social security measures for workers in India, and how they address the gaps in existing policies. (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"The Constitution envisages the \"principle of federal supremacy\" in the executive space of Indian federal polity. Discuss while referring to the relevant Constitutional provisions and case laws. How are contentious issues regarding the distribution of powers resolved? (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Delimitation of seats is essential to ensure fair representation and uphold the principles of one vote, one value. Highlighting the challenges posed by misrepresentation in constituencies analyse the ramifications of population-based delimitation in creating federal tension. (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"To what extent can the PIL system be held responsible for shifting the focus of the higher Courts from constitutional matters to day-to-day matters? What role can the trial Courts play in reducing the overall burden on higher Courts? (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"India's higher education system needs significant reforms to align with global standards. How does the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 aim to address these challenges, and what lessons can India learn from international practice to enhance its higher education system? Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"The Right to Information (RTI) Act is hailed for its transformative impact on the quest for transparency and accountability in Indian governance. However, multifaceted challenges and systemic limitations impede its effective implementation. Discuss. Also suggest measures for its effective implementation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Discuss the unique challenges and opportunities Self Help Groups (SHGs) encounter in urban areas compared to rural ones, and how can microfinance be adapted to tackle urban poverty. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Highlight the significance of the recently envisaged India-Middle East-Europe corridor for India's connectivity with the world, especially the West. Do you think, in recent times, transport and energy initiatives have taken precedence in India's foreign policy? (15, marks, 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Despite the recent rise in politically contentious issues, the India-Canada bilateral relationship has remained committed to shared values of democracy, pluralism, expanding economic engagement and long-standing people-to-people ties. Highlighting the significant pillars of the India-Canada relationship, discuss the potential areas of cooperation and collaboration between India and Canada. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1792,"topper":"Ashutosh Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/ashutosh-mishra-test-1-1747639402888.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Explain the relationship between Public Service Values and Public Administration Ethics. Do you think public service values are only eloquent statements for glorifying the Department's mission, or do they have any utility for public servants? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"How does the conscientious public servant sort through competing considerations and determine \"the right thing to do?\" When it comes to serving the public, how does one put one's values into practice? Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"What do you understand by good governance in public administration and corporations? How do they differ and explain three principles that can act as foundation for good governance in a corporate setting. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"A hallmark of good governance is government departments' adherence to strict ethical standards when procuring goods and services for public programme. Identify and explain the ethical principles that must be respected to maintain the integrity of the procurement process. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How should public servants ethically balance stakeholder interests, official obligations and regime values when making administrative decisions, and which of these should be given the most moral weight? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Recent researchers have argued that the government's health and social-based interventions are significantly less effective without the emotional skills of self-awareness and empathy. Do you agree? Justify your answer with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss with relevant examples how civil servants' political and moral attitudes impact their work ethics and daily administrative decision making. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"The motive has nothing to do with the morality of the action.\" In light of the above statement, do you think motive is irrelevant in determining the morality of an action? Explain your position with appropriate examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Explain the contemporary relevance of Jain Tirthankaras' vow-based moral philosophy. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What ethical dilemmas arise from the use of economic sanctions in international relations, and how can policy-makers balance these concerns with the need to punish illegal behaviours and compel political change? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the relevance of the following quotes to the present times: (a) \"Wars begin in the minds of men, and in those minds, love and compassion would have built the defences of peace.\" (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":35,"question":"B / Section-B - As a District Development Officer (DDO) in a district known for arid conditions, the past year has been particularly challenging. With rains failing to arrive, the region faced an acute water shortage, leading to a severe agricultural downturn and reported starvation deaths. One of my critical responsibilities included supervising the mid-day meal scheme, ensuring that it runs smoothly and reaches the intended beneficiaries — school children. Amidst the ongoing crisis, I observed an anomaly in the mid-day meal scheme in three specific blocks. The consumption of food grains was significantly higher than the number of students enrolled. This discrepancy had been persistent for about a month, prompting me to initiate a thorough inquiry to uncover the reasons behind the unusual pattern. The investigation revealed a surprising yet heart-wrenching reality. The village schools in these blocks were using the extra food grains to feed starving families in the community. This unauthorised action, while driven by compassion, was officially a punishable offence. The schools were diverting resources intended exclusively for students to provide relief to those suffering from acute hunger. As a DDO, I found myself in a moral dilemma. On one hand, as the DDO, my role required me to ensure the proper use of government resources. Despite its noble intent, the unauthorised diversion of food grains was a breach of protocol that necessitated disciplinary action, including the suspension of the school officials involved. On the other hand, these school officials' actions were driven by a deep sense of humanity and compassion. They chose to prioritise the immediate needs of their community, recognising the dire circumstances and the urgent need to prevent further starvation death. Punishing them for their humane response to the crisis seemed not only harsh but also contrary to the spirit of public service. (a) What are the ethical issues in the above case? (b) As a DDO, what are the options available to you? (c) Explain your chosen course of action, along with your reasons. (d) Given the above case, what would be the best ethical theory for handling human distress situations? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"As a District Development Officer (DDO) in a district known for arid conditions, the past year has been particularly challenging. With rains failing to arrive, the region faced an acute water shortage, leading to a severe agricultural downturn and reported starvation deaths. One of my critical responsibilities included supervising the mid-day meal scheme, ensuring that it runs smoothly and reaches the intended beneficiaries — school children. Amidst the ongoing crisis, I observed an anomaly in the mid-day meal scheme in three specific blocks. The consumption of food grains was significantly higher than the number of students enrolled. This discrepancy had been persistent for about a month, prompting me to initiate a thorough inquiry to uncover the reasons behind the unusual pattern. The investigation revealed a surprising yet heart-wrenching reality. The village schools in these blocks were using the extra food grains to feed starving families in the community. This unauthorised action, while driven by compassion, was officially a punishable offence. The schools were diverting resources intended exclusively for students to provide relief to those suffering from acute hunger. As a DDO, I found myself in a moral dilemma. On one hand, as the DDO, my role required me to ensure the proper use of government resources. Despite its noble intent, the unauthorised diversion of food grains was a breach of protocol that necessitated disciplinary action, including the suspension of the school officials involved. On the other hand, these school officials' actions were driven by a deep sense of humanity and compassion. They chose to prioritise the immediate needs of their community, recognising the dire circumstances and the urgent need to prevent further starvation death. Punishing them for their humane response to the crisis seemed not only harsh but also contrary to the spirit of public service. (a) What are the ethical issues in the above case? (b) As a DDO, what are the options available to you? (c) Explain your chosen course of action, along with your reasons. (d) Given the above case, what would be the best ethical theory for handling human distress situations? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"What are the ethical issues in the above case? (b) As a DDO, what are the options available to you? (c) Explain your chosen course of action, along with your reasons. (d) Given the above case, what would be the best ethical theory for handling human distress situations? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"As the Superintendent of Police (SP) in a peaceful district, I was accustomed to handling minor crimes such as petty thefts, property encroachments, and small fights. The crime rate was low, and the people generally kept to their business, making it a relatively easy workplace. However, over the past month, my office began receiving a different kind of grievance that indicated a more complex issue brewing in the community. A significant number of complaints were received from villagers who reported losing money from their bank accounts without their knowledge. These grievances were alarming, especially since they came from a village that was largely illiterate and unfamiliar with modern banking practices. The villagers were confused and distraught, not understanding how their hard-earned money was disappearing. Upon conducting a preliminary enquiry, we discovered that the money was not exactly being stolen but was being deducted as insurance premiums for policies under the State Government's Bima Yojna. The villagers were unaware that they had even signed up for such policies, raising suspicions about the legitimacy of these transactions. A deeper investigation revealed that agents from government banks were aggressively pushing the Bima Yojna. These agents had been instructed to meet government targets for the scheme, leading them to add beneficiaries without proper consent. Most of the villagers were illiterate and had no understanding of the insurance policies they were enrolled in. The deductions were legal, but the methods used to obtain the villagers' consent were highly questionable. It were wondering about the course of action, as the deductions were legal, and the agents were blindly following instructions. But, in the process, they were exploiting the poor villagers. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you as an SP? (c) Explain your chosen course of action. (d) If you have to recommend a better way of promoting the bima yojna, what would that be? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"AquaTech is a government defence contracting firm specialising in manufacturing robotic systems for defence and military use. It is known for producing bomb-defusing robots and working on other classified projects. The critical project involved developing a robot capable of sweeping minefields and detecting latent explosives. The project had a stringent seven-month deadline to produce a working prototype for a demonstration to top defence ministry officials. The project encountered delays due to staff shortages and other unforeseen issues, resulting in two-week delay. As the deadline loomed, the project leader pressured the team to work extended hours with minimal rest. Despite these challenges, the team managed to complete the prototype on time for the demonstration. During the demonstration, the robot was deployed in an active minefield to detect mines and mark them with spray. Initially, the robot performed as expected, identifying mines. However, instead of marking the sites, it triggered explosions, causing fatal injuries to the operating engineer. The demonstration was immediately halted, and an inquiry was launched. The investigation revealed that a software flaw caused the malfunction, leading to the tragic accident. It also revealed that the operator issued mixed commands, which contributed to the malfunction. Overall, each team kept deflecting responsibility, but somebody or a team had to be made accountable for the fatal errors. (a) If you are the ethics officer of AquaTech enquiring, who will you hold responsible for the fatality? Why? (b) Discuss some common ethical issues that arise while using Artificial Intelligence. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"After being posted as the District Development Officer (DDO) in a district dominated by tribal villages, I met with all the Block Development Officers (BDOs) to understand the region's specific problems. The primary issues identified were water scarcity, poor educational infrastructure, irregularities in the midday meal scheme, and non-existent roads. With a limited budget, I began planning solutions for these pressing problems. A few weeks after the BDOs meeting, I made a courtesy visit to the Superintendent of Police's (SP) office. During our cordial conversation, the SP mentioned witchcraft-related crimes, which surprised me as none of the BDOs had brought it up. My concern grew knowing that most victims of these crimes were women. A week later, while visiting a block for a routine inspection, I met with school teachers, ASHA workers, and women from Self Help Groups (SHGs). Through discussions, I learned that witchcraft had deep roots in the community. ASHA workers reported incidents almost every month, though none were officially recorded. Realising the gravity of the situation, I decided to allocate part of the development funds to tackle witchcraft-related superstition. Local NGOs and SHGs welcomed the initiative, but two weeks later, you received an RTI wanting an explanation for allocating funds for witchcraft-related issues at the cost of critical areas like education, roads, and water supply. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the case? (b) Despite having a limited budget, you decided to allocate funds to tackle witchcraft-related superstitions. How will you justify your decision to the community and stakeholders? (c) It is possible that witchcraft-related crimes were not reported by the BDOs. How will you address this and ensure better reporting and transparency going forward? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) With limited budget at your disposal, you decide to allocate funds to tackle witchcraft-related issues. How would you justify your decision to the community and stakeholders? (c) Given that witchcraft-related crimes were not initially reported by the BDOs, how would you address this lack of communication and ensure better reporting and transparency moving forward? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":1793,"topper":"Ashutosh Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/ashutosh-mishra-test-2-1747639420015.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"\"It is wrong to assume that ethical decisions are, can or should be purely rational and principled. Human feelings are an inseparable part of our ethical life.\" In what way do feelings impact our ethical decisions? Illustrate with examples. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"What do you understand by 'ethics management'? Can public officials manage ethics in the work place in a manner similar to managing budgets, policies and people? Do you think adopting codes of ethics and conduct is sufficient enough for managing ethics in the workplace or something more is needed? Discuss. (150 words, 10 marks)\"","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"While traditional ethics has focussed on notions of justice, fair allocation and obligations, ethics of care emphasises maintaining connectedness and promoting care. Which of the above two ethical perspectives is more suitable for guiding ethical decision making in the context of public services. Explain your position with suitable examples. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"What does the term “quality” mean in service delivery? What are the components of service quality and indicate ways and means for ensuring total quality in terms of efficiency, economy and effectiveness? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"In the context of public service, what does “public service attitude mean?” Discuss the attitude biases that affect a public servants on hold decision making. Explain how a public servant can overcome such attitude biases. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"“I am a Muslim, I am a Hindu, I am a Christian, I am a Jew” Mahatma Gandhi What did Mahatma can by the above statement? Some philosophers have argued that religion is harmful to the moral life, whereas others have claimed that it is necessary to it. Explain your position on the relationship between religion and morality. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"There is only one responsibility of business, namely to use its resources and engage in activities designed to increase profits. Do you think corporations, by indulging in social responsibilities, are compromising their core resource utilisation and production responsibility by diverting resources into unproductive social endeavours? (150 words, 10 marks) Do you think values such as tyaga (renunciation), seva (service), daanam (Charity), damah (self control) that are espoused in traditional Indian Wisdom have relevance for modern day public servants? Why? Why not? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The domain of governance is ridden with uncertainties, ambiguities and paradoxes and this can at times lead to timidity and withdrawal among public administrators. Discuss the relevance of inner courage for overcoming and coping with ambiguities. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Given below are three quotations of philosophers. What do each of the quotations convey to you in the present context? A. \"To feel for others and little for ourselves, to restrain our selfish, and exercise our benevolent affections, constitutes the perfection of human nature\" Adam Smith (150 words, 10 marks) B. \"Virtue lies in our power, and so does vice, because where it is in our power to act, it is also in our power not to act\" Aristotle (150 words, 10 marks) C. \"I know that I am intelligent, because I know that I know nothing.\" Socrates (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"What are the ethical issues and dilemmas that confronts you in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Discuss the available options along with its merits and demerits.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"What will be your chosen course of action? Why (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What are the administrative and ethical issues involved in the above situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the merits and demerits of each option and explain your chosen course of action along with reasons. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Do you think the above case involves a conflict of interest or there are more issues? Explain","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Keeping the above case in perspective, discuss the relevancy of impartiality and non-partisanship in professional value.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Discuss the administrative and ethical issues involved in the above case.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Do you think it was morally right on your part to write to the minister? Justify","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"How will you respond to the action initiated against you? Discuss the available options and justify your selected course of action. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"Identify and explain your chosen course of action after evaluating the merits and demerits of each option. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":1794,"topper":"Ashutosh Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d1c5a-277076_2931_ashutosh_mishra_rank_198.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The end cannot justify the means, for the simple and obvious reason that the means employed determine the nature of the ends produced. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss how the relationship between law and ethics is dynamic and continuously shaped by societal changes. Provide examples to illustrate this dynamic relationship. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Differentiate between probity and integrity with suitable examples. How do these values contribute to ethical governance and decision-making in the civil services? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the ethical implications of withholding information in public administration. How can transparency enhance accountability and reduce corruption in government institutions? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? \" - \" - \"There is no school equal to a decent home and no teacher equal to a virtuous parent.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What factors lead to a positive attitude in a person? How does positive attitude enhance the effectiveness of civil servants in performing their duties? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss how emotional intelligence can influence ethical decision-making in the allocation of scarce public resources. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Various international humanitarian organizations provide emergency aid in conflict zones around the world. Highlight the ethical challenges faced by such organizations. What are the principles that guide international humanitarian work? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Why is persuasion regarded as an important skill for civil servants? What are the key considerations that should guide persuasion in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"What role can ethical leadership play in curbing corruption, especially in public service? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"What were the major teachings of Swami Dayanand Saraswati? Explain their relevance in addressing the current ethical and social challenges in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":33,"question":"Discuss the ethical dilemma Karan faces in deciding whether to report the incident against Mariyam's wishes. (b) Evaluate the options available to Karan. Which of these options should he choose and why? (c) What responsibilities do organizations like XYZ Corp have in preventing and addressing sexual harassment and creating inclusive workplace environments? (Answer in 250 words)20","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Jay, a civil servant, was appointed as the Commissioner in the state's Education Department a year ago. In his initial months, he implemented several policies and programmes that were transforming the Education Ministry's operations, gaining a good reputation that could potentially benefit the concerned minister in the upcoming elections. However, Jay now faces a significant challenge. As part of his responsibilities, he must approve the recruitment of new teachers for government schools. He has received a list of 120 candidates recommended for vacant posts, but suspects the recruitment process was unfair. Jay had also received several complaints claiming that the process had not been meritocratic. Upon review, Jay discovers evidence suggesting that many names on the list are the result of political patronage - a prevalent issue in the state where politicians use recruitment to gain political support. Jay believes the Education Minister is engaging in this practice as the election season approaches. This situation reminds Jay of a past incident when, as a junior officer, he refused to entertain an unnecessary procurement request. Consequently, he was transferred within a week, and he and his family faced frivolous anti-corruption complaints as retaliation. His successor approved the procurement at even higher rates. Jay is now concerned that blocking the current recruitment could lead to similar consequences. Moreover, he fears that the projects he personally initiated in the Education Ministry might be abandoned if he takes a stand against this unfair recruitment process. (a) What are the options available to Jay as the Commissioner of the Education Department? Evaluate each of these options. (b) What option should Jay adopt and why? (c) How can civil servants like Jay be better protected when they attempt to uphold ethical standards in their work? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"What are the options available to Jay as the Commissioner of the Education Department? Evaluate each of these options. (b) What option should Jay adopt and why? (c) How can civil servants like Jay be better protected when they attempt to uphold ethical standards in their work? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"As the District Magistrate of X city, you are responsible for overseeing the construction of a new metro depot in an urban forest area, which is a critical infrastructure project aimed at improving public transportation and reducing traffic congestion and air pollution. The project, however, requires the clearance of a substantial portion of the forest, which has triggered strong opposition from environmental activists, local residents, and NGOs. This forest is widely regarded as essential for the city's ecological balance, often referred to as the city's \"lungs.\" In addition to the environmental concerns, you are under considerable pressure from politicians at the state-level to expedite the project, given the upcoming elections in two years. The political leadership emphasizes the benefits of the metro project for the city's development and its potential to garner electoral support. The project is expected to significantly reduce travel time for thousands of commuters and potentially decrease overall vehicle emissions in the city. However, it would also lead to the loss of thousands of trees and disrupt local ecosystems. As you prepare to make a decision, you are aware that your choice will have far-reaching consequences for both the city's development and its environment. (a) Identify the ethical dilemmas involved in the above case. (b) Evaluate the options available to you in the above situation. Which of these would you choose and why? (c) Suggest some measures that could be implemented to balance urban development needs with environmental conservation in future projects. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Dr. Mehra is a senior drug developer at a leading pharmaceutical company in India, renowned for producing various medications, including lifesaving drugs critical for treating chronic and rare diseases. Since its inception, the company has emphasized the quality and affordability of its drugs. Recently, under revised government guidelines, pharmaceutical companies are required to market a finished product only after obtaining \"satisfactory results\" from tests on the ingredients. Additionally, they must retain a sufficient quantity of samples of both intermediate and final products to allow repeated testing or verification of a batch. Dr. Mehra's team is in the final stages of developing a new medication for a rare but life-threatening disease. This drug has shown promising results in clinical trials. However, there have been unresolved concerns about the long-term side effects of the drug, observed in a small percentage of trial subjects. Despite this, the company has not released any major drug in the past decade, leading to significant pressure from the board members to expedite the drug's release. (a) Identify the stakeholders in the above case study. (b) Discuss the ethical issues faced by Dr. Mehra. (c) Analyse the options available to Dr. Mehra in the above case. Which of these would you choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":59,"question":"In light of the above case, discuss the ethical issues that may arise from the nexus between corporate, political, and bureaucratic interests. (b) As a conscientious civil servant, evaluate the options available to Arun. Which option should he choose and why?(Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1795,"topper":"Ashwani Dubey","air":604,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Shankar IAS Parliament","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.shankariasparliament.com/uploads/downloads/ASWANI_DUBEY_P1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1796,"topper":"Ashwani Dubey","air":604,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Shankar IAS Parliament","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.shankariasparliament.com/uploads/downloads/ASWANI_DUBEY_P2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1797,"topper":"Ashwani Dubey","air":604,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Shankar IAS Parliament","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.shankariasparliament.com/uploads/downloads/ASWANI_DUBEY_P3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1798,"topper":"Ashwini Kumar Pandey","air":34,"year":2015,"paper":"Optional — Public Administration","optional":true,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/105DHGPT_XSZsaBz7qp9J-EiMsLy_D2oU","questions":[]},{"id":1799,"topper":"Astha","air":9,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ASTHA-JAIN-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-9-Sample-MGP-Copy-5.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) The increasing use of digital surveillance technologies for maintaining law and order is a debatable issue. Critically examine the statement from the ethical point of view.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) Knowledge and skills are important, but they must be grounded in ethical principles for true success. In this context, discuss the importance of ethics in education and the role of educational institutions in imparting ethical values.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) How does persuasion help achieve a desired change in attitude? What are the elements of an effective persuasive approach?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) While scientific research drives technological progress and societal development, its funding often raises ethical questions. What ethical concerns arise from corporate sponsorship of scientific research, and how can these be addressed?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context?\na) \"Where do the evils like corruption arise from? It comes from the never-ending greed. The fight for corruption-free ethical society will have to be fought against this greed and replace it with 'what can I give' spirit.\" - A.P.J. Abdul Kalam","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) \"The greatest glory in living lies not in never failing, but in rising every time we fail.\" - Nelson Mandela","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"c) \"Your goodness is an impediment in your way, so let your eyes be red with anger, and try to fight the injustice with a firm hand.\" - Sardar Patel","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.4) a) What do you understand by the term \"Conflict of Interest\"? How does it manifest in the decision making by public servants? In what ways can it be minimized?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"b) \"In post-conflict rehabilitation, the pursuit of justice must be balanced with the need for reconciliation.\" Examine this statement in the context of addressing ethnic violence.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.5) a) In the ever-evolving landscape of academic institutions, administrators must not only manage academic issues but also emotional and interpersonal dynamics. In this context, discuss the significance of emotionally intelligent administrators in higher education.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"b) \"The recognition of the horrors of nuclear weapons should compel nations to move towards meaningful disarmament. However, geopolitical interests continue to hinder genuine progress in this direction. What are the ethical considerations of nuclear states to pursue global disarmament, and how can the international community balance security concerns with the moral imperative of a nuclear-free world?\"","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.6) a) \"Probity in governance is an essential and vital requirement for an efficient and effective system of governance and for socio-economic development.\" Discuss the statement with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"b) How can responsible and informed social media use be nurtured among children to make the internet a safer space for them?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7 Arushi is a young IPS officer known for her competence, integrity, and relentless dedication to challenging tasks. Recognizing her excellent track record, her superiors have chosen her to handle a sensitive assignment in a tribal-dominated district notorious for illegal bauxite mining. Here, the mafia mines bauxite from mineral-rich lands, transports it by truck, and sells it on the black market. This illegal operation thrives with the support of certain local officials and tribal musclemen who intimidate the local population and bribe select poor tribals to maintain control and silence.\n\nUpon assuming the new role, Arushi quickly grasps the ground realities and identifies the mafia's modus operandi, characterized by a series of devious tactics. Her inquiries reveal that several employees in her office are colluding with the mafia, forming an unholy nexus that enables these illegal operations. Determined to dismantle this network, she initiates strict actions, including raids on trucks transporting illegally mined bauxite. These actions significantly disrupt the mafia's operations, unsettling criminals unaccustomed to such resistance. Some office employees allegedly allied with the mafia inform the criminals of her determination to dismantle their operations, posing a serious threat to their profits. In response, the mafia adopts a counter-offensive strategy. Tribal strongmen and mafia operatives begin issuing direct threats to her, warning of severe consequences if the raids continue. Her family (husband and elderly mother) are stalked and placed under virtual surveillance, causing mental anguish and stress for them all. Matters assume serious propositions when a muscleman appears in her office and threatens that if she does not halt raids, etc., she will suffer the same fate as a predecessor officer who was killed by the mafia a decade earlier.\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb) Identify and evaluate the different options available to Arushi under the given situation.\nc) Which option would she adopt and why?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Q.8 The Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) is proposed on a river in a northeastern state of India, a recognized biodiversity hotspot. Covered in dense forests, this region harbors a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including numerous endemic species. Although sparsely populated, the region's communities have livelihoods and cultural practices deeply intertwined with the natural landscape. Its ecological wealth has been preserved over the years due to its environmental significance and cultural heritage. Additionally, the Upper Siang basin holds immense strategic importance due to its proximity to international borders, offering potential leverage in regional security and resource management.\nThe SUMP aims to harness the river's energy for economic growth, proposing infrastructure that includes an 11,000 MW “mega dam,” power stations, and transmission lines that could transform the state into a renewable energy hub. Proponents argue that the project will boost the state's economy through power generation, employment, and enhanced infrastructure while also helping meet the country's clean energy targets.\nHowever, a local NGO has raised concerns about the ecological and social costs of SUMP. The project would require extensive forest clearance, which plays a crucial role in carbon sequestration. Additionally, experts warn that construction activities could disturb the region's delicate ecosystems. This may affect riverine biodiversity and increase the risk of soil erosion and sedimentation, with potential downstream effects on agriculture and water quality. Another major issue raised is the potential displacement and cultural impact on local communities. This could threaten their subsistence-based livelihoods and disrupt their way of life. Critics also highlight that the project may contradict India's commitments to sustainable development.\nDespite these concerns, supporters of the project argue that SUMP's strategic importance and clean energy potential cannot be ignored. Moreover, they emphasize the project's strategic location, which would strengthen energy security, reduce regional inequalities, and contribute to the country's long-term development goals. They argue that amidst rising energy demands, the country cannot afford to forgo such an opportunity, especially given the presence of hydroelectric projects across borders that could shift regional control over water resources.\n(a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\n(b) In your opinion, which should take priority between development and conservation, and why?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"(a) उपर्युक्त परिस्थिति में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों का वर्णन कीजिए?\n(b) आपकी राय में विकास और संरक्षण में से किसे प्राथमिकता दी जानी चाहिए और क्यों?\na) उपर्युक्त परिस्थिति में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों का वर्णन कीजिए?\nb) आपकी राय में विकास और संरक्षण में से किसे प्राथमिकता दी जानी चाहिए और क्यों?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":39,"question":"Q.9) Inside a busy city administration office, Joint Municipal Commissioner Keerthi, who also serves as the Public Information Officer (PIO), faces a challenging situation. Recently, an RTI application has been received, demanding details about public infrastructure projects initiated during her tenure. Upon reviewing the requested information, Keerthi discovers that certain decisions made regarding these projects were not entirely sound in hindsight. These decisions, although taken in good faith and after due diligence, failed to realize promised outcomes. There were other employees also who were party to this decision. The disclosure of this information could potentially lead to scrutiny and backlash against herself, the employees, and contractors involved. Known for her integrity and commitment to public service, Keerthi finds herself at a crossroads. The RTI Act has served as a critical check against administrative arbitrariness, ensuring transparency and accountability. However, she also observes a troubling trend. RTI applications are often used by vested interests and activists seeking personal gain rather than genuine public interest. Some activists even resort to threats or extortion tactics, undermining the integrity of the RTI process. She fears the requested RTI information could be similarly exploited. Moreover, the employees involved are requesting her to withhold the information. In navigating this situation, Keerthi weighs her options carefully.\n(a) Critically examine the options available to Keerthi in the above situation.\n(b) Which of the above would be the most appropriate for Keerthi and why?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.10 Littering at popular tourist destinations has become a significant environmental and ethical concern in India. A recent incident highlighted this issue when tourists were observed throwing tissue papers and a cake box on the road after celebrating a birthday. When a local politely requested them to use a nearby dustbin just 5 feet away, the tourists dismissed the appeal, claiming no dustbin was available. The situation escalated when their driver threw a plastic bag into the adjacent valley.\n\nPublic reactions to the incident were divided. Some individuals commended the intervention as an effort to promote civic responsibility, emphasizing the need to protect fragile ecosystems like hill stations. Many argued that tourists must adhere to basic environmental ethics and that public spaces are a shared responsibility. Critics also highlighted the broader implications of such irresponsible behavior on the environment and local livelihoods.\n\nOn the other hand, the tourists involved accused those intervening of interfering in their personal affairs, claiming their privacy was being violated. The argument that the tourists were being publicly shamed through the viral video added another layer to the ethical debate. Many questioned whether posting such incidents online, even for a social cause, was appropriate or necessary.\n\nThe debate continues, with one side emphasizing the collective responsibility to preserve public spaces and the environment, while the other raises concerns about individual privacy and autonomy.\n(a) What are the ethical concerns associated with tourists littering at public destinations?\n(b) How can ethical tourism practices be integrated into policies to address issues like littering at tourist destinations?\n(c) Suggest a course of action that balances environmental responsibility and individual rights. Justify your answer.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Q.11 You are the Operations Manager at a fast-growing technology startup, NexGen Solutions, known for its innovative projects and timely delivery. The startup's environment is fast-paced, with tight deadlines and high expectations from clients and investors. Your current project, creating a cutting-edge AI based application, is critical for securing upcoming funding and partnerships. Your small, capable team includes four software developers and two project coordinators, with an equal number of men and women.\nRecently, the team has encountered major challenges. Priya, one of the female developers, has requested leave to care for her ailing mother. Meanwhile, another team member, Ayesha, is struggling to manage her workload along with caring for her infant child. As a result, other team members have taken on extra tasks, impacting their work-life balance and causing heightened stress. With the project deadline looming, tensions in the team have become visible. During a crucial project meeting, Karan, a senior developer, voices his frustration, saying, \"Perhaps it's not ideal to have team members who can't fully commit during critical stages.\"\nKaran's remark triggers an immediate reaction. Neha, a project coordinator, finds his comment offensive and reports it to the Human Resources (HR) Department. She also hints that she might bring the issue to social media, which could harm the startup's image. The HR Department, located at the company's headquarters, investigates and recommends disciplinary action against Karan, emphasizing the importance of a respectful, inclusive workplace. Their recommendation puts you in a difficult situation. The project is already delayed, and losing a senior developer like Karan could jeopardize its timely completion.\nYou are now faced with a complex dilemma. On one hand, it's vital to address the inappropriate comment and ensure a respectful work culture. On the other hand, you must keep the project on track without further demotivating your team.\n(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.\n(b) As the Operations Manager, how would you deal with the given situation?\n(c) Based on the case study, discuss the challenges faced by women at workplace. How can such challenges be addressed?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"Q.12 Prateek Kumar, the Project Manager, is in charge of the construction of a highly anticipated highway that is expected to drive regional development. The project aims to enhance connectivity, boost trade, and create substantial employment opportunities. Given its importance, it has become a focal point for the ruling party, which is actively promoting it as a symbol of progress ahead of the upcoming state elections next year. The timely completion of the highway is crucial, as the Chief Minister is scheduled to inaugurate it upon completion. This has led to added pressure on Prateek and his team to meet the approaching deadline, which is set for next month.\nDuring a routine inspection, Prateek discovers that a particular stretch of the highway has been built with substandard materials. This section fails to meet the required safety and durability standards, posing a serious threat to public safety and lives. If left unresolved, the compromised quality could lead to accidents, undermining both the project's credibility and the government's promises for safe and reliable infrastructure. Concerned, Prateek raises the issue with the contractor, but the contractor downplays the severity, claiming that minor adjustments will fix the problem without causing major delays.\nIn a subsequent team meeting, some senior members suggest that Prateek overlook the quality concerns to ensure the project remains on schedule. They argue that the majority of the highway meets standards and emphasize the severe economic and political consequences of delays. With elections approaching, they stress the importance of the Chief Minister's inauguration as a key political event. They warn that any delay could damage the ruling party's image, harm its electoral prospects, and potentially have repercussions for the team and the organization.\nLater, the contractor privately approaches Prateek with a substantial bribe, urging him to ignore the issue and allow the project to proceed. The contractor justifies his actions by citing financial pressures and the need to complete the project on time. Prateek is an honest and upright officer, but he understands that addressing the problem would delay the project, making it impossible to meet the deadline.\n(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\n(b) Under the given conditions, what are the options available to Prateek as the Project Manager? Critically evaluate each of the options.\n(c) What option should Prateek adopt and why?","marks":"20","words":"20"}]},{"id":1800,"topper":"Astha Jain","air":9,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ASTHA-JAIN-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-9-Sample-Essay-Copy-1-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. Glaciers are the canaries in the coal mine of climate change.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"1. True peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice.\n2. The saddest aspect of life right now is that science gathers knowledge faster than society gathers wisdom.\n3. Human development suffers when interdependence is mismanaged.\n4. No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"What finally worked for them?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1801,"topper":"Astha Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ow3PI9K3TQEs5N8Iayr_2WZb-MWz8vmF/view","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"Righteousness is the foundation stone of peace and good governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Multilateral Organisations today have no teeth to bite, if they do, they don't bite.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Economic growth without investment in human development is unsustainable and unethical.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Urbanisation without planning is a disaster in slow motion.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1802,"topper":"Astha Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/ABVMT25E105_ANU005.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"Righteousness is the foundation stone of peace and good governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Multilateral Organisations today have no teeth to bite, if they do, they don't bite.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Economic growth without investment in human development is unsustainable and unethical.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Urbanisation without planning is a disaster in slow motion.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Advancement and diffusion of Knowledge is the only guardian of liberty.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"The most terrible poverty is loneliness and the feeling of being unloved.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"That which does not kill us makes us stronger.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Be less curious about people and more curious about ideas.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1803,"topper":"Astha Jain","air":9,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ASTHA-JAIN-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-9-Sample-MGP-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) Examine the scope and significance of the Supreme Court's advisory jurisdiction under Article 143 of the Constitution.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) What is delimitation; and why is it important? What challenges are associated with the delimitation exercise in India?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) How has asymmetric federalism helped India accommodate its diverse regional needs? Discuss with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Explain how the terms 'socialist' and 'secular' in the Preamble embody specific meanings in the Indian context.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) The role of State Finance Commissions in building regional equity and strengthening the federal link has largely been underutilized. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) How far do you think has the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) been successful in protecting and promoting child rights in India?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7 Outline the salient features of New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 related to school education. What does it state about the medium of instruction in schools?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) Throw light on the legal frameworks that are in place to ensure women's safety in India. What further steps are needed to enhance their safety and well-being?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 \"A multipolar world order is not merely an option but a necessity\". Elaborate. How can India leverage its position to strengthen multipolarity in the global arena?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 \"ASEAN is the cornerstone of India's Act East Policy and its Indo-Pacific vision.\" Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 Discuss the various administrative challenges faced by local self-governments (LSGs). What measures do you suggest for devolving administrative powers to LSGs, enabling them to function as institutions of genuine self-governance?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 In light of recent developments, the Collegium system and the Supreme Court's decision to strike down the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) Act, 2014 have once again come under scrutiny. Do you think that a NJAC-like body can make judicial appointments more transparent, broad-based, and accountable? Justify your answer.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 Differentiate between the clemency powers of the Presidents of India and the USA. Also, critically examine the vesting of clemency power in the executive.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) What constitutes corrupt practices under the Representation of the People Act, 1951? Also, discuss the challenges in curbing such malpractices and suggest remedial measures.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Discuss the role of the Vice-President as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. Also describe the procedure for his/her removal from office.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 \"Universal Basic Income (UBI) is a viable solution to eradicate extreme poverty in India.\" Critically discuss the statement.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17) What are the key determinants of malnutrition among under-five children in the country? Also, elaborate on the role of nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions in addressing this issue.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 \"Data is the raw material of Artificial Intelligence.\" In this context, discuss the need for transparent and accountable data governance frameworks in India. What steps has the government taken in this regard?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Critically examine the role of International Monetary Fund (IMF) in addressing debt distress in the Global South. How can India use its post-G20 presidency momentum to push IMF reforms?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 \"In a fluid geopolitical arena, engagement without formal endorsement is a pragmatic middle path.\" Do you agree? Explain in the context of India's current approach towards the Taliban regime in Afghanistan.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1804,"topper":"Astha Jain","air":9,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ASTHA-JAIN-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-9-Sample-MGP-Copy-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) What is a 'Census'? Discuss the importance of Census for the economy and policy making.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2 Assess the role of NITI Aayog over the past decade in transforming the country's approach to planning and development.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3 Discuss various measures taken by the Government to strengthen the Cooperative movement and ensure \"Sahakar Se Samriddhi\".","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4 India remains significantly dependent on imports to meet its pulses demand. Examine the key challenges in achieving self-reliance in pulses. Also, mention the major government initiatives taken in this regard.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 What is a 'Black box'? Explain its significance in flight safety and airplane crash investigations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) How does NISAR mission exemplify international cooperation in space exploration and scientific research? In what ways will it help in climate change monitoring and natural hazard management?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7 While oceans are considered among mankind's best allies in the fight against climate change, they are themselves heavily impacted by the same. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8 \"Disasters cannot be managed by a single agency, department, or ministry on its own. It requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.\" Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) The convergence of organized crime and terrorism presents a formidable challenge to the country's internal security. Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 In an era of complex security challenges, examine the ways in which the private sector can contribute to strengthening India's internal security.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced a transfer of surplus to the Union Government for the financial year 2024-25. What does 'surplus' mean in this context? How does the RBI generate it, and what is its significance for the country's fiscal policy?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 Examine the role of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model in the development of ports in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 \"Legalizing the Minimum Support Price (MSP) would create more challenges than it resolves.\" Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 Why does India's agricultural export performance remain weak despite high production levels? What measures would you suggest to improve agri-export competitiveness?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15) How the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) can help India in its socio-economic development? Identify the hurdles in its large-scale adoption and suggest corrective measures.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 What is a Geographical Indication (GI)? What are the legal frameworks governing it? How does it differ from a trademark? How can GI infringement be tackled?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 \"Mangroves contribute significantly to the coastal economy and ecology, but they are threatened by numerous factors\". Elaborate. Also, state the measures taken by the government for mangrove conservation and restoration.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 What is oil pollution? What are its impacts on the marine ecosystem? In what way is oil pollution particularly harmful for a country like India?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have become an integral aspect of modern conflict and warfare, employed by both state and non-state actors. Discuss its implications for India's security architecture and state the measures being taken to address them. Also suggest other steps to tackle the threats emanating from UAVs.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 Maritime security challenges are complex, driven by both conventional and non-conventional threats. In this context, discuss the key maritime security challenges in India. Also, highlight the measures taken by the government in this regard.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1805,"topper":"Astha Jain","air":9,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ASTHA-JAIN-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-9-Sample-MGP-Copy-1-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1 \"Bhagavad Gita and Natyashastra are not merely texts; they exemplify the timeless wisdom, richness and diversity of Indian knowledge traditions.\" Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) The Harappan civilization was a \"technological powerhouse\" that laid the foundation for sophisticated urban living in ancient South Asia. In light of this statement, discuss the key technological breakthroughs and contributions of this Bronze Age culture.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Why is the First World War considered as the first 'total' war in modern history?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Highlight the differences in the approach of Bhagat Singh and Mahatma Gandhi in the struggle for freedom.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) Briefly explain the processes through which the earth-atmosphere system maintains heat balance.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6 What characteristics of the monsoon climate play a crucial role in sustaining agriculture in Monsoon Asia?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7 Account for the factors influencing the location of semiconductor industries across the world.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) Unemployment is not just an economic challenge, but a social one with far-reaching consequences. In this context, discuss the social impact of unemployment in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) Globalization has facilitated the influx of global brands and multinational corporations into the Indian market, significantly altering the consumer behaviour. Do you agree? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 Discuss how social media is reshaping identity formation and self-worth among adolescents in contemporary Indian society.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) The fusion of Islamic architectural styles with indigenous Indian traditions played a key role in the evolution of Indo-Islamic architecture in the country. Discuss with examples.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 'Emergency' is one of the most controversial and widely debated events in Indian politics. How far do you agree with the view that it was imposed to fulfil individual political goals rather than serve national interests? Also, discuss the short-term and long-term impacts of the Emergency.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 What are 'atmospheric rivers'? How do they influence global weather patterns and impact human settlements?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 Despite sharing a similar latitude, why does the Mediterranean climate vary from the China-type climate? How do the differences in climate affect life and economic activities in the region?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 \"The tropical Indian Ocean is likely to be in a near-permanent heatwave state.\" Discuss the factors responsible for the rapid warming of the Indian Ocean along with its multi-dimensional impacts.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 How can the demographic transition in the southern states, marked by low fertility rates and an aging population, impact the region's economic growth and social welfare policies?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 Incidence of extreme rainfall events and flash floods in recent times has led to devastating consequences for major cities of India. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 \"Air pollution is as much an issue of equity and justice as it is an environmental one.\" Elaborate with examples.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Analyze the socio-cultural factors contributing to the high attrition rate among women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers in India. Suggest measures to improve their retention in STEM.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20) “Caste census is relevant and necessary for any well-designed policy to reduce social inequality”. Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1806,"topper":"Astha Jain","air":9,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ASTHA-JAIN-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-9-Sample-MGP-Copy-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) 'Unconscious biases in parenting continue to shape gendered experiences in India.' Do you agree with this view? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) Distinguish between empathy and compassion. Why are they considered as foundational values in public services?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) The current society is witnessing rising levels of intolerance. What are the consequences of this situation for personal well-being and for societal well-being? What can one do at the personal level to become tolerant?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) What are the main components of emotional intelligence and how does it help an individual in taking ethical decisions?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3 Given below are the three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context?\na) \"This life is short, the vanities of the world are transient, but they alone live who live for others, the rest are more dead than alive.\" - Swami Vivekanand","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) \"If you cry because the sun has gone out of your life, your tears will prevent you from seeing the stars.\" - Rabindranath Tagore","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"c) \"Two ways of building character - cultivating strength to challenge oppression, and tolerate the resultant hardships that give rise to courage and awareness.\" - Sardar Patel","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.4) a) \"With great power comes great responsibility.\" In the present context, 'Big Tech' headquartered in developed countries wield disproportionate influence over digital infrastructure, personal data, and global narratives—often prioritising profit over ethical considerations. What ethical principles should guide such corporations in building a fair, inclusive, and just global digital framework?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"b) What do you understand by the term ‘crisis of conscience’? Describe an incident from your life where you experienced such a crisis. How did you deal with it?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.5) a) \"A politics of confession that encourages politicians and parties to confess and offer regret for their errors can surely be a cathartic experience.\" Examine the statement from the ethical point of view.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"b) What are the key objectives of the Right to Information Act, 2005? Examine the ethical concerns associated with certain provisions of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act in realizing the objectives of the RTI Act.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.6) a) Public spaces serve as arenas of democratic participation and civic expression. Yet in India, they remain deeply gendered, with many women largely confined to the private and domestic sphere. Examine the factors that restrict women's access to public spaces. How can ethical governance help address the issue of gendered spatial control and promote inclusivity in public spaces?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"b) Write short notes on the following in 30 words each:\ni) Ethical fading\nii) Conflict of interest\niii) Persuasion\niv) Work culture\nv) Corporate governance","marks":"10 marks, 150","words":"30 words each"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7 A State Government in the northeastern part of the country has launched a series of anti-encroachment drives across forest areas, wetlands, and revenue lands. Under the directions of the Chief Minister, the administration has intensified efforts to reclaim public land, particularly in areas reserved for ecological protection and critical infrastructure development. Most of the time, these actions have been backed by court orders and have resulted in the recovery of thousands of hectares of land. However, in certain regions, the implementation of such drives is fraught with social and political complexities. In several districts, settlements have existed for decades and are inhabited by marginalized communities with limited access to legal rights or formal rehabilitation measures. These areas are often politically sensitive and influenced by local leaders and pressure groups. Simanta is posted as Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) in one such district. Over the past year, the district administration has attempted to align eviction measures with welfare outreach, including the provision of temporary shelters, relocation assistance, and public consultations. Recently, a major operation was scheduled to clear encroachments from over 140 hectares of forest land within a Reserved Forest, primarily to curb rising instances of human-elephant conflict and to restore ecological balance. Anticipating eviction, some residents approached the High Court seeking a stay. However, the court refused to grant it and directed the administration to proceed with the eviction following due process. Notices were served, and a detailed roadmap was prepared to carry out the operation, which was expected to last 2-3 days due to the scale and remote location. On the first day, Simanta led a team comprising forest officials, municipal workers, and police personnel. Demolitions were conducted peacefully and without major resistance. However, on the second day, when the team returned to the site, a large group of agitated residents—primarily women and children—had gathered. They raised slogans and formed human chains to prevent further evictions. The atmosphere grew tense when some individuals began throwing stones, resulting in serious injury to a municipal worker. The crowd grew increasingly volatile and emotionally charged, demanding an immediate halt to the operation. The police contingent present on the ground was outnumbered by the crowd. Faced with this crisis, some team members pleaded with Simanta to call off the operation, fearing threats to their life and the possibility of a violent escalation. Simanta attempted to contact his superior officer (the Deputy Commissioner), but due to poor mobile connectivity in the forested area, communication could not be established. Meanwhile, several local journalists had arrived and begun reporting on the incident. Simanta is in a dilemma as to what to do.\na. Evaluate the options available with Simanta to cope with the situation.\nb. Which of the above options would be the most appropriate for Simanta and why?\nc. What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Simanta?\nd. Examine the qualities of a public servant which will be required to manage such situations.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"a. स्थिति से निपटने के लिए सिमंता के पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nb. सिमंता के लिए सबसे उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?\nc. सिमंता को किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\nd. ऐसी परिस्थितियों का प्रबंधन करने के लिए एक लोक सेवक के गुणों का परीक्षण करें।\na स्थिति से निपटने के लिए सिमंता के पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nb सिमंता के लिए सबसे उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?\nc सिमंता को किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\nd ऐसी परिस्थितियों का प्रबंधन करने के लिए एक लोक सेवक के गुणों का परीक्षण करें।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":34,"question":"Q.8 Megha is a first-year sociology student at a reputed college in the national capital. She is originally from Tadchiroli, a tribal village in a western Indian state. Megha's family migrated to the city when she was seven years old and had not visited their village since. Though Megha has fond memories of her childhood there, she never deeply understood the customs and traditions of the region. One day, Megha expresses her wish to visit Tadchiroli. Her father agrees and asks her to inform Ratan, her paternal uncle, who still lives in the village with his family. Megha informs Ratan and travels to the village during a semester break. Upon arrival, she receives a warm welcome from Ratan and his family. Later, Ratan invites her to attend a local festival. During the event, Megha notices that her cousin Rinki is missing. Curious, she asks Ratan's wife Ratna why Rinki is not at the festival. Ratna explains that Rinki is on her period, and as per tradition, menstruating girls must stay separately in small huts built specifically for the purpose. Locally known as 'kurma ghars', they are generally located on the periphery of the village, near a river or pond. She further adds that these girls are not allowed to enter the main house or participate in any social or religious activities. Megha is taken aback. She asks whether all women follow this practice. Ratna nods and says it has been the custom for generations. Even schoolgirls stay in these huts and miss classes during their periods. Ratna admits that many in the village, including herself, never questioned the practice. The explanation unsettles Megha. She finds it hard to believe that a natural biological function leads to such exclusion. Before returning to the city, Megha observes that even educated family members seem to accept and follow these customs. The experience leaves a deep impact on her. She starts reading more about menstrual taboos and their impact on women's health, dignity, and education. As a sociology student, she recognises how such traditions are linked to patriarchy and social stigma. She begins to reflect on what she can do at her level to improve the current situation, without alienating the community or disrespecting its traditions.\na. Suggest a course of action Megha can take to sensitize her village community without appearing disrespectful or confrontational.\nb. What ethical principles and methods should guide her actions while engaging with the community?\nc. How is menstruation related to human rights?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"a. मेधा द्वारा अपने गांव के समुदाय को असम्मानजनक या टकरावपूर्ण व्यवहार किए बिना संवेदनशील बनाने के लिए अपनाई जा सकने वाली कार्यवाही का सुझाव दीजिए।\nb. समुदाय के साथ जुड़ते समय उसके कार्यों को किन नैतिक सिद्धांतों और तरीकों से निर्देशित किया जाना चाहिए?\nc. मासिक धर्म मानव अधिकारों से किस प्रकार संबंधित है?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":39,"question":"Q.9 Gopal is an 80-year-old man living in a remote and an underdeveloped village in a Central Indian state. He had been residing in a small mud house for years. When he came to know about the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana–Gramin (PMAY-G), he saw a glimmer of hope for a pucca house in the last phase of his life. However, the village sarpanch and panchayat secretary told him that to be eligible under the scheme, he must first demolish his existing house so that during a site inspection, no structure would be visible at the location. Subsequently, Gopal demolished his shelter and began living under a babool tree. For nearly six months, he has been staying in the open, braving harsh weather conditions. During this time, he has repeatedly visited the panchayat office but has been told that his application cannot be processed as he lacks the necessary documents.\nYou are the officer-in-charge of implementing PMAY-G in the district. The case of Gopal reaches you through a prominent newspaper report. You personally visit him to understand the situation on the ground. After meeting him and listening to his account, you feel that he certainly needs support. Your enquiries confirm that he is truly destitute and living in a pitiable condition under the open sky. It is also established that he demolished his house based on a faulty interpretation of the scheme by panchayat officials. However, he has no documents to show that he fulfils the eligibility criteria under the scheme.\nNow you are in a dilemma. Including him under the scheme without the necessary documents would clearly be a violation of rules. But denying him support would be cruel and inhuman.\na. Can you think of a rational way to resolve this dilemma?\nb. Give your reasons for it.\nc. What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.10 You are working as an Assistant Section Officer in the District Development and Panchayat Office. One day, one of your close colleagues approaches you in deep distress. She tells you that her father is suffering from a severe liver condition, and the doctors have clearly stated that he must undergo liver transplant immediately in order to survive. She shares that she has no health insurance, and the surgery would cost around Rs 15 lakh. You are aware that her husband passed away a few years ago, and that she also has a four-year-old son with special needs. Just a few weeks ago, she also lost all her savings in a digital arrest scam. As a widow from a lower middle-class family, her options are extremely limited. Although you feel deeply empathetic, you are unable to offer financial assistance, as you do not have the resources to help. A few weeks later, you enquire about her father's health. She informs you that the liver transplant surgery was successful and that her father is now recovering steadily. Relieved, you ask how she managed to arrange the funds. Hesitantly, she confides that the District Development and Panchayat Officer (DDPO) helped her. Moved by her situation, the DDPO facilitated the release of Rs 15 lakh from the fund allocated to a rural sanitation scheme. The implementation of this scheme had been put on hold for a year due to technical issues and pending site approvals. She explains that the amount was provided on the assurance of strict confidentiality and with a commitment to repay it at the earliest. She expresses deep gratitude for the DDPO's timely help, which she believes saved her father's life. She has already begun repaying the money and will continue to do so until it is all returned.\na. Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\nb. Examine the behavior of DPDO from an ethical point of view.\nc. How would you react to the situation?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Q.11 Nithin is the head of the Marketing Department at Pehnava Clothings Ltd., a reputed apparel manufacturing company with a strong global presence. Known for its professionalism and consistent performance, the company had earned a credible name in both domestic and international markets. However, the firm was going through difficult times. For three consecutive quarters, it had witnessed a steep decline in sales. This trend had raised serious concerns among the top management regarding the company's competitiveness, profitability, and long-term stability. To address the situation, the leadership decided to restructure the marketing division and bring in dynamic leadership. A senior marketing executive, Mr. A, was hired after a rigorous selection process. He had an impressive career record and was known for turning around sales performance in other firms and building strong brand identities. With high expectations placed upon him, Mr. A was seen as the key figure to steer the company out of crisis. Mr. A soon began delivering results. Within a year, the company's revenue had almost doubled, and its brand visibility had increased significantly. His bold marketing strategies, proactive outreach, and innovative campaigns received appreciation from various quarters within the company. His performance drew the attention of the top management. There were deliberations about assigning him a larger role within the company, with a focus on long-term business strategy. He was also being considered for an internal award for 'Excellence in Leadership and Innovation'. However, alongside professional success of Mr. A, Nithin began receiving troubling feedback about his conduct in the workplace. Informal reports indicated that he frequently made inappropriate comments about women. In addition, he regularly sent indecent messages via social media apps to all team members, including his female colleagues. Although no formal complaint was lodged initially, Nithin could sense tension within the team, and signs of discomfort were becoming increasingly apparent. Some employees even started avoiding direct interaction with Mr. A. Team morale and interpersonal trust were gradually eroding, but employees remained hesitant to speak openly. The matter escalated one evening when Mrs. X, one of Mr. A's team members approached Nithin. Visibly disturbed and emotionally shaken, she disclosed that Mr. A had repeatedly engaged in inappropriate behavior towards her. She added that Mr. A had been making undesirable advances towards her and had even tried to touch her inappropriately in his cabin. She urged Nithin to take appropriate action in the matter, or else she would have no option but to resign from her position.\na. Bring out the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb. What are the options available to Nithin?\nc. Critically examine each of the options identified by Nithin.\nd. Which of the options, do you think, would be more appropriate for Nithin to adopt and why?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":50,"question":"a. इस मामले में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों को स्पष्ट करें।\nb. नितिन के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nc. नितिन द्वारा पहचाने गए प्रत्येक विकल्प का आलोचनात्मक परीक्षण करें।\nd. नितिन के लिए कौन सा विकल्प अपनाना अधिक उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?","marks":null,"words":"20 अंक"},{"page":55,"question":"Q.12) You are appointed as an officer heading the Air Quality Compliance Division of the Environment Pollution Control Board in Delhi-NCR. The region is witnessing alarming levels of air pollution, which typically worsen during the winter months due to various meteorological and anthropogenic factors. The situation has led to severe public health concerns, particularly affecting vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and those with respiratory illnesses. The Supreme Court has also raised serious concern over the deteriorating air quality in Delhi-NCR and has directed the administration to take immediate and effective measures to control pollution, especially during the winter months. Your jurisdiction has a large number of small and medium-scale industries that were granted environmental clearance over the years. These industries form the backbone of the local economy and provide employment to a significant number of migrant workers. However, recent inspections and air quality monitoring reports indicate that a significant number of these units are operating in violation of prescribed air emission norms. As part of targeted measures to curb air pollution, you issued notices to all identified polluting units, directing them to apply for fresh environmental clearance certificates from the competent authority. However, your decision triggered strong opposition from a section of industrial units, labour unions, and local politicians. Industrial owners argued that such action would lead to production shutdowns, financial losses, and shortages of their products in the market. Labour unions and workers also protested, fearing mass unemployment and livelihood insecurity. Local politicians and vested interests accused you of jeopardising the socio-economic stability of the region. You received representations from various quarters urging you to withdraw the notices and not initiate harsh measures, citing the interests of multiple stakeholders. Additionally, you began receiving anonymous threats, aimed at coercing you into reversing your decision. On the other hand, several of your colleagues supported your stance, encouraging you to act in the larger public interest. Several local NGOs and environmental groups rallied behind your actions, demanding the immediate closure of polluting units.\na. Under the given conditions, what are the options available to you?\nb. Critically evaluate each of the options listed by you.\nc. What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by you?","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":1807,"topper":"Astha Jain","air":9,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/Astha_Jain_AIR_9_2025/Test%201,%20PSIR%20Crash%20Course.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1808,"topper":"Astha Jain","air":9,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/Astha_Jain_AIR_9_2025/Test%202,%20PSIR%20Crash%20Course.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1809,"topper":"Astha Jain","air":9,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/Astha_Jain_AIR_9_2025/Test%203,%20PSIR%20Crash%20Course.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1810,"topper":"Astha Jain","air":9,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/Astha_Jain_AIR_9_2025/Test%204,%20PSIR%20Crash%20Course.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1811,"topper":"Astha Jain","air":9,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/Astha_Jain_AIR_9_2025/Test%205,%20PSIR%20Crash%20Course.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1812,"topper":"Astha Jain","air":9,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/Astha_Jain_AIR_9_2025/Test%206,%20PSIR%20Crash%20Course.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1813,"topper":"Astha Jain","air":9,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/Astha_Jain_AIR_9_2025/Test%207,%20PSIR%20Crash%20Course.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1814,"topper":"Astha Jain","air":9,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/Astha_Jain_AIR_9_2025/Test%208,%20PSIR%20Crash%20Course.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1815,"topper":"Astha Jain","air":9,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/Astha_Jain_AIR_9_2025/Test%201,%20PSIR%20Sectional.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the difference between political thought, political theory, political philosophy and political ideology? In what way Political Science can be treated as a science? (200 words,","marks":"15","words":"200"},{"page":6,"question":"\"Unexamined life is not worth living\"-Socrates. Comment. (200 words,","marks":"15","words":"200"},{"page":9,"question":"\"The law of nature is the basis of all morality\". In the light of the statement explain Locke's theory of rights. (200 words,","marks":"15","words":"200"},{"page":12,"question":"\"The fact is that a man who wants to act virtuously in every way necessarily comes to grief among so many who are not virtuous\" - Machiavelli. Comment. (200 words,","marks":"15","words":"200"},{"page":15,"question":"Hobbes's political theory is based on psychological egoism and the social contract. Discuss (200 words,","marks":"15","words":"200"},{"page":18,"question":"\"Dear is Plato, but dearer still is truth\"- Aristotle. In the light of the above statement establish that Aristotle is not only the greatest disciple of Plato, but is also his greatest critic. (200 words,","marks":"15","words":"200"},{"page":21,"question":"Locke is the proponent of the doctrine of possessive individualism par excellence. Elaborate (200 words,","marks":"15","words":"200"},{"page":24,"question":"\"Like men, like State; governments vary as the characters of men vary ........\"- Plato. Critically Evaluate. (200 words,","marks":"15","words":"200"}]},{"id":1816,"topper":"Astha Jain","air":9,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/Astha_Jain_AIR_9_2025/Test%202,%20PSIR%20Sectional.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Inspired by philosophy, Hannah Arendt warned against the dangers of philosophy obfuscating the plurality and reality of our shared world. Comment (200 words,","marks":"15","words":"200"},{"page":6,"question":"\"Politics is the place and activity of shared communication based on the distinct perspectives of equal human beings\". HANNAH ARENDT. Comment (200 words,","marks":"15","words":"200"},{"page":9,"question":"Gramsci saw capitalist state as being made up of two overlapping spheres, a political society and a civil society. Elucidate (200 words,","marks":"15","words":"200"},{"page":12,"question":"\"Gramsci gives us ,not the tools with which to solve the puzzle, but the means with which to ask right kinds of questions\". STUART HALL. Comment. (200 words,","marks":"15","words":"200"},{"page":15,"question":"\"Religion is the opium of masses\"-MARX. Discuss (200 words,","marks":"15","words":"200"},{"page":18,"question":"Marxism consists of three ideas: Theory of history, Critique of capitalism and a vision of ideal society. Evaluate. (200 words,","marks":"15","words":"200"},{"page":21,"question":"\"The only freedom which deserves the name is that of pursuing our own good in our own way...\"- J.S. MILL. Comment (200 words,","marks":"15","words":"200"},{"page":24,"question":"Mill was a champion of democracy who failed to bring the idea of democracy to its logical conclusion. Critically examine (200 words,","marks":"15","words":"200"}]},{"id":1817,"topper":"Astha Jain","air":9,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/Astha_Jain_AIR_9_2025/Test%203,%20PSIR%20Sectional.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The main objective of feminist critique is to explore the extent of patriarchal ideology in political philosophy to explore the material forms of discrimination against women. Discuss. (200 words,","marks":"15","words":"200"},{"page":9,"question":"Liberalism is a view of a thing and not a theory. Comment? (200 words,","marks":"15","words":"200"},{"page":12,"question":"Fascism began as a movement demanding revolutionary changes in the social and political structure but soon became a counter revolutionary force. With reference to above explain the nature of fascism as an ideology. (200 words,","marks":"15","words":"200"},{"page":15,"question":"The emergence of new actors and social forces are forcing a rethink of the overdeveloped thesis of the state .Critically evaluate (200 words,","marks":"15","words":"200"},{"page":18,"question":"The state is based on power relations between classes. Comment (200 words,","marks":"15","words":"200"},{"page":21,"question":"Neoliberalism as the mode of existence of contemporary capitalism is in systemic crisis. Discuss. (200 words,","marks":"15","words":"200"},{"page":24,"question":"Marx's Communism is not simply a utopia presented in vacuum, it is a political programme meant to critique the social conditions of Capitalism. Elaborate. (200 words,","marks":"15","words":"200"}]},{"id":1818,"topper":"Astha Jain","air":9,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/Astha_Jain_AIR_9_2025/Test%204,%20PSIR%20Sectional.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Differentiate between the end of ideology and the end of history. Do you think that end of ideology is itself an ideology? (200 words,","marks":"15","words":"200"},{"page":6,"question":"\"The discourse on legitimacy in political science is too complicated due to the multiple perspectives associated with the concepts\". Elucidate (200 words,","marks":"15","words":"200"},{"page":9,"question":"Gramsci's theory of hegemony should be seen as a rigorous attack on all vestiges of economism and reductionism within classical Marxism. Comment. (200 words,","marks":"15","words":"200"},{"page":12,"question":"Deliberative democracy is all about placing people closer to the affairs of government. Comment. Mention the various deliberative process and their importance. (200 words,","marks":"15","words":"200"},{"page":15,"question":"Explain the difference between participatory democracy with that of the pluralist and elitist model of democracy. (200 words,","marks":"15","words":"200"},{"page":18,"question":"Macpherson's aim was not only to construct the conception of democracy but also to provide moral foundations to it. In the light of this statement Critically evaluate the relevance of Macpherson's theory of Democracy. (200 words,","marks":"15","words":"200"},{"page":21,"question":"What are the basic principles of representative democracy and what are its basic institutions? (200 words,","marks":"15","words":"200"},{"page":24,"question":"The most crucial claim of Foucault about power is that we must refuse to understand in the way philosophers have dealt with it. Discuss (200 words,","marks":"15","words":"200"}]},{"id":1819,"topper":"Astha Jain","air":9,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/Astha_Jain_AIR_9_2025/Test%205,%20PSIR%20Sectional.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What are human rights? Is there any hierarchy of human rights? Explain the relationship between the protection of human rights and sustainable development goals. (200 words,","marks":"15","words":"200"},{"page":6,"question":"How the term equality differs from equity? Discuss the various forms of equality and their relevance. (200 words,","marks":"15","words":"200"},{"page":9,"question":"Rawls's theory of justice consists of certain distributive principles for the basic structure of society. In light of this statement , critically evaluate Rawls's theory of justice as fairness. (200 words,","marks":"15","words":"200"},{"page":12,"question":"The policy of affirmative action aims at the politics of inclusion. Explain with reference to India's journey towards building an egalitarian society. (200 words,","marks":"15","words":"200"},{"page":15,"question":"Dworkin's theory of equality is not limited to the realm of abstract theoritization, but aims at harmonizing the principles with concrete practices. Critically evaluate. (200 words,","marks":"15","words":"200"},{"page":18,"question":"Right is simply not reducible to a goal or a policy. In light of the statement explain Dworkin's view that rights are trump. (200 words,","marks":"15","words":"200"},{"page":21,"question":"Amartya Sen's capability approach is a moral framework. Discuss. (200 words,","marks":"15","words":"200"},{"page":24,"question":"Explain the relationship between rights, liberty, equality and justice. (200 words,","marks":"15","words":"200"}]},{"id":1820,"topper":"Astha Jain","air":9,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/Astha_Jain_AIR_9_2025/Test%206,%20PSIR%20Sectional.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What are the various components of modern Indian political thought? Do you think there is more of a continuity than change? (200 words,","marks":"15","words":"200"},{"page":6,"question":"The social thought in ancient India not only assures certain fundamental principles of morality but also seeks to direct the material life as well. Comment? (200 words,","marks":"15","words":"200"},{"page":9,"question":"Manusmriti is the storehouse of knowledge in social, political in judicial field of ancient India. Elucidate? (200 words,","marks":"15","words":"200"},{"page":12,"question":"Que.4 What are fundamental principles of order and justice mentioned in Arthashastra? (200 words,","marks":"15","words":"200"},{"page":15,"question":"Sir Syed Ahmed Khan a seminal figure of nineteenth century India continues to surface in all major debates on nationalism, the fate of minorities and democratic values. Discuss (200 words,","marks":"15","words":"200"},{"page":18,"question":"Do you subscribe to Ambedkar's characterization of Gandhi as mere polemic? (200 words,","marks":"15","words":"200"},{"page":24,"question":"Que.8 M. N Roy's role in freedom movement unearths astonishing similarities and stark differences between him and Gandhi. Comment. (200 words,","marks":"15","words":"200"}]},{"id":1821,"topper":"Astha Jain","air":9,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/Astha_Jain_AIR_9_2025/Test%207,%20PSIR%20Sectional.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The basic structure doctrine is one of the most patent tools of judiciary for maintaining the checks and balances for smooth functioning of democracy. Comment. (200 words,","marks":"15","words":"200"},{"page":6,"question":"Individual obligation is meaningful only when rights are guaranteed by the state. Comment. (200 words,","marks":"15","words":"200"},{"page":9,"question":"Analyse the recent controversy on Muslim women's headscarf from the perspective of constitutional secularism in India. (200 words,","marks":"15","words":"200"},{"page":12,"question":"Dalit perspective represents an alternative imagination of India based on the views of Phule, Ambedkar and Periyar. Discuss (200 words,","marks":"15","words":"200"},{"page":18,"question":"In what way 102nd and 105th amendment acts shape India's policy towards the backward classes? (200 words,","marks":"15","words":"200"},{"page":21,"question":"Define the concept of Judicial review. Critically examine the role of judiciary towards strengthening the rule of law in the country. (200 words,","marks":"15","words":"200"},{"page":24,"question":"The structural functional pattern of governance in India continues to be based on colonial ideas and philosophy. Comment. (200 words,","marks":"15","words":"200"}]},{"id":1822,"topper":"Astha Jain","air":9,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/Astha_Jain_AIR_9_2025/Test%208,%20PSIR%20Sectional.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Critically analyse the role of President in India's Constitutional setup and in actual political process. What trends can be inferred on the basis of the analysis of the nature of the institution? (200 words,","marks":"15","words":"200"},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss the contribution of Indian judiciary towards the goal of India's silent revolution. (200 words,","marks":"15","words":"200"},{"page":12,"question":"Analyse the position of the Prime Minister of India in a coalition regime. (200 words,","marks":"15","words":"200"},{"page":21,"question":"How do you define grassroot movements? Do you think there is a rise of grassroot activism in India in recent times? Examine the impact of grassroot activism on Indian politics? (200 words,","marks":"15","words":"200"},{"page":24,"question":"Federalism in India is under strain on several fronts- Constitutional, economic, political and electoral. Comment. (200 words,","marks":"15","words":"200"}]},{"id":1823,"topper":"Astha Jain","air":9,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/Astha_Jain_AIR_9_2025/Test%209,%20PSIR%20Sectional.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The quasi-judicial nature of ECI's functions makes it especially important that the integrity of the institution remains beyond doubt. Comment. (200 words,","marks":"15","words":"200"},{"page":6,"question":"How do you define the minorities in context of the international law and under Indian Constitution? What constitutional safeguards exist in India for the protection of minorities? (200 words,","marks":"15","words":"200"},{"page":9,"question":"Critically evaluate the effectiveness of National Commission for Scheduled Castes towards addressing the atrocities on the community. What powers and functions have been assigned to the commission to fulfil its mandate? (200 words,","marks":"15","words":"200"},{"page":12,"question":"What is the Constitutional mandate of UPSC and evaluate its role towards it? (200 words,","marks":"15","words":"200"},{"page":15,"question":"Women movement in India has a chequered history. Discuss. (200 words,","marks":"15","words":"200"},{"page":18,"question":"Environmental movement in India is rich and vibrant which has taken various forms. Analyse. (200 words,","marks":"15","words":"200"},{"page":21,"question":"Analyse the context and nature of emergence of human rights movement in India post-independence. What are the major contemporary concerns and challenges of the movement? (200 words,","marks":"15","words":"200"},{"page":24,"question":"Explain the origin and the constitutional provisions related to the institution of CAG. Critically evaluate the role of CAG in strengthening the Indian democracy. (200 words,","marks":"15","words":"200"}]},{"id":1824,"topper":"Astha Jain","air":9,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/Astha_Jain_AIR_9_2025/Test%2012,%20PSIR%20Sectional.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Is the rise of social movements a sign of opening up of popular space in political process or decline of representative politics? Examine. (200 words,","marks":"15","words":"200"},{"page":6,"question":"Examine the relevance of political economy approach to comparative politics. (200 words,","marks":"15","words":"200"},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss the impact of pandemic on the nature of states in advanced industrial societies.(200 words,","marks":"15","words":"200"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the strength of political sociology approach.(200 words,","marks":"15","words":"200"},{"page":15,"question":"Traditional form of globalization is in partial retreat and new agendas are morphing into the new forms of globalization. Analyse. (200 words,","marks":"15","words":"200"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the changing trends in the nature of state in advanced capitalist societies since the beginning of 21st century. (200 words,","marks":"15","words":"200"},{"page":24,"question":"Globalisation has been too complex and too contradictory process. Discuss. (200 words,","marks":"15","words":"200"}]},{"id":1825,"topper":"Astha Jain","air":9,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/Astha_Jain_AIR_9_2025/Test%2013,%20PSIR%20Sectional.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1826,"topper":"Aswin Kakumani","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pCDka6h8WsprZaf6K7Sy5Jvms4NT7OiC/view","questions":[]},{"id":1827,"topper":"Aswin Mani Deep Kakumanu","air":148,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ASWIN-MANI-DEEP-KAKUMANU-UPSC-2023-Rank-148-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1828,"topper":"Aswin Mani Deep Kakumanu","air":148,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ASWIN-MANI-DEEP-KAKUMANU-UPSC-2023-Rank-148-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1829,"topper":"Aswin Mani Deep Kakumanu","air":148,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ASWIN-MANI-DEEP-KAKUMANU-UPSC-2023-Rank-148-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1830,"topper":"Aswin Mani Deep Kakumanu","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ASWIN-MANI-DEEP-KAKUMANU-UPSC-2023-Rank-148-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The influence of ethical principles on shaping socially responsible behavior is widely acknowledged. How do ethical values facilitate individuals in cultivating a proactive and constructive attitude towards fulfilling their social responsibilities? Can the subjective nature of ethical principles lead to divergent attitudes regarding social responsibility? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Through their actions, interactions, and teachings, schools have the power to mold the moral compass of the next generation. In this perspective, discuss the significance of value-based education in preparing the youth to address the contemporary challenges of society. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'situation ethics'? Critically analyze its strengths and weaknesses in making moral judgements. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Maintaining traditional bonds and familial relationships in an increasingly globalized world requires personal relationships to be governed by ethical principles. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Why should a man be moral? Because it strengthens his will.\" - Swami Vivekanand. In this perspective, discuss the significance of morality for bringing efficiency and effectiveness in public administration. Do you think moral rigidity can be a hindrance in good governance? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Civil servants who embody emotional intelligence exhibit a profound understanding of the human aspect of governance, enabling them to cultivate meaningful relationships, foster cooperation, and drive positive change. Examine ways in which Emotional Intelligence can be inculcated in civil servants. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time.\" - Ruth Bader Ginsburg. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"\"Happiness is that state of consciousness which proceeds from the achievement of one's values\" - Ayn Rand. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":1831,"topper":"Aswini G","air":229,"year":2022,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1feH07l-GkY69bJZAEnQJye-wk3hE96KB/view","questions":[]},{"id":1832,"topper":"ATIF WAQUAR EKRAM ANSARI","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/65d93cae1265db5ffeffd2e87a3f6506/40/mt23rcapa069_tc701.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"If you look into someone's face long enough, eventually you feel that you are looking into yourself.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"It is the province of knowledge to speak and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Drop the question what tomorrow may bring, and count as profit every day that fate allows you.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Truth, like a torch, the more it is shook, it shines.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Art is I; science is We.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Only the dead have seen the end of the war.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Act as if it were impossible to fail.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1833,"topper":"ATIF WAQUAR EKRAM ANSARI","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/65d93cae1265db5ffeffd2e87a3f6506/39/mt23rcapa069_702.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"You can't serve data on a hungry man's plate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"AI is overcoming our mental limitation but not expanding our mental horizon.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"We are using environment for politics, not politics for environment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"The worst form of inequality is to try to make unequal things equal.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Existence is a science, living is an art.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"If the truth shall kill them, let them die.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"The only way to go beyond things, is to go through them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Dream for the best. Be prepared for the worst. Enjoy life in between.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1834,"topper":"ATIF WAQUAR EKRAM ANSARI","air":819,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/174/mt23rcapa069_tc703-test-01-gs01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1835,"topper":"ATIF WAQUAR EKRAM ANSARI","air":819,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/178/mt23rcapa069_tc707-test-05-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1836,"topper":"ATIF WAQUAR EKRAM ANSARI","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/175/mt23rcapa069_tc704-test-02-gs-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"There is a need to resolve the ambiguity in the disqualification provisions under section 8 of the Representation of People Act 1951. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Constitution is a mere skeleton whereas constitutionalism is the soul of democracy. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"Electoral bonds are a double-edged sword, providing anonymity to donors while raising concerns about transparency in political funding.\" To what extent have electoral bonds further legitimized opacity in electoral funding? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The question of gender equality is central to the debate on Uniform Civil Code. In this light what are the challenges in reconciling UCC with gender equality as enshrined in the constitution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The Governor's office is neither decorative nor inconsequential, it assumes a constitutional role of 'profound essence'. To what extent does the Governor, actively contribute to the governance of a state and reinforce the principles of federalism in the country? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Recently demand has been rising in a state regarding the enactment of Social Accountability Law. How such a law can lead to good governance and boost citizens' participation in decision-making. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"There is a need for convergence of 'nutrition-specific' and 'nutrition-sensitive' interventions to effectively tackle child undernutrition in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"MGNREGA, the lynchpin of rural poverty alleviation, has become the victim of fiscal apathy.\" Critically analyze the statement in light of recent developments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"India must leverage, if not manage, the global divides\". How can the current geopolitical churn pave the way for India's rise to the global high table? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"Berlin can be India's gateway to the European Union.\" Elaborate with respect to Germany's significance in India's relationship with the EU. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"How has the Anti-Defection Law impacted the relationship between political parties and individual legislators in India? In light of the recent incidents also discuss the unintended consequences it has on the functioning of democracy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Critics assert that limitless judicial authority rests on the structural ambiguity of the basic structure doctrine. Has the elastic nature of the basic structure doctrine made the judiciary more powerful than the executive? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Fundamental rights are not gifts bestowed upon by the state rather an individual possesses them independently of the state. In this context discuss the desirability of reasonable restrictions on various fundamental rights. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"S.R. Bommai v. Union of India signified a paradigm shift in the judicial interpretation of the union's authority to assume control of a state's administration.' In this context discuss the significance and impact of the judgement on cementing the federal structure. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Multi-stakeholder partnerships are the key to leveraging collective expertise and networks. How can effective partnership and localized implementation efforts be fostered to accelerate the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"How has the implementation of the POSH Act resulted in limited success in raising awareness about sexual harassment, and what factors have hindered its effective outreach to women employed in the unorganized sector? Propose strategies to bridge this gap and ensure comprehensive protection for women in the unorganized sector against workplace harassment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"'Neo-liberal reforms and globalization have deeply transformed the institutions of the welfare state and set the ground for a new type of civil services.' In this context examine the challenges faced in service delivery and suggest adequate reforms. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"China views India as its \"Asian Rival\" with an innate ability to counter its hegemonic goals in Asia. Despite these difficulties in India-China relations, there are also many areas of convergence. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Indo-Pacific region in recent times has emerged as a zone of diverging interests and priorities. Discuss. Do you think the Global Security Initiative will supersede QUAD in the region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1837,"topper":"ATIF WAQUAR EKRAM ANSARI","air":819,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/167/mt23rcapa069_tc704-test-02-gs-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1838,"topper":"ATIF WAQUAR EKRAM ANSARI","air":819,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/179/mt23rcapa069_tc708-test-06-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1839,"topper":"ATIF WAQUAR EKRAM ANSARI","air":819,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/176/mt23rcapa069_tc705-test-03-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1840,"topper":"ATIF WAQUAR EKRAM ANSARI","air":819,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/180/mt23rcapa069_tc709-test-07-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1841,"topper":"ATIF WAQUAR EKRAM ANSARI","air":819,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/177/mt23rcapa069_tc706-test-04-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1842,"topper":"ATIF WAQUAR EKRAM ANSARI","air":819,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/181/mt23rcapa069_tc710-test-08-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1843,"topper":"ATIF WAQUAR EKRAM ANSARI","air":819,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/166/mt23rcapa069_tc703-test-01-gs01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1844,"topper":"ATIF WAQUAR EKRAM ANSARI","air":819,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/168/mt23rcapa069_tc705-test-03-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1845,"topper":"ATIF WAQUAR EKRAM ANSARI","air":819,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/169/mt23rcapa069_tc706-test-04-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1846,"topper":"ATIF WAQUAR EKRAM ANSARI","air":819,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/170/mt23rcapa069_tc707-test-05-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1847,"topper":"ATIF WAQUAR EKRAM ANSARI","air":819,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/171/mt23rcapa069_tc708-test-06-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1848,"topper":"ATIF WAQUAR EKRAM ANSARI","air":819,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/172/mt23rcapa069_tc709-test-07-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1849,"topper":"ATIF WAQUAR EKRAM ANSARI","air":819,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/173/mt23rcapa069_tc710-test-08-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1850,"topper":"Atirag Chaplot","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/51ab7-53666_875_atirag_chaplot_rank_15.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Centralising recruitment through an All-India Judicial Service (AIJS) will not address the multiple problems in the judiciary and cause new ones instead. Critically evaluate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"The roots of the most pertinent challenges faced by Indian politics today can be traced to the lack of intra-party democracy in candidate selection and internal elections. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"While the idea behind merger of autonomous bodies in India is to curb overlapping work and reduce expenditure, it may end up doing more harm than good. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Well-defined electoral laws and greater powers for the Election Commission of India are required as the existing laws and mechanisms are inadequate to deal with new challenges. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Explain the rationale behind enacting the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016. Discuss how it can help in revitalizing consumer confidence in the real estate market. Also highlight the hurdles that remain in implementing it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Moving the subject of water from state list to concurrent list will solve the issues related to governance of water resources. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Give an account of the areas of potential conflict in the relationship between the political executive and civil servants. Also discuss why a healthy working relationship between the two is critical for good governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Despite their location in the non-political domain of civil society, NGOs have ended up playing a key, if indirect, role in India's politics. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Magnitude of India's urbanisation is not unusual but the pattern is. In this context, examine the issues in the governance of cities in India. Also suggest the reforms required to make Indian cities dynamos of competitive sub-federalism.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Social boycott should be treated as a criminal offence, rather than being considered as just another form of social evil plaguing the Indian society. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Human Trafficking in India has emerged as a serious issue, which calls for understanding the complexity of the problem and devising an effective strategy to combat it. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"A weak teacher education system is at the core of India's problems in school education. Evaluate. In this context, also enumerate the recommendations of the High-Powered Commission on Teacher Education constituted by the Supreme Court of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"It has been argued that the recent order of the Supreme Court to prevent the misuse of Section 498A institutionalises the prejudices and rehabilitates the myths, which the women's movement in India has battled over decades. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"As strategic interests between India and US continue to converge, defence has emerged as a major area of cooperation between the two. Discuss the significance and possible implications of this development.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"India's contribution to peacekeeping missions of the United Nations has remained steadfast despite changes in the nature, form and variety of UN peace keeping missions. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"India's partnership with Africa is an amalgam of African development priorities as well as India's development objectives. Discuss. Also highlight the initiatives taken by India in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Comment on the role of International Court of Justice in upholding the values of international law. In this context, also highlight the association of India with the ICJ over the years.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"In view of the focus on trans-regional economic corridors and changing regional geo-politics and geo-economics, critically discuss the idea of an Indo-Pacific Economic Corridor.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1851,"topper":"Atirag Chaplot","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/16740-53666_877_atirag_chaplot_rank_15.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The seeds of patriarchy and gender inequality are sown at home, which manifest as a weed at the societal level. Elucidate. Suggest an ethical framework to systematically address the issue of patriarchy in the Indian society. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What are the factors which drive people to take law in their own hands rather than following the due process of law? Discuss ways to address the problem of mob justice. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"In a democracy, the purpose of the government should be to make it easy for people to do good and difficult to do wrong. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss John Stuart Mill's idea on freedom of thought and expression. Also, give reasons as to why, according to Mill, representative democracy is the best form of government despite its inherent weaknesses. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":11,"question":"It is argued by some that nuclear weapons have acted more as a deterrent than leading to war and mass destruction. In this context, discuss whether it is ethically right to possess nuclear weapons to create nuclear deterrence. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":13,"question":"Differentiate between administration and leadership. Highlighting the traits which characterize an effective leader, discuss the importance of leadership in ensuring effective public service delivery in a bureaucratic setup. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Apart from functional knowledge and expertise, the efficacy of a civil servant also depends upon his emotional intelligence. How does emotional intelligence contribute to efficacy? How can civil servants enhance their emotional intelligence? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Enumerate the mechanisms that promote accountability of public officials in discharging their functions and responsibilities in India. Also discuss why ensuring accountability for performance is not a simple task in government service. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) \"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"\"Prejudices are what fools use for reason.\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Ensuring that government decisions are not influenced by public officials' private interests is a growing concern. Discuss in the context of India. Also enumerate the core principles reflected by OECD guidelines for managing conflict of interest in the public sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Discuss, with examples, the significance of principles of public life as recommended by Nolan committee. Why are these principles considered as an essential set of expectations from public servants? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"A peculiar inhuman situation exists for the people fleeing from war zones - they cannot go back to their homeland for fear of being persecuted and no country is ready to bear their burden due to various reasons. Citing contemporary examples, discuss the ethical issues involved in such situations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"As the administrator in-charge of your area, you are witness to the widespread food wastage in lavish parties as well as in restaurants and eateries, on one hand and people starving due to inability to ensure one square-meal a day, on the other. Realizing that it is not the scarcity of resources, but the habit of people that is causing paucity in availability of food, you decide that certain measures are needed to be taken in order to deal with the issue of starvation at the grassroot level. (a) Identify the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) What measures would you take to deal with wastage of food in your area? (c) What explains this co-existence of affluence and hunger in developing countries like India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"The excluded and marginalized section of society are worst hit by globalization. Take the case of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) like Sentinelese of Andaman & Nicobar islands; their population has reduced drastically and they are facing various other problems as well. In this context answer the following questions: (a) What are the challenges faced by PVTGs due to globalisation? (b) If you are posted as a Development Officer in such an area, what will be your priorities to reduce their vulnerabilities and ensure welfare?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Undercover journalism exposes injustices, negligence, corruption and wrongdoing and yet going undercover to expose wrongdoing remains controversial. But, undercover journalists contend that they are fulfilling a fundamental duty of finding truth through their journalism. They argue that public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy and the duty of the journalist is to further those ends by seeking truth and providing a fair and comprehensive account of events and issues. So, there are some supporters of this kind of journalism, which sometimes infringe the privacy of individuals. However, some journalists also urge avoiding surreptitious methods of gathering information except when traditional open methods will not yield information vital to the public. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the practice of undercover journalism? (b) Do you support the practice of undercover investigation by journalists? Give reasons in support of your answer.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You are posted as a District Education Officer (DEO) in a Maoist affected district. You have been specifically given the responsibility to work on the literacy mission. After reading the education reports and doing field visits, you find that the number of out of school children has increased drastically and the motivation among students and teachers is also low. While certain basic infrastructure is already in place, the major hurdle in attracting students to these schools include the attitude of inhabitants towards education and the security risks involved in sending children to schools. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Analyse the reasons behind such an attitude. (b) As a DEO, what are the steps that you would take in order to increase the school attendance and change the prevalent attitude of inhabitants towards education?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Mr. Pradeep is a senior civil servant in the central government and is involved in the budgeting department. In the course of performing his duties, he comes to know about diversion of funds earmarked for SC/ST sub-plan for other purposes. While he is not directly responsible for this aspect of the budget, he raised his concerns to the department concerned. He also learns that the minister responsible as well as senior most civil servants are aware of the practice and have given tacit approval for it. Soon thereafter, Pradeep was summoned to talk on the issue and was told that since the matter is not within his jurisdiction, he should 'keep his nose out of it'. After much soul searching, Pradeep decided to obey his supervisors by leaving the matter alone. Based on the information given, answer the following questions: (a) Elaborate on the internal dissonance that Pradeep faces in the given situation. (b) On what basis can the decision of Pradeep be justified? (c) Had you been in Pradeep's place, what would have been the course of action chosen by you? Recognise the merits and demerits, if any.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1852,"topper":"ATUL MISHRA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c2c7e-534332_2488_atul_mishra_rank_94.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"A mind all logic is like a knife all blade, it makes the hand bleed that uses it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"History is a cyclic poem written by time upon the memories of man.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The wise man does at once what the fool does finally.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The world is a tragedy to those who feel, but a comedy to those who think.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Perfect clarity would profit the intellect but damage the will.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1853,"topper":"Atul Prakash","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/18943_874_Atul_Rank_4.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The greatness of the Mughal achievement in the political unification of India was matched by the splendour and beauty of the work of architects, poets, historians, painters and musicians who flourished in the period. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Traditionally, India had developed wide-ranging water harvesting techniques in keeping with the local ecological conditions and their water needs. Substantiate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Imperial rivalries of 18th Century Europe were played out in India as well. Comment in the context of the Carnatic Wars.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"The Lucknow session of 1916 was a watershed event during the freedom struggle of India due to various reasons. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Reforms initiated by the Justice Party became a model for social affirmative action in the country. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"War in the Korean Peninsula proved to be disastrous for Korea, a missed opportunity for the United States and a defining moment for China. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"The Munich Pact brought neither peace nor stability in relations between European countries, rather it turned out to be an act of appeasement that made war inevitable. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Explain how Gandhi's non-violent philosophy influenced Martin Luther King Jr.'s methods. Also discuss the contributions and accomplishments of King to ensure civil rights for all people regardless of race in America.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Apart from the linguistic reorganisation of states, the three language formula was an important part of government policy to address the language question in India. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Enumerate the measures for the welfare of Unorganised Workers in India. In the context of problems being faced by 'domestic helps', discuss the need for additional measures to safeguard their interests.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"The manner in which the mentally ill have been treated in India suggests that policy measures alone may not be sufficient to address the challenges faced by them. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Highlight the characteristics of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) and discuss the challenges faced by them. Also enumerate the measures taken by the government to address these challenges.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"While suburbanisation is a common phenomenon in most urbanising countries, it is occurring at a relatively early stage of India's urban development. Enumerating the reasons behind this development, highlight the challenges it is creating for Indian cities.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Various geographical and anthropogenic factors have rendered Brahmaputra Valley susceptible to recurrent floods. Discuss the causes and suggest suitable measures of mitigation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Give a brief account of Earth's heat budget. Also discuss how increasing concentration of carbon dioxide in Earth's atmosphere effects it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Give an outline of the major geological events that have shaped the present drainage system of Peninsular India. Also, explain why peninsular rivers are unsuitable for navigation but facilitate hydroelectric power generation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Elaborate with examples as to how government policies influence the location of industries. Also, mention the steps taken by the Government of India to stimulate industrial activity in backward regions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Explain, in brief, the process of cloud formation. Also, elucidate how clouds can help in weather forecasting.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"The socio-economic and ecological consequences of soil degradation are far-reaching. Discuss. Suggest measures that can be taken to restore soil fertility and arrest soil degradation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Development of island territories requires a careful balancing of environmental and tribal concerns with exploitation of economic potential. Elaborating on the threats faced by island territories of India, comment on the recent measures proposed by the government regarding their development.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1854,"topper":"Atul Prakash","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/18943_875_Atul_Rank_4.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Centralising recruitment through an All-India Judicial Service (AIJS) will not address the multiple problems in the judiciary and cause new ones instead. Critically evaluate. (Answer in 200 words) 12.5X20=250","marks":null,"words":"200"},{"page":6,"question":"The roots of the most pertinent challenges faced by Indian politics today can be traced to the lack of intra-party democracy in candidate selection and internal elections. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"While the idea behind merger of autonomous bodies in India is to curb overlapping work and reduce expenditure, it may end up doing more harm than good. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Well-defined electoral laws and greater powers for the Election Commission of India are required as the existing laws and mechanisms are inadequate to deal with new challenges. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Privileges should be defined and delimited for the free and independent functioning of the legislatures. In this context, discuss whether there is a need to re-examine the balance between fundamental rights and parliamentary privileges in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The principle of accountability is an essential part of the rule of law. In this context, discuss the lacunae in government's approach and judiciary's response to the phenomenon of extrajudicial killings in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Explain the rationale behind enacting the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016. Discuss how it can help in revitalizing consumer confidence in the real estate market. Also highlight the hurdles that remain in implementing it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Moving the subject of water from state list to concurrent list will solve the issues related to governance of water resources. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Give an account of the areas of potential conflict in the relationship between the political executive and civil servants. Also discuss why a healthy working relationship between the two is critical for good governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Despite their location in the non-political domain of civil society, NGOs have ended up playing a key, if indirect, role in India's politics. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Magnitude of India's urbanisation is not unusual but the pattern is. In this context, examine the issues in the governance of cities in India. Also suggest the reforms required to make Indian cities dynamos of competitive sub-federalism.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Social boycott should be treated as a criminal offence, rather than being considered as just another form of social evil plaguing the Indian society. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Human Trafficking in India has emerged as a serious issue, which calls for understanding the complexity of the problem and devising an effective strategy to combat it. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"A weak teacher education system is at the core of India's problems in school education. Evaluate. In this context, also enumerate the recommendations of the High-Powered Commission on Teacher Education constituted by the Supreme Court of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"India's contribution to peacekeeping missions of the United Nations has remained steadfast despite changes in the nature, form and variety of UN peace keeping missions. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"India's partnership with Africa is an amalgam of African development priorities as well as India's development objectives. Discuss. Also highlight the initiatives taken by India in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Comment on the role of International Court of Justice in upholding the values of international law. In this context, also highlight the association of India with the ICJ over the years.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"In view of the focus on trans-regional economic corridors and changing regional geo-politics and geo-economics, critically discuss the idea of an Indo-Pacific Economic Corridor.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1855,"topper":"Atul Prakash","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/18943_877_Atul_Rank_4.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"What are the factors which drive people to take law in their own hands rather than following the due process of law? Discuss ways to address the problem of mob justice.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"In a democracy, the purpose of the government should be to make it easy for people to do good and difficult to do wrong. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss John Stuart Mill's idea on freedom of thought and expression. Also, give reasons as to why, according to Mill, representative democracy is the best form of government despite its inherent weaknesses.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) \"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Ensuring that government decisions are not influenced by public officials' private interests is a growing concern. Discuss in the context of India. Also enumerate the core principles reflected by OECD guidelines for managing conflict of interest in the public sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Discuss, with examples, the significance of principles of public life as recommended by Nolan committee. Why are these principles considered as an essential set of expectations from public servants?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"A peculiar inhuman situation exists for the people fleeing from war zones - they cannot go back to their homeland for fear of being persecuted and no country is ready to bear their burden due to various reasons. Citing contemporary examples, discuss the ethical issues involved in such situations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"The excluded and marginalized section of society are worst hit by globalization. Take the case of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) like Sentinelese of Andaman & Nicobar islands; their population has reduced drastically and they are facing various other problems as well. In this context answer the following questions: 20 (a) What are the challenges faced by PVTGs due to globalisation? (b) If you are posted as a Development Officer in such an area, what will be your priorities to reduce their vulnerabilities and ensure welfare?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1856,"topper":"Atul Prakash","air":4,"year":2017,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"IMS4Maths","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://ims4maths.com/files/ATUL-PRAKASH-TEST-8-2018.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1857,"topper":"Atul Prakash","air":4,"year":2017,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"IMS4Maths","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://ims4maths.com/files/ATUL-PRAKASH-TEST-9-2018.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1858,"topper":"Atul Tyagi","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Atul-Tyagi-UPSC-2023-Rank-62-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Institutions reflect the cultural values of the societies in which they are established.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"He who has a 'why' to live for, can bear almost any 'how'.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The power of perception shapes our understanding of reality.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The tree that would grow to heaven must send its roots to hell.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"One health approach: a call for ecological equity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Culture can unite what history and geography has divided.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Social evils have not completely left the ground, instead are changing their form.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1859,"topper":"Atul Tyagi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6f542-768483_2319_atul_tyagi_rank_62.pdf","questions":[{"page":15,"question":"Do Not Go Where The Path May Lead, Go Instead Where There Is No Path And Leave A Trail.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1860,"topper":"Atul Tyagi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8f9ef-768483_2122_atul-tyagi_rank-145.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The Way we see the world shapes the way we treat it","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1861,"topper":"Atul Tyagi","air":62,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3a713-768483_2320_atul_tyagi_rank_62.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1862,"topper":"Atul Tyagi","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Atul-Tyagi-UPSC-2023-Rank-62-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Investment in infrastructure is a precursor to social and economic transformation; however, the focus on economic gains must not marginalise the concerns for safety. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What do you understand from Green growth? With special reference to the budget 2023-2024, discuss various government measures to propel green growth in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Project cheetah marks a departure from India's efforts for conservation of various critically-endangered species. In this perspective, do you think the reintroduction of major fauna that has gone extinct is justified? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"In what ways can precision agriculture become a panacea for multipronged challenges plaguing the agriculture sector? Discuss. Also, analyse various impediments in widespread adoption of precision farming in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are the reasons for increasing emphasis on the horticulture sector in recent years? Evaluate government measures for the development of the horticulture sector. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Unplanned urbanization has made Indian cities vulnerable to fire safety hazards. Discuss and recommend measures for mitigating urban fires, with special reference to national building code, 2016. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"DPI (Digital Public Infrastructure) is indispensable for digitally enabling citizens and businesses; however, the challenges of exclusion, exploitation, and monopolisation cannot be ignored. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Assess the relevance of the NISAR mission in observing and managing climate change and natural hazards. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Defense indigenization remains the Achilles heel of India's security architecture. Examine the importance of startups in defense sector to make India secure and self-reliant. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Edge in modern warfare lies not so much in the capacity to overwhelm the adversary as much in the ability to nip the threat in the bud. In this context, discuss the role of intelligence in maintaining national security, and also cite challenges associated. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Labour and export intensive industries are key to problems of jobless growth. In this perspective, analyse the opportunities and challenges associated with the textile sector. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"In an era of interconnected challenges, the emerging global polycrisis poses significant implications for India's macroeconomic stability. Examine and suggest measures to make the Indian economy more resilient to global shocks and challenges. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Do you think the low Female Labor Force Participation Rate presents a correct picture about the 'working women' in India's economy? Give reasons in support of your answer. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Across sectors and regions, the most marginalised sections are also the most affected by the impacts of climate change. Explain. Also, present a case for a climate resilient model of development that integrates mitigation and adaptation measures. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite the potential to check the triple whammy of nutritional deficiency, environmental degradation, and receding farm incomes, the adoption of Millets has been abysmally low. Analyse. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"A link between unorganized farming community and formal industrial sector, Food Processing Industries (FPI) can play a key role in advancing the rural economy. Evaluate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What do you understand by generative Artificial Intelligence (AI)? How can policymakers and regulatory bodies effectively address the concerns and challenges posed by generative AI? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Though ethnic fault lines are a major threat, security challenges in the North-East are not confined to the same. Discuss the statement with special reference to Manipur. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Critically examine the role of development initiatives in addressing the root causes of militancy/ terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1863,"topper":"Atul Tyagi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4ca67-768483_2211_atul-tyagi_rank-145.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The Cholas are inextricably linked with the zenith of Dravidian art and architecture. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Among the major legacies of the Indian freedom movement, civil liberties formed an important one. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The Berlin Conference of 1884-85 in many ways set the ground for the scramble in Africa. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What is a cloudburst and what are its effects? Why are they more frequent in the Himalayan region? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Despite its potential, there are several challenges in the implementation of the Ken-Betwa Link Project. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Identify the issues related to production and supply of coal in India. How can these issues be addressed? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Present the geographical distribution of agro-based industries in India and discuss the challenges faced by them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The caste system continues to be one of the key drivers of poverty and inequality in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the issues faced by domestic workers in India. Also suggest measures that can be taken to empower them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Given the deeply gendered impact of population control measures, examine the need to rethink the current approach of population control measures in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Examine the impact of the Sramana tradition on the Vedic religion and its relation with the emergence of Jainism, Buddhism and Ajivika sects. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Giving a brief overview of the three Carnatic Wars, discuss the factors that led to the success of the British against the French in the struggle for control over India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Provide an account of the issues that led to a crisis in Punjab in the 1980s. Also, discuss the roadmap to peace that was eventually adopted. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Post-drift theories based on ocean floor mapping provided new dimensions to the study of distribution of oceans and continents. Elaborate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Explain the phenomenon of heat waves. Also, enumerate the conditions favourable for the development of heat waves in India and their associated health impacts. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Providing an account of distribution of rainforests across the world, mention their key characteristics. Also highlight the threats that are being faced by tropical rainforests. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Indian cities are not only mimicking the social and cultural structures of inequality and exclusion found in rural areas but are also creating fault lines for future conflicts. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Examine the multi-dimensional impact of globalisation on tribal development in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1864,"topper":"Atul Tyagi","air":62,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ac254-768483_2085_atul-tyagi_rank_62.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1865,"topper":"Atul Tyagi","air":62,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/309b6-768483_2086_atul-tyagi_rank_62.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1866,"topper":"Atul Tyagi","air":62,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c49fc-768483_2420_atul-tyagi_rank_62.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1867,"topper":"Atul Tyagi","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Atul-Tyagi-UPSC-2023-Rank-62-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the role of the 'Fourth Estate' in upholding democratic values and analyse the issues affecting press freedom in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The electoral process, though inclusionary in theory, has been pointed out for exclusionary tendencies in practice. Analyse, with special emphasis on role of women in India's representative electoral system. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Assess the effectiveness of Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 in resolution of river-water disputes. Also describe the potential impact of delays in resolution of water disputes. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the significance of the cooperative model of development in addressing the issues of rural growth. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"In order to pass the ultimate test of good governance, welfare state should be close to the people, responsive to their aspirations, and inclusive in its approach. Discuss with special reference to PM PVTG Development Mission. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"To what extent collaboration between the state and civil society organizations (CSOs) help in addressing poverty and malnutrition in the country? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Absence of a robust social infrastructure in the country may become one of the most significant challenges in achieving a developed status by 2047. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Though the changing paradigm towards dialogue and diplomacy in West Asia augurs well for India's interests in this otherwise restive region, presence of inimical actors may reverse the gains. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Water diplomacy can redefine the contours of regional cooperation in South Asia. Discuss with special reference to Indus water treaty 1960. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Despite constitutional backing to the institutions of local governance, the idea of decen- tralisation has remained hostage to several structural bottlenecks. Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Independent judiciary, as envisaged by the constitution, provides the bedrock for a thriving polity; however, executive encroachment may erode its credibility and affect its efficacy. Evaluate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Executive agencies, working as the watchdog against impropriety, are vital to act against the corrupt; however, pandering to vested interests may have the effect of turning the idea of rule of law on its head. Comment, with special reference to controversies associated with the Enforcement Directorate (ED). (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Critically analyse the role of National Commission for Women (NCW) in wake of its mandate to safeguard women's rights and uphold their socio-economic wellbeing. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Understanding the extent, source, and complexity of deprivations among the multidimensionally poor contributes to more informed policymaking. In this context, analyze the latest National Multidimensional Poverty Index Report by NITI Aayog. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Safely managed drinking water services, as desired by Jal Jeevan Mission, are designated to give multifarious benefits cutting across generations. Discuss. Also, elaborate upon the challenges in ensuring the mission's success. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Legislation like Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989 remains mere legal documents without intense sensitization of public functionaries and the civil society. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Harbinger of global rebalancing, India-Africa ties are a beacon of inclusive, sustainable, and equitable world. Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How do ASEAN centrality, rules-based order, and development partnership with Pacific Island states make Indo-Pacific a theatre of opportunity for India? What are the hurdles in realisation of an inclusive Indo-Pacific construct? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1868,"topper":"Atul Tyagi","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Atul-Tyagi-UPSC-2023-Rank-62-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Celebrity endorsements raise pertinent ethical concerns about responsibility that delve into the realm of ethical considerations of social influence that run deeper than mere surface appeal. In this context, suggest measures to tackle the ethical challenges of celebrity brand endorsements. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Embracing a scientific mindset involves setting aside impulsive inclinations in favor of the pursuit of truth. In your view, how does the integration of scientific thinking contribute to addressing contemporary challenges and promoting societal progress? How can we effectively cultivate a scientific attitude in society? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"In the realm of professional conduct, ethics plays a role that tends to go far beyond fulfilling the roles and responsibilities of the job with diligence and honesty. But some people consider professional competence as the only critical requirement for a job. If faced with a choice, who would you prefer to hire - someone with professional competence or one with strong moral values? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Patriotism can hold different meanings for different people, often shaped by personal experiences and convictions. What does patriotism mean to you? Explain narrating incidents from your life when you exhibited patriotism. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Max Weber's concept of bureaucracy was developed in the early 20th century, but it still influences administrative structures today. In what ways do you see Weberian bureaucracy as relevant in today's rapidly changing world? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Global challenges often test the ethical fiber of nations, urging them to channel narrow pursuit of national-interest into an enlightened self-interest.\" Enumerating the various ethical principles underlying the concept of enlightened national-interest examine its efficacy in helping nations navigate the fine line between pursuing their strategic interests and upholding ethical principles, particularly in times of conflict? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In the realm of governance, a crucial aspect is the art of persuasion. The qualities that make civil servants proficient persuaders empower them to fulfill their responsibilities in an effective manner. Discuss with illustrations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Corruption has multifaceted implications. Some consider it an undeniable vice, while others contend it to be an unavoidable necessity for navigating the bureaucratic complexities. In your opinion, does corruption oil or corrode the gears of development? Substantiate your arguments. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Ethical hacking and malicious hacking stand as divergent paths with distinct intentions and consequences. As technology advances, it becomes imperative to comprehend the nuances that set these practices apart in the cybersecurity landscape. In this perspective, elucidate the principles that differentiate ethical hacking and malicious hacking. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What does each of the following quotation mean to you? a) \"Our greatest ability as humans, is not to change the world, but to change ourselves.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"What recommendations should Dharmendra make to create a safe environment for the women? b) What are the factors that have led to victimization of women, especially during conflicts? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"What are the major ethical concerns in the study of the above case? b) According to you, which of the dual objectives of development and conservation should be given higher priority and why? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"Mr X is travelling by road with his family to attend a marriage ceremony. His grandfather, who is the head of the family is also travelling with him. On the way to their destination, all of them stop at a road side restaurant for lunch. This is a well-known restaurant owned by one of the friends of Mr X. The place is known for its tasty and hygienic food. However, the grandfather notices a picture on the wall of the restaurant and enquires about the religion of the restaurant owner. Mr X's friend belongs to a religion different from the grandfather's religion. The grandfather has a negative attitude towards the religion of Mr X's friend and he insists that he will not eat in that restaurant. He demands that the entire family should leave the restaurant immediately as they are travelling for a happy occasion and eating at this particular restaurant will pollute them. Mr X tries to calm down his grandfather and explain to him that religion has nothing to do with purity or pollution. He also reasons that several travel magazines have rated the restaurant highly, especially for its superior hygiene standards. Also, he points out that there is no restaurant in the way for the next 100 Km and it will be difficult for all to make do without food for that long. However, his arguments fall on deaf years, and which is more his grandfather admonishes him for bringing the family to the restaurant despite being aware about the religion of the owner. Mr X's friend feels insulted and discriminated against due to his religion. Mr X's father is upset but refuses to say anything out of respect for the grandfather. Entire family is embarrassed by the attitude of the grandfather and they are getting ready to leave the restaurant. Mr X is confused regarding how he should act in this situation. a) What are the various ethical issues in the above case study? b) Imagine yourself in the place of Mr X. Evaluate the different courses of actions available with you. What is the most suitable course of action? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":1869,"topper":"Atul Tyagi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4c7c0-768483_2214_atul-tyagi_rank-145.pdf","questions":[{"page":9,"question":"Although open and transparent governance has gained ground, do you agree with the view that there is merit in withholding some information from people? Justify your arguments with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Examine the issue of foreign aid in global politics from an ethical perspective. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"All persons ought to endeavour to follow what is right, and not what is established.\" — Aristotle (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":1870,"topper":"Atul Tyagi","air":62,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/35e7d-768483_2088_atul-tyagi_rank_62.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1871,"topper":"Atul Tyagi","air":62,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ef79a-768483_2421_atul_tyagi_rank_62.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1872,"topper":"Atul Tyagi","air":62,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/137Wfb-lrl6wPVIj7zM5KOfAl4vZ799Nz","questions":[]},{"id":1873,"topper":"Atul Tyagi","air":145,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1QplBWhrQBhBqM0eMbAfKZq4hrqcDUl8S","questions":[]},{"id":1874,"topper":"Atulesh Jha","air":131,"year":2021,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RQ1Egp41huAcepu9cOcdR-eyw-7Nd89E","questions":[]},{"id":1875,"topper":"Atulesh Jha","air":131,"year":2021,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/112e4-77867_1995_atulesh-jha_rank131.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1876,"topper":"Atulesh Jha","air":131,"year":2021,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/19ca7-77867_1996_atulesh-jha_rank131.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1877,"topper":"Atulesh Jha","air":131,"year":2021,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0a681-77867_1997_atulesh-jha_rank131.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1878,"topper":"Atulesh Jha","air":131,"year":2021,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/03778-77867_1998_atulesh-jha_rank131.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1879,"topper":"Atulesh Jha","air":131,"year":2021,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/63fde-77867_1999_atulesh-jha_rank131.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1880,"topper":"Atulesh Jha","air":131,"year":2021,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/cf518-77867_2000_atulesh-jha_rank131.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1881,"topper":"Avadh Singhal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c19f4-139489_1244_avadh-singhal_rank_62.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the need of an Independent Fiscal Council (IFC) in bringing about transparency and accountability in fiscal processes in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Recognizing the potential of exports in generating employment, a number of steps need to be taken to address India's weakening export competitiveness. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlighting the main features of National Mineral Policy, 2019, discuss how it can help in ensuring sustainable and responsible mining. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlighting the salient features of the PM JI-VAN Yojana, analyze how it can assist in achieving the vision and goals of the National Policy on Biofuels, 2018. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) provides an alternative to capital and chemical intensive agriculture currently being practiced in India. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Marine life is facing 'irreparable damage' from the millions of tonnes of plastic waste which ends up in the oceans each year. In this context, examine the implications of plastic pollution on marine ecosystem and suggest some measures for addressing this problem. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are black holes? Highlight the challenges in imaging a black hole? How were these challenges overcome by the Event Horizon Telescope project? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"While mentioning the objectives of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), discuss the challenges which are hindering the utilization of the ATT to its full potential. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Threats to internal security of India may be posed both through the communication networks and also to the networks. Discuss. Also, highlight the steps taken by the government in making the networks more secure. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlight the importance and challenges related to integration of Variable Renewable Energy (VRE) in India. Mention some steps that can be taken for its smooth integration with the synchronized Indian grid. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"There have been arguments that India could fall into a 'middle income trap'. Explaining the phenomenon, highlight the reasons behind such arguments. How can India avoid it? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Highlighting its importance, discuss the major issues that plague effective monetary policy transmission in India. Also, mention the steps taken by RBI to improve it. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight the constraints faced by rainfed agriculture in India. Discuss some agronomic practices that can be adopted for stabilizing agricultural production in rainfed areas. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite the steps taken by the government in recent years, a number of problems continue to persist in the urea sector in India. Discuss. What reforms should be taken to address the persisting problems? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What is Access and Benefit Sharing? Explain how it aids in sustainable use of biodiversity. Also, mention the different global and national level mechanisms for ensuring Access and Benefit Sharing. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Stating the significance, discuss the challenges in achieving disaster resilience of infrastructure. Suggest some ways for mainstreaming it in the development paradigm. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Highlighting the significance of data localization for India, discuss various challenges associated with data localization. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Money Laundering as a socio economic offence is a menace especially for developing countries like India. Comment. What measures have been taken at the domestic and international levels to deal with this menace? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The primary motive of terrorism differs from that of organised crime but there exists a symbiotic relationship between the two. Discuss (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1882,"topper":"Avadh Singhal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/eee82-139489_1436_avadh-singhal_rank_62.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"The BRICS as a grouping seems to have internal contradictions, which makes it difficult for it to emerge as an effective forum in a dynamic multi-polar international order. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Despite India having immense soft power potential, it alone will not be sufficient to achieve India's foreign policy objectives. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Highlighting the role of space technology in border management, enumerate the steps taken so far in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Despite allegations of human rights violations under the AFSPA, it is a functional requirement for the army in disturbed areas. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The use of Internet creates both challenges and opportunities in the fight against terrorism. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain the concept of Chandrasekhar Limit and highlight its significance in the field of astronomy. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Examining the risk posed by space debris, suggest some measures which can be taken for its mitigation and removal. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the challenges confronting higher self-reliance and indigenisation of defence industry in India. What steps can be taken to accelerate its pace? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Comment on the role played by the diaspora in India's development process. Also, discuss the challenges in terms of engaging the Indian diaspora and suggest ways to translate these partnerships into benefits. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the reasons behind proliferation of multilateral preferential trade agreements. Do they violate WTO's MFN principle? Do you think that such trade groupings present an existential threat to WTO? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"India needs to balance its growing water needs and larger security concerns with effective hydro-diplomacy. Highlighting the challenges faced with regard to transboundary rivers, analyze this statement in the context of India's riparian relations with its neighbours. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Commenting on the importance of Central Asia for India, highlight the progress made in the relationship in recent past along with the issues that still remain to further cement the ties. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the significance of India's island territories in its quest to become a net security provider in the Indian Ocean region. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"A fine balance between security and developmental measures needs to be attained for tackling the menace of Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in India. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Illustrate the linkages between drug trafficking, organised crime and terrorism. In this regard, mention the steps that have been taken to arrest the availability of drugs in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Identify the key threats to national security in the wake of climate change. Also, highlight India's stand and rationale on UN's decision to declare climate change as an international security issue. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Explaining the concept of data exclusivity, bring out the arguments for and against incorporating data exclusivity norms in India's IPR regime. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Compare and contrast fifth generation (5G) of wireless telecom technology with 4G technology. What challenges need to be overcome for 5G's pan-India rollout? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1883,"topper":"Avadh Singhal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7620c-139489_1433_avadh-singhal_rank_62.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Given below are two quotations. For each of these bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) The golden rule of conduct is mutual toleration, seeing that we will never all think alike and we shall always see Truth in fragment and from different points of vision. Mahatma Gandhi.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Impersonal management, a characteristic feature of a Weberian bureaucracy, develops over time into indifference, especially with regard to weaker sections of the society. Critically discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"In pursuit of political power, means are often compromised that leads to competitive reliance on unethical practices resulting in erosion of public trust. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"It takes more than a corporate governance policy to inspire ethical behavior and sustain a truly ethical workplace. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"\"Law should be so succinct that it can be carried in the pocket of the coat and it should be so simple that it can be understood by a peasant.\" Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Ethics in international relations has the potential to cater to the diplomatic challenges of 21st century. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Nolan Committee provides for one of the most comprehensive statements of what constitutes ethical standards for holders of public office. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"The sharper the socio-economic disparities, the greater the incentive towards corruption. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"The moral worth of an action depends not on the consequences that flow from it, but on its motivation. Explain the statement with the help of suitable examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"The universal adoption of common good approach poses the ethical dilemma of putting collective interests over and above the individual interests. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"You are an honest and responsible civil servant. You often observe the following: (a) If one wants to remain effective and powerful to create impact on the lives of people, one should remain loyal to those in power. (b) Following ethical means may not be practical and effective at all times. (c) Petty corruption expedites the service delivery. Examine the above statements with their merits and demerits.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Recently, two national level sportspersons who are integral members of their team, made some comments in a talk show which were perceived as being grossly misogynistic and racist. This created a huge controversy, and they were temporarily suspended from the team pending an enquiry. In light of these events, answer the following questions: (a) Do you think public figures have an additional responsibility in so far as expressing their views on matters of public importance is concerned? Give reasons. (b) According to you, what are the reasons, that some prominent public figures make such misogynistic comments, and even get away without any consequences? (c) As the person in charge to enquire into the conduct, what factors would you consider to examine it and what punishment, if any, would you prescribe in this specific case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"There are large number of leather industries in a major industrial town of India. They provide employment to large number of people and are also a prominent source of revenue for the state. Lately it has been observed that despite following the present emission control rules, the collective ecological footprint of these industries remains quite high affecting the surrounding areas in an adverse manner. The new technologies available for emission control are quite costly and thus acts as a disincentive for the owners of the industries for adopting them. In light of this information, the government is contemplating the following options: (a) Shutting down the industries in the region (b) Relocating the industries to a new region (c) Making the emission control rules stricter (d) Providing incentives to the industry owners for adoption of new technology. Analyse the above options in terms of their merits and demerits. What course of action would you choose and why?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1884,"topper":"Avadh Singhal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a86de-139489_1435_avadh-singhal_rank_62.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Do you think there has been a convergence of values between public and private sectors in the wake of increasing role of the private sector in public service delivery?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Giving examples of some social ills plaguing the society, discuss how social persuasion can be an effective technique to overcome them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"What steps should be taken by the government for increasing the effectiveness of grievance redressal mechanism?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are two statements. Bring out what you understand by them and discuss their relevance in the present context. (a) \"I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear\"- Nelson Mandela","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"Explain why superstitious beliefs and practices abound in India. In this context, discuss the importance of inculcating scientific temper to remove superstitions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Simply labelling people as liberal or conservative is to miss the point that an individual can have divergent views on different issues. Explain with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Anti-corruption measures need focus on both demand as well as supply side of corruption. Discuss in the light of prevalence of 'collusive corruption' in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Identify the various traits of a healthy work culture for a bureaucracy in a modern society. Also, suggest ways in which a healthy work culture can be created in India to meet the objectives of good-governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"Citizen's charters can be both a stimulus and a means for government to raise the standards of Public Service delivery. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Attitude and behaviour are so closely interwoven that a change in one inevitably influences the other. Explain the statement with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"Emotional intelligence is an important parameter as one aspires to move up the ladder in a competitive environment. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"Rapid growth of information and communication technology, with all its benefits, has associated risks and far-reaching consequences. The government has constituted a committee to frame guidelines for an inclusive and safe cyberspace in India. The committee has solicited public opinion in this regard. As a concerned citizen, you have to give your suggestions on the following themes: (a) Why do you think some people or a set of people are more vulnerable to cyber threats with special emphasis on cyber-bullying. (b) Do you think the experiences and exposure in cyberspace are an important influence in a person's attitude and behaviour? (c) What reasonable restrictions can be applied to make cyberspace more safe and friendly to all citizens?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"You are serving as the Public Health Officer in a district that is lagging behind in achieving the Open Defecation Free (ODF) status. Even after ensuring adequate access to water and sanitation services, their usage has not spread and the practice of open defecation continues in the district. Despite serious extension efforts by the government, safe hygienic practices have not been adopted by the people. As a result, various instances of bacteriological contamination and water-borne diseases have surfaced up recently. In such a scenario: (a) Examine the reasons behind low usage and adoption rates of built toilets in India? (b) Highlighting the principles to be kept in mind while preparing an effective Information, Education and Communication (IEC) strategy, design an action plan to address the problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"You are the District Magistrate of a district that is known for making combustible substances such as match boxes and fire crackers. As per the The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016, employment of children in such hazardous activities is prohibited. In this regard, government has also released a notification that owners of these manufacturing units need to report on the profiles of their employees annually as child labour has been prevalent in these industries. These manufacturing units, abiding by the directives of the government, publish such reports annually and claim to have successfully put an end to employment of child labour. However, it has been brought to your notice that these companies are taking advantage of a loopholes in the law. They have been outsourcing their hiring to independent contractors who engage families in the business. The families have been continuing to use child labour to supplement their income and also keep the cost of labour competitive so as to bag more such contracts and since they are not officially on the payroll of the companies, they are absolved of the legal liabilities. (a) Identify the ethical issues in this case. (b) How would you approach the problem and what would be the main elements of your action?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"You are working as a Block Development Officer (BDO) in a state and the Lok Sabha elections are around the corner. Two months prior to the elections, a mega rally of a leader from the political party ruling the state is being organized in the neighboring district. All BDOs have received an oral order from the Chief Development Officer directing them to make sure that five buses full of people from their block be sent to the rally. The only direction is to ensure maximum participation and make suitable arrangements in pursuit of the same. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) As a civil servant, what values should guide your response in such a situation? (b) Identify the various options that are available to you? (c) What course of action would you choose and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"You are serving as a District Magistrate in a district, which is prone to recurrent droughts. The issue of scarcity of water is aggravating year by year. Even during the years of high rainfall, the district has witnessed severe shortage of water for agriculture purposes, mainly due to cultivation of water guzzling crops. It is evident that water scarcity is one of the main reasons for backwardness of the district. Recognising this, the state government decided to withdraw some incentives given for cultivation of such crops and incentivise a cropping pattern more suitable to the agro-climatic conditions of this region. However, anticipating worsening of their economic condition in such times, the farmers have taken to protesting on the streets. Despite such a well-intentioned move by the government, the farmers feel that response of the state administration has been anti-farmer and cruel. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Do you think there is a real divergence between interests of the farmers of this district and the state? (b) What immediate steps should you advocate in the interests of farmers of the district?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"Many Indian cities are facing a major problem of management of household waste. Huge volume of wastes has meant that landfill sites are facing the problem of overcapacity. On the other hand, the waste-to-energy plants constructed to solve the problem are also facing flak due to their inefficiency and release of poisonous pollutants. The manner of waste disposal by people is identified as one of the main reasons behind this problem. The government has notified rules regarding disposal, collection and treatment of waste and has initiated numerous awareness campaigns in the past. Still, the problem does not seem to be getting under control. Given such a situation, answer the following questions: (a) What do you think is the reason behind the apathy of people towards issues like waste disposal that affect the larger interests of society in general? (b) Identify the stakeholders and the significance of their involvement in addressing the issue.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1885,"topper":"Avani Lekhara","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/844233c60d0563afaf56a5f899c17647/6/pttp220996_tc062.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Q.1 If you look into someone's face long enough, eventually you feel that you are looking into yourself.\nQ.2 We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.\nQ.3 It is the province of knowledge to speak and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen.\nQ.4 Drop the question what tomorrow may bring, and count as profit every day that fate allows you.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"4. Drop the question what tomorrow may bring, and count as profit every day that fate allows you.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Q.5 Truth, like a torch, the more it is shook, it shines.\nQ.6 Art is I; science is We.\nQ.7 Only the dead have seen the end of the war.\nQ.8 Act as if it were impossible to fail.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1886,"topper":"Avdhija Gupta","air":43,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/69728-864958_1752_avdhija_gupta_rank_43.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1887,"topper":"Avdhija Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/50b32-864958_1502_avdhija_gupta_rank_43.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"It is often argued that there is a crisis of values in modern society. Do you agree with this view? Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Explain the role of society in imparting values. In this context also, discuss a situation wherein acquired values learnt from home or school guided you in a situation of dilemma. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"For a public servant to fulfill his ethical obligations, it is important that there be no dichotomy between his personal ethics and public ethics. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Transparency is not only a bulwark against corruption in administration but also strengthens moral standards in governance. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Morality is neither divine commands nor universal principle of thought rather practices developed by groups of human beings striving to avoid mutually harmful conflict and promote mutually beneficial cooperation. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Explain different aspects of the 'right conduct' taught by Mahavira to attain a life full of happiness and content. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Discuss the standards of behavior expected from civil servants in carrying out their role of developing and implementing government policies and delivering public services. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Bring out the differences between the ethical issues faced by government and private institutions and the reasons therein. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What is the ethical basis behind the idea of reparations for historical wrongs committed against certain groups? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What do you understand by Integrity Pacts? In light of recent events, analyse their utility in ensuring transparency and efficiency in public procurement in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"We are what our thoughts have made us; so take care about what you think. Words are secondary. Thoughts live; they travel far.\" - Swami Vivekananda","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"\"Virtue lies in our power, and similarly so does vice; because where it is in our power to act, it is also in our power not to act.\" - Aristotle","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"\"It may be expedient but it is not just that some should have less in order that others may prosper.\" - John Rawls","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"You are the District Magistrate (DM) of a remote district where literacy rate is very low and level of poverty quite high. The government has decided to go ahead with the first phase of mass vaccination against the COVID-19 pandemic and being the DM it is your responsibility to ensure its successful implementation in the district. However, some people with vested interests have raised concerns against the vaccine. They have not only questioned the efficacy of the vaccine but have also spread rumors of it being harmful for human health. They have also initiated a whisper campaign to the effect that vaccination will lead to impotency and that it is the hidden agenda of the government to control population. There have also been reports in local newspapers of the vaccine being approved for mass vaccination even before completion of the last phase of trials. This is further adding to the confusion and apprehension prevalent among people in the district. The situation was tense even before the initiation of the mass vaccination programe, and once it started you received reports that very few people are turning up to get themselves vaccinated. Given the situation: (a) Discuss various issues involved in the case. (b) What will be your course of action to ensure that the vaccination program becomes a success?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"There was an incident at a company wherein a fire broke out and led to a number of casualties. During the preliminary inquiry, one of the employees and bystander witnesses, specified that the company had taken all the safety measures and the management was not at fault. During litigation, the same employee was identified as a witness and his deposition was to be taken. The issue is now in the court. You are a Senior Manager of the company and accompanying the said employee to the court for the deposition. On the way the employee tells you that he had lied during the inquiry; and that the truth was worse for the company than he had stated previously. (a) Identify the various ethical issues you would face in this situation. (b) What would you suggest the employee to do? Give reasons for your suggestions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"Though discrimination on racial grounds is generally associated with Western countries, arguably similar notions of colour and racial discrimination are prevalent in India too. Many Indians are found to be obsessed for \"White\" skin tone as visible in matrimonial ads and popularity of whitening creams. They are also found to be more hospitable towards the white-skinned Europeans than the dark-skinned Africans. Even within the country, people can be found to be discriminating fellow countrymen on the basis of their skin tone. People from North-East India face frequent racial abuse and are referred to by various derogatory names. All these point towards racism being practised and accepted in India. Moreover, it is not considered a very serious issue as the anti-discrimination laws in India are not stringent enough to deal with hate crimes associated with racism. (a) In this context, discuss the ethical issues associated with the practice and acceptance of racial discrimination in India. (b) If you have been tasked to formulate a plan to combat hate crimes associated with racism in India and bring about an attitudinal change, what would be your suggestions?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"With its highly coveted line of consumer electronics, a multinational company 'A' has a cult following among loyal consumers and makes profits of crores of rupees. Recently, a report by an international non-governmental organisation has highlighted that in some overseas production centres of the company, the working conditions are hazardous for the labour, which include children also. In some centres, the international environmental standards are also flouted. The company's global head has defended their position by saying that they have little control over monitoring and regulating the entire supply chain due to internationalization of the production process. Based on the above information, answer the following: (a) Do you think company 'A' should be held responsible for ethical lapses made by individuals further down its supply chain? (b) Should customers be expected to take into account the ethical track record of companies while making purchases? Give reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"According to some reports, gambling and betting together, while illegal, have evolved into a multi-billion dollar industry in India with one estimate pegging the market at $60 billion. Added to this is the wide reach of cricket as a sport and the periodic cases of betting in it making to news. It has been suggested by some that making gambling and betting legal would resolve many issues and also contribute to the exchequer. On the other hand, there remains a strong opinion against doing so. (a) What is your opinion on the matter? (b) Also, identify the merits of the arguments in opposition to the stand you have taken.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"Recently, the government has enacted certain legislations, which have led to largescale protests from various farmer and trade union bodies in the country. This protest has witnessed various events such as blocking of public roads, destruction of public property and even mass wasting of crops by some farmers. On one hand, the farmers and traders have accused the government of crony capitalism and on the other hand, the government has pointed out that the protests have been orchestrated by those whose vested interests have been hit by the legislations. Various experts are divided on the issue and there is no one concrete view emerging on it. The negotiations that have taken place, have also not yielded any results so far. (a) Identify the different stakeholders and their interests in the case above. (b) Discuss the ethical concerns with such protests and how they should be tackled in your opinion.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1888,"topper":"Avdhija Gupta","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/AVDHIJA-GUPTA-UPSC-2024-Rank-43-MGP-Sample-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) It is often said that politics and ethics belong to different worlds. What is your opinion in this regard? Justify your answer with illustration. Also, highlight the consequences of divergence between politics and ethics.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) \"Integrity is telling myself the truth and honesty is telling the truth to other people.\" Examine the importance of integrity and honesty for a public servant. Also, suggest measures to cultivate these attributes.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) \"Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.\" Discuss the importance of emotional intelligence in self-realisation. Do you think emotional intelligence can be learned?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) Differentiate between the following:\n(i) Rules and Laws\n(ii) Attitude and Belief","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) What does each of the following quotations mean to you?\na) \"Human behaviour flows from three main sources: desire, emotions, and knowledge\" - Plato","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) \"There is a higher court than courts of justice and that is the court of conscience. It supersedes all other courts.\" - Mahatma Gandhi","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"c) \"Tolerance implies no lack of commitment to one's own beliefs. Rather it condemns the oppression or persecution of others.\" - John F. Kennedy","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.4) a) Write short notes on the following in about 30-50 words each:\n(i) Ethical governance\n(ii) compassion in public life\n(iii) Selflessness\n(iv) Crisis of conscience\n(v) Non-partisanship","marks":"10 marks, 150","words":"30-50 words each"},{"page":19,"question":"b) In tandem with the individual merits of employees, the work culture of an organization also plays an important role in harnessing positive outcomes. Discuss the statement in light of the work culture in government organizations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q5) a) What do you understand from conflict of interest? With the help of suitable examples, illustrate how it affects the working of public servants. In what ways can conflict of interest be minimised?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"b) \"Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.\" In the context of this statement, bring out the ethical issues involved with creating a surveillance state for the sake of national security.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.6) a) If corruption is a disease, transparency and accountability are essentially its antidote. Explaining the statement, evaluate various measures available to ensure transparency and accountability in the governance process.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"b) In your opinion, what qualities make a person a 'good person'? Do you think all good persons share similar traits or do their qualities change with 'stan, kal, patra' (place, time and role)?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7 Anand Singh is a government bus conductor working with the Nav Pradesh Transport Corporation. Anand has completed 35 years of service and is due for retirement next year. Anand is happy because he is hopeful of getting his daughter, Madhvi, married from the money he will receive as his retirement benefits. However, Anand's wife pesters him to earn more money in one way or the other. Anand likes his job, and all the passengers in his route vouch for his good nature and helpful behaviour.\n\nOne day, Suresh, Anand's boss, called Anand in his cabin. He told Anand that a complaint has been filed against him by a person for illegally taking the ticket money from him without issuing the receipt for the ticket. Suresh explained to Anand that this act amounted to misappropriation of government money. Suresh always saw Anand as a decent individual and he asked him as to why he indulged in such an act? Anand, visibly disturbed, told Suresh that as the conductor of a government bus he receives a meagre salary, grossly insufficient to meet the needs of his family. He told him that his younger daughter, Sarita, suffers from chronic kidney ailment, and requires dialysis twice a week. A huge chunk of his paltry salary goes towards the cost of Sarita's treatment. Moreover, as a single bread-winner of the family, he has to cater to the needs of his elderly parents. Anand further tells Suresh that since last one year a substantial portion of his income goes towards repaying the loan that he took for his elder daughter's college education. Anand laments that even after working for 35 long years, he is unable to provide for his family beyond the bare basic necessities. He tells Suresh that he is aware of many incidents of large-scale corruption in the road transport department that go virtually unnoticed. Further, Anand justifies his act of taking money by highlighting that almost every colleague of his indulges in such practices, and in comparison, to them, what he took, just fifty rupees, is ignorable and paltry. Further, he brought to light the fact that at times they, the conductors, were expected to give their immediate superiors a bribe in the name of convenience fees for various official tasks.\n\nWhile listening to Anand, Suresh feels compassion for him. He decides to verify the veracity of Anand's claim with regard to the dire straits of his financial conditions. On enquiry, all the workers in the office attested to the fact that Anand is going through a very bad phase and that he frequently resorts to short term loans in order to meet his financial requirements. Moreover, the office employees requested Suresh to take a lenient view of Anand's case. They were of the view that if a strong action is taken over such a trivial incident, then it would be highly unjust and unfair towards Anand. On reaching his home, Suresh shared the whole occurrence and Anand's story with his wife. To his surprise, his wife too agreed with the employees of the office. She told him that such small incidents are a routine matter. Also, with rising inflation and increasing obligations, this is the only way for people like Anand to make their ends meet. She asks Suresh to not waste his time and energy over such a small matter.\na) Why are the incidents of petty corruption trivialized? According to you, is it justifiable to ignore small incidents of corruption?\nb) What are various ethical dilemmas in the above case study?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"a) छोटे-छोटे भ्रष्टाचार की घटनाओं को तुच्छ क्यों समझा जाता है? आपके हिसाब से क्या भ्रष्टाचार की छोटी-छोटी घटनाओं को नजरअंदाज करना जायज है?\nb) उपरोक्त केस स्टडी में विभिन्न नैतिक दुविधाएं क्या हैं?\nc) सुरेश के लिए उपलब्ध विभिन्न विकल्पों के गुण-दोषों की चर्चा कीजिए। साथ ही, आपके अनुसार आदर्श कार्यवाही क्या होगी और क्यों? (20 अंक, 250 शब्द)\na) छोटे-छोटे भ्रष्टाचार की घटनाओं को तुच्छ क्यों समझा जाता है? आपके हिसाब से क्या भ्रष्टाचार की छोटी-छोटी घटनाओं को नजरअंदाज करना जायज है?\nb) उपरोक्त केस स्टडी में विभिन्न नैतिक दुविधाएं क्या हैं?\nc) सुरेश के लिए उपलब्ध विभिन्न विकल्पों के गुण-दोषों की चर्चा कीजिए। साथ ही, आपके अनुसार आदर्श कार्यवाही क्या होगी और क्यों? (20 अंक, 250 शब्द)","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.8 a) What are various ethical issues in the above case study?\nb) What explains the bureaucratic apathy as highlighted in the above instances? How can the same be corrected?\nc) What virtues in a civil servant/public official could have prevented the above incidents?\na) What are various ethical issues in the above case study?\nb) What explains the bureaucratic apathy as highlighted in the above instances? How can the same be corrected?\nc) What virtues in a civil servant/public official could have prevented the above incidents?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"a) उपरोक्त केस स्टडी में विभिन्न नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\nb) उपरोक्त उदाहरण में उत्पन्न की गई नौकरशाही की उदासीनता या निष्क्रियता की क्या व्याख्या है? इसे कैसे ठीक किया जा सकता है?\nc) एक ईमानदार सेवक/लोक अधिकारी में कौन से गुण उपरोक्त घटनाओं को रोक सकते थे?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.9 On the basis of the above case, answer the following questions:\na) Who are the different stakeholders involved in this case? Also, identify their interests/concerns.\nb) What should be the course of action of the new CEO to handle the situation at hand? Which ethical principles should guide his actions? Explain.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"उपरोक्त मामले के आधार पर, निम्नलिखित प्रश्नों के उत्तर दें:\na) इस मामले में शामिल विभिन्न हितधारक कौन हैं? साथ ही, उनके हितों/चिंताओं की पहचान करें।\nb) स्थिति को संभालने के लिए नए सीईओ की कार्रवाई का तरीका क्या होना चाहिए? कौन से नैतिक सिद्धांतों को उसके कार्यों का मार्गदर्शन करना चाहिए? व्याख्या कीजिए।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.10) The national capital has been under the grip of an outbreak of dengue fever which has affected many in the city. Unseasonal rainfall, clogged drains, negligent administration and ignorance of the general public have led to water logging in various places in the capital, which has become the breeding grounds for mosquitos. Comprehensive coverage of the issue in national and international media has become an embarrassment for the ruling dispensation in the capital.\nTo control the outbreak, the administration swung into action and a taskforce was created to control the situation in the city. The Chief Minister visited many areas which were hot spots of the dengue outbreak and announced that all the victims of dengue would be provided free treatment and be paid a government allowance to make up for the wage loss due to dengue. To identify the beneficiaries of the government's plan, Rajesh, a member of the taskforce, was given the responsibility of conducting a survey and recording the names of the victims.\nRajesh conducted the survey diligently, working beyond his normal duty hours, to prepare the list of beneficiaries. Based on the survey, Rajesh prepared a draft list and submitted it to the head of the taskforce. Rajesh's list contained thousands of names and it was realized that the number of victims was much larger than originally anticipated. The head of the task force appreciated the hard work of Rajesh, but told him that such a long list of victims was unacceptable. He explained to Rajesh that giving government aid to such a large number of people was beyond the financial capacity of the state and presenting such a long list would only add to the embarrassment of the government. When Rajesh raised the contention that it was the order of the Chief Minister to give aid to every victim, the head of the taskforce further explained that it was the political expediency of the CM, as assembly elections are due in the next six months. He hinted that Rajesh should modify his list and include only those names who form the electorate of the capital and leave out others from the list as they are politically 'irrelevant'. He also indirectly told Rajesh that by giving a shorter list he could gain some political brownie points that could help him advance his career, while if he insisted on giving the complete list, he could land at the cross hairs of the ruling party. Rajesh understood that if he obliged the request of the head of the taskforce, it would mean leaving out the migrant population who are the most vulnerable section. Rajesh's mind tells him to follow what the head of the task force has asked him to do, but his conscience is exhorting him to say no.\na) Based on this case study, identify the various ethical dilemmas faced by Rajesh.\nb) If you were in Rajesh's shoes, what would you have done? Present an assessment and justification of your suggested course of action.","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":48,"question":"a) इस केस स्टडी के आधार पर, राकेश के सामने आने वाली विभिन्न नैतिक दुविधाओं की पहचान करें।\nb) यदि आप राकेश के स्थान पर होते, तो क्या करते? अपनी सुझाई गई कार्रवाई का मूल्यांकन करें और उचित तर्क दें।","marks":null,"words":"20 अंक"},{"page":52,"question":"Q.11 Satish is a young IAS officer who has been appointed as the collector of a district in a South Indian state. Satish is known for his empathetic and compassionate attitude towards weaker sections. During his last posting as collector of another district in the same state, his work has earned him the name 'compassionate collector'. As collector, he quickly started taking people-oriented actions. He started 'janta darbar' (open house) on every Friday, so that people can directly approach him with their grievances and concerns. In one such Janta darbar, a distressed couple came to him with the plight of their sick daughter. The couple informed that their daughter was suffering from a rare heart condition and undergoing treatment in a private hospital, however, her survival requires immediate surgery. They further told him that they were able to raise substantial money through crowd funding and donations, but were still short of 2 lakhs. They showed some medical reports from a private hospital and recommendations of doctors from the same hospital prescribing immediate surgery. They begged Satish to help them arrange the remaining amount for the surgery. Moved by the pain of the couple and on the basis of the reports from the private hospital, Satish decided to give 2 lakhs for the Collector's discretionary fund and accordingly 2 lakhs were released to the private hospital. After a few weeks, an investigative journalist busted a scam where a private hospital, XYZ, was generating spurious reports and bills for treatments of fake patients. These bills were being paid by the government under the scheme for reimbursement of medical expenditure for treatment of weaker sections of the society. The name XYZ struck him and he recalled that the couple also gave him medical reports from the same hospital. The report of the journalist further added that the scam was going on for quite some time in connivance with the government officials. The news item reported Satish's name as an accomplice of the hospital and accused him of swindling public resources by giving money to XYZ out of the collector's discretionary fund. Taking note of the report, the state government has sent a show cause notice to Satish and an enquiry has been ordered to investigate the matter.\na) Examine various ethical issues involved in the case presented above.\nb) Do you think the actions of Satish were ethically justified? Justify your opinion.\nc) What should Satish do in this situation for handling the allegations of corruption levelled against him?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"a) ऊपर प्रस्तुत मामले में शामिल विभिन्न नैतिक मुद्दों की जांच करें।\nb) क्या आपको लगता है कि सतीश के कार्य को नैतिक रूप से औचित्यपूर्ण ठहराया जा सकता है? अपने मत को औचित्य सिद्ध कीजिए।\nc) सतीश को इस स्थिति में अपने ऊपर लगे भ्रष्टाचार के आरोपों से निपटने के लिए क्या करना चाहिए?","marks":null,"words":"20 अंक"},{"page":57,"question":"Q.12 Moonlighting refers to doing a second job, typically at night and secretly, in addition to one's regular employment. With work from home becoming a new feature of many jobs, it has become easy for many people to moonlight.\n\nArvind is a software engineer in Comsoft, an MNC, and he works from home for his firm. Arvind has received only meagre salary hikes in the last two years as the business of Comsoft has suffered due to the pandemic. However, his expenditure has increased substantially as he got married and had a child in these two years. Arvind was finding it difficult to make his ends meet and decided to take up another job, apart from his regular job in Comsoft. He got his second gig at Mocsoft, who happened to be a competitor of Comsoft, and thus, started moonlighting. This side gig was very helpful for Arvind and his financial condition started improving. Arvind found that in Mocsoft, his role and responsibilities were quite similar to that in his regular employment at Comsoft. This meant that he could easily manoeuvre between two jobs without compromising the quality of work in either company. Shift timing of both the jobs were also different. To keep the two jobs separate, he used his official computer to work for Comsoft and his personal computer for Mocsoft. Two jobs gave Arvind financial space to save for buying a house, something the couple had always dreamt of. However, all his plans shattered and his world came crashing down when Arvind received an official mail from Comsoft informing him of his termination with immediate effect citing his second job as the reason for termination. Arvind was clueless as to what to do now and how to tell his wife about his termination. Similar is the story of hundreds of Arvind, who were terminated for moonlighting.\na) Analyze the various ethical issues involved in the case of moonlighting.\nb) Do you think Comsoft's decision to terminate the employment of Arvind is justified? Why or why not?\nc) Identify various qualities which could help Arvind handle this situation.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":58,"question":"a) मूनलाइटिंग के मामले में शामिल विभिन्न नैतिक मुद्दों का विश्लेषण करें।\nb) क्या आपको लगता है कि कॉन्पसेंट का अरविंद के रोजगार को समाप्त करने का निर्णय उचित है? क्यों या क्यों नहीं?\nc) विभिन्न गुणों की पहचान करें जो अरविंद को इस स्थिति से निपटने में मदद कर सकते हैं। (20 अंक, 250 शब्द)","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250"}]},{"id":1889,"topper":"Avdhija Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/07b5d-864958_1502_avdhija-gupta_43_watermark.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"It is often argued that there is a crisis of values in modern society. Do you agree with this view? Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Explain the role of society in imparting values. In this context also, discuss a situation wherein acquired values learnt from home or school guided you in a situation of dilemma. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"For a public servant to fulfill his ethical obligations, it is important that there be no dichotomy between his personal ethics and public ethics. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Transparency is not only a bulwark against corruption in administration but also strengthens moral standards in governance. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Morality is neither divine commands nor universal principle of thought rather practices developed by groups of human beings striving to avoid mutually harmful conflict and promote mutually beneficial cooperation. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Explain different aspects of the 'right conduct' taught by Mahavira to attain a life full of happiness and content. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Discuss the standards of behavior expected from civil servants in carrying out their role of developing and implementing government policies and delivering public services. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Bring out the differences between the ethical issues faced by government and private institutions and the reasons therein. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What is the ethical basis behind the idea of reparations for historical wrongs committed against certain groups? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What do you understand by Integrity Pacts? In light of recent events, analyse their utility in ensuring transparency and efficiency in public procurement in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"We are what our thoughts have made us; so take care about what you think. Words are secondary. Thoughts live; they travel far.\" - Swami Vivekananda","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"\"Virtue lies in our power, and similarly so does vice; because where it is in our power to act, it is also in our power not to act.\" - Aristotle","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"\"It may be expedient but it is not just that some should have less in order that others may prosper.\" - John Rawls","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"You are the District Magistrate (DM) of a remote district where literacy rate is very low and level of poverty quite high. The government has decided to go ahead with the first phase of mass vaccination against the COVID-19 pandemic and being the DM it is your responsibility to ensure its successful implementation in the district. However, some people with vested interests have raised concerns against the vaccine. They have not only questioned the efficacy of the vaccine but have also spread rumors of it being harmful for human health. They have also initiated a whisper campaign to the effect that vaccination will lead to impotency and that it is the hidden agenda of the government to control population. There have also been reports in local newspapers of the vaccine being approved for mass vaccination even before completion of the last phase of trials. This is further adding to the confusion and apprehension prevalent among the district. The situation was tense even before the initiation of the mass vaccination programe, and once it started you received reports that very few people are turning up to get themselves vaccinated. Given the situation: (a) Discuss various issues involved in the case. (b) What will be your course of action to ensure that the vaccination program becomes a success?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"There was an incident at a company wherein a fire broke out and led to a number of casualties. During the preliminary inquiry, one of the employees and bystander witnesses, specified that the company had taken all the safety measures and the management was not at fault. During litigation, the same employee was identified as a witness and his deposition was to be taken. The issue is now in the court. You are a Senior Manager of the company and accompanying the said employee to the court for the deposition. On the way the employee tells you that he had lied during the inquiry; and that the truth was worse for the company than he had stated previously. (a) Identify the various ethical issues you would face in this situation. (b) What would you suggest the employee to do? Give reasons for your suggestions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"Though discrimination on racial grounds is generally associated with Western countries, arguably similar notions of colour and racial discrimination are prevalent in India too. Many Indians are found to be obsessed with \"White\" skin tone as visible in matrimonial ads and popularity of whitening creams. They are also found to be more hospitable towards the white-skinned Europeans than the dark-skinned Africans. Even within the country, people can be found to be discriminating fellow countrymen on the basis of their skin tone. People from North-East India face frequent racial abuse and are referred to by various derogatory names. All these point towards racism being practised and accepted in India. Moreover, it is not considered a very serious issue as the anti-discrimination laws in India are not stringent enough to deal with hate crimes associated with racism. (a) In this context, discuss the ethical issues associated with the practice and acceptance of racial discrimination in India. (b) If you have been tasked to formulate a plan to combat hate crimes associated with racism in India and bring about an attitudinal change, what would be your suggestions?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"With its highly coveted line of consumer electronics, a multinational company 'A' has a cult following among loyal consumers and makes profits of crores of rupees. Recently, a report by an international non-governmental organisation has highlighted that in some overseas production centres of the company, the working conditions are hazardous for the labour, which include children also. In some centres, the international environmental standards are also flouted. The company's global head has defended their position by saying that they have little control over monitoring and regulating the entire supply chain due to internationalization of the production process. Based on the above information, answer the following: (a) Do you think company 'A' should be held responsible for ethical lapses made by individuals further down its supply chain? (b) Should customers be expected to take into account the ethical track record of companies while making purchases? Give reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"According to some reports, gambling and betting together, while illegal, have evolved into a multi-billion dollar industry in India with one estimate pegging the market at $60 billion. Added to this is the wide reach of cricket as a sport and the periodic cases of betting in it making to news. It has been suggested by some that making gambling and betting legal would resolve many issues and also contribute to the exchequer. On the other hand, there remains a strong opinion against doing so. (a) What is your opinion on the matter? (b) Also, identify the merits of the arguments in opposition to the stand you have taken.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"Recently, the government has enacted certain legislations, which have led to largescale protests from various farmer and trade union bodies in the country. This protest has witnessed various events such as blocking of public roads, destruction of public property and even mass wasting of crops by some farmers. On one hand, the farmers and traders have accused the government of crony capitalism and on the other hand, the government has pointed out that the protests have been orchestrated by those whose vested interests have been hit by the legislations. Various experts are divided on the issue and there is no one concrete view emerging on it. The negotiations that have taken place, have also not yielded any results so far. (a) Identify the different stakeholders and their interests in the case above. (b) Discuss the ethical concerns with such protests and how they should be tackled in your opinion.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1890,"topper":"Avinash Chaudary","air":540,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"SuccessClap","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"http://successclap.in/wp-content/uploads/Avinash-AIR-540-FLT1-SuccessClap.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1891,"topper":"Avinash Chaudary","air":540,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"SuccessClap","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"http://successclap.in/wp-content/uploads/Avinash-AIR-540-FLT3-SuccessClap.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1892,"topper":"Avinash Chaudary","air":540,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"SuccessClap","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"http://successclap.in/wp-content/uploads/Avinash-AIR-540-FLT4-SuccessClap.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1893,"topper":"AVINASH CHOUDHARY","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/188/pttp220283_tc071-test-01-gs01.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The fabric of Indian philosophical thought owes as much to Northern India as to Southern India. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The Indian society's impulse for social change and reform was a response to its opposition to colonial rule. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What are the factors that led to the Russian revolution and what are the consequences of this revolution? Discuss its influence on the Indian national movement. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the various factors responsible for the uneven temperature distribution on Earth's surface. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The melting of glaciers due to climate change has serious implications for the ecosystem and human society. Discuss the effects of melting glaciers on the environment and the measures that can be taken to address this issue. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The White Revolution was most successful in the Western part of India. Discuss the factors for this regional success of the White Revolution. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"To what extent does seismic investigation contribute to our understanding of the Earth's interior structure? Analyze its significance in detail. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The pace of demographic transition varies across different states of India making population growth a double-edged sword. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The ethnic and cultural diversity in India has always been bound by the thread of unity. Discuss the major factors that have contributed to the cultural unity of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The dichotomy in public and private life in Indian society acts as a major barrier to the annihilation of caste. Justify. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"India was forced into numerous wars post Independence. Highlight the causes and impact of the Indo-Pak and Indo-China wars on our bilateral relationships. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The process of consolidation of Bengal, which started after the Battle of Plassey culminated in the Battle of Buxar. Do you think the Battle of Buxar was more important for the British than Plassey? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Sanskrit literature in general and particularly in the Guptan age set a high watermark for the literary history of ancient India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The configuration of the ocean floor provides essential information about the geological processes that have shaped the Earth's surface. Discuss the major features of the ocean floor and their significance in the study of oceanography. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"With the growing demand for rare earth elements, their distribution has become a critical aspect of the global economy. Discuss the distribution of rare earth elements across the world, their uses, and the environmental impact of their extraction. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Tourism in the hilly states is threatening to exceed the ecological carrying capacity of the region. Analyze the factors contributing to this trend and evaluate the potential Environmental impacts of this phenomenon. What measures can be taken to ensure sustainable tourism in these states? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The Indian monsoon is a complex phenomenon influenced by various climatic factors. Critically examine the role of oceanic and atmospheric factors in determining the intensity and distribution of monsoon rainfall in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Why do traditions in our society impede change? To what extent can social legislation be instrumental against old customary practices? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Slums are not ‘problems’ that have to be ‘solved’ – but are indeed a result of lopsided and vested urban policies covering infrastructure provision and socio-economic issues. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Communalism gains strength from economic deprivation, and thrives in environments of social exclusion, creating fertile ground for discontent and division. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1894,"topper":"AVINASH CHOUDHARY","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/189/pttp220283_tc072-test-02-gs02.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"There is a need to resolve the ambiguity in the disqualification provisions under section 8 of the Representation of People Act 1951. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Constitution is a mere skeleton whereas constitutionalism is the soul of democracy. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"Electoral bonds are a double-edged sword, providing anonymity to donors while raising concerns about transparency in political funding.\" To what extent have electoral bonds further legitimized opacity in electoral funding? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The question of gender equality is central to the debate on Uniform Civil Code. In this light what are the challenges in reconciling UCC with gender equality as enshrined in the constitution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The Governor's office is neither decorative nor inconsequential, it assumes a constitutional role of profound essence' To what extent does the Governor, actively contribute to the governance of a state and reinforce the principles of federalism in the country? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Recently demand has been rising in a state regarding the enactment of Social Accountability Law. How such a law can lead to good governance and boost citizens' participation in decision-making. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"There is a need for convergence of 'nutrition-specific' and 'nutrition-sensitive' interventions to effectively tackle child undernutrition in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"MGNREGA, the lynchpin of rural poverty alleviation, has become the victim of fiscal apathy.\" Critically analyze the statement in light of recent developments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"India must leverage, if not manage, the global divides\". How can the current geopolitical churn pave the way for India's rise to the global high table? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"Berlin can be India's gateway to the European Union.\" Elaborate with respect to Germany's significance in India's relationship with the EU. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"How has the Anti-Defection Law impacted the relationship between political parties and individual legislators in India? In light of the recent incidents also discuss the unintended consequences it has on the functioning of democracy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Critics assert that limitless judicial authority rests on the structural ambiguity of the basic structure doctrine. Has the elastic nature of the basic structure doctrine made the judiciary more powerful than the executive? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Fundamental rights are not gifts bestowed upon by the state rather an individual possesses them independently of the state. In this context discuss the desirability of reasonable restrictions on various fundamental rights. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"'S.R. Bommai v. Union of India signified a paradigm shift in the judicial interpretation of the union's authority to assume control of a state's administration.' In this context discuss the significance and impact of the judgement on cementing the federal structure. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The key to effective decentralization is, 'political decentralization should follow finance and functional decentralization'. Discuss in the context of impediments faced by local governance in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"How has the implementation of the POSH Act resulted in limited success in raising awareness about sexual harassment, and what factors have hindered its effective outreach to women employed in the unorganized sector? Propose strategies to bridge this gap and ensure comprehensive protection for women in the unorganized sector against workplace harassment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"'Neo-liberal reforms and globalization have deeply transformed the institutions of the welfare state and set the ground for a new type of civil services.' In this context examine the challenges faced in service delivery and suggest adequate reforms. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"China views India as its \"Asian Rival\" with an innate ability to counter its hegemonic goals in Asia. Despite these difficulties in India-China relations, there are also many areas of convergence. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Indo -Pacific region in recent times has emerged as a zone of diverging interests and priorities. Discuss. Do you think the Global Security Initiative will supersede QUAD in the region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1895,"topper":"AVINASH CHOUDHARY","air":540,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/190/pttp220283_tc073-test-03-gs03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1896,"topper":"AVINASH CHOUDHARY","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/186/pttp220283_tc072-test-02-gs02.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"There is a need to resolve the ambiguity in the disqualification provisions under section 8 of the Representation of People Act 1951. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Constitution is a mere skeleton whereas constitutionalism is the soul of democracy. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The question of gender equality is central to the debate on Uniform Civil Code. In this light what a...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Recently demand has been rising in a state regarding the enactment of Social Accountability Law. How...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"\"Berlin can be India's gateway to the European Union.\" Elaborate with respect to Germany's significance in India's relationship with the EU. There is a need to resolve the ambiguity in the disqualification provisions under section 8 of the Representation of People Act 1951. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1897,"topper":"AVINASH CHOUDHARY","air":540,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/185/pttp220283_tc071-test-01-gs01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1898,"topper":"AVINASH CHOUDHARY","air":540,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/187/pttp220283_tc073-test-03-gs03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1899,"topper":"Avinash V","air":31,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Law","optional":true,"source":"De Facto Law","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.defactolaw.in/_files/ugd/f721f3_ca50621479d2497284794ab0fd448655.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1900,"topper":"AVNI BAMNIA","air":993,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/193/mt23rton003_tc155-test-01-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1901,"topper":"AVNI BAMNIA","air":993,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/192/mt23rton003_tc155-test-01-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1902,"topper":"Avnindra Kumar Rai","air":379,"year":2017,"paper":"Optional — Public Administration","optional":true,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ZOorlm5Kmv6udQR1bPW3PW2Vw8qxa2ue","questions":[]},{"id":1903,"topper":"Avnindra Kumar Rai","air":379,"year":2017,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1OtOLQO16U-j-mcv9VI4Vt2loYfmoeoTy","questions":[]},{"id":1904,"topper":"Avnish Tripathi","air":661,"year":2020,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/16o5JumEA5nodp_7MNUWdmfaiABG3iaUI","questions":[]},{"id":1905,"topper":"Avnish Tripathi","air":661,"year":2020,"paper":"Optional — Public Administration","optional":true,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/11tDag7b7BLQEs5hjbepJ13pEwONzsDcJ","questions":[]},{"id":1906,"topper":"Avula saikrishna","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a506e-16091_747_avula-saikrishna_rank-94.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"A broad ethical framework as a guiding light for international relations will not only ensure harmonious relations between nations but will also lead to progress of the human race. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What does inequality mean to you? What are the different kinds of inequality? Is inequality morally wrong? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"One has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws. In light of this statement, examine the relevance of civil disobedience in a modern democratic society. Discuss the duties and responsibilities of a law enforcing officer in such situations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Ensuring accountability in the administration just adds another layer in the bureaucratic process. Examine. Differentiate between accountability and responsibility. Suggest some measures through which administrative accountability can be made more effective in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"\"Morality is based neither on the principle of utility, nor on a law of nature, but on human reason. But human reason can be fallible.\" Comment., What does morality mean to you?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"For effective public service delivery, the need today is to move from traditional accountability mechanisms to social accountability through greater civic engagement. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"What do you mean by social justice? Explain with examples, why it is imperative for a society to promote social justice.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Investigative reporting by media can be a significant source of information on corruption. What are ethical issues involved in investigative journalism? What safeguards can be introduced to prevent its misuse?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"While transplantation of organs represents one of the most spectacular achievements of modern medical science, it has raised many ethical issues as well. Discuss. Also, examine the issues related to organ transplantation in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"There can be honesty without integrity, but no integrity without honesty. Do you agree? Justify your stand with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"\"It is not always the same thing to be a good person and a good citizen.\" Explain the meaning of this statement and analyse its implications for a democratic society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Value of compassion towards the weak extends the limits of operations of a public servant by introducing flexibility but dilutes the principle of objectivity. Discuss. If a conflict arises between the value of compassion and principle of objectivity, how will you deal with it as a public servant?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Which administrator had a lasting impact on your decision to join the civil services and why? Should administrators have increased media presence so that the common man can know more about their efforts and achievements? Justify your stand.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"You are a Secretary in a government department. Your Minister has proposed an unemployment grant, which is expected to cost the public exchequer heavily. Having already taken the decision, he asks you to come up with research to support the scheme. Despite your best efforts, you fail to find socio-economic benefit in it. You approach the Minister with relevant facts and studies and ask him to reconsider his decision. Instead, he asks you to suppress the negative impacts and actively promote the scheme through mass media as the percieved social impacts are more important than economic impacts. Elections are due in a short time and the political party currently in power is expected to win. You are also due for promotion at the same time. You are expected to fully cooperate in the situation and make the scheme a success, however flawed its foundations may be. (a) List the different stakeholders in the above situation and mention their prospective interests. (b) Discuss the ethical dilemma which you face in this situation. (c) Some of the alternatives for you to handle the situation could be: • Do as asked by the Minister.. • Insist on publication of results and let the public decide whether it wants the scheme. • Call a press conference and brief the media about the results and the callous attitude of the Minister. Suggest any other possible option(s). Evaluate all of them and suggest the best course of action, giving reasons for it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"The International Money Bank has granted loan to the government to construct ten dams. The dams would provide water for irrigation of crops, control floods in some parts of your district, and supply drinking water to numerous towns and cities. Seven of these dams are to be constructed in areas of high ecological value occupied by native groups who are challenging the government. The native groups, who oppose the construction of the dams, represent a minority compared to the multiple towns and cities which would benefit from the dams. Nevertheless, it should be taken under consideration that the natives consider the forests as their own. Also, their distinctive life style and culture is intimately related to the existence of these natural areas. It has been noted that the forests also have a very high ecological value. If this project is completed, their land would submerge and the natives would have to be relocated. The International Money Bank is aware of this yet it has granted the loan. You are the District Magistrate of this district. Every day protests and demonstrations are happening in your office. The government has given you the responsibility to manage the situation. What are the various options available to you. Evaluate all of them and suggest the best course of action, giving reasons for it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"You recently joined the civil administration as a young District Commissioner. As a part of fulfilling their electoral promise, the new government in the state announced total prohibition on production, sale and purchase of liquor. This has not only led to smuggling of liquor from neighbouring states but also production of illicit liquor in the state, known as hooch. Women of the area decide to go on a protest against the recent hooch tragedy wherein several people lost their lives owing to consumption of illicit liquor. The political authorities scapegoat you for mismanagement. (a) What are the issues involved in this case? (b) What are the various options available to you. Evaluate all of them and suggest the best course of action, giving reasons for it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"You are a doctoral student at a large university in the final months of your research on a potentially revolutionary technology. Meanwhile, you have also applied for post-doctoral research cum teaching positions at various universities. To your pleasant surprise, you get an interview call from your undergraduate alma mater, a prestigious research institution in a city where you would love to live. In the interview, the department chair asks for detailed information about your research. Your group is working on a patent application and its members have agreed not to provide details until a paper currently being prepared is submitted for publication. You explain the situation and tell them that you would be glad to send them an early preprint when it is available. But the Chair pushes harder for this information, remarking that the Department seeks team players, willing to share information with department colleagues. She also appeals to your undergraduate connection with the institution. (a) Enumerate the ethical issues involved in the case in light of your current responsibilities vis-a-vis future expectations. (b) Discuss the possible motivations of the department chair in pressing you for detailed information. (c) What stand will you take in such a situation? Give reasonable justification for your arguments.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"You have recently been appointed as the District Collector of an impoverished district, which has been witnessing drought for the last couple of years. Corruption at lower levels of bureaucracy has further aggravated the situation. The district also faces the problem of diminishing resources of drinking water. Despite, the gravity of the problem, the response from the central and the state government is lackadaisical. Moreover, the media coverage of the problem is also dismal. To make matters worse, the younger members of the community are migrating in search of work to the urban areas without much success, leaving the elders, women, and children behind to fend for themselves. (a) As the District Collector what would be your priorities for solving the problem? (b) How would you tackle the situation? (c) What long term measures would you take to prevent the future recurrence of the problem?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":56,"question":"In a district, in which you are posted as a District Magistrate, a teacher molests a child in a government run school. As the news of this crime spreads, the relatives and locals gather at the school. The culprit teacher has meanwhile fled. The police arrests the Principal of the school and assure the crowd that the culprit would be arrested soon. The crowd, however, has gone berserk and begins to damage the school building. It wants immediate arrest of the culprit and is not ready to budge until he is arrested. (a) Is it correct to take the Principal into custody when he has personally not committed the crime? Support your answer with appropriate reasons. (b) What options do you have in dealing with the crowd? Enumerate the merits and demerits of each and also suggest the best possible option. (c) In the capacity of District Magistrate what would be your long term plan to prevent molestations and rapes in the schools?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1907,"topper":"Ayan Jain","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Ayan-Jain-UPSC-2023-Rank-16-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Our moral, religious, and political traditions are united in their respect for the dignity of human life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Neither a life of self-indulgence nor one of self-mortification can bring happiness.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Reality is ultimately a selective act of perception and interpretation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Conversation enriches the understanding but solitude is the school of genius.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1908,"topper":"Ayan Jain","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Ayan-Jain-UPSC-2023-Rank-16-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The role of state in a liberalized economy is best suited as a facilitator and not as an engaged Participant. Critically analyse this statement with respect to privatization drive of the government. (10 Marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What are the major changes brought in the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (Amendment) Act 2021? How will it promote the interest of small account holders and depositors? (10 Marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss how the food processing sector can be the panacea for addressing the triple whammy of low value addition, high post-harvest losses and disguised unemployment associated inherently with the Indian agriculture. (10 Marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What explains the paradox of higher farmer suicide rate in more prosperous states than in poorer states? (10 Marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"India's policies on environmental regulation are discordant, lofty on intent but feeble on outcomes. Critically examine this statement with special emphasis on plastic waste management in the country. (10 Marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discuss the impact of illegal construction and encroachment on disaster vulnerability, biodiversity and ecology of mountain regions in the country. (10 Marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do you mean by scientific social responsibility (SSR)? In light of draft policy of SSR, discuss how can SSR strengthen science-society linkages and usher in a cultural change in the conduct of science for the benefit of society at large in the country? (10 Marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Analyze the critical importance of genome sequencing in pandemic control. (10 Marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Examine the need of a clearly articulated National Security Strategy for systematic, consistent and coherent approach towards national security. (10 Marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The issues associated with Left Wing Extremism (LWE) are both developmental and ideological. Analyze the trend in Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected areas over the past decade and evaluate India's strategy to tackle LWE. (10 Marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"While imposing a tax is a legitimate exercise of sovereign's power, retrospective taxation undermines the credibility of a nation as a stable legal regime and discourages international investments. Discuss in light of recent controversies. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"India's stressed asset and bankruptcy reforms started on a good note, but now seems to have lost steam. Identify various issues faced in effective implementation of Insolvency and bankruptcy code in the country. How can the newly created Bad Bank help in overcoming the problem of bad debt and stabilizing the financial system? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Stagnant farm incomes, present a strong case to develop agriculture in India as an enterprise. Discuss how the new farms laws can help in development of farming as an enterprise and increasing the farm incomes. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What is climate smart agriculture? Despite its critical role in climate change mitigation and substantial state intervention to promote climate smart agriculture, the progress made in adoption of climate smart agriculture is unimpressive. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"How is urban flooding different from rural flooding? Discuss the reasons for and implications of increased instances of urban flooding in recent times. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What do you mean by a circular economy? Discuss how can this concept help in resolving the dilemma of achieving rapid economic growth and reducing environmental footprint. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Green hydrogen presents an opportunity for the economy to modernize without the need to 'carbonize'. Discuss the statement and suggest strategies for leveraging benefits of green hydrogen. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What do you understand by deep net and dark net? Highlighting various security threats posed by dark net, discuss challenges in its regulation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Analyse the internal security implication of Taliban's rule in Afghanistan for India and suggest counter measures to address emerging security challenges. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Blurred lines between civilian and military use of technologies have created invisible enemies and new set of internal security challenges. Discuss in light of concerns related to use of drone, cyber and bio-technology. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1909,"topper":"Ayan Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ed274-1040520_2419_ayan_jain_rank_16.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the role played by the Directorate of Enforcement in the investigation of offence of money laundering and violations of foreign exchange laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Indian Constitution has been successful in providing a framework for liberal democracy to flourish in India. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand by the \"principle of subsidiarity\"? Discuss its importance in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"\"The moral value of fundamental duties would not be to smother rights but to establish a democratic balance by making the people conscious of their duties equally as they are conscious of their rights\". Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Do you think the exercise of delegated legislation by the executive goes against the principle of separation of powers? Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"A key factor behind poor governance is a system of thinking and working in silos. Discuss in the context of public services in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Unsafe abortions are a critical issue affecting the reproductive and maternal health of women in India. Identify the reasons behind the same and suggest remedial measures as well. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Digital healthcare has the potential to address the perennial issues pertaining to accessibility and affordability of healthcare in India. In this context, discuss the role of Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission in putting the country at the cusp of a 'digital health' revolution. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"As the only G20 member from South Asia, the G20 leadership is an ideal opportunity for India to use it as an effective platform to amplify South Asia's voice at the global stage. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The India-UAE CEPA will serve as a catalyst to bolster economic ties between the two countries and give India greater access to the region. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"A dysfunctional criminal justice system, absence of well-considered legislation and need for domain expertise, are being seen as the new challenges for the Indian judiciary. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"To what extent has the anti-defection law been able to address the issue of political instability in India? Discuss with suitable arguments. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Governance of inter-state rivers in India suffers from various issues due to conflictual federalism. Discuss. Also, highlight the mechanisms, which can be utilised to resolve inter-state river water disputes in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Elaborate on the fundamental aspects in which the Indian Constitution differed from its contemporaries despite being a post-colonial document. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Freebies, especially ahead of elections, do more harm than good to the society. Do you agree? Give logical arguments in support of your answer. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The Smart Cities Mission, which was launched to change the urban landscape of India has produced mixed results. Discuss. Also, highlight the challenges faced in executing the Mission. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"It has been argued that despite several hurdles faced by the entrepreneurship ecosystem in India, the future of India is likely to be shaped by its entrepreneurs. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Though the 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' scheme has given much-need attention to gender discrimination, it has failed to yield desired results due to poor implementation and monitoring. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"As security threats increase in form and frequency in the South-West Indian Ocean, discuss the role played by India in relation to small island developing states (SIDS) in the region. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"As India re-imagines its neighbourhood, cross-border connectivity through sub-regions is becoming increasingly vital. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1910,"topper":"Ayan Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/85058-1040520_1835_ayan-jain_rank-87.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The withdrawal of general consent to the CBI by certain state governments in India threatens the spirit of cooperative federalism in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Stating the sources of finance for local self-governments in India, suggest ways to strengthen their financial position. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Cabinet Committees play an important role in reinstating collective responsibility and principle of homogeneity of the Executive in the Indian Parliamentary system. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"There is a need to overhaul the public procurement and project management (PPPM) framework of India for faster, efficient and transparent execution of government projects. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Adequate measures are required to overcome the challenges and vulnerabilities associated with undertaking social accountability initiatives and institutionalising them. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"In view of the recent Parliamentary Standing Committee report, discuss the issues faced by the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) and suggest measures that can be adopted to strengthen it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"While the Mid-Day Meal scheme was aimed at fulfilling the nutritional needs of students, it is far behind in achieving this objective. Discuss. Also, suggest remedial measures in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) remain critical for the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In this context, discuss the impediments in the fulfilment of SRHR in India. Also, mention the steps that can be taken in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"State the functions of the United Nations Human Rights Council. Also, discuss the issues faced by the Council in the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"West Asia is an important strategic region for India with profound geo-political and geo-economic significance. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Disenfranchising prisoners desecrates a cherished value in a democracy i.e. 'right to vote', which should be guarded earnestly. Discuss in the light of The Representation of The People Act, 1951. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"There are similarities and interactions between the affirmative action adopted by India and USA owing to similar historical injustices faced by their respective vulnerable groups. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Objections to domicile-based reservation in private sector jobs on the grounds of constitutional equality and freedom are misplaced. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"There have been arguments that sedition law is an attack on the very foundation of India's liberal democratic principles, as enshrined in the Constitution. Do you agree? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite Government e-Marketplace facing certain challenges, it has brought about a significant improvement in the procurement of goods and services by various government agencies. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"A reformed system of recruitment, training and evaluation needs to be put in place to take forward the development of a highly efficient and accountable civil service. Discuss in the context of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Despite initiatives taken by the Indian government to achieve critical goals in the education sector, major interventions are required to tackle learning poverty as well as the persisting inequalities. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"In light of the burgeoning burden of both communicable and non-communicable diseases, there is a need to revamp the public health surveillance system in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The repercussions of the ongoing economic crisis in Sri Lanka extend beyond its borders. Discuss with specific reference to India. Also, mention the steps that India has taken to assist Sri Lanka tide over the crisis. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India is a reliable partner in the Indian Ocean Region and can take on the role of being the net security provider in the region. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1911,"topper":"Ayan Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b49fe-1040520_1836_ayan-jain_rank-87.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The PM-AASHA scheme is aimed at improving procurement mechanism as well as ensuring remunerative prices for farmers. In this context, highlight the various components of the scheme and discuss the concerns associated with it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Explaining the concept of blended finance, discuss the role it can play in mobilizing capital for infrastructure development in developing countries like India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss the challenges faced in the revival and revamp of dry ports in India and state the measures that can be adopted in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Monoculture is one of the major threats to ensuring food security and sustainability of Indian agriculture. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Aapda Mitra - a force of volunteers from across India trained in disaster response - is becoming a game changer in the field of disaster management in the country. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Why is the rise in lone wolf attacks considered as a serious challenge for security-agencies around the world? Highlight the role of the internet in exacerbating such attacks. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The fundamental inefficiencies embedded in our military structures and processes are now being addressed through a slew of defence reforms in the country. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"In light of the recent establishment of the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in India, discuss the advantages and challenges in mainstreaming traditional medicine in the country. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Nano Urea Liquid has the potential to transform farming in India and across the world by improving productivity while reducing environmental pollution and input cost. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss the domino effect of high crude oil prices on the Indian economy. Also, enumerate the measures that India can take in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The consistent high operating ratio of the Indian Railways is indicative of its incapability to generate high operational surplus. Explain the reasons behind this trend. Also, highlight the remedial measures taken by the government in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Micro food processing sector is the key driver of growth in the Indian economy as it encourages food processing innovation. In this context, state the challenges faced by the micro food processing sector and discuss how the recent initiatives taken by the government aim to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Despite efforts by successive governments, equitable growth remains elusive and income inequality continues to persist in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Stating the factors that determine the employment situation of an economy in the long-term, discuss the measures that are needed for India to address its unemployment problem. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"In view of the rapidly increasing socio-economic damage caused by disasters, integrating Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) into development planning requires an effective stakeholder engagement mechanism. (250 words) 15 Discuss.","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Provide an account of the existing carbon trading mechanisms in India. Also, discuss the significance of an efficient carbon trading market in the country and state the challenges that currently exist. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The menace of drug trafficking in India has been on a rise due to a mix of factors, both internal and external. Discuss. Also, state the challenges posed by drug trafficking to India's national security. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The Andaman and Nicobar islands' strategic significance in the Indian Ocean region (IOR) has been underplayed by India's policy of 'masterly inactivity and benign neglect'. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India has recently commissioned the world's first large International Liquid-Mirror Telescope (ILMT). How will the newly commissioned telescope aid in India's astronomical observations and research? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1912,"topper":"Ayan Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4f10c-1040520_1836_ayan_jain_rank_16.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The PM-AASHA scheme is aimed at improving procurement mechanism as well as ensuring remunerative prices for farmers. In this context, highlight the various components of the scheme and discuss the concerns associated with it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Explaining the concept of blended finance, discuss the role it can play in mobilizing capital for infrastructure development in developing countries like India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss the challenges faced in the revival and revamp of dry ports in India and state the measures that can be adopted in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Monoculture is one of the major threats to ensuring food security and sustainability of Indian agriculture. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Aapda Mitra - a force of volunteers from across India trained in disaster response - is becoming a game changer in the field of disaster management in the country. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Why is the rise in lone wolf attacks considered as a serious challenge for security-agencies around the world? Highlight the role of the internet in exacerbating such attacks. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The fundamental inefficiencies embedded in our military structures and processes are now being addressed through a slew of defence reforms in the country. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"In light of the recent establishment of the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in India, discuss the advantages and challenges in mainstreaming traditional medicine in the country. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Nano Urea Liquid has the potential to transform farming in India and across the world by improving productivity while reducing environmental pollution and input cost. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss the domino effect of high crude oil prices on the Indian economy. Also, enumerate the measures that India can take in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The consistent high operating ratio of the Indian Railways is indicative of its incapability to generate high operational surplus. Explain the reasons behind this trend. Also, highlight the remedial measures taken by the government in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Micro food processing sector is the key driver of growth in the Indian economy as it encourages food processing innovation. In this context, state the challenges faced by the micro food processing sector and discuss how the recent initiatives taken by the government aim to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Despite efforts by successive governments, equitable growth remains elusive and income inequality continues to persist in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Stating the factors that determine the employment situation of an economy in the long-term, discuss the measures that are needed for India to address its unemployment problem. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"In view of the rapidly increasing socio-economic damage caused by disasters, integrating Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) into development planning requires an effective stakeholder engagement mechanism. (250 words) 15 Discuss.","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Provide an account of the existing carbon trading mechanisms in India. Also, discuss the significance of an efficient carbon trading market in the country and state the challenges that currently exist. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The menace of drug trafficking in India has been on a rise due to a mix of factors, both internal and external. Discuss. Also, state the challenges posed by drug trafficking to India's national security. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The Andaman and Nicobar islands' strategic significance in the Indian Ocean region (IOR) has been underplayed by India's policy of 'masterly inactivity and benign neglect'. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India has recently commissioned the world's first large International Liquid-Mirror Telescope (ILMT). How will the newly commissioned telescope aid in India's astronomical observations and research? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1913,"topper":"Ayan Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/005f2-1040520_1835_ayan_jain_rank_16.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The withdrawal of general consent to the CBI by certain state governments in India threatens the spirit of cooperative federalism in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Stating the sources of finance for local self-governments in India, suggest ways to strengthen their financial position. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Cabinet Committees play an important role in reinstating collective responsibility and principle of homogeneity of the Executive in the Indian Parliamentary system. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"There is a need to overhaul the public procurement and project management (PPPM) framework of India for faster, efficient and transparent execution of government projects. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Adequate measures are required to overcome the challenges and vulnerabilities associated with undertaking social accountability initiatives and institutionalising them. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"In view of the recent Parliamentary Standing Committee report, discuss the issues faced by the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) and suggest measures that can be adopted to strengthen it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"While the Mid-Day Meal scheme was aimed at fulfilling the nutritional needs of students, it is far behind in achieving this objective. Discuss. Also, suggest remedial measures in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) remain critical for the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In this context, discuss the impediments in the fulfilment of SRHR in India. Also, mention the steps that can be taken in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"State the functions of the United Nations Human Rights Council. Also, discuss the issues faced by the Council in the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"West Asia is an important strategic region for India with profound geo-political and geo-economic significance. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Disenfranchising prisoners desecrates a cherished value in a democracy i.e. 'right to vote', which should be guarded earnestly. Discuss in the light of The Representation of The People Act, 1951. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"There are similarities and interactions between the affirmative action adopted by India and USA owing to similar historical injustices faced by their respective vulnerable groups. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Objections to domicile-based reservation in private sector jobs on the grounds of constitutional equality and freedom are misplaced. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"There have been arguments that sedition law is an attack on the very foundation of India's liberal democratic principles, as enshrined in the Constitution. Do you agree? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite Government e-Marketplace facing certain challenges, it has brought about a significant improvement in the procurement of goods and services by various government agencies. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"A reformed system of recruitment, training and evaluation needs to be put in place to take forward the development of a highly efficient and accountable civil service. Discuss in the context of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Despite initiatives taken by the Indian government to achieve critical goals in the education sector, major interventions are required to tackle learning poverty as well as the persisting inequalities. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"In light of the burgeoning burden of both communicable and non-communicable diseases, there is a need to revamp the public health surveillance system in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The repercussions of the ongoing economic crisis in Sri Lanka extend beyond its borders. Discuss with specific reference to India. Also, mention the steps that India has taken to assist Sri Lanka tide over the crisis. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India is a reliable partner in the Indian Ocean Region and can take on the role of being the net security provider in the region. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1914,"topper":"Ayan Jain","air":16,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2497e-1040520_2420_ayan_jain_rank_16.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1915,"topper":"Ayan Jain","air":16,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Ayan-Jain-UPSC-2023-Rank-16-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1916,"topper":"Ayan Jain","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Ayan-Jain-UPSC-2023-Rank-16-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Fear is a powerful, primitive, undesirable emotion, but like all other emotions it has its utility. Explain with examples from your life. How can fear be managed and controlled? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss the role of ethics and values in turning India into a 5 trillion-dollar economy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlighting the three components of attitude, explain what should be the attitude of a civil servant while dealing with the issues related to integrity and probity in public life. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"\"Non-violence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind. It is mightier than the might-iest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man\" - Mahatma Gandhi. Does this view still hold true in the contemporary world? Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Individual liberty is an ideal of democracy, yet states frame laws and policies that restrict personal freedoms. Do you think it is ethical for a democratic government to limit individual liberties of their citizen? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"\"Beware of false knowledge, it is more dangerous than ignorance\". Discuss in context of social media. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What does each of the following quotation mean to you? a) \"The only thing necessary for triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.\" (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Nations must incorporate morality in their climate action for just and equitable distribution of global carbon space. In this light, bring out and discuss ethical dimensions in India's climate action plans and commitments. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Objectivity and compassion both are considered foundational values for a civil servant. Why is it important for a civil servant to balance these values? Explain with help of two examples where (i) objectivity was practiced without compassion (ii) objectivity and compassion were blended together. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"What do you understand by the term \"participatory governance\"? Based on your understanding of the term, discuss why is it important for ensuring ethical governance. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":35,"question":"Saraswathi has been recently appointed as a Labor Enforcement Officer (LEO). Saraswathi has always lived with her family in a metropolitan area. Due to her new posting, she has shifted to a sub-urban area and this is the first time that she is living away from her family. Though Saraswathi is enjoying her work, some cultural difference, especially related to gender discrimination, has come as a rude shock to her. One day, Saraswathi was inspecting a construction site as part of her official duty of protecting the rights of laborer and ensuring a safe work environment. Upon her arrival on the project site, she was greeted by Ajith, the chief contractor of the project. Ajith showed her around the project site and everything appeared sound at first. However, when she was about to leave, she saw an injured woman, Shanti. Saraswathi initially assumed that shanti was injured in some work-related accident. She asked Shanti about her injury and what shanti revealed to Saraswathi shook her. Shanti told Saraswathi that she was a 17-year-old girl belonging to a tribal community and the contractor had brought her to the construction site with a promise of a decent working wage. While the male laborers were paid 25 rupees/day, Ajith paid Shanti just 15 rupees/day for her back breaking manual labor. Shanti approached Ajith and demanded an increase in her daily wage to 20 rupees/day or she would go back to her village. Shanti was accompanied by some other women laborer. Not only Ajith refused to demand but also thrashed her with a steel rod to set an - ? b) , c) ?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1917,"topper":"Ayan Jain","air":16,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"SuccessClap","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://assets.zyrosite.com/dWxxVpWEZetoMDNk/air-87-mr-ayan-complex-successclap-m6L4j1Ql58cy5N6M.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1918,"topper":"Ayan Jain","air":16,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"SuccessClap","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://assets.zyrosite.com/dWxxVpWEZetoMDNk/air-87-mr-ayan-real-analysis-successclap-Yg21qPMbVXCKar9K.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1919,"topper":"Ayan Jain","air":16,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"SuccessClap","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://assets.zyrosite.com/dWxxVpWEZetoMDNk/air-87-mr-ayan-flt-successclap-AR0lMz8BWyfwJrxe.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1920,"topper":"Ayan Jain","air":16,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"SuccessClap","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"http://successclap.in/wp-content/uploads/Ayan-Jain-AIR-16-FLT1-SuccessClap.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1921,"topper":"Ayan Jain","air":16,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/05e79e85886db31c562f8e2fb26b6867/34/mathematics_test_5_ayan-jain-2023-uc.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1922,"topper":"Ayan Jain","air":16,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/05e79e85886db31c562f8e2fb26b6867/35/mathematics_test_6_ayan-jain-2023-uc.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1923,"topper":"Ayasha Fatima","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/182bb-417781_1405_ayasha-fatima_rank-184.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The effectiveness of microcredit has come under question in recent times due to multiple reasons. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"For minimising distribution losses in the power sector, public private partnership (PPP) and input-based distribution franchisee models can provide the solution. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What is gender budgeting? Give an account of the issues due to which gender budgeting has not been a fruitful exercise in India. Also, suggest measures required to address these issues. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlight the issues faced by the corporate bond market in India and suggest reforms required in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"In light of the renewed focus on strategic disinvestment in recent times, examine the rationale behind it and also discuss the concerns raised against it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"While identifying the need for providing social security to gig workers, highlight the challenges that exist in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Do you think that multi-year budgeting is the need of the hour in India? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are the issues faced in financing of infrastructure in India? Give an account of the steps taken by the government to resolve these in recent times. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Investment in social infrastructure is key to engineer an inclusive and sustainable growth in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"It is imperative that the present system is re-engineered and a transition towards Outcome Budgeting is made for effective Public Finance Management in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"There have been indications of sluggish growth in labour intensive industries in India in recent times. Analyse the reasons behind this trend. What can be done to reverse the trend? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"While some associate increased penetration of technology and industrialization with increase in inequality in India, the reasons for the same lie somewhere else. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"It has been argued that a fiscal stimulus can help revive the Indian economy and deal with the current slowdown. Discuss in context of prevalent situation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"While public private partnership (PPP) in Indian Railways should be encouraged, there is a need to manage the transition to PPP model carefully. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"A worrying trend for Indian economy has been the decline in private investment in the past few years. Highlight the reasons behind it. What steps should be taken to revive private investment in the economy? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1924,"topper":"Ayasha Fatima","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/19ce7-417781_1402_ayasha-fatima_rank-184.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What was the policy of apartheid prevalent in South Africa? Highlight the role played by prominent African leaders in bringing an end to it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"To what extent was the Treaty of Versailles responsible for World War II? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Non-alignment was an attempt by newly independent countries, including India, to keep colonialism and imperialism at bay. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Most of the factors responsible for Scramble for Africa had to do with events in Europe. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Despite the initial promise, the potential of Bhoodan and Gramdan movement remained essentially underutilized. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Concerns for national security, its national ideals and emulation of the imperialistic behaviours of Western powers, are important factors in understanding the emergence of Japan as an imperial power. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The Sykes-Picot agreement had consequences that can still be seen in West Asia. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The involvement of local voluntary organizations or Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) has been an important feature of environmental movements in India. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by neocolonialism? How is it different from colonialism? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What were the reasons for India intervening militarily in Bangladesh's war of independence in 1971? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The failures of February revolution were the primary reasons behind October revolution in Russia. Examine. Also, discuss the consequences of October revolution for Russia and the world. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Stating the reasons for the outbreak of the Vietnam War, discuss how it became a major theatre of the Cold War. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Integration of tribals with the mainstream population post independence was a difficult task due to multiple challenges and differing viewpoints. Elaborate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The imposition of Emergency in 1975 has been deemed as one of the biggest challenges faced by the Indian democracy. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Explain why the nationalists, despite their initial success, eventually lost to the communists in China. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The biggest impediments in integration of Princely States after independence came from Junagadh, Hyderabad and Kashmir. In this context, bring out the strategies adopted for integration of these states in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The League of Nations was only as strong as the determination of its leading members to stand up to fascist regimes. Examine in context of failure of the League of Nations. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Explaining why England was the first country to experience industrial revolution, analyse its impact on different aspects of the English society in the 18th century. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"While the roots of Naga insurgency lay in issues of identity and ethnicity, over the course of time it has evolved into a complex problem with political, social and economic ramifications. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Analyse the role played by Bismarck and Cavour in the unification of Germany and Italy respectively. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1925,"topper":"Ayasha Fatima","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/435b9-417781_1413_ayasha-fatima_rank-184.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"In India, ancient and medieval storage structures such as the step wells, are not only magnificent in their conception, architecture and ornamentation but also hold a lesson for contemporary water concerns. Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"In the period after 1919-20, the influence of Indian capitalist class over the nationalist movement progressively increased due to various reasons. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"With modern education being introduced in India to meet the interests of the British, its reach was restricted and its character unsatisfactory. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Throw light on the reasons of poverty in the third world countries and enumerate the key ideas suggested in the Brandt report of 1980 to help them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Though both caste and race are manifestations of closed systems of stratification, there are important differences between the two. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What are peri-urban areas? Highlight the problems of peri-urban areas in India and also suggest corrective measures. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Studying the cosmos for over a quarter century, the Hubble Space Telescope has changed our fundamental understanding of the universe. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Giving example, explain how continental rupture ultimately results in the formation of a new ocean basin. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"A strong tradition of linguistic analysis developed in ancient India and there remained a continuous focus on its preservation and transmission. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Explain, using examples, how the nature of peasant movements changed during the colonial period. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"What were the conditions and circumstances that led to the emergence of Socialist Movement in India? Analyse the impact of socialist ideas on the Indian National Movement. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The Truman doctrine was part humanitarian and part strategic in its objectives and impact. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Almost all the major 'divisive' problems of today have been there ever since Independence, or even earlier. But in spite of them India has not only survived as a nation but also become stronger. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Domestic servants are one unique group of workers in modern India, which is ubiquitous but remains invisible. Indicate the challenges faced by this section of workers. Also, discuss the factors that contribute to these challenges and suggest measures to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The story of contemporary India is a story of migration. In this context, explain how migration has shaped India socially and economically. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Briefly describe the process of ozone hole formation. Also, explain why ozone hole over Antarctic is greater in size than the one over Arctic. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Watershed management can ensure effective use of both natural and social capitals. In this context, discuss how the concept of integrated watershed management can help meet the sustainable development goals in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1926,"topper":"Ayasha Fatima","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e033b-417781_1409_ayasha-fatima_rank-184.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"While the Right to Information Act is considered path breaking in promoting transparency and accountability, discuss why some argue that it has not been able to fully achieve its objectives. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"'The Citizens' Charter sees public services through the eyes of those who use them.' Discuss how emergence of citizens' charters have altered the concept of accountability and improved the delivery of public services. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"How can organizational culture impact public service motivation and sustain values in administration? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"It is imperative that civil servants have leadership skills to bring about meaningful change in the present day India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Digitization of service delivery and online public interface have the potential to transform governance in India. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) There is a higher court than courts of justice and that is the court of conscience. It supersedes all other courts. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"As interactive technologies such as Artificial Intelligence penetrate peoples' lives, the lack of understanding of their social influence carries a risk of them doing more harm than good. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Examine the role of media in promoting probity in governance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"A civil servant's conduct is expected to be a model of ethical behaviour. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Given the importance of inculcating emotional intelligence from an early age, discuss how schools can play a prominent role in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"The utilisation of public funds in a democracy like India must be based on the principles of transparency, accountability and efficiency. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"A manufacturing company is located in a small town where it is not easy for people to find jobs otherwise. The company has stayed in the town even though it could find cheaper workers elsewhere, because workers are loyal to the company due to the jobs it provides. Over the years, the company has developed a reputation in the town for taking care of its employees and being a responsible corporate citizen, owing to its CSR activities. The manufacturing process used by the company produces a by-product that has been flowing into the town river for some time now. According to some media reports people living near the river have started reporting illnesses off late and there is also damage to aquatic life. People, however, have refused to come forward as their livelihood depends on the company. You being the Sustainability Officer of the company believe it to be your duty to report this to the higher management. You are of the opinion that this matter is associated with the prestige of the company and should be taken seriously. In the meanwhile the new CEO, who has just joined the company, has called you for briefing and understanding the local issues. On the basis of the above case, answer the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders in the case above. (b) What arguments would you put forth to the CEO to convince him to act on this matter?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"A recent phenomenon called as 'Deepfakes' has gained media attention. It has been found to be a powerful technology through which programmers can manipulate a video or audio content and make them look real. While the technique can be used to have some harmless fun, it is rife with possibilities of misuse. From creating fake pornographic videos to making politicians appear to say things they did not, the potential for damage to individuals, organisations and societies is vast. (a) Identify the potential damaging effects of such a technological tool? (b) What steps are required to minimise the impact and adequately deal with the misuse of such technologies?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"You are a member of a High-level Committee that has been formed to monitor discrimination and violence against Scheduled Castes (SCs) and suggest measures to curb them. When you delve deeper into the issue, you come across many recent incidents, which confirm the widely held belief that SCs are consistently humiliated on a daily basis. On the basis of the above information, answer the following: (a) Discuss why there is widespread discrimination and violence against SCs despite enactment of suitable legislations to prevent such instances. (b) As a member of the High-level Committee, suggest legal and administrative measures to prevent atrocities against the SCs. (c) State the role of media and civil society in bringing about behavioural change in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1927,"topper":"Ayush Agrawal","air":341,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Economics","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/05e79e85886db31c562f8e2fb26b6867/1/eco-1_ayush-agrawal.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1928,"topper":"Ayush Agrawal","air":341,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Economics","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/05e79e85886db31c562f8e2fb26b6867/2/eco-2_ayush-agrawal.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1929,"topper":"Ayush Agrawal","air":341,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Economics","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/05e79e85886db31c562f8e2fb26b6867/3/eco-3_-ayush-agrawal_.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1930,"topper":"Ayush Agrawal","air":341,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Ayush-Agrawal-UPSC-IAS-2023-Toppers-AIR-341-Sample-MGP-GS-Copy-3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1931,"topper":"Ayush Agrawal","air":341,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Ayush-Agrawal-UPSC-IAS-2023-Toppers-AIR-341-Sample-MGP-GS-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1932,"topper":"Ayush Agrawal","air":341,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Ayush-Agrawal-UPSC-IAS-2023-Toppers-AIR-341-Sample-MGP-GS-Copy.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1933,"topper":"Ayush Goel","air":171,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0d4bc-1173117_2121_ayush-goel_rank-171.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1934,"topper":"Ayush Goel","air":171,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/07d75-1173117_2123_ayush-goel_rank-171.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1935,"topper":"Ayush Goel","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d1f6d-1173117_2219_ayush-goel_rank-171.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Fiscal policy can be a key tool to reduce income inequality as well as make the poorest and the downtrodden a part of the country's growth story. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Digitizing land records will go a long way in ensuring land reforms as well as lessening the burden on the Indian Judiciary. Elaborate. Also, state the measures taken in this context. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"It has been pointed out that competitive politics to fund mostly non-merit subsidies is pushing a few states in India to the brink of a deep fiscal crisis. In this context, discuss the need to rationalise the subsidy regime in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Micro-irrigation has tremendous potential in transforming farming into a profitable and sustainable venture. Discuss the given statement in the context of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Given its vast resources and technical expertise, India can play a key role in assisting the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) in dealing with the impact of climate change. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The recent \"Disaster Management Plan of Ministry of Panchayati Raj (DMP-MoPR)\" aims to develop disaster resilience at the grassroots level. In this context, discuss the rationale behind the formulation of the Plan and highlight its key components. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the internal security implications emanating from the use of Emerging And Disruptive Technologies (EDT) by state and non-state actors. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Identify the impediments faced by India in boosting its defence exports. Also, discuss the steps taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the multiple issues associated with space debris. Also, state the initiatives taken in recent times to tackle this menace. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The adoption of Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) in India is expected to make e-commerce more inclusive and accessible for consumers. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While an agreement was recently reached at the WTO on a deal to curb \"harmful\" government fisheries subsidies, certain concerns raised by India suggests that the matter will require further negotiations. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite the advantages that are associated with the hybrid annuity model (HAM) in the road construction sector, the interest in it has moderated due to various reasons. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The existing MSP procurement regime is neither economically nor agro-ecologically sustainable. Elaborate. Also, evaluate the alternative approaches that can be adopted to improve the existing MSP regime. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"It is being argued that India is struggling with overflowing foodgrains in warehouses. Discuss the statement in view of the existing buffer stock policy of India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Recently, the government has asked all ports to prepare a master plan in order to become 'mega ports' by 2047. In light of this, discuss the challenges faced by ports and suggest remedial measures in order to propel India's blue economy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Inequality in income and wealth translates into carbon inequality. In this context, discuss the significance of addressing carbon inequality for India and suggest ways to achieve it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Despite increased and regular occurrences of landslides over the past decade in India, the dominant development paradigm has largely not been modified. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India needs a smart border management system to balance legitimate cross border flows with national security interests. Discuss. Also, highlight the initiatives taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Establishing linkages between globalisation and money laundering, discuss the initiatives taken at the national and international levels to combat it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"There have been arguments that India needs to review some of its past assumptions about the nature of outer space and contribute to the development of new global norms. In this context, analyse India's stand in relation to the Artemis Accords. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1936,"topper":"Ayush Goel","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/af307-1173117_2218_ayush-goel_rank-171.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to revisit the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution? Discuss with suitable arguments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Highlighting the advantages of online dispute resolution (ODR) mechanism for justice delivery, discuss the challenges associated with its effective implementation in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Despite the constitutional division of powers, Centre-state disputes have been a perennial feature of Indian democracy. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Do you agree with the view that adopting a framework for lobbying will strengthen participative governance and ease of doing business in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Despite the government encouraging open source instead of proprietary technology for government applications, the true potential of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) and digital platforms remains unrealized. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"As a social safety-valve, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) can be the principal vehicles through which communities voice their concerns. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Despite being lauded for its patient centric approach, the implementation of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, remains sluggish and mired with various issues. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to formulate an Urban Employment Guarantee scheme at the national level? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the relevance of BIMSTEC as a regional organisation to fulfil India's strategic aspirations in the Indian Ocean Region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the relevance of the Gujral Doctrine for India with regard to its relations with its immediate neighbours in the present times. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the pivotal role of the \"Officers of Parliament\" in the Indian Parliamentary system. Also, discuss the constitutional and statutory provisions for their impartial functioning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The Finance Commission plays a crucial role in balancing fiscal federalism in India. In this context, examine the recommendations given by the 15th Finance Commission. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Critically assess whether according statutory backing to the Model Code of Conduct will contribute towards free and fair elections in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"The market disruption caused by digital revolution warrants renewed focus and perspective to ensure fair competition in the digital economy. In this light, discuss the need to revamp the Competition Commission of India (CCI). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"There is an urgent need for effective whistle-blowing mechanisms and ensuring that necessary safeguards for the protection of whistle-blowers are established in both public and private spheres in India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"State the reasons behind the poor performance of cooperatives in India. Also, discuss the reforms undertaken by the government to overcome the shortcomings. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Public-Private Partnership model, if harnessed properly, has the potential to bridge the gaps in India's healthcare system. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Although the New Education Policy brings with itself a commendable vision, its success will depend on its ability to effectively integrate with the government's other policy initiatives. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) is born from a collective desire to make the Indo-Pacific region an engine of global economic growth. Comment. Also, discuss India's concerns in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"India needs to identify the priority areas to further its techno-diplomacy amidst the complexities of expanding digital space and New and Emerging Strategic Technologies. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1937,"topper":"Ayush Goel","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a2cb2-1173117_2217_ayush-goel_rank-171.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With examples, discuss how the cultural traditions from various regions of India get reflected in regional music. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Highlighting the emergence of the working class movement, discuss its contribution towards India's freedom struggle. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Do you agree with the view that Gandhian politics was, in a sense, a continuation of Tilak's politics? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"It is said that the world's oceans are losing their 'memory' due to human-induced warming. Comment. Also, discuss the consequences of the phenomenon. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What is soil amendment? Evaluate the benefits and concerns associated with it. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"It has been suggested that the next decade may see a boom in hybrid power plants. Stating the advantages that such power plants offer, discuss the associated challenges. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What are Van Allen Radiation Belts? Explaining their formation, discuss why there has been a growing focus on their study. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss whether marital rape should be criminalised in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What is care economy? Highlight the challenges associated with it and mention the steps taken to address them in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Post-pandemic India is staring at the challenge of “learning poverty”. Analyse its implications and discuss a way ahead. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Bring out the evolution of mural traditions in South India. Also, elaborate on their significant characteristics. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Indian nationalism that confronted British imperialism in the 19th century was a product of colonial modernity. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Environmentalism surfaced in the form of many organised movements in post independence India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Do you agree with the view that continental blockade was an ill-conceived strategy by Napoleon to conquer Britain through economic means? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What do you understand by the Arctic Paradox? Highlight the spatial distribution of mineral and energy resources in the Arctic region. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Cryosphere changes have a tendency to bring about a devastating impact on the ecosystem and its people. Discuss. Also, enlist measures to tackle this threat. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The frequent instances of urban flooding pose a severe risk to the urban ecosystem in India. Discuss with special emphasis on its impact on the critical infrastructure. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Sand is not only critical for economic development but also provides crucial ecosystem services. Elaborate. In this context, discuss the importance of sustainable sand mining in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The challenge of unbridled and unbalanced growth of urban spaces in India necessitates reforms in urban planning and capacity. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Feminist movements in India have historically lacked inclusivity, often growing within a limited Western upper-class psyche. Critically discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1938,"topper":"Ayush Goel","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WI7j--rJbQqtw7Xhxx-FKG-e5xQk6n2I/view","questions":[]},{"id":1939,"topper":"Ayush Goel","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/10b80-1173117_2220_ayush-goel_rank-171.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The logic of limitless wealth lies in the basic human instinct for furthering self-interest in the form of profit. In this context, do you think there is a possibility of pursuing ethical capitalism? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"If a law is unjust, a man is not only right to disobey it, he is obligated to do so. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The capacity of Citizens' Charter to initiate any transformative process is conditioned upon it being appropriately designed and effectively executed. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The moral fiber and ethical conduct of public officials not only influence the standard of governance but also their own interests and performance. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The ongoing debate on euthanasia poses several ethical questions. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Foreign aid is a form of neo-colonialism, as the economically wealthier countries can exploit the developing countries under the cloak of aid. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Throwing light on the idea of Universal Humanism propounded by Rabindranath Tagore, discuss its contemporary relevance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree with the view that it is nature and not nurture which determines the emotional intelligence of a person? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Values that guide public administrators can often compete with each other, owing to their relative importance to the larger public interest. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Is it justifiable to say that corruption is a social phenomenon? What are the various ways through which administrative corruption can be tackled? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"\"I do believe that, where there is only a choice between cowardice and violence, I would advise violence.\"- Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"You are posted as the Commissioner of Police in a metropolitan city where a visiting foreign dignitary, with President-level security coyer, is scheduled to visit for an official function. As a part of the security preparedness, it has been decided that no vehicular traffic will be allowed on the route which will be taken by the foreign dignitary to reach the venue of the function in the city. However, just 15 minutes before the scheduled arrival of the dignitary, you are informed that a critically-ill patient is stuck on the way to the hospital in a private car along with his family. In this situation, answer the following: (a) Discuss the issues involved in halting traffic for VIP movement. (b) List the options available to you in this situation with their merits and demerits. (c) What will be your course of action? Justify with proper reasoning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"The transgender community has been a part of India's social set up since the very beginning but never recognized as a reputable part of the society. 'Hijra' is a term traditionally used in India for transgender women who were born male. The role and value of this community in accordance with the sacred Hindu texts condenses to the performance of blessings at marriage and birth ceremonies for good fortune. With the advent of the British Raj in the 19th century, the acts of \"cross-dressing\" were registered as a criminal offence and if such offences were committed repeatedly, imprisonment followed. Thus, began the criminalization of hijras. Today, although legally supported and socially empowered as compared to earlier times, hijras are still subject to transphobic discrimination-associated violence, poverty, and segregation. In light of the above, answer the following: (a) Identify the challenges faced by transgenders during the different stages of their life. (b) Discuss the reasons for the continuing discrimination against trangenders in India despite several initiatives for their upliftment in recent times. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"You are an IPS officer posted as the Inspector General of Police in a state. The recent death of a father-son duo in one of the districts in the state, due to custodial violence allegedly in the presence of the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), has sparked anger across the state. This is not an isolated incident, as there have been allegations raised by human rights groups in the past regarding custodial deaths due to physical assault by the police. The High Court of the State, taking suo moto cognizance of the recent incident, has served a notice to the state government, seeking a detailed report on the rising instances of custodial deaths. The state government has constituted a Committee to probe the incident and submit a detailed report about the veracity of facts related to it. You have been asked to head the Committee. You know the Deputy Superintendent of Police of the district to be an honest, hardworking and upright officer. He has privately requested you to absolve him of any wrongdoing as he claims not to be present when the incident occurred. You know that any action against him will be detrimental to his reputation and career. On the other hand, the seniors in the department are pressurising you to put all the blame on the DSP and make him a sacrificial lamb in order to protect the overall image of the police in the state. In the given scenario, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the stakeholders and the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) What steps will you take to ensure that the enquiry is seen to be fair and impartial? (c) Given the challenges that the police forces in India operate under in their day-to-day functioning, suggest some initiatives to address them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"X , , - , , - X , X , , X (a) ? (b) , - - ? (c) ? Mr. X is a billionaire businessman who heads a conglomerate engaged in insurance, energy generation and distribution, and manufacturing. Despite being globally known as a great philanthropist, he turned down a shareholder request seeking the disclosure of the conglomerate's actions on issues related to climate change as well as diversity and inclusion. Because of increased attention to climate and diversity issues, many leading firms have committed themselves to incorporate relevant considerations in their business strategies. Therefore, some industry-observors wonder if Mr. X is out of touch with the industry at large and have warned him that failing to address climate change issues puts his businesses under systemic risk. But, Mr. X maintained his vote against the disclosure proposal, while at the same time acknowledged the importance of both climate change and a diverse and inclusive work force. However, Mr. X believes that such ethical issues take secondary importance to maximising shareholder profit. (a) Discuss the importance of including climate change strategies and diversity and inclusion in a business organisation? (b) In your opinion, what matters more for a business organisation - socio-environmental concerns or shareholder profit? (c) How can the two above-mentioned issues be reconciled? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"The Indian education system suffers from many ills. One of the major issues is the focus on 'rote learning', which has been the staple of the Indian education system for many years. While many Indians have attained success despite this system, simply being able to recall information is not enough in today's world when that information is instantly available to anyone on a mobile phone. A survey of 200 Indian and foreign companies found that only 14% of Indian graduates were prepared for the workforce, largely because most graduates were unable to apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the consequences of 'rote learning' on the educational development of young students in the country? (b) Suggest measures that can be taken to address this issue. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1940,"topper":"Ayush Goel","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/08006-1173117_1837_ayush-goel_rank-171.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain why altruism constitutes one of the core values in public life. In this regard, suggest some measures to foster altruistic behaviour in public services. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Certain actions can be right even though they do not maximize good consequences, for the rightness of such actions consists in their representing certain norms. Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"With the help of appropriate examples, discuss the ethical challenges involved in policing in India. Also, highlight the reasons behind corruption in the police force. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"A right combination of spirit and structure is integral to ethical corporate governance. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"It is not only public servants, but also the common citizens who play a key role in institutionalising high standards of ethical conduct and good governance. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Public administration in India suffers from the 'working-in-silos' culture. In this context, discuss the importance of cooperation, coordination and collaboration for efficient governance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"While emotional intelligence is an essential tool for a public servant, it can also be misused to manipulate people to act against their own interests. Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Social influence is an ambivalent concept. It can be a source for good, bad and even for evil. Discuss with the help of relevant examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Effective public service delivery demands a people-centric approach, which is built upon coordination and leverages technology. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Highlight the important teachings of Kautilya that are relevant to public services in 21st century India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.\" Nelson Mandela (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You have recently graduated from college and are now preparing for the civil services examination. While reading the newspaper, you come across a news report of a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), working for child rights, challenging a provision of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, in the Supreme Court of India. The said provision provides for the option of Children in Conflict with Law (CCL) to be tried as adults under certain circumstances. The NGO's plea is that children are not able to understand the gravity of crimes. It has also contended that the criminal acts committed by children are a reflection of failure of the society to take care of its children. In the context of this situation, as a young aspirant, answer the following questions: (a) What are the possible factors that can drive a child towards committing heinous crimes? (b) Is it ethical to punish children as adults rather than giving them a chance for reformation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"You are a CEO-founder of an edTech company. You are under tremendous pressure from the investors in your company to increase the profitability of the company and undertake downsizing. After making a few bad acquisitions, the company's finances have taken a huge hit in the last couple of years. The downsizing is suggested with the hope that the company's profitability would rise, as it often does when mass layoff or downsizing decisions are carried out. Moreover, the investors have hinted that such measures would attract further investment from them, which has come as a ray of hope considering the ongoing volatile market conditions and slowdown in big-ticket fundings. Given the situation, rumors of unscrupulous firing have started doing the rounds among employees. It has increased apprehensiveness and reduced cohesiveness among them. You have informed the investors that the cost cutting exercise can affect the output as well as reputation of the company in the long-run. However, they are adamant to pursue the same. (a) Identify the stakeholders and ethical issues involved in the case. (b) You and the HR team have identified some options and are deliberating to put them across to the investors for consideration. Discuss the merits and demerits of each of these: (i) Identifying key high performers and offering them suitable positions before implementing the layoff decision. (ii) Putting the terminated employees on retainer to work part-time. (iii) Executing the lay off order in the same spirit as it was asked by the investors and letting them deal with the long-term consequences. (iv) Improving the perception of fairness among the existing and terminated employees and moving ahead with the layoffs. (c) Without restricting yourself to the above options, discuss the course of action you will take, and provide adequate reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"There is an ongoing ethnic civil war in a neighbouring country. The conflict has caused massive displacement of people from the country. Ironically, the developed countries have closed off their borders to the refugees on account of the COVID-19 pandemic, resource competition, domestic politics etc. With countries sealing off their borders, the refugees are left in a vulnerable situation and many are taking illegal routes to enter your country. As a Senior Official of your country's Ministry of External Affairs, you have been involved in discussions with officials of other nations and are entrusted with the mandate to design a national policy to safely accommodate India bound refugees. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) Discuss the moral issues related to the rights of international refugees, especially those from conflict-torn regions. (b) What recommendations would you suggest given the large influx of refugees in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Social interactions where a person is addressed by their correct name and pronouns, consistent with their gender identity, are widely recognized as a basic and yet critical aspect of gender affirmation. A national university invited speakers for a discussion on rights of sexual minorities in India. The panel included speakers representing a wide variety of opinions and perspectives on the issue. The debates, though largely peaceful, witnessed a controversy. A college association representing sexual minorities took offence against a panellist who cautioned against self-identification by sexual minorities and the liberal use of pronouns. The association reached out to the media and the localised controversy soon turned into a national issue across news networks and social media. The association demanded that the panellist apologise for his views and issue a public statement in this context. The panellist, on the other hand, seemed unmoved by the issue. In the meantime, the University has come under huge pressure to resolve the issue. The Vice Chancellor set up a Committee to look into the matter and its peaceful resolution. You have been appointed as the Chairperson of the Committee. In this regard, answer the following questions: (a) Discuss the various moral issues involved in the case. (b) Keeping the right to freedom of speech and expression in mind, highlight the steps you would take to resolve the issue and list arguments in support.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You are a young athlete representing India at an international-level competition. To your surprise, during the competition, you witness a few senior athletes injecting something using a syringe in private. When you approach them, they explain that it is a performance enhancing drug, which is very common in such competitions and you should take the same as well. You are aware that if these players get caught in a doping test, it may damage India's reputation. You are confused and afraid of the repercussions and decide to approach the coach to discuss the event you witnessed. However, you get to know that the athletes are taking the drug on the advice of the coach himself. (a) What would you do in this scenario? Discuss the options available to you and chart your course of action. (b) What are the reasons behind the use of performance enhancing drugs in competitive sporting events? How can this practice be minimized?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"You have been newly appointed as the District Magistrate of a district, which is known for its rich mineral deposits. Following the news being circulated in the media about the illegal mining in your district, you have initiated an enquiry into it. When the State's Minister of Mines and Minerals gets to know of the enquiry initiated by you, he directs you to name some junior government employees as being involved in the wrongdoing and make them scapegoats. He also points out that elections to the State Assembly are around the corner and the present government wishes to stay clear of any political corruption. This Minister is a very influential figure in the present regime and there are high chances of the present ruling party being voted back to power. In due course of the enquiry, it has come to your notice that the said Minister has also been involved in illegal mining through his cronies. The findings of the enquiry can affect the outcome of the elections as well as completely derail your career, if the incumbent party wins the elections, which looks very likely as per the polls. Answer the following with reference to this case: (a) Identify the stakeholders and the ethical issues in the given case. (b) Critically evaluate the options in the given scenario and state your course of action, giving reasons.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1941,"topper":"Ayush Goel","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/13l_S53iE0n56ux0YNNxqX5yVgCggHUD1/view","questions":[]},{"id":1942,"topper":"Ayush Goel","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EMzySqxEfXaOfXiIiz1wvm92jlY27y9t/view","questions":[]},{"id":1943,"topper":"Ayush Jakhar","air":337,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Ayush-Jakhar-UPSC-IAS-2023-Toppers-AIR-337-Sample-MGP-GS-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1944,"topper":"Ayush Jakhar","air":337,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Ayush-Jakhar-UPSC-IAS-2023-Toppers-AIR-337-Sample-MGP-GS-Copy-3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1945,"topper":"Ayush Jakhar","air":337,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Ayush-Jakhar-UPSC-IAS-2023-Toppers-AIR-337-Sample-MGP-GS-Copy.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1946,"topper":"Ayush Khare","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6643f-261239_1448_ayush-khare_rank_267.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"It is argued that mathematics and astronomy were an important part of intellectual development in ancient India. In this context, highlight the major contributions of ancient India to these areas. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In context of the rivalries, which existed between the English and French trading companies in India, highlight the factors, which led to the success of the English East India Company in its struggle against the French. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What were the causes of the Iranian Revolution of 1979? In what ways do the consequences of this revolution remain relevant even today? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Analyze the impact of globalization on indigenous craft, literary traditions and traditional knowledge systems in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Juvenile delinquency has attracted much media attention in recent years. What are the factors that drive the juveniles towards crime? In this context, state the significance of rehabilitative and reformative measures for juvenile delinquents. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Highlighting the health challenges that tribals are facing in India, suggest a roadmap to improve the health indicators of the tribals. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Give an account of the geographical distribution pattern of major agro-based industries in India. Also, explain their multiplier effect on rural economy. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Highlight the reasons and resultant implications of disappearance of urban water bodies in India. Mention some of the steps which can be taken in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Explaining the role that Ocean Iron Fertilization can play in the fight against climate change, discuss the concerns associated with its large-scale adoption. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"In India a vast number of languages are potentially endangered. Discuss the reasons and implications of disappearance of a language. Also, suggest measures to preserve potentially endangered languages. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"While the British established a judicial system based on the rule of law, in practice this system suffered from numerous drawbacks. Analyze keeping in mind the developments between 1793 and 1833. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Trace the evolution of British policy towards the princely states in India. How did the freedom movement impact the people of these princely states? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Give a brief account of the circumstances under which Simla agreement was signed in 1972. Mentioning its important provisions, discuss whether it was a lost opportunity for India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"State the push and pull factors responsible for internal migration in India. Also examine how it is impacting urban transition in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Examine the factors responsible for poor performance of family planning programme in India. Suggest some family planning strategies, which can be adopted for improving reproductive health outcomes and achieving family welfare. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Women experience poverty differently and more acutely as compared to men. In this context, explain the socio-economic factors, which contribute to feminization of poverty in India. How can this problem be tackled? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Giving examples, highlight the reasons behind existence of regional disparities in India. Suggest some strategies to address them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Highlighting different factors affecting Indian monsoon, explain why it is difficult to predict it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1947,"topper":"Ayush Khare","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8ab72-261239_1449_ayush-khare_rank_267.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Bringing higher judiciary under the ambit of RTI has its own merits and demerits. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Tribunals in India have not just replicated some of the problems that our judiciary suffers from but added a few more. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Parliamentary privileges are not always used for the aims they were intended to serve. In this context, discuss the need for codification of these privileges in light of recent developments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"There is a point of view that the office of Governor has outlived its relevance and needs to be abolished. Critically examine in the current context. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Is lateral entry in civil services the panacea to address the challenges, which hamper the effective functioning of bureaucracy in India? Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Highlighting the grievances of states towards Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS), explain how the government has sought to rationalise these schemes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The PM Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) has begun well and holds a lot of promise, however it needs to address multiple challenges to become a success. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"With changing times India's engagement with its diaspora has also undergone a change. Explain in the context of government policies on diaspora. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Decentralisation in India has been fairly successful at the political level, however on the fiscal and administrative fronts progress is marred by several bottlenecks. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The provisions of the Anti-Defection Law have been repeatedly violated and are routinely misinterpreted. Examine. Also, suggest measures to strengthen the Anti-Defection Law. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The amendment process for the Indian Constitution follows a middle path between rigidity and flexibility. Comment in comparative perspective. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Assess the effectiveness of the institutional architecture of Indian federalism in settling inter-state disputes. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The recent advances in technologies have the potential to make e-governance a very potent tool for ushering in an era of good governance. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"While Indians are donating to charitable causes more than ever, philanthropy in India is still at a formative stage. In this context, highlight the significance of philanthropy and state the factors holding back philanthropy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Highlight the challenges faced in implementation of healthcare schemes in India. Examine how creation of a robust digital health ecosystem can prove to be a game changer in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"For India to emerge as a knowledge superpower, it is imperative to address the challenges of access, equity, quality, affordability and accountability faced by the current education system. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Ties with both USA and Russia are important for India, however, both these relations have their own sets of challenges, and some of these are further accentuated by the friction between these two powers. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1948,"topper":"Ayush Khare","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2cb14-261239_1451_ayush-khare_rank_267.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"It is morally permissible to perform an action in pursuit of a good end in full knowledge that the action might also bring about bad results. Critically examine the statement with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"An essential element that distinguishes a career in public service from jobs elsewhere is its focus on public service ethos. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The foundational values of efficiency, impartiality, empathy, and incorruptibility are an integral part of civil services. Elaborate with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The foreign policy of nations is primarily guided by national interests. Do you think the pursuit of such exclusive concerns leaves little scope for ethics in international relations? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Corporate Social Responsibility can help in changing the perception of 'business ethics' being an oxymoron. Critically analyze. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context:","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"Citizens' Charters by themselves cannot achieve the desired results in improving quality of public services. Discuss the statement in light of the Sevottam Model. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"What do you understand by social capital? Explain its relationship with good governance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Emotional Intelligence is an essential ingredient for managing personal and organizational change. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Do you agree that privatization and outsourcing of selected public services will help improve the quality of public service delivery and in particular reduce the incidence of corruption? Substantiate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Discuss the contributions of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar to the idea of social justice in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"You are posted as the District Magistrate in a district, which has been ravaged by floods recently. The severity of floods has not only led to destruction of shelter and livelihood, but also created risks of deadly diseases spreading in the area. Street thugs have taken advantage of the situation and are looting and stocking anything they can get their hands on. There are reports that many shops and homes have been broken into and looted. Some suspect that this is the work of illegal immigrants from a neighbouring country, who have been residing in the district for a long time. The local MLA is objecting to extension of relief and rehabilitation assistance to these illegal immigrants. A number of residents of the district have also joined the MLA and are arguing that citizens have the first right on the country's resources, particularly in the prevailing situation. In this context, answer the following: (a) Do you think that citizens of a country have the first claim on resources of a nation in every situation? Justify your answer with valid arguments. (b) Given this information, chart a course of action based on priorities of the administration. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"You are the Commissioner of a city municipal corporation. Recognizing the state of some of the old buildings, you have categorised these under the list of dilapidated buildings. You have also issued an advisory to residents regarding the status and hazards of living in such buildings and asked them to vacate the premises. However, even after such a notification, residents continue to occupy such buildings and refuse to vacate. These are mostly poor people who have no other alternative available and would be rendered homeless if they vacate the premises. While you are trying to figure a way out for these people, your worst fears come true when one of the four-storeyed buildings on the list collapsed after heavy rains. Following the incident, public outrage led to accusations against the corporation for not getting the building vacated. (a) What challenges do you face as the Commissioner in this situation? Highlight the steps you will take to address these. (b) What measures will you take to prevent reoccurrence of such unfortunate incidents? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"You have been recently posted as a District Education Officer in a district, which is notorious for mass copying. It again witnessed some disturbing incidents during the recent Board examination. In some of the examination centers located in your district, the parents virtually took over the centres to help their wards to copy during the exams. The parents justified their act by arguing that the concerned teachers did not take classes at all during the year. Upon enquiry, you found that invigilators turned a blind eye in this situation and school administrations were also involved in tampering with the CCTV footage of the incidents. You also found that teacher absenteeism has indeed been rampant. Further, concerns regarding this had been repeatedly raised by parents in the past, but no action was taken. In this situation: (a) What course of action would you take in the immediate to short term to deal with the issue at hand? (b) Explaining the ramifications of such incidents for the society at large, highlight some long-term reforms that should be taken to prevent such incidents from re-occurring. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"You are recently posted as District Magistrate in a district, which is a major hub of industrial activities and attracts workers from different places and communities. The workers of these industries often utilize the open spaces on roads for performing their daily prayers, though only for a short period of time. The lack of a place of worship close to the work places, is cited as the reason for continuance of this practice. However, some residents of nearby areas have been objecting to this practice due to the inconvenience caused by congestion on the roads. There have also been complaints of alleged illegal encroachments over public land in garb of this practice. One day, you are informed that a group of locals disrupted the workers at the time of worship. The incident led to clashes between several groups and a law and order problem has arisen in the district. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) What are the options available before you? Evaluate the merits and demerits of each one of them. (b) What course of action would you choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"You are the district magistrate in a district of a hill state. An NRI tycoon is planning to arrange a large wedding ceremony in your district. Given the scale of the ceremony, a feasibility report was prepared. The report has called for adopting a cautious approach and has raised concerns regarding its impact on the environment. Recognizing this, the NRI has offered extra compensation for the prospective environmental damages. Also, the local MLA and some prominent residents are arguing that such a wedding can help in developing the district as a tourist hotspot and turn it into a popular wedding destination, bringing prosperity for the residents. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders in the given situation and their respective interests. (b) Highlight the options available to you and the course of action you will take, giving reasons for the same. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"The challenge of climate change presents the world with several fundamental ethical dilemmas. From a global perspective, it presents the world with a collective action problem: all countries have a collective interest in controlling global carbon emissions. But each individual country also has incentives to over-consume in response to societal demands for economic growth and prosperity. Developing nations faced with these costs may encounter further challenges as the impact of climate change will most likely fall disproportionately on the poor, thus also raising issues of fairness and inequality. As an intergenerational problem, the consequences of actions taken by the current generation will have the greatest impact on future generations. While it is intuitive that the current generation has some ethical responsibility to leave an inhabitable world to future generations, the extent of this obligation is less clear. Answer the following questions in this regard: (a) To what extent do humans have a moral responsibility to future generations that are yet to be born? (b) Do developed countries have a greater responsibility to take action and bear more costs of controlling climate change than developing countries? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1949,"topper":"AYUSH MANI CHAUDHARY","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/65d93cae1265db5ffeffd2e87a3f6506/42/mt23atra004_tc609.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Reason has always existed, but not always in a reasonable form.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"The opposite of poverty is not wealth.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"To forgive is to set a prisoner free and to discover that the prisoner was you.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"A man who wants to lead the orchestra must turn his back on the crowd.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"International Trade is a good indicator of National Security.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"It is not that we use technology, we live technology.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"There is more to life than simply increasing its speed.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"Nature is neither a servant nor a master, but a necessary partner.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1950,"topper":"AYUSH MANI CHAUDHARY","air":723,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/200/mt23atra004_tc601-test-01-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1951,"topper":"AYUSH MANI CHAUDHARY","air":723,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/201/mt23atra004_tc602-test-02-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1952,"topper":"AYUSH MANI CHAUDHARY","air":723,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/202/mt23atra004_tc603-test-03-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1953,"topper":"AYUSH MANI CHAUDHARY","air":723,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/197/mt23atra004_tc601-test-01-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1954,"topper":"AYUSH MANI CHAUDHARY","air":723,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/198/mt23atra004_tc602-test-02-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1955,"topper":"AYUSH MANI CHAUDHARY","air":723,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/199/mt23atra004_tc603-test-03-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1956,"topper":"Ayush Pathak","air":215,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/AYUSH-PATHAKUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-215-Sample-MGP-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) What is a 'Census'? Discuss the importance of Census for the economy and policy making.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Assess the role of NITI Aayog over the past decade in transforming the country's approach to planning and development.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3 Discuss various measures taken by the Government to strengthen the Cooperative movement and ensure \"Sahakar Se Samriddhi\".","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4 India remains significantly dependent on imports to meet its pulses demand. Examine the key challenges in achieving self-reliance in pulses. Also, mention the major government initiatives taken in this regard.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) What is a 'Black box'? Explain its significance in flight safety and airplane crash investigations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) How does NISAR mission exemplify international cooperation in space exploration and scientific research? In what ways will it help in climate change monitoring and natural hazard management?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7 While oceans are considered among mankind's best allies in the fight against climate change, they are themselves heavily impacted by the same. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) \"Disasters cannot be managed by a single agency, department, or ministry on its own. It requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.\" Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 The convergence of organized crime and terrorism presents a formidable challenge to the country's internal security. Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 In an era of complex security challenges, examine the ways in which the private sector can contribute to strengthening India's internal security.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced a transfer of surplus to the Union Government for the financial year 2024-25. What does 'surplus' mean in this context? How does the RBI generate it, and what is its significance for the country's fiscal policy?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) Examine the role of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model in the development of ports in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 \"Legalizing the Minimum Support Price (MSP) would create more challenges than it resolves.\" Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 Why does India's agricultural export performance remain weak despite high production levels? What measures would you suggest to improve agri-export competitiveness?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 How the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) can help India in its socio-economic development? Identify the hurdles in its large-scale adoption and suggest corrective measures.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 What is a Geographical Indication (GI)? What are the legal frameworks governing it? How does it differ from a trademark? How can GI infringement be tackled?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 \"Mangroves contribute significantly to the coastal economy and ecology, but they are threatened by numerous factors\". Elaborate. Also, state the measures taken by the government for mangrove conservation and restoration.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 What is oil pollution? What are its impacts on the marine ecosystem? In what way is oil pollution particularly harmful for a country like India?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have become an integral aspect of modern conflict and warfare, employed by both state and non-state actors. Discuss its implications for India's security architecture and state the measures being taken to address them. Also suggest other steps to tackle the threats emanating from UAVs.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 Maritime security challenges are complex, driven by both conventional and non-conventional threats. In this context, discuss the key maritime security challenges in India. Also, highlight the measures taken by the government in this regard.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1957,"topper":"Ayush Pathak","air":215,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/AYUSH-PATHAKUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-215-Sample-MGP-Copy-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) The Union Budget 2025-26 outlines a shift towards the 'debt-to-GDP ratio' as the fiscal anchor starting from FY 2026-27. Discuss the rationale behind this shift.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Why does India need to transition from a 'build to print' to a 'build to design' model in manufacturing? What steps has been taken by the government in this regard?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Explain the concept of a nutrition-sensitive food system and suggest strategies to achieve it in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Give a brief overview of the 'Digital Agriculture Mission'. How can it benefit the agriculture sector?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 Rare earths are not just elements; they are foundational inputs that act like 'seeds of technology'. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6 Why retrofitting Electrostatic Precipitators (ESPs) in Indian thermal power plants is a more viable and effective option compared to the installation of flue gas desulfurization (FGD) systems?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) 'The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regime in India remains weak and is often reduced to a procedural formality.' In light of this statement, examine the key challenges in EIA implementation and suggest reforms.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) Plastic pollution is emerging as a serious environmental threat in India. Discuss the various mitigation measures to address this problem and also the government's initiatives in this regard.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) Amid evolving threats, there is a need to blend private sector capabilities with India's current internal security architecture. In this context, elaborate on the ways in which the private sector can contribute to strengthening internal security.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 'Radicalisation in Jammu and Kashmir is driven as much by socio-economic factors as by external influences.' Discuss how education and youth engagement can play a role in countering radicalisation in J&K.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) Outlining the key characteristics of the care economy, discuss how India can better integrate the value of unpaid and underpaid care work into its economic framework.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 'The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) presents both unprecedented opportunities and significant challenges for India's labour market.' Examine. Also suggest strategies to align AI adoption with inclusive and resilient labour market outcomes.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 Why does India's agricultural export performance remain weak despite high production levels? What measures would you suggest to improve agri-export competitiveness?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 \"The agricultural subsidy regime in the country needs reforms to address the distortions it causes.\" Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 How can biomanufacturing transform today's consumptive manufacturing paradigm to the one based on regenerative principles? Also discuss how BioE3 Policy (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment) aims to foster biomanufacturing in the country.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) The future of digital innovation depends on self-reliant, domain-specific AI capabilities. In this context, bring out the key considerations in developing indigenous AI models and tools. Suggest measures to build an enabling ecosystem for AI innovation in India. What initiatives have been taken by the government in this regard?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.19 Marine oil spills are a form of environmental disaster, with far-reaching consequences for biodiversity and coastal livelihoods; however, India's preparedness to prevent such incidents and mitigate their impact has significant gaps. Analyze.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 'The United Nations has declared 2025 as the International Year of Glacier Preservation.' Bring out the ecological and socio-economic significance of glaciers. What are the key challenges in preserving them? What measures have been taken at national and international levels towards preservation of glaciers?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 What are the determinants of insurgency in the north-eastern region of India? What strategy should the Government of India, civil administration and security forces adopt to counter the threat in the affected areas?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20) Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have become an integral aspect of modern conflict and warfare, employed by both state and non-state actors. Discuss its implications for India's security architecture and state the measures being taken to address them. Also suggest other steps to tackle the threats emanating from UAVs.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1958,"topper":"Ayush Pathak","air":215,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/AYUSH-PATHAKUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-215-Sample-MGP-Copy-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) 'Unconscious biases in parenting continue to shape gendered experiences in India.' Do you agree with this view? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) Distinguish between empathy and compassion. Why are they considered as foundational values in public services?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) The current society is witnessing rising levels of intolerance. What are the consequences of this situation for personal well-being and for societal well-being? What can one do at the personal level to become tolerant?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) What are the main components of emotional intelligence and how does it help an individual in taking ethical decisions?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) Given below are the three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context?\na) \"This life is short, the vanities of the world are transient, but they alone live who live for others, the rest are more dead than alive.\" - Swami Vivekanand","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) \"If you cry because the sun has gone out of your life, your tears will prevent you from seeing the stars.\" - Rabindranath Tagore","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"c) \"Two ways of building character - cultivating strength to challenge oppression, and tolerate the resultant hardships that give rise to courage and awareness.\" - Sardar Patel","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.4) a) \"With great power comes great responsibility.\" In the present context, 'Big Tech' headquartered in developed countries wield disproportionate influence over digital infrastructure, personal data, and global narratives—often prioritising profit over ethical considerations. What ethical principles should guide such corporations in building a fair, inclusive, and just global digital framework?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"b) What do you understand by the term 'crisis of conscience'? Describe an incident from your life where you experienced such a crisis. How did you deal with it?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.5) a) \"A politics of confession that encourages politicians and parties to confess and offer regret for their errors can surely be a cathartic experience.\" Examine the statement from the ethical point of view.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"b) What are the key objectives of the Right to Information Act, 2005? Examine the ethical concerns associated with certain provisions of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act in realizing the objectives of the RTI Act.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.6) a) Public spaces serve as arenas of democratic participation and civic expression. Yet in India, they remain deeply gendered, with many women largely confined to the private and domestic sphere. Examine the factors that restrict women's access to public spaces. How can ethical governance help address the issue of gendered spatial control and promote inclusivity in public spaces?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"b) Write short notes on the following in 30 words each:\ni) Ethical fading\nii) Conflict of interest\niii) Persuasion\niv) Work culture\nv) Corporate governance","marks":"10 marks, 150","words":"30 words each"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7) A State Government in the northeastern part of the country has launched a series of anti-encroachment drives across forest areas, wetlands, and revenue lands. Under the directions of the Chief Minister, the administration has intensified efforts to reclaim public land, particularly in areas reserved for ecological protection and critical infrastructure development. Most of the time, these actions have been backed by court orders and have resulted in the recovery of thousands of hectares of land. However, in certain regions, the implementation of such drives is fraught with social and political complexities. In several districts, settlements have existed for decades and are inhabited by marginalized communities with limited access to legal rights or formal rehabilitation measures. These areas are often politically sensitive and influenced by local leaders and pressure groups.\nSimanta is posted as Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) in one such district. Over the past year, the district administration has attempted to align eviction measures with welfare outreach, including the provision of temporary shelters, relocation assistance, and public consultations. Recently, a major operation was scheduled to clear encroachments from over 140 hectares of forest land within a Reserved Forest, primarily to curb rising instances of human-elephant conflict and to restore ecological balance. Anticipating eviction, some residents approached the High Court seeking a stay. However, the court refused to grant it and directed the administration to proceed with the eviction following due process. Notices were served, and a detailed roadmap was prepared to carry out the operation, which was expected to last 2-3 days due to the scale and remote location. On the first day, Simanta led a team comprising forest officials, municipal workers, and police personnel. Demolitions were conducted peacefully and without major resistance. However, on the second day, when the team returned to the site, a large group of agitated residents—primarily women and children—had gathered. They raised slogans and formed human chains to prevent further evictions. The atmosphere grew tense when some individuals began throwing stones, resulting in serious injury to a municipal worker. The crowd grew increasingly volatile and emotionally charged, demanding an immediate halt to the operation. The police contingent present on the ground was outnumbered by the crowd. Faced with this crisis, some team members pleaded with Simanta to call off the operation, fearing threats to their life and the possibility of a violent escalation. Simanta attempted to contact his superior officer (the Deputy Commissioner), but due to poor mobile connectivity in the forested area, communication could not be established. Meanwhile, several local journalists had arrived and begun reporting on the incident. Simanta is in a dilemma as to what to do.\na. Evaluate the options available with Simanta to cope with the situation.\nb. Which of the above options would be the most appropriate for Simanta and why?\nc. What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Simanta?\nd. Examine the qualities of a public servant which will be required to manage such situations.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"a. स्थिति से निपटने के लिए सिमंता के पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nb. सिमंता के लिए सबसे उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?\nc. सिमंता को किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\nd. ऐसी परिस्थितियों का प्रबंधन करने के लिए एक लोक सेवक के गुणों का परीक्षण करें।\na स्थिति से निपटने के लिए सिमंता के पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nb सिमंता के लिए सबसे उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?\nc सिमंता को किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\nd ऐसी परिस्थितियों का प्रबंधन करने के लिए एक लोक सेवक के गुणों का परीक्षण करें।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":34,"question":"Q.8) Megha is a first-year sociology student at a reputed college in the national capital. She is originally from Tadchiroli, a tribal village in a western Indian state. Megha's family migrated to the city when she was seven years old and had not visited their village since. Though Megha has fond memories of her childhood there, she never deeply understood the customs and traditions of the region. One day, Megha expresses her wish to visit Tadchiroli. Her father agrees and asks her to inform Ratan, her paternal uncle, who still lives in the village with his family. Megha informs Ratan and travels to the village during a semester break. Upon arrival, she receives a warm welcome from Ratan and his family. Later, Ratan invites her to attend a local festival. During the event, Megha notices that her cousin Rinki is missing. Curious, she asks Ratan's wife Ratna why Rinki is not at the festival. Ratna explains that Rinki is on her period, and as per tradition, menstruating girls must stay separately in small huts built specifically for the purpose. Locally known as 'kurma ghars', they are generally located on the periphery of the village, near a river or pond. She further adds that these girls are not allowed to enter the main house or participate in any social or religious activities. Megha is taken aback. She asks whether all women follow this practice. Ratna nods and says it has been the custom for generations. Even schoolgirls stay in these huts and miss classes during their periods. Ratna admits that many in the village, including herself, never questioned the practice. The explanation unsettles Megha. She finds it hard to believe that a natural biological function leads to such exclusion. Before returning to the city, Megha observes that even educated family members seem to accept and follow these customs. The experience leaves a deep impact on her. She starts reading more about menstrual taboos and their impact on women's health, dignity, and education. As a sociology student, she recognises how such traditions are linked to patriarchy and social stigma. She begins to reflect on what she can do at her level to improve the current situation, without alienating the community or disrespecting its traditions.\na. Suggest a course of action Megha can take to sensitize her village community without appearing disrespectful or confrontational.\nb. What ethical principles and methods should guide her actions while engaging with the community?\nc. How is menstruation related to human rights?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":35,"question":"a. मेघा द्वारा अपने गांव के समुदाय को असम्मानजनक या टकरावपूर्ण व्यवहार किए बिना संवेदनशील बनाने के लिए अपनाई जा सकने वाली कार्यवाही का सुझाव दीजिए।\nb. समुदाय के साथ जुड़ते समय उसके कार्यों को किन नैतिक सिद्धांतों और तरीकों से निर्देशित किया जाना चाहिए?\nc. मासिक धर्म मानव अधिकारों से किस प्रकार संबंधित है?","marks":null,"words":"20 अंक"},{"page":39,"question":"Q9 Gopal is an 80-year-old man living in a remote and an underdeveloped village in a Central Indian state. He had been residing in a small mud house for years. When he came to know about the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G), he saw a glimmer of hope for a pucca house in the last phase of his life. However, the village sarpanch and panchayat secretary told him that to be eligible under the scheme, he must first demolish his existing house so that during a site inspection, no structure would be visible at the location. Subsequently, Gopal demolished his shelter and began living under a bamboo tree. For nearly six months, he has been staying in the open, braving harsh weather conditions. During this time, he has repeatedly visited the panchayat office but has been told that his application cannot be processed as he lacks the necessary documents.\nYou are the officer-in-charge of implementing PMAY-G in the district. The case of Gopal reaches you through a prominent newspaper report. You personally visit him to understand the situation on the ground. After meeting him and listening to his account, you feel that he certainly needs support. Your enquiries confirm that he is truly destitute and living in a pitiable condition under the open sky. It is also established that he demolished his house based on a faulty interpretation of the scheme by panchayat officials. However, he has no documents to show that he fulfils the eligibility criteria under the scheme.\nNow you are in a dilemma. Including him under the scheme without the necessary documents would clearly be a violation of rules. But denying him support would be cruel and inhuman.\na. Can you think of a rational way to resolve this dilemma?\nb. Give your reasons for it.\nc. What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.10 You are working as an Assistant Section Officer in the District Development and Panchayat Office. One day, one of your close colleagues approaches you in deep distress. She tells you that her father is suffering from a severe liver condition, and the doctors have clearly stated that he must undergo liver transplant immediately in order to survive. She shares that she has no health insurance, and the surgery would cost around Rs 15 lakh. You are aware that her husband passed away a few years ago, and that she also has a four-year-old son with special needs. Just a few weeks ago, she also lost all her savings in a digital arrest scam. As a widow from a lower middle-class family, her options are extremely limited. Although you feel deeply empathetic, you are unable to offer financial assistance, as you do not have the resources to help. A few weeks later, you enquire about her father's health. She informs you that the liver transplant surgery was successful and that her father is now recovering steadily. Relieved, you ask how she managed to arrange the funds. Hesitantly, she confides that the District Development and Panchayat Officer (DDPO) helped her. Moved by her situation, the DDPO facilitated the release of Rs 15 lakh from the fund allocated to a rural sanitation scheme. The implementation of this scheme had been put on hold for a year due to technical issues and pending site approvals. She explains that the amount was provided on the assurance of strict confidentiality and with a commitment to repay it at the earliest. She expresses deep gratitude for the DDPO's timely help, which she believes saved her father's life. She has already begun repaying the money and will continue to do so until it is all returned.\na Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\nb Examine the behavior of DPDO from an ethical point of view.\nc How would you react to the situation?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Q.11 Nithin is the head of the Marketing Department at Pehnava Clothings Ltd., a reputed apparel manufacturing company with a strong global presence. Known for its professionalism and consistent performance, the company had earned a credible name in both domestic and international markets. However, the firm was going through difficult times. For three consecutive quarters, it had witnessed a steep decline in sales. This trend had raised serious concerns among the top management regarding the company's competitiveness, profitability, and long-term stability. To address the situation, the leadership decided to restructure the marketing division and bring in dynamic leadership. A senior marketing executive, Mr. A, was hired after a rigorous selection process. He had an impressive career record and was known for turning around sales performance in other firms and building strong brand identities. With high expectations placed upon him, Mr. A was seen as the key figure to steer the company out of crisis. Mr. A soon began delivering results. Within a year, the company's revenue had almost doubled, and its brand visibility had increased significantly. His bold marketing strategies, proactive outreach, and innovative campaigns received appreciation from various quarters within the company. His performance drew the attention of the top management. There were deliberations about assigning him a larger role within the company, with a focus on long-term business strategy. He was also being considered for an internal award for 'Excellence in Leadership and Innovation'. However, alongside professional success of Mr. A, Nithin began receiving troubling feedback about his conduct in the workplace. Informal reports indicated that he frequently made inappropriate comments about women. In addition, he regularly sent indecent messages via social media apps to all team members, including his female colleagues. Although no formal complaint was lodged initially, Nithin could sense tension within the team, and signs of discomfort were becoming increasingly apparent. Some employees even started avoiding direct interaction with Mr. A. Team morale and interpersonal trust were gradually eroding, but employees remained hesitant to speak openly. The matter escalated one evening when Mrs. X, one of Mr. A's team members approached Nithin. Visibly disturbed and emotionally shaken, she disclosed that Mr. A had repeatedly engaged in inappropriate behavior towards her. She added that Mr. A had been making undesirable advances towards her and had even tried to touch her inappropriately in his cabin. She urged Nithin to take appropriate action in the matter, or else she would have no option but to resign from her position.\na Bring out the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb What are the options available to Nithin?\nc Critically examine each of the options identified by Nithin.\nd Which of the options, do you think, would be more appropriate for Nithin to adopt and why?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"a. इस मामले में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों को स्पष्ट करें।\nb. नितिन के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nc. नितिन द्वारा पहचाने गए प्रत्येक विकल्प का आलोचनात्मक परीक्षण करें।\nd. नितिन के लिए कौन सा विकल्प अपनाना अधिक उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?\na इस मामले में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों को स्पष्ट करें।\nb नितिन के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nc नितिन द्वारा पहचाने गए प्रत्येक विकल्प का आलोचनात्मक परीक्षण करें।\nd नितिन के लिए कौन सा विकल्प अपनाना अधिक उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":55,"question":"Q.12) You are appointed as an officer heading the Air Quality Compliance Division of the Environment Pollution Control Board in Delhi-NCR. The region is witnessing alarming levels of air pollution, which typically worsen during the winter months due to various meteorological and anthropogenic factors. The situation has led to severe public health concerns, particularly affecting vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and those with respiratory illnesses. The Supreme Court has also raised serious concern over the deteriorating air quality in Delhi-NCR and has directed the administration to take immediate and effective measures to control pollution, especially during the winter months. Your jurisdiction has a large number of small and medium-scale industries that were granted environmental clearance over the years. These industries form the backbone of the local economy and provide employment to a significant number of migrant workers. However, recent inspections and air quality monitoring reports indicate that a significant number of these units are operating in violation of prescribed air emission norms. As part of targeted measures to curb air pollution, you issued notices to all identified polluting units, directing them to apply for fresh environmental clearance certificates from the competent authority. However, your decision triggered strong opposition from a section of industrial units, labour unions, and local politicians. Industrial owners argued that such action would lead to production shutdowns, financial losses, and shortages of their products in the market. Labour unions and workers also protested, fearing mass unemployment and livelihood insecurity. Local politicians and vested interests accused you of jeopardising the socio-economic stability of the region. You received representations from various quarters urging you to withdraw the notices and not initiate harsh measures, citing the interests of multiple stakeholders. Additionally, you began receiving anonymous threats, aimed at coercing you into reversing your decision. On the other hand, several of your colleagues supported your stance, encouraging you to act in the larger public interest. Several local NGOs and environmental groups rallied behind your actions, demanding the immediate closure of polluting units.\na. Under the given conditions, what are the options available to you?\nb. Critically evaluate each of the options listed by you.\nc. What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by you?","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":1959,"topper":"Ayush Pathak","air":215,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/AYUSH-PATHAKUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-215-Sample-MGP-Copy-5.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) The increasing use of digital surveillance technologies for maintaining law and order is a debatable issue. Critically examine the statement from the ethical point of view.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) Knowledge and skills are important, but they must be grounded in ethical principles for true success. In this context, discuss the importance of ethics in education and the role of educational institutions in imparting ethical values.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) How does persuasion help achieve a desired change in attitude? What are the elements of an effective persuasive approach?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) While scientific research drives technological progress and societal development, its funding often raises ethical questions. What ethical concerns arise from corporate sponsorship of scientific research, and how can these be addressed?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context?\na) “Where do the evils like corruption arise from? It comes from the never-ending greed. The fight for corruption-free ethical society will have to be fought against this greed and replace it with 'what can I give' spirit.” - A.P.J. Abdul Kalam","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) \"The greatest glory in living lies not in never failing, but in rising every time we fail.\" - Nelson Mandela","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"c) \"Your goodness is an impediment in your way, so let your eyes be red with anger, and try to fight the injustice with a firm hand.\" - Sardar Patel","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Why goodness is impediment?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Q.4) a) What do you understand by the term \"Conflict of Interest\"? How does it manifest in the decision making by public servants? In what ways can it be minimized?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"b) \"In post-conflict rehabilitation, the pursuit of justice must be balanced with the need for reconciliation.\" Examine this statement in the context of addressing ethnic violence.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.5) a) In the ever-evolving landscape of academic institutions, administrators must not only manage academic issues but also emotional and interpersonal dynamics. In this context, discuss the significance of emotionally intelligent administrators in higher education.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"b) \"The recognition of the horrors of nuclear weapons should compel nations to move towards meaningful disarmament. However, geopolitical interests continue to hinder genuine progress in this direction. What are the ethical considerations of nuclear states to pursue global disarmament, and how can the international community balance security concerns with the moral imperative of a nuclear-free world?\"","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.6) a) \"Probity in governance is an essential and vital requirement for an efficient and effective system of governance and for socio-economic development.\" Discuss the statement with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"b) How can responsible and informed social media use be nurtured among children to make the internet a safer space for them?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7) Arushi is a young IPS officer known for her competence, integrity, and relentless dedication to challenging tasks. Recognizing her excellent track record, her superiors have chosen her to handle a sensitive assignment in a tribal-dominated district notorious for illegal bauxite mining. Here, the mafia mines bauxite from mineral-rich lands, transports it by truck, and sells it on the black market. This illegal operation thrives with the support of certain local officials and tribal musclemen who intimidate the local population and bribe select poor tribals to maintain control and silence.\nUpon assuming the new role, Arushi quickly grasps the ground realities and identifies the mafia's modus operandi, characterized by a series of devious tactics. Her inquiries reveal that several employees in her office are colluding with the mafia, forming an unholy nexus that enables these illegal operations. Determined to dismantle this network, she initiates strict actions, including raids on trucks transporting illegally mined bauxite. These actions significantly disrupt the mafia's operations, unsettling criminals unaccustomed to such resistance. Some office employees allegedly allied with the mafia inform the criminals of her determination to dismantle their operations, posing a serious threat to their profits. In response, the mafia adopts a counter-offensive strategy. Tribal strongmen and mafia operatives begin issuing direct threats to her, warning of severe consequences if the raids continue. Her family (husband and elderly mother) are stalked and placed under virtual surveillance, causing mental anguish and stress for them all. Matters assume serious propositions when a muscleman appears in her office and threatens that if she does not halt raids, etc., she will suffer the same fate as a predecessor officer who was killed by the mafia a decade earlier.\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb) Identify and evaluate the different options available to Arushi under the given situation.\nc) Which option would she adopt and why?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Q.8) The Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) is proposed on a river in a northeastern state of India, a recognized biodiversity hotspot. Covered in dense forests, this region harbors a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including numerous endemic species. Although sparsely populated, the region's communities have livelihoods and cultural practices deeply intertwined with the natural landscape. Its ecological wealth has been preserved over the years due to its environmental significance and cultural heritage. Additionally, the Upper Siang basin holds immense strategic importance due to its proximity to international borders, offering potential leverage in regional security and resource management.\nThe SUMP aims to harness the river's energy for economic growth, proposing infrastructure that includes an 11,000 MW \"mega dam,\" power stations, and transmission lines that could transform the state into a renewable energy hub. Proponents argue that the project will boost the state's economy through power generation, employment, and enhanced infrastructure while also helping meet the country's clean energy targets.\nHowever, a local NGO has raised concerns about the ecological and social costs of SUMP. The project would require extensive forest clearance, which plays a crucial role in carbon sequestration. Additionally, experts warn that construction activities could disturb the region's delicate ecosystems. This may affect riverine biodiversity and increase the risk of soil erosion and sedimentation, with potential downstream effects on agriculture and water quality. Another major issue raised is the potential displacement and cultural impact on local communities. This could threaten their subsistence-based livelihoods and disrupt their way of life. Critics also highlight that the project may contradict India's commitments to sustainable development.\nDespite these concerns, supporters of the project argue that SUMP's strategic importance and clean energy potential cannot be ignored. Moreover, they emphasize the project's strategic location, which would strengthen energy security, reduce regional inequalities, and contribute to the country's long-term development goals. They argue that amidst rising energy demands, the country cannot afford to forgo such an opportunity, especially given the presence of hydroelectric projects across borders that could shift regional control over water resources.\n(a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\n(b) In your opinion, which should take priority between development and conservation, and why?","marks":null,"words":"20"},{"page":35,"question":"(a) उपयुक्त परिस्थिति में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों का वर्णन कीजिए?\n(b) आपकी राय में विकास और संरक्षण में से किसे प्राथमिकता दी जानी चाहिए और क्यों?\na) उपयुक्त परिस्थिति में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों का वर्णन कीजिए?\nb) आपकी राय में विकास और संरक्षण में से किसे प्राथमिकता दी जानी चाहिए और क्यों?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":39,"question":"Q.9 Inside a busy city administration office, Joint Municipal Commissioner Keerthi, who also serves as the Public Information Officer (PIO), faces a challenging situation. Recently, an RTI application has been received, demanding details about public infrastructure projects initiated during her tenure. Upon reviewing the requested information, Keerthi discovers that certain decisions made regarding these projects were not entirely sound in hindsight. These decisions, although taken in good faith and after due diligence, failed to realize promised outcomes. There were other employees also who were party to this decision. The disclosure of this information could potentially lead to scrutiny and backlash against herself, the employees, and contractors involved. Known for her integrity and commitment to public service, Keerthi finds herself at a crossroads. The RTI Act has served as a critical check against administrative arbitrariness, ensuring transparency and accountability. However, she also observes a troubling trend. RTI applications are often used by vested interests and activists seeking personal gain rather than genuine public interest. Some activists even resort to threats or extortion tactics, undermining the integrity of the RTI process. She fears the requested RTI information could be similarly exploited. Moreover, the employees involved are requesting her to withhold the information. In navigating this situation, Keerthi weighs her options carefully.\n(a) Critically examine the options available to Keerthi in the above situation.\n(b) Which of the above would be the most appropriate for Keerthi and why?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.10) Littering at popular tourist destinations has become a significant environmental and ethical concern in India. A recent incident highlighted this issue when tourists were observed throwing tissue papers and a cake box on the road after celebrating a birthday. When a local politely requested them to use a nearby dustbin just 5 feet away, the tourists dismissed the appeal, claiming no dustbin was available. The situation escalated when their driver threw a plastic bag into the adjacent valley.\n\nPublic reactions to the incident were divided. Some individuals commended the intervention as an effort to promote civic responsibility, emphasizing the need to protect fragile ecosystems like hill stations. Many argued that tourists must adhere to basic environmental ethics and that public spaces are a shared responsibility. Critics also highlighted the broader implications of such irresponsible behavior on the environment and local livelihoods.\n\nOn the other hand, the tourists involved accused those intervening of interfering in their personal affairs, claiming their privacy was being violated. The argument that the tourists were being publicly shamed through the viral video added another layer to the ethical debate. Many questioned whether posting such incidents online, even for a social cause, was appropriate or necessary.\n\nThe debate continues, with one side emphasizing the collective responsibility to preserve public spaces and the environment, while the other raises concerns about individual privacy and autonomy.\n(a) What are the ethical concerns associated with tourists littering at public destinations?\n(b) How can ethical tourism practices be integrated into policies to address issues like littering at tourist destinations?\n(c) Suggest a course of action that balances environmental responsibility and individual rights. Justify your answer.","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":49,"question":"Q.11 You are the Operations Manager at a fast-growing technology startup, NexGen Solutions, known for its innovative projects and timely delivery. The startup’s environment is fast-paced, with tight deadlines and high expectations from clients and investors. Your current project, creating a cutting-edge AI based application, is critical for securing upcoming funding and partnerships. Your small, capable team includes four software developers and two project coordinators, with an equal number of men and women. Recently, the team has encountered major challenges. Priya, one of the female developers, has requested leave to care for her ailing mother. Meanwhile, another team member, Ayesha, is struggling to manage her workload along with caring for her infant child. As a result, other team members have taken on extra tasks, impacting their work-life balance and causing heightened stress. With the project deadline looming, tensions in the team have become visible. During a crucial project meeting, Karan, a senior developer, voices his frustration, saying, “Perhaps it’s not ideal to have team members who can’t fully commit during critical stages.” Karan’s remark triggers an immediate reaction. Neha, a project coordinator, finds his comment offensive and reports it to the Human Resources (HR) Department. She also hints that she might bring the issue to social media, which could harm the startup’s image. The HR Department, located at the company’s headquarters, investigates and recommends disciplinary action against Karan, emphasizing the importance of a respectful, inclusive workplace. Their recommendation puts you in a difficult situation. The project is already delayed, and losing a senior developer like Karan could jeopardize its timely completion. You are now faced with a complex dilemma. On one hand, it’s vital to address the inappropriate comment and ensure a respectful work culture. On the other hand, you must keep the project on track without further demotivating your team.\n(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.\n(b) As the Operations Manager, how would you deal with the given situation?\n(c) Based on the case study, discuss the challenges faced by women at workplace. How can such challenges be addressed?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"Q.12 Prateek Kumar, the Project Manager, is in charge of the construction of a highly anticipated highway that is expected to drive regional development. The project aims to enhance connectivity, boost trade, and create substantial employment opportunities. Given its importance, it has become a focal point for the ruling party, which is actively promoting it as a symbol of progress ahead of the upcoming state elections next year. The timely completion of the highway is crucial, as the Chief Minister is scheduled to inaugurate it upon completion. This has led to added pressure on Prateek and his team to meet the approaching deadline, which is set for next month.\nDuring a routine inspection, Prateek discovers that a particular stretch of the highway has been built with substandard materials. This section fails to meet the required safety and durability standards, posing a serious threat to public safety and lives. If left unresolved, the compromised quality could lead to accidents, undermining both the project's credibility and the government's promises for safe and reliable infrastructure. Concerned, Prateek raises the issue with the contractor, but the contractor downplays the severity, claiming that minor adjustments will fix the problem without causing major delays.\nIn a subsequent team meeting, some senior members suggest that Prateek overlook the quality concerns to ensure the project remains on schedule. They argue that the majority of the highway meets standards and emphasize the severe economic and political consequences of delays. With elections approaching, they stress the importance of the Chief Minister's inauguration as a key political event. They warn that any delay could damage the ruling party's image, harm its electoral prospects, and potentially have repercussions for the team and the organization.\nLater, the contractor privately approaches Prateek with a substantial bribe, urging him to ignore the issue and allow the project to proceed. The contractor justifies his actions by citing financial pressures and the need to complete the project on time. Prateek is an honest and upright officer, but he understands that addressing the problem would delay the project, making it impossible to meet the deadline.\n(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\n(b) Under the given conditions, what are the options available to Prateek as the Project Manager? Critically evaluate each of the options.\n(c) What option should Prateek adopt and why?","marks":"20","words":"20"}]},{"id":1960,"topper":"Ayush Prasad","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5dc55-ayush-prasad_24_2014_gs_booklet_1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What institutional changes would be required if the Finance Commission were to undertake Planning Commission's functions and the latter discontinued? Do you think such a move would be correct?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1961,"topper":"Ayush Raj","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2025_unchecked_GSPM24A13015_FLT2501.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Cave paintings are the visual autobiography of a prehistoric man. What can we infer about prehistoric beliefs and social practices from the cave paintings in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"Colonial education policy, intended to create obedient clerks, became a channel for political awakening and national self-assertion.\" Discuss (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Evaluate the extent to which the Gupta economy facilitated cultural and scientific advancements. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"India faces a looming freshwater crisis despite its vast river systems. Discuss the causes and evaluate integrated water resource management strategies for sustainability. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How do the Deccan and Chota Nagpur plateaus differ in their physical characteristics and resource potential? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Compare the characteristics of east-flowing and west-flowing rivers with suitable examples. Why do most rivers in India flow eastward? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The Arctic region is emerging as a new frontier for resource exploration. Discuss the opportunities and challenges for India in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"How are changing family structures and migration trends increasingly leading to the social isolation of the elderly in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In what ways does urbanization challenge traditional notions of social cohesion in Indian society? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Safety and mobility are gendered constraints that significantly influence women's participation in the labour force in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"What do the accounts of Arab and European travellers reveal about the nature of social and economic life in medieval India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"India's linguistic diversity is not a challenge to national integration but a testament to its cultural resilience.' Discuss in the context of contemporary debates on language policy and identity politics in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Examine the role played by reformist organizations like the Brahmo Samaj and Arya Samaj in addressing various social issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"What are rift valleys, and how are they formed? Explain their geomorphological and economic significance. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"What is 'Blue Revolution'? Discuss the major challenges faced in the development of aquaculture in India. Suggest a set of comprehensive strategies to overcome these challenges. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"With accelerating glacial melt in the Himalayas, GLOFs pose a severe hazard downstream. Analyse the causes, impacts, and mitigation strategies related to GLOFs in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Using suitable examples, discuss the conditions required for the formation of salt pans and mangroves in India. How do these ecosystems support coastal resilience? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Caste in India today operates more as a system of identity assertion than of rigid hierarchy. Discuss this transformation in the context of caste group mobilisation and economic change. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Have regional identities in India evolved from cultural expressions to organised assertions of autonomy? Discuss their implications for national cohesion. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"The rise of the new middle class in India is marked by a culture of consumption. In what ways is the transition from conscious to impulsive consumption affecting family structure and dynamics in urban India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1962,"topper":"Ayush Raj","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2025_unchecked_GSPM24A13015_FLT2506.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"What is constitutional morality? How far does the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) align with the vision of constitutional morality as encompassed in the Indian Constitution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Article 143 of the Constitution confers advisory jurisdiction upon the Supreme Court through a presidential reference mechanism. Examine the significance and scope of the Supreme Court's advisory jurisdiction under this provision. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Since Independence, the composition of the Indian Parliament has undergone a significant change with the changing socio-economic profile of the Members of Parliament (MPs). Analyse the impact of this shift on the overall quality of representative democracy in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"In a rights-based democracy, institutions like the NHRC must evolve beyond symbolic presence to real-time impact. In this context, discuss the structural and functional issues within India's human rights framework. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Delimitation upholds the idea of 'one citizen, one vote', but its implications go against the principles of federalism.Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"To make skilling meaningful, programs like PM Internship Scheme (PMIS) must ensure not just participation but employability-linked outcomes.\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"Women-centric welfare schemes need to move beyond welfare to empowerment.\" Examine in the context of key women-centric welfare schemes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"The increasing regulatory oversight on civil society organisations risks shrinking democratic space.\" Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"India's engagement with Africa is no longer limited to development cooperation but is increasingly shaped by strategic and economic considerations. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The Indian diaspora in the Gulf region plays a pivotal role in shaping India's economic relations and people-centric diplomacy with West Asia. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Despite increased political representation, Elected Women Representatives (EWRs) in Panchayati Raj Institutions continue to face barriers to effective participation and leadership. In this context, discuss the challenges EWRs face and suggest reforms needed to enable gender-inclusive grassroots governance. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"The principle of checks and balances in the Indian Constitution is often challenged by the judiciary's expanding role in legislative and executive domains. Highlighting the reasons, assess its impact on the functional separation between various organs. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"The credibility of the electoral process rests on the autonomy and neutrality of the Election Commission. Do you think the Election Commission of India is facing credibility issues in sustaining public trust in electoral democracy? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Cooperative societies are integral to India's socio-economic development. Examine the governance and autonomy challenges faced by Multi-State Cooperative Societies (MSCSs) and discuss how the recent Multi-State Cooperative Societies (Amendment Act, 2023) seeks to address these issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"\"Weak institutional independence of Information Commissions has diluted the effectiveness of the Right to Information (RTI) regime.\" Discuss in the light of autonomy and independence of the Information Commissions. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"\"Civil services in India were envisioned as instruments of neutrality and efficiency, yet they are increasingly perceived as rigid and politicised.\" Examine the issues responsible for this perception and suggest corrective measures. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Despite consistent economic growth and social sector spending, India continues to perform poorly in global human development rankings. Examine the structural issues that inhibit equitable and inclusive human development. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"\"The expansion of BRICS offers opportunities for India to strengthen its voice in global economic governance.\" Discuss how India can leverage the BRICS Plus to advance the interests of the Global South. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"\"Act East Policy is as much about regional balancing as it is about economic diplomacy.\" Analyse this statement in the context of India's engagement with ASEAN amidst shifting power dynamics in the Indo-Pacific. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1963,"topper":"Ayush Raj","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2025_unchecked_GSPM24A13015_FLT2502.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"The contributions of the founding mothers in the Constituent Assembly and their feminist perspective have shaped India's constitutional discourse. Discuss (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"What is a Privilege Motion in the Indian Parliament? How does the Committee of Privileges examine and deal with such motions? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Compare the powers of the head of state in India and the UK. How do their roles reflect the constitutional principles of their respective systems? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"A democracy is only as strong as its Opposition.\" In this light, examine the role of the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and suggest measures to enhance the effectiveness of this institution in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What are the constitutional provisions related to minority educational institutions in India? How have judicial pronouncements shaped the balance between the right to equality and the right to preserve minority identity in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"India is emerging as a global hub for social entrepreneurship. Can social enterprises effectively complement the state in achieving inclusive development? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The SHG-Bank Linkage Programme has been hailed as an indigenous tool for poverty alleviation in India. Examine its impact on improving rural livelihoods and reducing multi-dimensional poverty. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How far do you think Citizen-led environmental movements have proven to be effective tools of ecological preservation in recent years? Justify with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"Digital governance is emerging as a frontier of the global agenda, and India seeks to lead by example.\" Examine (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Examine India's transboundary water-sharing challenges with Pakistan and Bangladesh in light of recent disputes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The role of Governors in opposition-ruled States has been a flashpoint in Centre-State relations. Critically discuss how gubernatorial overreach challenges the position of state governments and suggest safeguards to mitigate such conflicts. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"The evolving relationship between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy has been a dynamic feature of India's constitutional journey, often necessitating judicial interventions and constitutional amendments. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"While cooperative federalism is rooted in the design of the Constitution, political considerations have given rise to competitive and confrontational federalism. Examine the role of constitutional and extra-constitutional institutions in reconciling these trends within India's federal structure. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"The growing number of undertrial prisoners in India reflects both systemic and procedural lapses within the criminal justice system. In light of recent Supreme Court directions, discuss the underlying challenges and suggest a multi-pronged approach to address this crisis. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"'The Upper House was envisioned as a reviewing chamber and not a rival to the Lower House.' In light of this statement, do you think the Rajya Sabha continues to fulfil this vision in contemporary Indian polity? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Well-executed government initiatives often fail if operations and maintenance are not integral to the programme design. In the context of the Swachh Bharat Mission in India, discuss how collective action and community ownership can ensure its long-term sustainability. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Freebies in electoral politics have sparked debate over their impact on governance in India. Differentiate between freebies and welfare measures, and examine their impact on governance. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Structural barriers have long impeded the development of a robust research environment, despite the presence of numerous institutions. Discuss how the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) seeks to address these structural challenges. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"India's strategic autonomy remains the guiding principle in navigating relations with the United States and China. In this context, analyse the potential challenges and opportunities for India and how India should navigate this renewed US-China rivalry. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"The launch of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) marks a turning point in India's connectivity diplomacy. Analyse its strategic relevance for India vis-à-vis China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1964,"topper":"Ayush Raj","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2025_unchecked_GSPM24A13015_FLT2507.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Even after a decade of Make in India, India's manufacturing sector has remained a weak spot in its growth story. How can India fundamentally reset its manufacturing sector to utilise its potential in GDP growth and job creation? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Indian startups, despite showing great potential, have not scaled up on innovation. Discuss. Suggest measures for Indian startups to go up the value chain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Despite a robust Public Distribution System (PDS), food security remains a challenge to the Indian population. What are the deficiencies in the current PDS system? Suggest reforms to improve the system. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Discuss the key components of the recently launched Digital Agriculture Mission. How will this mission help in improving farmers' welfare? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What is the Axiom-4 mission? How will India's participation in the Axiom-4 mission help in bolstering India's human space programme? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Introduce the concept of precision medicine. Comment on the role of precision medicine in the treatment of rare and specific diseases. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss how the Biodiversity Act, 2002, and the recently notified Biological Diversity (Access and Benefit Sharing) Regulation, 2025, promote access and benefit sharing while ensuring the growth of traditional industries. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"Preparedness is the first step towards disaster risk reduction\". In this context, assess the role of the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) in strengthening disaster preparedness and early warning systems in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"How does the long maritime border of India present immense internal security challenges? Suggest measures to address these challenges. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Despite decline in terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir, Over Ground Workers (OGWs) and proxy militant groups continue to pose a serious threat to India's internal security. What strategies can be adopted to neutralize these threats? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"\"Infrastructure development is a key driver of accelerated and inclusive economic growth\". Highlighting the importance of infrastructure investment in achieving long-term growth, discuss India's successes and failures in stimulating infrastructure-led growth in the economy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"What are the responsibilities of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC)? How effective has the RBI's monetary policy initiatives been to broaden economic recovery whilst maintaining a sustainable inflation rate? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"What are the opportunities and challenges of the food processing industry in India? Why has the overall private investment remained low in the industry despite immense potential? Suggest measures. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Micro-irrigation systems can revolutionize Indian agriculture, but adoption remains limited. In this context, discuss how micro-irrigation can help in sustainable water management. What are the barriers to its widespread adoption? Suggest measures to overcome them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"'With the development of advanced chips like Majorana 1 and Willow, quantum computers are no longer a theory but a reality'. What are the principles of quantum computing? How does the National Quantum Mission help in scaling up quantum technologies in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Wetlands play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, yet they face several anthropogenic and climate-related threats. Discuss. What steps have been undertaken by the Government of India to conserve and promote wetlands? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"In spite of being preventable, stampedes due to improper crowd control mechanisms continue to claim lives in India. Discuss the underlying causes of such disasters. What institutional and technological measures can be taken for efficient crowd management? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"With the rapid digitalization of Indian society, cyber crimes like digital arrest have also increased. Highlighting the major elements of cybersecurity, Discuss the measures needed to strengthen India's cybersecurity infrastructure. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"Illegal immigration poses a threat to India's democracy, sovereignty, and internal security. In light of this statement, discuss how the recently passed Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, helps in effectively addressing the issue of illegal immigration. What are the constitutional and potential human rights challenges associated with the Act? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1965,"topper":"Ayush Raj","air":199,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2025_unchecked_GSPM24A13015_FLT2503.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1966,"topper":"Ayush Raj","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2025_unchecked_GSPM24A13015_FLT2508.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Discuss how care ethics challenges the assumptions of both utilitarian and Kantian ethics. In what ways can care ethics offer more context-sensitive approaches to public policy dilemmas, such as elder care or education? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Explain the key factors contributing to the formation of attitudes. How can an understanding of these factors enable public administrators to transform regressive social attitudes? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"Public servants often face ethical dilemmas not due to the absence of rules, but because of conflicting values.\" Comment on this statement and illustrate how competing values can complicate decision-making in public administration. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Do you agree that ethical accountability must go beyond institutional audits and legal compliance? Discuss with examples how informal accountability can shape ethical conduct in government offices. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss the limitations of codes of ethics & conduct in ensuring ethical behaviour in public service. How can ethical competence be cultivated beyond mere reliance on codes and manuals? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Evaluate the impact of political pressures on ethical autonomy in public administration. How can civil servants maintain integrity while operating in politically volatile environments? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Explore the role of ethical traditions in shaping conduct within public administration. How do conflicts among these traditions affect coherence and consistency in ethical decision-making? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Critically examine how both actual and perceived conflicts of interest can undermine ethical integrity in public administration. What institutional mechanisms are necessary to address such conflicts before they erode public trust and administrative fairness? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"Public service is not about rewards, but responsibility.\" In a socio-political context where public office is often used for self-promotion or patronage, is it possible to cultivate a culture of ethical restraint and selfless service? Justify your answer with reference to institutional practices and individual values. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Ethical public service involves not only the avoidance of corruption but also the assurance of quality and fairness in delivery. What do you understand by \"quality\" in public service delivery? Identify the key components of ethical service delivery and suggest how they can be institutionalised in day-to-day governance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":35,"question":"Meanwhile, you receive complaints from genuine beneficiaries whose names were left off the housing list due to a technical error. Correcting this would require re-verification, delaying progress further. The media is unaware, and no formal written directive exists, but the political pressure is mounting informally. Your subordinates are looking to you for clarity. You must now decide how to proceed. Question (a) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas involved in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you as the CDO? Evaluate each in terms of administrative feasibility and ethical consequences. (c) What will be your chosen course of action? Justify your response using ethical reasoning and public service values. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"IAS , , , , - , , - , - , AXY, , - AXY - \" \" \" \" , , CBC, - , , , - - , \"AXY\" , : \" , , CBC \" - - CBC : \" \" , , AXY \" \" \" \" - (a) (Ethical Issues) ? (b) ? (Ethical Reasoning) (c) , ? 20 You are a senior IAS officer appointed as the Relief Commissioner of a state that has been hit by severe monsoon floods. Several districts are under water, thousands are displaced, and the Chief Minister has declared a state emergency. You are overseeing emergency coordination across districts. Relief materials - food, water, medicine, and tents - are limited, and logistics are strained. One particular district AXY, has a strong media presence and politically sensitive, as a high-profile bye-election is due to take place there in a few weeks. The District Magistrate of AXY calls your office repeatedly, asking for an urgent increase in relief allocation, citing worsening conditions and \"unavoidable political visibility.\" Meanwhile, another interior district - CBC- is worse hit on all official impact parameters: casualty numbers, infrastructure damage, and displacement. However, it is remote, under-reported, and lacks media or political visibility. The local Collector, a relatively junior officer, sends data-driven reports but makes no political noise. Your control room staff quietly suggests prioritizing AXY due to its visibility: \"That's where our phones ring off the hook. If something goes wrong, the Commissioner's office won't ask about CBC.\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"There is no clear guideline on prioritisation. Your logistics officer proposes splitting materials evenly - but that would undermine CBC's critical need. Your written mandate only says, \"Ensure equitable and prompt distribution based on need and urgency.\" To complicate matters further, you receive a call from the Chief Minister's Office, \"urging\" that AXY's issues be given \"immediate attention\" - though no official order follows. Questions (a) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas you can identify in this situation? (b) What are the options available to you? Evaluate them in terms of ethical reasoning and governance impact. (c) What will be your course of action, and how will you justify it using principles of public service ethics? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Meanwhile, an internal quality assurance report, reviewed two weeks earlier, had flagged inconsistencies in the production batch linked to the hospital. However, the senior leadership team decided not to halt distribution, citing the urgency of meeting large state government orders and avoiding disruption in rural health schemes. A mid-level Quality executive, disturbed by the silence, emails the CEO and threatens to alert external regulators and the media. The company's legal and PR teams convene an emergency meeting. The advice is to deny any link until lab results are conclusive, and to describe it publicly as an \"isolated incident under internal review.\" Behind closed doors, the senior leadership considers quietly recalling the batch from urban private pharmacies — where consumer awareness is high — while continuing distribution through public hospitals, citing that \"the public health ecosystem cannot afford panic.\" The ethics & compliance officer voices concerns about this approach, but is told not to \"interfere in operational strategy.\" At this point, a popular journalist contacts the company with a leaked version of the Quality report. The board is informed and is deeply concerned about negative media coverage impacting the IPO. There is no final proof that the drug caused the deaths, but the circumstantial link is strong, and internal records show prior awareness. Questions. (a) What are the key ethical issues and lapses evident in the case? (b) What are the options available to the company's leadership? Evaluate them in terms of public accountability and stakeholder impact. (c) If you were the CEO what course of action would you recommend and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"What are the ethical issues and organisational culture concerns in this situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"What are your options as Project Director? Assess them through the parameters of emotional intelligence and ethical leadership.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"With only six weeks left in the financial year, you receive pressure from the district Collector and the state nodal officer to \"ensure 100% utilization.\" You’re told that underutilization may lead to reduced allocations next year, and your district may lose \"performer\" status. Some colleagues suggest that funds can be routed through \"mature\" SHGs regardless of readiness, and regularization can be \"managed\" later.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":55,"question":"Questions (a) What are the ethical and administrative issues in this case? (b) What options are available to you? Evaluate them in light of ethical governance and prudent public fund management. (c) What course of action will you take, and why? Justify with reference to public service values, accountability, and long-term program integrity. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":59,"question":"You are an ACP posted in a city where a large railway staff colony borders an informal migrant settlement. The settlement — composed mostly of interstate workers and their families — has grown unregulated over the years, with no formal civic infrastructure. In the past month, the railway staff association has submitted multiple complaints alleging thefts, street- level drug abuse, and gambling around the colony perimeter. Two railway employees were recently mugged returning from a night shift, escalating pressure. Local news channels have picked up the story, and the divisional railway manager has written to your office demanding \"visible, swift action.\" Your field teams confirm that small-scale drug activity and informal gambling do occur in the area, though crime rates are not statistically high. The area lacks lighting, sanitation, and youth outreach programs. Your constables also admit they've detained young men without FIRs \"to control the mood.\" No formal arrests have followed. Meanwhile, the local MLA has privately asked you to \"handle the issue quietly.\" He's lobbying to get the colony regularised ahead of elections and is concerned that arrests or media attention may alienate his vote base. He implies this could affect \"harmony\" and your \"future in the district.\" NGOs working in the settlement advocate for de-addiction and youth counselling over raids. You are wondering about the how's of the action plan. Questions (a) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas involved in this case? (b) What are your options as a police officer? Critically examine their strengths and weakness. (c) What course of action will you take and how will you justify it? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":1967,"topper":"Ayush Raj","air":199,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2025_unchecked_GSPM24A13015_FLT2504.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1968,"topper":"Ayush Semwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/AYUSH_SEMWAL_SS_GS_1_AIR_851_2025_26f2ebf0cc.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"Compare and contrast the Mauryan pillars with Achaemenian columns. What do these architectural forms reveal about their respective empires? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Moderates succeeded in creating a national political platform, but failed in achieving concrete political gains. Do you agree? Substantiate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What is temperature inversion? Discuss conditions which are favourable for its genesis and its implications on urban air quality in Northern India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Differentiate between shield volcanoes and composite volcanoes. What explains the absence of active volcanoes in peninsular India? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Discuss how the geomorphology of India's eastern and western coasts influences the impact and vulnerability to tsunamis. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain the reasons behind the spatial shifts and the evolving global patterns of semiconductor manufacturing. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"How can gender-sensitive policies contribute to more inclusive and equitable regional development? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Despite awareness around mental health, stigma continues to hinder emotional well- being in Indian youth. In this context, analyse the causes of deteriorating mental health and suggest measures to address them. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Do you agree that communalism in India today is as much an economic response as a religious one? Argue. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"In light of recent discoveries, critically discuss how Sangam literature enriches our understanding of ancient Indian history and offers an alternative perspectives beyond Indo-Aryan traditions. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"How did Gandhiji's methods of protest evolve between Non-Cooperation and Civil Disobedience? Examine the contextual factors influencing this shift. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"India's intervention in the 1971 Bangladesh crisis marked a turning point in its foreign policy from non-alignment to regional assertiveness. Critically analyse. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"The Great Depression not only deepened the economic vulnerability of Indian peasants but also reshaped colonial economic policies and nationalist resistance. Comment (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"What is the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC)? Discuss its role in maintaining global climate stability. What potential effect may it have on the Indian monsoon system? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Discuss the comparative advantages and limitations of traditional weather prediction methods versus AI-enabled forecasting in India. How can Mission Mausam contribute to integrating traditional knowledge with modern techniques? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Hybrid work models have blurred the boundaries between public and private spheres. Discuss its impact on gender roles and family life in urban India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"How does the structural failure of education and vocational training in India reinforce inter-generational poverty and inequality? Suggest long-term reform strategies. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Quick commerce reflects more than changing consumer habits; it reveals shifting urban priorities. Examine its broader Socio-Economic and spatial impact on the fabric of Indian cities. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Examine how the proliferation of sects within major religions has historically acted both as an instrument of social reform and a source of social fragmentation in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1969,"topper":"Ayush Semwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/AYUSH_SEMWAL_SS_GS_2_AIR_851_2025_a5d74ee54e.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Ordinary laws and constitutional amendments are subject to different tests of judicial validity. In light of this distinction, examine, whether the Basic Structure doctrine should be applied uniformly to both. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Politicisation of the Vice President's role as Rajya Sabha chair raises concerns over impartiality. Elucidate its implications for parliamentary democracy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Regulating religious endowments without undermining the right to manage religious affairs poses a dilemma. Discuss how regulatory oversight can be balanced with the protection of religious rights. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The New Criminal Laws marks a shift from colonial control to contemporary justice. Discuss how these reforms reflect India's constitutional vision and societal needs in the 21st century. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Urban local bodies have become dependent on grants rather than being fiscally autonomous. Examine the challenges in the fiscal empowerment of ULBs and its impact on urban governance. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Given the prolonged and unresolved nature of Inter-State river water disputes, do you think the current tribunal-based mechanism has outlived its utility? Substantiate your view with relevant examples (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"Operating in the informal grey zone, gig workers are increasingly facing conditions akin to modern bonded labour.\" Examine this statement in the context of evolving employment trends in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Highlight the major challenges India faces in integrating Artificial Intelligence into public service delivery. Suggest a roadmap to address them. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Analyze the role of the US-India COMPACT initiative within the larger Indo-Pacific strategic framework and assess its impact on regional power dynamics.\" (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"'Disengaging from regional groupings only creates vacuums for adversarial actors.' In the context of India's role in the SCO, critically examine this statement. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"In the digital economy, regulatory authorities play a crucial role in curbing abuse of dominance and ensuring fair competition.\" Analyse the effectiveness of statutory regulators like the Competition Commission of India (CCI) in addressing anti-competitive practices in emerging technology markets. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"\"The asymmetry of population growth across states has created a fault line in Indian federalism.\" Discuss the implications of post-2026 delimitation on cooperative federalism and regional political representation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"The Mediation Act, 2023 marks a significant step towards institutionalising alternative dispute resolution in India. Critically analyse its potential to reform India's overburdened justice delivery system. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"The efficacy of Joint Parliamentary Committees (JPCs) in ensuring governmental accountability is often compromised by political considerations and their limited coercive powers, which undermine their ability to affect substantive change. Critically analyse this assertion,considering both institutional constraints and the broader political landscape. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"\"Non-state actors have emerged as indispensable partners in India's governance ecosystem.\" Examine this statement with suitable examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Mission Karmayogi seeks to shift India's civil services from a rule-based to a role-based system. Explain its design and likely challenges in transforming India's conservative bureaucratic culture. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Despite the enactment of the IT Rules, 2021, digital platforms continue to host harmful and misleading content. Analyze the gaps in the current regulatory framework and suggest measures for more effective control over social media and OTT platforms. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"To what extent does the affordability and accessibility of the internet in India reshape the rural-urban governance divide? Illustrate with examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"The New Washington Consensus is reshaping the contours of international cooperation. Discuss how this framework will influence India's foreign policy, particularly in relation to its strategic partnerships and regional security. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Discuss how the interplay of 'cooperation and competition' shapes the trajectory of India-China relations in the 21st century. Substantiate with recent examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1970,"topper":"Ayush Semwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/AYUSH_SEMWAL_SS_GS_3_AIR_851_2025_bcff3d115b.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Discuss how the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Food Processing Industry (PLISFPI) aligns with the broader goals of 'Make in India' and Atmanirbhar Bharat. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What are the major factors driving the recent surge in Foreign Institutional Investor (FII) outflows from Indian financial markets? Analyze their impact on domestic market sentiment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What is 'Green Protectionism'? How does it alter the dynamics of trade and sustainability debates, particularly for the Global South? Illustrate with examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Evaluate the role of farmer-producer organisations (FPOs) and rural cooperatives in driving economic diversification in rural areas. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Elucidate how the adoption of Integrated Farming Systems (IFS) can significantly contribute to climate change adaptation and mitigation. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"\"Port led development can significantly contribute towards India's economic growth.\" Discuss the achievements of Sagarmala Programme in this context. What measures can be taken to enhance the port-led economy in India? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the role of synthetic biology in environmental conservation and healthcare innovation. What are the associated biosafety risks? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"How can AI technologies be leveraged to enhance disaster preparedness and response in India? What key challenges must be addressed for their effective implementation? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Critically examine the relevance of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), 1958 in contemporary internal security management. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"In the light of increasing technological complexity of national threats, discuss the significance of the National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO) in India's internal security domain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Analyse the paradoxical relationship between GDP growth rate and employment elasticity in India. Also, suggest strategies to be adopted to create more jobs to reap the demographic dividend. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) in India has not only improved targeting but also enhanced fiscal efficiency. Critically examine this statement in light of the findings of the Welfare Efficiency Index. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"With reference to the recent WIPO treaty on genetic resources, assess whether India's domestic initiatives are sufficient to safeguard its traditional knowledge on the global stage. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Discuss the key objectives of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM). Evaluate its progress in achieving water security. What are the key bottlenecks in achieving universal access? Suggest reforms needed to overcome them. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Do you think that the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process strikes a balance between economic growth and environmental protection? Justify with examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"What are superbugs? Explain the causes for their emergence and concerns surrounding them. State the available mechanisms for monitoring and controlling their spread? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Examine the environmental impact of plastic pollution in the Himalayan region. Discuss the challenges in managing plastic waste in high-altitude areas. Suggest measures to improve waste management in these ecologically sensitive regions. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Discuss the challenges involved in integrating tsunami risk into India's coastal disaster risk reduction framework. What institutional mechanisms and preparedness strategies are in place to mitigate the risk and enhance resilience to such events in India? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"The spread of misinformation and disinformation, amplified by emerging technologies, poses a serious threat to national security. What measures have been adopted at various levels to address the security implications of it? Also, suggest any other remedies to address the problem. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Despite sustained global efforts, cross-border terrorism remains a persistent threat to India's security. Critically analyse the effectiveness of international cooperation mechanisms in addressing this challenge. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1971,"topper":"Ayush Shrotriya","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Ayush-Shrotriya-UPSC-2023-Rank-109-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Before the borders are broken the minds are invaded.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Talent and passion are only useful tools if one has the work ethic to back them up.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The opportunity of interfaith dialogue: modern solution for globalised world.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The only impossible journey is the one you never begin.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Science applied is the engine of humanity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Eyes cannot see what the mind does not know.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Doubt is the origin of wisdom.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"The relation between environment, resources and conflict is same as the connection between Democracy, human rights and peace.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1972,"topper":"Ayush Shrotriya","air":109,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3c3a6-1557138_2488_ayush_shrptriya_rank_109.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1973,"topper":"Ayush Shrotriya","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Ayush-Shrotriya-UPSC-2023-Rank-109-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Foreign trade is an important milestone on the path of becoming a 5 trillion USD economy. In this context, analyse the potential of the recently released Foreign Trade Policy, 2023 in revamping India's participation in global trade. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Social protection schemes are an integral aspect of a welfare economy; however, the principles of fiscal prudence cannot be ignored. Discuss, with special reference to Old Pension Scheme (OPS). (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand from Agristack? To what extent can it become a panacea for the problems plaguing the farm sector. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The objective of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to provide a long term and equitable solution to the dilemma between free trade and food security has remained unfulfilled. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Even after five decades of the Stockholm conference, narrowing the gaps between the targets and actions remains one of the biggest challenges towards reversing climate change. Discuss. Also, recommend measures for building a coherent actionable strategy to tackle climate change. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What are the impediments in management of E-waste in the country? In what ways can the trinity of citizens, businesses, and the government tackle this menace? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How does nuclear fusion differ from nuclear fission? Assess the relevance of nuclear energy in resolving the global energy security dilemma? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are run of the river hydroelectric projects? How far can run of the river hydroelectric projects balance ecological conservation with socio-economic development? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"A robust border infrastructure is the surest way to counter multifarious threats emanating from inimical actors. Discuss, in light of Vibrant Village Programme. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"How far can a clearly articulated National Security Strategy help in tackling challenges to national security? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What are the factors that influence the inflation trends in the country? Highlighting the impacts, discuss the institutional measures in place to check inflation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Though a cornerstone of Atmanirbhar Bharat, Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme is not without its own challenges. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"How is internationalisation of rupee different from De-Dollarisation? Highlighting the benefits of internationalisation of rupee, discuss the challenges associated with the same. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What are Primary Agricultural Credit Societies? Can the cooperative push alone help in achieving the twin targets of boosting rural economy and mainstreaming small and marginal farmers? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Farm policies in the country have inadvertently led to undesirable consequences. Do you agree? Giving emphasis on PM PRANAM, discuss ways to enhance soil health and farm productivity. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What do you understand by heat waves? Highlight the reasons and impact of the rising frequency of heat waves across India. Also, recommend some measures to mitigate its impact. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"How is Chandrayaan-3 different from its predecessor, Chandrayaan-2? To what extent can India's presence in Artemis Accords help in furthering the exploration of lunar surface? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Research and Development is the key to unlock the potential of 'knowledge economy.' In this perspective, analyse the role of the National Research Foundation Bill, 2023 in democratizing the research ecosystem in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'Hybrid warfare.' Highlighting its implications for India, recommend measures to develop a comprehensive ecosystem to counter the same. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How are internal security challenges related to peace in neighboring countries? Explain with special reference to instability on India's eastern frontier. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1974,"topper":"Ayush Shrotriya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8f546-1557138_2424_ayush_shrotriya_rank_109.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What are the different dimensions of food security? Examine India's status in terms of ensuring food security with regard to these dimensions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Do you think there is a need for a shift from ‘land productivity’ to ‘irrigation water productivity’ in India? Justify your answer. What are the challenges in making this shift? Explain. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Examine the role that green hydrogen can play in unlocking the energy security of India. How can the National Green Hydrogen Mission help India in achieving its energy goals? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1975,"topper":"Ayush Shrotriya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8dd99-1557138_2423_ayush_shrotriya_rank_109.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With suitable examples, discuss how environmental pressure groups enhance public participation and responsiveness with regard to environmental policies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The recent acknowledgment of sex work as a 'profession' by the Supreme Court is merely the first step in ensuring basic rights and equality for sex workers in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the role played by District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) in providing free legal aid and disseminating legal awareness in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"The collegium system has become a victim of its own success, with the concentration of power in the hands of a few, leading to questions about its legitimacy.\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"Civil services reforms must go beyond recruitment and standardised training to cope with the present day challenges.\" Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Outcome-based finance models such as social impact bonds have the potential to truly catalyse change and deliver socio-economic impact at scale. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The wide gap between the number of females graduating every year and those entering the workspace is an issue of paramount importance that needs to be addressed. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"An up to date and functional Civil Registration System (CRS) is essential to the socio-economic planning in India. Discuss in the light of the recent move of the Central government in revamping the CRS system in the country. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What are the key areas of reform if the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has to align with the current economic realities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In recent years, India's relationship with West Asia has evolved from the confines of geopolitics to expanse of geoeconomics. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The role of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) is significant in furthering healthy competitiveness aimed at inspiring stakeholders to innovate and augment effectiveness. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"\"The menace of paid news often rears its ugly head during elections.\" Discuss the need for making paid news an electoral offence in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1976,"topper":"Ayush Shrotriya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e12e2-1557138_2422_ayush_shrotriya_rank_109.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The traditional theatre forms of India reflect the ideals and emotions of the society, and an individual's role in the community. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Provide an account of the historical and architectural importance of the Sanchi Stupa. Also, discuss how it inspired the future architecture in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Bhagat Singh made a real breakthrough in terms of revolutionary ideology, the goals of revolution and forms of revolutionary struggle. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Bringing out the factors that led to the Meiji restoration, discuss its significance for Japan. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"It is believed that a nation is an \"imagined community\" held together by common beliefs, history, political aspirations etc. In this context, discuss what the basis of India as a nation is. Also, bring out the threats to the concept of Indian nationhood. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"State the key factors behind the growth of the pharmaceutical industry in India. Additionally, discuss its significance with regard to India's economy and public health.(Answer in 150words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss why the Bay of Bengal is more prone to cyclones than the Arabian Sea. Also, explain the reasons for the decrease in frequency of tropical cyclones during the Southwest monsoon season. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The existence of relative deprivation is an important aspect in constructing the argument for regionalism. Explain with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":1977,"topper":"Ayush Shrotriya","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Ayush-Shrotriya-UPSC-2023-Rank-109-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"In many ways, the Spanish civil war was the opening act of WWII. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"How will you explain the different fates of Buddhism and Jainism despite a slew of similarities in the two religions? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Non-Cooperation Movement democratized India's freedom struggle but suffered from inherent limitations. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Critically analyse the efficacy of linguistic reorganization of states in addressing the reasons for linguistic divides in post-independent India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Briefly discuss the role of plate tectonics theory in explaining the location of volcanoes. Also, explain the multifarious impacts of volcanoes on the surrounding regions. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Taking further the success of Aspirational Districts Programme, Aspirational Blocks can help achieve the twin objectives of balanced growth and checking stress migration. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Describe the critical factors for location of defense industries and suggest measures to overcome the challenges. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"To what extent can Socio-Economic-Caste Census (SECC) address the challenges in achieving equitable resource allocation and targeted welfare? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Indian society is premised on some common values that give it a composite texture as well as some diverse practices that deepen its heterogeneity. Elucidate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What are the factors that influence population growth in the country? In this perspective, examine the relevance and need of raising the minimum marriageable age of women for population development. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Bring out the reasons behind the tribal unrest in British India. Also, analyze the reasons for their limited success. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The independence of India was not a result of a forced expulsion of the Empire, as desired by the Quit India Movement; it was rather a confluence of domestic politics and global circumstances. Analyze. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Explain why Sufism, a liberal reform movement in Islam could deepen its roots in the Indi-an sub-continent, despite Islam being a foreign religion? Also, bring out the impacts of Sufism on Indian society. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Enumerate the reasons behind rising intensity and frequency of cyclones in the Arabian Sea in recent years. Giving special reference to NDMA guidelines, recommend measures to check the adverse impacts of cyclones. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Examine the impacts of climate change on the hydrological cycle and suggest suitable mitigation and adaptation strategies to contain the harmful implications. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Defining continental shelf, highlight its resource potential and ecological significance. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Rooted in patriarchal values, gender-based violence, in all its manifestations, is antithetical to societal growth. Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The caste calculus in the Indian society remains predominant and continues to project its shadow on social, political, and economic domains. Do you agree? Substantiate your answer. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss various factors contributing to the water woes faced by Indian cities. Also, explain complexities in implementing a comprehensive water management plan. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Though important elements of group identity, religion and region also run the risk of deepening communal cleavages. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":1978,"topper":"Ayush Shrotriya","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Ayush-Shrotriya-UPSC-2023-Rank-109-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Celebrity endorsements raise pertinent ethical concerns about responsibility that delve into the realm of ethical considerations of social influence that run deeper than mere surface appeal. In this context, suggest measures to tackle the ethical challenges of celebrity brand endorsements. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Embracing a scientific mindset involves setting aside impulsive inclinations in favor of the pursuit of truth. In your view, how does the integration of scientific thinking contribute to addressing contemporary challenges and promoting societal progress? How can we effectively cultivate a scientific attitude in society? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"In the realm of professional conduct, ethics plays a role that tends to go far beyond fulfilling the roles and responsibilities of the job with diligence and honesty. But some people consider professional competence as the only critical requirement for a job. If faced with a choice, who would you prefer to hire - someone with professional competence or one with strong moral values? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Patriotism can hold different meanings for different people, often shaped by personal experiences and convictions. What does patriotism mean to you? Explain narrating incidents from your life when you exhibited patriotism. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Max Weber's concept of bureaucracy was developed in the early 20th century, but it still influences administrative structures today. In what ways do you see Weberian bureaucracy as relevant in today's rapidly changing world? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Global challenges often test the ethical fiber of nations, urging them to channel narrow pursuit of national-interest into an enlightened self-interest.\" Enumerating the various ethical principles underlying the concept of enlightened national-interest examine the efficacy in helping nations navigate the fine line between pursuing their strategic interests and upholding ethical principles, particularly in times of conflict? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In the realm of governance, a crucial aspect is the art of persuasion. The qualities that make civil servants proficient persuaders empower them to fulfill their responsibilities in an effective manner. Discuss with illustrations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Corruption has multifaceted implications. Some consider it an undeniable vice, while others contend it to be an unavoidable necessity for navigating the bureaucratic complexities. In your opinion, does corruption oil or corrode the gears of development? Substantiate your arguments. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Ethical hacking and malicious hacking stand as divergent paths with distinct intentions and consequences. As technology advances, it becomes imperative to comprehend the nuances that set these practices apart in the cybersecurity landscape. In this perspective, elucidate the principles that differentiate ethical hacking and malicious hacking. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What does each of the following quotation mean to you? a) \"Our greatest ability as humans is not to change the world, but to change ourselves.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":48,"question":"What are the key ethical concerns present in the above case study? b) According to you between the twin objectives of development and conservation what should be given more priority and why? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":59,"question":"Mr X is travelling by road with his family to attend a marriage ceremony. His grandfather, who is the head of the family is also travelling with him. On the way to their destination, all of them stop at a road side restaurant for lunch. This is a well-known restaurant owned by one of the friends of Mr X. The place is known for its tasty and hygienic food. However, the grandfather notices a picture on the wall of the restaurant and enquires about the religion of the restaurant owner. Mr X's friend belongs to a religion different from the grandfather's religion. The grandfather has a negative attitude towards the religion of Mr X's friend and he insists that he will not eat in that restaurant. He demands that the entire family should leave the restaurant immediately as they are travelling for a happy occasion and eating at this particular restaurant will pollute them. Mr X tries to calm down his grandfather and explain to him that religion has nothing to do with purity or pollution. He also reasons that several travel magazines have rated the restaurant highly, especially for its superior hygiene standards. Also, he points out that there is no restaurant in the way for the next 100 Km and it will be difficult for all to make do without food for that long. However, his arguments fall on deaf years, and which is more his grandfather admonishes him for bringing the family to the restaurant despite being aware about the religion of the owner. Mr X's friend feels insulted and discriminated against due to his religion. Mr X's father is upset but refuses to say anything out of respect for the grandfather. Entire family is embarrassed by the attitude of the grandfather and they are getting ready to leave the restaurant. Mr X is confused regarding how he should act in this situation. a) What are the various ethical issues in the above case study? b) Imagine yourself in the place of Mr X. Evaluate the different courses of actions available with you. What is the most suitable course of action? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":1979,"topper":"Ayush Sinha","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8903_872_Ayush_Rank_7.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The \"Outcome Budget\" reflects the endeavour of the Government to convert \"Outlays\" into \"Outcomes\". Explain. Also, discuss why the potential of outcome budgeting remains untapped in the Indian context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"What is agroforestry? Discuss its potential in making agriculture sustainable and viable. In this context, discuss the salient features of National Agroforestry Policy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Comment on the problem of rising Non Performing Assets (NPAs) in India, with particular reference to public sector banks. Examine the effectiveness of the steps taken by the government in recent times to deal with this problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"To address the issue of unemployment, we need a multipronged approach and not just a focus on growth. Examine the statement in the context of various measures taken by the government in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Nuclear power has a great potential in India to supplement and in the longer term even substitute coal based power as base load. Discuss. Also, mention the steps taken by the Government of India in order to achieve nuclear energy self-sufficiency.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The agriculture sector needs government support but loan waivers are not the solution. Discuss the statement in the light of recent developments in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"What are the objectives of District Mineral Foundation? Discuss the challenges that need to be addressed for this institution to achieve its desired objectives.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"What factors explain India's poor merchandise export performance in recent times? Enumerate some recent measures taken by the government to help boost merchandise exports.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Despite numerous health hazards associated with traditional cooking energy fuels, access to clean cooking in India still continues to be a luxury. Discuss. Also enumerate the steps taken by the government to make it accessible along with the challenges faced in the process.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Taxing agricultural income is an idea whose time has come. Critically discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Dismantling of administered price mechanism for fuels is being deemed as a significant piece of economic reform. Analyse. Also, discuss how the recently introduced dynamic fuel pricing can prove to be beneficial for both the OMCs as well as consumers.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Ensuring that buildings comply with green norms will require much more than current arrangements. Analyse. Also discuss the relevant features of the new building code issued by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Given the worsening of air quality in National Capital Region, discuss the need for Graded Response Action Plan against air pollution and the challenges in its implementation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"A new disease emerging in any part of the world is a global threat. In the context of \"zoonoses\" and \"emerging infectious diseases\", analyse the risks for India. Also, identify the structures in place and measures required to combat these risks.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"There is a growing recognition that efforts should not be limited to post-disaster relief and reconstruction, rather development paradigm should integrate disaster risk reduction strategies. Discuss in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"The emphasis on TRIPS plus by developed countries is contrary to the position and interest of developing countries like India. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Coherently dealing with security threats facing India requires deeper operational synergies among the army, navy and air force. Discuss in the light of the latest Joint Doctrine for Indian Armed forces. Also, delineate the reasons for resistance to the idea of a joint Chief of Defence Staff over the years.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Over the years, laws dealing with money laundering have proved to be less than effective. Briefly discuss the statement in the context of government's proposal to make money laundering a separate criminal offence. Also enumerate the recommendations made by FATF to combat money laundering.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"In the context of recent developments briefly explain the issues involved in the Doklam area. What are the challenges that India faces in the management of border with China? In this context, also identify key steps taken by India over the years.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1980,"topper":"Ayushi Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ac9f4-154260_1248_ayushi-jain_rank_85.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the significance of Credit Rating Agencies (CRAs) in India and highlight the issues in their working. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What are the issues that have limited the success of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in India? Mention some steps that can be taken to address them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The opportunities for start-ups in India are immense, but so are the challenges. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The term 'Circular Economy' is often seen in news. What are the principles that it is based on? Bring out its relevance for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Assess the performance of Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana in achieving its stated objective of financial inclusion. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"How does pollution in rivers impact the surrounding ecosystem? Explain why such pollution has not shown signs of improvement, despite various government initiatives. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What is project MANAV launched by the Department of Biotechnology? Highlight the significance of this project. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Highlighting the properties and applications of superconductors, discuss the constraints related to their practical use. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind India becoming a major destination as well as a transit hub for drug trafficking in South Asia. How does this effect India's internal security? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The development of border areas is an important element in border management. In this context, discuss how the Border Area Development Programme (BADP) seeks to ameliorate the problems faced in border areas. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Examine whether Fixed Term Employment will be able to achieve the objectives of ease of doing business, achieving labour welfare and job creation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"A growing livestock sector augurs well for the low income households to augment their income and escape poverty. Discuss. Further, suggest some strategies for ensuring sustainable livestock sector growth in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Examine whether the time has come for India to usher in full liberalisation of the Capital Account. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlighting the challenges to agriculture extension in India, discuss how ICT can help in addressing them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Now that it has been two years since introduction of GST in India, do you think the system is on the path to achieve its intended objectives? Support your answer with relevant facts. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Highlight the gender specific challenges faced during disaster management. In this regard, discuss how the disaster management cycle can be made more gender sensitive. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Though there are some notable individual achievements, the overall participation of women in scientific research has been abysmally low. Examine. What steps have been taken by the government in this regard? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss the significance of the recent amendments made in the NIA act and the UAPA Act for countering terrorism. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The national security architecture needs to be robust enough to deal with present and evolving threats. Elaborating on the statement, discuss the recent steps taken for modernisation of the national security architecture. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1981,"topper":"Ayushi Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3b101-154260_1247_ayushi-jain_rank_85.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Mention the structure and functions of NITI Aayog. Also, comment on its contemporary relevance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Critically discuss the practice of setting up Fast Track Courts to reduce pendency of cases in the judiciary. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the challenges faced by lower judiciary in India and suggest measures for enhancing their productivity. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Assess the need to formalise the process of post-legislative scrutiny to improve the effectiveness of laws. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in improving the effectiveness of e-governance in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Despite various reforms in the public grievance redressal mechanisms, their effectiveness remain limited. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Explaining the factors that contribute to trafficking of women and children in India, highlight the steps taken in recent times to combat it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"With Vector-Borne Diseases (VBDs) reaching epidemic proportions in India, highlight the factors that have led to their emergence. Also, suggest some measures for their effective control and management. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"After years of neglect, rapidly evolving regional strategic realities are now forcing India and Indonesia to coordinate their policies ever more closely. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Despite several attempts at resetting the ties, various barriers continue to be a cause of concern in the India-Nepal bilateral relations. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Delineate the differences between pressure groups and interest groups. Citing examples, elaborate on the ways in which pressure groups influence government decisions and policy making in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlighting the issues faced by the institutions of local self governance in India, suggest measures that can be taken to improve their effectiveness in the delivery of public goods and services at the grassroot level. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The recent amendment to the Right to Information Act, 2005 will weaken the act and undermine the authority of Information Commissioners. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight the process of delimitation in India. Also, throw light on the debates surrounding the delimitation exercise in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Self Help Groups (SHGs) are vehicles of rural development, which help in the upliftment of marginalized groups. Elucidate. Further, mention the constraints faced by SHGs and how they can be addressed. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"With construction of toilets being only one part of the solution for a clean India, it is time that the Swachh Bharat Mission puts more emphasis on the other facets as well. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Highlight the salient features of Mission Indradhanush. What are the challenges that the mission is facing in its implementation? Suggest measures to address these challenges for progressing towards full immunization coverage. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Assess the importance of skilling in light of changing economic and demographic structure in India. In this regard, how far has the Skill India Mission succeeded in its mandate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What according to you are the reasons that motivated India to create a dedicated Indo-Pacific division in the MEA recently? Also, highlight the challenges for India in the Indo-Pacific region. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"For SCO to become a successful regional grouping, it has to overcome bilateral differences between its members and their respective geopolitical calculations. Comment. Also, discuss the role that SCO can play in enhancing India's interest in the Eurasian region. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1982,"topper":"Ayushi Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/dc354-154260_1246_ayushi-jain_rank_85.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Rock-cut structures were closely associated with various religions and religious activities. Discuss the statement giving relevant examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The legislative and administrative record of the Congress Ministries during their twenty-eight months rule under the Act of 1935 was positive, but the period also witnessed the emergence of serious weaknesses in the Congress. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay was a multifaceted personality with significant contributions both to pre and post independence India. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The inherent limitations of Napoleon's policy of Continental Blockade ultimately resulted in its failure. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Despite changes in the institution of marriage in recent times, there have been elements of continuity as well. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"There are multiple disabilities that a person experiences in the course of ageing. Elaborate. Also identify key government initiatives taken for addressing them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlight the reasons behind prevalence of low literacy rate among tribals. Also, mention some initiatives taken by the government in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain how Continental Drift Theory describes the changing configuration of the continents. Discuss the prominent evidences given by Alfred Wegener to support his theory. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The variety of landforms on the earth's surface is the result of internal and external forces. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Explaining the concept of Lapse Rate, examine its relationship with atmospheric stability. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The colonial period brought the influence of Western architectural forms to India. In this context, giving examples, highlight the contribution of Europeans to Indian architecture. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The nineteenth century witnessed a struggle against the backward elements of traditional culture. Discuss in the context of socio-religious reform movements. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Explaining the reasons behind partition of Bengal, discuss the successes and limitations of the Swadeshi movement launched in its wake. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The reorganisation of states in India post-independence has been an ongoing process with distinct contributing factors. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The Treaty of Versailles was not a peace agreement based on reconciliation but was 'dictated peace' forced on Germany, which eventually triggered the Second World War. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Legal measures alone are not sufficient for addressing the issue of domestic violence against women, rather it requires intervention at societal level. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"India is undergoing a demographic transition the implications of which are multipronged. Analyze. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Highlight the significance of watershed development in India. Give reasons for the limited success of initiatives directed towards watershed management in India. Also, suggest some measures to improve the design of watershed programs. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Explain the relationship between raw materials and location of industries. How are globalisation and technological advancements changing this relationship? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Explain how natural greenhouse effect helps in maintaining Earth's heat budget. What are the possible implications of rising concentration of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in atmosphere on Earth's heat budget? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1983,"topper":"Ayushi Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/676dc-154260_1245_ayushi-jain_rank_85.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the attributes of leadership, analyse why it is important for a civil servant.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"A civil servant needs to be objective as well as empathetic. What do you understand by objectivity? Discuss its relationship with empathy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"With rapidly increasing use of information technology, what according to you is the role of ethics in cyber space?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Transparency in government organisations is an essential pre-condition for good governance. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but its lowest ones. Nelson Mandela","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"In the context of rapid technological change, discuss the significance of inculcating moral and spiritual values in educational institutions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Explain the main elements of integral humanism as propounded by Deen Dayal Upadhyay and highlight its contemporary relevance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"You are the Chairman of a Committee, constituted by the government, to suggest measures to improve the quality of education in state-run schools. In view of the increasing dropout rate and the widening gap between students' learning ability in state-run and private schools, answer the following questions: (a) Examine the role of government in the education sector, especially providing primary and secondary education through state-run schools. (b) Identify the principles and values that would guide your recommendations in this regard. (c) Suggest some ways in which quality of education in state-run schools can be improved.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1984,"topper":"Ayushi Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7e4a7-154260_1249_ayushi-jain_rank_85.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"In the quest for scientific and technological development, ethical values should not be neglected. Discuss in the current context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Elucidate Swami Vivekananda's ideas on nationalism.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. Mahatma Gandhi","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"The mandatory nature of Corporate Social Responsibility goes against the notion of philanthropy. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"There have been arguments that rich countries owe an obligation to people living in poor countries. In this context, discuss the issues associated with foreign aid.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"It is essential that people have access to information if they are to have the capacity to exercise other rights. Discuss the statement with focus on importance of RTI in governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Various studies have found out that cases of depression and mental illness have increased exponentially in the recent past. Also, in the age group of 15-30 years, this problem is further pronounced. Furthermore, the rising trend of suicides in this age group has been attributed to depression. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Present an ethical critique of the prevalent societal attitude towards mental illness. (b) Given the magnitude of the problem among younger generation/young adults, analyse the role of the following: i. Parenting ii. Social Media iii. Video Games","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1985,"topper":"Ayushi Pradhan","air":36,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/24696-859079_2488_ayushi_pradhan_rank_36.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":1986,"topper":"Ayushi Pradhan","air":26,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TbRosqsKzs_KBsKa67IgnKfIepsKTjd7/view","questions":[]},{"id":1987,"topper":"Ayushi Pradhan","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Ayushi-Pradhan-UPSC-2023-Rank-36-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) seeks to democratize the nation's online market by catalysing a shift from platform centric to an open model of e-commerce. Enumerate the issues in platform centric e-commerce model and discuss the significance of ONDC. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Highlighting the existing bottlenecks in infrastructure development in the country, examine the role of PM Gati Shakti-National Master Plan for Multi-Modal Connectivity to overcome these challenges. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Often cited as responsible for many of the agriculture's maladies, Minimum Support Price (MSP) policy can also provide their remedies. Analyze the statement with special reference to issues related to mono-cropping and climate change. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Explain the critical role of the fisheries sector for development of coastal areas. Describing the major outcomes of the 12th ministerial of WTO, discuss India's concerns related to the impact of these outcomes on fisheries sector in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are the advantages of liquid nano urea over conventional fertilizers? Also bring out other applications of nanotechnology in the agriculture sector. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discuss the reasons for rising anti-microbial resistance (AMR) in India and the efforts to control it. Can traditional medicine help in controlling AMR in the country? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Critically evaluate the various government initiatives to promote renewable energy in the country. How far can the Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill, 2022 contribute towards the objective of decarbonizing the economy? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Money laundering undermines the integrity of the financial system and threatens national security. Elaborate. How effective has Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA) been in checking the problem of money laundering in the country? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"In the five years since its launch to create \"One Nation, One Tax, One Market\", Goods and Services Tax (GST) has been a cause of celebration as well as a source of worry for the stakeholders. In light of this statement, assess the performance of GST. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Discussing the reasons for high Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) in Indian banking sector, critically examine the utility of Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) and National Asset Reconstruction Company Ltd (NARCL) for reducing financial stress on banks. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"While post-independence policies have transformed India from a 'ship to mouth' economy to a net exporter of agri-products, nutrition security is yet an unrealized objective. Analyze. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Examine the critical role of Food Corporation of India (FCI) in food management in the country. Highlight various challenges faced by the FCI and suggest reforms to make it more effective in its functioning. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What do you understand by Artificial Intelligence (AI)? Analyze its predictive and prescriptive applications to improve governance in the country and list out the challenges inherent in AI. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"How is 5G different from previous generations of tele-communication technology? Underlining the transformative application of 5G technology, discuss various challenges in its roll-out. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Why is Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) seen as a regulatory hurdle to development rather than an integral part of developmental planning? How far can the recently proposed ranking system for State EIA Authorities (SEIAA) help in changing this perception? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Unscientific, unmindful and unregulated tourism in the ecologically fragile areas has increased the vulnerabilities of these regions towards a plethora of disasters. Examine the statement and suggest strategies for sustainable tourism. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"How are 'hybrid-militants' different from militants and Over Ground Workers (OGW)? In what ways have hybrid-militants changed the security concerns in Jammu and Kashmir? Also recommend effective measures to counter them. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Explain the linkages of human trafficking with other illicit activities such as drug trafficking, gun-running, and terrorism. Discuss the measures to tackle the menace of human trafficking with special reference of draft Trafficking in Persons (Prevention, Care & Rehabilitation) Bill 2021.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":1988,"topper":"Ayushi Pradhan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/87ebd-859079_2219_ayushi-pradhan_36.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Fiscal policy can be a key tool to reduce income inequality as well as make the poorest and the downtrodden a part of the country's growth story. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Digitizing land records will go a long way in ensuring land reforms as well as lessening the burden on the Indian Judiciary. Elaborate. Also, state the measures taken in this context. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"It has been pointed out that competitive politics to fund mostly non-merit subsidies is pushing a few states in India to the brink of a deep fiscal crisis. In this context, discuss the need to rationalise the subsidy regime in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Micro-irrigation has tremendous potential in transforming farming into a profitable and sustainable venture. Discuss the given statement in the context of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Given its vast resources and technical expertise, India can play a key role in assisting the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) in dealing with the impact of climate change. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The recent \"Disaster Management Plan of Ministry of Panchayati Raj (DMP-MoPR)\" aims to develop disaster resilience at the grassroots level. In this context, discuss the rationale behind the formulation of the Plan and highlight its key components. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the internal security implications emanating from the use of Emerging And Disruptive Technologies (EDT) by state and non-state actors. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Identify the impediments faced by India in boosting its defence exports. Also, discuss the steps taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the multiple issues associated with space debris. Also, state the initiatives taken in recent times to tackle this menace. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The adoption of Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) in India is expected to make e-commerce more inclusive and accessible for consumers. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While an agreement was recently reached at the WTO on a deal to curb \"harmful\" government fisheries subsidies, certain concerns raised by India suggests that the matter will require further negotiations. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite the advantages that are associated with the hybrid annuity model (HAM) in the road construction sector, the interest in it has moderated due to various reasons. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The existing MSP procurement regime is neither economically nor agro-ecologically sustainable. Elaborate. Also, evaluate the alternative approaches that can be adopted to improve the existing MSP regime. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"It is being argued that India is struggling with overflowing foodgrains in warehouses. Discuss the statement in view of the existing buffer stock policy of India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Recently, the government has asked all ports to prepare a master plan in order to become 'mega ports' by 2047. In light of this, discuss the challenges faced by ports and suggest remedial measures in order to propel India's blue economy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Inequality in income and wealth translates into carbon inequality. In this context, discuss the significance of addressing carbon inequality for India and suggest ways to achieve it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Despite increased and regular occurrences of landslides over the past decade in India, the dominant development paradigm has largely not been modified. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)15","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India needs a smart border management system to balance legitimate cross border flows with national security interests. Discuss. Also, highlight the initiatives taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)15","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Establishing linkages between globalisation and money laundering, discuss the initiatives taken at the national and international levels to combat it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"There have been arguments that India needs to review some of its past assumptions about the nature of outer space and contribute to the development of new global norms. In this context, analyse India's stand in relation to the Artemis Accords. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1989,"topper":"Ayushi Pradhan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a11f5-859079_2422_ayushi-pradhan_36.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The traditional theatre forms of India reflect the ideals and emotions of the society, and an individual's role in the community. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Provide an account of the historical and architectural importance of the Sanchi Stupa. Also, discuss how it inspired the future architecture in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Bhagat Singh made a real breakthrough in terms of revolutionary ideology, the goals of revolution and forms of revolutionary struggle. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Bringing out the factors that led to the Meiji restoration, discuss its significance for Japan. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"It is believed that a nation is an \"imagined community\" held together by common beliefs, history, political aspirations etc. In this context, discuss what the basis of India as a nation is. Also, bring out the threats to the concept of Indian nationhood. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"State the key factors behind the growth of the pharmaceutical industry in India. Additionally, discuss its significance with regard to India's economy and public health. (Answer in 150words)10","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss why the Bay of Bengal is more prone to cyclones than the Arabian Sea. Also, explain the reasons for the decrease in frequency of tropical cyclones during the Southwest monsoon season. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite being destructive in nature, volcanoes are critical for the existence of human life on earth. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The existence of relative deprivation is an important aspect in constructing the argument for regionalism. Explain with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"If India is to realise the goal of 'education for all', the issue of rising cases of bullying and other forms of school violence needs to be addressed immediately. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Bring out the role played by the Ahom Kingdom in shaping the cultural and historical identity of North-East India, and discuss its legacy in contemporary times. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The capitalist class generally remained ambivalent in their support to the Indian National Congress until 1940s. In this context, analyse the varying positions of the Indian capitalists throughout the national movement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Trace the evolution of the press in India. Also, discuss the instrumental impact it had during various stages of the Indian freedom struggle despite the repressive policies of the British. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Mountains are fragile ecosystems vulnerable to the adverse impact of climate change and other anthropogenic interventions. Illustrate with examples. Also, highlight the initiatives taken for their sustainable management. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind unsustainable management of sand resources in India. Highlighting its impact, enumerate the remedial measures taken in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Giving an account of the major lithium-producing countries, discuss the geo-political aspects of lithium production and its environmental implications. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The youth are capable of identifying themselves with a global identity and connecting with events and experiences outside their countries. In this context, discuss the impact of globalization on the various aspects of youth identity. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"As fertility rates decline in India, future demographic concerns center around an ageing population and a weak social security system. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"With a significant proportion of India's population expected to live in urban areas by 2030, the welfare of the urban poor needs to take centre-stage in public policy. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1990,"topper":"Ayushi Pradhan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e8542-859079_2217_ayushi-pradhan_36.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With examples, discuss how the cultural traditions from various regions of India get reflected in regional music. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Highlighting the emergence of the working class movement, discuss its contribution towards India's freedom struggle. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Do you agree with the view that Gandhian politics was, in a sense, a continuation of Tilak's politics? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"It is said that the world's oceans are losing their 'memory' due to human-induced warming. Comment. Also, discuss the consequences of the phenomenon. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What is soil amendment? Evaluate the benefits and concerns associated with it. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"It has been suggested that the next decade may see a boom in hybrid power plants. Stating the advantages that such power plants offer, discuss the associated challenges. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What are Van Allen Radiation Belts? Explaining their formation, discuss why there has been a growing focus on their study. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss whether marital rape should be criminalised in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What is care economy? Highlight the challenges associated with it and mention the steps taken to address them in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Post-pandemic India is staring at the challenge of \"learning poverty\". Analyse its implications and discuss a way ahead. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Bring out the evolution of mural traditions in South India. Also, elaborate on their significant characteristics. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Indian nationalism that confronted British imperialism in the 19th century was a product of colonial modernity. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Environmentalism surfaced in the form of many organised movements in post independence India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Do you agree with the view that continental blockade was an ill-conceived strategy by Napoleon to conquer Britain through economic means? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What do you understand by the Arctic Paradox? Highlight the spatial distribution of mineral and energy resources in the Arctic region. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Cryosphere changes have a tendency to bring about a devastating impact on the ecosystem and its people. Discuss. Also, enlist measures to tackle this threat. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The frequent instances of urban flooding pose a severe risk to the urban ecosystem in India. Discuss with special emphasis on its impact on the critical infrastructure. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Sand is not only critical for economic development but also provides crucial ecosystem services. Elaborate. In this context, discuss the importance of sustainable sand mining in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The challenge of unbridled and unbalanced growth of urban spaces in India necessitates reforms in urban planning and capacity. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Feminist movements in India have historically lacked inclusivity, often growing within a limited Western upper-class psyche. Critically discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1991,"topper":"Ayushi Pradhan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/796ca-859079_2218_ayushi-pradhan_36.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to revisit the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution? Discuss with suitable arguments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Highlighting the advantages of online dispute resolution (ODR) mechanism for justice delivery, discuss the challenges associated with its effective implementation in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Despite the constitutional division of powers, Centre-state disputes have been a perennial feature of Indian democracy. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Do you agree with the view that adopting a framework for lobbying will strengthen participative governance and ease of doing business in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Despite the government encouraging open source instead of proprietary technology for government applications, the true potential of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) and digital platforms remains unrealized. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"As a social safety-valve, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) can be the principal vehicles through which communities voice their concerns. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Despite being lauded for its patient centric approach, the implementation of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, remains sluggish and mired with various issues. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to formulate an Urban Employment Guarantee scheme at the national level? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the relevance of BIMSTEC as a regional organisation to fulfil India's strategic aspirations in the Indian Ocean Region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the relevance of the Gujral Doctrine for India with regard to its relations with its immediate neighbours in the present times. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the pivotal role of the \"Officers of Parliament\" in the Indian Parliamentary system. Also, discuss the constitutional and statutory provisions for their impartial functioning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The Finance Commission plays a crucial role in balancing fiscal federalism in India. In this context, examine the recommendations given by the 15th Finance Commission. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Critically assess whether according statutory backing to the Model Code of Conduct will contribute towards free and fair elections in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The market disruption caused by digital revolution warrants renewed focus and perspective to ensure fair competition in the digital economy. In this light, discuss the need to revamp the Competition Commission of India (CCI). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"There is an urgent need for effective whistle-blowing mechanisms and ensuring that necessary safeguards for the protection of whistle-blowers are established in both public and private spheres in India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"State the reasons behind the poor performance of cooperatives in India. Also, discuss the reforms undertaken by the government to overcome the shortcomings. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Public-Private Partnership model, if harnessed properly, has the potential to bridge the gaps in India's healthcare system. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Although the New Education Policy brings with itself a commendable vision, its success will depend on its ability to effectively integrate with the government's other policy initiatives. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) is born from a collective desire to make the Indo-Pacific region an engine of global economic growth. Comment. Also, discuss India's concerns in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"India needs to identify the priority areas to further its techno-diplomacy amidst the complexities of expanding digital space and New and Emerging Strategic Technologies. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1992,"topper":"Ayushi Pradhan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/bd246-859079_2423_ayushi-pradhan_36.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With suitable examples, discuss how environmental pressure groups enhance public participation and responsiveness with regard to environmental policies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The recent acknowledgment of sex work as a 'profession' by the Supreme Court is merely the first step in ensuring basic rights and equality for sex workers in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the role played by District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) in providing free legal aid and disseminating legal awareness in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"The collegium system has become a victim of its own success, with the concentration of power in the hands of a few, leading to questions about its legitimacy.\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"Civil services reforms must go beyond recruitment and standardised training to cope with the present day challenges.\" Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"Outcome-based finance models such as social impact bonds have the potential to truly catalyse change and deliver socio-economic impact at scale. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)\"","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"The wide gap between the number of females graduating every year and those entering the workspace is an issue of paramount importance that needs to be addressed. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)\"","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"An up to date and functional Civil Registration System (CRS) is essential to the socio-economic planning in India. Discuss in the light of the recent move of the Central government in revamping the CRS system in the country. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What are the key areas of reform if the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has to align with the current economic realities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In recent years, India's relationship with West Asia has evolved from the confines of geopolitics to expanse of geoeconomics. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The role of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) is significant in furthering healthy competitiveness aimed at inspiring stakeholders to innovate and augment effectiveness. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"\"The menace of paid news often rears its ugly head during elections.\" Discuss the need for making paid news an electoral offence in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the 'Doctrine of Essentiality' referred to by the courts in the context of religious practices in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"As per the recently released report of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), there is an urgent need to limit the size of the government in India. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The Institutions of Eminence (IoE) scheme was conceived to develop 'world-class' centres of higher education in India but six years later, it is yet to become the game changer it was intended to be. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) allows for innovative and convenient public services, help overcome inclusion or accessibility barriers, and increase transparency and accountability with real-time data. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Besides legislation, the full realisation of the 'right to health for all' in India demands plugging of social, financial, and infrastructural gaps. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The 'third gender' has not yet been engendered in the Indian society despite legislative nudge. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Among other factors, strained ties with China and Pakistan make it difficult for India to fulfill its expectations from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"The recently concluded initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) between the United States and India promises a long overdue transformation of their partnership in the field of technology. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1993,"topper":"Ayushi Pradhan","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Ayushi-Pradhan-UPSC-2023-Rank-36-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"\"Ethics is not just a contemplative discipline. What we believe to be good or bad has implications on our actions.\" Discuss how different schools of ethics help us in making moral decisions. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"While one group considers abortion as unmitigated evil, the other sees it as morally acceptable. Analyse various ethical concerns related to abortion and give your opinion on the issue. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What lessons can be learnt from the life of Mahatma Gandhi for promoting social harmony in today's times? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What is Kant's categorical imperative? How does it compare with the doctrine of Nishkama Karma? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Emotional intelligence (EI) not only helps in managing stress but also transforms distress into eustress. Elaborate with relevant examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Although attitude and behaviour are interrelated, the former is a predisposition while the latter is an option. Discuss the structure of attitude and explain the relationship between attitude and behaviour. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Greed is a bottomless pit which is harmful not only for self but for the entire society. Discuss. How can such negative desires be controlled? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What does each of the following quotation mean to you? a) A man can give up a right, but he may not give up a duty without being guilty of a grave dereliction. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Success may not lead to happiness, but happiness is definitely the key to success. Discuss this statement based on your understanding of happiness and success. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"To delight in war is a merit in the soldier, a dangerous quality in the captain, and a positive crime in the statesman.\" - George Santayana. Can war be ethically justified? Discuss the moral principles related to war. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel. What do you understand by this statement? In your opinion, which five values should Indian education system inculcate in every student? Justify your choice. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":34,"question":"You have recently started working at your dream company. You have hired in the strategies department along with two other new joiners. All of you have just graduated out of college. You have very friendly relations with co-joiners. The three of you have been helping each other at work. The experience of working together has built strong camaraderie between the three of you. Your boss has publicly appreciated the strong team-spirit displayed by you and your colleagues. At the annual review, you have been given a higher pay raise, and a more lucrative job profile. The promotion doesn't come as a surprise to you. You have worked beyond office hours more as a rule rather than as an exception. The project you worked at was adjudged 'the best project of the year in business impact' at the annual corporate awards. One of your co-joiners remarks, in presumably good humor, that you should suggest to your boss to allocate similar high impact projects to your friends as well. You also perceive suggestions towards the shared surname being the reason for special affinity of your boss towards you, indicating at the fact that your boss and you have the same caste. You feel hurt but you also try to think about the remarks with an open mind. You assess that the three of you have indeed worked hard with sincerity. One of your friends, in fact, worked very efficiently despite a personal tragedy at home. There was already a salary differential between you and your colleagues based on the pedigree of your college. The higher pay raise to you has expanded the differential pay structure further. You always considered the initial pay differential to be against the principle of equal pay for equal work. But now you feel your friends may not have been given equal opportunities as well. a) You are inclined to the belief that efforts and talent of your colleagues have been under-appreciated and you start feeling guilty about your promotion. b) Based on the given information, discuss the options that are available to you for addressing the guilt. What are the merits and demerits of those choices? Which option would you choose? Justify. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Ashmita is a respected doctor who runs her own maternity clinic in a small town. She is a mother of two and her husband is also a doctor. Ashmita handles multiple cases of child delivery every day and is known for her compassionate treatment of patients. Her clinic enjoy a good reputation in town. Among other expecting mothers, Shikha, daughter-in-law of an MLA, was admitted to Ashmita's maternity clinic for child birth. The MLA met Ashmita and expressed his confidence in her skills. He requested her to personally take extra care of Shikha, to which Ashmita agreed happily. Shikha unexpectedly went into labour in the early hours the next day. During this time, Ashmita was performing an emergency surgery on another patient, so she could not attend to Shikha. Shikha was taken care of by other qualified doctors and hospital staff. The MLA was visibly unhappy that Ashmita did not attend Shikha herself. Once the emergency surgery was completed, Ashmita joined her staff and attended Shikha. However, Shikha passed away due to excess bleeding from Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) during childbirth. Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is unpredictable heavy bleeding and Ashmita did everything that she could have done to try to save Shikha's life. The MLA blamed Ashmita for Shikha's death. Ashmita was beaten by the MLA and his staff. When her husband tried to save Ashmita, he was dragged out of the hospital and thrashed. A police complaint was also lodged against Ashmita accusing her of murder due to negligence. For many days after the incident, she and her family faced constant harassment by police and supporters of the MLA. Ultimately, Ashmita could not take any more humiliation and committed suicide. The news of suicide by the doctor spread like wildfire. Indian Medical Association took cognizance of the case and warned nationwide strike of doctors if appropriate actions in this case were not taken. The state government has appointed a committee to investigate the matter and recommend suitable actions. You are the Chairperson of this committee. In this scenario, answer the following: a) Why do doctors face violence in the country? b) Identify various moral-ethical and administrative lapses in this case. c) What would you recommend in this case? Give rationale behind giving those recommendations. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":1994,"topper":"Ayushi Pradhan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/24938-859079_2220_ayushi_pradhan_rank_36.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The logic of limitless wealth lies in the basic human instinct for furthering self-interest in the form of profit. In this context, do you think there is a possibility of pursuing ethical capitalism? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"If a law is unjust, a man is not only right to disobey it, he is obligated to do so. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The capacity of Citizens' Charter to initiate any transformative process is conditioned upon it being appropriately designed and effectively executed. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The moral fiber and ethical conduct of public officials not only influence the standard of governance but also their own interests and performance. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The ongoing debate on euthanasia poses several ethical questions. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Foreign aid is a form of neo-colonialism, as the economically wealthier countries can exploit the developing countries under the cloak of aid. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Throwing light on the idea of Universal Humanism propounded by Rabindranath Tagore, discuss its contemporary relevance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree with the view that it is nature and not nurture which determines the emotional intelligence of a person? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Values that guide public administrators can often compete with each other, owing to their relative importance to the larger public interest. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Is it justifiable to say that corruption is a social phenomenon? What are the various ways through which administrative corruption can be tackled? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? \"Overcoming poverty is not a task of charity; it is an act of justice.\" Nelson Mandela (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"\"I do believe that, where there is only a choice between cowardice and violence, I would advise violence.\"- Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":57,"question":"The Indian education system suffers from many ills. One of the major issues is the focus on 'rote learning', which has been the staple of the Indian education system for many years. While many Indians have attained success despite this system, simply being able to recall information is not enough in today's world when that information is instantly available to anyone on a mobile phone. A survey of 200 Indian and foreign companies found that only 14% of Indian graduates were prepared for the workforce, largely because most graduates were unable to apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the consequences of 'rote learning' on the educational development of young students in the country? (b) Suggest measures that can be taken to address this issue. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1995,"topper":"Ayushi Pradhan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/48d1f-859079_2425_ayushi_pradhan_rank_36.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"For effective corporate governance to take place in the coming years, why is it important to integrate the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics with the multi-stakeholder approach? What benefits can be accrued by such integration? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In acts of corruption, the focus is often only on the demand side of the equation, on public officials who abuse their office for private gain. Frequently, the supply side is given less attention. Those who pay bribes are sometimes depicted as innocent parties and victims of extortionary practices of wily public servants. Do you agree that 'collusive corruption', in which there is a willing bribe-giver, is a formidable challenge for institutions fighting corruption? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Citizens' Charters initiative was a response to the quest for solving the problems, which a citizen encountered, day in and day out, while dealing with the organisations providing public services. But the introduction and implementation of Citizens' Charters in the government of India has been difficult due to the old bureaucratic set up and the rigid attitudes of the work force. Discuss the major obstacles that have been encountered in implementing the Citizens' Charter initiative. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Quality of public service delivery is a major determinant of the quality of life of vulnerable sections in a highly unequal society divided along the lines of class, caste, religion, etc. In this background, do you think that public service delivery is efficient and sufficient enough to improve the lives of vulnerable groups in India? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own.\" - Lao Tzu (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"If ethics are poor at the top, that behavior is copied down through the organization.\" - Robert Noyce (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"The end of law is not to abolish or restrain, but to preserve and enlarge freedom.\" - John Locke (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Wealthy CEOs and founders of successful businesses around the world are increasingly pledging to give away their wealth in philanthropy. Do you think that such a move is sufficient enough to bring about a positive change in the society? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"As organizations across the globe begin their artificial intelligence (AI) transformation, the leap into the AI era is expected to be more challenging than any technology that businesses have grappled with yet. In this background, discuss the concerns around fairness, transparency, and job security that may arise. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The emphasis of Swami Dayanand Saraswati on education, social equality, and ethical values continues to influence the socio-cultural discourse in contemporary India. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Emotional intelligence may not be singularly associated with emotions or intelligence. It can also include a broad range of personality characteristics that might predict success in professional and everyday life. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Traditional forms of state-led accountability, also characterised as vertical and horizontal channels of accountability, are increasingly found to be inadequate, and a myriad of multi-stakeholder and bottom-up citizen directed approaches have come to the fore, to supplement or supplant them. Discuss with illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"In a metropolitan city of India, the law enforcement authorities decided to adopt facial recognition technology to improve their crime-fighting capabilities. They implemented a facial recognition system that integrated with existing surveillance cameras across the city, allowing real-time identification and tracking of individuals. The system was intended to assist in identifying known criminals, missing persons, and suspects in ongoing investigations. One evening, a woman reported a mugging incident where the perpetrator wore a hoodie, obscuring most of his face. The victim provided a vague description to the police, and based on that information, the authorities decided to use facial recognition technology to locate potential suspects. The system scanned through hours of surveillance footage from various locations near the crime scene. The facial recognition algorithm generated a list of potential matches, and one individual's image stood out as a close match to the description provided by the victim. The police considered this individual a prime suspect and proceeded with his arrest. Subsequently, it was discovered that the arrested person was innocent. Further investigation revealed that the facial recognition system had misidentified the innocent individual due to the limitations of the technology and the partial description provided by the victim. The police released the arrested individual; still his reputation got tarnished for life. He, along with his family, was evicted from their current place of residence. The psychological impact of the incident has been tremendous owing to which his job is also on the line. With reference to this case study, answer the following: (a) What are the issues involved in this case? (b) What measures can be taken to minimize the negative implications of adopting such technologies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"With reference to this case study, answer the following: (a) What are the issues involved in this case? (b) What measures can be taken to minimize the negative implications of adopting such technologies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Rina and her friends from the college were working as interns with a company for the last few months. On completion of their internship, some of them, including Rina, have been offered full-time jobs in the company. Being a reputed company, she and her friends accepted the offer. Rina is enthusiastic about her new job and has even established good relationship with some of her company co-workers during her internship. However, during her tenure as an intern, Rina had begun to notice that one of the Vice-Presidents (VPs) of the company was giving her too much attention. He used to make an extra effort to stop by Rina's cubicle and chat, something he was not doing with any of the other interns. He had even tried to connect with Rina over social networking sites. Some of her co-interns also noticed this and began to make offhand comments to Rina about the extra attention being given by the VP. Now that she was has been hired for a full time position, she is fearful that she might have to work with this VP directly. While he has not done or said anything explicitly inappropriate, the extra attention and the fact that her co-workers noticed it, made her very uncomfortable and undermined her concentration at work. The company encourages an open and friendly atmosphere and when she was hired, it was communicated to her that she should always speak to her Manager whenever faced with any uncomfortable work related issues. However, she is concerned to speak about it officially, as the VP has not done anything explicitly wrong. In the given situation: (a) What dilemmas does Rina face? (b) What options does she have? Provide the merits and demerits of each. (c) Highlight the course of action she should adopt, along with justification for the same. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"You have recently been posted as a Nodal Education Officer in one of the districts, where mass cheating in examinations is a regular phenomenon. Media reports have shown parents and relatives scaling school walls and buildings to pass answer chits to students taking secondary school examinations in the district. Moreover, with the advent of new technological devices, cheating in examinations has become more sophisticated and exam rules are flouted openly. On investigation, it has come to your notice that these rackets are run by many school authorities, including exam invigilators who are mostly teachers, and they are hand in glove for profits. With a shortage of staff, invigilators threaten go on mass strikes if any action is taken. Conducting the exams, cancelling them on account of cheating and having re-exams are a loss of time and money for the government and this vicious cycle goes on. As the Nodal Education Officer of the district, address the following questions: (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (b) How will you resolve the issues in the given case? (c) What long-term strategy needs to be adopted to deal with the menace of cheating in various examinations? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Many proponents of deep-sea drilling argue that tapping into the vast amount of rare earth elements in the Indian Ocean will help shore up national security interests for India, bolster its economy and workforce, and offer a reliable supply of strategic minerals. Keeping this in mind, the government has approved a $540-million programme to study ways of mining nickel, cobalt, manganese and iron hydroxide from the bed of the Indian Ocean 6,000 meters below sea level. The government argues that the project can power India's growth for 100 years. It will also study climate change, explore marine flora and fauna and harness thermal energy. However, a competing point of view alleges that deep ocean drilling poses immense risk to the environment. A comprehensive report on Sustainable Ocean Economy by independent geologists states that \"until the need for, and potential consequences of, deep-sea mining are better understood, the concept is conceptually difficult to align with the definition of a sustainable ocean economy and raises various environmental, legal and governance challenges, as well as possible conflicts with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.\" It also highlights that the profitability of national mining operations, without governmental support or comparably low taxes, remains questionable. If the operations are profitable, it will also raise questions about the equitable distribution of benefits from resources derived from the common heritage of mankind. Additionally, companies like BMW, Volvo, Google and Korean battery maker Samsung SDI, vowed in a statement to not buy metals produced from deep-sea mining until the environmental risks of the activity are \"comprehensively understood.\" In the context of the above-stated information, address the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the given case study? (b) How can the vision of economic development of a nation be achieved without adversely affecting the sustainability of oceans? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"You are a public representative, elected on the ticket of a political party, considered as conservative by many. Your daughter, who has returned years after studying abroad, has conveyed to you her choice of marrying a person from another community. You personally do not consider anything wrong in her choice, and convey your assent to her. You also discuss it with many among your friends and family, and inform them of a grand wedding ceremony you are planning for your daughter. However, a few days after you have shared the news of the forthcoming grand wedding with many, you are informed by your political secretary about an issue being made of the same. He informs you that there are whispers among many people in your constituency about it, and indications of a sense of unease among some prominent citizens. While most of them are enamoured by your plans for a grand wedding ceremony for your daughter, they are unhappy about the bridegroom being from another community. You also get to know through your sources in the party, that your assent to the choice of the bridegroom may lead to a denial of ticket by the high command in the forthcoming elections. You are not only an ambitious politician and a rising star in your political party but also an open-minded, loving and doting father. But howsoever much you love your daughter's freedom and choices, you do not want her decision to adversely affect your political journey. This is more so, when you had been eagerly looking forward to greater responsibilities and a higher stature in the party, given the years of hard work you have put in. On the other hand, your daughter is firm about her choice and does not want her forthcoming grand wedding to be affected in any way. She is adamant that her wedding will not be held as a private ceremony with only close friends and family, but should be publicised in a grand way, as you had promised earlier to her. Given this situation, answer the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the above situation? (b) What are the various options that you have, as a father and an ambitious politician? (c) What will be your course of action? Justify with proper reasoning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1996,"topper":"Ayushi Pradhan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/bc4dd-859079_2034_ayushi_pradhan_rank_36.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Explain the concept of Sarvodaya with the help of examples from the lives of prominent personalities. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The life and teachings of Guru Nanak presents a template for leading a life within the corridors of ethics and values. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"There is no 'invisible hand' channeling self-interest into some social optimum. In this context, the State has an integral role to play in making available essential public goods and services, despite the increasing pace of privatization. Do you agree? Justify with examples from India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Even though the state actors who make rules and implement them have an important role to play in the fight against corruption, the battle is not likely to succeed without the active efforts of various segments of society. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do you understand by Social Intelligence? Discuss its various components and explain how it is different from Emotional Intelligence. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Ethical behaviour is the best not merely in the context of morality, but it is also the best in the context of one's own career prospects. Discuss in the context of civil services in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The press is an important agent in ensuring the citizen's right to receive and impart information as a measure of probity in governance. In this context, do you think that the press in India discharges its duty honestly? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The failure to deliver on its promises by Citizen's Charters in the last two decades has shown that there are some complex set of factors underlying this seemingly simple task. What are they? Identify and provide their resolution. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Medical ethics is particularly relevant in decisions regarding involuntary treatment and involuntary commitment. In view of this, highlighting the importance of medical ethics, discuss the issues in its implementation. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The fundamental principle in a democracy is that all public functionaries are trustees of the people and this trusteeship relationship requires that the authority entrusted to the functionaries be exercised in 'public interest'. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"\"If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.\" - Desmond Tutu (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"\"Disobedience is the true foundation of liberty. The obedient must be slaves.\" - Henry David Thoreau (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"\"That which isn't good for the hive, isn't good for the bee\"- Marcus Aurelius (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"You are a Superintendent of Police tasked with conducting an internal departmental inquiry into an alleged case of custodial torture and subsequent disappearance of three tribal persons. The case of the police force is that these persons were habitual offenders who had committed theft. The police had nabbed them for interrogation but they escaped from the police custody and are absconding. Family members of these persons, on the other hand, maintain that they were falsely framed in the case and were not in a condition to flee due to custodial torture. They are alleging foul play on the part of the police and suspect that the police is behind their disappearance. Prima facie, you find many lacunae in the police investigation. The policemen did not produce these persons before the Magistrate nor did they get them medically examined, as required by the law. One of your seniors, without referring to the case, informally talks to you about the adverse working conditions of the police force and insinuates that all police personnel should help each other. He also says that all serving officers need to be mindful of the fact that they are part of the police force and should not do anything which may tarnish the reputation of the police department. (a) Identify the stakeholders and various issues involved in the case. (b) How will you conduct a fair and impartial inquiry that ensures that public perception regarding cover-up in such cases does not gain ground? (c) Highlight the reasons for the continuing impunity of custodial deaths in India, and recommend steps that authorities should take to resolve it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Industry professionals are increasingly being hired by the government for their private sector experience and their influence in industries that the government is attempting to regulate or do business with. Similarly, the industry is also looking to attract people from the public sector with high-paying employment offers to get access within the government departments, seek favourable legislations and regulations as well as government contracts. Such inside knowledge of the system, including any loopholes that might exist give private businesses a competitive advantage. Both industry professionals and government officials stand to gain from such associations. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the direct recruitment of industry professionals in important government positions? (b) Do you think a longer mandatory cooling off period for government officials before they join private firms can help in addressing some of the issues? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"You are working as the Head of Ethics and Compliance in a big mobile manufacturing company that is known for its innovation and quality products. Both the customers and the shareholders are pleased with the performance of the company as they get value for their money and high returns on their investments respectively. Tin is a major component in the products manufactured by your company. It was recently brought to your attention that workers - many of them children - are working in unsafe conditions, digging tin out by hand in mines prone to landslides that could bury them alive. About 70% of the tin used in smartphones manufactured by the company comes from these more dangerous, small-scale mines. The company defends its practices by saying it only has so much control over monitoring and regulating its component sources. The justification advanced of its sourcing practices is that it is a complex process, with tens of thousands of miners selling tin, many of them through middle-men or third-party contractors. Based on the above case, answer the following questions: (a) What are the ethical issues in the above case? (b) Can customers of the company be expected to take into account such practices before buying any product of the company? (c) If the management were to seek your opinion on the matter, what course of action will you suggest? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"You are posted as the Sub-Divisional Magistrate in a backward district. Recently, a young couple belonging to different castes eloped from the village belonging to your sub-division. They wanted to marry but the caste conflict prevailing in the village was a big hurdle for them. So, they planned to get married secretly and then come back to the village. On account of their elopement, the girl's family, which belongs to the dominant landlord caste, filed a case of kidnapping against the boy and have riled up the villagers against him and his family. After their return to the village, the couple meet you before meeting their family members. On account of your official position, they request you to convince their family members and other members of the village to accept them. The village has witnessed many caste conflicts and honour killings in the past on account of such incidents and the present matter may aggravate caste-related tensions. Under these circumstances, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the stakeholders and associated issues in the given case. (b) What are the options that you have? Highlight your course of action and give suitable justification for the same. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"The education sector in India is embedded in a restrictive regulatory environment and is considered a public good. Although private participation is allowed in the education sector, but at all levels, these institutions have to function on a not-for-profit basis. The Supreme Court had ruled that educational institutions are permitted a 'reasonable surplus to meet the cost of expansion and augmentation of facilities' but they are prohibited from charging a capitation fee or profiteering. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the ethical concerns in allowing the operation of educational institutions on a profit motivation? (b) Is the most important role of education preparing people for gainful employment or should education and knowledge be appreciated for their own sake? (c) Discuss various ways in which value-based education can be instilled. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"Beggars are a common sight at traffic junctions and places of worship across cities in India. They are labelled as nuisance makers who often harass commuters and devotees by relentlessly pestering for money. Recently, an appeal was made in the Supreme Court to end this practice by putting a ban on begging in the national capital. However, human rights groups have advocated that banning begging is not the ideal way to end it, as the underlying socio-economic issues that lead to begging remain unresolved. In this context: (a) Bring out the moral and ethical concerns pertaining to begging in India. (b) Discuss the factors that pushes an individual to opt for begging. (c) If you pass by a beggar, what will you do - give your money to a beggar or ignore the beggar and give your spare money instead to charities that assist the most needy? Give logical reasons in support of your answer. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":1997,"topper":"Ayushi Pradhan","air":36,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1rVVjLec2g7JQPMJUQzNbZ4LbvgO3UINE","questions":[]},{"id":1998,"topper":"Ayushi Pradhan","air":36,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1G6A-MYd1fPUs5ciAkEwtnlQzMCtobLn3/view","questions":[]},{"id":1999,"topper":"Ayushi Pradhan","air":36,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"IAS Gyan","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://iasgyan.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/pdf/Miss-Ayushi-Pradhan-AIR-36.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2000,"topper":"Ayushi Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6dfc3-21175_825_ayushi_singh_rank_86.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Soil management in Northeast India is critical for a viable agriculture economy. In this context, discuss the problems of soils in Northeast India. Suggest some steps that can be taken to counter this problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Examine the reasons for depleting groundwater levels and acute groundwater stress in some regions of India. What measures should be taken to check groundwater exploitation and ensure recharge of aquifers in water stressed areas?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"How does the plate tectonics theory help explain the formation of Himalayas and Deccan Traps?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Though the Paris Agreement reached at the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference is being called as a historic turning point, it is also being criticized on many grounds. In this context, discuss the outcomes of the Paris Agreement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Inspite being one of the largest producer of fish, there is still considerable scope of improvement in the fishery sector. In light of the above statement, discuss the problems and prospects of Fishery industry in India with respect to both inland and marine fisheries.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"According to the Indian Fertiliser Scenario 2014, the use of urea in India has increased by more than 50 per cent since 2000. How does human intervention turn nitrogen from a nutrient to a pollutant? Discuss the impacts of nitrogen pollution on environment and human health. Also, explain how nitrogen pollution can be managed.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Coral reefs are the most biologically diverse and economically valuable ecosystems on earth. Elaborate. Discuss the factors responsible for the decline of coral reefs across the world. Also, list some measures that have been taken for their preservation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Despite EIA being a useful policy tool for sustainable development, deficiencies in its design and implementation have prevented it from realising its potential. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Continental shelves are the seaward extension of the continent from shoreline and have enormous economic and strategic significance. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Give an account of the distribution of cement industry in India and the factors that affect its location. Also trace the growth of cement industry in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"Inspite of being one of the most important agro based industry in the country, sugar industry in India suffers from multiple structural and functional problems. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"How do physical environment and proximity to the market affect the location of fruit-farming in temperate regions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"Vegetation in deserts and saline areas have highly specialized means of adapting themselves to the environment. Explain.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Water should be treated as an economic commodity whose full costs must be recovered from users, so as to ensure efficiency in service provision. In this context, discuss the viability of PPP model of water supply and management in India. Also, highlight the challenges that can arise in implementing the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"The World Bank recently announced limiting the financing of coal-fired power plants in developing countries. In light of the above statement, explain the detrimental effects of coal-fired power plants on environment and human health. Also analyse the constraints in shifting from coal based power generation to renewable energy in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"The recent warming of Indian Ocean not only has environmental but also severe economic consequences. Elaborate. Also, suggest mitigation and adaptation measures to counter the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Despite the enormous demand of electronics, the manufacturing of electronic goods has not been a feature of the Indian industry. Enumerate the reasons for the same. Suggest measures which are required to achieve the target of Net Zero Import by 2020.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"Temperate grasslands are called 'Granaries of the world'. Elucidate. How have the farming practices adopted in these regions impacted the environment?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Tropical regions are not only the most resource rich but also one of the most underdeveloped regions of the world. What are the factors responsible for this? How have some of the tropical countries turned their natural limitations to their advantage? Illustrate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"Agroforestry is seen as a solution to meet the challenges of food, nutrition, energy, employment and environment security. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2001,"topper":"Ayushi Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/84ada-21175_766_ayushi_singh_rank_86.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Legislative Councils in states are expensive and otherwise superfluous legislative appendages. Examine the utility of legislative councils in this context. Also, comment on the procedural aspect of setting up and abolishing them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"While some argue that Article 3 provides usurping powers to the center at the cost of states, according to others it enables the Parliament to maintain and preserve federalism as enshrined in the constitution. Discuss. Is it time to have a relook at Article 3 in the spirit of co-operative federalism?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"While the British Parliament is a sovereign legislature, the Parliaments of India and USA are non-sovereign legislatures. Explain. Also, compare the organisation and powers of the Indian Lok Sabha with the British House of Commons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"While Fundamental Rights are crucial to the survival of a vibrant democracy, Fundamental Duties are equally important. While enumerating the Fundamental Duties, discuss the statement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Several constitutional experts have found the process of appointment and removal of governor to be against the very grain of democratic traditions and constitutional propriety. Do you think that this process warrants a fresh look in context of recent controversies surrounding the post?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Repeated violations of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) have raised questions on its effectiveness. In this light, discuss the idea of making MCC a part of Representation of Peoples Act, 1951.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"The government cannot condition receipt of public benefits on waiver of fundamental rights. Discuss this statement in context of the recent issues raised in the Aadhaar petitions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Though the institutions protecting human rights and rights of the vulnerable sections are meant to act as watchdogs, they are treated as subordinate departments with scant regard for their autonomy or statutory character. Discuss the issues which these institutions are facing related to appointment, structure and functioning.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Equality of seats among states in Rajya Sabha could not be adopted after independence because of the circumstances prevailing at that time. However, there is a need to take a fresh look at this. Evaluate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"It is contended that the implementation of One-Rank-One-Pension (OROP) for the armed forces would create a severe strain on government finances. Explain the principles underlying the OROP and arguments that have been cited in its support as well as opposition.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Article 311 of the Constitution has been a matter of much debate. Arguments range from its retention in its present form, or even strengthening it, to its total deletion. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"While Public Interest Litigations have provided access to justice for the poor and the marginalized sections of the society but many vested interests have also misused it. In this context, examine the utility of PILs as a tool of social justice.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"What do you understand by alternate dispute redressal mechanism? Discuss the various tools of ADR. In light of the problems faced by the Indian judiciary enumerate the advantages of Lok Adalats.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Bringing political parties under the ambit of RTI will not only usher accountability and transparency in governance but will also be a major step towards electoral reforms. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"A generational shift in railway operations is required. In light of this, discuss the need for an independent tariff and safety regulatory authority of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"It has been argued that the 'First past the post' system fails to represent the will of the majority and encourages vote-bank politics. In this context, examine whether India should adopt Proportional Representation System to reform our electoral process.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"Independence of judiciary and separation of powers, both are part of the basic structure of the constitution. In this context, discuss the recent Supreme Court judgment on the constitutional validity of the National Judicial Appointments Commission.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2002,"topper":"Ayushi Singh","air":86,"year":2018,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1C4hKbozctsliC7tFcfNmnCgPRawNar4-","questions":[]},{"id":2003,"topper":"Azar Zia","air":97,"year":2017,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1lR2j-V0fDxi4_pKpu7JpiohoH9wQDMcr","questions":[]},{"id":2004,"topper":"Azeem Ahmad","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/AZEEM_AHMAD_SST_GS_1_Test_1_AIR_588_2025_b057be6d3b.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"The evolution of temple architecture in India illustrates the synthesis of art, religion, and polity. Illustrate with suitable examples from South India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The rise and development of the new religious ideas in the 6th B.C. India have brought significant changes to contemporary social life. Do you agree? Justify using examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Under colonialism, India's traditional economic structure was reoriented to fit into the economic needs of industrial Britain. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are Western disturbances? Explain their role in influencing the weather patterns of northern India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discuss the non-conventional energy potential of peninsular India with relevant examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Why are most of India's iron and steel plants concentrated in the eastern and central parts of the country? Illustrate with examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"In contemporary India, marriage is increasingly perceived as a personal choice rather than a societal obligation. Enumerate the socio-economic forces behind this transformation and assess its potential impact on family structure. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Analyse to what extent does regionalism contributes to the deepening of decentralization in India? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the potential socio-political implications of implementing a nationwide caste census. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The Lucknow Pact of 1916 was both a high point of Hindu-Muslim unity and a harbinger of future communal divisions. Comment (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"While the Bhakti and Sufi movements emerged from different religious milieus, their convergence lay in the realm of devotion and dissent.\" Examine the socio-religious significance of their interaction in medieval India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Contrast the approaches of Sardar Patel and Jawaharlal Nehru in handling princely states and regional integration. How did their differing visions shape the evolution of the Indian Union? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"The American Civil War was not just a political conflict but a clash of two divergent economic systems. Substantiate (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"What are marine heatwaves? Examine the causes of the increasing frequency of marine heatwaves. How do they influence the onset of the summer monsoon in India? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Assess the effectiveness of tribal development programmes in India. Why do tribal areas continue to experience developmental setbacks, and what are the challenges? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"\"As the world's water towers melt, the risk of water stress increases.\" Discuss how the Himalayan glaciers' retreat could redefine freshwater availability and regional hydropolitics in South Asia. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Despite increasing participation of women in the professional workforce, their presence in top leadership remains minimal. Examine the interplay of societal norms and workplace structures in perpetuating this gender gap. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"The phenomenon of 'livability atrophy' in Indian cities reflects the widening gap between urban expansion and quality of life. Examine the causes and consequences of this trend, and suggest measures to make urban growth more humane and sustainable. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Define transnationalism and examine the factors that have led to the increasing global interconnectedness of diaspora communities. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Communalism in India, rooted in historical legacies, and socio-economic inequalities, continues to undermine social cohesion and national integration. Discuss with examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2005,"topper":"Azeem Ahmad","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/Azeem_Ahmad_SST_GS_2_Test_2_AIR_588_2025_a1a870482f.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"'Constitutional morality' is not a natural sentiment in India but has to be cultivated. Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer with relevant examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Supreme Court's recent invocation of Article 142 to confer 'deemed assent' to state bills raises critical questions about the separation of powers. Critically examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The impartiality of the Speaker of Lok Sabha is central to the integrity of the legislative process. Explain with relevant examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"How does the Sixth Schedule balance tribal autonomy with national integration? Evaluate its success and limitations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Explain how Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, while aiming to safeguard privacy, risks weakening the transparency framework established by the Right to Information Act, 2005. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms offer a viable solution to India's overburdened judiciary. Enumerate the types of ADR mechanisms in India and analyze their advantages over conventional litigation. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Examine how Community-based financial institutions promote responsive governance and address structural inequalities, especially for marginalized women. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Despite their intended purpose, Citizen's Charters in India have fallen short in transforming administration into a citizen-centric service system. Do you agree? Justify your answer. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Mauritius remains the 'Star and Key' to the Indian Ocean for India. Analyze the geopolitical significance of Mauritius in India's Indian Ocean strategy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Discuss the constitutional and statutory provisions governing the disqualification of Members of Parliament in India. How effective are they in upholding the integrity of the legislature? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"India's fiscal federalism is heavily vertical, transactional, and tax-centric. In light of this, critically examine the case for institutionalizing \"resource federalism\" to ensure more equitable and autonomous state-level economic development. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"While India has a structured but rarely used process for the removal of judges, the UK emphasizes ministerial responsibility and in house mechanisms. Compare and evaluate these approaches in maintaining judicial accountability. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Despite being part of the Directive Principles, the Uniform Civil Code remains unrealised at the national level. Examine the factors behind the delay and suggest potential measure for its national implementation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Judicial recognition of intra-caste inequality within Scheduled Castes opens new debates in affirmative action policies. Examine the challenges and opportunities this poses for social justice in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"AI-driven education can play a transformative role in achieving the goals of New Education Policy 2020. Discuss the opportunities and challenges in integrating Artificial Intelligence into India's education system. What safeguards are needed to ensure its safe deployment? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Discuss the role of targeted welfare schemes for nomadic communities in achieving inclusive development. What are the implementation bottlenecks and how can they be resolved? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"\"Cultural diplomacy through diaspora outreach has emerged as a soft power tool in India's global engagement strategy.\" Evaluate the strengths and limitations of diaspora-led cultural diplomacy in advancing India's national interest. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"How have the growing tensions between the U.S., Israel, and Iran affected regional stability in West Asia? In this context, evaluate the key considerations for India's foreign policy to safeguard its interests in West Asia. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"With overlapping geographical and strategic interests, ASEAN-BIMSTEC cooperation can enhance Indo-Pacific connectivity and resilience. Analyze the institutional, political, and external challenges that impede this collaboration. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2006,"topper":"Azeem Ahmad","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/Azeem_Ahmad_SST_GS_3_Test_3_AIR_588_2025_25db28f066.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Explain the concept of the \"Missing Middle\" in India's industrial ecosystem. How does it affect economic growth and employment generation? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Household savings form a crucial pillar of domestic capital formation. In light of their recent decline, elucidate the underlying causes and propose strategies to strengthen savings behavior in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Despite its potential, the corporate bond market in India remains underdeveloped. Examine the structural and regulatory challenges impeding its growth. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"In light of recent Budget 2025 allocations and the push for green infrastructure, analyze how Viability Gap Funding can be leveraged to promote renewable energy projects. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Why is self-sufficiency in pulse production crucial for India? Discuss the policy and technological interventions needed to achieve Aatma Nirbharata in pulses. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Examine how space-based solutions are addressing developmental challenges in rural India. What steps can further enhance their outreach and effectiveness? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Delineate the linkages between urbanization patterns and rising PM 2.5 levels in Tier-II and Tier-III cities of India. What are the various mitigation measures and the government's initiatives to mitigate air pollution in India? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Explain the structural and operational limitations of the Disaster Management Act, 2005. How far does the 2025 Amendment address these deficiencies through a shift towards anticipatory and technology-driven disaster governance? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What do you understand about Artificial Neural Networks? List out its applications across various fields. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"Internal security challenges in India are increasingly shaped by external and transnational dynamics.\" Examine the statement with relevant examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"While tariff rationalization aims to enhance economic efficiency, it may also pose challenges to certain sectors. Critically assess the potential trade-offs involved in the Union Budget 2025-26's approach to tariff reforms. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"A shift from fiscal deficit targeting to debt-to-GDP ratio as the fiscal anchor signals a more holistic approach to fiscal discipline. Do you agree? Give reasons in support of your arguments. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"India's food processing sector is moving towards greater formalization and efficiency. Critically assess how initiatives like the PLI scheme and Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Enterprises (PM-FME) contribute to this transformation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Do you agree that granting a legal guarantee to Minimum Support Price (MSP) may create a fiscally unsustainable and economically inefficient agricultural system? Suggest viable alternatives to ensure fair farmer remuneration without distorting the market. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) can empower developing countries to lead the global climate action narrative. Discuss with suitable examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Analyse the reasons behind the increasing vulnerability of the Himalayan region to landslides. What steps can be taken for their management and control? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Forest fires are yet another symptom of climate change. Analyze the various causes for wildfire in forests. Give two examples of recent wildfires. Mention the policies and frameworks aimed at tackling wildfire in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"One Health approach is key to preventing future pandemics and preserving ecosystems. Analyze how the Biodiversity and Health Global Action Plan adopted at COP 16 aligns with this vision. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"In light of evolving national security threats, how do the New Criminal Laws address modern threats like cybercrime and organized crime? Outline the challenges perceived in its effective implementation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Discuss how integrated border infrastructure and management practices can balance security imperatives with the socio-economic development of frontier communities. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2007,"topper":"Azeem Ahmad","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/Azeem_Ahmad_SST_GS_3_Test_7_AIR_588_2025_1_4c05fc917b.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Despite the multidimensional nature of poverty in India, consumption expenditure continues to dominate its official measurement. Discuss the limitations of this approach and suggest alternative frameworks for designing inclusive welfare policies. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The 2025 Economic Survey has highlighted deregulation as a tool for financial deepening. In this context, enumerate the potential benefits and risks of deregulation in the financial services sector. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Assess the impact of the revised MSME definitions on the growth and formalisation of micro and small enterprises. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Evaluate the merits and demerits of maintaining rigid Priority Sector Lending (PSL) quotas versus adopting market-driven credit allocation mechanisms to achieve inclusive growth. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Analyse the regional shifts in the cropping patterns of India. Discuss the long-term implications of this shift on nutritional security and water sustainability. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Despite diversification, rural India faces economic stagnation. Discuss how value chain integration through food processing can revitalise the rural economy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What is ground-level ozone pollution? How is it formed, and what are its effects on human health and the environment? In what way is it becoming a serious concern for Indian cities? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Nanotechnology represents a paradigm shift from 'bigger is better' to 'smaller is smarter'. In this context, examine the transformative potential of nanotechnology in the fulfilment of India's environmental goals. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What is 'Indirect Prompt Injection' in the context of AI chatbots? Examine its potential impact on the reliability of digital assistants and the privacy of end users. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Analyse the major reasons for the spread and survival of Naxalism. What solutions do you suggest to curb it? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"Non-tariff measures have become a key instrument of economic diplomacy and protectionism in the post-globalisation era.\" Evaluate how India can balance compliance with global trade rules while safeguarding its economic interests. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Discuss the macroeconomic risks posed by unregulated Virtual Digital Assets. How can India reconcile its financial stability objectives with the opportunities offered by blockchain innovation? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Do you think India's ethanol blending programme can significantly enhance energy security in the coming decade? Justify your answer. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"The coexistence of physical and economic water scarcity in Indian agriculture reflects a deeper crisis in water governance. Examine the factors contributing to this and suggest reforms to make irrigation more equitable and sustainable. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"The absolute monopoly of Indian Railways has constrained its capacity for modernisation and efficiency. In this context, do you agree that privatisation is a viable solution? Substantiate your answer. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"What is Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, and how is it enabling tap-to-pay transactions? Highlight its benefits and limitations? Does it carry any potential risks? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Discuss how the shift from cash-based transactions to digital financial networks for drug trafficking and money laundering poses new challenges for enforcement agencies. What countermeasures should be taken to prevent the same? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"The retreat of Himalayan glaciers, driven by global warming, has increased the frequency and intensity of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods. Discuss the underlying causes of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods and recommend adaptive strategies to manage such disasters effectively. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2008,"topper":"Azeem Ahmad","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/AZEEM_AHMAD_SS_GS_4_AIR_588_2025_667ed84e52.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Ethics is not morality, nor is it religion, law, or values, but it overlaps with all of them. Explain with relevant examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"\"Moral principles are often challenged by evolving technological and societal changes. How should ethical decision-makers adapt to new realities while ensuring justice and integrity?\" (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The family is often the first school of values, but it may also become a breeding ground for biases, stereotypes and hierarchical attitudes. Critically evaluate the dual role of family in value inculcation in a society. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Some argue that promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) may come at the cost of meritocracy and objectivity. How can public institutions balance these ethical considerations? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What does the quote mean to you? (a) \"Glory lies in the attempt to reach one's goal and not in reaching it.\"-Gandhi. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"\"No man should tolerate injustice, whether it be against himself or against another.\" - Jyotiba Phule (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"How does the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 seek to restore the ethical and holistic purpose of education beyond mere employability? Reflect on the ethical significance of this shift. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Punitive vigilance deters corruption, preventive vigilance reduces opportunities for corruption while participative vigilance fosters a culture of transparency and accountability, eliminating the root cause of corruption. Critically examine this statement with relevant examples (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"The separation of private and public ethics is not only difficult but may also be counterproductive.\" Do you agree with this view? Justify your stance with logical arguments and examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Ethical competence is as essential as technical competence in public service. Examine the statement with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"A well-developed conscience is the foundation of ethical governance.\" Discuss with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Is it ethically defensible to pursue global prestige through space missions while everyday injustices like hunger or women's safety remain unresolved? Discuss the role of ethical governance in managing such trade-offs. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":31,"question":"Priya, an assistant accounts manager at a city-based private educational trust that runs several low-fee schools for underprivileged children, has always been known for her integrity and diligence. One day, she learns that her close colleague and friend, Arjun, a sincere employee and a widower struggling to raise his two young daughters alone, has been facing a harrowing situation. Arjun's younger child was diagnosed with a severe brain condition requiring urgent surgery costing nearly Rs. 70 lakh. With no health insurance, little savings, and no family support to fall back on, Arjun was on the verge of losing hope. Priya wanted to help, but her own financial situation, with elderly dependent parents and modest savings, left her helpless and burdened with guilt for not being able to stand by her friend in his time of dire need. A few weeks later, when Priya visits Arjun to check on his situation, she is relieved to see his child recovering well. In a quiet conversation, Arjun reveals that their senior administrator, Mr. Kulkarni, known for his kind but discreet ways, had quietly arranged Rs. 70 lakh from an old scholarship fund that had been lying unused for years. He did so on the condition that Arjun would repay the sum slowly through deductions from his salary, without anyone else finding out. Grateful but uneasy, Arjun confides that Mr. Kulkarni has helped other staff members in similar personal emergencies in the past, using small dormant funds without formal approvals, to prevent suffering and distress among the staff who often have no safety net. A few days later, while finalizing quarterly accounts, Priya overhears a conversation in the accounts office that an external audit of all scholarship and welfare funds is scheduled for next month. She realizes that this means the unauthorized diversions might come to light. Priya deeply sympathizes with Arjun's situation and admires Mr. Kulkarni's humane intentions, but she also knows that misusing designated funds, however noble the cause, violates trust, policy, and legal norms. If discovered, it could lead to severe consequences for Mr. Kulkarni, jeopardize the trust's reputation, and even risk the schools' funding. (a) Identify the key ethical dilemmas faced by Priya in this situation. (b) Discuss the ethical dimensions of Mr. Kulkarni's actions. Do you think his conduct can be justified? Give reasons for your answer. (b) What are the options available to Priya at this point? Analyze the merits and demerits of each option. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Rajesh is a dedicated and upright IAS officer who has recently been posted as the Commissioner of a major city's Municipal Corporation after serving diligently in various assignments for over a decade. This is his fifth transfer in four years, mostly due to his refusal to bend rules for influential people. His colleagues admire his integrity, discipline, and commitment to public service. The mayor of the city, a senior leader of the ruling party, holds significant power over the corporation's functioning. Rajesh soon learns about several dubious tenders and large-scale irregularities in awarding contracts for the city's solid waste management project. He notices that payments have been hastily cleared to companies with questionable credentials, despite glaring deficiencies in their work. One day, a senior councillor belonging to a rival political party approaches Rajesh and shares a set of audio recordings and internal emails that purportedly show the mayor asking for kickbacks from contractors in exchange for lucrative garbage collection contracts. Rajesh also recalls the same contractors' payments being pushed through under the mayor's orders, bypassing due process. When Rajesh asks the Councillor why he doesn't bring this evidence to the media or the anti-corruption bureau himself, the Councillor shrugs it off, hinting that his hands are tied politically but Rajesh can \"earn a hero's image\" by blowing the whistle. He subtly promises that if his party comes to power in the upcoming municipal elections, Rajesh's loyalty will be rewarded with an important posting and career security. Meanwhile, local media has started sniffing around the irregularities, and Rajesh's silence could make him appear complicit. His own staff is divided; some urge him to maintain the status quo for personal safety, while a few junior officers privately want him to act boldly and clean up the system. Adding to his dilemma, Rajesh's elderly parents are dependent on him, and another sudden transfer could make their care difficult. (a) Identify the key ethical dilemmas faced by Rajesh in this situation. (b) What are the options available to Rajesh to deal with the situation? Evaluate each option with its merits and demerits. (c) In the context of this case, discuss the ethical challenges of whistleblowing for public servants in India. (d) What institutional reforms can strengthen ethical conduct and protect honest officers? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"After an unexpected breach in a major dam upstream, the district of Neelgram has been hit by sudden flooding, which not only damaged standing crops but also contaminated most local water sources with silt and debris. Ananya, a young Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) recently transferred to Neelgram, has ordered emergency measures to ration and purify the remaining potable water and clamp down on illegal extraction of groundwater to ensure enough safe water for drinking and health camps. However, when her enforcement teams start sealing unauthorized borewells on farmland to prevent further depletion, a large group of distressed farmers storms her office, accusing her of double standards for ignoring the big bottled water companies and luxury housing societies on the town's outskirts that continue tapping deep aquifers around the clock under old permits allegedly renewed through bribes. The farmers claim they are being pushed to ruin just to keep swimming pools full and bottled water businesses profitable. Meanwhile, local hotels warn that shutting their supply will lead to layoffs of hundreds of daily-wage workers already reeling from the flood damage. Political leaders privately pressurize Ananya to avoid any action that might anger influential industrialists and real estate developers. To complicate matters further, she discovers some lower-rung officials have been pocketing hush money to overlook iilegal borewells. With rural families queuing up for clean water tankers and local schools forced to close due to unsafe drinking water, Ananya must now grapple with the ethical dilemma of conserving critical water reserves, enforcing rules impartially, protecting poor farmers' livelihoods, resisting powerful vested interests, ensuring continued employment for daily-wage workers, and upholding public trust in the administration during a fragile recovery phase. (a) Identify and discuss the major ethical dilemmas faced by Ananya. (b) Briefly describe major laws or policies enacted by the Government of India to ensure sustainable water management. (c) Suggest a balanced course of action that Ananya can adopt to ensure equitable water distribution, prevent misuse of groundwater, protect vulnerable livelihoods, and restore public trust. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":56,"question":"Ritika Verma, the director of a reputed heritage conservation NGO that has spent over a decade protecting ancient monuments and ecologically sensitive cultural landscapes in the semi-arid region of Rajasthan. Recently, the state government has unveiled a major Solar Energy Park Project spanning nearly 5,000 hectares of largely barren but historically significant desert land dotted with ancient stepwells (Baolis), medieval Caravanserai ruins, and sacred groves that are home to several endangered desert flora and fauna. The project is expected to make the state a leader in renewable energy, reduce carbon emissions significantly, and provide green electricity to millions , aligning with India's national renewable energy goals and global climate commitments. It will also create thousands of direct and indirect jobs for local villagers, many of whom struggle with seasonal migration and poverty. However, the proposed solar farm will require flattening sand dunes, restricting grazing land for pastoral communities, and potentially disturbing fragile micro-habitats that support unique desert biodiversity. Local communities are divided, some want the project for jobs and development, while others fear it will disrupt their traditional livelihoods, cultural heritage sites, and spiritual groves that hold deep cultural significance. Adding to Ritika's dilemma, her NGO recently received significant donations from an international renewable energy foundation, the same foundation that has invested heavily in the Solar Park project. Her board expects her to balance environmental stewardship with a progressive stance on green energy. Meanwhile, local activists accuse the NGO of hypocrisy if it supports the project and betrayal if it opposes clean energy goals. (a) Identify and briefly discuss the key ethical issues involved in this case. (b) What options are available to Ritika? Critically analyze each option. (c) Suggest a course of action that Ritika should take in this situation. Justify your answer with suitable ethical principles and values. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":2009,"topper":"Azeem Ahmad","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/AZEEM_AHMAD_SS_GS_4_AIR_588_2025_1c1ccf90de.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"\"Integrity in isolation may ensure honesty, but without impartiality and non-partisanship, governance cannot be ethical.\" Evaluate the interdependence of these foundational values in the context of public service. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"\"The essence of ethics in human actions involves a balance between individual autonomy and societal norms\". Examine this statement by exploring how ethical frameworks reconcile personal freedom with social responsibility. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Is conscience a universal moral compass, or is it shaped by society and upbringing? Illustrate with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"How can the ethical principles rooted in ancient Indian philosophy serve as a guide for policymakers and administrators in balancing development with ecological sustainability? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context? (a) Cultivation of mind should be the ultimate aim of human existence.—Dr. B. R. Ambedkar (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"Technology is ethically neutral until we apply it.\" Discuss this statement with reference to the ethical challenges posed by artificial intelligence and data privacy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Rules and procedures are essential for institutional functioning. However, they are not substitutes for ethical leadership and value-based discretion. Justify your answer with examples from public administration. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Is it ethically justified for youth to remain apolitical in a democracy if politics determines the moral fabric of society? Critically examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Explain three moral dilemmas commonly faced by civil servants. Provide ethical frameworks to resolve them effectively. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"\"Sporting fairness and gender inclusivity are often on a collision course.\" Discuss the ethical dimensions involved in allowing transgender athletes to participate in women's sports. Should fairness outweigh inclusion? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"How can Buddhist principles guide public servants in maintaining a balance between personal well-being and professional responsibilities in high-pressure governance environments? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":36,"question":"A border district along the Indo-Pak Line of Control has been devastated by continuous cross-border shelling. Villages lie abandoned, homes destroyed, schools shut indefinitely, and farmlands rendered unusable. The displaced population, children, elderly, and daily-wage families, suffers from deep psychological trauma, loss of livelihood, and absence of basic services. To respond, the administration has established multiple rehabilitation camps under emergency relief protocols. As the newly appointed District Rehabilitation Commissioner, known for your integrity, you are tasked with leading this effort. However, you soon discover a distressing reality: Relief distribution is marred by corruption, funds are being siphoned off, and material aid is being diverted to private godowns. Caste-based discrimination in compensation lists is rampant and marginalised communities are systematically excluded. Political interference is growing, local leaders demand selective allocation for their vote banks, threatening to stir unrest if their demands aren't met. Adding to the challenge, vulnerable groups like landless labourers, orphans, the elderly, and differently-abled persons are invisible in the rehabilitation process. You also find that some field officers are indifferent or even complicit, out of fear or political alignment. Meanwhile, the media focuses only on high-profile narratives, ignoring those suffering silently. (a) What are the core ethical issues involved in this situation? (b) What should be your immediate course of action to ensure fair and transparent relief distribution? (c) How can you tactfully manage political interference while upholding neutrality and inclusivity? (d) How can an administrator maintain emotional balance and compassion without compromising institutional discipline? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"You are a senior civil servant in the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting. Your 17-year-old daughter, an intelligent and sensitive student of Class 12, has been an avid follower of popular influencers and motivational speakers. Recently, she became deeply interested in a popular podcast show hosted by a well-known social media figure, Kunal Bhalla. The show claims to champion \"free thinking\" and covers topics like hustle culture, masculinity, personal transformation, and anti-institutional narratives. Over time, your daughter's behaviour begins to change. She withdraws from academic interests, begins idolising internet influencers, and adopts rigid opinions about success, failure, and mental health. She starts rejecting family advice, refuses to appear for her board preparatory exams, and argues that \"school is irrelevant in the age of free minds.\" Concerned, you and your spouse try to reason with her, but she accuses you of being \"closed-minded.\" Matters come to head when you are alerted by your ministry's media monitoring cell about a viral video clip where your daughter is seen giving an interview on a fringe podcast platform, endorsing radical views on education, politics, and civil services. The clip drew public attention because of your designation, and journalists began speculating about a \"generational rebellion\" within the bureaucracy. Meanwhile, the influencer, Kunal Bhalla, publicly praises your daughter as \"the new voice of youth dissent,\" but refuses to take accountability for his platform's role in shaping her worldview. Social media is split, some defend her right to free thought, while others accuse such influencers of normalising disrespect for institutions and romanticizing shallow intellectualism. Your colleagues advice silence, but your daughter now wants to drop out of school and intern with a podcast network. (a) What are the key ethical issues involved in the way \"free thinking\" is promoted by influencers on social media, especially for impressionable youth? (b) What should be the role of public figures in responding to the misuse or distortion of influential platforms in the name of free expression? (c) Suggest a policy framework or guidelines for responsible influencer content aimed at youth without curbing intellectual freedom. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Raghav is the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of a fast-growing tech company in South Asia that designs and deploys AI systems for public services like education and policing. Recently, the company secured a large government contract to implement facial recognition and predictive analytics systems in public schools and police departments. The project is significant for the company's growth and is being closely monitored by international investors and government agencies. However, two major concerns have emerged. First, internal audits show that the AI systems are not adequately trained on local data. They frequently misidentify individuals from tribal and minority backgrounds and unfairly flag behavioral issues among students from these communities. The software also lacks support for vernacular languages and neurodivergent users, raising concerns about exclusion and discrimination. Second, environmental groups have raised objections to the company's rising carbon footprint due to the expansion of energy-intensive data centers. There has been a 42% increase in emissions over the last two years. Raghav now faces a serious ethical dilemma: whether to push ahead with deployment to maintain momentum and company interests, or pause and resolve these concerns, knowing it may slow down progress and create internal friction. (a) Identify and discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) Critically examine the options available to Raghav in this situation. (c) Which of the above options should Raghav adopt and why? Justify your answer using principles of ethics and professional responsibility. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":56,"question":"A senior IAS officer, recently appointed as chairperson of the NCR Clean Air Mission, is tasked with addressing the escalating air pollution crisis in Delhi and neighboring regions, where the Air Quality Index has reached hazardous levels. Scientific assessments point to multiple contributors, i.e., stubble burning in nearby states, construction-related dust, industrial emissions, and diesel vehicle traffic. The officer proposes strict, time-bound restrictions, including suspending construction activities, limiting vehicular movement, and enforcing crop-residue burning bans. However, these measures attract strong opposition from various stakeholders. Farmers cite a lack of alternatives, real estate bodies warn of large-scale job losses, transport unions threaten strikes, and political authorities express concerns over the potential impact on upcoming international investment events. Meanwhile, health experts caution that delays will result in severe public health consequences, especially for children and the elderly. The media criticizes the measures as elitist and anti-poor. Caught between conflicting imperatives, i.e., environmental protection, economic livelihood, public health, and political viability, the officer must now make a decision. (a) What are the options available to the officer to tackle the situation effectively? (b) What core values and principles should guide decision-making in this scenario? (c) In such situations, what long-term institutional reforms would you suggest to reconcile environmental protection with developmental imperatives? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":2010,"topper":"Azeem Ahmad","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/AZEEM_AHMAD_SS_GS_4_AIR_588_2025_719f6f9abb.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Ethics is not morality, nor is it religion, law, or values, but it overlaps with all of them. Explain with relevant examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"\"Moral principles are often challenged by evolving technological and societal changes. How should ethical decision-makers adapt to new realities while ensuring justice and integrity?\" (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The family is often the first school of values, but it may also become a breeding ground for biases, stereotypes and hierarchical attitudes. Critically evaluate the dual role of family in value inculcation in a society. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Some argue that promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) may come at the cost of meritocracy and objectivity. How can public institutions balance these ethical considerations? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What does the quote mean to you? (a) \"Glory lies in the attempt to reach one's goal and not in reaching it.\"-Gandhi. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"\"No man should tolerate injustice, whether it be against himself or against another.\" - Jyotiba Phule (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"How does the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 seek to restore the ethical and holistic purpose of education beyond mere employability? Reflect on the ethical significance of this shift. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Punitive vigilance deters corruption, preventive vigilance reduces opportunities for corruption while participative vigilance fosters a culture of transparency and accountability, eliminating the root cause of corruption. Critically examine this statement with relevant examples (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"The separation of private and public ethics is not only difficult but may also be counterproductive.\" Do you agree with this view? Justify your stance with logical arguments and examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Ethical competence is as essential as technical competence in public service. Examine the statement with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"A well-developed conscience is the foundation of ethical governance.\" Discuss with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Is it ethically defensible to pursue global prestige through space missions while everyday injustices like hunger or women's safety remain unresolved? Discuss the role of ethical governance in managing such trade-offs. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":31,"question":"Priya, an assistant accounts manager at a city-based private educational trust that runs several low-fee schools for underprivileged children, has always been known for her integrity and diligence. One day, she learns that her close colleague and friend, Arjun, a sincere employee and a widower struggling to raise his two young daughters alone, has been facing a harrowing situation. Arjun's younger child was diagnosed with a severe brain condition requiring urgent surgery costing nearly Rs. 70 lakh. With no health insurance, little savings, and no family support to fall back on, Arjun was on the verge of losing hope. Priya wanted to help, but her own financial situation, with elderly dependent parents and modest savings, left her helpless and burdened with guilt for not being able to stand by her friend in his time of dire need. A few weeks later, when Priya visits Arjun to check on his situation, she is relieved to see his child recovering well. In a quiet conversation, Arjun reveals that their senior administrator, Mr. Kulkarni, known for his kind but discreet ways, had quietly arranged Rs. 70 lakh from an old scholarship fund that had been lying unused for years. He did so on the condition that Arjun would repay the sum slowly through deductions from his salary, without anyone else finding out. Grateful but uneasy, Arjun confides that Mr. Kulkarni has helped other staff members in similar personal emergencies in the past, using small dormant funds without formal approvals, to prevent suffering and distress among the staff who often have no safety net. A few days later, while finalizing quarterly accounts, Priya overhears a conversation in the accounts office that an external audit of all scholarship and welfare funds is scheduled for next month. She realizes that this means the unauthorized diversions might come to light. Priya deeply sympathizes with Arjun's situation and admires Mr. Kulkarni's humane intentions, but she also knows that misusing designated funds, however noble the cause, violates trust, policy, and legal norms. If discovered, it could lead to severe consequences for Mr. Kulkarni, jeopardize the trust's reputation, and even risk the schools' funding. (a) Identify the key ethical dilemmas faced by Priya in this situation. (b) Discuss the ethical dimensions of Mr. Kulkarni's actions. Do you think his conduct can be justified? Give reasons for your answer. (b) What are the options available to Priya at this point? Analyze the merits and demerits of each option. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Rajesh is a dedicated and upright IAS officer who has recently been posted as the Commissioner of a major city's Municipal Corporation after serving diligently in various assignments for over a decade. This is his fifth transfer in four years, mostly due to his refusal to bend rules for influential people. His colleagues admire his integrity, discipline, and commitment to public service. The mayor of the city, a senior leader of the ruling party, holds significant power over the corporation's functioning. Rajesh soon learns about several dubious tenders and large-scale irregularities in awarding contracts for the city's solid waste management project. He notices that payments have been hastily cleared to companies with questionable credentials, despite glaring deficiencies in their work. One day, a senior councillor belonging to a rival political party approaches Rajesh and shares a set of audio recordings and internal emails that purportedly show the mayor asking for kickbacks from contractors in exchange for lucrative garbage collection contracts. Rajesh also recalls the same contractors' payments being pushed through under the mayor's orders, bypassing due process. When Rajesh asks the Councillor why he doesn't bring this evidence to the media or the anti-corruption bureau himself, the Councillor shrugs it off, hinting that his hands are tied politically but Rajesh can \"earn a hero's image\" by blowing the whistle. He subtly promises that if his party comes to power in the upcoming municipal elections, Rajesh's loyalty will be rewarded with an important posting and career security. Meanwhile, local media has started sniffing around the irregularities, and Rajesh's silence could make him appear complicit. His own staff is divided; some urge him to maintain the status quo for personal safety, while a few junior officers privately want him to act boldly and clean up the system. Adding to his dilemma, Rajesh's elderly parents are dependent on him, and another sudden transfer could make their care difficult. (a) Identify the key ethical dilemmas faced by Rajesh in this situation. (b) What are the options available to Rajesh to deal with the situation? Evaluate each option with its merits and demerits. (c) In the context of this case, discuss the ethical challenges of whistleblowing for public servants in India. (d) What institutional reforms can strengthen ethical conduct and protect honest officers? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"After an unexpected breach in a major dam upstream, the district of Neelgram has been hit by sudden flooding, which not only damaged standing crops but also contaminated most local water sources with silt and debris. Ananya, a young Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) recently transferred to Neelgram, has ordered emergency measures to ration and purify the remaining potable water and clamp down on illegal extraction of groundwater to ensure enough safe water for drinking and health camps. However, when her enforcement teams start sealing unauthorized borewells on farmland to prevent further depletion, a large group of distressed farmers storms her office, accusing her of double standards for ignoring the big bottled water companies and luxury housing societies on the town's outskirts that continue tapping deep aquifers around the clock under old permits allegedly renewed through bribes. The farmers claim they are being pushed to ruin just to keep swimming pools full and bottled water businesses profitable. Meanwhile, local hotels warn that shutting their supply will lead to layoffs of hundreds of daily-wage workers already reeling from the flood damage. Political leaders privately pressurize Ananya to avoid any action that might anger influential industrialists and real estate developers. To complicate matters further, she discovers some lower-rung officials have been pocketing hush money to overlook illegal borewells. With rural families queuing up for clean water tankers and local schools forced to close due to unsafe drinking water, Ananya must now grapple with the ethical dilemma of conserving critical water reserves, enforcing rules impartially, protecting poor farmers' livelihoods, resisting powerful vested interests, ensuring continued employment for daily-wage workers, and upholding public trust in the administration during a fragile recovery phase. (a) Identify and discuss the major ethical dilemmas faced by Ananya. (b) Briefly describe major laws or policies enacted by the Government of India to ensure sustainable water management. (c) Suggest a balanced course of action that Ananya can adopt to ensure equitable water distribution, prevent misuse of groundwater, protect vulnerable livelihoods, and restore public trust. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":56,"question":"Ritika Verma, the director of a reputed heritage conservation NGO that has spent over a decade protecting ancient monuments and ecologically sensitive cultural landscapes in the semi-arid region of Rajasthan. Recently, the state government has unveiled a major Solar Energy Park Project spanning nearly 5,000 hectares of largely barren but historically significant desert land dotted with ancient stepwells (Baolis), medieval Caravanserai ruins, and sacred groves that are home to several endangered desert flora and fauna. The project is expected to make the state a leader in renewable energy, reduce carbon emissions significantly, and provide green electricity to millions , aligning with India's national renewable energy goals and global climate commitments. It will also create thousands of direct and indirect jobs for local villagers, many of whom struggle with seasonal migration and poverty. However, the proposed solar farm will require flattening sand dunes, restricting grazing land for pastoral communities, and potentially disturbing fragile micro-habitats that support unique desert biodiversity. Local communities are divided, some want the project for jobs and development, while others fear it will disrupt their traditional livelihoods, cultural heritage sites, and spiritual groves that hold deep cultural significance. Adding to Ritika's dilemma, her NGO recently received significant donations from an international renewable energy foundation, the same foundation that has invested heavily in the Solar Park project. Her board expects her to balance environmental stewardship with a progressive stance on green energy. Meanwhile, local activists accuse the NGO of hypocrisy if it supports the project and betrayal if it opposes clean energy goals. (a) Identify and briefly discuss the key ethical issues involved in this case. (b) What options are available to Ritika? Critically analyze each option. (c) Suggest a course of action that Ritika should take in this situation. Justify your answer with suitable ethical principles and values. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":2011,"topper":"AZMAL HUSSAIN","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/a4911661fb63cf32bd7e1d24c76e3051/2/mt23rcapa065_702.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"You can't serve data on a hungry man's plate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"AI is overcoming our mental limitation but not expanding our mental horizon.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"We are using environment for politics, not politics for environment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"The worst form of inequality is to try to make unequal things equal.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Existence is a science, living is an art.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"If the truth shall kill them, let them die.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"The only way to go beyond things, is to go through them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Dream for the best. Be prepared for the worst. Enjoy life in between.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2012,"topper":"AZMAL HUSSAIN","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/223/mt23rcapa065_tc707-test-05-gs-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How did the ancient trade routes connecting India to foreign countries contribute to the exchange and dissemination of culture? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The Quit India movement was a people's movement cutting across the class divides but it was the women's leadership that left a clear mark. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The hallmark of post-Independent India has been its remarkable strides in science and technology. To what extent did scientific development during this period put India on the path of modernity? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the feasibility of Interlinking rivers to resolve the issue of water stress in other regions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How will the structural shift from coal-based power plants to renewable energy generation impact human development in coal-bearing states? ( Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"To what extent temperature and precipitation are the most important factors that determine soil properties? ( Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Why are severe and intense cyclones becoming a regular phenomenon in the Arabian Sea? Substantiate with examples. ( Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"In the context of cultural diversity in India, can we consider Southern states as distinct cultural units in comparison to the rest of India? Substantiate your view. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Poverty and population growth are locked in a vicious cycle, where poverty restricts individuals' ability to break free from the cycle, while population growth strains resources. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"India has a rich heritage in the internationalization of education. In this context how will the recent push for the 'internationalization of education' impact society and foster cultural exchange? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"'Although there were many differences between the Gandhara and Mathura art, they considerably influenced the Amravati school of art.' Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"'England's Industrial Revolution not only transformed the economic landscape but also had far-reaching social and cultural impacts'. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"How did the social reform and ideological struggle against the backward traditional elements and hegemony of colonial culture in the nineteenth century influence the emergence of a distinct cultural identity and national consciousness? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"How does temperature inversion affect atmospheric conditions and what are its implications for local weather patterns and air pollution levels? ( Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What are the geographical factors responsible for mangrove vegetation in India? How does climate change pose a threat to mangrove vegetation in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What are the geographical and economic factors that influence the location of the sugar industry, and how do they contribute to the growth of the industry in India and different parts of the world? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the key strategies used in dryland farming to overcome water scarcity and maximize agricultural productivity in arid and semi-arid regions? Also, discuss the need to promote dryland farming in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"How has the contemporary women's movement encompassed diverse approaches beyond traditional methods? Also, highlight the unique contribution and challenges of the contemporary women's movement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Do you think that the forces of modernization that catalyzed the eradication of social evils in Indian society have also threatened our cultural values and ethos? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"15","words":"150"},{"page":53,"question":"In the context of states in India evaluate the relationship between regional disparity and sentiments of regionalism. Is regionalism antagonistic to the idea of nationalism? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"15","words":"150"}]},{"id":2013,"topper":"AZMAL HUSSAIN","air":1013,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/219/mt23rcapa065_tc703-test-01-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2014,"topper":"AZMAL HUSSAIN","air":1013,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/215/mt23rcapa065_tc707-test-05-gs-1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2015,"topper":"AZMAL HUSSAIN","air":1013,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/220/mt23rcapa065_tc704-test-02-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2016,"topper":"AZMAL HUSSAIN","air":1013,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/224/mt23rcapa065_tc708-test-06-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2017,"topper":"AZMAL HUSSAIN","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/221/mt23rcapa065_tc705-test-03-gs-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What do you understand by Windfall tax? Do you think that windfall taxes can effectively redistribute wealth and promote greater economic equality? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss the perceived successes and challenges of implementing inflation targeting under the new Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) regime. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Assess the potential of millet production in promoting sustainable agriculture and improving food security in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Jal Jeevan Mission has the potential to end the regional disparity in the availability and accessibility of drinking water. Highlighting the significance of the mission, discuss the underlying impediments in achieving the desired objectives. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do you understand by Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)? Discuss its applications and how it can revolutionize the energy program of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss in brief developments and challenges in the Gaganyaan mission of ISRO. What are the possible benefits of the mission for the society? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"Green hydrogen can be the silver bullet in our quest to tackle climate change and pollution\". Critically analyze the statement in light of India's National Green Hydrogen mission. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What are the key lessons for disaster management and environmental conservation in the Himalayan region, in light of the recent disaster in Joshimath, Uttarakhand? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"The recent radical trends in Punjab show that the Khalistan issue is still simmering.\" Discuss the statement with respect to recent developments and suggest measures to handle it. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The anonymity and ease of drone operation contribute to the challenges of India's border security. Elaborate and give suggestions to tackle the drone problem in border areas. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Electricity Amendment Bill, 2022 brings several advantages for consumers, DISCOMs as well as the environment. Elaborate. Also, list out its shortcomings and suggest some measures to overcome them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) plays an important role in the regulation of the share market and safeguarding the interests of investors. In the light of given statement, highlight the challenges faced by the SEBI and suggest reforms in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Despite being a major contributor to the Indian economy, the agriculture sector is plagued by several constraints that impede its growth and development. Discuss the role of technology in overcoming these constraints. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Evaluate the impact of irrigation on the environment and natural resources, and suggest measures to ensure the sustainability and equity of irrigation practices in agriculture. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"How India benefitted strategically from the contributions of Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha and Dr. Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai in the fields of atomic energy and space technology respectively? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Genreative AI holds the potential to push the boundaries of innovation in the near future, yet its societal impact raises substantial challenges. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Explain the purpose of the \"Mangrove Alliance for Climate\" launched at the COP27 UN Climate Change Conference in Egypt in November 2022. Elaborate on the importance of mangroves in maintaining the coastal ecology of tropical nations. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The Formation of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure brings more robustness to the Disaster Management approach in India. Comment and justify the need for a new strategy to tackle Disasters in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The recent rise in ransomware attacks targeting critical infrastructure and major corporations has highlighted the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity measures and policies. Discussing the key factors contributing to this trend, analyze the impact of these attacks on various sectors. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"In the context of border security, how can cooperation and coordination between different security agencies be improved to ensure effective and efficient management of coastal and terrestrial borders? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2018,"topper":"AZMAL HUSSAIN","air":1013,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/213/mt23rcapa065_tc705-test-03-gs-3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2019,"topper":"AZMAL HUSSAIN","air":1013,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/225/mt23rcapa065_tc709-test-07-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2020,"topper":"AZMAL HUSSAIN","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/222/mt23rcapa065_tc706-test-04-gs-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Public service requires not merely legal but also morally principled action. Public service requires the public servant to place loyalty to the constitution, laws, and ethical principles. Among the three, which do you think must acquire primacy while carrying out official functions? Why? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"What do you understand by \"integrity-based civil disobedience\"? Do you think a challenge to personal integrity can be a justifiable cause for responsible disobedience in civil services? Explain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Recent research has shown that emotions significantly impact personal and professional lives. What are the primary emotions that negatively and positively impact workplace productivity? Explain with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Technical efficiency ensures resource utilization and social efficiency ensures fulfillment of social needs, what does ethical efficiency ensure? Do you think ethical efficiency is more important than technical and social efficiency? Why/Why not? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"Man cannot do right in one department of life whilst he is occupied in doing wrong in any other department.\" Gandhi. Do you think an individual's personal ethics impacts professional life or they both can be compartmentalized? Explain your position with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Goodness is the result of internal imperatives to do what is right, not sanctions from moral rules or rewards from expected consequences. Do you agree? Discuss.(Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance. (a) \"To tolerate is purely an act of the mind. That is the essence of virtue. To tolerate is a strength.\" (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Citizens' involvement in decision-making is critical to ethics in governance. Do you agree that effective civic engagement mechanisms can facilitate an ethics-driven administration? What do you think are the mechanisms that citizens can use for ensuring ethics in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Social transformation programs such as \"beti bachao and beti padhao\" believes in using advice, counseling, and persuasion but sometimes a little force is also necessary for getting the desired response. Do you think it is a good idea to mix little force with persuasion by public administrators while implementing social schemes of transformation? Explain with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Ultimately foreign policy of every country hinges upon the strength which the nation possesses. Strength may be military or financial and may be also...moral.\" Do you think ethical strength without military or financial muscle will be respected in today's world? Explain your position. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"You are a young officer working with the Municipal Corporation of an industrial city. The city was known for manufacturing ball bearings and auto parts. Most manufacturing units were small-scale units with very little production process automation. The units relied on manual labor, which was in abundance due to the villages close by. As the number of manufacturing units grew, the demand for labor increased, bringing in a steady inflow of laborers into the city. This influx of people into the town led to a mushrooming of slums and encroachments on the sidewalks. Once in a while, the Corporation conducted drives to clear out the slums, but after a time, the slums came back. The illegal slums had become an urban nightmare. You were given the responsibility of clearing out the encroachments and slums with the help of Police authorities. As you started the drive, you realized that the people living by the sidewalks were vulnerable compared to the slum dwellers. Many sidewalk dwellers had recently come to the city after selling their properties in their villages. Now if you drive them out, they have no place to go. Your heart went out to them, and you felt that your departmental action was inhumane, but your official responsibilities demanded stern impartial action. You are desperate to find a way to help the sidewalk dwellers without compromising your official duties. (a) What value conflicts do you notice in the above situation? (b) Can an administrator compromise the value of impartiality for empathy? Discuss. (c) What are the options available in the above situation? (d) Suggest viable solutions for tackling illegal slums and encroachments in urban areas. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"A certain State government was running a welfare scheme for promoting safe motherhood among rural landless laborers' families. The scheme involves the transfer of funds to the beneficiaries to enable them to mitigate income loss due to maternal care responsibilities. Since its implementation, the scheme has done reasonably well on maternal health and economic indicators. You are the Director of the Department responsible for implementing and operating the scheme. Recently you have been receiving reports of welfare fraud being committed by families by producing fake bona fide. The families committed the fraud with the help of local officials responsible for scrutinizing the bonafide. You were concerned because the fraud was seriously undermining the scheme's efficiency. You called for a departmental meeting to discuss and find a solution to the problem. In the meeting, it was decided to merge several available government data sets such as Aadhar cards, voter ID cards, marriage certificates, birth certificates, bank details, and other personal assets. By merging all the data sets, the department would be able to develop the beneficiary's economic profile. And this will help the department scrutinize the documents and detect fraud. This was a comprehensive strategy, but it risked violating an individual's data privacy. As a Department head, you wanted to detect and prevent fraud, but at the same time, you were apprehensive about violating the data privacy of the stakeholders. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) Do you think violating data privacy is justified to prevent welfare fraud? Why/ Why not? (c) What, according to you, can be the reasons for such welfare frauds happening in the country? (d) Are there any ways and means to prevent such fraud? Give your suggestions. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"You are posted in the Department of Mines, and one of your roles is to help your Department Head negotiate mining leases with private contractors. Recently, the state government demarcated a new mining zone and planned to invite bids for the mining blocs. You were instructed to oversee the bidding process and speed up the contract negotiations. As planned, the tenders were released, bids came in, and tenders were allocated as per the norms. All this happened at a breakneck speed. You wondered, why the hurry? But it was not your place to think and question; you quietly went about your work. As the contractors were about to start operations, you had to instruct them on environmental concerns to watch out for. And to do that, you read the environmental impact assessment report submitted by a consulting firm hired by the department. To your surprise, the report was shoddy and looked cooked up. You got suspicious and raised the issue with your Head, who politely instructed you to do what you were told, and he reminded you that the Department had revenue targets and was under pressure from the Ministry. After the meeting, you, on your own accord, did some digging and found out that the report was fraudulent and the mining activity that was about to start would lead to a massive environmental disaster which the State could not afford. (a) What are the issues and value violations you notice in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you? (c) Discuss the advantage and disadvantages of each option and identify your chosen course of action. (d) Do you think that environmental considerations are sometimes overrated at the cost of development? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Do you think corporate businesses such as GAMA must consider international ethics while pursuing business interests? Why/why not? (c) Do you think a corporate's social responsibility extends beyond one's immediate community to the international community? Why/why not? (d) Do you think the Defence sector companies marketing sensitive technologies must be regulated by their respective governments, or regulation may curtail their entrepreneurial and innovation energy? Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) What do you think Rashmi should do? Would it be a good idea for Rashmi to involve local administration? Suggest an implementable course of action. (c) Do you think companies should also accept responsibility for the social problems of the region where they operate? Why/why not? (d) What could be the reasons for such an aggressive reaction from the workers union? How do you think Rashmi should handle the workers union? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":2021,"topper":"AZMAL HUSSAIN","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/214/mt23rcapa065_tc706-test-04-gs-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by “integrity-based civil disobedience”? Do you think a challenge to personal...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance. “To tolera...","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2022,"topper":"AZMAL HUSSAIN","air":1013,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/226/mt23rcapa065_tc710-test-08-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2023,"topper":"AZMAL HUSSAIN","air":1013,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/211/mt23rcapa065_tc703-test-01-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2024,"topper":"AZMAL HUSSAIN","air":1013,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/212/mt23rcapa065_tc704-test-02-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2025,"topper":"AZMAL HUSSAIN","air":1013,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/216/mt23rcapa065_tc708-test-06-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2026,"topper":"AZMAL HUSSAIN","air":1013,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/217/mt23rcapa065_tc709-test-07-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2027,"topper":"AZMAL HUSSAIN","air":1013,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/218/mt23rcapa065_tc710-test-08-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2028,"topper":"B Saravanan","air":147,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1riBg7EHthJDyuy4475JesqcwvHqRTFr1","questions":[]},{"id":2029,"topper":"B Saravanan","air":147,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1mDNtrtuDgH-J8OL_lHXl2hk6fJJ2QvYI","questions":[]},{"id":2030,"topper":"B Sivachandran","air":23,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/u/2/folders/1rOxIK1Me2H_INdtfj3yY2MXTPt65Zg5Q","questions":[]},{"id":2031,"topper":"BACHHAV KARTIK RAVINDRA","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/BACHHAV-KARTIK-RAVINDRA-UPSC-2024-Rank-469-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"To what extent have farmer associations been successful in influencing public policies and governance in the country? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Article 21 of the Indian Constitution broadly interprets the right to life and liberty. Elucidate with the help of relevant case laws. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Strengthening the subordinate judiciary is vital for revitalizing the entire edifice of the Indian judicial system. Discuss. Also, examine the role of 'All India Judicial Services' (AIJS) in enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of the Indian judiciary. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Why does the Constitution not provide for a conclusive say to the State Legislative Assemblies in the creation, bifurcation, or dissolution of a State? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The Presidents of India and USA differ not just the manner in which they are elected but also with respect to their powers. Elucidate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Governor is neither a saboteur nor a sage; he is a constitutional functionary who needs to be solely loyal to the Constitution. Critically examine the statement in the light of recent events. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":16,"question":"How does the inability of local bodies to generate their own funds affect their ability to function effectively? Suggest necessary measures to empower local governments in generating independent revenue streams. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":19,"question":"\"Parliamentary democracy would be incomplete without Parliamentary committees.\" In light of the statement, examine the role of the Public Accounts Committee in establishing financial accountability of the executive. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":22,"question":"What do you understand by Alternate Dispute Redressal (ADR) mechanisms? What are the reasons for their low adoption as the primary mode of dispute resolution in the country? Suggest measures for improvement. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"Although upholding the spirit of the Constitution through judicial activism is noble in its intent, in practice it runs the risk of undermining the delicate balance of power that the Constitution sought to achieve. Critically examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2032,"topper":"Bajrang Prasad","air":454,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ae5d0-578292_2122_bajrang-prasad_rank-454.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2033,"topper":"Bajrang Prasad","air":454,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/954c2-578292_2123_bajrang-prasad_rank-454.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2034,"topper":"Bajrang Prasad","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/829ae-578292_1838_bajrang-prasad_rank-454.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The Chalukyan architecture uniquely epitomises the grandeur and hybrid characteristic style of temple building. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The success or failure of a political movement is not always determined by the achievement of its stated goals. Discuss in light of the Ghadar movement. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss the ways in which Gandhian conceptualisation of Sarvodaya influenced Vinoba Bhave's Bhoodan movement. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Bring out the evidences, which led to the Plate Tectonics Theory. Also, discuss how this theory explains the movement of plates. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Give an account of the formation of Abyssal Plains and highlight the relief features found on these plains. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What are the geographical and climatic conditions required for tea cultivation? In this context, discuss the reasons for the introduction of tea cultivation in the Duars region of the Himalayas by the British. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Briefly bring out the distinction between flash droughts and conventional droughts. Also, examine the reasons behind the increasing vulnerability of India to flash droughts. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Though various initiatives have been taken to ensure social security for informal workers in India, there still exist gaps which need to be plugged. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Critically assess the government's move on raising the age of marriage of women in India from 18 to 21 years. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Reservation for locals in private sector has again brought the debate around regionalism into focus. In this context, examine whether regionalism is a threat to national integration. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Explain how agricultural surplus, growth of crafts and trade, and growing population led to the second urbanisation in ancient India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"India of the 18th century failed to make progress economically, culturally and socially at a pace, which would have saved the country from collapse. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The withdrawal of the Civil Disobedience Movement triggered a two-stage debate on the strategic course of India's freedom struggle. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Throw light on the causes, course and outcomes of the Civil War, which followed the Russian Revolution. Also, bring out the reasons behind the Bolshevik victory. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What are Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs)? Highlighting the susceptibility of the Himalayan region to GLOFs, state the measures required to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Highlighting the importance of ice sheets, discuss the likely impact of their melting on the planet with special focus on India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are twin cyclones? Discuss the role of Rossby waves and Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) in their formation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Since independence, planning strategies for women's upliftment has evolved from welfare to development to empowerment. Elucidate. Also, discuss the role played by voluntary organizations in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How far do you agree with the view that globalisation has aggravated the challenges faced by the poor in India? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2035,"topper":"Bajrang Prasad","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1f0bd-578292_1839_bajrang-prasad_rank-454.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"An independent umbrella body that brings the various central investigative agencies under one roof holds the key to shoring up their credibility. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the significance of the Doctrines of Pith and Substance and Colourable Legislation with respect to Centre-state relations in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Do you agree with the view that there should be simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and the State Legislative Assemblies in India? Discuss with suitable arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss the need for codification of parliamentary privileges in India, in light of the uncertainty and ambiguity around them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"While the Civil Services Board can be a step forward in making the Indian bureaucracy more effective, it has its own issues which need to be addressed. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Highlight the potential of India Digital Ecosystem Architecture (IndEA) 2.0 in transforming the ecosystem of service delivery in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What is Civil Registration System? Highlight its importance and discuss the measures taken by the government to bring about improvements in it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and Their Rehabilitation Act, 2013, provides an effective mechanism for empowerment of the intended beneficiaries in the society. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the reforms that must be undertaken to strengthen the World Trade Organisation in order to address the vulnerabilities in the present global trading system. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"State the significance of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Also, discuss the need for a legally binding Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Critically assess the role played by the National Human Rights Commission as a watchdog of human rights violations in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Discuss how the integration of information and communications technology (ICT) in the dispute resolution processes will help in overcoming the challenges associated with the functioning of courts and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) forums. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite various provisions concerning disqualification of legislators under The Representation of The People Act, 1951, the issue of criminalization of politics is still unresolved to a large extent in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"It is time for reforms, which recognise that urban local bodies (ULBs) need permanent, buoyant revenue sources to match the growing demands of an increasing urban population. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The role of the civil society organisations (CSOs) in India is changing in contemporary times and has become increasingly more complex. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Though the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) aims to address the inequity in development in India, there are a number of issues which plague the scheme. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Highlighting the factors responsible for the growth of EdTech sector in India in recent times, discuss its benefits. Also, state the concerns associated with it. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Bring out the role of Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers in delivering health services in rural India. Also, suggest the measures that can be taken to overcome the challenges faced by them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss the various concerns that have arisen for India after the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan. Also, suggest the measures that India should take in the given context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Bangladesh is not only a key part of India's \"Neighbourhood First policy\" but also crucial for the \"Act East policy\". In this context, discuss the steps taken by the two countries to strengthen their relationship. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2036,"topper":"Bajrang Prasad","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1b6d7-578292_1836_bajrang-prasad_rank-454.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The PM-AASHA scheme is aimed at improving procurement mechanism as well as ensuring remunerative prices for farmers. In this context, highlight the various components of the scheme and discuss the concerns associated with it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Explaining the concept of blended finance, discuss the role it can play in mobilizing capital for infrastructure development in developing countries like India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss the challenges faced in the revival and revamp of dry ports in India and state the measures that can be adopted in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Monoculture is one of the major threats to ensuring food security and sustainability of Indian agriculture. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Aapda Mitra - a force of volunteers from across India trained in disaster response - is becoming a game changer in the field of disaster management in the country. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Why is the rise in lone wolf attacks considered as a serious challenge for security agencies around the world? Highlight the role of the internet in exacerbating such attacks. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The fundamental inefficiencies embedded in our military structures and processes are now being addressed through a slew of defence reforms in the country. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"In light of the recent establishment of the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in India, discuss the advantages and challenges in mainstreaming traditional medicine in the country. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Nano Urea Liquid has the potential to transform farming in India and across the world by improving productivity while reducing environmental pollution and input cost. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss the domino effect of high crude oil prices on the Indian economy. Also, enumerate the measures that India can take in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The consistent high operating ratio of the Indian Railways is indicative of its incapability to generate high operational surplus. Explain the reasons behind this trend. Also, highlight the remedial measures taken by the government in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Micro food processing sector is the key driver of growth in the Indian economy as it encourages food processing innovation. In this context, state the challenges faced by the micro food processing sector and discuss how the recent initiatives taken by the government aim to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Despite efforts by successive governments, equitable growth remains elusive and income inequality continues to persist in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Stating the factors that determine the employment situation of an economy in the long-term, discuss the measures that are needed for India to address its unemployment problem. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"In view of the rapidly increasing socio-economic damage caused by disasters; integrating Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) into development planning requires an effective stakeholder engagement mechanism. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Provide an account of the existing carbon trading mechanisms in India. Also, discuss the significance of an efficient carbon trading market in the country and state the challenges that currently exist. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The menace of drug trafficking in India has been on a rise due to a mix of factors, both internal and external. Discuss. Also, state the challenges posed by drug trafficking to India's national security. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The Andaman and Nicobar islands' strategic significance in the Indian Ocean region (IOR) has been underplayed by India's policy of 'masterly inactivity and benign neglect'. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India has recently commissioned the world's first large International Liquid-Mirror Telescope (ILMT). How will the newly commissioned telescope aid in India's astronomical observations and research? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2037,"topper":"Bajrang Prasad","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/87452-578292_1841_bajrang-prasad_rank-454.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the meaning of self-efficacy, along with its key determinants. Also, discuss the significance of high self-efficacy for a civil servant. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have the right to do and what is right to do. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Dealing with an ethical dilemma not only requires following rules and regulations, but also requires adherence to moral prudence and altruism. Explain in the context of civil services in India, with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Code of Conduct for the civil services in India has merely remained a code; it has not helped promote ethical and moral values in governance. In this context, discuss the need for a National Commission on Integrity and Transparency in Governance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Digital ethics principles are necessary to prevent erosion of public values and deal with the ethical implications of digitizing governance systems. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Despite differences in terms of organizational values guiding the public and private sectors, there remain certain values that are equally important to both. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Bring out the difference between accountability and responsibility. Also, discuss the significance of accountability in ensuring ethical governance in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Though laws and rules can be considered as the principal guide on morality for public administrators, they are not sufficient in themselves. Substantiate with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Transparency is vital to cultivate public trust in government and to prevent, detect and deter corruption effectively. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"'Just-in-time' release of funds heralds a significant reform for the Indian government's payment architecture. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.\"- Marcus Aurelius (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"The forces in a capitalist society, if left unchecked, tend to make the rich richer and the poor poorer.\" — Jawaharlal Nehru (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"\"Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom.\" – Thomas Jefferson (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate in a district, which is witnessing a high caseload of COVID-19 pandemic patients. The physical infrastructure and human resources in the district are stretched much beyond their capacity. At the peak of the pandemic, certain reports emerge that the District Medical Officer has been misusing his position to abuse female employees in his department and coercing them to have sexual relations with him. However, the concerned officer not only has an impeccable academic record but also a profound professional track record. You also need his presence and guidance to deal with the pandemic situation in the district. But, there is pressure from the media and civil society organisations to immediately report the matter to the State authorities for action against the concerned officer. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders and issues involved in the above case. (b) What are the options available to you? Discuss their pros and cons. (c) What will be your final course of action? Justify with reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"You are posted as the Superintendent of Police (SP) of a district, which has witnessed several lynching related crimes in the recent past. One day, a police station in the district got an SOS that in a particular village under their jurisdiction, two women have been accused of witchcraft and are now being paraded naked by the villagers. Given the past record of crimes in the village, it was likely that they would be killed by the villagers. When a police team from the station reached the spot and tried to save the two women from the mob, a scuffle broke out. In the ensuing scuffle, the police were brutally attacked and they had to retaliate by lathicharging in order to save themselves. The incident left three villagers dead. There is anger amongst the villagers, who are also a critical vote bank of the ruling party in the state. As the SP, you have been instructed to institute a quick enquiry and take the strictest action against the police team who lathicharged. You are aware that with elections around the corner, you need to diffuse the situation quickly. Given the situation, answer the following : (a) Identify the stakeholders and the issues involved in the above case. (b) What are the options available to you? Which of these will you choose and why? (c) As an objective and scientfic-tempered administrator, what steps will you suggest in the long-run to deal with mob lynching?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"With the advent of 24x7 news and prevalence of an array of news sources across the board, the media is omnipresent in nature. In this competitive environment, many media professionals who are overcome by deadlines, bottom-line imperatives, and corporate interests are losing sight of the ethical implications of their work. Further, there have been several cases of irresponsible reporting where the reportage has interfered with court proceedings, compromised delicate security situations or led to the spread of fake or unverified news. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the ethical issues prevalent in the profession of media. (b) How does unethical reporting and sensationalization of news impact the society? (c) What can be done to strengthen the role of ethics in media?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You are the Dean of Academics of a University. It has been brought to your notice that some students have raised a complaint against Mr X, a specially-abled Professor at the University, for not performing his academic duties diligently. The Head of the Department (HoD) tried to have a conversation with him regarding these complaints; however, Mr X feels that he is a victim of internal politics and is being discriminated against on account of him being specially-abled. He also conveyed to the HoD that he will file a complaint of discrimination against the University under The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. As the Dean of Academics, it is your responsibility to uphold the academic standards of the University and take any administrative decision in this regard. In this case, answer the following questions: (a) State the stakeholders and the ethical issues in the given case. (b) What are the options available to you? (c) Evaluate each of these options and state the option which you would choose, citing reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"You have recently been posted as the District Magistrate of a poor district in India where there is a high prevalence of manual scavenging. It has been brought to your notice that manual scavenging has claimed many lives in your district. Upon further enquiry, you found that most of the manual scavengers belong to a particular caste, and majority of them can find employment only by way of scavenging. Even some government departments in your district are employing these people for physical cleaning of sewers/septic tanks without basic safety gear and measures. Despite the rehabilitation programmes for manual scavengers, the administration has been found inefficient in identifying such people in the first place and the efforts to reskill them for employment elsewhere have not yielded desired results. Based on the given information, answer the following: (a) Identify the issues associated with manual scavenging. (b) List the options available to you in the given case. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each. (c) Discuss some feasible steps that you can take to address this serious problem.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2038,"topper":"Banna Venkatesh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/23797-780881_3128_banna_venkatesh_rank_15.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"The world must learn to work together, or finally it will not work at all.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Technology, like art, is a soaring exercise of the human imagination.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"We've begun to raise daughters more like sons, but few have the courage to raise our sons more like our daughters.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2039,"topper":"Banna Venkatesh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7b153-780881_2929_banna_venkatesh_rank_15.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Expression of dissent is central to the functioning of the Parliament. In light of this, discuss the role of the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in India's parliamentary system. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"How can the integration of technology into judicial processes enhance accessibility, capability, and efficiency in justice delivery? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Supreme Court of India has upheld unique asymmetry in India's federalism by intricately balancing centralized authority and regional autonomy. Discuss with the help of relevant case laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Evaluate the effectiveness of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes in safeguarding the interests of the Scheduled Castes in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Executive accountability to the legislature through Parliamentary Committees has been the hallmark of the Indian political system. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can India make Citizens' Charter a powerful tool for improving governance and empowering citizens? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How do corporate donors aid NGOs in facilitating holistic development in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite its merits, should the POCSO Act be revisited to correct the existing inadequacies? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"China's acquisition of strategic ports globally has significant implications for international trade routes and economic relations. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"What are the main functions of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)? How will its recent treaty on intellectual property, genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge benefit India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) plays a crucial role in combating corruption, its functioning is often criticized for being partisan and acting against the federal spirit. Discuss with the help of suitable examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Governors in India often overstep their constitutional role and fail to act effectively when needed. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Both India and the USA adhere to democratic principles but their electoral systems exhibit significant differences. What are the key differences in electoral practices between the two countries? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"How far do you agree with the view that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has met its objective of ensuring environmental justice in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Though Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) have become a platform for competitive politics, they have not emerged as an agency of planning and service delivery. Why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by interoperability in e-governance? What steps have been taken by the government to ensure interoperability and integration of various e-governance systems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"When it comes to sexual and reproductive health of women in India, rights-based discourse has largely been bypassed not just by the societal norms but also by the legal norms. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"How effective has India been in enhancing immunization coverage over the years? What challenges continue to affect immunization efforts in the country? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India used its Presidency of the G20 to bring the voice of the Global South to the centre stage. Discuss with special reference to Africa. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"India's relationship with the UAE has witnessed a remarkable expansion across various domains in the last decade. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2040,"topper":"Banna Venkatesh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/237af-780881_2930_banna_venkatesh_rank_15.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How is the rapid growth of the food processing industry leading to food safety challenges in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Under the Public Distribution System of India, the Fair Price Shop (FPS) transformation is an evolving process. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"How are agri-tech startups in India helping farmers in enhancing farm productivity and market access? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the role of digitization of land records in the effective implementation of land reforms in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"To fully exploit its demographic dividend and accelerate economic growth, India needs to adopt a manufacturing-led growth model. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can the resilience of Indian coastal communities be strengthened to tackle the growing natural hazards resulting from climate change? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How does the Green Credit Programme extend beyond carbon management to promote a more sustainable environment in India? What are the various concerns about its implementation? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":2041,"topper":"Banna Venkatesh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/f3fd8-0780881_2424_banna_venkatesh_rank_15.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What are the different dimensions of food security? Examine India's status in terms of ensuring food security with regard to these dimensions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Modern technologies such as blockchain and ChatGPT are powerful tools with immense potential to transform agriculture into a more efficient and sustainable sector. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What factors have led to the recent acceleration in the trend towards de-dollarization of the global economy? Do you think the dollar will lose its dominance anytime soon? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Despite significant pressure from the developed countries to alter its food subsidy regime, there is merit in India trying to retain its policy support for the poor in the country. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Several initiatives have been taken by the government towards addressing India's water needs, but the issues of water availability and water quality still warrant prioritised intervention. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What are the major drivers of glacial retreat in the Arctic? Describe the potential impact of the retreat of Arctic glaciers on the ecosystem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Space tourism, which was viewed as something straight out of a science fiction movie, is now becoming a reality albeit not without hindrances. What are the challenges associated with space tourism? What measures can be taken to address these challenges? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Global health experts widely believe that the development of CAR-T cell therapy can be a game changer in the treatment of cancer. How can CAR-T cell therapy overcome the limitations of CRISPR-Cas9 technology? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss why the rising deployment of new and emerging technologies by prominent violent extremist organizations demand concerted global efforts. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"With the Line of Actual Control (LAC) remaining tense after the Galwan and Yangste incidents and both India and China ramping up infrastructure in the border areas, discuss the role that ITBP plays in the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Do you think there is a need for a shift from 'land productivity' to 'irrigation water productivity' in India? Justify your answer. What are the challenges in making this shift? Explain. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Examine the role that green hydrogen can play in unlocking the energy security of India. How can the National Green Hydrogen Mission help India in achieving its energy goals? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The government has been weighing a transition from minimum wage to living wage in recent times. What are the benefits and constraints in the adoption of living wage in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The Union Budget affects almost every sector of the Indian economy, yet neither the budgetary processes nor the budget policies come under substantial public scrutiny. Do you agree? Justify your answer. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"India has been able to transform itself from a milk deficit country to the world's biggest milk producer, but the productivity of dairy animals in the country remains a concern. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"While climate change is responsible for crop failures, the agricultural sector itself is partly responsible for extreme weather events. Discuss. What strategy has been adopted under National Agriculture Disaster Management Plan to strengthen the resilience of the farming community in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Some regions in India, including Delhi, are highly vulnerable to the impact of earthquakes originating in the Himalayas. Discuss. What institutional measures have been taken to mitigate earthquake losses in India? Do you think there are significant gaps that still exist? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Recently, scientists announced net energy gain in nuclear fusion reaction, which is considered as a major scientific breakthrough for the future of clean energy. What are the advantages of nuclear fusion based power generation? What are the limitations in using it to generate electricity at a commercial scale? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Keeping in view the recent amendment, examine the efficacy of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, in tackling the menace of money laundering in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Discuss the security threats present in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), which have a direct bearing on India's maritime border interests. Suggest a robust strategy to deal with these threats. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2042,"topper":"Banna Venkatesh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/24f74-0780881_2423_banna_venkatesh_rank_15.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With suitable examples, discuss how environmental pressure groups enhance public participation and responsiveness with regard to environmental policies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The recent acknowledgment of sex work as a 'profession' by the Supreme Court is merely the first step in ensuring basic rights and equality for sex workers in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the role played by District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) in providing free legal aid and disseminating legal awareness in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"The collegium system has become a victim of its own success, with the concentration of power in the hands of a few, leading to questions about its legitimacy.\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":2043,"topper":"Banna Venkatesh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7e8b2-780881_2928_banna_venkatesh_rank_15.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How does tribal art provide valuable insights into the cultural perspectives and values of Indian tribal communities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What are the key factors that accelerated decolonization post-World War II? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How does human encroachment impact water bodies in urban areas? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How do physical geographical features influence the development and operation of transportation systems? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How are ocean trenches formed? Describe the significant characteristics of these oceanic relief formations. (Answer in 150words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Identify the reasons behind increasing number of extreme rainfall events throughout India in recent times. Assess their socio-economic impact. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"India is expected to have the largest working-age population in the world by 2030 and it cannot afford low participation of women in the workforce anymore. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Do you agree that there has been a progressive secularization of caste in India? Support your view with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Why is inequality increasing in India despite the fall in overall poverty? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"How did the competitive and hostile dynamic between Brahminism and Buddhism over funding, followers, and ideology mark the decline of Buddhism? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"European travellers' accounts in the medieval period have played an important role in shaping our understanding of the empires and people of that period in India. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The British victory in the Battle of Plassey in 1757 not just changed the course of Indian history but also that of the world. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Why was it more difficult to rehabilitate refugees in West Bengal as compared to Punjab after partition? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss the economic and social costs associated with the transition from coal to green energy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Explain the process of formation of volcanic calderas. How do they contribute to the scenic beauty of the region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the reasons behind the increased frequency and intensity of heat waves globally? How will it impact global food security? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India's approach to secularism does not merely challenge inter-religious domination but intra-religious domination as well. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Do you agree with the view that Indian cities are turning into landscapes of stark inequality and social exclusion? What steps can be taken to make urban areas more egalitarian in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2044,"topper":"Banna Venkatesh","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/BANNA-VENKATESH-UPSC-2024-Rank-15-MGP-Sample-Copy-1-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) How will you explain that the Government of India Act 1935 was seminal in giving shape to the Indian constitution?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Strengthening the National Commission of Scheduled Tribes (NCST) through various complementary mechanisms can go a long way towards mainstreaming the welfare of the tribals. Explain.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) In what ways does the preamble reflect the ideals and aspirations of the Indian Constitution? To what extent have these aspirations been realised?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) How will you explain that Indian federalism is a happy mix of Unitarianism and confederalism?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) Leveraging real-time data in policymaking has become indispensable for achieving good governance. In this context, analyse the role of e-governance in enhancing the effectiveness of developmental policies.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) Critically assess the role of microfinance in satisfactorily addressing the interconnected challenges of poverty and unemployment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) What are the reasons behind the limited success of the co-operative movement? How can co-operatives be made more effective in fostering rural development?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) The principles of accountability and participation are vital to ensure the smooth implementation of welfare schemes, ensuring their success in reaching the last mile. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) The realization of a successful Asian century is premised upon stable India-China relations. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 ASEAN serves the twin purpose of developing India's Northeast and augmenting the country's reach in the Southeast Asian region. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 The tenets of independent judiciary, life-breath of constitutional democracy, stand perpetually undermined by the executive encroachment into the judicial domain. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) Highlight the shortcomings in the Representation of People's Act. Also, recommend corrective measures to make it more effective.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 Examine the role of the National Commission for Women (NCW) in protecting and promoting the rights of women in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) Despite constitutional backing, urban planning and governance have given limited dividends on the ground. Enumerating the reasons for the same, suggest measures to ameliorate the situation.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 The role of the civil service is not limited to the mere welfare of the people but extends to the realm of upholding the spirit of the constitution. Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 The distinct characteristics of the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and the government create a unique symbiosis in improving the governance and developmental process in the country. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17) Evaluate the efficacy of digital interventions in transforming the educational infrastructure of the country.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 Enumerating the challenges faced by the elderlies in India, discuss ways for mainstreaming the paradigm for geriatric care.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 India has a pride of place among the comity of nations with strong credentials in the arena of soft power. Identifying the key attributes of India's soft power, assess the extent to which it has been leveraged in India's foreign policy matrix.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 The latent potential of the India-EU strategic partnership is deterred due to a slew of factors. Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2045,"topper":"Banna Venkatesh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8de9a-780881_2931_banna_venkatesh_rank_15.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The end cannot justify the means, for the simple and obvious reason that the means employed determine the nature of the ends produced. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss how the relationship between law and ethics is dynamic and continuously shaped by societal changes. Provide examples to illustrate this dynamic relationship. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Differentiate between probity and integrity with suitable examples. How do these values contribute to ethical governance and decision-making in the civil services? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the ethical implications of withholding information in public administration. How can transparency enhance accountability and reduce corruption in government institutions? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"There is no school equal to a decent home and no teacher equal to a virtuous parent.\"- Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.\" - Leo Tolstoy (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"To see what is right and not do it is a lack of courage.\" - Confucius (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What factors lead to a positive attitude in a person? How does positive attitude enhance the effectiveness of civil servants in performing their duties? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss how emotional intelligence can influence ethical decision-making in the allocation of scarce public resources. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Various international humanitarian organizations provide emergency aid in conflict zones around the world. Highlight the ethical challenges faced by such organizations. What are the principles that guide international humanitarian work? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Why is persuasion regarded as an important skill for civil servants? What are the key considerations that should guide persuasion in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"What role can ethical leadership play in curbing corruption, especially in public service? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"What were the major teachings of Swami Dayanand Saraswati? Explain their relevance in addressing the current ethical and social challenges in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":33,"question":"Discuss the ethical dilemma Karan faces in deciding whether to report the incident against Mariyam's wishes. (b) Evaluate the options available to Karan. Which of these options should he choose and why? (c) What responsibilities do organizations like XYZ Corp have in preventing and addressing sexual harassment and creating inclusive workplace environments? (Answer in 250 words)20","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Jay, a civil servant, was appointed as the Commissioner in the state's Education Department a year ago. In his initial months, he implemented several policies and programmes that were transforming the Education Ministry's operations, gaining a good reputation that could potentially benefit the concerned minister in the upcoming elections. However, Jay now faces a significant challenge. As part of his responsibilities, he must approve the recruitment of new teachers for government schools. He has received a list of 120 candidates recommended for vacant posts, but suspects the recruitment process was unfair. Jay had also received several complaints claiming that the process had not been meritocratic. Upon review, Jay discovers evidence suggesting that many names on the list are the result of political patronage - a prevalent issue in the state where politicians use recruitment to gain political support. Jay believes the Education Minister is engaging in this practice as the election season approaches. This situation reminds Jay of a past incident when, as a junior officer, he refused to entertain an unnecessary procurement request. Consequently, he was transferred within a week, and he and his family faced frivolous anti-corruption complaints as retaliation. His successor approved the procurement at even higher rates. Jay is now concerned that blocking the current recruitment could lead to similar consequences. Moreover, he fears that the projects he personally initiated in the Education Ministry might be (a) What are the options available to Jay as the Commissioner of the Education Department? Evaluate each of these options. (b) What option should Jay adopt and why? (c) How can civil servants like Jay be better protected when they attempt to uphold ethical standards in their work? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"What are the options available to Jay as the Commissioner of the Education Department? Evaluate each of these options. (b) What option should Jay adopt and why? (c) How can civil servants like Jay be better protected when they attempt to uphold ethical standards in their work? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"As the District Magistrate of X city, you are responsible for overseeing the construction of a new metro depot in an urban forest area, which is a critical infrastructure project aimed at improving public transportation and reducing traffic congestion and air pollution. The project, however, requires the clearance of a substantial portion of the forest, which has triggered strong opposition from environmental activists, local residents, and NGOs. This forest is widely regarded as essential for the city's ecological balance, often referred to as the city's \"lungs.\" In addition to the environmental concerns, you are under considerable pressure from politicians at the state-level to expedite the project, given the upcoming elections in two years. The political leadership emphasizes the benefits of the metro project for the city's development and its potential to garner electoral support. The project is expected to significantly reduce travel time for thousands of commuters and potentially decrease overall vehicle emissions in the city. However, it would also lead to the loss of thousands of trees and disrupt local ecosystems. As you prepare to make a decision, you are aware that your choice will have far-reaching consequences for both the city's development and its environment. (a) Identify the ethical dilemmas involved in the above case. (b) Evaluate the options available to you in the above situation. Which of these would you choose and why? (c) Suggest some measures that could be implemented to balance urban development needs with environmental conservation in future projects. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Dr. Mehra is a senior drug developer at a leading pharmaceutical company in India, renowned for producing various medications, including lifesaving drugs critical for treating chronic and rare diseases. Since its inception, the company has emphasized the quality and affordability of its drugs. Recently, under revised government guidelines, pharmaceutical companies are required to market a finished product only after obtaining \"satisfactory results\" from tests on the ingredients. Additionally, they must retain a sufficient quantity of samples of both intermediate and final products to allow repeated testing or verification of a batch. Dr. Mehra's team is in the final stages of developing a new medication for a rare but life-threatening disease. This drug has shown promising results in clinical trials. However, there have been unresolved concerns about the long-term side effects of the drug, observed in a small percentage of trial subjects. Despite this, the company has not released any major drug in the past decade, leading to significant pressure from the board members to expedite the drug's release. (a) Identify the stakeholders in the above case study. (b) Discuss the ethical issues faced by Dr. Mehra. (c) Analyse the options available to Dr. Mehra in the above case. Which of these would you choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":59,"question":"In light of the above case, discuss the ethical issues that may arise from the nexus between corporate, political, and bureaucratic interests. (b) As a conscientious civil servant, evaluate the options available to Arun. Which option should he choose and why?(Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2046,"topper":"Banoth Laxmi Rachana","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/be145-1381417_3128_banoth-laxmi-rachana_rank_178.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"The world must learn to work together, or finally it will not work at all.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Technology, like art, is a soaring exercise of the human imagination.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"We've begun to raise daughters more like sons, but few have the courage to raise our sons more like our daughters.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2047,"topper":"Banoth Laxmi Rachana","air":178,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2024_unchecked_GSMACT24A1476_GSMAC2403.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2048,"topper":"Banoth Laxmi Rachana","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2024_unchecked_GSMACT24A1476_GSMAC2404.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"A. \"It is wrong to assume that ethical decisions are, can or should be purely rational and principled. Human feelings are an inseparable part of our ethical life.\" In what way do feelings impact our ethical decisions? Illustrate with examples. (150 words, 10 marks) B. What do you understand by ethics management? Can public officials manage ethics in the work place in a manner similar to managing budgets, policies and people? Do you think adopting codes of ethics and conduct is sufficient enough for managing ethics in the workplace or something more is needed? Discuss. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"While traditional ethics has focussed on notions of justice, fair allocation and obligations, ethics of care emphasise maintaining connectedness and promoting care. Which of the above two ethical perspectives is more suitable for guiding ethical decision making in the context of public services? Explain your position with suitable examples. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What does the term \"quality\" mean in service delivery. What are the components of service quality and indicate ways and means for ensuring total quality in terms of efficiency, economy and effectiveness? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"In the context of public service, what does public service attitude mean? Discuss the attitude biases that affects a public servants on field decision making? Explain how a public servant can overcome such attitude biases? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"I am a Moslem; I am a Hindu; I am a Christian; I am a Jew.\" Mahatma Gandhi. What did Mahatma Gandhi mean by the above statement? Some philosophers have argued that religion is harmful to the moral life, whereas others have claimed that it is necessary to it. Explain your position on the relationship between religion and morality. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"A. \\u201cThere is only one responsibility of business, namely to use its resources and engage in activities designed to increase profits.\\u201d Do you think corporations, by indulging in social responsibilities, are compromising their core resource utilisation and production responsibility by diverting resources into unproductive social endeavours? (150 words, 10 marks) B. Do you think values such as \\u201ctyaga,\\u201d (renunciation) \\u201cseva,\\u201d (service) \\u201cdaanam,\\u201d (Charity) \\u201cdamah,\\u201d (self-control) that are espoused in traditional Indian Wisdom have relevance for modern day public servants? Why? Why not? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"A. Explain the difference between conflict among interests and conflict among various sources of authority. Illustrate with relevant examples. (150 words, 10 marks) B. The domain of governance is ridden with uncertainties, ambiguities and paradoxes and this can at times lead to timidity and withdrawal among public administrators. Discuss the relevance of inner courage for overcoming and coping with ambiguities. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Given below are three quotations of philosophers. What do each of the quotations convey to you in the present context? A. \"To feel for others, and little for ourselves; to restrain our selfish, and exercise our benevolent affections, constitutes the perfection of human nature.\" Adam Smith (150 words, 10 marks) B. \"Virtue lies in our power, and so does vice; because where it is in our power to act, it is also in our power not to act.\" Aristotle (150 words, 10 marks) C. \"I know that I am intelligent, because I know that I know nothing.\" Socrates (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Case Study 1: You are the Compliance Officer at GreenTech Industries, a company that manufactures eco-friendly products and believes in making positive environmental impacts. Your primary responsibility is to ensure that the company adheres to environmental laws and ethical standards. The Company recently developed a new product that promises significant ecological benefits but involves a manufacturing process that produces hazardous waste. During an internal audit, you discover that the hazardous waste from the new product's manufacturing process is being disposed of in a manner that technically meets legal standards but raises serious ethical concerns. While compliant with current laws, the disposal method poses potential risks to a local community's health and the environment in the long term. Legally, GreenTech Industries is not violating any regulations. The waste disposal method is within the permissible limits set by environmental laws. However, ethically, you are aware that continued use of this method could significantly harm the local community and ecosystem. You were left wondering, on the one hand, the Company was legally correct, but on the other, it was hypocritical about its avowed values of positively impacting the environment. As a conscientious professional, you are serious about taking action, but the challenge is its whats and hows. 1. What are the ethical issues and dilemmas that confronts you in the above case? 2. Discuss the available options along with its merits and demerits. 3. What will be your chosen course of action? Why (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"What are the administrative and ethical issues involved in the above situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Discuss the merits and demerits of each option and explain your chosen course of action along with reasons. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What are the issues involved in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"Is it ethically justified to be devoted to duty at the cost of the personal safety of the staff? Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"How will you go about doing your election duties without compromising the safety of your staff? Explain. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Do you think the above case involves a conflict of interest or there are more issues? Explain","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"Keeping the above case in perspective, discuss the relevance of impartiality and non-partisanship as professional value.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Discuss the administrative and ethical issues involved in the above case.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Do you think it was morally right on your part to write to the minister? Justify","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"How will you respond to the action initiated against you? Discuss the available options and justify your selected course of action. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"Identify and explain your chosen course of action after evaluating the merits and demerits of each option. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":2049,"topper":"BARIYA MANSOOR","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/a4911661fb63cf32bd7e1d24c76e3051/3/mt23rcapa085_702.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"You can't serve data on a hungry man's plate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"AI is overcoming our mental limitation but not expanding our mental horizon.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"We are using environment for politics, not politics for environment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"The worst form of inequality is to try to make unequal things equal.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Existence is a science, living is an art.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"If the truth shall kill them, let them die.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"The only way to go beyond things, is to go through them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Dream for the best. Be prepared for the worst. Enjoy life in between.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2050,"topper":"BARIYA MANSOOR","air":424,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/244/mt23rcapa085_tc707-test-05-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2051,"topper":"BARIYA MANSOOR","air":424,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/241/mt23rcapa085_tc704-test-02-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2052,"topper":"BARIYA MANSOOR","air":424,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/245/mt23rcapa085_tc708-test-06-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2053,"topper":"BARIYA MANSOOR","air":424,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/242/mt23rcapa085_tc705-test-03-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2054,"topper":"BARIYA MANSOOR","air":424,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/246/mt23rcapa085_tc709-test-07-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2055,"topper":"BARIYA MANSOOR","air":424,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/243/mt23rcapa085_tc706-test-04-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2056,"topper":"BARIYA MANSOOR","air":424,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/247/mt23rcapa085_tc710-test-08-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2057,"topper":"BARIYA MANSOOR","air":424,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/234/mt23rcapa085_tc704-test-02-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2058,"topper":"BARIYA MANSOOR","air":424,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/235/mt23rcapa085_tc705-test-03-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2059,"topper":"BARIYA MANSOOR","air":424,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/236/mt23rcapa085_tc706-test-04-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2060,"topper":"BARIYA MANSOOR","air":424,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/237/mt23rcapa085_tc707-test-05-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2061,"topper":"BARIYA MANSOOR","air":424,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/238/mt23rcapa085_tc708-test-06-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2062,"topper":"BARIYA MANSOOR","air":424,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/239/mt23rcapa085_tc709-test-07-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2063,"topper":"BARIYA MANSOOR","air":424,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/240/mt23rcapa085_tc710-test-08-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2064,"topper":"Basant Singh","air":47,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1dKur9sSup5-DgaFHAxmpnqr3zyNIJS_E","questions":[]},{"id":2065,"topper":"Basavaraj Jawali","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/BASAVARAJ_JAWALI_SS_GS_2_TEST_2_AIR_664_2025_c9a573e862.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"'Constitutional morality' is not a natural sentiment in India but has to be cultivated. Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer with relevant examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Supreme Court's recent invocation of Article 142 to confer 'deemed assent' to state bills raises critical questions about the separation of powers. Critically examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The impartiality of the Speaker of Lok Sabha is central to the integrity of the legislative process. Explain with relevant examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"How does the Sixth Schedule balance tribal autonomy with national integration? Evaluate its success and limitations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Explain how Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, while aiming to safeguard privacy, risks weakening the transparency framework established by the Right to Information Act, 2005. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms offer a viable solution to India's overburdened judiciary. Enumerate the types of ADR mechanisms in India and analyze their advantages over conventional litigation. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Examine how Community-based financial institutions promote responsive governance and address structural inequalities, especially for marginalized women. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Despite their intended purpose, Citizen's Charters in India have fallen short in transforming administration into a citizen-centric service system. Do you agree? Justify your answer. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Mauritius remains the 'Star and Key' to the Indian Ocean for India. Analyze the geopolitical significance of Mauritius in India's Indian Ocean strategy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Discuss the constitutional and statutory provisions governing the disqualification of Members of Parliament in India. How effective are they in upholding the integrity of the legislature? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"India's fiscal federalism is heavily vertical, transactional, and tax-centrjc. In light of this, critically examine the case for institutionalizing \"resource federalism\" to ensure more equitable and autonomous state-level economic development. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"While India has a structured but rarely used process for the removal of judges, the UK emphasizes ministerial responsibility and in house mechanisms . Compare and evaluate these approaches in maintaining judicial accountability. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Despite being part of the Directive Principles, the Uniform Civil Code remains unrealised at the national level. Examine the factors behind the delay and suggest potential measure for its national implementation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Judicial recognition of intra-caste inequality within Scheduled Castes opens new debates in affirmative action policies. Examine the challenges and opportunities this poses for social justice in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"AI-driven education can play a transformative role in achieving the goals of New Education Policy 2020. Discuss the opportunities and challenges in integrating Artificial Intelligence into India's education system. What safeguards are needed to ensure its safe deployment? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Discuss the role of targeted welfare schemes for nomadic communities in achieving inclusive development. What are the implementation bottlenecks and how can they be resolved? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"\"Cultural diplomacy through diaspora outreach has emerged as a soft power tool in India's global engagement strategy.\" Evaluate the strengths and limitations of diaspora-led cultural diplomacy in advancing India's national interest. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"How have the growing tensions between the U.S., Israel, and Iran affected regional stability in West Asia? In this context, evaluate the key considerations for India's foreign policy to safeguard its interests in West Asia. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"With overlapping geographical and strategic interests, ASEAN-BIMSTEC cooperation can enhance Indo-Pacific connectivity and resilience. Analyze the institutional, political, and external challenges that impede this collaboration. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2066,"topper":"Basavaraj Jawali","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/BASAVARAJ_JAWALI_SS_GS_2_TEST_6_AIR_664_2025_5700e7f77c.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Discuss how the tussle between various organs of the state reflects tensions between the doctrine of separation of powers and the need for checks and balances in Indian democracy. Illustrate with case laws. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"\"The anti-defection law was envisaged to curb unethical political defection but has ended up centralising power within party leadership\". Examine the implications of this trend on federalism and intra-party democracy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"\"The right to property, although not a fundamental right, its deprivation must still follow due process of law.\" Discuss the statement in light of the recent Supreme Court's directions on demolition protocols and the principles of natural justice. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Despite its transformative intent, the implementation of the provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 ( PESA) has remained uneven and inconsistent across states. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How can India reconcile the need for gender sensitivity with the demand for gender neutrality in its legal system to achieve true substantive equality? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"\"The one-size-fits-all approach to policymaking often ignores India's regional heterogeneity\". Discuss the implications of centralized governance on state-level autonomy and inclusive development. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) seeks to integrate fragmented pension systems across sectors. Critically evaluate its potential to ensure inclusivity and social security. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The growing focus on multipolarity has kept BRICS relevant in an evolving world order. Examine the strategic significance of BRICS for India and the Global South. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Analyze how the recent crisis in Bangladesh impacts India-Bangladesh relations and India's Neighbourhood First Policy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"The constitutional status of State Election Commissions (SECs) has not translated into real functional independence. Discuss the impact of this institutional weakness on the functioning of local self-governments in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Explain the concept of 'cohabitation' in the French semi-presidential system. Analyse why India's parliamentary system structurally prevents such an arrangement. What lessons, if any, can India draw from the French experience? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"\"Absence of timelines for granting assent under Article 200 enables constitutional subversion.\" Do you agree? Justify your answer. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Evaluate the role of the Legal Services Authority in ensuring equal access to legal aid for underprivileged sections of society. What are the key reforms required to enhance its effectiveness? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"While the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is often seen as the conscience-keeper of Parliament, it faces structural and political constraints. Critically assess the committee's effectiveness in ensuring transparency and accountability in public financial management. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Digital health is not just a technological solution but a governance imperative.\" In light of India's initiatives like Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) and CoWIN, examine how digital infrastructure can strengthen universal health coverage. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Does the lateral entry reform in civil services strike the right balance between efficiency and accountability? Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Informal pressure groups often act as early warning systems in democratic societies. Assess their role in safeguarding public interest. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"The India-Russia relationship is rooted in Cold War solidarity but faces strategic inertia in a fast-changing multipolar world. Examine whether this bilateral relationship needs a pragmatic reset. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"The evolving \"Great Game\" in the Arctic has opened new frontiers of strategic competition. Discuss its implications for India's energy security, scientific diplomacy, and multilateral engagement. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2067,"topper":"Basavaraj Jawali","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/BASAVARAJ_JAWALI_SS_GS_3_TEST_3_AIR_664_2025_e6fc0996fb.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Explain the concept of the \"Missing Middle\" in India's industrial ecosystem. How does it affect economic growth and employment generation? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Household savings form a crucial pillar of domestic capital formation. In light of their recent decline, elucidate the underlying causes and propose strategies to strengthen savings behavior in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Despite its potential, the corporate bond market in India remains underdeveloped. Examine the structural and regulatory challenges impeding its growth. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"In light of recent Budget 2025 allocations and the push for green infrastructure, analyze how Viability Gap Funding can be leveraged to promote renewable energy projects. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Why is self-sufficiency in pulse production crucial for India? Discuss the policy and technological interventions needed to achieve Aatma Nirbharata in pulses. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Examine how space-based solutions are addressing developmental challenges in rural India. What steps can further enhance their outreach and effectiveness? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Delineate the linkages between urbanization patterns and rising PM 2.5 levels in Tier-II and Tier-III cities of India. What are the various mitigation measures and the government's initiatives to mitigate air pollution in India? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Explain the structural and operational limitations of the Disaster Management Act, 2005. How far does the 2025 Amendment address these deficiencies through a shift towards anticipatory and technology-driven disaster governance? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What do you understand about Artificial Neural Networks? List out its applications across various fields. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"Internal security challenges in India are increasingly shaped by external and transnational dynamics.\" Examine the statement with relevant examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"While tariff rationalization aims to enhance economic efficiency, it may also pose challenges to certain sectors. Critically assess the potential trade-offs involved in the Union Budget 2025–26's approach to tariff reforms. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"A shift from fiscal deficit targeting to debt-to-GDP ratio as the fiscal anchor signals a more holistic approach to fiscal discipline. Do you agree? Give reasons in support of your arguments. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"India's food processing sector is moving towards greater formalization and efficiency. Critically assess how initiatives like the PLI scheme and Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Enterprises (PM-FME) contribute to this transformation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Do you agree that granting a legal guarantee to Minimum Support Price (MSP) may create a fiscally unsustainable and economically inefficient agricultural system? Suggest viable alternatives to ensure fair farmer remuneration without distorting the market. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"While tariff rationalization aims to enhance economic efficiency, it can also pose challenges to certain sectors. Critically analyze the trade-offs involved in the Union Budget 2025 tariff reforms.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"A shift from fiscal deficit targeting to debt-anchor signals a more holistic approach. Do you agree? Give reasons in support of your view.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) can empower developing countries to lead the global climate action narrative. Discuss with suitable examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Analyse the reasons behind the increasing vulnerability of the Himalayan region to landslides. What steps can be taken for their management and control? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Forest fires are yet another symptom of climate change. Analyze the various causes for wildfire in forests. Give two examples of recent wildfires. Mention the policies and frameworks aimed at tackling wildfire in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"One Health approach is key to preventing future pandemics and preserving ecosystems. Analyze how the Biodiversity and Health Global Action Plan adopted at COP 16 aligns with this vision. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"In light of evolving national security threats, how do the New Criminal Laws address modern threats like cybercrime and organized crime? Outline the challenges perceived in its effective implementation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"Discuss how integrated border infrastructure and management practices can balance security imperatives with the socio-economic development of frontier communities. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2068,"topper":"Basavaraj Jawali","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/BASAVARAJ_JAWALI_SS_GS_3_AIR_664_2025_428ea5598f.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Explain the concept of the \"Missing Middle\" in India's industrial ecosystem. How does it affect economic growth and employment generation? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Household savings form a crucial pillar of domestic capital formation. In light of their recent decline, elucidate the underlying causes and propose strategies to strengthen savings behavior in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Despite its potential, the corporate bond market in India remains underdeveloped. Examine the structural and regulatory challenges impeding its growth. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"In light of recent Budget 2025 allocations and the push for green infrastructure, analyze how Viability Gap Funding can be leveraged to promote renewable energy projects. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Why is self-sufficiency in pulse production crucial for India? Discuss the policy and technological interventions needed to achieve Aatma Nirbharata in pulses. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Examine how space-based solutions are addressing developmental challenges in rural India. What steps can further enhance their outreach and effectiveness? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Delineate the linkages between urbanization patterns and rising PM 2.5 levels in Tier-II and Tier-III cities of India. What are the various mitigation measures and the government's initiatives to mitigate air pollution in India? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Explain the structural and operational limitations of the Disaster Management Act, 2005. How far does the 2025 Amendment address these deficiencies through a shift towards anticipatory and technology-driven disaster governance? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What do you understand about Artificial Neural Networks? List out its applications across various fields. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"Internal security challenges in India are increasingly shaped by external and transnational dynamics.\" Examine the statement with relevant examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"While tariff rationalization aims to enhance economic efficiency, it may also pose challenges to certain sectors. Critically assess the potential trade-offs involved in the Union Budget 2025–26's approach to tariff reforms. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"A shift from fiscal deficit targeting to debt-to-GDP ratio as the fiscal anchor signals a more holistic approach to fiscal discipline. Do you agree? Give reasons in support of your arguments. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"India's food processing sector is moving towards greater formalization and efficiency. Critically assess how initiatives like the PLI scheme and Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Enterprises (PM-FME) contribute to this transformation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Do you agree that granting a legal guarantee to Minimum Support Price (MSP) may create a fiscally unsustainable and economically inefficient agricultural system? Suggest viable alternatives to ensure fair farmer remuneration without distorting the market. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) can empower developing countries to lead the global climate action narrative. Discuss with suitable examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Analyse the reasons behind the increasing vulnerability of the Himalayan region to landslides. What steps can be taken for their management and control? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Forest fires are yet another symptom of climate change. Analyze the various causes for wildfire in forests. Give two examples of recent wildfires. Mention the policies and frameworks aimed at tackling wildfire in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"One Health approach is key to preventing future pandemics and preserving ecosystems. Analyze how the Biodiversity and Health Global Action Plan adopted at COP 16 aligns with this vision. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"In light of evolving national security threats, how do the New Criminal Laws address modern threats like cybercrime and organized crime? Outline the challenges perceived in its effective implementation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Discuss how integrated border infrastructure and management practices can balance security imperatives with the socio-economic development of frontier communities. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2069,"topper":"Basavaraj Jawali","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/BASAVARAJ_JAWALI_SS_GS_4_TEST_4_AIR_664_2025_1_bf4787056d.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"\"Integrity in isolation may ensure honesty, but without impartiality and non-partisanship, governance cannot be ethical.\" Evaluate the interdependence of these foundational values in the context of public service. (10 marks, 150 words)\"","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"\"The essence of ethics in human actions involves a balance between individual autonomy and societal norms\". Examine this statement by exploring how ethical frameworks reconcile personal freedom with social responsibility. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Is conscience a universal moral compass, or is it shaped by society and upbringing? Illustrate with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"How can the ethical principles rooted in ancient Indian philosophy serve as a guide for policymakers and administrators in balancing development with ecological sustainability? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context? (a) Cultivation of mind should be the ultimate aim of human existence.—Dr. B. R. Ambedkar (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"Technology is ethically neutral until we apply it.\" Discuss this statement with reference to the ethical challenges posed by artificial intelligence and data privacy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Rules and procedures are essential for institutional functioning. However, they are not substitutes for ethical leadership and value-based discretion. Justify your answer with examples from public administration. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Is it ethically justified for youth to remain apolitical in a democracy if politics determines the moral fabric of society? Critically examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Explain three moral dilemmas commonly faced by civil servants. Provide ethical frameworks to resolve them effectively. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"\"Sporting fairness and gender inclusivity are often on a collision course.\" Discuss the ethical dimensions involved in allowing transgender athletes to participate in women's sports. Should fairness outweigh inclusion? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"How can Buddhist principles guide public servants in maintaining a balance between personal well-being and professional responsibilities in high-pressure governance environments? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":36,"question":"A border district along the Indo-Pak Line of Control has been devastated by continuous cross-border shelling. Villages lie abandoned, homes destroyed, schools shut indefinitely, and farmlands rendered unusable. The displaced population, children, elderly, and daily-wage families, suffers from deep psychological trauma, loss of livelihood, and absence of basic services. To respond, the administration has established multiple rehabilitation camps under emergency relief protocols. As the newly appointed District Rehabilitation Commissioner, known for your integrity, you are tasked with leading this effort. However, you soon discover a distressing reality: Relief distribution is marred by corruption, funds are being siphoned off, and material aid is being diverted to private godowns. Caste-based discrimination in compensation lists is rampant and marginalised communities are systematically excluded. Political interference is growing, local leaders demand selective allocation for their vote banks, threatening to stir unrest if their demands aren't met. Adding to the challenge, vulnerable groups like landless labourers, orphans, the elderly, and differently-abled persons are invisible in the rehabilitation process. You also find that some field officers are indifferent or even complicit, out of fear or political alignment. Meanwhile, the media focuses only on high-profile narratives, ignoring those suffering silently. (a) What are the core ethical issues involved in this situation? (b) What should be your immediate course of action to ensure fair and transparent relief distribution? (c) How can you tactfully manage political interference while upholding neutrality and inclusivity? (d) How can an administrator maintain emotional balance and compassion without compromising institutional discipline? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"You are a senior civil servant in the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting. Your 17-year-old daughter, an intelligent and sensitive student of Class 12, has been an avid follower of popular influencers and motivational speakers. Recently, she became deeply interested in a popular podcast show hosted by a well-known social media figure, Kunal Bhalla. The show claims to champion \"free thinking\" and covers topics like hustle culture, masculinity, personal transformation, and anti-institutional narratives. Over time, your daughter's behaviour begins to change. She withdraws from academic interests, begins idolising internet influencers, and adopts rigid opinions about success, failure, and mental health. She starts rejecting family advice, refuses to appear for her board preparatory exams, and argues that “school is irrelevant in the age of free minds.” Concerned, you and your spouse try to reason with her, but she accuses you of being “closed-minded.” Matters come to head when you are alerted by your ministry’s media monitoring cell about a viral video clip where your daughter is seen giving an interview on a fringe podcast platform, endorsing radical views on education, politics, and civil services. The clip drew public attention because of your designation, and journalists began speculating about a \"generational rebellion\" within the bureaucracy. Meanwhile, the influencer, Kunal Bhalla, publicly praises your daughter as \"the new voice of youth dissent,\" but refuses to take accountability for his platform's role in shaping her worldview. Social media is split, some defend her right to free thought, while others accuse such influencers of normalising disrespect for institutions and romanticizing shallow intellectualism. Your colleagues advice silence, but your daughter now wants to drop out of school and intern with a podcast network. (a) What are the key ethical issues involved in the way \"free thinking\" is promoted by influencers on social media, especially for impressionable youth? (b) What should be the role of public figures in responding to the misuse or distortion of influential platforms in the name of free expression? (c) Suggest a policy framework or guidelines for responsible influencer content aimed at youth without curbing intellectual freedom. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Raghav is the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of a fast-growing tech company in South Asia that designs and deploys AI systems for public services like education and policing. Recently, the company secured a large government contract to implement facial recognition and predictive analytics systems in public schools and police departments. The project is significant for the company's growth and is being closely monitored by international investors and government agencies. However, two major concerns have emerged. First, internal audits show that the AI systems are not adequately trained on local data. They frequently misidentify individuals from tribal and minority backgrounds and unfairly flag behavioral issues among students from these communities. The software also lacks support for vernacular languages and neurodivergent users, raising concerns about exclusion and discrimination. Second, environmental groups have raised objections to the company's rising carbon footprint due to the expansion of energy-intensive data centers. There has been a 42% increase in emissions over the last two years. Raghav now faces a serious ethical dilemma: whether to push ahead with deployment to maintain momentum and company interests, or pause and resolve these concerns, knowing it may slow down progress and create internal friction. (a) Identify and discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) Critically examine the options available to Raghav in this situation. (c) Which of the above options should Raghav adopt and why? Justify your answer using principles of ethics and professional responsibility. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":56,"question":"A senior IAS officer, recently appointed as chairperson of the NCR Clean Air Mission, is tasked with addressing the escalating air pollution crisis in Delhi and neighboring regions, where the Air Quality Index has reached hazardous levels. Scientific assessments point to multiple contributors, i.e., stubble burning in nearby states, construction-related dust, industrial emissions, and diesel vehicle traffic. The officer proposes strict, time-bound restrictions, including suspending construction activities, limiting vehicular movement, and enforcing crop-residue burning bans. However, these measures attract strong opposition from various stakeholders. Farmers cite a lack of alternatives, real estate bodies warn of large-scale job losses, transport unions threaten strikes, and political authorities express concerns over the potential impact on upcoming international investment events. Meanwhile, health experts caution that delays will result in severe public health consequences, especially for children and the elderly. The media criticizes the measures as elitist and anti-poor. Caught between conflicting imperatives, i.e., environmental protection, economic livelihood, public health, and political viability, the officer must now make a decision. (a) What are the options available to the officer to tackle the situation effectively? (b) What core values and principles should guide decision-making in this scenario? (c) In such situations, what long-term institutional reforms would you suggest to reconcile environmental protection with developmental imperatives? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":2070,"topper":"Basavaraj Jawali","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/BASAVARAJ_JAWALI_SS_GS_4_TEST_4_AIR_664_2025_a1347e9d21.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"\"Integrity in isolation may ensure honesty, but without impartiality and non-partisanship, governance cannot be ethical.\" Evaluate the interdependence of these foundational values in the context of public service. (10 marks, 150 words)\"","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"\"The essence of ethics in human actions involves a balance between individual autonomy and societal norms\". Examine this statement by exploring how ethical frameworks reconcile personal freedom with social responsibility. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Is conscience a universal moral compass, or is it shaped by society and upbringing? Illustrate with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"How can the ethical principles rooted in ancient Indian philosophy serve as a guide for policymakers and administrators in balancing development with ecological sustainability? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context? (a) Cultivation of mind should be the ultimate aim of human existence.—Dr. B. R. Ambedkar (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"Technology is ethically neutral until we apply it.\" Discuss this statement with reference to the ethical challenges posed by artificial intelligence and data privacy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Rules and procedures are essential for institutional functioning. However, they are not substitutes for ethical leadership and value-based discretion. Justify your answer with examples from public administration. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Is it ethically justified for youth to remain apolitical in a democracy if politics determines the moral fabric of society? Critically examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Explain three moral dilemmas commonly faced by civil servants. Provide ethical frameworks to resolve them effectively. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"\"Sporting fairness and gender inclusivity are often on a collision course.\" Discuss the ethical dimensions involved in allowing transgender athletes to participate in women's sports. Should fairness outweigh inclusion? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"How can Buddhist principles guide public servants in maintaining a balance between personal well-being and professional responsibilities in high-pressure governance environments? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":36,"question":"A border district along the Indo-Pak Line of Control has been devastated by continuous cross-border shelling. Villages lie abandoned, homes destroyed, schools shut indefinitely, and farmlands rendered unusable. The displaced population, children, elderly, and daily-wage families, suffers from deep psychological trauma, loss of livelihood, and absence of basic services. To respond, the administration has established multiple rehabilitation camps under emergency relief protocols. As the newly appointed District Rehabilitation Commissioner, known for your integrity, you are tasked with leading this effort. However, you soon discover a distressing reality: Relief distribution is marred by corruption, funds are being siphoned off, and material aid is being diverted to private godowns. Caste-based discrimination in compensation lists is rampant and marginalised communities are systematically excluded. Political interference is growing, local leaders demand selective allocation for their vote banks, threatening to stir unrest if their demands aren't met. Adding to the challenge, vulnerable groups like landless labourers, orphans, the elderly, and differently-abled persons are invisible in the rehabilitation process. You also find that some field officers are indifferent or even complicit, out of fear or political alignment. Meanwhile, the media focuses only on high-profile narratives, ignoring those suffering silently. (a) What are the core ethical issues involved in this situation? (b) What should be your immediate course of action to ensure fair and transparent relief distribution? (c) How can you tactfully manage political interference while upholding neutrality and inclusivity? (d) How can an administrator maintain emotional balance and compassion without compromising institutional discipline? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"You are a senior civil servant in the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting. Your 17-year-old daughter, an intelligent and sensitive student of Class 12, has been an avid follower of popular influencers and motivational speakers. Recently, she became deeply interested in a popular podcast show hosted by a well-known social media figure, Kunal Bhalla. The show claims to champion “free thinking” and covers topics like hustle culture, masculinity, personal transformation, and anti-institutional narratives. Over time, your daughter’s behaviour begins to change. She withdraws from academic interests, begins idolising internet influencers, and adopts rigid opinions about success, failure, and mental health. She starts rejecting family advice, refuses to appear for her board preparatory exams, and argues that “school is irrelevant in the age of free minds.” Concerned, you and your spouse try to reason with her, but she accuses you of being “closed-minded.” Matters come to head when you are alerted by your ministry’s media monitoring cell about a viral video clip where your daughter is seen giving an interview on a fringe podcast platform, endorsing radical views on education, politics, and civil services. The clip drew public attention because of your designation, and journalists began speculating about a “generational rebellion” within the bureaucracy. Meanwhile, the influencer, Kunal Bhalla, publicly praises your daughter as “the new voice of youth dissent,” but refuses to take accountability for his platform’s role in shaping her worldview. Social media is split, some defend her right to free thought, while others accuse such influencers of normalising disrespect for institutions and romanticizing shallow intellectualism. Your colleagues advice silence, but your daughter now wants to drop out of school and intern with a podcast network. (a) What are the key ethical issues involved in the way “free thinking” is promoted by influencers on social media, especially for impressionable youth? (b) What should be the role of public figures in responding to the misuse or distortion of influential platforms in the name of free expression? (c) Suggest a policy framework or guidelines for responsible influencer content aimed at youth without curbing intellectual freedom. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Raghav is the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of a fast-growing tech company in South Asia that designs and deploys AI systems for public services like education and policing. Recently, the company secured a large government contract to implement facial recognition and predictive analytics systems in public schools and police departments. The project is significant for the company's growth and is being closely monitored by international investors and government agencies. However, two major concerns have emerged. First, internal audits show that the AI systems are not adequately trained on local data. They frequently misidentify individuals from tribal and minority backgrounds and unfairly flag behavioral issues among students from these communities. The software also lacks support for vernacular languages and neurodivergent users, raising concerns about exclusion and discrimination. Second, environmental groups have raised objections to the company's rising carbon footprint due to the expansion of energy-intensive data centers. There has been a 42% increase in emissions over the last two years. Raghav now faces a serious ethical dilemma: whether to push ahead with deployment to maintain momentum and company interests, or pause and resolve these concerns, knowing it may slow down progress and create internal friction. (a) Identify and discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) Critically examine the options available to Raghav in this situation. (c) Which of the above options should Raghav adopt and why? Justify your answer using principles of ethics and professional responsibility. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":56,"question":"A senior IAS officer, recently appointed as chairperson of the NCR Clean Air Mission, is tasked with addressing the escalating air pollution crisis in Delhi and neighboring regions, where the Air Quality Index has reached hazardous levels. Scientific assessments point to multiple contributors, i.e., stubble burning in nearby states, construction-related dust, industrial emissions, and diesel vehicle traffic. The officer proposes strict, time-bound restrictions, including suspending construction activities, limiting vehicular movement, and enforcing crop-residue burning bans. However, these measures attract strong opposition from various stakeholders. Farmers cite a lack of alternatives, real estate bodies warn of large-scale job losses, transport unions threaten strikes, and political authorities express concerns over the potential impact on upcoming international investment events. Meanwhile, health experts caution that delays will result in severe public health consequences, especially for children and the elderly. The media criticizes the measures as elitist and anti-poor. Caught between conflicting imperatives, i.e., environmental protection, economic livelihood, public health, and political viability, the officer must now make a decision. (a) What are the options available to the officer to tackle the situation effectively? (b) What core values and principles should guide decision-making in this scenario? (c) In such situations, what long-term institutional reforms would you suggest to reconcile environmental protection with developmental imperatives? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":2071,"topper":"Basavaraj M Patil","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/BASAVARAJ_M_PATIL_SS_GS_1_AIR_739_2025_47f210c006.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"The evolution of temple architecture in India illustrates the synthesis of art, religion, and polity. Illustrate with suitable examples from South India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The rise and development of the new religious ideas in the 6th B.C. India have brought significant changes to contemporary social life. Do you agree? Justify using examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Under colonialism, India's traditional economic structure was reoriented to fit into the economic needs of industrial Britain. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are Western disturbances? Explain their role in influencing the weather patterns of northern India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discuss the non-conventional energy potential of peninsular India with relevant examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Why are most of India's iron and steel plants concentrated in the eastern and central parts of the country? Illustrate with examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"In contemporary India, marriage is increasingly perceived as a personal choice rather than a societal obligation. Enumerate the socio-economic forces behind this transformation and assess its potential impact on family structure. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Analyse to what extent does regionalism contributes to the deepening of decentralization in India? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the potential socio-political implications of implementing a nationwide caste census. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The Lucknow Pact of 1916 was both a high point of Hindu-Muslim unity and a harbinger of future communal divisions. Comment (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"While the Bhakti and Sufi movements emerged from different religious milieus, their convergence lay in the realm of devotion and dissent.\" Examine the socio-religious significance of their interaction in medieval India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Contrast the approaches of Sardar Patel and Jawaharlal Nehru in handling princely states and regional integration. How did their differing visions shape the evolution of the Indian Union? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"The American Civil War was not just a political conflict but a clash of two divergent economic systems. Substantiate (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"What are marine heatwaves? Examine the causes of the increasing frequency of marine heatwaves. How do they influence the onset of the summer monsoon in India? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Assess the effectiveness of tribal development programmes in India. Why do tribal areas continue to experience developmental setbacks, and what are the challenges? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"\"As the world's water towers melt, the risk of water stress increases.\" Discuss how the Himalayan glaciers' retreat could redefine freshwater availability and regional hydropolitics in South Asia. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Despite increasing participation of women in the professional workforce, their presence in top leadership remains minimal. Examine the interplay of societal norms and workplace structures in perpetuating this gender gap. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"The phenomenon of livability atrophy in Indian cities reflects the widening gap between urban expansion and quality of life. Examine the causes and consequences of this trend, and suggest measures to make urban growth more humane and sustainable. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Define transnationalism and examine the factors that have led to the increasing global interconnectedness of diaspora communities. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Communalism in India, rooted in historical legacies and socio-economic inequalities, continues to undermine social cohesion and national integration. Discuss with examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2072,"topper":"Basavaraj M Patil","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/BASAVARAJ_M_PATIL_SS_GS_2_TEST_2_AIR_739_2025_bf0334a042.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"'Constitutional morality' is not a natural sentiment in India but has to be cultivated. Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer with relevant examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Supreme Court's recent invocation of Article 142 to confer 'deemed assent' to state bills raises critical questions about the separation of powers. Critically examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The impartiality of the Speaker of Lok Sabha is central to the integrity of the legislative process. Explain with relevant examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"How does the Sixth Schedule balance tribal autonomy with national integration? Evaluate its success and limitations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Explain how Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, while aiming to safeguard privacy, risks weakening the transparency framework established by the Right to Information Act, 2005. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms offer a viable solution to India's overburdened judiciary. Enumerate the types of ADR mechanisms in India and analyze their advantages over conventional litigation. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Examine how Community-based financial institutions promote responsive governance and address structural inequalities, especially for marginalized women. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Despite their intended purpose, Citizen's Charters in India have fallen short in transforming administration into a citizen-centric service system. Do you agree? Justify your answer. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Mauritius remains the 'Star and Key' to the Indian Ocean for India. Analyze the geopolitical significance of Mauritius in India's Indian Ocean strategy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Discuss the constitutional and statutory provisions governing the disqualification of Members of Parliament in India. How effective are they in upholding the integrity of the legislature? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"India's fiscal federalism is heavily vertical, transactional, and tax-centric. In light of this, critically examine the case for institutionalizing \"resource federalism\" to ensure more equitable and autonomous state-level economic development. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"While India has a structured but rarely used process for the removal of judges, the UK emphasizes ministerial responsibility and in house mechanisms . Compare and evaluate these approaches in maintaining judicial accountability. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Despite being part of the Directive Principles, the Uniform Civil Code remains unrealised at the national level. Examine the factors behind the delay and suggest potential measure for its national implementation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Judicial recognition of intra-caste inequality within Scheduled Castes opens new debates in affirmative action policies. Examine the challenges and opportunities this poses for social justice in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"AI-driven education can play a transformative role in achieving the goals of New Education Policy 2020. Discuss the opportunities and challenges in integrating Artificial Intelligence into India's education system. What safeguards are needed to ensure its safe deployment? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Discuss the role of targeted welfare schemes for nomadic communities in achieving inclusive development. What are the implementation bottlenecks and how can they be resolved? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"\"Cultural diplomacy through diaspora outreach has emerged as a soft power tool in India's global engagement strategy.\" Evaluate the strengths and limitations of diaspora-led cultural diplomacy in advancing India's national interest. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"How have the growing tensions between the U.S., Israel, and Iran affected regional stability in West Asia? In this context, evaluate the key considerations for India's foreign policy to safeguard its interests in West Asia. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"With overlapping geographical and strategic interests, ASEAN-BIMSTEC cooperation can enhance Indo-Pacific connectivity and resilience. Analyze the institutional, political, and external challenges that impede this collaboration. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2073,"topper":"Basavaraj M Patil","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/BASAVARAJ_M_PATIL_SS_GS_2_AIR_739_2025_207d865a39.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Discuss how the tussle between various organs of the state reflects tensions between the doctrine of separation of powers and the need for checks and balances in Indian democracy. Illustrate with case laws. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"\"The anti-defection law was envisaged to curb unethical political defection but has ended up centralising power within party leadership\". Examine the implications of this trend on federalism and intra-party democracy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"\"The right to property, although not a fundamental right, its deprivation must still follow due process of law.\" Discuss the statement in light of the recent Supreme Court's directions on demolition protocols and the principles of natural justice. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Despite its transformative intent, the implementation of the provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA) has remained uneven and inconsistent across states. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How can India reconcile the need for gender sensitivity with the demand for gender neutrality in its legal system to achieve true substantive equality? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"\"The one-size-fits-all approach to policymaking often ignores India's regional heterogeneity\". Discuss the implications of centralized governance on state-level autonomy and inclusive development. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) seeks to integrate fragmented pension systems across sectors. Critically evaluate its potential to ensure inclusivity and social security. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The growing focus on multipolarity has kept BRICS relevant in an evolving world order. Examine the strategic significance of BRICS for India and the Global South. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Analyze how the recent crisis in Bangladesh impacts India-Bangladesh relations and India's Neighbourhood First Policy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"The constitutional status of State Election Commissions (SECs) has not translated into real functional independence. Discuss the impact of this institutional weakness on the functioning of local self-governments in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Explain the concept of 'cohabitation' in the French semi-presidential system. Analyse why India's parliamentary system structurally prevents such an arrangement. What lessons, if any, can India draw from the French experience? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"\"Absence of timelines for granting assent under Article 200 enables constitutional subversion.\" Do you agree? Justify your answer. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Evaluate the role of the Legal Services Authority in ensuring equal access to legal aid for underprivileged sections of society. What are the key reforms required to enhance its effectiveness? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"While the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is often seen as the conscience-keeper of Parliament, it faces structural and political constraints. Critically assess the committee's effectiveness in ensuring transparency and accountability in public financial management. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Digital health is not just a technological solution but a governance imperative.\" In light of India's initiatives like Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) and CoWIN, examine how digital infrastructure can strengthen universal health coverage. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Does the lateral entry reform in civil services strike the right balance between efficiency and accountability? Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Informal pressure groups often act as early warning systems in democratic societies. Assess their role in safeguarding public interest. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"The India-Russia relationship is rooted in Cold War solidarity but faces strategic inertia in a fast-changing multipolar world. Examine whether this bilateral relationship needs a pragmatic reset. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2074,"topper":"Basavaraj M Patil","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/BASAVARAJ_M_PATIL_SS_GS_4_TEST_8_AIR_739_2025_406b5d134e.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"\"Moral principles are often challenged by evolving technological and societal changes. How should ethical decision-makers adapt to new realities while ensuring justice and integrity?\" (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The family is often the first school of values, but it may also become a breeding ground for biases, stereotypes and hierarchical attitudes. Critically evaluate the dual role of family in value inculcation in a society. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Some argue that promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) may come at the cost of meritocracy and objectivity. How can public institutions balance these ethical considerations? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What does the quote mean to you? (a) “Glory lies in the attempt to reach one's goal and not in reaching it.”-Gandhi. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"“No man should tolerate injustice, whether it be against himself or against another.” - Jyotiba Phule (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How does the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 seek to restore the ethical and holistic purpose of education beyond mere employability? Reflect on the ethical significance of this shift. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Punitive vigilance deters corruption, preventive vigilance reduces opportunities for corruption while participative vigilance fosters a culture of transparency and accountability, eliminating the root cause of corruption. Critically examine this statement with relevant examples (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"The separation of private and public ethics is not only difficult but may also be counterproductive.\" Do you agree with this view? Justify your stance with logical arguments and examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Ethical competence is as essential as technical competence in public service. Examine the statement with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"A well-developed conscience is the foundation of ethical governance.\" Discuss with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Is it ethically defensible to pursue global prestige through space missions while everyday injustices like hunger or women's safety remain unresolved? Discuss the role of ethical governance in managing such trade-offs. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Priya, an assistant accounts manager at a city-based private educational trust that runs several low-fee schools for underprivileged children, has always been known for her integrity and diligence. One day, she learns that her close colleague and friend, Arjun, a sincere employee and a widower struggling to raise his two young daughters alone, has been facing a harrowing situation. Arjun's younger child was diagnosed with a severe brain condition requiring urgent surgery costing nearly Rs. 70 lakh. With no health insurance, little savings, and no family support to fall back on, Arjun was on the verge of losing hope. Priya wanted to help, but her own financial situation, with elderly dependent parents and modest savings, left her helpless and burdened with guilt for not being able to stand by her friend in his time of dire need. A few weeks later, when Priya visits Arjun to check on his situation, she is relieved to see his child recovering well. In a conversation, Arjun reveals that their senior administrator, Mr. Kulkarni, known for his kind but discreet ways, had quietly arranged Rs. 70 lakh from an old scholarship fund that had been lying unused for years. He did so on the condition that Arjun would repay the sum slowly through deductions from his salary, without anyone else finding out. Grateful but uneasy, Arjun confides that Mr. Kulkarni has helped other staff members in similar personal emergencies in the past, using small dormant funds without formal approvals, to prevent suffering and distress among the staff who often have no safety net. A few days later, while finalizing quarterly accounts, Priya overhears a conversation in the accounts office that an external audit of all scholarship and welfare funds is scheduled for next month. She realizes that this means the unauthorized diversions might come to light. Priya deeply sympathizes with Arjun's situation and admires Mr. Kulkarni's humane intentions, but she also knows that misusing designated funds, however noble the cause, violates trust, policy, and legal norms. If discovered, it could lead to severe consequences for Mr. Kulkarni, jeopardize the trust's reputation, and even risk the schools' funding. (a) Identify the key ethical dilemmas faced by Priya in this situation. (b) Discuss the ethical dimensions of Mr. Kulkarni's actions. Do you think his conduct can be justified? Give reasons for your answer. (b) What are the options available to Priya at this point? Analyze the merits and demerits of each option. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Rajesh is a dedicated and upright IAS officer who has recently been posted as the Commissioner of a major city's Municipal Corporation after serving diligently in various assignments for over a decade. This is his fifth transfer in four years, mostly due to his refusal to bend rules for influential people. His colleagues admire his integrity, discipline, and commitment to public service. The mayor of the city, a senior leader of the ruling party, holds significant power over the corporation's functioning. Rajesh soon learns about several dubious tenders and large-scale irregularities in awarding contracts for the city's solid waste management project. He notices that payments have been hastily cleared to companies with questionable credentials, despite glaring deficiencies in their work. One day, a senior councillor belonging to a rival political party approaches Rajesh and shares a set of audio recordings and internal emails that purportedly show the mayor asking for kickbacks from contractors in exchange for lucrative garbage collection contracts. Rajesh also recalls the same contractors' payments being pushed through under the mayor's orders, bypassing due process. When Rajesh asks the Councillor why he doesn't bring this evidence to the media or the anti-corruption bureau himself, the Councillor shrugs it off, hinting that his hands are tied politically but Rajesh can \"earn a hero's image\" by blowing the whistle. He subtly promises that if his party comes to power in the upcoming municipal elections, Rajesh's loyalty will be rewarded with an important posting and career security. Meanwhile, local media has started sniffing around the irregularities, and Rajesh's silence could make him appear complicit. His own staff is divided; some urge him to maintain the status quo for personal safety, while a few junior officers privately want him to act boldly and clean up the system. Adding to his dilemma, Rajesh's elderly parents are dependent on him, and another sudden transfer could make their care difficult. (a) Identify the key ethical dilemmas faced by Rajesh in this situation. (b) What are the options available to Rajesh to deal with the situation? Evaluate each option with its merits and demerits. (c) In the context of this case, discuss the ethical challenges of whistleblowing for public servants in India. (d) What institutional reforms can strengthen ethical conduct and protect honest officers? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"After an unexpected breach in a major dam upstream, the district of Neelgram has been hit by sudden flooding, which not only damaged standing crops but also contaminated most local water sources with silt and debris. Ananya, a young Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) recently transferred to Neelgram, has ordered emergency measures to ration and purify the remaining potable water and clamp down on illegal extraction of groundwater to ensure enough safe water for drinking and health camps. However, when her enforcement teams start sealing unauthorized borewells on farmland to prevent further depletion, a large group of distressed farmers storms her office, accusing her of double standards for ignoring the big bottled water companies and luxury housing societies on the town's outskirts that continue tapping deep aquifers around the clock under old permits allegedly renewed through bribes. The farmers claim they are being pushed to ruin just to keep swimming pools full and bottled water businesses profitable. Meanwhile, local hotels warn that shutting their supply will lead to layoffs of hundreds of daily-wage workers already reeling from the flood damage. Political leaders privately pressurize Ananya to avoid any action that might anger influential industrialists and real estate developers. To complicate matters further, she discovers some lower-rung officials have been pocketing hush money to overlook illegal borewells. With rural families queuing up for clean water tankers and local schools forced to close due to unsafe drinking water, Ananya must now grapple with the ethical dilemma of conserving critical water reserves, enforcing rules impartially, protecting poor farmers' livelihoods, resisting powerful vested interests, ensuring continued employment for daily-wage workers, and upholding public trust in the administration during a fragile recovery phase. (a) Identify and discuss the major ethical dilemmas faced by Ananya. (b) Briefly describe major laws or policies enacted by the Government of India to ensure sustainable water management. (c) Suggest a balanced course of action that Ananya can adopt to ensure equitable water distribution, prevent misuse of groundwater, protect vulnerable livelihoods, and restore public trust. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Ritika Verma, the director of a reputed heritage conservation NGO that has spent over a decade protecting ancient monuments and ecologically sensitive cultural landscapes in the semi-arid region of Rajasthan. Recently, the state government has unveiled a major Solar Energy Park Project spanning nearly 5,000 hectares of largely barren but historically significant desert land dotted with ancient stepwells (Baolis), medieval Caravanserai ruins, and sacred groves that are home to several endangered desert flora and fauna. The project is expected to make the state a leader in renewable energy, reduce carbon emissions significantly, and provide green electricity to millions , aligning with India's national renewable energy goals and global climate commitments. It will also create thousands of direct and indirect jobs for local villagers, many of whom struggle with seasonal migration and poverty. However, the proposed solar farm will require flattening sand dunes, restricting grazing land for pastoral communities, and potentially disturbing fragile micro-habitats that support unique desert biodiversity. Local communities are divided, some want the project for jobs and development, while others fear it will disrupt their traditional livelihoods, cultural heritage sites, and spiritual groves that hold deep cultural significance. Adding to Ritika's dilemma, her NGO recently received significant donations from an international renewable energy foundation, the same foundation that has invested heavily in the Solar Park project. Her board expects her to balance environmental stewardship with a progressive stance on green energy. Meanwhile, local activists accuse the NGO of hypocrisy if it supports the project and betrayal if it opposes clean energy goals. (a) Identify and briefly discuss the key ethical issues involved in this case. (b) What options are available to Ritika? Critically analyze each option. (c) Suggest a course of action that Ritika should take in this situation. Justify your answer with suitable ethical principles and values. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":2075,"topper":"Benjo Jose","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1edDS5-u-REn3xUhxpqGGbhuJj0IDdl3r/view","questions":[]},{"id":2076,"topper":"Benjo P Jose","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Benjo-UPSC-2023-Rank-59-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Basic structure doctrine has prevented the Parliament, a creature of the constitution, from becoming the master of the constitution. Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The power of pressure groups lies not in their size or elaborate organization, but in their ability to mobilize public opinion and create lasting change. With help of relevant examples, discuss how informal pressure groups shape public policy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Analyse the reasons for degeneration of parliamentary functioning in recent time. Also, suggest measure to make the parliament more productive. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Subordination of investigative agencies to the executive is fraught with disastrous consequences. Discuss the statement in light of the criticism of the Central Bureau of Investigation as a \"caged parrot\". (10 marks. 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The Election Commission of India has a vital role in building a robust framework of electoral democracy. Highlighting challenges associated with the functioning of ECI, suggest measures to reform the body. (10 marks. 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Anti-defection law has failed to address and resolve the evil of political defection satisfactorily. Discuss various issues surrounding the Anti-defection law and recommend some corrective measures. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do you mean by 'doctrine of essentiality'? How has judiciary used this doctrine to address conflict between various fundamental rights? Explain with examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Frequent reliance on the ordinance making power by the government, not only dilutes the basic tenets of executive accountability in a parliamentary democracy, but also overlooks the democratic traditions of building consensus. Discuss with relevant examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"Bail not Jail\" is the cardinal principle that upholds the sacrosanct ideas of individual's liberty and dignity. Explain the statement, citing various case laws. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Dispute redressal is the most important component of cooperative federalism. How does the Interstate Council facilitate the resolution of disputes related to states in India, and what are the challenges associated with this process? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Despite its vital role for the smooth functioning of the body politic, constitutional punctu-ality remains conspicuous by its absence. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 ords)","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":26,"question":"Electoral bond was brought in as a reform that was high on intent but has proved to be low on substance. Do you agree? Justify. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Considering the non-enforceable nature of fundamental duties and directive principles of state policy, critically examine their impact in socio-political norms. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Referring to the case laws through which the collegium system in India evolved, critically assess its functioning. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Democracy thrives on disagreements; critical and dissenting voices make a society vibrant. In your opinion, do limitations on hate speech infringe right to freedom of speech and expression? Discuss how hate speech impacts the society and ways to restrain it. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Why is it important to ensure separation of powers between various organs of the State? Also, explain Indian model of separation of power with relevant provisions in the constitution. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by the First Past the Post System (FPPS)? Why was FPPS preferred over the Proportional Representation (PR) system for elections to the Lok Sabha/Vidhan Sabha? Also, critically examine the consequences of this preference. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Compare the position of the Speaker in Indian and British parliamentary system? Also, discuss various controversies related to functioning of Office of Speaker in Indian context and suggest corresponding reforms. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Why was parliamentary form of government adopted for independent India? Do you agree with the opinion that Indian government is increasingly transitioning towards presidential form? Justify. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The Representation of People's Act, the bedrock of free and fair elections in the country, has failed to keep pace with the contemporary challenges. Highlighting the shortcomings in the legislation, suggest reforms to make it more effective. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2077,"topper":"Benjo P Jose","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Benjo-UPSC-2023-Rank-59-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by ethical management and management of ethics? Explain with suitable examples, highlighting the difference between the two. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Civil Servants often develop negative attitude due to challenges at workplace. What leads to negative attitude in a Civil Servant? (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"\"Emotional Intelligence is the ability to make your emotions work for you instead of against you.\" Do you agree with this view? Discuss. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by \"public\" in public service? Explain with suitable examples. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"With regard to the morality of actions, one view is that means is of paramount importance and the other view is that the ends justify the means. Which view do you think is more appropriate? Justify your answer. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Mandating Corporate Social Responsibility by law is anti-antithetical to the spirit of philanthropy and does more harm than good. Do you agree with this view? (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"\"Ethical behaviour in the public service is considered as a blend of moral qualities and mental attitudes.\" Explain with suitable examples. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"There is a difference between a 'legal' action and the 'right' action. In the context of this statement answer the following. (10 Marks, 150 Words) a) What should you do when there is a conflict between the two, as an ordinary citizen? b) Does your answer change, if you are a Civil Servant?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Does impartiality and non-partisanship play a role in making a successful Civil Servant? Explain with examples. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Explain how ethics plays a role in conflict resolution and promoting Social and Human well-being. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"What does each of the following quotations mean to you? a) \"Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence.\" – Aristotle (10 Marks, 150 Words) b) \"The greatest gift is the ability to forget - to forget the bad things and focus on the good.\" (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":31,"question":"Ram has successfully cleared the prestigious civil services examination and was excited about the opportunity that he would get through the civil services to serve the country. However, soon after joining the services, he realized that things are not as rosy as he had imagined. He found a number of malpractices prevailing in the department assigned to him. For example, funds under various schemes and grants were being misappropriated. The official facilities were frequently being used for personal needs by the officers and staff. After some time, he noticed that the process of recruiting the staff was also not up to the mark. Prospective candidates were required to write an examination in which a lot of cheating was going on. Some candidates were provided external help in the examination. Rameshwar felt highly disillusioned and uncomfortable. He comes to you seeking your advice. Indicate various options that you think are available in this situation. How would you help him to evaluate these options and choose the most appropriate path to be adopted? (20 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Jungpura, a remote district inhabited by a tribal population, is marked by extreme backwardness and abject poverty. Agriculture is the mainstay of the local population, though it is primarily subsistence due to the very small land holdings. There is insignificant industrial or mining activity. Even the targeted welfare programs have inadequately benefited the tribal population. In this restrictive scenario, the youth has begun to migrate to other states to supplement the family income. Plight of minor girls is that their parents are persuaded by labour contractors to send them to work in the Bt Cotton farms of a nearby state. The soft fingers of the minor girls are well suited for plucking the cotton. The inadequate living and working conditions in these farms have caused serious health issues for the minor girls. NGOs in the districts of domicile and the cotton farms appear to be compromised and have not effectively espoused the twin issues of child labour and development of the area. You are appointed as the District Collector of Jungpura. Identify the ethical issues involved. Which specific steps will you initiate to ameliorate the conditions of minor girls of your district and to improve the over-all economic scenario in the district? (20 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"In one of the districts of a frontier state, narcotics menace has been rampant. This has results in money laundering, mushrooming of poppy farming, arms smuggling and near stalling of education. The system is on the verge of collapse. The situation has been further worsened by unconfirmed reports that local politicians as well as some senior police officers are providing surreptitious patronage to the drug mafia. At that point of time a woman police officer, known for her skills in handling such situations is appointed as superintendent of police to bring the situation to normalcy. If you are the same police officer, identify the various dimensions of the crisis. Based on your understanding, suggest measures to deal with the crisis. (20 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Dr X is a leading medical practitioner in a city. He has set up a charitable trust through which he plans to establish a super-speciality hospital in the city to cater to the medical needs of all sections of the society. Incidentally, that part of the State had been neglected over the years. The proposed hospital would be a boon for the region. You are heading the tax investigation agency of that region. During an inspection of the doctor's clinic, your officers have found out some major irregularities. A few of them are substantial which had resulted in considerable withholding of tax that should be paid by him now. The doctor is cooperative. He undertakes to pay the tax immediately. However, there are certain other deficiencies in his tax compliance which are purely technical in nature. If these technical defaults are pursued by the agency, considerable time and energy of the doctor will be diverted to issues which are not so serious, urgent or even helpful to the tax collection process. Further, in all probability, it will hamper the prospects of the hospital coming up. There are two options before you: a) Taking a broader view, ensure substantial tax compliance and ignore defaults that are merely technical in nature.2) Pursue the matter strictly and proceed on all fronts, whether substantial or merely technical. As the head of the tax agency, which course of action will you opt and why? (20 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"You are aspiring to become an IAS officer and you have cleared various stages and now you have been selected for the personal interview. On the day of the interview, on the way to the venue you saw an accident where a mother and child who happen to be your relatives were badly injured. They needed immediate help. What would you have done in such a situation? Justify your actions. (20 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":2078,"topper":"BENJO P JOST","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d00b9-625124_1405_benjo_p_jost_rank_59.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The effectiveness of microcredit has come under question in recent times due to multiple reasons. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"For minimising distribution losses in the power sector, public private partnership (PPP) and input-based distribution franchisee models can provide the solution. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What is gender budgeting? Give an account of the issues due to which gender budgeting has not been a fruitful exercise in India. Also, suggest measures required to address these issues. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlight the issues faced by the corporate bond market in India and suggest reforms required in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"In light of the renewed focus on strategic disinvestment in recent times, examine the rationale behind it and also discuss the concerns raised against it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"While identifying the need for providing social security to gig workers, highlight the challenges that exist in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Do you think that multi-year budgeting is the need of the hour in India? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are the issues faced in financing of infrastructure in India? Give an account of the steps taken by the government to resolve these in recent times. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Investment in social infrastructure is key to engineer an inclusive and sustainable growth in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"It is imperative that the present system is re-engineered and a transition towards Outcome Budgeting is made for effective Public Finance Management in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"While some associate increased penetration of technology and industrialization with increase in Inequality in India, the reasons for the same lie somewhere else. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"It has been argued that a fiscal stimulus can help revive the Indian economy and deal with the current slowdown. Discuss in context of prevalent situation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"While public private partnership (PPP) in Indian Railways should be encouraged, there is a need to manage the transition to PPP model carefully. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"A worrying trend for Indian economy has been the decline in private investment in the past few years. Highlight the reasons behind it. What steps should be taken to revive private investment in the economy? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs) in India are in need of urgent reforms addressing their regulatory, structural and operational issues. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Identify the factors that have facilitated digital financial inclusion in India. Mention the steps that have been taken by the government in this regard. What are the challenges that remain going forward? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Why is participation in Global Value Chains (GVCs) important for India? Highlighting some of the concerns associated with GVCs, suggest some measures for India to reap benefits from participating in them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What is the significance of state finances for macro-economic stability in India? Also, highlight the issues with states' fiscal management in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2079,"topper":"Benson","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/11995_764_Benson_Rank_90.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Cultural diversity has made emotional intelligence crucial for Indian administration. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Family and school are important agents of socialization in a child's life. Comment on the role of family and school as a source of values. Give an example of a situation where these acquired values guided you in a situation of dilemma.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Given below are two quotations. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) \"We are what our thoughts have made us; so take care about what you think. Words are secondary. Thoughts live; they travel far.\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"\"A man's conscience and his judgement is the same thing and as the judgement, so also the conscience, may be erroneous.\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"\"The love of one's country is a splendid thing. But why should love stop at the border?\" What do you understand by nationalism? What significance does it hold in your life?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"A 'Good Samaritan' legal protection is vital to encourage people to offer assistance without the fear of any criminal or civil liability. Discuss the statement in the context of India's unacceptably high rate of road accident fatalities due to the inability of victims to get timely medical treatment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"\"There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest.\" Discuss the significance of this statement in present day India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Around the world, more than 125 million people need humanitarian aid. With special reference to financial assistance, discuss the various ethical issues involved in addressing the needs of those in dire circumstances. What measures can be undertaken to ensure that donations and aids for such purposes are thoroughly channelled to meet their targets.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"While discretion is necessary for effective discharge of duties, it is also a major factor responsible for corruption in administration at all levels. Comment. In this context, suggest some ways in which smooth execution of responsibilities can be ascertained while minimising corruption.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"What do you understand by corporate ethics? Giving examples, highlight the ethical issues faced by CEOs in the current competetive environment, with special reference to government owned enterprises.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Government employees are often considered by many as being unresponsive, insensitive and corrupt. What, according to you, are the factors that cultivate such a negative attitude towards civil servants? As a young civil servant, what would be your approach to change this attitude?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Many of the present social conflicts arise due to prejudices and discrimination. Illustrate. What can be done to curb discrimination and handle prejudices?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Adhering to high standards of transparency is often in conflict with the duty towards maintaining confidentiality. With examples, elaborate on the problems faced by public servants in effective discharge of duties during such situations. Also, discuss the ethical framework that should guide the decisions in these circumstances.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"You get your first posting as a District Collector in a predominantly rural area. Recently, the office of Registrar General of Births, Deaths and Marriages registered an inter-caste marriage of a young couple. On hearing the news, villagers and family members of the married couple attacked the Registrar's office and are holding their respective children in captivity. One group also enjoys immense political power in the state and have warned you against taking any action. 20 Based on the above information, answer the following questions. (a) What is/are the ethical dilemma(s) that an administrator faces in such situations? (b) Enumerate your priorities and steps that you will take to handle the situation. (c) What are the social and attitudinal factors at play? What will be your role in bringing about a change in these?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"A group of educated young men is caught trying to leave the country to fight for a terrorist organization overseas. It was found that they were radicalized online through social media by the handlers of that terrorist organization. These boys have not committed any act of terror till now and have no criminal background. (a) What could be the reasons for radicalization of educated youth? (b) As a senior intelligence official, what approach would you follow to deal with such cases? Give arguments in support of your stand. (c) Suggest a feasible strategy to prevent further radicalization of youth in the country.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"You are a government official supervising the maintenance and upkeep of juvenile rehabilitation centres all over country. You are a strong advocate for preventive services such as counselling and parenting skill education as an alternative to the placement of neglected children in rehabilitation homes. You have convinced your minister about the stand and he has taken a public position on the same and declared that he will scrap the scheme of rehabilitation homes altogether. Believing that a reputable study of the cost-effectiveness of preventive services would bolster your position, your department enters into a contract with a top university to conduct a series of evaluation studies. The first study involves a controlled experimental evaluation of government sponsored preventive services. To your dismay, the findings show no evidence that preventive service is a cost effective alternative to placing children in rehabilitation homes. You are worried that the results, if published, would not only compromise the position of the minister but also yours. What will you do in such a situation? Some of the options are given below. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each of these options and suggest what course of action you would like to take, giving reasons. 20 (a) Keep silent on the report and continue advocating your stand with the minister. (b) Cancel the contract with the university and conduct a fresh study with a new agency. (c) Report the results to the minister and follow his orders. (d) Conduct further research and be prepared to accept the results and declare them publicly.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":59,"question":"You are a young IAS officer posted as SDM of a flood prone sub-division. There is an old dam in your area which protects about 2 dozen villages from floods. Though the dam is weak, it is expected to hold up as repair works are being carried upon by the villagers. One day you receive a call that the villagers in the area had abandoned repairs and were running away from the work site because the dam was about to collapse as the force of water was building up. You quickly reach the site and see the fear and panic induced villagers. Systematised evacuation will take 2 days and if the dam collapses now, there will be great loss of life and property. You noticed several geo-bags (synthetic bags which are used to protect hydraulic structures and river banks from severe erosion) lying at a construction site near the dam which could hold the dam for some time. You realized that all you needed now was manpower to place these bags on the dam in such a way as to prevent water from entering the village. But the people are fear stricken and are preparing to flee. 20 Based on above information, answer the following questions: (a) Elaborate on the qualities of a civil servant that are essential in such circumstances. (b) What options do you have to handle this situation? Evaluate each of them with their merits and demerits.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2080,"topper":"Benson","air":90,"year":2017,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/11995_820_Benson_Rank_90.pdf","questions":[{"page":9,"question":"Critically analyze the contribution of Sociology as a \"scientific study of society\" to the rational understanding of the social world around us.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Talcott parson's understanding of the social system is high on technical virtuosity but low in grounded research. Analyze","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Emile Durkheim had argued that the function of division of labour in society is that of the promotion of social solidarity. Discuss the statement and critically analyze Durkheim's Division of Labour theory, with reference to contemporary trends.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"\"Sociology and political science are so closely and deeply related to each other that one becomes meaningless without the other\". Analyze","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"Critically examine the \"Nature and scope of feminist method\" in social science research.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"Secularization as a social process has its challenges in the form of religious fundamentalism in the contemporary society. Critically examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"\"In the sociology of deviance, no single theory has emerged as dominant.\" Discuss","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Briefly analyze the role of \"political parties\" in strengthening of democracy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"\"Globalization leads to homogenization of culture\". Critically Comment","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"Critically examine the \"conflict theory \" of social change.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":58,"question":"\"Family diversity has emerged as a global trend\". Substantiate","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2081,"topper":"Bhaavika Thanvi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/63be5-862688_1853_bhaavika-thanvi_rank-100-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"NOTHING STRENGTHENS AUTHORITY SO MUCH AS SILENCE","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"INCLUSIVENESS AND EQUITY : ESSENTIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD PUBLIC INSTITUTION","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2082,"topper":"Bhaavika Thanvi","air":100,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/81bd6-862688_1752_bhaavika-thanvi_rank-100-1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2083,"topper":"Bhagat Raj","air":245,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Law","optional":true,"source":"De Facto Law","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.defactolaw.in/_files/ugd/f721f3_deb8dcce73e946ddad3442a1b9476d88.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2084,"topper":"Bhaisare Shubham Ashok","air":97,"year":2021,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1F6tcFI11teGBhADC5c-9bIEWT1Dlbg4w","questions":[]},{"id":2085,"topper":"Bhanu Pratap Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9a067-635609_1244_bhanu-pratap-singh_rank_372.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the need of an Independent Fiscal Council (IFC) in bringing about transparency and accountability in fiscal processes in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Recognizing the potential of exports in generating employment, a number of steps need to be taken to address India's weakening export competitiveness. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlighting the main features of National Mineral Policy, 2019, discuss how it can help in ensuring sustainable and responsible mining. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlighting the salient features of the PM JI-VAN Yojana, analyze how it can assist in achieving the vision and goals of the National Policy on Biofuels, 2018. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) provides an alternative to capital and chemical intensive agriculture currently being practiced in India. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Marine life is facing 'irreparable damage' from the millions of tonnes of plastic waste which ends up in the oceans each year. In this context, examine the implications of plastic pollution on marine ecosystem and suggest some measures for addressing this problem. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are black holes? Highlight the challenges in imaging a black hole? How were these challenges overcome by the Event Horizon Telescope project? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"While mentioning the objectives of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), discuss the challenges which are hindering the utilization of the ATT to its full potential. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Threats to internal security of India may be posed both through the communication networks and also to the networks. Discuss. Also, highlight the steps taken by the government in making the networks more secure. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlight the importance and challenges related to integration of Variable Renewable Energy (VRE) in India. Mention some steps that can be taken for its smooth integration with the synchronized Indian grid. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"There have been arguments that India could fall into a 'middle income trap'. Explaining the phenomenon, highlight the reasons behind such arguments. How can India avoid it? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Highlighting its importance, discuss the major issues that plague effective monetary policy transmission in India. Also, mention the steps taken by RBI to improve it. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight the constraints faced by rainfed agriculture in India. Discuss some agronomic practices that can be adopted for stabilizing agricultural production in rainfed areas. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite the steps taken by the government in recent years, a number of problems continue to persist in the urea sector in India. Discuss. What reforms should be taken to address the persisting problems? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What is Access and Benefit Sharing? Explain how it aids in sustainable use of biodiversity. Also, mention the different global and national level mechanisms for ensuring Access and Benefit Sharing. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Stating the significance, discuss the challenges in achieving disaster resilience of infrastructure. Suggest some ways for mainstreaming it in the development paradigm. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Highlighting the significance of data localization for India, discuss various challenges associated with data localization. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Money Laundering as a socio economic offence is a menace especially for developing countries like India. Comment. What measures have been taken at the domestic and international levels to deal with this menace? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2086,"topper":"Bhanu Pratap Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6d9e1-635609_1247_bhanu-pratap-singh_rank_372.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Mention the structure and functions of NITI Aayog. Also, comment on its contemporary relevance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Critically discuss the practice of setting up Fast Track Courts to reduce pendency of cases in the judiciary. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the challenges faced by lower judiciary in India and suggest measures for enhancing their productivity. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Assess the need to formalise the process of post-legislative scrutiny to improve the effectiveness of laws. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in improving the effectiveness of e-governance in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":2087,"topper":"Bhanu Pratap Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/18f41-635609_1246_bhanu-pratap-singh_rank_372.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Rock-cut structures were closely associated with various religions and religious activities. Discuss the statement giving relevant examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The legislative and administrative record of the Congress Ministries during their twenty-eight months rule under the Act of 1935 was positive, but the period also witnessed the emergence of serious weaknesses in the Congress. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":2088,"topper":"Bhanu Pratap Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0620a-440668_2418_bhanu_pratap_singh_rank_619.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Elaborate on the key traits inherent to the sculptures of the Vijayanagara Empire. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Women revolutionaries made brave and unforgettable contributions to the freedom struggle in India. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss how the introduction of English education in India by the British helped strengthen anti-colonialism in the country. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The disintegration of the Soviet Union in the late 20th century had a profound impact on India. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"In view of the prevailing issues, discuss the need for reforming the urban infrastructure and mobility services in India through a gender lens. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"In India, the rate of growth of elderly population in 2011-21 was about three times the rate of growth of the general population. In this context, discuss why policies for the elderly are a crucial aspect for India's overall development. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"While globalisation is allegedly responsible for human rights violations, it allows human rights movements to counter its excesses and negative effects. Elaborate with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The present drainage system of the Himalayas is, to a great extent, the result of progressive river piracy. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Illustrate the geographical distribution of polymetallic nodules and discuss their significance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What do you understand by archipelagos? Explain the different processes involved in their formation, with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Tribal and folk arts in India are confronting several challenges of the modern age in a bid to survive. Discuss. Also, highlight the various initiatives taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the distinguishing features of Indian classical dances. Also, discuss how these dances are a manifestation of spirituality. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite the Chauri Chaura incident slowing down the momentum of Indian freedom struggle for a while, the Non-Cooperation Movement remains a watershed in the history of the Indian freedom struggle. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Bring out the contributions of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan in the fields of education and foreign affairs. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Enumerate the factors driving feminization in agriculture and discuss its effects. Also, state the ways in which women can be empowered in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"In India, suicide has become one of the leading causes of death among those aged 15-29. Bringing out the reasons behind the same, discuss the priority areas of the National Suicide Prevention Strategy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Giving a brief account of the lakes formed due to Earth's movement, discuss the economic and ecological significance of lakes. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India has the potential to generate 180,000 MW of ocean thermal energy, however, progress in this regard has been slow. In this context, highlight the associated challenges and suggest remedial measures. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Bringing out the availability of natural gas hydrates in India, discuss the promise as well as the challenges associated with their exploration. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2089,"topper":"Bhanu Pratap Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e927d-440668_2087__bhanu_pratap_singh_rank_619.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"How do women contribute to livestock rearing in India? What are the issues currently faced by women in the livestock sector in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"How and to what extent can the One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) scheme provide significant potential benefits for migrant labourers, urban poor, and daily wagers? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"How has climate change affected agricultural production and productivity in India? Do you think climate smart water saving agri-technologies have become the need of the hour? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What are the economic and environmental benefits of nanofertilizers for sustainable crop production? State the concerns in the adoption of nanofertilizers by Indian farmers. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"How can the availability of adequate and equitable distribution of natural gas in all parts of the country help in achieving uniform economic and social progress? What challenges India faces in this regard? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Explain the reasons behind increasing human-wildlife conflict in India. Discuss the measures taken by the Government to mitigate the human-wildlife conflict. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Discuss the linkages between growing urbanization and noise pollution in India. Describe the effects of noise pollution on human health. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"How can the Indian Space Policy, 2023 act as a catalyst for the development of a robust, innovative and globally competitive space ecosystem in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the mandate of the Special Frontier Force. What have been its achievements in ensuring the security of India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Why is ensuring maritime security considered the key to safeguarding India's strategic and economic well-being? What is the significance of the Maritime Anti-Piracy Act in this regard? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What are the seven priority areas (the Saptarishis) listed in the Budget of 2023-24? How are they expected to promote inclusive development in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"How can blockchain technology play a pivotal role towards digitization of land records in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"How far can public-private partnerships (PPPs) help in improving the storage, transportation, and marketing of agricultural produce in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The Scheme for Modernization and Reforms through Technology in Public Distribution System (SMART-PDS) has transformative potential beyond food security for India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Explain the causes behind the occurrence of marine heat waves. Discuss the ways in which they can affect the marine ecosystems and cause economic losses. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Explain the causes and impact of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs). What are the measures taken by the government in this context? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"How does radiometric dating work? What are the limitations associated with it? What are the potential advantages of using Calcium-41 in radiometric dating? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Why is there a growing concern over e-pharmacy in India despite the government's push for digital health? What measures are needed to resolve this dichotomy? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"What factors have contributed to the decline of Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in India? Do you think this decline signifies the likely end of the LWE problem in the near future? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Despite commonalities and synergies between money laundering and tax crimes, leveraging anti-money laundering (AML) measures for tackling tax crimes presents political, legal as well as operational challenges. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2090,"topper":"Bhanu Pratap Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/449d1-440668_2086_bhanu_pratap_singh_rank_619.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Do you agree with the view that there is a need to enact a new law for ensuring judicial accountability in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Constitutionally reconciling Fundamental Rights with the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs) has been a tough task since the inception of the Indian Constitution. Discuss with the help of relevant case laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss the functions performed by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) and its role in shaping policy-making in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Re-examination and reconsideration of the provisions of Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) requires striking a balance between concerns of civil liberties and human rights, and maintaining and protecting the sovereignty and integrity of India. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"\"Citizen participation is key to the success of e-governance initiatives in rural India.\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"How far do you think the Aspirational District Programme has been able to achieve its objectives since its inception? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Technology has a crucial role to play in advancing the NGO sector and improving outcomes for beneficiaries. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the implications associated with the entry of foreign educational institutions for technical and higher education in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The flourishing relationship between India and countries of Latin America has become a critical element of India's foreign policy. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What is debt-trap diplomacy? How does China's debt-trap diplomacy impact India's interests in its neighbourhood? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Despite being an amalgamation of various constitutions from across the world, the Indian Constitution imbibes social justice, pluralism, and equality through its various provisions. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Recent developments have brought to light the issue of criminalizing marital rape in India. Analyse the implications of ensuring legal protection for victims of marital rape in the country. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"\"The Indian model of federalism has been criticized for being too centralized, but it also provides adequate space and autonomy to the states.\" Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The recent judgment of the Supreme Court on appointments to the Election Commission of India (ECI) has fundamentally changed the appointment process and can have potentially far-reaching implications. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Integration with the global trends and opening up of the economy has resulted in diversified challenges for the civil services, which require holistic reforms for efficient service delivery. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What role can open data play in promoting transparency and accountability in e-governance in India? What are the challenges in ensuring the quality and reliability of open data in the country? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"To reduce the prevalence of 'zero food' children in India, maternal nutrition needs to be made a priority. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Recently, the Central government exempted all foods and drugs for rare diseases imported by people for personal use from customs duty. What are the concerns related to rare diseases as a public health issue in India? How can these be resolved? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"For realistic and effective collaborations to take place in the Indo-Pacific region, there is a need to acknowledge and recognize the underlining intention of the various countries with stakes in the region. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2091,"topper":"Bhanu Pratap Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/976cf-635609_1249_bhanu-pratap-singh_rank_372.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by cultural sensitivity? Identify the ways in which individuals and organisations can benefit from cultural sensitivity in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"In the quest for scientific and technological development, ethical values should not be neglected. Discuss in the current context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"In a plural society like India, education should help the individual to celebrate the plurality and visualize the inherent unity of cultures and values. Analyze the statement in the present context with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Elucidate Swami Vivekananda's ideas on nationalism.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. Mahatma Gandhi","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Explaining the concept of moral attitude, discuss how social media is shaping moral attitudes of people.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Analyse the importance of both influence and persuasion for effective leadership.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Analyze the significance of adopting a code of ethics for creating a healthy work culture in an organization.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Ethos, ethics, equity and efficiency are key criteria on the basis of which the competency of civil servants should be judged. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"The mandatory nature of Corporate Social Responsibility goes against the notion of philanthropy. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2092,"topper":"Bhanu Pratap Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/bbe4e-635609_1245_bhanu-pratap-singh_rank_372.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the attributes of leadership, analyse why it is important for a civil servant.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"A civil servant needs to be objective as well as empathetic. What do you understand by objectivity? Discuss its relationship with empathy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"With rapidly increasing use of information technology, what according to you is the role of ethics in cyber space?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Transparency in government organisations is an essential pre-condition for good governance. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but its lowest ones. Nelson Mandela","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"For achieving success, attitude is equally, if not more important than ability. Discuss with the help of examples from your daily life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"The core of high Emotional Intelligence is self-awareness. If you don't understand your own motivations and behaviours, it is nearly impossible to develop an understanding of others. Discuss with the help of appropriate examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by Integrity Pacts? Highlight the role they can play in bringing transparency in allotment of public contracts and ensuring proper utilization of public funds in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"In the context of rapid technological change, discuss the significance of inculcating moral and spiritual values in educational institutions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Explain the main elements of integral humanism as propounded by Deen Dayal Upadhyay and highlight its contemporary relevance.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2093,"topper":"Bhanu Pratap Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/dd1ad-440668_2088_bhanu_pratap_singh_rank_619.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The principle of double effect is based on the idea that if a person's behaviour or conduct is intended to achieve a goal which is morally good, however, as a result, there is a morally bad side-effect, then it is still acceptable to adopt that particular behaviour or conduct. How far can this principle aid in resolving difficult moral situations? Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Indian Republic chose Ashoka's Lion Capital at Sarnath as its state emblem to reflect the same harmony achieved by him and effect a continuity with his humane policies towards the people of the modern Indian nation. In this background, discuss the ethical teachings that find resonance in Ashoka's life. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Compassion and tolerance are necessities and not luxuries, as without them, humanity cannot survive. How do the values of compassion and tolerance assist in the day-to-day functioning of a civil servant? Explain using suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Transparency is a necessary condition for accountability, but it does not automatically guarantee accountability. Discuss. Under what conditions does transparency lead to accountability? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What does each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"A great man is different from an eminent one in that he is ready to be the servant of the society.\" B.R. Ambedkar (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The concept of ethical corporate governance works on the principle of balance of equity, which seeks to balance the interests of the company, customers, suppliers, financers, government and shareholders on the one hand and the community at large on the other hand. Which values play a central role in ensuring ethical corporate governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Toxic work environment and overwork are social problems, which require the government, labour unions, health officials and corporates to formulate appropriate policies. What are the ethical issues that should be considered while formulating appropriate policies in this regard? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"For leaders, having emotional intelligence is vital for success as it helps them to read and regulate their own emotions while intuitively grasping how others feel and gauging their emotional state. But effective leadership in today's interconnected world necessitates going beyond emotional intelligence and cultivating cultural intelligence. Discuss with illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Probity is confirmed integrity, which is usually regarded as being incorruptible. What is the significance of probity in governance? How important is the role of leadership in fostering probity and ethical governance in public service? Explain using suitable illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Analyse the role of moral attitude in shaping the perception and response to marital rape in India. Explain the ethical considerations in criminalising marital rape in the country. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Apart from consciousness, one needs to possess conscience in order to make ethical decisions. Explain with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Even if the LGBTQIA+ couples live together, legally, they are on a slippery slope. They do not enjoy the rights that married couples do. For example, the LGBTQIA+ couples cannot adopt children or have a child by surrogacy, they do not have automatic rights to inheritance, maintenance and tax benefits, and after a partner passes away, they cannot avail benefits like pension or compensation. Most of all, since marriage is a social institution that is created by and highly regulated by law, without this social sanction, same-sex couples struggle to make a life together. A number of petitions have been filed in recent years in courts for the legal recognition of same-sex marriages. Gender rights campaigners believe that recognizing same-sex marriages is the next logical step after the decriminalization of homosexuality. However, the other point of view is that the concept of marriage ought not to be disturbed or diluted by judicial interpretation. It is argued that a middle path could be for the government to set up a panel to look into the pleas of As an aware individual, who understands various dimensions of this issue, answer the following: (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) Do you think same-sex marriage should be recognised by the State in India? (c) Critically examine whether law can be effective in bringing about social change.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"After going into some details, he realized that the sales team of his company was indulging in malpractices to lure poor parents to buy courses for their children. He informed this to the head of his department but the head did not seem concerned. Some of his colleagues informed him that this is a normal practice in the ed-tech industry to achieve sales targets. Further, he was also informed that due to the recent funding crunch in start-ups, the company is under severe pressure to show profits, else there will be mass layoffs. (a) Identify the ethical issues associated with the case above. (b) Under the given conditions, what are the options available to Raj? (c) Critically evaluate each of these options. (d) What course of action should Raj adopt? Justify with valid reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"As the Head of the Municipal Corporation, you are faced with a challenging situation wherein two groups of concerned citizens have approached you. One, expressing their frustrations and concerns regarding the menace caused by street dogs in the city and other, taking steps towards encouraging compassion and humane treatment to these silent beings. The first plea highlights the rising incidents of stray dogs' attacking or killing the vulnerable members of society especially children. They point to inadequate sterilisation and vaccination of dogs as exacerbating the situation. They demand the immediate removal of street dogs and their relocation elsewhere. The second plea however points to ineffective animal healthcare and control, illegal breeding centres, pet owners abandoning their pets on the streets as root of the problem. They argue that the system or the people responsible for the situation should be punished, not the animals. Furthermore, India has laws in place that make it illegal to remove a dog from the streets. This means that once a dog is on the streets, it has a \"right\" to stay there unless adopted. Balancing the animals' right to life with human safety concerns is proving to be a difficult task. (a) What are the ethical dilemmas involved in the case? (b) Evaluate the implications of favouring one plea over the other. (c) What course of action would provide a short-term and long-term solution to this situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":56,"question":"You are young upright person who has been newly appointed in the Anti-Corruption Bureau of your district. After joining, your office receives a tip-off from an anonymous person that an engineer working with the Municipal Corporation of the city has amassed wealth much beyond his known sources of income and is hand in gloves in corrupt activities. Because the law is clear that anonymous complaints cannot be acted upon, You have been appointed as the Chief Secretary in a state. Recently, a complex issue has surfaced involving two civil servants from your state. Both the officers who are known for their excellence in their respective roles have found themselves embroiled in an intense public feud on social media. Officer A initiated the dispute by posting a series of images and statements on social media, indirectly implying that Officer B has been utilizing personal relationships and networking for gaining undue advantages in job postings and promotions. This action, while unproven, has stirred up a storm of rumors, leading to severe reputational damage to Officer B. In response, Officer B defended herself on the same platform, accusing Officer A of unethical practices and breach of confidentiality. She went a step further by revealing his internal departmental issues, which Officer A was supposedly involved in. These allegations have not only escalated the conflict but also exposed sensitive information to the public. Officer A's social media posts have been prominently picked up and publicised by a local news outlet further escalating the situation. The issue has now gone beyond the realms of the state administration, leading to intense public speculation and media scrutiny. All these events have unfolded on a public platform and have tarnished the image of the civil services and created a disruption in the working of the state administration. The Central Government is closely monitoring the situation and has exerted pressure for appropriate disciplinary action against the officers involved. (a) What are ethical issues involved in this situation? (b) What are the options available to you as the Chief Secretary? (c) Which option would you choose and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":56,"question":"You have been appointed as the Chief Secretary in a state. Recently, a complex issue has surfaced involving two civil servants from your state. Both the officers who are known for their excellence in their respective roles have found themselves embroiled in an intense public feud on social media. Officer A initiated the dispute by posting a series of images and statements on social media, indirectly implying that Officer B has been utilizing personal relationships and networking for gaining undue advantages in job postings and promotions. This action, while unproven, has stirred up a storm of rumors, leading to severe reputational damage to Officer B. In response, Officer B defended herself on the same platform, accusing Officer A of unethical practices and breach of confidentiality. She went a step further by revealing his internal departmental issues, which Officer A was supposedly involved in. These allegations have not only escalated the conflict but also exposed sensitive information to the public. Officer A's social media posts have been prominently picked up and publicised by a local news outlet further escalating the situation. The issue has now gone beyond the realms of the state administration, leading to intense public speculation and media scrutiny. All these events have unfolded on a public platform and have tarnished the image of the civil services and created a disruption in the working of the state administration. The Central Government is closely monitoring the situation and has exerted pressure for appropriate disciplinary action against the officers involved. (a) What are ethical issues involved in this situation? (b) What are the options available to you as the Chief Secretary? (c) Which option would you choose and why?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2094,"topper":"Bhanu Pratap Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e3361-440668_2421_bhanu_pratap_singh_rank_619.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Societies across the world are witnessing a gradual moral decline in values and it is time that educators stepped in and made efforts to rekindle the desire of human beings to develop personal, social, and professional moral values. Do you agree that in the wake of changing social landscape in the country, value education is as important as technical education for the youth to become not only skilled but also morally strong professionals? Explain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Guru Nanak Dev ji believed that despite religion, caste, and gender, everyone should seek well for others and only then one can have that goodness back in return. Discuss the important teachings of Guru Nanak Dev ji relevant to the youth of today. (Answer in 150 words)10","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The ‘work from home’ culture that gained wide acceptance with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to many ethical concerns for private organizations with moonlighting being one of the most prominent ones. Do you think that it is ethical for an employee to practice moonlighting? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)10","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"While there are multiple institutions to ensure fairness in international relations, states often put aside moral values and the directions of these institutions for their own interests. Discuss with illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)10","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What does each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) “It takes something more than intelligence to act intelligently.” – Fyodor Dostoyevsky (Answer in 150 words)10","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"A popular government, without popular information, or the means of acquiring it, is but a prologue to a farce or a tragedy; or perhaps both.\" - James Madison (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"\"Character may almost be called the most effective means of persuasion.\" - Aristotle (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"While impartiality has been identified as one of the key ethical values for public service, it should not be seen as precluding compassion in public services. Explain with suitable illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The power, which administrators wield, can bring the nation great dividends if rightly used, but can bring harm and disrepute if abused. Explain with suitable illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'social accountability' and what is its significance? Discuss the critical factors responsible for the success of any social accountability initiative. (Answer in 150 words)10","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Too much dependence on data driven technologies can result in data colonisation and digital dictatorship. Discuss the various issues that may arise in this context and suggest remedial measures. (Answer in 150 words)10","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Prejudice and discrimination when left unaddressed have the potential to turn conflicts into violence. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Though the 'Me Too Movement' helped in creating some murmur with respect to sexual harassment of women at workplace, it has failed to create a lasting positive impact on the work culture in India. Do you agree? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"You have been working in a well-known business consultancy company for nearly 15 years and have been promoted to a senior executive level. You have a junior colleague, named Meera, whom you have been mentoring from time to time. The time and effort she has invested in the company along with your guidance has led her to rapidly grow professionally in the organisation. The work environment has also been conducive for her growth. Meanwhile, Meera's mother has been ill and requiring medical attention for the past few years. Her medical bills have been increasing rapidly over time. Recently, Meera encountered an uncomfortable experience of sexual advances at the hands of your immediate boss, which she reported to Human Resources Department (HRD) of the company instantly. The concerned boss has been about it. She came to know that the concerned boss has been involved in similar acts earlier as well. Given his position in the company and his connections, Meera feels that he could be a threat to her career in the future. She is also in dire need of money. In the given circumstances, address the following: (a) Identify the main stakeholders involved in this case. (b) Highlight the issues related to integrity and ethics in the case above. (c) What are the various options available to Meera? Which option should she choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Civil servants are usually considered as the behind-the-scenes operators of plans and policies of the government. Being the permanent executive, they are expected to work without getting into the limelight while it is up to the politicians to hog the limelight for their political ends. But in recent trends, a trend is developing where civil servants, especially younger ones, have taken to social media to post their day-to-day activities on a regular basis. Some studies suggest that some of the officers have attained a level of popularity that does not trail too far behind celebrities and influencers in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"In this context, answer the following questions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"What are the ethical issues associated with the excessive use of social media by civil servants?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"How can social media be effectively utilized by public officials? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"You are the District Magistrate of a district, which is the hub of coaching centres for engineering as well as medical entrance exams. Recently, around 5 students have committed suicide owing to academic and social pressure. Students in the age group 15-18 years from across the country come to the district with the dream of getting admission into prestigious institutions like the IITs and AIIMS. However, the coaching institutes are business-minded and want to have toppers from their institute so that they can attract more students. They create a lot of pressure on students to perform, with differential treatment like forming different category of batches depending on students' performance. These students live as Paying Guests and in hostels away from their families and many cannot tackle the huge burden of competition and the associated mental stress. The recent spate of suicide by 5 students has been highlighted by the national media and you are asked by Chief Minister to present a report of the situation and take appropriate action in the matter. The Chief Minister has asked you to keep the matter out of the limelight so that coaching institutes can continue with their business and generate revenue for themselves and the state. Upon investigation, you find out that 2-3 of the most famous coaching institutions are run by political leaders of the ruling party. They are involved in false advertisements in order to lure students. They also create undue pressure on the students to perform. Also, there is an emerging black market for performance enhancing drugs, which have become common among the students. Given the situation: (a) Highlight the stakeholders involved and discuss the associated ethical issues in the given case. (b) Given the situation, what will be your course of action? (c) Discussing the various reasons for increased cases of suicides among students, suggest measures to address the issue in the long-run. (Answer in 250 words)20","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"You have recently joined as the Chief Executive Officer of the Water Supply and Sewerage Board in a metropolitan city of India. Recently, there was an incident where two poor people died while undertaking hazardous cleaning of sewers in a posh neighbourhood, housing top corporate honchos of the city. The preliminary report found that a few residents in the said neighbourhood employed private workers to clean the sewers without the knowledge of the local city administration. A complaint for causing death by negligence has been registered against the concerned residents as well as the private contractor through whom these poor people were employed to carry out the task. The complaint has come as a shock to the residents of the neighbourhood, most of whom never had a brush with the law before. During the investigation, the residents of the neighbourhood complained that the local administration has not been cleaning sewers for a long time, forcing them to hire private workers. You also come to know that there has h the requisite infrastructure and provide protective gears to carry out the sewage cleaning work. In the meantime, the family members of the deceased have started pressurising the government for compensation and there has also been a media blitzkrieg blaming the apathy of the city administration for the incident and pressure to withdraw the complaints registered against the high profile residents of the neighbourhood. In light of the above situation, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the stakeholders involved in the case along with the associated issues. (b) Evaluate the options that are available to you in the given case. Which of these options you choose and why? (c) What will be the long-term measures you will take to prevent such an incident from occurring in the future? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2095,"topper":"BHARAT DUTT TIWARI","air":98,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/BHARAT-DUTT-TIWARIUPSC_IAS_2024_Toppers_AIR_98_Sample_ESSAY_TEST_1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2096,"topper":"BHARAT DUTT TIWARI","air":98,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/BHARAT-DUTT-TIWARI-UPSC-2024-Rank-98-MGP-Sample-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2097,"topper":"BHARAT DUTT TIWARI","air":98,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/BHARAT-DUTT-TIWARIUPSC_IAS_2024_Toppers_AIR_98_Sample_MGP_TEST_1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2098,"topper":"Bharat Jai Prakash Meena","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/97a0a-160872_1515_bharat-jai-prakash-meena_rank-85.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Explain the meaning of off-budget borrowings and its role in helping the government raise funds for various expenditures. Also, comment on its desirability. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":3,"question":"It is argued that genetically modified food crops are required to ensure food security of India. Examine in view of concerns regarding introduction of GM crops. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"India's price intervention policies to support its agricultural sector not only create a broken system but also complicate matters related to international trade rules. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"India has an opportunity to become a leading global food supplier provided it has an efficient supply chain and the right marketing strategies. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Land banks are increasingly gaining prominence in India to encourage land-use efficiency and enable economic growth. In this context, discuss the benefits of a land bank and state the concerns associated with it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Desertification has been described as one of the greatest environmental challenges of our time and climate change is making it worse. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In the context of intellectual property rights, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of releasing projects under an 'Open Source' license. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"\"Indian space sector has been dominated by a single umbrella of government and government institutions.\" In light of the statement, discuss the significance of Indian Space Association in providing an impetus to space technology in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Man and machine both have an important role in national security and making urban areas secure. In this context, discuss how technology is a major stakeholder in addressing the internal security challenges of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"National Security Guard (NSG) has emerged as a formidable force equipped to handle various manifestations of terrorism. Discuss the mandate and achievements of this force. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What do you understand by asset monetisation? Why is it needed in India? In this context, discuss the issues that need to be addressed for the National Monetisation Pipeline to succeed. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":14,"question":"What is social stock exchange (SSE)? Discuss the need for setting up of SSEs and key challenges in their effective implementation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":15,"question":"In the context of India, highlight the importance of agriculture extension. What are the challenges faced in provisioning of agriculture extension services? How does the National Mission on Agricultural Extension & Technology (NMAET) address these issues? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":17,"question":"Clearly delineate the 'employment problem' that India currently faces. Also, explain the fundamental reasons behind existence of this problem. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":18,"question":"Although steps have been taken for integrating the dispersed logistics activities of maritime trade, much more needs to be done to make India a maritime powerhouse. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":20,"question":"Accounting for natural capital and ecosystem services is crucial to understand the link between the economy and environment. Discuss with specific references to India's initiatives in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":21,"question":"Rapid and unplanned urbanisation accompanied by population growth have increased both the risk and impact of natural disasters. Discuss the statement along with adequate measures to address the relevant concerns in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":23,"question":"National Hydrogen Mission can be a game changer for India's rising energy demands. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":24,"question":"Despite geo-strategic instability of its region and a keen awareness of the cyber threat it faces, India has made only 'modest progress' in developing its policy and doctrine for cyberspace security. Critically examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Developmental interventions alone cannot play a defining role in the resolution of existing and protracted internal conflicts in various parts of India within a reasonable time frame. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2099,"topper":"Bharat Jai Prakash Meena","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/df57c-160872_1834_bharat-jai-prakash-meena_rank-85.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The Sunga dynasty contributed significantly to the cultural and social development in ancient India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the role of foreign nationals in the Indian freedom struggle during the Gandhian phase. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by tsunamigenic zones? Giving an account of their global distribution, explain the propagation of tsunamis. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are atmospheric lakes? Highlight their characteristics. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What are polymetallic nodules? Highlight their geographical distribution and state their significance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What are technical textiles? In view of their significance, discuss the steps taken by the government to promote them in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the challenges that internal migration creates for urban governance in India. Also, suggest measures to address the same. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the various opportunities and challenges posed by globalization on working women in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the rationale behind anti-conversion laws in India. Also, state the concerns that have been raised with regard to these laws. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Central Asian contacts had a profound political and cultural impact on India in ancient times. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Governance, during the British rule, was a means of exploitation of India rather than a vehicle of public welfare. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Discuss how India successfully dealt with the sensitive issue of language, which had the potential of threatening national unity in the post-independence period. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Bring out the factors, which led to decolonisation after the Second World War. Also, discuss the role played by India in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What are Marine Heat Waves (MHW)? Identify the causes of their formation and discuss their consequences for India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What are the geo-climatic conditions required for oil palm cultivation? Do you agree with the view that India should promote its large-scale cultivation to reduce import dependency? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"In view of the changes witnessed in the state of Himalayan cryosphere, discuss the implications for India's water security. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Ocean warming, ocean acidification and ocean deoxygenation are often referred to as the 'deadly trio' for marine life. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Tribals in India continue to face myriad challenges with regard to healthcare. Discuss the issues faced by them in this context and suggest remedial measures. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Reservation for women perpetuates a \"proxy culture\" as seen in the phenomenon of \"sarpanch patis\". In this context, discuss whether reservation can address the issue of poor participation of women in Indian politics. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2100,"topper":"Bharat Jai Prakash Meena","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/97f2a-160872_1514_bharat-jai-prakash-meena_rank-85.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Highlighting the changes introduced by the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) Amendment Act, 2021, analyse various issues with the amended Act. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Are there valid arguments for continuing with sedition law in 21st century democratic India? Discuss in light of the debate surrounding it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Identify the issues that have contributed to a decline in the performance of Parliamentary Standing Committees. How can these issues be addressed? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Despite being a non-constitutional body, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) has wielded immense decision-making power in India. Discuss the advantages and issues associated with it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the role of data in governance in India. Also, state the various challenges in this regard and suggest remedial measures. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"With specific examples, elaborate upon the conditions that led to the emergence of a new civil society in urban India in the last few decades. Also, highlight its contribution towards effecting governance and policy changes. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The Gati Shakti mission has the potential to not only address the issue of infrastructure bottlenecks but also streamline the governance processes in the country. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Giving an account of the issues faced by workers in the informal sector, discuss whether the recently launched e-Shram portal can help in addressing them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Clarifying the significance of the recent developments on the issue of global minimum tax, discuss its prospects and challenges for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Announcement of the AUKUS security pact heralds a new era of global geo-politics. Comment. Also, discuss how it may affect India's interests. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Effective devolution of finances is an important requirement for Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) to fulfill their objectives. Discuss while also elaborating on the reasons behind lack of financial resources for PRIs in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":24,"question":"Judicial activism is a necessary tool to guard against \"legislative adventurism and executive excesses\". Critically discuss in the context of the doctrine of separation of powers as provided in the Constitution of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"The electoral bond scheme is part of what appears to be a growing trend away from transparency and accountability in electoral funding. Critically analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"The significance of the principle of subsidiarity was well reflected in the management of the COVID-19 pandemic. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Social media has ushered in greater transparency and accountability in governance. But accountability through social media is no alternative to institutional accountability. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Although the State has the right incentives and intentions to deliver public services efficiently, its capacity to do so is questionable. Critically discuss in the context of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"The problem of hunger in India does not lie in food production but various other underlying issues. Discuss in the wake of decline in India's ranking in the Global Hunger Index, 2021. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Democratization of primary healthcare is indispensable for fulfilling the objectives of equitable and comprehensive care in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"In the context of the evolving discourse on the Indo-Pacific, analyse the factors driving the global shift towards the region. Also, identify India's interests and challenges in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"India's Afghanistan policy must be based on a clear-eyed understanding of important strategic goals in the region amidst the current regional and global strategic environment. Elaborate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2101,"topper":"Bharat Jai Prakash Meena","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9b686-160872_1835_bharat-jai-prakash-meena_rank-85.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"The withdrawal of general consent to the CBI by certain state governments in India threatens the spirit of cooperative federalism in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Stating the sources of finance for local self-governments in India, suggest ways to strengthen their financial position. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Cabinet Committees play an important role in reinstating collective responsibility and principle of homogeneity of the Executive in the Indian Parliamentary system. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"There is a need to overhaul the public procurement and project management (PPPM) framework of India for faster, efficient and transparent execution of government projects. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Adequate measures are required to overcome the challenges and vulnerabilities associated with undertaking social accountability initiatives and institutionalising them. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In view of the recent Parliamentary Standing Committee report, discuss the issues faced by the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) and suggest measures that can be adopted to strengthen it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"While the Mid-Day Meal scheme was aimed at fulfilling the nutritional needs of students, it is far behind in achieving this objective. Discuss. Also, suggest remedial measures in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) remain critical for the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In this context, discuss the impediments in the fulfilment of SRHR in India. Also, mention the steps that can be taken in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"State the functions of the United Nations Human Rights Council. Also, discuss the issues faced by the Council in the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"West Asia is an important strategic region for India with profound geo-political and geo-economic significance. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Disenfranchising prisoners desecrates a cherished value in a democracy i.e. 'right to vote', which should be guarded earnestly. Discuss in the light of The Representation of The People Act, 1951. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":16,"question":"There are similarities and interactions between the affirmative action adopted by India and USA owing to similar historical injustices faced by their respective vulnerable groups. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":18,"question":"Objections to domicile-based reservation in private sector jobs on the grounds of constitutional equality and freedom are misplaced. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite Government e-Marketplace facing certain challenges, it has brought about a significant improvement in the procurement of goods and services by various government agencies. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":22,"question":"A reformed system of recruitment, training and evaluation needs to be put in place to take forward the development of a highly efficient and accountable civil service. Discuss in the context of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The repercussions of the ongoing economic crisis in Sri Lanka extend beyond its borders. Discuss with specific reference to India. Also, mention the steps that India has taken to assist Sri Lanka tide over the crisis. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"India is a reliable partner in the Indian Ocean Region and can take on the role of being the net security provider in the region. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2102,"topper":"Bharat Jai Prakash Meena","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c2750-160872_1837_bharat-jai-prakash-meena_rank-85.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain why altruism constitutes one of the core values in public life. In this regard, suggest some measures to foster altruistic behaviour in public services. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Certain actions can be right even though they do not maximize good consequences, for the rightness of such actions consists in their representing certain norms. Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"With the help of appropriate examples, discuss the ethical challenges involved in policing in India. Also, highlight the reasons behind corruption in the police force. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"A right combination of spirit and structure is integral to ethical corporate governance. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"It is not only public servants, but also the common citizens who play a key role in institutionalising high standards of ethical conduct and good governance. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Public administration in India suffers from the 'working-in-silos' culture. In this context, discuss the importance of cooperation, coordination and collaboration for efficient governance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"While emotional intelligence is an essential tool for a public servant, it can also be misused to manipulate people to act against their own interests. Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Social influence is an ambivalent concept. It can be a source for good, bad and even for evil. Discuss with the help of relevant examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Effective public service delivery demands a people-centric approach, which is built upon coordination and leverages technology. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Highlight the important teachings of Kautilya that are relevant to public services in 21st century India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.\" Nelson Mandela (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You have recently graduated from college and are now preparing for the civil services examination. While reading the newspaper, you come across a news report of a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), working for child rights, challenging a provision of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, in the Supreme Court of India. The said provision provides for the option of Children in Conflict with Law (CCL) to be tried as adults under certain circumstances. The NGO's plea is that children are not able to understand the gravity of crimes. It has also contended that the criminal acts committed by children are a reflection of failure of the society to take care of its children. In the context of this situation, as a young aspirant, answer the following questions: (a) What are the possible factors that can drive a child towards committing heinous crimes? (b) Is it ethical to punish children as adults rather than giving them a chance for reformation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"There is an ongoing ethnic civil war in a neighbouring country. The conflict has caused massive displacement of people from the country. Ironically, the developed countries have closed off their borders to the refugees on account of the COVID-19 pandemic, resource competition, domestic politics etc. With countries sealing off their borders, the refugees are left in a vulnerable situation and many are taking illegal routes to enter your country. As a Senior Official of your country's Ministry of External Affairs, you have been involved in discussions with officials of other nations and are entrusted with the mandate to design a national policy to safely accommodate India bound refugees. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) Discuss the moral issues related to the rights of international refugees, especially those from conflict-torn regions. (b) What recommendations would you suggest given the large influx of refugees in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"You are a young athlete representing India at an international-level competition. To your surprise, during the competition, you witness a few senior athletes injecting something using a syringe in private. When you approach them, they explain that it is a performance enhancing drug, which is very common in such competitions and you should take the same as well. You are aware that if these players get caught in a doping test, it may damage India's reputation. You are confused and afraid of the repercussions and decide to approach the coach to discuss the event you witnessed. However, you get to know that the athletes are taking the drug on the advice of the coach himself. (a) What would you do in this scenario? Discuss the options available to you and chart your course of action. (b) What are the reasons behind the use of performance enhancing drugs in competitive sporting events? How can this practice be minimized?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":55,"question":"You have been newly appointed as the District Magistrate of a district, which is known for its rich mineral deposits. Following the news being circulated in the media about the illegal mining in your district, you have initiated an enquiry into it. When the State's Minister of Mines and Minerals gets to know of the enquiry initiated by you, he directs you to name some junior government employees as being involved in the wrongdoing and make them scapegoats. He also points out that elections to the State Assembly are around the corner and the present government wishes to stay clear of any political corruption. This Minister is a very influential figure in the present regime and there are high chances of the present ruling party being voted back to power. In due course of the enquiry, it has come to your notice that the said Minister has also been involved in illegal mining through his cronies. The findings of the enquiry can affect the outcome of the elections as well as completely derail your career, if the incumbent party wins the elections, which looks very likely as per the polls. Answer the following with reference to this case: (a) Identify the stakeholders and the ethical issues in the given case. (b) Critically evaluate the options in the given scenario and state your course of action, giving reasons.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2103,"topper":"BHARATH C YARAM","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/a4911661fb63cf32bd7e1d24c76e3051/5/pttp221701_tc062.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"If you look into someone's face long enough, eventually you feel that you are looking into yourself.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"It is the province of knowledge to speak and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Drop the question what tomorrow may bring, and count as profit every day that fate allows you.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Truth, like a torch, the more it is shook, it shines.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Art is I; science is We.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Only the dead have seen the end of the war.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Act as if it were impossible to fail.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2104,"topper":"BHARATH C YARAM","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/a4911661fb63cf32bd7e1d24c76e3051/6/pttp221701_tc063.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Little strokes fell great oaks.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Judge a man by his questions rather than his answers.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Great principles,great ideals know no nationality.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"In struggling with misfortune lies the true proof of virtue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"The whole purpose of Education is to turn mirrors into windows.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"To dwell is to garden.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Reality is the shadow of ideas.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"We can not despair of humanity, since we ourselves are human beings.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2105,"topper":"BHARATH C YARAM","air":667,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/a4911661fb63cf32bd7e1d24c76e3051/4/pttp221701_tc061.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2106,"topper":"BHARATH C YARAM","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/251/pttp221701_tc075-test-05-gs-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How did the ancient trade routes connecting India to foreign countries contribute to the exchange and dissemination of culture? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"'The hallmark of post-Independent India has been its remarkable strides in science and technology'. To what extent did scientific development during this, period put India on the path of modernity? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the feasibility of Interlinking rivers to resolve the issue of water stress in other regions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How will the structural shift from coal-based power plants to renewable energy generation impact human development in coal-bearing states? ( Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"To what extent temperature and precipitation are the most important factors that determine soil properties? ( Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Why are severe and intense cyclones becoming a regular phenomenon in the Arabian Sea? Substantiate with examples. ( Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"In the context of cultural diversity in India, can we consider Southern states as distinct cultural units in comparison to the rest of India? Substantiate your view. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Poverty and population growth are locked in a vicious cycle, where poverty restricts individuals' ability to break free from the cycle, while population growth strains resources. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"India has a rich heritage in the internationalization of education. In this context how will the recent push for the 'internationalization of education' impact society and foster cultural exchange? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"'Although there were many differences between the Gandhara and Mathura art, they considerably influenced the Amravati school of art.' Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"'England's Industrial Revolution not only transformed the economic landscape but also had far-reaching social and cultural impacts'. Discuss. ( Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"How did the social reform and ideological struggle against the backward traditional elements and hegemony of colonial culture in the nineteenth century influence the emergence of a distinct cultural identity and national consciousness? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"How does temperature inversion affect atmospheric conditions and what are its implications for local weather patterns and air pollution levels? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What are the geographical factors responsible for mangrove vegetation in India? How does climate change pose a threat to mangrove vegetation in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What are the geographical and economic factors that influence the location of the sugar industry, and how do they contribute to the growth of the industry in India and different parts of the world? ( Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the key strategies used in dryland farming to overcome water scarcity and maximize agricultural productivity in arid and semi-arid regions? Also, discuss the need to promote dryland farming in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"How has the contemporary women's movement encompassed diverse approaches beyond traditional methods? Also, highlight the unique contribution and challenges of the contemporary women's movement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Do you think that the forces of modernization that catalyzed the eradication of social evils in Indian society have also threatened our cultural values and ethos? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"15","words":"150"},{"page":53,"question":"In the context of states in India evaluate the relationship between regional disparity and sentiments of regionalism. Is regionalism antagonistic to the idea of nationalism? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"15","words":"150"}]},{"id":2107,"topper":"BHARATH C YARAM","air":667,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/249/pttp221701_tc075-test-05-gs-1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2108,"topper":"BHARATH C YARAM","air":667,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/252/pttp221701_tc077-test-07-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2109,"topper":"BHARATH C YARAM","air":667,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/250/pttp221701_tc077-test-07-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2110,"topper":"Bhargav Vennelaganti","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/BHARGAV-VENNELAGANTI-UPSC-2023-Rank-264-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"The ultimate renewable energy is the human ingenuity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":4,"question":"Human laws and natural laws mutually reinforce each other.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":4,"question":"History should be understood as evolution of society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":4,"question":"If one has seen further than others it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Is modernism at a crossroads with cultural and civilisational ethos?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Man often enjoys the comfort of opinion without the discomfort for thought.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"The rise of populism in democratic societies is a threat to the rule of law and constitutionalism.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"It's time for us to turn to each other, not on each other.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2111,"topper":"Bhargav Vennelaganti","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/BHARGAV-VENNELAGANTI-UPSC-2023-Rank-264-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Investment in infrastructure is key to economic transformation; however, the focus on economic gains must not marginalise the concerns for safety. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What do you understand by green growth? With special reference to the budget 2023-2024, discuss various government measures to propel green growth in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Project cheetah is a significant departure from India's efforts for conservation of various critically-endangered species. In this perspective, do you think the reintroduction of major fauna that has gone extinct is justified? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"In what ways can precision agriculture become a panacea for multipronged challenges plaguing the agriculture sector? Discuss. Also, analyse various impediments in widespread adoption of precision farming in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are the reasons behind increasing emphasis on the horticulture sector in recent years? Evaluate government measures for the development of the horticulture sector. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Unplanned urbanization has rendered Indian cities vulnerable to fire safety hazards. Discuss and recommend measures for mitigating urban fires, with special reference to national building code, 2016. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"DPI (Digital Public Infrastructure) is indispensable for digitally enabling citizens and businesses; however, the challenges of exclusion, exploitation, and monopolisation cannot be ignored. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Assess the relevance of the NISAR mission in observing and managing climate change and natural hazards. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Defense indigenisation is the cornerstone of India's security architecture. Examine the importance of startups in defense sector to make India secure and self-reliant. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Edge in modern warfare is not so much in the capacity to overwhelm the adversary as much in the ability to nip the threat in the bud. In this context, discuss the role of intelligence in maintaining national security, and also cite challenges associated. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Labour and export intensive industries hold key to the problems of jobless growth. In this perspective, analyse the opportunities and challenges associated with the textile sector. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"In an era of interconnected challenges, the emerging global polycrisis poses significant implications for India's macroeconomic stability. Examine and suggest measures to make the Indian economy more resilient to global shocks and challenges. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Do you think the low Female Labor Force Participation Rate presents a correct picture about the 'working women' in India's economy? Give reasons in support of your answer. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Across sectors and regions, the poorest or marginalized sections are also the most affected by the impacts of climate change. Explain. Also, present a case for a climate resilient model of development that integrates mitigation and adaptation measures. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite the potential to combat the triple-whammy of nutritional deficiency, environmental degradation, and receding farm incomes, the adoption of Millets has been abysmally low. Analyse. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"A link between unorganized farming community and formal industrial sector, Food Processing Industries (FPI) can play a key role in advancing the rural economy. Evaluate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What do you understand by generative Artificial Intelligence (AI)? How can policymakers and regulatory bodies effectively address the concerns and challenges posed by generative AI? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Though ethnic fault lines are a major threat, security challenges in the North-East are not confined to the same. Discuss the statement with special reference to Manipur. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Critically examine the role of development initiatives in addressing the root causes of militancy/terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2112,"topper":"Bhargav Vennelaganti","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/BHARGAV-VENNELAGANTI-UPSC-2023-Rank-264-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"It was neither her Coal and Iron reserves, nor the inventions of steam engine and cotton mills, but her democracy and rule of law that made Britain the epicentre of Industrial Revolution. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"In its extent, reach, and revolutionary zeal, Civil Disobedience Movement has a unique place in India's freedom struggle. Elucidate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"How will you explain that Vaishnavism and Shaivism as followed in medieval India represent both local traditions and universal ideals? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What do you understand from land subsidence? Explaining various reasons behind land subsidence, recommend measures to arrest the calamity. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Examining the reasons behind erratic Monsoon, highlight the possible outcomes of the same. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Explore and evaluate the impact of new technologies on Indian society. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Why did Hinduism-which amalgamated and absorbed almost every diverse faith, tradition, belief and practice that arose from within or outside, within its fold- failed to assimilate Islamic cultural beliefs and practices? Give reasons. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Elucidate the differences between Western and Indian model of secularism. To what extent do you agree with the criticism that Indian model of secularism is susceptible to promoting minority appeasement? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"With special reference to India, elucidate how globalisation-a multifaceted phenomenon-has had positive socio-economic outcomes on one hand and widened the gaps between the haves and have nots on the other? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Dravidian temple architecture that came of age during the rule of the Pallavas, could reach its zenith only at the time of the Imperial Cholas. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the reasons why pre-independence women movements were led by men. Also analyse the contribution of women-led socio-economic movements in post-independence India in mainstreaming and successfully redressing the concerns of women. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Discuss the causes for salinity ingress along with its various consequences and potential solutions. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The economic and strategic significance of mineral wealth of a country cannot be seen in isolation from the associated socio-ecological impacts of their extraction. Discuss in light of the newfound lithium reserves in Northern India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Explain the mechanism and occurrence of earthquake. With the help of map given below, throw light upon the vulnerability of regions affected by earthquake and earthquake related disasters. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Enumerating different types of tides highlight their significance. Also, explain how tides are different from waves. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"In the contemporary times, the conventional conceptualization of the institution of marriage as well as family is facing evolutionary changes. Do you agree? Justify. To what extent have the state and market played a role in this? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Bring out the reasons and consequences of the spurt in child marriages in recent years. What steps can be taken beyond the legal realms to tackle the menace? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Examine the reasons behind generation of regional sentiments? Do you agree that regional sentiments and cultural assertiveness may lead to the issue of separatism? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2113,"topper":"Bhargav Vennelaganti","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/BHARGAV-VENNELAGANTI-UPSC-2023-Rank-264-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"In many ways, the Spanish civil war was the opening act of WWII. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"How will you explain the different fates of Buddhism and Jainism despite a slew of similarities in the two religions? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Non-Cooperation Movement democratized India's freedom struggle but suffered from inherent limitations. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Critically analyse the efficacy of linguistic reorganization of states in addressing the reasons for linguistic divides in post-independent India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Briefly discuss the role of plate tectonics theory in explaining the location of volcanoes. Also, explain the multifarious impacts of volcanoes on the surrounding regions. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Taking further the success of Aspirational Districts Programme, Aspirational Blocks can help achieve the twin objectives of balanced growth and checking stress migration. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Describe the critical factors for location of defense industries and suggest measures to overcome the challenges. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"To what extent can Socio-Economic-Caste Census (SECC) address the challenges in achieving sustainable resource allocation and targeted welfare? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Indian society is premised on some common values that give it a composite texture as well as some diverse practices that deepen its heterogeneity. Elucidate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What are the factors that influence population growth in the country? In this perspective, examine the relevance and need of raising the minimum marriageable age of women for population development. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Bring out the reasons behind the tribal unrest in British India. Also, analyze the reasons for their limited success. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"The independence of India was not a result of a forced expulsion of the Empire, as desired by the Quit India Movement; it was rather a confluence of domestic politics and global circumstances. Analyze. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Explain why Sufism, a liberal reform movement in Islam could deepen its roots in the Indian sub-continent, despite Islam being a foreign religion? Also, bring out the impacts of Sufism on Indian society. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Enumerate the reasons behind rising intensity and frequency of cyclones in the Arabian Sea in recent years. Giving special reference to NDMA guidelines, recommend measures to check the adverse impacts of cyclones. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Examine the impacts of climate change on the hydrological cycle and suggest suitable mitigation and adaptation strategies to contain the harmful implications. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Defining continental shelf, highlight its resource potential and ecological significance. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Rooted in patriarchal values, gender-based violence, in all its manifestations, is antithetical to societal growth. Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"The caste calculus in the Indian society remains predominant and continues to project its shadow on social, political, and economic domains. Do you agree? Substantiate your answer. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Discuss various factors contributing to the water woes faced by Indian cities. Also, explain complexities in implementing a comprehensive water management plan. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Though important elements of group identity, religion and region also run the risk of deepening communal cleavages. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2114,"topper":"Bharti Dixit","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ba9ec-bharti-dixit_5_2013_gs_booklet_1.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"\"Interaction between the ocean and the atmosphere stabilizes and regulates the climatic variations over the earth\". Discuss and give an example to justify the above statement from any climate type of the world.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"What is the Farmers' Clubs (FCs) program? What are the functions of FCs? How a bank is benefitted by opening FCs?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"\"Change in latitude and altitude leads to change in temperature and vegetation\". Analyze the above statement in the light of variation in temperature and vegetation on the earth surface.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"What is the relationship between the earthquake and the volcanic phenomenon? Elaborate it with examples of volcanic and earthquake distribution over the earth surface.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"\"Distribution of precipitation is the function of pressure and temperature variations in different climatic types\". Discuss and justify it with an example from any world climate type.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"Discuss the causes and effects of the rupee depreciation in the last year. How the policy makers have responded to this situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"\"Asylum is closely connected with extradition and both are interdependent. Where asylum stops, extradition begins\". Explain the above statement and comment upon India's current policy with regards to extradition.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"\"Settlement pattern is the function of man-nature interaction \". Illustrate this with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"What is the reason of success of truck farming in the intensive agricultural regions of the world?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2115,"topper":"Bharti Meena","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/55764-799516_1418_bharti-meena_rank_669.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the need to strengthen the National Commission for Scheduled Castes to tackle the problems faced by the Scheduled Castes in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Does the Representation of People's Act ensure an effective mechanism against criminalization of politics in India? Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss the challenges that are being faced by Gram Nyayalayas in their effective functioning. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Explain the rationale behind setting up 'Alternative Mechanisms' in ensuring effective decision making in the governance of the country. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The relationship between bureaucracy and democracy is both paradoxical and complementary. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"By transforming the way governments work and reinventing people's participation in the democratic process, e-governance empowers the citizen in multiple ways. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act 2019 dilutes the spirit of Supreme Court's NALSA judgement towards self-determination of gender. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The worthwhile goal of Universal Health Coverage can be achieved by declaring the right to health as a fundamental right. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Indian Diaspora in the Gulf countries is an asset beset with multiple challenges. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Briefly outline the genesis and functioning of World Food Programme (WFP). Also highlight its contribution to India's effort in addressing the issue of hunger and malnutrition. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Action against civil society groups is seen as shrinking space for dissent by some while others point out to the imperatives of merit based action against certain groups. Examine with examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the implications associated with the Prime Minister's Office acting as the most powerful office due to its formidable influence in policymaking in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"While judiciary's efforts to infuse accountability in the functioning of government institutions and engender human rights jurisprudence demonstrate the importance of judicial governance, it also leads to concerns around judicial overreach. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"The power to punish for contempt of court is necessary for the administration of justice. Critically analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"What are the legal concerns associated with custodial violence? Discuss the challenges in curbing such incidents. Also, suggest some ways to address this issue. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Civil society interventions, ranging from confrontation to engagement with the government, have played an important role in ushering transparency and accountability in governance in India. Discuss with examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"When it comes to hunger, India faces the paradox of plenty. Discuss. Also suggest ways in which this concern can be addressed. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"What is the role of wage employment in alleviating poverty? How is the MGNREGA different from the earlier Wage Employment Programmes in India? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"China's aggressiveness in recent times presents not only challenges to India but also opportunities to strengthen itself internationally and domestically. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Trade and connectivity hold the key for India to better engage its neighbours. Examine the opportunities and challenges in South Asia in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2116,"topper":"Bharti Meena","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4ace8-799516_2205_bharti-meena_rank-483.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by 'constitutionalism'? Highlight various ways in which the Indian Constitution underscores this principle. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"With adequate arguments and examples, elaborate your views on whether interest and pressure groups in India are undermining democracy or strengthening it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The Competition Commission of India (CCI) effectively reflects a shift from the era of Licence Raj to a conducive regulatory ambience for enhancing consumer welfare by encouraging competition in the market. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Mention various initiatives taken for online delivery of judicial services in India. Also, discuss the challenges faced in their implementation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Bring out the similarities and differences in the Bill of Rights in the Constitution of the United States and Fundamental Rights in the Constitution of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"It is often argued that the implementation of The Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 has so far been tardy and ineffectual. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The National Digital Health Mission (NDHM) has the potential to bring a new revolution in India's health sector in multiple ways. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Explain the rationale behind the creation of a Social Stock Exchange in India. Do you think this move would boost social impact investing in the country? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Broadly explain the composition and functions of the District Mineral Foundation (DMF). Also, discuss the issues in the effective utilisation of DMF funds. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"A critical appraisal of the outcomes of the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act underlines the need for second-generation reforms to strengthen decentralisation of urban local governance in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":24,"question":"Asymmetry is an important characteristic of federalism in India, which has helped in the accommodation of diverse demands inherent in our democracy. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"It is argued that unchecked and rampant exercise of the power to insert laws in the Ninth Schedule results in undermining of Constitutional supremacy and creation of Parliamentary hegemony. Do you agree? Justify your stand with logical arguments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Though the antecedents of the Indian Constitution can be traced to a series of British colonial legislations and other Constitutions of the world, in spirit and practice it has been completely Indian. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"In India, the Finance Commissions are established pursuant to the constitutional mandate. In this context, do you think the State Finance Commissions have been effective in promoting fiscal federalism? Substantiate with arguments. (250words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"In India's political system, the Executive and Legislature are not strictly separated; instead, their relationship is intimate and non-dichotomous. (250 words) 15 Comment.","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Reduction in the overall size of the bureaucracy has been seen as the underlying idea behind civil services reforms. Is it a good idea to reduce the size of the Indian bureaucracy? Examine in light of the experience of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Over 15 years of the Right to Information Act have thrown up multiple experiences, some of which need to be built upon, while others necessitate steps to uphold the act in its letter and spirit. Explain with examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The issuance of Citizens' Charters alone cannot change the mindset of staff and clients overnight; rather, regular, untiring and persistent efforts are required to bring about attitudinal changes. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2117,"topper":"Bharti Meena","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/af3b1-799516_1417_bharti-meena_rank_669.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Dadabhai Naoroji left an indelible imprint on the national movement. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Quit India movement marked a new direction in the struggle against the British colonial rule in India. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The end of World War II marked the birth of a new international order. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Simla Agreement (1972) and Lahore Declaration (1999) are two key milestones in the history of the Indian subcontinent. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Social security should not only involve economic empowerment but also social empowerment. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Explain with examples how globalisation is manifested in both local in the global and the global in the local. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In light of persistence of various forms of violence against women in India, discuss the ways in which the issue can be addressed effectively. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What is an urban forest? Highlight its benefits and steps taken by the government to promote urban forestry in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"How has globalization impacted the location of the IT industry? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"How can eco-tourism be used to sustainably harness the potential of tourism industry in India? Discuss the challenges and steps taken by the government in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The advent of Buddhism and Jainism was instrumental in the development of architecture in ancient India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The reactionary policies of Lord Lytton and the liberal policies of his successor Lord Rippon acted as catalyst in the formation of the Indian National Congress. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Gandhiji changed his methods of struggle against the British from time-to-time to suit the varied circumstances and problems that needed to be tackled. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Bring out the relationship between the industrial revolution and the advent of imperialism in different parts of the world. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The caste system in India has continued to persist by adapting itself to a variety of changing socio-economic and political conditions in the past few decades. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"It is argued by some that regionalism is a threat to national integrity while others consider it as a highly impactful tool in facilitating political participation. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Describe the process of rift valley formation, with special emphasis on the Great Rift Valley System. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"India's water resources have witnessed rapid depletion due to a mix of economic, geographic, and political factors. Explain and discuss its implications. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"How are plateaus formed? Also, briefly discuss the features of the Deccan plateau and its economic significance. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2118,"topper":"Bharti Meena","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a1489-799516_1417_bharti-meena_rank-483.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Dadabhai Naoroji left an indelible imprint on the national movement. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Quit India movement marked a new direction in the struggle against the British colonial rule in India. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The end of World War II marked the birth of a new international order. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Simla Agreement (1972) and Lahore Declaration (1999) are two key milestones in the history of the Indian subcontinent. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Social security should not only involve economic empowerment but also social empowerment. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Explain with examples how globalisation is manifested in both local in the global and the global in the local. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In light of persistence of various forms of violence against women in India, discuss the ways in which the issue can be addressed effectively. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What is an urban forest? Highlight its benefits and steps taken by the government to promote urban forestry in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"How has globalization impacted the location of the IT industry? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"How can eco-tourism be used to sustainably harness the potential of tourism industry in India? Discuss the challenges and steps taken by the government in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The advent of Buddhism and Jainism was instrumental in the development of architecture in ancient India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The reactionary policies of Lord Lytton and the liberal policies of his successor Lord Rippon acted as catalyst in the formation of the Indian National Congress. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Gandhiji changed his methods of struggle against the British from time-to-time to suit the varied circumstances and problems that needed to be tackled. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Bring out the relationship between the industrial revolution and the advent of imperialism in different parts of the world. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The caste system in India has continued to persist by adapting itself to a variety of changing socio-economic and political conditions in the past few decades. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"It is argued by some that regionalism is a threat to national integrity while others consider it as a highly impactful tool in facilitating political participation. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Describe the process of rift valley formation, with special emphasis on the Great Rift Valley System. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"India's water resources have witnessed rapid depletion due to a mix of economic, geographic, and political factors. Explain and discuss its implications. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"How are plateaus formed? Also, briefly discuss the features of the Deccan plateau and its economic significance. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2119,"topper":"Bharti Meena","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d7761-799516_1830_bharti-meena_rank-483.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"According to you, what are the main reasons behind prejudice against certain sections of a society? Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss how persuasion acts as a functional pillar in attitudinal change and attitude formation with requisite examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"A legally enforceable code of ethics for civil servants, which not only prescribes the ethical values they must display in their public life but also provides sanctions for violations of these values, is the need of the hour. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Although open and transparent governance has gained ground, do you agree with the view that there is merit in withholding some information from people? Justify your arguments with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Although bribery is illegal and counterproductive, public officials still demand bribes, and executives in the private sector remain tempted to pay up. In this context, discuss ways in which corporations can build a framework to eliminate the practice of offering kickbacks. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Identifying the issues associated with utilization of public funds, discuss the various ethical principles which can help devise strategies for better utilization of public funds in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"All persons ought to endeavour to follow what is right, and not what is established.\" - Aristotle (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"\"It is compassion, the most gracious of virtues, which moves the world.\" - Tiruvalluvar, Kural (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"I understand democracy as something that gives the weak the same chance as the strong.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"\"A well-developed Emotional intelligence is not only an instrumental tool in accomplishing goals, but has a dark side as a weapon for manipulating others by robbing them of their capacity to reason.\" Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do you understand by conformity, compliance and obedience? Discuss their relevance in the context of civil services in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":34,"question":"Capital punishment, or \"death penalty,\" is an institutionalized practice designed to result in deliberately executing persons in response to actual or supposed misconduct and following an authorized, rule-governed process to conclude that the person is responsible for violating norms that warrant execution. Punitive executions have historically been imposed by diverse kinds of authorities, for an expansive range of conduct, political or religious beliefs and practices, for a status beyond one's control, or without employing any significant due process procedures. Punitive executions also have been and continue to be carried out more informally, such as by terrorist groups, urban gangs, and mobs. For centuries in Europe and America, discussions have focused on capital punishment as an institutionalized, rule-governed practice of modern states and legal systems governing serious criminal conduct and procedures. In light of the above debate of capital punishment, answer the following questions: (a) What are the arguments in favour of and against having capital punishment in the criminal justice system? (b) Do you think capital punishment has a place in modern civilised society? Examine in the context of moral implications involved in awarding it.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2120,"topper":"Bharti Meena","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2ea71-799516_1837_bharti-meena_rank-483.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain why altruism constitutes one of the core values in public life. In this regard, suggest some measures to foster altruistic behaviour in public services. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Certain actions can be right even though they do not maximize good consequences, for the rightness of such actions consists in their representing certain norms. Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"With the help of appropriate examples, discuss the ethical challenges involved in policing in India. Also, highlight the reasons behind corruption in the police force. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"A right combination of spirit and structure is integral to ethical corporate governance. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"It is not only public servants, but also the common citizens who play a key role in institutionalising high standards of ethical conduct and good governance. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Public administration in India suffers from the 'working-in-silos' culture. In this context, discuss the importance of cooperation, coordination and collaboration for efficient governance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"While emotional intelligence is an essential tool for a public servant, it can also be misused to manipulate people to act against their own interests. Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Social influence is an ambivalent concept. It can be a source for good, bad and even for evil. Discuss with the help of relevant examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Effective public service delivery demands a people-centric approach, which is built upon coordination and leverages technology. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Highlight the important teachings of Kautilya that are relevant to public services in 21st century India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.\" Nelson Mandela (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"You have recently graduated from college and are now preparing for the civil services examination. While reading the newspaper, you come across a news report of a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), working for child rights, challenging a provision of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, in the Supreme Court of India. The said provision provides for the option of Children in Conflict with Law (CCL) to be tried as adults under certain circumstances. The NGO's plea is that children are not able to understand the gravity of crimes. It has also contended that the criminal acts committed by children are a reflection of failure of the society to take care of its children. In the context of this situation, as a young aspirant, answer the following questions: (a) What are the possible factors that can drive a child towards committing heinous crimes? (b) Is it ethical to punish children as adults rather than giving them a chance for reformation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"You are a CEO-founder of an edtech company. You are under tremendous pressure from the investors in your company to increase the profitability of the company and undertake downsizing. After making a few bad acquisitions, the company's finances have taken a huge hit in the last couple of years. The downsizing is suggested with the hope that the company's profitability would rise, as it often does when mass layoff or downsizing decisions are carried out. Moreover, the investors have hinted that such measures would attract further investment from them, which has come as a ray of hope considering the ongoing volatile market conditions and slowdown in big-ticket fundings. Given the situation, rumors of unscrupulous firing have started doing the rounds among employees. It has increased apprehensiveness and reduced cohesiveness among them. You have informed the investors that the cost cutting exercise can affect the output as well as reputation of the company in the long-run. However, they are adamant to pursue the same. (a) Identify the stakeholders and ethical issues involved in the case. (b) You and the HR team have identified some options and are deliberating to put them across to the investors for consideration. Discuss the merits and demerits of each of these: (i) Identifying key high performers and offering them suitable positions before implementing the layoff decision. (ii) Putting the terminated employees on retainer to work part-time. (iii) Executing the lay off order in the same spirit as it was asked by the investors and letting them deal with the long-term consequences. (iv) Improving the perception of fairness among the existing and terminated employees and moving ahead with the layoffs. (c) Without restricting yourself to the above options, discuss the course of action you will take, and provide adequate reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"There is an ongoing ethnic civil war in a neighbouring country. The conflict has caused massive displacement of people from the country. Ironically, the developed countries have closed off their borders to the refugees on account of the COVID-19 pandemic, resource competition, domestic politics etc. With countries sealing off their borders, the refugees are left in a vulnerable situation and many are taking illegal routes to enter your country. As a Senior Official of your country's Ministry of External Affairs, you have been involved in discussions with officials of other nations and are entrusted with the mandate to design a national policy to safely accommodate India bound refugees. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) Discuss the moral issues related to the rights of international refugees, especially those from conflict-torn regions. (b) What recommendations would you suggest given the large influx of refugees in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Social interactions where a person is addressed by their correct name and pronouns, consistent with their gender identity, are widely recognized as a basic and yet critical aspect of gender affirmation. A national university invited speakers for a discussion on rights of sexual minorities in India. The panel included speakers representing a wide variety of opinions and perspectives on the issue. The debates, though largely peaceful, witnessed a controversy. A college association representing sexual minorities took offence against a panellist who cautioned against self-identification by sexual minorities and the liberal use of pronouns. The association reached out to the media and the localised controversy soon turned into a national issue across news networks and social media. The association demanded that the panellist apologise for his views and issue a public statement in this context. The panellist, on the other hand, seemed unmoved by the issue. In the meantime, the University has come under huge pressure to resolve the issue. The Vice Chancellor set up a Committee to look into the matter and its peaceful resolution. You have been appointed as the Chairperson of the Committee. In this regard, answer the following questions: (a) Discuss the various moral issues involved in the case. (b) Keeping the right to freedom of speech and expression in mind, highlight the steps you would take to resolve the issue and list arguments in support.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"You are a young athlete representing India at an international-level competition. To your surprise, during the competition, you witness a few senior athletes injecting something using a syringe in private. When you approach them, they explain that it is a performance enhancing drug, which is very common in such competitions and you should take the same as well. You are aware that if these players get caught in a doping test, it may damage India's reputation. You are confused and afraid of the repercussions and decide to approach the coach to discuss the event you witnessed. However, you get to know that the athletes are taking the drug on the advice of the coach himself. (a) What would you do in this scenario? Discuss the options available to you and chart your course of action. (b) What are the reasons behind the use of performance enhancing drugs in competitive sporting events? How can this practice be minimized?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"You have been newly appointed as the District Magistrate of a district, which is known for its rich mineral deposits. Following the news being circulated in the media about the illegal mining in your district, you have initiated an enquiry into it. When the State's Minister of Mines and Minerals gets to know of the enquiry initiated by you, he directs you to name some junior government employees as being involved in the wrongdoing and make them scapegoats. He also points out that elections to the State Assembly are around the corner and the present government wishes to stay clear of any political corruption. This Minister is a very influential figure in the present regime and there are high chances of the present ruling party being voted back to power. In due course of the enquiry, it has come to your notice that the said Minister has also been involved in illegal mining through his cronies. The findings of the enquiry can affect the outcome of the elections as well as completely derail your career, if the incumbent party wins the elections, which looks very likely as per the polls. Answer the following with reference to this case: (a) Identify the stakeholders and the ethical issues in the given case. (b) Critically evaluate the options in the given scenario and state your course of action, giving reasons.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2121,"topper":"BHARTI SAHU","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d1f91-287335_2488_bharti_sahu_rank_850.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"A mind all logic is like a knife all blade, it makes the hand bleed that uses it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"History is a cyclic poem written by time upon the memories of man.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The wise man does at once what the fool does finally.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The world is a tragedy to those who feel, but a comedy to those who think.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Perfect clarity would profit the intellect but damage the will.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2122,"topper":"BHARTI SAHU","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ee041-287335_2425_bharti_sahu_rank_850.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"For effective corporate governance to take place in the coming years, why is it important to integrate the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics with the multi-stakeholder approach? What benefits can be accrued by such integration? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Wealthy CEOs and founders of successful businesses around the world are increasingly pledging to give away their wealth in philanthropy. Do you think that such a move is sufficient enough to bring about a positive change in the society? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"As organizations across the globe begin their artificial intelligence (AI) transformation, the leap into the AI era is expected to be more challenging than any technology that businesses have grappled with yet. In this background, discuss the concerns around fairness, transparency, and job security that may arise. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The emphasis of Swami Dayanand Saraswati on education, social equality, and ethical values continues to influence the socio-cultural discourse in contemporary India. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Emotional intelligence may not be singularly associated with emotions or intelligence. It can also include a broad range of personality characteristics that might predict success in professional and everyday life. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Traditional forms of state-led accountability, also characterised as vertical and horizontal channels of accountability, are increasingly found to be inadequate, and a myriad of multi-stakeholder and bottom-up citizen directed approaches have come to the fore, to supplement or supplant them. Discuss with illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":33,"question":"With reference to this case study, answer the following: (a) What are the issues involved in this case? (b) What measures can be taken to minimize the negative implications of adopting such technologies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"In the given situation: (a) What dilemmas does Rina face? (b) What options does she have? Provide the merits and demerits of each. (c) Highlight the course of action she should adopt, along with justification for the same. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Additionally, companies like BMW, Volvo, Google and Korean battery maker Samsung SDI, vowed in a statement to not buy metals produced from deep-sea mining until the environmental risks of the activity are “comprehensively understood.” In the context of the above-stated information, address the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the given case study? (b) How can the vision of economic development of a nation be achieved without adversely affecting the sustainability of oceans? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"That her wedding will not be held as a private ceremony with only close friends and family, but should be publicised in a grand way, as you had promised earlier to her. Given this situation, answer the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the above situation? (b) What are the various options that you have, as a father and an ambitious politician? (c) What will be your course of action? Justify with proper reasoning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2123,"topper":"BHASWATA SAIKIA","air":552,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/05e79e85886db31c562f8e2fb26b6867/36/maths-1_bhaswata-saikia.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2124,"topper":"BHASWATA SAIKIA","air":552,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/05e79e85886db31c562f8e2fb26b6867/37/maths-8_bhaswata-saikia.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2125,"topper":"Bhavesh Jaglan","air":128,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/BHAVESH-JAGLANUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-128-Sample-ESSAY-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"3. The philosophy that all creatures have a purpose needs due attention.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"(1) and (2) Through elaboration on two facets -\n(1) What are the benefits of giving due attention to this philosophy?\n(2) What are the perils of ignoring this philosophy?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2126,"topper":"Bhavesh Jaglan","air":128,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/BHAVESH-JAGLANUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-128-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1 \"Nalanda is a symbol of India's academic heritage and vibrant cultural exchange\". Elucidate with special references to foreign travelers' accounts.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) The period of Delhi Sultans witnessed the emergence of Indo-Persian culture. Discuss the statement with reference to developments in the fields of literature, art and architecture.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Give a brief account of the contributions of early nationalists to the Indian freedom struggle.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4 The Vaikom Satyagraha marked a historic milestone in India's fight against social injustice, demonstrating the power of non-violent resistance in dismantling oppressive caste barriers. Explain.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) The Oslo Accords, once hailed as a landmark diplomatic achievement, failed to address key issues highlighting the challenges of achieving lasting peace between Israel and Palestine. Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) What are Northern and Southern lights? Explain the phenomenon and discuss their associated impacts on Earth's atmosphere and human activities.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7 Identifying the major automobile clusters in India, enumerate the favourable factors for the location of the automobile industry.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8 \"India's diversity is her greatest strength.\" In light of the statement, explain how diversity has enriched and strengthened Indian society.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 Critically examine the effects of globalization on the youth in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 The recognition of LGBTQ rights in India marks significant progress, but the journey towards full societal integration and acceptance remains arduous, necessitating a profound socio-cultural shift. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 Throw light upon the importance of seals and sealings in the reconstruction of socio-economic and religious life of the Harappan people. Also explain why many of the known Harappan settlements are in semi-arid regions.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 Describe the significance of the Dandi March (1930) as the starting point of the Civil Disobedience Movement. Also discuss the national and international reactions to the Dandi March and the Salt Satyagraha.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13) Give a reasoned account of the distribution of deserts across the earth with the help of relevant examples.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) Discuss the impact of local winds on their associated regions, citing examples from different parts of the world.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Rare Earths Elements (REE) are considered as 'Vitamins of Modern Industry'. In this context, bring out the multi-dimensional implications of uneven distribution of REE in the world.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) Describe the various factors that influence ocean currents and discuss their multi-dimensional impact.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 Briefly explain the process of tide formation and differentiate between tides and waves.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18) While social media facilitates unprecedented connectivity and self-expression, it can also widen social crevices and fractures. In this context, examine the impact of social media on Indian society.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 The regionalism in India is both a response to the failures in addressing regional aspirations and as an assertion of socio-cultural identity in the face of perceived marginalization. Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 Explain how traditional gender roles and responsibilities exacerbate the vulnerability of women to extreme heat conditions. Suggest strategies to mitigate these vulnerabilities.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2127,"topper":"Bhavesh Jaglan","air":128,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/BHAVESH-JAGLANUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-128-Sample-MGP-Copy-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) The Indian Constitution does not embody a strict separation of powers rather it introduces a system of checks and balances, with overlapping functions and interdependencies among the legislature, executive, and judiciary. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Recently, the Supreme Court has expanded the scope of Articles 14 and 21 to include the \"right against the adverse effects of climate change\". In this context, citing relevant case laws, discuss the role played by Indian judiciary in 'constitutionalization' of environmental issues.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) The Speaker's inclination to cater to party loyalties often undermines the dignity and impartiality of the office, eroding public trust in the legislative process. Analyse with the help of recent examples.","marks":"10 marks, 150","words":"10"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Assess the effectiveness of SEBI in fulfilling its envisaged role of regulating the securities market, ensuring transparency, and protecting investors' interests.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) The foundational strength of the Indian Constitution stems from its ability to integrate diverse socio-political perspectives. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) Parliamentary committees serve as vital tools for legislative oversight, ensuring accountability and transparency in governance processes. In light of the statement, examine the role of the Public Accounts Committee in establishing financial accountability of the executive.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) Without addressing the issues that hinder the full and effective participation of persons with disabilities in political and public life, the goal of achieving inclusiveness and their empowerment will remain unattainable. Analyze.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) What roles do community-based interventions play in enhancing access to preventive and promotive healthcare services in India?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 The current composition of the UNSC, with under-representation and un-representation of key regions is detrimental to its legitimacy and effectiveness, underscoring the urgent need for reforms. Elaborate. Also, present a case for India's permanent membership in the UNSC.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) \"The ongoing internal crisis in Myanmar is impeding India's Act East Policy.\" In light of the statement, discuss the measures taken by India to deal with the crisis and associated challenges.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 \"The Basic Structure Doctrine, lauded for safeguarding the core principles of the Constitution against majoritarian impulses, is also criticized for enabling judicial overreach and disturbing the balance of power as envisioned by the Constitution.\" Elaborate","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) Enumerate the salient features of Representation of People's Act, 1951. In your opinion, what amendments are needed in the Act to further the cause of free and fair elections in light of contemporary challenges.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 The cooperative nature of Indian federalism is being increasingly challenged by emerging differences in Centre-State relations. Discuss. What steps can be taken to strengthen the cooperative spirit of Indian federalism?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 Parliamentary privileges are fundamental for lawmakers to discharge their duties without undue influence. However ensuring the responsible exercise of these privileges is crucial for fostering public trust and ensuring the accountability of public institutions. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 The Constitution of India provides several rights that empower the individual, yet it balances these freedoms with reasonable restrictions in the larger public interest. Discuss how constitutional restrictions on fundamental rights strike a fine balance between individual interests and societal interests. Also, mention the principles that are considered in evaluating the reasonableness of restrictions with reference case laws.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) Self-Help Groups (SHGs) can play a crucial role in alleviating rural poverty by providing women with access to microfinance, enabling them to start small businesses and improve their livelihoods. Examine","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 Despite the implementation of numerous policies and schemes aimed at combating hunger and malnutrition in the country, their effectiveness remains limited. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18) The true test of good governance is the degree to which it ensures accountability towards citizens and delivers on the promise of sustainable and inclusive human development. Discuss in the context of challenges to good governance in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19) As the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) provides a judicial mechanism for the peaceful resolution of international disputes. In this context, throw light on the structure and mandate of ICJ. Also, highlight the challenges it faces in fulfilling its mandate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 Geopolitical shifts pose challenges to India-Russia relations, yet the relationship remains robust, driven by deep-rooted trust and a shared commitment to sustain a multifaceted strategic partnership. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2128,"topper":"Bhavesh Jaglan","air":128,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/BHAVESH-JAGLANUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-128-Sample-MGP-Copy-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) Achieving inclusive growth requires a multidimensional approach that goes beyond economic growth. Discuss in context of India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Examine the implications of the expansion of gig workforce on economic growth and employment scenario in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) What is precision agriculture? How can precision agriculture help in optimizing crop production and resource management?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) While MSMEs are the backbone of the Indian economy, they encounter various hurdles in their operation and expansion. Discuss. Also, suggest steps to support the growth of the MSME sector.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) Explain the significance of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) in transforming India into a knowledge-based and innovation-driven economy. Also, mention various government initiatives aimed at strengthening the protection and enforcement of IPRs in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6 Gaganyaan mission is a landmark endeavour for India, marking significant advancements in space exploration and contributing to broader national objectives; however, overcoming the associated technical and safety challenges is crucial for its success. Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) What are the challenges in the safe management of e-waste in India? How can collaboration among multiple stakeholders help in sustainable e-waste management?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8 Define Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and mention its various stages. Also, highlight the significance of EIA in balancing developmental needs with environmental conservation in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 Integrated Theatre Commands shall bring jointness in operation, synergy of resources and enable armed forces in carrying out swift, effective, and decisive actions. Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) India's internal security dynamics is inextricably linked with the peace and stability in the neighborhood. Explain with special reference to instability on the eastern border.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 The introduction of Goods and Services Tax (GST) was hailed as a transformative fiscal reform; however, the journey of GST has been a mixed bag of successes and challenges. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) Discuss the potential of food processing sector in addressing the issues of low value addition, high post-harvest losses and disguised unemployment plaguing Indian agriculture. Also, explain why the sector has underperformed despite its significant potential.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 Despite the government's ambitious targets, rooftop solar installations in India are hindered by multiple factors. Elaborate. How far do you think that PM Surya Ghar Yojana can incentivise the adoption of rooftop solar installations?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) Agricultural marketing reforms are imperative for addressing market inefficiencies and boosting farm incomes. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Discuss the contribution of livestock sector to the rural economy and the empowerment of women. Also, highlight main challenges faced by the livestock sector in the country and suggest strategies to overcome these challenges.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) Generative AI holds immense potential to transform various aspects of daily life, offering both benefits and challenges. Elaborate. What policy measures do you suggest to maximize its benefits and mitigate its risks?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 Describe the major outcomes of the 28th session of the Conference of Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What were the major engagements of India in this conference?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 Explain the causes and impacts of landslides. Also, discuss the various measures to mitigate their impact, with a special emphasis on National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) guidelines.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) is showing a downward trend but still affects many parts of the country. Highlighting the reasons for the continuance of LWE in certain pockets, suggest strategies to deal with this menace.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20) Analyse how the adoption of emerging and disruptive technologies for money laundering is adding new layers of complexity to an already intricate issue. Also, highlight the measures taken to tackle the problem of money laundering both at national and international levels.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2129,"topper":"Bhavesh Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/64202-bhavesh-mishra_58_2014_essay_booklet_3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The booming superstition market in India's Knowledge economy -","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2130,"topper":"Bhavesh Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c7741-bhavesh-mishra_58_2014_essay_booklet_2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"CYBER SECURITY OR A THREAT TO PRIVACY","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2131,"topper":"Bhavesh Mishra","air":58,"year":2014,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/87ac4-bhavesh-mishra_58_2014_essay_booklet_1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2132,"topper":"Bhavika","air":25,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/125O5lGEVuuMZ5vwkRD-qvlqItQAsSJg5/view","questions":[]},{"id":2133,"topper":"Bhavika","air":25,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iux8KNRK9-vB_dtT0sd72DgdM3Tzd-ms/view","questions":[]},{"id":2134,"topper":"Bhavika Chopra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/416d4-1217831_4514_bhavika_chopra_rank_25.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Write two essays, choosing one topic from each of the Sections A and B, in about 1000-1200 words each :\n1. You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it.\n2. In matters of conscience, the law of the majority has no place.\n3. He who opens a school door, closes a prison.\n4. Only in the depths of winter can we truly appreciate the warmth of spring.\n5. We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.\n6. Copying is safe; innovation demands courage.\n7. The more we automate, the more human we must become.\n8. The pursuit of instant validation is creating a generation of restless minds.","marks":"125 x 2 = 250","words":"about 1000-1200 words each"}]},{"id":2135,"topper":"Bhavika Chopra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/20e28-1217831_2422_bhavika_chopra_rank_25.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. The traditional theatre forms of India reflect the ideals and emotions of the society, and an individual's role in the community. Discuss with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. Provide an account of the historical and architectural importance of the Sanchi Stupa. Also, discuss how it inspired the future architecture in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. Bhagat Singh made a real breakthrough in terms of revolutionary ideology, the goals of revolution and forms of revolutionary struggle. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. Bringing out the factors that led to the Meiji restoration, discuss its significance for Japan.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. It is believed that a nation is an \"imagined community\" held together by common beliefs, history, political aspirations etc. In this context, discuss what the basis of India as a nation is. Also, bring out the threats to the concept of Indian nationhood. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. State the key factors behind the growth of the pharmaceutical industry in India. Additionally, discuss its significance with regard to India's economy and public health.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. Discuss why the Bay of Bengal is more prone to cyclones than the Arabian Sea. Also, explain the reasons for the decrease in frequency of tropical cyclones during the Southwest monsoon season.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. Despite being destructive in nature, volcanoes are critical for the existence of human life on earth. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. The existence of relative deprivation is an important aspect in constructing the argument for regionalism. Explain with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. If India is to realise the goal of 'education for all', the issue of rising cases of bullying and other forms of school violence needs to be addressed immediately. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. Bring out the role played by the Ahom Kingdom in shaping the cultural and historical identity of North-East India, and discuss its legacy in contemporary times.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. The capitalist class generally remained ambivalent in their support to the Indian National Congress until 1940s. In this context, analyse the varying positions of the Indian capitalists throughout the national movement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. Trace the evolution of the press in India. Also, discuss the instrumental impact it had during various stages of the Indian freedom struggle despite the repressive policies of the British.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. Highlighting the factors behind the formation of different types of deserts, give a brief account of the major landforms found in them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. Mountains are fragile ecosystems vulnerable to the adverse impact of climate change and other anthropogenic interventions. Illustrate with examples. Also, highlight the initiatives taken for their sustainable management. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. Discuss the reasons behind unsustainable management of sand resources in India. Highlighting its impact, enumerate the remedial measures taken in this context.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. Giving an account of the major lithium-producing countries, discuss the geo-political aspects of lithium production and its environmental implications. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. The youth are capable of identifying themselves with a global identity and connecting with events and experiences outside their countries. In this context, discuss the impact of globalization on the various aspects of youth identity.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. As fertility rates decline in India, future demographic concerns center around an ageing population and a weak social security system. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. With a significant proportion of India's population expected to live in urban areas by 2030, the welfare of the urban poor needs to take centre-stage in public policy. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2136,"topper":"Bhavika Chopra","air":25,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/BHAVIKA-CHOPRA-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-25-Sample-AWFG-Copy-1-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Q.1) Write a short note on the following:\na) Balfour Declaration\nb) Cuban Missile Crisis\nc) October revolution","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":3,"question":"Q.5) Examine the philosophical, scientific, and rational advancements of the 14th-17th centuries in Europe and their direct role in catalyzing the Industrial Revolution.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.6) The first world war ended in the Treaty of Versailles, in which Germany had to pay reparations and lost its productive coal fields.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"8. Clash of ideologies of axis and allied powers. (democracy v/s authoritarianism)\n1. Rise of USA as a superpower on the global stage. (entered WW II after Pearl Harbour attacks in 1941)\n2. Beginning of cold war - USSR and USA based on (communist v/s capitalist ideologies)\n3. Risk of de-colonisation process - independent nation states arose in South Asia\n4. Fall in the British Empire's hegemony\n5. Berlin stand off - east and west Germany partitioned\n6. myth of 'white man's burden' of civilisation busted.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2137,"topper":"Bhavika Chopra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/28194-1217831_4511_bhavika_chopra_rank_25.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. How does the Supreme Court's recent decision on Aligarh Muslim University's minority status affect the interpretation of Article 30 of the Indian Constitution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. The Supreme Court, in a recent verdict, prescribed a time period for the Governor's assent to state legislative bills. What are the implications of this judgment for cooperative federalism and legislative accountability in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. Discuss the recent changes and initiatives related to cooperatives that aim to smoothen the tussle between the Centre and States in the cooperative sector.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. In recent years, use of social media and digital mobilisation by civil society has emerged as a powerful form of pressure politics. Examine its impact on policymaking and democratic accountability.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. How is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) emerging as a business-led solution for addressing development challenges in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. Discuss how mechanisms like public consultations and Jan Sunwais in India impact governance outcomes.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. How effective have the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) and Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan been in addressing substance abuse in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. Rote learning and neglect of creativity in foundational education setup in India make it less ready for marketplaces that are now driven by Artificial Intelligence. Do you agree with this view? Substantiate your argument.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Analyze the transformation of the G7 from a symbol of Western strategic unity to a forum marked by internal contradictions. How should India navigate this changing dynamic to advance its strategic interests? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. Discuss the role of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in the development of developing countries. What are the key criticisms associated with its approach? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. The 103rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019 has introduced a new dimension to the principle of affirmative action in India. Critically examine its implications for the broader goal of social justice. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. The District Planning Committee (DPC) was envisioned as a key instrument to strengthen grassroots-level planning. How far has it succeeded in achieving this goal? Discuss the challenges faced by DPCs and suggest measures to make them more effective.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. The restrictions imposed under Article 293 of the Constitution on State borrowing powers, though constitutionally valid, may hinder fiscal autonomy of States and disrupt cooperative federalism. Discuss in the light of recent developments. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. Examine the tension between the right to contest elections and the need to uphold electoral ethics under the Representation of the People Act. Should there be a lifetime ban on convicted criminals? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. To what extent has the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme, launched in 2015, succeeded in addressing the declining child sex ratio and empowering the girl child? Suggest measures to enhance its impact at the grassroots level.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":41,"question":"16 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are emerging as vehicles of socio-economic transformation in rural India. Examine the role of government in scaling their reach and effectiveness.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. Despite economic growth, multidimensional poverty continues to persist in India. Analyse the underlying causes and discuss the measures taken by the government to address them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. India faces a paradox of food surplus and nutritional deficit. Analyse the structural reasons behind this paradox and suggest reform strategies. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. India's timely response during the economic crises in Sri Lanka and the Maldives reflects its \"Neighbourhood First\" policy in action. Examine how Indian aid has impacted bilateral ties with these nations. What steps can further be taken to promote sustainable economic cooperation in the Indian Ocean region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. Discuss the geostrategic significance of Afghanistan for India in the context of continental connectivity and access to Central Asia. How has the altered political landscape post-2021 affected India's connectivity and energy corridor ambitions? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2138,"topper":"Bhavika Chopra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c8dfb-1217831_4512_bhavika_chopra_rank_25.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. Analyse the factors that have contributed to India's inclusive economic growth in the past decade. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. The Reserve Bank of India's surplus transfers offer the government much-needed fiscal space, yet they are not without challenges. Critically examine the implications of the RBI's surplus transfers to the government.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. To what extent was the first National Monetization Pipeline (NMP) able to meet its objectives? What are the objectives of the new Asset Monetization Plan 2025–30 as announced in the recent 2025 Budget? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. Examine the major challenges hindering the Indian textile industry from achieving its full potential in the global value chain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. Why has India become increasingly import-dependent for edible oils despite being a major agricultural economy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. Air accidents are low-frequency but high-impact events. Examine the disaster management protocols in place for aviation-related emergencies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. Chemical pollution poses a grave threat to human health and the environment in India. Discuss the key sources contributing to pervasive chemical contamination and evaluate the effectiveness of existing environmental laws in curbing this problem.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. Missile defence systems are becoming critical for national security in the face of evolving regional threats and advanced weapon technologies. Explain the working principle of missile defence systems. Critically assess India's progress in developing indigenous missile defence capabilities. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Despite multiple resolutions and initiatives undertaken by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), its efforts to counter terrorism have achieved limited success. Discuss the reasons for this limited effectiveness.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. India practices a ‘multi-alignment’ approach in its cyber diplomacy. How does this posture strengthen India’s internal security while maintaining strategic autonomy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. While examining the shortcomings of the land reforms in the past, elaborate what land reforms 2.0 should look like. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. As NITI Aayog completes 10 years of its establishment, critically examine its role in the planning and development paradigm of governance in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. What are the primary causes of limited formal credit penetration among the rural and unbanked populations in India? Comment on the effectiveness of Small Finance Banks in addressing this gap and advancing inclusive financial growth.","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. To what extent has the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for the food processing industry facilitated value addition, employment generation, and global competitiveness in India's food processing industry? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. Waste circularity is emerging as a sustainable solution to India's mounting solid waste crisis. Discuss the key principles of waste circularity and the government's initiative in this regard. How effective have these measures been in fostering a circular economy? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. Discuss the importance of integrating traditional ecological knowledge of India's tribal communities with modern disaster management frameworks. Mention two examples where indigenous practices have contributed to disaster resilience.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. CRISPR technology has rapidly advanced in recent years, with new tools and clinical breakthroughs. Highlight the recent developments in CRISPR-based gene editing technology applications. Discuss the opportunities and ethical challenges these advancements present for healthcare and society.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. A credible semiconductor ecosystem is pivotal for India's economic security as much as for national security. Analyse the strategic objectives, incentives, and institutional architecture of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM). Identify the major risks that could derail its timelines.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. Intricate inter-play of diverse factors has been the force multipliers for extremism in the North East. Discuss. Suggest a multilayered strategy to tackle the menace of extremism in this region.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"20 Despite recent steps towards inducting women into combat roles, their participation remains low. Examine the key challenges impeding the greater inclusion of women in the Indian armed forces. Also, suggest suitable measures to enhance their participation.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2139,"topper":"Bhavika Chopra","air":25,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/BHAVIKA-CHOPRA-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-25-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) It is often said that politics and ethics belong to different worlds. What is your opinion in this regard? Justify your answer with illustration. Also, highlight the consequences of divergence between politics and ethics.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) \"Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.\" In the context of this statement, bring out the ethical issues involved with creating a surveillance state for the sake of national security.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) Family plays a prominent role in the value development of an individual. Elucidate. Also, examine the impact of the changing nature of families on children's moral development.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) Different individuals have different conceptions of patriotism. What does patriotism mean to you? Narrate in brief any two real-life incidents when you displayed patriotism","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) a) Moral behaviour is not only good for the community in which one is a part but also for the individuals who profess it. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) Discuss the important teachings of Swami Vivekananda. Bring out their relevance in the contemporary world.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.4) a) \"Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.\" Discuss the importance of emotional intelligence in self-realisation. Do you think emotional intelligence can be learned?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"4. Aids in regulation of inter-personal and intra-personal relationship","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"b) What do you understand by environmental ethics? Examine the ethical concerns in 'phase-down versus phase out debate' in the use of coal by developing countries.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.5) a) \"Two things define you: Your patience when you have nothing and your attitude when you have everything.\" What roles do attitude and patience play in the personal and professional lives of civil servants?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"b) Gendered attitudes convert differences in sexes into discriminations. Examine the factors responsible for negative attitudes toward women in the Indian society. How can these attitudes be changed?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.6) What does each of the following quotation mean to you?\na) \"Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.\" - Mahatma Gandhi.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"b) \"The price good men pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men.\" - Plato.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"c) \"Whatever is begun in anger, ends in shame\" - Benjamin Franklin.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7 Consider yourself in Prahlad's position and answer the following questions:\na) How will you induce behavioral change to nudge people to move towards eco-friendly products?\nb) What factors will you have to consider while inspiring such a change?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"खुद को प्रहलाद की स्थिति में रखें और निम्नलिखित प्रश्नों के उत्तर दें:\na) आप लोगों को पर्यावरण-अनुकूल उत्पादों की ओर बढ़ने के लिए प्रेरित करने के लिए व्यवहार में बदलाव कैसे लाएंगे?\nb) इस तरह के बदलाव को प्रेरित करते समय आपको किन कारकों पर विचार करना होगा?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.8 A gaming website dedicated to chess has gained popularity in recent times due to its online lessons and tips for improving skills in the game. You have recently started playing chess at the platform. The platform provides you analysis of your games and suggests areas of improvement. The online lessons have helped you improve your game a lot over a very short time. You are amazed at the ability of competing with players of all levels of skills from across the world. While testing and improving your chess skills on the platform, you have made friendship and acquaintances with many competitive chess players from different parts of the world. Recently, you have been encountering racial, religious and stereotypical remarks during the games from the other players. Initially you ignored such things as childish tactics by an opponent to distract you from your gameplay. Later you would try to engage with such people to dispel stereotypes. But increasingly such experiences are making you sad and bitter. Now you block such people as you encounter them. What started as a fun and stimulating experience for you has become a source of negativity in your life. In your discussions with other people, you come to realize that they have also experienced similar racial and religious slurs, and many people have left the platform to avoid the abusive experience. You also sense that this is not an issue specific to this gaming website but is part of the generally seen behaviour on social media. You used to consider online trolling as harmless puns that could not create actual harm, but after experiencing its dark side as a victim you are realizing its negative impact. Given this information, what are your thoughts on the following:\na) How should one deal with the issues of on-line abuse such as in the case above? What options are available to you?\nb) What values should guide online behaviour? Do these values differ from values governing offline conduct?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"a) किसी को ऑनलाइन दुरुपयोग के मुद्दों से कैसे निपटना चाहिए, जैसा कि ऊपर के केस अध्ययन में है? आपके पास कौन से विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nb) ऑनलाइन व्यवहार को किन मूल्यों द्वारा निर्देशित किया जाना चाहिए? क्या ये मूल्य ऑफलाइन आचरण को निर्देशित करने वाले मूल्यों से भिन्न हैं?","marks":"20 अंक, 250 शब्द","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.9 You are working as Director (Human Resource) in a software company. Various factors such as economic slowdown in some of the major trade partners of India and disruptive technological changes like generative Artificial Intelligence require rapid adaptive measures from businesses to survive. The marketing department has reported that there is lack of demand for the services provided by your company in the market and business-as-usual scenario could spell doom for the company. Your company has decided to take a slew of measures to tread through a tough phase of the business which include technological rejuvenation of the company and streamlining the workforce. A significant number of employees in your organization are above fifty years of age and are finding it difficult to adapt to the new working conditions and the rapid upskilling required by the company. After proper training, the employees were subjected to a test, and a list was prepared of those who are above fifty years of age and who did not do well in the test. You have been told by the board of directors that they have plans to lay off approximately 25% of the employees. This is essential for the efficiency and survival of the company. You have been given a list of employees who are to be laid off and you have been told to communicate to them the decision of the company to terminate them.\na) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\nb) As the head of the HR department, what ethical dilemma do you face?\nc) Do you think that the company's decision is appropriate? According to you what should have been the ideal course of action in the given scenario?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"a) उपरोक्त केस अध्ययन में नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\nb) मानव संसाधन विभाग के प्रमुख के रूप में, आपको किस नैतिक दुविधा का सामना करना पड़ता है?\nc) क्या आपको लगता है कि कंपनी का निर्णय उचित है? आपके अनुसार दिए गए परिदृश्य में कार्रवाई का आदर्श तरीका क्या होना चाहिए था?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.10) Mr. A is travelling by road with his family to attend a marriage ceremony. His grandfather, who is the head of the family, is also travelling with him. On the way to their destination, all of them stop at a roadside restaurant for lunch. This is a well-known restaurant owned by one of the friends of Mr. A. The place is known for its tasty and hygienic food.\n\nHowever, the grandfather notices a picture on the wall of the restaurant and enquires about the religion of the restaurant owner. Mr. A's friend belongs to a religion different from his grandfather's religion. The grandfather has a negative attitude towards the religion of Mr. A's friend, and he insists that he will not eat in that restaurant. He demands that the entire family leave the restaurant immediately, as they are travelling for a happy occasion and eating at this particular restaurant will pollute them. Mr. A tries to calm down his grandfather and explain to him that religion has nothing to do with purity or pollution. He also reasons that several travel magazines have rated the restaurant highly, especially for its superior hygiene standards. Also, he points out that there is no restaurant in the way for the next 100 km, and it will be difficult for all to make do without food for that long. However, his arguments fall on deaf ears, and more specifically, his grandfather admonishes him for bringing the family to the restaurant despite being aware of the religion of the owner. Mr. A's friend feels insulted and discriminated against due to his religion. Mr. A's father is upset but refuses to say anything out of respect for the grandfather. The entire family is embarrassed by the attitude of the grandfather, and they are getting ready to leave the restaurant. Mr. A is confused regarding how he should act in this situation.\na) What are the various ethical issues in the above case study?\nb) Imagine yourself in the place of Mr. A. Evaluate the different courses of action available to you. What is the most suitable course of action?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"a) and b) a) उपरोक्त केस अध्ययन में विभिन्न नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\nb) खुद को श्री A की जगह पर रखकर कल्पना कीजिए। दी गई विभिन्न कार्यवाही का मूल्यांकन कीजिए। सबसे उपयुक्त कार्यवाही क्या है?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":53,"question":"Q.11) Based on your understanding of the above case study, answer the following:\na) Examine the importance of the adversity quotient in life, citing examples. How can the adversity quotient be developed?\nb) As a friend of Arun, what suggestions would you give to him to overcome the aftermath of the tragedy?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"निम्नलिखित का उत्तर दें:\na) उदाहरण देते हुए जीवन में प्रतिकूलता के महत्व की परिभाषा कीजिए। एडवर्सिटी कोटेंट (AQ) को कैसे विकसित किया जा सकता है?\nb) अरुण के मित्र के रूप में, आप उसे संकट के बाद के परिणामों से उबरने के लिए क्या सुझाव देंगे?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":59,"question":"Q.12 Nested in the lap of the Himalayas, Purabkashi is a town located on the way to major pilgrimage destinations. The town is traversed by a section of the Panch-Dham Road Project, whose objective is to improve connectivity to the five major pilgrimage centers in the region. The project aims to develop and widen nearly 900 km of national highways in the Himalayas, making journeys to these centers safer, faster, and more convenient. The project is being constructed at a very high cost and is expected to boost tourism in the region and reduce road accidents occurring in the hilly region. The project is also important from a security point of view, as these roads can act as strategic feeder roads that connect the border with the Army camps in the nearby areas. The roads may facilitate quicker movement of troops and supplies and can serve as a strategic asset in connecting the border regions. However, from the conception stage of the project itself, various NGOs have raised several fault lines regarding its environmental sustainability. It has been noted that the project may destroy about 690 hectares of forests, and an estimated 20 million cubic meters of soil need to be removed. Experts raise concern that such a high-impact activity may aggravate erosion and destabilize the slopes. Large-scale uprooting of vegetation can prove to be perilous for biodiversity and regional ecology. Indiscriminate blasting during road construction creates cracks in soil and rocks that may enhance the possibility of landslides and associated disasters in the future. In 2018, the project was challenged in the Supreme Court by an NGO for its potential impact on the Himalayan ecology due to felling trees, cutting hills, and dumping excavated material. The Supreme Court then constituted a high-powered committee that warned against widening the road by 12 meters. It had suggested that the widening stay between 5.5 and 7 meters. However, this recommendation by independent experts was opposed by government officials and ultimately sidelined. The worst fears of the local and scientific communities came true when about 40 workers got trapped inside a tunnel after the under-construction tunnel structure collapsed in Purabkashi. Overnight, Purabkashi became the talk of the country. The project was awarded to the contractor, PQR Enterprises. Mr. Vinay Kumar, who has experience completing many such projects in the past, was appointed as Project Director, overseeing the smooth completion of the project and monitoring the contractor's work. Mr. Vinay is known for his honesty and dedication. Prior to the mishap, he had successfully overseen this project to meet its timeline. But after the mishap, the higher authorities are privately requesting the project director, Mr. Vinay, to take responsibility for the mishap. To manage the growing resentment in the locality and nationwide, he is being asked to step down as project director. But Mr. Vinay feels that he is being unfairly blamed. To alleviate the pressure from the public, he is being scapegoated. The project had issues right from the conception stage, given the ecological fragility of the region. Various ecological experts and geological scientists think that the incident has exposed not only the project's vulnerabilities but also the lapses in the safe tunnel construction mechanisms carried out, like the failure to construct an escape tunnel. Several experts have pointed out this incident as a warning for future disasters, as now questions have been raised about the fragility of the Himalayas in sustaining massive infrastructure projects like the Panch-Dham project. The government, despite many voices against the project, is treating the incident as an isolated incident and moving on with the further construction of the project. There is a protest happening in the state with a demand by the people to consider the project's environmental consequences and also the operations of the contractor, PQR Enterprises, in the particular project.\na) What are the various ethical issues involved in the above case study?\nb) As the head of the Panch-Dham Project, what are the options available to Mr. Vinay? Analyze the advantages and disadvantages of each.\nc) In your opinion, between the twin objectives of development and conservation, what should be given more priority and why?","marks":"20 marks, 250","words":"20"},{"page":61,"question":"a) उपरोक्त केस अध्ययन में शामिल विभिन्न नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\nb) पंच-धाम परियोजना के प्रमुख के रूप में, श्री विनय के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं? प्रत्येक के फायदे और नुकसान का विश्लेषण कीजिए\nc) आपकी राय में, विकास और संरक्षण के दोहरे उद्देश्यों के बीच, किसे अधिक प्राथमिकता दी जानी चाहिए और क्यों? (20 अंक, 250 शब्द)","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":63,"question":"3. 'Sunlight is the best disinfectant'","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2140,"topper":"Bhavika Chopra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Visionias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c9647-1217831_2425_bhavika_chopra_rank_25.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. (a) For effective corporate governance to take place in the coming years, why is it important to integrate the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics with the multi-stakeholder approach? What benefits can be accrued by such integration? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"1. (b) In acts of corruption, the focus is often only on the demand side of the equation, on public officials who abuse their office for private gain. Frequently, the supply side is given less attention. Those who pay bribes are sometimes depicted as innocent parties and victims of extortionary practices of wily public servants. Do you agree that 'collusive corruption', in which there is a willing bribe-giver, is a formidable challenge for institutions fighting corruption?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"2. (a) The Citizens' Charters initiative was a response to the quest for solving the problems, which a citizen encountered, day in and day out, while dealing with the organisations providing public services. But the introduction and implementation of Citizens' Charters in the government of India has been difficult due to the old bureaucratic set up and the rigid attitudes of the work force. Discuss the major obstacles that have been encountered in implementing the Citizens' Charter initiative.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"2. (b) Quality of public service delivery is a major determinant of the quality of life of vulnerable sections in a highly unequal society divided along the lines of class, caste, religion, etc. In this background, do you think that public service delivery is efficient and sufficient enough to improve the lives of vulnerable groups in India? Critically examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"3 (a) What do each of the following quotations mean to you?\n(a) \"The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own.\" - Lao Tzu (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"3. (b) \"If ethics are poor at the top, that behavior is copied down through the organization.\" - Robert Noyce (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"3. (c) \"The end of law is not to abolish or restrain, but to preserve and enlarge freedom.\" - John Locke (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"4. (a) Wealthy CEOs and founders of successful businesses around the world are increasingly pledging to give away their wealth in philanthropy. Do you think that such a move is sufficient enough to bring about a positive change in the society? Critically examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"4. (b) As organizations across the globe begin their artificial intelligence (AI) transformation, the leap into the AI era is expected to be more challenging than any technology that businesses have grappled with yet. In this background, discuss the concerns around fairness, transparency, and job security that may arise.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"5. (a) The emphasis of Swami Dayanand Saraswati on education, social equality, and ethical values continues to influence the socio-cultural discourse in contemporary India. Discuss with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"5. (b) Write short notes on the following in 30 words each :\n(i) Dedication to public service\n(ii) Non-partisanship in civil service\n(iii) Objectivity in decision-making","marks":"2 x 5 = 10","words":"30 words each"},{"page":28,"question":"6. (a) Emotional intelligence may not be singularly associated with emotions or intelligence. It can also include a broad range of personality characteristics that might predict success in professional and everyday life. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"6. (b) Traditional forms of state-led accountability, also characterised as vertical and horizontal channels of accountability, are increasingly found to be inadequate, and a myriad of multi-stakeholder and bottom-up citizen directed approaches have come to the fore, to supplement or supplant them. Discuss with illustrations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"7 In the context of this case, answer the following:\n(a) What are the issues involved in this case?\n(b) What measures can be taken to reduce the negative impacts of such technologies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"With reference to this case study, answer the following:\n(a) What are the issues involved in this case?\n(b) What measures can be taken to minimize the negative implications of adopting such technologies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"8 दी गई स्थिति में:\n(a) रीना को किन दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\n(b) उसके पास क्या विकल्प हैं? प्रत्येक के गुण और दोष बताइए।\n(c) उसके द्वारा अपनाई जाने वाली कार्रवाई को रेखांकित कीजिए, साथ ही उसका औचित्य सिद्ध कीजिए। (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"In the given situation:\n(a) What dilemmas does Rina face?\n(b) What options does she have? Provide the merits and demerits of each.\n(c) Highlight the course of action she should adopt, along with justification for the same. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"9 You have recently been posted as a Nodal Education Officer in one of the districts, where mass cheating in examinations is a regular phenomenon. Media reports have shown parents and relatives scaling school walls and buildings to pass answer chits to students taking secondary school examinations in the district. Moreover, with the advent of new technological devices, cheating in examinations has become more sophisticated and exam rules are flouted openly. On investigation, it has come to your notice that these rackets are run by many school authorities, including exam invigilators who are mostly teachers, and they are hand in glove for profits. With a shortage of staff, invigilators threaten go on mass strikes if any action is taken. Conducting the exams, cancelling them on account of cheating and having re-exams are a loss of time and money for the government and this vicious cycle goes on.\n\nAs the Nodal Education Officer of the district, address the following questions:\n(a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\n(b) How will you resolve the issues in the given case?\n(c) What long-term strategy needs to be adopted to deal with the menace of cheating in various examinations? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"10 उपयुक्त जानकारी के संदर्भ में, निम्नलिखित पर ध्यान दीजिए:\n(a) प्रस्तुत प्रकरण में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दे कौन-से हैं?\n(b) महासागरों की संधारणीयता पर प्रतिकूल प्रभाव डाले बिना किसी राष्ट्र के आर्थिक विकास के दृष्टिकोण को कैसे प्राप्त किया जा सकता है? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"In the context of the above-stated information, address the following:\n(a) What are the ethical issues in the given case study?\n(b) How can the vision of economic development of a nation be achieved without adversely affecting the sustainability of oceans? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"11 (a) आप एक जिला मजिस्ट्रेट हैं और यह क्षेत्र आपके क्षेत्राधिकार में आता है। दोनों पक्षों के लोग अपनी शिकायतें लेकर आपके पास आए हैं। आप दोनों दृष्टिकोणों में सामंजस्य स्थापित करने के लिए क्या करेंगे?\n(b) कार्रवाई के निम्नलिखित संभावित तरीकों के गुण और दोषों का उल्लेख कीजिए:\n(1) क्षेत्र के निवासियों के विरोध को नजरअंदाज करना और धार्मिक पूजा स्थल को मौजूदा नियमों के अनुसार बनाने की अनुमति दे देना।\n(2) नए पूजा स्थल पर भरोसा करने वाले हजारों उपासकों को निराश करते हुए, निवासियों से सहमत होकर निर्माण पर रोक लगा देना।\n(3) एक समझौते के रूप में, आपके द्वारा पूजा स्थल पर भवन निर्माण संबंधित अतिरिक्त नियमों को लागू किया जाना या डिजाइन में संशोधन पर बल दिया जाना। (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":53,"question":"(a) You are a District Magistrate and the area lies in your jurisdiction. People from both sides have approached you with their grievances. What would you do to reconcile the two points of view?\n(b) Mention the merits and demerits of the following potential courses of action:\n(1) Ignore the opposition from the residents of the area and allow the place of religious worship to be built in accordance with the existing regulations.\n(2) Prohibit the construction, agreeing with the residents while causing distress among the thousands of worshippers counting on the new place of worship.\n(3) As a compromise, you place additional building regulations on the worship place or insist on modifications to the design. (Answer in 250 words)\na) You are a District Magistrate and the area lies in your jurisdiction. People from both sides have approached you with their grievances. What would you do to reconcile the two points of view?\nb) Mention the merits and demerits of the following potential courses of action:\n1) Ignore the opposition from the residents of the area and allow the place of religious worship to be built in accordance with the existing regulations.\n2) Prohibit the construction, agreeing with the residents while causing distress among the thousands of worshippers counting on the new place of worship.\n3) As a compromise, you place additional building regulations on the worship place or insist on modifications to the design.","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"12 You are a public representative, elected on the ticket of a political party, considered as conservative by many. Your daughter, who has returned years after studying abroad, has conveyed to you her choice of marrying a person from another community. You personally do not consider anything wrong in her choice, and convey your assent to her. You also discuss it with many among your friends and family, and inform them of a grand wedding ceremony you are planning for your daughter. However, a few days after you have shared the news of the forthcoming grand wedding with many, you are informed by your political secretary about an issue being made of the same. He informs you that there are whispers among many people in your constituency about it, and indications of a sense of unease among some prominent citizens. While most of them are enamoured by your plans for a grand wedding ceremony for your daughter, they are unhappy about the bridegroom being from another community. You also get to know through your sources in the party, that your assent to the choice of the bridegroom may lead to a denial of ticket by the high command in the forthcoming elections. You are not only an ambitious politician and a rising star in your political party but also an open-minded, loving and doting father. But howsoever much you love your daughter's freedom and choices, you do not want her decision to adversely affect your political journey. This is more so, when you had been eagerly looking forward to greater responsibilities and a higher stature in the party, given the years of hardwork you have put in, as a politician. Your daughter, on the other hand, is firm with her choice and does not want her impending grand wedding to be affected in any way.\n(a) उपयुक्त प्रकरण में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दे कौन-से हैं?\n(b) एक पिता और एक महत्वाकांक्षी राजनीतिज्ञ के रूप में आपके पास उपलब्ध विभिन्न विकल्प क्या हैं?\n(c) आपकी कार्रवाई का तरीका क्या होगा? उचित तर्क सहित पुष्टि कीजिए। (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":58,"question":"Given this situation, answer the following:\n(a) What are the ethical issues in the above situation?\n(b) What are the various options that you have, as a father and an ambitious politician?\n(c) What will be your course of action? Justify with proper reasoning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":2141,"topper":"Bhavika Chopra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Visionias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/36644-1217831_4513_bhavika_chopra_rank_25.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. (a) Compassion is the courageous choice to feel another's suffering as one's own, and to act upon it, even when silence is safer and indifference is easier. Examine the significance of compassion as an essential ethical value for civil servants in India. Illustrate your answer with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"1. (b) Marriages in India are transitioning from traditional sacramental unions to more autonomous relationships, reflected in live-in relationships and rising divorce rates. Discuss the ethical dimensions of these changes.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":10,"question":"2. (a) While accountability often necessitates documentation, an overemphasis on bureaucratic procedures and excessive paperwork can inadvertently silence the very voices that public policy intends to empower, particularly at the grassroots. Examine the above statement with suitable illustrations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"2. (b) The principle of impartiality may conflict with the need for compassion towards marginalized communities. Discuss in the context of civil services in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"3 (a) What do each of the following quotations mean to you?\n \"The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home.\" - Confucius (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"3. (b) \"Act only according to that maxim through which you can at the same time will that it become a universal law.\" - Immanuel Kant (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"3. (c) \"We are not only responsible for what we do, but also for what we fail to do\" - Molière. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"4. (a) Patriotism encourages ethical questioning, while nationalism often suppresses it. Discuss this statement in light of the formation of political attitudes during high-pressure national events. How can individuals develop moral attitudes that balance national interest with ethical reasoning?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"4. (b) Discuss how employee well-being and fairness can be balanced with efficiency and profitability in private organisations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"5. (a) Do you agree that excessive use of social media and emerging AI technologies may lead to a decline in emotional regulation and moral sensitivity among adolescents? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"5. (b) In light of the increasing incidents of suicides among students in India, discuss how Emotional Intelligence (EI) can aid in managing stress and emotional challenges.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"6. (a) In public service, emotional intelligence is not about suppressing emotion, but mastering its purpose — to connect, to de-escalate, and to uplift others with empathy and strength. Do you agree with this view? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"6. (b) An efficient work culture is built not only on rules, but on shared values. In this context, evaluate the role of leadership and team dynamics in transforming work culture within an organization.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"7 You are posted as the Joint Secretary in the Department of Information Technology of a state. The government recently implemented several citizen-centric digital services, collecting large volumes of personal data from residents. The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, requires that such data be processed only with explicit and informed consent, and mandates that processing must cease immediately upon withdrawal of consent.\n\nDuring an internal audit, you discover that the department continues to process and analyze personal data of several citizens even after they have formally withdrawn their consent. This data is being used for policy analytics and service improvement, purposes not explicitly disclosed at the time of data collection. When you bring this to the attention of your department head, you are informed that halting the processing will disrupt ongoing digital initiatives and may affect state-level performance metrics. Moreover, you find that the consent withdrawal process is cumbersome, and many citizens are unaware of their rights under the DPDP Act.\n\nYou also learn that a prominent social activist is planning to file a complaint with the Data Protection Board against involuntary use of personal data, which could attract public scrutiny and legal action against the department.\n(a) Identify and discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.\n(b) What are the potential consequences for the department if the issue is not addressed transparently?\n(c) How would you balance the need for efficient public service delivery with the obligation to protect citizens' data rights? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"8 You are an IAS officer, currently serving as the Secretary of the Public Works Department in a hill state. Recently, a disturbing incident has come to light involving a senior Cabinet Minister and two engineers of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). During an inspection of a critical highway project, the Minister was allegedly seen on video physically assaulting and verbally abusing the engineers in full public view. The video, recorded by bystanders, went viral on social media and was widely covered by television channels, sparking both outrage and support from different sections of society. The Minister later defended his actions, alleging that the officials were corrupt, unresponsive to local grievances, and responsible for inordinate delays in the project. He insisted that his actions were driven by public frustration and the urgency of delivering infrastructure to a remote region. However, the engineers have filed a police complaint and written to their superiors, claiming they were targeted for resisting political pressure to award contracts to specific local contractors linked to the Minister. As the situation escalated, a union of NHAI engineers declared a strike.\n(a) इस प्रकरण में शामिल प्रमुख नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं? हितधारकों और उनके परस्पर विरोधी हितों की पहचान कीजिए।\n(b) लोक निर्माण विभाग के सचिव के रूप में, आप उपयुक्त स्थिति में क्या कार्रवाई करेंगे?\n(c) ऐसी घटनाएं सिविल सेवकों के मनोबल और शासन में जनता के विश्वास को कैसे प्रभावित करती हैं? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"(a) What are the key ethical issues involved in this situation? Identify the stakeholders and their conflicting interests.\n(b) As the Secretary of the PWD, what actions will you take in above situation?\n(c) How do such incidents affect the morale of civil servants and public trust in governance? (Answer in 250 words)\na) What are the key ethical issues involved in this situation? Identify the stakeholders and their conflicting interests.\nb) As the Secretary of the PWD, what actions will you take in above situation?\nc) How do such incidents affect the morale of civil servants and public trust in governance?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"9. You are the Secretary in the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Government of India. In recent years, an increasing number of civil servants, particularly younger officers from the IAS, IPS, and IRS, have begun maintaining personal YouTube channels and social media pages. On these platforms, they regularly post videos related to their official work — showcasing innovative projects, public outreach initiatives, inspection drives, and sometimes even day-to-day administrative duties.\n\nThese videos often receive widespread public attention, and many viewers express admiration, saying such content enhances transparency, motivates aspirants, and humanizes the bureaucracy. However, concerns have also emerged from various quarters. Senior officers argue that such content may blur the boundaries between personal branding and public service, while some citizens and media commentators point to instances where videos feature vulnerable beneficiaries without consent, raise concerns about misuse of official premises, or seem designed more for personal popularity than public accountability.\n\nYou have been asked to prepare a report, including recommendations with regard to maintaining a balance between public interest, institutional integrity, and evolving modes of communication.\n(a) Identify the ethical issues involved in civil servants publicly showcasing their official work on social media platforms.\n(b) Do such efforts promote awareness and inspiration, or do they compromise anonymity, neutrality, and the spirit of public service? Give your opinion.\n(c) As Secretary, what guiding principles and ethical disciplines would you suggest to ensure responsible digital engagement by civil servants? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"You have been asked to prepare a report with recommendations to balance public interest, institutional integrity, and evolving modes of communication.\n(a) Identify the ethical issues involved in civil servants publicly showcasing their official work on social media.\n(b) Do such practices promote awareness and motivation, or do they compromise the values of anonymity, neutrality, and collective service ethos? Give your opinion.\n(c) As the Secretary, what guiding principles and policy recommendations would you suggest to ensure responsible digital engagement by civil servants?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":47,"question":"(a) (b) (c) You are the Director of the National Bioethics Commission who is responsible for assessing the ethical feasibility and oversight of a nationwide gene sequencing program. The project named GeneFuture, aims to sequence the DNA of every newborn child and store it in a centralized national database. The objective is to identify genetic predispositions to serious diseases early in life, allowing for preventive treatment and personalized medicine. Over 100,000 babies have already been enrolled in the pilot phase of the program. The government claims that this move is a landmark step in public health advancement.\n\nHowever, collection of newborn genetic data raises significant ethical concerns, particularly around informed consent, which may not fully capture parents' understanding of the long-term risks involved. Once gathered, this sensitive data could be misused for purposes such as surveillance, insurance discrimination, or commercial marketing by third parties. Uncertainty over data ownership—whether it lies with the state, parents, or the individual as they mature—further complicates the issue. The involvement of private tech and pharmaceutical companies heightens fears of commercial exploitation, especially in the absence of clear mechanisms for individuals to withdraw consent or delete their genetic information upon reaching adulthood.\n(a) What are the ethical issues you perceive in the implementation of the GeneFuture program?\n(b) Identify the conflicting interests of different stakeholders in this case.\n(c) What guiding ethical principles would you recommend for implementation of this project? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"11 You are a dedicated District Health Officer (DHO) with a strong commitment to evidence-based public health practices, recently assigned to a remote district in India. Your immediate and most critical task is to lead a crucial district-wide Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination drive, aimed at achieving 100% immunization coverage among children aged 9 months to 15 years. The success of this drive is vital for the collective health of thousands of children and for the district's overall health indicators, especially with the impending monsoon season posing additional health challenges.\n\nHowever, in one of the largest and most traditional villages in your district, you encounter formidable resistance. The villagers, deeply influenced by the pronouncements of a revered local\n(a) उपयुक्त प्रकरण में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\n(b) इस विरोध को शांत करने के लिए आपके पास तत्काल क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\n(c) अंधविश्वास के व्यापक प्रभाव को दूर करने और संधारणीय लोक स्वास्थ्य परिणामों हेतु वैज्ञानिक सोच को बढ़ावा देने के लिए आप कौन-सी दीर्घकालिक रणनीतियाँ और प्रणालीगत सुधारों का सुझाव देंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case.\n(b) What are the immediate options available to you to overcome this resistance?\n(c) What long-term strategies and systemic reforms would you suggest to address the pervasive influence of superstition and foster a scientific temperament for sustainable public health outcomes? (Answer in 250 words)\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case.\nb) What are the immediate options available to you to overcome this resistance?\nc) What long-term strategies and systemic reforms would you suggest to address the pervasive influence of superstition and foster a scientific temperament for sustainable public health outcomes?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"2 (a) आपके समक्ष विद्यमान संभावित प्रशासनिक और नैतिक दुविधाएं क्या हैं?\n(b) आपके लिए उपलब्ध सभी विकल्पों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\n(c) आप अपने निर्णय का नैतिक औचित्य सिद्ध करते हुए कौन-सी व्यापक कार्यवाही करेंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)\na) आपके समक्ष विद्यमान संभावित प्रशासनिक और नैतिक दुविधाएं क्या हैं?\nb) आपके लिए उपलब्ध सभी विकल्पों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\nc) आप अपने निर्णय का नैतिक औचित्य सिद्ध करते हुए कौन-सी व्यापक कार्यवाही करेंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":58,"question":"(a) What are the potential administrative and ethical dilemmas you face? (b) Discuss all options available to you. (c) What comprehensive course of action would you choose to adopt, providing ethical justification for your decision? (Answer in 250 words)\na) What are the potential administrative and ethical dilemmas you face?\nb) Discuss all options available to you.\nc) What comprehensive course of action would you choose to adopt, providing ethical justification for your decision?","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2142,"topper":"Bhavika Chopra","air":25,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/eacc9-1217831_4527_bhavika_chopra_rank_25.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2143,"topper":"Bhavika Chopra","air":25,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a5bd5-1217831_4528_bhavika_chopra_rank_25.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2144,"topper":"Bhawana Kumari","air":376,"year":2020,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1fFcYa4STO4vCGWOjYVU-H8OxdcszXhtw","questions":[]},{"id":2145,"topper":"Bheda Dushyant Pravinkumar","air":262,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4fd66-1378134_1837_bheda-dushyant-pravinkumar_rank-262.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2146,"topper":"Bhoomika Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/BHOOMIKA_JAINUPSC_IAS_2025_Toppers_AIR_331_Sample_ESSAY_COPY_2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. In everything, there is a share of everything","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"3. Art will change society faster than politics.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"\"The world is a stage where every man must play his part.\" What would your part be?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2147,"topper":"Bhoomika Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/BHOOMIKA_JAINUPSC_IAS_2025_Toppers_AIR_331_Sample_MGP_COPY_1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1 To what extent, in your opinion, have the ideals of the Preamble been realised in the country's 75-year constitutional journey?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) The evolution of property rights in India reflects an intricate relationship that exists between individual rights and public welfare. Discuss this statement with the help of relevant constitutional provisions and case laws.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Under what conditions can the 'National' Emergency be proclaimed by the President of India? What are the consequences when such a proclamation remains in force? When was it last imposed in the country?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4 'Lack of a binding framework for pre-legislative consultations in India limits citizen engagement in the lawmaking.' Propose measures to strengthen the role of public consultation in the legislative process.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) 'The recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission have enabled the States to improve their fiscal conditions. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) In what ways do industry and business associations contribute to socio-economic development in the country? Explain with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) \"India's poverty lies in the eyes of the beholder.\" In light of this statement, examine the need for a credible and periodically updated poverty estimation framework in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 falls short of achieving its intended objectives. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 'Starved of funds, shackled by geopolitics, WHO is facing a crisis of capacity and credibility.' Discuss the statement in the light of USA's withdrawal and its accusation of the health body of being biased towards China and mishandling the COVID-19 pandemic.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 The world continues to operate in a 'my terrorist' versus 'your terrorist' paradigm. Explain. What strategies would you suggest to develop a unified, comprehensive, and rules-based global approach to tackle the menace of terrorism?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 Briefly explain the procedure laid down in the Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1951 for the registration of political parties with the Election Commission of India (ECI). What are Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs)? What concerns are associated with them? Does the ECI have powers to de-register a political party?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) Assess the role of NITI Aayog over the past decade in promoting cooperative and competitive federalism.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 'The post of Deputy Speaker goes beyond ceremonial significance and is indispensable to Indian parliamentary democracy.' Discuss with relevant constitutional provisions and conventions. Also, examine the implications of the prolonged vacancy of the Deputy Speaker's post.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) Is the growing demand for stricter regulation of online content justified, or does it pose a threat to the right to freedom of speech and expression? Examine in light of recent judicial pronouncements.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Critically examine the 'in-house procedure' adopted by the Apex Court to inquire into allegations of misconduct against judges of constitutional courts in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 Recent controversies over alleged malpractices in the electoral rolls have renewed demands for the mandatory linkage of Aadhaar with Voter ID. What is your opinion? Give reasons in support of your answer.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 Lateral entry into civil services is seen as a reformative step, yet it continues to attract criticism and controversy. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18) While rankings aim to benchmark the performance of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), concerns remain about whether current ranking frameworks reflect the broader goals of education. Suggest measures to make the ranking system more objective, inclusive, and aligned with educational and societal outcomes.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Examine the factors behind the growing salience of the Arctic region in international politics. Discuss, in this context, strategies for India to recalibrate its Arctic engagement.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 Bangladesh is a key pillar of India's Neighborhood First policy, but recent developments on both sides threaten to disrupt the 'Sonali Adhyay' in bilateral relations. Analyze.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2148,"topper":"Bhoomika Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/BHOOMIKA_JAINUPSC_IAS_2025_Toppers_AIR_331_Sample_MGP_COPY_2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1 \"India's democratic roots are deeply embedded in its ancient civilizational ethos.\" Discuss in the context of India being referred to as the 'Mother of Democracy'.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2 Elucidate the significance of tiger and elephant figures in Indian mythology, art and architecture.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3 The arrival of Lord William Bentinck marked a period of transformation in the British Indian State. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4 Explain how the American War of Independence deprived Great Britain of one empire, but it strengthened the foundations of another.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) What are Rare Earth Elements (REEs)? Discuss the multi-dimensional implications of uneven distribution of REEs in the world.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) Highlight the salient differences between the Himalayan and the Peninsular drainage Systems.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) Describe the nature and mode of origin of the main types of rock at the earth's crust.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8 The alienation of modern lifestyles from nature has contributed to the ongoing environmental crisis in India. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) What do you understand by the term urbanisation of poverty? Also, explain how urban poverty differs from rural poverty in India?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) Globalization has redefined the idea of community and kinship in Indian society. Do you agree? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 The flourishing of various art forms during the Kushana period reflects the rich and diverse cultural landscape of the time. What insights does this provide into the socio-cultural aspects of that era?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) Trace the events that led to the Civil Disobedience Movement. What were its outcomes?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 Mahatma Jyotirao Phule's reformist ideas played a significant role in shaping the social foundations of the Indian freedom movement. Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 The interlinking of rivers offers several benefits, but also raises significant socio-economic and environmental concerns. Analyze.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Explain the concept of rain shadow effect. How does it influence the distribution of precipitation and vegetation across mountain ranges?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 Bring out the major features of the Indian monsoon and elaborate upon its causative factors.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 What are the geographical factors responsible for the growth of mangrove vegetation in India? Also highlight its role in coastal ecology.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 To what extent can the rise of 'Kidfluencers' be seen as a reflection of changing family structures and parental aspirations in Indian society?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Women often form the backbone of grassroots movements in India, yet they remain largely invisible and excluded from the decision-making process. Examine.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 Do you agree with the view that social media is a ‘double edged sword’? Discuss in the context of its impact on Indian society.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2149,"topper":"Bhoomika Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/BHOOMIKA_JAINUPSC_IAS_2025_Toppers_AIR_331_Sample_MGP_COPY_3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) Rising influence of money power in Indian elections poses a serious challenge to transparency, fairness, and democratic accountability. How can ethical electoral funding be ensured to maintain the integrity of democracy?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) Explain the key dimensions of ethics that influence human behaviour. How do these dimensions shape ethical decision-making in private life?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) \"Academic freedom is the bedrock of scholarly inquiry and intellectual progress.\" Examine the ethical issues that arise when educational institutions yield to political, social, or economic pressures and compromises academic freedom.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) Fortitude enables a civil servant to make difficult yet morally right decisions. Explain with reference to real-life examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) Given below are the three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context?\na) \"When learning is purposeful, creativity blossoms. When creativity blossoms, thinking emanates. When thinking emanates, knowledge is fully lit. When knowledge is lit, the economy flourishes.\" - Abdul Kalam","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) \"The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the world's problems.\" - Mahatma Gandhi","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"c) \"Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.\" - Dalai Lama","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.4) a) What do you understand by the term 'probity in governance'? Explain how probity acts as the foundation of ethical public administration.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"b) \"Starvation must not be used as a weapon of war.\" Yet, parties involved in conflicts often resort to the blockade of food and medical aid to civilians in conflict zones, deepening the humanitarian crisis. Powerful nations, despite their capacity to intervene, tend to prioritise strategic interests over humanitarian concerns. What ethical considerations should guide powerful nations in preventing such actions and ensuring unimpeded humanitarian access?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.5) a) What teachings of Mahavira are most relevant today and why? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"b) \"In contemporary times, social media platforms have emerged as powerful agents in shaping individual and societal attitudes.\" Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.6) a) What do you understand by the ‘voice of conscience’? In what ways can you prepare yourself to listen to the voice of conscience?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"b) Effective utilisation of public funds is not merely an administrative requirement but a moral responsibility of those entrusted with public office. However, instances of funds allocated to government schemes lying idle or being diverted towards extraneous purposes continue to be reported across the country. Examine the reasons for under-utilization and mis-utilization of public funds and their implications.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7 A rail overbridge (ROB) is being planned in the capital city of a central Indian state. The project aims to reduce traffic congestion and ease delays at railway crossings, which affect thousands of daily commuters. It had been a long-standing demand of local residents, and the government approved it to address persistent traffic bottlenecks in the area. The project is to be executed by the State Public Works Department (PWD), with a strict completion deadline of one year i.e. 31st July 2026. The PWD Minister, who is also the local MLA, is scheduled to inaugurate the project in the third week of August 2026. This is planned to take place shortly before the expected announcement of state elections. Ramesh has been selected as the project manager of this prestigious assignment on the basis of his professional competence and experience.\n\nWhile reviewing the approved design plans in preparation for execution, Ramesh identifies a serious flaw. The proposed alignment includes a sharp 90-degree turn, incorporated due to spatial constraints between an electrified railway line on one side and ongoing metro construction on the other. From a technical standpoint, Ramesh believes the design is unsafe. It increases the risk of vehicular accidents, especially for heavy vehicles, and may lead to long-term inconvenience for road users.\n\nRamesh promptly raises the issue with the Chief Engineer. However, the Chief Engineer overrules the concern. He states that the General Arrangement Drawing (GAD) has already been approved by the Bridge Engineering Department, in coordination with Indian Railways. He points out that revisiting the design at this stage shall result in project delays, increased expenditure, and unwanted political attention.\n\nSubsequently, Ramesh comes to know that the contractor awarded the tender to execute the project is a close relative of the PWD Minister. He also receives unofficial communication suggesting that his promotion to Additional Chief Engineer is under active consideration, but could be jeopardised if he creates \"unnecessary hurdles\" in the project's timely completion.\n\nThe incumbent state government is eager to complete the overbridge before the elections and present it as a major developmental achievement. This adds to the pressure on Ramesh to expedite project execution without raising further objections. Nonetheless, he remains convinced that the current design is flawed and could have grave implications for public safety if left unaddressed.\n\nMeanwhile, the bridge design has also attracted widespread public attention after being published in a leading local newspaper. Images of the sharp 90-degree turn went viral on social media, drawing criticism and ridicule. Several engineering experts have publicly flagged the alignment as a potential safety hazard, reinforcing Ramesh's concerns.\na) Under the given conditions, what are the options available to Ramesh as a project manager?\nb) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Ramesh?\nc) What are the professional challenges likely to be faced by Ramesh and his response to overcome such challenges?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":30,"question":"a) दी गई परिस्थितियों में, एक परियोजना प्रबंधक के रूप में रमेश के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nb) रमेश को किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\nc) रमेश को किन व्यावसायिक चुनौतियों का सामना करना पड़ सकता है तथा ऐसी चुनौतियों पर नियंत्रण पाने के लिए उसकी क्या प्रतिक्रिया होनी चाहिए?","marks":null,"words":"20 अंक"},{"page":32,"question":"3) Persuade PWD minister about serious concerns regarding project and need to rectify it with quantitative data on investigation\n Make him aware of threats to political position if mishap occurs\n If not agreed by minister, act as whistleblower and seek support to stop the project with media and civil society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Q.8 Srushti is a young and dynamic IPS officer, posted as Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in a communally sensitive district. Her husband, Arjun, is an IAS officer and posted as Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in the same district. Both are honest, sincere and deeply committed to their work. They have a daughter who is just four months old, and is looked after by a domestic helper. Srushti resumed duty just two weeks ago after six months of maternity leave.\nAt 9 PM on Saturday night, Srushti is in her office reviewing the security arrangements with her team for an upcoming local festival. The situation in the area has been tense throughout the week due to a flare-up between two communities over a petty issue. Around 9:30 PM, she gets a call from the Superintendent of Police. He asks her to prepare a detailed law and order brief for a high-level meeting the next morning.\nSrushti reaches home at 10 PM, feeling exhausted. She has not been getting proper sleep during the week due to frequent night patrolling. Arjun also returns around the same time after a long day in the field. Their daughter has been unwell and cried through most of the previous night. Arjun expresses concern about Srushti's heavy workload and the baby's condition. He tells her that she can not keep pushing herself like this and that the child needs more of her attention. Srushti replies that she cannot afford to step back. She adds that people are already judging her and questioning her commitment to work for availing maternity leave. The conversation gradually turns into an argument. Arjun feels Srushti is ignoring her health and family, while Srushti feels judged and unsupported.\nLater that night, as Srushti sits at her desk preparing the report, she pauses and reflects on the purpose of her work. She had joined the IPS to serve the people and protect the vulnerable. But now, she wonders if she is being fair to her own child and family. Even as recently as last week, she had to cancel the family dinner as she had to attend an urgent meeting at the SP office. She also feels the weight of expectations. Male officers with children are rarely questioned. But as a new mother, she is constantly under scrutiny. Many in the department believe that women, especially new mothers, are not suitable for field duty.\nSrushti starts thinking about her options. She knows that whatever decision she makes will not only impact her own future but also influence the expectations placed on other working mothers in uniform.\na) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\nb) Evaluate the options available to Srushti in the above situation.\nc) What suggestions would you make to help officers like Srushti maintain a healthy work-life balance.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"a) उपर्युक्त मामले में नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\nb) उपरोक्त स्थिति में सृष्टि के लिए उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nc) सृष्टि जैसे अधिकारियों को स्वस्थ कार्य-जीवन संतुलन बनाए रखने में मदद करने के लिए आप क्या सुझाव देंगे?\na) उपर्युक्त मामले में नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\nb) उपर्युक्त स्थिति में सृष्टि के लिए उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nc) सृष्टि जैसे अधिकारियों को स्वस्थ कार्य-जीवन संतुलन बनाए रखने में मदद करने के लिए आप क्या सुझाव देंगे?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":37,"question":"3) Discuss concerns with Aeyjin explaining her work position to ask him to contribute in taking care of baby.\na) Fulfilling childcare responsibilities\nb) Ensuring availability to work\nc) Resolving conflict through integration\nd) Own satisfaction through self-fulfillment\ne) Better workplace environment","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Q.9 A reputed Indian beauty & personal care company developed a herbal skin cream for the international market, claiming anti-ageing and skin-repair properties based on traditional Ayurvedic formulations. After obtaining the necessary approvals and export certifications, the company began exporting the product. The product received widespread positive feedback for its quality and natural formulation, and soon became a huge hit in international markets. Riding on this success, the company announced that the product would soon be made available to domestic consumers, with almost the same quality and health benefits.\n\nSubsequently, it secured approval from the domestic regulatory authority and launched the product in the Indian market. Over time, the brand gained a significant share of the domestic market and earned substantial revenues both nationally and internationally.\n\nHowever, during a random sample check, officials discovered that the cream sold in India differed from the version approved by the competent authority. The product failed to meet the claimed herbal composition and purity standards. Further investigation revealed that the company had often been distributing batches that had failed export quality checks.\n\nThe incident triggered widespread public criticism and regulatory scrutiny, leading to a sharp decline in the company’s reputation and financial performance.\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\nb) What actions should the competent regulatory authority take against the personal care company for violating domestic quality standards and distributing rejected export batches in the Indian market?\nc) What course of action is available to the company to manage the crisis and restore public trust and brand credibility?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Q.10) A forest fire has broken out in a hilly district and is rapidly spreading toward an eco-sensitive area that includes four villages (ESA villages). These villages lie along the forest fringe and are surrounded by difficult terrain. The region is known for its biodiversity and traditional forest-based livelihoods. The inhabitants of these villages are mostly poor tribal communities, dependent on forest resources for their sustenance.\nYou, as the District Magistrate of the area, have rushed to the spot with a medical team, police personnel, NGOs, media, and support staff to oversee the rescue and containment operations. Your disaster response team on the ground is small and poorly equipped. Reinforcements from the district headquarter have been requested, but they may take several hours to arrive due to the remoteness and challenging terrain.\nIn the meantime, a group of trained ex-forest guards and local youth from the villages offer to help. They are experienced and familiar with the area. However, existing government rules do not permit the engagement of unofficial personnel in fire control operations without formal clearance and insurance coverage.\nYour team members are divided on this issue. Some members argue that volunteers should be engaged immediately to prevent the fire from spreading. Others caution that involving them without proper approval and safety cover could be risky and against protocol.\nAs the District Magistrate, you are also the Chairperson of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA). The fire is spreading at a very rapid rate, and immediate action is required to protect lives, property, and the environment. You are now in a dilemma.\na) What are the options available to you?\nb) Critically evaluate each of the options identified by you.\nc) What option would you adopt and why?\nd) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by you?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.11) In one of the government primary schools located in a rural block of a district, the newly appointed headmistress observed an unusual practice. The school had been preparing and serving mid-day meals separately to students belonging to different communities. Although the meals were cooked using a common gas connection, separate utensils, cooking areas, and serving arrangements had been in place for more than two decades. Students from the two communities had their food cooked and served by different cooks and ate in separate classrooms, despite attending classes together.\nAfter taking charge, the headmistress decided to discontinue this practice. She directed that food be prepared and served together for all students, using a common kitchen and utensils. However, the decision triggered backlash. A considerable number of parents across communities vehemently opposed the move and stopped sending their children to school. Consequently, attendance fell by almost 60 percent. This also raised concerns regarding the possible discontinuation of the mid-day meal scheme, withdrawal of teaching staff, and even closure of the school due to falling enrolment.\nThe issue has attracted attention from various political and social groups attempting to further polarise the situation and serve their vested interests.\nMarpi Apang, the District Education Officer (DEO), has been tasked by the Deputy Commissioner's office to amicably resolve the matter at the earliest. She has also been directed to submit a detailed report along with the Action Taken Report within a fortnight.\na) Identify the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb) What course of action should Marpi adopt and why?\nc) What should be the responsibilities of different social segments and agencies to create positive social ambiance for accepting such changes?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":50,"question":"c) Responsibilities of different agencies to create positive ambience for change.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"Q.12) You are a Municipal Commissioner of a tier-2 city experiencing rapid urban expansion. Several high-rise residential and commercial buildings are under construction in the city to meet the growing demand for housing. One such luxury residential complex is being built, employing hundreds of daily-wage labourers, many of whom live in temporary settlements at the construction site. Late one night during the monsoon season, a large section of scaffolding and concrete slabs collapses from the upper floors of one of the under-construction buildings. Seven labourers, including two minors, die on the spot. Several others are critically injured and rushed to the hospital. The tragic incident results in public outrage, intense media scrutiny, and protests by a local NGO. The state government orders a formal inquiry and directs you to submit a report within a week. Your preliminary investigation reveals a series of irregularities. The construction material used is substandard and not in accordance with the National Building Code. Although the approved plan permits construction of fifteen floors, the builder has illegally added two extra floors. Moreover, the structure has encroached on land demarcated for a community park and a fire service lane under the city's Zonal Development Plan. These violations are not reported during site inspections conducted by the building inspector of the municipal corporation. The building clearance was granted during the tenure of your predecessor, who is not only your batchmate but also a close friend. Both of you were roommates during your training at LBSNAA. Prima facie, the case appears to involve a widespread nexus between officials of the Municipal Corporation and the builder. Your colleagues are putting pressure on you to go slow in the inquiry. Some of them suggest that holding the builder accountable could damage the city's image among investors and slow down urban development. Meanwhile, you come to know that the builder is the younger brother of a powerful minister in the state cabinet. One evening, his personal aide visits you privately. He suggests that the matter could be \"mutually settled\" and offers you a premium apartment worth ₹2 crore in the same residential complex. In the same breath, he hints that if the matter is not resolved swiftly in the builder's favour, someone in his office is prepared to file a complaint against you under the SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\nb) What are the options available to you in this situation?\nc) Explain your selected course of action.","marks":"20","words":"20"}]},{"id":2150,"topper":"Bhuvana Pranith Pappula","air":510,"year":2022,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6e8a9-931031_2097_bhuvana-pranith-pappula_rank-510.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2151,"topper":"Bhuvana Pranith Pappula","air":510,"year":2022,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/cc386-931031_2098_bhuvana-pranith-pappula_rank-510.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2152,"topper":"Bhuvi Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6721c-559772_1511_bhuvi-gupta_rank-264.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Despite a vast coast line and a number of waterways, why has India not been able to achieve its potential in bringing a significant modal shift from rail and road to waterways? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The move to establish a National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development, to reverse the drag on India's growth potential will have its own set of challenges. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlighting the issues related to the current fertilizer subsidy regime in India, discuss the need for reforms in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Identifying the need for a climate resilient agriculture in India, discuss how it can be achieved. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Mega Food Parks (MFPs) were considered to be a gamechanger for the food processing sector in India, but their progress remains stunted. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do you understand by impact based forecasting in disaster management? How can such forecasting strengthen the disaster management preparedness? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Low Earth Orbit is becoming increasingly crowded as countries race to launch satellites into space. Highlighting the associated issues, discuss international efforts taken in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Enumerating the existing measures to counter bio-terrorism in India, highlight the need for a bio-terrorism law. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the potential of \"Integrated Law Enforcement Centres\" and \"Smart Walls\" on India's border areas to address the prevailing security challenges. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Farm loan waivers are neither adequate nor recommended for promoting sustained agricultural growth. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"A number of initiatives in recent years have focussed on the MSME sector. Why is there a need to focus on this sector? Also, identify the measures taken by the government and further scope of action. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Skilling the Indian population faces a 3E challenge - Education, Employment and Employability. Discuss. Also suggest interventions required to effectively manage this challenge. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Despite its importance, agricultural marketing faces various institutional and infrastructural related issues in India. Elaborate. Also, enlist the measures that have been taken in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Marine litter is not just an environmental issue but poses a socio-economic challenge as well. Discuss. Also, enumerate the initiatives taken by the global community to reduce marine litter. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Assess India's vulnerability to flash floods and suggest measures for better resilience to flash floods. In this context, also briefly highlight the significance of recently launched Flash Flood Guidance System (FFGS) operated by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Hydrogen based energy production can play a key role in a clean, secure and affordable energy future. In this context, identify the potential and opportunities for utilising hydrogen based technologies. What are the challenges that need to be addressed to fullfill the potential? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Despite the huge promise of satellite-based internet connectivity, it hasn't gained traction on a significant commercial scale, especially in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India's attempts at strengthening its intelligence infrastructure and capabilities have historically been reactive and incremental, rather than holistic and sustainable. Discuss. Also, provide a concrete framework in transforming the country's intelligence capabilities. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"In light of the prominent instances of drone attacks by both state and non state actors, assess the challenges and capabilities of India in dealing with such security threats. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2153,"topper":"Bhuvi Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4280d-559772_1516_bhuvi-gupta_rank-264.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Do laws need to be consistent with the prevalent moral norms? Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"\"People's indifference is the best breeding ground for corruption to grow\". Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"In the context of COVID-19 pandemic, discuss the importance of Emotional Intelligence among healthcare workers. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"It is the 'spirit of service' that motivates a public servant to serve the country's interests and address people's issues. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Ethics does its work in the world by granting and withdrawing legitimacy. Discuss in the context of role of ethics in international relations. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Sustainable growth of an organisation can result only by aligning its decisions to the interests of all stakeholders, not merely its shareholders. Do you agree? Justify with logical arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri's life exemplifies value-driven public service of the highest order. What are the values one can learn from his life to be a good citizen and a good administrator? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"There is a view that the institutional mechanisms to ensure accountability of civil servants have weakened over time. In this context, discuss the need of a social accountability law in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Why has anonymity of civil servants traditionally been seen as an important arrangement? In this context, discuss your opinion on the doctrine of facelessness in civil services. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In the age of social media, influencers have a huge following and have gained prominent marketing roles. In this context, discuss the ethical issues involved in influencer marketing. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or the darkness of destructive selfishness. – Martin Luther King Jr. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You are a young officer posted as the Sub Divisional Magistrate in a district which houses factories for making match boxes and fire crackers. It is brought to your notice that a large number of children are working in these hazardous activities. The government had previously released a notification that owners of these manufacturing units need to report on the profiles of their employees annually to prevent child labour. These manufacturing units, abiding by the directives of the government, publish such reports annually and claim to have successfully put an end to employment of child labour. However, there are reports that these units are taking advantage of loopholes in the law. They are using contractors to continue to indirectly hire children without them officially being on the payroll of the units. Families of these child labourers are poor and see this as an essential source of income. An influential local politician also owns some of these manufacturing units and is known to put pressure on the officers involved for not taking any action against child labour. (a) Identify the stakeholders and ethical issues in this case. (b) How would you approach the problem and what would be the main elements of your action? (c) What medium to long-term measures will you propose to tackle the problem of child labour in the district?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Many states in India have experimented with prohibition of liquor at various times. However, it is common knowledge that many such states have a thriving illegal liquor industry. Moreover, it is ironical that while many political parties have prohibition prominently mentioned in their manifestos, it is politicians who distribute alcohol among voters during their election campaigns. This also gives rise to illicit liquor trade and many people lose their lives to it. (a) What are the socio-economic problems that are widely attributed to alcoholism? (b) Do you think prohibiting liquor creates more problems than it proposes to solve? (c) Short of prohibition, what can be done to tackle the problem of rising alcoholism, particularly among the youth of the country?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate (DM) of a district where residents are facing the menace of stray dogs. Instances of dogs chasing two-wheelers, cyclists and attacking pedestrians are on the rise. Elderly persons as well as children are the worst-hit and recently, an 8 year old girl was severely injured by a pack of dogs. The perceived magnanimity of the problem and inaction from government authorities have prompted vigilante groups to cull dogs in mass numbers. However, local NGOs have come out against such a practice of mass culling and are calling for stringent action against those killing stray dogs. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (b) As the DM, suggest short-term and long-term measures to tackle the above issue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"You are a young officer posted as the Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district. You have received information that at a party some people were harassed by your subordinate police officer. On further inquiry, you came to know that two complaints have been filed - one by the police and the other by people who organised the party. According to the police, people had gathered without permission and were not following COVID-19 appropriate behaviour and social distancing norms. But on the other hand, the complaint filed by the party organisers says that police entered the private venue due to loud noise and harassed everyone at the party including women guests. According to them, your subordinate police officer even tore apart the document, which granted permission to organise the party. A video of this incident, showing your subordinate officer tearing off a document, is being widely circulated on social media platforms. Due to this, social activists want you to take strict action against your subordinate police officer. (a) Identify the ethical issues in the case. (b) What are the factors that can influence decision by competent authorities in such instances? Do you think mobilising public opinion through social media is a fair way to influence the decision in such cases? (c) As the SP, what will be your course of action in this situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"As India's vaccination drive against the COVID-19 pandemic breaches the 100 crore inoculation mark, some of the most backward tribal districts of the country still remain unvaccinated. You are the new District Magistrate (DM) in one such tribal district. The vaccination drive has been unsuccessful in the district so far despite imminent threats of the virus. It is believed that the tribals of the district refuse to get vaccinated due to their personal beliefs regarding immunization. Further, the community doctor who works in geriatrics and has almost daily contact with members of the district, too has refused to be vaccinated based on his personal beliefs. This has made the people more adamant about their decision to remain unvaccinated. Additionally, rumours of a few deaths post-vaccination have spread in the district. There is also a high risk of rising cases in the nearby districts spilling over to your district. There is a dire need for assuaging the fear of people and extreme pressure on the administration to take action and conduct the vaccination drive smoothly. (a) What are the ethical issues in the given case? (b) As the DM in charge, what steps will you take to tackle the issues? (c) Discuss how persuasion can be used to convince people to voluntarily get vaccinated.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"In India, there exists a huge gap between demand for organ transplants and available donors, both living and cadaver. Besides a lack of awareness on organ donation, the rise of non-communicable and lifestyle diseases, such as hypertension and diabetes have led to increased instances of organ failure, in turn putting even more pressure on the demand for vital organs. According to reports, an estimated four lakh people die in India every year waiting for an organ transplant. Other than the legal and administrative issues, there are various ethical issues related to organ donation and transplantation in India. Provide an account of these ethical issues in detail. Also, discuss how the gap between demand and supply of organs in India can be closed.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2154,"topper":"Bhuvi Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/265b6-559772_1512_bhuvi-gupta_rank-264.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Persuasion plays an important role in public administration. Discuss. Also highlight the various elements of effective persuasion. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"\"Never do anything against the conscience even if the state demands it.\" In this context, discuss the role of conscience in taking ethical decisions in administration. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Raja Ram Mohan Roy's liberal views on social and religious issues have much relevance in present day India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The moral circle of humanity has been expanding constantly over time. Discuss in this context whether non-human entities should have the same rights as human beings. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"Each individual is capable of transforming his immediate environment by attempting a radical transformation inside him\". - J Krishnamurti (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"An important requisite for ensuring probity in governance is absence of corruption. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The right to information (RTI) and the right to privacy (RTP) complement each other in holding the government accountable to the people, however, in cases of conflict, they can be reconciled keeping public interest in mind. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Explain the ethical issues involved in spending government funds for advertisement campaigns and publicity. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Explaining the concept of political neutrality, discuss its significance in administration. Also, highlight how the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules seek to ensure political neutrality in the civil services. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"In light of the recurring issues, there is a constant need to search for better ethical frameworks and models of corporate governance. Discuss with adequate examples and evidence in support of your arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Gender inequality begins at home and then gets institutionalised at the societal level. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Stakeholder Capitalism is suggested as a way forward in wake of social, economic and environment challenges posed by Shareholder Capitalism. Examine the relevant arguments in this debate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":36,"question":"Identify the most pressing issues? Which ones would you address on priority? (b) What would be your advice to Mr. X and Mr. Y.? Also, sufficiently clarify the reasons for such an advice. In this context, identify the most important issues involved? On what basis would you prioritize them? (b) What would be your advice to Mr. X and Mr. Y? Also, justify the reasons for such advice. 8. In a recent survey around social and economic indicators, a certain state in the country was found grossly underperforming. The state is marred with the issues of poverty, hunger, social backwardness, lawlessness and underdevelopment. In about seven decades since gaining independence, this state has continued to perform poorly across various indices. In the past, the Chief Minister had set up a fact finding Committee to report on the chief causes of the backwardness of the State. After years of ground research and surveying, it was found that the one of the main causes of the state's backwardness was its huge population that amplified resource scarcity to unimaginable proportions. Taking a clue from the facts presented in the report, the State Cabinet constitutes a panel of policy makers to consider this question of growing population and suggest suitable revisions to the State's Population Policy. The Panel recommends legislating a Population Control Bill that has a contentious provision in the form of 'One Child' norm. You are the Chief of this Panel and the recommendations of the Panel require your approval to be tabled in the Chief Minister's Office. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the ethical issues related to population control of a compulsory nature that you would consider before approving or rejecting the recommendation? (b) What would be your course of action in the aforementioned case? Suggest reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"In a recent survey around social and economic indicators, a certain state in the country was found grossly underperforming. The state is marred with the issues of poverty, hunger, social backwardness, lawlessness and underdevelopment. In about seven decades since gaining independence, this state has continued to perform poorly across various indices. In the past, the Chief Minister had set up a fact finding Committee to report on the chief causes of the backwardness of the State. After years of ground research and surveying, it was found that the one of the main causes of the state's backwardness was its huge population that amplified resource scarcity to unimaginable proportions. Taking a clue from the facts presented in the report, the State Cabinet constitutes a panel of policy makers to consider this question of growing population and suggest suitable revisions to the State's Population Policy. The Panel recommends legislating a Population Control Bill that has a contentious provision in the form of 'One Child' norm. You are the Chief of this Panel and the recommendations of the Panel require your approval to be tabled in the Chief Minister's Office. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the ethical issues related to population control of a compulsory nature that you would consider before approving or rejecting the recommendation? (b) What would be your course of action in the aforementioned case? Suggest reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"You are working as a Divisional Forest Officer in an area which is home to tigers. Recently, there have been reports of a tiger venturing into agricultural fields and also killing livestock of villagers. Unfortunately, 2-3 villagers have been killed by some wild animals in last few weeks. Villagers claim that the tiger has killed their fellow villagers and request you to protect their lives and property by either relocating or killing the man-eater tiger. They also obstructed investigation of forest officials to ascertain whether it was the work of tiger or some other animals. Your attempts to trap the tiger have not been successful. Concerned over the delay in killing or relocating the tiger, villagers hire a private hunter to kill the tiger on their own and argue that they have a right to defend themselves and their property. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the issues involved in this scenario. (b) What steps would you take as the Divisional Forest Officer to ensure villagers' safety along with protection of tigers?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"You are a District Magistrate of an area which has seen a huge surge in COVID-19 cases during the second wave of pandemic in India. The health infrastructure is already overburdened. Hospitals are overwhelmed, crematoriums and burial sites are regularly running out of space, and covid testing is struggling to meet the demand. Also, the vaccination drive is at the risk of going off-track due to the demand-supply mismatch. During this difficult time, you come to know that there are some people who are engaging in black marketing, hoarding and profiteering by using every trick in the book to cheat, ransom and swindle Covid-19 patients and their kin in the name of scarcity of drugs, oxygen and hospital beds. Black marketing, hoarding and profiteering are a classic case of market failure, which highlights the significance of state intervention in a crisis situation. How can state effectively play the role of a regulator as well as service provider in such cases of market failure?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"You work as a marketing consultant for a multinational company that specializes in various products including nutrient supplements, diet pills etc. The company pays its employees extremely well and provides satisfactory fringe benefits. Your manager has hinted that he will recommend you for overseas company transfer, which will improve your job profile. This has motivated you to work harder and perform better. The company has to advertise and sell a new weight loss pill 'X'. As per in-company research, it has minimal or no side effects and has no adverse impacts on health, which is its unique selling point (USP). You are given the responsibility of heading the marketing team for advertising pill 'X'. Due to a well-crafted marketing strategy including endorsement by a renowned celebrity, the product has generated considerable public attention. However, while working on an advertisement campaign for the pill, you find out that the in-company research findings of pill 'X' are fabricated. While it indeed has no side-effects, there are no proven benefits of taking the pill as well. It merely acts as a placebo. When you bring up the issue with your manager, he promptly tells you to keep the facts to yourself. He also indirectly brings up the fact that your performance review date is approaching and hints that you will get transferred overseas if you prove your loyalty to the company. Based on the given information, address the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders in this situation. (b) State the ethical issues that arise in this case. (c) Discuss your options in this scenario and mention your next step.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":56,"question":"The COVID-19 pandemic has forced universities, schools and other educational institutions around the world to shut down their campuses indefinitely and move their educational activities onto online platforms. These institutions were not prepared for such a transition and their online teaching-learning process evolved gradually. Though students considered online learning advantageous because of flexibility and convenience, there have been reports that the students prefer learning in physical classrooms to online education. The students feel that online education is stressful and affects their health and social life. Moreover, not all students have equal access to, and expertise on, digital technologies. Although these inequalities existed earlier, the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed this digital divide. Considering yourself as the Chairman of a Committee, constituted by the government, to suggest measures to improve the quality and accessibility of online education, answer the following questions: (a) What are the key ethical issues at stake here? (b) Highlight the principles and values that will guide your recommendations to the government. (c) Suggest measures to improve the quality and accessibility of online education in the country.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2155,"topper":"Bilal Mohi UD Din Bhat","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/21654_825_Bilal_Rank_10.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Soil management in Northeast India is critical for a viable agriculture economy. In this context, discuss the problems of soils in Northeast India. Suggest some steps that can be taken to counter this problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Examine the reasons for depleting groundwater levels and acute groundwater stress in some regions of India. What measures should be taken to check groundwater exploitation and ensure recharge of aquifers in water stressed areas?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"How does the plate tectonics theory help explain the formation of Himalayas and Deccan Traps?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Though the Paris Agreement reached at the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference is being called as a historic turning point, it is also being criticized on many grounds. In this context, discuss the outcomes of the Paris Agreement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Inspite being one of the largest producer of fish, there is still considerable scope of improvement in the fishery sector. In light of the above statement, discuss the problems and prospects of Fishery industry in India with respect to both inland and marine fisheries.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"According to the Indian Fertiliser Scenario 2014, the use of urea in India has increased by more than 50 per cent since 2000. How does human intervention turn nitrogen from a nutrient to a pollutant? Discuss the impacts of nitrogen pollution on environment and human health. Also, explain how nitrogen pollution can be managed.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Coral reefs are the most biologically diverse and economically valuable ecosystems on earth. Elaborate. Discuss the factors responsible for the decline of coral reefs across the world. Also, list some measures that have been taken for their preservation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Despite EIA being a useful policy tool for sustainable development, deficiencies in its design and implementation have prevented it from realising its potential. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Continental shelves are the seaward extension of the continent from shoreline and have enormous economic and strategic significance. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Give an account of the distribution of cement industry in India and the factors that affect its location. Also trace the growth of cement industry in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Inspite of being one of the most important agro based industry in the country, sugar industry in India suffers from multiple structural and functional problems. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"How do physical environment and proximity to the market affect the location of fruit-farming in temperate regions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Vegetation in deserts and saline areas have highly specialized means of adapting themselves to the environment. Explain.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Water should be treated as an economic commodity whose full costs must be recovered from users, so as to ensure efficiency in service provision. In this context, discuss the viability of PPP model of water supply and management in India. Also, highlight the challenges that can arise in implementing the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"The World Bank recently announced limiting the financing of coal-fired power plants in developing countries. In light of the above statement, explain the detrimental effects of coal-fired power plants on environment and human health. Also analyse the constraints in shifting from coal based power generation to renewable energy in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"The recent warming of Indian Ocean not only has environmental but also severe economic consequences. Elaborate. Also, suggest mitigation and adaptation measures to counter the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Despite the enormous demand of electronics, the manufacturing of electronic goods has not been a feature of the Indian industry. Enumerate the reasons for the same. Suggest measures which are required to achieve the target of Net Zero Import by 2020.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Temperate grasslands are called 'Granaries of the world'. Elucidate. How have the farming practices adopted in these regions impacted the environment?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Tropical regions are not only the resource rich but also one of the most underdeveloped regions of the world. What are the factors responsible for this? How have some of the tropical countries turned their natural limitations to their advantage? Illustrate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Agroforestry is seen as a solution to meet the challenges of food, nutrition, energy, employment and environment security. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2156,"topper":"Bilal Mohi UD Din Bhat","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/21654_766_Bilal_Rank_10.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Legislative Councils in states are expensive and otherwise superfluous legislative appendages. Examine the utility of legislative councils in this context. Also, comment on the procedural aspect of setting up and abolishing them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"While some argue that Article 3 provides usurping powers to the center at the cost of states, according to others it enables the Parliament to maintain and preserve federalism as enshrined in the constitution. Discuss. s it time to have a relook at Article 3 in the spirit of co-operative federalism?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"While the British Parliament is a sovereign legislature, the Parliaments of India and USA are non-sovereign legislatures. Explain. Also, compare the organisation and powers of the Indian Lok Sabha with the British House of Commons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"While Fundamental Rights are crucial to the survival of a vibrant democracy, Fundamental Duties are equally important. While enumerating the Fundamental Duties, discuss the statement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Several constitutional experts have found the process of appointment and removal of governor to be against the very grain of democratic traditions and constitutional propriety. Do you think that this process warrants a fresh look in context of recent controversies surrounding the post?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Repeated violations of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) have raised questions on its effectiveness. In this light, discuss the idea of making MCC a part of Representation of Peoples Act, 1951.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"The government cannot condition receipt of public benefits on waiver of fundamental rights. Discuss this statement in context of the recent issues raised in the Aadhaar petitions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Though the institutions protecting human rights and rights of the vulnerable sections are meant to act as watchdogs, they are treated as subordinate departments with scant regard for their autonomy or statutory character. Discuss the issues which these institutions are facing related to appointment, structure and functioning.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Equality of seats among states in Rajya Sabha could not be adopted after independence because of the circumstances prevailing at that time. However, there is a need to take a fresh look at this. Evaluate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"It is contended that the implementation of One-Rank-One-Pension (OROP) for the armed forces would create a severe strain on government finances. Explain the principles underlying the OROP and arguments that have been cited in its support as well as opposition.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Article 311 of the Constitution has been a matter of much debate. Arguments range from its retention in its present form, or even strengthening it, to its total deletion. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"While Public Interest Litigations have provided access to justice for the poor and the marginalized sections of the society but many vested interests have also misused it. In this context, examine the utility of PILs as a tool of social justice.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"What do you understand by alternate dispute redressal mechanism? Discuss the various tools of ADR. In light of the problems faced by the Indian judiciary enumerate the advantages of Lok Adalats.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Bringing political parties under the ambit of RTI will not only usher accountability and transparency in governance but will also be a major step towards electoral reforms. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"A generational shift in railway operations is required. In light of this, discuss the need for an independent tariff and safety regulatory authority of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"It has been argued that the 'First past the post' system fails to represent the will of the majority and encourages vote-bank politics. In this context, examine whether India should adopt Proportional Representation System to reform our electoral process.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Independence of judiciary and separation of powers, both are part of the basic structure of the constitution. In this context, discuss the recent Supreme Court judgment on the constitutional validity of the National Judicial Appointments Commission.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"AMRUT gives state governments the flexibility in designing schemes and eases central monitoring. Explain. How far can it recast the urban landscape of India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"There has been a tendency to resolve specialized cases faster through the means of Tribunals. In light of this, discuss the issue of increasing \"tribunalisation\" of courts in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"While the 73rd and 74th constitutional amendments provided for representation to women in local governance, much work remains to be done to ensure their true participation, given their present socio-economic conditions. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2157,"topper":"Bilal Mohi UD Din Bhat","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/21654_760_Bilal_Rank_10.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Celebrities are paid huge amounts by companies for endorsing products that at times turn out to be harmful for the consumers. Examine the ethical dimensions involved in such instances.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Lack of cleanliness in urban areas despite schemes such as the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan point to difficulties faced in bringing about attitudinal and behavioural changes. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Issues around economic inclusion are not just about income gaps, there are many dimensions of moral and ethical choices as well. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Socially and economically marginalized women are used to make a profit, often at the cost of their own health and reproductive autonomy, in the name of commercial surrogacy. Discuss the ethical issues associated with commercial surrogacy in India. Should commercial surrogacy be completely banned?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"While discussing the ethical issues that journalists face on a regular basis, examine the causes of increased sensationalism in news media in recent times.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"What are the various sources through which humans can judge the correctness of their actions? In the context of public life discuss how these sources are important in offering a clear and practical guidance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Should a person resort to leaking of information in case of wrongs done in the organization? Does it cause a conflict of interest between the personal, organizational and societal spheres? Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Competition, it is argued, spurs the best of performance, however, can it also instigate cheating and unethical behaviour? Discuss with adequate examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"What do you mean by 'anonymity in the civil services'? Explain why anonymity and neutrality are considered as important traits for civil servants.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Prescription of dresscode for women not only violates their liberty but also reflects outdated views on gender relations as well as proper conduct. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"List the options available to you in the given case. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Discuss some feasible steps that you can take to control this serious problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Evaluate each of these options and choose the option which you would adopt, giving reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"What are the immediate steps which should be taken in such a situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"Suggest some long term measures to ensure that such a situation is not repeated.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"What are the options available to you? Evaluate each of these options and choose the option which you would adopt, giving reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":59,"question":"Is Dr. Singh's participation in this study appropriate? Justify your position.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":59,"question":"Does Dr. Singh have a conflict of interest? If so, what is the nature of the conflict? How could it be mitigated.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":59,"question":"How would the nature of the conflict of interest be different had he not already owned stock, but instead had been offered stock as a form of compensation for conducting the study?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2158,"topper":"Bipul Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0e96d-1343696_3128_bipul_gupta_rank_103.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Write two essays, choosing one topic from each of the Sections A and B, in about 1000-1200 words each :\n1. The world must learn to work together, or finally it will not work at all.\n2. Technology, like art, is a soaring exercise of the human imagination.\n3. We've begun to raise daughters more like sons, but few have the courage to raise our sons more like our daughters.\n4. The will of the people cannot make just that which is unjust.\n5. It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.\n6. To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.\n7. We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are.\n8. A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes.","marks":"125 x 2 = 250","words":"1000-1200 words each"}]},{"id":2159,"topper":"Bipul Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/10abf-1343696_2089_bipul-gupta_rank_103.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. With the elephant being a vital part of the Buddhist faith, it was widely represented in its sculptures as well. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"2. India's war of independence was won by the efforts and sacrifices of different sections of the society. In this context, discuss the contributions made by tribal women in the national freedom struggle.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"3. Bring out the key principles underlying Rabindranath Tagore's vision of nationalism during the Indian freedom struggle.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"4. The combination of internal pulls coupled with external pressure as well as colonial resistance prompted the European powers to relinquish their claim over colonies. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":2160,"topper":"Bipul Gupta","air":103,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/BIPUL-GUPTA-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-103-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) \"Extraordinary powers must be exercised with extraordinary care.\" Discuss in the context of Article 142 of the Indian Constitution.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Why are State Legislative Assemblies involved in the election of the President but excluded from the process of impeachment?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Private Member's Bills (PMBs) seldom become law in India, yet they are an important aspect of parliamentary democracy. Bring out their significance and suggest steps to strengthen the PMB process.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlight the key points of convergence and divergence between the judicial systems of India and US","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"5 No provision for judicial review points of divergence","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"The role of Election Commission of India has evolved beyond conducting elections to becoming a guardian of electoral democracy. Critically evaluate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What is the rationale behind the 'three-language formula' in India's education policy? Also highlight the challenges associated with its adoption and implementation across the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"7) Emerging environmental concerns and evolving ecosystem perspectives demand a reimagined approach to rural water governance. Discuss the key interventions needed to recalibrate rural water policies with special emphasis on the role of communities.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"a) Identify and discuss the challenges hindering effective implementation of gender-sensitive policies and schemes in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Effective transboundary water management can act as a catalyst for regional peace and cooperation. In light of this statement, bring out the opportunities and challenges for India in leveraging 'water diplomacy' in its neighbourhood.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What are the key areas of reform if the World Trade Organization (WTO) has to remain relevant in present context of rising protectionism and trade wars?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"2) Objective definition of developing country.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"11) The basic structure doctrine acts as a constitutional compass in balancing Parliament's legislative authority and constitutional supremacy. Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) are pivotal to inclusive and efficient urban governance, yet they remain fiscally constrained and institutionally weak. Analyze.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"3) \"The judiciary has functioned as an institutional corrective, redefining and refining the contours the Governor's office to prevent its misuse and uphold constitutional principles.\" Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 How is the 'vertical' and 'horizontal' devolution of taxes to the states decided? Highlighting the concerns raised by some states regarding the devolution of taxes, suggest corrective measures.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"1 What steps are required for the constitutionalization of a Commission? Do you think granting constitutional status to the Central Information Commission (CIC) would strengthen the RTI regime in India? Give reasons.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 Even as India experiences consistent economic growth and has achieved self-sufficiency in food production, hunger and food insecurity remain pressing concerns. Examine the factors responsible for this paradox and suggest steps to improve the situation.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"7) The Union Government has recently announced that caste enumeration will be part of the coming census. Examine the opportunities and challenges associated with conducting a nationwide caste census. Also, propose a framework for its seamless and effective conduct.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 \"AI integration in governance is no longer a choice but a necessity.\" In light of this statement, discuss how AI can enhance education and healthcare governance.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Providing a brief overview of the aims and objectives of BIMSTEC, explain its significance for India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20) India's approach to its relationship with China has evolved into what can be best described as 'competitive coexistence'. Discuss in light of recent developments. What should be the broad contours of India's future China policy?","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2161,"topper":"Bipul Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0ccf0-1343696_2930_bipul-gupta_rank_103.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How is the rapid growth of the food processing industry leading to food safety challenges in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Under the Public Distribution System of India, the Fair Price Shop (FPS) transformation is an evolving process. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"How are agri-tech startups in India helping farmers in enhancing farm productivity and market access? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the role of digitization of land records in the effective implementation of land reforms in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"To fully exploit its demographic dividend and accelerate economic growth, India needs to adopt a manufacturing-led growth model. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can the resilience of Indian coastal communities be strengthened to tackle the growing natural hazards resulting from climate change? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How does the Green Credit Programme extend beyond carbon management to promote a more sustainable environment in India? What are the various concerns about its implementation? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What are the issues faced in the development of trade and industries in the North-Eastern Region (NER) of India? Comment on the measures that have been taken to tackle these issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the era of climate change and growing water scarcity, how can micro-irrigation systems contribute to sustainable agricultural practices in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What strategies can be adopted to overcome the issues pertaining to freight transportation in the Indian Railways and increase its share in the domestic freight? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the factors that have aided India in making impressive strides in the renewable energy sector and establishing itself as a frontrunner in the global renewable energy transition. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"How does agricultural runoff containing fertilizers and pesticides contribute to environmental pollution? What measures can be taken to mitigate the impact of agricultural runoff? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The growing influx of tourists in Himalayan states has breached their ecological carrying capacity, leading to significant man-made disasters. What measures can be implemented to prevent such disasters while promoting sustainable tourism? Discuss with relevant examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"How do superconductors fuel innovation in diverse fields of science and technology? Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"While India has laws covering almost all types of intellectual property rights, numerous enforcement, regulatory and administrative challenges hamper the commercialisation of IPRs in India. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Keeping in view the challenges in creating integrated theatre commands, examine how the theaterisation of commands can lead to greater integration and rationalisation of manpower and resources among the three services. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Treating border villages as first villages not just geographically but also in terms of facilities can be a key strategy for enhancing border security. Discuss. Also, highlight the measures being taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2162,"topper":"Bipul Gupta","air":103,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/BIPUL-GUPTA-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-103-Sample-MGP-Copy-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1) a) 'Unconscious biases in parenting continue to shape gendered experiences in India.' Do you agree with this view? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) Distinguish between empathy and compassion. Why are they considered as foundational values in public services?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) The current society is witnessing rising levels of intolerance. What are the consequences of this situation for personal well-being and for societal well-being? What can one do at the personal level to become tolerant?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) What are the main components of emotional intelligence and how does it help an individual in taking ethical decisions?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"3) Given below are the three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"If you cry because the sun has gone out of your life, your tears will prevent you from seeing the stars.\" - Rabindranath Tagore","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"\"Two ways of building character - cultivating strength to challenge oppression, and tolerate the resultant hardships that give rise to courage and awareness.\" - Sardar Patel","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"4) a) \"With great power comes great responsibility.\" In the present context, 'Big Tech' headquartered developed countries wield disproportionate influence over digital infrastructure, personal data, and global narratives—often prioritising profit over ethical considerations. What ethical principles should guide such corporations in building a fair, inclusive, and just global digital framework?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"3) What do you understand by the term 'crisis of conscience'? Describe an incident from your life where you experienced such a crisis. How did you deal with it?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"5) a) \"A politics of confession that encourages politicians and parties to confess and offer regret for their errors can surely be a cathartic experience.\" Examine the statement from the ethical point of view.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"5) What are the key objectives of the Right to Information Act, 2005? Examine the ethical concerns associated with certain provisions of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act in realizing the objectives of the RTI Act.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"6) a) Public spaces serve as arenas of democratic participation and civic expression. Yet in India, they remain deeply gendered, with many women largely confined to the private and domestic sphere. Examine the factors that restrict women's access to public spaces. How can ethical governance help address the issue of gendered spatial control and promote inclusivity in public spaces?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"3) Write short notes on the following in 30 words each:\ni) Ethical fading\nii) Conflict of interest\niii) Persuasion\niv) Work culture\nv) Corporate governance","marks":"10 marks, 150","words":"30 words each"},{"page":29,"question":"2.7 Evaluate the options available with Simanta to cope with the situation.\nWhich of the above options would be the most appropriate for Simanta and why?\nWhat are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Simanta?\nExamine the qualities of a public servant which will be required to manage such situations.","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":30,"question":"a. स्थिति से निपटने के लिए सीमांत के पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nb. सीमांत के लिए सबसे उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?\nc. सीमांत को किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\nd. ऐसी परिस्थितियों का प्रबंधन करने के लिए एक लोक सेवक के गुणों का परीक्षण करें।\na स्थिति से निपटने के लिए सीमांत के पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nb सीमांत के लिए सबसे उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?\nc सीमांत को किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\nd ऐसी परिस्थितियों का प्रबंधन करने के लिए एक लोक सेवक के गुणों का परीक्षण करें।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":34,"question":"Q.8) Megha is a first-year sociology student at a reputed college in the national capital. She is originally from Tadchiroli, a tribal village in a western Indian state. Megha's family migrated to the city when she was seven years old and had not visited their village since. Though Megha has fond memories of her childhood there, she never deeply understood the customs and traditions of the region. One day, Megha expresses her wish to visit Tadchiroli. Her father agrees and asks her to inform Ratan, her paternal uncle, who still lives in the village with his family. Megha informs Ratan and travels to the village during a semester break. Upon arrival, she receives a warm welcome from Ratan and his family. Later, Ratan invites her to attend a local festival. During the event, Megha notices that her cousin Rinki is missing. Curious, she asks Ratan's wife Ratna why Rinki is not at the festival. Ratna explains that Rinki is on her period, and as per tradition, menstruating girls must stay separately in small huts built specifically for the purpose. Locally known as 'kurma ghars', they are generally located on the periphery of the village, near a river or pond. She further adds that these girls are not allowed to enter the main house or participate in any social or religious activities. Megha is taken aback. She asks whether all women follow this practice. Ratna nods and says it has been the custom for generations. Even schoolgirls stay in these huts and miss classes during their periods. Ratna admits that many in the village, including herself, never questioned the practice. The explanation unsettles Megha. She finds it hard to believe that a natural biological function leads to such exclusion. Before returning to the city, Megha observes that even educated family members seem to accept and follow these customs. The experience leaves a deep impact on her. She starts reading more about menstrual taboos and their impact on women's health, dignity, and education. As a sociology student, she recognises how such traditions are linked to patriarchy and social stigma. She begins to reflect on what she can do at her level to improve the current situation, without alienating the community or disrespecting its traditions.\na. Suggest a course of action Megha can take to sensitize her village community without appearing disrespectful or confrontational.\nb. What ethical principles and methods should guide her actions while engaging with the community?\nc. How is menstruation related to human rights?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"मेघा द्वारा अपने गांव के समुदाय को असम्मानजनक या टकरावपूर्ण व्यवहार किए बिना संवेदनशील बनाने के लिए अपनाई जाने वाली कार्यवाही का सुझाव दीजिए। समुदाय के साथ जुड़ते समय उसके कार्यों को किन नैतिक सिद्धांतों और तरीकों से निर्देशित किया जाना चाहिए? मासिक धर्म मानव अधिकारों से किस प्रकार संबंधित है?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":39,"question":"Q.9 Gopal is an 80-year-old man living in a remote and an underdeveloped village in a Central Indian state. He had been residing in a small mud house for years. When he came to know about the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G), he saw a glimmer of hope for a pucca house in the last phase of his life. However, the village sarpanch and panchayat secretary told him that to be eligible under the scheme, he must first demolish his existing house so that during a site inspection, no structure would be visible at the location. Subsequently, Gopal demolished his shelter and began living under a babool tree. For nearly six months, he has been staying in the open, braving harsh weather conditions. During this time, he has repeatedly visited the panchayat office but has been told that his application cannot be processed as he lacks the necessary documents. You are the officer-in-charge of implementing PMAY-G in the district. The case of Gopal reaches you through a prominent newspaper report. You personally visit him to understand the situation on the ground. After meeting him and listening to his account, you feel that he certainly needs support. Your enquiries confirm that he is truly destitute and living in a pitiable condition under the open sky. It is also established that he demolished his house based on a faulty interpretation of the scheme by panchayat officials. However, he has no documents to show that he fulfils the eligibility criteria under the scheme. Now you are in a dilemma. Including him under the scheme without the necessary documents would clearly be a violation of rules. But denying him support would be cruel and inhuman.\na. Can you think of a rational way to resolve this dilemma?\nb. Give your reasons for it.\nc. What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.10) You are working as an Assistant Section Officer in the District Development and Panchayat Office. One day, one of your close colleagues approaches you in deep distress. She tells you that her father is suffering from a severe liver condition, and the doctors have clearly stated that he must undergo liver transplant immediately in order to survive. She shares that she has no health insurance, and the surgery would cost around Rs 15 lakh. You are aware that her husband passed away a few years ago, and that she also has a four-year-old son with special needs. Just a few weeks ago, she also lost all her savings in a digital arrest scam. As a widow from a lower middle-class family, her options are extremely limited. Although you feel deeply empathetic, you are unable to offer financial assistance, as you do not have the resources to help. A few weeks later, you enquire about her father's health. She informs you that the liver transplant surgery was successful and that her father is now recovering steadily. Relieved, you ask how she managed to arrange the funds. Hesitantly, she confides that the District Development and Panchayat Officer (DDPO) helped her. Moved by her situation, the DDPO facilitated the release of Rs 15 lakh from the fund allocated to a rural sanitation scheme. The implementation of this scheme had been put on hold for a year due to technical issues and pending site approvals. She explains that the amount was provided on the assurance of strict confidentiality and with a commitment to repay it at the earliest. She expresses deep gratitude for the DDPO's timely help, which she believes saved her father's life. She has already begun repaying the money and will continue to do so until it is all returned.\na. Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\nb. Examine the behavior of DDPO from an ethical point of view.\nc. How would you react to the situation?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Q.11) Nithin is the head of the Marketing Department at Pehnava Clothings Ltd., a reputed apparel manufacturing company with a strong global presence. Known for its professionalism and consistent performance, the company had earned a credible name in both domestic and international markets. However, the firm was going through difficult times. For three consecutive quarters, it had witnessed a steep decline in sales. This trend had raised serious concerns among the top management regarding the company's competitiveness, profitability, and long-term stability. To address the situation, the leadership decided to restructure the marketing division and bring in dynamic leadership. A senior marketing executive, Mr. A, was hired after a rigorous selection process. He had an impressive career record and was known for turning around sales performance in other firms and building strong brand identities. With high expectations placed upon him, Mr. A was seen as the key figure to steer the company out of crisis. Mr. A soon began delivering results. Within a year, the company's revenue had almost doubled, and its brand visibility had increased significantly. His bold marketing strategies, proactive outreach, and innovative campaigns received appreciation from various quarters within the company. His performance drew the attention of the top management. There were deliberations about assigning him a larger role within the company, with a focus on long-term business strategy. He was also being considered for an internal award for 'Excellence in Leadership and Innovation'. However, alongside professional success of Mr. A, Nithin began receiving troubling feedback about his conduct in the workplace. Informal reports indicated that he frequently made inappropriate comments about women. In addition, he regularly sent indecent messages via social media apps to all team members, including his female colleagues. Although no formal complaint was lodged initially, Nithin could sense tension within the team, and signs of discomfort were becoming increasingly apparent. Some employees even started avoiding direct interaction with Mr. A. Team morale and interpersonal trust were gradually eroding, but employees remained hesitant to speak openly. The matter escalated one evening when Mrs. X, one of Mr. A's team members approached Nithin. Visibly disturbed and emotionally shaken, she disclosed that Mr. A had repeatedly engaged in inappropriate behavior towards her. She added that Mr. A had been making undesirable advances towards her and had even tried to touch her inappropriately in his cabin. She urged Nithin to take appropriate action in the matter, or else she would have no option but to resign from her position.\n Bring out the ethical issues involved in this case.\n What are the options available to Nithin?\n Critically examine each of the options identified by Nithin.\n Which of the options, do you think, would be more appropriate for Nithin to adopt and why?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":50,"question":"a. इस मामले में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों को स्पष्ट करें।\nb. नितिन के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nc. नितिन द्वारा पहचाने गए प्रत्येक विकल्प का आलोचनात्मक परीक्षण करें।\nd. नितिन के लिए कौन सा विकल्प अपनाना अधिक उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?\na इस मामले में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों को स्पष्ट करें।\nb नितिन के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nc नितिन द्वारा पहचाने गए प्रत्येक विकल्प का आलोचनात्मक परीक्षण करें।\nd नितिन के लिए कौन सा विकल्प अपनाना अधिक उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":55,"question":"Q.12) You are appointed as an officer heading the Air Quality Compliance Division of the Environment Pollution Control Board in Delhi-NCR. The region is witnessing alarming levels of air pollution, which typically worsen during the winter months due to various meteorological and anthropogenic factors. The situation has led to severe public health concerns, particularly affecting vulnerable groups such as elderly, children, and those with respiratory illnesses. The Supreme Court has also raised serious concern over the deteriorating air quality in Delhi-NCR and has directed the administration to take immediate and effective measures to control pollution, especially during the winter months. Your jurisdiction has a large number of small and medium-scale industries that were granted environmental clearance over the years. These industries form the backbone of the local economy and provide employment to a significant number of migrant workers. However, recent inspections and air quality monitoring reports indicate that a significant number of these units are operating in violation of prescribed air emission norms. As part of targeted measures to curb air pollution, you issued notices to all identified polluting units, directing them to apply for fresh environmental clearance certificates from the competent authority. However, your decision triggered strong opposition from a section of industrial units, labour unions, and local politicians. Industrial owners argued that such action would lead to production shutdowns, financial losses, and shortages of their products in the market. Labour unions and workers also protested, fearing mass unemployment and livelihood insecurity. Local politicians and vested interests accused you of jeopardising the socio-economic stability of the region. You received representations from various quarters urging you to withdraw the notices and not initiate harsh measures, citing the interests of multiple stakeholders. Additionally, you began receiving anonymous threats, aimed at coercing you into reversing your decision. On the other hand, several of your colleagues supported your stance, encouraging you to act in the larger public interest. Several local NGOs and environmental groups rallied behind your actions, demanding the immediate closure of polluting units.\na. Under the given conditions, what are the options available to you?\nb. Critically evaluate each of the options listed by you.\nc. What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by you?","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":2163,"topper":"Bipul Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8ef5d-1343696_2931_bipul-gupta_rank_103.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. (a) The end cannot justify the means, for the simple and obvious reason that the means employed determine the nature of the ends produced. Discuss with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"1. (b) Discuss how the relationship between law and ethics is dynamic and continuously shaped by societal changes. Provide examples to illustrate this dynamic relationship.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":10,"question":"2. (a) Differentiate between probity and integrity with suitable examples. How do these values contribute to ethical governance and decision-making in the civil services?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"2. (b) Discuss the ethical implications of withholding information in public administration. How can transparency enhance accountability and reduce corruption in government institutions? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"3 (a) What do each of the following quotations mean to you?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":16,"question":"3. (b) \"Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.\" - Leo Tolstoy (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"3. (c) \"To see what is right and not do it is a lack of courage\" - Confucius (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"4. (a) What factors lead to a positive attitude in a person? How does positive attitude enhance the effectiveness of civil servants in performing their duties? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"4. (b) Discuss how emotional intelligence can influence ethical decision-making in the allocation of scarce public resources.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"5. (a) Various international humanitarian organizations provide emergency aid in conflict zones around the world. Highlight the ethical challenges faced by such organizations. What are the principles that guide international humanitarian work?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"5. (b) Why is persuasion regarded as an important skill for civil servants? What are the key considerations that should guide persuasion in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"6. (a) What role can ethical leadership play in curbing corruption, especially in public service? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"6. (b) What were the major teachings of Swami Dayanand Saraswati? Explain their relevance in addressing the current ethical and social challenges in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":33,"question":"(a) Discuss the ethical dilemma Karan faces in deciding whether to report the incident against Mariyam's wishes.\n(b) Evaluate the options available to Karan. Which of these options should he choose and why?\n(c) What responsibilities do organizations like XYZ Corp have in preventing and addressing sexual harassment and creating inclusive workplace environments? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"II. File a complaint on behalf of Marian","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"8 (a) शिक्षा विभाग के आयुक्त के रूप में जय के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं? इनमें से प्रत्येक विकल्प का मूल्यांकन कीजिए।\n(b) जय को कौन-सा विकल्प अपनाना चाहिए और क्यों?\n(c) जय जैसे सिविल सेवकों को अपने दायित्वों के निर्वहन में नैतिक मानकों को बनाए रखने के प्रयास के दौरान बेहतर सुरक्षा कैसे प्रदान की जा सकती है? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)\na) शिक्षा विभाग के आयुक्त के रूप में जय के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं? इनमें से प्रत्येक विकल्प का मूल्यांकन कीजिए।\nb) जय को कौन-सा विकल्प अपनाना चाहिए और क्यों?\nc) जय जैसे सिविल सेवकों को अपने दायित्वों के निर्वहन में नैतिक मानकों को बनाए रखने के प्रयास के दौरान बेहतर सुरक्षा कैसे प्रदान की जा सकती है? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":39,"question":"(a) What are the options available to Jay as the Commissioner of the Education Department? Evaluate each of these options.\n(b) What option should Jay adopt and why?\n(c) How can civil servants like Jay be better protected when they attempt to uphold ethical standards in their work? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"9 As the District Magistrate of X city, you are responsible for overseeing the construction of a new metro depot in an urban forest area, which is a critical infrastructure project aimed at improving public transportation and reducing traffic congestion and air pollution. The project, however, requires the clearance of a substantial portion of the forest, which has triggered strong opposition from environmental activists, local residents, and NGOs. This forest is widely regarded as essential for the city's ecological balance, often referred to as the city's \"lungs.\" In addition to the environmental concerns, you are under considerable pressure from politicians at the state-level to expedite the project, given the upcoming elections in two years. The political leadership emphasizes the benefits of the metro project for the city's development and its potential to garner electoral support. The project is expected to significantly reduce travel time for thousands of commuters and potentially decrease overall vehicle emissions in the city. However, it would also lead to the loss of thousands of trees and disrupt local ecosystems. As you prepare to make a decision, you are aware that your choice will have far-reaching consequences for both the city's development and its environment.\n(a) Identify the ethical dilemmas involved in the above case.\n(b) Evaluate the options available to you in the above situation. Which of these would you choose and why?\n(c) Suggest some measures that could be implemented to balance urban development needs with environmental conservation in future projects. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"VII carry out a robust CIL and evaluate compensatory afforestation plan","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"10 (a) Identify the stakeholders in the above case study.\n(b) Discuss the ethical issues faced by Dr. Mehra.\n(c) Analyse the options available to Dr. Mehra in the above case. Which of these would you choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)\na) Identify the stakeholders in the above case study.\nb) Discuss the ethical issues faced by Dr. Mehra.\nc) Analyse the options available to Dr. Mehra in the above case. Which of these would you choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"11 You have been appointed as the Under Secretary in the State Urban Development Department. The Department has been tasked with a prestigious project aimed at revitalizing the infrastructure of a city with deep historical significance. This project, which you are extremely passionate about, involves modernizing public transportation, restoring heritage buildings, and creating green spaces while preserving the city's cultural essence.\n\nExcited by the opportunity, you spent weeks researching and drafting a comprehensive proposal. Your plan included innovative ideas for sustainable development, community engagement, and leveraging technology for urban planning. You presented these initial plans in a departmental meeting, hoping to inspire your colleagues and kickstart the project.\n\nHowever, your enthusiasm was met with indifference. Your colleagues showed little interest, failing to contribute ideas or efforts towards the project. Concerned, you reported this lack of enthusiasm to your immediate superior, who is also the authority for this project. To your dismay,\n(a) इस प्रकरण में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\n(b) उपयुक्त कार्य संस्कृति कार्यस्थल पर मनोबल और उत्पादकता को किस प्रकार प्रभावित करती है?\n(c) आपके पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं और आप इस स्थिति का समाधान किस प्रकार करेंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.\n(b) How does the above-mentioned work culture affect workplace morale and productivity?\n(c) What are the options available to you and how would you address the situation? (Answer in 250 words)\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb) How does the above-mentioned work culture affect workplace morale and productivity?\nc) What are the options available to you and how would you address the situation?","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":58,"question":"12 (a) उपयुक्त प्रकरण के आलोक में, कॉर्पोरेट, राजनीतिक और नौकरशाही के हितों के बीच गठजोड़ से उत्पन्न होने वाले नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\n(b) एक कर्तव्यनिष्ठ सिविल सेवक के रूप में, अरुण के पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन कीजिए। उसे कौन-सा विकल्प चुनना चाहिए और क्यों? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)\na) उपयुक्त प्रकरण के आलोक में, कॉर्पोरेट, राजनीतिक और नौकरशाही के हितों के बीच गठजोड़ से उत्पन्न होने वाले नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\nb) एक कर्तव्यनिष्ठ सिविल सेवक के रूप में, अरुण के पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन कीजिए। उसे कौन-सा विकल्प चुनना चाहिए और क्यों? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":59,"question":"(a) In light of the above case, discuss the ethical issues that may arise from the nexus between corporate, political, and bureaucratic interests.\n(b) As a conscientious civil servant, evaluate the options available to Arun. Which option should he choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":2164,"topper":"Bipul Gupta","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/BIPUL-GUPTA-UPSC-2024-Rank-368-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Why has there been an increased focus on negotiating, renegotiating and concluding Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) by India in recent years? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"A well-designed fiscal policy can serve as a vital instrument to facilitate the equitable distribution of resources and ensure the welfare of all sections of society. Elaborate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What are the primary factors contributing to India's significant reliance on imported edible oils? What measures do you suggest to increase domestic production and to reduce India's reliance on imported edible oils? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"With the growing water crisis in India, micro irrigation offers a sustainable solution for water conservation; however, its adoption remains skewed and below its potential. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The recurring railway accidents highlight the urgent necessity for addressing the myriad challenges related to safety, undercapacity and lack of modernization within Indian Railways. Analyse. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"How does NISAR mission exemplify international cooperation in space exploration and scientific research? In what ways will it help in climate change monitoring and natural hazard management? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Nuclear technology can play a transformative role in enhancing food security and agricultural sustainability. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Increasing frequency of forest fires in India underscores the urgent need for sustainable forest management practices. In light of the statement, bring out the causes and multidimensional impact of forest fires. Also, suggest measures for their prevention and management. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What can be attributed to the recent rise in terror related violence in Jammu and Kash-","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"What strategies would you suggest to counter it? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In the light of recent events, examine the implications of 'cyber slavery' on internal","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Nt and prosperity.\" Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Infrastructure development is essential not just for economic transformation but also for sustainable development and societal well-being. Elaborate with examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Bring out the significance of aquaculture towards nutrition security, livelihood generation, and economic growth. Also, mention various measures taken by the government to promote aquaculture in the country. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The MSP system, though well-intentioned, has led to market distortions and ecological stress, necessitating reforms to make it more inclusive and efficient. Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Biotechnology holds immense potential for achieving sustainable food production, efficient waste management and significant advancements in human health. Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Climate change is leading to significant alterations in ecosystems, resulting in cascading effects on biodiversity, ecosystem services, and human livelihoods, necessitating integrated approaches to conservation and climate adaptation. Analyse. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Urban areas, often referred to as the cradle of civilization and growth engines, are increasingly experiencing various natural and man-made disasters. Discuss in the Indian context. Also, suggest suitable mitigation and management strategies. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"\"India's disaster management framework has made significant progress in the 21st century, yet challenges persist in ensuring timely response and effective coordination during crises.\" Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Explain how the symbiotic relationship between organized crime and terrorism further aggra- vates internal security concerns. What steps can be taken to address this linkage and the threats emerging from it? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Strengthening security apparatus in border areas and forging developmental partnerships with the locals are essential components of a robust and effective border management strategy. Discuss, with initiatives taken by the government in this regard. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2165,"topper":"Birdev Done","air":551,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1r9E6dnOqI5_7yfZOiHsqAhTukGgErQ7J/view","questions":[]},{"id":2166,"topper":"Bishakha Jain","air":101,"year":2019,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3a235-16838_769_bishakha-jain_rank_101.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2167,"topper":"Bishakha Jain","air":101,"year":2019,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/86aaa-16838_770_bishakha-jain_rank_101.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2168,"topper":"Bishakha Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e2a56-16838_763_bishakha-jain_rank_101.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The most important challenge in managing the public sector in India is balancing its accountability with autonomy. Discuss with relevant examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Most rural poor are excluded from the ambit of the formal financial system, which raises their dependence on informal sources as well as exposure to financial distress. In this context, explain why formal sector lending, especially to farmers, is so limited. Also suggest some steps that need to be taken to increase access to formal credit in rural areas.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Efforts should be made to support Indian businesses to invest abroad as several direct and indirect benefits accrue to the home country from outward foreign direct investment. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Monetary policy transmission in India has largely remained ineffective. What are the reasons behind this? Explain what marginal cost-based lending rate (MCLR) is and how it can affect monetary policy transmission in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"India's most pressing labour market challenge going forward is to generate a large number of formal sector jobs. In this context, discuss the constraints on formalisation of workforce. Also highlight how these constraints can be overcome.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"What are the objectives of public debt management in India? Examine the rationale for setting up an independent agency to manage government debt. Also highlight the issues that need to be addressed to ensure successful debt management by an agency other than the RBI.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Explaining the rationale behind ceiling on agricultural land holdings, discuss whether land ceiling has stifled agricultural growth in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Augmenting the employment potential is linked with the need for increasing India's share in world exports. What are the objectives of the Foreign Trade Policy ? How does it seek to achieve these objectives in the coming years?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"The advent of differentiated banking marks the beginning of a radical overhaul of the banking structure that would address the abysmal levels of financial inclusion in India. Elaborate. What are the possible issues that could impede the functioning of these banks?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"While explaining the reasons behind slump in revenue of Indian railways, discuss whether the recently announced \"dynamic fare pricing\" can help in addressing the problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"What is Google Street View? Discuss the grounds on which India has refused to allow Google to launch its Street View service in the country.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Increasing use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVS) pose unique policy challenges that transcend conventional domains of national security, privacy and business practices. Analyse in the context of the draft guidelines that have been issued by the DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation). Also examine the significance of UAVs in achieving the goal of inclusive development.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"What is Artificial Intelligence? Can it be a potential game changer in improving governance? Examine the challenges that lie in its use.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"The government recently announced its plan to make India a 100% electric vehicle nation by 2030. What are the advantages of Electric Vehicles over internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles? Highlight the challenges that the government needs to overcome to implement this plan.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"While the provisions of the Montreal Protocol have helped phase out CFCs, the alternative to them have contributed to another problem. Comment. How will the Kigali agreement help in addressing this problem?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Despite a wide range of problems and issues, India supports 57 per cent of the world population of tigers. Enumerate the challenges in maintaining the growth of tiger population in India. What are the salient features of the strategy adopted by India over the years to support the tiger population? Also highlight the measures required to further improve the situation in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"What are the reasons for indiscriminate sand mining from rivers in India? Analyse its adverse effects on economy and ecology of the region. In context of the 2015 guidelines released by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, highlight the measures that can be adopted to curb the practice of sand mining.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"India's commitment to Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) is evident from the fact that it became one of the first countries to align its National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP) with the Sendai Framework. What are the salient features of India's first National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP)? How can this plan help in effective disaster management?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Recent instances have led many to not use plastic or electronic transactions, despite the convenience. Discuss the issues associated with the rise of currency in circulation in the economy in recent times. Also, highlighting the advantages of a cashless economy, suggest measures required to bolster its popular acceptability.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Whereas proliferation of traditional nuclear weapons has long been a concern, the issue of dirty bombs and orphan sources has also become important in recent years. Explain what a dirty bomb is and highlight the concerns linked with nuclear terrorism in India. In this context, what are the issues that need to be addressed to effectively ensure the security of nuclear material in India outside the already secured nuclear installations?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2169,"topper":"Bishakha Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a8a89-16838_764_bishakha-jain_rank_101.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Cultural diversity has made emotional intelligence crucial for Indian administration. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Family and school are important agents of socialization in a child's life. Comment on the role of family and school as a source of values. Give an example of a situation where these acquired values guided you in a situation of dilemma.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Given below are two quotations. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) \"We are what our thoughts have made us; so take care about what you think. Words are secondary. Thoughts live; they travel far.\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"\"A man's conscience and his judgement is the same thing and as the judgement, so also the conscience, may be erroneous.\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"\"The love of one's country is a splendid thing. But why should love stop at the border?\" What do you understand by nationalism? What significance does it hold in your life?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"A 'Good Samaritan' legal protection is vital to encourage people to offer assistance without the fear of any criminal or civil liability. Discuss the statement in the context of India's unacceptably high rate of road accident fatalities due to the inability of victims to get timely medical treatment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"\"There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest.\" Discuss the significance of this statement in present day India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Around the world, more than 125 million people need humanitarian aid. With special reference to financial assistance, discuss the various ethical issues involved in addressing the needs of those in dire circumstances. What measures can be undertaken to ensure that donations and aids for such purposes are thoroughly channelled to meet their targets.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"While discretion is necessary for effective discharge of duties, it is also a major factor responsible for corruption in administration at all levels. Comment. In this context, suggest some ways in which smooth execution of responsibilities can be ascertained while minimising corruption.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"What do you understand by corporate ethics? Giving examples, highlight the ethical issues faced by CEOs in the current competetive environment, with special reference to government owned enterprises.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Government employees are often considered by many as being unresponsive, insensitive and corrupt. What, according to you, are the factors that cultivate such a negative attitude towards civil servants? As a young civil servant, what would be your approach to change this attitude?10","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Many of the present social conflicts arise due to prejudices and discrimination. Illustrate. What can be done to curb discrimination and handle prejudices?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Adhering to high standards of transparency is often in conflict with the duty towards maintaining confidentiality. With examples, elaborate on the problems faced by public servants in effective discharge of duties during such situations. Also, discuss the ethical framework that should guide the decisions in these circumstances.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"You get your first posting as a District Collector in a predominantly rural area. Recently, the office of Registrar General of Births, Deaths and Marriages registered an inter-caste marriage of a young couple. On hearing the news, villagers and family members of the married couple attacked the Registrar's office and are holding their respective children in captivity. One group also enjoys immense political power in the state and have warned you against taking any action. Based on the above information, answer the following questions. (a) What is/are the ethical dilemma(s) that an administrator faces in such situations? (b) Enumerate your priorities and steps that you will take to handle the situation. (c) What are the social and attitudinal factors at play? What will be your role in bringing about a change in these?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"A group of educated young men is caught trying to leave the country to fight for a terrorist organization overseas. It was found that they were radicalized online through social media by the handlers of that terrorist organization. These boys have not committed any act of terror till now and have no criminal background. (a) What could be the reasons for radicalization of educated youth? (b) As a senior intelligence official, what approach would you follow to deal with such cases? Give arguments in support of your stand. (c) Suggest a feasible strategy to prevent further radicalization of youth in the country.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"You are the CEO of a pharmaceutical company that has monopolized the manufacture of an anti-allergen device, which is used by millions who suffer from different kinds of allergic reactions: life threatening as well as non-threatening. Your company that was initially facing significant losses has increased the price of the device and since then has been witnessing huge profit margins. While the stakeholders of the company are pleased with your decision, there is a public backlash against the price rise. Politicians too have begun criticizing the policies of the company. (a) What are the ethical issues involved? (b) Enumerate the values that are under question in the mentioned scenario? (c) As the CEO of the company, would you retrospectively change your decision in light of the public backlash?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are a Public Information Officer (PIO) in Public Works Department. An RTI is filed to know about the allotment of tender to a company for construction of a bridge. While collecting information about the allotment process you came to know that the tender was under-priced. However, you also came to know that it was unintentional and was due to a calculation error which could not be detected during the scrutiny. The under-secretary of the department who is an honest official with an impeccable record and is the final authority for passing the tender has requested you to iron out the deficiencies in your response. His argument is that elections are to be held soon and the company which has got the tender belongs to a relative of senior minister. He fears that his reputation and job as well as of others involved in the process of allotment is at risk. You sympathise with your colleagues and understand that such consequences are possible. 20 (a) What are the options available to you? (b) Evaluate each of these options and choose the option you would adopt, giving reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You are a government official supervising the maintenance and upkeep of juvenile rehabilitation centres all over country. You are a strong advocate for preventive services such as counselling and parenting skill education as an alternative to the placement of neglected children in rehabilitation homes. You have convinced your minister about the stand and he has taken a public position on the same and declared that he will scrap the scheme of rehabilitation homes alltogether. Believing that a reputable study of the cost-effectiveness of preventive services would bolster your position, your department enters into a contract with a top university to conduct a series of evaluation studies. The first study involves a controlled experimental evaluation of government sponsored preventive services. To your dismay, the findings show no evidence that preventive service is a cost effective alternative to placing children in rehabilitation homes. You are worried that the results, if published, would not only compromise the position of the minister but also yours. What will you do in such a situation? Some of the options are given below. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each of these options and suggest what course of action you would like to take, giving reasons. 20 (a) Keep silent on the report and continue advocating your stand with the minister. (b) Cancel the contract with the university and conduct a fresh study with a new agency. (c) Report the results to the minister and follow his orders. (d) Conduct further research and be prepared to accept the results and declare them publicly.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"You are a young IAS officer posted as SDM of a flood prone sub-division. There is an old dam in your area which protects about 2 dozen villages from floods. Though the dam is weak, it is expected to hold up as repair works are being carried upon by the villagers. One day you receive a call that the villagers in the area had abandoned repairs and were running away from the work site because the dam was about to collapse as the force of water was building up. You quickly reach the site and see the fear and panic induced villagers. Systematised evacuation will take 2 days and if the dam collapses now, there will be great loss of life and property. You noticed several geo-bags (synthetic bags which are used to protect hydraulic structures and river banks from severe erosion) lying at a construction site near the dam which could hold the dam for some time. You realized that all you needed now was manpower to place these bags on the dam in such a way as to prevent water from entering the village. But the people are fear stricken and are preparing to flee. 20 Based on above information, answer the following questions: (a) Elaborate on the qualities of a civil servant that are essential in such circumstances. (b) What options do you have to handle this situation? Evaluate each of them with their merits and demerits.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2170,"topper":"Bishakha Jain","air":101,"year":2019,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6c9ed-16838_760_bishakha-jain_rank_101.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2171,"topper":"Biswajit Panda","air":343,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/BISWAJIT-PANDA-UPSC-2023-Rank-343-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2172,"topper":"Biswajit Panda","air":343,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/BISWAJIT-PANDA-UPSC-2023-Rank-343-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2173,"topper":"Biswajit Panda","air":343,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/BISWAJIT-PANDA-UPSC-2023-Rank-343-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2174,"topper":"Biswajit Panda","air":343,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/BISWAJIT-PANDA-UPSC-2023-Rank-343-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2175,"topper":"BORKAR SURESH LILADHARRAO","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/a4911661fb63cf32bd7e1d24c76e3051/8/mt23rcapa058_tc701.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"If you look into someone's face long enough, eventually you feel that you are looking into yourself.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"It is the province of knowledge to speak and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Drop the question what tomorrow may bring, and count as profit every day that fate allows you.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Truth, like a torch, the more it is shook, it shines.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Art is I; science is We.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Only the dead have seen the end of the war.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Act as if it were impossible to fail.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2176,"topper":"BORKAR SURESH LILADHARRAO","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/a4911661fb63cf32bd7e1d24c76e3051/7/mt23rcapa058_702.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"You can't serve data on a hungry man's plate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"AI is overcoming our mental limitation but not expanding our mental horizon.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"We are using environment for politics, not politics for environment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"The worst form of inequality is to try to make unequal things equal.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Existence is a science, living is an art.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"If the truth shall kill them, let them die.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"The only way to go beyond things, is to go through them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Dream for the best. Be prepared for the worst. Enjoy life in between.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2177,"topper":"BORKAR SURESH LILADHARRAO","air":658,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/269/mt23rcapa058_tc703-test-01-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2178,"topper":"BORKAR SURESH LILADHARRAO","air":658,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/273/mt23rcapa058_tc707-test-05-gs01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2179,"topper":"BORKAR SURESH LILADHARRAO","air":658,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/270/mt23rcapa058_tc704-test-02-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2180,"topper":"BORKAR SURESH LILADHARRAO","air":658,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/274/mt23rcapa058_tc708-test-06-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2181,"topper":"BORKAR SURESH LILADHARRAO","air":658,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/271/mt23rcapa058_tc705-test-03-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2182,"topper":"BORKAR SURESH LILADHARRAO","air":658,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/275/mt23rcapa058_tc709-test-07-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2183,"topper":"BORKAR SURESH LILADHARRAO","air":658,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/272/mt23rcapa058_tc706-test-04-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2184,"topper":"BORKAR SURESH LILADHARRAO","air":658,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/276/mt23rcapa058_tc710-test-08-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2185,"topper":"BORKAR SURESH LILADHARRAO","air":658,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/261/mt23rcapa058_tc703-test-01-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2186,"topper":"BORKAR SURESH LILADHARRAO","air":658,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/262/mt23rcapa058_tc704-test-02-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2187,"topper":"BORKAR SURESH LILADHARRAO","air":658,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/263/mt23rcapa058_tc705-test-03-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2188,"topper":"BORKAR SURESH LILADHARRAO","air":658,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/264/mt23rcapa058_tc706-test-04-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2189,"topper":"BORKAR SURESH LILADHARRAO","air":658,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/265/mt23rcapa058_tc707-test-05-gs01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2190,"topper":"BORKAR SURESH LILADHARRAO","air":658,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/266/mt23rcapa058_tc708-test-06-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2191,"topper":"BORKAR SURESH LILADHARRAO","air":658,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/267/mt23rcapa058_tc709-test-07-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2192,"topper":"BORKAR SURESH LILADHARRAO","air":658,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/268/mt23rcapa058_tc710-test-08-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2193,"topper":"Brij Shankar","air":273,"year":2017,"paper":"Optional — Public Administration","optional":true,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1puOwUa3jagl8rH1OJENJR0EQRl63B-N0","questions":[]},{"id":2194,"topper":"C S Jeydev","air":5,"year":2019,"paper":"Optional — Law","optional":true,"source":"LawXperts MV","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.lawxpertsmv.com/post/c-s-jeydev-air-5-upsc-law-optional-mains-mock-test-answer-sheets","questions":[]},{"id":2195,"topper":"CATHERINE SARANYA A","air":157,"year":2020,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4938e-357350_1530_catherine-saranya-a_rank_157.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2196,"topper":"CATHERINE SARANYA A","air":157,"year":2020,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0764c-357350_1531_catherine-saranya-a_rank_157.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2197,"topper":"CATHERINE SARANYA A","air":157,"year":2020,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3ac6c-357350_1532_catherine-saranya-a_rank_157.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2198,"topper":"CATHERINE SARANYA A","air":157,"year":2020,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/81a59-357350_1533_catherine-saranya-a_rank_157.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2199,"topper":"Ch Aswani Kumar","air":256,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/CHEJARLA-ASWANI-KUMARUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-256-Sample-MGP-COPY-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) seeks to democratize the nation's online market by catalysing a shift from a platform centric to an open model of e-commerce. Enumerate the issues in platform centric e-commerce model and discuss the significance of ONDC.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Highlighting the existing bottlenecks in infrastructure development in the country, examine the role of PM Gati Shakti-National Master Plan for Multi-Modal Connectivity to overcome these challenges.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Often cited as responsible for many of the agriculture's maladies, Minimum Support Price (MSP) policy can also provide their remedies. Analyze the statement with special reference to issues related to mono-cropping and climate change.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Explain the critical role of the fisheries sector for development of coastal areas. Describing the major outcomes of the 12th ministerial of WTO, discuss India's concerns related to the impact of these outcomes on fisheries sector in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) What are the advantages of liquid nano urea over conventional fertilizers? Also bring out other applications of nanotechnology in the agriculture sector.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) Discuss the reasons for rising anti-microbial resistance (AMR) in India and the efforts to control it. Can traditional medicine help in controlling AMR in the country?","marks":"10","words":"350"},{"page":14,"question":"How can Traditional Medicine help?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) Critically evaluate the various government initiatives to promote renewable energy in the country. How far can the Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill, 2022 contribute towards the objective of decarbonizing the economy?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How Energy Conservation Bill, 2022 can help?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) Frequent sea incursions and accelerated coastal erosion pose a grave threat to our environment. Analyzing their impacts, propose some corrective measures.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) Emerging internal security threats of the 21st century call for a modern, efficient and responsive police force. In this perspective, present a case for well-rounded police reforms.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 Money laundering undermines the integrity of the financial system and threatens national security. Elaborate. How effective has Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA) been in checking the problem of money laundering in the country?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.1) In the five years since its launch to create 'One Nation, One Tax, One Market', Goods and Services Tax (GST) has been a cause of celebration as well as a source of worry for the stakeholders. In light of this statement, assess the performance of GST.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) Discussing the reasons for high Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) in Indian banking sector, critically examine the utility of Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) and National Asset Reconstruction Company Ltd (NARCL) for reducing financial stress on banks.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13) While post-independence policies have transformed India from a 'ship to mouth' economy to a net exporter of agri-products, nutrition security is yet an unrealized objective. Analyze.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 Examine the critical role of Food Corporation of India (FCI) in food management in the country. Highlight various challenges faced by the FCI and suggest reforms to make it more effective in its functioning.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 What do you understand by Artificial Intelligence (AI)? Analyze its predictive and prescriptive applications to improve governance in the country and list out the challenges inherent in AI.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) How is 5G different from previous generations of tele-communication technology? Underlining the transformative application of 5G technology, discuss various challenges in its roll-out.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17) Why is Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) seen as a regulatory hurdle to development rather than an integral part of developmental planning? How far can the recently proposed ranking system for State EIA Authorities (SEIAA) help in changing this perception?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 Unscientific, unmindful and unregulated tourism in the ecologically fragile areas has increased the vulnerabilities of these regions towards a plethora of disasters. Examine the statement and suggest strategies for sustainable tourism.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 How are 'hybrid-militants' different from militants and Over Ground Workers (OGW)? In what ways have hybrid militants changed the security concerns in Jammu and Kashmir? Also recommend effective measures to counter them.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20) Explain the linkages of human trafficking with other illicit activities such as drug trafficking, gun-running, and terrorism. Discuss the measures to tackle the menace of human trafficking with special reference of draft Trafficking in Persons (Prevention, Care & Rehabilitation) Bill 2021.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2200,"topper":"Ch Aswani Kumar","air":256,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/CHEJARLA-ASWANI-KUMARUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-256-Sample-MGP-COPY-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) Successful people are not those who did not fail, but those who persisted in turbulent times and kept moving after a failure. In light of this statement, examine the importance of adversity quotient in life. How can adversity quotient be developed?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) 'Strength does not come from physical capacity but from an incontrollable will.' - Gandhi. What does strength mean to you and how far do you agree with the given statement? Discuss with suitable example.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) Differentiate between the following\ni) Conscientiousness Vs. Conscience\nii) Guilt Vs. Remorse","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) Good governance does not depend on laws, but upon the personal qualities of those who administer the law. Do you agree with this statement? Justify your view.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) a) An active civil service is necessary but not sufficient; India also requires civil service activism for fulfilling the vision of justice, liberty and equality for all. Analyze the statement citing relevant examples","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) Educational institutions complement the role of the family and the society in shaping our values. Discuss. Can digital education perform this value inculcation function effectively?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"4. Role modelling & social persuasion in college due to helps in shaping values, Can Digital Education perform this?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Q.4) a) Gendered attitudes convert differences in sexes into discriminations. Examine the factors responsible for negative attitudes toward women in the Indian society. How can these attitudes be changed?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"b) How are ethical concerns and work culture of public institutions different from those of private institutions? Examine the desirability of adoption of work culture similar to private institutions in public institutions.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.5) a) Besides objectivity, civil servants also need empathy and compassion to effectively resolve various ethical dilemmas they face while discharging their responsibilities. Discuss with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"b) Leadership is essentially a task of persuasion. How does ability to persuade others help civil servants in performing their duty? Identify five qualities that make civil servants effective agents of persuasion. Justify your choice.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.6) a) What does each of the following quotations mean to you? 'Peace is not mere absence of war; it is presence of justice'","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"b) The world will not be destroyed by those who do evil, but by those who watch them without doing anything","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"c) Happiness is a mysterious thing, to be found somewhere between too little and too much.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7) Sunshine electronics is a domestic mobile manufacturer and you are its CEO. Sunshine electronics has made an affordable 5g phone with over 80% domestically sourced components. It has spent a large amount of money for promotion of the phone. General public is excited about the new phone and the company has already received over 1 lakh pre-launch orders from various online shopping portals. The achievement of the company has also received recognition from the highest political level and has been cited as a successful example of Atma-Nirbhar Bharat. The Central Minister of Electronics and Information Technology is the chief guest in the launch event of the new mobile phone.\nJust a day before the launch of the new phone, you received a call from the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of your company. He informs you that the US has banned Huwu Technologies Pvt. Ltd. from doing business in the USA and a similar ban is expected to be imposed by the EU in the next few days. The ban on Huwu is based on a report claiming that Huwu has been working very closely with the Chinese government and there are technical 'backdoors' in the components made by Huwu that allows it to spy on users of the devices that have these components.\nThe new phone made by your company also uses a chip manufactured by Huwu. To fulfil the pre-orders in the shortest possible time, Sunshine Electronics has also manufactured around fifty thousand devices. Cancelling or postponing the launch event would be embarrassing for political dispensation and financially disastrous for your company. On the other hand, going ahead with the launch would mean potentially risking the privacy and security of your customers.\n1) On the basis of this case, identify the various ethical dilemmas involved.\n2) What principles of corporate ethics would you consider while taking the decision in this case?\n3) Examine various options available with you for handling the issue at hand. What will you do in the given case?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":30,"question":"1) इस मामले के आधार पर, इसमें शामिल विभिन्न नैतिक दुविधाओं को पहचान करें।\n2) इस मामले में निर्णय लेते समय आप कॉर्पोरेट नैतिकता की किन सिद्धांतों पर विचार करेंगे?\n3) समस्या से निपटने के लिए आपके पास उपलब्ध विभिन्न विकल्पों की जांच करें। दिए गए मामले में आप क्या करेंगे?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":34,"question":"Q.8 Asanpur is a beautiful small district in Northern part of India. It used to be the hub of stone mining activity. However, excessive mining led to environmental degradation and rapid soil erosion while cutting of stone created air pollution hazard. Due to various detrimental impacts, NGT has imposed a ban on stone mining in Asanpur. Despite this ban, the mining mafia has been able to operate with connivance of corrupt government officials and politicians. Many officers have tried to stop this illegal mining, but the powerful mafia has either forced them to submit through force or bribed them or got them transferred through their political contacts. Last week, a DSP lost his life when he was trying to stop a truck carrying illegally mined stones.\nYou recently got promoted and made the SP of Asanpur. Upon taking the charge, you quickly realized the gravity of the problem. Illegal mining was run by organized gangs in the district. It was also linked to other crimes in your city ranging from petty crimes like pick pocketing to serious offenses like kidnapping and murders. Illegal mining and related crime have negatively impacted socio-economic development of the district as youth are increasingly getting involved in the illegal activities and businesses are leaving the district due to high crime rates. You created a special task force and started taking stringent actions against the illegal mining in your district. In a short span of a few weeks you seized thirty dumpers carrying illegally mined stones. Public appreciated your stringent actions while the corrupt ecosystem created by illegal miners was rattled.\nOne day, a junior officer approached you and informed you that he has been receiving threats from the illegal stone miners. He also informs you that others in the task force are also facing problems like someone in the task force is being harassed by reopening an old settled case against him while someone else has received a transfer order to a remote district. This has demotivated the taskforce and reminded them of the connections of illegal miners in the district. The same day, when you reach home, your wife tells you that she got a call from an unknown number threatening her of dire consequences if you do not stop your investigation. You fear that the call was from a member of the organized crime syndicate involved in the illegal mining activity. Your wife is worried about the safety of the family and requests you to be lenient in your work. In this situation, answer the following questions:\n1) How will you motivate the task force to work with honesty in this adverse condition?\n2) How would you justify putting your family at risk in line of your duty?\n3) Identify the various dimensions of the crisis. Based on your understanding, suggest measures to deal with the crisis.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"1) इस वर्तमान परिस्थिति में आप टास्क फोर्स को दंगाइयों से काम करने के लिए कैसे प्रेरित करेंगे?\n2) आप अपने कार्यों के क्रम में अपने परिवार को जोखिम में डालने को कैसे उचित ठहराएंगे?\n3) संकट के विभिन्न आयामों की पहचान करें। उनकी गंभीरता के आधार पर संकट से निपटने के उपाय सुझाएं।","marks":null,"words":"20 अंक"},{"page":36,"question":"2) How to justify family at Risk","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Q.9 Under the Mid-Day Meal (MDM) scheme, children are served cooked food in their school. It has been revolutionary in not only improving the nutritional status of children but also increasing the retention ratio in schools. However, the quality of food has been a cause of concern.\n\nIn one of the unfortunate incidents, two students lost their lives and over thirty children fell ill after eating the MDM in their school. The district administration was quick in its action and fired the cook (bhojan-mata) of the concerned school. The bhojan-mata, who belongs to a backward caste, is the sole breadwinner in her family after her husband passed away. In an TV interview related to the incident, Bhojan-mata claimed that she is being made a scapegoat and being targeted only because she belongs to a backward caste. This created a political storm in the state. Opposition parties picked up the issue of social discrimination and started state-wide protest demanding justice for the bhojan-mata. The protest found resonance with masses and the ruling party was severely criticized.\n\nTo win back the confidence of the public, the government has constituted a commission to investigate the matter in an impartial manner. You are a joint secretary level officer and have been appointed as a member of the commission. During the investigation, you found that bhojan-mata was indeed not at fault. It was the contractor who was supplying poor quality raw materials to the school that caused the food poisoning in children. You also found that the food contractor was the brother of a powerful cabinet minister. You suspect that the district administration was hand-in-glove with the contractor and they connived to implicate bhojan-mata and exonerate the contractor.\n\nYou brought these findings before the head of the commission. To your surprise, the head of the commission informs you that he was already aware of these facts. He informs you that the minister has asked him to make a report that vindicates the bhojan-mata and reinstates her in order to subdue the opposition led agitations. He asks you to find someone else who can be blamed to ensure that the government is able to save its face as declaring the brother of a sitting cabinet minister responsible would push the government further in trouble. He also tells you that helping the ruling dispensation would ultimately help you, subtly giving hints of getting a 'plum posting' and also warns you that going against the wish of the minister can attract the wrath of the minister that can be disastrous for your career.\n1) What are the various ethical dilemmas that you face in this situation?\n2) What are the different courses of action that you can take? Identify the most suitable course of action and justify your choice.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"1) इस स्थिति में आप किन विभिन्न नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करते हैं? 2) कार्रवाई के विभिन्न कदम क्या हैं जो आप ले सकते हैं? कार्रवाई के सबसे उपयुक्त कदम की सिफारिश करें और अपनी पसंद का औचित्य सारगर्भित करें।","marks":null,"words":"20 अंक"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.10 Rashmi and other corona warriors have started protesting near the health ministry, demanding permanent government employment. On the basis of this case, answer the following questions:\n1) What are the various ethical issues involved in this case?\n2) Do you think Rashmi is justified in demanding a permanent government job?\n3) Do you think the government is justified in terminating the contracts of corona warriors?\n4) Consider yourself in the position of Health secretary in the concerned state. What would you do to address the issue at hand?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Q.11 Abha is currently working as the DM of a district. One day, she went to a village for inspecting the progress of a certain village development project. Abha was not satisfied with the pace of the work and wanted to talk with the Sarpanch of the village about the same. Abha went to the panchayat office where she found the Sarpanch standing just outside the office. The Sarpanch greeted Abha and offered her a seat. Abha sat down and started discussing the matter with the Sarpanch. She noticed that Sarpanch was still standing. She thought that Sarpanch was not sitting because of hesitation or out of respect for the officer. She requested him to take a seat but he reluctantly sat on a wooden stool. Abha jokingly asked him if he liked the stool so much that he chose it instead of a chair, to which the Sarpanch replied that he was not allowed to sit on a chair as he belonged to a Dalit community. Abha was taken aback by this response. Abha enquired further about the issue. The sarpanch explained that since the Sarpanch position was reserved for SC community, he won the election. But despite being the official head of the panchayat, he did not have any power. He was neither allowed to enter the panchayat office nor was given access to official documents. A separate water pot was kept for him outside the office and he was not allowed to use the common water pot. He worked as a rubber stamp who merely signed the given document. He went on to tell Abha that last year he was not even allowed to hoist the national flag during the Independence Day celebration. Abha was shocked about hearing the kind of discrimination that the Sarpanch faced. On the basis of this case study answer the following questions:\n1) Why do caste-based discriminations still persist even after 75 years of independence?\n2) Examine the various ethical issues involved in this case.\n3) Identify various stakeholders and their responsibilities for creating an egalitarian society.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Why do they still happen after 75 years","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"3 Stakeholders & their Responsibilities","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Q.12) Jayant is a hard-working and dedicated IAS officer. He is currently posted in a remote district in North-East India. Jayant is married to Sarita who used to work as a software engineer before her marriage. Sarita is a well-educated and ambitious woman who wants to be known by her name and not only as the wife of IAS officer Jayant. Sarita wants to restart her career and has been searching for a suitable job for some time. She has found a good job in an MNC that pays well, but she will have to move to Bangalore for it. Sarita wants to take up this opportunity but Jayant's mother does not want Sarita to move to Bangalore. Jayant also wants Sarita to stay with him so that they can have kids and start their family. Sarita proposes that Jayant move with him to Bangalore as she will get a salary that is substantially more than Jayant's. Jayant and his mother found this proposal offending. Further, Jayant does not want to leave the job that he has dreamed of since his childhood and for which he has toiled hard. The entire issue has become a reason for daily fights between Sarita and Jayant, and has taken a toll on their married life.\n\nThe issues in personal life of Jayant have creeped into his professional life as well. He is not able to concentrate on his work which has resulted in his poor performance. Just a few days back, Jayant made a blunder and was scolded by his senior for being absent-minded in his work. His behaviour in office has also changed. Now Jayant gets easily irritated and often talks rudely with the staff in the office. This is negatively impacting the motivation level of his subordinates. Jayant is aware of his degrading performance and he thinks that he is failing both in his personal and professional life.\n\nYou are a mutual friend of Jayant and Sarita. One day you received a call from a distressed Jayant and he asks you for your advice on this issue.\n1) Help Jayant identify different options available with him to cope with the crisis? Discuss the merits and demerits of each of these options.\n2) As a mutual friend, what advice would you give to Jayant and Sarita in this case so that they can return back to being a happy couple?\n3) How can Jayant develop the qualities that are required to handle such crisis situations in life?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"1) संकट से निपटने के लिए यथासंभव उपलब्ध विभिन्न विकल्पों की पहचान करने में गलती करें? इनमे से प्रत्येक विकल्प के गुण दोषों की विवेचना कीजिए।\n2) एक पारंपरिक मित्र के रूप में, आप इस मामले में जयंत और सरिता को क्या सलाह देंगे ताकि वे एक खुशहाल दंपती के रूप में वापिस आ सकें?\n3) व्यावय जीवन में ऐसी संकट स्थितियों को संभालने के लिए आवश्यक गुणों को कैसे विकसित कर सकता है? (20 अंक, 250 शब्द)","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"}]},{"id":2201,"topper":"Chada Nikhil Reddy","air":11,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Forest Service (IFS)","optional":true,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/CHADA_NIKHIL_REDDY_UPSC_IFS_2024_AIR_11_GS_1_T_1_b0106f0b66.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2202,"topper":"Chahat Bajpai","air":59,"year":2018,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/83f1c-22842_933_chahat_bajpai_rank_59.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2203,"topper":"Chahat Bajpai","air":59,"year":2018,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b568a-22842_770_chahat_bajpai_rank_59.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2204,"topper":"Chahat Bajpai","air":59,"year":2018,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/27265-22842_768_chahat_bajpai_rank_59.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2205,"topper":"Chahat Bajpai","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/38c5d-22842_1103_chahat_bajpai_rank_59.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Technical solutions are necessary to augment the traditional methods of guarding the border. In this context, while mentioning the different components of Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS), discuss how it can help to address the gaps in the present system of border security. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"In comparison to conventional warfare, the possibility of successful deterrence against cyber warfare is both limited and complicated. Discuss. Also, elaborate upon India's preparedness in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Analyse the impact that the instability in the wider South Asian region has on India's internal security. What steps can be taken to minimise such impact? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlighting its mandate, discuss the significance of International Solar Alliance in positioning India to a key global leadership role. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Despite a strong case for a Broad-based Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA) between India and the European Union (EU), negotiations have been stuck for long owing to multiple factors. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Accession to the Ashgabat agreement is valuable for connecting India to its extended neighbourhood. What is the Ashgabat Agreement? Assess its significance for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is a natural choice for India to fulfill key foreign policy priorities. In this context, discuss the issues behind hitherto slow progress and the reasons for reinvigorated optimism regarding BIMSTEC. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What do you understand by Free Space Optical Communication (FSOC) Technology? Critically explain its potential in connecting rural and remote areas in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What are Orphan Drugs? Examine the significance of putting in place a policy framework for such drugs in a developing country such as India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the obstacles in women's access to science education in India and also suggest remedial measures to overcome these obstacles. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Giving examples, elaborate how India's approach to becoming a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region is taking shape. What are the challenges and opportunities associated with this approach? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime) has pitched for the need of an integrated approach in order to address the difficulties in preventing, detecting, investigating and prosecuting Transnational Organised Crimes (TOC). Elaborating on these difficulties, discuss how an integrated approach can help in tackling TOCs. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Highlighting the need for SMART policing in India, suggest some administrative, legislative and technological reforms in order to realize this vision. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"In what ways has the engagement between India and its diaspora evolved over the years? What role can the Indian diaspora play in furthering and shaping India's foreign policy goals? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Sluggish progress of the Doha round signals that the WTO is proving to be ineffective in promoting free trade. Identifying the factors behind this, comment on the relevance of WTO in present context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"India's engagement with its extended neighbourhood in West Asia has evolved into a 'Look West' approach in recent times. However, multiple faultlines in this volatile region require a balancing act on the part of India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The rapid diffusion of Artificial Intelligence begets unique opportunities and challenges for India. Discuss. What can be done to address these challenges? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Water shortage in India has been sought to be addressed through various policy and technological interventions. Explain. Also, examine the benefits of desalination technology and the costs associated with it. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2206,"topper":"Chahat Bajpai","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/334e1-22842_1051_chahat_bajpai_rank_59.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The mapping of ocean floor reveals complex and varied features, which rival the relief features on land. Discuss the reasons for the formation of main relief features of ocean along with their significance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What is inversion of temperature? Discuss the various mechanisms of occurence of this phenomenon along with its climatic and economic significance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What do you understand by Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)? Discuss the annual fluctuations and shifting of ITCZ belt and its significance for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What is weathering? Discuss the ecological and economic significance of the process. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain the concept of Sun-spot cycle. In view of the approaching Solar minimum, highlight the changes that it brings on sun's surface and the effects that it has on earth. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What is Pacific Ocean Garbage Patch? Provide an account for the factors responsible for its development and location. Also, discuss its impacts and suggest measures for mitigation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Explain the formation of mid-oceanic ridges in different oceanic basins of the world. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss the spatial and temporal variation of rainfall in India. Has this pattern been changing in recent years? Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Technology has provided important tools for making disaster management more effective. Elaborate with special focus on the role of technology in reducing disaster risk. Also highlight the challenges in application of technological solutions in disaster affected areas. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"While overcrowding in public places cannot be wished away in India, what we need are better infrastructure and more effective crowd-control measures. Comment. Also, briefly enumerate NDMA guidelines for crowd management. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"State the conditions that are conducive for the formation of coral reefs. Mention the anthropogenic factors that have resulted in their decline. Also highlight its consequences. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"In combining the sea floor spreading theory with continental drift and information on global seismicity, the theory of Plate Tectonics provides a coherent explanation for crustal movements. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Provide an appraisal of the vulnerability of the agriculture sector to natural disasters. What can be done to strengthen the resilience of the sector in order to reduce the impact of such disasters? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Explain what a drought is and describe its different types. Discussing the environmental and societal impacts of droughts, enumerate the factors that aggravate these. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Assess the vulnerability of Indian coastal regions to cyclones. Also, mention the objectives and approach adopted by the National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Program (NCRMP) in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What role have volcanoes played in formation of earth's atmosphere in the past? Elaborate on the impact of volcanic activity on climate change in contemporary times. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"A need has been felt to demarcate aquifer systems in the country so as to provide critical information to plan for their sustainability. Analyse. Also, mention the steps taken by the Government of India in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2207,"topper":"Chahat Bajpai","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ee1ea-22842_1060_chahat_bajpai_rank_59.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the prospects & challenges in adopting an integrated multimodal transportation system in India with reference to government initiatives in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Contract farming can help in the expansion of organized food processing industry in India by strengthening backward linkages. Comment. What changes are required in the existing regulatory structure to address issues related to contract farming in India? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"In view of the direct link between tenure security and food security, there is need for a conducive legal framework for land rights in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The ultimate goal of farm loan waivers is to lessen the debt burden of distressed and vulnerable farmers and help them qualify for fresh loans. However, this practise suffers from several drawbacks. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Minimum Support Price (MSP) of crops is a short term solution for agricultural distress which creates long term problems. Examine. Suggest measures to overcome the the limitations of the MSP regime. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"With women playing an increasingly significant role in the Indian agriculture sector, gender specific interventions can be the key to improving agricultural productivity. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Enumerating the factors that determine a nation's energy-mix, comment on the need for having a diversified fuel basket for meeting India's future energy demands. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Despite being a water-stressed economy, micro irrigation penetration in India remains sub-optimal. Discuss the reasons behind it. Also list measures taken by the government to provide an impetus to micro irrigation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Going forward, the allied sectors will play a critical role in increasing the resilience and improving economic returns in agriculture. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Enumerating the features of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana, discuss its potential for the growth of food processing sector in the country. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Enumerate the factors that determine cropping pattern in an agricultural region. Discuss the need for diversification in context of problems being faced by monoculture regions in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discussing the opportunities presented by decentralised energy systems, enumerate their environmental, economic and social benefits along with institutional, technical and financial challenges that they present. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"In context of the critical public service role played by the railways, it is difficult to argue that its problems will be solved by privatisation, rather there is a need to work on other options. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The irony of high consumer prices when farmers do not receive adequate margin for their produce calls for an overhaul of agriculture marketing. Discuss the various steps taken by government in this regard. Also suggest ways to further reduce the gap between consumer prices and farmer realisation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Identifying the key elements under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), briefly explain how it can lead to holistic development of the horticulture sector in India. Also elaborate the factors which act as roadblocks for the efficient supply chain of Fruits and Vegetables sector in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"It is argued that fertilizer subsidies have a negative impact on promoting Organic farming in India. Comment. Also, critically analyse the advantages of replacing direct benefit transfer in fertilizers with direct income support for farmers. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"What do you understand by Seed Replacement Rate? Explaining the concept of breeder, foundation and certified seeds, highlight the major policy initiatives taken in order to address the challenge of quality seed availability to farmers. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2208,"topper":"Chahat Bajpai","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/888f1-22842_1050_chahat_bajpai_rank_59.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Citizens' Charters make administration both accountable and citizen-friendly. However, over time, in a large number of offices, Citizens' Charters have fallen into disuse. Suggest measures that can make these charters effective tools for bringing accountability in public service. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the importance of involving civil society in pre-legislative scrutiny and mention the steps that can be taken by the government to increase public engagement in it. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Poor standards of tertiary education are a drag on India's competitiveness. Elucidate. Also enumerate the initiatives taken by the government in the past few years to improve the quality of higher education in India. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Social audit has a crucial role in effective implementation of social sector programmes. Comment. Also discuss its strengths and limitations. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are the major welfare schemes for elderly in India? Do you think the benefits of such schemes are reaching a wide section of the target segment? Give reasons. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Welfare policies in India have undergone a paradigm shift in recent decades, yet they retain certain elements of continuity. Discuss with examples. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Discuss whether changes recommended by the Law Commission in its 268th report can help in addressing the problems of undertrials languishing in jails in India. What other measures can be taken in this regard? (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"While various government initiatives and policies have created opportunities in the affordable housing segment, there are challenges that still persist. Discuss. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Demographic dividend may become demographic liability in the absence of adequate skill development. In this context, discuss the importance of National Policy for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, 2015. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Highlight the need for whistleblower protection in India. Critically analyze whether the Whistleblower Protection Act provides sufficient protection to the whistleblowers. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What are the factors which have been responsible for slow pace of growth of coverage under the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP). Enumerate the recent steps taken by the government in order to increase this pace to achieve universal coverage swiftly. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the ways in which digital divide perpetuates and manifests itself in India. Discuss the importance of steps taken by the government to bridge this divide. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"What are the objectives of National Health Mission? Why, in your opinion, non-communicable diseases have acquired salience in recent times? What are its implications for health policy in the country? (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Over the years, there has been a growing realisation that undue interference from the State, lack of autonomy and widespread politicisation has severely impaired the functioning of Cooperative sector and there is a need to introduce urgent reforms in the Cooperative sector. Discuss. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"With the current system of health financing in India being largely out-of-pocket payments, examine the need for reforms in healthcare finance. Also discuss the issues associated with reinforcing insurance as the long-term strategy for health financing in this regard. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Explain the significance of the recently launched National Nutritional Strategy in the light of sliding ranking of India along the Global Hunger Index. Also, discuss with examples, the role that local self governments can play in promoting, monitoring and sustaining nutrition initiatives.(250WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The bureaucracy in India is facing a number of serious challenges from diminishing human capital to political interference that, if left unaddressed, will lead to further institutional decline. Discuss. How can these challenges be addressed? (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"While many people have been able to rise above poverty line, India is still home to the largest number of poor. Discuss briefly the underlying factors responsible for the prevalence of poverty in India. What are the areas in which focussed efforts need to be made in order to accelerate poverty eradication in a sustainable manner? (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"In context of the need to strengthen corporate governance, the Kotak panel report has called for a major overhaul in norms for listed companies. Critically discuss the impediments to corporate governance in India and evaluate how the recommendations can help in overcoming them. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Several issues related to adopting new technologies, transforming processes and improving implementation of NeGP need to be addressed. Discuss. Also, enumerate the sets of principles guiding the design and implementation of the e-Kranti Program (NeGP 2.0). (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2209,"topper":"Chahat Bajpai","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3926e-22842_877_chahat_bajpai_rank_59.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"In a democracy, the purpose of the government should be to make it easy for people to do good and difficult to do wrong. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss John Stuart Mill's idea on freedom of thought and expression. Also, give reasons as to why, according to Mill, representative democracy is the best form of government despite its inherent weaknesses.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"It is argued by some that nuclear weapons have acted more as a deterrent than leading to war and mass destruction. In this context, discuss whether it is ethically right to possess nuclear weapons to create nuclear deterrence.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Differentiate between administration and leadership. Highlighting the traits which characterize an effective leader, discuss the importance of leadership in ensuring effective public service delivery in a bureaucratic setup.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Apart from functional knowledge and expertise, the efficacy of a civil servant also depends upon his emotional intelligence. How does emotional intelligence contribute to efficacy? How can civil servants enhance their emotional intelligence?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Enumerate the mechanisms that promote accountability of public officials in discharging their functions and responsibilities in India. Also discuss why ensuring accountability for performance is not a simple task in government service.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) \"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"\"Prejudices are what fools use for reason.\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Ensuring that government decisions are not influenced by public officials' private interests is a growing concern. Discuss in the context of India. Also enumerate the core principles reflected by OECD guidelines for managing conflict of interest in the public sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Discuss, with examples, the significance of principles of public life as recommended by Nolan committee. Why are these principles considered as an essential set of expectations from public servants?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"A peculiar inhuman situation exists for the people fleeing from war zones - they cannot go back to their homeland for fear of being persecuted and no country is ready to bear their burden due to various reasons. Citing contemporary examples, discuss the ethical issues involved in such situations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"As the administrator in-charge of your area, you are witness to the widespread food wastage in lavish parties as well as in restaurants and eateries, on one hand and people starving due to inability to ensure one square-meal a day, on the other. Realizing that it is not the scarcity of resources, but the habit of people that is causing paucity in availability of food, you decide that certain measures are needed to be taken in order to deal with the issue of starvation at the grassroot level. 20 Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) What measures would you take to deal with wastage of food in your area? (c) What explains this co-existence of affluence and hunger in developing countries like India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"The excluded and marginalized section of society are worst hit by globalization. Take the case of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) like Sentinelese of Andaman & Nicobar islands; their population has reduced drastically and they are facing various other problems as well. In this context answer the following questions: 20 (a) What are the challenges faced by PVTGs due to globalisation? (b) If you are posted as a Development Officer in such an area, what will be your priorities to reduce their vulnerabilities and ensure welfare?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2210,"topper":"Chahat Bajpai","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7705c-22842_1057_chahat_bajpai_rank_59.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Self doubt can both help and hinder leadership. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Bring out the significance of probity in public life. What are the requisites for ensuring probity in governance? Pointing out the key concerns in India in this context, suggest certain remedial measures.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"While the corrupt and dishonest should be punished swiftly, honest public servants need to be protected against malicious and motivated complaints to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of an organisation. Discuss. How can the two objectives be reconciled?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"The effective implementation of the Right to Information Act will create an environment of vigilance which will help in functioning of a more participatory democracy. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"The bureaucracy technically has been an efficient form of organisation but is seen to have exceeded its administrative powers due to its tendency towards self aggrandisement, permanence in employment, and nearness to the political executive. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Social media has played a key role in influencing political opinions and social attitudes in India. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"\"Nonviolence is not servile passivity but a powerful moral force which makes for social transformation\". Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"It is at the interface of public action and private interest that the need arises for establishing not just a code of ethics but a code of conduct. In this context, highlight the need for drafting a code of ethics as well as a code of conduct.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Income inequality is a matter of grave concern for the Indian society. In this context, examine the relevance of Gandhiji's concepts of 'Sarvodaya' and 'Trusteeship'.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"It does not take long for conflict to turn violent when deep seeded prejudices and discriminatory attitudes are not addressed. Discuss in the context of communal and caste-based violence in India. What role should the state play in this context?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Explain with examples how emotional intelligence increases the effectiveness of leadership skills in a civil servant.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"While on the one hand, some state governments have implemented alcohol consumption prohibition laws, it is permitted in other states. Debates around this issue often involves aspects such as individual rights, cultural attitudes and social welfare. As a teacher you need to explain the key issues involved to a young audience. What are these? How would you conclude the lecture?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are a teacher in the Science department of a reputed college. Your HoD (Head of Department) has been a good mentor to you and has guided your career progress. You get to know from one of your students that the HoD gives private tuitions at his residence, which is disliked by many others in the department. There are also rumours that he might be giving extra marks to the students taking his tuitions. When enquired, his reply is that he is not alone and a few other teachers are giving private tuitions as well. He assures you that it is beneficial for the students as some of them need extra attention. He advises you not to make a fuss about it and indirectly reminds you about the assessment rating, which is due this week. You are aware that a good rating will definitely get you the due promotion. The HoD is due to retire in 4 months. (a) What are the dilemmas that you face in this situation? (b) Highlight the course of action that you would adopt and give reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"While stampedes and mishaps due to overcrowding have led to loss of lives on multiple occasions, it remains an issue discussed only when there is a tragedy. Recently you were assigned the responsibility of conducting a mela around a revered religious place, which attracts millions of devotees. Every year the numbers have been increasing and this year due to certain celestial alignments the crowd is expected to be unprecedented. In the previous year the officer in charge was criticised and transferred over allegations of hurting religious sensitivities by restricting access to the religious place. You have three months to prepare for the mela. (a) Identify the key areas you would focus on? (b) What are the challenges that you foresee? (c) How do you propose to overcome them?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"You are a senior official at a government agency that is responsible for collection, storage and protection of biometric data of citizens. Due to the expanse of operations, the agency employs third parties for collection of data. There have been reports of security breach and leakage of data by third parties in exchange of money. A journalist from a prominent newspaper carries a sting operation and releases some data in the public to show the ongoing corruption and highlighting the inability of the agency in protecting public data. You are asked by the chairperson of the agency to file an FIR against the journalist and pursue criminal proceedings against him considering it an act of unauthorized access. (a) Do you agree with the action sought by the chairperson against the journalist? Give appropriate reasons for your answer. (b) If you disagree, what would be your course of action? (c) Do you think the action of the journalist is justified?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2211,"topper":"Chahat Bajpai","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c3ca4-22842_1069_chahat_bajpai_rank_59.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Growing awareness about terminal as well as mental illness has given credence to the idea of \"living wills\". What is a living will? Discuss the ethical issues to be considered from an individual as well as social perspective to formulate and implement it. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"In order to improve the bureaucratic work culture and productivity, there is a need to downsize government and privatize some of the services. Critically discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Examine the contemporary relevance of Gandhiji's talisman as a means of resolving ethical dilemmas in day to day life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"\"Intelligence plus character-that is the goal of true education.\" Assess whether such an objective can be achieved within the existing system of education in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"\"A blanket prohibition of criticism of the policies of the Government is invalid and void, and it makes no difference if the person criticizing happens to be a government servant.\" Critically discuss in the context of Civil Service Conduct Rules, 1964.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"\"Man by nature is a political animal\". Explain with reference to Aristotle's idea of the state in life of the society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"What are the factors that have influenced the contemporary attitude of the state and the society towards homosexuality in India? Also, comment on the changing attitude and the factors driving this change.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"With behavioural issues and suicides among children on the rise, teachers and parents need to play an active part in ensuring mental well-being. Discuss. Also, explain the importance of emotional intelligence in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"The policy of Dhamma advocated by Ashoka through his edicts remains relevant in the context of issues in public life even today. Elucidate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Arguably, poverty is not only a matter of statistics. It is a reflection on the kind of society we live in. In this context, discuss the ethical implications for a society that witnesses high incidence of poverty.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Every superstition cannot be removed by the force of law. For that, a mental change is necessary. Comment. Also, explain how educators and public figures can help in eradicating superstition and instilling scientific temper among people.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Many argue that there are times, when war is morally permissible, and even obligatory. Critically discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"It has been argued that traditional approaches to corporate social responsibility (CSR) are inadequate. Discuss. Also, examine the role of Social License to Operate (SLO) in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"A renowned and critically acclaimed producer-director has come up with a new movie based on retelling of the freedom movement. The trailer of this project depicts prominent freedom fighters and various aspects of their personalities. It is a project that involves substantial sums of money and has taken collaborative efforts of 3 years. However, certain political and social activists have objected to what they perceived as negative portrayal of some freedom fighters. As such, they have opposed the release of this movie and issued threats with serious consequences. This has come in the context of increase in the number of instances involving many groups issuing threats against one or the other movie. In such a context you have been designated as the head of a special committee with the broad responsibility of reviewing the film certification process in general as well as the checking the historical accuracy of the events depicted in this particular movie. 20 (a) Who are the key stakeholders you would involve as part of the consultation process? (b) What are the principles that you would consider while giving your recommendations to the government? Also, provide an outline of a solution that you deem appropriate in the prevailing context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"There have been reports of repeat instances of mob lynching in different states of India. It has been pointed out that these presumably faceless mobs gather impromptu on the basis of unverified information on issues that affect the collective conscience of the society such as child trafficking, sexual harassment, cow slaughter etc. Most of the people don't even regret their action of violating the law and even get away with committing such a heinous crime. (a) What are the socio-psychological factors that motivate people to join the mob and kill fellow human beings? (b) Identify the implications of increasing crime of lynching on society. (c) Examine the role of social media in recent instances of mob lynching. As a law enforcement officer, how will you prevent such incidents from happening in your district?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"We live in a time when almost everything can be bought and sold. Over the past few years, markets and market values have come to govern our lives as never before. Today the logic of buying and selling no longer applies to material good alone but increasingly governs the whole of life. However, there is a wide spread realization that markets have become detached from morals and we need to somehow reconnect them. The use of markets to allocate social goods has also been a cause of concern. In this context, answer the following: 20 (a) Is greed wholly a vice or a trait of character that has both positive and negative sides? Could you relate it to the utilitarian philosophy that emphasizes pursuit of self interest by individuals as the basis of economic well being? (b) Are there some things that money shouldn't buy? Illustate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are the head of a policy think-tank. There is a proposal to cut down more than 10,000 trees to build a residential colony in the capital of the country. The city has one of the highest homeless population in the country and the settlement will be used for them. This news has generated a lot of public debate. While on the one hand is the need to expand urban infrastructure in order to meet the demands of the growing population, on the other, is the environmental concern. In last ten years, the city has lost more than half of its green cover and has seen increased frequency of extreme climatic events. You are asked to deliver a lecture for the policymakers and concerned citizens, in which you have to specifically deal with the following questions: 20 (a) Why do you think such situations arise in the first place where developmental activities and environmental concerns often come out as antithetical to each other? (b) What should be the short-term and long-term solutions for tackling such situations? (c) What are the potential benefits of inculcating environmental concerns in the policy making and planning process?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You are a young athlete representing India at an international-level competition. During the competition, you witness a few senior athletes injecting something using a syringe, in private. When you approach them, they explain that it is a performance enhancing drug, which is very common in such competitions and you should take the same as well. You are in fear and decide to approach the coach to discuss the event you witnessed. However, you get to know that the athletes are taking the drug at the advice of the coach himself. 20 (a) What would you do in this scenario? Discuss the options available to you and chart your course of action. (b) Why do you think use of unfair means to enhance performance is common in competitive sporting event? How can this practice be minimized?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"You have been appointed by Election Commission as a booth level officer to oversee the conduct of elections in a remote and under-developed area. For the preparations of elections, you have been instructed to ensure maximum voter turnout. For this, you conduct a series of meetings with the people in villages encouraging them to vote in large numbers. However, they confront you with the fact that despite so many previous elections, the promises made by representatives remain unfulfilled and even the basic necessities of livelihood are not available. As such, they are ignorant of your appeals and are subsequently not forthcoming even to listen to you, let alone giving assurances to vote. Based on this information, answer the following questions: 20 (a) Identify the stakeholders in the situation along with their interests. (b) What are the factors that you will take into account to convince the people and ensure maximum voter turnout?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2212,"topper":"Chaitanya Awasthi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/29e4c-625229_2218_chaitanya-awasthi_rank-37.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to revisit the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution? Discuss with suitable arguments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":2213,"topper":"Chaitanya Awasthi","air":37,"year":2022,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/CHAITANYA_AWASTHI_2022_IAS_Exam_Rank_37_VTS_Focussed_5_Redacted_e3ab604c18.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2214,"topper":"Chaitanya Awasthi","air":37,"year":2022,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/CHAITANYA_AWASTHI_2022_IAS_Exam_Rank_37_VTS_Focussed_6_Redacted_4b0d196cd2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2215,"topper":"Chaitanya Awasthi","air":37,"year":2022,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/CHAITANYA_AWASTHI_2022_IAS_Exam_Rank_37_VTS_Focussed_4_Redacted_c712b6ac96.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2216,"topper":"Chaitanya Awasthi","air":37,"year":2022,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/CHAITANYA_AWASTHI_2022_IAS_Exam_Rank_37_VTS_Focussed_1_Redacted_a805c9e176.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2217,"topper":"Chaitanya Awasthi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e3e7f-625229_2220_chaitanya-awasthi_rank-37.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The logic of limitless wealth lies in the basic human instinct for furthering self-interest in the form of profit. In this context, do you think there is a possibility of pursuing ethical capitalism? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":2218,"topper":"Chaitanya Awasthi","air":37,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/CHAITANYA_AWASTHI_2022_IAS_Exam_Rank_37_VTS_Focussed_3_Redacted_b9a9aabe65.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2219,"topper":"Chaitanya Giri","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/CHAITANYA-GIRI-UPSC-2023-Rank-117-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The basic structure doctrine has prevented the Parliament, a creature of the constitution, from becoming the master of the constitution. Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The power of pressure groups lies not in their size or elaborate organization, but in their ability to mobilize public opinion and create lasting change. With help of relevant examples, discuss how informal pressure groups shape public policy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Analyse the reasons for degeneration of parliamentary functioning in recent time. Also, suggest measure to make the parliament more productive. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Subordination of investigative agencies to the executive is fraught with disastrous consequences. Discuss the statement in light of the criticism of the Central Bureau of Investigation as a \"caged parrot\". (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The Election Commission of India has a vital role in building a robust framework of electoral democracy. Highlighting challenges associated with the functioning of ECI, suggest measures to reform the body. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Anti-defection law has failed to address and resolve the evil of political defection satisfactorily. Discuss various issues surrounding the Anti-defection law and recommend some corrective measures. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do you mean by 'doctrine of essentiality'? How has judiciary used this doctrine to address conflict between various fundamental rights? Explain with examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Frequent reliance on the ordinance making power by the government, not only dilutes the basic tenets of executive accountability in a parliamentary democracy, but also overlooks the democratic traditions of building consensus. Discuss with relevant examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"Bail not Jail\" is the cardinal principle that upholds the sacrosanct ideas of individual's liberty and dignity. Explain the statement, citing various case laws. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Dispute redressal is the most important component of cooperative federalism. How does the Interstate Council facilitate the resolution of disputes related to states in India, and what are the challenges associated with this process? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Despite its vital role for the smooth functioning of the body politic, constitutional punctuality remains conspicuous by its absence. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Electoral bond was brought in as a reform that was high on intent but has proved to be low on substance. Do you agree? Justify. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Considering the non-enforceable nature of fundamental duties and directive principles of state policy, critically examine their impact in socio-political norms. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Referring to the case laws through which the collegium system in India evolved, critically assess its functioning. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Democracy thrives on disagreements; critical and dissenting voices make a society vibrant. In your opinion, do limitations on hate speech infringe right to freedom of speech and expression? Discuss how hate speech impacts the society and ways to restrain it. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Why is it important to ensure separation of powers between various organs of the State? Also, explain Indian model of separation of power with relevant provisions in the constitution. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by the First Past the Post System (FPPS)? Why was FPPS preferred over the Proportional Representation (PR) system for elections to the Lok Sabha/Vidhan Sabha? Also, critically examine the consequences of this preference. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The position of the Speaker in Indian and British parliamentary system? Also, discuss various controversies related to functioning of Office of Speaker in Indian context and suggest corresponding reforms. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Why was parliamentary form of government chosen for independent India? Do you agree with the opinion that Indian government is increasingly transitioning towards presidential form? Justify. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The Representation of People's Act, the bedrock of free and fair elections in the country, has failed to keep pace with the contemporary challenges. Highlighting the shortcomings in the legislation, suggest reforms to make it more effective. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2220,"topper":"Chaitanya Giri","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9c7e6-768303_2424_chaitanya_giri_rank_117.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What are the different dimensions of food security? Examine India's status in terms of ensuring food security with regard to these dimensions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Modern technologies such as blockchain and ChatGPT are powerful tools with immense potential to transform agriculture into a more efficient and sustainable sector. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What factors have led to the recent acceleration in the trend towards de-dollarization of the global economy? Do you think the dollar will lose its dominance anytime soon? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Despite significant pressure from the developed countries to alter its food subsidy regime, there is merit in India trying to retain its policy support for the poor in the country. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Several initiatives have been taken by the government towards addressing India's water needs, but the issues of water availability and water quality still warrant prioritised intervention. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What are the major drivers of glacial retreat in the Arctic? Describe the potential impact of the retreat of Arctic glaciers on the ecosystem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Space tourism, which was viewed as something straight out of a science fiction movie, is now becoming a reality albeit not without hindrances. What are the challenges associated with space tourism? What measures can be taken to address these challenges? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Global health experts widely believe that the development of CAR-T cell therapy can be a game changer in the treatment of cancer. How can CAR-T cell therapy overcome the limitations of CRISPR-Cas9 technology? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss why the rising deployment of new and emerging technologies by prominent violent extremist organizations demand concerted global efforts. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"With the Line of Actual Control (LAC) remaining tense after the Galwan and Yangste incidents and both India and China ramping up infrastructure in the border areas, discuss the role that ITBP plays in the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Do you think there is a need for a shift from 'land productivity' to 'irrigation water productivity' in India? Justify your answer. What are the challenges in making this shift? Explain. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Examine the role that green hydrogen can play in unlocking the energy security of India. How can the National Green Hydrogen Mission help India in achieving its energy goals? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2221,"topper":"Chaitanya Giri","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4c634-768303_2422_chaitanya_giri_rank_117.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The traditional theatre forms of India reflect the ideals and emotions of the society, and an individual's role in the community. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Provide an account of the historical and architectural importance of the Sanchi Stupa. Also, discuss how it inspired the future architecture in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Bhagat Singh made a real breakthrough in terms of revolutionary ideology, the goals of revolution and forms of revolutionary struggle. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Bringing out the factors that led to the Meiji restoration, discuss its significance for Japan. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"It is believed that a nation is an \\u201cimagined community\\u201d held together by common beliefs, history, political aspirations etc. In this context, discuss what the basis of India as a nation is. Also, bring out the threats to the concept of Indian nationhood. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"State the key factors behind the growth of the pharmaceutical industry in India. Additionally, discuss its significance with regard to India's economy and public health.(Answer in 150words)10","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss why the Bay of Bengal is more prone to cyclones than the Arabian Sea. Also, explain the reasons for the decrease in frequency of tropical cyclones during the Southwest monsoon season. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite being destructive in nature, volcanoes are critical for the existence of human life on earth. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The existence of relative deprivation is an important aspect in constructing the argument for regionalism. Explain with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"If India is to realise the goal of 'education for all', the issue of rising cases of bullying and other forms of school violence needs to be addressed immediately. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Bring out the role played by the Ahom Kingdom in shaping the cultural and historical identity of North-East India, and discuss its legacy in contemporary times. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The capitalist class generally remained ambivalent in their support to the Indian National Congress until 1940s. In this context, analyse the varying positions of the Indian capitalists throughout the national movement (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Trace the evolution of the press in India. Also, discuss the instrumental impact it had during various stages of the Indian freedom struggle despite the repressive policies of the British. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Mountains are fragile ecosystems vulnerable to the adverse impact of climate change and other anthropogenic interventions. Illustrate with examples. Also, highlight the initiatives taken for their sustainable management. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind unsustainable management of sand resources in India. Highlighting its impact, enumerate the remedial measures taken in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2222,"topper":"Chaitanya Giri","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ed16d-768303_1827_chaitanya_giri_rank_117.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The ideals of 'Dhamma' by Ashoka present key learnings on public morality. Discuss. Also, state their relevance for public servants. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"There is a need for an effective climate governance structure within the broad framework of corporate governance. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Family values influence the decisions individuals make both within the family structure and outside of it. Do you agree with the statement? Justify with relevant examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"'Niti' must be more concerned with 'nyaya' i.e. the elimination of removable injustices rather than defining a perfectly just society. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"While it may seem restrictive, anonymity is one of the greatest strengths of the civil services. Comment in the context of growth of social media in recent times. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Corporate governance and business ethics are key factors influencing investment decisions and determining the flow of capital worldwide. In this context, discuss the inter-relationship between corporate governance and business ethics. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Examine the issue of foreign aid in global politics from an ethical perspective. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explaining the meaning of media ethics, discuss why it is a prerequisite for democracy. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by a situation of 'crisis of conscience'? Also, explain how a public servant can deal with such a situation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The opportunities and threats created by emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) require leaders across business, government and civil society to understand the importance of values and ethics in technological development. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"It is argued that the Indian bureaucracy suffers from indecision and risk aversion. Do you agree? Justify with logical arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":34,"question":"Recently, the government has proposed a bill to increase the age of marriage for women from 18 to 21 years. It has been argued that it will help women improve their nutritional status, lower maternal mortality rate and improve the overall health status of women. However, some critics have stated that the proposed law would be counterproductive to women's cause and the desired objectives will not be met. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What effect will an increase in the age of marriage have on women in India? (b) Can legislation be used as an effective tool for social change? (c) Discuss other agents that can be used for social change in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Climate change not only threatens our ecosystems but also undermines the foundation of our fundamental rights, deepens inequalities and creates new forms of injustice. Adapting to climate change and trying to mitigate its impacts are not just a matter of scientific knowledge and political will but also demand a broader view of a complex, inter-related situation. Human induced climate change has brought in several ethical dimensions not just in causing climate change but also in the role and responsibility in mitigating it. (a) Highlight the ethical issues arising out of human-induced climate change. (b) What ethical principles should form the basis of global action on climate change?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2223,"topper":"Chaitanya Giri","air":117,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/48455-768303_2078_chaitanya_giri_rank_117.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2224,"topper":"Chaitanya Khemani","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8b28e-746087_1840_chaitanya-khemani_rank-158.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"While fixed-term employment offers an ingenious way to address specific issues faced by both employers and employees, there are also some concerns associated with it. Discuss in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"An efficient logistics sector with a focus on warehousing is pivotal to the success of the Bharatmala Pariyojana. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'irrigation scheduling'? Bringing out the advantages provided by it, discuss the difficulties faced in applying it on a farm level.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"While the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana was touted as the largest crop insurance scheme globally in terms of farmer participation, various concerns have arisen since its implementation. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"The Stockholm Conference commenced the contemporary \"environmental era\", which brought a paradigm shift in the environmental governance and set a tone for multi-lateral environmental regime. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"The world has witnessed a huge surge in climate-induced disasters, which are largely driven by anthropogenic factors. In this context, analyse the role of early warning systems in mitigating the impact of the disasters.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Critically examine the implications of leveraging technology in policing.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"How far do you agree with the view that climate change poses a threat to international peace and security?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by a virtual private network (VPN)? Highlight its advantages and discuss the concerns posed by it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"The discovery of the Higgs Boson at the Large Hadron Collider in CERN completed 10 years recently. In this context, discuss the role played by CERN in overall scientific development.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Highlighting the factors that affect the cropping pattern in India, discuss the need for modifying it in the context of the emerging agro-ecological concerns.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"While the budgetary reforms undertaken by the Central government in recent years have led to better management of government expenditure, there are some issues that still need redressal. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"For India to create a 'future ready' railway system, it must harness innovation and resource efficiency. Discuss the statement in the context of the measures enlisted in the National Rail Plan 2030.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the significance of technology in the Indian agricultural sector. Also, state the challenges in realising its potential to improve agricultural efficiency and increase the income of the farmers.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"Despite the digital transformation in the Public Distribution System (PDS) in India, several challenges still remain. Elaborate. Also, suggest measures to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss the various concerns that exist with regard to fuel efficiency regulations for vehicles in India. Also, suggest the measures that can be taken in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Urban fire is becoming a serious cause of concern in Indian cities. In this context, highlight the major causes behind urban fires in India. What steps can be taken to build robust fire resilience in Indian cities?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Drones in border areas present a serious threat for border management in India. Elaborate. Also, discuss the different measures taken to regulate the use of drones in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"Despite a global framework to prevent weaponization of space, it has been increasing in the recent times. Discuss. Also, give an account of the implications of space weaponization.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"What do you understand by a bio-economy? Highlight the role that the National Biotechnology Development Strategy 2021-2025 can play in creating a robust bio-economy in India","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2225,"topper":"Chaitanya Khemani","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/f27b9-746087_1824_chaitanya-khemani_rank-158.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the concept of meandering. Identify the various landforms associated with flood plains.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"What is a cloudburst and what are its effects? Why are they more frequent in the Himalayan region.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Volcanic eruptions are widely considered as agents of destruction. But they also have certain positive impacts on the people and landscape. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"How does the interaction between oceans and the atmosphere stabilize and regulate the climatic variations over the Earth?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Despite its potential there are several challenges in the implementation of the Ken Betwa link project. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2226,"topper":"Chaitanya Khemani","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/88d37-746087_1839_chaitanya-khemani_rank-158.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"An independent umbrella body that brings the various central investigative agencies under one roof holds the key to shoring up their credibility. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the significance of the Doctrines of Pith and Substance and Colourable Legislation with respect to Centre-state relations in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Do you agree with the view that there should be simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and the State Legislative Assemblies in India? Discuss with suitable arguments.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss the need for codification of parliamentary privileges in India, in light of the uncertainty and ambiguity around them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"While the Civil Services Board can be a step forward in making the Indian bureaucracy more effective, it has its own issues which need to be addressed. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Highlight the potential of India Digital Ecosystem Architecture (IndEA) 2.0 in transforming the ecosystem of service delivery in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"What is Civil Registration System? Highlight its importance and discuss the measures taken by the government to bring about improvements in it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"The Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and Their Rehabilitation Act, 2013, provides an effective mechanism for empowerment of the intended beneficiaries in the society. Critically discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the reforms that must be undertaken to strengthen the World Trade Organisation in order to address the vulnerabilities in the present global trading system.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"State the significance of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Also, discuss the need for a legally binding Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Critically assess the role played by the National Human Rights Commission as a watchdog of human rights violations in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"Discuss how the integration of information and communications technology (ICT) in the dispute resolution processes will help in overcoming the challenges associated with the functioning of courts and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) forums.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Despite various provisions concerning disqualification of legislators under The Representation of The People Act, 1951, the issue of criminalization of politics is still unresolved to a large extent in India. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"It is time for reforms, which recognise that urban local bodies (ULBs) need permanent, buoyant revenue sources to match the growing demands of an increasing urban population. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"The role of the civil society organisations (CSOs) in India is changing in contemporary times and has become increasingly more complex. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"Though the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) aims to address the inequity in development in India, there are a number of issues which plague the scheme. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Highlighting the factors responsible for the growth of EdTech sector in India in recent times, discuss its benefits. Also, state the concerns associated with it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Bring out the role of Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers in delivering health services in rural India. Also, suggest the measures that can be taken to overcome the challenges faced by them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss the various concerns that have arisen for India after the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan. Also, suggest the measures that India should take in the given context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"Bangladesh is not only a key part of India's \"Neighbourhood First policy\" but also crucial for the \"Act East policy\". In this context, discuss the steps taken by the two countries to strengthen their relationship.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2227,"topper":"Chaitanya Khemani","air":158,"year":2022,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"IAS Gyan","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://aptiplus.in/uploads/pdfs/Chaitanya-GS1_compressed.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2228,"topper":"Chaitanya Khemani","air":158,"year":2022,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"IAS Gyan","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://aptiplus.in/uploads/pdfs/Chaitanya-GS2_compressed.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2229,"topper":"Chaitanya Khemani","air":158,"year":2022,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"IAS Gyan","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://aptiplus.in/uploads/pdfs/Chaitanya_GS-3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2230,"topper":"Chaitanya Khemani","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/735b6-746087_1841_chaitanya-khemani_rank-158.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the meaning of self-efficacy, along with its key determinants. Also, discuss the significance of high selfefficacy for a civil servant.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have the right to do and what is right to do. Discuss.(","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Dealing with an ethical dilemma not only requires following rules and regulations, but also requires adherence to moral prudence and altruism. Explain in the context of civil services in India, with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"The Code of Conduct for the civil services in India has merely remained a code; it has not helped promote ethical and moral values in governance. In this context, discuss the need for a National Commission on Integrity and Transparency in Governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Digital ethics principles are necessary to prevent erosion of public values and deal with the ethical implications of digitizing governance systems. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Despite differences in terms of organizational values guiding the public and private sectors, there remain certain values that are equally important to both. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Bring out the difference between accountability and responsibility. Also, discuss the significance of accountability in ensuring ethical governance in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Though laws and rules can be considered as the principal guide on morality for public administrators, they are not sufficient in themselves. Substantiate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Transparency is vital to cultivate public trust in government and to prevent, detect and deter corruption effectively. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"'Just-in-time' release of funds heralds a significant reform for the Indian government's payment architecture. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"\"The forces in a capitalist society, if left unchecked, tend to make the rich richer and the poor poorer.\" — Jawaharlal Nehru","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"You are posted as the Superintendent of Police (SP) of a district, which has witnessed several lynching related crimes in the recent past. One day, a police station in the district got an SOS that in a particular village under their jurisdiction, two women have been accused of witchcraft and are now being paraded naked by the villagers. Given the past record of crimes in the village, it was likely that they would be killed by the villagers. When a police team from the station reached the spot and tried to save the two women from the mob, a scuffle broke out. In the ensuing scuffle, the police were brutally attacked and they had to retaliate by lathicharging in order to save themselves. The incident left three villagers dead. There is anger amongst the villagers, who are also a critical vote bank of the ruling party in the state. As the SP, you have been instructed to institute a quick enquiry and take the strictest action against the police team who lathicharged. You are aware that with elections around the corner, you need to diffuse the situation quickly. Given the situation, answer the following : (a) Identify the stakeholders and the issues involved in the above case. (b) What are the options available to you? Which of these will you choose and why? (c) As an objective and scientfic-tempered administrator, what steps will you suggest in the long-run to deal with mob lynching?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"You are an Airworthiness Officer posted with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, tasked to conduct the safety audit of a major airline of the country. During the recent audit, you find that some of the airplanes belonging to the airline do not fully meet a few of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) safety standards. The issues are minor, mainly pertaining to some incomplete aircraft maintenance logs and safety rules related to training of the crew. The airline belongs to a very influential business conglomerate with close ties to all major national political parties and has a long history of ethical business practises. The point person appointed by the airline to communicate with you has assured that everything will be in order in a couple of months. Your senior in the department has also indicated that it is best not to mention such minor issues in the report, particularly given the image of the business group involved and the trust it enjoys. He also reiterates the assurance given by the airline to address these issues at the earliest in a time-bound manner. However, you are aware that airline safety norms are paramount and every other consideration is secondary to the safety of the crew and passengers. As a public servant appointed to uphold public trust, answer the following: (a) Bring out the dilemmas that you face, elaborating on the competing values in the given situation. (b) What are the options available to you? Discuss the merits and demerits of each. Which of these will you choose and why?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2231,"topper":"Chaitanya Khemani","air":158,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"IAS Gyan","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://aptiplus.in/uploads/pdfs/Chaitanya-GS4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2232,"topper":"Chakka Snehith","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2ae68-1370255_1840_chakka_snehith_rank_94.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"While fixed-term employment offers an ingenious way to address specific issues faced by both employers and employees, there are also some concerns associated with it. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"An efficient logistics sector with a focus on warehousing is pivotal to the success of the Bharatmala Pariyojana. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'irrigation scheduling'? Bringing out the advantages provided by it, discuss the difficulties faced in applying it on a farm level. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"While the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana was touted as the largest crop insurance scheme globally in terms of farmer participation, various concerns have arisen since its implementation. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The Stockholm Conference commenced the contemporary \"environmental era\", which brought a paradigm shift in the environmental governance and set a tone for multi-lateral environmental regime. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The world has witnessed a huge surge in climate-induced disasters, which are largely driven by anthropogenic factors. In this context, analyse the role of early warning systems in mitigating the impact of the disasters. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Critically examine the implications of leveraging technology in policing. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"How far do you agree with the view that climate change poses a threat to international peace and security? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by a virtual private network (VPN)? Highlight its advantages and discuss the concerns posed by it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The discovery of the Higgs Boson at the Large Hadron Collider in CERN completed 10 years recently. In this context, discuss the role played by CERN in overall scientific development. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlighting the factors that affect the cropping pattern in India, discuss the need for modifying it in the context of the emerging agro-ecological concerns. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"While the budgetary reforms undertaken by the Central government in recent years have led to better management of government expenditure, there are some issues that still need redressal. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"For India to create a 'future ready' railway system, it must harness innovation and resource efficiency. Discuss the statement in the context of the measures enlisted in the National Rail Plan 2030. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the significance of technology in the Indian agricultural sector. Also, state the challenges in realising its potential to improve agricultural efficiency and increase the income of the farmers. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite the digital transformation in the Public Distribution System (PDS) in India, several challenges still remain. Elaborate. Also, suggest measures to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss the various concerns that exist with regard to fuel efficiency regulations for vehicles in India. Also, suggest the measures that can be taken in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Urban fire is becoming a serious cause of concern in Indian cities. In this context, highlight the major causes behind urban fires in India. What steps can be taken to build robust fire resilience in Indian cities? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Drones in border areas present a serious threat for border management in India. Elaborate. Also, discuss the different measures taken to regulate the use of drones in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Despite a global framework to prevent weaponization of space, it has been increasing in the recent times. Discuss. Also, give an account of the implications of space weaponization. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"What do you understand by a bio-economy? Highlight the role that the National Biotechnology Development Strategy 2021-2025 can play in creating a robust bio-economy in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2233,"topper":"CHALLA PAVAN KALYAN","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/CHALLA-PAVAN-KALYAN-UPSC-2024-Rank-146-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Investment in infrastructure is a precursor to social and economic transformation; however, the focus on economic gains must not marginalise the concerns for safety. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What do you understand from Green growth? With special reference to the budget 2023-2024, discuss various government measures to propel green growth in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Project cheetah marks a departure from India's efforts for conservation of various critically-endangered species. In this perspective, do you think the reintroduction of major fauna that has gone extinct is justified? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"In what ways can precision agriculture become a panacea for multipronged challenges plaguing the agriculture sector? Discuss. Also, analyse various impediments in widespread adoption of precision farming in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are the reasons for increasing emphasis on the horticulture sector in recent years? Evaluate government measures for the development of the horticulture sector. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Unplanned urbanization has made Indian cities vulnerable to fire safety hazards. Discuss and recommend measures for mitigating urban fires, with special reference to national building code, 2016. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"DPI (Digital Public Infrastructure) is indispensable for digitally enabling citizens and businesses; however, the challenges of exclusion, exploitation, and monopolisation cannot be ignored. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Assess the relevance of the NISAR mission in observing and managing climate change and natural hazards. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Defense indigenization remains the Achilles heel of India's security architecture. Examine the importance of startups in defense sector to make India secure and self-reliant. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Edge in modern warfare lies not so much in the capacity to overwhelm the adversary as much in the ability to nip the threat in the bud. In this context, discuss the role of intelligence in maintaining national security, and also cite challenges associated. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Labour and export intensive industries are key to problems of jobless growth. In this perspective, analyse the opportunities and challenges associated with the textile sector. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"In an era of interconnected challenges, the emerging global polycrisis poses significant implications for India's macroeconomic stability. Examine and suggest measures to make the Indian economy more resilient to global shocks and challenges. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Do you think the low Female Labor Force Participation Rate presents a correct picture about the 'working women' in India's economy? Give reasons in support of your answer. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Across sectors and regions, the most marginalised sections are also the most affected by the impacts of climate change. Explain. Also, present a case for a climate resilient model of development that integrates mitigation and adaptation measures. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite the potential to check the triple whammy of nutritional deficiency, environmental degradation, and receding farm incomes, the adoption of Millets has been abysmally low. Analyse. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"A link between unorganized farming community and formal industrial sector, Food Processing Industries (FPI) can play a key role in advancing the rural economy. Evaluate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What do you understand by generative Artificial Intelligence (AI)? How can policymakers and regulatory bodies effectively address the concerns and challenges posed by generative AI? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Though ethnic fault lines are a major threat, security challenges in the North-East are not confined to the same. Discuss the statement with special reference to Manipur. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Critically examine the role of development initiatives in addressing the root causes of militancy/ terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2234,"topper":"CHANDRA MOHAN GARG","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/25_Chandra%20Mohan%20Garg_2622_487_GS.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by Monetary Policy Trilemma? How can it be resolved in Indian context?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"What is inflation targeting? Describe the major recommendations of the Urjit Patel Committee for it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"India is being accused of sabotaging the trade facilitation agreement with its rigid stance on the issue of public stockholding of food grains. Bring out the major reasons for India's stand at WTO negotiations related to the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). Do you think India's stand was justified?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"\"Unspent provisions\" in a grant or appropriation indicate either poor budgeting or shortfall in performance or both\". Elaborate this statement in the context of budgeting in India. Also suggest few remedies to overcome it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"An efficient financial system is regarded as an essential prerequisite for higher economic growth. In this context, elaborate on the recommendation given by FSLRC for strengthening the Financial Sector in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"PPP based infrastructure projects have displayed good progress in some sectors, whereas limited success in others. Substantiate. Also explain the various challenges being faced by them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Rational energy prices provide the right signal to both producers and consumers and also lead to a demand-supply match. Highlight the steps taken by the government for rationalizing the energy prices in different sectors. (Answer in 150/250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The National Land Reforms Policy 2013 focuses on those aspects of land reforms, which if implemented in true letter and spirit will have the potential to tilt the balance in favor of the landless and poor. Critically Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"What are the sources of irrigation in India? Mention the contribution of each source in the total irrigation capacity and their geographical distribution.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"One of the principal aims of improving agricultural marketing is to make agriculture more viable for the small farmers in India. In the above context, comment on the strengths and weaknesses of Cooperative and Contract farming in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"There is an urgent need to put into effect an expenditure switch from subsidies to investment in order to lift Indian agriculture from its current stagnation. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":55,"question":"The sustainability of Public Distribution System is a matter of concern.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":59,"question":"\"Compared to animal husbandry's contribution to the Indian economy, the sector has received much less resources and institutional support.\" Analyse the above statement in the light of challenges faced by livestock sector in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":64,"question":"What is the role of forward and backward integration in ensuring success of Supply Chain Management in the Indian Food Processing industry?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2235,"topper":"CHANDRA MOHAN GARG","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/25_Chandra%20Mohan%20Garg_2622_417_GS.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Are all professions morally equivalent or are some superior to others? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"What are the major ethical concerns governing the functioning of government organisations? How are they different from those in private organisations? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"B. R. Ambedkar was an ardent supporter of the claims of liberty, equality and fraternity. Explain the relevance of his teaching in modern day India and how they act as a backbone for our socio-political development. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"While it is important to expose a wrongdoing, a whistleblower should have the moral backing behind his act of whistleblowing. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Colleges and schools are a microcosm of the real world. Elaborate as to how these are instrumental in character-building. Also suggest certain measures through which these institutions can play a greater role in the current scenario. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"While individual beliefs and values determine one s subjective responsibility, it is the operational environment which guides/shapes the objective responsibility. Congruence between the two is inevitable for realizing the goal of objectivity in administrative decisions. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":33,"question":"What are values? How are they different from ethics? (100 words) ? ?","marks":null,"words":"100"},{"page":44,"question":"Ronak has heard from his manager that their organization will be downsizing; it could be as little as 5 percent or as much as 30 percent. However, the supervisor told Ronak that \"we're all under strict orders to keep it quiet\" so that the agency's best employees will not seek other jobs. Mohan (one of the finest professionals in Ronak's unit), upon hearing the downsizing rumors, told Ronak that he was sure that he could get another job at a new business if a reduction in force occurred. However, openings at the new business will close soon. Mohan asked Ronak, \"Will there be layoffs?\" and \"Should I get another job now?\" (a) What are the options available to Ronak? (b) Evaluate each of these options and highlight which option you would have preferred, giving reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"A terrorist group states that it has concealed a nuclear bomb in Delhi. The authorities have captured the leader of the group. He says that he knows the location of the bomb. He refuses to reveal the location. Torture is guaranteed to produce the information needed to ensure the diffusal of the bomb. (a) Is it ethically acceptable for the authorities to have him tortured to find out where the bomb is and thus save thousands of lives? (b) Suppose instead of catching the leader, the authorities have captured his 16 year old daughter. She is refusing to cooperate with the authorities. In your opinion is it morally justified to have her tortured to acquire necessary information and save thousands of lives?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":56,"question":"Mr. Sinha assigns a research problem in a high school calculus class. The problem is quite difficult and will require collaborative time and effort of a team. Mr. Sinha divides the class into groups of four students, gives them instructions, and tells them when the problem will be due. Pradeep's group has an initial meeting and decides to divide up the work and then collaborate the information. Veena, one of Pradeep's group members, offers to write a particular section of the paper based on some great information she found on the Internet. The other members of the group, including Pradeep, divide the remaining work and proceed with their respective research. One week before the project is due, Pradeep finds out that Veena has chosen to \"copy and paste\" most of her paper from the Internet source. Pradeep picks up on Veena's plagiarism and knows it is wrong, but he needs an \"A\" on this research problem in order to pass Calculus. Pradeep confronts Veena and asks her to redo her paper without plagiarizing, but Veena claims she is too busy with her other classwork. She warns Pradeep A terrorist group states that it has concealed a nuclear bomb in Delhi. The authorities have captured the leader of the group. He says that he knows the location of the bomb. He refuses to reveal the location. Torture is guaranteed to produce the information needed to ensure the diffusal of the bomb. (a) Is it ethically acceptable for the authorities to have him tortured to find out where the bomb is and thus save thousands of lives? (b) Suppose instead of catching the leader, the authorities have captured his 16 year old daughter. She is refusing to cooperate with the authorities. In your opinion is it morally justified to have her tortured to acquire necessary information and save thousands of lives? 19. You are in a supermarket with your younger brother. Your brother draws your attention to a young child stealing food packets from the counter. He looks needy and he is taking advantage of the crowded store which the owner fails to manage in peak hours. The owner has a reputation of being a greedy and mean person. What will you do and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":56,"question":"You are in a supermarket with your younger brother. Your brother draws your attention to a young child stealing food packets from the counter. He looks needy and he is taking advantage of the crowded store which the owner fails to manage in peak hours. The owner has a reputation of being a greedy and mean person. What will you do and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":59,"question":"During your election duty you caught hold of a vehicle full of cash. On inquiry, it was revealed to you that the vehicle belongs to a very popular politician of the region and even the exit polls are predicting his victory. The politician calls you up to release the vehicle. You try to approach your senior to seek advice but can't reach him. (a) What are the options available to you? (b) What course of action will you take?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2236,"topper":"CHANDRA MOHAN GARG","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/25_Chandra%20Mohan%20Garg_2622_420_GS.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Examine the role of Sanskrit in development of Indian literature. Also illustrate the influence of Persian language on medieval literature.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Describe various forms of Puppet theatre in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"What was the significance of stupa and how did stupa architecture develop?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Quit India Movement was not just an impulsive response of the masses. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"\"At that time, the free market critique, the human development and the ecological critique, all were scattered and politically weak. There was an overwhelming consensus in favour of a heavy industry oriented, state supported model of development\". Elaborate with respect to the economic model adopted in India during the Nehruvian era.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Give a brief account of the major reasons responsible for the growth of Assam Nationalist movement. What were the major demands of the movement?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"In a short period from August 1988 to December 1991, communism in Eastern Europe was swept away. Elaborate the statement along with causes responsible for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"\"World War I broke out largely because of an arms race, and World War II because of the lack of an arms race.\" Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Globalisation poses a threat to cultural diversity because it is the cause of widespread cultural homogenisation. Critically evaluate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"Elimination of poverty is not merely a question of economic upliftment but is also related to socio-political awareness of people. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"Differentiate between planetary winds and local winds in terms of their origin, influence and scales of operation. Also illustrate the impact of local winds in influencing the climate of any area.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":56,"question":"How does the theory of Plate Tectonics help in explaining the theory of continental drift?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Describe the causative factors which generate waves and also discuss its movement from the open seas till it 'breaks' at the shore.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":66,"question":"What are the reasons behind River Kosi being a flood prone river? Suggest some strategies to overcome the problems created by it.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2237,"topper":"ChandraJyoti Singh","air":28,"year":2019,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5234e-377569_1253_chandrajyoti-singh_rank_28.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2238,"topper":"ChandraJyoti Singh","air":28,"year":2019,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/437c0-377569_1254_chandrajyoti-singh_rank_28.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2239,"topper":"ChandraJyoti Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5eea2-377569_1429_chandrajyoti-singh_rank_28.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Illustrate how pressure groups have emerged as a strong mechanism for making democracy participatory and responsive. (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Explain the significance and controversies, if any, associated with the Article 35A of the Indian constitution. (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The ambiguity surrounding lobbying in India is further exacerbated by the country's endemic corruption. In this context, critically examine the case for legalising lobbying in India. (150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Independent India adopted a modified version of the Westminster model of government. In this context discuss the commonalities and differences between the political system of India and UK. (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Political parties are an integral part of the democratic set up of India. In the context, discuss the need for strengthening the process of institutionalization of intra-party democracy in political parties in India. (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"It is of paramount importance to ensure that the Election Commission of India (ECI) be fully insulated from political pressure to maintain the purity of elections. In this context, discuss the need to have a relook at the process of appointment and removal of election commissioners to the ECI. (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In post-liberalised India, it is imperative that the role of state be that of a facilitator, and not one of a regulator. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"By providing new pools of leadership talent, lateral entry will help in addressing the most crucial challenges that the civil services in India currently face. Critically evaluate. (150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the need for an effective and functional working relationship between Gram Panchayats and SHGs. How can an efficient synergy between the two be achieved? (150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Public service delivery in India has long been marred by various issues leading to poor service delivery outcomes. While discussing the reasons for the same, suggest ways to make public service delivery more efficient. (150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlighting different Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms available in India, explain their importance. Also, mention different measures that have been adopted to further improve the framework of ADR in India. (250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Success of the institutions of local self-governance depends largely on the attitude of state governments. Discuss in the context of constitutional provisions and recent experience of the working of these institutions in India. (250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Right to freedom of religion cannot be allowed to deny right to equality and individual dignity. Discuss in the light of constitutional provisions and recent judicial pronouncements. (250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Identify the key areas of reforms required in the judicial system in India. In this context, examine the significance of the idea of putting in place an All-India Judicial Service. (250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"While there are existing laws for the same, substantial efforts still need to be undertaken to prohibit people with criminal antecedents from entering into politics. Discuss in context of the problem of criminalization of politics in India and resulting issues. (250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"On the recent World Press Freedom Index (WPFI) India ranks 140. Elucidate the significance of media in a democracy like India. Identify the major issues affecting the media in contemporary times. In this context, enumerate the measures to address these issues. (250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Explain why the doctrine of separation of powers is considered as an indispensable part of a democratic setup. Also, discussing this doctrine in the context of India, explain the principle of 'checks and balances'. (250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Government schemes in India have long suffered from monitoring and implementation challenges. What steps have been taken by the government recently in this regard? Also discuss the potential of social audit in addressing these challenges. (250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"In the context of recent concerns related to functioning of NGOs in India, discuss the need for self-regulatory guidelines and transparency mechanisms to restore the credibility of voluntary organisations. (250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Focusing on technology without realizing that e-Governance is basically about ushering reforms in governance has meant that the potential of e-governance has not been realized. Discussing the statement, suggest what should be done to address this situation. (250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2240,"topper":"ChandraJyoti Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/15bd6-377569_1448_chandrajyoti-singh_rank_28.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"It is argued that mathematics and astronomy were an important part of intellectual development in ancient India. In this context, highlight the major contributions of ancient India to these areas. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In context of the rivalries, which existed between the English and French trading companies in India, highlight the factors, which led to the success of the English East India Company in its struggle against the French. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What were the causes of the Iranian Revolution of 1979? In what ways do the consequences of this revolution remain relevant even today? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":2241,"topper":"ChandraJyoti Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0401b-377569_1449_chandrajyoti-singh_rank_28.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Bringing higher judiciary under the ambit of RTI has its own merits and demerits. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Tribunals in India have not just replicated some of the problems that our judiciary suffers from but added a few more. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Parliamentary privileges are not always used for the aims they were intended to serve. In this context, discuss the need for codification of these privileges in light of recent developments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"There is a point of view that the office of Governor has outlived its relevance and needs to be abolished. Critically examine in the current context. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Is lateral entry in civil services the panacea to address the challenges, which hamper the effective functioning of bureaucracy in India? Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Highlighting the grievances of states towards Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS), explain how the government has sought to rationalise these schemes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The PM Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) has begun well and holds a lot of promise, however it needs to address multiple challenges to become a success. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Highlighting its key features, examine the need for the passage of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill by the Parliament at the earliest. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"With changing times India's engagement with its diaspora has also undergone a change. Explain in the context of government policies on diaspora. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Despite its immense potential, the challenges associated with RCEP for India cannot be ignored. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Decentralisation in India has been fairly successful at the political level, however on the fiscal and administrative fronts progress is marred by several bottlenecks. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The provisions of the Anti-Defection Law have been repeatedly violated and are routinely misinterpreted. Examine. Also, suggest measures to strengthen the Anti-Defection Law. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The amendment process for the Indian Constitution follows a middle path between rigidity and flexibility. Comment in comparative perspective. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Assess the effectiveness of the institutional architecture of Indian federalism in settling inter-state disputes. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The recent advances in technologies have the potential to make e-governance a very potent tool for ushering in an era of good governance. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"While Indians are donating to charitable causes more than ever, philanthropy in India is still at a formative stage. In this context, highlight the significance of philanthropy and state the factors holding back philanthropy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Highlight the challenges faced in implementation of healthcare schemes in India. Examine how creation of a robust digital health ecosystem can prove to be a game changer in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"For India to emerge as a knowledge superpower, it is imperative to address the challenges of access, equity, quality, affordability and accountability faced by the current education system. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2242,"topper":"ChandraJyoti Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0e237-377569_1436_chandrajyoti-singh_rank_28.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Given the growing ecological and geopolitical significance, Arctic region offers immense opportunities for serving India's long-term interests. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the challenges that India may face in the eventuality of withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan. What options does India have to safeguard its interests in the context of the changing situation? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The BRICS as a grouping seems to have internal contradictions, which makes it difficult for it to emerge as an effective forum in a dynamic multi-polar international order. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Despite India having immense soft power potential, it alone will not be sufficient to achieve India's foreign policy objectives. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Highlighting the role of space technology in border management, enumerate the steps taken so far in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Despite allegations of human rights violations under the AFSPA, it is a functional requirement for the army in disturbed areas. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The use of Internet creates both challenges and opportunities in the fight against terrorism. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain the concept of Chandrasekhar Limit and highlight its significance in the field of astronomy. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Examining the risk posed by space debris, suggest some measures which can be taken for its mitigation and removal. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the challenges confronting higher self-reliance and indigenisation of defence industry in India. What steps can be taken to accelerate its pace? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Comment on the role played by the diaspora in India's development process. Also, discuss the challenges in terms of engaging the Indian diaspora and suggest ways to translate these partnerships into benefits. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the reasons behind proliferation of multilateral preferential trade agreements. Do they violate WTO's MFN principle? Do you think that such trade groupings present an existential threat to WTO? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"India needs to balance its growing water needs and larger security concerns with effective hydro-diplomacy. Highlighting the challenges faced with regard to transboundary rivers, analyze this statement in the context of India's riparian relations with its neighbours. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Commenting on the importance of Central Asia for India, highlight the progress made in the relationship in recent past along with the issues that still remain to further cement the ties. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the significance of India's island territories in its quest to become a net security provider in the Indian Ocean region. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"A fine balance between security and developmental measures needs to be attained for tackling the menace of Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in India. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Illustrate the linkages between drug trafficking, organised crime and terrorism. In this regard, mention the steps that have been taken to arrest the availability of drugs in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Identify the key threats to national security in the wake of climate change. Also, highlight India's stand and rationale on UN's decision to declare climate change as an international security issue. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Explaining the concept of data exclusivity, bring out the arguments for and against incorporating data exclusivity norms in India's IPR regime. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Compare and contrast fifth generation (5G) of wireless telecom technology with 4G technology. What challenges need to be overcome for 5G's pan-India rollout? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2243,"topper":"ChandraJyoti Singh","air":28,"year":2019,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/273dc-377569_1242_chandrajyoti-singh_rank_28.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2244,"topper":"Chandravahini Chaudhary","air":662,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/CHA_DRAVAHINI_CHAUDHARY_SS_ESAAY_AIR_662_2025_5aadb536e8.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2245,"topper":"Chandravahini Chaudhary","air":662,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/CHANDRAVAHINI_CHAUDHARY_SS_GS_2_TEST_2_AIR_662_2025_f294cdc00e.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2246,"topper":"Chandravahini Chaudhary","air":662,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/CHANDRAVAHINI_CHAUDHARY_SS_GS_3_TEST_3_AIR_662_2025_bb316c18c9.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2247,"topper":"Chandravahini Chaudhary","air":662,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/CHANDRAVAHINI_CHAUDHARY_SS_GS_3_TEST_8_AIR_662_2025_07a492940f.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2248,"topper":"Chandrima Attri","air":72,"year":2019,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1fo1Kfc-8YKyiUffO6GPwb7jRwPfegAvu","questions":[]},{"id":2249,"topper":"Chandrima Attri","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c324f-25538_843_chandrima-attri_rank_72.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the need for adhering to the road map for fiscal consolidation by fixing the fiscal deficit. Has the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, 2003 served the purpose for which it was envisaged?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Public investment in railways has a multiplier effect for the larger economy. Elaborate. What factors have held back the railways despite having a separate budget and considerable resources? In this context, enumerate the relevant recommendations of Bibek Debroy committee?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"\"There is a myth that small firms create the most jobs in an economy. The fact is that small firms that grow big create the jobs\". In context of the Indian economy what are the factors that prevent firms that start small from growing bigger. What progress has India made in this respect and what other measures are required?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Enumerate the reasons why problem of NPAs is more pronounced in the public sector banks as compared to the private sector. Discuss the implications of having high NPAs in an economy. Also list the measures which the government has taken in order to address them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Mention the salient features of the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) proposed by the government to reinvigorate private investment in infrastructure sector. How is it an improvement over the EPC model?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Even within the multilateral format of WTO the FTA route has served India well. Comment. How can India effectively deal with the challenges posed by the new mega regional agreements such as TPP?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Cashless economy is a global trend now. What are the challenges of achieving a cashless economy in the case of India? How can these challenges be overcome?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Abysmal level of formally skilled workers in Indian economy, as indicated by the Labour Bureau Report 2014, is a cause of concern. What are the factors responsible for such a scenario? Also, examine the measures taken by the government in recent years to address the relevant concerns.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"In the 10 years of its existence MGNREGA has won laurels as well as attracted criticism. Comment. What changes are required for the scheme to be relevant in the current scenario.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Power sector reforms, crucial as they are, have remained elusive. Discuss the reasons for their failure. How far can the UDAY scheme address the issues concerning DISCOMS and improve the entire power sector value chain?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Market volatility and vulnerability to weather are the major issues facing Indian agriculture. Elaborate. In this regard, critically examine the importance of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana vis-a-vis earlier insurance schemes in addressing the problems of Indian agriculture.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"The Hydrocarbon Exploration Licensing Policy (HELP) is a step forward from the New Exploration Licensing Policy (NELP). Compare the two policies and elaborate how HELP can encourage investment in the hydrocarbon sector as well as curtail India's export dependence?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Although equal land ownership rights are essential for the economic empowerment of women, these rights are often overlooked. Discuss. What steps have been taken by the government to ensure land rights for women?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"It has been argued that the Nutrient based subsidy (NBS) scheme launched in 2010 has created more problems than it intended to solve. Examine. What measures are required to address concerns arising out of the fertilizer subsidy policy in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"The success of \"Operation Flood\" proves that thoughtful intervention in the livestock sector has the potential of acting as a growth engine for the agriculture sector and rural economy. In light of this, examine the potential of the livestock sector and the challenges it faces. Also enumerate the steps taken by the government in recent years to leverage the potential of this sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"What are the twin objectives of government food procurement policy in India? Discuss the instruments of this policy. Do you think there is an urgent need for rationalization of MSP policy in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Discuss the potential of Food Processing Industry with regards to employment generation in India. What are the key impediments which need to be overcome before the sector can become internationally competitive and achieve high growth?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Mixed farming for the resource poor farmer is mostly a poverty induced option. Comment. What role can the government play to help farmers realise the potential from mixed farming.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"What do you understand by cropping pattern? What are the factors that influence the cropping pattern in India? Is there a need to change the cropping pattern in the country keeping the agro-ecological concerns in mind?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2250,"topper":"Chandrima Attri","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/02aa9-25538_824_chandrima-attri_rank_72.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Rights-based approach to social policy, which has rippled through India over the past decade and a half, reorients governance from ideas of patronage towards duty of the state and justified claims of citizens. Discuss with examples. Also, explain how the rights-based approach helps in improving public service delivery.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"In the context of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, discuss the challenges in its implementation. Also, discuss the role of the Information Commission in ensuring transparency and accountability in governance. How can the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) be strengthened to ensure effective implementation of development schemes? Discuss the recent initiatives taken in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How can the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) be strengthened to ensure effective implementation of development schemes? Discuss the recent initiatives taken in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The rising incidence of suicides is a major concern for India's public health. Discuss the mental health implications of this trend and suggest urgent measures to be taken to address this issue globally and in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2251,"topper":"Chandrima Attri","air":72,"year":2019,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/16f_dapSQnMb2IdZ_XDg8rw0zQ2yFPukl","questions":[]},{"id":2252,"topper":"Charan Teja Narisimsetti","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/charan-teja-test-4-1747725233920.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Highlighting the elements of urbanization discuss how agriculture played a pivotal role in the enduring success and longevity of the Harapan Civilization. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"The Quit India Movement marked the awakening of the nation's soul and brought diverse sections together in a unified vision of Independence. Discuss (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Analyze the impact of World War II in accelerating the process of decolonization in Asia and Africa. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the various types of sedimentary rocks and their formation processes. What is the economic significance of sedimentary rocks? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What are the characteristics of anticyclonic circulations, and how do they influence weather patterns over the Indian subcontinent? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What is coral bleaching, and what are its main causes? Also, evaluate the role of marine protected areas (MPAs) in the conservation of coral reefs. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss the role of economic corridors in fostering regional economic integration and development. How do projects like the Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor (CBIC) align with India's broader economic growth strategies? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What is gender fluid identity, and what are the LGBTQ community's ongoing challenges to full societal inclusion and equal treatment? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"How does the interplay between regional and national identities fuel the emergence of regionalistic sentiments? How can we balance regional identities with broader national identity? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"How do various cultural practices and traditions contribute to the idea of \"Unity in Diversity\"? Provide examples to support your argument. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"What is the significance of Stupa art in the context of Buddhist architecture and culture? Discuss its various elements and symbolism and their role in coveying Buddhist beliefs. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"What are the factors that lead to the formation of local winds? Discuss their impact on the weather and climate in various regions, providing relevant examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"What are the primary drivers of freshwater scarcity in megacities like Bangalore and Hyderabad? Suggest comprehensive solutions that address both supply and demand aspects of urban water management. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"What is the Blue Revolution? What are the significant hurdles in aquaculture development, and what comprehensive strategies can be implemented to address them? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"What are the key factors influencing the establishment of large-scale solar farms in India, and what are their environmental and social impacts? How can India balance the expansion of solar energy with the need to protect biodiversity and local ecosystems? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"In what ways do social media platforms perpetuate and challenge social inequalities and power structures? Provide a critical analysis. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Give a comparative analysis of the tribal and mainstream societies. Is tribal society more progressive than mainstream society? Argue with examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"In what ways does poverty intersect with other social problems like caste, social stratification, and gender inequality? What comprehensive strategies do you suggest to address these interrelated issues? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2253,"topper":"Charan Teja Narisimsetti","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/charan-teja-test-1-1747725179987.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Examine the role of numismatic evidence in understanding the political and economic history of ancient India. Provide specific examples.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Assess the impact of women's organizations in mobilizing women across diverse socio-economic and regional backgrounds in pre-independence India.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":8,"question":"How did the policy of non-alignment reflect the aspirations of India and other newly independent nations to maintain their sovereignty and resist colonial pressures?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the processes involved in volcanism. Highlight the major volcanic regions in the world and their associated tectonic settings.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Explain the geological features and ecological importance of the Eastern Ghats.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":14,"question":"Earlier known as coarse cereals the government rebranded millets in 2018 as nutri-cereals. In this context discuss the ecological and nutritional significance of millets","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":16,"question":"What are the potential consequences of Arctic ice melt on biodiversity and ecosystems? How might these changes impact global ecological balance","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Do you think the Uniform Civil Code contradicts the idea of religious pluralism and cultural differences in Indian society?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss the concept of healthy active ageing in the context of demographic shifts in India. How does it contribute to social inclusion?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":22,"question":"How is the transition from 'conscious consumption' to 'compulsive consumption' impacting family structure and dynamics in urban areas?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss with examples the key features of Vijayanagara architecture. How did Indo-Islamic elements manifest in their structures?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Compare and contrast the features of ancient Indian universities like Nalanda and Takshashila with modern state-funded universities in India. What lessons can modern universities learn from ancient ones to improve their effectiveness?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Analyze the ideological differences and similarities between the revolutionary movement (1920-1930s) and the Gandhian non-violent struggle. How did these two ideologies influence each other?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":33,"question":"What are the various types of glacial landforms formed in the Indian Himalayas. How do these features impact local ecosystems and human activities?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Discuss the unique geographical features of the Indian Ocean and their impact on global oceanic circulation patterns. How do these features influence the climate of the Indian subcontinent?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Urban heat islands (UHIs) have become a significant phenomenon in Indian cities, exacerbating the frequency and intensity of heat waves. Analyze the underlying factors contributing to this phenomenon and critically assess the existing mitigation strategies.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Evaluate the primary factors contributing to regional disparities in the sugar industry between North India and Peninsular India. What measures can be undertaken to reduce the surplus sugar production?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":45,"question":"\"Social mobility is essential for achieving true equality within society'. In this context highlight the barriers to intergenerational mobility in Indian society, and examine the role of education on social mobility. (15 marks)\"","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Analyze the influence of globalization on migration patterns in India. What are the economic and social implications of increased internal and international migration?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Discuss how gender-based violence in India is a manifestation of patriarchal values. To what extent has modernisation in law served as an instrument of women's empowerment in this regard?","marks":"15","words":null}]},{"id":2254,"topper":"Charan Teja Narisimsetti","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/charan-teja-test-2-1747725199782.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"The rule of law and judicial review are interdependent, as one cannot truly exist without the other. In this context can judicial review be considered the most important aspect among those that constitute the basic structure of the Constitution? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"How does the power and authority of Delhi's lieutenant governor compare to that of the governors of other states, particularly in terms of acting on the aid and advice of the council of ministers? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss the role of the judiciary in navigating the tension between the right to religion and constitutional morality in India in recent times. Refer to relevant case laws. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The principle of 'Separation of Powers' is a key feature of the American Constitution. In this context, compare how the Indian Constitution's functional separation of powers distinguishes itself from the US system. What are the advantages of a check and balance system over a rigid Separation of Powers? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution is more than a legal provision that empowers tribal regions with self-rule. How does the sixth schedule foster development while respecting their traditional governance systems and cultural practices? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How do partnerships between Civil Society Organizations and Government Entities contribute to India's development goals? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss the importance of cultivating a culture of life-long learning among Indian civil servants. How has Mission Karmayogi contributed to this objective? Illustrate with examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Given India's strides in reducing extreme poverty, should the country consider redefining its poverty line to better reflect the current socio-economic realities? Discuss the potential benefits and challenges associated with redefinition of the poverty line. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Evaluate the impact of the deepening political divisions with the major Western States on global governance and international cooperation. How should India navigate these divisions to advance its national interests on the global stage? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"How does India's Arctic Policy align with its broader foreign policy objectives? Broadly discuss the collaborations and agreements India is involved in with the Arctic Council. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In what ways are the terms of reference of the 16th Finance Commission different from that of the previous Finance Commissions? Despite increasingly progressive devolution by subsequent Finance Commissions, examine the factors that propel economic disparities across various States. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Compare and contrast the powers and working of the Ethics Committee and the Privileges Committee in addressing cases of 'unethical' conduct and breach of privileges. How do these Committees complement each other in maintaining parliamentary discipline? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"In the context of persistent legislative dysfunction in India, analyze the evolving role of judicial activism in shaping public policy and governance. Using examples from landmark court cases, evaluate the effectiveness of judicial interventions in addressing governance gaps and safeguarding citizens' rights. (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"To what extent does the level of internal democracy within political parties impact the functioning and legitimacy of the Indian party system? What reforms can address the challenges of inadequate intraparty democracy in India? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"\"The NHRC must not only be a watchdog but also a beacon of hope for the marginalized and oppressed.\" In this context discuss the role and mandate of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in India. How does the current composition and functioning of the NHRC affect its independence and effectiveness? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"The persistent health equity challenges in India pose a critical barrier in achieving Universal Health Coverage. In this context discuss the role of the public and private sectors in ensuring adequate health access and outcomes across rural and urban areas.(250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals requires consideration of regional context and local situations. In light of this statement examine the role of Panchayats as catalysts for grassroot development and advancing sustainable development.(250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"What are the implications of the POCSO Act on the rights and welfare of children in India? Analyze the role of the POCSO Act in transforming India's legal framework for child protection. (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Examine the influence of human rights issues and democratic values on the diplomatic relationship between the U.S. and India. How have these concerns affected bilateral engagements and what can be done to mitigate tensions arising from these issues? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Examine the geopolitical challenges India faces in South Asia despite its global rise. How can India navigate these challenges to strengthen its regional leadership? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2255,"topper":"Charan Teja Narisimsetti","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/charan-teja-test-3-1747725217979.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Explain the relationship between Public Service Values and Public Administration Ethics. Do you think public service values are only eloquent statements for glorifying the Department's mission, or do they have any utility for public servants? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"How does the conscientious public servant sort through competing considerations and determine \"the right thing to do?\" When it comes to serving the public, how does one put one's values into practice? Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"What do you understand by good governance in public administration and corporations? How do they differ? Identify and explain three principles that can act as a foundation for good governance in a corporate setting. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"One hallmark of good governance is government departments' adherence to strict ethical standards when procuring goods and services for public programmes. Identify and explain the ethical principles that must be respected to maintain the integrity of the procurement process. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How should public servants ethically balance stakeholder interests, official obligations, and regime values when making administrative decisions, and which of these should be given the most moral weight? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Recent researchers have argued that the government's health and social-based interventions are significantly less effective without the emotional skills of self-awareness and empathy. Do you agree? Justify your answer with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss with relevant examples how civil servants' political and moral attitudes impact their work ethics and daily administrative decision-making. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"The motive has nothing to do with the morality of the action.\" In light of the above statement, do you think motive is irrelevant in determining the morality of an action? Explain your position with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Explain the contemporary relevance of Jain Tirthankaras' vow-based moral philosophy. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What ethical dilemmas arise from the use of economic sanctions in international relations, and how can policymakers balance these concerns with the need to punish illegal behaviours and compel political change? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the relevance of the following quotes to the present times. (a) \"Wars begin in the minds of men, and in those minds, love and compassion would have built the defences of peace.\" (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"You recently took over as CEO of Beta Technologies, a renowned IT services and consulting firm in India established in 1990. Over the past three decades, the company has grown into a global player with clients in North America, Europe, and Asia. Known for cutting-edge solutions and strong client relationships, Beta Technologies has been a market leader in the IT sector. It has been three weeks since you took over, and one day, the company's legal head came to you with a report that they had discovered discrepancies in the company's financial statement. For five years, the company's Financial Officer (CFO), Mr. Rahul Mehta, has manipulated its earnings reports. By inflating revenues and understating expenses, he has created a false image of financial health to boost stock prices and secure more investment. Further, it was found that Mr. Mehta has significant personal investments in some of the company's vendors. These vendors were awarded lucrative contracts, often at inflated prices and with favourable terms detrimental to the company. Mr. Mehta's actions have compromised the procurement process and led to financial losses for the company. As CEO, you were confronted with a critical decision. You also had to contend with financial irregularities and a skewed procurement process. As a new CEO: (a) What decision options are available to you? (b) What are the issues involved in the above case? (c) What will be your chosen course of action and Why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"As the situation unravelled, you found yourself in a moral quandary. On one hand, as the DDO, I was bound by regulations that required me to ensure the proper use of government resources. Despite its noble intent, the unauthorised diversion of food grains was a breach of protocol that necessitated disciplinary action, including the suspension of the school officials involved. On the other hand, these school officials' actions were driven by a deep sense of humanity and compassion. They chose to prioritise the immediate needs of their community, recognising the dire circumstances and the urgent need to prevent further starvation deaths. Punishing them for their humane response to the crisis seemed not only harsh but also contrary to the spirit of public service. (a) What are the ethical issues in the above case? (b) As a DDO, what are the options available to you? (c) Explain your chosen course of action, along with your reasons. (d) Given the above case, what would be the best ethical theory for handling human distress situations? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"As the Superintendent of Police (SP) in a peaceful district, I was accustomed to handling minor crimes such as petty thefts, property encroachments, and small fights. The crime rate was low and the people generally kept to their business, making it a relatively easy workplace. However, over the past month, my office began receiving a different kind of grievance that indicated a more complex issue brewing in the community. A significant number of complaints were received from villagers who reported losing money from their bank accounts without their knowledge. These grievances were alarming, especially since they came from a demographic that was largely illiterate and unfamiliar with modern banking practices. The villagers were confused and distraught, not understanding how their hard-earned money was disappearing. Upon conducting a preliminary enquiry, we discovered that the money was not exactly being stolen but was being deducted as insurance premiums for policies under the State Government's Bima Yojna. The villagers were unaware that they had even signed up for such policies, raising suspicions about the legitimacy of these transactions. A deeper investigation revealed that agents from government banks were aggressively pushing the Bima Yojna. These agents had been instructed to meet government targets for the scheme, leading them to add beneficiaries without proper consent. Most of the villagers were illiterate and had no understanding of the insurance policies they were enrolled in. The deductions were legal, but the methods used to obtain the villagers' consent were highly questionable. You were wondering about the course of action, as the deductions were legal, and the agents were technically following instructions. But, in the process, they were exploiting the poor villagers. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you as an SP? (c) Explain your chosen course of an action. (d) If you have to recommend a better way of promoting the bima yojna, what would that be? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"As a junior engineer in the Department of Water Supply for the past five years, my responsibilities included ensuring water quality and maintaining supply lines for regular distribution. The zone I was posted in had persistent water shortage issues, particularly exacerbated during the summer when the supply became erratic. Residents had to rely heavily on water tankers, which added to their financial burden and inconvenience. Over the years, I observed that the disruptions in water supply were not merely due to technical issues or natural scarcity. Through careful monitoring and data collection, I uncovered evidence suggesting that a cartel of tanker owners was deliberately creating an artificial shortage. This cartel would tamper with the water supply lines, causing disruptions, and then capitalise on the situation by selling water at inflated prices. The activities of this cartel were not only illegal but also highly unethical, exploiting the residents' basic need for water. With substantial evidence in hand, I decided to take action against the cartel. I met with the district Superintendent of Police (SP) and presented my findings. The SP appeared concerned and promised to initiate action against the culprits. However, two weeks passed without any noticeable action being taken. Frustrated and determined, I scheduled another meeting with the SP to understand the delay. During our meeting, the SP candidly explained the situation. He acknowledged the problem and the validity of my evidence but expressed his inability to act due to the cartel's strong political connections and influence. He feared for the safety of his men and the potential repercussions on his career if he went against such powerful interests. This revelation left me in a difficult position, as I understood the SP's predicament but also felt a deep responsibility to address the issue for the sake of the community. (a) What are the options available to you in the above situation? (b) What will be your chosen course of action? (c) Identify the ethical issues involved in the case (d) Suggest some measures for handling cartels who prey on people's needs. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"AquaTech is a government defence contracting firm specialising in manufacturing robotic systems for police and military use. It is known for producing bomb-defusing robots and working on other classified projects. One critical project involved developing a robot capable of sweeping minefields and detecting hidden explosives. The project had a stringent seven-month deadline to produce a working prototype for a demonstration to top defence ministry officials. The project encountered delays due to staff shortages and other unforeseen issues, resulting in a two-week lag. As the deadline loomed, the project leader pressured the team to work extended hours with minimal rest. Despite these challenges, the team managed to complete the prototype on time for the demonstration. During the demonstration, the robot was deployed in an active minefield to detect mines and mark them with a spray. Initially, the robot performed as expected, identifying mines. However, instead of marking the sites, it triggered explosions, causing fatal injuries to the operating engineer. The demonstration was immediately halted, and an inquiry was launched. The investigation revealed that a software flaw caused the malfunction, leading to the tragic accident. The software development team argued that the operator issued mixed commands, which contributed to the malfunction. Overall, each team kept deflecting responsibility, but somebody or a team had to be made accountable for the fatal errors. (a) If you are the ethics officer of AquaTech enquiring, who will you hold responsible for the fatality? Why? (b) Discuss some common ethical issues that arise while using artificial intelligence. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":56,"question":"What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) With a limited budget at your disposal, you decide to allocate funds to tackle witchcraft-related superstitions. How would you justify your decision to the community and stakeholders? (c) Given that witchcraft-related crimes were not initially reported by the BDOs, how would you address this lack of communication and ensure better reporting and transparency moving forward? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":2256,"topper":"CHARCHIT","air":96,"year":2015,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/96_Charchit_16823_604_Essay.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2257,"topper":"CHARCHIT","air":96,"year":2015,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/96_Charchit_16823_605_Essay.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2258,"topper":"CHARCHIT","air":96,"year":2015,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/96_Charchit_16823_607_Essay.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2259,"topper":"Charu","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/da809-26298_1986_charu_rank_76.pdf","questions":[{"page":11,"question":"Coal in India is divided in two types based on the age of formation.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2260,"topper":"Charu","air":76,"year":2021,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/de750-26298_1987_charu_rank_76.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2261,"topper":"Charu","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5fcca-26298_1235_charu_rank_76.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Given below are two quotations. For each of these bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) The golden rule of conduct is mutual toleration, seeing that we will never all think alike and we shall always see Truth in fragment and from different points of vision. Mahatma Gandhi.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Impersonal management, a characteristic feature of a Weberian bureaucracy, develops over time into indifference, especially with regard to weaker sections of the society. Critically discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"In pursuit of political power, means are often compromised that leads to competitive reliance on unethical practices resulting in erosion of public trust. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"It takes more than a corporate governance policy to inspire ethical behavior and sustain a truly ethical workplace. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"\"Law should be so succinct that it can be carried in the pocket of the coat and it should be so simple that it can be understood by a peasant.\" Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Ethics in international relations has the potential to cater to the diplomatic challenges of 21st century. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Nolan Committee provides for one of the most comprehensive statements of what constitutes ethical standards for holders of public office. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"The sharper the socio-economic disparities, the greater the incentive towards corruption. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"The moral worth of an action depends not on the consequences that flow from it, but on its motivation. Explain the statement with the help of suitable examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"The universal adoption of common good approach poses the ethical dilemma of putting collective interests over and above the individual interests. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Compassion should never be considered as weakness, but rather as an essential element for providing a congenial administrative working environment. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Explain what you understand by the following values and discuss their importance for civil services: 10 (a) Professionalism","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"There have been widespread protests both in favour of and against advancing reservation in educational institutions and government jobs to a certain section of the society. You are the chairman of a high level commission that was constituted to look into the matter. The commission has found no compelling reasons to provide reservation to this section and is about to submit its final report to the government. Meanwhile, the government takes the decision to extend reservation to the section, turning the commission's findings inconsequential. You have also been requested to ensure that the final report supports the government's decision. (a) Discuss the dilemma that you face in this situation? (b) What course of action would you adopt and why? (c) Also discuss the ethical issues involved with the policy of affirmative action in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"You are an honest and responsible civil servant. You often observe the following: (a) If one wants to remain effective and powerful to create impact on the lives of people, one should remain loyal to those in power. (b) Following ethical means may not be practical and effective at all times. (c) Petty corruption expedites the service delivery. Examine the above statements with their merits and demerits.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Recently, two national level sportspersons who are integral members of their team, made some comments in a talk show which were perceived as being grossly misogynistic and racist. This created a huge controversy and they were temporarily suspended from the team pending an enquiry. In light of these events, answer the following questions: (a) Do you think public figures have an additional responsibility in so far as expressing their views on matters of public importance is concerned? Give reasons. (b) According to you, what are the reasons that some prominent public figures make such misogynistic comments, and even get away without any consequences? (c) As the person in charge to enquire into the conduct, what factors would you consider to examine it and what punishment, if any, would you prescribe in this specific case? 12. There are large number of leather industries in a major industrial town of India. They provide employment to large number of people and are also a prominent source of revenue for the state. Lately it has been observed that despite following the present emission control rules, the collective ecological footprint of these industries remains quite high affecting the surrounding areas in an adverse manner. The new technologies available for emission control are quite costly and thus acts as a disincentive for the owners of the industries for adopting them. In light of this information, the government is contemplating the following options: (a) Shutting down the industries in the region (b) Relocating the industries to a new region (c) Making the emission control rules stricter (d) Providing incentives to the industry owners for adoption of new technology. Analyse the above options in terms of their merits and demerits. What course of action would you choose and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"There are large number of leather industries in a major industrial town of India. They provide employment to large number of people and are also a prominent source of revenue for the state. Lately it has been observed that despite following the present emission control rules, the collective ecological footprint of these industries remains quite high affecting the surrounding areas in an adverse manner. The new technologies available for emission control are quite costly and thus acts as a disincentive for the owners of the industries for adopting them. In light of this information, the government is contemplating the following options: (a) Shutting down the industries in the region (b) Relocating the industries to a new region (c) Making the emission control rules stricter (d) Providing incentives to the industry owners for adoption of new technology. Analyse the above options in terms of their merits and demerits. What course of action would you choose and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Many coal mines in a district subject the workers to inhuman working conditions with little safety measures in place. As such, there have been several accidents and many workers have died in the past. In recognition of a recent accident where fifteen workers were trapped and died, the National Green Tribunal has ordered for closure of all such mines. Some of them have shut down, but many still continue to operate by getting an exception from the government, sometimes using the unholy nexus of politicians-miners-bureaucrats. In absence of alternative employment, the locals have no other choice but to work in mines. The mine owners are in-fact inciting the workers to protest to simultaneously put a pressure on the state to completely overturn the ban. As a District Magistrate of this district, you have been asked by the State government to prepare a report on this issue and give recommendations to resolve it. In this regard, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the interests of State and analyse whether there may be a conflict amongst them? (b) Given that economic growth is often achieved with a large human cost, identify the principles and strategies which could be used in the given case to achieve desirable outcomes.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Recently you were posted as a District Magistrate of a predominantly agricultural district, which has been one of the best performers in agriculture since the last decade. In one of your field visits, you find that the large landowners, who are a socially, politically and economically powerful group, employ domestic helps and agriculture labour who are informally tied to them and have been working there since generations. In return, these workers are provided basic amenities like food and shelter apart from some money. However, you do sense a violation of basic human rights in this situation. In light of the above case, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the stakeholders, their interests and ethical issues involved in the case. (b) How does denial of choice amount to violation of human rights? (c) What course of action would you take? Give reasons.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2262,"topper":"Charu","air":76,"year":2021,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/92147-26298_760_charu_rank_76.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2263,"topper":"Charu","air":76,"year":2021,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ec254-26298_1990_charu_rank_76.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2264,"topper":"Chejarla Aswani Kumar","air":256,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/48188-247897_1253_chejarla-aswani-kumar_rank_256.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2265,"topper":"Chennam Reddy Shiva Ganesh Reddy","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/000f3-1278500_2425_chennamreddy_shiva_ganesh_reddy_rank_119.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"For effective corporate governance to take place in the coming years, why is it important to integrate the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics with the multi-stakeholder approach? What benefits can be accrued by such integration? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In acts of corruption, the focus is often only on the demand side of the equation, on public officials who abuse their office for private gain. Frequently, the supply side is given less attention. Those who pay bribes are sometimes depicted as innocent parties and victims of extortionary practices of wily public servants. Do you agree that 'collusive corruption', in which there is a willing bribe-giver, is a formidable challenge for institutions fighting corruption? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Citizens' Charters initiative was a response to the quest for solving the problems, which a citizen encountered, day in and day out, while dealing with the organisations providing public services. But the introduction and implementation of Citizens' Charters in the government of India has been difficult due to the old bureaucratic set up and the rigid attitudes of the work force. Discuss the major obstacles that have been encountered in implementing the Citizens' Charter initiative. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Quality of public service delivery is a major determinant of the quality of life of vulnerable sections in a highly unequal society divided along the lines of class, caste, religion, etc. In this background, do you think that public service delivery is efficient and sufficient enough to improve the lives of vulnerable groups in India? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own.\" - Lao Tzu (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"If ethics are poor at the top, that behavior is copied down through the organization.\" - Robert Noyce (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"The end of law is not to abolish or restrain, but to preserve and enlarge freedom.\" - John Locke (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Wealthy CEOs and founders of successful businesses around the world are increasingly pledging to give away their wealth in philanthropy. Do you think that such a move is sufficient enough to bring about a positive change in the society? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"As organizations across the globe begin their artificial intelligence (AI) transformation, the leap into the AI era is expected to be more challenging than any technology that businesses have grappled with yet. In this background, discuss the concerns around fairness, transparency, and job security that may arise. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The emphasis of Swami Dayanand Saraswati on education, social equality, and ethical values continues to influence the socio-cultural discourse in contemporary India. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Emotional intelligence may not be singularly associated with emotions or intelligence. It can also include a broad range of personality characteristics that might predict success in professional and everyday life. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":37,"question":"Rina and her friends from the college were working as interns with a company for the last few months. On completion of their internship, some of them, including Rina, have been offered full-time jobs in the company. Being a reputed company, she and her friends accepted the offer. Rina is enthusiastic about her new job and has even established good relationship with some of her company co-workers during her internship. However, during her tenure as an intern, Rina had begun to notice that one of the Vice-Presidents (VPs) of the company was giving her too much attention. He used to make an extra effort to stop by Rina's cubicle and chat, something he was not doing with any of the other interns. He had even tried to connect with Rina over social networking sites. Some of her co-interns also noticed this and began to make offhand comments to Rina about the extra attention being given by the VP. Now that she was has been hired for a full time position, she is fearful that she might have to work with this VP directly. While he has not done or said anything explicitly inappropriate, the extra attention and the fact that her co-workers noticed it, made her very uncomfortable and undermined her concentration at work. The company encourages an open and friendly atmosphere and when she was hired, it was communicated to her that she should always speak to her Manager whenever faced with any In the given situation: (a) What dilemmas does Rina face? (b) What options does she have? Provide the merits and demerits of each. (c) Highlight the course of action she should adopt, along with justification for the same. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"In the given situation: (a) What dilemmas does Rina face? (b) What options does she have? Provide the merits and demerits of each. (c) Highlight the course of action she should adopt, along with justification for the same. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"You have recently been posted as a Nodal Education Officer in one of the districts, where mass cheating in examinations is a regular phenomenon. Media reports have shown parents and relatives scaling school walls and buildings to pass answer chits to students taking secondary school examinations in the district. Moreover, with the advent of new technological devices, cheating in examinations has become more sophisticated and exam rules are flouted openly. On investigation, it has come to your notice that these rackets are run by many school authorities, including exam invigilators who are mostly teachers, and they are hand in glove for profits. With a shortage of staff, invigilators threaten go on mass strikes if any action is taken. Conducting the exams, cancelling them on account of cheating and having re-exams are a loss of time and money for the government and this vicious cycle goes on. As the Nodal Education Officer of the district, address the following questions: (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (b) How will you resolve the issues in the given case? (c) What long-term strategy needs to be adopted to deal with the menace of cheating in various examinations? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Many proponents of deep-sea drilling argue that tapping into the vast amount of rare earth elements in the Indian Ocean will help shore up national security interests for India, bolster its economy and workforce, and offer a reliable supply of strategic minerals. Keeping this in mind, the government has approved a $540-million programme to study ways of mining nickel, cobalt, manganese and iron hydroxide from the bed of the Indian Ocean 6,000 meters below sea level. The government argues that the project can power India's growth for 100 years. It will also study climate change, explore marine flora and fauna and harness thermal energy. However, a competing point of view alleges that deep ocean drilling poses immense risk to the environment. A comprehensive report on Sustainable Ocean Economy by independent geologists states that \"until the need for, and potential consequences of, deep-sea mining are better understood, the concept is conceptually difficult to align with the definition of a sustainable ocean economy and raises various environmental, legal and governance challenges, as well as possible conflicts with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.\" It also highlights that the profitability of national mining operations, without governmental support or comparably low taxes, remains questionable. If the operations are profitable, it will raise questions about the equitable sharing of benefits from resources derived from the common heritage of mankind. Additionally, companies like BMW, Volvo, Google and Korean battery maker Samsung SDI, vowed in a statement to not buy metals produced from deep-sea mining until the environmental risks of the activity are \"comprehensively understood.\" In the context of the above-stated information, address the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the given case study? (b) How can the vision of economic development of a nation be achieved without adversely affecting the sustainability of oceans? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"You are a public representative, elected on the ticket of a political party, considered as conservative by many. Your daughter, who has returned years after studying abroad, has conveyed to you her choice of marrying a person from another community. You personally do not consider anything wrong in her choice, and convey your assent to her. You also discuss it with many among your friends and family, and inform them of a grand wedding ceremony for you are planning for your daughter. However, a few days after you have shared the news of the forthcoming grand wedding with many, you are informed by your political secretary about an issue being made of the same. He informs you that there are whispers among many people in your constituency about it, and indications of a sense of unease among some prominent citizens. While most of them are enamoured by your plans for a grand wedding ceremony for your daughter, they are unhappy about the bridegroom being from another community. You also get to know through your sources in the party, that your assent to the choice of the bridegroom may lead to a denial of ticket by the high command in the forthcoming elections. You are not only an ambitious politician and a rising star in your political party but also an open-minded, loving and doting father. But howsoever much you love your daughter's freedom and choices, you do not want her decision to adversely affect your political journey. This is more so, when you had been eagerly looking forward to greater responsibilities and a higher stature in the party, keeping the years of hard work as a politician in mind. On the other hand, your daughter is firm on her choice and does not want her wedding to be affected in any way. She is adamant that her wedding will not be held as a private ceremony with only close friends and family, but should be publicised in a grand way, as you had promised earlier to her. Given this situation, answer the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the above situation? (b) What are the various options that you have, as a father and an ambitious politician? (c) What will be your course of action? Justify with proper reasoning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":58,"question":"That her wedding will not be held as a private ceremony with only close friends and family, but should be publicised in a grand way, as you had promised earlier to her. Given this situation, answer the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the above situation? (b) What are the various options that you have, as a father and an ambitious politician? (c) What will be your course of action? Justify with proper reasoning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2266,"topper":"ChennamReddy Shiva Ganesh Reddy","air":119,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3ea4f-1278500_2573_chennamreddy_shiva_ganesh_reddy_rank_119.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2267,"topper":"ChennamReddy Shiva Ganesh Reddy","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/74f1c-1278500_2929_chennamreddy_shiva_ganesh_reddy_rank_119.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Expression of dissent is central to the functioning of the Parliament. In light of this, discuss the role of the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in India's parliamentary system. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"How can the integration of technology into judicial processes enhance accessibility, capability, and efficiency in justice delivery? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Supreme Court of India has upheld unique asymmetry in India's federalism by intricately balancing centralized authority and regional autonomy. Discuss with the help of relevant case laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Evaluate the effectiveness of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes in safeguarding the interests of the Scheduled Castes in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Executive accountability to the legislature through Parliamentary Committees has been the hallmark of the Indian political system. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can India make Citizens' Charter a powerful tool for improving governance and empowering citizens? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How do corporate donors aid NGOs in facilitating holistic development in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite its merits, should the POCSO Act be revisited to correct the existing inadequacies? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"China's acquisition of strategic ports globally has significant implications for international trade routes and economic relations. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"What are the main functions of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)? How will its recent treaty on intellectual property, genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge benefit India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) plays a crucial role in combating corruption, its functioning is often criticized for being partisan and acting against the federal spirit. Discuss with the help of suitable examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Governors in India often overstep their constitutional role and fail to act effectively when needed. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Both India and the USA adhere to democratic principles but their electoral systems exhibit significant differences. What are the key differences in electoral practices between the two countries? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"How far do you agree with the view that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has met its objective of ensuring environmental justice in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Though Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) have become a platform for competitive politics, they have not emerged as an agency of planning and service delivery. Why? (Answer in 250 words)15","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by interoperability in e-governance? What steps have been taken by the government to ensure interoperability and integration of various e-governance systems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"When it comes to sexual and reproductive health of women in India, rights-based discourse has largely been bypassed not just by the societal norms but also by the legal norms. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"How effective has India been in enhancing immunization coverage over the years? What challenges continue to affect immunization efforts in the country? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India used its Presidency of the G20 to bring the voice of the Global South to the centre stage. Discuss with special reference to Africa. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"India's relationship with the UAE has witnessed a remarkable expansion across various domains in the last decade. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2268,"topper":"ChennamReddy Shiva Ganesh Reddy","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/863aa-1278500_2930_chennamreddy_shiva_ganesh_reddy_rank_119.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How is the rapid growth of the food processing industry leading to food safety challenges in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Under the Public Distribution System of India, the Fair Price Shop (FPS) transformation is an evolving process. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"How are agri-tech startups in India helping farmers in enhancing farm productivity and market access? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the role of digitization of land records in the effective implementation of land reforms in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"To fully exploit its demographic dividend and accelerate economic growth, India needs to adopt a manufacturing-led growth model. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can the resilience of Indian coastal communities be strengthened to tackle the growing natural hazards resulting from climate change? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How does the Green Credit Programme extend beyond carbon management to promote a more sustainable environment in India? What are the various concerns about its implementation? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What is the need for NavIC when existing satellite navigation systems are already available? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Cyber-enabled financial crime has emerged as the new frontier of global money laundering. Discuss. How can the government address this issue? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The Indian Army is observing the year 2024 as the 'Year of Technology Absorption'. In light of this, explain why there is a need for technology absorption in the defence sector of India. What challenges can India face in this initiative? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What are the issues faced in the development of trade and industries in the North-Eastern Region (NER) of India? Comment on the measures that have been taken to tackle these issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the era of climate change and growing water scarcity, how can micro-irrigation systems contribute to sustainable agricultural practices in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What strategies can be adopted to overcome the issues pertaining to freight transportation in the Indian Railways and increase its share in the domestic freight? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the factors that have aided India in making impressive strides in the renewable energy sector and establishing itself as a frontrunner in the global renewable energy transition. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"How does agricultural runoff containing fertilizers and pesticides contribute to environmental pollution? What measures can be taken to mitigate the impact of agricultural runoff? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The growing influx of tourists in Himalayan states has breached their ecological carrying capacity, leading to significant man-made disasters. What measures can be implemented to prevent such disasters while promoting sustainable tourism? Discuss with relevant examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"How do superconductors fuel innovation in diverse fields of science and technology? Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"While India has laws covering almost all types of intellectual property rights, numerous enforcement, regulatory and administrative challenges hamper the commercialisation of IPRs in India. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Keeping in view the challenges in creating integrated theatre commands, examine how the theaterisation of commands can lead to greater integration and rationalisation of manpower and resources among the three services. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Treating border villages as first villages not just geographically but also in terms of facilities can be a key strategy for enhancing border security. Discuss. Also, highlight the measures being taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2269,"topper":"ChennamReddy Shiva Ganesh Reddy","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7ba76-1278500_2422_chennamreddy_shiva_ganesh_reddy_rank_119.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The traditional theatre forms of India reflect the ideals and emotions of the society, and an individual's role in the community. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":2270,"topper":"Cheruku Avinash Reddy","air":40,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Forest Service (IFS)","optional":true,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/CHERUKU_AVINASH_REDDY_UPSC_IFS_2024_AIR_40_GS_1_ab2b12b34b.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2271,"topper":"Cheruku Avinash Reddy","air":40,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Forest Service (IFS)","optional":true,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/CHERUKU_AVINASH_REDDY_UPSC_IFS_2024_AIR_40_GS_2_c908d55222.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2272,"topper":"Cheruku Avinash Reddy","air":40,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Forest Service (IFS)","optional":true,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/CHERUKU_AVINASH_REDDY_UPSC_IFS_2024_AIR_40_GS_3_c07dd1a5e1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2273,"topper":"Chhaya Singh","air":65,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Chhaya-Singh-UPSC-2023-Rank-65-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2274,"topper":"Chhaya Singh","air":65,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1zbtLohWsvS7XTDXyrUxFzLWM1-tyAxVy","questions":[]},{"id":2275,"topper":"Chhaya Singh","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Chhaya-Singh-UPSC-2023-Rank-65-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the role of the 'Fourth Estate' in upholding democratic values and analyse the issues affecting press freedom in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The electoral process, though inclusionary in theory, has been pointed out for exclusionary tendencies in practice. Analyse, with special emphasis on role of women in India's representative electoral system. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Assess the effectiveness of Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 in resolution of river-water disputes. Also describe the potential impact of delays in resolution of water disputes. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the significance of the cooperative model of development in addressing the issues of rural growth. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"In order to pass the ultimate test of good governance, welfare state should be close to the people, responsive to their aspirations, and inclusive in its approach. Discuss with special reference to PM PVTG Development Mission. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"To what extent collaboration between the state and civil society organizations (CSOs) help in addressing poverty and malnutrition in the country? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Absence of a robust social infrastructure in the country may become one of the most significant challenges in achieving a developed status by 2047. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Though the changing paradigm towards dialogue and diplomacy in West Asia augurs well for India's interests in this otherwise restive region, presence of inimical actors may reverse the gains. (10 marks, 150 words) Explain.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Water diplomacy can redefine the contours of regional cooperation in South Asia. Discuss with special reference to Indus water treaty 1960. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Despite constitutional backing to the institutions of local governance, the idea of decentralisation has remained hostage to several structural bottlenecks. Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Independent judiciary, as envisaged by the constitution, provides the bedrock for a thriving polity; however, executive encroachment may erode its credibility and affect its efficacy. Evaluate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Executive agencies, working as the watchdog against impropriety, are vital to act against the corrupt; however, pandering to vested interests may have the effect of turning the idea of rule of law on its head. Comment, with special reference to controversies associated with the Enforcement Directorate (ED). (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Critically analyse the role of National Commission for Women (NCW) in wake of its mandate to safeguard women's rights and uphold their socio-economic wellbeing. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Understanding the extent, source, and complexity of deprivations among the multidimensionally poor contributes to more informed policymaking. In this context, analyze the latest National Multidimensional Poverty Index Report by NITI Aayog. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Safely managed drinking water services, as desired by Jal Jeevan Mission, are designated to give multifarious benefits cutting across generations. Discuss. Also, elaborate upon the challenges in ensuring the mission's success. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Legislation like Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989 remains mere legal documents without intense sensitization of public functionaries and the civil society. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Harbinger of global rebalancing, India-Africa ties are a beacon of inclusive, sustainable, and equitable world. Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How do ASEAN centrality, rules-based order, and development partnership with Pacific Island states make Indo-Pacific a theatre of opportunity for India? What are the hurdles in realisation of an inclusive Indo-Pacific construct? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2276,"topper":"Chhaya Singh","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Chhaya-Singh-UPSC-2023-Rank-65-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":15,"question":"Edge in modern warfare Hes not so much in the capacity to overwhelm the adversary as much in the ability to nip the threat in the bud. In this context, discuss the role of intelligence in","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Mon ey laundering is a global problem that cannot be solved by isolated responses. Discuss","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Assess the relevance of the NI SAR mission in observing and managing climate change and natural hazards. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":2277,"topper":"Chhaya Singh","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Chhaya-Singh-UPSC-2023-Rank-65-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":19,"question":"Civil servants who embody emotional inte)ligence exhibit a profound understanding of the human aspect of governance, ' enabling them to cultivate meaningful relationships, foster coopera- tion, and drive positive change. Examine ways in which Emotional Intelligence can be inculcated in","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2278,"topper":"Chinmaiee P","air":310,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/CHINMAIEE-PUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-310-Sample-Essay-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. Poetry is the voice of the unvoiced.\n2. We must adjust to changing times and still hold to unchanging principles.\n3. We are not what we know but what we are willing to learn.\n4. If we choose, we can live in a world of comforting illusion.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"1. Efforts and courage are not enough without purpose and direction.\n2. Creativity is the art of turning ideas into reality.\n3. Being an ethical power is one aspect of the India Way.\n4. Neither should a ship rely on one small anchor, nor should life rest on a single hope.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2279,"topper":"Chinmaiee P","air":310,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1oX6WiAXs_JZsoBV8HwDAE0m_WsE_TEDy","questions":[]},{"id":2280,"topper":"Chirag Jain","air":215,"year":2019,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6810c-21606_932_chirag-jain_rank_215.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2281,"topper":"Chirag Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/36cdb-21606_1152_chirag-jain_rank_215.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The crucial position accorded to the Speaker in Indian legislatures, makes it imperative to protect them from undue political pressures. Examine. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Examine the significance of Gram Sabhas, as mentioned in Article 243A of the Indian constitution, in the development process with special reference to Fifth Schedule areas. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"On what grounds can a person be denied the right to contest elections to the Parliament in India? Will a lifetime ban on those convicted of heinous crimes address the problem of criminalization of politics? Discuss in light of recent judgments by the Supreme Court. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Departmentally-Related Standing Committees have been referred to as mini-parliaments in India. Highlight their relevance in a democratic polity and discuss, with examples, how they improve the overall effectiveness of the Parliament. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Social audit has a crucial role in effective implementation of social sector programmes. Comment. Also, discuss its strengths and limitations. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discuss the significance of the 268th report of the Law Commission in addressing the problems of undertrials in India. What other measures can be taken in this regard? (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Enumerate the major welfare schemes for the elderly in India. Examine whether their benefits are reaching the targeted population. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Demographic dividend may become demographic liability in the absence of adequate skill development. In this context, discuss the importance of National Policy for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, 2015. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"It has been acknowledged widely that smart power is the best possible way for achieving intended foreign policy outcomes. Examine in the context of India. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Accession to the Ashgabat agreement is valuable for connecting India to its extended neighbourhood. What is the Ashgabat Agreement? Assess its significance for India. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Despite long-term recognition of the problem of pendency of cases in the courts, limited progress has been made in reducing their number. What are the possible reasons for such a scenario? Suggest a framework of measures that can be taken to address this issue. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Despite the phrase 'due process of law' not being mentioned in the Constitution, the Supreme Court, over the years, has adopted the doctrines of 'procedural due process' and 'substantive due process' into Indian constitutional law. Comment. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Mention the constitutional provisions to safeguard and ensure the independent and impartial functioning of the UPSC. Further, assess the limitations of UPSC in effectively performing its role as the 'watchdog of merit system' in India as envisioned by the Constitution. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Faulty regulatory policies can have a severe adverse effect on the efficient interplay of market forces and end up harming public interest. Examine in the context of systemic issues pertaining to regulatory environment in India. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"There is a need to introduce urgent reforms in the Cooperative sector to deal with the challenges that it has been facing. Discuss. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Explain the features and significance of the recently launched National Nutrition Mission. Also, discuss with examples, the role that local self governments can play in promoting, monitoring and sustaining nutrition initiatives. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"While many people have been able to rise above poverty line, India is still home to the largest number of poor. Briefly discuss the factors responsible for the prevalence of poverty in India. What are the areas in which focused efforts need to be made in order to accelerate poverty eradication in a sustainable manner? (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Several issues related to adopting new technologies, transforming processes and improving implementation of NeGP need to be addressed. Discuss. Also, enumerate the set of principles guiding the design and implementation of the e-Kranti Program (NeGP 2.0). (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India-China ties, marked by a broad convergence on transnational issues, on one hand and geostrategic rivalry on the other, have profound implications not only for the two countries but also the current international system. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India's expanding interests rather than endorsement by others should be the basis of its engagement with what is being termed as the Indo-Pacific. (250 Words) 15 Analyse.","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2282,"topper":"Chirag Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7d75b-21606_1071_chirag-jain_rank_215.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) is more than just the keeper of our national accounts; it is also a conscience-keeper and a watchdog. Examine the statement in light of making the auditing process more effective. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The concern for transparency in political funding is at odds with the Electoral Bond Scheme notified by the government. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Lobbying in India exists in a perennially grey legal and policy arena. In this context, discuss the need to formally recognize and regulate lobbying in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"More than a decade after it was passed, the implementation of the RTI Act leaves much to be desired. Comment. Also discuss the issues associated with the recent proposals to amend the RTI Act. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Critically discuss the evolving policy on reservation in promotions in India with special focus on its ability to meet the objectives of social justice. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"India produces enough food for its people, but not all people get enough food to eat. Discussing this paradox, highlight some of the major interventions taken in the past few years in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"India sees Indian Ocean as not just a water body, but a global stage for continued economic, social, and cultural dialogue. Elaborate.(150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In the context of India taking greater responsibility in management of the global commons, there has been a shift in India's negotiation stance. In this context, analyze the evolution of India's climate policy. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlighting the constitutional role of the Finance Commission (FC), discuss the issues which are being debated w.r.t. terms of reference (ToR) of the 15th Finance Commission. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The spirit of the constitution of India represents a synthesis of Indian values, democratic and socialist movements in west and our independence movement. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"What is the importance of an independent judiciary in a democracy? Highlight the safeguards in our political-constitutional setup to ensure the independence of judiciary. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Even though Indian federalism has matured quite a bit, with states having far greater control of their economic and political management, serious structural problems still remain. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The recent amendments to the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 strike a balance between enforcement overzealousness and the need for stringent action against corrupt public servants. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Identifying the various issues plaguing the voluntary sector in India, discuss the need for a national accreditation agency to overcome them. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Given the importance of a teacher in affecting the learning outcomes of children, discuss the problems in the present system of teacher training in India. How can these be addressed? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The implementation of a scheme with such scale and benefit as Ayushman Bharat is likely to face many obstacles. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Given the fact that India cannot match China's financial clout, it is seen to be diversifying the ways in which it can enhance cooperation and promote its diplomatic profile in Africa. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Discuss how American sanctions on its adversaries affect India. Taking the example of CAATSA, analyse how India can shield its strategic interests in face of such sanctions. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2283,"topper":"Chirag Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/37134-21606_1072_chirag-jain_rank_215.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain why it is important to urgently address the problem of poor land records and infirmity of land titles in India. Also discuss how this problem can be addressed. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What are the special features of the infrastructure sector that make its financing a challenge? What measures have been taken to facilitate adequate amount of finance to this sector? (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Despite favourable circumstances, India's electronics manufacturing has been unable to respond to the rising demand. Discuss. What steps can be taken to address this situation? (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Despite registering a high growth rate in the post-reform era, India continues to witness a high incidence of poverty. Explain this paradox and suggest ways to resolve it. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"In light of the argument that India has entered a regime of \"permanent surpluses\", discuss whether the time has come to remove agricultural commodities completely from Essential Commodities Act. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The 1988 National Forest Policy (NFP) was visionary in its scope and ambition. However, there is a need for a new forest policy in the current context. Discuss. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How does rapid urbanization increases the vulnerability to major disasters? Explaining with examples, suggest measures to develop disaster-resilient cities. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain DNA profiling and highlight its forensic application. Also discuss the significance of DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2018 in this regard. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What is meant by the term Blue Water Capabilities? In this context, identify the key measures that have been undertaken to enhance the capabilities of the Indian Navy. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Identify the factors that make India vulnerable to drug trafficking? Also discuss the key steps taken to deal with it in our country. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"How do higher global crude oil prices affect the Indian economy? What steps can be taken to gradually insulate India from global oil price volatility in the long term? (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Explaining the importance, highlight the achievements of dairy sector in India. Examine whether over-production is the reason for the problems being faced by the dairy industry. Give some solutions to address the problems. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"There has been a focus on Textile and Apparels industry in India in recent years. Elaborate the potential of this industry and the challenges that lie in achieving it. What steps have been taken in this regard? (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"How do transportation corridors in biodiversity rich areas impact the wildlife? Examine the current policy framework in this regard. Also, suggest measures to minimise the negative effects while balancing the need for development. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The potential of technology to aid farmers in increasing productivity as well reducing susceptibility to climate change remains underutilized. Identify the reasons for the same and suggest measures to improve technological penetration in agriculture. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What is Intelligent Transportation System (ITS)? Explaining the need of ITS in India, identify the challenges in deploying it. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Explain the concept and significance of Data Localisation. Also discuss its limitations in strengthening law enforcement efforts in the context of Srikrishna Committee report and the draft Personal Data Protection Bill, 2018. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"What is the link between illegal immigration and national security? In this context, critically discuss the exercise of creating a National Register of Citizens in Assam. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2284,"topper":"Chirag Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9d11a-21606_1067_chirag-jain_rank_215.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What is the role that opposition plays in a democracy like India? In this context, discuss whether our Parliament can benefit from a shadow cabinet. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Where there is a right, there is a remedy. In this context, discuss the nature and significance of writs in India with adequate examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Enumerate the objectives of NITI Aayog. Also, discuss the performance of this body since its inception and suggest measures to make it more effective. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"In view of the political class's inability to develop and maintain conventions relating to the appropriate use of Article 356, the Supreme Court's decision in the Bommai case provided much needed clarity. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Press freedom and good governance are not mutually exclusive. They support each other while promoting a country's economic and human development. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"SHGs have succeeded in delivering financial inclusion, but for them to evolve as viable business enterprise requires a different approach. Analyse in the context of the twin goals of rural growth and promotion of women's entrepreneurship. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The focus of higher education in India has been on a select few Central or autonomous institutions where as the ones in states remain neglected. Commenting on the statement, highlight the significance of Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the role played by PRIs in political empowerment of women. Also, suggest measures to further increase their political participation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What is Strategic Autonomy? Critically examine the elements of such a policy in India's contemporary foreign policy in the context of recent developments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"IBSA and BRICS are both examples of India's quest for multialignment, however there are key differences in their orientation. Discuss in the context of the relevance of these groupings for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What are the various modes of Alternate Dispute Redressal (ADR) mechanisms available in India? Identifying the problems being faced by them, provide suggestions needed to increase their effectiveness. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"While the power to punish for the contempt of court is a much needed tool to protect the administration of justice from being maligned, it is time that it be relooked into. Critically analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Criminalisation of politics remains a key concern for the Indian political system. In this context, analyse the role played by the Supreme Court and Election Commission over the years. Also, in what ways can the media play a positive role? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight, in brief, the mandate of the National Commission for Minorities (NCM). Identify the different challenges that the commission faces and suggest measures to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The recent decision of the government to open up positions at the senior levels in bureaucracy through lateral entry is an important but only small step in the direction of much needed reforms in the higher civil services. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Identifying the broad contours of the 'Transformation of Aspirational Districts' programme, explain how it adopts a novel strategy to address backwardness. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"How did India fare on the Millennium Development Goals related to health? In this regard, identify the relevant Sustainable Development Goals and evaluate India's capacity to meet them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the different rights recognized under the Forest Rights Act, 2006? Highlight the gaps in the implementation of community forest rights and community forest resource rights granted under the Forest Rights Act. Also, suggest measures to address the current scenario. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Progress in India-US ties has been accompanied by equally significant divergences on important issues. Examine in the context of recent developments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Despite bonhomie, the structural differences between Indian and Israeli national security situations, their worldviews and absence of explicitly shared enemies limit stronger strategic rapprochement. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2285,"topper":"Chirag Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b8d45-21606_877_chirag-jain_rank_215.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The seeds of patriarchy and gender inequality are sown at home, which manifest as a weed at the societal level. Elucidate. Suggest an ethical framework to systematically address the issue of patriarchy in the Indian society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"What are the factors which drive people to take law in their own hands rather than following the due process of law? Discuss ways to address the problem of mob justice.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"In a democracy, the purpose of the government should be to make it easy for people to do good and difficult to do wrong. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss John Stuart Mill's idea on freedom of thought and expression. Also, give reasons as to why, according to Mill, representative democracy is the best form of government despite its inherent weaknesses.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"It is argued by some that nuclear weapons have acted more as a deterrent than leading to war and mass destruction. In this context, discuss whether it is ethically right to possess nuclear weapons to create nuclear deterrence.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Differentiate between administration and leadership. Highlighting the traits which characterize an effective leader, discuss the importance of leadership in ensuring effective public service delivery in a bureaucratic setup.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Apart from functional knowledge and expertise, the efficacy of a civil servant also depends upon his emotional intelligence. How does emotional intelligence contribute to efficacy? How can civil servants enhance their emotional intelligence?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Enumerate the mechanisms that promote accountability of public officials in discharging their functions and responsibilities in India. Also discuss why ensuring accountability for performance is not a simple task in government service.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) \"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"\"Prejudices are what fools use for reason.\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Ensuring that government decisions are not influenced by public officials' private interests is a growing concern. Discuss in the context of India. Also enumerate the core principles reflected by OECD guidelines for managing conflict of interest in the public sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Discuss, with examples, the significance of principles of public life as recommended by Nolan committee. Why are these principles considered as an essential set of expectations from public servants?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"A peculiar inhuman situation exists for the people fleeing from war zones - they cannot go back to their homeland for fear of being persecuted and no country is ready to bear their burden due to various reasons. Citing contemporary examples, discuss the ethical issues involved in such situations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"As the administrator in-charge of your area, you are witness to the widespread food wastage in lavish parties as well as in restaurants and eateries, on one hand and people starving due to inability to ensure one square-meal a day, on the other. Realizing that it is not the scarcity of resources, but the habit of people that is causing paucity in availability of food, you decide that certain measures are needed to be taken in order to deal with the issue of starvation at the grassroot level. 20 Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) What measures would you take to deal with wastage of food in your area? (c) What explains this co-existence of affluence and hunger in developing countries like India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"The excluded and marginalized section of society are worst hit by globalization. Take the case of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) like Sentinelese of Andaman & Nicobar islands; their population has reduced drastically and they are facing various other problems as well. In this context answer the following questions: 20 (a) What are the challenges faced by PVTGs due to globalisation? (b) If you are posted as a Development Officer in such an area, what will be your priorities to reduce their vulnerabilities and ensure welfare?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Undercover journalism exposes injustices, negligence, corruption and wrongdoing and yet going undercover to expose wrongdoing remains controversial. But, undercover journalists contend that they are fulfilling a fundamental duty of finding truth through their journalism. They argue that public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy and the duty of the journalist is to further those ends by seeking truth and providing a fair and comprehensive account of events and issues. So, there are some supporters of this kind of journalism, which sometimes infringe the privacy of individuals. However, some journalists also urge avoiding surreptitious methods of gathering information except when traditional open methods will not yield information vital to the public. In this context, answer the following questions: 20 (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the practice of undercover journalism? (b) Do you support the practice of undercover investigation by journalists? Give reasons in support of your answer.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2286,"topper":"Chiranshu Taneja","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2024_unchecked_MT24SLTON011_SLT001.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Examine the role of numismatic evidence in understanding the political and economic history of ancient India. Provide specific examples. (Marks 10)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Highlighting the elements of urbanization discuss how agriculture played a pivotal role in the enduring success and longevity of the Harrapan Civilization. (Marks 10)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"The Quit India Movement marked the awakening of the nation's soul and brought diverse sections together in a unified vision of Independence. Discuss (Marks 10)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"\"The dual struggle against entrenched social customs and colonial dominance was a prominent feature of socio-religious reform movements in 19th century India.\" How did the socio-religious reform movements of 19th century India responded to colonial cultural and ideological hegemony? (Marks 10)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Do you think the Uniform Civil Code contradicts the idea of religious pluralism and cultural differences in Indian society? (Marks 10)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"Discuss the concept of healthy active ageing in the context of demographic shifts in India. How does it contribute to social inclusion? (Marks 10)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"How is the transition from 'conscious consumption' to 'compulsive consumption' impacting family structure and dynamics in urban areas? (Marks 10)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"What is gender fluid identity, and what are the LGBTQ community's ongoing challenges to full societal inclusion and equal treatment? (Marks 10)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"How does the interplay between regional and national identities fuel the emergence of regionalistic sentiments? How can we balance regional identities with broader national identity? (Marks 10)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"How do various cultural practices and traditions contribute to the idea of \"Unity in Diversity\"? Provide examples to support your argument. (Marks 10)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss with examples the key features of Vijayanagara architecture. How did Indo-Islamic elements manifest in their structures? (Marks 15)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Compare and contrast the features of ancient Indian universities like Nalanda and Takshashila with modern state-funded universities in India. What lessons can modern universities learn from ancient ones to improve their effectiveness? (Marks 15)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"How did the British policies contribute to the de-industrialization of India, and how did this process affect the lives of Indian artisans and the broader economy? (Marks 15)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Analyze the ideological differences and similarities between the revolutionary movement (1920-1930s) and the Gandhian non-violent struggle. How did these two ideologies influence each other? (Marks 15)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Social mobility is essential for achieving true equality within society'. In this context highlight the barriers to intergenerational mobility in Indian society, and discuss the role of education on social mobility. (Marks 15)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Analyze the influence of globalization on migration patterns in India. What are the economic and social implications of increased internal and international migration? (Marks 15)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Discuss how gender-based violence in India is a manifestation of patriarchal values. To what extent has modernisation in law served as an instrument of women's empowerment in this regard? (Marks 15)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"In what ways do social media platforms perpetuate and challenge social inequalities and power structures? Provide a critical analysis. (Marks 15)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Give a comparative analysis of the tribal and mainstream societies. Is tribal society more progressive than mainstream society? Argue with examples (Marks 15)","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2287,"topper":"Chiranshu Taneja","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2025_unchecked_MT24SLTON011_SLT2501.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Cave paintings are the visual autobiography of a prehistoric man. What can we infer about prehistoric beliefs and social practices from the cave paintings in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"Colonial education policy, intended to create obedient clerks, became a channel for political awakening and national self-assertion.\" Discuss (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Evaluate the extent to which the Gupta economy facilitated cultural and scientific advancements. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How are changing family structures and migration trends increasingly leading to the social isolation of the elderly in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"In what ways does urbanization challenge traditional notions of social cohesion in Indian society? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Safety and mobility are gendered constraints that significantly influence women's participation in the labour force in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Is globalisation leading to the erosion of local languages and traditional culture in India? Justify your answer. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Neo-spiritual movements in India reflect the fusion of tradition, modernity, and digital influence in the practice of faith. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"How does the status and role of women in tribal societies differ from gender norms in mainstream Indian society? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Do diaspora communities act as custodians of Indian cultural traditions or agents of cultural change? Critically examine with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"What do the accounts of Arab and European travellers reveal about the nature of social and economic life in medieval India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Examine the role played by reformist organizations like the Brahmo Samaj and Arya Samaj in addressing various social issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Examine the ways in which Gandhian mass movements opened political space for Indian women. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Despite legal and educational advances, why do certain social practices, such as dowry, caste endogamy, or child marriage, continue to persist in modern India? Analyse with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"\"Modern parenting in India is increasingly balancing traditional expectations and emerging societal norms. Analyse the social implications of this tension.\" (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"With the rise of digital media influencers, traditional role models in Indian society are being replaced. Analyse its impact on youth behaviour and value systems. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Urbanization is posing a threat to the existing urban infrastructure. Discuss the developmental issues it poses and its impact on urban communities. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Caste in India today operates more as a system of identity assertion than of rigid hierarchy. Discuss this transformation in the context of caste group mobilisation and economic change. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Have regional identities in India evolved from cultural expressions to organised assertions of autonomy? Discuss their implications for national cohesion. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"The rise of the new middle class in India is marked by a culture of consumption. In what ways is the transition from conscious to impulsive consumption affecting family structure and dynamics in urban India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2288,"topper":"Chiranshu Taneja","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2025_unchecked_MT24SLTON011_SLT2502.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"\"The Cold War was less a military confrontation and more a battle of ideologies.\" Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Critically examine the impact of the Emergency on Indian democracy and civil liberties. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Explain the geological features and ecological importance of the Eastern Ghats. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"India faces a looming freshwater crisis despite its vast river systems. Discuss the causes and evaluate integrated water resource management strategies for sustainability. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How do the Deccan and Chotanagpur plateaus differ in their physical characteristics and resource potential? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Compare the characteristics of east-flowing and west-flowing rivers with suitable examples. Why do most rivers in India flow eastward? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The Arctic region is emerging as a new frontier for resource exploration. Discuss the opportunities and challenges for India in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Explain the origin of the Indian islands in the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss how inland water transport can alter the economy of eastern India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Desertification is not merely a land degradation issue; it is a silent threat to global ecological stability and food security. Discuss (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"India's linguistic diversity is not a challenge to national integration but a testament to its cultural resilience. Discuss in the context of contemporary debates on language policy and identity politics in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Discuss the agro-climatic factors necessary for tea cultivation. Why is its production concentrated in specific pockets of Eastern and Southern India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"What are rift valleys, and how are they formed? Explain their geomorphological and economic significance. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"What is 'Blue Revolution'? Discuss the major challenges faced in the development of aquaculture in India. Suggest a set of comprehensive strategies to overcome these challenges. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"With accelerating glacial melt in the Himalayas, GLOFs pose a severe hazard downstream. Analyse the causes, impacts, and mitigation strategies related to GLOFs in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Using suitable examples, discuss the conditions required for the formation of salt pans and mangroves in India. How do these ecosystems support coastal resilience? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2289,"topper":"Chiranshu Taneja","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2024_unchecked_MT24SLTON011_SLT003.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"The rule of law and judicial review are interdependent, as one cannot truly exist without the other. In this context can judicial review be considered the most important aspect among those that constitute the basic structure of the Constitution? (Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"How does the power and authority of Delhi's lieutenant governor compare to that of the governors of other states, particularly in terms of acting on the aid and advice of the council of ministers? (Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss the role of the judiciary in navigating the tension between the right to religion and constitutional morality in India in recent times. Refer to relevant case laws. (Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The principle of 'Separation of Powers' is a key feature of the American Constitution. In this context, compare how the Indian Constitution's functional separation of powers distinguishes itself from the US system. What are the advantages of a check and balance system over a rigid Separation of Powers? (Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution is more than a legal provision that empowers tribal regions with self-rule. How does the sixth schedule foster development while respecting their traditional governance systems and cultural practices? (Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Federal governance is characterised by institutionalized arrangements for solving problems generated by pluralism based on consultation and mutual consent. How have Zonal Councils evolved from merely advisory bodies to proactive platforms for action? ( Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Secularism under the Indian constitution is encapsulated in the broader concept of constitutional commitment to equality. Discuss. ( Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"'There is a need to shift the focus of Section 8 of the Representation of People Act, 1951 from the duration of the sentence to the gravity of the offence.' Comment on how the current classification under Section 8 leads to arbitrary categorisation of offences. Also, mention the remedies available to a person disqualified under this section. ( Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What is the significance of the Leader of Opposition in the Indian parliamentary system? How does the role of the opposition contribute to the checks and balances in a democracy? (Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"The core ideals of the Preamble - sovereignty, socialism, secularism, and democracy - form the bedrock of India's constitutional framework.\" Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In what ways are the Terms of Reference for the Sixteenth Finance Commission different from the earlier Finance Commissions? Also, examine the factors that propel economic disparities across states, despite the Finance Commission devolution becoming increasingly progressive. (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Compare and contrast the powers and working of the Ethics Committee and the Privileges Committee in addressing cases of 'unethical' conduct and breach of privileges. How do these Committees complement each other in maintaining parliamentary discipline? (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"In the context of persistent legislative dysfunction in India, analyse the evolving role of judicial activism in shaping public policy and governance. Using examples from landmark court cases, evaluate the effectiveness of judicial interventions in addressing governance gaps and safeguarding citizens' rights. (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"To what extent does the level of internal democracy within political parties impact the functioning and legitimacy of the Indian party system? What reforms can address the challenges of inadequate intraparty democracy in India? (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"\"The NHRC must not only be a watchdog but also a beacon of hope for the marginalised and oppressed.\" In this context discuss the role and mandate of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in India. How does the current composition and functioning of the NHRC affect its independence and effectiveness? (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Electoral funding in India is fraught with the double whammy of legal loopholes and political inefficiencies. In this context, discuss the challenges to electoral funding. What lessons can India draw from global best practices in this regard? (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Pressure groups form the social foundation of a democracy. In this context, discuss pressure groups' key contributions in promoting social security measures for workers in India, and how they address the gaps in existing policies. (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"The Constitution envisages the \"principle of federal supremacy\" in the executive space of Indian federal polity. Discuss while referring to the relevant Constitutional provisions and case laws. How are contentious issues regarding the distribution of powers resolved? (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Delimitation of seats is essential to ensure fair representation and uphold the principles of one vote, one value. Highlighting the challenges posed by misrepresentation in constituencies analyse the ramifications of population-based delimitation in creating federal tension. (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"To what extent can the PIL system be held responsible for shifting the focus of the higher Courts from \"constitutional matters\" to day-to-day matters? What role can the trial Courts play in reducing the overall burden on higher Courts? (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2290,"topper":"Chiranshu Taneja","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2024_unchecked_MT24SLTON011_SLT004.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"How do partnerships between Civil Society Organizations and Government entities contribute to India's development goals? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Discuss the importance of cultivating a culture of life-long learning among Indian civil servants. How has Mission Karmyogi contributed to this objective? Illustrate with examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"E-governance is not just about efficiency; it's about making governance accessible and inclusive for every citizen. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Given India's strides in reducing extreme poverty, should the country consider redefining its poverty line to better reflect the current socio-economic realities? Discuss the potential benefits and challenges associated with redefinition of the poverty line. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Assess the implications of the 103rd Constitutional Amendment, which introduced a ten per cent reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), on the principle of social justice in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The focus of welfare schemes in India is shifting from \"well-being\" towards \"over-dependency\". In light of this, do you agree that welfare schemes have inculcated a \"freebies culture\" in India leading to a divergence of focus from poverty and hunger alleviation? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Evaluate the impact of the deepening political divisions within the major Western States on global governance and international cooperation. How should India navigate these divisions to advance its national interests on the global stage? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How does India's Arctic Policy align with its broader foreign policy objectives? Broadly discuss the collaborations and agreements India is involved in with the Arctic Council. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"With the advent of new regional and multilateral agreements like QUAD, AUKUS, I2U2 etc the old world order represented by organizations like NAM, Davos, and G77 is losing its relevance. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The island states and territories from the South Pacific to the African coast have become new nodes in India's changing strategic geography. In this context, highlight the importance of these island states for India and also throw light upon the initiatives taken by India to strengthen ties with these states. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals requires consideration of regional context and local situations. In light of this statement examine the role of Panchayats as catalysts for grassroot development and advancing sustainable development. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"India's higher education system needs significant reforms to align with global standards. How does the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 aim to address these challenges, and what lessons can India learn from international practices to enhance its higher education system? Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"The Right to Information (RTI) Act is hailed for its transformative impact on the quest for transparency and accountability in Indian governance. However, multifaceted challenges and systemic limitations impede its effective implementation. Discuss. Also, suggest measures for its effective implementation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"The persistent health equity challenges in India pose a critical barrier to achieving Universal Health Coverage. In this context discuss the role of the public and private sectors in ensuring adequate health access and outcomes across rural and urban areas. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"What are the implications of the POCSO Act on the rights and welfare of children in India? Analyze the role of the POCSO Act in transforming India's legal framework for child protection. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Discuss the unique challenges and opportunities Self Help Groups (SHGs) encounter in urban areas compared to rural ones, and how can microfinance be adapted to tackle urban poverty. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Examine the influence of human rights issues and democratic values on the diplomatic relationship between the U.S. and India. How have these concerns affected bilateral engagements and what can be done to mitigate tensions arising from these issues? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Examine the geopolitical challenges India faces in South Asia despite its global rise. How can India navigate these challenges to strengthen its regional leadership? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Highlight the significance of the recently envisaged India-Middle East-Europe corridor for India's connectivity with the world, especially the West. Do you think, in recent times, transport and energy initiatives have taken precedence in India's foreign policy? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2291,"topper":"Chiranshu Taneja","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2025_unchecked_MT24SLTON011_SLT2503.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"What is constitutional morality? How far does the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) align with the vision of constitutional morality as encompassed in the Indian Constitution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What is a Privilege Motion in the Indian Parliament? How does the Committee of Privileges examine and deal with such motions? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Article 143 of the Constitution confers advisory jurisdiction upon the Supreme Court through a presidential reference mechanism. Examine the significance and scope of the Supreme Court's advisory jurisdiction under this provision. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Compare the powers of the head of state in India and the UK. How do their roles reflect the constitutional principles of their respective systems? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Since Independence, the composition of the Indian Parliament has undergone a significant change with the changing socio-economic profile of the Members of Parliament(MPs). Analyse the impact of this shift on the overall quality of representative democracy in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The contributions of the founding mothers in the Constituent Assembly and their feminist perspective have shaped India's constitutional discourse. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"A democracy is only as strong as its Opposition.\" In this light, examine the role of the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and suggest measures to enhance the effectiveness of this institution in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"What are the constitutional provisions related to minority educational institutions in India? How have judicial pronouncements shaped the balance between the right to equality and the right to preserve minority identity in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In a rights-based democracy, institutions like the NHRC must evolve beyond symbolic presence to real-time impact. In this context, discuss the structural and functional issues within India's human rights framework. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Delimitation upholds the idea of 'one citizen, one vote', but its implications go against the principles of federalism. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"The role of Governors in opposition-ruled States has been a flashpoint in Centre-State relations. Critically discuss how gubernatorial overreach challenges the position of state governments and suggest safeguards to mitigate such conflicts. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Despite increased political representation, Elected Women Representatives (EWRs) in Panchayati Raj Institutions continue to face barriers to effective participation and leadership. In this context, discuss the challenges EWRs face and suggest reforms needed to enable gender-inclusive grassroots governance. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"The evolving relationship between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy has been a dynamic feature of India's constitutional journey, often necessitating judicial interventions and constitutional amendments. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"The Upper House was envisioned as a reviewing chamber and not a rival to the Lower House.' In light of this statement, do you think the Rajya Sabha continues to fulfil this vision in contemporary Indian polity? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"The principle of checks and balances in the Indian Constitution is often challenged by the judiciary's expanding role in legislative and executive domains. Highlighting the reasons, assess its impact on the functional separation between various organs. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"The credibility of the electoral process rests on the autonomy and neutrality of the Election Commission. Do you think the Election Commission of India is facing credibility issues in sustaining public trust in electoral democracy? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"While cooperative federalism is rooted in the design of the Constitution, political considerations have given rise to competitive and confrontational federalism. Examine the role of constitutional and extra-constitutional institutions in reconciling these trends within India's federal structure. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2292,"topper":"Chiranshu Taneja","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2024_unchecked_MT24SLTON011_SLT006.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Evaluate the potential of biomanufacturing and bio-foundry in driving India's future towards a sustainable green economy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"What are the principles behind the working of Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV)? Explain the significance and potential benefits of the use of RLVs in India's space commerce. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The discovery of Indian Laurel Trees in Andhra Pradesh has sparked the interest of scientists in the capacity of trees to store and release water. In this context, explain the science behind the process of water transportation and storage in trees. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The recently conducted global Summit on Responsible Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain (REAIM, 2023) showcased the opportunities, challenges and risks associated with the use of Artificial Intelligence in military applications. In this context, critically analyse the impact of Artificial Intelligence in defence and military applications. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Recently formulated 'joint doctrine for cyberspace operations' by Indian armed forces will lead to the strengthening of the cyber-security posture for both conventional operations as well as grey zone warfare. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Discuss the necessity and potential issues surrounding the extension of the Border Security Force's (BSF) territorial jurisdiction in states adjacent to Pakistan and Bangladesh. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The threats to national security have gradually transformed from being \"geographic\" to being \"thematic\". In this context, what are the contemporary challenges of internal security and what measures can be undertaken to deal with such challenges? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Evaluate the role of enhanced border surveillance technologies in bolstering India's border security framework and addressing cross-border threats. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"In light of the increased intensity, frequency and duration of heat waves in the last decade, do you think the time has come to include \"heat waves\" as a notified disaster under the Disaster Management Act, of 2005? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Landslides have become more of a human-induced phenomenon rather than a natural phenomenon. Highlighting the reasons for increasing incidences of landslides, suggest measures that can be undertaken to mitigate the disaster. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the role of nanotechnology in enhancing agricultural productivity and food security in India. Highlight recent developments and potential benefits and risks of the use of nano-fertilizers and nano-pesticides. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"The Nobel Prize in Chemistry of 2023 was jointly awarded to Ekimov, Brus and Bawendi for the discovery of synthesis of quantum dots. In this context, discuss the applications of quantum dots. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"India's advancement in medical science is reflected in India's success in using CAR-T cell therapy to treat the first cancer patient. Discuss the working and effectiveness of CAR-T cell therapy in treating cancer and related diseases. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"What is the main objective of India's Gaganyaan Mission and Bharatiya Antariksha Station? Which other countries have successfully launched their manned missions into space? What major technologies are required for the successful execution of the Gaganyaan Mission and related Bharatiya Antariksha Station? Also, elucidates the challenges associated with these missions. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) Report 2023 highlights a growing menace of drug trafficking in South Asia, with India being a major hub. Analyze the various dimensions of this challenge concerning India. Also, suggest a multi-pronged approach to address it. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"India's response to left-wing extremism needs to integrate soft approaches like socio-economic policies and dialogue along with hard security measures to address the root causes of Naxalism. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Discuss the threats posed by social media and networking sites to the internal security of India. How do the fact-check units (FCUs) under Information and Technology Rules, 2021 help in controlling the overall menace of the spread of fake news on social media? What are the concerns of press broadcasters and digital media participants about the Government establishing fact-check units? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"By highlighting the role of Violent Non-State Actors (VNSAs) in inflicting violence in Kashmir valley, discuss how \"OPERATION SADBHAVNA\" by armed forces can tackle the VNSA-OGW (Over Ground Workers) nexus by addressing the aspirations of local youth. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"\"Disaster risk reduction requires convergence of various agreements at global level\". In light of the above statement, elaborate on the importance of the Sendai Framework working in convergence with other agreements like the 2030 Agenda, Paris Agreement, New Urban Agenda, SDGs, etc. What initiatives have been taken by India to align its disaster risk reduction strategies with global initiatives? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"In addition to being the centres of growth, urban areas are also centres of accumulating disaster risks. Why is disaster management particularly complex in mega-urban cities? What measures can be undertaken to address the problems of disaster management and risk reduction in urban areas? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2293,"topper":"Chiranshu Taneja","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2024_unchecked_MT24SLTON011_SLT005.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Highlighting the factors contributing to a high fiscal deficit in India, discuss the potential consequences of such deficit and suggest measures to ensure fiscal consolidation. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"India's aspiration to be a developed nation by 2047 hinges on significant capital investment. In light of this, discuss the potential of capital investment in achieving this vision. What are the challenges India faces in this regard? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Comment on the important changes with respect to the Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG) and Securities Transaction Tax (STT) in the Union Budget 2024-25. Evaluate the impact of such changes on India's savings and investment regime. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"India's welfare scheme has undergone a shift from an input-based approach to outcome-based empowerment with the maxim of \"no person left behind\". In light of the above statement, discuss how this change in the approach of the government has fostered inclusive growth. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"With growing urbanization, peri-urban agriculture is emerging as a significant contributor to fresh farm produce needs\". In this context, discuss the opportunities and challenges associated with promoting peri-urban agriculture in a sustainable manner. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What are the major challenges faced by India's agriculture sector to achieve self-sufficiency in pulses and vegetable oils? Suggest measures to address these challenges. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The rainfed nature of India's agriculture makes it more susceptible to climate change. Highlight the importance of quality irrigation in the climate-adaptability of agriculture. What measures can be undertaken to improve the overall efficiency of the available irrigation practices in India? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Considering the importance of livestock in Indian agriculture, analyze how investment in animal husbandry can help in incentivizing Indian agriculture. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Examine the key features of the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) 2023. Analyze its potential for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The Public Accounts Committee has recently flagged concerns about the rising menace of plastic pollution. In this context, highlight the recent initiatives taken by the Government to curb plastic pollution. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"India's economic growth story is often overshadowed by the persistent challenges of unemployment. Analyze the concept of structural unemployment and discuss its relevance in the context of India's current economic situation. Suggest policy measures to promote inclusive job growth. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Discuss the role of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in fostering regional growth in India. How can MSMEs contribute to achieving industrial diversification and technological advancement? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"While startups in India have achieved notable success in fostering entrepreneurship and innovation in the economy, there are certain structural issues challenging the sustainability of startups in India. Elucidate upon these challenges faced by startups and recommend practical solutions to the problems. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Critically evaluate the effectiveness of public-private partnerships in the modernization of railway infrastructure in India. Considering safety as one of the major challenges for railways, what measures can be taken to improve the overall safety parameters of Indian Railways? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Discuss the role of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) in the Public Distribution System (PDS) to ensure food security in India. Suggest necessary reforms in the functioning of FCI to enhance its efficiency and effectiveness. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Discuss the role of nanotechnology in enhancing agricultural productivity and food security in India. Highlight recent developments and potential benefits and risks of the use of nanofertilizers and nano-pesticides. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"\"Farming becomes remunerative if the produce reaches our plates in time\", In this context, highlight the upstream and downstream issues faced by the agriculture marketing and transport sector in India. What initiatives can be undertaken to improve the overall efficiency of the sector? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"India's agriculture export-import policies are tilted more towards the consumers rather than the farmers. In light of the given statement, critically analyze the impact of import and export policies on farmers. What measures can be undertaken to shield farmers from import-export price shocks? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Evaluate the role of protected areas in biodiversity conservation in India. How effective have national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves been in preserving India's biodiversity? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"What are the causes of high levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and ozone pollution in India? How effective are the various steps taken by the government to mitigate particulate matter and ozone pollution? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2294,"topper":"Chiranshu Taneja","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2024_unchecked_MT24SLTON011_SLT012.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Do you think it is ethically justified for political leaders to violate the deepest constraints of morality in order to achieve great goods or avoid disasters for their communities? Justify your position with suitable examples (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"\"There is growing evidence that when it comes to moral judgment, human beings appear to be best characterised not as intuitive Deontologists or Consequentialists but as intuitive virtue theorists.\" Critically analyse the statement. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"While formal codes of conduct can sometimes be a useful guide, developing those traits of character that are particularly suited to the administrator's role is at the core of professional ethics. Identify five ethical attributes suitable for an administrator and explain how they can be developed. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What do you understand by political responsibility, professional responsibility and personal responsibility? In situations of conflict among the three, what responsibility must the public servant prioritise and why? Illustrate with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"In the context of civil service, what do you understand by \"acts of conscience\"? Illustrate with an example. In your opinion, what can be the basis of acts of conscience? Explain (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Critically examine the role of educational institutions in shaping ethical decision-making skills in future civil servants. How effective are current educational paradigms in instilling ethical behaviour among the youth? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Examine the ethical challenges administrators face while employing persuasion and social influence techniques to promote social and health interventions in rural India. Illustrate with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Critically examine the impact of the Right to Information (RTI) on enhancing ethical accountability in public administration. How effective has RTI been in preventing bureaucratic corruption and improving service delivery? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss the ethical implications of maintaining high-quality service delivery in public administration. How does probity in governance influence the efficiency and responsiveness of public services, particularly in addressing the needs of marginalised communities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Critically assess the role of regulatory frameworks in enforcing ethical standards in corporate governance. How can these frameworks be designed to encourage ethical behaviour without stifling innovation? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss what the following quotes mean to you. (a) \"It is not because men's desires are strong that they act ill; it is because their consciences are weak.\" J S Mill (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":31,"question":"Armed with this data, you are compelled to take action. You arrange a meeting with the CMD of the public sector unit (PSU) to discuss the health audit findings and explore solutions. The CMD acknowledges the poor industrial safety record but is quick to point out the financial constraints faced by the unit. The plant's budget is limited, and no funds are allocated for the necessary safety upgrades. However, after much deliberation, both of you agree that the best course of action would be to relocate the plant to a site 30 kilometres away from the current location. This solution would mitigate the health risks for the local population while allowing the plant to continue operations, albeit at a new location. As plans for the relocation begin, the news leaks out, causing immediate unrest among the plant's workers. The workers, many of whom live near the plant, strongly oppose the relocation. They argue that the new site, 30 kilometres away, would disrupt their lives, increase their commuting time, and add to their expenses. The prospect of losing their jobs or facing hardships travelling to the new site sparks a wave of discontent. The workers organised protests and went on strike, halting production. And the discontent spilled onto the streets. Unknowingly, you had stirred a hornet's nest. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you and the CMD? (c) How should you prioritise public health concerns against the potential economic disruptions caused by the relocation of the plant? What ethical principles should guide this decision? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Understanding the gravity of the situation, you decide to take the matter directly to the Director of Purchase. The Director, a professional with years of experience, listens to your concerns but advises you to ignore the information. He argues that the allegation is based on verbal communication and lacks concrete evidence. Additionally, he expresses concern that the information might have been planted by a rival supplier to discredit the bidding process or to sabotage a competitor. Despite your reservations, you follow the Director's instructions and take no further action. The bids are opened as scheduled, and contracts are awarded based on official norms. A week later, a national daily published an investigative report detailing the bid-rigging scandal. The report includes substantial evidence, such as recorded conversations, email exchanges, and internal documents, all indicating that several bidders colluded to manipulate the tender process. The publication of this report triggered widespread public outrage, leading to calls for an investigation into the procurement process and the immediate suspension of the contracts awarded. The department, including the Director of Purchase, comes under intense scrutiny. Questions are raised about the integrity of the procurement process and the failure to prevent bid rigging despite prior knowledge of potential misconduct. Your Director is placed under suspension, and the enquiry begins. You are also under scanner as you were working closely with the Director. Meanwhile, your Director requests that you refrain from informing the enquiry committee of the information you received about bid-rigging. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the case? (b) What are the potential ethical and professional consequences of complying with the Director's request to conceal the information about the bid-rigging? Explain (c) In light of the Director's request to withhold information from the enquiry committee, how should you balance your duty to report unethical practices with your loyalty to your superior? What ethical principles should guide your decision in this situation? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"As an Audit Officer, your primary duty is to ensure that public funds are utilized according to the budgetary allocations and legal mandates set by governing bodies. This role demands a high level of integrity, strict adherence to rules, and a commitment to transparent financial management. During a routine audit of a district's expenditures, you encounter a significant irregularity that challenges your ethical principles and professional responsibilities. While reviewing the district's spending, you discover that the District Magistrate (DM) has diverted funds allocated for road construction and improving village connectivity to construct a new school. The funds were explicitly earmarked for infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing transportation in rural areas. Redirecting these funds to a different project, even one as important as a school, constitutes a violation of the approved budgetary allocations and could be seen as a misallocation of resources. The DM acknowledges the diversion of funds but justifies the decision by emphasizing the critical need for educational infrastructure in the district. He explains that the area is severely lacking in schools, with overcrowded classrooms and a growing population of school-age children. According to the DM, while road connectivity is important, the immediate need for a new school was more pressing, and the long-term benefits of investing in education far outweigh the temporary setback in road infrastructure. This situation puts you in a difficult position. As an audit officer, you have to decide whether strict adherence to rules should be prioritized or the broader context and potential benefits of the District Magistrate's actions should be considered. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the case? (b) How should an audit officer balance the need for strict adherence to budgetary allocations with the DM's argument that the school construction was in the best interest of the community? Should the officer prioritize legal and procedural propriety over the alleged public benefits? (c) What are the potential consequences of reporting the misallocation of funds? Should the audit officer consider the impact of such a report on the District Magistrate, the district, and future financial allocations when making the decision? (250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"This situation places you in a difficult position. As an Audit Officer, you must decide whether to prioritise strict adherence to rules or to consider the broader context and the potential benefits of the DM's actions. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) How should the Audit Officer balance the need for strict adherence to budgetary allocations with the DM's argument that the school's construction was in the community's best interest? Should the officer prioritise legal and procedural correctness over perceived public benefits? (c) What are the potential consequences of reporting the misallocation of funds? Should the Audit Officer consider the impact of such a report on the DM, the district, and future funding allocations when making the decision? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"You are a senior civil servant working as the Chief Development Officer (CDO) in a district where a major rural development initiative is underway. The project, aimed at improving infrastructure and providing essential services to marginalised communities, is a high-priority program for state and central governments. Your role involves overseeing the project's implementation, ensuring efficient use of public resources, and maintaining adherence to legal and procedural standards. As the project progresses, two senior authorities issue two conflicting directives, placing you in a tough situation. The Chief Secretary of the state government, who is your immediate superior, issues a directive instructing you to expedite the project to ensure its completion before the upcoming elections. The directive urges you to take all necessary measures to meet the deadline, including bypassing standard procurement procedures if needed. The underlying message is clear: the project's success is critical, and delays are unacceptable. Simultaneously, you receive a directive from the Central Government's Anti-Corruption Unit, which has been alerted to potential irregularities in the project's procurement process. This directive instructs you to halt the project and thoroughly audit all contracts awarded for procedural correctness. The directive emphasises the importance of maintaining transparency and accountability in public spending and warns against any shortcuts that could compromise the project's integrity. As the CDO, you are now caught between two conflicting directives, each with its own ethical and professional implications. (a) What ethical issues and dilemmas are involved in the above case? (b) What are the options available to the CDO? What must be the CDO's chosen course of action? (c) How should a civil servant prioritise between conflicting directives from different senior authorities? What ethical principles should guide this decision-making process? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"A prominent FMCG company recently launched a new line of eco-friendly products, including organic food items for children, positioning itself as a leader in sustainability. The products quickly gained popularity due to rising consumer interest in health and environmental consciousness. However, the company's environmental credentials come under scrutiny when a third-party non-profit organisation conducts laboratory tests on the products. The tests reveal significant discrepancies between the company's claims and the actual environmental impact of their production processes. The non-profit organisation publishes its findings, presenting substantial data to support the accusation of greenwashing. (a) What are the business ethics issues present in the above case? (b) What steps should regulatory bodies take to prevent conflicts of interest among their officials? How should conflicts of interest be managed when they are discovered after a decision has been made? (c) In situations where profitability and ethical responsibility appear to conflict, how should companies navigate these challenges? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":2295,"topper":"Chitra Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5b22d-7719_1109_chitra_mishra_rank_20.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The most powerful trend of medieval Indian literature between 1000 and 1800 A.D. is devotional (bhakti) poetry, which dominates almost all the major languages of the country. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"A real breakthrough was made by Bhagat Singh and his colleagues in terms of ideology, goals and the forms of revolutionary struggle. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Series of civil rebellions run like a thread through the first 100 years of British rule. In this context, explain the underlying factors and consequences of Paika Rebellion of 1817. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Railway system was built not for the modernization of India, but to serve the imperial, colonial and strategic objectives of the British. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"\"Historical events are to be evaluated in terms of their consequences\". In this context, critically assess the legacy of the October 1917 revolution in Russia. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The beginning of modern China can be traced back to its humiliation at the hands of the western colonial powers. Examine the significance of the Opium Wars in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The imposition of national emergency in 1975 was perhaps the gravest test India's democracy faced. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The mixing of caste and politics resulting into 'politicization of caste' and 'casteization of politics' in contemporary India has become a grave challenge to our democracy. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Indian nationalism arose when the contradiction between the aims and objectives of the British rule and the interests of Indians became clear and obvious. In this context, elaborate on the role played by the intelligentsia in the growth of nationalism. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Trace the evolution of British policy towards the Princely states. In what ways did the national movement in princely states differ from the rest of British India? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Events in West Asia and Afghanistan in the year 1979 had a deep impact on the politics of the region with long lasting significance. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Even though the South Americans welcomed the formulation of Monroe doctrine, it's later interpretation became a pretext for United States' intervention. Elaborate with examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The isolation of the region, its complex social character and its backwardness have all resulted in a complicated set of demands from different states of the North-East since independence. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The demand by nativist political parties and movements that employment preferences be given to \"local\" people has raised certain issues. Examine the statement in the context of 'son of soil theory' in India. Also discuss, why such demands develop in some states and cities and not in others. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Globalization is a double-edged sword, which on one hand ensures economic growth but on the other hand, assaults national sovereignty, erodes local culture and threatens economic and social stability. Critically examine the statement in context of Indian society. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The focus on risk factors that appear at a young age and timely interventions is the key to preventing child delinquency and its escalation into chronic criminality. Analyse the statement with respect to growing incidences of child delinquency in context of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Is the Indian notion of secularism, based on uniform respect for all religions by the state and separation of religion from public institutional practices, adequate to ensure a secular state? Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2296,"topper":"Chitra Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3e4fb-7719_1107_chitra_mishra_rank_20.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"In view of the direct link between tenure security and food security, there is need for a conducive legal framework for land rights in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The measurement of the extent of formal sector and formal employment is yet an unsettled matter in our economy. Comment. Also, mention the steps which the government has taken to improve its extent. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The investment rate in India has gradually declined after a historic high in the mid 2000s. Examine the reasons behind this trend. Discuss the steps required to revive investment for a sustained growth. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Discussing the reforms that contributed in improving India's ranking in the World Bank's 'Ease of Doing Business' index, identify the challenges that still remain in the overall environment of doing business. Suggest some concrete steps that India can take to further improve its performance on the index. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Providing social security, especially to those working in unorganised sector, is an important requirement to achieve the goal of inclusive growth. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Contract farming can help in the expansion of organized food processing industry in India by strengthening backward linkages. Comment. What changes are required in the existing regulatory structure to address issues related to contract farming in India? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Minimum Support Price (MSP) of crops is a short term solution for agricultural distress which creates long term problems. Examine. Suggest measures to overcome the limitations of the MSP regime. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Enumerating the factors that determine a nation's energy-mix, comment on the need for having a diversified fuel basket for meeting India's future energy demands. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Despite being a water-stressed economy, micro irrigation penetration in India remains sub-optimal. Discuss the reasons behind it. Also list measures taken by the government to provide an impetus to micro irrigation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the prospects & challenges in adopting an integrated multimodal transportation system in India with reference to government initiatives in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Public Sector Enterprises formed the backbone of industrial development after independence, but with changing times, their role has also changed. Discuss. Also, comment on the need to adopt a multi-pronged strategy to deal with the issues that they are facing. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"In the light of increasing NPAs and frauds, the twin balance sheet problem has grown immensely. Comment on the issue and analyse the potential of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code to be a game changer for Indian economy's health and long-term growth. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Under-employment rather than unemployment is the key problem facing India today. Elaborate. Also, suggest measures to counter this problem. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The role of international trade in achieving a quicker pace of economic development is well recognized. What are the benefits of international trade for a developing country like India? Highlight the challenges that India faces in improving its share in world trade. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"A near stagnant tax to GDP ratio for the country since decades reflects not only non-fruition of efforts to increase it but also underlying structural issues with tax regime. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Enumerating the features of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana, discuss its potential for the growth of food processing sector in the country. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by Seed Replacement Rate? Explaining the concept of breeder, foundation and certified seeds, highlight the major policy initiatives taken in order to address the challenge of quality seed availability to farmers. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Enumerate the factors that determine cropping pattern in an agricultural region. Discuss the need for diversification in context of problems being faced by monoculture regions in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The need to overhaul the current budget making process can be gauged from the fact that it neither undertakes broad-based consultations, nor is adequately transparent nor effective in estimating and allocating the demands of various stakeholders. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Identifying the key elements under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), briefly explain how it can lead to holistic development of the horticulture sector in India. Also elaborate the factors which act as roadblocks for the efficient supply chain of Fruits and Vegetables sector in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2297,"topper":"Chitra Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7d5e3-7719_1049_chitra_mishra_rank_20.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Concerns regarding the wide formulation and indiscreet application of discretionary powers of the Governor need closer attention. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Explain the concept of subordinate legislation in India. Also discuss the mechanisms for their scrutiny and control. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The crucial position accorded to the Speaker in Indian legislatures, makes it imperative to protect them from undue political pressures and incentives. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Departmentally-Related Standing Committees have been referred to as mini-parliaments in India. Highlight their relevance in a democratic polity and discuss, with examples, how they improve the overall effectiveness of the Parliament. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Enumerate the issues associated with functioning of tribunals in India. How can these be addressed? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Examine the significance of Gram Sabhas, as mentioned in Article 243A of the Indian constitution, in the development process with special reference to Fifth Schedule areas. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The Rajya Sabha is merely a secondary house rather than a second house in the Indian Parliamentary system. Critically analyze the statement. Also, compare and contrast the position of the Rajya Sabha vis-à-vis the State legislative councils. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"A major shift is needed in the institutional framework of the Central Water Commission (CWC) and the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) to make water management more holistic and multidisciplinary. Discuss in the context of Mihir Shah Committee recommendations. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"On what grounds can a person be denied the right to contest elections to the Parliament in India? Will a life-time ban on those convicted of heinous crimes address the problem of criminalisation of politics? Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Directive Principles can be considered as even more important than the Fundamental Rights because they provide a positive thrust towards welfare. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"In light of demands for replacement of the FPTP (First Past the Post) system with other alternatives, compare the merits and enumerate the challenges associated with replacing the current system. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Despite long term recognition of the problem of pendency of cases in the courts, limited progress has been made in reducing their number. What are the possible reasons for such a scenario? Suggest a framework of measures that can be taken to address this issue. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite the phrase 'due process of law' not being included in Article 21, the Supreme Court, over the years, has adopted the doctrines of 'procedural due process' and 'substantive due process' into Indian constitutional law. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Can we say that cooperative federalism in India has strengthened in the post-liberalisation era? Give reasons in support of your answer. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Faulty regulatory policies can have a severe adverse effect on the efficient interplay of market forces and end up harming public interest. Examine in the context of systemic issues pertaining to regulatory environment in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Mention the constitutional provisions to safeguard and ensure the independent and impartial functioning of the UPSC. Further, assess the limitations of UPSC in effectively performing its role as the 'watchdog of merit system' in India as envisioned by the Constitution. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What are the key issues in the context of electoral funding in India? How far do you think the idea of state funding of elections can address these issues? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Separation of powers in case of India has acquired its own uniqueness under the constitutional arrangement. Explain. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Highlight the extent of President's powers under Article 352. Comment on the judicial scrutiny of proclamation and the exercise of executive powers under National Emergency. How is this power different from the one bestowed under Article 356? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Fiscal transfers from the Centre to States are critical in India. In this context, explain the rationale of both general and specific purpose fiscal transfers. Also highlight the problems witnessed in the design and implementation of specific purpose transfers. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2298,"topper":"Chitra Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/69b4c-7719_1050_chitra_mishra_rank_20.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Citizens' Charters make administration both accountable and citizen-friendly. However, over time, in a large number of offices, Citizens' Charters have fallen into disuse. Suggest measures that can make these charters effective tools for bringing accountability in public service. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the importance of involving civil society in pre-legislative scrutiny and mention the steps that can be taken by the government to increase public engagement in it. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Poor standards of tertiary education are a drag on India's competitiveness. Elucidate. Also enumerate the initiatives taken by the government in the past few years to improve the quality of higher education in India. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Social audit has a crucial role in effective implementation of social sector programmes. Comment. Also discuss its strengths and limitations. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are the major welfare schemes for elderly in India? Do you think the benefits of such schemes are reaching a wide section of the target segment? Give reasons. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Welfare policies in India have undergone a paradigm shift in recent decades, yet they retain certain elements of continuity. Discuss with examples. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Discuss whether changes recommended by the Law Commission in its 268th report can help in addressing the problems of undertrials languishing in jails in India. What other measures can be taken in this regard? (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"While various government initiatives and policies have created opportunities in the affordable housing segment, there are challenges that still persist. Discuss. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Demographic dividend may become demographic liability in the absence of adequate skill development. In this context, discuss the importance of National Policy for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, 2015. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Highlight the need for whistleblower protection in India. Critically analyze whether the Whistleblower Protection Act provides sufficient protection to the whistleblowers. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What are the factors which have been responsible for slow pace of growth of coverage under the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP). Enumerate the recent steps taken by the government in order to increase this pace to achieve universal coverage swiftly. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the ways in which digital divide perpetuates and manifests itself in India. Discuss the importance of steps taken by the government to bridge this divide. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"What are the objectives of National Health Mission? Why, in your opinion, non-communicable diseases have acquired salience in recent times? What are its implications for health policy in the country? (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Over the years, there has been a growing realisation that undue interference from the State, lack of autonomy and widespread politisation has severely impaired the functioning of Cooperative sector and there is a need to introduce urgent reforms in the Cooperative sector. Discuss. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"With the current system of health financing in India being largely out-of-pocket payments, examine the need for reforms in healthcare finance. Also discuss the issues associated with reinforcing insurance as the long-term strategy for health financing in this regard. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Explain the significance of the recently launched National Nutritional Strategy in the light of sliding ranking of India along the Global Hunger Index. Also, discuss with examples, the role that local self governments can play in promoting, monitoring and sustaining nutrition initiatives.(250WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The bureaucracy in India is facing a number of serious challenges from diminishing human capital to political interference that, if left unaddressed, will lead to further institutional decline. Discuss. How can these challenges be addressed? (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"While many people have been able to rise above poverty line, India is still home to the largest number of poor. Discuss briefly the underlying factors responsible for the prevalence of poverty in India. What are the areas in which focussed efforts need to be made in order to accelerate poverty eradication in a sustainable manner? (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"In context of the need to strengthen corporate governance, the Kotak panel report has called for a major overhaul in norms for listed companies. Critically discuss the impediments to corporate governance in India and evaluate how the recommendations can help in overcoming them. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Several issues related to adopting new technologies, transforming processes and improving implementation of NeGP need to be addressed. Discuss. Also, enumerate the sets of principles guiding the design and implementation of the e-Kranti Program (NeGP 2.0). (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2299,"topper":"Chitra Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/140d8-7719_1056_chitra_mishra_rank_20.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the significance of the following in the context of civil service: 10 (i) Public trust (ii) Objectivity (iii) Strength of character (iv) Empathy (v) Selflessness","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Do you think nation states owe a responsibility towards asylum seekers? What are the considerations that should, in your opinion, go into the making of a refugee policy? Provide arguments with contemporary examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Why do civil servants have a special obligation to uphold ethical standards? What are the main areas of concerns for implementation of an effective ethical standard in civil services? In this context, suggest measures to remedy these concerns.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"While families are the first socializing agents, which inculcate moral values in a child, the role played by schools in this regard is also indispensable. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"What is the significance of morality in day-to-day life? Give an example from your own life where you chose moral action and elaborate the reasons for your choice of that action.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Analyse the ethical dimensions of using nuclear deterrence as a selfdefense strategy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"We make a living by what we do, but we make a life by what we give. 10 (i) Highlight the importance of value of altruism for a society. (ii) Discuss the role of education in imparting such values.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Giving examples, examine the relationship between personal and professional ethics of civil servants.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/ philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) If people scrutinize their own faults as they do the faults of others, mankind will be freed of all evil.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"How do law and conscience act as source of ethical guidance? Explain with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Good corporate governance is not an end in itself. It is a means to support economic efficiency, sustainable growth and financial stability. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"A hilly state witnessed torrential rains leading to loss of life and property. Apart from the local inhabitants there were tourists stranded in large numbers. With the supply chains broken and increased demand, it was observed that local shopkeepers started selling essential goods at very high prices. With a very restricted possibility of being evacuated in the coming few days, the stranded people feel helpless. A crumbled governance infrastructure in remote areas has multiplied the extent of their agony. Given this situation, answer the following questions. 20 (a) Identify the various stakeholders in the case and give a reasoned account of their interests. Given the administrative, market and ethical perspective of viewing the situation, do you think there is a conflict in the priorities of these stakeholders? (b) Suggest ways to harmonize competing interests in order to resolve the issues, provide relief and prevent escalation of conflict.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"The steady decline in sex ratio suggests that marked improvement in the economy and literacy rates do not seem to have had any impact on this index. In fact, the availability of new technology and its easy access for the urban, wealthy and educated have worsened the trend and harmed the status of women in Indian society. 20 (a) Explain why the phenomenon should not be simply viewed as a medical or legal issue and more attention should be given to the ethical issues involved. (b) Give some suggestions to tackle the problem of declining sex ratio. (c) Discuss the ethical dilemma involved in Right to abortion vs. Prevention of female foeticide. How can this be resolved?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"You are the officer-in-charge responsible for monitoring allotment of foodgrains under the Public Distribution System to BPL families in a given district. A group of BPL families in the district claim that they have been denied ration from fair price shops due to non-linking of Aadhar card with their BPL cards. They remark that the government and officers concerned are not empathising with their situation and stage a silent protest. Further, the incident is also being linked to similar instances in other areas of the country where people were denied access to PDS benefits due to similar reasons. The government receives a lot of criticism for this incident on social media networks. You are now in a conundrum, as you are aware that the BPL families need to get foodgrains on time. However, as a government officer, you also need to follow the prescribed rules. Media scrutiny has further aggravated the situation and you realize you need to tread carefully. 20 Based on the information above, answer the following: (a) List the issues in the given situation that the parties involved are facing. (b) What step(s) will you take in the situation to ensure that the demands of the aggrieved persons are met without violating the rules? (c) In this context, briefly discuss how the poor in the country currently face digital exclusion and its consequence(s).","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"You are working as a senior doctor in the oncology department of a super specialty hospital located in Delhi. While accessing the quotations from reputed pharmaceutical companies to hospitals, you unearth a nexus between pharma firms and the hospital administration. You get to know that they are hand-in glove with each other and trying to fleece cancer patients by selling drugs at exorbitant prices, even though low cost alternative drugs are available in the market. Being the head of Alliance of Doctors for Ethical Healthcare, who is working against the arbitrary price regime of life saving drugs, you get a chance to represent your case before the Health Minister of your state. However, certain other doctors of the Alliance have asked you to present a distorted reality in front of the Minister since they are obtaining pecuniary benefits from such a scheme of nexus, which would cease if the nexus gets exposed. 20 (a) Identify the main stakeholders and ethical issues involved. (b) Analyse the possible solutions for addressing the issues. (c) What would be your final course of action and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"You are working as a Manager who handles critical projects in a private firm. You have recently been issued a notice by the Human Resource department that categorically highlights gender imbalance in your team and instructs you to recruit more females. Realizing the importance of this matter you decide to roll out vacancy requirements on an urgent basis and close it within a week. You receive several applications and start interviewing female candidates. However, you realize that the top four candidates are married and two of them are expecting their child. During the interviews the candidates commit on their priority for the project, till it finishes and show willingness to work from home, afterwards. What is the course of action that you will take? Explain the factors that you will take into account and justify the merits of the course of action.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":59,"question":"Mr. A is a senior most member of a highly reputed company with considerable customer interface. In recent months, the business of the company has been going down. On detailed analysis, it was found that some of the functionaries of the company have impulsive nature, which has many a times led to altercations with the customers and even among themselves. This has adversely affected the work culture and sullied the image of the company in the market. He seeks your advice, as you are his friend as well as a person who understands management. 20 (a) What are the factors that you would consider in making your advice? (b) What steps will you suggest to deal with the situation that the company faces?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2300,"topper":"Chitra Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3c0f9-7719_1069_chitra_mishra_rank_20.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"In order to improve the bureaucratic work culture and productivity, there is a need to downsize government and privatize some of the services. Critically discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"A blanket prohibition of criticism of the policies of the Government is invalid and void, and it makes no difference if the person criticizing happens to be a government servant.\" Critically discuss in the context of Civil Service Conduct Rules, 1964.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Man by nature is a political animal\". Explain with reference to Aristotle's idea of the state in life of the society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"What are the factors that have influenced the contemporary attitude of the state and the society towards homosexuality in India? Also, comment on the changing attitude and the factors driving this change.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Every superstition cannot be removed by the force of law. For that, a mental change is necessary. Comment. Also, explain how educators and public figures can help in eradicating superstition and instilling scientific temper among people.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Many argue that there are times, when war is morally permissible, and even obligatory. Critically discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"It has been argued that traditional approaches to corporate social responsibility (CSR) are inadequate. Discuss. Also, examine the role of Social License to Operate (SLO) in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"There have been reports of repeat instances of mob lynching in different states of India. It has been pointed out that these presumably faceless mobs gather impromptu on the basis of unverified information on issues that affect the collective conscience of the society such as child trafficking, sexual harassment, cow slaughter etc. Most of the people don't even regret their action of violating the law and even get away with committing such a heinous crime. 20 (a) What are the socio-psychological factors that motivate people to join the mob and kill fellow human beings?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You are a young athlete representing India at an international-level competition. During the competition, you witness a few senior athletes injecting something using a syringe, in private. When you approach them, they explain that it is a performance enhancing drug, which is very common in such competitions and you should take the same as well. You are in fear and decide to approach the coach to discuss the event you witnessed. However, you get to know that the athletes are taking the drug at the advice of the coach himself. 20 (a) What would you do in this scenario? Discuss the options available to","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2301,"topper":"Chitwan Jain","air":17,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/CHITWAN-JAIN-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-17-Sample-ESSAY-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"2. To be content with little is difficult; to be content with much, impossible.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"1. True peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice.\n2. The saddest aspect of life right now is that science gathers knowledge faster than society gathers wisdom.\n3. Human development suffers when interdependence is mismanaged.\n4. No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2302,"topper":"Chitwan Jain","air":17,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/CHITWAN-JAIN-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-17-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1 \"Bhagavad Gita and Natyashastra are not merely texts; they exemplify the timeless wisdom, richness and diversity of Indian knowledge traditions.\" Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) The Harappan civilization was a \"technological powerhouse\" that laid the foundation for sophisticated urban living in ancient South Asia. In light of this statement, discuss the key technological breakthroughs and contributions of this Bronze Age culture.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Why is the First World War considered as the first 'total' war in modern history?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Highlight the differences in the approach of Bhagat Singh and Mahatma Gandhi in the struggle for freedom.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 Briefly explain the processes through which the earth-atmosphere system maintains heat balance.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6 What characteristics of the monsoon climate play a crucial role in sustaining agriculture in Monsoon Asia?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) Account for the factors influencing the location of semiconductor industries across the world.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) Unemployment is not just an economic challenge, but a social one with far-reaching consequences. In this context, discuss the social impact of unemployment in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 Globalization has facilitated the influx of global brands and multinational corporations into the Indian market, significantly altering the consumer behaviour. Do you agree? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 Discuss how social media is reshaping identity formation and self-worth among adolescents in contemporary Indian society.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) The fusion of Islamic architectural styles with indigenous Indian traditions played a key role in the evolution of Indo-Islamic architecture in the country. Discuss with examples.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 'Emergency' is one of the most controversial and widely debated events in Indian politics. How far do you agree with the view that it was imposed to fulfil individual political goals rather than serve national interests? Also, discuss the short-term and long-term impacts of the Emergency.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 What are 'atmospheric rivers'? How do they influence global weather patterns and impact human settlements?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) Despite sharing a similar latitude, why does the Mediterranean climate vary from the China-type climate? How do the differences in climate affect life and economic activities in the region?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 \"The tropical Indian Ocean is likely to be in a near-permanent heatwave state.\" Discuss the factors responsible for the rapid warming of the Indian Ocean along with its multi-dimensional impacts.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 How can the demographic transition in the southern states, marked by low fertility rates and an aging population, impact the region's economic growth and social welfare policies?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17) Incidence of extreme rainfall events and flash floods in recent times has led to devastating consequences for major cities of India. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 “Air pollution is as much an issue of equity and justice as it is an environmental one.” Elaborate with examples.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19) Analyze the socio-cultural factors contributing to the high attrition rate among women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers in India. Suggest measures to improve their retention in STEM.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 \"Caste census is relevant and necessary for any well-designed policy to reduce social inequality\". Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2303,"topper":"Chitwan Jain","air":17,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/CHITWAN-JAIN-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-17-Sample-MGP-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) The increasing use of digital surveillance technologies for maintaining law and order is a debatable issue. Critically examine the statement from the ethical point of view.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) Knowledge and skills are important, but they must be grounded in ethical principles for true success. In this context, discuss the importance of ethics in education and the role of educational institutions in imparting ethical values.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) How does persuasion help achieve a desired change in attitude? What are the elements of an effective persuasive approach?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) While scientific research drives technological progress and societal development, its funding often raises ethical questions. What ethical concerns arise from corporate sponsorship of scientific research, and how can these be addressed?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context?\na) \"Where do the evils like corruption arise from? It comes from the never-ending greed. The fight for corruption-free ethical society will have to be fought against this greed and replace it with 'what can I give' spirit.\" - A.P.J. Abdul Kalam","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) \"The greatest glory in living lies not in never failing, but in rising every time we fail.\" - Nelson Mandela","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"c) \"Your goodness is an impediment in your way, so let your eyes be red with anger, and try to fight the injustice with a firm hand.\" - Sardar Patel","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.4) a) What do you understand by the term \"Conflict of Interest\"? How does it manifest in the decision making by public servants? In what ways can it be minimized?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"b) \"In post-conflict rehabilitation, the pursuit of justice must be balanced with the need for reconciliation.\" Examine this statement in the context of addressing ethnic violence.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.5) a) In the ever-evolving landscape of academic institutions, administrators must not only manage academic issues but also emotional and interpersonal dynamics. In this context, discuss the significance of emotionally intelligent administrators in higher education.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"b) \"The recognition of the horrors of nuclear weapons should compel nations to move towards meaningful disarmament. However, geopolitical interests continue to hinder genuine progress in this direction. What are the ethical considerations of nuclear states to pursue global disarmament, and how can the international community balance security concerns with the moral imperative of a nuclear-free world?\"","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.6) a) \"Probity in governance is an essential and vital requirement for an efficient and effective system of governance and for socio-economic development.\" Discuss the statement with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"b) How can responsible and informed social media use be nurtured among children to make the internet a safer space for them?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7 Arushi is a young IPS officer known for her competence, integrity, and relentless dedication to challenging tasks. Recognizing her excellent track record, her superiors have chosen her to handle a sensitive assignment in a tribal-dominated district notorious for illegal bauxite mining. Here, the mafia mines bauxite from mineral-rich lands, transports it by truck, and sells it on the black market. This illegal operation thrives with the support of certain local officials and tribal musclemen who intimidate the local population and bribe select poor tribals to maintain control and silence.\n\nUpon assuming the new role, Arushi quickly grasps the ground realities and identifies the mafia's modus operandi, characterized by a series of devious tactics. Her inquiries reveal that several employees in her office are colluding with the mafia, forming an unholy nexus that enables these illegal operations. Determined to dismantle this network, she initiates strict actions, including raids on trucks transporting illegally mined bauxite. These actions significantly disrupt the mafia's operations, unsettling criminals unaccustomed to such resistance. Some office employees allegedly allied with the mafia inform the criminals of her determination to dismantle their operations, posing a serious threat to their profits. In response, the mafia adopts a counter-offensive strategy. Tribal strongmen and mafia operatives begin issuing direct threats to her, warning of severe consequences if the raids continue. Her family (husband and elderly mother) are stalked and placed under virtual surveillance, causing mental anguish and stress for them all. Matters assume serious propositions when a muscleman appears in her office and threatens that if she does not halt raids, etc., she will suffer the same fate as a predecessor officer who was killed by the mafia a decade earlier.\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb) Identify and evaluate the different options available to Arushi under the given situation.\nc) Which option would she adopt and why?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Q.8) The Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) is proposed on a river in a northeastern state of India, a recognized biodiversity hotspot. Covered in dense forests, this region harbors a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including numerous endemic species. Although sparsely populated, the region's communities have livelihoods and cultural practices deeply intertwined with the natural landscape. Its ecological wealth has been preserved over the years due to its environmental significance and cultural heritage. Additionally, the Upper Siang basin holds immense strategic importance due to its proximity to international borders, offering potential leverage in regional security and resource management.\nThe SUMP aims to harness the river's energy for economic growth, proposing infrastructure that includes an 11,000 MW \"mega dam,\" power stations, and transmission lines that could transform the state into a renewable energy hub. Proponents argue that the project will boost the state's economy through power generation, employment, and enhanced infrastructure while also helping meet the country's clean energy targets.\nHowever, a local NGO has raised concerns about the ecological and social costs of SUMP. The project would require extensive forest clearance, which plays a crucial role in carbon sequestration. Additionally, experts warn that construction activities could disturb the region's delicate ecosystems. This may affect riverine biodiversity and increase the risk of soil erosion and sedimentation, with potential downstream effects on agriculture and water quality. Another major issue raised is the potential displacement and cultural impact on local communities. This could threaten their subsistence-based livelihoods and disrupt their way of life. Critics also highlight that the project may contradict India's commitments to sustainable development.\nDespite these concerns, supporters of the project argue that SUMP's strategic importance and clean energy potential cannot be ignored. Moreover, they emphasize the project's strategic location, which would strengthen energy security, reduce regional inequalities, and contribute to the country's long-term development goals. They argue that amidst rising energy demands, the country cannot afford to forgo such an opportunity, especially given the presence of hydroelectric projects across borders that could shift regional control over water resources.\n(a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\n(b) In your opinion, which should take priority between development and conservation, and why?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"(a) उपयुक्त परिस्थिति में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों का वर्णन कीजिए?\n(b) आपकी राय में विकास और संरक्षण में से किसे प्राथमिकता दी जानी चाहिए और क्यों?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":42,"question":"Q.10 Littering at popular tourist destinations has become a significant environmental and ethical concern in India. A recent incident highlighted this issue when tourists were observed throwing tissue papers and a cake box on the road after celebrating a birthday. When a local politely requested them to use a nearby dustbin just 5 feet away, the tourists dismissed the appeal, claiming no dustbin was available. The situation escalated when their driver threw a plastic bag into the adjacent valley.\n\nPublic reactions to the incident were divided. Some individuals commended the intervention as an effort to promote civic responsibility, emphasizing the need to protect fragile ecosystems like hill stations. Many argued that tourists must adhere to basic environmental ethics and that public spaces are a shared responsibility. Critics also highlighted the broader implications of such irresponsible behavior on the environment and local livelihoods.\n\nOn the other hand, the tourists involved accused those intervening of interfering in their personal affairs, claiming their privacy was being violated. The argument that the tourists were being publicly shamed through the viral video added another layer to the ethical debate. Many questioned whether posting such incidents online, even for a social cause, was appropriate or necessary.\n\nThe debate continues, with one side emphasizing the collective responsibility to preserve public spaces and the environment, while the other raises concerns about individual privacy and autonomy.\n(a) What are the ethical concerns associated with tourists littering at public destinations?\n(b) How can ethical tourism practices be integrated into policies to address issues like littering at tourist destinations?\n(c) Suggest a course of action that balances environmental responsibility and individual rights. Justify your answer.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.11) You are the Operations Manager at a fast-growing technology startup, NexGen Solutions, known for its innovative projects and timely delivery. The startup's environment is fast-paced, with tight deadlines and high expectations from clients and investors. Your current project, creating a cutting-edge AI based application, is critical for securing upcoming funding and partnerships. Your small, capable team includes four software developers and two project coordinators, with an equal number of men and women.\nRecently, the team has encountered major challenges. Priya, one of the female developers, has requested leave to care for her ailing mother. Meanwhile, another team member, Ayesha, is struggling to manage her workload along with caring for her infant child. As a result, other team members have taken on extra tasks, impacting their work-life balance and causing heightened stress. With the project deadline looming, tensions in the team have become visible. During a crucial project meeting, Karan, a senior developer, voices his frustration, saying, \"Perhaps it's not ideal to have team members who can't fully commit during critical stages.\"\nKaran's remark triggers an immediate reaction. Neha, a project coordinator, finds his comment offensive and reports it to the Human Resources (HR) Department. She also hints that she might bring the issue to social media, which could harm the startup's image. The HR Department, located at the company's headquarters, investigates and recommends disciplinary action against Karan, emphasizing the importance of a respectful, inclusive workplace. Their recommendation puts you in a difficult situation. The project is already delayed, and losing a senior developer like Karan could jeopardize its timely completion.\nYou are now faced with a complex dilemma. On one hand, it's vital to address the inappropriate comment and ensure a respectful work culture. On the other hand, you must keep the project on track without further demotivating your team.\n(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.\n(b) As the Operations Manager, how would you deal with the given situation?\n(c) Based on the case study, discuss the challenges faced by women at workplace. How can such challenges be addressed?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Q.12) Prateek Kumar, the Project Manager, is in charge of the construction of a highly anticipated highway that is expected to drive regional development. The project aims to enhance connectivity, boost trade, and create substantial employment opportunities. Given its importance, it has become a focal point for the ruling party, which is actively promoting it as a symbol of progress ahead of the upcoming state elections next year. The timely completion of the highway is crucial, as the Chief Minister is scheduled to inaugurate it upon completion. This has led to added pressure on Prateek and his team to meet the approaching deadline, which is set for next month.\nDuring a routine inspection, Prateek discovers that a particular stretch of the highway has been built with substandard materials. This section fails to meet the required safety and durability standards, posing a serious threat to public safety and lives. If left unresolved, the compromised quality could lead to accidents, undermining both the project's credibility and the government's promises for safe and reliable infrastructure. Concerned, Prateek raises the issue with the contractor, but the contractor downplays the severity, claiming that minor adjustments will fix the problem without causing major delays.\nIn a subsequent team meeting, some senior members suggest that Prateek overlook the quality concerns to ensure the project remains on schedule. They argue that the majority of the highway meets standards and emphasize the severe economic and political consequences of delays. With elections approaching, they stress the importance of the Chief Minister's inauguration as a key political event. They warn that any delay could damage the ruling party's image, harm its electoral prospects, and potentially have repercussions for the team and the organization.\nLater, the contractor privately approaches Prateek with a substantial bribe, urging him to ignore the issue and allow the project to proceed. The contractor justifies his actions by citing financial pressures and the need to complete the project on time. Prateek is an honest and upright officer, but he understands that addressing the problem would delay the project, making it impossible to meet the deadline.\n(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\n(b) Under the given conditions, what are the options available to Prateek as the Project Manager? Critically evaluate each of the options.\n(c) What option should Prateek adopt and why?","marks":"20","words":"20"}]},{"id":2304,"topper":"D Anudeep","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tKM1QPvjBdJqGbqPreVy2CTmnySyeqJ4/view","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"1. What differences do you see in ethics, in public and private relationships? Can there be a conflict between the two? Argue giving suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"2. It is estimated that only 3% of Indians pay income tax. How can such attitudes be changed? Also point out what steps can be taken to imbibe the spirit of nation building in the youth today?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"3. There are times when our conscience and the law of the land are at conflict. Point out an example from your personal life when you encountered such a situation. How did you deal with it? What should be an appropriate course of action, in general, when one is faced with such a conflict?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"4. It is said that in International relations, pursuit of one's own interest should be the only objective. Do you agree?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"5 (a) If you were asked to design a new framework for defining work culture in Government agencies, what would the basic tenets of such a framework be? (10 Marks) (150 Words)\n(b) How would you go about making Government servants imbibe this new work culture? (10 Marks) (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"6. Impartiality, empathy and objectivity are said to be important values in public service. What do you understand by each of these terms? Can there be instances when one is faced with a conflict among these values? How can such conflicts be resolved?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"7. In the context of public service what does \"responsibility\" mean? What measures can be adopted to ensure individual and collective responsibility of public servants?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"8. Integrity is a positive emotion which is important in both personal and professional arena.\" In the light of the given statement, answer the following questions.\na) How can integrity help in dealing with the challenges of both personal and professional life? (10 Marks) (150 Words)\nb) How can the principles of integrity be imbibed in public servants? (10 Marks) (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"9. \"When dealing with people, remember you are not dealing with creatures of logic, but with creatures of emotion\". Explain the meaning and significance of this statement. Write a note on its applicability in modern times.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. \"Environmental values are more important than economic values\". Discuss the above statement with examples in the context of inclusive growth of a nation.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. You are a district magistrate. A tragic incident took place at tertiary health care centre in your district where nearly 30 infants, suffering from acute encephalitis, died due to oxygen deprivation. Dr X, the head of the encephalitis ward and a paediatrician, managed to save many lives. He rushed to the clinics of his doctor friends and brought around 12 oxygen cylinders in his car. He even spent some money from his own pocket. The parents in the hospital had said that had it not been for X's work, the number of deaths would be more than 30. National media hailed Dr. X as hero for being forefront of rescue effort, bringing oxygen cylinders for the new-born babies who were fighting for their life on the chaotic day when the mass deaths took place at the hospital.\n\nHowever, preliminary enquiry by you revealed that he was involved in selling subsidised oxygen cylinders from the hospital in the open market. This was one of the reasons for the shortage of oxygen. The enquiry also shows that previously he was charged with medical negligence and also accused of private practice. Dr. X, however is being hailed as national hero by the media.\na) As a DM what would be your immediate course of action on Dr. X?\nb) As head of enquiry team how you would balance between appreciating his compassionate and pro-active actions during emergency situation and punishing for being the agent causing such situation.\nc) As a DM what long term measures you will take to avoid such incidents in future?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"12. A young man has died of multiple wounds after he was stabbed by two attackers in one of the busy streets in your area. Though over a 100 people had gathered there, no one came forward to help him despite his repeated cries for help. The two men who had stabbed him were arrested later. While no eyewitnesses came forward to give their statement to the police, a 57-second video shot by a bystander is the only proof that showed the bleeding man lying on the road, a knife sticking out of his ribs.\na) Do you think behaviour of people making video of victim rather than helping him is moral?\nb) Would your opinion above change, if instead of a private citizens, a media person was recording the video?\nc) What action you will take if you are present in that situation?\nd) What are moral responsibilities of people in such situation?","marks":"20","words":"300"},{"page":36,"question":"13. You are the administrator of a Union Territory. A very popular \"godmen\" in your area has been accused of crimes ranging from sexual abuse to murder. The court has passed arrest orders against the Godman. The Godman not only has tens of thousands of followers but also has several bureaucrats and politicians who are sympathetic to him.\n\nAs an administrator you are compelled to act on the court orders, and make arrests. You are aware that doing so will not be easy, and will lead to large scale violence by his supporters. Additionally you may be politically penalised for doing your job.\na) Analyse the reasons for Godman's syndrome in Indian society.\nb) In such a situation, what will be your course of action and your priorities?\nc) As a civil servant who are agents of social change, suggest few measures to solve the problem.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"14. You are the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) who granted Community Forest Resource (CFR) rights for fishing inside the Tiger Reserve. Within few days the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) of the Government of India ordered against the recognition of forest rights (which are rights recognisable under the Forest Rights Act, 2006) in critical tiger habitats. The forest dwellers as all FRA-related matters are the domain of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA), but it has been silent on the order. There are concerns among advocates of wildlife conservation that the recognition of forest rights will negatively impact tiger populations in CTHs. On other hand Tribal activist demand that the NTCA order has no legal or scientific basis, and should be withdrawn with immediate effect, as it may have adverse implications on forest rights of communities living inside CTHs.\na) In the above case, what options are available to you?\nb) What will be your course of action? Justify your position.\nc) In your opinion, should human rights take precedence over animal rights? Justify the morality of your position.","marks":"25","words":"300"},{"page":47,"question":"15. It is always problematic to base foreign policy and homeland security on social justice, ethics and morality. There are 40,000 Rohingya Muslims in India. Of them, 16,500 carry United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) cards. These cards should ideally prevent them from being arbitrarily arrested, detained or deported.\n\nThe card also gives them access to education in government schools and free medical care at government hospitals. Government is of view that Rohingya refugees living in India are illegal immigrants; even those registered with the UN refugee agency, and should be deported. The Supreme Court agreed to hear an urgent plea against the government's proposed move to deport Rohingya refugees back to their native Myanmar, where discrimination and possibly summary executions await them.\n\nGovernment's stand is that Rohingya refugees from Myanmar's are potential security threat and providing for refugees from out of the country's limited resources would have an adverse impact on its citizens. International community accused India of lacking \"basic human compassion\" in seeking to deport Rohingya refugees.\n\nIn such situation what are the appropriate ways to address the following questions:\na) What moral and ethical challenges is India facing in dealing with Rohingya refugees?\nb) In clash between national interest versus humanitarian interest, which should be given priority and why?\nc) What long-term initiatives India should take to address regional refugee crisis in holistic manner?","marks":"25","words":"300"},{"page":53,"question":"16 You live in a poor urban area bereft of basic amenities. The community faces many problems like lack of health and sanitation facilities. The people are not able to afford education for their children. The pleas of the people have fallen on the deaf ears of the concerned politicians and government officials. You feel cheated that politicians forget about their promises after getting your votes. You have seen officials indulging in corruption. Your pleas to media to cover your issue have been ignored as there is not much matter for increasing the viewership of their channel.\n\nYou and your best friend have a strong desire to do something for the people of your locality. Your friend lands up in a dream role in one of the biggest movies of the year. He earns a lot of money in the next few years. He decides to work for your locality. He has decided to fund education up to graduation level of 100 students from the locality. He has also decided to provide funds to the local people to get their medical treatments done from private clinics. He also plans to address their other concerns.\n\nIn an interaction with him you get to know that he indulges in tax evasion. He says that he does not trust the public authorities as they are corrupt and have never used public funds to address the local concerns. He says it is logical for him to directly take the responsibility of the area and help the people out of their misery. You agree with the ends he intends to achieve. However, you are not comfortable about the means used.\n(a) What are the ethical issues involved in the situation?\n(b) What shall be your course of action to address the various concerns?","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":2305,"topper":"D Kudiarasu","air":604,"year":2021,"paper":"Optional — Public Administration","optional":true,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Iaw7m8LGKWULfcXg12f8Lpu0lVC2VJ5S","questions":[]},{"id":2306,"topper":"D Kudiarasu","air":676,"year":2020,"paper":"Optional — Public Administration","optional":true,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1FAj9AoDutu8UynCTa00FsAGezFUccIh2","questions":[]},{"id":2307,"topper":"Dainampelly Praveen","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/DAINAMPELLY_PRAVEEN_SS_GS_2_AIR_793_48b89e7060.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Explain the constitutional safeguards to fundamental rights during the operation of national emergency. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Discuss the role of local self-government institutions in the implementation of Directive Principles at the grassroots level. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"\"Tribunals suffer from the same problem for which they were established\". In the light of the statement, discuss the significance and challenges faced by the tribunals in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Evaluate the extent to which the discretionary powers conferred upon the Supreme Court under Article 142 align with the principle of separation of powers. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Examine the constitutional perspectives of the Right to Life in India, elucidating relevant Constitutional Provisions and citing landmark case laws. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Discuss the significance of the provisions outlined in the Sixth Schedule in promoting autonomy, cultural preservation and sustainable development in tribal regions. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":17,"question":"Assess the role of the Governor in the context of federalism. What reforms can be taken pertaining to the office of Governor to further improve its role? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss the significance of devolution of powers and finances to local levels in fostering participatory governance in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":23,"question":"Elaborate the influences of various sources, including colonial legacies, national freedom movement, and constitutional models from other countries, on the framing of Indian Constitution. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"'In the Indian Constitution, Article 32 serves as a cornerstone for the protection of fundamental rights.' Discuss the significance of Article 32 in ensuring judicial remedies for the violation of fundamental rights. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2308,"topper":"Dainampelly Praveen","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/DAINAMPELLY_PRAVEEN_SS_GS_3_AIR_793_c5f4cf7ce1.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Farmer Producer Organisations have emerged as the most preferred institutional mechanism for farmer prosperity. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Digital public infrastructure for agriculture is developed as an interoperable public good. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Drones are quickly gaining new ground in agriculture. Assess the role of drones in revolutionising traditional agricultural practices. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Natural Farming is the practice and increasingly the science of working with nature to achieve much more with less. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss how large-scale clusters for vegetable production can help in growth of the food processing industry in India? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The Public Distribution System (PDS) in India is plagued by inefficiencies that undermine its ability to achieve food security objectives. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":17,"question":"The distribution of livestock resources is more egalitarian than that of land. Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":20,"question":"What are the different land reforms that have been introduced in India since Independence? Assess the role of land reforms in alleviation of poverty. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":23,"question":"While the fertilizer subsidy in India led to some positive impacts, it is also hampering the growth prospects of agriculture. Analyse. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The persistent shortage of rural credit, both in terms of quantity and quality, remains a significant constraint. Evaluate the role of primary agricultural credit societies in filling this gap. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2309,"topper":"Dainampelly Praveen","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/DAINAMPELLY_PRAVEEN_SS_GS_4_AIR_793_be3c0255c5.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"The kind of upbringing within a family influences an individual's moral development and his decision-making in public life. In the light of the statement, discuss the role of family in inculcating ethical values. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Teachings and values upheld by great administrators can serve as a guiding framework for promoting ethical governance and decision-making in today's public administration. Which famous administrator has inspired you the most? Provide reasons for your choice. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context? a) \"Performance of duty and observance of morality are convertible terms\" - Gandhi. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"The greatest way to live with honour in this world is to be what we pretend to be\" - Socrates (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"What you think in your own mind to be good or what people of the world think is good, is not necessarily good\". Examine the above statement with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"Ethics operates across multiple dimensions, including personal, professional, and societal ethics, each influencing behavior in unique ways.\" In the context of public administration, analyze how conflicts between these ethical dimensions can arise and how they might be reconciled in decision-making processes. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Amar is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of XYZ corporation, which is involved in mining and metallurgy business. The company has a good reputation of following the rules and guidelines of the government, employees' welfare and promoting welfare of the surrounding people through its philanthropic activities. The company has been in business for more than two decades and has no irregularity reported against it so far. You are the District Magistrate (DM) of a socio-economically backward district with a high rate of unemployment. The district also lacks in infrastructure facilities, hence discouraging industries to set up businesses here. Coincidentally, Amar turns out to be your old college friend whom you met after years when he came to visit the district on a business tour. His company is planning to set up a plant in the same district as yours. The Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) file reached you and you considered the parameters like employment generation potential of the project, lack of major issues in the EIA report, reputation of the firm and socio-economic growth for the district due to setting up of the plant before passing the file. One day a news report gets published accusing you of favouring the company you and your friend while passing the EIA report. Newspaper publishes a picture of you and your friend together. This leads to anger in public against you and the company. People start a protest opposing the project in the district. Local NGOs and environmental groups have also started supporting the public. The protesters along with NGOs have sat in front of your office and started shouting slogans, demanding the rejection of the project in the district. This all has created a lot of disturbance which has started to hamper the daily work of the district officials along with your work. The matter has escalated to such an extent that the chief secretary orders you to resolve the matter expeditiously. a. What are the Ethical dilemmas faced by you in the above scenario? b. What course of action would you take in such a situation and why? c. What measures can be taken by public officials to avoid confusion and spread of misinformation in the public? d. Suggest some steps that can be taken by public officials to keep their public life separate from private life. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":23,"question":"Amrit is working in an MNC in Delhi NCR. In his free time, he follows his passion of public speaking and conducts seminars for gender equality. His wife works from home for an online firm. Apart from that, she takes care of her two children and parents-in-law. Amrit's wife is facing challenges in her current job. Her work pressure is increasing, pay hike is minimal and due recognition is not given for her hard work. Sometimes, she is also not able to take care of her domestic responsibilities, leading to discontent among her parents-in-law. Adding to her responsibilities, one of the parents is having heart related ailments and has recently been operated upon. Recently, Amrit's wife has received a job offer from a reputed MNC with a significant pay hike. Her pay will be even more than that of Amrit if she joins. However, on joining she will have to relocate to Pune. She is excited about the offer and tells Amrit about it. Amrit is concerned about the impact of her relocation on children, parents and his relationship. Internally, he is also not happy about the fact that his wife will be paid more than him. He consulted his parents who denied her moving to a new city due to safety concerns. Amrit advised his wife to not accept the offer and look for an offer in Delhi NCR instead. You being a neighbour of Amrit, his wife comes to you for your advice. a. Discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case. b. What are the options available with Amrit's wife in this situation? c. What advice will you give to her and why? d. What steps, according to you, can be taken to promote gender equality in our society? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":2310,"topper":"Dalip Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ac40c-19039_759_dalip_kumar_rank_73.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"India has the lowest tax-to-GDP ratio among countries with a similar per capita income on a purchasing power parity basis. Explain the reasons for the low tax-to-GDP ratio in India. What measures can be taken to correct this situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"In spite of various initiatives, the condition of the power sector still remains one of the core challenges for India. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Examine the reasons for poor performance of public sector banks in India. Give an account of the steps taken by the government and RBI to improve their performance. Also analyse whether the risks arising from the consolidation of the Indian banking sector outweigh the potential longer-term benefits.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Tax treaties intended to avoid double taxation have in many cases become instruments for double non-taxation. Elaborate. List the major amendments in the India-Mauritius DTAA and the advantages that are expected to accrue due to it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Emerging ICT and their appropriation by society constitutes a threat that demands new competencies and practices to be developed and integrated in the existing police work. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"What are P-Notes and how do they impact the financial system in India? In this context, also highlight the recent regulatory measures taken by SEBI to deal with them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"The rising levels of e-waste generation in India have been a matter of concern in recent years. Examine the underlying causes of this scenario and the challenges associated with it. How can the new E-Waste Management Rules, 2016 help in meeting these concerns?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Terror groups, much like corporate bodies have well and truly embraced and exploited the benefits of globalisation. Discuss the statement with reference to terror financing and propaganda activities.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"What is net-metering? Critically analyse its potential in incentivising distributed generation in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Explain the challenges associated with predicting the monsoon accurately. Can shifting to a completely dynamical model from the one used by the IMD presently help in improving the accuracy of predicting the monsoon?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"The Compensatory Afforestation Fund Bill would require to work along with the Forest Rights Act in order to achieve the aims of environment protection while also ensuring rights of the tribal people. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"It has been argued that India's strained patent protection and IP administration has failed to keep pace with growing technological advances. In this context, examine the provisions of the new Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Policy, 2016. Also explain how the new policy can help boost innovation and entrepreneurship in the country.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Though the frequency of both droughts and floods has increased in many states of the country, the preparedness level for mitigating their impacts still has significant gaps. Discuss in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"In view of the high levels of inequality in India, it is imperative to not only broaden access to education and health but also financial services. Discuss. Also highlight the efforts made by the government in recent times to address inequality by promoting financial inclusion.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Examine the need for indigenization of the defence industry in India. While highlighting its challenges, analyse how the new Defence Procurement Policy (DPP) and relaxations in FDI norms can address these challenges.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Digital technologies have the potential to dramatically transform higher education. Giving a special emphasis to MOOCs, analyse the statement in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"The Civil Aviation Policy 2016 would help in building a more modern, safe, secure and sustainable aviation industry while also boosting regional connectivity and tourism. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"What is the significance of start-ups for Indian economy? Critically analyse the provisions of \"Start-up India\" program and the challenges that lie ahead in its effective implementation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"What do you understand by methanol economy? Discuss its environmental and economic advantages. How does methanol compare with other new generational fuels such as ethanol and hydrogen?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Differentiating between Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality, explain why it is argued by many that these technologies are not just about gaming but can change our lives.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2311,"topper":"Dalip Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/df31b-19039_764_dalip_kumar_rank_73.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Cultural diversity has made emotional intelligence crucial for Indian administration. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Family and school are important agents of socialization in a child's life. Comment on the role of family and school as a source of values. Give an example of a situation where these acquired values guided you in a situation of dilemma.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Given below are two quotations. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) \"We are what our thoughts have made us; so take care about what you think. Words are secondary. Thoughts live; they travel far.\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"\"A man's conscience and his judgement is the same thing and as the judgement, so also the conscience, may be erroneous.\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"\"The love of one's country is a splendid thing. But why should love stop at the border?\" What do you understand by nationalism? What significance does it hold in your life?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"While discretion is necessary for effective discharge of duties, it is also a major factor responsible for corruption in administration at all levels. Comment. In this context, suggest some ways in which smooth execution of responsibilities can be ascertained while minimising corruption.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"What do you understand by corporate ethics? Giving examples, highlight the ethical issues faced by CEOs in the current competetive environment, with special reference to government owned enterprises.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Government employees are often considered by many as being unresponsive, insensitive and corrupt. What, according to you, are the factors that cultivate such a negative attitude towards civil servants? As a young civil servant, what would be your approach to change this attitude?10","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Many of the present social conflicts arise due to prejudices and discrimination. Illustrate. What can be done to curb discrimination and handle prejudices?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Adhering to high standards of transparency is often in conflict with the duty towards maintaining confidentiality. With examples, elaborate on the problems faced by public servants in effective discharge of duties during such situations. Also, discuss the ethical framework that should guide the decisions in these circumstances.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"You get your first posting as a District Collector in a predominantly rural area. Recently, the office of Registrar General of Births, Deaths and Marriages registered an inter-caste marriage of a young couple. On hearing the news, villagers and family members of the married couple attacked the Registrar's office and are holding their respective children in captivity. One group also enjoys immense political power in the state and have warned you against taking any action. 20 Based on the above information, answer the following questions. (a) What is/are the ethical dilemma(s) that an administrator faces in such situations? (b) Enumerate your priorities and steps that you will take to handle the situation. (c) What are the social and attitudinal factors at play? What will be your role in bringing about a change in these?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"A group of educated young men is caught trying to leave the country to fight for a terrorist organization overseas. It was found that they were radicalized online through social media by the handlers of that terrorist organization. These boys have not committed any act of terror till now and have no criminal background. 20 (a) What could be the reasons for radicalization of educated youth? (b) As a senior intelligence official, what approach would you follow to deal with such cases? Give arguments in support of your stand. (c) Suggest a feasible strategy to prevent further radicalization of youth in the country.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2312,"topper":"Dalip Kumar","air":73,"year":2018,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/123ba-19039_760_dalip_kumar_rank_73.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2313,"topper":"Damanpreet Arora","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c91f3-181996_3128_damanpreet_arora_rank_103.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"The world must learn to work together, or finally it will not work at all.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Technology, like art, is a soaring exercise of the human imagination.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"We've begun to raise daughters more like sons, but few have the courage to raise our sons more like our daughters.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2314,"topper":"Damanpreet Arora","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/00e15-181996_2930_damanpreet_arora_rank_103.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How is the rapid growth of the food processing industry leading to food safety challenges in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":2315,"topper":"Damanpreet Arora","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9e71f-181996_2929_damanpreet_arora_rank_103.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Expression of dissent is central to the functioning of the Parliament. In light of this, discuss the role of the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in India's parliamentary system. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"How can the integration of technology into judicial processes enhance accessibility, capability, and efficiency in justice delivery? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Supreme Court of India has upheld unique asymmetry in India's federalism by intricately balancing centralized authority and regional autonomy. Discuss with the help of relevant case laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Evaluate the effectiveness of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes in safeguarding the interests of the Scheduled Castes in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Executive accountability to the legislature through Parliamentary Committees has been the hallmark of the Indian political system. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can India make Citizens' Charter a powerful tool for improving governance and empowering citizens? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How do corporate donors aid NGOs in facilitating holistic development in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite its merits, should the POCSO Act be revisited to correct the existing inadequacies? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"China's acquisition of strategic ports globally has significant implications for international trade routes and economic relations. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"What are the main functions of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)? How will its recent treaty on intellectual property, genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge benefit India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) plays a crucial role in combating corruption, its functioning is often criticized for being partisan and acting against the federal spirit. Discuss with the help of suitable examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Governors in India often overstep their constitutional role and fail to act effectively when needed. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Both India and the USA adhere to democratic principles but their electoral systems exhibit significant differences. What are the key differences in electoral practices between the two countries? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"How far do you agree with the view that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has met its objective of ensuring environmental justice in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Though Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) have become a platform for competitive politics, they have not emerged as an agency of planning and service delivery. Why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by interoperability in e-governance? What steps have been taken by the government to ensure interoperability and integration of various e-governance systems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"When it comes to sexual and reproductive health of women in India, rights-based discourse has largely been bypassed not just by the societal norms but also by the legal norms. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"How effective has India been in enhancing immunization coverage over the years? What challenges continue to affect immunization efforts in the country? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India used its Presidency of the G20 to bring the voice of the Global South to the centre stage. Discuss with special reference to Africa. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"India's relationship with the UAE has witnessed a remarkable expansion across various domains in the last decade. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2316,"topper":"Damanpreet Arora","air":103,"year":2024,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a1f23-181996_2367_damanpreet_arora_rank_103.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2317,"topper":"Damanpreet Arora","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c3f1a-181996_2370_damanpreet_arora_rank_103.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Does moral conscience always complement laws, rules, and regulations in ethical decision-making? Support your answer with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Compassion towards weaker sections of society is essential and non-negotiable in a country like India. Examine with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Corruption exists and thrives in Indian society because it is socially accepted and even seen as aspirational. Do you agree with this view? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Social accountability is increasingly recognized as a means of enhancing democratic governance and improving service delivery. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"\"The human voice can never reach the distance that is covered by the still small voice of conscience.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Fortitude is the marshal of thought, the armor of the will, and the fort of reason.\" - Francis Bacon. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"\"Character is repeated habits, and repeated habits alone can reform character.\" - Swami Vivekananda (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"How can organizations balance healthy competition while preventing undue pressure on employees? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Formation of attitudes is a crucial aspect of the socialization process. Discuss the various factors that contribute to the development of attitudes in individuals. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Conflicts are inevitable in any workplace, and administrative roles are no exception. In light of this, discuss the role of emotional intelligence in conflict management. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":45,"question":"Anmol, the Chief Development Officer of a remote and aspirational district in India, faces a complex ethical dilemma. The district benefitted from the government's recent development initiatives, but it still struggles in the fields of health and education. Partnering with a national NGO, Anmol has seen significant improvements in these areas, especially during natural disasters when the NGO's role in delivering lifesaving medicines was critical. During one such disaster, the NGO played a significant role in providing critical life-saving medicines to people and prevented the loss of lives and spread of communicable diseases. Anmol's as well as the NGO's work during this time was recognised widely and even rewarded by the state and Central governments. However, Anmol later learned that the NGO has been involved in bribing local officials to operate effectively. This practice, although illegal, is seemingly widespread in the district. Anmol is now at a crossroads, having to decide how to address this issue without jeopardizing the essential services provided by the NGO, as they complement the government's efforts and there are no viable alternatives in the region. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in this case? (b) List the options available to Anmol and evaluate their merits and demerits. (c) Which option should Anmol choose and why? Justify with arguments. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"Vikram, a senior data scientist, is leading a team to develop an Artificial Intelligence (AI) system for a e-commerce platform. He has to enhance customer experience by providing personalized recommendations based on user behaviour. The success of this project is critical not only for the company's growth but also for Vikram's team, which has been underperforming in the recent months. The stakes are high, and the team is at risk of suspension if it fails to deliver on this project. To improve the accuracy of the AI algorithms, Vikram's team considers incorporating sensitive personal information, including users' purchasing history, location data, health records and social media activities. While this could significantly enhance the system's effectiveness, it raises concerns about privacy and the potential misuse of sensitive data. Also, a data breach has occurred earlier on the e-commerce platform, and personal information of thousands of users was exposed to unauthorized entities. The incident became widely publicized, leading to regulatory scrutiny and potential legal action against the company. Vikram faces pressure from the company's marketing department to prioritize revenue generation over user privacy. The marketing team suggests implementing tactics that subtly encourage users to make more purchases, even if it means manipulating their preferences or creating a sense of urgency. (a) Identify the ethical issues faced by Vikram in developing the AI system. (b) What are the options available to Vikram in addressing this case? (c) How can ethics be an integral component of AI systems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":56,"question":"Identify the ethical issues faced by Vikram in developing the AI system. (b) What are the options available to Vikram in addressing this case? (c) How can ethics be an integral component of AI systems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2318,"topper":"Damanpreet Arora","air":103,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Out4nCJcOYROdB3BSKyu27_I03_tKdD7","questions":[]},{"id":2319,"topper":"Damanpreet Arora","air":103,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/PSIR-T1-DAMANPREET-ARORA-R103-1750231443028.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2320,"topper":"Damanpreet Arora","air":103,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/PSIR-T2-DAMANPREET-ARORA-R103-1750231466555.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2321,"topper":"Damanpreet Arora","air":103,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/PSIR-T3-DAMANPREET-ARORA-R103-1750231496542.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2322,"topper":"Damanpreet Arora","air":103,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/PSIR-T4-DAMANPREET-ARORA-R103-1750231525408.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2323,"topper":"Damanpreet Arora","air":103,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/PSIR-T5-DAMANPREET-ARORA-R103-1750231558049.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2324,"topper":"Damanpreet Arora","air":103,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/PSIR-T6-DAMANPREET-ARORA-R103-1750231590418.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2325,"topper":"Damanpreet Arora","air":103,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/PSIR-T9-I-DAMANPREET-ARORA-R103-1750231620538.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2326,"topper":"Damanpreet Arora","air":103,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/PSIR-T9-II-DAMANPREET-ARORA-R103-1750231649694.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2327,"topper":"DANISH KHAN","air":447,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Medical Science","optional":true,"source":"IAS Delhi Institute","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1srDu7Kd8RJWJf8WlzhWHTTbLPEY5RLND/view?usp=drive_link","questions":[]},{"id":2328,"topper":"DANISH KHAN","air":447,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Medical Science","optional":true,"source":"IAS Delhi Institute","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MqxPHW5XrJCdMiUIXextC1Smc3cx1XfP/view?usp=drive_link","questions":[]},{"id":2329,"topper":"Darpan Ahluwalia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e9408-214713_1431_darpan-ahluwalia_rank_80.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Giving examples, explain how land topography affects the regional and planetary wind systems. Also, differentiate between the westerlies of the northern and southern hemisphere. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What is palaeomagnetism? Explain how it serves as a bridging evidence for Plate Tectonics Theory. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Mention the conditions responsible for occurrence of Temperature Inversion in atmosphere. Elaborating on its various types, highlight its effects on the biosphere. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlight the importance of iron and steel industry as the basic building block of the economy. In this context, discuss the key features of the National Steel Policy, 2017. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Analyse the phenomenon of 'Resource Curse', by giving adequate examples from around the world as well as India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind increased instances of human-wildlife conflict and suggest some mitigation measures to address them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Montreal Protocol is often considered as the most successful international environmental treaty. Highlighting the achievements of the protocol, discuss the reasons for its success. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Identify different factors that trigger Glacial Lake Outburst Floods. Also, suggest certain measures that need to be taken to minimize their impact. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss India's vulnerability to chemical disasters. In this context, mention safety initiatives taken to address chemical risk in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Differentiate between eustatic and isostatic type of sea-level changes. Also, discuss the resultant landforms which are likely to be formed as a result of sea-level fluctuations. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Explain the reasons behind earthquakes in Himalayas being more intense and frequent than the ones occurring in Alps region. Why are scientists predicting a largescale earthquake in northern India? Also, elaborate upon some prominent earthquake forecasting techniques. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Explain the role of river as a geomorphic agent with suitable examples of landforms formed during its course of flow. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Identify the major Uranium reserves in the world and the countries from where India sources it. What measures are required to ensure supply security of fuel for nuclear plants in the country? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What is seabed mining and why is it important for India? Highlight the environmental challenges associated with seabed mining and discuss how these can be addressed. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What is Conservation Agriculture? Highlight the prospects and challenges of adopting Conservation Agriculture in India. Also, mention some important policy considerations for its promotion. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Analyse how far the 'Katowice Climate Package' goes in achieving the objectives of the Paris Climate agreement amid the concerns of developing countries like India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Examine the factors responsible for causing soil pollution in India. Discussing its impact on various ecosystem services, suggest some remedial measures to restore polluted soil. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss the vulnerabilities of urban areas to disasters. What measures have been taken to minimise the losses in such areas during disasters? What further improvements would you suggest to make them more resilient? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"What is Community Based Disaster Management (CBDM)? Highlight its main principles, features and significance for resilient disaster preparedness in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2330,"topper":"Darpan Ahluwalia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/634d6-214713_1430_darpan-ahluwalia_rank_80.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Numismatics and epigraphy have played a significant role in reconstruction of ancient Indian history. Elucidate. (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Elucidate the key features of the Indus Valley Civilization with examples from prominent archaeological findings. (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was a far-sighted realistic leader with great diplomatic and military skills. Discuss in the context of his contribution to national freedom struggle. (150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Various internal and external factors shaped the national movement in India. Assess the significance of the period of the first world war in this context. (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Enumerate the factors responsible for the decline of Mughal empire in India. How did it help in the expansion and consolidation of British power? (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Enumerate the important features of Subsidiary Alliance policy during the British rule. How did this policy help in the expansion of the British rule in India? (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Discuss the challenges that were specific to the process of post-independence integration of North East India. (150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What do you understand by New Social Movements in independent India? In this context, discuss the key features of the New Farmers' Movements. (150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Give an account of the the Iranian Revolution of 1979 and discuss its impact on the politics of West Asia. (150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Though the conditions in France were vastly different from those in America, many of the driving factors behind the two revolutions were similar. Discuss in the context of French revolution. (150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"India has a long civilizational history. In this context, highlight the significant contributions from ancient India in science, mathematics and medicine. (250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Provide an account of inscription and monuments that are chief sources of information about the Vijayanagara Empire. In this context, also highlight the key features of the Vijayanagara temple architecture. (250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Critically discuss the contribution of the Indian capitalist class in the freedom struggle. (250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What were the arguments advanced by Swarajists for entry into councils and why was this move being opposed by others within the Congress? In this context, highlight the successes and limitations of the Swaraj Party on their entry in councils. (250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What were the expectations behind the introduction of permanent settlement by the British in Bengal? Why did the Zamindars default on payments under this system initially? Also provide reasons for the system not being extended much beyond Bengal. (250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Over the years, the nationalist movement successfully created an ideology and culture of democracy and civil liberties that became a source of its strength. Discuss. (250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Even though the leading Indian Nationalists had long been sensible of the power of the mother tongue to rouse and move, linguistic reorganisation of states after independence took some time to become a reality. Explain. (250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The integration of tribals was a crucial issue facing independent India. Highlight the main arguments in the debates on this issue that helped shape the government policy. (250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Comparing the process of decolonisation in Africa and Asia, explain why did it take longer for African countries to gain independence. (250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Discuss whether the Second World War was a conflict of ideologies or an inevitable international conflict resulting from pursuit of imperial interests. (250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2331,"topper":"Darpan Ahluwalia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/41fc8-214713_1432_darpan-ahluwalia_rank_80.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explaining the reasons behind India's lower female labour force participation rates (LFPR), list the steps that have been taken to augment it. What more needs to be done? (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"By rebalancing project risks between the public and private sectors, the HAM model has encouraged investments in the road infrastructure sector. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Examine the need for a comprehensive policy on e-commerce in view of its domestic expansion as well as safeguarding India's interests globally. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"In view of the growing significance of FinTech innovations, discuss the potential and challenges of mainstreaming FinTech in Indian economy. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"With India striving to achieve its development objectives, examine how blue economy can help in pursuing the objectives of economic development and ecological sustainability. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Reliance on borrowings for capital expenditure in railways reflects a weakening financial position. Comment on the statement and discuss ways in which better resource generation and utilisation can be achieved therein. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"With water increasingly becoming a scarce resource, large scale adoption of micro irrigation techniques could prove to be a game changer in India. Analyse. Also enumerate various steps taken by the government to promote micro irrigation in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Livestock farming not only contributes to climate change but is also affected by it. Elaborate the statement and discuss some measures that can be taken to make livestock farming more sustainable as well as resilient. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The cropping pattern of a region is influenced by geo-climatic, socio-cultural, economic, historical and political factors. Substantiate with relevant examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"A developed Inland Waterway Transport (IWT) will not only augment the overall transport capacity of the country, but also help correct the multi-modal transport mix. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Can the consolidation of banks help in stemming the existing problems in the banking sector? Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Why has the contribution of manufacturing sector, as a percentage of the GDP, remained stagnant in the recent years? In this context, analyse the achievements of National Manufacturing Policy, 2011 with regards to its intended objectives. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"One of the goals that a developing economy aspires for is to bring down the Incremental Capital-Output Ratio (ICOR). In this context, what are the constraints that underlie the efficient conversion of savings rate to investments in the Indian economy? Also suggest some measures to improve this efficiency. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight the factors responsible for rise in the number of start-ups in India in recent years. Analyzing the challenges in the existing start-up ecosystem, suggest some measures to resolve them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"There is a high cost of compliance as well as complexities associated with existing labour laws at centre and state levels. Discuss. What steps have recently been taken by the central government to address these challenges? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The contribution of coal based power generation is not expected to substantially go down in the next few decades, despite growing importance of renewables. Comment on the statement in light of increasing demand for power in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Elaborate the strategic and operational elements of the Agriculture Export Policy, 2018 and discuss the role it can play to achieve the target of doubling farmers' income by 2022. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Development of food processing industry will help in achieving the twin goals of inclusive growth and food security. Discuss. Also, account for the competitive advantages enjoyed by India in the food processing sector. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Identify the problems faced by Indian agriculture as a consequence of changing land holding pattern as witnessed in the findings of Agriculture census, 2015-16. In light of these problems, suggest suitable ways to resolve such structural issues in agriculture. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2332,"topper":"Darpan Ahluwalia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0d592-214713_1433_darpan-ahluwalia_rank_80.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Given below are two quotations. For each of these bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) The golden rule of conduct is mutual toleration, seeing that we will never all think alike and we shall always see Truth in fragment and from different points of vision. Mahatma Gandhi.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Impersonal management, a characteristic feature of a Weberian bureaucracy, develops over time into indifference, especially with regard to weaker sections of the society. Critically discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"In pursuit of political power, means are often compromised that leads to competitive reliance on unethical practices resulting in erosion of public trust. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"It takes more than a corporate governance policy to inspire ethical behavior and sustain a truly ethical workplace. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"\"Law should be so succinct that it can be carried in the pocket of the coat and it should be so simple that it can be understood by a peasant.\" Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Ethics in international relations has the potential to cater to the diplomatic challenges of 21st century. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Nolan Committee provides for one of the most comprehensive statements of what constitutes ethical standards for holders of public office. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"The sharper the socio-economic disparities, the greater the incentive towards corruption. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"The moral worth of an action depends not on the consequences that flow from it, but on its motivation. Explain the statement with the help of suitable examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"The universal adoption of common good approach poses the ethical dilemma of putting collective interests over and above the individual interests. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Compassion should never be considered as weakness, but rather as an essential element for providing a congenial administrative working environment. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Explain what you understand by the following values and discuss their importance for civil services: (a) Professionalism","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"There have been widespread agitations both in favour of and against extending reservation in educational institutions and government jobs to a certain section of the society. You have been appointed as the chairman of a high level committee, constituted by the government to examine the matter and make recommendations. So far, the committee has found no compelling reasons to extend reservation to this section. While the report of the committee is pending finalization, you get an impression through the media that the government is inclined to accept the demand for extending the reservation, regardless of the findings of your committee. Some members of the committee are also inclined to support the government stand. (a) Discuss the dilemma, if any, that you face in this situation. (b) What course of action would you take? Give reasons for the same. (c) Also discuss the ethical issues involved with the policy of affirmative action in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"You are an honest and responsible civil servant. You often observe the following: (a) If one wants to remain effective and powerful to create impact on the lives of people, one should remain loyal to those in power. (b) Following ethical means may not be practical and effective at all times. (c) Petty corruption expedites the service delivery. Examine the above statements with their merits and demerits.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Recently, two national level sportspersons who are integral members of their team, made some comments in a talk show which were perceived as being grossly misogynistic and racist. This created a huge controversy and they were temporarily suspended from the team pending an enquiry. In light of these events, answer the following questions: (a) Do you think public figures have an additional responsibility in so far as expressing their views on matters of public importance is concerned? Give reasons. (b) According to you, what are the reasons that some prominent public figures make such misogynistic comments, and even get away without any consequences? (c) As the person in charge to enquire into the conduct, what factors would you consider to examine it and what punishment, if any, would you prescribe in this specific case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"There are large number of leather industries in a major industrial town of India. They provide employment to large number of people and are also a prominent source of revenue for the state. Lately it has been observed that despite following the present emission control rules, the collective ecological footprint of these industries remains quite high affecting the surrounding areas in an adverse manner. The new technologies available for emission control are quite costly and thus acts as a disincentive for the owners of the industries for adopting them. In light of this information, the government is contemplating the following options: (a) Shutting down the industries in the region (b) Relocating the industries to a new region (c) Making the emission control rules stricter (d) Providing incentives to the industry owners for adoption of new technology. Analyse the above options in terms of their merits and demerits. What course of action would you choose and why?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2333,"topper":"Darshana Singh Baghel","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/781770142252687b4750b386de5a9f2e/40/mts_2025_unchecked_gspm24a12028_flt2509.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Pillars are not merely architectural marvels, but also serve as crucial sources of ancient Indian history. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"To what extent did early economic nationalists like Dadabhai Naoroji shape the intellectual foundations of the Indian freedom movement? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How did the Indian national movement influence freedom movements across the world? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How does the movement of continental plates help explain the spatial distribution of earthquakes in specific regions of the world? Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"River interlinking is seen as a means to reduce regional water stress. Discuss its advantages and examine the possible environmental and social implications. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the localisation factors for the textile industry in India and examine its economic significance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What are loess deposits, and why do they constitute some of the most agriculturally productive regions of the world? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Screen-based education has improved accessibility but also created new behavioural and social challenges for children. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Why are protectionist and xenophobic trends against Indians rising in the West, despite the global embrace of Indian culture and soft power? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The caste system in India has adapted to the forces of modernisation, urbanisation, and economic liberalisation. Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":31,"question":"Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Jawaharlal Nehru differed in their approach to nation-building, yet their shared vision was instrumental in shaping modern India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"The Swadeshi Movement marked a significant shift in India's freedom struggle from passive resistance to active mass mobilisation. In this context, discuss the strategies, social impact, and limitations of the movement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"The Western Ghats and the Northeastern Hills receive some of the highest rainfall during the southwest monsoon in India. Discuss the mechanisms responsible for heavy rainfall in these regions and analyse the monsoon's influence on human life in these regions. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Differentiate between forest cover, tree cover, and green cover. How do forest ecosystems in India contribute to climate resilience and carbon sequestration? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Account for the salinity variations in the world's oceans. How does this variation impact ocean circulation and marine ecosystems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"How does the polar cryosphere play a pivotal role in regulating the Earth's climate system? Also, enumerate the key factors responsible for rapid warming in the Arctic. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"\"Religious pluralism and secularism are integral to India's social fabric, but their coexistence requires constant negotiation.\" Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Discuss the intersection of class, gender, and geography in determining women's access to opportunities in the Indian service sector. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"\"Despite a strong continuity in traditional family values, Indian society is witnessing rising trends of delayed marriage, increasing divorce rates, and family disruption.\" Discuss the socio-economic and cultural factors contributing to this shift. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2334,"topper":"Darshana Singh Baghel","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/781770142252687b4750b386de5a9f2e/36/aim_2025_unchecked_aim25gca1018_amt2501.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Cave paintings are the visual autobiography of a prehistoric man. What can we infer about prehistoric beliefs and social practices from the cave paintings in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"Colonial education policy, intended to create obedient clerks, became a channel for political awakening and national self-assertion.\" Discuss (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Evaluate the extent to which the Gupta economy facilitated cultural and scientific advancements. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How are changing family structures and migration trends increasingly leading to the social isolation of the elderly in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"In what ways does urbanization challenge traditional notions of social cohesion in Indian society? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Safety and mobility are gendered constraints that significantly influence women's participation in the labour force in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Is globalisation leading to the erosion of local languages and traditional culture in India? Justify your answer. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Neo-spiritual movements in India reflect the fusion of tradition, modernity, and digital influence in the practice of faith. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"How does the status and role of women in tribal societies differ from gender norms in mainstream Indian society? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Do diaspora communities act as custodians of Indian cultural traditions or agents of cultural change? Critically examine with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"What do the accounts of Arab and European travellers reveal about the nature of social and economic life in medieval India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Examine the role played by reformist organizations like the Brahmo Samaj and Arya Samaj in addressing various social issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Examine the ways in which Gandhian mass movements opened political space for Indian women. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Despite legal and educational advances, why do certain social practices, such as dowry, caste endogamy, or child marriage, continue to persist in modern India? Analyse with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"\"Modern parenting in India is increasingly balancing traditional expectations and emerging societal norms. Analyse the social implications of this tension.\" (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"With the rise of digital media influencers, traditional role models in Indian society are being replaced. Analyse its impact on youth behaviour and value systems. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Urbanization is posing a threat to the existing urban infrastructure. Discuss the developmental issues it poses and its impact on urban communities. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Caste in India today operates more as a system of identity assertion than of rigid hierarchy. Discuss this transformation in the context of caste group mobilisation and economic change. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Have regional identities in India evolved from cultural expressions to organised assertions of autonomy? Discuss their implications for national cohesion. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"The rise of the new middle class in India is marked by a culture of consumption. In what ways is the transition from conscious to impulsive consumption affecting family structure and dynamics in urban India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2335,"topper":"Darshana Singh Baghel","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/102/mts_2024_unchecked_gspm24a12028_anv2401.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"How does the integration of traditional Indian art and architecture in the New Parliament Building serve as a testament to India's cultural ethos? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Discuss the representation of women in Sangam literature. What does it reveal about the status and roles of women in ancient South Indian society? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"How did the Moderates' economic critique of British colonial policies contribute to the development of Indian nationalism and the broader independence movement? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"How does the geological structure of the Himalayas make the region particularly prone to landslides? Discuss the natural and human-induced factors involved. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What are the major ocean currents and their associated gyres in the world's oceans? Discuss the significance of ocean currents in shaping the Earth's climate and marine ecosystems. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How have variations in soil types across India contributed to regional disparities in agricultural practices and productivity? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How does island tourism affect the economy of India's islands like the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep? What challenges and opportunities exist to make this tourism sustainable? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How has the shift in the policy from population control to family welfare and women's empowerment impacted population growth in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What are the core principles of Indian secularism, and how have they been challenged in the context of Indian society? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"To what extent does the current primary education system in India address or reinforce social inequalities, and what strategies are needed to create a more inclusive educational environment? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Compare and contrast the nature of peasant movements in India during the pre-Gandhian phase with those in the Gandhian phase. How did Mahatma Gandhi's leadership influence the nature and course of peasant movements in India during the freedom struggle? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Compare and contrast the Hoysala and Nagara styles of temple architecture. How do these differences reflect the cultural, religious, and regional influences of their time? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"How did Lord William Bentinck's policies in India influence the country's cultural and intellectual landscape? Discuss with reference to key reforms. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"With urban flooding becoming a recurrent challenge in Indian cities, analyze the underlying factors contributing to urban flooding in India. What comprehensive measures can be taken to mitigate its impact? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"As the 21st century shifts from battles over oil to competition for critical minerals, assess the potential of India's critical mineral resources in contributing to the global supply chain. What are the strategic implications of these resources for India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Explain the phenomenon of temperature inversion and its impact on weather patterns and microclimates in different regions. Also, discuss its implications for agriculture and human settlements. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Discuss the significance of the Ganga river system on the environment and Indian culture. What are the key challenges in cleaning and rejuvenating this vital river system? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Scientific pursuit in India has historically intersected with culture and religion, often blending scientific inquiry with religious practices. In this context, how do scientific advancements bridge the gap between traditional beliefs and modern thinking in addressing age-old taboos and superstitions? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Highlighting the challenges of social inequalities in the informal sector, discuss how the gig economy can resolve these issues and contribute to greater social empowerment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"What are the reasons behind the resurgence of new-age spiritualism led by religious influencers and spiritual leaders in Indian society? Evaluate the impact of this phenomenon on Indian society. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2336,"topper":"Darshana Singh Baghel","air":383,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/77/mts_2024_unchecked_gspm24a12028_gsmac2401.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2337,"topper":"Darshana Singh Baghel","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/781770142252687b4750b386de5a9f2e/32/aim_2025_unchecked_aim25gca1018_amt2505.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"The recent push towards gender budgeting in the Government Budget reflects its importance for women empowerment. What are the recent initiatives towards gender budgeting in India and their importance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Port-led development is seen as a key driver of economic growth and regional integration in India. Discuss how the Sagarmala initiative can promote port-led growth and the coastal economy. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Even after a decade of Make in India, India's manufacturing sector has remained a weak spot in its growth story. How can India fundamentally reset its manufacturing sector to utilise its potential in GDP growth and job creation? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Indian startups despite showing great potential have not scaled up on innovation. Discuss. Suggest measures for Indian startups to go up the value chain? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss the importance of livestock farming in a non-farm economy. What is the need for the recently proposed livestock census in promoting animal husbandry? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How can minimum support prices help in promoting farmers' income? What are the challenges faced by farmers in accessing the benefits of minimum support prices? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite a robust Public Distribution System (PDS), food security remains a challenge to the Indian population. What are deficiencies in the current PDS system? Suggest reforms to improve the system. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the key components of the recently launched Digital Agriculture Mission. How will this mission help in improving farmers welfare? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Examine the environmental impacts of oil spills on marine and coastal ecosystems. What are the various methods used for cleaning-up of oil spills? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Discuss how the Biodiversity Act, 2002 and recently notified Biological Diversity (Access and Benefit Sharing) Regulation, 2025 promote access and benefit sharing while ensuring growth of traditional industries. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Despite India's push for a robust digital economy, India faces challenges with regard to digital inclusion. Discuss. Suggest measures to ensure equitable access to digital resources. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"As artificial intelligence penetrates into various sectors of the economy, job losses are becoming a reality. Analysing the impacts of AI on employment, suggest measures to navigate this challenge and promote job growth. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"\"Infrastructure development is a key driver of accelerated and inclusive economic growth\". Highlighting the importance of infrastructure investment in achieving long-term growth, discuss India's success and failures in stimulating infrastructure-led growth in the economy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"What are the responsibilities of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC)? How effective has the RBI's monetary policy initiatives been to broaden economic recovery whilst maintaining a sustainable inflation rate? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"India's post-harvest losses amount to approximately 1,52,790 crore annually. To what extent can post-harvest losses in India be attributed to the constraints in the transport and marketing of agricultural products? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"What are the direct and indirect subsidies in Indian agriculture? How have these subsidies impacted the cropping diversity and farm economy of the country? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"What are the opportunities and challenges of the food processing industry in India? Why has the overall private investment remained low in the industry despite immense potential? Suggest measures. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Micro-irrigation systems can revolutionize Indian agriculture, but adoption remains limited. In this context, discuss how micro-irrigation can help in sustainable water management. What are the barriers to its widespread adoption? Suggest measures to overcome them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"What were the various market mechanisms under the Kyoto Protocol? What is Article 6 of the Paris Climate Change Agreement? Explain the significance of the global carbon market in achieving net-zero targets. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"Wetlands play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, yet they face several anthropogenic and climate-related threats. Discuss. What steps have been undertaken by the Government of India to conserve and promote wetlands? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2338,"topper":"Darshana Singh Baghel","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/781770142252687b4750b386de5a9f2e/29/aim_2025_unchecked_aim25gca1018_amt2504.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"\"To make skilling meaningful, programs like PM Internship Scheme (PMIS) must ensure not just participation but employability-linked outcomes\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"Women-centric welfare schemes need to move beyond welfare to empowerment.\" Examine in the context of key women-centric welfare schemes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The SHG-Bank Linkage Programme has been hailed as an indigenous tool for poverty alleviation in India. Examine its impact on improving rural livelihoods and reducing multi-dimensional poverty. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"India is emerging as a global hub for social entrepreneurship. Can social enterprises effectively complement the state in achieving inclusive development? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How far do you think Citizen-led environmental movements have proven to be effective tools of ecological preservation in recent years. Justify with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"The increasing regulatory oversight on civil society organisations risks shrinking democratic space.\" Examine (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"Digital governance is emerging as a frontier of global agenda, and India seeks to lead by example.\" Examine (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"India's engagement with Africa is no longer limited to development cooperation, but increasingly shaped by strategic and economic considerations. Discuss (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Examine India's transboundary water-sharing challenges with Pakistan and Bangladesh in light of recent disputes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The Indian diaspora in the Gulf region plays a pivotal role in shaping India's economic relations and people-centric diplomacy with West Asia. Discuss (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Freebies' in electoral politics have sparked debate over their impact on governance in India. Differentiate between freebies and welfare measures, and examine their impact on governance. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"\"Weak institutional independence of Information Commissions has diluted the effectiveness of the Right to Information (RTI) regime.\" Discuss in the light of autonomy and independence of the Information Commissions. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"\"Civil services in India were envisioned as instruments of neutrality and efficiency, yet they are increasingly perceived as rigid and politicised.\" Examine the issues responsible for this perception and suggest corrective measures. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Structural barriers have long impeded the development of a robust research environment, despite the presence of numerous institutions. Discuss how the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) seeks to address these structural challenges. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Well-executed government initiatives often fail if operations and maintenance are not integral to the programme design. In the context of Swachh Bharat Mission in India, discuss how collective action and community ownership can ensure its long-term sustainability. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Despite consistent economic growth and social sector spending, India continues to perform poorly in global human development rankings. Examine the structural issues that inhibit equitable and inclusive human development. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"\"The expansion of BRICS offers opportunities for India to strengthen its voice in global economic governance.\" Discuss how India can leverage the BRICS Plus to advance the interests of the Global South. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"India's strategic autonomy remains the guiding principle in navigating relations with the United States and China. In this context, analyze the potential challenges and opportunities for India and how should India navigate this renewed US-China rivalry. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"The launch of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) marks a turning point in India's connectivity diplomacy. Analyse its strategic relevance for India vis-a-vis China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"\"Act East Policy is as much about regional balancing as it is about economic diplomacy.\" Analyse this statement in the context of India's engagement with ASEAN amidst shifting power dynamics in the Indo-Pacific. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2339,"topper":"Darshana Singh Baghel","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/1/mts_2025_unchecked_gspm24a12028_flt2510.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Socialistic ideals and secularism are core features of the Basic Structure doctrine in India. In this context, discuss how judicial decisions have cemented these principles as the cornerstone of constitutional identity. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"There is a need to expand the scope of 'corrupt practices' under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, to address emerging forms of electoral malpractices.\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Analyse the distinguishing perspectives on equality as reflected in the constitutional frameworks of India and France. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The shrinking effective share of States in the Union's gross tax revenues, coupled with equity-heavy criteria in horizontal devolution, raises critical concerns for fiscal federalism in India. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"Citizenship is the legal foundation of constitutional rights and responsibilities.\" Discuss how India's approach to citizenship reflects its commitment to constitutional values. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Declining fertility rates, coupled with rising life expectancy, require a shift from fertility-focused interventions to human capital investments. Examine in the light of recent population trends. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"The quality of governance is critically linked to the extent and nature of citizen participation in democratic processes.\" Discuss using examples in the Indian context. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"Low alignment between educational outcomes and market needs can widen social and economic inequalities.\" Examine this statement in the context of India's skills ecosystem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"The weakening commitment of major powers to international health frameworks poses serious challenges to equitable global cooperation.\" Discuss in light of the U.S. withdrawal from the WHO and its implications for India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The ongoing conflict in West Asia has exposed the vulnerabilities of regional diplomacy. In this light, discuss the implications of the West Asian conflict for India's strategic autonomy and regional engagement. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"\"Department-related Standing Committees serve as the institutional backbone of legislative scrutiny, yet their potential remains underutilised.\" Critically analyse the challenges faced by Parliamentary Committees in ensuring executive accountability in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"\"President's Rule is a constitutional mechanism to deal with governance failure, not political convenience.\" Under what circumstances can President's Rule be imposed in a State? Discuss the constitutional safeguards and judicial verdicts associated with it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"The recently released Devolution Index reveals wide variation in the performance of States in empowering Panchayati Raj Institutions. While explaining the reasons behind this variation, discuss the role of capacity-building initiatives in enabling PRIs to fulfil their constitutional mandate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"\"In the evolving constitutional and political landscape, the effectiveness of statutory commissions depends on their structural autonomy and independence.\" Discuss in the context of the growing demand for constitutional status for statutory commissions like the National Commission for Women (NCW) and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"\"An independent judiciary is essential for upholding constitutional values, but it must also remain accountable to preserve public trust.\" Discuss in the context of recent issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Institutional autonomy of sectoral regulators is critical for ensuring credibility, transparency, and fair competition. In light of recent incidents, examine the issues pertaining to the independence and autonomy of regulatory bodies in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"How far do you think a caste census is a necessary step toward realising the goals of social justice and equitable development, despite the administrative challenges it poses? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"\"The complexity of modern governance demands adaptive and dynamic administrative reforms.\" Evaluate the role of administrative reforms in improving efficiency, transparency, and responsiveness in Indian governance. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"\"The trajectory of India-China relations in the last 75 years reflects a balance between pragmatic cooperation and unresolved strategic tensions. Discuss the contours of this evolving policy and highlight the measures India should take to counterbalance asymmetries with China. (Answer in 250 words) 15 marks\"","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"The evolution of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) from a maritime security grouping to a multidimensional partnership reflects changing strategic realities in the Indo-Pacific. In this context, examine the opportunities and challenges that QUAD presents for India's regional aspirations and strategic autonomy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2340,"topper":"Darshana Singh Baghel","air":383,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/95/mts_2024_unchecked_gspm24a12028_gsmac2402.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2341,"topper":"Darshana Singh Baghel","air":383,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/115/mts_2024_unchecked_gspm24a12028_gsmac2406.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2342,"topper":"Darshana Singh Baghel","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/DARSHANA-SINGH-BAGHELUPSC_IAS_2025_Toppers_AIR_383_Sample_MGP_2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) What is a 'Census'? Discuss the importance of Census for the economy and policy making.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Assess the role of NITI Aayog over the past decade in transforming the country's approach to planning and development.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Discuss various measures taken by the Government to strengthen the Cooperative movement and ensure \"Sahakar Se Samriddhi\".","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) India remains significantly dependent on imports to meet its pulses demand. Examine the key challenges in achieving self-reliance in pulses. Also, mention the major government initiatives taken in this regard.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) What is a 'Black box'? Explain its significance in flight safety and airplane crash investigations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) How does NISAR mission exemplify international cooperation in space exploration and scientific research? In what ways will it help in climate change monitoring and natural hazard management?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7 While oceans are considered among mankind's best allies in the fight against climate change, they are themselves heavily impacted by the same. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8 “Disasters cannot be managed by a single agency, department, or ministry on its own. It requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.” Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 The convergence of organized crime and terrorism presents a formidable challenge to the country's internal security. Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 In an era of complex security challenges, examine the ways in which the private sector can contribute to strengthening India's internal security.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced a transfer of surplus to the Union Government for the financial year 2024-25. What does 'surplus' mean in this context? How does the RBI generate it, and what is its significance for the country's fiscal policy?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 Examine the role of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model in the development of ports in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 \"Legalizing the Minimum Support Price (MSP) would create more challenges than it resolves.\" Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 Why does India's agricultural export performance remain weak despite high production levels? What measures would you suggest to improve agri-export competitiveness?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 How the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) can help India in its socio-economic development? Identify the hurdles in its large-scale adoption and suggest corrective measures.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) What is a Geographical Indication (GI)? What are the legal frameworks governing it? How does it differ from a trademark? How can GI infringement be tackled?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 \"Mangroves contribute significantly to the coastal economy and ecology, but they are threatened by numerous factors\". Elaborate. Also, state the measures taken by the government for mangrove conservation and restoration.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18) What is oil pollution? What are its impacts on the marine ecosystem? In what way is oil pollution particularly harmful for a country like India?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have become an integral aspect of modern conflict and warfare, employed by both state and non-state actors. Discuss its implications for India's security architecture and state the measures being taken to address them. Also suggest other steps to tackle the threats emanating from UAVs.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 Maritime security challenges are complex, driven by both conventional and non-conventional threats. In this context, discuss the key maritime security challenges in India. Also, highlight the measures taken by the government in this regard.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2343,"topper":"Darshana Singh Baghel","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/781770142252687b4750b386de5a9f2e/34/aim_2025_unchecked_aim25gca1018_amt2506.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Discuss the importance of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in the defense sector and modern warfare. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What are artificial neural networks? Discuss their importance in machine learning and artificial intelligence. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Introduce the concept of precision medicine. Comment on the role of precision medicine in the treatment of rare and specific diseases. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What is the Axiom-4 mission? How will India's participation in the Axiom-4 mission help in bolstering India's human space programme? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss how cryptocurrency and other emerging technologies contribute to the menace of money laundering and terror financing. What steps have been undertaken by the Government of India to tackle this issue? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What is hybrid warfare? How is it different from conventional warfare? How can India navigate the challenge of hybrid warfare? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"How does the long maritime border of India present immense internal security challenges? Suggest measures to address these challenges. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Despite decline in terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir, Over Ground Workers (OGWs) and proxy militant groups continue to pose a serious threat to India's internal security. What strategies can be adopted to neutralize these threats? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the vulnerability of northern India to earthquake-related disasters. Highlight India's preparedness in mitigating their impacts. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"\"Preparedness is the first step towards disaster risk reduction\". In this context assess the role of the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) in strengthening disaster preparedness and early warning systems in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Explain the aims and objectives of the recently launched BioE3 policy. How can the policy help in ensuring \"green growth\" of the economy? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Discuss the potential of reusable launch vehicles in future space operations and missions. What are India's initiatives towards the development of reusable launch vehicles? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"'With the development of advanced chips like Majorana 1 and Willow, quantum computers are no longer a theory but a reality'. What are the principles of quantum computing? How does the National Quantum Mission help in scaling up quantum technologies in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Left-wing extremism (LWE) continues to remain a challenge to India's internal security. Discuss the Government of India's approach towards solving the issue of LWE in the country. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"What are the threats posed to India's internal security by external State and non-state actors? Discuss the strategies necessary to tackle these threats. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"With the rapid digitalization of Indian society, cyber crimes like digital arrest have also increased Highlighting the major elements of cybersecurity, Discuss the measures needed to strengthen India's cybersecurity infrastructure. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Illegal immigration poses a threat to India's democracy, sovereignty and internal security. In light of this statement, discuss how the recently passed Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025 helps in effectively addressing the issue of illegal immigration. What are the constitutional and potential human rights challenges associated with the Act? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Climate change and rapid urbanization have intensified the impact and frequency of heat waves in India. Discuss How can Heat Action Plans (HAPs) improve heatwave management in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"In spite of being preventable, stampedes due to improper crowd control mechanisms continue to claim lives in India. Discuss the underlying causes of such disasters. What institutional and technological measures can be taken for efficient crowd management? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2344,"topper":"Darshana Singh Baghel","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/73/mts_2024_unchecked_gspm24a12028_anv2403.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"How do household savings contribute to the growth of the Indian economy? Do you think that the recent fall in household savings rate marks a rise in indebtedness and distress among Indian households? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"India's FDI sector is seeing a significant downward trend. What factors are causing apprehensions among the foreign investors to invest in India? Suggest some corrective measures that must be taken by the Government to reverse the falling trend. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"How do farm subsidies impact crop diversity, cropping patterns and agricultural sustainability in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"While discussing the principles of \"precision agriculture\", elaborate on the uses of \"Internet of Things\" in precision agriculture. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What are Small Modular Nuclear Reactors (SMRs)? Why are SMRs considered a safer alternative to conventional Nuclear Power Plants? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What factors have contributed to the sudden rise in the incidences of zoonotic diseases across the globe? Highlight the recent examples of pandemics caused by zoonotic pathogens. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss the major challenges of crowd control in large socio-religious gatherings and congregations in India. In the light of NDMA's \"Suggestive Framework for Preparation of Crowd Management Plan for Events Venues of Mass Gathering\", suggest measures to prevent stampede incidents. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"'The UN High Seas Treaty is comparable to the 2015 Paris Agreement's importance and significance'. In the context of this, discuss the importance of the UN High Seas Treaty for the conservation of marine biodiversity and fair and equitable resource-sharing. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What are the new cyber threats posed by the illicit use of Generative AI? In the light of recently signed Bletchley Declaration, how can India beef up its cybersecurity structure against threats raised by AI? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"India's border security is under severe pressure due to the rising political crisis in neighbouring countries. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"A person without skill is not an asset but a liability on the nation's growth\". How infusion of relevant skills contribute to the demographic dividend of India? What recent initiatives have been undertaken by the Government to reduce the skill gap among young Indians? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"The Indian aviation sector has immense potential to become the primary mode of transportation in the country. What are the factors propelling growth in India's aviation sector? Highlight the challenges that the sector faces and suggest measures for improvement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Farmer Producers' Organizations (FPOs) are engines of agri-innovation. In this context, discuss the role of FPOs in addressing the issue of fragmentation and lack of modernization in agriculture. Highlight the initiatives the Government took to promote the participation of FPOs in agriculture. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Despite being one of the strongest growth engines of the Indian economy, there are certain upstream and downstream issues ailing the growth of food processing industries in India. Discuss. Suggest measures to strengthen the overall growth of food processing industries in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"How was India benefitted from the contributions of Dr M.S. Swaminathan and Dr C.R. Rao in the fields of agricultural science and statistics respectively? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"How is Artificial Intelligence (AI) challenging the overall intellectual property paradigm? How can AI be balanced with intellectual property to foster innovation and incentivize creations and inventions? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Highlighting the significance of \"Western Ghats\" in preserving and conserving the biodiversity of India, discuss the threats faced by this fragile and ecologically sensitive Region. Elaborate on the measures taken by the Government of India to protect the Western Ghats ecosystem. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Describe the major outcomes of the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the features of the Green Credit Initiative launched by India on the sidelines of COP-28? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"How shell companies has contributed to the menace of money laundering in India? Do you think recent amendments to the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2005 will help address the problem of the transactional nature of clients with such shell companies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Discuss how the crime-insurgency nexus has contributed to the rise in ethnic conflicts and insurgencies in North-East India. What institutional measures can be undertaken to address this challenge? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2345,"topper":"Darshana Singh Baghel","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/149/aim_2024_unchecked_aim25gca1018_aim2516.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"The ethnic and cultural diversity in India has always been bound by the thread of unity. Discuss the major factors that have contributed to the cultural unity of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"The dichotomy in public and private life in Indian society acts as a major barrier to the annihilation of caste. Justify. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In the context of cultural diversity in India, can we consider Southern states as distinct cultural units in comparison to the rest of India? Substantiate your view. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Examine the uniqueness of tribal knowledge systems when compared with mainstream knowledge and cultural systems. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Homogenisation tendencies as a result of globalization have preserved and promoted the local cultures of India. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How has the contemporary women's movement encompassed diverse approaches beyond traditional methods? Also, highlight the unique contribution and challenges of the contemporary women's movement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":17,"question":"There has been a mixed impact of the digital revolution on social institutions like Caste Describe these impacts while giving relevant examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":20,"question":"What are the major socially disadvantaged groups? Enumerate the major constitutional and legal provisions for the social empowerment of these groups in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":23,"question":"How does Indian society maintain continuity in traditional social values? Enumerate the changes taking place in it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Do you think that the forces of modernization that catalyzed the eradication of social evils in Indian society have also threatened our cultural values and ethos? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2346,"topper":"Darshana Singh Baghel","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/781770142252687b4750b386de5a9f2e/7/mts_2025_unchecked_gspm24a12028_flt2511.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"How far do you think the recent proposals to reform India's tax structure will help in improving India's tax buoyancy and base? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"How do the rising trends of economic nationalism and protectionism affect India's global trade competitiveness? What recent measures has India taken to navigate these challenges? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Examine the role of Integrated Farming System (IFM) in improving agricultural productivity and minimizing the environmental impact of agriculture. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"In recent years, Indian agriculture has been witnessing a transformation towards better productivity and improved farmer incomes. What institutional and structural reforms have been undertaken by the Government to make agriculture more rewarding and sustainable? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How do Air Defence systems work? What are the various air-defense systems that India currently possesses? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the potential of RNA editing in treating genetic disorders. What are its advantages over DNA editing? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Urban areas are more vulnerable to disasters due to unplanned growth and infrastructure collapses. Discuss. What strategies do you recommend to enhance urban resilience to such disasters? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Despite its criticality for the success of the Swachha Bharat Mission, solid waste management in India remains at a sub-optimal level. In this context, suggest long-term technological and institutional solutions towards effective solid-waste management. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"Social media has emerged as a new frontier in modern warfare, shaping narratives, influencing perceptions, and impacting national security\". In this context, analyse the role of social media in contemporary conflicts. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The Border Security Force (BSF) has evolved significantly in its jurisdiction as well as its strategic importance in border management and the internal security framework. Explain the role and mandate of BSF. What are the issues BSF faces while operating in the border States? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"India's growth story is marred by persistent challenges of inequality and the middle-income-trap. Discuss. Highlight the approaches India should follow to escape the middle-income trap and ensure inclusive and sustainable economic growth. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"MSMEs are central to the success of the Make in India initiative, yet they face challenges in scaling up and integrating into formal supply chains. Discuss. Suggest structural reforms needed to make MSMEs more resilient and competitive. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"\"The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) aims to achieve 'more crop per drop', yet irrigation efficiency in India remains suboptimal.\" Critically analyse. What reforms are needed to strengthen its implementation? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"The rising import of oilseeds and pulses has made their cultivation unremunerative. In the light of this statement, elucidate the steps needed to promote the production and consumption of oilseeds and pulses in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Explain the scientific principles behind cloud seeding. Highlighting its role in alleviating air pollution and global warming, discuss its potential limitations. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Give an account of the evolution of India's 3-Stage Nuclear Power Programme. What are the advantages and strategic imperatives of realising the thorium-based third stage? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Recent studies indicate that the 2014-2024 decade is the warmest decade and 2024 is the warmest year on record. In the light of rapid global warming, what are the impacts of climate change on biodiversity? Discuss the measures needed to ensure ecological resilience and conservation of species diversity. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Forest fires in India are increasing in frequency and intensity, posing severe ecological and economic challenges. Describe the various causes of forest fires. What measures are followed to prevent and manage forest fires in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"What are organized crimes? Discuss the linkages between organized crime and terrorism. How do such linkages pose internal security challenges to India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"India's north-eastern region is fraught with contentious issues and security challenges. Examine the various security challenges currently prevailing in the region. Discuss the steps to counter these challenges. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2347,"topper":"Darshana Singh Baghel","air":383,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/781770142252687b4750b386de5a9f2e/18/mts_2025_unchecked_gspm24a12028_flt2503.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2348,"topper":"Darshana Singh Baghel","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/cc80e7c81f00eaa4f15f78533b4a4ad5/20/mts_2024_unchecked_gspm24a12028_gsmac2404.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"A. \"It is wrong to assume that ethical decisions are, can or should be purely rational and principled. Human feelings are an inseparable part of our ethical life. In what way do feelings impact our ethical decisions? Illustrate with examples. (150 words, 10 marks) B. What do you understand by ethics management? Can public officials manage ethics in the work place in a manner similar to managing budgets, policies and people? Do you think adopting codes of ethics and conduct is sufficient enough for managing ethics in the workplace or something more is needed? Discuss. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"A. While traditional ethics has focussed on notions of justice, fair allocation and obligations, ethics of care emphasise maintaining connectedness and promoting care. Which of the above two ethical perspectives is more suitable for guiding ethical decision making in the context of public services. Explain your position with suitable examples. (150 words, 10 marks) B. What does the term \"quality\" mean in service delivery. What are the components of service quality and indicate ways and means for ensuring total quality in terms of efficiency, economy and effectiveness? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"A. In the context of public service, what does public service attitude mean? Discuss the attitude biases that affects a public servants on field decision making? Explain how a public servant can overcome such attitude biases? (150 words, 10 marks) B. \"I am a Moslem; I am a Hindu; I am a Christian; I am a Jew.\" Mahatma Gandhi. What did Mahatma Gandhi mean by the above statement? Some philosophers have argued that religion is harmful to the moral life, whereas others have claimed that it is necessary to it. Explain your position on the relationship between religion and morality. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"There is only one responsibility of business, namely to use its resources and engage in activities designed to increase profits. Do you think corporations, by indulging in social responsibilities, are compromising their core resource utilisation and production responsibility by diverting resources into unproductive social endeavours? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Do you think values such as tyaga (renunciation), seva (service), daanam (Charity), damah (self-control) that are espoused in traditional Indian Wisdom have relevance for modern day public servants? Why? Why not? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Explain the difference between conflict among interests and conflict among various sources of authority. Illustrate with relevant examples. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The domain of governance is ridden with uncertainties, ambiguities and paradoxes and this can at times lead to timidity and withdrawal among public administrators. Discuss the relevance of inner courage for overcoming and coping with ambiguities. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Given below are three quotations of philosophers. What do each of the quotations convey to you in the present context?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Case Study 1: You are the Compliance Officer at GreenTech Industries, a company that manufactures eco-friendly products and believes in making positive environmental impacts. Your primary responsibility is to ensure that the company adheres to environmental laws and ethical standards. The Company recently developed a new product that promises significant ecological benefits but involves a manufacturing process that produces hazardous waste. During an internal audit, you discover that the hazardous waste from the new product's manufacturing process is being disposed of in a manner that technically meets legal standards but raises serious ethical concerns. While compliant with current laws, the disposal method poses potential risks to a local community's health and the environment in the long term. Legally, GreenTech Industries is not violating any regulations. The waste disposal method is within the permissible limits set by environmental laws. However, ethically, you are aware that continued use of this method could significantly harm the local community and ecosystem. You were left wondering, on the one hand, the Company was legally correct, but on the other hand, it was hypocritical about its avowed values of positively impacting the environment. As a conscientious professional, you are serious about taking action, but the challenge is its whats and hows. 1. What are the ethical issues and dilemmas that confronts you in the above case? 2. Discuss the available options along with its merits and demerits. 3. What will be your chosen course of action? Why (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"What are the administrative and ethical issues involved in the above situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Discuss the merits and demerits of each option and explain your chosen course of action along with reasons. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"What are the issues involved in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Is it ethically justified to be devoted to duty at the cost of the personal safety of the staff? Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"How will you go about doing your election duties without compromising the safety of your staff? (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Do you think the above case involves a conflict of interest or there are more issues? Explain","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"Keeping the above case in perspective, discuss the relevance of impartiality and non-partisanship as professional value.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss the administrative and ethical issues involved in the above case.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"Do you think it was morally right on your part to write to the minister? Justify","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"How will you respond to the action initiated against you? Discuss the available options and justify your selected course of action. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Case Study 6: You are an IAS officer recently appointed as the Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Rural Development. Your responsibilities include overseeing the implementation of various rural development schemes and ensuring their efficient execution. During an audit of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) funds, you discover substantial irregularities. It appears that a significant portion of the funds allocated for rural employment projects has been siphoned off by senior officials within the ministry through fraudulent invoices and fake beneficiary lists. The funds meant for the rural poor have been diverted to personal accounts. You are faced with an ethical dilemma. Reporting this corruption could lead to severe repercussions for you as the implicated senior officials are politically influential and have strong connections. You have also received subtle threats implying that your career progression could be jeopardized if you proceed with the disclosure. On the other hand, ignoring the corruption would mean perpetuating a cycle of exploitation and depriving the rural poor of their rightful benefits. 1. What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? 2. What are the options available to you? 3. Identify and explain your chosen course of action after evaluating the merits and demerits of each option. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":2349,"topper":"Darshana Singh Baghel","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/121/mts_2024_unchecked_gspm24a12028_anv2404.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Do you think it is ethically justified for political leaders to violate the deepest constraints of morality in order to achieve great goods or avoid disasters for their communities? Justify your position with suitable examples (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"\"There is growing evidence that when it comes to moral judgment, human beings appear to be best characterised not as intuitive Deontologists or Consequentialists but as intuitive virtue theorists.\" Critically analyse the statement. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"While formal codes of conduct can sometimes be a useful guide, developing those traits of character that are particularly suited to the administrator's role is at the core of professional ethics. Identify five ethical attributes suitable for an administrator and explain how they can be developed. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What do you understand by political responsibility, professional responsibility and personal responsibility? In situations of conflict among the three, what responsibility must the public servant prioritise and why? Illustrate with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"In the context of civil service, what do you understand by \"acts of conscience\"? Illustrate with an example. In your opinion, what can be the basis of acts of conscience? Explain (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Critically examine the role of educational institutions in shaping ethical decision-making skills in future civil servants. How effective are current educational paradigms in instilling ethical behaviour among the youth? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Examine the ethical challenges administrators face while employing persuasion and social influence techniques to promote social and health interventions in rural India. Illustrate with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Critically examine the impact of the Right to Information (RTI) on enhancing ethical accountability in public administration. How effective has RTI been in preventing bureaucratic corruption and improving service delivery? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss the ethical implications of maintaining high-quality service delivery in public administration. How does probity in governance influence the efficiency and responsiveness of public services, particularly in addressing the needs of marginalised communities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Critically assess the role of regulatory frameworks in enforcing ethical standards in corporate governance. How can these frameworks be designed to encourage ethical behaviour without stifling innovation? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss what the following quotes mean to you. (a) \"It is not because men's desires are strong that they act ill; it is because their consciences are weak.\" J S Mill (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":31,"question":"Armed with this data, you are compelled to take action. You arrange a meeting with the CMD of the public sector unit (PSU) to discuss the health audit findings and explore solutions. The CMD acknowledges the poor industrial safety record but is quick to point out the financial constraints faced by the unit. The plant's budget is limited, and no funds are allocated for the necessary safety upgrades. However, after much deliberation, both of you agree that the best course of action would be to relocate the plant to a site 30 kilometres away from the current location. This solution would mitigate the health risks for the local population while allowing the plant to continue operations, albeit at a new location. As plans for the relocation begin, the news leaks out, causing immediate unrest among the plant's workers. The workers, many of whom live near the plant, strongly oppose the relocation. They argue that the new site, 30 kilometres away, would disrupt their lives, increase their commuting time, and add to their expenses. The prospect of losing their jobs or facing hardships travelling to the new site sparks a wave of discontent. The workers organised protests and went on strike, halting production. And the discontent spilled onto the streets. Unknowingly, you had stirred a hornet's nest. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you and the CMD? (c) How should you prioritise public health concerns against the potential economic disruptions caused by the relocation of the plant? What ethical principles should guide this decision? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Understanding the gravity of the situation, you decide to take the matter directly to the Director of Purchase. The Director, a professional with years of experience, listens to your concerns but advises you to ignore the information. He argues that the allegation is based on verbal communication and lacks concrete evidence. Additionally, he expresses concern that the information might have been planted by a rival supplier to discredit the bidding process or to sabotage a competitor. Despite your reservations, you follow the Director's instructions and take no further action. The bids are opened as scheduled, and contracts are awarded based on official norms. A week later, a national daily published an investigative report detailing the bid-rigging scandal. The report includes substantial evidence, such as recorded conversations, email exchanges, and internal documents, all indicating that several bidders colluded to manipulate the tender process. The publication of this report triggered widespread public outrage, leading to calls for an investigation into the procurement process and the immediate suspension of the contracts awarded. The department, including the Director of Purchase, comes under intense scrutiny. Questions are raised about the integrity of the procurement process and the failure to prevent bid rigging despite prior knowledge of potential misconduct. Your Director is placed under suspension, and the enquiry begins. You are also under scanner as you were working closely with the Director. Meanwhile, your Director requests that you refrain from informing the enquiry committee of the information you received about bid-rigging. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the case? (b) What are the potential ethical and professional consequences of complying with the Director's request to conceal the information about the bid-rigging? Explain (c) In light of the Director's request to withhold information from the enquiry committee, how should you balance your duty to report unethical practices with your loyalty to your superior? What ethical principles should guide your decision in this situation? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":2350,"topper":"Darshana Singh Baghel","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/781770142252687b4750b386de5a9f2e/12/mts_2025_unchecked_gspm24a12028_flt2512.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"\"Duty forms the cornerstone of administrative ethics, yet without integration of other ethical perspectives, it risks becoming mechanical compliance. Discuss how the interplay of duty, virtue, principle, and consequences can enrich ethical decision-making in public administration. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks\"","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"The strength of a professional public service lies in its ability to remain non-partisan, even in a deeply political environment. Do you agree that partisanship undermines the ethical foundation of public administration? Discuss the risks posed by political bias among civil servants and the safeguards that help uphold neutrality. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks\"","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"In situations of moral ambiguity, where formal rules fall short, emotional intelligence and conscience become crucial tools. Explain how these internal faculties help public servants navigate ethical grey zones. Support with a suitable example. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks\"","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"The heart of the ethical dilemma is not the absence of values but the presence of competing responsibilities.\" Discuss how ethical dilemmas in public administration often emerge from the clash of legitimate obligations rather than moral ambiguity. Illustrate with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"The growing layers of oversight, media scrutiny, and public expectations have made accountability a double-edged sword for public servants. Do you agree that excessive accountability pressure can sometimes hinder ethical judgment and innovation in the bureaucracy? Explain your perspective with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"Family, society, and education do not merely transmit values they shape the ethical foundation of public life.\" Discuss how these institutions influence value formation in public servants. Why is the role of these institutions critical in strengthening ethical governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"Gandhian ethics emphasize purity of means, truth, and moral courage even when outcomes are uncertain.\" Critically evaluate whether such absolutist ethics are compatible with the demands of modern public administration, where administrative realism and pragmatism are often necessary. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"Procurement decisions are a litmus test of public sector probity, where integrity must resist both institutional pressures and private influence.\" Discuss how the principles of transparency, fairness, and accountability can strengthen ethical conduct in public procurement. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"Attitudes, shaped by personal beliefs and values, influence the ethical behaviour of public servants.\" Explain how moral and political attitudes impact administrative neutrality and integrity in public service. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"\"Foreign aid is often framed as generosity, but its ethical legitimacy depends on fairness, accountability, and respect for sovereignty.\" Explain the ethical concerns associated with conditional foreign aid. How can donor countries uphold recipient autonomy while ensuring transparency and developmental impact? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context? (a) \"Good government...depends...(on) the qualities of the human beings composing the society over which the government is exercised.\" J S Mill (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":34,"question":"What are the ethical considerations involved in this budget allocation decision?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"How can administrators ensure equitable development while maintaining working relationships with elected representatives? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"You are posted as the Deputy Director (Training) at a state administrative academy. Among the current batch of officer trainees is a probationer known for initiative and strong opinions on social justice and governance. Over the past few weeks, the probationer has been posting commentary on current affairs on his public social media account. While not abusive or inflammatory, his posts openly criticise: * Certain welfare schemes as \"tokenistic,\" * The inaction of state agencies in recent communal incidents, * And call for \"civil resistance\" to regressive laws. Screenshots of his posts have circulated in the department. Some senior officers consider the posts politically charged and believe they undermine the principle of neutrality and decorum expected of civil servants. Others argue he is still under training and needs mentorship, not discipline. You are informally asked by the Director General to \"speak to him\" and submit a recommendation on whether formal action is warranted. The probationer, when confronted, says: \"I posted as a citizen, not as a government mouthpiece. I'm entitled to express myself. My views don't affect my professional objectivity.\" There's growing debate in the academy: Where does personal liberty and institutional responsibility begin? Is there space for moral conviction in service, or must officers conform fully to institutional restraint even in their private lives?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"What are the key ethical and professional concerns in this situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"How can civil servants balance personal expression with the demands of neutrality and public accountability? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the key ethical issues in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"How can civil servants uphold integrity when informal hierarchies and peer pressure discourage ethical action? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":60,"question":"Several NGOs and urban policy experts point out that the land had remained vacant for decades, with no alternative use pursued or development plan executed until the recent PIL. They also raise concerns that no rehabilitation policy has been activated, despite a clear state commitment under its urban housing scheme. The situation is tense: • A local MLA supports immediate clearance, citing \"respect for the rule of law and infrastructure development.\" • Media and civil society are sharply divided; some demand swift implementation, others condemn the potential humanitarian fallout. • Your team awaits instruction. Some suggest delaying until an in-principle rehabilitation commitment is secured. Others urge immediate compliance to \"avoid contempt.\" You are now faced with a critical choice: obeying the court order as is, or seeking space to align legal compliance with ethical obligations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"What are the core ethical challenges involved in executing the eviction in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"How should a public servant reconcile legal mandates with humanitarian obligations in contexts of informal urban settlements?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2351,"topper":"Darshana Singh Baghel","air":383,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/122/mts_2024_unchecked_gspm24a12028_ee2401.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2352,"topper":"Deeksha Chourasiya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4087f-365537_2488_deeksha_chourasiya_rank_44.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Write two essays, choosing one topic from each of the Sections A and B, in about 1000-1200 words each :\n1. It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.\n2. A mind all logic is like a knife all blade, it makes the hand bleed that uses it.\n3. Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly.\n4. History is a cyclic poem written by time upon the memories of man.\n5. The wise man does at once what the fool does finally.\n6. The world is a tragedy to those who feel, but a comedy to those who think.\n7. Perfect clarity would profit the intellect but damage the will.\n8. Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow.","marks":"125 x 2 = 250","words":"about 1000-1200 words each"},{"page":6,"question":"1. It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.\n2. A mind all logic is like a knife all blade, it makes the hand bleed that uses it.\n3. Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly.\n4. History is a cyclic poem written by time upon the memories of man.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"This essay shall explore the how a knife with a sharp blade of logic can be detrimental? How does it make the world bleed? And lastly how can we build a safe knife with a handle for values?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2353,"topper":"Deeksha Chourasiya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/fb243fd857196ecf8b8ba6ee4f9c28b7/8/mt25ptmr057_pm2505.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Discuss the various factors responsible for the uneven temperature distribution on Earth's surface. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"To what extent does seismic investigation contribute to our understanding of the Earth's interior structure? Analyze its significance in detail. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"To what extent temperature and precipitation are the most important factors that determine soil properties? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The White Revolution was most successful in the Western part of India. Discuss the factors for this regional success of the White Revolution. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the factors for the localisation of agro-based food processing industries of North-West India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The configuration of the ocean floor provides essential information about the geological processes that have shaped the Earth's surface. Discuss the major features of the ocean floor and their significance in the study of oceanography. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":17,"question":"The Indian monsoon is a complex phenomenon influenced by various climatic factors. Critically examine the role of oceanic and atmospheric factors in determining the intensity and distribution of monsoon rainfall in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":20,"question":"Briefly mention the alignment of major mountain ranges of the world and explain their impact on local weather conditions, with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":23,"question":"What are the challenges faced by India in the management of forest resources? Discuss the measures taken by the government to address these challenges. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"With the growing demand for rare earth elements, their distribution has become a critical aspect of the global economy. Discuss the distribution of rare earth elements across the world, their uses, and the environmental impact of their extraction. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2354,"topper":"Deeksha Chourasiya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/fb243fd857196ecf8b8ba6ee4f9c28b7/2/mt25ptmr057_pm2515.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"The ethnic and cultural diversity in India has always been bound by the thread of unity. Discuss the major factors that have contributed to the cultural unity of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"The dichotomy in public and private life in Indian society acts as a major barrier to the annihilation of caste. Justify. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In the context of cultural diversity in India, can we consider Southern states as distinct cultural units in comparison to the rest of India? Substantiate your view. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"How does fostering pluralism within Indian society contribute to the endeavour of nation-building? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the changing nature of problems the working class is facing due to the emerging gig economy. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Why do traditions in our society impede change? To what extent can social legislation be instrumental against old customary practices? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":17,"question":"How has the contemporary women's movement encompassed diverse approaches beyond traditional methods? Also, highlight the unique contribution and challenges of the contemporary women's movement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":20,"question":"How has the pandemic reshaped the landscape of education, and what long-term effects might these changes have on teaching methods and learning outcomes? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":23,"question":"Analyze the factors behind the upsurge of ethnic identity struggle in the context of India, and discuss their implications for the country's social fabric. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"How does patriarchy differently impact the dynamics of the workplace vis a vis the household? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2355,"topper":"Deeksha Chourasiya","air":44,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/DEEKSHA-CHOURASIYAUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-44-Sample-MGP-Copy-1-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) \"Extraordinary powers must be exercised with extraordinary care.\" Discuss in the context of Article 142 of the Indian Constitution.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Why are State Legislative Assemblies involved in the election of the President but excluded from the process of impeachment?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Private Member's Bills (PMBs) seldom become law in India, yet they are an important aspect of parliamentary democracy. Bring out their significance and suggest steps to strengthen the PMB process.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Highlight the key points of convergence and divergence between the judicial systems of India and USA.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) The role of Election Commission of India has evolved beyond conducting elections to becoming a guardian of electoral democracy. Critically evaluate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6 What is the rationale behind the 'three-language formula' in India's education policy? Also highlight the challenges associated with its adoption and implementation across the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7 'Emerging environmental concerns and evolving ecosystem perspectives demand a reimagined approach to rural water governance.' Discuss the key interventions needed to recalibrate rural water policies with special emphasis on the role of communities.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8 Identify and discuss the challenges hindering effective implementation of gender-sensitive policies and schemes in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) Effective transboundary water management can act as a catalyst for regional peace and cooperation. In light of this statement, bring out the opportunities and challenges for India in leveraging 'water diplomacy' in its neighbourhood.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) What are the key areas of reform if the World Trade Organization (WTO) has to remain relevant in the present context of rising protectionism and trade wars?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) The basic structure doctrine acts as a constitutional compass in balancing Parliament's legislative authority and constitutional supremacy. Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) are pivotal to inclusive and efficient urban governance, yet they remain fiscally constrained and institutionally weak. Analyze.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 \"The judiciary has functioned as an institutional corrective, redefining and refining the contours of the Governor's office to prevent its misuse and uphold constitutional principles.\" Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 How is the 'vertical' and 'horizontal' devolution of taxes to the states decided? Highlighting the concerns raised by some states regarding the devolution of taxes, suggest corrective measures.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 What steps are required for the constitutionalization of a Commission? Do you think granting constitutional status to the Central Information Commission (CIC) would strengthen the RTI regime in India? Give reasons.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 Even as India experiences consistent economic growth and has achieved self-sufficiency in food production, hunger and food insecurity remain pressing concerns. Examine the factors responsible for this paradox and suggest steps to improve the situation.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17) The Union Government has recently announced that caste enumeration will be part of the upcoming census. Examine the opportunities and challenges associated with conducting a nationwide 'caste census'. Also, propose a framework for its seamless and effective conduct.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 \"AI integration in governance is no longer a choice but a necessity.\" In light of this statement, discuss how AI can enhance education and healthcare governance.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Providing a brief overview of the aims and objectives of BIMSTEC, explain its significance for India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 India's approach to its relationship with China has evolved into what can be best described as 'competitive coexistence'. Discuss in light of recent developments. What should be the broad contours of India's future China policy?","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2356,"topper":"Deeksha Chourasiya","air":44,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/DEEKSHA-CHOURASIYAUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-44-Sample-MGP-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) Rising influence of money power in Indian elections poses a serious challenge to transparency, fairness, and democratic accountability. How can ethical electoral funding be ensured to maintain the integrity of democracy?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) Explain the key dimensions of ethics that influence human behaviour. How do these dimensions shape ethical decision-making in private life?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) \"Academic freedom is the bedrock of scholarly inquiry and intellectual progress.\" Examine the ethical issues that arise when educational institutions yield to political, social, or economic pressures and compromises academic freedom.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) Fortitude enables a civil servant to make difficult yet morally right decisions. Explain with reference to real-life examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) Given below are the three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context?\na) \"When learning is purposeful, creativity blossoms. When creativity blossoms, thinking emanates. When thinking emanates, knowledge is fully lit. When knowledge is lit, the economy flourishes.\" - Abdul Kalam.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) \"The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the world's problems.\" - Mahatma Gandhi","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"c) \"Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.\" - Dalai Lama","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.4) a) What do you understand by the term 'probity in governance'? Explain how probity acts as the foundation of ethical public administration.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"b) \"Starvation must not be used as a weapon of war.\" Yet, parties involved in conflicts often resort to the blockade of food and medical aid to civilians in conflict zones, deepening the humanitarian crisis. Powerful nations, despite their capacity to intervene, tend to prioritise strategic interests over humanitarian concerns. What ethical considerations should guide powerful nations in preventing such actions and ensuring unimpeded humanitarian access?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.5) a) What teachings of Mahavira are most relevant today and why? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"b) \"In contemporary times, social media platforms have emerged as powerful agents in shaping individual and societal attitudes.\" Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.6) a) What do you understand by the 'voice of conscience'? In what ways can you prepare yourself to listen to the voice of conscience?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"b) Effective utilisation of public funds is not merely an administrative requirement but a moral responsibility of those entrusted with public office. However, instances of funds allocated to government schemes lying idle or being diverted towards extraneous purposes continue to be reported across the country. Examine the reasons for under-utilization and mis-utilization of public funds and their implications.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7 A rail overbridge (ROB) is being planned in the capital city of a central Indian state. The project aims to reduce traffic congestion and ease delays at railway crossings, which affect thousands of daily commuters. It had been a long-standing demand of local residents, and the government approved it to address persistent traffic bottlenecks in the area. The project is to be executed by the State Public Works Department (PWD), with a strict completion deadline of one year i.e. 31st July 2026. The PWD Minister, who is also the local MLA, is scheduled to inaugurate the project in the third week of August 2026. This is planned to take place shortly before the expected announcement of state elections. Ramesh has been selected as the project manager of this prestigious assignment on the basis of his professional competence and experience.\n\nWhile reviewing the approved design plans in preparation for execution, Ramesh identifies a serious flaw. The proposed alignment includes a sharp 90-degree turn, incorporated due to spatial constraints between an electrified railway line on one side and ongoing metro construction on the other. From a technical standpoint, Ramesh believes the design is unsafe. It increases the risk of vehicular accidents, especially for heavy vehicles, and may lead to long-term inconvenience for road users.\n\nRamesh promptly raises the issue with the Chief Engineer. However, the Chief Engineer overrules the concern. He states that the General Arrangement Drawing (GAD) has already been approved by the Bridge Engineering Department, in coordination with Indian Railways. He points out that revisiting the design at this stage shall result in project delays, increased expenditure, and unwanted political attention.\n\nSubsequently, Ramesh comes to know that the contractor awarded the tender to execute the project is a close relative of the PWD Minister. He also receives unofficial communication suggesting that his promotion to Additional Chief Engineer is under active consideration, but could be jeopardised if he creates \"unnecessary hurdles\" in the project's timely completion.\n\nThe incumbent state government is eager to complete the overbridge before the elections and present it as a major developmental achievement. This adds to the pressure on Ramesh to expedite project execution without raising further objections. Nonetheless, he remains convinced that the current design is flawed and could have grave implications for public safety if left unaddressed.\n\nMeanwhile, the bridge design has also attracted widespread public attention after being published in a leading local newspaper. Images of the sharp 90-degree turn went viral on social media, drawing criticism and ridicule. Several engineering experts have publicly flagged the alignment as a potential safety hazard, reinforcing Ramesh's concerns.\na) Under the given conditions, what are the options available to Ramesh as a project manager?\nb) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Ramesh?\nc) What are the professional challenges likely to be faced by Ramesh and his response to overcome such challenges?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"a) दी गई परिस्थितियों में, एक परियोजना प्रबंधक के रूप में रमेश के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?  \nb) रमेश को किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?  \nc) रमेश को किन व्यावसायिक चुनौतियों का सामना करना पड़ सकता है तथा ऐसी चुनौतियों पर नियंत्रण पाने के लिए उसकी क्या प्रतिक्रिया होनी चाहिए?\na) दी गई परिस्थितियों में, एक परियोजना प्रबंधक के रूप में रमेश के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nb) रमेश को किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\nc) रमेश को किन व्यावसायिक चुनौतियों का सामना करना पड़ सकता है तथा ऐसी चुनौतियों पर नियंत्रण पाने के लिए उसकी क्या प्रतिक्रिया होनी चाहिए?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":34,"question":"Q.8) Srushti is a young and dynamic IPS officer, posted as Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in a communally sensitive district. Her husband, Arjun, is an IAS officer and posted as Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in the same district. Both are honest, sincere and deeply committed to their work. They have a daughter who is just four months old, and is looked after by a domestic helper. Srushti resumed duty just two weeks ago after six months of maternity leave.\n\nAt 9 PM on Saturday night, Srushti is in her office reviewing the security arrangements with her team for an upcoming local festival. The situation in the area has been tense throughout the week due to a flare-up between two communities over a petty issue. Around 9:30 PM, she gets a call from the Superintendent of Police. He asks her to prepare a detailed law and order brief for a high-level meeting the next morning.\n\nSrushti reaches home at 10 PM, feeling exhausted. She has not been getting proper sleep during the week due to frequent night patrolling. Arjun also returns around the same time after a long day in the field. Their daughter has been unwell and cried through most of the previous night. Arjun expresses concern about Srushti's heavy workload and the baby's condition. He tells her that she can not keep pushing herself like this and that the child needs more of her attention. Srushti replies that she cannot afford to step back. She adds that people are already judging her and questioning her commitment to work for availing maternity leave. The conversation gradually turns into an argument. Arjun feels Srushti is ignoring her health and family, while Srushti feels judged and unsupported.\n\nLater that night, as Srushti sits at her desk preparing the report, she pauses and reflects on the purpose of her work. She had joined the IPS to serve the people and protect the vulnerable. But now, she wonders if she is being fair to her own child and family. Even as recently as last week, she had to cancel the family dinner as she had to attend an urgent meeting at the SP office. She also feels the weight of expectations. Male officers with children are rarely questioned. But as a new mother, she is constantly under scrutiny. Many in the department believe that women, especially new mothers, are not suitable for field duty.\n\nSrushti starts thinking about her options. She knows that whatever decision she makes will not only impact her own future but also influence the expectations placed on other working mothers in uniform.\na) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\nb) Evaluate the options available to Srushti in the above situation.\nc) What suggestions would you make to help officers like Srushti maintain a healthy work-life balance.","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":35,"question":"a) उपयुक्त मामले में नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\nb) उपरोक्त स्थिति में सृष्टि के लिए उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nc) सृष्टि जैसे अधिकारियों को स्वस्थ कार्य-जीवन संतुलन बनाए रखने में मदद करने के लिए आप क्या सुझाव देंगे?\na) उपयुक्त मामले में नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\nb) उपरोक्त स्थिति में सृष्टि के लिए उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nc) सृष्टि जैसे अधिकारियों को स्वस्थ कार्य-जीवन संतुलन बनाए रखने में मदद करने के लिए आप क्या सुझाव देंगे?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":39,"question":"Q.9 A reputed Indian beauty & personal care company developed a herbal skin cream for the international market, claiming anti-ageing and skin-repair properties based on traditional Ayurvedic formulations. After obtaining the necessary approvals and export certifications, the company began exporting the product. The product received widespread positive feedback for its quality and natural formulation, and soon became a huge hit in international markets. Riding on this success, the company announced that the product would soon be made available to domestic consumers, with almost the same quality and health benefits.\n\nSubsequently, it secured approval from the domestic regulatory authority and launched the product in the Indian market. Over time, the brand gained a significant share of the domestic market and earned substantial revenues both nationally and internationally.\n\nHowever, during a random sample check, officials discovered that the cream sold in India differed from the version approved by the competent authority. The product failed to meet the claimed herbal composition and purity standards. Further investigation revealed that the company had often been distributing batches that had failed export quality checks.\n\nThe incident triggered widespread public criticism and regulatory scrutiny, leading to a sharp decline in the company’s reputation and financial performance.\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\nb) What actions should the competent regulatory authority take against the personal care company for violating domestic quality standards and distributing rejected export batches in the Indian market?\nc) What course of action is available to the company to manage the crisis and restore public trust and brand credibility?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Q.10 A forest fire has broken out in a hilly district and is rapidly spreading toward an eco-sensitive area that includes four villages (ESA villages). These villages lie along the forest fringe and are surrounded by difficult terrain. The region is known for its biodiversity and traditional forest-based livelihoods. The inhabitants of these villages are mostly poor tribal communities, dependent on forest resources for their sustenance.\nYou, as the District Magistrate of the area, have rushed to the spot with a medical team, police personnel, NGOs, media, and support staff to oversee the rescue and containment operations. Your disaster response team on the ground is small and poorly equipped. Reinforcements from the district headquarter have been requested, but they may take several hours to arrive due to the remoteness and challenging terrain.\nIn the meantime, a group of trained ex-forest guards and local youth from the villages offer to help. They are experienced and familiar with the area. However, existing government rules do not permit the engagement of unofficial personnel in fire control operations without formal clearance and insurance coverage.\nYour team members are divided on this issue. Some members argue that volunteers should be engaged immediately to prevent the fire from spreading. Others caution that involving them without proper approval and safety cover could be risky and against protocol.\nAs the District Magistrate, you are also the Chairperson of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA). The fire is spreading at a very rapid rate, and immediate action is required to protect lives, property, and the environment. You are now in a dilemma.\na) What are the options available to you?\nb) Critically evaluate each of the options identified by you.\nc) What option would you adopt and why?\nd) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by you?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.11) In one of the government primary schools located in a rural block of a district, the newly appointed headmistress observed an unusual practice. The school had been preparing and serving mid-day meals separately to students belonging to different communities. Although the meals were cooked using a common gas connection, separate utensils, cooking areas, and serving arrangements had been in place for more than two decades. Students from the two communities had their food cooked and served by different cooks and ate in separate classrooms, despite attending classes together.\nAfter taking charge, the headmistress decided to discontinue this practice. She directed that food be prepared and served together for all students, using a common kitchen and utensils. However, the decision triggered backlash. A considerable number of parents across communities vehemently opposed the move and stopped sending their children to school. Consequently, attendance fell by almost 60 percent. This also raised concerns regarding the possible discontinuation of the mid-day meal scheme, withdrawal of teaching staff, and even closure of the school due to falling enrolment. The issue has attracted attention from various political and social groups attempting to further polarise the situation and serve their vested interests.\nMarpi Apang, the District Education Officer (DEO), has been tasked by the Deputy Commissioner's office to amicably resolve the matter at the earliest. She has also been directed to submit a detailed report along with the Action Taken Report within a fortnight.\na) Identify the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb) What course of action should Marpi adopt and why?\nc) What should be the responsibilities of different social segments and agencies to create positive social ambiance for accepting such changes?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Q.12 You are a Municipal Commissioner of a tier-2 city experiencing rapid urban expansion. Several high-rise residential and commercial buildings are under construction in the city to meet the growing demand for housing. One such luxury residential complex is being built, employing hundreds of daily-wage labourers, many of whom live in temporary settlements at the construction site. Late one night during the monsoon season, a large section of scaffolding and concrete slabs collapses from the upper floors of one of the under-construction buildings. Seven labourers, including two minors, die on the spot. Several others are critically injured and rushed to the hospital. The tragic incident results in public outrage, intense media scrutiny, and protests by a local NGO. The state government orders a formal inquiry and directs you to submit a report within a week. Your preliminary investigation reveals a series of irregularities. The construction material used is substandard and not in accordance with the National Building Code. Although the approved plan permits construction of fifteen floors, the builder has illegally added two extra floors. Moreover, the structure has encroached on land demarcated for a community park and a fire service lane under the city's Zonal Development Plan. These violations are not reported during site inspections conducted by the building inspector of the municipal corporation. The building clearance was granted during the tenure of your predecessor, who is not only your batchmate but also a close friend. Both of you were roommates during your training at LBSNAA. Prima facie, the case appears to involve a widespread nexus between officials of the Municipal Corporation and the builder. Your colleagues are putting pressure on you to go slow in the inquiry. Some of them suggest that holding the builder accountable could damage the city's image among investors and slow down urban development. Meanwhile, you come to know that the builder is the younger brother of a powerful minister in the state cabinet. One evening, his personal aide visits you privately. He suggests that the matter could be \"mutually settled\" and offers you a premium apartment worth ₹2 crore in the same residential complex. In the same breath, he hints that if the matter is not resolved swiftly in the builder's favour, someone in his office is prepared to file a complaint against you under the SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\nb) What are the options available to you in this situation?\nc) Explain your selected course of action.","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":53,"question":"a) मामले में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा करें।\nb) इस स्थिति में आपके पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nc) अपनी चुनी हुई कार्यवाही का विवरण दीजिए।","marks":"20 अंक, 250 शब्द","words":"20 अंक"}]},{"id":2357,"topper":"Deeksha Chourasiya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/41c5f-365537_4511_deeksha_chourasiya_rank_44.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. How does the Supreme Court’s recent decision on Aligarh Muslim University’s minority status affect the interpretation of Article 30 of the Indian Constitution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. The Supreme Court, in a recent verdict, prescribed a time period for the Governor's assent to state legislative bills. What are the implications of this judgment for cooperative federalism and legislative accountability in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. Discuss the recent changes and initiatives related to cooperatives that aim to smoothen the tussle between the Centre and States in the cooperative sector.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. In recent years, use of social media and digital mobilisation by civil society has emerged as a powerful form of pressure politics. Examine its impact on policymaking and democratic accountability.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. How is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) emerging as a business-led solution for addressing development challenges in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. Discuss how mechanisms like public consultations and Jan Sunwais in India impact governance outcomes.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. How effective have the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) and Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan been in addressing substance abuse in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. Rote learning and neglect of creativity in foundational education setup in India make it less ready for marketplaces that are now driven by Artificial Intelligence. Do you agree with this view? Substantiate your argument.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Analyze the transformation of the G7 from a symbol of Western strategic unity to a forum marked by internal contradictions. How should India navigate this changing dynamic to advance its strategic interests? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. Discuss the role of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in the development of developing countries. What are the key criticisms associated with its approach? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. The 103rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019 has introduced a new dimension to the principle of affirmative action in India. Critically examine its implications for the broader goal of social justice.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. The District Planning Committee (DPC) was envisioned as a key instrument to strengthen grassroots-level planning. How far has it succeeded in achieving this goal? Discuss the challenges faced by DPCs and suggest measures to make them more effective.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. The restrictions imposed under Article 293 of the Constitution on State borrowing powers, though constitutionally valid, may hinder fiscal autonomy of States and disrupt cooperative federalism. Discuss in the light of recent developments.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. Examine the tension between the right to contest elections and the need to uphold electoral ethics under the Representation of the People Act. Should there be a lifetime ban on convicted criminals? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. To what extent has the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme, launched in 2015, succeeded in addressing the declining child sex ratio and empowering the girl child? Suggest measures to enhance its impact at the grassroots level.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are emerging as vehicles of socio-economic transformation in rural India. Examine the role of government in scaling their reach and effectiveness. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. Despite economic growth, multidimensional poverty continues to persist in India. Analyse the underlying causes and discuss the measures taken by the government to address them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. India faces a paradox of food surplus and nutritional deficit. Analyse the structural reasons behind this paradox and suggest reform strategies. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. India's timely response during the economic crises in Sri Lanka and the Maldives reflects its \"Neighbourhood First\" policy in action. Examine how Indian aid has impacted bilateral ties with these nations. What steps can further be taken to promote sustainable economic cooperation in the Indian Ocean region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. Discuss the geostrategic significance of Afghanistan for India in the context of continental connectivity and access to Central Asia. How has the altered political landscape post-2021 affected India's connectivity and energy corridor ambitions? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2358,"topper":"Deeksha Chourasiya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/fb243fd857196ecf8b8ba6ee4f9c28b7/5/mt25ptmr057_pm2517.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Civil society organizations play a pivotal role in fostering \"collective private action for the public good\". What challenges do they face in local resource mobilization (LRM) and corporate funding through corporate social responsibility (CSR)? Also, suggest measures. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"There is a need for convergence of 'nutrition-specific' and 'nutrition-sensitive' interventions to effectively tackle child undernutrition in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The first step to eradicating poverty is reliable poverty assessment for program design, implementation, and monitoring. In this context, discuss the methodology and significance of NITI Aayog's National Multidimensional Poverty Index. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"In the context of India, despite the presence of constitutional provisions, legal precedents, and international commitments that establish a robust foundation for a right to health, why has there been a lack of explicit legal recognition of this right? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the importance of cultivating a culture of life-long learning among Indian civil servants. How has Mission Karmyogi contributed to this objective? Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Multi-stakeholder partnerships are the key to leveraging collective expertise and networks. How can effective partnership and localized implementation efforts be fostered to accelerate the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":17,"question":"'Neo-liberal reforms and globalization have deeply transformed the institutions of the welfare state and set the ground for a new type of civil services.' In this context examine the challenges faced in service delivery and suggest adequate reforms. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":20,"question":"Satisfactory and timely redressal of grievances is the cornerstone of 'minimum government, maximum governance.' In this context discuss the challenges associated with current grievance redress mechanisms and suggest measures to strengthen the process. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":23,"question":"How has the implementation of the POSH Act resulted in limited success in raising awareness about sexual harassment, and what factors have hindered its effective outreach to women employed in the unorganized sector? Propose strategies to bridge this gap and ensure comprehensive protection for women in the unorganized sector against workplace harassment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Analyze the potential challenges and benefits involved in leveraging SHGs as platforms for skill development, entrepreneurship, and income generation among marginalized communities to effectively counter poverty. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2359,"topper":"Deeksha Chourasiya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/fb243fd857196ecf8b8ba6ee4f9c28b7/4/mt25ptmr057_pm2516.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Homogenisation tendencies as a result of globalization have preserved and promoted the local cultures of India. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Examine the uniqueness of tribal knowledge systems when compared with mainstream knowledge and cultural systems. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"How has the globalization-driven influx of international media content and technology influenced cultural norms and values? How is it impacting the younger generation's outlook on traditional Indian values? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What are the major socially disadvantaged groups? Enumerate the major constitutional and legal provisions for the social empowerment of these groups in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Who are PVTGs? What are the issues related to PVTGs? In light of the recently launched PM PVTG mission, elaborate on the steps taken by the government for their inclusive development. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Slums are not 'problems' that have to be 'solved' - but are indeed a result of lopsided and vested urban policies covering infrastructure provision and socio-economic issues. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":17,"question":"Communalism gains strength from economic deprivation, and thrives in environments of social exclusion, creating fertile ground for discontent and division. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you think that the forces of modernization that catalyzed the eradication of social evils in Indian society have also threatened our cultural values and ethos? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":23,"question":"In the context of states in India evaluate the relationship between regional disparity and sentiments of regionalism. Is regionalism antagonistic to the idea of nationalism? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Discuss the impact of the post-liberal economy on ethnic identity and communalism. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2360,"topper":"Deeksha Chourasiya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1da64-365537_4512_deeksha_chourasiya_rank_44.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. Analyse the factors that have contributed to India's inclusive economic growth in the past decade.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. The Reserve Bank of India’s surplus transfers offer the government much-needed fiscal space, yet they are not without challenges. Critically examine the implications of the RBI's surplus transfers to the government.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. To what extent was the first National Monetization Pipeline (NMP) able to meet its objectives? What are the objectives of the new Asset Monetization Plan 2025-30 as announced in the recent 2025 Budget? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. Examine the major challenges hindering the Indian textile industry from achieving its full potential in the global value chain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. Why has India become increasingly import-dependent for edible oils despite being a major agricultural economy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. Air accidents are low-frequency but high-impact events. Examine the disaster management protocols in place for aviation-related emergencies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. Chemical pollution poses a grave threat to human health and the environment in India. Discuss the key sources contributing to pervasive chemical contamination and evaluate the effectiveness of existing environmental laws in curbing this problem.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. Missile defence systems are becoming critical for national security in the face of evolving regional threats and advanced weapon technologies. Explain the working principle of missile defence systems. Critically assess India's progress in developing indigenous missile defence capabilities. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Despite multiple resolutions and initiatives undertaken by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), its efforts to counter terrorism have achieved limited success. Discuss the reasons for this limited effectiveness. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. India practices a ‘multi-alignment’ approach in its cyber diplomacy. How does this posture strengthen India’s internal security while maintaining strategic autonomy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. While examining the shortcomings of the land reforms in the past, elaborate what land reforms 2.0 should look like. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. As NITI Aayog completes 10 years of its establishment, critically examine its role in the planning and development paradigm of governance in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. What are the primary causes of limited formal credit penetration among the rural and unbanked populations in India? Comment on the effectiveness of Small Finance Banks in addressing this gap and advancing inclusive financial growth.","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. To what extent has the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for the food processing industry facilitated value addition, employment generation, and global competitiveness in India's food processing industry? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. Waste circularity is emerging as a sustainable solution to India's mounting solid waste crisis. Discuss the key principles of waste circularity and the government's initiative in this regard. How effective have these measures been in fostering a circular economy? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"16 Discuss the importance of integrating traditional ecological knowledge of India's tribal communities with modern disaster management frameworks. Mention two examples where indigenous practices have contributed to disaster resilience.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. CRISPR technology has rapidly advanced in recent years, with new tools and clinical breakthroughs. Highlight the recent developments in CRISPR-based gene editing technology applications. Discuss the opportunities and ethical challenges these advancements present for healthcare and society.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. A credible semiconductor ecosystem is pivotal for India's economic security as much as for national security. Analyse the strategic objectives, incentives, and institutional architecture of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM). Identify the major risks that could derail its timelines.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. Intricate inter-play of diverse factors has been the force multipliers for extremism in the North East. Discuss. Suggest a multilayered strategy to tackle the menace of extremism in this region.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. Despite recent steps towards inducting women into combat roles, their participation remains low. Examine the key challenges impeding the greater inclusion of women in the Indian armed forces. Also, suggest suitable measures to enhance their participation.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"}]},{"id":2361,"topper":"Deeksha Chourasiya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/fb243fd857196ecf8b8ba6ee4f9c28b7/11/mt25ptmr057_pm2525.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"What do you understand by Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)? Discuss its applications and how it can revolutionize the energy program of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Discuss in brief developments and challenges in the Gaganyaan mission of ISRO. What are the possible benefits of the mission for the society? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In line with the country's efforts to explore the depths of the ocean and harness the resources it holds, the Indian government has proposed a deep-sea exploration mission Samudrayaan. How can this mission contribute to the advancement of ocean science and technology in the country? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What is 3-D printing? Analyze the potential of 3-D printing in revolutionizing the manufacturing sector in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Introduce the concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI). How does AI help clinical diagnosis? Do you perceive any threat to the privacy of the individual in the use of AI in healthcare? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a rapidly escalating crisis that poses a grave threat to public health worldwide. What are the major contributing factors to the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance, and what steps can be taken to address this global health threat? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":17,"question":"What do you understand by Disruptive innovations? What are some examples of disruptive innovation in recent times, and how have they changed the way industries operate? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":20,"question":"Nuclear fusion has been hailed as the energy source of the future, with the potential to provide clean, safe, and virtually limitless energy. Discuss the scientific principles behind nuclear fusion and the challenges and opportunities in harnessing this technology for practical applications. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":23,"question":"What have been the difficulties in the administration of IPRs in India? Suggest measures to improve the administration of IPRs in order to encourage an innovation-led economy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The adoption of electric vehicles is rapidly growing worldwide. How do electric vehicles contribute to reducing carbon emissions and what are the key benefits they offer compared to traditional combustion engine vehicles? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2362,"topper":"Deeksha Chourasiya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/fb243fd857196ecf8b8ba6ee4f9c28b7/10/mt25ptmr057_pm2526.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Define the concept of the carrying capacity of an ecosystem as relevant to an environment. Explain how understanding this concept is vital while planning for the sustainable development of a region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Critically evaluate the role of ocean thermal energy in improving the overall energy security in India. Why has India failed to capture the potential of ocean thermal energy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"What are the challenges that rising plastic waste poses to the terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems? Suggest measures to effectively combat the rising menace of plastic pollution globally. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Invasive alien species are a threat to the ecological sustainability of native species which adversely impacts the biodiversity in India. In this regard, critically evaluate the recent amendments in the Wildlife Protection Act to regulate invasive alien species in India. Provide other measures that can be undertaken to contain the spread of invasive alien species. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The menace of air pollution remains one of the major environmental concerns of North India. What factors can be responsible for the degrading air quality in North India? Suggest some measures to efficiently tackle this problem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The recently concluded water bodies census has brought the issue of depleting water bodies in India to the fore. In this context, elaborate on the ecological and environmental challenges faced by natural and artificial water bodies in India. Also, suggest measures to prevent depletion of the water bodies and improve the status of water bodies in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":17,"question":"MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes) Initiative was recently launched in the Union Budget 2023-24 in order to ensure sustainable growth of the mangroves in India. Elaborate on the features of the MISHTI programme while highlighting the importance and threats to mangroves in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss global warming and mention its effects on the global climate. Explain the control measures to bring down the level of greenhouse gases that cause global warming, in the light of the Kyoto Protocol, 1997. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":23,"question":"Clean energy is the order of the day.' Describe briefly India's changing policy towards climate change in various international fora in the context of geopolitics. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Geoengineering proposes practical solutions to the problem of climate change. What is geoengineering and how can it help in fixing the issues of climate change? Substantiate with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2363,"topper":"Deeksha Chourasiya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/fb243fd857196ecf8b8ba6ee4f9c28b7/9/mt25ptmr057_pm2520.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"\"The recent radical trends in Punjab show that the Khalistan issue is still simmering.\" Discuss the statement with respect to recent developments and suggest measures to handle it. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"The anonymity and ease of drone operation contribute to the challenges of India's border security. Elaborate and give suggestions to tackle the drone problem in border areas. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"\"The resource curse of Eastern and Central India has been a crucial driver of LWE\". Elaborate and suggest measures for sustainable and inclusive development of the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"In light of the declining trend of violence in the North East and J&K region do you think that AFSPA has lived its utility? Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the types of organised crimes. Describe the linkages between terrorists and organised crime that exist at the national and transnational levels. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The recent rise in ransomware attacks targeting critical infrastructure and major corporations has highlighted the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity measures and policies. Discussing the key factors contributing to this trend, analyze the impact of these attacks on various sectors. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":17,"question":"In the context of border security, how can cooperation and coordination between different security agencies be improved to ensure effective and efficient management of coastal and terrestrial borders? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2364,"topper":"Deeksha Chourasiya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8e72b-365537_2421_deeksha_chourasiya_rank_44.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) Societies across the world are witnessing a gradual moral decline in values and it is time that educators stepped in and made efforts to rekindle the desire of human beings to develop personal, social, and professional moral values. Do you agree that in the wake of changing social landscape in the country, value education is as important as technical education for the youth to become not only skilled but also morally strong professionals? Explain.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. Guru Nanak Dev ji believed that despite religion, caste, and gender, everyone should seek well for others and only then one can have that goodness back in return. Discuss the important teachings of Guru Nanak Dev ji relevant to the youth of today.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) The ‘work from home’ culture that gained wide acceptance with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to many ethical concerns for private organizations with moonlighting being one of the most prominent ones. Do you think that it is ethical for an employee to practice moonlighting? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"2. While there are multiple institutions to ensure fairness in international relations, states often put aside moral values and the directions of these institutions for their own interests. Discuss with illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"3. What does each of the following quotations mean to you?\n(a) \"It takes something more than intelligence to act intelligently.\" - Fyodor Dostoyevsky (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) \"A popular government, without popular information, or the means of acquiring it, is but a prologue to a farce or a tragedy; or perhaps both.\" – James Madison","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"3. (c) \"Character may almost be called the most effective means of persuasion.\" – Aristotle (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"4. (a) While impartiality has been identified as one of the key ethical values for public service, it should not be seen as precluding compassion in public services. Explain with suitable illustrations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"4. (b) The power, which administrators wield, can bring the nation great dividends if rightly used, but can bring harm and disrepute if abused. Explain with suitable illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"5. (a) What do you understand by the term 'social accountability' and what is its significance? Discuss the critical factors responsible for the success of any social accountability initiative.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"5. (b) Too much dependence on data driven technologies can result in data colonisation and digital dictatorship. Discuss the various issues that may arise in this context and suggest remedial measures.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"6. (a) Prejudice and discrimination when left unaddressed have the potential to turn conflicts into violence. Discuss with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"6. (b) Though the ‘Me Too Movement’ helped in creating some murmur with respect to sexual harassment of women at workplace, it has failed to create a lasting positive impact on the work culture in India. Do you agree? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"7 You have been working in a well-known business consultancy company for nearly 15 years and have been promoted to a senior executive level. You have a junior colleague, named Meera, whom you have been mentoring from time to time. The time and effort she has invested in the company along with your guidance has led her to rapidly grow professionally in the organisation. The work environment has also been conducive for her growth. Meanwhile, Meera's mother has been ill and requiring medical attention for the past few years. Her medical bills have been increasing rapidly over time.\n\nRecently, Meera encountered an uncomfortable experience of sexual advances at the hands of your immediate boss, which she reported to Human Resources Department (HRD) of the company instantly. The concerned boss has been instrumental in the success of the company and is also well-connected within the company and beyond. He has indirectly offered a large amount for the settlement of this issue to Meera. If Meera accepts his offer, she will have to sign a non-disclosure agreement that restricts her from re-opening the issue or even discussing\n(a) इस मामले में शामिल मुख्य हितधारकों की पहचान कीजिए।\n(b) उपयुक्त मामले में सत्यनिष्ठा और नैतिकता से संबंधित मुद्दों पर प्रकाश डालिए।\n(c) मीरा के पास कौन-से अन्य विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं? उसे किस विकल्प का चयन करना चाहिए और क्यों?","marks":null,"words":"around 250"},{"page":30,"question":"In the given circumstances, address the following:\n(a) Identify the main stakeholders involved in this case.\n(b) Highlight the issues related to integrity and ethics in the case above.\n(c) What are the various options available to Meera? Which option should she choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"8 You have recently joined as a Regional Sales Manager of a pharmaceutical company and have been given a sales target for the year, which is unusually high as per your assessment. On surveying the market, however, you have observed that the competitors are achieving such targets. On a deeper analysis, you come across unethical practices of giving gifts, payments and hospitality benefits to doctors by their medical representatives. This is prohibited by the Uniform Code of Pharmaceuticals Marketing Practices. You contacted the National Sales Manager in this regard but he hinted at achieving the released targets at whatever cost. You directed the Area Sales Managers to meet their respective targets while not engaging in the practice of unethical incentives to the doctors. They have communicated their concerns regarding their inability to meet the targets without provision of these perks and benefits.\n(a) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by you in this context?\n(b) Discuss the merits and demerits of the options available to you? Which of these will you choose and why?\n(c) What are the ethical alternatives available to the pharmaceutical sector to market their products? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"9 In this context, answer the following questions.\n(a) What are the ethical issues associated with the excessive use of social media by civil servants?\n(b) How can social media be effectively utilized by public officials? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"10 You are a young IAS officer and have recently joined as a Sub-Divisional Magistrate in a district, which has been declared 'open defecation free'. However, you get information that some villages in your sub-division are still continuing the practice of open defecation out of habit despite availability of toilets. Your colleagues in the district administration confirm that the information is true. You call the village headmen of these villages and tell them to persuade their respective villagers to stop open defecation. But, they express their unwillingness and inability to fully stop this practice, as in some cases they themselves consider it healthy to defecate in the open. You discuss this matter with the District Magistrate who forbids you from taking any official action, as this may cause the 'open defecation free' status given to the district to be withdrawn.\n\nAs a young and dynamic officer, answer the following:\n(a) Why do people continue to practice open defecation even when they have access to toilets?\n(b) What are the options available to you as the Sub-Divisional Magistrate in this case? Highlight the merits and demerits of each option.\n(c) What will be your course of action? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"11 You are the District Magistrate of a district, which is the hub of coaching centres for engineering as well as medical entrance exams. Recently, around 5 students have committed suicide owing to academic and social pressure. Students in the age group 15-18 years from across the country come to the district with the dream of getting admission into prestigious institutions like the IITs and AIIMS. However, the coaching institutes are business-minded and want to have toppers from their institute so that they can attract more students. They create a lot of pressure on students to perform, with differential treatment like forming different category of batches depending on students' performance. These students live as Paying Guests and in hostels away from their families and many cannot tackle the huge burden of competition and the associated mental stress.\n\nThe recent spate of suicide by 5 students has been highlighted by the national media and you have been asked by the Chief Minister to present a report of the situation and take steps on the matter. The Chief Minister has also asked you to keep the matter away from limelight so that the coaching centres continue with their business and generate revenue for themselves as well as the state. Upon\n(a) इसमें शामिल हितधारकों का उल्लेख कीजिए और दिए गए प्रकरण से जुड़े नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\n(b) दी गई स्थिति में, आप क्या कार्रवाई करेंगे?\n(c) छात्रों के बीच आत्महत्या के मामलों में वृद्धि के विभिन्न कारणों पर चर्चा करते हुए, इस मुद्दे के दीर्घकालिक समाधान के लिए उपाय सुझाइए।","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"Given the situation:\n(a) Highlight the stakeholders involved and discuss the associated ethical issues in the given case.\n(b) Given the situation, what will be your course of action?\n(c) Discussing the various reasons for increased cases of suicides among students, suggest measures to address the issue in the long-run. (Answer in 250 words)20","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"12. You have recently joined as the Chief Executive Officer of the Water Supply and Sewerage Board in a metropolitan city of India. Recently, there was an incident where two poor people died while undertaking hazardous cleaning of sewers in a posh neighbourhood, housing top corporate honchos of the city. The preliminary report found that a few residents in the said neighbourhood employed private workers to clean the sewers without the knowledge of the local city administration. A complaint for causing death by negligence has been registered against the concerned residents as well as the private contractor through whom these poor people were employed to carry out the task. The complaint has come as a shock to the residents of the neighbourhood, most of whom never had a brush with the law before. During the investigation, the residents of the neighbourhood complained that the local administration has not been cleaning sewers for a long time, forcing them to hire private workers. You also come to know that there has been a confusion over the maintenance works in the city administration, with no resolution till date. The city administration, as a whole, has also been facing a shortage of funds to build\n(a) संबंधित मुद्दों के साथ प्रकरण में शामिल हितधारकों की पहचान कीजिए।\n(b) दिए गए प्रकरण में आपके समक्ष उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन कीजिए। आप इनमें से कौन-सा विकल्प चुनेंगे और क्यों?\n(c) भविष्य में ऐसी घटनाओं को रोकने के लिए आप कौन-से दीर्घकालीन उपाय करेंगे?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":55,"question":"In light of the above situation, answer the following questions:\n(a) Identify the stakeholders involved in the case along with the associated issues.\n(b) Evaluate the options that are available to you in the given case. Which of these options will you choose and why?\n(c) What will be the long-term measures you will take to prevent such an incident from occurring in the future? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":2365,"topper":"Deeksha Chourasiya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ca565-365537_2425_deeksha_chourasiya_rank_44.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. (a) For effective corporate governance to take place in the coming years, why is it important to integrate the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics with the multi-stakeholder approach? What benefits can be accrued by such integration? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"1. (b) In acts of corruption, the focus is often only on the demand side of the equation, on public officials who abuse their office for private gain. Frequently, the supply side is given less attention. Those who pay bribes are sometimes depicted as innocent parties and victims of extortionary practices of wily public servants. Do you agree that 'collusive corruption', in which there is a willing bribe-giver, is a formidable challenge for institutions fighting corruption? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"2. (a) The Citizens' Charters initiative was a response to the quest for solving the problems, which a citizen encountered, day in and day out, while dealing with the organisations providing public services. But the introduction and implementation of Citizens' Charters in the government of India has been difficult due to the old bureaucratic set up and the rigid attitudes of the work force. Discuss the major obstacles that have been encountered in implementing the Citizens' Charter initiative.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"2. (b) Quality of public service delivery is a major determinant of the quality of life of vulnerable sections in a highly unequal society divided along the lines of class, caste, religion, etc. In this background, do you think that public service delivery is efficient and sufficient enough to improve the lives of vulnerable groups in India? Critically examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"3 (a) What do each of the following quotations mean to you?\n \"The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own.\" - Lao Tzu (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"3. (b) \"If ethics are poor at the top, that behavior is copied down through the organization.\" - Robert Noyce (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"3. (c) \"The end of law is not to abolish or restrain, but to preserve and enlarge freedom.\" - John Locke (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"4. (a) Wealthy CEOs and founders of successful businesses around the world are increasingly pledging to give away their wealth in philanthropy. Do you think that such a move is sufficient enough to bring about a positive change in the society? Critically examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"4. (b) As organizations across the globe begin their artificial intelligence (AI) transformation, the leap into the AI era is expected to be more challenging than any technology that businesses have grappled with yet. In this background, discuss the concerns around fairness, transparency, and job security that may arise.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"5. (a) The emphasis of Swami Dayanand Saraswati on education, social equality, and ethical values continues to influence the socio-cultural discourse in contemporary India. Discuss with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"5. (b) Write short notes on the following in 30 words each :\n(i) Dedication to public service\n(ii) Non-partisanship in civil service\n(iii) Objectivity in decision-making","marks":"2 x 5 = 10","words":"30 words each"},{"page":28,"question":"6. (a) Emotional intelligence may not be singularly associated with emotions or intelligence. It can also include a broad range of personality characteristics that might predict success in professional and everyday life. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"6. (b) Traditional forms of state-led accountability, also characterised as vertical and horizontal channels of accountability, are increasingly found to be inadequate, and a myriad of multi-stakeholder and bottom-up citizen directed approaches have come to the fore, to supplement or supplant them. Discuss with illustrations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"7 In the context of this case, answer the following:\n(a) What are the issues involved in this case?\n(b) What measures can be taken to reduce the negative impacts of such technologies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"With reference to this case study, answer the following:\n(a) What are the issues involved in this case?\n(b) What measures can be taken to minimize the negative implications of adopting such technologies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"8. दी गई स्थिति में:\n(a) रीना को किन दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\n(b) उसके पास क्या विकल्प हैं? प्रत्येक के गुण और दोष बताइए।\n(c) उसके द्वारा अपनाई जाने वाली कार्रवाई को मूल्यांकित कीजिए, साथ ही उसका औचित्य सिद्ध कीजिए। (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"In the given situation:\n(a) What dilemmas does Rina face?\n(b) What options does she have? Provide the merits and demerits of each.\n(c) Highlight the course of action she should adopt, along with justification for the same. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"9 As the Nodal Education Officer of the district, address the following questions:\n(a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\n(b) How will you resolve the issues in the given case?\n(c) What long-term strategy needs to be adopted to deal with the menace of cheating in various examinations? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"10. उपयुक्त जानकारी के संदर्भ में, निम्नलिखित पर ध्यान दीजिए:\n(a) प्रस्तुत प्रकरण में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दे कौन-से हैं?\n(b) महासागरों की संधारणीयता पर प्रतिकूल प्रभाव डाले बिना किसी राष्ट्र के आर्थिक विकास के दृष्टिकोण को कैसे प्राप्त किया जा सकता है? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":48,"question":"In the context of the above-stated information, address the following:\n(a) What are the ethical issues in the given case study?\n(b) How can the vision of economic development of a nation be achieved without adversely affecting the sustainability of oceans? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"11 (a) आप एक जिला मजिस्ट्रेट हैं और यह क्षेत्र आपके क्षेत्राधिकार में आता है। दोनों पक्षों के लोग अपनी शिकायतें लेकर आपके पास आए हैं। आप दोनों दृष्टिकोणों में सामंजस्य स्थापित करने के लिए क्या करेंगे?\n(b) कारवाई के निम्नलिखित संभावित तरीकों के गुण और दोषों का उल्लेख कीजिए:\n(1) क्षेत्र के निवासियों के विरोध को नजरअंदाज करना और धार्मिक पूजा स्थल को मौजूद नियमों के अनुसार बनाने की अनुमति दे देना।\n(2) नए पूजा स्थल पर भरोसा करने वाले हजारों उपासकों को निराश करते हुए, निवासियों से सहमत होकर निर्माण पर रोक लगा देना।\n(3) एक समझौते के रूप में, आपके द्वारा पूजा स्थल पर भवन निर्माण संबंधी अतिरिक्त नियमों को लागू किया जाना या डिजाइन में संशोधन पर बल दिया जाना। (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":53,"question":"(a) You are a District Magistrate and the area lies in your jurisdiction. People from both sides have approached you with their grievances. What would you do to reconcile the two points of view?\n(b) Mention the merits and demerits of the following potential courses of action:\n(1) Ignore the opposition from the residents of the area and allow the place of religious worship to be built in accordance with the existing regulations.\n(2) Prohibit the construction, agreeing with the residents while causing distress among the thousands of worshippers counting on the new place of worship.\n(3) As a compromise, you place additional building regulations on the worship place or insist on modifications to the design. (Answer in 250 words)\na) You are a District Magistrate and the area lies in your jurisdiction. People from both sides have approached you with their grievances. What would you do to reconcile the two points of view?\nb) Mention the merits and demerits of the following potential courses of action:\n(1) Ignore the opposition from the residents of the area and allow the place of religious worship to be built in accordance with the existing regulations.\n(2) Prohibit the construction, agreeing with the residents while causing distress among the thousands of worshippers counting on the new place of worship.\n(3) As a compromise, you place additional building regulations on the worship place or insist on modifications to the design.","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"12. You are a public representative, elected on the ticket of a political party, considered as conservative by many. Your daughter, who has returned years after studying abroad, has conveyed to you her choice of marrying a person from another community. You personally do not consider anything wrong in her choice, and convey your assent to her. You also discuss it with many among your friends and family, and inform them of a grand wedding ceremony you are planning for your daughter. However, a few days after you have shared the news of the forthcoming grand wedding with many, you are informed by your political secretary about an issue being made of the same. He informs you that there are whispers among many people in your constituency about it, and indications of a sense of unease among some prominent citizens. While most of them are enamoured by your plans for a grand wedding ceremony for your daughter, they are unhappy about the bridegroom being from another community. You also get to know through your sources in the party, that your assent to the choice of the bridegroom may lead to a denial of ticket by the high command in the forthcoming elections. You are not only an ambitious politician and a rising star in your political party but also an open-minded, loving and doting father. But howsoever much you love your daughter's freedom and choices, you do not want her decision to adversely affect your political journey. This is more so, when you had been eagerly looking forward to greater responsibilities and a higher stature in the party, given the years of hardwork you have put in, as a politician. Your daughter, on the other hand, is firm with her choice and does not want her impending grand wedding to be affected in any way. She is adamant\n(a) उपयुक्त प्रकरण में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दे कौन-से हैं?\n(b) एक पिता और एक महत्वाकांक्षी राजनीतिज्ञ के रूप में आपके पास उपलब्ध विभिन्न विकल्प क्या हैं?\n(c) आपकी कार्रवाई का तरीका क्या होगा? उचित तर्क सहित पुष्टि कीजिए। (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":58,"question":"Given this situation, answer the following:\n(a) What are the ethical issues in the above situation?\n(b) What are the various options that you have, as a father and an ambitious politician?\n(c) What will be your course of action? Justify with proper reasoning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":2366,"topper":"Deeksha Chourasiya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/fb243fd857196ecf8b8ba6ee4f9c28b7/6/mt25ptmr057_pm2513.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"One of the critical areas of governance is developing policies for managing public health emergencies such as COVID. While tackling such health emergencies, the government may take measures that involve the abdication of liberty on the part of the citizens. According to you, what ethical principles should guide the government's public health policymaking? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Identify any four components of emotional intelligence relevant to public services. Explain their role in administrative decision-making. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Values lie at the core of the diverse world of human behaviour and are expressed in every human decision and action. In keeping with the above statement, explain with the help of illustrations how values impact an individual's behaviour. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Persuasion performs a number of positive, prosocial functions. However, people often equate persuasion with manipulation and consider it unethical. What are the ethical values a persuader must respect to ensure the ethicality of the act of persuasion? Explain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":2367,"topper":"Deeksha Chourasiya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/fb243fd857196ecf8b8ba6ee4f9c28b7/7/mt25ptmr057_pm2512.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"What do you understand by the terms 'ethics' and 'integrity'? Do you think they are interrelated? Explain with examples the relationship between ethics and integrity in the context of public administration. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"With regard to the morality of actions, one view is that means is of paramount importance and the other view is that the ends justify the means. Which view do you think is more appropriate? Justify your answer. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"\"Man cannot do right in one department of life whilst he is occupied in doing wrong in any other department.\" Gandhi. Do you think an individual's personal ethics impact professional life or they both can be compartmentalized? Explain your position with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Goodness is the result of internal imperatives to do what is right, not sanctions from moral rules or rewards from expected consequences. Do you agree? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"A positive attitude is considered to be an essential characteristic of a civil servant who is often required to function under extreme stress. What contributes to a positive attitude in a person? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"While competence without compassion can be brutal and inhumane; similarly, compassion without competence can be meaningless for persons seeking help.\" Explain the above with the help of a suitable illustration in the context of public services. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"We can never obtain peace in the outer world until and unless we obtain peace within ourselves.\" - Dalai Lama. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Rakesh is a responsible district-level officer, who enjoys the trust of his higher officials. Knowing his honesty, the government entrusted him with the responsibility of identifying the beneficiaries under a healthcare scheme meant for senior citizens. The criteria to be a beneficiary are the following: (a) 60 years of age or above. (b) Belonging to a reserved community. (c) Family income of less than 1 Lakh rupees per annum. (d) Post-treatment prognosis is likely to be high to make a positive difference to the quality of life of the beneficiary. One day, an old couple visited Rakesh's office with their application. They have been the residents of a village in his district since their birth. The old man is diagnosed with a rare condition that causes obstruction in the large intestine. As a consequence, he has severe abdominal pain frequently that prevents him from doing any physical labour. The couple has no children to support them. The expert surgeon whom they contacted is willing to do the surgery without charging any fee. However, the couple will have to bear the cost of incidental charges, such as medicines, hospitalization, etc., to the tune of rupees one lakh. The couple fulfils all the criteria except criterion 'b'. However, any financial aid would certainly make a significant difference in their quality of life. How should Rakesh respond to the situation? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"What action do you visualize should be taken by the competent authority against the food company for violating the laid down domestic food standard and selling rejected export products in the domestic market?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"What course of action is available for the food company to resolve the crisis and bring back its lost reputation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Examine the ethical dilemma involved in the case. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"25","words":"250"}]},{"id":2368,"topper":"Deeksha Chourasiya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/fb243fd857196ecf8b8ba6ee4f9c28b7/3/mt25ptmr057_pm2514.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"\"It is wrong to assume that ethical decisions are, can or should be purely rational and principled. Human feelings are an inseparable part of our ethical life.\" In what way do feelings impact our ethical decisions? Illustrate with examples. (150 words, 10 marks)\"","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"\"What do you understand by ethics management? Can public officials manage ethics in the work place in a manner similar to managing budgets, policies and people? Do you think adopting codes of ethics and conduct is sufficient enough for managing ethics in the workplace or something more is needed? Discuss. (150 words, 10 marks)\"","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"While traditional ethics has focussed on notions of justice, fair allocation and obligations, ethics of care emphasise maintaining connectedness and promoting care. Which of the above two ethical perspectives is more suitable for guiding ethical decision making in the context of public services. Explain your position with suitable examples. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What does the term \"quality\" mean in service delivery. What are the components of service quality and indicate ways and means for ensuring total quality in terms of efficiency, economy and effectiveness? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"In the context of public service, what does public service attitude mean? Discuss the attitude biases that affects a public servants on field decision making? Explain how a public servant can overcome such attitude biases? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"B. \"I am a Moslem; I am a Hindu; I am a Christian; I am a Jew.\" Mahatma Gandhi. What did Mahatma Gandhi mean by the above statement? Some philosophers have argued that religion is harmful to the moral life, whereas others have claimed that it is necessary to it. Explain your position on the relationship between religion and morality. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"A. \"There is only one responsibility of business, namely to use its resources and engage in activities designed to increase profits.\" Do you think corporations, by indulging in social responsibilities, are compromising their core resource utilisation and production responsibility by diverting resources into unproductive social endeavours? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"B. Do you think values such as \"tyaga,\" (renunciation) \"seva,\" (service) \"daanam,\" (Charity) \"damah,\" (self-control) that are espoused in traditional Indian Wisdom have relevance for modern day public servants? Why? Why not? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Explain the difference between conflict among interests and conflict among various sources of authority. Illustrate with relevant examples. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The domain of governance is ridden with uncertainties, ambiguities and paradoxes and this can at times lead to timidity and withdrawal among public administrators. Discuss the relevance of inner courage for overcoming and coping with ambiguities. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Given below are three quotations of philosophers. What do each of the quotations convey to you in the present context? \"To feel for others, and little for ourselves; to restrain our selfish, and exercise our benevolent affections, constitutes the perfection of human nature.\" Adam Smith (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"What are the ethical issues and dilemmas that confronts you in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Discuss the available options along with its merits and demerits.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"What will be your chosen course of action? Why (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What are the administrative and ethical issues involved in the above situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the merits and demerits of each option and explain your chosen course of action along with reasons. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Do you think the above case involves a conflict of interest or there are more issues? Explain","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Keeping the above case in perspective, discuss the relevance of impartiality and non-partisanship as professional value.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"You have recently joined the Statistical Department of the State as Deputy Head of Records. Your duties involved supervising the timely inflow of data, scrutinising the data source and ensuring data entry and updating. You had a staff of 32 to manage, and it was a mixed bag; some were young recruits, some were in the department for some time, and some were on the verge of retirement. Overall, the staff was not very efficient, but somehow they managed their jobs. In one of the meetings, the Head of the Department mentioned outsourcing of jobs of your staff as a cost-cutting measure. But there were no serious deliberations, so you didn't think much of it. But yesterday, you received an official order stating that your department tasks will be outsourced and your Staff will be downsized. You had no problems with outsourcing, but you did not favour downsizing, as it would lead to people losing their jobs. You sought a meeting with your Head to discuss the ramifications of the new order, specifically the downsizing part. Your Head was very emphatic about the whole process and seemed to be least concerned with people losing their livelihood. Disappointed, you got back to your office thinking of ways of saving your staff's jobs. In utter desperation, you wrote to the concerned Minister, marking a copy to your Head and the Chief Secretary. The Minister sympathetically received the note, and he assured some positive action. But your Head was not happy about you going above without his consent. He immediately orders your transfer and starts disciplinary proceedings for non-compliance with the office order. 1. Discuss the administrative and ethical issues involved in the above case. 2. Do you think it was morally right on your part to write to the minister? Justify 3. How will you respond to the action initiated against you? Discuss the available options and justify your selected course of action. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"You are an IAS officer recently appointed as the Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Rural Development. Your responsibilities include overseeing the implementation of various rural development schemes and ensuring their efficient execution. During an audit of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) funds, you discover substantial irregularities. It appears that a significant portion of the funds allocated for rural employment projects has been siphoned off by senior officials within the ministry through fraudulent invoices and fake beneficiary lists. The funds meant for the rural poor have been diverted to personal accounts. You are faced with an ethical dilemma. Reporting this corruption could lead to severe repercussions for you as the implicated senior officials are politically influential and have strong connections. You have also received subtle threats implying that your career progression could be jeopardised if you proceed with the disclosure. On the other hand, ignoring the corruption would mean perpetuating a cycle of exploitation and depriving the rural poor of their rightful benefits. 1. What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? 2. What are the options available to you? 3. Identify and explain your chosen course of action after evaluating the merits and demerits of each option. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":2369,"topper":"Deeksha Chourasiya","air":44,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — History","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vXftQ0kJ-x3AHLBRLjNWprWhKrNn7TxG/view","questions":[]},{"id":2370,"topper":"Deeksha Chourasiya","air":44,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — History","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1v57pCsTiKoBfbe_TGajVFJ6JIeN4FUHA/view","questions":[]},{"id":2371,"topper":"Deeksha Chourasiya","air":44,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — History","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Po39sBX9KJEJ2cn-Hsnegw1nWuheGP8m/view","questions":[]},{"id":2372,"topper":"Deeksha Patkar","air":88,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/DEEKSHA-PATKARUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-88-Sample-ESSAY-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.\n2. The civilisation that doesn't adopt modern technologies becomes extinct.\n3. Data without wisdom and innovation without ethics are dangerous tools.\n4. The doubter is a true man of science.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2373,"topper":"Deeksha Patkar","air":88,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/DEEKSHA-PATKARUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-88-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Q.1) Explain how the terms 'socialist' and 'secular' in the Preamble embody specific meanings in the Indian context.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Article 21 of the Indian Constitution broadly interprets the right to life and liberty. Elucidate with the help of relevant case laws.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Q.3) To what extent have farmer associations been successful in influencing public policies and governance in the country?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Q.4 The role of State Finance Commissions in building regional equity and strengthening the federal link has largely been underutilized. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Q.5 The contributions of the \"founding mothers\" of the Indian Republic are often under-acknowledged, yet they are crucial to understanding the evolution of gender-sensitive constitutional jurisprudence. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Q.6) What do you understand by delimitation? Underlining the significance of delimitation exercise, throw light on the associated challenges.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Q.7) The Presidents of India and USA differ not just the manner in which they are elected but also with respect to their powers. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Q.8) The office of the Speaker is not only a referee, but also an active player in the politics of government formation and survival, leading to controversies and criticisms. In this context, examine the need to bring reforms in the office of the speaker.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"2.9) 'Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) is an independent body responsible only to the Parliament.' What are the provisions that ensure independence of CVC? Also, discuss the issues that limit its effectiveness in tackling corruption in the country's public administration.","marks":"10","words":"10"},{"page":20,"question":"Q.10 \"The creation of All India Judicial Services (AIJS) shall enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the Indian judiciary\". Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Q.11 Although upholding the spirit of the Constitution through judicial activism is noble in its intent, in practice it runs the risk of undermining the delicate balance of power that the Constitution sought to achieve. Critically examine.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.12) Governor is neither a saboteur nor a sage; he is a constitutional functionary who needs to be solely loyal to the Constitution. Critically examine the statement in the light of recent events.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Q.13) Throw light on the various mechanisms for the settlement of disputes related to the equitable sharing of river water among states. Also, evaluate the effectiveness of these mechanisms in the resolution of inter-state river water disputes in the country.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Q.14) How does the inability of local bodies to generate their own funds affect their ability to function effectively? Suggest necessary measures to empower local governments in generating independent revenue streams.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Q.15 Critically examine the functioning of National Human Rights Commission of India (NHRC) as an apex institution entrusted with the protection of human rights in the country.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Q.16 \"Right to vote is fundamental to democracy, and depriving undertrial prisoners of this right while allowing contesting elections reflects a flawed legal framework.\" Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Q.17 Examine the scope of partnership between the State and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) towards improving public service delivery to benefit the common citizen.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Q.18 \"Parliamentary democracy would be incomplete without Parliamentary committees.\" In light of the statement, examine the role of the Public Accounts Committee in establishing financial accountability of the executive.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Q.19 While the NCST has made significant contributions to tribal welfare, a multi-faceted approach is necessary to complement its efforts and ensure the holistic development of tribals. Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Q.20) What do you understand by Alternate Dispute Redressal (ADR) mechanisms? What are the reasons for their low adoption as the primary mode of dispute resolution in the country? Suggest measures for improvement.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2374,"topper":"Deeksha Patkar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/96994-1467775_4513_deeksha_patkar_rank_88.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. (a) Compassion is the courageous choice to feel another's suffering as one's own, and to act upon it, even when silence is safer and indifference is easier. Examine the significance of compassion as an essential ethical value for civil servants in India. Illustrate your answer with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"1. (b) Marriages in India are transitioning from traditional sacramental unions to more autonomous relationships, reflected in live-in relationships and rising divorce rates. Discuss the ethical dimensions of these changes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"2. (a) While accountability often necessitates documentation, an overemphasis on bureaucratic procedures and excessive paperwork can inadvertently silence the very voices that public policy intends to empower, particularly at the grassroots. Examine the above statement with suitable illustrations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"2. (b) The principle of impartiality may conflict with the need for compassion towards marginalized communities. Discuss in the context of civil services in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"3 (a) What do each of the following quotations mean to you?\n(a) \"The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home.\" - Confucius (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"3. (b) \"Act only according to that maxim through which you can at the same time will that it become a universal law.\"- Immanuel Kant (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"3. (c) “We are not only responsible for what we do, but also for what we fail to do\" - Molière. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"4. (a) Patriotism encourages ethical questioning, while nationalism often suppresses it. Discuss this statement in light of the formation of political attitudes during high-pressure national events. How can individuals develop moral attitudes that balance national interest with ethical reasoning?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"4. (b) Discuss how employee well-being and fairness can be balanced with efficiency and profitability in private organisations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"5. (a) Do you agree that excessive use of social media and emerging AI technologies may lead to a decline in emotional regulation and moral sensitivity among adolescents? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"5. (b) In light of the increasing incidents of suicides among students in India, discuss how Emotional Intelligence (EI) can aid in managing stress and emotional challenges.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"6. (a) In public service, emotional intelligence is not about suppressing emotion, but mastering its purpose — to connect, to de-escalate, and to uplift others with empathy and strength. Do you agree with this view? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"6. (b) An efficient work culture is built not only on rules, but on shared values. In this context, evaluate the role of leadership and team dynamics in transforming work culture within an organization.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"7 You are posted as the Joint Secretary in the Department of Information Technology of a state. The government recently implemented several citizen-centric digital services, collecting large volumes of personal data from residents. The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, requires that such data be processed only with explicit and informed consent, and mandates that processing must cease immediately upon withdrawal of consent.\nDuring an internal audit, you discover that the department continues to process and analyze personal data of several citizens even after they have formally withdrawn their consent. This data is being used for policy analytics and service improvement, purposes not explicitly disclosed at the time of data collection. When you bring this to the attention of your department head, you are informed that halting the processing will disrupt ongoing digital initiatives and may affect state-level performance metrics. Moreover, you find that the consent withdrawal process is cumbersome, and many citizens are unaware of their rights under the DPDP Act.\nYou also learn that a prominent social activist is planning to file a complaint with the Data Protection Board against involuntary use of personal data, which could attract public scrutiny and legal action against the department.\n(a) Identify and discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.\n(b) What are the potential consequences for the department if the issue is not addressed transparently?\n(c) How would you balance the need for efficient public service delivery with the obligation to protect citizens’ data rights? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"8 You are an IAS officer, currently serving as the Secretary of the Public Works Department in a hill state. Recently, a disturbing incident has come to light involving a senior Cabinet Minister and two engineers of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). During an inspection of a critical highway project, the Minister was allegedly seen on video physically assaulting and verbally abusing the engineers in full public view. The video, recorded by bystanders, went viral on social media and was widely covered by television channels, sparking both outrage and support from different sections of society. The Minister later defended his actions, alleging that the officials were corrupt, unresponsive to local grievances, and responsible for inordinate delays in the project. He insisted that his actions were driven by public frustration and the urgency of delivering infrastructure to a remote region.\n\nHowever, the engineers have filed a police complaint and written to their superiors, claiming they were targeted for resisting political pressure to award contracts to specific local contractors linked to the Minister. As the situation escalated, a union of NHAI engineers declared a strike,\n(a) इस प्रकरण में शामिल प्रमुख नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं? हितधारकों और उनके परस्पर विरोधी हितों की पहचान कीजिए।\n(b) लोक निर्माण विभाग के सचिव के रूप में, आप उपयुक्त स्थिति में क्या कार्रवाई करेंगे?\n(c) ऐसी घटनाएं सिविल सेवकों के मनोबल और शासन में जनता के विश्वास को कैसे प्रभावित करती हैं? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"(a) What are the key ethical issues involved in this situation? Identify the stakeholders and their conflicting interests.\n(b) As the Secretary of the PWD, what actions will you take in above situation?\n(c) How do such incidents affect the morale of civil servants and public trust in governance? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"9 You are the Secretary in the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Government of India. In recent years, an increasing number of civil servants, particularly younger officers from the IAS, IPS, and IRS, have begun maintaining personal YouTube channels and social media pages. On these platforms, they regularly post videos related to their official work — showcasing innovative projects, public outreach initiatives, inspection drives, and sometimes even day-to-day administrative duties.\n\nThese videos often receive widespread public attention, and many viewers express admiration, saying such content enhances transparency, motivates aspirants, and humanizes the bureaucracy. However, concerns have also emerged from various quarters. Senior officers argue that such content may blur the boundaries between personal branding and public service, while some citizens and media commentators point to instances where videos feature vulnerable beneficiaries without consent, raise concerns about misuse of official premises, or seem designed more for personal popularity than public accountability.\n\nYou have been asked to prepare a report, including recommendations, to maintain a balance between public interest, institutional integrity, and evolving communication methods.\n(a) Identify the ethical issues involved in civil servants publicly showcasing their official work on social media platforms.\n(b) Do such initiatives promote awareness and motivation, or do they compromise anonymity, neutrality, and the collective spirit of public service? Give your opinion.\n(c) As Secretary, what guiding principles and policy disciplines would you suggest to ensure digital accountability of civil servants? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"You have been asked to prepare a report with recommendations to balance public interest, institutional integrity, and evolving modes of communication.\n(a) Identify the ethical issues involved in civil servants publicly showcasing their official work on social media.\n(b) Do such practices promote awareness and motivation, or do they compromise the values of anonymity, neutrality, and collective service ethos? Give your opinion.\n(c) As the Secretary, what guiding principles and policy recommendations would you suggest to ensure responsible digital engagement by civil servants? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"10 You are the Director of the National Bioethics Commission who is responsible for assessing the ethical feasibility and oversight of a nationwide gene sequencing program. The project named GeneFuture, aims to sequence the DNA of every newborn child and store it in a centralized national database. The objective is to identify genetic predispositions to serious diseases early in life, allowing for preventive treatment and personalized medicine. Over 100,000 babies have already been enrolled in the pilot phase of the program. The government claims that this move is a landmark step in public health advancement.\n\nHowever, collection of newborn genetic data raises significant ethical concerns, particularly around informed consent, which may not fully capture parents' understanding of the long-term risks involved. Once gathered, this sensitive data could be misused for purposes such as surveillance, insurance discrimination, or commercial marketing by third parties. Uncertainty over data ownership—whether it lies with the state, parents, or the individual as they mature—further complicates the issue. The involvement of private tech and pharmaceutical companies heightens fears of commercial exploitation, especially in the absence of clear mechanisms for individuals to withdraw consent or delete their genetic information upon reaching adulthood.\n(a) What are the ethical issues you perceive in the implementation of the GeneFuture program?\n(b) Identify the conflicting interests of different stakeholders in this case.\n(c) What guiding ethical principles would you recommend for implementation of this project? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"11. You are a dedicated District Health Officer (DHO) with a strong commitment to evidence-based public health practices, recently assigned to a remote district in India. Your immediate and most critical task is to lead a crucial district-wide Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination drive, aimed at achieving 100% immunization coverage among children aged 9 months to 15 years. The success of this drive is vital for the collective health of thousands of children and for the district's overall health indicators, especially with the impending monsoon season posing additional health challenges.\n\nHowever, in one of the largest and most traditional villages in your district, you encounter formidable resistance. The villagers, deeply influenced by the pronouncements of a revered local\n(a) उपयुक्त प्रकरण में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\n(b) इस विरोध को शांत करने के लिए आपके पास तत्काल क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\n(c) अंधविश्वास के व्यापक प्रभाव को दूर करने और संधारणीय लोक स्वास्थ्य परिणामों हेतु वैज्ञानिक सोच को बढ़ावा देने के लिए आप कौन-सी दीर्घकालिक रणनीतियाँ और प्रणालीगत सुधारों का सुझाव देंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case.\n(b) What are the immediate options available to you to overcome this resistance?\n(c) What long-term strategies and systemic reforms would you suggest to address the pervasive influence of superstition and foster a scientific temperament for sustainable public health outcomes? (Answer in 250 words)\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case.\nb) What are the immediate options available to you to overcome this resistance?\nc) What long-term strategies and systemic reforms would you suggest to address the pervasive influence of superstition and foster a scientific temperament for sustainable public health outcomes? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"12 (a) आपके समक्ष विद्यमान संभावित प्रशासनिक और नैतिक दुविधाएं क्या हैं?\n(b) आपके लिए उपलब्ध सभी विकल्पों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\n(c) आप अपने निर्णय का नैतिक औचित्य सिद्ध करते हुए कौन-सी व्यापक कार्यवाही करेंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)\na) आपके समक्ष विद्यमान संभावित प्रशासनिक और नैतिक दुविधाएं क्या हैं?\nb) आपके लिए उपलब्ध सभी विकल्पों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\nc) आप अपने निर्णय का नैतिक औचित्य सिद्ध करते हुए कौन-सी व्यापक कार्यवाही करेंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":58,"question":"(a) What are the potential administrative and ethical dilemmas you face?\n(b) Discuss all options available to you.\n(c) What comprehensive course of action would you choose to adopt, providing ethical justification for your decision? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2375,"topper":"Deepak Godara","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ce4da-493973_2219_deepak_godara_rank_92.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Fiscal policy can be a key tool to reduce income inequality as well as make the poorest and the downtrodden a part of the country's growth story. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Digitizing land records will go a long way in ensuring land reforms as well as lessening the burden on the Indian Judiciary. Elaborate. Also, state the measures taken in this context. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"It has been pointed out that competitive politics to fund mostly non-merit subsidies is pushing a few states in India to the brink of a deep fiscal crisis. In this context, discuss the need to rationalise the subsidy regime in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Micro-irrigation has tremendous potential in transforming farming into a profitable and sustainable venture. Discuss the given statement in the context of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Given its vast resources and technical expertise, India can play a key role in assisting the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) in dealing with the impact of climate change. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The recent \"Disaster Management Plan of Ministry of Panchayati Raj (DMP-MoPR)\" aims to develop disaster resilience at the grassroots level. In this context, discuss the rationale behind the formulation of the Plan and highlight its key components (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the internal security implications emanating from the use of Emerging And Disruptive Technologies (EDT) by state and non-state actors. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Identify the impediments faced by India in boosting its defence exports. Also, discuss the steps taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the multiple issues associated with space debris. Also, state the initiatives taken in recent times to tackle this menace. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The adoption of Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) in India is expected to make e-commerce more inclusive and accessible for consumers. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While an agreement was recently reached at the WTO on a deal to curb \"harmful\" government fisheries subsidies, certain concerns raised by India suggests that the matter will require further negotiations. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite the advantages that are associated with the hybrid annuity model (HAM) in the road construction sector, the interest in it has moderated due to various reasons. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The existing MSP procurement regime is neither economically nor agro-ecologically sustainable. Elaborate. Also, evaluate the alternative approaches that can be adopted to improve the existing MSP regime. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"It is being argued that India is struggling with overflowing foodgrains in warehouses. Discuss the statement in view of the existing buffer stock policy of India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Recently, the government has asked all ports to prepare a master plan in order to become 'mega ports' by 2047. In light of this, discuss the challenges faced by ports and suggest remedial measures in order to propel India's blue economy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Inequality in income and wealth translates into carbon inequality. In this context, discuss the significance of addressing carbon inequality for India and suggest ways to achieve it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Despite increased and regular occurrences of landslides over the past decade in India, the dominant development paradigm has largely not been modified. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)15","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India needs a smart border management system to balance legitimate cross border flows with national security interests. Discuss. Also, highlight the initiatives taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Establishing linkages between globalisation and money laundering, discuss the initiatives taken at the national and international levels to combat it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"There have been arguments that India needs to review some of its past assumptions about the nature of outer space and contribute to the development of new global norms. In this context, analyse India's stand in relation to the Artemis Accords. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2376,"topper":"Deepak Godara","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/66aec-493973_2218_deepak_godara_rank_92.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to revisit the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution? Discuss with suitable arguments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Highlighting the advantages of online dispute resolution (ODR) mechanism for justice delivery, discuss the challenges associated with its effective implementation in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Despite the constitutional division of powers, Centre-state disputes have been a perennial feature of Indian democracy. Discuss with examples (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Do you agree with the view that adopting a framework for lobbying will strengthen participative governance and ease of doing business in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Despite the government encouraging open source instead of proprietary technology for government applications, the true potential of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) and digital platforms remains unrealized. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"As a social safety-valve, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) can be the principal vehicles through which communities voice their concerns. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Despite being lauded for its patient centric approach, the implementation of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, remains sluggish and mired with various issues. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to formulate an Urban Employment Guarantee scheme at the national level? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the relevance of BIMSTEC as a regional organisation to fulfil India's strategic aspirations in the Indian Ocean Region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the relevance of the Gujral Doctrine for India with regard to its relations with its immediate neighbours in the present times. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the pivotal role of the \"Officers of Parliament\" in the Indian Parliamentary system. Also, discuss the constitutional and statutory provisions for their impartial functioning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The Finance Commission plays a crucial role in balancing fiscal federalism in India. In this context, examine the recommendations given by the 15th Finance Commission. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Critically assess whether statutory backing to the Model Code of Conduct will contribute towards free and fair elections in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The market disruption caused by digital revolution warrants renewed focus and perspective to ensure fair competition in the digital economy. In this light, discuss the need to revamp the Competition Commission of India (CCI). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"There is an urgent need for effective whistle-blowing mechanisms and ensuring that necessary safeguards for the protection of whistle-blowers are established in both public and private spheres in India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"State the reasons behind the poor performance of cooperatives in India. Also, discuss the reforms undertaken by the government to overcome the shortcomings. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Public-Private Partnership model, if harnessed properly, has the potential to bridge the gaps in India's healthcare system. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Although the New Education Policy brings with itself a commendable vision, its success will depend on its ability to effectively integrate with the government's other policy initiatives. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) is born from a collective desire to make the Indo-Pacific region an engine of global economic growth. Comment. Also, discuss India's concerns in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"India needs to identify the priority areas to further its techno-diplomacy amidst the complexities of expanding digital space and New and Emerging Strategic Technologies. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2377,"topper":"Deepak Godara","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/DEEPAK-GODARA-UPSC-2024-Rank-92-MGP-Sample-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) Achieving inclusive growth requires a multidimensional approach that goes beyond economic growth. Discuss in context of India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Examine the implications of the expansion of gig workforce on economic growth and employment scenario in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) What is precision agriculture? How can precision agriculture help in optimizing crop production and resource management?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) While MSMEs are the backbone of the Indian economy, they encounter various hurdles in their operation and expansion. Discuss. Also, suggest steps to support the growth of the MSME sector.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) Explain the significance of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) in transforming India into a knowledge-based and innovation-driven economy. Also, mention various government initiatives aimed at strengthening the protection and enforcement of IPRs in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) Gaganyaan mission is a landmark endeavour for India, marking significant advancements in space exploration and contributing to broader national objectives; however, overcoming the associated technical and safety challenges is crucial for its success. Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7 What are the challenges in the safe management of e-waste in India? How can collaboration among multiple stakeholders help in sustainable e-waste management?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8 Define Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and mention its various stages. Also, highlight the significance of EIA in balancing developmental needs with environmental conservation in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 Integrated Theatre Commands shall bring jointness in operation, synergy of resources and enable armed forces in carrying out swift, effective, and decisive actions. Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) India's internal security dynamics is inextricably linked with the peace and stability in the neighborhood. Explain with special reference to instability on the eastern border.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 The introduction of Goods and Services Tax (GST) was hailed as a transformative fiscal reform; however, the journey of GST has been a mixed bag of successes and challenges. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) Discuss the potential of food processing sector in addressing the issues of low value addition, high post-harvest losses and disguised unemployment plaguing Indian agriculture. Also, explain why the sector has underperformed despite its significant potential.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 Despite the government's ambitious targets, rooftop solar installations in India are hindered by multiple factors. Elaborate. How far do you think that PM Surya Ghar Yojana can incentivise the adoption of rooftop solar installations?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 Agricultural marketing reforms are imperative for addressing market inefficiencies and boosting farm incomes. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Discuss the contribution of livestock sector to the rural economy and the empowerment of women. Also, highlight main challenges faced by the livestock sector in the country and suggest strategies to overcome these challenges.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) Generative AI holds immense potential to transform various aspects of daily life, offering both benefits and challenges. Elaborate. What policy measures do you suggest to maximize its benefits and mitigate its risks?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 Describe the major outcomes of the 28th session of the Conference of Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What were the major engagements of India in this conference?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 Explain the causes and impacts of landslides. Also, discuss the various measures to mitigate their impact, with a special emphasis on National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) guidelines.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) is showing a downward trend, but still affects many parts of the country. Highlighting the reasons for the continuance of LWE in certain pockets, suggest strategies to deal with this menace.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 Analyse how the adoption of emerging and disruptive technologies for money laundering is adding new layers of complexity to an already intricate issue. Also, highlight the measures taken to tackle the problem of money laundering both at national and international levels.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2378,"topper":"Deepak Godara","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/50e2d-493973_2220_deepak_godara_rank_92.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The logic of limitless wealth lies in the basic human instinct for furthering self-interest in the form of profit. In this context, do you think there is a possibility of pursuing ethical capitalism? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"If a law is unjust, a man is not only right to disobey it, he is obligated to do so. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The capacity of Citizens' Charter to initiate any transformative process is conditioned upon it being appropriately designed and effectively executed. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The moral fiber and ethical conduct of public officials not only influence the standard of governance but also their own interests and performance. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The ongoing debate on euthanasia poses several ethical questions. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Foreign aid is a form of neo-colonialism, as the economically wealthier countries can exploit the developing countries under the cloak of aid. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Throwing light on the idea of Universal Humanism propounded by Rabindranath Tagore, discuss its contemporary relevance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree with the view that it is nature and not nurture which determines the emotional intelligence of a person? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Values that guide public administrators can often compete with each other, owing to their relative importance to the larger public interest. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Is it justifiable to say that corruption is a social phenomenon? What are the various ways through which administrative corruption can be tackled? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \" ; \" \"Overcoming poverty is not a task of charity; it is an act of justice.\" Nelson Mandela (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":47,"question":"Mr. X is a billionaire businessman who heads a conglomerate engaged in insurance, energy generation and distribution, and manufacturing. Despite being globally known as a great philanthropist, he turned down a shareholder request seeking the disclosure of the conglomerate's actions on issues related to climate change as well as diversity and inclusion. Because of increased attention to climate and diversity issues, many leading firms have committed themselves to incorporate relevant considerations in their business strategies. Therefore, some industry-observers wonder if Mr. X is out of touch with the industry at large and have warned him that failing to address climate change issues puts his businesses under systemic risk. But, Mr. X maintained his vote against the disclosure proposal, while at the same time acknowledged the importance of both climate change and a diverse and inclusive work force. However, Mr. X believes that such ethical issues take secondary importance to maximising shareholder profit. (a) Discuss the importance of including climate change strategies and diversity and inclusion in a business organisation? (b) In your opinion, what matters more for a business organisation - socio-environmental concerns or shareholder profit? (c) How can the two above-mentioned issues be reconciled? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"What are the consequences of 'rote learning' on the educational development of young students in the country?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Suggest measures that can be taken to address this issue. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2379,"topper":"Deepak Gupta","air":113,"year":2024,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/94de9-720807_2420_deepak_gupta_rank_113.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2380,"topper":"Deepak Kumar","air":498,"year":2021,"paper":"Optional — Public Administration","optional":true,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1L0IXnY-wpqgl0kdO2tDogt9syqY4xo-O","questions":[]},{"id":2381,"topper":"Deepak Kumar","air":498,"year":2021,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1qtEXNRxwHGFEb7uTAbqEBTsghT1srfnH","questions":[]},{"id":2382,"topper":"Deepak Kumar Dubey","air":46,"year":2018,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e762b-74631_1075_deepak_kumar_dubey_rank_46.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2383,"topper":"Deepak Kumar Dubey","air":46,"year":2018,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9463b-74631_1077_deepak_kumar_dubey_rank_46.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2384,"topper":"Deepak Kumar Dubey","air":46,"year":2018,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8e6b6-74631_1078_deepak_kumar_dubey_rank_46.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2385,"topper":"Deepak Kumar Dubey","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a341c-74631_1058_deepak_kumar_dubey_rank_46.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"While on one hand, urbanization is creating potential for social integration and economic opportunity, on the other hand, it is also leading to segregation and exclusion based on socio-economic status. Examine the paradox in context of Indian cities. What steps can be taken to make urban space truly inclusive?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"The achievement of Sustainable Development Goals depends crucially on, among other factors, formulating development strategies that reflect the current and future population dynamics. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Globalization is a double-edged sword, which on one hand ensures economic growth but on the other hand, assaults national sovereignty, erodes local culture and threatens economic and social stability. Critically examine the statement in context of Indian society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Is the Indian notion of secularism, based on uniform respect for all religions by the state and separation of religion from public institutional practices, adequate to ensure a secular state? Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"There is an emerging pattern of a predominantly youthful north and a maturing south and west. Analyze the possible implications of such a demographic divergence on policy-making in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Given the significant increase in urban population, it is important that the nature and extent of urban poverty should be recognised and adequately addressed by public policy in India. Discuss in the context of problems faced by urban poor and the government programmes and initiatives taken to deal with them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"It is assumed that urbanization along with industrialization would induce certain essential changes in the caste-based system of stratification. In this context, discuss how the caste system has continued to persist and exert its influence in urban social life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Decline in child sex ratio, caused by various reasons, is a serious problem with severe socio-economic, demographic and cultural implications. Discuss in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"The surge in urban crimes is a grim reminder of the unplanned & rapid nature of urbanization in India. Discuss. Also, list measures that can be taken to tackle the issue of urban crimes in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Care for the elderly is fast emerging as a critical element of both public and private concern. Discuss in the context of India's increasing population of the elderly.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Rapid urbanization not only requires addressing the deficits in urban areas but also addressing those that are created because of it in rural areas. Comment. Also, evaluate the success of government programmes to reduce the stress on rural population because of urbanization.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"The relegation of women to private sphere of life is the main cause behind gender inequality and exploitation in India. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Education is an important avenue for uplifting the socio-economic status of the Scheduled Tribes. In this context, highlight the challenges faced in providing education to tribals in India. Also, suggest some measures for improvement of tribal education.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Even though millions have been lifted out of poverty in recent decades, the rise in inequality may have dire consequences for the society. Explain in the light of recent studies highlighting this increasing trend.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Growing 'informalization of labour market' is perceived as a barrier to realising economic potential as well as a hindrance to longrun economic development and poverty reduction. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"The focus on risk factors that appear at a young age and timely interventions is the key to preventing child delinquency and its escalation into chronic criminality. Analyse the statement with respect to growing incidences of child delinquency in context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Digital technology can either be a game changer for disadvantaged children or yet another dividing line that prevents children from fulfilling their potential. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"The demand by nativist political parties and movements that employment preferences be given to \"local\" people has raised certain issues. Examine the statement in the context of 'son of soil theory' in India. Also discuss, why such demands develop in some states and cities and not in others.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"The mixing of caste and politics resulting into 'politicization of caste' and 'casteization of politics' in contemporary India has become a grave challenge to our democracy. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Explaining the importance of middle class in the developmental process of a country, discuss the grounds on which the Indian middle class is criticized by some.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2386,"topper":"Deepak Kumar Dubey","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/f157e-74631_1103_deepak_kumar_dubey_rank_46.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Technical solutions are necessary to augment the traditional methods of guarding the border. In this context, while mentioning the different components of Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS), discuss how it can help to address the gaps in the present system of border security. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"In comparison to conventional warfare, the possibility of successful deterrence against cyber warfare is both limited and complicated. Discuss. Also, elaborate upon India's preparedness in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Analyse the impact that the instability in the wider South Asian region has on India's internal security. What steps can be taken to minimise such impact? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlighting its mandate, discuss the significance of International Solar Alliance in positioning India to a key global leadership role. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Despite a strong case for a Broad-based Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA) between India and the European Union (EU), negotiations have been stuck for long owing to multiple factors. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Accession to the Ashgabat agreement is valuable for connecting India to its extended neighbourhood. What is the Ashgabat Agreement? Assess its significance for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is a natural choice for India to fulfill key foreign policy priorities. In this context, discuss the issues behind hitherto slow progress and the reasons for reinvigorated optimism regarding BIMSTEC. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What do you understand by Free Space Optical Communication (FSOC) Technology? Critically explain its potential in connecting rural and remote areas in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What are Orphan Drugs? Examine the significance of putting in place a policy framework for such drugs in a developing country such as India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the obstacles in women's access to science education in India and also suggest remedial measures to overcome these obstacles. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Giving examples, elaborate how India's approach to becoming a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region is taking shape. What are the challenges and opportunities associated with this approach? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime) has pitched for the need of an integrated approach in order to address the difficulties in preventing, detecting, investigating and prosecuting Transnational Organised Crimes (TOC). Elaborating on these difficulties, discuss how an integrated approach can help in tackling TOCs. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Highlighting the need for SMART policing in India, suggest some administrative, legislative and technological reforms in order to realize this vision. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind private sector playing a merely peripheral role in defence manufacturing in India. Also, explain how the Draft Defence Production Policy, 2018 seeks to augment private sector participation in defence manufacturing in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"While India and Russia have enjoyed good relations since the Soviet era, relying on the past may not be enough to deal with shift in the relationship in light of the rapidly evolving geopolitical realities. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"In what ways has the engagement between India and its diaspora evolved over the years? What role can the Indian diaspora play in furthering and shaping India's foreign policy goals? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Sluggish progress of the Doha round signals that the WTO is proving to be ineffective in promoting free trade. Identifying the factors behind this, comment on the relevance of WTO in present context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"India's engagement with its extended neighbourhood in West Asia has evolved into a 'Look West' approach in recent times. However, multiple faultlines in this volatile region require a balancing act on the part of India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The rapid diffusion of Artificial Intelligence begets unique opportunities and challenges for India. Discuss. What can be done to address these challenges? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Water shortage in India has been sought to be addressed through various policy and technological interventions. Explain. Also, examine the benefits of desalination technology and the costs associated with it. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2387,"topper":"Deepak Kumar Dubey","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/25e3e-74631_1068_deepak_kumar_dubey_rank_46.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"There are many challenges in sustainably scaling up renewable energy in India. Analyse. Also, discuss what can be done to address these challenges. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The policies and indicators introduced by the government, in recent times, to finance urban development in India are key in addressing the existing challenges. Discuss with special reference to municipal bonds. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"With a number of issues continuing to be a roadblock, a large section of India's rural population is still 'financially excluded'. Discuss. Analyse how these issues can be addressed and the measures taken by the government and RBI recently in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'Environmental Accounting'? Discussing the rationale behind introducing environmental accounting, highlight its status in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"While access to irrigation is important, efficiency of water use is equally, if not more, crucial. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"For a holistic approach to disaster risk reduction, there is a need to mainstream indigenous traditional knowledge and link it with modern technologies. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do you understand by food irradiation? Highlighting some of its unique applications, examine its relevance for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Whereas misuse of technology has abetted the spread of fake news, it is with the aid of technology that this menace can be curbed. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Explain the salient features of the recently established Defence Planning Committee. How can it help in credible defence preparedness? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Recent reports of Maoist leaders having amassed huge assets in property and cash underlines the significance of probing the funding network as part of counter-terrorism efforts. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Not only do services MSMEs contribute mightily to the overall GDP growth, they have a powerful, multiplier impact on the local economies as well. Elaborating on the statement, highlight the problems faced by service sector MSMEs. How can the government make it easier for MSMEs to start and grow a business? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Contract Farming has many advantages, however it suffers from market failures. Elaborate. What can the government do to correct problems that lead to contract failures? Also, discuss whether the Model Contract Farming Act, 2018 is a step in the right direction. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Suggest the measures needed to improve the employability of labour force as well as increasing number of employment opportunities in light of structural changes being brought by disruptive technologies. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"India's trade policy in agriculture, marred by ad-hocism and pro-consumer bias, has constrained realization of export potential, and prevented the farmers from reaping the benefits. Examine the statement and discuss ways, including government initiatives, to improve agricultural exports. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Is currency exchange rate a suitable measure of relative economic performance of countries? Despite improving macro-economic fundamentals, trade deficit in India continues to widen. Bring out the factors responsible for this situation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"It will take much more than relief packages to address the problems being faced by the sugar industry in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"NAPCC, almost 10 years old and formulated with lofty objectives, has not served as the best answer to cope with the impacts of climate change. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Proliferation of nuclear weapons and the threat of their use are key concerns for global security nonetheless existing international arrangements seem to be ineffective. Comment. Also, identify the salient features of India's policy in this context and discuss whether India should join the NPT in the current form. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The maritime security domain requires collective multilateral and regional cooperation to combat non traditional threats. Discuss in the context of threats in the Western Indian Ocean and the recent amendments in the Djibouti Code of Conduct. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India's space programme was initiated with the vision of utilising outer space for peaceful purposes, however with changing times it has the potential to play a significant role in strengthening security capabilities of India. Discuss with adequate examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2388,"topper":"Deepak Kumar Dubey","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0e03f-74631_1071_deepak_kumar_dubey_rank_46.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"It has been argued that over the years there has been a steady decline in the efficacy of Parliament as an institution of accountability. Analyse and also suggest appropriate measures to address the relevant concerns. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Panchayati raj institutions (PRIs) are simultaneously a remarkable success and a staggering failure, depending on the goalposts against which they are evaluated. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) is more than just the keeper of our national accounts; it is also a conscience-keeper and a watchdog. Examine the statement in light of making the auditing process more effective. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The concern for transparency in political funding is at odds with the Electoral Bond Scheme notified by the government. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Lobbying in India exists in a perennially grey legal and policy arena. In this context, discuss the need to formally recognize and regulate lobbying in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"More than a decade after it was passed, the implementation of the RTI Act leaves much to be desired. Comment. Also discuss the issues associated with the recent proposals to amend the RTI Act. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Critically discuss the evolving policy on reservation in promotions in India with special focus on its ability to meet the objectives of social justice. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"India produces enough food for its people, but not all people get enough food to eat. Discussing this paradox, highlight some of the major interventions taken in the past few years in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"India sees Indian Ocean as not just a water body, but a global stage for continued economic, social, and cultural dialogue. Elaborate.(150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In the context of India taking greater responsibility in management of the global commons, there has been a shift in India's climate change negotiation stance. In this context, analyze the evolution of India's climate policy. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlighting the constitutional role of the Finance Commission (FC), discuss the issues which are being debated w.r.t. terms of reference (ToR) of the 15th Finance Commission. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The spirit of the constitution of India represents a synthesis of Indian values, democratic and socialist movements in west and our independence movement. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"What is the importance of an independent judiciary in a democracy? Highlight the safeguards in our political-constitutional setup to ensure the independence of judiciary. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Even though Indian federalism has matured quite a bit, with states having far greater control of their economic and political management, serious structural problems still remain. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The recent amendments to the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 strike a balance between enforcement overzealousness and the need for stringent action against corrupt public servants. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Identifying the various issues plaguing the voluntary sector in India, discuss the need for a national accreditation agency to overcome them. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Given the importance of a teacher in affecting the learning outcomes of children, discuss the problems in the present system of teacher training in India. How can these be addressed? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The implementation of a scheme with such scale and benefit as Ayushman Bharat is likely to face many obstacles. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Given the fact that India cannot match China's financial clout, it is seen to be diversifying the ways in which it can enhance cooperation and promote its diplomatic profile in Africa. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Discuss how American sanctions on its adversaries affect India. Taking the example of CAATSA, analyse how India can shield its strategic interests in face of such sanctions. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2389,"topper":"Deepak Kumar Dubey","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/deb20-74631_1069_deepak_kumar_dubey_rank_46.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Growing awareness about terminal as well as mental illness has given credence to the idea of \"living wills\". What is a living will? Discuss the ethical issues to be considered from an individual as well as social perspective to formulate and implement it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"In order to improve the bureaucratic work culture and productivity, there is a need to downsize government and privatize some of the services. Critically discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Examine the contemporary relevance of Gandhiji's talisman as a means of resolving ethical dilemmas in day to day life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"\"Intelligence plus character-that is the goal of true education.\" Assess whether such an objective can be achieved within the existing system of education in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"\"A blanket prohibition of criticism of the policies of the Government is invalid and void, and it makes no difference if the person criticizing happens to be a government servant.\" Critically discuss in the context of Civil Service Conduct Rules, 1964.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"\"Man by nature is a political animal\". Explain with reference to Aristotle's idea of the state in life of the society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"What are the factors that have influenced the contemporary attitude of the state and the society towards homosexuality in India? Also, comment on the changing attitude and the factors driving this change.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"With behavioural issues and suicides among children on the rise, teachers and parents need to play an active part in ensuring mental well-being. Discuss. Also, explain the importance of emotional intelligence in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"The policy of Dhamma advocated by Ashoka through his edicts remains relevant in the context of issues in public life even today. Elucidate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Arguably, poverty is not only a matter of statistics. It is a reflection on the kind of society we live in. In this context, discuss the ethical implications for a society that witnesses high incidence of poverty.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Every superstition cannot be removed by the force of law. For that, a mental change is necessary. Comment. Also, explain how educators and public figures can help in eradicating superstition and instilling scientific temper among people.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"What are the socio-psychological factors that motivate people to join the mob and kill fellow human beings?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Examine the role of social media in recent instances of mob lynching. As a law enforcement officer, how will you prevent such incidents from happening in your district?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"We live in a time when almost everything can be bought and sold. Over the past few years, markets and market values have come to govern our lives as never before. Today the logic of buying and selling no longer applies to material good alone but increasingly governs the whole of life. However, there is a wide spread realization that markets have become detached from morals and we need to somehow reconnect them. The use of markets to allocate social goods has also been a cause of concern. In this context, answer the following: 20 (a) Is greed wholly a vice or a trait of character that has both positive and negative sides? Could you relate it to the utilitarian philosophy that emphasizes pursuit of self interest by individuals as the basis of economic well being? (b) Are there some things that money shouldn't buy? Illustrate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2390,"topper":"Deepak Kumar Dubey","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c64aa-74631_1073_deepak_kumar_dubey_rank_46.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the ethical issues involved in the recent refugee crisis and immigration as a global phenomenon from a broad perspective of globalisation and rights of citizens and aliens.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Corruption distorts not only functioning of the Government in India but business and corporate activities as well. Explain and discuss how the state can effectively deal with deficit of ethics in the private sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/ philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) \"Silence becomes cowardice when occasion demands speaking out the whole truth and acting accordingly\" - Mahatma Gandhi.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"\"We must not only tolerate others, but positively embrace them\" - Swami Vivekananda.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Emotional Intelligence is part nature and part nurture. Explaining the statement, discuss how emotional intelligence of civil servants can be enhanced.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"What do you understand by Probity in Governance? Examine whether the recent amendments to Prevention of Corruption Act and the proposed ones in Whistleblower Protection Act undermine it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Ensuring that civil service values are recognised during the recruitment process and ensured through a code of ethics after appointment is a necessary condition of making the civil services an effective instrument of citizen centric governance. Comment","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"What do you understand by cognitive dissonance? Giving examples, discuss how it influences one's behavior and attitude.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by Amartya Sen's 'capability approach'? Analyse its significance in understanding social realities and in making a pro poor development strategy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"While in principle most nations claim commitment to universal values, in practice these values are honoured more in breach than in the observance. In context of this statement, comment on the relevance of values in foreign policy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"While some ethical approaches consider an action to be ethical based on results, other focus on means. Taking the example of Indian bureaucracy compare and examine how these approaches have played out for the benefit of citizens.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"What are the ethical principles that should form the basis of the system permitting organ donation and allocation? Also discuss the importance of regulation for the success of any organ transplant program.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Where as some argue that leaks constitute an affront to democracy, others are of the opinion that leaks are a part of democracy. Examine the merits of both the arguments in the context of information attributed to leaks from government offices and whistleblowers.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"You are a young recruit to the IAS. Upon the completion of your training you have been posted in a subdividion of a district where industrial development has been lagging. The area has large reserves of minerals and a significant tribal population. The government has identified the area for a large thermal power plant and also adequate expansion of mining. This announcement has seen a rise in land prices in the area as well as unrest among the local population about possible land acquisition. As part of routine examination of records you observe large land purchases in recent years that are linked with the family of the local politician, who is also a member of the state cabinet. You also recognise that much of this land is around the site of the proposed industrial area. Further, one of your staff members also informs you that the family has been buying in the name of drivers, cleaners as well as domestic helps. You feel that having been aware of the policy decision the politician has played a role in these purchases. Incidently your relations with the politician have been cordial and he is a popular figure in the area. (a) As the official responsible for acquisition of land and payment of compensation for the land acquired, what are the ethical issues that you face in the given situation? (b) What will be your response to a suggestion that in view of these benami land transfers a freeze on land sale in the area should be enforced? (c) What is the course of action that you would take? Justify with reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"According to the WHO suicide is the second leading cause of death in the age group of 15-29 years globally. In India also, instances of young people committing suicide have been reported widely in recent times. It is all the more disturbing that such a phenomenon is increasingly visible in urban and prosperous areas. (a) What are the reasons that render people vulnerable to taking such drastic steps as suicide? (b) Also, discuss the role that you as an individual, the society and the government can play in addressing this issue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"You, the chairperson of a State Public Service Commission (SPSC), come to know that there were instances of rampant cheating in a competitive exam conducted recently by the SPSC. Your daughter, who also appeared in this exam and is confident of clearing it corroborates the same. However, she denies engaging in any such activity herself. Whatever decision the Commission takes is bound to affect the career of a large number of candidates who appeared in the exam, including your own daughter. (a) Identify the different stakeholders and their interests in the case above. (b) Enumerate the options you have to handle the current situation. What will be your choice and why? (c) Suggest measures that you would take to make sure that a similar situation does not arise in future.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"You are waiting in your car for your turn at a toll tax booth. You suddenly witness some men heckling and manhandling the toll booth operator and vandalising the property at the toll booth. They are accompanying a local politician who was passing through. Disgruntled with the fact that they were asked to pay the toll, they began to argue that the toll is too high and the public is being exploited by charging an unreasonable toll fee. At the same time they are also warning others against paying the toll fee. However, the other people around you are keeping with themselves, without anyone coming forward to intervene. While you also felt that the toll was quite high, you believe that this is not the right thing to do. (a) Bring out the ethical issues in the case above. (b) What accounts for such an overt display of hooliganism in our country. (c) What is the course of action that you would take? Justify with appropriate reasons.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2391,"topper":"DEEPAK MEENA","air":283,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/a4911661fb63cf32bd7e1d24c76e3051/9/pttp221421_tc061.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2392,"topper":"DEEPAK MEENA","air":283,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/a4911661fb63cf32bd7e1d24c76e3051/10/pttp221421_tc063.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2393,"topper":"DEEPAK MEENA","air":283,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/142/pttp221421_tc071-test-1-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2394,"topper":"DEEPAK MEENA","air":283,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/30/pttp221421_tc071-test-1-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2395,"topper":"Deepali Mahto","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kqYJPEz7kLsFtXkM8fSDjjgkWF-asVo3/view","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"The art of progress is to preserve order amid change and to preserve change amid order.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"The world is a gymnasium where we come to make ourselves strong.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"The greatest risk is to risk nothing at all.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of home.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2396,"topper":"Deepali Mahto","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wVuO63LJbjUgWqLyBcWtCcu3OsEk3QOC/view","questions":[{"page":17,"question":"THE BEST WAY TO PREDICT YOUR FUTURE IS TO CREATE IT","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2397,"topper":"Deepali Mahto","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1t40OwX4ce_CoJ5nqkGKkTh4edo_lQOcO/view","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"If it costs you your peace, it is too expensive.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"In the flood of data, the thirst still remains.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"A star has to burn to give light to others but that's what stars are meant for.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"Civilization begins with order, grows with liberty, and dies with chaos.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"A single drop never feels responsible for the flood.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"Never does nature say one thing and wisdom another.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"Present demonstrates the lessons of history, albeit the hard way.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2398,"topper":"Deepali Mahto","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/GSMACT24A1216_TC064.pdf","questions":[{"page":17,"question":"THE BEST WAY TO PREDICT YOUR FUTURE IS TO CREATE IT","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2399,"topper":"Deepali Mahto","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/GSMACT24A1216_TC062.pdf","questions":[{"page":18,"question":"THE ROAD TO SUCCESS AND THE ROAD TO FAILURE ARE ALMOST EXACTLY THE SAME","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2400,"topper":"Deepali Mahto","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/GSMACT24A1216_TC061.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"If it costs you your peace, it is too expensive.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"In the flood of data, the thirst still remains.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"A star has to burn to give light to others but that's what stars are meant for.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"Civilization begins with order, grows with liberty, and dies with chaos.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"A single drop never feels responsible for the flood.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"Never does nature say one thing and wisdom another.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"Present demonstrates the lessons of history, albeit the hard way.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2401,"topper":"Deepali Mahto","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/GSMACT24A1216_TC063.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"The art of progress is to preserve order amid change and to preserve change amid order.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"The world is a gymnasium where we come to make ourselves strong.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"The greatest risk is to risk nothing at all.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of home.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2402,"topper":"Deepali Mahto","air":36,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Lj8IQfckTPPg_4BCTzyXYQZZiWS83oVw/view","questions":[]},{"id":2403,"topper":"Deepali Mahto","air":36,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jwOda_ZfL4QO2WqPkRYW0a2lmqPq2lf9/view","questions":[]},{"id":2404,"topper":"Deepali Mahto","air":36,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1F9bqrk3J_nbAU20iJomTo3lQprxHtA0g/view","questions":[]},{"id":2405,"topper":"Deepali Mahto","air":36,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2024_unchecked_GSMACT24A1216_GSMAC2401.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2406,"topper":"Deepali Mahto","air":36,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2024_unchecked_GSMACT24A1216_GSMAC2405.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2407,"topper":"Deepali Mahto","air":36,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1P9odpfoh0dP0tv9HDooX9IPwUJHuPaqi/view","questions":[]},{"id":2408,"topper":"Deepali Mahto","air":36,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Z2_iTX3w5cB0V0frTBOdtvq0CcBKuTCX/view","questions":[]},{"id":2409,"topper":"Deepali Mahto","air":36,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2024_unchecked_GSMACT24A1216_GSMAC2402.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2410,"topper":"Deepali Mahto","air":36,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2024_unchecked_GSMACT24A1216_GSMAC2406.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2411,"topper":"Deepali Mahto","air":36,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/DEEPALI-MAHTO-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-36-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) The Union Budget 2025-26 outlines a shift towards the ‘debt-to-GDP ratio’ as the fiscal anchor starting from FY 2026-27. Discuss the rationale behind this shift. (10 marks, 150 words)\n\nQ.2) Why does India need to transition from a ‘build to print’ to a ‘build to design’ model in manufacturing? What steps has been taken by the government in this regard? (10 marks, 150 words)\n\nQ.3) Explain the concept of a nutrition-sensitive food system and suggest strategies to achieve it in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)\n\nQ.4) Give a brief overview of the ‘Digital Agriculture Mission’. How can it benefit the agriculture sector? (10 marks, 150 words)\n\nQ.5) Rare earths are not just elements; they are foundational inputs that act like ‘seeds of technology’. Elaborate. (10 marks, 150 words)\n\nQ.6) Why retrofitting Electrostatic Precipitators (ESPs) in Indian thermal power plants is a more viable and effective option compared to the installation of flue gas desulfurization (FGD) systems? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Q.7 'The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regime in India remains weak and is often reduced to a procedural formality.' In light of this statement, examine the key challenges in EIA implementation and suggest reforms.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.13 Why does India’s agricultural export performance remain weak despite high production levels? What measures would you suggest to improve agri-export competitiveness?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":6,"question":"Q.19 What are the determinants of insurgency in the north-eastern region of India? What strategy should the Government of India, civil administration and security forces adopt to counter the threat in the affected areas?","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2412,"topper":"Deepali Mahto","air":36,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xZysIAm3xV44KXDX-_B28ZFnGEaLjCZp/view","questions":[]},{"id":2413,"topper":"Deepali Mahto","air":36,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2024_unchecked_GSMACT24A1216_GSMAC2403.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2414,"topper":"Deepali Mahto","air":36,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/DEEPALI-MAHTO-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-36-Sample-MGP-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) Rising influence of money power in Indian elections poses a serious challenge to transparency, fairness, and democratic accountability. How can ethical electoral funding be ensured to maintain the integrity of democracy?\nb) Explain the key dimensions of ethics that influence human behaviour. How do these dimensions shape ethical decision-making in private life?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Q.4) a) What do you understand by the term ‘probity in governance’? Explain how probity acts as the foundation of ethical public administration.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.6) a) What do you understand by the ‘voice of conscience’? In what ways can you prepare yourself to listen to the voice of conscience? (10 marks, 150 words)\nb) Effective utilisation of public funds is not merely an administrative requirement but a moral responsibility of those entrusted with public office. However, instances of funds allocated to government schemes lying idle or being diverted towards extraneous purposes continue to be reported across the country. Examine the reasons for under-utilization and mis-utilization of public funds and their implications. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Q.7) A rail overbridge (ROB) is being planned in the capital city of a central Indian state. The project aims to reduce traffic congestion and ease delays at railway crossings, which affect thousands of daily commuters. It had been a long-standing demand of local residents, and the government approved it to address persistent traffic bottlenecks in the area. The project is to be executed by the State Public Works Department (PWD), with a strict completion deadline of one year i.e. 31st July 2026. The PWD Minister, who is also the local MLA, is scheduled to inaugurate the project in the third week of August 2026. This is planned to take place shortly before the expected announcement of state elections. Ramesh has been selected as the project manager of this prestigious assignment on the basis of his professional competence and experience. While reviewing the approved design plans in preparation for execution, Ramesh identifies a serious flaw. The proposed alignment includes a sharp 90-degree turn, incorporated due to spatial constraints between an electrified railway line on one side and ongoing metro construction on the other. From a technical standpoint, Ramesh believes the design is unsafe. It increases the risk of vehicular accidents, especially for heavy vehicles, and may lead to long-term inconvenience for road users. Ramesh promptly raises the issue with the Chief Engineer. However, the Chief Engineer overrules the concern. He states that the General Arrangement Drawing (GAD) has already been approved by the Bridge Engineering Department, in coordination with Indian Railways. He points out that revisiting the design at this stage shall result in project delays, increased expenditure, and unwanted political attention. Subsequently, Ramesh comes to know that the contractor awarded the tender to execute the project is a close relative of the PWD Minister. He also receives unofficial communication suggesting that his promotion to Additional Chief Engineer is under active consideration, but could be jeopardised if he creates “unnecessary hurdles” in the project’s timely completion. The incumbent state government is eager to complete the overbridge before the elections and present it as a major developmental achievement. This adds to the pressure on Ramesh to expedite project execution without raising further objections. Nonetheless, he remains convinced that the current design is flawed and could have grave implications for public safety if left unaddressed. Meanwhile, the bridge design has also attracted widespread public attention after being published in a leading local newspaper. Images of the sharp 90-degree turn went viral on social media, drawing criticism and ridicule. Several engineering experts have publicly flagged the alignment as a potential safety hazard, reinforcing Ramesh’s concerns.\na) Under the given conditions, what are the options available to Ramesh as a project manager?\nb) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Ramesh?\nc) What are the professional challenges likely to be faced by Ramesh and his response to overcome such challenges?","marks":null,"words":"20"},{"page":7,"question":"a) दी गई परिस्थितियों में, एक परियोजना प्रबंधक के रूप में रमेश के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nb) रमेश को किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\nc) रमेश को किन व्यावसायिक चुनौतियों का सामना करना पड़ सकता है तथा ऐसी चुनौतियों पर नियंत्रण पाने के लिए उसकी क्या प्रतिक्रिया होनी चाहिए?\na) दी गई परिस्थितियों में, एक परियोजना प्रबंधक के रूप में रमेश के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nb) रमेश को किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\nc) रमेश को किन व्यावसायिक चुनौतियों का सामना करना पड़ सकता है तथा ऐसी चुनौतियों पर नियंत्रण पाने के लिए उसकी क्या प्रतिक्रिया होनी चाहिए?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":8,"question":"a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\nb) Evaluate the options available to Srushti in the above situation.\nc) What suggestions would you make to help officers like Srushti maintain a healthy work-life balance.\na) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\nb) Evaluate the options available to Srushti in the above situation.\nc) What suggestions would you make to help officers like Srushti maintain a healthy work-life balance.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.9 A reputed Indian beauty & personal care company developed a herbal skin cream for the international market, claiming anti-ageing and skin-repair properties based on traditional Ayurvedic formulations. After obtaining the necessary approvals and export certifications, the company began exporting the product. The product received widespread positive feedback for its quality and natural formulation, and soon became a huge hit in international markets. Riding on this success, the company announced that the product would soon be made available to domestic consumers, with almost the same quality and health benefits. Subsequently, it secured approval from the domestic regulatory authority and launched the product in the Indian market. Over time, the brand gained a significant share of the domestic market and earned substantial revenues both nationally and internationally. However, during a random sample check, officials discovered that the cream sold in India differed from the version approved by the competent authority. The product failed to meet the claimed herbal composition and purity standards. Further investigation revealed that the company had often been distributing batches that had failed export quality checks. The incident triggered widespread public criticism and regulatory scrutiny, leading to a sharp decline in the company’s reputation and financial performance.\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\nb) What actions should the competent regulatory authority take against the personal care company for violating domestic quality standards and distributing rejected export batches in the Indian market?\nc) What course of action is available to the company to manage the crisis and restore public trust and brand credibility?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":10,"question":"Q.10 A forest fire has broken out in a hilly district and is rapidly spreading toward an eco-sensitive area that includes four villages (ESA villages). These villages lie along the forest fringe and are surrounded by difficult terrain. The region is known for its biodiversity and traditional forest-based livelihoods. The inhabitants of these villages are mostly poor tribal communities, dependent on forest resources for their sustenance.\nYou, as the District Magistrate of the area, have rushed to the spot with a medical team, police personnel, NGOs, media, and support staff to oversee the rescue and containment operations. Your disaster response team on the ground is small and poorly equipped. Reinforcements from the district headquarter have been requested, but they may take several hours to arrive due to the remoteness and challenging terrain.\nIn the meantime, a group of trained ex-forest guards and local youth from the villages offer to help. They are experienced and familiar with the area. However, existing government rules do not permit the engagement of unofficial personnel in fire control operations without formal clearance and insurance coverage.\nYour team members are divided on this issue. Some members argue that volunteers should be engaged immediately to prevent the fire from spreading. Others caution that involving them without proper approval and safety cover could be risky and against protocol.\nAs the District Magistrate, you are also the Chairperson of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA). The fire is spreading at a very rapid rate, and immediate action is required to protect lives, property, and the environment. You are now in a dilemma.\na) What are the options available to you?\nb) Critically evaluate each of the options identified by you.\nc) What option would you adopt and why?\nd) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by you?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.11 In one of the government primary schools located in a rural block of a district, the newly appointed headmistress observed an unusual practice. The school had been preparing and serving mid-day meals separately to students belonging to different communities. Although the meals were cooked using a common gas connection, separate utensils, cooking areas, and serving arrangements had been in place for more than two decades. Students from the two communities had their food cooked and served by different cooks and ate in separate classrooms, despite attending classes together. After taking charge, the headmistress decided to discontinue this practice. She directed that food be prepared and served together for all students, using a common kitchen and utensils. However, the decision triggered backlash. A considerable number of parents across communities vehemently opposed the move and stopped sending their children to school. Consequently, attendance fell by almost 60 percent. This also raised concerns regarding the possible discontinuation of the mid-day meal scheme, withdrawal of teaching staff, and even closure of the school due to falling enrolment. The issue has attracted attention from various political and social groups attempting to further polarise the situation and serve their vested interests.\nMarpi Apang, the District Education Officer (DEO), has been tasked by the Deputy Commissioner’s office to amicably resolve the matter at the earliest. She has also been directed to submit a detailed report along with the Action Taken Report within a fortnight.\na) Identify the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb) What course of action should Marpi adopt and why?\nc) What should be the responsibilities of different social segments and agencies to create positive social ambiance for accepting such changes?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":12,"question":"Q.12 You are a Municipal Commissioner of a tier-2 city experiencing rapid urban expansion. Several high-rise residential and commercial buildings are under construction in the city to meet the growing demand for housing. One such luxury residential complex is being built, employing hundreds of daily-wage labourers, many of whom live in temporary settlements at the construction site. Late one night during the monsoon season, a large section of scaffolding and concrete slabs collapses from the upper floors of one of the under-construction buildings. Seven labourers, including two minors, die on the spot. Several others are critically injured and rushed to the hospital. The tragic incident results in public outrage, intense media scrutiny, and protests by a local NGO. The state government orders a formal inquiry and directs you to submit a report within a week. Your preliminary investigation reveals a series of irregularities. The construction material used is substandard and not in accordance with the National Building Code. Although the approved plan permits construction of fifteen floors, the builder has illegally added two extra floors. Moreover, the structure has encroached on land demarcated for a community park and a fire service lane under the city’s Zonal Development Plan. These violations are not reported during site inspections conducted by the building inspector of the municipal corporation. The building clearance was granted during the tenure of your predecessor, who is not only your batchmate but also a close friend. Both of you were roommates during your training at LBSNAA. Prima facie, the case appears to involve a widespread nexus between officials of the Municipal Corporation and the builder. Your colleagues are putting pressure on you to go slow in the inquiry. Some of them suggest that holding the builder accountable could damage the city's image among investors and slow down urban development. Meanwhile, you come to know that the builder is the younger brother of a powerful minister in the state cabinet. One evening, his personal aide visits you privately. He suggests that the matter could be “mutually settled” and offers you a premium apartment worth ₹2 crore in the same residential complex. In the same breath, he hints that if the matter is not resolved swiftly in the builder’s favour, someone in his office is prepared to file a complaint against you under the SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\nb) What are the options available to you in this situation?\nc) Explain your selected course of action.","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":13,"question":"a) मामले में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा करें।\nb) इस स्थिति में आपके पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nc) अपनी चुनी हुई कार्यवाही का विवरण दीजिए।\na) मामले में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा करें।\nb) इस स्थिति में आपके पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nc) अपनी चुनी हुई कार्यवाही का विवरण दीजिए।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"}]},{"id":2415,"topper":"Deepali Mahto","air":36,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OC83qYNK-rRF404fy3H1d8UUXEtRN0Lo/view","questions":[]},{"id":2416,"topper":"Deepali Mahto","air":36,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/12ytBcDFzpgXdktIGr9y0oA4l9g5-wiBl/view","questions":[]},{"id":2417,"topper":"Deepali Mahto","air":36,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2024_unchecked_GSMACT24A1216_EE2401.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2418,"topper":"Deepali Mahto","air":36,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2024_unchecked_GSMACT24A1216_EE2402.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2419,"topper":"Deepali Mahto","air":36,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aTW6LZzSC5P5q9lVOLpqNLLWHJgdSj96/view","questions":[]},{"id":2420,"topper":"Deepana Visveswari V","air":107,"year":2018,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1t-gRRgdD-5Qaqg3Tgt-iV0dyqgJm7vH5","questions":[]},{"id":2421,"topper":"Deepanshu","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Deepanshu-UPSC-2023-Rank-119-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Patience, persistence, and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Knowing others is intelligence, knowing oneself is true wisdom.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Humans are irrational creatures gifted with the power of rationality.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Peace is the virtue of civilisation whereas war is its crime.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"The most valuable of all capital is the one invested in human beings.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Massive poverty and obscene inequality are the social evils of contemporary times.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Climate change is just not a political but an intergenerational justice issue.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2422,"topper":"Deepanshu","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Deepanshu-UPSC-2023-Rank-119-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"In many ways, the Spanish civil war was the opening act of WWII. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"How will you explain the different fates of Buddhism and Jainism despite a slew of similarities in the two religions? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Non-Cooperation Movement democratized India's freedom struggle but suffered from inherent limitations. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Critically analyse the efficacy of linguistic reorganization of states in addressing the reasons for linguistic divides in post-independent India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Briefly discuss the role of plate tectonics theory in explaining the location of volcanoes. Also, explain the multifarious impacts of volcanoes on the surrounding regions. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Taking further the success of Aspirational Districts Programme, Aspirational Blocks can help achieve the twin objectives of balanced growth and checking stress migration. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Describe the critical factors for location of defense industries and suggest measures to overcome the challenges. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"To what extent can Socio-Economic-Caste Census (SECC) address the challenges in achieving equitable resource allocation and targeted welfare? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Indian society is premised on some common values that give it a composite texture as well as some diverse practices that deepen its heterogeneity. Elucidate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What are the factors that influence population growth in the country? In this perspective, examine the relevance and need of raising the minimum marriageable age of women for population development. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Bring out the reasons behind the tribal unrest in British India. Also, analyze the reasons for their limited success. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The independence of India was not a result of a forced expulsion of the Empire, as desired by the Quit India Movement; it was rather a confluence of domestic politics and global circumstances. Analyze. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Explain why Sufism, a liberal reform movement in Islam could deepen its roots in the Indian sub-continent, despite Islam being a foreign religion? Also, bring out the impacts of Sufism on Indian society. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Enumerate the reasons behind rising intensity and frequency of cyclones in the Arabian Sea in recent years. Giving special reference to NDMA guidelines, recommend measures to check the adverse impacts of cyclones. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Examine the impacts of climate change on the hydrological cycle and suggest suitable mitigation and adaptation strategies to contain the harmful implications. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Defining continental shelf, highlight its resource potential and ecological significance. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Rooted in patriarchal values, gender-based violence, in all its manifestations, is antithetical to societal growth. Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The caste calculus in the Indian society remains predominant and continues to project its shadow on social, political, and economic domains. Do you agree? Substantiate your answer. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss various factors contributing to the water woes faced by Indian cities. Also, explain complexities in implementing a comprehensive water management plan. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Though important elements of group identity, religion and region also run the risk of deepening communal cleavages. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2423,"topper":"Deepanshu","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Deepanshu-UPSC-2023-Rank-119-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Foreign trade is an important milestone on the path of becoming a 5 trillion USD economy. In this context, analyse the potential of the recently released Foreign Trade Policy, 2023 in revamping India's participation in global trade. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Social protection schemes are an integral aspect of a welfare economy; however, the principles of fiscal prudence cannot be ignored. Discuss, with special reference to Old Pension Scheme (OPS). (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand from Agristack? To what extent can it become a panacea for the problems plaguing the farm sector. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The objective of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to provide a long term and equitable solution to the dilemma between free trade and food security has remained unfulfilled. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Even after five decades of the Stockholm conference, narrowing the gaps between the targets and actions remains one of the biggest challenges towards reversing climate change. Discuss. Also, recommend measures for building a coherent actionable strategy to tackle climate change. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What are the impediments in management of E-waste in the country? In what ways can the trinity of citizens, businesses, and the government tackle this menace? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How does nuclear fusion differ from nuclear fission? Assess the relevance of nuclear energy in resolving the global energy security dilemma? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are run of the river hydroelectric projects? How far can run of the river hydroelectric projects balance ecological conservation with socio-economic development? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"A robust border infrastructure is the surest way to counter multifarious threats emanating from inimical actors. Discuss, in light of Vibrant Village Programme. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"How far can a clearly articulated National Security Strategy help in tackling challenges to national security? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What are the factors that influence the inflation trends in the country? Highlighting the impacts, discuss the institutional measures in place to check inflation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Though a cornerstone of Atmanirbhar Bharat, Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme is not without its own challenges. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"How is internationalisation of rupee different from De-Dollarisation? Highlighting the benefits of internationalisation of rupee, discuss the challenges associated with the same. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What are Primary Agricultural Credit Societies? Can the cooperative push alone help in achieving the twin targets of boosting rural economy and mainstreaming small and marginal farmers? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Farm policies in the country have inadvertently led to undesirable consequences. Do you agree? Giving emphasis on PM PRANAM, discuss ways to enhance soil health and farm productivity. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What do you understand by heat waves? Highlight the reasons and impact of the rising frequency of heat waves across India. Also, recommend some measures to mitigate its impact. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"How is Chandrayaan-3 different from its predecessor, Chandrayaan-2? To what extent can India's presence in Artemis Accords help in furthering the exploration of lunar surface? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Research and Development is the key to unlock the potential of 'knowledge economy.' In this perspective, analyse the role of the National Research Foundation Bill, 2023 in democratizing the research ecosystem in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'Hybrid warfare.' Highlighting its implications for India, recommend measures to develop a comprehensive ecosystem to counter the same. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How are internal security challenges related to peace in neighboring countries? Explain with special reference to instability on India's eastern frontier. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2424,"topper":"Deepanshu","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Deepanshu-UPSC-2023-Rank-119-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Celebrity endorsements raise pertinent ethical concerns about responsibility that delve into the realm of ethical considerations of social influence that run deeper than mere surface appeal. In this context, suggest measures to tackle the ethical challenges of celebrity brand endorsements. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Embracing a scientific mindset involves setting aside impulsive inclinations in favor of the pursuit of truth. In your view, how does the integration of scientific thinking contribute to addressing contemporary challenges and promoting societal progress? How can we effectively cultivate a scientific attitude in society? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"In the realm of professional conduct, ethics plays a role that tends to go far beyond fulfilling the roles and responsibilities of the job with diligence and honesty. But some people consider professional competence as the only critical requirement for a job. If faced with a choice, who would you prefer to hire - someone with professional competence or one with strong moral values? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Patriotism can hold different meanings for different people, often shaped by personal experiences and convictions. What does patriotism mean to you? Explain narrating incidents from your life when you exhibited patriotism. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Max Weber's concept of bureaucracy was developed in the early 20th century, but it still influences administrative structures today. In what ways do you see Weberian bureaucracy as relevant in today's rapidly changing world? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Global challenges often test the ethical fiber of nations, urging them to channel narrow pursuit of national-interest into an enlightened self-interest.\" Enumerating the various ethical principles underlying the concept of enlightened national-interest examine its efficacy in helping nations navigate the fine line between pursuing their strategic interests and upholding ethical principles, particularly in times of conflict? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In the realm of governance, a crucial aspect is the art of persuasion. The qualities that make civil servants proficient persuaders empower them to fulfill their responsibilities in an effective manner. Discuss with illustrations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Corruption has multifaceted implications. Some consider it an undeniable vice, while others contend it to be an unavoidable necessity for navigating the bureaucratic complexities. In your opinion, does corruption oil or corrode the gears of development? Substantiate your arguments. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Ethical hacking and malicious hacking stand as divergent paths with distinct intentions and consequences. As technology advances, it becomes imperative to comprehend the nuances that set these practices apart in the cybersecurity landscape. In this perspective, elucidate the principles that differentiate ethical hacking and malicious hacking. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What does each of the following quotation mean to you? a) \"Our greatest ability as humans is not to change the world, but to change ourselves.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":2425,"topper":"Deepanshu Jindal","air":38,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/DEEPANSHU-JINDAL-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-38-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1 a) What constitutes journalistic ethics? Highlight the role of media, particularly mass media, in shaping ethical values in contemporary times. (10 marks, 150 words)\nb) Young people with ethical conduct are not willing to come forward to join active politics. Suggest steps to motivate them to come forward. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Q.4 a) How does persuasion help achieve a desired change in attitude? What are the elements of an effective persuasive approach?\nb) While ethics in private and public relations may differ, their impact on one another is undeniable. Discuss with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) Social values are more important than economic values. Discuss the above statement with examples in the context of inclusive growth of a nation.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Q.7) You are a young and sincere employee who has recently joined a government office as an assistant to the director of your department. Being new to the workplace, you are eager to learn and grow in your role. Your superior, the director, is an experienced and intelligent person with extensive knowledge of various departments. You respect him not just for his professional skills but also for his willingness to guide and mentor you. You have built a good rapport with him and appreciate the chance to learn from such an accomplished individual.\nAs your relationship with your boss grows, he begins to rely on you more for work-related tasks. One day, due to ill health, he invites you to his home to help with some urgent work. When you reach his house and are about to ring the doorbell, you hear shouting from inside. Unsure of what to do, you pause for a moment but then decide to enter. Your boss greets you warmly and explains the work, but throughout, you are distracted by the sound of a woman crying in the background. Initially, you hesitate to ask about the situation, but your concern grows. Finally, you ask your boss about the noise, but his answer is vague and unsatisfactory. He quickly dismisses the matter. Although you finish the work, the unsettling environment leaves you feeling uneasy.\nThe next day, you discreetly inquire at the office and learn more about the situation. You discover that, despite your boss's calm and professional demeanour at work, he is abusive toward his wife at home. His wife is a simple woman, not highly educated, and suffers from regular domestic violence. This information shocks you, as it conflicts with the positive image you had of him based on your interactions at work.\nThis knowledge puts you in a difficult moral dilemma. On one hand, you respect your boss for his guidance, intelligence, and professionalism. On the other hand, you are aware of his unethical behaviour at home, which violates basic human rights and ethical principles. You struggle to reconcile the two sides of his character, finding it hard to balance your professional relationship with the awareness of his abusive actions at home.\na. Under the given conditions, what are the options available to you? Evaluate each of the options listed by you.\nb. What course of action would you adopt and why?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.8 Gaurav is traveling with his wife and children in their car on a busy Sunday evening. The road is packed with traffic, and the vehicles are barely moving. As they inch forward, Gaurav notices a biker trying to weave through the congested road. In his attempt, the biker accidentally collides with an SUV that is illegally parked in a No Parking Zone. The impact causes the rear-view mirror of the SUV to break, injuring the biker, who starts bleeding profusely. Hearing the loud noise, the owner of the SUV, a local councillor, rushes out of his car in a rage. Furious about the damage, the councillor grabs a metal rod and starts hitting the injured biker. The situation quickly escalates as the councillor vents his anger on the defenceless, bleeding biker. The sight of the violence shocks Gaurav, who is watching from his car. Instinctively, Gaurav feels the urge to intervene and help the biker, who is being mercilessly beaten. However, as he opens his car door and takes a step forward, his wife stops him. She reminds him of the danger in confronting someone as powerful as the local councillor, especially when Gaurav is unarmed. She points out the risks of standing up to him and the possible consequences that could put their family in harm's way. With their children in the car and the councillor's aggressive behaviour, her concerns about safety seem valid to Gaurav. His wife further points out that despite the number of people witnessing the incident, none of them are stepping forward to help. She questions why Gaurav should risk his safety when no one else is willing to take action. This argument adds to Gaurav's growing sense of hesitation, as he sees others choosing to remain bystanders, unwilling to intervene in the dangerous situation. Gaurav glances around from his car window and notices a police constable standing near the scene. For a moment, he feels relieved, hoping that the officer will intervene to stop the violence. However, to his dismay, the officer remains passive, merely watching the councillor continue his assault without stepping in to help. This leaves Gaurav even more conflicted about what to do.\na Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb What are the reasons behind rise of road rage incidents in the country?\nc Suggest measures to reduce incidents of road rage and promote responsible behaviour in public spaces.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":9,"question":"a. What are the ethical issues involved in the case?\nb. Why do such discriminatory practices continue in the society? What role can youth like Diya play in checking such practices?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":10,"question":"a. Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case study.\nb. What can be the underlying reasons for discriminatory attitudes toward hiring married women by the company?\nc. How can organizations promote gender equity in their hiring practices?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":11,"question":"a. Identify the various value conflicts faced by Ramesh in his role as Municipal Commissioner.\nb. Analyze the decision to remove unauthorized encroachments on the flood plains from an ethical perspective.\nc. If you were in Ramesh's position and in charge of the situation, how would you have approached the challenges presented by the encroachment clearance and the resulting protests?\na Identify the various value conflicts faced by Ramesh in his role as Municipal Commissioner.\nb Analyze the decision to remove unauthorized encroachments on the flood plains from an ethical perspective.\nc If you were in Ramesh's position and in charge of the situation, how would you have approached the challenges presented by the encroachment clearance and the resulting protests?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":12,"question":"Q.12 Prashant works in a multinational company in a metropolitan city and is visiting his native village during his holiday. While reading the newspaper at home, he came across a distressing news article about a newlywed couple who tragically died in a road accident. Their motorcycle lost control and crashed into a roadside boulder. The police report indicated that none of the riders were wearing helmets, emphasizing that their fatal head injuries could have been avoided had they used this critical safety equipment.\nA few days later, Prashant and his five friends from the village decided to take a road trip to the hills of a neighboring state on their two-wheelers. While riding through urban areas, all the friends wore their helmets, and Prashant felt proud that they prioritized road safety. However, once they entered rural areas, Prashant noticed that everyone removed their helmets almost immediately. He found this behavior puzzling. When he inquired about it, his friends explained that helmet use is strictly enforced in urban areas, where violations can result in hefty fines. In contrast, enforcement is lax in rural areas. As an aware citizen who values road safety and adherence to regulations, Prashant is conscious of the importance of following safety protocols, including helmet use. Concerned for their safety, he encouraged his friends to keep their helmets on. He explained that one should wear helmets not just because it is a legal requirement, but for one's own safety, as helmets significantly reduce the risk of serious injury or death in the event of an accident. Upon hearing this, Prashant's friends teased him, suggesting that he had become too influenced by urban attitudes.\nWhile riding through a scenic area, they passed by a deep gorge and witnessed a motorcycle accident where a rider lost control and crashed into the ravine. The sight was alarming and reminded Prashant of the news article he had read. Once again, he urged his friends to wear their helmets. This time, his friends grew irritated and dismissed Prashant's concerns as unnecessary fear. Prashant recognized that they held a prevailing negative attitude toward wearing helmets, seeing them as an imposition rather than a safeguard.\na Why is there a negative attitude among people regarding wearing helmets?\nb What measures can be taken to bring about positive changes in this attitude?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":21,"question":"3 a) Rabindranath Tagoreji said this quote to promote tolerance & peace within nations asking citizens to shun narrow patriotism for internationalism. How worshipping country as God is to bring curse upon it!","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"4a) How does persuasion help achieve desired change in attitude","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"b) Why do such practices continue?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2426,"topper":"Deepanshu Jindal","air":38,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/DEEPANSHU-JINDAL-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-38-Sample-MGP-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1 a) What is your understanding of corruption? In your opinion, does corruption grease or sand the wheels of growth? Justify your answer. (10 marks, 150 words)\nb) The balance between laws and conscience is delicate; when synchronized, they promote ethical conduct, but their discord can give rise to significant ethical dilemmas. Illustrate with examples (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Q.4) a) Distinguish between \"Code of ethics\" and \"Code of conduct\" with suitable examples.\nb) In contemporary times, corporate governance emphasizes accountability and ethical responsibility, yet a lack of adherence to these principles among many corporations highlights a disconnect between theory and practice. In this context, discuss the challenges corporations face in adhering to ethical standards and how these challenges can be mitigated.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.7 Recently, a disturbing incident involving the sexual assault of two young girls at a nursery school came to light in a 'sleepy' town of a western state in the country. When the parents approached the local police station to lodge an FIR, the police turned them away. However, twelve hours later, the FIR was filed, and a 24-year-old cleaning staff member of the school was arrested as the only suspect in the incident.\na. What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\nb. Based on the case study, discuss the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in conducting a fair and impartial investigation amidst public and political pressure.\nc. What best practices should be followed to ensure the integrity of investigations in such high-profile cases?","marks":null,"words":"20"},{"page":7,"question":"a. What are the ethical issues involved in re-appropriation of funds from a welfare project to the developmental projects?\nb. Given the need for proper utilization of public funds, discuss the options available to Sowmiya. Which option should she choose?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":8,"question":"Q.9 a. What are the ethical concerns associated with surrogate advertising?\nb. Suggest a course of action that addresses the concerns of both the stakeholders involved. Justify your answer.\na. What are the ethical concerns associated with surrogate advertising?\nb. Suggest a course of action that addresses the concerns of both the stakeholders involved. Justify your answer.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":9,"question":"a. What should be Sneha's course of action?\nb. How would she justify what she chooses to do?\nc. In this case, how is medical ethics compromised with vested personal interest?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":10,"question":"a) What are the options available to Utkarsh to meet the above situation? Critically examine each of the options identified by him.\nb) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Utkarsh?\nc) What course of action should Utkarsh adopt to diffuse the above situation?","marks":"25","words":"25"},{"page":11,"question":"a. What are the options available to Raman to tackle the above situation?\nb. What measures would you suggest for strengthening the existing set-up to ensure that such groups do not succeed in penetrating and vitiating the atmosphere in the state?\nc. In the above scenario, what action plan would you advise for enhancing the intelligence-gathering mechanism of the police force?\na What are the options available to Raman to tackle the above situation?\nb What measures would you suggest for strengthening the existing set-up to ensure that such groups do not succeed in penetrating and vitiating the atmosphere in the state?\nc In the above scenario, what action plan would you advise for enhancing the intelligence-gathering mechanism of the police force?","marks":null,"words":"25"},{"page":26,"question":"4b) Recent scandals like Volkswagen's dieselgate, Yesbank crises, Indus Ind Bank's failure to report losses : reflect divergence of theory & practice of corporate governance","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"1. Follow written order of superior\nMerit Knowledge & experience of superior is better\nSomething is better than no decision (Utilitarianism)\nDemerit Ultimate responsibility is with Sovereign\nMoral Abdication reflected (future decisions)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"c) Medical ethics is compromised due to -\n1) lack of principle of Beneficence (welfare of patients not key decision maker.)\n2) Malficence (personal interest may cause higher costs for poor patients)\n3) Lack of Justice for patients & other bidders (lowest bidder)\n4) Conflict of Interest Hampering judgement in ethical lines\n5) managements hands-off approach","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2427,"topper":"DEEPESH GAUR","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/116/mt23macen224_tc071-test-1-gs-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The fabric of Indian philosophical thought owes as much to Northern India as to Southern India. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The Indian society's impulse for social change and reform was a response to its opposition to colonial rule. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"What are the factors that led to the Russian revolution and what are the consequences of this revolu...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the various factors responsible for the uneven temperature distribution on Earth's surface.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The White Revolution was most successful in the Western part of India. Discuss the factors for this regional success of the White Revolution.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"To what extent does seismic investigation contribute to our understanding of the Earth's interior structure? Analyze its significance in detail.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The pace of demographic transition varies across different states of India making population growth a double-edged sword. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The ethnic and cultural diversity in India has always been bound by the thread of unity. Discuss the...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The dichotomy in public and private life in Indian society acts as a major barrier to the annihilation of caste. Justify. The fabric of Indian philosophical thought owes as much to Northern India as to Southern India. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2428,"topper":"DEEPESH GAUR","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ff162fc0430025272826e0c794787a7c/45/mt23macen224_tc071-test-1-gs-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The fabric of Indian philosophical thought owes as much to Northern India as to Southern India. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The Indian society's impulse for social change and reform was a response to its opposition to colonial rule. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What are the factors that led to the Russian revolution and what are the consequences of this revolution? Discuss its influence on the Indian national movement. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the various factors responsible for the uneven temperature distribution on Earth's surface. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The melting of glaciers due to climate change has serious implications for the ecosystem and human society. Discuss the effects of melting glaciers on the environment and the measures that can be taken to address this issue. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The White Revolution was most successful in the Western part of India. Discuss the factors for this regional success of the White Revolution. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"To what extent does seismic investigation contribute to our understanding of the Earth's interior structure? Analyze its significance in detail. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The pace of demographic transition varies across different states of India making population growth a double-edged sword. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The ethnic and cultural diversity in India has always been bound by the thread of unity. Discuss the major factors that have contributed to the cultural unity of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The dichotomy in public and private life in Indian society acts as a major barrier to the annihilation of caste. Justify. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"India was forced into numerous wars post Independence. Highlight the causes and impact of the Indo-Pak and Indo-China wars on our bilateral relationships. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The process of consolidation of Bengal, which started after the Battle of Plassey culminated in the Battle of Buxar. Do you think the Battle of Buxar was more important for the British than Plassey? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Sanskrit literature in general and particularly in the Guptan age set a high watermark for the literary history of ancient India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The configuration of the ocean floor provides essential information about the geological processes that have shaped the Earth's surface. Discuss the major features of the ocean floor and their significance in the study of oceanography. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"With the growing demand for rare earth elements, their distribution has become a critical aspect of the global economy. Discuss the distribution of rare earth elements across the world, their uses, and the environmental impact of their extraction. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Tourism in the hilly states is threatening to exceed the ecological carrying capacity of the region. Analyze the factors contributing to this trend and evaluate the potential Environmental impacts of this phenomenon. What measures can be taken to ensure sustainable tourism in these states? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The Indian monsoon is a complex phenomenon influenced by various climatic factors. Critically examine the role of oceanic and atmospheric factors in determining the intensity and distribution of monsoon rainfall in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Why do traditions in our society impede change? To what extent can social legislation be instrumental against old customary practices? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Slums are not 'problems' that have to be 'solved' - but are indeed a result of lopsided and vested urban policies covering infrastructure provision and socio-economic issues. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Communalism gains strength from economic deprivation, and thrives in environments of social exclusion, creating fertile ground for discontent and division. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2429,"topper":"DEEPESH GAUR","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ff162fc0430025272826e0c794787a7c/46/mt23macen224_tc072-test-2-gs-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"There is a need to resolve the ambiguity in the disqualification provisions under section 8 of the Representation of People Act 1951. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Constitution is a mere skeleton whereas constitutionalism is the soul of democracy. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"Electoral bonds are a double-edged sword, providing anonymity to donors while raising concerns about transparency in political funding.\" To what extent have electoral bonds further legitimized opacity in electoral funding? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The question of gender equality is central to the debate on Uniform Civil Code. In this light what are the challenges in reconciling UCC with gender equality as enshrined in the constitution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The Governor's office is neither decorative nor inconsequential, it assumes a constitutional role of profound essence' To what extent does the Governor, actively contribute to the governance of a state and reinforce the principles of federalism in the country? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Recently demand has been rising in a state regarding the enactment of Social Accountability Law. How such a law can lead to good governance and boost citizens' participation in decision-making. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"There is a need for convergence of 'nutrition-specific' and 'nutrition-sensitive' interventions to effectively tackle child undernutrition in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"MGNREGA, the lynchpin of rural poverty alleviation, has become the victim of fiscal apathy.\" Critically analyze the statement in light of recent developments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"India must leverage, if not manage, the global divides\". How can the current geopolitical churn pave the way for India's rise to the global high table? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"Berlin can be India's gateway to the European Union.\" Elaborate with respect to Germany's significance in India's relationship with the EU. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"How has the Anti-Defection Law impacted the relationship between political parties and individual legislators in India? In light of the recent incidents also discuss the unintended consequences it has on the functioning of democracy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Critics assert that limitless judicial authority rests on the structural ambiguity of the basic structure doctrine. Has the elastic nature of the basic structure doctrine made the judiciary more powerful than the executive? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Fundamental rights are not gifts bestowed upon by the state rather an individual possesses them independently of the state. In this context discuss the desirability of reasonable restrictions on various fundamental rights. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"S.R. Bommai v. Union of India signified a paradigm shift in the judicial interpretation of the union's authority to assume control of a state's administration. In this context discuss the significance and impact of the judgement on cementing the federal structure. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The key to effective decentralization is, 'political decentralization should follow finance and functional decentralization'. Discuss in the context of impediments faced by local governance in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Multi-stakeholder partnerships are the key to leveraging collective expertise and networks. How can effective partnership and localized implementation efforts be fostered to accelerate the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"How has the implementation of the POSH Act resulted in limited success in raising awareness about sexual harassment, and what factors have hindered its effective outreach to women employed in the unorganized sector? Propose strategies to bridge this gap and ensure comprehensive protection for women in the unorganized sector against workplace harassment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"'Neo-liberal reforms and globalization have deeply transformed the institutions of the welfare state and set the ground for a new type of civil services.' In this context examine the challenges faced in service delivery and suggest adequate reforms. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"China views India as its \"Asian Rival\" with an innate ability to counter its hegemonic goals in Asia. Despite these difficulties in India-China relations, there are also many areas of convergence. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Indo-Pacific region in recent times has emerged as a zone of diverging interests and priorities. Discuss. Do you think the Global Security Initiative will supersede QUAD in the region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2430,"topper":"DEEPESH GAUR","air":144,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/107/mt23macen224_tc072-test-2-gs-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2431,"topper":"DEEPESH GAUR","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/110/mt23macen224_tc073-test-3-gs-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by Windfall tax? Do you think that windfall taxes can effectively redistribute wealth and promote greater economic equality?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the perceived successes and challenges of implementing inflation targeting under the new Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) regime.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Assess the potential of millet production in promoting sustainable agriculture and improving food security in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)? Discuss its applications and how it can revolutionize the energy program of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Discuss in brief developments and challenges in the Gaganyaan mission of ISRO. What are the possible benefits of the mission for the society?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"What are the key lessons for disaster management and environmental conservation in the Himalayan reg...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"\"The recent radical trends in Punjab show that the Khalistan issue is still simmering.\" Discuss the ...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The anonymity and ease of drone operation contribute to the challenges of India's border security. E... What do you understand by Windfall tax? Do you think that windfall taxes can effectively redistribute wealth and promote greater economic equality?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2432,"topper":"DEEPESH GAUR","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ff162fc0430025272826e0c794787a7c/48/mt23macen224_tc073-test-3-gs-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What do you understand by Windfall tax? Do you think that windfall taxes can effectively redistribute wealth and promote greater economic equality? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss the perceived successes and challenges of implementing inflation targeting under the new Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) regime. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Assess the potential of millet production in promoting sustainable agriculture and improving food security in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Jal Jeevan Mission has the potential to end the regional disparity in the availability and accessibility of drinking water. Highlighting the significance of the mission, discuss the underlying impediments in achieving the desired objectives. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do you understand by Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)? Discuss its applications and how it can revolutionize the energy program of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss in brief developments and challenges in the Gaganyaan mission of ISRO. What are the possible benefits of the mission for the society? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"Green hydrogen can be the silver bullet in our quest to tackle climate change and pollution\". Critically analyze the statement in light of India's National Green Hydrogen mission. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What are the key lessons for disaster management and environmental conservation in the Himalayan region, in light of the recent disaster in Joshimath, Uttarakhand? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"The recent radical trends in Punjab show that the Khalistan issue is still simmering.\" Discuss the statement with respect to recent developments and suggest measures to handle it. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The anonymity and ease of drone operation contribute to the challenges of India's border security. Elaborate and give suggestions to tackle the drone problem in border areas. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Electricity Amendment Bill, 2022 brings several advantages for consumers, DISCOMs as well as the environment. Elaborate. Also, list out its shortcomings and suggest some measures to overcome them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) plays an important role in the regulation of the share market and safeguarding the interests of investors. In the light of given statement, highlight the challenges faced by the SEBI and suggest reforms in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Despite being a major contributor to the Indian economy, the agriculture sector is plagued by several constraints that impede its growth and development. Discuss the role of technology in overcoming these constraints. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Evaluate the impact of irrigation on the environment and natural resources, and suggest measures to ensure the sustainability and equity of irrigation practices in agriculture. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"How India benefitted strategically from the contributions of Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha and Dr. Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai in the fields of atomic energy and space technology respectively? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Genreative AI holds the potential to push the boundaries of innovation in the near future, yet its societal impact raises substantial challenges. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Explain the purpose of the \"Mangrove Alliance for Climate\" launched at the COP27 UN Climate Change Conference in Egypt in November 2022. Elaborate on the importance of mangroves in maintaining the coastal ecology of tropical nations. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The Formation of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure brings more robustness to the Disaster Management approach in India. Comment and justify the need for a new strategy to tackle Disasters in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The recent rise in ransomware attacks targeting critical infrastructure and major corporations has highlighted the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity measures and policies. Discussing the key factors contributing to this trend, analyze the impact of these attacks on various sectors. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"In the context of border security, how can cooperation and coordination between different security agencies be improved to ensure effective and efficient management of coastal and terrestrial borders? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2433,"topper":"DEEPESH GAUR","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ff162fc0430025272826e0c794787a7c/47/mt23macen224_tc074-test-4-gs-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Public service requires not merely legal but also morally principled action. Public service requires the public servant to place loyalty to the constitution, laws, and ethical principles. Among the three, which do you think must acquire primacy while carrying out official functions? Why? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"What do you understand by \"integrity-based civil disobedience\"? Do you think a challenge to personal integrity can be a justifiable cause for responsible disobedience in civil services? Explain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Recent research has shown that emotions significantly impact personal and professional lives. What are the primary emotions that negatively and positively impact workplace productivity? Explain with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Technical efficiency ensures resource utilization and social efficiency ensures fulfillment of social needs, what does ethical efficiency ensure? Do you think ethical efficiency is more important than technical and social efficiency? Why/Why not? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"Man cannot do right in one department of life whilst he is occupied in doing wrong in any other department.\" Gandhi. Do you think an individual's personal ethics impacts professional life or they both can be compartmentalized? Explain your position with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Goodness is the result of internal imperatives to do what is right, not sanctions from moral rules or rewards from expected consequences. Do you agree? Discuss.(Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In the context of civil service, distinguish between moral and nonmoral values. Identify 5 basic moral values that can serve as foundational values for all services irrespective of the department. Give reasons why those values can be considered foundational. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Citizens' involvement in decision-making is critical to ethics in governance. Do you agree that effective civic engagement mechanisms can facilitate an ethics-driven administration? What do you think are the mechanisms that citizens can use for ensuring ethics in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Social transformation programs such as \"beti bachao and beti padhao\" believes in using advice, counseling, and persuasion but sometimes a little force is also necessary for getting the desired response. Do you think it is a good idea to mix little force with persuasion by public administrators while implementing social schemes of transformation? Explain with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Ultimately foreign policy of every country hinges upon the strength which the nation possesses. Strength may be military or financial and may be also...moral.\" Do you think ethical strength without military or financial muscle will be respected in today's world? Explain your position. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"B / Section-B , - , , - , , (slum) , , (a) - / ? (b) ? (c) - ? (d) 20 You are a young officer working with the Municipal Corporation of an industrial city. The city was known for manufacturing ball bearings and auto parts. Most manufacturing units were small-scale units with very little production process automation. The units relied on manual labor, which was in abundance due to the villages close by. As the number of manufacturing units grew, the demand for labor increased, bringing in a steady inflow of laborers into the city. This influx of people into the town led to a mushrooming of slums and encroachments on the sidewalks. Once in a while, the Corporation conducted drives to clear out the slums, but after a time, the slums came back. The illegal slums had become an urban nightmare. You were given the responsibility of clearing out the encroachments and slums with the help of Police authorities. As you started the drive, you realized that the people living by the sidewalks were vulnerable compared to the slum dwellers. Many sidewalk dwellers had recently come to the city after selling their properties in their villages. Now if you drive them out, they have no place to go. Your heart went out to them, and you felt that your departmental action was inhumane, but your official responsibilities demanded stern impartial action. You are desperate to find a way to help the sidewalk dwellers without compromising your official duties. (a) What value conflicts do you notice in the above situation? (b) Can an administrator compromise the value of impartiality for empathy? Discuss. (c) What are the options available in the above situation? (d) Suggest viable solutions for tackling illegal slums and encroachments in urban areas. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"A certain State government was running a welfare scheme for promoting safe motherhood among rural landless laborers' families. The scheme involves the transfer of funds to the beneficiaries to enable them to mitigate income loss due to maternal care responsibilities. Since its implementation, the scheme has done reasonably well on maternal health and economic indicators. You are the Director of the Department responsible for implementing and operating the scheme. Recently you have been receiving reports of welfare fraud being committed by families by producing fake bona fide. The families committed the fraud with the help of local officials responsible for scrutinizing the bonafide. You were concerned because the fraud was seriously undermining the scheme's efficiency. You called for a departmental meeting to discuss and find a solution to the problem. In the meeting, it was decided to merge several available government data sets such as Aadhaar cards, voter ID cards, marriage certificates, birth certificates, bank details, and other personal assets. By merging all the data sets, the department would be able to develop the beneficiary's economic profile. And this will help the department scrutinize the documents and detect fraud. This was a comprehensive strategy, but it risked violating an individual's data privacy. As a Department head, you wanted to detect and prevent fraud, but at the same time, you were apprehensive about violating the Data privacy of the stakeholders. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) Do you think violating data privacy is justified to prevent welfare fraud? Why/ Why not? (c) What, according to you, can be the reasons for such welfare frauds happening in the country? (d) Are there any ways and means to prevent such fraud? Give your suggestions. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"You are posted in the Department of Mines, and one of your roles is to help your Department Head negotiate mining leases with private contractors. Recently, the state government demarcated a new mining zone and planned to invite bids for the mining blocs. You were instructed to oversee the bidding process and speed up the contract negotiations. As planned, the tenders were released, bids came in, and tenders were allocated as per the norms. All this happened at a breakneck speed. You wondered, why the hurry? But it was not your place to think and question; you quietly went about your work. As the contractors were about to start operations, you had to instruct them on environmental concerns to watch out for. And to do that, you read the environmental impact assessment report submitted by a consulting firm hired by the department. To your surprise, the report was shoddy and looked cooked up. You got suspicious and raised the issue with your Head, who politely instructed you to do what you were told, and he reminded you that the Department had revenue targets and was under pressure from the Ministry. After the meeting, you, on your own accord, did some digging and found out that the report was fraudulent and the mining activity that was about to start would lead to a massive environmental disaster which the State could not afford. (a) What are the issues and value violations you notice in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you? (c) Discuss the advantage and disadvantages of each option and identify your chosen course of action. (d) Do you think that environmental considerations are sometimes overrated at the cost of development? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Do you think corporate businesses such as GAMA must consider international ethics while pursuing business interests? Why/why not? (c) Do you think a corporate's social responsibility extends beyond one's immediate community to the international community? Why/Why not? (d) Do you think the Defence sector companies marketing sensitive technologies must be regulated by their respective governments, or regulation may curtail their entrepreneurial and innovation energy? Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Mr. Sharma was the All India Sales Head of a pharmaceutical company with a turnover of 400 crores. The company's main markets were small towns and tier 2 cities. Further, the company did a sizeable amount of business with state government hospitals and health centers. Mr. Sharma had given a lot of freedom to field sales agents to strike deals and negotiate prices with clients. This strategy worked well for the company. Recently Mr. Sharma received word that three company employees were selling products to government hospitals and health centers at a higher price than they were selling to other private hospitals and health centers. The employees were with the company for over five years and were good performers. A few sales staff informally raised the issue of the three getting relatively higher commissions because of their inflated deals. And this was creating a sense of unease among the sales staff. A cursory review of the account of the three showed that, in many instances, the government hospitals were paying more than other private institutions. Under procurement rules, the government is supposed to pay a fair price, one that other cost-conscious customers pay. On inquiry, Mr. Sharma found that the three were not alone; government purchase department officials were helping them scam the Department. Mr. Sharma realized that his sales staff and some corrupt government staff had been defrauding the state exchequer for quite some time. Mr. Sharma immediately reported it to his CEO, and the two discussed how to deal with the sales staff and whether to inform the government about the scam and the involvement of their staff. The issue was informing the government means that there was every possibility that they might be blacklisted, thereby losing a lot of business. Mr. Sharma and CEO were caught in a dilemma regarding how to proceed with the case. (a) What are the ethical and business issues involved in the case? (b) What are the options available to Mr. Sharma and the CEO? (c) Do you think the organizational culture of giving freedom to the sales force led to the issue or was the individual's corrupt nature that led to the problem? Discuss. (d) What ethics mechanisms and steps can the company create and implement to prevent unethical behavior, as mentioned in the case? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":2434,"topper":"DEEPESH GAUR","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ff162fc0430025272826e0c794787a7c/44/mt23macen224_tc078-test-8-gs-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"\"The State took taxes from the people only to ensure their prosperity in return like the sun takes moisture from the earth only to give it back in thousandfold measure.\" Kalidasa. Explain the Indian concept of \"giving it back\" and its relevance as a guiding value for civil servants. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Public service takes place in a bureaucratic structure with clear lines of authority, value standardization, and accountability mechanisms. Working within such a structure, what do you think are the influences that impact the public servant's ethical decision-making? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What do you understand by the terms' ethics' and 'integrity'? Do you think they are interrelated? Explain with examples the relationship between ethics and integrity in the context of public administration. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What do you understand by the terms 'ethical behavior' and 'emotionally intelligent behavior'? Identify the relevant emotional intelligence components that act as a reliable guide to ethical behavior. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"To achieve a good life, duty is not sufficient; one needs to develop one's sympathetic feelings for others, and neither duty alone nor good will alone are sufficient to be moral.\" Do you agree with the above statement? Justify your position. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Developing a scientific temper, innovative mindset, and civic-conscious citizens are major objectives of higher educational institutions. Can higher educational institutions be instrumental in promoting integrity education among youth to establish a public culture of integrity and a corruption-free political culture? If yes, how? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance. (a) The senses deceive from time to time, and it is prudent never to trust wholly those who have deceived us even once. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"As professionals, civil servants are career focused and are also self-interested. At the same time, their service ethos imposes an obligation to serve the public interest selflessly. Is it possible for a civil servant to reconcile career and service obligation? Explain your position. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"\"While competence without compassion can be brutal and inhumane; similarly, compassion without competence can be meaningless for persons seeking help.\" Explain the above with the help of a suitable illustration in the context of public services. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Does the suffering of individuals in one part of the world generate moral demands of assistance on those foreigners who live far away from them? Are these moral demands of assistance justified? Can governments be held morally responsible for failing to help the international community in times of deprivation? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Civil Services ethics has everything to do with management. It is as much a Departmental as a personal issue. Leaders who fail to create systems that facilitate ethical conduct are equally to blame as much as those who indulge in ethical misconduct. Do you think the Departmental culture leads to ethical misconduct or is the individual with weak willpower culpable? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"You are posted as a District Development officer in a district with a low literacy rate and poor health indicators. As you took charge, your Health Secretary had given express instructions that your priority is to improve health indicators by enhancing the delivery of healthcare services. After taking over, you traveled around the district to study and identify ways of improving healthcare services. During your field trip, you discovered that the issue was not the accessibility of services; it was something else. You found the problem was the myths, misconceptions, and malpractices that hindered the uptake of health care services. For instance, people believed that vaccines caused impotence, the immunization was equivalent to birth control, using antenatal care was counterproductive to the health of the mother and baby, and so on. You realize that these beliefs were the behavioral barriers that stood in the way of health and nutrition services. And these behavioral barriers made it difficult for front-line workers to reach out. You discussed your observations with the Health Secretary, and he advised you to seek inputs from the neighboring district DDO who was doing some good work. When you met with the neighboring DDO, you learned he was experimenting with using the Faith leader's influence and reach to persuade people. You were unsure about roping in faith leaders to help you overcome the behavioral barriers. As a civil servant, you felt it would be a mistake to involve faith leaders in health service schemes. When you shared your apprehensions with the Secretary, he firmly instructed you to try and innovate. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) What are the advantages and disadvantages of using faith leaders as influencers and motivators? (c) If not faith leaders, what are your other options for breaking the behavioral barriers? (d) Do you think it is ethically right for a civil servant to involve faith leaders in promoting government schemes? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"You are the Head of an Agency, a special purpose vehicle, responsible for overseeing the last-mile delivery of essential services and sorting out bottlenecks and grievances of the citizens within your jurisdiction. The essential services included Maternal and infant health care, nutritional support to BPL families, drinking water availability, etc. Your agency employed a staff of 15 to carry out regular official operations and handle grievances. Since the agency dealt with complaints, there was an enormous amount of public dealing daily. Sometimes the agency officials had to work beyond office hours to finish the regular office work as public dealings took away most of the office hours. The employees were unhappy doing the extra bit as they were not paid any overtime. A few of them informally raised the issue with you, but you were helpless as the agency rules didn't allow any travel or overtime allowances. You tried taking up the matter with HQ but to no avail. The work stress gradually started showing up among the staff, they became irritable with the complainants, and at times they shouted at them. Besides rudeness, the staff's language became abusive, derogatory, and sometimes casteist. You could notice that there were 4 of them in particular who were getting very abusive and discriminatory while handling grievances. As the Head, you warned them, but there was no marked change in their work attitude. To compound your problem, some of the villagers, through their Sarpanch, raised the issue of rude, disrespectful, and discriminatory behavior with your HQ. The HQ immediately instructed you to take action and create a respectful and dignified workspace. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) What are the action options available to you?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"Examine each of the options and identify your chosen course of action (d) What do you understand by dignity? Distinguish between human and social dignity? Identify the common dignity violations that one notices in government departments. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":2435,"topper":"DEEPESH GAUR","air":144,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/119/mt23macen224_tc074-test-4-gs-4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2436,"topper":"DEEPESH GAUR","air":144,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/112/mt23macen224_tc078-test-8-gs-4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2437,"topper":"Deepika Agarwal","air":151,"year":2022,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6ad5a-1017934_1515_deepika-agarwal_rank-151.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2438,"topper":"Deepika Agarwal","air":151,"year":2022,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b4979-1017934_1864_deepika-agarwal_rank-151.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2439,"topper":"Deepti Garg","air":147,"year":2019,"paper":"Optional — Public Administration","optional":true,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/19GmBdbtH-byCSCgcMJUCUMN31uc11kM5","questions":[]},{"id":2440,"topper":"Deepti Rohilla","air":39,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/81fa2-1091495_2488_deepti_rohilla_rank_39.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2441,"topper":"Deepti Rohilla","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5183f-1091495_2422_deepti-rohilla_rank_39.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The traditional theatre forms of India reflect the ideals and emotions of the society, and an individual's role in the community. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Provide an account of the historical and architectural importance of the Sanchi Stupa. Also, discuss how it inspired the future architecture in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Bhagat Singh made a real breakthrough in terms of revolutionary ideology, the goals of revolution and forms of revolutionary struggle. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Bringing out the factors that led to the Meiji restoration, discuss its significance for Japan. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"It is believed that a nation is an \"imagined community\" held together by common beliefs, history, political aspirations etc. In this context, discuss what the basis of India as a nation is. Also, bring out the threats to the concept of Indian nationhood. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"State the key factors behind the growth of the pharmaceutical industry in India. Additionally, discuss its significance with regard to India's economy and public health.(Answer in 150words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss why the Bay of Bengal is more prone to cyclones than the Arabian Sea. Also, explain the reasons for the decrease in frequency of tropical cyclones during the Southwest monsoon season. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite being destructive in nature, volcanoes are critical for the existence of human life on earth. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The existence of relative deprivation is an important aspect in constructing the argument for regionalism. Explain with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"If India is to realise the goal of 'education for all', the issue of rising cases of bullying and other forms of school violence needs to be addressed immediately. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Bring out the role played by the Ahom Kingdom in shaping the cultural and historical identity of North-East India, and discuss its legacy in contemporary times. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The capitalist class generally remained ambivalent in their support to the Indian National Congress until 1940s. In this context, analyse the varying positions of the Indian capitalists throughout the national movement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Trace the evolution of the press in India. Also, discuss the instrumental impact it had during various stages of the Indian freedom struggle despite the repressive policies of the British. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Mountains are fragile ecosystems vulnerable to the adverse impact of climate change and other anthropogenic interventions. Illustrate with examples. Also, highlight the initiatives taken for their sustainable management. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind unsustainable management of sand resources in India. Highlighting its impact, enumerate the remedial measures taken in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Giving an account of the major lithium-producing countries, discuss the geo-political aspects of lithium production and its environmental implications. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The youth are capable of identifying themselves with a global identity and connecting with events and experiences outside their countries. In this context, discuss the impact of globalization on the various aspects of youth identity. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"As fertility rates decline in India, future demographic concerns center around an ageing population and a weak social security system. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"With a significant proportion of India's population expected to live in urban areas by 2030, the welfare of the urban poor needs to take centre-stage in public policy. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2442,"topper":"Deepti Rohilla","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2a3ef-1091495_2423_deepti-rohilla_rank_39.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With suitable examples, discuss how environmental pressure groups enhance public participation and responsiveness with regard to environmental policies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The recent acknowledgment of sex work as a 'profession' by the Supreme Court is merely the first step in ensuring basic rights and equality for sex workers in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the role played by District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) in providing free legal aid and disseminating legal awareness in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"The collegium system has become a victim of its own success, with the concentration of power in the hands of a few, leading to questions about its legitimacy.\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":2443,"topper":"Deepti Rohilla","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ec4aa-1091495_1840_deepti-rohilla_rank_39.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"While fixed term employment offers an ingenious way to address specific issues faced by both employers and employees, there are also some concerns associated with it. Discuss in Indian context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"An efficient logistics sector with a focus on warehousing is pivotal to the success of Bharatmala Pariyojana. Discuss","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"What do you mean by irrigation scheduling? Bringing out the advantages provided by it, discuss the difficulties faced in applying it on a farm level.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"While the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana was touted as the largest crop insurance scheme globally in terms of farmer participation, various concerns have arisen since its implementation. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"The Stockholm Convention commenced the contemporary \"environmental era\", which brought a paradigm shift in the environmental governance and set a tone for multi-lateral environment regimes. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"The world has witnessed a huge surge in climate-induced disasters, which are largely driven by the anthropogenic factors. In this context, analyse the role of early warning systems in mitigating the impact of the disasters.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Critically examine the implementation of leveraging technology in policing.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"How far do you agree with the view that climate change poses a threat to international peace and security.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"What do you understand by a virtual private network? Highlight its advantages and discuss the concerns posed by it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"The discovery of Higgs Boson at the Large Hadron Collider at CERN completed 10 years recently. In this context, discuss the role played by CERN in overall scientific development.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Highlighting the factors that affect the cropping pattern in India, discuss the need for modifying it in the context of the emerging agro-ecological concerns.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"While the budgetary reforms undertaken by the Central government in recent years have led to better management of government expenditure, there are some issues that still need redressal. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"For India to create a future ready railway system, it must harness innovation and resource efficiency. Discuss the statement in context of the measures enlisted in the National rail plan 2030.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Discuss the significance of technology in agriculture sector. Also, state the challenges in realising its potential to improve agricultural efficiency and increase the income of the farmers.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the digital transformation in the Public Distribution System (PDS) in India; several challenges still remain. Elaborate. Also, suggest measures to address them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the various concerns that exist with regard to fuel efficiency regulations for vehicles in India. Also, suggest the measures that can be taken in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"Urban fire is becoming a serious issue in Indian cities. Highlight major causes behind urban fires in India. What steps can be taken to build a robust fire resilience in Indian cities.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Drones in border area present a serious threat for border management in India. Elaborate. Also, discuss the different measures taken to regulate use of drones in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"Despite a global framework to prevent weaponisation of space, it has been increasing in recent times. Discuss. Give give an account of the impact. 20. What do you understand by a bio-economy? Highlight the role that the National Biotechnology development strategy 2021-25 can play in creating a robust bioeconomy in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"What do you understand by a bio-economy? Highlight the role that the National Biotechnology development strategy 2021-25 can play in creating a robust bioeconomy in India.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2444,"topper":"Deepti Rohilla","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YzhfvBuyKZ9QjAb5rVzZVMI-GQBU6h_Z/view","questions":[]},{"id":2445,"topper":"Deepti Rohilla","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8d43f-1091495_2425_deepti-rohilla_rank_39.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"For effective corporate governance to take place in the coming years, why is it important to integrate the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics with the multi-stakeholder approach? What benefits can be accrued by such integration? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In acts of corruption, the focus is often only on the demand side of the equation, on public officials who abuse their office for private gain. Frequently, the supply side is given less attention. Those who pay bribes are sometimes depicted as innocent parties and victims of extortionary practices of wily public servants. Do you agree that 'collusive corruption', in which there is a willing bribe-giver, is a formidable challenge for institutions fighting corruption? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Citizens' Charters initiative was a response to the quest for solving the problems, which a citizen encountered, day in and day out, while dealing with the organisations providing public services. But the introduction and implementation of Citizens' Charters in the government of India has been difficult due to the old bureaucratic set up and the rigid attitudes of the work force. Discuss the major obstacles that have been encountered in implementing the Citizens' Charter initiative. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Quality of public service delivery is a major determinant of the quality of life of vulnerable sections in a highly unequal society divided along the lines of class, caste, religion, etc. In this background, do you think that public service delivery is efficient and sufficient enough to improve the lives of vulnerable groups in India? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own.\" - Lao Tzu (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"If ethics are poor at the top, that behavior is copied down through the organization.\" - Robert Noyce (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"The end of law is not to abolish or restrain, but to preserve and enlarge freedom.\" - John Locke (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Wealthy CEOs and founders of successful businesses around the world are increasingly pledging to give away their wealth in philanthropy. Do you think that such a move is sufficient enough to bring about a positive change in the society? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"As organizations across the globe begin their artificial intelligence (AI) transformation, the leap into the AI era is expected to be more challenging than any technology that businesses have grappled with yet. In this background, discuss the concerns around fairness, transparency, and job security that may arise. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The emphasis of Swami Dayanand Saraswati on education, social equality, and ethical values continues to influence the socio-cultural discourse in contemporary India. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Emotional intelligence may not be singularly associated with emotions or intelligence. It can also include a broad range of personality characteristics that might predict success in professional and everyday life. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Traditional forms of state-led accountability, also characterised as vertical and horizontal channels of accountability, are increasingly found to be inadequate, and a myriad of multi-stakeholder and bottom-up citizen directed approaches have come to the fore, to supplement or supplant them. Discuss with illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"In a metropolitan city of India, the law enforcement authorities decided to adopt facial recognition technology to improve their crime-fighting capabilities. They implemented a facial recognition system that integrated with existing surveillance cameras across the city, allowing real-time identification and tracking of individuals. The system was intended to assist in identifying known criminals, missing persons, and suspects in ongoing investigations. One evening, a woman reported a mugging incident where the perpetrator wore a hoodie, obscuring most of his face. The victim provided a vague description to the police, and based on that information, the authorities decided to use facial recognition technology to locate potential suspects. The system scanned through hours of surveillance footage from various locations near the crime scene. The facial recognition algorithm generated a list of potential matches, and one individual's image stood out as a close match to the description provided by the victim. The police considered this individual a prime suspect and proceeded with his arrest. Subsequently, it was discovered that the arrested person was innocent. Further investigation revealed that the facial recognition system had misidentified the innocent individual due to the limitations of the technology and the partial description provided by the victim. The police released the arrested individual; still his reputation got tarnished for life. He, along with his family, was evicted from their current place of residence. The psychological impact of the incident has been tremendous owing to which his job is also on the line. With reference to this case study, answer the following: (a) What are the issues involved in this case? (b) What measures can be taken to minimize the negative implications of adopting such technologies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"With reference to this case study, answer the following: (a) What are the issues involved in this case? (b) What measures can be taken to minimize the negative implications of adopting such technologies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Rina and her friends from the college were working as interns with a company for the last few months. On completion of their internship, some of them, including Rina, have been offered full-time jobs in the company. Being a reputed company, she and her friends accepted the offer. Rina is enthusiastic about her new job and has even established good relationship with some of her company co-workers during her internship. However, during her tenure as an intern, Rina had begun to notice that one of the Vice-Presidents (VPs) of the company was giving her too much attention. He used to make an extra effort to stop by Rina's cubicle and chat, something he was not doing with any of the other interns. He had even tried to connect with Rina over social networking sites. Some of her co-interns also noticed this and began to make offhand comments to Rina about the extra attention being given by the VP. Now that she was has been hired for a full time position, she is fearful that she might have to work with this VP directly. While he has not done or said anything explicitly inappropriate, the extra attention and the fact that her co-workers noticed it, made her very uncomfortable and undermined her concentration at work. The company encourages an open and friendly atmosphere and when she was hired, it was communicated to her that she should always speak to her Manager whenever faced with any uncomfortable work related issues. However, she is concerned to speak about it officially, as the VP has not explicitly done anything wrong. In the given situation: (a) What dilemmas does Rina face? (b) What options does she have? Provide the merits and demerits of each. (c) Highlight the course of action she should adopt, along with justification for the same. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Additionally, companies like BMW, Volvo, Google and Korean battery maker Samsung SDI, vowed in a statement to not buy metals produced from deep-sea mining until the environmental risks of the activity are \"comprehensively understood.\"] In the context of the above-stated information, address the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the given case study? (b) How can the vision of economic development of a nation be achieved without adversely affecting the sustainability of oceans? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"You are a public representative, elected on the ticket of a political party, considered as conservative by many. Your daughter, who has returned years after studying abroad, has conveyed to you her choice of marrying a person from another community. You personally do not consider anything wrong in her choice, and convey your assent to her. You also discuss it with many among your friends and family, and inform them of a grand wedding ceremony you are planning for your daughter. However, a few days after you have shared the news of the forthcoming grand wedding with many, are informed by your political secretary about an issue being made of the same. He informs you that there are whispers among many people in your constituency about it, and indications of a sense of unease among some prominent citizens. While most of them are enamoured by your plans for a grand wedding ceremony for your daughter, they are unhappy about the bridegroom being from another community. You also get to know through your sources in the party, that your assent to the choice of the bridegroom may lead to a denial of ticket by the high command in the forthcoming elections. You are not only an ambitious politician and a rising star in your political party but also an open-minded, loving and doting father. But howsoever much you love your daughter's freedom and choices, you do not want her decision to adversely affect your political journey. This is more so, when you had been eagerly looking forward to greater responsibilities and a higher stature in the party, given the years of hardwork you have put in, as a politician. Your daughter, on the other hand, is firm with her choice and does not want her upcoming wedding to be affected in any way. She is keen that her wedding will not be held as a private ceremony with only close friends and family, but should be publicised in a grand way, as you had promised earlier to her. Given this situation, answer the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the above situation? (b) What are the various options that you have, as a father and an ambitious politician? (c) What will be your course of action? Justify with proper reasoning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2446,"topper":"Deepti Rohilla","air":39,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Deepti-Rohilla-UPSC-2023-Rank-39-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2447,"topper":"DERLE AVISHKAR VIJAY","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/a4911661fb63cf32bd7e1d24c76e3051/12/pttp221034_tc062.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"If you look into someone's face long enough, eventually you feel that you are looking into yourself.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"It is the province of knowledge to speak and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Drop the question what tomorrow may bring, and count as profit every day that fate allows you.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Truth, like a torch, the more it is shook, it shines.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Art is I; science is We.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Only the dead have seen the end of the war.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Act as if it were impossible to fail.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2448,"topper":"DERLE AVISHKAR VIJAY","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/a4911661fb63cf32bd7e1d24c76e3051/14/pttp221034_tc064.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Gender Equality is not a \"women's issue\"-it's good for men too.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Is UCC, the unity that we aspire in our diversity?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Problems of 21st century are problems without passport.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"The more we are developing, the more unhealthy we are getting. Where does the real problem lie?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Is Internal Security always an Internal Challenge?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Sports, the toy of humanity","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Is Economy becoming the end rather than the means?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2449,"topper":"DERLE AVISHKAR VIJAY","air":604,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/a4911661fb63cf32bd7e1d24c76e3051/11/pttp221034_tc061.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2450,"topper":"DERLE AVISHKAR VIJAY","air":604,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/a4911661fb63cf32bd7e1d24c76e3051/13/pttp221034_tc063.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2451,"topper":"DERLE AVISHKAR VIJAY","air":604,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/284/pttp221034_tc075-test-05-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2452,"topper":"DERLE AVISHKAR VIJAY","air":604,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/285/pttp221034_tc076-test-06-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2453,"topper":"DERLE AVISHKAR VIJAY","air":604,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/286/pttp221034_tc077-test-07-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2454,"topper":"DERLE AVISHKAR VIJAY","air":604,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/287/pttp221034_tc078-test-08-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2455,"topper":"DERLE AVISHKAR VIJAY","air":604,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/280/pttp221034_tc075-test-05-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2456,"topper":"DERLE AVISHKAR VIJAY","air":604,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/281/pttp221034_tc076-test-06-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2457,"topper":"DERLE AVISHKAR VIJAY","air":604,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/282/pttp221034_tc077-test-07-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2458,"topper":"DERLE AVISHKAR VIJAY","air":604,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/283/pttp221034_tc078-test-08-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2459,"topper":"Dev Dudeja","air":152,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/done_DEV_DUEJA_SS_ESSAY_AIR_152_2025_c201c902cf.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2460,"topper":"Dev Dudeja","air":152,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/DEV-DUDEJAUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-152-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) \"India's democratic roots are deeply embedded in its ancient civilizational ethos.\" Discuss in the context of India being referred to as the 'Mother of Democracy'.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Elucidate the significance of tiger and elephant figures in Indian mythology, art and architecture.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) The arrival of Lord William Bentinck marked a period of transformation in the British Indian State. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4 Explain how the American War of Independence deprived Great Britain of one empire, but it strengthened the foundations of another.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 What are Rare Earth Elements (REEs)? Discuss the multi-dimensional implications of uneven distribution of REEs in the world.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) Highlight the salient differences between the Himalayan and the Peninsular drainage Systems.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) Describe the nature and mode of origin of the main types of rock at the earth's crust.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) The alienation of modern lifestyles from nature has contributed to the ongoing environmental crisis in India. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 What do you understand by the term 'urbanisation of poverty'? Also, explain how urban poverty differs from rural poverty in India?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 Globalization has redefined the idea of community and kinship in Indian society. Do you agree? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) The flourishing of various art forms during the Kushana period reflects the rich and diverse cultural landscape of the time. What insights does this provide into the socio-cultural aspects of that era?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 Trace the events that led to the Civil Disobedience Movement. What were its outcomes?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 Mahatma Jyotirao Phule's reformist ideas played a significant role in shaping the social foundations of the Indian freedom movement. Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 The interlinking of rivers offers several benefits, but also raises significant socio-economic and environmental concerns. Analyze.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Explain the concept of rain shadow effect. How does it influence the distribution of precipitation and vegetation across mountain ranges?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 Bring out the major features of the Indian monsoon and elaborate upon its causative factors.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17) What are the geographical factors responsible for the growth of mangrove vegetation in India? Also highlight its role in coastal ecology.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 To what extent can the rise of 'Kidfluencers' be seen as a reflection of changing family structures and parental aspirations in Indian society?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Women often form the backbone of grassroots movements in India, yet they remain largely invisible and excluded from the decision-making process. Examine.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 Do you agree with the view that social media is a 'double edged sword'? Discuss in the context of its impact on Indian society.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2461,"topper":"Dev Dudeja","air":152,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/DEV_DUEJA_SS_GS_1_AIR_152_2025_fe04108b86.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2462,"topper":"Dev Dudeja","air":152,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/DEV-DUDEJAUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-152-Sample-MGP-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1 To what extent, in your opinion, have the ideals of the Preamble been realised in the country's 75-year constitutional journey?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) The evolution of property rights in India reflects an intricate relationship that exists between individual rights and public welfare. Discuss this statement with the help of relevant constitutional provisions and case laws.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Under what conditions can the 'National' Emergency be proclaimed by the President of India? What are the consequences when such a proclamation remains in force? When was it last imposed in the country?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4 'Lack of a binding framework for pre-legislative consultations in India limits citizen engagement in the lawmaking.' Propose measures to strengthen the role of public consultation in the legislative process.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 'The recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission have enabled the States to improve their fiscal conditions.' Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) In what ways do industry and business associations contribute to socio-economic development in the country? Explain with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) \"India's poverty lies in the eyes of the beholder.\" In light of this statement, examine the need for a credible and periodically updated poverty estimation framework in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 falls short of achieving its intended objectives. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 'Starved of funds, shackled by geopolitics, WHO is facing a crisis of capacity and credibility.' Discuss the statement in the light of USA's withdrawal and its accusation of the health body of being 'biased towards China and mishandling the COVID-19 pandemic'.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 The world continues to operate in a ‘my terrorist’ versus ‘your terrorist’ paradigm. Explain. What strategies would you suggest to develop a unified, comprehensive, and rules-based global approach to tackle the menace of terrorism?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) Briefly explain the procedure laid down in the Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1951 for the registration of political parties with the Election Commission of India (ECI). What are Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs)? What concerns are associated with them? Does the ECI have powers to de-register a political party?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) Assess the role of NITI Aayog over the past decade in promoting cooperative and competitive federalism.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 'The post of Deputy Speaker goes beyond ceremonial significance and is indispensable to Indian parliamentary democracy.' Discuss with relevant constitutional provisions and conventions. Also, examine the implications of the prolonged vacancy of the Deputy Speaker's post.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) Is the growing demand for stricter regulation of online content justified, or does it pose a threat to the right to freedom of speech and expression? Examine in light of recent judicial pronouncements.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Critically examine the 'in-house procedure' adopted by the Apex Court to inquire into allegations of misconduct against judges of constitutional courts in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) Recent controversies over alleged malpractices in the electoral rolls have renewed demands for the mandatory linkage of Aadhaar with Voter ID. What is your opinion? Give reasons in support of your answer.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17) Lateral entry into civil services is seen as a reformative step, yet it continues to attract criticism and controversy. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18) While rankings aim to benchmark the performance of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), concerns remain about whether current ranking frameworks reflect the broader goals of education. Suggest measures to make the ranking system more objective, inclusive, and aligned with educational and societal outcomes.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Examine the factors behind the growing salience of the Arctic region in international politics. Discuss, in this context, strategies for India to recalibrate its Arctic engagement.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20) Bangladesh is a key pillar of India's Neighborhood First policy, but recent developments on both sides threaten to disrupt the 'Sonali Adhyay' in bilateral relations. Analyze.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2463,"topper":"Dev Dudeja","air":152,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/DEV_DUEJA_SS_GS_2_AIR_152_2025_dda0b7fc20.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2464,"topper":"Dev Dudeja","air":152,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/DEV-DUDEJAUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-152-Sample-MGP-Copy-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) Explain the significance of the recent changes made to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) with respect to labour market data estimation in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Discuss the implications of the rising trend of protectionism and tariff wars in global trade for India's macroeconomic stability.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) \"Genome-edited crops have the potential to strengthen food and nutritional security in the country.\" Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Assess the role of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) in expanding irrigation coverage and improving on-farm water use efficiency.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 Starlink, a satellite internet service provider, has recently been granted a license to operate in India. What is satellite internet? How does it work? What are its advantages and limitations?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) What is a Geographical Indication (GI)? What are the legal frameworks governing it? How does it differ from a trademark? How can GI infringement be tackled?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) What are the salient features of Mission Mausam launched by the Government of India? Why is such a mission needed? What are the likely challenges in its effective implementation?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) Highlight the key provisions of the Disaster Management (Amendment) Act, 2025. How would the amendment help strengthen the disaster management framework in the country?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 'Operation Sindoor' signals a strategic evolution in India's approach to cross-border terrorism. Analyze.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) 'Cyberspace has emerged as a distinct domain of warfare, posing serious threats to national security.' Discuss this statement and suggest counter-measures.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) What are the key objectives of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016? To what extent has it been successful in achieving them?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 Despite phenomenal growth in recent years, India's startup ecosystem lags in innovation across strategic sectors. Identify the factors responsible for this inadequate focus on deep-tech and suggest strategies to bridge this gap.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 What is floriculture? How is it helpful in enhancing farm income and boosting agri-exports?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 \"Women play a crucial role in Indian agriculture, yet continue to face systemic exclusion.\" Discuss with reference to land ownership, access to credit, and agri-extension services. What initiatives has the government taken in this regard?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15) Launched on 25th June 2025, the Axiom-4 (Ax-04) mission has been much in the news since then. What are the key features of the mission? What significance does it hold for the Gaganyaan project and India's long-term space ambitions?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 Energy storage technology is one of the major components of renewable energy integration and decarbonization of world energy systems. Briefly discuss any three such technologies, citing their key merits and demerits.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 Global Pandemic Agreement (2025) recognizes the 'One Health' approach as critical to pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. Highlight the key features of the agreement, and elaborate on how the One Health approach can help in preventing future pandemics. What steps are needed to integrate this approach into India's environmental and health governance?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"5 Our Health approach promoting integrated approach for human, animal and environmental Health","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 The frequency and intensity of heatwaves, particularly in urban centres, have increased in recent years. Describe the various causes and effects of heatwaves. What policies and frameworks have been adopted in India towards extreme heat risk management?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Discuss how emerging technologies and globalization contribute to terror financing. Elaborate measures to tackle the menace of terror financing both at national and international levels.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20) Explain the key components of the National Policy and Action Plan (2015) that have contributed to the significant decline of Left-Wing Extremism (LWE). What additional steps would you suggest to eliminate LWE in the near future?","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2465,"topper":"Dev Dudeja","air":152,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/DEV_DUEJA_SS_GS_3_AIR_152_2025_98e51b18d5.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2466,"topper":"Dev Dudeja","air":152,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/DEV-DUDEJAUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-152-Sample-MGP-Copy-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) 'Unconscious biases in parenting continue to shape gendered experiences in India.' Do you agree with this view? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) Distinguish between empathy and compassion. Why are they considered as foundational values in public services?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) The current society is witnessing rising levels of intolerance. What are the consequences of this situation for personal well-being and for societal well-being? What can one do at the personal level to become tolerant?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) What are the main components of emotional intelligence and how does it help an individual in taking ethical decisions?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) Given below are the three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context?\na) \"This life is short, the vanities of the world are transient, but they alone live who live for others, the rest are more dead than alive.\" - Swami Vivekanand","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) \"If you cry because the sun has gone out of your life, your tears will prevent you from seeing the stars.\" - Rabindranath Tagore","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"c) \"Two ways of building character – cultivating strength to challenge oppression, and tolerate the resultant hardships that give rise to courage and awareness.\" - Sardar Patel","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.4) a) \"With great power comes great responsibility.\" In the present context, 'Big Tech headquartered in developed countries wield disproportionate influence over digital infrastructure, personal data, and global narratives—often prioritising profit over ethical considerations. What ethical principles should guide such corporations in building a fair, inclusive, and just global digital framework?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"b) What do you understand by the term 'crisis of conscience'? Describe an incident from your life where you experienced such a crisis. How did you deal with it?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.5) a) \"A politics of confession that encourages politicians and parties to confess and offer regret for their errors can surely be a cathartic experience.\" Examine the statement from the ethical point of view.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"b) What are the key objectives of the Right to Information Act, 2005? Examine the ethical concerns associated with certain provisions of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act in realizing the objectives of the RTI Act.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.6) a) Public spaces serve as arenas of democratic participation and civic expression. Yet in India, they remain deeply gendered, with many women largely confined to the private and domestic sphere. Examine the factors that restrict women's access to public spaces. How can ethical governance help address the issue of gendered spatial control and promote inclusivity in public spaces?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"b) Write short notes on the following in 30 words each:\ni) Ethical fading\nii) Conflict of interest\niii) Persuasion\niv) Work culture\nv) Corporate governance","marks":"10 marks, 150","words":"30 words each"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7) A State Government in the northeastern part of the country has launched a series of anti-encroachment drives across forest areas, wetlands, and revenue lands. Under the directions of the Chief Minister, the administration has intensified efforts to reclaim public land, particularly in areas reserved for ecological protection and critical infrastructure development. Most of the time, these actions have been backed by court orders and have resulted in the recovery of thousands of hectares of land. However, in certain regions, the implementation of such drives is fraught with social and political complexities. In several districts, settlements have existed for decades and are inhabited by marginalized communities with limited access to legal rights or formal rehabilitation measures. These areas are often politically sensitive and influenced by local leaders and pressure groups.\nSimanta is posted as Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) in one such district. Over the past year, the district administration has attempted to align eviction measures with welfare outreach, including the provision of temporary shelters, relocation assistance, and public consultations. Recently, a major operation was scheduled to clear encroachments from over 140 hectares of forest land within a Reserved Forest, primarily to curb rising instances of human-elephant conflict and to restore ecological balance. Anticipating eviction, some residents approached the High Court seeking a stay. However, the court refused to grant it and directed the administration to proceed with the eviction following due process. Notices were served, and a detailed roadmap was prepared to carry out the operation, which was expected to last 2-3 days due to the scale and remote location. On the first day, Simanta led a team comprising forest officials, municipal workers, and police personnel. Demolitions were conducted peacefully and without major resistance. However, on the second day, when the team returned to the site, a large group of agitated residents—primarily women and children—had gathered. They raised slogans and formed human chains to prevent further evictions. The atmosphere grew tense when some individuals began throwing stones, resulting in serious injury to a municipal worker. The crowd grew increasingly volatile and emotionally charged, demanding an immediate halt to the operation. The police contingent present on the ground was outnumbered by the crowd. Faced with this crisis, some team members pleaded with Simanta to call off the operation, fearing threats to their life and the possibility of a violent escalation. Simanta attempted to contact his superior officer (the Deputy Commissioner), but due to poor mobile connectivity in the forested area, communication could not be established. Meanwhile, several local journalists had arrived and begun reporting on the incident. Simanta is in a dilemma as to what to do.\na. Evaluate the options available with Simanta to cope with the situation.\nb. Which of the above options would be the most appropriate for Simanta and why?\nc. What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Simanta?\nd. Examine the qualities of a public servant which will be required to manage such situations.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"a. स्थिति से निपटने के लिए सिमंता के पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nb. सिमंता के लिए सबसे उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?\nc. सिमंता को किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\nd. ऐसी परिस्थितियों का प्रबंधन करने के लिए एक लोक सेवक के गुणों का परीक्षण करें।\na स्थिति से निपटने के लिए सिमंता के पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nb सिमंता के लिए सबसे उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?\nc सिमंता को किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\nd ऐसी परिस्थितियों का प्रबंधन करने के लिए एक लोक सेवक के गुणों का परीक्षण करें।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":34,"question":"Q.8) Megha is a first-year sociology student at a reputed college in the national capital. She is originally from Tadchiroli, a tribal village in a western Indian state. Megha's family migrated to the city when she was seven years old and had not visited their village since. Though Megha has fond memories of her childhood there, she never deeply understood the customs and traditions of the region. One day, Megha expresses her wish to visit Tadchiroli. Her father agrees and asks her to inform Ratan, her paternal uncle, who still lives in the village with his family. Megha informs Ratan and travels to the village during a semester break. Upon arrival, she receives a warm welcome from Ratan and his family. Later, Ratan invites her to attend a local festival. During the event, Megha notices that her cousin Rinki is missing. Curious, she asks Ratan's wife Ratna why Rinki is not at the festival. Ratna explains that Rinki is on her period, and as per tradition, menstruating girls must stay separately in small huts built specifically for the purpose. Locally known as 'kurma ghars', they are generally located on the periphery of the village, near a river or pond. She further adds that these girls are not allowed to enter the main house or participate in any social or religious activities. Megha is taken aback. She asks whether all women follow this practice. Ratna nods and says it has been the custom for generations. Even schoolgirls stay in these huts and miss classes during their periods. Ratna admits that many in the village, including herself, never questioned the practice. The explanation unsettles Megha. She finds it hard to believe that a natural biological function leads to such exclusion. Before returning to the city, Megha observes that even educated family members seem to accept and follow these customs. The experience leaves a deep impact on her. She starts reading more about menstrual taboos and their impact on women's health, dignity, and education. As a sociology student, she recognises how such traditions are linked to patriarchy and social stigma. She begins to reflect on what she can do at her level to improve the current situation, without alienating the community or disrespecting its traditions.\na. Suggest a course of action Megha can take to sensitize her village community without appearing disrespectful or confrontational.\nb. What ethical principles and methods should guide her actions while engaging with the community?\nc. How is menstruation related to human rights?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"a. मेघा द्वारा अपने गांव के समुदाय को असम्मानजनक या टकरावपूर्ण व्यवहार किए बिना संवेदनशील बनाने के लिए अपनाई जा सकने वाली कार्यवाही का सुझाव दीजिए।\nb. समुदाय के साथ जुड़ते समय उसके कार्यों को किन नैतिक सिद्धांतों और तरीकों से निर्देशित किया जाना चाहिए?\nc. मासिक धर्म मानव अधिकारों से किस प्रकार संबंधित है?","marks":null,"words":"20 अंक"},{"page":39,"question":"Q.9 Gopal is an 80-year-old man living in a remote and an underdeveloped village in a Central Indian state. He had been residing in a small mud house for years. When he came to know about the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana–Gramin (PMAY-G), he saw a glimmer of hope for a pucca house in the last phase of his life. However, the village sarpanch and panchayat secretary told him that to be eligible under the scheme, he must first demolish his existing house so that during a site inspection, no structure would be visible at the location. Subsequently, Gopal demolished his shelter and began living under a babool tree. For nearly six months, he has been staying in the open, braving harsh weather conditions. During this time, he has repeatedly visited the panchayat office but has been told that his application cannot be processed as he lacks the necessary documents.\nYou are the officer-in-charge of implementing PMAY-G in the district. The case of Gopal reaches you through a prominent newspaper report. You personally visit him to understand the situation on the ground. After meeting him and listening to his account, you feel that he certainly needs support. Your enquiries confirm that he is truly destitute and living in a pitiable condition under the open sky. It is also established that he demolished his house based on a faulty interpretation of the scheme by panchayat officials. However, he has no documents to show that he fulfils the eligibility criteria under the scheme.\nNow you are in a dilemma. Including him under the scheme without the necessary documents would clearly be a violation of rules. But denying him support would be cruel and inhuman.\na. Can you think of a rational way to resolve this dilemma?\nb. Give your reasons for it.\nc. What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.10 You are working as an Assistant Section Officer in the District Development and Panchayat Office. One day, one of your close colleagues approaches you in deep distress. She tells you that her father is suffering from a severe liver condition, and the doctors have clearly stated that he must undergo liver transplant immediately in order to survive. She shares that she has no health insurance, and the surgery would cost around Rs 15 lakh. You are aware that her husband passed away a few years ago, and that she also has a four-year-old son with special needs. Just a few weeks ago, she also lost all her savings in a digital arrest scam. As a widow from a lower middle-class family, her options are extremely limited. Although you feel deeply empathetic, you are unable to offer financial assistance, as you do not have the resources to help. A few weeks later, you enquire about her father's health. She informs you that the liver transplant surgery was successful and that her father is now recovering steadily. Relieved, you ask how she managed to arrange the funds. Hesitantly, she confides that the District Development and Panchayat Officer (DDPO) helped her. Moved by her situation, the DDPO facilitated the release of Rs 15 lakh from the fund allocated to a rural sanitation scheme. The implementation of this scheme had been put on hold for a year due to technical issues and pending site approvals. She explains that the amount was provided on the assurance of strict confidentiality and with a commitment to repay it at the earliest. She expresses deep gratitude for the DDPO's timely help, which she believes saved her father's life. She has already begun repaying the money and will continue to do so until it is all returned.\na. Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\nb. Examine the behavior of DPDO from an ethical point of view.\nc. How would you react to the situation?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Q.11) Nithin is the head of the Marketing Department at Pehnava Clothings Ltd., a reputed apparel manufacturing company with a strong global presence. Known for its professionalism and consistent performance, the company had earned a credible name in both domestic and international markets. However, the firm was going through difficult times. For three consecutive quarters, it had witnessed a steep decline in sales. This trend had raised serious concerns among the top management regarding the company's competitiveness, profitability, and long-term stability. To address the situation, the leadership decided to restructure the marketing division and bring in dynamic leadership. A senior marketing executive, Mr. A, was hired after a rigorous selection process. He had an impressive career record and was known for turning around sales performance in other firms and building strong brand identities. With high expectations placed upon him, Mr. A was seen as the key figure to steer the company out of crisis. Mr. A soon began delivering results. Within a year, the company's revenue had almost doubled, and its brand visibility had increased significantly. His bold marketing strategies, proactive outreach, and innovative campaigns received appreciation from various quarters within the company. His performance drew the attention of the top management. There were deliberations about assigning him a larger role within the company, with a focus on long-term business strategy. He was also being considered for an internal award for 'Excellence in Leadership and Innovation'. However, alongside professional success of Mr. A, Nithin began receiving troubling feedback about his conduct in the workplace. Informal reports indicated that he frequently made inappropriate comments about women. In addition, he regularly sent indecent messages via social media apps to all team members, including his female colleagues. Although no formal complaint was lodged initially, Nithin could sense tension within the team, and signs of discomfort were becoming increasingly apparent. Some employees even started avoiding direct interaction with Mr. A. Team morale and interpersonal trust were gradually eroding, but employees remained hesitant to speak openly. The matter escalated one evening when Mrs. X, one of Mr. A's team members approached Nithin. Visibly disturbed and emotionally shaken, she disclosed that Mr. A had repeatedly engaged in inappropriate behavior towards her. She added that Mr. A had been making undesirable advances towards her and had even tried to touch her inappropriately in his cabin. She urged Nithin to take appropriate action in the matter, or else she would have no option but to resign from her position.\na. Bring out the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb. What are the options available to Nithin?\nc. Critically examine each of the options identified by Nithin.\nd. Which of the options, do you think, would be more appropriate for Nithin to adopt and why?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":50,"question":"a. इस मामले में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों को स्पष्ट करें।\nb. नितिन के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nc. नितिन द्वारा पहचाने गए प्रत्येक विकल्प का आलोचनात्मक परीक्षण करें।\nd. नितिन के लिए कौन सा विकल्प अपनाना अधिक उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?","marks":null,"words":"20 अंक"},{"page":55,"question":"Q.12 You are appointed as an officer heading the Air Quality Compliance Division of the Environment Pollution Control Board in Delhi-NCR. The region is witnessing alarming levels of air pollution, which typically worsen during the winter months due to various meteorological and anthropogenic factors. The situation has led to severe public health concerns, particularly affecting vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and those with respiratory illnesses. The Supreme Court has also raised serious concern over the deteriorating air quality in Delhi-NCR and has directed the administration to take immediate and effective measures to control pollution, especially during the winter months. Your jurisdiction has a large number of small and medium-scale industries that were granted environmental clearance over the years. These industries form the backbone of the local economy and provide employment to a significant number of migrant workers. However, recent inspections and air quality monitoring reports indicate that a significant number of these units are operating in violation of prescribed air emission norms. As part of targeted measures to curb air pollution, you issued notices to all identified polluting units, directing them to apply for fresh environmental clearance certificates from the competent authority. However, your decision triggered strong opposition from a section of industrial units, labour unions, and local politicians. Industrial owners argued that such action would lead to production shutdowns, financial losses, and shortages of their products in the market. Labour unions and workers also protested, fearing mass unemployment and livelihood insecurity. Local politicians and vested interests accused you of jeopardising the socio-economic stability of the region. You received representations from various quarters urging you to withdraw the notices and not initiate harsh measures, citing the interests of multiple stakeholders. Additionally, you began receiving anonymous threats aimed at coercing you into reversing your decision. On the other hand, several of your colleagues supported your stance, encouraging you to act in the larger public interest. Several local NGOs and environmental groups rallied behind your actions, demanding the immediate closure of polluting units.\na. Under the given conditions, what are the options available to you?\nb. Critically evaluate each of the options listed by you.\nc. What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by you?","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":2467,"topper":"Dev Dudeja","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/SURE_SHORT_GS_PAPER_GS_4_AIR_327_T_4_DEV_DUDEJA_pdf_17053fe618.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Attitude is a crucial factor in building the social capital of an individual. Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Emotional intelligence is primary in managing workplace conflicts. Discuss with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Most of the time, the bilateral conflicts become difficult to resolve due to mutual suspicion. How does the 'Panch Sheel' help in promoting ethical relations between countries? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Huge sums of public funds are used in populist measures for electoral gains. What are the ethical issues associated with the freebie culture? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Probity in governance is a vital requirement for socio-economic development, without which no real progress is possible in a nation. Discuss. Support your answer with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Increasing complexity in public administration creates multiple ethical dilemmas. Explain the application of Gandhi's Talisman in decision making for public servants. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you in the present context? a) \"The highest result of education is tolerance\" - Helen Keller. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"\"Service which is rendered without joy helps neither the servant nor the served.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"Faith is of no evil in the absence of strength. Faith and strength, both are essential to accomplish any great work\" - Vallabhbhai Patel (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"'The scope for corruption increases when the accountability of public administration is fragile and division of power is ambiguous.' Analyse. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Dr. Aanand, a professor of chemistry at ABC College, Pune, had been teaching there for over 20 years. He is known for his passion for teaching and commitment to student welfare, and is respected by both colleagues and students. His son is also a final year student in the very same college. Over the past few months, Dr. Aanand observed a significant change in the behaviour of some of his students. There was a noticeable decline in academic performance, increased absenteeism, and instances of erratic behaviour. Through confidential conversations with a few students and careful observation, he discovered that several students were using contraband drugs. Upon inspecting the student's hostel rooms he found evidence of usage of illegal drugs such as weed, marijuana etc. Determined to address the issue, Dr. Aanand conducted a discreet investigation. He found that the source of the drugs was linked to a well-organized network operating within the college. Shockingly, he discovered that Aditya, the son of the institution's representative at UGC for college management committee, was lynchpin in this drug network. He exploited his privileged position as he was backed by his father, making it difficult for students and authorities to complain and take action against him. Bothered by this incident, Dr. Aanand quickly reported the incident to the management and Aditya's father, who advised him to leave the matter as any action taken would harm the reputation of the college. Dr. Aanand was also threatened with dire consequences for both him and his son, who is yet to start his career. a) Discuss the ethical dilemmas involved in the case. b) What are the options available to Dr. Aanand? Evaluate each of these options and choose the option he would adopt giving reasons. c) Based on the given case study mention few laws, rules and regulations related to prevention of drug abuse in India. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"You are the CEO of the Smart Cities Mission in XYZ City. As the CEO, you are tasked with transforming your city into a model of sustainability, efficiency, and liveability. The mission aims to enhance quality of urban living through advanced infrastructure, improved public services, and environmental sustainability. However, recent reports indicate significant environmental deterioration due to ineffective waste management practices. The city has witnessed a rise in pollution levels, overflowing garbage bins, and uncollected waste in several neighbourhood's, leading to downgrading of its cleanliness ranking. An investigation into the waste management system revealed that the contracting company responsible for waste disposal is performing poorly. The company is failing to adhere to the terms of the contract, resulting in irregular waste collection, improper disposal methods, and inadequate recycling processes. Soon, you call the head of the waste management contracting company, who happens to be your college friend. During the meeting, he discloses how he was able to get this lucrative contract using bribes and kickbacks given to local politicians and your predecessor. As a result, he is financially and managerially constrained from improving the waste management process in the area. Furthermore, your friend is dealing with severe financial difficulties due to his mother's serious illness. Additionally, he offers you a share of the contract if you agree to overlook the issue. Therefore, he is appealing to you as a friend to ignore the issue and approve his bills to ensure timely payments for the waste management contract. a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. b) What are the options available to you in this situation? Evaluate each of these options and choose the option the CEO would adopt giving reasons. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"As a civil servant what are the ethical dilemmas involved in the above situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"List the options available to you and justify which one you would choose. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"In the early hours of the morning on 25th August, 2023, a passenger train derailed near a small town in Odisha, approximately 80 kilometres from Bhubaneswar. The accident was caused by a broken railway track, which had been weakened by continuous heavy rains over the past week. The derailment led to significant loss of life and injury to many passengers, along with extensive damage to the train and surrounding infrastructure. You are a commandant officer, NDRF and were immediately informed of the incident. You rush to the site for immediate support and inform others to reach the site as soon as possible. Upon reaching the accident site, you are faced with a chaotic and distressing scene. Several train coaches are overturned, and many passengers are trapped inside. The rescue operations are underway, but the heavy rains and muddy terrain are making the process difficult. The rains and lightning have also disturbed communication lines making it difficult to mobilise help immediately. Moreover, due to excessive rain and difficult terrain it was getting difficult to mobilise enough support staff to the site. This was further aggravated by limited resources available for rescue operations. Equipment such as metal cutters, canine squads and other heavy-lift equipment were difficult to reach to the site. As a result rescue workers were unable to rescue people properly, creating more chaos and panic, leading to protest by passengers and victims. Medical teams and first aid kits were still on the way, adding more to the crisis. a) As a commandant officer, NDRF, how would you handle the crisis? b) Mention various steps that can be taken to avoid rail accidents, post this incident? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"You are the Exam Controller at an exam centre conducting a government recruitment examination. The exam is being conducted online by a reputed software company known for its advanced security measures. This examination is crucial for lakhs of aspirants seeking stable and prestigious government positions. During the examination, an invigilator notices suspicious behaviqur from a candidate who appears to be frequently looking off-screen. Upon closer scrutiny and examination of the candidate's activity logs, it is confirmed that the candidate is using unauthorised electronic devices and software to receive answers in real-time. The candidate is immediately detained for questioning. The candidate's confession reveals that they are part of a larger network involving managers from the software company responsible for conducting the online exam. These managers are found to be colluding with organized crime syndicates to facilitate cheating in exchange for substantial sums of money. These syndicates orchestrate the cheating operations, recruit candidates, and handle financial transactions. The mafia, aware of your discovery, approaches you with an offer. They promise a significant cut of the profits not only for you but for every person working at the centre if they turn a blind eye to the cheating and allow the network to operate. Many employees are in favour of agreeing to it, while a few oppose it. They also threaten you with severe consequences if you refuse. At the same time, you are facing financial pressure to secure funds for your daughter's admission into a prestigious management college. a) What are the ethical issues involved in this case? b) What would you do in such a scenario? c) Based on the above case study, discuss the pros and cons of online examination. And provide ways to improve it. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":2468,"topper":"Dev Dudeja","air":152,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/UNCK_GS_SSTS_VTS_2025_T04_DEV_DEDEJA_c9358a3ffc.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2469,"topper":"Dev Vrat Joshi","air":144,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/47c4c-505389_2323_dev_vrat_joshi_rank_144.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2470,"topper":"Dev Vrat Joshi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/cae2e-505389_1814_dev_vrat_joshi_rank_144.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Analyse the impact of the Persian invasions on the Indian culture.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"The cultural imprints of India's engagement with East Asia can be witnessed in both the regions. Elucidate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"State the salient features of the Bhakti movement in the medieval period. Also, discuss its role in the growth of regional languages in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"With examples of contribution of various rulers, discuss the evolution of Mughal architecture in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Give an account of the Greco-Buddhist art that developed in different parts of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Give an account of the factors that led to the emergence of Jainism and Buddhism in ancient India. Also highlight their fundamental teachings.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Colonialism in India gained foothold in distinct stages with debilitating impact on the Indian economy. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"The Swarajists played a crucial role in the nationalist movement, but they had their own limitations. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Highlight the major weaknesses and reasons behind the decline of Later Mughals.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Identifying the social and religious evils prevalent in 19th century India, explain how the social reform movements sought to eradicate them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"How did the Moderates and Extremists differ in their ideology, methods and goals during the Indian National Movement?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"The Swadeshi Movement is considered as a watershed moment in India's freedom struggle. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Explaining the reasons for adoption of the policy of appeasement, highlight its role in the rise of fascist powers in the events preceding World War II.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Bring out the social and political conditions in Russia that led to the October Revolution in 1917.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Explaining the term Non-alignment, discuss the rationale behind its adoption in the post-colonial era.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Bring out the differences between colonialism and imperialism, with suitable examples.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2471,"topper":"Dev Vrat Joshi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/bc98d-505389_2071_dev_vrat_joshi_rank_144.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"There are arguments that bills of national importance should be placed before the Inter-State Council prior to their introduction in the Parliament. Discuss in light of the issues that have been observed in the passage of bills in the Parliament in recent times. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the role played by the Directorate of Enforcement in the investigation of offence of money laundering and violations of foreign exchange laws. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The Indian Constitution has been successful in providing a framework for liberal democracy to flourish in India. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Central Information Commission plays a key role in empowering people through information. In this context, discuss the issues faced by it and suggest measures that are required to strengthen the institution. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What do you understand by the \"principle of subsidiarity\"? Discuss its importance in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Bringing out the differences between political parties and pressure groups, discuss how pressure groups play an important role in improving governance and democratic processes in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The practice of separation of powers in the Constitutional scheme of India and USA is distinct in its own way. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"\"The moral value of fundamental duties would not be to smother rights but to establish a democratic balance by making the people conscious of their duties equally as they are conscious of their rights\". Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the impact of the proclamation of National Emergency on Fundamental Rights in India. Also, highlight the various Supreme Court judgments in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The Seventh Schedule is a relic from the colonial past inherited from the Government of India Act, 1935 which needs to be revisited for improving Centre-state relations. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Technology has the potential to bring drastic changes in the field of law and transform the court system. In this context, discuss the need for digitization of Indian judiciary and challenges faced in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Even after three decades of constitutional amendments, India is yet to decentralise power to local self-government institutions in the true sense. Discuss. Do you agree with the view that Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyaan will be able to develop the governance capabilities of the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"With 98% coverage in rural India, cooperatives are the mainstay of rural economy ensuring sustainable livelihoods and income for people. Discuss. Also, state the recent initiatives taken by the government to improve the functioning of cooperative societies and make them more effective. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Governance of inter-state rivers in India suffers from various issues due to conflictual federalism. Discuss. Also, highlight the mechanisms which can be utilised to resolve inter-state river water disputes in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"A dysfunctional criminal justice system, absence of well-considered legislation and need for domain expertise, are being seen as the new challenges for the Indian judiciary. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"To what extent has the anti-defection law been able to address the issue of political instability in India? Discuss with suitable arguments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Though the Indian Constitution provides a clear division of legislative powers between the Union and states with each being supreme within the spheres allotted to them, this division is tilted towards the Union. In this context, discuss the powers of the Parliament to legislate on subjects in the State List. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Despite the benefits of wider representation of women in the judiciary, Indian courts have significantly fewer women as compared to men. Discuss. Also, suggest some measures to bridge the gender gap in Indian judiciary. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Elaborate on the fundamental aspects in which the Indian Constitution differed from its contemporaries despite being a post-colonial document. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The tribunalisation of justice though considered to be an effective step is fraught with several challenges. Discuss in light of the Law Commission of India's report on the working of tribunals in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2472,"topper":"Dev Vrat Joshi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/899c5-505389_1840_dev-vrat-joshi_rank-125.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"While fixed-term employment offers an ingenious way to address specific issues faced by both employers and employees, there are also some concerns associated with it. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"An efficient logistics sector with a focus on warehousing is pivotal to the success of the Bharatmala Pariyojana. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'irrigation scheduling'? Bringing out the advantages provided by it, discuss the difficulties faced in applying it on a farm level. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"While the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana was touted as the largest crop insurance scheme globally in terms of farmer participation, various concerns have arisen since its implementation. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The Stockholm Conference commenced the contemporary \"environmental era\", which brought a paradigm shift in the environmental governance and set a tone for multi-lateral environmental regime. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The world has witnessed a huge surge in climate-induced disasters, which are largely driven by anthropogenic factors. In this context, analyse the role of early warning systems in mitigating the impact of the disasters. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Critically examine the implications of leveraging technology in policing. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"How far do you agree with the view that climate change poses a threat to international peace and security? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by a virtual private network (VPN)? Highlight its advantages and discuss the concerns posed by it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The discovery of the Higgs Boson at the Large Hadron Collider in CERN completed 10 years recently. In this context, discuss the role played by CERN in overall scientific development. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlighting the factors that affect the cropping pattern in India, discuss the need for modifying it in the context of the emerging agro-ecological concerns. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"While the budgetary reforms undertaken by the Central government in recent years have led to better management of government expenditure, there are some issues that still need redressal. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"For India to create a 'future ready' railway system, it must harness innovation and resource efficiency. Discuss the statement in the context of the measures enlisted in the National Rail Plan 2030. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the significance of technology in the Indian agricultural sector. Also, state the challenges in realising its potential to improve agricultural efficiency and increase the income of the farmers. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite the digital transformation in the Public Distribution System (PDS) in India, several challenges still remain. Elaborate. Also, suggest measures to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss the various concerns that exist with regard to fuel efficiency regulations for vehicles in India. Also, suggest the measures that can be taken in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Urban fire is becoming a serious cause of concern in Indian cities. In this context, highlight the major causes behind urban fires in India. What steps can be taken to build robust fire resilience in Indian cities? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Drones in border areas present a serious threat for border management in India. Elaborate. Also, discuss the different measures taken to regulate the use of drones in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Despite a global framework to prevent weaponization of space, it has been increasing in the recent times. Discuss. Also, give an account of the implications of space weaponization. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"What do you understand by a bio-economy? Highlight the role that the National Biotechnology Development Strategy 2021-2025 can play in creating a robust bio-economy in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2473,"topper":"Dev Vrat Joshi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/58517-505389_1839_dev_vrat_joshi_rank_144.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"An independent umbrella body that brings the various central investigative agencies under one roof holds the key to shoring up their credibility. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the significance of the Doctrines of Pith and Substance and Colourable Legislation with respect to Centre-state relations in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Do you agree with the view that there should be simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and the State Legislative Assemblies in India? Discuss with suitable arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss the need for codification of parliamentary privileges in India, in light of the uncertainty and ambiguity around them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"While the Civil Services Board can be a step forward in making the Indian bureaucracy more effective, it has its own issues which need to be addressed. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Highlight the potential of India Digital Ecosystem Architecture (IndEA) 2.0 in transforming the ecosystem of service delivery in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What is Civil Registration System? Highlight its importance and discuss the measures taken by the government to bring about improvements in it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and Their Rehabilitation Act, 2013, provides an effective mechanism for empowerment of the intended beneficiaries in the society. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the reforms that must be undertaken to strengthen the World Trade Organisation in order to address the vulnerabilities in the present global trading system. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"State the significance of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Also, discuss the need for a legally binding Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Critically assess the role played by the National Human Rights Commission as a watchdog of human rights violations in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Discuss how the integration of information and communications technology (ICT) in the dispute resolution processes will help in overcoming the challenges associated with the functioning of courts and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) forums. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite various provisions concerning disqualification of legislators under The Representation of The People Act, 1951, the issue of criminalization of politics is still unresolved to a large extent in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"It is time for reforms, which recognise that urban local bodies (ULBs) need permanent, buoyant revenue sources to match the growing demands of an increasing urban population. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The role of the civil society organisations (CSOs) in India is changing in contemporary times and has become increasingly more complex. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Though the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) aims to address the inequity in development in India, there are a number of issues which plague the scheme. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Highlighting the factors responsible for the growth of EdTech sector in India in recent times, discuss its benefits. Also, state the concerns associated with it. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Bring out the role of Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers in delivering health services in rural India. Also, suggest the measures that can be taken to overcome the challenges faced by them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss the various concerns that have arisen for India after the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan. Also, suggest the measures that India should take in the given context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Bangladesh is not only a key part of India's \"Neighbourhood First policy\" but also crucial for the \"Act East policy\". In this context, discuss the steps taken by the two countries to strengthen their relationship. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2474,"topper":"Dev Vrat Joshi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d2c24-505389_1827_dev-vrat-joshi_rank-125.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The ideals of 'Dhamma' by Ashoka present key learnings on public morality. Discuss. Also, state their relevance for public servants. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"There is a need for an effective climate governance structure within the broad framework of corporate governance. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Family values influence the decisions individuals make both within the family structure and outside of it. Do you agree with the statement? Justify with relevant examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"'Niti' must be more concerned with 'nyaya' i.e. the elimination of removable injustices rather than defining a perfectly just society. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"While it may seem restrictive, anonymity is one of the greatest strengths of the civil services. Comment in the context of growth of social media in recent times. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Corporate governance and business ethics are key factors influencing investment decisions and determining the flow of capital worldwide. In this context, discuss the inter-relationship between corporate governance and business ethics. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Examine the issue of foreign aid in global politics from an ethical perspective. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explaining the meaning of media ethics, discuss why it is a prerequisite for democracy. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by a situation of 'crisis of conscience'? Also, explain how a public servant can deal with such a situation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The opportunities and threats created by emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) require leaders across business, government and civil society to understand the importance of values and ethics in technological development. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"It is argued that the Indian bureaucracy suffers from indecision and risk aversion. Do you agree? Justify with logical arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Corruption endangers not only the quality of governance but also threatens the very foundation of our society. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Discuss the foundational values of civil services, which are prerequisites in building a responsive public administration. Also, highlight how Mission Karmayogi aspires to make public administration more responsive. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"You come across a news report of a state 'X', which has a considerable number of school going children suffering from malnourishment. To overcome this, the state recently rolled out a policy to introduce eggs in mid-day meals in schools. However, some parents, teachers and a few religious groups have protested against the move. The report states that the Minister of Education of state 'X' has assured the public of a reversal in the policy. You are aware that this may be because elections are approaching in the state and the party in power may not want to antagonise a particular religious group, which is its key supporter. In light of this, answer the following: (a) Highlight the stakeholders in the given case study. (b) Examine the options available in the given situation. (c) According to you, what is the best course of action and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Recently, the government has proposed a bill to increase the age of marriage for women from 18 to 21 years. It has been argued that it will help women improve their nutritional status, lower maternal mortality rate and improve the overall health status of women. However, some critics have stated that the proposed law would be counterproductive to women's cause and the desired objectives will not be met. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What effect will an increase in the age of marriage have on women in India? (b) Can legislation be used as an effective tool for social change? (c) Discuss other agents that can be used for social change in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Climate change not only threatens our ecosystems but also undermines the foundation of our fundamental rights, deepens inequalities and creates new forms of injustice. Adapting to climate change and trying to mitigate its impacts are not just a matter of scientific knowledge and political will but also demand a broader view of a complex, inter-related situation. Human induced climate change has brought in several ethical dimensions not just in causing climate change but also in the role and responsibility in mitigating it. (a) Highlight the ethical issues arising out of human-induced climate change. (b) What ethical principles should form the basis of global action on climate change?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are the Chairperson of Staff Selection Commission of a state. Recently, an exam for recruitment to the position of sub-inspectors was conducted by the Commission. But a video of some students using hi-tech devices like spy-mics, and placing \"solvers\" to cheat in the exam by hiding bluetooth devices in wig, has been surfacing on the internet. Also, this is not an isolated incident; many instances of organized cheating scandals have shocked the state in recent years. Students are agitated and demanding cancellation of the exam and there is pressure on you to resign. However, your daughter had also appeared in this exam and is confident of clearing it. There are many other students who had waited for this exam for a long time and are hopeful of clearing it with honest efforts. Whatever decision the Commission takes is bound to affect the career of a large number of candidates who appeared in the exam, including your own daughter. (a) Highlight the ethical issues concerned in the case. (b) Why is cheating in examinations prevalent in many states across India? (c) What measures would you take to make sure that a similar situation does not arise in future?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You are a young officer posted as a Sub-Divisional Magistrate in a backward district. You receive a complaint against the appointment of a Dalit woman in a village school for cooking food under the Mid-Day Meal scheme by parents of some students. The parents are putting immense pressure on the school management to discontinue the services of the woman concerned on the basis of long-standing social norms of caste impurity. They also say that if the management fails to take a favourable decision, keeping in mind the prevailing social customs, they will convene a village assembly and take action against the woman and her family members, including boycotting them socially. Based on the above information, address the following: (a) Identify the issues involved in the given case study. (b) Highlighting the reasons behind continuing caste discrimination, discuss the steps which you will take to resolve the present issue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"A bridge is being built by a powerful local contractor in a district. The Public Works Department (PWD) is responsible for issuing the tender, checking the quality of the bridge and giving approval to it. During the construction of the bridge, testing by the quality control lab in the PWD showed its strength to be slightly below the minimum value required for granting approval for its further construction and completion. The local contractor paid hefty bribes to some officials in the PWD to get the contract. These officials are pressurising the quality control lab in the PWD to sign the report and give the required approval to the bridge. The local MLA is also pressuring the concerned lab for the approval, as elections in the state are approaching and the bridge has to be inaugurated. However, the in-charge of the lab is aware that if he grants approval and any mishappening related to the bridge occurs in the future, he may come under scrutiny. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the issues involved in this scenario? (b) Evaluate the options available to the in-charge of the quality control lab in the given situation. (c) What course of action should the lab in-charge take? Justify with logical arguments.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2475,"topper":"Dev Vrat Joshi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/462c6-505389_1830_dev-vrat-joshi_rank-125.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"According to you, what are the main reasons behind prejudice against certain sections of a society? Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss how persuasion acts as a functional pillar in attitudinal change and attitude formation with requisite examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"A legally enforceable code of ethics for civil servants, which not only prescribes the ethical values they must display in their public life but also provides sanctions for violations of these values, is the need of the hour. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Although open and transparent governance has gained ground, do you agree with the view that there is merit in withholding some information from people? Justify your arguments with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Although bribery is illegal and counterproductive, public officials still demand bribes, and executives in the private sector remain tempted to pay up. In this context, discuss ways in which corporations can build a framework to eliminate the practice of offering kickbacks. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Identifying the issues associated with utilization of public funds, discuss the various ethical principles which can help devise strategies for better utilization of public funds in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"All persons ought to endeavour to follow what is right, and not what is established.\" - Aristotle (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"\"It is compassion, the most gracious of virtues, which moves the world.\" - Tiruvalluvar, Kural (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"I understand democracy as something that gives the weak the same chance as the strong.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"\"A well-developed Emotional intelligence is not only an instrumental tool in accomplishing goals, but has a dark side as a weapon for manipulating others by robbing them of their capacity to reason.\" Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do you understand by conformity, compliance and obedience? Discuss their relevance in the context of civil services in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Though the internal control systems in India are impressive on paper, they have not worked well in curbing the issue of corruption in the administration. Comment. Also, discuss the various reasons for the same. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"There is broad consensus that the state has failed to effectively deliver public services to its citizens, particularly the poor. In this context, discuss the need for providing incentives, building state capacity and ensuring transparency for better service delivery. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You are the principal of a college which has a long history of student politics. However, due to your personal belief, you are not in favour of conducting student elections and thus have kept the process of yearly student elections pending without any official announcement. While you are mulling over the decision of not conducting elections, you get representation from some professors as well as students who criticize the activities of student unions as obstructive to the academic environment of the college. Some time later, student leaders also come to talk to you regarding conduct of elections, and you tell them about the representation received by you against allowing student elections. You further tell them that you are contemplating suspending all activities related to student politics in the campus. On hearing this, student leaders become aggressive and start sloganeering and destroying college property. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the issues involved in the case above? (b) How can you separate your personal ethics from professional ethics? (c) How would you deal with this situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Capital punishment, or \"death penalty,\" is an institutionalized practice designed to result in deliberately executing persons in response to actual or supposed misconduct and following an authorized, rule-governed process to conclude that the person is responsible for violating norms that warrant execution. Punitive executions have historically been imposed by diverse kinds of authorities, for an expansive range of conduct, political or religious beliefs and practices, for a status beyond one's control, or without employing any significant due process procedures. Punitive executions also have been and continue to be carried out more informally, such as by terrorist groups, urban gangs, and mobs. For centuries in Europe and America, discussions have focused on capital punishment as an institutionalized, rule-governed practice of modern states and legal systems governing serious criminal conduct and procedures. In light of the above debate of capital punishment, answer the following questions: (a) What are the arguments in favour of and against having capital punishment in the criminal justice system? (b) Do you think capital punishment has a place in modern civilised society? Examine in the context of moral implications involved in awarding it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"An Indian company is active in the telecom sector and is the majority owner of a telecom company based in other geographies across the world. At one of its European headquarters, there emerged whistleblowing allegations that a local executive was bribing local government officials in order to obtain telecom cabling and construction contracts from the local government. The kickbacks were allegedly paid through a third-party consultant. More specifically, there were allegations that the executive, the third party, and a government official had some sort of business interest in common, possibly shareholdings in a limited company or the joint ownership of an undisclosed asset. The company is thought to be particularly close to the ruling dispensation in India and the news has now raised pressure to put its business operations in India under scanner as well. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the ethical challenges in the given case? (b) Identify the different stakeholders and their interests. (c) As the CEO of the firm, how would you respond to the given situation?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2476,"topper":"Dev Vrat Joshi","air":125,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/93b2a-505389_1837_dev-vrat-joshi_rank-125.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2477,"topper":"Devangi Meena","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/60c78-488023_3128_devangi-meena_rank_236.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"The world must learn to work together, or finally it will not work at all.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Technology, like art, is a soaring exercise of the human imagination.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"We've begun to raise daughters more like sons, but few have the courage to raise our sons more like our daughters.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2478,"topper":"Devansh Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/671aa-859046_1852_devansh_gupta_rank_77.pdf","questions":[{"page":17,"question":"Is there a doubt, data is a public good?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"An Army of Principles can Penetrate where an army of soldiers cannot","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2479,"topper":"Devansh Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/54500-859046_2234_devansh_gupta_rank_77.pdf","questions":[{"page":18,"question":"1. Write ONE Essay in about 1000-1200 words. (125 Marks)\n1. The imagination imitates. It is the critical spirit that creates.\n2. If agriculture goes wrong, nothing else will go right.\n3. The world will not be destroyed by those who do evil, but by those who watch them without doing anything.","marks":"125","words":"1000-1200"}]},{"id":2480,"topper":"Devansh Gupta","air":77,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/44659-859046_2233_devansh_gupta_rank_77.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2481,"topper":"Devansh Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e9f5b-859046_1830_devansh_gupta_rank_77.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) According to you, what are the main reasons behind prejudice against certain sections of a society? Discuss with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) Discuss how persuasion acts as a functional pillar in attitudinal change and attitude formation with requisite examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) A legally enforceable code of ethics for civil servants, which not only prescribes the ethical values they must display in their public life but also provides sanctions for violations of these values, is the need of the hour. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) Although open and transparent governance has gained ground, do you agree with the view that there is merit in withholding some information from people? Justify your arguments with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"3. (a) Although bribery is illegal and counterproductive, public officials still demand bribes, and executives in the private sector remain tempted to pay up. In this context, discuss ways in which corporations can build a framework to eliminate the practice of offering kickbacks.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) Identifying the issues associated with utilization of public funds, discuss the various ethical principles which can help devise strategies for better utilization of public funds in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"4. What do each of the following quotations mean to you?\n(a) “All persons ought to endeavour to follow what is right, and not what is established.” — Aristotle","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"4. (b) \"It is compassion, the most gracious of virtues, which moves the world.\" — Tiruvalluvar, Kural","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"4. (c) \"I understand democracy as something that gives the weak the same chance as the strong.\" — Mahatma Gandhi","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"5. (a) \"A well-developed Emotional intelligence is not only an instrumental tool in accomplishing goals, but has a dark side as a weapon for manipulating others by robbing them of their capacity to reason.\" Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"5. (b) What do you understand by conformity, compliance and obedience? Discuss their relevance in the context of civil services in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"6. (a) Though the internal control systems in India are impressive on paper, they have not worked well in curbing the issue of corruption in the administration. Comment. Also discuss the various reasons for the same.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"6. (b) There is broad consensus that the state has failed to effectively deliver public services to its citizens, particularly the poor. In this context, discuss the need for providing incentives, building state capacity and ensuring transparency for better service delivery.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"7. You are the principal of a college which has a long history of student politics. However, due to your personal belief, you are not in favour of conducting student elections and thus have kept the process of yearly student elections pending without any official announcement. While you are mulling over the decision of not conducting elections, you get representation from some professors as well as students who criticize the activities of student unions as obstructive to the academic environment of the college. Some time later, student leaders also come to talk to you regarding conduct of elections, and you tell them about the representation received by you against allowing student elections. You further tell them that you are contemplating suspending all activities related to student politics in the campus. On hearing this, student leaders become aggressive and start sloganeering and destroying college property. In this context, answer the following questions:\n(a) What are the issues involved in the case above?\n(b) How can you separate your personal ethics from professional ethics?\n(c) How would you deal with this situation?","marks":"20","words":"in around 250"},{"page":34,"question":"8. In light of the above debate of capital punishment, answer the following questions:\n(a) What are the arguments in favour of and against having capital punishment in the criminal justice system?\n(b) Do you think capital punishment has a place in modern civilised society? Examine in the context of moral implications involved in awarding it.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":39,"question":"9. An Indian company is active in the telecom sector and is the majority owner of a telecom company based in other geographies across the world. At one of its European headquarters, there emerged whistleblowing allegations that a local executive was bribing local government officials in order to obtain telecom cabling and construction contracts from the local government. The kickbacks were allegedly paid through a third-party consultant. More specifically, there were allegations that the executive, the third party, and a government official had some sort of business interest in common, possibly shareholdings in a limited company or the joint ownership of an undisclosed asset. The company is thought to be particularly close to the ruling dispensation in India and the news has now raised pressure to put its business operations in India under scanner as well. In this context, answer the following questions:\n(a) What are the ethical challenges in the given case?\n(b) Identify the different stakeholders and their interests.\n(c) As the CEO of the firm, how would you respond to the given situation?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":42,"question":"(c) As a CEO, how would you respond?\n(i) Internal investigation into the incident.\n(ii) Ordering third party audit of company's European operations.\n(iii) Identifying the loopholes in the corporate governance system and plugging it.\n(iv) Sending the accused employee on leave until investigation is complete.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"10. Sunil has been posted as a DM in a hilly district which is vulnerable to several natural disasters. The district is known for a pilgrimage site and is frequently visited by tourists from all over India. The major occupation of locals therefore lies in the hospitality business. Unfortunately, after a few days of his joining, the district faced a major earthquake. It has led to high casualties and damages to the essential infrastructure such as roads and bridges. Both locals and tourists are trapped at different routes and locations. An international convoy of dignitaries from a neighboring country which has come to pay their obeisance at the pilgrimage site, is also trapped due to the disaster. Because of this, Sunil has to divert most of the available resources in the rescue operation of the foreign dignitaries. People are emotionally distressed due to the disaster, and delayed response from authorities to their needs has led to a law-and-order situation in the district. People from other states whose families are trapped and need immediate assistance are also getting restless and flooding the emergency helplines with complaints and requests.\n(a) Discuss the issues being faced by Sunil in the given scenario.\n(b) Mention a course of action that Sunil must take to maintain law-and-order as well as to expedite rescue operations of all concerned.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":49,"question":"11. You are posted as a Customs official in one of renowned port cities of India. Your team has recently intercepted a consignment having over 5000 kilograms of red sandalwood. Red Sandalwood, also known as Red Sanders, is a prohibited item for export and is covered under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) list and hence you detained a few individuals for their alleged involvement in trying to smuggle it to another country. However, you later come to know that these people are working for an influential businessman with close ties to the ruling party of the state. Your seniors in the department have verbally instructed you not to register any compliant as yet. You are fearful that a deal will be struck between the businessman and a few corrupt officers of your department and the detained persons will be freed. You are ready to go ahead and file the complaint but at the same time are also fearful of departmental action against you if you disobey your seniors.\n(a) What are the various options available to you in the given case? Evaluate the merits and demerits of each of these.\n(b) Also indicate (without necessarily restricting to the above options) your course of action and the reasons for the same.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":54,"question":"12. You are the Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district. One of your subordinates informs you that a girl has reached out to him and complained about a potential death threat to her and her boyfriend who belongs to another caste. Both the families are averse to their union. She has also informed that the local police station is neither filing any complaint nor giving her any assurance of protection. The girl belongs to the dominant caste of the region and her father is a prominent local leader of the party which is in power in the state. On further enquiry, you come to know that both the girl and her boyfriend are adults. They have moved out of the house and have started living together. This has further angered both the families and they are accusing each other of abduction. In the given scenario, answer the following questions:\n(a) Bring out the ethical dilemma faced by the you.\n(b) What would be a suitable course of action to resolve the issue?\n(c) At times, such instances lead to violence and may end up in honour killings. Discuss the reasons behind their social acceptance in parts of India despite the legal sanction against them.","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":2482,"topper":"Devansh Mohan Dwivedi","air":333,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Devansh-Mohan-Dwivedi-UPSC-2023-Rank-333-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2483,"topper":"Devansh Mohan Dwivedi","air":333,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Devansh-Mohan-Dwivedi-UPSC-2023-Rank-333-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2484,"topper":"Devansh Mohan Dwivedi","air":333,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Devansh-Mohan-Dwivedi-UPSC-2023-Rank-333-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2485,"topper":"Devansh Saraswat","air":221,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/DEVANSH-SARSWATUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-221-Sample-MGPCopy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) Achieving inclusive growth requires a multidimensional approach that goes beyond economic growth. Discuss in context of India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Examine the implications of the expansion of gig workforce on economic growth and employment scenario in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) What is precision agriculture? How can precision agriculture help in optimizing crop production and resource management?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4 While MSMEs are the backbone of the Indian economy, they encounter various hurdles in their operation and expansion. Discuss. Also, suggest steps to support the growth of the MSME sector.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 Explain the significance of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) in transforming India into a knowledge-based and innovation-driven economy. Also, mention various government initiatives aimed at strengthening the protection and enforcement of IPRs in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) Gaganyaan mission is a landmark endeavour for India, marking significant advancements in space exploration and contributing to broader national objectives; however, overcoming the associated technical and safety challenges is crucial for its success. Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) What are the challenges in the safe management of e-waste in India? How can collaboration among multiple stakeholders help in sustainable e-waste management?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) Define Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and mention its various stages. Also, highlight the significance of EIA in balancing developmental needs with environmental conservation in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Significance of EIA in balancing developmental needs with environment conservation","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) Integrated Theatre Commands shall bring jointness in operation, synergy of resources and enable armed forces in carrying out swift, effective, and decisive actions. Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 India's internal security dynamics is inextricably linked with the peace and stability in the neighborhood. Explain with special reference to instability on the eastern border.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) The introduction of Goods and Services Tax (GST) was hailed as a transformative fiscal reform; however, the journey of GST has been a mixed bag of successes and challenges. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) Discuss the potential of food processing sector in addressing the issues of low value addition, high post-harvest losses and disguised unemployment plaguing Indian agriculture. Also, explain why the sector has underperformed despite its significant potential.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13) Despite the government's ambitious targets, rooftop solar installations in India are hindered by multiple factors. Elaborate. How far do you think that PM Surya Ghar Yojana can incentivise the adoption of rooftop solar installations?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) Agricultural marketing reforms are imperative for addressing market inefficiencies and boosting farm incomes. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Discuss the contribution of livestock sector to the rural economy and the empowerment of women. Also, highlight main challenges faced by the livestock sector in the country and suggest strategies to overcome these challenges.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 Generative AI holds immense potential to transform various aspects of daily life, offering both benefits and challenges. Elaborate. What policy measures do you suggest to maximize its benefits and mitigate its risks?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 Describe the major outcomes of the 28th session of the Conference of Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What were the major engagements of India in this conference?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 Explain the causes and impacts of landslides. Also, discuss the various measures to mitigate their impact, with a special emphasis on National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) guidelines.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) is showing a downward trend, but still affects many parts of the country. Highlighting the reasons for the continuance of LWE in certain pockets, suggest strategies to deal with this menace.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 Analyse how the adoption of emerging and disruptive technologies for money laundering is adding new layers of complexity to an already intricate issue. Also, highlight the measures taken to tackle the problem of money laundering both at national and international levels.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2486,"topper":"Devansh Saraswat","air":221,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/DEVANSH-SARSWATUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-221-Sample-MGPCopy-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) Indian society and its philosophical traditions have predominantly embraced a \"non-absolutist stance\" towards ethical considerations. Do you agree?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) \"Empathy is a crucial human value, but there exists a complex relationship between empathy and objectivity.\" Discuss with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) A welfare state's legitimacy rests on its ethical foundation. In your opinion, what are the key ethical traits of a welfare state? Suggest ways to strengthen the ethical foundation of a state.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) Different individuals have varied interpretations of what constitutes a good life. What does a good life signify for you? Explain with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) What does each of the following quotations mean to you?\na) \"A man can give up a right, but he may not give up a duty without being guilty of a grave dereliction\" Mahatma Gandhi (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) \"The world is sustained by those who refrain from hurting others, even when they have the power to do so.\"","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"c) \"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.\" Martin Luther King Jr.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.4) a) What is 'emotional intelligence' and how can it be developed? How does it help civil servants in ethical decision making and crisis management?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"b) The arrival of modernity has reshaped our traditional relationship with nature. How can a change in 'environmental attitude' aid in addressing sustainability challenges?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.5) a) Once a foundational value, bureaucratic anonymity is now diluted by social media, blurring the lines between private conduct and public duty. Examine critically.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"b) What do you understand by probity in governance? What are the difficulties in upholding it in contemporary times? Suggest measures for ensuring probity in governance.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.6) a) Differentiate between code of conduct and code of ethics. Explain the necessity of a code of ethics for public servants to ensure ethical governance.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"b) Despite acknowledging that corruption is detrimental and condemning it, why do people continue to engage in it? Explore the significance of value systems in combating the evil of corruption.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7 You are the Superintendent of Police (SP) in a communally sensitive district. Recently, a young couple approached you seeking protection. They wish to get married, but they belong to different religions. Also, the girl is from an influential family, while the boy comes from a humble background. They are facing threats from the girl's family, who have warned them of dire consequences if they proceed with the marriage. The girl's family has fixed her marriage to a boy belonging to their community and is vehemently against interfaith marriage. The village elders have also expressed apprehensions that, if the matter is not resolved promptly, it could incite widespread rioting and lead to serious law and order problems. The local intelligence unit has corroborated these concerns in its report submitted to your office.\nThe fears of the village elders have come true. Rumors and disagreements regarding the proposed marriage have caused communal tensions in the neighboring localities. In one such locality, a law-abiding and responsible citizen lives with his wife and son, Sahil. This locality, where people of different religions reside, has a history of maintaining overall harmony and peace despite occasional minor quarrels. But this time, it escalated to the point of rioting, during which Sahil came under the attack and was grievously injured. The rioters also set fire to many houses and vehicles, causing extensive damage to public property. Despite immediate and frantic calls to the police, no prompt action was taken. Sahil succumbed to his injuries the next day. A video of the brutal attack on Sahil emerged and went viral on social media. The incident was also covered extensively by the national media and has led to increased communal polarization in the district.\nOn one hand, the couple feels increasingly threatened as many blame them for the situation; on the other hand, there are fears of another round of violence as some members of Sahil's community vowing to avenge his death. The grieving parents are devastated by the loss of their only child and seek justice. The district administration is under immense pressure to prevent further violence, ensure justice for Sahil's family, and protect the young couple.\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb) As the SP of the district, evaluate the options available to you.\nc) What course of action would you adopt to deal with the situation?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"a) इस केस स्टडी में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\nb) जिले के पुलिस अधीक्षक के रूप में, आप अपने पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन कीजिए।\nc) स्थिति से निपटने के लिए आप क्या कदम उठाएंगे?\na) इस केस स्टडी में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\nb) जिले के पुलिस अधीक्षक के रूप में, आप अपने पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन कीजिए।\nc) स्थिति से निपटने के लिए आप क्या कदम उठाएंगे?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.8 In the lush green expanse of the Western Ghats, a significant change is underway. The state government has announced a new infrastructure project—a highway connecting City A and City B. This project, envisioned as a catalyst for economic growth and enhanced connectivity, also promises to attract significant investments, including from a major semiconductor company. The semiconductor company is important for strategic purposes, given the growing importance of semiconductors in defense, space, and communications sectors. However, the proposed highway passes through a densely forested tribal area, home to an indigenous community deeply connected to the land. The local tribal community, reliant on the forest for their livelihood and cultural practices, is alarmed by the prospect of displacement and the extensive forest clearance required by the project. The forest is not just their home but a crucial part of their identity and source of livelihood. It is where their ancestors are buried, where they grow medicinal plants, and where their children play. The community's leaders, including Geeta, a respected elder, are determined to protect their land. They fear losing their ancestral lands and the destruction of their way of life. Determined to make their voices heard, the community organizes a protest march to the office of the District Magistrate and seeks time to meet the DM. The DM, Rajesh known for his fair and balanced approach, listens intently as Geeta and other leaders explain their fears. They asserted their legally protected right to manage and protect the forest. Meanwhile, in the corporate offices of M&T Infrastructure Ltd., CEO Anil is grappling with the growing unrest. The company has been contracted to build the highway, but the resistance from the tribal community poses a significant challenge. Delays could lead to escalating costs and potential project failure. Anil decides to seek a meeting with Priya, the Chief Secretary of State, to discuss the situation. Priya, overseeing the project from the state secretariat, is aware of the delicate balance needed. The project is crucial for the state's development and aligns with the policy of promoting ease of doing business. Moreover, the potential investment from the semiconductor company is strategically important for both the state and the nation. Any delay or hindrance could tarnish the state's reputation and dissuade future investments. When Anil meets Priya, he lays out his concerns. \"Madam Secretary, the protests are intensifying. If this continues, we might have to consider withdrawing from the project. The financial risks are becoming untenable.\" The ruling party, keen to maintain its pro-development image, wants early completion of the project and the materialization of the semiconductor manufacturing plant to fulfill its poll promises. The Chief Secretary conveys the policy of the state government and the concerns of M&T Infrastructure Ltd. to the District Magistrate of the district concerned. As the administrative head of the district, the responsibility for maintaining law and order and facilitating development projects rests upon him.\na) What are the ethical issues involved in the case?\nb) Evaluate the options available to Rajesh, being District Magistrate of the area.\nc) What course of action should Rajesh adopt and why?","marks":null,"words":"20"},{"page":36,"question":"a) केस अध्ययन में नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\nb) क्षेत्र के जिला मजिस्ट्रेट होने के नाते राजेश के लिए उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन कीजिए।\nc) राजेश को क्या कार्रवाई करनी चाहिए और क्यों?\na) केस अध्ययन में नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\nb) क्षेत्र के जिला मजिस्ट्रेट होने के नाते राजेश के लिए उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन कीजिए।\nc) राजेश को क्या कार्रवाई करनी चाहिए और क्यों?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":38,"question":"8 Imperative of Infrastructure creation and economic growth; (b) Options evaluate\nI Expedite the project as envisaged in chief secretary's reform\nII Propose shifting/rejection of the project by not sanctioning land","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Q.9) A small village in South India experienced a devastating tragedy that shocked the nation. Around 65 villagers lost their lives after drinking liquor contaminated with methanol. The tragedy quietly unfolded one evening as unsuspecting villagers gathered for relaxation, sharing stories, and unwinding after a day's work and consumed the toxic brew. Within a short time, symptoms of poisoning began to appear. The villagers experienced severe headaches, dizziness, nausea, and blurred vision. Panic quickly spread through the community as more and more people fell ill. Families desperately sought help, but the village's healthcare facilities were quickly overwhelmed and unable to cope with the sudden influx of patients. The few medical professionals available worked tirelessly, but resources were limited, and the severity of the situation became increasingly apparent. Police filed FIR, but no breakthrough was achieved in the case for almost two months. Mahesh, an investigative journalist working with a leading TV channel, began investigating the case on his own initiative. Within a month, Mahesh made a breakthrough by interacting with local people, the liquor mafia, and government officials. He prepared his investigative story and presented it to the CMD of the TV channel. Mahesh's report exposed the complete nexus of the illicit liquor mafia operating with the support of corrupt police, civil officials, and politicians. The key political figure involved was the local MLA, known to be very close to the Chief Minister. After reviewing the investigative report, the CMD advised Mahesh to drop the idea of making the story public through electronic media. The CMD revealed that the local MLA was not only a relative of the TV channel's owner but also held an unofficial 30 percent share in the channel. Additionally, the CMD offered Mahesh a promotion, a pay raise, and the adjustment of the 20-lakh soft loan that Mahesh had taken for his son's studies abroad if he handed over the investigative report.\na) What are the options available with Mahesh to cope up with the situation? Critically examine each of the options.\nb) Which of the options, do you think, would be the most appropriate for Mahesh to adopt and why?\nc) Suggest some innovative measures to address the nexus of criminal activities and prevent such tragedies.","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":42,"question":"a) स्थिति से निपटने के लिए महेश के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं? प्रत्येक विकल्प की आलोचनात्मक जांच कीजिए।\nb) आपको क्या लगता है कि महेश के लिए कौन सा विकल्प सबसे उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?\nc) आपराधिक गतिविधियों के गठजोड़ को दूर करने और ऐसी त्रासदियों को रोकने के लिए कुछ नवीन उपाय सुझाएँ।","marks":null,"words":"20 अंक"},{"page":46,"question":"Q.10 In a bustling city administration office in a state, Joint Municipal Commissioner Meera, who is also the Public Information Officer (PIO) faces a challenging situation. Recently, an RTI application has been received, demanding details about public infrastructure projects initiated during her tenure. Upon reviewing the requested information, Meera discovers that certain decisions made regarding these projects were not entirely sound in hindsight. These decisions, although taken in good faith and after due diligence, failed to realize promised outcomes. There were other employees also who were party to this decision. The disclosure of this information could potentially lead to scrutiny and backlash against herself, the employees, and contractors involved. Known for her integrity and commitment to public service, Meera finds herself at a crossroads. The RTI Act has served as a critical check against administrative arbitrariness, ensuring transparency and accountability. However, she also observes a troubling trend. RTI applications are often used by vested interests and activists seeking personal gain rather than genuine public interest. Some activists even resort to threats or extortion tactics, undermining the integrity of the RTI process. She fears the requested RTI information could be similarly exploited. Moreover, the employees involved are requesting her to withhold the information. In navigating this situation, Meera weighs her options carefully.\na) Critically examine the options available to Meera in the above situation.\nb) Which of the above would be the most appropriate for Meera and why?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Q.11) You are the Operations Manager at a rapidly growing technology startup, Tech Nova Innovations, which prides itself on its cutting-edge solutions and ability to deliver projects on time. The startup culture is fast paced, with tight deadlines and high expectations from both clients and investors. Your current project, developing a new AI-driven platform, is crucial for securing future funding and partnerships. Your team is small but skilled, consisting of four software developers and two project coordinators, with an equal number of men and women.\nRecently, your team has faced significant challenges. Riya, one of the female software developers, has requested personal leave to care for her ailing father. Meanwhile, another female team member, Shabnam, is struggling to balance her work responsibilities with the care of her infant child. The remaining team members have had to take on additional tasks, affecting their work-life balance, leading to increased stress and frustration. As the project deadline approaches, the strain within the team becomes evident. During a critical review meeting, Arjun, a senior developer, expresses his frustration, \"Maybe it's not a good idea to have team members who can't commit full-time during crucial phases.\"\nThe comment sparks immediate backlash. Chetna, a project coordinator, finds Arjun's remark deeply offensive and reports the incident to the Human Resources (HR) Department. She also threatens to take the issue to social media, potentially harming the startup's public image. The HR Department, based at the startup's headquarters, investigates the complaint and recommends taking strict action against Arjun for his unprofessional and insensitive comment. They highlighted the importance of maintaining an inclusive and respectful workplace culture. This recommendation places you in a difficult position. The project is already behind schedule, and losing a senior developer like Arjun could severely impact its timely completion.\nYou are now faced with a complex dilemma. On one hand, it is essential to address the insensitive remark and ensure a respectful work environment. On the other hand, you must keep the project on track without further demotivating your team.\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb) As the Operations Manager, how would you deal with the situation?\nc) Based on the case study, discuss the challenges faced by women at workplace. How can such challenges be resolved?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"a) इस केस स्टडी में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\nb) संचालन प्रबंधक के रूप में, आप इस स्थिति से कैसे निपटेंगे?\nc) केस स्टडी के आधार पर, कार्यस्थल पर महिलाओं के सामने आने वाली चुनौतियों पर चर्चा करें। ऐसी चुनौतियों का समाधान कैसे किया जा सकता है?\na) इस केस स्टडी में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\nb) संचालन प्रबंधक के रूप में, आप इस स्थिति से कैसे निपटेंगे?\nc) केस स्टडी के आधार पर, कार्यस्थल पर महिलाओं के सामने आने वाली चुनौतियों पर चर्चा करें। ऐसी चुनौतियों का समाधान कैसे किया जा सकता है?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":57,"question":"Q.12 Utkarsh is a dedicated and experienced Chief Engineer in the Public Works Department (PWD) of a major Indian city. His responsibilities include overseeing the maintenance and construction of the city's infrastructure. One of his critical responsibilities is managing the safety and welfare of the PWD workers. A sudden strike by the workers' union of the PWD erupted over the issue of compensation to a construction worker who died while repairing a major bridge in the city. The case was brought to Utkarsh's attention for resolution.\nThe deceased worker, Shyam Lal, was part of a team tasked with repairing a crucial bridge that connected two busy parts of the city. During the repair, an unfortunate accident occurred where a section of the bridge collapsed. Shyam Lal fell from a significant height, suffering severe injuries. He was immediately rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival. Shyam Lal was 45 years old and the sole breadwinner for his family, which included his wife and three young children. The initial investigation revealed that Shyam Lal had not been wearing the mandatory safety harness at the time of the accident. The management, upon learning of this, is considering not providing extra compensation to Shyam Lal's family, citing negligence on his part.\nThe PWD workers' union was outraged by this decision, arguing that the lack of proper training and supervision were the primary cause of the accident. They demanded full compensation for Shyam Lal's family, like what other workers receive who die in the line of duty, and a job for one family member. With no satisfactory response from the management, the union went on strike, halting all ongoing maintenance and construction projects in the city. The strike has continued for two weeks, causing significant disruption to the city's infrastructure projects and leading to public outcry. Utkarsh is now tasked with finding a resolution to this deadlock.\na) What are the options available to Utkarsh to meet the above situation? Critically examine each of the options identified by him.\nb) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Utkarsh?\nc) What course of action should Utkarsh adopt to diffuse the above situation?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":58,"question":"a) उपरोक्त स्थिति से निपटने के लिए उत्कर्ष के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं? उनके द्वारा पहचाने गए प्रत्येक विकल्प की आलोचनात्मक जांच कीजिए।\nb) उत्कर्ष के सामने कौन सी नैतिक दुविधाएं हैं?\nc) उपरोक्त स्थिति से निपटने के लिए उत्कर्ष को क्या कदम उठाना चाहिए?\na) उपरोक्त स्थिति से निपटने के लिए उत्कर्ष के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं? उनके द्वारा पहचाने गए प्रत्येक विकल्प की आलोचनात्मक जांच कीजिए।\nb) उत्कर्ष के सामने कौन सी नैतिक दुविधाएं हैं?\nc) उपरोक्त स्थिति से निपटने के लिए उत्कर्ष को क्या कदम उठाना चाहिए?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"}]},{"id":2487,"topper":"Devansh Saraswat","air":374,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Law","optional":true,"source":"De Facto Law","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.defactolaw.in/_files/ugd/9bce74_2ed7e09fc0a94e2fb68f6cd61569bd0f.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2488,"topper":"Devansh Saraswat","air":374,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Law","optional":true,"source":"De Facto Law","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.defactolaw.in/_files/ugd/9bce74_4c78b5765985486ba2392d321d4ee730.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2489,"topper":"Devansh Saraswat","air":374,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Law","optional":true,"source":"De Facto Law","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.defactolaw.in/_files/ugd/9bce74_97bc75200dbe422fbe51fa6aeb59efb0.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2490,"topper":"Devansh Saraswat","air":374,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Law","optional":true,"source":"De Facto Law","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.defactolaw.in/_files/ugd/9bce74_ae107f62007b471eb7dede363f630e47.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2491,"topper":"Devansh Saraswat","air":374,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Law","optional":true,"source":"De Facto Law","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.defactolaw.in/_files/ugd/9bce74_6c52ff29cc2c4ccb88db9abefd126d69.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2492,"topper":"Devansh Saraswat","air":374,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Law","optional":true,"source":"De Facto Law","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.defactolaw.in/_files/ugd/9bce74_70406d0d18a4492ca1314e55d9eaa032.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2493,"topper":"Devansh Sarswat","air":221,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/DEVANSH-SARSWATUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-221-Sample-ESSAY-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1 You are the master of your conscience and you are the ruler of your destiny.\n2 The inability to see potential in others is the greatest disability\n3 Men are governed only by serving them.\n4 Desires cannot be contrary to nature since it was given to man by nature itself","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"1. Technology and inclusion go hand in hand in eliminating barriers","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2494,"topper":"Devansh Sarswat","air":221,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/DEVANSH-SARSWATUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-221-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) As the soul of the Constitution, the preamble is not only a majestic expression of philosophy and principles but also declares the purpose of the constitution. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Article 21 of the Constitution has been interpreted expansively to encompass various facets of personal freedom and dignity. Elucidate with the help of relevant case laws","marks":"10 marks, 150","words":"10"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Explain how the Presidents of India and the USA differ in their election processes and the extent of their powers.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Critically examine the functioning of National Human Rights Commission of India (NHRC) as an apex institution entrusted with the protection of human rights in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 The 106th Constitutional Amendment Act (Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023) is regarded as a landmark step towards women's empowerment and representation, making women-led development a tangible reality. How far do you think this will help in making the Indian political process more gender-inclusive?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) India's growing elderly population is faced with a multitude of challenges necessitating development of a comprehensive policy framework to manage this demographic transition. Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) Discuss the benefits and challenges associated with the entry and operation of foreign higher educational institutions for internationalisation of Indian higher education, in the light of recently released UGC guidelines regarding the same.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) How far do you think that farmers association has been successful as a Pressure Group?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 The peaceful and co-operative relationship between India and Bhutan provides a unique model of bilateral ties in South Asia. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 While the Gulf region offers lucrative job opportunities, the Indian diaspora often finds itself grappling with severe challenges. Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 Recent years have witnessed a concerning decline in Parliament's functioning, marked by frequent disruptions and reduced debate on crucial national issues. Analyze the reasons for the decline in Parliament's functioning in the country and suggest remedial measures.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) To what extent, in your opinion, has the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act been successful in laying a foundation for participatory and inclusive governance at the grassroot level?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 Describe the various mechanisms available for the resolution of disputes concerning the use, distribution, or control of inter-state rivers. Also, state the reasons for their limited success.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) The Election Commission of India (ECI) stands as a sentinel of democracy, ensuring that the world's largest electoral exercise is conducted with integrity and efficiency. In light of the statement, discuss the role of ECI in conducting free and fair elections. Also, state the associated challenges and suggest remedial measures.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 While e-governance offers immense potential to revolutionize governance and service delivery, its successful implementation requires addressing multifaceted challenges. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) Assess the performance of various schemes and policies undertaken to improve the socio-economic conditions of vulnerable sections of society. What measures do you suggest to enhance their performance?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 What are the common challenges faced by NGOs when working with the government? How can these challenges be mitigated to ensure a productive partnership between NGOs and the government?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 \"Poverty is a complex phenomenon that goes beyond material deprivation, necessitating comprehensive strategies that address the multifaceted nature of deprivation.\" Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 The expansion of BRICS presents new prospects for the organization, but their realization depends on the member states' ability to address internal challenges and enhance cooperation. Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20) \"A multipolar world order is not merely an option but a necessity\". Elaborate. How can India leverage its position to strengthen multipolarity in the global arena?","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2495,"topper":"Devansh Sarswat","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/26c58-1010697_2423_devansh-sarswat_rank_221.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With suitable examples, discuss how environmental pressure groups enhance public participation and responsiveness with regard to environmental policies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The recent acknowledgment of sex work as a 'profession' by the Supreme Court is merely the first step in ensuring basic rights and equality for sex workers in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the role played by District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) in providing free legal aid and disseminating legal awareness in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"The collegium system has become a victim of its own success, with the concentration of power in the hands of a few, leading to questions about its legitimacy.\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":2496,"topper":"Devansh Sarswat","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/338da-1010697_2219_devansh-sarswat_rank_221.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Fiscal policy can be a key tool to reduce income inequality as well as make the poorest and the downtrodden a part of the country's growth story. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Digitizing land records will go a long way in ensuring land reforms as well as lessening the burden on the Indian Judiciary. Elaborate. Also, state the measures taken in this context. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"It has been pointed out that competitive politics to fund mostly non-merit subsidies is pushing a few states in India to the brink of a deep fiscal crisis. In this context, discuss the need to rationalise the subsidy regime in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Micro-irrigation has tremendous potential in transforming farming into a profitable and sustainable venture. Discuss the given statement in the context of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Given its vast resources and technical expertise, India can play a key role in assisting the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) in dealing with the impact of climate change. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The recent \\u201cDisaster Management Plan of Ministry of Panchayati Raj (DMP-MoPR)\\u201d aims to develop disaster resilience at the grassroots level. In this context, discuss the rationale behind the formulation of the Plan and highlight its key components. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the internal security implications emanating from the use of Emerging And Disruptive Technologies (EDT) by state and non-state actors. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Identify the impediments faced by India in boosting its defence exports. Also, discuss the steps taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the multiple issues associated with space debris. Also, state the initiatives taken in recent times to tackle this menace. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The adoption of Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) in India is expected to make e-commerce more inclusive and accessible for consumers. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While an agreement was recently reached at the WTO on a deal to curb \"harmful\" government fisheries subsidies, certain concerns raised by India suggests that the matter will require further negotiations. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite the advantages that are associated with the hybrid annuity model (HAM) in the road construction sector, the interest in it has moderated due to various reasons. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The existing MSP procurement regime is neither economically nor agro-ecologically sustainable. Elaborate. Also, evaluate the alternative approaches that can be adopted to improve the existing MSP regime. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"It is being argued that India is struggling with overflowing foodgrains in warehouses. Discuss the statement in view of the existing buffer stock policy of India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Recently, the government has asked all ports to prepare a master plan in order to become 'mega ports' by 2047. In light of this, discuss the challenges faced by ports and suggest remedial measures in order to propel India's blue economy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Inequality in income and wealth translates into carbon inequality. In this context, discuss the significance of addressing carbon inequality for India and suggest ways to achieve it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Despite increased and regular occurrences of landslides over the past decade in India, the dominant development paradigm has largely not been modified. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India needs a smart border management system to balance legitimate cross border flows with national security interests. Discuss. Also, highlight the initiatives taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Establishing linkages between globalisation and money laundering, discuss the initiatives taken at the national and international levels to combat it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"There have been arguments that India needs to review some of its past assumptions about the nature of outer space and contribute to the development of new global norms. In this context, analyse India's stand in relation to the Artemis Accords. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2497,"topper":"Devansh Sarswat","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/DEVANSH-SARSWAT-UPSC-2024-Rank-374-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Achieving inclusive growth requires a multidimensional approach that goes beyond economic growth. Discuss in context of India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Examine the implications of the expansion of gig workforce on economic growth and employment scenario in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What is precision agriculture? How can precision agriculture help in optimizing crop production and resource management? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"While MSMEs are the backbone of the Indian economy, they encounter various hurdles in their operation and expansion. Discuss. Also, suggest steps to support the growth of the MSME sector. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Explain the significance of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) in transforming India into a knowledge-based and innovation-driven economy. Also, mention various government initiatives aimed at strengthening the protection and enforcement of IPRs in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Gaganyaan mission is a landmark endeavour for India, marking significant advancements in space exploration and contributing to broader national objectives; however, overcoming the associated technical and safety challenges is crucial for its success. Analyse. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What are the challenges in the safe management of e-waste in India? How can collaboration among multiple stakeholders help in sustainable e-waste management? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Define Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and mention its various stages. Also, highlight the significance of EIA in balancing developmental needs with environmental conservation in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Integrated Theatre Commands shall bring jointness in operation, synergy of resources and enable armed forces in carrying out swift, effective, and decisive actions. Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"India's internal security dynamics is inextricably linked with the peace and stability in the neighbourhood. Explain with special reference to instability on the eastern border. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The introduction of Goods and Services Tax (GST) was hailed as a transformative fiscal reform; however, the journey of GST has been a mixed bag of successes and challenges. Analyse. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Discuss the potential of food processing sector in addressing the issues of low value addition, high post-harvest losses and disguised unemployment plaguing Indian agriculture. Also, explain why the sector has underperformed despite its significant potential. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite the government's ambitious targets, rooftop solar installations in India are hindered by multiple factors. Elaborate. How far do you think that PM Surya Ghar Yojana can incentivise the adoption of rooftop solar installations? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Agricultural marketing reforms are imperative for addressing market inefficiencies and boosting farm incomes. Analyse. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the contribution of livestock sector to the rural economy and the empowerment of women. Also, highlight main challenges faced by the livestock sector in the country and suggest strategies to overcome these challenges. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Generative AI holds immense potential to transform various aspects of daily life, offering both benefits and challenges. Elaborate. What policy measures do you suggest to maximize its benefits and mitigate its risks? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Describe the major outcomes of the 28th session of the Conference of Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What were the major engagements of India in this conference? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Explain the causes and impacts of landslides. Also, discuss the various measures to mitigate their impact, with a special emphasis on National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) guidelines. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) is showing a downward trend, but still affects many parts of the country. Highlighting the reasons for the continuance of LWE in certain pockets, suggest strategies to deal with this menace. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Analyse how the adoption of emerging and disruptive technologies for money laundering is adding new layers of complexity to an already intricate issue. Also, highlight the measures taken to tackle the problem of money laundering both at national and international levels. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2498,"topper":"Devanshi Saxena","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a0a6c-1017909_2079_devanshi_saxena_rank_124.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Examine how digital transformation of the Public Distribution System (PDS) in India has helped in addressing the challenges besetting it. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss how poor grain management has been a greater challenge to food security in India than the actual shortage of grains. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Poor quality and inadequate availability of feeds and fodder are the major reasons behind the low productivity of the livestock in India. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Explain what you understand by urban agriculture and state its types. Also, discuss its significance in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The advent of climate change is leading to the revival of cultivation of millets. Discuss. Also, mention the steps taken by the government to give an impetus to millet production in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The World Economic Forum (WEF) in its latest report stated that drones have the potential to be the harbinger of \"technology-led transformation\" of Indian agriculture. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The regional connectivity scheme (RCS) completed five years some time back. In this context, evaluate the success of the scheme in achieving its stated objectives. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Fertigation can help sustainably grow more food in a changing climate while radically reducing the use of precious resources such as water and minimising nutrient losses to the environment. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What is Integrated Pest Management (IPM)? Highlighting its objectives, discuss the various components of IPM. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In light of the challenges posed by livestock diseases, discuss the steps taken by the government to address them. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"There is a need for interventions to enhance the coal evacuation infrastructure and reduce the freight cost to improve the overall competitiveness of coal. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the challenges faced in realizing the potential of digital agricultural economy. Discuss the role of public-private partnership (PPP) in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The inefficiencies in post-harvest value chain are leading to crop losses, with significant adverse impact on the livelihood of small and marginal farmers. Discuss in the context of India. What steps has the government taken to address these concerns? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Despite having one of the largest railway networks in the world, the speed of Indian trains lags behind in comparison to developed nations. Explain the reasons behind this and mention the steps being taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Access to land and effective control over it are crucial for inclusive growth and poverty eradication in India. Elaborate. Also, discuss the land reform measures adopted in India in recent times to ensure inclusive growth. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"When it comes to the energy sector, the trends of decarbonisation, decentralisation and digitisation are fast emerging. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"While agricultural subsidies have supported farmers' income, they have also contributed to environmental degradation and biodiversity loss. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The persistent problems around the procurement and marketing of cereals and pulses in India can be solved by the success model of the milk sector. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Highlighting the existing issues related to land records in India, discuss how digitisation of land records and conclusive 'land titling' can help in addressing them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Despite adoption of numerous measures to streamline financing of infrastructure in the road sector, private investment has played a limited role. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2499,"topper":"Devanshi Saxena","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/731e1-1017909_2080_devanshi_saxena_rank_124.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Denotified Tribes are among the most vulnerable and deprived groups in India. Discuss the various problems faced by them. Also, enumerate the steps taken by the government for their upliftment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"One of the most important indicators of the research ecosystem in any country is the quality and quantity of the doctorates it produces. Discuss the issues in this regard in India. To what extent will the new rules on PhD degrees, notified recently by the University Grants Commission (UGC), help in addressing these issues? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"In view of the prevailing issues, discuss the need for reforming the urban infrastructure and mobility services in India through a gender lens. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"In India, the rate of growth of elderly population in 2011-21 was about three times the rate of growth of the general population. In this context, discuss why policies for the elderly are a crucial aspect for India's overall development. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Unsafe abortions are a critical issue affecting the reproductive and maternal health of women in India. Identify the reasons behind the same and suggest remedial measures as well. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"In what ways does the New Education Policy reflect the principles of equity and inclusion? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Regionalisation is the key to sustainable future in the globalised world. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"While globalisation is allegedly responsible for human rights violations, it allows human rights movements to counter its excesses and negative effects. Elaborate with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"To bridge the gender gap and improve the future of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), a multi-stakeholder approach is required. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Digital healthcare has the potential to address the perennial issues pertaining to accessibility and affordability of healthcare in India. In this context, discuss the role of Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission in putting the country at the cusp of a 'digital health' revolution. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Enumerate the factors driving feminization in agriculture and discuss its effects. Also, state the ways in which women can be empowered in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Discuss the numerous challenges faced by Divyangjans, i.e. Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in India. Also, mention the legislative provisions for Divyangjans and the initiatives taken by the government to uplift this section of the society. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"As India transitions from a rural to an urban society, Tier 2 and 3 cities can become the driver of the country's economic growth. Discuss. Also, examine the key issues constraining the economic growth of these cities. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Despite India's commitment to address malnutrition through POSHAN Abhiyaan, the challenges in its implementation call for a POSHAN-Plus strategy. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"In India, suicide has become one of the leading causes of death among those aged 15-29. Bringing out the reasons behind the same, discuss the priority areas of the National Suicide Prevention Strategy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"It has been argued that despite several hurdles faced by the entrepreneurship ecosystem in India, the future of India is likely to be shaped by its entrepreneurs. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"While the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014 provides for the regulation of street vendors in public places and protection of their rights, it has not been able to fully meet its objectives. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"In order to reap the benefits of decreasing Total Fertility Rate(TFR), there is a need to parallelly overcome the asynchronous fertility rates in India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Poverty entails more than lack of income and productive resources to ensure sustainable livelihoods. In this regard, discuss the dynamic nature of poverty existing in India and highlight the measures taken by the Indian government to address the problem. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Though the 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' scheme has given much-need attention to gender discrimination, it has failed to yield desired results due to poor implementation and monitoring. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2500,"topper":"Devanshi Saxena","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/dc8fe-1017909_2074_devanshi_saxena_rank_124.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The significance of the Royal Indian Navy (RIN) mutiny in 1946 laid in the fact that it convinced the British government that it could no longer hold on to India. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Trace the evolution of the Swaraj Party in India and highlight its achievements. Also, discuss its shortcomings. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Bring out the contributions of Jyotiba Phule in social upliftment of the masses, especially the vulnerable sections in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"As one of the eminent economists of his time, Dadabhai Naoroji systematically diagnosed the malady and analysed the factors responsible for the economic misery of the Indian people. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Women revolutionaries made brave and unforgettable contributions to the freedom struggle in India. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discuss the nature and circumstances of the Communal Award and the reactions of various groups and parties towards it. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Discuss how the introduction of English education in India by the British helped strengthen anti-colonialism in the country. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The primary task for the founders of the Republic of India was not its economic development, but the socio-cultural integration of the people of India. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Enumerate the salient features of the tribal policy adopted after independence. Also, discuss the reasons for slow progress of tribals despite various efforts. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the evolution of cooperatives and their contribution to agricultural development in post-independent India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"There have been arguments that the rediscovery and revival of India's past and its glorious tradition had a mixed impact on the freedom struggle. Do you agree? Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Bringing out the factors that culminated into the Surat Split of the Indian National Congress, discuss its consequences for the national movement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The Quit India Movement differed radically from the earlier Gandhi-led mass movements such as Non-Cooperation and Civil Disobedience. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite the Chauri Chaura incident slowing down the momentum of Indian freedom struggle for a while, the Non-Cooperation Movement remains a watershed in the history of the Indian freedom struggle. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The numerous uprisings in the pre-1857 period were an indication of the rising resentment against the British rule and their policies in India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The British had not only commercial and territorial interests in India, but they were also on a cultural mission. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Among the various challenges that confronted post-independent India, boundary settlement and division of resources during India's partition were significant. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Bring out the contributions of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan in the fields of education and foreign affairs. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2501,"topper":"Devanshi Saxena","air":124,"year":2024,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a5833-1017909_2076_devanshi_saxena_rank_124.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2502,"topper":"Devanshi Saxena","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/842a0-1017909_2070_devanshi_saxena_rank_124.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Differentiating between courage and bravery, discuss why courage is often thought of as the first of all virtues. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss how social, cultural and religious factors act as determinants of ethics. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Bring out the relevance of the teachings of Gautam Buddha in contemporary times. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"If one takes care of the means the end will take care of itself. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Explain the relevance of the following in the context of civil services: (i) Impersonality (ii) Anonymity (iii) Perseverance (iv) Fairness (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"With the help of relevant examples, bring out the difference between the following: (150 words) 10 (i) Intelligence Quotient and Emotional Quotient (ii) Attitude and Aptitude","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do you understand by political neutrality? Explain its significance in public service. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"There is more to integrity than honesty. Illustrate with examples. Also, suggest ways to inculcate integrity as a value in civil services. (150words)10","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by probity? Why is it considered essential for good governance? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Although utilitarianism is arguably the most reason-based approach to determining right and wrong, it has obvious limitations. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do you understand by ethical dilemma? Explain with examples, how it can lead to crisis of conscience. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"What is code of conduct? How is it different from code of ethics? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Bring out the relevance of the seven principles of public life stated by the Nolan Committee in the Indian context, with the help of examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"The Right to Information (RTI) Act is one of the most important reforms brought by the government. You have recently been transferred as the Public Information Officer (PIO) in the irrigation department of a district. While inspecting the RTI applications, you find that many of these applications relate to information on the recruitment of staff in your department. Your juniors point out that all of these have been filed by an aspiring local politician who may be trying to create an issue related to irregularities in recruitment in the department. The department fears that he is filing RTI applications for political gains in the upcoming state elections. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the stakeholders and the issues involved in the case. (b) What measures will you take to handle the situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"The promotion of harmful products like liquor, tobacco, etc. through mass media and advertisements have been banned in India. However, many companies are roping in big celebrities to promote these harmful products and brands through surrogate advertisement. In the disguise of another product, surrogate advertising is used to promote regulated products, like cigarettes and alcohol, There have been many debates on this issue, particularly in recent times, with many arguing that such advertisements should be banned altogether. In this context, answer the following: (a) What are the ethical issues involved in surrogate advertising? (b) Suggest steps that can be taken to address these type of advertisements in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Today, digital games and gameful interactions with a digital dimension are rapidly becoming pervasive in society. It is a highly engaging pastime and also a vehicle for acquiring knowledge and/or modifying attitudes and behaviours at various levels, whether by explicit intention or otherwise. Online games' increasingly important role in society brings about ethical implications that cannot be ignored, and have sometimes been the object of heated public and academic debate. (a) Discuss the various social and psychological issues involved in online gaming. (b) Give some suggestions to address the harmful impact of online gaming on the society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Climate change and environmental degradation have caused havoc globally. It has repercussions on the life and livelihood of each and every individual on the planet. Despite its huge impact, climate change and environmental conservation have not become an electoral issue in India. Globally, green parties are making strides, albeit gradually. In countries like Netherlands, Sweden and Australia, they have begun to make a mark in electoral politics. In India, however, there is no such development. (a) In your view, why has politics in India not seen it's 'green moment' yet? (b) Do you think people in India are generally apathetic to climate change and environment related issues? Suggest some initiatives to bring about a change in the attitude of the people towards the issue.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2503,"topper":"Devashish Bindal","air":301,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/DEVASHISH-BINDAL-UPSC-2023-Rank-301-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2504,"topper":"Devashish Bindal","air":301,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/DEVASHISH-BINDAL-UPSC-2023-Rank-301-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2505,"topper":"Devashish Bindal","air":301,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cWmmJ4kl4uMX1OmV6W3UgRt5NQTp0rUJ/view","questions":[]},{"id":2506,"topper":"Devashish Bindal","air":301,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_C2h3WstEZ25CUuxwwStFppLbFIjJaRC/view","questions":[]},{"id":2507,"topper":"Devashish Bindal","air":301,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/DEVASHISH-BINDAL-UPSC-2023-Rank-301-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2508,"topper":"Devashish Bindal","air":301,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/DEVASHISH-BINDAL-UPSC-2023-Rank-301-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2509,"topper":"Devashish Bindal","air":301,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/33125-1015773_2296_devashish_bindal_rank_301.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2510,"topper":"Devashish Bindal","air":301,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/46d00-1015773_2298_devashish_bindal_rank_301.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2511,"topper":"Devdarshdeep Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/a4911661fb63cf32bd7e1d24c76e3051/15/mt23macen003_tc013.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Reason has always existed, but not always in a reasonable form.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"The opposite of poverty is not wealth.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"To forgive is to set a prisoner free and to discover that the prisoner was you.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"A man who wants to lead the orchestra must turn his back on the crowd.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"International Trade is a good indicator of National Security.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"It is not that we use technology, we live technology.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"There is more to life than simply increasing its speed.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Nature is neither a servant nor a master, but a necessary partner.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2512,"topper":"Devdarshdeep Singh","air":340,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/DEVDARSHDEEP-SINGH-UPSC-2023-Rank-340-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2513,"topper":"Devdarshdeep Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xWnTsjoKS-4BYiTioEpRW6LuDT8hNAcg/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Investment in infrastructure is a precursor to social and economic transformation; however, the focus on economic gains must not marginalise the concerns for safety. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Do you think the low Female Labor Force Participation Rate presents a correct picture about the 'working women' in India's economy? Give reasons in support of your answer. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Outcome budget convert outlays into outcomes. Examine various advantages and disadvantages of outcome budgeting and assess its status in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by inclusive growth? Is economic growth sufficient to ensure inclusive growth? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Evaluate the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) in addressing the challenges of Public Private Partnership (PPP) in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Analyse the role of fisheries in nutrition security, livelihood generation, and economic growth. What are the major challenges faced by the fisheries sector? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In what ways can precision agriculture become a panacea for multipronged challenges plaguing the agriculture sector? Discuss. Also, analyse various impediments in widespread adoption of precision farming in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Agriculture subsidy regime in its present form fuels economic inefficiency and creates ecological imbalance. In this perspective, examine various issues related to farm subsidies. Also, recommend measures to rationalise the same. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Despite their flaws in limiting access to larger market and poor price realization for agricultural produce, APMCs have their utility. Analyse the statement and suggest reforms in agriculture marketing in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Cropping pattern in the country does not concur with the agro-climatic reality, leading to unintended and undesirable consequences. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Labour and export intensive industries are key to problems of jobless growth. In this perspective, analyse the opportunities and challenges associated with the textile sector. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"What do you understand from Liberalisation, Privatisation and Globalisation (LPG)? Examine the effects of LPG reforms on different sectors of Indian economy. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the financial year 2021-22, Indian merchandise exports have crossed the 400 billion USD mark. Identify the reasons for this spectacular performance of Indian exports and suggest reforms to further boost the exports. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Examine the advantages of adopting new computation methodology for calculation of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2015. Also, discuss the limitations of using GDP as a measure of development of a country. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"In an era of interconnected challenges, the emerging global polycrisis poses significant implications for India's macroeconomic stability. Examine and suggest measures to make the Indian economy more resilient to global shocks and challenges. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What are the reasons for increasing emphasis on the horticulture sector in recent years? Evaluate government measures for the development of the horticulture sector. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Despite the potential to check the triple whammy of nutritional deficiency, environmental degradation, and receding farm incomes, the adoption of Millets has been abysmally low. Analyse. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Reforms in Public distribution system (PDS) and Food Corporation of India (FCI) are two sides of the same coin. Discuss the statement along with suitable reforms in PDS and FCI. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss the rationale behind declaring Minimum Support Price (MSP) and various issues related to MSP regime in the country. Do you think that providing legal backing to MSP is necessary and sufficient for making farming financially sustainable? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"A link between unorganized farming community and formal industrial sector, FPI can play a key role in advancing the rural economy. Evaluate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2514,"topper":"Devdarshdeep Singh","air":340,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/182/mt23macen003_tc035-test-01-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2515,"topper":"Devdarshdeep Singh","air":340,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/DEVDARSHDEEP-SINGH-UPSC-2023-Rank-340-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2516,"topper":"Devdarshdeep Singh","air":340,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/DEVDARSHDEEP-SINGH-UPSC-2023-Rank-340-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2517,"topper":"Devdarshdeep Singh","air":340,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/DEVDARSHDEEP-SINGH-UPSC-2023-Rank-340-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2518,"topper":"Devdarshdeep Singh","air":340,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/25/mt23macen003_tc035-test-01-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2519,"topper":"Devesh Chaturvedi","air":305,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/DEVESH-CHATURVEDI-UPSC-2023-Rank-305-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2520,"topper":"Devesh Chaturvedi","air":305,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/DEVESH-CHATURVEDI-UPSC-2023-Rank-305-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2521,"topper":"Devesh Chaturvedi","air":305,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/DEVESH-CHATURVEDI-UPSC-2023-Rank-305-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2522,"topper":"Devesh Chaturvedi","air":305,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/DEVESH-CHATURVEDI-UPSC-2023-Rank-305-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2523,"topper":"DEVESH PARASHAR","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/84175-520497_2488_devesh_parashar_rank_517.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"A mind all logic is like a knife all blade, it makes the hand bleed that uses it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"History is a cyclic poem written by time upon the memories of man.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The wise man does at once what the fool does finally.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The world is a tragedy to those who feel, but a comedy to those who think.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Perfect clarity would profit the intellect but damage the will.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2524,"topper":"DEVESH PARASHAR","air":517,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/06acd-520497_2323_devesh_parashar_rank_517.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2525,"topper":"DEVESH PARASHAR","air":517,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/22fdb-520497_1993_devesh_parashar_rank_517.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2526,"topper":"DEVESH PARASHAR","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/595e8-520497_2072_devesh_parashar_517.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Do you think the exercise of delegated legislation by the executive goes against the principle of separation of powers? Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The recent draft National Data Governance Framework Policy (\"NDGFP\") aims to transform and modernize government data collection and management processes in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Despite several social protection initiatives, Universal Social Security in India seems like a far-fetched dream. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) can be a game-changing transformation in the justice delivery framework of India. Discuss. Also state the challenges in its wide-scale adoption in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Citizens' Charters only have a symbolic presence and have not been successful in making a difference in altering the state of public administration and service delivery in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discuss the role that the Public Health Management Cadre (PHMC) can play in addressing the concerns faced by public health systems in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do you understand by the \"Doctrine Of Pleasure\"? Discuss the relevance of this doctrine in the context of civil services in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"While the Election Commission of India (ECI) has the power to register political parties, it cannot de-register parties. Discuss the need to confer the power of de-registering political parties to the ECI. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"A key factor behind poor governance is a system of thinking and working in silos. Discuss in the context of public services in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Give an account of the institutional mechanisms available to ensure the accountability of civil servants in India. Also, discuss the challenges in ensuring such accountability. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Self Help Groups play a crucial role in providing self-employment, training and social mobilization, thereby ameliorating the standard of living of the rural people. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The Smart Cities Mission, which was launched to change the urban landscape of India has produced mixed results. Discuss. Also, highlight the challenges faced in executing the Mission. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Bringing out the recent amendments introduced in the Election Laws Amendment Act, 2021, discuss the various concerns associated with the linking of Aadhaar with electoral roll data. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"It has been argued that one of the characteristic features of the civil services in India is bureaucratic indecision and risk aversion. Discuss the reasons for the same and suggest remedial measures. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Do you agree with the view that \"one nation one election\" is an idea whose time has come? Justify with suitable arguments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms, though successful in parts, have failed to take off on a larger scale in India. Analyse. Also, suggest measures that can be adopted to strengthen the ADR mechanisms. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"While the Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1951 places limitations on election funding, there is rampant misuse of money power in election campaigns. In this context, discuss the reforms required in election funding in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"There are arguments that the current First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) electoral system must be replaced by the Proportional Representation (PR) electoral system in India. Critically evaluate the statement. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Simplification of laws is a prerequisite of good governance. In light of this, discuss the impact of ambiguity in laws and suggest some steps that can be taken to reduce this ambiguity. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Freebies, especially ahead of elections, do more harm than good to the society. Do you agree? Give logical arguments in support of your answer. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2527,"topper":"DEVESH PARASHAR","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/90207-520497_2033_devesh_parashar_517.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Stating the issues associated with agricultural extension in India, discuss the role of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in strengthening the national agricultural research extension system. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In India, the food processing sector is emerging as a high-growth and high-profit sector due to its immense potential for value addition. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Explaining the concept of livestock-based Integrated Farming System (IFS), discuss its benefits. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"While Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) are spearheading entrepreneurship across the world, India still has one of the lowest entrepreneurship rates. Discuss. Also, state the policy measures that have been taken to increase the pace of entrepreneurship in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"'Land banks' can play a critical role in boosting the economy and promoting ease of doing business in India. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The proposed amendments to the Forest Conservation Act (FCA) are not only antithetical to the Forest Rights Act (FRA), but are also likely to delay India achieving its commitments on climate change. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The problem of flooding in urban areas is not only due to overflowing rivers, but also the uninformed ways in which our cities are coping with urbanisation. Discuss. In this context, mention the National Disaster Management Authority guidelines on urban floods. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"ISRO is no longer confined only to the launching of satellites, but it has been constantly enlarging its role in development activities over the years. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"State the reasons behind targeting of Critical Information Infrastructure (CII) by state and non-state actors. Also, discuss the steps taken by the Indian government to secure its CII. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Despite the strategic significance of North-East India, the region faces several security threats. Discuss. Also, state the measures taken by the government to ensure peace and stability in the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Indian Railways has suffered from chronic under-investment, which has adversely impacted key areas of its operations. In this context, discuss the challenges faced by the railways in speedy creation of infrastructure. Also, mention the steps taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"A disruptive approach to research & development (R&D), with a focus on last mile obligations of the agricultural system is necessary to realize India's objective of doubling farmer's income. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"India's power distribution companies and electrical grids must undergo reforms to transition from fossil fuels to more sustainable forms of renewable energy. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The practice of input-intensive agriculture in India needs a massive overhaul due to its unsustainability and negative consequences. In this context, discuss the significance of Low External Input Sustainable Agriculture (LEISA). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The recently released IPCC Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) - 2021 has been deemed as 'code red' for humanity. In this context, discuss the various concerns raised in the report with special focus on India. Also, enlist the remedial measures given by the report. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Multiple chemical disasters from the Bhopal gas tragedy to gas leak in Visakhapatnam have brought into focus the risks posed by hazardous chemicals (HAZCHEM) in India. In view of this, discuss the preparedness as well as gaps in Chemical Disaster Management (CDM) in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The growing demand for liberalisation of public health-related goods and services amidst the pandemic has raised critical issues with regard to the current intellectual property regime. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Highlighting the reasons behind suboptimal results in indigenization of defence technologies in India, suggest measures which can accelerate the pace of indigenization in the defence sector. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Discuss the factors behind conceptualization of different Central Armed Police Forces for guarding the international borders. Also, highlight the contribution of these forces in ensuring security of India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Discuss the vulnerability of virtual assets in terms of their misuse for money laundering activities. Also, state corrective measures that can be taken to mitigate the risks posed by the use of virtual assets. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2528,"topper":"DEVESH PARASHAR","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/50d27-520497_1513_devesh_parashar_517.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"In the context of protection of monuments, explain the role of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Also, comment on the challenges faced by ASI and measures taken to address these. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Tribal art has a huge potential for acting as an economic resource and a tool for socio-economic transformation of tribals in India. Elucidate. Also highlight the challenges in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Though the Government of India Act, 1919 proposed some radical administrative changes, it remained short of fulfilling aspirations of Indians. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Often deemed as the 'forgotten conflict', the Korean War had far-reaching implications. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Explaining the origin of earth's magnetism, discuss its significance with special reference to its interaction with solar particles. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discussing the challenges pertaining to dam safety in India, highlight the potential of Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project to address them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What is understood by Carbon Compensation Depth (CCD)? Discuss the implications of the rise in this depth due to anthropogenic warming as well. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"In view of demographic changes in recent decades, do you think India needs a two-child policy? Discuss in light of various strands of the debate surrounding this issue. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Globalization is incredibly efficient but has so far been incredibly unjust. Examine the statement in the context of developing countries like India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"It would not be completely wrong to state that in India, art is religion and religion is art.\" In light of the statement, discuss the impact of various religions on art in India, citing relevant examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Despite organizational apathy from the Indian National Congress in its initial years, the working class in various parts of the country subsequently participated overwhelmingly in the nationalist movement. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Though some of his early measures restored faith among the Indians in the liberal tradition of England, Lord Ripon's tenure did not bring about significant changes in the conservative mindset of the colonial bureaucracy. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The New Social Movements in post-independence period made an important beginning in awakening the society against injustices and deepened the very notion of democracy in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What are the reasons for recurrent and often catastrophic wildfires in places like Australia and the United States? Are there any lessons to be learnt from these events by India? Explain adequately. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss why India needs a cross border flood management mechanism. Also, state the major issues in cross border flood management and suggest remedial measures in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Depletion of water resources in India is both a geo-climatic phenomenon as well as a result some short-sighted government policies. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the major lithospheric plates? How and why do these plates move? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"There exists a wide gap between the constitutionally professed secularism and its practice in India. Do you agree? Substantiate with relevant arguments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India spends less than one per cent of GDP on care work infrastructure and services. In view of the statement, explain how increased public investment in care economy infrastructure can be instrumental in meeting multiple policy objectives. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2529,"topper":"DEVESH PARASHAR","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/82b7d-520497_1515_devesh_parashar_517.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the meaning of off-budget borrowings and its role in helping the government raise funds for various expenditures. Also, comment on its desirability. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"It is argued that genetically modified food crops are required to ensure food security of India. Examine in view of concerns regarding introduction of GM crops. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"India's price intervention policies to support its agricultural sector not only create a broken system but also complicate matters related to international trade rules. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"India has an opportunity to become a leading global food supplier provided it has an efficient supply chain and the right marketing strategies. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Land banks are increasingly gaining prominence in India to encourage land-use efficiency and enable economic growth. In this context, discuss the benefits of a land bank and state the concerns associated with it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Desertification has been described as one of the greatest environmental challenges of our time and climate change is making it worse. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In the context of intellectual property rights, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of releasing projects under an 'Open Source' license. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"\"Indian space sector has been dominated by a single umbrella of government and government institutions.\" In light of the statement, discuss the significance of Indian Space Association in providing an impetus to space technology in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What is social stock exchange (SSE)? Discuss the need for setting up of SSEs and key challenges in their effective implementation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the context of India, highlight the importance of agriculture extension. What are the challenges faced in provisioning of agriculture extension services? How does the National Mission on Agricultural Extension & Technology (NMAET) address these issues? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Clearly delineate the 'employment problem' that India currently faces. Also, explain the fundamental reasons behind existence of this problem. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Although steps have been taken for integrating the dispersed logistics activities of maritime trade, much more needs to be done to make India a maritime powerhouse. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Accounting for natural capital and ecosystem services is crucial to understand the link between the economy and environment. Discuss with specific references to India's initiatives in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Rapid and unplanned urbanisation accompanied by population growth have increased both the risk and impact of natural disasters. Discuss the statement along with adequate measures to address the relevant concerns in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"National Hydrogen Mission can be a game changer for India's rising energy demands. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Despite geo-strategic instability of its region and a keen awareness of the cyber threat it faces, India has made only 'modest progress' in developing its policy and doctrine for cyberspace security. Critically examine. (250 words) 15 - , ' '","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Developmental interventions alone cannot play a defining role in the resolution of existing and protracted internal conflicts in various parts of India within a reasonable time frame. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2530,"topper":"DEVESH PARASHAR","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/26c94-520497_2088_devesh_parashar_rank_517.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The principle of double effect is based on the idea that if a person's behaviour or conduct is intended to achieve a goal which is morally good, however, as a result, there is a morally bad side-effect, then it is still acceptable to adopt that particular behaviour or conduct. How far can this principle aid in resolving difficult moral situations? Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Indian Republic chose Ashoka's Lion Capital at Sarnath as its state emblem to reflect the same harmony achieved by him and effect a continuity with his humane policies towards the people of the modern Indian nation. In this background, discuss the ethical teachings that find resonance in Ashoka's life. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Compassion and tolerance are necessities and not luxuries, as without them, humanity cannot survive. How do the values of compassion and tolerance assist in the day-to-day functioning of a civil servant? Explain using suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Transparency is a necessary condition for accountability, but it does not automatically guarantee accountability. Discuss. Under what conditions does transparency lead to accountability? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What does each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"A great man is different from an eminent one in that he is ready to be the servant of the society.\" B.R. Ambedkar (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The concept of ethical corporate governance works on the principle of balance of equity, which seeks to balance the interests of the company, customers, suppliers, financers, government and shareholders on the one hand and the community at large on the other hand. Which values play a central role in ensuring ethical corporate governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Toxic work environment and overwork are social problems, which require the government, labour unions, health officials and corporates to formulate appropriate policies. What are the ethical issues that should be considered while formulating appropriate policies in this regard? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"For leaders, having emotional intelligence is vital for success as it helps them to read and regulate their own emotions while intuitively grasping how others feel and gauging their emotional state. But effective leadership in today's interconnected world necessitates going beyond emotional intelligence and cultivating cultural intelligence. Discuss with illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Probity is confirmed integrity, which is usually regarded as being incorruptible. What is the significance of probity in governance? How important is the role of leadership in fostering probity and ethical governance in public service? Explain using suitable illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Analyse the role of moral attitude in shaping the perception and response to marital rape in India. Explain the ethical considerations in criminalising marital rape in the country. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Apart from consciousness, one needs to possess conscience in order to make ethical decisions. Explain with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"As an aware individual, who understands various dimensions of this issue, answer the following: (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) Do you think same-sex marriage should be recognised by the State in India? (c) Critically examine whether law can be effective in bringing about social change.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"Raj comes from a very poor family and due to financial constraints, he had to compromise on his higher education. But, he was hard-working and started earning during his college days to support his family. He made his career in the customer support department and due to his integrity and hard work, he was promoted. Recently, he got a job offer from a very prominent ed-tech company. He happily accepted the offer, as the company was offering a significant salary hike as well as promotion to a Team Lead position. Raj was really happy with this new job and felt that his hard work of many years had finally paid off. The significant salary jump in his new job would also help him sponsor the education of his younger sister. But, within a few months of joining, Raj realized that something was wrong with the business practices of the company. His customer support team frequently received calls from parents of poor students who complained about the company misleading them on loans or financing options for the various expensive courses. After going into some details, he realized that the sales team of his company was indulging in malpractices to lure poor parents to buy courses for their children. He informed this to the head of his department but the head did not seem concerned. Some of his colleagues informed him that this is a normal practice in the ed-tech industry to achieve sales targets. Further, he was also informed that due to the recent funding crunch in start-ups, the company is under severe pressure to show profits, else there will be mass layoffs. (a) Identify the ethical issues associated with the case above. (b) Under the given conditions, what are the options available to Raj? (c) Critically evaluate each of these options. (d) What course of action should Raj adopt? Justify with valid reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"As the Head of the Municipal Corporation, you are faced with a challenging situation wherein two groups of concerned citizens have approached you. One, expressing their frustrations and concerns regarding the menace caused by street dogs in the city and other, taking steps towards encouraging compassion and humane treatment to these silent beings. The first plea highlights the rising incidents of stray dogs' attacking or killing the vulnerable members of society especially children. They point to inadequate sterilisation and vaccination of dogs as exacerbating the situation. They demand the immediate removal of street dogs and their relocation elsewhere. The second plea however points to ineffective animal healthcare and control, illegal breeding centres, pet owners abandoning their pets on the streets as root of the problem. They argue that the system or the people responsible for the situation should be punished, not the animals. Furthermore, India has laws in place that make it illegal to remove a dog from the streets. This means that once a dog is on the streets, it has a \"right\" to stay there unless adopted. Balancing the animals' right to life with human safety concerns is proving to be a difficult task. (a) What are the ethical dilemmas involved in the case? (b) Evaluate the implications of favouring one plea over the other. (c) What course of action would resolve the situation in the immediate as well as long term?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"You are young upright person who has been newly appointed in the Anti-Corruption Bureau of your district. After joining, your office receives a tip-off from an anonymous person that an engineer working with the Municipal Corporation of the city has amassed wealth much beyond his known sources of income and is hand in gloves in corrupt activities. Because the law is clear that anonymous complaints cannot be acted upon, you ignore the complaint. But in the next few weeks, you receive a few more anonymous complaints against the concerned engineer. You begin to make enquiries against the engineer and find that he is indeed a very corrupt officer. Some time later, you make up your mind to conduct raids on his office and house, even though you have not received any official complaint in the prescribed format against him till date. What you unearth during the raids is shocking for you and your staff. You find not only vast amounts of unaccounted currency, much beyond the means of the engineer, but also gold, travel tickets to visits made abroad, reservations in five-star hotels, and a whole bunch of clinching evidence against influential politicians and bureaucrats - appointed in the past as well as present ones - in the district. However, soon after conducting the raid, you start receiving subtle messages from your superiors to drop the investigation in the interest of your own long-term career and the safety and security of your loved ones. They also point out that you had not followed the rules stipulated for conducting the raid, and if the matter were to reach the courts, it would be disposed off in no time due to procedural lapses on your part. Since, you are an upright officer, you ignore these warnings and continue with your investigation. However, soon you are put on administrative leave on the ground of flouting the rules. You also come to know that a few of your juniors have filed a complaint against you for being involved in corruption. They have also complained that you instructed them to extort money from not only the concerned engineer but also the politicians and bureaucrats against whom you unearthed evidence, to put a halt to the investigation. Based on the above scenario, answer the following: (a) Identify the various stakeholders and the issues involved in the case. (b) What options do you have in the given situation? (c) Analyse the merits and demerits of each of these options. (d) Discuss your course of action, with proper justification.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":56,"question":"You have been appointed as the Chief Secretary in a state. Recently, a complex issue has surfaced involving two civil servants from your state. Both the officers who are known for their excellence in their respective roles have found themselves embroiled in an intense public feud on social media. Officer A initiated the dispute by posting a series of images and statements on social media, indirectly implying that Officer B has been utilizing personal relationships and networking for gaining undue advantages in job postings and promotions. This action, while unproven, has stirred up a storm of rumors, leading to severe reputational damage to Officer B. In response, Officer B defended herself on the same platform, accusing Officer A of unethical practices and breach of confidentiality. She went a step further by revealing his internal departmental issues, which Officer A was supposedly involved in. These allegations have not only escalated the conflict but also exposed sensitive information to the public. Officer A's social media posts have been prominently picked up and publicised by a local news outlet further escalating the situation. The issue has now gone beyond the realms of the state administration, leading to intense public speculation and media scrutiny. All these events have unfolded on a public platform and have tarnished the image of the civil services and created a disruption in the working of the state administration. The Central Government is closely monitoring the situation and has exerted pressure for appropriate disciplinary action against the officers involved. (a) What are ethical issues involved in this situation? (b) What are the options available to you as the Chief Secretary? (c) Which option would you choose and why?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2531,"topper":"DEVESH PARASHAR","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/edf36-520497_2425_devesh_parashar_rank_517.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"For effective corporate governance to take place in the coming years, why is it important to integrate the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics with the multi-stakeholder approach? What benefits can be accrued by such integration? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In acts of corruption, the focus is often only on the demand side of the equation, on public officials who abuse their office for private gain. Frequently, the supply side is given less attention. Those who pay bribes are sometimes depicted as innocent parties and victims of extortionary practices of wily public servants. Do you agree that 'collusive corruption', in which there is a willing bribe-giver, is a formidable challenge for institutions fighting corruption? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Citizens' Charters initiative was a response to the quest for solving the problems, which a citizen encountered, day in and day out, while dealing with the organisations providing public services. But the introduction and implementation of Citizens' Charters in the government of India has been difficult due to the old bureaucratic set up and the rigid attitudes of the work force. Discuss the major obstacles that have been encountered in implementing the Citizens' Charter initiative. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Quality of public service delivery is a major determinant of the quality of life of vulnerable sections in a highly unequal society divided along the lines of class, caste, religion, etc. In this background, do you think that public service delivery is efficient and sufficient enough to improve the lives of vulnerable groups in India? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own.\" - Lao Tzu (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"If ethics are poor at the top, that behavior is copied down through the organization.\" - Robert Noyce (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"The end of law is not to abolish or restrain, but to preserve and enlarge freedom.\" - John Locke (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Wealthy CEOs and founders of successful businesses around the world are increasingly pledging to give away their wealth in philanthropy. Do you think that such a move is sufficient enough to bring about a positive change in the society? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"As organizations across the globe begin their artificial intelligence (AI) transformation, the leap into the AI era is expected to be more challenging than any technology that businesses have grappled with yet. In this background, discuss the concerns around fairness, transparency, and job security that may arise. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The emphasis of Swami Dayanand Saraswati on education, social equality, and ethical values continues to influence the socio-cultural discourse in contemporary India. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Emotional intelligence may not be singularly associated with emotions or intelligence. It can also include a broad range of personality characteristics that might predict success in professional and everyday life. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"In a metropolitan city of India, the law enforcement authorities decided to adopt facial recognition technology to improve their crime-fighting capabilities. They implemented a facial recognition system that integrated with existing surveillance cameras across the city, allowing real-time identification and tracking of individuals. The system was intended to assist in identifying known criminals, missing persons, and suspects in ongoing investigations. One evening, a woman reported a mugging incident where the perpetrator wore a hoodie, obscuring most of his face. The victim provided a vague description to the police, and based on that information, the authorities decided to use facial recognition technology to locate potential suspects. The system scanned through hours of surveillance footage from various locations near the crime scene. The facial recognition algorithm generated a list of potential matches, and one individual's image stood out as a close match to the description provided by the victim. The police considered this individual a prime suspect and proceeded with his arrest. Subsequently, it was discovered that the arrested person was innocent. Further investigation revealed that the facial recognition system had misidentified the innocent individual due to the limitations of the technology and the partial description provided by the victim. The police released the arrested individual; still his reputation got tarnished for life. He, along with his family, was evicted from their current place of residence. The psychological impact of the incident has been tremendous, and his job is also at risk. With reference to this case study, answer the following: (a) What are the issues involved in this case? (b) What measures can be taken to minimize the negative implications of adopting such technologies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"With reference to this case study, answer the following: (a) What are the issues involved in this case? (b) What measures can be taken to minimize the negative implications of adopting such technologies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"In the given situation: (a) What dilemmas does Rina face? (b) What options does she have? Provide the merits and demerits of each. (c) Highlight the course of action she should adopt, along with justification for the same. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"You have recently been posted as a Nodal Education Officer in one of the districts, where mass cheating in examinations is a regular phenomenon. Media reports have shown parents and relatives scaling school walls and buildings to pass answer chits to students taking secondary school examinations in the district. Moreover, with the advent of new technological devices, cheating in examinations has become more sophisticated and exam rules are flouted openly. On investigation, it has come to your notice that these rackets are run by many school authorities, including exam invigilators who are mostly teachers, and they are hand in glove for profits. With a shortage of staff, invigilators threaten go on mass strikes if any action is taken. Conducting the exams, cancelling them on account of cheating and having re-exams are a loss of time and money for the government and this vicious cycle goes on. As the Nodal Education Officer of the district, address the following questions: (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (b) How will you resolve the issues in the given case? (c) What long-term strategy needs to be adopted to deal with the menace of cheating in various examinations? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Many proponents of deep-sea drilling argue that tapping into the vast amount of rare earth elements in the Indian Ocean will help shore up national security interests for India, bolster its economy and workforce, and offer a reliable supply of strategic minerals. Keeping this in mind, the government has approved a $540-million programme to study ways of mining nickel, cobalt, manganese and iron hydroxide from the bed of the Indian Ocean 6,000 meters below sea level. The government argues that the project can power India's growth for 100 years. It will also study climate change, explore marine flora and fauna and harness thermal energy. However, a competing point of view alleges that deep ocean drilling poses immense risk to the environment. A comprehensive report on Sustainable Ocean Economy by independent geologists states that \"until the need for, and potential consequences of, deep-sea mining are better understood, the concept is conceptually difficult to align with the definition of a sustainable ocean economy and raises various environmental, legal and governance challenges, as well as possible conflicts with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.\" It also highlights that the profitability of national mining operations, without governmental Additionally, companies like BMW, Volvo, Google and Korean battery maker Samsung SDI, vowed in a statement to not buy metals produced from deep-sea mining until the environmental risks of the activity are \"comprehensively understood.\" In the context of the above-stated information, address the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the given case study? (b) How can the vision of economic development of a nation be achieved without adversely affecting the sustainability of oceans? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"You are a public representative, elected on the ticket of a political party, considered as conservative by many. Your daughter, who has returned years after studying abroad, has conveyed to you her choice of marrying a person from another community. You personally do not consider anything wrong in her choice, and convey your assent to her. You also discuss it with many among your friends and family, and inform them of a grand wedding ceremony you are planning for your daughter. However, a few days after you have shared the news of the forthcoming grand wedding with many, you are informed by your political secretary about an issue being made of the same. He informs you that there are whispers among many people in your constituency about it, and indications of a sense of unease among some prominent citizens. While most of them are enamoured by your plans for a grand wedding ceremony for your daughter, they are unhappy about the bridegroom being from another community. You also get to know through your sources in the party, that your assent to the choice of the bridegroom may lead to a denial of ticket by the high command in the forthcoming elections. You are not only an ambitious politician and a rising star in your political party but also an open-minded, loving and doting father. But howsoever much you love your daughter's freedom and choices, you do not want her decision to adversely affect your political journey. This is more so, when you have been eagerly waiting for big responsibilities and a higher stature in the party. On the other hand, your daughter is firm on her choice and does not want her wedding to be affected in any way. She is adamant that her wedding will not be held as a private ceremony with only close friends and family, but should be publicised in a grand way, as you had promised earlier to her. Given this situation, answer the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the above situation? (b) What are the various options that you have, as a father and an ambitious politician? (c) What will be your course of action? Justify with proper reasoning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2532,"topper":"Devyanshi Kaura","air":71,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/DEVYANSHI-KAURAUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-71-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) Differentiate between 'growth' and 'development'. What explains the phenomena of 'jobless growth' in the economy in the recent past? Suggest measures to meet the challenges therein.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Fiscal policy can serve as a vital instrument in diminishing income inequality and fostering inclusive development. Discuss in the context of India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3 Examine various advantages and disadvantages of outcome budgeting and assess its status in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Though a critical component of India's growth engine, MSMEs grapple with multitude of challenges. Discuss. Also, suggest measures to support the growth of the MSME sector.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) Fintech's transformative capacity in fostering financial inclusion is evident but unlocking its full potential demands addressing key challenges. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) What are the reasons for the huge growth of services vis-a-vis industry in the country? Explain the significance of a strong industrial base for self-reliant India ('Atmanirbhar Bharat')?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":16,"question":"Q.7 UBI aims to empower India's diverse population by providing unconditional financial support, allowing individuals to fulfill their needs according to their unique circumstances and aspirations. In this context, assess the impact of replacing welfare schemes with a universal basic income.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.8) Digital commerce is rapidly changing the way of doing business in the country, but its growth is beset with multiple challenges. Discussing the challenges, examine the role of Open Network Digital Commerce (ONDC) in addressing them.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":20,"question":"How ONDC can address these challenges","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"Q.9) The economic reforms of 1991 marked a significant leap forward for India's economy, ushering in a new era of liberalization, privatization, and globalization; however, as India marches towards 'Viksit Bharat' (developed India), the need is felt for 'Reforms 2.0'. Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.10 Despite the recent rise in Female Labour Force Participation Rate (FLFPR), India has significant ground to cover in ensuring greater female participation in its labor force. Enumerating the reasons for low female labor force participation in the country, suggest remedial measures.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2533,"topper":"Devyanshi Kaura","air":71,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/DEVYANSHI-KAURAUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-71-Sample-MGP-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) A robust and thriving food processing sector can address multiple issues plaguing Indian agriculture. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Define 'food security' and outline its main dimensions. Also, throw light on various steps taken by the government to ensure food security in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Describe the various applications of nanotechnology in the agricultural sector.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4 \"India's heavy reliance on imported edible oils, stemming from multiple factors, calls for a comprehensive approach to boost domestic production and reduce this dependency.\" Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 Discuss the multi-dimensional impact of climate change on agriculture. What strategies would you suggest to make agriculture sustainable and climate resilient?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6 The rationale behind the MSP system is well acknowledged, but it requires comprehensive reforms to mitigate the unintended consequences on the market and environment. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":16,"question":"Q.7) Explain the significance of agricultural marketing in the country. Outlining the key challenges it faces, suggest reforms to address them.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.8 The transition from the green revolution to an 'evergreen revolution' is essential for sustainable agricultural growth. In this context, examine the impact of green revolution on Indian agriculture. What measures can be taken to usher in evergreen revolution?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":22,"question":"Q.9 While the livestock sector has immense potential to contribute to the socio-economic development of rural India, the realization of its true potential is hindered by a multitude of challenges. Elaborate. Also, suggest strategies to address these challenges.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.10) Farm mechanization can drive rural prosperity and sustainable farming, but its widespread adoption is hindered by various factors. Discuss. Also, mention initiatives taken by the government to promote farm mechanization in the country.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2534,"topper":"Devyanshi Kaura","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/76e25-45883336_3612_devyanshi_kaura_rank_71.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) As AI systems become deeply embedded in societal frameworks, it is imperative to ensure their design and deployment prioritize human well-being, equity, and fairness. In this context, what values should guide the development of trustworthy, human-centered AI systems? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) Ethical leadership is crucial for fostering good governance, as it emphasizes core values such as justice, accountability, and equity. In the face of diverse and challenging scenarios, how can ethical leadership drive transformative change in governance and decision-making? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) Integrity and impartiality are cornerstones of ethical public service, ensuring that decisions are not influenced by personal gains or biases. Upholding these values becomes challenging in situations where external pressures conflict with administrative responsibilities. Examine the importance of integrity and impartiality in civil services. How can a civil servant navigate external pressures to maintain these values while delivering effective governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) Transparency is not just a tool to combat corruption but a fundamental practice that upholds the integrity and legitimacy of public institutions. Examine the above statement with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"3 Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context?\n3. (a) \"He who is not contented with what he has would not be contented with what he would like to have.\" - Socrates (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) \"Cultivation of mind should be the ultimate aim of human existence\" - Dr. B.R. Ambedkar (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"3. (c) \"The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good.\" - Samuel Johnson (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"4. (a) Examine the role of social media in shaping moral and political attitudes in contemporary society. Suggest guiding principles for fostering responsible and ethical social media usage. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"4. (b) While Emotional Intelligence (EI) can be a powerful tool for strengthening interpersonal relationships and achieving goals, its misuse raises ethical concerns of manipulating emotions for personal or political advantage. Discuss the dual-edged nature of EI in this context.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"5. (a) Preventive measures play a crucial role in curbing corruption in the long run. In this context, what are the existing preventive mechanisms that aim to prevent corruption? Do you think similar mechanisms should be institutionalized at the organizational level to ensure greater accountability and transparency? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"5. (b) A public servant's primary duty is to recognise the importance of public interest and ensure that it is upheld. How can a public servant balance professional responsibilities while ensuring the public good is effectively served? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"6. (a) With the increasing role of the corporate sector in wealth generation and employment, ethical governance has become essential. Identify and discuss the ethical principles that should guide the corporate sector to ensure the interests of stakeholders and societal well-being.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"6. (b) How does whistleblowing influence trust and accountability in governance? Analyse the ethical dilemmas involved in whistleblowing.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"7. In the following questions, carefully study the cases presented and then answer the questions that follow (in around 250 words):\n(a) इस प्रकरण में शामिल प्रमुख हितधारकों की पहचान कीजिए और उनके संबंधित हितों का विश्लेषण कीजिए।\n(b) आर्थिक विकास, पर्यावरणीय संवेदनशीलता और जनजातीय अधिकारों के बीच संतुलन बनाने में अधिकारी द्वारा सामना की जाने वाली नैतिक दुविधाओं पर चर्चा कीजिए। (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"around 250"},{"page":30,"question":"(a) Identify the key stakeholders involved in the case and analyze their respective interests.\n(b) Discuss the ethical dilemmas faced by the officer in balancing economic development, environmental sustainability, and tribal rights. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"8 (a) Identify and analyze the ethical issues involved in the case.\n(b) Discuss the possible courses of action available to Akshay. What would be the most ethical and appropriate course of action in this situation? Justify your response. (Answer in 250 words)\na) Identify and analyze the ethical issues involved in the case.\nb) Discuss the possible courses of action available to Akshay. What would be the most ethical and appropriate course of action in this situation? Justify your response. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"9. (a) धामक सूचना संबंधी संकट से निपटने में इशिता द्वारा सामना की जाने वाली नैतिक दुविधाओं की पहचान कीजिए।\n(b) अभिव्यक्ति की स्वतंत्रता, सार्वजनिक व्यवस्था और सरकारी निर्देशों के बीच संतुलन बनाने में इशिता द्वारा क्या कार्रवाई की जानी चाहिए? अपने उत्तर का औचित्य सिद्ध कीजिए।\n(c) प्राकृतिक आपदाओं के दौरान धामक सूचना को रोकने के लिए क्या कदम उठाए जा सकते हैं? (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"(a) Identify the ethical dilemmas faced by Ishita in handling the misinformation crisis.\n(b) What should be Ishita's course of action in balancing freedom of speech, public order, and government directives? Justify your response.\n(c) What steps can be taken to prevent misinformation during natural disasters? (Answer in 250 words)\na) Identify the ethical dilemmas faced by Ishita in handling the misinformation crisis.\nb) What should be Ishita's course of action in balancing freedom of speech, public order, and government directives? Justify your response.\nc) What steps can be taken to prevent misinformation during natural disasters? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"10. As a Quality Control Officer at the India unit of a multinational corporation (MNC), you uncover a serious ethical issue—products sold in India are of inferior quality compared to those in developed countries, potentially compromising consumer safety.\nWhen you escalate the issue to the Head of Quality Control, he dismisses your concerns, justifying the discrepancy by stating that different markets follow different standards. He further warns that exposing the issue could lead to job losses, possible closure of the India unit, and your own termination.\nYou now face a personal and professional dilemma. On one hand, your father is critically ill, and as the sole earning member, losing your job could jeopardize his treatment. On the other hand, staying silent would mean compromising professional integrity and endangering consumer safety.\n(a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\n(b) What are the options available to the Quality Control Officer to address this issue?\n(c) What responsibilities do corporations have towards consumers in different markets?","marks":null,"words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":49,"question":"11. You are the District Magistrate of a district renowned as the hub for coaching centres specializing in engineering and medical entrance exams. Recently, the district has witnessed a tragic rise in student suicides, with five students in the age group of 15-18 years taking their own lives. These students, who came from various parts of the country, sought admission to prestigious institutions like IITs and AIIMS but were subjected to immense academic and social pressure. The coaching centres, which are largely managed by influential political figures from the ruling party, are reported to have prioritized rankings and revenue generation over the well-being of students. The institutes are said to categorize students into high-performing and low-performing batches, creating additional stress. Many of these students, living in paying guest accommodations or hostels, face isolation, emotional strain, and mental health challenges. Moreover, investigations have uncovered the emergence of a black market for performance-enhancing drugs among students who, under extreme pressure, resort to unethical means to improve their academic standing.\n(a) Highlight the stakeholders involved and discuss the associated ethical issues in the given case.\n(b) Given the situation, what will be your course of action as the District Magistrate?\n(c) Discussing the various reasons for the increasing number of suicides among students, suggest long-term measures to address this issue. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"12 Priya, an IAS officer serving as the Municipal Commissioner of ABC City, is faced with a challenging ethical dilemma. The state government has approved a Smart City project, which includes the construction of a multi-lane expressway and modern commercial complexes. The project aims to boost economic activity, enhance urban mobility, and attract investment, positioning ABC as a model for sustainable urban development. However, the proposed expressway passes through the old city area, which is home to centuries-old heritage buildings, temples, and a community of artisans who rely on tourism and handicrafts for their livelihood. Experts warn that the construction will lead to the demolition of historic structures and the displacement of traditional craftsmen, thereby threatening the city's cultural identity. Heritage conservationists and local communities are strongly opposing the project, advocating for alternative routes or modifications to preserve the old city's heritage. Conversely, business groups, real estate developers, and political leaders argue that urban development is essential for progress and that heritage concerns should not obstruct modernization. Priya must navigate these conflicting interests, ensuring that the government's urban development agenda is implemented while also safeguarding the city's rich cultural heritage and the livelihoods of vulnerable communities.\n(a) Identify the key stakeholders involved in the case and analyze their respective interests.\n(b) Discuss the ethical dilemmas faced by Priya in balancing urban development, heritage conservation, and the rights of local communities. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2535,"topper":"Devyanshi Verma","air":99,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Sleepy Classes","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://sleepyclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Socio-HLT-1-devyanshi_lyst1750697639861-compressed.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2536,"topper":"Devyanshi Verma","air":99,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Sleepy Classes","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://sleepyclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/socio-hlt-2-devyanshi_lyst1751897953468-compressed.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2537,"topper":"Devyanshi Verma","air":99,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Sleepy Classes","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://sleepyclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/hlt-3-a1-b6_lyst1753372115321-compressed.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"The twin shackles Gupta. Examine the statement in their rigorous hold\"- Dipankar","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"How has B.R. Ambedkar identified the features of the caste system? How is it different from the mainstream treatment of caste features? (10 Marks)","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the societal implication of theservice sector revolution on the gender-based division of labour. (10 Marks)","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Identify and analyze theprimary challengeshindering in enacting a uniform Civil Code in India. (10 Marks)","marks":"10","words":null}]},{"id":2538,"topper":"Devyanshi Verma","air":99,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Sleepy Classes","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://sleepyclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/socio-t-1-devyanshi-verma_lyst1750045309970.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2539,"topper":"Devyanshi Verma","air":99,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Sleepy Classes","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://sleepyclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/socio-test-2-devyanshi_lyst1750489372423.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2540,"topper":"Devyanshi Verma","air":99,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Sleepy Classes","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://sleepyclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/socio-test-3-devyanshi_lyst1751160536706.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2541,"topper":"Devyanshi Verma","air":99,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Sleepy Classes","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://sleepyclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/socio-test-4-devyanshi_lyst1751461291367.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2542,"topper":"Devyanshi Verma","air":99,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Sleepy Classes","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://sleepyclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/socio-test-5-devyanshi_lyst1752418986681.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2543,"topper":"Devyanshi Verma","air":99,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Sleepy Classes","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://sleepyclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Socio-test-6-devyanshi_lyst1752741334742.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2544,"topper":"Dheeraj Choudhary","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/DHEERAJ_CHOUDHARY_SS_GS_1_AIR_579_770452fe21.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Do you agree that geographical factors played a vital role in the flourishing of the Harappan civilization? Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Critically analyse the role of the Ghadar Movement in mobilizing the Indian diaspora against British rule. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Analyze the role of Mikhail Gorbachev's policies, such as Glasnost and Perestroika, in bringing about the end of the Cold War. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Describe the processes of weathering and mass wasting and mention their various types. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Describe the economic and geopolitical significance of the major straits in the Indian Ocean region. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Discuss the types of coastal landforms created by wave erosion and deposition. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Account for the spatial pattern of the fishing industry in the world. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Analyse the impact of caste dynamics on social mobility in India. What kind of policy measures can promote inclusivity of the lower castes? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Analyze the impact of patriarchal norms on women's health and nutritional needs in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"'Despite implementation of various programmes for eliminating drug abuse, the problem is still prevalent among the Indian youth.' Discuss the causes and mention government measures for its mitigation. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Political patronage by the central authority greatly influenced the development of architecture in the Indian subcontinent across different historical periods. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Explain the causes for the rise of communalism in colonial India, with special reference to the British policy of 'divide and rule'. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Examine the challenges faced in the integration of princely states into the Indian Union post-independence. Highlight the strategies employed by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel to achieve this monumental task. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"What is the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) phenomenon? How does it influence the Indian subcontinent's monsoon? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Discuss the changes in river morphologies caused by human interventions such as dam construction and sand mining in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Explain the concept of planetary wind systems. How do the Coriolis force influence the wind patterns across the globe? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Urban air pollution in India is increasingly becoming a critical environmental and public health concern. Examine the causes and consequences of urban air pollution and suggest suitable measures to mitigate its adverse impacts. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"India's cultural diversity is both a strength and a challenge in various ways. Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Discuss the implications of India becoming the world's most populous country. How can this large number be used as an asset to ensure sustainable development? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Globalisation is said to have promoted economic growth in India, but at the cost of its traditional value systems'. Critically examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2545,"topper":"Dheeraj Choudhary","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/DHEERAJ_CHOUDHARY_SS_GS_2_AIR_579_a31dbbea88.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Analyse the role of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committees to ensure accountability of the executive in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss the scope of Article 368 of the Indian Constitution. Also, explain how the amendment procedure under the Article showcases a blend of flexibility and rigidity. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Enumerate the constitutional provisions related to the Attorney-General of India. How does this office contribute to the functioning of a constitutional democracy? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Though the Preamble of the Indian Constitution itself is not justiciable, it serves as a guiding light for the formulation of laws and policies. Elaborate with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discuss the desirability of greater representation to women in the lawmaking process to ensure social equity and sustainable development. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Discuss the role of 'electronic governance' in establishing accountability of the government to the people and improving quality of government service delivery. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"In order to realise the goal of universal health coverage, adequate health care interventions are needed in the fields of pediatrics and maternal health care. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"Commercialization of education is adversely impacting its quality\". In this light, discuss the implications of the commercialization of education on its access, equity and quality in India. Suggest measures to address these challenges. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Examine the evolving dynamics of India-USA relations in the context of strategic partnerships and economic cooperation. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"Soft power is not about whose army wins, but whose story wins\". Discuss how India can leverage its soft power to enhance its global influence. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The proposal for an All India Judicial Service (AIJS) aims to centralize the recruitment process for additional district judges and district judges across states. In this context, analyze the potential benefits and challenges of implementing AIJS in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Assess the importance of local bodies in promoting inclusive development at the grassroot levels. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"In what ways does the federalism outlined in the Indian Constitution differ from that of the United States? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Examine the complex nature of inter-state water disputes in India. Critically evaluate the effectiveness of existing mechanisms in resolving these disputes. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"To what extent, in your opinion, has the formation of NITI Aayog strengthened federalism in India? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Efficient and politically neutral civil services are vital to achieve the goals of socio-economic development in a country. In this light, discuss the reforms that are required in the Civil Services of India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Corruption and lack of transparency are the biggest challenges for good governance in India today. Discuss and suggest measures for improvement. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Constitutionally guaranteed safeguards available for the vulnerable sections have proved to be inadequate for their true empowerment. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"India's pivotal role in UN peacekeeping missions has bolstered its case for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council. What is your opinion about this statement? Give reasons to support your answer. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Critically analyse the effectiveness of India's \"Neighborhood First\" policy in fostering regional stability and economic integration in the South Asian region. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2546,"topper":"Dheeraj Choudhary","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/DHEERAJ_CHOUDHARY_SS_GS_4_AIR_579_aa15e8c146.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Which are the key foundational values necessary for civil servants to ensure good governance in India? Justify your answer. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Ethical fading in bureaucracies often results from emotional burnout. How can EI frameworks revive dedication to public service and moral accountability? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"In the context of rising consumerism, discuss the relevance of Jain and Buddhist ethics in promoting sustainable living and contributing to a more equitable world? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"“Just as a well-trimmed lamp sheds steady light, so does a well-controlled mind shed peace and happiness.” – Buddhaghosa (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"\"Truth is by nature self-evident. As soon as you remove the cobwebs of ignorance that surround it, it shines clear.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by the term “Bioethics”? Explain some contributions made by Bioethics in the field of medicine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Compare Kantian ethics and Utilitarianism. Which approach is more suitable in public administration according to you? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Can a unified media regulation balance creative freedom and ethical standards? Give your perception in this regard with due justification. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"A business that makes nothing but money is a poor business.\" In the light of this statement, evaluate the importance of integrating ethical values into corporate governance practices. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"\"A citizen's charter is the bridge between government commitments and citizen expectations.\" Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Corporate lobbying in policy-making often creates ethical concerns in government institutions. Examine the role of impartiality and non-partisanship in such scenarios. Suggest measures to strengthen probity in governance using lessons from great reformers. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":31,"question":"You are serving as an Additional Secretary in a state where mining is a crucial source of revenue for the exchequer. To regulate mining activities, the state government has introduced a transparent auction-based system for sand mining in riverine areas, aiming to curb illegal operations and enhance revenue collection. However, an MP from a mining-affected constituency of the state raises concerns in Parliament, alleging that illegal mining continues unchecked, with contractors operating beyond permissible limits, using heavy machinery at night, and causing severe environmental degradation. He highlights issues such as groundwater depletion, destruction of river ecosystems, rising road accidents due to overloaded trucks, and corruption in the auction process, questioning the government's enforcement mechanisms and regulatory integrity. Following the MP's allegations, the state government faces increased public and media scrutiny. The Mining Minister instructs you to prepare a fact-based response addressing the concerns raised. You collected all the facts about the mining activity in the state and prepared a video response on the matter, rebutting the accusations of the MP as baseless. You support your argument using data on enhanced revenue collection from mining, strict enforcement measures, and penalties imposed on violators. However, the situation takes a critical turn when locals in the area threaten to stage a protest and stop mining operations. The MP's accusation triggers a demand for a judicial inquiry by environmental activists. To reassure the public, you upload this video on social media, dismissing the MP's claims as politically motivated. (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case. (b) Evaluate the merits and demerits of releasing a video statement on social media to counter the MP's allegations. (c) What measures would you adopt to ensure both regulatory credibility and environmentally sustainable mining practices while addressing public and political concerns? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"You are the District Magistrate of a coastal district known for its vibrant coral ecosystem, which attracts thousands of domestic and international tourists annually. Like every year, this year also thousands of tourists have come to the district. The district also houses a strategic naval base and several foreign-funded infrastructure projects. The economic significance of the region is immense, as it contributes to tourism, maritime trade, and regional security. One afternoon, a massive earthquake measuring 8.2 on the Richter scale strikes the region, causing widespread devastation. Buildings collapse, roads crack open, and bridges connecting remote villages are rendered unusable. The disaster leaves thousands injured and homeless, Communication lines are disrupted, hospitals are overwhelmed, and emergency supplies are rapidly depleting. The district administration, under your leadership, swiftly mobilizes rescue operations, deploying disaster relief teams and calling for additional reinforcements from neighboring districts and the central government. As you struggle with logistical challenges, another crisis emerges. The meteorological department issues a high-alert warning about a possible tsunami, expected to make landfall within hours. Evacuations must be organized immediately to minimize casualties. Amidst this turmoil, you receive multiple urgent calls from various foreign embassies seeking the safe evacuation of their nationals, including tourists, investors, and researchers stranded across different parts of the district. Adding to the complexity, your assistant informs you about a confidential directive from the Department of Foreign Affairs, suggesting that priority be given to the evacuation of citizens from a particular country due to an ongoing high-stakes free trade negotiation that could significantly boost national economic interests. Furthermore, local fishermen's associations are demanding immediate attention as many of their members are missing at sea. Some claim that foreign rescue missions must not be prioritized over local rescue efforts, as this is their homeland and their livelihoods are at stake. A few activists accuse the administration of favoritism, questioning why wealthy foreign nationals should be prioritized over marginalized coastal communities. (a) What are the ethical dilemmas faced by you in the above situation? (b) What are the possible courses of action available to you in this situation? (c) Which course of action would be the most appropriate, and why? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"As a senior journalist at a well-known, national newspaper. Mrs. X has built a reputation for her integrity, investigative acumen, and unwavering commitment to journalistic ethics. Over the years, her fearless reporting has earned you multiple accolades from the newspaper's director, further solidifying your influence within the organization. During a recent salary revision cycle, Mrs X. received an average pay raise. Though it didn't fully meet her expectations, she accepted it as part of the profession's realities. However, the next day, a junior female journalist approached her in distress. She confided that she had discovered her male colleague, who had joined at the same time and held the same role had received a significantly higher salary increment. Her concern wasn't just personal; she revealed that other female journalists had also been given disproportionately lower raises compared to their male counterparts. \"Alarmed, Mrs. X decided to investigate the matter further and uncover the root of the problem. Through informal discussions with colleagues, she gathered information and evidence on the pay structure. The findings revealed a systemic pattern of gender-based wage disparity, where women were consistently paid less than men for the same roles and responsibilities.\" Determined to address the injustice, Mrs. X arranged a meeting with the Director of the newspaper. She presented her findings, expecting a constructive discussion on rectifying the disparity. However, the Director's dismissed the issue and subtly warned that pushing the matter further could have \"unintended consequences.\" Then, he hinted that the position of Chief Journalist, the highest editorial role in the newsroom, was about to be filled, and she was the frontrunner. He suggested if she let the matter go, then she can get the said position. (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case. (b) Evaluate the options available for Mrs. X to take in such a situation. (c) According to you, what additional measures can be taken to bridge the gender pay gap in India? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"You are the district magistrate of a socio-economically backward district where different social groups have historically coexisted peacefully. In recent years, government efforts have led to improvements in education, employment, and overall development of the region. One day, you receive a formal complaint from a marginalized group in a village, alleging that they have been denied entry into the village temple for generations by a socially dominant group. They seek your intervention to ensure equal access to religious spaces. Upon conducting an inquiry, the Block Development Officer (BDO) confirms the allegations, reporting that a previous attempt by the marginalized group to enter the temple during a festival led to violent tensions, requiring police intervention. In retaliation, the dominant group imposed an economic and social boycott, refusing to engage in trade or provide essential services to the marginalized community, worsening their economic hardship. As you deliberate on the course of action, religious leaders come to meet you and argue that temple entry is governed by tradition, warning that government intervention could set a controversial precedent for interference in religious practices. The socially dominant group seek local politicians intervention and threatens dire consequences for you and your family. Political leaders caution against taking action that may alienate a major vote bank, hinting at potential career repercussions. You take the matter to your seniors, who advise you to compromise on the situation, given the probability of violent escalation. The members of the marginalized group emphasize that failing to act firmly would amount to neglecting constitutional duties and reinforcing systemic discrimination. (a) Discuss the ethical issue involved in the case. (b) Critically examine the options available to you as district magistrate. What option will you adopt and why? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"You have recently been posted as the Chief Engineer in the Department of public works under a state government, responsible for overseeing tender allocations and project execution. The department plays a crucial role in infrastructure development, issuing tenders for large-scale projects, including bridges, highways, and public buildings. One day, a well-connected contractor approaches you, demanding favorable allocation of a tender for the construction of a high-value bridge project to his company. Your staff discreetly informs you that this contractor has strong ties with the Director of the department, the local MP and key district administrative officials, making him an influential player in government contracts. When you question the Director of the department about this, he subtly warns you against interfering, advising you to \"let things be.\" He then orders you to expedite the processing of previous project files related to the same contractor, ensuring that his pending bills are cleared immediately. Suspecting something unusual, you consult a colleague in the finance unit, who confides that the Director often insists on fast-tracking payments for this contractor. He also reveals that he overheard the Director discussing illicit financial transactions through a Hawala network, suggesting a possible scenario of money laundering. Concerned about the integrity of the department, you discreetly write to the Superintendent of Police (SP) to alert him about potential financial misconduct and corruption. However, the very next day, the contractor visits you again, this time with a direct bribe offer, promising you a substantial share of the earnings in exchange for your silence. When you refuse, he issues a threat, warning that reporting the matter further could endanger the lives of your family members. (a) Identify the key ethical issues and ethical dilemmas present in the given situation. Discuss their impact on principles of integrity, impartiality, and public accountability. (b) What are the courses of action available to you as the Chief Engineer (CE) in this scenario? Evaluate their merits and demerits. Which course of action will you choose and why? (c) How can different stakeholders like the government officials, anti-corruption agencies, civil society, media, and the judiciary ensure transparency and accountability in government contracts? Explain. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":2547,"topper":"Dhruv Sapra","air":394,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Public Administration","optional":true,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/DHRUV-SAPRA-UPSC-2023-Rank-394-MGP-Answer-Copy-Public-Administration-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2548,"topper":"Dhruv Sapra","air":394,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Public Administration","optional":true,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/DHRUV-SAPRA-UPSC-2023-Rank-394-MGP-Answer-Copy-Public-Administration-Paper-4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2549,"topper":"Dhruv Sapra","air":394,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Public Administration","optional":true,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/DHRUV-SAPRA-UPSC-2023-Rank-394-MGP-Answer-Copy-Public-Administration-Paper-3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2550,"topper":"Dhruv Sapra","air":394,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Public Administration","optional":true,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/DHRUV-SAPRA-UPSC-2023-Rank-394-MGP-Answer-Copy-Public-Administration-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2551,"topper":"Dhurav Mittal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5bad8-80110_1063_dhurav_mittal_rank_99.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explaining the significance of RCEP, discuss various aspects of India's engagement in this initiative. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"It has been acknowledged widely that smart power is the best possible way for achieving intended foreign policy outcomes. Examine in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"India-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship, 1950 forms the bedrock of the India-Nepal relations. However, considering recent changes in the region, revising the treaty would be a prudent step. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Accession to the Ashgabat agreement is valuable for connecting India to its extended neighbourhood. What is the Ashgabat Agreement? Assess its significance for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The peace initiative of the Afghan government has raised some difficulties for India, nonetheless India's engagement with Afghanistan is strong enough to withstand such difficulties. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is a natural choice for India to fulfill key foreign policy priorities. In this context, discuss the issues behind hitherto slow progress and the reasons for reinvigorated optimism regarding BIMSTEC. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Highlighting its mandate, discuss the significance of International Solar Alliance in positioning India to a key global leadership role. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"India's engagement with its extended neighbourhood in West Asia has evolved into a 'Look West' approach in recent times. However, multiple faultlines in this volatile region require a balancing act on the part of India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"While India and Russia have enjoyed good relations since the Soviet era, relying on the past may not be enough to deal with shift in the relationship in light of the rapidly evolving geopolitical realities. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"India-China ties, marked by a broad convergence on transnational issues, on one hand and geostrategic rivalry on the other, have profound implications not only for the two countries but also the current international system. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The India-France Strategic Partnership launched in 1998 seems to have finally come of age. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Despite the great strides made, India-ASEAN relations have not measured up to expectations. Critically examine in the context of recent commemoration of relations by the two sides through the Delhi Declaration. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"India's expanding interests rather than endorsement by others should be the basis of its engagement with what is being termed as the Indo-Pacific. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"In what ways has the engagement between India and its diaspora evolved over the years? What role can the Indian diaspora play in furthering and shaping India's foreign policy goals? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India-Bangladesh relations have been termed one of fraternal friendship. What have been the key achievements in this context in the last few years? Also, identify steps to further consolidate these relations. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2552,"topper":"Dhurav Mittal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c9fd6-80110_1051_dhurav_mittal_rank_99.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The mapping of ocean floor reveals complex and varied features, which rival the relief features on land. Discuss the reasons for the formation of main relief features of ocean along with their significance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What is inversion of temperature? Discuss the various mechanisms of occurence of this phenomenon along with its climatic and economic significance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"With rapid industrialization, the threat of industrial disasters has increased. Explain the meaning of industrial disaster with adequate examples. Also, highlight the legal and institutional framework to reduce the risk during such events. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What are 'dead zones'? Mention the reasons for their formation. Explain, in brief, the impact of such dead zones. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Stating the differences between deltas and alluvial fans, highlight the factors responsible for their formation. Also, briefly bring out the economic importance of these two depositional landform types. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What do you understand by Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)? Discuss the annual fluctuations and shifting of ITCZ belt and its significance for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What is weathering? Discuss the ecological and economic significance of the process. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain the concept of Sun-spot cycle. In view of the approaching Solar minimum, highlight the changes that it brings on sun's surface and the effects that it has on earth. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What is Pacific Ocean Garbage Patch? Provide an account for the factors responsible for its development and location. Also, discuss its impacts and suggest measures for mitigation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Explain the formation of mid-oceanic ridges in different oceanic basins of the world. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss the spatial and temporal variation of rainfall in India. Has this pattern been changing in recent years? Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Technology has provided important tools for making disaster management more effective. Elaborate with special focus on the role of technology in reducing disaster risk. Also highlight the challenges in application of technological solutions in disaster affected areas. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"While overcrowding in public places cannot be wished away in India, what we need are better infrastructure and more effective crowd-control measures. Comment. Also, briefly enumerate NDMA guidelines for crowd management. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"State the conditions that are conducive for the formation of coral reefs. Mention the anthropogenic factors that have resulted in their decline. Also highlight its consequences. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"In combining the sea floor spreading theory with continental drift and information on global seismicity, the theory of Plate Tectonics provides a coherent explanation for crustal movements. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Provide an appraisal of the vulnerability of the agriculture sector to natural disasters. What can be done to strengthen the resilience of the sector in order to reduce the impact of such disasters? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Explain what a drought is and describe its different types. Discussing the environmental and societal impacts of droughts, enumerate the factors that aggravate these. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Assess the vulnerability of Indian coastal regions to cyclones. Also, mention the objectives and approach adopted by the National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Program (NCRMP) in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What role have volcanoes played in formation of earth's atmosphere in the past? Elaborate on the impact of volcanic activity on climate change in contemporary times. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"A need has been felt to demarcate aquifer systems in the country so as to provide critical information to plan for their sustainability. Analyse. Also, mention the steps taken by the Government of India in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2553,"topper":"Dhurav Mittal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/297ea-80110_1059_dhurav_mittal_rank_99.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the issues faced in BOT and EPC models of infrastructure investment, explain how HAM can address these. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The measurement of the extent of formal sector and formal employment is yet an unsettled matter in our economy. Comment. Also, mention the steps which the government has taken to improve its extent. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Based on firms 3. The investment rate in India has gradually declined after a historic high in the mid 2000s. Examine the reasons behind this trend. Discuss the steps required to revive investment for a sustained growth. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Strengthening the policy and institutional ecosystem supporting inclusive growth needs to be a top policy priority to thrive in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Explaining the role of human capital in economic development of a country, highlight the challenges and opportunities related to human capital formation in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"In the context of major challenges that have restricted industrial growth, there is need for a new industrial policy to enable the industry to fulfill its role as the engine of growth and shoulder the responsibility of adding more value and jobs. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Discussing the reforms that contributed in improving India's ranking in the World Bank's 'Ease of Doing Business' index, identify the challenges that still remain in the overall environment of doing business. Suggest some concrete steps that India can take to further improve its performance on the index. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) are fast becoming an important avenue for channelising funds for projects in infrastructure sector. Explaining the concept of SPVs, highlight some of the benefits and risks associated with them. Also, suggest measures to manage the risks identified. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Providing social security, especially to those working in unorganised sector, is an important requirement to achieve the goal of inclusive growth. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"NBFCs can play a critical role in strengthening our SME ecosystem and contributing to economic development. Comment. Also, discuss the need to build a regulatory framework to address the challenges that NBFCs face. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"In the light of increasing NPAs and frauds, the twin balance sheet problem has grown immensely. Comment on the issue and analyse the potential of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code to be a game changer for Indian economy's health and long-term growth. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Public Sector Enterprises formed the backbone of industrial development after independence, but with changing times, their role has also changed. Discuss. Also, comment on the need to adopt a multi-pronged strategy to deal with the issues that they are facing. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"For a developing country like India, the sectoral allocation of scarce resources is a critical factor determining pace and quality of development. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Under-employment rather than unemployment is the key problem facing India today. Elaborate. Also, suggest measures to counter this problem. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"A near stagnant tax to gdp ratio for the country since decades reflects not only non-fruition of efforts to increase it but also underlying structural issues with tax regime. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The need to overhaul the current budget making process can be gauged from the fact that it neither undertakes broad-based consultations, nor is adequately transparent nor effective in estimating and allocating the demands of various stakeholders. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Adhering to fiscal discipline is considered as a hallmark of sound financial management by government. Elaborate. To what extent does the Budget 2018 incorporates fiscal discipline vis-a-vis competing targets of the government? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The role of international trade in achieving a quicker pace of economic development is well recognized. What are the benefits of international trade for a developing country like India? Highlight the challenges that India faces in improving its share in world trade. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2554,"topper":"Dhurav Mittal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/65c6b-80110_1050_dhurav_mittal_rank_99.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Citizens' Charters make administration both accountable and citizen-friendly. However, over time, in a large number of offices, Citizens' Charters have fallen into disuse. Suggest measures that can make these charters effective tools for bringing accountability in public service. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the importance of involving civil society in pre-legislative scrutiny and mention the steps that can be taken by the government to increase public engagement in it. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Poor standards of tertiary education are a drag on India's competitiveness. Elucidate. Also enumerate the initiatives taken by the government in the past few years to improve the quality of higher education in India. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Social audit has a crucial role in effective implementation of social sector programmes. Comment. Also discuss its strengths and limitations. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are the major welfare schemes for elderly in India? Do you think the benefits of such schemes are reaching a wide section of the target segment? Give reasons. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Welfare policies in India have undergone a paradigm shift in recent decades, yet they retain certain elements of continuity. Discuss with examples. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Discuss whether changes recommended by the Law Commission in its 268th report can help in addressing the problems of undertrials languishing in jails in India. What other measures can be taken in this regard? (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"While various government initiatives and policies have created opportunities in the affordable housing segment, there are challenges that still persist. Discuss. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Demographic dividend may become demographic liability in the absence of adequate skill development. In this context, discuss the importance of National Policy for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, 2015. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Highlight the need for whistleblower protection in India. Critically analyze whether the Whistleblower Protection Act provides sufficient protection to the whistleblowers. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What are the factors which have been responsible for slow pace of growth of coverage under the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP). Enumerate the recent steps taken by the government in order to increase this pace to achieve universal coverage swiftly. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the ways in which digital divide perpetuates and manifests itself in India. Discuss the importance of steps taken by the government to bridge this divide. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"What are the objectives of National Health Mission? Why, in your opinion, non-communicable diseases have acquired salience in recent times? What are its implications for health policy in the country? (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Over the years, there has been a growing realisation that undue interference from the State, lack of autonomy and widespread politicisation has severely impaired the functioning of Cooperative sector and there is a need to introduce urgent reforms in the Cooperative sector. Discuss. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"With the current system of health financing in India being largely out-of-pocket payments, examine the need for reforms in healthcare finance. Also discuss the issues associated with reinforcing insurance as the long-term strategy for health financing in this regard. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Explain the significance of the recently launched National Nutritional Strategy in the light of sliding ranking of India along the Global Hunger Index. Also, discuss with examples, the role that local self governments can play in promoting, monitoring and sustaining nutrition initiatives.(250WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The bureaucracy in India is facing a number of serious challenges from diminishing human capital to political interference that, if left unaddressed, will lead to further institutional decline. Discuss. How can these challenges be addressed? (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"While many people have been able to rise above poverty line, India is still home to the largest number of poor. Discuss briefly the underlying factors responsible for the prevalence of poverty in India. What are the areas in which focussed efforts need to be made in order to accelerate poverty eradication in a sustainable manner? (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"In context of the need to strengthen corporate governance, the Kotak panel report has called for a major overhaul in norms for listed companies. Critically discuss the impediments to corporate governance in India and evaluate how the recommendations can help in overcoming them. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Several issues related to adopting new technologies, transforming processes and improving implementation of NeGP need to be addressed. Discuss. Also, enumerate the sets of principles guiding the design and implementation of the e-Kranti Program (NeGP 2.0). (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2555,"topper":"Dhurav Mittal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a3313-80110_1066_dhurav_mittal_rank_99.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The cave architecture in India not only enlighten us with information of tradition and customs of ancient times but also illustrate considerable accomplishment with regard to structural engineering and artistry. Discuss. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"While the Battle of Plassey laid the foundation of British Empire in India, it was the Battle of Buxar that proved to be the turning point of British fortunes in India. Discuss. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Among many novel methods and themes, the Swadeshi Movement laid great emphasis not only on boycott but also on self-reliance. Discuss. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The idea of linguistic states predated independence, however it took some time even after independence for this idea to be implemented. Discuss. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Dr. B. R. Ambedkar understood that persistent inequalities pose fundamental challenges to the economic and social well-being of the nation and people. In this context, discuss the key contributions of Dr. Ambedkar in the history of modern India. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"It has been pointed out that in recent times, while the proportional share of nuclear households has dipped in urban areas it has risen in rural areas. Analyse the reasons behind this trend. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Separation, and not divorce, is the dominant form of marriage dissolution for most women in India. What could be the possible reasons behind this? Also, discuss why there are striking differences in divorce rates between the different regions in India. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Elaborate on the factors responsible for the evolution of the current drainage system in Indian sub-continent, with special emphasis on the characteristic features of Himalayan and Peninsular rivers. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Enumerate the features of Plantation Agriculture and the problems faced by them. Given the fact that area under cultivation of palm oil has been increasing, discuss the benefits and challenges associated with it. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Bring out the distinctive features of Gandhara, Mathura and Amravati schools of art that flourished towards the first century CE. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The British in India wanted not only territorial conquest and control over revenues; they also felt that they had a cultural mission: to 'civilise the natives', change their customs and values. Critically discuss. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi being close associates, there were significant differences between the two regarding the role of state and the control that it exercised. Comment. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Enumerating the reasons behind Sino-Soviet split in the second half of the 20th century, analyse its impact on the Cold War. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"History has disproved the prediction that democracy would not succeed in India. In this context, critically assess the achievements and challenges of democracy in India since Independence. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Enumerate the key issues faced by working women in contemporary Indian society and the steps taken by the government to address them. Also, critically examine the key features of Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act 2017. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Despite tropical areas being the major emitters of CFCs, the phenomenon of ozone hole formation is largely confined to polar areas and that too over the Antarctic and in early spring. Elaborate. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2556,"topper":"Dhurav Mittal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/58f5a-80110_1071_dhurav_mittal_rank_99.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) is more than just the keeper of our national accounts; it is also a conscience-keeper and a watchdog. Examine the statement in light of making the auditing process more effective. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The concern for transparency in political funding is at odds with the Electoral Bond Scheme notified by the government. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Lobbying in India exists in a perennially grey legal and policy arena. In this context, discuss the need to formally recognize and regulate lobbying in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"More than a decade after it was passed, the implementation of the RTI Act leaves much to be desired. Comment. Also discuss the issues associated with the recent proposals to amend the RTI Act. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Critically discuss the evolving policy on reservation in promotions in India with special focus on its ability to meet the objectives of social justice. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"India produces enough food for its people, but not all people get enough food to eat. Discussing this paradox, highlight some of the major interventions taken in the past few years in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"India sees Indian Ocean as not just a water body, but a global stage for continued economic, social, and cultural dialogue. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In the context of India taking greater responsibility in management of the global commons, there has been a shift in India's climate change negotiation stance. In this context, analyze the evolution of India's climate policy. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlighting the constitutional role of the Finance Commission (FC), discuss the issues which are being debated w.r.t. terms of reference (ToR) of the 15th Finance Commission. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The spirit of the constitution of India represents a synthesis of Indian values, democratic and socialist movements in west and our independence movement. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"What is the importance of an independent judiciary in a democracy? Highlight the safeguards in our political-constitutional setup to ensure the independence of judiciary. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Even though Indian federalism has matured quite a bit, with states having far greater control of their economic and political management, serious structural problems still remain. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The recent amendments to the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 strike a balance between enforcement overzealousness and the need for stringent action against corrupt public servants. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Identifying the various issues plaguing the voluntary sector in India, discuss the need for a national accreditation agency to overcome them. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Given the importance of a teacher in affecting the learning outcomes of children, discuss the problems in the present system of teacher training in India. How can these be addressed? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The implementation of a scheme with such scale and benefit as Ayushman Bharat is likely to face many obstacles. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Given the fact that India cannot match China's financial clout, it is seen to be diversifying the ways in which it can enhance cooperation and promote its diplomatic profile in Africa. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Discuss how American sanctions on its adversaries affect India. Taking the example of CAATSA, analyse how India can shield its strategic interests in face of such sanctions. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2557,"topper":"Dhurav Mittal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a5ea8-80110_1067_dhurav_mittal_rank_99.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What is the role that opposition plays in a democracy like India? In this context, discuss whether our Parliament can benefit from a shadow cabinet. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Where there is a right, there is a remedy. In this context, discuss the nature and significance of writs in India with adequate examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Enumerate the objectives of NITI Aayog. Also, discuss the performance of this body since its inception and suggest measures to make it more effective. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"In view of the political class's inability to develop and maintain conventions relating to the appropriate use of Article 356, the Supreme Court's decision in the Bommai case provided much needed clarity. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Press freedom and good governance are not mutually exclusive. They support each other while promoting a country's economic and human development. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"SHGs have succeeded in delivering financial inclusion, but for them to evolve as viable business enterprise requires a different approach. Analyse in the context of the twin goals of rural growth and promotion of women's entrepreneurship. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The focus of higher education in India has been on a select few Central or autonomous institutions where as the ones in states remain neglected. Commenting on the statement, highlight the significance of Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the role played by PRIs in political empowerment of women. Also, suggest measures to further increase their political participation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What is Strategic Autonomy? Critically examine the elements of such a policy in India's contemporary foreign policy in the context of recent developments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"IBSA and BRICS are both examples of India's quest for multialignment, however there are key differences in their orientation. Discuss in the context of the relevance of these groupings for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What are the various modes of Alternate Dispute Redressal (ADR) mechanisms available in India? Identifying the problems being faced by them, provide suggestions needed to increase their effectiveness. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"While the power to punish for the contempt of court is a much needed tool to protect the administration of justice from being maligned, it is time that it be relooked into. Critically analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Criminalisation of politics remains a key concern for the Indian political system. In this context, analyse the role played by the Supreme Court and Election Commission over the years. Also, in what ways can the media play a positive role? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight, in brief, the mandate of the National Commission for Minorities (NCM). Identify the different challenges that the commission faces and suggest measures to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The recent decision of the government to open up positions at the senior levels in bureaucracy through lateral entry is an important but only small step in the direction of much needed reforms in the higher civil services. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Identifying the broad contours of the 'Transformation of Aspirational Districts' programme, explain how it adopts a novel strategy to address backwardness. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"How did India fare on the Millennium Development Goals related to health? In this regard, identify the relevant Sustainable Development Goals and evaluate India's capacity to meet them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the different rights recognized under the Forest Rights Act, 2006? Highlight the gaps in the implementation of community forest rights and community forest resource rights granted under the Forest Rights Act. Also, suggest measures to address the current scenario. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Progress in India-US ties has been accompanied by equally significant divergences on important issues. Examine in the context of recent developments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Despite bonhomie, the structural differences between Indian and Israeli national security situations, their worldviews and absence of explicitly shared enemies limit stronger strategic rapprochement. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2558,"topper":"Digvijay Bodke","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/22132_747_Digvijay_Rank_54.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"A broad ethical framework as a guiding light for international relations will not only ensure harmonious relations between nations but will also lead to progress of the human race. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"What does inequality mean to you? What are the different kinds of inequality? Is inequality morally wrong?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"One has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws. In light of this statement, examine the relevance of civil disobedience in a modern democratic society. Discuss the duties and responsibilities of a law enforcing officer in such situations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Ensuring accountability in the administration just adds another layer in the bureaucratic process. Examine. Differentiate between accountability and responsibility. Suggest some measures through which administrative accountability can be made more effective in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"\"Morality is based neither on the principle of utility, nor on a law of nature, but on human reason. But human reason can be fallible.\" Comment., What does morality mean to you?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"For effective public service delivery, the need today is to move from traditional accountability mechanisms to social accountability through greater civic engagement. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"What do you mean by social justice? Explain with examples, why it is imperative for a society to promote social justice.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Investigative reporting by media can be a significant source of information on corruption. What are ethical issues involved in investigative journalism? What safeguards can be introduced to prevent its misuse?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"While transplantation of organs represents one of the most spectacular achievements of modern medical science, it has raised many ethical issues as well. Discuss. Also, examine the issues related to organ transplantation in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"There can be honesty without integrity, but no integrity without honesty. Do you agree? Justify your stand with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"\"It is not always the same thing to be a good person and a good citizen.\" Explain the meaning of this statement and analyse its implications for a democratic society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Value of compassion towards the weak extends the limits of operations of a public servant by introducing flexibility but dilutes the principle of objectivity. Discuss. If a conflict arises between the value of compassion and principle of objectivity, how will you deal with it as a public servant?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Which administrator had a lasting impact on your decision to join the civil services and why? Should administrators have increased media presence so that the common man can know more about their efforts and achievements? Justify your stand.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"You are a Secretary in a government department. Your Minister has proposed an unemployment grant, which is expected to cost the public exchequer heavily. Having already taken the decision, he asks you to come up with research to support the scheme. Despite your best efforts, you fail to find socio-economic benefit in it. You approach the Minister with relevant facts and studies and ask him to reconsider his decision. Instead, he asks you to suppress the negative impacts and actively promote the scheme through mass media as the percieved social impacts are more important than economic impacts. Elections are due in a short time and the political party currently in power is expected to win. You are also due for promotion at the same time. You are expected to fully cooperate in the situation and make the scheme a success, however flawed its foundations may be. (a) List the different stakeholders in the above situation and mention their prospective interests. (b) Discuss the ethical dilemma which you face in this situation. (c) Some of the alternatives for you to handle the situation could be: • Do as asked by the Minister.. • Insist on publication of results and let the public decide whether it wants the scheme. • Call a press conference and brief the media about the results and the callous attitude of the Minister. Suggest any other possible option(s). Evaluate all of them and suggest the best course of action, giving reasons for it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"You are a doctoral student at a large university in the final months of your research on a potentially revolutionary technology. Meanwhile, you have also applied for post-doctoral research cum teaching positions at various universities. To your pleasant surprise, you get an interview call from your undergraduate alma mater, a prestigious research institution in a city where you would love to live. In the interview, the department chair asks for detailed information about your research. Your group is working on a patent application and its members have agreed not to provide details until a paper currently being prepared is submitted for publication. You explain the situation and tell them that you would be glad to send them an early preprint when it is available. But the Chair pushes harder for this information, remarking that the Department seeks team players, willing to share information with department colleagues. She also appeals to your undergraduate connection with the institution. (a) Enumerate the ethical issues involved in the case in light of your current responsibilities vis-a-vis future expectations. (b) Discuss the possible motivations of the department chair in pressing you for detailed information. (c) What stand will you take in such a situation? Give reasonable justification for your arguments.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"You have recently been appointed as the District Collector of an impoverished district, which has been witnessing drought for the last couple of years. Corruption at lower levels of bureaucracy has further aggravated the situation. The district also faces the problem of diminishing resources of drinking water. Despite, the gravity of the problem, the response from the central and the state government is lackadaisical. Moreover, the media coverage of the problem is also dismal. To make matters worse, the younger members of the community are migrating in search of work to the urban areas without much success, leaving the elders, women, and children behind to fend for themselves. (a) As the District Collector what would be your priorities for solving the problem? (b) How would you tackle the situation? (c) What long term measures would you take to prevent the future recurrence of the problem?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":56,"question":"In a district, in which you are posted as a District Magistrate, a teacher molests a child in a government run school. As the news of this crime spreads, the parents, relatives and locals gather at the school. The culprit teacher has meanwhile fled. The police arrests the Principal of the school and assure the crowd that the culprit would be arrested soon. The crowd, however, has gone berserk and begins to damage the school building. It wants immediate arrest of the culprit and is not ready to budge until he is arrested. (a) Is it correct to take the Principal into custody when he has personally not committed the crime? Support your answer with appropriate reasons. (b) What options do you have in dealing with the crowd? Enumerate the merits and demerits of each and also suggest the best possible option. (c) In the capacity of District Magistrate what would be your long term plan to prevent molestations and rapes in the schools?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2559,"topper":"Diksha Joshi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0fab3-545314_1986_diksha-joshi_rank19.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the conditions that are conducive for the formation of Karst topography, discuss its distribution around the world. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The extraction of groundwater in India has reached a level that is threatening the water security in the country. Analyse the guidelines issued by the Central Ground Water Authority in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss the challenges that lie in harnessing the potential of hydroelectricity in North-East India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"In light of various recent studies, discuss how climate change is affecting the jet streams. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Highlighting the distribution of coal in India, discuss the issues associated with coal mining. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Assess the efforts India has taken towards achieving the goals of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity . (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Explain the concept of Ecosystem Restoration. What are the challenges and opportunities associated with this concept? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the role played by local bodies in various phases of disaster management. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What do you understand by impact based forecasting in disaster management? How can such forecasting strengthen the disaster management preparedness? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Plate tectonics, which is a unifying theory combining the continental drift and seafloor spreading theories, explains many features and processes that we find on the Earth. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The pattern of the Indian monsoon has been witnessing changes in recent decades. Examine in the light of recent studies linking this phenomenon to climate change. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Highlight the reasons behind high concentration of plantations in South India. Also, give an account of the significance and challenges that the plantation sector of South India is confronted with. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What do you mean by industrial inertia? Bring out the factors that contribute to industrial inertia and also give a few examples from the Indian context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What are rare earth elements? Highlighting their industrial applications, give an account of their distribution across the world. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Assess India's vulnerability to flash floods and suggest measures for better resilience to flash floods. In this context, also briefly highlight the significance of recently launched Flash Flood Guidance System (FFGS) operated by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Marine litter is not just an environmental issue but poses a socio-economic challenge as well. Discuss. Also, enumerate the initiatives taken by the global community to reduce marine litter. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India's response to the Covid-19 pandemic has brought to the fore several inadequacies and ambiguities in India's disaster management framework. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"In light of the increasing Industrial disasters in India, examine the reasons for their occurrence. Discuss the steps that have been taken to deal with industrial disasters. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2560,"topper":"Diksha Joshi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/dfef8-545314_1515_diksha-joshi_rank19.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the meaning of off-budget borrowings and its role in helping the government raise funds for various expenditures. Also, comment on its desirability. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"It is argued that genetically modified food crops are required to ensure food security of India. Examine in view of concerns regarding introduction of GM crops. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"India's price intervention policies to support its agricultural sector not only create a broken system but also complicate matters related to international trade rules. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"India has an opportunity to become a leading global food supplier provided it has an efficient supply chain and the right marketing strategies. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Land banks are increasingly gaining prominence in India to encourage land-use efficiency and enable economic growth. In this context, discuss the benefits of a land bank and state the concerns associated with it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Desertification has been described as one of the greatest environmental challenges of our time and climate change is making it worse. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In the context of intellectual property rights, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of releasing projects under an 'Open Source' license. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"\"Indian space sector has been dominated by a single umbrella of government and government institutions.\" In light of the statement, discuss the significance of Indian Space Association in providing an impetus to space technology in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Man and machine both have an important role in national security and making urban areas secure. In this context, discuss how technology is a major stakeholder in addressing the internal security challenges of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"National Security Guard (NSG) has emerged as a formidable force equipped to handle various manifestations of terrorism. Discuss the mandate and achievements of this force. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do you understand by asset monetisation? Why is it needed in India? In this context, discuss the issues that need to be addressed for the National Monetisation Pipeline to succeed. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"What is social stock exchange (SSE)? Discuss the need for setting up of SSEs and key challenges in their effective implementation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the context of India, highlight the importance of agriculture extension. What are the challenges faced in provisioning of agriculture extension services? How does the National Mission on Agricultural Extension & Technology (NMAET) address these issues? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Clearly delineate the 'employment problem' that India currently faces. Also, explain the fundamental reasons behind existence of this problem. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Although steps have been taken for integrating the dispersed logistics activities of maritime trade, much more needs to be done to make India a maritime powerhouse. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Accounting for natural capital and ecosystem services is crucial to understand the link between the economy and environment. Discuss with specific references to India's initiatives in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Rapid and unplanned urbanisation accompanied by population growth have increased both the risk and impact of natural disasters. Discuss the statement along with adequate measures to address the relevant concerns in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"National Hydrogen Mission can be a game changer for India's rising energy demands. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Despite geo-strategic instability of its region and a keen awareness of the cyber threat it faces, India has made only 'modest progress' in developing its policy and doctrine for cyberspace security. Critically examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Developmental interventions alone cannot play a defining role in the resolution of existing and protracted internal conflicts in various parts of India within a reasonable time frame. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2561,"topper":"Diksha Joshi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/32316-545314_1514_diksha-joshi_rank19.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the changes introduced by the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) Amendment Act, 2021, analyse various issues with the amended Act. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Are there valid arguments for continuing with sedition law in 21st century democratic India? Discuss in light of the debate surrounding it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Identify the issues that have contributed to a decline in the performance of Parliamentary Standing Committees. How can these issues be addressed? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Despite being a non-constitutional body, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) has wielded immense decision-making power in India. Discuss the advantages and issues associated with it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the role of data in governance in India. Also, state the various challenges in this regard and suggest remedial measures. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"With specific examples, elaborate upon the conditions that led to the emergence of a new civil society in urban India in the last few decades. Also, highlight its contribution towards effecting governance and policy changes. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The Gati Shakti mission has the potential to not only address the issue of infrastructure bottlenecks but also streamline the governance processes in the country. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Giving an account of the issues faced by workers in the informal sector, discuss whether the recently launched e-Shram portal can help in addressing them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Clarifying the significance of the recent developments on the issue of global minimum tax, discuss its prospects and challenges for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Announcement of the AUKUS security pact heralds a new era of global geo-politics. Comment. Also, discuss how it may affect India's interests. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Effective devolution of finances is an important requirement for Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) to fulfill their objectives. Discuss while also elaborating on the reasons behind lack of financial resources for PRIs in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Judicial activism is a necessary tool to guard against \"legislative adventurism and executive excesses\". Critically discuss in the context of the doctrine of separation of powers as provided in the Constitution of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The electoral bond scheme is part of what appears to be a growing trend away from transparency and accountability in electoral funding. Critically analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The significance of the principle of subsidiarity was well reflected in the management of the COVID-19 pandemic. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Social media has ushered in greater transparency and accountability in governance. But accountability through social media is no alternative to institutional accountability. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Although the State has the right incentives and intentions to deliver public services efficiently, its capacity to do so is questionable. Critically discuss in the context of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The problem of hunger in India does not lie in food production but various other underlying issues. Discuss in the wake of decline in India's ranking in the Global Hunger Index, 2021. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Democratization of primary healthcare is indispensable for fulfilling the objectives of equitable and comprehensive care in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"In context of evolving discourse on Indo-Pacific analyse factors driving global shift towards this region. Also, identify India's interest & challenges in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"India's Afghanistan policy must be based on a clear-eyed understanding of important strategic goals in the region amidst current regional & global strategic environment. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2562,"topper":"Diksha Joshi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/11Lbt5MmFMgEq6gyCPDre-Mongg3LcdWa/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) What do you understand by the concept of \"Rule of law\" under Indian constitution? How is it different from that in the UK constitution?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) All constitutions are heirs of the past and testators of the future. How far is this true in case of Indian Constitution?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Discuss the key tension areas in centre state relations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4 What are the parliamentary privileges enshrined in the constitution for protecting the authority and dignity of the house and its members?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 What is the importance of Local Self Governments in a Democracy such as India? Why do you think did the makers of the Constitution not give adequate importance to this subject in the original constitutional document?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) What do you understand by basic structure doctrine? Highlight the elements which constitute the basic structure as decided in various judgements.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"4) Independence of judiciary","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) Rajya Sabha is not as powerful as Lok Sabha, but powerful enough in comparison to state legislative councils. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) What do you understand by 'The doctrine of separation of powers'? Do you think this doctrine is absolutely rigid as per our constitution? Justify.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 \"India has president but not presidential form of government\". Critically evaluate the position of president in Indian constitution.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 Discuss the effectiveness of Representation of People's Acts for the smooth conduct of elections and in creating a meaningful democracy.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 A democracy is just as credible as the strength of the institutions fundamental to its legitimacy. Assess the role of the Central Bureau of the Investigation (CBI) in this context.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) Do you think whether the remnants of various colonial laws have undermined the true meaning of Freedom of speech and expression under Article 19 of Indian Constitution? Justify.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13) Discuss the role of parliamentary committees in ensuring financial accountability of the executive.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) Discuss the various issues in the effective functioning of the anti-defection law. Does the law, while deterring defections, also lead to suppression of healthy intra party debates and dissent?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 How Far do you agree with the view that Election Commission of India (ECI) needs to be granted more rule making power to enable better conduct of elections? Give reasons in support of your answer.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) Critically analyze the role of pressure groups in Indian political process? Do you think that in recent years, they have emerged as an important actor on Indian political landscape?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 Debate on the suitability of the idea of \"one nation, one election\" to Indian polity.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 Explain the contingencies under which the president may promulgate ordinances. Does the use of ordinance making power subvert the democratic process? Argue your case.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Any democracy needs thriving and coherent opposition. How can the role of the opposition be made more effective for the better functioning of the democracy?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20) Discuss the constitutionally enshrined role of Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG). What are the safeguards provided in the constitution for the effective functioning of CAG?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"5 Reports of CAG are utilised by the Public Accounts Committee to scrutinise the expenditure made by the Parliament.\nSafeguards provided to CAG Safeguards provided to CAG :\n1) Manner of appointment\n2) Removal\n3) Expenses charged on the consolidated fund of India","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2563,"topper":"Diksha Joshi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Z1cnZgUxt9h3KnQHZo3asgCoZWfiVjiu/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) Open Government Data (OGD) can be seen as a step towards greater transparency and accountability in India. In this context, discuss the benefits of OGD and the challenges which lie therein.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) An important requisite for ensuring probity in governance is absence of corruption. Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) Enumerate the decisive factors behind moral attitude. Also, discuss any incident from your life wherein you brought about a change in someone's attitude around an important social issue.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) Highlighting the importance of whistle-blowing in an organisation, discuss the systemic factors that determine whether a person would become a whistle-blower.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"3. (a) Transparent governance promises an accountable state but a balance has to be achieved between disclosure requirements and administrative privileges for efficient governance. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) Citizen empowerment is a natural outcome of a Citizen's Charter. Critically evaluate in the Indian context.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"4. (a) Emotional Intelligence is an essential ingredient for successful implementation of pandemic induced emergency response. Comment in the light of COVID-19 pandemic.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"4. (b) Discretionary power by itself is not pure evil but gives much room for misuse. Discuss in the context of administration in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"5. (a) Explain the ethical issues involved in spending government funds for advertisement campaigns and publicity.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"5. (b) Explaining the concept of political neutrality, discuss its significance in administration. Also, highlight how the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules seek to ensure political neutrality in the civil services.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"6. (b) \"Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.\" - Albert Einstein","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"6. (c) \"Virtue lies in our power, and similarly so does vice; because where it is in our power to act, it is also in our power not to act.\" — Aristotle","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"7. Party X has a clear majority in the Lok Sabha. However, because of it falling short of majority in the Rajya Sabha, a large number of its bills are getting stalled in the Upper House. Elections of a key state are around the corner and the party desperately needs to win, for it to secure a majority in the Rajya Sabha. As part of its campaign strategy, the social media head of the party suggests an insidious strategy to make electoral gains. A part of the strategy involves sending out questionnaires online and promoting them using ads. The response filled by people to these online questionnaires will help reveal their key personality traits to the social media team of the party. These behavioral science insights would be important in helping candidates tailor their campaign messages according to the recipient's personality traits. However, because the content of the questionnaire is incendiary and polarizing, the social media team decides to use fake accounts to administer data collection on social media platforms to avoid getting penalised. In addition, the strategy also involves sending out provocative content through online ads and fake news reports. This goes against the spirit of free and fair elections and violates the Election Commission guidelines on multiple levels.\n\nAs one of the key members of the social media team of the party, you have been entrusted with carrying out this campaign successfully.\n(a) What are the key ethical issues involved in this case.\n(b) What is the course of action you would take? Give reasons for your response in a situation like this?","marks":"20","words":"in around 250"},{"page":30,"question":"(a) इस प्रकरण में सम्मिलित प्रमुख नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\n(b) आपके द्वारा की जाने वाली कार्रवाई क्या होगी? इस तरह की स्थिति में अपनी प्रतिक्रिया के कारण बताएं?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"8 You are an IPS officer on your first posting in a very poor and isolated rural area of one of the most backward states of the country. In your office complex, of which you are the incharge, there is a frequent sewage related problem, causing inconvenience to the employees in your office complex and severely affecting the efficiency of the workplace. It might also lead to health disorders and diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea etc. To resolve it, the cleaning workers are made to do manual scavenging work without due regards to their safety. Most of these workers are from marginalised castes and are discriminated against socially. You are aware of the laws banning manual scavenging and the loopholes around it. In this context, answer the following questions:\n(a) What are the issues which you need to address in this situation?\n(b) Present your course of action to deal with the given situation.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":36,"question":"(a) Issues needed to be addressed:","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"9. You have recently been posted as a District Development Officer in a traditionally rural area that has seen rapid economic development in the past few years. You notice that there is a huge disparity between the number of male and female children in the area. When you go to the hospital and check the birth registry, you realise that registered new-born babies are mostly males. On further investigation, you notice a similar pattern in the village primary school, which has more male students than females.\nWhen you raise the issue with your colleagues, they ignore it and carry on with their work. You suspect that the practice of female foeticide may be entrenched in the area as you had read about the issue in the context of this state while studying for the Civil Services Examination. It seems to you that respected members of the community like doctors, politicians and government officials have chosen to ignore the issue, given the prevalence of patriarchy and mind-set of voters in the area. Thus, despite rapid economic development, preference for male child continues to persist.\nBased on the information above, answer the following:\n(a) Do you have any ethical duty in this scenario? Justify your views.\n(b) What would be your next steps and why?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":45,"question":"10. According to some reports, gambling and betting together, while illegal, have evolved into a multi-billion dollar industry in India with one estimate pegging the market at $60 billion. Added to this is the wide reach of cricket as a sport and the periodic cases of betting in it making to news. It has been suggested by some that making gambling and betting legal would resolve many issues and also contribute to the exchequer.\nOn the other hand, there remains a strong opinion against doing so.\n(a) What is your opinion on the matter?\n(b) Also, identify the merits of the arguments in opposition to the stand you have taken.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":50,"question":"11. You work as a marketing consultant for a multinational company that specializes in various products including nutrient supplements, diet pills etc. The company pays its employees extremely well and provides satisfactory fringe benefits. Your manager has hinted that he will recommend you for overseas company transfer, which will improve your job profile. This has motivated you to work harder and perform better. The company has to advertise and sell a new weight loss pill 'X'. As per in-company research, it has minimal or no side effects and has no adverse impacts on health, which is its unique selling point (USP). You are given the responsibility of heading the marketing team for advertising pill 'X'. Due to a well-crafted marketing strategy including endorsement by a renowned celebrity, the product has generated considerable public attention. However, while working on an advertisement campaign for the pill, you find out that the in-company research findings of pill 'X' are fabricated. While it indeed has no side-effects, there are no proven benefits of taking the pill as well. It merely acts as a placebo. When you bring up the issue with your manager, he promptly tells you to keep the facts to yourself. He also indirectly brings up the fact that your performance review date is approaching and hints that you will get transferred overseas if you prove your loyalty to the company. Based on the given information, address the following:\n(a) Identify the stakeholders in this situation.\n(b) State the ethical issues that arise in this case.\n(c) Discuss your options in this scenario and mention your next step.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":51,"question":"दी गई जानकारी के आधार पर, निम्नलिखित प्रश्नों के उत्तर दीजिए:\n(a) इस स्थिति में हितधारकों की पहचान कीजिए।\n(b) इस प्रकरण में उत्पन्न होने वाले नैतिक मुद्दों का उल्लेख कीजिए।\n(c) इस परिदृश्य में अपने विकल्पों की विवेचना कीजिए और अपने अगले कदम का उल्लेख कीजिए।","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":56,"question":"12. There was an incident at a company wherein a fire broke out and led to a number of casualties. During the preliminary inquiry, one of the employees and bystander witnesses, specified that the company had taken all the safety measures and the management was not at fault. During litigation, the same employee was identified as a witness and his deposition was to be taken.\nThe issue is now in the court. You are a Senior Manager of the company and accompanying the said employee to the court for the deposition. On the way the employee tells you that he had lied during the inquiry; and that the truth was worse for the company than he had stated previously.\n(a) Identify the various ethical issues you would face in this situation.\n(b) What would you suggest the employee to do? Give reasons for your suggestions.","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":2564,"topper":"Diksha Joshi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1USUmo9-dz4n3yt72Igzds3ivS3I-fhZ7/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) Do laws need to be consistent with the prevalent moral norms? Discuss with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) \"People's indifference is the best breeding ground for corruption to grow\". Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) In the context of COVID-19 pandemic, discuss the importance of Emotional Intelligence among healthcare workers.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) It is the 'spirit of service' that motivates a public servant to serve the country's interests and address people's issues. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"3. (a) Ethics does its work in the world by granting and withdrawing legitimacy. Discuss in the context of role of ethics in international relations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) Sustainable growth of an organisation can result only by aligning its decisions to the interests of all stakeholders, not merely its shareholders. Do you agree? Justify with logical arguments.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"4. (a) Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri's life exemplifies value-driven public service of the highest order. What are the values one can learn from his life to be a good citizen and a good administrator?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"4. (b) There is a view that the institutional mechanisms to ensure accountability of civil servants have weakened over time. In this context, discuss the need of a social accountability law in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"5. (a) Why has anonymity of civil servants traditionally been seen as an important arrangement? In this context, discuss your opinion on the doctrine of facelessness in civil services.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"5. (b) In the age of social media, influencers have a huge following and have gained prominent marketing roles. In this context, discuss the ethical issues involved in influencer marketing.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"6. What do each of the following quotations mean to you?\n(a) Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or the darkness of destructive selfishness. – Martin Luther King Jr.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"6. (b) Let us sacrifice our today so that our children can have a better tomorrow. – A.P.J. Abdul Kalam","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"6. (c) I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress which women have achieved. – B.R. Ambedkar","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"7. You are a young officer posted as the Sub Divisional Magistrate in a district which houses factories for making match boxes and fire crackers. It is brought to your notice that a large number of children are working in these hazardous activities. The government had previously released a notification that owners of these manufacturing units need to report on the profiles of their employees annually to prevent child labour. These manufacturing units, abiding by the directives of the government, publish such reports annually and claim to have successfully put an end to employment of child labour. However, there are reports that these units are taking advantage of loopholes in the law. They are using contractors to continue to indirectly hire children without them officially being on the payroll of the units. Families of these child labourers are poor and see this as an essential source of income. An influential local politician also owns some of these manufacturing units and is known to put pressure on the officers involved for not taking any action against child labour.\n(a) Identify the stakeholders and ethical issues in this case.\n(b) How would you approach the problem and what would be the main elements of your action?\n(c) What medium to long-term measures will you propose to tackle the problem of child labour in the district?","marks":"20","words":"in around 250"},{"page":34,"question":"8. Many states in India have experimented with prohibition of liquor at various times. However, it is common knowledge that many such states have a thriving illegal liquor industry. Moreover, it is ironical that while many political parties have prohibition prominently mentioned in their manifestos, it is politicians who distribute alcohol among voters during their election campaigns. This also gives rise to illicit liquor trade and many people lose their lives to it.\n(a) What are the socio-economic problems that are widely attributed to alcoholism?\n(b) Do you think prohibiting liquor creates more problems than it proposes to solve?\n(c) Short of prohibition, what can be done to tackle the problem of rising alcoholism, particularly among the youth of the country?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":39,"question":"9. You are posted as a District Magistrate (DM) of a district where residents are facing the menace of stray dogs. Instances of dogs chasing two-wheelers, cyclists and attacking pedestrians are on the rise. Elderly persons as well as children are the worst-hit and recently, an 8 year old girl was severely injured by a pack of dogs. The perceived magnanimity of the problem and inaction from government authorities have prompted vigilante groups to cull dogs in mass numbers. However, local NGOs have come out against such a practice of mass culling and are calling for stringent action against those killing stray dogs.\n(a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\n(b) As the DM, suggest short-term and long-term measures to tackle the above issue.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":44,"question":"10. You are a young officer posted as the Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district. You have received information that at a party some people were harassed by your subordinate police officer. On further inquiry, you came to know that two complaints have been filed - one by the police and the other by people who organised the party. According to the police, people had gathered without permission and were not following COVID-19 appropriate behaviour and social distancing norms. But on the other hand, the complaint filed by the party organisers says that police entered the private venue due to loud noise and harassed everyone at the party including women guests. According to them, your subordinate police officer even tore apart the document, which granted permission to organise the party. A video of this incident, showing your subordinate officer tearing off a document, is being widely circulated on social media platforms. Due to this, social activists want you to take strict action against your subordinate police officer.\n(a) Identify the ethical issues in the case.\n(b) What are the factors that can influence decision by competent authorities in such instances? Do you think mobilising public opinion through social media is a fair way to influence the decision in such cases?\n(c) As the SP, what will be your course of action in this situation?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":49,"question":"11. As India's vaccination drive against the COVID-19 pandemic breaches the 100 crore inoculation mark, some of the most backward tribal districts of the country still remain unvaccinated. You are the new District Magistrate (DM) in one such tribal district. The vaccination drive has been unsuccessful in the district so far despite imminent threats of the virus. It is believed that the tribals of the district refuse to get vaccinated due to their personal beliefs regarding immunization. Further, the community doctor who works in geriatrics and has almost daily contact with members of the district, too has refused to be vaccinated based on his personal beliefs. This has made the people more adamant about their decision to remain unvaccinated. Additionally, rumours of a few deaths post-vaccination have spread in the district. There is also a high risk of rising cases in the nearby districts spilling over to your district. There is a dire need for assuaging the fear of people and extreme pressure on the administration to take action and conduct the vaccination drive smoothly.\n(a) What are the ethical issues in the given case?\n(b) As the DM in charge, what steps will you take to tackle the issues?\n(c) Discuss how persuasion can be used to convince people to voluntarily get vaccinated.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":54,"question":"12. In India, there exists a huge gap between demand for organ transplants and available donors, both living and cadaver. Besides a lack of awareness on organ donation, the rise of non-communicable and lifestyle diseases, such as hypertension and diabetes have led to increased instances of organ failure, in turn putting even more pressure on the demand for vital organs. According to reports, an estimated four lakh people die in India every year waiting for an organ transplant. Other than the legal and administrative issues, there are various ethical issues related to organ donation and transplantation in India. Provide an account of these ethical issues in detail. Also, discuss how the gap between demand and supply of organs in India can be closed.","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":2565,"topper":"Diksha Joshi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zvzTesrlAYzdqii_9sfRhejRgopJX_1e/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) Morality is neither divine commands nor universal principle of thought rather practices developed by groups of human beings striving to avoid mutually harmful conflict and promote mutually beneficial cooperation. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) \"Never do anything against the conscience even if the state demands it.\" In this context, discuss the role of conscience in taking ethical decisions in administration.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) \"While corruption is never good, not all forms of corruption are equally bad for the economy, nor do they cause the same kind of harm.\" Critically analyse the statement in the context of India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) Explain different aspects of the 'right conduct' taught by Mahavira to attain a life full of happiness and content.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"3. (a) Analyze the significance of appointing ethics officers in the light of strengthening corporate governance in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) What is the ethical basis behind the idea of reparations for historical wrongs committed against certain groups?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"4. (a) Gender inequality begins at home and then gets institutionalised at the societal level. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"4. (b) What do you understand by Integrity Pacts? In light of recent events, analyse their utility in ensuring transparency and efficiency in public procurement in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"5. (a) For a public servant to fulfill his ethical obligations, it is important that there be no dichotomy between his personal ethics and public ethics. Analyze.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"5. (b) The moral circle of humanity has been expanding constantly over time. Discuss in this context whether non-human entities should have the same rights as humans beings.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"6. What do each of the following quotations mean to you?\n(a) \"Each individual is capable of transforming his immediate environment by attempting a radical transformation inside him\". – J Krishnamurti","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"6. (b) \"Facts are many, but the truth is one.\" - Rabindranath Tagore","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"6. (c) \"It may be expedient but it is not just that some should have less in order that others may prosper.\" — John Rawls","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"7. You are a single mother and work as a school counsellor for the psychological well-being of primary and secondary school children at a reputed school. Recently, you have found through your interactions that several students have been facing emotional trauma and mental health issues. Realising the gravity of the situation you want to discuss this with the school authorities and the board of trustees and come up with an advanced plan that can help parents get better involved. However, during the meeting, concerns are raised regarding your findings and the lack of supporting evidence is also cited by some. Moreover, senior members who are present express a sense of displeasure at what this might mean for the reputation of the school.\nYou are thoroughly appalled with this approach of the school authorities, yet you are mired down in your own financial circumstances.\nOn the basis of the above situation, answer the following:\n(a) Identify the most relevant stakeholders in the case.\n(b) What are the dilemmas in the case?\n(c) Discuss how stigmatisation of mental health issues can be addressed in schools.","marks":"20","words":"in around 250"},{"page":32,"question":"(c) Ways to address stigmatisation of mental health issues in school","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"8. You are working as a Divisional Forest Officer in an area which is home to tigers. Recently, there have been reports of a tiger venturing into agricultural fields and also killing livestock of villagers. Unfortunately, 2-3 villagers have been killed by some wild animals in last few weeks. Villagers claim that the tiger has killed their fellow villagers and request you to protect their lives and property by either relocating or killing the man-eater tiger. They also obstructed investigation of forest officials to ascertain whether it was the work of tiger or some other animals. Your attempts to trap the tiger have not been successful. Concerned over the delay in killing or relocating the tiger, villagers hire a private hunter to kill the tiger on their own and argue that they have a right to defend themselves and their property. In this context, answer the following questions:\n(a) Identify the issues involved in this scenario.\n(b) What steps would you take as the Divisional Forest Officer to ensure villagers' safety along with protection of tigers?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":39,"question":"9. Though discrimination on racial grounds is generally associated with Western countries, arguably similar notions of colour and racial discrimination are prevalent in India too. Many Indians are found to be obsessed for \"White\" skin tone as visible in matrimonial ads and popularity of whitening creams. They are also found to be more hospitable towards the white-skinned Europeans than the dark-skinned Africans. Even within the country, people can be found to be discriminating fellow countrymen on the basis of their skin tone. People from North-East India face frequent racial abuse and are referred to by various derogatory names. All these point towards racism being practised and accepted in India. Moreover, it is not considered a very serious issue as the anti-discrimination laws in India are not stringent enough to deal with hate crimes associated with racism.\n(a) In this context, discuss the ethical issues associated with the practice and acceptance of racial discrimination in India.\n(b) If you have been tasked to formulate a plan to combat hate crimes associated with racism in India and bring about an attitudinal change, what would be your suggestions?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":44,"question":"10. You are the Superintendent of Police of a city where a large slum has developed in recent decades on the property of Indian Railways. The Indian Railways has prepared a plan for expansion of the city railway station for which they want to get the slums demolished. They have requested the assistance of local police for the same, however, the people residing in those slums have responded angrily to this step and have occupied the railway tracks, resisting any action by the officials. Slum dwellers are asking for a suitable rehabilitation, citing that the city is under the grip of a cold wave as the month of December is in progress. This has not only halted the railway traffic on the route causing immense hardships to railway passengers but also posing risk of violence between slum-dwellers and the police.\nGiven the situation\n(a) Identify various issues involved in the case along with different stakeholders.\n(b) What course of action would you follow to end this situation of confrontation and resume normal functioning of the Railways?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":49,"question":"11. With its highly coveted line of consumer electronics, a multinational company 'A' has a cult following among loyal consumers and makes profits of crores of rupees. Recently, a report by an international non-governmental organisation has highlighted that in some overseas production centres of the company, the working conditions are hazardous for the labour, which include children also. In some centres, the international environmental standards are also flouted. The company's global head has defended their position by saying that they have little control over monitoring and regulating the entire supply chain due to internationalization of the production process. Based on the above information, answer the following:\n(a) Do you think company 'A' should be held responsible for ethical lapses made by individuals further down its supply chain?\n(b) Should customers be expected to take into account the ethical track record of companies while making purchases? Give reasons.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":54,"question":"12. In a recent survey around social and economic indicators, a certain state in the country was found grossly underperforming. The state is marred with the issues of poverty, hunger, social backwardness, lawlessness and underdevelopment. In about seven decades since gaining independence, this state has continued to perform poorly across various indices. In the past, the Chief Minister had set up a fact finding Committee to report on the chief causes of the backwardness of the State. After years of ground research and surveying, it was found that the one of the main causes of the state's backwardness was its huge population that amplified resource scarcity to unimaginable proportions. Taking a clue from the facts presented in the report, the State Cabinet constitutes a panel of policy makers to consider this question of growing population and suggest suitable revisions to the State's Population Policy. The Panel recommends legislating a Population Control Bill that has a contentious provision in the form of 'One Child' norm. You are the Chief of this Panel and the recommendations of the Panel require your approval to be tabled in the Chief Minister's Office. In this context, answer the following questions:\n(a) What are the ethical issues related to population control of a compulsory nature that you would consider before approving or rejecting the recommendation?\n(b) What would be your course of action in the aforementioned case? Suggest reasons for the same.","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":2566,"topper":"Diksha Joshi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/30e8a-545314_1516__diksha-joshi_rank19.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Do laws need to be consistent with the prevalent moral norms? Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"“People's indifference is the best breeding ground for corruption to grow”. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"In the context of COVID-19 pandemic, discuss the importance of Emotional Intelligence among healthcare workers. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"It is the 'spirit of service' that motivates a public servant to serve the country's interests and address people's issues. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Ethics does its work in the world by granting and withdrawing legitimacy. Discuss in the context of role of ethics in international relations. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Sustainable growth of an organisation can result only by aligning its decisions to the interests of all stakeholders, not merely its shareholders. Do you agree? Justify with logical arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri's life exemplifies value-driven public service of the highest order. What are the values one can learn from his life to be a good citizen and a good administrator? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"There is a view that the institutional mechanisms to ensure accountability of civil servants have weakened over time. In this context, discuss the need of a social accountability law in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Why has anonymity of civil servants traditionally been seen as an important arrangement? In this context, discuss your opinion on the doctrine of facelessness in civil services. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In the age of social media, influencers have a huge following and have gained prominent marketing roles. In this context, discuss the ethical issues involved in influencer marketing. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or the darkness of destructive selfishness. - Martin Luther King Jr. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You are a young officer posted as the Sub Divisional Magistrate in a district which houses factories for making match boxes and fire crackers. It is brought to your notice that a large number of children are working in these hazardous activities. The government had previously released a notification that owners of these manufacturing units need to report on the profiles of their employees annually to prevent child labour. These manufacturing units, abiding by the directives of the government, publish such reports annually and claim to have successfully put an end to employment of child labour. However, there are reports that these units are taking advantage of loopholes in the law. They are using contractors to continue to indirectly hire children without them officially being on the payroll of the units. Families of these child labourers are poor and see this as an essential source of income. An influential local politician also owns some of these manufacturing units and is known to put pressure on the officers involved for not taking any action against child labour. (a) Identify the stakeholders and ethical issues in this case. (b) How would you approach the problem and what would be the main elements of your action? (c) What medium to long-term measures will you propose to tackle the problem of child labour in the district?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Many states in India have experimented with prohibition of liquor at various times. However, it is common knowledge that many such states have a thriving illegal liquor industry. Moreover, it is ironical that while many political parties have prohibition prominently mentioned in their manifestos, it is politicians who distribute alcohol among voters during their election campaigns. This also gives rise to illicit liquor trade and many people lose their lives to it. (a) What are the socio-economic problems that are widely attributed to alcoholism? (b) Do you think prohibiting liquor creates more problems than it proposes to solve? (c) Short of prohibition, what can be done to tackle the problem of rising alcoholism, particularly among the youth of the country?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate (DM) of a district where residents are facing the menace of stray dogs. Instances of dogs chasing two-wheelers, cyclists and attacking pedestrians are on the rise. Elderly persons as well as children are the worst-hit and recently, an 8 year old girl was severely injured by a pack of dogs. The perceived magnanimity of the problem and inaction from government authorities have prompted vigilante groups to cull dogs in mass numbers. However, local NGOs have come out against such a practice of mass culling and are calling for stringent action against those killing stray dogs. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (b) As the DM, suggest short-term and long-term measures to tackle the above issue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are a young officer posted as the Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district. You have received information that at a party some people were harassed by your subordinate police officer. On further inquiry, you came to know that two complaints have been filed – one by the police and the other by people who organised the party. According to the police, people had gathered without permission and were not following COVID-19 appropriate behaviour and social distancing norms. But on the other hand, the complaint filed by the party organisers says that police entered the private venue due to loud noise and harassed everyone at the party including women guests. According to them, your subordinate police officer even tore apart the document, which granted permission to organise the party. A video of this incident, showing your subordinate officer tearing off a document, is being widely circulated on social media platforms. Due to this, social activists want you to take strict action against your subordinate police officer. (a) Identify the ethical issues in the case. (b) What are the factors that can influence decision by competent authorities in such instances? Do you think mobilising public opinion through social media is a fair way to influence the decision in such cases? (c) As the SP, what will be your course of action in this situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"As India's vaccination drive against the COVID-19 pandemic breaches the 100 crore inoculation mark, some of the most backward tribal districts of the country still remain unvaccinated. You are the new District Magistrate (DM) in one such tribal district. The vaccination drive has been unsuccessful in the district so far despite imminent threats of the virus. It is believed that the tribals of the district refuse to get vaccinated due to their personal beliefs regarding immunization. Further, the community doctor who works in geriatrics and has almost daily contact with members of the district, too has refused to be vaccinated based on his personal beliefs. This has made the people more adamant about their decision to remain unvaccinated. Additionally, rumours of a few deaths post-vaccination have spread in the district. There is also a high risk of rising cases in the nearby districts spilling over to your district. There is a dire need for assuaging the fear of people and extreme pressure on the administration to take action and conduct the vaccination drive smoothly. (a) What are the ethical issues in the given case? (b) As the DM in charge, what steps will you take to tackle the issues? (c) Discuss how persuasion can be used to convince people to voluntarily get vaccinated.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"In India, there exists a huge gap between demand for organ transplants and available donors, both living and cadaver. Besides a lack of awareness on organ donation, the rise of non-communicable and lifestyle diseases, such as hypertension and diabetes have led to increased instances of organ failure, in turn putting even more pressure on the demand for vital organs. According to reports, an estimated four lakh people die in India every year waiting for an organ transplant. Other than the legal and administrative issues, there are various ethical issues related to organ donation and transplantation in India. Provide an account of these ethical issues in detail. Also, discuss how the gap between demand and supply of organs in India can be closed.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2567,"topper":"Diksha Joshi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a6751-545314_1988_diksha-joshi_rank19.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Morality is neither divine commands nor universal principle of thought rather practices developed by groups of human beings striving to avoid mutually harmful conflict and promote mutually beneficial cooperation. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"\"Never do anything against the conscience even if the state demands it.\" In this context, discuss the role of conscience in taking ethical decisions in administration. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"\"While corruption is never good, not all forms of corruption are equally bad for the economy, nor do they cause the same kind of harm.\" Critically analyse the statement in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Explain different aspects of the 'right conduct' taught by Mahavira to attain a life full of happiness and content. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Analyze the significance of appointing / ethics officers in the light of strengthening corporate governance in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What is the ethical basis behind the idea of reparations for historical wrongs committed against certain groups? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Gender inequality begins at home and then gets institutionalised at the societal level. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What do you understand by Integrity Pacts? In light of recent events, analyse their utility in ensuring transparency and efficiency in public procurement in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":2568,"topper":"Diksha Joshi","air":19,"year":2021,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/cb373-545314_1990_diksha-joshi_rank19.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2569,"topper":"Diksha Rai","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1spfRLbd0Rrf6J89V_tP6jvSTOonED_n2/view","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"If it costs you your peace, it is too expensive.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"In the flood of data, the thirst still remains.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"A star has to burn to give light to others but that's what stars are meant for.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Civilization begins with order, grows with liberty, and dies with chaos.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"A single drop never feels responsible for the flood.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Never does nature say one thing and wisdom another.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Present demonstrates the lessons of history, albeit the hard way.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2570,"topper":"Diksha Rai","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/GSMACT24A1593_TC061.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"If it costs you your peace, it is too expensive.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"In the flood of data, the thirst still remains.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"A star has to burn to give light to others but that's what stars are meant for.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Civilization begins with order, grows with liberty, and dies with chaos.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"A single drop never feels responsible for the flood.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Never does nature say one thing and wisdom another.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Present demonstrates the lessons of history, albeit the hard way.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"Ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in the moments of comfort and convenience but where he stands at times of challenge & controversy","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2571,"topper":"Diksha Rai","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ogDxv4YcEq4SeWjjo4n_pKFGne2aULhN/view","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Highlighting the factors contributing to high fiscal deficit in India, discuss the potential consequences of such deficit and suggest measures to ensure fiscal consolidation. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"India's aspiration to be a developed nation by 2047 hinges on significant capital investment. In light of this, discuss the potential of capital investment in achieving this vision. What are the challenges India faces in this regard? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"\"With growing urbanization, peri-urban agriculture is emerging as a significant contributor to fresh farm produce needs\". In this context, discuss the opportunities and challenges associated with promoting peri-urban agriculture in a sustainable manner. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What are the major challenges faced by India's agriculture sector to achieve self-sufficiency in pulses and vegetable oils? Suggest measures to address these challenges. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Evaluate the potential of biomanufacturing and bio-foundry in driving India's future towards a sustainable green economy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What are the principles behind the working of Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV)? Explain the significance and potential benefits of use of RLVs in India's space commerce. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Examine the key features of the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) 2023. Analyze its potential for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"In light of the increased intensity, frequency and duration of heat waves in the last decade, do you think the time has come to include \"heat waves\" as a notified disaster under the Disaster Management Act, 2005? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Recently formulated 'joint doctrine for cyberspace operations' by Indian armed forces will lead to strengthening of the cyber-security posture for both conventional operations as well as gray zone warfare. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the necessity and potential issues surrounding the extension of the Border Security Force's (BSF) territorial jurisdiction in states adjacent to Pakistan and Bangladesh. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"India's economic growth story is often overshadowed by the persistent challenges of unemployment. Analyze the concept of structural unemployment and discuss its relevance in the context of India's current economic situation. Suggest policy measures to promote inclusive job growth. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Discuss the role of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in fostering regional growth in India. How can MSMEs contribute to achieving industrial diversification and technological advancement? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"\"The sole point of MSP is to protect farmers from sudden price shock\". Do you think legalization of MSP can insure farmers from sudden price shocks? What are the other measures which can be taken to make MSP-led procurement effective? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Discuss the role of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) in the Public Distribution System (PDS) to ensure food security in India. Suggest necessary reforms in the functioning of FCI to enhance its efficiency and effectiveness. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Discuss the role of nanotechnology on enhancing agricultural productivity and food security in India. Highlight recent developments and potential benefits and risks of use of nano-fertilizers and nano-pesticides. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"The Nobel Prize in Physics of 2023 was jointly awarded to Ekimov, Brus and Bawendi for the discovery of synthesis of quantum dots. In this context, discuss the applications of quantum dots. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Evaluate the role of protected areas in biodiversity conservation in India. How effective have national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves been in preserving India's biodiversity? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"What the causes of high levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and ozone pollution in India. How effective are the various steps taken by the government to mitigate particulate matter and ozone pollution? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) Report 2023 highlights a growing menace of drug trafficking in South Asia, with India being a major hub. Analyze the various dimensions of this challenge with respect to India. Also suggest a multi-pronged approach to address it. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"India's response to left wing extremism needs to integrate soft approaches like socio-economic policies and dialogue along with hard security measures to address the root causes of Naxalism. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2572,"topper":"Diksha Rai","air":40,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2024_unchecked_GSMACT24A1593_GSMAC2403.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2573,"topper":"Diksha Rai","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DLYcjnIod0q24ky5eAEfZr6NIZpwP2G3/view","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"A. \"It is wrong to assume that ethical decisions are, can or should be purely rational and principled. Human feelings are an inseparable part of our ethical life.\" In what way do feelings impact our ethical decisions? Illustrate with examples. (150 words, 10 marks) B. What do you understand by ethics management? Can public officials manage ethics in the work place in a manner similar to managing budgets, policies and people? Do you think adopting codes of ethics and conduct is sufficient enough for managing ethics in the workplace or something more is needed? Discuss. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"A. While traditional ethics has focussed on notions of justice, fair allocation and obligations, ethics of care emphasise maintaining connectedness and promoting care. Which of the above two ethical perspectives is more suitable for guiding ethical decision making in the context of public services. Explain your position with suitable examples. (150 words, 10 marks) B. What does the term \"quality\" mean in service delivery. What are the components of service quality and indicate ways and means for ensuring total quality in terms of efficiency, economy and effectiveness? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"A. In the context of public service, what does public service attitude mean? Discuss the attitude biases that affects a public servants on field decision making? Explain how a public servant can overcome such attitude biases? (150 words, 10 marks) B. \"I am a Moslem; I am a Hindu; I am a Christian; I am a Jew.\" Mahatma Gandhi. What did Mahatma Gandhi mean by the above statement? Some philosophers have argued that religion is harmful to the moral life, whereas others have claimed that it is necessary to it. Explain your position on the relationship between religion and morality. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"A. \"There is only one responsibility of business, namely to use its resources and engage in activities designed to increase profits.\" Do you think corporations, by indulging in social responsibilities, are compromising their core resource utilisation and production responsibility by diverting resources into unproductive social endeavours? (150 words, 10 marks) B. Do you think values such as \"tyaga,\" (renunciation) \"seva,\" (service) \"daanam,\" (Charity) \"damah,\" (self-control) that are espoused in traditional Indian Wisdom have relevance for modern day public servants? Why? Why not? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"A. Explain the difference between conflict among interests and conflict among various sources of authority. Illustrate with relevant examples. (150 words, 10 marks) B. The domain of governance is ridden with uncertainties, ambiguities and paradoxes and this can at times lead to timidity and withdrawal among public administrators. Discuss the relevance of inner courage for overcoming and coping with ambiguities. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"What are the ethical issues and dilemmas that confronts you in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Discuss the available options along with its merits and demerits.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"What will be your chosen course of action? Why (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"What are the administrative and ethical issues involved in the above situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Discuss the merits and demerits of each option and explain your chosen course of action along with reasons. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"What are the issues involved in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Is it ethically justified to be devoted to duty at the cost of the personal safety of the staff? Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"How will you go about doing your election duties without compromising the safety of your staff? Explain. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Do you think the above case involves a conflict of interest or there are more issues? Explain","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Keeping the above case in perspective, discuss the relevance of impartiality and non-partisanship as professional value.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Discuss the administrative and ethical issues involved in the above case.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Do you think it was morally right on your part to write to the minister? Justify","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"How will you respond to the action initiated against you? Discuss the available options and justify your selected course of action. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"Identify and explain your chosen course of action after evaluating the merits and demerits of each option. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":2574,"topper":"Diksha Rai","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bKBLpn3utf2uWqVVwb2tzP7bR9UvWK_6/view","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Besides being public servants, they are also citizens and have personal lives. At times, there is an inherent tension among the roles. How can a public servant effectively navigate the intrinsic tension between personal interests and official duties and between private inclinations and public obligations? Explain (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"\"Ideas are the cornerstone of a strong public service framework globally.\" In the context of this statement, discuss the ideas of a philosopher whose ideas you believe are most pertinent to the civil services in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"\"The challenge of power lies in its responsible application rather than its irresponsible and indulgent use - specifically, how to motivate those in power to serve the public rather than exploit it.\" Analyse the relationship between power and public service. Do you believe that the concept of power conflicts with the ideal of service, or do they complement each other? Substantiate your viewpoint. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Human values emphasise the humane aspects of public servants, whereas public service values focus on the transparency and effectiveness of service delivery. Do you think these value systems conflict with or complement each other? Justify your perspective with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"When good individuals in any society become complacent and cease their vigilance and struggle, malevolent forces prevail.\" Discuss the role and significance of civil society in curbing corruption and official misconduct. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Do you agree with feminist ethicists that women are “more emotional” and prioritise relationships over rules, reflecting different yet equally valuable ethical perspectives? Justify your viewpoints with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Ideally, ethics and law should be harmonious in the context of administration, yet conflicts between them can arise. How should an administrator handle conflicts between legal directives and ethical considerations, particularly when directives are illegal and laws are unjust? Discuss (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Critically evaluate the role of family and educational institutions in shaping ethical values among civil servants. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"How can civil servants cultivate a positive attitude towards the weaker sections of society? Suggest some implementable and practical steps. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Business ethicists believe that external and internal regulations are insufficient for curtailing or preventing corporate malpractices; they strongly advocate the presence of whistleblowing mechanisms as a check against corporate misgovernance. Do you think corporate governance is incomplete without whistleblowing? Why/Why not? Explain (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the relevance of the following quotes to the present times. (a) \"Moral actions belong to the jurisdiction of the outward and inward court, both civil and domestic governor; I mean both the magistrate and conscience.\" Locke (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"The maintenance team had not adequately serviced the bus's braking system. These findings highlighted severe lapses in both the human and mechanical aspects of the transport system. Upon concluding the inquiry, you realized the complexity of the situation. There were numerous uncertainties and ambiguities, preventing a straightforward assignment of responsibility or a definitive conclusion. The accident might have been averted if the maintenance team had performed their duties diligently. Similarly, if the bus driver had not been intoxicated, he might have been able to prevent the bus from falling into the ravine. As the Head of Safety, your report's findings will have significant consequences. First, if the driver is found culpable for his intoxication, his family may lose a substantial amount of post-mortem benefits because he was under the influence of alcohol while on duty. Second, if you conceal the driver's intoxication and blame only the poor maintenance, the maintenance crew will be fired. In this situation, rigorous introspection was necessary before finalizing the report. (a) Identify the ethical issues and dilemmas inherent in the above case. (b) What are the options available to you in the above case? (c) Do you think it is more ethical to focus on the personal responsibility of the intoxicated driver or on the broader systemic issue of maintenance failures? Justify your answer with relevant ethical principles. (250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"As the Head of Safety, the conclusions of your report carry significant consequences. Firstly, if the driver is deemed culpable due to his intoxication, his family may lose a substantial amount of post-death benefits because he was under the influence while on duty. Secondly, if you conceal the driver's intoxication and attribute the incident solely to poor maintenance, the maintenance crew would face job termination. This situation required extensive introspection before finalizing the report. (a) Identify the ethical issues and dilemmas in the above case. (b) What are the options available to you in the above case? (c) What do you think is more ethical to focus on the personal responsibility of the driver, who was intoxicated, or on the broader systemic issue of maintenance failures? Justify your answer with relevant ethical theories. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"As an officer in the Right to Information (RTI) division of the Defence Ministry, your primary responsibility is to respond to RTI queries by furnishing relevant details. Most of these RTI applications pertain to tender information and procurement contracts. However, occasionally, applications concerning sensitive matters arise, requiring you to seek legal advice and obtain approval from your senior before responding. Recently, an RTI application was received that involved sensitive departmental initiatives. Following protocol, you sought legal advice, and the legal officer cleared the response. However, your senior did not approve the reply and instructed you to be opaque in your response. Respecting the chain of command, you adhered to the senior's directive and provided a vague and non-informative reply. Undeterred by the initial response, the applicant resubmitted the application, demonstrating persistence. Once again, you followed the senior's instructions and kept the response deliberately vague. This cycle continued, with the applicant becoming increasingly relentless. One day, the entire email trail related to this RTI case got leaked and found its way to the media. It was revealed that the persistent applicant was an RTI activist, dedicated to ensuring transparency and accountability within government departments. The media coverage brought significant public attention and scrutiny to the Defence Ministry's handling of RTI requests, particularly those concerning sensitive information. In the aftermath of the media exposure, your senior officer instructed you to take responsibility for the opaque responses. You were left questioning your actions and decisions, pondering where you might have gone wrong. (a) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you in the above case? (c) Considering the persistent nature of the RTI activist and the public's right to information, how should you navigate the tension between national security concerns and the principles of transparency and accountability? Explain (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"What are the ethical issues and dilemmas in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you in the above case? (c) Considering the persistent nature of the RTI activist and the public's right to information, how should you navigate the tension between national security concerns and the principles of transparency and accountability? Explain (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"As a dedicated Block Development Officer (BDO), you are highly respected by your staff and appreciated by your superiors for your constructive work. The state government has selected several villages within your jurisdiction to pilot a women's self-employment scheme utilising Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The project is to be implemented by a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), and you have been instructed to provide logistical and other necessary support. The NGO staff commenced their work by meeting and identifying young women who appeared to be suitable candidates for training and skill development. Following identification, these young women were provided with a starter kit, which included a broadband dongle, a 10-inch tablet, and some reading material. The training began in earnest, and the selected young women exhibited great enthusiasm and eagerness to learn. Initially, the project showed promising signs of success. However, one day, village elders approached you with a request to halt the pilot scheme. They expressed concerns that the devices and online learning were corrupting the young women. They believed that the girls were merely watching videos on the tablets instead of learning. The elders suggested that vocational skills training, such as stitching or cooking, would be more beneficial than digital skills. After listening to their concerns, you assured them that you would investigate the matter. Upon inquiring with the NGO staff, they clarified that the videos being viewed were educational, and they were monitoring the trainees' browsing behaviour through backend systems to ensure appropriate usage. The NGO staff also pointed out that some village men felt excluded from the process and were attempting to dissuade the women from participating in the training sessions. As a BDO, you recognize the scheme's importance and potential benefits for the women in the villages. However, you are also aware that if the men's underlying mindset issues are not addressed promptly, the entire skill development effort could be undermined. As a committed public servant, you were determined to take some preventive action as you noticed tensions brewing among the men. (a) What the issues that you notice in the above case? (b) What are actionable options available to you? (c) Considering the feedback from the NGO staff about village men feeling left out and attempting to dissuade women from attending training sessions, what strategies would you implement to ensure their inclusion and support for the program? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What the issues that you notice in the above case? (b) What are actionable options available to you? (c) Considering the feedback from the NGO staff about village men feeling left out and attempting to dissuade women from attending training sessions, what strategies would you implement to ensure their inclusion and support for the program?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Mr. Rajesh Kumar, a senior IAS officer, is posted as Principal Secretary of the Department of Urban Development. Mr. Kumar oversees a major infrastructure project to transform a densely populated urban slum into a modern residential area with improved amenities. Mr. Kumar's \"Urban Renewal Initiative\" project involves a multi-phase plan. The first phase focuses on relocating residents to temporary housing while construction begins on new apartment complexes. The project also includes the installation of modern sewage systems, clean drinking water facilities, community healthcare centres, and schools. The overarching goal is to uplift the socio-economic conditions of the slum dwellers, offering them a path to better opportunities and living standards. However, the project faces stiff opposition from a local political leader, Mr. Sharma, who has considerable influence in the area. Mr. Sharma argues that the redevelopment will displace many residents and disrupt their lives. While these concerns are valid, it is also evident that Mr. Sharma's opposition is motivated by his vested interest in maintaining control over the vote bank in the slum. His opposition to the project stems from a fear of losing this power if the residents' living conditions improve and they become less reliant on his patronage. In a private meeting, Mr. Sharma proposes a deal to Mr. Kumar. If the government awards construction contracts to firms controlled by Mr. Sharma's associates and family members, he will withdraw his opposition and support the project. This deal would expedite the project, ensuring the residents receive the promised benefits immediately. However, agreeing to Mr. Sharma's terms would mean compromising on the ethical principles of transparency and fairness in public procurement. Mr. Kumar was in a moral bind. Agreeing to Mr. Sharma's terms would mean engaging in corrupt practices, and rejecting the deal could delay or even derail the project, depriving the slum residents of much-needed improvements to their living conditions. (a) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas in the above case? (b) Considering the utilitarian perspective, do you think Mr. Kumar should have accepted Mr. Sharma's proposal to expedite the project for the greater good of the slum residents? Why or why not? (c) In the context of virtue ethics, discuss the importance of moral character and integrity for a senior civil servant like Mr. Kumar. How should these virtues guide his actions in resolving the dilemma? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Ms. Ananya Rao serves as a District Collector in Maharashtra. The district is embarking on an ambitious infrastructure project, the Rural Connectivity Project, designed to improve road connectivity between remote villages and main towns. This project promises significant benefits, including easier access to markets, healthcare, and education for the rural population. The project, however, is mired in controversy. Environmentalists argue that the construction will cause irreparable damage to local forests and wildlife habitats. Local farming communities are concerned about losing agricultural land due to road expansion. There are also allegations of inadequate compensation and resettlement plans for affected families. As the project progresses, various departments, including the Environment, Agriculture, and Public Works Department (PWD), are involved in the decision-making process. Each department has specific responsibilities. The Environment Department is tasked with assessing environmental impact, the Agriculture Department is responsible for ensuring farmers' rights, and the PWD is responsible for executing construction. Ms. Rao, in her capacity, oversees the coordination among these departments. However, the project faces delays and mounting public criticism due to conflicting priorities and lack of accountability. Environmental assessments are incomplete, farmers' concerns remain unaddressed, and construction deadlines are missed. In a critical meeting, the state Chief Secretary, Mr. Vikram Patel, emphasized the urgency of advancing the project and held Ms. Rao accountable for the delays, lack of progress, and overall non-performance. Ms. Rao left the meeting disappointed and felt holding her accountable for delay was unfair as there were others also involved in the project. (a) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas involved in the above case? (b) What are the options available to Ms. Rao? (c) What course of action would you suggest for Ms. Rao? Why? (d) Do you think holding Ms. Rao accountable for the delays was justified? Why/Why not? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"Despite his behaviour, Mr. Gupta is recognized for his exceptional work performance. He has been instrumental in implementing several successful health initiatives, significantly improving healthcare delivery in districts. His expertise and dedication have made him an indispensable asset to the department, complicating the decision to address the complaints against him. Ms. Sharma had a tough decision to make. She knew she had to be strict, but she was also worried about the workflow disruption that action against Mr. Gupta could cause. (a) What are the issues and dilemmas that confront Ms. Sharma? (b) What ethical principles should guide Ms. Sharma in addressing the harassment and bullying complaints in her department? (c) What long-term strategies should be implemented to prevent harassment and bullying in government departments? How can these strategies promote a culture of respect and inclusivity? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":2575,"topper":"Diksha Rai","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qR3qbfj2Bp-2Cxc5DKl9Rj5hW6VaDcY4/view","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Explain the relationship between Public Service Values and Public Administration Ethics. Do you think public service values are only eloquent statements for glorifying the Department's mission, or do they have any utility for public servants? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"How does the conscientious public servant sort through competing considerations and determine \"the right thing to do?\" When it comes to serving the public, how does one put one's values into practice? Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"What do you understand by good governance in public administration and corporations? How do they differ? Identify and explain three principles that can act as a foundation for good governance in a corporate setting. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"One hallmark of good governance is government departments' adherence to strict ethical standards when procuring goods and services for public programmes. Identify and explain the ethical principles that must be respected to maintain the integrity of the procurement process. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How should public servants ethically balance stakeholder interests, official obligations, and regime values when making administrative decisions, and which of these should be given the most moral weight? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Recent researchers have argued that the government's health and social-based interventions are significantly less effective without the emotional skills of self-awareness and empathy. Do you agree? Justify your answer with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss with relevant examples how civil servants' political and moral attitudes impact their work ethics and daily administrative decision-making. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"The motive has nothing to do with the morality of the action.\" In light of the above statement, do you think motive is irrelevant in determining the morality of an action? Explain your position with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Explain the contemporary relevance of Jain Tirthankaras' vow-based moral philosophy. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What ethical dilemmas arise from the use of economic sanctions in international relations, and how can policymakers balance these concerns with the need to punish illegal behaviours and compel political change? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"\"The golden rule of conduct is mutual toleration, seeing that we will never all think alike and we shall always see Truth in fragment and form different angles of vision. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks\"","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"You recently took over as CEO of Beta Technologies, a renowned IT services and consulting firm in India established in 1990. Over the past three decades, the company has grown into a global player with clients in North America, Europe, and Asia. Known for cutting-edge solutions and strong client relationships, Beta Technologies has been a market leader in the IT sector. It has been three weeks since you took over, and one day, the company's legal head came to you with a report that they had discovered discrepancies in the company's financial statement. For five years, the company's financial Officer (CFO), Mr. Rahul Mehta, has manipulated its earnings reports. By inflating revenues and understating expenses, he has created a false image of financial health to boost stock prices and secure more investment. Further, it was found that Mr. Mehta has significant personal investments in some of the company's vendors. These vendors were awarded lucrative contracts, often at inflated prices and with favourable terms detrimental to the company. Mr Mehta's actions have compromised the procurement process and led to financial losses for the company. As CEO, you were confronted with a critical decision. You also had to contend with financial irregularities and a skewed procurement process. As a new CEO: (a) What decision options are available to you? (b) What are the issues involved in the above case? (c) What will be your chosen course of action and Why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"As a District Development Officer (DDO) in a district known for its arid conditions, the past year has been particularly challenging. With rains failing to arrive, the region faced an acute water shortage, leading to a severe agricultural downturn and reported starvation deaths. One of my critical responsibilities includes supervising the mid-day meal scheme, ensuring that it runs smoothly and reaches the intended beneficiaries – schoolchildren. Amidst the ongoing crisis, I observed an anomaly in the mid-day meal scheme in three specific blocks. The consumption of food grains was significantly higher than the number of students enrolled. This discrepancy had been persistent for about a month, prompting me to initiate a thorough inquiry to uncover the reasons behind the unusual pattern. The investigation revealed a surprising yet heart-wrenching reality. The village schools in these blocks were using the extra food grains to feed starving families in the community. This unauthorised action, while driven by compassion, was officially a punishable offence. The schools were diverting resources intended exclusively for students to provide relief to those suffering from acute hunger. As the situation unravelled, you found yourself in a moral quandary. On one hand, as the DDO, I was bound by regulations that required me to ensure the proper use of government resources. Despite its noble intent, the unauthorised diversion of food grains was a breach of protocol that necessitated disciplinary action, including the suspension of the school officials involved. On the other hand, these school officials' actions were driven by a deep sense of humanity and compassion. They chose to prioritise the immediate needs of their community, recognising the dire circumstances and the urgent need to prevent further starvation deaths. Punishing them for their humane response to the crisis seemed not only harsh but also contrary to the spirit of public service. (a) What are the ethical issues in the above case? (b) As a DDO, what are the options available to you? (c) Explain your chosen course of action, along with your reasons. (d) Given the above case, what would be the best ethical theory for handling human distress situations? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"As the situation unravelled, you found yourself in a moral quandary. On one hand, as the DDO, I was bound by regulations that required me to ensure the proper use of government resources. Despite its noble intent, the unauthorised diversion of food grains was a breach of protocol that necessitated disciplinary action, including the suspension of the school officials involved. On the other hand, these school officials' actions were driven by a deep sense of humanity and compassion. They chose to prioritise the immediate needs of their community, recognising the dire circumstances and the urgent need to prevent further starvation deaths. Punishing them for their humane response to the crisis seemed not only harsh but also contrary to the spirit of public service. (a) What are the ethical issues in the above case? (b) As a DDO, what are the options available to you? (c) Explain your chosen course of action, along with your reasons. (d) Given the above case, what would be the best ethical theory for handling human distress situations? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"As the Superintendent of Police (SP) in a peaceful district, I was accustomed to handling minor crimes such as petty thefts, property encroachments, and small fights. The crime rate was low, and the people generally kept to their business, making it a relatively easy workplace. However, over the past month, my office began receiving a different kind of grievance that indicated a more complex issue brewing in the community. A significant number of complaints were received from villagers who reported losing money from their bank accounts without their knowledge. These grievances were alarming, especially since they came from a demographic that was largely illiterate and unfamiliar with modern banking practices. The villagers were confused and distraught, not understanding how their hard-earned money was disappearing. Upon conducting a preliminary enquiry, we discovered that the money was not exactly being stolen but was being deducted as insurance premiums for policies under the State Government's Bima Yojna. The villagers were unaware that they had even signed up for such policies, raising suspicions about the legitimacy of these transactions. A deeper investigation revealed that agents from government banks were aggressively pushing the Bima Yojna. These agents had been instructed to meet government targets for the scheme, leading them to add beneficiaries without proper consent. Most of the villagers were illiterate and had no understanding of the insurance policies they were enrolled in. The deductions were legal, but the methods used to obtain the villagers' consent were highly questionable. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you as an SP? (c) Explain your chosen course of action. (d) If you have to recommend a better way of promoting the bima yojna, what would that be? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"You were wondering about the course of action, as the deductions were legal, and the agents were technically following instructions. But, in the process, they were exploiting the poor villagers. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you as an SP? (c) Explain your chosen course of action. (d) If you have to recommend a better way of promoting the bima yojna, what would that be? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"As a junior engineer in the Department of Water Supply for the past five years, my responsibilities included ensuring water quality and maintaining supply lines for regular distribution. The zone I was posted in had persistent water shortage issues, particularly exacerbated during the summer when the supply became erratic. Residents had to rely heavily on water tankers, which added to their financial burden and inconvenience. Over the years, I observed that the disruptions in water supply were not merely due to technical issues or natural scarcity. Through careful monitoring and data collection, I uncovered evidence suggesting that a cartel of tanker owners was deliberately creating an artificial shortage. This cartel would tamper with the water supply lines, causing disruptions, and then capitalise on the situation by selling water at inflated prices. The activities of this cartel were not only illegal but also highly unethical, exploiting the residents' basic need for water. With substantial evidence in hand, I decided to take action against the cartel. I met with the district Superintendent of Police (SP) and presented my findings. The SP appeared concerned and promised to initiate action against the culprits. However, two weeks passed without any noticeable action being taken. Frustrated and determined, I scheduled another meeting with the SP to understand the delay. During our meeting, the SP candidly explained the situation. He acknowledged the problem and the validity of my evidence but expressed his inability to act due to the cartel's strong political connections and influence. He feared for the safety of his men and the potential repercussions on his career if he went against such powerful interests. This revelation left me in a difficult position, as I understood the SP's predicament but also felt a deep responsibility to address the issue for the sake of the community. (a) What are the options available to you in the above situation? (b) What will be your chosen course of action? (c) Identify the ethical issues involved in the case (d) Suggest some measures for handling cartels who prey on people's needs. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"AquaTech is a government defence contracting firm specialising in manufacturing robotic systems for police and military use. It is known for producing bomb-defusing robots and working on other classified projects. One critical project involved developing a robot capable of sweeping minefields and detecting hidden explosives. The project had a stringent seven-month deadline to produce a working prototype for a demonstration to top defence ministry officials. The project encountered delays due to staff shortages and other unforeseen issues, resulting in a two-week lag. As the deadline loomed, the project leader pressured the team to work extended hours with minimal rest. Despite these challenges, the team managed to complete the prototype on time for the demonstration. During the demonstration, the robot was deployed in an active minefield to detect mines and mark them with a spray. Initially, the robot performed as expected, identifying mines. However, instead of marking the sites, it triggered explosions, causing fatal injuries to the operating engineer. The demonstration was immediately halted, and an inquiry was launched. The investigation revealed that a software flaw caused the malfunction, leading to the tragic accident. The software development team argued that the operator issued mixed commands, which contributed to the malfunction. Overall, each team kept deflecting responsibility, but somebody or a team had to be made accountable for the fatal errors. (a) If you are the ethics officer of AquaTech enquiring, who will you hold responsible for the fatality? Why? (b) Discuss some common ethical issues that arise while using artificial intelligence. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":56,"question":"What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) With a limited budget at your disposal, you decide to allocate funds to tackle witchcraft-related superstitions. How would you justify your decision to the community and stakeholders? (c) Given that witchcraft-related crimes were not initially reported by the BDOs, how would you address this lack of communication and ensure better reporting and transparency moving forward? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":2576,"topper":"Diksha Rai","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2024_unchecked_GSMACT24A1593_GSMAC2408.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Besides being public servants, they are also citizens and have personal lives. At times, there is an inherent tension among the roles. How can a public servant effectively navigate the intrinsic tension between personal interests and official duties and between private inclinations and public obligations? Explain (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"\"Ideas are the cornerstone of a strong public service framework globally.\" In the context of this statement, discuss the ideas of a philosopher whose ideas you believe are most pertinent to the civil services in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"\"The challenge of power lies in its responsible application rather than its irresponsible and indulgent use - specifically, how to motivate those in power to serve the public rather than exploit it.\" Analyse the relationship between power and public service. Do you believe that the concept of power conflicts with the ideal of service, or do they complement each other? Substantiate your viewpoint. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Human values emphasise the humane aspects of public servants, whereas public service values focus on the transparency and effectiveness of service delivery. Do you think these value systems conflict with or complement each other? Justify your perspective with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"When good individuals in any society become complacent and cease their vigilance and struggle, malevolent forces prevail.\" Discuss the role and significance of civil society in curbing corruption and official misconduct. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Do you agree with feminist ethicists that women are \"more emotional\" and prioritise relationships over rules, reflecting different yet equally valuable ethical perspectives? Justify your viewpoints with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Ideally, ethics and law should be harmonious in the context of administration, yet conflicts between them can arise. How should an administrator handle conflicts between legal directives and ethical considerations, particularly when directives are illegal and laws are unjust? Discuss (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Critically evaluate the role of family and educational institutions in shaping ethical values among civil servants. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"How can civil servants cultivate a positive attitude towards the weaker sections of society? Suggest some implementable and practical steps. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Business ethicists believe that external and internal regulations are insufficient for curtailing or preventing corporate malpractices; they strongly advocate the presence of whistleblowing mechanisms as a check against corporate misgovernance. Do you think corporate governance is incomplete without whistleblowing? Why/Why not? Explain (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the relevance of the following quotes to the present times. (a) \"Moral actions belong to the jurisdiction of the outward and inward court, both civil and domestic governor; I mean both the magistrate and conscience.\" Locke (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"The maintenance team had not adequately serviced the bus's braking system. These findings highlighted severe lapses in both the human and mechanical aspects of the transport system. Upon concluding the inquiry, you realized the complexity of the situation. There were numerous uncertainties and ambiguities, preventing a straightforward assignment of responsibility or a definitive conclusion. The accident might have been averted if the maintenance team had performed their duties diligently. Similarly, if the bus driver had not been intoxicated, he might have been able to prevent the bus from falling into the ravine. As the Head of Safety, your report's findings will have significant consequences. Firstly, if the driver is held culpable for his intoxication, his family may lose a substantial amount of post-death benefits because he was under the influence while on duty. Secondly, if you conceal the driver's intoxication and hold only the poor maintenance responsible, the maintenance team will be fired. This situation required deep introspection before finalizing the report. (a) Identify the ethical issues and dilemmas involved in the above case. (b) What are the options available to you in the above case? (c) Do you think it is more ethical to focus on the individual responsibility of the intoxicated driver or the broader systemic issue of maintenance failures? Justify your answer with relevant ethical principles. (250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"As the Head of Safety, the conclusions of your report carry significant consequences. Firstly, if the driver is deemed culpable due to his intoxication, his family may lose a substantial amount of post-death benefits because he was under the influence while on duty. Secondly, if you conceal the driver's intoxication and attribute the incident solely to poor maintenance, the maintenance crew would face job termination. This situation required extensive introspection before finalizing the report. (a) Identify the ethical issues and dilemmas in the above case. (b) What are the options available to you in the above case? (c) What do you think is more ethical to focus on the personal responsibility of the driver, who was intoxicated, or on the broader systemic issue of maintenance failures? Justify your answer with relevant ethical theories. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"What are the ethical issues and dilemmas in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you in the above case? (c) Considering the persistent nature of the RTI activist and the public's right to information, how should you navigate the tension between national security concerns and the principles of transparency and accountability? Explain (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"As a dedicated Block Development Officer (BDO), you are highly respected by your staff and appreciated by your superiors for your constructive work. The state government has selected several villages within your jurisdiction to pilot a women's self-employment scheme utilising Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The project is to be implemented by a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), and you have been instructed to provide logistical and other necessary support. The NGO staff commenced their work by meeting and identifying young women who appeared to be suitable candidates for training and skill development. Following identification, these young women were provided with a starter kit, which included a broadband dongle, a 10-inch tablet, and some reading material. The training began in earnest, and the selected young women exhibited great enthusiasm and eagerness to learn. Initially, the project showed promising signs of success. However, one day, village elders approached you with a request to halt the pilot scheme. They expressed concerns that the devices and online learning were corrupting the young women. They believed that the girls were merely watching videos on the tablets instead of learning. The elders suggested that vocational skills training, such as stitching or cooking, would be more beneficial than digital skills. After listening to their concerns, you assured them that you would investigate the matter. Upon inquiring with the NGO staff, they clarified that the videos being viewed were educational, and they were monitoring the trainees' browsing behaviour through backend systems to ensure appropriate usage. The NGO staff also pointed out that some village men felt excluded from the process and were attempting to dissuade the women from participating in the training sessions. As a BDO, you recognize the scheme's importance and potential benefits for the women in the villages. However, you are also aware that if the men's underlying mindset issues are not addressed promptly, the entire skill development effort could be undermined. As a committed public servant, you were determined to take some preventive action as you noticed tensions brewing among the men. (a) What the issues that you notice in the above case? (b) What are actionable options available to you? (c) Considering the feedback from the NGO staff about village men feeling left out and attempting to dissuade women from attending training sessions, what strategies would you implement to ensure their inclusion and support for the program? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Mr. Rajesh Kumar, a senior IAS officer, is posted as Principal Secretary of the Department of Urban Development. Mr. Kumar oversees a major infrastructure project to transform a densely populated urban slum into a modern residential area with improved amenities. Mr. Kumar's \"Urban Renewal Initiative\" project involves a multi-phase plan. The first phase focuses on relocating residents to temporary housing while construction begins on new apartment complexes. The project also includes the installation of modern sewage systems, clean drinking water facilities, community healthcare centres, and schools. The overarching goal is to uplift the socio-economic conditions of the slum dwellers, offering them a path to better opportunities and living standards. However, the project faces stiff opposition from a local political leader, Mr. Sharma, who has considerable influence in the area. Mr. Sharma argues that the redevelopment will displace many residents and disrupt their lives. While these concerns are valid, it is also evident that Mr. Sharma's opposition is motivated by his vested interest in maintaining control over the vote bank in the slum. His opposition to the project stems from a fear of losing this power if the residents' living conditions improve and they become less reliant on his patronage. In a private meeting, Mr. Sharma proposes a deal to Mr. Kumar. If the government awards construction contracts to firms controlled by Mr. Sharma's associates and family members, he will withdraw his opposition and support the project. This deal would expedite the project, ensuring the residents receive the promised benefits immediately. However, agreeing to Mr. Sharma's terms would mean compromising on the ethical principles of transparency and fairness in public procurement. Mr. Kumar was in a moral bind. Agreeing to Mr. Sharma's terms would mean engaging in corrupt practices, and rejecting the deal could delay or even derail the project, depriving the slum residents of much-needed improvements to their living conditions. (a) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas in the above case? (b) Considering the utilitarian perspective, do you think Mr. Kumar should have accepted Mr. Sharma's proposal to expedite the project for the greater good of the slum residents? Why or why not? (c) In the context of virtue ethics, discuss the importance of moral character and integrity for a senior civil servant like Mr. Kumar. How should these virtues guide his actions in resolving the dilemma? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Ms. Ananya Rao serves as a District Collector in Maharashtra. The district is embarking on an ambitious infrastructure project, the Rural Connectivity Project, designed to improve road connectivity between remote villages and main towns. This project promises significant benefits, including easier access to markets, healthcare, and education for the rural population. The project, however, is mired in controversy. Environmentalists argue that the construction will cause irreparable damage to local forests and wildlife habitats. Local farming communities are concerned about losing agricultural land due to road expansion. There are also allegations of inadequate compensation and resettlement plans for affected families. As the project progresses, various departments, including the Environment, Agriculture, and Public Works Department (PWD), are involved in the decision-making process. Each department has specific responsibilities. The Environment Department is tasked with assessing environmental impact, the Agriculture Department is responsible for ensuring farmers' rights, and the PWD is responsible for executing construction. Ms. Rao, in her capacity, oversees the coordination among these departments. However, the project faces delays and mounting public criticism due to conflicting priorities and lack of accountability. Environmental assessments are incomplete, farmers' concerns remain unaddressed, and construction deadlines are missed. In a critical meeting, the state Chief Secretary, Mr. Vikram Patel, emphasized the urgency of advancing the project and held Ms. Rao accountable for the delays, lack of progress, and overall non-performance. Ms. Rao left the meeting disappointed and felt holding her accountable for delay was unfair as there were others also involved in the project. (a) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas involved in the above case? (b) What are the options available to Ms. Rao? (c) What course of action would you suggest for Ms. Rao? Why? (d) Do you think holding Ms. Rao accountable for the delays was justified? Why/Why not? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":56,"question":"Ms. Sharma is the Director of the Department of Health and Family Welfare in a large Indian state. The department is responsible for implementing health policies, managing public health facilities, and managers, and frontline health workers. Over the past few months, Ms. Sharma has received multiple complaints about Mr. Arvind Gupta, a senior official known for his authoritative management style. Mr. Gupta is a performance-driven officer who sometimes publicly berates subordinates and intimidates staff to get work done. One such complaint came from Ms. Anita Verma, a mid-level manager who reported that Mr. Gupta publicly berated her during a departmental meeting, calling her \"incompetent\" and \"useless\" in front of her peers. Ms. Verma stated that this incident severely impacted her mental health and work performance, causing her considerable distress. Other employees shared similar experiences. Mr. Ravi Kumar, a junior officer, recounted an instance where Mr. Gupta threatened to terminate his employment if he failed to complete an unrealistic workload within a tight deadline. He described Mr. Gupta's behaviour as harsh and demeaning, with frequent outbursts of anger and unwarranted criticism that created a climate of fear and anxiety in the workplace. Despite his behaviour, Mr. Gupta is recognized for his exceptional work performance. He has been instrumental in implementing several successful health initiatives, significantly improving healthcare delivery in districts. His expertise and dedication have made him an indispensable asset to the department, complicating the decision to address the complaints against him. Ms. Sharma had a tough decision to make. She knew she had to be strict, but she was also worried about the workflow disruption that action against Mr. Gupta could cause. (a) What are the issues and dilemmas that confront Ms. Sharma? (b) What ethical principles should guide Ms. Sharma in addressing the harassment and bullying complaints in her department? (c) What long-term strategies should be implemented to prevent harassment and bullying in government departments? How can these strategies promote a culture of respect and inclusivity? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":2577,"topper":"Diksha Rai","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2024_unchecked_GSMACT24A1593_GSMAC2404.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"A. \"It is wrong to assume that ethical decisions are, can or should be purely rational and principled. Human feelings are an inseparable part of our ethical life.\" In what way do feelings impact our ethical decisions? Illustrate with examples. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"B. What do you understand by ethics management? Can public officials manage ethics in the work place in a manner similar to managing budgets, policies and people? Do you think adopting codes of ethics and conduct is sufficient enough for managing ethics in the workplace or something more is needed? Discuss. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"A. While traditional ethics has focussed on notions of justice, fair allocation and obligations, ethics of care emphasise maintaining connectedness and promoting care. Which of the above two ethical perspectives is more suitable for guiding ethical decision making in the context of public services. Explain your position with suitable examples. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"B. What does the term \"quality\" mean in service delivery. What are the components of service quality and indicate ways and means for ensuring total quality in terms of efficiency, economy and effectiveness? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"A. In the context of public service, what does public service attitude mean? Discuss the attitude biases that affects a public servants on field decision making? Explain how a public servant can overcome such attitude biases? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"B. \"I am a Moslem; I am a Hindu; I am a Christian; I am a Jew.\" Mahatma Gandhi. What did Mahatma Gandhi mean by the above statement? Some philosophers have argued that religion is harmful to the moral life, whereas others have claimed that it is necessary to it. Explain your position on the relationship between religion and morality. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"A. “There is only one responsibility of business, namely to use its resources and engage in activities designed to increase profits.” Do you think corporations, by indulging in social responsibilities, are compromising their core resource utilisation and production responsibility by diverting resources into unproductive social endeavours? (150 words, 10 marks) B. Do you think values such as “tyaga,” (renunciation) “seva,” (service) “daanam,” (Charity) “damah,” (self-control) that are espoused in traditional Indian Wisdom have relevance for modern day public servants? Why? Why not? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"A. Explain the difference between conflict among interests and conflict among various sources of authority. Illustrate with relevant examples. (150 words, 10 marks) B. The domain of governance is ridden with uncertainties, ambiguities and paradoxes and this can at times lead to timidity and withdrawal among public administrators. Discuss the relevance of inner courage for overcoming and coping with ambiguities. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"What are the ethical issues and dilemmas that confronts you in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Discuss the available options along with its merits and demerits.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"What will be your chosen course of action? Why (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What are the administrative and ethical issues involved in the above situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the merits and demerits of each option and explain your chosen course of action along with reasons. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Do you think the above case involves a conflict of interest or there are more issues? Explain","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Keeping the above case in perspective, discuss the relevance of impartiality and non-partisanship as professional value.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Discuss the administrative and ethical issues involved in the above case.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Do you think it was morally right on your part to write to the minister? Justify","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"How will you respond to the action initiated against you? Discuss the available options and justify your selected course of action. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"Identify and explain your chosen course of action after evaluating the merits and demerits of each option. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":2578,"topper":"Diksha Rai","air":40,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2024_unchecked_GSMACT24A1593_EE2401.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2579,"topper":"Dikshita Joshi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e4a10-1351891_1838_dikshita-joshi_rank-58.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The Chalukyan architecture uniquely epitomises the grandeur and hybrid characteristic style of temple building. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The success or failure of a political movement is not always determined by the achievement of its stated goals. Discuss in light of the Ghadar movement. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss the ways in which Gandhian conceptualisation of Sarvodaya influenced Vinoba Bhave's Bhoodan movement. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Bring out the evidences, which led to the Plate Tectonics Theory. Also, discuss how this theory explains the movement of plates. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Give an account of the formation of Abyssal Plains and highlight the relief features found on these plains. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What are the geographical and climatic conditions required for tea cultivation? In this context, discuss the reasons for the introduction of tea cultivation in the Duars region of the Himalayas by the British. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Briefly bring out the distinction between flash droughts and conventional droughts. Also, examine the reasons behind the increasing vulnerability of India to flash droughts. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Though various initiatives have been taken to ensure social security for informal workers in India, there still exist gaps which need to be plugged. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Critically assess the government's move on raising the age of marriage of women in India from 18 to 21 years. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Reservation for locals in private sector has again brought the debate around regionalism into focus. In this context, examine whether regionalism is a threat to national integration. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Explain how agricultural surplus, growth of crafts and trade, and growing population led to the second urbanisation in ancient India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"India of the 18th century failed to make progress economically, culturally and socially at a pace, which would have saved the country from collapse. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The withdrawal of the Civil Disobedience Movement triggered a two-stage debate on the strategic course of India's freedom struggle. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Throw light on the causes, course and outcomes of the Civil War, which followed the Russian Revolution. Also, bring out the reasons behind the Bolshevik victory. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"What are Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs)? Highlighting the susceptibility of the Himalayan region to GLOFs, state the measures required to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Highlighting the importance of ice sheets, discuss the likely impact of their melting on the planet with special focus on India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"What are twin cyclones? Discuss the role of Rossby waves and Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) in their formation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Since independence, planning strategies for women's upliftment has evolved from welfare to development to empowerment. Elucidate. Also, discuss the role played by voluntary organizations in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"How far do you agree with the view that globalisation has aggravated the challenges faced by the poor in India? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2580,"topper":"Dikshita Joshi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/dc3ff-1351891_1840_dikshita-joshi_rank-58.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"While fixed-term employment offers an ingenious way to address specific issues faced by both employers and employees, there are also some concerns associated with it. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"An efficient logistics sector with a focus on warehousing is pivotal to the success of the Bharatmala Pariyojana. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'irrigation scheduling'? Bringing out the advantages provided by it, discuss the difficulties faced in applying it on a farm level. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"While the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana was touted as the largest crop insurance scheme globally in terms of farmer participation, various concerns have arisen since its implementation. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The Stockholm Conference commenced the contemporary \"environmental era\", which brought a paradigm shift in the environmental governance and set a tone for multi-lateral environmental regime. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The world has witnessed a huge surge in climate-induced disasters, which are largely driven by anthropogenic factors. In this context, analyse the role of early warning systems in mitigating the impact of the disasters. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Critically examine the implications of leveraging technology in policing. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"How far do you agree with the view that climate change poses a threat to international peace and security? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What do you understand by a virtual private network (VPN)? Highlight its advantages and discuss the concerns posed by it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The discovery of the Higgs Boson at the Large Hadron Collider in CERN completed 10 years recently. In this context, discuss the role played by CERN in overall scientific development. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Highlighting the factors that affect the cropping pattern in India, discuss the need for modifying it in the context of the emerging agro-ecological concerns. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":23,"question":"While the budgetary reforms undertaken by the Central government in recent years have led to better management of government expenditure, there are some issues that still need redressal. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"For India to create a 'future ready' railway system, it must harness innovation and resource efficiency. Discuss the statement in the context of the measures enlisted in the National Rail Plan 2030. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Discuss the significance of technology in the Indian agricultural sector. Also, state the challenges in realising its potential to improve agricultural efficiency and increase the income of the farmers. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Despite the digital transformation in the Public Distribution System (PDS) in India, several challenges still remain. Elaborate. Also, suggest measures to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the various concerns that exist with regard to fuel efficiency regulations for vehicles in India. Also, suggest the measures that can be taken in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Urban fire is becoming a serious cause of concern in Indian cities. In this context, highlight the major causes behind urban fires in India. What steps can be taken to build robust fire resilience in Indian cities? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Drones in border areas present a serious threat for border management in India. Elaborate. Also, discuss the different measures taken to regulate the use of drones in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Despite a global framework to prevent weaponization of space, it has been increasing in the recent times. Discuss. Also, give an account of the implications of space weaponization. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What do you understand by a bio-economy? Highlight the role that the National Biotechnology Development Strategy 2021-2025 can play in creating a robust bio-economy in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2581,"topper":"Dikshita Joshi","air":58,"year":2022,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/041a7-1351891_2212_dikshita-joshi_rank-58.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2582,"topper":"Dikshita Joshi","air":58,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/65167-1351891_1837_dikshita-joshi_rank-58.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2583,"topper":"Dileep Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/759ae-9977_743_dileep_mishra_rank_56.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Elucidate the differences between tropical and temperate cyclones. Also, give an account of the global distribution of tropical cyclones.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"What are Endogenetic forces? Illustrate their role in the formation of various landforms.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Enumerate the global targets and priorities for action of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. Discuss the positive features and limitations of the framework.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Elaborate on the crustal movements that led to the Nepal Earthquake in 2015 and subsequent aftershocks that continued for months. Enumerate the measures that can be taken in advance to mitigate the effects of such disasters.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Explain the phenomenon of Sea Floor Spreading. Analyse how this discovery acted as a precursor to the development of Plate Tectonics Theory.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Explain the phenomenon of Tsunami formation and highlight reasons for India's vulnerability to Tsunamis. List some measures to mitigate the impact of Tsunamis.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Explain the role of Himalayas in influencing the climate of South Asia. Enumerate the changes observed recently in the Himalayan region with respect to climate and geomorphology. What are the possible anthropogenic causes behind them?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"The first ever SAARC disaster management exercise, named SAADMEx, was recently hosted by India whose theme was \"one SAARC, one response\". Discuss the need for cooperation among SAARC countries for 'Disaster Risk Reduction'. How can India contribute to the same?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"What impact does earth's revolution have on hemispherical advent of seasons and on length of the day? In this regard, discuss the concept of Daylight Savings Times (DST) and evaluate its utility in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Explain the difference between chemical weathering and physical weathering. What is the ecological and economic significance of weathering?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"NDMA has recently decided to address urban flooding as a separate disaster, delinking it from floods. What is the difference between flooding and urban flooding? What measures need to be taken to mitigate and prevent urban floods?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"An effective disaster plan should not only include 3R's - Rescue, Relief and Rehabilitation, but also 3P's - Predict, Prevent and Protect. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Explain the different types of earthquake waves and the concept of shadow zone. What inferences can we draw from shadow zones regarding the interior of the Earth?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"The recently declared Sustainable Development Goals have 'protecting life below the water' as one of its goals. In light of the above statement, illustrate the increased vulnerability of marine life due to climate change and suggest some measures to tackle the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Explain the phenomenon of Anticyclones. Why are they called weatherless phenomena?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"What is a heat wave? Discuss the health impacts of heat wave in India. Analyse the reasons behind high incidence of mortality rates due to heat wave in India. Suggest measures to tackle the above problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"It has been observed that glacial loss in the Himalayas has accelerated over the last four decades. Discuss the causes and consequences of glacial retreat in the Himalayas.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Forest fire pose a threat not only to the forest wealth but also to the entire regime of flora and fauna. What are the causes of forest fire? Discuss the ecological, economic and social impacts of forest fires.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"It is said that there is a strong correlation between El Nino event and a poor monsoon. Elucidate. Do you agree that recent events of extreme weather conditions is a result of El Nino? Give reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"\"Rising accidents involving merchant ships leading to oil spills in Indian waters is a growing concern that needs to be addressed.\" Discuss the impact of oil spills on marine environment. Also, suggest measures to prevent such disasters.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2584,"topper":"Dileep Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9351b-9977_1022_dileep_mishra_rank_56.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by seasonal shifting of pressure belts? What impact does it have on the formation of various climatic regions across the globe? Discuss its socio-economic significance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Explain the reasons for the formation of Sargasso Sea. Also, examine the factors for it being a region with one of the highest ocean salinity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Why are river deltas important? Discuss the existing threats to river deltas and the measures needed to overcome these threats.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Give an account of the different types of earthquakes based on their zone of occurrence. Identify the earthquake prone regions of the world with special reference to India. Also explain the reasons for the occurrence of earthquakes in geologically inactive regions like Peninsular India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Explain the reasons for the following: (a) Erosional forms dominate in the west coast while depositional forms dominate in the east coast of India. (b) Western Ghats in Karnataka receive more monsoon rainfall than Maharashtra and Kerala.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"With increasing urbanisation in India the land usage pattern is undergoing major changes. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"How is the coal bearing strata of India classified in geological terms? Why does coal remain the most important source of energy in India and what are its implications?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Forest fires have become a regular feature during summers in the Western Himalayas. What are the causes behind this phenomenon? Critically examine the efforts made by authorities in countering this problem. Do periodic forest fires have any benefits associated with them?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"What are sunrise industries? Elaborate on the potential of these industries in India with a special focus on the food processing industry.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Scientific and technological advancements have removed the constraints posed by geographical factors which determine the location of industries. Comment. Giving examples, discuss the new factors that have come into play as a result.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Give a brief distribution of major grasslands of the world. Discuss the reasons behind the temperate grasslands becoming the grain baskets of the world. Also compare their performance vis-a-vis tropical grasslands in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Weather and climate information plays a significant role in increasing agricultural productivity as well as minimising crop losses. Comment. Also examine the ways in which forecasting system can be made more effective and inclusive.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"The Paris Climate agreement sets ambitious goals but does not go far enough in mechanisms to achieve the aims. Comment. Also highlight the challenges which a developing country like India faces to achieve the targets it has set for itself.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Describe the factors responsible for increase in marine pollution in the past few decades. What impact does marine pollution have on the ocean ecosystem? Discuss the measures taken by the international community to deal with it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Discuss the environmental impact of electronic waste and the best practices for its handling in the context of the E-waste (Management) Rules, 2016. Also suggest some ways to incentivise consumers to utilise and dispose-off the e-waste properly.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"An emissions-reduction approach to fighting global warming is not enough. Alternative solutions involving climate engineering might have to be deployed sooner than we think. Defining climate engineering, critically examine the statement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Discuss how drought is more of a man-made disaster than a mere deficiency of rainfall. Elaborate on the consequences of desertification that drought prone regions face. Also, bring out the preventive steps to be taken in light of targets to curb desertification as mentioned under the SDGs.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"India's first National Disaster Management Plan may fulfill the legal requirement of having a plan but it may not be very effective in achieving its objective of building resilience. Critically analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"A better prepared community is key to effective disaster risk reduction. Citing specific examples, examine the importance of the role of local government and community in dealing with disasters.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"What is the role of NDRF in managing disasters in the country? Highlighting the challenges that NDRF has been facing, discuss why it is still the armed forces which end up being the most visible force at hand during disasters.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2585,"topper":"Dileep Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/00621-9977_758_dileep_mishra_rank_56.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What role has the constitution envisaged for the Governor with respect to administration of Scheduled and Tribal Areas? Critically evaluate the success of provisions of Fifth and Sixth schedules in achieving their objectives.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"In view of the argument that governance is caught in a logjam of far too many checks and not enough balances, has the time arrived to have a relook at the powers of Rajya Sabha? Discuss keeping in mind the constitutional rationale and the role performed by Rajya Sabha over the years.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"The constitutional provisions relating to office of profit have been violated over the years in spirit, even as they have been adhered to in letter. Discuss in light of various judgment(s) of the Apex Court in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"While holding simultaneous elections to the Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies offers various advantages, it brings its own set of complexities. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2586,"topper":"Dileep Mishra","air":56,"year":2018,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6c0e1-9977_760_dileep_mishra_rank_56.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2587,"topper":"Dilip Pratap Singh Shekhawat","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/30f55-29253_845_dilip_pratap_singh_rank_72.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"All the questions are compulsory and carry 12.5 marks each.","marks":"5","words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Soil management in Northeast India is critical for a viable agriculture economy. In this context, discuss the problems of soils in Northeast India. Suggest some steps that can be taken to counter this problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"How does the plate tectonics theory help explain the formation of Himalayas and Deccan Traps?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Inspite being one of the largest producer of fish, there is still considerable scope of improvement in the fishery sector. In light of the above statement, discuss the problems and prospects of Fishery industry in India with respect to both inland and marine fisheries.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Vegetation in deserts and saline areas have highly specialized means of adapting themselves to the environment. Explain.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Give an account of the distribution of cement industry in India and the factors that affect its location. Also trace the growth of cement industry in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Despite the enormous demand of electronics, the manufacturing of electronic goods has not been a feature of the Indian industry. Enumerate the reasons for the same. Suggest measures which are required to acheive the target of Net Zero Import by 2020.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Agroforestry is seen as a solution to meet the challenges of food, nutrition, energy, employment and environment security. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Explain the phenomenon of Tsunami formation and highlight reasons for India's vulnerability to Tsunamis. List some measures to mitigate the impact of Tsunamis.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Explain the role of Himalayas in influencing the climate of South Asia. Enumerate the changes observed recently in the Himalayan region with respect to climate and geomorphology. What are the possible anthropogenic causes behind them?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Explain the different types of earthquake waves and the concept of shadow zone. What inferences can we draw from shadow zones regarding the interior of the Earth?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Explain the difference between chemical weathering and physical weathering. What is the ecological and economic significance of weathering?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Tropical regions are not only the resource rich but also one of the most underdeveloped regions of the world. What are the factors responsible for this? How have some of the tropical countries turned their natural limitations to their advantage? Illustrate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Coral reefs are the most biologically diverse and economically valuable ecosystems on earth. Elaborate. Discuss the factors responsible for the decline of coral reefs across the world. Also, list some measures that have been taken for their preservation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Despite EIA being a useful policy tool for sustainable development, deficiencies in its design and implementation have prevented it from realising its potential. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"According to the Indian Fertiliser Scenario 2014, the use of urea in India has increased by more than 50 per cent since 2000. How does human intervention turn nitrogen from a nutrient to a pollutant? Discuss the impacts of nitrogen pollution on environment and human health. Also, explain how nitrogen pollution can be managed.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Temperate grasslands are called 'Granaries of the world'. Elucidate. How have the farming practices adopted in these regions impacted the environment?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Enumerate the global targets and priorities for action of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. Discuss the positive features and limitations of the framework.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"What is a heat wave? Discuss the health impacts of heat wave in India. Analyse the reasons behind high incidence of mortality rates due to heat wave in Ihdia. Suggest measures to tackle the above problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"\"Rising accidents involving merchant ships leading to oil spills in Indian waters is a growing concern that needs to be addressed.\" Discuss the impact of oil spills on marine environment. Also, suggest measures to prevent such disasters.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Forest fire pose a threat not only to the forest wealth but also to the entire regime of flora and fauna. What are the causes of forest fire? Discuss the ecological, economic and social impacts of forest fires.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2588,"topper":"Dilip Pratap Singh Shekhawat","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/18c20-29253_766_dilip_pratap_singh_rank_72.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Legislative Councils in states are expensive and otherwise superfluous legislative appendages. Examine the utility of legislative councils in this context. Also, comment on the procedural aspect of setting up and abolishing them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"While some argue that Article 3 provides usurping powers to the center at the cost of states, according to others it enables the Parliament to maintain and preserve federalism as enshrined in the constitution. Discuss. Is it time to have a relook at Article 3 in the spirit of co-operative federalism?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"While the British Parliament is a sovereign legislature, the Parliaments of India and USA are non-sovereign legislatures. Explain. Also, compare the organisation and powers of the Indian Lok Sabha with the British House of Commons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"While Fundamental Rights are crucial to the survival of a vibrant democracy, Fundamental Duties are equally important. While enumerating the Fundamental Duties, discuss the statement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Several constitutional experts have found the process of appointment and removal of governor to be against the very grain of democratic traditions and constitutional propriety. Do you think that this process warrants a fresh look in context of recent controversies surrounding the post?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Repeated violations of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) have raised questions on its effectiveness. In this light, discuss the idea of making MCC a part of Representation of Peoples Act, 1951.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"The government cannot condition receipt of public benefits on waiver of fundamental rights. Discuss this statement in context of the recent issues raised in the Aadhaar petitions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Though the institutions protecting human rights and rights of the vulnerable sections are meant to act as watchdogs, they are treated as subordinate departments with scant regard for their autonomy or statutory character. Discuss the issues which these institutions are facing related to appointment, structure and functioning.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Equality of seats among states in Rajya Sabha could not be adopted after independence because of the circumstances prevailing at that time. However, there is a need to take a fresh look at this. Evaluate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"It is contended that the implementation of One-Rank-One-Pension (OROP) for the armed forces would create a severe strain on government finances. Explain the principles underlying the OROP and arguments that have been cited in its support as well as opposition.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Article 311 of the Constitution has been a matter of much debate. Arguments range from its retention in its present form, or even strengthening it, to its total deletion. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"While Public Interest Litigations have provided access to justice for the poor and the marginalized sections of the society but many vested interests have also misused it. In this context, examine the utility of PILs as a tool of social justice.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"What do you understand by alternate dispute redressal mechanism? Discuss the various tools of ADR. In light of the problems faced by the Indian judiciary enumerate the advantages of Lok Adalats.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Bringing political parties under the ambit of RTI will not only usher accountability and transparency in governance but will also be a major step towards electoral reforms. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"A generational shift in railway operations is required. In light of this, discuss the need for an independent tariff and safety regulatory authority of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"It has been argued that the 'First past the post' system fails to represent the will of the majority and encourages vote-bank politics. In this context, examine whether India should adopt Proportional Representation System to reform our electoral process.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Independence of judiciary and separation of powers, both are part of the basic structure of the constitution. In this context, discuss the recent Supreme Court judgment on the constitutional validity of the National Judicial Appointments Commission.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"AMRUT gives state governments the flexibility in designing schemes and eases central monitoring. Explain. How far can it recast the urban landscape of India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"There has been a tendency to resolve specialized cases faster through the means of Tribunals. In light of this, discuss the issue of increasing \"tribunalisation\" of courts in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"While the 73rd and 74th constitutional amendments provided for representation to women in local governance, much work remains to be done to ensure their true participation, given their present socio-economic conditions. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2589,"topper":"Dilip Pratap Singh Shekhawat","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/cfc21-29253_1067_dilip_pratap_singh_rank_72.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"What is the role that opposition plays in a democracy like India? In this context, discuss whether our Parliament can benefit from a shadow cabinet. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Where is a right, there is a remedy. In this context, discuss the nature and significance of writs in India with adequate examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Enumerate the objectives of NITI Aayog. Also, discuss the performance of this body since its inception and suggest measures to make it more effective. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In view of the political class's inability to develop and maintain conventions relating to the appropriate use of Article 356, the Supreme Court's decision in the Bommai case provided much needed clarity. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Press freedom and good governance are not mutually exclusive. They support each other while promoting a country's economic and human development. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"SHGs have succeeded in delivering financial inclusion, but for them to evolve as viable business enterprise requires a different approach. Analyse in the context of the twin goals of rural growth and promotion of women's entrepreneurship. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"IBSA and BRICS are both examples of India's quest for multialignment, however there are key differences in their orientation. Discuss in the context of the relevance of these groupings for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What are the various modes of Alternate Dispute Redressal (ADR) mechanisms available in India? Identifying the problems being faced by them, provide suggestions needed to increase their effectiveness. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"While the power to punish for the contempt of court is a much needed tool to protect the administration of justice from being maligned, it is time that it be relooked into. Critically analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Criminalisation of politics remains a key concern for the Indian political system. In this context, analyse the role played by the Supreme Court and Election Commission over the years. Also, in what ways can the media play a positive role? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Identifying the broad contours of the 'Transformation of Aspirational Districts' programme, explain how it adopts a novel strategy to address backwardness. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"How did India fare on the Millennium Development Goals related to health? In this regard, identify the relevant Sustainable Development Goals and evaluate India's capacity to meet them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"What are the different rights recognized under the Forest Rights Act, 2006? Highlight the gaps in the implementation of community forest rights and community forest resource rights granted under the Forest Rights Act. Also, suggest measures to address the current scenario. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Progress in India-US ties has been accompanied by equally significant divergences on important issues. Examine in the context of recent developments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2590,"topper":"Dilip Pratap Singh Shekhawat","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/cc6a7-29253_1071_dilip_pratap_singh_rank_72.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"It has been argued that over the years there has been a steady decline in the efficacy of Parliament as an institution of accountability. Analyse and also suggest appropriate measures to address the relevant concerns. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Panchayati raj institutions (PRIs) are simultaneously a remarkable success and a staggering failure, depending on the goalposts against which they are evaluated. Discuss. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) is more than just the keeper of our national accounts; it is also a conscience-keeper and a watchdog. Examine the statement in light of making the auditing process more effective. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The concern for transparency in political funding is at odds with the Electoral Bond Scheme notified by the government. Critically discuss. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Lobbying in India exists in a perennially grey legal and policy arena. In this context, discuss the need to formally recognize and regulate lobbying in India. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"More than a decade after it was passed, the implementation of the RTI Act leaves much to be desired. Comment. Also discuss the issues associated with the recent proposals to amend the RTI Act. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Critically discuss the evolving policy on reservation in promotions in India with special focus on its ability to meet the objectives of social justice. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"India produces enough food for its people, but not all people get enough food to eat. Discussing this paradox, highlight some of the major interventions taken in the past few years in this regard. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"India sees Indian Ocean as not just a water body, but a global stage for continued economic, social, and cultural dialogue. Elaborate. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In the context of India taking greater responsibility in management of the global commons, there has been a shift in India's climate change negotiation stance. In this context, analyze the evolution of India's climate policy. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlighting the constitutional role of the Finance Commission (FC), discuss the issues which are being debated w.r.t. terms of reference (ToR) of the 15th Finance Commission. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The spirit of the constitution of India represents a synthesis of Indian values, democratic and socialist movements in west and our independence movement. Elucidate. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"What is the importance of an independent judiciary in a democracy? Highlight the safeguards in our political-constitutional setup to ensure the independence of judiciary. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Even though Indian federalism has matured quite a bit, with states having far greater control of their economic and political management, serious structural problems still remain. Discuss. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The recent amendments to the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 strike a balance between enforcement overzealousness and the need for stringent action against corrupt public servants. Discuss. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Identifying the various issues plaguing the voluntary sector in India, discuss the need for a national accreditation agency to overcome them. Discuss. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Given the importance of a teacher in affecting the learning outcomes of children, discuss the problems in the present system of teacher training in India. How can these be addressed? (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The implementation of a scheme with such scale and benefit as Ayushman Bharat is likely to face many obstacles. Critically discuss. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Given the fact that India cannot match China's financial clout, it is seen to be diversifying the ways in which it can enhance cooperation and promote its diplomatic profile in Africa. Discuss. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Discuss how American sanctions on its adversaries affect India. Taking the example of CAATSA, analyse how India can shield its strategic interests in face of such sanctions. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2591,"topper":"Dilip Pratap Singh Shekhawat","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0ce53-29253_1072_dilip_pratap_singh_rank_72.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain why it is important to urgently address the problem of poor land records and infirmity of land titles in India. Also discuss how this problem can be addressed. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What are the special features of the infrastructure sector that make its financing a challenge? What measures have been taken to facilitate adequate amount of finance to this sector? (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Despite favourable circumstances, India's electronics manufacturing has been unable to respond to the rising demand. Discuss. What steps can be taken to address this situation? (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Despite registering a high growth rate in the post-reform era, India continues to witness a high incidence of poverty. Explain this paradox and suggest ways to resolve it. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"In light of the argument that India has entered a regime of \"permanent surpluses\", discuss whether the time has come to remove agricultural commodities completely from Essential Commodities Act. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The 1988 National Forest Policy (NFP) was visionary in its scope and ambition. However, there is a need for a new forest policy in the current context. Discuss. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How does rapid urbanization increases the vulnerability to major disasters? Explaining with examples, suggest measures to develop disaster-resilient cities. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain DNA profiling and highlight its forensic application. Also discuss the significance of DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2018 in this regard. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What is meant by the term Blue Water Capabilities? In this context, identify the key measures that have been undertaken to enhance the blue water capabilities of the Indian Navy. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Identify the factors that make India vulnerable to drug trafficking? Also discuss the key steps taken to deal with it in our country. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"How do higher global crude oil prices affect the Indian economy? What steps can be taken to gradually insulate India from global oil price volatility in the long term? (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Critically discuss the role of private sector in skill development in India in recent years. In this context, what are the measures required to oversight as well as financing in the skill development sector? (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The e-commerce sector has been booming in India for the last few years. Examine the need for its regulation in light of the recently proposed draft e-commerce policy. Further, identify the challenges that the sector is currently facing. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Explaining the importance, highlight the achievements of dairy sector in India. Examine whether over-production is the reason for the problems being faced by the dairy industry. Give some solutions to address the problems. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"There has been a focus on Textile and Apparels industry in India in recent years. Elaborate the potential of this industry and the challenges that lie in achieving it. What steps have been taken in this regard? (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"How do transportation corridors in biodiversity rich areas impact the wildlife? Examine the current policy framework in this regard. Also, suggest measures to minimise the negative effects while balancing the need for development. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The potential of technology to aid farmers in increasing productivity as well reducing susceptibility to climate change remains underutilized. Identify the reasons for the same and suggest measures to improve technological penetration in agriculture. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What is Intelligent Transportation System (ITS)? Explaining the need of ITS in India, identify the challenges in deploying it. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Explain the concept and significance of Data Localisation. Also discuss its limitations in strengthening law enforcement efforts in the context of Srikrishna Committee report and the draft Personal Data Protection Bill, 2018. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"What is the link between illegal immigration and national security? In this context, critically discuss the exercise of creating a National Register of Citizens in Assam. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2592,"topper":"Dimple Kaushik","air":789,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1S7UO36ltQXaFDh7UqwfyWE3H1WqajiiS/view","questions":[]},{"id":2593,"topper":"Dinesh Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a8991-58740_1513_dinesh-kumar_rank-889.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"In the context of protection of monuments, explain the role of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Also, comment on the challenges faced by ASI and measures taken to address these. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Tribal art has a huge potential for acting as an economic resource and a tool for socio-economic transformation of tribals in India. Elucidate. Also highlight the challenges in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Though the Government of India Act, 1919 proposed some radical administrative changes, it remained short of fulfilling aspirations of Indians. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Often deemed as the 'forgotten conflict', the Korean War had far-reaching implications. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Explaining the origin of earth's magnetism, discuss its significance with special reference to its interaction with solar particles. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discussing the challenges pertaining to dam safety in India, highlight the potential of Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project to address them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What is understood by Carbon Compensation Depth (CCD)? Discuss the implications of the rise in this depth due to anthropogenic warming as well. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"In view of demographic changes in recent decades, do you think India needs a two-child policy? Discuss in light of various strands of the debate surrounding this issue. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Globalization is incredibly efficient but has so far been incredibly unjust. Examine the statement in the context of developing countries like India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"It would not be completely wrong to state that in India, art is religion and religion is art.\" In light of the statement, discuss the impact of various religions on art in India, citing relevant examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Despite organizational apathy from the Indian National Congress in its initial years, the working class in various parts of the country subsequently participated overwhelmingly in the nationalist movement. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Though some of his early measures restored faith among the Indians in the liberal tradition of England, Lord Ripon's tenure did not bring about significant changes in the conservative mindset of the colonial bureaucracy. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The New Social Movements in post-independence period made an important beginning in awakening the society against injustices and deepened the very notion of democracy in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What are the reasons for recurrent and often catastrophic wildfires in places like Australia and the United States? Are there any lessons to be learnt from these events by India? Explain adequately. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss why India needs a cross border flood management mechanism. Also, state the major issues in cross border flood management and suggest remedial measures in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Depletion of water resources in India is both a geo-climatic phenomenon as well as a result some short-sighted government policies. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the major lithospheric plates? How and why do these plates move? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"There exists a wide gap between the constitutionally professed secularism and its practice in India. Do you agree? Substantiate with relevant arguments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India spends less than one per cent of GDP on care work infrastructure and services. In view of the statement, explain how increased public investment in care economy infrastructure can be instrumental in meeting multiple policy objectives. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2594,"topper":"Dinesh Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/638d4-58740_1244_dinesh-kumar_rank-889.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the need of an Independent Fiscal Council (IFC) in bringing about transparency and accountability in fiscal processes in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Recognizing the potential of exports in generating employment, a number of steps need to be taken to address India's weakening export competitiveness. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlighting the main features of National Mineral Policy, 2019, discuss how it can help in ensuring sustainable and responsible mining. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlighting the salient features of the PM JI-VAN Yojana, analyze how it can assist in achieving the vision and goals of the National Policy on Biofuels, 2018. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) provides an alternative to capital and chemical intensive agriculture currently being practiced in India. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"There have been arguments that India could fall into a 'middle income trap'. Explaining the phenomenon, highlight the reasons behind such arguments. How can India avoid it? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Highlighting its importance, discuss the major issues that plague effective monetary policy transmission in India. Also, mention the steps taken by RBI to improve it. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight the constraints faced by rainfed agriculture in India. Discuss some agronomic practices that can be adopted for stabilizing agricultural production in rainfed areas. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite the steps taken by the government in recent years, a number of problems continue to persist in the urea sector in India. Discuss. What reforms should be taken to address the persisting problems? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What is Access and Benefit Sharing? Explain how it aids in sustainable use of biodiversity. Also, mention the different global and national level mechanisms for ensuring Access and Benefit Sharing. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Stating the significance, discuss the challenges in achieving disaster resilience of infrastructure. Suggest some ways for mainstreaming it in the development paradigm. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Highlighting the significance of data localization for India, discuss various challenges associated with data localization. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Money Laundering as a socio economic offence is a menace especially for developing countries like India. Comment. What measures have been taken at the domestic and international levels to deal with this menace? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The primary motive of terrorism differs from that of organised crime but there exists a symbiotic relationship between the two. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2595,"topper":"Dinesh Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/deea8-58740_2212_dinesh-kumar_rank-889.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by 'constitutionalism'? Highlight various ways in which the Indian Constitution underscores this principle. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Competition Commission of India (CCI) effectively reflects a shift from the era of Licence Raj to a conducive regulatory ambience for enhancing consumer welfare by encouraging competition in the market. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Mention various initiatives taken for online delivery of judicial services in India. Also, discuss the challenges faced in their implementation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Bring out the similarities and differences in the Bill of Rights in the Constitution of the United States and Fundamental Rights in the Constitution of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"It is often argued that the implementation of The Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 has so far been tardy and ineffectual. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Explain the rationale behind the creation of a Social Stock Exchange in India. Do you think this move would boost social impact investing in the country? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The National Digital Health Mission (NDHM) has the potential to bring a new revolution in India's health sector in multiple ways. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"While participation of private sector in the higher education system of India is a necessity, it creates issues that need careful redressal. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Highlighting the significance of Central Asia for India, discuss the challenges in strengthening the Indo-Central Asian relationship. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the role that the Indian diaspora can play in the making of \"Aatmanirbhar Bharat\" (self-reliant India). Also, mention the challenges in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"A critical appraisal of the outcomes of the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act underlines the need for second-generation reforms to strengthen decentralisation of urban local governance in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"It is argued that unchecked and rampant exercise of the power to insert laws in the Ninth Schedule results in undermining of Constitutional supremacy and creation of Parliamentary hegemony. Do you agree? Justify your stand with logical arguments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Asymmetry is an important characteristic of federalism in India, which has helped in the accommodation of diverse demands inherent in our democracy. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"In India, the Finance Commissions are established pursuant to the constitutional mandate. In this context, do you think the State Finance Commissions have been effective in promoting fiscal federalism? Substantiate with arguments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Reduction in the overall size of the bureaucracy has been seen as the underlying idea behind civil services reforms. Is it a good idea to reduce the size of the Indian bureaucracy? Examine in light of the experience of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"There is a need to ensure better ethical standards, accountability and management of temples in India. Discuss in the context of issues associated with state intervention in management of temples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by feminisation of old age? Highlight the issues associated with it in the Indian context. Also, mention the measures taken by the government in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Given its impact on both individual resilience and the resilience of the economy, is there a case for strong universal social protection in India? Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"There have been arguments that with the old global multilateral order failing to manage rising challenges, issue-based coalitions are gaining traction and have become the arenas of functional cooperation. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India intends to achieve a balanced and optimal development of energy infrastructure in the South-Asian region through mutual understanding and cooperation. In light of this statement, discuss the need as well as existing gaps in South Asia's energy cooperation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2596,"topper":"Dinesh Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7cc27-58740_1837_dinesh-kumar_rank-889.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain why altruism constitutes one of the core values in public life. In this regard, suggest some measures to foster altruistic behaviour in public services. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Certain actions can be right even though they do not maximize good consequences, for the rightness of such actions consists in their representing certain norms. Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"With the help of appropriate examples, discuss the ethical challenges involved in policing in India. Also, highlight the reasons behind corruption in the police force. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"A right combination of spirit and structure is integral to ethical corporate governance. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"It is not only public servants, but also the common citizens who play a key role in institutionalising high standards of ethical conduct and good governance. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Public administration in India suffers from the 'working-in-silos' culture. In this context, discuss the importance of cooperation, coordination and collaboration for efficient governance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"While emotional intelligence is an essential tool for a public servant, it can also be misused to manipulate people to act against their own interests. Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Social influence is an ambivalent concept. It can be a source for good, bad and even for evil. Discuss with the help of relevant examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Effective public service delivery demands a people-centric approach, which is built upon coordination and leverages technology. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Highlight the important teachings of Kautilya that are relevant to public services in 21st century India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.\" Nelson Mandela (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You have recently graduated from college and are now preparing for the civil services examination. While reading the newspaper, you come across a news report of a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), working for child rights, challenging a provision of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, in the Supreme Court of India. The said provision provides for the option of Children in Conflict with Law (CCL) to be tried as adults under certain circumstances. The NGO's plea is that children are not able to understand the gravity of crimes. It has also contended that the criminal acts committed by children are a reflection of failure of the society to take care of its children. In the context of this situation, as a young aspirant, answer the following questions: (a) What are the possible factors that can drive a child towards committing heinous crimes? (b) Is it ethical to punish children as adults rather than giving them a chance for reformation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"You are a CEO-founder of an edTech company. You are under tremendous pressure from the investors in your company to increase the profitability of the company and undertake downsizing. After making a few bad acquisitions, the company's finances have taken a huge hit in the last couple of years. The downsizing is suggested with the hope that the company's profitability would rise, it as often does when mass layoff or downsizing decisions are carried out. Moreover, the investors have hinted that such measures would attract further investment from them, which has come as a ray of hope considering the ongoing volatile market conditions and slowdown in big-ticket fundings. Given the situation, rumors of unscrupulous firing have started doing the rounds among employees. It has increased apprehensiveness and reduced cohesiveness among them. You have informed the investors that the cost cutting exercise can affect the output as well as reputation of the company in the long-run. However, they are adamant to pursue the same. (a) Identify the stakeholders and ethical issues involved in the case. (b) You and the HR team have identified some options and are deliberating to put them across to the investors for consideration. Discuss the merits and demerits of each of these: (i) Identifying key high performers and offering them suitable positions before implementing the layoff decision. (ii) Putting the terminated employees on retainer to work part-time. (iii) Executing the lay off order in the same spirit as it was asked by the investors and letting them deal with the long-term consequences. (iv) Improving the perception of fairness among the existing and terminated employees and moving ahead with the layoffs. (c) Without restricting yourself to the above options, discuss the course of action you will take, and provide adequate reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"There is an ongoing ethnic civil war in a neighbouring country. The conflict has caused massive displacement of people from the country. Ironically, the developed countries have closed off their borders to the refugees on account of the COVID-19 pandemic, resource competition, domestic politics etc. With countries sealing off their borders, the refugees are left in a vulnerable situation and many are taking illegal routes to enter your country. As a Senior Official of your country's Ministry of External Affairs, you have been involved in discussions with officials of other nations and are entrusted with the mandate to design a national policy to safely accommodate India bound refugees. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) Discuss the moral issues related to the rights of international refugees, especially those from conflict-torn regions. (b) What recommendations would you suggest given the large influx of refugees in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Social interactions where a person is addressed by their correct name and pronouns, consistent with their gender identity, are widely recognized as a basic and yet critical aspect of gender affirmation. A national university invited speakers for a discussion on rights of sexual minorities in India. The panel included speakers representing a wide variety of opinions and perspectives on the issue. The debates, though largely peaceful, witnessed a controversy. A college association representing sexual minorities took offence against a panellist who cautioned against self-identification by sexual minorities and the liberal use of pronouns. The association reached out to the media and the localised controversy soon turned into a national issue across news networks and social media. The association demanded that the panellist apologise for his views and issue a public statement in this context. The panellist, on the other hand, seemed unmoved by the issue. In the meantime, the University has come under huge pressure to resolve the issue. The Vice Chancellor set up a Committee to look into the matter and its peaceful resolution. You have been appointed as the Chairperson of the Committee. In this regard, answer the following questions: (a) Discuss the various moral issues involved in the case. (b) Keeping the right to freedom of speech and expression in mind, highlight the steps you would take to resolve the issue and list arguments in support.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"You are a young athlete representing India at an international-level competition. To your surprise, during the competition, you witness a few senior athletes injecting something using a syringe in private. When you approach them, they explain that it is a performance enhancing drug, which is very common in such competitions and you should take the same as well. You are aware that if these players get caught in a doping test, it may damage India's reputation. You are confused and afraid of the repercussions and decide to approach the coach to discuss the event you witnessed. However, you get to know that the athletes are taking the drug on the advice of the coach himself. (a) What would you do in this scenario? Discuss the options available to you and chart your course of action. (b) What are the reasons behind the use of performance enhancing drugs in competitive sporting events? How can this practice be minimized?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":55,"question":"You have been newly appointed as the District Magistrate of a district, which is known for its rich mineral deposits. Following the news being circulated in the media about the illegal mining in your district, you have initiated an enquiry into it. When the State's Minister of Mines and Minerals gets to know of the enquiry initiated by you, he directs you to name some junior government employees as being involved in the wrongdoing and make them scapegoats. He also points out that elections to the State Assembly are around the corner and the present government wishes to stay clear of any political corruption. This Minister is a very influential figure in the present regime and there are high chances of the present ruling party being voted back to power. In due course of the enquiry, it has come to your notice that the said Minister has also been involved in illegal mining through his cronies. The findings of the enquiry can affect the outcome of the elections as well as completely derail your career, if the incumbent party wins the elections, which looks very likely as per the polls. Answer the following with reference to this case: (a) Identify the stakeholders and the ethical issues in the given case. (b) Critically evaluate the options in the given scenario and state your course of action, giving reasons.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2597,"topper":"Dinesh Vishnoi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/dinesh-vishnoi-test-1-1747819953073.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Examine the role of numismatic evidence in understanding the political and economic history of ancient India. Provide specific examples.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Assess the impact of women's organizations in mobilizing women across diverse socio-economic and regional backgrounds in pre-independence India.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":8,"question":"How did the policy of non-alignment reflect the aspirations of India and other newly independent nations to maintain their sovereignty and resist colonial pressures?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the processes involved in volcanism. Highlight the major volcanic regions in the world and their associated tectonic settings.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Explain the geological features and ecological importance of the Eastern Ghats.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":14,"question":"Earlier known as coarse cereals the government rebranded millets in 2018 as nutri-cereals. In this context discuss the ecological and nutritional significance of millets","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"What are the potential consequences of Arctic ice melt on biodiversity and ecosystems? How might these changes impact global ecological balance","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Do you think the Uniform Civil Code contradicts the idea of religious pluralism and cultural differences in Indian society?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss the concept of healthy active ageing in the context of demographic shifts in India. How does it contribute to social inclusion?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":22,"question":"How is the transition from 'conscious consumption' to 'compulsive consumption' impacting family structure and dynamics in urban areas?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss with examples the key features of Vijayanagara architecture. How did Indo-Islamic elements manifest in their structures?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Compare and contrast the features of ancient Indian universities like Nalanda and Takshashila with modern state-funded universities in India. What lessons can modern universities learn from ancient ones to improve their effectiveness?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Analyze the ideological differences and similarities between the revolutionary movement(1920-1930s) and the Gandhian non-violent struggle. How did these two ideologies influence each other?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":33,"question":"What are the various types of glacial landforms formed in the Indian Himalayas? How do these features impact local ecosystems and human activities?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Discuss the unique geographical features of the Indian Ocean and their impact on global oceanic circulation patterns. How do these features influence the climate of the Indian subcontinent?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Urban heat islands (UHIs) have become a significant phenomenon in Indian cities, exacerbating the frequency and intensity of heat waves. Analyze the underlying factors contributing to this phenomenon and critically assess the existing mitigation strategies.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Evaluate the primary factors contributing to regional disparities in the sugar industry between North India and Peninsular India. What measures can be undertaken to reduce the surplus sugar production?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":45,"question":"\"Social mobility is essential for achieving true equality within society\". In this context highlight the barriers to intergenerational mobility in Indian society, and examine the role of education on social mobility.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Analyze the influence of globalization on migration patterns in India. What are the economic and social implications of increased internal and international migration?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Discuss how gender-based violence in India is a manifestation of patriarchal values. To what extent has modernisation in law served as an instrument of women's empowerment in this regard?","marks":"15","words":null}]},{"id":2598,"topper":"Dinesh Vishnoi","air":265,"year":2024,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/dinesh-vishnoi-test-2-1747819964854.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2599,"topper":"Dipankar Choudhary","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a0b68-14177_749_dipankar-choudhary_rank_42.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Investment in the future of girl child is not only a question of economic priority but also one of social attitude. Comment. How can the government schemes help change entrenched social attitudes vis a vis the girl child?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Suicide is a leading cause of death among young people not only in India but also in other countries. Why are the youth vulnerable to suicides? Discuss some strategies to address the problem of suicides among the youth.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"The skewed sex ratio in India not only has social but economic implications as well. Explain. Also, suggest policy correctives that the government needs to make to achieve a healthy sex ratio.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"\"With the success in reducing child mortality, the challenge before India is to safeguard early-life conditions in order to prevent long-run loss in welfare for individuals and the economy\". Discuss in the context of the issue of child malnutrition and its long term impact.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"The decriminalization of homosexuality in India has been debated at length in recent times. Enumerate the major strands of this debate keeping in mind the issue of individual rights, law and social morality.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Unemployment can not be ascribed only to economic factors, social and personal factors equally contribute to this phenomenon. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Gender inequality is not a homogenous phenomenon but a collection of disparate and interlinked problems. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"In context of the tribal communities in India, describe the importance of Common Property Resource as a crucial part of the socio-economic setup. How has the destruction of forest resources dismantled the traditional economic activity of the tribes?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Removing barriers due to disability is not only a welfare issue but also one which includes human development and human rights. Discuss. Highlight the lacunae in present legislations and various governmental steps pertaining to the disabled and suggest measures to improve them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Post-independence India has witnessed many instances of extreme form of regionalism. Is regionalism a threat to nationa integrity? How can regional aspirations be addressed within the constitutional framework?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Even though the provision of reservation for women has enhanced their presence and visibility, this has not necessarily translated into their empowerment. Do you agree? On what grounds is the reservation for women in Parliament opposed?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Rapid growth of social media has changed human behavior in ways we have never seen before. Elaborate. Do you think that social media can actually do more harm than good?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"What do you mean by Juvenile Delinquency? Explain its causes and examine its consequences. Analyse the procedures in place to deal with juvenile delinquents in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"While the middle class is the cornerstone cf any stable democracy, the Indian middle class has become indifferent to society in its obsession with consumption. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Even after years of independence and despite modern legislation, the antiquated practice of child marriage still persists in certain sections. What are the reasons for persistence of child marriage in India? How does it affect our society? What can be done to eradicate this practice?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"With overpopulated cities and their strained infrastructure, India is in the midst of an urban crisis. How far can the Smart Cities Mission help in upgradation of existing cities in the country? What are the reservations of local bodies with respect to this mission?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"What are Personal Law Boards? Are their decisions binding on citizens? How can the incongruence between the principles followed by them and those of the common law courts be reconciled? Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"What seems globalisation at the macro-level, is actually globalisation at the local level. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Over the past few years, there have been innumerable cases of domestic workers, nearly all of them female, being abused and exploited by their employers. What are the factors that make domestic workers vulnerable to abuse and exploitation? Enumerate the provisions in Domestic Workers Welfare and Social Security Act 2010 to prevent their exploitation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Reservation policy is a logical and useful strategy for ensuring justice and providing equal opportunity to the socially oppressed groups. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2600,"topper":"Dipankar Choudhary","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/34e83-14177_1435_dipankar-choudhary_rank_42.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Do you think there has been a convergence of values between public and private sectors in the wake of increasing role of the private sector in public service delivery?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Giving examples of some social ills plaguing the society, discuss how social persuasion can be an effective technique to overcome them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"What steps should be taken by the government for increasing the effectiveness of grievance redressal mechanism?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are two statements. Bring out what you understand by them and discuss their relevance in the present context. (a) \"I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear\"- Nelson Mandela","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"\"Not everybody can be famous, but everybody can be great because greatness is determined by service\"- Martin Luther King.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Explain why superstitious beliefs and practices abound in India. In this context, discuss the importance of inculcating scientific temper to remove superstitions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Simply labelling people as liberal or conservative is to miss the point that an individual can have divergent views on different issues. Explain with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Attitude and behaviour are so closely interwoven that a change in one inevitably influences the other. Explain the statement with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Emotional intelligence is an important parameter as one aspires to move up the ladder in a competitive environment. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Rapid growth of information and communication technology, with all its benefits, has associated risks and far-reaching consequences. The government has constituted a committee to frame guidelines for an inclusive and safe cyberspace in India. The committee has solicited public opinion in this regard. As a concerned citizen, you have to give your suggestions on the following themes: (a) Why do you think some people or a set of people are more vulnerable to cyber threats with special emphasis on cyber-bullying. (b) Do you think the experiences and exposure in cyberspace are an important influence in a person's attitude and behaviour? (c) What reasonable restrictions can be applied to make cyberspace more safe and friendly to all citizens?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are working as a Block Development Officer (BDO) in a state and the Lok Sabha elections are around the corner. Two months prior to the elections, a mega rally of a leader from the political party ruling the state is being organized in the neighboring district. All BDOs have received an oral order from the Chief Development Officer directing them to make sure that five buses full of people from their block be sent to the rally. The only direction is to ensure maximum participation and make suitable arrangements in pursuit of the same. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) As a civil servant, what values should guide your response in such a situation? (b) Identify the various options that are available to you? (c) What course of action would you choose and why?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2601,"topper":"Dipti Monali","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/DIPTI-MONALI-UPSC-2023-Rank-184-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Shelving hard decisions is the least ethical course. 2. All things come into being by conflict of opposites. 3. The arc of the moral universe is long but it bends towards justice. 4. Disinterested intellectual curiosity is the lifeblood of civilisation.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2602,"topper":"Dipti Monali","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/DIPTI-MONALI-UPSC-2023-Rank-184-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Basic structure doctrine has prevented the Parliament, a creature of the constitution, from becoming the master of the constitution. Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"To what extent, in your opinion, Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in India have enabled women led development at the grassroot level? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The power of pressure groups lies not in their size or elaborate organization, but in their ability to mobilize public opinion and create lasting change. With help of relevant examples, discuss how informal pressure groups shape public policy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"\"Bail not Jail\" is the cardinal principle that upholds the sacrosanct ideas of individual's liberty and dignity. Explain the statement with the help of various judicial pronouncements. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Dispute redressal is the most important component of cooperative federalism. How does the Interstate Council facilitate the resolution of disputes related to states in India, and what are the challenges associated with this process? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Anti-defection law has failed to address and resolve the evil of political defection satisfactorily. Discuss various issues surrounding the Anti-defection law and recommend some corrective measures. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Decriminalization of homosexuality by the SC in Navtej Singh Jauhar case remains a task half done, specially without the socio-political sensitisation about the issues faced by LGBTQIA+ community. Elaborate in light of ongoing debates on same sex marriage. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Built upon common democratic values and shared vision of strategic autonomy, India-France bilateral ties exude a promise of stability, growth, and security in a time of geo-political flux and uncertainty. Do you agree? Substantiate your answer. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"As an important attribute of soft power, \"Knowledge diplomacy\" has the potential to further various objectives of foreign policy. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Referring to the case laws through which the collegium system in India evolved, critically assess its functioning. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Considering the non-enforceable nature of fundamental duties and directive principles of state policy, critically examine their impact in socio-political norms. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite its vital role for the smooth functioning of the body politic, constitutional punctuality remains conspicuous by its absence. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Frequent reliance on the ordinance making power by the government, not only dilutes the basic tenets of executive accountability in a parliamentary democracy, but also overlooks the democratic traditions of building consensus. Discuss with relevant examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The critical reason for poor public health indicators in India goes beyond recognition of right to health as fundamental right. Do you think that a statutory framework alone can ameliorate the situation? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Reforming the education infrastructure through digital interventions is a progressive step, but it has its limitations too. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Electoral bond was brought in as a reform that was high on intent but has proved to be low on substance. Do you agree? Justify. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The profound impact of the data revolution and widespread smartphone usage has necessitated the use of digital tools in welfare programmes. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Presidency of G20 is but a reflection of India's quest for a more just and polycentric world order, where the voice of the global south is mainstreamed not muzzled. Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The new cold war between the USA and China may have the effect of casting a long shadow on India's strategic interests from Pacific to Atlantic. Evaluate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2603,"topper":"Dipti Monali","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/DIPTI-MONALI-UPSC-2023-Rank-184-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Right to freedom of religion is guaranteed as a fundamental right under Indian constitution, but these rights are not absolute. Examine. Do you think that anti-conversion laws in various states violate the fundamental right to freedom of religion? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"How are the disputes related to the election of Member of the Parliament or a State Legislature settled under the Representation of People Act 1951? Analysing various grounds for disqualification, explain the remedies available to the affected candidates. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlighting the constitutional provisions to ensure the autonomy of the Election Commission of India (ECI), discuss the controversies associated with its functioning. Also, suggest measures to make the ECI more independent, autonomous, and effective. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The accountability of social media intermediaries is a vital step towards ensuring an open, safe, trusted and rules-based internet. Analyse the statement in view of the recent amendment (October, 2022) to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules 2021. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"High end, multi-speciality private hospitals in tier 1 cities and ramshackle, poorly staffed and stocked government hospitals in tier 2-3 cities are two contradictory ends of India's healthcare system. How can the wide disparity in accessibility, affordability, and quality of healthcare be bridged? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Judiciary in India has been a flagbearer of various social and political reforms; however, judicial reforms continue to remain elusive. Discuss, citing relevant case laws. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do you understand from delimitation? How is the delimitation process conducted in the country? Underlining the importance of delimitation, throw light on the associated challenges. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The 'holding together' model of Indian federalism has served the country well, but is under strain due to several reasons. Analyse. Also, suggest measures to make the working of federalism more effective in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"A good foreign policy not only builds cordial international relations, but also ensures national security and helps citizens in pursuit of their aspirations. Highlighting the principles and objectives of India's foreign policy, discuss the statement. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Compare the position of British monarch and Indian president in their respective governance setup. Also, discuss the role of Indian president as the head of the Indian State. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlighting the changes introduced through 103rd Constitution Amendment Act in 2019, explain the raison d'être for its introduction and various contentions involved in its implementation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"What are the salient features of 69th constitutional amendment act, 1991? How do the reported conflicts between the elected representatives and the institution of the Lieutenant Governor impact the governance process in the Union Territory of Delhi? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The unique attributes and strengths of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and the government make them complimentary to one another in the governance and developmental process. Comment. Evaluate the need for effective and progressive regulation of the NGOs. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Though the issues of hunger and under-nourishment are germane to India's development process, the western estimation of the same is highly exaggerated. Discuss the statement with special reference to the recently released Global Hunger Index (GHI), 2022. Also, recommend ways to tackle the menace of hunger and undernourishment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What do you mean by 'doctrine of pleasure' under the Indian constitution? Is it a discretionary power under the constitution? Do you think that doctrine of pleasure has led to politicization of certain constitutional positions? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Creation of people centric legal structures require not only an overhaul of criminal laws like Indian Penal Code and Criminal Procedure Code but also Indianisation of the entire criminal justice system. Explain with special reference to the recommendations of the Law Commission. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Despite constitutional backing, urban planning as a component of urban governance remains in a state of want and neglect. Comment. Recommend some measures to make institutions of local urban governance an effective instrument of grassroot democracy. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Debt trap diplomacy starts with China coming in as a developmental partner and ends with it becoming the economic master of a country. Analyze the statement and the consequences of Chinese debt-trap diplomacy on Indian interests. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Presidency of G20 gives India an opportunity to shape the emerging global order to its own liking, but it requires delicate balancing act in an increasingly divided world. Elaborate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2604,"topper":"Dipti Monali","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/DIPTI-MONALI-UPSC-2023-Rank-184-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Celebrity endorsements raise pertinent ethical concerns about responsibility that delve into the realm of ethical considerations of social influence that run deeper than mere surface appeal. In this context, suggest measures to tackle the ethical challenges of celebrity brand endorsements. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Embracing a scientific mindset involves setting aside impulsive inclinations in favor of the pursuit of truth. In your view, how does the integration of scientific thinking contribute to addressing contemporary challenges and promoting societal progress? How can we effectively cultivate a scientific attitude in society? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"In the realm of professional conduct, ethics plays a role that tends to go far beyond fulfilling the roles and responsibilities of the job with diligence and honesty. But some people consider professional competence as the only critical requirement for a job. If faced with a choice, who would you prefer to hire - someone with professional competence or one with strong moral values? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Patriotism can hold different meanings for different people, often shaped by personal experiences and convictions. What does patriotism mean to you? Explain narrating incidents from your life when you exhibited patriotism. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Max Weber's concept of bureaucracy was developed in the early 20th century, but it still influences administrative structures today. In what ways do you see Weberian bureaucracy as relevant in today's rapidly changing world? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Global challenges often test the ethical fiber of nations, urging them to channel narrow pursuit of national-interest into an enlightened self-interest.\" Enumerating the various ethical principles underlying the concept of enlightened national-interest examine its efficacy in helping nations navigate the fine line between pursuing their strategic interests and upholding ethical principles, particularly in times of conflict? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In the realm of governance, a crucial aspect is the art of persuasion. The qualities that make civil servants proficient persuaders empower them to fulfill their responsibilities in an effective manner. Discuss with illustrations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Corruption has multifaceted implications. Some consider it an undeniable vice, while others contend it to be an unavoidable necessity for navigating the bureaucratic complexities. In our opinion, does corruption oil or corrode the gears of development? Substantiate your arguments. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Ethical hacking and malicious hacking stand as divergent paths with distinct intentions and consequences. As technology advances, it becomes imperative to comprehend the nuances that set these practices apart in the cybersecurity landscape. In this perspective, elucidate the principles that differentiate ethical hacking and malicious hacking. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What does each of the following quotation mean to you? a) \\\"Our greatest ability as humans is not to change the world, but to change ourselves.\\\" - Mahatma Gandhi (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":34,"question":"What qualities are lacking in Manoj's parents?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"What qualities can prevent a person from taking extreme steps like suicide?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"What are the various ethical issues with the education system as indicated in the case study? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"What are the ethical concerns associated with the case study? b) What are the options available to Rajendra? c) If you were in place of Rajendra, what option would you choose and why? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":2605,"topper":"Dipti Ranjan Pati","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/121b6-563381_3128_dipti_.ranjan_pati_rank_164.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"The world must learn to work together, or finally it will not work at all.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Technology, like art, is a soaring exercise of the human imagination.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"We've begun to raise daughters more like sons, but few have the courage to raise our sons more like our daughters.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2606,"topper":"Dipti Ranjan Pati","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2feb8-563381_2930_dipti_ranjan_pati_rank_164.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How is the rapid growth of the food processing industry leading to food safety challenges in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Under the Public Distribution System of India, the Fair Price Shop (FPS) transformation is an evolving process. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"How are agri-tech startups in India helping farmers in enhancing farm productivity and market access? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the role of digitization of land records in the effective implementation of land reforms in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"To fully exploit its demographic dividend and accelerate economic growth, India needs to adopt a manufacturing-led growth model. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can the resilience of Indian coastal communities be strengthened to tackle the growing natural hazards resulting from climate change? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How does the Green Credit Programme extend beyond carbon management to promote a more sustainable environment in India? What are the various concerns about its implementation? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What is the need for NavIC when existing satellite navigation systems are already available? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Cyber-enabled financial crime has emerged as the new frontier of global money laundering. Discuss. How can the government address this issue? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The Indian Army is observing the year 2024 as the 'Year of Technology Absorption'. In light of this, explain why there is a need for technology absorption in the defence sector of India. What challenges can India face in this initiative? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What are the issues faced in the development of trade and industries in the North-Eastern Region (NER) of India? Comment on the measures that have been taken to tackle these issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the era of climate change and growing water scarcity, how can micro-irrigation systems contribute to sustainable agricultural practices in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What strategies can be adopted to overcome the issues pertaining to freight transportation in the Indian Railways and increase its share in the domestic freight? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the factors that have aided India in making impressive strides in the renewable energy sector and establishing itself as a frontrunner in the global renewable energy transition. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"How does agricultural runoff containing fertilizers and pesticides contribute to environmental pollution? What measures can be taken to mitigate the impact of agricultural runoff? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The growing influx of tourists in Himalayan states has breached their ecological carrying capacity, leading to significant man-made disasters. What measures can be implemented to prevent such disasters while promoting sustainable tourism? Discuss with relevant examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"How do superconductors fuel innovation in diverse fields of science and technology? Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"While India has laws covering almost all types of intellectual property rights, numerous enforcement, regulatory and administrative challenges hamper the commercialisation of IPRs in India. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Keeping in view the challenges in creating integrated theatre commands, examine how the theaterisation of commands can lead to greater integration and rationalisation of manpower and resources among the three services. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Treating border villages as first villages not just geographically but also in terms of facilities can be a key strategy for enhancing border security. Discuss. Also, highlight the measures being taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2607,"topper":"Dipti Ranjan Pati","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/077d5-563381_2928_dipti_ranjan_pati_rank_164.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How does tribal art provide valuable insights into the cultural perspectives and values of Indian tribal communities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What are the key factors that accelerated decolonization post-World War II? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How does human encroachment impact water bodies in urban areas? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How do physical geographical features influence the development and operation of transportation systems? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How are ocean trenches formed? Describe the significant characteristics of these oceanic relief formations. (Answer in 150words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Identify the reasons behind increasing number of extreme rainfall events throughout India in recent times. Assess their socio-economic impact. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"India is expected to have the largest working-age population in the world by 2030 and it cannot afford low participation of women in the workforce anymore. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Do you agree that there has been a progressive secularization of caste in India? Support your view with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Why is inequality increasing in India despite the fall in overall poverty? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"How did the competitive and hostile dynamic between Brahminism and Buddhism over funding, followers, and ideology mark the decline of Buddhism? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"European travellers' accounts in the medieval period have played an important role in shaping our understanding of the empires and people of that period in India. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Why was it more difficult to rehabilitate refugees in West Bengal as compared to Punjab after partition? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss the economic and social costs associated with the transition from coal to green energy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Explain the process of formation of volcanic calderas. How do they contribute to the scenic beauty of the region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the reasons behind the increased frequency and intensity of heat waves globally? How will it impact global food security? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India's approach to secularism does not merely challenge inter-religious domination but intra-religious domination as well. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Do you agree with the view that Indian cities are turning into landscapes of stark inequality and social exclusion? What steps can be taken to make urban areas more egalitarian in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2608,"topper":"Dipti Ranjan Pati","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/960ff-563381_2931_dipti_ranjan_pati_rank_164.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The end cannot justify the means, for the simple and obvious reason that the means employed determine the nature of the ends produced. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss how the relationship between law and ethics is dynamic and continuously shaped by societal changes. Provide examples to illustrate this dynamic relationship. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Differentiate between probity and integrity with suitable examples. How do these values contribute to ethical governance and decision-making in the civil services? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the ethical implications of withholding information in public administration. How can transparency enhance accountability and reduce corruption in government institutions? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? \"There is no school equal to a decent home and no teacher equal to a virtuous parent.\"- Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.\" - Leo Tolstoy (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"To see what is right and not do it is a lack of courage.\" - Confucius (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What factors lead to a positive attitude in a person? How does positive attitude enhance the effectiveness of civil servants in performing their duties? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss how emotional intelligence can influence ethical decision-making in the allocation of scarce public resources. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Various international humanitarian organizations provide emergency aid in conflict zones around the world. Highlight the ethical challenges faced by such organizations. What are the principles that guide international humanitarian work? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Why is persuasion regarded as an important skill for civil servants? What are the key considerations that should guide persuasion in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"What role can ethical leadership play in curbing corruption, especially in public service? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"What were the major teachings of Swami Dayanand Saraswati? Explain their relevance in addressing the current ethical and social challenges in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":33,"question":"Discuss the ethical dilemma Karan faces in deciding whether to report the incident against Mariyam's wishes. (b) Evaluate the options available to Karan. Which of these options should he choose and why? (c) What responsibilities do organizations like XYZ Corp have in preventing and addressing sexual harassment and creating inclusive workplace environments? (Answer in 250 words)20","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Jay, a civil servant, was appointed as the Commissioner in the state's Education Department a year ago. In his initial months, he implemented several policies and programmes that were transforming the Education Ministry's operations, gaining a good reputation that could potentially benefit the concerned minister in the upcoming elections. However, Jay now faces a significant challenge. As part of his responsibilities, he must approve the recruitment of new teachers for government schools. He has received a list of 120 candidates recommended for vacant posts, but suspects the recruitment process was unfair. Jay had also received several complaints claiming that the process had not been meritocratic. Upon review, Jay discovers evidence suggesting that many names on the list are the result of political patronage - a prevalent issue in the state where politicians use recruitment to gain political support. Jay believes the Education Minister is engaging in this practice as the election season approaches. This situation reminds Jay of a past incident when, as a junior officer, he refused to entertain an unnecessary procurement request. Consequently, he was transferred within a week, and he and his family faced frivolous anti-corruption complaints as retaliation. His successor approved the procurement at even higher rates. Jay is now concerned that blocking the current recruitment could lead to similar consequences. Moreover, he fears that the projects he personally initiated in the Education Ministry might be (a) What are the options available to Jay as the Commissioner of the Education Department? Evaluate each of these options. (b) What option should Jay adopt and why? (c) How can civil servants like Jay be better protected when they attempt to uphold ethical standards in their work? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"What are the options available to Jay as the Commissioner of the Education Department? Evaluate each of these options. (b) What option should Jay adopt and why? (c) How can civil servants like Jay be better protected when they attempt to uphold ethical standards in their work? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"As the District Magistrate of X city, you are responsible for overseeing the construction of a new metro depot in an urban forest area, which is a critical infrastructure project aimed at improving public transportation and reducing traffic congestion and air pollution. The project, however, requires the clearance of a substantial portion of the forest, which has triggered strong opposition from environmental activists, local residents, and NGOs. This forest is widely regarded as essential for the city's ecological balance, often referred to as the city's \"lungs.\" In addition to the environmental concerns, you are under considerable pressure from politicians at the state-level to expedite the project, given the upcoming elections in two years. The political leadership emphasizes the benefits of the metro project for the city's development and its potential to garner electoral support. The project is expected to significantly reduce travel time for thousands of commuters and potentially decrease overall vehicle emissions in the city. However, it would also lead to the loss of thousands of trees and disrupt local ecosystems. As you prepare to make a decision, you are aware that your choice will have far-reaching consequences for both the city's development and its environment. (a) Identify the ethical dilemmas involved in the above case. (b) Evaluate the options available to you in the above situation. Which of these would you choose and why? (c) Suggest some measures that could be implemented to balance urban development needs with environmental conservation in future projects. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Dr. Mehra is a senior drug developer at a leading pharmaceutical company in India, renowned for producing various medications, including lifesaving drugs critical for treating chronic and rare diseases. Since its inception, the company has emphasized the quality and affordability of its drugs. Recently, under revised government guidelines, pharmaceutical companies are required to market a finished product only after obtaining \"satisfactory results\" from tests on the ingredients. Additionally, they must retain a sufficient quantity of samples of both intermediate and final products to allow repeated testing or verification of a batch. Dr. Mehra's team is in the final stages of developing a new medication for a rare but life-threatening disease. This drug has shown promising results in clinical trials. However, there have been unresolved concerns about the long-term side effects of the drug, observed in a small percentage of trial subjects. Despite this, the company has not released any major drug in the past decade, leading to significant pressure from the board members to expedite the drug's release. (a) Identify the stakeholders in the above case study. (b) Discuss the ethical issues faced by Dr. Mehra. (c) Analyse the options available to Dr. Mehra in the above case. Which of these would you choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":59,"question":"In light of the above case, discuss the ethical issues that may arise from the nexus between corporate, political, and bureaucratic interests. (b) As a conscientious civil servant, evaluate the options available to Arun. Which option should he choose and why?(Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2609,"topper":"Dipti Ranjan Pati","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/DIPTI-RANJAN-PATI-UPSC-2024-Rank-164-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Inclusive growth refers to comprehensive human development which goes beyond the narrow confines of GDP and similar metrics. Why inclusive growth requires a multidimensional approach beyond economic growth? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"The gig economy is one of the driving forces of the modern digital economy and is set to employ over 23.5 million people by 2030 (NITI Aayog). Discuss the implications of expansion of gig workforce on economic growth and employment scenario. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Precision agriculture is a key to sustainable development in the farm sector. Explain the components of precision agriculture and how it can help in enhancing the productivity of the agriculture sector. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":46,"question":"What are the strengths and weaknesses of Left Wing Extremism in India? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2610,"topper":"Dipti Ranjan Pati","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/DIPTI-RANJAN-PATI-UPSC-2024-Rank-164-AWFG-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"In what ways did the Industrial Revolution in Europe lay the groundwork for imperialism and colonialism? (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":2,"question":"Bring out the factors behind the policy of appeasement. How far was the policy responsible for the onset of the Second World War? (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":2,"question":"Examine the significant reasons behind the Russian Revolution of 1917 and explain how the first revolution differed from the second. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":2,"question":"Outline the purpose and outcomes of the Potsdam Conference. To what extent did this conference set the stage for the Cold War? (2 50 Words)","marks":null,"words":"50"},{"page":2,"question":"It was a gradual buildup of multiple factors that led to the outbreak of World War I. Comment. (2 50 Words)","marks":null,"words":"50"},{"page":2,"question":"What factors made the Iranian Revolution of 1979 a significant event in the history of the world both in terms of its causes and consequences? (2 50 Words)","marks":"1","words":"50"}]},{"id":2611,"topper":"Disha Dhankhar","air":235,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/DISHA-DHANKHARUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-235-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":17,"question":"8. How modern lifestyles are alienated from nature","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"How globalisation has redefined kinship & community\n1. Joint to nuclear to transnational families -\n1.1 increased migration for work & education has led to transnational kinship networks.\n1.2 Even nuclear families are emotionally joint with help of communication & technological advancements.\n2. Individualism over collectivism - rising individual autonomy eg. occupational choice, mate selection, religious ideology; promoted by globalisation.\n3. Emergence of 'fictive' kin & community - online communities, professional networks & interest groups eg. fandoms function as alternatives to traditional kinship networks.\n4. Increasing trends of inter caste & inter religious marriages - as traditional ideals of endogamy take a backseat & class & idea of","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"1. Positive impact of social media on Indian society\n1. Democratisation of information and public space - social media allows for greater participation in public consensus, fact checking information & speaking truth to power.\n2. Gives voice to marginalised - revival of Dalit narratives, campaigns such as #MeToo & the 4B movement (South Korea) gives marginalised sections a platform.\n3. Role in disaster & crisis response - eg. use of social media during covid19 for hospital requests, oxygen needs, donations for charity work to help during floods & earthquakes.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2612,"topper":"Disha Dhankhar","air":235,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/DISHA-DHANKHARUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-235-Sample-MGP-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) To what extent, in your opinion, have the ideals of the Preamble been realised in the country's 75-year constitutional journey?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Q.7 \"India’s poverty lies in the eyes of the beholder.\" In light of this statement, examine the need for a credible and periodically updated poverty estimation framework in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.13 'The post of Deputy Speaker goes beyond ceremonial significance and is indispensable to Indian parliamentary democracy.' Discuss with relevant constitutional provisions and conventions. Also, examine the implications of the prolonged vacancy of the Deputy Speaker's post.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":6,"question":"Q.19 Examine the factors behind the growing salience of the Arctic region in international politics. Discuss, in this context, strategies for India to recalibrate its Arctic engagement.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2613,"topper":"Disha Dhankhar","air":235,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/DISHA-DHANKHARUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-235-Sample-MGP-Copy-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1 a) ‘Unconscious biases in parenting continue to shape gendered experiences in India.’ Do you agree with this view? Discuss.\nb) Distinguish between empathy and compassion. Why are they considered as foundational values in public services?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Q.4) a) “With great power comes great responsibility.” In the present context, ‘Big Tech’ headquartered in developed countries wield disproportionate influence over digital infrastructure, personal data, and global narratives—often prioritising profit over ethical considerations. What ethical principles should guide such corporations in building a fair, inclusive, and just global digital framework?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.6) a) Public spaces serve as arenas of democratic participation and civic expression. Yet in India, they remain deeply gendered, with many women largely confined to the private and domestic sphere. Examine the factors that restrict women’s access to public spaces. How can ethical governance help address the issue of gendered spatial control and promote inclusivity in public spaces?\nb) Write short notes on the following in 30 words each:\ni) Ethical fading\nii) Conflict of interest\niii) Persuasion\niv) Work culture\nv) Corporate governance","marks":"10 marks, 150","words":"10"},{"page":6,"question":"Q.7) A State Government in the northeastern part of the country has launched a series of anti-encroachment drives across forest areas, wetlands, and revenue lands. Under the directions of the Chief Minister, the administration has intensified efforts to reclaim public land, particularly in areas reserved for ecological protection and critical infrastructure development. Most of the time, these actions have been backed by court orders and have resulted in the recovery of thousands of hectares of land. However, in certain regions, the implementation of such drives is fraught with social and political complexities. In several districts, settlements have existed for decades and are inhabited by marginalized communities with limited access to legal rights or formal rehabilitation measures. These areas are often politically sensitive and influenced by local leaders and pressure groups.\nSimanta is posted as Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) in one such district. Over the past year, the district administration has attempted to align eviction measures with welfare outreach, including the provision of temporary shelters, relocation assistance, and public consultations. Recently, a major operation was scheduled to clear encroachments from over 140 hectares of forest land within a Reserved Forest, primarily to curb rising instances of human-elephant conflict and to restore ecological balance. Anticipating eviction, some residents approached the High Court seeking a stay. However, the court refused to grant it and directed the administration to proceed with the eviction following due process. Notices were served, and a detailed roadmap was prepared to carry out the operation, which was expected to last 2–3 days due to the scale and remote location. On the first day, Simanta led a team comprising forest officials, municipal workers, and police personnel. Demolitions were conducted peacefully and without major resistance. However, on the second day, when the team returned to the site, a large group of agitated residents—primarily women and children—had gathered. They raised slogans and formed human chains to prevent further evictions. The atmosphere grew tense when some individuals began throwing stones, resulting in serious injury to a municipal worker. The crowd grew increasingly volatile and emotionally charged, demanding an immediate halt to the operation. The police contingent present on the ground was outnumbered by the crowd. Faced with this crisis, some team members pleaded with Simanta to call off the operation, fearing threats to their life and the possibility of a violent escalation. Simanta attempted to contact his superior officer (the Deputy Commissioner), but due to poor mobile connectivity in the forested area, communication could not be established. Meanwhile, several local journalists had arrived and begun reporting on the incident. Simanta is in a dilemma as to what to do.\na. Evaluate the options available with Simanta to cope with the situation.\nb. Which of the above options would be the most appropriate for Simanta and why?\nc. What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Simanta?\nd. Examine the qualities of a public servant which will be required to manage such situations.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":7,"question":"a. स्थिति से निपटने के लिए सिमंता के पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nb. सिमंता के लिए सबसे उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?\nc. सिमंता को किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\nd. ऐसी परिस्थितियों का प्रबंधन करने के लिए एक लोक सेवक के गुणों का परीक्षण करें।\na स्थिति से निपटने के लिए सिमंता के पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nb सिमंता के लिए सबसे उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?\nc सिमंता को किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\nd ऐसी परिस्थितियों का प्रबंधन करने के लिए एक लोक सेवक के गुणों का परीक्षण करें।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":8,"question":"a. Suggest a course of action Megha can take to sensitize her village community without appearing disrespectful or confrontational.\nb. What ethical principles and methods should guide her actions while engaging with the community?\nc. How is menstruation related to human rights?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":9,"question":"a. Can you think of a rational way to resolve this dilemma?\nb. Give your reasons for it.\nc. What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\na Can you think of a rational way to resolve this dilemma?\nb Give your reasons for it.\nc What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":10,"question":"a. Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\nb. Examine the behavior of DPDO from an ethical point of view.\nc. How would you react to the situation?\na Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\nb Examine the behavior of DPDO from an ethical point of view.\nc How would you react to the situation?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":11,"question":"a. Bring out the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb. What are the options available to Nithin?\nc. Critically examine each of the options identified by Nithin.\nd. Which of the options, do you think, would be more appropriate for Nithin to adopt and why?\na. Bring out the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb. What are the options available to Nithin?\nc. Critically examine each of the options identified by Nithin.\nd. Which of the options, do you think, would be more appropriate for Nithin to adopt and why?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":12,"question":"Q.12 You are appointed as an officer heading the Air Quality Compliance Division of the Environment Pollution Control Board in Delhi-NCR. The region is witnessing alarming levels of air pollution, which typically worsen during the winter months due to various meteorological and anthropogenic factors. The situation has led to severe public health concerns, particularly affecting vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and those with respiratory illnesses. The Supreme Court has also raised serious concern over the deteriorating air quality in Delhi-NCR and has directed the administration to take immediate and effective measures to control pollution, especially during the winter months. Your jurisdiction has a large number of small and medium-scale industries that were granted environmental clearance over the years. These industries form the backbone of the local economy and provide employment to a significant number of migrant workers. However, recent inspections and air quality monitoring reports indicate that a significant number of these units are operating in violation of prescribed air emission norms. As part of targeted measures to curb air pollution, you issued notices to all identified polluting units, directing them to apply for fresh environmental clearance certificates from the competent authority. However, your decision triggered strong opposition from a section of industrial units, labour unions, and local politicians. Industrial owners argued that such action would lead to production shutdowns, financial losses, and shortages of their products in the market. Labour unions and workers also protested, fearing mass unemployment and livelihood insecurity. Local politicians and vested interests accused you of jeopardising the socio-economic stability of the region. You received representations from various quarters urging you to withdraw the notices and not initiate harsh measures, citing the interests of multiple stakeholders. Additionally, you began receiving anonymous threats, aimed at coercing you into reversing your decision. On the other hand, several of your colleagues supported your stance, encouraging you to act in the larger public interest. Several local NGOs and environmental groups rallied behind your actions, demanding the immediate closure of polluting units.\na Under the given conditions, what are the options available to you?\nb Critically evaluate each of the options listed by you.\nc What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by you?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":19,"question":"What can one do to be more tolerant","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"(a) Most appropriate course of action & why","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2614,"topper":"Disha Dhankhar","air":235,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a84fb-1159416_3344_disha_dhankhar_rank_235.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2615,"topper":"Disha Dwivedi","air":672,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uscUqA7eW-gw6Pg4JqhrvFS1z8f5P9B0/view","questions":[]},{"id":2616,"topper":"Dishant A Nisar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6a40e-1138476_3128_nisar_dishant_amrutlal_rank_19.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Write two essays, choosing one topic from each of the Sections A and B, in about 1000-1200 words each :\n1. The world must learn to work together, or finally it will not work at all.\n2. Technology, like art, is a soaring exercise of the human imagination.\n3. We've begun to raise daughters more like sons, but few have the courage to raise our sons more like our daughters.\n4. The will of the people cannot make just that which is unjust.\n5. It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.\n6. To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.\n7. We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are.\n8. A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes.","marks":"125 x 2 = 250","words":"1000-1200 words each"}]},{"id":2617,"topper":"Dishant A Nisar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1ad38-1138476_2929_nisar_dishant_amrutlal_rank_19.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. Expression of dissent is central to the functioning of the Parliament. In light of this, discuss the role of the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in India's parliamentary system. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. How can the integration of technology into judicial processes enhance accessibility, capability, and efficiency in justice delivery? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. The Supreme Court of India has upheld unique asymmetry in India's federalism by intricately balancing centralized authority and regional autonomy. Discuss with the help of relevant case laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. Evaluate the effectiveness of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes in safeguarding the interests of the Scheduled Castes in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. Executive accountability to the legislature through Parliamentary Committees has been the hallmark of the Indian political system. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. How can India make Citizens' Charter a powerful tool for improving governance and empowering citizens? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. How do corporate donors aid NGOs in facilitating holistic development in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. Despite its merits, should the POCSO Act be revisited to correct the existing inadequacies? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. China's acquisition of strategic ports globally has significant implications for international trade routes and economic relations. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. What are the main functions of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)? How will its recent treaty on intellectual property, genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge benefit India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. While the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) plays a crucial role in combating corruption, its functioning is often criticized for being partisan and acting against the federal spirit. Discuss with the help of suitable examples.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. Governors in India often overstep their constitutional role and fail to act effectively when needed. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. Both India and the USA adhere to democratic principles but their electoral systems exhibit significant differences. What are the key differences in electoral practices between the two countries? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. How far do you agree with the view that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has met its objective of ensuring environmental justice in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. Though Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) have become a platform for competitive politics, they have not emerged as an agency of planning and service delivery. Why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. What do you understand by interoperability in e-governance? What steps have been taken by the government to ensure interoperability and integration of various e-governance systems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. When it comes to sexual and reproductive health of women in India, rights-based discourse has largely been bypassed not just by the societal norms but also by the legal norms. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. How effective has India been in enhancing immunization coverage over the years? What challenges continue to affect immunization efforts in the country?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. India used its Presidency of the G20 to bring the voice of the Global South to the centre stage. Discuss with special reference to Africa.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. India's relationship with the UAE has witnessed a remarkable expansion across various domains in the last decade. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2618,"topper":"Dishant A Nisar","air":19,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/NISAR-DISHANT-AMRUTLAL-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-19-Sample-MGP-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) The Union Budget 2025-26 outlines a shift towards the 'debt-to-GDP ratio' as the fiscal anchor starting from FY 2026-27. Discuss the rationale behind this shift.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Why does India need to transition from a 'build to print' to a 'build to design' model in manufacturing? What steps has been taken by the government in this regard?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Explain the concept of a nutrition-sensitive food system and suggest strategies to achieve it in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Give a brief overview of the 'Digital Agriculture Mission'. How can it benefit the agriculture sector?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) Rare earths are not just elements; they are foundational inputs that act like 'seeds of technology'. Elaborate","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) Why retrofitting Electrostatic Precipitators (ESPs) in Indian thermal power plants is a more viable and effective option compared to the installation of flue gas desulfurization (FGD) systems?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Q.7) 'The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regime in India remains weak and is often reduced to a procedural formality.' In light of this statement, examine the key challenges in EIA implementation and suggest reforms.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Q.8) Plastic pollution is emerging as a serious environmental threat in India. Discuss the various mitigation measures to address this problem and also the government's initiatives in this regard.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Q.9) Amid evolving threats, there is a need to blend private sector capabilities with India's current internal security architecture. In this context, elaborate on the ways in which the private sector can contribute to strengthening internal security.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Q.10) 'Radicalisation in Jammu and Kashmir is driven as much by socio-economic factors as by external influences.' Discuss how education and youth engagement can play a role in countering radicalisation in J&K. 10M.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Q.11) Outlining the key characteristics of the care economy, discuss how India can better integrate the value of unpaid and underpaid care work into its economic framework.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.12) The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) presents both unprecedented opportunities and significant challenges for India's labour market. Examine. Also suggest strategies to align AI adoption with inclusive and resilient labour market outcomes.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Q.13 Why does India's agricultural export performance remain weak despite high production levels? What measures would you suggest to improve agri-export competitiveness?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Q14 The agricultural subsidy regime in the country needs reforms to address the distortions it causes. Comment","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Q.15 How can biomanufacturing transform today's consumptive manufacturing paradigm to the one based on regenerative principles? Also discuss how BioE3 Policy (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment) aims to foster biomanufacturing in the country.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Q.16) The future of digital innovation depends on self-reliant, domain-specific AI capabilities. In this context, bring out the key considerations in developing indigenous AI models and tools. Suggest measures to build an enabling ecosystem for AI innovation in India. What initiatives have been taken by the government in this regard?","marks":"15 marks, 250","words":"15"},{"page":39,"question":"Q.17 Marine oil spills are a form of environmental disaster, with far-reaching consequences for biodiversity and coastal livelihoods; however, India's preparedness to prevent such incidents and mitigate their impact has significant gaps. Analyze.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Q.18 'The United Nations has declared 2025 as the International Year of Glacier Preservation.' Bring out the ecological and socio-economic significance of glaciers. What are the key challenges in preserving them? What measures have been taken at national and international levels towards preservation of glaciers?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Q.19 What are the determinants of insurgency in the north-eastern region of India? What strategy should the Government of India, civil administration and security forces adopt to counter the threat in the affected areas?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Q.20) Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have become an integral aspect of modern conflict and warfare, employed by both state and non-state actors. Discuss its implications for India's security architecture and state the measures being taken to address them. Also suggest other steps to tackle the threats emanating from UAVs.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2619,"topper":"Dishant A Nisar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/95296-1138476_2930_nisar_dishant_amrutlal_rank_19.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. How is the rapid growth of the food processing industry leading to food safety challenges in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. Under the Public Distribution System of India, the Fair Price Shop (FPS) transformation is an evolving process. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. How are agri-tech startups in India helping farmers in enhancing farm productivity and market access? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. Discuss the role of digitization of land records in the effective implementation of land reforms in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. To fully exploit its demographic dividend and accelerate economic growth, India needs to adopt a manufacturing-led growth model. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"4) Enhance manufacturing sector by employing people leading to 'comparative cost advantage' of Ricardo's theory","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"6. How can the resilience of Indian coastal communities be strengthened to tackle the growing natural hazards resulting from climate change? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. How does the Green Credit Programme extend beyond carbon management to promote a more sustainable environment in India? What are the various concerns about its implementation?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. What is the need for NavIC when existing satellite navigation systems are already available? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Cyber-enabled financial crime has emerged as the new frontier of global money laundering. Discuss. How can the government address this issue? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. The Indian Army is observing the year 2024 as the 'Year of Technology Absorption'. In light of this, explain why there is a need for technology absorption in the defence sector of India. What challenges can India face in this initiative? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. What are the issues faced in the development of trade and industries in the North-Eastern Region (NER) of India? Comment on the measures that have been taken to tackle these issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. In the era of climate change and growing water scarcity, how can micro-irrigation systems contribute to sustainable agricultural practices in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. What strategies can be adopted to overcome the issues pertaining to freight transportation in the Indian Railways and increase its share in the domestic freight? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. Discuss the factors that have aided India in making impressive strides in the renewable energy sector and establishing itself as a frontrunner in the global renewable energy transition. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. How does agricultural runoff containing fertilizers and pesticides contribute to environmental pollution? What measures can be taken to mitigate the impact of agricultural runoff? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. The growing influx of tourists in Himalayan states has breached their ecological carrying capacity, leading to significant man-made disasters. What measures can be implemented to prevent such disasters while promoting sustainable tourism? Discuss with relevant examples.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. How do superconductors fuel innovation in diverse fields of science and technology? Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. While India has laws covering almost all types of intellectual property rights, numerous enforcement, regulatory and administrative challenges hamper the commercialisation of IPRs in India. Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. Keeping in view the challenges in creating integrated theatre commands, examine how the theaterisation of commands can lead to greater integration and rationalisation of manpower and resources among the three services.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":51,"question":"How ITC can lead to integration and rationalization of manpower and resources.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"20. Treating border villages as first villages not just geographically but also in terms of facilities can be a key strategy for enhancing border security. Discuss. Also, highlight the measures being taken by the government in this regard.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"}]},{"id":2620,"topper":"Dishant A Nisar","air":19,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/NISAR-DISHANT-AMRUTLAL-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-19-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) 'Unconscious biases in parenting continue to shape gendered experiences in India.' Do you agree with this view? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) Distinguish between empathy and compassion. Why are they considered as foundational values in public services?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) The current society is witnessing rising levels of intolerance. What are the consequences of this situation for personal well-being and for societal well-being? What can one do at the personal level to become tolerant?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) What are the main components of emotional intelligence and how does it help an individual in taking ethical decisions?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) Given below are the three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context?\na) \"This life is short, the vanities of the world are transient, but they alone live who live for others, the rest are more dead than alive.\" - Swami Vivekanand","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) \"If you cry because the sun has gone out of your life, your tears will prevent you from seeing the stars.\" - Rabindranath Tagore","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"c) \"Two ways of building character - cultivating strength to challenge oppression, and tolerate the resultant hardships that give rise to courage and awareness.\" - Sardar Patel","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.4) a) \"With great power comes great responsibility.\" In the present context, 'Big Tech' headquartered in developed countries wield disproportionate influence over digital infrastructure, personal data, and global narratives—often prioritising profit over ethical considerations. What ethical principles should guide such corporations in building a fair, inclusive, and just global digital framework?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"b) What do you understand by the term 'crisis of conscience'? Describe an incident from your life where you experienced such a crisis. How did you deal with it?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.5) a) \"A politics of confession that encourages politicians and parties to confess and offer regret for their errors can surely be a cathartic experience.\" Examine the statement from the ethical point of view.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"b) What are the key objectives of the Right to Information Act, 2005? Examine the ethical concerns associated with certain provisions of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act in realizing the objectives of the RTI Act.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.6) a) Public spaces serve as arenas of democratic participation and civic expression. Yet in India, they remain deeply gendered, with many women largely confined to the private and domestic sphere. Examine the factors that restrict women's access to public spaces. How can ethical governance help address the issue of gendered spatial control and promote inclusivity in public spaces?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"b) Write short notes on the following in 30 words each:\ni) Ethical fading\nii) Conflict of interest\niii) Persuasion\niv) Work culture\nv) Corporate governance","marks":"10 marks, 150","words":"30 words each"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7) A State Government in the northeastern part of the country has launched a series of anti-encroachment drives across forest areas, wetlands, and revenue lands. Under the directions of the Chief Minister, the administration has intensified efforts to reclaim public land, particularly in areas reserved for ecological protection and critical infrastructure development. Most of the time, these actions have been backed by court orders and have resulted in the recovery of thousands of hectares of land. However, in certain regions, the implementation of such drives is fraught with social and political complexities. In several districts, settlements have existed for decades and are inhabited by marginalized communities with limited access to legal rights or formal rehabilitation measures. These areas are often politically sensitive and influenced by local leaders and pressure groups. Simanta is posted as Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) in one such district. Over the past year, the district administration has attempted to align eviction measures with welfare outreach, including the provision of temporary shelters, relocation assistance, and public consultations. Recently, a major operation was scheduled to clear encroachments from over 140 hectares of forest land within a Reserved Forest, primarily to curb rising instances of human-elephant conflict and to restore ecological balance. Anticipating eviction, some residents approached the High Court seeking a stay. However, the court refused to grant it and directed the administration to proceed with the eviction following due process. Notices were served, and a detailed roadmap was prepared to carry out the operation, which was expected to last 2-3 days due to the scale and remote location. On the first day, Simanta led a team comprising forest officials, municipal workers, and police personnel. Demolitions were conducted peacefully and without major resistance. However, on the second day, when the team returned to the site, a large group of agitated residents — primarily women and children — had gathered. They raised slogans and formed human chains to prevent further evictions. The atmosphere grew tense when some individuals began throwing stones, resulting in serious injury to a municipal worker. The crowd grew increasingly volatile and emotionally charged, demanding an immediate halt to the operation. The police contingent present on the ground was outnumbered by the crowd. Faced with this crisis, some team members pleaded with Simanta to call off the operation, fearing threats to their life and the possibility of a violent escalation. Simanta attempted to contact his superior officer (the Deputy Commissioner), but due to poor mobile connectivity in the forested area, communication could not be established. Meanwhile, several local journalists had arrived and begun reporting on the incident. Simanta is in a dilemma as to what to do.\na. Evaluate the options available with Simanta to cope with the situation.\nb. Which of the above options would be the most appropriate for Simanta and why?\nc. What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Simanta?\nd. Examine the qualities of a public servant which will be required to manage such situations.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"a. स्थिति से निपटने के लिए सिमंता के पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nb. सिमंता के लिए सबसे उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?\nc. सिमंता को किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\nd. ऐसी परिस्थितियों का प्रबंधन करने के लिए एक लोक सेवक के गुणों का परीक्षण करें।\na स्थिति से निपटने के लिए सिमंता के पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nb सिमंता के लिए सबसे उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?\nc सिमंता को किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\nd ऐसी परिस्थितियों का प्रबंधन करने के लिए एक लोक सेवक के गुणों का परीक्षण करें।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":31,"question":"B Option Suitable and why?\n1) A mix of option 1 and option 3","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Q.8) Megha is a first-year sociology student at a reputed college in the national capital. She is originally from Tadchiroli, a tribal village in a western Indian state. Megha's family migrated to the city when she was seven years old and had not visited their village since. Though Megha has fond memories of her childhood there, she never deeply understood the customs and traditions of the region. One day, Megha expresses her wish to visit Tadchiroli. Her father agrees and asks her to inform Ratan, her paternal uncle, who still lives in the village with his family. Megha informs Ratan and travels to the village during a semester break. Upon arrival, she receives a warm welcome from Ratan and his family. Later, Ratan invites her to attend a local festival. During the event, Megha notices that her cousin Rinki is missing. Curious, she asks Ratan's wife Ratna why Rinki is not at the festival. Ratna explains that Rinki is on her period, and as per tradition, menstruating girls must stay separately in small huts built specifically for the purpose. Locally known as 'kurma ghars', they are generally located on the periphery of the village, near a river or pond. She further adds that these girls are not allowed to enter the main house or participate in any social or religious activities. Megha is taken aback. She asks whether all women follow this practice. Ratna nods and says it has been the custom for generations. Even schoolgirls stay in these huts and miss classes during their periods. Ratna admits that many in the village, including herself, never questioned the practice. The explanation unsettles Megha. She finds it hard to believe that a natural biological function leads to such exclusion. Before returning to the city, Megha observes that even educated family members seem to accept and follow these customs. The experience leaves a deep impact on her. She starts reading more about menstrual taboos and their impact on women's health, dignity, and education. As a sociology student, she recognises how such traditions are linked to patriarchy and social stigma. She begins to reflect on what she can do at her level to improve the current situation, without alienating the community or disrespecting its traditions.\na. Suggest a course of action Megha can take to sensitize her village community without appearing disrespectful or confrontational.\nb. What ethical principles and methods should guide her actions while engaging with the community?\nc. How is menstruation related to human rights?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"a. मेघा द्वारा अपने गांव के समुदाय को असम्मानजनक या टकरावपूर्ण व्यवहार किए बिना संवेदनशील बनाने के लिए अपनाई जा सकने वाली कार्यवाही का सुझाव दीजिए।\nb. समुदाय के साथ जुड़ते समय उसके कार्यों को किन नैतिक सिद्धांतों और तरीकों से निर्देशित किया जाना चाहिए?\nc. मासिक धर्म मानव अधिकारों से किस प्रकार संबंधित है?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":39,"question":"Q.9 a. Can you think of a rational way to resolve this dilemma?\nb. Give your reasons for it.\nc. What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\na Can you think of a rational way to resolve this dilemma?\nb Give your reasons for it.\nc What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.10) You are working as an Assistant Section Officer in the District Development and Panchayat Office. One day, one of your close colleagues approaches you in deep distress. She tells you that her father is suffering from a severe liver condition, and the doctors have clearly stated that he must undergo liver transplant immediately in order to survive. She shares that she has no health insurance and the surgery would cost around Rs 15 lakh. You are aware that her husband passed away a few years ago, and that she also has a four-year-old son with special needs. Just a few weeks ago, she also lost all her savings in a digital arrest scam. As a widow from a lower middle-class family, her options are extremely limited. Although you feel deeply empathetic, you are unable to offer financial assistance, as you do not have the resources to help. A few weeks later, you enquire about her father's health. She informs you that the liver transplant surgery was successful and that her father is now recovering steadily. Relieved, you ask how she managed to arrange the funds. Hesitantly, she confides that the District Development and Panchayat Officer (DDPO) helped her. Moved by her situation, the DDPO facilitated the release of Rs 15 lakh from the fund allocated to a rural sanitation scheme. The implementation of this scheme had been put on hold for a year due to technical issues and pending site approvals. She explains that the amount was provided on the assurance of strict confidentiality and with a commitment to repay it at the earliest. She expresses deep gratitude for the DDPO's timely help, which she believes saved her father's life. She has already begun repaying the money and will continue to do so until it is all returned.\na. Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\nb. Examine the behavior of DDPO from an ethical point of view.\nc. How would you react to the situation?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":49,"question":"Q.11 a. Bring out the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb. What are the options available to Nithin?\nc. Critically examine each of the options identified by Nithin.\nd. Which of the options, do you think, would be more appropriate for Nithin to adopt and why?\na Bring out the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb What are the options available to Nithin?\nc Critically examine each of the options identified by Nithin.\nd Which of the options, do you think, would be more appropriate for Nithin to adopt and why?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"Q.12 You are appointed as an officer heading the Air Quality Compliance Division of the Environment Pollution Control Board in Delhi-NCR. The region is witnessing alarming levels of air pollution, which typically worsen during the winter months due to various meteorological and anthropogenic factors. The situation has led to severe public health concerns, particularly affecting vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and those with respiratory illnesses. The Supreme Court has also raised serious concern over the deteriorating air quality in Delhi-NCR and has directed the administration to take immediate and effective measures to control pollution, especially during the winter months. Your jurisdiction has a large number of small and medium scale industries that were granted environmental clearance over the years. These industries form the backbone of the local economy and provide employment to a significant number of migrant workers. However, recent inspections and air quality monitoring reports indicate that a significant number of these units are operating in violation of prescribed air emission norms. As part of targeted measures to curb air pollution, you issued notices to all identified polluting units, directing them to apply for fresh environmental clearance certificates from the competent authority. However, your decision triggered strong opposition from a section of industrial units, labour unions, and local politicians. Industrial owners argued that such action would lead to production shutdowns, financial losses and shortages of their products in the market. Labour unions and workers also protested, fearing mass unemployment and livelihood insecurity. Local politicians and vested interests accused you of jeopardising the socio-economic stability of the region. You received representations from various quarters urging you to withdraw the notices and not initiate harsh measures citing the interests of multiple stakeholders. Additionally, you began receiving anonymous threats aimed at coercing you into reversing your decision. On the other hand, several of your colleagues supported your stance, encouraging you to act in the larger public interest. Several local NGOs and environmental groups rallied behind your actions, demanding the immediate closure of polluting units.\na. Under the given conditions, what are the options available to you?\nb. Critically evaluate each of the options listed by you.\nc. What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by you?","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":2621,"topper":"Dishant A Nisar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/04dd5-1138476_2931_nisar_dishant_amrutlal_rank_19.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. (a) The end cannot justify the means, for the simple and obvious reason that the means employed determine the nature of the ends produced. Discuss with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"1. (b) Discuss how the relationship between law and ethics is dynamic and continuously shaped by societal changes. Provide examples to illustrate this dynamic relationship. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"2. (a) Differentiate between probity and integrity with suitable examples. How do these values contribute to ethical governance and decision-making in the civil services? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"How they contribute to ethical governance and decision-making?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"2. (b) Discuss the ethical implications of withholding information in public administration. How can transparency enhance accountability and reduce corruption in government institutions? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"3 (a) What do each of the following quotations mean to you?\n(a) \"There is no school equal to a decent home and no teacher equal to a virtuous parent.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"3. (b) \"Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.\" - Leo Tolstoy (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"3. (c) \"To see what is right and not do it is a lack of courage.\" – Confucius (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"4. (a) What factors lead to a positive attitude in a person? How does positive attitude enhance the effectiveness of civil servants in performing their duties? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"4. (b) Discuss how emotional intelligence can influence ethical decision-making in the allocation of scarce public resources.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"5. (a) Various international humanitarian organizations provide emergency aid in conflict zones around the world. Highlight the ethical challenges faced by such organizations. What are the principles that guide international humanitarian work? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"5. (b) Why is persuasion regarded as an important skill for civil servants? What are the key considerations that should guide persuasion in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"6. (a) What role can ethical leadership play in curbing corruption, especially in public service? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"6. (b) What were the major teachings of Swami Dayanand Saraswati? Explain their relevance in addressing the current ethical and social challenges in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":33,"question":"(a) Discuss the ethical dilemma Karan faces in deciding whether to report the incident against Mariyam's wishes.\n(b) Evaluate the options available to Karan. Which of these options should he choose and why?\n(c) What responsibilities do organizations like XYZ Corp have in preventing and addressing sexual harassment and creating inclusive workplace environments? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"8 (a) शिक्षा विभाग के आयुक्त के रूप में जय के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं? इनमें से प्रत्येक विकल्प का मूल्यांकन कीजिए।\n(b) जय को कौन-सा विकल्प अपनाना चाहिए और क्यों?\n(c) जय जैसे सिविल सेवकों को अपने दायित्वों के निर्वहन में नैतिक मानकों को बनाए रखने के प्रयास के दौरान बेहतर सुरक्षा कैसे प्रदान की जा सकती है? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)\na) शिक्षा विभाग के आयुक्त के रूप में जय के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं? इनमें से प्रत्येक विकल्प का मूल्यांकन कीजिए।\nb) जय को कौन-सा विकल्प अपनाना चाहिए और क्यों?\nc) जय जैसे सिविल सेवकों को अपने दायित्वों के निर्वहन में नैतिक मानकों को बनाए रखने के प्रयास के दौरान बेहतर सुरक्षा कैसे प्रदान की जा सकती है? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":39,"question":"(a) What are the options available to Jay as the Commissioner of the Education Department? Evaluate each of these options.\n(b) What option should Jay adopt and why?\n(c) How can civil servants like Jay be better protected when they attempt to uphold ethical standards in their work? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"9. As the District Magistrate of X city, you are responsible for overseeing the construction of a new metro depot in an urban forest area, which is a critical infrastructure project aimed at improving public transportation and reducing traffic congestion and air pollution. The project, however, requires the clearance of a substantial portion of the forest, which has triggered strong opposition from environmental activists, local residents, and NGOs. This forest is widely regarded as essential for the city's ecological balance, often referred to as the city's \"lungs.\" In addition to the environmental concerns, you are under considerable pressure from politicians at the state-level to expedite the project, given the upcoming elections in two years. The political leadership emphasizes the benefits of the metro project for the city's development and its potential to garner electoral support. The project is expected to significantly reduce travel time for thousands of commuters and potentially decrease overall vehicle emissions in the city. However, it would also lead to the loss of thousands of trees and disrupt local ecosystems. As you prepare to make a decision, you are aware that your choice will have far-reaching consequences for both the city's development and its environment.\n(a) Identify the ethical dilemmas involved in the above case.\n(b) Evaluate the options available to you in the above situation. Which of these would you choose and why?\n(c) Suggest some measures that could be implemented to balance urban development needs with environmental conservation in future projects. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"10 Dr. Mehra is a senior drug developer at a leading pharmaceutical company in India, renowned for producing various medications, including lifesaving drugs critical for treating chronic and rare diseases. Since its inception, the company has emphasized the quality and affordability of its drugs.\n\nRecently, under revised government guidelines, pharmaceutical companies are required to market a finished product only after obtaining \"satisfactory results\" from tests on the ingredients. Additionally, they must retain a sufficient quantity of samples of both intermediate and final products to allow repeated testing or verification of a batch.\n\nDr. Mehra's team is in the final stages of developing a new medication for a rare but life-threatening disease. This drug has shown promising results in clinical trials. However, there have been unresolved concerns about the long-term side effects of the drug, observed in a small percentage of trial subjects. Despite this, the company has not released any major drug in the past decade, leading to significant pressure from the board members to expedite the drug's release.\n(a) Identify the stakeholders in the above case study.\n(b) Discuss the ethical issues faced by Dr. Mehra.\n(c) Analyse the options available to Dr. Mehra in the above case. Which of these would you choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"11. You have been appointed as the Under Secretary in the State Urban Development Department. The Department has been tasked with a prestigious project aimed at revitalizing the infrastructure of a city with deep historical significance. This project, which you are extremely passionate about, involves modernizing public transportation, restoring heritage buildings, and creating green spaces while preserving the city's cultural essence.\n\nExcited by the opportunity, you spent weeks researching and drafting a comprehensive proposal. Your plan included innovative ideas for sustainable development, community engagement, and leveraging technology for urban planning. You presented these initial plans in a departmental meeting, hoping to inspire your colleagues and kickstart the project.\n\nHowever, your enthusiasm was met with indifference. Your colleagues showed little interest, failing to contribute ideas or efforts towards the project. Concerned, you reported this lack of enthusiasm to your immediate superior, who is also the authority for this project. To your dismay,\n(a) इस प्रकरण में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\n(b) उपयुक्त कार्य संस्कृति कार्यस्थल पर मनोबल और उत्पादकता को किस प्रकार प्रभावित करती है?\n(c) आपके पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं और आप इस स्थिति का समाधान किस प्रकार करेंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.\n(b) How does the above-mentioned work culture affect workplace morale and productivity?\n(c) What are the options available to you and how would you address the situation? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":58,"question":"12 (a) उपयुक्त प्रकरण के आलोक में, कॉर्पोरेट, राजनीतिक और नौकरशाही के हितों के बीच गठजोड़ से उत्पन्न होने वाले नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\n(b) एक कर्तव्यनिष्ठ सिविल सेवक के रूप में, अरुण के पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन कीजिए। उसे कौन-सा विकल्प चुनना चाहिए और क्यों? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)\n(a) उपयुक्त प्रकरण के आलोक में, कॉर्पोरेट, राजनीतिक और नौकरशाही के हितों के बीच गठजोड़ से उत्पन्न होने वाले नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\n(b) एक कर्तव्यनिष्ठ सिविल सेवक के रूप में, अरुण के पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन कीजिए। उसे कौन-सा विकल्प चुनना चाहिए और क्यों? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":59,"question":"(a) and (b) (a) In light of the above case, discuss the ethical issues that may arise from the nexus between corporate, political, and bureaucratic interests.\n(b) As a conscientious civil servant, evaluate the options available to Arun. Which option should he choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":2622,"topper":"Divya","air":182,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/DIVYA-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-182-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) \"India’s democratic roots are deeply embedded in its ancient civilizational ethos.\" Discuss in the context of India being referred to as the ‘Mother of Democracy’.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Elucidate the significance of tiger and elephant figures in Indian mythology, art and architecture.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) The arrival of Lord William Bentinck marked a period of transformation in the British Indian State. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150 word"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4 Explain how the American War of Independence deprived Great Britain of one empire, but it strengthened the foundations of another.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) What are Rare Earth Elements (REEs)? Discuss the multi-dimensional implications of uneven distribution of REEs in the world.","marks":"10","words":"150 word"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) Highlight the salient differences between the Himalayan and the Peninsular drainage Systems.","marks":"10","words":"150 word"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7 Describe the nature and mode of origin of the main types of rock at the earth's crust.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) The alienation of modern lifestyles from nature has contributed to the ongoing environmental crisis in India. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 What do you understand by the term ‘urbanisation of poverty’? Also, explain how urban poverty differs from rural poverty in India?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) Globalization has redefined the idea of community and kinship in Indian society. Do you agree? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) The flourishing of various art forms during the Kushana period reflects the rich and diverse cultural landscape of the time. What insights does this provide into the socio-cultural aspects of that era?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 Trace the events that led to the Civil Disobedience Movement. What were its outcomes?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13) Mahatma Jyotirao Phule’s reformist ideas played a significant role in shaping the social foundations of the Indian freedom movement. Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 The interlinking of rivers offers several benefits, but also raises significant socio-economic and environmental concerns. Analyze.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Explain the concept of rain shadow effect. How does it influence the distribution of precipitation and vegetation across mountain ranges?","marks":"15","words":"250 word"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 Bring out the major features of the Indian monsoon and elaborate upon its causative factors.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 What are the geographical factors responsible for the growth of mangrove vegetation in India? Also highlight its role in coastal ecology.","marks":"15","words":"250 w"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 To what extent can the rise of ‘Kidfluencers’ be seen as a reflection of changing family structures and parental aspirations in Indian society?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19) Women often form the backbone of grassroots movements in India, yet they remain largely invisible and excluded from the decision-making process. Examine.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 Do you agree with the view that social media is a ‘double edged sword’? Discuss in the context of its impact on Indian society.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2623,"topper":"Divya","air":182,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/DIVYA-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-182-Sample-MGP-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) To what extent, in your opinion, have the ideals of the Preamble been realised in the country's 75-year constitutional journey?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) The evolution of property rights in India reflects an intricate relationship that exists between individual rights and public welfare. Discuss this statement with the help of relevant constitutional provisions and case laws.","marks":"10","words":"150 word"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Under what conditions can the ‘National’ Emergency be proclaimed by the President of India? What are the consequences when such a proclamation remains in force? When was it last imposed in the country?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4 ‘Lack of a binding framework for pre-legislative consultations in India limits citizen engagement in the lawmaking.’ Propose measures to strengthen the role of public consultation in the legislative process.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) 'The recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission have enabled the States to improve their fiscal conditions.' Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6 In what ways do industry and business associations contribute to socio-economic development in the country? Explain with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150 w"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7 \"India's poverty lies in the eyes of the beholder.\" In light of this statement, examine the need for a credible and periodically updated poverty estimation framework in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 falls short of achieving its intended objectives. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150 word"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 ‘Starved of funds, shackled by geopolitics, WHO is facing a crisis of capacity and credibility.’ Discuss the statement in the light of USA’s withdrawal and its accusation of the health body of being ‘biased towards China and mishandling the COVID-19 pandemic’.","marks":"10","words":"150 word"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 The world continues to operate in a ‘my terrorist’ versus ‘your terrorist’ paradigm. Explain. What strategies would you suggest to develop a unified, comprehensive, and rules-based global approach to tackle the menace of terrorism?","marks":"10","words":"150 word"},{"page":23,"question":"11 Briefly explain the procedure laid down in the Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1951 for the registration of political parties with the Election Commission of India (ECI). What are Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs)? What concerns are associated with them? Does the ECI have powers to de-register a political party?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"12 Assess the role of NITI Aayog over the past decade in promoting cooperative and competitive federalism.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 ‘The post of Deputy Speaker goes beyond ceremonial significance and is indispensable to Indian parliamentary democracy.’ Discuss with relevant constitutional provisions and conventions.\nAlso, examine the implications of the prolonged vacancy of the Deputy Speaker’s post","marks":"15","words":"250 word"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 Is the growing demand for stricter regulation of online content justified, or does it pose a threat to the right to freedom of speech and expression? Examine in light of recent judicial pronouncements.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Critically examine the 'in-house procedure' adopted by the Apex Court to inquire into allegations of misconduct against judges of constitutional courts in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 Recent controversies over alleged malpractices in the electoral rolls have renewed demands for the mandatory linkage of Aadhaar with Voter ID. What is your opinion? Give reasons in support of your answer.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 Lateral entry into civil services is seen as a reformative step, yet it continues to attract criticism and controversy. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18) While rankings aim to benchmark the performance of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), concerns remain about whether current ranking frameworks reflect the broader goals of education. Suggest measures to make the ranking system more objective, inclusive, and aligned with educational and societal outcomes.","marks":"15","words":"250 word"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Examine the factors behind the growing salience of the Arctic region in international politics. Discuss, in this context, strategies for India to recalibrate its Arctic engagement.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 Bangladesh is a key pillar of India’s Neighborhood First policy, but recent developments on both sides threaten to disrupt the 'Sonali Adhyay' in bilateral relations. Analyze.","marks":"15","words":"250 word"}]},{"id":2624,"topper":"Divya","air":182,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/DIVYA-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-182-Sample-MGP-Copy-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":37,"question":"8 In rising cases of disasters and extreme weather events required newer approach for disaster management","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2625,"topper":"Divya","air":182,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/DIVYA-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-182-Sample-MGP-Copy-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":18,"question":"Stephen Hawking's quote that, \"greatest danger in world is that, we will use technology without wisdom.\" find relevance today.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"4 Rational way to resolve the dilemma\n1 Dilemma between rule based order calling for documentation versus protecting human dignity and taking the benefits of scheme to the poor.\n2 The dilemma can be solved by involving panchayat office and arrange temporary humanitarian relief (under social welfare fund).\n3 Explore permissible alternate methods of verification through gram sabha certification and witness testimony.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"1) The case a dilemma between environmentalism versus development debates and the struggles between balancing the both.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2626,"topper":"Divya Arjun Gunde","air":265,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/88cef-25308_1460_divya-arjun-gunde_rank-265.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2627,"topper":"Divya Arjun Gunde","air":265,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2e180-25308_1458_divya-arjun-gunde_rank-265.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2628,"topper":"Divya Arjun Gunde","air":265,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/43e4c-25308_1457_divya-arjun-gunde_rank-265.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2629,"topper":"Divya Arjun Gunde","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/06776-25308_1691_divya-arjun-gunde_rank-265.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The practice of passing of bills without the scrutiny by the parliamentary standing committees undermines their significance and sets a wrong precedent. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The right to recall is a much-needed step to deepen democracy in India. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Is anti-defection law a restriction on the freedom of choice of legislators? Examine and also highlight the role played by the Speaker in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Inter-state river water disputes have been among the most pressing issues faced by the Indian federal system. In this context, examine the potential of the Inter-State River Water Disputes (Amendment) Bill, 2019 in addressing the issues involved. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The expressions 'equality before the law' and 'equal protection of the laws' may seem to be identical, but, in fact, they mean different things. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Idea of the Civil Services Board has been widely hailed as a key civil services reform, however it is not without its own limitation. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"It is argued that the introduction of compulsory voting in India would strengthen its democratic credentials. Critically analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Setting up of an Open Government Data (OGD) Platform can potentially be a game-changer for transparency and accountability. Analyse. Also, identify the challenges that remain in translating this potential into reality. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"There have been concerns related to foreign funding to NGOs in India. In this context, examine the current framework regulating the same. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Social audit not only increases accountability and transparency but also facilitates good governance. Discuss. Also, highlight the impediments faced in institutionalizing social audits in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlight the Quasi-Judicial and Advisory functions of the Election Commission of India. Do you think the powers of the Election Commission need a relook in context of the challenges it has faced in recent years? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Increase in the number of judges at the Supreme Court is a welcome step, nonetheless efficient functioning of the judiciary requires broader reforms at all levels of judicial hierarchy. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Federal tensions in India highlight the need for reforming the Seventh Schedule through the addition, removal and appropriate placement of entries. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What do you understand by doctrine of eminent domain? How can it be applied to understand the evolution of right to property under the Indian constitution? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Explain the structure and function of the National Commission for Backward Classes. What is the significance of recent changes made in its status? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss each adjective attached to the word 'Justice' in the 'Preamble'. Highlight some constitutional and legal steps taken towards each of them in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What are the challenges in conducting free and fair elections in the era of proliferation of social media? In this context, identifying the steps taken by the ECI, suggest further measures. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Explain how the linkage between banks, NGOs and SHGs helps in facilitating access to microfinance and contributes to the development of rural areas. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Identify the different issues associated with the design and implementation of MGNREGA. What reforms have been taken in recent times to address the above-identified issues? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"A sound legal framework, robust institutional mechanism for establishing rule of law, competent and dedicated workforce and decentralization and delegation are some of the necessary preconditions for good governance. Elaborate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2630,"topper":"Divya Arjun Gunde","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/48762-25308_2218_divya-arjun-gunde_rank-265.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to revisit the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution? Discuss with suitable arguments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Highlighting the advantages of online dispute resolution (ODR) mechanism for justice delivery, discuss the challenges associated with its effective implementation in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Despite the constitutional division of powers, Centre-state disputes have been a perennial feature of Indian democracy. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Do you agree with the view that adopting a framework for lobbying will strengthen participative governance and ease of doing business in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Despite the government encouraging open source instead of proprietary technology for government applications, the true potential of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) and digital platforms remains unrealized. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"As a social safety-valve, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) can be the principal vehicles through which communities voice their concerns. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Despite being lauded for its patient centric approach, the implementation of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, remains sluggish and mired with various issues. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to formulate an Urban Employment Guarantee scheme at the national level? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the relevance of BIMSTEC as a regional organisation to fulfil India's strategic aspirations in the Indian Ocean Region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the relevance of the Gujral Doctrine for India with regard to its relations with its immediate neighbours in the present times. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the pivotal role of the \"Officers of Parliament\" in the Indian Parliamentary system. Also, discuss the constitutional and statutory provisions for their impartial functioning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The Finance Commission plays a crucial role in balancing fiscal federalism in India. In this context, examine the recommendations given by the 15th Finance Commission. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Critically assess whether according statutory backing to the Model Code of Conduct will contribute towards free and fair elections in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The market disruption caused by digital revolution warrants renewed focus and perspective to ensure fair competition in the digital economy. In this light, discuss the need to revamp the Competition Commission of India (CCI). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"There is an urgent need for effective whistle-blowing mechanisms and ensuring that necessary safeguards for the protection of whistle-blowers are established in both public and private spheres in India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"State the reasons behind the poor performance of cooperatives in India. Also, discuss the reforms undertaken by the government to overcome the shortcomings. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Public-Private Partnership model, if harnessed properly, has the potential to bridge the gaps in India's healthcare system. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Although the New Education Policy brings with itself a commendable vision, its success will depend on its ability to effectively integrate with the government's other policy initiatives. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) is born from a collective desire to make the Indo-Pacific region an engine of global economic growth. Comment. Also, discuss India's concerns in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"India needs to identify the priority areas to further its techno-diplomacy amidst the complexities of expanding digital space and New and Emerging Strategic Technologies. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2631,"topper":"Divya Arjun Gunde","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/50538-25308_1523_divya-arjun-gunde_rank-265.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Enumerate the issues associated with functioning of the Central Information Commission. How can these issues be addressed? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"In India, Governor's discretionary powers are wider than those of the President. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the objectives that were sought to be achieved through tribunals. How successful have they been in meeting them? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Instead of the government regulating Over-the-top (OTT) platforms, there have been calls for a self-regulating mechanism for such platforms, as in the case of print media. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Bring out the arguments surrounding the issue of some states reserving jobs for locals in the private sector. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Identifying the key elements of Mission Karmayogi, briefly explain how it can lead to holistic development of the human resources and state's capacity. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlighting the role played by ASHA workers in public health system of India, discuss the challenges faced by them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"While internationalisation of higher education has many potential benefits for India, certain challenges will need to be addressed in this regard. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"India needs to adopt a more pragmatic stance in the context of the ongoing intra-Afghan talks. Discuss, in the light of India's engagement with Afghanistan. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In the geo-strategic context of West Asia, the recent efforts to normalise relations between Israel and UAE may open new possibilities for India. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"It is not only the content of election manifestos but also the past performance with respect to promises made in election manifestos that need to be regulated. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"In order to achieve a reduction in the pendency of cases and a return to the Supreme Court's original role as a final appellate court, setting up of a National Court of Appeal is the need of the hour. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The Constitution of India reflects an amalgamation of spirit of Indian freedom struggle and various administrative provisions of different acts of British rule in India. Explain. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Mention the key components of the SVAMITVA scheme. Also, highlight its intended benefits and discuss the potential issues in its implementation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Sharing of information among all stakeholders in government functioning is a leading practice towards good governance. Discuss with examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"India has an oversized and bloated government which acts as a drag on economic efficiency and growth. Critically evaluate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Though the National Digital Health Mission is a step in the right direction for both patients and the healthcare system, concerns around data privacy need to be addressed. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"One Nation One Ration card has the potential to significantly transform the lives of migrant workers in India. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The World Trade Organization is buffeted by multiple challenges which have eroded the credibility of the organization. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"BIMSTEC is indispensable for India's efforts in promoting regional cooperation and integration in the neighbourhood. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2632,"topper":"Divya Arjun Gunde","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9ec73-25308_2220_divya-arjun-gunde_rank-265.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The logic of limitless wealth lies in the basic human instinct for furthering self-interest in the form of profit. In this context, do you think there is a possibility of pursuing ethical capitalism? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"If a law is unjust, a man is not only right to disobey it, he is obligated to do so. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The capacity of Citizens' Charter to initiate any transformative process is conditioned upon it being appropriately designed and effectively executed. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The moral fiber and ethical conduct of public officials not only influence the standard of governance but also their own interests and performance. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The ongoing debate on euthanasia poses several ethical questions. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Foreign aid is a form of neo-colonialism, as the economically wealthier countries can exploit the developing countries under the cloak of aid. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Throwing light on the idea of Universal Humanism propounded by Rabindranath Tagore, discuss its contemporary relevance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree with the view that it is nature and not nurture which determines the emotional intelligence of a person? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Values that guide public administrators can often compete with each other, owing to their relative importance to the larger public interest. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Is it justifiable to say that corruption is a social phenomenon? What are the various ways through which administrative corruption can be tackled? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"\"I do believe that, where there is only a choice between cowardice and violence, I would advise violence.\"- Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":47,"question":"Mr. X is a billionaire businessman who heads a conglomerate engaged in insurance, energy generation and distribution, and manufacturing. Despite being globally known as a great philanthropist, he turned down a shareholder request seeking the disclosure of the conglomerate's actions on issues related to climate change as well as diversity and inclusion. Because of increased attention to climate and diversity issues, many leading firms have committed themselves to incorporate relevant considerations in their business strategies. Therefore, some industry-observers wonder if Mr. X is out of touch with the industry at large and have warned him that failing to address climate change issues puts his businesses under systemic risk. But, Mr. X maintained his vote against the disclosure proposal, while at the same time acknowledged the importance of both climate change and a diverse and inclusive work force. However, Mr. X believes that such ethical issues take secondary importance to maximising shareholder profit. (a) Discuss the importance of including climate change strategies and diversity and inclusion in a business organisation? (b) In your opinion, what matters more for a business organisation - socio-environmental concerns or shareholder profit? (c) How can the two above-mentioned issues be reconciled? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"What are the consequences of 'rote learning' on the educational development of young students in the country?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Suggest measures that can be taken to address this issue. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2633,"topper":"Divya Arjun Gunde","air":265,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ec64c-25308_1525_divya-arjun-gunde_rank-265.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2634,"topper":"Divya Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/69a60-38515_1456_divya-mishra_rank_28.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"A health system to meet $21^\\text{st}$ century needs in India","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2635,"topper":"Divya Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/98894-38515_1692_divya-mishra_rank_28.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"In India, ancient and medieval storage structures such as the step wells, are not only magnificent in their conception, architecture and ornamentation but also hold a lesson for contemporary water concerns. Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Curzon's domestic and foreign policies were motivated by the urge to further strengthen the British position in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The story of India's freedom struggle cannot be complete without recognizing the role that many leaders of North East India played during the time. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The peasant awakening seen in 1930s in India was largely a result of the combination of particular economic and political developments of that period. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"With modern education being introduced in India to meet the interests of the British, its reach was restricted and its character unsatisfactory. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The Sykes-Picot agreement had consequences that can still be seen in West Asia. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Most of the factors responsible for Scramble for Africa had to do with events in Europe. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What was the policy of apartheid prevalent in South Africa? Highlight the role played by prominent African leaders in bringing an end to it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The involvement of local voluntary organizations or Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) has been an important feature of environmental movements in India. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The architecture of Pallava kingdom has a distinctive style comprising of cave temples, monolithic temples and structural temples. Elaborate with examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The subject of Indian folk art paintings is as diverse as the Indian cultural milieu itself. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"A strong tradition of linguistic analysis developed in ancient India and there remained a continuous focus on its preservation and transmission. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Though India as a whole had been ruled by some emperors in the past, it was only in the 19th century that the concept of national identity and national consciousness emerged. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What were the conditions and circumstances that led to the emergence of Socialist Movement in India? Analyse the impact of socialist ideas on the Indian National Movement. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The short-sightedness of Congress, Jinnah's ambitions and British amorality - all played their part in the partition of India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The Marathas had the potential to develop into a new pan-India empire replacing the Mughals, but that potential was never fully realized because of the nature of the Maratha polity itself. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The failures of February revolution were the primary reasons behind October revolution in Russia. Examine. Also, discuss the consequences of October revolution for Russia and the world. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The League of Nations was only as strong as the determination of its leading members to stand up to fascist regimes. Examine in context of failure of the League of Nations. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"While the roots of Naga insurgency lay in issues of identity and ethnicity, over the course of time it has evolved into a complex problem with political, social and economic ramifications. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2636,"topper":"Divya Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/41755-38515_1693_divya-mishra_rank_28.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the concept of volcanic winter giving examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Bring out the importance of community-based disaster management in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The concept of ecological footprint is a useful indicator for assessing progress on the sustainable use of resources in a country. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The CRZ Notification, 2018 aims to maintain a balance between economic growth and conservation principles of coastal regions. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Giving example, explain how continental rupture ultimately results in the formation of a new ocean basin. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"COVID-19 has exposed gaps in India's domestic laws to deal effectively with outbreaks of infectious diseases, especially pandemics. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Explain the phenomena of Sudden Stratospheric warming witnessed in recent years. How does it affect the ozone hole formation over Antarctica? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"How does climate change affect the process of desertification? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Not only is the spatial and temporal distribution of freshwater in India very skewed, but also its usage inefficient and wasteful. Discuss in context of the current water crisis. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Examine how resource efficiency can bring about multiple benefits along the three dimensions of sustainable development - economic, social and environmental - in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Highlighting the significance of unconventional hydrocarbons for India, discuss the issues faced in their exploration and extraction. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What is Soil Organic Carbon (SOC)? Identify various factors affecting SOC levels. Also, highlight the beneficial impacts of SOC on soil health and (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Approach to flood control in India should evolve from piecemeal measures to an integrated basin management. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2637,"topper":"Divya Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/cd7b2-38515_1691_divya-mishra_rank_28.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The practice of passing of bills without the scrutiny by the parliamentary standing committees undermines their significance and sets a wrong precedent. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The right to recall is a much-needed step to deepen democracy in India. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Is anti-defection law a restriction on the freedom of choice of legislators? Examine and also highlight the role played by the Speaker in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Inter-state river water disputes have been among the most pressing issues faced by the Indian federal system. In this context, examine the potential of the Inter-State River Water Disputes (Amendment) Bill, 2019 in addressing the issues involved. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The expressions 'equality before the law' and 'equal protection of the laws' may seem to be identical, but, in fact, they mean different things. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Increase in the number of judges at the Supreme Court is a welcome step, nonetheless efficient functioning of the judiciary requires broader reforms at all levels of judicial hierarchy. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Federal tensions in India highlight the need for reforming the Seventh Schedule through the addition, removal and appropriate placement of entries. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What do you understand by doctrine of eminent domain? How can it be applied to understand the evolution of right to property under the Indian constitution? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Explain the structure and function of the National Commission for Backward Classes. What is the significance of recent changes made in its status? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss each adjective attached to the word 'Justice' in the 'Preamble'. Highlight some constitutional and legal steps taken towards each of them in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What are the challenges in conducting free and fair elections in the era of proliferation of social media? In this context, identifying the steps taken by the ECI, suggest further measures. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Explain how the linkage between banks, NGOs and SHGs helps in facilitating access to microfinance and contributes to the development of rural areas. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Identify the different issues associated with the design and implementation of MGNREGA. What reforms have been taken in recent times to address the above-identified issues? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"A sound legal framework, robust institutional mechanism for establishing rule of law, competent and dedicated workforce and decentralization and delegation are some of the necessary preconditions for good governance. (250 words) 15 Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2638,"topper":"Divya Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tqo4OdrJzJvJoFVgUjpkbkflAWwQhkir/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) Man is not only a product of his environment but can also modify the environment. Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) Though it may seem that accountability and efficiency are antithetical to each other, accountability is a sine qua non for good governance. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) Gandhian ideals can be of immense help in dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic. Evaluate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) While civil servants have the legal right to undertake post-retirement jobs, it raises key ethical issues. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"3. Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context:\n(a) Try not to become a man of success but rather try to become a man of value. Albert Einstein","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) Having knowledge of an unethical act and allowing it to continue can spread a contagion that can affect multiple beings in society. Bertrand Russell","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"4. (a) When people use a common resource without a coordinated plan the result is often a tragedy of the commons in which the resource is depleted. In this context, discuss the various ethical challenges arising out of utilization of Global Commons.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"4. (b) While a code of conduct merely establishes minimal standards of conduct, a better strategy to promote ethical work culture is through internalization of values. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"5. (a) A state that does not have the political will and the discipline to enforce probity in governance, can not get rid of the menace of prolonged corruption. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"How they rid prolonged corruption?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"5. (b) India cannot march successfully in to the 21st century with the administrative system having a colonial mindset. Discuss in context of the bureaucratic work culture in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"6. Which corporate leader has inspired you the most and what moral lessons have you learnt from their life?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"7. Increasing participation of people in governance and easy access to information is what transforms governance to good governance. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"8. It is sometimes believed that moral scrupulousness in one's private life automatically guarantees high moral stature in professional life. Do you agree? Justify your stand with logical arguments.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"9. You are working as a District Magistrate in an aspirational district where women literacy and sex ratio is one of the lowest in the country. It is brought to your notice that a woman who has been elected as 'Sarpanch' on a seat reserved for women candidates in a panchayat in your district is head 'only on the paper'. All the work related to the panchayat is actually carried out by her husband. Even the flag hoisting ceremony on Independence Day is carried out by her husband. However, her husband happens to be a good administrator as indicated by that panchayat's performance on various developmental parameters as compared to other panchayats in the district. Also, her husband enjoys the support of the local people. Given the situation, answer the following:\n(a) Identify the stakeholders and issues involved in this case?\n(b) What options are available to you as the District Magistrate in such a scenario? Also, evaluate each option and indicate what option will you choose.","marks":"20","words":"in around 250"},{"page":34,"question":"10. The issues confronting humanity are multifaceted - from political conflicts and human rights abuses to pandemics and climate change. They are not contained within national borders, nor do they fit into the silos of separate government agencies or academic specialties. What is required is greater international cooperation, mutual respect, abiding by international laws and participative global decision-making. However, over the last decade, it has been observed that international relations have overshadowed these basic tenets of global governance and now we are at the verge of serious global catastrophic risks. When it comes to the structures of global governance, business as usual, is no longer an option. Not only an improvement in our understanding of risks is required but also taking responsibility to lead collective action for a coordinated global response.\n(a) What do you think are the factors hindering collective actions?\n(b) Provide a case for the moral obligation of the international community to come together and find solutions to the problems we face.\n(c) What should be the principles guiding such international cooperation?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":39,"question":"11. You are posted as Superintendent of Police in a district. A case has come up in which more than 30 girls were allegedly raped and sexually exploited at the city shelter home run by an NGO. The scandal came to light when media flagged complaints of sexual abuse of inmates of the city shelter home. A nexus of police, politicians, administration and criminals have been allegedly responsible for the racket going on for the last few years. In light of this, a lot of protests have erupted across the city. While, on one hand, media glare has meant that people are demanding swift action, you have been asked to go slow in investigating the case by top officers in your department. Elections in the state are due in a few months, so it has become a politically sensitive issue. You are also under immense political pressure from the ruling party to not take strict action and make compromises to cover up the case. Given the situation, answer the following:\n(a) Identify the issues involved in the case.\n(b) What are the options available to you? Which of these options will you choose? Justify your stand with logical arguments.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":44,"question":"12. Being the senior-most IAS officer, you are in line to be promoted as Chief Secretary after the incumbent retires in the next two months. Currently, you are heading the Public Works Department (PWD) and a road construction project worth crores has been opened for tender. A company belonging to the son-in-law of the incumbent Chief Minister has also applied for the same. The director in charge of the screening process, a young IAS officer, has reported that company Y and the state PSU have submitted the best bids. Both you and the director are facing political pressure to favour the company X. The young IAS officer may be demoralised if you give in to the pressure. But if you don't give in then he may be transferred and your chances of promotion may also suffer. In light of the situation, answer the following:\n(a) Discuss the ethical issues faced by you in the given case.\n(b) What are the options available to you? Which of these options will you choose? Justify your stand with logical arguments.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":49,"question":"13. As the head of the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) you are tasked to complete the construction of a power plant. The project needs to be completed expeditiously to fulfil the promise made by the government to ensure access to power for all. The selected site is in a remote area and is ideal for plant construction. However, the project would require relocation of the people living in the vicinity. Initially, the local community objected to disruption in their lives but were convinced later about the economic benefits that would accrue to the region through this plant. The project had started gathering pace, but recently a local NGO working for environment protection got involved with the local community regarding developmental activity in the region. As the officer-in-charge for the speedy execution of the project, answer the following:\n(a) What are the issues involved in this case?\n(b) What course of action will you take and why?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":54,"question":"14. Genetic editing has several applications with its potential to edit the genomes of both somatic and germ cells. This allows for the ability to not only cure genetic diseases but to edit the characteristics of future offspring. The last few years have seen the development of several efficient, more precise genetic engineering techniques. However, with growing sophistication, various issues of bioethics have also have come to the forefront.\n(a) Discuss the ethical considerations associated with genome editing.\n(b) In the light of these ethical issues, provide an ethical framework on how this technology can be used for the betterment of humanity.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":55,"question":"(a) Ethical considerations in genome editing:\n1 Rights of unborn child - Human rights are questioned.\n2 Homes and Harvest differences for those who are rich can get better babies than the poor, thus widening social inequality further. eg - case of designer babies.\n3 Cloning could lead to dispensable soldiers or saviour siblings which are reproduced for organ donation.\n4 Divine right to life. Man becoming God.\n5 Anti-state elements & Terrorist could misuse it - organised crime gangs - organ harvesting.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2639,"topper":"Divya Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cDv2EkznXtV5IBohBGvFpU22IRVQmx_n/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) What is Attitude? How does Attitude influence our thoughts and behaviour? Explain giving examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) Identify various ethical issues related to genetic manipulation of human DNA. What is India's stand on DNA manipulation technologies? What is your opinion on the ethicality of human DNA manipulation?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) Why do you think despite rising education and awareness crime against women is rising and becoming more gruesome day by day? What steps can be taken to bring about an attitude change in public towards women?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) \"A country that demands moral perfection in its foreign policy will achieve neither perfection nor security\" - Henry Kissinger. Do you agree with this view point? Discuss various contemporary ethical issues involved in international relations and utility of moral principles in international affairs.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) a) In the context of rising corporate frauds evaluate the relevance of Mahatma Gandhi's concept of trusteeship.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) \"Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things.\" In light of this statement, explain the difference in role of leaders and managers. Why is leadership quality important in a civil servant? Discuss with example.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.4) a) Examine the relevance of the following in the context of civil services:\n1. Bureaucratic anonymity\n2. Emotional intelligence\n3. Courage of conviction\n4. Selflessness","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"b) Dharma is a unique concept in Indian philosophy which encompasses all the ideas of western philosophical schools. Discuss. Also, explain what dharma means to you?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.5 Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/ philosophers/ psychologists. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context.\na) \"Truth can be stated in a thousand different ways, yet each one can be true.\" - Vivekanand","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"b) \"Integrity without knowledge is weak and useless, but knowledge without integrity is dangerous and dreadful.\"","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.6) a) What is Righteousness. Why is morality and conscience important for a civil servant?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"b) What do you understand by probity in governance? In what ways does probity ensure public's trust in administration?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"c) Examine various issues related to utilization of public resources. Also discuss the role of ethics in resolving these issues.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7) You are civil servant who is allocated the task of maintenance of law and order in an area affected by farm bills protests. The local farmers in the area are seeding with anger against the introduction and passage of the three farm bills by the government and have staged mass protests which led to a law and order situation in the area. When your team reaches the affected area, the people there heckle and even assault some of your team members, resulting in severe injury to one of them. Fearing threat to their lives, other team members appeal you to call off the operations.\na) How will you respond in such a situation?\nb) Which qualities in a civil servant will help in effective management of such a crisis?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Q.5) You are a police officer recently posted as an ACP, in the city of Bangalore. A global pandemic has spread across the world. The pandemic has been traced to China. In the aftermath of this information, there has been an unprecedented surge in acts of racial discrimination against people with East Asian and Mongoloid facial features. The brunt of this is being borne by several Indian citizens hailing from North East India with cases ranging from social media campaigns, cyber bullying to physical heckling and abuse.\n\nIn your city, there has been a recent attack on a group of people hailing from Assam in a local vegetable market. This has resulted in massive protests and roadblock by people from the North East.\n\nThere is fear among the people with rumours of violence. As a result, many North East students have already started to rush back to their homes amid the double whammy of racially motivated crimes and pandemic spread. The situation has the potential to fuel a mass exodus of people, amidst the pandemic. Under such a situation, answer the following:\na) What do you understand by the term 'prejudice' and 'stereotype'? What are the reasons behind them?\nb) Analyze the situation at hand. As a police officer, what strategy will you adopt to prevent the situation from escalating?\nc) What long term measures are needed to fight problem of racial discrimination.","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":37,"question":"Q.9 Ramesh has been posted as the DM of one of the poorest and most drought prone district of India. A newspaper prints a story of a poor man who was forced to sell his daughter for five thousand rupees. Ramesh starts an investigation in the story and finds that the story is correct. He directs the police to lodge a formal FIR. Ramesh summons that family and enquires why they sold their daughter. The poor father tells him that due to repeated crop failures they were on the verge of starvation and he sold off his daughter to ensure the survival of the other children. Had they not sold her off, the entire family including that girl would have died of starvation. The father tells Ramesh that with the little cash, which he got by selling his daughter, he can restart agriculture on the small piece of land that he owns to ensure bright future for his other children. Now if Ramesh takes a strong action against the father, then the entire cycle will be repeated i.e., the land will remain fallow, money will be used for fighting the court case and the family may be forced to sell another child. Ramesh also has a daughter and he is unable to understand what he should do in this situation.\na) What are various ethical issues involved in the case from the perspective of various stakeholders?\nb) Evaluate different options available with Ramesh. If you were in Ramesh's position, what would you have done?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.10) You have been appointed as the marketing manager of a big pharmaceutical company. The company is going to launch a new slimming drug. Your team has designed an advertisement for the drug showing unrealistic body transformation in a very short amount of time. You know that the shown body transformation from fat to fit is not possible by this drug. You are not happy with the advertisement but the CEO of the company likes it. When you discuss this issue with the CEO, he tells you such advertisement is necessary for selling of this drug. You are still unsatisfied.\na) Identify different ethical issues involved in the case.\nb) What are the different options that are available with you? Evaluate each of these options. Also suggest most suitable course of action.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Q.11 After clearing the prestigious civil services examination, you have been posted as the SDM in one of the districts in northern India. Government has announced plotting and auctioning of land for development of real estate projects and you have been made responsible for the same. Land lies in the outskirts of the district. A new highway project is also under consideration for construction which will pass near the area suggested for development of real estate project. But the information regarding the highway project is confidential and not available in the public domain. When land is auctioned a large number of plots are bought by the relatives of a minister from the area. You suspect that the minister has leaked the information regarding road construction to his relatives. You discuss the matter with your senior. He tells you that it is a common case and you should not interfere in this case. He advices you that if you interfere in this matter the minister can ruin your career and can also cause your personal harm.\na) Identify different ethical issues involved in the case.\nb) What are different options available with you and what will you do in such circumstance? Justify your course of action.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Q.12 You are an SP in a district. In your district a road accident took place recently, where a car has crushed and killed three people who were sleeping on the footpath. The driver of the car is absconding since the time of the accident. Upon investigations, the investigators were told by some witnesses that the car was driven by the son of a local minister. On further investigation, it was found that the son of minister was returning from a party and he may have been drunk. The next day, driver of the minister comes forward, takes the responsibility of the accident and surrenders before the police. The witnesses changed their statements and are now claiming that they could not identify the driver. The whole situation is making you sceptical about the confession and you suspect that witnesses have been tempted or threatened to change their statement. As the investigation is progressing, political pressure to shut down the investigation is also increasing.\na) Identify different ethical issues involved in the case.\nb) What would be your course of action? Justify.","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":2640,"topper":"Divya Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/11IsVlUy_gsqBZywEnkBjmGmRRPDDHiaR/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"2) a) Examine the relevance of following values in the context of Civil Service with suitable examples.\n1. Objectivity\n2. Persuasion\n3. Compassion\n4. Anonymity","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) \"Public money ought to be touched with the most scrupulous consciousness of honor\". In the light of this statement discuss the values that should guide a civil servant when dealing with public funds.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) It is during the times of distress and uncertainties that public servants need to display emotional intelligence and become pillars of strength for the society. Analyze this statement with focus on healthcare professionals in dealing with the pandemic.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) Social media platforms are inherently wired to reinforce one's political and social attitude, irrespective of its ethicality. Critically Analyze.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) a) Without attitudinal reorientation of civil servants, Citizen Charter may remain another cosmetic change in series of administrative reforms. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) Jaina's philosophy of Anekantavada can help preserve the spirit of tolerance and peaceful co-existence in India. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.4) a) Can social changes be induced through force of law? Assess appropriateness of using law for bringing social changes.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Governance requires discretionary powers for better decision making and innovative problem solving, it may be misused and derail ethical governance. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.5) a) It is a crime against humanity to make a profit during any human tragedy. On the contrary, there should be empathy and concern about human suffering. Analyse in the context of ethical issues involved in the pre purchase agreements of Covid-19 vaccine between different nations and pharmaceutical companies.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"b) Probity in governance is an essential and vital requirement for an efficient and effective system of governance and for socio-economic development. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.6 Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/ philosophers/psychologists. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context.\na) \"In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing. The worst thing you can do is nothing.\" – Theodore Roosevelt.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"b) 'When Men are Pure, Laws are useless; When men are corrupt, laws are broken' - former British PM Benjamin Disraeli","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Economic growth without investment in human development is unsustainable and unethical' Amartya Sen","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7 Stanley Milgram, an American psychologist conducted a scientific experiment to demonstrate how someone in a position of authority can influence people to behave unethically and against their wishes, proved that subjects often performed actions that were unethical when ordered to by a person in authority. It happened in case of German dictator Adolf Hitler also who ordered the killing of millions of people during World War II and could produce obedience.\n\nCivil servants are generally both victims and perpetrators of this power of authority. Discuss how. What would be your course of action when stuck in a similar situation?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Q.8) Sahdev and Aparna had a son named Abhijeet who was diagnosed with thalassemia minor when he was just a few months old. Abhijeet thus, needed blood transfusion every three weeks, resulting in chronic weakness and a compromised immune system resulting in frequent illnesses.\n\nThe permanent cure for Abhijeet's ailment was bone transplant, but due to no match in the family, it was not possible. The couple then found out about the concept of 'saviour sibling' and decided to go ahead with it. A saviour sibling is a child conceived through selective In vitro fertilization (IVF) as a potential source of donor organs or cells for an existing brother or sister with a life-threatening medical condition.\n\nAfter many attempts, the couple finally gave birth to a healthy baby girl Kavya, who matched the criteria to be a donor for Abhijeet. However, Kavya had to grow and weigh 10 kg before she could donate stem cells for transplantation to save her critically ill brother. While the procedure of donating stem cells is not dangerous, it would be extremely painful.\na) List the ethical arguments for and against the 'saviour child therapy'. Do you believe that it is ethical for a parent to give consent for donation of stem cells on behalf of infants?\nb) If the procedure also included risk to the life of the new born baby, would it still be a prudent therapy? Justify your answer.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"a) In such a scenario, how would you manage the societal, livelihood and health issues of the affected vulnerable communities at the same time?\nb) Examine the qualities that help a public servant in tacking such crisis situations in a better manner.\na) In such a scenario, how would you manage the societal, livelihood and health issues of the affected vulnerable communities at the same time?\nb) Examine the qualities that help a public servant in tacking such crisis situations in a better manner.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.10 Law enforcement officers possess enormous amounts of power, which can be used against citizens to deprive them of their freedom, search them and their dwellings, seize their property, and use force against them. These powers are legally permitted under specific circumstances, and law enforcement officers are trained to know when these powers can be legally applied. As law enforcement officers rank among the most powerful occupations in society, what compounds their ability to use their power is that they are often in contact with relatively powerless and disenfranchised citizens who may be unable to resist an officer's illegitimate use of that power.\n\nWhat measures can be taken to prevent illegitimate use of power by law enforcement officers? Would it help in achievement of our aim to make Indian police more sensitive and approachable?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Would it help in making Indian police more sensitive and approachable?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Q.11) You have recently started working for an international soft drink company as its quality control officer. The company sells its signature soft drink under the same brand name all over the world. The soft drink is very popular in India and generates substantial revenue for the company. While the drink is in compliance with the Indian regulatory criteria, you recently discovered during your inspection that the drink is less healthy compared to those sold in developed markets. This is due to a cheaper water filtration system used for Indian markets.\nOn bringing the issue in notice to your immediate manager, he simply ignored the matter saying that the company is following all the laws. On further enquiry, you found out that the other employees in the company are silent on the issue due to fear of losing their job. You also found out that your predecessor raised the same concern and was fired from his job.\nEvaluating all the options available with you, what would you do in this situation and why?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Q.12 You are the District Administrator of an area which is predominantly agriculture based and is experiencing high COVID-19 infection cases and related deaths. The government has recently introduced some legislations which would affect the farming sector.\n\nThese new bills however, have generated a lot of discontent among the farming community in your district. Farmers have gathered in huge numbers to protest the new bills in the busy part of the city, violating the COVID guidelines like wearing masks or maintaining social distancing norms. Because of such a situation, the law and order as well as the health situation in your district has become vulnerable.\n\nGiven this situation, state your opinions on the following:\na) How will you balance their right of the protestors and safety of the public?\nb) What will be your course of action in the given situation?\nc) Should the Right to Protest be suspended temporarily to arrest the Covid-19 infection wave?","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":2641,"topper":"Divya Mishra","air":28,"year":2020,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5766c-38515_1420_divya-mishra_rank_28.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2642,"topper":"Divya Pant","air":272,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1HleySE54b4i4jBNPt0Vq_OKXHqUDcpEb","questions":[]},{"id":2643,"topper":"Divya Shakti","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jXtUw7wAnaY-A_SBazcY0i_OuaJW9M9K/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) What is virtue ethics? How can a civil servant apply it to tackle day to day problems in public life?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) Compare and contrast Ethical egoism and Ethical Altruism. Substantiate your answer with relevant examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) To be effective, leaders must have a comprehensive understanding of how their emotions and actions affect the people around them. Justify.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) What do you understand by the empathy? Is it always in congruence with rationality and objectivity? Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) a) \"Honest disagreement\" is often a good sign\" - Mahatma Gandhi. What do you understand by this statement in the present day scenario?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) You don't teach morals, ethics, empathy and kindness in the schools. You teach that at home, children learn by example. Discuss the statement with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.4) There is an increasing belief that the efficiency of the private sector makes a case for privatization of public undertakings. In this context\na) Distinguish between work culture of public and private undertakings","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"b) Critically analyse whether it makes a case for privatization of public undertakings?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.5) a) \"A man must become dependent in order to become independent.\" Discuss in the context of personal morality.","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":2644,"topper":"Divyanjali Jaiswal","air":216,"year":2021,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/11lbgwkYynFRKV8z1GgRyIq6pv42XSGiV","questions":[]},{"id":2645,"topper":"Divyank Gupta","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/DIVYANK-GUPTA-UPSC-2024-Rank-21-MGP-Sample-Copy-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted.\n2. Learning without thought is labor lost; thought without learning is perilous.\n3. The worst form of inequality is to try to make unequal things equal.\n4. To attain knowledge, add things everyday; to attain wisdom, remove things everyday.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"How we should go ahead with this? How we can bring in better methodology?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2646,"topper":"Divyank Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/divyank-essay-test-1-1745478639996.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"Q.1, Q.2, Q.3, Q.4 Q.1 If it costs you your peace, it is too expensive.\nQ.2 In the flood of data, the thirst still remains.\nQ.3 A star has to burn to give light to others but that's what stars are meant for.\nQ.4 The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"6 Weakness is a Sin?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Q.5 to Q.8 Q.5 Civilization begins with order, grows with liberty, and dies with chaos.\nQ.6 A single drop never feels responsible for the flood.\nQ.7 Never does nature say one thing and wisdom another.\nQ.8 Present demonstrates the lessons of history, albeit the hard way.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2647,"topper":"Divyank Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/divyank-essay-test-2-1745478676959.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"Q.1 The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"What does Jungle symbolises?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Why is it then that people compete rather than cooperating?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Q.5 Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"Why can't people cooperate?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2648,"topper":"Divyank Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/eb6f4-339922_3128_divyank_gupta_rank_21.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"The world must learn to work together, or finally it will not work at all.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Technology, like art, is a soaring exercise of the human imagination.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"We've begun to raise daughters more like sons, but few have the courage to raise our sons more like our daughters.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2649,"topper":"Divyank Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d12eb-339922_2929_divyank_gupta_rank_21.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Expression of dissent is central to the functioning of the Parliament. In light of this, discuss the role of the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in India's parliamentary system. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"How can the integration of technology into judicial processes enhance accessibility, capability, and efficiency in justice delivery? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Supreme Court of India has upheld unique asymmetry in India's federalism by intricately balancing centralized authority and regional autonomy. Discuss with the help of relevant case laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Evaluate the effectiveness of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes in safeguarding the interests of the Scheduled Castes in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Executive accountability to the legislature through Parliamentary Committees has been the hallmark of the Indian political system. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can India make Citizens' Charter a powerful tool for improving governance and empowering citizens? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How do corporate donors aid NGOs in facilitating holistic development in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite its merits, should the POCSO Act be revisited to correct the existing inadequacies? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"China's acquisition of strategic ports globally has significant implications for international trade routes and economic relations. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"What are the main functions of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)? How will its recent treaty on intellectual property, genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge benefit India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) plays a crucial role in combating corruption, its functioning is often criticized for being partisan and acting against the federal spirit. Discuss with the help of suitable examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Governors in India often overstep their constitutional role and fail to act effectively when needed. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Both India and the USA adhere to democratic principles but their electoral systems exhibit significant differences. What are the key differences in electoral practices between the two countries? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"How far do you agree with the view that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has met its objective of ensuring environmental justice in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Though Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) have become a platform for competitive politics, they have not emerged as an agency of planning and service delivery. Why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by interoperability in e-governance? What steps have been taken by the government to ensure interoperability and integration of various e-governance systems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"When it comes to sexual and reproductive health of women in India, rights-based discourse has largely been bypassed not just by the societal norms but also by the legal norms. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"How effective has India been in enhancing immunization coverage over the years? What challenges continue to affect immunization efforts in the country? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India used its Presidency of the G20 to bring the voice of the Global South to the centre stage. Discuss with special reference to Africa. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"India's relationship with the UAE has witnessed a remarkable expansion across various domains in the last decade. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2650,"topper":"Divyank Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9d94e-339922_2930_divyank_gupta_rank_21.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How is the rapid growth of the food processing industry leading to food safety challenges in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Under the Public Distribution System of India, the Fair Price Shop (FPS) transformation is an evolving process. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"How are agri-tech startups in India helping farmers in enhancing farm productivity and market access? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the role of digitization of land records in the effective implementation of land reforms in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"To fully exploit its demographic dividend and accelerate economic growth, India needs to adopt a manufacturing-led growth model. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can the resilience of Indian coastal communities be strengthened to tackle the growing natural hazards resulting from climate change? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How does the Green Credit Programme extend beyond carbon management to promote a more sustainable environment in India? What are the various concerns about its implementation? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What is the need for NavIC when existing satellite navigation systems are already available? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Cyber-enabled financial crime has emerged as the new frontier of global money laundering. Discuss. How can the government address this issue? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The Indian Army is observing the year 2024 as the 'Year of Technology Absorption'. In light of this, explain why there is a need for technology absorption in the defence sector of India. What challenges can India face in this initiative? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What are the issues faced in the development of trade and industries in the North-Eastern Region (NER) of India? Comment on the measures that have been taken to tackle these issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the era of climate change and growing water scarcity, how can micro-irrigation systems contribute to sustainable agricultural practices in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What strategies can be adopted to overcome the issues pertaining to freight transportation in the Indian Railways and increase its share in the domestic freight? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the factors that have aided India in making impressive strides in the renewable energy sector and establishing itself as a frontrunner in the global renewable energy transition. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"How does agricultural runoff containing fertilizers and pesticides contribute to environmental pollution? What measures can be taken to mitigate the impact of agricultural runoff? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The growing influx of tourists in Himalayan states has breached their ecological carrying capacity, leading to significant man-made disasters. What measures can be implemented to prevent such disasters while promoting sustainable tourism? Discuss with relevant examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"How do superconductors fuel innovation in diverse fields of science and technology? Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"While India has laws covering almost all types of intellectual property rights, numerous enforcement, regulatory and administrative challenges hamper the commercialisation of IPRs in India. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Keeping in view the challenges in creating integrated theatre commands, examine how the theaterisation of commands can lead to greater integration and rationalisation of manpower and resources among the three services. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Treating border villages as first villages not just geographically but also in terms of facilities can be a key strategy for enhancing border security. Discuss. Also, highlight the measures being taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2651,"topper":"Divyank Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/gs-mac-test-1-divyank-gupta-1745408764371.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Q1. Examine the role of numismatic evidence in understanding the political and economic history of ancient India. Provide specific examples.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Q2. Assess the impact of women's organizations in mobilizing women across diverse socio-economic and regional backgrounds in pre-independence India.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":8,"question":"Q1 How did the policy of non-alignment reflect the aspirations of India and other newly independent nations to maintain their sovereignty and resist colonial pressures?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":10,"question":"Q4 Discuss the processes involved in volcanism. Highlight the major volcanic regions in the world and their associated tectonic settings.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Q5 Explain the geological features and ecological importance of the Eastern Ghats.","marks":"10 अंक) [10","words":null},{"page":14,"question":"Q6. Earlier known as coarse cereals the government rebranded millets in 2018 as nutri-cereals. In this context discuss the ecological and nutritional significance of millets","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Q7 What are the potential consequences of Arctic ice melt on biodiversity and ecosystems? How might these changes impact global ecological balance","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Q8 Do you think the Uniform Civil Code contradicts the idea of religious pluralism and cultural differences in Indian society?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Q9. Discuss the concept of healthy active ageing in the context of demographic shifts in India. How does it contribute to social inclusion?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":22,"question":"10. How is the transition from 'conscious consumption' to 'compulsive consumption' impacting family structure and dynamics in urban areas?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Q1 Discuss with examples the key features of Vijayanagara architecture. How did Indo-Islamic elements manifest in their structure?","marks":null,"words":"15"},{"page":27,"question":"Q12 Compare and contrast the features of ancient Indian universities like Nalanda and Takshashila with modern state-funded universities in India. What lessons can modern universities learn from ancient ones to improve their effectiveness?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Q13 Analyze the ideological differences and similarities between the revolutionary movement (1920-1930s) and the Gandhian non-violent struggle. How did these two ideologies influence each other?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Q14 What are the various types of glacial landforms formed in the Indian Himalayas. How do these features impact local ecosystems and human activities?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Q15 Discuss the unique geographical features of the Indian Ocean and their impact on global oceanic circulation patterns. How do these features influence the climate of the Indian subcontinent?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Q16 Urban heat islands (UHIs) have become a significant phenomenon in Indian cities, exacerbating the frequency and intensity of heat waves. Analyze the underlying factors contributing to this phenomenon and critically assess the existing mitigation strategies.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Q17 Evaluate the primary factors contributing to regional disparities in the sugar industry between North India and Peninsular India. What measures can be undertaken to reduce the surplus sugar production?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Q15 Social mobility is essential for achieving true equality within society. In this context highlight the barriers to intergenerational mobility in Indian society, and examine the role of education on social mobility.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Q10 Analyze the influence of globalization on migration patterns in India. What are the economic and social implications of increased internal and international migration?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Q20 Discuss how gender-based violence in India is a manifestation of patriarchal values. To what extent has modernisation in law served as an instrument of women's empowerment in this regard?","marks":"15","words":null}]},{"id":2652,"topper":"Divyank Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/gs-mac-test-4-divyank-gupta-1745408784251.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Q.1 \nA \"It is wrong to assume that ethical decisions are, can or should be purely rational and principled. Human feelings are an inseparable part of our ethical life.\" In what way do feelings impact our ethical decisions? Illustrate with examples. (150 words, 10 marks)\nB What do you understand by ethics management? Can public officials manage ethics in the workplace in a manner similar to managing budgets, policies and people? Do you think adopting codes of ethics and conduct is sufficient enough for managing ethics in the workplace or something more is needed? Discuss. (150 words, 10 marks)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"A. While traditional ethics has focussed on notions of justice, fair allocation and obligations, ethics of care emphasise maintaining connectedness and promoting care. Which of the above two ethical perspectives is more suitable for guiding ethical decision making in the context of public services. Explain your position with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.3 \nA In the context of public service, what does public service attitude mean? Discuss the attitude biases that affects a public servants on field decision making? Explain how a public servant can overcome such attitude biases? (150 words, 10 marks)\nB \"I am a Moslem; I am a Hindu; I am a Christian; I am a Jew.\" Mahatma Gandhi. What did Mahatma Gandhi mean by the above statement? Some philosophers have argued that religion is harmful to the moral life, whereas others have claimed that it is necessary to it. Explain your position on the relationship between religion and morality. (150 words, 10 marks)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"Attitude Bias affect a public Servant decision Making","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Q.4 \nA \"There is only one responsibility of business, namely to use its resources and engage in activities designed to increase profits.\" Do you think corporations, by indulging in social responsibilities, are compromising their core resource utilisation and production responsibility by diverting resources into unproductive social endeavours? (150 words, 10 marks)\nB Do you think values such as \"tyaga,\" (renunciation) \"seva,\" (service) \"daanam,\" (Charity) \"damah,\" (self-control) that are espoused in traditional Indian Wisdom have relevance for modern day public servants? Why? Why not? (150 words, 10 marks)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Q.5 A. Explain the difference between conflict among interests and conflict among various sources of authority. Illustrate with relevant examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.6 Given below are three quotations of philosophers. What do each of the quotations convey to you in the present context?\nA \"To feel for others, and little for ourselves; to restrain our selfish, and exercise our benevolent affections, constitutes the perfection of human nature.\" Adam Smith (150 words, 10 marks)\nB \"Virtue lies in our power, and so does vice; because where it is in our power to act, it is also in our power not to act.\" Aristotle (150 words, 10 marks)\nC \"I know that I am intelligent, because I know that I know nothing.\" Socrates (150 words, 10 marks)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":31,"question":"1. What are the ethical issues and dilemmas that confronts you in the above case?\n2. Discuss the available options along with its merits and demerits.\n3. What will be your chosen course of action? Why","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Case Study 2 You are the District Collector of a rural district where traditional social customs and religious practices strongly influence daily life. Recently, a case has emerged involving a local temple and its long-standing tradition of excluding women from certain religious rituals and spaces.\n\nA group of educated young women from the village, inspired by the increasing national dialogue on gender equality, has petitioned for the right to participate in these religious rituals. They argued that excluding women is discriminatory and violates their constitutional rights. However, the temple authorities and a significant portion of the local community vehemently oppose this change, citing religious texts and long-standing customs.\n\nAs the District Collector, you face a complex ethical dilemma. Legally, you are obliged to uphold the Indian Constitution, which guarantees equality and prohibits gender-based discrimination. However, enforcing this law could lead to significant unrest in the community, where traditional customs and religious beliefs are deeply entrenched. And you are aware that the district has a history of unrest on religious matters, and local politicians did not mind stoking the unrest for political gains.\n\nThe moral argument for gender equality clashes with the community's religious sentiments. The temple authorities believe that altering the rituals would desecrate their sacred traditions. Meanwhile, the women demanding entry see this as a moral and legal fight for their rights. You as a district collector was in a precarious dilemma, one on hand being a progressive officer you knew what is the right thing to do but on the other as an administrative professional you didn't want an unrest with religious tone at your hands.\n1. Who are the administrative and ethical stakeholders involved in the above situation?\n2. What options do you have in the above situation?\n3. Discuss the merits and demerits of each option and justify the action you choose with reasons.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"1, 2, 3 1. What are the administrative and ethical issues involved in the above situation?\n2. What are the options available to you in the above situation?\n3. Discuss the merits and demerits of each option and explain your chosen course of action along with reasons.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"1. What are the issues involved in the above case?\n2. Is it ethically justified to be devoted to duty at the cost of the personal safety of the staff? Discuss.\n3. How will you go about doing your election duties without compromising the safety of your staff? Explain.\n1 What are the issues involved in the above case?\n2 Is it ethically justified to be devoted to duty at the cost of the personal safety of the staff? Discuss.\n3 How will you go about doing your election duties without compromising the safety of your staff? Explain.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Case Study 4 A smart city project is underway, and you have been appointed Head of Procurement. Before this assignment, you held a similar role in a major public sector undertaking (PSU), where you earned a reputation for your tender drafting and vendor management skills. Given the smart city project’s scale and significant procurement requirements, you seemed the perfect fit to lead the procurement section.\n\nA month ago, your section invited tenders for building supplies. Among the applicants was Mr. Sharma, a supplier you knew from your previous role at the PSU. Mr. Sharma lived in your neighbourhood, and your spouses were friends. Despite this personal connection, you have always maintained strict professional boundaries.\n\nUpon scrutinising all the tenders, your section found Mr. Sharma’s terms the most competitive, so the tender was awarded to him. However, once the decision was made public, another vendor, Mr Patel, accused you of colluding with Mr Sharma due to your previous relationship.\n\nMr. Patel filed a formal complaint with the Department Seniors, providing evidence of your prior association with Mr Sharma. As a result, an enquiry was initiated, and you were placed on compulsory leave pending its outcome. This situation left you questioning where you might have gone wrong despite your efforts to maintain professionalism.\n1. Do you think the above case involves a conflict of interest or there are more issues? Explain\n2. Keeping the above case in perspective, discuss the relevance of impartiality and non-partisanship as professional value.\n3. In hindsight, how do you think you could have avoided the above unpleasant situation.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"2 Relevance of Impartiality and Non-partisanship as professional Values\nA) For the Individual\na) Ensures Moral uprightness in conduct\nb) Reduces complexity in dealing with conflict of interest\nc) brings peace of mind\nd) provides opportunity to lead by Example eg Julio Ribeiro\nB) For the Organisation\na) Promotes probity in administration\nb) Better service delivery\nc) Better decision Making\nd) Address the nepotism and uphold the constitution","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"d) Devolution of power to a committee rather than discretion","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"1, 2, 3 Discuss the administrative and ethical issues involved in the above case.\nDo you think it was morally right on your part to write to the minister? Justify\nHow will you respond to the action initiated against you? Discuss the available options and justify your selected course of action.\n1 Discuss the administrative and ethical issues involved in the above case.\n2 Do you think it was morally right on your part to write to the minister? Justify\n3 How will you respond to the action initiated against you? Discuss the available options and justify your selected course of action.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":56,"question":"Case Study 6 You are an IAS officer recently appointed as the Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Rural Development. Your responsibilities include overseeing the implementation of various rural development schemes and ensuring their efficient execution.\n\nDuring an audit of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) funds, you discover substantial irregularities. It appears that a significant portion of the funds allocated for rural employment projects has been siphoned off by senior officials within the ministry through fraudulent invoices and fake beneficiary lists. The funds meant for the rural poor have been diverted to personal accounts.\n\nYou are faced with an ethical dilemma. Reporting this corruption could lead to severe repercussions for you as the implicated senior officials are politically influential and have strong connections. You have also received subtle threats implying that your career progression could be jeopardised if you proceed with the disclosure. On the other hand, ignoring the corruption would mean perpetuating a cycle of exploitation and depriving the rural poor of their rightful benefits.\n1 What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\n2 What are the options available to you?\n3 Identify and explain your chosen course of action after evaluating the merits and demerits of each option.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"1) Ethical issues involved\na) corruption by senior officials of the Ministry\nb) lack of auditing in the internal setup\nc) threats from officers highlight\nd) injustice to people in form of erosion of wealth and misutilisation of public funds\nc) there is issue of inequality due to this","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2653,"topper":"Divyank Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/ethics-enhancer-test-1-divyank-gupta-1745408736043.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"1. (a) Explain the relationship between Public Service Values and Public Administration Ethics. Do you think public service values are only eloquent statements for glorifying the Department's mission, or do they have any utility for public servants? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":5,"question":"1) Develop devotion to duty\n2) Ensure Justice to all\n3) Ensure Fairness in the process\n4) Develop Integrity in the person\n5) Ensure reward and recognition\n6) Help in dealing with dilemma due to objectivity and openness","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"1. How does the conscientious public servant sort through competing considerations and determine \"the right thing to do\"? When it comes to serving the public, how does one put one's values into practice? Illustrate with examples.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":7,"question":"One puts his values into practice by\n1) By showing courage against adversity Eg IAS Durga Nagpal arrested Sand Mafia when faced with death threat\n2) By following conscience Eg Sharmpedra Gandhi ended Caste Based cremation against people resistance\n3) By following Kant's deontology\n4) Following Gita's philosophy of Nishkama Karma of doing things without expectation\n5) By leading with examples Eg Ashok Khenka stood against political pressure. Thus as Ryan Holiday says that courage is for individual heroic action, if others calls for should stand up against it","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"2. (a) What do you understand by good governance in public administration and corporations? How do they differ? Identify and explain three principles that can act as a foundation for good governance in a corporate setting.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":10,"question":"2 (b) One hallmark of good governance is government departments' adherence to strict ethical standards when procuring goods and services for public programmes. Identify and explain the ethical principles that must be respected to maintain the integrity of the procurement process.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"3. (a) How should public servants ethically balance stakeholder interests, official obligations, and regime values when making administrative decisions, and which of these should be given the most moral weight?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"(b) Recent researchers have argued that the government's health and social-based interventions are significantly less effective without the emotional skills of self-awareness and empathy. Do you agree? Justify your answer with relevant examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"4 (a) Discuss with relevant examples how civil servants' political and moral attitudes impact their work ethics and daily administrative decision-making.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"4 (a) \"The motive has nothing to do with the morality of the action.\" In light of the above statement, do you think motive is irrelevant in determining the morality of an action? Explain your position with relevant examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"5 (a) Explain the contemporary relevance of Jain Tirthankaras' vow-based moral philosophy.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":22,"question":"5. (b) What ethical dilemmas arise from the use of economic sanctions in international relations, and how can policymakers balance these concerns with the need to punish illegal behaviours and compel political change?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"6. (a) Discuss the relevance of the following quotes to the present times.\n(a) \"Wars begin in the minds of men, and in those minds, love and compassion would have built the defences of peace.\"","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":26,"question":"6. (b) \"May you live your life as if the maxim of your actions were to become universal law.\"","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"6 (c) The golden rule of conduct is mutual toleration, seeing that we will never all think alike and we shall always see Truth in fragment and form different angles of vision.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"7. As a new CEO:\n(a) What decision options are available to you?\n(b) What are the issues involved in the above case?\n(c) What will be your chosen course of action and Why?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":35,"question":"8 (a) उपरोक्त मामले में नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\n(b) एक डीडीओ के रूप में, आपके पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\n(c) अपनी चुनी हुए कार्य-प्रणाली के साथ-साथ अपने कारणों की व्याख्या कीजिए।\n(d) उपरोक्त मामले को देखते हुए, मानवीय संकट की स्थितियों से निपटने के लिए सबसे अच्छा नैतिक सिद्धांत क्या होगा? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए) 20 अंक\na) उपरोक्त मामले में नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\nb) एक डीडीओ के रूप में, आपके पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nc) अपनी चुनी हुए कार्य-प्रणाली के साथ-साथ अपने कारणों की व्याख्या कीजिए।\nd) उपरोक्त मामले को देखते हुए, मानवीय संकट की स्थितियों से निपटने के लिए सबसे अच्छा नैतिक सिद्धांत क्या होगा? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए) 20 अंक","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":36,"question":"(i) What are the ethical issues in the above case?\n(ii) As a DDO, what are the options available to you?\n(iii) Explain your chosen course of action, along with your reasons.\n(iv) Given the above case, what would be the best ethical theory for handling human distress situations?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":40,"question":"(a) उपरोक्त मामले में नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\n(b) एक एसपी के रूप में आपके पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\n(c) अपनी चुनी हुई कार्रवाई के तरीके की व्याख्या कीजिए।\n(d) यदि आपको बीमा योजना को बढ़ावा देने का कोई बेहतर तरीका सुझाना हो, तो वह क्या होगा?\na) उपरोक्त मामले में नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\nb) एक एसपी के रूप में आपके पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nc) अपनी चुनी हुई कार्रवाई के तरीके की व्याख्या कीजिए।\nd) यदि आपको बीमा योजना को बढ़ावा देने का कोई बेहतर तरीका सुझाना हो, तो वह क्या होगा?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए"},{"page":41,"question":"You were wondering about the course of action, as the deductions were legal, and the agents were technically following instructions. But, in the process, they were exploiting the poor villagers.\n(a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\n(b) What are the options available to you as an SP?\n(c) Explain your chosen course of an action.\n(d) If you have to recommend a better way of promoting the bima yojna, what would that be?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":45,"question":"10 (a) उपरोक्त स्थिति में आपके पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\n(b) आप किस तरह की कार्रवाई चुनेंगे?\n(c) मामले में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों की पहचान कीजिए।\n(d) लोगों की जरूरतों का फायदा उठाने वाले कार्टेल से निपटने के लिए कुछ उपाय सुझाएँ।\na) उपरोक्त स्थिति में आपके पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nb) आप किस तरह की कार्रवाई चुनेंगे?\nc) मामले में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों की पहचान कीजिए।\nd) लोगों की जरूरतों का फायदा उठाने वाले कार्टेल से निपटने के लिए कुछ उपाय सुझाएँ।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए"},{"page":46,"question":"(a) What are the options available to you in the above situation?\n(b) What will be your chosen course of action?\n(c) Identify the ethical issues involved in the case.\n(d) Suggest some measures for handling councils who prey on people's needs.","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":50,"question":"11 (a) If you are ethics officer, who will you hold responsible for this fatal accident? Why?\n(a) If you are ethics officer, who will you hold responsible for this fatal accident? Why?\n(b) Discuss some common ethical issues that arise while using artificial intelligence.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"18 (a) उपरोक्त मामले में क्या मुद्दे शामिल हैं?\n(b) आपके पास सीमित बजट होने के बावजूद, आपने जादू-टोना से संबंधित अंधविश्वासों से निपटने के लिए धन आवंटित करने का फैसला किया। आप समुदाय और हितधारकों के समक्ष अपने निर्णय को कैसे उचित करेंगे?\n(c) यह देखते हुए कि जादू-टोना से संबंधित अपराधों को सुरक्षाबलों द्वारा रिपोर्ट नहीं की गई हैं, इस सूचना की कमी को कैसे दूर करेंगे और कैसे आगे बेहतर रिपोर्टिंग और प्रतिक्रिया सुनिश्चित करेंगे?\n(250 शब्दों में उत्तर दें) 20 अंक\na) उपरोक्त मामले में क्या मुद्दे शामिल हैं?\nb) आपके पास सीमित बजट होने के बावजूद, आपने जादू-टोना से संबंधित अंधविश्वासों से निपटने के लिए धन आवंटित करने का फैसला किया। आप समुदाय और हितधारकों के समक्ष अपने निर्णय को कैसे उचित करेंगे?\nc) यह देखते हुए कि जादू-टोना से संबंधित अपराधों को सुरक्षाबलों द्वारा रिपोर्ट नहीं की गई हैं, इस सूचना की कमी को कैसे दूर करेंगे और कैसे आगे बेहतर रिपोर्टिंग और प्रतिक्रिया सुनिश्चित करेंगे?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":56,"question":"(a) What are the issues involved in the above case?\n(b) With a limited budget at your disposal, you decide to allocate funds to tackle witchcraft-related superstitions. How would you justify your decision to the community and stakeholders?\n(c) Given that witchcraft-related crimes were not initially reported by the BDOs, how would you address this lack of communication and ensure better reporting and transparency moving forward? (Answer in 250 words) 20 marks\na What are the issues involved in the above case?\nb With a limited budget at your disposal, you decide to allocate funds to tackle witchcraft-related superstitions. How would you justify your decision to the community and stakeholders?\nc Given that witchcraft-related crimes were not initially reported by the BDOs, how would you address this lack of communication and ensure better reporting and transparency moving forward?","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":2654,"topper":"Divyank Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b3559-339922_2931_divyank_gupta_rank_21.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The end cannot justify the means, for the simple and obvious reason that the means employed determine the nature of the ends produced. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss how the relationship between law and ethics is dynamic and continuously shaped by societal changes. Provide examples to illustrate this dynamic relationship. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Differentiate between probity and integrity with suitable examples. How do these values contribute to ethical governance and decision-making in the civil services? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the ethical implications of withholding information in public administration. How can transparency enhance accountability and reduce corruption in government institutions? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"To see what is right and not do it is a lack of courage.\" - Confucius (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.\" - Leo Tolstoy (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What factors lead to a positive attitude in a person? How does positive attitude enhance the effectiveness of civil servants in performing their duties? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss how emotional intelligence can influence ethical decision-making in the allocation of scarce public resources. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Various international humanitarian organizations provide emergency aid in conflict zones around the world. Highlight the ethical challenges faced by such organizations. What are the principles that guide international humanitarian work? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Why is persuasion regarded as an important skill for civil servants? What are the key considerations that should guide persuasion in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"What role can ethical leadership play in curbing corruption, especially in public service? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"What were the major teachings of Swami Dayanand Saraswati? Explain their relevance in addressing the current ethical and social challenges in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":33,"question":"Discuss the ethical dilemma Karan faces in deciding whether to report the incident against Mariyam's wishes. (b) Evaluate the options available to Karan. Which of these options should he choose and why? (c) What responsibilities do organizations like XYZ Corp have in preventing and addressing sexual harassment and creating inclusive workplace environments? (Answer in 250 words)20","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Jay, a civil servant, was appointed as the Commissioner in the state's Education Department a year ago. In his initial months, he implemented several policies and programmes that were transforming the Education Ministry's operations, gaining a good reputation that could potentially benefit the concerned minister in the upcoming elections. However, Jay now faces a significant challenge. As part of his responsibilities, he must approve the recruitment of new teachers for government schools. He has received a list of 120 candidates recommended for vacant posts, but suspects the recruitment process was unfair. Jay had also received several claims claiming that the process had not been meritocratic. Upon review, Jay discovers evidence suggesting that many names on the list are the result of political patronage - a prevalent issue in the state where politicians use recruitment to gain political support. Jay believes the Education Minister is engaging in this practice as the election season approaches. This situation reminds Jay of a past incident when, as a junior officer, he refused to entertain an unnecessary procurement request. Consequently, he was transferred within a week, and he and his family faced frivolous anti-corruption complaints as retaliation. His successor approved the procurement at even higher rates. Jay is now concerned that blocking the current recruitment could lead to similar consequences. In addition, he fears that if he speaks out against this unfair recruitment process, his initiatives in the Education Ministry personally started by him could be terminated. (a) What are the options available to Jay as the Commissioner of the Education Department? Evaluate each of these options. (b) What option should Jay adopt and why? (c) How can civil servants like Jay be better protected when they attempt to uphold ethical standards in their work? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"What are the options available to Jay as the Commissioner of the Education Department? Evaluate each of these options. (b) What option should Jay adopt and why? (c) How can civil servants like Jay be better protected when they attempt to uphold ethical standards in their work? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"As the District Magistrate of X city, you are responsible for overseeing the construction of a new metro depot in an urban forest area, which is a critical infrastructure project aimed at improving public transportation and reducing traffic congestion and air pollution. The project, however, requires the clearance of a substantial portion of the forest, which has triggered strong opposition from environmental activists, local residents, and NGOs. This forest is widely regarded as essential for the city's ecological balance, often referred to as the city's \"lungs.\" In addition to the environmental concerns, you are under considerable pressure from politicians at the state-level to expedite the project, given the upcoming elections in two years. The political leadership emphasizes the benefits of the metro project for the city's development and its potential to garner electoral support. The project is expected to significantly reduce travel time for thousands of commuters and potentially decrease overall vehicle emissions in the city. However, it would also lead to the loss of thousands of trees and disrupt local ecosystems. As you prepare to make a decision, you are aware that your choice will have far-reaching consequences for both the city's development and its environment. (a) Identify the ethical dilemmas involved in the above case. (b) Evaluate the options available to you in the above situation. Which of these would you choose and why? (c) Suggest some measures that could be implemented to balance urban development needs with environmental conservation in future projects. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Dr. Mehra is a senior drug developer at a leading pharmaceutical company in India, renowned for producing various medications, including lifesaving drugs critical for treating chronic and rare diseases. Since its inception, the company has emphasized the quality and affordability of its drugs. Recently, under revised government guidelines, pharmaceutical companies are required to market a finished product only after obtaining \"satisfactory results\" from tests on the ingredients. Additionally, they must retain a sufficient quantity of samples of both intermediate and final products to allow repeated testing or verification of a batch. Dr. Mehra's team is in the final stages of developing a new medication for a rare but life-threatening disease. This drug has shown promising results in clinical trials. However, there have been unresolved concerns about the long-term side effects of the drug, observed in a small percentage of trial subjects. Despite this, the company has not released any major drug in the past decade, leading to significant pressure from the board members to expedite the drug's release. (a) Identify the stakeholders in the above case study. (b) Discuss the ethical issues faced by Dr. Mehra. (c) Analyse the options available to Dr. Mehra in the above case. Which of these would you choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"You have been appointed as the Under Secretary in the State Urban Development Department. The Department has been tasked with a prestigious project aimed at revitalizing the infrastructure of a city with deep historical significance. This project, which you are extremely passionate about, involves modernizing public transportation, restoring heritage buildings, and creating green spaces while preserving the city's cultural essence. Excited by the opportunity, you spent weeks researching and drafting a comprehensive proposal. Your plan included innovative ideas for sustainable development, community engagement, and leveraging technology for urban planning. You presented these initial plans in a departmental meeting, hoping to inspire your colleagues and kickstart the project. However, your enthusiasm was met with indifference. Your colleagues showed little interest, he seemed equally indifferent, casually mentioning that he is set to retire in six months and that the project has a long gestation period. Determined to see the project succeed, you took it upon yourself to drive it forward. For the past two months, you have been working more than 12 hours a day, often late into the night, sacrificing time with your family. Your dedication is driven by your belief in the project's potential to transform the lives of the city's residents and preserve its rich heritage for future generations. Two months into the project, a review meeting is called by the Chief Secretary. During the meeting, Department heads from various sectors are present to discuss ongoing and upcoming projects. When it is time to present the urban revitalization project, your boss stands up. To your shock, he presents your draft proposal as his own work, taking all the credit for the innovative ideas and comprehensive planning. As you sit there, listening to your superior claim your hard work as his own, you feel a mix of anger, disappointment, and demoralization. This incident not only undermines your efforts but also leaves you questioning the value of your dedication in a work culture that does not seem to support collaboration or recognize individual contributions. (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) How does the above-mentioned work culture affect workplace morale and productivity? (c) What are the options available to you and how would you address the situation? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":59,"question":"In light of the above case, discuss the ethical issues that may arise from the nexus between corporate, political, and bureaucratic interests. (b) As a conscientious civil servant, evaluate the options available to Arun. Which option should he choose and why?(Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2655,"topper":"Divyank Gupta","air":21,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1PBdwM0EOOfaORKmVU0nYfAETKcQrwTVM","questions":[]},{"id":2656,"topper":"Divyansh Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/565fc-415810_1247_divyansh-singh_rank_49.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Mention the structure and functions of NITI Aayog. Also, comment on its contemporary relevance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Critically discuss the practice of setting up Fast Track Courts to reduce pendency of cases in the judiciary. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the challenges faced by lower judiciary in India and suggest measures for enhancing their productivity. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Assess the need to formalise the process of post-legislative scrutiny to improve the effectiveness of laws. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in improving the effectiveness of e-governance in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Despite various reforms in the public grievance redressal mechanisms, their effectiveness remain limited. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Explaining the factors that contribute to trafficking of women and children in India, highlight the steps taken in recent times to combat it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"With Vector-Borne Diseases (VBDs) reaching epidemic proportions in India, highlight the factors that have led to their emergence. Also, suggest some measures for their effective control and management. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"After years of neglect, rapidly evolving regional strategic realities are now forcing India and Indonesia to coordinate their policies ever more closely. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Despite several attempts at resetting the ties, various barriers continue to be a cause of concern in the India-Nepal bilateral relations. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Delineate the differences between pressure groups and interest groups. Citing examples, elaborate on the ways in which pressure groups influence government decisions and policy making in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlighting the issues faced by the institutions of local self governance in India, suggest measures that can be taken to improve their effectiveness in the delivery of public goods and services at the grassroot level. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The recent amendment to the Right to Information Act, 2005 will weaken the act and undermine the authority of Information Commissioners. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight the process of delimitation in India. Also, throw light on the debates surrounding the delimitation exercise in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Self Help Groups (SHGs) are vehicles of rural development, which help in the upliftment of marginalized groups. Elucidate. Further, mention the constraints faced by SHGs and how they can be addressed. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"With construction of toilets being only one part of the solution for a clean India, it is time that the Swachh Bharat Mission puts more emphasis on the other facets as well. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Highlight the salient features of Mission Indradhanush. What are the challenges that the mission is facing in its implementation? Suggest measures to address these challenges for progressing towards full immunization coverage. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Assess the importance of skilling in light of changing economic and demographic structure in India. In this regard, how far has the Skill India Mission succeeded in its mandate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What according to you are the reasons that motivated India to create a dedicated Indo-Pacific division in the MEA recently? Also, highlight the challenges for India in the Indo-Pacific region. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"For SCO to become a successful regional grouping, it has to overcome bilateral differences between its members and their respective geopolitical calculations. Comment. Also, discuss the role that SCO can play in enhancing India's interest in the Eurasian region. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2657,"topper":"Divyansh Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/68440-415810_1242_divyansh-singh_rank_49.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Tribal art in India generally reflects the creative energy found in rural areas that acts as an undercurrent to the craftsmanship. Explain with reference to the Worli and Gond paintings. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Though it had its achievements, the exclusion of Indians from the system was a key feature of judicial reforms introduced by Cornwallis. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Marshall Plan was important in the recovery of the European states from the aftermath of the Second World War. However, it also became a crucial factor in the creation of two Europes i.e. East and West. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Examine the causes behind the existence of bonded labour in contemporary India. Also, discuss the steps that should be taken for its redress. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"State the factors that enhance the risk for initiation or continuation of abuse of drugs by the youth. What measures can be taken to address this issue? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Critically analyze the impact of globalization on culture in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"How do increasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions impact coastal and marine ecosystems? Highlight various measures that can be taken for protection and restoration of such vulnerable ecosystems. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Explain the phenomenon of a Polar Vortex. Also, comment on the reasons as to why tropical areas as south as Florida have been witnessing sub-zero temperatures in recent years. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The most powerful trend of medieval Indian literature is devotional poetry which dominates almost all the major languages of the country. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Discuss the major changes introduced by the Government of India Act, 1919 and its significance as a historical landmark in the Indian freedom struggle. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Multiple factors allowed the British to gain control over India. In this context, highlighting the main developments, trace the course of British conquest of India from 1757 to 1856. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"With India becoming increasingly urban and the urban poor increasing in number, it is imperative that the challenges they face be addressed urgently. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Violations of women's sexual and reproductive health rights are often deeply engrained in societal values and traditions. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by the term Land Degradation Neutrality? Highlight its significance and the steps required to achieve it. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"State the geographical and economic importance of Hindukush-Himalayan region. How are the critical geographical features of this region changing and what possible consequences will it have? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What is the most accepted reasoning behind occurrence of earth's magnetism? Discuss the factors behind its variation temporally and spatially. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Explain Walker Circulation. Discuss how it influences Indian Monsoon. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2658,"topper":"Divyansh Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/45da0-415810_1248_divyansh-singh_rank_49.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the significance of Credit Rating Agencies (CRAs) in India and highlight the issues in their working. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What are the issues that have limited the success of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in India? Mention some steps that can be taken to address them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The opportunities for start-ups in India are immense, but so are the challenges. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The term 'Circular Economy' is often seen in news. What are the principles that it is based on? Bring out its relevance for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Assess the performance of Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana in achieving its stated objective of financial inclusion. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"How does pollution in rivers impact the surrounding ecosystem? Explain why such pollution has not shown signs of improvement, despite various government initiatives. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What is project MANAV launched by the Department of Biotechnology? Highlight the significance of this project. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Highlighting the properties and applications of superconductors, discuss the constraints related to their practical use. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind India becoming a major destination as well as a transit hub for drug trafficking in South Asia. How does this effect India's internal security? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The development of border areas is an important element in border management. In this context, discuss how the Border Area Development Programme (BADP) seeks to ameliorate the problems faced in border areas. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Examine whether Fixed Term Employment will be able to achieve the objectives of ease of doing business, achieving labour welfare and job creation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"A growing livestock sector augurs well for the low income households to augment their income and escape poverty. Discuss. Further, suggest some strategies for ensuring sustainable livestock sector growth in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Examine whether the time has come for India to usher in full liberalisation of the Capital Account. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlighting the challenges to agriculture extension in India, discuss how ICT can help in addressing them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Now that it has been two years since introduction of GST in India, do you think the system is on the path to achieve its intended objectives? Support your answer with relevant facts. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Highlight the gender specific challenges faced during disaster management. In this regard, discuss how the disaster management cycle can be made more gender sensitive. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Though there are some notable individual achievements, the overall participation of women in scientific research has been abysmally low. Examine. What steps have been taken by the government in this regard? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss the significance of the recent amendments made in the NIA act and the UAPA Act for countering terrorism. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The national security architecture needs to be robust enough to deal with present and evolving threats. Elaborating on the statement, discuss the recent steps taken for modernisation of the national security architecture. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2659,"topper":"Divyansh Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/90c50-415810_1235_divyansh-singh_rank_49.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Given below are two quotations. For each of these bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) The golden rule of conduct is mutual toleration, seeing that we will never all think alike and we shall always see Truth in fragment and from different points of vision. Mahatma Gandhi. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Impersonal management, a characteristic feature of a Weberian bureaucracy, develops over time into indifference, especially with regard to weaker sections of the society. Critically discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"In pursuit of political power, means are often compromised that leads to competitive reliance on unethical practices resulting in erosion of public trust. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"It takes more than a corporate governance policy to inspire ethical behavior and sustain a truly ethical workplace. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"\"Law should be so succinct that it can be carried in the pocket of the coat and it should be so simple that it can be understood by a peasant.\" Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Ethics in international relations has the potential to cater to the diplomatic challenges of 21st century. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Nolan Committee provides for one of the most comprehensive statements of what constitutes ethical standards for holders of public office. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"The sharper the socio-economic disparities, the greater the incentive towards corruption. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"The moral worth of an action depends not on the consequences that flow from it, but on its motivation. Explain the statement with the help of suitable examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"The universal adoption of common good approach poses the ethical dilemma of putting collective interests over and above the individual interests. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"You are an honest and responsible civil servant. You often observe the following: (a) If one wants to remain effective and powerful to create impact on the lives of people, one should remain loyal to those in power. (b) Following ethical means may not be practical and effective at all times. (c) Petty corruption expedites the service delivery. Examine the above statements with their merits and demerits.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Recently, two national level sportspersons who are integral members of their team, made some comments in a talk show which were perceived as being grossly misogynistic and racist. This created a huge controversy and they were temporarily suspended from the team pending an enquiry. In light of these events, answer the following questions: (a) Do you think public figures have an additional responsibility in so far as expressing their views on matters of public importance is concerned? Give reasons. (b) According to you, what are the reasons that some prominent public figures make such misogynistic comments, and even get away without any consequences? (c) As the person in charge to enquire into the conduct, what factors would you consider to examine it and what punishment, if any, would you prescribe in this specific case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"There are large number of leather industries in a major industrial town of India. They provide employment to large number of people and are also a prominent source of revenue for the state. Lately it has been observed that despite following the present emission control rules, the collective ecological footprint of these industries remains quite high affecting the surrounding areas in an adverse manner. The new technologies available for emission control are quite costly and thus acts as a disincentive for the owners of the industries for adopting them. In light of this information, the government is contemplating the following options: (a) Shutting down the industries in the region (b) Relocating the industries to a new region (c) Making the emission control rules stricter (d) Providing incentives to the industry owners for adoption of new technology. 20 Analyse the above options in terms of their merits and demerits. What course of action would you choose and why?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2660,"topper":"Divyansh Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d06f8-415810_1245_divyansh-singh_rank_49.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the attributes of leadership, analyse why it is important for a civil servant.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"A civil servant needs to be objective as well as empathetic. What do you understand by objectivity? Discuss its relationship with empathy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"With rapidly increasing use of information technology, what according to you is the role of ethics in cyber space?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Transparency in government organisations is an essential pre-condition for good governance. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but its lowest ones. Nelson Mandela","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"For achieving success, attitude is equally, if not more important than ability. Discuss with the help of examples from your daily life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"The core of high Emotional Intelligence is self-awareness. If you don't understand your own motivations and behaviours, it is nearly impossible to develop an understanding of others. Discuss with the help of appropriate examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by Integrity Pacts? Highlight the role they can play in bringing transparency in allotment of public contracts and ensuring proper utilization of public funds in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"In the context of rapid technological change, discuss the significance of inculcating moral and spiritual values in educational institutions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Explain the main elements of integral humanism as propounded by Deen Dayal Upadhyay and highlight its contemporary relevance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are a resident of a remote tribal district, where there is high incidence of malnutrition. As a remedial measure, the District Magistrate has initiated a programme to promote millet cultivation, especially on the lands currently lying fallow in the district. However, this well-intentioned move of the officer receives flak from the local tribals as this may not only change their age-old food habits, but also alter their traditional agricultural practices. They further cite lower remunerative prices of millets as another reason for continuing with their existing crop production pattern. As a civil servant aspirant, who has a keen interest in development of tribal areas, answer the following questions: (a) What according to you are the key issues and challenges involved in the above situation? (b) Identify the key stakeholders and their respective interests. (c) Suggest a course of action that the District Magistrate can take keeping in mind the larger tribal interests.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2661,"topper":"Divyansh Singh","air":49,"year":2021,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/51b26-415810_1238_divyansh-singh_rank_49.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2662,"topper":"Divyansh Singh","air":49,"year":2021,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1xFlFZA4QAfRqdNuc0W1noxXNyJp14xfg","questions":[]},{"id":2663,"topper":"Divyanshi Singla","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/a4911661fb63cf32bd7e1d24c76e3051/17/mt23rcapa010_tc701.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"If you look into someone's face long enough, eventually you feel that you are looking into yourself.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"It is the province of knowledge to speak and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Drop the question what tomorrow may bring, and count as profit every day that fate allows you.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Truth, like a torch, the more it is shook, it shines.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Art is I; science is We.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Only the dead have seen the end of the war.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Act as if it were impossible to fail.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2664,"topper":"Divyanshi Singla","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/a4911661fb63cf32bd7e1d24c76e3051/16/mt23rcapa010_702.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"You can't serve data on a hungry man's plate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"AI is overcoming our mental limitation but not expanding our mental horizon.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"We are using environment for politics, not politics for environment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"The worst form of inequality is to try to make unequal things equal.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Existence is a science, living is an art.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"If the truth shall kill them, let them die.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"The only way to go beyond things, is to go through them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Dream for the best. Be prepared for the worst. Enjoy life in between.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2665,"topper":"Divyanshi Singla","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/748520c30390b56bbbd3f8693a3b3ea3/34/mt23rcapa010_tc707-test-5-gs-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How did the ancient trade routes connecting India to foreign countries contribute to the exchange and dissemination of culture? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The Quit India movement was a people's movement cutting across the class divides but it was the women's leadership that left a clear mark. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The hallmark of post-Independent India has been its remarkable strides in science and technology'. To what extent did scientific development during this period put India on the path of modernity? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the feasibility of Interlinking rivers to resolve the issue of water stress in other regions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How will the structural shift from coal-based power plants to renewable energy generation impact human development in coal-bearing states? ( Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"To what extent temperature and precipitation are the most important factors that determine soil properties? ( Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Why are severe and intense cyclones becoming a regular phenomenon in the Arabian Sea? Substantiate with examples. ( Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"In the context of cultural diversity in India, can we consider Southern states as distinct cultural units in comparison to the rest of India? Substantiate your view. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Poverty and population growth are locked in a vicious cycle, where poverty restricts individuals' ability to break free from the cycle, while population growth strains resources. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"India has a rich heritage in the internationalization of education. In this context how will the recent push for the 'internationalization of education' impact society and foster cultural exchange? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Although there were many differences between the Gandhara and Mathura art, they considerably influenced the Amravati school of art.' Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"'England's Industrial Revolution not only transformed the economic landscape but also had far-reaching social and cultural impacts'. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"How did the social reform and ideological struggle against the backward traditional elements and hegemony of colonial culture in the nineteenth century influence the emergence of a distinct cultural identity and national consciousness? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"How does temperature inversion affect atmospheric conditions and what are its implications for local weather patterns and air pollution levels? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What are the geographical factors responsible for mangrove vegetation in India? How does climate change pose a threat to mangrove vegetation in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What are the geographical and economic factors that influence the location of the sugar industry, and how do they contribute to the growth of the industry in India and different parts of the world? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the key strategies used in dryland farming to overcome water scarcity and maximize agricultural productivity in arid and semi-arid regions? Also, discuss the need to promote dryland farming in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"How has the contemporary women's movement encompassed diverse approaches beyond traditional methods? Also, highlight the unique contribution and challenges of the contemporary women's movement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Do you think that the forces of modernization that catalyzed the eradication of social evils in Indian society have also threatened our cultural values and ethos? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"15","words":"150"},{"page":53,"question":"In the context of states in India evaluate the relationship between regional disparity and sentiments of regionalism. Is regionalism antagonistic to the idea of nationalism? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"15","words":"150"}]},{"id":2666,"topper":"Divyanshi Singla","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/48/mt23rcapa010_tc703-test-1-gs-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"The fabric of Indian philosophical thought owes as much to Northern India as to Southern India. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"The Indian society's impulse for social change and reform was a response to its opposition to colonial rule. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"What are the factors that led to the Russian revolution and what are the consequences of this revolu...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"Discuss the various factors responsible for the uneven temperature distribution on Earth's surface.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"The White Revolution was most successful in the Western part of India. Discuss the factors for this regional success of the White Revolution.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"To what extent does seismic investigation contribute to our understanding of the Earth's interior structure? Analyze its significance in detail.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"The pace of demographic transition varies across different states of India making population growth a double-edged sword. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"The ethnic and cultural diversity in India has always been bound by the thread of unity. Discuss the...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"The dichotomy in public and private life in Indian society acts as a major barrier to the annihilation of caste. Justify.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2667,"topper":"Divyanshi Singla","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/748520c30390b56bbbd3f8693a3b3ea3/35/mt23rcapa010_tc703-test-1-gs-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The fabric of Indian philosophical thought owes as much to Northern India as to Southern India. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The Indian society's impulse for social change and reform was a response to its opposition to colonial rule. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What are the factors that led to the Russian revolution and what are the consequences of this revolution? Discuss its influence on the Indian national movement. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the various factors responsible for the uneven temperature distribution on Earth's surface. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The melting of glaciers due to climate change has serious implications for the ecosystem and human society. Discuss the effects of melting glaciers on the environment and the measures that can be taken to address this issue. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The White Revolution was most successful in the Western part of India. Discuss the factors for this regional success of the White Revolution. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"To what extent does seismic investigation contribute to our understanding of the Earth's interior structure? Analyze its significance in detail. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The pace of demographic transition varies across different states of India making population growth a double-edged sword. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The ethnic and cultural diversity in India has always been bound by the thread of unity. Discuss the major factors that have contributed to the cultural unity of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The dichotomy in public and private life in Indian society acts as a major barrier to the annihilation of caste. Justify. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"India was forced into numerous wars post Independence. Highlight the causes and impact of the Indo-Pak and Indo-China wars on our bilateral relationships. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The process of consolidation of Bengal, which started after the Battle of Plassey culminated in the Battle of Buxar. Do you think the Battle of Buxar was more important for the British than Plassey? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Sanskrit literature in general and particularly in the Guptan age set a high watermark for the literary history of ancient India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The configuration of the ocean floor provides essential information about the geological processes that have shaped the Earth's surface. Discuss the major features of the ocean floor and their significance in the study of oceanography. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"With the growing demand for rare earth elements, their distribution has become a critical aspect of the global economy. Discuss the distribution of rare earth elements across the world, their uses, and the environmental impact of their extraction. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Tourism in the hilly states is threatening to exceed the ecological carrying capacity of the region. Analyze the factors contributing to this trend and evaluate the potential Environmental impacts of this phenomenon. What measures can be taken to ensure sustainable tourism in these states? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The Indian monsoon is a complex phenomenon influenced by various climatic factors. Critically examine the role of oceanic and atmospheric factors in determining the intensity and distribution of monsoon rainfall in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Why do traditions in our society impede change? To what extent can social legislation be instrumental against old customary practices? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Slums are not 'problems' that have to be 'solved' - but are indeed a result of lopsided and vested urban policies covering infrastructure provision and socio-economic issues. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Communalism gains strength from economic deprivation, and thrives in environments of social exclusion, creating fertile ground for discontent and division. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2668,"topper":"Divyanshi Singla","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e7c24-1365836_1840_divyanshi_singla_rank_108.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"While fixed-term employment offers an ingenious way to address specific issues faced by both employers and employees, there are also some concerns associated with it. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"An efficient logistics sector with a focus on warehousing is pivotal to the success of the Bharatmala Pariyojana. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'irrigation scheduling'? Bringing out the advantages provided by it, discuss the difficulties faced in applying it on a farm level. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"While the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana was touted as the largest crop insurance scheme globally in terms of farmer participation, various concerns have arisen since its implementation. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The Stockholm Conference commenced the contemporary \"environmental era\", which brought a paradigm shift in the environmental governance and set a tone for multi-lateral environmental regime. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The world has witnessed a huge surge in climate-induced disasters, which are largely driven by anthropogenic factors. In this context, analyse the role of early warning systems in mitigating the impact of the disasters. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Critically examine the implications of leveraging technology in policing. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"How far do you agree with the view that climate change poses a threat to international peace and security? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by a virtual private network (VPN)? Highlight its advantages and discuss the concerns posed by it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The discovery of the Higgs Boson at the Large Hadron Collider in CERN completed 10 years recently. In this context, discuss the role played by CERN in overall scientific development. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlighting the factors that affect the cropping pattern in India, discuss the need for modifying it in the context of the emerging agro-ecological concerns. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"While the budgetary reforms undertaken by the Central government in recent years have led to better management of government expenditure, there are some issues that still need redressal. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"For India to create a 'future ready' railway system, it must harness innovation and resource efficiency. Discuss the statement in the context of the measures enlisted in the National Rail Plan 2030. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the significance of technology in the Indian agricultural sector. Also, state the challenges in realising its potential to improve agricultural efficiency and increase the income of the farmers. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite the digital transformation in the Public Distribution System (PDS) in India, several challenges still remain. Elaborate. Also, suggest measures to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss the various concerns that exist with regard to fuel efficiency regulations for vehicles in India. Also, suggest the measures that can be taken in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Urban fire is becoming a serious cause of concern in Indian cities. In this context, highlight the major causes behind urban fires in India. What steps can be taken to build robust fire resilience in Indian cities? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Drones in border areas present a serious threat for border management in India. Elaborate. Also, discuss the different measures taken to regulate the use of drones in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Despite a global framework to prevent weaponization of space, it has been increasing in the recent times. Discuss. Also, give an account of the implications of space weaponization. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"What do you understand by a bio-economy? Highlight the role that the National Biotechnology Development Strategy 2021-2025 can play in creating a robust bio-economy in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2669,"topper":"Divyanshi Singla","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9b2e7-1365836_1835_divyanshi_singla_rank_108.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The withdrawal of general consent to the CBI by certain state governments in India threatens the spirit of cooperative federalism in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Stating the sources of finance for local self-governments in India, suggest ways to strengthen their financial position. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Cabinet Committees play an important role in reinstating collective responsibility and principle of homogeneity of the Executive in the Indian Parliamentary system. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"There is a need to overhaul the public procurement and project management (PPPM) framework of India for faster, efficient and transparent execution of government projects. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Adequate measures are required to overcome the challenges and vulnerabilities associated with undertaking social accountability initiatives and institutionalising them. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"In view of the recent Parliamentary Standing Committee report, discuss the issues faced by the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) and suggest measures that can be adopted to strengthen it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"While the Mid-Day Meal scheme was aimed at fulfilling the nutritional needs of students, it is far behind in achieving this objective. Discuss. Also, suggest remedial measures in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) remain critical for the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In this context, discuss the impediments in the fulfilment of SRHR in India. Also, mention the steps that can be taken in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"State the functions of the United Nations Human Rights Council. Also, discuss the issues faced by the Council in the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"West Asia is an important strategic region for India with profound geo-political and geo-economic significance. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Disenfranchising prisoners desecrates a cherished value in a democracy i.e. 'right to vote', which should be guarded earnestly. Discuss in the light of The Representation of The People Act, 1951. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"There are similarities and interactions between the affirmative action adopted by India and USA owing to similar historical injustices faced by their respective vulnerable groups. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Objections to domicile-based reservation in private sector jobs on the grounds of constitutional equality and freedom are misplaced. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"There have been arguments that sedition law is an attack on the very foundation of India's liberal democratic principles, as enshrined in the Constitution. Do you agree? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite Government e-Marketplace facing certain challenges, it has brought about a significant improvement in the procurement of goods and services by various government agencies. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"A reformed system of recruitment, training and evaluation needs to be put in place to take forward the development of a highly efficient and accountable civil service. Discuss in the context of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Despite initiatives taken by the Indian government to achieve critical goals in the education sector, major interventions are required to tackle learning poverty as well as the persisting inequalities. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"In light of the burgeoning burden of both communicable and non-communicable diseases, there is a need to revamp the public health surveillance system in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The repercussions of the ongoing economic crisis in Sri Lanka extend beyond its borders. Discuss with specific reference to India. Also, mention the steps that India has taken to assist Sri Lanka tide over the crisis. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India is a reliable partner in the Indian Ocean Region and can take on the role of being the net security provider in the region. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2670,"topper":"Divyanshi Singla","air":108,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1dd06-1365836_2213_divyanshi_singla_rank_108.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2671,"topper":"Divyanshi Singla","air":108,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/37/mt23rcapa010_tc707-test-5-gs-1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2672,"topper":"Divyanshi Singla","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/223/mt23rcapa010_tc704-test-2-gs-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"There is a need to resolve the ambiguity in the disqualification provisions under section 8 of the Representation of People Act 1951. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Constitution is a mere skeleton whereas constitutionalism is the soul of democracy. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"Electoral bonds are a double-edged sword, providing anonymity to donors while raising concerns about transparency in political funding.\" To what extent have electoral bonds further legitimized opacity in electoral funding? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The question of gender equality is central to the debate on Uniform Civil Code. In this light what are the challenges in reconciling UCC with gender equality as enshrined in the constitution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The Governor's office is neither decorative nor inconsequential, it assumes a constitutional role of profound essence' To what extent does the Governor, actively contribute to the governance of a state and reinforce the principles of federalism in the country? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Recently demand has been rising in a state regarding the enactment of Social Accountability Law. How such a law can lead to good governance and boost citizens' participation in decision-making. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"There is a need for convergence of 'nutrition-specific' and 'nutrition-sensitive' interventions to effectively tackle child undernutrition in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"MGNREGA, the lynchpin of rural poverty alleviation, has become the victim of fiscal apathy.\" Critically analyze the statement in light of recent developments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"India must leverage, if not manage, the global divides\". How can the current geopolitical churn pave the way for India's rise to the global high table? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"Berlin can be India's gateway to the European Union.\" Elaborate with respect to Germany's significance in India's relationship with the EU. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"How has the Anti-Defection Law impacted the relationship between political parties and individual legislators in India? In light of the recent incidents also discuss the unintended consequences it has on the functioning of democracy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Critics assert that limitless judicial authority rests on the structural ambiguity of the basic structure doctrine. Has the elastic nature of the basic structure doctrine made the judiciary more powerful than the executive? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Fundamental rights are not gifts bestowed upon by the state rather an individual possesses them independently of the state. In this context discuss the desirability of reasonable restrictions on various fundamental rights. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"'S.R. Bommai v. Union of India signified a paradigm shift in the judicial interpretation of the union's authority to assume control of a state's administration.' In this context discuss the significance and impact of the judgement on cementing the federal structure. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The key to effective decentralization is, 'political decentralization should follow finance and functional decentralization'. Discuss in the context of impediments faced by local governance in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Multi-stakeholder partnerships are the key to leveraging collective expertise and networks. How can effective partnership and localized implementation efforts be fostered to accelerate the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"How has the implementation of the POSH Act resulted in limited success in raising awareness about sexual harassment, and what factors have hindered its effective outreach to women employed in the unorganized sector? Propose strategies to bridge this gap and ensure comprehensive protection for women in the unorganized sector against workplace harassment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"'Neo-liberal reforms and globalization have deeply transformed the institutions of the welfare state and set the ground for a new type of civil services.' In this context examine the challenges faced in service delivery and suggest adequate reforms. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"China views India as its \"Asian Rival\" with an innate ability to counter its hegemonic goals in Asia. Despite these difficulties in India-China relations, there are also many areas of convergence. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Indo-Pacific region in recent times has emerged as a zone of diverging interests and priorities. Discuss. Do you think the Global Security Initiative will supersede QUAD in the region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2673,"topper":"Divyanshi Singla","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/222/mt23rcapa010_tc708-test-6-gs-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"\"Interstate border disputes, if not promptly and impartially settled, can transform into persistent issues that impede development and generate friction\". Highlighting the constitutional and legal framework to resolve interstate disputes, explain why Independent India has failed to resolve inter-state border disputes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Examine the role of the Inter-state Council in promoting vertical (Centre-State) and horizontal (Inter-State) Intergovernmental cooperation and coordination. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the key function of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). What steps should be taken to revamp the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in order to enhance its effectiveness as a true guardian of public funds? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Recognizing the pivotal role of urbanization as a driver of national economic growth, the Fifteenth Finance Commission has suggested major reforms for Urban Local Bodies. Evaluate the recommendations put forward by the Fifteenth Finance Commission in promoting and revitalizing ULBs in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Highlight the key differences in the scope of Freedom of speech and expression as provided under Parliamentary privileges vis a vis Fundamental rights. Why is it necessary to maintain a balance between parliamentary privilege and fundamental rights? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Civil society organizations, play a pivotal role in fostering \"collective private action for the public good\". What challenges do they face in local resource mobilization (LRM) and corporate funding through corporate social responsibility (CSR)? Also, suggest measures. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The first step to eradicating poverty is reliable poverty assessment for program design, implementation, and monitoring. In this context discuss the methodology and significance of NITI Aayog's National Multidimensional Poverty Index. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"In the context of India, despite the presence of constitutional provisions, legal precedents, and international commitments that establish a robust foundation for a right to health, why has there been a lack of explicit legal recognition of this right? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The collective strength of BRICS nations allows for meaningful cooperation on myriad issues, however, the platform's ability to influence the trajectory of bilateral relationships remains limited. Do you agree? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In light of the recent demands to amend the Indus Waters Treaty, discuss the possible implications it could have on the water-sharing mechanism between India and Pakistan. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The doctrine of Parliamentary sovereignty and judicial supremacy has exerted considerable influence in shaping the constitutional frameworks of India and the USA. Citing relevant case laws discuss the role of the judiciary in influencing the constitutions in these countries. Is the scope of judicial review wider in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Delimitation of seats is essential to ensure fair representation and uphold the principles of one vote, one value. Highlighting the challenges posed by misrepresentation in constituencies analyze the ramifications of population-based delimitation in creating federal tension. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the role of the Supreme Court of India in strengthening the hands of the Election Commission in the discharge of its constitutional responsibility of conducting free and fair elections in the country. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"'The declining role of Parliament undermines the fundamental principle of separation of powers, as it diminishes the legislature's ability to serve as a check on the executive branch and ensure a balanced exercise of power.' Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss the crucial role played by the National Commission of Women in shaping the discourse on gender-sensitive laws in India. To what extent the elevation of the National Commission for Women to a constitutional body would reinforce its authority? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"'Satisfactory and timely redressal of grievances is the cornerstone of 'minimum government, maximum governance.' In this context discuss the challenges associated with current grievance redress mechanisms and suggest measures to strengthen the process. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"'Corruption corrodes the fabric of governance, eroding the public's faith in democratic institutions.' Examine the potential for harmonizing the Right to Information (RTI) Act, the Whistleblower Protection Act (WBPA), and the Lokpal & Lokayukta Act, 2013, to enhance the effectiveness of the anticorruption regime. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Analyze the potential challenges and benefits involved in leveraging SHGs as platforms for skill development, entrepreneurship, and income generation among marginalized communities to effectively counter poverty. Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"'India is uniquely positioned on the world map for its rich culture.' In this context discuss the role of culture, diaspora, and democracy as instruments of India's soft power diplomacy. To what extent India has been able to position itself as a 'smart power'? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"The synergy of shared values and vibrant people-to-people connections between India and Australia creates a fertile ground for fostering long-lasting trade relations and strategic collaboration between the two nations. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2674,"topper":"Divyanshi Singla","air":108,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/44/mt23rcapa010_tc704-test-2-gs-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2675,"topper":"Divyanshi Singla","air":108,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/47/mt23rcapa010_tc708-test-6-gs-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2676,"topper":"Divyanshi Singla","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/748520c30390b56bbbd3f8693a3b3ea3/36/mt23rcapa010_tc709-test-7-gs-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Elaborate on the difference between Capital Account and Current Account as components of Balance of Payment (BOP). Suggest a few measures to balance the BOP deficit of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The logistics sector is one of the important components of the growth of the manufacturing industry. Discuss. Also, mention various components of the recently announced National Logistics Policy 2022. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What is India's stand on the New Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies under WTO? How is the Fisheries sector significant for India? Enumerate the steps taken by the Government to develop this sector. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Analyze the systemic and institutional constraints that continue to hinder land reform efforts in India and propose pragmatic solutions to ensure equitable distribution of land. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What are the unique features and capabilities of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, and how has it contributed to India's defence capabilities and strategic position in the region? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"In line with the country's efforts to explore the depths of the ocean and harness the resources it holds, the Indian government has proposed a deep-sea exploration mission Samudrayaan. How can this mission contribute to the advancement of ocean science and technology in the country? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What is Global Methane Pledge? Do you think the Global Methane Pledge is a positive step toward mitigating methane emissions? Explain India's stance on this issue. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of disaster management in public health. Discuss the key strategies and challenges for managing pandemics and other infectious disease outbreaks. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"The resource curse of Eastern and Central India has been a crucial driver of LWE\". Elaborate and suggest measures for sustainable and inclusive development of the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In light of the declining trend of violence in the North East and J&K region do you think that AFSPA has lived its utility? Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"International trade is centred on the dominant currency paradigm (DCM). Critically Analyze the importance of Hard currency in international trade and Discuss the potential of rupee acceptance in global trade as an alternative to dollar imperialism. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"A Demographic Dividend does not ensure growth; it only generates potential. Discuss the steps made by the government to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the demographic transition. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2677,"topper":"Divyanshi Singla","air":108,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/227/mt23rcapa010_tc709-test-7-gs-3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2678,"topper":"Divyanshi Singla","air":108,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/75ace-1365836_1837_divyanshi_singla_rank_108.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2679,"topper":"Divyanshi Singla","air":95,"year":2022,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1j2qcK7sonVASX5e2P-Ez2cetKpv_HB3n/view","questions":[]},{"id":2680,"topper":"Divyanshi Singla","air":108,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VdjwUyBliNiXRWCI5Kopg3mwiJ9Gk64A/view","questions":[]},{"id":2681,"topper":"Divyanshu Choudhary","air":30,"year":2020,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c892f-564612_1256_divyanshu-choudhary_rank_30.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2682,"topper":"Divyanshu Choudhary","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/05d75-564612_1417_divyanshu-choudhary_rank_30.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Dadabhai Naoroji left an indelible imprint on the national movement. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Quit India movement marked a new direction in the struggle against the British colonial rule in India. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The end of World War II marked the birth of a new international order. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Simla Agreement (1972) and Lahore Declaration (1999) are two key milestones in the history of the Indian subcontinent. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Social security should not only involve economic empowerment but also social empowerment. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Explain with examples how globalisation is manifested in both local in the global and the global in the local. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In light of persistence of various forms of violence against women in India, discuss the ways in which the issue can be addressed effectively. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What is an urban forest? Highlight its benefits and steps taken by the government to promote urban forestry in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"How has globalization impacted the location of the IT industry? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"How can eco-tourism be used to sustainably harness the potential of tourism industry in India? Discuss the challenges and steps taken by the government in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The advent of Buddhism and Jainism was instrumental in the development of architecture in ancient India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The reactionary policies of Lord Lytton and the liberal policies of his successor Lord Rippon acted as catalyst in the formation of the Indian National Congress. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Gandhiji changed his methods of struggle against the British from time-to-time to suit the varied circumstances and problems that needed to be tackled. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Bring out the relationship between the industrial revolution and the advent of imperialism in different parts of the world. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The caste system in India has continued to persist by adapting itself to a variety of changing socio-economic and political conditions in the past few decades. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"It is argued by some that regionalism is a threat to national integrity while others consider it as a highly impactful tool in facilitating political participation. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Describe the process of rift valley formation, with special emphasis on the Great Rift Valley System. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India's water resources have witnessed rapid depletion due to a mix of economic, geographic, and political factors. Explain and discuss its implications. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How are plateaus formed? Also, briefly discuss the features of the Deccan plateau and its economic significance. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2683,"topper":"Divyanshu Choudhary","air":30,"year":2020,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/28bcb-564612_1524_divyanshu-choudhary_rank_30.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2684,"topper":"Divyanshu Choudhary","air":30,"year":2020,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/83d85-564612_1420_divyanshu-choudhary_rank_30.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2685,"topper":"Divyanshu Choudhary","air":30,"year":2020,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b9d6a-564612_1525_divyanshu-choudhary_rank_30.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2686,"topper":"Divyanshu Jha","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/762d4-divyanshu-jha_9_2013_gs_booklet_1.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"The Corruption, Black Money and Organized Crime triad enlarges the threat to security. Analyze this nexus vis a vis security issues.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"\"Sustainable poverty reduction is proving to be an elusive goal and one of the reasons is that disasters are not being properly factored into development plans\". Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Discuss the role of Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) and the latest decisions taken by it.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2687,"topper":"Divyanshu Nigam","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/18yTxjOXulTOt8xshhoR-okuLT5R22h9_/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. ARE RELIGION AND SCIENCE ALWAYS AT ODDS?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Are they always at odds?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"8. TACKLING CLIMATE CHANGE: ARE WE ON THE RIGHT PATH?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"Why Religion began?\n Always at odd?\n Within even ends?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2688,"topper":"Divyanshu Nigam","air":44,"year":2020,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/90689-189582_1253_divyanshu-nigam_rank_44.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2689,"topper":"Divyanshu Nigam","air":44,"year":2020,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a456c-189582_1460_divyanshu-nigam_rank_44.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2690,"topper":"Divyanshu Nigam","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a68c0-189582_1524_divyanshu-nigam_rank_44.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Tenancy reforms are much needed to give a boost to the Indian agricultural sector. Comment. In this context, also discuss the significance of the Model Land Leasing Act, 2016. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"India's march towards inclusive growth and it achieving the Sustainable Development Goals are intricately linked. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlight the need for evolving an appropriate system of Rules Of Origin in regional trading arrangements. What steps have been taken by India recently in this regard? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"MSP regime is a creation of an era of scarcity in the 1960s. Discuss its relevance in the current era of surplus agricultural production. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Examine the link between the recent locust attack and climate change. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlighting the properties of Carbon Nanotubes, discuss its applications. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"India's domestic patent regime privileges public health over pharmaceutical industry's interests. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Bring out the arguments surrounding the idea of employing the principle of 'one border - one force' on Indian borders. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Assess the need to create a new cadre of Indian Frontier Administrative Service to undertake the vital tasks at Indian frontiers. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The main objective of Union Budget 2020-21 is to provide \"Ease of Living\" to all citizens. Analyse the framework proposed in the Budget 2020-21 to achieve this objective. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Several challenges are needed to be addressed to realise the full benefits of the recent agricultural marketing reforms. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Multimodal transport requires multiple integrations across different modes of transportation. Substantiate. What are the challenges and opportunities associated with multimodal transportation for India? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Though COVID-19 pandemic exposes the vulnerability of Informal sector and associated labor force in India, it also presents an opportunity to rebalance formal-informal economy dynamics in the country. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Highlight the drivers and challenges facing India's ambition to become a gas-based economy. Mention the steps that have been taken by the government recently in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Climate Change and the associated events endanger the marine and coastal ecosystems while increasing the vulnerability of coastal population. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Using examples, highlight how natural ecosystems perform different hazard mitigation functions. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Explain what genome sequencing is and state the challenges in scaling up genome sequencing projects. Also, throw some light on the recently launched IndiGen Project. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India needs to avert radicalisation and societal dissention, as internal faultlines are a breeding ground for cyber and transnational terrorism. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Given the emerging security challenges, discuss why the establishment of Integrated Theatre Commands is being seen as an important defence reform. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2691,"topper":"Divyanshu Nigam","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2cbf5-189582_1248_divyanshu-nigam_rank_44.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the significance of Credit Rating Agencies (CRAs) in India and highlight the issues in their working. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What are the issues that have limited the success of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in India? Mention some steps that can be taken to address them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The opportunities for start-ups in India are immense, but so are the challenges. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The term 'Circular Economy' is often seen in news. What are the principles that it is based on? Bring out its relevance for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Assess the performance of Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana in achieving its stated objective of financial inclusion. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"How does pollution in rivers impact the surrounding ecosystem? Explain why such pollution has not shown signs of improvement, despite various government initiatives. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What is project MANAV launched by the Department of Biotechnology? Highlight the significance of this project. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Highlighting the properties and applications of superconductors, discuss the constraints related to their practical use. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind India becoming a major destination as well as a transit hub for drug trafficking in South Asia. How does this effect India's internal security? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The development of border areas is an important element in border management. In this context, discuss how the Border Area Development Programme (BADP) seeks to ameliorate the problems faced in border areas. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Examine whether Fixed Term Employment will be able to achieve the objectives of ease of doing business, achieving labour welfare and job creation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"A growing livestock sector augurs well for the low income households to augment their income and escape poverty. Discuss. Further, suggest some strategies for ensuring sustainable livestock sector growth in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Examine whether the time has come for India to usher in full liberalisation of the Capital Account. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlighting the challenges to agriculture extension in India, discuss how ICT can help in addressing them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Now that it has been two years since introduction of GST in India, do you think the system is on the path to achieve its intended objectives? Support your answer with relevant facts. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Highlight the gender specific challenges faced during disaster management. In this regard, discuss how the disaster management cycle can be made more gender sensitive. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Though there are some notable individual achievements, the overall participation of women in scientific research has been abysmally low. Examine. What steps have been taken by the government in this regard? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss the significance of the recent amendments made in the NIA act and the UAPA Act for countering terrorism. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The national security architecture needs to be robust enough to deal with present and evolving threats. Elaborating on the statement, discuss the recent steps taken for modernisation of the national security architecture. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2692,"topper":"Divyanshu Nigam","air":44,"year":2020,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c7b27-189582_1522_divyanshu-nigam_rank_44.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2693,"topper":"Divyanshu Nigam","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zInSnjn0mfhgqRfOta_4NBp2_05KlHrs/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) Administration discretion can be a blessing if used correctly, however its misuse can prove to be a curse. Discuss with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) There is a view that corrupt practices have been socially accepted in India. How can this 'acceptance' be shifted to 'rejection' towards corruption?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) Ethical business practices are key for long-term survival of a company. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) Law succeeds in encouraging ethical behaviour in a society only when it is backed by conscience of its individuals. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"3. Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context:\n(a) Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter. Martin Luther King Jr.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) In law a man is guilty when he violates the rights of others. In ethics he is guilty if he only thinks of doing so. Immanuel Kant","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"4. (a) What do you understand by Social Intelligence? Discuss its relation with the Emotional Intelligence of an individual.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"4. (b) While code of conduct presents a structure to organized values, code of ethics gives a foundation to that structure. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"5. (a) According to Buddhism, for a man to be perfect there are two qualities that he should develop equally: compassion (karuna) on one side, and wisdom (panna) on the other. Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"5. (b) The life of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam presents a broad range of lessons and virtues to be learnt by public servants in India. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"6. Identify which essential information should be made available to the public via Citizen's Charter? Also, suggest some steps for successful implementation of the Citizen's Charter.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"7. Respect for human rights and humanitarian principles is a responsibility for all members of the international community. Discuss in the context of roles and responsibilities of States for protection of refugees.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"8. What is red-tapism? Why is it considered a hurdle in the process of transitioning towards citizen centric governance?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"9. Given the rising tide of Covid induced fatalities, the government is under extreme pressure to deliver some vaccine to the population. You are the Cabinet Secretary to the Government of India. You are heading the committee to oversee the process of vaccine development and distribution to fight against the Covid outbreak in the country. You have been asked to expedite the process and come up with a solution at the earliest.\n\nSome vaccines are available around the globe, but they are in limited supply and also expensive. One of the indigenously developed vaccine has shown initial positive results, but health experts have raised concerns over its safety, efficacy and the methodology being followed for its approval. Other promising vaccines under development, following a rigorous methodology, may take months to enter the market. In this context:\n(a) What are the critical issues involved in the case?\n(b) Explain, with relevant reasons, the course of action that you would take.","marks":"20","words":"around 250"},{"page":34,"question":"10. Literacy levels have been increasing in India over the past few decades, and the literacy rate was found to be 74.04 per cent after the 2011 census. Though this increase in literacy rate seems like a very great accomplishment, it is a matter of concern that still so many people in India cannot even read and write. Children are going to school but not learning much beyond \"floor level tasks\".\n\nMoreover, the higher literacy level has not resulted in better human values and this is manifested in the troubled atmosphere in the society at large. This failure of the education system to reform human behavior is troubling for a young democracy, like India. Given this situation, answer the following:\n(a) What role is education expected to play in reforming human behaviour and inculcating human values?\n(b) Do you think only the government is responsible for this state of the education system? If not, identify the stakeholders who should press for a change in the education system in this regard.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":39,"question":"11. Problems surrounding air pollution present an urgent challenge for many countries, including India. Among other reasons, this challenge has been exacerbated by the indifferent attitude of people towards it. Various studies have pointed out the harmful effects of air pollution. Despite the government bringing various regulations on activities like stubble burning and bursting fire crackers, people violate them.\n(a) Discuss the reasons behind such behaviour on part of society towards air pollution.\n(b) Suggest measures that are required to be undertaken to nudge people towards pro-environment behaviour.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":44,"question":"12. In recent times, social media has emerged as an important platform for all to share their information and opinions. Many civil servants are also quite active on the social media. Given this situation, there have been calls to revise or update the Civil Services Conduct Rules.\n\nSuppose you are a senior IAS officer who is heading a panel set up by the government to bring suitable changes in the conduct rules. Elaborate on how you will respond to the following questions:\n(a) What are the issues with a civil servant expressing his/her views on social media on various matters?\n(b) Should criticism of government policies on social media by civil servants be allowed?\n(c) How should civil servants conduct themselves on social media?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":46,"question":"cb) Should criticism be allowed ?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"(c) How should civil servants conduct?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"13. Economic growth has been the primary goal of economic policies, and the principal measure of an economy's success. In the last few decades, economic growth benefitted mankind in multiple ways. But alongside these benefits, it has also generated significant issues and a series of converging challenges. In light of this, answer the following:\n(a) What was the rationale behind GDP growth being considered the pillar of economic policies the world over in the past few decades?\n(b) Explain the need to go beyond GDP growth and reassess our measures of development. Identify some of the components that need to be complemented with GDP growth going forward.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":54,"question":"14 The Covid-19 pandemic is far from over but governments across the world appear to have either relaxed lockdown parameters or will do so soon. Containing Covid and restoring our economies requires not just good policy decisions and medical advice; it also needs continued compliance with the recommended behavioural changes. Daunting as they may seem, the drastic changes in behaviour being called for, can indeed be brought about. Answer the following in this regard:\n(a) Why is behavioural change seen to be desirable in a country like India, when it is faced with a pandemic of the kind of Covid-19?\n(b) What role have different stakeholders in India been playing in helping communities adhere to the desired behaviour?\n(c) Discuss the challenges in bringing about behavioural change, particularly in such an environment of anxiety and uncertainties.","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":2694,"topper":"Divyanshu Nigam","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1V1GP7zbWwVYIvkofq-0WTcNgRXAYzh0u/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) Man is not only a product of his environment but can also modify the environment. Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) Though it may seem that accountability and efficiency are antithetical to each other, accountability is a sine qua non for good governance. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) Gandhian ideals can be of immense help in dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic. Evaluate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) While civil servants have the legal right to undertake post-retirement jobs, it raises key ethical issues. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"3. Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context:\n(a) Try not to become a man of success but rather try to become a man of value. Albert Einstein (150 words) 10","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) Having knowledge of an unethical act and allowing it to continue can spread a contagion that can affect multiple beings in society. Bertrand Russell","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"4. (a) When people use a common resource without a coordinated plan the result is often a tragedy of the commons in which the resource is depleted. In this context, discuss the various ethical challenges arising out of utilization of Global Commons.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"4. (b) While a code of conduct merely establishes minimal standards of conduct, a better strategy to promote ethical work culture is through internalization of values. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"5. (a) A state that does not have the political will and the discipline to enforce probity in governance, can not get rid of the menace of prolonged corruption. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"5. (b) India cannot march successfully in to the 21st century with the administrative system having a colonial mindset. Discuss in context of the bureaucratic work culture in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"6. Which corporate leader has inspired you the most and what moral lessons have you learnt from their life?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"7. Increasing participation of people in governance and easy access to information is what transforms governance to good governance. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"8. It is sometimes believed that moral scrupulousness in one's private life automatically guarantees high moral stature in professional life. Do you agree? Justify your stand with logical arguments.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"9. You are working as a District Magistrate in an aspirational district where women literacy and sex ratio is one of the lowest in the country. It is brought to your notice that a woman who has been elected as 'Sarpanch' on a seat reserved for women candidates in a panchayat in your district is head 'only on the paper'. All the work related to the panchayat is actually carried out by her husband. Even the flag hoisting ceremony on Independence Day is carried out by her husband. However, her husband happens to be a good administrator as indicated by that panchayat's performance on various developmental parameters as compared to other panchayats in the district. Also, her husband enjoys the support of the local people. Given the situation, answer the following:\n(a) Identify the stakeholders and issues involved in this case?\n(b) What options are available to you as the District Magistrate in such a scenario? Also, evaluate each option and indicate what option will you choose.","marks":"20","words":"in around 250"},{"page":34,"question":"10. The issues confronting humanity are multifaceted - from political conflicts and human rights abuses to pandemics and climate change. They are not contained within national borders, nor do they fit into the silos of separate government agencies or academic specialties. What is required is greater international cooperation, mutual respect, abiding by international laws and participative global decision-making. However, over the last decade, it has been observed that international relations have overshadowed these basic tenets of global governance and now we are at the verge of serious global catastrophic risks. When it comes to the structures of global governance, business as usual, is no longer an option. Not only an improvement in our understanding of risks is required but also taking responsibility to lead collective action for a coordinated global response.\n(a) What do you think are the factors hindering collective actions?\n(b) Provide a case for the moral obligation of the international community to come together and find solutions to the problems we face.\n(c) What should be the principles guiding such international cooperation?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":39,"question":"11. You are posted as Superintendent of Police in a district. A case has come up in which more than 30 girls were allegedly raped and sexually exploited at the city shelter home run by an NGO. The scandal came to light when media flagged complaints of sexual abuse of inmates of the city shelter home. A nexus of police, politicians, administration and criminals have been allegedly responsible for the racket going on for the last few years. In light of this, a lot of protests have erupted across the city. While, on one hand, media glare has meant that people are demanding swift action, you have been asked to go slow in investigating the case by top officers in your department. Elections in the state are due in a few months, so it has become a politically sensitive issue. You are also under immense political pressure from the ruling party to not take strict action and make compromises to cover up the case. Given the situation, answer the following:\n(a) Identify the issues involved in the case.\n(b) What are the options available to you? Which of these options will you choose? Justify your stand with logical arguments.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":41,"question":"9. Issue of fake NGO's being run in the garb of social service\nb) As the SP - options available -:\n1. Accept the request/direction to go slow and lenient in investigation and arrest.\n2. Strictly deny any such request and carry on the investigation with full throttle.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"3. Disclose the request of slow investigation into the media and become a whistle-blower.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"12. Being the senior most IAS officer, you are in line to be promoted as Chief Secretary after the incumbent retires in the next two months. Currently, you are heading the Public Works Department (PWD) and a road construction project worth crores has been opened for tender. A company X belonging to the son-in-law of the incumbent Chief Minister has also applied for the same. The director in charge of the screening process, a young IAS officer, has reported that company Y and the state PSU have submitted the best bids. Both you and the director are facing political pressure to favour the company X. The young IAS officer may be demoralised if you give in to the pressure. But if you don't give in then he may be transferred and your chances of promotion may also suffer. In light of the situation, answer the following:\n(a) Discuss the ethical issues faced by you in the given case.\n(b) What are the options available to you? Which of these options will you choose? Justify your stand with logical arguments.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":49,"question":"13. As the head of the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), you are tasked to complete the construction of a power plant. The project needs to be completed expeditiously to fulfil the promise made by the government to ensure access to power for all. The selected site is in a remote area and is ideal for plant construction. However, the project would require relocation of the people living in the vicinity. Initially, the local community objected to disruption in their lives but were convinced later about the economic benefits that would accrue to the region through this plant. The project had started gathering pace, but recently a local NGO working for environment protection got involved with the local community regarding the issue. And now the local community has started protesting against any developmental activity in the region.\nAs the officer-in-charge for the speedy execution of the project, answer the following:\n(a) What are the issues involved in this case?\n(b) What course of action will you take and why?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":54,"question":"14 Genetic editing has several applications with its potential to edit the genomes of both somatic and germ cells. This allows for the ability to not only cure genetic diseases but to edit the characteristics of future offspring. The last few years have seen the development of several efficient, more precise genetic engineering techniques. However, with growing sophistication, various issues of bioethics have also have come to the forefront.\n(a) Discuss the ethical considerations associated with genome editing.\n(b) In the light of these ethical issues, provide an ethical framework on how this technology can be used for the betterment of humanity.","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":2695,"topper":"Divyanshu Nigam","air":44,"year":2020,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0d9c7-189582_1525_divyanshu-nigam_rank_44.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2696,"topper":"Divyanshu Nigam","air":44,"year":2020,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/121f6-189582_1420_divyanshu-nigam_rank_44.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2697,"topper":"Divyanshu Nigam","air":44,"year":2020,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1LZ7bBmFfIaMjLaAEdvymIDTIQioHXKaE","questions":[]},{"id":2698,"topper":"Divyanshu Pal Nagar","air":18,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Forest Service (IFS)","optional":true,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/DIVYANSHU_PAL_NAGAR_UPSC_IFS_2024_AIR_18_GS_2_15799a45c7.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2699,"topper":"Divyanshu Pal Nagar","air":18,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Forest Service (IFS)","optional":true,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/DIVYANSHU_PAL_NAGAR_UPSC_IFS_2024_AIR_18_GS_3_a4f75e6dbf.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2700,"topper":"Diya Dasgupta","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/DIYA-DASGUPTA-UPSC-2023-Rank-207-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"To what extent can the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act 2023 help enhance trust-based governance for ease of living and doing business? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Fluctuations in the price of TOP (tomato, onion, potato) crops impact all strata of societies. Highlighting the reasons and implications of such fluctuations, evaluate the effectiveness of Operations Greens in stabilizing the otherwise restive horticulture sector. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"A focused and sustained promotion and pursuit of blue economy help meet the challenges of food security, national security, and climate security. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What advantages does Green Hydrogen and a hydrogen economy offer in addressing national and global concerns? Discuss the impediments in its adoption. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"In what ways do plastics harm human, animal, and ocean health? Bring out the various domestic and international efforts that have been put in this regard in recent times? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Though spatially distributed across the length and breath of the country, incidents of cloud burst disproportionately impact the mountainous regions. Comment (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"As the emerging technologies enhance their reach and extent, the amalgamation of real and virtual will become inevitable. In this perspective, discuss how metaverse will alter the lives of common man. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What makes dark matter difficult to detect? Also, analyse how the search for the elusive dark matter has influenced the trailing of modern pursuits in science. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"While AFSPA has been criticised for promoting excesses by the security forces, its profound utility to upkeep the security situation cannot be overstated. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Its not only the heft but also the agility, efficiency, and swiftness which will define the warfare in the contemporary times. In this context, discuss the relevance of the Aginpath scheme. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The path towards an Atmanirbhar Bharat traverses through an overhaul of industrial policies. Comment, with special reference to the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Infrastructure investments are crucial for socio-economic development, as they have a multiplier effect on economy, however, concerns for safety must not be ignored. Discuss in the light of recent events. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"How will you explain the irony of poor adoption of millet crops despite their multifarious advantages? Also, recommend measures to curb this anomaly. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Analyze the role Agri-tech can play in penetration of technology in agriculture. In what ways can Agristack help address the crisis in the farm sector. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The objective of an inclusive clean energy transition will remain incomplete without leveraging the potential of the biofuels. Enumerating the seminal provisions of the National Biofuel Policy, analyze the possible challenges in its smooth implementation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Despite having a robust legal architecture in the form of Disaster Management Act, 2005, a coordinated on ground response to disaster remains in a state of want. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Trace the evolution of Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) from its humble beginnings as the space agency of the government to becoming a technology behemoth, spearheading innovations with respect to satellites, launch vehicles, and planetary explorations. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"In what ways has Drug trafficking taken new forms and new routes in recent years. Elucidate the steps taken by the govt in this regard, with special reference to Operation Samudragupta. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Why does the North East remain a hotbed of insurgency? With special emphasis on government measures, discuss the steps to ameliorate the situation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2701,"topper":"Diya Dasgupta","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/DIYA-DASGUPTA-UPSC-2023-Rank-207-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Critically evaluate the significance of the Basic Structure Doctrine in the five decades since its judicial pronouncement. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Though defamation law is vital to protect one's reputation and dignity in society, weaponization of the same to curb dissent and free speech is antithetical in a constitutional democracy. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Explore the legal-constitutional basis for the conflicts between the elected government and the institution of the Lieutenant Governor over the governance process in the Union Territory of Delhi. Analyse the role that the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 2023, can play in resolving it. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The objective of the Mediation Bill, 2023 is to have a mediation first approach to civil and commercial disputes resolution, with the purpose of reducing the burden of litigation on Courts, providing alternate means of disputes resolution, and enhancing the country's reputation as an investor friendly destination. Comment, with special emphasis on the salient features of the bill. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"A middle point between socialism and capitalism, cooperatives bring the best of the both worlds. Assess the utility of the cooperative model in effecting rural prosperity. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Evaluate the efficacy of Forest Rights Act, 2006 (FRA) and Panchayat (Extension of the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA) in attaining their mandate. Also, recommend measures to make these legislations more effective in attaining their desired objectives. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Differentiate between the legal and illegal means adopted by advocacy networks to advance their interests. What are the factors that limit their effectiveness as a pressure group? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the steps taken by the government in empowering Self Help Groups as a development partner in poverty alleviation. Also highlight the challenges in the working of SHGs. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Changing strategic realities come with their own constraints and possibilities. Describe briefly India's defense diplomacy in the context of contemporary geopolitics. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Explain the significance and implications of the China-brokered diplomatic accord between Iran and Saudi Arabia. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"A key pillar of Constitutional morality is constitutional punctuality. Illustrate with suitable examples, how a lack of constitutional punctuality not only hinders democratic functioning of the State, but also goes against the spirit of the Constitution. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Free and fair elections are the lifeblood of a democracy, and electoral reforms are at the core of political reforms. In this context, highlighting the challenges to functioning of the Election Commission, suggest the necessary reforms needed, with special reference to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Other Election Commissioners ECs (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The overhaul of India's criminal justice system is not only a long due reform, it is also imperative for decolonizing India's penal system. Elucidate in the light of recently proposed trinity of Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill, 2023, Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita Bill, 2023 and Bharatiya Sakshya Bill, 2023. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What ails institutions of Higher education? Bring out the possibilities and challenges that come with the entry and operation of foreign educational institutions seeking to impart higher education. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Partnership between the State and CSOs for delivering development, while promising at face value, is fraught with challenges. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Critically analyse the working of the POCSO Act, 2012 in addressing the menace of child sex abuse in society in the 10 years since its enactment. How far has the National Commission for protection of child rights been successful in fulfilling its mandate? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Discuss the challenges that keep India multi-dimensionally poor with special reference to NITI Ayog's National Multidimensional Poverty Index Report. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"BRICS can serve as a platform for shaping a post-Western global order, but the potential of the grouping is held back by internal contradictions. Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"\"WTO is dead! Long live WTO!\" In the context of this statement, account for the reasons behind why the WTO is dysfunctional. In your opinion, what reforms are needed to promote resilient, sustainable, and inclusive world trade. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2702,"topper":"Diya Dasgupta","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/DIYA-DASGUPTA-UPSC-2023-Rank-207-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Giving suitable examples, highlight the universal values promoted by ancient Indian scriptures. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"How will you explain that the nationalist response to the partition of Bengal fundamentally altered the course of the Indian Freedom Struggle? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Enumerate the contribution of Adi Shankaracharya in forging Indian Cultural Nationalism. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"How far do you agree that the independence granted to countries of the third world in Asia and Africa were not so much a consequence of their national freedom struggle as it was a consequence of the demise of Britain as a reigning world power in the aftermath of the Second World War? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Examine the implications of Arctic amplification on global and local climate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The increasing incidents of heat waves in the Northern Hemisphere can be attributed to multiple man made and natural factors. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Describe how the geophysical characteristic of the Western Coast differs from the Eastern Coast. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Far from being standalone occurrences, incidents of land subsidence are a result of larger systemic failure. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Trace the evolution of regionalism in India. How does it manifest in modern times? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Explore and evaluate the implications of Artificial Intelligence on society and family. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What explains the success of the British in comparison to the various other European powers that came to India when it comes to colonization of the Indian sub-continent? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"How far is location of semiconductor manufacturing facilities guided by its mining locations? Highlighting the reasons behind recent semiconductor chip shortfall, explain the challenges in domestic chip manufacturing. Also, bring out the steps taken by the government in achieving semiconductor independence. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight the reasons behind increasing cases of extreme precipitation. What factors apart from the above, are responsible for increasing urban floods? Give suitable examples from across the world to substantiate your answer. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Compare the Continental Drift Theory and Plate Tectonic Theory. How does Plate Tectonic Theory explain orogenesis and volcanism? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The measure of a society's progress is how it treats its children, more so in a democracy, as children cannot speak for themselves, and nor do they form a political constituency. Discuss various legal-constitutional steps taken since independence in this regard. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The Indian model of Secularism offers a quintessential solution to fighting religious hate crimes, communalism and promoting cultural-religious tolerance that can be a model for the West. Justify. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the drivers of internal migration in the country? Do you agree that the Covid pandemic and Work from Home models of industrial engagements have checked this phenomenon? Give reasons to justify your answer. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"A natural succession to the demographic dividend is the burden of an ageing population. What are the issues with an ageing population in your opinion? Discuss the several steps taken by the government in this regard, with suitable suggestions. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Caste based discrimination continues in Indian Society acquiring new forms, while retaining the old forms. Discuss. Also explain why casteism has survived in modern India despite a focused approach for its eradication. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2703,"topper":"Diya Dasgupta","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/DIYA-DASGUPTA-UPSC-2023-Rank-207-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Celebrity endorsements raise pertinent ethical concerns about responsibility that delve into the realm of ethical considerations of social influence that run deeper than mere surface appeal. In this context, suggest measures to tackle the ethical challenges of celebrity brand endorsements. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Embracing a scientific mindset involves setting aside impulsive inclinations in favor of the pursuit of truth. In your view, how does the integration of scientific thinking contribute to addressing contemporary challenges and promoting societal progress? How can we effectively cultivate a scientific attitude in society? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"In the realm of professional conduct, ethics plays a role that tends to go far beyond fulfilling the roles and responsibilities of the job with diligence and honesty. But some people consider professional competence as the only critical requirement for a job. If faced with a choice, who would you prefer to hire - someone with professional competence or one with strong moral values? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Patriotism can hold different meanings for different people, often shaped by personal experiences and convictions. What does patriotism mean to you? Explain narrating incidents from your life when you exhibited patriotism. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Max Weber's concept of bureaucracy was developed in the early 20th century, but it still influences administrative structures today. In what ways do you see Weberian bureaucracy as relevant in today's rapidly changing world? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Global challenges often test the ethical fiber of nations, urging them to channel narrow pursuit of national-interest into an enlightened self-interest.\" Enumerating the various ethical principles underlying the concept of enlightened national-interest examine its efficacy in helping nations navigate the fine line between pursuing their strategic interests and upholding ethical principles, particularly in times of conflict? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In the realm of governance, a crucial aspect is the art of persuasion. The qualities that make civil servants proficient persuaders empower them to fulfill their responsibilities in an effective manner. Discuss with illustrations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Corruption has multifaceted implications. Some consider it an undeniable vice, while others contend it to be an unavoidable necessity for navigating the bureaucratic complexities. In your opinion, does corruption oil or corrode the gears of development? Substantiate your arguments. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Ethical hacking and malicious hacking stand as divergent paths with distinct intentions and consequences. As technology advances, it becomes imperative to comprehend the nuances that set these practices apart in the cybersecurity landscape. In this perspective, elucidate the principles that differentiate ethical hacking and malicious hacking. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What does each of the following quotation mean to you? a) \"Our greatest ability as humans is not to change the world, but to change ourselves.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":36,"question":"Manoj's parents in kin gunon ki kami hai? b) kisi vyakti ke kaun se gun use aatmahatya jaisa charam kadam uthane se rok sakte hain? c) kes stadi mein darshaye anusar shiksha pranali ke sath vibhinn naitik mudde kya hain? (20 ank, 250 shabd)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"What are the ethical concerns associated with the case study? b) What are the options available with Rajendra? c) If you were at the place of Rajendra, which option would you choose and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":59,"question":"Mr X is travelling by road with his family to attend a marriage ceremony. His grandfather, who is the head of the family is also travelling with him. On the way to their destination, all of them stop at a road side restaurant for lunch. This is a well-known restaurant owned by one of the friends of Mr X. The place is known for its tasty and hygienic food. However, the grandfather notices a picture on the wall of the restaurant and enquires about the religion of the restaurant owner. Mr X's friend belongs to a religion different from the grandfather's religion. The grandfather has a negative attitude towards the religion of Mr X's friend and he insists that he will not eat in that restaurant. He demands that the entire family should leave the restaurant immediately as they are travelling for a happy occasion and eating at this particular restaurant will pollute them. Mr X tries to calm down his grandfather and explain to him that religion has nothing to do with purity or pollution. He also reasons that several travel magazines have rated the restaurant highly, especially for its superior hygiene standards. Also, he points out that there is no restaurant in the way for the next 100 Km and it will be difficult for all to make do without food for that long. However, his arguments fall on deaf years, and which is more his grandfather admonishes him for bringing the family to the restaurant despite being aware about the religion of the owner. Mr X's friend feels insulted and discriminated against due to his religion. Mr X's father is upset but refuses to say anything out of respect for the grandfather. Entire family is embarrassed by the attitude of the grandfather and they are getting ready to leave the restaurant. Mr X is confused regarding how he should act in this situation. a) What are the various ethical issues in the above case study? b) Imagine yourself in the place of Mr X. Evaluate the different courses of actions available with you. What is the most suitable course of action? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":2704,"topper":"Dommeti Vinay","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/14/mts_2023_unchecked_pttp220124_tc062.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"If you look into someone's face long enough, eventually you feel that you are looking into yourself.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"It is the province of knowledge to speak and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Truth, like a torch, the more it is shook, it shines.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Art is I; science is We.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Only the dead have seen the end of the war.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Act as if it were impossible to fail.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2705,"topper":"Dommeti Vinay","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/cc80e7c81f00eaa4f15f78533b4a4ad5/12/mts_2023_unchecked_pttp220124_tc061.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Reason has always existed, but not always in a reasonable form.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"The opposite of poverty is not wealth.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"To forgive is to set a prisoner free and to discover that the prisoner was you.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"A man who wants to lead the orchestra must turn his back on the crowd.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"International Trade is a good indicator of National Security.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"It is not that we use technology, we live technology.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"There is more to life than simply increasing its speed.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Nature is neither a servant nor a master, but a necessary partner.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"\"Nature is neither a servant nor a master, but a necessary partner.\" what is Nature? why is it not a servant? why is it not a master? what happens if we make Nature servant?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2706,"topper":"Dommeti Vinay","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/dommeti-vinay-test-1-1747820566400.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Examine the role of numismatic evidence in understanding the political and economic history of ancient India. Provide specific examples.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Assess the impact of women's organizations in mobilizing women across diverse socio-economic and regional backgrounds in pre-independence India.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":8,"question":"How did the policy of non-alignment reflect the aspirations of India and other newly independent nations to maintain their sovereignty and resist colonial pressures?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the processes involved in volcanism. Highlight the major volcanic regions in the world and their associated tectonic settings.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Explain the geological features and ecological importance of the Eastern Ghats.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":14,"question":"Earlier known as coarse cereals the government rebranded millets in 2018 as nutri-cereals. In this context discuss the ecological and nutritional significance of millets","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"What are the potential consequences of Arctic ice melt on biodiversity and ecosystems? How might these changes impact global ecological balance","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Do you think the Uniform Civil Code contradicts the idea of religious pluralism and cultural differences in Indian society?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss the concept of healthy active ageing in the context of demographic shifts in India. How does it contribute to social inclusion?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":22,"question":"How is the transition from 'conscious consumption' to 'compulsive consumption' impacting family structure and dynamics in urban areas?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss with examples the key features of Vijayanagara architecture. How did Indo-Islamic elements manifest in their structures?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Compare and contrast the features of ancient Indian universities like Nalanda and Takshashila with modern state-funded universities in India. What lessons can modern universities learn from ancient ones to improve their effectiveness?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Analyze the ideological differences and similarities between the revolutionary movement(1920-1930s) and the Gandhian non-violent struggle. How did these two ideologies influence each other?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":33,"question":"What are the various types of glacial landforms formed in the Indian Himalayas. How do these features impact local ecosystems and human activities?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Discuss the unique geographical features of the Indian Ocean and their impact on global oceanic circulation patterns. How do these features influence the climate of the Indian subcontinent?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Urban heat islands (UHIs) have become a significant phenomenon in Indian cities, exacerbating the frequency and intensity of heat waves. Analyze the underlying factors contributing to this phenomenon and critically assess the existing mitigation strategies.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Evaluate the primary factors contributing to regional disparities in the sugar industry between North India and Peninsular India. What measures can be undertaken to reduce the surplus sugar production?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":45,"question":"'Social mobility is essential for achieving true equality within society'. In this context highlight the barriers to intergenerational mobility in Indian society, and examine the role of education on social mobility.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Analyze the influence of globalization on migration patterns in India. What are the economic and social implications of increased internal and international migration?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Discuss how gender-based violence in India is a manifestation of patriarchal values. To what extent has modernisation in law served as an instrument of women's empowerment in this regard?","marks":"15","words":null}]},{"id":2707,"topper":"Dommeti Vinay","air":282,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/152/mts_2024_unchecked_pttp220124_gsmac2401.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2708,"topper":"Dommeti Vinay","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/dommeti-vinay-test-2-1747820592657.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"The rule of law and judicial review are interdependent, as one cannot truly exist without the other. In this context can judicial review be considered the most important aspect among those that constitute the basic structure of the Constitution? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"How does the power and authority of Delhi's lieutenant governor compare to that of the governors of other states, particularly in terms of acting on the aid and advice of the council of ministers? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss the role of the judiciary in navigating the tension between the right to religion and constitutional morality in India in recent times. Refer to relevant case laws. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The principle of 'Separation of Powers' is a key feature of the American Constitution. In this context, compare how the Indian Constitution's functional separation of powers distinguishes itself from the US system. What are the advantages of a check and balance system over a rigid Separation of Powers? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution is more than a legal provision that empowers tribal regions with self-rule. How does the sixth schedule foster development while respecting their traditional governance systems and cultural practices? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How do partnerships between Civil Society Organizations and Government Entities contribute to India's development goals? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss the importance of cultivating a culture of life-long learning among Indian civil servants. How has Mission Karmyogi contributed to this objective? Illustrate with examples. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Given India's strides in reducing extreme poverty, should the country consider redefining its poverty line to better reflect the current socio-economic realities? Discuss the potential benefits and challenges associated with redefinition of the poverty line. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Evaluate the impact of the deepening political divisions with the major Western States on global governance and international cooperation. How should India navigate these divisions to advance its national interests on the global stage? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"How does India's Arctic Policy align with its broader foreign policy objectives? Broadly discuss the collaborations and agreements India is involved in with the Arctic Council. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In what ways are the terms of reference of the 16th Finance Commission different from that of the previous Finance Commissions? Despite increasingly progressive devolution by subsequent Finance Commissions, examine the factors that propel economic disparities across various States. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Compare and contrast the powers and working of the Ethics Committee and the Privileges Committee in addressing cases of 'unethical' conduct and breach of privileges. How do these Committees complement each other in maintaining parliamentary discipline? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"In the context of persistent legislative dysfunction in India, analyze the evolving role of judicial activism in shaping public policy and governance. Using examples from landmark court cases, evaluate the effectiveness of judicial interventions in addressing governance gaps and safeguarding citizens' rights. (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"To what extent does the level of internal democracy within political parties impact the functioning and legitimacy of the Indian party system? What reforms can address the challenges of inadequate intraparty democracy in India? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"\"The NHRC must not only be a watchdog but also a beacon of hope for the marginalized and oppressed.\" In this context discuss the role and mandate of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in India. How does the current composition and functioning of the NHRC affect its independence and effectiveness? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"The persistent health equity challenges in India pose a critical barrier in achieving Universal Health Coverage. In this context discuss the role of the public and private sectors in ensuring adequate health access and outcomes across rural and urban areas.(250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals requires consideration of regional context and local situations. In light of this statement examine the role of Panchayats as catalysts for grassroot development and advancing sustainable development.(250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"What are the implications of the POCSO Act on the rights and welfare of children in India? Analyze the role of the POCSO Act in transforming India's legal framework for child protection. (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Examine the influence of human rights issues and democratic values on the diplomatic relationship between the U.S. and India. How have these concerns affected bilateral engagements and what can be done to mitigate tensions arising from these issues? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Examine the geopolitical challenges India faces in South Asia despite its global rise. How can India navigate these challenges to strengthen its regional leadership? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2709,"topper":"Dommeti Vinay","air":282,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/160/mts_2024_unchecked_pttp220124_gsmac2402.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2710,"topper":"Dommeti Vinay","air":282,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/142/mts_2024_unchecked_pttp220124_gsmac2406.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2711,"topper":"Dommeti Vinay","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/dommeti-vinay-test-5-1747820636239.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Highlighting the factors contributing to high fiscal deficit in India, discuss the potential consequences of such deficit and suggest measures to ensure fiscal consolidation. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"India's aspiration to be a developed nation by 2047 hinges on significant capital investment. In light of this, discuss the potential of capital investment in achieving this vision. What are the challenges India faces in this regard? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"\"With growing urbanization, peri-urban agriculture is emerging as a significant contributor to fresh farm produce needs\". In this context, discuss the opportunities and challenges associated with promoting peri-urban agriculture in a sustainable manner. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What are the major challenges faced by India's agriculture sector to achieve self-sufficiency in pulses and vegetable oils? Suggest measures to address these challenges. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Evaluate the potential of biomanufacturing and bio-foundry in driving India's future towards a sustainable green economy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What are the principles behind the working of Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV)? Explain the significance and potential benefits of use of RLVs in India's space commerce. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Examine the key features of the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) 2023. Analyze its potential for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"In light of the increased intensity, frequency and duration of heat waves in the last decade, do you think the time has come to include \"heat waves\" as a notified disaster under the Disaster Management Act, 2005? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Recently formulated 'joint doctrine for cyberspace operations' by Indian armed forces will lead to strengthening of the cyber-security posture for both conventional operations as well as gray zone warfare. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the necessity and potential issues surrounding the extension of the Border Security Force's (BSF) territorial jurisdiction in states adjacent to Pakistan and Bangladesh. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"India's economic growth story is often overshadowed by the persistent challenges of unemployment. Analyze the concept of structural unemployment and discuss its relevance in the context of India's current economic situation. Suggest policy measures to promote inclusive job growth. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Discuss the role of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in fostering regional growth in India. How can MSMEs contribute to achieving industrial diversification and technological advancement? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"\"The sole point of MSP is to protect farmers from sudden price shock\". Do you think legalization of MSP can insure farmers from sudden price shocks? What are the other measures which can be taken to make MSP-led procurement effective? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Discuss the role of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) in the Public Distribution System (PDS) to ensure food security in India. Suggest necessary reforms in the functioning of FCI to enhance its efficiency and effectiveness. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Discuss the role of nanotechnology on enhancing agricultural productivity and food security in India. Highlight recent developments and potential benefits and risks of use of nano-fertilizers and nano-pesticides. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"What the causes of high levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and ozone pollution in India. How effective are the various steps taken by the government to mitigate particulate matter and ozone pollution? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) Report 2023 highlights a growing menace of drug trafficking in South Asia, with India being a major hub. Analyze the various dimensions of this challenge with respect to India. Also suggest a multi-pronged approach to address it. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"India's response to left wing extremism needs to integrate soft approaches like socio-economic policies and dialogue along with hard security measures to address the root causes of Naxalism. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2712,"topper":"Dommeti Vinay","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/dommeti-vinay-test-6-1747820649978.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Federal governance is characterized by institutionalized arrangements for solving problems generated by pluralism based on consultation and mutual consent. How have Zonal Councils evolved from merely advisory bodies to proactive platforms for action? (Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Secularism under the Indian constitution is encapsulated in the broader concept of constitutional commitment to equality. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"There is a need to shift the focus of Section 8 of the Representation of People Act, 1951 from the duration of the sentence to the gravity of the offence.' Comment on how the current classification under Section 8 leads to arbitrary categorisation of offences. Also, mention the remedies available to a person disqualified under this section. ( Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What is the significance of the Leader of Opposition in the Indian parliamentary system? How does the role of the opposition contribute to the checks and balances in a democracy? ( Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"The core ideals of the Preamble - sovereignty, socialism, secularism, and democracy - form the bedrock of India's constitutional framework.\" Elucidate. ( Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Assess the implications of the 103rd Constitutional Amendment, which introduced a ten per cent reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), on the principle of social justice in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The focus of welfare schemes in India is shifting from \"well-being\" towards \"over-dependency\". In light of this, do you agree that welfare schemes have inculcated a \"freebies culture\" in India leading to a divergence of focus from poverty and hunger alleviation? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"E-governance is not just about efficiency; it's about making governance accessible and inclusive for every citizen. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"With the advent of new regional and multilateral agreements like QUAD, AUKUS, I2U2 etc the old world order represented by organizations like NAM, Davos, and G77 is losing its relevance. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The island states and territories from the South Pacific to the African coast have become new nodes in India's changing strategic geography. In this context, highlight the importance of these island states for India and also throw light upon the initiatives taken by India to strengthen ties with these states. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Electoral funding in India is fraught with the double whammy of legal loopholes and political inefficiencies. In this context, discuss the challenges to electoral funding. What lessons can India draw from global best practices in this regard? (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Pressure groups form the social foundation of a democracy. In this context, discuss pressure groups' key contributions in promoting social security measures for workers in India, and how they address the gaps in existing policies. (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"The Constitution envisages the “principle of federal supremacy” in the executive space of Indian federal polity. Discuss while referring to the relevant Constitutional provisions and case laws. How are contentious issues regarding the distribution of powers resolved? (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Delimitation of seats is essential to ensure fair representation and uphold the principles of one vote, one value. Highlighting the challenges posed by misrepresentation in constituencies analyse the ramifications of population-based delimitation in creating federal tension. (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"To what extent can the PIL system be held responsible for shifting the focus of the higher Courts from \"constitutional matters\" to day-to-day matters? What role can the trial Courts play in reducing the overall burden on higher Courts? (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"India's higher education system needs significant reforms to align with global standards. How does the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 aim to address these challenges, and what lessons can India learn from international practices to enhance its higher education system? Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"The Right to Information (RTI) Act is hailed for its transformative impact on the quest for transparency and accountability in Indian governance. However, multifaceted challenges and systemic limitations impede its effective implementation. Discuss. Also, suggest measures for its effective implementation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Discuss the unique challenges and opportunities Self Help Groups (SHGs) encounter in urban areas compared to rural ones, and how can microfinance be adapted to tackle urban poverty. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Highlight the significance of the recently envisaged India-Middle East-Europe corridor for India's connectivity with the world, especially the West. Do you think, in recent times, transport and energy initiatives have taken precedence in India's foreign policy? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Despite the recent rise in politically contentious issues, the India-Canada bilateral relationship has remained committed to shared values of democracy, pluralism, expanding economic engagement and long-standing people-to-people ties. Highlighting the significant pillars of the India-Canada relationship, discuss the potential areas of cooperation and collaboration between India and Canada. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2713,"topper":"Dommeti Vinay","air":282,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/161/mts_2024_unchecked_pttp220124_gsmac2403.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2714,"topper":"Dommeti Vinay","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/dommeti-vinay-test-4-1747820623089.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Besides being public servants, they are also citizens and have personal lives. At times, there is an inherent tension among the roles. How can a public servant effectively navigate the intrinsic tension between personal interests and official duties and between private inclinations and public obligations? Explain (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"\"Ideas are the cornerstone of a strong public service framework globally.\" In the context of this statement, discuss the ideas of a philosopher whose ideas you believe are most pertinent to the civil services in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"\"The challenge of power lies in its responsible application rather than its irresponsible and indulgent use - specifically, how to motivate those in power to serve the public rather than exploit it.\" Analyse the relationship between power and public service. Do you believe that the concept of power conflicts with the ideal of service, or do they complement each other? Substantiate your viewpoint. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Human values emphasise the humane aspects of public servants, whereas public service values focus on the transparency and effectiveness of service delivery. Do you think these value systems conflict with or complement each other? Justify your perspective with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"When good individuals in any society become complacent and cease their vigilance and struggle, malevolent forces prevail.\" Discuss the role and significance of civil society in curbing corruption and official misconduct. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Do you agree with feminist ethicists that women are \"more emotional\" and prioritise relationships over rules, reflecting different yet equally valuable ethical perspectives? Justify your viewpoints with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Ideally, ethics and law should be harmonious in the context of administration, yet conflicts between them can arise. How should an administrator handle conflicts between legal directives and ethical considerations, particularly when directives are illegal and laws are unjust? Discuss (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Critically evaluate the role of family and educational institutions in shaping ethical values among civil servants. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"How can civil servants cultivate a positive attitude towards the weaker sections of society? Suggest some implementable and practical steps. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Business ethicists believe that external and internal regulations are insufficient for curtailing or preventing corporate malpractices; they strongly advocate the presence of whistleblowing mechanisms as a check against corporate misgovernance. Do you think corporate governance is incomplete without whistleblowing? Why/Why not? Explain (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the relevance of the following quotes to the present times. (a) \"Moral actions belong to the jurisdiction of the outward and inward court, both civil and domestic governor; I mean both the magistrate and conscience.\" Locke (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"The maintenance team had not adequately serviced the bus's braking system. These findings highlighted severe lapses in both the human and mechanical aspects of the transport system. Upon concluding the inquiry, you realized the complexity of the situation. There were numerous uncertainties and ambiguities, preventing a straightforward assignment of responsibility or a definitive conclusion. The accident might have been averted if the maintenance team had performed their duties diligently. Similarly, if the bus driver had not been intoxicated, he might have been able to prevent the bus from falling into the ravine. (a) ഉപ (b) ? (c) ?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"As the Head of Safety, the conclusions of your report carry significant consequences. Firstly, if the driver is deemed culpable due to his intoxication, his family may lose a substantial amount of post-death benefits because he was under the influence while on duty. Secondly, if you conceal the driver's intoxication and attribute the incident solely to poor maintenance, the maintenance crew would face job termination. This situation required extensive introspection before finalizing the report. (a) Identify the ethical issues and dilemmas in the above case. (b) What are the options available to you in the above case? (c) What do you think is more ethical to focus on the personal responsibility of the driver, who was intoxicated, or on the broader systemic issue of maintenance failures? Justify your answer with relevant ethical theories. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"What are the ethical issues and dilemmas in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you in the above case? (c) Considering the persistent nature of the RTI activist and the public's right to information, how should you navigate the tension between national security concerns and the principles of transparency and accountability? Explain (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"As a dedicated Block Development Officer (BDO), you are highly respected by your staff and appreciated by your superiors for your constructive work. The state government has selected several villages within your jurisdiction to pilot a women's self-employment scheme utilising Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The project is to be implemented by a Non-Governmental organisation (NGO), and you have been instructed to provide logistical and other necessary support. The NGO staff commenced their work by meeting and identifying young women who appeared to be suitable candidates for training and skill development. Following identification, these young women were provided with a starter kit, which included a broadband dongle, a 10-inch tablet, and some reading material. The training began in earnest, and the selected young women exhibited great enthusiasm and eagerness to learn. Initially, the project showed promising signs of success. However, one day, village elders approached you with a request to halt the pilot scheme. They expressed concerns that the devices and online learning were corrupting the young women. They believed that the girls were merely watching videos on the tablets instead of learning. The elders suggested that vocational skills training, such as stitching or cooking, would be more beneficial than digital skills. After listening to their concerns, you assured them that you would investigate the matter. Upon inquiring with the NGO staff, they clarified that the videos being viewed were educational, and they were monitoring the trainees' browsing behaviour through backend systems to ensure appropriate usage. The NGO staff also pointed out that some village men felt excluded from the process and were attempting to dissuade the women from participating in the training sessions. As a BDO, you recognize the scheme's importance and potential benefits for the women in the villages. However, you are also aware that if the men's underlying mindset issues are not addressed promptly, the entire skill development effort could be undermined. As a committed public servant, you were determined to take some preventive action as you noticed tensions brewing among the men. (a) What the issues that you notice in the above case? (b) What are actionable options available to you? (c) Considering the feedback from the NGO staff about village men feeling left out and attempting to dissuade women from attending training sessions, what strategies would you implement to ensure their inclusion and support for the program? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"In a critical meeting, the state Chief Secretary, Mr. Vikram Patel, emphasized the urgency of advancing the project and held Ms. Rao accountable for the delays, lack of progress, and overall non-performance. Ms. Rao left the meeting disappointed and felt holding her accountable for delay was unfair as there were others also involved in the project. (a) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas involved in the above case? (b) What are the options available to Ms. Rao? (c) What course of action would you suggest for Ms. Rao? Why? (d) Do you think holding Ms. Rao accountable for the delays was justified? Why/Why not? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"Despite his behaviour, Mr. Gupta is recognized for his exceptional work performance. He has been instrumental in implementing several successful health initiatives, significantly improving healthcare delivery in districts. His expertise and dedication have made him an indispensable asset to the department, complicating the decision to address the complaints against him. Ms. Sharma had a tough decision to make. She knew she had to be strict, but she was also worried about the workflow disruption that action against Mr. Gupta could cause. (a) What are the issues and dilemmas that confront Ms. Sharma? (b) What ethical principles should guide Ms. Sharma in addressing the harassment and bullying complaints in her department? (c) What long-term strategies should be implemented to prevent harassment and bullying in government departments? How can these strategies promote a culture of respect and inclusivity? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":2715,"topper":"Dommeti Vinay","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/dommeti-vinay-test-3-1747820610024.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"A. \"It is wrong to assume that ethical decisions are, can or should be purely rational and principled. Human feelings are an inseparable part of our ethical life.\" In what way do feelings impact our ethical decisions? Illustrate with examples. (150 words, 10 marks) B. What do you understand by ethics management? Can public officials manage ethics in the work place in a manner similar to managing budgets, policies and people? Do you think adopting codes of ethics and conduct is sufficient enough for managing ethics in the workplace or something more is needed? Discuss. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"A. While traditional ethics has focussed on notions of justice, fair allocation and obligations, ethics of care emphasise maintaining connectedness and promoting care. Which of the above two ethical perspectives is more suitable for guiding ethical decision making in the context of public services. Explain your position with suitable examples. (150 words, 10 marks) B. What does the term \"quality\" mean in service delivery. What are the components of service quality and indicate ways and means for ensuring total quality in terms of efficiency, economy and effectiveness? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"A. In the context of public service, what does public service attitude mean? Discuss the attitude biases that affects a public servants on field decision making? Explain how a public servant can overcome such attitude biases? (150 words, 10 marks) B. \"I am a Moslem; I am a Hindu; I am a Christian; I am a Jew.\" Mahatma Gandhi. What did Mahatma Gandhi mean by the above statement? Some philosophers have argued that religion is harmful to the moral life, whereas others have claimed that it is necessary to it. Explain your position on the relationship between religion and morality. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"A. \"There is only one responsibility of business, namely to use its resources and engage in activities designed to increase profits.\" Do you think corporations, by indulging in social responsibilities, are compromising their core resource utilisation and production responsibility by diverting resources into unproductive social endeavours? (150 words, 10 marks) B. Do you think values such as \"tyaga,\" (renunciation) \"seva,\" (service) \"daanam,\" (Charity) \"damah,\" (self-control) that are espoused in traditional Indian Wisdom have relevance for modern day public servants? Why? Why not? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"A. Explain the difference between conflict among interests and conflict among various sources of authority. Illustrate with relevant examples. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"B. The domain of governance is ridden with uncertainties, ambiguities and paradoxes and this can at times lead to timidity and withdrawal among public administrators. Discuss the relevance of inner courage for overcoming and coping with ambiguities. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Given below are three quotations of philosophers. What do each of the quotations convey to you in the present context?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Case Study 1: You are the Compliance Officer at GreenTech Industries, a company that manufactures eco-friendly products and believes in making positive environmental impacts. Your primary responsibility is to ensure that the company adheres to environmental laws and ethical standards. The Company recently developed a new product that promises significant ecological benefits but involves a manufacturing process that produces hazardous waste. During an internal audit, you discover that the hazardous waste from the new product's manufacturing process is being disposed of in a manner that technically meets legal standards but raises serious ethical concerns. While compliant with current laws, the disposal method poses potential risks to a local community's health and the environment in the long term. Legally, GreenTech Industries is not violating any regulations. The waste disposal method is within the permissible limits set by environmental laws. However, ethically, you are aware that continued use of this method could significantly harm the local community and ecosystem. You were left wondering, on the one hand, the Company was legally correct, but on the other, it was hypocritical about its avowed values of positively impacting the environment. As a conscientious professional, you are serious about taking action, but the challenge is its whats and hows. 1. What are the ethical issues and dilemmas that confronts you in the above case? 2. Discuss the available options along with its merits and demerits. 3. What will be your chosen course of action? Why (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"What are the administrative and ethical issues involved in the above situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Discuss the merits and demerits of each option and explain your chosen course of action along with reasons. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"What are the issues involved in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Is it ethically justified to be devoted to duty at the cost of the personal safety of the staff? Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"How will you go about doing your election duties without compromising the safety of your staff? Explain. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Do you think the above case involves a conflict of interest or there are more issues? Explain","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Keeping the above case in perspective, discuss the relevance of impartiality and non-partisanship as professional value.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Discuss the administrative and ethical issues involved in the above case.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Do you think it was morally right on your part to write to the minister? Justify","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"How will you respond to the action initiated against you? Discuss the available options and justify your selected course of action. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Identify and explain your chosen course of action after evaluating the merits and demerits of each option. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":2716,"topper":"Dommeti Vinay","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/15/mts_2024_unchecked_pttp220124_gsmac2408.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Besides being public servants, they are also citizens and have personal lives. At times, there is an inherent tension among the roles. How can a public servant effectively navigate the intrinsic tension between personal interests and official duties and between private inclinations and public obligations? Explain (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"\"Ideas are the cornerstone of a strong public service framework globally.\" In the context of this statement, discuss the ideas of a philosopher whose ideas you believe are most pertinent to the civil services in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"\"The challenge of power lies in its responsible application rather than its irresponsible and indulgent use - specifically, how to motivate those in power to serve the public rather than exploit it.\" Analyse the relationship between power and public service. Do you believe that the concept of power conflicts with the ideal of service, or do they complement each other? Substantiate your viewpoint. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Human values emphasise the humane aspects of public servants, whereas public service values focus on the transparency and effectiveness of service delivery. Do you think these value systems conflict with or complement each other? Justify your perspective with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"When good individuals in any society become complacent and cease their vigilance and struggle, malevolent forces prevail.\" Discuss the role and significance of civil society in curbing corruption and official misconduct. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Do you agree with feminist ethicists that women are \"more emotional\" and prioritise relationships over rules, reflecting different yet equally valuable ethical perspectives? Justify your viewpoints with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Ideally, ethics and law should be harmonious in the context of administration, yet conflicts between them can arise. How should an administrator handle conflicts between legal directives and ethical considerations, particularly when directives are illegal and laws are unjust? Discuss (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Critically evaluate the role of family and educational institutions in shaping ethical values among civil servants. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"How can civil servants cultivate a positive attitude towards the weaker sections of society? Suggest some implementable and practical steps. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Business ethicists believe that external and internal regulations are insufficient for curtailing and preventing corporate malpractices; they strongly advocate the presence of whistleblowing mechanisms as a check against corporate misgovernance. Do you think corporate governance is incomplete without whistleblowing? Why/Why not? Explain (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the relevance of the following quotes to the present times. \"Moral actions belong to the jurisdiction of the outward and inward court, both civil and domestic governor; I mean both the magistrate and conscience.\" Locke (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"The maintenance team had not adequately serviced the bus's braking system. These findings highlighted severe lapses in both the human and mechanical aspects of the transport system. Upon concluding the inquiry, you realized the complexity of the situation. There were numerous uncertainties and ambiguities, preventing a straightforward assignment of responsibility or a definitive conclusion. The accident might have been averted if the maintenance team had performed their duties diligently. Similarly, if the bus driver had not been intoxicated, he might have been able to prevent the bus from falling into the ravine. (a) Identify the ethical issues and dilemmas inherent in the above case. (b) What are the options available to you? (c) Do you think focusing on the personal responsibility of the intoxicated driver is more ethical than focusing on the broader systemic issues of maintenance failures? Justify your answer with relevant ethical principles. (250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"As the Head of Safety, the conclusions of your report carry significant consequences. Firstly, if the driver is deemed culpable due to his intoxication, his family may lose a substantial amount of post-death benefits because he was under the influence while on duty. Secondly, if you conceal the driver's intoxication and attribute the incident solely to poor maintenance, the maintenance crew would face job termination. This situation required extensive introspection before finalizing the report. (a) Identify the ethical issues and dilemmas in the above case. (b) What are the options available to you in the above case? (c) What do you think is more ethical to focus on the personal responsibility of the driver, who was intoxicated, or on the broader systemic issue of maintenance failures? Justify your answer with relevant ethical theories. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"What are the ethical issues and dilemmas in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you in the above case? (c) Considering the persistent nature of the RTI activist and the public's right to information, how should you navigate the tension between national security concerns and the principles of transparency and accountability? Explain (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Mr. Kumar was in a moral bind. Agreeing to Mr. Sharma's terms would mean engaging in corrupt practices, and rejecting the deal could delay or even derail the project, depriving the slum residents of much-needed improvements to their living conditions. (a) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas in the above case? (b) Considering the utilitarian perspective, do you think Mr. Kumar should have accepted Mr. Sharma's proposal to expedite the project for the greater good of the slum residents? Why or why not? (c) In the context of virtue ethics, discuss the importance of moral character and integrity for a senior civil servant like Mr. Kumar. How should these virtues guide his actions in resolving the dilemma? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Ms. Ananya Rao serves as a District Collector in Maharashtra. The district is embarking on an ambitious infrastructure project, the Rural Connectivity Project, designed to improve road connectivity between remote villages and main towns. This project promises significant benefits, including easier access to markets, healthcare, and education for the rural population. The project, however, is mired in controversy. Environmentalists argue that the construction will cause irreparable damage to local forests and wildlife habitats. Local farming communities are concerned about losing agricultural land due to road expansion. There are also allegations of inadequate compensation and resettlement plans for affected families. As the project progresses, various departments, including the Environment, Agriculture, and Public Works Department (PWD), are involved in the decision-making process. Each department has specific responsibilities. The Environment Department is tasked with assessing environmental impact, the Agriculture Department is responsible for ensuring farmers' rights, and the PWD is responsible for executing construction. Ms. Rao, in her capacity, oversees the coordination among these departments. However, the project faces delays and mounting public criticism due to conflicting priorities and lack of accountability. Environmental assessments are incomplete, farmers' concerns remain unaddressed, and construction deadlines are missed. In a critical meeting, the state Chief Secretary, Mr. Vikram Patel, emphasized the urgency of advancing the project and held Ms. Rao accountable for the delays, lack of progress, and overall non-performance. Ms. Rao left the meeting disappointed and felt holding her accountable for delay was unfair as there were others also involved in the project. (a) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas involved in the above case? (b) What are the options available to Ms. Rao? (c) What course of action would you suggest for Ms. Rao? Why? (d) Do you think holding Ms. Rao accountable for the delays was justified? Why/Why not? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"Despite his behaviour, Mr. Gupta is recognized for his exceptional work performance. He has been instrumental in implementing several successful health initiatives, significantly improving healthcare delivery in districts. His expertise and dedication have made him an indispensable asset to the department, complicating the decision to address the complaints against him. Ms. Sharma had a tough decision to make. She knew she had to be strict, but she was also worried about the workflow disruption that action against Mr. Gupta could cause. (a) What are the issues and dilemmas that confront Ms. Sharma? (b) What ethical principles should guide Ms. Sharma in addressing the harassment and bullying complaints in her department? (c) What long-term strategies should be implemented to prevent harassment and bullying in government departments? How can these strategies promote a culture of respect and inclusivity? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":2717,"topper":"Dommeti Vinay","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/147/mts_2024_unchecked_pttp220124_gsmac2404.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"\"It is wrong to assume that ethical decisions are, can or should be purely rational and principled. Human feelings are an inseparable part of our ethical life.\" In what way do feelings impact our ethical decisions? Illustrate with examples. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"What do you understand by ethics management? Can public officials manage ethics in the work place in a manner similar to managing budgets, policies and people? Do you think adopting codes of ethics and conduct is sufficient enough for managing ethics in the workplace or something more is needed? Discuss. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"A. While traditional ethics has focussed on notions of justice, fair allocation and obligations, ethics of care emphasise maintaining connectedness and promoting care. Which of the above two ethical perspectives is more suitable for guiding ethical decision making in the context of public services. Explain your position with suitable examples. (150 words, 10 marks) B. What does the term “quality” mean in service delivery. What are the components of service quality and indicate ways and means for ensuring total quality in terms of efficiency, economy and effectiveness? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"A. In the context of public service, what does public service attitude mean? Discuss the attitude biases that affects a public servants on field decision making? Explain how a public servant can overcome such attitude biases? (150 words, 10 marks) B. “I am a Moslem; I am a Hindu; I am a Christian; I am a Jew.” Mahatma Gandhi. What did Mahatma Gandhi mean by the above statement? Some philosophers have argued that religion is harmful to the moral life, whereas others have claimed that it is necessary to it. Explain your position on the relationship between religion and morality. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"A. \"There is only one responsibility of business, namely to use its resources and engage in activities designed to increase profits.\" Do you think corporations, by indulging in social responsibilities, are compromising their core resource utilisation and production responsibility by diverting resources into unproductive social endeavours? (150 words, 10 marks) B. Do you think values such as \"tyaga,\" (renunciation) \"seva,\" (service) \"daanam,\" (Charity) \"damah,\" (self-control) that are espoused in traditional Indian Wisdom have relevance for modern day public servants? Why? Why not? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"A. Explain the difference between conflict among interests and conflict among various sources of authority. Illustrate with relevant examples. (150 words, 10 marks) B. The domain of governance is ridden with uncertainties, ambiguities and paradoxes and this can at times lead to timidity and withdrawal among public administrators. Discuss the relevance of inner courage for overcoming and coping with ambiguities. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Given below are three quotations of philosophers. What do each of the quotations convey to you in the present context? A. \"To feel for others, and little for ourselves; to restrain our selfish, and exercise our benevolent affections, constitutes the perfection of human nature.\" Adam Smith (150 words, 10 marks) B. \"Virtue lies in our power, and so does vice; because where it is in our power to act, it is also in our power not to act.\" Aristotle (150 words, 10 marks) C. \"I know that I am intelligent, because I know that I know nothing.\" Socrates (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"What are the ethical issues and dilemmas that confronts you in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Discuss the available options along with its merits and demerits.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"What will be your chosen course of action? Why (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"What are the administrative and ethical issues involved in the above situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Discuss the merits and demerits of each option and explain your chosen course of action along with reasons. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"What are the issues involved in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Is it ethically justified to be devoted to duty at the cost of the personal safety of the staff? Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"How will you go about doing your election duties without compromising the safety of your staff? Explain. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Do you think the above case involves a conflict of interest or there are more issues? Explain","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Keeping the above case in perspective, discuss the relevance of impartiality and non-partisanship as professional value.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Discuss the administrative and ethical issues involved in the above case.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Do you think it was morally right on your part to write to the minister? Justify","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"How will you respond to the action initiated against you? Discuss the available options and justify your selected course of action. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Identify and explain your chosen course of action after evaluating the merits and demerits of each option. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":2718,"topper":"Dommeti Vinay","air":282,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/cc80e7c81f00eaa4f15f78533b4a4ad5/10/mts_2025_unchecked_pttp220124_flt2504.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2719,"topper":"Dongre Archit Parag","air":3,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a3e5c-1138117_2488_dongre_archit_parag_rank_03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2720,"topper":"Dongre Archit Parag","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e6f10-1138117_2423_dongre_archit_parag_rank_03.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With suitable examples, discuss how environmental pressure groups enhance public participation and responsiveness with regard to environmental policies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The recent acknowledgment of sex work as a 'profession' by the Supreme Court is merely the first step in ensuring basic rights and equality for sex workers in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the role played by District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) in providing free legal aid and disseminating legal awareness in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"The collegium system has become a victim of its own success, with the concentration of power in the hands of a few, leading to questions about its legitimacy.\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":2721,"topper":"Dongre Archit Parag","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/18016-1138117_2424_dongre-archit-parag_rank_3.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What are the different dimensions of food security? Examine India's status in terms of ensuring food security with regard to these dimensions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Modern technologies such as blockchain and ChatGPT are powerful tools with immense potential to transform agriculture into a more efficient and sustainable sector. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What factors have led to the recent acceleration in the trend towards de-dollarization of the global economy? Do you think the dollar will lose its dominance anytime soon? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Despite significant pressure from the developed countries to alter its food subsidy regime, there is merit in India trying to retain its policy support for the poor in the country. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Several initiatives have been taken by the government towards addressing India's water needs, but the issues of water availability and water quality still warrant prioritised intervention. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What are the major drivers of glacial retreat in the Arctic? Describe the potential impact of the retreat of Arctic glaciers on the ecosystem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Space tourism, which was viewed as something straight out of a science fiction movie, is now becoming a reality albeit not without hindrances. What are the challenges associated with space tourism? What measures can be taken to address these challenges? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Global health experts widely believe that the development of CAR-T cell therapy can be a game changer in the treatment of cancer. How can CAR-T cell therapy overcome the limitations of CRISPR-Cas9 technology? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss why the rising deployment of new and emerging technologies by prominent violent extremist organizations demand concerted global efforts. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"With the Line of Actual Control (LAC) remaining tense after the Galwan and Yangste incidents and both India and China ramping up infrastructure in the border areas, discuss the role that ITBP plays in the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Do you think there is a need for a shift from 'land productivity' to 'irrigation water productivity' in India? Justify your answer. What are the challenges in making this shift? Explain. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Examine the role that green hydrogen can play in unlocking the energy security of India. How can the National Green Hydrogen Mission help India in achieving its energy goals? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"India has been able to transform itself from a milk deficit country to the world's biggest milk producer, but the productivity of dairy animals in the country remains a concern. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"While climate change is responsible for crop failures, the agricultural sector itself is partly responsible for extreme weather events. Discuss. What strategy has been adopted under National Agriculture Disaster Management Plan to strengthen the resilience of the farming community in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Some regions in India, including Delhi, are highly vulnerable to the impact of earthquakes originating in the Himalayas. Discuss. What institutional measures have been taken to mitigate earthquake losses in India? Do you think there are significant gaps that still exist? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Recently, scientists announced net energy gain in nuclear fusion reaction, which is considered as a major scientific breakthrough for the future of clean energy. What are the advantages of nuclear fusion based power generation? What are the limitations in using it to generate electricity at a commercial scale? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Keeping in view the recent amendment, examine the efficacy of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, in tackling the menace of money laundering in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Discuss the security threats present in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), which have a direct bearing on India's maritime border interests. Suggest a robust strategy to deal with these threats. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2722,"topper":"DR. MEGHA RAJORA","air":862,"year":2022,"paper":"Optional — Medical Science","optional":true,"source":"IAS Delhi Institute","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lePU-YAS8uCOrpE_uM9eSQGsB5EeKUpm/view?usp=sharing","questions":[]},{"id":2723,"topper":"DR. S. MOHANA PRIYA","air":557,"year":2022,"paper":"Optional — Medical Science","optional":true,"source":"IAS Delhi Institute","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/15CsJc04NikWEHDL-9uGlDevrwKE03Bfi/view?usp=sharing","questions":[]},{"id":2724,"topper":"Drishti Jaiswal","air":255,"year":2022,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0b45f-929243_2095_drishti-jaiswal_rank-255.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Recently Pasmanda Muslim group demanded caste census for Muslims too. In this context, discuss the presence of caste among muslims.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Explain the Interactional approach to study of caste in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Enumerate the distinctive characteristics of the Tribes in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"From dwindling numbers to identity crisis, religious minorities are facing multiple problems in India. Critically discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"A. R. Desai's understanding of Indian Nationalism is paradoxical to the Nationalist understanding of Nationalism. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"The impact of colonial rule in India has brought about far-reaching changes in social, political and economic structure of Indian society. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"India social system is organized around caste structure; therefore, caste and politics can never be separated. Critically analyse the statement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss Andre Béteille's conception of natural and social inequality. 10 x 5 =","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Elaborate on 'Daniel Thorner's division of the agrarian population of India into different class categories","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Discuss various sociological perspectives on tribal integration and autonomy in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"Jainism and Buddhism grew as a reaction to Brahmanical orthodoxy. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"As individuals, families, communities, and societies increasingly become integrated into new complex globalized systems, their values, traditions, and relationships change. In this context discuss impact of globalization on family as a social institution.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"The last few decades of economic development and democratic governance have also transformed the structures of social stratification in India. In the context discuss the evolution of middle class in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"The purity of the caste can be ensured through closely guarding women who form the pivot for the whole structure. In light of this statement, discuss how gender and caste are related to each other.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"GS Ghurye liberated the study of Indian society from the colonial biases and laid the true foundation of the discipline of sociology in India. Substantiate this statement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"While caste remains an important dimension of modern social life, its relevance is mostly limited in contemporary times. Critically discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Discuss the regional variation in kinship in North and South India.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2725,"topper":"Drishti Jaiswal","air":255,"year":2022,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d05f9-929243_2098_drishti-jaiswal_rank-255.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2726,"topper":"Dsk Prachet","air":193,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/D-S-K-PRACHET-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-193-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) \"India's democratic roots are deeply embedded in its ancient civilizational ethos.\" Discuss in the context of India being referred to as the 'Mother of Democracy'.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Elucidate the significance of tiger and elephant figures in Indian mythology, art and architecture.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) The arrival of Lord William Bentinck marked a period of transformation in the British Indian State. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Explain how the American War of Independence deprived Great Britain of one empire, but it strengthened the foundations of another.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 What are Rare Earth Elements (REEs)? Discuss the multi-dimensional implications of uneven distribution of REEs in the world.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) Highlight the salient differences between the Himalayan and the Peninsular drainage Systems.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) Describe the nature and mode of origin of the main types of rock at the earth's crust.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) The alienation of lifestyles from nature has contributed to the ongoing environmental crisis in India. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 What do you understand by the term 'urbanisation of poverty'? Also, explain how urban poverty differs from rural poverty in India?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) Globalization has redefined the idea of community and kinship in Indian society. Do you agree? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) The flourishing of various art forms during the Kushana period reflects the rich and diverse cultural landscape of the time. What insights does this provide into the socio-cultural aspects of that era?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 Trace the events that led to the Civil Disobedience Movement. What were its outcomes?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 Mahatma Jyotirao Phule's reformist ideas played a significant role in shaping the social foundations of the Indian freedom movement. Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) The interlinking of rivers offers several benefits, but also raises significant socio-economic and environmental concerns. Analyze.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Explain the concept of rain shadow effect. How does it influence the distribution of precipitation and vegetation across mountain ranges?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) Bring out the major features of the Indian monsoon and elaborate upon its causative factors.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17) What are the geographical factors responsible for the growth of mangrove vegetation in India? Also highlight its role in coastal ecology.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 To what extent can the rise of 'Kidfluencers' be seen as a reflection of changing family structures and parental aspirations in Indian society?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Women often form the backbone of grassroots movements in India, yet they remain largely invisible and excluded from the decision-making process. Examine.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 Do you agree with the view that social media is a 'double edged sword'? Discuss in the context of its impact on Indian society.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2727,"topper":"Dsk Prachet","air":193,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/D-S-K-PRACHET-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-193-Sample-MGP-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) To what extent, in your opinion, have the ideals of the Preamble been realised in the country's 75-year constitutional journey?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) The evolution of property rights in India reflects an intricate relationship that exists between individual rights and public welfare. Discuss this statement with the help of relevant constitutional provisions and case laws.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3 Under what conditions can the 'National' Emergency be proclaimed by the President of India? What are the consequences when such a proclamation remains in force? When was it last imposed in the country?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) 'Lack of a binding framework for pre-legislative consultations in India limits citizen engagement in the lawmaking.' Propose measures to strengthen the role of public consultation in the legislative process.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) 'The recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission have enabled the States to improve their fiscal position'. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) In what ways do industry and business associations contribute to socio-economic development in the country? Explain with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7 \"India's poverty lies in the eyes of the beholder.\" In light of this statement, examine the need for a credible and periodically updated poverty estimation framework in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 falls short of achieving its intended objectives. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) 'Starved of funds, shackled by geopolitics, WHO is facing a crisis of capacity and credibility.' Discuss the statement in the light of USA's withdrawal and its accusation of the health body of being 'biased towards China and mishandling the COVID-19 pandemic'.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 The world continues to operate in a 'my terrorist' versus 'your terrorist' paradigm. Explain. What strategies would you suggest to develop a unified, comprehensive, and rules-based global approach to tackle the menace of terrorism?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) Briefly explain the procedure laid down in the Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1951 for the registration of political parties with the Election Commission of India (ECI). What are Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs)? What concerns are associated with them? Does the ECI have powers to de-register a political party?","marks":"15","words":"15"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) Assess the role of NITI Aayog over the past decade in promoting cooperative and competitive federalism.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 'The post of Deputy Speaker goes beyond ceremonial significance and is indispensable to Indian parliamentary democracy.' Discuss with relevant constitutional provisions and conventions. Also, examine the implications of the prolonged vacancy of the Deputy Speaker's post.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 Is the growing demand for stricter regulation of online content justified, or does it pose a threat to the right to freedom of speech and expression? Examine in light of recent judicial pronouncements.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Critically examine the 'in-house procedure' adopted by the Apex Court to inquire into allegations of misconduct against judges of constitutional courts in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 Recent controversies over alleged malpractices in the electoral rolls have renewed demands for the mandatory linkage of Aadhaar with Voter ID. What is your opinion? Give reasons in support of your answer.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 Lateral entry into civil services is seen as a reformative step, yet it continues to attract criticism and controversy. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 While rankings aim to benchmark the performance of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), concerns remain about whether current ranking frameworks reflect the broader goals of education. Suggest measures to make the ranking system more objective, inclusive, and aligned with educational and societal outcomes.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Examine the factors behind the growing salience of the Arctic region in international politics. Discuss, in this context, strategies for India to recalibrate its Arctic engagement.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 Bangladesh is a key pillar of India's Neighborhood First policy, but recent developments on both sides threaten to disrupt the 'Sonali Adhyay' in bilateral relations. Analyze.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2728,"topper":"Dsk Prachet","air":193,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/D-S-K-PRACHET-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-193-Sample-MGP-Copy-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) \"Extraordinary powers must be exercised with extraordinary care.\" Discuss in the context of Article 142 of the Indian Constitution.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Why are State Legislatures included in the election of the President but excluded from the process of impeachment?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Private Member's Bills (PMBs) seldom become law in India, yet they are an important aspect of parliamentary democracy. Bring out their significance and suggest steps to strengthen the PMB process.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Highlight the key points of convergence and divergence between the judicial systems of India and USA.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 The role of Election Commission of India has evolved beyond conducting elections to becoming a guardian of electoral democracy. Critically evaluate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) What is the rationale behind the 'three-language formula' in India's education policy? Also highlight the challenges associated with its adoption and implementation across the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) 'Emerging environmental concerns and evolving ecosystem perspectives demand a reimagined approach to rural water governance.' Discuss the key interventions needed to recalibrate rural water policies with special emphasis on the role of communities.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) Identify and discuss the challenges hindering effective implementation of gender-sensitive policies and schemes in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 Effective transboundary water management is crucial for regional peace and cooperation. In light of this statement, bring out the opportunities and challenges for India in leveraging 'water diplomacy' in its neighbourhood.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 What are the key areas of reform if the World Trade Organization (WTO) has to remain relevant in the present context of rising protectionism and trade wars?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The basic structure doctrine acts as a constitutional compass in balancing Parliament's legislative authority and constitutional supremacy. Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) are pivotal to inclusive and efficient urban governance, yet they remain fiscally constrained and institutionally weak. Analyze.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 \"The judiciary has functioned as an institutional corrective, redefining and refining the contours of the Governor's office to prevent its misuse and uphold constitutional principles.\" Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) How is the 'vertical' and 'horizontal' devolution of taxes to the states decided? Highlighting the concerns raised by some states regarding the devolution of taxes, suggest corrective measures.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 What steps are required for the constitutionalization of a Commission? Do you think granting constitutional status to the Central Information Commission (CIC) would strengthen the RTI regime in India? Give reasons.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 Even as India experiences consistent economic growth and has achieved self-sufficiency in food production, hunger and food insecurity remain pressing concerns. Examine the factors responsible for this paradox and suggest steps to improve the situation.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17) The Union Government has recently announced that caste enumeration will be part of the upcoming census. Examine the opportunities and challenges associated with conducting a nationwide 'caste census'. Also, propose a framework for its seamless and effective conduct.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18) \"AI integration in governance is no longer a choice but a necessity.\" In light of this statement, discuss how AI can enhance education and healthcare governance.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Providing a brief overview of the aims and objectives of BIMSTEC, explain its significance for India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 India's approach to its relationship with China has evolved into what can be best described as 'competitive coexistence'. Discuss in light of recent developments. What should be the broad contours of India's future China policy?","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2729,"topper":"Dsk Prachet","air":193,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/D-S-K-PRACHET-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-193-Sample-MGP-Copy-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) The Union Budget 2025-26 outlines a shift towards the 'debt-to-GDP ratio' as the fiscal anchor starting from FY 2026-27. Discuss the rationale behind this shift.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Why does India need to transition from a 'build to print' to a 'build to design' model in manufacturing? What steps has been taken by the government in this regard?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Q.3) Explain the concept of a nutrition-sensitive food system and suggest strategies to achieve it in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Q.4) Give a brief overview of Digital Agriculture Mission. How can it benefit the agriculture sector?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Q.5 Rare earths are not just elements; they are foundational inputs that act like 'seeds of technology'. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Q.6) Why retrofitting Electrostatic Precipitators (ESPs) in Indian thermal power plants is a more viable and effective option compared to the installation of flue gas desulfurization (FGD) systems?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Q.7) The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regime in India remains weak and is often reduced to a procedural formality. In light of this statement, examine the key challenges in EIA implementation and suggest reforms.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Q.8) Plastic pollution is emerging as a serious environmental threat in India. Discuss the various mitigation measures to address this problem and also the Government's initiatives in this regard.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Q.9 Amid evolving threats, there is a need to blend private sector capabilities with India's current internal security architecture. In this context, elaborate on the ways in which the private sector can contribute to strengthening internal security.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Q.10) 'Radicalisation' in Jammu and Kashmir is driven as much by socio-economic factors as by external influences. Discuss how education and youth engagement can play a role in countering radicalisation in J&K.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Q.11) Outline the key characteristics of the care economy, discuss how India can better integrate the value of unpaid and underpaid care work into its economic framework.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.12) The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) presents both unprecedented opportunities and significant challenges for India's labour market. Examine. Also suggest strategies to align AI adoption with inclusive and resilient labour market outcomes.","marks":"15","words":"15"},{"page":28,"question":"Q.13) Why does India's agricultural export performance remain weak despite high production levels? What measures would you suggest to improve agri export competitiveness?","marks":"15 marks, 250","words":"15"},{"page":31,"question":"Q.14 \"The agricultural subsidy regime in the country needs reforms to address the distortions it causes.\" Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Q.15 How can biomanufacturing transform today s consumptive manufacturing paradigm to the one based on regenerative principles? Also discuss how BioE 3 Policy (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment) aims to foster biomanufacturing in the country.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"B6 E3 How Bio E3 aims to foster biomanufacturing","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"Q.16) The future of digital innovation depends on self-reliant, domain-specific AI capabilities. In this context, bring out the key considerations in developing indigenous AI models and tools. Suggest measures to build an enabling ecosystem for AI innovation in India. What initiatives have been taken by the government in this regard?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Q.17) Marine oil spills are a form of environmental disaster, with far-reaching consequences for biodiversity and coastal livelihoods; however, India's preparedness to prevent such incidents and mitigate their impact has significant gaps. Analyze.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Q.18) 'The United Nations has declared 2025 as the International Year of Glacier Preservation.' Bring out the ecological and socio-economic significance of glaciers. What are the key challenges in preserving them? What measures have been taken at national and international levels towards preservation of glaciers?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.19) What are the determinants of insurgency in the north-eastern region of India? What strategy should the Government of India, civil administration and security forces adopt to counter the threat in the affected areas?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.20 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have become an integral aspect of modern conflict and warfare, employed by both state and non-state actors. Discuss its implications for India's security architecture and state the measures being taken to address them. Also suggest other steps to tackle the threats emanating from UAVs","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2730,"topper":"Dwij Goel","air":71,"year":2022,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qJ1hhyEsgzgzBr5qunODsgjuLigUZKPB/view","questions":[]},{"id":2731,"topper":"EESHA PRIYA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/75_Eesha%20Priya_9296_624_GS.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"How has the process of liberalisation, which has otherwise led to high economic growth, affected the employment rate and the nature of employment in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Even though the Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana is an accelerated effort towards financial inclusion, mere opening of bank accounts will not transform into financial inclusion in India. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Successive Finance Commissions have tried to balance the twin issues of fiscal discipline and regional disparities. Yet, they have been criticized by both the rich and poor states for neglecting their needs. Discuss. How far has the 14th Finance Commission been able to address this issue?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the importance of unorganised sector in the Indian economy. Examine the measures taken by the government to overcome the challenges faced by the unorganized sector in the country.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"\"Labour reforms are often cited as the key to unlock the potential of Indian economy.\" In this context discuss the importance of labour reforms in India. Enumerate the measures taken by the government recently in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"MUDRA bank has been termed as a game changer for micro finance sector in the country. What are the objectives of MUDRA Bank? Is there a need of such an institution when there already are multiple schemes and institutions operating for the same purpose?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Despite one of the longest coastlines in the world, India's port facilities and shipping industry are beset by numerous problems. Explain. Discuss some of the corrective measures taken by the government to overcome these problems.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"\"Make in India initiative is a big step in the direction towards making India an investment hub for manufacturing but what we need is Make for India and not Make in India\". Critically analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Despite being an efficient and cheap means of transport, railway has consistently lost its share of freight to road transport. Enumerate the reasons for the same. How far can the high speed freight corridor help in addressing this issue?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"\"Recently decline in fiscal deficit has mainly come through reduction in expenditure rather than by the way of realization of higher revenue\". Comment. Discuss the challenges in revenue mobilization in India and measures required to address this issue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"What are Offshore Rupee Bonds? Giving examples, discuss their benefits with regards to mobilisation of resources for domestic sector. Also, comment on their role in internationalisation of Indian Rupee.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Unlike many other countries, small enterprises in India remain small and even shrink. Bring out the factors responsible for such a trend in India. What steps have been taken by the government in this regard?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"How is the newly proposed GST different from the present tax system for goods and services? Examine the benefits that can accrue to the Indian economy with its introduction. Discuss the various issues in the implementation of GST in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"\"A new way of measuring GDP created the world's fastest-growing major economy overnight\". In the context of India analyse the benefits and concerns raised by the new methodology adopted to calculate GDP figures by the Central Statistical Organisation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"In recent years, savings rate in the Indian economy has witnessed a consistent decline. What are the factors responsible for this trend? How has the composition of savings changed in the last few years? Suggest measures to improve and better channelize household savings.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Increase in the cap for FDI in Insurance sector to 49% was long due. How is it going to benefit the insurance sector in India? What are main reasons for the opposition to this move?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"\"Dedicated freight corridors have a huge potential to revive the manufacturing sector in the country\" Explain. What are the various issues which have slowed down the implementation of these projects?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"How is the EPC model of investment in infrastructure different from the BOT model? What are reasons behind a favorable push for the EPC model over PPP in road sector in recent years?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"\"Unshackling the banks from government control and finance ministry's interference is the only way forward to ensure the long-term revival of nationalised banks.\" Critically evaluate P J Nayak committee's recommendations to dismantle the government's stakes in nationalized banks.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"\"Smart grids would make it possible to ensure a stable, reliable, safe and affordable power supply in the country\". In light of this statement elaborate the role that can be played by smart grids in solving India's energy problems.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2732,"topper":"EESHA PRIYA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/75_Eesha%20Priya_9296_632_GS.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"It has been argued that if the tendency to bypass the Council of States for passing important legislation through the 'nomenclature' of money Bill is not checked legally, it can affect the very basic structure of our Constitution and functioning of the Parliament. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Parliament should be an institution of discussion, debate, deliberation and dissent not of disruption. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"While much has been said about the significance of Indian ocean region, the salience of Pacific has only recently figured prominently in the Indian scheme of things. In what ways are the Pacific Island nations important from India's perspective? What challenges does India face in furthering its influence in the region?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Inspite of the importance of private sector's role in Indian higher education its performance has not been satisfactory. Discuss. What are the challenges that lie ahead in setting up high quality private institutions in the country?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"United Nations Security Council reforms should not only include its expansion but also the way it functions. Analyze.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Passing of private member's bill has been a rarity in India's political history. Compare and contrast government bill and private member's bill. Further discuss the issues w.r.t passage of private member's bill in the Parliament along with suggesting measures to address the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Law Commission in its 262nd report has the recommended the abolition of Death Penalty. What arguments have been put forward by the commission in order to justify its stand. Does this issue necessitate a fresh look in context of the changed socio-economic conditions in the country? Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Transparency and accountability are important not only in state run enterprises but also non-governmental organizations. Discuss. Further, suggest measures on how NGOs can be made more transparent and accountable in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Many of the recent exclusivist outbursts in the northeastern States, including in Manipur, can be attributed to a fear of losing ancestral land to \"outsiders\". In this context, what has been the role of Inner Line Permit system? Also, discuss its limitations and relevance in view of the situation prevailing in the current scenario.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"The move by Assam and Odisha to create legislative councils has created a public debate on the role of upper house in states. In this context, examine the utility of legislative councils.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"The Indian Police Act of 1861, a colonial relic, needs to be replaced with a law that befits a free country. In context of the above statement discuss the need for reforms to establish a professional police force in the country.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"A view which has gained currency is that the no-detention policy under the RTE Act has led to deteriorating standards in learning outcomes. Critically examine this view and suggest measures to improve education standards in the country.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"PRAGATI is a unique blend of e-governance and e-transparecy, which seeks to promote a culture of proactive governance and timely implementation involving realtime presence and exchange among key stakeholders. Illustrate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Discus how Directive Principle of State Policy have shaped the policy making process in India. Do you think it has been successful in achieving its objective. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"India's participation in bilateral and multilateral naval and military exercises represent India's desire to safeguard its sphere of influence and is also a response to changing geo-strategic scenario. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Despite complementarity of interests and needs, India and Central Asia have remained distant for a long time. Explain why. In what ways can the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) help in expanding India's trade and investment links with Central Asia?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"The fourteenth finance commission is advancement over the previous finance commission in terms of improving the federal relations of the country. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"\"The Right to Privacy is not a guaranteed constitutional right.\" Critically discuss this statement in the light of recent controversy around the Aadhar Scheme.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"India's inability to join APEC is not because of lack of interest on her part but due to a variety of other reasons. Explain. What are the expected benefits of such a membership for India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"That the recognition of transgender rights could open up a Pandora's Box on the issue of decriminalization of homosexuality amounts to taking a narrow view on an important question of social justice. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2733,"topper":"EESHA PRIYA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/75_Eesha%20Priya_9296_633_GS.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"How are SDGs an improvement over MDGs? What are the challenges that are foreseen in the implementation of SDGs? What are the lessons that India can learn from the progress made on MDGs that could inform and enhance its performance on SDGs?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Discuss the possible reasons behind China's recent decision to devalue the yuan. Also, examine the impact that yuan's devaluation may have on India and rest of the world.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"An unmanaged border accentuates threats from unconventional sources by providing easy points of ingress and egress. Discuss in the context of India's international border along the north eastern states.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"While India's disaster response in recent times has improved significantly in saving lives, it needs to improve its capacity in saving livelihoods as well. In context of the above statement, examine India's Disaster Risk Reduction System.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Given the threat of climate change, there is an urgent need to move towards Climate Smart Agriculture. Elaborate. Also, discuss the strategies to make high cost technologies accessible to the Indian farmers.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Instead of running piecemeal schemes that do not address the specific challenge of poverty-ridden households it is better to use concrete tools such as SECC. In light of the above statement, explain how SECC data can be utilized to address multi-dimensional aspects of poverty.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"While a strong and vibrant democracy is our shield against radicalizing forces such as the ISIS, we should not neglect the threat of radicalisation through cyber space where modern day wars are fought. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"According to UNEP report, up to 90% of the world's electronic waste is traded or dumped illegally in Asia and Africa, with India being one of the main destinations. Mention the hazards of this illegal dumping and discuss how India can tackle this challenge.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"What constitutes the MSME sector in India? Examine the reasons for its slow growth and enumerate the initiatives taken by the Government to revive MSMEs.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"RBI has recently classified some banks as 'Domestic Systemically Important Banks' (D-SIBs). What is the rationale behind this move? Examine the possible implications of this step.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"INDCs signal the end of CBDR as well as the underlying principle of historic responsibility and respective capabilities. Critically analyse. How far do technology and finance hold the key to viable progress on restricting global warming within reasonable limits?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Even though Flyash is a valuable resource material, but if not managed well, it may pose environmental challenges. Comment. Also list a few steps that have been taken by the government to promote the use of flyash.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Rising income inequality is a widespread concern for advanced as well as emerging economies. Illustrate how inequality impedes economic growth. Also, examine the steps taken by India to tackle income inequality.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"What are biosimilars? How are they different from traditional generic drugs? Enumerate the regulatory requirements present for biosimilars in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Discuss the sectoral composition of workforce across India and the problems associated with it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"India needs a national common market for agricultural commodities by making the Agricultural Produce Market Committees just one among the many options available for the farmers to sell their produce. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Banking is hobbled by policy, which creates double financial repression, and by structural factors, which impede competition. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"India's SAGAR approach to the Indian Ocean Region presents an opportunity for it to play the role of security provider as well as facilitator of Blue Economy. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"The multiplicity of labour laws and difficulty in coping with them are an impediment to industrial development in India. Critically examine. What are the labour reform measures initiated by the government for ensuring compliance and promoting ease of doing business.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Climate Change has the potential to create migrant crisis across the world and force people to become Climate Exile. How serious is this problem for a country like India? Examine the adequacy of existing global frameworks and institutions to deal with such crisis. In context of the upcoming Paris Conference, discuss the measures that should be taken by the international community in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2734,"topper":"Esha Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/30/mts_2024_unchecked_mt24flton070_anv2401.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"How does the integration of traditional Indian art and architecture in the New Parliament Building serve as a testament to India's cultural ethos? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Discuss the representation of women in Sangam literature. What does it reveal about the status and roles of women in ancient South Indian society? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"How did the Moderates' economic critique of British colonial policies contribute to the development of Indian nationalism and the broader independence movement? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"How does the geological structure of the Himalayas make the region particularly prone to landslides? Discuss the natural and human-induced factors involved. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What are the major ocean currents and their associated gyres in the world's oceans? Discuss the significance of ocean currents in shaping the Earth's climate and marine ecosystems. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How have variations in soil types across India contributed to regional disparities in agricultural practices and productivity? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How does island tourism affect the economy of India's islands like the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep? What challenges and opportunities exist to make this tourism sustainable? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How has the shift in the policy from population control to family welfare and women's empowerment impacted population growth in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What are the core principles of Indian secularism, and how have they been challenged in the context of Indian society? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"To what extent does the current primary education system in India address or reinforce social inequalities, and what strategies are needed to create a more inclusive educational environment? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Compare and contrast the nature of peasant movements in India during the pre-Gandhian phase with those in the Gandhian phase. How did Mahatma Gandhi's leadership influence the nature and course of peasant movements in India during the freedom struggle? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Compare and contrast the Hoysala and Nagara styles of temple architecture. How do these differences reflect the cultural, religious, and regional influences of their time? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"How did Lord William Bentinck's policies in India influence the country's cultural and intellectual landscape? Discuss with reference to key reforms. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"With urban flooding becoming a recurrent challenge in Indian cities, analyze the underlying factors contributing to urban flooding in India. What comprehensive measures can be taken to mitigate its impact? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"As the 21st century shifts from battles over oil to competition for critical minerals, assess the potential of India's critical mineral resources in contributing to the global supply chain. What are the strategic implications of these resources for India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Explain the phenomenon of temperature inversion and its impact on weather patterns and microclimates in different regions. Also, discuss its implications for agriculture and human settlements. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Discuss the significance of the Ganga river system on the environment and Indian culture. What are the key challenges in cleaning and rejuvenating this vital river system? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Scientific pursuit in India has historically intersected with culture and religion, often blending scientific inquiry with religious practices. In this context, how do scientific advancements bridge the gap between traditional beliefs and modern thinking in addressing age-old taboos and superstitions? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Highlighting the challenges of social inequalities in the informal sector, discuss how the gig economy can resolve these issues and contribute to greater social empowerment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"What are the reasons behind the resurgence of new-age spiritualism led by religious influencers and spiritual leaders in Indian society? Evaluate the impact of this phenomenon on Indian society. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2735,"topper":"Esha Jain","air":272,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/781770142252687b4750b386de5a9f2e/25/mts_2025_unchecked_mt24flton070_anv2501.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2736,"topper":"Esha Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/781770142252687b4750b386de5a9f2e/24/mts_2025_unchecked_mt24flton070_anv2502.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Socialistic ideals and secularism are core features of the Basic Structure doctrine in India. In this context, discuss how judicial decisions have cemented these principles as the cornerstone of constitutional identity. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"There is a need to expand the scope of 'corrupt practices' under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, to address emerging forms of electoral malpractices.\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Analyse the distinguishing perspectives on equality as reflected in the constitutional frameworks of India and France. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The shrinking effective share of States in the Union's gross tax revenues, coupled with equity-heavy criteria in horizontal devolution, raises critical concerns for fiscal federalism in India. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"Citizenship is the legal foundation of constitutional rights and responsibilities.\" Discuss how India's approach to citizenship reflects its commitment to constitutional values. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Declining fertility rates, coupled with rising life expectancy, require a shift from fertility-focused interventions to human capital investments. Examine in the light of recent population trends. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"The quality of governance is critically linked to the extent and nature of citizen participation in democratic processes.\" Discuss using examples in the Indian context. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"Low alignment between educational outcomes and market needs can widen social and economic inequalities.\" Examine this statement in the context of India's skills ecosystem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"The weakening commitment of major powers to international health frameworks poses serious challenges to equitable global cooperation.\" Discuss in light of the U.S. withdrawal from the WHO and its implications for India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The ongoing conflict in West Asia has exposed the vulnerabilities of regional diplomacy. In this light, discuss the implications of the West Asian conflict for India's strategic autonomy and regional engagement. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"\"Department-related Standing Committees serve as the institutional backbone of legislative scrutiny, yet their potential remains underutilised.\" Critically analyse the challenges faced by Parliamentary Committees in ensuring executive accountability in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"\"President's Rule is a constitutional mechanism to deal with governance failure, not political convenience.\" Under what circumstances can President's Rule be imposed in a State? Discuss the constitutional safeguards and judicial verdicts associated with it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"The recently released Devolution Index reveals wide variation in the performance of States in empowering Panchayati Raj Institutions. While explaining the reasons behind this variation, discuss the role of capacity-building initiatives in enabling PRIs to fulfil their constitutional mandate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"\"In the evolving constitutional and political landscape, the effectiveness of statutory commissions depends on their structural autonomy and independence.\" Discuss in the context of the growing demand for constitutional status for statutory commissions like the National Commission for Women (NCW) and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"\"An independent judiciary is essential for upholding constitutional values, but it must also remain accountable to preserve public trust.\" Discuss in the context of recent issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Institutional autonomy of sectoral regulators is critical for ensuring credibility, transparency, and fair competition. In light of recent incidents, examine the issues pertaining to the independence and autonomy of regulatory bodies in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"How far do you think a caste census is a necessary step toward realising the goals of social justice and equitable development, despite the administrative challenges it poses? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"\"The complexity of modern governance demands adaptive and dynamic administrative reforms.\" Evaluate the role of administrative reforms in improving efficiency, transparency, and responsiveness in Indian governance. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"The trajectory of India-China relations in the last 75 years reflects a balance between pragmatic cooperation and unresolved strategic tensions. Discuss the contours of this evolving policy and highlight the measures India should take to counterbalance asymmetries with China. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"The evolution of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) from a maritime security grouping to a multidimensional partnership reflects changing strategic realities in the Indo-Pacific. In this context, examine the opportunities and challenges that QUAD presents for India's regional aspirations and strategic autonomy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2737,"topper":"Esha Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/48/mts_2024_unchecked_mt24flton070_anv2402.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"\"Parliament is a creature of the constitution, not its master\". Highlighting relevant case laws discuss how judicial intervention has shaped the balance between the Constitution and parliamentary sovereignty. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"How do the citizenship laws and policies of India and the United States differ within their constitutional frameworks? Comment on the ongoing debate on citizenship laws and policies in India and the US. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"\"The right to internet access is integral to the realization and exercise of other fundamental rights in India.\" In this context examine how the recognition of internet access as a fundamental right in India reconciles with the state's authority to impose restrictions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"How did the 44th Constitutional Amendment impact the emergency provisions in the Indian Constitution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What are the powers and immunities of the Governor in relation to bills passed by the state legislature? Are these powers unlimited in nature? Discuss in light of relevant judgements. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Do you think that lateral entry can significantly enhance the effectiveness of the Indian bureaucracy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The demand for a caste census and the sub-categorization of castes reflects the failure of neoliberalism to address India's caste problem. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Despite significant advancements, women remain underrepresented in STEM fields. What are the barriers to women's participation in STEM, and what policy interventions can address these challenges to promote gender equity? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"'The expansion of BRICS signals a shift towards a more multipolar world order.' Discuss how this expanded grouping presents India with opportunities to enhance its global leadership while introducing certain challenges. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Strategically located ports are vital assets in regional and economic integration. In this context discuss the significance of ports like Chabahar and Sittwe in India's strategy to enhance connectivity and their contribution to India's geopolitical objectives. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"How does mediation differ from arbitration? In light of the recent enactment of the Mediation Act, of 2023, assess its potential to address the backlog of litigations in Indian courts and foster a culture of voluntary mediation, especially among private players and public-sector undertakings. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"The federal character of a nation comprising elective bodies at different levels is best secured through a bicameral legislature. In this context, discuss how a bicameral legislature supports federalism in India. What additional measures can be taken to strengthen the federal structure and ensure effective representation of states in national governance? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"An Independent Parliamentary Secretariat is the backbone of a robust democracy, ensuring non-partisan support to Parliament in carrying out its core functions. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Given the significant role of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in local governance, assess the challenges and opportunities in strengthening their financial autonomy. How can reforms in PRI financing contribute to more effective grassroots governance in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Despite the absence of a constitutional mandate, the National Commission for Women (NCW) has had a significant impact in influencing legal reforms and securing gender justice in India. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"In post-liberalized India, independent regulators were established to ensure fair competition and transparency. To what extent have independent regulators been effective in their mandates and discuss the impact of government influence on their autonomy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"How does the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023 aim to reshape the patriarchal dynamics of Indian politics? Do you think it might encounter similar limitations as those seen in local self-government institutions? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Hunger is both a cause and a consequence of poverty, and addressing it requires a multidimensional approach. Analyze the effectiveness of a multidimensional approach with examples from key government initiatives. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"The African Union's inclusion in the G-20 marks a significant step towards strengthening South-South cooperation. Discuss the importance of this development for India and its implications for India's relations with Africa. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"What are the key challenges associated with the IMF and World Bank in addressing the needs of developing countries? Also, assess the need for reforms in Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) to address the evolving global challenges. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2738,"topper":"Esha Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/781770142252687b4750b386de5a9f2e/23/mts_2025_unchecked_mt24flton070_anv2503.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"How far do you think the recent proposals to reform India's tax structure will help in improving India's tax buoyancy and base? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"How do the rising trends of economic nationalism and protectionism affect India's global trade competitiveness? What recent measures has India taken to navigate these challenges? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Examine the role of Integrated Farming System (IFM) in improving agricultural productivity and minimizing the environmental impact of agriculture. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"In recent years, Indian agriculture has been witnessing a transformation towards better productivity and improved farmer incomes. What institutional and structural reforms have been undertaken by the Government to make agriculture more rewarding and sustainable? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How do Air Defence systems work? What are the various air-defense systems that India currently possesses? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the potential of RNA editing in treating genetic disorders. What are its advantages over DNA editing? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Urban areas are more vulnerable to disasters due to unplanned growth and infrastructure collapses. Discuss. What strategies do you recommend to enhance urban resilience to such disasters? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Despite its criticality for the success of the Swachha Bharat Mission, solid waste management in India remains at a sub-optimal level. In this context, suggest long-term technological and institutional solutions towards effective solid-waste management. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"Social media has emerged as a new frontier in modern warfare, shaping narratives, influencing perceptions, and impacting national security\". In this context, analyse the role of social media in contemporary conflicts. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The Border Security Force (BSF) has evolved significantly in its jurisdiction as well as its strategic importance in border management and the internal security framework. Explain the role and mandate of BSF. What are the issues BSF faces while operating in the border States? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"India's growth story is marred by persistent challenges of inequality and the middle-income-trap. Discuss. Highlight the approaches India should follow to escape the middle-income trap and ensure inclusive and sustainable economic growth. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"MSMEs are central to the Make in India initiative, yet they face challenges in scaling up and integrating into formal supply chains. Discuss. Suggest structural reforms needed to make MSMEs more resilient and competitive. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"\"The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) aims to achieve 'more crop per drop', yet irrigation efficiency in India remains suboptimal.\" Critically analyse. What reforms are needed to strengthen its implementation? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"The rising import of oilseeds and pulses has made their cultivation unremunerative. In the light of this statement, elucidate the steps needed to promote the production and consumption of oilseeds and pulses in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Explain the scientific principles behind cloud seeding. Highlighting its role in alleviating air pollution and global warming, discuss its potential limitations. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Give an account of the evolution of India's 3-Stage Nuclear Power Programme. What are the advantages and strategic imperatives of realising the thorium-based third stage? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Recent studies indicate that the 2014-2024 decade is the warmest decade and 2024 is the warmest year on record. In the light of rapid global warming, what are the impacts of climate change on biodiversity? Discuss the measures needed to ensure ecological resilience and conservation of species diversity. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Forest fires in India are increasing in frequency and intensity, posing severe ecological and economic challenges. Describe the various causes of forest fires. What measures are followed to prevent and manage forest fires in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"What are organized crimes? Discuss the linkages between organized crime and terrorism. How do such linkages pose internal security challenges to India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"India's north-eastern region is fraught with contentious issues and security challenges. Examine the various security challenges currently prevailing in the region. Discuss the steps to counter these challenges. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2739,"topper":"Esha Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/44/mts_2024_unchecked_mt24flton070_anv2403.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"How do household savings contribute to the growth of the Indian economy? Do you think that the recent fall in household savings rate marks a rise in indebtedness and distress among Indian households? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"India's FDI sector is seeing a significant downward trend. What factors are causing apprehensions among the foreign investors to invest in India? Suggest some corrective measures that must be taken by the Government to reverse the falling trend. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"How do farm subsidies impact crop diversity, cropping patterns and agricultural sustainability in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"While discussing the principles of “precision agriculture”, elaborate on the uses of “Internet of Things” in precision agriculture. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What are Small Modular Nuclear Reactors (SMRs)? Why are SMRs considered a safer alternative to conventional Nuclear Power Plants? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What factors have contributed to the sudden rise in the incidences of zoonotic diseases across the globe? Highlight the recent examples of pandemics caused by zoonotic pathogens. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss the major challenges of crowd control in large socio-religious gatherings and congregations in India. In the light of NDMA's \"Suggestive Framework for Preparation of Crowd Management Plan for Events Venues or Mass Gathering\", suggest measures to prevent stampede incidents. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"'The UN High Seas Treaty, is comparable to the 2015 Paris Agreement's importance and significance'. In the context of this, discuss the importance of the UN High Seas Treaty for the conservation of marine biodiversity and fair and equitable resource-sharing. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What are the new cyber threats posed by the illicit use of Generative AI? In the light of recently signed Bletchley Declaration, how can India beef up its cybersecurity structure against threats raised by AI? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"India's border security is under severe pressure due to the rising political crisis in neighbouring countries. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"A person without skill is not an asset but a liability on the nation's growth\". How infusion of relevant skills contribute to the demographic dividend of India? What recent initiatives have been undertaken by the Government to reduce the skill gap among young Indians? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"The Indian aviation sector has immense potential to become the primary mode of transportation in the country. What are the factors propelling growth in India's aviation sector? Highlight the challenges that the sector faces and suggest measures for improvement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Farmer Producers' Organizations (FPOs) are engines of agri-innovation. In this context, discuss the role of FPOs in addressing the issue of fragmentation and lack of modernization in agriculture. Highlight the initiatives the Government took to promote the participation of FPOs in agriculture. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Despite being one of the strongest growth engines of the Indian economy, there are certain upstream and downstream issues ailing the growth of food processing industries in India. Discuss. Suggest measures to strengthen the overall growth of food processing industries in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"How was India benefitted from the contributions of Dr M.S. Swaminathan and Dr C.R. Rao in the fields of agricultural science and statistics respectively? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"How is Artificial Intelligence (AI) challenging the overall intellectual property paradigm? How can AI be balanced with intellectual property to foster innovation and incentivize creations and inventions? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Highlighting the significance of \"Western Ghats\" in preserving and conserving the biodiversity of India, discuss the threats faced by this fragile and ecologically sensitive Region. Elaborate on the measures taken by the Government of India to protect the Western Ghats ecosystem. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Describe the major outcomes of the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the features of the Green Credit Initiative launched by India on the sidelines of COP-28? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"How shell companies has contributed to the menace of money laundering in India? Do you think recent amendments to the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2005 will help address the problem of the transactional nature of clients with such shell companies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2740,"topper":"Esha Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/781770142252687b4750b386de5a9f2e/27/mts_2025_unchecked_mt24flton070_anv2504.pdf","questions":[{"page":14,"question":"\"The heart of the ethical dilemma is not the absence of values but the presence of competing responsibilities.\" Discuss how ethical dilemmas in public administration often emerge from the clash of legitimate obligations rather than moral ambiguity. Illustrate with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"The growing layers of oversight, media scrutiny, and public expectations have made accountability a double-edged sword for public servants.\" Do you agree that excessive accountability pressure can sometimes hinder ethical judgment and innovation in the bureaucracy? Explain your perspective with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"Family, society, and education do not merely transmit values they shape the ethical foundation of public life.\" Discuss how these institutions influence value formation in public servants. Why is the role of these institutions critical in strengthening ethical governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"Gandhian ethics emphasize purity of means, truth, and moral courage even when outcomes are uncertain.\" Critically evaluate whether such absolutist ethics are compatible with the demands of modern public administration, where administrative realism and pragmatism are often necessary. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"Procurement decisions are a litmus test of public sector probity, where integrity must resist both institutional pressures and private influence.\" Discuss how the principles of transparency, fairness, and accountability can strengthen ethical conduct in public procurement. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"Attitudes, shaped by personal beliefs and values, influence the ethical behaviour of public servants.\" Explain how moral and political attitudes impact administrative neutrality and integrity in public service. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"\"Foreign aid is often framed as generosity, but its ethical legitimacy depends on fairness, accountability, and respect for sovereignty.\" Explain the ethical concerns associated with conditional foreign aid. How can donor countries uphold recipient autonomy while ensuring transparency and developmental impact? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":34,"question":"What are the ethical considerations involved in this budget allocation decision?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"How can administrators ensure equitable development while maintaining working relationships with elected representatives? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"You are posted as the Deputy Director (Training) at a state administrative academy. Among the current batch of officer trainees is a probationer known for initiative and strong opinions on social justice and governance. Over the past few weeks, the probationer has been posting commentary on current affairs on his public social media account. While not abusive or inflammatory, his posts openly criticise: • Certain welfare schemes as \"tokenistic,\" • The inaction of state agencies in recent communal incidents, • And call for \"civil resistance\" to regressive laws. Screenshots of his posts have circulated in the department. Some senior officers consider the posts politically charged and believe they undermine the principle of neutrality and decorum expected of civil servants. Others argue he is still under training and needs mentorship, not discipline. You are informally asked by the Director General to “speak to him” and submit a recommendation on whether formal action is warranted. The probationer, when confronted, says: \"I posted as a citizen, not as a government mouthpiece. I'm entitled to express myself. My views don't affect my professional objectivity.\" There's growing debate in the academy: Where does personal liberty end and institutional responsibility begin? Is there space for moral conviction in service, or must officers conform fully to institutional restraint even in their private lives?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"What are the key ethical and professional concerns in this situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"How can civil servants balance personal expression with the demands of neutrality and public accountability? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"What are the key ethical issues in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"How can civil servants uphold integrity when informal hierarchies and peer pressure discourage ethical action? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"What are the ethical concerns involved in the allocation of CSR funds in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"How would you assess the competing pressures of organizational politics and public interest?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"What decision would you take, and how would you justify it ethically and professionally? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"What are the administrative and ethical issues involved in the case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"How can senior civil servants uphold neutrality and fairness in politically sensitive postings without inviting retaliation or appearing insubordinate? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":60,"question":"Several NGOs and urban policy experts point out that the land had remained vacant for decades, with no alternative use pursued or development plan executed until the recent PIL. They also raise concerns that no rehabilitation policy has been activated, despite a clear state commitment under its urban housing scheme. The situation is tense: • A local MLA supports immediate clearance, citing \"respect for the rule of law and infrastructure development.\" • Media and civil society are sharply divided; some demand swift implementation, others condemn the potential humanitarian fallout. • Your team awaits instruction. Some suggest delaying until an in-principle rehabilitation commitment is secured. Others urge immediate compliance to \"avoid contempt.\" You are now faced with a critical choice: obeying the court order as is, or seeking space to align legal compliance with ethical obligations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"What are the core ethical challenges involved in executing the eviction in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"How should a public servant reconcile legal mandates with humanitarian obligations in contexts of informal urban settlements?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2741,"topper":"Esha Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/67/mts_2024_unchecked_mt24flton070_anv2404.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Do you think it is ethically justified for political leaders to violate the deepest constraints of morality in order to achieve great goods or avoid disasters for their communities? Justify your position with suitable examples (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"\"There is growing evidence that when it comes to moral judgment, human beings appear to be best characterised not as intuitive Deontologists or Consequentialists but as intuitive virtue theorists.\" Critically analyse the statement. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"While formal codes of conduct can sometimes be a useful guide, developing those traits of character that are particularly suited to the administrator's role is at the core of professional ethics. Identify five ethical attributes suitable for an administrator and explain how they can be developed. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What do you understand by political responsibility, professional responsibility and personal responsibility? In situations of conflict among the three, what responsibility must the public servant prioritise and why? Illustrate with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"In the context of civil service, what do you understand by \"acts of conscience\"? Illustrate with an example. In your opinion, what can be the basis of acts of conscience? Explain (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Critically examine the role of educational institutions in shaping ethical decision-making skills in future civil servants. How effective are current educational paradigms in instilling ethical behaviour among the youth? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Examine the ethical challenges administrators face while employing persuasion and social influence techniques to promote social and health interventions in rural India. Illustrate with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Critically examine the impact of the Right to Information (RTI) on enhancing ethical accountability in public administration. How effective has RTI been in preventing bureaucratic corruption and improving service delivery? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss the ethical implications of maintaining high-quality service delivery in public administration. How does probity in governance influence the efficiency and responsiveness of public services, particularly in addressing the needs of marginalised communities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Critically assess the role of regulatory frameworks in enforcing ethical standards in corporate governance. How can these frameworks be designed to encourage ethical behaviour without stifling innovation? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":31,"question":"Armed with this data, you are compelled to take action. You arrange a meeting with the CMD of the public sector unit (PSU) to discuss the health audit findings and explore solutions. The CMD acknowledges the poor industrial safety record but is quick to point out the financial constraints faced by the unit. The plant's budget is limited, and no funds are allocated for the necessary safety upgrades. However, after much deliberation, both of you agree that the best course of action would be to relocate the plant to a site 30 kilometres away from the current location. This solution would mitigate the health risks for the local population while allowing the plant to continue operations, albeit at a new location. As plans for the relocation begin, the news leaks out, causing immediate unrest among the plant's workers. The workers, many of whom live near the plant, strongly oppose the relocation. They argue that the new site, 30 kilometres away, would disrupt their lives, increase their commuting time, and add to their expenses. The prospect of losing their jobs or facing hardships travelling to the new site sparks a wave of discontent. The workers organised protests and went on strike, halting production. And the discontent spilled onto the streets. Unknowingly, you had stirred a hornet's nest. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you and the CMD? (c) How should you prioritise public health concerns against the potential economic disruptions caused by the relocation of the plant? What ethical principles should guide this decision? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Understanding the gravity of the situation, you decide to take the matter directly to the Director of Purchase. The Director, a professional with years of experience, listens to your concerns but advises you to ignore the information. He argues that the allegation is based on verbal communication and lacks concrete evidence. Additionally, he expresses concern that the information might have been planted by a rival supplier to discredit the bidding process or to sabotage a competitor. Despite your reservations, you follow the Director's instructions and take no further action. The bids are opened as scheduled, and contracts are awarded based on official norms. A week later, a national daily published an investigative report detailing the bid-rigging scandal. The report includes substantial evidence, such as recorded conversations, email exchanges, and internal documents, all indicating that several bidders colluded to manipulate the tender process. The publication of this report triggered widespread public outrage, leading to calls for an investigation into the procurement process and the immediate suspension of the contracts awarded. The department, including the Director of Purchase, comes under intense scrutiny. Questions are raised about the integrity of the procurement process and the failure to prevent bid rigging despite prior knowledge of potential misconduct. Your Director is placed under suspension, and the enquiry begins. You are also under scanner as you were working closely with the Director. Meanwhile, your Director requests that you refrain from informing the enquiry committee of the information you received about bid-rigging. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the case? (b) What are the potential ethical and professional consequences of complying with the Director's request to conceal the information about the bid-rigging? Explain (c) In light of the Director's request to withhold information from the enquiry committee, how should you balance your duty to report unethical practices with your loyalty to your superior? What ethical principles should guide your decision in this situation? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"This situation places you in a difficult position. As an Audit Officer, you must decide whether to prioritise strict adherence to rules or to consider the broader context and the potential benefits of the DM's actions. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) How should the Audit Officer balance the need for strict adherence to budgetary allocations with the DM's argument that the school's construction was in the community's best interest? Should the officer prioritise legal and procedural correctness over perceived public benefits? (c) What are the potential consequences of reporting the misallocation of funds? Should the Audit Officer consider the impact of such a report on the DM, the district, and future funding allocations when making the decision? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"As the CDO, you are now caught between two conflicting directives, each with its own ethical and professional implications. (a) What ethical issues and dilemmas are involved in the above case? (b) What are the options available to the CDO? What must be the CDO's chosen course of action? (c) How should a civil servant prioritise between conflicting directives from different senior authorities? What ethical principles should guide this decision-making process? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":2742,"topper":"Eshani Anand","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/891bc-45836376_3128_eshani-_anand_rank_106.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"The world must learn to work together, or finally it will not work at all.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Technology, like art, is a soaring exercise of the human imagination.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"We've begun to raise daughters more like sons, but few have the courage to raise our sons more like our daughters.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2743,"topper":"Eshani Anand","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3c338-45836376_2928_eshani-_anand_rank_106.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How does tribal art provide valuable insights into the cultural perspectives and values of Indian tribal communities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What are the key factors that accelerated decolonization post-World War II? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How does human encroachment impact water bodies in urban areas? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How do physical geographical features influence the development and operation of transportation systems? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How are ocean trenches formed? Describe the significant characteristics of these oceanic relief formations. (Answer in 150words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Identify the reasons behind increasing number of extreme rainfall events throughout India in recent times. Assess their socio-economic impact. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"India is expected to have the largest working-age population in the world by 2030 and it cannot afford low participation of women in the workforce anymore. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Do you agree that there has been a progressive secularization of caste in India? Support your view with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Why is inequality increasing in India despite the fall in overall poverty? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"How did the competitive and hostile dynamic between Brahminism and Buddhism over funding, followers, and ideology mark the decline of Buddhism? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"European travellers' accounts in the medieval period have played an important role in shaping our understanding of the empires and people of that period in India. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The British victory in the Battle of Plassey in 1757 not just changed the course of Indian history but also that of the world. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Why was it more difficult to rehabilitate refugees in West Bengal as compared to Punjab after partition? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss the economic and social costs associated with the transition from coal to green energy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Explain the process of formation of volcanic calderas. How do they contribute to the scenic beauty of the region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the reasons behind the increased frequency and intensity of heat waves globally? How will it impact global food security? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India's approach to secularism does not merely challenge inter-religious domination but intra-religious domination as well. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Do you agree with the view that Indian cities are turning into landscapes of stark inequality and social exclusion? What steps can be taken to make urban areas more egalitarian in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2744,"topper":"Eshani Anand","air":79,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/93393beb2b7e996905ce7ea7f8b78443/74/air-79-eshani-anand_test-2_gs2.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Q.1 There is a need to resolve the ambiguity in the disqualification provisions under section 8 of the Representation of People Act 1951. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2 Constitution is a mere skeleton whereas constitutionalism is the soul of democracy. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"\"Electoral bonds are a double-edged sword, providing anonymity to donors while raising concerns about transparency in political funding.\" To what extent have electoral bonds further legitimized opacity in electoral funding?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.4 The question of gender equality is central to the debate on Uniform Civil Code. In this light what are the challenges in reconciling UCC with gender equality as enshrined in the constitution?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"'The Governor's office is neither decorative nor inconsequential, it assumes a constitutional role of profound essence' To what extent does the Governor, actively contribute to the governance of a state and reinforce the principles of federalism in the country?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.6 Recently demand has been rising in a state regarding the enactment of Social Accountability Law. How such a law can lead to good governance and boost citizens' participation in decision-making. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.7 There is a need for convergence of 'nutrition-specific' and 'nutrition-sensitive' interventions to effectively tackle child undernutrition in India. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.8 \"MGNREGA, the lynchpin of rural poverty alleviation, has become the victim of fiscal apathy.\" Critically analyze the statement in light of recent developments.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.9 \"India must leverage, if not manage, the global divides\". How can the current geopolitical churn pave the way for India's rise to the global high table?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.10 \"Berlin can be India's gateway to the European Union.\" Elaborate with respect to Germany's significance in India's relationship with the EU.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.11 How has the Anti-Defection Law impacted the relationship between political parties and individual legislators in India? In light of the recent incidents also discuss the unintended consequences it has on the functioning of democracy in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"12 Critics assert that limitless judicial authority rests on the structural ambiguity of the basic structure doctrine. Has the elastic nature of the basic structure doctrine made the judiciary more powerful than the executive?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Q.13 Fundamental rights are not gifts bestowed upon by the state rather an individual possesses them independently of the state. In this context discuss the desirability of reasonable restrictions on various fundamental rights.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":35,"question":"2.14 'S.R. Bommai v. Union of India signified a paradigm shift in the judicial interpretation of the union's authority to assume control of a state's administration.' In this context discuss the significance and impact of the judgement on cementing the federal structure.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.15 The key to effective decentralization is, 'political decentralization should follow finance and functional decentralization'. Discuss in the context of impediments faced by local governance in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"16 Multi-stakeholder partnerships are the key to leveraging collective expertise and networks. How can effective partnership and localized implementation efforts be fostered to accelerate the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in India?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.17 How has the implementation of the POSH Act resulted in limited success in raising awareness about sexual harassment, and what factors have hindered its effective outreach to women employed in the unorganized sector? Propose strategies to bridge this gap and ensure comprehensive protection for women in the unorganized sector against workplace harassment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"18 'Neo-liberal reforms and globalization have deeply transformed the institutions of the welfare state and set the ground for a new type of civil services.' In this context examine the challenges faced in service delivery and suggest adequate reforms.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.19 China views India as its \"Asian Rival\" with an innate ability to counter its hegemonistic goals in Asia. Despite these difficulties in India-China relations, there are also many areas of convergence. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":53,"question":"Q.20 Indo-Pacific region in recent times has emerged as a zone of diverging interests and priorities. Discuss. Do you think the Global Security Initiative will supersede QUAD in the region?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"}]},{"id":2745,"topper":"Eshani Anand","air":79,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/93393beb2b7e996905ce7ea7f8b78443/71/air-79-eshani-anand_test-2_gs2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2746,"topper":"Eshani Anand","air":79,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/93393beb2b7e996905ce7ea7f8b78443/67/air-79-eshani-anand_test-3_gs3.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Q.1 What do you understand by Windfall tax? Do you think that windfall taxes can effectively redistribute wealth and promote greater economic equality?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Q.2 Discuss the perceived successes and challenges of implementing inflation targeting under the new Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) regime.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Q.3 Assess the potential of millet production in promoting sustainable agriculture and improving food security in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Q.4 Jal Jeevan Mission has the potential to end the regional disparity in the availability and accessibility of drinking water. Highlighting the significance of the mission, discuss the underlying impediments in achieving the desired objectives.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Q-5 What do you understand by Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)? Discuss its applications and how it can revolutionize the energy program of India.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":16,"question":"Q.6 Discuss in brief developments and challenges in the Gaganyaan mission of ISRO. What are the possible benefits of the mission for the society?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":18,"question":"Q.7 \"Green hydrogen can be the silver bullet in our quest to tackle climate change and pollution\". Critically analyze the statement in light of India's National Green Hydrogen mission.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"2) Can attain the following targets\n- 120 million metric tonnes of CO2 abated\n- Near zero effluents","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Q.8 What are the key lessons for disaster management and environmental conservation in the Himalayan region, in light of the recent disaster in Joshimath, Uttarakhand?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":22,"question":"Q.9 \"The recent radical trends in Punjab show that the Khalistan issue is still simmering.\" Discuss the statement with respect to recent developments and suggest measures to handle it.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":24,"question":"Q.10 The anonymity and ease of drone operation contribute to the challenges of India's border security. Elaborate and give suggestions to tackle the drone problem in border areas.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.11 Electricity Amendment Bill, 2022 brings several advantages for consumers, DISCOMs as well as the environment. Elaborate. Also, list out its shortcomings and suggest some measures to overcome them.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.12 Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) plays an important role in the regulation of the share market and safeguarding the interests of investors. In the light of given statement, highlight the challenges faced by the SEBI and suggest reforms in this regard.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.13 Despite being a major contributor to the Indian economy, the agriculture sector is plagued by several constraints that impede its growth and development. Discuss the role of technology in overcoming these constraints.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.14 Evaluate the impact of irrigation on the environment and natural resources, and suggest measures to ensure the sustainability and equity of irrigation practices in agriculture.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.15 How India benefitted strategically from the contributions of Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha and Dr. Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai in the fields of atomic energy and space technology respectively?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":40,"question":"7 What science and space research can do - bring changes to lives of common man","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Q.16 Generative AI holds the potential to push the boundaries of innovation in the near future, yet its societal impact raises substantial challenges. Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.17 Explain the purpose of the \"Mangrove Alliance for Climate\" launched at the COP27 UN Climate Change Conference in Egypt in November 2022. Elaborate on the importance of mangroves in maintaining the coastal ecology of tropical nations.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.18 The Formation of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure brings more robustness to the Disaster Management approach in India. Comment and justify the need for a new strategy to tackle Disasters in India.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.19 The recent rise in ransomware attacks targeting critical infrastructure and major corporations has highlighted the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity measures and policies. Discussing the key factors contributing to this trend, analyze the impact of these attacks on various sectors.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Q.20 In the context of border security, how can cooperation and coordination between different security agencies be improved to ensure effective and efficient management of coastal and terrestrial borders?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"}]},{"id":2747,"topper":"Eshani Anand","air":79,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/150/air-79-eshani-anand_test-3_gs3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2748,"topper":"Eshani Anand","air":79,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/93393beb2b7e996905ce7ea7f8b78443/66/air-79-eshani-anand_test-4_gs4.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. (a) Public service requires not merely legal but also morally principled action. Public service requires the public servant to place loyalty to the constitution, laws, and ethical principles. Among the three, which do you think must acquire primacy while carrying out official functions? Why? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"(b) What do you understand by \"integrity-based civil disobedience\"? Do you think a challenge to personal integrity can be a justifiable cause for responsible disobedience in civil services? Explain.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"2. (a) Recent research has shown that emotions significantly impact personal and professional lives. What are the primary emotions that negatively and positively impact workplace productivity? Explain with relevant examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"(b) Technical efficiency ensures resource utilization and social efficiency ensures fulfillment of social needs, what does ethical efficiency ensure? Do you think ethical efficiency is more important than technical and social efficiency? Why/Why not?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":14,"question":"3. (a) \"Man cannot do right in one department of life whilst he is occupied in doing wrong in any other department.\" Gandhi.\nDo you think an individual's personal ethics impacts professional life or they both can be compartmentalized? Explain your position with relevant examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"(b) Goodness is the result of internal imperatives to do what is right, not sanctions from moral rules or rewards from expected consequences. Do you agree? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"4. Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance.\n(a) \"To tolerate is purely an act of the mind. That is the essence of virtue. To tolerate is a strength.\" (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"(b) \"It is our first duty to serve society, and after we have done that, we may attend wholly to the salvation of our souls.\"","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"(c) \"Periods of peace are the empty pages in the history books\" (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"5. (a) In the context of civil service, distinguish between moral and nonmoral values. Identify 5 basic moral values that can serve as foundational values for all services irrespective of the department. Give reasons why those values can be considered foundational.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"(b) Citizens' involvement in decision-making is critical to ethics in governance. Do you agree that effective civic engagement mechanisms can facilitate an ethics-driven administration? What do you think are the mechanisms that citizens can use for ensuring ethics in governance?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"6. (a) Social transformation programs such as \"beti bachao and beti padhao\" believes in using advice, counseling, and persuasion but sometimes a little force is also necessary for getting the desired response. Do you think it is a good idea to mix little force with persuasion by public administrators while implementing social schemes of transformation? Explain with relevant examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"(b) Ultimately foreign policy of every country hinges upon the strength which the nation possesses. Strength may be military or financial and may be also... moral. Do you think ethical strength without military or financial muscle will be respected in today's world? Explain your position.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"7 You are a young officer working with the Municipal Corporation of an industrial city. The city was known for manufacturing ball bearings and auto parts. Most manufacturing units were small-scale units with very little production process automation. The units relied on manual labor, which was in abundance due to the villages close by.\nAs the number of manufacturing units grew, the demand for labor increased, bringing in a steady inflow of laborers into the city. This influx of people into the town led to a mushrooming of slums and encroachments on the sidewalks. Once in a while, the Corporation conducted drives to clear out the slums, but after a time, the slums came back. The illegal slums had become an urban nightmare.\nYou were given the responsibility of clearing out the encroachments and slums with the help of Police authorities. As you started the drive, you realized that the people living by the sidewalks were vulnerable compared to the slum dwellers. Many sidewalk dwellers had recently come to the city after selling their properties in their villages. Now if you drive them out, they have no place to go. Your heart went out to them, and you felt that your departmental action was inhumane, but your official responsibilities demanded stern impartial action. You are desperate to find a way to help the sidewalk dwellers without compromising your official duties.\n(a) What value conflicts do you notice in the above situation?\n(b) Can an administrator compromise the value of impartiality for empathy? Discuss.\n(c) What are the options available in the above situation?\n(d) Suggest viable solutions for tackling illegal slums and encroachments in urban areas.","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":37,"question":"8 (a) What are the issues involved in the above case?\n(b) Do you think violating data privacy is justified to prevent welfare fraud? Why / Why not?\n(c) What, according to you, can be the reasons for such welfare frauds happening in the country?\n(d) Are there any ways and means to prevent such fraud? Give your suggestions.\na) What are the issues involved in the above case?\nb) Do you think violating data privacy is justified to prevent welfare fraud? Why / Why not?\nc) What, according to you, can be the reasons for such welfare frauds happening in the country?\nd) Are there any ways and means to prevent such fraud? Give your suggestions.","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":42,"question":"9. You are posted in the Department of Mines, and one of your roles is to help your Department Head negotiate mining leases with private contractors.\nRecently, the state government demarcated a new mining zone and planned to invite bids for the mining blocks. You were instructed to oversee the bidding process and speed up the contract negotiations. As planned, the tenders were released, bids came in, and tenders were allocated as per the norms. All this happened at a breakneck speed. You wondered, why the hurry? But it was not your place to think and question; you quietly went about your work.\nAs the contractors were about to start operations, you had to instruct them on environmental concerns to watch out for. And to do that, you read the environmental impact assessment report submitted by a consulting firm hired by the department. To your surprise, the report was shoddy and looked cooked up. You got suspicious and raised the issue with your Head, who politely instructed you to do what you were told, and he reminded you that the Department had revenue targets and was under pressure from the Ministry.\nAfter the meeting, you, on your own accord, did some digging and found out that the report was fraudulent and the mining activity that was about to start would lead to a massive environmental disaster which the State could not afford.\n(a) What are the issues and value violations you notice in the above case?\n(b) What are the options available to you?\n(c) Discuss the advantage and disadvantages of each option and identify your chosen course of action.\n(d) Do you think that environmental considerations are sometimes overrated at the cost of development?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":47,"question":"10 (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\n(b) Do you think corporate businesses like GAMA should consider international ethics while promoting business interests? If yes, why? If no, why not?\n(c) Do you think the social responsibility of a corporate extends beyond its immediate community to the international community? If yes, why? If no, why not?\n(d) Do you think defense sector companies dealing with sensitive technologies should be regularly regulated by their governments, or should their entrepreneurship and innovation be encouraged by deregulation? Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)\na) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\nb) Do you think corporate businesses like GAMA should consider international ethics while promoting business interests? If yes, why? If no, why not?\nc) Do you think the social responsibility of a corporate extends beyond its immediate community to the international community? If yes, why? If no, why not?\nd) Do you think defense sector companies dealing with sensitive technologies should be regularly regulated by their governments, or should their entrepreneurship and innovation be encouraged by deregulation? Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"(d) Do you think the Defence sector companies marketing sensitive technologies must be regulated by their respective governments, or regulation may curtail their entrepreneurial and innovation energy? Discuss.","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":52,"question":"11. (a) इस मामले में नैतिक और व्यावसायिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?  \n(b) श्री शर्मा और कंपनी के पास कौन-कौन से विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?  \n(c) क्या आपको लगता है कि किसी कार्यकर्ता को स्वच्छता देने की संगठनात्मक संस्कृति के कारण समस्या उत्पन्न हुई या व्यक्ति की व्यक्तिगत प्रवृत्ति के कारण समस्या उत्पन्न हुई? चर्चा कीजिए।  \n(d) जैसा कि इस मामले में बताया गया है, ऐसे अनैतिक व्यवहार को रोकने के लिए कंपनी कौन-से नैतिक कदम और उपाय लेकर और कार्यान्वित कर सकती है? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए) [20 अंक]\na) इस मामले में नैतिक और व्यावसायिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\nb) श्री शर्मा और कंपनी के पास कौन-कौन से विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nc) क्या आपको लगता है कि किसी कार्यकर्ता को स्वच्छता देने की संगठनात्मक संस्कृति के कारण समस्या उत्पन्न हुई या व्यक्ति की व्यक्तिगत प्रवृत्ति के कारण समस्या उत्पन्न हुई? चर्चा कीजिए।\nd) जैसा कि इस मामले में बताया गया है, ऐसे अनैतिक व्यवहार को रोकने के लिए कंपनी कौन-से नैतिक कदम और उपाय लेकर और कार्यान्वित कर सकती है? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए) [20 अंक]","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":53,"question":"(a) What are the ethical and business issues involved in the case?\n(b) What are the options available to Mr. Sharma and the CEO?\n(c) Do you think the organizational culture of giving freedom to the sales force led to the issue or was the individual's corrupt nature that led to the problem? Discuss.\n(d) What ethics mechanisms and steps can the company create and implement to prevent unethical behavior, as mentioned in the case?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":57,"question":"12. (a) उपरोक्त मामले में कौन-कौन से मुद्दे शामिल हैं? (b) आपको क्या लगता है रसिम को क्या करना चाहिए? क्या रसिम के लिए स्थानीय प्रशासन को शामिल करना अच्छा विचार होगा? कार्यान्वयन योग्य कार्यवाही का सुझाव दीजिए। (c) क्या आपको लगता है कि कंपनियों को उस क्षेत्र की सामाजिक संस्थाओं के लिए भी जिन्हें वे स्वीकार करनी चाहिए जहाँ वे अपना कार्य करती हैं? अगर हो तो क्यों, अगर नहीं तो क्यों नहीं? (d) श्रमिक संघ को इतनी आक्रामक प्रतिक्रिया के क्या कारण हो सकते हैं? आपके अनुसार रसिम को कर्मचारी संघ को कैसे सँभालना चाहिए? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए) 20 अंक\n\nSingh Garh is a primarily rural district with minimal, relatively insignificant industrial activity, except for one consumer goods manufacturing plant, which was the primary source of employment. Development indicators such as health, literacy, etc., were much below the national average. Along with developmental issues, another grave concern was the slow rise in child marriages. Despite the legal sanctions, child marriage continued to rise unabated.\n(a) उपरोक्त मामले में कौन-कौन से मुद्दे शामिल हैं?\n(b) आपको क्या लगता है रसिम को क्या करना चाहिए? क्या रसिम के लिए स्थानीय प्रशासन को शामिल करना अच्छा विचार होगा? कार्यान्वयन योग्य कार्यवाही का सुझाव दीजिए।\n(c) क्या आपको लगता है कि कंपनियों को उस क्षेत्र की सामाजिक संस्थाओं के लिए भी जिन्हें वे स्वीकार करनी चाहिए जहाँ वे अपना कार्य करती हैं? अगर हो तो क्यों, अगर नहीं तो क्यों नहीं?\n(d) श्रमिक संघ को इतनी आक्रामक प्रतिक्रिया के क्या कारण हो सकते हैं? आपके अनुसार रसिम को कर्मचारी संघ को कैसे सँभालना चाहिए?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":58,"question":"(a) What are the issues involved in the above case?\n(b) What do you think Rashmi should do? Would it be a good idea for Rashmi to involve local administration? Suggest an implementable course of action.\n(c) Do you think companies should also accept responsibility for the social problems of the region where they operate? Why/why not?\n(d) What could be the reasons for such an aggressive reaction from the workers union? How do you think Rashmi should handle the workers union?\na) What are the issues involved in the above case?\nb) What do you think Rashmi should do? Would it be a good idea for Rashmi to involve local administration? Suggest an implementable course of action.\nc) Do you think companies should also accept responsibility for the social problems of the region where they operate? Why/why not?\nd) What could be the reasons for such an aggressive reaction from the workers union? How do you think Rashmi should handle the workers union?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"}]},{"id":2749,"topper":"Eshani Anand","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e6569-45836376_2931_eshani_anand_rank_106.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The end cannot justify the means, for the simple and obvious reason that the means employed determine the nature of the ends produced. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss how the relationship between law and ethics is dynamic and continuously shaped by societal changes. Provide examples to illustrate this dynamic relationship. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Differentiate between probity and integrity with suitable examples. How do these values contribute to ethical governance and decision-making in the civil services? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the ethical implications of withholding information in public administration. How can transparency enhance accountability and reduce corruption in government institutions? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \" - \" - \"There is no school equal to a decent home and no teacher equal to a virtuous parent.\"- Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What factors lead to a positive attitude in a person? How does positive attitude enhance the effectiveness of civil servants in performing their duties? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss how emotional intelligence can influence ethical decision-making in the allocation of scarce public resources. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Various international humanitarian organizations provide emergency aid in conflict zones around the world. Highlight the ethical challenges faced by such organizations. What are the principles that guide international humanitarian work? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Why is persuasion regarded as an important skill for civil servants? What are the key considerations that should guide persuasion in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"What role can ethical leadership play in curbing corruption, especially in public service? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"What were the major teachings of Swami Dayanand Saraswati? Explain their relevance in addressing the current ethical and social challenges in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":38,"question":"Jay, a civil servant, was appointed as the Commissioner in the state's Education Department a year ago. In his initial months, he implemented several policies and programmes that were transforming the Education Ministry's operations, gaining a good reputation that could potentially benefit the concerned minister in the upcoming elections. However, Jay now faces a significant challenge. As part of his responsibilities, he must approve the recruitment of new teachers for government schools. He has received a list of 120 candidates recommended for vacant posts, but suspects the recruitment process was unfair. Jay had also received several complaints claiming that the process had not been meritocratic. Upon review, Jay discovers evidence suggesting that many names on the list are the result of political patronage - a prevalent issue in the state where politicians use recruitment to gain political support. Jay believes the Education Minister is engaging in this practice as the election season approaches. This situation reminds Jay of a past incident when, as a junior officer, he refused to entertain an unnecessary procurement request. Consequently, he was transferred within a week, and he and his family faced frivolous anti-corruption complaints as retaliation. His successor approved the procurement at even higher rates. Jay is now concerned that blocking the current recruitment could lead to similar consequences. Moreover, he fears that the projects he personally initiated in the Education Ministry might be abandoned if he takes a stand against this unfair recruitment process. (a) What are the options available to Jay as the Commissioner of the Education Department? Evaluate each of these options. (b) What option should Jay adopt and why? (c) How can civil servants like Jay be better protected when they attempt to uphold ethical standards in their work? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"What are the options available to Jay as the Commissioner of the Education Department? Evaluate each of these options. (b) What option should Jay adopt and why? (c) How can civil servants like Jay be better protected when they attempt to uphold ethical standards in their work? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"As the District Magistrate of X city, you are responsible for overseeing the construction of a new metro depot in an urban forest area, which is a critical infrastructure project aimed at improving public transportation and reducing traffic congestion and air pollution. The project, however, requires the clearance of a substantial portion of the forest, which has triggered strong opposition from environmental activists, local residents, and NGOs. This forest is widely regarded as essential for the city's ecological balance, often referred to as the city's \\\"lungs.\\\" In addition to the environmental concerns, you are under considerable pressure from politicians at the state-level to expedite the project, given the upcoming elections in two years. The political leadership emphasizes the benefits of the metro project for the city's development and its potential to garner electoral support. The project is expected to significantly reduce travel time for thousands of commuters and potentially decrease overall vehicle emissions in the city. However, it would also lead to the loss of thousands of trees and disrupt local ecosystems. As you prepare to make a decision, you are aware that your choice will have far-reaching consequences for both the city's development and its environment. (a) Identify the ethical dilemmas involved in the above case. (b) Evaluate the options available to you in the above situation. Which of these would you choose and why? (c) Suggest some measures that could be implemented to balance urban development needs with environmental conservation in future projects. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Dr. Mehra is a senior drug developer at a leading pharmaceutical company in India, renowned for producing various medications, including lifesaving drugs critical for treating chronic and rare diseases. Since its inception, the company has emphasized the quality and affordability of its drugs. Recently, under revised government guidelines, pharmaceutical companies are required to market a finished product only after obtaining \\\"satisfactory results\\\" from tests on the ingredients. Additionally, they must retain a sufficient quantity of samples of both intermediate and final products to allow repeated testing or verification of a batch. Dr. Mehra's team is in the final stages of developing a new medication for a rare but life-threatening disease. This drug has shown promising results in clinical trials. However, there have been unresolved concerns about the long-term side effects of the drug, observed in a small percentage of trial subjects. Despite this, the company has not released any major drug in the past decade, leading to significant pressure from the board members to expedite the drug's release. (a) Identify the stakeholders in the above case study. (b) Discuss the ethical issues faced by Dr. Mehra. (c) Analyse the options available to Dr. Mehra in the above case. Which of these would you choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":59,"question":"In light of the above case, discuss the ethical issues that may arise from the nexus between corporate, political, and bureaucratic interests. (b) As a conscientious civil servant, evaluate the options available to Arun. Which option should he choose and why?(Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2750,"topper":"Eshani Anand","air":79,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/93393beb2b7e996905ce7ea7f8b78443/69/air-79-eshani-anand_test-4_gs4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2751,"topper":"Eshani Anand","air":79,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1h7BIIIHU1m5oc1N9gJdNsTO2A-db1opb/view","questions":[]},{"id":2752,"topper":"Eshani Anand","air":79,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/166SFk8Jze006hrRXEWfQF2sOkpJDZXfp/view","questions":[]},{"id":2753,"topper":"ETTABOYINA SAI SHIVANI","air":11,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/ETTABOYINA-SAI-SHIVANI-UPSC-2024-Rank-11-MGP-Sample-Copy-1-1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2754,"topper":"Faizan Ahmed","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c709b-446297_1415_faizan-ahmed_rank_58.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"There have been arguments that direct benefit cash transfers should replace the supply of food through the public distribution system. Do you agree with such arguments? Give reasons in support of your answer. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'participatory budgeting'? Identify the challenges associated with participatory budgeting in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Inclusive growth in an economy itself negates the need for a Universal Basic Income. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"E-commerce holds the potential to revamp agriculture marketing in India in multiple ways. Discuss with suitable examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"While digital financial services can expand financial inclusion in India, there are various challenges that need to be addressed in this regard. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"COVID-19 has exposed gaps in India's domestic laws to deal effectively with outbreaks of infectious diseases, especially pandemics. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlight the need for increasing private sector participation in space sector in India. Enumerate the steps taken by the government recently in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What do you mean by herd immunity? Also discuss the problems with primarily relying on this approach to stop the spread of infectious diseases. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Despite the acknowledgement of terrorism as a global concern, the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism is yet to be adopted. What are the reasons and implications of this impasse? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In view of the need for effective border management necessitated by complexity of prevailing challenges, India needs to reform its Border Security Force (BSF). Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Though privatization is considered as a prominent component of economic reforms, India has been ambivalent on the subject even in the post reform period. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlighting the potential of micro and small enterprises in the food processing sector, enumerate the challenges that they face. In this regard, discuss the importance of the Scheme for Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (FME). (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Discuss the significance of micro-irrigation in a situation of water crisis in India. Also, mention the challenges with regard to adoption of micro-irrigation systems in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss how the idea of Aatmanirbhar Bharat goes beyond the traditional view of self-reliance. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The increased frequency and intensity of climate extremes in the Indian subcontinent can have grave implications. Comment. Also, suggest some measures that can be taken towards building climate-resilience in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Approach to flood control in India should evolve from piecemeal measures to an integrated basin management. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"What do you understand by Convalescent Plasma Therapy? Enumerate the potential uses and concerns in its application. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Given the diverse security challenges as well as external and internal linkages, developing a National Security Strategy for India requires a comprehensive approach. Explain. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"What do you understand by Critical Information Infrastructure? Highlight the significance of Critical Information Protection and state the measures taken to ensure the same. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2755,"topper":"Faizan Ahmed","air":58,"year":2020,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3e563-446297_1522_faizan-ahmed_rank_58.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2756,"topper":"Faizan Ahmed","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/04a57-446297_1416_faizan-ahmed_rank_58.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the significance of ethical work culture, suggest ways by which it can be imbibed in an organization. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Upholding probity in governance is not only contingent on values of an individual but also the processes of the institution. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The nature of a business's operations has a major influence on the ethical issues with which it must contend. Giving examples, discuss how business ethics is crucial in today's world. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"An honest bureaucrat can be put to inconvenience but the dishonest one is more likely to suffer in the long run. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The notion of an ethical foreign policy downplays the realities of international politics. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Conscience can neither be silent nor delayed as a source of ethical guidance. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) To educate a person in the mind but not in morals is to educate a menace to society. — Theodore Roosevelt (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"Children are great imitators, so give them something great to imitate.\" In this context, discuss the importance of role models in inculcating values in children. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The Covid-19 pandemic has brought with itself an environment of uncertainties and hardships. In this context, discuss the significance of emotional intelligence in dealing with the situation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Bring out the role of social media in shaping one's moral and political attitude. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Environmental ethics is about the moral relationship of human beings to, and also the value and moral status of, the environment and its non-human contents. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"The Citizens' Charter cannot be an end in itself; it is rather a means to an end. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You are the District Magistrate of district, which has recently witnessed rapid transmission of the Covid-19 pandemic. The district has high population density and a sizeable chunk of migrant workers. There has been a shutdown of business activities and the workers are yearning to go back to their native places. The administration has announced a strict lockdown and divided the district into containment zones. There is a severe shortage of people, material and money in the administration and fear and panic is seen to be gripping them. (a) What are the qualities of a civil servant that are revealed in such testing times? (b) What measures would you suggest for: (i) Dealing with the current issue. (ii) Making the district administration more resilient to respond to such a critical situation in the future.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"In recent times, the country witnessed protests based on opposition to some steps taken by the government. Whereas, mostly these were peaceful protests, at a few places these activities turned violent leading to destruction of public property. In some places government arrested few of the protesters and imposed heavy fines on them for the destruction of the property. In case they could not pay, their private property was confiscated by the government to pay for the damage done to the public property. In addition to this, some governments published the photographs, names and addresses of those accused of vandalism during protests at various locations. (a) What are the issues of public importance at stake in this case? (b) Are their any ethical or legal principles at play here which may be conflicting? (c) What should be the principles guiding a democratic state in such circumstances?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"The global toll of the COVID-19 pandemic is enormous: more than a half-million lives lost, hundreds of millions out of work, and trillions of dollars of wealth destroyed. And the disease has by no means run its course. There is tremendous interest in the development of a vaccine, with more than a hundred initiatives under way around the world. Even if one or more vaccines emerge that promise to make people less susceptible to COVID-19, the public-health problem will not be eliminated. But policymakers can avert some foreseeable problems by starting to address key questions about financing and distribution now. In view of the above scenario, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the different stakeholders involved in this scenario. (b) Identify some of the ethical questions and issues that are likely to emerge as the vaccine becomes available. (c) Who, in your opinion, should be amongst the first recipients of the vaccine? Give reasons for your answer.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are the head of a PSU, which has recently been entrusted with construction of a new airport in a metropolitan city. However, the area in the immediate neighbourhood of the proposed airport runways have large tracts of land occupied by dense slum settlements. If the airport is to be constructed, approximately 75,000 slum families will have to be humanly rehabilitated. The sheer scale of this rehabilitation, almost similar to an urban renewal, has thrown up many challenges. Foremost among these is identifying an appropriate location for rehabilitation of slum dwellers. You are faced with the following options in this regard, each of which have their own merits and demerits: (a) There is no reasonably priced land in close vicinity of the present slums. A vacant parcel of land that you have identified close-by will have to be developed afresh along with all civic amenities, and this will entail huge cost for the PSU. (b) There is another location, which is very far-off where a factory once stood. All the required civic amenities are in place here and the factory can be converted into appropriate houses at little cost to the PSU. However, there will be loss of livelihood on relocation to this area because of its distance from the current slum location. (c) There is yet another site, which can be used for rehabilitation at reasonable cost. Neither is it too far nor will it entail huge monetary cost, but exercising this option involves cutting a large number of trees, which may adversely affect the ecology of the area. This is likely to face resistance from environmental groups. Given the above options and the associated challenges, which of these sites will you choose for rehabilitation of slum dwellers? Provide adequate justification for your choice.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"You are an Indian Forest Service Officer posted in a division which falls in the coastal regulation zone and contains multiple wildlife sanctuaries. Recently, the State government has brought up a proposal of a new food processing park in your division. Under the proposal, around 175 square kilometers of forest land will be acquired as per the law. The developers of the project claim the various socio-economic benefits it can provide to the people in the area. Due to this a sizeable chunk of trees will be uprooted. There are studies which suggest that such initiatives have a long-term impact on wildlife and also leads to human-wildlife conflict. Some residents living in the periphery of the forest have supported this move in hope of employment opportunities. However, traditional dwellers of the forests have protested against this move. The government has constituted a committee to frame guidelines for sustainable operation of this project. The committee has asked for your suggestions in this regard. (a) Identify the principles and values that would guide your suggestions in this regard. (b) What course of action should be taken in order to balance the social and environmental needs in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":55,"question":"The RTI Act, which became operational in 2005 empowers the Indian citizens to seek information from public authorities. This, in effect, makes the Government and its functionaries more accountable and responsible. However, it has faced resistance because of the entrenched bureaucratic culture and it is taking time to change the mindset of the people in the government to new realities in wake of the act. This has led to implementation issues and questions have also been raised against the effectiveness of the act in achieving its desired objectives. Apart from this, certain issues related to the information seeker have also been raised from time to time. In view of the innumerable challenges answer the following: (a) Explain the importance of a transparent government system in a democracy, like India. (b) Elaborate on the challenges that the implementation of RTI has faced, in the context of information seeker (demand-side) as well as those entrusted to give information (supply-side). (c) Discuss the role that such a legislation can be expected to play given the ground realities in our country. How can it be ensured that such legislations are effective in achieving their envisaged objectives?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2757,"topper":"Farhaan Irfan","air":191,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vzgJWynmIUl3fM-BgZoPo0uTfA87D_hy/view","questions":[]},{"id":2758,"topper":"FARHEEN ZAHID","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/a4911661fb63cf32bd7e1d24c76e3051/21/mt23rcapa116_tc701.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"If you look into someone's face long enough, eventually you feel that you are looking into yourself.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"It is the province of knowledge to speak and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Drop the question what tomorrow may bring, and count as profit every day that fate allows you.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Truth, like a torch, the more it is shook, it shines.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Art is I; science is We.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Only the dead have seen the end of the war.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Act as if it were impossible to fail.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2759,"topper":"FARHEEN ZAHID","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/a4911661fb63cf32bd7e1d24c76e3051/20/mt23rcapa116_702.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"You can't serve data on a hungry man's plate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"AI is overcoming our mental limitation but not expanding our mental horizon.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"We are using environment for politics, not politics for environment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"The worst form of inequality is to try to make unequal things equal.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Existence is a science, living is an art.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"If the truth shall kill them, let them die.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"The only way to go beyond things, is to go through them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Dream for the best. Be prepared for the worst. Enjoy life in between.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2760,"topper":"FARHEEN ZAHID","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/161/mt23rcapa116_tc705-test-3-gs-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What do you understand by Windfall tax? Do you think that windfall taxes can effectively redistribute wealth and promote greater economic equality? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss the perceived successes and challenges of implementing inflation targeting under the new Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) regime. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Assess the potential of millet production in promoting sustainable agriculture and improving food security in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Jal Jeevan Mission has the potential to end the regional disparity in the availability and accessibility of drinking water. Highlighting the significance of the mission, discuss the underlying impediments in achieving the desired objectives. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do you understand by Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)? Discuss its applications and how it can revolutionize the energy program of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss in brief developments and challenges in the Gaganyaan mission of ISRO. What are the possible benefits of the mission for the society? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"Green hydrogen can be the silver bullet in our quest to tackle climate change and pollution\". Critically analyze the statement in light of India's National Green Hydrogen mission. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What are the key lessons for disaster management and environmental conservation in the Himalayan region, in light of the recent disaster in Joshimath, Uttarakhand? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"The recent radical trends in Punjab show that the Khalistan issue is still simmering.\" Discuss the statement with respect to recent developments and suggest measures to handle it. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The anonymity and ease of drone operation contribute to the challenges of India's border security. Elaborate and give suggestions to tackle the drone problem in border areas. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Electricity Amendment Bill, 2022 brings several advantages for consumers, DISCOMs as well as the environment. Elaborate. Also, list out its shortcomings and suggest some measures to overcome them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) plays an important role in the regulation of the share market and safeguarding the interests of investors. In the light of given statement, highlight the challenges faced by the SEBI and suggest reforms in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Despite being a major contributor to the Indian economy, the agriculture sector is plagued by several constraints that impede its growth and development. Discuss the role of technology in overcoming these constraints. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Evaluate the impact of irrigation on the environment and natural resources, and suggest measures to ensure the sustainability and equity of irrigation practices in agriculture. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"How India benefitted strategically from the contributions of Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha and Dr. Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai in the fields of atomic energy and space technology respectively? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Genreative AI holds the potential to push the boundaries of innovation in the near future, yet its societal impact raises substantial challenges. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Explain the purpose of the \"Mangrove Alliance for Climate\" launched at the COP27 UN Climate Change Conference in Egypt in November 2022. Elaborate on the importance of mangroves in maintaining the coastal ecology of tropical nations. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The Formation of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure brings more robustness to the Disaster Management approach in India. Comment and justify the need for a new strategy to tackle Disasters in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The recent rise in ransomware attacks targeting critical infrastructure and major corporations has highlighted the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity measures and policies. Discussing the key factors contributing to this trend, analyze the impact of these attacks on various sectors. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"In the context of border security, how can cooperation and coordination between different security agencies be improved to ensure effective and efficient management of coastal and terrestrial borders? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2761,"topper":"FARHEEN ZAHID","air":241,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/7/mt23rcapa116_tc705-test-3-gs-3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2762,"topper":"Farkhanda Qureshi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/7/farkhanda-qureshi-test-1-1753348668038.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"You can't serve data on a hungry man's plate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"AI is overcoming our mental limitation but not expanding our mental horizon.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"We are using environment for politics, not politics for environment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"The worst form of inequality is to try to make unequal things equal.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Existence is a science, living is an art.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"If the truth shall kill them, let them die.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"The only way to go beyond things, is to go through them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Dream for the best. Be prepared for the worst. Enjoy life in between.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2763,"topper":"Farkhanda Qureshi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/7/farkhanda-qureshi-test-2-1753348722101.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Numerous foreign travellers have vividly documented their observations of the Vijayanagara Empire over time, offering valuable sources for reconstructing its history. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Adi Shankara had a profound role in uniting seemingly irreconcilable worldviews of thought. In this context discuss his philosophical thought and its lasting impact on Indian philosophy. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Do you agree that Dr BR Ambedkar's view of the caste problem was more political than social? Also highlight his efforts aimed at social reform. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How does oceanic salinity vary across different regions of the world's oceans, and what factors contribute to these variations? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Explain the origin of Indian islands in the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Examine the factors contributing to India's groundwater crisis, and its implications for agriculture and water security in the country. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What are critical minerals, and how do they influence technological advancement and national security? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"How does fostering pluralism within Indian society contribute to the endeavour of nation-building? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the changing nature of problems the working class is facing due to the emerging gig economy. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Homogenisation tendencies as a result of globalisation have in fact preserved and promoted the local cultures of India. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What are the circumstances that led to the disintegration of the USSR and the end of the Cold War? How did the end of the cold war contribute to the spread of Globalization across the world? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"How did the enduring legacy of the Harappan Civilization leave a mark on the evolution of Indian culture, even after its sudden decline? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"How did Mahatma Gandhi's participation in the Khilafat Movement illustrate his ability to connect diverse issues and mobilize different communities towards a common cause? To what extent did the Khilafat movement achieve its objective? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"How is Transit Oriented Development(TOD) linked to the concept of a sustainable urban transportation system? Discuss its impact on overall enhanced quality of life for citizens. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Although desert landscapes across the world reflect many similarities the process of desertification is influenced by local factors. Elaborate with suitable examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Explain the various stages of the formation of The Great Himalayas. How Eastern Himalayas is different from Western Himalayas? (Anwer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Describe the significance of eco-sensitive zones in environmental conservation and provide examples of how they are designated and managed in different geographical regions? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"How has the pandemic reshaped the landscape of education, and what long-term effects might these changes have on teaching methods and learning outcomes? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Analyze the factors behind the upsurge of ethnic identity struggle in the context of India, and discuss their implications for the country's social fabric. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"How does patriarchy differently impact the dynamics of the workplace vis a vis the household? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2764,"topper":"Farkhanda Qureshi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/7/farkhanda-qureshi-test-3-1753348732383.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The recent Supreme Court judgments on human rights issues mark a remarkable shift in using International law and treaties not just as a source of inspiration but as a source of law. Examine with reference to relevant case laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The United States and India have their own distinctive jurisprudence on freedom of speech and expression despite the similarities in constitutional provisions. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Fundamental Duties are a reminder that citizenship is not merely a passive status but an active engagement. Discuss. What are the challenges in their legal enforcement? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the mandate of the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT). To what extent earlier SC verdicts have resolved the jurisdictional tussle between CAT and High courts? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"Equality under the Indian constitution is not merely about formal equality, it also incorporates the idea of substantive equality\". Discuss this statement in light of constitutional provisions and relevant Supreme Court judgments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Pressure groups and political parties are inherently similar in their objective to democratise the political process, however, more and more pressure groups today aspire to transform into political parties. Elaborate and highlight the factors that are encouraging this transformation. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"Can the infusion of foreign educational institutions be a transformative step in enhancing the global competitiveness of higher education in India and addressing the prevailing quality challenges?\" Justify with reason. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"To address the limitations of the public health system, how can the private sector contribute effectively to bridging the gap to ensure equitable and accessible healthcare for all? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"There is an urgent need for global cooperation to eradicate poverty and hunger. In this context analyse how international cooperation can impact efforts to address the challenges of poverty and hunger. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The changing global dynamics require prompt effective and meaningful reforms within the World Trade Organization (WTO), to ensure its relevance and capacity to address modern trade complexities. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"How has the 69th Constitutional amendment led to Delhi's dual governance dilemma? Discuss its impact on cooperative federalism as envisaged in the Constitution. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"\"Constitution envisages an independent judiciary, not insulated judiciary\"; In the light of the given statement, discuss the issues associated with the appointment of judges in the higher judiciary and explore alternatives to the current system. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Under what circumstances can the Governor reserve a state bill for the consideration of the President and why is the provision controversial? Also, discuss the reforms suggested by Punchhi Commission in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The Ninth Schedule fabricated a constitutional paradox to safeguard laws related to socio-economic justice from being challenged under the fundamental right to property. Does the ninth schedule have any relevance in present times? How did the IR Coelho judgment resolve this paradox? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"\"Central Information Commission stands as the guardian of democracy, with an unwavering relevance to good governance.\" Justify the context in terms of the mandate of the CIC. Has the statutory status limited the effectiveness of the commission in recent times? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Discuss the significance of the POCSO Act in ensuring the safety and protection of children against sexual offences. What changes would you suggest to the present Act to enhance its effective implementation? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"'Technology serves as the catalyst for reshaping the traditional contours of bureaucracy, propelling it to become more efficient, transparent, and citizen-centric.' Explain and also explore how the integration of technology can expedite governmental efforts aimed at modernizing the civil service. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India and US have had an oscillating relationship in the past, to what extent has the relationship acquired depth in recent times? How should New Delhi navigate its relationship with the US after its sharp divergence with Washington on the issue of the Russia- Ukraine war? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"How has the India-ASEAN partnership evolved since the implementation of the 'Look East Policy'? In what ways can India leverage the increasing strength of its economy alongside geopolitical realities as opportunities to foster closer India and ASEAN relations? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2765,"topper":"Farkhanda Qureshi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/7/farkhanda-qureshi-test-4-1753348747469.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Differentiate between Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Wholesale Price Index (WPI). Do you think that CPI is a better measure of inflation as compared to WPI? Substantiate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Jobless growth is an inherent feature of India's growth trajectory. What are the major reasons behind the high unemployment rate in India? Suggest remedial measures to improve the overall employment growth rate in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Bringing urea under the NBS Scheme is seen as the panacea for all the issues related to fertiliser subsidies in India as well as for the environmental problems of agriculture. Highlighting the issues related to urea management, suggest reforms are required to improve the usage of urea in a sustainable manner in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"India's food security faces challenges from not just domestic factors but also global factors. Comment. Discuss some ways to strengthen India's food security. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Recently, India became the 27th signatory to the Artemis Accord led by NASA. Critically analyse its implications for the space exploration programmes in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How does the decomposition of organic matter in the soil contribute to the carbon cycle, and what are the key factors that influence this process? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Climate change mitigation and adaptation strategy is not only about reducing future emissions but also involves active removal of already released carbon into the atmosphere. In this context what do you understand by the concept of Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) and discuss the progress of the international community in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Poor building design, flagrant violations of building codes and fire safety norms and overcrowding of spaces are responsible for the rising risk of fires in urban areas. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Ethnic conflicts and cross-border migration along India-Myanmar and India-Bangladesh borders impact India's internal security. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"What are the main challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in investigating and prosecuting cases of money laundering, and how can they be overcome? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Low tax buoyancy often translates into higher deficits and debt. Can a higher direct tax rate improve the overall tax-to-GDP ratio in India? What other steps can be undertaken to revamp the overall tax structure in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Startups are the driving engines of the fast-changing modern economy. Why have Indian startups failed to realise their potential? What steps can be undertaken to improve the profitability and performance of startups in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Import of edible oils forms a major part of India's import bill. In this context, evaluate the importance of the recently launched National Mission on Edible Oils and Oil Palm (NMEO-OP). What are the environmental concerns related to increasing palm oil production in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"A robust livestock economy can act as a parallel source of farmers' income. Highlighting the role of the livestock economy in the agriculture sector in India discuss the challenges faced by the livestock sector in India. Suggest interventions that can strengthen the livestock sector to contribute to the overall well-being of the farmers. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Nuclear fusion has been hailed as the energy source of the future, with the potential to provide clean, safe, and virtually limitless energy. Discuss the scientific principles behind nuclear fusion and the challenges and opportunities in harnessing this technology for practical applications. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What have been the difficulties in the administration of IPRs in India? Suggest measures to improve the administration of IPRs in order to encourage an innovation-led economy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The recent amendments in the Wildlife Protection Act provide a framework to prevent illegal trade in wild animals and plants to ensure that their survival is not threatened. In this regard, mention the implications of illegal wildlife trade in India and analyse the effectiveness of the recent amendments to address the issue. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Analyse the factors that contribute to the increased incidence and severity of floods in urban areas and the measures that can be taken to reduce the risk and enhance the resilience of the population. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Do you think that intelligence and law enforcement agencies in India have the necessary resources and capabilities to effectively tackle the link between organised crime and terrorism? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"India needs to update its Information Technology Act, of 2000 to deal with emerging internal and external communication security and to make the cyber ecosystem more safe and secure. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2766,"topper":"Farkhanda Qureshi","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/FARKHANDA-QURESHI-UPSC-2024-Rank-67-MGP-Sample-Copy-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) Ethics in private life may reflect personal beliefs; in public life, they must uphold legal and societal norms. Discuss the contrasting ways in which ethical principles operate in private and public relations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) Despite legal provisions, instances of sexual violence against women continue to rise. How can a \"change in attitude\" address this issue?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) Do you agree with the utilitarian principle that 'the greatest happiness of the greatest number' should guide decision-making and public policy formulation?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) The development of an individual's values is a multifaceted process, involving engagement of diverse institutions such as family, society, and educational establishments. Discuss with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) What does each of the following quotations mean to you?\na) \"Experience is the only teacher we have. We may talk and reason all our lives, but we shall not understand a word of truth, until we experience it ourselves\". Swami Vivekananda","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) \"Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.\" Dalai Lama","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"c) \"Non-violence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man.\" Mahatma Gandhi","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.4) a) The balance between laws and conscience is delicate; when synchronized, they promote ethical conduct, but their discord can give rise to significant ethical dilemmas. Illustrate with examples","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"b) \"Good governance is not only about rules and regulations but also the character and conduct of those who govern.\" Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.5) a) \"In the realm of international relations, ethics often takes a backseat to national interest, which primarily drives foreign policy decisions.\" Critically examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"b) The essence of business is profit, but it must be achieved through responsible and sustainable practices. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.6) a) What are the ethical concerns associated with Artificial intelligence? How can ethics help in resolving them?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"b) While some argue that values are influenced by temporal and situational factors, others uphold the belief in timeless and universal human values. What is your opinion in this regard? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"c) \"Whatever is begun in anger, ends in shame\" Benjamin Franklin.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":31,"question":"Q.7 You are the District Magistrate (DM) and District Election Officer (DEO). You are busy with preparations for the upcoming general elections. In this process, you attended a local meeting where the booth-level officer apprised you of his experiences of interacting with the villagers of Dharmapur. As you enquired further into the issue, you got to know the problem is not limited to a single locality but is more widespread.\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case study.\nb) As the DEO and DM, what short-term and long-term measures would you take to ensure maximum voter turnout?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"a) केस स्टडी में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा करें।\nb) DEO और DM के रूप में, अधिकतम मतदाताओं द्वारा मतदान सुनिश्चित करने के लिए आप कौन से अल्पकालिक और दीर्घकालिक उपाय करेंगे?\na) केस स्टडी में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा करें।\nb) DEO और DM के रूप में, अधिकतम मतदाताओं द्वारा मतदान सुनिश्चित करने के लिए आप कौन से अल्पकालिक और दीर्घकालिक उपाय करेंगे?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":33,"question":"a) Ethical issues involved in the study :-\n1. Voter apathy and administrative inefficiency to remove the issues faced by people like social amenities, logistics, migration\n2. Lack of awareness about the importance of vote even by a single vote","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"Q.8) Vishal is a 15-year-old boy, studying in class 10th at ABC High School. Vishal is a confident student who excels in both academics and sports, particularly in basketball. At the school's annual sports meet, Vishal was recognized for his exceptional performance in basketball. As a result, he was selected to captain the team in the upcoming inter-school basketball championship. The entire school had confidence in Vishal's abilities and expected him to lead them to victory. As expected, the team won all their league matches and entered the championship final. However, on the day of the final, Vishal twisted his ankle and couldn't perform at his best. As a result, ABC High School lost the championship to their closest rival, DEF High School. Vishal, along with the entire team and school, was deeply disappointed. Nevertheless, the school principal, Mr. Sharma, consoled Vishal and praised him for his determination and effort to play despite his injury. After the defeat, there was a noticeable change in Vishal's behavior. He started avoiding sports and his academic performance began to decline. During the monthly parent-teacher meeting, Vishal's father shared with his teachers that Vishal's behavior at home had also changed. He was more withdrawn, easily irritated, and avoided spending time with family and friends. Vishal's condition became a matter of concern for his teachers and parents. Upon further inquiry with his friends, it was revealed that after the basketball championship, Vishal was subjected to intense trolling by the students at ABC High School on various social media platforms. Videos of his performance were circulated with edited images and mocking voices. He was blamed for the school's loss on numerous social media pages. Additionally, derogatory messages and memes targeting Vishal were being circulated. Constant cyberbullying had impacted his mental health severely. Even his parents were not spared, with morphed pictures being shared in various groups to humiliate Vishal.\na) What are the reasons for increasing incidents of cyber bullying among children? What role can parents play in shielding their children from the effects of cyber-bullying?\nb) Discuss the responsibility of educational institutions to check the incidents of cyber-bullying.\nc) What ethical issues are involved in the use of social media by children?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"a Reasons for increasing cyber bullying incidents","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"c) Ethical issues involved in the usage of social media\n1 Mental health issues faced by victims → affects aptitude\n2 Spillover effects on academic performance of children due to increased screen time\n3 Issue of child pornography, addiction to game costing their lives, eg Blue whale game\n4 Negative perception & lack of emotional quotient in social media content consumption\n5 Issues of insensitive information due to deep fake usage → involves commoditization of women, cyber frauds, scams","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Q.9 EduLab Pvt. Ltd. is a globally renowned Ed-tech company known for its online products. Recently, it faced significant challenges despite the substantial growth in the online education sector driven by technological advancements such as the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The company reported unprecedented net losses, prompting a comprehensive overhaul of its operations to streamline processes and improve efficiency. To address these financial challenges, the company decided to incorporate new technologies, including AI and automation. This strategic shift led to the decision to lay off almost 10% of its workforce. It was also a cost-cutting measure aimed at reducing expenditure on human resources and reign in the mounting losses. Following the layoffs, the company made headlines by giving substantial bonuses to its senior management. They also signed a high-profile sports personality as their brand ambassador with a multimillion-dollar contract. Reports indicated continued excessive spending on first-class travel and generous salaries for senior officers, casting doubt on the company's claims of financial strain. The abrupt manner in which the layoffs were executed left many employees in distress. Concerns arose over their financial obligations, such as EMIs, school fees, and caregiving responsibilities. Media coverage highlighted grievances from laid-off employees regarding contractual obligations that were allegedly ignored. The absence of any severance packages or formal notices further compounded their anxiety. While the owner of EduLab Pvt. Ltd. issued an apology to the affected employees, the handling of the layoffs was criticized for its perceived insensitivity and lack of transparency. The incident sparked widespread public debate and scrutiny, underscoring broader concerns about corporate responsibility and ethical practices in the face of technological disruptions and industry transitions.\na) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case study?\nb) How can ethics in corporate governance contribute to organizational resilience during periods of economic downturn or technological disruption?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"a) Ethical issues involved in the case are:\n1 Employee - employee relations being strained and non co-terminus with obligatory scenario. eg No formal notice of layoff.\n2 Questions over the actual financial strain in the company as it hired brand ambassador & gave bonus to senior employee.\n3 Mass layoffs led to ripple effect on lives of people - employment losses, responsibility affected like loans, fees etc.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"Q10 You are the Chairman of a Coastal Development Authority of a state, tasked with preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR) of construction of a coastal highway. It is an ambitious project aimed to enhance connectivity and promote tourism in the scenic coastal region of the state. The initial DPR, meticulously crafted by your team, prioritizes minimizing environmental impact by utilizing existing government land and adhering to stringent guidelines on land acquisition and compensation for affected stakeholders. The proposed route ensures minimal disruption to local fishing communities and preserves critical coastal habitats. However, challenges arise when a wealthy real estate developer, with ties to influential policymakers, proposes a significant alteration to the highway route. He suggests moving the highway closer to a resort he plans to develop, arguing that it would spur tourism and economic growth in the area. In exchange, he offers to facilitate the acquisition of beachfront property at a nominal rate for your family, highlighting it as a mutually beneficial arrangement. This proposed realignment would require acquiring privately owned coastal lands, displacing traditional fishing communities, and potentially disturbing fragile marine ecosystems. Moreover, it would involve the removal of significant coastal vegetation, impacting local biodiversity and the natural beauty of the region.\na) Under the given conditions, what are the options available to you? Critically examine each of the options.\nb) What course of action would you adopt to navigate the situation and why?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":48,"question":"1) Evaluate the options of my plan & proposed plan & then take pragmatic decision.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Q.11 Nitish is an aspiring civil servant. One day, while reading the newspaper, he came across an article about a demolition drive. In a large Indian city, the state government had launched a significant urban reclamation project aimed at restoring the banks of a heavily polluted river. The river, which flows through a densely populated area, had become severely degraded due to illegal encroachments and industrial pollution. Over several decades, thousands of families had settled along the riverbanks, constructing homes, shops, and factories without proper authorization. The river had long been a dumping ground for industrial waste from other parts of the city, contributing to severe pollution. Environmentalists have time and again emphasized the need for a comprehensive clean-up and sustainable development plan.\n\nTo rejuvenate the river and its surroundings, the state government initiated a comprehensive demolition drive to remove the illegal constructions. The project aimed not only to restore the river's natural ecosystem but also to develop the area into an eco-tourism destination.\n\nThe demolition faced strong resistance from the residents, including appeals and protests in front of local authorities. Many residents, claiming that they had settled with the tacit approval of administration, hold the administration itself responsible for the issue. Some of them approached the courts to halt the demolition. The blame-game has erupted between the opposition and ruling parties in the state over the matter. Most of the affected residents belonged to marginalized sections of society, raising concerns about their displacement and livelihood.\n\nNitish, who himself comes from a family of limited means, sat there, reflecting on the pain of the people who had invested their life savings to build their homes and businesses. The drive disrupted thriving local commerce and displaced thousands of families. He questioned whether uprooting established communities by the demolition of residential and commercial properties was justified in a country where millions of people are homeless, poor, and have meager savings.\na) Discuss the ethical issues in this case.\nb) How far do you think Nitish's thinking is justified? Discuss by assessing the merits and demerits.\nc) As an outsider, what measures would you suggest to prevent such situations and manage the interests of all stakeholders?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"Q.12 Rahul belongs to a wealthy and influential business family. On his 17th birthday, he threw a party for his friends at a famous club in the city. The celebration continued late into the night, where everyone enjoyed themselves. After the party, Rahul bid goodbye to his friends and decided to drive home. He was driving his high-end SUV and, while speeding for fun, he lost control of the car while negotiating a sharp turn. The car collided with a bike coming from the opposite direction. The two occupants of the bike died on the spot, while Rahul escaped with minor bruises on his face and knees. The police arrived at the scene, detained Rahul, and took him to the hospital for a preliminary medical check-up. The families of the deceased were informed, and the bodies were sent for autopsy. After the initial legal formalities, Rahul was presented before the Juvenile Justice Board. The Board granted him bail on lenient terms that included writing a 300-word essay on road safety. This decision sparked outrage, but the situation escalated when a video of Rahul and his friends consuming alcohol in the club emerged and went viral on social media. As the case became the talk of the city, an investigative report by a leading daily unveiled further shocking details. The report revealed that Rahul's father had attempted to mislead the police by falsely claiming that the family driver was at the wheel during the accident. Initial actions by the police suggested preferential treatment towards Rahul, including delays in filing the FIR and later registering it under lenient provisions of the law. The investigative report also highlighted the involvement of medical staff in manipulating and tampering with evidence in exchange for inducements from Rahul's father. Rahul's blood samples were replaced with those of another person which had no traces of alcohol. Furthermore, the local MLA, who is the brother of State Home Minister and close to Rahul's family, reportedly intervened to influence police and judicial proceedings in favor of the juvenile. The city is gripped by a sense of injustice as details of corruption, collusion, and manipulation unfold, revealing the lengths to which those in power can conspire and make a mockery of laws, institutions, and principles of justice. You are the SP of the district where the entire incident occurred. Prima facie, the facts highlighted in the newspaper's investigative report appear to be correct. However, due to the involvement of the local MLA and the political connections of Rahul's father, you are facing pressure from higher authorities to manipulate the investigation and acquit Rahul. Additionally, the MLA has promised a 'plum posting' if you hush up the matter, and your promotion is also due soon. Meanwhile, the families of the victims, along with the public, are demanding accountability and justice.\na) As the SP of the district, examine the options available to you. What course of action would you take and why?\nb) How might the actions of Rahul's father influence his perception of personal responsibility and societal obligations?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":58,"question":"a) जिले के पुलिस अधीक्षक के रूप में, आपके पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों की जांच करें। आप क्या कदम उठाएंगे और क्यों?\nb) राहुल के पिता के कार्यों से उनकी व्यक्तिगत जिम्मेदारी और सामाजिक दायित्वों की धारणा पर क्या प्रभाव पड़ सकता है?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"}]},{"id":2767,"topper":"Farkhanda Qureshi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/7/farkhanda-qureshi-test-5-1753348758386.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Most civil servants are neither pure deontologists nor pure utilitarians, but they operate according to a kind of ethical pluralism. Do you agree? Discuss your position with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The motivation to seek a career in public service and perform public service can be due to attraction to public service, commitment to public values, self-sacrifice and compassion. Among the four, what is the primary public service motivator for you? Explain your motivating factor. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"One of the critical areas of governance is developing policies for managing public health emergencies such as COVID. While tackling such health emergencies, the government may take measures that involve the abdication of liberty on the part of the citizens. According to you, what ethical principles should guide the government's public health policymaking? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Identify any four components of emotional intelligence relevant to public services. Explain their role in administrative decision-making. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Values lie at the core of the diverse world of human behaviour and are expressed in every human decision and action. In keeping with the above statement, explain with the help of illustrations how values impact an individual's behaviour. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Explain the difference between codes of ethics, codes of conduct and codes of rules and regulations. Do you think an increase in the number of codes and regulations is an efficient response to the decline of public trust and integrity issues? Why/why not? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance. (a) \"The root of happiness is Dharma (righteousness), the root of Dharma is Artha (economy), the root of Artha is right governance.\" (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Prioritising ethical concerns within public administration and policy has monetary costs in terms of training and other expenses. Do you think the financial cost of actively pursuing ethical standards by the government is justified? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Distinguish between administrative, legal and professional accountability. Despite multiple institutional accountability mechanisms, the government has failed to make a dent in systemic corruption. What do you think are the reasons for the poor performance of accountability mechanisms? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Economists view transparency as a condition for open markets, and political scientists view it as a condition for public participation. What does transparency imply in public administration ethics? Is it only a flow of information or more than that? Explain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Persuasion performs a number of positive, prosocial functions. However, people often equate persuasion with manipulation and consider it unethical. What are the ethical values a persuader must respect to ensure the ethicality of the act of persuasion? Explain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"You are the VP (Operations) of a company that manufactures and supplies space probes and satellite equipment to Government space agencies. The company has been in the business for over four decades and has built considerable expertise in producing and delivering high-quality products. The business was good. As VP of Operations, it was your responsibility to ensure the completion of projects and deliverables on time. A critical deliverable was running behind schedule due to the non-availability of a specific raw material. The material in question was an environmentally hazardous chemical that the Environmental Ministry banned. But considering the importance of the chemical compound for the space industry, the Environment Ministry was planning to allow controlled use in about three weeks. You and the company management didn't have three week waiting time. Further, there was severe pressure from the Department of Space to complete the deliverable on time as a lot was riding politically on the project. After internal discussions, you met the Space Department officials to explain the predicament and request a deadline extension. When the meeting happened, you were shocked by the attitude of the Department officials. They refused to accept any delay and suggested circumventing the environmental ministry's prohibition and procuring and using the chemical. They justified it by saying the ministry would allow controlled use in a few weeks. So, why wait? Besides, they noted that the environment ministry doesn't understand space priorities and their intricacies. They pointed out that everything is justified in the name of national interest. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What are the issues involved in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the merits and demerits of each option and select your chosen course of action.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"What do you understand by National Interest? Do you think it is ethically justified for a nation to prioritise security and economics over above social justice and social development priorities? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"You work as an investment banker with one of the country's biggest private banks. You independently handled a team of 15 junior bankers and reported directly to the Head Investment Banking Division. You also networked with individuals with a high net worth in assets and income as part of your job. The purpose of networking was to persuade them to have their income and assets managed by your bank. Over the years, you had brought in a lot of clients for the bank, and you managed assets and accounts for a few big clients. You managed a client with a very sizeable business account, and he frequently received remittances from offshore accounts of his company. In the last six months, you could notice a considerable number of forex transactions had happened in his account. And the money was further moved around to smaller locations within the country. When you tracked the money movement, you noticed that funds were transferred to areas where the client had no business dealings. Government regulations required the bank to report a large inflow of forex funds and client details. You forwarded the details to your Head, who forwarded it to the relevant authorities. When the transactions continued unabated, you got suspicious. On scrutiny, you discovered that the client had dealings with organisations banned by the government for funding anti-national activities. You shared the same information with your Head and requested him to report to the authorities. He said he would look into it. But he didn't. After a few weeks, you raised the matter again, and this time, he curtly told you that the regulations stipulate that account information had to be furnished, which the bank did. It was up to the authorities to scrutinise and take action. The bank was not at fault as it was complying with the law. Further, the Head told you the client was good business for the bank. You were concerned about what to do next as you knew the client was good business, but he was up to no good. (a) What are the issues involved in the case? (b) What are the options available to you? (c) Select your course of action after analysing all the options (d) Do you think breaching client confidentiality and trust can be justified in the above case? (250 words in )","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What are the issues involved in the case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"Do you think breaching client confidentiality and trust can be justified in the above case? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Rashmi worked with an NGO that operated non-residential State wide skill development centres. The organisation's work primarily involved upskilling rescued drug addicts who belong to vulnerable sections of society. The objective was to upskill and rehabilitate them by finding employment opportunities and finally reintegrating them within the community. Rashmi's responsibilities included counselling the victims and preparing them mentally and emotionally for a new life. The job involved a lot of one-on-one interaction with the addicts, and sometimes she was privy to personal information that others didn't have. Last month the authorities brought a 23-year-old widow to the centre. As Rashmi interacted with her, she discovered that the widow was introduced to drugs by her husband, who was an addict and had a history of crime. He apparently was killed by drug dealers because of some monetary dispute. The widow confessed to Rashmi that after the death of her husband, she had started selling drugs to support herself and her 4-year-old. This was a detail the police were unaware of. Further, she revealed that she and her child's life were in danger from the drug dealers her husband owed money to. In the last month, Rashmi noticed she was diligent in learning and committed to making a fresh start. One day Rashmi saw that she had been absent for almost a week. After asking around, Rashmi discovered that she had been arrested for peddling drugs. Rashmi went to meet her, and the widow became emotional seeing Rashmi and narrated the sequence of events. The widow said she was forced to sell drugs by the dealers to whom her husband owed money, and when she tried telling this to the police authorities, they (a) ? (b) ? (c) (d) – ?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"What are the issues and ethical dilemmas involved in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"How would you see the widow as a victim of her husband's crime or an accused? Justify. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What are the options Pallavi has? How should she navigate the issues with Mr Thakur?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"What do you think is the problem with Mr Thakur, is it a lack of emotional intelligence or something else?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"How do you think you will be able to help Pallavi? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"What options are available to the MP in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"Evaluate the options and suggest a course of action to the MP.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"Distinguish between political and bureaucratic corruption. Can bureaucracy play a role in checking political corruption? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"Do you think whistle-blowing could have been a good option five years back? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":2768,"topper":"Fatima","air":62,"year":2017,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/18610_929_Fatima_Rank_62.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2769,"topper":"Fatima","air":62,"year":2017,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/18610_930_Fatima_Rank_62.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2770,"topper":"Fatima","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/18610_877_Jameel_Rank_62.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The seeds of patriarchy and gender inequality are sown at home, which manifest as a weed at the societal level. Elucidate. Suggest an ethical framework to systematically address the issue of patriarchy in the Indian society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"What are the factors which drive people to take law in their own hands rather than following the due process of law? Discuss ways to address the problem of mob justice.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"In a democracy, the purpose of the government should be to make it easy for people to do good and difficult to do wrong. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss John Stuart Mill's idea on freedom of thought and expression. Also, give reasons as to why, according to Mill, representative democracy is the best form of government despite its inherent weaknesses.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"It is argued by some that nuclear weapons have acted more as a deterrent than leading to war and mass destruction. In this context, discuss whether it is ethically right to possess nuclear weapons to create nuclear deterrence.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Differentiate between administration and leadership. Highlighting the traits which characterize an effective leader, discuss the importance of leadership in ensuring effective public service delivery in a bureaucratic setup.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Apart from functional knowledge and expertise, the efficacy of a civil servant also depends upon his emotional intelligence. How does emotional intelligence contribute to efficacy? How can civil servants enhance their emotional intelligence?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Enumerate the mechanisms that promote accountability of public officials in discharging their functions and responsibilities in India. Also discuss why ensuring accountability for performance is not a simple task in government service.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) \"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"\"Prejudices are what fools use for reason.\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Ensuring that government decisions are not influenced by public officials' private interests is a growing concern. Discuss in the context of India. Also enumerate the core principles reflected by OECD guidelines for managing conflict of interest in the public sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Discuss, with examples, the significance of principles of public life as recommended by Nolan committee. Why are these principles considered as an essential set of expectations from public servants?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"A peculiar inhuman situation exists for the people fleeing from war zones - they cannot go back to their homeland for fear of being persecuted and no country is ready to bear their burden due to various reasons. Citing contemporary examples, discuss the ethical issues involved in such situations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"As the administrator in-charge of your area, you are witness to the widespread food wastage in lavish parties as well as in restaurants and eateries, on one hand and people starving due to inability to ensure one square-meal a day, on the other. Realizing that it is not the scarcity of resources, but the habit of people that is causing paucity in availability of food, you decide that certain measures are needed to be taken in order to deal with the issue of starvation at the grassroot level. 20 Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) What measures would you take to deal with wastage of food in your area? (c) What explains this co-existence of affluence and hunger in developing countries like India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"The excluded and marginalized section of society are worst hit by globalization. Take the case of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) like Sentinelese of Andaman & Nicobar islands; their population has reduced drastically and they are facing various other problems as well. In this context answer the following questions: (a) What are the challenges faced by PVTGs due to globalisation? (b) If you are posted as a Development Officer in such an area, what will be your priorities to reduce their vulnerabilities and ensure welfare?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"Undercover journalism exposes injustices, negligence, corruption and wrongdoing and yet going undercover to expose wrongdoing remains controversial. But, undercover journalists contend that they are fulfilling a fundamental duty of finding truth through their journalism. They argue that public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy and the duty of the journalist is to further those ends by seeking truth and providing a fair and comprehensive account of events and issues. So, there are some supporters of this kind of journalism, which sometimes infringe the privacy of individuals. However, some journalists also urge avoiding surreptitious methods of gathering information except when traditional open methods will not yield information vital to the public. In this context, answer the following questions: 20 (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the practice of undercover journalism? (b) Do you support the practice of undercover investigation by journalists? Give reasons in support of your answer.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"You are the chief executive of ABC Ltd., an automotive component manufacturing company. Until recently, all of your production plants were located in City X. However, the cost of production has risen, causing profits to decline. A number of factors have led to an increase in the production costs. First, the union representing the workers in your plant waged a successful strike resulting in increased salary and benefits. A second factor has been imposition of stringent environmental regulations. Shareholders are concerned about the declining fortunes of the company. Many of the competitors have moved their operations to less-developed cities, where the operating costs are less than in City X. ABC Ltd. is a major employer in the city where it is located, and you know that a plant closure will cause economic dislocation in the city. 20 Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) What are the ethical issues involved in this case? (b) How can the interests of different stakeholders be reconciled in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"You are posted as a District Education Officer (DEO) in a Maoist affected district. You have been specifically given the responsibility to work on the literacy mission. After reading the education reports and doing field visits, you find that the number of out of school children has increased drastically and the motivation among students and teachers is also low. While certain basic infrastructure is already in place, the major hurdle in attracting students to these schools include the attitude of inhabitants towards education and the security risks involved in sending children to schools. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Analyse the reasons behind such an attitude. (b) As a DEO, what are the steps that you would take in order to increase the school attendance and change the prevalent attitude of inhabitants towards education?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"Mr. Pradeep is a senior civil servant in the central government and is involved in the budgeting department. In the course of performing his duties, he comes to know about diversion of funds earmarked for SC/ST sub-plan for other purposes. While he is not directly responsible for this aspect of the budget, he raised his concerns to the department concerned. He also learns that the minister responsible as well as senior most civil servants are aware of the practice and have given tacit approval for it. Soon thereafter, Pradeep was summoned to talk on the issue and was told that since the matter is not within his jurisdiction, he should 'keep his nose out of it', After much soul searching, Pradeep decided to obey his supervisors by leaving the matter alone. Based on the information given, answer the following questions: 20 (a) Elaborate on the internal dissonance that Pradeep faces in the given situation. (b) On what basis can the decision of Pradeep be justified? (c) Had you been in Pradeep's place, what would have been the course of action chosen by you? Recognise the merits and demerits, if any.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2771,"topper":"Fatima","air":62,"year":2017,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/18610_938_Fatima_Rank_62.pdf","questions":[{"page":18,"question":"The \"development of the individual's self, and of his self- consciousness within the field of his experience\" is preeminently social. Discuss in context of G.H Mead.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Critically examine Max Weber's theory of social action and its limitations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Critically assess R K. Merton's views on the contributions of research to the development of sociological theory.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"“Weber’s approach to stratification was built on the analysis developed by Marx, but he modified and elaborated on it”. Discuss","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"\"Science investigates; religion interprets. Science gives man knowledge, which is power; religion gives man wisdom, which is control\". Critically examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"Briefly discuss the implication of social mobility on individual and societal level in different structures.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":56,"question":"Secularization theory was once the dominant sociological pattern of interpretation to describe and explain religious change in the modern period, however has lately been discredited. Comment","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":59,"question":"Critically discuss 'Value-added theory' with respect to the social movements.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":62,"question":"Critically analyze to what extent the sovereignty of the state has been challenged in the wake of Globalization.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2772,"topper":"Fatima","air":62,"year":2017,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/18610_940_Fatima_Rank_62.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Explain the idea of \"Indian Village\".","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Define social reforms. Analyze the impact of the movements in pre-independence period on the social structure.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Explain the evolution of land tenure system and its impact on the agrarian structure.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the social background of Indian Nationalism.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Critically analyze the merits and de-merits of the caste system","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Critically analyze Dumont's concept of homohierarchicus","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2773,"topper":"Fatima","air":62,"year":2017,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/18610_943_Fatima_Rank_62.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2774,"topper":"Febin Jose Thomas","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Febin-Jose-Thomas-UPSC-2023-Rank-133-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What do you mean by cultural diversity? Discuss the challenges of cultural diversity in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"How do you explain the statistics that show rising literacy rate among women but stagnant and even declining women's workforce participation? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Explaining the concept of communalism, elaborate on the evolution of communalism in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Critically evaluate the impact of the changing role of state on society in developing countries like India in the light of globalization. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"How far do you agree that increasing usage of social media has adversely affected mental health of people? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Examine various problems associated with slums. Also, suggest measures to overcome these challenges. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":16,"question":"The institution of marriage is undergoing changes in almost all-important spheres. Elaborate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":19,"question":"There is a close relationship between poverty and the structure of society. Explain the statement with references to Indian society. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":22,"question":"Despite having multiple races, racism is not as big a problem as casteism in India. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"How does gender discrimination and biases exhibit themselves in completely different forms in western and eastern India? Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2775,"topper":"G AKSHAY DEEPAK","air":196,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/90988-114111_1252_g_akshay_deepak_rank_196.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2776,"topper":"G AKSHAY DEEPAK","air":196,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/58e7c-114111_2488_g_akshay_deepak_rank_196.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2777,"topper":"G AKSHAY DEEPAK","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7ad98-114111_2424_g_akshay_deepak_rank_196.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What are the different dimensions of food security? Examine India's status in terms of ensuring food security with regard to these dimensions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Modern technologies such as blockchain and ChatGPT are powerful tools with immense potential to transform agriculture into a more efficient and sustainable sector. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What factors have led to the recent acceleration in the trend towards de-dollarization of the global economy? Do you think the dollar will lose its dominance anytime soon? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Despite significant pressure from the developed countries to alter its food subsidy regime, there is merit in India trying to retain its policy support for the poor in the country. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":2778,"topper":"G AKSHAY DEEPAK","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/07ee8-114111_2423_g_akshay_deepak_rank_196.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With suitable examples, discuss how environmental pressure groups enhance public participation and responsiveness with regard to environmental policies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The recent acknowledgment of sex work as a 'profession' by the Supreme Court is merely the first step in ensuring basic rights and equality for sex workers in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the role played by District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) in providing free legal aid and disseminating legal awareness in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"The collegium system has become a victim of its own success, with the concentration of power in the hands of a few, leading to questions about its legitimacy.\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"Civil services reforms must go beyond recruitment and standardised training to cope with the present day challenges.\" Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Outcome-based finance models such as social impact bonds have the potential to truly catalyse change and deliver socio-economic impact at scale. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The wide gap between the number of females graduating every year and those entering the workspace is an issue of paramount importance that needs to be addressed. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"An up to date and functional Civil Registration System (CRS) is essential to the socio-economic planning in India. Discuss in the light of the recent move of the Central government in revamping the CRS system in the country. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What are the key areas of reform if the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has to align with the current economic realities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In recent years, India's relationship with West Asia has evolved from the confines of geopolitics to expanse of geoeconomics. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The role of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) is significant in furthering healthy competitiveness aimed at inspiring stakeholders to innovate and augment effectiveness. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"\"The menace of paid news often rears its ugly head during elections.\" Discuss the need for making paid news an electoral offence in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the 'Doctrine of Essentiality' referred to by the courts in the context of religious practices in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"As per the recently released report of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), there is an urgent need to limit the size of the government in India. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The Institutions of Eminence (IoE) scheme was conceived to develop 'world-class' centres of higher education in India but six years later, it is yet to become the game changer it was intended to be. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) allows for innovative and convenient public services, help overcome inclusion or accessibility barriers, and increase transparency and accountability with real-time data. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Besides legislation, the full realisation of the 'right to health for all' in India demands plugging of social, financial, and infrastructural gaps. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The 'third gender' has not yet been engendered in the Indian society despite legislative nudge. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Among other factors, strained ties with China and Pakistan make it difficult for India to fulfill its expectations from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"The recently concluded initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) between the United States and India promises a long overdue transformation of their partnership in the field of technology. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2779,"topper":"G AKSHAY DEEPAK","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/f0596-114111_2425_g_akshay_deepak_rank_196.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"For effective corporate governance to take place in the coming years, why is it important to integrate the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics with the multi-stakeholder approach? What benefits can be accrued by such integration? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In acts of corruption, the focus is often only on the demand side of the equation, on public officials who abuse their office for private gain. Frequently, the supply side is given less attention. Those who pay bribes are sometimes depicted as innocent parties and victims of extortionary practices of wily public servants. Do you agree that 'collusive corruption', in which there is a willing bribe-giver, is a formidable challenge for institutions fighting corruption? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Citizens' Charters initiative was a response to the quest for solving the problems, which a citizen encountered, day in and day out, while dealing with the organisations providing public services. But the introduction and implementation of Citizens' Charters in the government of India has been difficult due to the old bureaucratic set up and the rigid attitudes of the work force. Discuss the major obstacles that have been encountered in implementing the Citizens' Charter initiative. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Quality of public service delivery is a major determinant of the quality of life of vulnerable sections in a highly unequal society divided along the lines of class, caste, religion, etc. In this background, do you think that public service delivery is efficient and sufficient enough to improve the lives of vulnerable groups in India? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? \"The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own.\" - Lao Tzu (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"If ethics are poor at the top, that behavior is copied down through the organization.\" - Robert Noyce (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"The end of law is not to abolish or restrain, but to preserve and enlarge freedom.\" - John Locke (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Wealthy CEOs and founders of successful businesses around the world are increasingly pledging to give away their wealth in philanthropy. Do you think that such a move is sufficient enough to bring about a positive change in the society? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"As organizations across the globe begin their artificial intelligence (AI) transformation, the leap into the AI era is expected to be more challenging than any technology that businesses have grappled with yet. In this background, discuss the concerns around fairness, transparency, and job security that may arise. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The emphasis of Swami Dayanand Saraswati on education, social equality, and ethical values continues to influence the socio-cultural discourse in contemporary India. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Emotional intelligence may not be singularly associated with emotions or intelligence. It can also include a broad range of personality characteristics that might predict success in professional and everyday life. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Traditional forms of state-led accountability, also characterised as vertical and horizontal channels of accountability, are increasingly found to be inadequate, and a myriad of multi-stakeholder and bottom-up citizen directed approaches have come to the fore, to supplement or supplant them. Discuss with illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"What are the issues involved in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"What measures can be taken to minimize the negative implications of adopting such technologies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2780,"topper":"G Sahi Darsini","air":112,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Q6NrBwjBE1tTRO-Hfq6qjioO6afZ0TJK/view","questions":[]},{"id":2781,"topper":"G Sanjana","air":55,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/GUDELLI-SRUJANAUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-55-Sample-MGP-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) 'Unconscious biases in parenting continue to shape gendered experiences in India.' Do you agree with this view? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) Distinguish between empathy and compassion. Why are they considered as foundational values in public services?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Empathy and compassion as foundational values of civil services","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) The current society is witnessing rising levels of intolerance. What are the consequences of this situation for personal well-being and for societal well-being? What can one do at the personal level to become tolerant?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) What are the main components of emotional intelligence and how does it help an individual in taking ethical decisions?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) Given below are the three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context?\na) “This life is short, the vanities of the world are transient, but they alone live who live for others, the rest are more dead than alive.” - Swami Vivekanand","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) \"If you cry because the sun has gone out of your life, your tears will prevent you from seeing the stars.\" - Rabindranath Tagore","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"1 How tears prevent from seeing stars","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"c) “Two ways of building character – cultivating strength to challenge oppression, and tolerate the resultant hardships that give rise to courage and awareness.”-Sardar Patel","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.4) a) “With great power comes great responsibility.” In the present context, ‘Big Tech’ headquartered in developed countries wield disproportionate influence over digital infrastructure, personal data, and global narratives—often prioritising profit over ethical considerations. What ethical principles should guide such corporations in building a fair, inclusive, and just global digital framework?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"b) What do you understand by the term ‘crisis of conscience’? Describe an incident from your life where you experienced such a crisis. How did you deal with it?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.5) a) “A politics of confession that encourages politicians and parties to confess and offer regret for their errors can surely be a cathartic experience.” Examine the statement from the ethical point of view.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"b) What are the key objectives of the Right to Information Act, 2005? Examine the ethical concerns associated with certain provisions of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act in realizing the objectives of the RTI Act.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.6) a) Public spaces serve as arenas of democratic participation and civic expression. Yet in India, they remain deeply gendered, with many women largely confined to the private and domestic sphere. Examine the factors that restrict women's access to public spaces. How can ethical governance help address the issue of gendered spatial control and promote inclusivity in public spaces?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"b) Write short notes on the following in 30 words each:\ni) Ethical fading\nii) Conflict of interest\niii) Persuasion\niv) Work culture\nv) Corporate governance","marks":"10 marks, 150","words":"30 words each"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7) A State Government in the northeastern part of the country has launched a series of anti-encroachment drives across forest areas, wetlands, and revenue lands. Under the directions of the Chief Minister, the administration has intensified efforts to reclaim public land, particularly in areas reserved for ecological protection and critical infrastructure development. Most of the time, these actions have been backed by court orders and have resulted in the recovery of thousands of hectares of land. However, in certain regions, the implementation of such drives is fraught with social and political complexities. In several districts, settlements have existed for decades and are inhabited by marginalized communities with limited access to legal rights or formal rehabilitation measures. These areas are often politically sensitive and influenced by local leaders and pressure groups.\nSimanta is posted as Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) in one such district. Over the past year, the district administration has attempted to align eviction measures with welfare outreach, including the provision of temporary shelters, relocation assistance, and public consultations. Recently, a major operation was scheduled to clear encroachments from over 140 hectares of forest land within a Reserved Forest, primarily to curb rising instances of human-elephant conflict and to restore ecological balance. Anticipating eviction, some residents approached the High Court seeking a stay. However, the court refused to grant it and directed the administration to proceed with the eviction following due process. Notices were served, and a detailed roadmap was prepared to carry out the operation, which was expected to last 2-3 days due to the scale and remote location. On the first day, Simanta led a team comprising forest officials, municipal workers, and police personnel. Demolitions were conducted peacefully and without major resistance. However, on the second day, when the team returned to the site, a large group of agitated residents—primarily women and children—had gathered. They raised slogans and formed human chains to prevent further evictions. The atmosphere grew tense when some individuals began throwing stones, resulting in serious injury to a municipal worker. The crowd grew increasingly volatile and emotionally charged, demanding an immediate halt to the operation. The police contingent present on the ground was outnumbered by the crowd. Faced with this crisis, some team members pleaded with Simanta to call off the operation, fearing threats to their life and the possibility of a violent escalation. Simanta attempted to contact his superior officer (the Deputy Commissioner), but due to poor mobile connectivity in the forested area, communication could not be established. Meanwhile, several local journalists had arrived and begun reporting on the incident. Simanta is in a dilemma as to what to do.\na. Evaluate the options available with Simanta to cope with the situation.\nb. Which of the above options would be the most appropriate for Simanta and why?\nc. What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Simanta?\nd. Examine the qualities of a public servant which will be required to manage such situations.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"a. स्थिति से निपटने के लिए सिमंता के पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nb. सिमंता के लिए सबसे उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?\nc. सिमंता को किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\nd. ऐसी परिस्थितियों का प्रबंधन करने के लिए एक लोक सेवक के गुणों का परीक्षण करें।\na स्थिति से निपटने के लिए सिमंता के पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nb सिमंता के लिए सबसे उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?\nc सिमंता को किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\nd ऐसी परिस्थितियों का प्रबंधन करने के लिए एक लोक सेवक के गुणों का परीक्षण करें।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":32,"question":"c) Ethical dilemmas faced by Simanta\n1) As they are women and children, no strict action can be taken at that moment.\n2) Adherence to laws versus ground reality.\n3) Crisis of conscience in dealing","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Q.8 Megha is a first-year sociology student at a reputed college in the national capital. She is originally from Tadchiroli, a tribal village in a western Indian state. Megha's family migrated to the city when she was seven years old and had not visited their village since. Though Megha has fond memories of her childhood there, she never deeply understood the customs and traditions of the region. One day, Megha expresses her wish to visit Tadchiroli. Her father agrees and asks her to inform Ratan, her paternal uncle, who still lives in the village with his family. Megha informs Ratan and travels to the village during a semester break. Upon arrival, she receives a warm welcome from Ratan and his family. Later, Ratan invites her to attend a local festival. During the event, Megha notices that her cousin Rinki is missing. Curious, she asks Ratan's wife Ratna why Rinki is not at the festival. Ratna explains that Rinki is on her period, and as per tradition, menstruating girls must stay separately in small huts built specifically for the purpose. Locally known as 'kurma ghars', they are generally located on the periphery of the village, near a river or pond. She further adds that these girls are not allowed to enter the main house or participate in any social or religious activities. Megha is taken aback. She asks whether all women follow this practice. Ratna nods and says it has been the custom for generations. Even schoolgirls stay in these huts and miss classes during their periods. Ratna admits that many in the village, including herself, never questioned the practice. The explanation unsettles Megha. She finds it hard to believe that a natural biological function leads to such exclusion. Before returning to the city, Megha observes that even educated family members seem to accept and follow these customs. The experience leaves a deep impact on her. She starts reading more about menstrual taboos and their impact on women's health, dignity, and education. As a sociology student, she recognises how such traditions are linked to patriarchy and social stigma. She begins to reflect on what she can do at her level to improve the current situation, without alienating the community or disrespecting its traditions.\na. Suggest a course of action Megha can take to sensitize her village community without appearing disrespectful or confrontational.\nb. What ethical principles and methods should guide her actions while engaging with the community?\nc. How is menstruation related to human rights?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"a. मेघा द्वारा अपने गांव के समुदाय को असम्मानजनक या टकरावपूर्ण व्यवहार किए बिना संवेदनशील बनाने के लिए अपनाई जा सकने वाली कार्यवाही का सुझाव दीजिए।\nb. समुदाय के साथ जुड़ते समय उसके कार्यों को किन नैतिक सिद्धांतों और तरीकों से निर्देशित किया जाना चाहिए?\nc. मासिक धर्म मानव अधिकारों से किस प्रकार संबंधित है?","marks":null,"words":"20 अंक"},{"page":39,"question":"Q.9 Gopal is an 80-year-old man living in a remote and an underdeveloped village in a Central Indian state. He had been residing in a small mud house for years. When he came to know about the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G), he saw a glimmer of hope for a pucca house in the last phase of his life. However, the village sarpanch and panchayat secretary told him that to be eligible under the scheme, he must first demolish his existing house so that during a site inspection, no structure would be visible at the location. Subsequently, Gopal demolished his shelter and began living under a babool tree. For nearly six months, he has been staying in the open, braving harsh weather conditions. During this time, he has repeatedly visited the panchayat office but has been told that his application cannot be processed as he lacks the necessary documents. You are the officer-in-charge of implementing PMAY-G in the district. The case of Gopal reaches you through a prominent newspaper report. You personally visit him to understand the situation on the ground. After meeting him and listening to his account, you feel that he certainly needs support. Your enquiries confirm that he is truly destitute and living in a pitiable condition under the open sky. It is also established that he demolished his house based on a faulty interpretation of the scheme by panchayat officials. However, he has no documents to show that he fulfils the eligibility criteria under the scheme. Now you are in a dilemma. Including him under the scheme without the necessary documents would clearly be a violation of rules. But denying him support would be cruel and inhuman.\na Can you think of a rational way to resolve this dilemma?\nb Give your reasons for it.\nc What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.10 You are working as an Assistant Section Officer in the District Development and Panchayat Office. One day, one of your close colleagues approaches you in deep distress. She tells you that her father is suffering from a severe liver condition, and the doctors have clearly stated that he must undergo liver transplant immediately in order to survive. She shares that she has no health insurance, and the surgery would cost around Rs 15 lakh. You are aware that her husband passed away a few years ago, and that she also has a four-year-old son with special needs. Just a few weeks ago, she also lost all her savings in a digital arrest scam. As a widow from a lower middle-class family, her options are extremely limited. Although you feel deeply empathetic, you are unable to offer financial assistance, as you do not have the resources to help. A few weeks later, you enquire about her father's health. She informs you that the liver transplant surgery was successful and that her father is now recovering steadily. Relieved, you ask how she managed to arrange the funds. Hesitantly, she confides that the District Development and Panchayat Officer (DDPO) helped her. Moved by her situation, the DDPO facilitated the release of Rs 15 lakh from the fund allocated to a rural sanitation scheme. The implementation of this scheme had been put on hold for a year due to technical issues and pending site approvals. She explains that the amount was provided on the assurance of strict confidentiality and with a commitment to repay it at the earliest. She expresses deep gratitude for the DDPO's timely help, which she believes saved her father's life. She has already begun repaying the money and will continue to do so until it is all returned.\na. Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\nb. Examine the behavior of DPDO from an ethical point of view.\nc. How would you react to the situation?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Q.11 Nithin is the head of the Marketing Department at Pehnava Clothings Ltd., a reputed apparel manufacturing company with a strong global presence. Known for its professionalism and consistent performance, the company had earned a credible name in both domestic and international markets. However, the firm was going through difficult times. For three consecutive quarters, it had witnessed a steep decline in sales. This trend had raised serious concerns among the top management regarding the company's competitiveness, profitability, and long-term stability. To address the situation, the leadership decided to restructure the marketing division and bring in dynamic leadership. A senior marketing executive, Mr. A, was hired after a rigorous selection process. He had an impressive career record and was known for turning around sales performance in other firms and building strong brand identities. With high expectations placed upon him, Mr. A was seen as the key figure to steer the company out of crisis. Mr. A soon began delivering results. Within a year, the company's revenue had almost doubled, and its brand visibility had increased significantly. His bold marketing strategies, proactive outreach, and innovative campaigns received appreciation from various quarters within the company. His performance drew the attention of the top management. There were deliberations about assigning him a larger role within the company, with a focus on long-term business strategy. He was also being considered for an internal award for 'Excellence in Leadership and Innovation'. However, alongside professional success of Mr. A, Nithin began receiving troubling feedback about his conduct in the workplace. Informal reports indicated that he frequently made inappropriate comments about women. In addition, he regularly sent indecent messages via social media apps to all team members, including his female colleagues. Although no formal complaint was lodged initially, Nithin could sense tension within the team, and signs of discomfort were becoming increasingly apparent. Some employees even started avoiding direct interaction with Mr. A. Team morale and interpersonal trust were gradually eroding, but employees remained hesitant to speak openly. The matter escalated one evening when Mrs. X, one of Mr. A's team members approached Nithin. Visibly disturbed and emotionally shaken, she disclosed that Mr. A had repeatedly engaged in inappropriate behavior towards her. She added that Mr. A had been making undesirable advances towards her and had even tried to touch her inappropriately in his cabin. She urged Nithin to take appropriate action in the matter, or else she would have no option but to resign from her position.\na Bring out the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb What are the options available to Nithin?\nc Critically examine each of the options identified by Nithin.\nd Which of the options, do you think, would be more appropriate for Nithin to adopt and why?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"a. इस मामले में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों को स्पष्ट करें।\nb. नितिन के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nc. नितिन द्वारा पहचाने गए प्रत्येक विकल्प का आलोचनात्मक परीक्षण करें।\nd. नितिन के लिए कौन सा विकल्प अपनाना अधिक उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?\na इस मामले में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों को स्पष्ट करें।\nb नितिन के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nc नितिन द्वारा पहचाने गए प्रत्येक विकल्प का आलोचनात्मक परीक्षण करें।\nd नितिन के लिए कौन सा विकल्प अपनाना अधिक उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":55,"question":"Q.12 You are appointed as an officer heading the Air Quality Compliance Division of the Environment Pollution Control Board in Delhi-NCR. The region is witnessing alarming levels of air pollution, which typically worsen during the winter months due to various meteorological and anthropogenic factors. The situation has led to severe public health concerns, particularly affecting vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and those with respiratory illnesses. The Supreme Court has also raised serious concern over the deteriorating air quality in Delhi-NCR and has directed the administration to take immediate and effective measures to control pollution, especially during the winter months. Your jurisdiction has a large number of small and medium-scale industries that were granted environmental clearance over the years. These industries form the backbone of the local economy and provide employment to a significant number of migrant workers. However, recent inspections and air quality monitoring reports indicate that a significant number of these units are operating in violation of prescribed air emission norms. As part of targeted measures to curb air pollution, you issued notices to all identified polluting units, directing them to apply for fresh environmental clearance certificates from the competent authority. However, your decision triggered strong opposition from a section of industrial units, labour unions, and local politicians. Industrial owners argued that such action would lead to production shutdowns, financial losses, and shortages of their products in the market. Labour unions and workers also protested, fearing mass unemployment and livelihood insecurity. Local politicians and vested interests accused you of jeopardising the socio-economic stability of the region. You received representations from various quarters urging you to withdraw the notices and not initiate harsh measures, citing the interests of multiple stakeholders. Additionally, you began receiving anonymous threats, aimed at coercing you into reversing your decision. On the other hand, several of your colleagues supported your stance, encouraging you to act in the larger public interest. Several local NGOs and environmental groups rallied behind your actions, demanding the immediate closure of polluting units.\na. Under the given conditions, what are the options available to you?\nb. Critically evaluate each of the options listed by you.\nc. What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by you?","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":2782,"topper":"G Srujana","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0d55d-346699_2363_gudelli_srujana_rank_55.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. What were the various modes through which Indian culture spread abroad in the ancient period? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"2. Colonial economic policies, driven by capitalist imperatives, created and even exacerbated the conditions for famines in India. Explain with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"3. The civil liberties enjoyed in India today are a direct reflection of the political values and ideals of the Indian National Movement. Discuss with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"4. What are the factors that have kept the multi-decadal conflict between Israel and Palestine raging even in contemporary times? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"5. Why is there a prominence of local winds in regions around the Mediterranean Sea? How do they influence regional climates and the lives of local populace? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"6. Explain the positive environmental impact of cyclones on ecosystems and geographical areas. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"7. Explain the concept of 'resource curse'. Do you think over dependence on a single resource can hinder a country's development? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"8. Identify the causes of water crisis in India's mega cities such as Chennai, Bengaluru, etc. Suggest remedial measures to overcome this crisis. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"9. Analyse the role of the state and market forces in understanding the changing family system and norms in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"10. With a decline in chronic poverty but a rise in vulnerability among the newly non-poor, how can India restructure its social protection systems to address both emerging and persistent challenges effectively? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"11. Explain the contribution of Sangam literature in providing political and socio-economic insights into the Tamil region and beyond. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"12. Discuss the significance of symbolic language in Buddhism with special emphasis on animal symbols. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"13. How did the First World War bring in social and economic disruptions for nearly all sections of the Indian society and lead to mass mobilisation for the independence struggle?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"14. What are the challenges faced in milk production in India? How can India bring about White Revolution 2.0? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"15. How does climate change impact tropical rainforests worldwide? What measures can be taken to safeguard them from detrimental effects of climate change? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"16. Mention the key factors responsible for the emergence of industrial clusters in India. What benefits do enterprises gain from operating within these clusters? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"17. What are the reasons behind India's underperformance in the textile sector compared to its competitors? How can India become competitive in this labour-intensive Industry. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"18. With around 20% of India's population expected to be over 60 years old in 2050, do you think it is the right time for India to embrace the concept of 'silver dividend'? What measures should India take to reap the benefits of this dividend? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"19. How has technology enabled women to overcome patriarchal constraints and expand their engagement beyond traditional roles in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"20. Do you think that regionalism in India has mainly been a result of existence of multiple distinct linguistic identities? Discuss with examples.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"}]},{"id":2783,"topper":"G Srujana","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/549c6-346699_2368_gudelli_srujana_rank_55.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q1 The evolving interpretation by the courts have led to the expansion of the scope of the Right to Life and Personal Liberty under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. Discuss with the help of relevant case laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q2 Analyse how Section 8A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 preserves the integrity of the electoral process in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q3 With what objectives was the Ninth Schedule of the Indian Constitution initially introduced? Can the Supreme Court review a legislation that has been placed in the Ninth Schedule? Discuss with the help of case laws.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q4 Online Dispute Resolution's (ODR) promise of access to just, speedy and effective resolution of disputes is beset with several challenges. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q5. The Right to Information (RTI) Act has fallen into redundancy owing to the issues faced by the Office of the Central Information Commission. Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q6. How has Information and Communication Technology (ICT) transformed the governance landscape at the grassroots level in India? What are the key obstacles in leveraging its full potential? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q7. How does the politicization of the civil services corrode the 'steel frame' of governance in India? What measures can be implemented to counteract this effect? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q8 Gender is an important dimension of ageing. What measures can be taken to solve the problems of elderly women facing social alienation and deprivation in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q9. What role can the Indian diaspora play in fostering political and economic engagement between India and African countries? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q10. More than a decade after its inception, the benefits of the Belt and Road Initiative have proven to be illusory, especially for developing countries. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q11. Discuss the financial constraints faced by the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in India. What measures can be taken to augment their revenue resources? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q12. Discuss the role of the Election Commission of India (ECI) in ensuring free and fair elections in India. How will the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Act, 2023 impact the independence of the ECI? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q13. The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 has played a significant role in preventing atrocities and providing protection against discrimination of marginalized communities in India. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q14. Discuss the functions of the National Commission for Women (NCW). How does the Commission benefit from having the powers of a civil court in dealing with women's issues? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q15. Critically analyse the effectiveness of the POCSO Act, 2012 in addressing the issue of child sexual abuse in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q16. Critically evaluate the implementation of the Smart Cities Mission in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q17 While extreme poverty has declined considerably in India, access to healthy food still remains a luxury. Discuss the reasons for poor access to healthy food and suggest measures to overcome the same.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q18. Examine the role of publicly funded health insurance in improving health outcomes in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q19 To what extent has India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy been successful in enhancing its relations with the neighbouring countries? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q20. Examine the effects of escalating conflicts in West Asia on regional and global stability, highlighting the significant repercussions for India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"2) Ten global solidarity","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2784,"topper":"G Srujana","air":55,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/GUDELLI-SRUJANAUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-55-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1 Explain the significance of the recent changes made to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) with respect to labour market data estimation in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Discuss the implications of the rising trend of protectionism and tariff wars in global trade for India's macroeconomic stability.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) \"Genome-edited crops have the potential to strengthen food and nutritional security in the country.\" Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Assess the role of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) in expanding irrigation coverage and improving on-farm water use efficiency.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 Starlink, a satellite internet service provider, has recently been granted a license to operate in India. What is satellite internet? How does it work? What are its advantages and limitations?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6 What is a Geographical Indication (GI)? What are the legal frameworks governing it? How does it differ from a trademark? How can GI infringement be tackled?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) What are the salient features of Mission Mausam launched by the Government of India? Why is such a mission needed? What are the likely challenges in its effective implementation?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8 Highlight the key provisions of the Disaster Management (Amendment) Act, 2025. How would the amendment help strengthen the disaster management framework in the country?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 'Operation Sindoor' signals a strategic evolution in India's approach to cross-border terrorism. Analyze.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 'Cyberspace has emerged as a distinct domain of warfare, posing serious threats to national security.' Discuss this statement and suggest counter-measures.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 What are the key objectives of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016? To what extent has it been successful in achieving them?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) Despite phenomenal growth in recent years, India's startup ecosystem lags in innovation across strategic sectors. Identify the factors responsible for this inadequate focus on deep-tech and suggest strategies to bridge this gap.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 What is floriculture? How is it helpful in enhancing farm income and boosting agri-exports?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 “Women play a crucial role in Indian agriculture, yet continue to face systemic exclusion.” Discuss with reference to land ownership, access to credit, and agri-extension services. What initiatives has the government taken in this regard?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Launched on 25th June 2025, the Axiom-4 (Ax-04) mission has been much in the news since then. What are the key features of the mission? What significance does it hold for the Gaganyaan project and India's long-term space ambitions?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) Energy storage technology is one of the major components of renewable energy integration and decarbonization of world energy systems. Briefly discuss any three such technologies, citing their key merits and demerits.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 Global Pandemic Agreement (2025) recognizes the ‘One Health’ approach as critical to pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. Highlight the key features of the agreement, and elaborate on how the One Health approach can help in preventing future pandemics. What steps are needed to integrate this approach into India’s environmental and health governance?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18) The frequency and intensity of heatwaves, particularly in urban centres, have increased in recent years. Describe the various causes and effects of heatwaves. What policies and frameworks have been adopted in India towards extreme heat risk management?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Discuss how emerging technologies and globalization contribute to terror financing. Elaborate measures to tackle the menace of terror financing both at national and international levels.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 Explain the key components of the National Policy and Action Plan (2015) that have contributed to the significant decline of Left-Wing Extremism (LWE). What additional steps would you suggest to eliminate LWE in the near future?","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2785,"topper":"G Srujana","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/96964-346699_2369_gudelli_srujana_rank_55.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q1 The energy transition of India's transport sector, significant to fulfil India's commitment to net-zero emissions by 2070, faces several hurdles. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q2. WTO's Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies lays out rules for prohibiting certain forms of harmful subsidies. Discuss. What are the implications of the agreement on India's fisheries sector? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q3. Although the PM-KISAN Scheme has provided benefits to numerous farmers, it continues to face several significant challenges. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q4. What role can digital technology play in transforming animal husbandry in India?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q5. India's traditional knowledge offers solutions for making agriculture sustainable for environmental conservation. Illustrate with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q6. Comment on the role of media in disaster management in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q7. How is technology transforming India's pharmaceutical industry in terms of drug development and manufacturing? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q8 How can agrivoltaics, which combines solar energy with farming, be a game changer for Indian agriculture? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q9. Can jointness of the Central Armed Police forces (CAPFs) help in tackling the major security challenges being faced in various parts of India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q10. How has the linkage between drugs, internet, and terrorism emerged as a significant threat for India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q11. Discuss the role of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) as an investment model for India's infrastructure development. Why are PPPs not a panacea for all infrastructure-related performance problems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q12 Bring out the role of the 'One Nation-One Ration Card' scheme in ensuring food security for vulnerable sections in India. What obstacles must be overcome to make the scheme a success? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q13. Assess whether a new industrial policy is required given the central role of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q14. Discuss the prospects and challenges associated with inland waterways as an alternative mode of transportation in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q15. Discuss the role played by agricultural cooperatives in enhancing farmers' income, promoting agricultural exports, and strengthening the rural economy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q16. Comment on the success of 'Project Tiger' in protecting the national animal of the country. What further steps are needed for holistic conservation of tigers under the project? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q17 While the littoral states of the Bay of Bengal have made significant strides in their disaster preparedness, their efficacy has been limited. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q18. The United Nations proclaimed 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. Which technologies in common use today are based on the understanding of quantum mechanics? What are the steps being taken by India in the field of quantum science and technology? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q20. The vulnerability of India's coasts to unlawful activities poses significant threats to national security. Discuss the current security system in place for coastal security. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2786,"topper":"G Srujana","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/35119-346699_2370_gudelli_srujana_rank_55.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) Does moral conscience always complement laws, rules, and regulations in ethical decision-making? Support your answer with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) Compassion towards weaker sections of society is essential and non-negotiable in a country like India. Examine with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) Corruption exists and thrives in Indian society because it is socially accepted and even seen as aspirational. Do you agree with this view?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) Social accountability is increasingly recognized as a means of enhancing democratic governance and improving service delivery. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"3. What does the following quotation convey to you in the present context.\n(a) \"The human voice can never reach the distance that is covered by the still small voice of conscience.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) \"Fortitude is the marshal of thought, the armor of the will, and the fort of reason.\" – Francis Bacon. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"3. (c) \"Character is repeated habits, and repeated habits alone can reform character.\" - Swami Vivekananda (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"4. (a) How can organizations balance healthy competition while preventing undue pressure on employees? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"4. (b) Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":21,"question":"5. (a) Formation of attitudes is a crucial aspect of the socialization process. Discuss the various factors that contribute to the development of attitudes in individuals.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"5. (b) Conflicts are inevitable in any workplace, and administrative roles are no exception. In light of this, discuss the role of emotional intelligence in conflict management. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"6. (a) Discuss how attitude plays a crucial role in shaping our perceptions and interactions with the world. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"6. (b) Recent studies indicate that Generation Z is experiencing higher levels of loneliness than the previous generations. What are the possible reasons for this trend? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"7. In the following questions, carefully study the cases presented and then answer the questions that follow (in around 250 words):\n(a) What are the main ethical issues faced by Neeraj in this case?\n(b) How does whistleblowing by employees affect the willingness to report wrongdoing?","marks":null,"words":"around 250"},{"page":30,"question":"(a) What are the ethical dilemmas faced by Neeraj in this case?\n(b) How does the work culture influence employees' willingness to report potential wrongdoing?\n(c) What role does leadership play in fostering an ethical work culture? (Answer in 250 words)\na) What are the ethical dilemmas faced by Neeraj in this case?\nb) How does the work culture influence employees' willingness to report potential wrongdoing?\nc) What role does leadership play in fostering an ethical work culture? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"a) Ethical dilemmas faced by Neeraj\n1 Professional integrity versus personal gain.\n2 Long term gain vs short term pain.\n3 Organisational ethics vs fear of retribution.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"(b) Evaluate the options available to you. What course of action you will take to address the above issue?\n(c) Burn out is a critical factor resulting in demotivation of employees. What steps should the private companies and government take in this regard? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"9. As a research and development analyst in a leading nutraceutical company, you have been actively involved in the development of a nutrient-rich biomass that improves skin and bone health. The research outcomes are promising, and your team is enthusiastic about the upcoming product launch. During routine inter-team meetings, you accidentally come across research trials and documents related to another product of your company. This product claims to reduce weight and enhance immunity, but upon closer inspection, you discover that the trials were falsely conducted, and the research outcomes were generalized, however, there were no side-effects of the product. The product works on the placebo effect only. The team responsible for this product seems to have overlooked taking these documents along with them after the inter-team meeting. As per company's policy, going through the research trials of other teams is strictly prohibited. The false claims associated with this product contribute significantly to its high sales within the company. If the information regarding the false claims is revealed, it could potentially harm the company, leading to severe consequences such as closure, and jeopardize the years of hard work you have invested in your product, which has genuine and significant results for preventive healthcare.\n(a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\n(b) Evaluate the options available to you.\n(c) What will be your course of action? Justify. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"10 Anmol, the Chief Development Officer of a remote and aspirational district in India, faces a complex ethical dilemma. The district benefitted from the government's recent development initiatives, but it still struggles in the fields of health and education. Partnering with a national NGO, Anmol has seen significant improvements in these areas, especially during natural disasters when the NGO's role in delivering lifesaving medicines was critical. During one such disaster, the NGO played a significant role in providing critical life-saving medicines to people and prevented the loss of lives and spread of communicable diseases. Anmol's as well as the NGO's work during this time was recognised widely and even rewarded by the state and Central governments. However, Anmol later learned that the NGO has been involved in bribing local officials to operate effectively. This practice, although illegal, is seemingly widespread in the district. Anmol is now at a crossroads, having to decide how to address this issue without jeopardizing the essential services provided by the NGO, as they complement the government's efforts and there are no viable alternatives in the region.\n(a) What are the ethical issues involved in this case?\n(b) List the options available to Anmol and evaluate their merits and demerits.\n(c) Which option should Anmol choose and why? Justify with arguments. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"(a) What are the ethical issues involved in the given case?\n(b) In light of the above case, discuss the ethical considerations regarding disparities in remuneration between top-level leaders and their subordinates in corporate organizations. (Answer in 250 words)\na What are the ethical issues involved in the given case?\nb In light of the above case, discuss the ethical considerations regarding disparities in remuneration between top-level leaders and their subordinates in corporate organizations. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"12. (a) विक्रम द्वारा AI सिस्टम विकसित करते समय सामना किए जाने वाले नैतिक मुद्दों की पहचान कीजिए।\n(b) इस मामले को सुलझाने के लिए विक्रम के पास कौन-कौन से विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\n(c) नैतिकता AI सिस्टम का अभिन्न अंग कैसे बन सकती है? (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में दीजिए)\na) विक्रम द्वारा AI सिस्टम विकसित करते समय सामना किए जाने वाले नैतिक मुद्दों की पहचान कीजिए।\nb) इस मामले को सुलझाने के लिए विक्रम के पास कौन-कौन से विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nc) नैतिकता AI सिस्टम का अभिन्न अंग कैसे बन सकती है? (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":56,"question":"(a) Identify the ethical issues faced by Vikram in developing the AI system.\n(b) What are the options available to Vikram in addressing this case?\n(c) How can ethics be an integral component of AI systems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":2787,"topper":"G T Srujana","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5d8e4-346699_2366_gudelli_srujana_rank_55.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) How can the family effectively transmit core moral principles in an era dominated by digital influences? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) Though conscience generally serves as a crucial guide in ethical decision-making, it is sometimes fraught with limitations. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) What ethical principles should govern the utilization of public funds? Discuss the moral implications of using taxpayer money to bail out large corporations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) Probity means more than just the avoidance of corrupt or dishonest conduct. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"3 (a) What does the following quotation convey to you in the present context.\n\"To educate a man in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society.\" - Theodore Roosevelt (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) \"Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.\" - Henry Ford (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"3. (c) \"Laws are silent in times of war.\" - Cicero (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"4. (a) Good corporate governance is about intellectual honesty and not just sticking to rules and regulations. Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"4. (b) In general, the higher a position in an organization, the more emotional intelligence matters. Do you agree with this view? Give reasons in support of your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"5. (a) In addition to neutrality and non-partisanship, tolerance and inclusion are other important values that facilitate the civil servants to be more competent in a diverse country like India. Explain with suitable illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"5. (b) What are the key principles of public service delivery? Discuss the challenges associated with providing effective public service delivery in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"6. (a) When it comes to attitudinal change towards sustainable development, behavioural nudges are the way forward. Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"6. (b) What lessons can be learnt from the life of Mother Teresa? Discuss their relevance in the contemporary world. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"7. You are the Superintendent of Police in a city hosting a major religious festival at a temple. The event is expected to attract over a million pilgrims, far exceeding the temple's infrastructure capacity. Despite extensive planning and precautionary measures, a sudden crowd surge near the main shrine entrance has resulted in a stampede, causing multiple casualties and numerous injuries. The situation has escalated, with panic spreading among the devotees present at the temple.\n\nAdding to the complexity, instances of fake news are rapidly circulating through WhatsApp groups and social media platforms, falsely attributing the stampede to communal clashes. This misinformation is causing widespread panic among the general public and threatens to ignite communal riots in the district.\n\nAs the Superintendent of Police, you find yourself at the center of this crisis, faced with the dual challenge of managing the immediate aftermath of the stampede and countering the spread of potentially dangerous misinformation.\n(a) Identify the main stakeholders involved in this case.\n(b) As the Superintendent of Police, what measures would you take to manage the stampede situation and counter the spread of fake news through social media?\n(c) Discuss the ethical considerations you must keep in mind while balancing public safety and the sentiments of religious authorities and devotees. (Answer in about 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"in around 250"},{"page":30,"question":"(a) Identify the key stakeholders involved in this case.\n(b) Explain the measures you, as the Superintendent of Police, will take to address the stampede situation and curb the spread of fake news through social media.\n(c) Discuss the ethical considerations you must keep in mind while implementing these measures, particularly in balancing public safety with individual rights and religious sentiments. (Answer in 250 words)\na) Identify the key stakeholders involved in this case.\nb) Explain the measures you, as the Superintendent of Police, will take to address the stampede situation and curb the spread of fake news through social media.\nc) Discuss the ethical considerations you must keep in mind while implementing these measures, particularly in balancing public safety with individual rights and religious sentiments.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"8 Ravi Sharma, a renowned movie actor, finds himself in an ethical dilemma regarding a lucrative endorsement deal offered by a prominent bottled water company.\nHowever, the bottled water company is a subsidiary of a major alcohol brand, and the water bottles carry the same branding as the alcohol products. The advertising campaign is designed to reinforce the alcohol brand's image under the guise of promoting a healthy product.\nRavi is known for his socially responsible public image and advocacy for healthy living. He is deeply aware of the harmful effects of alcohol, having lost a close family member to an alcohol-related illness. However, the financial reward from this endorsement deal is substantial and could significantly support Ravi's philanthropic activities, particularly his initiatives for providing education and healthcare to underprivileged communities.\nThis situation places Ravi at a crossroads, forcing him to choose between accepting a deal that could indirectly promote alcohol use and rejecting it on ethical grounds, potentially foregoing significant funding for his charitable work.\n(a) What are the ethical issues involved in Ravi's decision to endorse the bottled water product?\n(b) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the decision of Ravi Sharma to endorse the bottled water product of the company.\n(c) How can Ravi Sharma use his influence to promote ethical business practices in the advertising industry?","marks":null,"words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":35,"question":"(b) and (c) (b) Discuss the broader implications of celebrity endorsements and their influence on public health and consumer behaviour.\n(c) How can public figures like Ravi use their influence to promote ethical business practices in the advertising industry? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"9. You are posted as the District Magistrate in a predominantly agricultural district. Recently, the region has been hit by unseasonal rainfall, causing severe crop damage and pushing the farming community to the brink of crisis. The situation is further exacerbated by widespread corruption in the food grain procurement system.\n\nYou have received reports about rampant malpractices in the warehouses responsible for procuring food grains from farmers. These corrupt practices include deliberate delays in the procurement process, manipulation of weighing scales, arbitrary quality rejections, and demands for bribes from desperate farmers. As a result, farmers are facing significant financial losses, with many unable to recover even their input costs.\n\nMany farmers are unable to sell their produce, while others are forced to sell at prices far below the Minimum Support Price (MSP). This has led to financial distress for the farming community.\n\nAdding to the complexity, you have received reports suggesting that some local politicians and influential businessmen are involved in these corrupt practices, benefiting from the farmers' misery. There are also rumors of potential farmer protests and agitations if immediate action is not taken.\n(a) Identify the main stakeholders involved in this issue and their related interests.\n(b) Discuss the tactical measures you would adopt to provide relief to the affected farming community.\n(c) Critically analyze the measures you have chosen and discuss the ethical dilemmas you might face while implementing them. Also, suggest how you would resolve these dilemmas. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"As the District Magistrate, you are faced with the challenge of addressing both the immediate crisis and the systemic issues that have led to this situation.\n(a) Identify the key stakeholders involved in this case and their respective interests.\n(b) Discuss the immediate measures you will take to provide relief to the affected farming community.\n(c) Discuss the ethical dilemmas you might face while implementing your chosen course of action and how you would navigate them.","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":44,"question":"10. Mr. V, recently appointed as the head of Aztack's India division, faces a significant ethical dilemma regarding the company's baby food products. Recently, it has come to public attention that Aztack's baby products in India contain nearly 3 grams of sugar per serving, while similar products in wealthier nations like Germany and the UK have no added sugar. Aztack defends this practice, stating that the sugar levels comply with local regulations. However, the nutritional information on these products omits details about added sugars. This revelation has sparked backlash from civil society, NGOs, and health experts, who argue that added sugar in baby products is dangerous and unnecessary. The criticism is growing, putting Aztack's reputation and market position at risk. Mr. V faces a serious challenge. Removing these baby products from the market could result in significant financial losses for the company, potentially leading to employee layoffs and even the possibility of the company shutting down, given its already precarious financial state. The senior management is pressuring him to resolve the issue without making drastic changes that could affect the company's profit.\n(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.\n(b) Evaluate the options available to Mr. V in the above situation.\n(c) Which of the above would be the most appropriate option for Mr. V and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"11. (a) इस प्रकरण में शारीरिक नैतिक मुद्दों का उल्लेख कीजिए।\n(b) सागर के समक्ष उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन कीजिए।\n(c) उन्हें क्या कार्यवाही करनी चाहिए? अपने उत्तर के समर्थन में कारण बताइए। (250 शब्दों में उत्तर लिखिए)\na) इस प्रकरण में शारीरिक नैतिक मुद्दों का उल्लेख कीजिए।\nb) सागर के समक्ष उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन कीजिए।\nc) उन्हें क्या कार्यवाही करनी चाहिए? अपने उत्तर के समर्थन में कारण बताइए। (250 शब्दों में उत्तर लिखिए)","marks":null,"words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":50,"question":"(a) State the ethical issues involved in this case.\n(b) Evaluate the options available to Sagar.\n(c) What should be his course of action? Give reasons to support your answer. (Answer in 250 words)\na) State the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb) Evaluate the options available to Sagar.\nc) What should be his course of action? Give reasons to support your answer. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":56,"question":"(a) and (b) (a) इस प्रकरण में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\n(b) परीक्षा प्रोटोकॉल सुनिश्चित करने के लिए उत्तरदायी व्यक्ति के रूप में, आपके पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं? आप क्या कार्रवाई करेंगे और क्यों? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)\na इस प्रकरण में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\nb परीक्षा प्रोटोकॉल सुनिश्चित करने के लिए उत्तरदायी व्यक्ति के रूप में, आपके पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं? आप क्या कार्रवाई करेंगे और क्यों? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":57,"question":"As you stand there, torn between your professional duty and your love for your daughter, you realize the weight of the decision before you. The integrity of the entire examination system hangs in the balance, as does the future of millions of students - including your own child.\n(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.\n(b) As a person responsible for ensuring exam protocols, what are the options available to you? What course of action will you follow and why?(Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":2788,"topper":"Gaddam Sudheer Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/98287-660836_1416_gaddam-sudheer-kumar-reddy_rank_69.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the significance of ethical work culture, suggest ways by which it can be imbibed in an organization. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Upholding probity in governance is not only contingent on values of an individual but also the processes of the institution. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The nature of a business's operations has a major influence on the ethical issues with which it must contend. Giving examples, discuss how business ethics is crucial in today's world. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"An honest bureaucrat can be put to inconvenience but the dishonest one is more likely to suffer in the long run. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The notion of an ethical foreign policy downplays the realities of international politics. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Conscience can neither be silent nor delayed as a source of ethical guidance. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"Children are great imitators, so give them something great to imitate.\" In this context, discuss the importance of role models in inculcating values in children. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The Covid-19 pandemic has brought with itself an environment of uncertainties and hardships. In this context, discuss the significance of emotional intelligence in dealing with the situation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Bring out the role of social media in shaping one's moral and political attitude. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":34,"question":"In recent times, the country witnessed protests based on opposition to some steps taken by the government. Whereas, mostly these were peaceful protests, at a few places these activities turned violent leading to destruction of public property. In some places government arrested few of the protesters and imposed heavy fines on them for the destruction of the property. In case they could not pay, their private property was confiscated by the government to pay for the damage done to the public property. In addition to this, some governments published the photographs, names and addresses of those accused of vandalism during protests at various locations. (a) What are the issues of public importance at stake in this case? (b) Are their any ethical or legal principles at play here which may be conflicting? (c) What should be the principles guiding a democratic state in such circumstances?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"The global toll of the COVID-19 pandemic is enormous: more than a half-million lives lost, hundreds of millions out of work, and trillions of dollars of wealth destroyed. And the disease has by no means run its course. There is tremendous interest in the development of a vaccine, with more than a hundred initiatives under way around the world. Even if one or more vaccines emerge that promise to make people less susceptible to COVID-19, the public-health problem will not be eliminated. But policymakers can avert some foreseeable problems by starting to address key questions about financing and distribution now. In view of the above scenario, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the different stakeholders involved in this scenario. (b) Identify some of the ethical questions and issues that are likely to emerge as the vaccine becomes available. (c) Who, in your opinion, should be amongst the first recipients of the vaccine? Give reasons for your answer.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are the head of a PSU, which has recently been entrusted with construction of a new airport in a metropolitan city. However, the area in the immediate neighbourhood of the proposed airport runways have large tracts of land occupied by dense slum settlements. If the airport is to be constructed, approximately 75,000 slum families will have to be humanly rehabilitated. The sheer scale of this rehabilitation, almost similar to an urban renewal, has thrown up many challenges. Foremost among these is identifying an appropriate location for rehabilitation of slum dwellers. You are faced with the following options in this regard, each of which have their own merits and demerits: (a) There is no reasonably priced land in close vicinity of the present slums. A vacant parcel of land that you have identified close-by will have to be developed afresh along with all civic amenities, and this will entail huge cost for the PSU. (b) There is another location, which is very far-off where a factory once stood. All the required civic amenities are in place here and the factory can be converted into appropriate houses at little cost to the PSU. However, there will be loss of livelihood on relocation to this area because of its distance from the current slum location. (c) There is yet another site, which can be used for rehabilitation at reasonable cost. Neither is it too far nor will it entail huge monetary cost, but exercising this option involves cutting a large number of trees, which may adversely affect the ecology of the area. This is likely to face resistance from environmental groups. Given the above options and the associated challenges, which of these sites will you choose for rehabilitation of slum dwellers? Provide adequate justification for your choice.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"You are an Indian Forest Service Officer posted in a division which falls in the coastal regulation zone and contains multiple wildlife sanctuaries. Recently, the State government has brought up a proposal of a new food processing park in your division. Under the proposal, around 175 square kilometers of forest land will be acquired as per the law. The developers of the project claim the various socio-economic benefits it can provide to the people in the area. Due to this a sizeable chunk of trees will be uprooted. There are studies which suggest that such initiatives have a long-term impact on wildlife and also leads to human-wildlife conflict. Some residents living in the periphery of the forest have supported this move in hope of employment opportunities. However, traditional dwellers of the forests have protested against this move. The government has constituted a committee to frame guidelines for sustainable operation of this project. The committee has asked for your suggestions in this regard. (a) Identify the principles and values that would guide your suggestions in this regard. (b) What course of action should be taken in order to balance the social and environmental needs in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":55,"question":"The RTI Act, which became operational in 2005 empowers the Indian citizens to seek information from public authorities. This, in effect, makes the Government and its functionaries more accountable and responsible. However, it has faced resistance because of the entrenched bureaucratic culture and it is taking time to change the mindset of the people in the government to new realities in wake of the act. This has led to implementation issues and questions have also been raised against the effectiveness of the act in achieving its desired objectives. Apart from this, certain issues related to the information seeker have also been raised from time to time. In view of the innumerable challenges answer the following: (a) Explain the importance of a transparent government system in a democracy, like India. (b) Elaborate on the challenges that the implementation of RTI has faced, in the context of information seeker (demand-side) as well as those entrusted to give information (supply-side). (c) Discuss the role that such a legislation can be expected to play given the ground realities in our country. How can it be ensured that such legislations are effective in achieving their envisaged objectives?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2789,"topper":"Gaddam Sudheer Kumar","air":69,"year":2021,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ad897-660836_1420_gaddam-sudheer-kumar-reddy_rank_69.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2790,"topper":"Gaddam Sudheer Kumar","air":69,"year":2021,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6ffae-660836_1525_gaddam-sudheer-kumar-reddy_rank_69.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2791,"topper":"Gaddam Sudheer Kumar Reddy","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2a4cc-660836_1523_gaddam-sudheer-kumar-reddy_rank_69.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Enumerate the issues associated with functioning of the Central Information Commission. How can these issues be addressed? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"In India, Governor's discretionary powers are wider than those of the President. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the objectives that were sought to be achieved through tribunals. How successful have they been in meeting them? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Instead of the government regulating Over-the-top (OTT) platforms, there have been calls for a self-regulating mechanism for such platforms, as in the case of print media. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Bring out the arguments surrounding the issue of some states reserving jobs for locals in the private sector. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Identifying the key elements of Mission Karmayogi, briefly explain how it can lead to holistic development of the human resources and state's capacity. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlighting the role played by ASHA workers in public health system of India, discuss the challenges faced by them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"While internationalisation of higher education has many potential benefits for India, certain challenges will need to be addressed in this regard. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"India needs to adopt a more pragmatic stance in the context of the ongoing intra-Afghan talks. Discuss, in the light of India's engagement with Afghanistan. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In the geo-strategic context of West Asia, the recent efforts to normalise relations between Israel and UAE may open new possibilities for India. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"It is not only the content of election manifestos but also the past performance with respect to promises made in election manifestos that need to be regulated. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"In order to achieve a reduction in the pendency of cases and a return to the Supreme Court's original role as a final appellate court, setting up of a National Court of Appeal is the need of the hour. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"The Constitution of India reflects an amalgamation of spirit of Indian freedom struggle and various administrative provisions of different acts of British rule in India. Explain. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Mention the key components of the SVAMITVA scheme. Also, highlight its intended benefits and discuss the potential issues in its implementation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Sharing of information among all stakeholders in government functioning is a leading practice towards good governance. Discuss with examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"India has an oversized and bloated government which acts as a drag on economic efficiency and growth. Critically evaluate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Though the National Digital Health Mission is a step in the right direction for both patients and the healthcare system, concerns around data privacy need to be addressed. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"One Nation One Ration card has the potential to significantly transform the lives of migrant workers in India. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The World Trade Organization is buffeted by multiple challenges which have eroded the credibility of the organization. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"BIMSTEC is indispensable for India's efforts in promoting regional cooperation and integration in the neighbourhood. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2792,"topper":"Gaddam Sudheer Kumar Reddy","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/29562-660836_1417_gaddam-sudheer-kumar-reddy_rank_69.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Dadabhai Naoroji left an indelible imprint on the national movement. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Quit India movement marked a new direction in the struggle against the British colonial rule in India. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The end of World War II marked the birth of a new international order. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Simla Agreement (1972) and Lahore Declaration (1999) are two key milestones in the history of the Indian subcontinent. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Social security should not only involve economic empowerment but also social empowerment. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Explain with examples how globalisation is manifested in both local in the global and the global in the local. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"In light of persistence of various forms of violence against women in India, discuss the ways in which the issue can be addressed effectively. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What is an urban forest? Highlight its benefits and steps taken by the government to promote urban forestry in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How has globalization impacted the location of the IT industry? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"How can eco-tourism be used to sustainably harness the potential of tourism industry in India? Discuss the challenges and steps taken by the government in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The advent of Buddhism and Jainism was instrumental in the development of architecture in ancient India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"The reactionary policies of Lord Lytton and the liberal policies of his successor Lord Rippon acted as catalyst in the formation of the Indian National Congress. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Gandhiji changed his methods of struggle against the British from time-to-time to suit the varied circumstances and problems that needed to be tackled. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Bring out the relationship between the industrial revolution and the advent of imperialism in different parts of the world. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"The caste system in India has continued to persist by adapting itself to a variety of changing socio-economic and political conditions in the past few decades. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"It is argued by some that regionalism is a threat to national integrity while others consider it as a highly impactful tool in facilitating political participation. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Describe the process of rift valley formation, with special emphasis on the Great Rift Valley System. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"India's water resources have witnessed rapid depletion due to a mix of economic, geographic, and political factors. Explain and discuss its implications. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"How are plateaus formed? Also, briefly discuss the features of the Deccan plateau and its economic significance. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2793,"topper":"Gaddam Sudheer Kumar Reddy","air":69,"year":2021,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/69370-660836_1419_gaddam-sudheer-kumar-reddy_rank_69.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2794,"topper":"Gagan Singh Meena","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8290e-157121_1457_gagan-singh-meena_rank-120.pdf","questions":[{"page":13,"question":"Legislative measures are not enough to ensure the safety of women.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2795,"topper":"Gagan Singh Meena","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/73bad-157121_1456_gagan-singh-meena_rank-120.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Indo-Pacific: one Region, multiple Interests.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Indo-Pacific: one Region, multiple Interests. 8. Gandhiji's talisman : a compass for good governance","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Gandhiji's talisman : a compass for good governance","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2796,"topper":"Gagan Singh Meena","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/354ff-157121_1524_gagan-singh-meena_rank-120.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Tenancy reforms are much needed to give a boost to the Indian agricultural sector. Comment. In this context, also discuss the significance of the Model Land Leasing Act, 2016. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"India's march towards inclusive growth and it achieving the Sustainable Development Goals are intricately linked. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Highlight the need for evolving an appropriate system of Rules Of Origin in regional trading arrangements. What steps have been taken by India recently in this regard? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"MSP regime is a creation of an era of scarcity in the 1960s. Discuss its relevance in the current era of surplus agricultural production. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Examine the link between the recent locust attack and climate change. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Highlighting the properties of Carbon Nanotubes, discuss its applications. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"India's domestic patent regime privileges public health over pharmaceutical industry's interests. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Bring out the arguments surrounding the idea of employing the principle of 'one border - one force' on Indian borders. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Assess the need to create a new cadre of Indian Frontier Administrative Service to undertake the vital tasks at Indian frontiers. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The main objective of Union Budget 2020-21 is to provide \"Ease of Living\" to all citizens. Analyse the framework proposed in the Budget 2020-21 to achieve this objective. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"Several challenges are needed to be addressed to realise the full benefits of the recent agricultural marketing reforms. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Multimodal transport requires multiple integrations across different modes of transportation. Substantiate. What are the challenges and opportunities associated with multimodal transportation for India? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Climate Change and the associated events endanger the marine and coastal ecosystems while increasing the vulnerability of coastal population. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Using examples, highlight how natural ecosystems perform different hazard mitigation functions. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Explain what genome sequencing is and state the challenges in scaling up genome sequencing projects. Also, throw some light on the recently launched IndiGen Project. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"India needs to avert radicalisation and societal dissention, as internal faultlines are a breeding ground for cyber and transnational terrorism. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Given the emerging security challenges, discuss why the establishment of Integrated Theatre Commands is being seen as an important defence reform. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2797,"topper":"Gagan Singh Meena","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/caa6c-157121_1523_gagan-singh-meena_rank-120.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Enumerate the issues associated with functioning of the Central Information Commission. How can these issues be addressed? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"In India, Governor's discretionary powers are wider than those of the President. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Highlight the objectives that were sought to be achieved through tribunals. How successful have they been in meeting them? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Instead of the government regulating Over-the-top (OTT) platforms, there have been calls for a self-regulating mechanism for such platforms, as in the case of print media. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Bring out the arguments surrounding the issue of some states reserving jobs for locals in the private sector. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Identifying the key elements of Mission Karmayogi, briefly explain how it can lead to holistic development of the human resources and state's capacity. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Highlighting the role played by ASHA workers in public health system of India, discuss the challenges faced by them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"While internationalisation of higher education has many potential benefits for India, certain challenges will need to be addressed in this regard. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"India needs to adopt a more pragmatic stance in the context of the ongoing intra-Afghan talks. Discuss, in the light of India's engagement with Afghanistan. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"In the geo-strategic context of West Asia, the recent efforts to normalise relations between Israel and UAE may open new possibilities for India. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"It is not only the content of election manifestos but also the past performance with respect to promises made in election manifestos that need to be regulated. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"In order to achieve a reduction in the pendency of cases and a return to the Supreme Court's original role as a final appellate court, setting up of a National Court of Appeal is the need of the hour. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"The Constitution of India reflects an amalgamation of spirit of Indian freedom struggle and various administrative provisions of different acts of British rule in India. Explain. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Mention the key components of the SVAMITVA scheme. Also, highlight its intended benefits and discuss the potential issues in its implementation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Sharing of information among all stakeholders in government functioning is a leading practice towards good governance. Discuss with examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"India has an oversized and bloated government which acts as a drag on economic efficiency and growth. Critically evaluate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Though the National Digital Health Mission is a step in the right direction for both patients and the healthcare system, concerns around data privacy need to be addressed. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"One Nation One Ration card has the potential to significantly transform the lives of migrant workers in India. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"The World Trade Organization is buffeted by multiple challenges which have eroded the credibility of the organization. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"BIMSTEC is indispensable for India's efforts in promoting regional cooperation and integration in the neighbourhood. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2798,"topper":"Gagan Singh Meena","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e29c9-157121_1417_gagan-singh-meena_rank-120.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Dadabhai Naoroji left an indelible imprint on the national movement. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"The Quit India movement marked a new direction in the struggle against the British colonial rule in India. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"The end of World War II marked the birth of a new international order. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The Simla Agreement (1972) and Lahore Declaration (1999) are two key milestones in the history of the Indian subcontinent. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Social security should not only involve economic empowerment but also social empowerment. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Explain with examples how globalisation is manifested in both local in the global and the global in the local. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"How can eco-tourism be used to sustainably harness the potential of tourism industry in India? Discuss the challenges and steps taken by the government in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The advent of Buddhism and Jainism was instrumental in the development of architecture in ancient India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"The reactionary policies of Lord Lytton and the liberal policies of his successor Lord Rippon acted as catalyst in the formation of the Indian National Congress. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Gandhiji changed his methods of struggle against the British from time-to-time to suit the varied circumstances and problems that needed to be tackled. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2799,"topper":"Gagan Singh Meena","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5fdb6-157121_1420_gagan-singh-meena_rank-120.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Man is not only a product of his environment but can also modify the environment. Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer with suitable examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Though it may seem that accountability and efficiency are antithetical to each other, accountability is a sine qua non for good governance. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Gandhian ideals can be of immense help in dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic. Evaluate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"While civil servants have the legal right to undertake post-retirement jobs, it raises key ethical issues. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) Try not to become a man of success but rather try to become a man of value. Albert Einstein (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"When people use a common resource without a coordinated plan the result is often a tragedy of the commons in which the resource is depleted. In this context, discuss the various ethical challenges arising out of utilization of Global Commons. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"While a code of conduct merely establishes minimal standards of conduct, a better strategy to promote ethical work culture is through internalization of values. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"A state that does not have the political will and the discipline to enforce probity in governance, can not get rid of the menace of prolonged corruption. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"India cannot march successfully in to the 21st century with the administrative system having a colonial mindset. Discuss in context of the bureaucratic work culture in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Which corporate leader has inspired you the most and what moral lessons have you learnt from their life? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Increasing participation of people in governance and easy access to information is what transforms governance to good governance. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"It is sometimes believed that moral scrupulousness in one's private life automatically guarantees high moral stature in professional life. Do you agree? Justify your stand with logical arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"You are working as a District Magistrate in an aspirational district where women literacy and sex ratio is one of the lowest in the country. It is brought to your notice that a woman who has been elected as 'Sarpanch' on a seat reserved for women candidates in a panchayat in your district is head 'only on the paper'. All the work related to the panchayat is actually carried out by her husband. Even the flag hoisting ceremony on Independence Day is carried out by her husband. However, her husband happens to be a good administrator as indicated by that panchayat's performance on various developmental parameters as compared to other panchayats in the district. Also, her husband enjoys the support of the local people. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders and issues involved in this case? (b) What options are available to you as the District Magistrate in such a scenario? Also, evaluate each option and indicate what option will you choose.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"You are posted as Superintendent of Police in a district. A case has come up in which more than 30 girls were allegedly raped and sexually exploited at the city shelter home run by an NGO. The scandal came to light when media flagged complaints of sexual abuse of inmates of the city shelter home. A nexus of police, politicians, administration and criminals have been allegedly responsible for the racket going on for the last few years. In light of this, a lot of protests have erupted across the city. While, on one hand, media glare has meant that people are demanding swift action, you have been asked to go slow in investigating the case by top officers in your department. Elections in the state are due in a few months, so it has become a politically sensitive issue. You are also under immense political pressure from the ruling party to not take strict action and make compromises to cover up the case. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the issues involved in the case. (b) What are the options available to you? Which of these options will you choose? Justify your stand with logical arguments.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"Being the senior-most IAS officer, you are in line to be promoted as Chief Secretary after the incumbent retires in the next two months. Currently, you are heading the Public Works Department (PWD) and a road construction project worth crores has been opened for tender. A company X belonging to the son-in-law of the incumbent Chief Minister has also applied for the same. The director in charge of the screening process, a young IAS officer, has reported that company Y and the state PSU have submitted the best bids. Both you and the director are facing political pressure to favour the company X. The young IAS officer may be demoralised if you give in to the pressure. But if you don't give in then he may be transferred and your chances of promotion may also suffer. In light of the situation, answer the following: (a) Discuss the ethical issues faced by you in the given case. (b) What are the options available to you? Which of these options will you choose? Justify your stand with logical arguments.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"As the head of the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), you are tasked to complete the construction of a power plant. The project needs to be completed expeditiously to fulfil the promise made by the government to ensure access to power for all. The selected site is in a remote area and is ideal for plant construction. However, the project would require relocation of the people living in the vicinity. Initially, the local community objected to disruption in their lives but were convinced later about the economic benefits that would accrue to the region through this plant. The project had started gathering pace, but recently a local NGO working for environment protection got involved with the local community regarding the issue. And now the local community has started protesting against any developmental activity in the region. As the officer-in-charge for the speedy execution of the project, answer the following: (a) What are the issues involved in this case? (b) What course of action will you take and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"Genetic editing has several applications with its potential to edit the genomes of both somatic and germ cells. This allows for the ability to not only cure genetic diseases but to edit the characteristics of future offspring. The last few years have seen the development of several efficient, more precise genetic engineering techniques. However, with growing sophistication, various issues of bioethics have also have come to the forefront. (a) Discuss the ethical considerations associated with genome editing. (b) In the light of these ethical issues, provide an ethical framework on how this technology can be used for the betterment of humanity.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2800,"topper":"Gamini Singla","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3a69a-1016167_1515_gamini-singla_rank_03.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the meaning of off-budget borrowings and its role in helping the government raise funds for various expenditures. Also, comment on its desirability. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"It is argued that genetically modified food crops are required to ensure food security of India. Examine in view of concerns regarding introduction of GM crops. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"India's price intervention policies to support its agricultural sector not only create a broken system but also complicate matters related to international trade rules. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"India has an opportunity to become a leading global food supplier provided it has an efficient supply chain and the right marketing strategies. (150 words) 10 Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Land banks are increasingly gaining prominence in India to encourage land-use efficiency and enable economic growth. In this context, discuss the benefits of a land bank and state the concerns associated with it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Desertification has been described as one of the greatest environmental challenges of our time and climate change is making it worse. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In the context of intellectual property rights, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of releasing projects under an 'Open Source' license. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"\"Indian space sector has been dominated by a single umbrella of government and government institutions.\" In light of the statement, discuss the significance of Indian Space Association in providing an impetus to space technology in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Man and machine both have an important role in national security and making urban areas secure. In this context, discuss how technology is a major stakeholder in addressing the internal security challenges of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"National Security Guard (NSG) has emerged as a formidable force equipped to handle various manifestations of terrorism. Discuss the mandate and achievements of this force. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do you understand by asset monetisation? Why is it needed in India? In this context, discuss the issues that need to be addressed for the National Monetisation Pipeline to succeed. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"What is social stock exchange (SSE)? Discuss the need for setting up of SSEs and key challenges in their effective implementation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the context of India, highlight the importance of agriculture extension. What are the challenges faced in provisioning of agriculture extension services? How does the National Mission on Agricultural Extension & Technology (NMAET) address these issues? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Clearly delineate the 'employment problem' that India currently faces. Also, explain the fundamental reasons behind existence of this problem. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Although steps have been taken for integrating the dispersed logistics activities of maritime trade, much more needs to be done to make India a maritime powerhouse. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Accounting for natural capital and ecosystem services is crucial to understand the link between the economy and environment. Discuss with specific references to India's initiatives in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Rapid and unplanned urbanisation accompanied by population growth have increased both the risk and impact of natural disasters. Discuss the statement along with adequate measures to address the relevant concerns in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"National Hydrogen Mission can be a game changer for India's rising energy demands. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Despite geo-strategic instability of its region and a keen awareness of the cyber threat it faces, India has made only 'modest progress' in developing its policy and doctrine for cyberspace security. Critically examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Developmental interventions alone cannot play a defining role in the resolution of existing and protracted internal conflicts in various parts of India within a reasonable time frame. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2801,"topper":"Gamini Singla","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9e7ef-1016167_1514_gamini-singla_rank_03.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the changes introduced by the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) Amendment Act, 2021, analyse various issues with the amended Act. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Are there valid arguments for continuing with sedition law in 21st century democratic India? Discuss in light of the debate surrounding it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Identify the issues that have contributed to a decline in the performance of Parliamentary Standing Committees. How can these issues be addressed? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Despite being a non-constitutional body, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) has wielded immense decision-making power in India. Discuss the advantages and issues associated with it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the role of data in governance in India. Also, state the various challenges in this regard and suggest remedial measures. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"With specific examples, elaborate upon the conditions that led to the emergence of a new civil society in urban India in the last few decades. Also, highlight its contribution towards effecting governance and policy changes. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The Gati Shakti mission has the potential to not only address the issue of infrastructure bottlenecks but also streamline the governance processes in the country. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Giving an account of the issues faced by workers in the informal sector, discuss whether the recently launched e-Shram portal can help in addressing them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Clarifying the significance of the recent developments on the issue of global minimum tax, discuss its prospects and challenges for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Announcement of the AUKUS security pact heralds a new era of global geo-politics. Comment. Also, discuss how it may affect India's interests. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Effective devolution of finances is an important requirement for Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) to fulfill their objectives. Discuss while also elaborating on the reasons behind lack of financial resources for PRIs in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Judicial activism is a necessary tool to guard against \"legislative adventurism and executive excesses\". Critically discuss in the context of the doctrine of separation of powers as provided in the Constitution of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The electoral bond scheme is part of what appears to be a growing trend away from transparency and accountability in electoral funding. Critically analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The significance of the principle of subsidiarity was well reflected in the management of the COVID-19 pandemic. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Social media has ushered in greater transparency and accountability in governance. But accountability through social media is no alternative to institutional accountability. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Although the State has the right incentives and intentions to deliver public services efficiently, its capacity to do so is questionable. Critically discuss in the context of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The problem of hunger in India does not lie in food production but various other underlying issues. Discuss in the wake of decline in India's ranking in the Global Hunger Index, 2021. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Democratization of primary healthcare is indispensable for fulfilling the objectives of equitable and comprehensive care in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"In the context of the evolving discourse on the Indo Pacific, analyse the factors driving the global shift towards the region. Also, identify India's interests and challenges in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India's Afghanistan policy must be based on a clear-eyed understanding of important strategic goals in the region amidst the current regional and global strategic environment. Elaborate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2802,"topper":"Gamini Singla","air":3,"year":2021,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/57762-1016167_1987_gamini-singla_rank_03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2803,"topper":"Gamini Singla","air":3,"year":2021,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9825a-1016167_1987_gamini-singla_rank-1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2804,"topper":"Gamini Singla","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_vZz68bpIiLACc8kDlCl4YOH4D-DGWnL/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) Open Government Data (OGD) can be seen as a step towards greater transparency and accountability in India. In this context, discuss the benefits of OGD and the challenges which lie therein.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) An important requisite for ensuring probity in governance is absence of corruption. Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) Enumerate the decisive factors behind moral attitude. Also, discuss any incident from your life wherein you brought about a change in someone's attitude around an important social issue.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) Highlighting the importance of whistle-blowing in an organisation, discuss the systemic factors that determine whether a person would become a whistle-blower.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"3. (a) Transparent governance promises an accountable state but a balance has to be achieved between disclosure requirements and administrative privileges for efficient governance. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) Citizen empowerment is a natural outcome of a Citizen's Charter. Critically evaluate in the Indian context.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"4. (a) Emotional Intelligence is an essential ingredient for successful implementation of pandemic induced emergency response. Comment in the light of COVID-19 pandemic.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"4. (b) Discretionary power by itself is not pure evil but gives much room for misuse. Discuss in the context of administration in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"5. (a) Explain the ethical issues involved in spending government funds for advertisement campaigns and publicity.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"5. (b) Explaining the concept of political neutrality, discuss its significance in administration. Also, highlight how the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules seek to ensure political neutrality in the civil services.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"6. (b) \"Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.\" - Albert Einstein","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"6. (c) \"Virtue lies in our power, and similarly so does vice; because where it is in our power to act, it is also in our power not to act.\" — Aristotle","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"7. Party X has a clear majority in the Lok Sabha. However, because of it falling short of majority in the Rajya Sabha, a large number of its bills are getting stalled in the Upper House. Elections of a key state are around the corner and the party desperately needs to win, for it to secure a majority in the Rajya Sabha. As part of its campaign strategy, the social media head of the party suggests an insidious strategy to make electoral gains. A part of the strategy involves sending out questionnaires online and promoting them using ads. The response filled by people to these online questionnaires will help reveal their key personality traits to the social media team of the party. These behavioral science insights would be important in helping candidates tailor their campaign messages according to the recipient's personality traits. However, because the content of the questionnaire is incendiary and polarizing, the social media team decides to use fake accounts to administer data collection on social media platforms to avoid getting penalised. In addition, the strategy also involves sending out provocative content through online ads and fake news reports. This goes against the spirit of free and fair elections and violates the Election Commission guidelines on multiple levels. As one of the key members of the social media team of the party, you have been entrusted with carrying out this campaign successfully.\n(a) What are the key ethical issues involved in this case.\n(b) What is the course of action you would take? Give reasons for your response in a situation like this?","marks":"20","words":"in around 250"},{"page":35,"question":"8. You are an IPS officer on your first posting in a very poor and isolated rural area of one of the most backward states of the country. In your office complex, of which you are the incharge, there is a frequent sewage related problem, causing inconvenience to the employees in your office complex and severely affecting the efficiency of the workplace. It might also lead to health disorders and diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea etc. To resolve it, the cleaning workers are made to do manual scavenging work without due regards to their safety. Most of these workers are from marginalised castes and are discriminated against socially. You are aware of the laws banning manual scavenging and the loopholes around it. In this context, answer the following questions:\n(a) What are the issues which you need to address in this situation?\n(b) Present your course of action to deal with the given situation.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":40,"question":"9. You have recently been posted as a District Development Officer in a traditionally rural area that has seen rapid economic development in the past few years. You notice that there is a huge disparity between the number of male and female children in the area. When you go to the hospital and check the birth registry, you realise that registered new-born babies are mostly males. On further investigation, you notice a similar pattern in the village primary school, which has more male students than females. When you raise the issue with your colleagues, they ignore it and carry on with their work. You suspect that the practice of female foeticide may be entrenched in the area as you had read about the issue in the context of this state while studying for the Civil Services Examination. It seems to you that respected members of the community like doctors, politicians and government officials have chosen to ignore the issue, given the prevalence of patriarchy and mind-set of voters in the area. Thus, despite rapid economic development, preference for male child continues to persist. Based on the information above, answer the following:\n(a) Do you have any ethical duty in this scenario? Justify your views.\n(b) What would be your next steps and why?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":45,"question":"10. According to some reports, gambling and betting together, while illegal, have evolved into a multi-billion dollar industry in India with one estimate pegging the market at $60 billion. Added to this is the wide reach of cricket as a sport and the periodic cases of betting in it making to news. It has been suggested by some that making gambling and betting legal would resolve many issues and also contribute to the exchequer. On the other hand, there remains a strong opinion against doing so.\n(a) What is your opinion on the matter?\n(b) Also, identify the merits of the arguments in opposition to the stand you have taken.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":50,"question":"11. You work as a marketing consultant for a multinational company that specializes in various products including nutrient supplements, diet pills etc. The company pays its employees extremely well and provides satisfactory fringe benefits. Your manager has hinted that he will recommend you for overseas company transfer, which will improve your job profile. This has motivated you to work harder and perform better. The company has to advertise and sell a new weight loss pill 'X'. As per in-company research, it has minimal or no side effects and has no adverse impacts on health, which is its unique selling point (USP). You are given the responsibility of heading the marketing team for advertising pill 'X'. Due to a well-crafted marketing strategy including endorsement by a renowned celebrity, the product has generated considerable public attention. However, while working on an advertisement campaign for the pill, you find out that the in-company research findings of pill 'X' are fabricated. While it indeed has no side-effects, there are no proven benefits of taking the pill as well. It merely acts as a placebo. When you bring up the issue with your manager, he promptly tells you to keep the facts to yourself. He also indirectly brings up the fact that your performance review date is approaching and hints that you will get transferred overseas if you prove your loyalty to the company. Based on the given information, address the following:\n(a) Identify the stakeholders in this situation.\n(b) State the ethical issues that arise in this case.\n(c) Discuss your options in this scenario and mention your next step.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":51,"question":"दी गई जानकारी के आधार पर, निम्नलिखित प्रश्नों के उत्तर दीजिए:\n(a) इस स्थिति में हितधारकों की पहचान कीजिए।\n(b) इस प्रकरण में उत्पन्न होने वाले नैतिक मुद्दों का उल्लेख कीजिए।\n(c) इस परिदृश्य में अपने विकल्पों की विवेचना कीजिए और अगला अगला कदम का उल्लेख कीजिए।","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":56,"question":"12. There was an incident at a company wherein a fire broke out and led to a number of casualties. During the preliminary inquiry, one of the employees and bystander witnesses, specified that the company had taken all the safety measures and the management was not at fault. During litigation, the same employee was identified as a witness and his deposition was to be taken.\nThe issue is now in the court. You are a Senior Manager of the company and accompanying the said employee to the court for the deposition. On the way the employee tells you that he had lied during the inquiry; and that the truth was worse for the company than he had stated previously.\n(a) Identify the various ethical issues you would face in this situation.\n(b) What would you suggest the employee to do? Give reasons for your suggestions.","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":2805,"topper":"Gamini Singla","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Mn2pLt0g5fgjhUWudO1aYRVjOcowY0Gv/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) Open Government Data (OGD) can be seen as a step towards greater transparency and accountability in India. In this context, discuss the benefits of OGD and the challenges which lie therein.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) An important requisite for ensuring probity in governance is absence of corruption. Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) Enumerate the decisive factors behind moral attitude. Also, discuss any incident from your life wherein you brought about a change in someone's attitude around an important social issue.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) Highlighting the importance of whistle-blowing in an organisation, discuss the systemic factors that determine whether a person would become a whistle-blower.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"3. (a) Transparent governance promises an accountable state but a balance has to be achieved between disclosure requirements and administrative privileges for efficient governance. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) Citizen empowerment is a natural outcome of a Citizen's Charter. Critically evaluate in the Indian context.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"4. (a) Emotional Intelligence is an essential ingredient for successful implementation of pandemic induced emergency response. Comment in the light of COVID-19 pandemic.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"4. (b) Discretionary power by itself is not pure evil but gives much room for misuse. Discuss in the context of administration in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"5. (a) Explain the ethical issues involved in spending government funds for advertisement campaigns and publicity.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"5. (b) Explaining the concept of political neutrality, discuss its significance in administration. Also, highlight how the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules seek to ensure political neutrality in the civil services.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"6. (b) \"Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.\" - Albert Einstein","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"6. (c) \"Virtue lies in our power, and similarly so does vice; because where it is in our power to act, it is also in our power not to act.\" — Aristotle","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"7. Party X has a clear majority in the Lok Sabha. However, because of it falling short of majority in the Rajya Sabha, a large number of its bills are getting stalled in the Upper House. Elections of a key state are around the corner and the party desperately needs to win, for it to secure a majority in the Rajya Sabha. As part of its campaign strategy, the social media head of the party suggests an insidious strategy to make electoral gains. A part of the strategy involves sending out questionnaires online and promoting them using ads. The response filled by people to these online questionnaires will help reveal their key personality traits to the social media team of the party. These behavioral science insights would be important in helping candidates tailor their campaign messages according to the recipient's personality traits. However, because the content of the questionnaire is incendiary and polarizing, the social media team decides to use fake accounts to administer data collection on social media platforms to avoid getting penalised. In addition, the strategy also involves sending out provocative content through online ads and fake news reports. This goes against the spirit of free and fair elections and violates the Election Commission guidelines on multiple levels. As one of the key members of the social media team of the party, you have been entrusted with carrying out this campaign successfully.\n(a) What are the key ethical issues involved in this case.\n(b) What is the course of action you would take? Give reasons for your response in a situation like this?","marks":"20","words":"in around 250"},{"page":35,"question":"8. You are an IPS officer on your first posting in a very poor and isolated rural area of one of the most backward states of the country. In your office complex, of which you are the incharge, there is a frequent sewage related problem, causing inconvenience to the employees in your office complex and severely affecting the efficiency of the workplace. It might also lead to health disorders and diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea etc. To resolve it, the cleaning workers are made to do manual scavenging work without due regards to their safety. Most of these workers are from marginalised castes and are discriminated against socially. You are aware of the laws banning manual scavenging and the loopholes around it. In this context, answer the following questions:\n(a) What are the issues which you need to address in this situation?\n(b) Present your course of action to deal with the given situation.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":40,"question":"9. You have recently been posted as a District Development Officer in a traditionally rural area that has seen rapid economic development in the past few years. You notice that there is a huge disparity between the number of male and female children in the area. When you go to the hospital and check the birth registry, you realise that registered new-born babies are mostly males. On further investigation, you notice a similar pattern in the village primary school, which has more male students than females. When you raise the issue with your colleagues, they ignore it and carry on with their work. You suspect that the practice of female foeticide may be entrenched in the area as you had read about the issue in the context of this state while studying for the Civil Services Examination. It seems to you that respected members of the community like doctors, politicians and government officials have chosen to ignore the issue, given the prevalence of patriarchy and mind-set of voters in the area. Thus, despite rapid economic development, preference for male child continues to persist. Based on the information above, answer the following:\n(a) Do you have any ethical duty in this scenario? Justify your views.\n(b) What would be your next steps and why?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":45,"question":"10. According to some reports, gambling and betting together, while illegal, have evolved into a multi-billion dollar industry in India with one estimate pegging the market at $60 billion. Added to this is the wide reach of cricket as a sport and the periodic cases of betting in it making to news. It has been suggested by some that making gambling and betting legal would resolve many issues and also contribute to the exchequer. On the other hand, there remains a strong opinion against doing so.\n(a) What is your opinion on the matter?\n(b) Also, identify the merits of the arguments in opposition to the stand you have taken.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":50,"question":"11. You work as a marketing consultant for a multinational company that specializes in various products including nutrient supplements, diet pills etc. The company pays its employees extremely well and provides satisfactory fringe benefits. Your manager has hinted that he will recommend you for overseas company transfer, which will improve your job profile. This has motivated you to work harder and perform better. The company has to advertise and sell a new weight loss pill 'X'. As per in-company research, it has minimal or no side effects and has no adverse impacts on health, which is its unique selling point (USP). You are given the responsibility of heading the marketing team for advertising pill 'X'. Due to a well-crafted marketing strategy including endorsement by a renowned celebrity, the product has generated considerable public attention. However, while working on an advertisement campaign for the pill, you find out that the in-company research findings of pill 'X' are fabricated. While it indeed has no side-effects, there are no proven benefits of taking the pill as well. It merely acts as a placebo. When you bring up the issue with your manager, he promptly tells you to keep the facts to yourself. He also indirectly brings up the fact that your performance review date is approaching and hints that you will get transferred overseas if you prove your loyalty to the company. Based on the given information, address the following:\n(a) Identify the stakeholders in this situation.\n(b) State the ethical issues that arise in this case.\n(c) Discuss your options in this scenario and mention your next step.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":51,"question":"दी गई जानकारी के आधार पर, निम्नलिखित प्रश्नों के उत्तर दीजिए:\n(a) इस स्थिति में हितधारकों की पहचान कीजिए।\n(b) इस प्रकरण में उत्पन्न होने वाले नैतिक मुद्दों का उल्लेख कीजिए।\n(c) इस परिदृश्य में अपने विकल्पों की विवेचना कीजिए और अगला अगला कदम का उल्लेख कीजिए।","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":56,"question":"12. There was an incident at a company wherein a fire broke out and led to a number of casualties. During the preliminary inquiry, one of the employees and bystander witnesses, specified that the company had taken all the safety measures and the management was not at fault. During litigation, the same employee was identified as a witness and his deposition was to be taken.\nThe issue is now in the court. You are a Senior Manager of the company and accompanying the said employee to the court for the deposition. On the way the employee tells you that he had lied during the inquiry; and that the truth was worse for the company than he had stated previously.\n(a) Identify the various ethical issues you would face in this situation.\n(b) What would you suggest the employee to do? Give reasons for your suggestions.","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":2806,"topper":"Gamini Singla","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gvYazaJIRhsmCD8C638I1ajVGqObgYZQ/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) Do laws need to be consistent with the prevalent moral norms? Discuss with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"1. (a) Do laws need to be consistent with the prevalent moral norms? Discuss with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"1. (b) \"People's indifference is the best breeding ground for corruption to grow\". Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. (a) In the context of COVID-19 pandemic, discuss the importance of Emotional Intelligence among healthcare workers.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"2. (b) It is the 'spirit of service' that motivates a public servant to serve the country's interests and address people's issues. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"3. (a) Ethics does its work in the world by granting and withdrawing legitimacy. Discuss in the context of role of ethics in international relations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"3. (b) Sustainable growth of an organisation can result only by aligning its decisions to the interests of all stakeholders, not merely its shareholders. Do you agree? Justify with logical arguments.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"4. (a) Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri's life exemplifies value-driven public service of the highest order. What are the values one can learn from his life to be a good citizen and a good administrator?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"4. (b) There is a view that the institutional mechanisms to ensure accountability of civil servants have weakened over time. In this context, discuss the need of a social accountability law in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"5. (a) Why has anonymity of civil servants traditionally been seen as an important arrangement? In this context, discuss your opinion on the doctrine of facelessness in civil services.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"5. (b) In the age of social media, influencers have a huge following and have gained prominent marketing roles. In this context, discuss the ethical issues involved in influencer marketing.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"6. What do each of the following quotations mean to you?\n(a) Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or the darkness of destructive selfishness. - Martin Luther King Jr.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"6. (b) Let us sacrifice our today so that our children can have a better tomorrow. - A.P.J. Abdul Kalam","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"6. (c) I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress which women have achieved. - B.R. Ambedkar","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"7. You are a young officer posted as the Sub Divisional Magistrate in a district which houses factories for making match boxes and fire crackers. It is brought to your notice that a large number of children are working in these hazardous activities. The government had previously released a notification that owners of these manufacturing units need to report on the profiles of their employees annually to prevent child labour. These manufacturing units, abiding by the directives of the government, publish such reports annually and claim to have successfully put an end to employment of child labour. However, there are reports that these units are taking advantage of loopholes in the law. They are using contractors to continue to indirectly hire children without them officially being on the payroll of the units. Families of these child labourers are poor and see this as an essential source of income. An influential local politician also owns some of these manufacturing units and is known to put pressure on the officers involved for not taking any action against child labour.\n(a) Identify the stakeholders and ethical issues in this case.\n(b) How would you approach the problem and what would be the main elements of your action?\n(c) What medium to long-term measures will you propose to tackle the problem of child labour in the district?","marks":"20","words":"around 250"},{"page":35,"question":"8 (a) What are the socio-economic problems that are widely attributed to alcoholism? (b) Do you think prohibiting liquor creates more problems than it proposes to solve? (c) Short of prohibition, what can be done to tackle the problem of rising alcoholism, particularly among the youth of the country?\na What are the socio-economic problems that are widely attributed to alcoholism?\nb Do you think prohibiting liquor creates more problems than it proposes to solve?\nc Short of prohibition, what can be done to tackle the problem of rising alcoholism, particularly among the youth of the country?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":40,"question":"9. You are posted as District Magistrate (DM) of a district where residents are facing the menace of stray dogs. Instances of dogs chasing two-wheelers, cyclists and attacking pedestrians are on the rise. Elderly persons as well as children are the worst-hit and recently, an 8 year old girl was severely injured by a pack of dogs. The perceived magnanimity of the problem and inaction from government authorities have prompted vigilante groups to cull dogs in mass numbers. However, local NGOs have come out against such a practice of mass culling and are calling for stringent action against those killing stray dogs.\n(a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\n(b) As the DM, suggest short-term and long-term measures to tackle the above issue.","marks":null,"words":"20"},{"page":45,"question":"10. You are a young officer posted as the Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district. You have received information that at a party some people were harassed by your subordinate police officer. On further inquiry, you came to know that two complaints have been filed - one by the police and the other by people who organised the party. According to the police, people had gathered without permission and were not following COVID-19 appropriate behaviour and social distancing norms. But on the other hand, the complaint filed by the party organisers says that police entered the private venue due to loud noise and harassed everyone at the party including women guests. According to them, your subordinate police officer even tore apart the document, which granted permission to organise the party. A video of this incident, showing your subordinate officer tearing off a document, is being widely circulated on social media platforms. Due to this, social activists want you to take strict action against your subordinate police officer.\n(a) Identify the ethical issues in the case.\n(b) What are the factors that can influence decision by competent authorities in such instances? Do you think mobilising public opinion through social media is a fair way to influence the decision in such cases?\n(c) As the SP, what will be your course of action in this situation?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":50,"question":"11. As India's vaccination drive against the COVID-19 pandemic breaches the 100 crore inoculation mark, some of the most backward tribal districts of the country still remain unvaccinated. You are the new District Magistrate (DM) in one such tribal district. The vaccination drive has been unsuccessful in the district so far despite imminent threats of the virus. It is believed that the tribals of the district refuse to get vaccinated due to their personal beliefs regarding immunization. Further, the community doctor who works in geriatrics and has almost daily contact with members of the district, too has refused to be vaccinated based on his personal beliefs. This has made the people more adamant about their decision to remain unvaccinated. Additionally, rumours of a few deaths post-vaccination have spread in the district. There is also a high risk of rising cases in the nearby districts spilling over to your district. There is a dire need for assuaging the fear of people and extreme pressure on the administration to take action and conduct the vaccination drive smoothly.\n(a) What are the ethical issues in the given case?\n(b) As the DM in charge, what steps will you take to tackle the issues?\n(c) Discuss how persuasion can be used to convince people to voluntarily get vaccinated.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":55,"question":"12. In India, there exists a huge gap between demand for organ transplants and available donors, both living and cadaver. Besides a lack of awareness on organ donation, the rise of non-communicable and lifestyle diseases, such as hypertension and diabetes have led to increased instances of organ failure, in turn putting even more pressure on the demand for vital organs. According to reports, an estimated four lakh people die in India every year waiting for an organ transplant. Other than the legal and administrative issues, there are various ethical issues related to organ donation and transplantation in India. Provide an account of these ethical issues in detail. Also, discuss how the gap between demand and supply of organs in India can be closed.","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":2807,"topper":"Gamini Singla","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JYIjRo1NFCnsPPoxcE6fWuzQVE-RTbHA/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) Do laws need to be consistent with the prevalent moral norms? Discuss with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"1. (a) Do laws need to be consistent with the prevalent moral norms? Discuss with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"1. (b) \"People's indifference is the best breeding ground for corruption to grow\". Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. (a) In the context of COVID-19 pandemic, discuss the importance of Emotional Intelligence among healthcare workers.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"2. (b) It is the 'spirit of service' that motivates a public servant to serve the country's interests and address people's issues. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"3. (a) Ethics does its work in the world by granting and withdrawing legitimacy. Discuss in the context of role of ethics in international relations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"3. (b) Sustainable growth of an organisation can result only by aligning its decisions to the interests of all stakeholders, not merely its shareholders. Do you agree? Justify with logical arguments.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"4. (a) Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri's life exemplifies value-driven public service of the highest order. What are the values one can learn from his life to be a good citizen and a good administrator?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"4. (b) There is a view that the institutional mechanisms to ensure accountability of civil servants have weakened over time. In this context, discuss the need of a social accountability law in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"5. (a) Why has anonymity of civil servants traditionally been seen as an important arrangement? In this context, discuss your opinion on the doctrine of facelessness in civil services.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"5. (b) In the age of social media, influencers have a huge following and have gained prominent marketing roles. In this context, discuss the ethical issues involved in influencer marketing.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"6 What do each of the following quotations mean to you?\n(a) Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or the darkness of destructive selfishness. - Martin Luther King Jr.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"6. (b) Let us sacrifice our today so that our children can have a better tomorrow. - A.P.J. Abdul Kalam","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"6. (c) I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress which women have achieved. - B.R. Ambedkar","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"7. You are a young officer posted as the Sub Divisional Magistrate in a district which houses factories for making match boxes and fire crackers. It is brought to your notice that a large number of children are working in these hazardous activities. The government had previously released a notification that owners of these manufacturing units need to report on the profiles of their employees annually to prevent child labour. These manufacturing units, abiding by the directives of the government, publish such reports annually and claim to have successfully put an end to employment of child labour. However, there are reports that these units are taking advantage of loopholes in the law. They are using contractors to continue to indirectly hire children without them officially being on the payroll of the units. Families of these child labourers are poor and see this as an essential source of income. An influential local politician also owns some of these manufacturing units and is known to put pressure on the officers involved for not taking any action against child labour.\n(a) Identify the stakeholders and ethical issues in this case.\n(b) How would you approach the problem and what would be the main elements of your action?\n(c) What medium to long-term measures will you propose to tackle the problem of child labour in the district?","marks":"20","words":"around 250"},{"page":35,"question":"8 (a) What are the socio-economic problems that are widely attributed to alcoholism? (b) Do you think prohibiting liquor creates more problems than it proposes to solve? (c) Short of prohibition, what can be done to tackle the problem of rising alcoholism, particularly among the youth of the country?\na) What are the socio-economic problems that are widely attributed to alcoholism?\nb) Do you think prohibiting liquor creates more problems than it proposes to solve?\nc) Short of prohibition, what can be done to tackle the problem of rising alcoholism, particularly among the youth of the country?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":40,"question":"9. You are posted as District Magistrate (DM) of a district where residents are facing the menace of stray dogs. Instances of dogs chasing two-wheelers, cyclists and attacking pedestrians are on the rise. Elderly persons as well as children are the worst-hit and recently, an 8 year old girl was severely injured by a pack of dogs. The perceived magnanimity of the problem and inaction from government authorities have prompted vigilante groups to cull dogs in mass numbers. However, local NGOs have come out against such a practice of mass culling and are calling for stringent action against those killing stray dogs.\n(a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\n(b) As the DM, suggest short-term and long-term measures to tackle the above issue.","marks":null,"words":"20"},{"page":45,"question":"10. You are a young officer posted as the Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district. You have received information that at a party some people were harassed by your subordinate police officer. On further inquiry, you came to know that two complaints have been filed - one by the police and the other by people who organised the party. According to the police, people had gathered without permission and were not following COVID-19 appropriate behaviour and social distancing norms. But on the other hand, the complaint filed by the party organisers says that police entered the private venue due to loud noise and harassed everyone at the party including women guests. According to them, your subordinate police officer even tore apart the document, which granted permission to organise the party. A video of this incident, showing your subordinate officer tearing off a document, is being widely circulated on social media platforms. Due to this, social activists want you to take strict action against your subordinate police officer.\n(a) Identify the ethical issues in the case.\n(b) What are the factors that can influence decision by competent authorities in such instances? Do you think mobilising public opinion through social media is a fair way to influence the decision in such cases?\n(c) As the SP, what will be your course of action in this situation?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":50,"question":"11. As India's vaccination drive against the COVID-19 pandemic breaches the 100 crore inoculation mark, some of the most backward tribal districts of the country still remain unvaccinated. You are the new District Magistrate (DM) in one such tribal district. The vaccination drive has been unsuccessful in the district so far despite imminent threats of the virus. It is believed that the tribals of the district refuse to get vaccinated due to their personal beliefs regarding immunization. Further, the community doctor who works in geriatrics and has almost daily contact with members of the district, too has refused to be vaccinated based on his personal beliefs. This has made the people more adamant about their decision to remain unvaccinated. Additionally, rumours of a few deaths post-vaccination have spread in the district. There is also a high risk of rising cases in the nearby districts spilling over to your district. There is a dire need for assuaging the fear of people and extreme pressure on the administration to take action and conduct the vaccination drive smoothly.\n(a) What are the ethical issues in the given case?\n(b) As the DM in charge, what steps will you take to tackle the issues?\n(c) Discuss how persuasion can be used to convince people to voluntarily get vaccinated.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":55,"question":"12. In India, there exists a huge gap between demand for organ transplants and available donors, both living and cadaver. Besides a lack of awareness on organ donation, the rise of non-communicable and lifestyle diseases, such as hypertension and diabetes have led to increased instances of organ failure, in turn putting even more pressure on the demand for vital organs. According to reports, an estimated four lakh people die in India every year waiting for an organ transplant. Other than the legal and administrative issues, there are various ethical issues related to organ donation and transplantation in India.\n Provide an account of these ethical issues in detail.\n Also, discuss how the gap between demand and supply of organs in India can be closed.","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":2808,"topper":"Gamini Singla","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rk_SdHGYcF5tmy2lgqFvKalQLv6UKTaK/view","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"1. (a) Open Government Data (OGD) can be seen as a step towards greater transparency and accountability in India. In this context, discuss the benefits of OGD and the challenges which lie therein.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"1. (b) An important requisite for ensuring probity in governance is absence of corruption. Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"2. (a) Enumerate the decisive factors behind moral attitude. Also, discuss any incident from your life wherein you brought about a change in someone's attitude around an important social issue.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"2. (b) Highlighting the importance of whistle-blowing in an organisation, discuss the systemic factors that determine whether a person would become a whistle-blower.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"3. (a) Transparent governance promises an accountable state but a balance has to be achieved between disclosure requirements and administrative privileges for efficient governance. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"3. (b) Citizen empowerment is a natural outcome of a Citizen's Charter. Critically evaluate in the Indian context.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"4. (a) Emotional Intelligence is an essential ingredient for successful implementation of pandemic induced emergency response. Comment in the light of COVID-19 pandemic.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"4. (b) Discretionary power by itself is not pure evil but gives much room for misuse. Discuss in the context of administration in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"5. (a) Explain the ethical issues involved in spending government funds for advertisement campaigns and publicity.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"5. (b) Explaining the concept of political neutrality, discuss its significance in administration. Also, highlight how the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules seek to ensure political neutrality in the civil services.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"6. (b) \"Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.\" - Albert Einstein","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"6. (c) \"Virtue lies in our power, and similarly so does vice; because where it is in our power to act, it is also in our power not to act.\" — Aristotle","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":31,"question":"7. Party X has a clear majority in the Lok Sabha. However, because of it falling short of majority in the Rajya Sabha, a large number of its bills are getting stalled in the Upper House. Elections of a key state are around the corner and the party desperately needs to win, for it to secure a majority in the Rajya Sabha. As part of its campaign strategy, the social media head of the party suggests an insidious strategy to make electoral gains. A part of the strategy involves sending out questionnaires online and promoting them using ads. The response filled by people to these online questionnaires will help reveal their key personality traits to the social media team of the party. These behavioral science insights would be important in helping candidates tailor their campaign messages according to the recipient's personality traits. However, because the content of the questionnaire is incendiary and polarizing, the social media team decides to use fake accounts to administer data collection on social media platforms to avoid getting penalised. In addition, the strategy also involves sending out provocative content through online ads and fake news reports. This goes against the spirit of free and fair elections and violates the Election Commission guidelines on multiple levels. As one of the key members of the social media team of the party, you have been entrusted with carrying out this campaign successfully.\n(a) What are the key ethical issues involved in this case.\n(b) What is the course of action you would take? Give reasons for your response in a situation like this?","marks":"20","words":"in around 250"},{"page":37,"question":"8. You are an IPS officer on your first posting in a very poor and isolated rural area of one of the most backward states of the country. In your office complex, of which you are the incharge, there is a frequent sewage related problem, causing inconvenience to the employees in your office complex and severely affecting the efficiency of the workplace. It might also lead to health disorders and diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea etc. To resolve it, the cleaning workers are made to do manual scavenging work without due regards to their safety. Most of these workers are from marginalised castes and are discriminated against socially. You are aware of the laws banning manual scavenging and the loopholes around it. In this context, answer the following questions:\n(a) What are the issues which you need to address in this situation?\n(b) Present your course of action to deal with the given situation.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":42,"question":"9. You have recently been posted as a District Development Officer in a traditionally rural area that has seen rapid economic development in the past few years. You notice that there is a huge disparity between the number of male and female children in the area. When you go to the hospital and check the birth registry, you realise that registered new-born babies are mostly males. On further investigation, you notice a similar pattern in the village primary school, which has more male students than females. When you raise the issue with your colleagues, they ignore it and carry on with their work. You suspect that the practice of female foeticide may be entrenched in the area as you had read about the issue in the context of this state while studying for the Civil Services Examination. It seems to you that respected members of the community like doctors, politicians and government officials have chosen to ignore the issue, given the prevalence of patriarchy and mind-set of voters in the area. Thus, despite rapid economic development, preference for male child continues to persist. Based on the information above, answer the following:\n(a) Do you have any ethical duty in this scenario? Justify your views.\n(b) What would be your next steps and why?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":47,"question":"10. According to some reports, gambling and betting together, while illegal, have evolved into a multi-billion dollar industry in India with one estimate pegging the market at $60 billion. Added to this is the wide reach of cricket as a sport and the periodic cases of betting in it making to news. It has been suggested by some that making gambling and betting legal would resolve many issues and also contribute to the exchequer. On the other hand, there remains a strong opinion against doing so.\n(a) What is your opinion on the matter?\n(b) Also, identify the merits of the arguments in opposition to the stand you have taken.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":52,"question":"11. You work as a marketing consultant for a multinational company that specializes in various products including nutrient supplements, diet pills etc. The company pays its employees extremely well and provides satisfactory fringe benefits. Your manager has hinted that he will recommend you for overseas company transfer, which will improve your job profile. This has motivated you to work harder and perform better. The company has to advertise and sell a new weight loss pill 'X'. As per in-company research, it has minimal or no side effects and has no adverse impacts on health, which is its unique selling point (USP). You are given the responsibility of heading the marketing team for advertising pill 'X'. Due to a well-crafted marketing strategy including endorsement by a renowned celebrity, the product has generated considerable public attention. However, while working on an advertisement campaign for the pill, you find out that the in-company research findings of pill 'X' are fabricated. While it indeed has no side-effects, there are no proven benefits of taking the pill as well. It merely acts as a placebo. When you bring up the issue with your manager, he promptly tells you to keep the facts to yourself. He also indirectly brings up the fact that your performance review date is approaching and hints that you will get transferred overseas if you prove your loyalty to the company. Based on the given information, address the following:\n(a) Identify the stakeholders in this situation.\n(b) State the ethical issues that arise in this case.\n(c) Discuss your options in this scenario and mention your next step.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":53,"question":"दी गई जानकारी के आधार पर, निम्नलिखित प्रश्नों के उत्तर दीजिए:\n(a) इस स्थिति में हितधारकों की पहचान कीजिए।\n(b) इस प्रकरण में उत्पन्न होने वाले नैतिक मुद्दों का उल्लेेख कीजिए।\n(c) इस परिदृश्य में अपने विकल्पों की विवेचना कीजिए और अगला अगला कदम का उल्लेख कीजिए।","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":58,"question":"12. There was an incident at a company wherein a fire broke out and led to a number of casualties. During the preliminary inquiry, one of the employees and bystander witnesses, specified that the company had taken all the safety measures and the management was not at fault. During litigation, the same employee was identified as a witness and his deposition was to be taken.\nThe issue is now in the court. You are a Senior Manager of the company and accompanying the said employee to the court for the deposition. On the way the employee tells you that he had lied during the inquiry; and that the truth was worse for the company than he had stated previously.\n(a) Identify the various ethical issues you would face in this situation.\n(b) What would you suggest the employee to do? Give reasons for your suggestions.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":65,"question":"1. (a) Do laws need to be consistent with the prevalent moral norms? Discuss with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":66,"question":"1. (a) Do laws need to be consistent with the prevalent moral norms? Discuss with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":68,"question":"1. (b) \"People's indifference is the best breeding ground for corruption to grow\". Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":70,"question":"2. (a) In the context of COVID-19 pandemic, discuss the importance of Emotional Intelligence among healthcare workers.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":72,"question":"2. (b) It is the 'spirit of service' that motivates a public servant to serve the country's interests and address people's issues. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":74,"question":"3. (a) Ethics does its work in the world by granting and withdrawing legitimacy. Discuss in the context of role of ethics in international relations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":76,"question":"3. (b) Sustainable growth of an organisation can result only by aligning its decisions to the interests of all stakeholders, not merely its shareholders. Do you agree? Justify with logical arguments.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":78,"question":"4. (a) Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri's life exemplifies value-driven public service of the highest order. What are the values one can learn from his life to be a good citizen and a good administrator?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":80,"question":"4. (b) There is a view that the institutional mechanisms to ensure accountability of civil servants have weakened over time. In this context, discuss the need of a social accountability law in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":82,"question":"5. (a) Why has anonymity of civil servants traditionally been seen as an important arrangement? In this context, discuss your opinion on the doctrine of facelessness in civil services.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":84,"question":"5. (b) In the age of social media, influencers have a huge following and have gained prominent marketing roles. In this context, discuss the ethical issues involved in influencer marketing.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":86,"question":"6. What do each of the following quotations mean to you?\n(a) Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or the darkness of destructive selfishness. - Martin Luther King Jr.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":88,"question":"6. (b) Let us sacrifice our today so that our children can have a better tomorrow. - A.P.J. Abdul Kalam","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":90,"question":"6. (c) I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress which women have achieved. - B.R. Ambedkar","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":92,"question":"7. You are a young officer posted as the Sub Divisional Magistrate in a district which houses factories for making match boxes and fire crackers. It is brought to your notice that a large number of children are working in these hazardous activities. The government had previously released a notification that owners of these manufacturing units need to report on the profiles of their employees annually to prevent child labour. These manufacturing units, abiding by the directives of the government, publish such reports annually and claim to have successfully put an end to employment of child labour. However, there are reports that these units are taking advantage of loopholes in the law. They are using contractors to continue to indirectly hire children without them officially being on the payroll of the units. Families of these child labourers are poor and see this as an essential source of income. An influential local politician also owns some of these manufacturing units and is known to put pressure on the officers involved for not taking any action against child labour.\n(a) Identify the stakeholders and ethical issues in this case.\n(b) How would you approach the problem and what would be the main elements of your action?\n(c) What medium to long-term measures will you propose to tackle the problem of child labour in the district?","marks":"20","words":"around 250"},{"page":97,"question":"8 (a) What are the socio-economic problems that are widely attributed to alcoholism?\n(b) Do you think prohibiting liquor creates more problems than it proposes to solve?\n(c) Short of prohibition, what can be done to tackle the problem of rising alcoholism, particularly among the youth of the country?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":102,"question":"9. You are posted as District Magistrate (DM) of a district where residents are facing the menace of stray dogs. Instances of dogs chasing two-wheelers, cyclists and attacking pedestrians are on the rise. Elderly persons as well as children are the worst-hit and recently, an 8 year old girl was severely injured by a pack of dogs. The perceived magnanimity of the problem and inaction from government authorities have prompted vigilante groups to cull dogs in mass numbers. However, local NGOs have come out against such a practice of mass culling and are calling for stringent action against those killing stray dogs.\n(a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\n(b) As the DM, suggest short-term and long-term measures to tackle the above issue.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":107,"question":"10. You are a young officer posted as the Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district. You have received information that at a party some people were harassed by your subordinate police officer. On further inquiry, you came to know that two complaints have been filed - one by the police and the other by people who organised the party. According to the police, people had gathered without permission and were not following COVID-19 appropriate behaviour and social distancing norms. But on the other hand, the complaint filed by the party organisers says that police entered the private venue due to loud noise and harassed everyone at the party including women guests. According to them, your subordinate police officer even tore apart the document, which granted permission to organise the party. A video of this incident, showing your subordinate officer tearing off a document, is being widely circulated on social media platforms. Due to this, social activists want you to take strict action against your subordinate police officer.\n(a) Identify the ethical issues in the case.\n(b) What are the factors that can influence decision by competent authorities in such instances? Do you think mobilising public opinion through social media is a fair way to influence the decision in such cases?\n(c) As the SP, what will be your course of action in this situation?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":112,"question":"11. As India's vaccination drive against the COVID-19 pandemic breaches the 100 crore inoculation mark, some of the most backward tribal districts of the country still remain unvaccinated. You are the new District Magistrate (DM) in one such tribal district. The vaccination drive has been unsuccessful in the district so far despite imminent threats of the virus. It is believed that the tribals of the district refuse to get vaccinated due to their personal beliefs regarding immunization. Further, the community doctor who works in geriatrics and has almost daily contact with members of the district, too has refused to be vaccinated based on his personal beliefs. This has made the people more adamant about their decision to remain unvaccinated. Additionally, rumours of a few deaths post-vaccination have spread in the district. There is also a high risk of rising cases in the nearby districts spilling over to your district. There is a dire need for assuaging the fear of people and extreme pressure on the administration to take action and conduct the vaccination drive smoothly.\n(a) What are the ethical issues in the given case?\n(b) As the DM in charge, what steps will you take to tackle the issues?\n(c) Discuss how persuasion can be used to convince people to voluntarily get vaccinated.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":117,"question":"12. In India, there exists a huge gap between demand for organ transplants and available donors, both living and cadaver. Besides a lack of awareness on organ donation, the rise of non-communicable and lifestyle diseases, such as hypertension and diabetes have led to increased instances of organ failure, in turn putting even more pressure on the demand for vital organs. According to reports, an estimated four lakh people die in India every year waiting for an organ transplant. Other than the legal and administrative issues, there are various ethical issues related to organ donation and transplantation in India. Provide an account of these ethical issues in detail. Also, discuss how the gap between demand and supply of organs in India can be closed.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":125,"question":"1. (a) Open Government Data (OGD) can be seen as a step towards greater transparency and accountability in India. In this context, discuss the benefits of OGD and the challenges which lie therein.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":127,"question":"1. (b) An important requisite for ensuring probity in governance is absence of corruption. Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":129,"question":"2. (a) Enumerate the decisive factors behind moral attitude. Also, discuss any incident from your life wherein you brought about a change in someone's attitude around an important social issue.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":131,"question":"2. (b) Highlighting the importance of whistle-blowing in an organisation, discuss the systemic factors that determine whether a person would become a whistle-blower.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":133,"question":"3. (a) Transparent governance promises an accountable state but a balance has to be achieved between disclosure requirements and administrative privileges for efficient governance. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":135,"question":"3. (b) Citizen empowerment is a natural outcome of a Citizen's Charter. Critically evaluate in the Indian context.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":137,"question":"4. (a) Emotional Intelligence is an essential ingredient for successful implementation of pandemic induced emergency response. Comment in the light of COVID-19 pandemic.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":139,"question":"4. (b) Discretionary power by itself is not pure evil but gives much room for misuse. Discuss in the context of administration in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":141,"question":"5. (a) Explain the ethical issues involved in spending government funds for advertisement campaigns and publicity.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":143,"question":"5. (b) Explaining the concept of political neutrality, discuss its significance in administration. Also, highlight how the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules seek to ensure political neutrality in the civil services.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":147,"question":"6. (b) \"Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.\" - Albert Einstein","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":149,"question":"6. (c) \"Virtue lies in our power, and similarly so does vice; because where it is in our power to act, it is also in our power not to act.\" — Aristotle","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":151,"question":"7. Party X has a clear majority in the Lok Sabha. However, because of it falling short of majority in the Rajya Sabha, a large number of its bills are getting stalled in the Upper House. Elections of a key state are around the corner and the party desperately needs to win, for it to secure a majority in the Rajya Sabha. As part of its campaign strategy, the social media head of the party suggests an insidious strategy to make electoral gains. A part of the strategy involves sending out questionnaires online and promoting them using ads. The response filled by people to these online questionnaires will help reveal their key personality traits to the social media team of the party. These behavioral science insights would be important in helping candidates tailor their campaign messages according to the recipient's personality traits. However, because the content of the questionnaire is incendiary and polarizing, the social media team decides to use fake accounts to administer data collection on social media platforms to avoid getting penalised. In addition, the strategy also involves sending out provocative content through online ads and fake news reports. This goes against the spirit of free and fair elections and violates the Election Commission guidelines on multiple levels.\n\nAs one of the key members of the social media team of the party, you have been entrusted with carrying out this campaign successfully.\n(a) What are the key ethical issues involved in this case.\n(b) What is the course of action you would take? Give reasons for your response in a situation like this?","marks":"20","words":"in around 250"},{"page":157,"question":"8. You are an IPS officer on your first posting in a very poor and isolated rural area of one of the most backward states of the country. In your office complex, of which you are the incharge, there is a frequent sewage related problem, causing inconvenience to the employees in your office complex and severely affecting the efficiency of the workplace. It might also lead to health disorders and diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea etc. To resolve it, the cleaning workers are made to do manual scavenging work without due regards to their safety. Most of these workers are from marginalised castes and are discriminated against socially. You are aware of the laws banning manual scavenging and the loopholes around it. In this context, answer the following questions:\n(a) What are the issues which you need to address in this situation?\n(b) Present your course of action to deal with the given situation.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":162,"question":"9. You have recently been posted as a District Development Officer in a traditionally rural area that has seen rapid economic development in the past few years. You notice that there is a huge disparity between the number of male and female children in the area. When you go to the hospital and check the birth registry, you realise that registered new-born babies are mostly males. On further investigation, you notice a similar pattern in the village primary school, which has more male students than females. When you raise the issue with your colleagues, they ignore it and carry on with their work. You suspect that the practice of female foeticide may be entrenched in the area as you had read about the issue in the context of this state while studying for the Civil Services Examination. It seems to you that respected members of the community like doctors, politicians and government officials have chosen to ignore the issue, given the prevalence of patriarchy and mind-set of voters in the area. Thus, despite rapid economic development, preference for male child continues to persist. Based on the information above, answer the following:\n(a) Do you have any ethical duty in this scenario? Justify your views.\n(b) What would be your next steps and why?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":167,"question":"10. According to some reports, gambling and betting together, while illegal, have evolved into a multi-billion dollar industry in India with one estimate pegging the market at $60 billion. Added to this is the wide reach of cricket as a sport and the periodic cases of betting in it making to news. It has been suggested by some that making gambling and betting legal would resolve many issues and also contribute to the exchequer. On the other hand, there remains a strong opinion against doing so.\n(a) What is your opinion on the matter?\n(b) Also, identify the merits of the arguments in opposition to the stand you have taken.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":172,"question":"11. You work as a marketing consultant for a multinational company that specializes in various products including nutrient supplements, diet pills etc. The company pays its employees extremely well and provides satisfactory fringe benefits. Your manager has hinted that he will recommend you for overseas company transfer, which will improve your job profile. This has motivated you to work harder and perform better. The company has to advertise and sell a new weight loss pill 'X'. As per in-company research, it has minimal or no side effects and has no adverse impacts on health, which is its unique selling point (USP). You are given the responsibility of heading the marketing team for advertising pill 'X'. Due to a well-crafted marketing strategy including endorsement by a renowned celebrity, the product has generated considerable public attention. However, while working on an advertisement campaign for the pill, you find out that the in-company research findings of pill 'X' are fabricated. While it indeed has no side-effects, there are no proven benefits of taking the pill as well. It merely acts as a placebo. When you bring up the issue with your manager, he promptly tells you to keep the facts to yourself. He also indirectly brings up the fact that your performance review date is approaching and hints that you will get transferred overseas if you prove your loyalty to the company. Based on the given information, address the following:\n(a) Identify the stakeholders in this situation.\n(b) State the ethical issues that arise in this case.\n(c) Discuss your options in this scenario and mention your next step.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":173,"question":"दी गई जानकारी के आधार पर, निम्नलिखित प्रश्नों के उत्तर दीजिए:\n(a) इस स्थिति में हितधारकों की पहचान कीजिए।\n(b) इस प्रकरण में उत्पन्न होने वाले नैतिक मुद्दों का उल्लेख कीजिए।\n(c) इस परिदृश्य में अपने विकल्पों की विवेचना कीजिए और अपने अगले कदम का उल्लेख कीजिए।","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":178,"question":"12. There was an incident at a company wherein a fire broke out and led to a number of casualties. During the preliminary inquiry, one of the employees and bystander witnesses, specified that the company had taken all the safety measures and the management was not at fault. During litigation, the same employee was identified as a witness and his deposition was to be taken. The issue is now in the court. You are a Senior Manager of the company and accompanying the said employee to the court for the deposition. On the way the employee tells you that he had lied during the inquiry and that the truth was worse for the company than he had stated previously.\n(a) Identify the various ethical issues you would face in this situation.\n(b) What would you suggest the employee to do? Give reasons for your suggestions.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":188,"question":"1. (a) Explain the concept of Sarvodaya with the help of examples from the lives of prominent personalities. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":190,"question":"1. (b) The life and teachings of Guru Nanak presents a template for leading a life within the corridors of ethics and values. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":192,"question":"2. (a) There is no 'invisible hand' channeling self-interest into some social optimum. In this context, the State has an integral role to play in making available essential public goods and services, despite the increasing pace of privatization. Do you agree? Justify with examples from India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":194,"question":"2. (b) Even though the state actors who make rules and implement them have an important role to play in the fight against corruption, the battle is not likely to succeed without the active efforts of various segments of society. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":196,"question":"3. (a) What do you understand by Social Intelligence? Discuss its various components and explain how it is different from Emotional Intelligence.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":198,"question":"3. (b) Ethical behaviour is the best not merely in the context of morality, but it is also the best in the context of one's own career prospects. Discuss in the context of civil services in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":200,"question":"4. (a) The press is an important agent in ensuring the citizen's right to receive and impart information as a measure of probity in governance. In this context, do you think that the press in India discharges its duty honestly? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":202,"question":"4. (b) The failure to deliver on its promises by Citizen's Charters in the last two decades has shown that there are some complex set of factors underlying this seemingly simple task. What are they? Identify and provide their resolution.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":204,"question":"5. (a) Medical ethics is particularly relevant in decisions regarding involuntary treatment and involuntary commitment. In view of this, highlighting the importance of medical ethics, discuss the issues in its implementation. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":206,"question":"5. (b) The fundamental principle in a democracy is that all public functionaries are trustees of the people and this trusteeship relationship requires that the authority entrusted to the functionaries be exercised in 'public interest'. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":208,"question":"6 (a) What do each of the following quotations mean to you?\n(a) \"If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.\" - Desmond Tutu (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":210,"question":"6. (b) \"Disobedience is the true foundation of liberty. The obedient must be slaves.\" - Henry David Thoreau (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":212,"question":"6. (c) \"That which isn't good for the hive, isn't good for the bee\"- Marcus Aurelius (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":214,"question":"7 You are a Superintendent of Police tasked with conducting an internal departmental inquiry into an alleged case of custodial torture and subsequent disappearance of three tribal persons. The case of the police force is that these persons were habitual offenders who had committed theft. The police had nabbed them for interrogation but they escaped from the police custody and are absconding. Family members of these persons, on the other hand, maintain that they were falsely framed in the case and were not in a condition to flee due to custodial torture. They are alleging foul play on the part of the police and suspect that the police is behind their disappearance. Prima facie, you find many lacunae in the police investigation. The policemen did not produce these persons before the Magistrate nor did they get them medically examined, as required by the law. One of your seniors, without referring to the case, informally talks to you about the adverse working conditions of the police force and insinuates that all police personnel should help each other. He also says that all serving officers need to be mindful of the fact that they are part of the police force and should not do anything which may tarnish the reputation of the police department.\n(a) Identify the stakeholders and various issues involved in the case.\n(b) How will you conduct a fair and impartial inquiry that ensures that public perception regarding cover-up in such cases does not gain ground?\n(c) Highlight the reasons for the continuing impunity of custodial deaths in India, and recommend steps that authorities should take to resolve it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":219,"question":"(a) What are the ethical issues involved in the direct recruitment of industry professionals in important government positions?\n(b) Do you think a longer mandatory cooling off period for government officials before they join private firms can help in addressing some of the issues? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":224,"question":"9 Based on the above case, answer the following questions:\n(a) What are the ethical issues in the above case?\n(b) Can customers of the company be expected to take into account such practices before buying any product of the company?\n(c) If the management were to seek your opinion on the matter, what course of action will you suggest? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":225,"question":"(a) Ethical issues involved in the case:\n(i) Business ethics erosion vs profit Motives\n(ii) Abysmal condition of worker that goes against human rights.\n(iii) Issue of child labour which is against rule of law.\n(iv) Social responsibility of the company towards the employees and society.\n(v) Exploitation of workers through middleman.\n(vi) Threat to life of persons working in mines.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":229,"question":"You are posted as the Sub-Divisional Magistrate in a backward district. Recently, a young couple belonging to different castes eloped from the village belonging to your sub-division. They wanted to marry but the caste conflict prevailing in the village was a big hurdle for them. So, they planned to get married secretly and then come back to the village. On account of their elopement, the girl's family, which belongs to the dominant landlord caste, filed a case of kidnapping against the boy and have riled up the villagers against him and his family. After their return to the village, the couple meet you before meeting their family members. On account of your official position, they request you to convince their family members and other members of the village to accept them. The village has witnessed many caste conflicts and honour killings in the past on account of such incidents and the present matter may aggravate caste-related tensions. Under these circumstances, answer the following questions:\n(a) Identify the stakeholders and associated issues in the given case.\n(b) What are the options that you have? Highlight your course of action and give suitable justification for the same. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":234,"question":"11 In this context, answer the following questions:\n(a) What are the ethical concerns in allowing the operation of educational institutions on a profit motivation?\n(b) Is the most important role of education preparing people for gainful employment or should education and knowledge be appreciated for their own sake?\n(c) Discuss various ways in which value-based education can be instilled. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":239,"question":"Beggars are a common sight at traffic junctions and places of worship across cities in India. They are labelled as nuisance makers who often harass commuters and devotees by relentlessly pestering for money. Recently, an appeal was made in the Supreme Court to end this practice by putting a ban on begging in the national capital. However, human rights groups have advocated that banning begging is not the ideal way to end it, as the underlying socio-economic issues that lead to begging remain unresolved. In this context:\n(a) Bring out the moral and ethical concerns pertaining to begging in India.\n(b) Discuss the factors that pushes an individual to opt for begging.\n(c) If you pass by a beggar, what will you do - give your money to a beggar or ignore the beggar and give your spare money instead to charities that assist the most needy? Give logical reasons in support of your answer. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":247,"question":"1. (a) Open Government Data (OGD) can be seen as a step towards greater transparency and accountability in India. In this context, discuss the benefits of OGD and the challenges which lie therein.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":249,"question":"1. (b) \"While corruption is never good, not all forms of corruption are equally bad for the economy, nor do they cause the same kind of harm.\" Critically analyse the statement in the context of India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":251,"question":"2. (a) Probity in governance is an essential and vital requirement for an efficient and effective system of governance and for socio-economic development. Discuss. Also, state ways to enhance probity in governance.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":253,"question":"2. (b) Highlighting the importance of whistle-blowing in an organisation, discuss the systemic factors that determine whether a person would become a whistle-blower.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":255,"question":"3. What do each of the following quotations mean to you?\n(a) \"Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.\" - Albert Einstein","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":257,"question":"3. (b) \"Facts are many, but the truth is one.\" - Rabindranath Tagore","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":259,"question":"4. (a) Analyze the significance of appointing ethics officers in the light of strengthening corporate governance in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":261,"question":"4. (b) Transparent governance promises an accountable state but a balance has to be achieved between disclosure requirements and administrative privileges for efficient governance. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":263,"question":"5. (a) Citizen empowerment is a natural outcome of a Citizen Charter. Critically evaluate in the Indian context.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":265,"question":"5. (b) Discretionary power by itself is not pure evil but gives much room for misuse. Discuss in the context of administration in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":267,"question":"6. (a) Emotional Intelligence is an important trait to imbibe in a highly competitive and achievement-oriented environment. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":269,"question":"6. (b) Emotional Intelligence is an essential ingredient for successful implementation of pandemic induced emergency response. Comment in the light of COVID-19 pandemic.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":271,"question":"6. (c) Enumerate the decisive factors behind moral attitude. Also, discuss any incident from your life wherein you brought about a change in someone's attitude around an important social issue.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":273,"question":"7. You are a single mother and work as a school counsellor for the psychological well-being of primary and secondary school children at a reputed school. Recently, you have found through your interactions that several students have been facing emotional trauma and mental health issues. Realising the gravity of the situation you want to discuss this with the school authorities and the board of trustees and come up with an advanced plan that can help parents get better involved. However, during the meeting, concerns are raised regarding your findings and the lack of supporting evidence is also cited by some. Moreover, senior members who are present express a sense of displeasure at what this might mean for the reputation of the school.\n\nYou are thoroughly appalled with this approach of the school authorities, yet you are mired down in your own financial circumstances.\n\nOn the basis of the above situation, answer the following:\n(a) Identify the most relevant stakeholders in the case.\n(b) What are the dilemmas in the case?\n(c) Discuss how stigmatisation of mental health issues can be addressed in schools.","marks":"20","words":"in around 250"},{"page":278,"question":"8. You are an IPS officer on your first posting in a very poor and isolated rural area of one of the most backward states of the country. In your office complex, of which you are the incharge, there is a frequent sewage related problem, causing inconvenience to the employees in your office complex and severely affecting the efficiency of the workplace. It might also lead to health disorders and diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea etc.\n\nTo resolve it, the cleaning workers are made to do manual scavenging work without due regards to their safety. Most of these workers are from marginalised castes and are discriminated against socially. You are aware of the laws banning manual scavenging and the loopholes around it. In this context, answer the following questions:\n(a) What are the issues which you need to address in this situation?\n(b) Present your course of action to deal with the given situation.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":285,"question":"12. You are the Superintendent of Police of a city where a large slum has developed in recent decades on the property of Indian Railways. The Indian Railways has prepared a plan for expansion of the city railway station for which they want to get the slums demolished. They have requested the assistance of local police for the same, however, the people residing in those slums have responded angrily to this step and have occupied the railway tracks, resisting any action by the officials. Slum dwellers are asking for a suitable rehabilitation, citing that the city is under the grip of a cold wave as the month of December is in progress. This has not only halted the railway traffic on the route causing immense hardships to railway passengers but also posing risk of violence between slum-dwellers and the police.\nGiven the situation\n(a) Identify various issues involved in the case along with different stakeholders.\n(b) What course of action would you follow to end this situation of confrontation and resume normal functioning of the Railways?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":290,"question":"11. You are posted as the District Magistrate in a district, which has witnessed communal clashes in recent years. The lower court has given a verdict in favour of a person from the minority community who seeks demolition of a religious building situated in his personal property. The district administration has been instructed to fulfil this verdict. Despite the judicial verdict, there is some anger simmering in the people from the majority community regarding this verdict. Some groups have demonstrated protests against the verdict and publicly warned of serious consequences if the verdict is allowed to be implemented. Local politicians are also supporting them and are taking advantage of the situation for political gains. You have three days left to demolish the religious building as per the court's direction.\n\nGiven the situation, answer the following:\n(a) Identify the stakeholders in the given situation and their respective interests.\n(b) Highlight the options available to you and the course of action you will take, giving reasons for the same.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":295,"question":"10. Party X has a clear majority in the Lok Sabha. However, because of it falling short of majority in the Rajya Sabha, a large number of its bills are getting stalled in the Upper House. Elections of a key state are around the corner and the party desperately needs to win, for it to secure a majority in the Rajya Sabha. As part of its campaign strategy, the social media head of the party suggests an insidious strategy to make electoral gains. A part of the strategy involves sending out questionnaires online and promoting them using ads. The response filled by people to these online questionnaires will help reveal their key personality traits to the social media team of the party. These behavioral science insights would be important in helping candidates tailor their campaign messages according to the recipient's personality traits. However, because the content of the questionnaire is incendiary and polarizing, the social media team decides to use fake accounts to administer data collection on social media platforms to avoid getting penalised. In addition, the strategy also involves sending out provocative content through online ads and fake news reports. This goes against the spirit of free and fair elections and violates the Election Commission guidelines on multiple levels.\n\nAs one of the key members of the social media team of the party, you have been entrusted with carrying out this campaign successfully.\n(a) What are the key ethical issues involved in this case.\n(b) What is the course of action you would take? Give reasons for your response in a situation like this?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":300,"question":"9. You have recently been posted as a District Development Officer in a traditionally rural area that has seen rapid economic development in the past few years. You notice that there is a huge disparity between the number of male and female children in the area. When you go to the hospital and check the birth registry, you realise that registered new-born babies are mostly males. On further investigation, you notice a similar pattern in the village primary school, which has more male students than females.\n\nWhen you raise the issue with your colleagues, they ignore it and carry on with their work. You suspect that the practice of female foeticide may be entrenched in the area as you had read about the issue in the context of this state while studying for the Civil Services Examination. It seems to you that respected members of the community like doctors, politicians and government officials have chosen to ignore the issue, given the prevalence of patriarchy and mind-set of voters in the area. Thus, despite rapid economic development, preference for male child continues to persist.\n\nBased on the information above, answer the following:\n(a) Do you have any ethical duty in this scenario? Justify your views.\n(b) What would be your next steps and why?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":310,"question":"Ans 2 A Problems with dichotomy between personal and public ethics:","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":333,"question":"B) Merits of argument in opposition to my stance:","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":340,"question":"1. (a) Administration discretion can be a blessing if used correctly, however its misuse can prove to be a curse. Discuss with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":342,"question":"1. (b) There is a view that corrupt practices have been socially accepted in India. How can this 'acceptance' be shifted to 'rejection' towards corruption?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":344,"question":"2. (a) Ethical business practices are key for long-term survival of a company. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":345,"question":"Why ethical practices are key for long term survival of the company.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":346,"question":"2. (b) Law succeeds in encouraging ethical behaviour in a society only when it is backed by conscience of its individuals. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":347,"question":"How law fails when not backed by conscience","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":348,"question":"3. Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context:\n(a) Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter. Martin Luther King Jr.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":350,"question":"3. (b) In law a man is guilty when he violates the rights of others. In ethics he is guilty if he only thinks of doing so. Immanuel Kant","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":352,"question":"4. (a) What do you understand by Social Intelligence? Discuss its relation with the Emotional Intelligence of an individual.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":354,"question":"4. (b) While code of conduct presents a structure to organized values, code of ethics gives a foundation to that structure. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":355,"question":"How ethics gives foundation to the structure made by code of conduct","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":356,"question":"5. (a) According to Buddhism, for a man to be perfect there are two qualities that he should develop equally: compassion (karuna) on one side, and wisdom (panna) on the other. Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":358,"question":"5. (b) The life of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam presents a broad range of lessons and virtues to be learnt by public servants in India. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":360,"question":"6. Identify which essential information should be made available to the public via Citizen's Charter? Also, suggest some steps for successful implementation of the Citizen's Charter.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":362,"question":"7. Respect for human rights and humanitarian principles is a responsibility for all members of the international community. Discuss in the context of roles and responsibilities of States for protection of refugees.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":364,"question":"8. What is red-tapism? Why is it considered a hurdle in the process of transitioning towards citizen centric governance?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":366,"question":"9. Given the rising tide of Covid induced fatalities, the government is under extreme pressure to deliver some vaccine to the population. You are the Cabinet Secretary to the Government of India. You are heading the committee to oversee the process of vaccine development and distribution to fight against the Covid outbreak in the country. You have been asked to expedite the process and come up with a solution at the earliest.\n\nSome vaccines are available around the globe, but they are in limited supply and also expensive. One of the indigenously developed vaccine has shown initial positive results, but health experts have raised concerns over its safety, efficacy and the methodology being followed for its approval. Other promising vaccines under development, following a rigorous methodology, may take months to enter the market. In this context:\n(a) What are the critical issues involved in the case?\n(b) Explain, with relevant reasons, the course of action that you would take.","marks":"20","words":"in around 250"},{"page":371,"question":"10. Literacy levels have been increasing in India over the past few decades, and the literacy rate was found to be 74.04 per cent after the 2011 census. Though this increase in literacy rate seems like a very great accomplishment, it is a matter of concern that still so many people in India cannot even read and write. Children are going to school but not learning much beyond \"floor level tasks\".\n\nMoreover, the higher literacy level has not resulted in better human values and this is manifested in the troubled atmosphere in the society at large. This failure of the education system to reform human behavior is troubling for a young democracy, like India. Given this situation, answer the following:\n(a) What role is education expected to play in reforming human behaviour and inculcating human values?\n(b) Do you think only the government is responsible for this state of the education system? If not, identify the stakeholders who should press for a change in the education system in this regard.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":376,"question":"11. Problems surrounding air pollution present an urgent challenge for many countries, including India. Among other reasons, this challenge has been exacerbated by the indifferent attitude of people towards it. Various studies have pointed out the harmful effects of air pollution. Despite the government bringing various regulations on activities like stubble burning and bursting fire crackers, people violate them.\n(a) Discuss the reasons behind such behaviour on part of society towards air pollution.\n(b) Suggest measures that are required to be undertaken to nudge people towards pro-environment behaviour.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":377,"question":"A) Reasons behind indifferent attitude on part of society","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":381,"question":"12. In recent times, social media has emerged as an important platform for all to share their information and opinions. Many civil servants are also quite active on the social media. Given this situation, there have been calls to revise or update the Civil Services Conduct Rules.\n\nSuppose you are a senior IAS officer who is heading a panel set up by the government to bring suitable changes in the conduct rules. Elaborate on how you will respond to the following questions:\n(a) What are the issues with a civil servant expressing his/her views on social media on various matters?\n(b) Should criticism of government policies on social media by civil servants be allowed?\n(c) How should civil servants conduct themselves on social media?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":384,"question":"c) How civil servants must conduct themselves on social media","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":386,"question":"13 Economic growth has been the primary goal of economic policies, and the principal measure of an economy's success. In the last few decades, economic growth benefitted mankind in multiple ways. But alongside these benefits, it has also generated significant issues and a series of converging challenges. In light of this, answer the following:\n(a) What was the rationale behind GDP growth being considered the pillar of economic policies the world over in the past few decades?\n(b) Explain the need to go beyond GDP growth and reassess our measures of development. Identify some of the components that need to be complemented with GDP growth going forward.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":387,"question":"A Rationale behind GDP growth being considered the pillar of economic policies","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":391,"question":"14. The Covid-19 pandemic is far from over but governments across the world appear to have either relaxed lockdown parameters or will do so soon. Containing Covid and restoring our economies requires not just good policy decisions and medical advice; it also needs continued compliance with the recommended behavioural changes. Daunting as they may seem, the drastic changes in behaviour being called for, can indeed be brought about. Answer the following in this regard:\n(a) Why is behavioural change seen to be desirable in a country like India, when it is faced with a pandemic of the kind of Covid-19?\n(b) What role have different stakeholders in India been playing in helping communities adhere to the desired behaviour?\n(c) Discuss the challenges in bringing about behavioural change, particularly in such an environment of anxiety and uncertainties.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":392,"question":"A) Why Behavioral change is desirable in a country like India","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":398,"question":"1. (a) Do laws need to be consistent with the prevalent moral norms? Discuss with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":400,"question":"1. (b) \"People's indifference is the best breeding ground for corruption to grow\". Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":402,"question":"2. (a) In the context of COVID-19 pandemic, discuss the importance of Emotional Intelligence among healthcare workers.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":404,"question":"2. (b) It is the 'spirit of service' that motivates a public servant to serve the country's interests and address people's issues. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":406,"question":"3. (a) Ethics does its work in the world by granting and withdrawing legitimacy. Discuss in the context of role of ethics in international relations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":408,"question":"3. (b) Sustainable growth of an organisation can result only by aligning its decisions to the interests of all stakeholders, not merely its shareholders. Do you agree? Justify with logical arguments.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":410,"question":"4. (a) Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri's life exemplifies value-driven public service of the highest order. What are the values one can learn from his life to be a good citizen and a good administrator?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":412,"question":"4. (b) There is a view that the institutional mechanisms to ensure accountability of civil servants have weakened over time. In this context, discuss the need of a social accountability law in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":414,"question":"5. (a) Why has anonymity of civil servants traditionally been seen as an important arrangement? In this context, discuss your opinion on the doctrine of facelessness in civil services.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":416,"question":"5. (b) In the age of social media, influencers have a huge following and have gained prominent marketing roles. In this context, discuss the ethical issues involved in influencer marketing.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":418,"question":"6. What do each of the following quotations mean to you?\n(a) Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or the darkness of destructive selfishness. – Martin Luther King Jr.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":420,"question":"6. (b) Let us sacrifice our today so that our children can have a better tomorrow. – A.P.J. Abdul Kalam","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":422,"question":"6. (c) I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress which women have achieved. – B.R. Ambedkar","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":424,"question":"7 You are a young officer posted as the Sub Divisional Magistrate in a district which houses factories for making match boxes and fire crackers. It is brought to your notice that a large number of children are working in these hazardous activities. The government had previously released a notification that owners of these manufacturing units need to report on the profiles of their employees annually to prevent child labour. These manufacturing units, abiding by the directives of the government, publish such reports annually and claim to have successfully put an end to employment of child labour. However, there are reports that these units are taking advantage of loopholes in the law. They are using contractors to continue to indirectly hire children without them officially being on the payroll of the units. Families of these child labourers are poor and see this as an essential source of income. An influential local politician also owns some of these manufacturing units and is known to put pressure on the officers involved for not taking any action against child labour.\n(a) Identify the stakeholders and ethical issues in this case.\n(b) How would you approach the problem and what would be the main elements of your action?\n(c) What medium to long-term measures will you propose to tackle the problem of child labour in the district?","marks":"20","words":"in around 250"},{"page":426,"question":"b Approach and main elements of my action","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":429,"question":"8. Many states in India have experimented with prohibition of liquor at various times. However, it is common knowledge that many such states have a thriving illegal liquor industry. Moreover, it is ironical that while many political parties have prohibition prominently mentioned in their manifestos, it is politicians who distribute alcohol among voters during their election campaigns. This also gives rise to illicit liquor trade and many people lose their lives to it.\n(a) What are the socio-economic problems that are widely attributed to alcoholism?\n(b) Do you think prohibiting liquor creates more problems than it proposes to solve?\n(c) Short of prohibition, what can be done to tackle the problem of rising alcoholism, particularly among the youth of the country?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":433,"question":"c) Steps to tackle problem of rising alcoholism particularly among youth","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":447,"question":"c) How persuasion can be used to convince people to get vaccinated","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":449,"question":"12. In India, there exists a huge gap between demand for organ transplants and available donors, both living and cadaver. Besides a lack of awareness on organ donation, the rise of non-communicable and lifestyle diseases, such as hypertension and diabetes have led to increased instances of organ failure, in turn putting even more pressure on the demand for vital organs. According to reports, an estimated four lakh people die in India every year waiting for an organ transplant. Other than the legal and administrative issues, there are various ethical issues related to organ donation and transplantation in India. Provide an account of these ethical issues in detail. Also, discuss how the gap between demand and supply of organs in India can be closed.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":456,"question":"1. (a) Man is not only a product of his environment but can also modify the environment. Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":458,"question":"1. (b) Though it may seem that accountability and efficiency are antithetical to each other, accountability is a sine qua non for good governance. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":460,"question":"2. (a) Gandhian ideals can be of immense help in dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic. Evaluate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":462,"question":"2. (b) While civil servants have the legal right to undertake post-retirement jobs, it raises key ethical issues. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":464,"question":"3. Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context:\n(a) Try not to become a man of success but rather try to become a man of value. Albert Einstein","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":466,"question":"3. (b) Having knowledge of an unethical act and allowing it to continue can spread a contagion that can affect multiple beings in society. Bertrand Russell","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":468,"question":"4. (a) When people use a common resource without a coordinated plan the result is often a tragedy of the commons in which the resource is depleted. In this context, discuss the various ethical challenges arising out of utilization of Global Commons.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":470,"question":"4. (b) While a code of conduct merely establishes minimal standards of conduct, a better strategy to promote ethical work culture is through internalization of values. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":472,"question":"5. (a) A state that does not have the political will and the discipline to enforce probity in governance, can not get rid of the menace of prolonged corruption. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":474,"question":"5. (b) India cannot march successfully in to the 21st century with the administrative system having a colonial mindset. Discuss in context of the bureaucratic work culture in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":476,"question":"6. Which corporate leader has inspired you the most and what moral lessons have you learnt from their life?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":478,"question":"7. Increasing participation of people in governance and easy access to information is what transforms governance to good governance. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":480,"question":"8. It is sometimes believed that moral scrupulousness in one's private life automatically guarantees high moral stature in professional life. Do you agree? Justify your stand with logical arguments.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":482,"question":"9. You are working as a District Magistrate in an aspirational district where women literacy and sex ratio is one of the lowest in the country. It is brought to your notice that a woman who has been elected as 'Sarpanch' on a seat reserved for women candidates in a panchayat in your district is head 'only on the paper'. All the work related to the panchayat is actually carried out by her husband. Even the flag hoisting ceremony on Independence Day is carried out by her husband. However, her husband happens to be a good administrator as indicated by that panchayat's performance on various developmental parameters as compared to other panchayats in the district. Also, her husband enjoys the support of the local people. Given the situation, answer the following:\n(a) Identify the stakeholders and issues involved in this case?\n(b) What options are available to you as the District Magistrate in such a scenario? Also, evaluate each option and indicate what option will you choose.","marks":"20","words":"in around 250"},{"page":487,"question":"10. The issues confronting humanity are multifaceted - from political conflicts and human rights abuses to pandemics and climate change. They are not contained within national borders, nor do they fit into the silos of separate government agencies or academic specialties. What is required is greater international cooperation, mutual respect, abiding by international laws and participative global decision-making.\n(a) What do you think are the factors hindering collective actions?\n(b) Provide a case for the moral obligation of the international community to come together and find solutions to the problems we face.\n(c) What should be the principles guiding such international cooperation?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":492,"question":"11. You are posted as Superintendent of Police in a district. A case has come up in which more than 30 girls were allegedly raped and sexually exploited at the city shelter home run by an NGO. The scandal came to light when media flagged complaints of sexual abuse of inmates of the city shelter home. A nexus of police, politicians, administration and criminals have been allegedly responsible for the racket going on for the last few years. In light of this, a lot of protests have erupted across the city. While, on one hand, media glare has meant that people are demanding swift action, you have been asked to go slow in investigating the case by top officers in your department. Elections in the state are due in a few months, so it has become a politically sensitive issue. You are also under immense political pressure from the ruling party to not take strict action and make compromises to cover up the case. Given the situation, answer the following:\n(a) Identify the issues involved in the case.\n(b) What are the options available to you? Which of these options will you choose? Justify your stand with logical arguments.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":497,"question":"12. Being the senior-most IAS officer, you are in line to be promoted as Chief Secretary after the incumbent retires in the next two months. Currently, you are heading the Public Works Department (PWD) and a road construction project worth crores has been opened for tender. A company X belonging to the son-in-law of the incumbent Chief Minister has also applied for the same. The director in charge of the screening process, a young IAS officer, has reported that company Y and the state PSU have submitted the best bids. Both you and the director are facing political pressure to favour the company X. The young IAS officer may be demoralised if you give in to the pressure. But if you don't give in then he may be transferred and your chances of promotion may also suffer. In light of the situation, answer the following:\n(a) Discuss the ethical issues faced by you in the given case.\n(b) What are the options available to you? Which of these options will you choose? Justify your stand with logical arguments.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":502,"question":"13. As the head of the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), you are tasked to complete the construction of a power plant. The project needs to be completed expeditiously to fulfill the promise made by the government to ensure access to power for all. The selected site is in a remote area and is ideal for plant construction. However, the project would require relocation of the people living in the vicinity. Initially, the local community objected to disruption in their lives but were convinced later about the economic benefits that would accrue to the region through this plant. The project had started gathering pace, but recently a local NGO working for environment protection got involved with the local community regarding the issue. And now the local community has started protesting against any developmental activity in the region.\nAs the officer-in-charge for the speedy execution of the project, answer the following:\n(a) What are the issues involved in this case?\n(b) What course of action will you take and why?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":507,"question":"14. Genetic editing has several applications with its potential to edit the genomes of both somatic and germ cells. This allows for the ability to not only cure genetic diseases but to edit the characteristics of future offspring. The last few years have seen the development of several efficient, more precise genetic engineering techniques. However, with growing sophistication, various issues of bioethics have also have come to the forefront.\n(a) Discuss the ethical considerations associated with genome editing.\n(b) In the light of these ethical issues, provide an ethical framework on how this technology can be used for the betterment of humanity.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":510,"question":"b) Ethical framework for use of this technology","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2809,"topper":"Gamini Singla","air":3,"year":2021,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6e07c-1016167_1990_gamini-singla_rank_03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2810,"topper":"Gamini Singla","air":3,"year":2021,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b9589-1016167_1516_gamini-singla_rank_03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2811,"topper":"GANDHARVA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/93_Gandharva_14614_621_GS.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"\"If instead of insisting on rights everyone does his duty, there will immediately be the rule of order established among mankind.\" - Mahatma Gandhi. Bring out what this statement means to you in the present context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Should circumstances be the sole criterion for judging the morality of human action or the nature of the action and its purpose must also be considered? Justify your stand with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"A person cannot do right in civil service whilst attempting to do wrong in personal life. In context of this statement, examine the relationship between personal and professional ethics. Do civil servants have to be ethical in personal life in order to be professionally ethical? Illustrate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What is the importance of whistle-blowing in public and private institutions? What role does individual conscience play in the act of whistle-blowing? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"'Objectivity' and 'neutrality' are among the core civil service values. Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The legal framework in modern society has both anomalous and complementary relationship with its ethical framework. Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"There seems to be a fundamental contradiction between effectiveness and accountability. Comment. Why is accountability a necessary evil for good governance? Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"\"One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors\". Explain. Suggest some measures that can be taken to increase political participation in our country. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The erosion of civic values from our public life has become a pervasive phenomenon. Discuss the role of value education in tackling this issue in the Indian context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"It is often said that home is the first school and parents are the first teachers. Explain the role of family in inculcating moral values. Analyze how the changing nature of family has affected this role in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"A world without nuclear weapons would be less stable and more dangerous for all of us.\" Critically examine the ethical dimensions of the given statement from the perspective of international relations. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"The increasing speed and scope of globalization has raised several ethical concerns. Analyze with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"What do you understand by aptitude? What kind of aptitude is considered important for civil services? What measures have you taken to make yourself fit for being a civil servant? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"You are a young civil servant posted in a tribal dominated district, which is notorious for illegal mining done by mafia. They exercise their power over poor tribals of the region by bribing the local tribal musclemen who have political aspirations. The consequent easy money and luxury have ensured that these musclemen work in the interest of these mafia. They use these 'tribal' musclemen as a 'front' to plant 'constructed' news in the media to create confusion or to gain sympathy of the civil society activists and the public at large. It is a strategy to thwart any concrete action of the government for eliminating the menace of illegal activities in that area. You quickly understood these designs after assuming the office. You came to know that some employees in your own office are in nexus with the mafia. When you initiated stringent action against the mafia they turned hostile. They prompted few tribal musclemen to file a fake FIR against you Highlight and discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case. (b) What steps will you take to resolve the issue in the most appropriate manner? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"In the face of acute famine in the district, you, as an area officer, have instructed your subordinates to procure food grains from the FCI godowns located in the adjoining districts. This would make the food grains available to the public through PDS shops. Considering the gravity of the situation, this task has to be done immediately, because majority of the people in the district are poor, and therefore can't buy the food at the market prices. However, you were told that all the truck operators have formed a cartel and are asking for three times the usual transportation rate, in order to exploit the situation. This would nullify your effort, as the prices of the food grains would increase due to high transportation charges. (a) Following are some suggested options. Please evaluate the merits and demerits of each of the options:","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"'Honour killing' has been in news in recent times. It involves the homicide of a member of a family by other members, due to the perpetrators' belief that the victim has brought shame or dishonour upon the family. Analyse this problem in detail and indicate not only the social but also the emotional and attitudinal factors responsible for this problem? Also, distinctly bring out why: (a) The youth in such areas do not speak up against these practices. (b) The conviction rate in 'honour killing' cases is extremely low. (c) Women, who have to face the brunt of this crime the most, do not speak against it collectively. Discuss some feasible steps, which could be effective in controlling this serious problem. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2812,"topper":"GANDHARVA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/93_Gandharva_14614_622_GS.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"In this age of information and consumerism, the image of women portrayed by mass media greatly influences our social attitude towards them. Critically evaluate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Biometric attendance, punctuality and cleanliness provide only a good start towards the improvement of work culture. A lot more is required to improve the work culture of the Indian bureaucracy and make it more responsive and citizen centric. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"What is social accountability? How can it act as a more effective mechanism than the conventional methods of extracting accountability? What steps can a civil servant take to improve the effectiveness of social accountability in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Of all government activities, public procurement is amongst the one most vulnerable to fraud and corruption. Explain with examples. Further, what steps would you suggest to maintain probity in public procurement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"\"Those who say religion has nothing to do with politics do not know what religion is\". Explain. Further examine the role of religion in formation of political attitude in the Indian context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"\"Emotion can lead to our worst decisions or our best ones: The difference is emotional intelligence.\" In light of the given statement, illustrate how emotional intelligence is critical in decision making. How can it help a civil servant in taking prudent decisions?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"\"Anyone who doesn't take truth seriously in small matters cannot be trusted in large ones either.\"- Albert Einstein. Bring out what this statement means to you in the present context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Recent incidents of moral policing is symptomatic of the growing intolerance in Indian society. Analyse with examples. Suggest some measures to address this issue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'Conflict of Interest' in the context of public service? What are the norms prescribed for Civil Services in India to deal with this issue?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Although most public organizations have a code of conduct for their employees, its impact has been less than satisfactory in combating the misuse of office by public servants. Explain. Provide some suggestions to make the code of conduct a more comprehensive tool in dealing with corruption in public offices.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Citizen charter has recently emerged as an innovative tool for reinforcing citizen centric governance. Explain the statement and analyse the various constraints faced during the implementation of the citizen charter in the Indian administrative system.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"An efficient service delivery is the key to winning the public trust in government. What are the challenges being faced in efficient delivery of public services? Suggest some measures to improve the delivery of public services.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Explain the importance of diligence as a value for a civil servant. How can it be inculcated among civil servants?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"You retired as a finance manager from a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU). After retirement you are offered a job in a private company as its finance head and you have accepted it. The company has a procurement contract with the PSU which you worked for. Now that contract is up for renewal through competitive bidding. You have been asked to lead the team responsible for bidding of this contract. While working in the PSU, you had an opportunity to work on areas relating to financial accounting, procurement, contracts and bids. You are concerned that you might breach the confidentiality if you accept the assignment in the present company. You also suspect that your knowledge and experience of working in the PSU were seen as good reasons for appointing you to the position in the present company. The loss of such a major contract would have a significant effect on the financial performance of Company. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each of the options given below and finally suggest what course of action","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"Iv. Resign from the job. Suggest any other possible option(s). Evaluate all of them and suggest the best course of action, giving your reasons for it.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2813,"topper":"Ganesh Kumar Baskar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/13604-220239_1450_ganesh-kumar-baskar_rank_7.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"An effective crop insurance system is crucial in cushioning income losses for farmers. In this context, assess the performance of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Explaining the significance of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), highlight the challenges that need to be addressed for it to achieve its true potential. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the potential of multimodal transport in transforming India's transportation and logistics sector. Mention the measures taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Private investment is a key driver that catalyses an economy into a self-sustaining cycle of growth. Explaining the statement, highlight the steps that should be taken to revive private investment in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Comment on the efficacy of waste to energy plants being established in India in order to solve the problem of discarded municipal solid waste. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"In recent decades India has made changes in its IPR regime to make it TRIPS compliant, however there continue to remain fundamental differences on IPR related issues in relation to the developed world. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Chandrayaan-2 has not only been considered as one of the most challenging missions of ISRO but also more technologically advanced than Chandrayaan-1. Elaborate. Further, examine how lunar exploration can benefit humanity in general. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Given the strategic rivalries and growing space capabilities of many countries, militarisation of outer space is considered a threat. In this context, discuss the need for a rule-based order to securely govern outer space. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Money laundering not only threatens the stability of the financial system of India but also its national security. Elucidate. In this context, discuss how far the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 addresses these issues. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Discuss the need for agricultural marketing reforms in India. Also, identify the key aspects of agricultural markets that need to be reformed. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite the government meeting its disinvestment targets in recent years, its efforts towards strategic disinvestment and privatisation remain limited. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"There have been arguments that employment creation and productivity do not grow adequately as firms age in India. In this context, analyse why Indian firms start small and stay small. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Bring out the importance of focussing on energy efficiency for achieving energy security in India. What steps have been taken by the government in this regard? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Despite having a statutory framework for minimum wages since long, many workers continue to remain outside its reach. Examine the reasons and suggest corrective measures in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Highlight the significance of a well-established carbon market in India. In this context, explaining the mechanism of renewable energy certificates (REC), highlight the challenges that the REC market faces. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Discuss the need and challenges in integrating the efforts for disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Given the significance of data in policy making, analyze why its potential remains underutilised. Also, suggest some measures for transforming India's data infrastructure in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The roots of insurgency in the North Eastern region are embedded in a host of factors. Discuss. What measures have been taken to tackle cross-border insurgency in this area? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Highlight the challenges faced by India in countering terror financing. Also, mention the steps taken by India in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2814,"topper":"Ganesh Kumar Baskar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/847ef-220239_1448_ganesh-kumar-baskar_rank_7.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"It is argued that mathematics and astronomy were an important part of intellectual development in ancient India. In this context, highlight the major contributions of ancient India to these areas. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In context of the rivalries, which existed between the English and French trading companies in India, highlight the factors, which led to the success of the English East India Company in its struggle against the French. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What were the causes of the Iranian Revolution of 1979? In what ways do the consequences of this revolution remain relevant even today? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Give an account of the geographical distribution pattern of major agro-based industries in India. Also, explain their multiplier effect on rural economy. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Highlight the reasons and resultant implications of disappearance of urban water bodies in India. Mention some of the steps which can be taken in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Explaining the role that Ocean Iron Fertilization can play in the fight against climate change, discuss the concerns associated with its large-scale adoption. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"In India a vast number of languages are potentially endangered. Discuss the reasons and implications of disappearance of a language. Also, suggest measures to preserve potentially endangered languages. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"While the British established a judicial system based on the rule of law, in practice this system suffered from numerous drawbacks. Analyze keeping in mind the developments between 1793 and 1833. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Trace the evolution of British policy towards the princely states in India. How did the freedom movement impact the people of these princely states? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Give a brief account of the circumstances under which Simla agreement was signed in 1972. Mentioning its important provisions, discuss whether it was a lost opportunity for India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"State the push and pull factors responsible for internal migration in India. Also examine how it is impacting urban transition in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Examine the factors responsible for poor performance of family planning programme in India. Suggest some family planning strategies, which can be adopted for improving reproductive health outcomes and achieving family welfare. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Women experience poverty differently and more acutely as compared to men. In this context, explain the socio-economic factors, which contribute to feminization of poverty in India. How can this problem be tackled? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Giving examples, highlight the reasons behind existence of regional disparities in India. Suggest some strategies to address them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Highlighting different factors affecting Indian monsoon, explain why it is difficult to predict it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2815,"topper":"Ganesh Kumar Baskar","air":7,"year":2019,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d03fa-220239_1242_ganesh-kumar-baskar_rank_7.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2816,"topper":"Ganesh Kumar Baskar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e6b43-220239_1245_ganesh-kumar-baskar_rank_7.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the attributes of leadership, analyse why it is important for a civil servant. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"A civil servant needs to be objective as well as empathetic. What do you understand by objectivity? Discuss its relationship with empathy. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"With rapidly increasing use of information technology, what according to you is the role of ethics in cyber space?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Transparency in government organisations is an essential pre-condition for good governance. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but its lowest ones. Nelson Mandela","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2817,"topper":"Ganesh Kumar Baskar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/29f4b-220239_1451_ganesh-kumar-baskar_rank_7.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"It is morally permissible to perform an action in pursuit of a good end in full knowledge that the action might also bring about bad results. Critically examine the statement with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"An essential element that distinguishes a career in public service from jobs elsewhere is its focus on public service ethos. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The foundational values of efficiency, impartiality, empathy, and incorruptibility are an integral part of civil services. Elaborate with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The foreign policy of nations is primarily guided by national interests. Do you think the pursuit of such exclusive concerns leaves little scope for ethics in international relations? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Corporate Social Responsibility can help in changing the perception of 'business ethics' being an oxymoron. Critically analyze. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: Intolerance is itself a form of violence and an obstacle to the growth of a true democratic spirit. - Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Citizens' Charters by themselves cannot achieve the desired results in improving quality of public services. Discuss the statement in light of the Sevottam Model. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"What do you understand by social capital? Explain its relationship with good governance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Emotional Intelligence is an essential ingredient for managing personal and organizational change. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Do you agree that privatization and outsourcing of selected public services will help improve the quality of public service delivery and in particular reduce the incidence of corruption? Substantiate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Discuss the contributions of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar to the idea of social justice in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"You are posted as the District Magistrate in a district, which has been ravaged by floods recently. The severity of floods has not only led to destruction of shelter and livelihood, but also created risks of deadly diseases spreading in the area. Street thugs have taken advantage of the situation and are looting and stocking anything they can get their hands on. There are reports that many shops and homes have been broken into and looted. Some suspect that this is the work of illegal immigrants from a neighbouring country, who have been residing in the district for a long time. The local MLA is objecting to extension of relief and rehabilitation assistance to these illegal immigrants. A number of residents of the district have also joined the MLA and are arguing that citizens have the first right on the country's resources, particularly in the prevailing situation. In this context, answer the following: (a) Do you think that citizens of a country have the first claim on resources of a nation in every situation? Justify your answer with valid arguments. (b) Given this information, chart a course of action based on priorities of the administration. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"You are the Commissioner of a city municipal corporation. Recognizing the state of some of the old buildings, you have categorised these under the list of dilapidated buildings. You have also issued an advisory to residents regarding the status and hazards of living in such buildings and asked them to vacate the premises. However, even after such a notification, residents continue to occupy such buildings and refuse to vacate. These are mostly poor people who have no other alternative available and would be rendered homeless if they vacate the premises. While you are trying to figure a way out for these people, your worst fears come true when one of the four-storeyed buildings on the list collapsed after heavy rains. Following the incident, public outrage led to accusations against the corporation for not getting the building vacated. (a) What challenges do you face as the Commissioner in this situation? Highlight the steps you will take to address these. (b) What measures will you take to prevent reoccurrence of such unfortunate incidents? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"You have been recently posted as a District Education Officer in a district, which is notorious for mass copying. It again witnessed some disturbing incidents during the recent Board examination. In some of the examination centers located in your district, the parents virtually took over the centres to help their wards to copy during the exams. The parents justified their act by arguing that the concerned teachers did not take classes at all during the year. Upon enquiry, you found that invigilators turned a blind eye in this situation and school administrations were also involved in tampering with the CCTV footage of the incidents. You also found that teacher absenteeism has indeed been rampant. Further, concerns regarding this had been repeatedly raised by parents in the past, but no action was taken. In this situation: (a) What course of action would you take in the immediate to short term to deal with the issue at hand? (b) Explaining the ramifications of such incidents for the society at large, highlight some long-term reforms that should be taken to prevent such incidents from re-occurring. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"You are recently posted as District Magistrate in a district, which is a major hub of industrial activities and attracts workers from different places and communities. The workers of these industries often utilize the open spaces on roads for performing their daily prayers, though only for a short period of time. The lack of a place of worship close to the work places, is cited as the reason for continuance of this practice. However, some residents of nearby areas have been objecting to this practice due to the inconvenience caused by congestion on the roads. There have also been complaints of alleged illegal encroachments over public land in garb of this practice. One day, you are informed that a group of locals disrupted the workers at the time of worship. The incident led to clashes between several groups and a law and order problem has arisen in the district. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) What are the options available before you? Evaluate the merits and demerits of each one of them. (b) What course of action would you choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"You are the district magistrate in a district of a hill state. An NRI tycoon is planning to arrange a large wedding ceremony in your district. Given the scale of the ceremony, a feasibility report was prepared. The report has called for adopting a cautious approach and has raised concerns regarding its impact on the environment. Recognizing this, the NRI has offered extra compensation for the prospective environmental damages. Also, the local MLA and some prominent residents are arguing that such a wedding can help in developing the district as a tourist hotspot and turn it into a popular wedding destination, bringing prosperity for the residents. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders in the given situation and their respective interests. (b) Highlight the options available to you and the course of action you will take, giving reasons for the same. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"The challenge of climate change presents the world with several fundamental ethical dilemmas. From a global perspective, it presents the world with a collective action problem: all countries have a collective interest in controlling global carbon emissions. But each individual country also has incentives to over-consume in response to societal demands for economic growth and prosperity. Developing nations faced with these costs may encounter further challenges as the impact of climate change will most likely fall disproportionately on the poor, thus also raising issues of fairness and inequality. As an intergenerational problem, the consequences of actions taken by the current generation will have the greatest impact on future generations. While it is intuitive that the current generation has some ethical responsibility to leave an inhabitable world to future generations, the extent of this obligation is less clear. Answer the following questions in this regard: (a) To what extent do humans have a moral responsibility to future generations that are yet to be born? (b) Do developed countries have a greater responsibility to take action and bear more costs of controlling climate change than developing countries? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2818,"topper":"GANESNA BHANUSRI LAKSHMIANNAPUR","air":198,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/65fab-672699_2488_ganesna_bhanusri_lakshmiannapur_rank_198.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2819,"topper":"GANESNA BHANUSRI LAKSHMIANNAPUR","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d7068-0672699_2422_ganesna_bhanusri_lakshmiannapur_rank_198.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The traditional theatre forms of India reflect the ideals and emotions of the society, and an individual's role in the community. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Provide an account of the historical and architectural importance of the Sanchi Stupa. Also, discuss how it inspired the future architecture in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Bhagat Singh made a real breakthrough in terms of revolutionary ideology, the goals of revolution and forms of revolutionary struggle. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Bringing out the factors that led to the Meiji restoration, discuss its significance for Japan. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"It is believed that a nation is an \"imagined community\" held together by common beliefs, history, political aspirations etc. In this context, discuss what the basis of India as a nation is. Also, bring out the threats to the concept of Indian nationhood. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"State the key factors behind the growth of the pharmaceutical industry in India. Additionally, discuss its significance with regard to India's economy and public health.(Answer in 150words)10","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss why the Bay of Bengal is more prone to cyclones than the Arabian Sea. Also, explain the reasons for the decrease in frequency of tropical cyclones during the Southwest monsoon season. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite being destructive in nature, volcanoes are critical for the existence of human life on earth. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The existence of relative deprivation is an important aspect in constructing the argument for regionalism. Explain with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"If India is to realise the goal of 'education for all', the issue of rising cases of bullying and other forms of school violence needs to be addressed immediately. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Bring out the role played by the Ahom Kingdom in shaping the cultural and historical identity of North-East India, and discuss its legacy in contemporary times. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The capitalist class generally remained ambivalent in their support to the Indian National Congress until 1940s. In this context, analyse the varying positions of the Indian capitalists throughout the national movement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Trace the evolution of the press in India. Also, discuss the instrumental impact it had during various stages of the Indian freedom struggle despite the repressive policies of the British. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Mountains are fragile ecosystems vulnerable to the adverse impact of climate change and other anthropogenic interventions. Illustrate with examples. Also, highlight the initiatives taken for their sustainable management. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind unsustainable management of sand resources in India. Highlighting its impact, enumerate the remedial measures taken in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Giving an account of the major lithium-producing countries, discuss the geo-political aspects of lithium production and its environmental implications. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The youth are capable of identifying themselves with a global identity and connecting with events and experiences outside their countries. In this context, discuss the impact of globalization on the various aspects of youth identity. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"As fertility rates decline in India, future demographic concerns center around an ageing population and a weak social security system. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"With a significant proportion of India's population expected to live in urban areas by 2030, the welfare of the urban poor needs to take centre-stage in public policy. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2820,"topper":"GANESNA BHANUSRI LAKSHMIANNAPUR","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/bf0ee-0672699_2423_ganesna_bhanusri_lakshmiannapur_rank_198.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With suitable examples, discuss how environmental pressure groups enhance public participation and responsiveness with regard to environmental policies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The recent acknowledgment of sex work as a 'profession' by the Supreme Court is merely the first step in ensuring basic rights and equality for sex workers in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the role played by District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) in providing free legal aid and disseminating legal awareness in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"The collegium system has become a victim of its own success, with the concentration of power in the hands of a few, leading to questions about its legitimacy.\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"Civil services reforms must go beyond recruitment and standardised training to cope with the present day challenges.\" Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Outcome-based finance models such as social impact bonds have the potential to truly catalyse change and deliver socio-economic impact at scale. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The wide gap between the number of females graduating every year and those entering the workspace is an issue of paramount importance that needs to be addressed. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"An up to date and functional Civil Registration System (CRS) is essential to the socio-economic planning in India. Discuss in the light of the recent move of the Central government in revamping the CRS system in the country. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What are the key areas of reform if the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has to align with the current economic realities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In recent years, India's relationship with West Asia has evolved from the confines of geopolitics to expanse of geoeconomics. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The role of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) is significant in furthering healthy competitiveness aimed at inspiring stakeholders to innovate and augment effectiveness. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"\"The menace of paid news often rears its ugly head during elections.\" Discuss the need for making paid news an electoral offence in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the 'Doctrine of Essentiality' referred to by the courts in the context of religious practices in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"As per the recently released report of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), there is an urgent need to limit the size of the government in India. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The Institutions of Eminence (IoE) scheme was conceived to develop 'world-class' centres of higher education in India but six years later, it is yet to become the game changer it was intended to be. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) allows for innovative and convenient public services, help overcome inclusion or accessibility barriers, and increase transparency and accountability with real-time data. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Besides legislation, the full realisation of the 'right to health for all' in India demands plugging of social, financial, and infrastructural gaps. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The 'third gender' has not yet been engendered in the Indian society despite legislative nudge. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Among other factors, strained ties with China and Pakistan make it difficult for India to fulfill its expectations from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"The recently concluded initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) between the United States and India promises a long overdue transformation of their partnership in the field of technology. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2821,"topper":"GANESNA BHANUSRI LAKSHMIANNAPUR","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3cc70-0672699_2425_ganesna_bhanusri_lakshmiannapur_rank_198.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"For effective corporate governance to take place in the coming years, why is it important to integrate the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics with the multi-stakeholder approach? What benefits can be accrued by such integration? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In acts of corruption, the focus is often only on the demand side of the equation, on public officials who abuse their office for private gain. Frequently, the supply side is given less attention. Those who pay bribes are sometimes depicted as innocent parties and victims of extortionary practices of wily public servants. Do you agree that collusive corruption, in which there is a willing bribe-giver, is a formidable challenge for institutions fighting corruption? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Citizens' Charters initiative was a response to the quest for solving the problems, which a citizen encountered, day in and day out, while dealing with the organisations providing public services. But the introduction and implementation of Citizens' Charters in the government of India has been difficult due to the old bureaucratic set up and the rigid attitudes of the work force. Discuss the major obstacles that have been encountered in implementing the Citizens' Charter initiative. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Quality of public service delivery is a major determinant of the quality of life of vulnerable sections in a highly unequal society divided along the lines of class, caste, religion, etc. In this background, do you think that public service delivery is efficient and sufficient enough to improve the lives of vulnerable groups in India? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? \"The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own.\" - Lao Tzu (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"If ethics are poor at the top, that behavior is copied down through the organization.\" - Robert Noyce (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"The end of law is not to abolish or restrain, but to preserve and enlarge freedom.\" - John Locke (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Wealthy CEOs and founders of successful businesses around the world are increasingly pledging to give away their wealth in philanthropy. Do you think that such a move is sufficient enough to bring about a positive change in the society? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"As organizations across the globe begin their artificial intelligence (AI) transformation, the leap into the AI era is expected to be more challenging than any technology that businesses have grappled with yet. In this background, discuss the concerns around fairness, transparency, and job security that may arise. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The emphasis of Swami Dayanand Saraswati on education, social equality, and ethical values continues to influence the socio-cultural discourse in contemporary India. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Emotional intelligence may not be singularly associated with emotions or intelligence. It can also include a broad range of personality characteristics that might predict success in professional and everyday life. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Traditional forms of state-led accountability, also characterised as vertical and horizontal channels of accountability, are increasingly found to be inadequate, and a myriad of multi-stakeholder and bottom-up citizen directed approaches have come to the fore, to supplement or supplant them. Discuss with illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":33,"question":"In a metropolitan city of India, the law enforcement authorities decided to adopt facial recognition technology to improve their crime-fighting capabilities. They implemented a facial recognition system that integrated with existing surveillance cameras across the city, allowing real-time identification and tracking of individuals. The system was intended to assist in identifying known criminals, missing persons, and suspects in ongoing investigations. One evening, a woman reported a mugging incident where the perpetrator wore a hoodie, obscuring most of his face. The victim provided a vague description to the police, and based on that information, the authorities decided to use facial recognition technology to locate potential suspects. The system scanned through hours of surveillance footage from various locations near the crime scene. The facial recognition algorithm generated a list of potential matches, and one individual's image stood out as a close match to the description provided by the victim. The police considered this individual a prime suspect and proceeded with his arrest. Subsequently, it was discovered that the arrested person was innocent. Further investigation revealed that the facial recognition system had misidentified the innocent individual due to the limitations of the technology and the partial description provided by the victim. The police released the arrested individual; still his reputation got tarnished for life. He, along with his family, was evicted from their current place of residence. The psychological impact of the incident has been tremendous owing to which his job is also on the line. With reference to this case study, in the context of the above, answer the following: (a) What are the issues involved in this case? (b) What measures can be taken to minimize the negative implications of adopting such technologies? (250 words) With reference to this case study, answer the following: (a) What are the issues involved in this case? (b) What measures can be taken to minimize the negative implications of adopting such technologies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Many proponents of deep-sea drilling argue that tapping into the vast amount of rare earth elements in the Indian Ocean will help shore up national security interests for India, bolster its economy and workforce, and offer a reliable supply of strategic minerals. Keeping this in mind, the government has approved a $540-million programme to study ways of mining nickel, cobalt, manganese and iron hydroxide from the bed of the Indian Ocean 6,000 meters below sea level. The government argues that the project can power India's growth for 100 years. It will also study climate change, explore marine flora and fauna and harness thermal energy. However, a competing point of view alleges that deep ocean drilling poses immense risk to the environment. A comprehensive report on Sustainable Ocean Economy by independent geologists states that “until the need for, and potential consequences of, deep-sea mining are better understood, the concept is conceptually difficult to align with the definition of a sustainable ocean economy and raises various environmental, legal and governance challenges, as well as possible conflicts with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.” It also highlights that the profitability of national mining operations, without governmental support or comparably low taxes, remains questionable. If the operations are profitable, it will also raise questions about the equitable sharing of profits derived from a resource taken out of the common heritage of mankind. Additionally, companies like BMW, Volvo, Google and Korean battery maker Samsung SDI, vowed in a statement to not buy metals produced from deep-sea mining until the environmental risks of the activity are “comprehensively understood.” In the context of the above-stated information, address the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the given case study? (b) How can the vision of economic development of a nation be achieved without adversely affecting the sustainability of oceans? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"You are a public representative, elected on the ticket of a political party, considered as conservative by many. Your daughter, who has returned years after studying abroad, has conveyed to you her choice of marrying a person from another community. You personally do not consider anything wrong in her choice, and convey your assent to her. You also discuss it with many among your friends and family, and inform them of a grand wedding ceremony you are planning for your daughter. However, a few days after you have shared the news of the forthcoming grand wedding with many, you are informed by your political secretary about an issue being made of the same. He informs you that there are whispers among many people in your constituency about it, and indications of a sense of unease among some prominent citizens. While most of them are enamoured by your plans for a grand wedding ceremony for your daughter, they are unhappy with the bridegroom being from another community. You also get to know through your sources in the party, that your assent to the choice of the bridegroom may lead to a denial of ticket by the high command in the forthcoming elections. You are not only an ambitious politician and a rising star in your political party but also an open-minded, loving and doting father. But howsoever much you love your daughter's freedom and choices, you do not want her decision to adversely affect your political journey. This is more so, when you had been eagerly looking forward to greater responsibilities and a higher stature in the party, given the years of hardwork you have put in, as a politician. Your daughter, on the other hand, is firm with her that her wedding will not be held as a private ceremony with only close friends and family, but should be publicised in a grand way, as you had promised earlier to her. Given this situation, answer the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the above situation? (b) What are the various options that you have, as a father and an ambitious politician? (c) What will be your course of action? Justify with proper reasoning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2822,"topper":"Gargee Londhe","air":939,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Sleepy Classes","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://sleepyclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Gargee-Londhe-Essay-1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2823,"topper":"Gargee Londhe","air":939,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Sleepy Classes","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://sleepyclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Gargee-Londhe-Essay-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2824,"topper":"Gargee Londhe","air":939,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Sleepy Classes","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://sleepyclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Gargee-Londhe-Essay-3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2825,"topper":"Gargee Londhe","air":939,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Sleepy Classes","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://sleepyclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Gargee-Londhe-Thesis-3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2826,"topper":"Gargi Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/dd383-gargi-jain_45-2014_gs_booklet_1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Though Indian Constitution provides the essential features of a federation, it differs from the typical federal systems of the world in certain fundamental respects. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"While judiciary has been seen as a harbinger of promoting transparency and accountability in governmental functions, it needs to promote the same regarding its own functioning. Comment w.r.t the need for judicial reforms in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"The Prime Minister of India has acquired such eminence and power that observers now prefer to call the political system as Prime Ministerial Government rather than parliamentary or cabinet government. Critically analyze with reference to the present government.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Although meant to function as watchdogs, human rights institutions in India are treated as subordinate departments with scant regard for their autonomy or statutory character. Analyze.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"\"HDR 2014 has introduced a gender development index (GDI) for the first time. India ranks low at 127th place in GDI.\" Discuss the various causes for gender development disparity in India. Also mention the steps taken by the government in reducing this disparity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"A healthy working relationship between Ministers and civil servants is critical for good governance in a democracy, yet civil service must remain free from political considerations. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"\"The chariot of inclusive growth would run on two wheels-one of economic reforms to jack up the GDP growth, the other would be the reform of grassroots governance\". What reforms are needed to improve grassroots governance institutions & to what extent can they become critical instruments for furthering the ideals of social, political & economic justice.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"What institutional and procedural reforms are needed for regulating the introduction of high risk technologies like Nuclear energy and GMO in a democratic framework?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"\"With the advent of democracy in Bhutan, the buffers of British Raj are no longer a viable option.\" Examine the need for India to recast its neighborhood policy in wake of increasing Chinese influence.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"Resolution of the Indo-Bangladesh maritime dispute has been slated as a win-win for both countries. Highlight the politico-economic impact of this decision for Indo-Bangladesh relations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":58,"question":"'ISIS is a threat to world peace'. Analyze how the rise of ISIS poses a threat not only to the Arab world but the world peace at large, including India. Do you think that the conventional military strategies are ill-equipped to deal with the challenges posed by Islamic terrorism?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":63,"question":"While some countries, particularly from the West, see G-20's role as preserving the existing order, other emerging economies, like India, want G-20 to transform the present order to accommodate them. Critically analyze.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2827,"topper":"Gargi Jain","air":45,"year":2014,"paper":"Optional — Philosophy","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/18036-gargi-jain_45-2014_philosophy_booklet_1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2828,"topper":"Gargi Jain","air":45,"year":2014,"paper":"Optional — Philosophy","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/bd5a8-gargi-jain_45-2014_philosophy_booklet_2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2829,"topper":"Garima Agrawal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/28264_846_Garima_Agrawal_Rank_40.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Give an account of the distinguishing features of Indian classical dances. What is the difference between Nritta, Nritya and Natya? Also, discuss how Indian classical dances are a manifestation of spirituality.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"How did the Sramana tradition influence the Vedic religion and led to the emergence of Jainism, Buddhism and Ajivika sects? Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Post-Mauryan five centuries are often referred to as the \"Dark Period\" of Indian History akin to the Dark Ages of Europe. Do you agree with the view?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"The relationship between the British imperialists and the Indian Princely States changed from 'Struggle for Equality' to 'Policy of Equal Federation' according to their changing needs. Analyze.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"While the Indian capitalist class could have contributed significantly towards the Indian national movement, it remained a bystander. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Examine whether the mutiny of 1857 was an organized and planned revolt or a spontaneous insurrection. Also, discuss the reasons for its limited territorial spread.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"The system of permanent settlement not only had economic consequences, but also gave rise to a new social structure in the Indian society. Explain.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the circumstances that led to an alliance between the Khilafat and Non-Cooperation Movements? Critically analyse the implications of this alliance on the Indian freedom movement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"The emergence of national multimedia conglomerates in the post-liberalization period has not only changed the nature of journalism but also affected democratic mobilization in India. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Operation Flood created a strong foundation to transform India's dairy sector into a vibrant business activity. Explain. Why could the example of Amul not be replicated in other areas of the country?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Implementation of the language provisions in the Constitution proved to be a formidable task even though the Congress party was in power all over the country. In this regard, discuss the challenges and the manner in which the language issue was resolved.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"The Cold War was a geopolitical, ideological, and economic struggle between two world superpowers. Discuss. What were the factors responsible for the end of the Cold War?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"While there were some similarities between Hitler's Nazism and Mussolini's Fascism, there were certain fundamental differences as well. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"What were the conditions that favored imperialism in Asia and Africa? Discuss the long-term impacts of imperialist control on the countries of Asia and Africa.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Briefly discuss the issues that led to the rise of ethnic insurgency in Sri Lanka in the 1980s. How did the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord attempt to address them?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Investment in the future of girl child is not only a question of economic priority but also one of social attitude. Comment. How can the government schemes help change entrenched social attitudes vis a vis the girl child?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Suicide is a leading cause of death among young people not only in India but also in other countries. Why are the youth vulnerable to suicides? Discuss some strategies to address the problem of suicides among the youth.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Unemployment can not be ascribed only to economic factors, social and personal factors equally contribute to this phenomenon. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"With overpopulated cities and their strained infrastructure, India is in the midst of an urban crisis. How far can the Smart Cities Mission help in upgradation of exisiting cities in the country? What are the reservations of local bodies with respect to this mission?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"What are Personal Law Boards? Are their decisions binding on citizens? How can the incongruence between the principles followed by them and those of the common law courts be reconciled? Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2830,"topper":"Garima Agrawal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/28264_845_Garima_Agrawal_Rank_40.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Soil management in Northeast India is critical for a viable agriculture economy. In this context, discuss the problems of soils in Northeast India. Suggest some steps that can be taken to counter this problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"How does the plate tectonics theory help explain the formation of Himalayas and Deccan Traps?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Inspite being one of the largest producer of fish, there is still considerable scope of improvement in the fishery sector. In light of the above statement, discuss the problems and prospects of Fishery industry in India with respect to both inland and marine fisheries.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Vegetation in deserts and saline areas have highly specialized means of adapting themselves to the environment. Explain.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Give an account of the distribution of cement industry in India and the factors that affect its location. Also trace the growth of cement industry in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Despite the enormous demand of electronics, the manufacturing of electronic goods has not been a feature of the Indian industry. Enumerate the reasons for the same. Suggest measures which are required to acheive the target of Net Zero Import by 2020.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Agroforestry is seen as a solution to meet the challenges of food, nutrition, energy, employment and environment security. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Explain the phenomenon of Tsunami formation and highlight reasons for India's vulnerability to Tsunamis. List some measures to mitigate the impact of Tsunamis.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Explain the role of Himalayas in influencing the climate of South Asia. Enumerate the changes observed recently in the Himalayan region with respect to climate and geomorphology. What are the possible anthropogenic causes behind them?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Explain the different types of earthquake waves and the concept of shadow zone. What inferences can we draw from shadow zones regarding the interior of the Earth?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Explain the difference between chemical weathering and physical weathering. What is the ecological and economic significance of weathering?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Tropical regions are not only the most resource rich but also one of the most underdeveloped regions of the world. What are the factors responsible for this? How have some of the tropical countries turned their natural limitations to their advantage? Illustrate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Coral reefs are the most biologically diverse and economically valuable ecosystems on earth. Elaborate. Discuss the factors responsible for the decline of coral reefs across the world. Also, list some measures that have been taken for their preservation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Despite EIA being a useful policy tool for sustainable development, deficiencies in its design and implementation have prevented it from realising its potential. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"According to the Indian Fertiliser Scenario 2014, the use of urea in India has increased by more than 50 per cent since 2000. How does human intervention turn nitrogen from a nutrient to a pollutant? Discuss the impacts of nitrogen pollution on environment and human health. Also, explain how nitrogen pollution can be managed.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Temperate grasslands are called 'Granaries of the world'. Elucidate. How have the farming practices adopted in these regions impacted the environment?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Enumerate the global targets and priorities for action of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. Discuss the positive features and limitations of the framework.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"What is a heat wave? Discuss the health impacts of heat wave in India. Analyse the reasons behind high incidence of mortality rates due to heat wave in India. Suggest measures to tackle the above problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"\"Rising accidents involving merchant ships leading to oil spills in Indian waters is a growing concern that needs to be addressed.\" Discuss the impact of oil spills on marine environment. Also, suggest measures to prevent such disasters.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Forest fire pose a threat not only to the forest wealth but also to the entire regime of flora and fauna. What are the causes of forest fire? Discuss the ecological, economic and social impacts of forest fires.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2831,"topper":"Garima Agrawal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/28264_748_Garima_Agrawal_Rank_40.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The crux of ethical behavior lies not only in standards, but in their adoption in action and issuing sanctions against their violation. Illustrate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Ethical qualities of a civil servant come handy in times of a crisis. Elucidate using the example of a natural disaster.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"The bailout package offered to large financial corporations in response to global financial crisis raised important ethical questions. Discuss the ethical issues involved in giving bailout packages to financial corporations using taxpayers' money.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"There is an entrenched perception in our country that the police is biased against the minority community. Why does such a perception exist? Suggest steps to bridge the police community gap.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"India's abysmal record in sex ratio and gender violence reflects the general attitude of the society towards women. Discuss. In this context, how could an attitudinal change be brought about?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"In the parlance of governance, probity is often used in conjunction with integrity. How do you differentiate between the two? What is their importance in public life? What measures can help promote these values in governance?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"How does the use of social media influence political participation and civic engagement? Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"What are the objectives behind the creation of Citizens' Charter? How does a Citizens' Charter ensure transparency and accountability in governance? What are the impediments in its effective implementation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"RTI is termed as a master key to good governance. Highlight the role of RTI in making the administration and governance of our country more ethical and responsive.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Differentiate between persuasion and social influence. How can persuasion be made effective to bring about an attitudinal change? Give two examples where you brought about a positive attitudinal change through persuasion.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"In spite of the existence of a Code of Conduct for public servants, its implementation has been tardy and of limited success. Discuss. Further, suggest steps which could be taken to improve the efficacy of the Code of Conduct. What role can Code of Ethics play in reinforcing the Code of Conduct in public life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Given below is a quotation. Bring out what it means to you in present context. \"The intellect has sharp eye for methods and tools, but is blind to ends and values.\" -Einstein.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Your 16 year old cousin, Leena, loves to play basketball but her peers mock her short height, so much that Leena has developed a negative attitude towards all sports. As a responsible elder cousin, how will you convince Leena to take up sports once again?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"You are the dean of an engineering college. You have received a complaint regarding prejudice against students from lower castes by some senior professors. These professors have contributed a lot academically to the university. However, this particular instance has disturbed peace and harmony in the campus. (a) Discuss the immediate steps you would take to contain growing discontent among some students. (b) Discuss the action to be taken if the professors are found to be guilty and also evaluate the steps if it comes out to be a false case against the professors. (c) What should be the responsibilities of professors and students to create positive social ambience in the campus?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":62,"question":"Mr. A is an honest senior bureaucrat who retired some time back. He has worked across many positions and wields immense influence in the corridors of power. His wife was working in a consulting firm. She has now quit her job and started her own consulting firm that will bid for government contracts also. Mr. A himself intends to contribute his experience and insider knowledge about the government operations to prepare for the bid. When prodded about any conflict of interest, Mrs. A argued that she always wanted to own her own consulting firm and bid for government projects so that she could improve the quality of government operations through her services. But earlier she could not since her husband was a bureaucrat in the same city and various government rules prevented her from doing so. As he has now retired she can take up this job. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in this case? (b) What are steps that can be taken by Mr. A to resolve these ethical issues? (c) What is the best option for Mr. A? Support your answer with appropriate reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":67,"question":"You are an undergraduate student in a leading Law University. You go with your college friend Surender to his village to attend his sister's marriage. Surender's parents are farmers and are financially very poor. They have somehow managed to send him to the university by selling their land. After interaction with the family relatives attending the marriage, you find out that the bride is not of marriagable age, which makes it a case of child marraige. The family wants early marriage of the daughter to avoid huge demands of dowry in the future. You are well aware that child marriage is illegal in India. So, you discuss the issue with your friend who says that he is helpless and can't do anything. Your friend feels that his family is already doing too much for him and he cannot argue and change his parents' decision. In this situation, what are the possible actions you can take? Evaluate the merits and demerits of each of them.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2832,"topper":"Garima Agrawal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/28264_747_Garima_Agrawal_Rank_40.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"A broad ethical framework as a guiding light for international relations will not only ensure harmonious relations between nations but will also lead to progress of the human race. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"What does inequality mean to you? What are the different kinds of inequality? Is inequality morally wrong?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"One has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws. In light of this statement, examine the relevance of civil disobedience in a modern democratic society. Discuss the duties and responsibilities of a law enforcing officer in such situations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Ensuring accountability in the administration just adds another layer in the bureaucratic process. Examine. Differentiate between accountability and responsibility. Suggest some measures through which administrative accountability can be made more effective in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"\"Morality is based neither on the principle of utility, nor on a law of nature, but on human reason. But human reason can be fallible.\" Comment., What does morality mean to you?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"For effective public service delivery, the need today is to move from traditional accountability mechanisms to social accountability through greater civic engagement. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"What do you mean by social justice? Explain with examples, why it is imperative for a society to promote social justice.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Investigative reporting by media can be a significant source of information on corruption. What are ethical issues involved in investigative journalism? What safeguards can be introduced to prevent its misuse?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"While transplantation of organs represents one of the most spectacular achievements of modern medical science, it has raised many ethical issues as well. Discuss. Also, examine the issues related to organ transplantation in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"There can be honesty without integrity, but no integrity without honesty. Do you agree? Justify your stand with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"\"It is not always the same thing to be a good person and a good citizen.\" Explain the meaning of this statement and analyse its implications for a democratic society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Value of compassion towards the weak extends the limits of operations of a public servant by introducing flexibility but dilutes the principle of objectivity. Discuss. If a conflict arises between the value of compassion and principle of objectivity, how will you deal with it as a public servant?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Which administrator had a lasting impact on your decision to join the civil services and why? Should administrators have increased media presence so that the common man can know more about their efforts and achievements? Justify your stand.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"You are a Secretary in a government department. Your Minister has proposed an unemployment grant, which is expected to cost the public exchequer heavily. Having already taken the decision, he asks you to come up with research to support the scheme. Despite your best efforts, you fail to find socio-economic benefit in it. You approach the Minister with relevant facts and studies and ask him to reconsider his decision. Instead, he asks you to suppress the negative impacts and actively promote the scheme through mass media as the percieved social impacts are more important than economic impacts. Elections are due in a short time and the political party currently in power is expected to win. You are also due for promotion at the same time. You are expected to fully cooperate in the situation and make the scheme a success, however flawed its foundations may be. (a) List the different stakeholders in the above situation and mention their prospective interests. (b) Discuss the ethical dilemma which you face in this situation. (c) Some of the alternatives for you to handle the situation could be: • Do as asked by the Minister.. • Insist on publication of results and let the public decide whether it wants the scheme. • Call a press conference and brief the media about the results and the callous attitude of the Minister. Suggest any other possible option(s). Evaluate all of them and suggest the best course of action, giving reasons for it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"The International Money Bank has granted loan to the government to construct ten dams. The dams would provide water for irrigation of crops, control floods in some parts of your district, and supply drinking water to numerous towns and cities. Seven of these dams are to be constructed in areas of high ecological value occupied by native groups who are challenging the government. The native groups, who oppose the construction of the dams, represent a minority compared to the multiple towns and cities which would benefit from the dams. Nevertheless, it should be taken under consideration that the natives consider the forests as their own. Also, their distinctive life style and culture is intimately related to the existence of these natural areas. It has been noted that the forests also have a very high ecological value. If this project is completed, their land would submerge and the natives would have to be relocated. The International Money Bank is aware of this yet it has granted the loan. You are the District Magistrate of this district. Every day protests and demonstrations are happening in your office. The government has given you the responsibility to manage the situation. What are the various options available to you. Evaluate all of them and suggest the best course of action, giving reasons for it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"You recently joined the civil administration as a young District Commissioner. As a part of fulfilling their electoral promise, the new government in the state announced total prohibition on production, sale and purchase of liquor. This has not only led to smuggling of liquor from neighbouring states but also production of illicit liquor in the state, known as hooch. Women of the area decide to go on a protest against the recent hooch tragedy wherein several people lost their lives owing to consumption of illicit liquor. The political authorities scapegoat you for mismanagement. (a) What are the issues involved in this case? (b) What are the various options available to you. Evaluate all of them and suggest the best course of action, giving reasons for it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"You are a doctoral student at a large university in the final months of your research on a potentially revolutionary technology. Meanwhile, you have also applied for post-doctoral research cum teaching positions at various universities. To your pleasant surprise, you get an interview call from your undergraduate alma mater, a prestigious research institution in a city where you would love to live. In the interview, the department chair asks for detailed information about your research. Your group is working on a patent application and its members have agreed not to provide details until a paper currently being prepared is submitted for publication. You explain the situation and tell them that you would be glad to send them an early preprint when it is available. But the Chair pushes harder for this information, remarking that the Department seeks team players, willing to share information with department colleagues. She also appeals to your undergraduate connection with the institution. (a) Enumerate the ethical issues involved in the case in light of your current responsibilities vis-a-vis future expectations. (b) Discuss the possible motivations of the department chair in pressing you for detailed information. (c) What stand will you take in such a situation? Give reasonable justification for your arguments.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":56,"question":"In a district, in which you are posted as a District Magistrate, a teacher molests a child in a government run school. As the news of this crime spreads, the parents, relatives and locals gather at the school. The culprit teacher has meanwhile fled. The police arrests the Principal of the school and assure the crowd that the culprit would be arrested soon. The crowd, however, has gone berserk and begins to damage the school building. It wants immediate arrest of the culprit and is not ready to budge until he is arrested. (a) Is it correct to take the Principal into custody when he has personally not committed the crime? Support your answer with appropriate reasons. (b) What options do you have in dealing with the crowd? Enumerate the merits and demerits of each and also suggest the best possible option. (c) In the capacity of District Magistrate what would be your long term plan to prevent molestations and rapes in the schools?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2833,"topper":"Garima Lekhwani","air":136,"year":2016,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/25649_814_Garima_Lekhwani_Rank_136.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2834,"topper":"Garima Lekhwani","air":136,"year":2016,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/25649_815_Garima_Lekhwani_Rank_136.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2835,"topper":"Garima Lekhwani","air":136,"year":2016,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/25649_816_Garima_Lekhwani_Rank_136.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2836,"topper":"Garima Lekhwani","air":136,"year":2016,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/25649_817_Garima_Lekhwani_Rank_136.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2837,"topper":"Garima Lekhwani","air":136,"year":2016,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/25649_821_Garima_Lekhwani_Rank_136.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2838,"topper":"Garima Lohia","air":2,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BV70gJlzgberovakFJIAov0iC_UN-xka/view","questions":[]},{"id":2839,"topper":"Garima Lohia","air":2,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kAJiQIcJcKyNNuciBS_R6r3zYZAjQnVt/view","questions":[]},{"id":2840,"topper":"Garima Lohia","air":2,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ryoqp4NIZynpsNpYeS0QUGsShPI_OvuB/view","questions":[]},{"id":2841,"topper":"Garima Lohia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WfVCmP3K4kfuFPL7dDKVAuurK3buL8I4/view","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"(b) Recent overturning of Roe vs Wade judgement has sparked off the Prolife vs Prochoice debate on abortion.\n1) Is it the right of the mother to kill an unborn without his consent?\n2) When do you consider life has begun - on conception, on 24 weeks, or after birth?\n3) Who should have the final say - the mother, doctors or the court?\n4) What should be done if pregnancy endangers the life of mother or it would lead to a disabled child?\n5) Mother's right over her own body.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"How can greed be controlled","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Q7 (a) The recent COVID pandemic has reinvigorated the debate on mandatory vaccinations - whether individual liberty is inviolate or it can be restricted on grounds of public health.\ni) Profit motive from ticket sales vs commitment to rules of the organisation\nii) Public health vs revenue\niii) Impartiality & objectivity vs showing bias in favor of relaxing rules\niv) Integrity being compromised\nv) Freedom to decide what's good for one's life vs obligation towards sports organisation\nvi) Public faith & trust vs popularity","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Q.8 Options available for addressing the guilt\ni) Resign from the job to avoid any apparent conflict of interest\nii) Ask the boss to conduct performance appraisal interviews along with my colleagues to convince everyone of objective parameters for taking such a decision\niii) Ask my boss to allocate the new business project to me along with my co-joiners & give me a salary at par with my colleagues\niv) Convince my friends that the promotion was on objective grounds and there are even better opportunities that they can aim for in the company","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"(b) Factors to be considered while inspiring such a change?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"Q10. Committing suicide by doctors due to constant professional pressure is disheartening despite their commitment & dedication to the public.\na) Reasons why doctors face violence in the country","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Q-11 Corruption in the real estate sector is an unfortunate reality in country like India where lakhs of people are yet homeless and about 17% of population resides in slums.\na) Various ethical dilemmas involved\nb) Although demolition of towers appears to be the most feasible option but-","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Q.12 Despite universal ratification of ILO convention 138 - worst forms of labour, exploitation of children, and labour in developing countries still remains a pressing issue.\na) Various ethical dilemmas involved are\nb) The major problems identifiable are -","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2842,"topper":"Garima Lohia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_kAWpxWTECh9gQbjH3BJHun-No1TTx7G/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) Successful people are not those who did not fail, but those who persisted in turbulent times and kept moving after a failure. In light of this statement, examine the importance of adversity quotient in life. How can adversity quotient be developed?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"How to develop Adversity Quotient\n1) life stories of great reformers & leaders like Parneswaran Iyer (IAS), Martin Luther King, Subhash Chandra Bose\n2) rewarding children from very early age for taking up difficult tasks\n3) emotional intelligence, stress management exercises and meditation\n4) positive self attribution and supportive peer group","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"b) 'Strength does not come from physical capacity but from an indomitable will.' Gandhi. What does strength mean to you and how far do you agree with the given statement? Discuss with suitable example.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"b) Good governance does not depend on laws, but upon the personal qualities of those who administer the law. Do you agree with this statement? Justify your view.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.3) a) An active civil service is necessary but not sufficient: India also requires civil service activism for fulfilling the vision of justice, liberty and equality for all. Analyze the statement citing relevant examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"b) Educational institutions complement the role of the family and the society in shaping our values. Discuss. Can digital education perform this value inculcation function effectively?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.4) a) Gendered attitudes convert differences in sexes into discriminations. Examine the factors responsible for negative attitudes toward women in the Indian society. How can these attitudes be changed?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How can these attitudes be changed?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"b) How are ethical concerns and work culture of public institutions different from those of private institutions? Examine the desirability of adoption of work culture similar to private institutions in public institutions.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.5) a) Besides objectivity, civil servants also need empathy and compassion to effectively resolve various ethical dilemmas they face while discharging their responsibilities. Discuss with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"b) Leadership is essentially a task of persuasion. How does ability to persuade others help civil servants in performing their duty? Identify five qualities that make civil servants effective agents of persuasion. Justify your choices.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.6) a) What does each of the following quotations mean to you? Peace is not mere absence of war; it is presence of justice","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"b) 'The world will not be destroyed by those who do evil, but by those who watch them without doing anything.'","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"c) 'Happiness is a mysterious thing, to be found somewhere between too little and too much.'","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Q.7) Sunshine electronics is a domestic mobile manufacturer and you are its CEO. Sunshine electronics has made an affordable 5g phone with over 80% domestically sourced components. It has spent a large amount of money for promotion of the phone. General public is excited about the new phone and the company has already received over 1 lakh pre-launch orders from various online shopping portals. The achievement of the company has also received recognition from the highest political level and has been cited as a successful example of Atma-Nirbhar Bharat. The Central Minister of Electronics and Information Technology is the chief guest in the launch event of the new mobile phone.\nJust a day before the launch of the new phone, you received a call from the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of your company. He informs you that the US has banned Huwu Technologies Pvt. Ltd. from doing business in the USA and a similar ban is expected to be imposed by the EU in the next few days. The ban on Huwu is based on a report claiming that Huwu has been working very closely with the Chinese government and there are technical 'backdoors' in the components made by Huwu that allows it to spy on users of the devices that have these components.\nThe new phone made by your company also uses a chip manufactured by Huwu. To fulfil the pre-orders in the shortest possible time, Sunshine Electronics has also manufactured around fifty thousand devices. Cancelling or postponing the launch event would be embarrassing for political dispensation and financially disastrous for your company. On the other hand, going ahead with the launch would mean potentially risking the privacy and security of your customers.\n1) On the basis of this case, identify the various ethical dilemmas involved.\n2) What principles of corporate ethics would you consider while taking the decision in this case?\n3) Examine various options available with you for handling the issue. What will you do in the given case?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"1) इस मामले के आधार पर, इसमें शामिल विभिन्न नैतिक दुविधाओं की पहचान करें।\n2) इस मामले में निर्णय लेते समय आप कॉर्पोरेट नैतिकता के किन सिद्धांतों पर विचार करेंगे?\n3) समस्या से निपटने के लिए आपके पास उपलब्ध विभिन्न विकल्पों की जांच करें। दिए गए मामले में आप क्या करेंगे?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":32,"question":"Q8 Asanpur is a beautiful small district in Northern part of India. It used to be the hub of stone mining activity. However, excessive mining led to environmental degradation and rapid soil erosion while cutting of stone created air pollution hazard. Due to various detrimental impacts, NGT has imposed a ban on stone mining in Asanpur. Despite this ban, the mining mafia has been able to operate with connivance of corrupt government officials and politicians. Many officers have tried to stop this illegal mining, but the powerful mafia has either forced them to submit through force or bribed them or got them transferred through their political contacts. Last week, a DSP lost his life when he was trying to stop a truck carrying illegally mined stones.\nYou recently got promoted and made the SP of Asanpur. Upon taking the charge, you quickly realized the gravity of the problem. Illegal mining was run by organized gangs in the district. It was also linked to other crimes in your city ranging from petty crimes like pick pocketing to serious offenses like kidnapping and murders. Illegal mining and related crime have negatively impacted socio-economic development of the district as youth are increasingly getting involved in the illegal activities and businesses are leaving the district due to high crime rate. You created a special task force and started taking stringent actions against the illegal mining in your district. In a short span of a few weeks you seized thirty dumpers carrying illegally mined stones. Public appreciated your stringent actions while the corrupt ecosystem created by illegal miners was rattled.\nOne day, a junior officer approached you and informed you that he has been receiving threats from the illegal stone miners. He also informs you that others in the task force are also facing problems like someone in the task force is being harassed by reopening an old settled case against him while someone else has received a transfer order to a remote district. This has demotivated the taskforce and reminded them of the connections of illegal miners in the district. The same day, when you reach home, your wife tells you that she got a call from an unknown number threatening her of dire consequences if you do not stop your investigation. You fear that the call was from a member of the organized crime syndicate involved in the illegal mining activity. Your wife is worried about the safety of the family and requests you to be lenient in your work. In this situation, answer the following questions:\n1) How will you motivate the task force to work with honesty in this adverse condition?\n2) How would you justify putting your family at risk in line of your duty?\n3) Identify the various dimensions of the crisis. Based on your understanding, suggest measures to deal with the crisis.","marks":null,"words":"20"},{"page":36,"question":"Q.9 Under the Mid-Day Meal (MDM) scheme, children are served cooked food in their school. It has been revolutionary in not only improving the nutritional status of children but also increasing the retention ratio in schools. However, the quality of food has been a cause of concern. In one of the unfortunate incidents, two students lost their lives and over thirty children fell ill after eating the MDM in their school. The district administration was quick in its action and fired the cook (bhojan-mata) of the concerned school. The bhojan-mata, who belongs to a backward caste, is the sole breadwinner in her family after her husband passed away. In an TV interview related to the incident, Bhojan-mata claimed that she is being made a scapegoat and being targeted only because she belongs to a backward caste. This created a political storm in the state. Opposition parties picked up the issue of social discrimination and started state-wide protest demanding justice for the bhojan-mata. The protest found resonance with masses and the ruling party was severely criticized. To win back the confidence of the public, the government has constituted a commission to investigate the matter in an impartial manner. You are a joint secretary level officer and have been appointed as a member of the commission. During the investigation, you found that bhojan-mata was indeed not at fault. It was the contractor who was supplying poor quality raw materials to the school that caused the food poisoning in children. You also found that the food contractor was the brother of a powerful cabinet minister. You suspect that the district administration was hand-in-glove with the contractor and they connived to implicate bhojan-mata and exonerate the contractor. You brought these findings before the head of the commission. To your surprise, the head of the commission informs you that he was already aware of these facts. He informs you that the minister has asked him to make a report that vindicates the bhojan-mata and reinstates her in order to subdue the opposition led agitations. He asks you to find someone else who can be blamed to ensure that the government is able to save its face as declaring the brother of a sitting cabinet minister responsible would push the government further in trouble. He also tells you that helping the ruling dispensation would ultimately help you, subtly giving hints of getting a 'plum posting' and also warns you that going against the wish of the minister can attract the wrath of the minister that can be disastrous for your career.\n1) What are the various ethical dilemmas that you face in this situation?\n2) What are the different courses of action that you can take? Identify the most suitable course of action and justify your choice.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"1) इस स्थिति में आप किन विभिन्न नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करते हैं?\n2) कार्रवाई के विभिन्न कदम क्या हैं जो आप ले सकते हैं? कार्रवाई के सबसे उपयुक्त कदम की पहचान करें और अपनी पसंद का औचित्य साबित करें।\n1) इस स्थिति में आप किन विभिन्न नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करते हैं?\n2) कार्रवाई के विभिन्न कदम क्या हैं जो आप ले सकते हैं? कार्रवाई के सबसे उपयुक्त कदम की पहचान करें और अपनी पसंद का औचित्य साबित करें।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.10 On the basis of this case, answer the following questions:\n1) What are the various ethical issues involved in this case?\n2) Do you think Rashmi is justified in demanding a permanent government job?\n3) Do you think the government is justified in terminating the contracts of corona warriors?\n4) Consider yourself in the position of Health secretary in the concerned state. What would you do to address the issue at hand?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"1) इस मामले में शामिल विभिन्न नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\n2) क्या आपको लगता है कि रश्मि का स्थायी सरकारी नौकरी की मांग करना जायज है?\n3) क्या आपको लगता है कि सरकार का कोरोना योद्धाओं के ठेके खत्म करना जायज है?\n4) अपने आप को संबंधित राज्य में स्वास्थ्य सचिव के पद पर विचार करें। मौजूदा मुद्दे को हल करने के लिए आप क्या करेंगे?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":45,"question":"Q.11 Abha is currently working as the DM of a district. One day, she went to a village for inspecting the progress of a certain village development project. Abha was not satisfied with the pace of the work and wanted to talk with the Sarpanch of the village about the same. Abha went to the panchayat office where she found the Sarpanch standing just outside the office. The Sarpanch greeted Abha and offered her a seat. Abha sat down and started discussing the matter with the Sarpanch. She noticed that Sarpanch was still standing. She thought that Sarpanch was not sitting because of hesitation or out of respect for the officer. She requested him to take a seat but he reluctantly sat on a wooden stool. Abha jokingly asked him if he liked the stool so much that he chose it instead of a chair, to which the Sarpanch replied that he was not allowed to sit on a chair as he belonged to a Dalit community. Abha was taken aback by this response. Abha enquired further about the issue. The sarpanch explained that since the Sarpanch position was reserved for SC community, he won the election. But despite being the official head of the panchayat, he did not have any power. He was neither allowed to enter the panchayat office nor was given access to official documents. A separate water pot was kept for him outside the office and he was not allowed to use the common water pot. He worked as a rubber stamp who merely signed the given document. He went on to tell Abha that last year he was not even allowed to hoist the national flag during the Independence Day celebration. Abha was shocked about hearing the kind of discrimination that the Sarpanch faced. On the basis of this case study answer the following questions:\n1) Why do caste-based discriminations still persist even after 75 years of independence?\n2) Examine the various ethical issues involved in this case.\n3) Identify various stakeholders","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.12 You are a mutual friend of Jayant and Sarita. One day you received a call from a distressed Jayant and he asks you for your advice on this issue.\n1) Help Jayant identify different options available with him to cope with the crisis? Discuss the merits and demerits of each of these options.\n2) As a mutual friend, what advice would you give to Jayant and Sarita in this case so that they can return back to being a happy couple?\n3) How can Jayant develop the qualities that are required to handle such crisis situations in life?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"1) संकट से निपटने के लिए जयंत के पास उपलब्ध विभिन्न विकल्पों की पहचान करने में मदद करें? इनमें से प्रत्येक विकल्प के गुण-दोषों की विवेचना कीजिए।\n2) एक पारस्परिक मित्र के रूप में, आप इस मामले में जयंत और सरिता को क्या सलाह देंगे ताकि वे एक खुशहाल दंपती के रूप में वापस आ सकें?\n3) जयंत जीवन में ऐसी संकट स्थितियों को संभालने के लिए आवश्यक गुणों को कैसे विकसित कर सकता है? (20 अंक, 250 शब्द)","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"}]},{"id":2843,"topper":"Garima Lohia","air":2,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FVCP1TIK0TpiE2mOlSrOBtglpBq8pfGf/view","questions":[]},{"id":2844,"topper":"Garima Lohia","air":2,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mNkXGqR8U8MWRz--Yhsy-011hB3EuA3R/view","questions":[]},{"id":2845,"topper":"Garima Mundra","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Garima-Mundra-UPSC-2023-Rank-80-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"\"Ethics is a luxury for which states and their leaders have no time.\" Discuss. What is the relevance of ethics in International affairs in the present times? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Differentiate between Coercive and Collusive corruption and critically analyze the measures that are available to fight each of them. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"If you were asked to design a new framework for defining work culture in Government agencies, what would the basic tenets of such a framework be? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Technology has brought private affairs of people in the public space today. Do you think people have become more unethical today, as compared to the past? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What do you understand by the \"doctrine of double effect\"? Discuss with an example. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How do legal and moral aspects of tax evasion and tax avoidance differ? Are all things legal, always moral? Explain with examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Discuss the role of family in inculcating values in your life. What modifications would you like to make in such values while passing it on to your children? Illustrate with examples from your life. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"E. Sreedharan has listed four values that are cherished by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation which have helped in DMRC success story .DMRC has punctuality of 99.6 per cent. These values are Intellectual Integrity, Social consideration, Punctuality and Moral conscience. Explain each of them with one contemporary example. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Differentiate between the following using suitable examples: i) Attitude and Aptitude ii) Empathy and Compassion (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Differentiate between the following using suitable examples: Responsibility and Accountability Intelligence and Emotional intelligence (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"There exist a perceived mistrust between the people and administration. What negative attitudes do the people and officials hold against each other? How to bring change in these attitudes? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Why is objectivity considered a foundational value in civil services? Is it possible for a civil servant to always be objective? Justify your answer with an example. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"\"You can't teach good judgment through general rules, because you already need judgment to know how rules apply.\" (i) What do you understand by 'good judgment'? (ii) How can it be ensured among civil servants, if not through rules? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":36,"question":"It is understandable that we should not get involved in grossly unethical practices, but giving and accepting small gratifications and doing small favours increases everybody's","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You are a civil services aspirant and often engage in rousing discussions with your friends on issues in news. One of your close friends, who is also a fellow aspirant, comes to you for discussing some of the issues related to ethical conduct in public service. He raises the following points:-","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"In the present times, when unethical environments are quite prevalent, individual attempts to stick to ethical principles may cause a lot of problems in one's career. It may cause hardship to the family members as well as risk to one's life. Why should we not be pragmatic and follow the path of least resistance, and be happy with doing whatever good we can?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"When so many people are adopting wrong means and are grossly harming the system, what difference would it make if only a small minority tries to be ethical? They are going to be rather ineffective and are bound to get frustrated.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"If we become fussy about ethical considerations, will it not hamper the economic progress of our country? After all in the present age of high competition we cannot afford to be left behind in the race of development","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You are the manager of a company X, in which you have worked since last 15 years. It is known for its unique values and the work culture which is very healthy and encouraging. You and your team work synergistically with each other and also enjoy harmony with personal and organizational values, a bond which has evolved over years. Recently,you got to know that your company has been acquired by another company Y and you along with your team would now be employees of company Y. After interacting with the top management of company Y, you realize that the core values followed by company Y are completely different and opposite to that of the value system of company X. For example, the core value of company X is 'customer satisfaction' but that of company Y is 'profit maximization'. a) . What conflicts do you think you will face in this situation? b) Examine the merits and demerits of the options available to you, and which option would you choose and why. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":2846,"topper":"Garima Mundra","air":80,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Garima-Mundra-UPSC-2023-Rank-80-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2847,"topper":"Garima Mundra","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Garima-Mundra-UPSC-2023-Rank-80-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Foreign trade is an important milestone on the path of becoming a 5 trillion USD economy. In this context, analyse the potential of the recently released Foreign Trade Policy, 2023 in revamping India's participation in global trade. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Social protection schemes are an integral aspect of a welfare economy; however, the principles of fiscal prudence cannot be ignored. Discuss, with special reference to Old Pension Scheme (OPS). (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand from Agristack? To what extent can it become a panacea for the problems plaguing the farm sector. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The objective of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to provide a long term and equitable solution to the dilemma between free trade and food security has remained unfulfilled. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Even after five decades of the Stockholm conference, narrowing the gaps between the targets and actions remains one of the biggest challenges towards reversing climate change. Discuss. Also, recommend measures for building a coherent actionable strategy to tackle climate change. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What are the impediments in management of E-waste in the country? In what ways can the trinity of citizens, businesses, and the government tackle this menace? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How does nuclear fusion differ from nuclear fission? Assess the relevance of nuclear energy in resolving the global energy security dilemma? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are run of the river hydroelectric projects? How far can run of the river hydroelectric projects balance ecological conservation with socio-economic development? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"A robust border infrastructure is the surest way to counter multifarious threats emanating from inimical actors. Discuss, in light of Vibrant Village Programme. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"How far can a clearly articulated National Security Strategy help in tackling challenges to national security? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What are the factors that influence the inflation trends in the country? Highlighting the impacts, discuss the institutional measures in place to check inflation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Though a cornerstone of Atmanirbhar Bharat, Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme is not without its own challenges. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"How is internationalisation of rupee different from De-Dollarisation? Highlighting the benefits of internationalisation of rupee, discuss the challenges associated with the same. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What are Primary Agricultural Credit Societies? Can the cooperative push alone help in achieving the twin targets of boosting rural economy and mainstreaming small and marginal farmers? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Farm policies in the country have inadvertently led to undesirable consequences. Do you agree? Giving emphasis on PM PRANAM, discuss ways to enhance soil health and farm productivity. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What do you understand by heat waves? Highlight the reasons and impact of the rising frequency of heat waves across India. Also, recommend some measures to mitigate its impact. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"How is Chandrayaan-3 different from its predecessor, Chandrayaan-2? To what extent can India's presence in Artemis Accords help in furthering the exploration of lunar surface? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Research and Development is the key to unlock the potential of 'knowledge economy.' In this perspective, analyse the role of the National Research Foundation Bill, 2023 in democratizing the research ecosystem in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'Hybrid warfare.' Highlighting its implications for India, recommend measures to develop a comprehensive ecosystem to counter the same. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How are internal security challenges related to peace in neighboring countries? Explain with special reference to instability on India's eastern frontier. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2848,"topper":"Garima Mundra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4fa11-1026942_2219_garima-_rank_80.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Fiscal policy can be a key tool to reduce income inequality as well as make the poorest and the downtrodden a part of the country's growth story. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Digitizing land records will go a long way in ensuring land reforms as well as lessening the burden on the Indian Judiciary. Elaborate. Also, state the measures taken in this context. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"It has been pointed out that competitive politics to fund mostly non-merit subsidies is pushing a few states in India to the brink of a deep fiscal crisis. In this context, discuss the need to rationalise the subsidy regime in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Micro-irrigation has tremendous potential in transforming farming into a profitable and sustainable venture. Discuss the given statement in the context of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Given its vast resources and technical expertise, India can play a key role in assisting the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) in dealing with the impact of climate change. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The recent \"Disaster Management Plan of Ministry of Panchayati Raj (DMP-MoPR)\" aims to develop disaster resilience at the grassroots level. In this context, discuss the rationale behind the formulation of the Plan and highlight its key components. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the internal security implications emanating from the use of Emerging And Disruptive Technologies (EDT) by state and non-state actors. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Identify the impediments faced by India in boosting its defence exports. Also, discuss the steps taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the multiple issues associated with space debris. Also, state the initiatives taken in recent times to tackle this menace. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The adoption of Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) in India is expected to make e-commerce more inclusive and accessible for consumers. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While an agreement was recently reached at the WTO on a deal to curb \"harmful\" government fisheries subsidies, certain concerns raised by India suggests that the matter will require further negotiations. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite the advantages that are associated with the hybrid annuity model (HAM) in the road construction sector, the interest in it has moderated due to various reasons. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The existing MSP procurement regime is neither economically nor agro-ecologically sustainable. Elaborate. Also, evaluate the alternative approaches that can be adopted to improve the existing MSP regime. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"It is being argued that India is struggling with overflowing foodgrains in warehouses. Discuss the statement in view of the existing buffer stock policy of India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Recently, the government has asked all ports to prepare a master plan in order to become 'mega ports' by 2047. In light of this, discuss the challenges faced by ports and suggest remedial measures in order to propel India's blue economy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Inequality in income and wealth translates into carbon inequality. In this context, discuss the significance of addressing carbon inequality for India and suggest ways to achieve it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Despite increased and regular occurrences of landslides over the past decade in India, the dominant development paradigm has largely not been modified. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)15","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India needs a smart border management system to balance legitimate cross border flows with national security interests. Discuss. Also, highlight the initiatives taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Establishing linkages between globalisation and money laundering, discuss the initiatives taken at the national and international levels to combat it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"There have been arguments that India needs to review some of its past assumptions about the nature of outer space and contribute to the development of new global norms. In this context, analyse India's stand in relation to the Artemis Accords. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2849,"topper":"Garima Mundra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/f3dcf-1026942_2424_garima-_rank_80.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What are the different dimensions of food security? Examine India's status in terms of ensuring food security with regard to these dimensions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Modern technologies such as blockchain and ChatGPT are powerful tools with immense potential to transform agriculture into a more efficient and sustainable sector. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What factors have led to the recent acceleration in the trend towards de-dollarization of the global economy? Do you think the dollar will lose its dominance anytime soon? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Despite significant pressure from the developed countries to alter its food subsidy regime, there is merit in India trying to retain its policy support for the poor in the country. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Several initiatives have been taken by the government towards addressing India's water needs, but the issues of water availability and water quality still warrant prioritised intervention. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What are the major drivers of glacial retreat in the Arctic? Describe the potential impact of the retreat of Arctic glaciers on the ecosystem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Space tourism, which was viewed as something straight out of a science fiction movie, is now becoming a reality albeit not without hindrances. What are the challenges associated with space tourism? What measures can be taken to address these challenges? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Global health experts widely believe that the development of CAR-T cell therapy can be a game changer in the treatment of cancer. How can CAR-T cell therapy overcome the limitations of CRISPR-Cas9 technology? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss why the rising deployment of new and emerging technologies by prominent violent extremist organizations demand concerted global efforts. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"With the Line of Actual Control (LAC) remaining tense after the Galwan and Yangste incidents and both India and China ramping up infrastructure in the border areas, discuss the role that ITBP plays in the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Do you think there is a need for a shift from 'land productivity' to 'irrigation water productivity' in India? Justify your answer. What are the challenges in making this shift? Explain. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Examine the role that green hydrogen can play in unlocking the energy security of India. How can the National Green Hydrogen Mission help India in achieving its energy goals? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The government has been weighing a transition from minimum wage to living wage in recent times. What are the benefits and constraints in the adoption of living wage in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The Union Budget affects almost every sector of the Indian economy, yet neither the budgetary processes nor the budget policies come under substantial public scrutiny. Do you agree? Justify your answer. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"India has been able to transform itself from a milk deficit country to the world’s biggest milk producer, but the productivity of dairy animals in the country remains a concern. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"While climate change is responsible for crop failures, the agricultural sector itself is partly responsible for extreme weather events. Discuss. What strategy has been adopted under National Agriculture Disaster Management Plan to strengthen the resilience of the farming community in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Some regions in India, including Delhi, are highly vulnerable to the impact of earthquakes originating in the Himalayas. Discuss. What institutional measures have been taken to mitigate earthquake losses in India? Do you think there are significant gaps that still exist? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Recently, scientists announced net energy gain in nuclear fusion reaction, which is considered as a major scientific breakthrough for the future of clean energy. What are the advantages of nuclear fusion based power generation? What are the limitations in using it to generate electricity at a commercial scale? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Keeping in view the recent amendment, examine the efficacy of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, in tackling the menace of money laundering in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Discuss the security threats present in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), which have a direct bearing on India's maritime border interests. Suggest a robust strategy to deal with these threats. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2850,"topper":"Garima Mundra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2e61a-1026942_2423_garima-_rank_80.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With suitable examples, discuss how environmental pressure groups enhance public participation and responsiveness with regard to environmental policies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The recent acknowledgment of sex work as a 'profession' by the Supreme Court is merely the first step in ensuring basic rights and equality for sex workers in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the role played by District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) in providing free legal aid and disseminating legal awareness in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The collegium system has become a victim of its own success, with the concentration of power in the hands of a few, leading to questions about its legitimacy. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Civil services reforms must go beyond recruitment and standardised training to cope with the present day challenges. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Outcome-based finance models such as social impact bonds have the potential to truly catalyse change and deliver socio-economic impact at scale. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The wide gap between the number of females graduating every year and those entering the workspace is an issue of paramount importance that needs to be addressed. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"An up to date and functional Civil Registration System (CRS) is essential to the socio-economic planning in India. Discuss in the light of the recent move of the Central government in revamping the CRS system in the country. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What are the key areas of reform if the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has to align with the current economic realities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In recent years, India's relationship with West Asia has evolved from the confines of geopolitics to expanse of geoeconomics. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The role of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) is significant in furthering healthy competitiveness aimed at inspiring stakeholders to innovate and augment effectiveness. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The menace of paid news often rears its ugly head during elections. Discuss the need for making paid news an electoral offence in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the 'Doctrine of Essentiality' referred to by the courts in the context of religious practices in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"As per the recently released report of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), there is an urgent need to limit the size of the government in India. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The Institutions of Eminence (IoE) scheme was conceived to develop 'world-class' centres of higher education in India but six years later, it is yet to become the game changer it was intended to be. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) allows for innovative and convenient public services, help overcome inclusion or accessibility barriers, and increase transparency and accountability with real-time data. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Besides legislation, the full realisation of the 'right to health for all' in India demands plugging of social, financial, and infrastructural gaps. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The 'third gender' has not yet been engendered in the Indian society despite legislative nudge. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Among other factors, strained ties with China and Pakistan make it difficult for India to fulfill its expectations from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"The recently concluded initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) between the United States and India promises a long overdue transformation of their partnership in the field of technology. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2851,"topper":"Garima Mundra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0f119-1026942_2422_garima-_rank_80.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The traditional theatre forms of India reflect the ideals and emotions of the society, and an individual's role in the community. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Provide an account of the historical and architectural importance of the Sanchi Stupa. Also, discuss how it inspired the future architecture in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Bhagat Singh made a real breakthrough in terms of revolutionary ideology, the goals of revolution and forms of revolutionary struggle. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Bringing out the factors that led to the Meiji restoration, discuss its significance for Japan. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"It is believed that a nation is an “imagined community” held together by common beliefs, history, political aspirations etc. In this context, discuss what the basis of India as a nation is. Also, bring out the threats to the concept of Indian nationhood. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"State the key factors behind the growth of the pharmaceutical industry in India. Additionally, discuss its significance with regard to India's economy and public health.(Answer in 150words)10","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss why the Bay of Bengal is more prone to cyclones than the Arabian Sea. Also, explain the reasons for the decrease in frequency of tropical cyclones during the Southwest monsoon season. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite being destructive in nature, volcanoes are critical for the existence of human life on earth. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The existence of relative deprivation is an important aspect in constructing the argument for regionalism. Explain with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"If India is to realise the goal of 'education for all', the issue of rising cases of bullying and other forms of school violence needs to be addressed immediately. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Bring out the role played by the Ahom Kingdom in shaping the cultural and historical identity of North-East India, and discuss its legacy in contemporary times. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The capitalist class generally remained ambivalent in their support to the Indian National Congress until 1940s. In this context, analyse the varying positions of the Indian capitalists throughout the national movement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Trace the evolution of the press in India. Also, discuss the instrumental impact it had during various stages of the Indian freedom struggle despite the repressive policies of the British. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Mountains are fragile ecosystems vulnerable to the adverse impact of climate change and other anthropogenic interventions. Illustrate with examples. Also, highlight the initiatives taken for their sustainable management. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind unsustainable management of sand resources in India. Highlighting its impact, enumerate the remedial measures taken in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Giving an account of the major lithium-producing countries, discuss the geo-political aspects of lithium production and its environmental implications. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The youth are capable of identifying themselves with a global identity and connecting with events and experiences outside their countries. In this context, discuss the impact of globalization on the various aspects of youth identity. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"As fertility rates decline in India, future demographic concerns center around an ageing population and a weak social security system. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"With a significant proportion of India's population expected to live in urban areas by 2030, the welfare of the urban poor needs to take centre-stage in public policy. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2852,"topper":"Garima Mundra","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Garima-Mundra-UPSC-2023-Rank-80-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"\"Ethics is a luxury for which states and their leaders have no time.\" Discuss. What is the relevance of ethics in International affairs in the present times? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Differentiate between Coercive and Collusive corruption and critically analyze the measures that are available to fight each of them. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"If you were asked to design a new framework for defining work culture in Government agencies, what would the basic tenets of such a framework be? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Technology has brought private affairs of people in the public space today. Do you think people have become more unethical today, as compared to the past? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What do you understand by the \"doctrine of double effect\"? Discuss with an example. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How do legal and moral aspects of tax evasion and tax avoidance differ? Are all things legal, always moral? Explain with examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Discuss the role of family in inculcating values in your life. What modifications would you like to make in such values while passing it on to your children? Illustrate with examples from your life. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"E. Sreedharan has listed four values that are cherished by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation which have helped in DMRC success story .DMRC has punctuality of 99.6 per cent. These values are Intellectual Integrity, Social consideration, Punctuality and Moral conscience. Explain each of them with one contemporary example. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"There exist a perceived mistrust between the people and administration. What negative attitudes do the people and officials hold against each other? How to bring change in these attitudes? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Why is objectivity considered a foundational value in civil services? Is it possible for a civil servant to always be objective? Justify your answer with an example. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"\"You can't teach good judgment through general rules, because you already need judgment to know how rules apply.\" (i) What do you understand by 'good judgment'? (ii) How can it be ensured among civil servants, if not through rules? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Jonath is known as the winter abode of lord Badrinath. Tourists visit for religious pilgrimage as well as for its scenic beauty. One of 6 tehsils, it was all quiet and business as usual in the city until the last few months of 2022 when forces of nature began to push back and residents began to protest. Their homes -- and other manmade structures in the city -- started developing cracks. Upon consltations with experts, it was determined that the town sits atop ancient glacial debris, and the region is hit by a geological phenomenon known as land subsidence, which is a gradual settling, or sinking of the surface due to the removal of water, oil, natural gas, or mineral resources from the ground. Jomath was always vulnerable to earthquakes as the region falls in the seismic zone V. What made things worse is the weak foundation of the city. Every structure needs a strong foundation, but Jomath, which houses over 20,000 people, apart from the heavy tourist influx, has none. In the last several decades a boom in construction has made this region extremely vulnerable and susceptible to major land deformation. Experts blame the rapid rise in construction activities in the area to the widening of the Yatra road and National Highway 7, which runs through the town taking tourists and cargo to the holy shrine every year. The land subsidence was also triggered by an incessant spell of rain in the region in the last few years, which deposited more water on the surface. There is an increasing thrust on economic development all around the globe after the pandemic. At the same time, there is also an increasing concern about environmental degradation caused by development. Many a time, we face a direct conflict between development activity and environmental quality. It is neither feasible to stop or curtail the developmental process, nor it is advisable to keep degrading the environment, as it threatens our very survival. a) What are the ethical issues involved in the conflict between development activity and environmental quality? b) Discuss some possible strategies which could be adopted to eliminate this conflict and which could lead to sustainable development. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"In the present times, when unethical environments are quite prevalent, individual attempts to stick to ethical principles may cause a lot of problems in one's career. It may cause hardship to the family members as well as risk to one's life. Why should we not be pragmatic and follow the path of least resistance, and be happy with doing whatever good we can?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"When so many people are adopting wrong means and are grossly harming the system, what difference would it make if only a small minority tries to be ethical? They are going to be rather ineffective and are bound to get frustrated.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"If we become fussy about ethical considerations, will it not hamper the economic progress of our country? After all in the present age of high competition we cannot afford to be left behind in the race of development","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"It is understandable that we should not get involved in grossly unethical practices, but giving and accepting small gratifications and doing small favours increases everybody's motivation. It also makes the system more efficient. What is wrong in adopting such practices? Critically analyze the above viewpoints. On the basis of this analysis, what will be your advice to your friend? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Sita is a young woman living in a small village in rural India. She belongs to a lower-caste community that has traditionally been associated with manual scavenging. Sita's parents were manual scavengers, and as a child, she had often accompanied them on their rounds, collecting and disposing of the excreta of their higher-caste neighbours. When Sita turned 18, she decided that she didn't want to continue with this degrading and un-healthy work. She wanted to break free from the cycle of poverty and discrimination that had trapped her community for generations. However, finding alternative employment was not easy. Sita had little education and few skills, and the only jobs available to her were in the informal sector, where wages were low and working conditions were poor. One day, Sita heard about a job opportunity at the local municipality. The municipality was looking for a \"safai karamchari\" to clean the streets and dispose of the garbage. Sita applied for the job and was selected. At first, Sita was excited about her new job. She earned a regular wage and had the satisfaction of doing work that was important to the community. However, as time went on, Sita began to realize that her job involved much more than just cleaning the streets. She was often asked to clean and dispose of the excreta of people who were unable to do so themselves, either because of age, illness, or disability. Sita was uncomfortable with this aspect of her job and found it demeaning and degrading. She knew that manual scavenging was illegal and that it violated the rights of the individuals she was asked to serve. She also knew that it carried serious health risks, as she had to work without protective gear or equipment. However, Sita was afraid to speak out or to refuse the tasks that were assigned to her. She needed the job to support her family and was afraid of losing it if she complained or refused to do the work. She also feared social ostracism and discrimination if she went against the traditional roles and expectations of her community. a) Identify the ethical issues involved in this case b) What role do the municipality and the community play in addressing the issue of manual scavenging in this case? c) What can be done at the societal level to address the root causes of manual scavenging and to promote the rights and dignity of those affected by it? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"You are the manager of a company X, in which you have worked since last 15 years. It is known for its unique values and the work culture which is very healthy and encouraging. You and your team work synergistically with each other and also enjoy harmony with personal and organizational values, a bond which has evolved over years. Recently, you got to know that your company has been acquired by another company Y and you along with your team would now be employees of company Y. After interacting with the top management of company Y, you realize that the core values followed by company Y are completely different and opposite to that of the value system of company X. For example, the core value of company X is 'customer satisfaction' but that of company Y is 'profit maximization'. a). What conflicts do you think you will face in this situation? b) Examine the merits and demerits of the options available to you, and which option would you choose and why. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":2853,"topper":"Garima Mundra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/06d7f-1026942_2425_garima_mundra_rank_80.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"For effective corporate governance to take place in the coming years, why is it important to integrate the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics with the multi-stakeholder approach? What benefits can be accrued by such integration? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In acts of corruption, the focus is often only on the demand side of the equation, on public officials who abuse their office for private gain. Frequently, the supply side is given less attention. Those who pay bribes are sometimes depicted as innocent parties and victims of extortionary practices of wily public servants. Do you agree that 'collusive corruption', in which there is a willing bribe-giver, is a formidable challenge for institutions fighting corruption? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Citizens' Charters initiative was a response to the quest for solving the problems, which a citizen encountered, day in and day out, while dealing with the organisations providing public services. But the introduction and implementation of Citizens' Charters in the government of India has been difficult due to the old bureaucratic set up and the rigid attitudes of the work force. Discuss the major obstacles that have been encountered in implementing the Citizens' Charter initiative. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Quality of public service delivery is a major determinant of the quality of life of vulnerable sections in a highly unequal society divided along the lines of class, caste, religion, etc. In this background, do you think that public service delivery is efficient and sufficient enough to improve the lives of vulnerable groups in India? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":2854,"topper":"Garima Mundra","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GFNungGJN1V4WEO1ZvxJaT1yeRGSoA6s/view","questions":[]},{"id":2855,"topper":"Garima Mundra","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OtxEhZ4EsvXDWlPexjEEJZKVPDH7ylvb/view","questions":[]},{"id":2856,"topper":"Garima Nautiyal","air":86,"year":2020,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/64c4d-787680_1458_garima-nautiyal_rank_86.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2857,"topper":"Garima Nautiyal","air":86,"year":2020,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3faa2-787680_1456_garima-nautiyal_rank_86.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2858,"topper":"GARIMA SAUNAKIYA","air":674,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/05e79e85886db31c562f8e2fb26b6867/38/maths-1_garima-saunakiya.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2859,"topper":"Garima Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Visionias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/72e59-1505668_4514_garima_singh_rank_92.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Write two essays, choosing one topic from each of the Sections A and B, in about 1000-1200 words each :\n1. You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it.\n2. In matters of conscience, the law of the majority has no place.\n3. He who opens a school door, closes a prison.\n4. Only in the depths of winter can we truly appreciate the warmth of spring.\n5. We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.\n6. Copying is safe; innovation demands courage.\n7. The more we automate, the more human we must become.\n8. The pursuit of instant validation is creating a generation of restless minds.","marks":"125 x 2 = 250","words":"1000-1200 words each"},{"page":18,"question":"5. We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.\n6. Copying is safe; innovation demands courage.\n7. The more we automate, the more human we must become.\n8. The pursuit of instant validation is creating a generation of restless minds.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2860,"topper":"Garima Singh","air":92,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/GARIMA-SINGHUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-92-Sample-MGP-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Q.1) “Inclusive growth is both a process and an outcome, ensuring that everyone has access to the benefits of economic growth.\" Discuss in Indian context.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":3,"question":"Q.8 A robust and thriving food processing sector can address multiple issues plaguing Indian agriculture. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Q.15 The Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) not only enhances logistics efficiency but also represents a pivotal milestone in the country’s infrastructure development and economic growth. In this context, describe the significance of the Dedicated Freight Corridor.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2861,"topper":"Garima Singh","air":92,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/GARIMA-SINGHUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-92-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Q.1) a) What is your understanding of corruption? In your opinion, does corruption grease or sand the wheels of growth? Justify your answer.\nb) The balance between laws and conscience is delicate; when synchronized, they promote ethical conduct, but their discord can give rise to significant ethical dilemmas. Illustrate with examples","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":3,"question":"Q.4) a) “The growing reach and influence of social media present both opportunities and challenges for ethical governance.” Examine the statement with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"10"},{"page":4,"question":"b) Write short notes on the following in 30-50 words each:\ni) Ethical congruence\nii) Conflict of interest\niii) Compassion in public life\niv) Crisis of conscience\nv) Social capital","marks":"10 marks, 150","words":"30-50 words each"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.7 Recently, a disturbing incident involving the sexual assault of two young girls at a nursery school came to light in a ‘sleepy’ town of a western state in the country. When the parents approached the local police station to lodge an FIR, the police turned them away. However, twelve hours later, the FIR was filed, and a 24-year-old cleaning staff member of the school was arrested as the only suspect in the incident.\nThe news of the assault spread rapidly, igniting widespread outrage and intense media coverage. The public was furious, leading to protests across the town demanding justice for the victims. Locals organized a bandh, vandalized the school, and blocked railway lines while demanding death penalty for the suspect.\nThe state government swung into action, suspending two police personnel for their delayed response and forming a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the case. The principal of the school, along with two staff members, was also suspended. The SIT began its investigation and charged the school principal, secretary, and chairman under sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for failing to report the crime. Meanwhile, the accused’s first wife filed a case against him for violent sexual behavior and unnatural sex. As the investigation progressed, tensions in the town continued to simmer. The pressure on the SIT to resolve the case was immense, with political figures, media, and the public all demanding swift action.\nThe following day, while the suspect was being transported to the crime scene (the school) for further investigation, he was killed in what was described as an encounter. According to the SIT's account, the suspect managed to snatch a gun from one of the officers and opened fire, injuring him. In retaliation, the police shot the suspect, who was gravely injured and later succumbed to his wounds in the hospital.\nThe news of the encounter spread quickly. While many praised the SIT for their swift action, others raised serious concerns. The family of the suspect claimed it was a staged encounter. The human rights groups echoed similar sentiments, accusing the police of an extrajudicial killing orchestrated under immense public pressure.\na What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\nb Based on the case study, discuss the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in conducting a fair and impartial investigation amidst public and political pressure.\nc What best practices should be followed to ensure the integrity of investigations in such high-profile cases?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":6,"question":"Q.8 Sowmiya is a senior public servant renowned for her integrity and transparency. Currently serving as the Head of the Budget Division in the Finance Ministry, she is responsible for managing budgetary allocations critical to the government's developmental initiatives. Her department is currently organizing financial support to the states, three of which are due to go to the polls within the financial year.\nIn this year's annual budget, the government allocated ₹9,300 crores to the National Electricity Mission (NEM), a centrally sponsored scheme aimed at providing electricity to every remaining household in the country. As of June, ₹1,775 crores had already been disbursed for this initiative. The NEM is pivotal for improving living standards and aligns with the government's broader goal of universal access to electricity.\nThe Ministry of Commerce has been advocating for the establishment of a semiconductor fabrication unit in a southern state. This project is essential for enhancing domestic manufacturing capabilities and reducing dependency on imported semiconductors. After extensive discussions spanning nearly three years among relevant stakeholders, the Union Cabinet approved the establishment of the unit, and the process for acquiring the necessary land has commenced.\nIn alignment with the government's policy toward a green transition, a leading Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) is actively working on establishing a green hydrogen plant in a northeastern state. This initiative is crucial for promoting sustainable energy solutions and achieving the 'panchamrit' targets. The CPSE has already acquired the necessary land for the project. Following three rounds of global bidding, the project was awarded to an MNC, M/s XYZ Hydrocarbons, with the first tranche of payment scheduled for December.\nThe Finance Ministry was asked for an additional allocation of ₹7,000 crores to support the semiconductor fabrication unit and the green hydrogen plant. It was decided to recommend re-appropriating this entire amount from the NEM allocation. The file was forwarded to the Budget Department for their comments and further processing. Upon reviewing the case file, Sowmiya recognized the potential consequences of such a reallocation. Diverting funds from the NEM could significantly delay its implementation, undermining a project that holds political significance and is frequently highlighted in political rallies.\nAdditionally, failing to secure timely funding for the semiconductor unit and the green hydrogen plant could jeopardize these projects and lead to cost overruns. Delayed payment in an international project could send the wrong signals to MNCs about India's commitment to honoring international","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"a. What are the ethical issues involved in re-appropriation of funds from a welfare project to the developmental projects?\nb. Given the need for proper utilization of public funds, discuss the options available to Sowmiya. Which option should she choose?\na What are the ethical issues involved in re-appropriation of funds from a welfare project to the developmental projects?\nb Given the need for proper utilization of public funds, discuss the options available to Sowmiya. Which option should she choose?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":8,"question":"Q.9 Surrogate advertising — a marketing technique that promotes a product or service restricted or banned from direct advertising, such as alcohol and tobacco, by advertising a legal product like soda, water, or music CDs from the same brand — has been around for a long time. While the practice has faced criticism in the past, it has recently gained fresh attention as several famous film stars have begun endorsing these surrogate products.\nPublic health advocates and certain sections of society are worried about this trend. They argue that when celebrities get involved, the ads become much more influential, especially among the younger audiences. These critics believe that even if the ads don’t directly promote harmful products, they still make them seem more acceptable. As a result, there is a fear that such advertising could indirectly lead to higher consumption of those items, which could bring more health problems, especially among the youth.\nOn the flip side, companies and the celebrities they work with claim they are not doing anything wrong. They point out that they are only endorsing legal products, and they have every right to advertise them. For them, this type of advertising is about keeping the brand alive and competing in a market with tight regulations. They also argue that restricting these ads could harm businesses, affecting jobs and overall economic growth.\nThe debate continues, with each side presenting its own set of compelling arguments.\na What are the ethical concerns associated with surrogate advertising?\nb Suggest a course of action that addresses the concerns of both the stakeholders involved. Justify your answer.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.10 You are the Operations Manager at a fast-growing technology startup, NexGen Solutions, known for its innovative projects and timely delivery. The startup’s environment is fast-paced, with tight deadlines and high expectations from clients and investors. Your current project, creating a cutting-edge AI based application, is critical for securing upcoming funding and partnerships. Your small, capable team includes four software developers and two project coordinators, with an equal number of men and women.\nRecently, the team has encountered major challenges. Priya, one of the female developers, has requested leave to care for her ailing mother. Meanwhile, another team member, Ayesha, is struggling to manage her workload along with caring for her infant child. As a result, other team members have taken on extra tasks, impacting their work-life balance and causing heightened stress. With the project deadline looming, tensions in the team have become visible. During a crucial project meeting, Karan, a senior developer, voices his frustration, saying, “Perhaps it’s not ideal to have team members who can’t fully commit during critical stages.”\nKaran’s remark triggers an immediate reaction. Neha, a project coordinator, finds his comment offensive and reports it to the Human Resources (HR) Department. She also hints that she might bring the issue to social media, which could harm the startup’s image. The HR Department, located at the company’s headquarters, investigates and recommends disciplinary action against Karan, emphasizing the importance of a respectful, inclusive workplace. Their recommendation puts you in a difficult situation. The project is already delayed, and losing a senior developer like Karan could jeopardize its timely completion.\nYou are now faced with a complex dilemma. On one hand, it’s vital to address the inappropriate comment and ensure a respectful work culture. On the other hand, you must keep the project on track without further demotivating your team.\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb) As the Operations Manager, how would you deal with the given situation?\nc) Based on the case study, discuss the challenges faced by women at workplace. How can such challenges be addressed?","marks":"20 marks, 250","words":"250"},{"page":10,"question":"Q.11 Utkarsh is a dedicated and experienced Chief Engineer in the Public Works Department (PWD) of a major Indian city. His responsibilities include overseeing the maintenance and construction of the city's infrastructure. One of his critical responsibilities is managing the safety and welfare of the PWD workers. A sudden strike by the workers' union of the PWD erupted over the issue of compensation to a construction worker who died while repairing a major bridge in the city. The case was brought to Utkarsh's attention for resolution.\nThe deceased worker, Shyam Lal, was part of a team tasked with repairing a crucial bridge that connected two busy parts of the city. During the repair, an unfortunate accident occurred where a section of the bridge collapsed. Shyam Lal fell from a significant height, suffering severe injuries. He was immediately rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival. Shyam Lal was 45 years old and the sole breadwinner for his family, which included his wife and three young children. The initial investigation revealed that Shyam Lal had not been wearing the mandatory safety harness at the time of the accident. The management, upon learning of this, is considering not providing extra compensation to Shyam Lal's family, citing negligence on his part.\nThe PWD workers' union was outraged by this decision, arguing that the lack of proper training and supervision were the primary cause of the accident. They demanded full compensation for Shyam Lal’s family, like what other workers receive who die in the line of duty, and a job for one family member. With no satisfactory response from the management, the union went on strike, halting all ongoing maintenance and construction projects in the city. The strike has continued for two weeks, causing significant disruption to the city's infrastructure projects and leading to public outcry.\nUtkarsh is now tasked with finding a resolution to this deadlock.\na) What are the options available to Utkarsh to meet the above situation? Critically examine each of the options identified by him.\nb) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Utkarsh?\nc) What course of action should Utkarsh adopt to diffuse the above situation?","marks":null,"words":"20"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.12 Arijit, a recent graduate from a top marketing institute, has joined a prominent multinational corporation (MNC) in the “personal care and wellness” sector. The MNC is globally known for its commitment to eco-friendly, natural, and sustainable products, which was a major reason for Arijit being drawn to the job. He sees this as a chance to work on campaigns that promote health-conscious and environmentally sustainable choices worldwide.\nArijit enjoys the organization’s work culture and the nature of his new job. Within just a month, his creativity and fresh approach have earned him praise from his manager. Soon, he is assigned a high-stakes project to design an international campaign for the MNC’s new skincare product—a role typically reserved for more experienced team members. Excited, Arijit begins researching for the campaign but soon discovers an uncomfortable truth. Despite its “100% natural” branding, the product contains a significant percentage of synthetic ingredients, some of which are known to harm the environment and may also pose risks to human health. Arijit feels this contradicts the brand’s supposed commitment to environmental and health standards.\nWhen Arijit raises these concerns, his manager rebukes him and sternly instructs him to follow the company’s approved messaging. The manager emphasizes that the product meets all regulatory standards and that similar claims are widely used by other competitors in the market. Arijit is told to focus on his marketing responsibilities and avoid scrutinizing the product’s formulation. However, he still feels this is a manipulative practice that could mislead environmentally and health-conscious consumers into believing they are choosing a completely natural product.\nArijit worries that pressing the issue further could harm his career prospects, especially since he is still on probation. As the sole breadwinner with a large education loan to repay, he can’t afford to lose his job. He tries to reason that this might simply be “how business is done” and considers dropping the matter. However, his conscience continues to urge him to take action.\na. Analyze the conduct of the MNC from an ethical point of view.\nb. What are the options available to Arijit under the given situation? Evaluate each of the options and suggest the best course of action.","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":12,"question":"a. नैतिक दृष्टिकोण से बहुराष्ट्रीय कंपनी के आचरण का विश्लेषण करें।\nb. दी गई परिस्थिति में अरिजीत के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं? प्रत्येक विकल्प का मूल्यांकन करें और सबसे अच्छा उपाय सुझाएँ।\na. नैतिक दृष्टिकोण से बहुराष्ट्रीय कंपनी के आचरण का विश्लेषण करें।\nb. दी गई परिस्थिति में अरिजीत के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं? प्रत्येक विकल्प का मूल्यांकन करें और सबसे अच्छा उपाय सुझाएँ।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":21,"question":"Q8 The case highlights the media ethics of deliberation (2023-07-25 20:11:19)","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2862,"topper":"GARIMA UPRETI","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/GARIMA-UPRETI-UPSC-2024-Rank-326-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"The constitution of India is not a bag of borrowing, but a ‘beautiful patchwork’ that aptly mirrors the nation’s diversity. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":2,"question":"The Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation (PEMSR) Act, 2013 has proved ineffective in face of socio - economic realities. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":2,"question":"The ordinance - making power of the executive is antithetical to the principles of accountability and democratic consensus. Examine with suitable illustrations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":2,"question":"Analyze the process of delimiting constituencies, highlighting its significance as well as the challenges. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":2,"question":"In civil services, what should matter are - capabilities, merit and talent. In this context, examine the relevance of lateral entry in civil services in face of various apprehensions. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":2,"question":"Discuss the challenges created by anti - defection law and suggest measures to enhance its effectiveness as a deterrent against political corruption. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":3,"question":"Societal apathy towards mental health issues has resulted in the marginalization of individuals dealing with mental disorders. Elaborate and suggest measures to bring mental health concerns from the per iphery into the mainstream. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":3,"question":"India must exercise stabilizing influence in its difficult neighborhood to effectively safeguard national interest. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":3,"question":"Do you think NATO as a system of US - led collective security for Europe is relevant in an increasingly multipolar world? J ustify your answer. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":3,"question":"The Indian constitution is unique in the sense that it not only creates a limited government but also establishes a welfare state. Explain with suitable examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":3,"question":"Though importance of executive agencies in checking corruption and impropriety cannot be overstated, their misuse for political ends is anathema to the r ule of law. Comment, with special reference to Enforcement Directorate (ED). (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":4,"question":"Increased penetration of mobile network, internet infrastructure, and smart phones have made m - governance the pivot of the welfare programmes of the government, but it poses challenges of exclusion. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":4,"question":"The 69 constitutional amendment provides special provisions for the governance of the Union Territory of Delhi. Discuss and analyse the implications of divergences on various issues between the elected government and the Lieutenant Governor. (15 marks , 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":4,"question":"Although an overhaul of criminal laws in the country is a long - cherished reform, creating people - centric legal structures requires a complete Indianization of the criminal justice system. Discuss citing the recommendations of the law commission. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":4,"question":"Critically examine the utility of the social audit framework in bringing the governance process closer to the people. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":4,"question":"Enumerate the factors that make Indo - Pacific a theatre of opportunity for India. What are the impediments in reaping the geo - strategic potential of the Indo - Pacific ? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":4,"question":"BRICS can serve as a platform for shaping a post - Western global order, but the potential of the grouping is held back by internal contradictions. Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2863,"topper":"Garv Garg","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a805d-1344595_2488_garv-garg_rank_192.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"A mind all logic is like a knife all blade, it makes the hand bleed that uses it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"History is a cyclic poem written by time upon the memories of man.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The wise man does at once what the fool does finally.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The world is a tragedy to those who feel, but a comedy to those who think.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Perfect clarity would profit the intellect but damage the will.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2864,"topper":"Garv Garg","air":192,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/GARV-GARG-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-192-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) \"India's democratic roots are deeply embedded in its ancient civilizational ethos.\" Discuss in the context of India being referred to as the 'Mother of Democracy'.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Elucidate the significance of tiger and elephant figures in Indian mythology, art and architecture.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) The arrival of Lord William Bentinck marked a period of transformation in the British Indian State. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Explain how the American War of Independence deprived Great Britain of one empire, but it strengthened the foundations of another.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"How it strengthened foundations of other?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 What are Rare Earth Elements (REEs)? Discuss the multi-dimensional implications of uneven distribution of REEs in the world.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) Highlight the salient differences between the Himalayan and the Peninsular drainage Systems.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) Describe the nature and mode of origin of the main types of rock at the earth's crust.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) The alienation of modern lifestyles from nature has contributed to the ongoing environmental crisis in India. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) What do you understand by the term 'urbanisation of poverty'? Also, explain how urban poverty differs from rural poverty in India?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) Globalization has redefined the idea of community and kinship in Indian society. Do you agree? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) The flourishing of various art forms during the Kushana period reflects the rich and diverse cultural landscape of the time. What insights does this provide into the socio-cultural aspects of that era?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) Trace the events that led to the Civil Disobedience Movement. What were its outcomes?","marks":"15","words":"15"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 Mahatma Jyotirao Phule's reformist ideas played a significant role in shaping the social foundations of the Indian freedom movement. Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) The interlinking of rivers offers several benefits, but also raises significant socio-economic and environmental concerns. Analyze.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Explain the concept of rain shadow effect. How does it influence the distribution of precipitation and vegetation across mountain ranges?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) Bring out the major features of the Indian monsoon and elaborate upon its causative factors.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 What are the geographical factors responsible for the growth of mangrove vegetation in India? Also highlight its role in coastal ecology.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 To what extent can the rise of 'Kidfluencers' be seen as a reflection of changing family structures and parental aspirations in Indian society?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Women often form the backbone of grassroots movements in India, yet they remain largely invisible and excluded from the decision-making process. Examine.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2865,"topper":"Garv Garg","air":192,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/GARV-GARG-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-192-Sample-MGP-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) \"Extraordinary powers must be exercised with extraordinary care.\" Discuss in the context of Article 142 of the Indian Constitution.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Why are State Legislative Assemblies involved in the election of the President but excluded from the process of impeachment?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"4 Representation of regional parties and minorities removing arbitrariness of union ruling party.\n Why are they not included in impeachment?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Private Member's Bills (PMBs) seldom become law in India, yet they are an important aspect of parliamentary democracy. Bring out their significance and suggest steps to strengthen the PMB process.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Highlight the key points of convergence and divergence between the judicial systems of India and USA.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) The role of Election Commission of India has evolved beyond conducting elections to becoming a guardian of electoral democracy. Critically evaluate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) What is the rationale behind the 'three-language formula' in India's education policy? Also highlight the challenges associated with its adoption and implementation across the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) Emerging environmental concerns and evolving ecosystem perspectives demand a reimagined approach to rural water governance. Discuss the key interventions needed to recalibrate rural water policies with special emphasis on the role of communities.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8 Identify and discuss the challenges hindering effective implementation of gender-sensitive policies and schemes in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 Effective transboundary water management can act as a catalyst for regional peace and cooperation. In light of this statement, bring out the opportunities and challenges for India in leveraging 'water diplomacy' in its neighbourhood.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) What are the key areas of reform if the World Trade Organization (WTO) has to remain relevant in the present context of rising protectionism and trade wars?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 The basic structure doctrine acts as a constitutional compass in balancing Parliament's legislative authority and constitutional supremacy. Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) are pivotal to inclusive and efficient urban governance, yet they remain fiscally constrained and institutionally weak. Analyze.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"II How they are traditionally weak","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 \"The judiciary has functioned as an institutional corrective, redefining and refining the contours of the Governor's office to prevent its misuse and uphold constitutional principles.\" Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) How is the 'vertical' and 'horizontal' devolution of taxes to the states decided? Highlighting the concerns raised by some states regarding the devolution of taxes, suggest corrective measures.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 What steps are required for the constitutionalization of a Commission? Do you think granting constitutional status to the Central Information Commission (CIC) would strengthen the RTI regime in India? Give reasons.","marks":"15","words":"15"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 Even as India experiences consistent economic growth and has achieved self-sufficiency in food production, hunger and food insecurity remain pressing concerns. Examine the factors responsible for this paradox and suggest steps to improve the situation.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 The Union Government has recently announced that caste enumeration will be part of the upcoming census. Examine the opportunities and challenges associated with conducting a nationwide 'caste census'. Also, propose a framework for its seamless and effective conduct.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"3 Analyze true picture of caste based deprivation\n4) Impaid on Women","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 \"AI integration in governance is no longer a choice but a necessity.\" In light of this statement, discuss how AI can enhance education and healthcare governance.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Providing a brief overview of the aims and objectives of BIMSTEC, explain its significance for India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 India's approach to its relationship with China has evolved into what can be best described as 'competitive coexistence'. Discuss in light of recent developments. What should be the broad contours of India's future China policy?","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2866,"topper":"Garv Garg","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/143d8-1344595_2423_garv-garg_rank_192.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With suitable examples, discuss how environmental pressure groups enhance public participation and responsiveness with regard to environmental policies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The recent acknowledgment of sex work as a 'profession' by the Supreme Court is merely the first step in ensuring basic rights and equality for sex workers in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the role played by District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) in providing free legal aid and disseminating legal awareness in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"The collegium system has become a victim of its own success, with the concentration of power in the hands of a few, leading to questions about its legitimacy.\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"Civil services reforms must go beyond recruitment and standardised training to cope with the present day challenges.\" Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Outcome-based finance models such as social impact bonds have the potential to truly catalyse change and deliver socio-economic impact at scale. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The wide gap between the number of females graduating every year and those entering the workspace is an issue of paramount importance that needs to be addressed. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"An up to date and functional Civil Registration System (CRS) is essential to the socio-economic planning in India. Discuss in the light of the recent move of the Central government in revamping the CRS system in the country. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What are the key areas of reform if the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has to align with the current economic realities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In recent years, India’s relationship with West Asia has evolved from the confines of geopolitics to expanse of geoeconomics. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The role of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) is significant in furthering healthy competitiveness aimed at inspiring stakeholders to innovate and augment effectiveness. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"\"The menace of paid news often rears its ugly head during elections.\" Discuss the need for making paid news an electoral offence in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the 'Doctrine of Essentiality' referred to by the courts in the context of religious practices in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"As per the recently released report of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), there is an urgent need to limit the size of the government in India. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The Institutions of Eminence (IoE) scheme was conceived to develop 'world-class' centres of higher education in India but six years later, it is yet to become the game changer it was intended to be. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) allows for innovative and convenient public services, help overcome inclusion or accessibility barriers, and increase transparency and accountability with real-time data. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Besides legislation, the full realisation of the 'right to health for all' in India demands plugging of social, financial, and infrastructural gaps. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The 'third gender' has not yet been engendered in the Indian society despite legislative nudge. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Among other factors, strained ties with China and Pakistan make it difficult for India to fulfill its expectations from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"The recently concluded initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) between the United States and India promises a long overdue transformation of their partnership in the field of technology. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2867,"topper":"Garv Garg","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9b7fd-1344595_2424_garv-garg_rank_192.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With suitable examples, discuss how environmental pressure groups enhance public participation and responsiveness with regard to environmental policies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The recent acknowledgment of sex work as a 'profession' by the Supreme Court is merely the first step in ensuring basic rights and equality for sex workers in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the role played by District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) in providing free legal aid and disseminating legal awareness in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"The collegium system has become a victim of its own success, with the concentration of power in the hands of a few, leading to questions about its legitimacy.\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"Civil services reforms must go beyond recruitment and standardised training to cope with the present day challenges.\" Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"Outcome-based finance models such as social impact bonds have the potential to truly catalyse change and deliver socio-economic impact at scale. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"\"The wide gap between the number of females graduating every year and those entering the workspace is an issue of paramount importance that needs to be addressed. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"An up to date and functional Civil Registration System (CRS) is essential to the socio-economic planning in India. Discuss in the light of the recent move of the Central government in revamping the CRS system in the country. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What are the key areas of reform if the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has to align with the current economic realities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In recent years, India's relationship with West Asia has evolved from the confines of geopolitics to expanse of geoeconomics. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The role of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) is significant in furthering healthy competitiveness aimed at inspiring stakeholders to innovate and augment effectiveness. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"\"The menace of paid news, often rears its ugly head during elections.\" Discuss the need for making paid news an electoral offence in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2868,"topper":"Garv Garg","air":192,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/GARV-GARG-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-192-Sample-MGP-Copy-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) 'Unconscious biases in parenting continue to shape gendered experiences in India.' Do you agree with this view? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) Distinguish between empathy and compassion. Why are they considered as foundational values in public services?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Why are they important in Civil services?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) The current society is witnessing rising levels of intolerance. What are the consequences of this situation for personal well-being and for societal well-being? What can one do at the personal level to become tolerant?","marks":"10","words":"10"},{"page":9,"question":"b) What are the main components of emotional intelligence and how does it help an individual in taking ethical decisions?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) Given below are the three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context?\na) \"This life is short, the vanities of the world are transient, but they alone live who live for others,\" - Swami Vivekanand","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) \"If you cry because the sun has gone out of your life, your tears will prevent you from seeing the stars.\" - Rabindranath Tagore","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"c) \"Two ways of building character - cultivating strength to challenge oppression, and tolerate the resultant hardships that give rise to courage and awareness\" - Sardar Patel","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.4) a) \"With great power comes great responsibility.\" In the present context, 'Big Tech' headquartered in developed countries wield disproportionate influence over digital infrastructure, personal data, and global narratives—often prioritising profit over ethical considerations. What ethical principles should guide such corporations in building a fair, inclusive, and just global digital framework?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"b) What do you understand by the term 'crisis of conscience'? Describe an incident from your life where you experienced such a crisis. How did you deal with it?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.5) a) \"A politics of confession that encourages politicians and parties to confess and offer regret for their errors can surely be a cathartic experience.\" Examine the statement from the ethical point of view.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"b) What are the key objectives of the Right to Information Act, 2005? Examine the ethical concerns associated with certain provisions of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act in realizing the objectives of the RTI Act.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.6) a) Public spaces serve as arenas of democratic participation and civic expression. Yet in India, they remain deeply gendered, with many women largely confined to the private and domestic sphere. Examine the factors that restrict women's access to public spaces. How can ethical governance help address the issue of gendered spatial control and promote inclusivity in public spaces?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"b) Write short notes on the following in 30 words each:\ni) Ethical fading\nii) Conflict of interest\niii) Persuasion\niv) Work culture\nv) Corporate governance","marks":"10 marks, 150","words":"30 words each"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7 A State Government in the northeastern part of the country has launched a series of anti-encroachment drives across forest areas, wetlands, and revenue lands. Under the directions of the Chief Minister, the administration has intensified efforts to reclaim public land, particularly in areas reserved for ecological protection and critical infrastructure development. Most of the time, these actions have been backed by court orders and have resulted in the recovery of thousands of hectares of land. However, in certain regions, the implementation of such drives is fraught with social and political complexities. In several districts, settlements have existed for decades and are inhabited by marginalized communities with limited access to legal rights or formal rehabilitation measures. These areas are often politically sensitive and influenced by local leaders and pressure groups. Simanta is posted as Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) in one such district. Over the past year, the district administration has attempted to align eviction measures with welfare outreach, including the provision of temporary shelters, relocation assistance, and public consultations. Recently, a major operation was scheduled to clear encroachments from over 140 hectares of forest land within a Reserved Forest, primarily to curb rising instances of human-elephant conflict and to restore ecological balance. Anticipating eviction, some residents approached the High Court seeking a stay. However, the court refused to grant it and directed the administration to proceed with the eviction following due process. Notices were served, and a detailed roadmap was prepared to carry out the operation, which was expected to last 2-3 days due to the scale and remote location. On the first day, Simanta led a team comprising forest officials, municipal workers, and police personnel. Demolitions were conducted peacefully and without major resistance. However, on the second day, when the team returned to the site, a large group of agitated residents—primarily women and children—had gathered. They raised slogans and formed human chains to prevent further evictions. The atmosphere grew tense when some individuals began throwing stones, resulting in serious injury to a municipal worker. The crowd grew increasingly volatile and emotionally charged, demanding an immediate halt to the operation. The police contingent present on the ground was outnumbered by the crowd. Faced with this crisis, some team members pleaded with Simanta to call off the operation, fearing threats to their life and the possibility of a violent escalation. Simanta attempted to contact his superior officer (the Deputy Commissioner), but due to poor mobile connectivity in the forested area, communication could not be established. Meanwhile, several local journalists had arrived and begun reporting on the incident. Simanta is in a dilemma as to what to do.\na Evaluate the options available with Simanta to cope with the situation.\nb Which of the above options would be the most appropriate for Simanta and why?\nc What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Simanta?\nd Examine the qualities of a public servant which will be required to manage such situations.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"a. स्थिति से निपटने के लिए सिमंता के पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nb. सिमंता के लिए सबसे उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?\nc. सिमंता को किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\nd. ऐसी परिस्थितियों का प्रबंधन करने के लिए एक लोक सेवक के गुणों का परीक्षण करें।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":34,"question":"Q.8) Megha is a first-year sociology student at a reputed college in the national capital. She is originally from Tadchiroli, a tribal village in a western Indian state. Megha's family migrated to the city when she was seven years old and had not visited their village since. Though Megha has fond memories of her childhood there, she never deeply understood the customs and traditions of the region. One day, Megha expresses her wish to visit Tadchiroli. Her father agrees and asks her to inform Ratan, her paternal uncle, who still lives in the village with his family. Megha informs Ratan and travels to the village during a semester break. Upon arrival, she receives a warm welcome from Ratan and his family. Later, Ratan invites her to attend a local festival. During the event, Megha notices that her cousin Rinki is missing. Curious, she asks Ratan's wife Ratna why Rinki is not at the festival. Ratna explains that Rinki is on her period, and as per tradition, menstruating girls must stay separately in small huts built specifically for the purpose. Locally known as 'kurma ghars', they are generally located on the periphery of the village, near a river or pond. She further adds that these girls are not allowed to enter the main house or participate in any social or religious activities. Megha is taken aback. She asks whether all women follow this practice. Ratna nods and says it has been the custom for generations. Even schoolgirls stay in these huts and miss classes during their periods. Ratna admits that many in the village, including herself, never questioned the practice. The explanation unsettles Megha. She finds it hard to believe that a natural biological function leads to such exclusion. Before returning to the city, Megha observes that even educated family members seem to accept and follow these customs. The experience leaves a deep impact on her. She starts reading more about menstrual taboos and their impact on women's health, dignity, and education. As a sociology student, she recognises how such traditions are linked to patriarchy and social stigma. She begins to reflect on what she can do at her level to improve the current situation, without alienating the community or disrespecting its traditions.\na. Suggest a course of action Megha can take to sensitize her village community without appearing disrespectful or confrontational.\nb. What ethical principles and methods should guide her actions while engaging with the community?\nc. How is menstruation related to human rights?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":35,"question":"a. मेघा द्वारा अपने गांव के समुदाय को असम्मानजनक या टकरावपूर्ण व्यवहार किए बिना संवेदनशील बनाने के लिए अपनाई जा सकने वाली कार्यवाही का सुझाव दीजिए।\nb. समुदाय के साथ जुड़ते समय उसके कार्यों को किन नैतिक सिद्धांतों और तरीकों से निर्देशित किया जाना चाहिए?\nc. मासिक धर्म मानव अधिकारों से किस प्रकार संबंधित है?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":39,"question":"Q.9) Gopal is an 80-year-old man living in a remote and an underdeveloped village in a Central Indian state. He had been residing in a small mud house for years. When he came to know about the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G), he saw a glimmer of hope for a pucca house in the last phase of his life. However, the village sarpanch and panchayat secretary told him that to be eligible under the scheme, he must first demolish his existing house so that during a site inspection, no structure would be visible at the location. Subsequently, Gopal demolished his shelter and began living under a babool tree. For nearly six months, he has been staying in the open, braving harsh weather conditions. During this time, he has repeatedly visited the panchayat office but has been told that his application cannot be processed as he lacks the necessary documents. You are the officer-in-charge of implementing PMAY-G in the district. The case of Gopal reaches you through a prominent newspaper report. You personally visit him to understand the situation on the ground. After meeting him and listening to his account, you feel that he certainly needs support. Your enquiries confirm that he is truly destitute and living in a pitiable condition under the open sky. It is also established that he demolished his house based on a faulty interpretation of the scheme by panchayat officials. However, he has no documents to show that he fulfils the eligibility criteria under the scheme. Now you are in a dilemma. Including him under the scheme without the necessary documents would clearly be a violation of rules. But denying him support would be cruel and inhuman.\na. Can you think of a rational way to resolve this dilemma?\nb. Give your reasons for it.\nc. What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.10 You are working as an Assistant Section Officer in the District Development and Panchayat Office. One day, one of your close colleagues approaches you in deep distress. She tells you that her father is suffering from a severe liver condition, and the doctors have clearly stated that he must undergo liver transplant immediately in order to survive. She shares that she has no health insurance, and the surgery would cost around Rs 15 lakh. You are aware that her husband passed away a few years ago, and that she also has a four-year-old son with special needs. Just a few weeks ago, she also lost all her savings in a digital arrest scam. As a widow from a lower middle-class family, her options are extremely limited. Although you feel deeply empathetic, you are unable to offer financial assistance, as you do not have the resources to help.\nA few weeks later, you enquire about her father's health. She informs you that the liver transplant surgery was successful and that her father is now recovering steadily. Relieved, you ask how she managed to arrange the funds. Hesitantly, she confides that the District Development and Panchayat Officer (DDPO) helped her. Moved by her situation, the DDPO facilitated the release of Rs 15 lakh from the fund allocated to a rural sanitation scheme. The implementation of this scheme had been put on hold for a year due to technical issues and pending site approvals. She explains that the amount was provided on the assurance of strict confidentiality and with a commitment to repay it at the earliest. She expresses deep gratitude for the DDPO's timely help, which she believes saved her father's life. She has already begun repaying the money and will continue to do so until it is all returned.\na. Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\nb. Examine the behavior of DPDO from an ethical point of view.\nc. How would you react to the situation?","marks":"20 marks, 250","words":"20"},{"page":49,"question":"Q.11 Nithin is the head of the Marketing Department at Pehnava Clothings Ltd., a reputed apparel manufacturing company with a strong global presence. Known for its professionalism and consistent performance, the company had earned a credible name in both domestic and international markets. However, the firm was going through difficult times. For three consecutive quarters, it had witnessed a steep decline in sales. This trend had raised serious concerns among the top management regarding the company's competitiveness, profitability, and long-term stability. To address the situation, the leadership decided to restructure the marketing division and bring in dynamic leadership. A senior marketing executive, Mr. A, was hired after a rigorous selection process. He had an impressive career record and was known for turning around sales performance in other firms and building strong brand identities. With high expectations placed upon him, Mr. A was seen as the key figure to steer the company out of crisis. Mr. A soon began delivering results. Within a year, the company's revenue had almost doubled, and its brand visibility had increased significantly. His bold marketing strategies, proactive outreach, and innovative campaigns received appreciation from various quarters within the company. His performance drew the attention of the top management. There were deliberations about assigning him a larger role within the company, with a focus on long-term business strategy. He was also being considered for an internal award for 'Excellence in Leadership and Innovation'. However, alongside professional success of Mr. A, Nithin began receiving troubling feedback about his conduct in the workplace. Informal reports indicated that he frequently made inappropriate comments about women. In addition, he regularly sent indecent messages via social media apps to all team members, including his female colleagues. Although no formal complaint was lodged initially, Nithin could sense tension within the team, and signs of discomfort were becoming increasingly apparent. Some employees even started avoiding direct interaction with Mr. A. Team morale and interpersonal trust were gradually eroding, but employees remained hesitant to speak openly. The matter escalated one evening when Mrs. X, one of Mr. A's team members approached Nithin. Visibly disturbed and emotionally shaken, she disclosed that Mr. A had repeatedly engaged in inappropriate behavior towards her. She added that Mr. A had been making undesirable advances towards her and had even tried to touch her inappropriately in his cabin. She urged Nithin to take appropriate action in the matter, or else she would have no option but to resign from her position.\na Bring out the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb What are the options available to Nithin?\nc Critically examine each of the options identified by Nithin.\nd Which of the options, do you think, would be more appropriate for Nithin to adopt and why?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":50,"question":"a. इस मामले में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों को स्पष्ट करें।\nb. नितिन के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nc. नितिन द्वारा पहचाने गए प्रत्येक विकल्प का आलोचनात्मक परीक्षण करें।\nd. नितिन के लिए कौन सा विकल्प अपनाना अधिक उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?\na इस मामले में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों को स्पष्ट करें।\nb नितिन के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nc नितिन द्वारा पहचाने गए प्रत्येक विकल्प का आलोचनात्मक परीक्षण करें।\nd नितिन के लिए कौन सा विकल्प अपनाना अधिक उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":55,"question":"Q.19 You are appointed as an officer heading the Air Quality Compliance Division of the Environment Pollution Control Board in Delhi-NCR. The region is witnessing alarming levels of air pollution, which typically worsen during the winter months due to various meteorological and anthropogenic factors. The situation has led to severe public health concerns, particularly affecting vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and those with respiratory illnesses. The Supreme Court has also raised serious concern over the deteriorating air quality in Delhi-NCR and has directed the administration to take immediate and effective measures to control pollution, especially during the winter months. Your jurisdiction has a large number of small and medium-scale industries that were granted environmental clearance over the years. These industries form the backbone of the local economy and provide employment to a significant number of migrant workers. However, recent inspections and air quality monitoring reports indicate that a significant number of these units are operating in violation of prescribed air emission norms. As part of targeted measures to curb air pollution, you issued notices to all identified polluting units, directing them to apply for fresh environmental clearance certificates from the competent authority. However, your decision triggered strong opposition from a section of industrial units, labour unions, and local politicians. Industrial owners argued that such action would lead to production shutdowns, financial losses, and shortages of their products in the market. Labour unions and workers also protested, fearing mass unemployment and livelihood insecurity. Local politicians and vested interests accused you of jeopardising the socio-economic stability of the region. You received representations from various quarters urging you to withdraw the notices and not initiate harsh measures, citing the interests of multiple stakeholders. Additionally, you began receiving anonymous threats, aimed at coercing you into reversing your decision. On the other hand, several of your colleagues supported your stance, encouraging you to act in the larger public interest. Several local NGOs and environmental groups rallied behind your actions, demanding the immediate closure of polluting units.\na. Under the given conditions, what are the options available to you?\nb. Critically evaluate each of the options listed by you.\nc. What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by you?","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":2869,"topper":"Garv Garg","air":192,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/GARV-GARG-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-192-Sample-MGP-Copy-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) Rising influence of money power in Indian elections poses a serious challenge to transparency, fairness, and democratic accountability. How can ethical electoral funding be ensured to maintain the integrity of democracy?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"1 How ethical electoral funding be ensured?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"b) Explain the key dimensions of ethics that influence human behaviour. How do these dimensions shape ethical decision-making in private life?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) \"Academic freedom is the bedrock of scholarly inquiry and intellectual progress.\" Examine the ethical issues that arise when educational institutions yield to political, social, or economic pressures and compromises academic freedom.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) Fortitude enables a civil servant to make difficult yet morally right decisions. Explain with reference to real-life examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) Given below are the three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context?\na) \"When learning is purposeful, creativity blossoms. When creativity blossoms, thinking emanates. When thinking emanates, knowledge is lit, the economy flourishes.\" - Abdul Kalam","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) \"The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the world's problems.\" - Mahatma Gandhi","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"c) \"Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.\" - Dalai Lama","marks":"10 marks) [150","words":"10"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.4) a) What do you understand by the term 'probity in governance'? Explain how probity acts as the foundation of ethical public administration.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How positivity acts as foundation for ethical public administration.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"b) \"Starvation must not be used as a weapon of war.\" Yet, parties involved in conflicts often resort to the blockade of food and medical aid to civilians in conflict zones, deepening the humanitarian crisis. Powerful nations, despite their capacity to intervene, tend to prioritise strategic interests over humanitarian concerns. What ethical considerations should guide powerful nations in preventing such actions and ensuring unimpeded humanitarian access?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.5 a) What teachings of Mahavira are most relevant today and why? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"b) \"In contemporary times, social media platforms have emerged as powerful agents in shaping individual and societal attitudes.\" Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.6) a) What do you understand by the 'voice of conscience'? In what ways can you prepare yourself to listen to the voice of conscience?","marks":"10 marks, 150","words":"10"},{"page":26,"question":"How can this vein be healed","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"b) Effective utilisation of public funds is not merely an administrative requirement but a moral responsibility of those entrusted with public office. However, instances of funds allocated to government schemes lying idle or being diverted towards extraneous purposes continue to be reported across the country. Examine the reasons for under-utilization and mis-utilization of public funds and their implications.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7) A rail overbridge (ROB) is being planned in the capital city of a central Indian state. The project aims to reduce traffic congestion and ease delays at railway crossings, which affect thousands of daily commuters. It had been a long-standing demand of local residents, and the government approved it to address persistent traffic bottlenecks in the area. The project is to be executed by the State Public Works Department (PWD), with a strict completion deadline of one year i.e. 31st July 2026. The PWD Minister, who is also the local MLA, is scheduled to inaugurate the project in the third week of August 2026. This is planned to take place shortly before the expected announcement of state elections. Ramesh has been selected as the project manager of this prestigious assignment on the basis of his professional competence and experience. While reviewing the approved design plans in preparation for execution, Ramesh identifies a serious flaw. The proposed alignment includes a sharp 90-degree turn, incorporated due to spatial constraints between an electrified railway line on one side and ongoing metro construction on the other. From a technical standpoint, Ramesh believes the design is unsafe. It increases the risk of vehicular accidents, especially for heavy vehicles, and may lead to long-term inconvenience for road users. Ramesh promptly raises the issue with the Chief Engineer. However, the Chief Engineer overrules the concern. He states that the General Arrangement Drawing (GAD) has already been approved by the Bridge Engineering Department, in coordination with Indian Railways. He points out that revisiting the design at this stage shall result in project delays, increased expenditure, and unwanted political attention. Subsequently, Ramesh comes to know that the contractor awarded the tender to execute the project is a close relative of the PWD Minister. He also receives unofficial communication suggesting that his promotion to Additional Chief Engineer is under active consideration, but could be jeopardised if he creates \"unnecessary hurdles\" in the project's timely completion. The incumbent state government is eager to complete the overbridge before the elections and present it as a major developmental achievement. This adds to the pressure on Ramesh to expedite project execution without raising further objections. Nonetheless, he remains convinced that the current design is flawed and could have grave implications for public safety if left unaddressed. Meanwhile, the bridge design has also attracted widespread public attention after being published in a leading local newspaper. Images of the sharp 90-degree turn went viral on social media, drawing criticism and ridicule. Several engineering experts have publicly flagged the alignment as a potential safety hazard, reinforcing Ramesh's concerns.\na) Under the given conditions, what are the options available to Ramesh as a project manager?\nb) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Ramesh?\nc) What are the professional challenges likely to be faced by Ramesh and his response to overcome such challenges?","marks":null,"words":"20"},{"page":30,"question":"a) दी गई परिस्थितियों में, एक परियोजना प्रबंधक के रूप में रमेश के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nb) रमेश को किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\nc) रमेश को किन व्यावसायिक चुनौतियों का सामना करना पड़ सकता है तथा ऐसी चुनौतियों पर नियंत्रण पाने के लिए उसकी क्या प्रतिक्रिया होनी चाहिए?","marks":null,"words":"20 अंक"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.8 Srushti is a young and dynamic IPS officer, posted as Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in a communally sensitive district. Her husband, Arjun, is an IAS officer and posted as Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in the same district. Both are honest, sincere and deeply committed to their work. They have a daughter who is just four months old, and is looked after by a domestic helper. Srushti resumed duty just two weeks ago after six months of maternity leave.\nAt 9 PM on Saturday night, Srushti is in her office reviewing the security arrangements with her team for an upcoming local festival. The situation in the area has been tense throughout the week due to a flare-up between two communities over a petty issue. Around 9:30 PM, she gets a call from the Superintendent of Police. He asks her to prepare a detailed law and order brief for a high-level meeting the next morning.\nSrushti reaches home at 10 PM, feeling exhausted. She has not been getting proper sleep during the week due to frequent night patrolling. Arjun also returns around the same time after a long day in the field. Their daughter has been unwell and cried through most of the previous night. Arjun expresses concern about Srushti's heavy workload and the baby's condition. He tells her that she can not keep pushing herself like this and that the child needs more of her attention. Srushti replies that she cannot afford to step back. She adds that people are already judging her and questioning her commitment to work for availing maternity leave. The conversation gradually turns into an argument. Arjun feels Srushti is ignoring her health and family, while Srushti feels judged and unsupported.\nLater that night, as Srushti sits at her desk preparing the report, she pauses and reflects on the purpose of her work. She had joined the IPS to serve the people and protect the vulnerable. But now, she wonders if she is being fair to her own child and family. Even as recently as last week, she had to cancel the family dinner as she had to attend an urgent meeting at the SP office. She also feels the weight of expectations. Male officers with children are rarely questioned. But as a new mother, she is constantly under scrutiny. Many in the department believe that women, especially new mothers, are not suitable for field duty.\nSrushti starts thinking about her options. She knows that whatever decision she makes will not only impact her own future but also influence the expectations placed on other working mothers in uniform.\na) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\nb) Evaluate the options available to Srushti in the above situation.\nc) What suggestions would you make to help officers like Srushti maintain a healthy work-life balance.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"a) उपयुक्त मामले में नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\nb) उपरोक्त स्थिति में सृष्टि के लिए उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nc) सृष्टि जैसे अधिकारियों को स्वस्थ कार्य-जीवन संतुलन बनाए रखने में मदद करने के लिए आप क्या सुझाव देंगे?\na) उपयुक्त मामले में नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\nb) उपरोक्त स्थिति में सृष्टि के लिए उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nc) सृष्टि जैसे अधिकारियों को स्वस्थ कार्य-जीवन संतुलन बनाए रखने में मदद करने के लिए आप क्या सुझाव देंगे?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.9) A reputed Indian beauty & personal care company developed a herbal skin cream for the international market, claiming anti-ageing and skin-repair properties based on traditional Ayurvedic formulations. After obtaining the necessary approvals and export certifications, the company began exporting the product. The product received widespread positive feedback for its quality and natural formulation, and soon became a huge hit in international markets. Riding on this success, the company announced that the product would soon be made available to domestic consumers, with almost the same quality and health benefits.\n\nSubsequently, it secured approval from the domestic regulatory authority and launched the product in the Indian market. Over time, the brand gained a significant share of the domestic market and earned substantial revenues both nationally and internationally.\n\nHowever, during a random sample check, officials discovered that the cream sold in India differed from the version approved by the competent authority. The product failed to meet the claimed herbal composition and purity standards. Further investigation revealed that the company had often been distributing batches that had failed export quality checks.\n\nThe incident triggered widespread public criticism and regulatory scrutiny, leading to a sharp decline in the company’s reputation and financial performance.\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\nb) What actions should the competent regulatory authority take against the personal care company for violating domestic quality standards and distributing rejected export batches in the Indian market?\nc) What course of action is available to the company to manage the crisis and restore public trust and brand credibility?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"5 Warn of permanent sealing of company if misconduct is repeated (Dillard's fear theory).","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"Q.10) A forest fire has broken out in a hilly district and is rapidly spreading toward an eco-sensitive area that includes four villages (ESA villages). These villages lie along the forest fringe and are surrounded by difficult terrain. The region is known for its biodiversity and traditional forest-based livelihoods. The inhabitants of these villages are mostly poor tribal communities, dependent on forest resources for their sustenance.\nYou, as the District Magistrate of the area, have rushed to the spot with a medical team, police personnel, NGOs, media, and support staff to oversee the rescue and containment operations. Your disaster response team on the ground is small and poorly equipped. Reinforcements from the district headquarter have been requested, but they may take several hours to arrive due to the remoteness and challenging terrain.\nIn the meantime, a group of trained ex-forest guards and local youth from the villages offer to help. They are experienced and familiar with the area. However, existing government rules do not permit the engagement of unofficial personnel in fire control operations without formal clearance and insurance coverage.\nYour team members are divided on this issue. Some members argue that volunteers should be engaged immediately to prevent the fire from spreading. Others caution that involving them without proper approval and safety cover could be risky and against protocol.\nAs the District Magistrate, you are also the Chairperson of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA). The fire is spreading at a very rapid rate, and immediate action is required to protect lives, property, and the environment. You are now in a dilemma.\na) What are the options available to you?\nb) Critically evaluate each of the options identified by you.\nc) What option would you adopt and why?\nd) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by you?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"a) Identify the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb) What course of action should Manpi adopt and why?\nc) What should be the responsibilities of different social segments and agencies to create positive social ambiance for accepting such changes?\na) Identify the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb) What course of action should Manpi adopt and why?\nc) What should be the responsibilities of different social segments and agencies to create positive social ambiance for accepting such changes?","marks":null,"words":"20"},{"page":52,"question":"Q1 Core highlights parallel of caste based segregation of food prepared in midday meal in a school.\n(a) Ethical Issues\n1) Discrimination against Dr. Ambedkar's ideology.\n2) Poor education environment filled with caste hatred.\n3) Against constitutional morality - Article 15, 16, 18.\n4) Irrationalism of society to protest against rightful decision of headmistress.\n5) Effect on education of students if parents stopped sending children to school.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":56,"question":"a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\nb) What are the options available to CJI in this situation?\nc) Suggest our present course of action.\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\nb) What are the options available to CJI in this situation?\nc) Suggest our present course of action.","marks":"21","words":"150"}]},{"id":2870,"topper":"Garv Garg","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/968d3-1344595_2425_garv-garg_rank_192.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"For effective corporate governance to take place in the coming years, why is it important to integrate the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics with the multi-stakeholder approach? What benefits can be accrued by such integration? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In acts of corruption, the focus is often only on the demand side of the equation, on public officials who abuse their office for private gain. Frequently, the supply side is given less attention. Those who pay bribes are sometimes depicted as innocent parties and victims of extortionary practices of wily public servants. Do you agree that 'collusive corruption', in which there is a willing bribe-giver, is a formidable challenge for institutions fighting corruption? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Citizens' Charters initiative was a response to the quest for solving the problems, which a citizen encountered, day in and day out, while dealing with the organisations providing public services. But the introduction and implementation of Citizens' Charters in the government of India has been difficult due to the old bureaucratic set up and the rigid attitudes of the work force. Discuss the major obstacles that have been encountered in implementing the Citizens' Charter initiative. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Quality of public service delivery is a major determinant of the quality of life of vulnerable sections in a highly unequal society divided along the lines of class, caste, religion, etc. In this background, do you think that public service delivery is efficient and sufficient enough to improve the lives of vulnerable groups in India? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Wealthy CEOs and founders of successful businesses around the world are increasingly pledging to give away their wealth in philanthropy. Do you think that such a move is sufficient enough to bring about a positive change in the society? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"As organizations across the globe begin their artificial intelligence (AI) transformation, the leap into the AI era is expected to be more challenging than any technology that businesses have grappled with yet. In this background, discuss the concerns around fairness, transparency, and job security that may arise. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The emphasis of Swami Dayanand Saraswati on education, social equality, and ethical values continues to influence the socio-cultural discourse in contemporary India. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Emotional intelligence may not be singularly associated with emotions or intelligence. It can also include a broad range of personality characteristics that might predict success in professional and everyday life. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Traditional forms of state-led accountability, also characterised as vertical and horizontal channels of accountability, are increasingly found to be inadequate, and a myriad of multi-stakeholder and bottom-up citizen directed approaches have come to the fore, to supplement or supplant them. Discuss with illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":33,"question":"With reference to this case study, answer the following: (a) What are the issues involved in this case? (b) What measures can be taken to minimize the negative implications of adopting such technologies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"In the given situation: (a) What dilemmas does Rina face? (b) What options does she have? Provide the merits and demerits of each. (c) Highlight the course of action she should adopt, along with justification for the same. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Additionally, companies like BMW, Volvo, Google and Korean battery maker Samsung SDI, vowed in a statement to not buy metals produced from deep-sea mining until the environmental risks of the activity are \"comprehensively understood.\" In the context of the above-stated information, address the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the given case study? (b) How can the vision of economic development of a nation be achieved without adversely affecting the sustainability of oceans? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":58,"question":"That her wedding will not be held as a private ceremony with only close friends and family, but should be publicised in a grand way, as you had promised earlier to her. Given this situation, answer the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the above situation? (b) What are the various options that you have, as a father and an ambitious politician? (c) What will be your course of action? Justify with proper reasoning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2871,"topper":"Gaurav Agrawal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/210c9-gaurav-agrawal_1_2013_essay_booklet_2.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Regulatory institutions in India - White Knights or Trojan Horses?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"Swami Vivekananda's harmonization of the East and the West; religion and science; past and present.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"Green Economy: Myth or Reality?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"Social capital is not just the sum of the institutions which underpin a society - it is the glue that holds them together.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2872,"topper":"Gaurav Agrawal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/dcb3e-gaurav-agrawal_1_2013_essay_booklet_1.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Governance is not about institutions but about people being empowered to engage with them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"Indian society still considers, Sita, the ideal character in The Ramayana, as a role model for the women of 21st century.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"Open Source and Open innovation are making the world more Open.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"English in Indian Education System: just a bridge or a compulsion?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2873,"topper":"Gaurav Agrawal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/cb628-gaurav-agrawal_1_2013_gs_booklet_1.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Administrative corruption is rooted in administrative as well as non-administrative sources. Explain.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Aziz Services being a firm held by the minority community, you and Romi discuss the possibility that Thakur Seth may be biased in consistently rejecting Aziz Services out of hand for the bigger contracts. The two of you try to find out an alternative explanation for Thakur Seth's conduct, but it is difficult not to interpret his actions as being motivated on communal grounds. Design an approach to address this serious problem of apparent inequity and perhaps communal bias. Keep in mind that this is not just an isolated incident; it represents a pattern of practice with potentially serious consequences for the organization and the contractors and implications for cultural norms of the organization. List the steps that you would take to address the problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Mr. X is the engineering manager for the County Road Commission (CRC), with the primary responsibility for county road safety. Along a given stretch of the road, many people have died over the course of last 5 years by crashing into roadside trees. Many other accidents have also occurred. Two law suits had been filed regarding the unsafe segment of the road, but were dismissed because the drivers were exceeding the 45 mph speed limit. Mr. X recommends that the road be widened, cutting down a large number of trees in the process. This leads to a protest by environmental groups and they file a petition to save the trees; and instead educate people about following the road safety rules like speed limit etc. The public sentiment is divided on the issue with no sight of a wide consensus. Discuss how Mr. X should proceed at this point.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2874,"topper":"Gaurav Agrawal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/64595-gaurav-agrawal_1_2013_gs_booklet_2.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the problems that SHGs are facing and provide some suggestions for their revival. Also comment on the support provided by government agencies to SHGs.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Though the 52nd Amendment to the Constitution of India was intended to strengthen parliamentary democracy, it has failed to curb unethical political defections. Critically evaluate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"\"With the emerging political undertones over the sharing of Transboundary Rivers, negotiations and engagement over water resources is likely to find a prominent place in Indian diplomacy.\" In the context of this statement, examine India's water diplomacy in the sub-continent.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Settlement of cases by mutual compromise is much better than seeking adjudication in the adversary system. With reference to this statement discuss various ADR mechanisms available in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Discuss the roles and functions played by the Zonal Council and Interstate Council in promoting cooperative federalism in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"What does NSA PRISM Program mean to India? As a nation affected by it what should we do now?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"'Citizen report cards' provide a simple and widely replicable tool for improving transparency and public accountability. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"Discuss the provisions of the Securities Law (Amendment) Bill, 2013 and its likely impact on the powers of SEBI.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"What role did the nationalist movement play in determining the fundamental principles of the Indian Constitution?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"Analyse the role of NGOs as active watchdogs in the Indian society.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2875,"topper":"Gaurav Chopra","air":83,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/GAURAV-CHOPRAUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-83-Sample-ESSAY-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"4. An India that is not pluralist is not India at all.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"1. True peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2876,"topper":"Gaurav Chopra","air":null,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/GAURAV-CHOPRAUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-83Sample-MGP-Copy-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1 \"Bhagavad Gita and Natyashastra are not merely texts; they exemplify the timeless wisdom, richness and diversity of Indian knowledge traditions.\" Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) The Harappan civilization was a \"technological powerhouse\" that laid the foundation for sophisticated urban living in ancient South Asia. In light of this statement, discuss the key technological breakthroughs and contributions of this Bronze Age culture.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Why is the First World War considered as the first 'total' war in modern history?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4 Highlight the differences in the approach of Bhagat Singh and Mahatma Gandhi in the struggle for freedom.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 Briefly explain the processes through which the earth-atmosphere system maintains heat balance.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6 What characteristics of the monsoon climate play a crucial role in sustaining agriculture in Monsoon Asia?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) Account for the factors influencing the location of semiconductor industries across the world.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8 Unemployment is not just an economic challenge, but a social one with far-reaching consequences. In this context, discuss the social impact of unemployment in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) Globalization has facilitated the influx of global brands and multinational corporations into the Indian market, significantly altering the consumer behaviour. Do you agree? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) Discuss how social media is reshaping identity formation and self-worth among adolescents in contemporary Indian society.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) The fusion of Islamic architectural styles with indigenous Indian traditions played a key role in the evolution of Indo-Islamic architecture in the country. Discuss with examples.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 ‘Emergency’ is one of the most controversial and widely debated events in Indian politics. How far do you agree with the view that it was imposed to fulfil individual political goals rather than serve national interests? Also, discuss the short-term and long-term impacts of the Emergency.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 What are 'atmospheric rivers'? How do they influence global weather patterns and impact human settlements?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) Despite sharing a similar latitude, why does the Mediterranean climate vary from the China-type climate? How do the differences in climate affect life and economic activities in the region?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 \"The tropical Indian Ocean is likely to be in a near-permanent heatwave state.\" Discuss the factors responsible for the rapid warming of the Indian Ocean along with its multi-dimensional impacts.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 How can the demographic transition in the southern states, marked by low fertility rates and an aging population, impact the region's economic growth and social welfare policies?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 Incidence of extreme rainfall events and flash floods in recent times has led to devastating consequences for major cities of India. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 “Air pollution is as much an issue of equity and justice as it is an environmental one.” Elaborate with examples.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Analyze the socio-cultural factors contributing to the high attrition rate among women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers in India. Suggest measures to improve their retention in STEM.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 \"Caste census is relevant and necessary for any well-designed policy to reduce social inequality\". Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2877,"topper":"Gaurav Chopra","air":null,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/GAURAV-CHOPRAUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-83Sample-MGP-Copy-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) Examine the scope and significance of the Supreme Court's advisory jurisdiction under Article 143 of the Constitution.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) What is delimitation, and why is it important? What challenges are associated with the delimitation exercise in India?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) How has asymmetric federalism helped India accommodate its diverse regional needs? Discuss with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Explain how the terms 'socialist' and 'secular' in the Preamble embody specific meanings in the Indian context.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 The role of State Finance Commissions in building regional equity and strengthening the federal link has largely been underutilized. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6 How far do you think has the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) been successful in protecting and promoting child rights in India?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"4 Investigate into the issues of violence against children.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7 Outline the salient features of New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 related to school education. What does it state about the medium of instruction in schools?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) Throw light on the legal frameworks that are in place to ensure women's safety in India. What further steps are needed to enhance their safety and well-being?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 \"A multipolar world order is not merely an option but a necessity\". Elaborate. How can India leverage its position to strengthen multipolarity in the global arena?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 \"ASEAN is the cornerstone of India's Act East Policy and its Indo-Pacific vision.\" Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) Discuss the various administrative challenges faced by local self-governments (LSGs). What measures do you suggest for devolving administrative powers to LSGs, enabling them to function as institutions of genuine self-governance?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 In light of recent developments, the Collegium system and the Supreme Court's decision to strike down the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) Act, 2014 have once again come under scrutiny. Do you think that a NJAC-like body can make judicial appointments more transparent, broad-based, and accountable? Justify your answer.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 Differentiate between the clemency powers of the Presidents of India and the USA. Also, critically examine the vesting of clemency power in the executive.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) What constitutes corrupt practices under the Representation of the People Act, 1951? Also, discuss the challenges in curbing such malpractices and suggest remedial measures.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Discuss the role of the Vice-President as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. Also describe the procedure for his/her removal from office.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 \"Universal Basic Income (UBI) is a viable solution to eradicate extreme poverty in India.\" Critically discuss the statement.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 What are the key determinants of malnutrition among under-five children in the country? Also, elaborate on the role of nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions in addressing this issue.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 \"Data is the raw material of Artificial Intelligence.\" In this context, discuss the need for transparent and accountable data governance frameworks in India. What steps has the government taken in this regard?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19) Critically examine the role of International Monetary Fund (IMF) in addressing debt distress in the Global South. How can India use its post-G20 presidency momentum to push IMF reforms?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 \"In a fluid geopolitical arena, engagement without formal endorsement is a pragmatic middle path.\" Do you agree? Explain in the context of India's current approach towards the Taliban regime in Afghanistan.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2878,"topper":"Gaurav Chopra","air":null,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/GAURAV-CHOPRAUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-83Sample-MGP-Copy-1-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) What is a 'Census'? Discuss the importance of Census for the economy and policy making.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Assess the role of NITI Aayog over the past decade in transforming the country's approach to planning and development.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Discuss various measures taken by the Government to strengthen the Cooperative movement and ensure \"Sahakar Se Samriddhi\".","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) India remains significantly dependent on imports to meet its pulses demand. Examine the key challenges in achieving self-reliance in pulses. Also, mention the major government initiatives taken in this regard.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) What is a 'Black box'? Explain its significance in flight safety and airplane crash investigations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6 How does NISAR mission exemplify international cooperation in space exploration and scientific research? In what ways will it help in climate change monitoring and natural hazard management?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7 While oceans are considered among mankind's best allies in the fight against climate change, they are themselves heavily impacted by the same. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) \"Disasters cannot be managed by a single agency, department, or ministry on its own. It requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.\" Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 The convergence of organized crime and terrorism presents a formidable challenge to the country's internal security. Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) In an era of complex security challenges, examine the ways in which the private sector can contribute to strengthening India's internal security.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced a transfer of surplus to the Union Government for the financial year 2024-25. What does 'surplus' mean in this context? How does the RBI generate it, and what is its significance for the country's fiscal policy?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) Examine the role of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model in the development of ports in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 \"Legalizing the Minimum Support Price (MSP) would create more challenges than it resolves.\" Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 Why does India's agricultural export performance remain weak despite high production levels? What measures would you suggest to improve agri-export competitiveness?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 How the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) can help India in its socio-economic development? Identify the hurdles in its large-scale adoption and suggest corrective measures.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) What is a Geographical Indication (GI)? What are the legal frameworks governing it? How does it differ from a trademark? How can GI infringement be tackled?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 \"Mangroves contribute significantly to the coastal economy and ecology, but they are threatened by numerous factors\". Elaborate. Also, state the measures taken by the government for mangrove conservation and restoration.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18) What is oil pollution? What are its impacts on the marine ecosystem? In what way is oil pollution particularly harmful for a country like India?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have become an integral aspect of modern conflict and warfare, employed by both state and non-state actors. Discuss its implications for India's security architecture and state the measures being taken to address them. Also suggest other steps to tackle the threats emanating from UAVs.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20) Maritime security challenges are complex, driven by both conventional and non-conventional threats. In this context, discuss the key maritime security challenges in India. Also, highlight the measures taken by the government in this regard.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2879,"topper":"Gaurav Chopra","air":null,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/GAURAV-CHOPRAUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-83Sample-MGP-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) The increasing use of digital surveillance technologies for maintaining law and order is a debatable issue. Critically examine the statement from the ethical point of view.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) Knowledge and skills are important, but they must be grounded in ethical principles for true success. In this context, discuss the importance of ethics in education and the role of educational institutions in imparting ethical values.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) How does persuasion help achieve a desired change in attitude? What are the elements of an effective persuasive approach?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) While scientific research drives technological progress and societal development, its funding often raises ethical questions. What ethical concerns arise from corporate sponsorship of scientific research, and how can these be addressed?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context?\na) \"Where do the evils like corruption arise from? It comes from the never-ending greed. The fight for corruption-free ethical society will have to be fought against this greed and replace it with 'what can I give' spirit.\" - A.P.J. Abdul Kalam","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) \"The greatest glory in living lies not in never failing, but in rising every time we fail.\" - Nelson Mandela","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"c) \"Your goodness is an impediment in your way, so let your eyes be red with anger, and try to fight the injustice with a firm hand.\" - Sardar Patel","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.4) a) What do you understand by the term \"Conflict of Interest\"? How does it manifest in the decision making by public servants? In what ways can it be minimized?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"b) \"In post-conflict rehabilitation, the pursuit of justice must be balanced with the need for reconciliation.\" Examine this statement in the context of addressing ethnic violence.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.5) a) In the ever-evolving landscape of academic institutions, administrators must not only manage academic issues but also emotional and interpersonal dynamics. In this context, discuss the significance of emotionally intelligent administrators in higher education.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"b) \"The recognition of the horrors of nuclear weapons should compel nations to move towards meaningful disarmament. However, geopolitical interests continue to hinder genuine progress in this direction. What are the ethical considerations of nuclear states to pursue global disarmament, and how can the international community balance security concerns with the moral imperative of a nuclear-free world?\"","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.6) a) \"Probity in governance is an essential and vital requirement for an efficient and effective system of governance and for socio-economic development.\" Discuss the statement with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"4 In line with Ethical governance and good governance principles of World Bank.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"b) How can responsible and informed social media use be nurtured among children to make the internet a safer space for them?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7 Arushi is a young IPS officer known for her competence, integrity, and relentless dedication to challenging tasks. Recognizing her excellent track record, her superiors have chosen her to handle a sensitive assignment in a tribal-dominated district notorious for illegal bauxite mining. Here, the mafia mines bauxite from mineral-rich lands, transports it by truck, and sells it on the black market. This illegal operation thrives with the support of certain local officials and tribal musclemen who intimidate the local population and bribe select poor tribals to maintain control and silence.\n\nUpon assuming the new role, Arushi quickly grasps the ground realities and identifies the mafia's modus operandi, characterized by a series of devious tactics. Her inquiries reveal that several employees in her office are colluding with the mafia, forming an unholy nexus that enables these illegal operations. Determined to dismantle this network, she initiates strict actions, including raids on trucks transporting illegally mined bauxite. These actions significantly disrupt the mafia's operations, unsettling criminals unaccustomed to such resistance. Some office employees allegedly allied with the mafia inform the criminals of her determination to dismantle their operations, posing a serious threat to their profits. In response, the mafia adopts a counter-offensive strategy. Tribal strongmen and mafia operatives begin issuing direct threats to her, warning of severe consequences if the raids continue. Her family (husband and elderly mother) are stalked and placed under virtual surveillance, causing mental anguish and stress for them all. Matters assume serious propositions when a muscleman appears in her office and threatens that if she does not halt raids, etc., she will suffer the same fate as a predecessor officer who was killed by the mafia a decade earlier.\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb) Identify and evaluate the different options available to Arushi under the given situation.\nc) Which option would she adopt and why?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Q.8) The Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) is proposed on a river in a northeastern state of India, a recognized biodiversity hotspot. Covered in dense forests, this region harbors a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including numerous endemic species. Although sparsely populated, the region's communities have livelihoods and cultural practices deeply intertwined with the natural landscape. Its ecological wealth has been preserved over the years due to its environmental significance and cultural heritage. Additionally, the Upper Siang basin holds immense strategic importance due to its proximity to international borders, offering potential leverage in regional security and resource management.\nThe SUMP aims to harness the river's energy for economic growth, proposing infrastructure that includes an 11,000 MW “mega dam,” power stations, and transmission lines that could transform the state into a renewable energy hub. Proponents argue that the project will boost the state's economy through power generation, employment, and enhanced infrastructure while also helping meet the country's clean energy targets.\nHowever, a local NGO has raised concerns about the ecological and social costs of SUMP. The project would require extensive forest clearance, which plays a crucial role in carbon sequestration. Additionally, experts warn that construction activities could disturb the region's delicate ecosystems. This may affect riverine biodiversity and increase the risk of soil erosion and sedimentation, with potential downstream effects on agriculture and water quality. Another major issue raised is the potential displacement and cultural impact on local communities. This could threaten their subsistence-based livelihoods and disrupt their way of life. Critics also highlight that the project may contradict India's commitments to sustainable development.\nDespite these concerns, supporters of the project argue that SUMP's strategic importance and clean energy potential cannot be ignored. Moreover, they emphasize the project's strategic location, which would strengthen energy security, reduce regional inequalities, and contribute to the country's long-term development goals. They argue that amidst rising energy demands, the country cannot afford to forgo such an opportunity, especially given the presence of hydroelectric projects across borders that could shift regional control over water resources.\n(a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\n(b) In your opinion, which should take priority between development and conservation, and why?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"(a) उपयुक्त परिस्थिति में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों का वर्णन कीजिए? (b) आपकी राय में विकास और संरक्षण में से किसे प्राथमिकता दी जानी चाहिए और क्यों?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":39,"question":"Q.9 Inside a busy city administration office, Joint Municipal Commissioner Keerthi, who also serves as the Public Information Officer (PIO), faces a challenging situation. Recently, an RTI application has been received, demanding details about public infrastructure projects initiated during her tenure. Upon reviewing the requested information, Keerthi discovers that certain decisions made regarding these projects were not entirely sound in hindsight. These decisions, although taken in good faith and after due diligence, failed to realize promised outcomes. There were other employees also who were party to this decision. The disclosure of this information could potentially lead to scrutiny and backlash against herself, the employees, and contractors involved. Known for her integrity and commitment to public service, Keerthi finds herself at a crossroads. The RTI Act has served as a critical check against administrative arbitrariness, ensuring transparency and accountability. However, she also observes a troubling trend. RTI applications are often used by vested interests and activists seeking personal gain rather than genuine public interest. Some activists even resort to threats or extortion tactics, undermining the integrity of the RTI process. She fears the requested RTI information could be similarly exploited. Moreover, the employees involved are requesting her to withhold the information. In navigating this situation, Keerthi weighs her options carefully.\n(a) Critically examine the options available to Keerthi in the above situation.\n(b) Which of the above would be the most appropriate for Keerthi and why?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.10 Littering at popular tourist destinations has become a significant environmental and ethical concern in India. A recent incident highlighted this issue when tourists were observed throwing tissue papers and a cake box on the road after celebrating a birthday. When a local politely requested them to use a nearby dustbin just 5 feet away, the tourists dismissed the appeal, claiming no dustbin was available. The situation escalated when their driver threw a plastic bag into the adjacent valley.\n\nPublic reactions to the incident were divided. Some individuals commended the intervention as an effort to promote civic responsibility, emphasizing the need to protect fragile ecosystems like hill stations. Many argued that tourists must adhere to basic environmental ethics and that public spaces are a shared responsibility. Critics also highlighted the broader implications of such irresponsible behavior on the environment and local livelihoods.\n\nOn the other hand, the tourists involved accused those intervening of interfering in their personal affairs, claiming their privacy was being violated. The argument that the tourists were being publicly shamed through the viral video added another layer to the ethical debate. Many questioned whether posting such incidents online, even for a social cause, was appropriate or necessary.\n\nThe debate continues, with one side emphasizing the collective responsibility to preserve public spaces and the environment, while the other raises concerns about individual privacy and autonomy.\n(a) What are the ethical concerns associated with tourists littering at public destinations?\n(b) How can ethical tourism practices be integrated into policies to address issues like littering at tourist destinations?\n(c) Suggest a course of action that balances environmental responsibility and individual rights. Justify your answer.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Q.11 You are the Operations Manager at a fast-growing technology startup, NexGen Solutions, known for its innovative projects and timely delivery. The startup's environment is fast-paced, with tight deadlines and high expectations from clients and investors. Your current project, creating a cutting-edge AI based application, is critical for securing upcoming funding and partnerships. Your small, capable team includes four software developers and two project coordinators, with an equal number of men and women.\nRecently, the team has encountered major challenges. Priya, one of the female developers, has requested leave to care for her ailing mother. Meanwhile, another team member, Ayesha, is struggling to manage her workload along with caring for her infant child. As a result, other team members have taken on extra tasks, impacting their work-life balance and causing heightened stress. With the project deadline looming, tensions in the team have become visible. During a crucial project meeting, Karan, a senior developer, voices his frustration, saying, “Perhaps it’s not ideal to have team members who can’t fully commit during critical stages.”\nKaran’s remark triggers an immediate reaction. Neha, a project coordinator, finds his comment offensive and reports it to the Human Resources (HR) Department. She also hints that she might bring the issue to social media, which could harm the startup’s image. The HR Department, located at the company’s headquarters, investigates and recommends disciplinary action against Karan, emphasizing the importance of a respectful, inclusive workplace. Their recommendation puts you in a difficult situation. The project is already delayed, and losing a senior developer like Karan could jeopardize its timely completion.\nYou are now faced with a complex dilemma. On one hand, it’s vital to address the inappropriate comment and ensure a respectful work culture. On the other hand, you must keep the project on track without further demotivating your team.\n(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.\n(b) As the Operations Manager, how would you deal with the given situation?\n(c) Based on the case study, discuss the challenges faced by women at workplace. How can such challenges be addressed?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"Q.12 Prateek Kumar, the Project Manager, is in charge of the construction of a highly anticipated highway that is expected to drive regional development. The project aims to enhance connectivity, boost trade, and create substantial employment opportunities. Given its importance, it has become a focal point for the ruling party, which is actively promoting it as a symbol of progress ahead of the upcoming state elections next year. The timely completion of the highway is crucial, as the Chief Minister is scheduled to inaugurate it upon completion. This has led to added pressure on Prateek and his team to meet the approaching deadline, which is set for next month.\nDuring a routine inspection, Prateek discovers that a particular stretch of the highway has been built with substandard materials. This section fails to meet the required safety and durability standards, posing a serious threat to public safety and lives. If left unresolved, the compromised quality could lead to accidents, undermining both the project's credibility and the government's promises for safe and reliable infrastructure. Concerned, Prateek raises the issue with the contractor, but the contractor downplays the severity, claiming that minor adjustments will fix the problem without causing major delays.\nIn a subsequent team meeting, some senior members suggest that Prateek overlook the quality concerns to ensure the project remains on schedule. They argue that the majority of the highway meets standards and emphasize the severe economic and political consequences of delays. With elections approaching, they stress the importance of the Chief Minister's inauguration as a key political event. They warn that any delay could damage the ruling party's image, harm its electoral prospects, and potentially have repercussions for the team and the organization.\nLater, the contractor privately approaches Prateek with a substantial bribe, urging him to ignore the issue and allow the project to proceed. The contractor justifies his actions by citing financial pressures and the need to complete the project on time. Prateek is an honest and upright officer, but he understands that addressing the problem would delay the project, making it impossible to meet the deadline.\n(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\n(b) Under the given conditions, what are the options available to Prateek as the Project Manager? Critically evaluate each of the options.\n(c) What option should Prateek adopt and why?","marks":"20","words":"20"}]},{"id":2880,"topper":"Gaurav Gangadhar Kayandepatil","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/33804-664228_2218_gaurav-gangadhar-kayandepatil_rank-146.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to revisit the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution? Discuss with suitable arguments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Highlighting the advantages of online dispute resolution (ODR) mechanism for justice delivery, discuss the challenges associated with its effective implementation in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Despite the constitutional division of powers, Centre-state disputes have been a perennial feature of Indian democracy. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Do you agree with the view that adopting a framework for lobbying will strengthen participative governance and ease of doing business in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Despite the government encouraging open source instead of proprietary technology for government applications, the true potential of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) and digital platforms remains unrealized. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"As a social safety-valve, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) can be the principal vehicles through which communities voice their concerns. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Despite being lauded for its patient centric approach, the implementation of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, remains sluggish and mired with various issues. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to formulate an Urban Employment Guarantee scheme at the national level? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the relevance of BIMSTEC as a regional organisation to fulfil India's strategic aspirations in the Indian Ocean Region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the relevance of the Gujral Doctrine for India with regard to its relations with its immediate neighbours in the present times. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the pivotal role of the \"Officers of Parliament\" in the Indian Parliamentary system. Also, discuss the constitutional and statutory provisions for their impartial functioning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The Finance Commission plays a crucial role in balancing fiscal federalism in India. In this context, examine the recommendations given by the 15th Finance Commission. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Critically assess whether according statutory backing to the Model Code of Conduct will contribute towards free and fair elections in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The market disruption caused by digital revolution warrants renewed focus and perspective to ensure fair competition in the digital economy. In this light, discuss the need to revamp the Competition Commission of India (CCI). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"There is an urgent need for effective whistle-blowing mechanisms and ensuring that necessary safeguards for the protection of whistle-blowers are established in both public and private spheres in India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"State the reasons behind the poor performance of cooperatives in India. Also, discuss the reforms undertaken by the government to overcome the shortcomings. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Public-Private Partnership model, if harnessed properly, has the potential to bridge the gaps in India's healthcare system. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Although the New Education Policy brings with itself a commendable vision, its success will depend on its ability to effectively integrate with the government's other policy initiatives. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) is born from a collective desire to make the Indo-Pacific region an engine of global economic growth. Comment. Also, discuss India's concerns in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"India needs to identify the priority areas to further its techno-diplomacy amidst the complexities of expanding digital space and New and Emerging Strategic Technologies. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2881,"topper":"Gaurav Gangadhar Kayandepatil","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1ae59-664228_1820_gaurav-gangadhar-kayandepatil_rank-146.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by 'constitutionalism'? Highlight various ways in which the Indian Constitution underscores this principle. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Mention various initiatives taken for online delivery of judicial services in India. Also, discuss the challenges faced in their implementation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Illiteracy and poverty are hindrances in the formation of healthy public opinion on public policies. Discuss with suitable examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Why did Dr. B.R. Ambedkar see the CAG as \"probably the most important officer in the Constitution of India\"? Discuss the issues faced in the functioning of CAG. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Bring out the similarities and differences in the Bill of Rights in the Constitution of the United States and Fundamental Rights in the Constitution of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"There are various issues related to appointments in higher judiciary in India that need urgent attention. Discuss in context of the recent report by the Parliamentary Standing Committee for the Ministry of Law and Justice. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The Competition Commission of India (CCI) effectively reflects a shift from the era of Licence Raj to a conducive regulatory ambience for enhancing consumer welfare by encouraging competition in the market. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Enumerate the various kinds of writs in the Indian judicial framework and state the remedial significance of writs. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Giving the rationale behind the formation of a separate Ministry of Cooperation, discuss the ways to deepen Co-operatives as a true people centric movement in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Highlighting the key provisions of The Tribunals Reforms Bill, 2021, discuss whether it can help in addressing the issues pertaining to tribunals in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Asymmetry is not only an important characteristic of federalism in India, it has also helped in the accommodation of diverse demands inherent in our democracy. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Identifying the designated role of Parliament, discuss the consequences of inefficiency in parliamentary functioning in India. Also, suggest some measures for improving the functioning of Parliament. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite awarding constitutional status to the National Commission for Backward Classes, there still remain issues with regard to inclusion/exclusion of communities in the OBC list. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"A critical appraisal of the outcomes of the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act underlines the need for second generation reforms to strengthen decentralisation of Urban Local Governance in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Checks and balances as well as separation of powers are not mere intellectual ideas, but principles which strengthen a democracy in real ways. Discuss in the context of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"In the Lok Sabha and the Vidhan Sabhas, the Speaker has vast powers and extensive functions. Elaborating on it, highlight the grounds on which the Office of the Speaker has been criticised and the reforms required in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"In India, the Finance Commissions are established pursuant to the constitutional mandate. In this context, do you think the State Finance Commissions have been effective in promoting fiscal federalism? Substantiate with arguments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"It is argued that unchecked and rampant exercise of the power to insert laws in the Ninth Schedule results in undermining of constitutional supremacy and creation of parliamentary hegemony. Do you agree? Justify your stand with logical arguments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Though the antecedents of the Indian Constitution can be traced to a series of British colonial legislation and other constitutions of the world, in spirit and practice it has been completely Indian. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Providing greater flexibility to states in relation to subjects in the state list and 'transferred items' in the concurrent list can pave the way for better Centre-State relations in India. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2882,"topper":"Gaurav Gangadhar Kayandepatil","air":146,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b796a-664228_1819_gaurav-gangadhar-kayandepatil_rank-146.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2883,"topper":"Gaurav Kumar","air":34,"year":2017,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/14207_930_Gaurav_Kumar_Rank_34.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2884,"topper":"Gaurav Kumar","air":34,"year":2017,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/14207_932_Gaurav_Kumar_Rank_34.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2885,"topper":"Gaurav Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/14207_981_Gaurav_Kumar_Rank_34.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Although it is the right time for elevating the mission of 'Make in India' to 'Inovate in India', significant challenges exist in doing so. Elaborate. How can these challenges be overcome?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"What is meant by public debt? Highlight the objectives of public debt management. Explain why it is considered prudent to disaggregate debt management from monetary policy and take it out of the realm of central bank.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"There is an urgent need for India to get infrastructure financing, however, the current investment model of PPPs is poorly designed and needs restructuring. Discuss the issues plaguing the success of PPPs with respect to stalled projects, risk management, governance & institutional capacity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"The worsening road safety situation in India is further complicated by an increasing population and proliferation of vehicles on the road. Discuss. Also, highlight the steps that are being taken by the government to address the issue of road safety and reduce the associated fatalities.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Explain the concept of 'green economy'. Highlight the costs and benefits in making a transition towards green economy for developing countries like India. Also discuss the associated challenges.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Despite the government claiming excess electricity production, the power situation for households continues to remain bleak in many parts of the country. Explain the reasons behind this. How can the UDAY scheme help in improving the current situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Enhancing the competitiveness of the Textile sector can create employment as well as promote inclusive growth. Elaborate with reference to government initiatives for promotion of the textile sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Digitalisation of transactions is a panacea to address the problems of corruption and tax evasion as well as achieve financial inclusion. Critically evaluate. Also enumerate the impediments for India to transit to a digitalised cashless economy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Explain why the government has adopted the HELP in place of the NELP that was existing for almost a decade. Also discuss how HELP has the potential to transform India's E&P activities with special emphasis on non-conventional sources of energy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Briefly highlight the parameters used by the government to determine the extent of poverty in India. Examine the relationship of economic growth and poverty alleviation in the post-reforms era.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Buffer stocking of food grains is seen as a vehicle to deliver strategic food and agricultural domestic support policies, however, there is a growing consensus that the programme has been not just costly but also imprudently wasteful. Critically evaluate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Discuss the significance of food processing industry in the economic development of the country and the challenges which need to be tackled for sustained growth of the industry. Also elaborate on the the salient features of National Mission on Food Processing.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"In spite of having the world's largest livestock population in India, the potential of animal rearing remains underutilized. In this context, discuss the challenges faced by the meat and poultry sector and suggest measures for accelerated and sustained growth for this sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Indian agriculture has become cereal-centric and as a result, regionally biased and input-intensive. Discuss. What steps have been taken by the government to rectify this issue?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Even though India has a huge potential for aquaculture and fisheries industry, there are certain challenges that need to be addressed to bring about a 'Blue Revolution' in the country. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"What is hydroponics? Discuss its relevance in light of limited land availability while ensuring food security.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Not only does the yield (measured in tonnes/ha.) of a crop but a number of other factors determine the choice of crops that a farmer cultivates. Elaborate with special focus on cropping pattern in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"Agriculture seems to be one of the most affected but the least equipped as far as climate change is concerned. Discuss the statement with special emphasis on developing countries and their need for agriculture finance and subsidies.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Discuss the lacunae in implementation of Minimum Wages Act in ensuring the welfare of agricultural labour. Also, suggest some other measures to improve the situation of agricultural labourers in the country.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Discuss the potential of horticulture sector in realizing the government's vision of doubling the farm income. Also, highlight the challenges which are needed to be addressed for realizing full potential of this sector.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2886,"topper":"Gaurav Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/14207_927_Gaurav_Kumar_Rank_34.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Enumerate the discretionary powers of the Governor mentioned in the Indian Constitution. Why is it said that the post of governor has become highly politicised?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"CAG is instrumental in securing accountability of the executive to the Parliament in the sphere of financial administration. Elaborate. Enumerate the provisions made in the Constitution to ensure the independence of the CAG.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"What are the different institutional arrangements in India to promote cooperation between the Centre and States? Critically analyse the role of Inter-State Council to enhance cooperative federalism in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"In view of the idea of holding simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies, discuss the advantages that its implementation would lead to and the concerns that it raises.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Proliferaton of Ministries and Departments in the government not only leads to weak coordination and integration but also fragmentation of functions. Comment in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Though judicial activism has made the judiciary more people friendly, there is also a negative side to the idea of a pro-active judiciary in the form of judicial overreach. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Discuss the significance of the concept of Office of Profit as enshrined in the Indian Constitution. Why has it been embroiled in controversies for a long time? Analyse the role played by judiciary in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"The provisions of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution devolve some essential powers to the lower levels in order to cater to the needs of the tribal community. Discuss, while examining the modern day challenges faced by the institutions set up under the Sixth Schedule.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"The political empowerment of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) has not been accompanied by empowerment in other spheres. Comment. Also examine whether devolving functional autonomy, administrative support and financial resources to the PRIs can help in overcoming the issues related to PRIs.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"While it has been argued that the judiciary should be brought under RTI, a balance also needs to be maintained between independence of the judiciary and the right of people to know. In this context, discuss the pros and cons of bringing the judiciary under the ambit of RTI.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Differentiate between pressure groups and political parties. It is often said that pressure groups are primarily a consequence of inadequacies of the political parties in India. Discuss the above statement in the context of rising environmental protection groups.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Give an account of the factors responsible for the limited success of Lok Adalats. What measures are required to ensure that Lok Adalats function as an effective dispute redressal mechanism?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Part IV of the Indian Constitution has great value as it provides for social and economic democracy. In light of the above statement, discuss the importance and limitations of this part of the constitution.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Government advertisements have often been viewed as misuse of taxpayer's money for enhancing the image of political parties. Discuss in the light of relevant SC rulings. Also enumerate the recommendations made by the Twentieth Law Commission to address the issue of paid news and political advertisements.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"In a paradigmatic shift from the command and control approach of the past, NITI Aayog accommodates diverse points of view in a collaborative, rather than confrontationist setting. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Vast powers have been vested in the office of the Speaker to strengthen the democratic institutions of the parliamentary system, and not to stifle dissent or protest in the House. Comment in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Tenth Schedule of the Constitution and the subsequent amendments have failed at solving the problem of defections and opportunistic politics. Critically analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"It is the Parliamentary system, with its basis on constant accountability, accommodation and inclusion, which can best serve the needs of the country. Examine, keeping in mind the arguments that are periodically put forward for adopting the Presidential system in India.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2887,"topper":"Gaurav Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/14207_861_Gaurav_Kumar_Rank_34.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Examine how role models influence ethical behaviour. What actions can leaders take to integrate ethical conduct in their organisations? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"According to Aristotle, for persuasion, not only Ethos (credibility of the speaker) and Logos (logical argument) but Pathos (emotional connection to the audience) is equally important. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"With appropriate examples, discuss various ethical challenges associated with the utilization of public funds in India. Suggest strategies to effectively deal with these challenges.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"With proliferation of social media, people have got the opportunity to express their views anonymously and more freely. (a) What according to you, is its effect on the social and political culture of the country? (b) Discuss the role of social media in changing one's attitude, particularly the youth.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"What are the various components of an organization's work culture? What are key issues that need to be addressed in any organisation to create a more developmental and performance oriented culture?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"There is a difference between what a person has a right to do and what the right thing to do is and often there is a conflict between these two. (a) Illustrate with examples the ethical issues that can arise because of such a conflict. (b) How does this conflict play out if someone wants to protest against injustice?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"It is vain to talk of the interest of the community, without understanding what is the interest of the individual. Discuss the statement in the present context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Vision and intentions are necessary components of politica ethics. However, equally important are the process of implementation, tools used and the established system. Elaborate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Swami Vivekanand brought religion to the centre-stage and gave a new meaning to it while stressing the need for harmony among faiths. In this context, discuss the relevance of his teachings in contemporary society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Access to quality basic services plays a critical role in enhancing individual capabilities to participate fully in the growth of the nation. (a) Discuss the statement in the context of vulnerable sections of India. (b) Analyse the challenges with regard to quality service delivery in India.10","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Is Emotional Intelligence influenced by cultural moorings? How would you differentiate the applicability of Emotional Intelligence in Indian society from that of Western society?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Evaluate the success of RTI in bringing governance reforms in the country. Examine whether it has served the purpose it was meant for.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"The decisive role that money plays in elections creates a vicious cycle of corruption. (a) Elaborate in the context of India. (b) Discuss whether state funding of elections can help in curbing the menace of political corruption in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"You are the officer in charge of development planning of a state whose capital is the technology hub of the country. However, the capital city is overcrowded and marred by traffic congestion. A group of top MNCs have approached you and showed their interest in expanding their operations in the capital provided that the highway connecting the SEZ to airport is widened. This has been cited as an important business requirement. The expansion of MNC operations is expected to create numerous jobs and would bring in huge revenues to the State. At the same time, the road connectivity in rest of the state, especially the rural areas, is abysmal and is in need of urgent attention. Media has been highlighting the incidents of deaths due to delay in hospitalization and other such issues which can be directly attributed to poor condition of roads. As the officer in charge of the development planning you find that the road widening project will entail huge cost and would severely curtail the rural road development programme currently being undertaken by the state. 20 (a) What challenges do you face as the officer in charge, in this situation? (b) State your priorities and discuss how you plan to achieve them in the context of given challenges. 10. You are the SP of a district where a large number of followers of a particular sect reside. The district also hosts a large Ashram where regular gathering of the followers take place. The leader of the sect has been under the scanner of the judiciary for his involvement in illegal activities. Now the court has ordered his immediate arrest and an order pronouncing the same has been sent to you. You have been asked to comply with the orders within two days. A large number of followers, which include women and children, have already thronged the Ashram in anticipation of arrest of the leader. Intelligence units have informed about the presence of not only large stock of food and water but also ammunition, inside the Ashram. Your request urging the followers to vacate the site has failed. 20 (a) What could be the reason for people's defiance? (b) List the issues involved in the case. (c) What will be your plan of action?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"You are the SP of a district where a large number of followers of a particular sect reside. The district also hosts a large Ashram where regular gathering of the followers take place. The leader of the sect has been under the scanner of the judiciary for his involvement in illegal activities. Now the court has ordered his immediate arrest and an order pronouncing the same has been sent to you. You have been asked to comply with the orders within two days. A large number of followers, which include women and children, have already thronged the Ashram in anticipation of arrest of the leader. Intelligence units have informed about the presence of not only large stock of food and water but also ammunition, inside the Ashram. Your request urging the followers to vacate the site has failed. 20 (a) What could be the reason for people's defiance? (b) List the issues involved in the case. (c) What will be your plan of action?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Ramesh, a very hardworking person, is the sole bread earner in his family. He has worked with an oil company's local affiliate for several years, and has established a strong, trustworthy relationship with Suresh, manager of the local facility. Suresh has recently recommended Ramesh to be recruited as the corporate consulting engineer for the company, which would be a position of greater responsibility along with a stable income. During a casual conversation, Suresh mentions an incident in the 1960s wherein 10,000 gallons of a petrochemical was leaked into the local environment by the company due to negligence, though at the time no damage was found, and no mention of this leak was made to the press. When Ramesh mentions that the state law requires him to report all spills, Suresh reminds him that no harm had been done and reminds him that the company can't have a consulting engineer who does not value loyalty and respect confidentiality. 20 (a) Identify the ethical issues involved in the given case. (b) What are the options available to Ramesh in this situation? Evaluate each of them. (c) Had you been at Ramesh's place, what would have been your course of action? Give reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"You are the CEO of a social media company that has a wide user base. The social network offered by your company has emerged as a platform for people to interact with each other and share news, opinions etc. However, at the same time, women are being repeatedly harassed and cyber bullied through this network. Whenever any instance of harassment is brought to notice of the company, your staff members immediately deactivate the account of the culprit. However, since new accounts can be created easily, such incidents continue to happen. Also, the system to verify one's account details has been deemed lax by public authorities and human rights groups. But in order to increase the user base, you have to ensure that it is easy for a new user to sign up. Increase in the user base leads to more advertisements on your network, which is a source of huge annual turnover for the company. At the same time, in wake of increasing instances of harassment, you also need to tighten the process of creating new accounts and deactivate or delete the ones being misused. (a) Highlight the options available to you in this scenario and evaluate each of them. What course of action will you take and why? (b) Is there a need for having reasonable restrictions on social media for it to remain a platform of healthy and fruitful engagement. Analyse from the viewpoint of different stakeholders.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"You and your friend are living together in a metropolitan city and preparing for civil service examinations. While you manage to meet your daily targets, you sense that your friend is unable to cope up with the pressure of the exam. Fear of not passing the exam and meeting the expectations of his family is stressing him further. You realise that with time your friend is losing interest in everything and often talks about committing suicide if he is unable to meet his goal. He is also missing out on meals and prefers to stay indoors when asked to venture out. When you sought professional help, the doctor diagnosed your friend with clinical depression. Being aware that your friend needs professional counselling and psychiatric care, you reach out to his parents who reside in a rural area. They rebuff you for suggesting counselling and instead reiterate that nothing is wrong with him. They sternly mention that your bringing up the matter will only make people engage in loose talk. They also ignore you when you politely inform them that it is not wise to ignore one's mental health. Your friend's parents see his state as a sign of failure and decide to call him home where he can continue with his preparation. You are aware of the gravity of the situation if your friend goes back to his house. You also know that there is very little awareness about mental health and that the solution is not to ignore it but to take necessary measures to tackle it. 20 (a) As a concerned friend and an aspiring civil servant who can frame policies for the public in the future and has a moral duty towards them, what are the options available to you in such a situation? (b) Evaluate each of these options and choose the option you would adopt, giving reasons","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"You are the Managing Director of a multinational company that prides on hiring people from diverse backgrounds. The company also chooses multiple projects under Corporate Social Responsibility that are geared towards social inclusion and empowerment of vulnerable sections of the society. Miss 'X' who works in your office tells you that she has been diagnosed with HIV. It happened due to malpractice by a medical practitioner who re-used a contaminated syringe that led Miss 'X' to contract the disease. The company has strict policies about toleration and you ensure Miss 'X' that she can continue with her job in the company without facing any form of discrimination. A few days after the revelation, Miss 'X' angrily submits her resignation letter. She states that she has faced discrimination at the workplace everyday after the revelation. Her colleagues are hesitant to eat lunch with her, they make sure they do not drink water from the same source and the females in the office comment on her marital status. She is also asked to sit separately during departmental discussions. She intends to sue the company for mental harassment. If she takes the step, the public image of the company will be maligned and its non-discriminatory policies will be questioned. The following are some suggested options for you to deal with the situation as a Managing Director of the company. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each of the options: 20 (a) You accept her resignation and suggest a compensation package so that she refrains from suing the company. (b) You persuade her not to submit her resignation and transfer her to another department. (c) You ask her to continue with her job and take strict action against the colleagues who discriminated against her Also, state (without necessarily restricting to the above options) your course of action, giving proper reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":61,"question":"You accept her resignation and suggest a severance package so that she does not sue the company.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2888,"topper":"Gaurav Kumar","air":34,"year":2017,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/14207_814_Gaurav_Kumar_Rank_34.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2889,"topper":"Gaurav Kumar","air":34,"year":2017,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/14207_938_Gaurav_Kumar_Rank_34.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2890,"topper":"Gaurav Kumar","air":34,"year":2017,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/14207_939_Gaurav_Kumar_Rank_34.pdf","questions":[{"page":38,"question":"The changing functions of family have led many to question its role and significance in present times. Evaluate","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Explain the concept of social change. Critically examine the contribution of Karl Marx's theory of social change.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"What is validity in sociological research? Explain the relationship between validity and reliability.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"Examine the impact of information technology on social organization of work in contemporary society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":56,"question":"Enumerate the characteristics of 'informally organized work' in certain types of societies.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":59,"question":"Discuss the importance of lineage and descent in kinship and family.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2891,"topper":"Gaurav Kumar","air":34,"year":2017,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/14207_941_Gaurav_Kumar_Rank_34.pdf","questions":[{"page":39,"question":"\"Surrogacy is both a need and source of Income\". Comment","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":56,"question":"\"The cooperative sector has been playing a distinct and significant role in the country's process of socio-economic development\". Elaborate","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":59,"question":"The presence and role of Pressure Groups augment and supplement the role and purposes of the political parties. Discuss","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":62,"question":"Critically examine how uniform civil code will help improve the condition of women in India.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2892,"topper":"Gaurav Kumar (AIR 377)","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/GAURAV-KUMAR-UPSC_IAS_2025_Toppers_AIR_377_Sample_ESSAY_1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"4. When we speak of 'Inclusive India', we must ask: Inclusive for whom?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"1. Behavior is a function of its consequences.\n2 The age of smart devices and the decline of wise choices.\n3 Judge a man by his question, rather than his answer.\n4 Knowledge without compassion is tyranny of the intellect.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"Mentor's question Please, clearly state my weakness in these essay where I need instant improvement.\n1 Overall, how do you perceive me?\n2 What kind of personality about me you will construe of?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2893,"topper":"Gaurav Kumar (AIR 377)","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/GAURAV-KUMARUPSC_IAS_2025_Toppers_AIR_377_Sample_MGP-_3.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Q1 Money power in Indian elections poses a serious challenge to transparency, fairness, and democratic accountability. How can ethical electoral funding be ensured to maintain the integrity of democracy?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"b) Explain the key dimensions of ethics that influence human behaviour. How do these dimensions shape ethical decision-making in private life?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"4 How do they shape ethical decision in private life","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Q.2) a) \"Academic freedom is the bedrock of scholarly inquiry and intellectual progress.\" Examine the ethical issues that arise when educational institutions yield to political, social, or economic pressures and compromises academic freedom.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"b) Fortitude enables a civil servant to make difficult yet morally right decisions. Explain with reference to real-life examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Q.3) Give the meaning of the following quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context?\na) \"When learning is purposeful, creativity blossoms. When creativity blossoms, thinking emanates. When thinking emanates, knowledge is fully lit. When knowledge is lit, the economy flourishes.\" - Abdul Kalam","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"b) \"The difference between what is possible and what is capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the world's problems.\" - Mahatma Gandhi","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"c) \"Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.\" - Dalai Lama","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Q.4) a) What do you understand by the term 'probity in governance'? Explain how probity acts as the foundation of ethical public administration.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"b) \"Starvation must not be used as a weapon of war.\" Yet, parties involved in conflicts often resort to the blockade of food supplies to civilian populations, deepening the humanitarian crisis. Powerful nations, despite their capacity to intervene, tend to prioritise strategic interests over humanitarian concerns. What ethical considerations should guide powerful nations in preventing such actions and ensuring unimpeded humanitarian access?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Q.5) a) What teachings of Mahavira are most relevant today and why? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"b) \"In contemporary times, social media platforms have emerged as powerful agents in shaping individual and societal attitudes.\" Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Q.6) a) What do you understand by the 'voice of conscience'? In what ways can you prepare yourself to listen to the voice of conscience?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"b) Effective utilisation of public funds is not merely an administrative requirement but a moral responsibility of those entrusted with public office. However, instances of funds allocated to government schemes lying idle or being diverted towards extraneous purposes continue to be reported across the country. Examine the reasons for under-utilization and mis-utilization of public funds and their implications.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Q.7 a) Under the given conditions, what are the options available to Ramesh as a project manager?\nb) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Ramesh?\nc) What are the professional challenges likely to be faced by Ramesh and his response to overcome such challenges?\na) Under the given conditions, what are the options available to Ramesh as a project manager?\nb) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Ramesh?\nc) What are the professional challenges likely to be faced by Ramesh and his response to overcome such challenges?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":29,"question":"a) दी गई परिस्थितियों में, एक परियोजना प्रबंधक के रूप में रमेश के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nb) रमेश को किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\nc) रमेश को किन व्यावसायिक चुनौतियों का सामना करना पड़ सकता है तथा ऐसी चुनौतियों पर नियंत्रण पाने के लिए उसकी क्या प्रतिक्रिया होनी चाहिए?\na) दी गई परिस्थितियों में, एक परियोजना प्रबंधक के रूप में रमेश के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nb) रमेश को किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\nc) रमेश को किन व्यावसायिक चुनौतियों का सामना करना पड़ सकता है तथा ऐसी चुनौतियों पर नियंत्रण पाने के लिए उसकी क्या प्रतिक्रिया होनी चाहिए?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":34,"question":"Q.8) a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\nb) Evaluate the options available to Srushti in the above situation.\nc) What suggestions would you make to help officers like Srushti maintain a healthy work-life balance.\na) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\nb) Evaluate the options available to Srushti in the above situation.\nc) What suggestions would you make to help officers like Srushti maintain a healthy work-life balance.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"a) उपर्युक्त मामले में नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\nb) उपरोक्त स्थिति में सृष्टि के लिए उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nc) सृष्टि जैसे अधिकारियों को स्वस्थ कार्य-जीवन संतुलन बनाए रखने में मदद करने के लिए आप क्या सुझाव देंगे?\na) उपर्युक्त मामले में नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\nb) उपर्युक्त स्थिति में सृष्टि के लिए उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nc) सृष्टि जैसे अधिकारियों को स्वस्थ कार्य-जीवन संतुलन बनाए रखने में मदद करने के लिए आप क्या सुझाव देंगे?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":40,"question":"Q.9 A reputed Indian beauty & personal care company developed a herbal skin cream for the international market, claiming anti-ageing and skin-repair properties based on traditional Ayurvedic formulations. After obtaining the necessary approvals and export certifications, the company began exporting the product. The product received widespread positive feedback for its quality and natural formulation, and soon became a huge hit in international markets. Riding on this success, the company announced that the product would soon be made available to domestic consumers, with almost the same quality and health benefits.\n\nSubsequently, it secured approval from the domestic regulatory authority and launched the product in the Indian market. Over time, the brand gained a significant share of the domestic market and earned substantial revenues both nationally and internationally.\n\nHowever, during a random sample check, officials discovered that the cream sold in India differed from the version approved by the competent authority. The product failed to meet the claimed herbal composition and purity standards. Further investigation revealed that the company had often been distributing batches that had failed export quality checks.\n\nThe incident triggered widespread public criticism and regulatory scrutiny, leading to a sharp decline in the company’s reputation and financial performance.\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\nb) What actions should the competent regulatory authority take against the personal care company for violating domestic quality standards and distributing rejected export batches in the Indian market?\nc) What course of action is available to the company to manage the crisis and restore public trust and brand credibility?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Q.10 A forest fire has broken out in a hilly district and is rapidly spreading toward an eco-sensitive area that includes four villages (ESA villages). These villages lie along the forest fringe and are surrounded by difficult terrain. The region is known for its biodiversity and traditional forest-based livelihoods. The inhabitants of these villages are mostly poor tribal communities, dependent on forest resources for their sustenance.\nYou, as the District Magistrate of the area, have rushed to the spot with a medical team, police personnel, NGOs, media, and support staff to oversee the rescue and containment operations. Your disaster response team on the ground is small and poorly equipped. Reinforcements from the district headquarter have been requested, but they may take several hours to arrive due to the remoteness and challenging terrain.\nIn the meantime, a group of trained ex-forest guards and local youth from the villages offer to help. They are experienced and familiar with the area. However, existing government rules do not permit the engagement of unofficial personnel in fire control operations without formal clearance and insurance coverage.\nYour team members are divided on this issue. Some members argue that volunteers should be engaged immediately to prevent the fire from spreading. Others caution that involving them without proper approval and safety cover could be risky and against protocol.\nAs the District Magistrate, you are also the Chairperson of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA). The fire is spreading at a very rapid rate, and immediate action is required to protect lives, property, and the environment. You are now in a dilemma.\na) What are the options available to you?\nb) Critically evaluate each of the options identified by you.\nc) What option would you adopt and why?\nd) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by you?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.11 a) Identify the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb) What course of action should Marpi adopt and why?\nc) What should be the responsibilities of different social segments and agencies to create positive social ambiance for accepting such changes?\na) Identify the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb) What course of action should Marpi adopt and why?\nc) What should be the responsibilities of different social segments and agencies to create positive social ambiance for accepting such changes?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"Q.12) You are a Municipal Commissioner of a tier-2 city experiencing rapid urban expansion. Several high-rise residential and commercial buildings are under construction in the city to meet the growing demand for housing. One such luxury residential complex is being built, employing hundreds of daily-wage labourers, many of whom live in temporary settlements at the construction site. Late one night during the monsoon season, a large section of scaffolding and concrete slabs collapses from the upper floors of one of the under-construction buildings. Seven labourers, including two minors, die on the spot. Several others are critically injured and rushed to the hospital. The tragic incident results in public outrage, intense media scrutiny, and protests by a local NGO. The state government orders a formal inquiry and directs you to submit a report within a week. Your preliminary investigation reveals a series of irregularities. The construction material used is substandard and not in accordance with the National Building Code. Although the approved plan permits construction of fifteen floors, the builder has illegally added two extra floors. Moreover, the structure has encroached on land demarcated for a community park and a fire service lane under the city's Zonal Development Plan. These violations are not reported during site inspections conducted by the building inspector of the municipal corporation. The building clearance was granted during the tenure of your predecessor, who is not only your batchmate but also a close friend. Both of you were roommates during your training at LBSNAA. Prima facie, the case appears to involve a widespread nexus between officials of the Municipal Corporation and the builder. Your colleagues are putting pressure on you to go slow in the inquiry. Some of them suggest that holding the builder accountable could damage the city's image among investors and slow down urban development. Meanwhile, you come to know that the builder is the younger brother of a powerful minister in the state cabinet. One evening, his personal aide visits you privately. He suggests that the matter could be \"mutually settled\" and offers you a premium apartment worth ₹2 crore in the same residential complex. In the same breath, he hints that if the matter is not resolved swiftly in the builder's favour, someone in his office is prepared to file a complaint against you under the SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\nb) What are the options available to you in this situation?\nc) Explain your selected course of action.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":60,"question":"Mentor Feedback Questions\n1 How to reduce my time especially in quote based question & case studies?\n2 How many examples are sufficient in each question?\n3 How many points to be written in case studies? or should I focus on quality?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2894,"topper":"Gaurav Kumar (AIR 377)","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/GAURAV-KUMARUPSC_IAS_2025_Toppers_AIR_377_Sample_MGP-_4.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Q.1) \"Extraordinary powers must be exercised with extraordinary care.\" Discuss in the context of Article 142 of the Indian Constitution.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Q.2) Why are State Legislative Assemblies involved in the election of the President but excluded from the process of impeachment?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Q.3) Private Member's Bills (PMBs) seldom become law in India, yet they are an important aspect of parliamentary democracy. Bring out their significance and suggest steps to strengthen the PMB process.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Q.4 Highlight the key points of convergence and divergence between the judicial systems of India and USA.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Q.5 The role of Election Commission of India has evolved beyond conducting elections to becoming a guardian of electoral democracy. Critically evaluate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"9) What is the rationale behind the 'three-language formula' in India's education policy? Also highlight the challenges associated with its adoption and implementation across the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Q.7 'Emerging environmental concerns and evolving ecosystem perspectives demand a reimagined approach to rural water governance.' Discuss the key interventions needed to recalibrate rural water policies with special emphasis on the role of communities.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"8) Identify and discuss the challenges hindering effective implementation of gender-sensitive policies and schemes in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"9) Effective transboundary water management can act as a catalyst for regional peace and cooperation. In light of this statement, bring out the opportunities and challenges for India in leveraging 'water diplomacy' in its neighbourhood.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Q.10 What are the key areas of reform if the World Trade Organization (WTO) has to remain relevant in the present context of rising protectionism and trade wars?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Q.11 The basic structure doctrine acts as a constitutional compass in balancing Parliament's legislative authority and constitutional supremacy.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.12) Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) are pivotal to inclusive and efficient urban governance, yet they remain fiscally constrained and institutionally weak. Analyze.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Q.13) \"The judiciary functions as a corrective, redefining and refining the contours of the Governor's office to prevent its misuse and uphold constitutional principles.\" Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Q.14 How is the 'vertical' and 'horizontal' devolution of taxes to the states decided? Highlighting the concerns raised by some states regarding the devolution of taxes, suggest corrective measures.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Q.15 What steps are required for the constitutionalization of a Commission? Do you think granting constitutional status to the Central Information Commission (CIC) would strengthen the RTI regime in India? Give reasons.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Q.16 Even as India experiences consistent economic growth and has achieved self-sufficiency in food production, hunger and food insecurity remain pressing concerns. Examine the factors responsible for this paradox and suggest steps to improve the situation.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Q.17 The Union Government has recently announced that caste enumeration will be part of the upcoming census. Examine the opportunities and challenges associated with conducting a nationwide 'caste census'. Also, propose a framework for its seamless and effective conduct.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Q.18 \"AI integration in governance is no longer a choice but a necessity.\" In light of this statement, discuss how AI can enhance education and healthcare governance.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Q.19 Providing a brief overview of the aims and objectives of BIMSTEC, explain its significance for India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Q.20 India's approach to its relationship with China has evolved into what can be best described as 'competitive coexistence'. Discuss in light of recent developments. What should be the broad contours of India's future China policy?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Mentor Feedback Questions\n1 How can I reduce my time?\n2 How can I quickly write conclusion?\n3 How can I arrange ideas on vague questions like 'evaluation', 'trace' or broader questions?\n4 How to improve more legibility & with speed?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2895,"topper":"Gaurav Kumar (AIR 377)","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/GAURAV-KUMAR-UPSC_IAS_2025_Toppers_AIR_377_Sample_MGP-_2.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Q.1) The Union Budget 2025-26 outlines a shift towards the 'debt-to-GDP ratio' as the fiscal anchor starting from FY 2026-27. Discuss the rationale behind this shift.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Q.2) Why does India need to transition from a 'build to print' to a 'build to design' model in manufacturing? What steps has been taken by the government in this regard?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Q.3) Explain the concept of a nutrition-sensitive food system and suggest strategies to achieve it in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Q.4) Give a brief overview of the 'Digital Agriculture Mission'. How can it benefit the agriculture sector?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Q.5) Rare earths are not just elements; they are foundational inputs that act like 'seeds of technology'. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Q.6 Why retrofitting Electrostatic Precipitators (ESPs) in Indian thermal power plants is a more viable and effective option compared to the installation of flue gas desulfurization (FGD) systems?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Q.7 'The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regime in India remains weak and is often reduced to a procedural formality.' In light of this statement, examine the key challenges in EIA implementation and suggest reforms.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Q.8) Plastic pollution is emerging as a serious environmental threat in India. Discuss the various mitigation measures to address this problem and also the government's initiatives in this regard.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Q.9) Amid evolving threats, there is a need to blend private sector capabilities with India's current internal security architecture. In this context, elaborate on the ways in which the private sector can contribute to strengthening internal security.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Q.10 Radicalisation in Jammu and Kashmir is driven as much by socio-economic factors as by external influences. Discuss how education and youth engagement can play a role in countering radicalisation in J&K.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Q.11) Outlining the key characteristics of the care economy, discuss how India can better integrate the value of unpaid and underpaid care work into its economic framework.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.12 'The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) presents both unprecedented opportunities and significant challenges for India's labour market.' Examine. Also suggest strategies to align AI adoption with inclusive and resilient labour market outcomes.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Q.13) Why does India's agricultural export performance remain weak despite high production levels? What measures would you suggest to improve agri-export competitiveness?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Q.14 \"The agricultural subsidy regime in the country needs reforms to address the distortions it causes.\" Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Q.15 How can biomanufacturing transform today's consumptive manufacturing paradigm to the one based on regenerative principles? Also discuss how BioE3 Policy (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment) aims to foster biomanufacturing in the country.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Q.16 The future of digital innovation depends on self-reliant, domain-specific AI capabilities. In this context, bring out the key considerations in developing indigenous AI models and tools. Suggest measures to build an enabling ecosystem for AI innovation in India. What initiatives have been taken by the government in this regard?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Q.17 Marine oil spills are a form of environmental disaster, with far-reaching consequences for biodiversity and coastal livelihoods; however, India's preparedness to prevent such incidents and mitigate their impact has significant gaps. Analyze.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Q.18 'The United Nations has declared 2025 as the International Year of Glacier Preservation.' Bring out the ecological and socio-economic significance of glaciers. What are the key challenges in preserving them? What measures have been taken at national and international levels towards preservation of glaciers?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Q.19 What are the determinants of insurgency in the north-eastern region of India? What strategy should the Government of India, civil administration and security forces adopt to counter the threat in the affected areas?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Q.20 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have become an integral aspect of modern conflict and warfare, employed by both state and non-state actors. Discuss its implications for India's security architecture and state the measures being taken to address them. Also suggest other steps to tackle the threats emanating from UAVs.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2896,"topper":"Gaurav Kumar Tripathi","air":226,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/83ccd-89080_1077_gaurav-kumar-tripathi_rank-226.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2897,"topper":"Gaurav Kumar Tripathi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/89a8b-0089080_2217_gaurav-kumar-tripathi_rank-226.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With examples, discuss how the cultural traditions from various regions of India get reflected in regional music. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Highlighting the emergence of the working class movement, discuss its contribution towards India's freedom struggle. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Do you agree with the view that Gandhian politics was, in a sense, a continuation of Tilak's politics? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"It is said that the world's oceans are losing their 'memory' due to human-induced warming. Comment. Also, discuss the consequences of the phenomenon. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What is soil amendment? Evaluate the benefits and concerns associated with it. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"It has been suggested that the next decade may see a boom in hybrid power plants. Stating the advantages that such power plants offer, discuss the associated challenges. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What are Van Allen Radiation Belts? Explaining their formation, discuss why there has been a growing focus on their study. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss whether marital rape should be criminalised in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What is care economy? Highlight the challenges associated with it and mention the steps taken to address them in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Post-pandemic India is staring at the challenge of \"learning poverty\". Analyse its implications and discuss a way ahead. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Bring out the evolution of mural traditions in South India. Also, elaborate on their significant characteristics. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Indian nationalism that confronted British imperialism in the 19th century was a product of colonial modernity. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Environmentalism surfaced in the form of many organised movements in post independence India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Do you agree with the view that continental blockade was an ill-conceived strategy by Napoleon to conquer Britain through economic means? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What do you understand by the Arctic Paradox? Highlight the spatial distribution of mineral and energy resources in the Arctic region. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Cryosphere changes have a tendency to bring about a devastating impact on the ecosystem and its people. Discuss. Also, enlist measures to tackle this threat. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The frequent instances of urban flooding pose a severe risk to the urban ecosystem in India. Discuss with special emphasis on its impact on the critical infrastructure. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Sand is not only critical for economic development but also provides crucial ecosystem services. Elaborate. In this context, discuss the importance of sustainable sand mining in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The challenge of unbridled and unbalanced growth of urban spaces in India necessitates reforms in urban planning and capacity. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Feminist movements in India have historically lacked inclusivity, often growing within a limited Western upper-class psyche. Critically discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2898,"topper":"Gaurav Kumar Tripathi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ce605-89080_2218_gaurav-kumar-tripathi_rank-226.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to revisit the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution? Discuss with suitable arguments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Highlighting the advantages of online dispute resolution (ODR) mechanism for justice delivery, discuss the challenges associated with its effective implementation in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Despite the constitutional division of powers, Centre-state disputes have been a perennial feature of Indian democracy. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Do you agree with the view that adopting a framework for lobbying will strengthen participative governance and ease of doing business in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Despite the government encouraging open source instead of proprietary technology for government applications, the true potential of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) and digital platforms remains unrealized. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"As a social safety-valve, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) can be the principal vehicles through which communities voice their concerns. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Despite being lauded for its patient centric approach, the implementation of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, remains sluggish and mired with various issues. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to formulate an Urban Employment Guarantee scheme at the national level? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the relevance of BIMSTEC as a regional organisation to fulfil India's strategic aspirations in the Indian Ocean Region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the relevance of the Gujral Doctrine for India with regard to its relations with its immediate neighbours in the present times. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the pivotal role of the \"Officers of Parliament\" in the Indian Parliamentary system. Also, discuss the constitutional and statutory provisions for their impartial functioning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The Finance Commission plays a crucial role in balancing fiscal federalism in India. In this context, examine the recommendations given by the 15th Finance Commission. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Critically assess whether according statutory backing to the Model Code of Conduct will contribute towards free and fair elections in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The market disruption caused by digital revolution warrants renewed focus and perspective to ensure fair competition in the digital economy. In this light, discuss the need to revamp the Competition Commission of India (CCI). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"There is an urgent need for effective whistle-blowing mechanisms and ensuring that necessary safeguards for the protection of whistle-blowers are established in both public and private spheres in India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"State the reasons behind the poor performance of cooperatives in India. Also, discuss the reforms undertaken by the government to overcome the shortcomings. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Public-Private Partnership model, if harnessed properly, has the potential to bridge the gaps in India's healthcare system. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Although the New Education Policy brings with itself a commendable vision, its success will depend on its ability to effectively integrate with the government's other policy initiatives. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) is born from a collective desire to make the Indo-Pacific region an engine of global economic growth. Comment. Also, discuss India's concerns in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"India needs to identify the priority areas to further its techno-diplomacy amidst the complexities of expanding digital space and New and Emerging Strategic Technologies. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2899,"topper":"Gaurav Kumar Tripathi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c37d0-89080_2219_gaurav-kumar-tripathi_rank-226.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Fiscal policy can be a key tool to reduce income inequality as well as make the poorest and the downtrodden a part of the country's growth story. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Digitizing land records will go a long way in ensuring land reforms as well as lessening the burden on the Indian Judiciary. Elaborate. Also, state the measures taken in this context. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"It has been pointed out that competitive politics to fund mostly non-merit subsidies is pushing a few states in India to the brink of a deep fiscal crisis. In this context, discuss the need to rationalise the subsidy regime in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Micro-irrigation has tremendous potential in transforming farming into a profitable and sustainable venture. Discuss the given statement in the context of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Given its vast resources and technical expertise, India can play a key role in assisting the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) in dealing with the impact of climate change. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The recent \"Disaster Management Plan of Ministry of Panchayati Raj (DMP-MoPR)\" aims to develop disaster resilience at the grassroots level. In this context, discuss the rationale behind the formulation of the Plan and highlight its key components. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the internal security implications emanating from the use of Emerging And Disruptive Technologies (EDT) by state and non-state actors. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Identify the impediments faced by India in boosting its defence exports. Also, discuss the steps taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the multiple issues associated with space debris. Also, state the initiatives taken in recent times to tackle this menace. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The adoption of Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) in India is expected to make e-commerce more inclusive and accessible for consumers. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While an agreement was recently reached at the WTO on a deal to curb \"harmful\" government fisheries subsidies, certain concerns raised by India suggests that the matter will require further negotiations. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite the advantages that are associated with the hybrid annuity model (HAM) in the road construction sector, the interest in it has moderated due to various reasons. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The existing MSP procurement regime is neither economically nor agro-ecologically sustainable. Elaborate. Also, evaluate the alternative approaches that can be adopted to improve the existing MSP regime. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"It is being argued that India is struggling with overflowing foodgrains in warehouses. Discuss the statement in view of the existing buffer stock policy of India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Recently, the government has asked all ports to prepare a master plan in order to become 'mega ports' by 2047. In light of this, discuss the challenges faced by ports and suggest remedial measures in order to propel India's blue economy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Inequality in income and wealth translates into carbon inequality. In this context, discuss the significance of addressing carbon inequality for India and suggest ways to achieve it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Despite increased and regular occurrences of landslides over the past decade in India, the dominant development paradigm has largely not been modified. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India needs a smart border management system to balance legitimate cross border flows with national security interests. Discuss. Also, highlight the initiatives taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Establishing linkages between globalisation and money laundering, discuss the initiatives taken at the national and international levels to combat it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"There have been arguments that India needs to review some of its past assumptions about the nature of outer space and contribute to the development of new global norms. In this context, analyse India's stand in relation to the Artemis Accords. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2900,"topper":"Gaurav Kumar Tripathi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e1b69-89080_1057_gaurav-kumar-tripathi_rank-226.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Self doubt can both help and hinder leadership. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Bring out the significance of probity in public life. What are the requisites for ensuring probity in governance? Pointing out the key concerns in India in this context, suggest certain remedial measures. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"While the corrupt and dishonest should be punished swiftly, honest public servants need to be protected against malicious and motivated complaints to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of an organisation. Discuss. How can the two objectives be reconciled?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"The effective implementation of the Right to Information Act will create an environment of vigilance which will help in functioning of a more participatory democracy. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"The bureaucracy technically has been an efficient form of organisation but is seen to have exceeded its administrative powers due to its tendency towards self aggrandisement, permanence in employment, and nearness to the political executive. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Social media has played a key role in influencing political opinions and social attitudes in India. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"\"Nonviolence is not servile passivity but a powerful moral force which makes for social transformation\". Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"It is at the interface of public action and private interest that the need arises for establishing not just a code of ethics but a code of conduct. In this context, highlight the need for drafting a code of ethics as well as a code of conduct.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Income inequality is a matter of grave concern for the Indian society. In this context, examine the relevance of Gandhiji's concepts of 'Sarvodaya' and 'Trusteeship'.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"It does not take long for conflict to turn violent when deep seeded prejudices and discriminatory attitudes are not addressed. Discuss in the context of communal and caste-based violence in India. What role should the state play in this context?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Explain with examples how emotional intelligence increases the effectiveness of leadership skills in a civil servant.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"A Citizens' Charter sees public services through the eyes of those who use them. In this context, analyze the importance of citizen charter in making public services citizen centric.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Given the effects that cultural attitudes about menstruation have on women, there is need to follow a strategic approach in combating these. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"In the following questions, carefully study the cases presented and then answer the questions that follow (in around 250 words): 9. As the District Magistrate you are posted in a district that had been infamous for girl-child marriages. The government introduced a contributory scheme two decades ago, where the government contributed the same amount as the parents, into an account, for their girl child of age 0 to 7 years. The total sum could be withdrawn only when the girl turns eighteen and is unmarried. Due to this scheme, a new pattern has emerged. All girls are married as soon as they turn eighteen and incidents of dowry have increased substantially - because the community customs require paying the sum commensurate to the age of the girl. Further, parents now tend to save money for the scheme instead of investing in girl's education. As the local administration tries to tackle the current situation it looks up to you for ideas and leadership: (a) Identify the factors which have led to such outcomes. 20 (b) Devise a strategy, keeping in mind the multiple aspects of the situation.","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"While on the one hand, some state governments have implemented alcohol consumption prohibition laws, it is permitted in other states. Debates around this issue often involves aspects such as individual rights, cultural attitudes and social welfare. As a teacher you need to explain the key issues involved to a young audience. What are these? How would you conclude the lecture?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"As a concerned citizen you have been engaged with the issue of persons employed in manual scavenging. You notice that despite laws and strictures from the highest court of the land the practice of employing human labour to clean sewers continues. While the administration has to ensure the cleanliness of the urban localities, those who are employed also have to earn to sustain themselves and their families. The death of few workers recently due to asphyxiation while cleaning a septic tank has caused much consternation in your locality. You would like to engage with the situation by writing to the administration, for which you need to find an answer to the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders involved and state their conflicting interests. (b) What challenges does the administration face in curbing this social evil? (c) Enumerate the steps to deal with the problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"You are a teacher in the Science department of a reputed college. Your HoD (Head of Department) has been a good mentor to you and has guided your career progress. You get to know from one of your students that the HoD gives private tuitions at his residence, which is disliked by many others in the department. There are also rumours that he might be giving extra marks to the students taking his tuitions. When enquired, his reply is that he is not alone and a few other teachers are giving private tuitions as well. He assures you that it is beneficial for the students as some of them need extra attention. He advises you not to make a fuss about it and indirectly reminds you about the assessment rating, which is due this week. You are aware that a good rating will definitely get you the due promotion. The HoD is due to retire in 4 months. (a) What are the dilemmas that you face in this situation? (b) Highlight the course of action that you would adopt and give reasons for the same. 20 (a) ? (b)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You are a senior official at a government agency that is responsible for collection, storage and protection of biometric data of citizens. Due to the expanse of operations, the agency employs third parties for collection of data. There have been reports of security breach and leakage of data by third parties in exchange of money. A journalist from a prominent newspaper carries a sting operation and releases some data in the public to show the ongoing corruption and highlighting the inability of the agency in protecting public data. You are asked by the chairperson of the agency to file an FIR against the journalist and pursue criminal proceedings against him considering it an act of unauthorized access. (a) Do you agree with the action sought by the chairperson against the journalist? Give appropriate reasons for your answer. (b) If you disagree, what would be your course of action? (c) Do you think the action of the journalist is justified?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2901,"topper":"Gaurav Kumar Tripathi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e303f-89080_2220_gaurav-kumar-tripathi_rank-226.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The logic of limitless wealth lies in the basic human instinct for furthering self-interest in the form of profit. In this context, do you think there is a possibility of pursuing ethical capitalism? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"If a law is unjust, a man is not only right to disobey it, he is obligated to do so. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The capacity of Citizens' Charter to initiate any transformative process is conditioned upon it being appropriately designed and effectively executed. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The moral fiber and ethical conduct of public officials not only influence the standard of governance but also their own interests and performance. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The ongoing debate on euthanasia poses several ethical questions. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Foreign aid is a form of neo-colonialism, as the economically wealthier countries can exploit the developing countries under the cloak of aid. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Throwing light on the idea of Universal Humanism propounded by Rabindranath Tagore, discuss its contemporary relevance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree with the view that it is nature and not nurture which determines the emotional intelligence of a person? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Values that guide public administrators can often compete with each other, owing to their relative importance to the larger public interest. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Is it justifiable to say that corruption is a social phenomenon? What are the various ways through which administrative corruption can be tackled? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"You are posted as the Commissioner of Police in a metropolitan city where a visiting foreign dignitary, with President-level security cover, is scheduled to visit for an official function. As a part of the security preparedness, it has been decided that no vehicular traffic will be allowed on the route which will be taken by the foreign dignitary to reach the venue of the function in the city. However, just 15 minutes before the scheduled arrival of the dignitary, you are informed that a critically-ill patient is stuck on the way to the hospital in a private car along with his family. In this situation, answer the following: (a) Discuss the issues involved in halting traffic for VIP movement. (b) List the options available to you in this situation with their merits and demerits. (c) What will be your course of action? Justify with proper reasoning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"The transgender community has been a part of India's social set up since the very beginning but never recognized as a reputable part of the society. 'Hijra' is a term traditionally used in India for transgender women who were born male. The role and value of this community in accordance with the sacred Hindu texts condenses to the performance of blessings at marriage and birth ceremonies for good fortune. With the advent of the British Raj in the 19th century, the acts of \"cross-dressing\" were registered as a criminal offence and if such offences were committed repeatedly, imprisonment followed. Thus, began the criminalization of hijras. Today, although legally supported and socially empowered as compared to earlier times, hijras are still subject to transphobic discrimination-associated violence, poverty, and segregation. In light of the above, answer the following: (a) Identify the challenges faced by transgenders during the different stages of their life. (b) Discuss the reasons for the continuing discrimination against trangenders in India despite several initiatives for their upliftment in recent times. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"You are an IPS officer posted as the Inspector General of Police in a state. The recent death of a father-son duo in one of the districts in the state, due to custodial violence allegedly in the presence of the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), has sparked anger across the state. This is not an isolated incident, as there have been allegations raised by human rights groups in the past regarding custodial deaths due to physical assault by the police. The High Court of the State, taking suo moto cognizance of the recent incident, has served a notice to the state government, seeking a detailed report on the rising instances of custodial deaths. The state government has constituted a Committee to probe the incident and submit a detailed report about the veracity of facts related to it. You have been asked to head the Committee. You know the Deputy Superintendent of Police of the district to be an honest, hardworking and upright officer. He has privately requested you to absolve him of any wrongdoing as he claims not to be present when the incident occurred. You know that any action against him will be detrimental to his reputation and career. On the other hand, the seniors in the department are pressurising you to put all the blame on the DSP and make him a sacrificial lamb in order to protect the overall image of the police in the state. In the given scenario, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the stakeholders and the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) What steps will you take to ensure that the enquiry is seen to be fair and impartial? (c) Given the challenges that the police forces in India operate under in their day-to-day functioning, suggest some initiatives to address them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Mr. X is a billionaire businessman who heads a conglomerate engaged in insurance, energy generation and distribution, and manufacturing. Despite being globally known as a great philanthropist, he turned down a shareholder request seeking the disclosure of the conglomerate's actions on issues related to climate change as well as diversity and inclusion. Because of increased attention to climate and diversity issues, many leading firms have committed themselves to incorporate relevant considerations in their business strategies. Therefore, some industry-observors wonder if Mr. X is out of touch with the industry at large and have warned him that failing to address climate change issues puts his businesses under systemic risk. But, Mr. X maintained his vote against the disclosure proposal, while at the same time acknowledged the importance of both climate change and a diverse and inclusive work force. However, Mr. X believes that such ethical issues take secondary importance to maximising shareholder profit. (a) Discuss the importance of including climate change strategies and diversity and inclusion in a business organisation? (b) In your opinion, what matters more for a business organisation - socio-environmental concerns or shareholder profit? (c) How can the two above-mentioned issues be reconciled? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"The Indian education system suffers from many ills. One of the major issues is the focus on ‘rote learning’, which has been the staple of the Indian education system for many years. While many Indians have attained success despite this system, simply being able to recall information is not enough in today’s world when that information is instantly available to anyone on a mobile phone. A survey of 200 Indian and foreign companies found that only 14% of Indian graduates were prepared for the workforce, largely because most graduates were unable to apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the consequences of ‘rote learning’ on the educational development of young students in the country? (b) Suggest measures that can be taken to address this issue. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2902,"topper":"Gaurav Kumar Tripathi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8e092-89080_1073_gaurav-kumar-tripathi_rank-226.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the ethical issues involved in the recent refugee crisis and immigration as a global phenomenon from a broad perspective of globalisation and rights of citizens and aliens.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Corruption distorts not only functioning of the Government in India but business and corporate activities as well. Explain and discuss how the state can effectively deal with deficit of ethics in the private sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Ensuring that civil service values are recognised during the recruitment process and ensured through a code of ethics after appointment is a necessary condition of making the civil services an effective instrument of citizen centric governance. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"What do you understand by cognitive dissonance? Giving examples, discuss how it influences one's behavior and attitude.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"What do you understand by Amartya Sen's 'capability approach'? Analyse its significance in understanding social realities and in making a pro poor development strategy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"While in principle most nations claim commitment to universal values, in practice these values are honoured more in breach than in the observance. In context of this statement, comment on the relevance of values in foreign policy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"While some ethical approaches consider an action to be ethical based on results, other focus on means. Taking the example of Indian bureaucracy compare and examine how these approaches have played out for the benefit of citizens.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"What are the ethical principles that should form the basis of the system permitting organ donation and allocation? Also discuss the importance of regulation for the success of any organ transplant program.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"Where as some argue that leaks constitute an affront to democracy, others are of the opinion that leaks are a part of democracy. Examine the merits of both the arguments in the context of information attributed to leaks from government offices and whistleblowers.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"You are a young recruit to the IAS. Upon the completion of your training you have been posted in a subdivision of a district where industrial development has been lagging. The area has large reserves of minerals and a significant tribal population. The government has identified the area for a large thermal power plant and also adequate expansion of mining. This announcement has seen a rise in land prices in the area as well as unrest among the local population about possible land acquisition. As part of routine examination of records you observe large land purchases in recent years that are linked with the family of the local politician, who is also a member of the state cabinet. You also recognise that much of this land is around the site of the proposed industrial area. Further, one of your staff members also informs you that the family has been buying in the name of drivers, cleaners as well as domestic helps. You feel that having been aware of the policy decision the politician has played a role in these purchases. Incidently your relations with the politician have been cordial and he is a popular figure in the area. (a) As the official responsible for acquisition of land and payment of compensation for the land acquired, what are the ethical issues that you face in the given situation? (b) What will be your response to a suggestion that in view of these benami land transfers a freeze on land sale in the area should be enforced? (c) What is the course of action that you would take? Justify with reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"What will be your response to the suggestion of imposing a ban on the sale of land in the region, keeping in view the benami land transfers? (c) What action would you like to take? Justify it while presenting arguments.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"According to the WHO suicide is the second leading cause of death in the age group of 15-29 years globally. In India also, instances of young people committing suicide have been reported widely in recent times. It is all the more disturbing that such a phenomenon is increasingly visible in urban and prosperous areas. (a) What are the reasons that render people vulnerable to taking such drastic steps as suicide? (b) Also, discuss the role that you as an individual, the society and the government can play in addressing this issue.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2903,"topper":"Gaurav Ojha","air":204,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/GAURAV-OJHA-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-204-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Q.1) The role of CAG as the highest auditing authority is intrinsically linked to augmenting the efficacy of government policies and undertakings. In this context, examine how independent and efficient working of the CAG can ensure good governance?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"1) Sustainable alliance between Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and the State is critical for social change and development. Highlighting hurdles in this developmental alliance, suggest remedial measures for a more productive partnership.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Q.3) Subsidies have morphed into a populist tool to achieve electoral objectives rather than developmental goals. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Q.4) National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) can be most effective when its tasks are adequately supported by other mechanisms that improve the voice of the tribals. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Q.5) Normalization of poverty as a feature of large population overshadows the lack of intent and capacity of political and administrative institutions. Do you agree? Justify using suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"While manual scavenging is legally banned, socio-economic realities perpetuate this practice in the society. Comment and suggest measures to deal with the menace of this social evil.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Q.7) India's response to Ukraine crisis is an expression of strategic autonomy and not a reflection of strategic compulsions. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Q.8) Comment on the utility and effectiveness of soft power for furthering national interest. Can soft power replace hard power in international politics?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Q.9) India and Japan have enjoyed very cordial relations with substantial shared interests, but it also tends to be one that has been low on ambition, limited in outcomes and high in rhetoric. Critically examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Q.10 India's relation with West Asia has acquired depth and diversity that can navigate geopolitical hurdles. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Harnessing public sector data is vital for informed decision making, accelerating socio-economic transformation and democratizing innovation in the country. In this context, highlight the various benefits of public sector data harnessing and suggest strategies for unlocking true value of data.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.12) Examine the significance of Representation of People's Act, 1951 in maintaining the sanctity of electoral politics in India. In light of recent events, evaluate the demands of Election Commission of India for reforms in RPA 1951 and Code of Conduct.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"\"Addressing the problem of chronic malnutrition in the country requires nutrition-specific as well as nutrition-sensitive interventions.\" Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Q.14) Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are an effective model of social entrepreneurship for women empowerment and have multiplier effects on developmental processes in rural areas. Elaborate with suitable examples.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"The success of welfare schemes depends on whether they are built on principles of participation and work with mass accountability. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Q.16) Why do Indian universities find it difficult to break into the ranks of top global universities? How can institutions of higher education be transformed into global centres of learning?","marks":"15","words":"15"},{"page":39,"question":"Q.17) The second decade of 21st century marks a collective failure of UN and its agencies. Examine this statement citing suitable examples.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Q.18 ASEAN is not only important for development of North-East but also it remains India's gateway to East Asia and beyond. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Q.19 USA-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for prosperity (IPEF) is an economic initiative to complement existing security partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region. Analyze the significance of and challenges to IPEF in the present scenario.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Q.20 BRICS has a potential towards reformed multilateralism but suffers from numerous internal contradictions. Discuss, in light of recently concluded 14th BRICS summit.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2904,"topper":"Gaurav Ojha","air":204,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/GAURAV-OJHA-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-204-Sample-MGP-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) The biggest critique of Basic Structure doctrine from its inception has been it being shrouded in confusion, vagueness and a formulation which is loose and not precise. Critically examine.","marks":"10","words":"15"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Sedition law, in any form, is a threat to civil liberties and presents an opportunity for its weaponization against dissenters and detractors. Should India do away with the sedition law? Justify your opinion.","marks":"10","words":"15"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) The preamble is not a mere solemn resolution; but majestic expression of philosophy, principles and purpose of the constitution. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"15"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Every person has a fundamental right to entertain such religious practices as approved by his/her conscience. Do you think that 'doctrine of essentiality' restricts this autonomy?","marks":"10","words":"15"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) The divergence between intent and impact of the tenth schedule necessitates calling into question its relevance in the present times. Analyze.","marks":"10","words":"15"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) Discuss the status of death penalty in the country. Can a governor pardon a death penalty? What are various limitations of pardoning power of governor?","marks":"10","words":"15"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7 Do you think the Competition Commission of India (CCI) has been as successful in protecting consumer rights, promoting fair competition and restricting monopolistic tendencies, vis a vis its western counter part?","marks":"10","words":"15"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) Though RTI was meant to strengthen participatory democracy in India, various factors have hindered its utilization to full potential. In this context, examine the issues pertaining to the implementation of the RTI Act.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 Instead of performing a transformative role, traditional bureaucracy has contributed to perpetuation of old order. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) Contrary to expectations surrounding its enactment, the institution of Lokpal has not proved path-breaking in dismantling the structures of corruption in public life. Analyze.","marks":"10","words":"15"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 Why did constitution makers prefer 'union of states' over 'federation of states' to describe India? To what extent this preference is responsible for tensions in centre-state relations?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 While fundamental rights have strengthened our democracy, fundamental duties are essential to strengthen our society. In this context examine the importance of fundamental duties for Indian society.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 Discuss the role of the judiciary in electoral reforms citing suitable cases. How far do you agree that judiciary induced reforms violate the principle of separation of power?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 There has been an increasing demand for doing away with the concurrent list. Examine the utility of concurrent list in the light of recent events.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Against the intentions of the constitution makers, the use of discretionary powers by governors has become a major source of tension in Centre-state relations. What are the discretionary powers of the Governor? Also, discuss the issues associated with them.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 Concerns regarding Parliamentary performance most often relate to the drastic reduction in the level and extent of deliberation, representation and scrutiny. In this context, highlight the recent instances which have led decline in effective functioning of the parliament.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 Political decentralization without devolution of funds and functions to panchayats has resulted in representation but not empowerment. Examine whether devolution of funds and functions alone can transform panchayats into effective institutions of self-governance.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"5. Reluctance of bureaucracy to give up powers.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 The offence of rape cannot be condoned by marital relationship between victim and culprit. In light of this statement, discuss the issues involved in criminalization of marital rape.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Since the paradigm shift from government to governance and further to good governance, pressure groups have emerged as a strong mechanism for making the democracy participatory, transparent, accountable and responsive. Elucidate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 \"The rapid expansion of mobile network, proliferation of smart phones and data revolution have made m-governance an integral part of government welfare programmes.\" Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2905,"topper":"Gaurav Pratap Singh","air":317,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/GAURAV-PRATAP-SINGH-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-317-Sample-Essay-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. True leadership lies in serving not ruling.\n2. Democracy is not just the right to vote, it is the right to live in dignity.\n3. Growing regional aspirations and demand for greater autonomy: A challenge to Indian federalism.\n4. The ballot is stronger than the bullet.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"1. The great aim of education is not knowledge but action.\n2. The global south must redefine development through cooperation and justice.\n3. There is no health without mental health.\n4. If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2906,"topper":"Gaurav Pratap Singh","air":317,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/GAURAV-PRATAP-SINGH-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-317-Sample-ATS-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) Answer the following questions in 150 words.\n1) To compare administrative systems across countries or regions, scholars use different approaches or tools. List out those tools.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Social media is a Parliament of citizens\". Explain","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Bureaucracies react to problems rather than preventing them; this makes them slow and ineffective in handling crises.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Though there are certain points of similarity between the public and private administration, no private organization can ever be the same as a public one. Explain","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Explain the concept of Post-Behavioralism.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":13,"question":"a) \"Departments, Boards and commissions as forms of organization are similar in the context of accountability and responsibility.\" Analyze","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":17,"question":"What exactly are we comparing when we study administrative systems across countries?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":19,"question":"6 processes & methods adopted in functioning of bureaucracy?\neg participative or not - public's role, etc","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"When basic needs are satisfied, the individual becomes motivated to pursue higher-level goals. (Abraham Maslow)","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Q.3) a) A.V. Dicey, a British jurist, in his classic work \"Introduction to the Study of the Law of the Constitution\" (1885), introduced the concept of the Rule of Law, building upon the classical ideas of Aristotle, who believed that laws, not individuals, should govern society.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":27,"question":"What is the concept of delegated legislation? Why is it considered as a necessary evil?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":31,"question":"c) \"The prismatic model of Riggs is equally applicable to developing as well as developed society.\" Explain","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Q.5) Write short notes on the following in 150 words.\na) The Contingency approach argues that no single organizational structure or practice works in all situations. Instead, the best approach depends on the context.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":35,"question":"\"Accountability under New Public Management has undergone a radical change although the focus has continued to remain on management.\"","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":37,"question":"Early in his career Riggs supported the idea that transplanting American administrative models into developing countries would accelerate growth.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":39,"question":"1) Differentiate between corporation and company and explain why the public corporations are established?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Strong market as well as Strong state is the necessity for both participatory and responsive government.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":43,"question":"2.6) a) The emergence of CPA in the mid-20th century was driven by a mix of global political changes, academic movements, and practical development needs.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":47,"question":"\"Organizations of the future will be organic - adaptive structures but temporary systems\". Comment","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Write a short note on utility and effectiveness of Central and State Administrative Tribunals in India.","marks":"10","words":null}]},{"id":2907,"topper":"Gaurav Sikarwar","air":107,"year":2018,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1S-gCRQojA0pmS4-jAgQlOLaTeb7-t1sg","questions":[]},{"id":2908,"topper":"GAURAV SINGHAL","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/a4911661fb63cf32bd7e1d24c76e3051/23/pttp220235_tc062.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"If you look into someone's face long enough, eventually you feel that you are looking into yourself.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"It is the province of knowledge to speak and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Drop the question what tomorrow may bring, and count as profit every day that fate allows you.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Truth, like a torch, the more it is shook, it shines.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Art is I; science is We.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Only the dead have seen the end of the war.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Act as if it were impossible to fail.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2909,"topper":"GAURAV SINGHAL","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/a4911661fb63cf32bd7e1d24c76e3051/25/pttp220235_tc064.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Gender Equality is not a \"women's issue\"-it's good for men too.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Is UCC, the unity that we aspire in our diversity?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Problems of 21st century are problems without passport.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"The more we are developing, the more unhealthy we are getting. Where does the real problem lie?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Is Internal Security always an Internal Challenge?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Sports, the toy of humanity","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Is Economy becoming the end rather than the means?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2910,"topper":"GAURAV SINGHAL","air":407,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/a4911661fb63cf32bd7e1d24c76e3051/22/pttp220235_tc061.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2911,"topper":"GAURAV SINGHAL","air":407,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/a4911661fb63cf32bd7e1d24c76e3051/24/pttp220235_tc063.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2912,"topper":"GAURAV SINGHAL","air":407,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/a4911661fb63cf32bd7e1d24c76e3051/26/pttp220235_tc065.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2913,"topper":"GAURAV SINGHAL","air":407,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/298/pttp220235_tc071-test-01-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2914,"topper":"GAURAV SINGHAL","air":407,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/299/pttp220235_tc072-test-02-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2915,"topper":"GAURAV SINGHAL","air":407,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/300/pttp220235_tc073-test-03-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2916,"topper":"GAURAV SINGHAL","air":407,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/301/pttp220235_tc074-test-04-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2917,"topper":"GAURAV SINGHAL","air":407,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/302/pttp220235_tc078-test-08-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2918,"topper":"GAURAV SINGHAL","air":407,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/293/pttp220235_tc071-test-01-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2919,"topper":"GAURAV SINGHAL","air":407,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/294/pttp220235_tc072-test-02-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2920,"topper":"GAURAV SINGHAL","air":407,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/295/pttp220235_tc073-test-03-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2921,"topper":"GAURAV SINGHAL","air":407,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/296/pttp220235_tc074-test-04-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2922,"topper":"GAURAV SINGHAL","air":407,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/297/pttp220235_tc078-test-08-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2923,"topper":"Gautam Singh","air":526,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/PSIR-T1-GAUTAM-SINGH-R526-1750231687458.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2924,"topper":"Gautam Vivekanandan","air":211,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/befe0-1014160_2121_gautam-vivekanandan_rank-211.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2925,"topper":"Gautam Vivekanandan","air":211,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ef7c9-1014160_2123_gautam-vivekanandan_rank-211.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2926,"topper":"Gautam Vivekanandan","air":211,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yc542WAAxRemVY3rDbsjoGTS3N_03pDF/view","questions":[]},{"id":2927,"topper":"Gautam Vivekanandan","air":211,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JeRJq_uIXZ4LOwKGNa1KF23_Fx84p0L4/view","questions":[]},{"id":2928,"topper":"Gautam Vivekanandan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/f00e7-1014160_1822_gautam-vivekanandan_rank-211.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Trace the evolution of Nagara style of temple architecture with suitable examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Cholas are inextricably linked with the zenith of Dravidian art and architecture. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":2929,"topper":"Gautam Vivekanandan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a4b3d-1014160_2219_gautam-vivekanandan_rank-211.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Fiscal policy can be a key tool to reduce income inequality as well as make the poorest and the downtrodden a part of the country's growth story. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Digitizing land records will go a long way in ensuring land reforms as well as lessening the burden on the Indian Judiciary. Elaborate. Also, state the measures taken in this context. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"It has been pointed out that competitive politics to fund mostly non-merit subsidies is pushing a few states in India to the brink of a deep fiscal crisis. In this context, discuss the need to rationalise the subsidy regime in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Micro-irrigation has tremendous potential in transforming farming into a profitable and sustainable venture. Discuss the given statement in the context of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Given its vast resources and technical expertise, India can play a key role in assisting the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) in dealing with the impact of climate change. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The recent \"Disaster Management Plan of Ministry of Panchayati Raj (DMP-MoPR)\" aims to develop disaster resilience at the grassroots level. In this context, discuss the rationale behind the formulation of the Plan and highlight its key components. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the internal security implications emanating from the use of Emerging And Disruptive Technologies (EDT) by state and non-state actors. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Identify the impediments faced by India in boosting its defence exports. Also, discuss the steps taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the multiple issues associated with space debris. Also, state the initiatives taken in recent times to tackle this menace. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The adoption of Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) in India is expected to make e-commerce more inclusive and accessible for consumers. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"The existing MSP procurement regime is neither economically nor agro-ecologically sustainable. Elaborate. Also, evaluate the alternative approaches that can be adopted to improve the existing MSP regime. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"It is being argued that India is struggling with overflowing foodgrains in warehouses. Discuss the statement in view of the existing buffer stock policy of India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Recently, the government has asked all ports to prepare a master plan in order to become 'mega ports' by 2047. In light of this, discuss the challenges faced by ports and suggest remedial measures in order to propel India's blue economy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Inequality in income and wealth translates into carbon inequality. In this context, discuss the significance of addressing carbon inequality for India and suggest ways to achieve it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Despite increased and regular occurrences of landslides over the past decade in India, the dominant development paradigm has largely not been modified. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)15","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India needs a smart border management system to balance legitimate cross border flows with national security interests. Discuss. Also, highlight the initiatives taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Establishing linkages between globalisation and money laundering, discuss the initiatives taken at the national and international levels to combat it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"There have been arguments that India needs to review some of its past assumptions about the nature of outer space and contribute to the development of new global norms. In this context, analyse India's stand in relation to the Artemis Accords. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2930,"topper":"Gautam Vivekanandan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/05c36-1014160_2220_gautam-vivekanandan_rank-211.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The logic of limitless wealth lies in the basic human instinct for furthering self-interest in the form of profit. In this context, do you think there is a possibility of pursuing ethical capitalism? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":2931,"topper":"Gautam Vivekanandan","air":211,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d9195-1014160_1837_gautam-vivekanandan_rank-211.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2932,"topper":"Geetika","air":22,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TQvXx4vN6QT-lJbegHb1hWHurZQQ-0gE/view","questions":[]},{"id":2933,"topper":"Geetika","air":22,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tHCpBlvvAuVT89j87l7ypi421ifZXpYE/view","questions":[]},{"id":2934,"topper":"Geetika Arora","air":22,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/GEETIKA-ARORA-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-22-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) Why has public bathing been a recurring practice across cultures and societies? Discuss with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Estimate the contributions of Chalukyas of Badami to Indian heritage and culture.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar had contrasting philosophies and approaches on caste and social reform. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) What factors can be attributed to the rising incidents of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) in the Himalayan region? Discuss with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) \"Migration is a vital livelihood strategy for rural households in developing countries like India.\" Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) Bring out the interdependence between physical and chemical weathering with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) Discuss how social media is reshaping identity formation and self-worth among adolescents in contemporary Indian society.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) The disproportionate preference for government jobs in certain Indian states is not merely a matter of personal aspiration. Analyze.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 Explain the significance of population education in light of India's status as the world's most populous nation.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) Globalization has infused Indian festivals with commercial elements, while also helping preserve and popularize them in new ways. Do you agree? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 India has a rich tradition of diverse dance forms encompassing both classical and folk styles. Illustrate how they reflect the country's rich spiritual, cultural, and social life.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) The third decade of the 20th century witnessed the emergence of new forces and ideological currents that influenced the character of the Indian national movement. Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 Analyse the circumstances that led to Simla Agreement in 1972. Discuss the significance of the agreement.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) \"The Vietnam War was a proxy conflict rooted in the ideological rivalry of the Cold War.\" Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"1 Why it was proxy conflict?\n(i) As both blocks (USA & USSR) was not directly involved in the conflict.\n(ii) Aimed at imposing 'ideology' in the Vietnam region.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Discuss the concept of isostasy and explain its role in shaping Earth's major landforms.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Role of Isostasy in shaping major Earth's landforms:\n1 The forces of deposition leading to formation of Himalayas:\n2 Descent landforms like Zordangs, xerangs, peneplain, pediplain including mushroom breaks etc due to concept of Isostasy.\n3 The landforms formed by running water includes: U shaped valley & V shaped valley, gorges & canyons (due to undercutting of rivers).","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) The Indian Ocean is warming, at an alarming rate. How may it affect the food security of India?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17) Describing the distribution of sugarcane producing countries, examine the major environmental challenges associated with its cultivation.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 The richness and diversity of Indian society find vivid expression in the unique culture of its tribal communities. Elucidate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Why is it essential to focus on health in the context of urban planning and reforms? How can this be achieved?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 Analyze the socio-cultural factors contributing to the high attrition rate among women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers in India. Suggest measures to improve their retention in STEM.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2935,"topper":"Geetika Arora","air":22,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/GEETIKA-ARORA-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-22-Sample-AWFG-Copy-1-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Warm water of Bay of Bengal move prone to cyclone - Reasons","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4 Monsoon system can be defined as the regional wind system, specific to the South Asian countries including India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 Coral Bleaching can be defined as the phenomenon where the coral species detach themselves from the symbiotic relation with Zooxanthellae, turning white.\n Causes of coral bleaching events","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"Q.6) Soils are the basic structure of any ecosystem, having influence on the topography, relief, vegetation of the associated region.\n Factors influencing formation of soils","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2936,"topper":"Ghanshyam Gautam","air":182,"year":2021,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1UPDhnnKjd1nERJKxJqo7eRZRhjc9OwM5","questions":[]},{"id":2937,"topper":"Ghazalpreet Kaur","air":529,"year":2022,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/GHAZALPREET_KAUR_2022_IAS_Exam_Rank_529_VTS_Focussed_4_7834c60748.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2938,"topper":"Ghazalpreet Kaur","air":529,"year":2022,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/GHAZALPREET_KAUR_2022_IAS_Exam_Rank_529_VTS_Focussed_3_c14817263c.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2939,"topper":"Ghazalpreet Kaur","air":529,"year":2022,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/GHAZALPREET_KAUR_2022_IAS_Exam_Rank_529_VTS_Focussed_1_582b31e34b.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2940,"topper":"Ghazalpreet Kaur","air":529,"year":2022,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/GHAZALPREET_KAUR_2022_IAS_Exam_Rank_529_VTS_Focussed_2_318c2360fe.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2941,"topper":"Ghazalpreet Kaur","air":529,"year":2022,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3f8a1-226463_2095_ghazalpreet-kaur-rank-529.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2942,"topper":"Ghazalpreet Kaur","air":529,"year":2022,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/40e33-226463_2097_ghazalpreet-kaur-rank-529.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2943,"topper":"Girdhar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/f32e0-30262_1067_girdhar_rank_61.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What is the role that opposition plays in a democracy like India? In this context, discuss whether our Parliament can benefit from a shadow cabinet. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Where there is a right, there is a remedy. In this context, discuss the nature and significance of writs in India with adequate examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Enumerate the objectives of NITI Aayog. Also, discuss the performance of this body since its inception and suggest measures to make it more effective. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"In view of the political class's inability to develop and maintain conventions relating to the appropriate use of Article 356, the Supreme Court's decision in the Bommai case provided much needed clarity. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Press freedom and good governance are not mutually exclusive. They support each other while promoting a country's economic and human development. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"SHGs have succeeded in delivering financial inclusion, but for them to evolve as viable business enterprise requires a different approach. Analyse in the context of the twin goals of rural growth and promotion of women's entrepreneurship. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The focus of higher education in India has been on a select few Central or autonomous institutions where as the ones in states remain neglected. Commenting on the statement, highlight the significance of Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the role played by PRIs in political empowerment of women. Also, suggest measures to further increase their political participation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What is Strategic Autonomy? Critically examine the elements of such a policy in India's contemporary foreign policy in the context of recent developments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"IBSA and BRICS are both examples of India's quest for multialignment, however there are key differences in their orientation. Discuss in the context of the relevance of these groupings for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What are the various modes of Alternate Dispute Redressal (ADR) mechanisms available in India? Identifying the problems being faced by them, provide suggestions needed to increase their effectiveness. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"While the power to punish for the contempt of court is a much needed tool to protect the administration of justice from being maligned, it is time that it be relooked into. Critically analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Criminalisation of politics remains a key concern for the Indian political system. In this context, analyse the role played by the Supreme Court and Election Commission over the years. Also, in what ways can the media play a positive role? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight, in brief, the mandate of the National Commission for Minorities (NCM). Identify the different challenges that the commission faces and suggest measures to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The recent decision of the government to open up positions at the senior levels in bureaucracy through lateral entry is an important but only small step in the direction of much needed reforms in the higher civil services. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Identifying the broad contours of the 'Transformation of Aspirational Districts' programme, explain how it adopts a novel strategy to address backwardness. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"How did India fare on the Millennium Development Goals related to health? In this regard, identify the relevant Sustainable Development Goals and evaluate India's capacity to meet them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the different rights recognized under the Forest Rights Act, 2006? Highlight the gaps in the implementation of community forest rights and community forest resource rights granted under the Forest Rights Act. Also, suggest measures to address the current scenario. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Progress in India-US ties has been accompanied by equally significant divergences on important issues. Examine in the context of recent developments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Despite bonhomie, the structural differences between Indian and Israeli national security situations, their worldviews and absence of explicitly shared enemies limit stronger strategic rapprochement. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2944,"topper":"Girdhar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/eff45-30262_877_girdhar_rank_61.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The seeds of patriarchy and gender inequality are sown at home, which manifest as a weed at the societal level. Elucidate. Suggest an ethical framework to systematically address the issue of patriarchy in the Indian society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"What are the factors which drive people to take law in their own hands rather than following the due process of law? Discuss ways to address the problem of mob justice.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"In a democracy, the purpose of the government should be to make it easy for people to do good and difficult to do wrong. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss John Stuart Mill's idea on freedom of thought and expression. Also, give reasons as to why, according to Mill, representative democracy is the best form of government despite its inherent weaknesses.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"It is argued by some that nuclear weapons have acted more as a deterrent than leading to war and mass destruction. In this context, discuss whether it is ethically right to possess nuclear weapons to create nuclear deterrence.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Differentiate between administration and leadership. Highlighting the traits which characterize an effective leader, discuss the importance of leadership in ensuring effective public service delivery in a bureaucratic setup.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Apart from functional knowledge and expertise, the efficacy of a civil servant also depends upon his emotional intelligence. How does emotional intelligence contribute to efficacy? How can civil servants enhance their emotional intelligence?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Enumerate the mechanisms that promote accountability of public officials in discharging their functions and responsibilities in India. Also discuss why ensuring accountability for performance is not a simple task in government service.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) \"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"\"Prejudices are what fools use for reason.\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Ensuring that government decisions are not influenced by public officials' private interests is a growing concern. Discuss in the context of India. Also enumerate the core principles reflected by OECD guidelines for managing conflict of interest in the public sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Discuss, with examples, the significance of principles of public life as recommended by Nolan committee. Why are these principles considered as an essential set of expectations from public servants?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"A peculiar inhuman situation exists for the people fleeing from war zones - they cannot go back to their homeland for fear of being persecuted and no country is ready to bear their burden due to various reasons. Citing contemporary examples, discuss the ethical issues involved in such situations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"As the administrator in-charge of your area, you are witness to the widespread food wastage in lavish parties as well as in restaurants and eateries, on one hand and people starving due to inability to ensure one square-meal a day, on the other. Realizing that it is not the scarcity of resources, but the habit of people that is causing paucity in availability of food, you decide that certain measures are needed to be taken in order to deal with the issue of starvation at the grassroot level. 20 Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) What measures would you take to deal with wastage of food in your area? (c) What explains this co-existence of affluence and hunger in developing countries like India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"The excluded and marginalized section of society are worst hit by globalization. Take the case of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) like Sentinelese of Andaman & Nicobar islands; their population has reduced drastically and they are facing various other problems as well. In this context answer the following questions: 20 (a) What are the challenges faced by PVTGs due to globalisation? (b) If you are posted as a Development Officer in such an area, what will be your priorities to reduce their vulnerabilities and ensure welfare?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2945,"topper":"Girdhar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/794df-30262_1069_girdhar_rank_61.pdf","questions":[{"page":23,"question":"Every superstition cannot be removed by the force of law. For that, a mental change is necessary. Comment. Also, explain how educators and public figures can help in eradicating superstition and instilling scientific temper among people.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Many argue that there are times, when war is morally permissible, and even obligatory. Critically discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"It has been argued that traditional approaches to corporate social responsibility (CSR) are inadequate. Discuss. Also, examine the role of Social License to Operate (SLO) in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"There have been reports of repeat instances of mob lynching in different states of India. It has been pointed out that these presumably faceless mobs gather impromptu on the basis of unverified information on issues that affect the collective conscience of the society such as child trafficking, sexual harassment, cow slaughter etc. Most of the people don't even regret their action of violating the law and even get away with committing such a heinous crime. 20 (a) What are the socio-psychological factors that motivate people to join the mob and kill fellow human beings?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You are a young athlete representing India at an international-level competition. During the competition, you witness a few senior athletes injecting something using a syringe, in private. When you approach them, they explain that it is a performance enhancing drug, which is very common in such competitions and you should take the same as well. You are in fear and decide to approach the coach to discuss the event you witnessed. However, you get to know that the athletes are taking the drug at the advice of the coach himself. 20 (a) What would you do in this scenario? Discuss the options available to","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2946,"topper":"Girdhar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/267f7-30262_1073_girdhar_rank_61.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/ philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) Silence becomes cowardice when occasion demands speaking out the whole truth and acting accordingly - Mahatma Gandhi.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"While some ethical approaches consider an action to be ethical based on results, other focus on means. Taking the example of Indian bureaucracy compare and examine how these approaches have played out for the benefit of citizens.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"What are the ethical principles that should form the basis of the system permitting organ donation and allocation? Also discuss the importance of regulation for the success of any organ transplant program.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Where as some argue that leaks constitute an affront to democracy, others are of the opinion that leaks are a part of democracy. Examine the merits of both the arguments in the context of information attributed to leaks from government offices and whistleblowers.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"According to the WHO, suicide is the second leading cause of death in the age group of 15-29 years globally. In India also, instances of young people committing suicide have been reported widely in recent times. It is all the more disturbing that such a phenomenon is increasingly visible in urban and prosperous areas. (a) What are the reasons that render people vulnerable to taking such drastic steps as suicide? (b) Also, discuss the role that you as an individual, the society and the government can play in addressing this issue.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2947,"topper":"Girdhari Lal Meena","air":387,"year":2020,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/53cb0-330810_1458_girdhari-lal-meena_rank_387.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2948,"topper":"Girdhari Lal Meena","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/33d00-330810_1523_girdhari-lal-meena_rank_387.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Enumerate the issues associated with functioning of the Central Information Commission. How can these issues be addressed? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"In India, Governor's discretionary powers are wider than those of the President. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the objectives that were sought to be achieved through tribunals. How successful have they been in meeting them? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Instead of the government regulating Over-the-top (OTT) platforms, there have been calls for a self-regulating mechanism for such platforms, as in the case of print media. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Bring out the arguments surrounding the issue of some states reserving jobs for locals in the private sector. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Identifying the key elements of Mission Karmayogi, briefly explain how it can lead to holistic development of the human resources and state's capacity. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlighting the role played by ASHA workers in public health system of India, discuss the challenges faced by them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"While internationalisation of higher education has many potential benefits for India, certain challenges will need to be addressed in this regard. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"India needs to adopt a more pragmatic stance in the context of the ongoing intra-Afghan talks. Discuss, in the light of India's engagement with Afghanistan. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In the geo-strategic context of West Asia, the recent efforts to normalise relations between Israel and UAE may open new possibilities for India. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"It is not only the content of election manifestos but also the past performance with respect to promises made in election manifestos that need to be regulated. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"In order to achieve a reduction in the pendency of cases and a return to the Supreme Court's original role as a final appellate court, setting up of a National Court of Appeal is the need of the hour. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The Constitution of India reflects an amalgamation of spirit of Indian freedom struggle and various administrative provisions of different acts of British rule in India. Explain. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Mention the key components of the SVAMITVA scheme. Also, highlight its intended benefits and discuss the potential issues in its implementation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Sharing of information among all stakeholders in government functioning is a leading practice towards good governance. Discuss with examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"India has an oversized and bloated government which acts as a drag on economic efficiency and growth. Critically evaluate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Though the National Digital Health Mission is a step in the right direction for both patients and the healthcare system, concerns around data privacy need to be addressed. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"One Nation One Ration card has the potential to significantly transform the lives of migrant workers in India. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The World Trade Organization is buffeted by multiple challenges which have eroded the credibility of the organization. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"BIMSTEC is indispensable for India's efforts in promoting regional cooperation and integration in the neighbourhood. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2949,"topper":"Girdhari Lal Meena","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/05f65-330810_1417_girdhari-lal-meena_rank_387.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Dadabhai Naoroji left an indelible imprint on the national movement. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Quit India movement marked a new direction in the struggle against the British colonial rule in India. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The end of World War II marked the birth of a new international order. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Simla Agreement (1972) and Lahore Declaration (1999) are two key milestones in the history of the Indian subcontinent. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Social security should not only involve economic empowerment but also social empowerment. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Explain with examples how globalisation is manifested in both local in the global and the global in the local. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In light of persistence of various forms of violence against women in India, discuss the ways in which the issue can be addressed effectively. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What is an urban forest? Highlight its benefits and steps taken by the government to promote urban forestry in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"How has globalization impacted the location of the IT industry? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"How can eco-tourism be used to sustainably harness the potential of tourism industry in India? Discuss the challenges and steps taken by the government in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The advent of Buddhism and Jainism was instrumental in the development of architecture in ancient India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The reactionary policies of Lord Lytton and the liberal policies of his successor Lord Rippon acted as catalyst in the formation of the Indian National Congress. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Gandhiji changed his methods of struggle against the British from time-to-time to suit the varied circumstances and problems that needed to be tackled. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Bring out the relationship between the industrial revolution and the advent of imperialism in different parts of the world. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The caste system in India has continued to persist by adapting itself to a variety of changing socio-economic and political conditions in the past few decades. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"It is argued by some that regionalism is a threat to national integrity while others consider it as a highly impactful tool in facilitating political participation. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Describe the process of rift valley formation, with special emphasis on the Great Rift Valley System. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India's water resources have witnessed rapid depletion due to a mix of economic, geographic, and political factors. Explain and discuss its implications. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How are plateaus formed? Also, briefly discuss the features of the Deccan plateau and its economic significance. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2950,"topper":"Girdhari Lal Meena","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d3e77-330810_1419_girdhari-lal-meena_rank_387.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the issues associated with power discoms in India, discuss whether privatizing discoms can help in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Harnessing Smart Agriculture can potentially be a game-changer for farm productivity in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Rather than focusing solely on quantity, inclusive growth concerns itself with the quality of growth. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"In the backdrop of Atmanirbhar Bharat, discuss the core areas crucial in export promotion for India to become a manufacturing hub. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Arsenic pollution is becoming a severe environmental issue in India. Enumerating its various sources, discuss the consequences and measures to tackle it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The Green Term Ahead Market (GTAM) can invigorate the renewable energy sector in India. Evaluate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The CRISPR/Cas9 genetic scissors have revolutionized the genome editing technique with applications in various areas. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Bring out the role played by Financial Action Task Force in tackling the menace of money laundering. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the recent reforms that have been undertaken in the National Security Architecture of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Bring out the key hurdles that are being faced in accomplishing land reforms in India. Also, discuss the advantages which can be reaped by accomplishing them in contemporary times. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"India needs to accord more significance to nutritional security than food security. Comment. In this context, suggest a framework that should be adopted by the government to achieve nutritional self-reliance. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Private investments are key for India to move into a high growth trajectory. Discuss. Also highlight the steps taken by the government in recent times to address the fall in private investments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"India's geographical diversity and varied levels of development across regions necessitate a targeted region specific action plan to ensure a minimum acceptable level of prosperity. Elaborate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Empowering the farmers by ensuring barrier-free trade in the agriculture produce is critical in doubling their incomes. Enumerating the existing bottlenecks, discuss how the recent legislations can help in overcoming them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The reasons for recurring floods in the regions of Eastern India such as Bihar and Assam go far beyond their topography. Discuss. Also, suggest measures to control this menace. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"How can 5G technology potentially bring about a digital revolution in India? Identify the challenges in adoption of 5G technology in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Besides computing, quantum technology has potential applications in various areas. Discuss. What are the challenges which lie ahead for effective utilization of quantum technology? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"While most insurgent groups in North-East India have given up violence and are engaged in peace talks with the government, a number of issues could create hurdles in the future. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Identifying the key vulnerabilities in India's cyberspace, discuss the framework which should be adopted in the envisaged new cyber security policy in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2951,"topper":"Girdhari Lal Meena","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0455c-330810_1416_girdhari-lal-meena_rank_387.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the significance of ethical work culture, suggest ways by which it can be imbibed in an organization. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Upholding probity in governance is not only contingent on values of an individual but also the processes of the institution. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The nature of a business's operations has a major influence on the ethical issues with which it must contend. Giving examples, discuss how business ethics is crucial in today's world. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"An honest bureaucrat can be put to inconvenience but the dishonest one is more likely to suffer in the long run. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The notion of an ethical foreign policy downplays the realities of international politics. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Conscience can neither be silent nor delayed as a source of ethical guidance. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) To educate a person in the mind but not in morals is to educate a menace to society. — Theodore Roosevelt (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"Children are great imitators, so give them something great to imitate.\" In this context, discuss the importance of role models in inculcating values in children. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The Covid-19 pandemic has brought with itself an environment of uncertainties and hardships. In this context, discuss the significance of emotional intelligence in dealing with the situation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Bring out the role of social media in shaping one's moral and political attitude. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":34,"question":"In recent times, the country witnessed protests based on opposition to some steps taken by the government. Whereas, mostly these were peaceful protests, at a few places these activities turned violent leading to destruction of public property. In some places government arrested few of the protesters and imposed heavy fines on them for the destruction of the property. In case they could not pay, their private property was confiscated by the government to pay for the damage done to the public property. In addition to this, some governments published the photographs, names and addresses of those accused of vandalism during protests at various locations. (a) What are the issues of public importance at stake in this case? (b) Are their any ethical or legal principles at play here which may be conflicting? (c) What should be the principles guiding a democratic state in such circumstances?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"The global toll of the COVID-19 pandemic is enormous: more than a half-million lives lost, hundreds of millions out of work, and trillions of dollars of wealth destroyed. And the disease has by no means run its course. There is tremendous interest in the development of a vaccine, with more than a hundred initiatives under way around the world. Even if one or more vaccines emerge that promise to make people less susceptible to COVID-19, the public-health problem will not be eliminated. But policymakers can avert some foreseeable problems by starting to address key questions about financing and distribution now. In view of the above scenario, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the different stakeholders involved in this scenario. (b) Identify some of the ethical questions and issues that are likely to emerge as the vaccine becomes available. (c) Who, in your opinion, should be amongst the first recipients of the vaccine? Give reasons for your answer.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2952,"topper":"Girisha Chaudhary","air":263,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Girisha-Chaudhary-UPSC-IAS-2023-Toppers-AIR-263-Sample-MGP-Essay-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Our moral, religious, and political traditions are united in their respect for the dignity of human life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Neither a life of self-indulgence nor one of self-mortification can bring happiness.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Reality is ultimately a selective act of perception and interpretation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Conversation enriches the understanding but solitude is the school of genius.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Digital minimalism - the path towards solving social media paradox.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Big tech: Algorithm without humanity is mental holocaust.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Agricultural Revolution: Road to progress and prosperity OR to perdition","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Work is meaningful when it develops and exercises the talents, capabilities and","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2953,"topper":"Girisha Chaudhary","air":263,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Girisha-Chaudhary-UPSC-IAS-2023-Toppers-AIR-263-Sample-MGP-Ethics-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Successful people are not those who did not fail, but those who persisted in turbulent times and kept moving after a failure. In light of this statement, examine the importance of adversity quotient in life. How can adversity quotient be developed? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"'Strength does not come from physical capacity but from an indomitable will.' - Gandhi. What does strength mean to you and how far do you agree with the given statement? Discuss with suitable example. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Good governance does not depend on laws, but upon the personal qualities of those who administer the law. Do you agree with this statement? Justify your view. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"An active civil service is necessary but not sufficient; India also requires civil service activism for fulfilling the vision of 'justice, liberty and equality for all'. Analyze the statement citing relevant examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Educational institutions complement the role of the family and the society in shaping our values. Discuss. Can digital education perform this value inculcation function effectively? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Gendered attitudes convert differences in sexes into discriminations. Examine the factors responsible for negative attitudes toward women in the Indian society. How can these attitudes be changed? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"How are ethical concerns and work culture of public institutions different from those of private institutions? Examine the desirability of adoption of work culture similar to private institutions in public institutions. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Besides objectivity, civil servants also need empathy and compassion to effectively resolve various ethical dilemmas they face while discharging their responsibilities. Discuss with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Leadership is essentially a task of persuasion. How does ability to persuade others help civil servants in performing their duty? Identify five qualities that make civil servants effective agents of persuasion. Justify your choices. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What does each of the following quotations mean to you? Peace is not mere absence of war; it is presence of justice (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"What principles of corporate ethics would you consider while taking the decision in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Examine various options available with you for handling the issue at hand. What will you do in the given case? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Asanpur is a beautiful small district in Northern part of India. It used to be the hub of stone mining activity. However, excessive mining led to environmental degradation and rapid soil erosion while cutting of stone created air pollution hazard. Due to various detrimental impacts, NGT has imposed a ban on stone mining in Asanpur. Despite this ban, the mining mafia has been able to operate with connivance of corrupt government officials and politicians. Many officers hve tried to stop this illegal mining, but the powerful mafia has either forced them to submit through force or bribed them or got them transferred through their political contacts. Last week, a DSP lost his life when was trying to stop a truck carrying illegally mined stones. You recently got promoted and made the SP of Asanpur. Upon taking the charge, you quickly realized the gravity of the problem. Illegal mining was run by organized gangs in the district. It was also linked to other crimes in your city ranging from petty crimes like pick pocketing to serious offenses like kidnapping and murders. Illegal mining and related crime have negatively impacted socio-economic development of the district as youth are increasingly getting involved in the illegal activities and businesses are leaving the district due to high crime rates. You created a special task force and started taking stringent actions against the illegal mining in your district. In a short span of a few weeks you seized thirty dumpers carrying illegally mined stones. Public appreciated your stringent actions while the corrupt ecosystem created by illegal miners was rattled. One day, a junior officer approached you and informed you that he has been receiving threats from the illegal stone miners. He also informs you that others in the task force are also facing problems like someone in the task force is being harassed by reopening an old settled case against him while someone else has received a transfer order to a remote district. This has demotivated the taskforce and reminded them of the connections of illegal miners in the district. The same day, when you reach home, your wife tells you that she got a call from an unknown number threatening her of dire consequences if you do not stop your investigation. You fear that the call was from a member of the organized crime syndicate involved in the illegal mining activity. Your wife is worried about the safety of the family and requests you to be lenient in your work. In this situation, answer the following questions:","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"How will you motivate the task force to work with honesty in this adverse condition?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Identify the various dimensions of the crisis. Based on your understanding, suggest measures to deal with the crisis. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"What are the different courses of action that you can take? Identify the most suitable course of action and justify your choice. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the various ethical issues involved in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Do you think Rashmi is justified in demanding a permanent government job?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Do you think the government is justified in terminating the contracts of corona warriors?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Consider yourself in the position of Health secretary in the concerned state. What would you do to address the issue at hand? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"Help identify the various options available to Jayant to deal with the crisis? Discuss the merits and demerits of each option.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":55,"question":"As a mutual friend, what advice would you give to Jayant and Sarita so that they can return as a happy couple?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":55,"question":"How can Jayant develop the necessary qualities to handle such crisis situations in life? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":2954,"topper":"Girisha Chaudhary","air":263,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Girisha-Chaudhary-UPSC-IAS-2023-Toppers-AIR-263-Sample-MGP-GS-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Gandhian ideology secured democracy in the country even before it was formally established. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"British response to the revolt of 1857 did more than merely restoring colonial control; it prolonged the longevity of the British imperialism in India. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The reasons for World War I lay in Bismarck's system of alliances. Critically analyze. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Why are hilly regions more vulnerable to cloudbursts? Describe their impact and suggest suitable strategy for mitigating their adverse effects. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Explain the phenomenon of marine heat waves and their multi-dimensional impacts. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Describe the main pillars of India's Arctic Policy. Why is arctic region gaining greater geopolit- ical significance in the present context? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Covid-19 pandemic has brought fundamental changes in the labour market and nature of jobs. Enumerate these changes and discuss their social consequences. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"It is not the diversity, but threat to diversity that imperils the unity of the country. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Urbanization is a complex process that reflects transformation not only in 'where people live' and 'what they do', but also in 'how they live'. In light of this statement, analyze the impact of urbanization on the Indian society. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"No vulnerability is without an underlying social cause and child labour is no exception. Analyze. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Indian sculptures are not just an expression of religious traditions but also a reflection of technical brilliance and aesthetic sensibilities of their time. Elaborate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"From paper partition to delayed decolonization, African colonial experience was different from rest of the world. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Compare the peasant and tribal movements in pre-independence India. How far would it be correct to classify peasant and tribal movements as a part of national freedom struggle? Justify with suitable examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"How is general pattern of ocean surface current circulation related to global atmospheric circulation patterns? Also discuss the influence of these circulations on climate and human activities. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Describe the ecosystem services provided by the mangrove forests. Examine the causes of depletion of mangrove forests and suggest measures for their protection. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The largest contributors to climate change, cities are also one of the most vulnerable to its adverse effects. Explain. Also analyze the role of cities in achieving carbon neutrality and building climate resilience. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Account for the shift in location of sugar industry. What has been the economic and ecological consequences of these shifts? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Population composition, rather than population size, is more critical determinant of development trajectory of a country. Examine. Also discuss the desirability of raising legal age of marriage for women to stabilize population size. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"How has globalization impacted traditional cultural values in the society? Do you agree that globalization has reduced diversity and increased disparity in the country? Justify. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"While equal rights have been granted to both men and women to participate in economic activities, economic empowerment of women has been slow in coming due to various social barriers. Examine the statement based on your understanding of economic empowerment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2955,"topper":"Girisha Chaudhary","air":263,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Girisha-Chaudhary-UPSC-IAS-2023-Toppers-AIR-263-Sample-MGP-GS-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Fundamental rights chapter of the constitution is the \"north star\" of the universe of constitutionalism. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Just because a person is offended by someone's speech or word; it does not mean that an offence has been committed. In this context, discuss the issues surrounding the use of the section 295A and 153A of IPC. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Present a comparative analysis of political system of India and Sri-Lanka. How far do you agree that the reason for the economic crisis in Sri-Lanka lies in its political structure? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The changed nature of civil society due to its professionalization has helped in deepening of democracy but at the cost of participation and accountability. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"While National Green Tribunal (NGT) has made immense contribution to protection of environment, various structural and functional issues have limited its effectiveness. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Policy of reservation, started to provide equality of opportunities, has fallen victim to political opportunism. Critically examine the success of affirmative actions in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Unless the factors that prevent effective and full participation of persons with disability in political and public life are addressed, the goal of inclusiveness and empowerment will remain elusive. Analyze. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The criminal justice system has made the process itself a punishment leading to the prolonged incarceration of undertrials. Highlighting the reasons for the large number of undertrial prisoners, examine the desirability of a dedicated bail law. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"China's interest in Russia is not only that of a strategic partner, but also for it being a strategic diversion for the west. Analyze. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Appraise the role of Indian diaspora in the economies of West Asia and Africa. What initiatives can be taken to address the issues faced by the diaspora in these regions? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Electoral reform is a continuous effort to make election funding transparent, election process inclusive, and political parties accountable. Discuss issues related to election funding, proposal for remote voting and regulation of Registered Unrecognized Political Parties (RUPPs). (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Judicial accountability and independence are mutually reinforcing. Do you agree? In what ways can judicial accountability be enhanced without impinging on its independence? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Ordinances deny legislative legitimacy to executive actions and weakens democratic accountability of elected government. Discuss the rationale behind inclusion of ordinance making power in the constitution and various safeguards against its misuse. Has the ordinance making power outlived its utility in present times? Justify. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The achievement of Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 can happen only if we consider local context and situations. In light of this statement, examine the critical role as well as capabilities of PRIs in meeting the SDGs. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Ayushman Bharat is a revolutionary intervention but falls short of recognizing the right to health as a universal basic right. In this perspective, discuss the need for and impediments in ensuring the right to health for all in the country. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Assess the performance of MGNREGA in generation of sustainable employment and crea- tion of durable assets in rural India. Can this model be replicated in urban areas as well? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Poverty is driving women into the workforce, while education seems to drive them out of it. What explains this anomaly? How can Self Help Groups (SHGs) correct this aberration? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Rather than seeing it as a replacement for SAARC, BIMSTEC must be appreciated for its critical role as a bridge between South Asia and ASEAN. Analyze. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Compare the aims and objectives of I2U2 and Quad. What importance does I2U2 hold for India? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2956,"topper":"Goldi Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/69c01-74012_2219_goldi-gupta_rank-181.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Fiscal policy can be a key tool to reduce income inequality as well as make the poorest and the downtrodden a part of the country's growth story. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Digitizing land records will go a long way in ensuring land reforms as well as lessening the burden on the Indian Judiciary. Elaborate. Also, state the measures taken in this context. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"It has been pointed out that competitive politics to fund mostly non-merit subsidies is pushing a few states in India to the brink of a deep fiscal crisis. In this context, discuss the need to rationalise the subsidy regime in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Micro-irrigation has tremendous potential in transforming farming into a profitable and sustainable venture. Discuss the given statement in the context of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Given its vast resources and technical expertise, India can play a key role in assisting the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) in dealing with the impact of climate change. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The recent \"Disaster Management Plan of Ministry of Panchayati Raj (DMP-MoPR)\" aims to develop disaster resilience at the grassroots level. In this context, discuss the rationale behind the formulation of the Plan and highlight its key components. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the internal security implications emanating from the use of Emerging And Disruptive Technologies (EDT) by state and non-state actors. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Identify the impediments faced by India in boosting its defence exports. Also, discuss the steps taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the multiple issues associated with space debris. Also, state the initiatives taken in recent times to tackle this menace. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The adoption of Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) in India is expected to make e-commerce more inclusive and accessible for consumers. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While an agreement was recently reached at the WTO on a deal to curb \"harmful\" government fisheries subsidies, certain concerns raised by India suggests that the matter will require further negotiations. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite the advantages that are associated with the hybrid annuity model (HAM) in the road construction sector, the interest in it has moderated due to various reasons. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The existing MSP procurement regime is neither economically nor agro-ecologically sustainable. Elaborate. Also, evaluate the alternative approaches that can be adopted to improve the existing MSP regime. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"It is being argued that India is struggling with overflowing foodgrains in warehouses. Discuss the statement in view of the existing buffer stock policy of India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Recently, the government has asked all ports to prepare a master plan in order to become 'mega ports' by 2047. In light of this, discuss the challenges faced by ports and suggest remedial measures in order to propel India's blue economy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Inequality in income and wealth translates into carbon inequality. In this context, discuss the significance of addressing carbon inequality for India and suggest ways to achieve it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Despite increased and regular occurrences of landslides over the past decade in India, the dominant development paradigm has largely not been modified. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India needs a smart border management system to balance legitimate cross border flows with national security interests. Discuss. Also, highlight the initiatives taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Establishing linkages between globalisation and money laundering, discuss the initiatives taken at the national and international levels to combat it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"There have been arguments that India needs to review some of its past assumptions about the nature of outer space and contribute to the development of new global norms. In this context, analyse India's stand in relation to the Artemis Accords. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2957,"topper":"Goldi Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/93d20-74012_2218_goldi-gupta_rank-181.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to revisit the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution? Discuss with suitable arguments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Highlighting the advantages of online dispute resolution (ODR) mechanism for justice delivery, discuss the challenges associated with its effective implementation in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Despite the constitutional division of powers, Centre-state disputes have been a perennial feature of Indian democracy. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Do you agree with the view that adopting a framework for lobbying will strengthen participative governance and ease of doing business in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Despite the government encouraging open source instead of proprietary technology for government applications, the true potential of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) and digital platforms remains unrealized. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"As a social safety-valve, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) can be the principal vehicles through which communities voice their concerns. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Despite being lauded for its patient centric approach, the implementation of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, remains sluggish and mired with various issues. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to formulate an Urban Employment Guarantee scheme at the national level? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the relevance of BIMSTEC as a regional organisation to fulfil India's strategic aspirations in the Indian Ocean Region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the relevance of the Gujral Doctrine for India with regard to its relations with its immediate neighbours in the present times. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the pivotal role of the \"Officers of Parliament\" in the Indian Parliamentary system. Also, discuss the constitutional and statutory provisions for their impartial functioning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The Finance Commission plays a crucial role in balancing fiscal federalism in India. In this context, examine the recommendations given by the 15th Finance Commission. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Critically assess whether according statutory backing to the Model Code of Conduct will contribute towards free and fair elections in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The market disruption caused by digital revolution warrants renewed focus and perspective to ensure fair competition in the digital economy. In this light, discuss the need to revamp the Competition Commission of India (CCI). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"There is an urgent need for effective whistle-blowing mechanisms and ensuring that necessary safeguards for the protection of whistle-blowers are established in both public and private spheres in India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"State the reasons behind the poor performance of cooperatives in India. Also, discuss the reforms undertaken by the government to overcome the shortcomings. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Public-Private Partnership model, if harnessed properly, has the potential to bridge the gaps in India's healthcare system. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Although the New Education Policy brings with itself a commendable vision, its success will depend on its ability to effectively integrate with the government's other policy initiatives. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) is born from a collective desire to make the Indo-Pacific region an engine of global economic growth. Comment. Also, discuss India's concerns in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"India needs to identify the priority areas to further its techno-diplomacy amidst the complexities of expanding digital space and New and Emerging Strategic Technologies. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2958,"topper":"Goldi Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/15119-74012_2217_goldi-gupta_rank-181.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With examples, discuss how the cultural traditions from various regions of India get reflected in regional music. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Highlighting the emergence of the working class movement, discuss its contribution towards India's freedom struggle. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Do you agree with the view that Gandhian politics was, in a sense, a continuation of Tilak's politics? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"It is said that the world's oceans are losing their 'memory' due to human-induced warming. Comment. Also, discuss the consequences of the phenomenon. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What is soil amendment? Evaluate the benefits and concerns associated with it. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"It has been suggested that the next decade may see a boom in hybrid power plants. Stating the advantages that such power plants offer, discuss the associated challenges. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What are Van Allen Radiation Belts? Explaining their formation, discuss why there has been a growing focus on their study. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss whether marital rape should be criminalised in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What is care economy? Highlight the challenges associated with it and mention the steps taken to address them in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Post-pandemic India is staring at the challenge of “learning poverty”. Analyse its implications and discuss a way ahead. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Bring out the evolution of mural traditions in South India. Also, elaborate on their significant characteristics. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Indian nationalism that confronted British imperialism in the 19th century was a product of colonial modernity. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Environmentalism surfaced in the form of many organised movements in post independence India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Do you agree with the view that continental blockade was an ill-conceived strategy by Napoleon to conquer Britain through economic means? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What do you understand by the Arctic Paradox? Highlight the spatial distribution of mineral and energy resources in the Arctic region. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Cryosphere changes have a tendency to bring about a devastating impact on the ecosystem and its people. Discuss. Also, enlist measures to tackle this threat. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The frequent instances of urban flooding pose a severe risk to the urban ecosystem in India. Discuss with special emphasis on its impact on the critical infrastructure. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Sand is not only critical for economic development but also provides crucial ecosystem services. Elaborate. In this context, discuss the importance of sustainable sand mining in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The challenge of unbridled and unbalanced growth of urban spaces in India necessitates reforms in urban planning and capacity. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Feminist movements in India have historically lacked inclusivity, often growing within a limited Western upper-class psyche. Critically discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2959,"topper":"Goldi Gupta","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1joK6rSdovMZDpnZwj1dDpQ5ZHAdw0wcC/view","questions":[]},{"id":2960,"topper":"Goldi Gupta","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wM_9-tblhVS4PmWAh8yd_HPZCIHllNKJ/view","questions":[]},{"id":2961,"topper":"Goldi Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LuZsW1ElBr-mWbTtSsTLpmokam8xNhhC/view","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. (a) The logic of limitless wealth lies in the basic human instinct for furthering self-interest in the form of profit. In this context, do you think there is a possibility of pursuing ethical capitalism? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"1. (b) If a law is unjust, a man is not only right to disobey it, he is obligated to do so. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"2. (a) The capacity of Citizens' Charter to initiate any transformative process is conditioned upon it being appropriately designed and effectively executed. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"2. (b) The moral fiber and ethical conduct of public officials not only influence the standard of governance but also their own interests and performance. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"3. (a) The ongoing debate on euthanasia poses several ethical questions. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"3. (b) Foreign aid is a form of neo-colonialism, as the economically wealthier countries can exploit the developing countries under the cloak of aid. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"4. (a) Throwing light on the idea of Universal Humanism propounded by Rabindranath Tagore, discuss its contemporary relevance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"4. (b) Do you agree with the view that it is nature and not nurture which determines the emotional intelligence of a person? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"5. (a) Values that guide public administrators can often compete with each other, owing to their relative importance to the larger public interest. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"5. (b) Is it justifiable to say that corruption is a social phenomenon? What are the various ways through which administrative corruption can be tackled? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"6 (a) What do each of the following quotations mean to you?\n(a) \"Overcoming poverty is not a task of charity; it is an act of justice.\" Nelson Mandela (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"6. (b) \"I do believe that, where there is only a choice between cowardice and violence, I would advise violence.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"6. (c) \"Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle.\" Martin Luther King Jr (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"7 You are posted as the Commissioner of Police in a metropolitan city where a visiting foreign dignitary, with President-level security cover, is scheduled to visit for an official function. As a part of the security preparedness, it has been decided that no vehicular traffic will be allowed on the route which will be taken by the foreign dignitary to reach the venue of the function in the city. However, just 15 minutes before the scheduled arrival of the dignitary, you are informed that a critically-ill patient is stuck on the way to the hospital in a private car along with his family.\n\nIn this situation, answer the following:\n(a) Discuss the issues involved in halting traffic for VIP movement.\n(b) List the options available to you in this situation with their merits and demerits.\n(c) What will be your course of action? Justify with proper reasoning.","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":37,"question":"8 In light of the above, answer the following:\n(a) Identify the challenges faced by transgenders during the different stages of their life.\n(b) Discuss the reasons for the continuing discrimination against transgenders in India despite several initiatives for their upliftment in recent times. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q Challenges faced by Transpersons","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"9 In the given scenario, answer the following questions:\n(a) Identify the stakeholders and the ethical issues involved in the case.\n(b) What steps will you take to ensure that the enquiry is seen to be fair and impartial?\n(c) Given the challenges that the police forces in India operate under in their day-to-day functioning, suggest some initiatives to address them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"a) Stakeholders and Ethical Issues Involved\n1) Custodial violence is a violation of basic human rights.\n2) Widespread prevalence raises question over impunity of police force","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"10 Mr. X is a billionaire businessman who heads a conglomerate engaged in insurance, energy generation and distribution, and manufacturing. Despite being globally known as a great philanthropist, he turned down a shareholder request seeking the disclosure of the conglomerate’s actions on issues related to climate change as well as diversity and inclusion.\n\nBecause of increased attention to climate and diversity issues, many leading firms have committed themselves to incorporate relevant considerations in their business strategies. Therefore, some industry-observers wonder if Mr. X is out of touch with the industry at large and have warned him that failing to address climate change issues puts his businesses under systemic risk. But, Mr. X maintained his vote against the disclosure proposal, while at the same time acknowledged the importance of both climate change and a diverse and inclusive work force. However, Mr. X believes that such ethical issues take secondary importance to maximising shareholder profit.\n(a) Discuss the importance of including climate change strategies and diversity and inclusion in a business organisation?\n(b) In your opinion, what matters more for a business organisation - socio-environmental concerns or shareholder profit?\n(c) How can the two above-mentioned issues be reconciled? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"B What Matters More for Business Organizations?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"c How to reconcile Buddhist philosophy of Madhyome marga provides the way\n1 profit motive (Labh) should not turn into greed (Lobh)\n2 stakeholder capitalism is the need of the hour\n3 Need to bring balance between - planet, peace, people, profit","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"11 You are posted as a Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district where people of different religious communities are living together peacefully. The district is also famous for its architectural heritage and is regularly visited by tourists from all around the world. However, there has been an incident in the nearby state where people of two different communities have started fighting over religious issues. This incident has a spillover effect over the whole country. In your own area of jurisdiction, you have come to know from various sources about circulation of some hate speech videos, which have the potential to destabilise the law and order situation. You are also aware that some outsiders with dubious intentions have started pouring in your district. In one locality, a shopkeeper who had earlier filed a complaint regarding threats he received for posting something on the internet, is found murdered in cold blood. This incident has stunned the nation. You are being informed that hundreds of people of the community to which the shopkeeper belonged are planning to stage a massive protest in your district.\n(a) In the given situation, what are the options available to you to ensure that the law and order situation in the district remains stable. Provide a detailed account of your course of action.\n(b) Do you think the present legal and institutional mechanisms are sufficient to tackle the menace of hate speech in the society? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"12 In this context, answer the following questions:\n(a) What are the consequences of ‘rote learning’ on the educational development of young students in the country?\n(b) Suggest measures that can be taken to address this issue. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":2962,"topper":"Goldi Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c142a-74012_2220_goldi-gupta_rank-181.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"If a law is unjust, a man is not only right to disobey it, he is obligated to do so. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The ongoing debate on euthanasia poses several ethical questions. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Foreign aid is a form of neo-colonialism, as the economically wealthier countries can exploit the developing countries under the cloak of aid. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Throwing light on the idea of Universal Humanism propounded by Rabindranath Tagore, discuss its contemporary relevance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree with the view that it is nature and not nurture which determines the emotional intelligence of a person? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Values that guide public administrators can often compete with each other, owing to their relative importance to the larger public interest. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Is it justifiable to say that corruption is a social phenomenon? What are the various ways through which administrative corruption can be tackled? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":2963,"topper":"Gore Akash","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bWTOEFJtKt7y7oy4aiIFA5uhp4A81g-P/view","questions":[{"page":17,"question":"Topic: Conformity is the jailer of freedom and the enemy of growth.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2964,"topper":"Gore Akash","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EP4mQRvHVt0zRxe1XvVPEYj5nvL1Kb6a/view","questions":[{"page":17,"question":"I do not wish women to have power over men; but over themselves.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2965,"topper":"Gore Akash","air":500,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1P8RburEgQBBAR0vvdnXu_u_7BAN4xH5S/view","questions":[]},{"id":2966,"topper":"Gore Akash","air":500,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Drishti IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.drishtiias.com/images/pdf/Gore%20Akash_Essay%20Copy%203.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2967,"topper":"Gore Akash","air":500,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Drishti IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.drishtiias.com/images/pdf/Gore%20Akash_Essay%20Copy%202.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2968,"topper":"Gore Akash","air":500,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Drishti IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.drishtiias.com/images/pdf/Gore%20Akash_Essay%20Copy%201.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2969,"topper":"Gore Akash","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1e_pAS2exTU5X3m6rLgdYLTVO-HMmeaKq/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The challenge of a high trade deficit haunts India. Analyze its impact on the Indian economy. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The foundation of Anusandhan National Research Foundation promised an overhaul in the field of research, innovation and entrepreneurship in Indian universities; however, the real picture looks gloomy. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What are the key objectives of the National Green Hydrogen Mission, and how is it expected to impact India's transition to a low-carbon economy? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Coal sector in India has shown great improvements but it is still not free from all problems. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The increase in the incidence of factory accidents raises serious concerns. Explain how issues related to inspection have contributed to the problem and suggest some effective measures to handle the situation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Globalization and emerging technology, are interconnected in a resource-limited world. Elucidate with special reference to India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"India has tremendous potential in becoming a large global exporter in agricultural commodities. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the significance of soil health in the context of sustainable agricultural practices. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"How can a well-defined National Security Strategy (NSS) contribute to addressing contemporary security challenges? Discuss the significance of having a comprehensive National Security Strategy (NSS) for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Examine the challenges of extending digital payment services to underserved populations and propose strategies to enhance financial inclusion through digitization. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The recent episodes of coral bleaching are signs of an alarming situation. Explain the reasons behind the phenomenon of coral bleaching. What are the ways to tackle this problem? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What steps can we take to protect mangrove ecosystems, which are increasingly threatened by climate change. Also mention some initiatives at national and international level to support their conservation? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the significance of the National Technical Textiles Mission in enhancing India's global position in the technical textiles market. What are the key challenges faced by this sector in India? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What are Trans-fats? Discuss the health concerns associated with them and what steps are being taken to limit their consumption? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Elaborate the scope and significance of the food processing industry in India. What are the policy measures taken by the government of India to meet the challenges of the food processing sector. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Examine the reasons behind the rising occurrence of landslides in the Himalayan region and their potential impacts. Suggest suitable mitigation strategies that could be adopted to tackle this escalating issue. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Vulnerability to cross border infiltration can be termed as the primary reason behind frequent insurgencies in North-eastern region of India. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"In what ways does the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) shape the creation of global standards for combating money laundering and terrorist financing? Suggest measures to strengthen its functioning. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2970,"topper":"Gore Akash","air":500,"year":2024,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Drishti IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.drishtiias.com/images/pdf/Gore%20Akash_GS%203.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2971,"topper":"Gore Akash","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OOiZLn1ZkWCq6K2jpudDEb7UCGUr946f/view","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Explain the difference between probity and integrity, using relevant examples. Suggest measures to ensure probity in governance. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The means used shape the outcome, so the ends cannot justify the means. Discuss with examples. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Examine the ethical considerations of withholding information in public administration. Also explain how transparency in government institutions can enhance accountability. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"\"In just about every area of society, there's nothing more important than ethics\"- Henry Paulson (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":2972,"topper":"Gore Akash","air":500,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Drishti IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.drishtiias.com/images/pdf/Gore%20Akash_GS%204.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2973,"topper":"Gourab Kumar Agarwal","air":86,"year":2021,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1bdxvN1QV7SIvaOm9FEbE5stmtDaygJOh","questions":[]},{"id":2974,"topper":"Gourab Kumar Agarwal","air":86,"year":2021,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Gymw7Miy1rISnPHfIbBOXyeX-HNm6VCt","questions":[]},{"id":2975,"topper":"Gourav Uppal","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/GOURAV-UPPAL-UPSC-2023-Rank-174-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Before the borders are broken the minds are invaded.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Talent and passion are only useful tools if one has the work ethic to back them up.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The opportunity of interfaith dialogue: modern solution for globalised world.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The only impossible journey is the one you never begin.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Science applied is the engine of humanity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Eyes cannot see what the mind does not know.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Doubt is the origin of wisdom.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"The relation between environment, resources and conflict is same as the connection between Democracy, human rights and peace.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2976,"topper":"Gourav Uppal","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/GOURAV-UPPAL-UPSC-2023-Rank-174-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Foreign trade is an important milestone on the path of becoming a 5 trillion USD economy. In this context, analyse the potential of the recently released Foreign Trade Policy, 2023 in revamping India's participation in global trade. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Social protection schemes are an integral aspect of a welfare economy; however, the principles of fiscal prudence cannot be ignored. Discuss, with special reference to Old Pension Scheme (OPS). (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand from Agristack? To what extent can it become a panacea for the problems plaguing the farm sector. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The objective of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to provide a long term and equitable solution to the dilemma between free trade and food security has remained unfulfilled. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Even after five decades of the Stockholm conference, narrowing the gaps between the targets and actions remains one of the biggest challenges towards reversing climate change. Discuss. Also, recommend measures for building a coherent actionable strategy to tackle climate change. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What are the impediments in management of E-waste in the country? In what ways can the trinity of citizens, businesses, and the government tackle this menace? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How does nuclear fusion differ from nuclear fission? Assess the relevance of nuclear energy in resolving the global energy security dilemma? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are run of the river hydroelectric projects? How far can run of the river hydroelectric projects balance ecological conservation with socio-economic development? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"A robust border infrastructure is the surest way to counter multifarious threats emanating from inimical actors. Discuss, in light of Vibrant Village Programme. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"How far can a clearly articulated National Security Strategy help in tackling challenges to national security? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What are the factors that influence the inflation trends in the country? Highlighting the impacts, discuss the institutional measures in place to check inflation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Though a cornerstone of Atmanirbhar Bharat, Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme is not without its own challenges. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"How is internationalisation of rupee different from De-Dollarisation? Highlighting the ben-efits of internationalisation of rupee, discuss the challenges associated with the same. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What are Primary Agricultural Credit Societies? Can the cooperative push alone help in achieving the twin targets of boosting rural economy and mainstreaming small and marginal farmers? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Farm policies in the country have inadvertently led to undesirable consequences. Do you agree? Giving emphasis on PM PRANAM, discuss ways to enhance soil health and farm productivity. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What do you understand by heat waves? Highlight the reasons and impact of the rising frequency of heat waves across India. Also, recommend some measures to mitigate its impact. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"How is Chandrayaan-3 different from its predecessor, Chandrayaan-2? To what extent can India's presence in Artemis Accords help in furthering the exploration of lunar surface? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Research and Development is the key to unlock the potential of 'knowledge economy.' In this perspective, analyse the role of the National Research Foundation Bill, 2023 in democratizing the research ecosystem in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'Hybrid warfare.' Highlighting its implications for India, recommend measures to develop a comprehensive ecosystem to counter the same. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How are internal security challenges related to peace in neighboring countries? Explain with special reference to instability on India's eastern frontier. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2977,"topper":"Gourav Uppal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/48fc9-1019222_2422_gourav_uppal_rank_174.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The traditional theatre forms of India reflect the ideals and emotions of the society, and an individual's role in the community. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Provide an account of the historical and architectural importance of the Sanchi Stupa. Also, discuss how it inspired the future architecture in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Bhagat Singh made a real breakthrough in terms of revolutionary ideology, the goals of revolution and forms of revolutionary struggle. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Bringing out the factors that led to the Meiji restoration, discuss its significance for Japan. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"It is believed that a nation is an \"imagined community\" held together by common beliefs, history, political aspirations etc. In this context, discuss what the basis of India as a nation is. Also, bring out the threats to the concept of Indian nationhood. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"State the key factors behind the growth of the pharmaceutical industry in India. Additionally, discuss its significance with regard to India's economy and public health.(Answer in 150words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss why the Bay of Bengal is more prone to cyclones than the Arabian Sea. Also, explain the reasons for the decrease in frequency of tropical cyclones during the Southwest monsoon season. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The existence of relative deprivation is an important aspect in constructing the argument for regionalism. Explain with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Bring out the role played by the Ahom Kingdom in shaping the cultural and historical identity of North-East India, and discuss its legacy in contemporary times. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The capitalist class generally remained ambivalent in their support to the Indian National Congress until 1940s. In this context, analyse the varying positions of the Indian capitalists throughout the national movement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Trace the evolution of the press in India. Also, discuss the instrumental impact it had during various stages of the Indian freedom struggle despite the repressive policies of the British. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Mountains are fragile ecosystems vulnerable to the adverse impact of climate change and other anthropogenic interventions. Illustrate with examples. Also, highlight the initiatives taken for their sustainable management. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind unsustainable management of sand resources in India. Highlighting its impact, enumerate the remedial measures taken in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Giving an account of the major lithium-producing countries, discuss the geo-political aspects of lithium production and its environmental implications. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The youth are capable of identifying themselves with a global identity and connecting with events and experiences outside their countries. In this context, discuss the impact of globalization on the various aspects of youth identity. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"As fertility rates decline in India, future demographic concerns center around an ageing population and a weak social security system. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"With a significant proportion of India's population expected to live in urban areas by 2030, the welfare of the urban poor needs to take centre-stage in public policy. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2978,"topper":"Gourav Uppal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/507a8-1019222_2423_gourav_uppal_rank_174.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With suitable examples, discuss how environmental pressure groups enhance public participation and responsiveness with regard to environmental policies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The recent acknowledgment of sex work as a 'profession' by the Supreme Court is merely the first step in ensuring basic rights and equality for sex workers in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the role played by District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) in providing free legal aid and disseminating legal awareness in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"The collegium system has become a victim of its own success, with the concentration of power in the hands of a few, leading to questions about its legitimacy.\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":2979,"topper":"Gourav Uppal","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/GOURAV-UPPAL-UPSC-2023-Rank-174-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Investment in infrastructure is a precursor to social and economic transformation; however, the focus on economic gains must not marginalise the concerns for safety. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What do you understand from Green growth? With special reference to the budget 2023-2024, discuss various government measures to propel green growth in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Project cheetah marks a departure from India's efforts for conservation of various critically-endangered species. In this perspective, do you think the reintroduction of major fauna that has gone extinct is justified? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"In what ways can precision agriculture become a panacea for multipronged challenges plaguing the agriculture sector? Discuss. Also, analyse various impediments in widespread adoption of precision farming in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are the reasons for increasing emphasis on the horticulture sector in recent years? Evaluate government measures for the development of the horticulture sector. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Unplanned urbanization has made Indian cities vulnerable to fire safety hazards. Discuss and recommend measures for mitigating urban fires, with special reference to national building code, 2016. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"DPI (Digital Public Infrastructure) is indispensable for digitally enabling citizens and businesses; however, the challenges of exclusion, exploitation, and monopolisation cannot be ignored. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Assess the relevance of the NISAR mission in observing and managing climate change and natural hazards. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Defense indigenization remains the Achilles heel of India's security architecture. Examine the importance of startups in defense sector to make India secure and self-reliant. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Edge in modern warfare lies not so much in the capacity to overwhelm the adversary as much in the ability to nip the threat in the bud. In this context, discuss the role of intelligence in maintaining national security, and also cite challenges associated. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Labour and export intensive industries are key to problems of jobless growth. In this perspective, analyse the opportunities and challenges associated with the textile sector. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"In an era of interconnected challenges, the emerging global polycrisis poses significant implications for India's macroeconomic stability. Examine and suggest measures to make the Indian economy more resilient to global shocks and challenges. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Do you think the low Female Labor Force Participation Rate presents a correct picture about the 'working women' in India's economy? Give reasons in support of your answer. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Across sectors and regions, the most marginalised sections are also the most affected by the impacts of climate change. Explain. Also, present a case for a climate resilient model of development that integrates mitigation and adaptation measures. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite the potential to check the triple whammy of nutritional deficiency, environmental degradation, and receding farm incomes, the adoption of Millets has been abysmally low. Analyse. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"A link between unorganized farming community and formal industrial sector, Food Pro-cessing Industries (FPI) can play a key role in advancing the rural economy. Evaluate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What do you understand by generative Artificial Intelligence (AI)? How can policymakers and regulatory bodies effectively address the concerns and challenges posed by generative AI? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Though ethnic fault lines are a major threat, security challenges in the North-East are not confined to the same. Discuss the statement with special reference to Manipur. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Critically examine the role of development initiatives in addressing the root causes of militancy / terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":2980,"topper":"Gourav Uppal","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/GOURAV-UPPAL-UPSC-2023-Rank-174-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The influence of ethical principles on shaping socially responsible behavior is widely acknowledged. How do ethical values facilitate individuals in cultivating a proactive and constructive attitude towards fulfilling their social responsibilities? Can the subjective nature of ethical principles lead to divergent attitudes regarding social responsibility? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Through their actions, interactions, and teachings, schools have the power to mold the moral compass of the next generation. In this perspective, discuss the significance of value-based education in preparing the youth to address the contemporary challenges of society. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'situation ethics'? Critically analyze its strengths and weaknesses in making moral judgements. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Maintaining traditional bonds and familial relationships in an increasingly globalized world requires personal relationships to be governed by ethical principles. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Why should a man be moral? Because it strengthens his will.\" - Swami Vivekanand. In this perspective, discuss the significance of morality for bringing efficiency and effectiveness in public administration. Do you think moral rigidity can be a hindrance in good governance? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Civil servants who embody emotional intelligence exhibit a profound understanding of the human aspect of governance, enabling them to cultivate meaningful relationships, foster cooperation, and drive positive change. Examine ways in which Emotional Intelligence can be inculcated in civil servants. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The challenges posed by the corporate sector's impact on climate, environmental sustainability, and living conditions has highlighted the need for responsible and inclusive business practices. In this direction, the contemporary discourse on corporate governance is emphasizing the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. Evaluate the ESG framework in equipping the corporate world with the capabilities to fulfill its social roles and responsibilities. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Uniform Civil Code (UCC) aims to create a common set of laws governing personal matters, such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption, irrespective of individuals' religious affiliations. In the context of the ongoing discourse on UCC in India, examine the challenges that arise when attempting to reconcile legal principles with diverse moral considerations. To what extent should the law be influenced by moral/religious principles? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What does each of the following quotation mean to you? a) \"When I do good, I feel good; when I do bad, I feel bad, and that is my religion\" - Abraham Lincoln. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time.\" – Ruth Bader Ginsburg. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"\"Happiness is that state of consciousness which proceeds from the achievement of one's values\" - Ayn Rand. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Discuss the role of various stakeholders in checking such biases and building an egalitarian order. b) Why do such discriminatory practices continue in the society? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":2981,"topper":"Gourav Uppal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2649e-1019222_2425_gourav_uppal_rank_174.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"For effective corporate governance to take place in the coming years, why is it important to integrate the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics with the multi-stakeholder approach? What benefits can be accrued by such integration? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In acts of corruption, the focus is often only on the demand side of the equation, on public officials who abuse their office for private gain. Frequently, the supply side is given less attention. Those who pay bribes are sometimes depicted as innocent parties and victims of extortionary practices of wily public servants. Do you agree that 'collusive corruption', in which there is a willing bribe-giver, is a formidable challenge for institutions fighting corruption? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Citizens' Charters initiative was a response to the quest for solving the problems, which a citizen encountered, day in and day out, while dealing with the organisations providing public services. But the introduction and implementation of Citizens' Charters in the government of India has been difficult due to the old bureaucratic set up and the rigid attitudes of the work force. Discuss the major obstacles that have been encountered in implementing the Citizens' Charter initiative. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Quality of public service delivery is a major determinant of the quality of life of vulnerable sections in a highly unequal society divided along the lines of class, caste, religion, etc. In this background, do you think that public service delivery is efficient and sufficient enough to improve the lives of vulnerable groups in India? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? \"The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own.\" - Lao Tzu (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"If ethics are poor at the top, that behavior is copied down through the organization.\" - Robert Noyce (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"The end of law is not to abolish or restrain, but to preserve and enlarge freedom.\" - John Locke (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Wealthy CEOs and founders of successful businesses around the world are increasingly pledging to give away their wealth in philanthropy. Do you think that such a move is sufficient enough to bring about a positive change in the society? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"As organizations across the globe begin their artificial intelligence (AI) transformation, the leap into the AI era is expected to be more challenging than any technology that businesses have grappled with yet. In this background, discuss the concerns around fairness, transparency, and job security that may arise. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The emphasis of Swami Dayanand Saraswati on education, social equality, and ethical values continues to influence the socio-cultural discourse in contemporary India. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Emotional intelligence may not be singularly associated with emotions or intelligence. It can also include a broad range of personality characteristics that might predict success in professional and everyday life. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Traditional forms of state-led accountability, also characterised as vertical and horizontal channels of accountability, are increasingly found to be inadequate, and a myriad of multi-stakeholder and bottom-up citizen directed approaches have come to the fore, to supplement or supplant them. Discuss with illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"In a metropolitan city of India, the law enforcement authorities decided to adopt facial recognition technology to improve their crime-fighting capabilities. They implemented a facial recognition system that integrated with existing surveillance cameras across the city, allowing real-time identification and tracking of individuals. The system was intended to assist in identifying known criminals, missing persons, and suspects in ongoing investigations. One evening, a woman reported a mugging incident where the perpetrator wore a hoodie, obscuring most of his face. The victim provided a vague description to the police, and based on that information, the authorities decided to use facial recognition technology to locate potential suspects. The system scanned through hours of surveillance footage from various locations near the crime scene. The facial recognition algorithm generated a list of potential matches, and one individual's image stood out as a close match to the description provided by the victim. The police considered this individual a prime suspect and proceeded with his arrest. Subsequently, it was discovered that the arrested person was innocent. Further investigation revealed that the facial recognition system had misidentified the innocent individual due to the limitations of the technology and the partial description provided by the victim. The police released the arrested individual; still his reputation got tarnished for life. He, along with his family, was evicted from their current place of residence. The psychological impact of the incident has been tremendous owing to which his job is also on the line. With reference to this case study, answer the following: (a) What are the issues involved in this case? (b) What measures can be taken to minimize the negative implications of adopting such technologies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"With reference to this case study, answer the following: (a) What are the issues involved in this case? (b) What measures can be taken to minimize the negative implications of adopting such technologies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Rina and her friends from the college were working as interns with a company for the last few months. On completion of their internship, some of them, including Rina, have been offered full-time jobs in the company. Being a reputed company, she and her friends accepted the offer. Rina is enthusiastic about her new job and has even established good relationship with some of her company co-workers during her internship. However, during her tenure as an intern, Rina had begun to notice that one of the Vice-Presidents (VPs) of the company was giving her too much attention. He used to make an extra effort to stop by Rina's cubicle and chat, something he was not doing with any of the other interns. He had even tried to connect with Rina over social networking sites. Some of her co-interns also noticed this and began to make offhand comments to Rina about the extra attention being given by the VP. Now that she was has been hired for a full time position, she is fearful that she might have to work with this VP directly. While he has not done or said anything explicitly inappropriate, the extra attention and the fact that her co-workers noticed it, made her very uncomfortable and undermined her concentration at work. The company encourages an open and friendly atmosphere and when she was hired, it was communicated to her that she should always speak to her Manager whenever faced with any uncomfortable work related issues. However, she is concerned to speak about it officially, as the VP has not explicitly done anything wrong. In the given situation: (a) What dilemmas does Rina face? (b) What options does she have? Provide the merits and demerits of each. (c) Highlight the course of action she should adopt, along with justification for the same. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"You have recently been posted as a Nodal Education Officer in one of the districts, where mass cheating in examinations is a regular phenomenon. Media reports have shown parents and relatives scaling school walls and buildings to pass answer chits to students taking secondary school examinations in the district. Moreover, with the advent of new technological devices, cheating in examinations has become more sophisticated and exam rules are flouted openly. On investigation, it has come to your notice that these rackets are run by many school authorities, including exam invigilators who are mostly teachers, and they are hand in glove for profits. With a shortage of staff, invigilators threaten go on mass strikes if any action is taken. Conducting the exams, cancelling them on account of cheating and having re-exams are a loss of time and money for the government and this vicious cycle goes on. As the Nodal Education Officer of the district, address the following questions: (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (b) How will you resolve the issues in the given case? (c) What long-term strategy needs to be adopted to deal with the menace of cheating in various examinations? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Many proponents of deep-sea drilling argue that tapping into the vast amount of rare earth elements in the Indian Ocean will help shore up national security interests for India, bolster its economy and workforce, and offer a reliable supply of strategic minerals. Keeping this in mind, the government has approved a $540-million programme to study ways of mining nickel, cobalt, manganese and iron hydroxide from the bed of the Indian Ocean 6,000 meters below sea level. The government argues that the project can power India's growth for 100 years. It will also study climate change, explore marine flora and fauna and harness thermal energy. However, a competing point of view alleges that deep ocean drilling poses immense risk to the environment. A comprehensive report on Sustainable Ocean Economy by independent geologists states that \"until the need for, and potential consequences of, deep-sea mining are better understood, the concept is conceptually difficult to align with the definition of a sustainable ocean economy and raises various environmental, legal and governance challenges, as well as possible conflicts with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.\" It also highlights that the profitability of national mining operations, without governmental support or comparably low taxes, remains questionable. If the operations are profitable, it will also raise questions about the equitable sharing of profits derived from a resource taken out of Additionally, companies like BMW, Volvo, Google and Korean battery maker Samsung SDI, vowed in a statement to not buy metals produced from deep-sea mining until the environmental risks of the activity are \"comprehensively understood.\" In the context of the above-stated information, address the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the given case study? (b) How can the vision of economic development of a nation be achieved without adversely affecting the sustainability of oceans? (Answer in 250 words) Additionally, companies like BMW, Volvo, Google and Korean battery maker Samsung SDI, vowed in a statement to not buy metals produced from deep-sea mining until the environmental risks of the activity are \"comprehensively understood.\" In the context of the above-stated information, address the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the given case study? (b) How can the vision of economic development of a nation be achieved without adversely affecting the sustainability of oceans? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"You are a public representative, elected on the ticket of a political party, considered as conservative by many. Your daughter, who has returned years after studying abroad, has conveyed to you her choice of marrying a person from another community. You personally do not consider anything wrong in her choice, and convey your assent to her. You also discuss it with many among your friends and family, and inform them of a grand wedding ceremony you are planning for your daughter. However, a few days after you have shared the news of the forthcoming grand wedding with many, you are informed by your political secretary about an issue being made of the same. He informs you that there are whispers among many people in your constituency about it, and indications of a sense of unease among some prominent citizens. While most of them are enamoured by your plans for a grand wedding ceremony for your daughter, they are unhappy about the bridegroom being from another community. You also get to know through your sources in the party, that your assent to the choice of the bridegroom may lead to a denial of ticket by the high command in the forthcoming elections. You are not only an ambitious politician and a rising star in your political party but also an open-minded, loving and doting father. But howsoever much you love your daughter's freedom and choices, you do not want her decision to adversely affect your political journey. This is more so, when you had been eagerly looking forward to greater responsibilities and a higher stature in the party, given the years of hardwork you have put in, as a politician. Your daughter, on the other hand, is firm with her that her wedding will not be held as a private ceremony with only close friends and family, but should be publicised in a grand way, as you had promised earlier to her. Given this situation, answer the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the above situation? (b) What are the various options that you have, as a father and an ambitious politician? (c) What will be your course of action? Justify with proper reasoning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2982,"topper":"Gourav Uppal","air":174,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vUvnJ2av0oGZIGFaFc7ayeE9AXL-Q2bw/view","questions":[]},{"id":2983,"topper":"Gowtham Potru","air":30,"year":2014,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"IMS4Maths","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://ims4maths.com/coaching/files/Gowtham-Potru-Test-5.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2984,"topper":"Gowtham Potru","air":30,"year":2014,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"IMS4Maths","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://ims4maths.com/coaching/files/IMS-Test-8-Topmarks-Copy-of-Gowtham-Potru.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2985,"topper":"GSS Praveenchand","air":64,"year":2018,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c69d9-30566_1074_g_surya_sai_praveenchand_rank_64.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2986,"topper":"GSS Praveenchand","air":64,"year":2018,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/988d3-30566_768_g_surya_sai_praveenchand_rank_64.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":2987,"topper":"GSS Praveenchand","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e07c3-30566_1072_g_surya_sai_praveenchand_rank_64.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain why it is important to urgently address the problem of poor land records and infirmity of land titles in India. Also discuss how this problem can be addressed. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What are the special features of the infrastructure sector that make its financing a challenge? What measures have been taken to facilitate adequate amount of finance to this sector? (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":2988,"topper":"GSS Praveenchand","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/bc5b8-30566_1071_g_surya_sai_praveenchand_rank_64.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"It has been argued that over the years there has been a steady decline in the efficacy of Parliament as an institution of accountability. Analyse and also suggest appropriate measures to address the relevant concerns. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Panchayati raj institutions (PRIs) are simultaneously a remarkable success and a staggering failure, depending on the goalposts against which they are evaluated. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":2989,"topper":"GSS Praveenchand","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5ab1a-30566_1153_g_surya_sai_praveenchand_rank_64.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the issues faced in BOT and EPC models of infrastructure investment, explain how HAM can address these. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The investment rate in India has gradually declined after a historic high in the mid 2000s. Examine the reasons behind this trend. Discuss the steps required to revive investment for a sustained growth. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":2990,"topper":"GSS Praveenchand","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/f3b89-30566_1151_g_surya_sai_praveenchand_rank_64.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Shrenis were very sound and stable institutions, and enjoyed considerable moral and social prestige not only among their own members, but in society at large. In light of the statement, explain the significant aspects of Shrenis or Guilds in ancient India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Marathas failed to fill the political vacuum created by the decline of the Mughal Empire because of a number of reasons. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The East India Company as a political power had long been dead, what the Act of 1858 did was to give its corpse a decent burial. Analyze.(150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Spanish Civil War though fought locally, had far reaching and widespread significance. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss how the culture of consumption has played a crucial role in the process of globalisation especially in shaping the growth of cities in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Although it was outlawed 25 years ago, manual scavenging continues to be prevalent in India. Analysing the reasons behind this problem, discuss what can be done to address it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Explain the concept of soil liquefaction. Illustrate how it manifests during seismic events. What preventive steps can be taken to minimise its impact? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Identify the factors that determine density of ocean waters. Discuss the latitudinal distribution of density and explain the seasonal changes that occur, if any. Also, illustrate its relationship with ocean currents. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":2991,"topper":"GSS Praveenchand","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6e981-30566_1069_g_surya_sai_praveenchand_rank_64.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Growing awareness about terminal as well as mental illness has given credence to the idea of \"living wills\". What is a living will? Discuss the ethical issues to be considered from an individual as well as social perspective to formulate and implement it. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"In order to improve the bureaucratic work culture and productivity, there is a need to downsize government and privatize some of the services. Critically discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":2992,"topper":"GSS Praveenchand","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/29067-30566_1073_g_surya_sai_praveenchand_rank_64.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the ethical issues involved in the recent refugee crisis and immigration as a global phenomenon from a broad perspective of globalisation and rights of citizens and aliens.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Corruption distorts not only functioning of the Government in India but business and corporate activities as well. Explain and discuss how the state can effectively deal with deficit of ethics in the private sector.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2993,"topper":"GSS Praveenchand","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/bbee4-30566_1154_g_surya_sai_praveenchand_rank_64.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the significance of the following in the context of civil service: 10 (i) Public trust (ii) Objectivity (iii) Strength of character (iv) Empathy (v) Selflessness","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Do you think nation states owe a responsibility towards asylum seekers? What are the considerations that should, in your opinion, go into the making of a refugee policy? Provide arguments with contemporary examples.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":2994,"topper":"Gundala R. Raghavendra","air":180,"year":2018,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/12bA_8ScmN5E9EBLTy2H4uLuR1yanP5ju","questions":[]},{"id":2995,"topper":"Gundala R. Raghavendra","air":180,"year":2018,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-lgBfeUqytLrOixe2Bp1MtWiO-pCUbck","questions":[]},{"id":2996,"topper":"Gunjan Dwivedi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/72867-323294_1109_gunjan_dwivedi_rank_9.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The most powerful trend of medieval Indian literature between 1000 and 1800 A.D. is devotional (bhakti) poetry, which dominates almost all the major languages of the country. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"A real breakthrough was made by Bhagat Singh and his colleagues in terms of ideology, goals and the forms of revolutionary struggle. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Series of civil rebellions run like a thread through the first 100 years of British rule. In this context, explain the underlying factors and consequences of Paika Rebellion of 1817. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Railway system was built not for the modernization of India, but to serve the imperial, colonial and strategic objectives of the British. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"\"Historical events are to be evaluated in terms of their consequences\". In this context, critically assess the legacy of the October 1917 revolution in Russia. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The beginning of modern China can be traced back to its humiliation at the hands of the western colonial powers. Examine the significance of the Opium Wars in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The imposition of national emergency in 1975 was perhaps the gravest test India's democracy faced. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The mixing of caste and politics resulting into 'politicization of caste' and 'casteization of politics' in contemporary India has become a grave challenge to our democracy. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"There is an emerging pattern of a predominantly youthful north and a maturing south and west. Analyze the possible implications of such a demographic divergence on policy-making in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The surge in urban crimes is a grim reminder of the unplanned & rapid nature of urbanization in India. Discuss. Also, list measures that can be taken to tackle the issue of urban crimes in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Nearly all the artistic remains in ancient India are of religious nature, or were at least made for religious purpose. Critically evaluate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Indian nationalism arose when the contradiction between the aims and objectives of the British rule and the interests of Indians became clear and obvious. In this context, elaborate on the role played by the intelligentsia in the growth of nationalism. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Trace the evolution of British policy towards the Princely states. In what ways did the national movement in princely states differ from the rest of British India? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Events in West Asia and Afghanistan in the year 1979 had a deep impact on the politics of the region with long lasting significance. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Even though the South Americans welcomed the formulation of Monroe doctrine, it's later interpretation became a pretext for United States' intervention. Elaborate with examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The isolation of the region, its complex social character and its backwardness have all resulted in a complicated set of demands from different states of the North-East since independence. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The demand by nativist political parties and movements that employment preferences be given to \"local\" people has raised certain issues. Examine the statement in the context of 'son of soil theory' in India. (Also discuss, why such demands develop in some states and cities and not in others) (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Globalization is a double-edged sword, which on one hand ensures economic growth but on the other hand, assaults national sovereignty, erodes local culture and threatens economic and social stability. Critically examine the statement in context of Indian society. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The focus on risk factors that appear at a young age and timely interventions is the key to preventing child delinquency and its escalation into chronic criminality. (Analyse the statement with respect to growing incidences of child delinquency in context of India.) (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Is the Indian notion of secularism, based on uniform respect for all religions by the state and separation of religion from public institutional practices, adequate to ensure a secular state? Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2997,"topper":"Gunjan Dwivedi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ae158-323294_1049_gunjan_dwivedi_rank_9.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Concerns regarding the wide formulation and indiscreet application of discretionary powers of the Governor need closer attention. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Explain the concept of subordinate legislation in India. Also discuss the mechanisms for their scrutiny and control. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The crucial position accorded to the Speaker in Indian legislatures, makes it imperative to protect them from undue political pressures and incentives. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Departmentally-Related Standing Committees have been referred to as mini-parliaments in India. Highlight their relevance in a democratic polity and discuss, with examples, how they improve the overall effectiveness of the Parliament. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Enumerate the issues associated with functioning of tribunals in India. How can these be addressed? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Examine the significance of Gram Sabhas, as mentioned in Article 243A of the Indian constitution, in the development process with special reference to Fifth Schedule areas. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The Rajya Sabha is merely a secondary house rather than a second house in the Indian Parliamentary system. Critically analyze the statement. Also, compare and contrast the position of the Rajya Sabha vis-a-vis the State legislative councils. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"A major shift is needed in the institutional framework of the Central Water Commission (CWC) and the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) to make water management more holistic and multidisciplinary. Discuss in the context of Mihir Shah Committee recommendations. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"On what grounds can a person be denied the right to contest elections to the Parliament in India? Will a life-time ban on those convicted of heinous crimes address the problem of criminalisation of politics? Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Directive Principles can be considered as even more important than the Fundamental Rights because they provide a positive thrust towards welfare. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"In light of demands for replacement of the FPTP (First Past the Post) system with other alternatives, compare the merits and enumerate the challenges associated with replacing the current system. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Despite long term recognition of the problem of pendency of cases in the courts, limited progress has been made in reducing their number. What are the possible reasons for such a scenario? Suggest a framework of measures that can be taken to address this issue. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite the phrase 'due process of law' not being included in Article 21, the Supreme Court, over the years, has adopted the doctrines of 'procedural due process' and 'substantive due process' into Indian constitutional law. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Can we say that cooperative federalism in India has strengthened in the post-liberalisation era? Give reasons in support of your answer. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Faulty regulatory policies can have a severe adverse effect on the efficient interplay of market forces and end up harming public interest. Examine in the context of systemic issues pertaining to regulatory environment in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Mention the constitutional provisions to safeguard and ensure the independent and impartial functioning of the UPSC. Further, assess the limitations of UPSC in effectively performing its role as the 'watchdog of merit system' in India as envisioned by the Constitution. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What are the key issues in the context of electoral funding in India? How far do you think the idea of state funding of elections can address these issues? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Separation of powers in case of India has acquired its own uniqueness under the constitutional arrangement. Explain. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Highlight the extent of President's powers under Article 352. Comment on the judicial scrutiny of proclamation and the exercise of executive powers under National Emergency. How is this power different from the one bestowed under Article 356? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Fiscal transfers from the Centre to States are critical in India. In this context, explain the rationale of both general and specific purpose fiscal transfers. Also highlight the problems witnessed in the design and implementation of specific purpose transfers. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2998,"topper":"Gunjan Dwivedi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/af94f-323294_1066_gunjan_dwivedi_rank_9.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The cave architecture in India not only enlighten us with information of tradition and customs of ancient times but also illustrate considerable accomplishment with regard to structural engineering and artistry. Discuss. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"While the Battle of Plassey laid the foundation of British Empire in India, it was the Battle of Buxar that proved to be the turning point of British fortunes in India. Discuss. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Among many novel methods and themes, the Swadeshi Movement laid great emphasis not only on boycott but also on self-reliance. Discuss. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The idea of linguistic states predated independence, however it took some time even after independence for this idea to be implemented. Discuss. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Dr. B. R. Ambedkar understood that persistent inequalities pose fundamental challenges to the economic and social well-being of the nation and people. In this context, discuss the key contributions of Dr. Ambedkar in the history of modern India. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"It has been pointed out that in recent times, while the proportional share of nuclear households has dipped in urban areas it has risen in rural areas. Analyse the reasons behind this trend. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Separation, and not divorce, is the dominant form of marriage dissolution for most women in India. What could be the possible reasons behind this? Also, discuss why there are striking differences in divorce rates between the different regions in India. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Elaborate on the factors responsible for the evolution of the current drainage system in Indian sub-continent, with special emphasis on the characteristic features of Himalayan and Peninsular rivers. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Enumerate the features of Plantation Agriculture and the problems faced by them. Given the fact that area under cultivation of palm oil has been increasing, discuss the benefits and challenges associated with it. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Bring out the distinctive features of Gandhara, Mathura and Amravati schools of art that flourished towards the first century CE. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The British in India wanted not only territorial conquest and control over revenues; they also felt that they had a cultural mission: to 'civilise the natives', change their customs and values. Critically discuss. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi being close associates, there were significant differences between the two regarding the role of state and the control that it exercised. Comment. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Enumerating the reasons behind Sino-Soviet split in the second half of the 20th century, analyse its impact on the Cold War. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"History has disproved the prediction that democracy would not succeed in India. In this context, critically assess the achievements and challenges of democracy in India since Independence. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Enumerate the key issues faced by working women in contemporary Indian society and the steps taken by the government to address them. Also, critically examine the key features of Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act 2017. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Despite tropical areas being the major emitters of CFCs, the phenomenon of ozone hole formation is largely confined to polar areas and that too over the Antarctic and in early spring. Elaborate. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":2999,"topper":"Gunjan Dwivedi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JsxOFPwTYxPm1EP6AduFxeJjzw6WGqMz/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) Explain the significance of the following in the context of civil service:\n(i) Public trust\n(ii) Objectivity\n(iii) Strength of character\n(iv) Empathy\n(v) Selflessness","marks":"10","words":"not more than 150 words each"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) Do you think nation states owe a responsibility towards asylum seekers? What are the considerations that should, in your opinion, go into the making of a refugee policy? Provide arguments with contemporary examples.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) Why do civil servants have a special obligation to uphold ethical standards? What are the main areas of concerns for implementation of an effective ethical standard in civil services? In this context, suggest measures to remedy these concerns.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) While families are the first socializing agents, which inculcate moral values in a child, the role played by schools in this regard is also indispensable. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":11,"question":"3. (a) What is the significance of morality in day-to-day life? Give an example from your own life where you chose moral action and elaborate the reasons for your choice of that action.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":12,"question":"What I should have been doing :-","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) Analyse the ethical dimensions of using nuclear deterrence as a self defense strategy.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":15,"question":"4. (a) We make a living by what we do, but we make a life by what we give. 10\n(i) Highlight the importance of value of altruism for a society.\n(ii) Discuss the role of education in imparting such values.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":17,"question":"4. (b) Giving examples, examine the relationship between personal and professional ethics of civil servants","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":19,"question":"5 Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context\n(a) If people scrutinize their own faults as they do the faults of others, mankind will be freed of all evil","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":21,"question":"5. (b) Courage is the first of human qualities, because it guarantees the others","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"6. How do law and conscience act as source of ethical guidance? Explain with examples","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":25,"question":"7 Differentiate between the following using examples:\n(i) Wants and Needs\n(ii) Ethics and Etiquette","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":27,"question":"8. Good corporate governance is not an end in itself. It is a means to support economic efficiency, sustainable growth and financial stability. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":28,"question":"9. A hilly state witnessed torrential rains leading to loss of life and property. Apart from the local inhabitants there were tourists stranded in large numbers. With the supply chains broken and increased demand, it was observed that local shopkeepers started selling essential goods at very high prices. With a very restricted possibility of being evacuated in the coming few days, the stranded people feel helpless. A crumbled governance infrastructure in remote areas has multiplied the extent of their agony. Given this situation, answer the following questions.\n(a) Identify the various stakeholders in the case and give a reasoned account of their interests (Given the administrative, market and ethical perspective of viewing the situation, do you think there is a conflict in the priorities of these stakeholders?)\n(b) Suggest ways to harmonize competing interests in order to resolve the issues, provide relief and prevent escalation of conflict","marks":"20","words":"around 250"},{"page":35,"question":"10 The steady decline in sex ratio suggests that marked improvement in the economy and literacy rates do not seem to have had any impact on this index. In fact, the availability of new technology and its easy access for the urban, wealthy and educated have worsened the trend and harmed the status of women in Indian society.\n(a) Explain why the phenomenon should not be simply viewed as a medical or legal issue and more attention should be given to the ethical issues involved.\n(b) Give some suggestions to tackle the problem of declining sex ratio.\n(c) Discuss the ethical dilemma involved in Right to abortion vs. Prevention of female foeticide. How can this be resolved?","marks":null,"words":"20"},{"page":40,"question":"11. You are the officer-in-charge responsible for monitoring allotment of foodgrains under the Public Distribution System to BPL families in a given district. A group of BPL families in the district claim that they have been denied ration from fair price shops due to non-linking of Aadhar card with their BPL cards. They remark that the government and officers concerned are not empathising with their situation and stage a silent protest. Further, the incident is also being linked to similar instances in other areas of the country where people were denied access to PDS benefits due to similar reasons. The government receives a lot of criticism for this incident on social media networks. You are now in a conundrum, as you are aware that the BPL families need to get foodgrains on time. However, as a government officer, you also need to follow the prescribed rules. Media scrutiny has further aggravated the situation and you realize you need to tread carefully. Based on the information above, answer the following:\n(a) List the issues in the given situation that the parties involved are facing.\n(b) What step(s) will you take in the situation to ensure that the demands of the aggrieved persons are met without violating the rules?\n(c) In this context, briefly discuss how the poor in the country currently face digital exclusion and its consequence(s).","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":44,"question":"12. You are working as a senior doctor in the oncology department of a super specialty hospital located in Delhi. While accessing the quotations from reputed pharmaceutical companies to hospitals, you unearth a nexus between pharma firms and the hospital administration. You get to know that they are hand-in glove with each other and trying to fleece cancer patients by selling drugs at exorbitant prices, even though low cost alternative drugs are available in the market. Being the head of Alliance of Doctors for Ethical Healthcare, who is working against the arbitrary price regime of life saving drugs, you get a chance to represent your case before the Health Minister of your state. However, certain other doctors of the Alliance have asked you to present a distorted reality in front of the Minister since they are obtaining pecuniary benefits from such a scheme of nexus, which would cease if the nexus gets exposed.\n(a) Identify the main stakeholders and ethical issues involved.\n(b) Analyse the possible solutions for addressing the issues.\n(c) What would be your final course of action and why?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Is it right to promote material gains over healthcare and medical ethics?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"13. You are working as a Manager who handles critical projects in a private firm. You have recently been issued a notice by the Human Resource department that categorically highlights gender imbalance in your team and instructs you to recruit more females. Realizing the importance of this matter you decide to roll out vacancy requirements on an urgent basis and close it within a week. You receive several applications and start interviewing female candidates. However, you realize that the top four candidates are married and two of them are expecting their child. During the interviews the candidates commit on their priority for the project, till it finishes and show willingness to work from home, afterwards. What is the course of action that you will take? Explain the factors that you will take into account and justify the merits of the course of action.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":55,"question":"14 Mr. A is a senior most member of a highly reputed company with considerable customer interface. In recent months, the business of the company has been going down. On detailed analysis, it was found that some of the functionaries of the company have impulsive nature, which has many a times led to altercations with the customers and even among themselves. This has adversely affected the work culture and sullied the image of the company in the market. He seeks your advice, as you are his friend as well as a person who understands management.\n(a) What are the factors that you would consider in making your advice?\n(b) What steps will you suggest to deal with the situation that the company faces?","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":3000,"topper":"Gunjan Dwivedi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UIfEnYFkUMPl44FjW1RETJuB7KuKqAap/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) Self doubt can both help and hinder leadership. Discuss with examples.","marks":"10","words":"not more than 150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) Bring out the significance of probity in public life. What are the requisites for ensuring probity in governance? Pointing out the key concerns in India in this context, suggest certain remedial measures.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) While the corrupt and dishonest should be punished swiftly, honest public servants need to be protected against malicious and motivated complaints to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of an organisation. Discuss. How can the two objectives be reconciled?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) The effective implementation of the Right to Information Act will create an environment of vigilance which will help in functioning of a more participatory democracy. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":11,"question":"3. (a) The bureaucracy technically has been an efficient form of organisation but is seen to have exceeded its administrative powers due to its tendency towards self aggrandisement, permanence in employment, and nearness to the political executive. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) Social media has played a key role in influencing political opinions and social attitudes in India. Comment.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":15,"question":"4. (a) \"Nonviolence is not servile passivity but a powerful moral force which makes for social transformation\". Comment.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":17,"question":"4. (b) It is at the interface of public action and private interest that the need arises for establishing not just a code of ethics but a code of conduct. In this context, highlight the need for drafting a code of ethics as well as a code of conduct.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":18,"question":"5. (a) Income inequality is a matter of grave concern for the Indian society. In this context, examine the relevance of Gandhiji's concepts of 'Sarvodaya' and 'Trusteeship'.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":20,"question":"5. (b) It does not take long for conflict to turn violent when deep seeded prejudices and discriminatory attitudes are not addressed. Discuss in the context of communal and caste-based violence in India) What role should the state play in this context?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":22,"question":"6. Explain with examples how emotional intelligence increases the effectiveness of leadership skills in a civil servant.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":24,"question":"7. A Citizens' Charter sees public services through the eyes of those who use them. In this context, analyze the importance of citizen charter in making public services citizen centric.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":26,"question":"8. Given the effects that cultural attitudes about menstruation have on women, there is need to follow a strategic approach in combating these. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":27,"question":"9. As the District Magistrate you are posted in a district that had been infamous for girl-child marriages. The government introduced a contributory scheme two decades ago, where the government contributed the same amount as the parents, into an account, for their girl child of age 0 to 7 years. The total sum could be withdrawn only when the girl turns eighteen and is unmarried. Due to this scheme, a new pattern has emerged. All girls are married as soon as they turn eighteen and incidents of dowry have increased substantially – because the community customs require paying the sum commensurate to the age of the girl. Further, parents now tend to save money for the scheme instead of investing in girl’s education. As the local administration tries to tackle the current situation it looks up to you for ideas and leadership:\n(a) Identify the factors which have led to such outcomes.\n(b) Devise a strategy, keeping in mind the multiple aspects of the situation.","marks":"20","words":"around 250"},{"page":32,"question":"10. While on the one hand, some state governments have implemented alcohol consumption prohibition laws, it is permitted in other states. Debates around this issue often involves aspects such as individual rights, cultural attitudes and social welfare. As a teacher you need to explain the key issues involved to a young audience. What are these? How would you conclude the lecture?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":33,"question":"How alcohol consumption affects individual rights :-","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"ii) Should it be banned?\niii) Should state intervene in such practices?\niv) Root problem - is not consumption of alcohol but the idea of 'escaping reality'","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"11. As a concerned citizen you have been engaged with the issue of persons employed in manual scavenging. You notice that despite laws and strictures from the highest court of the land the practice of employing human labour to clean sewers continues. While the administration has to ensure the cleanliness of the urban localities, those who are employed also have to earn to sustain themselves and their families. The death of few workers recently due to asphyxiation while cleaning a septic tank has caused much consternation in your locality. You would like to engage with the situation by writing to the administration, for which you need to find an answer to the following:\n(a) Identify the stakeholders involved and state their conflicting interests.\n(b) What challenges does the administration face in curbing this social evil?\n(c) Enumerate the steps to deal with the problem.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":42,"question":"12. You are a teacher in the Science department of a reputed college. Your HoD (Head of Department) has been a good mentor to you and has guided your career progress. You get to know from one of your students that the HoD gives private tuitions at his residence, which is disliked by many others in the department. There are also rumours that he might be giving extra marks to the students taking his tuitions. When enquired, his reply is that he is not alone and a few other teachers are giving private tuitions as well. He assures you that it is beneficial for the students as some of them need extra attention. He advises you not to make a fuss about it and indirectly reminds you about the assessment rating, which is due this week. You are aware that a good rating will definitely get you the due promotion. The HoD is due to retire in 4 months.\n(a) What are the dilemmas that you face in this situation?\n(b) Highlight the course of action that you would adopt and give reasons for the same.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":47,"question":"13. While stampedes and mishaps due to overcrowding have led to loss of lives on multiple occasions, it remains an issue discussed only when there is a tragedy. Recently you were assigned the responsibility of conducting a mela around a revered religious place, which attracts millions of devotees. Every year the numbers have been increasing and this year due to certain celestial alignments the crowd is expected to be unprecedented. In the previous year the officer in charge was criticised and transferred over allegations of hurting religious sensitivities by restricting access to the religious place. You have three months to prepare for the mela.\n(a) Identify the key areas you would focus on?\n(b) What are the challenges that you foresee?\n(c) How do you propose to overcome them?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":52,"question":"14. You are a senior official at a government agency that is responsible for collection, storage and protection of biometric data of citizens. Due to the expanse of operations, the agency employs third parties for collection of data. There have been reports of security breach and leakage of data by third parties in exchange of money. A journalist from a prominent newspaper carries a sting operation and releases some data in the public to show the ongoing corruption and highlighting the inability of the agency in protecting public data. You are asked by the chairperson of the agency to file an FIR against the journalist and pursue criminal proceedings against him considering it an act of unauthorized access.\n(a) Do you agree with the action sought by the chairperson against the journalist? Give appropriate reasons for your answer.\n(b) If you disagree, what would be your course of action?\n(c) Do you think the action of the journalist is justified?","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":3001,"topper":"Gunjan Dwivedi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1e683-323294_1057_gunjan_dwivedi_rank_9.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Self doubt can both help and hinder leadership. Discuss with examples.10","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Bring out the significance of probity in public life. What are the requisites for ensuring probity in governance? Pointing out the key concerns in India in this context, suggest certain remedial measures.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"While the corrupt and dishonest should be punished swiftly, honest public servants need to be protected against malicious and motivated complaints to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of an organisation. Discuss. How can the two objectives be reconciled?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"The effective implementation of the Right to Information Act will create an environment of vigilance which will help in functioning of a more participatory democracy. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"The bureaucracy technically has been an efficient form of organisation but is seen to have exceeded its administrative powers due to its tendency towards self aggrandisement, permanence in employment, and nearness to the political executive. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Social media has played a key role in influencing political opinions and social attitudes in India. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"\"Nonviolence is not servile passivity but a powerful moral force which makes for social transformation\". Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"It is at the interface of public action and private interest that the need arises for establishing not just a code of ethics but a code of conduct. In this context, highlight the need for drafting a code of ethics as well as a code of conduct.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Income inequality is a matter of grave concern for the Indian society. In this context, examine the relevance of Gandhiji's concepts of 'Sarvodaya' and 'Trusteeship'.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"It does not take long for conflict to turn violent when deep seeded prejudices and discriminatory attitudes are not addressed. Discuss in the context of communal and caste-based violence in India. What role should the state play in this context?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"Explain with examples how emotional intelligence increases the effectiveness of leadership skills in a civil servant.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"A Citizens' Charter sees public services through the eyes of those who use them. In this context, analyze the importance of citizen charter in making public services citizen centric.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"While on the one hand, some state governments have implemented alcohol consumption prohibition laws, it is permitted in other states. Debates around this issue often involves aspects such as individual rights, cultural attitudes and social welfare. As a teacher you need to explain the key issues involved to a young audience. What are these? How would you conclude the lecture?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3002,"topper":"Gunjan Dwivedi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7dc2d-323294_1056_gunjan_dwivedi_rank_9.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the significance of the following in the context of civil service: 10 (i) Public trust (ii) Objectivity (iii) Strength of character (iv) Empathy (v) Selflessness","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Do you think nation states owe a responsibility towards asylum seekers? What are the considerations that should, in your opinion, go into the making of a refugee policy? Provide arguments with contemporary examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Why do civil servants have a special obligation to uphold ethical standards? What are the main areas of concerns for implementation of an effective ethical standard in civil services? In this context, suggest measures to remedy these concerns.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"While families are the first socializing agents, which inculcate moral values in a child, the role played by schools in this regard is also indispensable. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Analyse the ethical dimensions of using nuclear deterrence as a self defense strategy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"We make a living by what we do, but we make a life by what we give. (i) Highlight the importance of value of altruism for a society. (ii) Discuss the role of education in imparting such values.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Giving examples, examine the relationship between personal and professional ethics of civil servants.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/ philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) If people scrutinize their own faults as they do the faults of others, mankind will be freed of all evil.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"How do law and conscience act as source of ethical guidance? Explain with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Good corporate governance is not an end in itself. It is a means to support economic efficiency, sustainable growth and financial stability. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"A hilly state witnessed torrential rains leading to loss of life and property. Apart from the local inhabitants there were tourists stranded in large numbers. With the supply chains broken and increased demand, it was observed that local shopkeepers started selling essential goods at very high prices. With a very restricted possibility of being evacuated in the coming few days, the stranded people feel helpless A crumbled governance infrastructure in remote areas has multiplied the extent of their agony. Given this situation, answer the following questions. (a) Identify the various stakeholders in the case and give a reasoned account of their interests (Given the administrative, market and ethical perspective of viewing the situation, do you think there is a conflict in the priorities of these stakeholders?) (b) Suggest ways to harmonize competing interests in order to resolve the issues, provide relief and prevent escalation of conflict.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"The steady decline in sex ratio suggests that marked improvement in the economy and literacy rates do not seem to have had any impact on this index. In fact, the availability of new technology and its easy access for the urban, wealthy and educated have worsened the trend and harmed the status of women in Indian society. (a) Explain why the phenomenon should not be simply viewed as a medical or legal issue and more attention should be given to the ethical issues involved. (b) Give some suggestions to tackle the problem of declining sex ratio. (c) Discuss the ethical dilemma involved in Right to abortion vs. Prevention of female foeticide. How can this be resolved?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3003,"topper":"Gunjan Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/13b22-125597_1404_gunjan-singh_rank_16.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Biosphere reserves promote solutions reconciling the conservation of biodiversity and its sustainable use. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Given the adverse effects of light pollution, urgent steps are required to tackle it. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Temperate regions are more favorable for fishing in comparison to tropical regions. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Explain the reasons behind development of horticulture and wine industry in the Mediterranean region. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Analyze the impact of climate change on the third pole of the world. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The concept of ecological footprint is a useful indicator for assessing progress on the sustainable use of resources in a country. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explaining what peats are, examine why emphasis is being given to sustainable management of peatlands worldwide. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The CRZ Notification, 2018 aims to maintain a balance between economic growth and conservation principles of coastal regions. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Highlight the need to integrate informal and formal sectors for improved waste management. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Identify the important mineral belts of India. Highlighting some of the issues plaguing the mining sector in India, discuss how the National Mineral Policy 2019 aims to address these issues. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"What is carbon pricing? Mention some of the different types of carbon pricing mechanisms. Examine how it can help India in achieving its climate commitments under the Paris Agreement. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Not only is the spatial and temporal distribution of freshwater in India very skewed, but also its usage inefficient and wasteful. Discuss in context of the current water crisis. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the opportunities and challenges for India in harnessing the resources of the Indian Ocean Region. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Examine how resource efficiency can bring about multiple benefits along the three dimensions of sustainable development - economic, social and environmental - in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Highlighting the significance of unconventional hydrocarbons for India, discuss the issues faced in their exploration and extraction. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What are various phases of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) studies? Comment on the need for institutionalising public participation in EIA. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"What is Soil Organic Carbon (SOC)? Identify various factors affecting SOC levels. Also, highlight the beneficial impacts of SOC on soil health and functionality. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3004,"topper":"Gunjan Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/431eb-125597_1400_gunjan-singh_rank_16.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the changes that have taken place in the role of the state and in particular the bureaucracy, in the post-liberalization era in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"There have been concerns related to foreign funding to NGOs in India. In this context, examine the current framework regulating the same. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Setting up of Open Government Data (OGD) Platform can potentially be a game-changer for transparency and accountability. Analyse. Also, identify the challenges that remain in translating this potential into reality. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlight the issues facing arbitration as an effective alternative dispute resolution mechanism in India. How does Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Act, 2019 strengthen the arbitration set up in India? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"It is argued that the introduction of compulsory voting in India would strengthen its democratic credentials. Critically analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"How far do you agree with the view that administration in India requires specialists instead of generalists? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The idea of Civil Services Board has been widely hailed as a key civil services reform, however it is not without its own limitation. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The office of the Lokayukta has been in place in many states for a long time. Discuss the issues faced by this office in exercising its functions effectively. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What are the issues ailing Citizen's Charters as an effective tool for holding public servants accountable? How can these issues be addressed? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Explain how the linkage between banks, NGOs and SHGs helps in facilitating access to microfinance and contributes to the development of rural areas. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"There is no strict separation of powers under the Indian Constitution, with the executive, legislature and judiciary empowered to carry out functions which may be considered within the purview of the other. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Critically examine whether the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) should be made legally enforceable. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What are the challenges in conducting free and fair elections in the era of proliferation of social media? In this context, identifying the steps taken by the ECI, suggest further measures. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Social audit can ensure a citizen-centric mode of accountability but there exist many issues in its implementation. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"With adequate policy incentives and civil society participation, entrepreneurship has the potential to become a vehicle for socio-economic mobility in India. Explain. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Identify the different issues associated with the design and implementation of MGNREGA. What reforms have been taken in recent times to address the above identified issues? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What is the rationale behind having a None of the Above (NOTA) option in elections? Do you think rather than NOTA the idea of right to recall would better serve the purpose of deepening democratisation in India? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"A sound legal framework, robust institutional mechanism for establishing rule of law, competent and dedicated workforce and decentralization and delegation are some of the necessary preconditions for good governance. Elaborate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Highlight the need of citizen engagement in e-governance projects in India. In this context, mention the framework adopted by NeGP for citizen engagement. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3005,"topper":"Gunjan Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ed16a-125597_1403_gunjan-singh_rank_16.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain how the theory of Plate Tectonics helps in understanding the mechanism of volcanism. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss how technology can help India cope with disasters. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Bring out the importance of community-based disaster management in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What is ice-albedo feedback and how is it related to climate change? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Why has there been an increase in the frequency of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods across the world? Highlight the measures, which can be taken to tackle these floods. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Explain the phenomena of Sudden Stratospheric warming witnessed in recent years. How does it affect the ozone hole formation over Antarctica? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain the concept of volcanic winter giving examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Bring out the prominent evidences that have been put forward in support of sea-floor spreading. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Explaining the origin and mechanism of Indian monsoon account for the uneven distribution of monsoonal rainfall in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"How does climate change affect the process of desertification? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"India is vulnerable to a large number of natural as well as man made disasters on account of its geo-climatic and socio-economic conditions. Elaborate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the need for mainstreaming disability perspective in the efforts towards disaster risk reduction. Also, suggest some measures that can be taken towards Disability-inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Explain the causes and consequences of sea level rise. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Highlight the factors responsible for occurrence of heat waves and its effects on life and economy. In the light of recent guidelines given by NDMA, describe measures to reduce the negative impact of heat waves. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"What is the global ocean conveyor belt? Discuss its significance for marine ecosystem. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3006,"topper":"Gunjan Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/63bd7-125597_1244_gunjan-singh_rank_16.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the need of an Independent Fiscal Council (IFC) in bringing about transparency and accountability in fiscal processes in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Recognizing the potential of exports in generating employment, a number of steps need to be taken to address India's weakening export competitiveness. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlighting the main features of National Mineral Policy, 2019, discuss how it can help in ensuring sustainable and responsible mining. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlighting the salient features of the PM JI-VAN Yojana, analyze how it can assist in achieving the vision and goals of the National Policy on Biofuels, 2018. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) provides an alternative to capital and chemical intensive agriculture currently being practiced in India. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Marine life is facing 'irreparable damage' from the millions of tonnes of plastic waste which ends up in the oceans each year. In this context, examine the implications of plastic pollution on marine ecosystem and suggest some measures for addressing this problem. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are black holes? Highlight the challenges in imaging a black hole? How were these challenges overcome by the Event Horizon Telescope project? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"While mentioning the objectives of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), discuss the challenges which are hindering the utilization of the ATT to its full potential. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Threats to internal security of India may be posed both through the communication networks and also to the networks. Discuss. Also, highlight the steps taken by the government in making the networks more secure., (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlight the importance and challenges related to integration of Variable Renewable Energy (VRE) in India. Mention some steps that can be taken for its smooth integration with the synchronized Indian grid. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"There have been arguments that India could fall into a 'middle income trap'. Explaining the phenomenon, highlight the reasons behind such arguments. How can India avoid it? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Highlighting its importance, discuss the major issues that plague effective monetary policy transmission in India. Also, mention the steps taken by RBI to improve it. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight the constraints faced by rainfed agriculture in India. Discuss some agronomic practices that can be adopted for stabilizing agricultural production in rainfed areas. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite the steps taken by the government in recent years, a number of problems continue to persist in the urea sector in India. Discuss. What reforms should be taken to address the persisting problems? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What is Access and Benefit Sharing? Explain how it aids in sustainable use of biodiversity. Also, mention the different global and national level mechanisms for ensuring Access and Benefit Sharing. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Stating the significance, discuss the challenges in achieving disaster resilience of infrastructure. Suggest some ways for mainstreaming it in the development paradigm. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Highlighting the significance of data localization for India, discuss various challenges associated with data localization. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Money Laundering as a socio economic offence is a menace especially for developing countries like India. Comment. What measures have been taken at the domestic and international levels to deal with this menace? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The primary motive of terrorism differs from that of organised crime but there exists a symbiotic relationship between the two. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3007,"topper":"Gunjan Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/f406a-125597_1245_gunjan-singh_rank_16.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the attributes of leadership, analyse why it is important for a civil servant.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"A civil servant needs to be objective as well as empathetic. What do you understand by objectivity? Discuss its relationship with empathy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"With rapidly increasing use of information technology, what according to you is the role of ethics in cyber space?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Transparency in government organisations is an essential pre-condition for good governance. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but its lowest ones. Nelson Mandela","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"For achieving success, attitude is equally, if not more important than ability. Discuss with the help of examples from your daily life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"The core of high Emotional Intelligence is self-awareness. If you don't understand your own motivations and behaviours, it is nearly impossible to develop an understanding of others. Discuss with the help of appropriate examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by Integrity Pacts? Highlight the role they can play in bringing transparency in allotment of public contracts and ensuring proper utilization of public funds in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"In the context of rapid technological change, discuss the significance of inculcating moral and spiritual values in educational institutions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Explain the main elements of integral humanism as propounded by Deen Dayal Upadhyay and highlight its contemporary relevance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate in a district, where many large factories and commercial establishments are located. One such factory is owned by one of your close friends. You visit each other's home frequently and are often seen in public together. Recently, media reported about poor working conditions in your friend's factory. Upon enquiry with the labor office, you come to know that the factory has witnessed frequent labour unrests in the past as well. However, the labour officer told you that he was hesitating to take any action due to your proximity with the owner of the factory. With reference to the facts of the case, answer the following questions: (a) Identifying the stakeholders and public cause, discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) As the District Magistrate, what appropriate course of action will you take? Give reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are a resident of a remote tribal district, where there is high incidence of malnutrition. As a remedial measure, the District Magistrate has initiated a programme to promote millet cultivation, especially on the lands currently lying fallow in the district. However, this well-intentioned move of the officer receives flak from the local tribals as this may not only change their age-old food habits, but also alter their traditional agricultural practices. They further cite lower remunerative prices of millets as another reason for continuing with their existing crop production pattern. As a civil servant aspirant, who has a keen interest in development of tribal areas, answer the following questions: (a) What according to you are the key issues and challenges involved in the above situation? (b) Identify the key stakeholders and their respective interests. (c) Suggest a course of action that the District Magistrate can take keeping in mind the larger tribal interests.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3008,"topper":"Gunjan Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/14c4c-125597_1249_gunjan-singh_rank_16.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by cultural sensitivity? Identify the ways in which individuals and organisations can benefit from cultural sensitivity in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"In the quest for scientific and technological development, ethical values should not be neglected. Discuss in the current context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"In a plural society like India, education should help the individual to celebrate the plurality and visualize the inherent unity of cultures and values. Analyze the statement in the present context with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Elucidate Swami Vivekananda's ideas on nationalism.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. Mahatma Gandhi","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Explaining the concept of moral attitude, discuss how social media is shaping moral attitudes of people. ,","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Analyse the importance of both influence and persuasion for effective leadership. ,","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Analyze the significance of adopting a code of ethics for creating a healthy work culture in an organization.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Ethos, ethics, equity and efficiency are key criteria on the basis of which the competency of civil servants should be judged. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"The mandatory nature of Corporate Social Responsibility goes against the notion of philanthropy. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"There have been arguments that rich countries owe an obligation to people living in poor countries. In this context, discuss the issues associated with foreign aid.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"It is essential that people have access to information if they are to have the capacity to exercise other rights. Discuss the statement with focus on importance of RTI in governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"You have been recently appointed as the head of tourism department of a state in India that has many places of great historical importance. In the past few years, the state has witnessed a decrease in tourist inflow. Upon enquiry, you come to know that this decrease is largely attributed to the influence of touts and harassment of tourists, including unwanted advances and grossly overcharging them for various services. You also did a quick search about your state on leading travel advisory websites and found that it has earned a dubious reputation for being particularly unsafe for women tourists. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) Do you think that such a state of affairs can be attributed to insensitivity prevailing in the society? How can the community be made more sensitive towards tourists? (b) Suggest some measures to make a quick turnaround in terms of reputation, employment generation and rebuild the reputation of the state as a safe haven for tourists.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"A private company has proposed a large-scale hydel power project to tap the potential of a fast-flowing river in a state predominantly occupied by indigenous tribal groups. The state is backward and badly needs funds for socio-economic development. The state government is deliberating on the issue and is yet to take a final decision on the matter. While the project is expected to generate substantial revenue and employment, it will submerge the surrounding areas eventually displacing the tribals. Another issue of concern is that the tribal community regards this land and the river as sacred and integral to their cultural heritage. Thus, the tribals are not in favour of going ahead with the project and are already protesting against it. Their leader has threatened to initiate a hunger strike if the government goes ahead with the project. This has caught the attention of the mainstream media and social activists. Based on the information given above, answer the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders involved in the case and their respective interests. (b) Keeping in mind the issues involved, how can differing interests be reconciled for ensuring sustainable development in the area?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"You are posted as Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district, which has a bustling market in the district headquarters with a high footfall. The area has traditionally been occupied by street vendors and hawkers. They form an intrinsic part of the market system in the area and derive their livelihood from it. Recently, you got reports that the policemen posted in the area harass the hawkers and also extort 'hafta' - a weekly bribe - from them despite complying with the laws. It has been brought to your notice that while those who comply with this arrangement are allowed to carry on with their daily operations, those who do not are being evicted from the market area. In the process of eviction, they are even physically assaulted and their saleable items are often confiscated and destroyed. As a result, some street vendors have been staging protests against the local administration in the market and have blocked the normal market passage. They have also threatened to intensify their protest over a period of time. The local police, however, has been in denial of any such wrong doings and argue that they are merely removing illegal encroachments, which were causing traffic jam in the area. In this situation, answer the following: (a) Mention the stakeholders and ethical issues involved in the case. (b) As the Superintendent of Police, what course of action would you adopt for diffusing the tensions in the area? Also, suggest some policy recommendations, which will help resolve the issues in the long-term.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"A mid level manager in a food and beverages firm has been assigned the responsibility to deal with tensions arising in a rural area between the firm and the local farmers. These farmers supply the company with bananas, which are used exclusively by the company in its niche products. The banana plantations are growing a variety developed by the firm. The core issue revolves around the perceived violation of company's IPR as many of the farmers in the neighbouring areas have also started growing the same variety of banana. It is suspected that the farmers with whom the company had a contract have shared the breed with others in the region. The legal department of the firm is of the opinion that a legal complaint against the farmers is the only way to protect the IPR of the company. It would also set a precedent for the future. However, many in the firm also believe that such a step would escalate the matter. In such a scenario, identify the key issues to be addressed. What measures would you suggest to deal with these issues?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You have recently been posted as a probationary officer in the District Magistrate's office in a tribal district. During one of the fieldtrips, while interacting with the tribals, you come to know about a private company, established a few years back, which has transformed their lives. The company, using the traditional knowledge of tribals, had launched a series of products and provided numerous livelihood opportunities to the tribals. Upon further enquiry, you come to know that while the lives of tribals had indeed improved, the distribution of profits however, has been quite disproportionate. The company has seen a huge growth in its operations and its owners have amassed huge wealth. It is also planning to file for IPR, which may further hinder the interests of the tribals. You feel that tribals have been left short changed and there has not been an equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the use of their resources. When you tried to approach the Gram Sabha and voice your concerns, the tribals requested you not to intervene as they do not have any alternatives. They also argue that governments in the past have failed to protect their interests. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the different stakeholders and their interests involved in this case. (b) Present a case to convince the District Magistrate for the need of government intervention in the situation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Various studies have found out that cases of depression and mental illness have increased exponentially in the recent past. Also, in the age group of 15-30 years, this problem is further pronounced. Furthermore, the rising trend of suicides in this age group has been attributed to depression. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Present an ethical critique of the prevalent societal attitude towards mental illness. (b) Given the magnitude of the problem among younger generation/young adults, analyse the role of the following: i. Parenting ii. Social Media iii. Video Games","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3009,"topper":"GURKANWAL SINGH","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/GURKANWAL-SINGH-UPSC-2024-Rank-353-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The Indian Constitution does not embody a strict separation of powers rather it introduces a system of checks and balances, with overlapping functions and interdependencies among the legislature, executive, and judiciary. Elaborate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Recently, the Supreme Court has expanded the scope of Articles 14 and 21 to include the \"right against the adverse effects of climate change\". In this context, citing relevant case laws, discuss the role played by Indian judiciary in 'constitutionalization' of environmental issues. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The Speaker's inclination to cater to party loyalties often undermines the dignity and impartiality of the office, eroding public trust in the legislative process. Analyse with the help of recent examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Assess the effectiveness of SEBI in fulfilling its envisaged role of regulating the securities market, ensuring transparency, and protecting investors' interests. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The foundational strength of the Indian Constitution stems from its ability to integrate diverse socio-political perspectives. Elucidate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Parliamentary committees serve as vital tools for legislative oversight, ensuring accountability and transparency in governance processes. In light of the statement, examine the role of the Public Accounts Committee in establishing financial accountability of the executive. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Without addressing the issues that hinder the full and effective participation of persons with disabilities in political and public life, the goal of achieving inclusiveness and their empowerment will remain unattainable. Analyze. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What roles do community-based interventions play in enhancing access to preventive and promotive healthcare services in India? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The current composition of the UNSC, with under-representation and un-representation of key regions is detrimental to its legitimacy and effectiveness, underscoring the urgent need for reforms. Elaborate. Also, present a case for India's permanent membership in the UNSC. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"\"The ongoing internal crisis in Myanmar is impeding India's Act East Policy.\" In light of the statement, discuss the measures taken by India to deal with the crisis and associated challenges. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"The Basic Structure Doctrine, lauded for safeguarding the core principles of the Constitution against majoritarian impulses, is also criticized for enabling judicial overreach and disturbing the balance of power as envisioned by the Constitution.\" Elaborate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Enumerate the salient features of Representation of People's Act, 1951. In your opinion, what amendments are needed in the Act to further the cause of free and fair elections in light of contemporary challenges. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The cooperative nature of Indian federalism is being increasingly challenged by emerging differences in Centre-State relations. Discuss. What steps can be taken to strengthen the cooperative spirit of Indian federalism? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Parliamentary privileges are fundamental for lawmakers to discharge their duties without undue influence. However, ensuring the responsible exercise of these privileges is crucial for fostering public trust and ensuring the accountability of public institutions. Analyse. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The Constitution of India provides several rights that empower the individual, yet it balances these freedoms with reasonable restrictions in the larger public interest. Discuss how constitutional restrictions on fundamental rights strike a fine balance between individual interests and societal interests. Also, mention the principles that are considered in evaluating the reasonableness of restrictions with reference case laws. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Self-Help Groups (SHGs) can play a crucial role in alleviating rural poverty by providing women with access to microfinance, enabling them to start small businesses and improve their livelihoods. Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Despite the implementation of numerous policies and schemes aimed at combating hunger and malnutrition in the country, their effectiveness remains limited. Analyse. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The true test of good governance is the degree to which it ensures accountability towards citizens and delivers on the promise of sustainable and inclusive human development. Discuss in the context of challenges to good governance in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"As the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) provides a judicial mechanism for the peaceful resolution of international disputes. In this context, throw light on the structure and mandate of ICJ. Also, highlight the challenges it faces in fulfilling its mandate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Geopolitical shifts pose challenges to India-Russia relations, yet the relationship remains robust, driven by deep-rooted trust and a shared commitment to sustain a multifaceted strategic partnership. Analyse. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3010,"topper":"GURLEEN","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/afa4a-292784_1440_gurleen_rank_30a.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Among various modes, trade played an important role in the spread of Indian culture abroad in the ancient period. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was a far-sighted realistic leader with great diplomatic and military skills. Discuss in the context of his contribution to national freedom struggle. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Enumerate the factors responsible for the decline of Mughal empire in India. How did it help in the expansion and consolidation of British power? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Though the conditions in France were vastly different from those in America, many of the driving factors behind the two revolutions were similar. Discuss in the context of French revolution. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Globalization has been a significant force in shaping the contemporary education system in India in both positive and negative ways. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The lack of clarity over what constitutes an urban area encourages haphazard development pattern in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Regionalism need not be regarded as unhealthy unless it takes a militant, aggressive turn and encourages the growth of secessionist tendencies. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Mention the conditions responsible for occurrence of Temperature Inversion in atmosphere. Elaborating on its various types, highlight its effects on the biosphere. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Assess the feasibility of introducing two time zones in India in the wake of recent proposal made by Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discussing the reasons behind disappearance of springs, examine how springshed management can help revive springs, especially in the Himalayan region. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"India has a long civilizational history. In this context, highlight the significant contributions from ancient India in science, mathematics and medicine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Over the years, the nationalist movement successfully created an ideology and culture of democracy and civil liberties that became a source of its strength. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Critically discuss the contribution of the Indian capitalist class in the freedom struggle. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Equitable distribution of land plays an important role in bringing about socio-economic transformation. In this regard, analyse the progress of land reforms measures taken in India since independence. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the forces that drive the movement of lithospheric plates? In this context, identify the different types of plate boundaries based on their nature of interaction with suitable examples of the characteristic features formed along them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Highlight the factors responsible for location of automobile industries in India. Also, examine the challenges in the wake of transformations taking place in the automotive industry. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Identify the major Uranium reserves in the world and the countries from where India sources it. What measures are required to ensure supply security of fuel for nuclear plants in the country? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3011,"topper":"GURLEEN","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9d9d0-292784_1243_gurleen_rank_30a.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Reservation of seats in legislature is needed to ensure meaningful political participation of women and to make the democratic process truly inclusive. Discuss the statement in the light of 108th Constitution Amendment Bill. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the issue of reservation in promotions for SCs and STs in public employment in the light of various judicial pronouncements and constitutional amendments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the reasons behind underperformance of the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs). How can their performance be improved? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlighting the rationale behind continuance of the Official Secrets Act, critically discuss whether the Right to Information should be given precedence over it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What is the rationale behind having a mandatory 'cooling-off' period for retired civil servants? In light of numerous instances of violation of this provision, do you think there is a need to have a relook at Civil Services Conduct Rules? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlighting the key features of POSHAN Abhiyan, explain how it is an improvement over previous interventions in achieving the goal of malnutrition free India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Give an account of the challenges that the multilateral rule-based trading system is facing. With special focus on WTO, discuss how these challenges can be addressed effectively. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Highlight the major impediments affecting India-US trade relations. What possible consequences can the recent withdrawal of Generalized System of Preference (GSP) have on India-US trade relations? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"In a democratic setup, it is imperative that independence be balanced with accountability. Discuss in the context of judiciary in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Despite various strengths, there are certain weaknesses in the existing structure of departments of the government which render the system slow and cumbersome. Analyze. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the light of criticism surrounding the composition and functioning of Rajya Sabha, do you think it exists merely as a secondary house of the Parliament? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Despite legislative changes with respect to funding of political parties in recent years, many challenges still exist with regards to transparency in electoral funding. Discuss. Can state funding of elections help in addressing these challenges? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Successful and long-lasting urban transformation critically depends on reforming the way our cities are governed. In this context, highlight the challenges plaguing urban governance in India and suggest some strategies to overcome those challenges. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Explain the role that SHGs play in poverty alleviation in India. Highlighting the shortcomings of the SHG-Bank Linkage programme, give some suggestions to improve its performance. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Despite initiatives taken by the government in recent years to address the challenges of the Indian higher education system, many reforms are still required to improve its quality and enhance its relevance. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Giving an account of the progress made under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, mention the challenges that it faces in achieving its target. How can the implementation of the programme be fast-tracked? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Island nations of the Indian Ocean hold immense strategic value in shaping the geopolitical contours of the region and ensuring maritime security of India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Development assistance, a key instrument in India's foreign policy, has seen a considerable expansion in the past few years both in its scope and reach. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3012,"topper":"Gyanendra Bharti","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bZ-zCpsS5nR7S6a1TgoWt92sas4uZqHs/view","questions":[{"page":17,"question":"Your greatest obstacle is not found in the world around you, but within the depth of your own mind.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3013,"topper":"Gyanendra Bharti","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-CEoKJSPWO0a_4xYxCODbRDys6D3WWeg/view","questions":[{"page":15,"question":"You can not change your future, but you can change your habits, and surely your habits will change your future","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3014,"topper":"Gyanendra Bharti","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DhNihDWGoHa0rgfSrspMPaSqexybL7Co/view","questions":[{"page":17,"question":"Literature is not only source of knowledge, but also a form of moral & social activity","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3015,"topper":"Gyanendra Bharti","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1apdgpgn6SSXC28CrVofgoF7NJzsFgUlt/view","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"\"Majority of consensus can not change the nature of what is morally wrong.\"","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3016,"topper":"Gyanendra Bharti","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wfDdSvLgkdnrznKvNYH2ADd9zKRGL3h8/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Information is the currency of democracy","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Economically, information is key to make democratic functioning successful through proper planning & execution of policies.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Such as NFSA, all require certain information to make it success.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3017,"topper":"Gyanendra Bharti","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EwS6q3094uixap30mAnL2AwhObpCaVIK/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Patience and time grow the seed that blossoms into wisdom.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"The measure of intelligence is the ability to change","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3018,"topper":"Gyanendra Bharti","air":537,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Drishti IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.drishtiias.com/images/pdf/Gyanendra%20Bharti_Essay%20Copy%206.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3019,"topper":"Gyanendra Bharti","air":537,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Drishti IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.drishtiias.com/images/pdf/Gyanendra%20Bharti_Essay%20Copy%205.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3020,"topper":"Gyanendra Bharti","air":537,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Drishti IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.drishtiias.com/images/pdf/Gyanendra%20Bharti_Essay%20Copy%204.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3021,"topper":"Gyanendra Bharti","air":537,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Drishti IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.drishtiias.com/images/pdf/Gyanendra%20Bharti_Essay%20Copy%203.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3022,"topper":"Gyanendra Bharti","air":537,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Drishti IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.drishtiias.com/images/pdf/Gyanendra%20Bharti_Essay%20Copy%202.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3023,"topper":"Gyanendra Bharti","air":537,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Drishti IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.drishtiias.com/images/pdf/Gyanendra%20Bharti_Essay%20Copy%201.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3024,"topper":"Gyanendra Bharti","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1w8RWi7z8DDYJzW7z7zvHBBEoriJglrAe/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Gender-based violence in India has not declined despite taking various measures. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The emergence of the El Nino weather pattern has raised concerns over monsoon rainfall in 2023. In light of this, discuss the impact of El Nino on the Indian monsoon. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What is Uniform Civil Code (UCC)? Comment upon the relevance of UCC for a secular country like India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Explain the importance of the Swadeshi Movement in India's struggle for independence. Discuss the shortcomings of the movement. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Marine resources have emerged as a vital cornerstone of the economy, providing a rich source of livelihoods and prosperity. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"With the help of suitable examples, describe various Aeolian landforms. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Assess the importance of footloose industries in the development of backward regions in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the reasons that led to the October Revolution in Russia bringing a new form of government in Russia. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Highlight the contribution of Rashtrakutas in enriching the architecture and culture of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"How did the essence of the Indian liberation struggle evolve as a result of the Gandhian political philosophy? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Describe the factors that contribute to the continuity and change in Indian society. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"Foreign accounts as a source of ancient Indian history have both advantages and shortcomings. Examine this statement with appropriate examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"\"Climate warming and unsustainable groundwater extraction are likely to amplify the challenges related to groundwater sustainability.\" In light of the above statement discuss various reasons for groundwater depletion and highlight government initiatives to address the challenges. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Folk art entails a world of culture and tradition passed down from generations. The skill which goes into their making is adopted by a very less number of youths due to a lack of livelihood opportunities. Suggest measures to integrate economy and folk art to preserve the rich Indian culture and heritage. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What are the challenges in tribal health care system in India? How should health care delivery and human resources be organized in tribal health? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Assess the multidimensional implications of uneven distribution of mineral resources in the world. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"The caste system in India acts as a catalyst for other social issues which hinder the development of Indian society. Do you agree with the view? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"In light of the recently occurred cyclone Biparjoy that stuck the Saurashtra and Kutch region of Gujarat, discuss the features and process of the formation of tropical cyclone and the change in nature of cyclones in the Indian ocean. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Critically examine the nature of the revolt of 1857 and explain how it affected the British Policy in India in later years? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"How do the cultural, linguistic and religious diversity in India influence the social fabric of the country and shape its identity? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3025,"topper":"Gyanendra Bharti","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-Wc01EeCbbXkDREOT44XoYvnXXaC-e58/view","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"What is the distinction between a \"code of conduct\" and a \"code of ethics\"? Provide examples to illustrate the importance and relevance of each. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Anonymity and impartiality are the fundamental characteristics of the Indian Civil Service. Discuss. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"\"You can often change your circumstances by changing your attitude.\" — Eleanor Roosevelt (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"How does emotional intelligence influence interpersonal relationships in the workplace? Discuss the impact of emotional intelligence on team dynamics, collaboration, and conflict resolution. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Corporate governance plays an important role in preventing unethical behaviour and protecting the interests of stakeholders. In this context, discuss the ethical issues with corporate governance in India. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What is an ethical dilemma? Discuss various ethical concerns and dilemmas in public institutions. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"What is probity in governance? What is the purpose and importance of probity in governance? Are there any measures to ensure probity in governance? (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"What is the significance of Emotional Intelligence in Civil Servants? Share your viewpoint and provide supporting arguments. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":39,"question":"Rohan is a 12th-grade graduate. He faced many challenges during his final board exams. His poor health and family problems hindered his preparation. He was absent from many important classes at school. His best friend, Raman, provided invaluable help during the board exams. To help Rohan get good marks, Raman even shared his personal notes. Rohan's parents were grateful for his friend's dedication and support; they acknowledged the efforts made to help Rohan succeed. However, even after getting good grades in the board exams, the CUET exam was a major hurdle. The marks obtained in CUET will determine which college and course Rohan can get admission into. Rohan wanted to study BCA and knew that he needed specific marks to get admission into a prestigious college. Recently, Rohan found out that Raman had obtained an EWS (Economically Weaker Section) certificate to improve his chances of getting into a good college. The truth was that his best friend was not actually eligible for the EWS category. Rohan was quite disturbed by this truth. When he asked Raman about it, Raman told him that he had done it to secure his future and that many others were doing the same. He also asked Rohan to keep this a secret, reminding him of the help he had provided during the board exams. Rohan is now in a dilemma. He values his friendship with Raman, but he also believes in fairness and integrity. He is worried about the consequences of reporting Raman, as it could ruin his friend's future and their friendship. At the same time, he feels that it is wrong to let Raman get away with something that is unethical and unfair to others who are truly deserving of the EWS category. What should Rohan do in this situation? Discuss the ethical issues involved and the options available to him. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"A four-lane concrete bridge in an eastern state in India has collapsed for the second time in just over a year. The structural failure of the bridge provides an example of how ethics in engineering practices are violated. Ravi is a reputed structural engineer and has been appointed to inspect the project. After examining the plans and drawings, he found a major flaw in the design. Reporting the flaw will prevent such a serious situation in the future but will affect the reputation of the construction company. Also, Ravi found that the contractor working on the bridge is none other than the younger brother of the local MLA. Thus, reporting the situation could pose a serious threat to his life. Analyze the ethical issues involved in this case. What should Ravi ideally do in this situation? Are \"errors or failures\" acceptable in all cases for human progress? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3026,"topper":"Gyanendra Bharti","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fil_Y1hHIyHHAmnv9XPvt4LPQ9nfTRvQ/view","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"The urban character of the Harappan civilization was a result of the gradual evolution of regional social-economic factors. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the impact of World War II on the global political order, including the emergence of new superpowers and the decline of European colonialism. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"India's post-1858 constitutional history witnessed a plethora of notable developments that left an indelible imprint on its society and polity. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"With the help of suitable examples discuss the main differences between Nagara and Dravida styles of temple architecture. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the characteristics features of Frontogenesis and Frontolysis. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"The measurement of the intensity and magnitude of earthquakes is a complex and sophisticated process that requires a deep understanding of seismology and advanced technology\". In this regard discuss the method of measuring the intensity and magnitude of earthquakes and highlight the seismic zones of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Globalization, with its pervasive reach and ubiquitous influence, has the potential to subsume and erode the rich tapestry of folk culture. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Analyze the role and significance of Subhash Chandra Bose and his Indian national army in the freedom struggle of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"The role of social media in communal polarization is one that warrants careful consideration.\" Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Do you think that marital rape should be criminalised in India? Give reasons in support of your answer. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What is ocean memory loss? Explain and discuss its consequences. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Elucidate the causes, triumphs, and constraints of the Non-Cooperation Movement - a noble and illustrious endeavor that marked a crucial turning point in the history of India's struggle for independence. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the first decade of the 20th century the atmosphere was ripe for the emergence of revolutionary groups to fill the political vaccum in the country. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"\"Application of emerging technologies will make the Steel Industry more efficient\". Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Where positive regionalism is a boon for a diverse social structure like India, it threatens the time-tested fabric of 'Unity in Diversity' if promoted in an ultra-manner. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"In order to embark on a neo-social justice, the caste census will act as an enabler.\" Critically Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"What are the factors contributing to the decline in crude oil production in India, and what suggestions can be proposed to reverse this trend and promote domestic production? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3027,"topper":"Gyanendra Bharti","air":537,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Drishti IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.drishtiias.com/images/pdf/Gyanendra%20Bharti_GS%201%20Copy%202.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3028,"topper":"Gyanendra Bharti","air":537,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Drishti IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.drishtiias.com/images/pdf/Gyanendra%20Bharti_GS%201.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3029,"topper":"Gyanendra Bharti","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/19aknS9roY__rCH9gvDhmeVlaGcDZvdCe/view","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"Discuss the significance of India's diaspora and its role in enhancing India's economic and strategic interests. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"\"National Green Tribunal (NGT) is a unique forum endowed with suo motu powers to take up environmental issues across the country.\" In this context analyse the importance of NGT for environmental governance of the nation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The great contribution of Judicial activism in India has been to provide a safety valve and a hope that justice is not beyond reach. Critically analyze the statement. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"To what extent do you agree with the concept of state financing of elections? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Social Audit is an important mechanism to enforce accountability and provide transparency in the administration. Highlight various legislative supports available for social audit in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The proposed multi-state cooperative societies (Amendment) Bill 2022 seeks to revamp the operation of cooperative societies in India. Discuss the key provisions of the Bill, emphasizing the importance of this amendment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Critically evaluate the $73^{\\text{rd}}$ Constitutional Amendment Act 1992, that seeks to establish democracy at the grassroots. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Delay in Population census has the potential to affect the efficacy and efficiency of developmental initiatives. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"In light of the changing geopolitical landscape, what are the emerging areas of cooperation and potential challenges in the India-Japan strategic relationship? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Assess the significance of the United Nations in the contemporary world and discuss the need for its reform and revitalization. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Discuss factors and geopolitical interest which shapes India's engagement with central Asia. Also Mention steps which India need to take to enhance its reach in the region. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The founders of the Constitution had “hoped and expected” a Uniform Civil Code for India but there has been no attempt at framing one. In this regard discuss the need for a Uniform Civil Code in India and examine the challenges in its implementation. What steps can be taken by the government to overcome these challenges? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"\"The Indian Parliament is not a sovereign legislature; it has vast but not unlimited powers.\" Comment on the statement. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"\"In the era of globalization, the concept of Para diplomacy has become increasingly important in shaping foreign policy, highlighting the growing significance of subnational actors in international relations\". Elaborate in the context of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Discuss the objective, goals and significance of India's National Geospatial policy. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"'Dignity is the essence of human life' and it is the objective of NHRC. Evaluate the performance of NHRC in preserving human rights. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Self Help Groups (SHGs) are the panacea for the socio-economic development of the country. Discuss the steps taken by the government to promote these groups. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Assess the strategic significance of Taiwan for the world, and how its position as a major economic power and a potential flashpoint in the Asia-Pacific region affects the geopolitical balance of power in the 21st century. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3030,"topper":"Gyanendra Bharti","air":537,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Drishti IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.drishtiias.com/images/pdf/Gyanendra%20Bharti_GS%203.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3031,"topper":"Gyanendra Bharti","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aQKfHzrAV-X2G3fgBNVn0vPCaW8Xt5T3/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"How does aptitude influence the performance and potential for growth and development of Civil Service professionals? (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What ethical choices should be considered for making Artificial Intelligence (AI) into a positive force for humanity? Provide examples to support your answer. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The primary function of attitude is to meditate between a person's internal needs and external environment. What are the functions of attitude? Elaborate it. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What does each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \" , \" – \"To believe in something, and not to live it, is dishonest.\" – Mahatma Gandhi","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Being honest is not easy, there is a price that you have to pay. Discuss with suitable examples. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What is the significance of probity in governance, and how does leadership play a crucial role in fostering probity and ethical governance in public service? Provide suitable illustrations to support your explanation. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Distinguish between personal and professional ethics. Do you think it is justified for a civil servant to be ethical in his/her professional life without being so in his/her personal life? Discuss with examples. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"In line with Gandhiji's belief that education which does not mould character is wholly worthless, discuss the importance of educational institutions and society in instilling values in children? (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You are serving as a District Magistrate (DM), having a reputation as a very honest and upright officer in a city where you supervise multiple Sub Divisional Magistrates. Among them is one Mr. Anurag, with whom you share a good intellectual as well as professional bond. He frequently shares videos of himself during work hours, interacting with the public and resolving their problems. Within a short period, he has gained a significant following on social media. However, one day you discover that he employs actors in his videos, fabricates issues and scenarios to generate more views on social media. Upon further investigation, you observe that he often exaggerates his responses to the public to attract more followers. Upon discovering this, you attempted to address the matter with Mr. Anurag. He denied the allegation at first, calling it a complete facade. But after being presented with evidence, he accepts, and threatens you by leveraging his father's close association with the Chief Minister of the state. Fearing the consequences, you report the situation to your superior, who advises you to remain silent due to potential promotion delays and punishment postings if you decide to voice your concerns against Mr. Anurag. (250 Words) 20 (a) What are the ethical dilemmas faced by you as a DM in this case? (b) What options are available to you in this case? Critically analyze (c) What is the most suitable and practical course of action in this case? (d) What policy measures would you suggest for officers sharing videos on social media?","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"What are the ethical dilemmas involved?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Under the given conditions, what are the options available to you as Chief Executive Officer?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Rakesh is working as the recruitment officer in City Transportation Cooperation. He recently came across a news article where a bus driver travelled 7 km on the wrong carriageway before a fatal accident with a car. Six members of a family were killed, and two others were injured when their vehicle collided with the speeding bus that was being driven on the wrong side. The bus driver, while driving on the wrong side passed two traffic police who did not come up to stop the driver disobeying the traffic rules. Going further into details, Rakesh found that the bus driver is the same person whom he terminated from the City Transportation Corporation for his repeated act of negligence. The driver after being terminated was hired by a private transportation company. Rakesh was heartbroken by the news and felt intense guilt for his decisions taken earlier. Instead of terminating the driver, he could have put in a written complaint for his license to be cancelled. In this situation, Rakesh thought of telling the police authorities about the negligence on his part for not taking strict action against the driver. However, doing so will result in him losing his long-built reputation. It can also lead to the termination of his employment. Rakesh has recently taken a home loan and he can't afford to be jobless at this time. Examine the ethical issues involved in the above situation. What should be the future course of action to avoid such a grave incidence? (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3032,"topper":"Gyanendra Bharti","air":537,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Drishti IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.drishtiias.com/images/pdf/Gyanendra%20Bharti_GS%204%20Copy%202.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3033,"topper":"Gyanendra Bharti","air":537,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Drishti IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.drishtiias.com/images/pdf/Gyanendra%20Bharti_GS%204%20Copy%201.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3034,"topper":"Gyanendra Bharti","air":537,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — History","optional":true,"source":"Drishti IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.drishtiias.com/images/pdf/Gyanendra%20Bharti_History%20Optional%20Copy%203.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3035,"topper":"Gyanendra Bharti","air":537,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — History","optional":true,"source":"Drishti IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.drishtiias.com/images/pdf/Gyanendra%20Bharti_History%20Optional%20Copy%202.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3036,"topper":"Gyanendra Bharti","air":537,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — History","optional":true,"source":"Drishti IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.drishtiias.com/images/pdf/Gyanendra%20Bharti_History%20Optional%20Copy%201.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3037,"topper":"Gyanendra Bharti","air":537,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — History","optional":true,"source":"Drishti IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.drishtiias.com/images/pdf/Gyanendra%20Bharti_History%20Optional%20Copy%204.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3038,"topper":"Gyanendra Bharti","air":537,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — History","optional":true,"source":"UnlockIAS (aggregator)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eEdhnXwGnyIFt8JFKp6k1z5YMJQymCcX/view","questions":[]},{"id":3039,"topper":"Gyanendra Bharti","air":537,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — History","optional":true,"source":"UnlockIAS (aggregator)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iIUg8S9yv3xGTmCEYTnyzPSVlgtzMdkk/view","questions":[]},{"id":3040,"topper":"Gyanendra Bharti","air":537,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — History","optional":true,"source":"UnlockIAS (aggregator)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uQFQhImMPwOTMT7aDIONt6w0XmQOIBBr/view","questions":[]},{"id":3041,"topper":"Gyanendra Bharti","air":537,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — History","optional":true,"source":"UnlockIAS (aggregator)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/13BouZMHgdSjl3kiF6clyrED_rkDYOgus/view","questions":[]},{"id":3042,"topper":"H S Bhavana","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ca25b-13508_762_h-s-bhavana_rank-55.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Even though the Representation of the People Act has been amended from time to time, the issues pertaining to criminalisation and influence of money power remain unresolved. Comment. Also discuss the role played by the judiciary and the Election Commission in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"The main function of the Public Accounts Committee is to ascertain that the money granted by Parliament has been spent by the government within the scope of the demand. In this context, critically analyse the role played by the Public Accounts Committee.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Referendums are portrayed as popular governance in its purest form, however, it is also argued that they often subvert democracy rather than serve it. Examine in the light of recent developments across the globe.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"What do you understand by special category status for states? Examine its contribution in bringing balanced regional development in the country. In light of the 14th Finance Commission recommendations, analyse whether this categorisation has outlived its relevance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"It is contended that GST regime will significantly curb the financial autonomy of states by taking away substantial taxation powers. In this regard, examine the impact of the GST regime on federal structure of our polity. What are the proposed mechanisms in the bill which seek to address this issue?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"What is the rationale behind the changes in the budgetary process approved by the Union Cabinet recently? Do you think it is a step forward towards efficient governance and fiscal prudence?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Critically examine the provisions of the recently introduced Citizenship Amendment Bill 2016. Are some provisions of the bill against India's secular principles?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Whereas the legislature is empowered to regulate the ratification of international treaties in the United States, in India it is mostly the domain of the executive. Examine the rationale and benefits of these two approaches with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"What are the reasons for the declining rate of child adoption in India? Discuss whether the amended Juvenile Justice (Care & Protection of Children) Act, 2015 can address this issue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Bill passed recently aims at striking a balance between education and India's economic reality. Critically analyze.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Though the Maharashtra Protection of People from Social Boycott (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act of 2016 is an important step in the long-standing struggle against social exclusion, it is only the first step. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Though the Criminal Tribes Act, 1871 was annulled soon after independence, the communities designated as Denotified Tribes (DNT) and Nomadic Tribes (NT) remain amongst the most discriminated and disadvantaged groups in the country. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"The idea of a Pay Commission is to revise the pay scales of the government staff. In light of the recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission examine the need for the introduction of performance linked pay for government employees as in the case of private sector. Also comment on the need for the introduction of pay parity among various services.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Even though India and Russia have enjoyed a close relationship over the years, it has not been immune to the changing power dynamics globally. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"The Indus Water Treaty has survived multiple wars and is often cited as a successful example of transboundary sharing of river waters. In this context, identify the key provisions of the treaty and examine the options that India can exercise to pursue its strategic interests vis-a-vis Pakistan.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"The Iranian nuclear agreement presents an opportunity for moving towards a new security order in the Persian Gulf. Elaborate in the context of changing scenario in the region. What are the likely implications for India in this context?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Considering the diversity among Pacific Island Countries (PICs) India has a huge scope for building multi-sectoral cooperation tailored to the specific conditions in these islands. Discuss Also examine the strategic importance of PICs for India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Though BRICS is neither an economic union nor a political coalition, it creates space for India to move the contemporary international order towards alternative models of development and governance Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Since the end of Cold War, the focus and role of NAM have changed significantly. Discuss. Also analyse its relevance for India in the emerging geo-political order.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Despite a consensus that a collective global effort is needed to alleviate the ongoing refugee crisis, efforts made so far have hardly yielded the desired results. Do you agree? Briefly highlight the socio-political impact of this crisis on destination countries. Also highlight the role that India can play in this situation.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3043,"topper":"H S Bhavana","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/bd358-13508_1153_h-s-bhavana_rank-55.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the issues faced in BOT and EPC models of infrastructure investment, explain how HAM can address these. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The investment rate in India has gradually declined after a historic high in the mid 2000s. Examine the reasons behind this trend. Discuss the steps required to revive investment for a sustained growth. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The measurement of the extent of formal sector and formal employment is yet an unsettled matter in our economy. Comment. Also, mention the steps which the government has taken to improve its extent. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Minimum Support Price (MSP) of crops is a short term solution for agricultural distress which creates long term problems. Examine. Suggest measures to overcome the the limitations of the MSP regime. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Enumerating the factors that determine a nation's energy-mix, comment on the need for having a diversified fuel basket for meeting India's future energy demands. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Air quality in Indian households, especially in rural areas, is lethal due to a number of factors. In this context, highlighting the challenges faced in improving indoor air quality, enumerate the measures that can be taken to address them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlight the characteristics and applications of Cyber Physical systems. Also, enumerate the various objectives of the Cyber Physical Systems programme recently launched by the government. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"India needs to collaborate and participate in international scientific projects in order to place itself as a major player in cutting edge research. Discuss in the light of ongoing global mega science projects. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Deployment of central armed forces in states has been a contentious issue. Mention the issues involved and suggest some remedial measures. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In what ways does the physiography of India pose a challenge to its counter-terrorism efforts? What can be done to deal with these challenges? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Enhancing private infrastructure spending and revival of stalled projects is critical to the success of Bharatmala Pariyojana. Discuss. Also enumerate measures taken by the government to revive stalled projects on National Highways. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"In the light of increasing NPAs and frauds, the twin balance sheet problem has grown immensely. Comment on the issue and analyse the potential of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code to be a game changer for Indian economy's health and long-term growth. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Highlight the importance of MSME sector in India's economy. Also, identifying the challenges, suggest some policy recommendations to ensure their sustenance and competitive growth. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Going forward, the allied sectors will play a critical role in increasing the resilience and improving economic returns in agriculture. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What do you understand by Seed Replacement Rate? Explaining the concept of breeder, foundation and certified seeds, highlight the major policy initiatives taken in order to address the challenge of quality seed availability to farmers. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Schemes like Krishi Vikas Yojana, and Central sector scheme for production and distribution of certified seeds help to provide 16. While overcrowding in public places cannot be wished away in India, what we need are better infrastructure and more effective crowd-control measures Comment. Also, briefly enumerate NDMA guidelines for crowd management. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What do you understand by TRIPS plus provisions being advocated by developed countries outside the WTO based TRIPS agreement? Do you think India should show some flexibility and incorporate certain TRIPS plus provisions in its IPR regime? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime) has pitched for the need of an integrated approach in order to address the difficulties in preventing, detecting, investigating and prosecuting Transnational Organised Crimes (TOC). Elaborating on these difficulties, discuss how an integrated approach can help in tackling TOCs. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The Government has adopted a holistic approach built around simultaneous implementation of a security agenda, developmental activities and promotion of good governance to address the Left Wing Extremism in India. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3044,"topper":"H S Bhavana","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/208c7-13508_1838_h-s-bhavana_rank-55.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The Chalukyan architecture uniquely epitomises the grandeur and hybrid characteristic style of temple building. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The success or failure of a political movement is not always determined by the achievement of its stated goals. Discuss in light of the Ghadar movement. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss the ways in which Gandhian conceptualisation of Sarvodaya influenced Vinoba Bhave's Bhoodan movement. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Bring out the evidences, which led to the Plate Tectonics Theory. Also, discuss how this theory explains the movement of plates. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Give an account of the formation of Abyssal Plains and highlight the relief features found on these plains. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What are the geographical and climatic conditions required for tea cultivation? In this context, discuss the reasons for the introduction of tea cultivation in the Duars region of the Himalayas by the British. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Briefly bring out the distinction between flash droughts and conventional droughts. Also, examine the reasons behind the increasing vulnerability of India to flash droughts. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Though various initiatives have been taken to ensure social security for informal workers in India, there still exist gaps which need to be plugged. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Critically assess the government's move on raising the age of marriage of women in India from 18 to 21 years. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Reservation for locals in private sector has again brought the debate around regionalism into focus. In this context, examine whether regionalism is a threat to national integration. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Explain how agricultural surplus, growth of crafts and trade, and growing population led to the second urbanisation in ancient India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"India of the 18th century failed to make progress economically, culturally and socially at a pace, which would have saved the country from collapse. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The withdrawal of the Civil Disobedience Movement triggered a two-stage debate on the strategic course of India’s freedom struggle. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Throw light on the causes, course and outcomes of the Civil War, which followed the Russian Revolution. Also, bring out the reasons behind the Bolshevik victory. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"What are Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs)? Highlighting the susceptibility of the Himalayan region to GLOFs, state the measures required to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Highlighting the importance of ice sheets, discuss the likely impact of their melting on the planet with special focus on India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"What are twin cyclones? Discuss the role of Rossby waves and Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) in their formation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Since independence, planning strategies for women’s upliftment has evolved from welfare to development to empowerment. Elucidate. Also, discuss the role played by voluntary organizations in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"How far do you agree with the view that globalisation has aggravated the challenges faced by the poor in India? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3045,"topper":"H S Bhavana","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6d41f-13508_1071_h-s-bhavana_rank-55.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) is more than just the keeper of our national accounts; it is also a conscience-keeper and a watchdog. Examine the statement in light of making the auditing process more effective. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The concern for transparency in political funding is at odds with the Electoral Bond Scheme notified by the government. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Lobbying in India exists in a perennially grey legal and policy arena. In this context, discuss the need to formally recognize and regulate lobbying in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"More than a decade after it was passed, the implementation of the RTI Act leaves much to be desired. Comment. Also discuss the issues associated with the recent proposals to amend the RTI Act. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Critically discuss the evolving policy on reservation in promotions in India with special focus on its ability to meet the objectives of social justice. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"India produces enough food for its people, but not all people get enough food to eat. Discussing this paradox, highlight some of the major interventions taken in the past few years in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"India sees Indian Ocean as not just a water body, but a global stage for continued economic, social, and cultural dialogue. Elaborate.(150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In the context of India taking greater responsibility in management of the global commons, there has been a shift in India's climate change negotiation stance. In this context, analyze the evolution of India's climate policy. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlighting the constitutional role of the Finance Commission (FC), discuss the issues which are being debated w.r.t. terms of reference (ToR) of the 15th Finance Commission. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The spirit of the constitution of India represents a synthesis of Indian values, democratic and socialist movements in west and our independence movement. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"What is the importance of an independent judiciary in a democracy? Highlight the safeguards in our political-constitutional setup to ensure the independence of judiciary. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Even though Indian federalism has matured quite a bit, with states having far greater control of their economic and political management, serious structural problems still remain. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The recent amendments to the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 strike a balance between enforcement overzealousness and the need for stringent action against corrupt public servants. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Identifying the various issues plaguing the voluntary sector in India, discuss the need for a national accreditation agency to overcome them. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Given the importance of a teacher in affecting the learning outcomes of children, discuss the problems in the present system of teacher training in India. How can these be addressed? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The implementation of a scheme with such scale and benefit as Ayushman Bharat is likely to face many obstacles. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Given the fact that India cannot match China's financial clout, it is seen to be diversifying the ways in which it can enhance cooperation and promote its diplomatic profile in Africa. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Discuss how American sanctions on its adversaries affect India. Taking the example of CAATSA, analyse how India can shield its strategic interests in face of such sanctions. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3046,"topper":"H S Bhavana","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/89222-13508_2211_h-s-bhavana_rank-55.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The Cholas are inextricably linked with the zenith of Dravidian art and architecture. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Among the major legacies of the Indian freedom movement, civil liberties formed an important one. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The Berlin Conference of 1884-85 in many ways set the ground for the scramble in Africa. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What is a cloudburst and what are its effects? Why are they more frequent in the Himalayan region? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Despite its potential, there are several challenges in the implementation of the Ken-Betwa Link Project. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Identify the issues related to production and supply of coal in India. How can these issues be addressed? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Present the geographical distribution of agro-based industries in India and discuss the challenges faced by them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The caste system continues to be one of the key drivers of poverty and inequality in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss the issues faced by domestic workers in India. Also suggest measures that can be taken to empower them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Given the deeply gendered impact of population control measures, examine the need to rethink the current approach of population control measures in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Examine the impact of the Sramana tradition on the Vedic religion and its relation with the emergence of Jainism, Buddhism and Ajivika sects. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Giving a brief overview of the three Carnatic Wars, discuss the factors that led to the success of the British against the French in the struggle for control over India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Provide an account of the issues that led to a crisis in Punjab in the 1980s. Also, discuss the roadmap to peace that was eventually adopted. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Post-drift theories based on ocean floor mapping provided new dimensions to the study of distribution of oceans and continents. Elaborate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Explain the phenomenon of heat waves. Also, enumerate the conditions favourable for the development of heat waves in India and their associated health impacts. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Providing an account of distribution of rainforests across the world, mention their key characteristics. Also highlight the threats that are being faced by tropical rainforests. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Indian cities are not only mimicking the social and cultural structures of inequality and exclusion found in rural areas but are also creating fault lines for future conflicts. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Examine the multi-dimensional impact of globalisation on tribal development in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3047,"topper":"H S Bhavana","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/85314-13508_1524_h-s-bhavana_rank-55.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Tenancy reforms are much needed to give a boost to the Indian agricultural sector. Comment. In this context, also discuss the significance of the Model Land Leasing Act, 2016. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"India's march towards inclusive growth and it achieving the Sustainable Development Goals are intricately linked. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlight the need for evolving an appropriate system of Rules Of Origin in regional trading arrangements. What steps have been taken by India recently in this regard? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"MSP regime is a creation of an era of scarcity in the 1960s. Discuss its relevance in the current era of surplus agricultural production. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Examine the link between the recent locust attack and climate change. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlighting the properties of Carbon Nanotubes, discuss its applications. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"India's domestic patent regime privileges public health over pharmaceutical industry's interests. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Bring out the arguments surrounding the idea of employing the principle of 'one border - one force' on Indian borders. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Assess the need to create a new cadre of Indian Frontier Administrative Service to undertake the vital tasks at Indian frontiers. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The main objective of Union Budget 2020-21 is to provide \"Ease of Living\" to all citizens. Analyse the framework proposed in the Budget 2020-21 to achieve this objective. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Several challenges are needed to be addressed to realise the full benefits of the recent agricultural marketing reforms. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Multimodal transport requires multiple integrations across different modes of transportation. Substantiate. What are the challenges and opportunities associated with multimodal transportation for India? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Though COVID-19 pandemic exposes the vulnerability of informal sector and associated labor force in India, it also presents an opportunity to rebalance formal-informal economy dynamics in the country. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Highlight the drivers and challenges facing India's ambition to become a gas-based economy. Mention the steps that have been taken by the government recently in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Climate Change and the associated events endanger the marine and coastal ecosystems while increasing the vulnerability of coastal population. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Using examples, highlight how natural ecosystems perform different hazard mitigation functions. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Explain what genome sequencing is and state the challenges in scaling up genome sequencing projects. Also, throw some light on the recently launched IndiGen Project. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India needs to avert radicalisation and societal dissention, as internal faultlines are a breeding ground for cyber and transnational terrorism. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Given the emerging security challenges, discuss why the establishment of Integrated Theatre Commands is being seen as an important defence reform. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3048,"topper":"H S Bhavana","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/13906-13508_2214_h-s-bhavana_rank-55.pdf","questions":[{"page":9,"question":"Although open and transparent governance has gained ground, do you agree with the view that there is merit in withholding some information from people? Justify your arguments with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Examine the issue of foreign aid in global politics from an ethical perspective. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":3049,"topper":"H S Bhavana","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/96039-13508_1837_h-s-bhavana_rank-55.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"With the help of appropriate examples, discuss the ethical challenges involved in policing in India. Also, highlight the reasons behind corruption in the police force. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"It is not only public servants, but also the common citizens who play a key role in institutionalising high standards of ethical conduct and good governance. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"While emotional intelligence is an essential tool for a public servant, it can also be misused to manipulate people to act against their own interests. Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.\" Nelson Mandela (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":3050,"topper":"H S Bhavana","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c81e3-13508_1841_h-s-bhavana_rank-55.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the meaning of self-efficacy, along with its key determinants. Also, discuss the significance of high self-efficacy for a civil servant. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have the right to do and what is right to do. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Bring out the difference between accountability and responsibility. Also, discuss the significance of accountability in ensuring ethical governance in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.\"- Marcus Aurelius (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":3051,"topper":"Hardik","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b7a3c-429074_1241_hardik_rank_96.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the concept of Chandrasekhar Limit and highlight its significance in the field of astronomy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"What are nano-pharmaceuticals? Mention their application and highlight the need for regulating the nano-pharmaceuticals in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Explaining the working mechanism of ramjet engine, highlight the significance of Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) propulsion-based missile system for India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Examining the risk posed by space debris, suggest some measures which can be taken for its mitigation and removal.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Explaining the concept of data exclusivity, bring out the arguments for and against incorporating data exclusivity norms in India's IPR regime.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Internet of Things (IoT) promises to offer numerous opportunities across multiple sectors, but there are many challenges that need to be addressed in realizing its potential. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Highlighting its potential, discuss the challenges that are being faced in generation and utilisation of energy from fusion process. What scientific advancements have been made in addressing these challenges?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Highlight the significance of Gaganyaan mission for India. Enlist various challenges that the mission is likely to face.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Though big data analytics offer opportunities for better policy formulation and improved service delivery to citizens, it also brings with itself many challenges, which the government needs to address. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Elaborate on the concept, methodology and applications of DNA Fingerprinting.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Highlight the applications of supercomputers. What steps have been taken by India to establish its domestic supercomputing ecosystem? Also, suggest some further steps which can be taken by India in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Compare and contrast fifth generation (5G) of wireless telecom technology with 4G technology. What challenges need to be overcome for 5G's pan-India rollout?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Explain the concept of optical tweezers and state their working principle. Also, highlight some of their applications.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Though Hydrogen enriched Compressed Natural Gas (H-CNG) fuel is dubbed as a better substitute of CNG, there remain certain challenges in making it commercially viable. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Discuss the challenges confronting higher self-reliance and indigenisation of defence industry in India. What steps can be taken to accelerate its pace?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics can prove to be a game changer in comprehensively improving the primary, secondary and tertiary sectors of Indian economy. Comment. Also, enumerate various policy measures which can help leverage these technologies for furthering our social and economic objectives.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"Mentioning some its key features, highlight the benefits and applications of Hyperspectral Imaging Satellite recently launched by ISRO.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"What are neutrinos? In the context of India-based Neutrino Observatory project, bring out the significance of studying neutrinos.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":55,"question":"Among others, low R&D expenditure, is a key challenge facing the innovation ecosystem in India. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3052,"topper":"Hardik","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/67901-429074_1244_hardik_rank_96.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the need of an Independent Fiscal Council (IFC) in bringing about transparency and accountability in fiscal processes in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Recognizing the potential of exports in generating employment, a number of steps need to be taken to address India's weakening export competitiveness. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlighting the main features of National Mineral Policy, 2019, discuss how it can help in ensuring sustainable and responsible mining. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlighting the salient features of the PM JI-VAN Yojana, analyze how it can assist in achieving the vision and goals of the National Policy on Biofuels, 2018. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) provides an alternative to capital and chemical intensive agriculture currently being practiced in India. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Marine life is facing 'irreparable damage' from the millions of tonnes of plastic waste which ends up in the oceans each year. In this context, examine the implications of plastic pollution on marine ecosystem and suggest some measures for addressing this problem. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are black holes? Highlight the challenges in imaging a black hole? How were these challenges overcome by the Event Horizon Telescope project? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"While mentioning the objectives of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), discuss the challenges which are hindering the utilization of the ATT to its full potential. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Threats to internal security of India may be posed both through the communication networks and also to the networks. Discuss. Also, highlight the steps taken by the government in making the networks more secure. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlight the importance and challenges related to integration of Variable Renewable Energy (VRE) in India. Mention some steps that can be taken for its smooth integration with the synchronized Indian grid. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"There have been arguments that India could fall into a 'middle income trap'. Explaining the phenomenon, highlight the reasons behind such arguments. How can India avoid it? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Highlighting its importance, discuss the major issues that plague effective monetary policy transmission in India. Also, mention the steps taken by RBI to improve it. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight the constraints faced by rainfed agriculture in India. Discuss some agronomic practices that can be adopted for stabilizing agricultural production in rainfed areas. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite the steps taken by the government in recent years, a number of problems continue to persist in the urea sector in India. Discuss. What reforms should be taken to address the persisting problems? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What is Access and Benefit Sharing? Explain how it aids in sustainable use of biodiversity. Also, mention the different global and national level mechanisms for ensuring Access and Benefit Sharing. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Stating the significance, discuss the challenges in achieving disaster resilience of infrastructure. Suggest some ways for mainstreaming it in the development paradigm. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Highlighting the significance of data localization for India, discuss various challenges associated with data localization. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Money Laundering as a socio economic offence is a menace especially for developing countries like India. Comment. What measures have been taken at the domestic and international levels to deal with this menace? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The primary motive of terrorism differs from that of organised crime but there exists a symbiotic relationship between the two. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3053,"topper":"Hardik Chandel","air":304,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/HARDIK-CHANDEL-UPSC-2023-Rank-304-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3054,"topper":"Hardik Chandel","air":304,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/HARDIK-CHANDEL-UPSC-2023-Rank-304-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3055,"topper":"Hardik Chandel","air":304,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/HARDIK-CHANDEL-UPSC-2023-Rank-304-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3056,"topper":"Hardik Chandel","air":304,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/HARDIK-CHANDEL-UPSC-2023-Rank-304-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3057,"topper":"Hardik Garg","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/cbe89-1271707_2121_hardik_garg_rank_81.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"i) If the only tool you have is a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3058,"topper":"Hardik Garg","air":181,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0e71e-1271707_2122_hardik_garg_rank_181.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3059,"topper":"Haresh Lodha","air":261,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/HARSH-SANTOSH-LODHAUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-261-Sample-MGP-COPY-3-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Q.1) Discuss the role of the 'Fourth Estate' in upholding democratic values and analyse the issues affecting press freedom in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"The electoral process, though inclusionary in theory, has been pointed out for exclusionary tendencies in practice. Analyse, with special emphasis on role of women in India's representative electoral system.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Q.3) Human dignity, stemming from right to life, does not end with death penalty. In this context, throw light on various controversies surrounding capital punishment in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"B How to decide if capital punishment be given?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"Q.4) Assess the effectiveness of Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 in resolution of river-water disputes. Also describe the potential impact of delays in resolution of water disputes.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Q.5) Discuss the significance of the cooperative model of development in addressing the issues of rural growth.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Q.6 In order to pass the ultimate test of good governance, welfare state should be close to the people, responsive to their aspirations, and inclusive in its approach. Discuss with special reference to PM PVTG Development Mission.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Q.7) To what extent collaboration between the state and civil society organizations (CSOs) help in addressing poverty and malnutrition in the country?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Q.8 Absence of a robust social infrastructure in the country may become one of the most significant challenges in achieving a developed status by 2047. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Q.9) Though the changing paradigm towards dialogue and diplomacy in West Asia augurs well for India's interests in this otherwise restive region, presence of inimical actors may reverse the gains. Explain.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Q.10) Water diplomacy can redefine the contours of regional cooperation in South Asia. Discuss with special reference to Indus water treaty 1960.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Q.11 Despite constitutional backing to the institutions of local governance, the idea of decentralisation has remained hostage to several structural bottlenecks. Elucidate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.12 Independent judiciary, as envisaged by the constitution, provides the bedrock for a thriving polity; however, executive encroachment may erode its credibility and affect its efficacy. Evaluate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Q.13 Executive agencies, working as the watchdog against impropriety, are vital to act against the corrupt; however, pandering to vested interests may have the effect of turning the idea of rule of law on its head. Comment, with special reference to controversies associated with the Enforcement Directorate (ED).","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Q.14 Critically analyse the role of National Commission for Women (NCW) in wake of its mandate to safeguard women's rights and uphold their socio-economic wellbeing.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Q.15) Understanding the extent, source, and complexity of deprivations among the multidimensionally poor contributes to more informed policymaking. In this context, analyze the latest National Multidimensional Poverty Index Report by NITI Aayog.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Q.16 Though lifeblood of a representative democracy, political parties are beset with challenges of their own, limiting their larger role in democratization of the society.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Q.17 Safely managed drinking water services, as desired by Jal Jeevan Mission, are designated to give multifarious benefits cutting across generations. Discuss. Also, elaborate upon the challenges in ensuring the mission's success.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Q.18 Legislation like Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989 remains mere legal documents without intense sensitization of public functionaries and the civil society. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Q.19 Harbinger of global rebalancing, India-Africa ties are a beacon of inclusive, sustainable, and equitable world. Explain.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Q.20) How do ASEAN centrality, rules-based order, and development partnership with Pacific Island states make Indo-Pacific a theatre of opportunity for India? What are the hurdles in realisation of an inclusive Indo-Pacific construct?","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3060,"topper":"Hari Prasanth M R","air":419,"year":2020,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1JuR1790NvfKPCWUw3LXkk4r_OOh6HeDu","questions":[]},{"id":3061,"topper":"Hari Prasanth M R","air":419,"year":2020,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1FSQ1Ljo4-7XIw7wcvekqUgUtD9TbwYNN","questions":[]},{"id":3062,"topper":"HARIPRASATH M","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/HARIPRASATH-M-UPSC-2024-Rank-407-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Why has there been an increased focus on negotiating, renegotiating and concluding Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) by India in recent years? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"A well-designed fiscal policy can serve as a vital instrument to facilitate the equitable distribution of resources and ensure the welfare of all sections of society. Elaborate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What are the primary factors contributing to India's significant reliance on imported edible oils? What measures do you suggest to increase domestic production and to reduce India's reliance on imported edible oils? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"With the growing water crisis in India, micro irrigation offers a sustainable solution for water conservation; however, its adoption remains skewed and below its potential. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The recurring railway accidents highlight the urgent necessity for addressing the myriad challenges related to safety, undercapacity and lack of modernization within Indian Railways. Analyse. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"How does NISAR mission exemplify international cooperation in space exploration and scientific research? In what ways will it help in climate change monitoring and natural hazard management? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Nuclear technology can play a transformative role in enhancing food security and agricultural sustainability. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Increasing frequency of forest fires in India underscores the urgent need for sustainable forest management practices. In light of the statement, bring out the causes and multidimensional impact of forest fires. Also, suggest measures for their prevention and management. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What reasons can be attributed to the recent surge in terror related violence in Jammu and Kashmir? What strategies would you suggest to counter it? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"The liberalization policies of 1991 significantly enhanced India's economic dynamism, but the evolving global and domestic landscape necessitates 'Reforms 2.0' for sustained economic development and prosperity.\" Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Infrastructure development is essential not just for economic transformation but also for sustainable development and societal well-being. Elaborate with examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Bring out the significance of aquaculture towards nutrition security, livelihood generation, and economic growth. Also, mention various measures taken by the government to promote aquaculture in the country. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The MSP system, though well-intentioned, has led to market distortions and ecological stress, necessitating reforms to make it more inclusive and efficient. Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Biotechnology holds immense potential for achieving sustainable food production, efficient waste management and significant advancements in human health. Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Climate change is leading to significant alterations in ecosystems, resulting in cascading effects on biodiversity, ecosystem services, and human livelihoods, necessitating integrated approaches to conservation and climate adaptation. Analyse. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Urban areas, often referred to as the cradle of civilization and growth engines, are increasingly experiencing various natural and man-made disasters. Discuss in the Indian context. Also, suggest suitable mitigation and management strategies. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"\"India's disaster management framework has made significant progress in the 21st century, yet challenges persist in ensuring timely response and effective coordination during crises.\" Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Explain how the symbiotic relationship between organized crime and terrorism further aggravates internal security concerns. What steps can be taken to address this linkage and the threats emerging from it? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Strengthening security apparatus in border areas and forging developmental partnerships with the locals are essential components of a robust and effective border management strategy. Discuss, with initiatives taken by the government in this regard. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3063,"topper":"Harish K","air":736,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/HARISH_K_ESSAY_PROGRAMME_TEST_1_AIR_736_9b5e42f0d3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3064,"topper":"Harish Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b1d4b-515603_2220_harish-kumar_rank-674.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The logic of limitless wealth lies in the basic human instinct for furthering self-interest in the form of profit. In this context, do you think there is a possibility of pursuing ethical capitalism? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"If a law is unjust, a man is not only right to disobey it, he is obligated to do so. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The capacity of Citizens' Charter to initiate any transformative process is conditioned upon it being appropriately designed and effectively executed. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The moral fiber and ethical conduct of public officials not only influence the standard of governance but also their own interests and performance. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The ongoing debate on euthanasia poses several ethical questions. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Foreign aid is a form of neo-colonialism, as the economically wealthier countries can exploit the developing countries under the cloak of aid. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Throwing light on the idea of Universal Humanism propounded by Rabindranath Tagore, discuss its contemporary relevance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree with the view that it is nature and not nurture which determines the emotional intelligence of a person? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Values that guide public administrators can often compete with each other, owing to their relative importance to the larger public interest. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Is it justifiable to say that corruption is a social phenomenon? What are the various ways through which administrative corruption can be tackled? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) “Overcoming poverty is not a task of charity; it is an act of justice.” Nelson Mandela (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"“I do believe that, where there is only a choice between cowardice and violence, I would advise violence.\"- Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"You are posted as the Commissioner of Police in a metropolitan city where a visiting foreign dignitary, with President-level security cover, is scheduled to visit for an official function. As a part of the security preparedness, it has been decided that no vehicular traffic will be allowed on the route which will be taken by the foreign dignitary to reach the venue of the function in the city. However, just 15 minutes before the scheduled arrival of the dignitary, you are informed that a critically-ill patient is stuck on the way to the hospital in a private car along with his family. In this situation, answer the following: (a) Discuss the issues involved in halting traffic for VIP movement. (b) List the options available to you in this situation with their merits and demerits. (c) What will be your course of action? Justify with proper reasoning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"The transgender community has been a part of India's social set up since the very beginning but never recognized as a reputable part of the society. 'Hijra' is a term traditionally used in India for transgender women who were born male. The role and value of this community in accordance with the sacred Hindu texts condenses to the performance of blessings at marriage and birth ceremonies for good fortune. With the advent of the British Raj in the 19th century, the acts of \"cross-dressing\" were registered as a criminal offence and if such offences were committed repeatedly, imprisonment followed. Thus, began the criminalization of hijras. Today, although legally supported and socially empowered as compared to earlier times, hijras are still subject to transphobic discrimination-associated violence, poverty, and segregation. In light of the above, answer the following: (a) Identify the challenges faced by transgenders during the different stages of their life. (b) Discuss the reasons for the continuing discrimination against trangenders in India despite several initiatives for their upliftment in recent times. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"You are an IPS officer posted as the Inspector General of Police in a state. The recent death of a father-son duo in one of the districts in the state, due to custodial violence allegedly in the presence of the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), has sparked anger across the state. This is not an isolated incident, as there have been allegations raised by human rights groups in the past regarding custodial deaths due to physical assault by the police. The High Court of the State, taking suo moto cognizance of the recent incident, has served a notice to the state government, seeking a detailed report on the rising instances of custodial deaths. The state government has constituted a Committee to probe the incident and submit a detailed report about the veracity of facts related to it. You have been asked to head the Committee. You know the Deputy Superintendent of Police of the district to be an honest, hardworking and upright officer. He has privately requested you to absolve him of any wrongdoing as he claims not to be present when the incident occurred. You know that any action against him will be detrimental to his reputation and career. On the other hand, the seniors in the department are pressurising you to put all the blame on the DSP and make him a sacrificial lamb in order to protect the overall image of the police in the state. In the given scenario, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the stakeholders and the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) What steps will you take to ensure that the enquiry is seen to be fair and impartial? (c) Given the challenges that the police forces in India operate under in their day-to-day functioning, suggest some initiatives to address them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Mr. X is a billionaire businessman who heads a conglomerate engaged in insurance, energy generation and distribution, and manufacturing. Despite being globally known as a great philanthropist, he turned down a shareholder request seeking the disclosure of the conglomerate's actions on issues related to climate change as well as diversity and inclusion. Because of increased attention to climate and diversity issues, many leading firms have committed themselves to incorporate relevant considerations in their business strategies. Therefore, some industry-observors wonder if Mr. X is out of touch with the industry at large and have warned him that failing to address climate change issues puts his businesses under systemic risk. But, Mr. X maintained his vote against the disclosure proposal, while at the same time acknowledged the importance of both climate change and a diverse and inclusive work force. However, Mr. X believes that such ethical issues take secondary importance to maximising shareholder profit. (a) Discuss the importance of including climate change strategies and diversity and inclusion in a business organisation? (b) In your opinion, what matters more for a business organisation - socio-environmental concerns or shareholder profit? (c) How can the two above-mentioned issues be reconciled? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"You are posted as a Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district where people of different religious communities are living together peacefully. The district is also famous for its architectural heritage and is regularly visited by tourists from all around the world. However, there has been an incident in the nearby state where people of two different communities have started fighting over religious issues. This incident has a spillover effect over the whole country. In your own area of jurisdiction, you have come to know from various sources about circulation of some hate speech videos, which have the potential to destabilise the law and order situation. You are also aware that some outsiders with dubious intentions have started pouring in your district. In one locality, a shopkeeper who had earlier filed a complaint regarding threats he received for posting something on the internet, is found murdered in cold blood. This incident has stunned the nation. You are being informed that hundreds of people of the community to which the shopkeeper belonged are planning to stage a massive protest in your district. (a) In the given situation, what are the options available to you to ensure that the law and order situation in the district remains stable. Provide a detailed account of your course of action. (b) Do you think the present legal and institutional mechanisms are sufficient to tackle the menace of hate speech in the society? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"The Indian education system suffers from many ills. One of the major issues is the focus on ‘rote learning’, which has been the staple of the Indian education system for many years. While many Indians have attained success despite this system, simply being able to recall information is not enough in today’s world when that information is instantly available to anyone on a mobile phone. A survey of 200 Indian and foreign companies found that only 14% of Indian graduates were prepared for the workforce, largely because most graduates were unable to apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the consequences of ‘rote learning’ on the educational development of young students in the country? (b) Suggest measures that can be taken to address this issue. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3065,"topper":"Harishankar Ganesan","air":107,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/58ce2-1154589_2488_harishankar_ganesan_rank_107.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3066,"topper":"Harishankar Ganesan","air":107,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Harishankar-Ganesan-UPSC-2023-Rank-107-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3067,"topper":"Harishankar Ganesan","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Harishankar-Ganesan-UPSC-2023-Rank-107-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"In many ways, the Spanish civil war was the opening act of WWII. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"How will you explain the different fates of Buddhism and Jainism despite a slew of similarities in the two religions? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Non-Cooperation Movement democratized India's freedom struggle but suffered from inherent limitations. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Critically analyse the efficacy of linguistic reorganization of states in addressing the reasons for linguistic divides in post-independent India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Briefly discuss the role of plate tectonics theory in explaining the location of volcanoes. Also, explain the multifarious impacts of volcanoes on the surrounding regions. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Taking further the success of Aspirational Districts Programme, Aspirational Blocks can help achieve the twin objectives of balanced growth and checking stress migration. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Describe the critical factors for location of defense industries and suggest measures to overcome the challenges. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"To what extent can Socio-Economic-Caste Census (SECC) address the challenges in achieving equitable resource allocation and targeted welfare? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Indian society is premised on some common values that give it a composite texture as well as some diverse practices that deepen its heterogeneity. Elucidate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What are the factors that influence population growth in the country? In this perspective, examine the relevance and need of raising the minimum marriageable age of women for population development. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Bring out the reasons behind the tribal unrest in British India. Also, analyze the reasons for their limited success. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The independence of India was not a result of a forced expulsion of the Empire, as desired by the Quit India Movement; it was rather a confluence of domestic politics and global circumstances. Analyze. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Explain why Sufism, a liberal reform movement in Islam could deepen its roots in the Indi-an sub-continent, despite Islam being a foreign religion? Also, bring out the impacts of Sufism on Indian society. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Enumerate the reasons behind rising intensity and frequency of cyclones in the Arabian Sea in recent years. Giving special reference to NDMA guidelines, recommend measures to check the adverse impacts of cyclones. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Examine the impacts of climate change on the hydrological cycle and suggest suitable mitigation and adaptation strategies to contain the harmful implications. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Defining continental shelf, highlight its resource potential and ecological significance. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Rooted in patriarchal values, gender-based violence, in all its manifestations, is antithetical to societal growth. Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The caste calculus in the Indian society remains predominant and continues to project its shadow on social, political, and economic domains. Do you agree? Substantiate your answer. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss various factors contributing to the water woes faced by Indian cities. Also, explain complexities in implementing a comprehensive water management plan. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Though important elements of group identity, religion and region also run the risk of deepening communal cleavages. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3068,"topper":"Harishankar Ganesan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/56e95-1154589_2424_harishankar_ganesan_rank_107.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What are the different dimensions of food security? Examine India's status in terms of ensuring food security with regard to these dimensions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Modern technologies such as blockchain and ChatGPT are powerful tools with immense potential to transform agriculture into a more efficient and sustainable sector. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What factors have led to the recent acceleration in the trend towards de-dollarization of the global economy? Do you think the dollar will lose its dominance anytime soon? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Despite significant pressure from the developed countries to alter its food subsidy regime, there is merit in India trying to retain its policy support for the poor in the country. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Several initiatives have been taken by the government towards addressing India's water needs, but the issues of water availability and water quality still warrant prioritised intervention. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What are the major drivers of glacial retreat in the Arctic? Describe the potential impact of the retreat of Arctic glaciers on the ecosystem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Space tourism, which was viewed as something straight out of a science fiction movie, is now becoming a reality albeit not without hindrances. What are the challenges associated with space tourism? What measures can be taken to address these challenges? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Global health experts widely believe that the development of CAR-T cell therapy can be a game changer in the treatment of cancer. How can CAR-T cell therapy overcome the limitations of CRISPR-Cas9 technology? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss why the rising deployment of new and emerging technologies by prominent violent extremist organizations demand concerted global efforts. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"With the Line of Actual Control (LAC) remaining tense after the Galwan and Yangste incidents and both India and China ramping up infrastructure in the border areas, discuss the role that ITBP plays in the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Do you think there is a need for a shift from 'land productivity' to 'irrigation water productivity' in India? Justify your answer. What are the challenges in making this shift? Explain. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Examine the role that green hydrogen can play in unlocking the energy security of India. How can the National Green Hydrogen Mission help India in achieving its energy goals? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The government has been weighing a transition from minimum wage to living wage in recent times. What are the benefits and constraints in the adoption of living wage in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The Union Budget affects almost every sector of the Indian economy, yet neither the budgetary processes nor the budget policies come under substantial public scrutiny. Do you agree? Justify your answer. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"India has been able to transform itself from a milk deficit country to the world's biggest milk producer, but the productivity of dairy animals in the country remains a concern. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"While climate change is responsible for crop failures, the agricultural sector itself is partly responsible for extreme weather events. Discuss. What strategy has been adopted under National Agriculture Disaster Management Plan to strengthen the resilience of the farming community in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Some regions in India, including Delhi, are highly vulnerable to the impact of earthquakes originating in the Himalayas. Discuss. What institutional measures have been taken to mitigate earthquake losses in India? Do you think there are significant gaps that still exist? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Recently, scientists announced net energy gain in nuclear fusion reaction, which is considered as a major scientific breakthrough for the future of clean energy. What are the advantages of nuclear fusion based power generation? What are the limitations in using it to generate electricity at a commercial scale? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Keeping in view the recent amendment, examine the efficacy of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, in tackling the menace of money laundering in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Discuss the security threats present in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), which have a direct bearing on India's maritime border interests. Suggest a robust strategy to deal with these threats. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3069,"topper":"Harishankar Ganesan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/63dbb-1154589_2423_harishankar_ganesan_rank_107.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With suitable examples, discuss how environmental pressure groups enhance public participation and responsiveness with regard to environmental policies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The recent acknowledgment of sex work as a 'profession' by the Supreme Court is merely the first step in ensuring basic rights and equality for sex workers in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the role played by District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) in providing free legal aid and disseminating legal awareness in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"The collegium system has become a victim of its own success, with the concentration of power in the hands of a few, leading to questions about its legitimacy.\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"An up to date and functional Civil Registration System (CRS) is essential to the socio-economic planning in India. Discuss in the light of the recent move of the Central government in revamping the CRS system in the country. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What are the key areas of reform if the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has to align with the current economic realities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In recent years, India's relationship with West Asia has evolved from the confines of geopolitics to expanse of geoeconomics. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The role of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) is significant in furthering healthy competitiveness aimed at inspiring stakeholders to innovate and augment effectiveness. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"\"The menace of paid news often rears its ugly head during elections.\" Discuss the need for making paid news an electoral offence in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the 'Doctrine of Essentiality' referred to by the courts in the context of religious practices in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"As per the recently released report of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), there is an urgent need to limit the size of the government in India. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Besides legislation, the full realisation of the 'right to health for all' in India demands plugging of social, financial, and infrastructural gaps. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The 'third gender' has not yet been engendered in the Indian society despite legislative nudge. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Among other factors, strained ties with China and Pakistan make it difficult for India to fulfill its expectations from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"The recently concluded initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) between the United States and India promises a long overdue transformation of their partnership in the field of technology. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3070,"topper":"Harishankar Ganesan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d2e92-1154589_2218_harishankar_ganesan_rank_107.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to revisit the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution? Discuss with suitable arguments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Highlighting the advantages of online dispute resolution (ODR) mechanism for justice delivery, discuss the challenges associated with its effective implementation in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Despite the constitutional division of powers, Centre-state disputes have been a perennial feature of Indian democracy. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Do you agree with the view that adopting a framework for lobbying will strengthen participative governance and ease of doing business in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Despite the government encouraging open source instead of proprietary technology for government applications, the true potential of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) and digital platforms remains unrealized. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"As a social safety-valve, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) can be the principal vehicles through which communities voice their concerns. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Despite being lauded for its patient centric approach, the implementation of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, remains sluggish and mired with various issues. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to formulate an Urban Employment Guarantee scheme at the national level? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the relevance of BIMSTEC as a regional organisation to fulfil India's strategic aspirations in the Indian Ocean Region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the relevance of the Gujral Doctrine for India with regard to its relations with its immediate neighbours in the present times. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the pivotal role of the \"Officers of Parliament\" in the Indian Parliamentary system. Also, discuss the constitutional and statutory provisions for their impartial functioning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The Finance Commission plays a crucial role in balancing fiscal federalism in India. In this context, examine the recommendations given by the 15th Finance Commission. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Critically assess whether according statutory backing to the Model Code of Conduct will contribute towards free and fair elections in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The market disruption caused by digital revolution warrants renewed focus and perspective to ensure fair competition in the digital economy. In this light, discuss the need to revamp the Competition Commission of India (CCI). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"There is an urgent need for effective whistle-blowing mechanisms and ensuring that necessary safeguards for the protection of whistle-blowers are established in both public and private spheres in India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"State the reasons behind the poor performance of cooperatives in India. Also, discuss the reforms undertaken by the government to overcome the shortcomings. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Public-Private Partnership model, if harnessed properly, has the potential to bridge the gaps in India's healthcare system. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Although the New Education Policy brings with itself a commendable vision, its success will depend on its ability to effectively integrate with the government's other policy initiatives. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) is born from a collective desire to make the Indo-Pacific region an engine of global economic growth. Comment. Also, discuss India's concerns in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"India needs to identify the priority areas to further its techno-diplomacy amidst the complexities of expanding digital space and New and Emerging Strategic Technologies. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3071,"topper":"Harishankar Ganesan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1fbe7-1154589_2422_harishankar_ganesan_rank_107.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The traditional theatre forms of India reflect the ideals and emotions of the society, and an individual's role in the community. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Provide an account of the historical and architectural importance of the Sanchi Stupa. Also, discuss how it inspired the future architecture in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Bhagat Singh made a real breakthrough in terms of revolutionary ideology, the goals of revolution and forms of revolutionary struggle. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Bringing out the factors that led to the Meiji restoration, discuss its significance for Japan. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"It is believed that a nation is an \"imagined community\" held together by common beliefs, history, political aspirations etc. In this context, discuss what the basis of India as a nation is. Also, bring out the threats to the concept of Indian nationhood. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"State the key factors behind the growth of the pharmaceutical industry in India. Additionally, discuss its significance with regard to India's economy and public health.(Answer in 150words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss why the Bay of Bengal is more prone to cyclones than the Arabian Sea. Also, explain the reasons for the decrease in frequency of tropical cyclones during the Southwest monsoon season. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite being destructive in nature, volcanoes are critical for the existence of human life on earth. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The existence of relative deprivation is an important aspect in constructing the argument for regionalism. Explain with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"If India is to realise the goal of 'education for all', the issue of rising cases of bullying and other forms of school violence needs to be addressed immediately. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Bring out the role played by the Ahom Kingdom in shaping the cultural and historical identity of North-East India, and discuss its legacy in contemporary times. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The capitalist class generally remained ambivalent in their support to the Indian National Congress until 1940s. In this context, analyse the varying positions of the Indian capitalists throughout the national movement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Trace the evolution of the press in India. Also, discuss the instrumental impact it had during various stages of the Indian freedom struggle despite the repressive policies of the British. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Mountains are fragile ecosystems vulnerable to the adverse impact of climate change and other anthropogenic interventions. Illustrate with examples. Also, highlight the initiatives taken for their sustainable management. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind unsustainable management of sand resources in India. Highlighting its impact, enumerate the remedial measures taken in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Giving an account of the major lithium-producing countries, discuss the geo-political aspects of lithium production and its environmental implications. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The youth are capable of identifying themselves with a global identity and connecting with events and experiences outside their countries. In this context, discuss the impact of globalization on the various aspects of youth identity. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"As fertility rates decline in India, future demographic concerns center around an ageing population and a weak social security system. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"With a significant proportion of India's population expected to live in urban areas by 2030, the welfare of the urban poor needs to take centre-stage in public policy. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3072,"topper":"Harishankar Ganesan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3e24d-1154589_2217_harishankar_ganesan_rank_107.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With examples, discuss how the cultural traditions from various regions of India get reflected in regional music. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Highlighting the emergence of the working class movement, discuss its contribution towards India's freedom struggle. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Do you agree with the view that Gandhian politics was, in a sense, a continuation of Tilak's politics? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"It is said that the world's oceans are losing their 'memory' due to human-induced warming. Comment. Also, discuss the consequences of the phenomenon. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What is soil amendment? Evaluate the benefits and concerns associated with it. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"It has been suggested that the next decade may see a boom in hybrid power plants. Stating the advantages that such power plants offer, discuss the associated challenges. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What are Van Allen Radiation Belts? Explaining their formation, discuss why there has been a growing focus on their study. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss whether marital rape should be criminalised in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What is care economy? Highlight the challenges associated with it and mention the steps taken to address them in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Post-pandemic India is staring at the challenge of \"learning poverty\". Analyse its implications and discuss a way ahead. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Bring out the evolution of mural traditions in South India. Also, elaborate on their significant characteristics. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Indian nationalism that confronted British imperialism in the 19th century was a product of colonial modernity. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Environmentalism surfaced in the form of many organised movements in post independence India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Do you agree with the view that continental blockade was an ill-conceived strategy by Napoleon to conquer Britain through economic means? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What do you understand by the Arctic Paradox? Highlight the spatial distribution of mineral and energy resources in the Arctic region. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Cryosphere changes have a tendency to bring about a devastating impact on the ecosystem and its people. Discuss. Also, enlist measures to tackle this threat. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The frequent instances of urban flooding pose a severe risk to the urban ecosystem in India. Discuss with special emphasis on its impact on the critical infrastructure. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Sand is not only critical for economic development but also provides crucial ecosystem services. Elaborate. In this context, discuss the importance of sustainable sand mining in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The challenge of unbridled and unbalanced growth of urban spaces in India necessitates reforms in urban planning and capacity. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Feminist movements in India have historically lacked inclusivity, often growing within a limited Western upper-class psyche. Critically discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3073,"topper":"Harishankar Ganesan","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Harishankar-Ganesan-UPSC-2023-Rank-107-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the role of the 'Fourth Estate' in upholding democratic values and analyse the issues affecting press freedom in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The electoral process, though inclusionary in theory, has been pointed out for exclusionary tendencies in practice. Analyse, with special emphasis on role of women in India's representative electoral system. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Assess the effectiveness of Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 in resolution of river-water disputes. Also describe the potential impact of delays in resolution of water disputes. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the significance of the cooperative model of development in addressing the issues of rural growth. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"In order to pass the ultimate test of good governance, welfare state should be close to the people, responsive to their aspirations, and inclusive in its approach. Discuss with special reference to PM PVTG Development Mission. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"To what extent collaboration between the state and civil society organizations (CSOs) help in addressing poverty and malnutrition in the country? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Absence of a robust social infrastructure in the country may become one of the most significant challenges in achieving a developed status by 2047. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Though the changing paradigm towards dialogue and diplomacy in West Asia augurs well for India's interests in this otherwise restive region, presence of inimical actors may reverse the gains. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Water diplomacy can redefine the contours of regional cooperation in South Asia. Discuss with special reference to Indus water treaty 1960. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Despite constitutional backing to the institutions of local governance, the idea of decentralisation has remained hostage to several structural bottlenecks. Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Independent judiciary, as envisaged by the constitution, provides the bedrock for a thriving polity; however, executive encroachment may erode its credibility and affect its efficacy. Evaluate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Executive agencies, working as the watchdog against impropriety, are vital to act against the corrupt; however, pandering to vested interests may have the effect of turning the idea of rule of law on its head. Comment, with special reference to controversies associated with the Enforcement Directorate (ED). (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Critically analyse the role of National Commission for Women (NCW) in wake of its mandate to safeguard women's rights and uphold their socio-economic wellbeing. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Understanding the extent, source, and complexity of deprivations among the multidimensionally poor contributes to more informed policymaking. In this context, analyze the latest National Multidimensional Poverty Index Report by NITI Aayog. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Safely managed drinking water services, as desired by Jal Jeevan Mission, are designated to give multifarious benefits cutting across generations. Discuss. Also, elaborate upon the challenges in ensuring the mission's success. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Legislation like Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989 remains mere legal documents without intense sensitization of public functionaries and the civil society. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Harbinger of global rebalancing, India-Africa ties are a beacon of inclusive, sustainable, and equitable world. Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How do ASEAN centrality, rules-based order, and development partnership with Pacific Island states make Indo-Pacific a theatre of opportunity for India? What are the hurdles in realisation of an inclusive Indo-Pacific construct? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3074,"topper":"Harishankar Ganesan","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Harishankar-Ganesan-UPSC-2023-Rank-107-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Influence of ethical principles on shaping socially responsible behaviour is widely acknowledged. How does it help to cultivate fulfilling social responsibility? Can subjective nature lead to divergence?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":4,"question":"Through actions, interactions and teachings, schools have power to mould moral compass. Discuss value based education in preparing youth to adress contemporary challenges of society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"What do you understand by \"Situation ethics\"? Critically analyze strengths and weaknesses in making moral judgements.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"Maintaining traditional bonds and familial relationships in globalized world requires personal relationships with ethical principles. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"\"Why Should man be moral? Because its strengthens his will\" - In this perspective, discuss significance of morality to bring efficiency. Do you think moral rigidity can be hinderance?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Civil servants who embody EI exhibit profound understanding of human aspect of governance. Examine ways in which it can be cultivated in civil servants.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Evaluate ESG framework in equipping corporate world with capabilities to fulfill social roles and responsibilities.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3075,"topper":"Harishankar Ganesan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/59f90-1154589_2425_harishankar_ganesan_rank_107.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"For effective corporate governance to take place in the coming years, why is it important to integrate the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics with the multi-stakeholder approach? What benefits can be accrued by such integration? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In acts of corruption, the focus is often only on the demand side of the equation, on public officials who abuse their office for private gain. Frequently, the supply side is given less attention. Those who pay bribes are sometimes depicted as innocent parties and victims of extortionary practices of wily public servants. Do you agree that 'collusive corruption', in which there is a willing bribe-giver, is a formidable challenge for institutions fighting corruption? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Citizens' Charters initiative was a response to the quest for solving the problems, which a citizen encountered, day in and day out, while dealing with the organisations providing public services. But the introduction and implementation of Citizens' Charters in the government of India has been difficult due to the old bureaucratic set up and the rigid attitudes of the work force. Discuss the major obstacles that have been encountered in implementing the Citizens' Charter initiative. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Quality of public service delivery is a major determinant of the quality of life of vulnerable sections in a highly unequal society divided along the lines of class, caste, religion, etc. In this background, do you think that public service delivery is efficient and sufficient enough to improve the lives of vulnerable groups in India? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":3076,"topper":"Harnit Singh Sudan","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/HARNIT-SINGH-SUDAN-UPSC-2023-Rank-177-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the role of the 'Fourth Estate' in upholding democratic values and analyse the issues affecting press freedom in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The electoral process, though inclusionary in theory, has been pointed out for exclusionary tendencies in practice. Analyse, with special emphasis on role of women in India's representative electoral system. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Assess the effectiveness of Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 in resolution of river-water disputes. Also describe the potential impact of delays in resolution of water disputes. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the significance of the cooperative model of development in addressing the issues of rural growth. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"In order to pass the ultimate test of good governance, welfare state should be close to the people, responsive to their aspirations, and inclusive in its approach. Discuss with special reference to PM PVTG Development Mission. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"To what extent collaboration between the state and civil society organizations (CSOs) help in addressing poverty and malnutrition in the country? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Absence of a robust social infrastructure in the country may become one of the most significant challenges in achieving a developed status by 2047. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Though the changing paradigm towards dialogue and diplomacy in West Asia augurs well for India's interests in this otherwise restive region, presence of inimical actors may reverse the gains. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Water diplomacy can redefine the contours of regional cooperation in South Asia. Discuss with special reference to Indus water treaty 1960. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Despite constitutional backing to the institutions of local governance, the idea of decentralisation has remained hostage to several structural bottlenecks. Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Independent judiciary, as envisaged by the constitution, provides the bedrock for a thriving polity; however, executive encroachment may erode its credibility and affect its efficacy. Evaluate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Executive agencies, working as the watchdog against impropriety, are vital to act against the corrupt; however, pandering to vested interests may have the effect of turning the idea of rule of law on its head. Comment, with special reference to controversies associated with the Enforcement Directorate (ED). (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Critically analyse the role of National Commission for Women (NCW) in wake of its mandate to safeguard women's rights and uphold their socio-economic wellbeing. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Understanding the extent, source, and complexity of deprivations among the multidimensionally poor contributes to more informed policymaking. In this context, analyze the latest National Multidimensional Poverty Index Report by NITI Aayog. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Safely managed drinking water services, as desired by Jal Jeevan Mission, are designated to give multifarious benefits cutting across generations. Discuss. Also, elaborate upon the challenges in ensuring the mission's success. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Legislation like Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989 remains mere legal documents without intense sensitization of public functionaries and the civil society. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Harbinger of global rebalancing, India-Africa ties are a beacon of inclusive, sustainable, and equitable world. Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How do ASEAN centrality, rules-based order, and development partnership with Pacific Island states make Indo-Pacific a theatre of opportunity for India? What are the hurdles in realisation of an inclusive Indo-Pacific construct? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3077,"topper":"Harnit Singh Sudan","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/HARNIT-SINGH-SUDAN-UPSC-2023-Rank-177-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"In many ways, the Spanish civil war was the opening act of WWII. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"How will you explain the different fates of Buddhism and Jainism despite a slew of similarities in the two religions? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Non-Cooperation Movement democratized India's freedom struggle but suffered from inherent limitations. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Critically analyse the efficacy of linguistic reorganization of states in addressing the reasons for linguistic divides in post-independent India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Briefly discuss the role of plate tectonics theory in explaining the location of volcanoes. Also, explain the multifarious impacts of volcanoes on the surrounding regions. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Taking further the success of Aspirational Districts Programme, Aspirational Blocks can help achieve the twin objectives of balanced growth and checking stress migration. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Describe the critical factors for location of defense industries and suggest measures to overcome the challenges. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"To what extent can Socio-Economic-Caste Census (SECC) address the challenges in achieving equitable resource allocation and targeted welfare? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Indian society is premised on some common values that give it a composite texture as well as some diverse practices that deepen its heterogeneity. Elucidate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What are the factors that influence population growth in the country? In this perspective, examine the relevance and need of raising the minimum marriageable age of women for population development. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Bring out the reasons behind the tribal unrest in British India. Also, analyze the reasons for their limited success. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The independence of India was not a result of a forced expulsion of the Empire, as desired by the Quit India Movement; it was rather a confluence of domestic politics and global circumstances. Analyze. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Explain why Sufism, a liberal reform movement in Islam could deepen its roots in the Indian sub-continent, despite Islam being a foreign religion? Also, bring out the impacts of Sufism on Indian society. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Enumerate the reasons behind rising intensity and frequency of cyclones in the Arabian Sea in recent years. Giving special reference to NDMA guidelines, recommend measures to check the adverse impacts of cyclones. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Examine the impacts of climate change on the hydrological cycle and suggest suitable mitigation and adaptation strategies to contain the harmful implications. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Defining continental shelf, highlight its resource potential and ecological significance. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Rooted in patriarchal values, gender-based violence, in all its manifestations, is antithetical to societal growth. Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The caste calculus in the Indian society remains predominant and continues to project its shadow on social, political, and economic domains. Do you agree? Substantiate your answer. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss various factors contributing to the water woes faced by Indian cities. Also, explain complexities in implementing a comprehensive water management plan. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Though important elements of group identity, religion and region also run the risk of deepening communal cleavages. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3078,"topper":"Harnit Singh Sudan","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/HARNIT-SINGH-SUDAN-UPSC-2023-Rank-177-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) sector provides opportunities for India to become a leader in knowledge economy; however, there is a need to democratise its access in order to harness its complete potential. Analyse. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Defense indigenization remains the Achilles heel of India's security architecture. Examine the importance of startups in defense sector to make India secure and self-reliant. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"DPI (Digital Public Infrastructure) is indispensable for digitally enabling citizens and businesses; however, the challenges of exclusion, exploitation, and monopolisation cannot be ignored. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Project cheetah marks a departure from India's efforts for conservation of various critically-endangered species. In this perspective, do you think the reintroduction of major fauna that has gone extinct is justified? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What do you understand from Green growth? With special reference to the budget 2023-2024, discuss various government measures to propel green growth in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Unplanned urbanization has made Indian cities vulnerable to fire safety hazards. Discuss and recommend measures for mitigating urban fires, with special reference to national building code, 2016. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Edge in modern warfare lies not so much in the capacity to overwhelm the adversary as much in the ability to nip the threat in the bud. In this context, discuss the role of intelligence in maintaining national security, and also cite challenges associated. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Highlighting different kinds of cyberthreats faced by India, evaluate the current status of cybersecurity framework in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Money laundering is a global problem that cannot be solved by isolated responses. Discuss the statement and also suggest ways to curb the menace. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Assess the relevance of the NISAR mission in observing and managing climate change and natural hazards. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What do you understand by nanotechnology? In what ways can nano-technology aid in socio-economic growth of the country? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Warming ocean temperatures, oxygen loss and ocean acidification form a deadly trio for marine ecosystem that can have irreversible repercussions for environment as well as economy. Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Examine the factors that heightens the vulnerability of Indian cities to urban floods. In light of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) guidelines on urban floods, discuss sustainable mitigation and management strategy. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Though Naxalism is showing a downward trend, it is not only thriving in its core areas of influence but also changing its form. Analysing the reason for its retreat, underline the factors behind its continuance. Also, discuss measures towards eliminating LWE from the country altogether. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Across sectors and regions, the most marginalised sections are also the most affected by the impacts of climate change. Explain. Also, present a case for a climate resilient model of development that integrates mitigation and adaptation measures. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Though ethnic fault lines are a major threat, security challenges in the North-East are not confined to the same. Discuss the statement with special reference to Manipur. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Critically examine the role of development initiatives in addressing the root causes of militancy/terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"What do you understand by generative Artificial Intelligence (AI)? How can policymakers and regulatory bodies effectively address the concerns and challenges posed by generative AI? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3079,"topper":"Harnit Singh Sudan","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/HARNIT-SINGH-SUDAN-UPSC-2023-Rank-177-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Celebrity endorsements raise pertinent ethical concerns about responsibility that delve into the realm of ethical considerations of social influence that run deeper than mere surface appeal. In this context, suggest measures to tackle the ethical challenges of celebrity brand endorsements. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Embracing a scientific mindset involves setting aside impulsive inclinations in favor of the pursuit of truth. In your view, how does the integration of scientific thinking contribute to addressing contemporary challenges and promoting societal progress? How can we effectively cultivate a scientific attitude in society? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"In the realm of professional conduct, ethics plays a role that tends to go far beyond fulfilling the roles and responsibilities of the job with diligence and honesty. But some people consider professional competence as the only critical requirement for a job. If faced with a choice, who would you prefer to hire - someone with professional competence or one with strong moral values? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Patriotism can hold different meanings for different people, often shaped by personal experiences and convictions. What does patriotism mean to you? Explain narrating incidents from your life when you exhibited patriotism. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Max Weber's concept of bureaucracy was developed in the early 20th century, but it still influences administrative structures today. In what ways do you see Weberian bureaucracy as relevant in today's rapidly changing world? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Global challenges often test the ethical fiber of nations, urging them to channel narrow pursuit of national-interest into an enlightened self-interest.\" Enumerating the various ethical principles underlying the concept of enlightened national-interest examine its efficacy in helping nations navigate the fine line between pursuing their strategic interests and upholding ethical principles, particularly in times of conflict? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In the realm of governance, a crucial aspect is the art of persuasion. The qualities that make civil servants proficient persuaders empower them to fulfill their responsibilities in an effective manner. Discuss with illustrations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Corruption has multifaceted implications. Some consider it an undeniable vice, while others contend it to be an unavoidable necessity for navigating the bureaucratic complexities. In your opinion, does corruption oil or corrode the gears of development? Substantiate your arguments. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Ethical hacking and malicious hacking stand as divergent paths with distinct intentions and consequences. As technology advances, it becomes imperative to comprehend the nuances that set these practices apart in the cybersecurity landscape. In this perspective, elucidate the principles that differentiate ethical hacking and malicious hacking. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What does each of the following quotation mean to you? a) \"Our greatest ability as humans is not to change the world, but to change ourselves.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":42,"question":"What are the ethical concerns associated with the case study? b) What are the options available with Rajendra? c) If you were at the place of Rajendra, which option would you choose and why? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"What are the key ethical concerns present in the above case study? b) According to you between the twin objectives of development and conservation what should be given more priority and why?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3080,"topper":"Harseerat Kaur","air":328,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Harseerat-Kaur-UPSC-2023-Rank-328-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3081,"topper":"Harseerat Kaur","air":328,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Harseerat-Kaur-UPSC-2023-Rank-328-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3082,"topper":"HARSH CHIRANIA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/100_Harsh%20Chirania_5197_607_Essay.pdf","questions":[{"page":12,"question":"Does mass media shape our attitude towards women or merely reflect it?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3083,"topper":"HARSH CHIRANIA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/100_Harsh%20Chirania_5197_621_GS.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"\"If instead of insisting on rights everyone does his duty, there will immediately be the rule of order established among mankind.\" - Mahatma Gandhi. Bring out what this statement means to you in the present context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Should circumstances be the sole criterion for judging the morality of human action or the nature of the action and its purpose must also be considered? Justify your stand with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"A person cannot do right in civil service whilst attempting to do wrong in personal life. In context of this statement, examine the relationship between personal and professional ethics. Do civil servants have to be ethical in personal life in order to be professionally ethical? Illustrate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What is the importance of whistle-blowing in public and private institutions? What role does individual conscience play in the act of whistle-blowing? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"'Objectivity' and 'neutrality' are among the core civil service values. Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The legal framework in modern society has both anomalous and complementary relationship with its ethical framework. Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"There seems to be a fundamental contradiction between effectiveness and accountability. Comment. Why is accountability a necessary evil for good governance? Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"\"One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors\". Explain. Suggest some measures that can be taken to increase political participation in our country. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The erosion of civic values from our public life has become a pervasive phenomenon. Discuss the role of value education in tackling this issue in the Indian context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"It is often said that home is the first school and parents are the first teachers. Explain the role of family in inculcating moral values. Analyze how the changing nature of family has affected this role in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"A world without nuclear weapons would be less stable and more dangerous for all of us.\" Critically examine the ethical dimensions of the given statement from the perspective of international relations. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"The increasing speed and scope of globalization has raised several ethical concerns. Analyze with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"What do you understand by aptitude? What kind of aptitude is considered important for civil services? What measures have you taken to make yourself fit for being a civil servant? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":34,"question":"You are a young civil servant posted in a tribal dominated district, which is notorious for illegal mining done by mafia. They exercise their power over poor tribals of the region by bribing the local tribal musclemen who have political aspirations. The consequent easy money and luxury have ensured that these musclemen work in the interest of these mafia. They use these 'tribal' musclemen as a 'front' to plant 'constructed' news in the media to create confusion or to gain sympathy of the civil society activists and the public at large. It is a strategy to thwart any concrete action of the government for eliminating the menace of illegal activities in that area. You quickly understood these designs after assuming the office. You came to know that some employees in your own office are in nexus with the (b) ? 10. In the face of acute famine in the district, you, as an area officer, have instructed your subordinates to procure food grains from the FCI godowns located in the adjoining districts. This would make the food grains available to the public through PDS shops. Considering the gravity of the situation, this task has to be done immediately, because majority of the people in the district are poor, and therefore can't buy the food at the market prices. However, you were told that all the truck operators have formed a cartel and are asking for three times the usual transportation rate, in order to exploit the situation. This would nullify your effort, as the prices of the food grains would increase due to high transportation charges. (a) Following are some suggested options. Please evaluate the merits and demerits of each of the options:","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"In the face of acute famine in the district, you, as an area officer, have instructed your subordinates to procure food grains from the FCI godowns located in the adjoining districts. This would make the food grains available to the public through PDS shops. Considering the gravity of the situation, this task has to be done immediately, because majority of the people in the district are poor, and therefore can't buy the food at the market prices. However, you were told that all the truck operators have formed a cartel and are asking for three times the usual transportation rate, in order to exploit the situation. This would nullify your effort, as the prices of the food grains would increase due to high transportation charges. (a) Following are some suggested options. Please evaluate the merits and demerits of each of the options:","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"'Honour killing' has been in news in recent times. It involves the homicide of a member of a family by other members, due to the perpetrators' belief that the victim has brought shame or dishonour upon the family. Analyse this problem in detail and indicate not only the social but also the emotional and attitudinal factors responsible for this problem? Also, distinctly bring out why: (a) The youth in such areas do not speak up against these practices. (b) The conviction rate in 'honour killing' cases is extremely low. (c) Women, who have to face the brunt of this crime the most, do not speak against it collectively. Discuss some feasible steps, which could be effective in controlling this serious problem. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3084,"topper":"Harsh Choudhary","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/HARSH-CHOUDHARY-UPSC-2023-Rank-254-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":15,"question":"Science applied is the engine of humanity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Eyes cannot see what the mind does not know.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Doubt is the origin of wisdom.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"The relation between environment, resources and conflict is same as the connection between Democracy, human rights and peace.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3085,"topper":"Harsh Choudhary","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/HARSH-CHOUDHARY-UPSC-2023-Rank-254-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Foreign trade is an important milestone on the path of becoming a 5 trillion USD economy. In this context, analyse the potential of the recently released Foreign Trade Policy, 2023 in revamping India's participation in global trade. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Social protection schemes are an integral aspect of a welfare economy; however, the principles of fiscal prudence cannot be ignored. Discuss, with special reference to Old Pension Scheme (OPS). (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand from Agristack? To what extent can it become a panacea for the problems plaguing the farm sector. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The objective of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to provide a long term and equitable solution to the dilemma between free trade and food security has remained unfulfilled. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Even after five decades of the Stockholm conference, narrowing the gaps between the targets and actions remains one of the biggest challenges towards reversing climate change. Discuss. Also, recommend measures for building a coherent actionable strategy to tackle climate change. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What are the impediments in management of E-waste in the country? In what ways can the trinity of citizens, businesses, and the government tackle this menace? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How does nuclear fusion differ from nuclear fission? Assess the relevance of nuclear energy in resolving the global energy security dilemma? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are run of the river hydroelectric projects? How far can run of the river hydroelectric projects balance ecological conservation with socio-economic development? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"A robust border infrastructure is the surest way to counter multifarious threats emanating from inimical actors. Discuss, in light of Vibrant Village Programme. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"How far can a clearly articulated National Security Strategy help in tackling challenges to national security? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What are the factors that influence the inflation trends in the country? Highlighting the impacts, discuss the institutional measures in place to check inflation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Though a cornerstone of Atmanirbhar Bharat, Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme is not without its own challenges. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"How is internationalisation of rupee different from De-Dollarisation? Highlighting the benefits of internationalisation of rupee, discuss the challenges associated with the same. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What are Primary Agricultural Credit Societies? Can the cooperative push alone help in achieving the twin targets of boosting rural economy and mainstreaming small and marginal farmers? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Farm policies in the country have inadvertently led to undesirable consequences. Do you agree? Giving emphasis on PM PRANAM, discuss ways to enhance soil health and farm productivity. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"PM Pranam is Budget announcement to adopt Natural farming methods for sustainable solution to food security needs. Q.16) What do you understand by heat waves? Highlight the reasons and impact of the rising frequency of heat waves across India. Also, recommend some measures to mitigate its impact. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"How is Chandrayaan-3 different from its predecessor, Chandrayaan-2? To what extent can India's presence in Artemis Accords help in furthering the exploration of lunar surface? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Research and Development is the key to unlock the potential of 'knowledge economy.' In this perspective, analyse the role of the National Research Foundation Bill, 2023 in democratizing the research ecosystem in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'Hybrid warfare.' Highlighting its implications for India, recommend measures to develop a comprehensive ecosystem to counter the same. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How are internal security challenges related to peace in neighboring countries? Explain with special reference to instability on India's eastern frontier. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3086,"topper":"Harsh Choudhary","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/HARSH-CHOUDHARY-UPSC-2023-Rank-254-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the role of the 'Fourth Estate' in upholding democratic values and analyse the issues affecting press freedom in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The electoral process, though inclusionary in theory, has been pointed out for exclusionary tendencies in practice. Analyse, with special emphasis on role of women in India's representative electoral system. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Assess the effectiveness of Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 in resolution of river-water disputes. Also describe the potential impact of delays in resolution of water disputes. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the significance of the cooperative model of development in addressing the issues of rural growth. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"In order to pass the ultimate test of good governance, welfare state should be close to the people, responsive to their aspirations, and inclusive in its approach. Discuss with special reference to PM PVTG Development Mission. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"To what extent collaboration between the state and civil society organizations (CSOs) help in addressing poverty and malnutrition in the country? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Absence of a robust social infrastructure in the country may become one of the most significant challenges in achieving a developed status by 2047. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Though the changing paradigm towards dialogue and diplomacy in West Asia augurs well for India's interests in this otherwise restive region, presence of inimical actors may reverse the gains. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Water diplomacy can redefine the contours of regional cooperation in South Asia. Discuss with special reference to Indus water treaty 1960. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Despite constitutional backing to the institutions of local governance, the idea of decentralisation has remained hostage to several structural bottlenecks. Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Independent judiciary, as envisaged by the constitution, provides the bedrock for a thriving polity; however, executive encroachment may erode its credibility and affect its efficacy. Evaluate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Executive agencies, working as the watchdog against impropriety, are vital to act against the corrupt; however, pandering to vested interests may have the effect of turning the idea of rule of law on its head. Comment, with special reference to controversies associated with the Enforcement Directorate (ED). (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Critically analyse the role of National Commission for Women (NCW) in wake of its mandate to safeguard women's rights and uphold their socio-economic wellbeing. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Understanding the extent, source, and complexity of deprivations among the multidimensionally poor contributes to more informed policymaking. In this context, analyze the latest National Multidimensional Poverty Index Report by NITI Aayog. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Safely managed drinking water services, as desired by Jal Jeevan Mission, are designated to give multifarious benefits cutting across generations. Discuss. Also, elaborate upon the challenges in ensuring the mission's success. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Legislation like Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989 remains mere legal documents without intense sensitization of public functionaries and the civil society. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Harbinger of global rebalancing, India-Africa ties are a beacon of inclusive, sustainable, and equitable world. Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How do ASEAN centrality, rules-based order, and development partnership with Pacific Island states make Indo-Pacific a theatre of opportunity for India? What are the hurdles in realisation of an inclusive Indo-Pacific construct? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3087,"topper":"Harsh Choudhary","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/HARSH-CHOUDHARY-UPSC-2023-Rank-254-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Celebrity endorsements raise pertinent ethical concerns about responsibility that delve into the realm of ethical considerations of social influence that run deeper than mere surface appeal. In this context, suggest measures to tackle the ethical challenges of celebrity brand endorsements. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Embracing a scientific mindset involves setting aside impulsive inclinations in favor of the pursuit of truth. In your view, how does the integration of scientific thinking contribute to addressing contemporary challenges and promoting societal progress? How can we effectively cultivate a scientific attitude in society? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"In the realm of professional conduct, ethics plays a role that tends to go far beyond fulfilling the roles and responsibilities of the job with diligence and honesty. But some people consider professional competence as the only critical requirement for a job. If faced with a choice, who would you prefer to hire - someone with professional competence or one with strong moral values? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Patriotism can hold different meanings for different people, often shaped by personal experiences and convictions. What does patriotism mean to you? Explain narrating incidents from your life when you exhibited patriotism. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Max Weber's concept of bureaucracy was developed in the early 20th century, but it still influences administrative structures today. In what ways do you see Weberian bureaucracy as relevant in today's rapidly changing world? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Global challenges often test the ethical fiber of nations, urging them to channel narrow pursuit of national-interest into an enlightened self-interest.\" Enumerating the various ethical principles underlying the concept of enlightened national-interest examine its efficacy in helping nations navigate the fine line between pursuing their strategic interests and upholding ethical principles, particularly in times of conflict? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In the realm of governance, a crucial aspect is the art of persuasion. The qualities that make civil servants proficient persuaders empower them to fulfill their responsibilities in an effective manner. Discuss with illustrations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Corruption has multifaceted implications. Some consider it an undeniable vice, while others contend it to be an unavoidable necessity for navigating the bureaucratic complexities. In your opinion, does corruption oil or corrode the gears of development? Substantiate your arguments. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Ethical hacking and malicious hacking stand as divergent paths with distinct intentions and consequences. As technology advances, it becomes imperative to comprehend the nuances that set these practices apart in the cybersecurity landscape. In this perspective, elucidate the principles that differentiate ethical hacking and malicious hacking. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What does each of the following quotation mean to you? a) \"Our greatest ability as humans is not to change the world, but to change ourselves.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":42,"question":"What are the ethical concerns associated with the case study? b) What are the options available with Rajendra? c) If you were at the place of Rajendra, which option would you choose and why? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"What are the key ethical concerns present in the above case study? b) According to you between the twin objectives of development and conservation what should be given more priority and why? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":58,"question":"Mr X is on a road trip with his family to attend a marriage ceremony. His grandfather, who is the head of the family, is also travelling with him. On the way to the destination, as they stop at a roadside restaurant for lunch, this is a well-known restaurant owned by one of the friends of Mr X. It is well known for its tasty and hygienic food. However, the grandfather notices a picture on the wall of the restaurant and enquires about the religion of the owner of the restaurant and belongs to a religion different from the grandfather's religion. The grandfather flies into rage and starts to berate towards the Mr X's friend and he insists that he will not eat at that restaurant and his friends that he should leave the restaurant immediately as they are travelling on a happy occasion and eating at this particular restaurant will pollute them. Mr X tries to calm down his grandfather and explain to him that religion has nothing to do with quality or pollution. He also reasons that several travel magazines have rated the restaurant highly for its hygiene standard. He also points out that there is no restaurant in the vicinity for the next 100 km and it will be difficult to remain without food for that long. However, his arguments do not yield years, and while his grandfather admonishes him for bringing the family to the restaurant despite being aware about the religion of the owner. Mr X's friend feels insulted and discriminated against due to his religion. Mr X's father is upset but refuses to take a stand or contradict the grandfather. The grandfather is embarrassed by the attitude of the driver and he is also not ready to leave the restaurant. Mr X is confused regarding how he should act in this situation. a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case study? b) Imagine you are in the place of Mr X. Evaluate the different courses of actions available with you. What is your preferred course of action? (250 marks, 250 words)","marks":"250","words":"250"}]},{"id":3088,"topper":"Harsh Lodha","air":261,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/HARSH-SANTOSH-LODHAUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-261-Sample-MGP-COPY-2-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Q.1) In many ways, the Spanish civil war was the opening act of WWII. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Q.2) How will you explain the different fates of Buddhism and Jainism despite a slew of similarities in the two religions?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Q.3) Non-Cooperation Movement democratized India's freedom struggle but suffered from inherent limitations. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Q.4) Critically analyse the efficacy of linguistic reorganization of states in addressing the reasons for linguistic divides in post-independent India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Q.5) Briefly discuss the role of plate tectonics theory in explaining the location of volcanoes. Also, explain the multifarious impacts of volcanoes on the surrounding regions.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Q.6 Taking further the success of Aspirational Districts Programme, Aspirational Blocks can help achieve the twin objectives of balanced growth and checking stress migration. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Q.7) Describe the critical factors for location of defense industries and suggest measures to overcome the challenges.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Q.8 To what extent can Socio-Economic-Caste Census (SECC) address the challenges in achieving equitable resource allocation and targeted welfare?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Q.9 Indian society is premised on some common values that give it a composite texture as well as some diverse practices that deepen its heterogeneity. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Q.10) What are the factors that influence population growth in the country? In this perspective, examine the relevance and need of raising the minimum marriageable age of women for population development.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Q.11 Bring out the reasons behind the tribal unrest in British India. Also, analyze the reasons for their limited success.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.12 The independence of India was not a result of a forced expulsion of the Empire, as desired by the Quit India Movement; it was rather a confluence of domestic politics and global circumstances. Analyze.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Q.13) Explain why Sufism, a liberal reform movement in Islam could deepen its roots in the Indian sub-continent, despite Islam being a foreign religion? Also, bring out the impacts of Sufism on Indian society.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Q.14 Enumerate the reasons behind rising intensity and frequency of cyclones in the Arabian Sea in recent years. Giving special reference to NDMA guidelines, recommend measures to check the adverse impacts of cyclones.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Q.15 Examine the impacts of climate change on the hydrological cycle and suggest suitable mitigation and adaptation strategies to contain the harmful implications.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Q.16) Defining continental shelf, highlight its resource potential and ecological significance.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Q.17 Rooted in patriarchal values, gender-based violence, in all its manifestations, is antithetical to societal growth. Explain.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Q.18 The caste calculus in the Indian society remains predominant and continues to project its shadow on social, political, and economic domains. Do you agree? Substantiate your answer.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Q.19 Discuss various factors contributing to the water woes faced by Indian cities. Also, explain complexities in implementing a comprehensive water management plan.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"3 Different geographical challenges & topographical issues of cities.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Q.20) Though important elements of group identity, religion and region also run the risk of deepening communal cleavages. Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3089,"topper":"Harsh Lodha","air":261,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/HARSH-SANTOSH-LODHAUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-261-Sample-MGP-COPY-1-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Q.1) What do you understand from land subsidence? Explaining various reasons behind land subsidence, recommend measures to arrest the calamity.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Q.3) What are the suitable conditions for the formation of a tropical cyclone? Also, bring out differences between a tropical and an extra-tropical cyclone.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Q.4) Elucidate the differences between Western and Indian model of secularism. To what extent do you agree with the criticism that Indian model of secularism is susceptible to promoting minority appeasement?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Q.5 Discuss the multi-dimensional implications of uneven distribution of semiconductor industry in the world.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Q.6) Examining the reasons behind erratic Monsoon, highlight the possible outcomes of the same.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"5 Extremes in land-sea heating differential leading to floods or droughts","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Q.7) Why is Antarctic becoming an area of renewed human interest? Examine the significance of Antarctic bill, 2022 in protecting India's interest in the region.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Q.8) How does the Eastern coast of India differ in its geographical features from the western coast?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Q.9) Explain the meaning of colour-coded weather warnings for:\na) Rainstorms\nb) Thunderstorms\nc) Duststorms","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Q.10) How has globalization and urbanization impacted the Indian family system?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Q.11 Coral reefs are considered to be at the epicentre of marine ecology; however, their existence is threatened due to a plethora of anthropogenic and natural causes. Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.12) Discuss the causes for salinity ingress along with its various consequences and potential solutions.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.13 The actualization of a seamless urban mass transport is hackled by a slew of factors. Identifying these factors, recommend measures to create a robust paradigm for urban mass transport.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.14) The economic and strategic significance of mineral wealth of a country cannot be seen in isolation from the associated socio-ecological impacts of their extraction. Discuss in light of the newfound lithium reserves in Northern India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.15 Examine the reasons behind generation of regional sentiments? Do you agree that regional sentiments and cultural assertiveness may lead to the issue of separatism?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.16 Explain the mechanism and occurrence of earthquake. With the help of map given below, throw light upon the vulnerability of regions affected by earthquake and earthquake related disasters.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.17 Enumerating different types of tides highlight their significance. Also, explain how tides are different from waves.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.18 With special reference to India, elucidate how globalisation - a multifaceted phenomenon - has had positive socio-economic outcomes on one hand and widened the gaps between the haves and have nots on the other?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.19 What makes India one of the most vulnerable regions to climate change? Discuss the role of governments, citizens, and businesses in building climate resilience.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.20 All deserts are rain deficit, but are formed due to different reasons. Discuss. Also, analyse various adaptations in the flora and fauna to survive the water deficit conditions.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3090,"topper":"Harsh Lodha","air":261,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/HARSH-SANTOSH-LODHAUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-261-Sample-MGP-COPY-4-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Q1) a) Where the roots of private virtue are diseased, the fruit of public probity cannot but be corrupt. What do you understand by probity? Discuss ways of inculcating probity in public life.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"b) Evaluate the role of citizen's charter in making governance citizen centric. Also, recommend some measures to make citizen's charters more effective.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Q.2) a) Differentiate between the following:\n(i) code of conduct and code of ethics\n(ii) Accountability and responsibility","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"b) While successful managers make profit for their organizations, it is leaders who build successful organizations. In light of this statement, differentiate between a manager and a leader. Examine why leadership is considered a foundational value for a civil servant.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Why leadership foundational value.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"Q.3) a) Right to Information Act, 2005, aims to make the governance process transparent and accountable, however, the sunshine legislation is beset with several challenges. Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"b) Uniform Civil Code (UCC) aims to create a common set of laws governing personal matters, such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption, irrespective of individuals' religious affiliations. In the context of the ongoing discourse on UCC in India, examine the challenges that arise when attempting to reconcile legal principles with diverse moral considerations. To what extent should the law be influenced by moral/religious principles?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Q.4) a) \"Why should a man be moral? Because it strengthens his will.\" - Swami Vivekanand. In this perspective, discuss the significance of morality for bringing efficiency and effectiveness in public administration. Do you think moral rigidity can be a hindrance in good governance?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"b) Various practices and policies are implemented to uphold transparency, fairness, and accountability within administrative systems, encompassing both advantageous and disadvantageous aspects for the stakeholders involved and the overall administrative framework. Explore the ethical considerations that arise from the design and implementation of these administrative practices aiming to foster effective governance.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Q.5) a) Civil servants who embody emotional intelligence exhibit a profound understanding of the human aspect of governance, enabling them to cultivate meaningful relationships, foster cooperation, and drive positive change. Examine ways in which Emotional Intelligence can be inculcated in civil servants.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"b) The challenges posed by the corporate sector's impact on climate, environmental sustainability, and living conditions has highlighted the need for responsible and inclusive business practices. In this direction, the contemporary discourse on corporate governance is emphasizing the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. Evaluate the ESG framework in equipping the corporate world with the capabilities to fulfill its social roles and responsibilities.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Q.6) What does each of the following quotation mean to you?\na) \"Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom\" - Thomas Jefferson","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"b) \"When I do good, I feel good; when I do bad, I feel bad, and that is my religion\" - Abraham Lincoln.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"c) \"Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time.\" – Ruth Bader Ginsburg.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Q.7 Prachinmath is a pilgrim town nestled in the laps of Himalayas. The town is part of one of the border states of the country. It serves as the base for a highly revered and well-known pilgrimage undertaken by millions of people every year. The people of Prachinmath, who are largely from a close-knit community of Pahadi tribe, have lived in the area for several generations. The Pahadi people, since many generations, have developed a lifestyle which is integral to the ecosystem of Prachinmath. The traditional knowledge of the tribe passed from one generation to other have helped the people in living with the environment in a sustainable manner. The people of Prachinmath worshipped the local deity, and believed it to be their destiny to live in the region in a peaceful and harmonious way. However, the increasing pace of unplanned development, uncontrolled religious tourism, creation of strategic infrastructure etc., in the contemporary times have fundamentally altered the minimalistic nature of relationship that the people of Prachinmath had with the local/fragile environment. Prachinmath Bachao Committee (PBC), a civil society organization of Pahadi tribals, has consistently opposed the unbridled and brazen exploitation of the resources of Prachinmath. They have through petitions, jan sabhas, nukkad nataks etc., highlighted the grave consequences of the unsustainable development model that the state and the Union governments were adopting for Prachinmath. However, their petitions had fallen on deaf ears. Moreover, the government justified the infrastructure creation in Prachinmath in order to cater to its strategic and religious significance. The problems came to a head when the government decided to construct a tunnel in Prachinmath, in order to generate hydroelectricity. The PBC as well as prominent geologists of the country vehemently opposed the idea citing its negative impact upon the region. The scientific community was of the opinion that as Prachinmath sits on geological fault lines and is built on a debris of a landslide, any large-scale construction may cause irreparable damage to the environment. Nevertheless, the government went ahead with the project, constructing the tunnel in a record time, citing its necessity for the energy security of the country. Even many economists were of the opinion that increased energy capacity will help India curtail its import bill. Such steps were hailed by the government as the stepping stone of the country towards strategic autonomy. The worst fears of the local and scientific communities came true when the houses in Prachinmath started showing large cracks. The reason for the crack, as found out after a detailed study, was attributed to the subsidence of land in Prachinmath. The sinking of the land, development of large cracks, collapsing of the buildings etc., caught the attention of social, electronic, and print media alike. Overnight, Prachinmath became the talk of the country. Even the international media highlighted the episode, and the existential threat that it posed to the local communities as well as the environment. The state and Union governments swung into action and formed an expert committee comprising of scientists, bureaucrats, NDRF/SDRF personnel etc., to look into the matter. The committee advised the government to evacuate Prachinmath completely, as the sinking of the land was continuing. Working on the recommendations of the committee, government prepared a detailed resettlement and rehabilitation plan for the people of Prachinmath. The Pahadi people, who squarely blamed the government for the crisis, felt cheated by the actions of the government and refused to evacuate from Prachinmath, the place of their ancestors.\na) What are the various conflicting interests in the above case study.\nb) As a DM of the district in which Prachinmath falls, how will you convince the people to evacuate from the area?\nc) What can we do to avoid such situations in the future.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Q.8) Vihar is a state in the Northern part of the country. Prohibition laws in the state completely ban the storage, possession, sale, and consumption of liquor in any form. Despite the ban, the liquor mafia in the state has succeeded in supplying spurious liquor through various illegal dens. The activities of liquor mafia flourish under the nose of both the civil administration and the police department. Many Civil Society Organizations, women organizations etc., on numerous occasions complained to the authorities about the illegal production, sale, and consumption of liquor, but their complaints have fallen on deaf ears, and no substantial action was taken by the government to curb the menace.\nAs fate would have it, one day there was an unfortunate incident when a large group of fifty construction labourers died after consuming spurious liquor from an illegal den being operated by the mafia. Many of the victims were sole bread winners of their families. While the state was clear on its position that consuming liquor in the state was an illegal activity that warrants no sympathy or compensation (for the next of kin) from the government, families of the victims and also many CSOs were demanding compensation for the families of the deceased construction laborers.\nThe incident got both national and international coverage in print, electronic, as well as the social media. The pressure on the state government was mounting to amicably resolve the issue. Anjali is posted as the Joint Secretary in the Secretariat. The CM has asked her to create a detailed report on how should the state government handle this crisis.\na) Under the given circumstances, what measures should Anjali recommend to handle the above crisis.\nb) Critically evaluate the decision of state government to not compensate the victims of spurious liquor.","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.9) Kamlesh is a civil servant who has been recently posted as Additional Chief Secretary in the education department of the state. Kamlesh has a meticulous service record and is well known for his honesty, and a no-nonsense attitude. After joining the new department, the first major task before Kamlesh was to conduct the recruitments for the post of lecturers in government schools. The posts were lying vacant for a long time, and the government wanted to fill up the vacancies without further delay as it was one of the poll promises made by the present government. The recruitment process took place successfully under the supervision of Kamlesh. The concerned minister congratulated Kamlesh and informed him that the appointment letters will be allocated to the successful candidates in a ceremony which will be presided by the CM himself. Kamlesh was happy that his work was getting recognition at the highest level. One day, Kamlesh was sitting in his office when his secretary brought him a letter from a leading investigative journalist of the state. The letter dealt with the recently conducted recruitment of the lecturers. Kamlesh was shocked at the content of the letter. The investigative journalist had alleged that the question paper of the exam was leaked to a few successful candidates, who had also forged their documents to appear in the exam. The letter also highlighted a nexus of middlemen, politicians, and civil servants who facilitate such illicit practices. Moreover, the investigative journalist had also attached credible proofs. Kamlesh corroborated the facts of the letters from his own sources and found the allegations to be true prima facie. Since the matter was serious and warranted immediate action, Kamlesh brought the matter to the notice of his minister. To his surprise, the minister asked him to sit over the matter for some time. Minister reasoned that bringing out this matter will bring ignominy not only to the department but also to the government. Further, the minister reasoned that cancelling the whole recruitment process will be detrimental for the education department, schools etc; also, the sincere and honest candidates who have invested a lot of time and money for preparation may also get affected negatively. He also reminded Kamlesh that the participation of the CM has already been announced. After leaving the minister's office, Kamlesh got a phone call from Minister's Personal Secretary (PS). The PS hinted to Kamlesh that the concerned candidates were closely connected to the ruling political party, and going against them may create professional troubles for Kamlesh. On the other hand, his cooperation in this matter, the PS assured, will not go unnoticed and will be handsomely rewarded. Kamlesh had just settled in his new posting. He knows that going against the wish of the Minister may cause him his present posting. What was more Kamlesh's father is undergoing treatment in a local hospital. A shunting out from the district would mean that his father would have to be left alone to fend for himself. Further, Kamlesh's wife Priya, also a bureaucrat, is posted in the Chief Minister's Office (CMO). Kamlesh realises that his actions will also have a bearing on her career as well.\na) Bring out various ethical dilemmas faced by Kamlesh.\nb) Consider yourself in Kamlesh's position. What are the various options available to you?\nc) Critically evaluate each of the option listed by you.\nd) Which of the above option should Kamlesh adopt and why?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"a) कमलेश द्वारा सामना की गई विभिन्न नैतिक दुविधाओं को उजागर करें।\nb) अपने आप को कमलेश की स्थिति में समझें। आपके लिए विभिन्न विकल्प क्या उपलब्ध हैं?\nc) आपके द्वारा सुझाए प्रत्येक विकल्प का आलोचनात्मक मूल्यांकन करें।\nd) कमलेश को उपरोक्त में से कौन सा विकल्प अपनाना चाहिए और क्यों?\na) कमलेश द्वारा सामना की गई विभिन्न नैतिक दुविधाओं को उजागर करें।\nb) अपने आप को कमलेश की स्थिति में समझें। आपके लिए विभिन्न विकल्प क्या उपलब्ध हैं?\nc) आपके द्वारा सुझाए प्रत्येक विकल्प का आलोचनात्मक मूल्यांकन करें।\nd) कमलेश को उपरोक्त में से कौन सा विकल्प अपनाना चाहिए और क्यों?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.10 a) Identify various ethical concerns in the case study.\nb) You are a friend of Joseph. Joseph turns to you for advice. What advice will you give to Joseph and why?\na) Identify various ethical concerns in the case study.\nb) You are a friend of Joseph. Joseph turns to you for advice. What advice will you give to Joseph and why?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"a) मामले के अध्ययन में विभिन्न नैतिक चिंताओं की पहचान करें।\nb) आप जोसेफ के मित्र हैं। जोसेफ सलाह के लिए आपके पास आता है। आप जोसेफ को क्या सलाह देंगे और क्यों?\na) मामले के अध्ययन में विभिन्न नैतिक चिंताओं की पहचान करें।\nb) आप जोसेफ के मित्र हैं। जोसेफ सलाह के लिए आपके पास आता है। आप जोसेफ को क्या सलाह देंगे और क्यों?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.11 Kamal is an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer. He has been recently transferred as the Municipal commissioner of the Kartavya Nagar Municipality. Kamal is an honest and no nonsense officer. He has been known for having a tough stance against corruption, lethargy, and indiscipline at the workplace. In his new responsibility as the Municipal commissioner, Kamal finds that the day-to-day functioning of the municipal office is in a very sorry state. The inefficiency and ineffectiveness have brought matters to such a pass that even the basic responsibilities like cleanliness of the city, upkeep of public places, redressal of grievances etc., are not fulfilled. Upon enquiring, Kamal finds that the reason for rampant indiscipline and corruption in the municipal office is primarily a group of errant employees. While they do not work themselves, they also create nuisance in the office, thereby disrupting the work of other sincere employees. Moreover, it also comes to Kamal's knowledge that these employees indulge in corrupt practices by demanding bribes from people for petty tasks. Further, Kamal has noticed that the undisciplined employees come to office late, leave early and also remain absent from work without permission. Kamal gets to know that the ringleader of these employees is a close relative of a local MLA. In order to improve the working condition of the municipal office, Kamal warns the mischievous employees to mend their troublesome ways or to face strict disciplinary actions. However, Kamal's warning has little effect on the thick-skinned employees, who continue to work in their wayward ways. Finally, Kamal issues a show cause notice to all the troublesome employees for their various acts of indiscipline. As a retaliatory measure, a woman employee amongst these troublemakers' files a complaint of sexual harassment against Kamal with the Women's commission. The commission has asked for Kamal's explanation in this matter. Also, this fabricated matter is publicised in the media to embarrass Kamal further. Moreover, the MLA begins pressuring Kamal to go soft on these employees. Some of the options before Kamal to handle this situation could be as follows:\ni) Give his explanation to the Commission and go soft on the disciplinary action.\nii) Ignore the commission and proceed firmly with the disciplinary action.\niii) Brief his higher-ups, seek directions from them and act accordingly.\na) Evaluate all the above courses of action and suggest the best course of action, giving your reasons for it.\nb) What according to you are the reasons behind poor work culture in public offices? Also, recommend measures to improve the same.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":56,"question":"Q.12) You are the managing director of an upcoming advertising company which has made a name for itself in the market in a very short time. Varun is a star employee of your company who has consistently given good performance. Some of the most popular advertisements of the company, in recent times, have been an outcome of Varun's creative ideas. Since his joining, Varun has helped in almost doubling the revenues of the company, by bringing new clients and improving the brand equity of the company. You place high value in Varun's professional competence and are in the process of giving him a bigger responsibility in the company. However, you have been hearing rumours from various sections about the attitude of Varun towards his female colleagues. It has come to your notice that Varun is habitual of passing loose and lewd comments on the female employees of the company. Furthermore, Varun regularly sends indecent messages on phone to all the employees, including female workers. One day, Geetanjali, an employee working in Varun's team comes to you visibly disturbed. She complains to you about the repeated misbehaviour of Varun towards her. She informs you that Varun has on many occasions made undesirable physical advances towards her. She also tells that last evening before her shift was about to end, Varun called her in his cabin and tried to touch her inappropriately. She requests you to conduct an enquiry by the internal complaints committee (formed under POSH Act). She also tells you that in case appropriate action is not taken against Varun, she will be forced to resign from her position. You personally know Geetanjali as a dedicated and honest employee of the company. You are aware that she is the sole breadwinner of her family and has to support her teen-age brother and ailing mother. You also understand that unless the situation was really serious, Geetanjali would not have thought of resignation. On the other hand, an enquiry against Varun may affect the financial growth of the company. Also, you know that if Varun is fired for his actions, many big clients may leave the company.\na) What are the ethical issues involved in this case study?\nb) Evaluate the different options available to you. In this situation, which option will you adopt and why?\nc) What steps will you take to ensure a safer workplace for women in your company?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"a) इस केस अध्ययन में कौन से नैतिक मुद्दे शामिल हैं?\nb) आपके पास उपलब्ध विभिन्न विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें। ऐसी स्थिति में आप कौन सा विकल्प अपनाएंगे और क्यों?\nc) आपकी कंपनी में महिलाओं के लिए सुरक्षित कार्यस्थल सुनिश्चित करने के लिए आप क्या कदम उठाएंगे? (20 अंक, 250 शब्द)","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250"}]},{"id":3091,"topper":"Harsh Mandlik","air":310,"year":2022,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/944e1-959882_2098_harsh-mandlik_rank-310.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3092,"topper":"Harsh Mandlik","air":310,"year":2022,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d85aa-959882_2100_harsh-mandlik_rank-310.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3093,"topper":"Harsh Nehara","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6549f-1387488_4514_harsh_nehara_rank_74.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Write two essays, choosing one topic from each of the Sections A and B, in about 1000-1200 words each :\n1. You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it.\n2. In matters of conscience, the law of the majority has no place.\n3. He who opens a school door, closes a prison.\n4. Only in the depths of winter can we truly appreciate the warmth of spring.\n5. We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.\n6. Copying is safe; innovation demands courage.\n7. The more we automate, the more human we must become.\n8. The pursuit of instant validation is creating a generation of restless minds.","marks":"125 x 2 = 250","words":"1000-1200 words each"},{"page":6,"question":"3. He who opens a school door, closes a prison.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Copying is often considered safe, but why is it so?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3094,"topper":"Harsh Nehara","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/69fcc-1387488_4510_harsh_nehara_rank_74.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. Folk music serves as a repository of the cultural identity. Discuss the role of folk music in preserving cultural heritage and promoting social cohesion.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. How does the Vesara style of temple architecture represent a synthesis of the Nagara and Dravida styles? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. Discuss the role played by Indians living abroad in advancing the cause of India's freedom struggle. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. How did the Marshall Plan influence the economic recovery and political stability of post-war Europe? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. Discuss the factors responsible for increased cyclonic activity in the Arabian Sea. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. How can technological interventions help in transforming the textile sector in India? What are the initiatives that the government has taken in this regard?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. What is a seiche and how does it form? Discuss the geographical conditions under which seiches are most likely to occur.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. How has rapid urbanisation affected the socio-cultural landscape of peri-urban regions in India?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Examine the role of historical and socio-political factors in driving communalism in Indian politics.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. Globalization has significantly influenced the aspirations, lifestyle, and value systems of Indian youth. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. Examine how Chandragupta-II's reign symbolised a golden age of cultural development, laying the foundation for future advancements in Indian art and literature.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. Evaluate the intended and unintended consequences of British educational policies for the Indian society in the colonial period. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. India's territorial disputes after independence were not merely about borders, but also encompass issues of national identity, historical grievances, and geopolitical strategies. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. Discuss the geographical conditions responsible for the development of shola forests in the upper reaches of the Western Ghats. Highlight their ecological significance.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. Discuss the potential of natural hydrogen as a fuel to meet growing global energy demands? Why is it still an untapped industry? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. Why is there a shift of labour-intensive industries from China to South and Southeast Asia? Discuss the advantages and challenges for India in this context.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. Explain the socio-economic transformations resulting from women's migration to metropolitan areas in India.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. The institution of marriage in India is increasingly becoming a site of conspicuous consumption and commodification. Critically examine the impact of this commercialisation on social equity and gender relations.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. Analyse how recognizing, reducing, and redistributing care work can foster gender equality and promote inclusive development in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. Discuss the changing nature of family structures in urban India. How is it impacting elderly care and socialization of the youth? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3095,"topper":"Harsh Nehara","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Visionias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/11fb5-1387488_4511_harsh_nehara_rank_74.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. How does the Supreme Court's recent decision on Aligarh Muslim University's minority status affect the interpretation of Article 30 of the Indian Constitution?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. The Supreme Court, in a recent verdict, prescribed a time period for the Governor's assent to state legislative bills. What are the implications of this judgment for cooperative federalism and legislative accountability in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. Discuss the recent changes and initiatives related to cooperatives that aim to smoothen the tussle between the Centre and States in the cooperative sector. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. In recent years, use of social media and digital mobilisation by civil society has emerged as a powerful form of pressure politics. Examine its impact on policymaking and democratic accountability.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. How is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) emerging as a business-led solution for addressing development challenges in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. Discuss how mechanisms like public consultations and Jan Sunwais in India impact governance outcomes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. How effective have the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) and Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan been in addressing substance abuse in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. Rote learning and neglect of creativity in foundational education setup in India make it less ready for marketplaces that are now driven by Artificial Intelligence. Do you agree with this view? Substantiate your argument.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Analyze the transformation of the G7 from a symbol of Western strategic unity to a forum marked by internal contradictions. How should India navigate this changing dynamic to advance its strategic interests? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. Discuss the role of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in the development of developing countries. What are the key criticisms associated with its approach? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. The 103rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019 has introduced a new dimension to the principle of affirmative action in India. Critically examine its implications for the broader goal of social justice. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. The District Planning Committee (DPC) was envisioned as a key instrument to strengthen grassroots-level planning. How far has it succeeded in achieving this goal? Discuss the challenges faced by DPCs and suggest measures to make them more effective.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. The restrictions imposed under Article 293 of the Constitution on State borrowing powers, though constitutionally valid, may hinder fiscal autonomy of States and disrupt cooperative federalism. Discuss in the light of recent developments.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. Examine the tension between the right to contest elections and the need to uphold electoral ethics under the Representation of the People Act. Should there be a lifetime ban on convicted criminals? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. To what extent has the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme, launched in 2015, succeeded in addressing the declining child sex ratio and empowering the girl child? Suggest measures to enhance its impact at the grassroots level.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are emerging as vehicles of socio-economic transformation in rural India. Examine the role of government in scaling their reach and effectiveness.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. Despite economic growth, multidimensional poverty continues to persist in India. Analyse the underlying causes and discuss the measures taken by the government to address them.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. India faces a paradox of food surplus and nutritional deficit. Analyse the structural reasons behind this paradox and suggest reform strategies. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. India's timely response during the economic crises in Sri Lanka and the Maldives reflects its \"Neighbourhood First\" policy in action. Examine how Indian aid has impacted bilateral ties with these nations. What steps can further be taken to promote sustainable economic cooperation in the Indian Ocean region?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. Discuss the geostrategic significance of Afghanistan for India in the context of continental connectivity and access to Central Asia. How has the altered political landscape post-2021 affected India's connectivity and energy corridor ambitions? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3096,"topper":"Harsh Nehara","air":74,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/HARSH-NEHARAUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-74-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) What is a 'Census'? Discuss the importance of Census for the economy and policy making.","marks":"10","words":"10"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Assess the role of NITI Aayog over the past decade in transforming the country's approach to planning and development.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Discuss various measures taken by the Government to strengthen the Cooperative movement and ensure \"Sahakar Se Samriddhi\"","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) India remains significantly dependent on imports to meet its pulses demand. Examine the key challenges in achieving self-reliance in pulses. Also, mention the major government initiatives taken in this regard.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) What is a 'Black box'? Explain its significance in flight safety and airplane crash investigations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6 How does NISAR mission exemplify international cooperation in space exploration and scientific research? In what ways will it help in climate change monitoring and natural hazard management?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7 While oceans are considered among mankind's best allies in the fight against climate change, they are themselves heavily impacted by the same. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) \"Disasters cannot be managed by a single agency, department, or ministry on its own. It requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.\" Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 The convergence of organized crime and terrorism presents a formidable challenge to the country's internal security. Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 In an era of complex security challenges, examine the ways in which the private sector can contribute to strengthening India's internal security.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced a transfer of surplus to the Union Government for the financial year 2024-25. What does ‘surplus’ mean in this context? How does the RBI generate it, and what is its significance for the country's fiscal policy?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 Examine the role of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model in the development of ports in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 \"Legalizing the Minimum Support Price (MSP) would create more challenges than it resolves.\" Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 Why does India's agricultural export performance remain weak despite high production levels? What measures would you suggest to improve agri-export competitiveness?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 How the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) can help India in its socio-economic development? Identify the hurdles in its large-scale adoption and suggest corrective measures.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 What is a Geographical Indication (GI)? What are the legal frameworks governing it? How does it differ from a trademark? How can GI infringement be tackled?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 \"Mangroves contribute significantly to the coastal economy and ecology, but they are threatened by numerous factors\". Elaborate. Also, state the measures taken by the government for mangrove conservation and restoration.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 What is oil pollution? What are its impacts on the marine ecosystem? In what way is oil pollution particularly harmful for a country like India?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have become an integral aspect of modern conflict and warfare, employed by both state and non-state actors. Discuss its implications for India's security architecture and state the measures being taken to address them. Also suggest other steps to tackle the threats emanating from UAVs.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 Maritime security challenges are complex, driven by both conventional and non-conventional threats. In this context, discuss the key maritime security challenges in India. Also, highlight the measures taken by the government in this regard.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"3 Refugee influx & human trafficking from Myanmar","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3097,"topper":"Harsh Nehara","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b2292-1387488_4512_harsh_nehara_rank_74.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. Analyse the factors that have contributed to India's inclusive economic growth in the past decade. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. The Reserve Bank of India’s surplus transfers offer the government much-needed fiscal space, yet they are not without challenges. Critically examine the implications of the RBI's surplus transfers to the government.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. To what extent was the first National Monetization Pipeline (NMP) able to meet its objectives? What are the objectives of the new Asset Monetization Plan 2025–30 as announced in the recent 2025 Budget? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. Examine the major challenges hindering the Indian textile industry from achieving its full potential in the global value chain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. Why has India become increasingly import-dependent for edible oils despite being a major agricultural economy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. Air accidents are low-frequency but high-impact events. Examine the disaster management protocols in place for aviation-related emergencies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. Chemical pollution poses a grave threat to human health and the environment in India. Discuss the key sources contributing to pervasive chemical contamination and evaluate the effectiveness of existing environmental laws in curbing this problem.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. Missile defence systems are becoming critical for national security in the face of evolving regional threats and advanced weapon technologies. Explain the working principle of missile defence systems. Critically assess India's progress in developing indigenous missile defence capabilities.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Despite multiple resolutions and initiatives undertaken by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), its efforts to counter terrorism have achieved limited success. Discuss the reasons for this limited effectiveness. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. India practices a ‘multi-alignment’ approach in its cyber diplomacy. How does this posture strengthen India’s internal security while maintaining strategic autonomy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. While examining the shortcomings of the land reforms in the past, elaborate what land reforms 2.0 should look like. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. As NITI Aayog completes 10 years of its establishment, critically examine its role in the planning and development paradigm of governance in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. What are the primary causes of limited formal credit penetration among the rural and unbanked populations in India? Comment on the effectiveness of Small Finance Banks in addressing this gap and advancing inclusive financial growth.","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. To what extent has the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for the food processing industry facilitated value addition, employment generation, and global competitiveness in India's food processing industry? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. Waste circularity is emerging as a sustainable solution to India's mounting solid waste crisis. Discuss the key principles of waste circularity and the government's initiative in this regard. How effective have these measures been in fostering a circular economy? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Discuss the importance of integrating traditional ecological knowledge of India's tribal communities with modern disaster management frameworks. Mention two examples where indigenous practices have contributed to disaster resilience.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. CRISPR technology has rapidly advanced in recent years, with new tools and clinical breakthroughs. Highlight the recent developments in CRISPR-based gene editing technology applications. Discuss the opportunities and ethical challenges these advancements present for healthcare and society.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"A credible semiconductor ecosystem is pivotal for India's economic security as much as for national security. Analyse the strategic objectives, incentives, and institutional architecture of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM). Identify the major risks that could derail its timelines.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. Intricate inter-play of diverse factors has been the force multipliers for extremism in the North East. Discuss. Suggest a multilayered strategy to tackle the menace of extremism in this region. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Despite recent steps towards inducting women into combat roles, their participation remains low. Examine the key challenges impeding the greater inclusion of women in the Indian armed forces. Also, suggest suitable measures to enhance their participation. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3098,"topper":"Harsh Nehara","air":74,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/HARSH-NEHARAUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-74-Sample-AWFG-Copy-1-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Q.1) Examine the relevance of the following in the context of Governance and public service:\na) Probity\nb) Code of Ethics","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":3,"question":"Q.5) What do you understand by the quote below? Discuss with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Q.7) You are working as a District Development Officer (DDO). You are known for your honesty and dedication to work. All the files related to development work and contracts in the district pass through your office. This makes your office vulnerable to corruption. You have made it clear to your staff that you will follow zero tolerance to corruption in office and very strict action will be taken against anyone who indulges in corruption.\nOne day a contractor came to meet you regarding an ongoing project. He informed you that your peon takes money from all the contractors for telling them about your schedule and meeting timings. The contractor told you that it is difficult to meet you because of your busy schedule. The peon takes money and informs them about timings when you are available in the office. It saves them much effort and makes it easy to meet you.\nYou are unhappy with your peon. You called him and asked for an explanation. The peon told you that he does not ask for money, it is the contractors who give him money on their own. The amount involved is very small, just sufficient for tea or coffee. He further says that he has 4 daughters, all of whom are unmarried. His youngest daughter has a chronic illness and she is bedridden. He tells you that he is in dire need of money. He also tells you that this is a common practice and peons of all the officers get money from the contractors for facilitating their meetings with other officers.\nYou enquired about his story with your other staff and whatever he told you about his daughters was true. You know that the salary of a peon is not sufficient for taking care of a big family and getting good treatment for her daughter. There is also the problem of dowry in the area which makes the marriage of a girl child an expensive affair and a financial burden on the parents.\na) Why are such acts of petty corruption considered acceptable in government offices?\nb) Is there a case for serious action against the peon? What will be your course of action to deal with the situation?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":20,"question":"Q.7) Why petty crime overlooked","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3099,"topper":"Harsh Nehara","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6d76b-1387488_4513_harsh_nehara_rank_74.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. (a) Compassion is the courageous choice to feel another's suffering as one's own, and to act upon it, even when silence is safer and indifference is easier. Examine the significance of compassion as an essential ethical value for civil servants in India. Illustrate your answer with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"1. (b) Marriages in India are transitioning from traditional sacramental unions to more autonomous relationships, reflected in live-in relationships and rising divorce rates. Discuss the ethical dimensions of these changes.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"2. (a) While accountability often necessitates documentation, an overemphasis on bureaucratic procedures and excessive paperwork can inadvertently silence the very voices that public policy intends to empower, particularly at the grassroots. Examine the above statement with suitable illustrations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"2. (b) The principle of impartiality may conflict with the need for compassion towards marginalized communities. Discuss in the context of civil services in India.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":14,"question":"3 (a) What do each of the following quotations mean to you?\n \"The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home.\" - Confucius (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"3. (b) \"Act only according to that maxim through which you can at the same time will that it become a universal law.\" - Immanuel Kant (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"3. (c) \"We are not only responsible for what we do, but also for what we fail to do\" - Molière. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"4. (a) Patriotism encourages ethical questioning, while nationalism often suppresses it. Discuss this statement in light of the formation of political attitudes during high-pressure national events. How can individuals develop moral attitudes that balance national interest with ethical reasoning? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"4. (b) Discuss how employee well-being and fairness can be balanced with efficiency and profitability in private organisations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"5. (a) Do you agree that excessive use of social media and emerging AI technologies may lead to a decline in emotional regulation and moral sensitivity among adolescents? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"5. (b) In light of the increasing incidents of suicides among students in India, discuss how Emotional Intelligence (EI) can aid in managing stress and emotional challenges.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":28,"question":"6. (a) In public service, emotional intelligence is not about suppressing emotion, but mastering its purpose — to connect, to de-escalate, and to uplift others with empathy and strength. Do you agree with this view? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"6. (b) An efficient work culture is built not only on rules, but on shared values. In this context, evaluate the role of leadership and team dynamics in transforming work culture within an organization.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"7 You are posted as the Joint Secretary in the Department of Information Technology of a state. The government recently implemented several citizen-centric digital services, collecting large volumes of personal data from residents. The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, requires that such data be processed only with explicit and informed consent, and mandates that processing must cease immediately upon withdrawal of consent.\n\nDuring an internal audit, you discover that the department continues to process and analyze personal data of several citizens even after they have formally withdrawn their consent. This data is being used for policy analytics and service improvement, purposes not explicitly disclosed at the time of data collection. When you bring this to the attention of your department head, you are informed that halting the processing will disrupt ongoing digital initiatives and may affect state-level performance metrics. Moreover, you find that the consent withdrawal process is cumbersome, and many citizens are unaware of their rights under the DPDP Act.\n\nYou also learn that a prominent social activist is planning to file a complaint with the Data Protection Board against involuntary use of personal data, which could attract public scrutiny and legal action against the department.\n(a) Identify and discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.\n(b) What are the potential consequences for the department if the issue is not addressed transparently?\n(c) How would you balance the need for efficient public service delivery with the obligation to protect citizens’ data rights? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"8 (a) इस प्रकरण में शामिल प्रमुख नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं? हितधारकों और उनके परस्पर विरोधी हितों की पहचान कीजिए।\n(b) लोक निर्माण विभाग के सचिव के रूप में, आप उपयुक्त स्थिति में क्या कार्रवाई करेंगे?\n(c) ऐसी घटनाएं सिविल सेवकों के मनोबल और शासन में जनता के विश्वास को कैसे प्रभावित करती हैं? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)\na) इस प्रकरण में शामिल प्रमुख नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं? हितधारकों और उनके परस्पर विरोधी हितों की पहचान कीजिए।\nb) लोक निर्माण विभाग के सचिव के रूप में, आप उपयुक्त स्थिति में क्या कार्रवाई करेंगे?\nc) ऐसी घटनाएं सिविल सेवकों के मनोबल और शासन में जनता के विश्वास को कैसे प्रभावित करती हैं? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":38,"question":"(a) What are the key ethical issues involved in this situation? Identify the stakeholders and their conflicting interests.\n(b) As the Secretary of the PWD, what actions will you take in above situation?\n(c) How do such incidents affect the morale of civil servants and public trust in governance? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"9 You are the Secretary in the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Government of India. In recent years, an increasing number of civil servants, particularly younger officers from the IAS, IPS, and IRS, have begun maintaining personal YouTube channels and social media pages. On these platforms, they regularly post videos related to their official work — showcasing innovative projects, public outreach initiatives, inspection drives, and sometimes even day-to-day administrative duties.\n\nThese videos often receive widespread public attention, and many viewers express admiration, saying such content enhances transparency, motivates aspirants, and humanizes the bureaucracy. However, concerns have also emerged from various quarters. Senior officers argue that such content may blur the boundaries between personal branding and public service, while some citizens and media commentators point to instances where videos feature vulnerable beneficiaries without consent, raise concerns about misuse of official premises, or seem designed more for personal popularity than public accountability.\n\nYou have been asked to prepare a report, including disciplinary measures, to maintain a balance between public interest, institutional integrity, and evolving modes of communication.\n(a) लोक सेवकों द्वारा अपने आधिकारिक कार्यों को सोशल मीडिया पर सार्वजनिक रूप से प्रदर्शित करने के कृत्यों में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों की पहचान कीजिए।\n(b) क्या ऐसी प्रयासें जागरूकता और प्रेरणा को प्रोत्साहित देती हैं या क्या ये अनामिता, तटस्थता और सामूहिक सेवा भावना के मूल्यों से समझौता करती हैं? अपना मत दीजिए।\n(c) सचिव के रूप में, लोक सेवकों की उत्तरदायित्व डिजिटल सहभागिता सुनिश्चित करने के लिए आप कौन-से मार्गदर्शक सिद्धांत और नीतिगत अनुशासन सुझाएंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"You have been asked to prepare a report with recommendations to balance public interest, institutional integrity, and evolving modes of communication.\n(a) Identify the ethical issues involved in civil servants publicly showcasing their official work on social media.\n(b) Do such practices promote awareness and motivation, or do they compromise the values of anonymity, neutrality, and collective service ethos? Give your opinion.\n(c) As the Secretary, what guiding principles and policy recommendations would you suggest to ensure responsible digital engagement by civil servants?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":47,"question":"10 You are the Director of the National Bioethics Commission who is responsible for assessing the ethical feasibility and oversight of a nationwide gene sequencing program. The project named GeneFuture, aims to sequence the DNA of every newborn child and store it in a centralized national database. The objective is to identify genetic predispositions to serious diseases early in life, allowing for preventive treatment and personalized medicine. Over 100,000 babies have already been enrolled in the pilot phase of the program. The government claims that this move is a landmark step in public health advancement.\n\nHowever, collection of newborn genetic data raises significant ethical concerns, particularly around informed consent, which may not fully capture parents' understanding of the long-term risks involved. Once gathered, this sensitive data could be misused for purposes such as surveillance, insurance discrimination, or commercial marketing by third parties. Uncertainty over data ownership—whether it lies with the state, parents, or the individual as they mature—further complicates the issue. The involvement of private tech and pharmaceutical companies heightens fears of commercial exploitation, especially in the absence of clear mechanisms for individuals to withdraw consent or delete their genetic information upon reaching adulthood.\n(a) What are the ethical issues you perceive in the implementation of the GeneFuture program?\n(b) Identify the conflicting interests of different stakeholders in this case.\n(c) What guiding ethical principles would you recommend for implementation of this project? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"11 You are a dedicated District Health Officer (DHO) with a strong commitment to evidence-based public health practices, recently assigned to a remote district in India. Your immediate and most critical task is to lead a crucial district-wide Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination drive, aimed at achieving 100% immunization coverage among children aged 9 months to 15 years. The success of this drive is vital for the collective health of thousands of children and for the district's overall health indicators, especially with the impending monsoon season posing additional health challenges.\n\nHowever, in one of the largest and most traditional villages in your district, you encounter formidable resistance. The villagers, deeply influenced by the pronouncements of a revered local spiritual leader, believe that vaccination is an attack on their souls and an attempt by external forces to control their population. They say that traditional herbal remedies and ritual blessings provide sufficient protection. This spiritual leader, who is actually a shrewd but ignorant person, publicly advises his followers to oppose vaccination. He cites some alleged 'failures' and ancient prophecies as examples. Despite widespread awareness campaigns, vaccination camps in the village have been almost completely boycotted. Your health workers, some of whom are locals, face social boycott or even physical threats and intense opposition.\n\nThe state health department is under extreme pressure to meet vaccination targets and warns that failure to do so will have serious consequences. It has also instructed that force should not be used under any circumstances as it may cause public unrest. The department has also withdrawn support for 'consent-based' public health prioritization.\n\nMeanwhile, a large annual fair is about to be held, involving many villages and areas. If this village remains unvaccinated, it could lead to a rapid and serious spread of MR in the entire district and beyond.\n(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the above scenario.\n(b) What immediate alternatives do you have to calm this resistance?\n(c) To counter the widespread impact of superstition and to improve public health outcomes, what long-term strategies and systemic reforms would you suggest? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case.\n(b) What are the immediate options available to you to overcome this resistance?\n(c) What long-term strategies and systemic reforms would you suggest to address the pervasive influence of superstition and foster a scientific temperament for sustainable public health outcomes? (Answer in 250 words)\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case.\nb) What are the immediate options available to you to overcome this resistance?\nc) What long-term strategies and systemic reforms would you suggest to address the pervasive influence of superstition and foster a scientific temperament for sustainable public health outcomes?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"12 (a) आपके समक्ष विद्यमान संभावित प्रशासनिक और नैतिक दुविधाएं क्या हैं?\n(b) आपके लिए उपलब्ध सभी विकल्पों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\n(c) आप अपने निर्णय का नैतिक औचित्य सिद्ध करते हुए कौन-सी व्यापक कार्यवाही करेंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)\na) आपके समक्ष विद्यमान संभावित प्रशासनिक और नैतिक दुविधाएं क्या हैं?\nb) आपके लिए उपलब्ध सभी विकल्पों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\nc) आप अपने निर्णय का नैतिक औचित्य सिद्ध करते हुए कौन-सी व्यापक कार्यवाही करेंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":58,"question":"(a) What are the potential administrative and ethical dilemmas you face?\n(b) Discuss all options available to you.\n(c) What comprehensive course of action would you choose to adopt, providing ethical justification for your decision? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3100,"topper":"Harsh Nehara","air":74,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1P1RyiQSS1NVpkSzcUQhRpsNIh_Efes9-/view","questions":[]},{"id":3101,"topper":"Harsh Nehara","air":74,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xUc6Bc8lgyGjKLTljo9D02bTfT6OIP_D/view","questions":[]},{"id":3102,"topper":"Harsh Nehara","air":74,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nipWmyFxU1_hsPFXQQQRaZAo6HAhr9Ld/view","questions":[]},{"id":3103,"topper":"Harsh Nehara","air":74,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/19urocAjBkORcvfyOkYM3m8PDuKzLMTi3/view","questions":[]},{"id":3104,"topper":"Harsh Nehara","air":74,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/30c0a-1387488_4521_harsh_nehara_rank_74.pdf","questions":[{"page":16,"question":"How does Claude Levi-Strauss conceptualize 'bricolage'? Discuss its significance in his anthropological framework of Structuralism.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"What is 'total institution'? Explaining its characteristics, comment on how individuals attempt to preserve their sense of self within such environments.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss the unique features of Neolithic culture of South India, with suitable examples of various sites.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"Critically discuss the formalist and substantivist approaches in the context of economic anthropology.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"\"Culture as extra corporal behaviour of man is dependent on the biological preconditioning.\" Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"Critically examine Transgenerational Epigenetic Inheritance in humans.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"Discuss major morphotypes discovered in the central Narmada valley which reflect the process of humanization and comment on possible evolutionary scenario for South Asia.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":56,"question":"Discuss the antiquity of iron age in India in context of new evidences. How does it differ from other parts of the world?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"\"A single definition of marriage cannot be applied to all cultures.\" Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":63,"question":"Discuss, with ethnographic examples, how the principles governing production, distribution and exchange in simple societies differ based on subsistence activity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":66,"question":"Elucidate the techno-typological features characterizing the Mesolithic cultures of Europe. How does they compare and contrast with Mesolithic culture in the Indian subcontinent?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":70,"question":"Discuss the somatotype components and the dimensions used in the Heath-Carter method and comment on its limitations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":73,"question":"Discuss the concept of second demographic transition (SDT) in the light of biological and socio-cultural demographic theories.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":76,"question":"Discuss various applications of molecular anthropology with suitable examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":80,"question":"\"The achievement of erect posture and efficient bipedal locomotion is a critically important stage of human evolution.\" Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":83,"question":"Discuss the genetic and non genetic factors in bio-cultural adaptation of human beings to cold environment.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3105,"topper":"Harsh Nehara","air":74,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a2bd9-1387488_4522_harsh_nehara_rank_74.pdf","questions":[{"page":16,"question":"Examine the strengths and weaknesses of anthropology in the context of its role in tribal and rural development.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Critically discuss the contributions of Irawati Karve and B.S. Guha to the analysis of caste and race in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss the constitutional safeguards for religious minorities in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"How do concepts of 'cultural revival' and 'social boundaries' explain the persistence of India's identity based movements? In this context, discuss how can Anthropology help in providing solution to secessionist threats.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Critically discuss the contribution of village studies towards the understanding of the Indian social system.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Critically discuss the methodological distinctiveness of 'decolonizing ethnography' as a research framework for tribal studies in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Evaluate the significance of the PM-JANMAN scheme in addressing the challenges faced by Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India. Discuss the hurdles to its implementation and propose strategies for ensuring its effective impact.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"Discuss the contributions of S.C. Dube in Indian rural and tribal studies.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":56,"question":"There is a contemporary trend of rising caste identity with caste groups including marginalized ones, embracing their caste identity as a 'badge of honor'. Comment critically in context of 'future of caste system'.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Examine the regional variations of Mesolithic cultures of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":63,"question":"Discuss the contribution of Islam to the composite culture of India. How are globalizing forces reshaping contemporary Indian Islam?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":66,"question":"Discuss the issue of 'quadruple burden of disease' among tribes of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":70,"question":"Discuss the Bio-genetic variability of Indian tribes.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":73,"question":"Critically discuss the ethno-archaeological approach to the study of indigenous craft and hunting activities of contemporary tribal societies in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":76,"question":"Critically analyze the historical debate on tribal development policy in independent India. Comment on the necessity and key challenges of adopting a rights-based approach in addressing current tribal development issues.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":80,"question":"Discuss the significance and implementation of the 'Recognition of Forest Rights Act 2006'.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":83,"question":"Critically discuss 'tribalisation' as a strategy by non-tribal communities that redefines the traditional tribe-caste continuum in India.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3106,"topper":"Harsh Parashar","air":143,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0f70f-214438_1253_harsh-parashar_rank-143.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3107,"topper":"Harsh Parashar","air":143,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ecc77-214438_1253_harsh-parashar_rank-143.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3108,"topper":"Harsh Parashar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/aaa5f-214438_2218_harsh-parashar_rank-143.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to revisit the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution? Discuss with suitable arguments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Highlighting the advantages of online dispute resolution (ODR) mechanism for justice delivery, discuss the challenges associated with its effective implementation in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Despite the constitutional division of powers, Centre-state disputes have been a perennial feature of Indian democracy. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Do you agree with the view that adopting a framework for lobbying will strengthen participative governance and ease of doing business in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Despite the government encouraging open source instead of proprietary technology for government applications, the true potential of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) and digital platforms remains unrealized. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"As a social safety-valve, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) can be the principal vehicles through which communities voice their concerns. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Despite being lauded for its patient centric approach, the implementation of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, remains sluggish and mired with various issues. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to formulate an Urban Employment Guarantee scheme at the national level? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the relevance of BIMSTEC as a regional organisation to fulfil India's strategic aspirations in the Indian Ocean Region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the relevance of the Gujral Doctrine for India with regard to its relations with its immediate neighbours in the present times. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the pivotal role of the \"Officers of Parliament\" in the Indian Parliamentary system. Also, discuss the constitutional and statutory provisions for their impartial functioning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The Finance Commission plays a crucial role in balancing fiscal federalism in India. In this context, examine the recommendations given by the 15th Finance Commission. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Critically assess whether according statutory backing to the Model Code of Conduct will contribute towards free and fair elections in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The market disruption caused by digital revolution warrants renewed focus and perspective to ensure fair competition in the digital economy. In this light, discuss the need to revamp the Competition Commission of India (CCI). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"State the reasons behind the poor performance of cooperatives in India. Also, discuss the reforms undertaken by the government to overcome the shortcomings. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Public-Private Partnership model, if harnessed properly, has the potential to bridge the gaps in India's healthcare system. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Although the New Education Policy brings with itself a commendable vision, its success will depend on its ability to effectively integrate with the government's other policy initiatives. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) is born from a collective desire to make the Indo-Pacific region an engine of global economic growth. Comment. Also, discuss India's concerns in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"India needs to identify the priority areas to further its techno-diplomacy amidst the complexities of expanding digital space and New and Emerging Strategic Technologies. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3109,"topper":"Harsh Parashar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c4822-214438_1417_harsh-parashar_rank-143.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Dadabhai Naoroji left an indelible imprint on the national movement. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Quit India movement marked a new direction in the struggle against the British colonial rule in India. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The end of World War II marked the birth of a new international order. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Simla Agreement (1972) and Lahore Declaration (1999) are two key milestones in the history of the Indian subcontinent. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Social security should not only involve economic empowerment but also social empowerment. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Explain with examples how globalisation is manifested in both local in the global and the global in the local. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In light of persistence of various forms of violence against women in India, discuss the ways in which the issue can be addressed effectively. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What is an urban forest? Highlight its benefits and steps taken by the government to promote urban forestry in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"How has globalization impacted the location of the IT industry? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"How can eco-tourism be used to sustainably harness the potential of tourism industry in India? Discuss the challenges and steps taken by the government in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The advent of Buddhism and Jainism was instrumental in the development of architecture in ancient India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The reactionary policies of Lord Lytton and the liberal policies of his successor Lord Rippon acted as catalyst in the formation of the Indian National Congress. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Gandhiji changed his methods of struggle against the British from time-to-time to suit the varied circumstances and problems that needed to be tackled. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Bring out the relationship between the industrial revolution and the advent of imperialism in different parts of the world. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The caste system in India has continued to persist by adapting itself to a variety of changing socio-economic and political conditions in the past few decades. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"It is argued by some that regionalism is a threat to national integrity while others consider it as a highly impactful tool in facilitating political participation. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Describe the process of rift valley formation, with special emphasis on the Great Rift Valley System. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India's water resources have witnessed rapid depletion due to a mix of economic, geographic, and political factors. Explain and discuss its implications. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How are plateaus formed? Also, briefly discuss the features of the Deccan plateau and its economic significance. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3110,"topper":"Harsh Parashar","air":143,"year":2022,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8db92-214438_1418_harsh-parashar_rank-143.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3111,"topper":"Harsh Parashar","air":143,"year":2022,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3c8ce-214438_1419_harsh-parashar_rank-143.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3112,"topper":"Harsh Parashar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1c07d-214438_2220_harsh-parashar_rank-143.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The logic of limitless wealth lies in the basic human instinct for furthering self-interest in the form of profit. In this context, do you think there is a possibility of pursuing ethical capitalism? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"If a law is unjust, a man is not only right to disobey it, he is obligated to do so. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The capacity of Citizens' Charter to initiate any transformative process is conditioned upon it being appropriately designed and effectively executed. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The moral fiber and ethical conduct of public officials not only influence the standard of governance but also their own interests and performance. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The ongoing debate on euthanasia poses several ethical questions. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Foreign aid is a form of neo-colonialism, as the economically wealthier countries can exploit the developing countries under the cloak of aid. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Throwing light on the idea of Universal Humanism propounded by Rabindranath Tagore, discuss its contemporary relevance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree with the view that it is nature and not nurture which determines the emotional intelligence of a person? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Values that guide public administrators can often compete with each other, owing to their relative importance to the larger public interest. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Is it justifiable to say that corruption is a social phenomenon? What are the various ways through which administrative corruption can be tackled? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"\"I do believe that, where there is only a choice between cowardice and violence, I would advise violence.\"- Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":37,"question":"The transgender community has been a part of India's social set up since the very beginning but never recognized as a reputable part of the society. 'Hijra' is a term traditionally used in India for transgender women who were born male. The role and value of this community in accordance with the sacred Hindu texts condenses to the performance of blessings at marriage and birth ceremonies for good fortune. With the advent of the British Raj in the 19th century, the acts of \"cross-dressing\" were registered as a criminal offence and if such offences, were committed repeatedly, imprisonment followed. Thus, began the criminalization of hijras. Today, although legally supported and socially empowered as compared to earlier times, hijras are still subject to transphobic discrimination-associated violence, poverty, and segregation. In light of the above, answer the following: (a) Identify the challenges faced by transgenders during the different stages of their life. (b) Discuss the reasons for the continuing discrimination against trangenders in India despite several initiatives for their upliftment in recent times. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"You are an IPS officer posted as the Inspector General of Police in a state. The recent death of a father-son duo in one of the districts in the state, due to custodial violence allegedly in the presence of the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), has sparked anger across the state. This is not an isolated incident, as there have been allegations raised by human rights groups in the past regarding custodial deaths due to physical assault by the police. The High Court of the State, taking suo moto cognizance of the recent incident, has served a notice to the state government, seeking a detailed report on the rising instances of custodial deaths. The state government has constituted a Committee to probe the incident and submit a detailed report about the veracity of facts related to it. You have been asked to head the Committee. You know the Deputy Superintendent of Police of the district to be an honest, hardworking and upright officer. He has privately requested you to absolve him of any wrongdoing as he claims not to be present when the incident occurred. You know that any action against him will be detrimental to his reputation and career. On the other hand, the seniors in the department are pressurising you to put all the blame on the DSP and make him a sacrificial lamb in order to protect the overall image of the police in the state. In the given scenario, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the stakeholders and the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) What steps will you take to ensure that the enquiry is seen to be fair and impartial? (c) Given the challenges that the police forces in India operate under in their day-to-day functioning, suggest some initiatives to address them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"The Indian education system suffers from many ills. One of the major issues is the focus on ‘rote learning’, which has been the staple of the Indian education system for many years. While many Indians have attained success despite this system, simply being able to recall information is not enough in today’s world when that information is instantly available to anyone on a mobile phone. A survey of 200 Indian and foreign companies found that only 14% of Indian graduates were prepared for the workforce, largely because most graduates were unable to apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the consequences of ‘rote learning’ on the educational development of young students in the country? (b) Suggest measures that can be taken to address this issue. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3113,"topper":"Harsh Patel","air":392,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_XXvw-ZU-8kjNduuBeYhdZKRo9pqYxu-/view","questions":[]},{"id":3114,"topper":"Harsh S","air":299,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/HARSHDEEP-SAGARUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-299-Sample-ESSAY-COPY-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"SECTION - A\n\n1. We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.\n\n2. The civilisation that doesn't adopt modern technologies becomes extinct.\n\n3. Data without wisdom and innovation without ethics are dangerous tools.\n\n4. The doubter is a true man of science.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"1. The empires of the future will be the empires of the mind.\n2. Responsibility is the invisible thread that holds freedom together.\n3. You may not be able to do everything, but do something.\n4. Behavior is the mirror in which everyone shows their image.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3115,"topper":"Harsh S","air":299,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/HARSHDEEP-SAGARUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-299-Sample-ESSAY-COPY-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. The glass ceiling is not invisible, it is just too high for many to see.\n2. Social justice is not charity, it is structural rebalancing.\n3. A nation's greatness is measured by how it treats its weakest members, and that includes its children.\n4. When we speak of 'Inclusive India', we must ask: Inclusive for whom?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":4,"question":"WHEN WE SPEAK OF INCLUSIVE INDIA, WE MUST ASK- INCLUSIVE FOR WHOM?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"1. Behavior is a function of its consequences.\n2. The age of smart devices and the decline of wise choices.\n3. Judge a man by his question, rather than his answer.\n4. Knowledge without compassion is tyranny of the intellect.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3116,"topper":"Harsh S","air":299,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/HARSHDEEP-SAGARUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-299-Sample-MGP-COPY-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) To what extent, in your opinion, have the ideals of the Preamble been realised in the country’s 75-year constitutional journey?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Q.7 \"India’s poverty lies in the eyes of the beholder.\" In light of this statement, examine the need for a credible and periodically updated poverty estimation framework in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.13 'The post of Deputy Speaker goes beyond ceremonial significance and is indispensable to Indian parliamentary democracy.' Discuss with relevant constitutional provisions and conventions. Also, examine the implications of the prolonged vacancy of the Deputy Speaker's post.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":6,"question":"Q.19 Examine the factors behind the growing salience of the Arctic region in international politics. Discuss, in this context, strategies for India to recalibrate its Arctic engagement.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3117,"topper":"Harsh Santosh Lodha","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/cc80e7c81f00eaa4f15f78533b4a4ad5/30/mts_2025_unchecked_mt25fltra012_flt2509.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Pillars are not merely architectural marvels, but also serve as crucial sources of ancient Indian history. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"To what extent did early economic nationalists like Dadabhai Naoroji shape the intellectual foundations of the Indian freedom movement? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How did the Indian national movement influence freedom movements across the world? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How does the movement of continental plates help explain the spatial distribution of earthquakes in specific regions of the world? Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"River interlinking is seen as a means to reduce regional water stress. Discuss its advantages and examine the possible environmental and social implications. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the localisation factors for the textile industry in India and examine its economic significance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What are loess deposits, and why do they constitute some of the most agriculturally productive regions of the world? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Screen-based education has improved accessibility, but also created new behavioural and social challenges for children. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Why are protectionist and xenophobic trends against Indians rising in the West, despite the global embrace of Indian culture and soft power? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The caste system in India has adapted to the forces of modernisation, urbanisation, and economic liberalisation. Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":31,"question":"Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Jawaharlal Nehru differed in their approach to nation-building, yet their shared vision was instrumental in shaping modern India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"The Swadeshi Movement marked a significant shift in India's freedom struggle from passive resistance to active mass mobilisation. In this context, discuss the strategies, social impact, and limitations of the movement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"The Western Ghats and the Northeastern Hills receive some of the highest rainfall during the southwest monsoon in India. Discuss the mechanisms responsible for heavy rainfall in these regions and analyse the monsoon's influence on human life in these regions. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Differentiate between forest cover, tree cover, and green cover. How do forest ecosystems in India contribute to climate resilience and carbon sequestration? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Account for the salinity variations in the world's oceans. How does this variation impact ocean circulation and marine ecosystems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"How does the polar-cryosphere play a pivotal role in regulating the Earth's climate system? Also, enumerate the key factors responsible for rapid warming in the Arctic. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"\"Religious pluralism and secularism are integral to India's social fabric, but their coexistence requires constant negotiation.\" Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Discuss the intersection of class, gender, and geography in determining women's access to opportunities in the Indian service sector. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"\"Despite a strong continuity in traditional family values, Indian society is witnessing rising trends of delayed marriage, increasing divorce rates, and family disruption.\" Discuss the socio-economic and cultural factors contributing to this shift. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3118,"topper":"Harsh Santosh Lodha","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/781770142252687b4750b386de5a9f2e/5/mts_2025_unchecked_mt25fltra012_flt2505.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"In what ways did medieval Indian sculptures and paintings reflect the cultural ethos of their times? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"The Cold War was less a military confrontation and more a battle of ideologies.\" Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Critically examine the impact of the Emergency on Indian democracy and civil liberties. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Explain the geological features and ecological importance of the Eastern Ghats. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Explain the origin of the Indian islands in the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss how inland water transport can alter the economy of eastern India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Desertification is not merely a land degradation issue; it is a silent threat to global ecological stability and food security. Discuss (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Is globalisation leading to the erosion of local languages and traditional culture in India? Justify your answer. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Neo-spiritual movements in India reflect the fusion of tradition, modernity, and digital influence in the practice of faith. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"How does the status and role of women in tribal societies differ from gender norms in mainstream Indian society? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"To what extent did vernacular literature in medieval India contribute to challenging established social norms? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Examine the ways in which Gandhian mass movements opened political space for Indian women. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"\"Bose symbolised a blend of militant nationalism and socialist vision.\" Discuss with reference to his political and economic ideas. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Urbanization is posing a threat to the existing urban infrastructure. Discuss the developmental issues it poses and its impact on urban communities. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Discuss the agro-climatic factors necessary for tea cultivation. Why is its production concentrated in specific pockets of Eastern and Southern India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"What factors are responsible for landslides in the Western Ghats? Discuss some mitigation measures to minimize their impact. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Classify the different types of lakes based on their geomorphological origin. Why are certain lake types more prevalent in specific regions of the world? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"With the rise of digital media influencers, traditional role models in Indian society are being replaced. Analyse its impact on youth behaviour and value systems. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Despite legal and educational advances, why do certain social practices, such as dowry, caste endogamy, or child marriage, continue to persist in modern India? Analyse with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"\"Modern parenting in India is increasingly balancing traditional expectations and emerging societal norms. Analyse the social implications of this tension.\" (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3119,"topper":"Harsh Santosh Lodha","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/781770142252687b4750b386de5a9f2e/21/mts_2025_unchecked_mt25fltra012_flt2501.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Cave paintings are the visual autobiography of a prehistoric man. What can we infer about prehistoric beliefs and social practices from the cave paintings in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"Colonial education policy, intended to create obedient clerks, became a channel for political awakening and national self-assertion.\" Discuss (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Evaluate the extent to which the Gupta economy facilitated cultural and scientific advancements. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"India faces a looming freshwater crisis despite its vast river systems. Discuss the causes and evaluate integrated water resource management strategies for sustainability. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How do the Deccan and Chota Nagpur plateaus differ in their physical characteristics and resource potential? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Compare the characteristics of east-flowing and west-flowing rivers with suitable examples. Why do most rivers in India flow eastward? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The Arctic region is emerging as a new frontier for resource exploration. Discuss the opportunities and challenges for India in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"How are changing family structures and migration trends increasingly leading to the social isolation of the elderly in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In what ways does urbanization challenge traditional notions of social cohesion in Indian society? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Safety and mobility are gendered constraints that significantly influence women's participation in the labour force in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"What do the accounts of Arab and European travellers reveal about the nature of social and economic life in medieval India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"'India's linguistic diversity is not a challenge to national integration but a testament to its cultural resilience.' Discuss in the context of contemporary debates on language policy and identity politics in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Examine the role played by reformist organizations like the Brahmo Samaj and Arya Samaj in addressing various social issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"What are rift valleys, and how are they formed? Explain their geomorphological and economic significance. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"What is 'Blue Revolution'? Discuss the major challenges faced in the development of aquaculture in India. Suggest a set of comprehensive strategies to overcome these challenges. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"With accelerating glacial melt in the Himalayas, GLOFs pose a severe hazard downstream. Analyse the causes, impacts, and mitigation strategies related to GLOFs in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Using suitable examples, discuss the conditions required for the formation of salt pans and mangroves in India. How do these ecosystems support coastal resilience? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Caste in India today operates more as a system of identity assertion than of rigid hierarchy. Discuss this transformation in the context of caste group mobilisation and economic change. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Have regional identities in India evolved from cultural expressions to organised assertions of autonomy? Discuss their implications for national cohesion. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"The rise of the new middle class in India is marked by a culture of consumption. In what ways is the transition from conscious to impulsive consumption affecting family structure and dynamics in urban India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3120,"topper":"Harsh Santosh Lodha","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/781770142252687b4750b386de5a9f2e/3/mts_2025_unchecked_mt25fltra012_flt2510.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Socialistic ideals and secularism are core features of the Basic Structure doctrine in India. In this context, discuss how judicial decisions have cemented these principles as the cornerstone of constitutional identity. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"There is a need to expand the scope of 'corrupt practices' under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, to address emerging forms of electoral malpractices.\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Analyse the distinguishing perspectives on equality as reflected in the constitutional frameworks of India and France. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The shrinking effective share of States in the Union's gross tax revenues, coupled with equity-heavy criteria in horizontal devolution, raises critical concerns for fiscal federalism in India. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"Citizenship is the legal foundation of constitutional rights and responsibilities.\" Discuss how India's approach to citizenship reflects its commitment to constitutional values. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Declining fertility rates, coupled with rising life expectancy, require a shift from fertility-focused interventions to human capital investments. Examine in the light of recent population trends. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"The quality of governance is critically linked to the extent and nature of citizen participation in democratic processes.\" Discuss using examples in the Indian context. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"Low alignment between educational outcomes and market needs can widen social and economic inequalities.\" Examine this statement in the context of India's skills ecosystem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"The weakening commitment of major powers to international health frameworks poses serious challenges to equitable global cooperation.\" Discuss in light of the U.S. withdrawal from the WHO and its implications for India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The ongoing conflict in West Asia has exposed the vulnerabilities of regional diplomacy. In this light, discuss the implications of the West Asian conflict for India's strategic autonomy and regional engagement. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"\"Department-related Standing Committees serve as the institutional backbone of legislative scrutiny, yet their potential remains underutilised.\" Critically analyse the challenges faced by Parliamentary Committees in ensuring executive accountability in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"\"President's Rule is a constitutional mechanism to deal with governance failure, not political convenience.\" Under what circumstances can President's Rule be imposed in a State? Discuss the constitutional safeguards and judicial verdicts associated with it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"The recently released Devolution Index reveals wide variation in the performance of States in empowering Panchayati Raj Institutions. While explaining the reasons behind this variation, discuss the role of capacity-building initiatives in enabling PRIs to fulfil their constitutional mandate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"\"In the evolving constitutional and political landscape, the effectiveness of statutory commissions depends on their structural autonomy and independence.\" Discuss in the context of the growing demand for constitutional status for statutory commissions like the National Commission for Women (NCW) and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"\"An independent judiciary is essential for upholding constitutional values, but it must also remain accountable to preserve public trust.\" Discuss in the context of recent issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Institutional autonomy of sectoral regulators is critical for ensuring credibility, transparency and fair competition. In light of recent incidents examine the issues pertaining to the independence and autonomy of regulatory bodies in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"How far do you think a caste census is a necessary step toward realising the goals of social justice and equitable development, despite the administrative challenges it poses? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"\"The complexity of modern governance demands adaptive and dynamic administrative reforms.\" Evaluate the role of administrative reforms in improving efficiency, transparency, and responsiveness in Indian governance. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"The trajectory of India-China relations in the last 75 years reflects a balance between pragmatic cooperation and unresolved strategic tensions. Discuss the contours of this evolving policy and highlight the measures India should take to counterbalance asymmetries with China. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"The evolution of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) from a maritime security grouping to a multidimensional partnership reflects changing strategic realities in the Indo-Pacific. In this context, examine the opportunities and challenges that QUAD presents for India's regional aspirations and strategic autonomy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3121,"topper":"Harsh Santosh Lodha","air":261,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/781770142252687b4750b386de5a9f2e/14/mts_2025_unchecked_mt25fltra012_flt2502.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3122,"topper":"Harsh Santosh Lodha","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/781770142252687b4750b386de5a9f2e/10/mts_2025_unchecked_mt25fltra012_flt2507.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Even after a decade of Make in India, India's manufacturing sector has remained a weak spot in its growth story. How can India fundamentally reset its manufacturing sector to utilise its potential in GDP growth and job creation? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Indian startups, despite showing great potential, have not scaled up on innovation. Discuss. Suggest measures for Indian startups to go up the value chain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Despite a robust Public Distribution System (PDS), food security remains a challenge to the Indian population. What are the deficiencies in the current PDS system? Suggest reforms to improve the system. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Discuss the key components of the recently launched Digital Agriculture Mission. How will this mission help in improving farmers' welfare? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What is the Axiom-4 mission? How will India's participation in the Axiom-4 mission help in bolstering India's human space programme? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Introduce the concept of precision medicine. Comment on the role of precision medicine in the treatment of rare and specific diseases. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss how the Biodiversity Act, 2002, and the recently notified Biological Diversity (Access and Benefit Sharing) Regulation, 2025, promote access and benefit sharing while ensuring the growth of traditional industries. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"Preparedness is the first step towards disaster risk reduction\". In this context, assess the role of the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) in strengthening disaster preparedness and early warning systems in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"How does the long maritime border of India present immense internal security challenges? Suggest measures to address these challenges. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Despite decline in terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir, Over Ground Workers (OGWs) and proxy militant groups continue to pose a serious threat to India's internal security. What strategies can be adopted to neutralize these threats? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"\"Infrastructure development is a key driver of accelerated and inclusive economic growth\". Highlighting the importance of infrastructure investment in achieving long-term growth, discuss India's successes and failures in stimulating infrastructure-led growth in the economy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"What are the responsibilities of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC)? How effective has the RBI's monetary policy initiatives been to broaden economic recovery whilst maintaining a sustainable inflation rate? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"What are the opportunities and challenges of the food processing industry in India? Why has the overall private investment remained low in the industry despite immense potential? Suggest measures. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Micro-irrigation systems can revolutionize Indian agriculture, but adoption remains limited. In this context, discuss how micro-irrigation can help in sustainable water management. What are the barriers to its widespread adoption? Suggest measures to overcome them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"'With the development of advanced chips like Majorana 1 and Willow, quantum computers are no longer a theory but a reality'. What are the principles of quantum computing? How does the National Quantum Mission help in scaling up quantum technologies in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Wetlands play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, yet they face several anthropogenic and climate-related threats. Discuss. What steps have been undertaken by the Government of India to conserve and promote wetlands? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"In spite of being preventable, stampedes due to improper crowd control mechanisms continue to claim lives in India. Discuss the underlying causes of such disasters. What institutional and technological measures can be taken for efficient crowd management? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"With the rapid digitalization of Indian society, cyber crimes like digital arrest have also increased. Highlighting the major elements of cybersecurity, Discuss the measures needed to strengthen India's cybersecurity infrastructure. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"Illegal immigration poses a threat to India's democracy, sovereignty, and internal security. In light of this statement, discuss how the recently passed Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, helps in effectively addressing the issue of illegal immigration. What are the constitutional and potential human rights challenges associated with the Act? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3123,"topper":"Harsh Santosh Lodha","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/781770142252687b4750b386de5a9f2e/4/mts_2025_unchecked_mt25fltra012_flt2511.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"How far do you think the recent proposals to reform India's tax structure will help in improving India's tax buoyancy and base? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"How do the rising trends of economic nationalism and protectionism affect India's global trade competitiveness? What recent measures has India taken to navigate these challenges? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Examine the role of Integrated Farming System (IFM) in improving agricultural productivity and minimizing the environmental impact of agriculture. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"In recent years, Indian agriculture has been witnessing a transformation towards better productivity and improved farmer incomes. What institutional and structural reforms have been undertaken by the Government to make agriculture more rewarding and sustainable? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How do Air Defence systems work? What are the various air-defense systems that India currently possesses? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the potential of RNA editing in treating genetic disorders. What are its advantages over DNA editing? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Urban areas are more vulnerable to disasters due to unplanned growth and infrastructure collapses. Discuss. What strategies do you recommend to enhance urban resilience to such disasters? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Despite its criticality for the success of the Swachha Bharat Mission, solid waste management in India remains at a sub-optimal level. In this context, suggest long-term technological and institutional solutions towards effective solid-waste management. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"Social media has emerged as a new frontier in modern warfare, shaping narratives, influencing perceptions, and impacting national security\". In this context, analyse the role of social media in contemporary conflicts. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The Border Security Force (BSF) has evolved significantly in its jurisdiction as well as its strategic importance in border management and the internal security framework. Explain the role and mandate of BSF. What are the issues BSF faces while operating in the border States? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"India's growth story is marred by persistent challenges of inequality and the middle-income-trap. Discuss. Highlight the approaches India should follow to escape the middle-income trap and ensure inclusive and sustainable economic growth. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"MSMEs are central to the success of the Make in India initiative, yet they face challenges in scaling up and integrating into formal supply chains. Discuss. Suggest structural reforms needed to make MSMEs more resilient and competitive. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"\"The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) aims to achieve 'more crop per drop' yet irrigation efficiency in India remains suboptimal.\" Critically analyse. What reforms are needed to strengthen its implementation? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"The rising import of oilseeds and pulses has made their cultivation unremunerative. In the light of this statement, elucidate the steps needed to promote the production and consumption of oilseeds and pulses in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Explain the scientific principles behind cloud seeding. Highlighting its role in alleviating air pollution and global warming, discuss its potential limitations. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Give an account of the evolution of India's 3-Stage Nuclear Power Programme. What are the advantages and strategic imperatives of realising the thorium-based third stage? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Recent studies indicate that the 2014-2024 decade is the warmest decade and 2024 is the warmest year on record. In the light of rapid global warming, what are the impacts of climate change on biodiversity? Discuss the measures needed to ensure ecological resilience and conservation of species diversity. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Forest fires in India are increasing in frequency and intensity, posing severe ecological and economic challenges. Describe the various causes of forest fires. What measures are followed to prevent and manage forest fires in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"What are organized crimes? Discuss the linkages between organized crime and terrorism. How do such linkages pose internal security challenges to India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"India's north-eastern region is fraught with contentious issues and security challenges. Examine the various security challenges currently prevailing in the region. Discuss the steps to counter these challenges. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3124,"topper":"Harsh Santosh Lodha","air":261,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/781770142252687b4750b386de5a9f2e/15/mts_2025_unchecked_mt25fltra012_flt2503.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3125,"topper":"Harsh Santosh Lodha","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/159/mts_2025_unchecked_mt25fltra012_flt2508.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Discuss how care ethics challenges the assumptions of both utilitarian and Kantian ethics. In what ways can care ethics offer more context-sensitive approaches to public policy dilemmas, such as elder care or education? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Explain the key factors contributing to the formation of attitudes. How can an understanding of these factors enable public administrators to transform regressive social attitudes? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"Public servants often face ethical dilemmas not due to the absence of rules, but because of conflicting values.\" Comment on this statement and illustrate how competing values can complicate decision-making in public administration. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Do you agree that ethical accountability must go beyond institutional audits and legal compliance? Discuss with examples how informal accountability can shape ethical conduct in government offices. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss the limitations of codes of ethics & conduct in ensuring ethical behaviour in public service. How can ethical competence be cultivated beyond mere reliance on codes and manuals? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Evaluate the impact of political pressures on ethical autonomy in public administration. How can civil servants maintain integrity while operating in politically volatile environments? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Explore the role of ethical traditions in shaping conduct within public administration. How do conflicts among these traditions affect coherence and consistency in ethical decision-making? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Critically examine how both actual and perceived conflicts of interest can undermine ethical integrity in public administration. What institutional mechanisms are necessary to address such conflicts before they erode public trust and administrative fairness? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"Public service is not about rewards, but responsibility.\" In a socio-political context where public office is often used for self-promotion or patronage, is it possible to cultivate a culture of ethical restraint and selfless service? Justify your answer with reference to institutional practices and individual values. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Ethical public service involves not only the avoidance of corruption but also the assurance of quality and fairness in delivery. What do you understand by \"quality\" in public service delivery? Identify the key components of ethical service delivery and suggest how they can be institutionalised in day-to-day governance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context? (a) \"Good people do not need laws to tell them to act responsibly, while bad people will find a way around the laws.\" Plato (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":39,"question":"You are a senior IAS officer appointed as the Relief Commissioner of a state that has been hit by severe monsoon floods. Several districts are under water, thousands are displaced, and the Chief Minister has declared a state emergency. You are overseeing emergency coordination across districts. Relief materials - food, water, medicine, and tents - are limited, and logistics are strained. One particular district AXY, has a strong media presence and politically sensitive, as a high-profile bye-election is due to take place there in a few weeks. The District Magistrate of AXY calls your office repeatedly, asking for an urgent increase in relief allocation, citing worsening conditions and \"unavoidable political visibility.\" Meanwhile, another interior district - CBC- is worse hit on all official impact parameters: casualty numbers, infrastructure damage, and displacement. However, it is remote, under-reported, and lacks media or political visibility. The local Collector, a relatively junior officer, sends data-driven reports but makes no political noise. Your control room staff quietly suggests prioritizing AXY due to its visibility: \"That's where our phones ring off the hook. If something goes wrong, the Commissioner's office won't ask about CBC.\" There is no clear guideline on prioritisation. Your logistics officer proposes splitting materials evenly - but that would undermine CBC's critical need. Your written mandate only says, \"Ensure equitable and prompt distribution based on need and urgency.\" To complicate matters further, you receive a call from the Chief Minister's Office, \"urging\" that AXY's issues be given \"immediate attention\" - though no official order follows. Questions (a) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas you can identify in this situation? (b) What are the options available to you? Evaluate them in terms of ethical reasoning and governance impact. (c) What will be your course of action, and how will you justify it using principles of public service ethics? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"MedPharm Ltd. is a reputed pharmaceutical company known for manufacturing affordable generic medicines. Its products are distributed nationwide through both private channels and government procurement programs. The company is preparing for a major IPO within the next six months. In early March, a government hospital in a Tier-2 city reports that patients administered MedPharm's widely used antibiotic \"Xefamed\" developed severe adverse reactions, including two fatalities. Initial reports are shared with the company's regional distributor, but no formal escalation is made to corporate headquarters. Meanwhile, an internal quality assurance report, reviewed two weeks earlier, had flagged inconsistencies in the production batch linked to the hospital. However, the senior leadership team decided not to halt distribution, citing the urgency of meeting large state government orders and avoiding disruption in rural health schemes. A mid-level Quality executive, disturbed by the silence, emails the CEO and threatens to alert external regulators and the media. The company's legal and PR teams convene an emergency meeting. The advice is to deny any link until lab results are conclusive, and to describe it publicly as an \"isolated incident under internal review.\" Behind closed doors, the senior leadership considers quietly recalling the batch from urban private pharmacies – where consumer awareness is high – while continuing distribution through public hospitals, citing that \"the public health ecosystem cannot afford panic.\" The ethics & compliance officer voices concerns about this approach, but is told not to \"interfere in operational strategy.\" At this point, a popular journalist contacts the company with a leaked version of the Quality report. The board is informed and is deeply concerned about negative media coverage impacting the IPO. There is no final proof that the drug caused the deaths, but the circumstantial link is strong, and internal records show prior awareness. Questions. (a) What are the key ethical issues and lapses evident in the case? (b) What are the options available to the company's leadership? Evaluate them in terms of public accountability and stakeholder impact. (c) If you were the CEO what course of action would you recommend and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"You are posted as Project Director of the District Rural Livelihoods Mission. The state has launched a performance-based ranking system where districts are graded monthly based on coverage, fund utilization, and digitized reporting. Your district, once a laggard, has climbed rapidly to the top five. A major reason is Rajeev, your Data and Monitoring Officer — an engineer with sharp analytical skills and a reputation for \"fixing\" bottlenecks. He introduced dashboards, streamlined MIS reporting, and pushed teams to update records within tight deadlines. The state team has praised your office's turn-around, and Rajeev is seen as a model officer. However, problems have begun surfacing. Field staff report being pressured to upload incomplete beneficiary data and show 100% progress, even when fieldwork lags. Women's Self-Help Group (SHG) coordinators have raised concerns about Rajeev's tone — dismissive, often scolding them for being \"slow and emotional.\" A few have stopped attending review meetings. You recently received a call from a block coordinator who alleged that she was humiliated in front of others and warned to \"fall in line or quit.\" Though no written complaints exist, informal feedback suggests rising resentment, fear, and manipulation of data to avoid conflict with Rajeev. Rajeev defends his actions as necessary to \"fix an inefficient, sentimental setup.\" Technically, targets are being met. But you're beginning to question whether this is performance — or a collapse in institutional culture. Questions (a) What are the ethical issues and organisational culture concerns in this situation? (b) What are your options as Project Director? Assess them through the parameters of emotional intelligence and ethical leadership. (c) What will be your chosen course of action and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"What are the ethical issues and organisational culture concerns in this situation? (b) What are your options as Project Director? Assess them through the parameters of emotional intelligence and ethical leadership. (c) What will be your chosen course of action and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"You are a CEO of the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA). Your district received a 12 crore allocation under a central scheme for promoting rural micro-enterprises. As per guidelines, funds are to be disbursed to trained Self-Help Groups (SHGs) after business plans are vetted and support structures (mentors, credit linkages) are in place. However, due to a delayed rollout at the state level, only 20% of SHGs have been trained. The district resource team is understaffed, and bank linkage is pending in many blocks. With only six weeks left in the financial year, you receive pressure from the district Collector and the state nodal officer to \"ensure 100% utilization.\" You're told that underutilization may lead to reduced allocations next year, and your district may lose \"performer\" status. Some colleagues suggest that funds can be routed through \"mature\" SHGs regardless of readiness, and regularization can be \"managed\" later. A few NGO partners and field officers express concern: without full preparation, many SHGs may misuse or waste funds, leading to debt cycles, failed businesses, and audit objections. However, some local representatives argue that delaying funds will disappoint communities and \"punish them for bureaucratic delays.\" No formal wrongdoing has occurred yet, but the pressure to release funds quickly is mounting — even if institutional capacity is clearly not in place. Questions (a) What are the ethical and administrative issues in this case? (b) What are your options? Evaluate them in the light of Ethical Governance and prudent public fund management. (c) What will be your course of action and why? Justify it in the context of public service values, accountability and long-term programme integrity. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"Questions (a) What are the ethical and administrative issues in this case? (b) What options are available to you? Evaluate them in light of ethical governance and prudent public fund management. (c) What course of action will you take, and why? Justify with reference to public service values, accountability, and long-term program integrity. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":3126,"topper":"Harsh Santosh Lodha","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/12/mts_2025_unchecked_mt25fltra012_flt2512.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"\"Duty forms the cornerstone of administrative ethics, yet without integration of other ethical perspectives, it risks becoming mechanical compliance.\\\" Discuss how the interplay of duty, virtue, principle, and consequences can enrich ethical decision-making in public administration. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"The strength of a professional public service lies in its ability to remain non-partisan, even in a deeply political environment.\\\" Do you agree that partisanship undermines the ethical foundation of public administration? Discuss the risks posed by political bias among civil servants and the safeguards that help uphold neutrality. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"In situations of moral ambiguity, where formal rules fall short, emotional intelligence and conscience become crucial tools. Explain how these internal faculties help public servants navigate ethical grey zones. Support with a suitable example. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"The heart of the ethical dilemma is not the absence of values but the presence of competing responsibilities.\" Discuss how ethical dilemmas in public administration often emerge from the clash of legitimate obligations rather than moral ambiguity. Illustrate with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"The growing layers of oversight, media scrutiny, and public expectations have made accountability a double-edged sword for public servants.\" Do you agree that excessive accountability pressure can sometimes hinder ethical judgment and innovation in the bureaucracy? Explain your perspective with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"Family, society, and education do not merely transmit values they shape the ethical foundation of public life.\" Discuss how these institutions influence value formation in public servants. Why is the role of these institutions critical in strengthening ethical governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"\"Foreign aid is often framed as generosity, but its ethical legitimacy depends on fairness, accountability, and respect for sovereignty.\" Explain the ethical concerns associated with conditional foreign aid. How can donor countries uphold recipient autonomy while ensuring transparency and developmental impact? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context? \"Good government…depends…(on) the qualities of the human beings composing the society over which the government is exercised.\" JS Mill (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":34,"question":"You are posted as the District Planning Officer in a newly restructured administrative zone. The state government has directed you to prepare a development expenditure plan for the coming year. Your role includes recommending discretionary allocations from the United Development Fund (UDF), about 20% of the total block-level budget. After extensive consultation with field officers and data review, your team prioritizes: • Water access and school infrastructure in several remote, underserved tribal hamlets, and • A major repair of a collapsing rural health centre serving five panchayats. However, two senior MLAs from urbanized parts of the district strongly push for: • Smart LED lighting, park beautification, and road tiling in their constituencies, projects with high visibility and electoral value. They warn that neglecting their proposals may \"delay coordination\" during implementation. You are told off-record that the projects were \"assumed to be cleared\" at the political level. Your superior hints that \"this isn't the year to provoke conflict,\" and advises you to \"strike a balance.\" At the same time, social media pages in rural areas are questioning whether the administration only serves the politically powerful. You must now submit the final plan balancing equity, visibility, fairness, and career risk. What you prioritize will set the tone for future planning cycles. 1. What are the ethical considerations involved in this budget allocation decision? 2. What are the options available to you as the District Planning Officer? 3. What would be your final recommendation, and how would you justify it? 4. How can administrators ensure equitable development while maintaining working relationships with elected representatives? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"You are posted as the Deputy Director (Training) at a state administrative academy. Among the current batch of officer trainees is a probationer known for initiative and strong opinions on social justice and governance. Over the past few weeks, the probationer has been posting commentary on current affairs on his public social media account. While not abusive or inflammatory, his posts openly criticise: • Certain welfare schemes as \"tokenistic,\" • The inaction of state agencies in recent communal incidents, • And call for “civil resistance” to regressive laws. Screenshots of his posts have circulated in the department. Some senior officers consider the posts politically charged and believe they undermine the principle of neutrality and decorum expected of civil servants. Others argue he is still under training and needs mentorship, not discipline. You are informally asked by the Director General to “speak to him” and submit a recommendation on whether formal action is warranted. The probationer, when confronted, says: “I posted as a citizen, not as a government mouthpiece. I’m entitled to express myself. My views don’t affect my professional objectivity.” There’s growing debate in the academy: Where does personal liberty end and institutional responsibility begin? Is there space for moral conviction in service, or must officers conform fully to institutional restraint even in their private lives?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"What are the key ethical and professional concerns in this situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"How can civil servants balance personal expression with the demands of neutrality and public accountability? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the key ethical issues in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"How can civil servants uphold integrity when informal hierarchies and peer pressure discourage ethical action? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"What are the ethical concerns involved in the allocation of CSR funds in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"How would you assess the competing pressures of organizational politics and public interest?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"What decision would you take, and how would you justify it ethically and professionally? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"What are the administrative and ethical issues involved in the case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"How can senior civil servants uphold neutrality and fairness in politically sensitive postings without inviting retaliation or appearing insubordinate? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":60,"question":"Several NGOs and urban policy experts point out that the land had remained vacant for decades, with no alternative use pursued or development plan executed until the recent PIL. They also raise concerns that no rehabilitation policy has been activated, despite a clear state commitment under its urban housing scheme. The situation is tense: • A local MLA supports immediate clearance, citing \"respect for the rule of law and infrastructure development.\" • Media and civil society are sharply divided; some demand swift implementation, others condemn the potential humanitarian fallout. • Your team awaits instruction. Some suggest delaying until an in-principle rehabilitation commitment is secured. Others urge immediate compliance to \"avoid contempt.\" You are now faced with a critical choice: obeying the court order as is, or seeking space to align legal compliance with ethical obligations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"What are the core ethical challenges involved in executing the eviction in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"How should a public servant reconcile legal mandates with humanitarian obligations in contexts of informal urban settlements?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3127,"topper":"Harsh Santosh Lodha","air":261,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/cc80e7c81f00eaa4f15f78533b4a4ad5/4/mts_2025_unchecked_mt25fltra012_flt2504.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3128,"topper":"Harsha Priyamvada","air":165,"year":2019,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/bfbfc-143199_1253_harsha-priyamvada_rank_165.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3129,"topper":"Harsha Priyamvada","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2742a-143199_1248_harsha-priyamvada_rank_165.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Explain the significance of Credit Rating Agencies (CRAs) in India and highlight the issues in their working. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"What are the issues that have limited the success of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in India? Mention some steps that can be taken to address them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"The opportunities for start-ups in India are immense, but so are the challenges. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The term 'Circular Economy' is often seen in news. What are the principles that it is based on? Bring out its relevance for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Assess the performance of Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana in achieving its stated objective of financial inclusion. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How does pollution in rivers impact the surrounding ecosystem? Explain why such pollution has not shown signs of improvement, despite various government initiatives. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What is project MANAV launched by the Department of Biotechnology? Highlight the significance of this project. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Highlighting the properties and applications of superconductors, discuss the constraints related to their practical use. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind India becoming a major destination as well as a transit hub for drug trafficking in South Asia. How does this effect India's internal security? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The development of border areas is an important element in border management. In this context, discuss how the Border Area Development Programme (BADP) seeks to ameliorate the problems faced in border areas. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Examine whether Fixed Term Employment will be able to achieve the objectives of ease of doing business, achieving labour welfare and job creation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"A growing livestock sector augurs well for the low income households to augment their income and escape poverty. Discuss. Further, suggest some strategies for ensuring sustainable livestock sector growth in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Examine whether the time has come for India to usher in full liberalisation of the Capital Account. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Highlighting the challenges to agriculture extension in India, discuss how ICT can help in addressing them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Now that it has been two years since introduction of GST in India, do you think the system is on the path to achieve its intended objectives? Support your answer with relevant facts. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Highlight the gender specific challenges faced during disaster management. In this regard, discuss how the disaster management cycle can be made more gender sensitive. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Though there are some notable individual achievements, the overall participation of women in scientific research has been abysmally low. Examine. What steps have been taken by the government in this regard? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Discuss the significance of the recent amendments made in the NIA act and the UAPA Act for countering terrorism. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"The national security architecture needs to be robust enough to deal with present and evolving threats. Elaborating on the statement, discuss the recent steps taken for modernisation of the national security architecture. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3130,"topper":"Harsha Priyamvada","air":165,"year":2019,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1559f-143199_1247_harsha-priyamvada_rank_165.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3131,"topper":"Harsha Priyamvada","air":165,"year":2019,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/43455-143199_1244_harsha-priyamvada_rank_165.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3132,"topper":"Harsha Priyamvada","air":165,"year":2019,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7cf09-143199_1439_harsha-priyamvada_rank_165.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3133,"topper":"Harsha Priyamvada","air":165,"year":2019,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3a9f2-143199_1249_harsha-priyamvada_rank_165.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3134,"topper":"HARSHAL BHAGWAN GHOGARE","air":308,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4db17-263793_1996_harshal_bhagwan_ghogare_rank_308.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3135,"topper":"HARSHAL BHAGWAN GHOGARE","air":308,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b773e-263793_1997_harshal_bhagwan_ghogare_rank_308.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3136,"topper":"Harshdeep Sagar","air":299,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/HARSHDEEP-SAGARUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-299-Sample-MGP-COPY-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) \"India’s democratic roots are deeply embedded in its ancient civilizational ethos.\" Discuss in the context of India being referred to as the ‘Mother of Democracy’.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Q.8 The alienation of modern lifestyles from nature has contributed to the ongoing environmental crisis in India. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.16 Bring out the major features of the Indian monsoon and elaborate upon its causative factors.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3137,"topper":"Harshika Singh","air":169,"year":2020,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1yOGhS4Fm30s-AIqKCe-sbCYVmZCVKtKj","questions":[]},{"id":3138,"topper":"Harshit Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b6336-315262_1432_harshit-kumar_rank_150.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explaining the reasons behind India's lower female labour force participation rates (LFPR), list the steps that have been taken to augment it. What more needs to be done? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"By rebalancing project risks between the public and private sectors, the HAM model has encouraged investments in the road infrastructure sector. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Examine the need for a comprehensive policy on e-commerce in view of its domestic expansion as well as safeguarding India's interests globally. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"In view of the growing significance of FinTech innovations, discuss the potential and challenges of mainstreaming FinTech in Indian economy. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"With India striving to achieve its development objectives, examine how blue economy can help in pursuing the objectives of economic development and ecological sustainability. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Reliance on borrowings for capital expenditure in railways reflects a weakening financial position. Comment on the statement and discuss ways in which better resource generation and utilisation can be achieved therein. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"With water increasingly becoming a scarce resource, large scale adoption of micro irrigation techniques could prove to be a game changer in India. Analyse. Also enumerate various steps taken by the government to promote micro irrigation in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Livestock farming not only contributes to climate change but is also affected by it. Elaborate the statement and discuss some measures that can be taken to make livestock farming more sustainable as well as resilient. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The cropping pattern of a region is influenced by geo-climatic, socio-cultural, economic, historical and political factors. Substantiate with relevant examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"A developed Inland Waterway Transport (IWT) will not only augment the overall transport capacity of the country, but also help correct the multi-modal transport mix. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Can the consolidation of banks help in stemming the existing problems in the banking sector? Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Why has the contribution of manufacturing sector, as a percentage of the GDP, remained stagnant in the recent years? In this context, analyse the achievements of National Manufacturing Policy, 2011 with regards to its intended objectives. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"One of the goals that a developing economy aspires for is to bring down the Incremental Capital-Output Ratio (ICOR). In this context, what are the constraints that underlie the efficient conversion of savings rate to investments in the Indian economy? Also suggest some measures to improve this efficiency. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight the factors responsible for rise in the number of start-ups in India in recent years. Analyzing the challenges in the existing start-up ecosystem, suggest some measures to resolve them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"There is a high cost of compliance as well as complexities associated with existing labour laws at centre and state levels. Discuss. What steps have recently been taken by the central government to address these challenges? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The contribution of coal based power generation is not expected to substantially go down in the next few decades, despite growing importance of renewables. Comment on the statement in light of increasing demand for power in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Elaborate the strategic and operational elements of the Agriculture Export Policy, 2018 and discuss the role it can play to achieve the target of doubling farmers' income by 2022. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Development of food processing industry will help in achieving the twin goals of inclusive growth and food security. Discuss. Also, account for the competitive advantages enjoyed by India in the food processing sector. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Identify the problems faced by Indian agriculture as a consequence of changing land holding pattern as witnessed in the findings of Agriculture census, 2015-16. In light of these problems, suggest suitable ways to resolve such structural issues in agriculture. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3139,"topper":"Harshit Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0e70a-315262_1436_harshit-kumar_rank_150.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Given the growing ecological and geopolitical significance, Arctic region offers immense opportunities for serving India's long-term interests. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the challenges that India may face in the eventuality of withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan. What options does India have to safeguard its interests in the context of the changing situation? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The BRICS as a grouping seems to have internal contradictions, which makes it difficult for it to emerge as an effective forum in a dynamic multi-polar international order. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Despite India having immense soft power potential, it alone will not be sufficient to achieve India's foreign policy objectives. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Highlighting the role of space technology in border management, enumerate the steps taken so far in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Despite allegations of human rights violations under the AFSPA, it is a functional requirement for the army in disturbed areas. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The use of Internet creates both challenges and opportunities in the fight against terrorism. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain the concept of Chandrasekhar Limit and highlight its significance in the field of astronomy. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Examining the risk posed by space debris, suggest some measures which can be taken for its mitigation and removal. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the challenges confronting higher self-reliance and indigenisation of defence industry in India. What steps can be taken to accelerate its pace? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Comment on the role played by the diaspora in India's development process. Also, discuss the challenges in terms of engaging the Indian diaspora and suggest ways to translate these partnerships into benefits. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the reasons behind proliferation of multilateral preferential trade agreements. Do they violate WTO's MFN principle? Do you think that such trade groupings present an existential threat to WTO? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"India needs to balance its growing water needs and larger security concerns with effective hydro-diplomacy. Highlighting the challenges faced with regard to transboundary rivers, analyze this statement in the context of India's riparian relations with its neighbours. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Commenting on the importance of Central Asia for India, highlight the progress made in the relationship in recent past along with the issues that still remain to further cement the ties. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the significance of India's island territories in its quest to become a net security provider in the Indian Ocean region. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"A fine balance between security and developmental measures needs to be attained for tackling the menace of Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in India. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Illustrate the linkages between drug trafficking, organised crime and terrorism. In this regard, mention the steps that have been taken to arrest the availability of drugs in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Identify the key threats to national security in the wake of climate change. Also, highlight India's stand and rationale on UN's decision to declare climate change as an international security issue. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Explaining the concept of data exclusivity, bring out the arguments for and against incorporating data exclusivity norms in India's IPR regime. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Compare and contrast fifth generation (5G) of wireless telecom technology with 4G technology. What challenges need to be overcome for 5G's pan-India rollout? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3140,"topper":"Harshit Verma","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/HARSHIT-VERMA-UPSC-2023-Rank-272-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":13,"question":"Is modernism at crossroads with cultural and civilizational ethos","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3141,"topper":"Harshit Verma","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/HARSHIT-VERMA-UPSC-2023-Rank-272-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Foreign trade is an important milestone for becoming a 5 trillion dollar economy. Analyze foreign trade policy in revamping India in global trade.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Social protection schemes are an integral aspect of a welfare economy, however the principles of fiscal prudence cannot be ignored. Discuss with reference to OPS.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"What do you understand by AgriStack? To what extent can it become a panacea for problems plaguing the sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"The objective of World Trade Organization to provide long term and equitable solution to the dilemma between free trade and food security has remained unfulfilled. Comment","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"What are the impediments in management of e-waste in the country? In what ways the triumity of citizens, businesses and government tackle this menace?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"How does nuclear fusion differ from nuclear fission? Assess the relevance of nuclear energy in resolving the global energy security dilemma?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"What are run of river hydroelectric projects? How far can run of river hydroelectric projects balance ecological conservation with socio-economic development","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"A robust border infrastructure is the surest way to counter multifarious threats emanating from inimical actors. Discuss in light of vibrant village programme","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"How far can a clearly articulated National Security strategy help in tackling challenges to national security?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"What are the factors that influence inflation trends in the country? Highlighting the impacts, discuss the institutional measures in place to check inflation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Though a cornerstone of Atmanirbhar Bharat, Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme is not without its own challenges. Comment","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"How is internationalisation of rupee different from de - dollarization ? Highlighting its benefits, discuss the challenges associated with same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"What are Primary agricultural credit societies ? Can the cooperative push alone help in achieving twin targets of boosting rural economy and mainstream small and marginal farmers ?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Farm policies in the country have inadvertently led to undesirable consequences . Do you agree ? Giving emphasis on PM Pranam discuss ways to enhance soil health and farm productivity","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"What do you understand by heat waves ? Highlight the reasons and impact of rising impact of heat waves . Also recommend measures to mitigate its impact","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"How is Chandrayaan 3 different from its predecessor, Chandrayaan 2 ? To what extent can India's presence in Artemis Accords help in furthering the exploration of lunar surface ?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"How are internal security challenges related to peace in neighbouring countries? Explain with special reference to instability on India's eastern frontiers.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3142,"topper":"Harshit Verma","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/HARSHIT-VERMA-UPSC-2023-Rank-272-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Assess the effectiveness of Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 in resolution of river-water disputes. Potential impact of delays in resolution of water disputes.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the significance of cooperative model of development in addressing issues of rural growth.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"To pass test of good governance, welfare state should be close to people, responsive to their aspirations and inclusive in its approach. Discuss with special reference to PMPVTG development mission.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"To what extent collaboration between state and civil society organizations help in addressing poverty and malnutrition in the country.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Water diplomacy can redefine the contours of regional cooperation in South Asia. Discuss with special reference to Indus Water Treaty 1960. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":22,"question":"Despite constitutional backing to institutions of local governance, the idea of decentralizations has remained hostage to several such structural bottlenecks. Elucidate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"Independent judiciary as envisaged by constitution provides bedrock of thriving polity, however executive encroachment may erode its credibility and affect its efficacy. Evaluate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Executive agencies are vital to act against corrupt however pandering to vested interests may turn rule of law on its head. Comment with special reference to controversies around ED.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"Critically analyze the role of National Commission for Women for its mandate to safeguard women's rights and uphold their socio-economic well being.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Understanding the extent, source and complexity of deprivations among the multidimensionally poor contributes to more informed policymaking. Analyze the Nat MDPI by NITI Aayog.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"Safely managed drinking water services, as desired by Jal Jeevan Mission, are designated to give multifarious benefits cutting across generations. Discuss, also elaborate on challenges to ensure mission success.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"Legislation like SC, ST Act remains mere legal documents without intense sensitization of public functionaries and civil society. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"Harbinger of global rebalancing, India - Africa ties are a beacon of inclusive, sustainable and equitable world. Explain.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"How do ASEAN centrality, rules based order and development partnership with Pacific island states make Indo-Pacific a theatre of opportunity for India? What are the hurdles in the realization of an inclusive","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3143,"topper":"Harshit Verma","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/HARSHIT-VERMA-UPSC-2023-Rank-272-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"How do ethical values facilitate individuals in fulfilling social resp? Can subjective nature of ethical principles lead to divergent attitudes.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Schools have power to mold moral compass of next generation. In this perspective discuss significance of value based education in preparing youth to address contemporary challenges of society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"What do you understand by the 'situation ethics'? Critically analyze the strengths and weaknesses in making moral judgements.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"Maintaining traditional bonds and familial relationships in an increasingly globalised world requires personal relationships to be governed by ethical principles . Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Why should a man be moral? \"Because it strengthens his will\" - Swami Vivekanand. Discuss significance of morality for bringing efficiency and effectiveness in public adm. Do you think it can be hindrance in good governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Examine ways in which emotional intelligence can be inculcated in civil servants.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Examine challenges that arise to reconcile legal principles with diverse moral considerations. To what laws he influenced by moral / religious principles? Uniform civil code was derived by constitution makers and included in art 44 of the constitution. Possible features of UCC:","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"When I do good, I feel good, when I do bad, I feel bad and that is my religion\" - Abraham Lincoln. The above statement of Lincoln reflects a view that religion should be viewed not as a set of orthodox rules to conform rather as a spiritual and moral force to promote societal welfare.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3144,"topper":"Harshita Goyal","air":2,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"UnlockIAS (aggregator)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/17cwJoRZKC9hc4uRbjVQk0jKPqzg1M_KK/view","questions":[]},{"id":3145,"topper":"Harshita Sharma","air":200,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/HARSHITA-SHARMA-UPSC-2023-Rank-200-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3146,"topper":"Harshita Sharma","air":200,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/HARSHITA-SHARMA-UPSC-2023-Rank-200-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3147,"topper":"Harshita Sharma","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/HARSHITA-SHARMA-UPSC-2023-Rank-200-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The influence of ethical principles on shaping socially responsible behavior is widely acknowledged. How do ethical values facilitate individuals in cultivating a proactive and constructive attitude towards fulfilling their social responsibilities? Can the subjective nature of ethical principles lead to divergent attitudes regarding social responsibility? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Through their actions, interactions, and teachings, schools have the power to mold the moral compass of the next generation. In this perspective, discuss the significance of value-based education in preparing the youth to address the contemporary challenges of society. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'situation ethics'? Critically analyze its strengths and weaknesses in making moral judgements. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Maintaining traditional bonds and familial relationships in an increasingly globalized world requires personal relationships to be governed by ethical principles. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Why should a man be moral? Because it strengthens his will.\" - Swami Vivekanand. In this per- ministration. Do you think moral rigidity can be a hindrance in good governance? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Civil servants who embody emotional intelligence exhibit a profound understanding of the human aspect of governance, enabling them to cultivate meaningful relationships, foster cooperation, and drive positive change. Examine ways in which Emotional Intelligence can be inculcated in civil servants. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The challenges posed by the corporate sector's impact on climate, environmental sustainability, and living conditions has highlighted the need for responsible and inclusive business practices. In this direction, the contemporary discourse on corporate governance is emphasizing the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. Evaluate the ESG framework in equipping the corporate world with the capabilities to fulfill its social roles and responsibilities. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Uniform Civil Code (UCC) aims to create a common set of laws governing personal matters, such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption, irrespective of individuals' religious affiliations. In the context of the ongoing discourse on UCC in India, examine the challenges that arise when attempting to reconcile legal principles with diverse moral considerations. To what extent should the law be influenced by moral/religious principles? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"When I do good, I feel good; when I do bad, I feel bad, and that is my religion\" - Abraham Lincoln. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time.\" – Ruth Bader Ginsburg. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"\"Happiness is that state of consciousness which proceeds from the achievement of one's values\" - Ayn Rand. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":3148,"topper":"Harshita Sharma","air":200,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/HARSHITA-SHARMA-UPSC-2023-Rank-200-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3149,"topper":"Harshvardhan Ashok Tidke","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/TIDKE-HARSHVARDHAN-ASHOKUPSC_IAS_2025_Toppers_AIR_355_Sample_MGP_COPY_1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) What factors have expedited the digitalization of the economy in the recent past? Explain with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Why has there been an increased focus on negotiating, renegotiating and concluding Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) by India in recent years?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) The horticulture sector offers opportunities to transform the agricultural landscape of the country but is constrained by various factors. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) What is AgriStack? How will it benefit the agricultural sector?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"2.5) Explain the concept of Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) technology and discuss its potential applications in diverse fields.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"6) What do you understand by nanotechnology and how is it helping in environmental remediation?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) While oceans are considered among mankind's best allies in the fight against climate change, they are themselves heavily impacted by the same. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q8 \"Disasters cannot be managed by a single agency, department, or ministry on its own. It requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.\" Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 'Grey-zone' warfare challenges traditional notions of sovereignty and conflict. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 Elaborate on the need for a clearly articulated National Security Strategy (NSS) for systematic, consistent and coherent approach towards national security.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) The proliferation of Global Capability Centers (GCCs) across India has earned it the title of \"GCC Capital of the World\". Describe the reasons behind this proliferation and throw light on its impact on the country's economic landscape.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) As the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) completes a decade of its implementation, evaluate its effectiveness in promoting financial inclusion and economic empowerment in the country.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13) Critically examine the role of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACs) in achieving the twin targets of boosting rural economy and mainstreaming small and marginal farmers.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 How will you explain the irony of low millet cultivation and consumption despite their multifarious benefits? Also, suggest measures to curb this anomaly.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15) \"India's Space Technology is virtually touching every person's life\". In light of this statement, describe how advancements in space technology have impacted various aspects of daily life in the country.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) How can 'agrivoltaics' benefit India's agriculture and energy sectors? Highlighting the factors hindering its widespread adoption, suggest remedial measures.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 Project Tiger's 50-year journey is marked by significant achievements, yet persistent socio-economic and ecological challenges related to tiger conservation highlight the need for a more holistic and integrated approach. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 Explain the various causes and the effects of landslides. Also, discuss the measures to mitigate their impact, with a special emphasis on National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) guidelines.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19) Ethnic fault lines represent a serious security challenge, but they are only one aspect of the broader security concerns in the Northeast. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 Maritime security challenges are complex, driven by both conventional and non-conventional threats. In this context, discuss the key maritime security challenges in India. Also, highlight the measures taken by the government in this regard.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3150,"topper":"Harshvardhan Ashok Tidke","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/TIDKE-HARSHVARDHAN-ASHOKUPSC_IAS_2025_Toppers_AIR_355_Sample_MGP_COPY_2.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Q.1) a) The increasing use of digital surveillance technologies for maintaining law and order is a debatable issue. Critically examine the statement from the ethical point of view.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"b) \"An individual's values are shaped by various institutions like family, society, and educational establishments\". Discuss with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Q.2) a) While scientific research drives technological progress and societal development, its funding often raises ethical questions. What ethical concerns arise from corporate sponsorship of scientific research, and how can these be addressed?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"b) Integrity involves standing up for what you believe is right, even in the face of adversity. Illustrate with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Q.3) Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context?\na) \"The greatest glory in living lies not in never failing, but in rising every time we fail.\" - Nelson Mandela","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"b) Where do the evils like corruption arise from? It comes from the never-ending greed. The fight for corruption-free ethical society will have to be fought against this greed and replace it with 'what can I give' spirit.\" - A.P.J. Abdul Kalam","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"c) \"The world will not be destroyed by those who do evil, but by those who watch them without doing anything.\" - Albert Einstein.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Q.4) a) In the ever-evolving landscape of academic institutions, administrators must not only manage academic issues but also emotional and interpersonal dynamics. In this context, discuss the significance of emotionally intelligent administrators in higher education.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"b) \"The Right to Information Act not only empowers citizens but also fundamentally transforms the concept of accountability.\" Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Q. 0.5) a) The onset of modernity has altered our traditional bond with nature. In what ways can a shift in 'environmental attitude' help resolve sustainability challenges?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"b) While empathy is considered a vital human value, an intricate relationship exists between empathy and objectivity. Discuss with suitable illustrations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Q.6) a) Space exploration has the potential to benefit all of humanity, yet it is currently dominated by a few powerful nations and private corporations. In this context, discuss the ethical issues arising from this imbalance in control and access to space resources.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"b) \"The growing reach and influence of social media present both opportunities and challenges for ethical governance.\" Examine the statement with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Q.7) You are the District Magistrate in a region characterized by strong adherence to traditional social norms. While there has been significant legal progress in terms of recognizing the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community, including the decriminalization of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, societal acceptance of this community remains limited. A group of LGBTQIA+ activists recently approached your office, seeking permission to organize a public awareness campaign aimed at promoting acceptance and understanding of gender diversity. The campaign would involve several activities, including seminars in educational institutions to raise awareness about the rights and challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community, a Pride march to celebrate diversity, and the distribution of educational material to promote better understanding of gender identity and sexual orientation. The activists argue that their campaign is in line with the legal developments and human rights frameworks endorsed by the Indian Constitution, and they believe such efforts are essential to promote inclusivity. This initiative is also a way to address stigma and discrimination, fostering a more inclusive environment for the LGBTQIA+ community, which has long been marginalized in society. However, significant opposition to this initiative has emerged, particularly from local religious and community leaders. These leaders argue that such a campaign challenges the deeply rooted cultural and religious values of the region. They fear that openly promoting LGBTQIA+ rights and gender diversity might encourage practices that they believe contradict their traditional beliefs. Some leaders even warned that the campaign could lead to unrest, disrupt social harmony, and provoke protests within the district. The arguments put forth by the opponents of the campaign are grounded in their belief that the recognition and celebration of LGBTQIA+ rights could have a destabilizing effect on the social cohesion of the community. Many of them hold conservative views about gender roles and sexuality, considering the campaign as an affront to their customs and ethos. These concerns are widespread among older generations, and religious bodies fear that such activities could influence younger minds and lead to cultural erosion. On the other hand, a younger and more progressive section of the community has expressed strong support for the initiative. They argue that embracing diversity and promoting equality is essential for a modern and inclusive society. This group believes that public campaigns, such as the one proposed, are crucial for educating the masses and eliminating prejudices. They see the campaign as a positive step toward equality and acceptance, aligned with the constitutional values of non-discrimination and equal rights.\na. What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by you?\nb. Evaluate the options available to you, being District Magistrate of the area.\nc. How would you manage and mold the attitudes of conservative groups to ensure harmony in the district while promoting acceptance of the LGBTQIA+ community?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":29,"question":"a. इस परिस्थिति में आपके सामने कौन सी नैतिक दुविधाएँ हैं?  \nb. क्षेत्र के जिला मजिस्ट्रेट होने के नाते आप अपने पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\na. इस परिस्थिति में आपके सामने कौन सी नैतिक दुविधाएँ हैं?\nb. क्षेत्र के जिला मजिस्ट्रेट होने के नाते आप अपने पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Q.8) Arijit, a recent graduate from a top marketing institute, has joined a prominent multinational corporation (MNC) in the \"personal care and wellness\" sector. The MNC is globally known for its commitment to eco-friendly, natural, and sustainable products, which was a major reason for Arijit being drawn to the job. He sees this as a chance to work on campaigns that promote health-conscious and environmentally sustainable choices worldwide.\nArijit enjoys the organization's work culture and the nature of his new job. Within just a month, his creativity and fresh approach have earned him praise from his manager. Soon, he is assigned a high-stakes project to design an international campaign for the MNC's new skincare product—a role typically reserved for more experienced team members. Excited, Arijit begins researching for the campaign but soon discovers an uncomfortable truth. Despite its \"100% natural\" branding, the product contains a significant percentage of synthetic ingredients, some of which are known to harm the environment and may also pose risks to human health. Arijit feels this contradicts the brand's supposed commitment to environmental and health standards.\nWhen Arijit raises these concerns, his manager rebukes him and sternly instructs him to follow the company's approved messaging. The manager emphasizes that the product meets all regulatory standards and that similar claims are widely used by other competitors in the market. Arijit is told to focus on his marketing responsibilities and avoid scrutinizing the product's formulation. However, he still feels this is a manipulative practice that could mislead environmentally and health-conscious consumers into believing they are choosing a completely natural product.\nArijit worries that pressing the issue further could harm his career prospects, especially since he is still on probation. As the sole breadwinner with a large education loan to repay, he can't afford to lose his job. He tries to reason that this might simply be \"how business is done\" and considers dropping the matter. However, his conscience continues to urge him to take action.\na. Analyze the conduct of the MNC from an ethical point of view.\nb. What are the options available to Arijit under the given situation? Evaluate each of the options and suggest the best course of action.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.9) The Upper Brahmaputra Hydropower Project (UBHP) is proposed on a river in a northeastern state of India, a recognized biodiversity hotspot. Covered in dense forests, this region harbors a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including numerous endemic species. Although sparsely populated, the region's communities have livelihoods and cultural practices deeply intertwined with the natural landscape. Its ecological wealth has been preserved over the years due to its environmental significance and cultural heritage. Additionally, the Upper Brahmaputra basin holds immense strategic importance due to its proximity to international borders, offering potential leverage in regional security and resource management.\nThe UBHP aims to harness the river's energy for economic growth, proposing infrastructure that includes an 11,000 MW \"mega dam,\" power stations, and transmission lines that could transform the state into a renewable energy hub. Proponents argue that the project will boost the state's economy through power generation, employment, and enhanced infrastructure while also helping meet the country's clean energy targets.\nHowever, a local NGO has raised concerns about the ecological and social costs of UBHP. The project would require extensive forest clearance, which plays a crucial role in carbon sequestration. Additionally, experts warn that construction activities could disturb the region's delicate ecosystems. This may affect riverine biodiversity, and increase the risk of soil erosion and sedimentation, with potential downstream effects on agriculture and water quality. Another major issue raised is the potential displacement and cultural impact on local communities. This could threaten their subsistence-based livelihoods and disrupt their way of life. Critics also highlight that the project may contradict India's commitments to sustainable development.\nDespite these concerns, supporters of the project argue that UBHP's strategic importance and clean energy potential cannot be ignored. Moreover, they emphasize the project's strategic location, which would strengthen energy security, reduce regional inequalities, and contribute to the country's long-term development goals. They argue that amidst rising energy demands, the country cannot afford to forgo such an opportunity, especially given the presence of hydroelectric projects across borders that could shift regional control over water resources.\na. What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\nb. In your opinion, which should take priority between development and conservation, and why?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":39,"question":"a. उपयुक्त परिस्थितियों में शामिल नीतिगत मुद्दों का वर्णन कीजिए?\nb. आपकी राय में विकास और संरक्षण में से किसे प्राथमिकता दी जानी चाहिए और क्यों?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":43,"question":"Q.10) You are the Operations Manager at a fast-growing technology startup, NexGen Solutions, known for its innovative projects and timely delivery. The startup's environment is fast-paced, with tight deadlines and high expectations from clients and investors. Your current project, creating a cutting-edge AI based application, is critical for securing upcoming funding and partnerships. Your small, capable team includes four software developers and two project coordinators, with an equal number of men and women.\nRecently, the team has encountered major challenges. Priya, one of the female developers, has requested leave to care for her ailing mother. Meanwhile, another team member, Ayesha, is struggling to manage her workload along with caring for her infant child. As a result, other team members have taken on extra tasks, impacting their work-life balance and causing heightened stress. With the project deadline looming, tensions in the team have become visible. During a crucial project meeting, Karan, a senior developer, voices his frustration, saying, \"Perhaps it's not ideal to have team members who can't fully commit during critical stages.\"\nKaran's remark triggers an immediate reaction. Neha, a project coordinator, finds his comment offensive and reports it to the Human Resources (HR) Department. She also hints that she might bring the issue to social media, which could harm the startup's image. The HR Department, located at the company's headquarters, investigates and recommends disciplinary action against Karan, emphasizing the importance of a respectful, inclusive workplace. Their recommendation puts you in a difficult situation. The project is already delayed, and losing a senior developer like Karan could jeopardize its timely completion.\nYou are now faced with a complex dilemma. On one hand, it's vital to address the inappropriate comment and ensure a respectful work culture. On the other hand, you must keep the project on track without further demotivating your team.\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb) As the Operations Manager, how would you deal with the given situation?\nc) Based on the case study, discuss the challenges faced by women at workplace. How can such challenges be addressed?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Q.11 With stubble burning leading to rising pollution levels, the district is facing severe air quality deterioration, affecting both public health and environmental sustainability. The District Collector is mobilizing his team to implement measures to control stubble burning in an effort to check the rising pollution levels. Along with an awareness campaign on the hazards of stubble burning, strict measures are being taken to prevent farmers from setting fire to crop residue. Vigilance teams are being deployed to monitor rural areas and catch farmers engaging in this practice. This action is agitating the farmers. A delegation of farmers meets with the District Collector to voice their concerns, alleging that while they are being penalized, industries in the region contribute far more to air pollution yet face no such restrictions. However, a recent study commissioned by the state government highlighted that industrial sources are not the major contributors to air pollution in the district while stubble burning is. On the contrary, farmers claim that the administration is biased, favoring industrial interests over agricultural needs. They also allege that the administration is corrupt and is being bribed by industries to overlook the significant pollution they cause. The administration needs to resolve the farmers' grievances, as they are threatening to go on a prolonged protest. At the same time, it must also address the issue of deteriorating air quality.\na What are the ethical dilemmas for the District Collector?\nb Identify and evaluate the options available to the District Collector.\nc What steps can be taken to address the stakeholders' interests in a mutually compatible way?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"1 Explain farm leadership regarding harms of pollution, take them for a trip in nearby city and show them its effects.\n2 Make sure farmers and industry leaders are both involved in pollution report making process to ensure credibility.\n3 Offer incentives to farmers (crop diversification, location subsidy, PUSA 40 variety, leaf stubble, tree fertilizer, pellet mixture).","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"Q.12) Arushi is a young IPS officer known for her competence, integrity, and relentless dedication to challenging tasks. Recognizing her excellent track record, her superiors have chosen her to handle a sensitive assignment in a tribal-dominated district notorious for illegal bauxite mining. Here, the mafia mines bauxite from mineral-rich lands, transports it by truck, and sells it on the black market. This illegal operation thrives with the support of certain local officials and tribal musclemen who intimidate the local population and bribe select poor tribals to maintain control and silence.\nUpon assuming the new role, Arushi quickly grasps the ground realities and identifies the mafia's modus operandi, characterized by a series of devious tactics. Her inquiries reveal that several employees in her office are colluding with the mafia, forming an unholy nexus that enables these illegal operations. Determined to dismantle this network, she initiates strict actions, including raids on trucks transporting illegally mined bauxite. These actions significantly disrupt the mafia's operations, unsettling criminals unaccustomed to such resistance. Some office employees allegedly allied with the mafia inform the criminals of her determination to dismantle their operations, posing a serious threat to their profits. In response, the mafia adopts a counter-offensive strategy. Tribal strongmen and mafia operatives begin issuing direct threats to her, warning of severe consequences if the raids continue. Her family (husband and elderly mother) are stalked and placed under virtual surveillance, causing mental anguish and stress for them all. Matters assume serious propositions when a muscleman appears in her office and threatens that if she does not halt raids, etc., she will suffer the same fate as a predecessor officer who was killed by the mafia a decade earlier.\na. Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb. Identify and evaluate the different options available to Arushi under the given situation.\nc. Which option would she adopt and why?","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":3151,"topper":"Harshvardhan Ashok Tidke","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/TIDKE-HARSHVARDHAN-ASHOKUPSC_IAS_2025_Toppers_AIR_355_Sample_MGP_COPY_3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) What do you understand by value conflict? Give an example from your personal life where you faced a conflict between two values. How did you resolve it?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) The philanthropy of influential personalities can serve as a catalyst for fostering ethical conduct and responsibility in society. Explain with the help of examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) How does persuasion help achieve a desired change in attitude? What are the elements of an effective persuasive approach?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) \"In an increasingly complex world, emotional intelligence is a vital skill for civil servants, enabling them to navigate challenges, engage with diverse communities, and drive positive change.\" Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) What do the following quotes mean to you:\na) \"To worship my country as a God is to bring curse upon it.\" Rabindranath Tagore","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) \"Your goodness is an impediment in your way, so let your eyes be red with anger, and try to fight the injustice with a firm hand.\" - Sardar Patel","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q4 You are a young and sincere employee who has recently joined a government office as an assistant to the director of your department. Being new to the workplace, you are eager to learn and grow in your role. Your superior, the director, is an experienced and intelligent person with extensive knowledge of various departments. You respect him not just for his professional skills but also for his willingness to guide and mentor you. You have built a good rapport with him and appreciate the chance to learn from such an accomplished individual.\nAs your relationship with your boss grows, he begins to rely on you more for work-related tasks. One day, due to ill health, he invites you to his home to help with some urgent work. When you reach his house and are about to ring the doorbell, you hear shouting from inside. Unsure of what to do, you pause for a moment but then decide to enter. Your boss greets you warmly and explains the work, but throughout, you are distracted by the sound of a woman crying in the background.\nInitially, you hesitate to ask about the situation, but your concern grows. Finally, you ask your boss about the noise, but his answer is vague and unsatisfactory. He quickly dismisses the matter. Although you finish the work, the unsettling environment leaves you feeling uneasy.\nThe next day, you discreetly inquire at the office and learn more about the situation. You discover that, despite your boss's calm and professional demeanour at work, he is abusive toward his wife at home. His wife is a simple woman, not highly educated, and suffers from regular domestic violence. This information shocks you, as it conflicts with the positive image you had of him based on your interactions at work.\nThis knowledge puts you in a difficult moral dilemma. On one hand, you respect your boss for his guidance, intelligence, and professionalism. On the other hand, you are aware of his unethical behaviour at home, which violates basic human rights and ethical principles. You struggle to reconcile the two sides of his character, finding it hard to balance your professional relationship with the awareness of his abusive actions at home.\na) Under the given conditions, what are the options available to you? Evaluate each of the options listed by you.\nb) What course of action would you adopt and why?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":20,"question":"Q.5 In a southern Indian state, a globally renowned high end mobile manufacturing company advertised job vacancies, attracting many hopeful applicants. Among them were two sisters from a nearby village who applied after seeing advertisements on WhatsApp. Upon arrival at the factory's main gate, a security guard met them and asked a series of questions, including an inquiry about their marital status. After confirming that they were married, they were informed that they could not proceed further. No explanation was provided, leaving them confused and disappointed. Back in their village, the sisters reflected on their experience and felt dismayed at being denied an opportunity without a clear reason. Even the auto-rickshaw driver who took them to the facility had hinted that married women might not be hired, yet they still hoped for a fair chance. Subsequent investigations by a prominent international news agency revealed a pattern at the manufacturing facility where married women were systematically excluded from employment opportunities. This practice was not officially documented but was communicated verbally to recruitment agencies responsible for hiring. The revelations sparked significant media uproar, drawing public attention to the issue. The Union Labour Ministry also took cognizance of the situation and sought a report from the state government regarding these discriminatory hiring practices. Unfortunately, such discriminatory practices are not uncommon in various parts of the world, reflecting broader issues of gender attitudes that persist in many societies.\na. Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case study.\nb. What can be the underlying reasons for discriminatory attitudes toward hiring married women by the company?\nc. How can organizations promote gender equity in their hiring practices?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":24,"question":"Q.6) Ramesh has been appointed as the Municipal Commissioner of a coastal city that is grappling with the recurring problem of flooding. Over the years, these floods have led to significant loss of life and extensive property damage, raising serious concerns among residents and policymakers alike. In response to this persistent challenge, Ramesh is committed to finding effective solutions. To identify and address the root causes of the flooding, he established an expert committee tasked with analyzing the situation comprehensively and proposing actionable recommendations. Following extensive and thorough field surveys, the committee identified two primary factors contributing to the city's increasing vulnerability to floods. The first factor is the degradation of wetlands, which serve as critical natural buffers against flooding and play a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance. The second factor is the illegal encroachments on the flood plains of seasonal streams. These encroachments have significantly reduced the streams' ability to carry water, increasing the risk of flooding. In light of these findings, the committee proposed two major interventions: the restoration of wetlands and the removal of unauthorized encroachments on the flood plains. These actions are aimed at effectively restoring the city's natural drainage system and mitigating future flood risks. Ramesh recognizes the necessity of implementing these measures to ensure the city's long-term safety and resilience against flooding. However, he is also aware of the potential human cost associated with these interventions. The illegal structures in question are inhabited by marginalized migrant laborers, and their removal would render many families homeless, significantly impacting their livelihoods. Despite his personal reservations regarding the social implications of these actions, Ramesh feels compelled to proceed with the committee's recommendations, as he believes they are essential for preventing future disasters. Subsequently, the operation to remove encroachments was launched with the deployment of a police force to ensure safety and order throughout the process. As the clearance of encroachments commenced, the affected residents expressed their opposition vigorously. Protests escalated into violent confrontations, resulting in assaults on officers and vandalism of government vehicles. The situation quickly deteriorated. When the police attempted to disperse the crowd, a stampede ensued. Tragically, this chaos resulted in the deaths of two elderly men. As the in-charge of the situation, Ramesh feels that these lives could have been saved if he had acted differently.\na. Identify the various value conflicts faced by Ramesh in his role as Municipal Commissioner.\nb. Analyze the decision to remove unauthorized encroachments on the flood plains from an ethical perspective.\nc. If you were in Ramesh's position and in charge of the situation, how would you have approached the challenges presented by the encroachment clearance and the resulting protests?","marks":"25","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"a. नगर आयुक्त के रूप में रमेश द्वारा सामना किए गए विभिन्न मूल्य संघर्षों की पहचान करें।\nb. बाढ़ के मैदानों पर अनधिकृत अतिक्रमण हटाने के निर्णय का नैतिक दृष्टिकोण से विश्लेषण करें।\nc. यदि आप रमेश की स्थिति में होते और स्थिति के प्रभारी होते, तो अतिक्रमण हटाने और उसके परिणामस्वरूप होने वाले विरोध प्रदर्शनों से उत्पन्न चुनौतियों का आप किस प्रकार सामना करते?\na नगर आयुक्त के रूप में रमेश द्वारा सामना किए गए विभिन्न मूल्य संघर्षों की पहचान करें।\nb बाढ़ के मैदानों पर अनधिकृत अतिक्रमण हटाने के निर्णय का नैतिक दृष्टिकोण से विश्लेषण करें।\nc यदि आप रमेश की स्थिति में होते और स्थिति के प्रभारी होते, तो अतिक्रमण हटाने और उसके परिणामस्वरूप होने वाले विरोध प्रदर्शनों से उत्पन्न चुनौतियों का आप किस प्रकार सामना करते?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"}]},{"id":3152,"topper":"HARSIMRAN SINGH","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/90_Harsimran%20Singh_14711_634_GS.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Even though women may have equal skills, qualifications and commitment as men, they face much more difficulty in rising up the leadership hierarchy. Discuss the reasons for the same. Also, explain the importance of having gender parity in positions of leadership.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"All correct decisions are honest and all incorrect decisions are dishonest. Do you agree? How should the correctness and incorrectness of a decision be decided?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Should birth control be a voluntary exercise or a government policy in a country? In this regard, examine the ethical dimensions of having a One Child Policy in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"An organisation consists of a variety of individuals with varying values and degrees of motivation. What challenges do leaders face when forging a harmonious work culture in such an organisation? How can leaders engender a sense of inclusion in face of such diversity?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Notwithstanding compassion and morality, it is national interest that ultimately determines a country's decisions in international relations. Discuss this statement in the context of the current refugee crisis.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"What are the ethical issues involved in climate change negotiations? Suggest some strategies to address the divergence in ethical positions of different nations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Why is there a need for Performance Management System in an outcome oriented government? Evaluate the feasibility of peer review in context of Indian civil services.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Discretionary power in the hands of public servants is a necessary evil. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"The landmark judgment by the Supreme Court of India recognized the transgender as a third sex. What attitudes do you notice towards the transgender people in India? Discuss some steps to facilitate a dignified life for the transgender people.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"What key characteristics of a person conveying a message make it more persuasive? When celebrities endorse a product, they do so knowing that their endorsement will persuade people to buy it. What duty do they have towards the consumers?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"It is said that child labor cannot be ethical at all. Do you agree? Discuss with respect to the proposed amendments to the Child Labour Act.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Are emotions an inhibiting factor in effective decision-making? Discuss in the context of public services.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"What do you understand by the Sarvodaya philosophy of Gandhiji? Why is Sarvodaya relevant for civil servants in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"You are the leader of a 5 member team that has been assigned to carry out social impact assessment of a project proposed in a Naxal area. Members have been allotted a remote village each to conduct surveys and ascertain views of local people. You are under strict instructions not to disclose the identity of respondents outside the project. While compiling data, you are puzzled by the responses from one of the villages. You accompany the point-person for that village next day for verification. You randomly pick a person from the list of respondents and ask her for clarification of the response she had given earlier. She seems confused and denies any knowledge of the survey being conducted, let alone she being questioned. You try to verify this from other respondents and get similar replies. This raises serious doubts about the integrity and credibility of the survey process. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the situation? 10. Gajendra, once a struggling film actor, was accused and later exonerated of rape charges, which the jury found out to be motivated and fake. Not able to cope up with the situation, he changed profession and moved on. Thirty years later, while his closest friends know about the incident but his co-workers do not. One day, out of curiosity, he searches for his name on the internet, and to his surprise, finds that the third entry that comes up is an old report in a local newspaper about the rape charges he faced. Gajendra is upset; after all these years, he would like to be able to disclose the event only to whomever he wants. He has heard about the decision of European Court of Justice which allows individuals to submit requests to a search engine to remove certain results from searches on their names, and citing the same, requests the search engine and media outlet to remove the results. Valid arguments can be advanced for making the Right to be Forgotten a fundamental right? What those arguments could be? What limitations, if any, can it be subjected to? Should there be any obligations on the search engines regarding cases which are no longer relevant, as the one mentioned","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are the officer in charge of overseeing refugees' related issues in a multilateral humanitarian organisation. There is an ethnicity based civil war going on in a region and as a result, many people are being displaced. Hitherto, the economically better-off neighbouring countries have accommodated the streams of migrants with financial support from your organisation. The violence in the region has increased recently and the flux of people seeking refuge has grown substantially. With countries sealing their borders, the refugees are left in a vulnerable situation. You are sent to negotiate for humanitarian settlement of refugees with the neighbouring countries, who also happen to be a powerful economic bloc. However, they refuse any more accommodation on the following grounds: (a) Drainage of resources in face of subdued economic conditions. (b) Domestic political repercussions. (c) Rehabilitation will encourage more influx and indirectly fuel the persecutors. (d) Permanency of settlement in face of better prospects than at home. What are the counter-arguments that can be cited to convince the countries 12. You are a Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) in an urban district. The forest cover in the district is as low as 11% and it needs to be increased as per government guidelines. By ecological and environmental perspective also it is imperative that more trees should be planted. However, you find out that while there is a grant of Rs. 1.5 crore for your division to plant trees under the Hariyali Scheme, most of this fund is lying unused. Since, it is December and as per government rules all the unused grant should be returned to the government as the financial year closes, it seems you will have to return the money completely. Also, there are strong indications from the ministry that government is mulling over a budgetary cut on Hariyali mission because most of the funds go unused. There is a strong possibility that if you return the money in this financial year you wont get it in the next financial year and even if you get, it will be a very insignificant amount. Indicate various options that you think are available in this situation. Evaluate these options and choose the most appropriate path to be adopted?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are a Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) in an urban district. The forest cover in the district is as low as 11% and it needs to be increased as per government guidelines. By ecological and environmental perspective also it is imperative that more trees should be planted. However, you find out that while there is a grant of Rs. 1.5 crore for your division to plant trees under the Hariyali Scheme, most of this fund is lying unused. Since, it is December and as per government rules all the unused grant should be returned to the government as the financial year closes, it seems you will have to return the money completely. Also, there are strong indications from the ministry that government is mulling over a budgetary cut on Hariyali mission because most of the funds go unused. There is a strong possibility that if you return the money in this financial year you wont get it in the next financial year and even if you get, it will be a very insignificant amount. Indicate various options that you think are available in this situation. Evaluate these options and choose the most appropriate path to be adopted?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You, an anthropologist, have developed cordial relations with a tribal community which was hitherto isolated from rest of the humanity. Notwithstanding increased interest of researchers and media for the newly discovered tribe, you are the only person from outside whom they trust. They are ardent believers in their goddess and, trusting you, take you to her abode on a holy mountain. To your surprise, you find that the mountain is a reservoir of Uranium that can be used in your power-starved country's nuclear power plants. Besides, you are aware that Uranium being radioactive, it is highly risky to go near the mountain. You try to convince the people about harmful effects it can have and the utilitarian value that it possess for the country. However, they are in no mood to argue and politely ask you to leave. You fear that very soon the outside world will find about this and the vulnerable tribe would be displaced from their land. (a) Evaluate the following courses of action which you can take for their ethical merits and demerits: -i. You would continue to convince the people yourself about the possible consequences and urge them to relocate.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3153,"topper":"Harsita Agrawal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/46ca8-1004873_3128_harsita_agrawal_rank_163.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"The world must learn to work together, or finally it will not work at all.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Technology, like art, is a soaring exercise of the human imagination.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"We've begun to raise daughters more like sons, but few have the courage to raise our sons more like our daughters.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3154,"topper":"Harsita Agrawal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/24e6d-1004873_2930_harsita_agrawal_rank_163.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How is the rapid growth of the food processing industry leading to food safety challenges in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Under the Public Distribution System of India, the Fair Price Shop (FPS) transformation is an evolving process. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"How are agri-tech startups in India helping farmers in enhancing farm productivity and market access? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the role of digitization of land records in the effective implementation of land reforms in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"To fully exploit its demographic dividend and accelerate economic growth, India needs to adopt a manufacturing-led growth model. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can the resilience of Indian coastal communities be strengthened to tackle the growing natural hazards resulting from climate change? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How does the Green Credit Programme extend beyond carbon management to promote a more sustainable environment in India? What are the various concerns about its implementation? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What is the need for NavIC when existing satellite navigation systems are already available? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Cyber-enabled financial crime has emerged as the new frontier of global money laundering. Discuss. How can the government address this issue? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The Indian Army is observing the year 2024 as the 'Year of Technology Absorption'. In light of this, explain why there is a need for technology absorption in the defence sector of India. What challenges can India face in this initiative? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What are the issues faced in the development of trade and industries in the North-Eastern Region (NER) of India? Comment on the measures that have been taken to tackle these issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the era of climate change and growing water scarcity, how can micro-irrigation systems contribute to sustainable agricultural practices in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What strategies can be adopted to overcome the issues pertaining to freight transportation in the Indian Railways and increase its share in the domestic freight? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the factors that have aided India in making impressive strides in the renewable energy sector and establishing itself as a frontrunner in the global renewable energy transition. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"How does agricultural runoff containing fertilizers and pesticides contribute to environmental pollution? What measures can be taken to mitigate the impact of agricultural runoff? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The growing influx of tourists in Himalayan states has breached their ecological carrying capacity, leading to significant man-made disasters. What measures can be implemented to prevent such disasters while promoting sustainable tourism? Discuss with relevant examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"How do superconductors fuel innovation in diverse fields of science and technology? Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"While India has laws covering almost all types of intellectual property rights, numerous enforcement, regulatory and administrative challenges hamper the commercialisation of IPRs in India. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Keeping in view the challenges in creating integrated theatre commands, examine how the theaterisation of commands can lead to greater integration and rationalisation of manpower and resources among the three services. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Treating border villages as first villages not just geographically but also in terms of facilities can be a key strategy for enhancing border security. Discuss. Also, highlight the measures being taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3155,"topper":"Harsita Agrawal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2b342-1004873_2929_harsita_agrawal_rank_163.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Expression of dissent is central to the functioning of the Parliament. In light of this, discuss the role of the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in India's parliamentary system. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"How can the integration of technology into judicial processes enhance accessibility, capability, and efficiency in justice delivery? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Supreme Court of India has upheld unique asymmetry in India's federalism by intricately balancing centralized authority and regional autonomy. Discuss with the help of relevant case laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Evaluate the effectiveness of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes in safeguarding the interests of the Scheduled Castes in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Executive accountability to the legislature through Parliamentary Committees has been the hallmark of the Indian political system. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can India make Citizens' Charter a powerful tool for improving governance and empowering citizens? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How do corporate donors aid NGOs in facilitating holistic development in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite its merits, should the POCSO Act be revisited to correct the existing inadequacies? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"China's acquisition of strategic ports globally has significant implications for international trade routes and economic relations. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"What are the main functions of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)? How will its recent treaty on intellectual property, genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge benefit India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) plays a crucial role in combating corruption, its functioning is often criticized for being partisan and acting against the federal spirit. Discuss with the help of suitable examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Governors in India often overstep their constitutional role and fail to act effectively when needed. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Both India and the USA adhere to democratic principles but their electoral systems exhibit significant differences. What are the key differences in electoral practices between the two countries? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"How far do you agree with the view that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has met its objective of ensuring environmental justice in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Though Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) have become a platform for competitive politics, they have not emerged as an agency of planning and service delivery. Why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by interoperability in e-governance? What steps have been taken by the government to ensure interoperability and integration of various e-governance systems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"When it comes to sexual and reproductive health of women in India, rights-based discourse has largely been bypassed not just by the societal norms but also by the legal norms. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"How effective has India been in enhancing immunization coverage over the years? What challenges continue to affect immunization efforts in the country? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India used its Presidency of the G20 to bring the voice of the Global South to the centre stage. Discuss with special reference to Africa. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"India's relationship with the UAE has witnessed a remarkable expansion across various domains in the last decade. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3156,"topper":"Harsita Agrawal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3a001-1004873_2928_harsita_agrawal_rank_163.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How does tribal art provide valuable insights into the cultural perspectives and values of Indian tribal communities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What are the key factors that accelerated decolonization post-World War II? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How does human encroachment impact water bodies in urban areas? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How do physical geographical features influence the development and operation of transportation systems? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How are ocean trenches formed? Describe the significant characteristics of these oceanic relief formations. (Answer in 150words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Identify the reasons behind increasing number of extreme rainfall events throughout India in recent times. Assess their socio-economic impact. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"India is expected to have the largest working-age population in the world by 2030 and it cannot afford low participation of women in the workforce anymore. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Do you agree that there has been a progressive secularization of caste in India? Support your view with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Why is inequality increasing in India despite the fall in overall poverty? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"How did the competitive and hostile dynamic between Brahminism and Buddhism over funding, followers, and ideology mark the decline of Buddhism? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"European travellers' accounts in the medieval period have played an important role in shaping our understanding of the empires, and people of that period in India. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The British victory in the Battle of Plassey in 1757 not just changed the course of Indian history but also that of the world. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Why was it more difficult to rehabilitate refugees in West Bengal as compared to Punjab after partition? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss the economic and social costs associated with the transition from coal to green energy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Explain the process of formation of volcanic calderas. How do they contribute to the scenic beauty of the region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the reasons behind the increased frequency and intensity of heat waves globally? How will it impact global food security? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India's approach to secularism does not merely challenge inter-religious domination but intra-religious domination as well. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Do you agree with the view that Indian cities are turning into landscapes of stark inequality and social exclusion? What steps can be taken to make urban areas more egalitarian in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3157,"topper":"Harsita Agrawal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/979a7-1004873_2931_harsita_agrawal_rank_163.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The end cannot justify the means, for the simple and obvious reason that the means employed determine the nature of the ends produced. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":3158,"topper":"Harsita Agrawal","air":163,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/f3194-1004873_2526_harsita_agrawal_rank_163.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3159,"topper":"Harsita Agrawal","air":163,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/adad1-1004873_2527_harsita_agrawal_rank_163.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3160,"topper":"Harsita Agrawal","air":163,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/59c6d-1004873_2528_harsita_agrawal_rank_163.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3161,"topper":"Harsita Agrawal","air":163,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e1efe-1004873_2529_harsita_agrawal_rank_163.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3162,"topper":"Harsita Agrawal","air":163,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/cd669-1004873_2530_harsita_agrawal_rank_163.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3163,"topper":"Harsita Agrawal","air":163,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9d628-1004873_2531_harsita_agrawal_rank_163.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3164,"topper":"Harsita Agrawal","air":163,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c64e0-1004873_3135_harsita_agrawal_rank_163.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3165,"topper":"Harsita Agrawal","air":163,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/411a4-1004873_3136_harsita_agrawal_rank_163.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3166,"topper":"Haseeb","air":36,"year":2017,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/32697_930_Haseeb_Rank_36.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3167,"topper":"Haseeb","air":36,"year":2017,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/32697_931_Haseeb_Rank_36.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3168,"topper":"Haseeb","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/32697_871_Haseeb_Rank_36.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Criticism about the judiciary should be welcomed, so long as criticisms do not hamper the “administration of justice”. In this context discuss whether the power of contempt of court given to the higher judiciary limits the freedom granted by Article 19 (a) and whether these two can be reconciled.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Special rights are not privileges but they are granted to make it possible for minorities to preserve their identity, culture and traditions. Elaborate in the context of India with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"A clear delineation of functions of local governments vis-à-vis State Governments will only strengthen the principle of subsidiarity. In this context, discuss the challenges and the reforms required for effective democratic decentralization in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Despite being a welcome step, Inter-State Water Disputes (Amendment) Bill, 2017 fails to resolve the issue of overlapping of jurisdiction between the legislature and judiciary. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Critically discuss the major reforms introduced in the area of electoral funding in Union Budget 2017. Do you think that state funding of elections is a viable idea to check misuse of money power in politics?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The provision of 33% reservation of seats for women in urban local body elections in Nagaland has been in news for various reasons in recent times. Discuss the underlying issues in light of the constitutional provisions at stake and the social realities of the state.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Enumerate the guidelines for police reforms as laid down by the Supreme Court in Prakash Singh case in 2006. In this regard, critically discuss the issues in their implementation by the States.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"While the Competition Commission of India and sector-specific regulators are required to complement each other, overlapping jurisdiction has resulted in regulatory parallelism amongst them. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"There is both spatial and economic inequality with regards to access to healthcare services in India. Elaborate. How does the New Health Policy attempts to address these issues?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Census 2011 observed that there has been a significant increase in urban homeless households in the period between 2001 and 2011. What are homeless households? Highlighting the challenges faced by them, discuss the causes for increase in such households. Suggest various measures to rehabilitate these households.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Recent judgment of the Supreme Court, amending the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 has invoked varied reponses. Highlighting the amendment, critically examine its likely impact on application of the law.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Examine the steps taken by the government over the years to ensure a secure and exploitation-free childhood for its citizens. Further analyse how the recent ratification of the two key ILO conventions will help India's fight against child labour.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"According to the World Bank, while digital technologies have spread rapidly in much of the world, resulting digital dividends have lagged behind. Analyse in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"\"Our country suffers from an excess of old and unnecessary laws which obstruct people and businesses\". In light of the observation elucidate how outdated and impractical laws bring inefficiency in governance. How far is the repealing and cosolidation of statutes a solution to the problem at hand?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Due to increasing consumption and changing consumption patterns, water scarcity is an emerging threat in India and thus it becomes imperative to treat water as a commodity and privatize it. Critically evaluate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Given the mandate of the Organisation and its composition, too much should not be read into India becoming a full time member of SCO. Critically comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"India needs to utilize its technological capacity based diplomacy to strengthen relationships with the neigbours. Discuss. Also examine the significance of South Asia satellite to enhance regional cooperation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Though both India and Bangladesh have been able to resolve various pending bilateral issues, solution to the Teesta Water dispute remains illusive. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Discuss the important provisions and significance of the recent proposal by India for Trade Facilitation in Services (TFS) Agreement under WTO.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"BIMSTEC has the potential to become a distinctive link between South and Southeast Asia. Elaborate. Also discuss the factors hindering the potential of BIMSTEC over the years. Highlight the key initiatives in recent times and further measures required to make the grouping more effective.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3169,"topper":"Haseeb","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/32697_876_Haseeb_Rank_36.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"While India has taken a number of steps in order to substantially improve its ranking in the World Bank's 'Ease of Doing Business' Index, it needs to take further action in this regard. Elaborate. Also analyse the utility of these rankings vis-a-vis India's objective of facilitating a sound entrepreneurial environment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"In wake of the agrarian crisis that the country is witnessing, discuss the need for adopting an income-centric approach in preference to a production-centric one as the basis of agricultural policy. In this context, also highlight the steps that should be taken to achieve the goal of doubling the income of farmers by 2021-22 and the challenges that exist.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"It is argued that India's fiscal centre of gravity has rapidly shifted from the Centre to the States. Analyse the statement in context of the debate on fiscal discipline. Also, enumerate the key recommendations of the N.K. Singh panel on Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Strategic sale of state-run firms is a prudent step to deal with the challenges being faced by the public sector enterprises in India. Comment. Also enumerate other measures that can be taken in light of NITI Aayog's suggestions in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Shell companies in India are neither legally defined nor properly understood. Analyse in the light of recent developments, prevalent understanding and steps required to effectively deal with shell companies.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"If a larger population in India is to be involved in the economy in a big way, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are key. Elaborate. Also discuss the challenges faced by the SME sector in India and give an account of the measures taken by the government to deal with these.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"What are the reasons for the growing informalization of industrial labour in India? Discuss the issues associated with the phenomenon and reforms required to deal with them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"A number of far-reaching developments have taken place in the local and global energy space which have to be reflected in our own energy policy framework. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"The Indian IT-BPM (Information Technology-Business Process Management) industry is a global powerhouse today and its impact on India and the world has been unprecedented. Comment. Also, mention the challenges being faced by India's IT-BPM sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"An effective multi-modal logistics and transport sector will make the Indian economy more competitive. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Climate change threatens sustainable development, impairs socio-economic development and reinforces cycles of poverty across the globe. In this context, discuss the utility of climate risk insurance as an instrument within a comprehensive climate risk management system.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Why are women particularly vulnerable to the impact of natural disasters? Also analyse, with adequate examples, how women can play a more effective role in disaster risk management cycle.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"In view of the seriousness of heat waves and its consequences, greater attention is required for dealing with it as a natural disaster. Analyse in the context of recent developments and the actions taken by relevant government bodies.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"While genome editing offers immense potential benefits in the area of healthcare, there are a lot of apprehensions regarding its use. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Discuss various ways in which supercomputers have benefitted mankind over the years. Also enumerate the objectives of the National Supercomputing Mission and the mechanism for its implementation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Widely seen as a disruption for the traditional banking and financial institutions, cryptocurrencies have gained significant traction lately, at the same time creating a regulatory nightmare for regulators across the globe. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"An internationally-binding agreement to strengthen the Outer Space Treaty of 1967 is both desirable and increasingly a necessity. Analyse in view of the traditional and emerging challenges in this arena.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Even after nearly 60 years in existence, AFSPA remains at the centre of debates with respect to countering violent insurgencies, role of the states and local communities. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Analyse the challenges and opportunities inherent in the push for indigenisation of defence production in India. Also, identify the measures through which indigenous manufacturing of defence equipments is being encouraged by the Government.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"India's ability to puruse a clear-cut strategic vision depends on its ability to improve institutional cooperation and coordination between the armed forces and civilian bureaucracy. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3170,"topper":"Haseeb","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/32697_877_Haseeb_Rank_36.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"What are the factors which drive people to take law in their own hands rather than following the due process of law? Discuss ways to address the problem of mob justice.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"In a democracy, the purpose of the government should be to make it easy for people to do good and difficult to do wrong. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss John Stuart Mill's idea on freedom of thought and expression. Also, give reasons as to why, according to Mill, representative democracy is the best form of government despite its inherent weaknesses.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context. 10 (a) \"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Ensuring that government decisions are not influenced by public officials' private interests is a growing concern. Discuss in the context of India. Also enumerate the core principles reflected by OECD guidelines for managing conflict of interest in the public sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Discuss, with examples, the significance of principles of public life as recommended by Nolan committee. Why are these principles considered as an essential set of expectations from public servants?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"A peculiar inhuman situation exists for the people fleeing from war zones - they cannot go back to their homeland for fear of being persecuted and no country is ready to bear their burden due to various reasons. Citing contemporary examples, discuss the ethical issues involved in such situations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"The excluded and marginalized section of society are worst hit by globalization. Take the case of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) like Sentinelese of Andaman & Nicobar islands; their population has reduced drastically and they are facing various other problems as well. In this context answer the following questions: 20 (a) What are the challenges faced by PVTGs due to globalisation? (b) If you are posted as a Development Officer in such an area, what will be your priorities to reduce their vulnerabilities and ensure welfare?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3171,"topper":"Haseen Zahera Rizvi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4120_871_Haseen_Rank_87.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Criticism about the judiciary should be welcomed, so long as criticisms do not hamper the \"administration of justice\". In this context discuss whether the power of contempt of court given to the higher judiciary limits the freedom granted by Article 19 (a) and whether these two can be reconciled.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Special rights are not privileges but they are granted to make it possible for minorities to preserve their identity, culture and traditions. Elaborate in the context of India with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"A clear delineation of functions of local governments vis-à-vis State Governments will only strengthen the principle of subsidiarity. In this context, discuss the challenges and the reforms required for effective democratic decentralization in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Despite being a welcome step, Inter-State Water Disputes (Amendment) Bill, 2017 fails to resolve the issue of overlapping of jurisdiction between the legislature and judiciary. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Critically discuss the major reforms introduced in the area of electoral funding in Union Budget 2017. Do you think that state funding of elections is a viable idea to check misuse of money power in politics?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The provision of 33% reservation of seats for women in urban local body elections in Nagaland has been in news for various reasons in recent times. Discuss the underlying issues in light of the constitutional provisions at stake and the social realities of the state.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Enumerate the guidelines for police reforms as laid down by the Supreme Court in Prakash Singh case in 2006. In this regard, critically discuss the issues in their implementation by the States.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"While the Competition Commission of India and sector-specific regulators are required to complement each other, overlapping jurisdiction has resulted in regulatory parallelism amongst them. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"There is both spatial and economic inequality with regards to access to healthcare services in India. Elaborate. How does the New Health Policy attempts to address these issues?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Census 2011 observed that there has been a significant increase in urban homeless households in the period between 2001 and 2011. What are homeless households? Highlighting the challenges faced by them, discuss the causes for increase in such households. Suggest various measures to rehabilitate these households.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Recent judgment of the Supreme Court, amending the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 has invoked varied reponses. Highlighting the amendment, critically examine its likely impact on application of the law.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Examine the steps taken by the government over the years to ensure a secure and exploitation-free childhood for its citizens. Further analyse how the recent ratification of the two key ILO conventions will help India's fight against child labour.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"According to the World Bank, while digital technologies have spread rapidly in much of the world, resulting digital dividends have lagged behind. Analyse in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"\"Our country suffers from an excess of old and unnecessary laws which obstruct people and businesses\". In light of the observation elucidate how outdated and impractical laws bring inefficiency in governance. How far is the repealing and cosolidation of statutes a solution to the problem at hand?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Due to increasing consumption and changing consumption patterns, water scarcity is an emerging threat in India and thus it becomes imperative to treat water as a commodity and privatize it. Critically evaluate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Given the mandate of the Organisation and its composition, too much should not be read into India becoming a full time member of SCO. Critically comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"India needs to utilize its technological capacity based diplomacy to strengthen relationships with the neigbours. Discuss. Also examine the significance of South Asia satellite to enhance regional cooperation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Though both India and Bangladesh have been able to resolve various pending bilateral issues, solution to the Teesta Water dispute remains illusive. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Discuss the important provisions and significance of the recent proposal by India for Trade Facilitation in Services (TFS) Agreement under WTO.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"BIMSTEC has the potential to become a distinctive link between South and Southeast Asia. Elaborate. Also discuss the factors hindering the potential of BIMSTEC over the years. Highlight the key initiatives in recent times and further measures required to make the grouping more effective.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3172,"topper":"Haseen Zahera Rizvi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4120_873_Haseen_Rank_87.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"The recent decision by the government to ban use of red beacons is only a symbolic gesture and a lot more needs to be done to end the VIP culture in India. Critically discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Social attitude towards corruption has become more forgiving with time leading to a view of illegal gains and misappropriation of public assets as a \"rightful\" individual prerogative. Analyse in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"What are the factors which draw people to public service? Suggest measures to keep public servants motivated.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Corporate Governance provides a framework that defines the rights, roles, and responsibilities of various groups within an organization. (a) Elaborate the need to incorporate the principles of Corporate Governance to enhance the effectiveness of the public sector enterprises. (b) Identify the challenges specific to the public sector when it comes to the application of good practices of corporate governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Emotions, earlier considered as an irrational factor in decision-making, are now recognised as a critical factor of judgment. In this regard, answer the following questions: (a) How can Emotional Intelligence help in coping with the intense pressure and occupational stress faced by police officers and armed forces in discharge of their duties? (b) What are the some of the concerns in incorporating and assessment of emotional intelligence skills in public service?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3173,"topper":"Hassan Khan","air":95,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/HASSAN-KHAN-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-95-Sample-ESSAY-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. True leadership lies in serving not ruling.\n2. Democracy is not just the right to vote, it is the right to live in dignity.\n3. Growing regional aspirations and demand for greater autonomy: A challenge to Indian federalism.\n4. The ballot is stronger than the bullet.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"1. The great aim of education is not knowledge but action.\n2. The global south must redefine development through cooperation and justice.\n3. There is no health without mental health.\n4. If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3174,"topper":"Hassan Khan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/17df4RWY1XOUQf8_--SoVYfEfRd1ua9V_/view","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"You can't serve data on a hungry man's plate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"AI is overcoming our mental limitation but not expanding our mental horizon.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"We are using environment for politics, not politics for environment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"The worst form of inequality is to try to make unequal things equal.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Existence is a science, living is an art.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"If the truth shall kill them, let them die.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"The only way to go beyond things, is to go through them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Dream for the best. Be prepared for the worst. Enjoy life in between.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3175,"topper":"Hassan Khan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1heRJHWHZ3puEBKe40W7IT05Jyky3QYo2/view","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"If you look into someone's face long enough, eventually you feel that you are looking into yourself.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"It is the province of knowledge to speak and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Drop the question what tomorrow may bring, and count as profit every day that fate allows you.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Truth, like a torch, the more it is shook, it shines.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Art is I; science is We.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Only the dead have seen the end of the war.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Act as if it were impossible to fail.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3176,"topper":"Hassan Khan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2023_unchecked_MT23RCAPA060_TC701.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"If you look into someone's face long enough, eventually you feel that you are looking into yourself.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"It is the province of knowledge to speak and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Drop the question what tomorrow may bring, and count as profit every day that fate allows you.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Truth, like a torch, the more it is shook, it shines.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Art is I; science is We.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Only the dead have seen the end of the war.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Act as if it were impossible to fail.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3177,"topper":"Hassan Khan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2023_unchecked_MT23RCAPA060_702.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"You can't serve data on a hungry man's plate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"AI is overcoming our mental limitation but not expanding our mental horizon.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"We are using environment for politics, not politics for environment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"The worst form of inequality is to try to make unequal things equal.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Existence is a science, living is an art.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"If the truth shall kill them, let them die.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"The only way to go beyond things, is to go through them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Dream for the best. Be prepared for the worst. Enjoy life in between.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3178,"topper":"Hassan Khan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/15rGe8X_bhUoIdZu-RBTJlHNJa0Sg10ae/view","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The fabric of Indian philosophical thought owes as much to Northern India as to Southern India. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The Indian society's impulse for social change and reform was a response to its opposition to colonial rule. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What are the factors that led to the Russian revolution and what are the consequences of this revolution? Discuss its influence on the Indian national movement. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the various factors responsible for the uneven temperature distribution on Earth's surface. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The melting of glaciers due to climate change has serious implications for the ecosystem and human society. Discuss the effects of melting glaciers on the environment and the measures that can be taken to address this issue. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The White Revolution was most successful in the Western part of India. Discuss the factors for this regional success of the White Revolution. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"To what extent does seismic investigation contribute to our understanding of the Earth's interior structure? Analyze its significance in detail. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The pace of demographic transition varies across different states of India making population growth a double-edged sword. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The ethnic and cultural diversity in India has always been bound by the thread of unity. Discuss the major factors that have contributed to the cultural unity of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The dichotomy in public and private life in Indian society acts as a major barrier to the annihilation of caste. Justify. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"India was forced into numerous wars post Independence. Highlight the causes and impact of the Indo-Pak and Indo-China wars on our bilateral relationships. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The process of consolidation of Bengal, which started after the Battle of Plassey culminated in the Battle of Buxar. Do you think the Battle of Buxar was more important for the British than Plassey? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Sanskrit literature in general and particularly in the Guptan age set a high watermark for the literary history of ancient India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The configuration of the ocean floor provides essential information about the geological processes that have shaped the Earth's surface. Discuss the major features of the ocean floor and their significance in the study of oceanography. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"With the growing demand for rare earth elements, their distribution has become a critical aspect of the global economy. Discuss the distribution of rare earth elements across the world, their uses, and the environmental impact of their extraction. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Tourism in the hilly states is threatening to exceed the ecological carrying capacity of the region. Analyze the factors contributing to this trend and evaluate the potential Environmental impacts of this phenomenon. What measures can be taken to ensure sustainable tourism in these states? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The Indian monsoon is a complex phenomenon influenced by various climatic factors. Critically examine the role of oceanic and atmospheric factors in determining the intensity and distribution of monsoon rainfall in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Why do traditions in our society impede change? To what extent can social legislation be instrumental against old customary practices? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Slums are not 'problems' that have to be 'solved' - but are indeed a result of lopsided and vested urban policies covering infrastructure provision and socio-economic issues. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Communalism gains strength from economic deprivation, and thrives in environments of social exclusion, creating fertile ground for discontent and division. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3179,"topper":"Hassan Khan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2023_unchecked_MT23RCAPA060_TC703.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The fabric of Indian philosophical thought owes as much to Northern India as to Southern India. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The Indian society's impulse for social change and reform was a response to its opposition to colonial rule. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What are the factors that led to the Russian revolution and what are the consequences of this revolution? Discuss its influence on the Indian national movement. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the various factors responsible for the uneven temperature distribution on Earth's surface. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The melting of glaciers due to climate change has serious implications for the ecosystem and human society. Discuss the effects of melting glaciers on the environment and the measures that can be taken to address this issue. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The White Revolution was most successful in the Western part of India. Discuss the factors for this regional success of the White Revolution. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"To what extent does seismic investigation contribute to our understanding of the Earth's interior structure? Analyze its significance in detail. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The pace of demographic transition varies across different states of India making population growth a double-edged sword. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The ethnic and cultural diversity in India has always been bound by the thread of unity. Discuss the major factors that have contributed to the cultural unity of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The dichotomy in public and private life in Indian society acts as a major barrier to the annihilation of caste. Justify. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"India was forced into numerous wars post Independence. Highlight the causes and impact of the Indo-Pak and Indo-China wars on our bilateral relationships. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The process of consolidation of Bengal, which started after the Battle of Plassey culminated in the Battle of Buxar. Do you think the Battle of Buxar was more important for the British than Plassey? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Sanskrit literature in general and particularly in the Guptan age set a high watermark for the literary history of ancient India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The configuration of the ocean floor provides essential information about the geological processes that have shaped the Earth's surface. Discuss the major features of the ocean floor and their significance in the study of oceanography. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"With the growing demand for rare earth elements, their distribution has become a critical aspect of the global economy. Discuss the distribution of rare earth elements across the world, their uses, and the environmental impact of their extraction. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Tourism in the hilly states is threatening to exceed the ecological carrying capacity of the region. Analyze the factors contributing to this trend and evaluate the potential Environmental impacts of this phenomenon. What measures can be taken to ensure sustainable tourism in these states? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The Indian monsoon is a complex phenomenon influenced by various climatic factors. Critically examine the role of oceanic and atmospheric factors in determining the intensity and distribution of monsoon rainfall in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Why do traditions in our society impede change? To what extent can social legislation be instrumental against old customary practices? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Slums are not 'problems' that have to be 'solved' - but are indeed a result of lopsided and vested urban policies covering infrastructure provision and socio-economic issues. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Communalism gains strength from economic deprivation, and thrives in environments of social exclusion, creating fertile ground for discontent and division. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3180,"topper":"Hassan Khan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/14GN8UzNrDsv48lVkD0XV9WRLjSxaME5V/view","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"There is a need to resolve the ambiguity in the disqualification provisions under section 8 of the Representation of People Act 1951. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Constitution is a mere skeleton whereas constitutionalism is the soul of democracy. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"Electoral bonds are a double-edged sword, providing anonymity to donors while raising concerns about transparency in political funding.\" To what extent have electoral bonds further legitimized opacity in electoral funding? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The question of gender equality is central to the debate on Uniform Civil Code. In this light what are the challenges in reconciling UCC with gender equality as enshrined in the constitution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"MGNREGA, the lynchpin of rural poverty alleviation, has become the victim of fiscal apathy.\" Critically analyze the statement in light of recent developments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"India must leverage, if not manage, the global divides\". How can the current geopolitical churn pave the way for India's rise to the global high table? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"Berlin can be India's gateway to the European Union.\" Elaborate with respect to Germany's significance in India's relationship with the EU. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"Fundamental rights are not gifts bestowed upon by the state rather an individual possesses them independently of the state. In this context discuss the desirability of reasonable restrictions on various fundamental rights. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"S.R. Bommai v. Union of India signified a paradigm shift in the judicial interpretation of the union's authority to assume control of a state's administration.' In this context discuss the significance and impact of the judgement on cementing the federal structure. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3181,"topper":"Hassan Khan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2023_unchecked_MT23RCAPA060_TC704.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"There is a need to resolve the ambiguity in the disqualification provisions under section 8 of the Representation of People Act 1951. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Constitution is a mere skeleton whereas constitutionalism is the soul of democracy. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"Electoral bonds are a double-edged sword, providing anonymity to donors while raising concerns about transparency in political funding.\" To what extent have electoral bonds further legitimized opacity in electoral funding? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The question of gender equality is central to the debate on Uniform Civil Code. In this light what are the challenges in reconciling UCC with gender equality as enshrined in the constitution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The Governor's office is neither decorative nor inconsequential, it assumes a constitutional role of profound essence. To what extent does the Governor, actively contribute to the governance of a state and reinforce the principles of federalism in the country? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Recently demand has been rising in a state regarding the enactment of Social Accountability Law. How such a law can lead to good governance and boost citizens' participation in decision-making. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"There is a need for convergence of 'nutrition-specific' and 'nutrition-sensitive' interventions to effectively tackle child undernutrition in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"MGNREGA, the lynchpin of rural poverty alleviation, has become the victim of fiscal apathy.\" Critically analyze the statement in light of recent developments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"India must leverage, if not manage, the global divides\". How can the current geopolitical churn pave the way for India's rise to the global high table? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"Berlin can be India's gateway to the European Union.\" Elaborate with respect to Germany's significance in India's relationship with the EU. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"How has the Anti-Defection Law impacted the relationship between political parties and individual legislators in India? In light of the recent incidents also discuss the unintended consequences it has on the functioning of democracy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Critics assert that limitless judicial authority rests on the structural ambiguity of the basic structure doctrine. Has the elastic nature of the basic structure doctrine made the judiciary more powerful than the executive? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Fundamental rights are not gifts bestowed upon by the state rather an individual possesses them independently of the state. In this context discuss the desirability of reasonable restrictions on various fundamental rights. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"'S.R. Bommai v. Union of India signified a paradigm shift in the judicial interpretation of the union's authority to assume control of a state's administration.' In this context discuss the significance and impact of the judgement on cementing the federal structure. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"How has the implementation of the POSH Act resulted in limited success in raising awareness about sexual harassment, and what factors have hindered its effective outreach to women employed in the unorganized sector? Propose strategies to bridge this gap and ensure comprehensive protection for women in the unorganized sector against workplace harassment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"'Neo-liberal reforms and globalization have deeply transformed the institutions of the welfare state and set the ground for a new type of civil services.' In this context examine the challenges faced in service delivery and suggest adequate reforms. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"China views India as its \"Asian Rival\" with an innate ability to counter its hegemonic goals in Asia. Despite these difficulties in India-China relations, there are also many areas of convergence. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Indo-Pacific region in recent times has emerged as a zone of diverging interests and priorities. Discuss. Do you think the Global Security Initiative will supersede QUAD in the region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3182,"topper":"Hassan Khan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DlI6Jh-FO3Gd3hJ6nNzC4KkMFZBMGv6F/view","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What do you understand by Windfall tax? Do you think that windfall taxes can effectively redistribute wealth and promote greater economic equality? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do you understand by Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)? Discuss its applications and how it can revolutionize the energy program of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss in brief developments and challenges in the Gaganyaan mission of ISRO. What are the possible benefits of the mission for the society? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"Green hydrogen can be the silver bullet in our quest to tackle climate change and pollution\". Critically analyze the statement in light of India's National Green Hydrogen mission. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":38,"question":"How India benefitted strategically from the contributions of Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha and Dr. Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai in the fields of atomic energy and space technology respectively? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Genreative AI holds the potential to push the boundaries of innovation in the near future, yet its societal impact raises substantial challenges. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3183,"topper":"Hassan Khan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2023_unchecked_MT23RCAPA060_TC705.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What do you understand by Windfall tax? Do you think that windfall taxes can effectively redistribute wealth and promote greater economic equality? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss the perceived successes and challenges of implementing inflation targeting under the new Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) regime. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Assess the potential of millet production in promoting sustainable agriculture and improving food security in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Jal Jeevan Mission has the potential to end the regional disparity in the availability and accessibility of drinking water. Highlighting the significance of the mission, discuss the underlying impediments in achieving the desired objectives. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do you understand by Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)? Discuss its applications and how it can revolutionize the energy program of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss in brief developments and challenges in the Gaganyaan mission of ISRO. What are the possible benefits of the mission for the society? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"Green hydrogen can be the silver bullet in our quest to tackle climate change and pollution\". Critically analyze the statement in light of India's National Green Hydrogen mission. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What are the key lessons for disaster management and environmental conservation in the Himalayan region, in light of the recent disaster in Joshimath, Uttarakhand? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"The recent radical trends in Punjab show that the Khalistan issue is still simmering.\" Discuss the statement with respect to recent developments and suggest measures to handle it. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The anonymity and ease of drone operation contribute to the challenges of India's border security. Elaborate and give suggestions to tackle the drone problem in border areas. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Electricity Amendment Bill, 2022 brings several advantages for consumers, DISCOMs as well as the environment. Elaborate. Also, list out its shortcomings and suggest some measures to overcome them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) plays an important role in the regulation of the share market and safeguarding the interests of investors. In the light of given statement, highlight the challenges faced by the SEBI and suggest reforms in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Despite being a major contributor to the Indian economy, the agriculture sector is plagued by several constraints that impede its growth and development. Discuss the role of technology in overcoming these constraints. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Evaluate the impact of irrigation on the environment and natural resources, and suggest measures to ensure the sustainability and equity of irrigation practices in agriculture. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"How India benefitted strategically from the contributions of Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha and Dr. Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai in the fields of atomic energy and space technology respectively? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Genreative AI holds the potential to push the boundaries of innovation in the near future, yet its societal impact raises substantial challenges. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Explain the purpose of the \"Mangrove Alliance for Climate\" launched at the COP27 UN Climate Change Conference in Egypt in November 2022. Elaborate on the importance of mangroves in maintaining the coastal ecology of tropical nations. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The Formation of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure brings more robustness to the Disaster Management approach in India. Comment and justify the need for a new strategy to tackle Disasters in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The recent rise in ransomware attacks targeting critical infrastructure and major corporations has highlighted the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity measures and policies. Discussing the key factors contributing to this trend, analyze the impact of these attacks on various sectors. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"In the context of border security, how can cooperation and coordination between different security agencies be improved to ensure effective and efficient management of coastal and terrestrial borders? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3184,"topper":"Hassan Khan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2023_unchecked_MT23RCAPA060_TC706.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Public service requires not merely legal but also morally principled action. Public service requires the public servant to place loyalty to the constitution, laws, and ethical principles. Among the three, which do you think must acquire primacy while carrying out official functions? Why? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"What do you understand by “integrity-based civil disobedience”? Do you think a challenge to personal integrity can be a justifiable cause for responsible disobedience in civil services? Explain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Recent research has shown that emotions significantly impact personal and professional lives. What are the primary emotions that negatively and positively impact workplace productivity? Explain with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Technical efficiency ensures resource utilization and social efficiency ensures fulfillment of social needs, what does ethical efficiency ensure? Do you think ethical efficiency is more important than technical and social efficiency? Why/Why not? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"Man cannot do right in one department of life whilst he is occupied in doing wrong in any other department.\" Gandhi. Do you think an individual's personal ethics impacts professional life or they both can be compartmentalized? Explain your position with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Goodness is the result of internal imperatives to do what is right, not sanctions from moral rules or rewards from expected consequences. Do you agree? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance. \"To tolerate is purely an act of the mind. That is the essence of virtue. To tolerate is a strength.\" (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In the context of civil service, distinguish between moral and nonmoral values. Identify 5 basic moral values that can serve as foundational values for all services irrespective of the department. Give reasons why those values can be considered foundational. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Citizens' involvement in decision-making is critical to ethics in governance. Do you agree that effective civic engagement mechanisms can facilitate an ethics-driven administration? What do you think are the mechanisms that citizens can use for ensuring ethics in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Social transformation programs such as \"beti bachao and beti padhao\" believes in using advice, counseling, and persuasion but sometimes a little force is also necessary for getting the desired response. Do you think it is a good idea to mix little force with persuasion by public administrators while implementing social schemes of transformation? Explain with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Ultimately foreign policy of every country hinges upon the strength which the nation possesses. Strength may be military or financial and may be also...moral.\" Do you think ethical strength without military or financial muscle will be respected in today's world? Explain your position. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"You are a young officer working with the Municipal Corporation of an industrial city. The city was known for manufacturing ball bearings and auto parts. Most manufacturing units were small-scale units with very little production process automation. The units relied on manual labor, which was in abundance due to the villages close by. As the number of manufacturing units grew, the demand for labor increased, bringing in a steady inflow of laborers into the city. This influx of people into the town led to a mushrooming of slums and encroachments on the sidewalks. Once in a while, the Corporation conducted drives to clear out the slums, but after a time, the slums came back. The illegal slums had become an urban nightmare. You were given the responsibility of clearing out the encroachments and slums with the help of Police authorities. As you started the drive, you realized that the people living by the sidewalks were vulnerable compared to the slum dwellers. Many sidewalk dwellers had recently come to the city after selling their properties in their villages. Now if you drive them out, they have no place to go. Your heart went out to them, and you felt that your departmental action was inhumane, but your official responsibilities demanded stern impartial action. You are desperate to find a way to help the sidewalk dwellers without compromising your official duties. (a) What value conflicts do you notice in the above situation? (b) Can an administrator compromise the value of impartiality for the value of empathy? Discuss. (c) What are the options available in the above situation? (d) Suggest viable solutions for tackling illegal slums and encroachment in urban areas. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"A certain State government was running a welfare scheme for promoting safe motherhood among rural landless laborers' families. The scheme involves the transfer of funds to the beneficiaries to enable them to mitigate income loss due to maternal care responsibilities. Since its implementation, the scheme has done reasonably well on maternal health and economic indicators. You are the Director of the Department responsible for implementing and operating the scheme. Recently you have been receiving reports of welfare fraud being committed by families by producing fake bona fide. The families committed the fraud with the help of local officials responsible for scrutinizing the bonafide. You were concerned because the fraud was seriously undermining the scheme's efficiency. You called for a departmental meeting to discuss and find a solution to the problem. In the meeting, it was decided to merge several available government data sets such as Aadhar cards, voter ID cards, marriage certificates, birth certificates, bank details, and other personal assets. By merging all the data sets, the department would be able to develop the beneficiary's economic profile. And this will help the department scrutinize the documents and detect fraud. This was a comprehensive strategy, but it risked violating an individual's data privacy. As a Department head, you wanted to detect and prevent fraud, but at the same time, you were apprehensive about violating the Data privacy of the stakeholders. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) Do you think violating data privacy is justified to prevent welfare fraud? Why/ Why not? (c) What, according to you, can be the reasons for such welfare frauds happening in the country? (d) Are there any ways and means to prevent such fraud? Give your suggestions. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"You are posted in the Department of Mines, and one of your roles is to help your Department Head negotiate mining leases with private contractors. Recently, the state government demarcated a new mining zone and planned to invite bids for the mining blocs. You were instructed to oversee the bidding process and speed up the contract negotiations. As planned, the tenders were released, bids came in, and tenders were allocated as per the norms. All this happened at a breakneck speed. You wondered, why the hurry? But it was not your place to think and ask question; you quietly went about your work. As the contractors were about to start operations, you had to instruct them on environmental concerns to watch out for. And to do that, you read the environmental impact assessment report submitted by a consulting firm hired by the department. To your surprise, the report was shoddy and looked cooked up. You got suspicious and raised the issue with your Head, who politely instructed you to do what you were told, and he reminded you that the Department had revenue targets and was under pressure from the Ministry. After the meeting, you, on your own accord, did some digging and found out that the report was fraudulent and the mining activity that was about to start would be a major environmental disaster which the State could not afford. (a) What are the issues and value violations you notice in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you? (c) Discuss the advantage and disadvantages of each option and identify your chosen course of action. (d) Do you think that environmental considerations are sometimes overrated at the cost of development? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Do you think corporate businesses such as GAMA must consider international ethics while pursuing business interests? Why/why not? (c) Do you think a corporate's social responsibility extends beyond one's immediate community to the international community? Why/Why not? (d) Do you think the Defence sector companies marketing sensitive technologies must be regulated by their respective governments, or regulation may curtail their entrepreneurial and innovation energy? Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Mr. Sharma was the All India Sales Head of a pharmaceutical company with a turnover of 400 crores. The company's main markets were small towns and tier 2 cities. Further, the company did a sizeable amount of business with state government hospitals and health centers. Mr. Sharma had given a lot of freedom to field sales agents to strike deals and negotiate prices with clients. This strategy worked well for the company. Recently Mr. Sharma received word that three company employees were selling products to government hospitals and health centers at a higher price than they were selling to other private hospitals and health centers. The employees were with the company for over five years and were good performers. A few sales staff informally raised the issue of the three getting relatively higher commissions because of their inflated deals. And this was creating a sense of unease among the sales staff. A cursory review of the account of the three showed that, in many instances, the government hospitals were paying more than other private institutions. Under procurement rules, the government is supposed to pay a fair price, one that other cost-conscious customers pay. On inquiry, Mr. Sharma found that the three were not alone; government purchase department officials were helping them scam the Department. Mr. Sharma realized that his sales staff and some corrupt government staff had been defrauding the state exchequer for quite some time. Mr. Sharma immediately reported it to his CEO, and the two discussed how to deal with the sales staff and whether to inform the government about the scam and the involvement of their staff. The issue was informing the government means that there was every possibility that they might be blacklisted, thereby losing a lot of business. Mr. Sharma and CEO were caught in a dilemma regarding how to proceed with the case. (a) What are the ethical and business issues involved in the case? (b) What are the options available to Mr. Sharma and the CEO? (c) Do you think the organizational culture of giving freedom to the sales force led to the issue or was the individual's corrupt nature that led to the problem? Discuss. (d) What ethics mechanisms and steps can the company create and implement to prevent unethical behavior, as mentioned in the case? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":3185,"topper":"Hassan Khan","air":95,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/13oBaDD3_rJnTDM_C2l4x23ugfA_GJo5K/view","questions":[]},{"id":3186,"topper":"Hassan Khan","air":95,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — History","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/15y62qEio8sM2QogavL3YTTMC9g0OXHIM/view","questions":[]},{"id":3187,"topper":"Hassan Khan","air":95,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — History","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mKArKD4DZzU_gyXYS7EpygVtrooYQpvY/view","questions":[]},{"id":3188,"topper":"Hassan Khan","air":95,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — History","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/17qxnQ59JSMuRSc5i7XhJ0vfs_jGKDxyB/view","questions":[]},{"id":3189,"topper":"Hassan Khay","air":95,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/HASSAN-KHAN-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-95-Sample-MGP-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1 \"India's democratic roots are deeply embedded in its ancient civilizational ethos.\" Discuss in the context of India being referred to as the 'Mother of Democracy'.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Elucidate the significance of tiger and elephant figures in Indian mythology, art and architecture.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) The arrival of Lord William Bentinck marked a period of transformation in the British Indian State. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4 Explain how the American War of Independence deprived Great Britain of one empire, but it strengthened the foundations of another.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 What are Rare Earth Elements (REEs)? Discuss the multi-dimensional implications of uneven distribution of REEs in the world.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) Highlight the salient differences between the Himalayan and the Peninsular drainage Systems.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) Describe the nature and mode of origin of the main types of rock at the earth's crust.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8 The alienation of modern lifestyles from nature has contributed to the ongoing environmental crisis in India. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 What do you understand by the term 'urbanisation of poverty'? Also, explain how urban poverty differs from rural poverty in India?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 Globalization has redefined the idea of community and kinship in Indian society. Do you agree? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 The flourishing of various art forms during the Kushana period reflects the rich and diverse cultural landscape of the time. What insights does this provide into the socio-cultural aspects of that era?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) Trace the events that led to the Civil Disobedience Movement. What were its outcomes?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13) Mahatma Jyotirao Phule's reformist ideas played a significant role in shaping the social foundations of the Indian freedom movement. Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 The interlinking of rivers offers several benefits, but also raises significant socio-economic and environmental concerns. Analyze.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Explain the concept of rain shadow effect. How does it influence the distribution of precipitation and vegetation across mountain ranges?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 Bring out the major features of the Indian monsoon and elaborate upon its causative factors.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 What are the geographical factors responsible for the growth of mangrove vegetation in India? Also highlight its role in coastal ecology.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 To what extent can the rise of 'Kidfluencers' be seen as a reflection of changing family structures and parental aspirations in Indian society?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Women often form the backbone of grassroots movements in India, yet they remain largely invisible and excluded from the decision-making process. Examine.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 Do you agree with the view that social media is a 'double edged sword'? Discuss in the context of its impact on Indian society.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3190,"topper":"Herrsh Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c7f3b-935040_1993_herrsh-sharma_rank-194.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Has the emphasis on edtech changed education from necessity to privilege?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3191,"topper":"Herrsh Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1i5cgTfcg33bbWe4p_AKrzjBa-7Qvg6o7/view","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Conclusion Competence Overall Macro Comments / feedback / suggestions on Answer Booklet: 1. 2. 3. 4.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3192,"topper":"Herrsh Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1v1zDpGCRblx1Jo01EUNW_FNp4Ea0sk9l/view","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Conclusion Competence Overall Macro Comments / feedback / suggestions on Answer Booklet: 1. 2. 3. 4.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3193,"topper":"Herrsh Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1M8upUmsDH112WvK2hPQbNdH7dW7I4guz/view","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Conclusion Competence Overall Macro Comments / feedback / suggestions on Answer Booklet: 1. 2. 3. 4.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3194,"topper":"Herrsh Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1X9F_dPJCT3CZGG5aPBM2oepg0-p7AJ7b/view","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Conclusion Competence Overall Macro Comments / feedback / suggestions on Answer Booklet: 1. 2. 3. 4.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3195,"topper":"Herrsh Sharma","air":194,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/62842-935040_2122_herrsh-sharma_rank-194.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3196,"topper":"Herrsh Sharma","air":194,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0ffdb-935040_2121_herrsh-sharma_rank-194.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3197,"topper":"Herrsh Sharma","air":194,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d1661-935040_1837_herrsh-sharma_rank-194.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3198,"topper":"Himadree Kaushik","air":97,"year":2018,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/dd7f6-10605_1074_himadree_kaushik_rank_97.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3199,"topper":"Himadree Kaushik","air":97,"year":2018,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9e9a3-10605_1076_himadree_kaushik_rank_97.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3200,"topper":"Himadree Kaushik","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e77a2-10605_1106_himadree_kaushik_rank_97.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The imposition of national emergency in 1975 was perhaps the gravest test India's democracy faced. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"While to some the abolition of the Privy Purses was a \"historical necessity\", to others, it was \"betrayal of a promise\". Examine in the context of the abolition of Privy Purses in 1971. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Explaining the importance of middle class in the developmental process of a country, discuss the grounds on which the Indian middle class is criticized by some. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The mixing of caste and politics resulting into 'politicization of caste' and 'casteization of politics' in contemporary India has become a grave challenge to our democracy. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Care for the elderly is fast emerging as a critical element of both public and private concern. Discuss in the context of India's increasing population of the elderly. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The achievement of Sustainable Development Goals depends crucially on, among other factors, formulating development strategies that reflect the current and future population dynamics. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The surge in urban crimes is a grim reminder of the unplanned & rapid nature of urbanization in India. Discuss. Also, list measures that can be taken to tackle the issue of urban crimes in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"There is an emerging pattern of a predominantly youthful north and a maturing south and west. Analyze the possible implications of such a demographic divergence on policy-making in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Growing 'informalization of labour market' is perceived as a barrier to realising economic potential as well as a hindrance to longrun economic development and poverty reduction. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Fallouts of the Green Revolution, the nature of intervention of the central government to address Punjab's problem, and increased communalization of politics led to an eruption of militant violence in Punjab. Elaborate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The India-China war of 1962 was a result of immediate as well as longstanding factors. Explain. Also, examine the significant consequences of the war. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The isolation of the region, its complex social character and its backwardness have all resulted in a complicated set of demands from different states of the North-East since independence. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Decline in child sex ratio, caused by various reasons, is a serious problem with severe socio-economic, demographic and cultural implications. Discuss in the context of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Is the Indian notion of secularism, based on uniform respect for all religions by the state and separation of religion from public institutional practices, adequate to ensure a secular state? Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Even though millions have been lifted out of poverty in recent decades, the rise in inequality may have dire consequences for the society. Explain in the light of recent studies highlighting this increasing trend. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The demand by nativist political parties and movements that employment preferences be given to \"local\" people has raised certain issues. Examine the statement in the context of 'son of soil theory' in India. Also discuss, why such demands develop in some states and cities and not in others. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Rapid urbanization not only requires addressing the deficits in urban areas but also addressing those that are created because of it in rural areas. Comment. Also, evaluate the success of government programmes to reduce the stress on rural population because of urbanization. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Globalization is a double-edged sword, which on one hand ensures economic growth but on the other hand, assaults national sovereignty, erodes local culture and threatens economic and social stability. Critically examine the statement in context of Indian society. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The focus on risk factors that appear at a young age and timely interventions is the key to preventing child delinquency and its escalation into chronic criminality. Analyse the statement with respect to growing incidences of child delinquency in context of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3201,"topper":"Himadree Kaushik","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/67343-10605_1105_himadree_kaushik_rank_97.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What are the salient features of temple architecture in the Himalayas? Explain with adequate examples in light of various elements that influenced this architectural style. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The most powerful trend of medieval Indian literature between 1000 and 1800 A.D. is devotional (bhakti) poetry, which dominates almost all the major languages of the country. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"A real breakthrough was made by Bhagat Singh and his colleagues in terms of ideology, goals and the forms of revolutionary struggle. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Series of civil rebellions run like a thread through the first 100 years of British rule. In this context, explain the underlying factors and consequences of Paika Rebellion of 1817. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The Railway system was built not for the modernization of India, but to serve the imperial, colonial and strategic objectives of the British. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Raja Ram Mohan Roy has been described as the \"Father of Modern India\". Do you agree with such characterisation? Justify your answer with adequate arguments and evidences. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The failures of the League of Nations, ultimately, can be traced back to its membership as well as events around the globe in 1930s. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"\"Historical events are to be evaluated in terms of their consequences\". In this context, critically assess the legacy of the October 1917 revolution in Russia. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The beginning of modern China can be traced back to its humiliation at the hands of the western colonial powers. Examine the significance of the Opium Wars in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What was the Balfour Declaration? Why is it considered to be a significant factor in shaping the course of conflict in West Asia? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Nearly all the artistic remains in ancient India are of religious nature, or were at least made for religious purpose. Critically evaluate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Indian nationalism arose when the contradiction between the aims and objectives of the British rule and the interests of Indians became clear and obvious. In this context, elaborate on the role played by the intelligentsia in the growth of nationalism. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind the British emerging as the most formidable power in India by the end of the eighteenth century, outdoing not just every European rival but also Indian counterparts. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The pattern of land ownership and the methods of assessment for collection of land revenue introduced by the British in India had a profound impact on the agrarian economy. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Trace the evolution of British policy towards the Princely states. In what ways did the national movement in princely states differ from the rest of British India? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"In the course of the freedom struggle, as the participation of the working class evolved so did the position of the nationalist leadership towards it. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Events in West Asia and Afghanistan in the year 1979 had a deep impact on the politics of the region with long lasting significance. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Examine the issues which obstructed the political development in post-colonial African countries. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Luddite rebellion was one of the reactions to the negative fallouts of the industrial revolution. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Even though the South Americans welcomed the formulation of Monroe doctrine, it's later interpretation became a pretext for United States' intervention. Elaborate with examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3202,"topper":"Himadree Kaushik","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/09ddb-10605_1107_himadree_kaushik_rank_97.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"In view of the direct link between tenure security and food security, there is need for a conducive legal framework for land rights in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The measurement of the extent of formal sector and formal employment is yet an unsettled matter in our economy. Comment. Also, mention the steps which the government has taken to improve its extent. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The investment rate in India has gradually declined after a historic high in the mid 2000s. Examine the reasons behind this trend. Discuss the steps required to revive investment for a sustained growth. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Discussing the reforms that contributed in improving India's ranking in the World Bank's 'Ease of Doing Business' index, identify the challenges that still remain in the overall environment of doing business. Suggest some concrete steps that India can take to further improve its performance on the index. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Providing social security, especially to those working in unorganised sector, is an important requirement to achieve the goal of inclusive growth. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Contract farming can help in the expansion of organized food processing industry in India by strengthening backward linkages. Comment. What changes are required in the existing regulatory structure to address issues related to contract farming in India? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Minimum Support Price (MSP) of crops is a short term solution for agricultural distress which creates long term problems. Examine. Suggest measures to overcome the limitations of the MSP regime. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Enumerating the factors that determine a nation's energy-mix, comment on the need for having a diversified fuel basket for meeting India's future energy demands. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Despite being a water-stressed economy, micro irrigation penetration in India remains sub-optimal. Discuss the reasons behind it. Also list measures taken by the government to provide an impetus to micro irrigation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the prospects & challenges in adopting an integrated multimodal transportation system in India with reference to government initiatives in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Public Sector Enterprises formed the backbone of industrial development after independence, but with changing times, their role has also changed. Discuss. Also, comment on the need to adopt a multi-pronged strategy to deal with the issues that they are facing. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"In the light of increasing NPAs and frauds, the twin balance sheet problem has grown immensely. Comment on the issue and analyse the potential of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code to be a game changer for Indian economy's health and long-term growth. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Under-employment rather than unemployment is the key problem facing India today. Elaborate. Also, suggest measures to counter this problem. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The role of international trade in achieving a quicker pace of economic development is well recognized. What are the benefits of international trade for a developing country like India? Highlight the challenges that India faces in improving its share in world trade. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"A near stagnant tax to GDP ratio for the country since decades reflects not only non-fruition of efforts to increase it but also underlying structural issues with tax regime. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Enumerating the features of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana, discuss its potential for the growth of food processing sector in the country. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by Seed Replacement Rate? Explaining the concept of breeder, foundation and certified seeds, highlight the major policy initiatives taken in order to address the challenge of quality seed availability to farmers. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Enumerate the factors that determine cropping pattern in an agricultural region. Discuss the need for diversification in context of problems being faced by monoculture regions in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The need to overhaul the current budget making process can be gauged from the fact that it neither undertakes broad-based consultations, nor is adequately transparent nor effective in estimating and allocating the demands of various stakeholders. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Identifying the key elements under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), briefly explain how it can lead to holistic development of the horticulture sector in India. Also elaborate the factors which act as roadblocks for the efficient supply chain of Fruits and Vegetables sector in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3203,"topper":"Himadree Kaushik","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d63f3-10605_1067_himadree_kaushik_rank_97.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What is the role that opposition plays in a democracy like India? In this context, discuss whether our Parliament can benefit from a shadow cabinet. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Where there is a right, there is a remedy. In this context, discuss the nature and significance of writs in India with adequate examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Enumerate the objectives of NITI Aayog. Also, discuss the performance of this body since its inception and suggest measures to make it more effective. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"In view of the political class's inability to develop and maintain conventions relating to the appropriate use of Article 356, the Supreme Court's decision in the Bommai case provided much needed clarity. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Press freedom and good governance are not mutually exclusive. They support each other while promoting a country's economic and human development. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"SHGs have succeeded in delivering financial inclusion, but for them to evolve as viable business enterprise requires a different approach. Analyse in the context of the twin goals of rural growth and promotion of women's entrepreneurship. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The focus of higher education in India has been on a select few Central or autonomous institutions where as the ones in states remain neglected. Commenting on the statement, highlight the significance of Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the role played by PRIs in political empowerment of women. Also, suggest measures to further increase their political participation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What is Strategic Autonomy? Critically examine the elements of such a policy in India's contemporary foreign policy in the context of recent developments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"IBSA and BRICS are both examples of India's quest for multialignment, however there are key differences in their orientation. Discuss in the context of the relevance of these groupings for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What are the various modes of Alternate Dispute Redressal (ADR) mechanisms available in India? Identifying the problems being faced by them, provide suggestions needed to increase their effectiveness. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"While the power to punish for the contempt of court is a much needed tool to protect the administration of justice from being maligned, it is time that it be relooked into. Critically analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Criminalisation of politics remains a key concern for the Indian political system. In this context, analyse the role played by the Supreme Court and Election Commission over the years. Also, in what ways can the media play a positive role? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight, in brief, the mandate of the National Commission for Minorities (NCM). Identify the different challenges that the commission faces and suggest measures to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The recent decision of the government to open up positions at the senior levels in bureaucracy through lateral entry is an important but only small step in the direction of much needed reforms in the higher civil services. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Identifying the broad contours of the 'Transformation of Aspirational Districts' programme, explain how it adopts a novel strategy to address backwardness. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"How did India fare on the Millennium Development Goals related to health? In this regard, identify the relevant Sustainable Development Goals and evaluate India's capacity to meet them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the different rights recognized under the Forest Rights Act, 2006? Highlight the gaps in the implementation of community forest rights and community forest resource rights granted under the Forest Rights Act. Also, suggest measures to address the current scenario. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Progress in India-US ties has been accompanied by equally significant divergences on important issues. Examine in the context of recent developments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Despite bonhomie, the structural differences between Indian and Israeli national security situations, their worldviews and absence of explicitly shared enemies limit stronger strategic rapprochement. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3204,"topper":"Himadree Kaushik","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0b847-10605_1068_himadree_kaushik_rank_97.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"There are many challenges in sustainably scaling up renewable energy in India. Analyse. Also, discuss what can be done to address these challenges. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The policies and indicators introduced by the government, in recent times, to finance urban development in India are key in addressing the existing challenges. Discuss with special reference to municipal bonds. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"With a number of issues continuing to be a roadblock, a large section of India's rural population is still 'financially excluded'. Discuss. Analyse how these issues can be addressed and the measures taken by the government and RBI recently in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'Environmental Accounting'? Discussing the rationale behind introducing environmental accounting, highlight its status in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"While access to irrigation is important, efficiency of water use is equally, if not more, crucial. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"For a holistic approach to disaster risk reduction, there is a need to mainstream indigenous traditional knowledge and link it with modern technologies. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do you understand by food irradiation? Highlighting some of its unique applications, examine its relevance for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Whereas misuse of technology has abetted the spread of fake news, it is with the aid of technology that this menace can be curbed. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Explain the salient features of the recently established Defence Planning Committee. How can it help in credible defence preparedness? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Recent reports of Maoist leaders having amassed huge assets in property and cash underlines the significance of probing the funding network as part of counter-terrorism efforts. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Not only do services MSMEs contribute mightily to the overall GDP growth, they have a powerful, multiplier impact on the local economies as well. Elaborating on the statement, highlight the problems faced by service sector MSMEs. How can the government make it easier for MSMEs to start and grow a business? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Contract Farming has many advantages, however it suffers from market failures. Elaborate. What can the government do to correct problems that lead to contract failures? Also, discuss whether the Model Contract Farming Act, 2018 is a step in the right direction. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Suggest the measures needed to improve the employability of labour force as well as increasing number of employment opportunities in light of structural changes being brought by disruptive technologies. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"India's trade policy in agriculture, marred by ad-hocism and pro-consumer bias, has constrained realization of export potential, and prevented the farmers from reaping the benefits. Examine the statement and discuss ways, including government initiatives, to improve agricultural exports. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Is currency exchange rate a suitable measure of relative economic performance of countries? Despite improving macro-economic fundamentals, trade deficit in India continues to widen. Bring out the factors responsible for this situation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"It will take much more than relief packages to address the problems being faced by the sugar industry in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"NAPCC, almost 10 years old and formulated with lofty objectives, has not served as the best answer to cope with the impacts of climate change. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Proliferation of nuclear weapons and the threat of their use are key concerns for global security nonetheless existing international arrangements seem to be ineffective. Comment. Also, identify the salient features of India's policy in this context and discuss whether India should join the NPT in the current form. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The maritime security domain requires collective multilateral and regional cooperation to combat non traditional threats. Discuss in the context of threats in the Western Indian Ocean and the recent amendments in the Djibouti Code of Conduct. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India's space programme was initiated with the vision of utilising outer space for peaceful purposes, however with changing times it has the potential to play a significant role in strengthening security capabilities of India. Discuss with adequate examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3205,"topper":"Himadree Kaushik","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4b12b-10605_1071_himadree_kaushik_rank_97.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"It has been argued that over the years there has been a steady decline in the efficacy of Parliament as an institution of accountability. Analyse and also suggest appropriate measures to address the relevant concerns. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Panchayati raj institutions (PRIs) are simultaneously a remarkable success and a staggering failure, depending on the goalposts against which they are evaluated. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) is more than just the keeper of our national accounts; it is also a conscience-keeper and a watchdog. Examine the statement in light of making the auditing process more effective. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The concern for transparency in political funding is at odds with the Electoral Bond Scheme notified by the government. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Lobbying in India exists in a perennially grey legal and policy arena. In this context, discuss the need to formally recognize and regulate lobbying in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"More than a decade after it was passed, the implementation of the RTI Act leaves much to be desired. Comment. Also discuss the issues associated with the recent proposals to amend the RTI Act. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Critically discuss the evolving policy on reservation in promotions in India with special focus on its ability to meet the objectives of social justice. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"India produces enough food for its people, but not all people get enough food to eat. Discussing this paradox, highlight some of the major interventions taken in the past few years in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"India sees Indian Ocean as not just a water body, but a global stage for continued economic, social, and cultural dialogue. Elaborate.(150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In the context of India taking greater responsibility in management of the global commons, there has been a shift in India's climate change negotiation stance. In this context, analyze the evolution of India's climate policy. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlighting the constitutional role of the Finance Commission (FC), discuss the issues which are being debated w.r.t. terms of reference (ToR) of the 15th Finance Commission. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The spirit of the constitution of India represents a synthesis of Indian values, democratic and socialist movements in west and our independence movement. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"What is the importance of an independent judiciary in a democracy? Highlight the safeguards in our political-constitutional setup to ensure the independence of judiciary. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Even though Indian federalism has matured quite a bit, with states having far greater control of their economic and political management, serious structural problems still remain. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The recent amendments to the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 strike a balance between enforcement overzealousness and the need for stringent action against corrupt public servants. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Identifying the various issues plaguing the voluntary sector in India, discuss the need for a national accreditation agency to overcome them. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Given the importance of a teacher in affecting the learning outcomes of children, discuss the problems in the present system of teacher training in India. How can these be addressed? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The implementation of a scheme with such scale and benefit as Ayushman Bharat is likely to face many obstacles. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Given the fact that India cannot match China's financial clout, it is seen to be diversifying the ways in which it can enhance cooperation and promote its diplomatic profile in Africa. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Discuss how American sanctions on its adversaries affect India. Taking the example of CAATSA, analyse how India can shield its strategic interests in face of such sanctions. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3206,"topper":"Himadree Kaushik","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a6f70-10605_1057_himadree_kaushik_rank_97.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Self doubt can both help and hinder leadership. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Bring out the significance of probity in public life. What are the requisites for ensuring probity in governance? Pointing out the key concerns in India in this context, suggest certain remedial measures.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"While the corrupt and dishonest should be punished swiftly, honest public servants need to be protected against malicious and motivated complaints to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of an organisation. Discuss. How can the two objectives be reconciled?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"The effective implementation of the Right to Information Act will create an environment of vigilance which will help in functioning of a more participatory democracy. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"The bureaucracy technically has been an efficient form of organisation but is seen to have exceeded its administrative powers due to its tendency towards self aggrandizement, permanence in employment, and nearness to the political executive. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Social media has played a key role in influencing political opinions and social attitudes in India. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"\"Nonviolence is not servile passivity but a powerful moral force which makes for social transformation\". Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"It is at the interface of public action and private interest that the need arises for establishing not just a code of ethics but a code of conduct. In this context, highlight the need for drafting a code of ethics as well as a code of conduct.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Income inequality is a matter of grave concern for the Indian society. In this context, examine the relevance of Gandhiji's concepts of 'Sarvodaya' and 'Trusteeship'.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"It does not take long for conflict to turn violent when deep seeded prejudices and discriminatory attitudes are not addressed. Discuss in the context of communal and caste-based violence in India. What role should the state play in this context?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Explain with examples how emotional intelligence increases the effectiveness of leadership skills in a civil servant.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"While on the one hand, some state governments have implemented alcohol consumption prohibition laws, it is permitted in other states. Debates around this issue often involves aspects such as individual rights, cultural attitudes and social welfare. As a teacher you need to explain the key issues involved to a young audience. What are these? How would you conclude the lecture?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"While stampedes and mishaps due to overcrowding have led to loss of lives on multiple occasions, it remains an issue discussed only when there is a tragedy. Recently you were assigned the responsibility of conducting a mela around a revered religious place, which attracts millions of devotees. Every year the numbers have been increasing and this year due to certain celestial alignments the crowd is expected to be unprecedented. In the previous year the officer in charge was criticised and transferred over allegations of hurting religious sensitivities by restricting access to the religious place. You have three months to prepare for the mela. (a) Identify the key areas you would focus on? (b) What are the challenges that you foresee? (c) How do you propose to overcome them?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"You are a senior official at a government agency that is responsible for collection, storage and protection of biometric data of citizens. Due to the expanse of operations, the agency employs third parties for collection of data. There have been reports of security breach and leakage of data by third parties in exchange of money. A journalist from a prominent newspaper carries a sting operation and releases some data in the public to show the ongoing corruption and highlighting the inability of the agency in protecting public data. You are asked by the chairperson of the agency to file an FIR against the journalist and pursue criminal proceedings against him considering it an act of unauthorized access. (a) Do you agree with the action sought by the chairperson against the journalist? Give appropriate reasons for your answer. (b) If you disagree, what would be your course of action? (c) Do you think the action of the journalist is justified?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3207,"topper":"Himadree Kaushik","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/cf64f-10605_1056_himadree_kaushik_rank_97.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the significance of the following in the context of civil service: 10 (i) Public trust (ii) Objectivity (iii) Strength of character (iv) Empathy (v) Selflessness","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Do you think nation states owe a responsibility towards asylum seekers? What are the considerations that should, in your opinion, go into the making of a refugee policy? Provide arguments with contemporary examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Why do civil servants have a special obligation to uphold ethical standards? What are the main areas of concerns for implementation of an effective ethical standard in civil services? In this context, suggest measures to remedy these concerns.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"While families are the first socializing agents, which inculcate moral values in a child, the role played by schools in this regard is also indispensable. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"What is the significance of morality in day-to-day life? Give an example from your own life where you chose moral action and elaborate the reasons for your choice of that action.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Analyse the ethical dimensions of using nuclear deterrence as a self-defense strategy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"We make a living by what we do, but we make a life by what we give. (i) Highlight the importance of value of altruism for a society. (ii) Discuss the role of education in imparting such values.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Giving examples, examine the relationship between personal and professional ethics of civil servants.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/ philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) If people scrutinize their own faults as they do the faults of others, mankind will be freed of all evil.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"How do law and conscience act as source of ethical guidance? Explain with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Good corporate governance is not an end in itself. It is a means to support economic efficiency, sustainable growth and financial stability. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"A hilly state witnessed torrential rains leading to loss of life and property. Apart from the local inhabitants there were tourists stranded in large numbers. With the supply chains broken and increased demand, it was observed that local shopkeepers started selling essential goods at very high prices. With a very restricted possibility of being evacuated in the coming few days, the stranded people feel helpless. A crumbled governance infrastructure in remote areas has multiplied the extent of their agony. Given this situation, answer the following questions. 20 (a) Identify the various stakeholders in the case and give a reasoned account of their interests. Given the administrative, market and ethical perspective of viewing the situation, do you think there is a conflict in the priorities of these stakeholders? (b) Suggest ways to harmonize competing interests in order to resolve the issues, provide relief and prevent escalation of conflict.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"The steady decline in sex ratio suggests that marked improvement in the economy and literacy rates do not seem to have had any impact on this index. In fact, the availability of new technology and its easy access for the urban, wealthy and educated have worsened the trend and harmed the status of women in Indian society. 20 (a) Explain why the phenomenon should not be simply viewed as a medical or legal issue and more attention should be given to the ethical issues involved. (b) Give some suggestions to tackle the problem of declining sex ratio. (c) Discuss the ethical dilemma involved in Right to abortion vs. Prevention of female foeticide. How can this be resolved?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"You are the officer-in-charge responsible for monitoring allotment of foodgrains under the Public Distribution System to BPL families in a given district. A group of BPL families in the district claim that they have been denied ration from fair price shops due to non-linking of Aadhar card with their BPL cards. They remark that the government and officers concerned are not empathising with their situation and stage a silent protest. Further, the incident is also being linked to similar instances in other areas of the country where people were denied access to PDS benefits due to similar reasons. The government receives a lot of criticism for this incident on social media networks. You are now in a conundrum, as you are aware that the BPL families need to get foodgrains on time. However, as a government officer, you also need to follow the prescribed rules. Media scrutiny has further aggravated the situation and you realize you need to tread carefully. 20 Based on the information above, answer the following: (a) List the issues in the given situation that the parties involved are facing. (b) What step(s) you will take in the situation to ensure that the demands of the aggrieved persons are met without violating the rules? (c) In this context, briefly discuss how the poor in the country currently face digital exclusion and its consequence(s).","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"You are working as a senior doctor in the oncology department of a super specialty hospital located in Delhi. While accessing the quotations from reputed pharmaceutical companies to hospitals, you unearth a nexus between pharma firms and the hospital administration. You get to know that they are hand-in glove with each other and trying to fleece cancer patients by selling drugs at exorbitant prices, even though low cost alternative drugs are available in the market. Being the head of Alliance of Doctors for Ethical Healthcare, who is working against the arbitrary price regime of life saving drugs, you get a chance to represent your case before the Health Minister of your state. However, certain other doctors of the Alliance have asked you to present a distorted reality in front of the Minister since they are obtaining pecuniary benefits from such a scheme of nexus, which would cease if the nexus gets exposed. 20 (a) Identify the main stakeholders and ethical issues involved. (b) Analyse the possible solutions for addressing the issues. (c) What would be your final course of action and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"You are working as a Manager who handles critical projects in a private firm. You have recently been issued a notice by the Human Resource department that categorically highlights gender imbalance in your team and instructs you to recruit more females. Realizing the importance of this matter you decide to roll out vacancy requirements on an urgent basis and close it within a week. You receive several applications and start interviewing female candidates. However, you realize that the top four candidates are married and two of them are expecting their child. During the interviews the candidates commit on their priority for the project, till it finishes and show willingness to work from home, afterwards. What is the course of action that you will take? Explain the factors that you will take into account and justify the merits of the course of action.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":59,"question":"Mr. A is a senior most member of a highly reputed company with considerable customer interface. In recent months, the business of the company has been going down. On detailed analysis, it was found that some of the functionaries of the company have impulsive nature, which has many a times led to altercations with the customers and even among themselves. This has adversely affected the work culture and sullied the image of the company in the market. He seeks your advice, as you are his friend as well as a person who understands management. 20 (a) What are the factors that you would consider in making your advice? (b) What steps will you suggest to deal with the situation that the company faces?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3208,"topper":"Himadree Kaushik","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/637c1-10605_1069_himadree_kaushik_rank_97.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Growing awareness about terminal as well as mental illness has given credence to the idea of \"living wills\". What is a living will? Discuss the ethical issues to be considered from an individual as well as social perspective to formulate and implement it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"In order to improve the bureaucratic work culture and productivity, there is a need to downsize government and privatize some of the services. Critically discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Examine the contemporary relevance of Gandhiji's talisman as a means of resolving ethical dilemmas in day to day life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"\"Intelligence plus character-that is the goal of true education.\" Assess whether such an objective can be achieved within the existing system of education in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"\"A blanket prohibition of criticism of the policies of the Government is invalid and void, and it makes no difference if the person criticizing happens to be a government servant.\" Critically discuss in the context of Civil Service Conduct Rules, 1964.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"The policy of Dhamma advocated by Ashoka through his edicts remains relevant in the context of issues in public life even today. Elucidate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Arguably, poverty is not only a matter of statistics. It is a reflection on the kind of society we live in. In this context, discuss the ethical implications for a society that witnesses high incidence of poverty.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Every superstition cannot be removed by the force of law. For that, a mental change is necessary. Comment. Also, explain how educators and public figures can help in eradicating superstition and instilling scientific temper among people.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"There have been reports of repeat instances of mob lynching in different states of India. It has been pointed out that these presumably faceless mobs gather impromptu on the basis of unverified information on issues that affect the collective conscience of the society such as child trafficking, sexual harassment, cow slaughter etc. Most of the people don't even regret their action of violating the law and even get away with committing such a heinous crime. 20 (a) What are the socio-psychological factors that motivate people to join the mob and kill fellow human beings? (b) Identify the implications of increasing crime of lynching on society. (c) Examine the role of social media in recent instances of mob lynching. As a law enforcement officer, how will you prevent such incidents from happening in your district?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"We live in a time when almost everything can be bought and sold. Over the past few years, markets and market values have come to govern our lives as never before. Today the logic of buying and selling no longer applies to material good alone but increasingly governs the whole of life. However, there is a wide spread realization that markets have become detached from morals and we need to somehow reconnect them. The use of markets to allocate social goods has also been a cause of concern. In this context, answer the following: 20 (a) Is greed wholly a vice or a trait of character that has both positive and negative sides? Could you relate it to the utilitarian philosophy that emphasizes pursuit of self interest by individuals as the basis of economic well being? (b) Are there some things that money shouldn't buy? Illustrate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3209,"topper":"Himanshu Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/HIMANSHU_JAIN_GS_4_PROGRAMME_AIR_482_2025_2110035825.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"\"Integrity in isolation may ensure honesty, but without impartiality and non-partisanship, governance cannot be ethical.\" Evaluate the interdependence of these foundational values in the context of public service. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"\"The essence of ethics in human actions involves a balance between individual autonomy and societal norms\". Examine this statement by exploring how ethical frameworks reconcile personal freedom with social responsibility. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Is conscience a universal moral compass, or is it shaped by society and upbringing? Illustrate with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"How can the ethical principles rooted in ancient Indian philosophy serve as a guide for policymakers and administrators in balancing development with ecological sustainability? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context? (a) Cultivation of mind should be the ultimate aim of human existence.—Dr. B. R. Ambedkar (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"“Technology is ethically neutral until we apply it.” Discuss this statement with reference to the ethical challenges posed by artificial intelligence and data privacy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Rules and procedures are essential for institutional functioning. However, they are not substitutes for ethical leadership and value-based discretion. Justify your answer with examples from public administration. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Is it ethically justified for youth to remain apolitical in a democracy if politics determines the moral fabric of society? Critically examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Explain three moral dilemmas commonly faced by civil servants. Provide ethical frameworks to resolve them effectively. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"\"Sporting fairness and gender inclusivity are often on a collision course.\" Discuss the ethical dimensions involved in allowing transgender athletes to participate in women's sports. Should fairness outweigh inclusion? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"How can Buddhist principles guide public servants in maintaining a balance between personal well-being and professional responsibilities in high-pressure governance environments? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":36,"question":"A border district along the Indo-Pak Line of Control has been devastated by continuous cross-border shelling. Villages lie abandoned, homes destroyed, schools shut indefinitely, and farmlands rendered unusable. The displaced population, children, elderly, and daily-wage families, suffers from deep psychological trauma, loss of livelihood, and absence of basic services. To respond, the administration has established multiple rehabilitation camps under emergency relief protocols. As the newly appointed District Rehabilitation Commissioner, known for your integrity, you are tasked with leading this effort. However, you soon discover a distressing reality: Relief distribution is marred by corruption, funds are being siphoned off, and material aid is being diverted to private godowns. Caste-based discrimination in compensation lists is rampant and marginalised communities are systematically excluded. Political interference is growing, local leaders demand selective allocation for their vote banks, threatening to stir unrest if their demands aren't met. Adding to the challenge, vulnerable groups like landless labourers, orphans, the elderly, and differently-abled persons are invisible in the rehabilitation process. You also find that some field officers are indifferent or even complicit, out of fear or political alignment. Meanwhile, the media focuses only on high-profile narratives, ignoring those suffering silently. (a) What are the core ethical issues involved in this situation? (b) What should be your immediate course of action to ensure fair and transparent relief distribution? (c) How can you tactfully manage political interference while upholding neutrality and inclusivity? (d) How can an administrator maintain emotional balance and compassion without compromising institutional discipline? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":3210,"topper":"Himanshu Nagpal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5f895-84744_1049_himanshu_nagpal_rank_26.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Concerns regarding the wide formulation and indiscreet application of discretionary powers of the Governor need closer attention. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Explain the concept of subordinate legislation in India. Also discuss the mechanisms for their scrutiny and control. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The crucial position accorded to the Speaker in Indian legislatures, makes it imperative to protect them from undue political pressures and incentives. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Departmentally-Related Standing Committees have been referred to as mini-parliaments in India. Highlight their relevance in a democratic polity and discuss, with examples, how they improve the overall effectiveness of the Parliament. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Enumerate the issues associated with functioning of tribunals in India. How can these be addressed? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Examine the significance of Gram Sabhas, as mentioned in Article 243A of the Indian constitution, in the development process with special reference to Fifth Schedule areas. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The Rajya Sabha is merely a secondary house rather than a second house in the Indian Parliamentary system. Critically analyze the statement. Also, compare and contrast the position of the Rajya Sabha vis-à-vis the State legislative councils. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"A major shift is needed in the institutional framework of the Central Water Commission (CWC) and the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) to make water management more holistic and multidisciplinary. Discuss in the context of Mihir Shah Committee recommendations. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"On what grounds can a person be denied the right to contest elections to the Parliament in India? Will a life-time ban on those convicted of heinous crimes address the problem of criminalisation of politics? Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Directive Principles can be considered as even more important than the Fundamental Rights because they provide a positive thrust towards welfare. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"In light of demands for replacement of the FPTP (First Past the Post) system with other alternatives, compare the merits and enumerate the challenges associated with replacing the current system. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Despite long term recognition of the problem of pendency of cases in the courts, limited progress has been made in reducing their number. What are the possible reasons for such a scenario? Suggest a framework of measures that can be taken to address this issue. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite the phrase 'due process of law' not being included in Article 21, the Supreme Court, over the years, has adopted the doctrines of 'procedural due process' and 'substantive due process' into Indian constitutional law. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Can we say that cooperative federalism in India has strengthened in the post-liberalisation era? Give reasons in support of your answer. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Faulty regulatory policies can have a severe adverse effect on the efficient interplay of market forces and end up harming public interest. Examine in the context of systemic issues pertaining to regulatory environment in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Mention the constitutional provisions to safeguard and ensure the independent and impartial functioning of the UPSC. Further, assess the limitations of UPSC in effectively performing its role as the 'watchdog of merit system' in India as envisioned by the Constitution. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What are the key issues in the context of electoral funding in India? How far do you think the idea of state funding of elections can address these issues? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Separation of powers in case of India has acquired its own uniqueness under the constitutional arrangement. Explain. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Highlight the extent of President's powers under Article 352. Comment on the judicial scrutiny of proclamation and the exercise of executive powers under National Emergency. How is this power different from the one bestowed under Article 356? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Fiscal transfers from the Centre to States are critical in India. In this context, explain the rationale of both general and specific purpose fiscal transfers. Also highlight the problems witnessed in the design and implementation of specific purpose transfers. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3211,"topper":"Himanshu Nagpal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c424c-84744_1068_himanshu_nagpal_rank_26.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"There are many challenges in sustainably scaling up renewable energy in India. Analyse. Also, discuss what can be done to address these challenges. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The policies and indicators introduced by the government, in recent times, to finance urban development in India are key in addressing the existing challenges. Discuss with special reference to municipal bonds. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"With a number of issues continuing to be a roadblock, a large section of India's rural population is still 'financially excluded'. Discuss. Analyse how these issues can be addressed and the measures taken by the government and RBI recently in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'Environmental Accounting'? Discussing the rationale behind introducing environmental accounting, highlight its status in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"While access to irrigation is important, efficiency of water use is equally, if not more, crucial. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"For a holistic approach to disaster risk reduction, there is a need to mainstream indigenous traditional knowledge and link it with modern technologies. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do you understand by food irradiation? Highlighting some of its unique applications, examine its relevance for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Whereas misuse of technology has abetted the spread of fake news, it is with the aid of technology that this menace can be curbed. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Explain the salient features of the recently established Defence Planning Committee. How can it help in credible defence preparedness? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Recent reports of Maoist leaders having amassed huge assets in property and cash underlines the significance of probing the funding network as part of counter-terrorism efforts. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Not only do services MSMEs contribute mightily to the overall GDP growth, they have a powerful, multiplier impact on the local economies as well. Elaborating on the statement, highlight the problems faced by service sector MSMEs. How can the government make it easier for MSMEs to start and grow a business? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Contract Farming has many advantages, however it suffers from market failures. Elaborate. What can the government do to correct problems that lead to contract failures? Also, discuss whether the Model Contract Farming Act, 2018 is a step in the right direction. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Suggest the measures needed to improve the employability of labour force as well as increasing number of employment opportunities in light of structural changes being brought by disruptive technologies. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"India's trade policy in agriculture, marred by ad-hocism and pro-consumer bias, has constrained realization of export potential, and prevented the farmers from reaping the benefits. Examine the statement and discuss ways, including government initiatives, to improve agricultural exports. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Is currency exchange rate a suitable measure of relative economic performance of countries? Despite improving macro-economic fundamentals, trade deficit in India continues to widen. Bring out the factors responsible for this situation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"It will take much more than relief packages to address the problems being faced by the sugar industry in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"NAPCC, almost 10 years old and formulated with lofty objectives, has not served as the best answer to cope with the impacts of climate change. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Proliferation of nuclear weapons and the threat of their use are key concerns for global security nonetheless existing international arrangements seem to be ineffective. Comment. Also, identify the salient features of India's policy in this context and discuss whether India should join the NPT in the current form. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The maritime security domain requires collective multilateral and regional cooperation to combat non traditional threats. Discuss in the context of threats in the Western Indian Ocean and the recent amendments in the Djibouti Code of Conduct. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India's space programme was initiated with the vision of utilising outer space for peaceful purposes, however with changing times it has the potential to play a significant role in strengthening security capabilities of India. Discuss with adequate examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3212,"topper":"Himanshu Nagpal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7b444-84744_1067_himanshu_nagpal_rank_26.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What is the role that opposition plays in a democracy like India? In this context, discuss whether our Parliament can benefit from a shadow cabinet. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Where there is a right, there is a remedy. In this context, discuss the nature and significance of writs in India with adequate examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Enumerate the objectives of NITI Aayog. Also, discuss the performance of this body since its inception and suggest measures to make it more effective. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"In view of the political class's inability to develop and maintain conventions relating to the appropriate use of Article 356, the Supreme Court's decision in the Bommai case provided much needed clarity. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Press freedom and good governance are not mutually exclusive. They support each other while promoting a country's economic and human development. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"SHGs have succeeded in delivering financial inclusion, but for them to evolve as viable business enterprise requires a different approach. Analyse in the context of the twin goals of rural growth and promotion of women's entrepreneurship. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The focus of higher education in India has been on a select few Central or autonomous institutions where as the ones in states remain neglected. Commenting on the statement, highlight the significance of Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the role played by PRIs in political empowerment of women. Also, suggest measures to further increase their political participation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What is Strategic Autonomy? Critically examine the elements of such a policy in India's contemporary foreign policy in the context of recent developments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"IBSA and BRICS are both examples of India's quest for multialignment, however there are key differences in their orientation. Discuss in the context of the relevance of these groupings for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What are the various modes of Alternate Dispute Redressal (ADR) mechanisms available in India? Identifying the problems being faced by them, provide suggestions needed to increase their effectiveness. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"While the power to punish for the contempt of court is a much needed tool to protect the administration of justice from being maligned, it is time that it be relooked into. Critically analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Criminalisation of politics remains a key concern for the Indian political system. In this context, analyse the role played by the Supreme Court and Election Commission over the years. Also, in what ways can the media play a positive role? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight, in brief, the mandate of the National Commission for Minorities (NCM). Identify the different challenges that the commission faces and suggest measures to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The recent decision of the government to open up positions at the senior levels in bureaucracy through lateral entry is an important but only small step in the direction of much needed reforms in the higher civil services. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Identifying the broad contours of the 'Transformation of Aspirational Districts' programme, explain how it adopts a novel strategy to address backwardness. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"How did India fare on the Millennium Development Goals related to health? In this regard, identify the relevant Sustainable Development Goals and evaluate India's capacity to meet them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the different rights recognized under the Forest Rights Act, 2006? Highlight the gaps in the implementation of community forest rights and community forest resource rights granted under the Forest Rights Act. Also, suggest measures to address the current scenario. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Progress in India-US ties has been accompanied by equally significant divergences on important issues. Examine in the context of recent developments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Despite bonhomie, the structural differences between Indian and Israeli national security situations, their worldviews and absence of explicitly shared enemies limit stronger strategic rapprochement. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3213,"topper":"Himanshu Singh Nimoria","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/156/mts_2025_unchecked_mt24flton005_flt2505.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"In what ways did medieval Indian sculptures and paintings reflect the cultural ethos of their times? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"The Cold War was less a military confrontation and more a battle of ideologies.\" Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Critically examine the impact of the Emergency on Indian democracy and civil liberties. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Explain the geological features and ecological importance of the Eastern Ghats. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Explain the origin of the Indian islands in the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss how inland water transport can alter the economy of eastern India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Desertification is not merely a land degradation issue; it is a silent threat to global ecological stability and food security. Discuss (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Is globalisation leading to the erosion of local languages and traditional culture in India? Justify your answer. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Neo-spiritual movements in India reflect the fusion of tradition, modernity, and digital influence in the practice of faith. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"How does the status and role of women in tribal societies differ from gender norms in mainstream Indian society? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"To what extent did vernacular literature in medieval India contribute to challenging established social norms? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Examine the ways in which Gandhian mass movements opened political space for Indian women. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"\"Bose symbolised a blend of militant nationalism and socialist vision.\" Discuss with reference to his political and economic ideas. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Urbanization is posing a threat to the existing urban infrastructure. Discuss the developmental issues it poses and its impact on urban communities. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Discuss the agro-climatic factors necessary for tea cultivation. Why is its production concentrated in specific pockets of Eastern and Southern India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"What factors are responsible for landslides in the Western Ghats? Discuss some mitigation measures to minimize their impact. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"With the rise of digital media influencers, traditional role models in Indian society are being replaced. Analyse its impact on youth behaviour and value systems. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Despite legal and educational advances, why do certain social practices, such as dowry, caste endogamy, or child marriage, continue to persist in modern India? Analyse with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"\"Modern parenting in India is increasingly balancing traditional expectations and emerging societal norms. Analyse the social implications of this tension.\" (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3214,"topper":"Himanshu Singh Nimoria","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/146/mts_2025_unchecked_mt24flton005_flt2501.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Cave paintings are the visual autobiography of a prehistoric man. What can we infer about prehistoric beliefs and social practices from the cave paintings in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"Colonial education policy, intended to create obedient clerks, became a channel for political awakening and national self-assertion.\" Discuss (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Evaluate the extent to which the Gupta economy facilitated cultural and scientific advancements. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"India faces a looming freshwater crisis despite its vast river systems. Discuss the causes and evaluate integrated water resource management strategies for sustainability. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How do the Deccan and Chota Nagpur plateaus differ in their physical characteristics and resource potential? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Compare the characteristics of east-flowing and west-flowing rivers with suitable examples. Why do most rivers in India flow eastward? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The Arctic region is emerging as a new frontier for resource exploration. Discuss the opportunities and challenges for India in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"How are changing family structures and migration trends increasingly leading to the social isolation of the elderly in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In what ways does urbanization challenge traditional notions of social cohesion in Indian society? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Safety and mobility are gendered constraints that significantly influence women's participation in the labour force in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"What do the accounts of Arab and European travellers reveal about the nature of social and economic life in medieval India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"India's linguistic diversity is not a challenge to national integration but a testament to its cultural resilience.' Discuss in the context of contemporary debates on language policy and identity politics in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Examine the role played by reformist organizations like the Brahmo Samaj and Arya Samaj in addressing various social issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"What are rift valleys, and how are they formed? Explain their geomorphological and economic significance. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"What is 'Blue Revolution'? Discuss the major challenges faced in the development of aquaculture in India. Suggest a set of comprehensive strategies to overcome these challenges. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"With accelerating glacial melt in the Himalayas, GLOFs pose a severe hazard downstream. Analyse the causes, impacts, and mitigation strategies related to GLOFs in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Using suitable examples, discuss the conditions required for the formation of salt pans and mangroves in India. How do these ecosystems support coastal resilience? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Caste in India today operates more as a system of identity assertion than of rigid hierarchy. Discuss this transformation in the context of caste group mobilisation and economic change. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Have regional identities in India evolved from cultural expressions to organised assertions of autonomy? Discuss their implications for national cohesion. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"The rise of the new middle class in India is marked by a culture of consumption. In what ways is the transition from conscious to impulsive consumption affecting family structure and dynamics in urban India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3215,"topper":"Himanshu Singh Nimoria","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/cc80e7c81f00eaa4f15f78533b4a4ad5/15/mts_2024_unchecked_mt24flton005_flt009.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"How does the integration of traditional Indian art and architecture in the New Parliament Building serve as a testament to India's cultural ethos? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Discuss the representation of women in Sangam literature. What does it reveal about the status and roles of women in ancient South Indian society? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"How did the Moderates' economic critique of British colonial policies contribute to the development of Indian nationalism and the broader independence movement? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"How does the geological structure of the Himalayas make the region particularly prone to landslides? Discuss the natural and human-induced factors involved. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What are the major ocean currents and their associated gyres in the world's oceans? Discuss the significance of ocean currents in shaping the Earth's climate and marine ecosystems. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How have variations in soil types across India contributed to regional disparities in agricultural practices and productivity? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How does island tourism affect the economy of India's islands like the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep? What challenges and opportunities exist to make this tourism sustainable? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How has the shift in the policy from population control to family welfare and women's empowerment impacted population growth in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What are the core principles of Indian secularism, and how have they been challenged in the context of Indian society? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"To what extent does the current primary education system in India address or reinforce social inequalities, and what strategies are needed to create a more inclusive educational environment? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Compare and contrast the nature of peasant movements in India during the pre-Gandhian phase with those in the Gandhian phase. How did Mahatma Gandhi's leadership influence the nature and course of peasant movements in India during the freedom struggle? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Compare and contrast the Hoysala and Nagara styles of temple architecture. How do these differences reflect the cultural, religious, and regional influences of their time? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"How did Lord William Bentinck's policies in India influence the country's cultural and intellectual landscape? Discuss with reference to key reforms. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"With urban flooding becoming a recurrent challenge in Indian cities, analyze the underlying factors contributing to urban flooding in India. What comprehensive measures can be taken to mitigate its impact? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"As the 21st century shifts from battles over oil to competition for critical minerals, assess the potential of India's critical mineral resources in contributing to the global supply chain. What are the strategic implications of these resources for India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Explain the phenomenon of temperature inversion and its impact on weather patterns and microclimates in different regions. Also, discuss its implications for agriculture and human settlements. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Discuss the significance of the Ganga river system on the environment and Indian culture. What are the key challenges in cleaning and rejuvenating this vital river system? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Scientific pursuit in India has historically intersected with culture and religion, often blending scientific inquiry with religious practices. In this context, how do scientific advancements bridge the gap between traditional beliefs and modern thinking in addressing age-old taboos and superstitions? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Highlighting the challenges of social inequalities in the informal sector, discuss how the gig economy can resolve these issues and contribute to greater social empowerment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"What are the reasons behind the resurgence of new-age spiritualism led by religious influencers and spiritual leaders in Indian society? Evaluate the impact of this phenomenon on Indian society. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3216,"topper":"Himanshu Singh Nimoria","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/111/mts_2024_unchecked_mt24flton005_flt005.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Highlighting the elements of urbanization discuss how agriculture played a pivotal role in the enduring success and longevity of the Harrapan Civilization. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"The Quit India Movement marked the awakening of the nation's soul and brought diverse sections together in a unified vision of Independence. Discuss (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Analyze the impact of World War II in accelerating the process of decolonization in Asia and Africa. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the various types of sedimentary rocks and their formation processes. What is the economic significance of sedimentary rocks? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What are the characteristics of anticyclonic circulations, and how do they influence weather patterns over the Indian subcontinent? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What is coral bleaching, and what are its main causes? Also, evaluate the role of marine protected areas (MPAs) in the conservation of coral reefs. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss the role of economic corridors in fostering regional economic integration and development. How do projects like the Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor (CBIC) align with India's broader economic growth strategies? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What is gender fluid identity, and what are the LGBTQ community's ongoing challenges to full societal inclusion and equal treatment? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"How does the interplay between regional and national identities fuel the emergence of regionalistic sentiments? How can we balance regional identities with broader national identity? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"How do various cultural practices and traditions contribute to the idea of \"Unity in Diversity\"? Provide examples to support your argument. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"What is the significance of Stupa art in the context of Buddhist architecture and culture? Discuss its various elements and symbolism and their role in coveying Buddist beliefs. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"\"The dual struggle against entrenched social customs and colonial dominance was a prominent feature of socio-religious reform movements in 19th century India.\" How did the socio-religious reform movements of 19th century India respond to colonial cultural and ideological hegemony? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"How did the British policies contribute to the de-industrialization of India, and how did this process affect the lives of Indian artisans and the broader economy? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"What are the factors that lead to the formation of local winds? Discuss their impact on the weather and climate in various regions, providing relevant examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"What are the primary drivers of freshwater scarcity in megacities like Bangalore and Hyderabad? Suggest comprehensive solutions that address both supply and demand aspects of urban water management. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"What is the Blue Revolution? What are the significant hurdles in aquaculture development, and what comprehensive strategies can be implemented to address them? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"What are the key factors influencing the establishment of large-scale solar farms in India, and what are their environmental and social impacts? How can India balance the expansion of solar energy with the need to protect biodiversity and local ecosystems? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"In what ways do social media platforms perpetuate and challenge social inequalities and power structures? Provide a critical analysis. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Give a comparative analysis of the tribal and mainstream societies. Is tribal society more progressive than mainstream society? Argue with examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"In what ways does poverty intersect with other social problems like caste, social stratification, and gender inequality? What comprehensive strategies do you suggest to address these interrelated issues? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3217,"topper":"Himanshu Singh Nimoria","air":263,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/100/mts_2024_unchecked_mt24flton005_flt001.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3218,"topper":"Himanshu Singh Nimoria","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/112/mts_2024_unchecked_mt24flton005_flt010.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"\"Parliament is a creature of the constitution, not its master\". Highlighting relevant case laws discuss how judicial intervention has shaped the balance between the Constitution and parliamentary sovereignty. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"How do the citizenship laws and policies of India and the United States differ within their constitutional frameworks? Comment on the ongoing debate on citizenship laws and policies in India and the US. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"\"The right to internet access is integral to the realization and exercise of other fundamental rights in India.\" In this context examine how the recognition of internet access as a fundamental right in India reconciles with the state's authority to impose restrictions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"How did the 44th Constitutional Amendment impact the emergency provisions in the Indian Constitution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What are the powers and immunities of the Governor in relation to bills passed by the state legislature? Are these powers unlimited in nature? Discuss in light of relevant judgements. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Do you think that lateral entry can significantly enhance the effectiveness of the Indian bureaucracy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The demand for a caste census and the sub-categorization of castes reflects the failure of neoliberalism to address India's caste problem. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Despite significant advancements, women remain underrepresented in STEM fields. What are the barriers to women's participation in STEM, and what policy interventions can address these challenges to promote gender equity? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Strategically located ports are vital assets in regional and economic integration. In this context discuss the significance of ports like Chabahar and Sittwe in India\\u2019s strategy to enhance connectivity and their contribution to India\\u2019s geopolitical objectives. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"How does mediation differ from arbitration? In light of the recent enactment of the Mediation Act, of 2023, assess its potential to address the backlog of litigations in Indian courts and foster a culture of voluntary mediation, especially among private players and public-sector undertakings. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"The federal character of a nation comprising elective bodies at different levels is best secured through a bicameral legislature. In this context, discuss how a bicameral legislature supports federalism in India. What additional measures can be taken to strengthen the federal structure and ensure effective representation of states in national governance? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"An Independent Parliamentary Secretariat is the backbone of a robust democracy, ensuring non-partisan support to Parliament in carrying out its core functions. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Given the significant role of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in local governance, assess the challenges and opportunities in strengthening their financial autonomy. How can reforms in PRI financing contribute to more effective grassroots governance in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Despite the absence of a constitutional mandate, the National Commission for Women(NCW) has had a significant impact in influencing legal reforms and securing gender justice in India. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"In post-liberalized India, independent regulators were established to ensure fair competition and transparency. To what extent have independent regulators been effective in their mandates and discuss the impact of government influence on their autonomy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"How does the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023 aim to reshape the patriarchal dynamics of Indian politics? Do you think it might encounter similar limitations as those seen in local self-government institutions? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Hunger is both a cause and a consequence of poverty, and addressing it requires a multidimensional approach. Analyze the effectiveness of a multidimensional approach with examples from key government initiatives. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"The African Union's inclusion in the G-20 marks a significant step towards strengthening South-South cooperation.' Discuss the importance of this development for India and its implications for India's relations with Africa. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"What are the key challenges associated with the IMF and World Bank in addressing the needs of developing countries? Also, assess the need for reforms in Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) to address the evolving global challenges. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3219,"topper":"Himanshu Singh Nimoria","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/129/mts_2024_unchecked_mt24flton005_flt006.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"What is constitutional morality? How far does the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) align with the vision of constitutional morality as encompassed in the Indian Constitution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Article 143 of the Constitution confers advisory jurisdiction upon the Supreme Court through a presidential reference mechanism. Examine the significance and scope of the Supreme Court's advisory jurisdiction under this provision. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Since Independence, the composition of the Indian Parliament has undergone a significant change with the changing socio-economic profile of the Members of Parliament(MPs). Analyse the impact of this shift on the overall quality of representative democracy in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"In a rights-based democracy, institutions like the NHRC must evolve beyond symbolic presence to real-time impact. In this context, discuss the structural and functional issues within India's human rights framework. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Delimitation upholds the idea of 'one citizen, one vote', but its implications go against the principles of federalism. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"To make skilling meaningful, programs like PM Internship Scheme (PMIS) must ensure not just participation but employability-linked outcomes.\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"Women-centric welfare schemes need to move beyond welfare to empowerment.\" Examine in the context of key women-centric welfare schemes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"The increasing regulatory oversight on civil society organisations risks shrinking democratic space.\" Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"India's engagement with Africa is no longer limited to development cooperation but is increasingly shaped by strategic and economic considerations. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The Indian diaspora in the Gulf region plays a pivotal role in shaping India's economic relations and people-centric diplomacy with West Asia. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Despite increased political representation, Elected Women Representatives (EWRs) in Panchayati Raj Institutions continue to face barriers to effective participation and leadership. In this context, discuss the challenges EWRs face and suggest reforms needed to enable gender-inclusive grassroots governance. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"The principle of checks and balances in the Indian Constitution is often challenged by the judiciary's expanding role in legislative and executive domains. Highlighting the reasons, assess its impact on the functional separation between various organs. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"The credibility of the electoral process rests on the autonomy and neutrality of the Election Commission. Do you think the Election Commission of India is facing credibility issues in sustaining public trust in electoral democracy? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Cooperative societies are integral to India's socio-economic development. Examine the governance and autonomy challenges faced by Multi-State Cooperative Societies (MSCSs) and discuss how the recent Multi-State Cooperative Societies (Amendment Act, 2023) seeks to address these issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"\"Weak institutional independence of Information Commissions has diluted the effectiveness of the Right to Information (RTI) regime.\" Discuss in the light of autonomy and independence of the Information Commissions. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"\"Civil services in India were envisioned as instruments of neutrality and efficiency, yet they are increasingly perceived as rigid and politicised.\" Examine the issues responsible for this perception and suggest corrective measures. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Despite consistent economic growth and social sector spending, India continues to perform poorly in global human development rankings. Examine the structural issues that inhibit equitable and inclusive human development. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"\"The expansion of BRICS offers opportunities for India to strengthen its voice in global economic governance.\" Discuss how India can leverage the BRICS Plus to advance the interests of the Global South. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"\"Act East Policy is as much about regional balancing as it is about economic diplomacy.\" Analyse this statement in the context of India's engagement with ASEAN amidst shifting power dynamics in the Indo-Pacific. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3220,"topper":"Himanshu Singh Nimoria","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/151/mts_2025_unchecked_mt24flton005_flt2510.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Socialistic ideals and secularism are core features of the Basic Structure doctrine in India. In this context, discuss how judicial decisions have cemented these principles as the cornerstone of constitutional identity. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"There is a need to expand the scope of 'corrupt practices' under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, to address emerging forms of electoral malpractices.\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Analyse the distinguishing perspectives on equality as reflected in the constitutional frameworks of India and France. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The shrinking effective share of States in the Union's gross tax revenues, coupled with equity-heavy criteria in horizontal devolution, raises critical concerns for fiscal federalism in India. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"Citizenship is the legal foundation of constitutional rights and responsibilities.\" Discuss how India's approach to citizenship reflects its commitment to constitutional values. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Declining fertility rates, coupled with rising life expectancy, require a shift from fertility-focused interventions to human capital investments. Examine in the light of recent population trends. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"The quality of governance is critically linked to the extent and nature of citizen participation in democratic processes.\" Discuss using examples in the Indian context. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"Low alignment between educational outcomes and market needs can widen social and economic inequalities.\" Examine this statement in the context of India's skills ecosystem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"The weakening commitment of major powers to international health frameworks poses serious challenges to equitable global cooperation.\" Discuss in light of the U.S. withdrawal from the WHO and its implications for India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The ongoing conflict in West Asia has exposed the vulnerabilities of regional diplomacy. In this light, discuss the implications of the West Asian conflict for India's strategic autonomy and regional engagement. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"\"Department-related Standing Committees serve as the institutional backbone of legislative scrutiny, yet their potential remains underutilised.\" Critically analyse the challenges faced by Parliamentary Committees in ensuring executive accountability in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"\"President's Rule is a constitutional mechanism to deal with governance failure, not political convenience.\" Under what circumstances can President's Rule be imposed in a State? Discuss the constitutional safeguards and judicial verdicts associated with it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"The recently released Devolution Index reveals wide variation in the performance of States in empowering Panchayati Raj Institutions. While explaining the reasons behind this variation, discuss the role of capacity-building initiatives in enabling PRIs to fulfil their constitutional mandate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"\"In the evolving constitutional and political landscape, the effectiveness of statutory commissions depends on their structural autonomy and independence.\" Discuss in the context of the growing demand for constitutional status for statutory commissions like the National Commission for Women (NCW) and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"\"An independent judiciary is essential for upholding constitutional values, but it must also remain accountable to preserve public trust.\" Discuss in the context of recent issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Institutional autonomy of sectoral regulators is critical for ensuring credibility, transparency, and fair competition. In light of recent incidents, examine the issues pertaining to the independence and autonomy of regulatory bodies in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"How far do you think a caste census is a necessary step toward realising the goals of social justice and equitable development, despite the administrative challenges it poses? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"\"The complexity of modern governance demands adaptive and dynamic administrative reforms.\" Evaluate the role of administrative reforms in improving efficiency, transparency, and responsiveness in Indian governance. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"The trajectory of India-China relations in the last 75 years reflects a balance between pragmatic cooperation and unresolved strategic tensions. Discuss the contours of this evolving policy and highlight the measures India should take to counterbalance asymmetries with China. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"The evolution of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) from a maritime security grouping to a multidimensional partnership reflects changing strategic realities in the Indo-Pacific. In this context, examine the opportunities and challenges that QUAD presents for India's regional aspirations and strategic autonomy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3221,"topper":"Himanshu Singh Nimoria","air":263,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/82/mts_2024_unchecked_mt24flton005_flt002.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3222,"topper":"Himanshu Singh Nimoria","air":263,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/162/mts_2025_unchecked_mt24flton005_flt2506.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3223,"topper":"Himanshu Singh Nimoria","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/cc80e7c81f00eaa4f15f78533b4a4ad5/18/mts_2024_unchecked_mt24flton005_flt011.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"How do household savings contribute to the growth of the Indian economy? Do you think that the recent fall in household savings rate marks a rise in indebtedness and distress among Indian households? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"India's FDI sector is seeing a significant downward trend. What factors are causing apprehensions among the foreign investors to invest in India? Suggest some corrective measures that must be taken by the Government to reverse the falling trend. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"How do farm subsidies impact crop diversity, cropping patterns and agricultural sustainability in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"While discussing the principles of \"precision agriculture\", elaborate on the uses of \"Internet of Things\" in precision agriculture. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What are Small Modular Nuclear Reactors (SMRs)? Why are SMRs considered a safer alternative to conventional Nuclear Power Plants? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What factors have contributed to the sudden rise in the incidences of zoonotic diseases across the globe? Highlight the recent examples of pandemics caused by zoonotic pathogens. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss the major challenges of crowd control in large socio-religious gatherings and congregations in India. In the light of NDMA's \"Suggestive Framework for Preparation of Crowd Management Plan for Events Venues of Mass Gathering\", suggest measures to prevent stampede incidents. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"'The UN High Seas Treaty is comparable to the 2015 Paris Agreement's importance and significance'. In the context of this, discuss the importance of the UN High Seas Treaty for the conservation of marine biodiversity and fair and equitable resource-sharing. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What are the new cyber threats posed by the illicit use of Generative AI? In the light of recently signed Bletchley Declaration, how can India beef up its cybersecurity structure against threats raised by AI? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"India's border security is under severe pressure due to the rising political crisis in neighbouring countries. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"A person without skill is not an asset but a liability on the nation's growth\". How infusion of relevant skills contribute to the demographic dividend of India? What recent initiatives have been undertaken by the Government to reduce the skill gap among young Indians? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"The Indian aviation sector has immense potential to become the primary mode of transportation in the country. What are the factors propelling growth in India's aviation sector? Highlight the challenges that the sector faces and suggest measures for improvement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Farmer Producers' Organizations (FPOs) are engines of agri-innovation. In this context, discuss the role of FPOs in addressing the issue of fragmentation and lack of modernization in agriculture. Highlight the initiatives the Government took to promote the participation of FPOs in agriculture. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Despite being one of the strongest growth engines of the Indian economy, there are certain upstream and downstream issues ailing the growth of food processing industries in India. Discuss. Suggest measures to strengthen the overall growth of food processing industries in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"How was India benefitted from the contributions of Dr M.S. Swaminathan and Dr C.R. Rao in the fields of agricultural science and statistics respectively? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"How is Artificial Intelligence (AI) challenging the overall intellectual property paradigm? How can AI be balanced with intellectual property to foster innovation and incentivize creations and inventions? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Highlighting the significance of \"Western Ghats\" in preserving and conserving the biodiversity of India, discuss the threats faced by this fragile and ecologically sensitive Region. Elaborate on the measures taken by the Government of India to protect the Western Ghats ecosystem. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Describe the major outcomes of the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the features of the Green Credit Initiative launched by India on the sidelines of COP-28? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"How shell companies has contributed to the menace of money laundering in India? Do you think recent amendments to the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2005 will help address the problem of the transactional nature of clients with such shell companies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Discuss how the crime-insurgency nexus has contributed to the rise in ethnic conflicts and insurgencies in North-East India. What institutional measures can be undertaken to address this challenge? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3224,"topper":"Himanshu Singh Nimoria","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/130/mts_2024_unchecked_mt24flton005_flt007.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Comment on the important changes with respect to the Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG) and Securities Transaction Tax (STT) in the Union Budget 2024-25. Evaluate the impact of such changes on India's savings and investment regime. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"India's welfare scheme has undergone a shift from an input-based approach to outcome-based empowerment with the maxim of \"no person left behind\". In light of the above statement, discuss how this change in the approach of the government has fostered inclusive growth. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The rainfed nature of India's agriculture makes it more susceptible to climate change. Highlight the importance of quality irrigation in the climate-adaptability of agriculture. What measures can be undertaken to improve the overall efficiency of the available irrigation practices in India? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Considering the importance of livestock in Indian agriculture, analyze how investment in animal husbandry can help in incentivizing Indian agriculture. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The discovery of Indian Laurel Trees in Andhra Pradesh has sparked the interest of scientists in the capacity of trees to store and release water. In this context, explain the science behind the process of water transportation and storage in trees. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The recently conducted global Summit on Responsible Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain (REAIM, 2023) showcased the opportunities, challenges and risks associated with the use of Artificial Intelligence in military applications. In this context, critically analyse the impact of Artificial Intelligence in defence and military applications. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The Public Accounts Committee has recently flagged concerns about the rising menace of plastic pollution. In this context, highlight the recent initiatives taken by the Government to curb plastic pollution. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Landslides have become more of a human-induced phenomenon rather than a natural phenomenon. Highlighting the reasons for increasing incidences of landslides, suggest measures that can be undertaken to mitigate the disaster. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The threats to national security have gradually transformed from being \"geographic\" to being \"thematic\". In this context, what are the contemporary challenges of internal security and what measures can be undertaken to deal with such challenges? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Evaluate the role of enhanced border surveillance technologies in bolstering India's border security framework and addressing cross-border threats. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"While startups in India have achieved notable success in fostering entrepreneurship and innovation in the economy, there are certain structural issues challenging the sustainability of startups in India. Elucidate upon these challenges faced by startups and recommend practical solutions to the problems. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Critically evaluate the effectiveness of public-private partnerships in the modernization of railway infrastructure in India. Considering safety as one of the major challenges for railways, what measures can be taken to improve the overall safety parameters of Indian Railways? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"\"Farming becomes remunerative if the produce reaches our plates in time\". In this context, highlight the upstream and downstream issues faced by the agriculture marketing and transport sector in India. What initiatives can be undertaken to improve the overall efficiency of the sector? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"India's agriculture export-import policies are tilted more towards the consumers rather than the farmers. In light of the given statement, critically analyze the impact of import and export policies on farmers. What measures can be undertaken to shield farmers from import-export price shocks? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"India's advancement in medical science is reflected in India's success in using CAR-T cell therapy to treat the first cancer patient. Discuss the working and effectiveness of CAR-T cell therapy in treating cancer and related diseases. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"What is the main objective of India's Gaganyaan Mission and Bharatiya Antariksha Station? Which other countries have successfully launched their manned missions into space? What major technologies are required for the successful execution of the Gaganyaan Mission and related Bharatiya Antariksha Station? Also, elucidates the challenges associated with these missions. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"\"India's offshore wind energy has high potential but remains low on implementation\". Discuss the challenges impeding the harnessing of offshore wind energy and suggest possible solutions. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"In addition to being the centres of growth, urban areas are also centres of accumulating disaster risks. Why is disaster management particularly complex in mega-urban cities? What measures can be undertaken to address the problems of disaster management and risk reduction in urban areas? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Discuss the threats posed by social media and networking sites to the internal security of India. How do the fact-check units (FCUs) under Information and Technology Rules, 2021 help in controlling the overall menace of the spread of fake news on social media? What are the concerns of press broadcasters and digital media participants about the Government establishing fact-check units? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"By highlighting the role of Violent Non-State Actors (VNSAs) in inflicting violence in Kashmir valley, discuss how \"OPERATION SADBHAVNA\" by armed forces can tackle the VNSA-OGW (Over Ground Workers) nexus by addressing the aspirations of local youth. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3225,"topper":"Himanshu Singh Nimoria","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/154/mts_2025_unchecked_mt24flton005_flt2511.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Pillars are not merely architectural marvels, but also serve as crucial sources of ancient Indian history. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"To what extent did early economic nationalists like Dadabhai Naoroji shape the intellectual foundations of the Indian freedom movement? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How did the Indian national movement influence freedom movements across the world? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How does the movement of continental plates help explain the spatial distribution of earthquakes in specific regions of the world? Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"River interlinking is seen as a means to reduce regional water stress. Discuss its advantages and examine the possible environmental and social implications. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the localisation factors for the textile industry in India and examine its economic significance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What are loess deposits, and why do they constitute some of the most agriculturally productive regions of the world? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Screen-based education has improved accessibility but also created new behavioural and social challenges for children. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Why are protectionist and xenophobic trends against Indians rising in the West, despite the global embrace of Indian culture and soft power? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The caste system in India has adapted to the forces of modernisation, urbanisation, and economic liberalisation. Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":31,"question":"Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Jawaharlal Nehru differed in their approach to nation-building, yet their shared vision was instrumental in shaping modern India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"The Swadeshi Movement marked a significant shift in India's freedom struggle from passive resistance to active mass mobilisation. In this context, discuss the strategies, social impact, and limitations of the movement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"The Western Ghats and the Northeastern Hills receive some of the highest rainfall during the southwest monsoon in India. Discuss the mechanisms responsible for heavy rainfall in these regions and analyse the monsoon's influence on human life in these regions. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Differentiate between forest cover, tree cover, and green cover. How do forest ecosystems in India contribute to climate resilience and carbon sequestration? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Account for the salinity variations in the world's oceans. How does this variation impact ocean circulation and marine ecosystems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"How does the polar cryosphere play a pivotal role in regulating the Earth's climate system? Also, enumerate the key factors responsible for rapid warming in the Arctic. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"\"Religious pluralism and secularism are integral to India's social fabric, but their coexistence requires constant negotiation.\" Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Discuss the intersection of class, gender, and geography in determining women's access to opportunities in the Indian service sector. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"\"Despite a strong continuity in traditional family values, Indian society is witnessing rising trends of delayed marriage, increasing divorce rates, and family disruption.\" Discuss the socio-economic and cultural factors contributing to this shift. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3226,"topper":"Himanshu Singh Nimoria","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/79/mts_2024_unchecked_mt24flton005_flt003.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"\"With growing urbanization, peri-urban agriculture is emerging as a significant contributor to fresh farm produce needs\". In this context, discuss the opportunities and challenges associated with promoting peri-urban agriculture in a sustainable manner. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What are the major challenges faced by India's agriculture sector to achieve self-sufficiency in pulses and vegetable oils? Suggest measures to address these challenges. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Evaluate the potential of biomanufacturing and bio-foundry in driving India's future towards a sustainable green economy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What are the principles behind the working of Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV)? Explain the significance and potential benefits of use of RLVs in India's space commerce. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Examine the key features of the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) 2023. Analyze its potential for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"In light of the increased intensity, frequency and duration of heat waves in the last decade, do you think the time has come to include \"heat waves\" as a notified disaster under the Disaster Management Act, 2005? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Recently formulated 'joint doctrine for cyberspace operations' by Indian armed forces will lead to strengthening of the cyber-security posture for both conventional operations as well as gray zone warfare. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the necessity and potential issues surrounding the extension of the Border Security Force's (BSF) territorial jurisdiction in states adjacent to Pakistan and Bangladesh. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"India's economic growth story is often overshadowed by the persistent challenges of unemployment. Analyze the concept of structural unemployment and discuss its relevance in the context of India's current economic situation. Suggest policy measures to promote inclusive job growth. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Discuss the role of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in fostering regional growth in India. How can MSMEs contribute to achieving industrial diversification and technological advancement? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"\"The sole point of MSP is to protect farmers from sudden price shock\". Do you think legalization of MSP can insure farmers from sudden price shocks? What are the other measures which can be taken to make MSP-led procurement effective? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Discuss the role of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) in the Public Distribution System (PDS) to ensure food security in India. Suggest necessary reforms in the functioning of FCI to enhance its efficiency and effectiveness. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Discuss the role of nanotechnology on enhancing agricultural productivity and food security in India. Highlight recent developments and potential benefits and risks of use of nano-fertilizers and nano-pesticides. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"The Nobel Prize in Physics of 2023 was jointly awarded to Ekimov, Brus and Bawendi for the discovery of synthesis of quantum dots. In this context, discuss the applications of quantum dots. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Evaluate the role of protected areas in biodiversity conservation in India. How effective have national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves been in preserving India's biodiversity? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"What the causes of high levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and ozone pollution in India. How effective are the various steps taken by the government to mitigate particulate matter and ozone pollution? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) Report 2023 highlights a growing menace of drug trafficking in South Asia, with India being a major hub. Analyze the various dimensions of this challenge with respect to India. Also suggest a multi-pronged approach to address it. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"India's response to left wing extremism needs to integrate soft approaches like socio-economic policies and dialogue along with hard security measures to address the root causes of Naxalism. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3227,"topper":"Himanshu Singh Nimoria","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/158/mts_2025_unchecked_mt24flton005_flt2507.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Even after a decade of Make in India, India's manufacturing sector has remained a weak spot in its growth story. How can India fundamentally reset its manufacturing sector to utilise its potential in GDP growth and job creation? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Indian startups, despite showing great potential, have not scaled up on innovation. Discuss. Suggest measures for Indian startups to go up the value chain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Despite a robust Public Distribution System (PDS), food security remains a challenge to the Indian population. What are the deficiencies in the current PDS system? Suggest reforms to improve the system. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Discuss the key components of the recently launched Digital Agriculture Mission. How will this mission help in improving farmers' welfare? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What is the Axiom-4 mission? How will India's participation in the Axiom-4 mission help in bolstering India's human space programme? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Introduce the concept of precision medicine. Comment on the role of precision medicine in the treatment of rare and specific diseases. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss how the Biodiversity Act, 2002, and the recently notified Biological Diversity (Access and Benefit Sharing) Regulation, 2025, promote access and benefit sharing while ensuring the growth of traditional industries. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"Preparedness is the first step towards disaster risk reduction\". In this context, assess the role of the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) in strengthening disaster preparedness and early warning systems in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"How does the long maritime border of India present immense internal security challenges? Suggest measures to address these challenges. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Despite decline in terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir, Over Ground Workers (OGWs) and proxy militant groups continue to pose a serious threat to India's internal security. What strategies can be adopted to neutralize these threats? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"\"Infrastructure development is a key driver of accelerated and inclusive economic growth\". Highlighting the importance of infrastructure investment in achieving long-term growth, discuss India's successes and failures in stimulating infrastructure-led growth in the economy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"What are the responsibilities of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC)? How effective has the RBI's monetary policy initiatives been to broaden economic recovery whilst maintaining a sustainable inflation rate? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"What are the opportunities and challenges of the food processing industry in India? Why has the overall private investment remained low in the industry despite immense potential? Suggest measures. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Micro-irrigation systems can revolutionize Indian agriculture, but adoption remains limited. In this context, discuss how micro-irrigation can help in sustainable water management. What are the barriers to its widespread adoption? Suggest measures to overcome them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"'With the development of advanced chips like Majorana 1 and Willow, quantum computers are no longer a theory but a reality'. What are the principles of quantum computing? How does the National Quantum Mission help in scaling up quantum technologies in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Wetlands play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, yet they face several anthropogenic and climate-related threats. Discuss. What steps have been undertaken by the Government of India to conserve and promote wetlands? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"In spite of being preventable, stampedes due to improper crowd control mechanisms continue to claim lives in India. Discuss the underlying causes of such disasters. What institutional and technological measures can be taken for efficient crowd management? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"With the rapid digitalization of Indian society, cyber crimes like digital arrest have also increased. Highlighting the major elements of cybersecurity, Discuss the measures needed to strengthen India's cybersecurity infrastructure. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"Illegal immigration poses a threat to India's democracy, sovereignty, and internal security. In light of this statement, discuss how the recently passed Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, helps in effectively addressing the issue of illegal immigration. What are the constitutional and potential human rights challenges associated with the Act? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3228,"topper":"Himanshu Singh Nimoria","air":263,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/143/mts_2025_unchecked_mt24flton005_flt2503.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3229,"topper":"Himanshu Singh Nimoria","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/128/mts_2024_unchecked_mt24flton005_flt012.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Do you think it is ethically justified for political leaders to violate the deepest constraints of morality in order to achieve great goods or avoid disasters for their communities? Justify your position with suitable examples (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"There is growing evidence that when it comes to moral judgment, human beings appear to be best characterised not as intuitive Deontologists or Consequentialists but as intuitive virtue theorists.\" Critically analyse the statement. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"While formal codes of conduct can sometimes be a useful guide, developing those traits of character that are particularly suited to the administrator's role is at the core of professional ethics. Identify five ethical attributes suitable for an administrator and explain how they can be developed. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What do you understand by political responsibility, professional responsibility and personal responsibility? In situations of conflict among the three, what responsibility must the public servant prioritise and why? Illustrate with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"In the context of civil service, what do you understand by \"acts of conscience\"? Illustrate with an example. In your opinion, what can be the basis of acts of conscience? Explain (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Critically examine the role of educational institutions in shaping ethical decision-making skills in future civil servants. How effective are current educational paradigms in instilling ethical behaviour among the youth? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Examine the ethical challenges administrators face while employing persuasion and social influence techniques to promote social and health interventions in rural India. Illustrate with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss the ethical implications of maintaining high-quality service delivery in public administration. How does probity in governance influence the efficiency and responsiveness of public services, particularly in addressing the needs of marginalised communities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Critically assess the role of regulatory frameworks in enforcing ethical standards in corporate governance. How can these frameworks be designed to encourage ethical behaviour without stifling innovation? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss what the following quotes mean to you. (a) \"It is not because men's desires are strong that they act ill; it is because their consciences are weak.\" J S Mill (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":31,"question":"Armed with this data, you are compelled to take action. You arrange a meeting with the CMD of the public sector unit (PSU) to discuss the health audit findings and explore solutions. The CMD acknowledges the poor industrial safety record but is quick to point out the financial constraints faced by the unit. The plant's budget is limited, and no funds are allocated for the necessary safety upgrades. However, after much deliberation, both of you agree that the best course of action would be to relocate the plant to a site 30 kilometres away from the current location. This solution would mitigate the health risks for the local population while allowing the plant to continue operations, albeit at a new location. As plans for the relocation begin, the news leaks out, causing immediate unrest among the plant's workers. The workers, many of whom live near the plant, strongly oppose the relocation. They argue that the new site, 30 kilometres away, would disrupt their lives, increase their commuting time, and add to their expenses. The prospect of losing their jobs or facing hardships travelling to the new site sparks a wave of discontent. The workers organised protests and went on strike, halting production. And the discontent spilled onto the streets. Unknowingly, you had stirred a hornet's nest. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you and the CMD? (c) How should you prioritise public health concerns against the potential economic disruptions caused by the relocation of the plant? What ethical principles should guide this decision? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Understanding the gravity of the situation, you decide to take the matter directly to the Director of Purchase. The Director, a professional with years of experience, listens to your concerns but advises you to ignore the information. He argues that the allegation is based on verbal communication and lacks concrete evidence. Additionally, he expresses concern that the information might have been planted by a rival supplier to discredit the bidding process or to sabotage a competitor. Despite your reservations, you follow the Director's instructions and take no further action. The bids are opened as scheduled, and contracts are awarded based on official norms. A week later, a national daily published an investigative report detailing the bid-rigging scandal. The report includes substantial evidence, such as recorded conversations, email exchanges, and internal documents, all indicating that several bidders colluded to manipulate the tender process. The publication of this report triggered widespread public outrage, leading to calls for an investigation into the procurement process and the immediate suspension of the contracts awarded. The department, including the Director of Purchase, comes under intense scrutiny. Questions are raised about the integrity of the procurement process and the failure to prevent bid rigging despite prior knowledge of potential misconduct. Your Director is placed under suspension, and the enquiry begins. You are also under scanner as you were working closely with the Director. Meanwhile, your Director requests that you refrain from informing the enquiry committee of the information you received about bid-rigging. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the case? (b) What are the potential ethical and professional consequences of complying with the Director's request to conceal the information about the bid-rigging? Explain (c) In light of the Director's request to withhold information from the enquiry committee, how should you balance your duty to report unethical practices with your loyalty to your superior? What ethical principles should guide your decision in this situation? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"As an Audit Officer, your primary duty is to ensure that public funds are utilized according to the budgetary allocations and legal mandates set by governing bodies. This role demands a high level of integrity, strict adherence to rules, and a commitment to transparent financial management. During a routine audit of a district's expenditures, you encounter a significant irregularity that challenges your ethical principles and professional responsibilities. While reviewing the district's spending, you discover that the District Magistrate (DM) has diverted funds allocated for road construction and improving village connectivity to construct a new school. The funds were explicitly earmarked for infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing transportation in rural areas. Redirecting these funds to a different project, even one as important as a school, constitutes a violation of the approved budgetary allocations and could be seen as a misallocation of resources. The DM acknowledges the diversion of funds but justifies the decision by emphasizing the critical need for educational infrastructure in the district. He explains that the area is severely lacking in schools, with overcrowded classrooms and a growing population of school-age children. According to the DM, while road connectivity is important, the immediate need for a new school was more pressing, and the long-term benefits of investing in education far outweigh the temporary setback in road infrastructure. This situation puts you in a difficult position. As an Audit Officer, you must decide whether to prioritize strict adherence to rules or consider the broader context and potential benefits of the DM's actions. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the case? (b) How should the Audit Officer balance the need for strict adherence to budgetary allocations with the DM's argument that the school construction was in the best interest of the community? Should the officer prioritize legal and procedural propriety over alleged public benefits? (c) What are the potential consequences of reporting the misallocation of funds? Should the Audit Officer consider the impact of such a report on the DM, the district, and future financial allocations when making the decision? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"This situation places you in a difficult position. As an Audit Officer, you must decide whether to prioritise strict adherence to rules or to consider the broader context and the potential benefits of the DM's actions. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) How should the Audit Officer balance the need for strict adherence to budgetary allocations with the DM's argument that the school's construction was in the community's best interest? Should the officer prioritise legal and procedural correctness over perceived public benefits? (c) What are the potential consequences of reporting the misallocation of funds? Should the Audit Officer consider the impact of such a report on the DM, the district, and future funding allocations when making the decision? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"As the CDO, you are now caught between two conflicting directives, each with its own ethical and professional implications. (a) What ethical issues and dilemmas are involved in the above case? (b) What are the options available to the CDO? What must be the CDO's chosen course of action? (c) How should a civil servant prioritise between conflicting directives from different senior authorities? What ethical principles should guide this decision-making process? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"What are the business ethics issues present in the above case? (b) What steps should regulatory bodies take to prevent conflicts of interest among their officials? How should conflicts of interest be managed when they are discovered after a decision has been made? (c) In situations where profitability and ethical responsibility appear to conflict, how should companies navigate these challenges? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":3230,"topper":"Himanshu Singh Nimoria","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/46/mts_2024_unchecked_mt24flton005_flt008.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Besides being public servants, they are also citizens and have personal lives. At times, there is an inherent tension among the roles. How can a public servant effectively navigate the intrinsic tension between personal interests and official duties and between private inclinations and public obligations? Explain (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"\"Ideas are the cornerstone of a strong public service framework globally.\" In the context of this statement, discuss the ideas of a philosopher whose ideas you believe are most pertinent to the civil services in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"\"The challenge of power lies in its responsible application rather than its irresponsible and indulgent use - specifically, how to motivate those in power to serve the public rather than exploit it.\" Analyse the relationship between power and public service. Do you believe that the concept of power conflicts with the ideal of service, or do they complement each other? Substantiate your viewpoint. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Human values emphasise the humane aspects of public servants, whereas public service values focus on the transparency and effectiveness of service delivery. Do you think these value systems conflict with or complement each other? Justify your perspective with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"When good individuals in any society become complacent and cease their vigilance and struggle, malevolent forces prevail.\" Discuss the role and significance of civil society in curbing corruption and official misconduct. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Do you agree with feminist ethicists that women are “more emotional” and prioritise relationships over rules, reflecting different yet equally valuable ethical perspectives? Justify your viewpoints with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Ideally, ethics and law should be harmonious in the context of administration, yet conflicts between them can arise. How should an administrator handle conflicts between legal directives and ethical considerations, particularly when directives are illegal and laws are unjust? Discuss (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Critically evaluate the role of family and educational institutions in shaping ethical values among civil servants. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"How can civil servants cultivate a positive attitude towards the weaker sections of society? Suggest some implementable and practical steps. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Business ethicists believe that external and internal regulations are insufficient for curtailing or preventing corporate malpractices; they strongly advocate the presence of whistleblowing mechanisms as a check against corporate misgovernance. Do you think corporate governance is incomplete without whistleblowing? Why/Why not? Explain (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the relevance of the following quotes to the present times. (a) \"Moral actions belong to the jurisdiction of the outward and inward court, both civil and domestic governor; I mean both the magistrate and conscience.\" Locke (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":31,"question":"As the Head of Safety, the conclusions of your report carry significant consequences. Firstly, if the driver is deemed culpable due to his intoxication, his family may lose a substantial amount of post-death benefits because he was under the influence while on duty. Secondly, if you conceal the driver's intoxication and attribute the incident solely to poor maintenance, the maintenance crew would face job termination. This situation required extensive introspection before finalizing the report. (a) Identify the ethical issues and dilemmas in the above case. (b) What are the options available to you in the above case? (c) What do you think is more ethical to focus on the personal responsibility of the driver, who was intoxicated, or on the broader systemic issue of maintenance failures? Justify your answer with relevant ethical theories. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"What are the ethical issues and dilemmas in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you in the above case? (c) Considering the persistent nature of the RTI activist and the public's right to information, how should you navigate the tension between national security concerns and the principles of transparency and accountability? Explain (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"As a dedicated Block Development Officer (BDO), you are highly respected by your staff and appreciated by your superiors for your constructive work. The state government has selected several villages within your jurisdiction to pilot a women's self-employment scheme utilising Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The project is to be implemented by a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), and you have been instructed to provide logistical and other necessary support. The NGO staff commenced their work by meeting and identifying young women who appeared to be suitable candidates for training and skill development. Following identification, these young women were provided with a starter kit, which included a broadband dongle, a 10-inch tablet, and some reading material. The training began in earnest, and the selected young women exhibited great enthusiasm and eagerness to learn. Initially, the project showed promising signs of success. However, one day, village elders approached you with a request to halt the pilot scheme. They expressed concerns that the devices and online learning were corrupting the young women. They believed that the girls were merely watching videos on the tablets instead of learning. The elders suggested that vocational skills training, such as stitching or cooking, would be more beneficial than digital skills. After listening to their concerns, you assured them that you would investigate the matter. Upon inquiring with the NGO staff, they clarified that the videos being viewed were educational, and they were monitoring the trainees' browsing behaviour through backend systems to ensure appropriate usage. The NGO staff also pointed out that some village men felt excluded from the process and were attempting to dissuade the women from participating in the training sessions. As a BDO, you recognize the scheme's importance and potential benefits for the women in the villages. However, you are also aware that if the men's underlying mindset issues are not addressed promptly, the entire skill development effort could be undermined. As a committed public servant, you were determined to take some preventive action as you noticed tensions brewing among the men. (a) What the issues that you notice in the above case? (b) What are actionable options available to you? (c) Considering the feedback from the NGO staff about village men feeling left out and attempting to dissuade women from attending training sessions, what strategies would you implement to ensure their inclusion and support for the program? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Mr. Rajesh Kumar, a senior IAS officer, is posted as Principal Secretary of the Department of Urban Development. Mr. Kumar oversees a major infrastructure project to transform a densely populated urban slum into a modern residential area with improved amenities. Mr. Kumar's \"Urban Renewal Initiative\" project involves a multi-phase plan. The first phase focuses on relocating residents to temporary housing while construction begins on new apartment complexes. The project also includes the installation of modern sewage systems, clean drinking water facilities, community healthcare centres, and schools. The overarching goal is to uplift the socio-economic conditions of the slum dwellers, offering them a path to better opportunities and living standards. However, the project faces stiff opposition from a local political leader, Mr. Sharma, who has considerable influence in the area. Mr. Sharma argues that the redevelopment will displace many residents and disrupt their lives. While these concerns are valid, it is also evident that Mr. Sharma's opposition is motivated by his vested interest in maintaining control over the vote bank in the slum. His opposition to the project stems from a fear of losing this power if the residents' living conditions improve and they become less reliant on his patronage. In a private meeting, Mr. Sharma proposes a deal to Mr. Kumar. If the government awards construction contracts to firms controlled by Mr. Sharma's associates and family members, he will withdraw his opposition and support the project. This deal would expedite the project, ensuring the residents receive the promised benefits immediately. However, agreeing to Mr. Sharma's terms would mean compromising on the ethical principles of transparency and fairness in public procurement. Mr. Kumar was in a moral bind. Agreeing to Mr. Sharma's terms would mean engaging in corrupt practices, and rejecting the deal could delay or even derail the project, depriving the slum residents of much-needed improvements to their living conditions. (a) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas in the above case? (b) Considering the utilitarian perspective, do you think Mr. Kumar should have accepted Mr. Sharma's proposal to expedite the project for the greater good of the slum residents? Why or why not? (c) In the context of virtue ethics, discuss the importance of moral character and integrity for a senior civil servant like Mr. Kumar. How should these virtues guide his actions in resolving the dilemma? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"In a critical meeting, the state Chief Secretary, Mr. Vikram Patel, emphasized the urgency of advancing the project and held Ms. Rao accountable for the delays, lack of progress, and overall non-performance. Ms. Rao left the meeting disappointed and felt holding her accountable for delay was unfair as there were others also involved in the project. (a) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas involved in the above case? (b) What are the options available to Ms. Rao? (c) What course of action would you suggest for Ms. Rao? Why? (d) Do you think holding Ms. Rao accountable for the delays was justified? Why/Why not? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":56,"question":"Ms. Sharma is the Director of the Department of Health and Family Welfare in a large Indian state. The department is responsible for implementing health policies, managing public health facilities, and ensuring the delivery of healthcare services. The workforce comprises a mix of senior officials, mid-level managers, and frontline health workers. Over the past few months, Ms. Sharma has received multiple complaints about Mr. Arvind Gupta, a senior official known for his authoritative management style. Mr. Gupta is a performance-driven officer who sometimes publicly berates subordinates and intimidates staff to get work done. One such complaint came from Ms. Anita Verma, a mid-level manager who reported that Mr. Gupta publicly berated her during a departmental meeting, calling her \"incompetent\" and \"useless\" in front of her peers. Ms. Verma stated that this incident severely impacted her mental health and work performance, causing her considerable distress. Other employees shared similar experiences. Mr. Ravi Kumar, a junior officer, recounted an instance where Mr. Gupta threatened to terminate his employment if he failed to complete an unrealistic workload within a tight deadline. He described Mr. Gupta's behaviour as harsh and demeaning, with frequent outbursts of anger and unwarranted criticism that created a climate of fear and anxiety in the workplace. Despite his behaviour, Mr. Gupta is recognized for his exceptional work performance. He has been instrumental in implementing several successful health initiatives, significantly improving healthcare delivery in districts. His expertise and dedication have made him an indispensable asset to the department, complicating the decision to address the complaints against him. Ms. Sharma had a tough decision to make. She knew she had to be strict, but she was also worried about the workflow disruption that action against Mr. Gupta could cause. (a) What are the issues and dilemmas that confront Ms. Sharma? (b) What ethical principles should guide Ms. Sharma in addressing the harassment and bullying complaints in her department? (c) What long-term strategies should be implemented to prevent harassment and bullying in government departments? How can these strategies promote a culture of respect and inclusivity? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":3231,"topper":"Himanshu Singh Nimoria","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/113/mts_2024_unchecked_mt24flton005_flt004.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"A. \"It is wrong to assume that ethical decisions are, can or should be purely rational and principled. Human feelings are an inseparable part of our ethical life.\" In what way do feelings impact our ethical decisions? Illustrate with examples. (150 words, 10 marks) B. What do you understand by ethics management? Can public officials manage ethics in the work place in a manner similar to managing budgets, policies and people? Do you think adopting codes of ethics and conduct is sufficient enough for managing ethics in the workplace or something more is needed? Discuss. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"A. While traditional ethics has focussed on notions of justice, fair allocation and obligations, ethics of care emphasise maintaining connectedness and promoting care. Which of the above two ethical perspectives is more suitable for guiding ethical decision making in the context of public services. Explain your position with suitable examples. (150 words, 10 marks) B. What does the term “quality” mean in service delivery. What are the components of service quality and indicate ways and means for ensuring total quality in terms of efficiency, economy and effectiveness? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"A. In the context of public service, what does public service attitude mean? Discuss the attitude biases that affects a public servants on field decision making? Explain how a public servant can overcome such attitude biases? (150 words, 10 marks) B. “I am a Moslem; I am a Hindu; I am a Christian; I am a Jew.” Mahatma Gandhi. What did Mahatma Gandhi mean by the above statement? Some philosophers have argued that religion is harmful to the moral life, whereas others have claimed that it is necessary to it. Explain your position on the relationship between religion and morality. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"A. \"There is only one responsibility of business, namely to use its resources and engage in activities designed to increase profits.\" Do you think corporations, by indulging in social responsibilities, are compromising their core resource utilisation and production responsibility by diverting resources into unproductive social endeavours? (150 words, 10 marks) B. Do you think values such as \"tyaga,\" (renunciation) \"seva,\" (service) \"daanam,\" (Charity) \"damah,\" (self-control) that are espoused in traditional Indian Wisdom have relevance for modern day public servants? Why? Why not? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"A. Explain the difference between conflict among interests and conflict among various sources of authority. Illustrate with relevant examples. (150 words, 10 marks) B. The domain of governance is ridden with uncertainties, ambiguities and paradoxes and this can at times lead to timidity and withdrawal among public administrators. Discuss the relevance of inner courage for overcoming and coping with ambiguities. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Given below are three quotations of philosophers. What do each of the quotations convey to you in the present context? A. \"To feel for others, and little for ourselves; to restrain our selfish, and exercise our benevolent affections, constitutes the perfection of human nature.\" Adam Smith (150 words, 10 marks) B. \"Virtue lies in our power, and so does vice; because where it is in our power to act, it is also in our power not to act.\" Aristotle (150 words, 10 marks) C. \"I know that I am intelligent, because I know that I know nothing.\" Socrates(150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":31,"question":"What are the ethical issues and dilemmas that confronts you in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"Discuss the available options along with its merits and demerits.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"What will be your chosen course of action? Why (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"What are the administrative and ethical issues involved in the above situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Discuss the merits and demerits of each option and explain your chosen course of action with reasons. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What are the issues involved in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Is it ethically justified to be devoted to duty at the cost of the personal safety of the staff? Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"How will you go about doing your election duties without compromising the safety of your staff? Explain. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Do you think the above case involves a conflict of interest or there are more issues? Explain","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"Keeping the above case in perspective, discuss the relevance of impartiality and non-partisanship as professional value.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Discuss the administrative and ethical issues involved in the above case.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Do you think it was morally right on your part to write to the minister? Justify","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"How will you respond to the action initiated against you? Discuss the available options and justify your selected course of action. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":58,"question":"What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":58,"question":"Identify and explain your chosen course of action after evaluating the merits and demerits of each option. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":3232,"topper":"Himanshu Singh Nimoria","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/10/mts_2025_unchecked_mt24flton005_flt2508.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Discuss how care ethics challenges the assumptions of both utilitarian and Kantian ethics. In what ways can care ethics offer more context-sensitive approaches to public policy dilemmas, such as elder care or education? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Explain the key factors contributing to the formation of attitudes. How can an understanding of these factors enable public administrators to transform regressive social attitudes? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"Public servants often face ethical dilemmas not due to the absence of rules, but because of conflicting values.\" Comment on this statement and illustrate how competing values can complicate decision-making in public administration. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Do you agree that ethical accountability must go beyond institutional audits and legal compliance? Discuss with examples how informal accountability can shape ethical conduct in government offices. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss the limitations of codes of ethics & conduct in ensuring ethical behaviour in public service. How can ethical competence be cultivated beyond mere reliance on codes and manuals? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Evaluate the impact of political pressures on ethical autonomy in public administration. How can civil servants maintain integrity while operating in politically volatile environments? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Explore the role of ethical traditions in shaping conduct within public administration. How do conflicts among these traditions affect coherence and consistency in ethical decision-making? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Critically examine how both actual and perceived conflicts of interest can undermine ethical integrity in public administration. What institutional mechanisms are necessary to address such conflicts before they erode public trust and administrative fairness? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"Public service is not about rewards, but responsibility.\" In a socio-political context where public office is often used for self-promotion or patronage, is it possible to cultivate a culture of ethical restraint and selfless service? Justify your answer with reference to institutional practices and individual values. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Ethical public service involves not only the avoidance of corruption but also the assurance of quality and fairness in delivery. What do you understand by \"quality\" in public service delivery? Identify the key components of ethical service delivery and suggest how they can be institutionalised in day-to-day governance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context? (a) \"Good people do not need laws to tell them to act responsibly, while bad people will find a way around the laws.\" Plato (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":34,"question":"You are posted as the Chief Development Officer (CDO) in a rural district that has historically underperformed in infrastructure and social indicators. A centrally sponsored rural housing scheme intended for the poorest families, is under implementation. Your district has lagged behind targets due to faulty beneficiary lists, incomplete documentation, and lack of field-level staff coordination. At a divisional review meeting, your superior, the Divisional Commissioner, gives a clear verbal message: \"We cannot be the lowest-performing zone. 90% target completion in 45 days - get it done quietly. You know how the system works.\" He then adds, \"Performance reviews are around the corner - don't fall behind.\" When you raise the issue of land ownership and incomplete site readiness, he responds bluntly: \"Sort the files. Push the paperwork. No one's asking you to build castles - just show progress.\" On return, your team informs you that several other districts have already uploaded fabricated progress reports. Your own data entry staff and some Block Development Officers (BDOs) hint that you're \"overthinking it\", and that even senior officials expect you to \"fall in line.\" They also note that stalling may affect your next posting - particularly if you're perceived as \"non-cooperative.\" Meanwhile, you receive complaints from genuine beneficiaries whose names were left off the housing list due to a technical error. Correcting this would require re-verification, delaying progress further. The media is unaware, and no formal written directive exists, but the political pressure is mounting informally. Your subordinates are looking to you for clarity. You must now decide how to proceed. Question (a) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas involved in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you as the CDO? Evaluate each in terms of administrative feasibility and ethical consequences. (c) What will be your chosen course of action? Justify your response using ethical reasoning and public service values. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Question (a) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas involved in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you as the CDO? Evaluate each in terms of administrative feasibility and ethical consequences. (c) What will be your chosen course of action? Justify your response using ethical reasoning and public service values. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"You are a senior IAS officer appointed as the Relief Commissioner of a state that has been hit by severe monsoon floods. Several districts are under water, thousands are displaced, and the Chief Minister has declared a state emergency. You are overseeing emergency coordination across districts. Relief materials - food, water, medicine, and tents - are limited, and logistics are strained. One particular district AXY, has a strong media presence and politically sensitive, as a high-profile bye-election is due to take place there in a few weeks. The District Magistrate of AXY calls your office repeatedly, asking for an urgent increase in relief allocation, citing worsening conditions and \"unavoidable political visibility.\" Meanwhile, another interior district - CBC - is worse hit on all official impact parameters: casualty numbers, infrastructure damage, and displacement. However, it is remote, under-reported, and lacks media or political visibility. The local Collector, a relatively junior officer, sends data-driven reports but makes no political noise. Your control room staff quietly suggests prioritizing AXY due to its visibility: \"That's where our phones ring off the hook. If something goes wrong, the Commissioner's office won't ask about CBC.\" There is no clear guideline on prioritisation. Your logistics officer proposes splitting materials evenly - but that would undermine CBC's critical need. Your written mandate only says, \"Ensure equitable and prompt distribution based on need and urgency.\" To complicate matters further, you receive a call from the Chief Minister's Office, \"urging\" that AXY's issues be given \"immediate attention\" - though no official order follows. Questions (a) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas you can identify in this situation?. (b) What are the options available to you? Evaluate them in terms of ethical reasoning and governance impact. (c) What will be your course of action, and how will you justify it using principles of public service ethics? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"MedPharm Ltd. is a reputed pharmaceutical company known for manufacturing affordable generic medicines. Its products are distributed nationwide through both private channels and government procurement programs. The company is preparing for a major IPO within the next six months. In early March, a government hospital in a Tier-2 city reports that patients administered MedPharm's widely used antibiotic \"Xefamed\" developed severe adverse reactions, including two fatalities. Initial reports are shared with the company's regional distributor, but no formal escalation is made to corporate headquarters. Meanwhile, an internal quality assurance report, reviewed two weeks earlier, had flagged inconsistencies in the production batch linked to the hospital. However, the senior leadership team decided not to halt distribution, citing the urgency of meeting large state government orders and avoiding disruption in rural health schemes. A mid-level Quality executive, disturbed by the silence, emails the CEO and alerts external regulators and the media. The company's legal and PR teams convene an emergency meeting. The advice is to deny any link until lab results are conclusive, and to describe it publicly as an \"isolated incident under internal review.\" Behind closed doors, the senior leadership considers quietly recalling the batch from urban private pharmacies - where consumer awareness is high - while continuing distribution through public hospitals, citing that \"the public health ecosystem cannot afford panic.\" The ethics & compliance officer voices concerns about this approach, but is told not to \"interfere in operational strategy.\" At this point, a popular journalist contacts the company with a leaked version of the Quality report. The board is informed and is deeply concerned about negative media coverage impacting the IPO. There is no final proof that the drug caused the deaths, but the circumstantial link is strong, and internal records show prior awareness. Questions. (a) What are the key ethical issues and lapses evident in the case? (b) What are the options available to the company's leadership? Evaluate them in terms of public accountability and stakeholder impact. (c) If you were the CEO what course of action would you recommend and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"You are posted as Project Director of the District Rural Livelihoods Mission. The state has launched a performance-based ranking system where districts are graded monthly based on coverage, fund utilization, and digitized reporting. Your district, once a laggard, has climbed rapidly to the top five. A major reason is Rajeev, your Data and Monitoring Officer – an engineer with sharp analytical skills and a reputation for \"fixing\" bottlenecks. He introduced dashboards, streamlined MIS reporting, and pushed teams to update records within tight deadlines. The state team has praised your office's turn-around, and Rajeev is seen as a model officer. However, problems have begun surfacing. Field staff report being pressured to upload incomplete beneficiary data and show 100% progress, even when fieldwork lags. Women's Self-Help Group (SHG) coordinators have raised concerns about Rajeev's tone – dismissive, often scolding them for being \"slow and emotional.\" A few have stopped attending review meetings. You recently received a call from a block coordinator who alleged that she was humiliated in front of others and warned to \"fall in line or quit.\" Though no written complaints exist, informal feedback suggests rising resentment, fear, and manipulation of data to avoid conflict with Rajeev. Rajeev defends his actions as necessary to \"fix an inefficient, sentimental setup.\" Technically, targets are being met. But you're beginning to question whether this is performance – or a collapse in institutional culture. (a) What are the ethical issues and organisational culture concerns in this situation? (b) What are your options as Project Director? Assess them through the parameters of emotional intelligence and ethical leadership. (c) What will be your chosen course of action and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Questions (a) What are the ethical issues and organisational culture concerns in this situation? (b) What are your options as Project Director? Assess them through the parameters of emotional intelligence and ethical leadership. (c) What will be your chosen course of action and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"Questions (a) What are the ethical and administrative issues in this case? (b) What options are available to you? Evaluate them in light of ethical governance and prudent public fund management. (c) What course of action will you take, and why? Justify with reference to public service values, accountability, and long-term program integrity. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":3233,"topper":"Himanshu Singh Nimoria","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/781770142252687b4750b386de5a9f2e/39/mts_2025_unchecked_mt24flton005_flt2512.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"\"Duty forms the cornerstone of administrative ethics, yet without integration of other ethical perspectives, it risks becoming mechanical compliance.\" Discuss how the interplay of duty, virtue, principle, and consequences can enrich ethical decision-making in public administration. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"The strength of a professional public service lies in its ability to remain non-partisan, even in a deeply political environment.\" Do you agree that partisanship undermines the ethical foundation of public administration? Discuss the risks posed by political bias among civil servants and the safeguards that help uphold neutrality. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"In situations of moral ambiguity, where formal rules fall short, emotional intelligence and conscience become crucial tools. Explain how these internal faculties help public servants navigate ethical grey zones. Support with a suitable example. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"The heart of the ethical dilemma is not the absence of values but the presence of competing responsibilities.\" Discuss how ethical dilemmas in public administration often emerge from the clash of legitimate obligations rather than moral ambiguity. Illustrate with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"The growing layers of oversight, media scrutiny, and public expectations have made accountability a double-edged sword for public servants.\" Do you agree that excessive accountability pressure can sometimes hinder ethical judgment and innovation in the bureaucracy? Explain your perspective with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"Family, society, and education do not merely transmit values they shape the ethical foundation of public life.\" Discuss how these institutions influence value formation in public servants. Why is the role of these institutions critical in strengthening ethical governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"Gandhian ethics emphasize purity of means, truth, and moral courage even when outcomes are uncertain. Critically evaluate whether such absolutist ethics are compatible with the demands of modern public administration, where administrative realism and pragmatism are often necessary. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks\"","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"Procurement decisions are a litmus test of public sector probity, where integrity must resist both institutional pressures and private influence. Discuss how the principles of transparency, fairness, and accountability can strengthen ethical conduct in public procurement. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks\"","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"Attitudes, shaped by personal beliefs and values, influence the ethical behaviour of public servants. Explain how moral and political attitudes impact administrative neutrality and integrity in public service. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks\"","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"\"Foreign aid is often framed as generosity, but its ethical legitimacy depends on fairness, accountability, and respect for sovereignty.\" Explain the ethical concerns associated with conditional foreign aid. How can donor countries uphold recipient autonomy while ensuring transparency and developmental impact? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context? (a) \"Good government...depends...(on) the qualities of the human beings composing the society over which the government is exercised.\" J S Mill (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":34,"question":"What are the ethical considerations involved in this budget allocation decision?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"How can administrators ensure equitable development while maintaining working relationships with elected representatives? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"You are posted as the Deputy Director (Training) at a state administrative academy. Among the current batch of officer trainees is a probationer known for initiative and strong opinions on social justice and governance. Over the past few weeks, the probationer has been posting commentary on current affairs on his public social media account. While not abusive or inflammatory, his posts openly criticise: • Certain welfare schemes as \"tokenistic,\" • The inaction of state agencies in recent communal incidents, • And call for \"civil resistance\" to regressive laws. Screenshots of his posts have circulated in the department. Some senior officers consider the posts politically charged and believe they undermine the principle of neutrality and decorum expected of civil servants. Others argue he is still under training and needs mentorship, not discipline. You are informally asked by the Director General to “speak to him” and submit a recommendation on whether formal action is warranted. The probationer, when confronted, says: “I posted as a citizen, not as a government mouthpiece. I’m entitled to express myself. My views don’t affect my professional objectivity.” There’s growing debate in the academy: Where does personal liberty end and institutional responsibility begin? Is there space for moral conviction in service, or must officers conform fully to institutional restraint even in their private lives?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"What are the key ethical and professional concerns in this situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"How can civil servants balance personal expression with the demands of neutrality and public accountability? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the key ethical issues in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"How can civil servants uphold integrity when informal hierarchies and peer pressure discourage ethical action? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"What are the ethical concerns involved in the allocation of CSR funds in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"How would you assess the competing pressures of organizational politics and public interest?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"What decision would you take, and how would you justify it ethically and professionally? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"What are the administrative and ethical issues involved in the case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"How can senior civil servants uphold neutrality and fairness in politically sensitive postings without inviting retaliation or appearing insubordinate? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":59,"question":"What are the core ethical challenges involved in executing the eviction in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":59,"question":"How should a public servant reconcile legal mandates with humanitarian obligations in contexts of informal urban settlements?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3234,"topper":"Hridya S Biju","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/76dd6-46004680_2702_hridya-s-biju_rank_202.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"How did the October Revolution of 1917 influence India's struggle for freedom?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"How did the aims and objectives of the Indian National Congress differ from the pre-congress political associations?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Robert Clive is considered to be the man who put the \"jewel\" in the crown. To what extent do you agree that he was responsible for East India Company's success in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Despite the strength, why were the marathas unable to prevent the British from establishing control over India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"The Lucknow pact marked the beginning of congress's efforts to satisfy the demands of Muslim league. Evaluate the significance of this pact for Hindu-Muslim unity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Integrating the princely states with India demanded a carrot and stick policy, which Sardar Patel adopted very effectively. Elucidate","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Examine the need for a second States Reorganisation Commission in India. Considering contemporary statehood demands, should this commission be a permanent entity?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss the radical methods of agitation that revolutionaries used post-1905 against the colonial rule in India. What were the various factors responsible for their growth?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"How did British Economic policies contribute to the emergence of a \"middle class\" in India? What role did this class play in the struggle against British colonialism.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Discuss how the Muslim League, under Jinnah's leadership contributed in the late 1930s and 1940s consolidated their position, leading to mass communalism and political deadlock.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"What were the contributions of Lokmanya Tilak to India's freedom struggle?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"How were the issues faced by Dalits integrated into the Indian freedom struggle? What was the Dalit perspective on the national movement?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"Bring out the significance of the vernacular press in India's freedom struggle and discuss the British response to it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"The contribution of women find a prominent place in the history of India's freedom struggle. Discuss","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"The Indian National movement left a rich legacy for independent India. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"The integration of tribal communities in India has been a complex and ongoing process due to various factors. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"Linguistic principle was a dominant idea behind the demands for reorganization of states not only before independence, but also in post independent India. elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3235,"topper":"Hridya S Biju","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/31296-46004680_2708_hridya-s-biju_rank_202.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"How has globalization impacted the socio-economic and political status of women in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"What strategies can India adopt to harness its demographic dividend over the next decade?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Evaluate the impact of the hybrid work culture on family relationships.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"How does rural-urban migration influence poverty dynamics in both rural and urban areas of India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the emerging and changing patterns of marriage in India and the factors driving these changes.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Do you think urbanization has eliminated caste-based inequalities in India? Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"The lack of safety in urban spaces denies women access to basic rights in Indian cities. Discuss measures to create safer environments for women.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"How targeted cash transfers to women by state governments in India contribute to their overall empowerment?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the role that the private sector can play in ensuring universal health coverage in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"In what ways can the government incentivize the retention of urban local bodies in and motivation of health care professionals in rural and underserved areas?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"India's urban infrastructure faces a significant funding gap. Discuss the factors contributing to this gap and the role of urban local bodies in bridging it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"Discuss the role of women's organizations in addressing the social, economic, and political issues faced by women in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Distinguish between social empowerment, social justice, and social equity. Discuss the role of the government in promoting social justice in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"Explain how sub-urbanization can serve as a potential solution to the unsustainable nature of Indian cities.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"Critically analyze the proposition that increasing globalization has strongly influenced Indian cultural traditions, making them more progressive.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"How can digitalization and access to technology in rural areas help reduce poverty in India? Discuss the role of Digital India initiative in fostering rural development.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"The reorganization of states on linguistic and ethnic lines has been pivotal in addressing regional aspirations in India. Critically evaluate its effectiveness in ensuring national unity and regional autonomy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"What are the key factors behind low voter turn out in urban areas compared during elections? Discuss the measures to enhance electoral participation in urban areas.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"In what ways has globalization influenced pluralism and cultural diversity traditions in India? Do you think globalization has been a one-way street in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"To what extent has the National Food security act, 2013 (NFSA) has been successful in ensuring food security in india ?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3236,"topper":"Hrishikesh Alase","air":61,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ALASE-HRISHIKESH-RAJENDRA-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-61-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) \"Bhagavad Gita and Natyashastra are not merely texts; they exemplify the timeless wisdom, richness and diversity of Indian knowledge traditions.\" Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) The Harappan civilization was a \"technological powerhouse\" that laid the foundation for sophisticated urban living in ancient South Asia. In light of this statement, discuss the key technological breakthroughs and contributions of this Bronze Age culture.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Why is the First World War considered as the first 'total' war in modern history?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Highlight the differences in the approach of Bhagat Singh and Mahatma Gandhi in the struggle for freedom.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) Briefly explain the processes through which the earth-atmosphere system maintains heat balance.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) What characteristics of the monsoon climate play a crucial role in sustaining agriculture in Monsoon Asia?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) Account for the factors influencing the location of semiconductor industries across the world.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) Unemployment is not just an economic challenge, but a social one with far-reaching consequences. In this context, discuss the social impact of unemployment in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) Globalization has facilitated the influx of global brands and multinational corporations into the Indian market, significantly altering the consumer behaviour. Do you agree? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 Discuss how social media is reshaping identity formation and self-worth among adolescents in contemporary Indian society.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) The fusion of Islamic architectural styles with indigenous Indian traditions played a key role in the evolution of Indo-Islamic architecture in the country. Discuss with examples.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 'Emergency' is one of the most controversial and widely debated events in Indian politics. How far do you agree with the view that it was imposed to fulfil individual political goals rather than serve national interests? Also, discuss the short-term and long-term impacts of the Emergency.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13) What are 'atmospheric rivers'? How do they influence global weather patterns and impact human settlements?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 Despite sharing a similar latitude, why does the Mediterranean climate vary from the China-type climate? How do the differences in climate affect life and economic activities in the region?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 \"The tropical Indian Ocean is likely to be in a near-permanent heatwave state.\" Discuss the factors responsible for the rapid warming of the Indian Ocean along with its multi-dimensional impacts.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 How can the demographic transition in the southern states, marked by low fertility rates and an aging population, impact the region's economic growth and social welfare policies?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 Incidence of extreme rainfall events and flash floods in recent times has led to devastating consequences for major cities of India. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 \"Air pollution is as much an issue of equity and justice as it is an environmental one.\" Elaborate with examples.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"6 Tropical and SIDS countries have longer stake in air pollution justice due to longer consequences","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Analyze the socio-cultural factors contributing to the high attrition rate among women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers in India. Suggest measures to improve their retention in STEM.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 \"Caste census is relevant and necessary for any well-designed policy to reduce social inequality\". Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3237,"topper":"Hrishikesh Alase","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6770b-874484_2211_alase_hrishikesh_rajendra_rank_61.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. The Cholas are inextricably linked with the zenith of Dravidian art and architecture. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"2. Among the major legacies of the Indian freedom movement, civil liberties formed an important one. Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"3. The Berlin Conference of 1884-85 in many ways set the ground for the scramble in Africa. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"4. What is a cloudburst and what are its effects? Why are they more frequent in the Himalayan region?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"5. Despite its potential, there are several challenges in the implementation of the Ken-Betwa Link Project. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"6. Identify the issues related to production and supply of coal in India. How can these issues be addressed?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"7. Present the geographical distribution of agro-based industries in India and discuss the challenges faced by them.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"8. The caste system continues to be one of the key drivers of poverty and inequality in India. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"9. Discuss the issues faced by domestic workers in India. Also suggest measures that can be taken to empower them.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"10. Given the deeply gendered impact of population control measures, examine the need to rethink the current approach of population control measures in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"11. Examine the impact of the Sramana tradition on the Vedic religion and its relation with the emergence of Jainism, Buddhism and Ajivika sects.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"12. Shed light on the use of symbols and symbolic language by Mahatma Gandhi for both, integrating masses into the National Movement and against social evils.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"4. Use of 'Charkha' to show the importance of rural industries & economy.\n5. Demands (1) text he made to lord lomin during disobedience movement encompassed the needs of each Indian class from industrialists to labourers.\n6. Use of Salt as symbol for satyagraha due to its everyday use, high tariff and easy manufacturing.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"13. Giving a brief overview of the three Carnatic Wars, discuss the factors that led to the success of the British against the French in the struggle for control over India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"14. Provide an account of the issues that led to a crisis in Punjab in the 1980s. Also, discuss the roadmap to peace that was eventually adopted.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"15. Give a brief account of the distribution of installed capacity of solar power in India. Highlighting the challenges in proper utilisation of solar energy, mention the steps taken by the government to promote it in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"16. Post-drift theories based on ocean floor mapping provided new dimensions to the study of distribution of oceans and continents. Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"17. Explain the phenomenon of heat waves. Also, enumerate the conditions favourable for the development of heat waves in India and their associated health impacts.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"18. Providing an account of distribution of rainforests across the world, mention their key characteristics. Also highlight the threats that are being faced by tropical rainforests.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"19. Indian cities are not only mimicking the social and cultural structures of inequality and exclusion found in rural areas but are also creating fault lines for future conflicts. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"20. Examine the multi-dimensional impact of globalisation on tribal development in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3238,"topper":"Hrishikesh Alase","air":61,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ALASE-HRISHIKESH-RAJENDRA-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-61-Sample-MGP-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) Examine the scope and significance of the Supreme Court's advisory jurisdiction under Article 143 of the Constitution.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) What is delimitation, and why is it important? What challenges are associated with the delimitation exercise in India?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) How has asymmetric federalism helped India accommodate its diverse regional needs? Discuss with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Explain how the terms 'socialist' and 'secular' in the Preamble embody specific meanings in the Indian context.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 The role of State Finance Commissions in building regional equity and strengthening the federal link has largely been underutilized. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) How far do you think has the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) been successful in protecting and promoting child rights in India?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7 Outline the salient features of New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 related to school education. What does it state about the medium of instruction in schools?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) Throw light on the legal frameworks that are in place to ensure women's safety in India. What further steps are needed to enhance their safety and well-being?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 \"A multipolar world order is not merely an option but a necessity\". Elaborate. How can India leverage its position to strengthen multipolarity in the global arena?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 \"ASEAN is the cornerstone of India's Act East Policy and its Indo-Pacific vision.\" Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 Discuss the various administrative challenges faced by local self-governments (LSGs). What measures do you suggest for devolving administrative powers to LSGs, enabling them to function as institutions of genuine self-governance?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) In light of recent developments, the Collegium system and the Supreme Court's decision to strike down the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) Act, 2014 have once again come under scrutiny. Do you think that a NJAC-like body can make judicial appointments more transparent, broad-based, and accountable? Justify your answer.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13) Differentiate between the clemency powers of the Presidents of India and the USA. Also, critically examine the vesting of clemency power in the executive.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) What constitutes corrupt practices under the Representation of the People Act, 1951? Also, discuss the challenges in curbing such malpractices and suggest remedial measures.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Discuss the role of the Vice-President as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. Also describe the procedure for his/her removal from office.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 \"Universal Basic Income (UBI) is a viable solution to eradicate extreme poverty in India.\" Critically discuss the statement.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 What are the key determinants of malnutrition among under-five children in the country? Also, elaborate on the role of nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions in addressing this issue.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 \"Data is the raw material of Artificial Intelligence.\" In this context, discuss the need for transparent and accountable data governance frameworks in India. What steps has the government taken in this regard?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Critically examine the role of International Monetary Fund (IMF) in addressing debt distress in the Global South. How can India use its post-G20 presidency momentum to push IMF reforms?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 \"In a fluid geopolitical arena, engagement without formal endorsement is a pragmatic middle path.\" Do you agree? Explain in the context of India's current approach towards the Taliban regime in Afghanistan.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3239,"topper":"Hrishikesh Alase","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/82e29-874484_1512_alase_hrishikesh_rajendra_rank_61.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) Persuasion plays an important role in public administration. Discuss. Also highlight the various elements of effective persuasion.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) \"Never do anything against the conscience even if the state demands it.\" In this context, discuss the role of conscience in taking ethical decisions in administration.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) Raja Ram Mohan Roy's liberal views on social and religious issues have much relevance in present day India. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) The moral circle of humanity has been expanding constantly over time. Discuss in this context whether non-human entities should have the same rights as humans beings.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"3. What do each of the following quotations mean to you?\n(a) \"Each individual is capable of transforming his immediate environment by attempting a radical transformation inside him\". - J Krishnamurti","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) \"True compassion means not only feeling another's pain but also being moved to help relieve it\". - Daniel Goleman","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"4. (a) An important requisite for ensuring probity in governance is absence of corruption. Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"4. (b) The right to information (RTI) and the right to privacy (RTP) complement each other in holding the government accountable to the people, however, in cases of conflict, they can be reconciled keeping public interest in mind. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"5. (a) Explain the ethical issues involved in spending government funds for advertisement campaigns and publicity.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"5. (b) Explaining the concept of political neutrality, discuss its significance in administration. Also, highlight how the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules seek to ensure political neutrality in the civil services.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"6. (a) In light of the recurring issues, there is a constant need to search for better ethical frameworks and models of corporate governance. Discuss with adequate examples and evidence in support of your arguments.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"6. (b) Gender inequality begins at home and then gets institutionalised at the societal level. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"6. (c) Stakeholder Capitalism is suggested as a way forward in wake of social, economic and environment challenges posed by Shareholder Capitalism. Examine the relevant arguments in this debate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"(a) Identify the most pressing issues? Which ones would you address on priority?\n(b) What would be your advice to Mr. X and Mr. Y? Also, sufficiently clarify the reasons for such an advice.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":31,"question":"(a) इस प्रकरण में सम्मिलित सर्वाधिक अहम मुद्दों की पहचान कीजिए? आप प्राथमिकता के आधार पर किसे संबोधित करेंगे?\n(b) श्री X और श्री Y को आपकी क्या सलाह होगी? साथ ही, पर्याप्त रूप से इस तरह की सलाह के कारणों को स्पष्ट कीजिए।","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"8. In a recent survey around social and economic indicators, a certain state in the country was found grossly underperforming. The state is marred with the issues of poverty, hunger, social backwardness, lawlessness and underdevelopment. In about seven decades since gaining independence, this state has continued to perform poorly across various indices. In the past, the Chief Minister had set up a fact finding Committee to report on the chief causes of the backwardness of the State. After years of ground research and surveying, it was found that the one of the main causes of the state's backwardness was its huge population that amplified resource scarcity to unimaginable proportions. Taking a clue from the facts presented in the report, the State Cabinet constitutes a panel of policy makers to consider this question of growing population and suggest suitable revisions to the State's Population Policy. The Panel recommends legislating a Population Control Bill that has a contentious provision in the form of One Child norm. You are the Chief of this Panel and the recommendations of the Panel require your approval to be tabled in the Chief Minister's Office. In this context, answer the following questions:\n(a) What are the ethical issues related to population control of a compulsory nature that you would consider before approving or rejecting the recommendation?\n(b) What would be your course of action in the aforementioned case? Suggest reasons for the same.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":38,"question":"6 Can the economic development of state be preferred over individual rights?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"9. You are working as a Divisional Forest Officer in an area which is home to tigers. Recently, there have been reports of a tiger venturing into agricultural fields and also killing livestock of villagers. Unfortunately, 2-3 villagers have been killed by some wild animals in last few weeks. Villagers claim that the tiger has killed their fellow villagers and request you to protect their lives and property by either relocating or killing the man-eater tiger. They also obstructed investigation of forest officials to ascertain whether it was the work of tiger or some other animals. Your attempts to trap the tiger have not been successful. Concerned over the delay in killing or relocating the tiger, villagers hire a private hunter to kill the tiger on their own and argue that they have a right to defend themselves and their property. In this context, answer the following questions:\n(a) Identify the issues involved in this scenario.\n(b) What steps would you take as the Divisional Forest Officer to ensure villagers' safety along with protection of tigers?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":46,"question":"10. You are a District Magistrate of an area which has seen a huge surge in COVID-19 cases during the second wave of pandemic in India. The health infrastructure is already overburdened. Hospitals are overwhelmed, crematoriums and burial sites are regularly running out of space, and covid testing is struggling to meet the demand. Also, the vaccination drive is at the risk of going off-track due to the demand-supply mismatch. During this difficult time, you come to know that there are some people who are engaging in black marketing, hoarding and profiteering by using every trick in the book to cheat, ransom and swindle Covid-19 patients and their kin in the name of scarcity of drugs, oxygen and hospital beds.\n\nBlack marketing, hoarding and profiteering are a classic case of market failure, which highlights the significance of state intervention in a crisis situation. How can state effectively play the role of a regulator as well as service provider in such cases of market failure?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":51,"question":"11. You work as a marketing consultant for a multinational company that specializes in various products including nutrient supplements, diet pills etc. The company pays its employees extremely well and provides satisfactory fringe benefits. Your manager has hinted that he will recommend you for overseas company transfer, which will improve your job profile. This has motivated you to work harder and perform better.\nThe company has to advertise and sell a new weight loss pill 'X'. As per in-company research, it has minimal or no side effects and has no adverse impacts on health, which is its unique selling point (USP). You are given the responsibility of heading the marketing team for advertising pill 'X'. Due to a well-crafted marketing strategy including endorsement by a renowned celebrity, the product has generated considerable public attention. However, while working on an advertisement campaign for the pill, you find out that the in-company research findings of pill 'X' are fabricated. While it indeed has no side-effects, there are no proven benefits of taking the pill as well. It merely acts as a placebo.\nWhen you bring up the issue with your manager, he promptly tells you to keep the facts to yourself. He also indirectly brings up the fact that your performance review date is approaching and hints that you will get transferred overseas if you prove your loyalty to the company.\nBased on the given information, address the following:\n(a) Identify the stakeholders in this situation.\n(b) State the ethical issues that arise in this case.\n(c) Discuss your options in this scenario and mention your next step.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":52,"question":"दी गई जानकारी के आधार पर, निम्नलिखित प्रश्नों के उत्तर दीजिए:\n(a) इस स्थिति में हितधारकों की पहचान कीजिए।\n(b) इस प्रकरण में उत्पन्न होने वाले नैतिक मुद्दों का उल्लेख कीजिए।\n(c) इस परिदृश्य में अपने विकल्पों की विवेचना कीजिए और अपने अगले कदम का उल्लेख कीजिए।","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":56,"question":"12. Considering yourself as the Chairman of a Committee, constituted by the government, to suggest measures to improve the quality and accessibility of online education, answer the following questions.\n(a) What are the key ethical issues at stake here?\n(b) Highlight the principles and values that will guide your recommendations to the government.\n(c) Suggest measures to improve the quality and accessibility of online education in the country.","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":3240,"topper":"Hrishikesh Alase","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e90f0-874484_2419_alase_hrishikesh_rajendra_rank_61.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. Discuss the role played by the Directorate of Enforcement in the investigation of offence of money laundering and violations of foreign exchange laws.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"2. The Indian Constitution has been successful in providing a framework for liberal democracy to flourish in India. Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"3. What do you understand by the \"principle of subsidiarity\"? Discuss its importance in the context of India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"4. \"The moral value of fundamental duties would not be to smother rights but to establish a democratic balance by making the people conscious of their duties equally as they are conscious of their rights\". Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"5. Do you think the exercise of delegated legislation by the executive goes against the principle of separation of powers? Discuss in the context of India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"6. A key factor behind poor governance is a system of thinking and working in silos. Discuss in the context of public services in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"7. Unsafe abortions are a critical issue affecting the reproductive and maternal health of women in India. Identify the reasons behind the same and suggest remedial measures as well.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"8. Digital healthcare has the potential to address the perennial issues pertaining to accessibility and affordability of healthcare in India. In this context, discuss the role of Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission in putting the country at the cusp of a 'digital health' revolution.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"9. As the only G20 member from South Asia, the G20 leadership is an ideal opportunity for India to use it as an effective platform to amplify South Asia's voice at the global stage. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"10. The India-UAE CEPA will serve as a catalyst to bolster economic ties between the two countries and give India greater access to the region. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"11. A dysfunctional criminal justice system, absence of well-considered legislation and need for domain expertise, are being seen as the new challenges for the Indian judiciary. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"12. To what extent has the anti-defection law been able to address the issue of political instability in India? Discuss with suitable arguments.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"13. Governance of inter-state rivers in India suffers from various issues due to conflictual federalism. Discuss. Also, highlight the mechanisms, which can be utilised to resolve inter-state river water disputes in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"14. Elaborate on the fundamental aspects in which the Indian Constitution differed from its contemporaries despite being a post-colonial document.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"15. Freebies, especially ahead of elections, do more harm than good to the society. Do you agree? Give logical arguments in support of your answer.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"16. The Smart Cities Mission, which was launched to change the urban landscape of India has produced mixed results. Discuss. Also, highlight the challenges faced in executing the Mission.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"17. It has been argued that despite several hurdles faced by the entrepreneurship ecosystem in India, the future of India is likely to be shaped by its entrepreneurs. Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"18. Though the 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' scheme has given much-needed attention to gender discrimination, it has failed to yield desired results due to poor implementation and monitoring. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":47,"question":"19. As security threats increase in form and frequency in the South-West Indian Ocean, discuss the role played by India in relation to small island developing states (SIDS) in the region.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":50,"question":"20. As India re-imagines its neighbourhood, cross-border connectivity through sub-regions is becoming increasingly vital. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3241,"topper":"Hrishikesh Alase","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4f9ff-874484_4512_alase_hrishikesh_rajendra_rank_61.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. Analyse the factors that have contributed to India’s inclusive economic growth in the past decade.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. The Reserve Bank of India’s surplus transfers offer the government much-needed fiscal space, yet they are not without challenges. Critically examine the implications of the RBI's surplus transfers to the government.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. To what extent was the first National Monetization Pipeline (NMP) able to meet its objectives? What are the objectives of the new Asset Monetization Plan 2025-30 as announced in the recent 2025 Budget? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. Examine the major challenges hindering the Indian textile industry from achieving its full potential in the global value chain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. Why has India become increasingly import-dependent for edible oils despite being a major agricultural economy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. Air accidents are low-frequency but high-impact events. Examine the disaster management protocols in place for aviation-related emergencies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. Chemical pollution poses a grave threat to human health and the environment in India. Discuss the key sources contributing to pervasive chemical contamination and evaluate the effectiveness of existing environmental laws in curbing this problem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. Missile defence systems are becoming critical for national security in the face of evolving regional threats and advanced weapon technologies. Explain the working principle of missile defence systems. Critically assess India’s progress in developing indigenous missile defence capabilities. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Despite multiple resolutions and initiatives undertaken by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), its efforts to counter terrorism have achieved limited success. Discuss the reasons for this limited effectiveness.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. India practices a ‘multi-alignment’ approach in its cyber diplomacy. How does this posture strengthen India’s internal security while maintaining strategic autonomy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. While examining the shortcomings of the land reforms in the past, elaborate what land reforms 2.0 should look like. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"12 As NITI Aayog completes 10 years of its establishment, critically examine its role in the planning and development paradigm of governance in India.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. What are the primary causes of limited formal credit penetration among the rural and unbanked populations in India? Comment on the effectiveness of Small Finance Banks in addressing this gap and advancing inclusive financial growth.","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. To what extent has the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for the food processing industry facilitated value addition, employment generation, and global competitiveness in India's food processing industry? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. Waste circularity is emerging as a sustainable solution to India’s mounting solid waste crisis. Discuss the key principles of waste circularity and the government’s initiative in this regard. How effective have these measures been in fostering a circular economy? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. Discuss the importance of integrating traditional ecological knowledge of India's tribal communities with modern disaster management frameworks. Mention two examples where indigenous practices have contributed to disaster resilience.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. CRISPR technology has rapidly advanced in recent years, with new tools and clinical breakthroughs. Highlight the recent developments in CRISPR-based gene editing technology applications. Discuss the opportunities and ethical challenges these advancements present for healthcare and society.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. A credible semiconductor ecosystem is pivotal for India's economic security as much as for national security. Analyse the strategic objectives, incentives, and institutional architecture of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM). Identify the major risks that could derail its timelines. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. Intricate inter-play of diverse factors has been the force multipliers for extremism in the North East. Discuss. Suggest a multilayered strategy to tackle the menace of extremism in this region.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"20 Despite recent steps towards inducting women into combat roles, their participation remains low. Examine the key challenges impeding the greater inclusion of women in the Indian armed forces. Also, suggest suitable measures to enhance their participation. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3242,"topper":"Hrishikesh Alase","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9f6fc-874484_4513_alase_hrishikesh_rajendra_rank_61.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. (a) Compassion is the courageous choice to feel another's suffering as one's own, and to act upon it, even when silence is safer and indifference is easier. Examine the significance of compassion as an essential ethical value for civil servants in India. Illustrate your answer with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"1. (b) Marriages in India are transitioning from traditional sacramental unions to more autonomous relationships, reflected in live-in relationships and rising divorce rates. Discuss the ethical dimensions of these changes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"2. (a) While accountability often necessitates documentation, an overemphasis on bureaucratic procedures and excessive paperwork can inadvertently silence the very voices that public policy intends to empower, particularly at the grassroots. Examine the above statement with suitable illustrations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"2. (b) The principle of impartiality may conflict with the need for compassion towards marginalized communities. Discuss in the context of civil services in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"3 (a) What do each of the following quotations mean to you?\n(a) \"The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home.\" - Confucius (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"3. (b) \"Act only according to that maxim through which you can at the same time will that it become a universal law.\" - Immanuel Kant (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"3. (c) \"We are not only responsible for what we do, but also for what we fail to do\" - Molière. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"4. (a) Patriotism encourages ethical questioning, while nationalism often suppresses it. Discuss this statement in light of the formation of political attitudes during high-pressure national events. How can individuals develop moral attitudes that balance national interest with ethical reasoning?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"4. (b) Discuss how employee well-being and fairness can be balanced with efficiency and profitability in private organisations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"5. (a) Do you agree that excessive use of social media and emerging AI technologies may lead to a decline in emotional regulation and moral sensitivity among adolescents? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"5. (b) In light of the increasing incidents of suicides among students in India, discuss how Emotional Intelligence (EI) can aid in managing stress and emotional challenges.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"6. (a) In public service, emotional intelligence is not about suppressing emotion, but mastering its purpose — to connect, to de-escalate, and to uplift others with empathy and strength. Do you agree with this view? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"6. (b) An efficient work culture is built not only on rules, but on shared values. In this context, evaluate the role of leadership and team dynamics in transforming work culture within an organization.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"7 You are posted as the Joint Secretary in the Department of Information Technology of a state. The government recently implemented several citizen-centric digital services, collecting large volumes of personal data from residents. The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, requires that such data be processed only with explicit and informed consent, and mandates that processing must cease immediately upon withdrawal of consent.\n\nDuring an internal audit, you discover that the department continues to process and analyze personal data of several citizens even after they have formally withdrawn their consent. This data is being used for policy analytics and service improvement, purposes not explicitly disclosed at the time of data collection. When you bring this to the attention of your department head, you are informed that halting the processing will disrupt ongoing digital initiatives and may affect state-level performance metrics. Moreover, you find that the consent withdrawal process is cumbersome, and many citizens are unaware of their rights under the DPDP Act.\n\nYou also learn that a prominent social activist is planning to file a complaint with the Data Protection Board against involuntary use of personal data, which could attract public scrutiny and legal action against the department.\n(a) Identify and discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.\n(b) What are the potential consequences for the department if the issue is not addressed transparently?\n(c) How would you balance the need for efficient public service delivery with the obligation to protect citizens’ data rights? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"8 (a) इस प्रकरण में शामिल प्रमुख नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं? हितधारकों और उनके परस्पर विरोधी हितों की पहचान कीजिए।\n(b) लोक निर्माण विभाग के सचिव के रूप में, आप उपयुक्त स्थिति में क्या कार्रवाई करेंगे?\n(c) ऐसी घटनाएं सिविल सेवकों के मनोबल और शासन में जनता के विश्वास को कैसे प्रभावित करती हैं? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)\na) इस प्रकरण में शामिल प्रमुख नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं? हितधारकों और उनके परस्पर विरोधी हितों की पहचान कीजिए।\nb) लोक निर्माण विभाग के सचिव के रूप में, आप उपयुक्त स्थिति में क्या कार्रवाई करेंगे?\nc) ऐसी घटनाएं सिविल सेवकों के मनोबल और शासन में जनता के विश्वास को कैसे प्रभावित करती हैं? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":38,"question":"(a) What are the key ethical issues involved in this situation? Identify the stakeholders and their conflicting interests.\n(b) As the Secretary of the PWD, what actions will you take in above situation?\n(c) How do such incidents affect the morale of civil servants and public trust in governance? (Answer in 250 words)\na) What are the key ethical issues involved in this situation? Identify the stakeholders and their conflicting interests.\nb) As the Secretary of the PWD, what actions will you take in above situation?\nc) How do such incidents affect the morale of civil servants and public trust in governance?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"9 You are the Secretary in the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Government of India. In recent years, an increasing number of civil servants, particularly younger officers from the IAS, IPS, and IRS, have begun maintaining personal YouTube channels and social media pages. On these platforms, they regularly post videos related to their official work — showcasing innovative projects, public outreach initiatives, inspection drives, and sometimes even day-to-day administrative duties.\n\nThese videos often receive widespread public attention, and many viewers express admiration, saying such content enhances transparency, motivates aspirants, and humanizes the bureaucracy. However, concerns have also emerged from various quarters. Senior officers argue that such content may blur the boundaries between personal branding and public service, while some citizens and media commentators point to instances where videos feature vulnerable beneficiaries without consent, raise concerns about misuse of official premises, or seem designed more for personal popularity than public accountability.\n(a) लोक सेवकों द्वारा अपने आधिकारिक कार्यों को सोशल मीडिया पर सार्वजनिक रूप से प्रदर्शित करने के कृत्यों में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों की पहचान कीजिए।\n(b) क्या ऐसी प्रयासें जागरूकता और प्रेरणा को प्रोत्साहित देती हैं या क्या ये अनामिता, तटस्थता और सामूहिक सेवा भावना के मूल्यों से समझौता करती हैं? अपना मत दीजिए।\n(c) सचिव के रूप में, लोक सेवकों की उत्तरदायित्व डिजिटल सहभागिता सुनिश्चित करने के लिए आप कौन-से मार्गदर्शक सिद्धांत और नीतिगत अनुशासनाएं सुझाएंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"You have been asked to prepare a report with recommendations to balance public interest, institutional integrity, and evolving modes of communication.\n(a) Identify the ethical issues involved in civil servants publicly showcasing their official work on social media.\n(b) Do such practices promote awareness and motivation, or do they compromise the values of anonymity, neutrality, and collective service ethos? Give your opinion.\n(c) As the Secretary, what guiding principles and policy recommendations would you suggest to ensure responsible digital engagement by civil servants? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"10. You are the Director of the National Bioethics Commission who is responsible for assessing the ethical feasibility and oversight of a nationwide gene sequencing program. The project named GeneFuture, aims to sequence the DNA of every newborn child and store it in a centralized national database. The objective is to identify genetic predispositions to serious diseases early in life, allowing for preventive treatment and personalized medicine. Over 100,000 babies have already been enrolled in the pilot phase of the program. The government claims that this move is a landmark step in public health advancement.\n\nHowever, collection of newborn genetic data raises significant ethical concerns, particularly around informed consent, which may not fully capture parents' understanding of the long-term risks involved. Once gathered, this sensitive data could be misused for purposes such as surveillance, insurance discrimination, or commercial marketing by third parties. Uncertainty over data ownership—whether it lies with the state, parents, or the individual as they mature—further complicates the issue. The involvement of private tech and pharmaceutical companies heightens fears of commercial exploitation, especially in the absence of clear mechanisms for individuals to withdraw consent or delete their genetic information upon reaching adulthood.\n(a) What are the ethical issues you perceive in the implementation of the GeneFuture program?\n(b) Identify the conflicting interests of different stakeholders in this case.\n(c) What guiding ethical principles would you recommend for implementation of this project? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"11. You are a dedicated District Health Officer (DHO) with a strong commitment to evidence-based public health practices, recently assigned to a remote district in India. Your immediate and most critical task is to lead a crucial district-wide Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination drive, aimed at achieving 100% immunization coverage among children aged 9 months to 15 years. The success of this drive is vital for the collective health of thousands of children and for the district's overall health indicators, especially with the impending monsoon season posing additional health challenges.\n\nHowever, in one of the largest and most traditional villages in your district, you encounter formidable resistance. The villagers, deeply influenced by the pronouncements of a revered local\n(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case.\n(b) What immediate alternatives do you have to calm this resistance?\n(c) Suggest long-term strategies and systemic reforms to counter the widespread impact of superstition and improve public health outcomes through scientific thinking. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case.\n(b) What are the immediate options available to you to overcome this resistance?\n(c) What long-term strategies and systemic reforms would you suggest to address the pervasive influence of superstition and foster a scientific temperament for sustainable public health outcomes? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"12 You are a highly motivated and principle-driven Gram Panchayat Secretary, recently posted in a large and socio-economically diverse village in a remote district. Your immediate and most critical task is the meticulous verification of beneficiaries for the 'Gramin Awas Yojana' – a flagship state housing scheme aimed at providing 'pucca' (brick) houses to the genuinely impoverished and landless households. The scheme is under tight deadlines, with funds...\n(a) What are the probable administrative and ethical difficulties you foresee?\n(b) Discuss all the options available to you.\n(c) Which broad course of action will you take while adhering to the ethical obligation of your decision? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":58,"question":"(a) What are the potential administrative and ethical dilemmas you face?\n(b) Discuss all options available to you.\n(c) What comprehensive course of action would you choose to adopt, providing ethical justification for your decision? (Answer in 250 words)\na) What are the potential administrative and ethical dilemmas you face?\nb) Discuss all options available to you.\nc) What comprehensive course of action would you choose to adopt, providing ethical justification for your decision? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3243,"topper":"Hrishikesh Alase","air":61,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1163lRr2ntOtSAJ7990qQBiZxtiRmY0Hs/view","questions":[]},{"id":3244,"topper":"Hrishikesh Alase","air":61,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ds1GlDDRlbxilxuMBonJTaN_cIUnLKV7/view","questions":[]},{"id":3245,"topper":"Hritwik Ranjan","air":195,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/49c42-1085424_2576_hritwik_ranjan_rank_195.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3246,"topper":"Hritwik Ranjan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/cc2a2-1085424_2418_hritwik_ranjan_rank_195.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Elaborate on the key traits inherent to the sculptures of the Vijayanagara Empire. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Women revolutionaries made brave and unforgettable contributions to the freedom struggle in India. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss how the introduction of English education in India by the British helped strengthen anti-colonialism in the country. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The disintegration of the Soviet Union in the late 20th century had a profound impact on India. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"In view of the prevailing issues, discuss the need for reforming the urban infrastructure and mobility services in India through a gender lens. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"In India, the rate of growth of elderly population in 2011-21 was about three times the rate of growth of the general population. In this context, discuss why policies for the elderly are a crucial aspect for India's overall development. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"While globalisation is allegedly responsible for human rights violations, it allows human rights movements to counter its excesses and negative effects. Elaborate with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The present drainage system of the Himalayas is, to a great extent, the result of progressive river piracy. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Illustrate the geographical distribution of polymetallic nodules and discuss their significance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What do you understand by archipelagos? Explain the different processes involved in their formation, with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Tribal and folk arts in India are confronting several challenges of the modern age in a bid to survive. Discuss. Also, highlight the various initiatives taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the distinguishing features of Indian classical dances. Also, discuss how these dances are a manifestation of spirituality. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite the Chauri Chaura incident slowing down the momentum of Indian freedom struggle for a while, the Non-Cooperation Movement remains a watershed in the history of the Indian freedom struggle. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Bring out the contributions of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan in the fields of education and foreign affairs. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Enumerate the factors driving feminization in agriculture and discuss its effects. Also, state the ways in which women can be empowered in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"In India, suicide has become one of the leading causes of death among those aged 15-29. Bringing out the reasons behind the same, discuss the priority areas of the National Suicide Prevention Strategy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Giving a brief account of the lakes formed due to Earth's movement, discuss the economic and ecological significance of lakes. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India has the potential to generate 180,000 MW of ocean thermal energy, however, progress in this regard has been slow. In this context, highlight the associated challenges and suggest remedial measures. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Bringing out the availability of natural gas hydrates in India, discuss the promise as well as the challenges associated with their exploration. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3247,"topper":"Hritwik Ranjan","air":195,"year":2024,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a8738-1085424_2365_hritwik_ranjan_rank_195.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3248,"topper":"Hritwik Ranjan","air":195,"year":2024,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/49924-1085424_2420_hritwik_ranjan_rank_195.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3249,"topper":"Hritwik Ranjan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4498f-1085424_2366_hritwik_ranjan_rank_195.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"How can the family effectively transmit core moral principles in an era dominated by digital influences? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Though conscience generally serves as a crucial guide in ethical decision-making, it is sometimes fraught with limitations. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What ethical principles should govern the utilization of public funds? Discuss the moral implications of using taxpayer money to bail out large corporations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Probity means more than just the avoidance of corrupt or dishonest conduct. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What does the following quotation convey to you in the present context. (a) \"To educate a man in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society.\" - Theodore Roosevelt (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.\" - Henry Ford (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"\"Laws are silent in times of war.\" - Cicero (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Good corporate governance is about intellectual honesty and not just sticking to rules and regulations. Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"In general, the higher a position in an organization, the more emotional intelligence matters. Do you agree with this view? Give reasons in support of your answer. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In addition to neutrality and non-partisanship, tolerance and inclusion are other important values that facilitate the civil servants to be more competent in a diverse country like India. Explain with suitable illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What are the key principles of public service delivery? Discuss the challenges associated with providing effective public service delivery in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"When it comes to attitudinal change towards sustainable development, behavioural nudges are the way forward. Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"What lessons can be learnt from the life of Mother Teresa? Discuss their relevance in the contemporary world. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"In the following questions, carefully study the cases presented and then answer the questions that follow (in around 250 words): You are the Superintendent of Police in a city hosting a major religious festival at a temple. The event is expected to attract over a million pilgrims, far exceeding the temple's infrastructure capacity. Despite extensive planning and precautionary measures, a sudden crowd surge near the main shrine entrance has resulted in a stampede, causing multiple casualties and numerous injuries. The situation has escalated, with panic spreading among the devotees present at the temple. Adding to the complexity, instances of fake news are rapidly circulating through WhatsApp groups and social media platforms, falsely attributing the stampede to communal clashes. This misinformation is causing widespread panic among the general public and threatens to ignite communal riots in the district. As the Superintendent of Police, you find yourself at the center of this crisis, faced with the dual challenge of managing the immediate aftermath of the stampede and curbing the spread of fake news through social media. (a) Identify the key stakeholders involved in this case. (b) Explain the measures you, as the Superintendent of Police, will take to address the stampede situation and curb the spread of fake news through social media. (c) Discuss the ethical considerations you must keep in mind while implementing these measures, particularly in balancing public safety with individual rights and religious sentiments. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Identify the key stakeholders involved in this case. (b) Explain the measures you, as the Superintendent of Police, will take to address the stampede situation and curb the spread of fake news through social media. (c) Discuss the ethical considerations you must keep in mind while implementing these measures, particularly in balancing public safety with individual rights and religious sentiments. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the broader implications of celebrity endorsements and their influence on public health and consumer behaviour. (c) How can public figures like Ravi use their influence to promote ethical business practices in the advertising industry? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"You are posted as the District Magistrate in a predominantly agricultural district. Recently, the region has been hit by unseasonal rainfall, causing severe crop damage and pushing the farming community to the brink of crisis. The situation is further exacerbated by widespread corruption in the food grain procurement system. You have received reports about rampant malpractices in the warehouses responsible for procuring food grains from farmers. These corrupt practices include deliberate delays in the procurement process, manipulation of weighing scales, arbitrary quality rejections, and demands for bribes from desperate farmers. As a result, farmers are facing significant financial losses, with many unable to recover even their input costs. Many farmers are unable to sell their produce, while others are forced to sell at prices far below the Minimum Support Price (MSP). This has led to financial distress for the farming community. Adding to the complexity, you have received reports suggesting that some local politicians and influential businessmen are involved in these corrupt practices, benefiting from the farmers' misery. There are also rumors of potential farmer protests and agitations. As the District Magistrate, you are faced with the challenge of addressing both the immediate crisis and the systemic issues that have led to this situation. (a) Identify the key stakeholders involved in this case and their respective interests. (b) Discuss the immediate measures you will take to provide relief to the affected farming community. (c) Discuss the ethical dilemmas you might face while implementing your chosen course of action and how you would navigate them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Mr. V, recently appointed as the head of Aztack's India division, faces a significant ethical dilemma regarding the company's baby food products. Recently, it has come to public attention that Aztack's baby products in India contain nearly 3 grams of sugar per serving, while similar products in wealthier nations like Germany and the UK have no added sugar. Aztack defends this practice, stating that the sugar levels comply with local regulations. However, the nutritional information on these products omits details about added sugars. This revelation has sparked backlash from civil society, NGOs, and health experts, who argue that added sugar in baby products is dangerous and unnecessary. The criticism is growing, putting Aztack's reputation and market position at risk. Mr. V faces a serious challenge. Removing these baby products from the market could result in significant financial losses for the company, potentially leading to employee layoffs and even the possibility of the company shutting down, given its already precarious financial state. The senior management is pressuring him to resolve the issue without making drastic changes that could affect the company's profit. (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) Evaluate the options available to Mr. V in the above situation. (c) Which of the above would be the most appropriate option for Mr. V and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) As a person responsible for ensuring exam protocols, what are the options available to you? What course of action will you follow and why?(Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3250,"topper":"Ila Tripathi","air":51,"year":2016,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/13203_814_ILa_Tripathi_Rank_51.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3251,"topper":"Ila Tripathi","air":51,"year":2016,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/13203_816_ILa_Tripathi_Rank_51.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3252,"topper":"Ila Tripathi","air":51,"year":2016,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/13203_817_ILa_Tripathi_Rank_51.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3253,"topper":"Ila Tripathi","air":51,"year":2016,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/13203_818_ILa_Tripathi_Rank_51.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3254,"topper":"Ila Tripathi","air":51,"year":2016,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/13203_819_ILa_Tripathi_Rank_51.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3255,"topper":"Ila Tripathi","air":51,"year":2016,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/13203_820_ILa_Tripathi_Rank_51.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3256,"topper":"Indhuja U S","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/INDHUJA_U_S_SS_GS_1_AIR_459_2025_c7ea5d6a27.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Discuss how the Indus-Saraswati cultural zone simultaneously reflects patterns of similarity and distinctiveness. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Compare and contrast the Mauryan pillars with Achaemenian columns. What do these architectural forms reveal about their respective empires? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The Moderates succeeded in creating a national political platform, but failed in achieving concrete political gains. Do you agree? Substantiate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What is temperature inversion? Discuss conditions which are favourable for its genesis and its implications on urban air quality in Northern India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Differentiate between shield volcanoes and composite volcanoes. What explains the absence of active volcanoes in peninsular India? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Discuss how the geomorphology of India's eastern and western coasts influences the impact and vulnerability to tsunamis. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Explain the reasons behind the spatial shifts and the evolving global patterns of semiconductor manufacturing. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How can gender-sensitive policies contribute to more inclusive and equitable regional development? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite awareness around mental health, stigma continues to hinder emotional well-being in Indian youth. In this context, analyse the causes of deteriorating mental health and suggest measures to address them. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Do you agree that communalism in India today is as much an economic response as a religious one? Argue. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In light of recent discoveries, critically discuss how Sangam literature enriches our understanding of ancient Indian history and offers an alternative perspectives beyond Indo-Aryan traditions. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"How did Gandhiji's methods of protest evolve between Non-Cooperation and Civil Disobedience? Examine the contextual factors influencing this shift. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"India's intervention in the 1971 Bangladesh crisis marked a turning point in its foreign policy from non-alignment to regional assertiveness. Critically analyse. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"The Great Depression not only deepened the economic vulnerability of Indian peasants but also reshaped colonial economic policies and nationalist resistance. Comment (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"What is the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC)? Discuss its role in maintaining global climate stability. What potential effect may it have on the Indian monsoon system? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Discuss the comparative advantages and limitations of traditional weather prediction methods versus AI-enabled forecasting in India. How can Mission Mausam contribute to integrating traditional knowledge with modern techniques? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Hybrid work models have blurred the boundaries between public and private spheres. Discuss its impact on gender roles and family life in urban India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"How does the structural failure of education and vocational training in India reinforce inter-generational poverty and inequality? Suggest long-term reform strategies. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Quick commerce reflects more than changing consumer habits; it reveals shifting urban priorities. Examine its broader Socio-Economic and spatial impact on the fabric of Indian cities. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Examine how the proliferation of sects within major religions has historically acted both as an instrument of social reform and a source of social fragmentation in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3257,"topper":"Indhuja U S","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/INDHUJA_U_S_GS_2_AIR_459_2025_b322addf2f.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Ordinary laws and constitutional amendments are subject to different tests of judicial validity. In light of this distinction, examine, whether the Basic Structure doctrine should be applied uniformly to both. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Politicisation of the Vice President's role as Rajya Sabha chair raises concerns over impartiality. Elucidate its implications for parliamentary democracy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Regulating religious endowments without undermining the right to manage religious affairs poses a dilemma. Discuss how regulatory oversight can be balanced with the protection of religious rights. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The New Criminal Laws marks a shift from colonial control to contemporary justice. Discuss how these reforms reflect India's constitutional vision and societal needs in the 21st century. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Urban local bodies have become dependent on grants rather than being fiscally autonomous. Examine the challenges in the fiscal empowerment of ULBs and its impact on urban governance. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Given the prolonged and unresolved nature of Inter-State river water disputes, do you think the current tribunal-based mechanism has outlived its utility? Substantiate your view with relevant examples (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"\"Operating in the informal grey zone, gig workers are increasingly facing conditions akin to modern bonded labour.\" Examine this statement in the context of evolving employment trends in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Highlight the major challenges India faces in integrating Artificial Intelligence into public service delivery. Suggest a roadmap to address them. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Analyze the role of the US-India COMPACT initiative within the larger Indo-Pacific strategic framework and assess its impact on regional power dynamics.\" (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"'Disengaging from regional groupings only creates vacuums for adversarial actors.' In the context of India's role in the SCO, critically examine this statement. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"In the digital economy, regulatory authorities play a crucial role in curbing abuse of dominance and ensuring fair competition.\" Analyse the effectiveness of statutory regulators like the Competition Commission of India (CCI) in addressing anti-competitive practices in emerging technology markets. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"\"The asymmetry of population growth across states has created a fault line in Indian federalism.\" Discuss the implications of post-2026 delimitation on cooperative federalism and regional political representation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"The Mediation Act, 2023 marks a significant step towards institutionalising alternative dispute resolution in India. Critically analyse its potential to reform India's overburdened justice delivery system. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"The efficacy of Joint Parliamentary Committees (JPCs) in ensuring governmental accountability is often compromised by political considerations and their limited coercive powers, which undermine their ability to affect substantive change. Critically analyse this assertion, considering both institutional constraints and the broader political landscape. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"\"Non-state actors have emerged as indispensable partners in India's governance ecosystem.\" Examine this statement with suitable examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Mission Karmayogi seeks to shift India's civil services from a rule-based to a role-based system. Explain its design and likely challenges in transforming India's conservative bureaucratic culture. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Despite the enactment of the IT Rules, 2021, digital platforms continue to host harmful and misleading content. Analyze the gaps in the current regulatory framework and suggest measures for more effective control over social media and OTT platforms. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"To what extent does the affordability and accessibility of the internet in India reshape the rural-urban governance divide? Illustrate with examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"The New Washington Consensus is reshaping the contours of international cooperation. Discuss how this framework will influence India's foreign policy, particularly in relation to its strategic partnerships and regional security. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Discuss how the interplay of 'cooperation and competition' shapes the trajectory of India-China relations in the 21st century. Substantiate with recent examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3258,"topper":"Indhuja U S","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/INDHUJA_U_S_SS_GS_3_AIR_459_2025_4b1983d2dc.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Discuss how the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Food Processing Industry (PLISFPI) aligns with the broader goals of 'Make in India' and Atmanirbhar Bharat. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":3259,"topper":"Indrarchitha P","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/INDRARCHITHA_P_SS_GS_1_AIR_627_1331805227.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"'Cave paintings are the window into the aesthetic sensitivity and creative vision of ancient humans.' Discuss the statement with reference to ancient Indian cave paintings. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Evaluate the role of subsidiary alliance policy in turning 'the British Empire in India' into 'the British Empire of India'. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Mass nationalism was a watershed in the Indian freedom struggle to independence. How did the Indian Business community react to it? Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Do you agree that non-alignment adopted after independence formed the bedrock of Indian Foreign policy. Substantiate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Colonial legacy is the primary source of political instability in the African Continent. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Sustainable urban development needs mindful reassessment of land use patterns. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss the significance of the IT industries in promoting regional development in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Explain the formation of islands in the Indian Ocean Region with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Socio-cultural factors more than economic factors influence women migration patterns in India. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words) 8. Discuss the significance of the IT industries in promoting regional development in India. (10 marks, 150 words) 9. Explain the formation of islands in the Indian Ocean Region with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words) 12. 'Partition was a necessary evil to get rid of British rule and prevent a complete breakdown of law and order.' Analyse. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"'Partition was a necessary evil to get rid of British rule and prevent a complete breakdown of law and order.' Analyse. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"To what extent urbanisation has influenced the social hierarchy in Indian society? Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Globalisation expanded the market opportunities for goods and services beyond domestic territories. Discuss the effects of globalisation on the Indian craft industry with examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Rise of communalism in secular India threatens the social fabric and public order. Discuss the measures to contain the spread of communalism. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Describe the distribution of major palm oil producing countries. Also, indicate the major environmental issues faced by them. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Discuss the importance of water as the chief architect of the earth surface. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"'Tropical rainforests of the ocean are under serious threat of existence.' Discuss Also, suggest measures to rejuvenate these critical ecosystems. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Explain the reasons for geographical concentration of ozone holes. What are the remedial measures to ozone depletion? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"'Global warming increasingly contributes to extreme weather events.' Examine the statement with special focus on recent events of natural hazards in the Indian subcontinent. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3260,"topper":"Indrarchitha P","air":739,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/PSIR-T3-INDRARCHITHA-P-R739-1750231743279.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3261,"topper":"Indrarchitha P","air":739,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/PSIR-T4-INDRARCHITHA-P-R739-1750231759837.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3262,"topper":"Indrarchitha P","air":739,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/PSIR-T6-INDRARCHITHA-P-R739-1750231772048.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3263,"topper":"ISHA RANI","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/ISHA-RANI-UPSC-2024-Rank-384-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Basic structure doctrine has prevented the Parliament, a creature of the constitution, from becoming the master of the constitution. Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"To what extent, in your opinion, Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in India have enabled women led development at the grassroot level? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The power of pressure groups lies not in their size or elaborate organization, but in their ability to mobilize public opinion and create lasting change. With help of relevant examples, discuss how informal pressure groups shape public policy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"\"Bail not Jail\" is the cardinal principle that upholds the sacrosanct ideas of individual's liberty and dignity. Explain the statement with the help of various judicial pronouncements. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Dispute redressal is the most important component of cooperative federalism. How does the Interstate Council facilitate the resolution of disputes related to states in India, and what are the challenges associated with this process? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Anti-defection law has failed to address and resolve the evil of political defection satisfactorily. Discuss various issues surrounding the Anti-defection law and recommend some corrective measures. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Decriminalization of homosexuality by the SC in Navtej Singh Jauhar case remains a task half done, specially without the socio-political sensitisation about the issues faced by LGBTQIA+ community. Elaborate in light of ongoing debates on same sex marriage. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Built upon common democratic values and shared vision of strategic autonomy, India-France bilateral ties exude a promise of stability, growth, and security in a time of geo-political flux and uncertainty. Do you agree? Substantiate your answer. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"As an important attribute of soft power, \"Knowledge diplomacy\" has the potential to further various objectives of foreign policy. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Referring to the case laws through which the collegium system in India evolved, critically assess its functioning. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Considering the non-enforceable nature of fundamental duties and directive principles of state policy, critically examine their impact in socio-political norms. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite its vital role for the smooth functioning of the body politic, constitutional punctuality remains conspicuous by its absence. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Frequent reliance on the ordinance making power by the government, not only dilutes the basic tenets of executive accountability in a parliamentary democracy, but also overlooks the democratic traditions of building consensus. Discuss with relevant examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The critical reason for poor public health indicators in India goes beyond recognition of right to health as fundamental right. Do you think that a statutory framework alone can ameliorate the situation? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Reforming the education infrastructure through digital interventions is a progressive step, but it has its limitations too. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Electoral bond was brought in as a reform that was high on intent but has proved to be low on substance. Do you agree? Justify. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The profound impact of the data revolution and widespread smartphone usage has necessitated the use of digital tools in welfare programmes. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Presidency of G20 is but a reflection of India's quest for a more just and polycentric world order, where the voice of the global south is mainstreamed, not muzzled. Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The new cold war between the USA and China may have the effect of casting a long shadow on India's strategic interests from Pacific to Atlantic. Evaluate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3264,"topper":"Ishan Bhatnagar","air":5,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ISHAN-BHATNAGAR-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-5-Sample-MGP-Copy-2-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"SECTION - A 1. Glaciers are the canaries in the coal mine of climate change.\n2. To be content with little is difficult; to be content with much, impossible.\n3. The true cost of economic and leadership gaps is deferred growth and skewed transitions.\n4. An India that is not pluralist is not India at all.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"I. Two Indias?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"1. True peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice.\n2. The saddest aspect of life right now is that science gathers knowledge faster than society gathers wisdom.\n3. Human development suffers when interdependence is mismanaged.\n4. No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3265,"topper":"Ishan Bhatnagar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6c260-46007892_4512_ishan_bhatnagar_rank_05.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. Analyse the factors that have contributed to India's inclusive economic growth in the past decade. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. The Reserve Bank of India's surplus transfers offer the government much-needed fiscal space, yet they are not without challenges. Critically examine the implications of the RBI's surplus transfers to the government. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. To what extent was the first National Monetization Pipeline (NMP) able to meet its objectives? What are the objectives of the new Asset Monetization Plan 2025–30 as announced in the recent 2025 Budget? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. Examine the major challenges hindering the Indian textile industry from achieving its full potential in the global value chain.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. Why has India become increasingly import-dependent for edible oils despite being a major agricultural economy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. Air accidents are low-frequency but high-impact events. Examine the disaster management protocols in place for aviation-related emergencies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. Chemical pollution poses a grave threat to human health and the environment in India. Discuss the key sources contributing to pervasive chemical contamination and evaluate the effectiveness of existing environmental laws in curbing this problem.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. Missile defence systems are becoming critical for national security in the face of evolving regional threats and advanced weapon technologies. Explain the working principle of missile defence systems. Critically assess India's progress in developing indigenous missile defence capabilities. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Despite multiple resolutions and initiatives undertaken by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), its efforts to counter terrorism have achieved limited success. Discuss the reasons for this limited effectiveness.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":24,"question":"10 India practices a ‘multi-alignment’ approach in its cyber diplomacy. How does this posture strengthen India’s internal security while maintaining strategic autonomy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. While examining the shortcomings of the land reforms in the past, elaborate what land reforms 2.0 should look like. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. As NITI Aayog completes 10 years of its establishment, critically examine its role in the planning and development paradigm of governance in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. What are the primary causes of limited formal credit penetration among the rural and unbanked populations in India? Comment on the effectiveness of Small Finance Banks in addressing this gap and advancing inclusive financial growth.","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. To what extent has the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for the food processing industry facilitated value addition, employment generation, and global competitiveness in India's food processing industry?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. Waste circularity is emerging as a sustainable solution to India's mounting solid waste crisis. Discuss the key principles of waste circularity and the government's initiative in this regard. How effective have these measures been in fostering a circular economy? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. Discuss the importance of integrating traditional ecological knowledge of India's tribal communities with modern disaster management frameworks. Mention two examples where indigenous practices have contributed to disaster resilience. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. CRISPR technology has rapidly advanced in recent years, with new tools and clinical breakthroughs. Highlight the recent developments in CRISPR-based gene editing technology applications. Discuss the opportunities and ethical challenges these advancements present for healthcare and society.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. A credible semiconductor ecosystem is pivotal for India's economic security as much as for national security. Analyse the strategic objectives, incentives, and institutional architecture of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM). Identify the major risks that could derail its timelines.","marks":null,"words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. Intricate inter-play of diverse factors has been the force multipliers for extremism in the North East. Discuss. Suggest a multilayered strategy to tackle the menace of extremism in this region.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. Despite recent steps towards inducting women into combat roles, their participation remains low. Examine the key challenges impeding the greater inclusion of women in the Indian armed forces. Also, suggest suitable measures to enhance their participation.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3266,"topper":"Ishan Bhatnagar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Ishan-Bhatnagar-GS-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) The increasing use of digital surveillance technologies for maintaining law and order is a debatable issue. Critically examine the statement from the ethical point of view.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) Knowledge and skills are important, but they must be grounded in ethical principles for true success. In this context, discuss the importance of ethics in education and the role of educational institutions in imparting ethical values.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) How does persuasion help achieve a desired change in attitude? What are the elements of an effective persuasive approach?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) While scientific research drives technological progress and societal development, its funding often raises ethical questions. What ethical concerns arise from corporate sponsorship of scientific research, and how can these be addressed?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3 Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context?\na) \"Where do the evils like corruption arise from? It comes from the never-ending greed. The fight for corruption-free ethical society will have to be fought against this greed and replace it with 'what can I give' spirit.\" - A.P.J. Abdul Kalam","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) \"The greatest glory in living lies not in never failing, but in rising every time we fail.\" - Nelson Mandela","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"c) \"Your goodness is an impediment in your way, so let your eyes be red with anger, and try to fight the injustice with a firm hand.\" - Sardar Patel","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.4) a) What do you understand by the term \"Conflict of Interest\"? How does it manifest in the decision making by public servants? In what ways can it be minimized?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"b) \"In post-conflict rehabilitation, the pursuit of justice must be balanced with the need for reconciliation.\" Examine this statement in the context of addressing ethnic violence.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.5) a) In the ever-evolving landscape of academic institutions, administrators must not only manage academic issues but also emotional and interpersonal dynamics. In this context, discuss the significance of emotionally intelligent administrators in higher education.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"b) \"The recognition of the horrors of nuclear weapons should compel nations to move towards meaningful disarmament. However, geopolitical interests continue to hinder genuine progress in this direction. What are the ethical considerations of nuclear states to pursue global disarmament, and how can the international community balance security concerns with the moral imperative of a nuclear-free world?\"","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.6) a) \"Probity in governance is an essential and vital requirement for an efficient and effective system of governance and for socio-economic development.\" Discuss the statement with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"b) How can responsible and informed social media use be nurtured among children to make the internet a safer space for them?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7) Arushi is a young IPS officer known for her competence, integrity, and relentless dedication to challenging tasks. Recognizing her excellent track record, her superiors have chosen her to handle a sensitive assignment in a tribal-dominated district notorious for illegal bauxite mining. Here, the mafia mines bauxite from mineral-rich lands, transports it by truck, and sells it on the black market. This illegal operation thrives with the support of certain local officials and tribal musclemen who intimidate the local population and bribe select poor tribals to maintain control and silence.\n\nUpon assuming the new role, Arushi quickly grasps the ground realities and identifies the mafia's modus operandi, characterized by a series of devious tactics. Her inquiries reveal that several employees in her office are colluding with the mafia, forming an unholy nexus that enables these illegal operations. Determined to dismantle this network, she initiates strict actions, including raids on trucks transporting illegally mined bauxite. These actions significantly disrupt the mafia's operations, unsettling criminals unaccustomed to such resistance. Some office employees allegedly allied with the mafia inform the criminals of her determination to dismantle their operations, posing a serious threat to their profits. In response, the mafia adopts a counter-offensive strategy. Tribal strongmen and mafia operatives begin issuing direct threats to her, warning of severe consequences if the raids continue. Her family (husband and elderly mother) are stalked and placed under virtual surveillance, causing mental anguish and stress for them all. Matters assume serious propositions when a muscleman appears in her office and threatens that if she does not halt raids, etc., she will suffer the same fate as a predecessor officer who was killed by the mafia a decade earlier.\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb) Identify and evaluate the different options available to Arushi under the given situation.\nc) Which option would she adopt and why?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Q.8) The Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) is proposed on a river in a northeastern state of India, a recognized biodiversity hotspot. Covered in dense forests, this region harbors a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including numerous endemic species. Although sparsely populated, the region's communities have livelihoods and cultural practices deeply intertwined with the natural landscape. Its ecological wealth has been preserved over the years due to its environmental significance and cultural heritage. Additionally, the Upper Siang basin holds immense strategic importance due to its proximity to international borders, offering potential leverage in regional security and resource management.\nThe SUMP aims to harness the river's energy for economic growth, proposing infrastructure that includes an 11,000 MW \"mega dam,\" power stations, and transmission lines that could transform the state into a renewable energy hub. Proponents argue that the project will boost the state's economy through power generation, employment, and enhanced infrastructure while also helping meet the country's clean energy targets.\nHowever, a local NGO has raised concerns about the ecological and social costs of SUMP. The project would require extensive forest clearance, which plays a crucial role in carbon sequestration. Additionally, experts warn that construction activities could disturb the region's delicate ecosystems. This may affect riverine biodiversity and increase the risk of soil erosion and sedimentation, with potential downstream effects on agriculture and water quality. Another major issue raised is the potential displacement and cultural impact on local communities. This could threaten their subsistence-based livelihoods and disrupt their way of life. Critics also highlight that the project may contradict India's commitments to sustainable development.\nDespite these concerns, supporters of the project argue that SUMP's strategic importance and clean energy potential cannot be ignored. Moreover, they emphasize the project's strategic location, which would strengthen energy security, reduce regional inequalities, and contribute to the country's long-term development goals. They argue that amidst rising energy demands, the country cannot afford to forgo such an opportunity, especially given the presence of hydroelectric projects across borders that could shift regional control over water resources.\n(a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\n(b) In your opinion, which should take priority between development and conservation, and why?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":35,"question":"(a) उपयुक्त परिस्थिति में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों का वर्णन कीजिए?\n(b) आपकी राय में विकास और संरक्षण में से किसे प्राथमिकता दी जानी चाहिए और क्यों?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":39,"question":"Q.9 Inside a busy city administration office, Joint Municipal Commissioner Keerthi, who also serves as the Public Information Officer (PIO), faces a challenging situation. Recently, an RTI application has been received, demanding details about public infrastructure projects initiated during her tenure. Upon reviewing the requested information, Keerthi discovers that certain decisions made regarding these projects were not entirely sound in hindsight. These decisions, although taken in good faith and after due diligence, failed to realize promised outcomes. There were other employees also who were party to this decision. The disclosure of this information could potentially lead to scrutiny and backlash against herself, the employees, and contractors involved. Known for her integrity and commitment to public service, Keerthi finds herself at a crossroads. The RTI Act has served as a critical check against administrative arbitrariness, ensuring transparency and accountability. However, she also observes a troubling trend. RTI applications are often used by vested interests and activists seeking personal gain rather than genuine public interest. Some activists even resort to threats or extortion tactics, undermining the integrity of the RTI process. She fears the requested RTI information could be similarly exploited. Moreover, the employees involved are requesting her to withhold the information. In navigating this situation, Keerthi weighs her options carefully.\n(a) Critically examine the options available to Keerthi in the above situation.\n(b) Which of the above would be the most appropriate for Keerthi and why?","marks":null,"words":"20"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.10 Littering at popular tourist destinations has become a significant environmental and ethical concern in India. A recent incident highlighted this issue when tourists were observed throwing tissue papers and a cake box on the road after celebrating a birthday. When a local politely requested them to use a nearby dustbin just 5 feet away, the tourists dismissed the appeal, claiming no dustbin was available. The situation escalated when their driver threw a plastic bag into the adjacent valley.\n\nPublic reactions to the incident were divided. Some individuals commended the intervention as an effort to promote civic responsibility, emphasizing the need to protect fragile ecosystems like hill stations. Many argued that tourists must adhere to basic environmental ethics and that public spaces are a shared responsibility. Critics also highlighted the broader implications of such irresponsible behavior on the environment and local livelihoods.\n\nOn the other hand, the tourists involved accused those intervening of interfering in their personal affairs, claiming their privacy was being violated. The argument that the tourists were being publicly shamed through the viral video added another layer to the ethical debate. Many questioned whether posting such incidents online, even for a social cause, was appropriate or necessary.\n\nThe debate continues, with one side emphasizing the collective responsibility to preserve public spaces and the environment, while the other raises concerns about individual privacy and autonomy.\n(a) What are the ethical concerns associated with tourists littering at public destinations?\n(b) How can ethical tourism practices be integrated into policies to address issues like littering at tourist destinations?\n(c) Suggest a course of action that balances environmental responsibility and individual rights. Justify your answer.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Q.11) You are the Operations Manager at a fast-growing technology startup, NexGen Solutions, known for its innovative projects and timely delivery. The startup's environment is fast-paced, with tight deadlines and high expectations from clients and investors. Your current project, creating a cutting-edge AI based application, is critical for securing upcoming funding and partnerships. Your small, capable team includes four software developers and two project coordinators, with an equal number of men and women.\n\nRecently, the team has encountered major challenges. Priya, one of the female developers, has requested leave to care for her ailing mother. Meanwhile, another team member, Ayesha, is struggling to manage her workload along with caring for her infant child. As a result, other team members have taken on extra tasks, impacting their work-life balance and causing heightened stress. With the project deadline looming, tensions in the team have become visible. During a crucial project meeting, Karan, a senior developer, voices his frustration, saying, “Perhaps it’s not ideal to have team members who can’t fully commit during critical stages.”\n\nKaran’s remark triggers an immediate reaction. Neha, a project coordinator, finds his comment offensive and reports it to the Human Resources (HR) Department. She also hints that she might bring the issue to social media, which could harm the startup’s image. The HR Department, located at the company’s headquarters, investigates and recommends disciplinary action against Karan, emphasizing the importance of a respectful, inclusive workplace. Their recommendation puts you in a difficult situation. The project is already delayed, and losing a senior developer like Karan could jeopardize its timely completion.\n\nYou are now faced with a complex dilemma. On one hand, it’s vital to address the inappropriate comment and ensure a respectful work culture. On the other hand, you must keep the project on track without further demotivating your team.\n(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.\n(b) As the Operations Manager, how would you deal with the given situation?\n(c) Based on the case study, discuss the challenges faced by women at workplace. How can such challenges be addressed?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":54,"question":"Q.12 Prateek Kumar, the Project Manager, is in charge of the construction of a highly anticipated highway that is expected to drive regional development. The project aims to enhance connectivity, boost trade, and create substantial employment opportunities. Given its importance, it has become a focal point for the ruling party, which is actively promoting it as a symbol of progress ahead of the upcoming state elections next year. The timely completion of the highway is crucial, as the Chief Minister is scheduled to inaugurate it upon completion. This has led to added pressure on Prateek and his team to meet the approaching deadline, which is set for next month.\nDuring a routine inspection, Prateek discovers that a particular stretch of the highway has been built with substandard materials. This section fails to meet the required safety and durability standards, posing a serious threat to public safety and lives. If left unresolved, the compromised quality could lead to accidents, undermining both the project's credibility and the government's promises for safe and reliable infrastructure. Concerned, Prateek raises the issue with the contractor, but the contractor downplays the severity, claiming that minor adjustments will fix the problem without causing major delays.\nIn a subsequent team meeting, some senior members suggest that Prateek overlook the quality concerns to ensure the project remains on schedule. They argue that the majority of the highway meets standards and emphasize the severe economic and political consequences of delays. With elections approaching, they stress the importance of the Chief Minister's inauguration as a key political event. They warn that any delay could damage the ruling party's image, harm its electoral prospects, and potentially have repercussions for the team and the organization.\nLater, the contractor privately approaches Prateek with a substantial bribe, urging him to ignore the issue and allow the project to proceed. The contractor justifies his actions by citing financial pressures and the need to complete the project on time. Prateek is an honest and upright officer, but he understands that addressing the problem would delay the project, making it impossible to meet the deadline.\n(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\n(b) Under the given conditions, what are the options available to Prateek as the Project Manager? Critically evaluate each of the options.\n(c) What option should Prateek adopt and why?","marks":"20","words":"20"}]},{"id":3267,"topper":"Ishan Bhatnagar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7e533-46007892_4513_ishan_bhatnagar_rank_05.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. (a) Compassion is the courageous choice to feel another's suffering as one's own, and to act upon it, even when silence is safer and indifference is easier. Examine the significance of compassion as an essential ethical value for civil servants in India. Illustrate your answer with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"1. (b) Marriages in India are transitioning from traditional sacramental unions to more autonomous relationships, reflected in live-in relationships and rising divorce rates. Discuss the ethical dimensions of these changes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"2. (a) While accountability often necessitates documentation, an overemphasis on bureaucratic procedures and excessive paperwork can inadvertently silence the very voices that public policy intends to empower, particularly at the grassroots. Examine the above statement with suitable illustrations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"2. (b) The principle of impartiality may conflict with the need for compassion towards marginalized communities. Discuss in the context of civil services in India.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":14,"question":"3 (a) What do each of the following quotations mean to you?\n(a) \"The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home.\" - Confucius (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"3. (b) \"Act only according to that maxim through which you can at the same time will that it become a universal law.\" - Immanuel Kant (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"3. (c) \"We are not only responsible for what we do, but also for what we fail to do\" - Molière. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"4. (a) Patriotism encourages ethical questioning, while nationalism often suppresses it. Discuss this statement in light of the formation of political attitudes during high-pressure national events. How can individuals develop moral attitudes that balance national interest with ethical reasoning?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"4. (b) Discuss how employee well-being and fairness can be balanced with efficiency and profitability in private organisations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"5. (a) Do you agree that excessive use of social media and emerging AI technologies may lead to a decline in emotional regulation and moral sensitivity among adolescents? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"5. (b) In light of the increasing incidents of suicides among students in India, discuss how Emotional Intelligence (EI) can aid in managing stress and emotional challenges.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"6. (a) In public service, emotional intelligence is not about suppressing emotion, but mastering its purpose — to connect, to de-escalate, and to uplift others with empathy and strength. Do you agree with this view? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"6. (b) An efficient work culture is built not only on rules, but on shared values. In this context, evaluate the role of leadership and team dynamics in transforming work culture within an organization.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"7 You are posted as the Joint Secretary in the Department of Information Technology of a state. The government recently implemented several citizen-centric digital services, collecting large volumes of personal data from residents. The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, requires that such data be processed only with explicit and informed consent, and mandates that processing must cease immediately upon withdrawal of consent.\nDuring an internal audit, you discover that the department continues to process and analyze personal data of several citizens even after they have formally withdrawn their consent. This data is being used for policy analytics and service improvement, purposes not explicitly disclosed at the time of data collection. When you bring this to the attention of your department head, you are informed that halting the processing will disrupt ongoing digital initiatives and may affect state-level performance metrics. Moreover, you find that the consent withdrawal process is cumbersome, and many citizens are unaware of their rights under the DPDP Act.\nYou also learn that a prominent social activist is planning to file a complaint with the Data Protection Board against involuntary use of personal data, which could attract public scrutiny and legal action against the department.\n(a) Identify and discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.\n(b) What are the potential consequences for the department if the issue is not addressed transparently?\n(c) How would you balance the need for efficient public service delivery with the obligation to protect citizens' data rights? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"8 You are an IAS officer, currently serving as the Secretary of the Public Works Department in a hill state. Recently, a disturbing incident has come to light involving a senior Cabinet Minister and two engineers of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). During an inspection of a critical highway project, the Minister was allegedly seen on video physically assaulting and verbally abusing the engineers in full public view. The video, recorded by bystanders, went viral on social media and was widely covered by television channels, sparking both outrage and support from different sections of society. The Minister later defended his actions, alleging that the officials were corrupt, unresponsive to local grievances, and responsible for inordinate delays in the project. He insisted that his actions were driven by public frustration and the urgency of delivering infrastructure to a remote region.\n\nHowever, the engineers have filed a police complaint and written to their superiors, claiming they were targeted for resisting political pressure to award contracts to specific local contractors linked to the Minister. As the situation escalated, a union of NHAI engineers declared a strike,\n(a) इस प्रकरण में शामिल प्रमुख नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं? हितधारकों और उनके परस्पर विरोधी हितों की पहचान कीजिए।\n(b) लोक निर्माण विभाग के सचिव के रूप में, आप उपयुक्त स्थिति में क्या कार्रवाई करेंगे?\n(c) ऐसी घटनाएं सिविल सेवकों के मनोबल और शासन में जनता के विश्वास को कैसे प्रभावित करती हैं? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"(a) What are the key ethical issues involved in this situation? Identify the stakeholders and their conflicting interests.\n(b) As the Secretary of the PWD, what actions will you take in above situation?\n(c) How do such incidents affect the morale of civil servants and public trust in governance? (Answer in 250 words)\na) What are the key ethical issues involved in this situation? Identify the stakeholders and their conflicting interests.\nb) As the Secretary of the PWD, what actions will you take in above situation?\nc) How do such incidents affect the morale of civil servants and public trust in governance?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"9 You are the Secretary in the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Government of India. In recent years, an increasing number of civil servants, particularly younger officers from the IAS, IPS, and IRS, have begun maintaining personal YouTube channels and social media pages. On these platforms, they regularly post videos related to their official work — showcasing innovative projects, public outreach initiatives, inspection drives, and sometimes even day-to-day administrative duties.\n\nThese videos often receive widespread public attention, and many viewers express admiration, saying such content enhances transparency, motivates aspirants, and humanizes the bureaucracy. However, concerns have also emerged from various quarters. Senior officers argue that such content may blur the boundaries between personal branding and public service, while some citizens and media commentators point to instances where videos feature vulnerable beneficiaries without consent, raise concerns about misuse of official premises, or seem designed more for personal popularity than public accountability.\n\n(a) लोक सेवकों द्वारा अपने आधिकारिक कार्यों को सोशल मीडिया पर सार्वजनिक रूप से प्रदर्शित करने के कृत्यों में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों की पहचान कीजिए।\n\n(b) क्या ऐसी प्रयासें जागरूकता और प्रेरणा को प्रोत्साहन देती हैं या क्या ये अनामिता, तटस्थता और सामूहिक सेवा भावना के मूल्यों से समझौता करती हैं? अपना मत दीजिए।\n\n(c) सचिव के रूप में, लोक सेवकों की उत्तरदायित्व डिजिटल सहभागिता सुनिश्चित करने के लिए आप कौन-से मार्गदर्शक सिद्धांत और नीतिगत अनुशासनाएं सुझाएंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)\n(a) लोक सेवकों द्वारा अपने आधिकारिक कार्यों को सोशल मीडिया पर सार्वजनिक रूप से प्रदर्शित करने के कृत्यों में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों की पहचान कीजिए।\n(b) क्या ऐसी प्रयासें जागरूकता और प्रेरणा को प्रोत्साहन देती हैं या क्या ये अनामिता, तटस्थता और सामूहिक सेवा भावना के मूल्यों से समझौता करती हैं? अपना मत दीजिए।\n(c) सचिव के रूप में, लोक सेवकों की उत्तरदायित्व डिजिटल सहभागिता सुनिश्चित करने के लिए आप कौन-से मार्गदर्शक सिद्धांत और नीतिगत अनुशासनाएं सुझाएंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"In one case, a district magistrate was seen filming a surprise school inspection in which teachers were scolded on camera — the video was later posted to his personal YouTube channel that is also monetized. While some praised the officer's strictness, others criticized the public shaming of teachers and the breach of service dignity. In another case, a police officer was seen directing a flood rescue operation while his staff filmed drone footage, later edited into a motivational video for social media. You have been asked to prepare a report with recommendations to balance public interest, institutional integrity, and evolving modes of communication.\n(a) Identify the ethical issues involved in civil servants publicly showcasing their official work on social media.\n(b) Do such practices promote awareness and motivation, or do they compromise the values of anonymity, neutrality, and collective service ethos? Give your opinion.\n(c) As the Secretary, what guiding principles and policy recommendations would you suggest to ensure responsible digital engagement by civil servants? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"10 You are the Director of the National Bioethics Commission who is responsible for assessing the ethical feasibility and oversight of a nationwide gene sequencing program. The project named GeneFuture, aims to sequence the DNA of every newborn child and store it in a centralized national database. The objective is to identify genetic predispositions to serious diseases early in life, allowing for preventive treatment and personalized medicine. Over 100,000 babies have already been enrolled in the pilot phase of the program. The government claims that this move is a landmark step in public health advancement.\n\nHowever, collection of newborn genetic data raises significant ethical concerns, particularly around informed consent, which may not fully capture parents' understanding of the long-term risks involved. Once gathered, this sensitive data could be misused for purposes such as surveillance, insurance discrimination, or commercial marketing by third parties. Uncertainty over data ownership—whether it lies with the state, parents, or the individual as they mature—further complicates the issue. The involvement of private tech and pharmaceutical companies heightens fears of commercial exploitation, especially in the absence of clear mechanisms for individuals to withdraw consent or delete their genetic information upon reaching adulthood.\n(a) What are the ethical issues you perceive in the implementation of the GeneFuture program?\n(b) Identify the conflicting interests of different stakeholders in this case.\n(c) What guiding ethical principles would you recommend for implementation of this project? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"11 You are a dedicated District Health Officer (DHO) with a strong commitment to evidence-based public health practices, recently assigned to a remote district in India. Your immediate and most critical task is to lead a crucial district-wide Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination drive, aimed at achieving 100% immunization coverage among children aged 9 months to 15 years. The success of this drive is vital for the collective health of thousands of children and for the district's overall health indicators, especially with the impending monsoon season posing additional health challenges.\n\nHowever, in one of the largest and most traditional villages in your district, you encounter formidable resistance. The villagers, deeply influenced by the pronouncements of a revered local\n(a) उपयुक्त प्रकरण में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\n(b) इस विरोध को शांत करने के लिए आपके पास तत्काल क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\n(c) अंधविश्वास के व्यापक प्रभाव को दूर करने और संधारणीय लोक स्वास्थ्य परिणामों हेतु वैज्ञानिक सोच को बढ़ावा देने के लिए आप कौन-सी दीर्घकालिक रणनीतियाँ और प्रणालीगत सुधारों का सुझाव देंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case.\n(b) What are the immediate options available to you to overcome this resistance?\n(c) What long-term strategies and systemic reforms would you suggest to address the pervasive influence of superstition and foster a scientific temperament for sustainable public health outcomes? (Answer in 250 words)\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case.\nb) What are the immediate options available to you to overcome this resistance?\nc) What long-term strategies and systemic reforms would you suggest to address the pervasive influence of superstition and foster a scientific temperament for sustainable public health outcomes?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"12. You are a highly motivated and principle-driven Gram Panchayat Secretary, recently posted in a large and socio-economically diverse village in a remote district. Your immediate and most critical task is the meticulous verification of beneficiaries for the 'Gramin Awas Yojana' – a flagship state housing scheme aimed at providing 'pucca' (brick) houses to the genuinely impoverished and landless households. The scheme is under tight deadlines, with funds\n(a) आपके समक्ष विद्यमान संभावित प्रशासनिक और नैतिक दुविधाएं क्या हैं?\n(b) आपके लिए उपलब्ध सभी विकल्पों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\n(c) आप अपने निर्णय का नैतिक औचित्य सिद्ध करते हुए कौन-सी व्यापक कार्यवाही करेंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":58,"question":"(a) What are the potential administrative and ethical dilemmas you face?\n(b) Discuss all options available to you.\n(c) What comprehensive course of action would you choose to adopt, providing ethical justification for your decision? (Answer in 250 words)\na) What are the potential administrative and ethical dilemmas you face?\nb) Discuss all options available to you.\nc) What comprehensive course of action would you choose to adopt, providing ethical justification for your decision? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3268,"topper":"Ishan Bhatnagar","air":5,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e6f51-46007892_3343_ishan_bhatnagar_rank_05.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3269,"topper":"Ishan Bhatnagar","air":5,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3e38c-46007892_4528_ishan_bhatnagar_rank_05.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3270,"topper":"Ishan Bhatnagar","air":5,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/daed8-46007892_4527_ishan_bhatnagar_rank_05.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3271,"topper":"Ishan Sinha","air":234,"year":2022,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"IAS Gyan","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://aptiplus.in/uploads/pdfs/GS_1_Paper_Ishan_Sinha.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3272,"topper":"Ishan Sinha","air":234,"year":2022,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"IAS Gyan","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://aptiplus.in/uploads/pdfs/GS_2_Paper_Ishan_Sinha.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3273,"topper":"Ishan Sinha","air":234,"year":2022,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"IAS Gyan","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://aptiplus.in/uploads/pdfs/GS_3_Paper_Ishan_Sinha_compressed.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3274,"topper":"Ishan Sinha","air":234,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"IAS Gyan","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://aptiplus.in/uploads/pdfs/GS_4_ishan_Sinha.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3275,"topper":"ISHIKA SINGH","air":206,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Medical Science","optional":true,"source":"IAS Delhi Institute","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QjvDncZz6B3NCxyq04_vk4WP-PCq69nX/view?usp=drive_link","questions":[]},{"id":3276,"topper":"ISHIKA SINGH","air":206,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Medical Science","optional":true,"source":"IAS Delhi Institute","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sWe5ZwnK2Jvadk3cEvAyV2RdmdG75Scr/view?usp=sharing","questions":[]},{"id":3277,"topper":"Ishita Kishore","air":1,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8215d-787456_2121_ishita-kishore_rank-1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3278,"topper":"Ishita Kishore","air":1,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/925d8-787456_2122_ishita-kishore_rank-1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3279,"topper":"Ishita Kishore","air":1,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1t6H7__X1wX_BGH9HWG-b0-AFhjoWRcrd/view","questions":[]},{"id":3280,"topper":"Ishita Kishore","air":1,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1H_rSqxSAWG3li50VFzu2VCU0ybkEqW1B/view","questions":[]},{"id":3281,"topper":"Ishita Kishore","air":1,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/11OYwMwYbIs1B-WKYMkhfC8LhLlJqfUjR/view","questions":[]},{"id":3282,"topper":"Ishita Kishore","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/67770-787456_2217_ishita-kishore_rank-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. With examples, discuss how the cultural traditions from various regions of India get reflected in regional music. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. Highlighting the emergence of the working class movement, discuss its contribution towards India's freedom struggle.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. Do you agree with the view that Gandhian politics was, in a sense, a continuation of Tilak's politics? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. It is said that the world's oceans are losing their 'memory' due to human-induced warming. Comment. Also, discuss the consequences of the phenomenon. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. What is soil amendment? Evaluate the benefits and concerns associated with it.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. It has been suggested that the next decade may see a boom in hybrid power plants. Stating the advantages that such power plants offer, discuss the associated challenges. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. What are Van Allen Radiation Belts? Explaining their formation, discuss why there has been a growing focus on their study. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. Discuss whether marital rape should be criminalised in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. What is care economy? Highlight the challenges associated with it and mention the steps taken to address them in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. Post-pandemic India is staring at the challenge of \"learning poverty\". Analyse its implications and discuss a way ahead. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. Bring out the evolution of mural traditions in South India. Also, elaborate on their significant characteristics. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. Indian nationalism that confronted British imperialism in the 19th century was a product of colonial modernity. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. Environmentalism surfaced in the form of many organised movements in post independence India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. Do you agree with the view that continental blockade was an ill-conceived strategy by Napoleon to conquer Britain through economic means? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. What do you understand by the Arctic Paradox? Highlight the spatial distribution of mineral and energy resources in the Arctic region. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. Cryosphere changes have a tendency to bring about a devastating impact on the ecosystem and its people. Discuss. Also, enlist measures to tackle this threat. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. The frequent instances of urban flooding pose a severe risk to the urban ecosystem in India. Discuss with special emphasis on its impact on the critical infrastructure.","marks":null,"words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. Sand is not only critical for economic development but also provides crucial ecosystem services. Elaborate. In this context, discuss the importance of sustainable sand mining in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. The challenge of unbridled and unbalanced growth of urban spaces in India necessitates reforms in urban planning and capacity. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. Feminist movements in India have historically lacked inclusivity, often growing within a limited Western upper-class psyche. Critically discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3283,"topper":"Ishita Kishore","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/f05a5-787456_2218_ishita-kishore_rank-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to revisit the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution? Discuss with suitable arguments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Highlighting the advantages of online dispute resolution (ODR) mechanism for justice delivery, discuss the challenges associated with its effective implementation in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Despite the constitutional division of powers, Centre-state disputes have been a perennial feature of Indian democracy. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Do you agree with the view that adopting a framework for lobbying will strengthen participative governance and ease of doing business in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Despite the government encouraging open source instead of proprietary technology for government applications, the true potential of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) and digital platforms remains unrealized. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"As a social safety-valve, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) can be the principal vehicles through which communities voice their concerns. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Despite being lauded for its patient centric approach, the implementation of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, remains sluggish and mired with various issues. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to formulate an Urban Employment Guarantee scheme at the national level? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the relevance of BIMSTEC as a regional organisation to fulfil India's strategic aspirations in the Indian Ocean Region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the relevance of the Gujral Doctrine for India with regard to its relations with its immediate neighbours in the present times. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the pivotal role of the \"Officers of Parliament\" in the Indian Parliamentary system. Also, discuss the constitutional and statutory provisions for their impartial functioning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The Finance Commission plays a crucial role in balancing fiscal federalism in India. In this context, examine the recommendations given by the 15th Finance Commission. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Critically assess whether according statutory backing to the Model Code of Conduct will contribute towards free and fair elections in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The market disruption caused by digital revolution warrants renewed focus and perspective to ensure fair competition in the digital economy. In this light, discuss the need to revamp the Competition Commission of India (CCI). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"There is an urgent need for effective whistle-blowing mechanisms and ensuring that necessary safeguards for the protection of whistle-blowers are established in both public and private spheres in India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"State the reasons behind the poor performance of cooperatives in India. Also, discuss the reforms undertaken by the government to overcome the shortcomings. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Public-Private Partnership model, if harnessed properly, has the potential to bridge the gaps in India's healthcare system. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Although the New Education Policy brings with itself a commendable vision, its success will depend on its ability to effectively integrate with the government's other policy initiatives. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) is born from a collective desire to make the Indo-Pacific region an engine of global economic growth. Comment. Also, discuss India's concerns in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"India needs to identify the priority areas to further its techno-diplomacy amidst the complexities of expanding digital space and New and Emerging Strategic Technologies. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3284,"topper":"Ishita Kishore","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/052e1-787456_2219_ishita-kishore_rank-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Fiscal policy can be a key tool to reduce income inequality as well as make the poorest and the downtrodden a part of the country's growth story. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Digitizing land records will go a long way in ensuring land reforms as well as lessening the burden on the Indian Judiciary. Elaborate. Also, state the measures taken in this context. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"It has been pointed out that competitive politics to fund mostly non-merit subsidies is pushing a few states in India to the brink of a deep fiscal crisis. In this context, discuss the need to rationalise the subsidy regime in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Micro-irrigation has tremendous potential in transforming farming into a profitable and sustainable venture. Discuss the given statement in the context of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Given its vast resources and technical expertise, India can play a key role in assisting the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) in dealing with the impact of climate change. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The recent “Disaster Management Plan of Ministry of Panchayati Raj (DMP-MoPR)\" aims to develop disaster resilience at the grassroots level. In this context, discuss the rationale behind the formulation of the Plan and highlight its key components. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the internal security implications emanating from the use of Emerging And Disruptive Technologies (EDT) by state and non-state actors. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Identify the impediments faced by India in boosting its defence exports. Also, discuss the steps taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the multiple issues associated with space debris. Also, state the initiatives taken in recent times to tackle this menace. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The adoption of Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) in India is expected to make e-commerce more inclusive and accessible for consumers. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While an agreement was recently reached at the WTO on a deal to curb \"harmful\" government fisheries subsidies, certain concerns raised by India suggests that the matter will require further negotiations. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite the advantages that are associated with the hybrid annuity model (HAM) in the road construction sector, the interest in it has moderated due to various reasons. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The existing MSP procurement regime is neither economically nor agro-ecologically sustainable. Elaborate. Also, evaluate the alternative approaches that can be adopted to improve the existing MSP regime. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"It is being argued that India is struggling with overflowing foodgrains in warehouses. Discuss the statement in view of the existing buffer stock policy of India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Recently, the government has asked all ports to prepare a master plan in order to become 'mega ports' by 2047. In light of this, discuss the challenges faced by ports and suggest remedial measures in order to propel India's blue economy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Inequality in income and wealth translates into carbon inequality. In this context, discuss the significance of addressing carbon inequality for India and suggest ways to achieve it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Despite increased and regular occurrences of landslides over the past decade in India, the dominant development paradigm has largely not been modified. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India needs a smart border management system to balance legitimate cross border flows with national security interests. Discuss. Also, highlight the initiatives taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Establishing linkages between globalisation and money laundering, discuss the initiatives taken at the national and international levels to combat it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"There have been arguments that India needs to review some of its past assumptions about the nature of outer space and contribute to the development of new global norms. In this context, analyse India's stand in relation to the Artemis Accords. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3285,"topper":"Ishita Kishore","air":1,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1z4-4eJVLdLlEoLD3nXKzCJDz3IACglX5/view","questions":[]},{"id":3286,"topper":"Ishita Kishore","air":1,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/19GDJUIERBtXymQ38BXPmjgDxQHyJSLg8/view","questions":[]},{"id":3287,"topper":"Ishita Kishore","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DlSqKltZyIqMD9daH1PFMmVd-hIcGmXe/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) Ethical governance is the foundation of a welfare state. Identify essential ethical traits of a welfare state. Discuss ways and means to promote ethics in governance.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) While one group considers abortion as unmitigated evil, the other sees it as morally acceptable. Analyse various ethical concerns related to abortion and give your opinion on the issue.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) Conscience keeps ethics from fading when faced with a tough decision. Discuss in context of civil servants.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) What are the various conflicts of values that civil servants face while performing their duty? How can such conflicts be resolved? Discuss with illustrations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) a) Emotional intelligence (EI) not only helps in managing stress but also transforms distress into eustress. Elaborate with relevant examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) Differentiate between the following:\ni. Gratitude and Gratification\nii. Moral myopia vs Moral muteness","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.4) a) Although attitude and behaviour are interrelated, the former is a predisposition while the latter is an option. Discuss the structure of attitude and explain the relationship between attitude and behaviour.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"b) Civil servants should work for a cause and not for applause. In light of this statement, examine why bureaucratic anonymity is considered a foundational value for a civil servant. How far do you agree that the principle of bureaucratic anonymity has been diluted in the age of social media?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.5) What does each of the following quotation mean to you?\na) A man can give up a right, but he may not give up a duty without being guilty of a grave dereliction.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"b) Justice without force is futile, force without justice is tyrannical.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.6) a) Ethics in international relations is a myth, only national interest determines the foreign policy. How far do you agree with this statement? Discuss with suitable illustrations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"b) It is not power, but fear that corrupts. Fear of losing power corrupts those who wield it and fear of the scourge of power corrupts those who are subject to it. Examine the statement in context of political corruption.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"c) Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel. What do you understand by this statement? In your opinion, which five values should Indian education system inculcate in every student? Justify your choice.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7 Samuel is a famous tennis player. He is at the top of his career and had won three grand slams last year. The first major tournament of this year is scheduled for next week in country A. Samuel is the defending champion and crowd favourite. Organizers of the tournament expect Samuel to be a crowd puller for his matches. Many aspiring tennis players and youth look up to Samuel as their idol.\n\nThe tournament is being organized amidst the deadly third wave of Covid infection in country A. Country A has declared a public health emergency due to the rising number of Covid cases. Keeping in mind medical exigency, the organizers have mandated that every participating athlete as well as the attending audience should be fully vaccinated with two doses. However, Samuel refused to get vaccinated as he believes that vaccines can negatively impact his performance in the tournament. Samuel also argued that mandatory vaccination is a violation of his right to choose and goes against his individual liberty. The organizers of the tournament knew that if Samuel is denied entry in the tournament, their revenue from ticket sales may go down. They hesitantly allowed Samuel to participate in the tournament even without his compliance with vaccine mandate.\n\nTo tackle the surging wave of pandemic, country A has prescribed two weeks quarantine for anyone who has visited any other pandemic affected country. Samuel has visited one such country. But such a declaration from Samuel would mean that he would miss the tournament as only one week is left for the start of matches. To avoid quarantine, Samuel lied in his affidavit and claimed that he had not visited any other pandemic affected country. Samuel's popularity became his enemy as people quickly found that he had lied in his affidavit and photos of him vacationing last week in a pandemic affected country went viral on social media. There was a huge outrage against the conduct of Samuel. Samuel was arrested, fined and deported from country A. But there was also a section of the population who wanted to see Samuel in action and was upset that Samuel was forced to leave country A.\n\nBased on this case study, answer the following:\na) Identify various ethical issues involved in this incident.\nb) In your opinion, whether vaccine mandates are a violation of individual liberty or a reasonable restriction on personal freedom. Justify.\nc) Discuss the ethical responsibility of famous personalities while conducting themselves in public.","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":30,"question":"इस केस स्टडी के आधार पर, निम्नलिखित के उत्तर दें :\na) इस घटना में शामिल विभिन्न नैतिक मुद्दों की पहचान करें।\nb) आपकी राय में, क्या वैक्सीन अधिदेश व्यक्तिगत स्वतंत्रता का उल्लंघन है या व्यक्तिगत स्वतंत्रता पर उचित प्रतिबंध है। उचित सिद्ध करें।\nc) सार्वजनिक रूप से स्वयं का संचालन करते समय प्रसिद्ध व्यक्तियों की नैतिक जिम्मेदारी पर चर्चा करें।","marks":null,"words":"20 अंक"},{"page":34,"question":"Q.8) You are an IFS officer who heads a diplomatic mission in a European country. You live there with your wife and children. Your parents and few of your relatives are also visiting you for vacation. The country is known for its scenic mountains and it is a popular destination for tourists. In an unexpected turn of events, the country in which you are posted has been attacked by its neighbour due to some unresolved bilateral issues. All the major transportation channels have been adversely impacted by the attack. Flights have been cancelled and airspace above the country has been declared unsafe for commercial aircrafts. You have received an urgent communication from New Delhi asking you to prepare a plan for evacuation of Indians from the besieged country. You have been informed that a friendly neighbouring country of India has sought India's help to evacuate its citizens. Due to war, only a limited number of people can be evacuated in one go and multiple rounds would be required for evacuating everyone. You have identified following groups of people who are to be evacuated:\ni. You, your wife, children, parents and relatives.\nii. Diplomatic staff at the mission.\niii. Indian tourists visiting the country.\niv. Indian students studying in the country.\nv. A film crew and actors who were shooting a film in the country. These include some of the biggest names of Bollywood.\nvi. Citizens of the friendly neighbouring country that has requested India's help.\n As a civil services officer of the state, what would be the order in which you would evacuate these people and why? Give Justifications.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Q.9 Rashmi is a young IPS officer who is posted as the SP law and order in a district that has a history of communal clashes. During a cultural event, a political leader made certain controversial comments regarding the religion of another community that can potentially harm communal harmony in the district. The representatives of the aggrieved community met Rashmi with their complaint. An FIR was registered in the matter and the police department promptly started an investigation. During questioning, the accused political leader denied the charges. He claimed that he was exercising his right to freedom of expression and had no intention of hurting anyone's feelings. He even offered to tender an apology if his statement had hurt someone's religious feelings. However, the aggrieved community was not satisfied with this apology and demanded strict action against the accused.\n\nThe next day, a video went viral on social media in which the accused political leader can be seen making derogatory statements against another religious faith. However, Rashmi suspects that the video going viral on the internet is a doctored video and someone has mischievously edited it to make it more vitriolic and inflammatory. The video has ignited communal tensions in the district. The accused political leader belongs to an influential community and his community has put their support behind him. Local intelligence has warned that some anti-social elements are trying to use this opportunity to create communal riot in the district. The entire matter has been politicized and is being covered by the national media. In this situation answer the following:\na) What differentiates a hate speech from a free speech?\nb) Why does social media have a very strong influence over the actions and thoughts of its users?\nc) What is the most suitable course of action for Rashmi in this situation? Justify.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.10 Ashmita is a respected doctor who runs her own maternity clinic in a small town. She is a mother of two and her husband is also a doctor. Ashmita handles multiple cases of child delivery every day and is known for her compassionate treatment of patients. Her clinic enjoy a good reputation in town.\n\nAmong other expecting mothers, Shikha, daughter-in-law of an MLA, was admitted to Ashmita's maternity clinic for child birth. The MLA met Ashmita and expressed his confidence in her skills. He requested her to personally take extra care of Shikha, to which Ashmita agreed happily. Shikha unexpectedly went into labour in the early hours the next day. During this time, Ashmita was performing an emergency surgery on another patient, so she could not attend to Shikha. Shikha was taken care of by other qualified doctors and hospital staff. The MLA was visibly unhappy that Ashmita did not attend Shikha herself. Once the emergency surgery was completed, Ashmita joined her staff and attended Shikha. However, Shikha passed away due to excess bleeding from Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) during childbirth. Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is unpredictable heavy bleeding and Ashmita did everything that she could have done to try to save Shikha's life.\n\nThe MLA blamed Ashmita for Shikha's death. Ashmita was beaten by the MLA and his staff. When her husband tried to save Ashmita, he was dragged out of the hospital and thrashed. A police complaint was also lodged against Ashmita accusing her of murder due to negligence. For many days after the incident, she and her family faced constant harassment by police and supporters of the MLA. Ultimately, Ashmita could not take any more humiliation and committed suicide. The news of suicide by the doctor spread like wildfire. Indian Medical Association took cognizance of the case and warned nationwide strike of doctors if appropriate actions in this case were not taken.\n\nThe state government has appointed a committee to investigate the matter and recommend suitable actions. You are the Chairperson of this committee. In this scenario, answer the following:\na) Why do doctors face violence in the country?\nb) identify various moral-ethical and administrative lapses in this case.\nc) What would you recommend in this case? Give rationale behind giving those recommendations.","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":45,"question":"a) देश में डॉक्टरों को हिंसा का सामना क्यों करना पड़ता है?\nb) इस मामले में विभिन्न नैतिक-नीति विषयक और प्रशासनिक खामियों की पहचान करें।\nc) इस मामले में आप क्या सुझाव देंगे? उन सुझावों को देने के पीछे तर्क दीजिए।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":49,"question":"Q.11) The farmer unions in one of the states has called for mass protest owing to large number of arrears/their dues not being paid by the private sugar factories for the last two years. On the day of mass protest, farmers turned up in huge numbers and at several places the protest turned violent. There were instances of stone pelting, vehicle burning etc. The police were not able to control the violent protesters at some places and had to resort to lathi charge. But at one of the places, police resorted to firing in which four farmers were killed. This further aggravated the situation as farmers at other places also resorted to violence to protest against police action.\n\nLooking at the intensity of the situation, under opposition pressure, one of the Minister of the state gave the statement that farmers did not die due to police firing but there were some anti-social elements amongst the protesters who fired in order to create unrest in the state.\n\nThis statement of the Minister instead of calming the protesters further angered them as some eyewitness testified to news channels about the deaths being the result of police firing. All this further projected government in bad light and the police action has come under severe criticism by various sections of intelligentsia. The public sentiment has started to sway in favour of the protesting farmers.\n\nThere is huge pressure on the government to diffuse the tension, address farmers' grievances and take action against the police personnel involved in firing at the protesters since the protesters have started blocking all the major state highways which has crippled the day-to-day routine of the people of the state. Further, there is danger that the situation may get out of control anytime.\n\nSuppose you are the district magistrate where the incident has taken place:\na) You have to address the press conference. What will be your statement to the media if it seeks clarification on whether people died in the police firing as stated by the state minister?\nb) What are the ethical issues involved in the case?\nc) What steps will you take to tackle the post-firing situation effectively?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":50,"question":"अ) आपको प्रेस कॉन्फ्रेंस को संबोधित करना है। मीडिया के लिए आपका क्या बयान होगा यदि वह इस बारे में स्पष्टीकरण मांगती है कि क्या पुलिस फायरिंग में लोग मारे गए थे या जैसा कि राज्य के मंत्री ने कहा था?\nब) मामले में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\nस) फायरिंग के बाद की स्थिति से प्रभावी ढंग से निपटने के लिए आप क्या कदम उठाएंगे?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":54,"question":"Q.12) Amit is your colleague and a close friend. He asks you for your advice in this matter. Based on the described situation, help Amit identify various ethical dilemmas in this case. In your opinion, what is the most suitable course of action for Amit? Justify your choice.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"अमित आपके सहयोगी और करीबी दोस्त हैं। वह आपसे इस मामले में आपकी सलाह मांगते हैं। वर्तमान स्थिति के आधार पर, अमित को इस मामले में विभिन्न नैतिक दुविधाओं की पहचान करने में मदद करें। आपकी राय में, अमित के लिए कार्रवाई का सबसे उपयुक्त तरीका क्या है? अपने विकल्प का औचित्य सिद्ध करें।","marks":null,"words":"20 अंक"}]},{"id":3288,"topper":"Ishita Kishore","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kKuAthd7hP2xKfs81ABQ6AVrC-wMqRrj/view","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. (a) The logic of limitless wealth lies in the basic human instinct for furthering self-interest in the form of profit. In this context, do you think there is a possibility of pursuing ethical capitalism? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"1. (b) If a law is unjust, a man is not only right to disobey it, he is obligated to do so. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"2. (a) The capacity of Citizens' Charter to initiate any transformative process is conditioned upon it being appropriately designed and effectively executed. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"2. (b) The moral fiber and ethical conduct of public officials not only influence the standard of governance but also their own interests and performance. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"3. (a) The ongoing debate on euthanasia poses several ethical questions. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"3. (b) Foreign aid is a form of neo-colonialism, as the economically wealthier countries can exploit the developing countries under the cloak of aid. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"4. (a) Throwing light on the idea of Universal Humanism propounded by Rabindranath Tagore, discuss its contemporary relevance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"4. (b) Do you agree with the view that it is nature and not nurture which determines the emotional intelligence of a person? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"5. (a) Values that guide public administrators can often compete with each other, owing to their relative importance to the larger public interest. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"5. (b) Is it justifiable to say that corruption is a social phenomenon? What are the various ways through which administrative corruption can be tackled? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"6 (a) What do each of the following quotations mean to you? \"Overcoming poverty is not a task of charity; it is an act of justice.\" Nelson Mandela (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"6. (b) \"I do believe that, where there is only a choice between cowardice and violence, I would advise violence.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"6. (c) \"Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle.\" Martin Luther King Jr (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"7 You are posted as the Commissioner of Police in a metropolitan city where a visiting foreign dignitary, with President-level security cover, is scheduled to visit for an official function. As a part of the security preparedness, it has been decided that no vehicular traffic will be allowed on the route which will be taken by the foreign dignitary to reach the venue of the function in the city. However, just 15 minutes before the scheduled arrival of the dignitary, you are informed that a critically-ill patient is stuck on the way to the hospital in a private car along with his family.\n\nIn this situation, answer the following:\n(a) Discuss the issues involved in halting traffic for VIP movement.\n(b) List the options available to you in this situation with their merits and demerits.\n(c) What will be your course of action? Justify with proper reasoning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"8 In light of the above, answer the following:\n(a) Identify the challenges faced by transgenders during the different stages of their life.\n(b) Discuss the reasons for the continuing discrimination against transgenders in India despite several initiatives for their upliftment in recent times. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"9 In the given scenario, answer the following questions:\n(a) Identify the stakeholders and the ethical issues involved in the case.\n(b) What steps will you take to ensure that the enquiry is seen to be fair and impartial?\n(c) Given the challenges that the police forces in India operate under in their day-to-day functioning, suggest some initiatives to address them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"10 Mr. X is a billionaire businessman who heads a conglomerate engaged in insurance, energy generation and distribution, and manufacturing. Despite being globally known as a great philanthropist, he turned down a shareholder request seeking the disclosure of the conglomerate's actions on issues related to climate change as well as diversity and inclusion.\n\nBecause of increased attention to climate and diversity issues, many leading firms have committed themselves to incorporate relevant considerations in their business strategies. Therefore, some industry-observers wonder if Mr. X is out of touch with the industry at large and have warned him that failing to address climate change issues puts his businesses under systemic risk. But, Mr. X maintained his vote against the disclosure proposal, while at the same time acknowledged the importance of both climate change and a diverse and inclusive work force. However, Mr. X believes that such ethical issues take secondary importance to maximising shareholder profit.\n(a) Discuss the importance of including climate change strategies and diversity and inclusion in a business organisation?\n(b) In your opinion, what matters more for a business organisation - socio-environmental concerns or shareholder profit?\n(c) How can the two above-mentioned issues be reconciled? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"11 You are posted as a Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district where people of different religious communities are living together peacefully. The district is also famous for its architectural heritage and is regularly visited by tourists from all around the world. However, there has been an incident in the nearby state where people of two different communities have started fighting over religious issues. This incident has a spillover effect over the whole country. In your own area of jurisdiction, you have come to know from various sources about circulation of some hate speech videos, which have the potential to destabilise the law and order situation. You are also aware that some outsiders with dubious intentions have started pouring in your district. In one locality, a shopkeeper who had earlier filed a complaint regarding threats he received for posting something on the internet, is found murdered in cold blood. This incident has stunned the nation. You are being informed that hundreds of people of the community to which the shopkeeper belonged are planning to stage a massive protest in your district.\n(a) In the given situation, what are the options available to you to ensure that the law and order situation in the district remains stable. Provide a detailed account of your course of action.\n(b) Do you think the present legal and institutional mechanisms are sufficient to tackle the menace of hate speech in the society? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"3 Impose Internet ban under the Telegraph Act and make reinforcement request from adjoining districts","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"12 The Indian education system suffers from many ills. One of the major issues is the focus on 'rote learning', which has been the staple of the Indian education system for many years. While many Indians have attained success despite this system, simply being able to recall information is not enough in today's world when that information is instantly available to anyone on a mobile phone. A survey of 200 Indian and foreign companies found that only 14% of Indian graduates were prepared for the workforce, largely because most graduates were unable to apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems.\n\nIn this context, answer the following questions:\n(a) What are the consequences of 'rote learning' on the educational development of young students in the country?\n(b) Suggest measures that can be taken to address this issue. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":3289,"topper":"Ishita Kishore","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d99c1-787456_2220_ishita-kishore_rank-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The logic of limitless wealth lies in the basic human instinct for furthering self-interest in the form of profit. In this context, do you think there is a possibility of pursuing ethical capitalism? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"If a law is unjust, a man is not only right to disobey it, he is obligated to do so. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The capacity of Citizens' Charter to initiate any transformative process is conditioned upon it being appropriately designed and effectively executed. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The moral fiber and ethical conduct of public officials not only influence the standard of governance but also their own interests and performance. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The ongoing debate on euthanasia poses several ethical questions. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Foreign aid is a form of neo-colonialism, as the economically wealthier countries can exploit the developing countries under the cloak of aid. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Throwing light on the idea of Universal Humanism propounded by Rabindranath Tagore, discuss its contemporary relevance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree with the view that it is nature and not nurture which determines the emotional intelligence of a person? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Values that guide public administrators can often compete with each other, owing to their relative importance to the larger public interest. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Is it justifiable to say that corruption is a social phenomenon? What are the various ways through which administrative corruption can be tackled? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"\"I do believe that, where there is only a choice between cowardice and violence, I would advise violence.\"- Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"You are posted as the Commissioner of Police in a metropolitan city where a visiting foreign dignitary, with President-level security cover, is scheduled to visit for an official function. As a part of the security preparedness, it has been decided that no vehicular traffic will be allowed on the route which will be taken by the foreign dignitary to reach the venue of the function in the city. However, just 15 minutes before the scheduled arrival of the dignitary, you are informed that a critically-ill patient is stuck on the way to the hospital in a private car along with his family. In this situation, answer the following: (a) Discuss the issues involved in halting traffic for VIP movement. (b) List the options available to you in this situation with their merits and demerits. (c) What will be your course of action? Justify with proper reasoning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Mr. X is a billionaire businessman who heads a conglomerate engaged in insurance, energy generation and distribution, and manufacturing. Despite being globally known as a great philanthropist, he turned down a shareholder request seeking the disclosure of the conglomerate's actions on issues related to climate change as well as diversity and inclusion. Because of increased attention to climate and diversity issues, many leading firms have committed themselves to incorporate relevant considerations in their business strategies. Therefore, some industry-observors wonder if Mr. X is out of touch with the industry at large and have warned him that failing to address climate change issues puts his businesses under systemic risk. But, Mr. X maintained his vote against the disclosure proposal, while at the same time acknowledged the importance of both climate change and a diverse and inclusive work force. However, Mr. X believes that such ethical issues take secondary importance to maximising shareholder profit. (a) Discuss the importance of including climate change strategies and diversity and inclusion in a business organisation? (b) In your opinion, what matters more for a business organisation - socio-environmental concerns or shareholder profit? (c) How can the two above-mentioned issues be reconciled? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"The Indian education system suffers from many ills. One of the major issues is the focus on 'rote learning', which has been the staple of the Indian education system for many years. While many Indians have attained success despite this system, simply being able to recall information is not enough in today's world when that information is instantly available to anyone on a mobile phone. A survey of 200 Indian and foreign companies found that only 14% of Indian graduates were prepared for the workforce, largely because most graduates were unable to apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the consequences of 'rote learning' on the educational development of young students in the country? (b) Suggest measures that can be taken to address this issue. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3290,"topper":"Ishita Pandey","air":273,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ISHITA-PANDEY-UPSC-2023-Rank-273-MGP-Answer-Copy-Sociology-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3291,"topper":"Ishita Pandey","air":273,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ISHITA-PANDEY-UPSC-2023-Rank-273-MGP-Answer-Copy-Sociology-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3292,"topper":"Ishita Phuloria","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ISHITA-PHULORIA-UPSC-2023-Rank-140-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"The ultimate renewable energy is human ingenuity","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"The Rise of Populism in democratic societies is a threat to rule of law and constitutionalism","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3293,"topper":"Ishita Phuloria","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ISHITA-PHULORIA-UPSC-2023-Rank-140-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"It was neither her Coal and Iron reserves, nor the inventions of steam engine and cotton mills, but her democracy and rule of law that made Britain the epicentre of Industrial Revolution. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"In its extent, reach, and revolutionary zeal, Civil Disobedience Movement has a unique place in India's freedom struggle. Elucidate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"How will you explain that Vaishnavism and Shaivism as followed in medieval India represent both local traditions and universal ideals? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What do you understand from land subsidence? Explaining various reasons behind land subsidence, recommend measures to arrest the calamity. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Examining the reasons behind erratic Monsoon, highlight the possible outcomes of the same. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Explore and evaluate the impact of new technologies on Indian society. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Why did Hinduism-which amalgamated and absorbed almost every diverse faith, tradition, belief and practice that arose from within or outside, within its fold- failed to assimilate Islamic cultural beliefs and practices? Give reasons. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Elucidate the differences between Western and Indian model of secularism. To what extent do you agree with the criticism that Indian model of secularism is susceptible to promoting minority appeasement? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"With special reference to India, elucidate how globalisation-a multifaceted phenomenon-has had positive socio-economic outcomes on one hand and widened the gaps between the haves and have nots on the other? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Dravidian temple architecture that came of age during the rule of the Pallavas, could reach its zenith only at the time of the imperial Cholas. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"Highlight the reasons why pre-independence women movements were led by men. Also analyse the contribution of women-led socio-economic movements in post-independence India in mainstreaming and successfully redressing the concerns of women. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Discuss the causes for salinity ingress along with its various consequences and potential solutions. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The economic and strategic significance of mineral wealth of a country cannot be seen in isolation from the associated socio-ecological impacts of their extraction. Discuss in light of the newfound lithium reserves in Northern India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Explain the mechanism and occurrence of earthquake. With the help of map given below, throw light upon the vulnerability of regions affected by earthquake and earthquake related disasters. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Enumerating different types of tides highlight their significance. Also, explain how tides are different from waves. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"In the contemporary times, the conventional conceptualization of the institution of marriage as well as family is facing evolutionary changes. Do you agree? Justify. To what extent have the state and market played a role in this? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Bring out the reasons and consequences of the spurt in child marriages in recent years. What steps can be taken beyond the legal realms to tackle the menace? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Examine the reasons behind generation of regional sentiments? Do you agree that region-al sentiments and cultural assertiveness may lead to the issue of separatism? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3294,"topper":"Ishita Phuloria","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ISHITA-PHULORIA-UPSC-2023-Rank-140-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the role of the 'Fourth Estate' in upholding democratic values and analyse the issues affecting press freedom in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The electoral process, though inclusionary in theory, has been pointed out for exclusionary tendencies in practice. Analyse, with special emphasis on role of women in India's representative electoral system. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Assess the effectiveness of Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 in resolution of river-water disputes. Also describe the potential impact of delays in resolution of water disputes. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss the significance of the cooperative model of development in addressing the issues of rural growth. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"In order to pass the ultimate test of good governance, welfare state should be close to the people, responsive to their aspirations, and inclusive in its approach. Discuss with special reference PM PVTG Development Mission. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"To what extent collaboration between the state and civil society organizations (CSOs) help addressing poverty and malnutrition in the country? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Absence of a robust social infrastructure in the country may become one of the most significant challenges in achieving a developed status by 2047. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Water diplomacy can redefine the contours of regional cooperation in South Asia. Discuss with special reference to Indus water treaty 1960. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Despite constitutional backing to the institutions of local governance, the idea of decentralisation has remained hostage to several structural bottlenecks. Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Independent judiciary, as envisaged by the constitution, provides the bedrock for a thriving polity; however, executive encroachment may erode its credibility and affect its efficacy. Evaluate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Executive agencies, working as the watchdog against impropriety, are vital to act against the corrupt; however, pandering to vested interests may have the effect of turning the idea of rule of law on its head. Comment, with special reference to controversies associated with the Enforcement Directorate (ED). (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Critically analyse the role of National Commission for Women (NCW) in wake of its mandate to safeguard women's rights and uphold their socio-economic wellbeing. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Understanding the extent, source, and complexity of deprivations among the multidimensionally poor contributes to more informed policymaking. In this context, analyze the latest National Multidimensional Poverty Index Report by NITI Aayog. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Legislation like Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989 remains mere legal documents without intense sensitization of public functionaries and the civil society. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Harbinger of global rebalancing, India-Africa ties are a beacon of inclusive, sustainable, and equitable world. Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How do ASEAN centrality, rules-based order, and development partnership with Pacific Is-","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"Land states make Indo Pacific a theatre of opportunity for India? What are the hurdles in realisation of an inclusive Indo-Pacific construct? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3295,"topper":"Ishita Phuloria","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ISHITA-PHULORIA-UPSC-2023-Rank-140-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The influence of ethical principles on shaping socially responsible behavior is widely acknowledged. How do ethical values facilitate individuals in cultivating a proactive and constructive attitude towards fulfilling their social responsibilities? Can the subjective nature of ethical principles lead to divergent attitudes regarding social responsibility? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Through their actions, interactions, and teachings, schools have the power to mold the moral compass of the next generation. In this perspective, discuss the significance of value-based education in preparing the youth to address the contemporary challenges of society. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'situation ethics'? Critically analyze its strengths and weaknesses in making moral judgements. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Maintaining traditional bonds and familial relationships in an increasingly globalized world requires personal relationships to be governed by ethical principles. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Why should a man be moral? Because it strengthens his will.\" - Swami Vivekanand. In this perspective, discuss the significance of morality for bringing efficiency and effectiveness in public administration. Do you think moral rigidity can be a hindrance in good governance? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Civil servants who embody emotional intelligence exhibit a profound understanding of the human aspect of governance, enabling them to cultivate meaningful relationships, foster cooperation, and drive positive change. Examine ways in which Emotional Intelligence can be inculcated in civil servants. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The challenges posed by the corporate sector's impact on climate, environmental sustainability, and living conditions has highlighted the need for responsible and inclusive business practices. In this direction, the contemporary discourse on corporate governance is emphasizing the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. Evaluate the ESG framework in equipping the corporate world with the capabilities to fulfill its social roles and responsibilities. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Uniform Civil Code (UCC) aims to create a set of laws governing personal matters, such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption, irrespective of individuals' religious affiliations. In the context of the ongoing discourse on UCC in India, examine the challenges that arise when attempting to reconcile legal principles with diverse moral considerations. To what extent should the law be influenced by moral/religious principles? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What does each of the following quotation mean to you? a) \"When I do good, I feel good; when I do bad, I feel bad, and that is my religion\" - Abraham Lincoln. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":3296,"topper":"Ishita Rathi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b595c-567585_1453_ishita-rathi_rank_08.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the value-added, income and expenditure methods of estimating national income.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Explain the different quantitative and qualitative policy tools used to regulate money supply in the economy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"What is sterilization? Explain how it is deployed by RBI in stabilizing the money supply against external shocks.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"What are the key issues in fiscal management in India? How can these issues be addressed?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Explain, in brief, the various components of budget receipts and expenditure.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Highlight the monetary and fiscal measures that can be taken to address the phenomenon of inflation. Also explain their limitations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Bringing out the difference between depreciation and devaluation of a currency, explain how they affect foreign trade of a country.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"The average size of holdings has shown a steady declining trend over the last three decades. What are the challenges faced by farmers due to fragmentation of land? What needs to be done in this regard?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"What is liquidity trap? Discuss its implications on the economy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Bringing out the difference between fiscal deficit, primary deficit and revenue deficit, explain the implications of a high fiscal deficit on the economy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Revisiting PPP model is key for India's investment led growth. Analyze.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Highlighting the importance of manufacturing sector in economic development, discuss the need for a new industrial policy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"While port-led development in India has numerous advantages, it is being held back by a number of constraints. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Elaborate on the poverty estimation methodologies adopted after independence in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Identify the different types of unemployment. What are the factors affecting unemployment in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Agricultural marketing in India suffers from various shortcomings. Explain. Highlight the measures taken by the government to improve the agricultural marketing system in India.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3297,"topper":"Ishita Rathi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4d701-567585_1400_ishita-rathi_rank_08.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the changes that have taken place in the role of the state, and in particular the bureaucracy, in the post-liberalization era in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"There have been concerns related to foreign funding to NGOs in India. In this context, examine the current framework regulating the same. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Setting up of Open Government Data (OGD) Platform can potentially be a game-changer for transparency and accountability. Analyse. Also, identify the challenges that remain in translating this potential into reality. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlight the issues facing arbitration as an effective alternative dispute resolution mechanism in India. How does Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Act, 2019 strengthen the arbitration set up in India? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"It is argued that the introduction of compulsory voting in India would strengthen its democratic credentials. Critically analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"How far do you agree with the view that administration in India requires specialists instead of generalists? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The idea of Civil Services Board has been widely hailed as a key civil services reform, however it is not without its own limitation. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The office of the Lokayukta has been in place in many states for a long time. Discuss the issues faced by this office in exercising its functions effectively. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What are the issues ailing Citizen's Charters as an effective tool for holding public servants accountable? How can these issues be addressed? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Explain how the linkage between banks, NGOs and SHGs helps in facilitating access to microfinance and contributes to the development of rural areas. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"There is no strict separation of powers under the Indian Constitution, with the executive, legislature and judiciary empowered to carry out functions which may be considered within the purview of the other. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Critically examine whether the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) should be made legally enforceable. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What are the challenges in conducting free and fair elections in the era of proliferation of social media? In this context, identifying the steps taken by the ECI, suggest further measures. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Social audit can ensure a citizen-centric mode of accountability but there exist many issues in its implementation. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"With adequate policy incentives and civil society participation, entrepreneurship has the potential to become a vehicle for socio-economic mobility in India. Explain. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Identify the different issues associated with the design and implementation of MGNREGA. What reforms have been taken in recent times to address the above identified issues? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What is the rationale behind having a None of the Above (NOTA) option in elections? Do you think rather than NOTA the idea of right to recall would better serve the purpose of deepening democratisation in India? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"A sound legal framework, robust institutional mechanism for establishing rule of law, competent and dedicated workforce and decentralization and delegation are some of the necessary preconditions for good governance. Elaborate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Highlight the need of citizen engagement in e-governance projects in India. In this context, mention the framework adopted by NeGP for citizen engagement. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3298,"topper":"Ishita Rathi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/eaaed-567585_1391_ishita-rathi_rank_08.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Enumerate important privileges enjoyed by each House of Parliament collectively and its members individually and also discuss their significance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Give an account of the composition and functions of the Finance Commission as mentioned in the Constitution of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Preamble shows the general purposes behind several provisions in the Constitution, and is a key to the minds of the makers of the Constitution. Explain. Also, comment on the amendability of the Preamble.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Explain the principle of subsidiarity, its importance and discuss how the 73rd constitutional amendment act tries to achieve it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Explaining the importance of an independent judiciary, highlight the relevant Constitutional provisions that safeguard and ensure the independent and impartial functioning of the Supreme Court.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Mention the six freedoms as guaranteed under Article 19 of the Indian Constitution. Also, comment on the way in which the constitution has attempted to strike a balance between individual liberty and interests of society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"With examples, discuss the significance of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in light of costly and time-consuming litigation process in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Explain why the Indian Constitution has been argued to have created a 'federation with a centralising tendency'.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"The parliamentary control over government and administration in India is more theoretical than practical. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Why did the Constituent Assembly replace the original plan to have elected governors in favour of appointment by the President? Also, bring out the arguments that are raised against the current form of appointment of Governors.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Explaining the concept of judicial activism, discuss why it is important for courts not to take over the functions of the legislature or the executive.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Compare the constitutional position of Rajya Sabha with the Lok Sabha in terms of legislative powers. Also bring out special powers given to Rajya Sabha in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Comment upon the distribution of legislative subjects between the Centre and states. Under what circumstances does the Parliament make laws on matters enumerated in the State list?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Explain the significance of the concept of 'separation of powers' in a democracy. What can be the reasons for India not following the doctrine in the strict sense?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Explain the grounds on which a National Emergency can be declared and highlight its effects on Centre-state relations and Fundamental Rights.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Analyze how the CAG ensures financial accountability of the Executive to the Legislature while working as an independent Constitutional body.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Highlight the veto powers of the President of India. How does the veto powers of the Governor differ from that of the President?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Even though the parliamentary system of government in India is largely based on the British parliamentary model it never became a replica of the British system. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"A number of judicial pronouncements and constitutional amendments have altered the balance between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of Sate Policy since the commencement of the constitution. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Highlight the powers and functions of the Election Commission of India (ECI). Also, discuss the issues regarding the independence and impartiality of the ECI.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3299,"topper":"Ishita Rathi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OjeHemfQyvlEKJzcnnFX8_zRDrLdEEsG/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) \"Once one knows what virtue is, it is impossible not to act virtuously.\" Do you agree with this point of view? Justify.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen. What does courage mean to you? Explain with help of two examples from your life where you have acted courageously.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) A good citizen may disagree with a democratically derived law, but should never carry the disagreement to open disobedience. How far do you agree with this statement? Discuss in Indian context.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) Persuasion and coercion both have their utility in shaping attitude, depending upon the necessity, urgency and context. Explain with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) a) What are the limitations of code of conduct in upholding integrity and probity in civil services? Do you think code of ethics can overcome these limitations?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) The professional role of a civil servant is very demanding that often creates deep cleavages between personal and professional life. In this context, discuss the importance of emotional intelligence for a civil servant.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.4) a) Differentiate between the following:\n1. Envy and Jealousy\n2. Conscience and Consciousness.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"b) Which two values would you want every child born in the country to adopt so that it benefits all of the humanity? Justify your choices.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.5) a) A manager gets work done through people but a real leader develops people through work. Bring out the difference between a manager and a leader. In your opinion, what are the important qualities of a leader and why leadership is considered an important quality of a civil servant?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"b) It is the work culture that makes the difference between a good place to work and a great place to work. Highlighting the features of work culture of government offices, explain what measures can be taken to improve it.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.6) What does each of the following quotations mean to you?\na) \"No responsibility of the government is more fundamental than the responsibility of maintaining the higher standards of ethical behaviour.\" - John F. Kennedy (150 words, 10 marks)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"b) “We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves”. - Dalai Lama.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"c) \"There is no higher religion than human service. To work for the common good is the greatest creed.\" - Woodrow Wilson.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7) During the second wave of Covid-19, Amit, a resident of a posh metropolitan society, was desperately looking for Covid-19 vaccination slots for him and his wife. His wife is diabetic and also suffers from asthma. The government has started an online registration process for keeping a track of vaccination progress as well as maintaining transparency in vaccination allocation. However, the demand has out stripped the supply by a huge margin and it has become very difficult to get a slot booked for vaccination. Amit tried to register an online slot for himself and his wife but, like millions of others, he was unable to book a slot. He also visited all the health facilities near him and even requested government officials for vaccines, but to no avail. He knew that the chairman of his society, Mr. Chadda, is a politically connected man and could arrange the vaccines. When Amit approached Mr. Chadda, he told Amit that other members of the society had also approached him and he was trying to get vaccines for the entire society. After a few days, a camp has been set up in the society for free vaccination of all eligible members of the society. Amit decides to volunteer in the vaccination drive. While volunteering, he finds that the vaccine boxes have 'For Public Health Centre, Village Gumla' written on them. Amit understood that these vaccines are meant for a rural area but had been diverted to this society. He brings the matter to the notice of Mr. Chadda. Mr. Chadda tells Amit that he should not worry about the source of the vaccine and if he feels any guilt, he can skip the vaccination drive as it is a voluntary exercise. Amit knows that this is the only opportunity for him and his wife to get vaccines immediately. When Amit asks for his wife's opinion, she advises him to be thankful that Mr. Chadda has arranged the vaccines for them and that people in the villages are safer as villages are less congested. Amit is now in a conundrum over whether he should get vaccine shots for him and his wife that are meant for rural people. He is also not sure whether he should report the matter to government officials or not. Apart from facing danger of contracting Covid-19, the decision to report would also lead to many other old and vulnerable residents of the society to miss out on the vaccine. With reference to this case study:\na) Bring out and discuss the ethical dilemmas involved in this case.\nb) What is the best course of action for Amit? What ethical principles should he consider before taking any future action?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"a) इस मामले में शामिल नैतिक दुविधाओं को सामने लाएं और उन पर चर्चा करें।\nb) अमित के लिए कार्रवाई का सबसे अच्छा तरीका क्या है? भविष्य में कोई कार्रवाई करने से पहले उसे किन नैतिक सिद्धांतों पर विचार करना चाहिए?\na) इस मामले में शामिल नैतिक दुविधाओं को सामने लाएं और उन पर चर्चा करें।\nb) अमित के लिए कार्रवाई का सबसे अच्छा तरीका क्या है? भविष्य में कोई कार्रवाई करने से पहले उसे किन नैतिक सिद्धांतों पर विचार करना चाहिए?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":34,"question":"Q.8 Satish owns an ad agency which is doing very good in terms of revenue and online ratings. The creative and innovative working environment has led to a good reputation of the new company and Satish is anticipating a few big contracts from potential clients in near future. Satish attributes the success of his new agency to his very capable creative director who is instrumental in designing the content of his company's work. One day, Satish received a completed advertisement from his creative director for a daily consumer product. Satish as well as the concerned client were very impressed with the content and congratulated the creative director for his work and approved it to be launched.\nHowever, after a few days of the launch of the advertisement, Satish started receiving threats from a particular section of the community to withdraw the advertisement as it, according to them, had hurt their religious sentiments. Although Satish himself approved the advertisement, now there is pressure from an influential political leader of the concerned community to remove the creative director for offending the religious sentiments of the community. Satish is threatened of dire consequences if he does not remove the creative director. The situation has left Satish stressed and very worried as the threats through calls and messages are targeted towards his family members as well. More so the advertisement is receiving immense online trolling on popular social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook etc. Morphed pictures of Satish are being circulated in the social media platforms and he fears that the same might be done with his family members.\nThis whole incident has caused Satish great psychological and emotional strain. His ad agency depends a lot on social media platforms for marketing and the massive amount of trolling is bringing a very bad name to his agency, thus significantly reducing the ratings and business credibility of his new firm. He has also received information from an executive of a big company that his contract for making a series of promotional videos and advertisements could be cancelled as the company does not want to associate with him due to the current controversy. Satish was counting on this project and its cancellation will lead him towards a considerable financial loss. As a concerned owner Satish consulted his legal team which advised him to withdraw the advertisement even though there was nothing legally imprudent in the content in order to save the image and retain the clients of the firm. They also informally advised Satish to agree to the demands of removing the creative director in order to placate the angry members of the community. Satish as a young entrepreneur has always supported independent thinking and creative content and finds himself in a dilemma.\na) You are a friend of Satish and he turns to you for counsel in this difficult situation. Help him identify various ethical issues involved in this situation and suggest to him the most suitable course of action.\nb) ‘Censorship by voice and defamation’ on social media has become a disturbing scenario. What according to you motivates the social media users to engage in online bullying?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"a) आप सतीश के मित्र हैं और वह इस कठिन परिस्थिति में परामर्श के लिए आपके पास आता है। इस स्थिति में शामिल विभिन्न नैतिक मुद्दों की पहचान करने में उसकी मदद करें और उसे कार्रवाई का सबसे उपयुक्त तरीका सुझाएं।\nb) सोशल मीडिया पर 'ध्वनि और मानहानि द्वारा सेंसरशिप' एक परेशान करने वाला परिदृश्य बन गया है। आपके अनुसार सोशल मीडिया उपयोगकर्ताओं को ऑनलाइन बुलिंग में शामिल होने के लिए क्या प्रेरित करता है?\na) आप सतीश के मित्र हैं और वह इस कठिन परिस्थिति में परामर्श के लिए आपके पास आता है। इस स्थिति में शामिल विभिन्न नैतिक मुद्दों की पहचान करने में उसकी मदद करें और उसे कार्रवाई का सबसे उपयुक्त तरीका सुझाएं।\nb) सोशल मीडिया पर 'ध्वनि और मानहानि द्वारा सेंसरशिप' एक परेशान करने वाला परिदृश्य बन गया है। आपके अनुसार सोशल मीडिया उपयोगकर्ताओं को ऑनलाइन बुलिंग में शामिल होने के लिए क्या प्रेरित करता है?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":37,"question":"1 Reason for online bullying","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Q.9) In such a complex situation, what will be your response? Examine the qualities of a public servant which will be required to manage the situation.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"ऐसी जटिल स्थिति में आपकी क्या प्रतिक्रिया होगी? एक सिविल सेवक के उन गुणों का परीक्षण कीजिए जो स्थिति को प्रबंधित करने के लिए आवश्यक होंगे।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.10 Kuldeep is an honest senior officer working in Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in one of the states in Western India. The state has been in news for a trend of increasing drug usage among the youth. One day, he received a tip-off regarding a drug party. He conducted a raid and detained all the persons present on the venue. One of the detainees was Raghav, the son of a wealthy and politically connected businessman. He was in an intoxicated state and misbehaved with the NCB personnel on duty, warning them of dire consequences for detaining him. During frisking, Raghav was found to be in possession of contraband drugs. He was arrested and this news went viral on social media.\nSoon after the arrest, Kuldeep received a call from his senior who asked Kuldeep to apprise him of the case. During the conversation his senior dropped a subtle hint that as Raghav is a well-connected individual, going after him could be a career damaging case for Mr. Kuldeep and he should quietly settle the case for his own good. Kuldeep understood that his senior wanted him to drop charges against Raghav and set him free. However, Kuldeep has decided to pursue the case and follow the law.\nFew days after the arrest, a case was filed by Raghav's father alleging that Kuldeep has asked for money in return of dropping case against his son. Some people on social media have raised doubt on educational qualification of Kuldeep and few have made even distasteful remarks on his personal life. These allegations were widely covered in electronic media putting Kuldeep and his entire family under immense psychological pressure. In response to the allegations, the government has setup an inquiry panel to look into the matter. The inquiry panel promptly seeks Kuldeep's explanation.\nSome of the options available with Kuldeep to handle this situation could be as follows:\na) Kuldeep can present his case to the inquiry panel and go soft on the investigation of the case.\nb) Kuldeep can present his case to the inquiry panel and continue firmly with the case.\nc) Kuldeep can ignore the inquiry panel and directly approach the media with the case findings and his side of the story.\n Suggest any other possible option(s) that can be availed by Kuldeep. Evaluate all of them and suggest the best course of action, giving reasons for it.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"कुलदीप के पास उपलब्ध कुछ विकल्प इस प्रकार हो सकते हैं :\na) कुलदीप अपना मामला जांच पैनल के सामने पेश कर सकते हैं और मामले की जांच में नरमी बरत सकते हैं।\nb) कुलदीप अपना मामला जांच पैनल के सामने पेश कर सकते हैं और मामले को मजबूती से जारी रख सकते हैं।\nc) कुलदीप जांच पैनल की अनदेखी कर सकते हैं और मामले के निष्कर्षों और कहानी के अपने पक्ष के साथ सीधे मीडिया से संपर्क कर सकते हैं।\nकिसी अन्य संभावित विकल्प का सुझाव दें जिसका कुलदीप द्वारा लाभ उठाया जा सकता है। उन सभी का मूल्यांकन करें और इसके लिए कारण बताते हुए कार्रवाई का सर्वोत्तम तरीका सुझाएं।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":49,"question":"Q.11 Swikriti is a famous NGO working towards providing healthcare to the needy and homeless. In the past, it had been instrumental in extension of government health schemes to the villages and hinterlands. Its record for bona fide public service is well recognized across the globe. For its zealous service in the field of health care, its owner, Karamveer, a Lok Sabha MP, has been awarded the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay award. When a deadly disease engulfed the country recently, Swikriti, was one of the pioneers in aiding the public through providing essential medicines, ration supply and arranging hospital beds for the patients in need. The owner of Swikriti was personally overseeing the relief work in his constituency where the disease was particularly destructive. He was informed by one of his assistants that a majority of people in his constituency are socio-economically backward and could not afford the expensive medicines required to control the disease. He was exhorted to leverage the resources of his NGO to ensure a stable supply of medicine to his people. It would, he was told, not only be an act of public service, but could also be very helpful for his political career as the next round of Lok Sabha elections were just round the corner. Karamveer saw this as an opportunity to help the needy in his constituency, and accordingly decided to distribute the medicines for the disease free of cost. On the directions of Karamveer, the director of the NGO purchased two million packets of the essential medicine. The medicines were stocked in the office premises of the Swikriti and were earmarked to be distributed in Karamveer's Lok Sabha constituency. The bulk purchase of the medicine, however, caused a supply shortage in the market and the medicine became out of reach for many seriously ill patients outside Karamveer's constituency. The supply shortage was a factor in creating a condition of panic and caused severe stress to the patients. After the news of drug shortage reached the media, a complaint was filed at the drug controller's office. An investigation was conducted and it was found that Swikriti and its owner were prima facie guilty of violating the provisions of Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Beside depriving the people outside his constituency their right to purchase the medicine, Swikriti and its owner were found to be illegally purchasing, stocking and distributing it. Swikriti in an official statement said that though it violated the provisions of a statute its intentions were bona fide and it was driven not by a motive of profit but to help the poor and needy. Evidence also suggested that free distribution of X in Karamveer's constituency helped save lives of many economically backward people who otherwise could not have afforded the medicine. The whole incident was widely circulated in the social media platform and the users were divided in their opinion. While one section applauded the act of Swikriti, for serving the poor and needy, the other criticized it for illegally hoarding essential medicine and causing a state of panic in the city. You are the drug controller and are appointed by the court to investigate the case. There are two options before you:\na) You ought to take a broader view of the situation and will act leniently, as the act was not motivated by concerns for profit and has helped save lives of the poor and needy.\nb) Pursue the matter strictly in spirit of the Drug and Cosmetics Act, which has provision for both jail and fine, as the incident was illegal and caused panic in the people.\nmain_question As the drug controller, which course of action will you opt for and why?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Q.12 A social experiment \"slap her\" was conducted to evaluate the attitude of boys in the age group 6-13 years towards violence against women. Experiment started with simple questions where boys were asked their name, aspirations and dreams. Then a girl of their age was introduced to them and a casual conversation was facilitated between boys and girls. During the experiments, boys were instructed to engage in simple activities like hand shaking, high fiving etc. with girls. In the end, boys were asked to slap the girl. Upon hearing the instruction boys looked confused initially, but ultimately all the boys refused to slap the girl. The experiments showed that at a younger age, boys believed that it was wrong for them to hit another person, especially a girl. This experiment also suggested that violence against women is not something that comes naturally to boys. However, this attitude changes drastically as boys grow up to be adults. Data from the National Family Health Survey-4 revealed that for the entire country, 42% of men think that a husband was justified in hitting or beating his wife. A more worrying trend was that an even larger portion, 52%, of women believe that it was acceptable for them to be hit by their husbands. National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB) data shows an increasing trend of domestic violence against women in the country. Further, the Covid-19 induced lockdowns brought a shadow pandemic for women where they were exposed to higher degree of domestic violence. Based on the above observations, answer the following questions:\na) Why does the attitude of boys change towards girls when they grow up?\nb) What explains the higher acceptance of domestic violence among women than men?\nc) What can be done to bring desirable changes in the attitude of society towards women?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"आप ड्रग कंट्रोलर हैं और मामले की जांच के लिए कोर्ट ने आपको नियुक्त किया है। आपके सामने दो विकल्प हैं:\na) आपको स्थिति के बारे में व्यापक दृष्टिकोण रखना चाहिए और नरमी से कार्य करना चाहिए, क्योंकि कार्य लाभ के लिए चिंताओं से प्रेरित नहीं था और इसने गरीबों और जरूरतमंदों के जीवन को बचाने में मदद की है।\nb) ड्रग एंड कॉस्मेटिक्स एक्ट की भावना से मामले का सख्ती से पालन करें, जिसमें जेल और जुर्माना दोनों का प्रावधान है, क्योंकि यह घटना अवैध थी और लोगों में दहशत फैल गई थी।\nc) ड्रग कंट्रोलर के रूप में आप कौन-सी कार्रवाई चुनेंगे और क्यों?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"}]},{"id":3300,"topper":"Ishita Rathi","air":8,"year":2021,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1szwhwyONTKTEk7nECkSFiPIqvqDz8v7G","questions":[]},{"id":3301,"topper":"Ishita Sharma","air":268,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ISHITA-SHARMAUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-268-Sample-ESSAY-COPY-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. Men are taught to apologize for their weaknesses, women for their strengths.\n2. Power is not about dominating others; it's about empowering others.\n3. Dissent is the foundation of democracy.\n4. AI is the new electricity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"What is AI: Basics & the buzz","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3302,"topper":"Ishita Sharma","air":268,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ISHITA-SHARMAUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-268-Sample-MGP-COPY-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) The contributions of the “founding mothers” of the Indian Republic are often under-acknowledged, yet they are crucial to understanding the evolution of gender-sensitive constitutional jurisprudence. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Q.8 The increasing elderly population in India faces numerous challenges, highlighting the need for a comprehensive policy framework to manage this demographic transition. Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.15 “Rape is a rape; it cannot be condoned on the basis of the marital relationship between the victim and the accused.” In light of the statement, throw light on the ongoing debate regarding the criminalization of marital rape.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":6,"question":"Q1. The foundation of modern day gender sensitive constitutional jurisprudence was laid down during freedom movement itself.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"Q2. How it has helped accommodate diverse regional needs:-\n1 Reorganization of states as per regional demands (eg Vishal Andhra Movement)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"Q3. Collegium system was laid down in 2nd judges case & expanded in 4th judges case.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Q4. 'socialist' & 'secular' terms in preamble, as the defining character of Indian republic, were added by 42nd Amendment, 1976. However, even before, they were a part of ideals of constitution.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Q7. How these can improve access to preventive & promotive healthcare:-\ni) Mass based targeting - Direct reach to beneficiaries\neg) Cervical cancer vaccine for adolescent girls","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Q14. \"Every saint has a past & every sinner has a future.\" - Oscar Wilde\n\nClemency powers refer to the pardoning powers vested in President for entertaining mercy pleas.\n\nDifference between Indian President vs President\n1) can grant pardons for death penalty for union as well as state laws.\n2) can entertain mercy petitions only from convicts. [Art 72]\n3) No provision of pre-emptive pardon.\n4) Not a discretionary\n1) can only grant it for federal laws.\n2) can grant clemency at any stage of litigation, not just after conviction.\n3) can grant pre-emptive pardon.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Vesting of clemency powers in executive :-\nA) Rightful :-","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Q15. Debate on marital rape\nA Arguments in favour of its criminalization :-","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"6 (B) Arguments Against its criminalization\n1 GoI has submitted in SC :- \"it can destabilize the institution of marriage\".\n2 It can become a tool of harassment of husband.\n3 Amount to violation of privacy (u/a 19 & 21).\n4 Difficult to prosecute - how to collect evidence / witness etc.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Q19. India as diverse country & civilizational state - is part of various mini-lateral which are agenda & region specific. BRICS & QUAD are two such groupings.\nDifferent priorities of these:","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3303,"topper":"Ishita Sharma","air":268,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ISHITA-SHARMAUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-268-Sample-MGP-COPY-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) Legislation like Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989 remains mere legal documents without intense sensitization of public functionaries and the civil society. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Discuss the role of the Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) in achieving the twin objectives of enabling balanced growth and checking stressed migration. Explain how the Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP) builds on ADP to further achieve these objectives.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) University Grants Commission (UGC) has recently announced regulations for establishment and operation of campuses by foreign universities in India. In this context, discuss the benefits and challenges associated with the entry and operation of foreign higher educational institutions in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Bring out the potential opportunities of telemedicine in India. Also, elaborate on the challenges in this regard.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 \"Besides being a moral imperative of a Welfare State, primary health structure is a necessary precondition for sustainable development.\" Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6 Assess the performance of MGNREGA in generation of sustainable employment and creation of durable assets in rural India. Do you agree with the view that there is need to replicate this model in urban areas in form of an Urban Employment Guarantee scheme?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":16,"question":"Q.7 \"Digital interventions can significantly bridge the learning gaps and improve outcomes in the educational system of the country, but it comes with its own set of challenges\". Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.8 The various developmental initiatives by the government have fallen short of achieving their intended objectives. Is it a design issue or an implementation bottleneck? Suggest measures to improve the effectiveness of developmental schemes.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":22,"question":"Q.9) \"The fight against poverty is at the core of the Sustainable Development Goals\". In this context, highlight the interlinkages between poverty alleviation and various SDGs. Also, assess the effectiveness of the measures taken by the government for achieving the same.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.10) The Jal Jeevan Mission aims to provide safely managed drinking water, promising significant intergenerational benefits; however, ensuring the mission's success is not without challenges. Elucidate.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3304,"topper":"Ishita Sharma","air":268,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YXB7Al6EoTMdytCI4fpwM_NIoFHSA5jz/view","questions":[]},{"id":3305,"topper":"Ishita Sharma","air":268,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ii6pyxQ4BetDrg14wZpxyzf5xWNVkMHh/view","questions":[]},{"id":3306,"topper":"Ishita Sharma","air":268,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8e68b-1227181_2295_ishita_sharmarank_268.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3307,"topper":"Ishita Sharma","air":268,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7b522-1227181_2296_ishita_sharmarank_268.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3308,"topper":"Ishita Sharma","air":268,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/27bd2-1227181_2297_ishita_sharmarank_268.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"It has been a difficult exercise to produce a universally acceptable or applicable definition of tribals in India. In this context, discuss the diverse and similar features of tribes across India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"The socio-religious reform movements tried to achieve the objective of emancipation of women and extension of equal rights to them. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"There are contestations related to the nature of caste and class in India, while some view caste and class as polar opposites, others view of nexus between caste and class. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"What impact does government policies and programs have on the socio economic status of religious minorities in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Land Reforms are both the causes as well as the effects of a thorough-going change in the power balance. Explain.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Beteille's work on Caste, Class and Power: Changing Patterns of Stratification in a Tanjore Village (1966) departs significantly from the writings which equate caste with stratification. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"A recent report by Ministry of Statistics and Planning and Implementation found that youth with higher education don't aspire to get married early. Analyse the trends in marriage in India from sociological perspective.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Recently, Supreme Court asked government to decide whether or not to include Dalit Christians and Muslims, under the Scheduled Caste for availing benefits of reservation Discuss the reasons and challenges thereof.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Examine the changes to agrarian class structure, before and after Indian independence.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"The village and its hamlets represented \"India in microcosm\". In the light of this statement, explain the significance of village studies.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"Explain the position taken by different social scientists regarding the issue of integration and autonomy of tribals in Indian society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"To what extent does Modernisation lead to the breakdown of traditional social structure and values? Give reasons to support your answer.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"In what ways has the caste system been present in other societies around the world, and how have these systems been similar to or different from the caste system in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"\"Working people need the protection of a union now more than ever.\" Do you agree with this statement? Give arguments supporting your view.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"Is India's rising middle class an engine of growth or a loose wheel? Discuss in the light of impact of COVID Pandemic on middle class in India","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"It is argued that the caste has lost its traditional elements of purity and pollution and became more of an identity group. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"\"The basics of family is kinship relation; the basis of a household is residence\". Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3309,"topper":"Ishita Sharma","air":268,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b4e1d-1227181_2298_ishita_sharmarank_268.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3310,"topper":"Ishitwa Anand","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1ba88-45885442_4514_ishitwa_anand_rank_50.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Write two essays, choosing one topic from each of the Sections A and B, in about 1000-1200 words each :\n1. You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it.\n2. In matters of conscience, the law of the majority has no place.\n3. He who opens a school door, closes a prison.\n4. Only in the depths of winter can we truly appreciate the warmth of spring.\n5. We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.\n6. Copying is safe; innovation demands courage.\n7. The more we automate, the more human we must become.\n8. The pursuit of instant validation is creating a generation of restless minds.","marks":"125 x 2 = 250","words":"1000-1200 words each"},{"page":6,"question":"1. You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it.\n2. In matters of conscience, the law of the majority has no place.\n3. He who opens a school door, closes a prison.\n4. Only in the depths of winter can we truly appreciate the warmth of spring.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"1) Why future can be build? Challenges it causes\n2) Agents of future developers\n3) Building youth for one future\n4) How to build?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"1) What is winter? How does winter lead us to craving for warmth?\n2) What factors lead to such winters? Why do we wait till such days?\n3) The craving & appreciation for warmth.\n4) Why appreciation for warmth arises?\n5) Warmth of spring: season of -\n6) Appreciation only in silence dawns.\n7) A contemporary of winter. Not true spring it is important to appreciate.\n8) One who does not wait for the depths & appreciates the warmth within reason leads to sustainability.\n9) Climate change / Norwegian model / Indian judiciary - Mission Life of social welfare - by India - 1) A keen eye / 2) Value inclusion - what is needed.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3311,"topper":"Ishitwa Anand","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ecad8-45885442_4510_ishitwa_anand_rank_50.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. Folk music serves as a repository of the cultural identity. Discuss the role of folk music in preserving cultural heritage and promoting social cohesion. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. How does the Vesara style of temple architecture represent a synthesis of the Nagara and Dravida styles? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. Discuss the role played by Indians living abroad in advancing the cause of India's freedom struggle. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. How did the Marshall Plan influence the economic recovery and political stability of post-war Europe? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. Discuss the factors responsible for increased cyclonic activity in the Arabian Sea. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. How can technological interventions help in transforming the textile sector in India? What are the initiatives that the government has taken in this regard? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. What is a seiche and how does it form? Discuss the geographical conditions under which seiches are most likely to occur. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. How has rapid urbanisation affected the socio-cultural landscape of peri-urban regions in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Examine the role of historical and socio-political factors in driving communalism in Indian politics. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. Globalization has significantly influenced the aspirations, lifestyle, and value systems of Indian youth. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. Examine how Chandragupta-II's reign symbolised a golden age of cultural development, laying the foundation for future advancements in Indian art and literature. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. Evaluate the intended and unintended consequences of British educational policies for the Indian society in the colonial period. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. India's territorial disputes after independence were not merely about borders, but also encompass issues of national identity, historical grievances, and geopolitical strategies. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. Discuss the geographical conditions responsible for the development of shola forests in the upper reaches of the Western Ghats. Highlight their ecological significance.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. Discuss the potential of natural hydrogen as a fuel to meet growing global energy demands? Why is it still an untapped industry? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. Why is there a shift of labour-intensive industries from China to South and Southeast Asia? Discuss the advantages and challenges for India in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. Explain the socio-economic transformations resulting from women's migration to metropolitan areas in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. The institution of marriage in India is increasingly becoming a site of conspicuous consumption and commodification. Critically examine the impact of this commercialisation on social equity and gender relations.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":49,"question":"#1 Impact on Gender Relations","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"19. Analyse how recognizing, reducing, and redistributing care work can foster gender equality and promote inclusive development in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. Discuss the changing nature of family structures in urban India. How is it impacting elderly care and socialization of the youth? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3312,"topper":"Ishitwa Anand","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0e149-45885442_4511_ishitwa_anand_rank_50.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. How does the Supreme Court’s recent decision on Aligarh Muslim University’s minority status affect the interpretation of Article 30 of the Indian Constitution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"# Affect the Interpretation of Article 30:\n(a) Article 30: Minority groups can establish and administer any educational institution. Benefit? If not aided by state, then not required to implement its policies.\n(b) The Supreme Court's interpretation is a step towards upholding minority rights - it will have a positive cascading effect.\n(c) As per Supreme Court - the nature of administration matters while declaring it a minority institution & if by minorities then it is a minority institution.\n(d) Free from Reservation policies - in TMA Pai foundation case and Pramati Education Trust case.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"2. The Supreme Court, in a recent verdict, prescribed a time period for the Governor's assent to state legislative bills. What are the implications of this judgment for cooperative federalism and legislative accountability in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. Discuss the recent changes and initiatives related to cooperatives that aim to smoothen the tussle between the Centre and States in the cooperative sector. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. In recent years, use of social media and digital mobilisation by civil society has emerged as a powerful form of pressure politics. Examine its impact on policymaking and democratic accountability.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":13,"question":"1 Impact on Policymaking and democratic accountability","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"5. How is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) emerging as a business-led solution for addressing development challenges in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. Discuss how mechanisms like public consultations and Jan Sunwais in India impact governance outcomes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. How effective have the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) and Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan been in addressing substance abuse in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. Rote learning and neglect of creativity in foundational education setup in India make it less ready for marketplaces that are now driven by Artificial Intelligence. Do you agree with this view? Substantiate your argument.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Analyze the transformation of the G7 from a symbol of Western strategic unity to a forum marked by internal contradictions. How should India navigate this changing dynamic to advance its strategic interests? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. Discuss the role of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in the development of developing countries. What are the key criticisms associated with its approach? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. The 103rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019 has introduced a new dimension to the principle of affirmative action in India. Critically examine its implications for the broader goal of social justice. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. The District Planning Committee (DPC) was envisioned as a key instrument to strengthen grassroots-level planning. How far has it succeeded in achieving this goal? Discuss the challenges faced by DPCs and suggest measures to make them more effective.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. The restrictions imposed under Article 293 of the Constitution on State borrowing powers, though constitutionally valid, may hinder fiscal autonomy of States and disrupt cooperative federalism. Discuss in the light of recent developments. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. Examine the tension between the right to contest elections and the need to uphold electoral ethics under the Representation of the People Act. Should there be a lifetime ban on convicted criminals? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. To what extent has the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme, launched in 2015, succeeded in addressing the declining child sex ratio and empowering the girl child? Suggest measures to enhance its impact at the grassroots level.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are emerging as vehicles of socio-economic transformation in rural India. Examine the role of government in scaling their reach and effectiveness.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. Despite economic growth, multidimensional poverty continues to persist in India. Analyse the underlying causes and discuss the measures taken by the government to address them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. India faces a paradox of food surplus and nutritional deficit. Analyse the structural reasons behind this paradox and suggest reform strategies. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"#1 Reform strategies needed","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"19. India's timely response during the economic crises in Sri Lanka and the Maldives reflects its \"Neighbourhood First\" policy in action. Examine how Indian aid has impacted bilateral ties with these nations. What steps can further be taken to promote sustainable economic cooperation in the Indian Ocean region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. Discuss the geostrategic significance of Afghanistan for India in the context of continental connectivity and access to Central Asia. How has the altered political landscape post-2021 affected India's connectivity and energy corridor ambitions? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3313,"topper":"Ishitwa Anand","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e5ef3-45885442_2930_ishitwa_anand_rank_50.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. How is the rapid growth of the food processing industry leading to food safety challenges in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. Under the Public Distribution System of India, the Fair Price Shop (FPS) transformation is an evolving process. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. How are agri-tech startups in India helping farmers in enhancing farm productivity and market access? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. Discuss the role of digitization of land records in the effective implementation of land reforms in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. To fully exploit its demographic dividend and accelerate economic growth, India needs to adopt a manufacturing-led growth model. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. How can the resilience of Indian coastal communities be strengthened to tackle the growing natural hazards resulting from climate change? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. How does the Green Credit Programme extend beyond carbon management to promote a more sustainable environment in India? What are the various concerns about its implementation? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. What is the need for NavIC when existing satellite navigation systems are already available?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Cyber-enabled financial crime has emerged as the new frontier of global money laundering. Discuss. How can the government address this issue? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"4 How can Government address","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"10. The Indian Army is observing the year 2024 as the 'Year of Technology Absorption'. In light of this, explain why there is a need for technology absorption in the defence sector of India. What challenges can India face in this initiative? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. What are the issues faced in the development of trade and industries in the North-Eastern Region (NER) of India? Comment on the measures that have been taken to tackle these issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. In the era of climate change and growing water scarcity, how can micro-irrigation systems contribute to sustainable agricultural practices in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. What strategies can be adopted to overcome the issues pertaining to freight transportation in the Indian Railways and increase its share in the domestic freight? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. Discuss the factors that have aided India in making impressive strides in the renewable energy sector and establishing itself as a frontrunner in the global renewable energy transition. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. How does agricultural runoff containing fertilizers and pesticides contribute to environmental pollution? What measures can be taken to mitigate the impact of agricultural runoff? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. The growing influx of tourists in Himalayan states has breached their ecological carrying capacity, leading to significant man-made disasters. What measures can be implemented to prevent such disasters while promoting sustainable tourism? Discuss with relevant examples.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. How do superconductors fuel innovation in diverse fields of science and technology? Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. While India has laws covering almost all types of intellectual property rights, numerous enforcement, regulatory and administrative challenges hamper the commercialisation of IPRs in India. Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. Keeping in view the challenges in creating integrated theatre commands, examine how the theaterisation of commands can lead to greater integration and rationalisation of manpower and resources among the three services.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":51,"question":"4 How can integration help","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"0. Treating border villages as first villages not just geographically but also in terms of facilities can be a key strategy for enhancing border security. Discuss. Also, highlight the measures being taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"2 What is government doing?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3314,"topper":"Ishitwa Anand","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b74e6-45885442_4513_ishitwa_anand_rank_50.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. (a) Compassion is the courageous choice to feel another's suffering as one's own, and to act upon it, even when silence is safer and indifference is easier. Examine the significance of compassion as an essential ethical value for civil servants in India. Illustrate your answer with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"1. (b) Marriages in India are transitioning from traditional sacramental unions to more autonomous relationships, reflected in live-in relationships and rising divorce rates. Discuss the ethical dimensions of these changes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"#1 Ethical Dimensions of these changes","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"2. (a) While accountability often necessitates documentation, an overemphasis on bureaucratic procedures and excessive paperwork can inadvertently silence the very voices that public policy intends to empower, particularly at the grassroots. Examine the above statement with suitable illustrations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"2. (b) The principle of impartiality may conflict with the need for compassion towards marginalized communities. Discuss in the context of civil services in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"3 (a) What do each of the following quotations mean to you?\n(a) \"The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home.\" - Confucius (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"3. (b) \"Act only according to that maxim through which you can at the same time will that it become a universal law.\" - Immanuel Kant (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"3. (c) “We are not only responsible for what we do, but also for what we fail to do\" - Molière.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":20,"question":"4. (a) Patriotism encourages ethical questioning, while nationalism often suppresses it. Discuss this statement in light of the formation of political attitudes during high-pressure national events. How can individuals develop moral attitudes that balance national interest with ethical reasoning? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"4. (b) Discuss how employee well-being and fairness can be balanced with efficiency and profitability in private organisations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"5. (a) Do you agree that excessive use of social media and emerging AI technologies may lead to a decline in emotional regulation and moral sensitivity among adolescents? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"5. (b) In light of the increasing incidents of suicides among students in India, discuss how Emotional Intelligence (EI) can aid in managing stress and emotional challenges.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"6. (a) In public service, emotional intelligence is not about suppressing emotion, but mastering its purpose — to connect, to de-escalate, and to uplift others with empathy and strength. Do you agree with this view? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"6. (b) An efficient work culture is built not only on rules, but on shared values. In this context, evaluate the role of leadership and team dynamics in transforming work culture within an organization.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"7 You are posted as the Joint Secretary in the Department of Information Technology of a state. The government recently implemented several citizen-centric digital services, collecting large volumes of personal data from residents. The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, requires that such data be processed only with explicit and informed consent, and mandates that processing must cease immediately upon withdrawal of consent.\n\nDuring an internal audit, you discover that the department continues to process and analyze personal data of several citizens even after they have formally withdrawn their consent. This data is being used for policy analytics and service improvement, purposes not explicitly disclosed at the time of data collection. When you bring this to the attention of your department head, you are informed that halting the processing will disrupt ongoing digital initiatives and may affect state-level performance metrics. Moreover, you find that the consent withdrawal process is cumbersome, and many citizens are unaware of their rights under the DPDP Act.\n\nYou also learn that a prominent social activist is planning to file a complaint with the Data Protection Board against involuntary use of personal data, which could attract public scrutiny and legal action against the department.\n(a) Identify and discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.\n(b) What are the potential consequences for the department if the issue is not addressed transparently?\n(c) How would you balance the need for efficient public service delivery with the obligation to protect citizens’ data rights? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"8 You are an IAS officer, currently serving as the Secretary of the Public Works Department in a hill state. Recently, a disturbing incident has come to light involving a senior Cabinet Minister and two engineers of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). During an inspection of a critical highway project, the Minister was allegedly seen on video physically assaulting and verbally abusing the engineers in full public view. The video, recorded by bystanders, went viral on social media and was widely covered by television channels, sparking both outrage and support from different sections of society. The Minister later defended his actions, alleging that the officials were corrupt, unresponsive to local grievances, and responsible for inordinate delays in the project. He insisted that his actions were driven by public frustration and the urgency of delivering infrastructure to a remote region. However, the engineers have filed a police complaint and written to their superiors, claiming they were targeted for resisting political pressure to award contracts to specific local contractors linked to the Minister. As the situation escalated, a union of NHAI engineers declared a strike.\n(a) इस प्रकरण में शामिल प्रमुख नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं? हितधारकों और उनके परस्पर विरोधी हितों की पहचान कीजिए।\n(b) लोक निर्माण विभाग के सचिव के रूप में, आप उपयुक्त स्थिति में क्या कार्रवाई करेंगे?\n(c) ऐसी घटनाएं सिविल सेवकों के मनोबल और शासन में जनता के विश्वास को कैसे प्रभावित करती हैं? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"(a) What are the key ethical issues involved in this situation? Identify the stakeholders and their conflicting interests.\n(b) As the Secretary of the PWD, what actions will you take in above situation?\n(c) How do such incidents affect the morale of civil servants and public trust in governance? (Answer in 250 words)\na) What are the key ethical issues involved in this situation? Identify the stakeholders and their conflicting interests.\nb) As the Secretary of the PWD, what actions will you take in above situation?\nc) How do such incidents affect the morale of civil servants and public trust in governance? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"9 You are the Secretary in the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Government of India. In recent years, an increasing number of civil servants, particularly younger officers from the IAS, IPS, and IRS, have begun maintaining personal YouTube channels and social media pages. On these platforms, they regularly post videos related to their official work — showcasing innovative projects, public outreach initiatives, inspection drives, and sometimes even day-to-day administrative duties.\n\nThese videos often receive widespread public attention, and many viewers express admiration, saying such content enhances transparency, motivates aspirants, and humanizes the bureaucracy. However, concerns have also emerged from various quarters. Senior officers argue that such content may blur the boundaries between personal branding and public service, while some citizens and media commentators point to instances where videos feature vulnerable beneficiaries without consent, raise concerns about misuse of official premises, or seem designed more for personal popularity than public accountability.\n\nYou have been asked to prepare a report, including disciplinary measures, to maintain a balance between public interest, institutional integrity, and changing modes of communication.\n(a) लोक सेवकों द्वारा अपने आधिकारिक कार्यों को सोशल मीडिया पर सार्वजनिक रूप से प्रदर्शित करने के कृत्यों में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों की पहचान कीजिए।\n(b) क्या ऐसी प्रयासें जागरूकता और प्रेरणा को प्रोत्साहित देती हैं या क्या ये अनामिता, तटस्थता और सामूहिक सेवा भावना के मूल्यों से समझौता करती हैं? अपना मत दीजिए।\n(c) सचिव के रूप में, लोक सेवकों की उत्तरदायित्व डिजिटल सहभागिता सुनिश्चित करने के लिए आप कौन-से मार्गदर्शक सिद्धांत और नीतिगत अनुशंसाएं सुझाएंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"You have been asked to prepare a report with recommendations to balance public interest, institutional integrity, and evolving modes of communication.\n(a) Identify the ethical issues involved in civil servants publicly showcasing their official work on social media.\n(b) Do such practices promote awareness and motivation, or do they compromise the values of anonymity, neutrality, and collective service ethos? Give your opinion.\n(c) As the Secretary, what guiding principles and policy recommendations would you suggest to ensure responsible digital engagement by civil servants? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"10 You are the Director of the National Bioethics Commission who is responsible for assessing the ethical feasibility and oversight of a nationwide gene sequencing program. The project named GeneFuture, aims to sequence the DNA of every newborn child and store it in a centralized national database. The objective is to identify genetic predispositions to serious diseases early in life, allowing for preventive treatment and personalized medicine. Over 100,000 babies have already been enrolled in the pilot phase of the program. The government claims that this move is a landmark step in public health advancement.\n\nHowever, collection of newborn genetic data raises significant ethical concerns, particularly around informed consent, which may not fully capture parents' understanding of the long-term risks involved. Once gathered, this sensitive data could be misused for purposes such as surveillance, insurance discrimination, or commercial marketing by third parties. Uncertainty over data ownership—whether it lies with the state, parents, or the individual as they mature—further complicates the issue. The involvement of private tech and pharmaceutical companies heightens fears of commercial exploitation, especially in the absence of clear mechanisms for individuals to withdraw consent or delete their genetic information upon reaching adulthood.\n(a) What are the ethical issues you perceive in the implementation of the GeneFuture program?\n(b) Identify the conflicting interests of different stakeholders in this case.\n(c) What guiding ethical principles would you recommend for implementation of this project? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"11 You are a dedicated District Health Officer (DHO) with a strong commitment to evidence-based public health practices, recently assigned to a remote district in India. Your immediate and most critical task is to lead a crucial district-wide Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination drive, aimed at achieving 100% immunization coverage among children aged 9 months to 15 years. The success of this drive is vital for the collective health of thousands of children and for the district's overall health indicators, especially with the impending monsoon season posing additional health challenges.\n\nHowever, in one of the largest and most traditional villages in your district, you encounter formidable resistance. The villagers, deeply influenced by the pronouncements of a revered local\n(a) उपयुक्त प्रकरण में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\n(b) इस विरोध को शांत करने के लिए आपके पास तत्काल क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\n(c) अंधविश्वास के व्यापक प्रभाव को दूर करने और संधारणीय लोक स्वास्थ्य परिणामों हेतु वैज्ञानिक सोच को बढ़ावा देने के लिए आप कौन-सी दीर्घकालिक रणनीतियाँ और प्रणालीगत सुधारों का सुझाव देंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case.\n(b) What are the immediate options available to you to overcome this resistance?\n(c) What long-term strategies and systemic reforms would you suggest to address the pervasive influence of superstition and foster a scientific temperament for sustainable public health outcomes? (Answer in 250 words)\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case.\nb) What are the immediate options available to you to overcome this resistance?\nc) What long-term strategies and systemic reforms would you suggest to address the pervasive influence of superstition and foster a scientific temperament for sustainable public health outcomes?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"12. You are a highly motivated and principle-driven Gram Panchayat Secretary, recently posted in a large and socio-economically diverse village in a remote district. Your immediate and most critical task is the meticulous verification of beneficiaries for the 'Gramin Awas Yojana' – a flagship state housing scheme aimed at providing 'pucca' (brick) houses to the genuinely impoverished and landless households. The scheme is under tight deadlines, with funds\n(a) आपके समक्ष विद्यमान संभावित प्रशासनिक और नैतिक दुविधाएं क्या हैं?\n(b) आपके लिए उपलब्ध सभी विकल्पों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\n(c) आप अपने निर्णय का नैतिक औचित्य सिद्ध करते हुए कौन-सी व्यापक कार्यवाही करेंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":58,"question":"(a) What are the potential administrative and ethical dilemmas you face?\n(b) Discuss all options available to you.\n(c) What comprehensive course of action would you choose to adopt, providing ethical justification for your decision? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3315,"topper":"Ishitwa Anand","air":50,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Geography","optional":true,"source":"LotusArise","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wji7NsVB0EgZl3LyBcztafDBi1AuXYas/view","questions":[]},{"id":3316,"topper":"Ishitwa Anand","air":50,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Geography","optional":true,"source":"LotusArise","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GU8_Q1h0u-2RooJZ5XhGPJewcRWq_7B3/view","questions":[]},{"id":3317,"topper":"Ishitwa Anand","air":50,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Geography","optional":true,"source":"LotusArise","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pSoKaWub4_mwekbt9sW6RicM5bHRreb9/view","questions":[]},{"id":3318,"topper":"Ishu Agrawal","air":193,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Ishu-Agrawal-UPSC-IAS-2023-Toppers-AIR-193-Sample-MGP-Essay-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Has the era of deglobalization begun?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3319,"topper":"Ishu Agrawal","air":193,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/a4911661fb63cf32bd7e1d24c76e3051/27/pttp220372_tc065.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3320,"topper":"Ishu Agrawal","air":193,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/149/pttp220372_tc075-test-5-gs-1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3321,"topper":"Ishu Agrawal","air":193,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/11/pttp220372_tc075-test-5-gs-1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3322,"topper":"Ishu Agrawal","air":193,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/139/pttp220372_tc076-test-6-gs2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3323,"topper":"Ishu Agrawal","air":193,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/13/pttp220372_tc076-test-6-gs2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3324,"topper":"Ishu Agrawal","air":193,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/145/pttp220372_tc073-test-03-gs-3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3325,"topper":"Ishu Agrawal","air":193,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/28/pttp220372_tc073-test-03-gs-3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3326,"topper":"Ishu Agrawal","air":193,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Ishu-Agrawal-UPSC-IAS-2023-Toppers-AIR-193-Sample-MGP-Ethics-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"\"Once one knows what virtue is, it is impossible not to act virtuously.\" Do you agree with this point of view? Justify. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen. What does courage mean to you? Explain with help of two examples from your life where you have acted courageously. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"A good citizen may disagree with a democratically derived law, but should never carry the disagreement to open disobedience. How far do you agree with this statement? Discuss in Indian context. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Persuasion and coercion both have their utility in shaping attitude, depending upon the necessity, urgency and context. Explain with examples. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are the limitations of code of conduct in upholding integrity and probity in civil services? Do you think code of ethics can overcome these limitations? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The professional role of a civil servant is very demanding that often creates deep cleavages between personal and professional life. In this context, discuss the importance of emotional intelligence for a civil servant. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Which two values would you want every child born in the country to adopt so that it benefits all of the humanity? Justify your choices. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"A manager gets work done through people but a real leader develops people through work. Bring out the difference between a manager and a leader. In your opinion, what are the important qualities of a leader and why leadership is considered an important quality of a civil servant? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"It is the work culture that makes the difference between a good place to work and a great place to work. Highlighting the features of work culture of government offices, explain what measures can be taken to improve it. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What does each of the following quotations mean to you? a) \"No responsibility of the government is more fundamental than the responsibility of maintaining the higher standards of ethical behaviour.\" - John F. Kennedy (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"\"There is no higher religion than human service. To work for the common good is the greatest creed.\" - Woodrow Wilson. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":44,"question":"Kuldeep is an honest senior officer working in Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in one of the states in Western India. The state has been in news for a trend of increasing drug usage among the youth. One day, he received a tip-off regarding a drug party. He conducted a raid and detained all the persons present on the venue. One of the detainees was Raghav, the son of a wealthy and politically connected businessman. He was in an intoxicated state and misbehaved with the NCB personnel on duty, warning them of dire consequences for detaining him. During frisking, Raghav was found to be in possession of contraband drugs. He was arrested and this news went viral on social media. Soon after the arrest, Kuldeep received a call from his senior who asked Kuldeep to apprise him of the case. During the conversation his senior dropped a subtle hint that as Raghav is a well-connected individual, going after him could be a career damaging case for Mr. Kuldeep and he should quietly settle the case for his own good. Kuldeep understood that his senior wanted him to drop charges against Raghav and set him free. However, Kuldeep has decided to pursue the case and follow the law. Few days after the arrest, a case was filed by Raghav's father alleging that Kuldeep has asked for money in return of dropping case against his son. Some people on social media have raised doubt on educational qualification of Kuldeep and few have made even distasteful remarks on his personal life. These allegations were widely covered in electronic media putting Kuldeep and his entire family under immense psychological pressure. In response to the allegations, the government has setup an inquiry panel to look into the matter. The inquiry panel promptly seeks Kuldeep's explanation. Some of the options available with Kuldeep to handle this situation could be as follows: a) Kuldeep can present his case to the inquiry panel and go soft on the investigation of the case. b) Kuldeep can present his case to the inquiry panel and continue firmly with the case. c) Kuldeep can ignore the inquiry panel and directly approach the media with the case findings and his side of the story. Suggest any other possible option(s) that can be availed by Kuldeep. Evaluate all of them and suggest the best course of action, giving reasons for it. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Kuldeep can present his case to the inquiry panel and go soft on the investigation of the case. b) Kuldeep can present his case to the inquiry panel and continue firmly with the case. c) Kuldeep can ignore the inquiry panel and directly approach the media with the case findings and his side of the story. Suggest any other possible option(s) that can be availed by Kuldeep. Evaluate all of them and suggest the best course of action, giving reasons for it. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"Justify actions as a retribution for failed relationships.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Making boys guardians of girls from young age.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3327,"topper":"Ishu Agrawal","air":193,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Ishu-Agrawal-UPSC-IAS-2023-Toppers-AIR-193-Sample-MGP-GS-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":53,"question":"The third battle of Panipat did not decide who would rule India but rather who would not. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":53,"question":"The Nehru report 1928, the first effort to frame a constitution, was nothing more than a bunch of uneasy compromises. Critically analyse. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":54,"question":"Women with low levels of education and from rural areas are relatively more active in the labour market compared to women with middle or high school education and from urban areas. What explains this anomaly? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":54,"question":"What do you mean by heat waves? Discuss the various impact of heat waves and suggest ways to effectively manage them. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":54,"question":"How are submarine canyons different from ocean trenches? Also, explain the process of formation of submarine canyons. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":55,"question":"It was the politics of the period - within China, between China and India, and between China and the USSR that precipitated in 1962 Indo-China war. Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"Discuss the contribution of socio-religious movement during pre-independence period in: a) Creation of national consciousness b) Emancipation of women. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"Unity without uniformity and diversity without fragmentation is the essence of unity in diversity. Elaborate. Also explain why diversity is considered an asset for Indian society. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":56,"question":"Indo-pacific region has assumed great geopolitical significance in the present context. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":56,"question":"Keeping in mind the findings of sixth assessment report of IPCC, discuss whether India should adopt economy wide net zero emission target. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3328,"topper":"Ishwar Lal Gurjar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6447c-1295818_2319_ishwar_lal_gurjar_rank_555.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Do furnish the appropriate details in the answer sheet (viz. Name, Registration Number and Test Code).","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Do not write answers in bad of illegible handwriting. Such answer may not be evaluated.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Do not write answers in a medium other than the authorized medium in the Admission Certificate. Do not use mixed language, i.e., authorized and unauthorized media together, for writing answers.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3329,"topper":"Ishwar Lal Gurjar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3d5f2-1295818_2251_ishwar_lal_gurjar_rank_555.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What are the constitutional and legal provisions for this? And what are the shortcomings present in it?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3330,"topper":"Ishwar Lal Gurjar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/35fbd-1295818_2321_ishwar_lal_gurjar_rank_483.pdf","questions":[{"page":9,"question":"If you wish to bring change in the world, you will have to look different from the world.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3331,"topper":"Ishwar Lal Gurjar","air":555,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/64769-1295818_2320_ishwar_lal_gurjar_rank_555.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3332,"topper":"Ishwar Lal Gurjar","air":555,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8e8e9-1295818_2321_ishwar_lal_gurjar_rank_555.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3333,"topper":"Ishwar Lal Gurjar","air":555,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a7142-1295818_2123_ishwar_lal_gurjar_rank_555.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3334,"topper":"Ishwar Lal Gurjar","air":555,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4a70e-1295818_2122_ishwar_lal_gurjar_rank_555.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3335,"topper":"Ishwar Lal Gurjar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ebd8d-1295818_1836_ishwar-lal-gurjar_rank-644.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The PM-AASHA scheme is aimed at improving procurement mechanism as well as ensuring remunerative prices for farmers. In this context, highlight the various components of the scheme and discuss the concerns associated with it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Explaining the concept of blended finance, discuss the role it can play in mobilizing capital for infrastructure development in developing countries like India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss the challenges faced in the revival and revamp of dry ports in India and state the measures that can be adopted in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Monoculture is one of the major threats to ensuring food security and sustainability of Indian agriculture. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Aapda Mitra – a force of volunteers from across India trained in disaster response – is becoming a game changer in the field of disaster management in the country. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Why is the rise in lone wolf attacks considered as a serious challenge for security agencies around the world? Highlight the role of the internet in exacerbating such attacks. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The fundamental inefficiencies embedded in our military structures and processes are now being addressed through a slew of defence reforms in the country. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"In light of the recent establishment of the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in India, discuss the advantages and challenges in mainstreaming traditional medicine in the country. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Nano Urea Liquid has the potential to transform farming in India and across the world by improving productivity while reducing environmental pollution and input cost. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss the domino effect of high crude oil prices on the Indian economy. Also, enumerate the measures that India can take in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The consistent high operating ratio of the Indian Railways is indicative of its incapability to generate high operational surplus. Explain the reasons behind this trend. Also, highlight the remedial measures taken by the government in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Micro food processing sector is the key driver of growth in the Indian economy as it encourages food processing innovation. In this context, state the challenges faced by the micro food processing sector and discuss how the recent initiatives taken by the government aim to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Despite efforts by successive governments, equitable growth remains elusive and income inequality continues to persist in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Stating the factors that determine the employment situation of an economy in the long-term, discuss the measures that are needed for India to address its unemployment problem. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"In view of the rapidly increasing socio-economic damage caused by disasters, integrating Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) into development planning requires an effective stakeholder engagement mechanism. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Provide an account of the existing carbon trading mechanisms in India. Also, discuss the significance of an efficient carbon trading market in the country and state the challenges that currently exist. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The menace of drug trafficking in India has been on a rise due to a mix of factors, both internal and external. Discuss. Also, state the challenges posed by drug trafficking to India's national security. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The Andaman and Nicobar islands' strategic significance in the Indian Ocean region (IOR) has been underplayed by India's policy of 'masterly inactivity and benign neglect'. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India has recently commissioned the world's first large International Liquid-Mirror Telescope (ILMT). How will the newly commissioned telescope aid in India's astronomical observations and research? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3336,"topper":"Ishwar Lal Gurjar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2ee8d-1295818_2086_ishwar_lal_gurjar_rank-_644.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Do you agree with the view that there is a need to enact a new law for ensuring judicial accountability in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Constitutionally reconciling Fundamental Rights with the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs) has been a tough task since the inception of the Indian Constitution. Discuss with the help of relevant case laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss the functions performed by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) and its role in shaping policy-making in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Re-examination and reconsideration of the provisions of Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) requires striking a balance between concerns of civil liberties and human rights, and maintaining and protecting the sovereignty and integrity of India. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"\"Citizen participation is key to the success of e-governance initiatives in rural India.\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"How far do you think the Aspirational District Programme has been able to achieve its objectives since its inception? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Technology has a crucial role to play in advancing the NGO sector and improving outcomes for beneficiaries. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the implications associated with the entry of foreign educational institutions for technical and higher education in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The flourishing relationship between India and countries of Latin America has become a critical element of India's foreign policy. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What is debt-trap diplomacy? How does China's debt-trap diplomacy impact India's interests in its neighbourhood? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Despite being an amalgamation of various constitutions from across the world, the Indian Constitution imbibes social justice, pluralism, and equality through its various provisions. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Recent developments have brought to light the issue of criminalizing marital rape in India. Analyse the implications of ensuring legal protection for victims of marital rape in the country. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"\"The Indian model of federalism has been criticized for being too centralized, but it also provides adequate space and autonomy to the states.\" Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The recent judgment of the Supreme Court on appointments to the Election Commission of India (ECI) has fundamentally changed the appointment process and can have potentially far-reaching implications. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Integration with the global trends and opening up of the economy has resulted in diversified challenges for the civil services, which require holistic reforms for efficient service delivery. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Recently, the Central government exempted all foods and drugs for rare diseases imported by people for personal use from customs duty. What are the concerns related to rare diseases as a public health issue in India? How can these be resolved? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"For realistic and effective collaborations to take place in the Indo-Pacific region, there is a need to acknowledge and recognize the underlining intention of the various countries with stakes in the region. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"There is a need to address the underlying challenges, both internal and external, in the North-Eastern region of India before it can serve as a pivotal connecting space between India and its neighbours. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3337,"topper":"Ishwar Lal Gurjar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/14cfa-1295818_2087_ishwar_lal-gurjar_rank_483.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"How do women contribute to livestock rearing in India? What are the issues currently faced by women in the livestock sector in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"How and to what extent can the One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) scheme provide significant potential benefits for migrant labourers, urban poor, and daily wagers? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"How has climate change affected agricultural production and productivity in India? Do you think climate smart water saving agri-technologies have become the need of the hour? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What are the economic and environmental benefits of nanofertilizers for sustainable crop production? State the concerns in the adoption of nanofertilizers by Indian farmers. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"How can the availability of adequate and equitable distribution of natural gas in all parts of the country help in achieving uniform economic and social progress? What challenges India faces in this regard? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Explain the reasons behind increasing human-wildlife conflict in India. Discuss the measures taken by the Government to mitigate the human-wildlife conflict. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Discuss the linkages between growing urbanization and noise pollution in India. Describe the effects of noise pollution on human health. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"How can the Indian Space Policy, 2023 act as a catalyst for the development of a robust, innovative and globally competitive space ecosystem in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the mandate of the Special Frontier Force. What have been its achievements in ensuring the security of India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Why is ensuring maritime security considered the key to safeguarding India's strategic and economic well-being? What is the significance of the Maritime Anti-Piracy Act in this regard? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What are the seven priority areas (the Saptarishis) listed in the Budget of 2023-24? How are they expected to promote inclusive development in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"How can blockchain technology play a pivotal role towards digitization of land records in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"How far can public-private partnerships (PPPs) help in improving the storage, transportation, and marketing of agricultural produce in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The Scheme for Modernization and Reforms through Technology in Public Distribution System (SMART-PDS) has transformative potential beyond food security for India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Explain the causes behind the occurrence of marine heat waves. Discuss the ways in which they can affect the marine ecosystems and cause economic losses. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Explain the causes and impact of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFS). What are the measures taken by the government in this context? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"How does radiometric dating work? What are the limitations associated with it? What are the potential advantages of using Calcium-41 in radiometric dating? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Why is there a growing concern over e-pharmacy in India despite the government's push for digital health? What measures are needed to resolve this dichotomy? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What factors have contributed to the decline of Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in India? Do you think this decline signifies the likely end of the LWE problem in the near future? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Despite commonalities and synergies between money laundering and tax crimes, leveraging anti-money laundering (AML) measures for tackling tax crimes presents political, legal as well as operational challenges. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3338,"topper":"Ishwar Lal Gurjar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/f1bcc-1295818_2363_ishwar_lal-gurjar_rank_483.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What were the various modes through which Indian culture spread abroad in the ancient period? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Colonial economic policies, driven by capitalist imperatives, created and even exacerbated the conditions for famines in India. Explain with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The civil liberties enjoyed in India today are a direct reflection of the political values and ideals of the Indian National Movement. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What are the factors that have kept the multi-decadal conflict between Israel and Palestine raging even in contemporary times? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Why is there a prominence of local winds in regions around the Mediterranean Sea? How do they influence regional climates and the lives of local populace? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Explain the positive environmental impact of cyclones on ecosystems and geographical areas. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Explain the concept of 'resource curse'. Do you think over dependence on a single resource can hinder a country's development? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Identify the causes of water crisis in India's mega cities such as Chennai, Bengaluru, etc. Suggest remedial measures to overcome this crisis. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Analyse the role of the state and market forces in understanding the changing family system and norms in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"With a decline in chronic poverty but a rise in vulnerability among the newly non-poor, how can India restructure its social protection systems to address both emerging and persistent challenges effectively? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Explain the contribution of Sangam literature in providing political and socio-economic insights into the Tamil region and beyond. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Discuss the significance of symbolic language in Buddhism with special emphasis on animal symbols. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"How did the First World War bring in social and economic disruptions for nearly all sections of the Indian society and lead to mass mobilisation for the independence struggle? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What are the challenges faced in milk production in India? How can India bring about White Revolution 2.0? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"How does climate change impact tropical rainforests worldwide? What measures can be taken to safeguard them from detrimental effects of climate change? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Mention the key factors responsible for the emergence of industrial clusters in India. What benefits do enterprises gain from operating within these clusters? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What are the reasons behind India's underperformance in the textile sector compared to its competitors? How can India become competitive in this labour-intensive Industry. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"With around 20% of India's population expected to be over 60 years old in 2050, do you think it is the right time for India to embrace the concept of 'silver dividend'? What measures should India take to reap the benefits of this dividend? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"How has technology enabled women to overcome patriarchal constraints and expand their engagement beyond traditional roles in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Do you think that regionalism in India has mainly been a result of existence of multiple distinct linguistic identities? Discuss with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3339,"topper":"Ishwar Lal Gurjar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1b84b-1295818_2367_ishwar_lal-gurjar_rank_483.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The Mauryan art was not only inspired by foreign influences but was also a continuation of indigenous traditions. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What were the different types of migrations from colonial India to other British colonies? How did it impact the British rule in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The 1960s was a decade of both peril and transformation for India. Explain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Iranian Revolution of 1979 not only transformed the regional dynamics but also had global ramifications. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"How do the Western Ghats influence South-West monsoon in India's South-West coastal regions? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The theory of plate tectonics explains many geological processes that are linked to natural hazards. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Examine the potential of tidal energy in India and explain the obstacles faced in harnessing it. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the impact of globalization on socio-cultural practices in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What are the issues that plague India's urban poverty alleviation measures? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"How does the disproportionate burden of care work placed on women contribute to their impoverishment in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Explain the role of Sufism in shaping the syncretic culture of India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Despite the regional variations, there remain some unifying themes that bind the different folk music and dance forms in India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"How did the disillusionment and lessons from the Permanent Settlement lead to the development of alternative land revenue systems in British India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the key factors that contribute to the localization of dairy industry in the Northern and Western India. How does the dairy sector impact the region's economic development? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What factors have contributed to the emergence of East Asia as a major hub for semiconductor manufacturing? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Why is India heading towards groundwater depletion tipping point? What strategies can be adopted for groundwater restoration? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"How is climate change affecting the Himalayas in terms of physiological changes and biodiversity? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"How do the differences in child-rearing practices in traditional joint families and nuclear families influence the formation of self-identity and socialization in children? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Do caste and gender intersect and create unique socio-economic vulnerabilities for women in rural India? Justify your answer. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Does socio-economic deprivation make people more susceptible to either being victims of violence or engaging in violence themselves? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3340,"topper":"Ishwar Lal Gurjar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/100ae-1295818_2212_ishwar-lal-gurjar_rank-644.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by 'constitutionalism'? Highlight various ways in which the Indian Constitution underscores this principle. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Competition Commission of India (CCI) effectively reflects a shift from the era of Licence Raj to a conducive regulatory ambience for enhancing consumer welfare by encouraging competition in the market. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Mention various initiatives taken for online delivery of judicial services in India. Also, discuss the challenges faced in their implementation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Bring out the similarities and differences in the Bill of Rights in the Constitution of the United States and Fundamental Rights in the Constitution of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"It is often argued that the implementation of The Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 has so far been tardy and ineffectual. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Explain the rationale behind the creation of a Social Stock Exchange in India. Do you think this move would boost social impact investing in the country? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The National Digital Health Mission (NDHM) has the potential to bring a new revolution in India's health sector in multiple ways. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"While participation of private sector in the higher education system of India is a necessity, it creates issues that need careful redressal. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Highlighting the significance of Central Asia for India, discuss the challenges in strengthening the Indo-Central Asian relationship. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the role that the Indian diaspora can play in the making of \"Aatmanirbhar Bharat\" (self-reliant India). Also, mention the challenges in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"A critical appraisal of the outcomes of the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act underlines the need for second-generation reforms to strengthen decentralisation of urban local governance in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"It is argued that unchecked and rampant exercise of the power to insert laws in the Ninth Schedule results in undermining of Constitutional supremacy and creation of Parliamentary hegemony. Do you agree? Justify your stand with logical arguments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Asymmetry is an important characteristic of federalism in India, which has helped in the accommodation of diverse demands inherent in our democracy. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"In India, the Finance Commissions are established pursuant to the constitutional mandate. In this context, do you think the State Finance Commissions have been effective in promoting fiscal federalism? Substantiate with arguments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Reduction in the overall size of the bureaucracy has been seen as the underlying idea behind civil services reforms. Is it a good idea to reduce the size of the Indian bureaucracy? Examine in light of the experience of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"There is a need to ensure better ethical standards, accountability and management of temples in India. Discuss in the context of issues associated with state intervention in management of temples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by feminisation of old age? Highlight the issues associated with it in the Indian context. Also, mention the measures taken by the government in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Given its impact on both individual resilience and the resilience of the economy, is there a case for strong universal social protection in India? Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"There have been arguments that with the old global multilateral order failing to manage rising challenges, issue-based coalitions are gaining traction and have become the arenas of functional cooperation. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India intends to achieve a balanced and optimal development of energy infrastructure in the South-Asian region through mutual understanding and cooperation. In light of this statement, discuss the need as well as existing gaps in South Asia's energy cooperation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3341,"topper":"Ishwar Lal Gurjar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2e8d4-1295818_1839_ishwar-lal-gurjar_rank-644.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"An independent umbrella body that brings the various central investigative agencies under one roof holds the key to shoring up their credibility. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the significance of the Doctrines of Pith and Substance and Colourable Legislation with respect to Centre-state relations in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Do you agree with the view that there should be simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and the State Legislative Assemblies in India? Discuss with suitable arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss the need for codification of parliamentary privileges in India, in light of the uncertainty and ambiguity around them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"While the Civil Services Board can be a step forward in making the Indian bureaucracy more effective, it has its own issues which need to be addressed. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Highlight the potential of India Digital Ecosystem Architecture (IndEA) 2.0 in transforming the ecosystem of service delivery in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What is Civil Registration System? Highlight its importance and discuss the measures taken by the government to bring about improvements in it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and Their Rehabilitation Act, 2013, provides an effective mechanism for empowerment of the intended beneficiaries in the society. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the reforms that must be undertaken to strengthen the World Trade Organisation in order to address the vulnerabilities in the present global trading system. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"State the significance of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Also, discuss the need for a legally binding Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Critically assess the role played by the National Human Rights Commission as a watchdog of human rights violations in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Discuss how the integration of information and communications technology (ICT) in the dispute resolution processes will help in overcoming the challenges associated with the functioning of courts and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) forums. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite various provisions concerning disqualification of legislators under The Representation of The People Act, 1951, the issue of criminalization of politics is still unresolved to a large extent in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"It is time for reforms, which recognise that urban local bodies (ULBs) need permanent, buoyant revenue sources to match the growing demands of an increasing urban population. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The role of the civil society organisations (CSOs) in India is changing in contemporary times and has become increasingly more complex. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Though the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) aims to address the inequity in development in India, there are a number of issues which plague the scheme. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Highlighting the factors responsible for the growth of EdTech sector in India in recent times, discuss its benefits. Also, state the concerns associated with it. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Bring out the role of Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers in delivering health services in rural India. Also, suggest the measures that can be taken to overcome the challenges faced by them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss the various concerns that have arisen for India after the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan. Also, suggest the measures that India should take in the given context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Bangladesh is not only a key part of India's \"Neighbourhood First policy\" but also crucial for the \"Act East policy\". In this context, discuss the steps taken by the two countries to strengthen their relationship. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3342,"topper":"Ishwar Lal Gurjar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b9893-1295818_1836_ishwar_lal_gurjar_rank_555.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The PM-AASHA scheme is aimed at improving procurement mechanism as well as ensuring remunerative prices for farmers. In this context, highlight the various components of the scheme and discuss the concerns associated with it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Explaining the concept of blended finance, discuss the role it can play in mobilizing capital for infrastructure development in developing countries like India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss the challenges faced in the revival and revamp of dry ports in India and state the measures that can be adopted in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Monoculture is one of the major threats to ensuring food security and sustainability of Indian agriculture. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Aapda Mitra - a force of volunteers from across India trained in disaster response - is becoming a game changer in the field of disaster management in the country. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Why is the rise in lone wolf attacks considered as a serious challenge for security agencies around the world? Highlight the role of the internet in exacerbating such attacks. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The fundamental inefficiencies embedded in our military structures and processes are now being addressed through a slew of defence reforms in the country. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"In light of the recent establishment of the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in India, discuss the advantages and challenges in mainstreaming traditional medicine in the country. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Nano Urea Liquid has the potential to transform farming in India and across the world by improving productivity while reducing environmental pollution and input cost. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss the domino effect of high crude oil prices on the Indian economy. Also, enumerate the measures that India can take in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The consistent high operating ratio of the Indian Railways is indicative of its incapability to generate high operational surplus. Explain the reasons behind this trend. Also, highlight the remedial measures taken by the government in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Micro food processing sector is the key driver of growth in the Indian economy as it encourages food processing innovation. In this context, state the challenges faced by the micro food processing sector and discuss how the recent initiatives taken by the government aim to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Despite efforts by successive governments, equitable growth remains elusive and income inequality continues to persist in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Stating the factors that determine the employment situation of an economy in the long-term, discuss the measures that are needed for India to address its unemployment problem. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"In view of the rapidly increasing socio-economic damage caused by disasters, integrating Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) into development planning requires an effective stakeholder engagement mechanism. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Provide an account of the existing carbon trading mechanisms in India. Also, discuss the significance of an efficient carbon trading market in the country and state the challenges that currently exist. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The menace of drug trafficking in India has been on a rise due to a mix of factors, both internal and external. Discuss. Also, state the challenges posed by drug trafficking to India's national security. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The Andaman and Nicobar islands' strategic significance in the Indian Ocean region (IOR) has been underplayed by India's policy of 'masterly inactivity and benign neglect'. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3343,"topper":"Ishwar Lal Gurjar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2aa93-1295818_2364_ishwar_lal-gurjar_rank_483.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the criticisms faced by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in fulfilling its mandate of investigating offences of money laundering and violations of foreign exchange laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Why are the Departmentally Related Standing Committees (DRSCs), also known as 'Mini Parliament', not effective in carrying out their functions? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What are the similarities and differences with regard to the separation of powers in India, USA, and UK? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Though measures adopted by the Central government have impacted state finances, the state governments themselves are mainly responsible for the financial challenges they face. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The Supreme Court of India recently recognised that the right against the adverse impacts of climate change is intertwined with the right to life and equality. Discuss the role played by the judiciary in constitutionalization of environmental issues. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"SHG federations have emerged as an important institutional innovation to sustain SHGs in India. Discuss. What inadequacies hamper their functioning? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Frequent transfers are a pervasive problem among the higher civil service in India. Discuss the drawbacks associated with frequent transfers of civil servants and suggest reforms to overcome this issue. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Despite being a major food producer and implementing extensive nutrition programmes, why does India continue to struggle with the malnutrition crisis? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"India's close engagements with Iran would continue even if it may cause discomfort with the West.\" In the light of the above statement, explain why maintaining a relationship with Iran is significant for India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the role of the India-China Border Peace and Tranquility Agreement (BPTA) in effectively diffusing border tensions between India and China. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"To what extent, in your opinion, can holding simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies augment overall governance in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The Indian Constitution is a living document that has evolved with time to reflect the changing needs and aspirations of the society. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"How do the deficiencies in the Indian criminal justice system impact the human rights of undertrial prisoners? What reforms are necessary to address these deficiencies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Why has the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) not been able to effectively carry out its role as the watchdog of human rights in India? What are the reasons that have prevented it from getting accreditation from the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI)? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the background and key provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. List the implementation challenges that the Act faces. What measures can improve its effectiveness? Refer to Supreme Court judgments in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"With issues of prejudice and partisanship associated with Speakers of State Legislative Assemblies, should the powers under the anti-defection law be taken away from their hands? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Recently, the UGC released regulations for establishment and operation of campuses by foreign universities in India. Discuss the reasons for allowing the entry of Foreign Higher Educational Institutions (FHEIs) in India. What are the major obstacles in ensuring their smooth entry? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"To what extent has the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) achieved its core objectives? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"\"Changing geopolitical realities make the strategic location of the Bay of Bengal crucial to the wider concept of the Indo-Pacific.\" In the light of the above statement, discuss the role of the BIMSTEC in enhancing regional cooperation and promoting stability. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Discuss how India's expanding defence diplomacy strengthens its influence in the neighbourhood. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3344,"topper":"Ishwar Lal Gurjar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/87a4c-1295818_2368_ishwar_lal-gurjar_rank_483.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The evolving interpretation by the courts have led to the expansion of the scope of the Right to Life and Personal Liberty under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. Discuss with the help of relevant case laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Analyse how Section 8A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 preserves the integrity of the electoral process in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"With what objectives was the Ninth Schedule of the Indian Constitution initially introduced? Can the Supreme Court review a legislation that has been placed in the Ninth Schedule? Discuss with the help of case laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Online Dispute Resolution's (ODR) promise of access to just, speedy and effective resolution of disputes is beset with several challenges. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The Right to Information (RTI) Act has fallen into redundancy owing to the issues faced by the Office of the Central Information Commission. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"How has Information and Communication Technology (ICT) transformed the governance landscape at the grassroots level in India? What are the key obstacles in leveraging its full potential? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How does the politicization of the civil services corrode the 'steel frame' of governance in India? What measures can be implemented to counteract this effect? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Gender is an important dimension of ageing. What measures can be taken to solve the problems of elderly women facing social alienation and deprivation in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What role can the Indian diaspora play in fostering political and economic engagement between India and African countries? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"More than a decade after its inception, the benefits of the Belt and Road Initiative have proven to be illusory, especially for developing countries. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss the financial constraints faced by the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in India. What measures can be taken to augment their revenue resources? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3345,"topper":"Ishwar Lal Gurjar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e9266-1295818_1839_ishwar_lal_gurjar_rank_555.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"An independent umbrella body that brings the various central investigative agencies under one roof holds the key to shoring up their credibility. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the significance of the Doctrines of Pith and Substance and Colourable Legislation with respect to Centre-state relations in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Do you agree with the view that there should be simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and the State Legislative Assemblies in India? Discuss with suitable arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss the need for codification of parliamentary privileges in India, in light of the uncertainty and ambiguity around them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"While the Civil Services Board can be a step forward in making the Indian bureaucracy more effective, it has its own issues which need to be addressed. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Highlight the potential of India Digital Ecosystem Architecture (IndEA) 2.0 in transforming the ecosystem of service delivery in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What is Civil Registration System? Highlight its importance and discuss the measures taken by the government to bring about improvements in it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and Their Rehabilitation Act, 2013, provides an effective mechanism for empowerment of the intended beneficiaries in the society. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the reforms that must be undertaken to strengthen the World Trade Organisation in order to address the vulnerabilities in the present global trading system. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"State the significance of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Also, discuss the need for a legally binding Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Critically assess the role played by the National Human Rights Commission as a watchdog of human rights violations in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Discuss how the integration of information and communications technology (ICT) in the dispute resolution processes will help in overcoming the challenges associated with the functioning of courts and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) forums. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite various provisions concerning disqualification of legislators under The Representation of The People Act, 1951, the issue of criminalization of politics is still unresolved to a large extent in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"It is time for reforms, which recognise that urban local bodies (ULBs) need permanent, buoyant revenue sources to match the growing demands of an increasing urban population. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The role of the civil society organisations (CSOs) in India is changing in contemporary times and has become increasingly more complex. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Though the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) aims to address the inequity in development in India, there are a number of issues which plague the scheme. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Highlighting the factors responsible for the growth of EdTech sector in India in recent times, discuss its benefits. Also, state the concerns associated with it. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Bring out the role of Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers in delivering health services in rural India. Also, suggest the measures that can be taken to overcome the challenges faced by them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss the various concerns that have arisen for India after the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan. Also, suggest the measures that India should take in the given context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Bangladesh is not only a key part of India's \"Neighbourhood First policy\" but also crucial for the \"Act East policy\". In this context, discuss the steps taken by the two countries to strengthen their relationship. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3346,"topper":"Ishwar Lal Gurjar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6441c-1295818_2212_ishwar_lal_gurjar_rank_555.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by 'constitutionalism'? Highlight various ways in which the Indian Constitution underscores this principle. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Competition Commission of India (CCI) effectively reflects a shift from the era of Licence Raj to a conducive regulatory ambience for enhancing consumer welfare by encouraging competition in the market. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Mention various initiatives taken for online delivery of judicial services in India. Also, discuss the challenges faced in their implementation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Bring out the similarities and differences in the Bill of Rights in the Constitution of the United States and Fundamental Rights in the Constitution of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"It is often argued that the implementation of The Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 has so far been tardy and ineffectual. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":3347,"topper":"Ishwar Lal Gurjar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9e654-1295818_2214_ishwar-lal-gurjar_rank-644.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The ideals of 'Dhamma' by Ashoka present key learnings on public morality. Discuss. Also, state their relevance for public servants. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Although bribery is illegal and counterproductive, public officials still demand bribes, and executives in the private sector remain tempted to pay up. In this context, discuss ways in which corporations can build a framework to eliminate the practice of offering kickbacks. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"It is argued that the Indian bureaucracy suffers from indecision and risk aversion. Do you agree? Justify with logical arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Although open and transparent governance has gained ground, do you agree with the view that there is merit in withholding some information from people? Justify your arguments with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"While it may seem restrictive, anonymity is one of the greatest strengths of the civil services. Comment in the context of growth of social media in recent times. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"A legally enforceable code of ethics for civil servants, which not only prescribes the ethical values they must display in their public life but also provides sanctions for violations of these values, is the need of the hour. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Examine the issue of foreign aid in global politics from an ethical perspective. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"There is a need for an effective climate governance structure within the broad framework of corporate governance. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"A well-developed Emotional intelligence is not only an instrumental tool in accomplishing goals, but has a dark side as a weapon for manipulating others by robbing them of their capacity to reason.\" Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The opportunities and threats created by emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) require leaders across business, government and civil society to understand the importance of values and ethics in technological development. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"All persons ought to endeavour to follow what is right, and not what is established.\" — Aristotle (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"It is compassion, the most gracious of virtues, which moves the world.\" — Tiruvalluvar, Kural (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"\"I understand democracy as something that gives the weak the same chance as the strong.\" — Mahatma Gandhi (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You come across a news report of a state 'X', which has a considerable number of school going children suffering from malnourishment. To overcome this, the state recently rolled out a policy to introduce eggs in mid-day meals in schools. However, some parents, teachers and a few religious groups have protested against the move. The report states that the Minister of Education of state 'X' has assured the public of a reversal in the policy. You are aware that this may be because elections are approaching in the state and the party in power may not want to antagonise a particular religious group, which is its key supporter. In light of this, answer the following: (a) Highlight the stakeholders in the given case study. (b) Examine the options available in the given situation. (c) According to you, what is the best course of action and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Capital punishment, or \"death penalty,\" is an institutionalized practice designed to result in deliberately executing persons in response to actual or supposed misconduct and following an authorized, rule-governed process to conclude that the person is responsible for violating norms that warrant execution. Punitive executions have historically been imposed by diverse kinds of authorities, for an expansive range of conduct, political or religious beliefs and practices, for a status beyond one's control, or without employing any significant due process procedures. Punitive executions also have been and continue to be carried out more informally, such as by terrorist groups, urban gangs, and mobs. For centuries in Europe and America, discussions have focused on capital punishment as an institutionalized, rule-governed practice of modern states and legal systems governing serious criminal conduct and procedures. In light of the above debate of capital punishment, answer the following questions: (a) What are the arguments in favour of and against having capital punishment in the criminal justice system? (b) Do you think capital punishment has a place in modern civilised society? Examine in the context of moral implications involved in awarding it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"An Indian company is active in the telecom sector and is the majority owner of a telecom company based in other geographies across the world. At one of its European headquarters, there emerged whistleblowing allegations that a local executive was bribing local government officials in order to obtain telecom cabling and construction contracts from the local government. The kickbacks were allegedly paid through a third-party consultant. More specifically, there were allegations that the executive, the third party, and a government official had some sort of business interest in common, possibly shareholdings in a limited company or the joint ownership of an undisclosed asset. The company is thought to be particularly close to the ruling dispensation in India and the news has now raised pressure to put its business operations in India under scanner as well. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the ethical challenges in the given case? (b) Identify the different stakeholders and their interests. (c) As the CEO of the firm, how would you respond to the given situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are the Chairperson of Staff Selection Commission of a state. Recently, an exam for recruitment to the position of sub-inspectors was conducted by the Commission. But a video of some students using hi-tech devices like spy-mics, and placing “solvers” to cheat in the exam by hiding bluetooth devices in wig, has been surfacing on the internet. Also, this is not an isolated incident; many instances of organized cheating scandals have shocked the state in recent years. Students are agitated and demanding cancellation of the exam and there is pressure on you to resign. However, your daughter had also appeared in this exam and is confident of clearing it. There are many other students who had waited for this exam for a long time and are hopeful of clearing it with honest efforts. Whatever decision the Commission takes is bound to affect the career of a large number of candidates who appeared in the exam, including your own daughter. (a) Highlight the ethical issues concerned in the case. (b) Why is cheating in examinations prevalent in many states across India? (c) What measures would you take to make sure that a similar situation does not arise in future?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Sunil has been posted as a DM in a hilly district which is vulnerable to several natural disasters. The district is known for a pilgrimage site and is frequently visited by tourists from all over India. The major occupation of locals therefore lies in the hospitality business. Unfortunately, after a few days of his joining, the district faced a major earthquake. It has led to high casualties and damages to the essential infrastructure such as roads and bridges. Both locals and tourists are trapped at different routes and locations. An international convoy of dignitaries from a neighboring country which has come to pay their obeisance at the pilgrimage site, is also trapped due to the disaster. Because of this, Sunil has to divert most of the available resources in the rescue operation of the foreign dignitaries. People are emotionally distressed due to the disaster, and delayed response from authorities to their needs has led to a law-and-order situation in the district. People from other states whose families are trapped and need immediate assistance are also getting restless and flooding the emergency helplines with complaints and requests. (a) Discuss the issues being faced by Sunil in the given scenario. (b) Mention a course of action that Sunil must take to maintain law-and-order as well as to expedite rescue operations of all concerned.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"You are the Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district. One of your subordinates informs you that a girl has reached out to him and complained about a potential death threat to her and her boyfriend who belongs to another caste. Both the families are averse to their union. She has also informed that the local police station is neither filing any complaint nor giving her any assurance of protection. The girl belongs to the dominant caste of the region and her father is a prominent local leader of the party which is in power in the state. On further enquiry, you come to know that both the girl and her boyfriend are adults. They have moved out of the house and have started living together. This has further angered both the families and they are accusing each other of abduction. In the given scenario, answer the following questions: (a) Bring out the ethical dilemma faced by the you. (b) What would be a suitable course of action to resolve the issue? (c) At times, such instances lead to violence and may end up in honour killings. Discuss the reasons behind their social acceptance in parts of India despite the legal sanction against them.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3348,"topper":"Ishwar Lal Gurjar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/99899-1295818_1837_ishwar-lal-gurjar_rank-644.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain why altruism constitutes one of the core values in public life. In this regard, suggest some measures to foster altruistic behaviour in public services. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Certain actions can be right even though they do not maximize good consequences, for the rightness of such actions consists in their representing certain norms. Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"With the help of appropriate examples, discuss the ethical challenges involved in policing in India. Also, highlight the reasons behind corruption in the police force. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"A right combination of spirit and structure is integral to ethical corporate governance. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"It is not only public servants, but also the common citizens who play a key role in institutionalising high standards of ethical conduct and good governance. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Public administration in India suffers from the 'working-in-silos' culture. In this context, discuss the importance of cooperation, coordination and collaboration for efficient governance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"While emotional intelligence is an essential tool for a public servant, it can also be misused to manipulate people to act against their own interests. Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Social influence is an ambivalent concept. It can be a source for good, bad and even for evil. Discuss with the help of relevant examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Effective public service delivery demands a people-centric approach, which is built upon coordination and leverages technology. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Highlight the important teachings of Kautilya that are relevant to public services in 21st century India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \\u201cWhat counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.\\u201d Nelson Mandela (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":40,"question":"There is an ongoing ethnic civil war in a neighbouring country. The conflict has caused massive displacement of people from the country. Ironically, the developed countries have closed off their borders to the refugees on account of the COVID-19 pandemic, resource competition, domestic politics etc. With countries sealing off their borders, the refugees are left in a vulnerable situation and many are taking illegal routes to enter your country. As a Senior Official of your country's Ministry of External Affairs, you have been involved in discussions with officials of other nations and are entrusted with the mandate to design a national policy to safely accommodate India bound refugees. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) Discuss the moral issues related to the rights of international refugees, especially those from conflict-torn regions. (b) What recommendations would you suggest given the large influx of refugees in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Social interactions where a person is addressed by their correct name and pronouns, consistent with their gender identity, are widely recognized as a basic and yet critical aspect of gender affirmation. A national university invited speakers for a discussion on rights of sexual minorities in India. The panel included speakers representing a wide variety of opinions and perspectives on the issue. The debates, though largely peaceful, witnessed a controversy. A college association representing sexual minorities took offence against a panellist who cautioned against self-identification by sexual minorities and the liberal use of pronouns. The association reached out to the media and the localised controversy soon turned into a national issue across news networks and social media. The association demanded that the panellist apologise for his views and issue a public statement in this context. The panellist, on the other hand, seemed unmoved by the issue. In the meantime, the University has come under huge pressure to resolve the issue. The Vice Chancellor set up a Committee to look into the matter and its peaceful resolution. You have been appointed as the Chairperson of the Committee. In this regard, answer the following questions: (a) Discuss the various moral issues involved in the case. (b) Keeping the right to freedom of speech and expression in mind, highlight the steps you would take to resolve the issue and list arguments in support.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"You are a young athlete representing India at an international-level competition. To your surprise, during the competition, you witness a few senior athletes injecting something using a syringe in private. When you approach them, they explain that it is a performance enhancing drug, which is very common in such competitions and you should take the same as well. You are aware that if these players get caught in a doping test, it may damage India's reputation. You are confused and afraid of the repercussions and decide to approach the coach to discuss the event you witnessed. However, you get to know that the athletes are taking the drug on the advice of the coach himself. (a) What would you do in this scenario? Discuss the options available to you and chart your course of action. (b) What are the reasons behind the use of performance enhancing drugs in competitive sporting events? How can this practice be minimized?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":55,"question":"You have been newly appointed as the District Magistrate of a district, which is known for its rich mineral deposits. Following the news being circulated in the media about the illegal mining in your district, you have initiated an enquiry into it. When the State's Minister of Mines and Minerals gets to know of the enquiry initiated by you, he directs you to name some junior government employees as being involved in the wrongdoing and make them scapegoats. He also points out that elections to the State Assembly are around the corner and the present government wishes to stay clear of any political corruption. This Minister is a very influential figure in the present regime and there are high chances of the present ruling party being voted back to power. In due course of the enquiry, it has come to your notice that the said Minister has also been involved in illegal mining through his cronies. The findings of the enquiry can affect the outcome of the elections as well as completely derail your career, if the incumbent party wins the elections, which looks very likely as per the polls. Answer the following with reference to this case: (a) Identify the stakeholders and the ethical issues in the given case. (b) Critically evaluate the options in the given scenario and state your course of action, giving reasons.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3349,"topper":"Ishwar Lal Gurjar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/94ae3-1295818_2088_ishwar_lal_gurjar_rank_555.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The principle of double effect is based on the idea that if a person's behaviour or conduct is intended to achieve a goal which is morally good, however, as a result, there is a morally bad side-effect, then it is still acceptable to adopt that particular behaviour or conduct. How far can this principle aid in resolving difficult moral situations? Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Indian Republic chose Ashoka's Lion Capital at Sarnath as its state emblem to reflect the same harmony achieved by him and effect a continuity with his humane policies towards the people of the modern Indian nation. In this background, discuss the ethical teachings that find resonance in Ashoka's life. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The concept of ethical corporate governance works on the principle of balance of equity, which seeks to balance the interests of the company, customers, suppliers, financiers, government and shareholders on the one hand and the community at large on the other hand. Which values play a central role in ensuring ethical corporate governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Analyse the role of moral attitude in shaping the perception and response to marital rape in India. Explain the ethical considerations in criminalising marital rape in the country. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Apart from consciousness, one needs to possess conscience in order to make ethical decisions. Explain with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Even if the LGBTQIA+ couples live together, legally, they are on a slippery slope. They do not enjoy the rights that married couples do. For example, the LGBTQIA+ couples cannot adopt children or have a child by surrogacy, they do not have automatic rights to inheritance, maintenance and tax benefits, and after a partner passes away, they cannot avail benefits like pension or compensation. Most of all, since marriage is a social institution that is created by and highly regulated by law, without this social sanction, same-sex couples struggle to make a life together. A number of petitions have been filed in recent years in courts for the legal recognition of same-sex marriages. Gender rights campaigners believe that recognizing same-sex marriages is the next logical step after the decriminalization of homosexuality. However, the other point of view is that the concept of marriage ought not to be disturbed or diluted by judicial interpretation. It is argued that a middle path could be for the government to set up a panel to look into the pleas of same sex couples and recommend a way out. As an aware individual, who understands various dimensions of this issue, answer the following: (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) Do you think same-sex marriage should be recognised by the State in India? (c) Critically examine whether law can be effective in bringing about social change.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Lloyd is an honest and upright officer working as the Superintendent of Police in a state, which is notorious for gang culture and criminal activities. Based on his impeccable track record, he was transferred to the state capital four months ago. His wife and daughter are also happy as the capital city is comparatively safer compared to all his previous postings. Recently, a criminal who was under trial and facing charges in a number of serious cases, was killed by some people in the capital city while he was being taken to the court. Due to the poor record of the state police in terms of death of criminals in police custody, various human rights organizations are demanding a fair enquiry in the case. They have approached the courts in this matter and subsequently a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed by the state government to look into this issue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"Since the police officers escorting the criminal during this incident are from the police station that comes under Lloyd's jurisdiction, he will be required to depose before the SIT with all the details. While investigating, he came across details, which clearly establish a nexus between a prominent politician and the criminal. He prepared a report and was planning to share it with the SIT. On the basis of his findings, the nexus of the concerned criminal with the politician would be exposed and the politician may also face charges. Lloyd's senior asks him about the findings of the report and advises him to drop the information implicating the politician from the report. He informs that the politician mentioned in the report is a very prominent figure in public life, and shares good relations with all the major political parties in the state. His senior further informs that this will bring him in the good books of those in positions of power. Further, this will also help him remain posted in the capital city, which ensures the safety of his wife and daughter. (a) What are the options available with Lloyd to deal with the situation? (b) Critically evaluate each of the options and identify the most appropriate one for Lloyd to adopt. (c) What measures would you suggest to prevent deaths in police custody","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"After going into some details, he realized that the sales team of his company was indulging in malpractices to lure poor parents to buy courses for their children. He informed this to the head of his department but the head did not seem concerned. Some of his colleagues informed him that this is a normal practice in the ed-tech industry to achieve sales targets. Further, he was also informed that due to the recent funding crunch in start-ups, the company is under severe pressure to show profits, else there will be mass layoffs. (a) Identify the ethical issues associated with the case above. (b) Under the given conditions, what are the options available to Raj? (c) Critically evaluate each of these options. (d) What course of action should Raj adopt? Justify with valid reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"As the Head of the Municipal Corporation, you are faced with a challenging situation wherein two groups of concerned citizens have approached you. One, expressing their frustrations and concerns regarding the menace caused by street dogs in the city and other, taking steps towards encouraging compassion and humane treatment to these silent beings. The first plea highlights the rising incidents of stray dogs' attacking or killing the vulnerable members of society especially children. They point to inadequate sterilisation and vaccination of dogs as exacerbating the situation. They demand the immediate removal of street dogs and their relocation elsewhere. The second plea however points to ineffective animal healthcare and control, illegal breeding centres, pet owners abandoning their pets on the streets as root of the problem. They argue that the system or the people responsible for the situation should be punished, not the animals. Furthermore, India has laws in place that make it illegal to remove a dog from the streets. This means that once a dog is on the streets, it has a \"right\" to stay there unless adopted. Balancing the animals' right to life with human safety concerns is proving to be a difficult task. (a) What are the ethical dilemmas involved in the case? (b) Evaluate the implications of favouring one plea over the other. (c) What course of action would resolve the situation in the immediate as well as long term?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"You are young upright person who has been newly appointed in the Anti-Corruption Bureau of your district. After joining, your office receives a tip-off from an anonymous person that an engineer working with the Municipal Corporation of the city has amassed wealth much beyond his known sources of income and is hand in gloves in corrupt activities. Because the law is clear that anonymous complaints cannot be acted upon, you ignore the complaint. But in the next few weeks, you receive a few more anonymous complaints against the concerned engineer. You begin to make enquiries against the engineer and find that he is indeed a very corrupt officer. Some time later, you make up your mind to conduct raids on his office and house, even though you have not received any official complaint in the prescribed format against him till date. What you unearth during the raids is shocking for you and your staff. You find not only vast amounts of unaccounted currency, much beyond the means of the engineer, but also gold, travel tickets to visits made abroad, reservations in five-star hotels, and a whole bunch of clinching evidence against influential politicians and bureaucrats - appointed in the past as well as present ones - in the district. However, soon after conducting the raid, you start receiving subtle messages from your superiors to drop the investigation in the interest of your own long-term career and the safety and security of your loved ones. They also point out that you had not followed the rules stipulated for conducting the raid, and if the matter were to reach the courts, it would be disposed off in no time due to procedural lapses on your part. Since, you are an upright officer, you ignore these warnings and continue with your investigation. However, soon you are put on administrative leave on the ground of flouting the rules. You also come to know that a few of your juniors have filed a complaint against you for being involved in corruption. They have also complained that you instructed them to extort money from not only the concerned engineer but also the politicians and bureaucrats against whom you unearthed evidence, to put a halt to the investigation. Based on the above scenario, answer the following: (a) Identify the various stakeholders and the issues involved in the case. (b) What options do you have in the given situation? (c) Analyse the merits and demerits of each of these options. (d) Discuss your course of action, with proper justification.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":56,"question":"You have been appointed as the Chief Secretary in a state. Recently, a complex issue has surfaced involving two civil servants from your state. Both the officers who are known for their excellence in their respective roles have found themselves embroiled in an intense public feud on social media. Officer A initiated the dispute by posting a series of images and statements on social media, indirectly implying that Officer B has been utilizing personal relationships and networking for gaining undue advantages in job postings and promotions. This action, while unproven, has stirred up a storm of rumors, leading to severe reputational damage to Officer B. In response, Officer B defended herself on the same platform, accusing Officer A of unethical practices and breach of confidentiality. She went a step further by revealing his internal departmental issues, which Officer A was supposedly involved in. These allegations have not only escalated the conflict but also exposed sensitive information to the public. Officer A's social media posts have been prominently picked up and publicised by a local news outlet further escalating the situation. The issue has now gone beyond the realms of the state administration, leading to intense public speculation and media scrutiny. All these events have unfolded on a public platform and have tarnished the image of the civil services and created a disruption in the working of the state administration. The Central Government is closely monitoring the situation and has exerted pressure for appropriate disciplinary action against the officers involved. (a) What are ethical issues involved in this situation? (b) What are the options available to you as the Chief Secretary? (c) Which option would you choose and why?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3350,"topper":"Ishwar Lal Gurjar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d1a9c-1295818_2421_ishwar_lal_gurjar_rank_555.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Societies across the world are witnessing a gradual moral decline in values and it is time that educators stepped in and made efforts to rekindle the desire of human beings to develop personal, social, and professional moral values. Do you agree that in the wake of changing social landscape in the country, value education is as important as technical education for the youth to become not only skilled but also morally strong professionals? Explain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Guru Nanak Dev ji believed that despite religion, caste, and gender, everyone should seek well for others and only then one can have that goodness back in return. Discuss the important teachings of Guru Nanak Dev ji relevant to the youth of today. (Answer in 150 words)10","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The 'work from home' culture that gained wide acceptance with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to many ethical concerns for private organizations with moonlighting being one of the most prominent ones. Do you think that it is ethical for an employee to practice moonlighting? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)10","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"While there are multiple institutions to ensure fairness in international relations, states often put aside moral values and the directions of these institutions for their own interests. Discuss with illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)10","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What does each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"It takes something more than intelligence to act intelligently.\" - Fyodor Dostoyevsky (Answer in 150 words)10","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"A popular government, without popular information, or the means of acquiring it, is but a prologue to a farce or a tragedy; or perhaps both.\" - James Madison (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"\"Character may almost be called the most effective means of persuasion.\" - Aristotle (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"While impartiality has been identified as one of the key ethical values for public service, it should not be seen as precluding compassion in public services. Explain with suitable illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)10","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The power, which administrators wield, can bring the nation great dividends if rightly used, but can bring harm and disrepute if abused. Explain with suitable illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'social accountability' and what is its significance? Discuss the critical factors responsible for the success of any social accountability initiative. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Too much dependence on data driven technologies can result in data colonisation and digital dictatorship. Discuss the various issues that may arise in this context and suggest remedial measures. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Prejudice and discrimination when left unaddressed have the potential to turn conflicts into violence. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Though the ‘Me Too Movement’ helped in creating some murmur with respect to sexual harassment of women at workplace, it has failed to create a lasting positive impact on the work culture in India. Do you agree? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"You have been working in a well-known business consultancy company for nearly 15 years and have been promoted to a senior executive level. You have a junior colleague, named Meera, whom you have been mentoring from time to time. The time and effort she has invested in the company along with your guidance has led her to rapidly grow professionally in the organisation. The work environment has also been conducive for her growth. Meanwhile, Meera's mother has been ill and requiring medical attention for the past few years. Her medical bills have been increasing rapidly over time. Recently, Meera encountered an uncomfortable experience of sexual advances at the hands of your immediate boss, which she reported to Human Resources Department (HRD) of the company instantly. The concerned boss has been instrumental in the success of the company and is also well-connected within the company and beyond. He has indirectly offered a large amount for the settlement of this issue to Meera. If Meera accepts his offer, she will have to sign a non-disclosure agreement that restricts her from re-opening the issue or even discussing about it. She came to know that the concerned boss has been involved in similar acts earlier as well. Given his position in the company and his connections, Meera feels that he could be a threat to her career in the future. She is also in dire need of money. In the given circumstances, address the following: (a) Identify the main stakeholders involved in this case. (b) Highlight the issues related to integrity and ethics in the case above. (c) What are the various options available to Meera? Which option should she choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"You are a young IAS officer and have recently joined as a Sub-Divisional Magistrate in a district, which has been declared 'open defecation free'. However, you get information that some villages in your sub-division are still continuing the practice of open defecation out of habit despite availability of toilets. Your colleagues in the district administration confirm that the information is true. You call the village headmen of these villages and tell them to persuade their respective villagers to stop open defecation. But, they express their unwillingness and inability to fully stop this practice, as in some cases they themselves consider it healthy to defecate in the open. You discuss this matter with the District Magistrate who forbids you from taking any official action, as this may cause the 'open defecation free' status given to the district to be withdrawn. As a young and dynamic officer, answer the following: (a) Why do people continue to practice open defecation even when they have access to toilets? (b) What are the options available to you as the Sub-Divisional Magistrate in this case? Highlight the merits and demerits of each option. (c) What will be your course of action? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"You are the District Magistrate of a district, which is the hub of coaching centres for engineering as well as medical entrance exams. Recently, around 5 students have committed suicide owing to academic and social pressure. Students in the age group 15-18 years from across the country come to the district with the dream of getting admission into prestigious institutions like the IITs and AIIMS. However, the coaching institutes are business-minded and want to have toppers from their institute so that they can attract more students. They create a lot of pressure on students to perform, with differential treatment like forming different category of batches depending on students' performance. These students live as Paying Guests and in hostels away from their families and many cannot tackle the huge burden of competition and the associated mental stress. The recent spate of suicide by 5 students has been highlighted by the national media and you have been asked by the Chief Minister to present a report of the situation and take steps on the matter. The Chief Minister has also asked you to keep the matter away from limelight so that the coaching centres continue with their business and generate revenue for themselves as well as the state. Upon investigation, you find out that 2-3 of the most famous coaching institutions are run by political leaders of the ruling party. They are involved in false advertisements in order to lure students. They also create undue pressure on the students to perform. Also, there is an emerging black market for performance enhancing drugs, which have become common among the students. Given the situation: (a) Highlight the stakeholders involved and discuss the associated ethical issues in the given case. (b) Given the situation, what will be your course of action? (c) Discussing the various reasons for increased cases of suicides among students, suggest measures to address the issue in the long-run. (Answer in 250 words)20","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"You have recently joined as the Chief Executive Officer of the Water Supply and Sewerage Board in a metropolitan city of India. Recently, there was an incident where two poor people died while undertaking hazardous cleaning of sewers in a posh neighbourhood, housing top corporate honchos of the city. The preliminary report found that a few residents in the said neighbourhood employed private workers to clean the sewers without the knowledge of the local city administration. A complaint for causing death by negligence has been registered against the concerned residents as well as the private contractor through whom these poor people were employed to carry out the task. The complaint has come to a shock to the residents of the neighbourhood, most of whom never had a brush with the law before. During the investigation, the residents of the neighbourhood complained that the local administration has not been cleaning sewers for a long time, forcing them to hire private workers. You also come to know that there is a confusion over the maintenance works in the city administration, with no resolution till date. The city administration, as a whole, has also been facing a shortage of funds to build the requisite infrastructure and provide protective gears to carry out the sewage cleaning work. In the meantime, the family members of the deceased have started pressurising the government for compensation and there has also been a media blitzkrieg blaming the apathy of the city administration for the incident and pressure to withdraw the complaints registered against the high profile residents of the neighbourhood. In light of the above situation, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the stakeholders involved in the case along with the associated issues. (b) Evaluate the options that are available to you in the given case. Which of these options will you choose and why? (c) What will be the long-term measures you will take to prevent such an incident from occurring in the future? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3351,"topper":"Ishwari Deka","air":320,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ISHWARI-DEKA-UPSC-2023-Rank-320-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3352,"topper":"Ishwari Deka","air":320,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ISHWARI-DEKA-UPSC-2023-Rank-320-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3353,"topper":"Ishwari Deka","air":320,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ISHWARI-DEKA-UPSC-2023-Rank-320-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3354,"topper":"Ishwari Deka","air":320,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ISHWARI-DEKA-UPSC-2023-Rank-320-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3355,"topper":"Ishwarm Lal Gurjar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c1e58-1295818_2366_ishwar_lal-gurjar_rank_483.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"How can the family effectively transmit core moral principles in an era dominated by digital influences? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Though conscience generally serves as a crucial guide in ethical decision-making, it is sometimes fraught with limitations. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":3356,"topper":"Ishwarm Lal Gurjar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/64097-1295818_2421_ishwar_lal-gurjar_rank_483.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Societies across the world are witnessing a gradual moral decline in values and it is time that educators stepped in and made efforts to rekindle the desire of human beings to develop personal, social, and professional moral values. Do you agree that in the wake of changing social landscape in the country, value education is as important as technical education for the youth to become not only skilled but also morally strong professionals? Explain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Guru Nanak Dev ji believed that despite religion, caste, and gender, everyone should seek well for others and only then one can have that goodness back in return. Discuss the important teachings of Guru Nanak Dev ji relevant to the youth of today. (Answer in 150 words)10","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The 'work from home' culture that gained wide acceptance with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to many ethical concerns for private organizations with moonlighting being one of the most prominent ones. Do you think that it is ethical for an employee to practice moonlighting? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)10","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"While there are multiple institutions to ensure fairness in international relations, states often put aside moral values and the directions of these institutions for their own interests. Discuss with illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)10","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What does each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \" \" - \"It takes something more than intelligence to act intelligently.\" - Fyodor Dostoyevsky (Answer in 150 words)10","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"A popular government, without popular information, or the means of acquiring it, is but a prologue to a farce or a tragedy; or perhaps both.\" - James Madison (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"\"Character may almost be called the most effective means of persuasion.\" - Aristotle (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"While impartiality has been identified as one of the key ethical values for public service, it should not be seen as precluding compassion in public services. Explain with suitable illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)10","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Prejudice and discrimination when left unaddressed have the potential to turn conflicts into violence. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Though the 'Me Too Movement' helped in creating some murmur with respect to sexual harassment of women at workplace, it has failed to create a lasting positive impact on the work culture in India. Do you agree? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You have been working in a well-known business consultancy company for nearly 15 years and have been promoted to a senior executive level. You have a junior colleague, named Meera, whom you have been mentoring from time to time. The time and effort she has invested in the company along with your guidance has led her to rapidly grow professionally in the organisation. The work environment has also been conducive for her growth. Meanwhile, Meera's mother has been ill and requiring medical attention for the past few few years. Her medical bills have been increasing rapidly over time. Recently, Meera encountered an uncomfortable experience of sexual advances at the hands of your immediate boss, which she reported to Human Resources Department (HRD) of the company instantly. The concerned boss has been instrumental in the success of the company and is also well-connected within the company and beyond. He has indirectly offered a large amount for the settlement of this issue to Meera. If Meera accepts his offer, she will have to sign a non-disclosure agreement that restricts her from re-opening the issue or even discussing about it. She came to know that the concerned boss has been involved in similar acts earlier as well. Given his position in the company and his connections, Meera feels that he could be a threat to her career in the future. She is also in dire need of money. In the given circumstances, address the following: (a) Identify the main stakeholders involved in this case. (b) Highlight the issues related to integrity and ethics in the case above. (c) What are the various options available to Meera? Which option should she choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3357,"topper":"JADHAV ANKET KESHAVRAO","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/JADHAV-ANKET-KESHAVRAO-UPSC-2024-Rank-280-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"How far do you agree that a robust domestic demand is the most important driver of India's economic growth? What are other factors that influence the growth trajectory of the country? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Macroeconomic stability is not solely dependent on the quantity of foreign exchange reserves, but also on the strategy and sources on which they are built. Discuss in an Indian context. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"DPI (Digital Public Infrastructure) is a critical enabler of digital transformation for both businesses and citizens; however, it comes with its own set of challenges. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The skewed emphasis on certain crops has distorted the cropping pattern in India, which has led to grave socio-economic and environmental consequences. Elaborate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Private participation in propelling India's space journey is widely acknowledged but is yet to be fully tapped. In light of the statement, analyse the hurdles faced by the private sector and also recommend measures to unlock greater private participation in the space economy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"With recent advances in technology, robots are now equipped to perform more than just conventional and routine tasks, which brings new opportunities as well as risks. In this context, evaluate the future potential of the robotics sector. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Technology plays a multidimensional role in augmenting the disaster management apparatus of the country. Discuss. Also, bring out the measures needed to enhance the usage of such technologies in managing disasters. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Outlining the various cyber threats faced by India, assess the state of the country's preparedness to deal with the same. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Explain how the geographical location of India makes it extremely vulnerable to the menace of drug trafficking. What are the various internal security threats posed by drug trafficking? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Inclusive growth is a roadmap to intergenerational equity, redistribution of wealth, and employment generation. Explain. Also, discuss the steps taken by the government towards achieving inclusive growth. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Discuss the significance of Multimodal Transport System in achieving last mile connectivity, improving logistics efficiency, and addressing the twin problems of pollution and congestion. What measures can be taken to ensure efficient multimodal transport connectivity in India? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Highlighting the rationale behind declaring MSP, discuss various issues related to the MSP regime in the country. Also, critically analyse the efficacy of legalizing MSP towards ensuring financial sustainability in farming. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Food Processing Industries (FPIs) can act as a bridge between the informal farming community and the formal industrial sector, which can help boost the rural economy. Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the role of biotechnology in enhancing agricultural productivity. Also, highlight the concerns regarding the application of biotechnology in agriculture. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Discuss the repercussions on marine ecosystem and economy resulting from the combined effects of ocean acidification, ocean warming, and oxygen loss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The invisible nature of groundwater is a major obstacle in the path towards achieving the twin objectives of building climate resilience and meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Despite various efforts, a lasting solution to the insurgency in the north-eastern region of India remains elusive. Analyse the reasons behind the continuation of insurgency in the region. Also, suggest effective measures to tackle it. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"While developmental initiatives have a significant role to play, they alone cannot root out terrorism/militancy in Jammu and Kashmir. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3358,"topper":"Jagrati Awasthi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SkYvfiUzO6pKp1AbWpXshAc1dRNAJjhX/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Tenancy reforms are much needed to give a boost to the Indian agricultural sector. Comment. In this context, also discuss the significance of the Model Land Leasing Act, 2016. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"India's march towards inclusive growth and it achieving the Sustainable Development Goals are intricately linked. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlight the need for evolving an appropriate system of Rules Of Origin in regional trading arrangements. What steps have been taken by India recently in this regard? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"MSP regime is a creation of an era of scarcity in the 1960s. Discuss its relevance in the current era of surplus agricultural production. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Examine the link between the recent locust attack and climate change. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlighting the properties of Carbon Nanotubes, discuss its applications. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"India's domestic patent regime privileges public health over pharmaceutical industry's interests. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Bring out the arguments surrounding the idea of employing the principle of 'one border - one force' on Indian borders. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Assess the need to create a new cadre of Indian Frontier Administrative Service to undertake the vital tasks at Indian frontiers. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The main objective of Union Budget 2020-21 is to provide \"Ease of Living\" to all citizens. Analyse the framework proposed in the Budget 2020-21 to achieve this objective. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Several challenges are needed to be addressed to realise the full benefits of the recent agricultural marketing reforms. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Multimodal transport requires multiple integrations across different modes of transportation. Substantiate. What are the challenges and opportunities associated with multimodal transportation for India? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Climate Change and the associated events endanger the marine and coastal ecosystems while increasing the vulnerability of coastal population. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Using examples, highlight how natural ecosystems perform different hazard mitigation functions. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Explain what genome sequencing is and state the challenges in scaling up genome sequencing projects. Also, throw some light on the recently launched IndiGen Project. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India needs to avert radicalisation and societal dissention, as internal faultlines are a breeding ground for cyber and transnational terrorism. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Given the emerging security challenges, discuss why the establishment of Integrated Theatre Commands is being seen as an important defence reform. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3359,"topper":"Jagrati Awasthi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PooJLEJNpNIAsksOadNznFmTuw1b9SFX/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Enumerate the issues associated with functioning of the Central Information Commission. How can these issues be addressed? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"In India, Governor's discretionary powers are wider than those of the President. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the objectives that were sought to be achieved through tribunals. How successful have they been in meeting them? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Instead of the government regulating Over-the-top (OTT) platforms, there have been calls for a self-regulating mechanism for such platforms, as in the case of print media. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Bring out the arguments surrounding the issue of some states reserving jobs for locals in the private sector. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Identifying the key elements of Mission Karmayogi, briefly explain how it can lead to holistic development of the human resources and state's capacity. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlighting the role played by ASHA workers in public health system of India, discuss the challenges faced by them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"While internationalisation of higher education has many potential benefits for India, certain challenges will need to be addressed in this regard. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"India needs to adopt a more pragmatic stance in the context of the ongoing intra-Afghan talks. Discuss, in the light of India's engagement with Afghanistan. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In the geo-strategic context of West Asia, the recent efforts to normalise relations between Israel and UAE may open new possibilities for India. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"It is not only the content of election manifestos but also the past performance with respect to promises made in election manifestos that need to be regulated. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"In order to achieve a reduction in the pendency of cases and a return to the Supreme Court's original role as a final appellate court, setting up of a National Court of Appeal is the need of the hour. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The Constitution of India reflects an amalgamation of spirit of Indian freedom struggle and various administrative provisions of different acts of British rule in India. Explain. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Mention the key components of the SVAMITVA scheme. Also, highlight its intended benefits and discuss the potential issues in its implementation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Sharing of information among all stakeholders in government functioning is a leading practice towards good governance. Discuss with examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"India has an oversized and bloated government which acts as a drag on economic efficiency and growth. Critically evaluate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Though the National Digital Health Mission is a step in the right direction for both patients and the healthcare system, concerns around data privacy need to be addressed. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"One Nation One Ration card has the potential to significantly transform the lives of migrant workers in India. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The World Trade Organization is buffeted by multiple challenges which have eroded the credibility of the organization. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"BIMSTEC is indispensable for India's efforts in promoting regional cooperation and integration in the neighbourhood. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3360,"topper":"Jagrati Awasthi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/14yaaCLLgMkfKbP6LpSPnxAc_nNahkYsi/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Administration discretion can be a blessing if used correctly, however its misuse can prove to be a curse. Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"There is a view that corrupt practices have been socially accepted in India. How can this 'acceptance' be shifted to 'rejection' towards corruption? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Ethical business practices are key for long-term survival of a company. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Law succeeds in encouraging ethical behaviour in a society only when it is backed by conscience of its individuals. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter. Martin Luther King Jr. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do you understand by Social Intelligence? Discuss its relation with the Emotional Intelligence of an individual. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"While code of conduct presents a structure to organized values, code of ethics gives a foundation to that structure. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"According to Buddhism, for a man to be perfect there are two qualities that he should develop equally: compassion (karuna) on one side, and wisdom (panna) on the other. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The life of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam presents a broad range of lessons and virtues to be learnt by public servants in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Identify which essential information should be made available to the public via Citizen's Charter? Also, suggest some steps for successful implementation of the Citizen's Charter. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Respect for human rights and humanitarian principles is a responsibility for all members of the international community. Discuss in the context of roles and responsibilities of States for protection of refugees. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"What is red-tapism? Why is it considered a hurdle in the process of transitioning towards citizen centric governance? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":34,"question":"Given the rising tide of Covid induced fatalities, the government is under extreme pressure to deliver some vaccine to the population. You are the Cabinet Secretary to the Government of India. You are heading the committee to oversee the process of vaccine development and distribution to fight against the Covid outbreak in the country. You have been asked to expedite the process and come up with a solution at the earliest. Some vaccines are available around the globe, but they are in limited supply and also expensive. One of the indigenously developed vaccine has shown initial positive results, but health experts have raised concerns over its safety, efficacy and the methodology being followed for its approval. Other promising vaccines under development, following a rigorous 10. Literacy levels have been increasing in India over the past few decades, and the literacy rate was found to be 74.04 per cent after the 2011 census. Though this increase in literacy rate seems like a very great accomplishment, it is a matter of concern that still so many people in India cannot even read and write. Children are going to school but not learning much beyond \"floor level tasks\". Moreover, the higher literacy level has not resulted in better human values and this is manifested in the troubled atmosphere in the society at large. This failure of the education system to reform human behavior is troubling for a young democracy, like India. Given this situation, answer the following: (a) What role is education expected to play in reforming human behaviour and inculcating human values? (b) Do you think only the","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Literacy levels have been increasing in India over the past few decades, and the literacy rate was found to be 74.04 per cent after the 2011 census. Though this increase in literacy rate seems like a very great accomplishment, it is a matter of concern that still so many people in India cannot even read and write. Children are going to school but not learning much beyond \"floor level tasks\". Moreover, the higher literacy level has not resulted in better human values and this is manifested in the troubled atmosphere in the society at large. This failure of the education system to reform human behavior is troubling for a young democracy, like India. Given this situation, answer the following: (a) What role is education expected to play in reforming human behaviour and inculcating human values? (b) Do you think only the","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Problems surrounding air pollution present an urgent challenge for many countries, including India. Among other reasons, this challenge has been exacerbated by the indifferent attitude of people towards it. Various studies have pointed out the harmful effects of air pollution. Despite the government bringing various regulations on activities like stubble burning and bursting fire crackers, people violate them. (a) Discuss the reasons behind such behaviour on part of society towards air pollution. (b) Suggest measures that are required to be undertaken to nudge people towards pro-environment behaviour.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"In recent times, social media has emerged as an important platform for all to share their information and opinions. Many civil servants are also quite active on the social media. Given this situation, there have been calls to revise or update the Civil Services Conduct Rules. Suppose you are a senior IAS officer who is heading a panel set up by the government to bring suitable changes in the conduct rules. Elaborate on how you will respond to the following questions: (a) What are the issues with a civil servant expressing his/her views on social media on various matters? (b) Should criticism of government policies on social media by civil servants be allowed? (c) How should civil servants conduct themselves on social media?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Economic growth has been the primary goal of economic policies, and the principal measure of an economy's success. In the last few decades, economic growth benefitted mankind in multiple ways. But alongside these benefits, it has also generated significant issues and a series of converging challenges. In light of this, answer the following: (a) What was the rationale behind GDP growth being considered the pillar of economic policies the world over in the past few decades? (b) Explain the need to go beyond GDP growth and reassess our measures of development. Identify some of the components that need to be complemented with GDP growth going forward.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"The Covid-19 pandemic is far from over but governments across the world appear to have either relaxed lockdown parameters or will do so soon. Containing Covid and restoring our economies requires not just good policy decisions and medical advice; it also needs continued compliance with the recommended behavioural changes. Daunting as they may seem, the drastic changes in behaviour being called for, can indeed be brought about. Answer the following in this regard: (a) Why is behavioural change seen to be desirable in a country like India, when it is faced with a pandemic of the kind of Covid-19? (b) What role have different stakeholders in India been playing in helping communities adhere to the desired behaviour? (c) Discuss the challenges in bringing about behavioural change, particularly in such an environment of anxiety and uncertainties.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3361,"topper":"Jagrati Awasthi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/49fca-972640_1417_jagrati-awasthi_rank_2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Dadabhai Naoroji left an indelible imprint on the national movement. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Quit India movement marked a new direction in the struggle against the British colonial rule in India. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Simla Agreement (1972) and Lahore Declaration (1999) are two key milestones in the history of the Indian subcontinent. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Social security should not only involve economic empowerment but also social empowerment. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Explain with examples how globalisation is manifested in both local in the global and the global in the local. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In light of persistence of various forms of violence against women in India, discuss the ways in which the issue can be addressed effectively. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What is an urban forest? Highlight its benefits and steps taken by the government to promote urban forestry in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"How has globalization impacted the location of the IT industry? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"How can eco-tourism be used to sustainably harness the potential of tourism industry in India? Discuss the challenges and steps taken by the government in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The advent of Buddhism and Jainism was instrumental in the development of architecture in ancient India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The reactionary policies of Lord Lytton and the liberal policies of his successor Lord Rippon acted as catalyst in the formation of the Indian National Congress. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Gandhiji changed his methods of struggle against the British from time-to-time to suit the varied circumstances and problems that needed to be tackled. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Bring out the relationship between the industrial revolution and the advent of imperialism in different parts of the world. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The caste system in India has continued to persist by adapting itself to a variety of changing socio-economic and political conditions in the past few decades. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"It is argued by some that regionalism is a threat to national integrity while others consider it as a highly impactful tool in facilitating political participation. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Describe the process of rift valley formation, with special emphasis on the Great Rift Valley System. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India's water resources have witnessed rapid depletion due to a mix of economic, geographic, and political factors. Explain and discuss its implications. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How are plateaus formed? Also, briefly discuss the features of the Deccan plateau and its economic significance. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3362,"topper":"Jagrati Awasthi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b8c6a-972640_1523_jagrati-awasthi_rank_2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Enumerate the issues associated with functioning of the Central Information Commission. How can these issues be addressed? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"In India, Governor's discretionary powers are wider than those of the President. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the objectives that were sought to be achieved through tribunals. How successful have they been in meeting them? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Instead of the government regulating Over-the-top (OTT) platforms, there have been calls for a self-regulating mechanism for such platforms, as in the case of print media. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Bring out the arguments surrounding the issue of some states reserving jobs for locals in the private sector. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Identifying the key elements of Mission Karmayogi, briefly explain how it can lead to holistic development of the human resources and state's capacity. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlighting the role played by ASHA workers in public health system of India, discuss the challenges faced by them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"While internationalisation of higher education has many potential benefits for India, certain challenges will need to be addressed in this regard. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"India needs to adopt a more pragmatic stance in the context of the ongoing intra-Afghan talks. Discuss, in the light of India's engagement with Afghanistan. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In the geo-strategic context of West Asia, the recent efforts to normalise relations between Israel and UAE may open new possibilities for India. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"It is not only the content of election manifestos but also the past performance with respect to promises made in election manifestos that need to be regulated. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"In order to achieve a reduction in the pendency of cases and a return to the Supreme Court's original role as a final appellate court, setting up of a National Court of Appeal is the need of the hour. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The Constitution of India reflects an amalgamation of spirit of Indian freedom struggle and various administrative provisions of different acts of British rule in India. Explain. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Mention the key components of the SVAMITVA scheme. Also, highlight its intended benefits and discuss the potential issues in its implementation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Sharing of information among all stakeholders in government functioning is a leading practice towards good governance. Discuss with examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"India has an oversized and bloated government which acts as a drag on economic efficiency and growth. Critically evaluate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Though the National Digital Health Mission is a step in the right direction for both patients and the healthcare system, concerns around data privacy need to be addressed. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"One Nation One Ration card has the potential to significantly transform the lives of migrant workers in India. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The World Trade Organization is buffeted by multiple challenges which have eroded the credibility of the organization. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"BIMSTEC is indispensable for India's efforts in promoting regional cooperation and integration in the neighbourhood. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3363,"topper":"Jagrati Awasthi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1809a-972640_1524_jagrati-awasthi_rank_2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Tenancy reforms are much needed to give a boost to the Indian agricultural sector. Comment. In this context, also discuss the significance of the Model Land Leasing Act, 2016. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"India's march towards inclusive growth and it achieving the Sustainable Development Goals are intricately linked. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlight the need for evolving an appropriate system of Rules Of Origin in regional trading arrangements. What steps have been taken by India recently in this regard? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"MSP regime is a creation of an era of scarcity in the 1960s. Discuss its relevance in the current era of surplus agricultural production. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Examine the link between the recent locust attack and climate change. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlighting the properties of Carbon Nanotubes, discuss its applications. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"India's domestic patent regime privileges public health over pharmaceutical industry's interests. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Bring out the arguments surrounding the idea of employing the principle of 'one border - one force' on Indian borders. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Assess the need to create a new cadre of Indian Frontier Administrative Service to undertake the vital tasks at Indian frontiers. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The main objective of Union Budget 2020-21 is to provide \"Ease of Living\" to all citizens. Analyse the framework proposed in the Budget 2020-21 to achieve this objective. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Several challenges are needed to be addressed to realise the full benefits of the recent agricultural marketing reforms. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Multimodal transport requires multiple integrations across different modes of transportation. Substantiate. What are the challenges and opportunities associated with multimodal transportation for India? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Though COVID-19 pandemic exposes the vulnerability of informal sector and associated labor force in India, it also presents an opportunity to rebalance formal-informal economy dynamics in the country. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Highlight the drivers and challenges facing India's ambition to become a gas-based economy. Mention the steps that have been taken by the government recently in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Climate Change and the associated events endanger the marine and coastal ecosystems while increasing the vulnerability of coastal population. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Using examples, highlight how natural ecosystems perform different hazard mitigation functions. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Explain what genome sequencing is and state the challenges in scaling up genome sequencing projects. Also, throw some light on the recently launched IndiGen Project. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India needs to avert radicalisation and societal dissention, as internal faultlines are a breeding ground for cyber and transnational terrorism. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Given the emerging security challenges, discuss why the establishment of Integrated Theatre Commands is being seen as an important defence reform. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3364,"topper":"Jagrati Awasthi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1M8FmwFdT2UHmk9E9KysRrQPkHtiOgvp2/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) Administration discretion can be a blessing if used correctly, however its misuse can prove to be a curse. Discuss with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) There is a view that corrupt practices have been socially accepted in India. How can this 'acceptance' be shifted to 'rejection' towards corruption?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) Ethical business practices are key for long-term survival of a company. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) Law succeeds in encouraging ethical behaviour in a society only when it is backed by conscience of its individuals. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"3. Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context:\n(a) Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter. Martin Luther King Jr.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) In law a man is guilty when he violates the rights of others, In ethics he is guilty if he only thinks of doing so. Immanuel Kant","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"4. (a) What do you understand by Social Intelligence? Discuss its relation with the Emotional Intelligence of an individual.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"4. (b) While code of conduct presents a structure to organized values, code of ethics gives a foundation to that structure. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"5. (a) According to Buddhism, for a man to be perfect there are two qualities that he should develop equally: compassion (karuna) on one side, and wisdom (panna) on the other. Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"5. (b) The life of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam presents a broad range of lessons and virtues to be learnt by public servants in India. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"6. Identify which essential information should be made available to the public via Citizen's Charter? Also, suggest some steps for successful implementation of the Citizen's Charter.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"7. Respect for human rights and humanitarian principles is a responsibility for all members of the international community. Discuss in the context of roles and responsibilities of States for protection of refugees.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"8. What is red-tapism? Why is it considered a hurdle in the process of transitioning towards citizen centric governance?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"9. Given the rising tide of Covid induced fatalities, the government is under extreme pressure to deliver some vaccine to the population. You are the Cabinet Secretary to the Government of India. You are heading the committee to oversee the process of vaccine development and distribution to fight against the Covid outbreak in the country. You have been asked to expedite the process and come up with a solution at the earliest.\nSome vaccines are available around the globe, but they are in limited supply and also expensive. One of the indigenously developed vaccine has shown initial positive results, but health experts have raised concerns over its safety, efficacy and the methodology being followed for its approval. Other promising vaccines under development, following a rigorous methodology, may take months to enter the market. In this context:\n(a) What are the critical issues involved in the case?\n(b) Explain, with relevant reasons, the course of action that you would take.","marks":"20","words":"in around 250"},{"page":34,"question":"10. Literacy levels have been increasing in India over the past few decades, and the literacy rate was found to be 74.04 per cent after the 2011 census. Though this increase in literacy rate seems like a very great accomplishment, it is a matter of concern that still so many people in India cannot even read and write. Children are going to school but not learning much beyond \"floor level tasks\". Moreover, the higher literacy level has not resulted in better human values and this is manifested in the troubled atmosphere in the society at large. This failure of the education system to reform human behavior is troubling for a young democracy, like India. Given this situation, answer the following:\n(a) What role is education expected to play in reforming human behaviour and inculcating human values?\n(b) Do you think only the government is responsible for this state of the education system? If not, identify the stakeholders who should press for a change in the education system in this regard.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":39,"question":"11. Problems surrounding air pollution present an urgent challenge for many countries, including India. Among other reasons, this challenge has been exacerbated by the indifferent attitude of people towards it. Various studies have pointed out the harmful effects of air pollution. Despite the government bringing various regulations on activities like stubble burning and bursting fire crackers, people violate them.\n(a) Discuss the reasons behind such behaviour on part of society towards air pollution.\n(b) Suggest measures that are required to be undertaken to nudge people towards pro-environment behaviour.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":44,"question":"12. In recent times, social media has emerged as an important platform for all to share their information and opinions. Many civil servants are also quite active on the social media. Given this situation, there have been calls to revise or update the Civil Services Conduct Rules.\nSuppose you are a senior IAS officer who is heading a panel set up by the government to bring suitable changes in the conduct rules. Elaborate on how you will respond to the following questions:\n(a) What are the issues with a civil servant expressing his/her views on social media on various matters?\n(b) Should criticism of government policies on social media by civil servants be allowed?\n(c) How should civil servants conduct themselves on social media?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":49,"question":"13 Economic growth has been the primary goal of economic policies, and the principal measure of an economy's success. In the last few decades, economic growth benefitted mankind in multiple ways. But alongside these benefits, it has also generated significant issues and a series of converging challenges. In light of this, answer the following:\n(a) What was the rationale behind GDP growth being considered the pillar of economic policies the world over in the past few decades?\n(b) Explain the need to go beyond GDP growth and reassess our measures of development. Identify some of the components that need to be complemented with GDP growth going forward.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":50,"question":"(b) However GDP growth has not led to inclusive growth and inequalities have sharply increased. Why beyond GDP?\ni) Unequal benefits to different sections","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"14. The Covid-19 pandemic is far from over but governments across the world appear to have either relaxed lockdown parameters or will do so soon. Containing Covid and restoring our economies requires not just good policy decisions and medical advice; it also needs continued compliance with the recommended behavioural changes. Daunting as they may seem, the drastic changes in behaviour being called for, can indeed be brought about. Answer the following in this regard:\n(a) Why is behavioural change seen to be desirable in a country like India, when it is faced with a pandemic of the kind of Covid-19?\n(b) What role have different stakeholders in India been playing in helping communities adhere to the desired behaviour?\n(c) Discuss the challenges in bringing about behavioural change, particularly in such an environment of anxiety and uncertainties.","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":3365,"topper":"Jagrati Awasthi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/119GgA9NGt8VLvUyhp8n5DJrLiptgAsEy/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) Administration discretion can be a blessing if used correctly, however its misuse can prove to be a curse. Discuss with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) There is a view that corrupt practices have been socially accepted in India. How can this 'acceptance' be shifted to 'rejection' towards corruption?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) Ethical business practices are key for long-term survival of a company. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) Law succeeds in encouraging ethical behaviour in a society only when it is backed by conscience of its individuals. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"3. Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context:\n(a) Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter. Martin Luther King Jr.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) In law a man is guilty when he violates the rights of others, In ethics he is guilty if he only thinks of doing so. Immanuel Kant","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"4. (a) What do you understand by Social Intelligence? Discuss its relation with the Emotional Intelligence of an individual.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"4. (b) While code of conduct presents a structure to organized values, code of ethics gives a foundation to that structure. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"5. (a) According to Buddhism, for a man to be perfect there are two qualities that he should develop equally: compassion (karuna) on one side, and wisdom (panna) on the other. Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"5. (b) The life of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam presents a broad range of lessons and virtues to be learnt by public servants in India. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"6. Identify which essential information should be made available to the public via Citizen's Charter? Also, suggest some steps for successful implementation of the Citizen's Charter.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"7. Respect for human rights and humanitarian principles is a responsibility for all members of the international community. Discuss in the context of roles and responsibilities of States for protection of refugees.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"8. What is red-tapism? Why is it considered a hurdle in the process of transitioning towards citizen centric governance?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"9. Given the rising tide of Covid induced fatalities, the government is under extreme pressure to deliver some vaccine to the population. You are the Cabinet Secretary to the Government of India. You are heading the committee to oversee the process of vaccine development and distribution to fight against the Covid outbreak in the country. You have been asked to expedite the process and come up with a solution at the earliest.\nSome vaccines are available around the globe, but they are in limited supply and also expensive. One of the indigenously developed vaccine has shown initial positive results, but health experts have raised concerns over its safety, efficacy and the methodology being followed for its approval. Other promising vaccines under development, following a rigorous methodology, may take months to enter the market. In this context:\n(a) What are the critical issues involved in the case?\n(b) Explain, with relevant reasons, the course of action that you would take.","marks":"20","words":"in around 250"},{"page":34,"question":"10. Literacy levels have been increasing in India over the past few decades, and the literacy rate was found to be 74.04 per cent after the 2011 census. Though this increase in literacy rate seems like a very great accomplishment, it is a matter of concern that still so many people in India cannot even read and write. Children are going to school but not learning much beyond \"floor level tasks\". Moreover, the higher literacy level has not resulted in better human values and this is manifested in the troubled atmosphere in the society at large. This failure of the education system to reform human behavior is troubling for a young democracy, like India. Given this situation, answer the following:\n(a) What role is education expected to play in reforming human behaviour and inculcating human values?\n(b) Do you think only the government is responsible for this state of the education system? If not, identify the stakeholders who should press for a change in the education system in this regard.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":39,"question":"11. Problems surrounding air pollution present an urgent challenge for many countries, including India. Among other reasons, this challenge has been exacerbated by the indifferent attitude of people towards it. Various studies have pointed out the harmful effects of air pollution. Despite the government bringing various regulations on activities like stubble burning and bursting fire crackers, people violate them.\n(a) Discuss the reasons behind such behaviour on part of society towards air pollution.\n(b) Suggest measures that are required to be undertaken to nudge people towards pro-environment behaviour.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":44,"question":"12. In recent times, social media has emerged as an important platform for all to share their information and opinions. Many civil servants are also quite active on the social media. Given this situation, there have been calls to revise or update the Civil Services Conduct Rules.\nSuppose you are a senior IAS officer who is heading a panel set up by the government to bring suitable changes in the conduct rules. Elaborate on how you will respond to the following questions:\n(a) What are the issues with a civil servant expressing his/her views on social media on various matters?\n(b) Should criticism of government policies on social media by civil servants be allowed?\n(c) How should civil servants conduct themselves on social media?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":49,"question":"13 Economic growth has been the primary goal of economic policies, and the principal measure of an economy's success. In the last few decades, economic growth benefitted mankind in multiple ways. But alongside these benefits, it has also generated significant issues and a series of converging challenges. In light of this, answer the following:\n(a) What was the rationale behind GDP growth being considered the pillar of economic policies the world over in the past few decades?\n(b) Explain the need to go beyond GDP growth and reassess our measures of development. Identify some of the components that need to be complemented with GDP growth going forward.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":50,"question":"(b) However GDP growth has not led to inclusive growth and inequalities have sharply increased.\n(i) Unequal benefits to different sections","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"14. The Covid-19 pandemic is far from over but governments across the world appear to have either relaxed lockdown parameters or will do so soon. Containing Covid and restoring our economies requires not just good policy decisions and medical advice; it also needs continued compliance with the recommended behavioural changes. Daunting as they may seem, the drastic changes in behaviour being called for, can indeed be brought about. Answer the following in this regard:\n(a) Why is behavioural change seen to be desirable in a country like India, when it is faced with a pandemic of the kind of Covid-19?\n(b) What role have different stakeholders in India been playing in helping communities adhere to the desired behaviour?\n(c) Discuss the challenges in bringing about behavioural change, particularly in such an environment of anxiety and uncertainties.","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":3366,"topper":"Jagrati Awasthi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1s87s3PyAzJJnwYMP0FSokC6kcn7DnQki/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) Man is not only a product of his environment but can also modify the environment. Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) Though it may seem that accountability and efficiency are antithetical to each other, accountability is a sine qua non for good governance. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) Gandhian ideals can be of immense help in dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic. Evaluate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) While civil servants have the legal right to undertake post-retirement jobs, it raises key ethical issues. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"3 Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context:\n(a) Try not to become a man of success but rather try to become a man of value. Albert Einstein","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) Having knowledge of an unethical act and allowing it to continue can spread a contagion that can affect multiple beings in society. Bertrand Russell","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"4. (a) When people use a common resource without a coordinated plan the result is often a tragedy of the commons in which the resource is depleted. In this context, discuss the various ethical challenges arising out of utilization of Global Commons.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"4. (b) While a code of conduct merely establishes minimal standards of conduct, a better strategy to promote ethical work culture is through internalization of values. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"5. (a) A state that does not have the political will and the discipline to enforce probity in governance, can not get rid of the menace of prolonged corruption. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"5. (b) India cannot march successfully in to the 21st century, with the administrative system having a colonial mindset. Discuss in context of the bureaucratic work culture in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"6. Which corporate leader has inspired you the most and what moral lessons have you learnt from their life?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"7. Increasing participation of people in governance and easy access to information is what transforms governance to good governance. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"8. It is sometimes believed that moral scrupulousness in one's private life automatically guarantees high moral stature in professional life. Do you agree? Justify your stand with logical arguments.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"9. You are working as a District Magistrate in an aspirational district where women literacy and sex ratio is one of the lowest in the country. It is brought to your notice that a woman who has been elected as 'Sarpanch' on a seat reserved for women candidates in a panchayat in your district is head 'only on the paper'. All the work related to the panchayat is actually carried out by her husband. Even the flag hoisting ceremony on Independence Day is carried out by her husband. However, her husband happens to be a good administrator as indicated by that panchayat's performance on various developmental parameters as compared to other panchayats in the district. Also, her husband enjoys the support of the local people. Given the situation, answer the following:\n(a) Identify the stakeholders and issues involved in this case?\n(b) What options are available to you as the District Magistrate in such a scenario? Also, evaluate each option and indicate what option will you choose.","marks":"20","words":"in around 250"},{"page":34,"question":"10. The issues confronting humanity are multifaceted - from political conflicts and human rights abuses to pandemics and climate change. They are not contained within national borders, nor do they fit into the silos of separate government agencies or academic specialties. What is required is greater international cooperation, mutual respect, abiding by international laws and participative global decision-making. However, over the last decade, it has been observed that international relations have overshadowed these basic tenets of global governance and now we are at the verge of serious global catastrophic risks. When it comes to the structures of global governance, business as usual, is no longer an option. Not only an improvement in our understanding of risks is required but also taking responsibility to lead collective action for a coordinated global response.\n(a) What do you think are the factors hindering collective actions?\n(b) Provide a case for the moral obligation of the international community to come together and find solutions to the problems we face.\n(c) What should be the principles guiding such international cooperation?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":39,"question":"11. You are posted as Superintendent of Police in a district. A case has come up in which more than 30 girls were allegedly raped and sexually exploited at the city shelter home run by an NGO. The scandal came to light when media flagged complaints of sexual abuse of inmates of the city shelter home. A nexus of police, politicians, administration and criminals have been allegedly responsible for the racket going on for the last few years. In light of this, a lot of protests have erupted across the city. While, on one hand, media glare has meant that people are demanding swift action, you have been asked to go slow in investigating the case by top officers in your department. Elections in the state are due in a few months, so it has become a politically sensitive issue. You are also under immense political pressure from the ruling party to not take strict action and make compromises to cover up the case. Given the situation, answer the following:\n(a) Identify the issues involved in the case.\n(b) What are the options available to you? Which of these options will you choose? Justify your stand with logical arguments.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":44,"question":"12. Being the senior-most IAS officer, you are in line to be promoted as Chief Secretary after the incumbent retires in the next two months. Currently, you are heading the Public Works Department (PWD) and a road construction project worth crores has been opened for tender. A company X belonging to the son-in-law of the incumbent Chief Minister has also applied for the same. The director in charge of the screening process, a young IAS officer, has reported that company Y and the state PSU have submitted the best bids. Both you and the director are facing political pressure to favour the company X. The young IAS officer may be demoralised if you give in to the pressure. But if you don't give in then he may be transferred and your chances of promotion may also suffer. In light of the situation, answer the following:\n(a) Discuss the ethical issues faced by you in the given case.\n(b) What are the options available to you? Which of these options will you choose? Justify your stand with logical arguments.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":49,"question":"13. As the head of the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), you are tasked to complete the construction of a power plant. The project needs to be completed expeditiously to fulfil the promise made by the government to ensure access to power for all. The selected site is in a remote area and is ideal for plant construction. However, the project would require relocation of the people living in the vicinity. Initially, the local community objected to disruption in their lives but were convinced later about the economic benefits that would accrue to the region through this plant. The project had started gathering pace, but recently a local NGO working for environment protection got involved with the local community regarding the issue. And now the local community has started protesting against any developmental activity in the region. As the officer-in-charge for the speedy execution of the project, answer the following:\n(a) What are the issues involved in this case?\n(b) What course of action will you take and why?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":54,"question":"14. Genetic editing has several applications with its potential to edit the genomes of both somatic and germ cells. This allows for the ability to not only cure genetic diseases but to edit the characteristics of future offspring. The last few years have seen the development of several efficient, more precise genetic engineering techniques. However, with growing sophistication, various issues of bioethics have also have come to the forefront.\n(a) Discuss the ethical considerations associated with genome editing.\n(b) In the light of these ethical issues, provide an ethical framework on how this technology can be used for the betterment of humanity.","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":3367,"topper":"Jagrati Awasthi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Gi9XAF9nZRhbnAfBEIDHlju_xo30mWfS/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) Man is not only a product of his environment but can also modify the environment. Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) Though it may seem that accountability and efficiency are antithetical to each other, accountability is a sine qua non for good governance. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) Gandhian ideals can be of immense help in dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic. Evaluate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) While civil servants have the legal right to undertake post-retirement jobs, it raises key ethical issues. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"3 Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context:\n(a) Try not to become a man of success but rather try to become a man of value. Albert Einstein","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) Having knowledge of an unethical act and allowing it to continue can spread a contagion that can affect multiple beings in society. Bertrand Russell","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"4. (a) When people use a common resource without a coordinated plan the result is often a tragedy of the commons in which the resource is depleted. In this context, discuss the various ethical challenges arising out of utilization of Global Commons.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"4. (b) While a code of conduct merely establishes minimal standards of conduct, a better strategy to promote ethical work culture is through internalization of values. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"5. (a) A state that does not have the political will and the discipline to enforce probity in governance, can not get rid of the menace of prolonged corruption. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"5. (b) India cannot march successfully in to the 21st century, with the administrative system having a colonial mindset. Discuss in context of the bureaucratic work culture in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"6. Which corporate leader has inspired you the most and what moral lessons have you learnt from their life?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"7. Increasing participation of people in governance and easy access to information is what transforms governance to good governance. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"8. It is sometimes believed that moral scrupulousness in one's private life automatically guarantees high moral stature in professional life. Do you agree? Justify your stand with logical arguments.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"9. You are working as a District Magistrate in an aspirational district where women literacy and sex ratio is one of the lowest in the country. It is brought to your notice that a woman who has been elected as 'Sarpanch' on a seat reserved for women candidates in a panchayat in your district is head 'only on the paper'. All the work related to the panchayat is actually carried out by her husband. Even the flag hoisting ceremony on Independence Day is carried out by her husband. However, her husband happens to be a good administrator as indicated by that panchayat's performance on various developmental parameters as compared to other panchayats in the district. Also, her husband enjoys the support of the local people. Given the situation, answer the following:\n(a) Identify the stakeholders and issues involved in this case?\n(b) What options are available to you as the District Magistrate in such a scenario? Also, evaluate each option and indicate what option will you choose.","marks":"20","words":"in around 250"},{"page":34,"question":"10. The issues confronting humanity are multifaceted - from political conflicts and human rights abuses to pandemics and climate change. They are not contained within national borders, nor do they fit into the silos of separate government agencies or academic specialties. What is required is greater international cooperation, mutual respect, abiding by international laws and participative global decision-making. However, over the last decade, it has been observed that international relations have overshadowed these basic tenets of global governance and now we are at the verge of serious global catastrophic risks. When it comes to the structures of global governance, business as usual, is no longer an option. Not only an improvement in our understanding of risks is required but also taking responsibility to lead collective action for a coordinated global response.\n(a) What do you think are the factors hindering collective actions?\n(b) Provide a case for the moral obligation of the international community to come together and find solutions to the problems we face.\n(c) What should be the principles guiding such international cooperation?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":39,"question":"11. You are posted as Superintendent of Police in a district. A case has come up in which more than 30 girls were allegedly raped and sexually exploited at the city shelter home run by an NGO. The scandal came to light when media flagged complaints of sexual abuse of inmates of the city shelter home. A nexus of police, politicians, administration and criminals have been allegedly responsible for the racket going on for the last few years. In light of this, a lot of protests have erupted across the city. While, on one hand, media glare has meant that people are demanding swift action, you have been asked to go slow in investigating the case by top officers in your department. Elections in the state are due in a few months, so it has become a politically sensitive issue. You are also under immense political pressure from the ruling party to not take strict action and make compromises to cover up the case. Given the situation, answer the following:\n(a) Identify the issues involved in the case.\n(b) What are the options available to you? Which of these options will you choose? Justify your stand with logical arguments.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":44,"question":"12. Being the senior-most IAS officer, you are in line to be promoted as Chief Secretary after the incumbent retires in the next two months. Currently, you are heading the Public Works Department (PWD) and a road construction project worth crores has been opened for tender. A company X belonging to the son-in-law of the incumbent Chief Minister has also applied for the same. The director in charge of the screening process, a young IAS officer, has reported that company Y and the state PSU have submitted the best bids. Both you and the director are facing political pressure to favour the company X. The young IAS officer may be demoralised if you give in to the pressure. But if you don't give in then he may be transferred and your chances of promotion may also suffer. In light of the situation, answer the following:\n(a) Discuss the ethical issues faced by you in the given case.\n(b) What are the options available to you? Which of these options will you choose? Justify your stand with logical arguments.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":49,"question":"13. As the head of the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), you are tasked to complete the construction of a power plant. The project needs to be completed expeditiously to fulfil the promise made by the government to ensure access to power for all. The selected site is in a remote area and is ideal for plant construction. However, the project would require relocation of the people living in the vicinity. Initially, the local community objected to disruption in their lives but were convinced later about the economic benefits that would accrue to the region through this plant. The project had started gathering pace, but recently a local NGO working for environment protection got involved with the local community regarding the issue. And now the local community has started protesting against any developmental activity in the region. As the officer-in-charge for the speedy execution of the project, answer the following:\n(a) What are the issues involved in this case?\n(b) What course of action will you take and why?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":54,"question":"14. Genetic editing has several applications with its potential to edit the genomes of both somatic and germ cells. This allows for the ability to not only cure genetic diseases but to edit the characteristics of future offspring. The last few years have seen the development of several efficient, more precise genetic engineering techniques. However, with growing sophistication, various issues of bioethics have also have come to the forefront.\n(a) Discuss the ethical considerations associated with genome editing.\n(b) In the light of these ethical issues, provide an ethical framework on how this technology can be used for the betterment of humanity.","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":3368,"topper":"Jagrati Awasthi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eo2ZyeZiJ9zdMERNwVfIrFAxV0to19_c/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) Administration discretion can be a blessing if used correctly, however its misuse can prove to be a curse. Discuss with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) There is a view that corrupt practices have been socially accepted in India. How can this 'acceptance' be shifted to 'rejection' towards corruption?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) Ethical business practices are key for long-term survival of a company. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) Law succeeds in encouraging ethical behaviour in a society only when it is backed by conscience of its individuals. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"3 Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context:\n(a) Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter. Martin Luther King Jr.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) In law a man is guilty when he violates the rights of others. In ethics he is guilty if he only thinks of doing so. Immanuel Kant","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"4. (a) What do you understand by Social Intelligence? Discuss its relation with the Emotional Intelligence of an individual.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"4. (b) While code of conduct presents a structure to organized values, code of ethics gives a foundation to that structure. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Elaborate the ultimate organisational goals that should be the ends of all actions.","marks":"4","words":null},{"page":19,"question":"5 (a) According to Buddhism, for a man to be perfect there are two qualities that he should develop equally: compassion (karuna) on one side, and wisdom (panna) on the other. Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"5. (b) The life of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam presents a broad range of lessons and virtues to be learnt by public servants in India. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"6. Identify which essential information should be made available to the public via Citizen's Charter? Also, suggest some steps for successful implementation of the Citizen's Charter.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"7. Respect for human rights and humanitarian principles is a responsibility for all members of the international community. Discuss in the context of roles and responsibilities of States for protection of refugees.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"8. What is red-tapism? Why is it considered a hurdle in the process of transitioning towards citizen centric governance?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"9. Given the rising tide of Covid induced fatalities, the government is under extreme pressure to deliver some vaccine to the population. You are the Cabinet Secretary to the Government of India. You are heading the committee to oversee the process of vaccine development and distribution to fight against the Covid outbreak in the country. You have been asked to expedite the process and come up with a solution at the earliest. Some vaccines are available around the globe, but they are in limited supply and also expensive. One of the indigenously developed vaccine has shown initial positive results, but health experts have raised concerns over its safety, efficacy and the methodology being followed for its approval. Other promising vaccines under development, following a rigorous methodology, may take months to enter the market. In this context:\n(a) What are the critical issues involved in the case?\n(b) Explain, with relevant reasons, the course of action that you would take.","marks":"20","words":"in around 250"},{"page":34,"question":"10. Literacy levels have been increasing in India over the past few decades, and the literacy rate was found to be 74.04 per cent after the 2011 census. Though this increase in literacy rate seems like a very great accomplishment, it is a matter of concern that still so many people in India cannot even read and write. Children are going to school but not learning much beyond \"floor level tasks\".\n\nMoreover, the higher literacy level has not resulted in better human values and this is manifested in the troubled atmosphere in the society at large. This failure of the education system to reform human behavior is troubling for a young democracy, like India. Given this situation, answer the following:\n(a) What role is education expected to play in reforming human behaviour and inculcating human values?\n(b) Do you think only the government is responsible for this state of the education system? If not, identify the stakeholders who should press for a change in the education system in this regard.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":39,"question":"11. Problems surrounding air pollution present an urgent challenge for many countries, including India. Among other reasons, this challenge has been exacerbated by the indifferent attitude of people towards it. Various studies have pointed out the harmful effects of air pollution. Despite the government bringing various regulations on activities like stubble burning and bursting fire crackers, people violate them.\n(a) Discuss the reasons behind such behaviour on part of society towards air pollution.\n(b) Suggest measures that are required to be undertaken to nudge people towards pro-environment behaviour.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":41,"question":"(b) Measures to inculcate pro-environment behaviour.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"12. In recent times, social media has emerged as an important platform for all to share their information and opinions. Many civil servants are also quite active on the social media. Given this situation, there have been calls to revise or update the Civil Services Conduct Rules.\nSuppose you are a senior IAS officer who is heading a panel set up by the government to bring suitable changes in the conduct rules. Elaborate on how you will respond to the following questions:\n(a) What are the issues with a civil servant expressing his/her views on social media on various matters?\n(b) Should criticism of government policies on social media by civil servants be allowed?\n(c) How should civil servants conduct themselves on social media?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":49,"question":"13. Economic growth has been the primary goal of economic policies, and the principal measure of an economy's success. In the last few decades, economic growth benefitted mankind in multiple ways. But alongside these benefits, it has also generated significant issues and a series of converging challenges. In light of this, answer the following:\n(a) What was the rationale behind GDP growth being considered the pillar of economic policies the world over in the past few decades?\n(b) Explain the need to go beyond GDP growth and reassess our measures of development. Identify some of the components that need to be complemented with GDP growth going forward.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":50,"question":"(b) Why beyond GDP?\ni) Unequal benefits to different sections","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"14. The Covid-19 pandemic is far from over but governments across the world appear to have either relaxed lockdown parameters or will do so soon. Containing Covid and restoring our economies requires not just good policy decisions and medical advice; it also needs continued compliance with the recommended behavioural changes. Daunting as they may seem, the drastic changes in behaviour being called for, can indeed be brought about. Answer the following in this regard:\n(a) Why is behavioural change seen to be desirable in a country like India, when it is faced with a pandemic of the kind of Covid-19?\n(b) What role have different stakeholders in India been playing in helping communities adhere to the desired behaviour?\n(c) Discuss the challenges in bringing about behavioural change, particularly in such an environment of anxiety and uncertainties.","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":3369,"topper":"Jagrati Awasthi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OPXCSXMT2KkZ64iIXNLU9rRAOIXgDI1M/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) Man is not only a product of his environment but can also modify the environment. Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) Though it may seem that accountability and efficiency are antithetical to each other, accountability is a sine qua non for good governance. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) Gandhian ideals can be of immense help in dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic. Evaluate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) While civil servants have the legal right to undertake post-retirement jobs, it raises key ethical issues. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"3 Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context:\n(a) Try not to become a man of success but rather try to become a man of value. Albert Einstein","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) Having knowledge of an unethical act and allowing it to continue can spread a contagion that can affect multiple beings in society. Bertrand Russell","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"4. (a) When people use a common resource without a coordinated plan the result is often a tragedy of the commons in which the resource is depleted. In this context, discuss the various ethical challenges arising out of utilization of Global Commons.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"4. (b) While a code of conduct merely establishes minimal standards of conduct, a better strategy to promote ethical work culture is through internalization of values. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"5. (a) A state that does not have the political will and the discipline to enforce probity in governance, can not get rid of the menace of prolonged corruption. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"5. (b) India cannot march successfully in to the 21st century, with the administrative system having a colonial mindset. Discuss in context of the bureaucratic work culture in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"6. Which corporate leader has inspired you the most and what moral lessons have you learnt from their life?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"7. Increasing participation of people in governance and easy access to information is what transforms governance to good governance. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"8. It is sometimes believed that moral scrupulousness in one's private life automatically guarantees high moral stature in professional life. Do you agree? Justify your stand with logical arguments.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"9. You are working as a District Magistrate in an aspirational district where women literacy and sex ratio is one of the lowest in the country. It is brought to your notice that a woman who has been elected as 'Sarpanch' on a seat reserved for women candidates in a panchayat in your district is head 'only on the paper'. All the work related to the panchayat is actually carried out by her husband. Even the flag hoisting ceremony on Independence Day is carried out by her husband. However, her husband happens to be a good administrator as indicated by that panchayat's performance on various developmental parameters as compared to other panchayats in the district. Also, her husband enjoys the support of the local people. Given the situation, answer the following:\n(a) Identify the stakeholders and issues involved in this case?\n(b) What options are available to you as the District Magistrate in such a scenario? Also, evaluate each option and indicate what option will you choose.","marks":"20","words":"in around 250"},{"page":34,"question":"10. The issues confronting humanity are multifaceted - from political conflicts and human rights abuses to pandemics and climate change. They are not contained within national borders, nor do they fit into the silos of separate government agencies or academic specialties. What is required is greater international cooperation, mutual respect, abiding by international laws and participative global decision-making. However, over the last decade, it has been observed that international relations have overshadowed these basic tenets of global governance and now we are at the verge of serious global catastrophic risks. When it comes to the structures of global governance, business as usual, is no longer an option. Not only an improvement in our understanding of risks is required but also taking responsibility to lead collective action for a coordinated global response.\n(a) What do you think are the factors hindering collective actions?\n(b) Provide a case for the moral obligation of the international community to come together and find solutions to the problems we face.\n(c) What should be the principles guiding such international cooperation?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":39,"question":"11. You are posted as Superintendent of Police in a district. A case has come up in which more than 30 girls were allegedly raped and sexually exploited at the city shelter home run by an NGO. The scandal came to light when media flagged complaints of sexual abuse of inmates of the city shelter home. A nexus of police, politicians, administration and criminals have been allegedly responsible for the racket going on for the last few years. In light of this, a lot of protests have erupted across the city. While, on one hand, media glare has meant that people are demanding swift action, you have been asked to go slow in investigating the case by top officers in your department. Elections in the state are due in a few months, so it has become a politically sensitive issue. You are also under immense political pressure from the ruling party to not take strict action and make compromises to cover up the case. Given the situation, answer the following:\n(a) Identify the issues involved in the case.\n(b) What are the options available to you? Which of these options will you choose? Justify your stand with logical arguments.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":44,"question":"12. Being the senior-most IAS officer, you are in line to be promoted as Chief Secretary after the incumbent retires in the next two months. Currently, you are heading the Public Works Department (PWD) and a road construction project worth crores has been opened for tender. A company X belonging to the son-in-law of the incumbent Chief Minister has also applied for the same. The director in charge of the screening process, a young IAS officer, has reported that company Y and the state PSU have submitted the best bids. Both you and the director are facing political pressure to favour the company X. The young IAS officer may be demoralised if you give in to the pressure. But if you don't give in then he may be transferred and your chances of promotion may also suffer. In light of the situation, answer the following:\n(a) Discuss the ethical issues faced by you in the given case.\n(b) What are the options available to you? Which of these options will you choose? Justify your stand with logical arguments.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":49,"question":"13. As the head of the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), you are tasked to complete the construction of a power plant. The project needs to be completed expeditiously to fulfil the promise made by the government to ensure access to power for all. The selected site is in a remote area and is ideal for plant construction. However, the project would require relocation of the people living in the vicinity. Initially, the local community objected to disruption in their lives but were convinced later about the economic benefits that would accrue to the region through this plant. The project had started gathering pace but recently a local NGO working for environment protection got involved with the local community regarding the issue. And now the local community has started protesting against any developmental activity in the region. As the officer-in-charge for the speedy execution of the project, answer the following:\n(a) What are the issues involved in this case?\n(b) What course of action will you take and why?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":54,"question":"14. Genetic editing has several applications with its potential to edit the genomes of both somatic and germ cells. This allows for the ability to not only cure genetic diseases but to edit the characteristics of future offspring. The last few years have seen the development of several efficient, more precise genetic engineering techniques. However, with growing sophistication, various issues of bioethics have also have come to the forefront.\n(a) Discuss the ethical considerations associated with genome editing.\n(b) In the light of these ethical issues, provide an ethical framework on how this technology can be used for the betterment of humanity.","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":3370,"topper":"Jagrati Awasthi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sWgnMnS3AerEmpCNHkjQ-vBCcttvOIK6/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Man is not only a product of his environment but can also modify the environment. Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer with suitable examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Though it may seem that accountability and efficiency are antithetical to each other, accountability is a sine qua non for good governance. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Gandhian ideals can be of immense help in dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic. Evaluate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"While civil servants have the legal right to undertake post-retirement jobs, it raises key ethical issues. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) Try not to become a man of success but rather try to become a man of value. Albert Einstein (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"When people use a common resource without a coordinated plan the result is often a tragedy of the commons in which the resource is depleted. In this context, discuss the various ethical challenges arising out of utilization of Global Commons. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"While a code of conduct merely establishes minimal standards of conduct, a better strategy to promote ethical work culture is through internalization of values. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"A state that does not have the political will and the discipline to enforce probity in governance, can not get rid of the menace of prolonged corruption. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"India cannot march successfully in to the 21st century, with the administrative system having a colonial mindset. Discuss in context of the bureaucratic work culture in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Which corporate leader has inspired you the most and what moral lessons have you learnt from their life? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Increasing participation of people in governance and easy access to information is what transforms governance to good governance. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"It is sometimes believed that moral scrupulousness in one's private life automatically guarantees high moral stature in professional life. Do you agree? Justify your stand with logical arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You are working as a District Magistrate in an aspirational district where women literacy and sex ratio is one of the lowest in the country. It is brought to your notice that a woman who has been elected as 'Sarpanch' on a seat reserved for women candidates in a panchayat in your district is head 'only on the paper'. All the work related to the panchayat is actually carried out by her husband. Even the flag hoisting ceremony on Independence Day is carried out by her husband. However, her husband happens to be a good administrator as indicated by that panchayat's performance on various developmental parameters as compared to other panchayats in the district. Also, her husband enjoys the support of the local people. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders and issues involved in this case? (b) What options are available to you as the District Magistrate in such a scenario? Also, evaluate each option and indicate what option will you choose.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"The issues confronting humanity are multifaceted - from political conflicts and human rights abuses to pandemics and climate change. They are not contained within national borders, nor do they fit into the silos of separate government agencies or academic specialties. What is required is greater international cooperation, mutual respect, abiding by international laws and participative global decision-making. However, over the last decade, it has been observed that international relations have overshadowed these basic tenets of global governance and now we are at the verge of serious global catastrophic risks. When it comes to the structures of global governance, business as usual, is no longer an option. Not only an improvement in our understanding of risks is required but also taking responsibility to lead collective action for a coordinated global response. (a) What do you think are the factors hindering collective actions? (b) Provide a case for the moral obligation of the international community to come together and find solutions to the problems we face. (c) What should be the principles guiding such international cooperation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"You are posted as Superintendent of Police in a district. A case has come up in which more than 30 girls were allegedly raped and sexually exploited at the city shelter home run by an NGO. The scandal came to light when media flagged complaints of sexual abuse of inmates of the city shelter home. A nexus of police, politicians, administration and criminals have been allegedly responsible for the racket going on for the last few years. In light of this, a lot of protests have erupted across the city. While, on one hand, media glare has meant that people are demanding swift action, you have been asked to go slow in investigating the case by top officers in your department. Elections in the state are due in a few months, so it has become a politically sensitive issue. You are also under immense political pressure from the ruling party to not take strict action and make compromises to cover up the case. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the issues involved in the case. (b) What are the options available to you? Which of these options will you choose? Justify your stand with logical arguments.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Being the senior-most IAS officer, you are in line to be promoted as Chief Secretary after the incumbent retires in the next two months. Currently, you are heading the Public Works Department (PWD) and a road construction project worth crores has been opened for tender. A company X belonging to the son-in-law of the incumbent Chief Minister has also applied for the same. The director in charge of the screening process, a young IAS officer, has reported that company Y and the state PSU have submitted the best bids. Both you and the director are facing political pressure to favour the company X. The young IAS officer may be demoralised if you give in to the pressure. But if you don't give in then he may be transferred and your chances of promotion may also suffer. In light of the situation, answer the following: (a) Discuss the ethical issues faced by you in the given case. (b) What are the options available to you? Which of these options will you choose? Justify your stand with logical arguments.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"As the head of the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), you are tasked to complete the construction of a power plant. The project needs to be completed expeditiously to fulfil the promise made by the government to ensure access to power for all. The selected site is in a remote area and is ideal for plant construction. However, the project would require relocation of the people living in the vicinity. Initially, the local community objected to disruption in their lives but were convinced later about the economic benefits that would accrue to the region through this plant. The project had started gathering pace, but recently a local NGO working for environment protection got involved with the local community regarding the issue. And now the local community has started protesting against any developmental activity in the region. As the officer-in-charge for the speedy execution of the project, answer the following: (a) What are the issues involved in this case? (b) What course of action will you take and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Genetic editing has several applications with its potential to edit the genomes of both somatic and germ cells. This allows for the ability to not only cure genetic diseases but to edit the characteristics of future offspring. The last few years have seen the development of several efficient, more precise genetic engineering techniques. However, with growing sophistication, various issues of bioethics have also have come to the forefront. (a) Discuss the ethical considerations associated with genome editing. (b) In the light of these ethical issues, provide an ethical framework on how this technology can be used for the betterment of humanity.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3371,"topper":"Jagrati Awasthi","air":2,"year":2020,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/48906-972640_1420_jagrati-awasthi_rank_2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3372,"topper":"Jagrati Awasthi","air":2,"year":2020,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/91d84-972640_1525_jagrati-awasthi_rank_2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3373,"topper":"Jagrati Awasthi","air":2,"year":2020,"paper":"Optional — History","optional":true,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/16dTcezcxqmSrshOWW4iudeZrxm4L8rws/view","questions":[]},{"id":3374,"topper":"Jahnavi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/a4911661fb63cf32bd7e1d24c76e3051/29/pttp221071_tc062.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"If you look into someone's face long enough, eventually you feel that you are looking into yourself.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"It is the province of knowledge to speak and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Drop the question what tomorrow may bring, and count as profit every day that fate allows you.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Truth, like a torch, the more it is shook, it shines.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Art is I; science is We.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Only the dead have seen the end of the war.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Act as if it were impossible to fail.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3375,"topper":"Jahnavi","air":324,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/a4911661fb63cf32bd7e1d24c76e3051/28/pttp221071_tc061.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3376,"topper":"Jahnavi","air":324,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/JAHNAVI-UPSC-2023-Rank-324-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3377,"topper":"Jahnavi","air":324,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/JAHNAVI-UPSC-2023-Rank-324-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3378,"topper":"Jahnavi","air":324,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/155/pttp221071_tc071-test-01-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3379,"topper":"Jahnavi","air":324,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/JAHNAVI-UPSC-2023-Rank-324-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3380,"topper":"Jahnavi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/157/pttp221071_tc072-test-02-gs-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"There is a need to resolve the ambiguity in the disqualification provisions under section 8 of the Representation of People Act 1951. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Constitution is a mere skeleton whereas constitutionalism is the soul of democracy. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"Electoral bonds are a double-edged sword, providing anonymity to donors while raising concerns about transparency in political funding.\" To what extent have electoral bonds further legitimized opacity in electoral funding? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The question of gender equality is central to the debate on Uniform Civil Code. In this light what are the challenges in reconciling UCC with gender equality as enshrined in the constitution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"'The Governor's office is neither decorative nor inconsequential, it assumes a constitutional role of profound essence.' To what extent does the Governor, actively contribute to the governance of a state and reinforce the principles of federalism in the country? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Recently demand has been rising in a state regarding the enactment of Social Accountability Law. How such a law can lead to good governance and boost citizens' participation in decision-making. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"There is a need for convergence of 'nutrition-specific' and 'nutrition-sensitive' interventions to effectively tackle child undernutrition in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"MGNREGA, the lynchpin of rural poverty alleviation, has become the victim of fiscal apathy.\" Critically analyze the statement in light of recent developments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"India must leverage, if not manage, the global divides\". How can the current geopolitical churn pave the way for India's rise to the global high table? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"Berlin can be India's gateway to the European Union.\" Elaborate with respect to Germany's significance in India's relationship with the EU. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"How has the Anti-Defection Law impacted the relationship between political parties and individual legislators in India? In light of the recent incidents also discuss the unintended consequences it has on the functioning of democracy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Critics assert that limitless judicial authority rests on the structural ambiguity of the basic structure doctrine. Has the elastic nature of the basic structure doctrine made the judiciary more powerful than the executive? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Fundamental rights are not gifts bestowed upon by the state rather an individual possesses them independently of the state. In this context discuss the desirability of reasonable restrictions on various fundamental rights. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The key to effective decentralization is, 'political decentralization should follow finance and functional decentralization'. Discuss in the context of impediments faced by local governance in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"How has the implementation of the POSH Act resulted in limited success in raising awareness about sexual harassment, and what factors have hindered its effective outreach to women employed in the unorganized sector? Propose strategies to bridge this gap and ensure comprehensive protection for women in the unorganized sector against workplace harassment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"'Neo-liberal reforms and globalization have deeply transformed the institutions of the welfare state and set the ground for a new type of civil services.' In this context examine the challenges faced in service delivery and suggest adequate reforms. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"China views India as its \"Asian Rival\" with an innate ability to counter its hegemonic goals in Asia. Despite these difficulties in India-China relations, there are also many areas of convergence. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Indo-Pacific region in recent times has emerged as a zone of diverging interests and priorities. Discuss. Do you think the Global Security Initiative will supersede QUAD in the region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3381,"topper":"Jahnavi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/225/pttp221071_tc072-test-02-gs-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"There is a need to resolve the ambiguity in the disqualification provisions under section 8 of the Representation of People Act 1951. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"Constitution is a mere skeleton whereas constitutionalism is the soul of democracy. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"The question of gender equality is central to the debate on Uniform Civil Code. In this light what a...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"Recently demand has been rising in a state regarding the enactment of Social Accountability Law. How...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"\"Berlin can be India's gateway to the European Union.\" Elaborate with respect to Germany's significance in India's relationship with the EU.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3382,"topper":"Jahnavi","air":324,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/156/pttp221071_tc078-test-08-gs4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3383,"topper":"Jahnavi","air":324,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/26/pttp221071_tc078-test-08-gs4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3384,"topper":"Jahnavi","air":324,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/JAHNAVI-UPSC-2023-Rank-324-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3385,"topper":"Jahnavi","air":324,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/080c2-288087_1210_jahnavi_rank_324.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"A.R. Desai's understanding of Indian nationalism.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"G.S Ghurye liberated the study of Indian society from the colonial biases & laid the true foundation of the disciple of sociology in India. Substantiate this statement","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"Discuss the role of social reform movements in preparing the background of Indian nationalism.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Analyse the changing nexus between caste and tribe.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"\"Patriarchy is a result of socialization\". Comment","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Family as an \"agent of social control\". Discuss","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Q5 (c) Emergence of working class.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Explain reasons behind the growth of sects and cults in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Examine the role of 'middle class' in contemporary world.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Caste as a social capital is functional as well as dysfunctional in society. Illustrate with examples & observations from Indian society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"\"Modern society is characterized by departure from tradition & religion to individualism & rational organization of society.\" In this context, discuss to what extend the Q7 (c) \"The household study of family offers a new dimension to sociological research, at the same time it has certain limitations.\" Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"\"The household study of family offers a new dimension to sociological research, at the same time it has certain limitations.\" Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"\"Untouchability has often been termed as the inhuman institution of Indian society.\" In this context, discuss the social problems of untouchability from different perspectives.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"\"The pluralist and multi-religious character of the Indian society is facing constant challenges.\" Discuss the statement in context of problems of religious minorities.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"Critically analyse the issue of 'Isolation - Integration - Autonomy' of tribal communities in India.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3386,"topper":"Jahnavi","air":324,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e3535-288087_1211_jahnavi_rank_324.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3387,"topper":"Jahnavi","air":324,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a0574-288087_1213_jahnavi_rank_324.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3388,"topper":"Jahnavi","air":324,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/12/pttp221071_tc071-test-01-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3389,"topper":"JAMADAR FARHAN IRFAN","air":191,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/165ce-1365659_2124_jamadar_farhan_irfan_rank_191.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3390,"topper":"JAMADAR FARHAN IRFAN","air":191,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3dbbe-1365659_2125_jamadar_farhan_irfan_rank_191.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3391,"topper":"JAMADAR FARHAN IRFAN","air":191,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4c8d4-1365659_2321_jamadar_farhan_irfan_rank_191.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3392,"topper":"JAMADAR FARHAN IRFAN","air":191,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/42d90-1365659_2322_jamadar_farhan_irfan_rank_191.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3393,"topper":"JAMADAR FARHAN IRFAN","air":191,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5eea6-1365659_2323_jamadar_farhan_irfan_rank_191.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3394,"topper":"JAMADAR FARHAN IRFAN","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e15ef-1365659_1835_jamadar_farhan_irfan_rank_191.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The withdrawal of general consent to the CBI by certain state governments in India threatens the spirit of cooperative federalism in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Stating the sources of finance for local self-governments in India, suggest ways to strengthen their financial position. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Cabinet Committees play an important role in reinstating collective responsibility and principle of homogeneity of the Executive in the Indian Parliamentary system. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"There is a need to overhaul the public procurement and project management (PPPM) framework of India for faster, efficient and transparent execution of government projects. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Adequate measures are required to overcome the challenges and vulnerabilities associated with undertaking social accountability initiatives and institutionalising them. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"In view of the recent Parliamentary Standing Committee report, discuss the issues faced by the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) and suggest measures that can be adopted to strengthen it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"While the Mid-Day Meal scheme was aimed at fulfilling the nutritional needs of students, it is far behind in achieving this objective. Discuss. Also, suggest remedial measures in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) remain critical for the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In this context, discuss the impediments in the fulfilment of SRHR in India. Also, mention the steps that can be taken in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"State the functions of the United Nations Human Rights Council. Also, discuss the issues faced by the Council in the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"West Asia is an important strategic region for India with profound geo-political and geo-economic significance. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Disenfranchising prisoners desecrates a cherished value in a democracy i.e. 'right to vote', which should be guarded earnestly. Discuss in the light of The Representation of The People Act, 1951. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"There are similarities and interactions between the affirmative action adopted by India and USA owing to similar historical injustices faced by their respective vulnerable groups. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Objections to domicile-based reservation in private sector jobs on the grounds of constitutional equality and freedom are misplaced. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"There have been arguments that sedition law is an attack on the very foundation of India's liberal democratic principles, as enshrined in the Constitution. Do you agree? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"A reformed system of recruitment, training and evaluation needs to be put in place to take forward the development of a highly efficient and accountable civil service. Discuss in the context of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Despite initiatives taken by the Indian government to achieve critical goals in the education sector, major interventions are required to tackle learning poverty as well as the persisting inequalities. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"In light of the burgeoning burden of both communicable and non-communicable diseases, there is a need to revamp the public health surveillance system in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The repercussions of the ongoing economic crisis in Sri Lanka extend beyond its borders. Discuss with specific reference to India. Also, mention the steps that India has taken to assist Sri Lanka tide over the crisis. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India is a reliable partner in the Indian Ocean Region and can take on the role of being the net security provider in the region. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3395,"topper":"JAMADAR FARHAN IRFAN","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4fb00-1365659_2090_jamadar_farhan_irfan_rank_191.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What is the Doctrine of Severability? Discuss with the help of relevant judicial decisions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The office of Governor needs to be transformed to preserve constitutional governance in India. Discuss in the light of recent controversies surrounding the Governors' office. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"\"Disturbing public order or inciting violence cannot be allowed under the garb of the freedom of speech and expression.\" Discuss with help of the recent Supreme Court judgment on hate speech. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss the role of the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) for the effective functioning of democracy in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are the various ways in which emerging technologies can be utilised by civil servants in ensuring efficient public service delivery and affecting change in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"To what extent, in your opinion, has the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana been successful in promoting skill development and employment in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Examine the potential of the Bhu-Aadhaar project in bringing significant benefits to India's land management system. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the different determinants of the occurrence of child labour in India. What measures can be taken to tackle the issue of child labour in the country? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Despite certain hiccups, recent developments suggest that continuity still looms large in the Indo-Bhutan relationship. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Critical Information Infrastructure has become a global good that requires global norms for its safeguard. What role can the G20 play to safeguard Critical Information Infrastructure? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The tussle between the legislature and judiciary culminated in the 'basic structure' doctrine in the Kesavananda Bharati case. Discuss. What is the significance of the case in limiting the power of the Parliament to amend the Constitution? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The limited revenue generation capacity of municipal corporations has increased their dependence on taxes and grants from the states. What are the issues associated with this trend? What measures are required to improve the finances of the municipal corporations in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"\"The purpose of having a Constitution is to transform the society for the better and this objective is the fundamental pillar of transformative constitutionalism.\" Discuss with the help of recent case laws. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"How can a 'rule of law culture' contribute towards promoting individual liberty and democratic governance in a society like India? What are the challenges in fostering such a culture? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) are not just engaged in charitable work but also involved in political processes for building a just, peaceful, humane, and sustainable future. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Self-help groups (SHGs) have contributed towards rural development and women empowerment, but their uneven geographical impact and rising loan defaults are serious challenges that need to be addressed. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Do you agree with the view that the deep-rooted problems in India's school education system cannot be solved by digital transformation alone? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Examine the impact of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) on the effectiveness and transparency of welfare schemes for the vulnerable sections in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The deepening China-Russia strategic relationship has been described by some as the 'most consequential undeclared alliance in the world.' How can this alliance impact India's national interest? What strategies should India adopt to protect her interests? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India has placed soft power as an important pillar of its foreign policy to enhance its global standing and image abroad. Discuss the statement along with the initiatives taken by the government. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3396,"topper":"JAMADAR FARHAN IRFAN","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6faa7-1365659_2089_jamadar_farhan_irfan_rank_191.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"With the elephant being a vital part of the Buddhist faith, it was widely represented in its sculptures as well. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"India's war of independence was won by the efforts and sacrifices of different sections of the society. In this context, discuss the contributions made by tribal women in the national freedom struggle. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Bring out the key principles underlying Rabindranath Tagore's vision of nationalism during the Indian freedom struggle. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The combination of internal pulls coupled with external pressure as well as colonial resistance prompted the European powers to relinquish their claim over colonies. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Identifying the growth drivers of aquaculture in India, discuss the associated issues. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"While critical minerals are driving the clean energy transition, they bring new vulnerabilities with regard to energy security. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How does the theory of plate tectonics help in explaining the differences in the formation of the Himalayas and Andes mountains? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Critical issues surrounding the condition of groundwater in India need overarching solutions for a water-secure future. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"A large proportion of India's population is expected to live in cities by 2050. In this context, discuss the need for urban green spaces in creating inclusive, resilient, and sustainable cities in the country. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"India's secular approach has remained that of a 'principled distance' and not of 'equi-distance'. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"A major phase in temple architecture in India is associated with the Hoysala dynasty from the 11th to 14th centuries A.D. Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Accounts of Greek historians provide valuable insights into the social and economic conditions in ancient India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Discuss the role played by the Indian diaspora in the freedom struggle of India, especially during the first half of the 20th century. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind the emergence of environmental movements and their significance in post-independent India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Analyse the possible impact of climate change on the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR). What steps can be taken to mitigate it? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Though land subsidence can happen for a host of reasons, it is imperative to estimate its possible impact and chalk out a sustainable plan to minimise the adverse impact. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Discuss the potential of natural resources in the Arctic region as drivers of economic development while also considering the environmental and social impacts of their exploitation. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Bring out the impact of globalisation in shaping the dynamics of family size, structure and relationships in the modern Indian society. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Migration is an expression of the human aspiration for dignity, safety and a better future. In light of this, examine the multi-dimensional nature of internal migration in India and discuss its inherent relationship with development. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Workplace gender inclusivity in India is skewed against women due to a range of cultural and gender biases existent in the society. Discuss. Also suggest socio-legal measures to address this issue. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3397,"topper":"JAMADAR FARHAN IRFAN","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/208a8-1365659_1834_jamadar_farhan_irfan_rank_191.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The Sunga dynasty contributed significantly to the cultural and social development in ancient India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the role of foreign nationals in the Indian freedom struggle during the Gandhian phase. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by tsunamigenic zones? Giving an account of their global distribution, explain the propagation of tsunamis. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are atmospheric lakes? Highlight their characteristics. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What are polymetallic nodules? Highlight their geographical distribution and state their significance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What are technical textiles? In view of their significance, discuss the steps taken by the government to promote them in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the challenges that internal migration creates for urban governance in India. Also, suggest measures to address the same. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the various opportunities and challenges posed by globalization on working women in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the rationale behind anti-conversion laws in India. Also, state the concerns that have been raised with regard to these laws. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Central Asian contacts had a profound political and cultural impact on India in ancient times. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Governance, during the British rule, was a means of exploitation of India rather than a vehicle of public welfare. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Discuss how India successfully dealt with the sensitive issue of language, which had the potential of threatening national unity in the post-independence period. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Bring out the factors, which led to decolonisation after the Second World War. Also, discuss the role played by India in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What are Marine Heat Waves (MHW)? Identify the causes of their formation and discuss their consequences for India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What are the geo-climatic conditions required for oil palm cultivation? Do you agree with the view that India should promote its large-scale cultivation to reduce import dependency? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"In view of the changes witnessed in the state of Himalayan cryosphere, discuss the implications for India's water security. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Ocean warming, ocean acidification and ocean deoxygenation are often referred to as the 'deadly trio' for marine life. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Tribals in India continue to face myriad challenges with regard to healthcare. Discuss the issues faced by them in this context and suggest remedial measures. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Reservation for women perpetuates a \"proxy culture\" as seen in the phenomenon of \"sarpanch patis\". In this context, discuss whether reservation can address the issue of poor participation of women in Indian politics. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3398,"topper":"JAMADAR FARHAN IRFAN","air":191,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/19852-1365659_1836_jamadar_farhan_irfan_rank_191.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3399,"topper":"JAMADAR FARHAN IRFAN","air":191,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a6670-1365659_2212_jamadar_farhan_irfan_rank_191.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3400,"topper":"JAMADAR FARHAN IRFAN","air":191,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d2c2b-1365659_1837_jamadar_farhan_irfan_rank_194.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3401,"topper":"JANDEEP KAUR","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/JANDEEP-KAUR-UPSC-2024-Rank-147-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What do you mean by stagflation? Do you agree with the view that Indian economy is experiencing stagflation? Justify your opinion. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Animal husbandry is the key to supplement farm income, make agriculture sustainable and enhance value addition in food processing chain. Discuss and evaluate the various govt measures to boost animal husbandry sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"How would you explain the anomaly of chronic hunger and malnutrition coexisting with surplus food grain production in the country? How can this anomaly be resolved? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Cropping pattern in the country does not concur with the agro-climatic reality, leading to unintended and undesirable consequences. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"In what ways can land reforms contribute towards holistic development of agriculture? Also, critically analyse the achievements of land reforms in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"How has the Industrial policy in India evolved since independence? Have these policies succeeded in attaining their objectives? Argue your case. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Evaluate the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) in addressing the challenges of Public Private Partnership (PPP) in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Outcome budget convert outlays into outcomes. Examine various advantages and disadvantages of outcome budgeting and assess its status in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Despite their flaws in limiting access to larger market and poor price realization for agricultural produce, APMCs have their utility. Analyse the statement and suggest reforms in agriculture marketing in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Examine the advantages of adopting new computation methodology for calculation of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2015. Also, discuss the limitations of using GDP as a measure of development of a country. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Besides unemployment, the economy suffers from disguised unemployment, and informalization of labour force. Analyze the statement and suggest ways to improve employment scenario in the country. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Reforms in Public distribution system (PDS) and Food Corporation of India (FCI) are two sides of the same coin. Discuss the statement along with suitable reforms in PDS and FCI. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"India is one of the largest producers of food, yet Food Processing Industry (FPI) is not well developed in the country. Examine the inhibiting factors and recommend some remedial actions to promote FPIs. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Direct income transfer to farmers can improve production, increase resilience to market volatility and encourage adoption of new farming techniques. Analyze the various benefits and bottlenecks of the PM-Kisan Yojana. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What are the reasons for high load of non-performing assets (NPAs) in Indian banking sector? Evaluate the utility of Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) and National Asset Reconstruction Company Ltd (NARCL) in resolving the NPA crisis. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand from Liberalisation, Privatisation and Globalisation (LPG)? Examine the effects of LPG reforms on different sectors of Indian economy. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"A robust infrastructure sector is indispensable for putting the country in a consistent socio-economic growth trajectory. Analyse the statement and evaluate the role of PM-Gatishakti and National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) in infrastructure development of the country? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"In the financial year 2021-22, Indian merchandise exports have crossed the 400 billion USD mark. Identify the reasons for this spectacular performance of Indian exports and suggest reforms to further boost the exports. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Why has Indian Railways been unable to become competitive, fast, and efficient as their counterparts in developed economies? Discuss the need and ways for its holistic overhaul. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3402,"topper":"Janhavi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d82c3-1264780_1837_janhavi_rank-127.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"With the help of appropriate examples, discuss the ethical challenges involved in policing in India. Also, highlight the reasons behind corruption in the police force. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"It is not only public servants, but also the common citizens who play a key role in institutionalising high standards of ethical conduct and good governance. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"While emotional intelligence is an essential tool for a public servant, it can also be misused to manipulate people to act against their own interests. Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.\" Nelson Mandela (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":3403,"topper":"Janhavi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a55be-1264780_1827_janhavi_rank-127.pdf","questions":[{"page":33,"question":"Recently, the government has proposed a bill to increase the age of marriage for women from 18 to 21 years. It has been argued that it will help women improve their nutritional status, lower maternal mortality rate and improve the overall health status of women. However, some critics have stated that the proposed law would be counterproductive to women's cause and the desired objectives will not be met. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What effect will an increase in the age of marriage have on women in India? (b) Can legislation be used as an effective tool for social change? (c) Discuss other agents that can be used for social change in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Climate change not only threatens our ecosystems but also undermines the foundation of our fundamental rights, deepens inequalities and creates new forms of injustice. Adapting to climate change and trying to mitigate its impacts are not just a matter of scientific knowledge and political will but also demand a broader view of a complex, inter-related situation. Human induced climate change has brought in several ethical dimensions not just in causing climate change but also in the role and responsibility in mitigating it. (a) Highlight the ethical issues arising out of human-induced climate change. (b) What ethical principles should form the basis of global action on climate change?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3404,"topper":"JANHAVI BALASAHEB SHEKHAR","air":145,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/048b6-246382_2488_janhavi_balasaheb_shekhar_rank_145.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3405,"topper":"JANHAVI BALASAHEB SHEKHAR","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/462d6-246382_2424_janhavi_balasaheb_shekhar_rank_145.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What are the different dimensions of food security? Examine India's status in terms of ensuring food security with regard to these dimensions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":3406,"topper":"JANHAVI BALASAHEB SHEKHAR","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7614e-0246382_2422_janhavi_balasaheb_shekhar_rank_145.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The traditional theatre forms of India reflect the ideals and emotions of the society, and an individual's role in the community. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Provide an account of the historical and architectural importance of the Sanchi Stupa. Also, discuss how it inspired the future architecture in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Bhagat Singh made a real breakthrough in terms of revolutionary ideology, the goals of revolution and forms of revolutionary struggle. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Bringing out the factors that led to the Meiji restoration, discuss its significance for Japan. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"It is believed that a nation is an \"imagined community\" held together by common beliefs, history, political aspirations etc. In this context, discuss what the basis of India as a nation is. Also, bring out the threats to the concept of Indian nationhood. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"State the key factors behind the growth of the pharmaceutical industry in India. Additionally, discuss its significance with regard to India's economy and public health.(Answer in 150words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss why the Bay of Bengal is more prone to cyclones than the Arabian Sea. Also, explain the reasons for the decrease in frequency of tropical cyclones during the Southwest monsoon season. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite being destructive in nature, volcanoes are critical for the existence of human life on earth. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The existence of relative deprivation is an important aspect in constructing the argument for regionalism. Explain with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"If India is to realise the goal of 'education for all', the issue of rising cases of bullying and other forms of school violence needs to be addressed immediately. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Bring out the role played by the Ahom Kingdom in shaping the cultural and historical identity of North-East India, and discuss its legacy in contemporary times. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The capitalist class generally remained ambivalent in their support to the Indian National Congress until 1940s. In this context, analyse the varying positions of the Indian capitalists throughout the national movement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Trace the evolution of the press in India. Also, discuss the instrumental impact it had during various stages of the Indian freedom struggle despite the repressive policies of the British. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Mountains are fragile ecosystems vulnerable to the adverse impact of climate change and other anthropogenic interventions. Illustrate with examples. Also, highlight the initiatives taken for their sustainable management. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind unsustainable management of sand resources in India. Highlighting its impact, enumerate the remedial measures taken in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Giving an account of the major lithium-producing countries, discuss the geo-political aspects of lithium production and its environmental implications. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The youth are capable of identifying themselves with a global identity and connecting with events and experiences outside their countries. In this context, discuss the impact of globalization on the various aspects of youth identity. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"As fertility rates decline in India, future demographic concerns center around an ageing population and a weak social security system. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"With a significant proportion of India's population expected to live in urban areas by 2030, the welfare of the urban poor needs to take centre-stage in public policy. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3407,"topper":"JANHAVI BALASAHEB SHEKHAR","air":145,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/27608-246382_1420_janhavi_balasaheb_shekhar_rank_145.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3408,"topper":"Japleen Kaur","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/JAPLEEN-KAURUPSC_IAS_2025_Toppers_AIR_388_Sample_MGP_3.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"4) WHO is the global health organization which receives a mix of mandatory and voluntary funding from members and other donors.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"(1) Issue of extradition of Sheikh Hasina.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3409,"topper":"Jaspinder Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c4edd-788454_1485_jaspinder-singh_rank_33.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain how the theory of Plate Tectonics helps in understanding the mechanism of volcanism. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What is ice-albedo feedback and how is it related to climate change? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Temperate regions are more favorable for fishing in comparison to tropical regions. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Explain the reasons behind development of horticulture and wine industry in the Mediterranean region. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Bring out the importance of community-based disaster management in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The concept of ecological footprint is a useful indicator for assessing progress on the sustainable use of resources in a country. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explaining what peats are, examine why emphasis is being given to sustainable management of peatlands worldwide. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The CRZ Notification, 2018 aims to maintain a balance between economic growth and conservation principles of coastal regions. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Biosphere reserves promote solutions reconciling the conservation of biodiversity and its sustainable use. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"How does climate change affect the process of desertification? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"What is the global ocean conveyor belt? Discuss its significance for marine ecosystem. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Identify the important mineral belts of India. Highlighting some of the issues plaguing the mining sector in India, discuss how the National Mineral Policy 2019 aims to address these issues. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Not only is the spatial and temporal distribution of freshwater in India very skewed, but also its usage inefficient and wasteful. Discuss in context of the current water crisis. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What is Soil Organic Carbon (SOC)? Identify various factors affecting SOC levels. Also, highlight the beneficial impacts of SOC on soil health and functionality. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss the increasing need of 'disaster resilient infrastructure' in India. Mention the steps taken in this direction with specific reference to the Global Coalition for Disaster-Resilient Infrastructure. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What is carbon pricing? Mention some of the different types of carbon pricing mechanisms. Examine how it can help India in achieving its climate commitments under the Paris Agreement. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What are various phases of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) studies? Comment on the need for institutionalising public participation in EIA. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3410,"topper":"Jaspinder Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/98da9-788454_1483_jaspinder-singh_rank_33.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the significance of Fast Track Courts (FTCs) in India, discuss the issues plaguing their functioning. Also, suggest some measures to improve their functioning. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The expressions 'equality before the law' and 'equal protection of the laws' may seem to be identical, but, in fact, they mean different things. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The practice of passing of bills without the scrutiny by the parliamentary standing committees undermines their significance and sets a wrong precedent. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Article 22 of the Indian Constitution is a necessary evil. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"A unified nation does not necessarily need to have 'uniformity'. In this context, discuss the merits and demerits of the idea of Uniform Civil Code. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"It is argued that the introduction of compulsory voting in India would strengthen its democratic credentials. Critically analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlight the issues facing arbitration as an effective alternative dispute resolution mechanism in India. How does Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Act, 2019 strengthen the arbitration set up in India? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The idea of Civil Services Board has been widely hailed as a key civil services reform, however it is not without its own limitation. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What are the issues ailing Citizen's Charters as an effective tool for holding public servants accountable? How can these issues be addressed? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The office of the Lokayukta has been in place in many states for a long time. Discuss the issues faced by this office in exercising its functions effectively. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlight the Quasi-Judicial and Advisory functions of the Election Commission of India. Do you think the powers of the Election Commission need a relook in context of the challenges it has faced in recent years? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Asymmetry as an important characteristic of the Indian federalism has helped cater to the specific needs and requirements of some sub-units. Explain. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"District Planning Committees (DPCs) have been envisaged as a vital link in the process of bottom-up planning. In this context, highlight the factors that are hampering the bottom up planning process through DPCs. What measures can be taken to strengthen the DPCs? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The philosophical underpinnings of the Indian constitution can be best understood through its preamble inspired by the Objectives Resolution in the constituent assembly. Elaborate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"How is structure and electoral process of Rajya Sabha different from Lok Sabha? Do you think Rajya Sabha has been able to perform its envisaged role in recent times? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"A sound legal framework, robust institutional mechanism for establishing rule of law, competent and dedicated workforce and decentralization and delegation are some of the necessary preconditions for good governance. Elaborate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Highlight the need of citizen engagement in e-governance projects in India. In this context, mention the framework adopted by NeGP for citizen engagement. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Identify the different issues associated with the design and implementation of MGNREGA. What reforms have been taken in recent times to address the above-identified issues? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Explain how the linkage between banks, NGOs and SHGs helps in facilitating access to microfinance and contributes to the development of rural areas. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"There is no strict separation of powers under the Indian Constitution, with the executive, legislature and judiciary empowered to carry out functions, which may be considered within the purview of the other. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3411,"topper":"Jaspinder Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/eba9d-788454_1408_jaspinder-singh_rank_33.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Rural health care in India faces significant challenges. Elaborate. What can be done to deal with these challenges? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"It has been argued that private sector reduces education to the status of a commodity. In this context, discuss why education should be seen as a necessary public good. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Despite undertaking many initiatives, malnutrition continues to be a matter of concern for India. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Critically discuss the idea that followers of a religion share not only a community of religious interests but also common secular interests. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The constant and aggravated contact with the Western culture has had an erosional impact on the Indian value system. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"A dispersed pattern of urbanisation leads to sprawl with associated problems. In this context, discuss how India should manage the inevitable process of urban growth going into the future. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) are in dire need of focused attention in view of the problems they are facing. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Highlight the challenges associated with the rising number of old age dependents in India. What can be done to deal with these challenges? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Highlight the impact of drug addiction on individuals, families and society. In this context, discuss the approach adopted by National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"A Uniform Civil Code is a much needed step for India to move forward in the 21st century. Critically analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"In India, geography, identity and a sense of deprivation have historically combined to drive regionalism. Elaborate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"According to the WHO, health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well being. In this context, discuss emerging trends in mental health issues in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What are the challenges associated with cultural diversity in India? How has India been able to accommodate and manage this cultural diversity? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The high incidence of poverty combined with multiple deprivations among poor is the most important development challenge for India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Caste in India has maintained its political significance despite dilution of its social character. Discuss with relevant examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"It can be argued that caste like social stratification is a feature present across religious distinctions in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What are some of the problems faced by migrants in urban areas in India? Suggest some policy reforms to address these problems. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Highlight the need and challenges of mainstreaming vocational education in India. What measures have been taken by the government in this regard? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3412,"topper":"Jaspinder Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0fe07-788454_1409_jaspinder-singh_rank_33.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"While the Right to Information Act is considered path breaking in promoting transparency and accountability, discuss why some argue that it has not been able to fully achieve its objectives. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"'The Citizens' Charter sees public services through the eyes of those who use them.' Discuss how emergence of citizens' charters have altered the concept of accountability and improved the delivery of public services. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"How can organizational culture impact public service motivation and sustain values in administration? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"It is imperative that civil servants have leadership skills to bring about meaningful change in the present day India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Digitization of service delivery and online public interface have the potential to transform governance in India. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) There is a higher court than courts of justice and that is the court of conscience. It supersedes all other courts. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"As interactive technologies such as Artificial Intelligence penetrate peoples' lives, the lack of understanding of their social influence carries a risk of them doing more harm than good. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Examine the role of media in promoting probity in governance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"A civil servant's conduct is expected to be a model of ethical behaviour. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Given the importance of inculcating emotional intelligence from an early age, discuss how schools can play a prominent role in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"The utilisation of public funds in a democracy like India must be based on the principles of transparency, accountability and efficiency. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"A manufacturing company is located in a small town where it is not easy for people to find jobs otherwise. The company has stayed in the town even though it could find cheaper workers elsewhere, because workers are loyal to the company due to the jobs it provides. Over the years, the company has developed a reputation in the town for taking care of its employees and being a responsible corporate citizen owing to its CSR activities. The manufacturing process used by the company produces a by-product that has been flowing into the town river for some time now. According to some media reports people living near the river have started reporting illnesses off late and there is also damage to aquatic life. People, however, have refused to come forward as their livelihood depends on the company. You being the Sustainability Officer of the company, believe it to be your duty to report this to the higher management. You are of the opinion that this matter is associated with the prestige of the company and should be taken seriously. In the meanwhile the new CEO, who has just joined the company, has called you for briefing and understanding the local issues. On the basis of the above case, answer the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders in the case above. (b) What arguments would you put forth to the CEO to convince him to act on this matter?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"A recent phenomenon called as 'Deepfakes' has gained media attention. It has been found to be a powerful technology through which programmers can manipulate a video or audio content and make them look real. While the technique can be used to have some harmless fun, it is rife with possibilities of misuse. From creating fake pornographic videos to making politicians appear to say things they did not, the potential for damage to individuals, organisations and societies is vast. (a) Identify the potential damaging effects of such a technological tool? (b) What steps are required to minimise the impact and adequately deal with the misuse of such technologies?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"Disciplining children remains a pertinent challenge for educational institutions across India. Often, it is found that potentially dangerous forms of disciplining are frequently resorted to in India. These include physical and emotional punishment and in some cases, negative reinforcement by the teachers. Although these are old forms of school violence, they have only recently started to be looked upon systematically as a problem. Until now, corporal punishment and negative reinforcement and the forms these take, were frequently dismissed, and ignored in India. However, it is now being realized that their effects are quite concerning. Further, it is also in light of a cultural acceptance of such harmful and ineffective disciplining processes, that issues as serious as bullying, teasing and ragging in schools escape scrutiny and redressal. In the light of the aforementioned observations, discuss the following questions: (a) What are the effects of such processes of disciplining on the growth and development of children? (b) Suggest some alternate ways to ensure disciplining of school children.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"You are a member of a High-level Committee that has been formed to monitor discrimination and violence against Scheduled Castes (SCs) and suggest measures to curb them. When you delve deeper into the issue, you come across many recent incidents, which confirm the widely held belief that SCs are consistently humiliated on a daily basis. On the basis of the above information, answer the following: (a) Discuss why there is widespread discrimination and violence against SCs despite enactment of suitable legislations to prevent such instances. (b) As a member of the High-level Committee, suggest legal and administrative measures to prevent atrocities against the SCs. (c) State the role of media and civil society in bringing about behavioural change in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"You are waiting at a red light of a traffic signal while driving a car. A poor teenage boy, who is looking sick and weak, approaches you and starts begging for money. Looking at his situation, you out of compassion take out your wallet and start looking for some money to give it to him. But suddenly the boy, who was standing very near to you, snatches your wallet and starts running. Another man standing next to your car watches this act and catches the boy. He starts beating him badly. Few other people also join him. (a) What are the issues involved in this case? (b) What course of action will you take and why?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3413,"topper":"Jaspinder Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/87b4f-788454_1416_jaspinder-singh_rank_33.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the significance of ethical work culture, suggest ways by which it can be imbibed in an organization. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Upholding probity in governance is not only contingent on values of an individual but also the processes of the institution. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The nature of a business's operations has a major influence on the ethical issues with which it must contend. Giving examples, discuss how business ethics is crucial in today's world. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"An honest bureaucrat can be put to inconvenience but the dishonest one is more likely to suffer in the long run. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The notion of an ethical foreign policy downplays the realities of international politics. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Conscience can neither be silent nor delayed as a source of ethical guidance. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) To educate a person in the mind but not in morals is to educate a menace to society. — Theodore Roosevelt (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"Children are great imitators, so give them something great to imitate.\" In this context, discuss the importance of role models in inculcating values in children. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The Covid-19 pandemic has brought with itself an environment of uncertainties and hardships. In this context, discuss the significance of emotional intelligence in dealing with the situation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Bring out the role of social media in shaping one's moral and political attitude. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Environmental ethics is about the moral relationship of human beings to, and also the value and moral status of, the environment and its non-human contents. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"The Citizens' Charter cannot be an end in itself; it is rather a means to an end. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You are the District Magistrate of district, which has recently witnessed rapid transmission of the Covid-19 pandemic. The district has high population density and a sizeable chunk of migrant workers. There has been a shutdown of business activities and the workers are yearning to go back to their native places. The administration has announced a strict lockdown and divided the district into containment zones. There is a severe shortage of people, material and money in the administration and fear and panic is seen to be gripping them. (a) What are the qualities of a civil servant that are revealed in such testing times? (b) What measures would you suggest for: (i) Dealing with the current issue. (ii) Making the district administration more resilient to respond to such a critical situation in the future.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"In recent times, the country witnessed protests based on opposition to some steps taken by the government. Whereas, mostly these were peaceful protests, at a few places these activities turned violent leading to destruction of public property. In some places government arrested few of the protesters and imposed heavy fines on them for the destruction of the property. In case they could not pay, their private property was confiscated by the government to pay for the damage done to the public property. In addition to this, some governments published the photographs, names and addresses of those accused of vandalism during protests at various locations. (a) What are the issues of public importance at stake in this case? (b) Are their any ethical or legal principles at play here which may be conflicting? (c) What should be the principles guiding a democratic state in such circumstances?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"The global toll of the COVID-19 pandemic is enormous: more than a half-million lives lost, hundreds of millions out of work, and trillions of dollars of wealth destroyed. And the disease has by no means run its course. There is tremendous interest in the development of a vaccine, with more than a hundred initiatives under way around the world. Even if one or more vaccines emerge that promise to make people less susceptible to COVID-19, the public-health problem will not be eliminated. But policymakers can avert some foreseeable problems by starting to address key questions about financing and distribution now. In view of the above scenario, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the different stakeholders involved in this scenario. (b) Identify some of the ethical questions and issues that are likely to emerge as the vaccine becomes available. (c) Who, in your opinion, should be amongst the first recipients of the vaccine? Give reasons for your answer.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are the head of a PSU, which has recently been entrusted with construction of a new airport in a metropolitan city. However, the area in the immediate neighbourhood of the proposed airport runways have large tracts of land occupied by dense slum settlements. If the airport is to be constructed, approximately 75,000 slum families will have to be humanly rehabilitated. The sheer scale of this rehabilitation, almost similar to an urban renewal, has thrown up many challenges. Foremost among these is identifying an appropriate location for rehabilitation of slum dwellers. You are faced with the following options in this regard, each of which have their own merits and demerits: (a) There is no reasonably priced land in close vicinity of the present slums. A vacant parcel of land that you have identified close-by will have to be developed afresh along with all civic amenities, and this will entail huge cost for the PSU. (b) There is another location, which is very far-off where a factory once stood. All the required civic amenities are in place here and the factory can be converted into appropriate houses at little cost to the PSU. However, there will be loss of livelihood on relocation to this area because of its distance from the current slum location. (c) There is yet another site, which can be used for rehabilitation at reasonable cost. Neither is it too far nor will it entail huge monetary cost, but exercising this option involves cutting a large number of trees, which may adversely affect the ecology of the area. This is likely to face resistance from environmental groups. Given the above options and the associated challenges, which of these sites will you choose for rehabilitation of slum dwellers? Provide adequate justification for your choice.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"You are an Indian Forest Service Officer posted in a division which falls in the coastal regulation zone and contains multiple wildlife sanctuaries. Recently, the State government has brought up a proposal of a new food processing park in your division. Under the proposal, around 175 square kilometers of forest land will be acquired as per the law. The developers of the project claim the various socio-economic benefits it can provide to the people in the area. Due to this a sizeable chunk of trees will be uprooted. There are studies which suggest that such initiatives have a long-term impact on wildlife and also leads to human-wildlife conflict. Some residents living in the periphery of the forest have supported this move in hope of employment opportunities. However, traditional dwellers of the forests have protested against this move. The government has constituted a committee to frame guidelines for sustainable operation of this project. The committee has asked for your suggestions in this regard. (a) Identify the principles and values that would guide your suggestions in this regard. (b) What course of action should be taken in order to balance the social and environmental needs in this case?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3414,"topper":"JASWANT MALIK","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ff162fc0430025272826e0c794787a7c/56/mt23fltra027_tc005-test-5-gs-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"How did the ancient trade routes connecting India to foreign countries contribute to the exchange and dissemination of culture? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"The Quit India movement was a people's movement cutting across the class divides but it was the women's leadership that left a clear mark. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The hallmark of post-Independent India has been its remarkable strides in science and technology'. To what extent did scientific development during this period put India on the path of modernity? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the feasibility of Interlinking rivers to resolve the issue of water stress in other regions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How will the structural shift from coal-based power plants to renewable energy generation impact human development in coal-bearing states? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"To what extent temperature and precipitation are the most important factors that determine soil properties? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Why are severe and intense cyclones becoming a regular phenomenon in the Arabian Sea? Substantiate with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"In the context of cultural diversity in India, can we consider Southern states as distinct cultural units in comparison to the rest of India? Substantiate your view. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Poverty and population growth are locked in a vicious cycle, where poverty restricts individuals' ability to break free from the cycle, while population growth strains resources. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"India has a rich heritage in the internationalization of education. In this context how will the recent push for the 'internationalization of education' impact society and foster cultural exchange? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Although there were many differences between the Gandhara and Mathura art, they considerably influenced the Amravati school of art. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"England's Industrial Revolution not only transformed the economic landscape but also had far-reaching social and cultural impacts'. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"How did the social reform and ideological struggle against the backward traditional elements and hegemony of colonial culture in the nineteenth century influence the emergence of a distinct cultural identity and national consciousness? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"How does temperature inversion affect atmospheric conditions and what are its implications for local weather patterns and air pollution levels? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What are the geographical factors responsible for mangrove vegetation in India? How does climate change pose a threat to mangrove vegetation in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What are the geographical and economic factors that influence the location of the sugar industry, and how do they contribute to the growth of the industry in India and different parts of the world? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What are the key strategies used in dryland farming to overcome water scarcity and maximize agricultural productivity in arid and semi-arid regions? Also, discuss the need to promote dryland farming in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"How has the contemporary women's movement encompassed diverse approaches beyond traditional methods? Also, highlight the unique contribution and challenges of the contemporary women's movement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Do you think that the forces of modernization that catalyzed the eradication of social evils in Indian society have also threatened our cultural values and ethos? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"15","words":"150"},{"page":50,"question":"In the context of states in India evaluate the relationship between regional disparity and sentiments of regionalism. Is regionalism antagonistic to the idea of nationalism? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"15","words":"150"}]},{"id":3415,"topper":"JASWANT MALIK","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ff162fc0430025272826e0c794787a7c/55/mt23fltra027_tc009-test-9-gs-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Numerous foreign travellers have vividly documented their observations of the Vijayanagara Empire over time, offering valuable sources for reconstructing its history. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"'Adi Shankaracharya had a profound role in uniting seemingly irreconcilable worldviews of thought. In this context discuss his philosophical thought and its lasting impact on Indian philosophy. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Do you agree that Dr BR Ambedkar's view of the caste problem was more political than social? Also highlight his efforts aimed at social reform. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"How does oceanic salinity vary across different regions of the world's oceans, and what factors contribute to these variations? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Explain the origin of Indian islands in the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Examine the factors contributing to India's groundwater crisis, and its implications for agriculture and water security in the country. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How does fostering pluralism within Indian society contribute to the endeavour of nation-building? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss the changing nature of problems the working class is facing due to the emerging gig economy. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Homogenisation tendencies as a result of globalisation have in fact preserved and promoted the local cultures of India. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"What are the circumstances that led to the disintegration of the USSR and the end of the Cold War? How did the end of the cold war contribute to the spread of Globalization across the world? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"How did the enduring legacy of the Harappan Civilization leave a mark on the evolution of Indian culture, even after its sudden decline? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"How did Mahatma Gandhi's participation in the Khilafat Movement illustrate his ability to connect diverse issues and mobilize different communities towards a common cause? To what extent did the Khilafat movement achieve its objective? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"How is Transit Oriented Development (TOD) linked to the concept of a sustainable urban transportation system? Discuss its impact on overall enhanced quality of life for citizens. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Although desert landscapes across the world reflect many similarities the process of desertification is influenced by local factors. Elaborate with suitable examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Explain the various stages of the formation of The Great Himalayas. How Eastern Himalayas is different from Western Himalayas? (Anwer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Describe the significance of eco-sensitive zones in environmental conservation and provide examples of how they are designated and managed in different geographical regions? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"How has the pandemic reshaped the landscape of education, and what long-term effects might these changes have on teaching methods and learning outcomes? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Analyze the factors behind the upsurge of ethnic identity struggle in the context of India, and discuss their implications for the country's social fabric. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"How does patriarchy differently impact the dynamics of the workplace vis a vis the household? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3416,"topper":"JASWANT MALIK","air":115,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/103/mt23fltra027_tc005-test-5-gs-1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3417,"topper":"JASWANT MALIK","air":115,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/231/mt23fltra027_tc009-test-9-gs-1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3418,"topper":"JASWANT MALIK","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ff162fc0430025272826e0c794787a7c/61/mt23fltra027_tc010-test-10-gs-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"The recent Supreme Court judgments on human rights issues mark a remarkable shift in using International law and treaties not just as a source of inspiration but as a source of law. Examine with reference to relevant case laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"The United States and India have their own distinctive jurisprudence on freedom of speech and expression despite the similarities in constitutional provisions. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Fundamental Duties are a reminder that citizenship is not merely a passive status but an active engagement. Discuss. What are the challenges in their legal enforcement? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the mandate of the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT). To what extent earlier SC verdicts have resolved the jurisdictional tussle between CAT and High courts? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"'Equality under the Indian constitution is not merely about formal equality, it also incorporates the idea of substantive equality'. Discuss this statement in light of constitutional provisions and relevant Supreme Court judgments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Pressure groups and political parties are inherently similar in their objective to democratise the political process, however, more and more pressure groups today aspire to transform into political parties. Elaborate and highlight the factors that are encouraging this transformation. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"Can the infusion of foreign educational institutions be a transformative step in enhancing the global competitiveness of higher education in India and addressing the prevailing quality challenges?\" Justify with reason. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"To address the limitations of the public health system, how can the private sector contribute effectively to bridging the gap to ensure equitable and accessible healthcare for all? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"There is an urgent need for global cooperation to eradicate poverty and hunger. In this context analyse how international cooperation can impact efforts to address the challenges of poverty and hunger. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The changing global dynamics require prompt effective and meaningful reforms within the World Trade Organization (WTO), to ensure its relevance and capacity to address modern trade complexities. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"How has the 69th Constitutional amendment led to Delhi's dual governance dilemma? Discuss its impact on cooperative federalism as envisaged in the Constitution. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"\"Constitution envisages an independent judiciary, not insulated judiciary\"; In the light of the given statement, discuss the issues associated with the appointment of judges in the higher judiciary and explore alternatives to the current system. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Under what circumstances can the Governor reserve a state bill for the consideration of the President and why is the provision controversial? Also, discuss the reforms suggested by Punchhi Commission in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"The Ninth Schedule fabricated a constitutional paradox to safeguard laws related to socio-economic justice from being challenged under the fundamental right to property. Does the ninth schedule have any relevance in present times? How did the IR Coelho judgment resolve this paradox? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"POCSO ? 15 Discuss the significance of the POCSO Act in ensuring the safety and protection of children against sexual offences. What changes would you suggest to the present Act to enhance its effective implementation? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"'Technology serves as the catalyst for reshaping the traditional contours of bureaucracy, propelling it to become more efficient, transparent, and citizen-centric.' Explain and also explore how the integration of technology can expedite governmental efforts aimed at modernizing the civil service. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"India and US have had an oscillating relationship in the past, to what extent has the relationship acquired depth in recent times? How should New Delhi navigate its relationship with the US after its sharp divergence with Washington on the issue of the Russia- Ukraine war? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"How has the India-ASEAN partnership evolved since the implementation of the 'Look East Policy'? In what ways can India leverage the increasing strength of its economy alongside geopolitical realities as opportunities to foster closer India and ASEAN relations? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3419,"topper":"JASWANT MALIK","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ff162fc0430025272826e0c794787a7c/63/mt23fltra027_tc002-test-2-gs-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"There is a need to resolve the ambiguity in the disqualification provisions under section 8 of the Representation of People Act 1951. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Constitution is a mere skeleton whereas constitutionalism is the soul of democracy. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"\"Electoral bonds are a double-edged sword, providing anonymity to donors while raising concerns about transparency in political funding.\" To what extent have electoral bonds further legitimized opacity in electoral funding? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The question of gender equality is central to the debate on Uniform Civil Code. In this light what are the challenges in reconciling UCC with gender equality as enshrined in the constitution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"The Governor's office is neither decorative nor inconsequential, it assumes a constitutional role of profound essence\" To what extent does the Governor, actively contribute to the governance of a state and reinforce the principles of federalism in the country? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Recently demand has been rising in a state regarding the enactment of Social Accountability Law. How such a law can lead to good governance and boost citizens' participation in decision-making. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"There is a need for convergence of 'nutrition-specific' and 'nutrition-sensitive' interventions to effectively tackle child undernutrition in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"MGNREGA, the lynchpin of rural poverty alleviation, has become the victim of fiscal apathy.\" Critically analyze the statement in light of recent developments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"India must leverage, if not manage, the global divides\". How can the current geopolitical churn pave the way for India's rise to the global high table? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"Berlin can be India's gateway to the European Union.\" Elaborate with respect to Germany's significance in India's relationship with the EU. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"How has the Anti-Defection Law impacted the relationship between political parties and individual legislators in India? In light of the recent incidents also discuss the unintended consequences it has on the functioning of democracy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Critics assert that limitless judicial authority rests on the structural ambiguity of the basic structure doctrine. Has the elastic nature of the basic structure doctrine made the judiciary more powerful than the executive? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Fundamental rights are not gifts bestowed upon by the state rather an individual possesses them independently of the state. In this context discuss the desirability of reasonable restrictions on various fundamental rights. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"'S.R. Bommai v. Union of India signified a paradigm shift in the judicial interpretation of the union's authority to assume control of a state's administration.' In this context discuss the significance and impact of the judgement on cementing the federal structure. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"The key to effective decentralization is, 'political decentralization should follow finance and functional decentralization'. Discuss in the context of impediments faced by local governance in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Multi-stakeholder partnerships are the key to leveraging collective expertise and networks. How can effective partnership and localized implementation efforts be fostered to accelerate the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"How has the implementation of the POSH Act resulted in limited success in raising awareness about sexual harassment, and what factors have hindered its effective outreach to women employed in the unorganized sector? Propose strategies to bridge this gap and ensure comprehensive protection for women in the unorganized sector against workplace harassment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Neo-liberal reforms and globalization have deeply transformed the institutions of the welfare state and set the ground for a new type of civil services.' In this context examine the challenges faced in service delivery and suggest adequate reforms. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"China views India as its \"Asian Rival\" with an innate ability to counter its hegemonistic goals in Asia. Despite these difficulties in India-China relations, there are also many areas of convergence. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Indo-Pacific region in recent times has emerged as a zone of diverging interests and priorities. Discuss. Do you think the Global Security Initiative will supersede QUAD in the region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3420,"topper":"JASWANT MALIK","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ff162fc0430025272826e0c794787a7c/58/mt23fltra027_tc006-test-6-gs-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Discuss the key function of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). What steps should be taken to revamp the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in order to enhance its effectiveness as a true guardian of public funds? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Recognizing the pivotal role of urbanization as a driver of national economic growth, the Fifteenth Finance Commission has suggested major reforms for Urban Local Bodies. Evaluate the recommendations put forward by the Fifteenth Finance Commission in promoting and revitalizing ULBs in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Highlight the key differences in the scope of Freedom of speech and expression as provided under Parliamentary privileges vis a vis Fundamental rights. Why is it necessary to maintain a balance between parliamentary privilege and fundamental rights? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Civil society organizations, play a pivotal role in fostering \"collective private action for the public good\". What challenges do they face in local resource mobilization (LRM) and corporate funding through corporate social responsibility (CSR)? Also, suggest measures. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The first step to eradicating poverty is reliable poverty assessment for program design, implementation, and monitoring. In this context discuss the methodology and significance of NITI Aayog's National Multidimensional Poverty Index. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"In the context of India, despite the presence of constitutional provisions, legal precedents, and international commitments that establish a robust foundation for a right to health, why has there been a lack of explicit legal recognition of this right? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The collective strength of BRICS nations allows for meaningful cooperation on myriad issues, however, the platform's ability to influence the trajectory of bilateral relationships remains limited. Do you agree? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"In light of the recent demands to amend the Indus Waters Treaty, discuss the possible implications it could have on the water-sharing mechanism between India and Pakistan. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The doctrine of Parliamentary sovereignty and judicial supremacy has exerted considerable influence in shaping the constitutional frameworks of India and the USA. Citing relevant case laws discuss the role of the judiciary in influencing the constitutions in these countries. Is the scope of judicial review wider in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Delimitation of seats is essential to ensure fair representation and uphold the principles of one vote, one value'. Highlighting the challenges posed by misrepresentation in constituencies analyze the ramifications of population-based delimitation in creating federal tension. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Discuss the role of the Supreme Court of India in strengthening the hands of the Election Commission in the discharge of its constitutional responsibility of conducting free and fair elections in the country. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"'The declining role of Parliament undermines the fundamental principle of separation of powers, as it diminishes the legislature's ability to serve as a check on the executive branch and ensure a balanced exercise of power.' Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Discuss the crucial role played by the National Commission of Women in shaping the discourse on gender-sensitive laws in India. To what extent the elevation of the National Commission for Women to a constitutional body would reinforce its authority? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"'Satisfactory and timely redressal of grievances is the cornerstone of 'minimum government, maximum governance.' In this context discuss the challenges associated with current grievance redress mechanisms and suggest measures to strengthen the process. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"'Corruption corrodes the fabric of governance, eroding the public's faith in democratic institutions.' Examine the potential for harmonizing the Right to Information (RTI) Act, the Whistleblower Protection Act (WBPA), and the Lokpal & Lokayukta Act, 2013, to enhance the effectiveness of the anticorruption regime. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Analyze the potential challenges and benefits involved in leveraging SHGs as platforms for skill development, entrepreneurship, and income generation among marginalized communities to effectively counter poverty. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"'India is uniquely positioned on the world map for its rich culture.' In this context discuss the role of culture, diaspora, and democracy as instruments of India's soft power diplomacy. To what extent India has been able to position itself as a 'smart power'? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"The synergy of shared values and vibrant people-to-people connections between India and Australia creates a fertile ground for fostering long-lasting trade relations and strategic collaboration between the two nations. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3421,"topper":"JASWANT MALIK","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/101/mt23fltra027_tc010-test-10-gs-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"The recent Supreme Court judgments on human rights issues mark a remarkable shift in using International law as a tool for judicial interpretation. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"Fundamental Duties are a reminder that citizenship is not merely a passive status but an active engagement with the nation. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"Discuss the mandate of the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT). To what extent earlier SC verdicts have strengthened its functioning?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"'Equality under the Indian constitution is not merely about formal equality, it also incorporates the concept of substantive equality.' Explain with the help of relevant judicial pronouncements.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"Pressure groups and political parties are inherently similar in their objective to democratise the political process. Critically examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"“Can the infusion of foreign educational institutions be a transformative step in enhancing the global competitiveness of Indian higher education?” Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"To address the limitations of the public health system, how can the private sector contribute effectively without compromising on the affordability and accessibility of healthcare services?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"There is an urgent need for global cooperation to eradicate poverty and hunger. In this context analyze the role of international organizations in addressing these challenges.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"The changing global dynamics require prompt effective and meaningful reforms within the World Trade Organization (WTO). Discuss the challenges and the way forward.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3422,"topper":"JASWANT MALIK","air":115,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/91/mt23fltra027_tc002-test-2-gs-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3423,"topper":"JASWANT MALIK","air":115,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/95/mt23fltra027_tc006-test-6-gs-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3424,"topper":"JASWANT MALIK","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ff162fc0430025272826e0c794787a7c/64/mt23fltra027_tc007-test-7-gs-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Elaborate on the difference between Capital Account and Current Account as components of Balance of Payment (BOP). Suggest a few measures to balance the BOP deficit of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"The logistics sector is one of the important components of the growth of the manufacturing industry. Discuss. Also, mention various components of the recently announced National Logistics Policy 2022. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"What is India's stand on the New Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies under WTO? How is the Fisheries sector significant for India? Enumerate the steps taken by the Government to develop this sector. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Analyze the systemic and institutional constraints that continue to hinder land reform efforts in India and propose pragmatic solutions to ensure equitable distribution of land. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What are the unique features and capabilities of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, and how has it contributed to India's defence capabilities and strategic position in the region? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"In line with the country's efforts to explore the depths of the ocean and harness the resources it holds, the Indian government has proposed a deep-sea exploration mission Samudrayaan. How can this mission contribute to the advancement of ocean science and technology in the country? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What is Global Methane Pledge? Do you think the Global Methane Pledge is a positive step toward mitigating methane emissions? Explain India's stance on this issue. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of disaster management in public health. Discuss the key strategies and challenges for managing pandemics and other infectious disease outbreaks. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"The resource curse of Eastern and Central India has been a crucial driver of LWE\". Elaborate and suggest measures for sustainable and inclusive development of the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"In light of the declining trend of violence in the North East and J&K region do you think that AFSPA has lived its utility? Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"International trade is centred on the dominant currency paradigm (DCM). Critically Analyze the importance of Hard currency in International trade and Discuss the potential of rupee acceptance in global trade as an alternative to dollar imperialism. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"A Demographic Dividend does not ensure growth; it only generates potential. Discuss the steps made by the government to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the demographic transition. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"'Genome editing holds immense potential for crop improvement, but it also raises ethical and safety concerns'. How far do the new guidelines for the safety assessment of genome-edited plants in India, ensure the safety of genetically modified crops? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Discuss the impact of direct and indirect farm subsidies on the agriculture sector in India. How have Minimum Support Prices (MSP) affected the agricultural economy? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a rapidly escalating crisis that poses a grave threat to public health worldwide. What are the major contributing factors to the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance, and what steps can be taken to address this global health threat? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"What do you understand by Disruptive innovations? What are some examples of disruptive innovation in recent times, and how have they changed the way industries operate? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Trace the evolution of the Loss and Damage fund. What are the major development related to loss and damage funds in COP 27?, What are the commitments made by India in this conference? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"\"The Agnipath scheme is a bitter pill needed for the resilience and efficacy of our armed forces.\" Critically Analyze the statement with relevant arguments. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3425,"topper":"JASWANT MALIK","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ff162fc0430025272826e0c794787a7c/57/mt23fltra027_tc011-test-11-gs-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Differentiate between Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Wholesale Price Index (WPI). Do you think that CPI is a better measure of inflation as compared to WPI? Substantiate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Jobless growth is an inherent feature of India's growth trajectory. What are the major reasons behind the high unemployment rate in India? Suggest remedial measures to improve the overall employment growth rate in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Bringing urea under the NBS Scheme is seen as the panacea for all the issues related to fertiliser subsidies in India as well as for the environmental problems of agriculture. Highlighting the issues related to urea management, suggest reforms are required to improve the usage of urea in a sustainable manner in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"India's food security faces challenges from not just domestic factors but also global factors. Comment. Discuss some ways to strengthen India's food security. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Recently, India became the 27th signatory to the Artemis Accord led by NASA. Critically analyse its implications for the space exploration programmes in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How does the decomposition of organic matter in the soil contribute to the carbon cycle, and what are the key factors that influence this process? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Climate change mitigation and adaptation strategy is not only about reducing future emissions but also involves active removal of already released carbon into the atmosphere. In this context what do you understand by the concept of Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) and discuss the progress of the international community in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Poor building design, flagrant violations of building codes and fire safety norms and overcrowding of spaces are responsible for the rising risk of fires in urban areas. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Ethnic conflicts and cross-border migration along India-Myanmar and India-Bangladesh borders impact India's internal security. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What are the main challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in investigating and prosecuting cases of money laundering, and how can they be overcome? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Low tax buoyancy often translates into higher deficits and debt. Can a higher direct tax rate improve the overall tax-to-GDP ratio in India? What other steps can be undertaken to revamp the overall tax structure in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Startups are the driving engines of the fast-changing modern economy. Why have Indian startups failed to realise their potential? What steps can be undertaken to improve the profitability and performance of startups in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Import of edible oils forms a major part of India's import bill. In this context, evaluate the importance of the recently launched National Mission on Edible Oils and Oil Palm (NMEO-OP). What are the environmental concerns related to increasing palm oil production in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"A robust livestock economy can act as a parallel source of farmers' income. Highlighting the role of the livestock economy in the agriculture sector in India discuss the challenges faced by the livestock sector in India. Suggest interventions that can strengthen the livestock sector to contribute to the overall well-being of the farmers. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Nuclear fusion has been hailed as the energy source of the future, with the potential to provide clean, safe, and virtually limitless energy. Discuss the scientific principles behind nuclear fusion and the challenges and opportunities in harnessing this technology for practical applications. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"What have been the difficulties in the administration of IPRs in India? Suggest measures to improve the administration of IPRs in order to encourage an innovation-led economy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"The recent amendments in the Wildlife Protection Act provide a framework to prevent illegal trade in wild animals and plants to ensure that their survival is not threatened. In this regard, mention the implications of illegal wildlife trade in India and analyse the effectiveness of the recent amendments to address the issue. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Analyse the factors that contribute to the increased incidence and severity of floods in urban areas and the measures that can be taken to reduce the risk and enhance the resilience of the population. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Do you think that intelligence and law enforcement agencies in India have the necessary resources and capabilities to effectively tackle the link between organised crime and terrorism? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"India needs to update its Information Technology Act, of 2000 to deal with emerging internal and external communication security and to make the cyber ecosystem more safe and secure. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3426,"topper":"JASWANT MALIK","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/108/mt23fltra027_tc011-test-11-gs-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"India's food security faces challenges from not just domestic factors but also global factors. Comme...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"Recently, India became the 27th signatory to the Artemis Accord led by NASA. Critically analyse its ...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"How does the decomposition of organic matter in the soil contribute to the carbon cycle, and what are the key factors that influence this process?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"Ethnic conflicts and cross-border migration along India-Myanmar and India-Bangladesh borders impact India's internal security. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"What are the main challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in investigating and prosecuting case...","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3427,"topper":"JASWANT MALIK","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/89/mt23fltra027_tc003-test-3-gs-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by Windfall tax? Do you think that windfall taxes can effectively redistribute wealth and promote greater economic equality?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the perceived successes and challenges of implementing inflation targeting under the new Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) regime.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Assess the potential of millet production in promoting sustainable agriculture and improving food security in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)? Discuss its applications and how it can revolutionize the energy program of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Discuss in brief developments and challenges in the Gaganyaan mission of ISRO. What are the possible benefits of the mission for the society?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"What are the key lessons for disaster management and environmental conservation in the Himalayan reg...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"\"The recent radical trends in Punjab show that the Khalistan issue is still simmering.\" Discuss the ...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The anonymity and ease of drone operation contribute to the challenges of India's border security. E... What do you understand by Windfall tax? Do you think that windfall taxes can effectively redistribute wealth and promote greater economic equality?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3428,"topper":"JASWANT MALIK","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ff162fc0430025272826e0c794787a7c/59/mt23fltra027_tc003-test-3-gs-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"What do you understand by Windfall tax? Do you think that windfall taxes can effectively redistribute wealth and promote greater economic equality? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Discuss the perceived successes and challenges of implementing inflation targeting under the new Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) regime. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Assess the potential of millet production in promoting sustainable agriculture and improving food security in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Jal Jeevan Mission has the potential to end the regional disparity in the availability and accessibility of drinking water. Highlighting the significance of the mission, discuss the underlying impediments in achieving the desired objectives. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What do you understand by Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)? Discuss its applications and how it can revolutionize the energy program of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Discuss in brief developments and challenges in the Gaganyaan mission of ISRO. What are the possible benefits of the mission for the society? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"Green hydrogen can be the silver bullet in our quest to tackle climate change and pollution\". Critically analyze the statement in light of India's National Green Hydrogen mission. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What are the key lessons for disaster management and environmental conservation in the Himalayan region, in light of the recent disaster in Joshimath, Uttarakhand? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"The recent radical trends in Punjab show that the Khalistan issue is still simmering.\" Discuss the statement with respect to recent developments and suggest measures to handle it. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The anonymity and ease of drone operation contribute to the challenges of India's border security. Elaborate and give suggestions to tackle the drone problem in border areas. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Electricity Amendment Bill, 2022 brings several advantages for consumers, DISCOMs as well as the environment. Elaborate. Also, list out its shortcomings and suggest some measures to overcome them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) plays an important role in the regulation of the share market and safeguarding the interests of investors. In the light of given statement, highlight the challenges faced by the SEBI and suggest reforms in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Despite being a major contributor to the Indian economy, the agriculture sector is plagued by several constraints that impede its growth and development. Discuss the role of technology in overcoming these constraints. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Evaluate the impact of irrigation on the environment and natural resources, and suggest measures to ensure the sustainability and equity of irrigation practices in agriculture. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"How India benefitted strategically from the contributions of Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha and Dr. Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai in the fields of atomic energy and space technology respectively? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Genreative AI holds the potential to push the boundaries of innovation in the near future, yet its societal impact raises substantial challenges. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Explain the purpose of the \"Mangrove Alliance for Climate\" launched at the COP27 UN Climate Change Conference in Egypt in November 2022. Elaborate on the importance of mangroves in maintaining the coastal ecology of tropical nations. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"The Formation of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure brings more robustness to the Disaster Management approach in India. Comment and justify the need for a new strategy to tackle Disasters in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"The recent rise in ransomware attacks targeting critical infrastructure and major corporations has highlighted the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity measures and policies. Discussing the key factors contributing to this trend, analyze the impact of these attacks on various sectors. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"In the context of border security, how can cooperation and coordination between different security agencies be improved to ensure effective and efficient management of coastal and terrestrial borders? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3429,"topper":"JASWANT MALIK","air":115,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/102/mt23fltra027_tc007-test-7-gs-3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3430,"topper":"JASWANT MALIK","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ff162fc0430025272826e0c794787a7c/60/mt23fltra027_tc004-test-4-gs-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Public service requires not merely legal but also morally principled action. Public service requires the public servant to place loyalty to the constitution, laws, and ethical principles. Among the three, which do you think must acquire primacy while carrying out official functions? Why? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"What do you understand by \"integrity-based civil disobedience\"? Do you think a challenge to personal integrity can be a justifiable cause for responsible disobedience in civil services? Explain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Recent research has shown that emotions significantly impact personal and professional lives. What are the primary emotions that negatively and positively impact workplace productivity? Explain with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Technical efficiency ensures resource utilization and social efficiency ensures fulfillment of social needs, what does ethical efficiency ensure? Do you think ethical efficiency is more important than technical and social efficiency? Why/Why not? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"Man cannot do right in one department of life whilst he is occupied in doing wrong in any other department.\" Gandhi. Do you think an individual's personal ethics impacts professional life or they both can be compartmentalized? Explain your position with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Goodness is the result of internal imperatives to do what is right, not sanctions from moral rules or rewards from expected consequences. Do you agree? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance. (a) \"To tolerate is purely an act of the mind. That is the essence of virtue. To tolerate is a strength.\" (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"In the context of civil service, distinguish between moral and nonmoral values. Identify 5 basic moral values that can serve as foundational values for all services irrespective of the department. Give reasons why those values can be considered foundational. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Citizens' involvement in decision-making is critical to ethics in governance. Do you agree that effective civic engagement mechanisms can facilitate an ethics-driven administration? What do you think are the mechanisms that citizens can use for ensuring ethics in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Social transformation programs such as \"beti bachao and beti padhao\" believes in using advice, counseling, and persuasion but sometimes a little force is also necessary for getting the desired response. Do you think it is a good idea to mix little force with persuasion by public administrators while implementing social schemes of transformation? Explain with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Ultimately foreign policy of every country hinges upon the strength which the nation possesses. Strength may be military or financial and may be also...moral.\" Do you think ethical strength without military or financial muscle will be respected in today's world? Explain your position. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"You are a young officer working with the Municipal Corporation of an industrial city. The city was known for manufacturing ball bearings and auto parts. Most manufacturing units were small-scale units with very little production process automation. The units relied on manual labor, which was in abundance due to the villages close by. As the number of manufacturing units grew, the demand for labor increased, bringing in a steady inflow of laborers into the city. This influx of people into the town led to a mushrooming of slums and encroachments on the sidewalks. Once in a while, the Corporation conducted drives to clear out the slums, but after a time, the slums came back. The illegal slums had become an urban nightmare. You were given the responsibility of clearing out the encroachments and slums with the help of Police authorities. As you started the drive, you realized that the people living by the sidewalks were vulnerable compared to the slum dwellers. Many sidewalk dwellers had recently come to the city after selling their properties in their villages. Now if you drive them out, they have no place to go. Your heart went out to them, and you felt that your departmental action was inhumane, but your official responsibilities demanded stern impartial action. You are desperate to find a way to help the sidewalk dwellers without compromising your official duties. (a) What value conflicts do you notice in the above situation? (b) Can an administrator compromise the value of impartiality for empathy? Discuss. (c) What are the options available in the above situation? (d) Suggest viable solutions for tackling illegal slums and encroachments in urban areas. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"A certain State government was running a welfare scheme for promoting safe motherhood among rural landless laborers' families. The scheme involves the transfer of funds to the beneficiaries to enable them to mitigate income loss due to maternal care responsibilities. Since its implementation, the scheme has done reasonably well on maternal health and economic indicators. You are the Director of the Department responsible for implementing and operating the scheme. Recently you have been receiving reports of welfare fraud being committed by families by producing fake bona fide. The families committed the fraud with the help of local officials responsible for scrutinizing the bona fide. You were concerned because the fraud was seriously undermining the scheme's efficiency. You called for a departmental meeting to discuss and find a solution to the problem. In the meeting, it was decided to merge several available government data sets such as Aadhar cards, voter ID cards, marriage certificates, birth certificates, bank details, and other personal assets. By merging all the data sets, the department would be able to develop the beneficiary's economic profile. And this will help the department scrutinize the documents and detect fraud. This was a comprehensive strategy, but it risked violating an individual's data privacy. As a Department head, you wanted to detect and prevent fraud, but at the same time, you were apprehensive about violating the Data privacy of the stakeholders. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) Do you think violating data privacy is justified to prevent welfare fraud? Why/ Why not? (c) What, according to you, can be the reasons for such welfare frauds happening in the country? (d) Are there any ways and means to prevent such fraud? Give your suggestions. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"You are posted in the Department of Mines, and one of your roles is to help your Department Head negotiate mining leases with private contractors. Recently, the state government demarcated a new mining zone and planned to invite bids for the mining blocs. You were instructed to oversee the bidding process and speed up the contract negotiations. As planned, the tenders were released, bids came in, and tenders were allocated as per the norms. All this happened at a breakneck speed. You wondered, why the hurry? But it was not your place to think and question; you quietly went about your work. As the contractors were about to start operations, you had to instruct them on environmental concerns to watch out for. And to do that, you read the environmental impact assessment report submitted by a consulting firm hired by the department. To your surprise, the report was shoddy and looked cooked up. You got suspicious and raised the issue with your Head, who politely instructed you to do what you were told, and he reminded you that the Department had revenue targets and was under pressure from the Ministry. After the meeting, you, on your accord, did some digging and found out that the report was fraudulent and the mining activity that was about to start would lead to a massive environmental disaster which the State could not afford. (a) What are the issues and value violations you notice in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you? (c) Discuss the advantage and disadvantages of each option and identify your chosen course of action. (d) Do you think that environmental considerations are sometimes overrated at the cost of development? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Do you think corporate businesses such as GAMA must consider international ethics while pursuing business interests? Why/why not? (c) Do you think a corporate's social responsibility extends beyond one's immediate community to the international community? Why/Why not? (d) Do you think the Defence sector companies marketing sensitive technologies must be regulated by their respective governments, or regulation may curtail their entrepreneurial and innovation energy? Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Mr. Sharma was the All India Sales Head of a pharmaceutical company with a turnover of 400 crores. The company's main markets were small towns and tier 2 cities. Further, the company did a sizeable amount of business with state government hospitals and health centers. Mr. Sharma had given a lot of freedom to field sales agents to strike deals and negotiate prices with clients. This strategy worked well for the company. Recently Mr. Sharma received word that three company employees were selling products to government hospitals and health centers at a higher price than they were selling to other private hospitals and health centers. The employees were with the company for over five years and were good performers. A few sales staff informally raised the issue of the three getting relatively higher commissions because of their inflated deals. And this was creating a sense of unease among the sales staff. A cursory review of the account of the three showed that, in many instances, the government hospitals were paying more than other private institutions. Under procurement rules, the government is supposed to pay a fair price, one that other cost-conscious customers pay. On inquiry, Mr. Sharma found that the three were not alone; government purchase department officials were helping them scam the Department. Mr. Sharma realized that his sales staff and some corrupt government staff had been defrauding the state exchequer for quite some time. Mr. Sharma immediately reported it to his CEO, and the two discussed how to deal with the sales staff and whether to inform the government about the scam and the involvement of their staff. The issue was informing the government means that there was every possibility that they might be blacklisted, thereby losing a lot of business. Mr. Sharma and CEO were caught in a dilemma regarding how to proceed with the case. (a) What are the ethical and business issues involved in the case? (b) What are the options available to Mr. Sharma and the CEO? (c) Do you think the organizational culture of giving freedom to the sales force led to the issue or was the individual's corrupt nature that led to the problem? Discuss. (d) What ethics mechanisms and steps can the company create and implement to prevent unethical behavior, as mentioned in the case? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":3431,"topper":"JASWANT MALIK","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ff162fc0430025272826e0c794787a7c/62/mt23fltra027_tc012-test-12-gs-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Most civil servants are neither pure deontologists nor pure utilitarians, but they operate according to a kind of ethical pluralism.\" Do you agree? Discuss your position with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"The motivation to seek a career in public service and perform public service can be due to attraction to public service, commitment to public values, self-sacrifice and compassion. Among the four, what is the primary public service motivator for you? Explain your motivating factor. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"One of the critical areas of governance is developing policies for managing public health emergencies such as COVID. While tackling such health emergencies, the government may take measures that involve the abdication of liberty on the part of the citizens. According to you, what ethical principles should guide the government's public health policymaking? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Identify any four components of emotional intelligence relevant to public services. Explain their role in administrative decision-making. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Values lie at the core of the diverse world of human behaviour and are expressed in every human decision and action. In keeping with the above statement, explain with the help of illustrations how values impact an individual's behaviour (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Explain the difference between codes of ethics, codes of conduct and codes of rules and regulations. Do you think an increase in the number of codes and regulations is an efficient response to the decline of public trust and integrity issues? Why/why not? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance. \"The root of happiness is Dharma (righteousness), the root of Dharma is Artha (economy), the root of Artha is right governance.\" (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Prioritising ethical concerns within public administration and policy has monetary costs in terms of training and other expenses. Do you think the financial cost of actively pursuing ethical standards by the government is justified? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Distinguish between administrative, legal and professional accountability. Despite multiple institutional accountability mechanisms, the government has failed to make a dent in systemic corruption. What do you think are the reasons for the poor performance of accountability mechanisms? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Economists view transparency as a condition for open markets, and political scientists view it as a condition for public participation. What does transparency imply in public administration ethics? Is it only a flow of information or more than that? Explain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Persuasion performs a number of positive, prosocial functions. However, people often equate persuasion with manipulation and consider it unethical. What are the ethical values a persuader must respect to ensure the ethicality of the act of persuasion? Explain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You are the VP (Operations) of a company that manufactures and supplies space probes and satellite equipment to Government space agencies. The company has been in the business for over four decades and has built considerable expertise in producing and delivering high-quality products. The business was good. As VP of Operations, it was your responsibility to ensure the completion of projects and deliverables on time. A critical deliverable was running behind schedule due to the non-availability of a specific raw material. The material in question was an environmentally hazardous chemical that the Environmental Ministry banned. But considering the importance of the chemical compound for the space industry, the Environment Ministry was planning to allow controlled use in about three weeks. You and the company management didn't have three week waiting time. Further, there was severe pressure from the Department of Space to complete the deliverable on time as a lot was riding politically on the project. After internal discussions, you met the Space Department officials to explain the predicament and request a deadline extension. When the meeting happened, you were shocked by the attitude of the Department officials. They refused to accept any delay and suggested circumventing the environmental ministry's prohibition and procuring and using the chemical. They justified it by saying the ministry would allow controlled use in a few weeks. So, why wait? Besides, they pointed out that everything is justified in the name of national interest. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"What are the issues involved in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Discuss the merits and demerits of each option and select your chosen course of action.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"What do you understand by National Interest? Do you think it is ethically justified for a nation to prioritise security and economics over and above social justice and social development priorities? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"What are the issues involved in the case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Do you think breaching client confidentiality and trust can be justified in the above case? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"What are the issues and ethical dilemmas involved in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"How would you see the widow as a victim of her husband's crime or an accused? Justify. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the options Pallavi has? How should she navigate the issues with Mr Thakur?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"What do you think is the problem with Mr Thakur, is it a lack of emotional intelligence or something else?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"How do you think you will be able to help Pallavi? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"What options are available to the MP in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Evaluate the options and suggest a course of action to the MP.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Distinguish between political and bureaucratic corruption. Can bureaucracy play a role in checking political corruption? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Do you think whistle-blowing could have been a good option five years back? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":3432,"topper":"JASWANT MALIK","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/99/mt23fltra027_tc004-test-4-gs-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"What do you understand by \"integrity-based civil disobedience\"? Do you think a challenge to personal...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance. \"To tolera...","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3433,"topper":"JASWANT MALIK","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ff162fc0430025272826e0c794787a7c/54/mt23fltra027_tc008-test-8-gs-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"What do you understand by the terms 'ethics' and 'integrity'? Do you think they are interrelated? Explain with examples the relationship between ethics and integrity in the context of public administration. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What do you understand by the terms 'ethical behavior' and 'emotionally intelligent behavior'? Identify the relevant emotional intelligence components that act as a reliable guide to ethical behavior. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"To achieve a good life, duty is not sufficient. One needs to develop one's sympathetic feelings for others, and neither duty alone nor good will alone are sufficient to be moral.\" Do you agree with the above statement? Justify your position. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Developing a Scientific temper, innovative mindset, and civic-conscious citizens are major objectives of higher educational institutions. Can higher educational institutions be instrumental in promoting integrity education among youth to establish a public culture of integrity and a corruption-free political culture? If yes, how? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance. (a) The senses deceive from time to time, and it is prudent never to trust wholly those who have deceived us even once. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"As professionals, civil servants are career focused and are also self-interested. At the same time, their service ethos imposes an obligation to serve the public interest selflessly. Is it possible for a civil servant to reconcile career and service obligation? Explain your position. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"While competence without compassion can be brutal and inhumane; similarly, compassion without competence can be meaningless for persons seeking help.\" Explain the above with the help of a suitable illustration in the context of public services. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Civil Services ethics has everything to do with management. It is as much a Departmental as a personal issue. Leaders who fail to create systems that facilitate ethical conduct are equally to blame as much as those who indulge in ethical misconduct. Do you think the Departmental culture leads to ethical misconduct or is the individual with weak willpower culpable? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"You are posted as a District Development Officer in a district with a low literacy rate and poor health indicators. As you took charge, your Health Secretary had given express instructions that your priority is to improve health indicators by enhancing the delivery of healthcare services. After taking over, you traveled around the district to study and identify ways of improving healthcare services. During your field trip, you discovered that the issue was not the accessibility of services; it was something else. You found the problem was the myths, misconceptions, and malpractices that hindered the uptake of health care services. For instance, people believed that vaccines caused impotence, immunization was equivalent to birth control, using antenatal care was counterproductive to the health of the mother and baby, and so on. You realize that these beliefs were the behavioral barriers that stood in the way of health and nutrition services. And these behavioral barriers made it difficult for front-line workers to reach out. You discussed your observations with the Health Secretary, and he advised you to seek inputs from the neighboring district DDO who was doing some good work. When you met with the neighboring DDO, you learned he was experimenting with using the Faith leader's influence and reach to persuade people. You were unsure about roping in faith leaders to help you overcome the behavioral barriers. As a civil servant, you felt it would be a mistake to involve faith leaders in health service schemes. When you shared your apprehensions with the Secretary, he firmly instructed you to try and innovate. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) What are the advantages and disadvantages of using Faith leaders as influencers and persuaders?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"If not faith leaders, what are your other options for breaking the behavioral barriers? (d) Do you think it is ethically right for a civil servant to involve faith leaders in promoting government schemes? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"You are the Head of an Agency, a special purpose vehicle, responsible for overseeing the last-mile delivery of essential services and sorting out bottlenecks and grievances of the citizens within your jurisdiction. The essential services included Maternal and infant health care, nutritional support to BPL families, drinking water availability, etc. Your agency employed a staff of 15 to carry out regular official operations and handle grievances. Since the agency dealt with complaints, there was an enormous amount of public dealing daily. Sometimes the agency officials had to work beyond office hours to finish the regular office work as public dealings took away most of the office hours. The employees were unhappy doing the extra bit as they were not paid any overtime. A few of them informally raised the issue with you, but you were helpless as the agency rules didn't allow any travel or overtime allowances. You tried taking up the matter with HQ but to no avail. The work stress gradually started showing up among the staff, they became irritable with the complainants, and at times they shouted at them. Besides rudeness, the staff's language became abusive, derogatory, and sometimes casteist. You could notice that there were 4 of them in particular who were getting very abusive and discriminatory while handling grievances. As the Head, you warned them, but there was no marked change in their work attitude. To compound your problem, some of the villagers, through their Sarpanch, raised the issue of rude, disrespectful, and discriminatory behavior with your HQ. The HQ immediately instructed you to take action and create a respectful and dignified workspace. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) What are the action options available to you?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Examine each of the options and identify your chosen course of action What do you understand by dignity? Distinguish between human and social dignity? Identify the common dignity violations that one notices in government departments. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"You and Ajay were in college together, qualified for the civil services examination, trained, and worked in the same State. Over the years, you and Ajay became good friends and colleagues. Even the families became close to the extent of taking vacations and celebrating festivals together. Professionally, in the last 15 years, both grew, but the paths you and Ajay took differed. You kept your distance from political masters, preferred to be neutral, and refrained from being identified with any group, lobby, or ideology. But Ajay was not discreet about his leanings, and he was well-networked and connected. Because of his networking, Ajay always had postings considered \"plum postings.\" Ajay was posted as CMD of Urban Infrastructure Projects, a high-profile Project with a huge outlay. At the same time, you were working in State Planning Commission for three years and were awaiting your promotion and new posting. When new postings were announced, you were surprised to see your transfer to Vigilance Department. Within a month of taking charge, you were ordered by your Departmental Secretary to conduct an inquiry discreetly into land dealings involving a Minister and his family. You were strictly told to keep it discreet and not to share any information about the investigation with anybody besides the Secretary. As you started the inquiry, you realized Ajay was closely involved with the Minister and his deals. As evidence started piling up, you were shocked to notice Ajay's questionable decisions favoring the Minister and friends. Further, you found evidence of Ajay having assets disproportionately much higher than his declared sources of income. When you shared the details with the Secretary, he immediately ordered you to search Ajay's office and home as he believed Ajay was the medium through which they could catch the Minister for shady land deals. You were in a bind as you knew a search operation would tarnish Ajay's reputation and be traumatic for the family. (a) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas involved in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you? (c) Select your chosen course of action after analyzing the options. (d) What must be your moral motivation in the above case? Should it be duty, care, or consequences? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"You are a Foreign Service official working in an embassy overseas. One of your duties was to liaise with the local Indian community, one of the country's largest immigrant groups. A group of wealthy Indian immigrants wanted to build a place of worship and a school to promote their language and culture. The school was intended to act as a center for promoting and preserving Indian culture among the immigrants. The Indian community leaders went through all the legal procedures to acquire the land, got the building plans approved by the city council, and with all the approvals in place, the construction work began. A few months into the construction, the locals started complaining about noise, and slowly a campaign began against the construction of a religious structure. The local city councilors joined in and raised the issue of how Indian immigrants having their own cultural space will lead to a similar demand from other immigrant communities. And this may escalate intolerance among different ethnic groups. The local politicians filed a public lawsuit to halt the construction and demolish whatever was built. Indian community responded with their lawsuit and approached the embassy for help. They wanted the Ambassador to take up the issue with the government. Meanwhile, the Ambassador deputed you to meet the Indian community leaders to understand the issue and prepare a report. You met with the community leaders and found that the reason for local antipathy towards the Indian community was just an expression of latent racism and intolerance. You presented your observations to the Ambassador and requested him to do something as the Indians were on the right and were being victims of racist behavior. The Ambassador, in turn, replied that he would not like to get involved in local politics. The Indians were citizens of that country; they had nothing to do with India besides ethnicity. Further, a crucial Economic agreement was about to be signed between the two countries in the coming weeks, and he did not want to jeopardize the growing relations between the two countries over some local politics. You were shocked to see economics getting priority over the diaspora. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) Do you agree with the Ambassador's position of prioritizing economics over helping the diaspora? Why/why not? (c) Among Care, Consequentialism, and Duty, what do you think is the appropriate perspective to guide Indian Foreign policy? Justify. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":3434,"topper":"JASWANT MALIK","air":115,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/748520c30390b56bbbd3f8693a3b3ea3/2/mt23fltra027_tc008-test-8-gs-4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3435,"topper":"JASWANT MALIK","air":115,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/105/mt23fltra027_tc012-test-12-gs-4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3436,"topper":"Jatin Jain","air":91,"year":2022,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/JATIN_JAIN_2022_IAS_Exam_Rank_91_VTS_4_Mains_2_Redacted_ada64c1df0.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3437,"topper":"Jatin Jain","air":91,"year":2022,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/JATIN_JAIN_2022_IAS_Exam_Rank_91_VTS_4_Mains_1_Redacted_663bd07df7.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3438,"topper":"Jatin Jain","air":91,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/JATIN_JAIN_2022_IAS_Exam_Rank_91_VTS_4_Mains_3_Redacted_bf8ade0edf.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3439,"topper":"Jatin Jain","air":91,"year":2022,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JGJrjfhNVF4KSp6ITh2f2MvMLkptap09/view","questions":[]},{"id":3440,"topper":"Jatin Kishore","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/be159-183643_1049_jatin-kishore_rank_2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Concerns regarding the wide formulation and indiscreet application of discretionary powers of the Governor need closer attention. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Explain the concept of subordinate legislation in India. Also discuss the mechanisms for their scrutiny and control. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The crucial position accorded to the Speaker in Indian legislatures, makes it imperative to protect them from undue political pressures and incentives. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Departmentally-Related Standing Committees have been referred to as mini-parliaments in India. Highlight their relevance in a democratic polity and discuss, with examples, how they improve the overall effectiveness of the Parliament. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Enumerate the issues associated with functioning of tribunals in India. How can these be addressed? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Examine the significance of Gram Sabhas, as mentioned in Article 243A of the Indian constitution, in the development process with special reference to Fifth Schedule areas. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The Rajya Sabha is merely a secondary house rather than a second house in the Indian Parliamentary system. Critically analyze the statement. Also, compare and contrast the position of the Rajya Sabha vis-à-vis the State legislative councils. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"A major shift is needed in the institutional framework of the Central Water Commission (CWC) and the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) to make water management more holistic and multidisciplinary. Discuss in the context of Mihir Shah Committee recommendations. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"On what grounds can a person be denied the right to contest elections to the Parliament in India? Will a life-time ban on those convicted of heinous crimes address the problem of criminalisation of politics? Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Directive Principles can be considered as even more important than the Fundamental Rights because they provide a positive thrust towards welfare. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"In light of demands for replacement of the FPTP (First Past the Post) system with other alternatives, compare the merits and enumerate the challenges associated with replacing the current system. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Despite long term recognition of the problem of pendency of cases in the courts, limited progress has been made in reducing their number. What are the possible reasons for such a scenario? Suggest a framework of measures that can be taken to address this issue. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite the phrase 'due process of law' not being included in Article 21, the Supreme Court, over the years, has adopted the doctrines of 'procedural due process' and 'substantive due process' into Indian constitutional law. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Can we say that cooperative federalism in India has strengthened in the post-liberalisation era? Give reasons in support of your answer. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Faulty regulatory policies can have a severe adverse effect on the efficient interplay of market forces and end up harming public interest. Examine in the context of systemic issues pertaining to regulatory environment in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Mention the constitutional provisions to safeguard and ensure the independent and impartial functioning of the UPSC. Further, assess the limitations of UPSC in effectively performing its role as the 'watchdog of merit system' in India as envisioned by the Constitution. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What are the key issues in the context of electoral funding in India? How far do you think the idea of state funding of elections can address these issues? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Separation of powers in case of India has acquired its own uniqueness under the constitutional arrangement. Explain. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Highlight the extent of President's powers under Article 352. Comment on the judicial scrutiny of proclamation and the exercise of executive powers under National Emergency. How is this power different from the one bestowed under Article 356? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Fiscal transfers from the Centre to States are critical in India. In this context, explain the rationale of both general and specific purpose fiscal transfers. Also highlight the problems witnessed in the design and implementation of specific purpose transfers. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3441,"topper":"Jatin Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c5cb8-579942_4514_jatin-kumar_rank_191.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"In matters of conscience, the law of the majority has no place.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"He who opens a school door, closes a prison.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Only in the depths of winter can we truly appreciate the warmth of spring.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Copying is safe; innovation demands courage.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The more we automate, the more human we must become.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The pursuit of instant validation is creating a generation of restless minds.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3442,"topper":"Jatin Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0227b-579942_4513_jatin-kumar_rank_191.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Compassion is the courageous choice to feel another's suffering as one's own, and to act upon it, even when silence is safer and indifference is easier. Examine the significance of compassion as an essential ethical value for civil servants in India. Illustrate your answer with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":3443,"topper":"Jatin Parashar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a24bb-674865_1815_jatin-parashar_rank-605.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Identify the major features of Digital India Land Record Modernization Programme. Can you foresee any challenges in its implementation? Also, suggest measures to ensure its smooth roll out.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Discuss the effects of using 'monetization of fiscal deficit' as a policy on the economy of a country.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Explaining the need for direct tax reforms, mention the steps taken recently to improve the direct tax ecosystem in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Identifying the essential characteristics of money, discuss whether cryptocurrencies can emerge as a credible form of money.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Balance of payment crisis results from multiple factors. Enlist these factors and explain the ways in which an economy can sustainably address such crisis.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"What are the reasons for low tax-to-GDP ratio in India? Highlight the steps taken by the government to tackle this issue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"GDP can measure economic growth, but to measure economic development we need other indicators as well. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'National Income'? Explain the various factors affecting national income of a country. ' ' ?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Mention the various sources of external borrowings available to the government. What is the significance of external borrowings in India's debt profile? ?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"What is performance budgeting? Discuss its objectives, components and functioning in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Enumerating the objectives of land reforms in post-independence India, highlight the measures taken in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Give an account of the composition and functions of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Reserve Bank of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Explaining the reasons for the poor monetary policy transmission in India, highlight the measures that can be taken to address the issue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Explain the objectives and significance of the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, 2003. What shortcomings have been observed in its implementation over the years?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"State the factors behind the menace of Non-Performing Assets (NPA) in India. What steps can be taken to address it?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Identifying the rationale behind gender budgeting, discuss the challenges faced in its effective implementation in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Explain the demand-pull and cost-push factors of inflation. Also highlight some monetary and fiscal measures that can be taken to control inflation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"What do you understand by cyclicality of the fiscal policy? In this context, also explain the meaning and significance of pro-cyclical and counter-cyclical fiscal policy.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3444,"topper":"Jatin Parashar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/df3a4-674865_1821_jatin-parashar_rank-605.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"With adequate arguments and examples, elaborate your views on whether interest and pressure groups in India are undermining democracy or strengthening it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Representation of People Act holds the key to improving the electoral system in India. Discuss the important contemporary issues in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The scheme of lateral entry into civil services in India raises more issues than it proposes to solve. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The National Digital Health Mission (NDHM) has the potential to bring a new revolution in India's health sector in multiple ways. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Explain the rationale behind the creation of a Social Stock Exchange in India. Do you think this move would boost social impact investing in the country? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Highlight the issues associated with frequent transfers of civil servants. Also, throw light on the views of various committees and Supreme Court directives in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"It is often argued that the implementation of Forest Rights Act has so far been tardy and ineffectual. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The Census is an important decadal exercise in the context of governance in India. Discuss. Also, highlight the impact of delay in the Census. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Broadly explain the composition and functions of the District Mineral Foundation (DMF). Also, discuss the issues in the effective utilisation of DMFs. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The SWAMITVA scheme has the potential to not only revitalise the Indian rural economy but empower rural people as well. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"In India's political system, the executive and legislature are not strictly separated, instead, their relationship is intimate and non-dichotomous. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The idea behind deploying information and technology in government operations is to transform the way government works and reinvent people's participation in the democratic process. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Do you agree that National Rural Livelihood Mission has become a truly transformative programme in addressing livelihood challenges in India? Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The issuance of Citizens' Charters alone can not change the mindset of staff and clients overnight, rather, regular, untiring and persistent efforts are required to bring about attitudinal changes. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Reduction in the overall size of the bureaucracy has been seen as the underlying idea behind civil services reforms. Is it a good idea to reduce the size of Indian bureaucracy? Examine in light of the experience of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Diseases and outbreaks are realities and a well-functioning system can help reduce their impact. Discuss the relevance of a future ready disease surveillance system for India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"It is imperative to conceive a system that allows fair admission process in medical colleges while preserving merit and preventing rampant commercialisation. Critically examine the statement in the context of opposition to National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) by some states. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"There is a need to ensure better ethical standards, accountability and management of temples in India. Discuss in the context of issues associated with state intervention in management of temples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India continues to be a country with one of the highest shortages of skilled workforce. Discuss the reasons and remedies for this scenario. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3445,"topper":"Jatin Parashar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ab244-674865_1835_jatin-parashar_rank-605.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"The withdrawal of general consent to the CBI by certain state governments in India threatens the spirit of cooperative federalism in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Stating the sources of finance for local self-governments in India, suggest ways to strengthen their financial position. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Cabinet Committees play an important role in reinstating collective responsibility and principle of homogeneity of the Executive in the Indian Parliamentary system. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"There is a need to overhaul the public procurement and project management (PPPM) framework of India for faster, efficient and transparent execution of government projects. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Adequate measures are required to overcome the challenges and vulnerabilities associated with undertaking social accountability initiatives and institutionalising them. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Issues faced by the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) and suggest measures that can be adopted to strengthen it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"While the Mid-Day Meal scheme was aimed at fulfilling the nutritional needs of students, it is far behind in achieving this objective. Discuss. Also, suggest remedial measures in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) remain critical for the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In this context, discuss the impediments in the fulfilment of SRHR in India. Also, mention the steps that can be taken in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Right to vote', which should be guarded earnestly. Discuss in the light of The Representation of The People Act, 1951. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":21,"question":"There are similarities and interactions between the affirmative action adopted by India and USA owing to similar historical injustices faced by their respective vulnerable groups. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":24,"question":"Objections to domicile-based reservation in private sector jobs on the grounds of constitutional equality and freedom are misplaced. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"There have been arguments that sedition law is an attack on the very foundation of India's liberal democratic principles, as enshrined in the Constitution. Do you agree? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Despite Government e-Marketplace facing certain challenges, it has brought about a significant improvement in the procurement of goods and services by various government agencies. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"A reformed system of recruitment, training and evaluation needs to be put in place to take forward the development of a highly efficient and accountable civil service. Discuss in the context of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Despite initiatives taken by the Indian government to achieve critical goals in the education sector, major interventions are required to tackle learning poverty as well as the persisting inequalities. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"In light of the burgeoning burden of both communicable and non-communicable diseases, there is a need to revamp the public health surveillance system in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"The repercussions of the ongoing economic crisis in Sri Lanka extend beyond its borders. Discuss with specific reference to India. Also, mention the steps that India has taken to assist Sri Lanka tide over the crisis. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"India is a reliable partner in the Indian Ocean Region and can take on the role of being the net security provider in the region. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3446,"topper":"Jay Shivani","air":81,"year":2018,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4863a-35605_931_jay_shivani_rank_81.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3447,"topper":"Jay Shivani","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2b180-35605_864_jay_shivani_rank_81.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Buffer stocking of food grains is seen as a vehicle to deliver strategic food and agricultural domestic support policies, however, there is a growing consensus that the programme has been not just costly but also imprudently wasteful. Critically evaluate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Discuss the significance of food processing industry in the economic development of the country and the challenges which need to be tackled for sustained growth of the industry. Also elaborate on the the salient features of National Mission on Food Processing.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"In spite of having the world's largest livestock population in India, the potential of animal rearing remains underutilized. In this context, discuss the challenges faced by the meat and poultry sector and suggest measures for accelerated and sustained growth for this sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"It is argued by many that there is an urgent need for states to reform land laws and, in particular, tenancy laws. What are the factors cited for the need of such reforms? Identify the impediments in the way of such reforms and highlight the benefits that would accrue from them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Indian agriculture has become cereal-centric and as a result, regionally biased and input-intensive. Discuss. What steps have been taken by the government to rectify this issue?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Even though India has a huge potential for aquaculture and fisheries industry, there are certain challenges that need to be addressed to bring about a 'Blue Revolution' in the country. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Due to low yields there is often a price surge of pulses in India. To what factors can the low yields of pulses be attributed? Discuss the steps taken by the government to control the surge in pulse prices.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"What is hydroponics? Discuss its relevance in light of limited land availability while ensuring food security.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Financial support to farmers through various instruments has been a crucial aspect of agricultural policy of the government. Examine whether the proposal of moving towards direct transfer of benefits and universal crop insurance would alleviate the existing concerns in the current scenario.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Discuss the potential of horticulture sector in realizing the government's vision of doubling the farm income. Also, highlight the challenges which are needed to be addressed for realizing full potential of this sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Analyse the prospects of agro-based cottage industries in North East India. Also give an account of the problems faced by them and the steps that should be taken to overcome them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Explain the objectives and mechanism of Decentralised Procurement Scheme (DCP) of foodgrains. Also discuss whether the current process of procurement of foodgrains needs to be reformed.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Not only does the yield (measured in tonnes/ha.) of a crop but a number of other factors determine the choice of crops that a farmer cultivates. Elaborate with special focus on cropping pattern in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Enumerate the interventions made by the government in the Urea sector and the issues that it has been creating. What reforms should be undertaken to deal with the issues?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Even though India's Public Distribution System (PDS) has produced multiple success stories in the past decade, imposition of Aadhaar-based biometric authentication threatens to disrupt the progress achieved thus far. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Agriculture seems to be one of the most affected but the least equipped as far as climate change is concerned. Discuss the statement with special emphasis on developing countries and their need for agriculture finance and subsidies.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"It has been argued that many of the current water related issues can be addressed through restructuring of the administrative setup at the centre. Comment in the light of recommendations of the Mihir Shah Committee on restructuring of CWC and CGWB.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Explain the importance of improving the intensity of farm mechanisation in India and the advantages it can lead to. Also highlight the challenges and way forward in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Discuss the lacunae in implementation of Minimum Wages Act in ensuring the welfare of agricultural labour. Also, suggest some other measures to improve the situation of agricultural labourers in the country.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Explain the role of agricultural extension in boosting agricultural productivity. Also, discuss in brief the importance of National Mission on Agricultural Extension & Technology.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3448,"topper":"Jay Shivani","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1cea1-35605_856_jay_shivani_rank_81.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the reasons for the following: (a) Erosional forms dominate in the west coast while depositional forms dominate in the east coast of India. (b) Western Ghats in Karnataka receive more monsoon rainfall than Maharashtra and Kerala.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"What do you mean by bad ozone and what are the causes for its formation? Explain the reasons for the depletion of ozone, with special reference to formation of Ozone hole over Antarctica.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Weather and climate information plays a significant role in increasing agricultural productivity as well as minimising crop losses. Comment. In light of the increasing instances of extreme weather events, examine the ways in which information system can be made more effective and inclusive.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"India's first National Disaster Management Plan may fulfill the legal requirement of having a plan but it may not be very effective in achieving its objective of building resilience. Critically analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"A better prepared community is key to effective disaster risk reduction. Citing specific examples, examine the importance of the role of local government and community in dealing with disasters.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Oceanic crustal rocks are much younger than the continental crust rocks. Explain with the help of the concept of sea floor spreading.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"The composition of lava materials determines the types of volcanoes. Illustrate. Also give an account of intrusive landforms formation due to volcanic activities.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"What do you understand by sea farming? Analyse its prospects and potential to provide sustainable livelihood within the country. Also bring out the challenges in adoption of this technique.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Explain the origin of earth's magnetism. Discuss its significance with special reference to its interaction with solar particles as well as artifical satellites.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"An emissions-reduction approach to fighting global warming is not enough. Alternative solutions involving climate engineering might have to be deployed sooner than we think. Defining climate engineering, critically examine the statement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"While India embarks upon building urban infrastructure such as smart cities over the coming years, it is important that cities and infrastructure being built take into account the vulnerability of the area to various hazards. Discuss in context of recent flooding in major cities of the country.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Explain how anthropogenic activities effect the intensity and magnitude of landslides. Discuss with special reference to impact of climate change on landslides in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Discuss the impact of climate change on agriculture and food security in India. How are these aggravated during the times of disasters? Mention the steps that need to be taken in order to ensure adequate and affordable food supply for this impending crisis.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Discuss how drought is more of a man-made disaster than a mere deficiency of rainfall. Elaborate on the consequences of desertification that drought prone regions face. Also, bring out the preventive steps to be taken in light of targets to curb desertification as mentioned under the SDGs.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"What is the role of NDRF in managing disasters in the country? Highlighting the challenges that NDRF has been facing, discuss why it is still the armed forces which end up being the most visible force at hand during disasters.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Give an account of the different types of earthquakes based on their zone of occurrence. Identify the earthquake prone regions of the world with special reference to India. Also explain the reasons for the occurrence of earthquakes in geologically inactive regions like Peninsular India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Temperature, density and salinity are three most important physical properties of Ocean. Explain how these all are interdependent. Also examine the impact of climate change on these properties.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Critically discuss the effectiveness of initiatives such as \"odd-even\" and \"Car free day\" in coping up with the issue of urban air quality and traffic congestion.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Despite having large deposits of coal, we continue to import it for our domestic use. What are the challenges which we face in meeting our domestic demand? Do you think meeting the social commitments of our country would be challenging in light of our INDC commitments?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Forest fires have become a regular feature during summers in the Western Himalayas. What are the causes behind this phenomenon? Critically examine the efforts made by authorities in countering this problem. Do periodic forest fires have any benefits associated with them?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3449,"topper":"Jay Shivani","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/51fe5-35605_928_jay-shivani_rank_81.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Identify the key objectives of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. Also highlight the challenges in its implementation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Discuss how the design of MGNREGA program makes it more successful than other rural development programmes.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Self-employment of the poor has been an important objective of the anti-poverty programmes and SHGs have played a significant role in this. Elucidate with examples. Also discuss the problems which plague the model of SHG micro-finance in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Give an account of the issues that arise due to short tenure of civil servants in India. Critically discuss the move of setting up a civil services board in order to address this problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"India's health system is one of the most privatised in the world, poorly regulated and accessible only to those with income levels well above the average. Comment. - ,","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Keeping in mind the importance of NGOs in India's development process it is imperative that adequate legal and regulatory mechanisms should be in place. Discuss in the context of recent developments. NGOs","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"The reasons for failure of e-Governance projects are more than just being technological. Discuss in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"The public policy requirements of the 21st century demand a bureaucracy less generalist in nature. Analyse in the context of Indian civil services.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Explain how the National Digital Library (NDL) can bring a fundamental shift in the paradigm of education and research. Also highlight the challenges that need to be addressed to make NDL self-sustainable.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"What do you understand by JAM trinity? For which areas of the Indian economy would JAM be useful? Would it be able to dislodge the inadequacies of the existing PDS?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"What is the criteria for a village being recognized as electrified? Examine the challenges present in rural electrification in India. Elaborate upon some of the recent initiatives of the government with a special emphasis on Deen Dayal Upadhayaya Gram Jyoti Yojana.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Six years after the Right to Education (RTE) Act set aside 25% of seats in private schools for poor students, implementation of the plan remains patchy. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Critically examining the key provisions of the Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill 2016, discuss whether a complete ban on commercial surrogacy is justified.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"It is often strongly suggested that scarce government resources should be redirected in favour of primary education rather than higher education. In this context, analyse whether curtailing public spending in higher education would help in achieving the principle of equity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Accessibility is the key to inclusion and equal access for people with disabilities. Analyse. Also discuss the objectives and components of the recently launched Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan with a special emphasis on inclusiveness and accessibility index.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"In view of India's performance at the recent Olympics, appointment of a task force by the Prime Minister is a step in the right direction. Comment. Also highlight other initiatives required to augment India's performance in the sporting arena internationally.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"What are Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)? How are they different from de-notified tribes? Critically analyze the initiatives taken by the government to address the problems faced by them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Inspite of its usefulness as a tool of transparency and accountability, the RTI Act needs to be amended as it is being widely misused, especially to blackmail public functionaries. Critically examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"The transgender community has been among one of the most marginalized communities in India. Discuss. How does the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill 2016 seek to protect transgenders from discrimination and address the problems faced by them?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Though the Forest Rights Act 2006 tries to undo the historic injustice done to the forest dweller and tribals, it has been argued that it is being misused. Critically analyse.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3450,"topper":"Jay Shivani","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a9a2f-35605_927_jay-shivani_rank_81.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Enumerate the discretionary powers of the Governor mentioned in the Indian Constitution. Why is it said that the post of governor has become highly politicised?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"CAG is instrumental in securing accountability of the executive to the Parliament in the sphere of financial administration. Elaborate. Enumerate the provisions made in the Constitution to ensure the independence of the CAG.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"What are the different institutional arrangements in India to promote cooperation between the Centre and States? Critically analyse the role of Inter-State Council to enhance cooperative federalism in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"In view of the idea of holding simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies, discuss the advantages that its implementation would lead to and the concerns that it raises.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Proliferaton of Ministries and Departments in the government not only leads to weak coordination and integration but also fragmentation of functions. Comment in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Though judicial activism has made the judiciary more people friendly, there is also a negative side to the idea of a pro-active judiciary in the form of judicial overreach. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Examine the reasons behind the government's decision to dismantle the plan-non-plan classification of expenditure. How will the new classification of schemes into 'core of the core', 'core' and 'optimal' address the shortcomings of the earlier classification?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"The amendment to do away with the domicile requirement for elections to the Rajya Sabha has militated against the very purpose that guided the Constituent Assembly to create the Council of States and reduced it to a mere revising chamber. Critically analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Discuss the significance of the concept of Office of Profit as enshrined in the Indian Constitution. Why has it been embroiled in controversies for a long time? Analyse the role played by judiciary in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"The provisions of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution devolve some essential powers to the lower levels in order to cater to the needs of the tribal community. Discuss, while examining the modern day challenges faced by the institutions set up under the Sixth Schedule.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"The political empowerment of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) has not been accompanied by empowerment in other spheres. Comment. Also examine whether devolving functional autonomy, administrative support and financial resources to the PRIs can help in overcoming the issues related to PRIs.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"While it has been argued that the judiciary should be brought under RTI, a balance also needs to be maintained between independence of the judiciary and the right of people to know. In this context, discuss the pros and cons of bringing the judiciary under the ambit of RTI.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Differentiate between pressure groups and political parties. It is often said that pressure groups are primarily a consequence of inadequacies of the political parties in India. Discuss the above statement in the context of rising environmental protection groups.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Give an account of the factors responsible for the limited success of Lok Adalats. What measures are required to ensure that Lok Adalats function as an effective dispute redressal mechanism?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Part IV of the Indian Constitution has great value as it provides for social and economic democracy. In light of the above statement, discuss the importance and limitations of this part of the constitution.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Government advertisements have often been viewed as misuse of taxpayer's money for enhancing the image of political parties. Discuss in the light of relevant SC rulings. Also enumerate the recommendations made by the Twentieth Law Commission to address the issue of paid news and political advertisements.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"In a paradigmatic shift from the command and control approach of the past, NITI Aayog accommodates diverse points of view in a collaborative, rather than confrontationist setting. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Vast powers have been vested in the office of the Speaker to strengthen the democratic institutions of the parliamentary system, and not to stifle dissent or protest in the House. Comment in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Tenth Schedule of the Constitution and the subsequent amendments have failed at solving the problem of defections and opportunistic politics. Critically analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"It is the Parliamentary system, with its basis on constant accountability, accommodation and inclusion, which can best serve the needs of the country. Examine, keeping in mind the arguments that are periodically put forward for adopting the Presidential system in India.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3451,"topper":"Jay Shivani","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/38fb1-35605_860_jay_shivani_rank_81.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Marketing has become a crucial link in the success of a business. With suitable examples, discuss the ethical issues involved in marketing of a product or service. How can these issues be resolved?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Value education empowers a person to confront the myriad challenges of contemporary Indian society. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Ethics is the first line of defence against corruption while law enforcement is remedial and reactive. Examine the statement with suitable examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss the influence that parents have on values of their children and the role they can play in transmitting good values and resisting negative influences. Why is it that, at times, the values of children differ from that of their parents?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"What does 'public service' means to you? Describe the various ways in which one can serve the public. Does one necessarily serve the public better by entering the civil services? Justify your stand.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"What do you understand by 'civic virtue' in public life? What are the challenges in practising it in today's time? How can these challenges be overcome?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"The lives of great leaders inspire us in many ways. Which leader has had a lasting impact on you and in what way? Mention one outstanding value that you have imbibed from him/her and its importance to being a civil servant.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Governance is the vital link in our quest for prosperity and equity. What should be the key elements of ethical governance to eliminate corruption and bureaucratic delays? Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Has excessive profit seeking by corporates undermined the trust of public in the private sector? Giving examples, examine the reasons for failure of corporate governance in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Income inequality, resource mismanagement and health hazards are some of the negative consequences of globalization. In this context, what are some of the ethical dilemmas that civil servants face today? How has the approach to handling these undergone a change?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss the role and importance of independent directors for corporate governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"You are officer-in-charge of a very important railway junction, which is an artery of trade and commerce. A peasant disturbance has been brewing in your district for the, past few weeks. Their discussions with the political and district leadership has borne no fruit and it has come to the stage that now they are protesting by organizing a sit-in on the railway tracks near the station. They have thereby succeeded in blocking movement of all trains. This disruption is causing significant harassment for the passengers waiting at the platform as well. (a) What will be your course of immediate action? (b) How can emotional intelligence act as a tool in handling this issue? (c) What steps will you take so that such incidents are not repeated in the future? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"You are representing India in an international bidding for oil exploration in a country. Other, richer countries are also bidding for the project. You are sure that your bid of exploration is better as well as cheaper than that of others, and that you will definitely win the bid. A day before the auction, you come to know that other countries are employing every means, including bribing the authorities for being successful. Some of the officials of the home country have also contacted you and made some demands in exchange for assurance of India winning the bid. You are aware of the criticality of this bid in terms of domestic economic and strategic implications. Based on above information, answer the following questions. (a) Specify the ethical dilemma(s) that you face in this situation. (b) Do ethical concerns really matter in international transactions or are they secondary to domestic interests? (c) What will be your course of action in the above situation? Justify with merits and demerits.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"You are the CEO of a film production company, which has not been doing well financially for some time. Your company is now relying on its forthcoming movie, which is about to be released shortly. The movie has a cast of reliable actors and even before its release, trade pundits have predicted that the movie will be a hit. However, you face a conundrum as one of the actors in the movie is a citizen of a neighbouring country with which relations have been disturbed and a war like situation exists. While the political atmosphere was different when the movie was being filmed, now there is a widespread public demand, with a local political party at the forefront, for replacing the actor from the movie or a ban on the release of the movie itself, if the actor is not replaced. While you are aware of the mood of the nation and the public repercussions of releasing the movie in its present form, you also know that it is not feasible to replace him at this stage as he has a substantial role in the movie. There is also a section in the film fraternity that does not want you to compromise in the wake of threat by the local party as it compromises freedom of speech and expression as well as artistic creativity. (a) What are the options available to you? (b) Evaluate each of the options and state their merits and demerits. (c) What course of action would you take and why?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3452,"topper":"Jay Shivani","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/043ae-35605_861_jay_shivani_rank_81.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Examine how role models influence ethical behaviour. What actions can leaders take to integrate ethical conduct in their organisations?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"According to Aristotle, for persuasion, not only Ethos (credibility of the speaker) and Logos (logical argument) but Pathos (emotional connection to the audience) is equally important. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"With appropriate examples, discuss various ethical challenges associated with the utilization of public funds in India. Suggest strategies to effectively deal with these challenges.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"With proliferation of social media, people have got the opportunity to express their views anonymously and more freely. (a) What according to you, is its effect on the social and political culture of the country? (b) Discuss the role of social media in changing one's attitude, particularly the youth.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"What are the various components of an organization's work culture? What are key issues that need to be addressed in any organisation to create a more developmental and performance oriented culture?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"There is a difference between what a person has a right to do and what the right thing to do is and often there is a conflict between these two. (a) Illustrate with examples the ethical issues that can arise because of such a conflict. (b) How does this conflict play out if someone wants to protest against injustice?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"It is vain to talk of the interest of the community, without understanding what is the interest of the individual. Discuss the statement in the present context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Vision and intentions are necessary components of politica ethics. However, equally important are the process of implementation, tools used and the established system. Elaborate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Swami Vivekanand brought religion to the centre-stage and gave a new meaning to it while stressing the need for harmony among faiths. In this context, discuss the relevance of his teachings in contemporary society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Access to quality basic services plays a critical role in enhancing individual capabilities to participate fully in the growth of the nation. (a) Discuss the statement in the context of vulnerable sections of India. (b) Analyse the challenges with regard to quality service delivery in India.10","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Is Emotional Intelligence influenced by cultural moorings? How would you differentiate the applicability of Emotional Intelligence in Indian society from that of Western society?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"You are the SP of a district where a large number of followers of a particular sect reside. The district also hosts a large Ashram where regular gathering of the followers take place. The leader of the sect has been under the scanner of the judiciary for his involvement in illegal activities. Now the court has ordered his immediate arrest and an order pronouncing the same has been sent to you. You have been asked to comply with the orders within two days. A large number of followers, which include women and children, have already thronged the Ashram in anticipation of arrest of the leader. Intelligence units have informed about the presence of not only large stock of food and water but also ammunition, inside the Ashram. Your request urging the followers to vacate the site has failed. 20 (a) What could be the reason for people's defiance? (b) List the issues involved in the case. (c) What will be your plan of action?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Ramesh, a very hardworking person, is the sole bread earner in his family. He has worked with an oil company's local affiliate for several years, and has established a strong, trustworthy relationship with Suresh, manager of the local facility. Suresh has recently recommended Ramesh to be recruited as the corporate consulting engineer for the company, which would be a position of greater responsibility along with a stable income. During a casual conversation, Suresh mentions an incident in the 1960s wherein 10,000 gallons of a petrochemical was leaked into the local environment by the company due to negligence, though at the time no damage was found, and no mention of this leak was made to the press. When Ramesh mentions that the state law requires him to report all spills, Suresh reminds him that no harm had been done and reminds him that the company can't have a consulting engineer who does not value loyalty and respect confidentiality. (a) Identify the ethical issues involved in the given case. (b) What are the options available to Ramesh in this situation? Evaluate each of them. (c) Had you been at Ramesh's place, what would have been your course of action? Give reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"You are the Managing Director of a multinational company that prides on hiring people from diverse backgrounds. The company also chooses multiple projects under Corporate Social Responsibility that are geared towards social inclusion and empowerment of vulnerable sections of the society. Miss 'X' who works in your office tells you that she has been diagnosed with HIV. It happened due to malpractice by a medical practitioner who re-used a contaminated syringe that led Miss 'X' to contract the disease. The company has strict policies about toleration and you ensure Miss 'X' that she can continue with her job in the company without facing any form of discrimination. A few days after the revelation, Miss 'X' angrily submits her resignation letter. She states that she has faced discrimination at the workplace everyday after the revelation. Her colleagues are hesitant to eat lunch with her, they make sure they do not drink water from the same source and the females in the office comment on her marital status. She is also asked to sit separately during departmental discussions. She intends to sue the company for mental harassment. If she takes the step, the public image of the company will be maligned and its non-discriminatory policies will be questioned. The following are some suggested options for you to deal with the situation as a Managing Director of the company. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each of the options: (a) You accept her resignation and suggest a compensation package so that she refrains from suing the company. (b) You persuade her not to submit her resignation and transfer her to another department. (c) You ask her to continue with her job and take strict action against the colleagues who discriminated against her Also, state (without necessarily restricting to the above options) your course of action, giving proper reasons.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3453,"topper":"Jayant Garg","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Visionias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a41f3-1528536_4514_jayant_garg_rank_64.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Write two essays, choosing one topic from each of the Sections A and B, in about 1000-1200 words each :\n1. You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it.\n2. In matters of conscience, the law of the majority has no place.\n3. He who opens a school door, closes a prison.\n4. Only in the depths of winter can we truly appreciate the warmth of spring.\n5. We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.\n6. Copying is safe; innovation demands courage.\n7. The more we automate, the more human we must become.\n8. The pursuit of instant validation is creating a generation of restless minds.","marks":"125 x 2 = 250","words":"about 1000-1200 words each"},{"page":9,"question":"Why is the the case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"The question is Does such automated future has any place for manual workers? Who would care for their needs?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3454,"topper":"Jayant Garg","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8346a-1528536_4510_jayant_garg_rank_64.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. Folk music serves as a repository of the cultural identity. Discuss the role of folk music in preserving cultural heritage and promoting social cohesion. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. How does the Vesara style of temple architecture represent a synthesis of the Nagara and Dravida styles? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. Discuss the role played by Indians living abroad in advancing the cause of India's freedom struggle.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. How did the Marshall Plan influence the economic recovery and political stability of post-war Europe? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. Discuss the factors responsible for increased cyclonic activity in the Arabian Sea. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. How can technological interventions help in transforming the textile sector in India? What are the initiatives that the government has taken in this regard? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. What is a seiche and how does it form? Discuss the geographical conditions under which seiches are most likely to occur. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. How has rapid urbanisation affected the socio-cultural landscape of peri-urban regions in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Examine the role of historical and socio-political factors in driving communalism in Indian politics. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. Globalization has significantly influenced the aspirations, lifestyle, and value systems of Indian youth. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. Examine how Chandragupta-II's reign symbolised a golden age of cultural development, laying the foundation for future advancements in Indian art and literature. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. Evaluate the intended and unintended consequences of British educational policies for the Indian society in the colonial period. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. India's territorial disputes after independence were not merely about borders, but also encompass issues of national identity, historical grievances, and geopolitical strategies. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. Discuss the geographical conditions responsible for the development of shola forests in the upper reaches of the Western Ghats. Highlight their ecological significance. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Issues with shola forest in Western Ghats\n1) Deforestation and logging for mining purposes\n2) Rising landslides (Eg. Wayanad landslides)\n3) Unprotected area - Western Ghats largely unprotected leading to diversion of forest land","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"15. Discuss the potential of natural hydrogen as a fuel to meet growing global energy demands? Why is it still an untapped industry? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. Why is there a shift of labour-intensive industries from China to South and Southeast Asia? Discuss the advantages and challenges for India in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. Explain the socio-economic transformations resulting from women's migration to metropolitan areas in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. The institution of marriage in India is increasingly becoming a site of conspicuous consumption and commodification. Critically examine the impact of this commercialisation on social equity and gender relations.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. Analyse how recognizing, reducing, and redistributing care work can foster gender equality and promote inclusive development in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. Discuss the changing nature of family structures in urban India. How is it impacting elderly care and socialization of the youth? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3455,"topper":"Jayant Garg","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c8e06-1528536_4511_jayant_garg_rank_64.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. How does the Supreme Court's recent decision on Aligarh Muslim University's minority status affect the interpretation of Article 30 of the Indian Constitution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. The Supreme Court, in a recent verdict, prescribed a time period for the Governor's assent to state legislative bills. What are the implications of this judgment for cooperative federalism and legislative accountability in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. Discuss the recent changes and initiatives related to cooperatives that aim to smoothen the tussle between the Centre and States in the cooperative sector.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. In recent years, use of social media and digital mobilisation by civil society has emerged as a powerful form of pressure politics. Examine its impact on policymaking and democratic accountability.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. How is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) emerging as a business-led solution for addressing development challenges in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. Discuss how mechanisms like public consultations and Jan Sunwais in India impact governance outcomes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. How effective have the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) and Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan been in addressing substance abuse in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. Rote learning and neglect of creativity in foundational education setup in India make it less ready for marketplaces that are now driven by Artificial Intelligence. Do you agree with this view? Substantiate your argument.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Analyze the transformation of the G7 from a symbol of Western strategic unity to a forum marked by internal contradictions. How should India navigate this changing dynamic to advance its strategic interests? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. Discuss the role of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in the development of developing countries. What are the key criticisms associated with its approach? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. The 103rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019 has introduced a new dimension to the principle of affirmative action in India. Critically examine its implications for the broader goal of social justice. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. The District Planning Committee (DPC) was envisioned as a key instrument to strengthen grassroots-level planning. How far has it succeeded in achieving this goal? Discuss the challenges faced by DPCs and suggest measures to make them more effective.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. The restrictions imposed under Article 293 of the Constitution on State borrowing powers, though constitutionally valid, may hinder fiscal autonomy of States and disrupt cooperative federalism. Discuss in the light of recent developments. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. Examine the tension between the right to contest elections and the need to uphold electoral ethics under the Representation of the People Act. Should there be a lifetime ban on convicted criminals? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. To what extent has the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme, launched in 2015, succeeded in addressing the declining child sex ratio and empowering the girl child? Suggest measures to enhance its impact at the grassroots level.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are emerging as vehicles of socio-economic transformation in rural India. Examine the role of government in scaling their reach and effectiveness. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. Despite economic growth, multidimensional poverty continues to persist in India. Analyse the underlying causes and discuss the measures taken by the government to address them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. India faces a paradox of food surplus and nutritional deficit. Analyse the structural reasons behind this paradox and suggest reform strategies. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. India's timely response during the economic crises in Sri Lanka and the Maldives reflects its \"Neighbourhood First\" policy in action. Examine how Indian aid has impacted bilateral ties with these nations. What steps can further be taken to promote sustainable economic cooperation in the Indian Ocean region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. Discuss the geostrategic significance of Afghanistan for India in the context of continental connectivity and access to Central Asia. How has the altered political landscape post-2021 affected India's connectivity and energy corridor ambitions? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3456,"topper":"Jayant Garg","air":null,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/JAYANT-GARGUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-64Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Q.1) Explain the significance of the recent changes made to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) with respect to labour market data estimation in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":3,"question":"Q.8) Highlight the key provisions of the Disaster Management (Amendment) Act, 2025. How would the amendment help strengthen the disaster management framework in the country?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Q.15 Launched on 25th June 2025, the Axiom-4 (Ax-04) mission has been much in the news since then. What are the key features of the mission? What significance does it hold for the Gaganyaan project and India’s long-term space ambitions?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":21,"question":"a) Operation Sindoor was launched against Pathalgam terror attack highlight zero tolerance policy of India towards terrorism\n Operation Sindoor signal strategic evolution in India's approach","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"17) One Health approach integrates the health of animals, environment and humans to prevent infectious diseases and future pandemic","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"18) Major cities of India are vulnerable to heatwaves, Rising climate change and global warming raising the frequency.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"1 a) Emerging technology and globalisation contributing to terror funding","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"20) Over the past decade left wing extremism related deaths and violence has reduced by 80%. Red corridor districts come down to 18 only\n\nKey component of National Action and policy against LWE","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3457,"topper":"Jayant Garg","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/47872-1528536_4512_jayant_garg_rank_64.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. Analyse the factors that have contributed to India's inclusive economic growth in the past decade. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. The Reserve Bank of India's surplus transfers offer the government much-needed fiscal space, yet they are not without challenges. Critically examine the implications of the RBI's surplus transfers to the government.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. To what extent was the first National Monetization Pipeline (NMP) able to meet its objectives? What are the objectives of the new Asset Monetization Plan 2025–30 as announced in the recent 2025 Budget? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. Examine the major challenges hindering the Indian textile industry from achieving its full potential in the global value chain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. Why has India become increasingly import-dependent for edible oils despite being a major agricultural economy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. Air accidents are low-frequency but high-impact events. Examine the disaster management protocols in place for aviation-related emergencies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. Chemical pollution poses a grave threat to human health and the environment in India. Discuss the key sources contributing to pervasive chemical contamination and evaluate the effectiveness of existing environmental laws in curbing this problem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. Missile defence systems are becoming critical for national security in the face of evolving regional threats and advanced weapon technologies. Explain the working principle of missile defence systems. Critically assess India's progress in developing indigenous missile defence capabilities.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Despite multiple resolutions and initiatives undertaken by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), its efforts to counter terrorism have achieved limited success. Discuss the reasons for this limited effectiveness.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. India practices a ‘multi-alignment’ approach in its cyber diplomacy. How does this posture strengthen India’s internal security while maintaining strategic autonomy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. While examining the shortcomings of the land reforms in the past, elaborate what land reforms 2.0 should look like. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. As NITI Aayog completes 10 years of its establishment, critically examine its role in the planning and development paradigm of governance in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. What are the primary causes of limited formal credit penetration among the rural and unbanked populations in India? Comment on the effectiveness of Small Finance Banks in addressing this gap and advancing inclusive financial growth.","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. To what extent has the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for the food processing industry facilitated value addition, employment generation, and global competitiveness in India's food processing industry? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. Waste circularity is emerging as a sustainable solution to India's mounting solid waste crisis. Discuss the key principles of waste circularity and the government's initiative in this regard. How effective have these measures been in fostering a circular economy? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. Discuss the importance of integrating traditional ecological knowledge of India's tribal communities with modern disaster management frameworks. Mention two examples where indigenous practices have contributed to disaster resilience. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. CRISPR technology has rapidly advanced in recent years, with new tools and clinical breakthroughs. Highlight the recent developments in CRISPR-based gene editing technology applications. Discuss the opportunities and ethical challenges these advancements present for healthcare and society.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. A credible semiconductor ecosystem is pivotal for India's economic security as much as for national security. Analyse the strategic objectives, incentives, and institutional architecture of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM). Identify the major risks that could derail its timelines. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. Intricate inter-play of diverse factors has been the force multipliers for extremism in the North East. Discuss. Suggest a multilayered strategy to tackle the menace of extremism in this region. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. Despite recent steps towards inducting women into combat roles, their participation remains low. Examine the key challenges impeding the greater inclusion of women in the Indian armed forces. Also, suggest suitable measures to enhance their participation.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3458,"topper":"Jayant Garg","air":64,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/JAYANT-GARGUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-64-Sample-MGP-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Q.1 a) ‘Unconscious biases in parenting continue to shape gendered experiences in India.’ Do you agree with this view? Discuss.\nb) Distinguish between empathy and compassion. Why are they considered as foundational values in public services?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":3,"question":"Q.4) a) “With great power comes great responsibility.” In the present context, ‘Big Tech’ headquartered in developed countries wield disproportionate influence over digital infrastructure, personal data, and global narratives—often prioritising profit over ethical considerations. What ethical principles should guide such corporations in building a fair, inclusive, and just global digital framework?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Q.6) a) Public spaces serve as arenas of democratic participation and civic expression. Yet in India, they remain deeply gendered, with many women largely confined to the private and domestic sphere. Examine the factors that restrict women’s access to public spaces. How can ethical governance help address the issue of gendered spatial control and promote inclusivity in public spaces?\nb) Write short notes on the following in 30 words each:\ni) Ethical fading\nii) Conflict of interest\niii) Persuasion\niv) Work culture\nv) Corporate governance","marks":"10 marks, 150","words":"10"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.7) A State Government in the northeastern part of the country has launched a series of anti-encroachment drives across forest areas, wetlands, and revenue lands. Under the directions of the Chief Minister, the administration has intensified efforts to reclaim public land, particularly in areas reserved for ecological protection and critical infrastructure development. Most of the time, these actions have been backed by court orders and have resulted in the recovery of thousands of hectares of land. However, in certain regions, the implementation of such drives is fraught with social and political complexities. In several districts, settlements have existed for decades and are inhabited by marginalized communities with limited access to legal rights or formal rehabilitation measures. These areas are often politically sensitive and influenced by local leaders and pressure groups.\nSimanta is posted as Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) in one such district. Over the past year, the district administration has attempted to align eviction measures with welfare outreach, including the provision of temporary shelters, relocation assistance, and public consultations. Recently, a major operation was scheduled to clear encroachments from over 140 hectares of forest land within a Reserved Forest, primarily to curb rising instances of human-elephant conflict and to restore ecological balance. Anticipating eviction, some residents approached the High Court seeking a stay. However, the court refused to grant it and directed the administration to proceed with the eviction following due process. Notices were served, and a detailed roadmap was prepared to carry out the operation, which was expected to last 2–3 days due to the scale and remote location. On the first day, Simanta led a team comprising forest officials, municipal workers, and police personnel. Demolitions were conducted peacefully and without major resistance. However, on the second day, when the team returned to the site, a large group of agitated residents—primarily women and children—had gathered. They raised slogans and formed human chains to prevent further evictions. The atmosphere grew tense when some individuals began throwing stones, resulting in serious injury to a municipal worker. The crowd grew increasingly volatile and emotionally charged, demanding an immediate halt to the operation. The police contingent present on the ground was outnumbered by the crowd. Faced with this crisis, some team members pleaded with Simanta to call off the operation, fearing threats to their life and the possibility of a violent escalation. Simanta attempted to contact his superior officer (the Deputy Commissioner), but due to poor mobile connectivity in the forested area, communication could not be established. Meanwhile, several local journalists had arrived and begun reporting on the incident. Simanta is in a dilemma as to what to do.\na. Evaluate the options available with Simanta to cope with the situation.\nb. Which of the above options would be the most appropriate for Simanta and why?\nc. What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Simanta?\nd. Examine the qualities of a public servant which will be required to manage such situations.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":6,"question":"a. स्थिति से निपटने के लिए सिमंता के पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nb. सिमंता के लिए सबसे उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?\nc. सिमंता को किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\nd. ऐसी परिस्थितियों का प्रबंधन करने के लिए एक लोक सेवक के गुणों का परीक्षण करें।\na स्थिति से निपटने के लिए सिमंता के पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nb सिमंता के लिए सबसे उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?\nc सिमंता को किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\nd ऐसी परिस्थितियों का प्रबंधन करने के लिए एक लोक सेवक के गुणों का परीक्षण करें।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":7,"question":"a. Suggest a course of action Megha can take to sensitize her village community without appearing disrespectful or confrontational.\nb. What ethical principles and methods should guide her actions while engaging with the community?\nc. How is menstruation related to human rights?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":8,"question":"a. Can you think of a rational way to resolve this dilemma?\nb. Give your reasons for it.\nc. What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\na Can you think of a rational way to resolve this dilemma?\nb Give your reasons for it.\nc What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":9,"question":"a. Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\nb. Examine the behavior of DPDO from an ethical point of view.\nc. How would you react to the situation?\na Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\nb Examine the behavior of DPDO from an ethical point of view.\nc How would you react to the situation?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":10,"question":"a. Bring out the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb. What are the options available to Nithin?\nc. Critically examine each of the options identified by Nithin.\nd. Which of the options, do you think, would be more appropriate for Nithin to adopt and why?\na. Bring out the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb. What are the options available to Nithin?\nc. Critically examine each of the options identified by Nithin.\nd. Which of the options, do you think, would be more appropriate for Nithin to adopt and why?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.12 You are appointed as an officer heading the Air Quality Compliance Division of the Environment Pollution Control Board in Delhi-NCR. The region is witnessing alarming levels of air pollution, which typically worsen during the winter months due to various meteorological and anthropogenic factors. The situation has led to severe public health concerns, particularly affecting vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and those with respiratory illnesses. The Supreme Court has also raised serious concern over the deteriorating air quality in Delhi-NCR and has directed the administration to take immediate and effective measures to control pollution, especially during the winter months. Your jurisdiction has a large number of small and medium-scale industries that were granted environmental clearance over the years. These industries form the backbone of the local economy and provide employment to a significant number of migrant workers. However, recent inspections and air quality monitoring reports indicate that a significant number of these units are operating in violation of prescribed air emission norms. As part of targeted measures to curb air pollution, you issued notices to all identified polluting units, directing them to apply for fresh environmental clearance certificates from the competent authority. However, your decision triggered strong opposition from a section of industrial units, labour unions, and local politicians. Industrial owners argued that such action would lead to production shutdowns, financial losses, and shortages of their products in the market. Labour unions and workers also protested, fearing mass unemployment and livelihood insecurity. Local politicians and vested interests accused you of jeopardising the socio-economic stability of the region. You received representations from various quarters urging you to withdraw the notices and not initiate harsh measures, citing the interests of multiple stakeholders. Additionally, you began receiving anonymous threats, aimed at coercing you into reversing your decision. On the other hand, several of your colleagues supported your stance, encouraging you to act in the larger public interest. Several local NGOs and environmental groups rallied behind your actions, demanding the immediate closure of polluting units.\na Under the given conditions, what are the options available to you?\nb Critically evaluate each of the options listed by you.\nc What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by you?","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":3459,"topper":"Jayant Garg","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c3bfe-1528536_4513_jayant_garg_rank_64.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. (a) Compassion is the courageous choice to feel another's suffering as one's own, and to act upon it, even when silence is safer and indifference is easier. Examine the significance of compassion as an essential ethical value for civil servants in India. Illustrate your answer with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"1. (b) Marriages in India are transitioning from traditional sacramental unions to more autonomous relationships, reflected in live-in relationships and rising divorce rates. Discuss the ethical dimensions of these changes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"2. (a) While accountability often necessitates documentation, an overemphasis on bureaucratic procedures and excessive paperwork can inadvertently silence the very voices that public policy intends to empower, particularly at the grassroots. Examine the above statement with suitable illustrations.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":12,"question":"2. (b) The principle of impartiality may conflict with the need for compassion towards marginalized communities. Discuss in the context of civil services in India.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":14,"question":"3 (a) What do each of the following quotations mean to you?\n(a) \"The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home.\" - Confucius (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"3. (b) \"Act only according to that maxim through which you can at the same time will that it become a universal law.\" - Immanuel Kant (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"3. (c) \"We are not only responsible for what we do, but also for what we fail to do\" - Molière. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"4. (a) Patriotism encourages ethical questioning, while nationalism often suppresses it. Discuss this statement in light of the formation of political attitudes during high-pressure national events. How can individuals develop moral attitudes that balance national interest with ethical reasoning? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"4. (b) Discuss how employee well-being and fairness can be balanced with efficiency and profitability in private organisations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"5. (a) Do you agree that excessive use of social media and emerging AI technologies may lead to a decline in emotional regulation and moral sensitivity among adolescents? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"5. (b) In light of the increasing incidents of suicides among students in India, discuss how Emotional Intelligence (EI) can aid in managing stress and emotional challenges.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"6. (a) In public service, emotional intelligence is not about suppressing emotion, but mastering its purpose — to connect, to de-escalate, and to uplift others with empathy and strength. Do you agree with this view? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"6. (b) An efficient work culture is built not only on rules, but on shared values. In this context, evaluate the role of leadership and team dynamics in transforming work culture within an organization.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":32,"question":"7 You are posted as the Joint Secretary in the Department of Information Technology of a state. The government recently implemented several citizen-centric digital services, collecting large volumes of personal data from residents. The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, requires that such data be processed only with explicit and informed consent, and mandates that processing must cease immediately upon withdrawal of consent.\nDuring an internal audit, you discover that the department continues to process and analyze personal data of several citizens even after they have formally withdrawn their consent. This data is being used for policy analytics and service improvement, purposes not explicitly disclosed at the time of data collection. When you bring this to the attention of your department head, you are informed that halting the processing will disrupt ongoing digital initiatives and may affect state-level performance metrics. Moreover, you find that the consent withdrawal process is cumbersome, and many citizens are unaware of their rights under the DPDP Act.\nYou also learn that a prominent social activist is planning to file a complaint with the Data Protection Board against involuntary use of personal data, which could attract public scrutiny and legal action against the department.\n(a) Identify and discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.\n(b) What are the potential consequences for the department if the issue is not addressed transparently?\n(c) How would you balance the need for efficient public service delivery with the obligation to protect citizens’ data rights? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"8 You are an IAS officer, currently serving as the Secretary of the Public Works Department in a hill state. Recently, a disturbing incident has come to light involving a senior Cabinet Minister and two engineers of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). During an inspection of a critical highway project, the Minister was allegedly seen on video physically assaulting and verbally abusing the engineers in full public view. The video, recorded by bystanders, went viral on social media and was widely covered by television channels, sparking both outrage and support from different sections of society. The Minister later defended his actions, alleging that the officials were corrupt, unresponsive to local grievances, and responsible for inordinate delays in the project. He insisted that his actions were driven by public frustration and the urgency of delivering infrastructure to a remote region.\n\nHowever, the engineers have filed a police complaint and written to their superiors, claiming they were targeted for resisting political pressure to award contracts to specific local contractors linked to the Minister. As the situation escalated, a union of NHAI engineers declared a strike.\n(a) इस प्रकरण में शामिल प्रमुख नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं? हितधारकों और उनके परस्पर विरोधी हितों की पहचान कीजिए।\n(b) लोक निर्माण विभाग के सचिव के रूप में, आप उपयुक्त स्थिति में क्या कार्रवाई करेंगे?\n(c) ऐसी घटनाएं सिविल सेवकों के मनोबल और शासन में जनता के विश्वास को कैसे प्रभावित करती हैं? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"(a) What are the key ethical issues involved in this situation? Identify the stakeholders and their conflicting interests.\n(b) As the Secretary of the PWD, what actions will you take in above situation?\n(c) How do such incidents affect the morale of civil servants and public trust in governance? (Answer in 250 words)\na) What are the key ethical issues involved in this situation? Identify the stakeholders and their conflicting interests.\nb) As the Secretary of the PWD, what actions will you take in above situation?\nc) How do such incidents affect the morale of civil servants and public trust in governance?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"9 You are the Secretary in the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Government of India. In recent years, an increasing number of civil servants, particularly younger officers from the IAS, IPS, and IRS, have begun maintaining personal YouTube channels and social media pages. On these platforms, they regularly post videos related to their official work — showcasing innovative projects, public outreach initiatives, inspection drives, and sometimes even day-to-day administrative duties.\n\nThese videos often receive widespread public attention, and many viewers express admiration, saying such content enhances transparency, motivates aspirants, and humanizes the bureaucracy. However, concerns have also emerged from various quarters. Senior officers argue that such content may blur the boundaries between personal branding and public service, while some citizens and media commentators point to instances where videos feature vulnerable beneficiaries without consent, raise concerns about misuse of official premises, or seem designed more for personal popularity than public accountability.\n(a) लोक सेवकों द्वारा अपने आधिकारिक कार्यों को सोशल मीडिया पर सार्वजनिक रूप से प्रदर्शित करने के कृत्यों में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों की पहचान कीजिए।\n(b) क्या ऐसी प्रयासें जागरूकता और प्रेरणा को प्रोत्साहन देती हैं या क्या ये अनामिता, तटस्थता और सामूहिक सेवा भावना के मूल्यों से समझौता करती हैं? अपना मत दीजिए।\n(c) सचिव के रूप में, लोक सेवकों की उत्तरदायित्व डिजिटल सहभागिता सुनिश्चित करने के लिए आप कौन-से मार्गदर्शक सिद्धांत और नैतिकत अनुशासनाएं सुझाएंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"You have been asked to prepare a report with recommendations to balance public interest, institutional integrity, and evolving modes of communication.\n(a) Identify the ethical issues involved in civil servants publicly showcasing their official work on social media.\n(b) Do such practices promote awareness and motivation, or do they compromise the values of anonymity, neutrality, and collective service ethos? Give your opinion.\n(c) As the Secretary, what guiding principles and policy recommendations would you suggest to ensure responsible digital engagement by civil servants? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"10 You are the Director of the National Bioethics Commission who is responsible for assessing the ethical feasibility and oversight of a nationwide gene sequencing program. The project named GeneFuture, aims to sequence the DNA of every newborn child and store it in a centralized national database. The objective is to identify genetic predispositions to serious diseases early in life, allowing for preventive treatment and personalized medicine. Over 100,000 babies have already been enrolled in the pilot phase of the program. The government claims that this move is a landmark step in public health advancement.\n\nHowever, collection of newborn genetic data raises significant ethical concerns, particularly around informed consent, which may not fully capture parents' understanding of the long-term risks involved. Once gathered, this sensitive data could be misused for purposes such as surveillance, insurance discrimination, or commercial marketing by third parties. Uncertainty over data ownership\u00151whether it lies with the state, parents, or the individual as they mature\u00151further complicates the issue. The involvement of private tech and pharmaceutical companies heightens fears of commercial exploitation, especially in the absence of clear mechanisms for individuals to withdraw consent or delete their genetic information upon reaching adulthood.\n(a) What are the ethical issues you perceive in the implementation of the GeneFuture program?\n(b) Identify the conflicting interests of different stakeholders in this case.\n(c) What guiding ethical principles would you recommend for implementation of this project? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"11. You are a dedicated District Health Officer (DHO) with a strong commitment to evidence-based public health practices, recently assigned to a remote district in India. Your immediate and most critical task is to lead a crucial district-wide Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination drive, aimed at achieving 100% immunization coverage among children aged 9 months to 15 years. The success of this drive is vital for the collective health of thousands of children and for the district's overall health indicators, especially with the impending monsoon season posing additional health challenges.\n\nHowever, in one of the largest and most traditional villages in your district, you encounter formidable resistance. The villagers, deeply influenced by the pronouncements of a revered local\n(a) उपयुक्त प्रकरण में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\n(b) इस विरोध को शांत करने के लिए आपके पास तत्काल क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\n(c) अंधविश्वास के व्यापक प्रभाव को दूर करने और संधारणीय लोक स्वास्थ्य परिणामों हेतु वैज्ञानिक सोच को बढ़ावा देने के लिए आप कौन-सी दीर्घकालिक रणनीतियाँ और प्रणालीगत सुधारों का सुझाव देंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case.\n(b) What are the immediate options available to you to overcome this resistance?\n(c) What long-term strategies and systemic reforms would you suggest to address the pervasive influence of superstition and foster a scientific temperament for sustainable public health outcomes? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"12. (a) आपके समक्ष विद्यमान संभावित प्रशासनिक और नैतिक दुविधाएं क्या हैं?\n(b) आपके लिए उपलब्ध सभी विकल्पों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\n(c) आप अपने निर्णय का नैतिक औचित्य सिद्ध करते हुए कौन-सी व्यापक कार्यवाही करेंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)\na) आपके समक्ष विद्यमान संभावित प्रशासनिक और नैतिक दुविधाएं क्या हैं?\nb) आपके लिए उपलब्ध सभी विकल्पों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\nc) आप अपने निर्णय का नैतिक औचित्य सिद्ध करते हुए कौन-सी व्यापक कार्यवाही करेंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":58,"question":"(a) What are the potential administrative and ethical dilemmas you face?\n(b) Discuss all options available to you.\n(c) What comprehensive course of action would you choose to adopt, providing ethical justification for your decision? (Answer in 250 words)\na) What are the potential administrative and ethical dilemmas you face?\nb) Discuss all options available to you.\nc) What comprehensive course of action would you choose to adopt, providing ethical justification for your decision? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3460,"topper":"Jayant Nahata","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/daccd-247939_1064_jayant-nahata-_rank_56.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlight the characteristics and applications of Cyber Physical systems. Also, enumerate the various objectives of the Cyber Physical Systems programme recently launched by the government. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Explaining the rationale behind Geographical Indication (GI) protection, highlight the issues in harnessing the potential commercial benefits of GI in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand by Free Space Optical Communication (FSOC) Technology? Critically explain its potential in connecting rural and remote areas in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What are Orphan Drugs? Examine the significance of putting in place a policy framework for such drugs in a developing country such as India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Highlight the factors that give advantage in attracting talent to a particular country. In this context, what steps should the government take to turn \"brain drain\" into \"brain gain\" in India? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What are quantum computers? Discuss their potential in solving problems that are too complex for today's classical computers. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Discuss the obstacles in women's access to science education in India and also suggest remedial measures to overcome these obstacles. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"With the help of examples from various fields discuss the achievements and limitations of India's performance in indigenisation and development of new technology. Also, comment on the significance of MSME sector in achieving indigenisation of technology. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"India needs to collaborate and participate in international scientific projects in order to place itself as a major player in cutting edge research. Discuss in the light of ongoing global mega science projects. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What is Mitochondrial Replacement Therapy? Discuss its potential in reducing genetic disorders. Also, list various issues around its use in fertility medicine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The rapid diffusion of Artificial Intelligence begets unique opportunities and challenges for India. Discuss. What can be done to address these challenges? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Briefly explain the concept of Additive Manufacturing as well as its advantages and challenges in comparison with conventional manufacturing methods. Also, comment on its potential in terms of revolutionising organ replacement in humans. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"What is the Human Genome Project-write (HGP-write) and how is it different from the earlier Human Genome Project (HGP)? In this context, also critically explain the potential benefits of the HGP projects for healthcare activities in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Comment upon the need for encouraging participation of private players in the space sector in India. Can it be argued that furthering India's achievements in the space sector requires a comprehensive space law? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Water shortage in India has been sought to be addressed through various policy and technological interventions. Explain. Also, examine the benefits of desalination technology and the costs associated with it. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Originally devised as a distributed ledger technology for Bitcoin, Blockchain offers a wide range of applications across sectors, especially banking and finance. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by TRIPS plus provisions being advocated by developed countries outside the WTO based TRIPS agreement? Do you think India should show some flexibility and incorporate certain TRIPS plus provisions in its IPR regime? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What do you understand by Digital therapeutics? Discuss the opportunities & challenges of Digital Therapeutics specifically in context of preventing lifestyle diseases in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The efforts to improve science and R&D in India need to go beyond questions of expenditure. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Adopting a mission mode approach for developing energy storage systems will be crucial for realizing India's electric mobility ambitions as well as achieving our renewable energy targets. Analyze. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3461,"topper":"Jayant Nahata","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/61478-247939_1050_jayant-nahata-_rank_56.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Citizens' Charters make administration both accountable and citizen-friendly. However, over time, in a large number of offices, Citizens' Charters have fallen into disuse. Suggest measures that can make these charters effective tools for bringing accountability in public service. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the importance of involving civil society in pre-legislative scrutiny and mention the steps that can be taken by the government to increase public engagement in it. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Poor standards of tertiary education are a drag on India's competitiveness. Elucidate. Also enumerate the initiatives taken by the government in the past few years to improve the quality of higher education in India. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Social audit has a crucial role in effective implementation of social sector programmes. Comment. Also discuss its strengths and limitations. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are the major welfare schemes for elderly in India? Do you think the benefits of such schemes are reaching a wide section of the target segment? Give reasons. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Welfare policies in India have undergone a paradigm shift in recent decades, yet they retain certain elements of continuity. Discuss with examples. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Discuss whether changes recommended by the Law Commission in its 268th report can help in addressing the problems of undertrials languishing in jails in India. What other measures can be taken in this regard? (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"While various government initiatives and policies have created opportunities in the affordable housing segment, there are challenges that still persist. Discuss. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Demographic dividend may become demographic liability in the absence of adequate skill development. In this context, discuss the importance of National Policy for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, 2015. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Highlight the need for whistleblower protection in India. Critically analyze whether the Whistleblower Protection Act provides sufficient protection to the whistleblowers. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What are the factors which have been responsible for slow pace of growth of coverage under the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP)? Enumerate the recent steps taken by the government in order to increase this pace to achieve universal coverage swiftly. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the ways in which digital divide perpetuates and manifests itself in India. Discuss the importance of steps taken by the government to bridge this divide. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"What are the objectives of National Health Mission? Why, in your opinion, non-communicable diseases have acquired salience in recent times? What are its implications for health policy in the country? (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Over the years, there has been a growing realisation that undue interference from the State, lack of autonomy and widespread politicisations has severely impaired the functioning of Cooperative sector and there is a need to introduce urgent reforms in the Cooperative sector. Discuss. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"With the current system of health financing in India being largely out-of-pocket payments, examine the need for reforms in healthcare finance. Also discuss the issues associated with reinforcing insurance as the long-term strategy for health financing in this regard. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Explain the significance of the recently launched National Nutritional Strategy in the light of sliding ranking of India along the Global Hunger Index. Also, discuss with examples, the role that local self governments can play in promoting, monitoring and sustaining nutrition initiatives.(250WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The bureaucracy in India is facing a number of serious challenges from diminishing human capital to political interference that, if left unaddressed, will lead to further institutional decline. Discuss. How can these challenges be addressed? (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"While many people have been able to rise above poverty line, India is still home to the largest number of poor. Discuss briefly the underlying factors responsible for the prevalence of poverty in India. What are the areas in eradication in a sustainable manner? (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"In context of the need to strengthen corporate governance, the Kotak panel report has called for. a major overhaul in norms for listed companies. Critically discuss the impediments to corporate governance in India and evaluate how the recommendations can help in overcoming them. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Several issues related to adopting new technologies, transforming processes and improving implementation of NeGP need to be addressed. Discuss. Also, enumerate the sets of principles guiding the design and implementation of the e-Kranti Program (NeGP 2.0). (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3462,"topper":"Jayant Nahata","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/cc96b-247939_1067_jayant-nahata_rank_56.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What is the role that opposition plays in a democracy like India? In this context, discuss whether our Parliament can benefit from a shadow cabinet. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Where there is a right, there is a remedy. In this context, discuss the nature and significance of writs in India with adequate examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Enumerate the objectives of NITI Aayog. Also, discuss the performance of this body since its inception and suggest measures to make it more effective. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"In view of the political class's inability to develop and maintain conventions relating to the appropriate use of Article 356, the Supreme Court's decision in the Bommai case provided much needed clarity. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Press freedom and good governance are not mutually exclusive. They support each other while promoting a country's economic and human development. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"SHGs have succeeded in delivering financial inclusion, but for them to evolve as viable business enterprise requires a different approach. Analyse in the context of the twin goals of rural growth and promotion of women's entrepreneurship. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The focus of higher education in India has been on a select few Central or autonomous institutions where as the ones in states remain neglected. Commenting on the statement, highlight the significance of Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the role played by PRIs in political empowerment of women. Also, suggest measures to further increase their political participation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What is Strategic Autonomy? Critically examine the elements of such a policy in India's contemporary foreign policy in the context of recent developments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"IBSA and BRICS are both examples of India's quest for multialignment, however there are key differences in their orientation. Discuss in the context of the relevance of these groupings for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What are the various modes of Alternate Dispute Redressal (ADR) mechanisms available in India? Identifying the problems being faced by them, provide suggestions needed to increase their effectiveness. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"While the power to punish for the contempt of court is a much needed tool to protect the administration of justice from being maligned, it is time that it be relooked into. Critically analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Criminalisation of politics remains a key concern for the Indian political system. In this context, analyse the role played by the Supreme Court and Election Commission over the years. Also, in what ways can the media play a positive role? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight, in brief, the mandate of the National Commission for Minorities (NCM). Identify the different challenges that the commission faces and suggest measures to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The recent decision of the government to open up positions at the senior levels in bureaucracy through lateral entry is an important but only small step in the direction of much needed reforms in the higher civil services. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Identifying the broad contours of the 'Transformation of Aspirational Districts' programme, explain how it adopts a novel strategy to address backwardness. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"How did India fare on the Millennium Development Goals related to health? In this regard, identify the relevant Sustainable Development Goals and evaluate India's capacity to meet them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the different rights recognized under the Forest Rights Act, 2006? Highlight the gaps in the implementation of community forest rights and community forest resource rights granted under the Forest Rights Act. Also, suggest measures to address the current scenario. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Progress in India-US ties has been accompanied by equally significant divergences on important issues. Examine in the context of recent developments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Despite bonhomie, the structural differences between Indian and Israeli national security situations, their worldviews and absence of explicitly shared enemies limit stronger strategic rapprochement. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3463,"topper":"Jayant Nahata","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/64235-247939_1073_jayant-nahata_rank_56.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the ethical issues involved in the recent refugee crisis and immigration as a global phenomenon from a broad perspective of globalisation and rights of citizens and aliens.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Corruption distorts not only functioning of the Government in India but business and corporate activities as well. Explain and discuss how the state can effectively deal with deficit of ethics in the private sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/ philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) \"Silence becomes cowardice when occasion demands speaking out the whole truth and acting accordingly\" - Mahatma Gandhi.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"\"We must not only tolerate others, but positively embrace them\" - Swami Vivekananda.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Emotional Intelligence is part nature and part nurture. Explaining the statement, discuss how emotional intelligence of civil servants can be enhanced.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"What do you understand by Probity in Governance? Examine whether the recent amendments to Prevention of Corruption Act and the proposed ones in Whistleblower Protection Act undermine it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Ensuring that civil service values are recognised during the recruitment process and ensured through a code of ethics after appointment is a necessary condition of making the civil services an effective instrument of citizen centric governance. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"What do you understand by cognitive dissonance? Giving examples, discuss how it influences one's behavior and attitude.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by Amartya Sen's 'capability approach'? Analyse its significance in understanding social realities and in making a pro poor development strategy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"While in principle most nations claim commitment to universal values, in practice these values are honoured more in breach than in the observance. In context of this statement, comment on the relevance of values in foreign policy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"While some ethical approaches consider an action to be ethical based on results, other focus on means. Taking the example of Indian bureaucracy compare and examine how these approaches have played out for the benefit of citizens.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"What are the ethical principles that should form the basis of the system permitting organ donation and allocation? Also discuss the importance of regulation for the success of any organ transplant program.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Where as some argue that leaks constitute an affront to democracy, others are of the opinion that leaks are a part of democracy. Examine the merits of both the arguments in the context of information attributed to leaks from government offices and whistleblowers.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"You are a young recruit to the IAS. Upon the completion of your training you have been posted in a subdividion of a district where industrial development has been lagging. The area has large reserves of minerals and a significant tribal population. The government has identified the area for a large thermal power plant and also adequate expansion of mining. This announcement has seen a rise in land prices in the area as well as unrest among the local population about possible land acquisition. As part of routine examination of records you observe large land purchases in recent years that are linked with the family of the local politician, who is also a member of the state cabinet. You also recognise that much of this land is around the site of the proposed industrial area. Further, one of your staff members also informs you that the family has been buying in the name of drivers, cleaners as well as domestic helps. You feel that having been aware of the policy decision the politician has played a role in these purchases. Incidentally your relations with the politician have been cordial and he is a popular figure in the area. (a) As the official responsible for acquisition of land and payment of compensation for the land acquired, what are the ethical issues that you face in the given situation? (b) What will be your response to a suggestion that in view of these benami land transfers a freeze on land sale in the area should be enforced? (c) What is the course of action that you would take? Justify with reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"In view of these benami land transfers a freeze on land sale in the area should be enforced? (c) What is the course of action that you would take? Justify with reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"According to the WHO suicide is the second leading cause of death in the age group of 15-29 years globally. In India also, instances of young people committing suicide have been reported widely in recent times. It is all the more disturbing that such a phenomenon is increasingly visible in urban and prosperous areas. (a) What are the reasons that render people vulnerable to taking such drastic steps as suicide? (b) Also, discuss the role that you as an individual, the society and the government can play in addressing this issue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate of a primarily rural district. Excess agricultural production has led to a continuous fall in market prices of crops in the last three years. With elections approaching soon, the opposition has decided to make this a political issue and has mobilised farmers to protest against falling prices. The protests turned violent at some point and police had to fire in self-defence, killing two people. Violence has increased since then and you yourself were attacked when you tried to pacify the protestors. The protestors have also blocked the main roads as well as railways to prevent movement of goods and people. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the key concerns that need to be addressed on a priority basis. (b) What steps will you take to address them?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You have recently been promoted as a Branch Manager in a Public Sector Bank. The bank is battling high NPAs and mounting losses. You have been assigned a very high target of loans by the higher management for the current quarter. Your career prospects also depend on your performance in critical times. Few days back you rejected a loan application for a huge sum based on detailed analysis. Today you got a call from the Regional Manager to approve the loan quickly. On your reluctance to approve, he hints that the loan is sought by a person well connected in the finance ministry and that a refusal will have consequences for everyone in the approval chain. You are now in a tough spot. Based on the given information, answer the following questions: (a) Bring out the ethical issues in the case above. (b) What are the consequences of agreeing to the demands of the senior in the given case. Assess which of them are meritorious and which are not. (c) Suggest institutional reforms that can result in non-punishment of honest feedback.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You, the chairperson of a State Public Service Commission (SPSC), come to know that there were instances of rampant cheating in a competitive exam conducted recently by the SPSC. Your daughter, who also appeared in this exam and is confident of clearing it corroborates the same. However, she denies engaging in any such activity herself. Whatever decision the Commission takes is bound to affect the career of a large number of candidates who appeared in the exam, including your own daughter. (a) Identify the different stakeholders and their interests in the case above. (b) Enumerate the options you have to handle the current situation. What will be your choice and why? (c) Suggest measures that you would take to make sure that a similar situation does not arise in future.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"You are waiting in your car for your turn at a toll tax booth. You suddenly witness some men heckling and manhandling the toll booth operator and vandalising the property at the toll booth. They are accompanying a local politician who was passing through. Disgruntled with the fact that they were asked to pay the toll, they began to argue that the toll is too high and the public is being exploited by charging an unreasonable toll fee. At the same time they are also warning others against paying the toll fee. However, the other people around you are keeping with themselves, without anyone coming forward to intervene. While you also felt that the toll was quite high, you believe that this is not the right thing to do. (a) Bring out the ethical issues in the case above. (b) What accounts for such an overt display of hooliganism in our country. (c) What is the course of action that you would take? Justify with appropriate reasons.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3464,"topper":"Jayant Puri","air":210,"year":2020,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1NLL9vu4G_hG6PWAwUkWSLOnANSVZLwSm","questions":[]},{"id":3465,"topper":"Jayant Puri","air":210,"year":2020,"paper":"Optional — Public Administration","optional":true,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/13bi1eIH0o64Se0GXqTlLI-i-LyMlF9UX","questions":[]},{"id":3466,"topper":"Jayant Singh Rathore","air":59,"year":2020,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/10qjkHyG8p3wevRZN9ZOAbHGgsTI6jhd3","questions":[]},{"id":3467,"topper":"Jayasimha Reddy","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Jayasimha-Reddy-UPSC-2023-Rank-104-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"In many ways, the Spanish civil war was the opening act of WWII. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"How will you explain the different fates of Buddhism and Jainism despite a slew of similarities in the two religions? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Non-Cooperation Movement democratized India's freedom struggle but suffered from inherent limitations. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Critically analyse the efficacy of linguistic reorganization of states in addressing the reasons for linguistic divides in post-independent India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Briefly discuss the role of plate tectonics theory in explaining the location of volcanoes. Also, explain the multifarious impacts of volcanoes on the surrounding regions. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Taking further the success of Aspirational Districts Programme, Aspirational Blocks can help achieve the twin objectives of balanced growth and checking stress migration. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Describe the critical factors for location of defense industries and suggest measures to overcome the challenges. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"To what extent can Socio-Economic-Caste Census (SECC) address the challenges in achieving equitable resource allocation and targeted welfare? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Indian society is premised on some common values that give it a composite texture as well as some diverse practices that deepen its heterogeneity. Elucidate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What are the factors that influence population growth in the country? In this perspective, examine the relevance and need of raising the minimum marriageable age of women for population development. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Bring out the reasons behind the tribal unrest in British India. Also, analyze the reasons for their limited success. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The independence of India was not a result of a forced expulsion of the Empire, as desired by the Quit India Movement; it was rather a confluence of domestic politics and global circumstances. Analyze. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Explain why Sufism, a liberal reform movement in Islam could deepen its roots in the Indian sub-continent, despite Islam being a foreign religion? Also, bring out the impacts of Sufism on Indian society. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Enumerate the reasons behind rising intensity and frequency of cyclones in the Arabian Sea in recent years. Giving special reference to NDMA guidelines, recommend measures to check the adverse impacts of cyclones. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Examine the impacts of climate change on the hydrological cycle and suggest suitable mitigation and adaptation strategies to contain the harmful implications. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Defining continental shelf, highlight its resource potential and ecological significance. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Rooted in patriarchal values, gender-based violence, in all its manifestations, is antithetical to societal growth. Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The caste calculus in the Indian society remains predominant and continues to project its shadow on social, political, and economic domains. Do you agree? Substantiate your answer. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss various factors contributing to the water woes faced by Indian cities. Also, explain complexities in implementing a comprehensive water management plan. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Though important elements of group identity, religion and region also run the risk of deepening communal cleavages. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3468,"topper":"Jayasimha Reddy","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Jayasimha-Reddy-UPSC-2023-Rank-104-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Foreign trade is a crucial stepping stone in the path of becoming a 5 trillion USD economy. In this context, analyse the potential of the recently released Foreign Trade Policy, 2023 in revamping India's participation in global trade. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Social protection schemes are an integral aspect of a welfare economy; however, the principles of fiscal prudence cannot be ignored. Discuss, with special reference to Old Pension Scheme (OPS). (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand from Agristack? To what extent can it become a panacea for the problems plaguing the farm sector. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The objective of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to provide a long term and equitable solution to the dilemma between free trade and food security has remained unfulfilled. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Even after five decades of the Stockholm conference, narrowing the gaps between the targets and actions remains one of the biggest challenges towards reversing climate change. Discuss. Also, recommend measures for building a coherent actionable strategy to tackle climate change. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What are the impediments in management of E-waste in the country? In what ways can the trinity of citizens, businesses, and the government tackle this menace? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What is nuclear fusion? How is it different from nuclear fission? Assess the relevance of nuclear energy in resolving the global energy security dilemma? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are run of the river hydroelectric projects? How far can run of the river hydroelectric projects balance ecological conservation with socio-economic development? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"A robust border infrastructure is the surest way to counter multifarious threats emanating from inimical actors. Discuss, in light of Vibrant Village Programme. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"How can a clearly articulated National Security Strategy help in tackling challenges to national security? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What are the factors that influence the trends in inflation in the country? Highlighting the impacts, discuss the institutional measures in place to check inflation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"Though a cornerstone of Atmanirbhar Bharat, Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme is not without its own challenges. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"How is internationalisation of rupee different from De-Dollarisation? Highlighting the benefits of internationalisation of rupee, discuss the challenges associated with the same. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"What are Primary Agricultural Credit Societies? Can the cooperative push alone help in achieving the twin targets of boosting rural economy and mainstreaming small and marginal farmers? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Farm policies in the country have inadvertently led to undesirable consequences. Do you agree? Giving emphasis on PM PRANAM, discuss ways to enhance soil health and farm productivity. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"What do you understand by heat waves? Highlight the reasons and impact of the rising frequency of heat waves across India. Also, recommend some measures to mitigate its impact. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"How is Chandrayaan-3 different from its predecessor, Chandrayaan-2? To what extent can India's presence in Artemis Accords help in furthering the exploration of lunar surface? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Research and Development is the key to unlock the potential of 'knowledge economy.' In this perspective, analyse the role of the National Research Foundation Bill, 2023 in democratizing the research ecosystem in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'Hybrid warfare.' Highlighting its implications for India, recommend measures to develop a comprehensive ecosystem to counter the same. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"How are internal security challenges related to peace in neighboring countries? Explain with special reference to instability on India's eastern frontier. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3469,"topper":"Jayasimha Reddy","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Jayasimha-Reddy-UPSC-2023-Rank-104-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Celebrity endorsements raise pertinent ethical concerns about responsibility that delve into the realm of ethical considerations of social influence that run deeper than mere surface appeal. In this context, suggest measures to tackle the ethical challenges of celebrity brand endorsements. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Embracing a scientific mindset involves setting aside impulsive inclinations in favor of the pursuit of truth. In your view, how does the integration of scientific thinking contribute to addressing contemporary challenges and promoting societal progress? How can we effectively cultivate a scientific attitude in society? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"In the realm of professional conduct, ethics plays a role that tends to go far beyond fuller professional competence as the only critical requirement for a job. If faced with a choice, who would you prefer to hire - someone with professional competence or one with strong moral values? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Patriotism can hold different meanings for different people, often shaped by personal experiences and convictions. What does patriotism mean to you? Explain narrating incidents from your life when you exhibited patriotism. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Max Weber's concept of bureaucracy was developed in the early 20th century, but it still influences administrative structures today. In what ways do you see Weberian bureaucracy as relevant in today's rapidly changing world? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Global challenges often test the ethical fiber of nations, urging them to channel narrow pursuit of national-interest into an enlightened self-interest.\" Enumerating the various ethical principles underlying the concept of enlightened national-interest examine its efficacy in helping nations navigate the fine line between pursuing their strategic interests and upholding ethical principles, particularly in times of conflict? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"In the realm of governance, a crucial aspect is the art of persuasion. The qualities that make civil servants proficient persuaders empower them to fulfill their responsibilities in an effective manner. Discuss with illustrations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Corruption is a multi-faceted problem. While some administrators contend it is a necessary evil for development, in your opinion, does it hinder the path of development? Support your arguments. (10 marks, 150 words) Q.5) a) Corruption has multifaceted implications. Some consider it an undeniable vice, while others contend it to be an unavoidable necessity for navigating the bureaucratic complexities. In your opinion, does corruption oil or corrode the gears of development? Substantiate your arguments. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Corruption has multifaceted implications. Some consider it an undeniable vice, while others contend it to be an unavoidable necessity for navigating the bureaucratic complexities. In your opinion, does corruption oil or corrode the gears of development? Substantiate your arguments. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Ethical hacking and malicious hacking stand as divergent paths with distinct intentions and consequences. As technology advances, it becomes imperative to comprehend the nuances that set these practices apart in the cybersecurity landscape. In this perspective, elucidate the principles that differentiate ethical hacking and malicious hacking. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What does each of the following quotation mean to you? a) \"Our greatest ability as humans is not to change the world, but to change ourselves.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"What recommendations should Dharmendra make to create a safe environment for the women? b) What are the factors that have led to victimization of women, especially during conflicts? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"What are the ethical concerns associated with the case study? b) What are the options available with Rajendra? c) If you were at the place of Rajendra, which option would you choose and why? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":59,"question":"Mr X is travelling by road with his family to attend a marriage ceremony. His grandfather, who is the head of the family is also travelling with him. On the way to their destination, all of them stop at a road side restaurant for lunch. This is a well-known restaurant owned by one of the friends of Mr X. The place is known for its tasty and hygienic food. However, the grandfather notices a picture on the wall of the restaurant and enquires about the religion of the restaurant owner. Mr X's friend belongs to a religion different from the grandfather's religion. The grandfather has a negative attitude towards the religion of the grandfather that he will not eat in that restaurant. He demands that the entire family should leave the restaurant immediately as they are travelling for a happy occasion and eating at this particular restaurant will pollute them. Mr X tries to calm down his grandfather and explain to him that religion has nothing to do with purity or pollution. He also reasons that several travel magazines have rated the restaurant highly, especially for its superior hygiene standards. Also, he points out that there is no restaurant in the way for the next 100 Km and it will be difficult for all to make do without food for es him for bringing the family to the restaurant despite being aware about the religion of the owner. Mr X's friend feels insulted and discriminated against due to his religion. Mr X's father is upset but refuses to say anything out of respect for the grandfather. Entire family is embarrassed regarding how he should act in this situation. a) What are the various ethical issues in the above case study? b) Imagine yourself in the place of Mr X. Evaluate the different courses of actions available with you. What is the most suitable course of action? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":3470,"topper":"Jayasimha Reddy","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Jayasimha-Reddy-UPSC-2023-Rank-104-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The influence of ethical principles on shaping socially responsible behavior is widely acknowledged. How do ethical values facilitate individuals in cultivating a proactive and constructive attitude towards fulfilling their social responsibilities? Can the subjective nature of ethical principles lead to divergent attitudes regarding social responsibility? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Through their actions, interactions and decisions, youth serve as the moral compass of the nation. In this context, discuss the importance of value education in preparing the youth for their future roles. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Through their actions, interactions, and teachings, schools have the power to mold the moral compass of the next generation. In this perspective, discuss the significance of value-based education in preparing the youth to address the contemporary challenges of society. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'situation ethics'? Critically analyze its strengths and weaknesses in making moral judgements. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Maintaining traditional bonds and familial relationships in an increasingly globalized world requires personal relationships to be governed by ethical principles. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Why should a man be moral? Because it strengthens his will.\" - Swami Vivekanand. In this perspective, discuss the significance of morality for bringing efficiency and effectiveness in public administration. Do you think moral rigidity can be a hindrance in good governance? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Civil servants who embody emotional intelligence exhibit a profound understanding of the human aspect of governance, enabling them to cultivate meaningful relationships, foster cooperation, and drive positive change. Examine ways in which Emotional Intelligence can be inculcated in civil servants. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The challenges posed by the corporate sector's impact on climate, environmental sustainability, and living conditions has highlighted the need for responsible and inclusive business practices. In this direction, the contemporary discourse on corporate governance is emphasizing the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. Evaluate the ESG framework in equipping the corporate world with the capabilities to fulfill its social roles and responsibilities. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Uniform Civil Code (UCC) aims to create a common set of laws governing personal matters, such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption, irrespective of individuals' religious affiliations. In the context of the ongoing discourse on UCC in India, examine the challenges that arise when attempting to reconcile legal principles with diverse moral considerations. To what extent should the law be influenced by moral/religious principles? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What does each of the following quotation mean to you? a) \"When I do good, I feel good; when I do bad, I feel bad, and that is my religion\" - Abraham Lincoln. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time.\" – Ruth Bader Ginsburg (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"\"Happiness is that state of consciousness which proceeds from the achievement of one's values\" - Ayn Rand. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":3471,"topper":"Jayasimha Reddy Ravula","air":46,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/eb55a-714260_1457_jayasimha_reddy_ravula_rank_46.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3472,"topper":"Jayasimha Reddy Ravula","air":104,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b5884-714260_1457_jayasimha_reddy_ravula_rank_104.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3473,"topper":"Jayasimha Reddy Ravula","air":104,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e27ab-714260_1458_jayasimha_reddy_ravula_rank_104.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3474,"topper":"Jayasimha Reddy Ravula","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/18592-714260_1810_jayasimha_reddy_ravula_rank_104.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the phenomenon of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs). Discuss its impact and suggest measures to tackle this hazard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Explain how the tsunami early warning system works. Also, mention some of the recent advances that have been made in the Indian Tsunami Early Warning System (ITEWS). (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Identify and explain the importance of key components of Pre-Disaster Recovery Planning. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The extraction of groundwater in India has reached a level that is threatening the water security in the country. Analyse the guidelines issued by the Central Ground Water Authority in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Throw light on the contribution of agriculture to GHG emissions. Suggest measures that can be undertaken to address the challenges in reducing agriculture's carbon footprint in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discuss the challenges that lie in harnessing the potential of hydroelectricity in North-East India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What are the challenges faced by the jute industry in India? Highlight the steps taken by the government to address these challenges. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the causes and consequences of Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB). (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Identify the factors affecting location of cement industry in India. Also, suggest measures to control the carbon footprint of the cement industry. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Explain how soil erosion is further exacerbated by changing climate and weather patterns. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The pattern of the Indian monsoon has been witnessing changes in recent decades. Examine in the light of recent studies linking this phenomenon to climate change. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Dead Zones are emerging as a serious threat to world's oceans. Analyze the causes and impacts of dead zones. What solutions do you suggest to curb this growing menace? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Plate tectonics, which is a unifying theory combining the continental drift and seafloor spreading theories, explains many features and processes that we find on the Earth. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Describing its formation, delineate the region that is commonly referred to as 'Permafrost'. Also, discuss the concerns associated with the melting of permafrost. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"India's response to the Covid-19 pandemic has brought to the fore several inadequacies and ambiguities in India's disaster management framework. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"In light of the increasing Industrial disasters in India, examine the reasons for their occurrence. Discuss the steps that have been taken to deal with industrial disasters. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Highlight the reasons behind high concentration of plantations in South India. Also, give an account of the significance and challenges that the plantation sector of South India is confronted with. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What do you mean by industrial inertia? Bring out the factors that contribute to industrial inertia and also give a few examples from the Indian context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What are rare earth elements? Highlighting their industrial applications, give an account of their distribution across the world. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3475,"topper":"Jayasimha Reddy Ravula","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/887ea-714260_1863_jayasimha_reddy_ravula_rank_104.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Parliamentary oversight of administration is not an end in itself rather it acts as a means to strengthen the efficient functioning of the administration. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Tenth Schedule of the Constitution has weakened the democratic credentials of India's representative democracy. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Article 246 of the Indian Constitution is considered as the cornerstone of Centre-state legislative relations. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Although the provision of issuing ordinances amounts to the usurpation of legislative power by the Executive, both Centre and states in India have taken unrestrained course to it. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"There has been a manifold increase in the number of ministries in the central government since independence. Do you agree with the view there is a need to phase out many ministries and amalgamate others in this context? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Evaluate the success of Digital India in fulfilling its vision of transforming India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Examine the issues related to poverty measurement in India. Suggest measures to improve upon the existing methodologies. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"As one of the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, discuss the rationale behind internationalisation of higher education in India and its associated challenges. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Stating the significance of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), examine whether they have been as beneficial as expected for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Though multilateral development banks (MDBs) are crucial for holistic development of developing nations like India, there are certain legitimate concerns about their functioning. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Despite the legal framework to resolve inter-state river water disputes, why do they continue to exist? Also, discuss measures that can be taken to resolve such disputes in an expeditious and agreeable manner. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"While use of technology is a welcome step towards improving the efficiency of the judicial system, it must be understood that technology itself comes with a set of challenges that make justice even more inaccessible. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The current urban planning capacities in India are extremely skeletal and need systemic reforms and a change in mindset. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Reservation for women in the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) has not translated into corresponding increase in women's representation in India's state legislatures. Bringing out the reasons for the same, discuss how under-representation of women in the state legislatures can be corrected. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"For effective public service delivery, there is need to shift from traditional accountability mechanisms to social accountability mechanisms. In this context, discuss the pre-conditions for the success of social accountability efforts and challenges associated with them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) remains one of the most ambitious programmes for public welfare and rural development, but its objectives cannot be achieved without strong and capable Panchayati Raj Institutions. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Despite legal safeguards and international conventions, the State has failed to uphold the rights of persons with disabilities in general and those with psychosocial disabilities in particular. Discuss in the context of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"To what extent has the PM Awas Yojana (Gramin) been successful in solving the problem of rural housing in India? Discuss with adequate arguments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Despite the potential of India's Neighbourhood First policy, there have been several impediments to regional cooperation in South Asia. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"It is argued that China's Belt and Road Initiative has resulted in unsustainable debt-for-infrastructure deals in several countries across continents and it is a part of debt trap diplomacy. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3476,"topper":"Jayasimha Reddy Ravula","air":46,"year":2024,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/943e6-714260_1515_jayasimha_reddy_ravula_rank_46.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3477,"topper":"Jayasimha Reddy Ravula","air":46,"year":2024,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0f92d-714260_1514_jayasimha_reddy_ravula_rank_46.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3478,"topper":"Jayasimha Reddy Ravula","air":46,"year":2024,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/48b9a-714260_1505_jayasimha_reddy_ravula_rank_46.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3479,"topper":"Jayasimha Reddy Ravula","air":104,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/28468-714260_1514_jayasimha_reddy_ravula_rank_104.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3480,"topper":"Jayasimha Reddy Ravula","air":104,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0ce84-714260_1865_jayasimha_reddy_ravula_rank_104.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3481,"topper":"Jeenu Sri Jaswanth Chandra","air":23,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/JEENU-SRI-JASWANTH-CHANDRA-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-23-Sample-MGP-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. Before the borders are broken the minds are invaded.\n2. Talent and passion are only useful tools if one has the work ethic to back them up.\n3. The opportunity of interfaith dialogue: modern solution for globalised world.\n4. The only impossible journey is the one you never begin.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"1 Science applied is the engine of humanity.\n2 Eyes cannot see what the mind does not know.\n3 Doubt is the origin of wisdom.\n4 The relation between environment, resources and conflict is same as the connection between Democracy, human rights and peace.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3482,"topper":"Jeenu Sri Jaswanth Chandra","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/JEENU-SRI-JASWANTH-CHANDRA-UPSC-2023-Rank-162-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":16,"question":"Women's freedom is the sign of social freedom.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"If humankind poisoned nature, nature in turn poison humankind","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"History Doesn't Repeat Itself, but it often rhymes.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3483,"topper":"Jeenu Sri Jaswanth Chandra","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/JEENU-SRI-JASWANTH-CHANDRA-UPSC-2023-Rank-162-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the role of the 'Fourth Estate' in upholding democratic values and analyse the issues affecting press freedom in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The electoral process, though inclusionary in theory, has been pointed out for exclusionary tendencies in practice. Analyse, with special emphasis on role of women in India's representative electoral system. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Assess the effectiveness of Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 in resolution of river-water disputes. Also describe the potential impact of delays in resolution of water disputes. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the significance of the cooperative model of development in addressing the issues of rural growth. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"In order to pass the ultimate test of good governance, welfare state should be close to the people, responsive to their aspirations, and inclusive in its approach. Discuss with special reference to PM PVTG Development Mission. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"To what extent collaboration between the state and civil society organizations (CSOs) help in addressing poverty and malnutrition in the country? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Absence of a robust social infrastructure in the country may become one of the most significant challenges in achieving a developed status by 2047. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Though the changing paradigm towards dialogue and diplomacy in West Asia augurs well for India's interests in this otherwise restive region, presence of inimical actors may reverse the gains. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Water diplomacy can redefine the contours of regional cooperation in South Asia. Discuss with special reference to Indus water treaty 1960. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Despite constitutional backing to the institutions of local governance, the idea of decentralisation has remained hostage to several structural bottlenecks. Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Independent judiciary, as envisaged by the constitution, provides the bedrock for a thriving polity; however, executive encroachment may erode its credibility and affect its efficacy. Evaluate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Executive agencies, working as the watchdog against impropriety, are vital to act against the corrupt; however, pandering to vested interests may have the effect of turning the idea of rule of law on its head. Comment, with special reference to controversies associated with the Enforcement Directorate (ED). (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Critically analyse the role of National Commission for Women (NCW) in wake of its man-date to safeguard women's rights and uphold their socio-economic wellbeing. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Understanding the extent, source, and complexity of deprivations among the multidimensionally poor contributes to more informed policymaking. In this context, analyze the latest National Multidimensional Poverty Index Report by NITI Aayog. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Safely managed drinking water services, as desired by Jal Jeevan Mission, are designated to give multifarious benefits cutting across generations. Discuss. Also, elaborate upon the challenges in ensuring the mission's success. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Legislation like Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989 remains mere legal documents without intense sensitization of public functionaries and the civil society. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Harbinger of global rebalancing, India-Africa ties are a beacon of inclusive, sustainable, and equitable world. Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How do ASEAN centrality, rules-based order, and development partnership with Pacific Is-land states make Indo-Pacific a theatre of opportunity for India? What are the hurdles in realisa-tion of an inclusive Indo-Pacific construct? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3484,"topper":"Jeenu Sri Jaswanth Chandra","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/JEENU-SRI-JASWANTH-CHANDRA-UPSC-2023-Rank-162-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Foreign trade is an important milestone on the path of becoming a 5 trillion USD economy. In this context, analyse the potential of the recently released Foreign Trade Policy, 2023 in revamping India's participation in global trade. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Social protection schemes are an integral aspect of a welfare economy, however, the principles of fiscal prudence cannot be ignored. Discuss, with special reference to Old Pension Scheme (OPS). (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand from AgriStack? To what extent can it become a panacea for the problems plaguing the farm sector. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The objective of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to provide a long term and equitable solution to the dilemma between free trade and food security has remained unfulfilled. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Even after five decades of the Stockholm conference, narrowing the gaps between the targets and actions remains one of the biggest challenges towards reversing climate change. Discuss. Also, recommend measures for building a coherent actionable strategy to tackle climate change. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What are the impediments in management of E-waste in the country? In what ways can the trinity of citizens, businesses, and the government tackle this menace? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How does nuclear fusion differ from nuclear fission? Assess the relevance of nuclear energy in resolving the global energy security dilemma? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are run of the river hydroelectric projects? How far can run of the river hydroelectric projects balance ecological conservation with socio-economic development? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"A robust border infrastructure is the surest way to counter multifarious threats emanating from inimical actors. Discuss, in light of Vibrant Village Programme. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"How far can a clearly articulated National Security Strategy help in tackling challenges to national security? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What are the factors that influence the inflation trends in the country? Highlighting the impacts, discuss the institutional measures in place to check inflation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Though a cornerstone of Atmanirbhar Bharat, Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme is not without its own challenges. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"How is internationalisation of rupee different from De-Dollarisation? Highlighting the benefits of internationalisation of rupee, discuss the challenges associated with the same. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What are Primary Agricultural Credit Societies? Can the cooperative push alone help in achieving the twin targets of boosting rural economy and mainstreaming small and marginal farmers? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Farm policies in the country have inadvertently led to undesirable consequences. Do you agree? Giving emphasis on PM PRANAM, discuss ways to enhance soil health and farm productivity. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What do you understand by heat waves? Highlight the reasons and impact of the rising frequency of heat waves across India. Also, recommend some measures to mitigate its impact. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"How is Chandrayaan-3 different from its predecessor, Chandrayaan-2? To what extent can India's presence in Artemis Accords help in furthering the exploration of lunar surface? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Research and Development is the key to unlock the potential of 'knowledge economy.' In this perspective, analyse the role of the National Research Foundation Bill, 2023 in democratizing the research ecosystem in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'Hybrid warfare.' Highlighting its implications for India, recommend measures to develop a comprehensive ecosystem to counter the same. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How are internal security challenges related to peace in neighboring countries? Explain with special reference to instability on India's eastern frontier. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3485,"topper":"Jeenu Sri Jaswanth Chandra","air":23,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/JEENU-SRI-JASWANTH-CHANDRA-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-23-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.) Foreign trade is an important milestone on the path of becoming a $5 trillion USD economy. In this context, analyse the potential of the recently released Foreign Trade Policy, 2023 in revamping India's participation in global trade.","marks":"10 marks, 150","words":"10"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Social protection schemes are an integral aspect of a welfare economy, however, the principles of fiscal prudence cannot be ignored. Discuss, with special reference to Old Pension Scheme (OPS).","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.8 What do you understand from Agritack? To what extent can it become a panacea for the problems plaguing the farm sector","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) The objective of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to provide a long term and equitable solution to the dilemma between free trade and food security has remained unfulfilled. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) Even after five decades of the Stockholm conference, narrowing the gaps between the targets and actions remains one of the biggest challenges towards reversing climate change. Discuss. Also, recommend measures for building a coherent actionable strategy to tackle climate change.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6 What are the impediments in management of E-waste in the country? In what ways can the trinity of citizens, businesses, and the government tackle this menace?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7 How does nuclear fusion differ from nuclear fission? Assess the relevance of nuclear energy in resolving the global energy security dilemma?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8 What are run of the river hydroelectric projects? How far can run of the river hydroelectric projects balance ecological conservation with socio-economic development?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) A robust border infrastructure is the surest way to counter multifarious threats emanating from inimical actors. Discuss, in light of Vibrant Village Programme.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 How far can a clearly articulated National Security Strategy help in tackling challenges to national security?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 What are the factors that influence the inflation trends in the country? Highlighting the impacts, discuss the institutional measures in place to check inflation","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 Though a cornerstone of Atmanirbhar Bharat, Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme is not without its own challenges. Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 How is internationalisation of rupee different from De-Dollarisation? Highlighting the benefits of internationalisation of rupee, discuss the challenges associated with the same.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 What are Primary Agricultural Credit Societies? Can the cooperative push alone help in achieving the twin targets of boosting rural economy and mainstreaming small and marginal farmers?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Farm policies in the country have inadvertently led to undesirable consequences. Do you agree? Giving emphasis on PM PRANAM, discuss ways to enhance soil health and farm productivity.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) What do you understand by heat waves? Highlight the reasons and impact of the rising frequency of heat waves across India. Also, recommend some measures to mitigate its impact.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 How is Chandrayaan-3 different from its predecessor, Chandrayaan-2? To what extent can India's presence in Artemis Accords help in furthering the exploration of lunar surface?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 Research and Development is the key to unlock the potential of 'knowledge economy.' In this perspective, analyse the role of the National Research Foundation Bill, 2023 in democratizing the research ecosystem in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 What do you understand by the term 'Hybrid warfare.' Highlighting its implications for India, recommend measures to develop a comprehensive ecosystem to counter the same.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20) How are internal security challenges related to peace in neighbouring countries? Explain with special reference to instability on India's eastern frontier","marks":"25","words":"250"}]},{"id":3486,"topper":"Jeenu Sri Jaswanth Chandra","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/JEENU-SRI-JASWANTH-CHANDRA-UPSC-2023-Rank-162-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Basic structure doctrine has prevented the Parliament, a creature of the constitution, from becoming the master of the constitution. Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The power of pressure groups lies not in their size or elaborate organization, but in their ability to mobilize public opinion and create lasting change. With help of relevant examples, discuss how informal pressure groups shape public policy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Analyse the reasons for degeneration of parliamentary functioning in recent time. Also, suggest measure to make the parliament more productive. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Subordination of investigative agencies to the executive is fraught with disastrous consequences. Discuss the statement in light of the criticism of the Central Bureau of Investigation as a \"caged parrot\". (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The Election Commission of India has a vital role in building a robust framework of electoral democracy. Highlighting challenges associated with the functioning of ECI, suggest measures to reform the body. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Anti-defection law has failed to address and resolve the evil of political defection satisfactorily. Discuss various issues surrounding the Anti-defection law and recommend some corrective measures. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do you mean by 'doctrine of essentiality'? How has judiciary used this doctrine to address conflict between various fundamental rights? Explain with examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Frequent reliance on the ordinance making power by the government, not only dilutes the basic tenets of executive accountability in a parliamentary democracy, but also overlooks the democratic traditions of building consensus. Discuss with relevant examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"Bail not Jail\" is the cardinal principle that upholds the sacrosanct ideas of individual's liberty and dignity. Explain the statement, citing various case laws. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Dispute redressal is the most important component of cooperative federalism. How does the Interstate Council facilitate the resolution of disputes related to states in India, and what are the challenges associated with this process? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Despite its vital role for the smooth functioning of the body politic, constitutional punctuality remains conspicuous by its absence. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Electoral bond was brought in as a reform that was high on intent but has proved to be low on substance. Do you agree? Justify. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Considering the non-enforceable nature of fundamental duties and directive principles of state policy, critically examine their impact in socio-political norms. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Referring to the case laws through which the collegium system in India evolved, critically assess its functioning. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Democracy thrives on disagreements; critical and dissenting voices make a society vibrant. In your opinion, do limitations on hate speech infringe right to freedom of speech and expression? Discuss how hate speech impacts the society and ways to restrain it. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Why is it important to ensure separation of powers between various organs of the State? Also, explain Indian model of separation of power with relevant provisions in the constitution. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by the First Past the Post System (FPPS)? Why was FPPS preferred over the Proportional Representation (PR) system for elections to the Lok Sabha/Vidhan Sabha? Also, critically examine the consequences of this preference. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Compare the position of the Speaker in Indian and British parliamentary system? Also, discuss various controversies related to functioning of Office of Speaker in Indian context and suggest corresponding reforms. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Why was parliamentary form of government adopted for independent India? Do you agree with the opinion that Indian government is increasingly transitioning towards presidential form? Justify. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The Representation of People's Act, the bedrock of free and fair elections in the country, has failed to keep pace with the contemporary challenges. Highlighting the shortcomings in the legislation, suggest reforms to make it more effective. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3487,"topper":"Jeenu Sri Jaswanth Chandra","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/JEENU-SRI-JASWANTH-CHANDRA-UPSC-2024-Rank-392-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the role of the 'Fourth Estate' in upholding democratic values and analyse the issues affecting press freedom in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The electoral process, though inclusionary in theory, has been pointed out for exclusionary tendencies in practice. Analyse, with special emphasis on role of women in India's representative electoral system. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Assess the effectiveness of Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 in resolution of river-water disputes. Also describe the potential impact of delays in resolution of water disputes. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the significance of the cooperative model of development in addressing the issues of rural growth. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"In order to pass the ultimate test of good governance, welfare state should be close to the people, responsive to their aspirations, and inclusive in its approach. Discuss with special reference to PM PVTG Development Mission. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"To what extent collaboration between the state and civil society organizations (CSOs) help in addressing poverty and malnutrition in the country? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Absence of a robust social infrastructure in the country may become one of the most significant challenges in achieving a developed status by 2047. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Though the changing paradigm towards dialogue and diplomacy in West Asia augurs well for India's interests in this otherwise restive region, presence of inimical actors may reverse the gains. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Water diplomacy can redefine the contours of regional cooperation in South Asia. Discuss with special reference to Indus water treaty 1960. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Despite constitutional backing to the institutions of local governance, the idea of decen- tralisation has remained hostage to several structural bottlenecks. Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Independent judiciary, as envisaged by the constitution, provides the bedrock for a thriving polity; however, executive encroachment may erode its credibility and affect its efficacy. Evaluate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Executive agencies, working as the watchdog against impropriety, are vital to act against the corrupt; however, pandering to vested interests may have the effect of turning the idea of rule of law on its head. Comment, with special reference to controversies associated with the Enforcement Directorate (ED). (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Critically analyse the role of National Commission for Women (NCW) in wake of its mandate to safeguard women's rights and uphold their socio-economic wellbeing. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Understanding the extent, source, and complexity of deprivations among the multidimensionally poor contributes to more informed policymaking. In this context, analyze the latest National Multidimensional Poverty Index Report by NITI Aayog. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Safely managed drinking water services, as desired by Jal Jeevan Mission, are designated to give multifarious benefits cutting across generations. Discuss. Also, elaborate upon the challenges in ensuring the mission's success. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Legislation like Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989 remains mere legal documents without intense sensitization of public functionaries and the civil society. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Harbinger of global rebalancing, India-Africa ties are a beacon of inclusive, sustainable, and equitable world. Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How do ASEAN centrality, rules-based order, and development partnership with Pacific Island states make Indo-Pacific a theatre of opportunity for India? What are the hurdles in realisation of an inclusive Indo-Pacific construct? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3488,"topper":"Jeetkumar Namha","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/JEETKUMAR_NAMHA_SS_GS_1_AIR_606_76480112c1.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Religious philosophies had a profound impact on the development of Mauryan Architecture. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"The fall of the Maratha Empire removed the last hurdle on the path to British paramountcy in India. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The Home Rule Movement created a transition from 'prayer' and 'petition' to 'demand' and 'agitation'. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"'The war to end all wars failed to enshrine peace and stability in the world.' Discuss the statement in the context of the First World War. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"The Indo-Gangetic plains are highly prone to heatwaves.\" Discuss the causes and suggest suitable measures for management. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How does geomorphology influence the soil character? Discuss with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Evaluate the status of India's mangrove ecosystem and its function as a bioshield with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Stress on the Himalayan geo-resources threatens the lifeline of a billion population. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Caste as social capital is deployed more for parochial interests than for social unity. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Assess the impact of women organizations in bridging the gender divide in Indian society. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Educational and Socio-Cultural initiatives of the British regenerated the sense of reasoning in Indian society. Critically examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Constitutional developments in British India were reactive rather than genuine efforts for good governance. Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Ocean currents moderates the thermal extremities along the coastal regions. Discuss the statement with suitable examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Global warming opens a new world of opportunities in the arctic region. Critically examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Competing demand for land as a resource limits the development of mega solar parks in India.' In the light of the statement, evaluate the potential of rooftop solar power in meeting renewable energy targets for India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Give an account on the distribution of rare earth elements (REE). Discuss their importance for the fourth industrial revolution. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"India's improvement over the multidimensional poverty index juxtaposes performance in global hunger index. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Mention the challenges faced by Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG). Discuss the significance of PM-JANMAN in empowering the tribal community. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"The patriarchal interpretation of religious beliefs shaped the contemporary socio-economic status of women in India. Discuss with suitable examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3489,"topper":"Jeetkumar Namha","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/JEETKUMAR_NAMHA_SS_GS_2_AIR_606_68f4a0ecf6.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Resource collection and redistribution remains a keystone in federal structure. How enactment of 101st Constitutional Amendment Act strengthens federalism? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"A Governor has no executive function to be performed independently under the Indian Constitution. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Civil services should focus more on the outcomes rather than on strict adherence to internal procedures. Critically examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"How can e-governance initiatives be leveraged to strengthen Panchayati Raj institutions and enhance citizen participation in local governance in India? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Self help groups (SHGs) create collective efforts towards financial inclusion and robust social capital. Elaborate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Lack of formal associations creates vulnerability to workers in new age companies. Analyze. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Skill development is a crucial factor in reaping the demographic dividend. How does the National Education Policy, 2020 complement the efforts under the National Skill Development Mission? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"High healthcare expenses drag millions into situational poverty. In this light, discuss how the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) has become a safety net. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Taliban's policy on opium has led to a drastic drop in poppy cultivation. Analyze its impact on organized crime in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Geopolitical tensions unchecked often turn into humanitarian crises. Discuss the role of 'World Food Programme' in containing poverty and hunger near battlegrounds. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Exigency of liberty of the individual should always follow the interests of the State. Discuss the statement with reference to Indian Constitutional provisions. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Do you agree that the directive principles function as ‘Conscience of Constitution’ apart from the fundamental rights? Substantiate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Judicial legislation violates the doctrine of separation of power and creates a third chamber for legislation. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Legislative immunity should be limited to actions that have a functional relationship to the discharge of the duty of a legislator. Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"'The Indian Constitution is structurally rooted in colonial legacy while philosophically resonates with modernity.' Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Assess the impact of Article 244 in accommodating diverse cultural systems in India. What are the challenges in extending the provisions to new areas? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Examine the effectiveness of Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act in creating equitable opportunities for differently abled persons. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Does the global hunger index reflect the ground reality in India? Discuss the significance of Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"South Asia is one of the least integrated regions in the world in terms of trade. What are the challenges in building a robust regional economy? Suggest measures to overcome the challenges. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Growing isolation of Russia creates great stress on India-Russia relations and affects the balance of power in Eurasia. Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3490,"topper":"Jeetkumar Namha","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/JEETKUMAR_NAMHA_SS_GS_3_AIR_606_72de74d3d6.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"What are the factors influencing imported inflation in India? Suggest measures to mitigate its impact on the domestic economy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Discuss the potential of impact investments in improving the social sector outcomes in India? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"'Unfinished agenda of land reforms sustains the socio-economic disparities in rural India.' Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Analyze the importance of food processing industries in promoting millets cultivation and consumption in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"'NISAR' is a flagship partnership between India and the USA. Elaborate its role in studying climate change and efficient resource management. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Traditional system of medicine provides great opportunities for medical and wellness tourism in India. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Damage to critical infrastructures amplifies the impact of natural disasters. Discuss the significance of building disaster resilient infrastructure in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What are the environmental and health impacts of metal mining pollution? Suggest measures to mitigate the same. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"'Dark net and crypto currency have emerged as a major internal security challenge to India'. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"In light of recent attacks on merchant vessels in the Arabian Sea, examine the vulnerabilities in India's maritime security framework. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the impact of disinvestment programmes on improving the efficiency of the Indian economy with suitable examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Demand-driven and future-ready skill development is essential to leverage the demographic dividend. Discuss the statement in the context of the skill development initiatives announced in the Budget 2024-25. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Examine the influence of socio-economic factors on cropping patterns across different regions. Discuss the potential trade off between economic viability and ecological sustainability in crop selection. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Agri-startups have huge potential for socio-economic transformation in rural India. Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Quantum computers provide great technical breakthroughs in the field of computing while opening new security threats.' Assess the preparedness of India for the quantum era. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Deepfakes blur the line between reality and illusion, transforming pixels into convincing lies that challenge our perception of truth. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Legacy landfills need immediate attention to mitigate the multiple environmental hazards in Urban spaces. Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Do you agree that our understanding of wastelands is limited? Substantiate your opinion with reference to the solar parks in the habitat of Great Indian Bustard. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"The CRPF performs a variety of duties to uphold our national security. Comment on the diverse challenges that CRPF has to navigate while performing its duties. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"The presence of extremism and insurgency goes beyond the reason of under development. Analyze the statement with reference to North East states of India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3491,"topper":"Jeetkumar Namha","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/JEETKUMAR_NAMHA_SS_GS_4_AIR_606_653aaef677.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Analyse the ethical implications of using generative artificial intelligence in creative industries. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"How can implementing citizen charters enhance transparency and combat corruption in public institutions? Support your answer with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What are the key teachings of Thiruvalluvar, and how are they relevant in today's world? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What does each of the following quotations mean to you in the present context? a) \"In a conflict between the heart and the brain, follow your heart\" - Swami Vivekananda (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Attitude shapes our perceptions and intentions, but behaviour is the tangible expression of these internal states in real-world actions. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"How does emotional intelligence contribute to overcoming challenges and achieving success in high-stress environments? Discuss its impact on resilience and decision-making. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What are the ethical concerns surrounding developed nations setting climate targets for developing countries without providing adequate financial support? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Misusing of benefits intended for the weaker sections of society leads to various moral consequences. Discuss. How can such misuse be prevented to ensure equitable distribution of resources? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"How should individuals address ethical dilemmas where adherence to organisational policies conflicts with personal moral principles? Illustrate with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":39,"question":"You are a renowned financial influencer with a substantial online following, celebrated for your astute investment advice. One day, Digital PayTech, a leading company in the digital payments sector, reaches out to you. They hope to leverage your influence to attract more investors and strengthen their position as a market leader. Enthusiastic about the promising growth potential in digital payments and eager to present what seems like an excellent investment opportunity, you agree to endorse Digitalpaytech stocks. Digital PayTech, a publicly traded entity, has made a name for itself by developing secure and user-friendly digital payment solutions. Their innovative approach has garnered industry acclaim, and they are recognized as pioneers in transforming the payment landscape. Eager about the partnership, you create engaging content endorsing Digital PayTech's stocks, highlighting their cutting-edge technology and the surging demand for digital payment solutions. Trusting your expertise, your followers invest in Digital PayTech's stocks. However, unexpected challenges soon arise. New compliance requirements bring in stringent rules on financial reporting and data protection, creating operational hurdles. Changes in licensing and authorization severely impact Digital PayTech's market presence and service offerings. Additionally, heightened security standards necessitate significant investments in cybersecurity. Sudden alterations in fee structures and pricing regulations adversely affect the company's revenue models and profitability. Amidst these challenges, financial mismanagement within Digital PayTech comes to light, casting doubt on the accuracy of their reported financial statements. These cumulative issues lead to a sharp decline in Digital PayTech's stock value, resulting in financial losses for your followers who had invested based on your recommendation. The financial influencer now faces the challenge of addressing the repercussions of the failed endorsement. Followers express disappointment and frustration, questioning the due diligence process and decision-making behind the recommendation. Legal inquiries and regulatory investigations intensify, adding to the complexity of the situation. a) List the moral values that will guide you. b) What are the ethical issues involved in the given case? c) What are the options available to you? Evaluate each of these options and choose the option you would adopt giving reasons. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The government has proposed a phased strategic disinvestment of the State Public Sector Bank, allowing private companies to acquire stakes and manage various banking operations. This decision has sparked widespread outrage among the bank employees, leading to a strike. As the head of the workers' union, you attended a crucial meeting with state officials, where they outlined issues such as inefficiency, corruption, and deteriorating service quality. The officials presented data showing that the bank has been operating at a significant loss for several years, with mounting non-performing assets (NPAs), outdated technology, and increasing customer complaints about poor service. In response, you presented the workers' perspective, emphasising their long-standing grievances. The employees are concerned about job security, fearing that privatisation will lead to mass layoffs, reduced benefits, and a loss of the job stability traditionally associated with public sector employment. There are also concerns about the potential for increased fees and reduced access to banking services for lower-income customers. Meanwhile, the state public sector bank is in a dire state. Branches are frequently understaffed, leading to long queues and delays, and customers are facing issues with accessing basic banking services, leading to a massive public outcry. The media has picked up the story, with reports highlighting the plight of the employees and the inconvenience to the public. The situation is tense, with public protests growing louder and the strike showing no signs of abating. The deadlock between the two parties has intensified, with neither side willing to compromise. Amidst this standoff, state officials have approached you with an offer of a substantial bribe and other perks to secure your compliance with the privatisation plan. They argue that this phased approach is necessary to modernize the banking sector, attract investment, and ensure sustainable operations. a) What are the ethical issues involved in the given case? b) What are the options available to you? Evaluate each of these options and choose the option you would adopt giving reasons. c) Based on the given case study, mention steps taken to improve the banking sector in India. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"Ms. Radhika, a dedicated civil servant tasked with overseeing the Right to Education (RTE) implementation in her state, is jolted by the tragic death of Rani, a Dalit student, who succumbed to injuries inflicted by a teacher's violent assault. The incident rapidly gains media attention, sparking intense demands for accountability and justice from the opposition. Reflecting on her past visits to schools, Ms. Radhika remembers Rani as a promising and eager learner, whose enthusiasm was marred by the harsh reality of social exclusion. Rani's caste marked her for isolation, both from peers and teachers. She recalls the evident disparity in her treatment—fewer opportunities, less attention, and unfair bias directly linked to her caste identity. Upon deeper scrutiny, Ms. Radhika uncovers systemic flaws within the urban education framework. Complaints about caste discrimination during school admissions surfaced, revealing a failure to uphold RTE's core tenets. Admission policies and classroom environments perpetuated caste biases, with students from marginalised backgrounds facing segregation and unfair treatment. Educational materials often reinforced caste prejudices, while parents from lower-caste communities struggled to engage in their children's schooling due to systemic barriers. The situation deteriorates further when local politicians, motivated by caste biases, attempt to suppress the incident, thus obstructing justice for Rani. Political pressure influences the administration to downplay the issue, risking the concealment of the deeper, systemic inequalities in urban education. Ms. Radhika faces a daunting challenge: addressing these injustices while navigating potential backlash from influential communities and safeguarding her own career amidst the turmoil. a) What are the ethical issues involved in the given case for Ms. Radhika? b) List the moral values that will guide her. c) How can Ms. Radhika ethically navigate the entrenched nature of caste-based discrimination within the urban education system? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":3492,"topper":"Jeevesh Shrotriya","air":446,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/JEEVESH_SHROTRIYA_ESSAY_RANKER_PROGRAMME_TEST_1_AIR_446_96a0a66531.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3493,"topper":"Jeevesh Shrotriya","air":446,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/JEEVESH_SHROTRIYA_ESSAY_RANKER_PROGRAMME_TEST_2_AIR_446_d5036d2fdb.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3494,"topper":"Jeevesh Shrotriya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/JEEVESH_SHROTRIYA_SS_GS_1_PROGRAMME_TEST_2_AIR_446_fe1ca10347.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Religious philosophies had a profound impact on the development of Mauryan Architecture. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"The fall of the Maratha Empire removed the last hurdle on the path to British paramountcy in India. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The Home Rule Movement created a transition from 'prayer' and 'petition' to 'demand' and 'agitation'. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"'The war to end all wars failed to enshrine peace and stability in the world.' Discuss the statement in the context of the First World War. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"The Indo-Gangetic plains are highly prone to heatwaves.\" Discuss the causes and suggest suitable measures for management. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How does geomorphology influence the soil character? Discuss with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Evaluate the status of India's mangrove ecosystem and its function as a bioshield with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Stress on the Himalayan geo-resources threatens the lifeline of a billion population. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Caste as social capital is deployed more for parochial interests than for social unity. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Assess the impact of women organizations in bridging the gender divide in Indian society. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Educational and Socio-Cultural initiatives of the British regenerated the sense of reasoning in Indian society. Critically examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Constitutional developments in British India were reactive rather than genuine efforts for good governance. Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Ocean currents moderates the thermal extremities along the coastal regions. Discuss the statement with suitable examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Global warming opens a new world of opportunities in the arctic region. Critically examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Competing demand for land as a resource limits the development of mega solar parks in India.' In the light of the statement, evaluate the potential of rooftop solar power in meeting renewable energy targets for India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Give an account on the distribution of rare earth elements (REE). Discuss their importance for the fourth industrial revolution. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"India's improvement over the multidimensional poverty index juxtaposes performance in global hunger index. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Mention the challenges faced by Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG). Discuss the significance of PM-JANMAN in empowering the tribal community. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"The patriarchal interpretation of religious beliefs shaped the contemporary socio-economic status of women in India. Discuss with suitable examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3495,"topper":"Jha Samixa Satyendra","air":362,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/JHA-SAMIXA-SATYENDRA-UPSC-2023-Rank-362-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3496,"topper":"Jha Samixa Satyendra","air":362,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/JHA-SAMIXA-SATYENDRA-UPSC-2023-Rank-362-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3497,"topper":"Jha Samixa Satyendra","air":362,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/JHA-SAMIXA-SATYENDRA-UPSC-2023-Rank-362-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3498,"topper":"Jha Samixa Satyendra","air":362,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/JHA-SAMIXA-SATYENDRA-UPSC-2023-Rank-362-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3499,"topper":"Jigyasu Agrawal","air":326,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/a4911661fb63cf32bd7e1d24c76e3051/30/mt23fltra004_tc061.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3500,"topper":"Jigyasu Agrawal","air":326,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/a4911661fb63cf32bd7e1d24c76e3051/31/mt23fltra004_tc062.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3501,"topper":"Jigyasu Agrawal","air":326,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Jigyasu-Agrawal-UPSC-IAS-2023-Toppers-AIR-326-Sample-MGP-Essay-Copy.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3502,"topper":"Jigyasu Agrawal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/80/mt23fltra004_tc001-test-01-gs-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"The fabric of Indian philosophical thought owes as much to Northern India as to Southern India. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"The Indian society's impulse for social change and reform was a response to its opposition to colonial rule. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"What are the factors that led to the Russian revolution and what are the consequences of this revolu...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"Discuss the various factors responsible for the uneven temperature distribution on Earth's surface.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"The White Revolution was most successful in the Western part of India. Discuss the factors for this regional success of the White Revolution.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"To what extent does seismic investigation contribute to our understanding of the Earth's interior structure? Analyze its significance in detail.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"The pace of demographic transition varies across different states of India making population growth a double-edged sword. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"The ethnic and cultural diversity in India has always been bound by the thread of unity. Discuss the...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"The dichotomy in public and private life in Indian society acts as a major barrier to the annihilation of caste. Justify.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3503,"topper":"Jigyasu Agrawal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/748520c30390b56bbbd3f8693a3b3ea3/63/mt23fltra004_tc001-test-01-gs-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The fabric of Indian philosophical thought owes as much to Northern India as to Southern India. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The Indian society's impulse for social change and reform was a response to its opposition to colonial rule. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What are the factors that led to the Russian revolution and what are the consequences of this revolution? Discuss its influence on the Indian national movement. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the various factors responsible for the uneven temperature distribution on Earth's surface. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The melting of glaciers due to climate change has serious implications for the ecosystem and human society. Discuss the effects of melting glaciers on the environment and the measures that can be taken to address this issue. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The White Revolution was most successful in the Western part of India. Discuss the factors for this regional success of the White Revolution. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"To what extent does seismic investigation contribute to our understanding of the Earth's interior structure? Analyze its significance in detail. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The pace of demographic transition varies across different states of India making population growth a double-edged sword. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The ethnic and cultural diversity in India has always been bound by the thread of unity. Discuss the major factors that have contributed to the cultural unity of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The dichotomy in public and private life in Indian society acts as a major barrier to the annihilation of caste. Justify. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"India was forced into numerous wars post Independence. Highlight the causes and impact of the Indo-Pak and Indo-China wars on our bilateral relationships. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The process of consolidation of Bengal, which started after the Battle of Plassey culminated in the Battle of Buxar. Do you think the Battle of Buxar was more important for the British than Plassey? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Sanskrit literature in general and particularly in the Guptan age set a high watermark for the literary history of ancient India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The configuration of the ocean floor provides essential information about the geological processes that have shaped the Earth's surface. Discuss the major features of the ocean floor and their significance in the study of oceanography. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"With the growing demand for rare earth elements, their distribution has critical aspect of the global economy. Discuss the distribution of rare earth elements across the world, their uses, and the environmental impact of their extraction. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Tourism in the hilly states is threatening to exceed the ecological carrying capacity of the region. Analyze the factors contributing to this trend and evaluate the potential Environmental impacts of this phenomenon. What measures can be taken to ensure sustainable tourism in these states? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The Indian monsoon is a complex phenomenon influenced by various climatic factors. Critically examine the role of oceanic and atmospheric factors in determining the intensity and distribution of monsoon rainfall in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Why do traditions in our society impede change? To what extent can social legislation be instrumental against old customary practices? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Slums are not 'problems' that have to be 'solved' – but are indeed a result of lopsided and vested urban policies covering infrastructure provision and socio-economic issues. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Communalism gains strength from economic deprivation, and thrives in environments of social exclusion, creating fertile ground for discontent and division. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3504,"topper":"Jigyasu Agrawal","air":326,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/748520c30390b56bbbd3f8693a3b3ea3/65/mt23fltra004_tc005-test-05-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3505,"topper":"Jigyasu Agrawal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/748520c30390b56bbbd3f8693a3b3ea3/67/mt23fltra004_tc006-test-06-gs-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"\"Interstate border disputes, if not promptly and impartially settled, can transform into persistent issues that impede development and generate friction.\" Highlighting the constitutional and legal framework to resolve interstate disputes, explain why independent India has failed to resolve inter-state border disputes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Examine the role of the Inter-state Council in promoting vertical (Centre-State) and horizontal (Inter-State) Intergovernmental cooperation and coordination. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Discuss the key function of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). What steps should be taken to revitalize the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in order to enhance its effectiveness as a true guardian of public funds? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Recognizing the pivotal role of urbanization as a driver of national economic growth, the Fifteenth Finance Commission has suggested major reforms for Urban Local Bodies. Evaluate the recommendations put forward by the Fifteenth Finance Commission in promoting and revitalizing ULBs in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Highlight the key differences in the scope of Freedom of speech and expression as provided under parliamentary privileges vis a vis Fundamental rights. Why is it necessary to maintain a balance between parliamentary privilege and fundamental rights? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Civil society organizations play a pivotal role in fostering collective private action for the public good. What challenges do they face in local resource mobilization (LRM) and corporate funding through corporate social responsibility (CSR)? Also, suggest measures. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The first step to eradicating poverty is reliable poverty assessment for program design, implementation and monitoring. In this context discuss the methodology and significance of NITI Aayog's National Multidimensional Poverty Index. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"In the context of India, despite the presence of constitutional provisions, legal precedents, and international commitments that establish a robust foundation for a right to health, why has there been a lack of legal recognition of this right? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The collective strength of BRICS nations allows for meaningful cooperation on myriad issues, however, the platform's ability to influence the trajectory of bilateral relationships remains limited. Do you agree? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"In light of the recent demands to amend the Indus Waters Treaty, discuss the possible implications it could have on the water-sharing mechanism between India and Pakistan. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The doctrine of Parliamentary sovereignty and judicial supremacy has exerted considerable influence in shaping the constitutional frameworks of India and the USA. Citing relevant case laws, discuss the role of the judiciary in influencing the constitutions in these countries. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the role of the Supreme Court of India in strengthening the hands of the Election Commission in the discharge of its constitutional responsibility of conducting free and fair elections in the country. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss the crucial role played by the National Commission of Women in shaping the gender-sensitive laws in India. To what extent the elevation of the National Commission for Women to a constitutional body would reinforce its authority? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":23,"question":"Corruption corrodes the fabric of governance, eroding the public's faith in democratic institutions. Examine the potential of harmonizing the Right to Information (RTI) Act, the Whistleblower Protection Act (WBPA), and the Lokpal & Lokayuktas Act, 2013, to enhance the effectiveness of the anti-corruption regime. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"India is uniquely positioned on the world map for its rich culture. In this context discuss the role of culture, diaspora, and democracy as instruments of India's soft power diplomacy. To what extent has India been able to position itself as a 'smart power'? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3506,"topper":"Jigyasu Agrawal","air":326,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/748520c30390b56bbbd3f8693a3b3ea3/68/mt23fltra004_tc002-test-02-gs2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3507,"topper":"Jigyasu Agrawal","air":326,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/67/mt23fltra004_tc002-test-02-gs2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3508,"topper":"Jigyasu Agrawal","air":326,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/75/mt23fltra004_tc006-test-06-gs-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3509,"topper":"Jigyasu Agrawal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/748520c30390b56bbbd3f8693a3b3ea3/69/mt23fltra004_tc007-test-07-gs-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Elaborate on the difference between Capital Account and Current Account as components of Balance of Payment (BOP). Suggest a few measures to balance the BOP deficit of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The logistics sector is one of the important components of the growth of the manufacturing industry. Discuss. Also, mention various components of the recently announced National Logistics Policy 2022. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"What is India's stand on the New Agreement on Fisheries subsidies under WTO? How is the Fisheries sector significant for India? Enumerate the steps taken by the Government to develop this sector. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Analyze the systemic and institutional constraints that continue to hinder land reform efforts in India and propose pragmatic solutions to ensure equitable distribution of land. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"What are the unique features and capabilities of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, and how has it contributed to India's defence capabilities and strategic position in the region? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"In line with the country's efforts to explore the depths of the ocean and harness the resources it holds, the Indian government has proposed a deep-sea exploration mission Samudrayaan. How can this mission contribute to the advancement of ocean science and technology in the country? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What is Global Methane Pledge? Do you think the Global Methane Pledge is a positive step toward mitigating methane emissions? Explain India's stance on this issue. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of disaster management in public health. Discuss the key strategies and challenges for managing pandemics and other infectious disease outbreaks. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"The resource curse of Eastern and Central India has been a crucial driver of LWE\". Elaborate and suggest measures for sustainable and inclusive development of the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"In light of the declining trend of violence in the North East and J&K region do you think that AFSPA has lived its utility? Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"International trade is centred on the dominant currency paradigm (DCM). Critically Analyze the importance of Hard currency in International trade and Discuss the potential of rupee acceptance in global trade as an alternative to dollar imperialism. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":15,"question":"A demographic dividend does not ensure growth; it only generates potential. Discuss the steps made by the government to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the demographic transition. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":18,"question":"Genome editing holds immense potential for crop improvement, but it also raises ethical and safety concerns. How far do the new guidelines for the safety assessment of genome-edited plants in India, ensure the safety of genetically modified crops? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss the impact of direct and indirect farm subsidies on the agriculture sector in India. How have Minimum Support Prices (MSP) affected the agricultural economy? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":22,"question":"Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a rapidly escalating crisis that poses a grave threat to public health worldwide. What are the major contributing factors to the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance, and what steps can be taken to address this global health threat? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":24,"question":"What do you understand by Disruptive innovations? What are some examples of disruptive innovation in recent times, and how have they changed the way industries operate? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Disaster management is not just about responding to emergencies but also about building resilient communities. Discuss the key strategies that can be used to build community resilience and reduce the impact of disasters. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"The transformation of terrorism through the use of new and emerging technologies like metaverse and virtual assets is a matter of concern. How can we counter the use of New and Emerging Technologies for Terrorist Purposes and Elucidate the importance of the \"Delhi declaration\" in this regard? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"\"The Aginpath scheme is a bitter pill needed for the resilience and efficacy of our armed forces.\" Critically Analyze the statement with relevant arguments. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3510,"topper":"Jigyasu Agrawal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/748520c30390b56bbbd3f8693a3b3ea3/64/mt23fltra004_tc003-test-03-gs-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"What do you understand by Windfall tax? Do you think that windfall taxes can effectively redistribute wealth and promote greater economic equality? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the perceived successes and challenges of implementing inflation targeting under the new Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) regime. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Assess the potential of millet production in promoting sustainable agriculture and improving food security in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Jal Jeevan Mission has the potential to end the regional disparity in the availability and accessibility of drinking water. Highlighting the significance of the mission, discuss the underlying impediments in achieving the desired objectives. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"What do you understand by Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)? Discuss its applications and how it can revolutionize the energy program of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss in brief developments and challenges in the Gaganyaan mission of ISRO. What are the possible benefits of the mission for the society? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Green hydrogen can be the silver bullet in our quest to tackle climate change and pollution. Critically analyze the statement in light of India's National Green Hydrogen mission. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are the key lessons for disaster management and environmental conservation in the Himalayan region, in light of the recent disaster in Joshimath, Uttarakhand? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The recent radical trends in Punjab show that the Khalistan issue is still simmering. Discuss the statement with respect to recent developments and suggest measures to handle it. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The anonymity and ease of drone operation contribute to the challenges of India's border security. Elaborate and give suggestions to tackle the drone problem in border areas. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Electricity Amendment Bill, 2022 brings several advantages for consumers, DISCOMs as well as the environment. Elaborate. Also, list out its shortcomings and suggest some measures to overcome them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":15,"question":"Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) plays an important role in the regulation of the share market and safeguarding the interests of investors. In the light of given statement, highlight the challenges faced by the SEBI and suggest reforms in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":17,"question":"Despite being a major contributor to the Indian economy, the agriculture sector is plagued by several constraints that impede its growth and development. Discuss the role of technology in overcoming these constraints. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":24,"question":"The Formation of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure brings more robustness to the Disaster Management approach in India. Comment and justify the need for a new strategy to tackle Disasters in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The recent rise in ransomware attacks targeting critical infrastructure and major corporations has highlighted the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity measures and policies. Discussing the key factors contributing to this trend, analyze the impact of these attacks on various sectors. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"In the context of border security, how can cooperation and coordination between different security agencies be improved to ensure effective and efficient management of coastal and terrestrial borders? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3511,"topper":"Jigyasu Agrawal","air":326,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/63/mt23fltra004_tc003-test-03-gs-3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3512,"topper":"Jigyasu Agrawal","air":326,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/64/mt23fltra004_tc007-test-07-gs-3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3513,"topper":"Jigyasu Agrawal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/62/mt23fltra004_tc004-test-04-gs-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"What do you understand by \"integrity-based civil disobedience\"? Do you think a challenge to personal...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance. \"To tolera...","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3514,"topper":"Jigyasu Agrawal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/748520c30390b56bbbd3f8693a3b3ea3/66/mt23fltra004_tc004-test-04-gs-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Public service requires not merely legal but also morally principled action. Public service requires the public servant to place loyalty to the constitution, laws, and ethical principles. Among the three, which do you think must acquire primacy while carrying out official functions? Why? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand by 'integrity-based civil disobedience'? Do you think a challenge to personal integrity can be a justifiable cause for responsible disobedience in civil services? Explain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Recent research has shown that emotions significantly impact personal and professional lives. What are the primary emotions that negatively and positively impact workplace productivity? Explain with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Technical efficiency ensures resource utilization and social efficiency ensures fulfillment of social needs. What does ethical efficiency ensure? Do you think ethical efficiency is more important than technical and social efficiency? Why/Why not? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"Man cannot do right in one department of life whilst he is occupied in doing wrong in any other department.\" Gandhi. Do you think an individual's personal ethics impacts professional life or they both can be compartmentalized? Explain your position with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Goodness is the result of internal imperatives to do what is right, not sanctions from moral rules or rewards from expected consequences. Do you agree? Discuss (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance. (a) \"To tolerate is purely an act of the mind. That is the essence of virtue. To tolerate is a strength.\" (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"In the context of civil service, distinguish between moral and non-moral values. Identify 5 basic moral values that can serve as foundational values for all services irrespective of the department. Give reasons why those values can be considered foundational. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks\", \"(b) , - ? ?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Citizens' involvement in decision-making is critical to ethics in governance. Do you agree that effective civic engagement mechanisms can facilitate an ethics-driven administration? What do you think are the mechanisms that citizens can use for ensuring ethics in governance? (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks\", \"6. (a) , - -- ?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Social transformation programs such as \\\"beti bachao and beti padhao\\\" believes in using advice, counseling, and persuasion but sometimes a little force is also necessary for getting the desired response. Do you think it is a good idea to mix little force with persuasion by public administrators while implementing social schemes of transformation? Explain with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks\", \"(b) ?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Ultimately foreign policy of every country hinges upon the strength which the nation possesses. Strength may be military or financial and may be also moral. Do you think ethical strength without military or financial muscle will be respected in today's world? Explain your position. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks\" ]","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"You are a young officer working with the Municipal Corporation of an industrial city. The city was known for manufacturing ball bearings and auto parts. Most manufacturing units were small-scale units with very little production process automation. The units relied on manual labor, which was in abundance due to the villages close by. As the number of manufacturing units grew, the demand for labor increased, bringing in a steady inflow of laborers into the city. This influx of people into the town led to a mushrooming of slums and encroachments on the sidewalk. Once in a while, the Corporation conducted drives to clear out the slums, but after a turn, the slums came back. The illegal slumhood become an urban nightmare. You were given the responsibility of clearing out the encroachments and slums with the help of Police authorities. As you started the drive, you realized that the people living by the sidewalks are vulnerable compared to the slum dwellers. Many sidewalk dwellers had recently come to the city after selling their properties in their villages. Now if you drive them out, they have no place to go. Your heart went out to them, and you felt that your departmental action was inhumane, but your official responsibilities demanded stern impartial action. You are desperate to find a way to help the sidewalk dwellers without compromising you official duties. (a) What value conflicts do you notice in the above situation? (b) Can an administrator compromise the value of impartiality for empathy? Discuss. (c) What are the options available in the above situation? (d) Suggest visible solutions for tackling illegal slums and encroachments in urban areas. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":20,"question":"A certain State government was running a welfare scheme for promoting safe motherhood among rural landless laborers' families. The scheme involves the transfer of funds to the beneficiaries to enable them to mitigate income loss due to maternal care responsibilities. Since its implementation, the scheme has done reasonably well on maternal health and economic indicators. You are the Director of the Department responsible for implementing and operating the scheme. Recently you have been receiving reports of welfare fraud being committed by families by producing fake bona fide. The families committed the fraud with the help of local officials responsible for scrutinizing the bonafide. You were concerned because the fraud was seriously undercutting the scheme's efficiency. You called for a departmental meeting to discuss and find a solution to the problem. In the meeting, it was decided to merge several available government data sets such as Aadhar cards, voter ID cards, marriage certificates, birth certificates, bank details, and other personal assets. By merging all the data sets, the department would be able to develop the beneficiary's economic profile. And this will help the department scrutinize the documents and detect fraud. This was a comprehensive strategy, but it risked violating an individual's data privacy. As a Department Head, you wanted to detect and prevent fraud, but at the same time, you were apprehensive about violating the Data privacy of the stakeholders. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) Do you think violating data privacy is justified to prevent welfare fraud? Why/Why not? (c) What, according to you, can be the reasons for such welfare frauds happening in the country? (d) Are there any ways and means to prevent such fraud? Give your suggestions. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":21,"question":"You are posted in the Department of Mines, and one of your roles is to invite bids for the mining blocks. You were instructed to oversee the bidding process and speed up the contract negotiations. As planned, the tenders were released, bids came in, and tenders were allocated as per the norms. All this happened at a breakneck speed. You wondered, why the hurry? But it was not your place to think and question; you quietly went about your work. As the contractors were about to start operations, you had to instruct them on environmental concerns to watch out for. And to do that, you read the environmental impact assessment report submitted by a consulting firm hired by the department. To your surprise, the report was shoddy and looked cooked up. You got suspicious and raised the issue with your Head, who politely instructed you to do what you were told, and he reminded you that the Department had revenue targets and was under pressure from the Ministry. After the meeting, you, on your own accord, did some digging and found out that the report was fraudulent and the mining activity that was about to start would lead to a massive environmental disaster which the State could not afford. (a) What are the issues and value violations you notice in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you? (c) Discuss the advantage and disadvantages of each option and identify your chosen course of action. (d) Do you think that environmental considerations are sometimes overrated at the cost of development? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Mr. Sharma was the All India Sales Head of a pharmaceutical company with a turnover of 400 crores. The company's main markets were small towns and tier 2 cities. Further, the company did a sizeable amount of business with state government hospitals and health centers. Mr. Sharma had given a lot of freedom to field sales agents to strike deals and negotiate prices with clients. This strategy worked well for the company. Recently Mr. Sharma received word that three company employees were selling products to government hospitals and health centers at a higher price than they were selling to other private hospitals and health centers. The employees were with the company for over five years and were good performers. A few sales staff informally raised the issue of the three getting relatively higher commissions because of their inflated deals. And this was creating a sense of unease among the sales staff. A cursory review of the account of the three showed that, in many instances, the government hospitals were paying more than other private institutions. Under procurement rules, the government is supposed to pay a fair price, one that other cost-conscious customers pay. On inquiry, Mr. Sharma found that the three were not alone; government purchase department officials were helping them scam the Department. Mr. Sharma realized that his sales staff and some corrupt government staff had been defrauding the state exchequer for quite some time. Mr. Sharma immediately reported it to his CEO, and the two discussed how to deal with the sales staff and whether to inform the government about the scam and the involvement of their staff. The issue was informing the government means that there was every possibility that they might be blacklisted, thereby losing a lot of business. Mr. Sharma and CEO were caught in a dilemma regarding how to proceed with the case. (a) What are the ethical and business issues involved in the case? (b) What are the options available to Mr. Sharma and the CEO? (c) Do you think the organizational culture of giving freedom to the sales force led to the issue or was the individual's corrupt nature that led to the problem? Discuss. (d) What ethics mechanisms and steps can the company create and implement to prevent unethical behavior, as mentioned in the case? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3515,"topper":"Jigyasu Agrawal","air":326,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Jigyasu-Agrawal-UPSC-IAS-2023-Toppers-AIR-326-Sample-MGP-Ethics-Copy.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3516,"topper":"Jigyasu Agrawal","air":326,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/69/mt23fltra004_tc005-test-05-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3517,"topper":"Jigyasu Agrawal","air":326,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Jigyasu-Agrawal-UPSC-IAS-2023-Toppers-AIR-326-Sample-MGP-GS-Copy.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3518,"topper":"Jitendra","air":287,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/PRAJAPATI-JITENDRA-MOTILALUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-287-Sample-MGP-COPY-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) \"India's democratic roots are deeply embedded in its ancient civilizational ethos.\" Discuss in the context of India being referred to as the 'Mother of Democracy'.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Elucidate the significance of tiger and elephant figures in Indian mythology, art and architecture.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) The arrival of Lord William Bentinck marked a period of transformation in the British Indian State. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Explain how the American War of Independence deprived Great Britain of one empire, but it strengthened the foundations of another.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 What are Rare Earth Elements (REEs)? Discuss the multi-dimensional implications of uneven distribution of REEs in the world.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6 Highlight the salient differences between the Himalayan and the Peninsular drainage Systems.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) Describe the nature and mode of origin of the main types of rock at the earth's crust.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) The alienation of modern lifestyles from nature has contributed to the ongoing environmental crisis in India: Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) What do you understand by the term 'urbanisation of poverty'? Also, explain how urban poverty differs from rural poverty in India?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) Globalization has redefined the idea of community and kinship in Indian society. Do you agree? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 The flourishing of various art forms during the Kushana period reflects the rich and diverse cultural landscape of the time. What insights does this provide into the socio-cultural aspects of that era?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) Trace the events that led to the Civil Disobedience Movement. What were its outcomes?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 Mahatma Jyotirao Phule's reformist ideas played a significant role in shaping the social foundations of the Indian freedom movement. Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) The interlinking of rivers offers several benefits, but also raises significant socio-economic and environmental concerns. Analyze.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Explain the concept of rain shadow effect. How does it influence the distribution of precipitation and vegetation across mountain ranges?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 Bring out the major features of the Indian monsoon and elaborate upon its causative factors.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 What are the geographical factors responsible for the growth of mangrove vegetation in India? Also highlight its role in coastal ecology.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18) To what extent can the rise of 'Kidfluencers' be seen as a reflection of changing family structures and parental aspirations in Indian society?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19) Women often form the backbone of grassroots movements in India, yet they remain largely invisible and excluded from the decision-making process. Examine.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 Do you agree with the view that social media is a 'double edged sword'? Discuss in the context of its impact on Indian society.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3519,"topper":"Jitendra","air":287,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/PRAJAPATI-JITENDRA-MOTILALUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-287-Sample-MGP-COPY-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) To what extent, in your opinion, have the ideals of the Preamble been realised in the country's 75-year constitutional journey?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) The evolution of property rights in India reflects an intricate relationship that exists between individual rights and public welfare. Discuss this statement with the help of relevant constitutional provisions and case laws.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Under what conditions can the 'National' Emergency be proclaimed by the President of India? What are the consequences when such a proclamation remains in force? When was it last imposed in the country?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) 'Lack of a binding framework for pre-legislative consultations in India limits citizen engagement in the lawmaking.' Propose measures to strengthen the role of public consultation in the legislative process.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) 'The recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission have enabled the States to improve their fiscal conditions.' Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6 In what ways do industry and business associations contribute to socio-economic development in the country? Explain with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7 \"India's poverty lies in the eyes of the beholder.\" In light of this statement, examine the need for a credible and periodically updated poverty estimation framework in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 falls short of achieving its intended objectives. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 'Starved of funds, shackled by geopolitics, WHO is facing a crisis of capacity and credibility.' Discuss the statement in the light of USA's withdrawal and its accusation of the health body of being 'biased towards China and mishandling the COVID-19 pandemic'.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"4 Who's incapacity is visible in various domains from vaccines to medicine?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 The world continues to operate in a 'my terrorist' versus 'your terrorist' paradigm. Explain. What strategies would you suggest to develop a unified, comprehensive, and rules-based global approach to tackle the menace of terrorism?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 Briefly explain the procedure laid down in the Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1951 for the registration of political parties with the Election Commission of India (ECI). What are Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs)? What concerns are associated with them? Does the ECI have powers to de-register a political party?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 Assess the role of NITI Aayog over the past decade in promoting cooperative and competitive federalism.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 'The post of Deputy Speaker goes beyond ceremonial significance and is indispensable to Indian parliamentary democracy.' Discuss with relevant constitutional provisions and conventions. Also, examine the implications of the prolonged vacancy of the Deputy Speaker's post.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) Is the growing demand for stricter regulation of online content justified, or does it pose a threat to the right to freedom of speech and expression? Examine in light of recent judicial pronouncements.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15) Critically examine the 'in-house procedure' adopted by the Apex Court to inquire into allegations of misconduct against judges of constitutional courts in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q:16 Recent controversies over alleged malpractices in the electoral rolls have renewed demands for the mandatory linkage of Aadhaar with Voter ID. What is your opinion? Give reasons in support of your answer.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 Lateral entry into civil services is seen as a reformative step, yet it continues to attract criticism and controversy. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 While rankings aim to benchmark the performance of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), concerns remain about whether current ranking frameworks reflect the broader goals of education. Suggest measures to make the ranking system more objective, inclusive, and aligned with educational and societal outcomes.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Examine the factors behind the growing salience of the Arctic region in international politics. Discuss, in this context, strategies for India to recalibrate its Arctic engagement.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 Bangladesh is a key pillar of India's Neighborhood First policy, but recent developments on both sides threaten to disrupt the 'Sonali Adhyay' in bilateral relations. Analyze.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3520,"topper":"Jitendra","air":287,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/PRAJAPATI-JITENDRA-MOTILALUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-287-Sample-MGP-COPY-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1 \"Besides being a moral imperative of a Welfare State, primary health structure is a necessary precondition for sustainable development.\" Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) To what extent, in your opinion, will the 106th Constitutional Amendment Act help in increasing women's representation and empowerment in the Indian political process?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) The promotion of e-governance is critical for the realization of good governance in the country. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Bring out the potential opportunities of telemedicine in India. Also, elaborate on the challenges in this regard.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) The increasing elderly population in India faces numerous challenges, highlighting the need for a comprehensive policy framework to manage this demographic transition. Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) \"What was hailed as sunshine legislation, has been overshadowed by dark clouds\". Critically examine the statement in the context of implementation of Right to information Act in almost two decades, since its enactment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) The objective of foreign policy is not only to build cordial international relations, but also to ensure national security and help citizens in pursuit of their aspirations. Discuss in context of India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8 Elaborate on the reasons for growing importance of Africa in India's foreign policy framework. Also, underline the contemporary areas of their bilateral engagement.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) Immediate neighbours are \"the first circle of priority\" in India's relation with the world. In this context, highlight the salient features of 'Neighbourhood First' policy. Also, mention the associated challenges.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 Indo-US relations are more robust than ever, but the deepening of the relationship is not without challenges. Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 \"Digital interventions can significantly bridge the learning gaps and improve outcomes in the educational system of the country, but it comes with its own set of challenges\". Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":24,"question":"Challenges in digital interventions in education system","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) The various developmental initiatives by the government have fallen short of achieving their intended objectives. Is it a design issue or an implementation bottleneck? Suggest measures to improve the effectiveness of developmental schemes.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 An archaic and obsolete edifice of civil services does not augur well for a welfare state. Examine the various issues surrounding the civil services in the country. What suggestions would you make for their reform?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) What do you understand by hidden hunger? Identifying the causes, suggest measures to address the challenge of hidden hunger in the country.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 \"The fight against poverty is at the core of the Sustainable Development Goals\". In this context, highlight the interlinkages between poverty alleviation and various SDGs. Also, assess the effectiveness of the measures taken by the government for achieving the same.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) Discuss the role played by the Swachh Bharat Mission over the past decade in bringing a positive change in life of women, children and marginalized communities.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 \"Non-alignment remains a guiding principle, yet the national foreign policy also reflects traits that contrast with it\". Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 The shifting geopolitical dynamics cast a shadow on the India-Russia relationship, but it remains resilient, rooted in trust and shared interests. Examine.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 SCO is seen as a major coordinating and balancing force in the region; however, its position is increasingly challenged by internal contradictions and divergences. In this context, critically evaluate the relevance of SCO in advancing India's interests.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20) Explain the factors that make Indo-Pacific a region of significance for India. What are the impediments in reaping the geo-strategic potential of the Indo-Pacific?","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3521,"topper":"Jitendra","air":287,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/PRAJAPATI-JITENDRA-MOTILALUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-287-Sample-MGP-COPY-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) What constitutes journalistic ethics? Highlight the role of media, particularly mass media, in shaping ethical values in contemporary times.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) The increasing use of digital surveillance technologies for maintaining law and order is a debatable issue. Critically examine the statement from the ethical point of view.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) What do you understand by value conflict? Give an example from your personal life where you faced a conflict between two values. How did you resolve it?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) Knowledge and skills are important, but they must be grounded in ethical principles for true success. In this context, discuss the importance of ethics in education and the role of educational institutions in imparting ethical values.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context?\na) \"Where do the evils like corruption arise from? It comes from the never-ending greed. The fight for corruption-free ethical society will have to be fought against this greed and replace it with 'what can I give' spirit.\" - A.P.J. Abdul Kalam","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What can I give spirit following ways","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"b) \"Your goodness is an impediment in your way, so let your eyes be red with anger, and try to fight the injustice with a firm hand.\" Sardar Patel","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"c) \"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power.\" Abraham Lincoln","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.4) a) How does persuasion help achieve a desired change in attitude? What are the elements of an effective persuasive approach?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"b) While ethics in private and public relations may differ, their impact on one another is undeniable. Discuss with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.5) a) How can responsible and informed social media use be nurtured among children to make the internet a safer space for them?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"b) The philanthropy of influential personalities can serve as a catalyst for fostering ethical conduct and responsibility in society. Explain with the help of examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.6) a) \"In an increasingly complex world, emotional intelligence is a vital skill for civil servants, enabling them to navigate challenges, engage with diverse communities, and drive positive change.\" Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"b) How has the evolution of data-driven targeting from service personalization to behavioral prediction created new ethical challenges for society? Discuss with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7) You are a young and sincere employee who has recently joined a government office as an assistant to the director of your department. Being new to the workplace, you are eager to learn and grow in your role. Your superior, the director, is an experienced and intelligent person with extensive knowledge of various departments. You respect him not just for his professional skills but also for his willingness to guide and mentor you. You have built a good rapport with him and appreciate the chance to learn from such an accomplished individual.\n\nAs your relationship with your boss grows, he begins to rely on you more for work-related tasks. One day, due to ill health, he invites you to his home to help with some urgent work. When you reach his house and are about to ring the doorbell, you hear shouting from inside. Unsure of what to do, you pause for a moment but then decide to enter. Your boss greets you warmly and explains the work, but throughout, you are distracted by the sound of a woman crying in the background.\n\nInitially, you hesitate to ask about the situation, but your concern grows. Finally, you ask your boss about the noise, but his answer is vague and unsatisfactory. He quickly dismisses the matter. Although you finish the work, the unsettling environment leaves you feeling uneasy.\n\nThe next day, you discreetly inquire at the office and learn more about the situation. You discover that, despite your boss's calm and professional demeanour at work, he is abusive toward his wife at home. His wife is a simple woman, not highly educated, and suffers from regular domestic violence. This information shocks you, as it conflicts with the positive image you had of him based on your interactions at work.\n\nThis knowledge puts you in a difficult moral dilemma. On one hand, you respect your boss for his guidance, intelligence, and professionalism. On the other hand, you are aware of his unethical behaviour at home, which violates basic human rights and ethical principles. You struggle to reconcile the two sides of his character, finding it hard to balance your professional relationship with the awareness of his abusive actions at home.\na. Under the given conditions, what are the options available to you? Evaluate each of the options listed by you.\nb. What course of action would you adopt and why?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":30,"question":"a. दी गई परिस्थितियों में आपके पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं? आपके द्वारा सूचीबद्ध प्रत्येक विकल्प का मूल्यांकन करें।\nb. आप कौन-सा कदम उठाएँगे और क्यों?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":34,"question":"Q.8) Gaurav is traveling with his wife and children in their car on a busy Sunday evening. The road is packed with traffic, and the vehicles are barely moving. As they inch forward, Gaurav notices a biker trying to weave through the congested road. In his attempt, the biker accidentally collides with an SUV that is illegally parked in a No Parking Zone. The impact causes the rear-view mirror of the SUV to break, injuring the biker, who starts bleeding profusely.\n\nHearing the loud noise, the owner of the SUV, a local councillor, rushes out of his car in a rage. Furious about the damage, the councillor grabs a metal rod and starts hitting the injured biker. The situation quickly escalates as the councillor vents his anger on the defenceless, bleeding biker. The sight of the violence shocks Gaurav, who is watching from his car.\n\nInstinctively, Gaurav feels the urge to intervene and help the biker, who is being mercilessly beaten. However, as he opens his car door and takes a step forward, his wife stops him. She reminds him of the danger in confronting someone as powerful as the local councillor, especially when Gaurav is unarmed. She points out the risks of standing up to him and the possible consequences that could put their family in harm's way. With their children in the car and the councillor's aggressive behaviour, her concerns about safety seem valid to Gaurav.\n\nHis wife further points out that despite the number of people witnessing the incident, none of them are stepping forward to help. She questions why Gaurav should risk his safety when no one else is willing to take action. This argument adds to Gaurav's growing sense of hesitation, as he sees others choosing to remain bystanders, unwilling to intervene in the dangerous situation.\n\nGaurav glances around from his car window and notices a police constable standing near the scene. For a moment, he feels relieved, hoping that the officer will intervene to stop the violence. However, to his dismay, the officer remains passive, merely watching the councillor continue his assault without stepping in to help. This leaves Gaurav even more conflicted about what to do.\na. Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb. What are the reasons behind rise of road rage incidents in the country?\nc. Suggest measures to reduce incidents of road rage and promote responsible behaviour in public spaces.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"a. इस मामले में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा करें।\nb. देश में सड़क पर रोष की घटनाओं में वृद्धि के पीछे क्या कारण है?\nc. सड़क पर रोष की घटनाओं को कम करने और सार्वजनिक स्थानों पर उत्तरदायी व्यवहार को बढ़ावा देने के उपाय सुझाएँ।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":39,"question":"Q.9 In a southern Indian state, a globally renowned high end mobile manufacturing company advertised job vacancies, attracting many hopeful applicants. Among them were two sisters from a nearby village who applied after seeing advertisements on WhatsApp. Upon arrival at the factory's main gate, a security guard met them and asked a series of questions, including an inquiry about their marital status. After confirming that they were married, they were informed that they could not proceed further. No explanation was provided, leaving them confused and disappointed.\n\nBack in their village, the sisters reflected on their experience and felt dismayed at being denied an opportunity without a clear reason. Even the auto-rickshaw driver who took them to the facility had hinted that married women might not be hired, yet they still hoped for a fair chance.\n\nSubsequent investigations by a prominent international news agency revealed a pattern at the manufacturing facility where married women were systematically excluded from employment opportunities. This practice was not officially documented but was communicated verbally to recruitment agencies responsible for hiring. The revelations sparked significant media uproar, drawing public attention to the issue. The Union Labour Ministry also took cognizance of the situation and sought a report from the state government regarding these discriminatory hiring practices.\n\nUnfortunately, such discriminatory practices are not uncommon in various parts of the world, reflecting broader issues of gender attitudes that persist in many societies.\na. Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case study.\nb. What can be the underlying reasons for discriminatory attitudes toward hiring married women by the company?\nc. How can organizations promote gender equity in their hiring practices?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Q.10 Ramesh has been appointed as the Municipal Commissioner of a coastal city that is grappling with the recurring problem of flooding. Over the years, these floods have led to significant loss of life and extensive property damage, raising serious concerns among residents and policymakers alike. In response to this persistent challenge, Ramesh is committed to finding effective solutions. To identify and address the root causes of the flooding, he established an expert committee tasked with analyzing the situation comprehensively and proposing actionable recommendations.\n\nFollowing extensive and thorough field surveys, the committee identified two primary factors contributing to the city's increasing vulnerability to floods. The first factor is the degradation of wetlands, which serve as critical natural buffers against flooding and play a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance. The second factor is the illegal encroachments on the flood plains of seasonal streams. These encroachments have significantly reduced the streams' ability to carry water, increasing the risk of flooding. In light of these findings, the committee proposed two major interventions: the restoration of wetlands and the removal of unauthorized encroachments on the flood plains. These actions are aimed at effectively restoring the city's natural drainage system and mitigating future flood risks.\n\nRamesh recognizes the necessity of implementing these measures to ensure the city's long-term safety and resilience against flooding. However, he is also aware of the potential human cost associated with these interventions. The illegal structures in question are inhabited by marginalized migrant laborers, and their removal would render many families homeless, significantly impacting their livelihoods. Despite his personal reservations regarding the social implications of these actions, Ramesh feels compelled to proceed with the committee's recommendations, as he believes they are essential for preventing future disasters.\n\nSubsequently, the operation to remove encroachments was launched with the deployment of a police force to ensure safety and order throughout the process. As the clearance of encroachments commenced, the affected residents expressed their opposition vigorously. Protests escalated into violent confrontations, resulting in assaults on officers and vandalism of government vehicles. The situation quickly deteriorated. When the police attempted to disperse the crowd, a stampede ensued. Tragically, this chaos resulted in the deaths of two elderly men. As the in-charge of the situation, Ramesh feels that these lives could have been saved if he had acted differently.\na. Identify the various value conflicts faced by Ramesh in his role as Municipal Commissioner.\nb. Analyze the decision to remove unauthorized encroachments on the flood plains from an ethical perspective.\nc. If you were in Ramesh's position and in charge of the situation, how would you have approached the challenges presented by the encroachment clearance and the resulting protests?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"a. नगर आयुक्त के रूप में रमेश द्वारा सामना किए गए विभिन्न मूल्य संघर्षों की पहचान करें।\nb. बांध के मैदानों पर अनधिकृत अतिक्रमण हटाने के निर्णय का नैतिक दृष्टिकोण से विश्लेषण करें।\nc. यदि आप रमेश की स्थिति में होते और स्थिति के प्रभारी होते, तो अतिक्रमण हटाने और उसके परिणामस्वरूप होने वाले विरोध प्रदर्शनों से उत्पन्न चुनौतियों का आप किस प्रकार सामना करते?\na नगर आयुक्त के रूप में रमेश द्वारा सामना किए गए विभिन्न मूल्य संघर्षों की पहचान करें।\nb बांध के मैदानों पर अनधिकृत अतिक्रमण हटाने के निर्णय का नैतिक दृष्टिकोण से विश्लेषण करें।\nc यदि आप रमेश की स्थिति में होते और स्थिति के प्रभारी होते, तो अतिक्रमण हटाने और उसके परिणामस्वरूप होने वाले विरोध प्रदर्शनों से उत्पन्न चुनौतियों का आप किस प्रकार सामना करते?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":48,"question":"Q.11) Prashant works in a multinational company in a metropolitan city and is visiting his native village during his holiday. While reading the newspaper at home, he came across a distressing news article about a newlywed couple who tragically died in a road accident. Their motorcycle lost control and crashed into a roadside boulder. The police report indicated that none of the riders were wearing helmets, emphasizing that their fatal head injuries could have been avoided had they used this critical safety equipment.\nA few days later, Prashant and his five friends from the village decided to take a road trip to the hills of a neighboring state on their two-wheelers. While riding through urban areas, all the friends wore their helmets, and Prashant felt proud that they prioritized road safety. However, once they entered rural areas, Prashant noticed that everyone removed their helmets almost immediately. He found this behavior puzzling. When he inquired about it, his friends explained that helmet use is strictly enforced in urban areas, where violations can result in hefty fines. In contrast, enforcement is lax in rural areas. As an aware citizen who values road safety and adherence to regulations, Prashant is conscious of the importance of following safety protocols, including helmet use. Concerned for their safety, he encouraged his friends to keep their helmets on. He explained that one should wear helmets not just because it is a legal requirement, but for one's own safety, as helmets significantly reduce the risk of serious injury or death in the event of an accident. Upon hearing this, Prashant's friends teased him, suggesting that he had become too influenced by urban attitudes.\nWhile riding through a scenic area, they passed by a deep gorge and witnessed a motorcycle accident where a rider lost control and crashed into the ravine. The sight was alarming and reminded Prashant of the news article he had read. Once again, he urged his friends to wear their helmets. This time, his friends grew irritated and dismissed Prashant's concerns as unnecessary fear. Prashant recognized that they held a prevailing negative attitude toward wearing helmets, seeing them as an imposition rather than a safeguard.\na Why is there a negative attitude among people regarding wearing helmets?\nb What measures can be taken to bring about positive changes in this attitude?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Q.12) You are the District Magistrate in a region characterized by strong adherence to traditional social norms. While there has been significant legal progress in terms of recognizing the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community, including the decriminalization of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, societal acceptance of this community remains limited. A group of LGBTQIA+ activists recently approached your office, seeking permission to organize a public awareness campaign aimed at promoting acceptance and understanding of gender diversity. The campaign would involve several activities, including seminars in educational institutions to raise awareness about the rights and challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community, a Pride march to celebrate diversity, and the distribution of educational material to promote better understanding of gender identity and sexual orientation. The activists argue that their campaign is in line with the legal developments and human rights frameworks endorsed by the Indian Constitution, and they believe such efforts are essential to promote inclusivity. This initiative is also a way to address stigma and discrimination, fostering a more inclusive environment for the LGBTQIA+ community, which has long been marginalized in society.\n\nHowever, significant opposition to this initiative has emerged, particularly from local religious and community leaders. These leaders argue that such a campaign challenges the deeply rooted cultural and religious values of the region. They fear that openly promoting LGBTQIA+ rights and gender diversity might encourage practices that they believe contradict their traditional beliefs. Some leaders even warned that the campaign could lead to unrest, disrupt social harmony, and provoke protests within the district. The arguments put forth by the opponents of the campaign are grounded in their belief that the recognition and celebration of LGBTQIA+ rights could have a destabilizing effect on the social cohesion of the community. Many of them hold conservative views about gender roles and sexuality, considering the campaign as an affront to their customs and ethos. These concerns are widespread among older generations, and religious bodies fear that such activities could influence younger minds and lead to cultural erosion.\n\nOn the other hand, a younger and more progressive section of the community has expressed strong support for the initiative. They argue that embracing diversity and promoting equality is essential for a modern and inclusive society. This group believes that public campaigns, such as the one proposed, are crucial for educating the masses and eliminating prejudices. They see the campaign as a positive step toward equality and acceptance, aligned with the constitutional values of non-discrimination and equal rights.\na What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by you?\nb Evaluate the options available to you, being District Magistrate of the area.\nc How would you manage and mold the attitudes of conservative groups to ensure harmony in the district while promoting acceptance of the LGBTQIA+ community?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":53,"question":"a. इस परिस्थिति में आपके सामने कौन सी नैतिक दुविधाएं हैं?\nb. क्षेत्र के जिला मजिस्ट्रेट होने के नाते आप अपने पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nc. आप LGBTQIA+ समुदाय की स्वीकृति को बढ़ावा देते हुए जिले में सद्भाव सुनिश्चित करने के लिए रूढ़िवादी समूहों की मनोवृत्ति को कैसे प्रभावित और ढालेंगे?\na इस परिस्थिति में आपके सामने कौन सी नैतिक दुविधाएं हैं?\nb क्षेत्र के जिला मजिस्ट्रेट होने के नाते आप अपने पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nc आप LGBTQIA+ समुदाय की स्वीकृति को बढ़ावा देते हुए जिले में सद्भाव सुनिश्चित करने के लिए रूढ़िवादी समूहों की मनोवृत्ति को कैसे प्रभावित और ढालेंगे?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"}]},{"id":3522,"topper":"Jitendra Kumawat","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/99748-45943301_3128_jitendra_kumawat_rank_412.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"The world must learn to work together, or finally it will not work at all.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Technology, like art, is a soaring exercise of the human imagination.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"We've begun to raise daughters more like sons, but few have the courage to raise our sons more like our daughters.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3523,"topper":"Jitendra Kumawat","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/daee7-45943301_2369_jitendra_kumawat_rank_412.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The energy transition of India's transport sector, significant to fulfil India's commitment to net-zero emissions by 2070, faces several hurdles. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"WTO's Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies lays out rules for prohibiting certain forms of harmful subsidies. Discuss. What are the implications of the agreement on India's fisheries sector? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Although the PM-KISAN Scheme has provided benefits to numerous farmers, it continues to face several significant challenges. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What role can digital technology play in transforming animal husbandry in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"India's traditional knowledge offers solutions for making agriculture sustainable for environmental conservation. Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Comment on the role of media in disaster management in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How is technology transforming India's pharmaceutical industry in terms of drug development and manufacturing? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"How can agrivoltaics, which combines solar energy with farming, be a game changer for Indian agriculture? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Can jointness of the Central Armed Police forces (CAPFs) help in tackling the major security challenges being faced in various parts of India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"How has the linkage between drugs, internet, and terrorism emerged as a significant threat for India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss the role of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) as an investment model for India's infrastructure development. Why are PPPs not a panacea for all infrastructure-related performance problems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Bring out the role of the 'One Nation-One Ration Card' scheme in ensuring food security for vulnerable sections in India. What obstacles must be overcome to make the scheme a success? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Assess whether a new industrial policy is required given the central role of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the prospects and challenges associated with inland waterways as an alternative mode of transportation in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the role played by agricultural cooperatives in enhancing farmers' income, promoting agricultural exports, and strengthening the rural economy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Comment on the success of 'Project Tiger' in protecting the national animal of the country. What further steps are needed for holistic conservation of tigers under the project? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"While the littoral states of the Bay of Bengal have made significant strides in their disaster preparedness, their efficacy has been limited. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The United Nations proclaimed 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. Which technologies in common use today are based on the understanding of quantum mechanics? What are the steps being taken by India in the field of quantum science and technology? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Key institutional and policy changes have spurred defence indigenisation, domestic capital procurement and defence exports in India. Discuss the measures adopted by the Government in this respect and the issues that still persist. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The vulnerability of India's coasts to unlawful activities poses significant threats to national security. Discuss the current security system in place for coastal security. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3524,"topper":"Jitendra Kumawat","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/35e97-45943301_2928_jitendra_kumawat_rank_412.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How does tribal art provide valuable insights into the cultural perspectives and values of Indian tribal communities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What are the key factors that accelerated decolonization post-World War II? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How does human encroachment impact water bodies in urban areas? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How do physical geographical features influence the development and operation of transportation systems? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How are ocean trenches formed? Describe the significant characteristics of these oceanic relief formations. (Answer in 150words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Identify the reasons behind increasing number of extreme rainfall events throughout India in recent times. Assess their socio-economic impact. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"India is expected to have the largest working-age population in the world by 2030 and it cannot afford low participation of women in the workforce anymore. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Do you agree that there has been a progressive secularization of caste in India? Support your view with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Why is inequality increasing in India despite the fall in overall poverty? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"How did the competitive and hostile dynamic between Brahminism and Buddhism over funding, followers, and ideology mark the decline of Buddhism? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"European travellers' accounts in the medieval period have played an important role in shaping our understanding of the empires and people of that period in India. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The British victory in the Battle of Plassey in 1757 not just changed the course of Indian history but also that of the world. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Why was it more difficult to rehabilitate refugees in West Bengal as compared to Punjab after partition? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss the economic and social costs associated with the transition from coal to green energy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Explain the process of formation of volcanic calderas. How do they contribute to the scenic beauty of the region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the reasons behind the increased frequency and intensity of heat waves globally? How will it impact global food security? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India's approach to secularism does not merely challenge inter-religious domination but intra-religious domination as well. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Do you agree with the view that Indian cities are turning into landscapes of stark inequality and social exclusion? What steps can be taken to make urban areas more egalitarian in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3525,"topper":"Jitendra Kumawat","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2bbdd-45943301_2930_jitendra_kumawat_rank_412.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How is the rapid growth of the food processing industry leading to food safety challenges in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Under the Public Distribution System of India, the Fair Price Shop (FPS) transformation is an evolving process. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"How are agri-tech startups in India helping farmers in enhancing farm productivity and market access? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the role of digitization of land records in the effective implementation of land reforms in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"To fully exploit its demographic dividend and accelerate economic growth, India needs to adopt a manufacturing-led growth model. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can the resilience of Indian coastal communities be strengthened to tackle the growing natural hazards resulting from climate change? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What is the need for NavIC when existing satellite navigation systems are already available? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Cyber-enabled financial crime has emerged as the new frontier of global money laundering. Discuss. How can the government address this issue? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The Indian Army is observing the year 2024 as the 'Year of Technology Absorption'. In light of this, explain why there is a need for technology absorption in the defence sector of India. What challenges can India face in this initiative? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What are the issues faced in the development of trade and industries in the North-Eastern Region (NER) of India? Comment on the measures that have been taken to tackle these issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the era of climate change and growing water scarcity, how can micro-irrigation systems contribute to sustainable agricultural practices in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What strategies can be adopted to overcome the issues pertaining to freight transportation in the Indian Railways and increase its share in the domestic freight? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the factors that have aided India in making impressive strides in the renewable energy sector and establishing itself as a frontrunner in the global renewable energy transition. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"How does agricultural runoff containing fertilizers and pesticides contribute to environmental pollution? What measures can be taken to mitigate the impact of agricultural runoff? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The growing influx of tourists in Himalayan states has breached their ecological carrying capacity, leading to significant man-made disasters. What measures can be implemented to prevent such disasters while promoting sustainable tourism? Discuss with relevant examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"How do superconductors fuel innovation in diverse fields of science and technology? Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"While India has laws covering almost all types of intellectual property rights, numerous enforcement, regulatory and administrative challenges hamper the commercialisation of IPRs in India. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Keeping in view the challenges in creating integrated theatre commands, examine how the theaterisation of commands can lead to greater integration and rationalisation of manpower and resources among the three services. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Treating border villages as first villages not just geographically but also in terms of facilities can be a key strategy for enhancing border security. Discuss. Also, highlight the measures being taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3526,"topper":"Jitendra Kumawat","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d7ad1-45943301_2364_jitendra_kumawat_rank_412.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the criticisms faced by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in fulfilling its mandate of investigating offences of money laundering and violations of foreign exchange laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Why are the Departmentally Related Standing Committees (DRSCs), also known as 'Mini Parliament', not effective in carrying out their functions? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What are the similarities and differences with regard to the separation of powers in India, USA, and UK? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Though measures adopted by the Central government have impacted state finances, the state governments themselves are mainly responsible for the financial challenges they face. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The Supreme Court of India recently recognised that the right against the adverse impacts of climate change is intertwined with the right to life and equality. Discuss the role played by the judiciary in constitutionalization of environmental issues. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"SHG federations have emerged as an important institutional innovation to sustain SHGs in India. Discuss. What inadequacies hamper their functioning? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Frequent transfers are a pervasive problem among the higher civil service in India. Discuss the drawbacks associated with frequent transfers of civil servants and suggest reforms to overcome this issue. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Despite being a major food producer and implementing extensive nutrition programmes, why does India continue to struggle with the malnutrition crisis? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"India's close engagements with Iran would continue even if it may cause discomfort with the West.\" In the light of the above statement, explain why maintaining a relationship with Iran is significant for India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the role of the India-China Border Peace and Tranquility Agreement (BPTA) in effectively diffusing border tensions between India and China. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"To what extent, in your opinion, can holding simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies augment overall governance in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The Indian Constitution is a living document that has evolved with time to reflect the changing needs and aspirations of the society. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"How do the deficiencies in the Indian criminal justice system impact the human rights of undertrial prisoners? What reforms are necessary to address these deficiencies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Why has the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) not been able to effectively carry out its role as the watchdog of human rights in India? What are the reasons that have prevented it from getting accreditation from the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI)? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the background and key provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. List the implementation challenges that the Act faces. What measures can improve its effectiveness? Refer to Supreme Court judgments in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"With issues of prejudice and partisanship associated with Speakers of State Legislative Assemblies, should the powers under the anti-defection law be taken away from their hands? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Recently, the UGC released regulations for establishment and operation of campuses by foreign universities in India. Discuss the reasons for allowing the entry of Foreign Higher Educational Institutions (FHEIs) in India. What are the major obstacles in ensuring their smooth entry? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"To what extent has the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) achieved its core objectives? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"\"Changing geopolitical realities make the strategic location of the Bay of Bengal crucial to the wider concept of the Indo-Pacific.\" In the light of the above statement, discuss the role of the BIMSTEC in enhancing regional cooperation and promoting stability. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Discuss how India's expanding defence diplomacy strengthens its influence in the neighbourhood. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3527,"topper":"Jitendra Kumawat","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1dee9-45943301_2370_jitendra_kumawat_rank_412.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Does moral conscience always complement laws, rules, and regulations in ethical decision-making? Support your answer with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Compassion towards weaker sections of society is essential and non-negotiable in a country like India. Examine with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Corruption exists and thrives in Indian society because it is socially accepted and even seen as aspirational. Do you agree with this view? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Social accountability is increasingly recognized as a means of enhancing democratic governance and improving service delivery. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"\"The human voice can never reach the distance that is covered by the still small voice of conscience.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Fortitude is the marshal of thought, the armor of the will, and the fort of reason.\" - Francis Bacon. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"\"Character is repeated habits, and repeated habits alone can reform character.\" - Swami Vivekananda (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"How can organizations balance healthy competition while preventing undue pressure on employees? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Formation of attitudes is a crucial aspect of the socialization process. Discuss the various factors that contribute to the development of attitudes in individuals. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Conflicts are inevitable in any workplace, and administrative roles are no exception. In light of this, discuss the role of emotional intelligence in conflict management. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Discuss how attitude plays a crucial role in shaping our perceptions and interactions with the world. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Recent studies indicate that Generation Z is experiencing higher levels of loneliness than the previous generations. What are the possible reasons for this trend? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":55,"question":"Vikram, a senior data scientist, is leading a team to develop an Artificial Intelligence (AI) system for a e-commerce platform. He has to enhance customer experience by providing personalized recommendations based on user behaviour. The success of this project is critical not only for the company's growth but also for Vikram's team, which has been underperforming in the recent months. The stakes are high, and the team is at risk of suspension if it fails to deliver on this project. To improve the accuracy of the AI algorithms, Vikram's team considers incorporating sensitive personal information, including users' purchasing history, location data, health records and social media activities. While this could significantly enhance the system's effectiveness, it raises concerns about privacy and the potential misuse of sensitive data. Also, a data breach has occurred earlier on the e-commerce platform, and personal information of thousands of users was exposed to unauthorized entities. The incident became widely publicized, leading to regulatory scrutiny and potential legal action against the company. Vikram faces pressure from the company's marketing department to prioritize revenue generation over user privacy. The marketing team suggests implementing tactics that subtly encourage users to make more purchases, even if it means manipulating their preferences or creating a sense of urgency. (a) Identify the ethical issues faced by Vikram in developing the AI system. (b) What are the options available to Vikram in addressing this case? (c) How can ethics be an integral component of AI systems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":56,"question":"Identify the ethical issues faced by Vikram in developing the AI system. (b) What are the options available to Vikram in addressing this case? (c) How can ethics be an integral component of AI systems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3528,"topper":"Jitendra Kumawat","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a2925-45943301_2931_jitendra_kumawat_rank_412.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The end cannot justify the means, for the simple and obvious reason that the means employed determine the nature of the ends produced. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss how the relationship between law and ethics is dynamic and continuously shaped by societal changes. Provide examples to illustrate this dynamic relationship. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Differentiate between probity and integrity with suitable examples. How do these values contribute to ethical governance and decision-making in the civil services? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the ethical implications of withholding information in public administration. How can transparency enhance accountability and reduce corruption in government institutions? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"There is no school equal to a decent home and no teacher equal to a virtuous parent.\"- Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.\" - Leo Tolstoy (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"To see what is right and not do it is a lack of courage.\" - Confucius (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What factors lead to a positive attitude in a person? How does positive attitude enhance the effectiveness of civil servants in performing their duties? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss how emotional intelligence can influence ethical decision-making in the allocation of scarce public resources. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Various international humanitarian organizations provide emergency aid in conflict zones around the world. Highlight the ethical challenges faced by such organizations. What are the principles that guide international humanitarian work? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Why is persuasion regarded as an important skill for civil servants? What are the key considerations that should guide persuasion in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"What role can ethical leadership play in curbing corruption, especially in public service? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"What were the major teachings of Swami Dayanand Saraswati? Explain their relevance in addressing the current ethical and social challenges in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":38,"question":"Jay, a civil servant, was appointed as the Commissioner of the state's Education Department a year ago. In his initial months, he implemented several policies and programmes that were transforming the Education Ministry's operations, gaining a good reputation that could potentially benefit the concerned minister in the upcoming elections. However, Jay now faces a significant challenge. As part of his responsibilities, he must approve the recruitment of new teachers for government schools. He has received a list of 120 candidates recommended for vacant posts, but suspects the recruitment process was unfair. Jay had also received several complaints claiming that the process had not been meritocratic. Upon review, Jay discovers evidence suggesting that many names on the list are the result of political patronage - a prevalent issue in the state where politicians use recruitment to gain political support. Jay believes the Education Minister is engaging in this practice as the election season approaches. This situation reminds Jay of a past incident when, as a junior officer, he refused to entertain an unnecessary procurement request. Consequently, he was transferred within a week, and he and his family faced frivolous anti-corruption complaints as retaliation. His successor approved the procurement at even higher rates. Jay is now concerned that blocking the current recruitment could lead to similar consequences. In addition, he fears that if he stands against this unfair recruitment process, the projects he personally initiated in the Education Ministry could be terminated. (a) What are the options available to Jay as the Commissioner of the Education Department? Evaluate each of these options. (b) What option should Jay adopt and why? (c) How can civil servants like Jay be better protected when they attempt to uphold ethical standards in their work? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"What are the options available to Jay as the Commissioner of the Education Department? Evaluate each of these options. (b) What option should Jay adopt and why? (c) How can civil servants like Jay be better protected when they attempt to uphold ethical standards in their work? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"As the District Magistrate of X city, you are responsible for overseeing the construction of a new metro depot in an urban forest area, which is a critical infrastructure project aimed at improving public transportation and reducing traffic congestion and air pollution. The project, however, requires the clearance of a substantial portion of the forest, which has triggered strong opposition from environmental activists, local residents, and NGOs. This forest is widely regarded as essential for the city's ecological balance, often referred to as the city's \"lungs.\" In addition to the environmental concerns, you are under considerable pressure from politicians at the state-level to expedite the project, given the upcoming elections in two years. The political leadership emphasizes the benefits of the metro project for the city's development and its potential to garner electoral support. The project is expected to significantly reduce travel time for thousands of commuters and potentially decrease overall vehicle emissions in the city. However, it would also lead to the loss of thousands of trees and disrupt local ecosystems. As you prepare to make a decision, you are aware that your choice will have far-reaching consequences for both the city's development and its environment. (a) Identify the ethical dilemmas involved in the above case. (b) Evaluate the options available to you in the above situation. Which of these would you choose and why? (c) Suggest some measures that could be implemented to balance urban development needs with environmental conservation in future projects. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Dr. Mehra is a senior drug developer at a leading pharmaceutical company in India, renowned for producing various medications, including lifesaving drugs critical for treating chronic and rare diseases. Since its inception, the company has emphasized the quality and affordability of its drugs. Recently, under revised government guidelines, pharmaceutical companies are required to market a finished product only after obtaining \"satisfactory results\" from tests on the ingredients. Additionally, they must retain a sufficient quantity of samples of both intermediate and final products to allow repeated testing or verification of a batch. Dr. Mehra's team is in the final stages of developing a new medication for a rare but life-threatening disease. This drug has shown promising results in clinical trials. However, there have been unresolved concerns about the long-term side effects of the drug, observed in a small percentage of trial subjects. Despite this, the company has not released any major drug in the past decade, leading to significant pressure from the board members to expedite the drug's release. (a) Identify the stakeholders in the above case study. (b) Discuss the ethical issues faced by Dr. Mehra. (c) Analyse the options available to Dr. Mehra in the above case. Which of these would you choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":58,"question":"Arun, renowned for his integrity and dedication, has recently assumed the role of Superintendent at a state Pollution Control Board. This posting, his fourth in just one year, includes the responsibility of overseeing Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs). In his new position, Arun becomes aware of a copper smelting plant situated near a crucial wetland that serves as the primary water source for the region. Despite the plant's notorious reputation for heavy pollution, the current EIA, presented to Arun by the Chairperson, indicates no significant impact on the wetland. The next assessment is not scheduled for another two years. One day, Arun receives a letter from a politician affiliated with the opposition party. The letter contains evidence suggesting that the current EIA results are based on falsified lab reports, allegedly approved by the Chairperson. The Chairperson is known to have close ties with the ruling party, which has been receiving substantial donations from the plant's operators. The opposition politician urges Arun to expose the Chairperson from within the department, arguing that this approach could effectively pressurize the government to conduct a new EIA. He promises Arun significant rewards and support once their party comes to power, an outcome suggested by recent opinion polls. While the evidence presented is compelling, Arun remains cautious about the possibility of being exploited as a political pawn. He is acutely aware of the potential consequences of his actions, both for his career and for the environment. (a) In light of the above case, discuss the ethical issues that may arise from the nexus between corporate, political, and bureaucratic interests. (b) As a conscientious civil servant, evaluate the options available to Arun. Which option should he choose and why?(Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":59,"question":"In light of the above case, discuss the ethical issues that may arise from the nexus between corporate, political, and bureaucratic interests. (b) As a conscientious civil servant, evaluate the options available to Arun. Which option should he choose and why?(Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3529,"topper":"Jitendra Prajapati","air":287,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/df772-194679_2488_prajapati-jitendra-motilal_rank_287.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3530,"topper":"Jivani Kartik Nagjibhai","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3d136-13245_1417_jivani-kartik-nagjibhai_rank_8.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Dadabhai Naoroji left an indelible imprint on the national movement. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Quit India movement marked a new direction in the struggle against the British colonial rule in India. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The end of World War II marked the birth of a new international order. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Simla Agreement (1972) and Lahore Declaration (1999) are two key milestones in the history of the Indian subcontinent. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Social security should not only involve economic empowerment but also social empowerment. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Explain with examples how globalisation is manifested in both local in the global and the global in the local. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In light of persistence of various forms of violence against women in India, discuss the ways in which the issue can be addressed effectively. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What is an urban forest? Highlight its benefits and steps taken by the government to promote urban forestry in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"How has globalization impacted the location of the IT industry? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"How can eco-tourism be used to sustainably harness the potential of tourism industry in India? Discuss the challenges and steps taken by the government in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The advent of Buddhism and Jainism was instrumental in the development of architecture in ancient India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The reactionary policies of Lord Lytton and the liberal policies of his successor Lord Rippon acted as catalyst in the formation of the Indian National Congress. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Gandhiji changed his methods of struggle against the British from time-to-time to suit the varied circumstances and problems that needed to be tackled. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Bring out the relationship between the industrial revolution and the advent of imperialism in different parts of the world. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The caste system in India has continued to persist by adapting itself to a variety of changing socio-economic and political conditions in the past few decades. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"It is argued by some that regionalism is a threat to national integrity while others consider it as a highly impactful tool in facilitating political participation. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Describe the process of rift valley formation, with special emphasis on the Great Rift Valley System. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India's water resources have witnessed rapid depletion due to a mix of economic, geographic, and political factors. Explain and discuss its implications. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How are plateaus formed? Also, briefly discuss the features of the Deccan plateau and its economic significance. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3531,"topper":"Jivani Kartik Nagjibhai","air":8,"year":2020,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/60f4b-13245_1524_jivani-kartik-nagjibhai_rank_8.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3532,"topper":"Jivani Kartik Nagjibhai","air":8,"year":2020,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7f0f1-13245_1415_jivani-kartik-nagjibhai_rank_8.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3533,"topper":"Jivani Kartik Nagjibhai","air":8,"year":2020,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5f8bc-13245_1420_jivani-kartik-nagjibhai_rank_8.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3534,"topper":"Jivani Kartik Nagjibhai","air":8,"year":2020,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/94d40-13245_1525_jivani-kartik-nagjibhai_rank_8.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3535,"topper":"Joshi Mrunalee Avinash","air":36,"year":2020,"paper":"Optional — Public Administration","optional":true,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1gj_ef9cBqSrkIyjfqc-hyJpj95pyM_4F","questions":[]},{"id":3536,"topper":"Jovial Prabhat","air":850,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1_0tlrZze89Ch488CyqPpHMxehZ83ekcE","questions":[]},{"id":3537,"topper":"Jubin Mahapatra","air":46,"year":2020,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/81944-966365_1526_jubin-mahapatra_rank_46.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3538,"topper":"Junaid Ahmad","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1p53x_m_q1AThk3EmQHs8B5TQtlOQe37V/view","questions":[{"page":21,"question":"What are the reasons for the growing informalization of industrial labour in India? Discuss the issues associated with the phenomenon and reforms required to deal with them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"A number of far-reaching developments have taken place in the local and global energy space which have to be reflected in our own energy policy framework. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Climate change threatens sustainable development, impairs socio-economic development and reinforces cycles of poverty across the globe. In this context, discuss the utility of climate risk insurance as an instrument within a comprehensive climate risk management system.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Why are women particularly vulnerable to the impact of natural disasters? Also analyse, with adequate examples, how women can play a more effective role in disaster risk management cycle.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"In view of the seriousness of heat waves and its consequences, greater attention is required for dealing with it as a natural disaster. Analyse in the context of recent developments and the actions taken by relevant government bodies.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"While genome editing offers immense potential benefits in the area of healthcare, there are a lot of apprehensions regarding its use. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Discuss various ways in which supercomputers have benefitted mankind over the years. Also enumerate the objectives of the National Supercomputing Mission and the mechanism for its implementation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Widely seen as a disruption for the traditional banking and financial institutions, cryptocurrencies have gained significant traction lately, at the same time creating a regulatory nightmare for regulators across the globe. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"An internationally-binding agreement to strengthen the Outer Space Treaty of 1967 is both desirable and increasingly a necessity. Analyse in view of the traditional and emerging challenges in this arena.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Even after nearly 60 years in existence, AFSPA remains at the centre of debates with respect to countering violent insurgencies, role of the states and local communities. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Analyse the challenges and opportunities inherent in the push for indigenisation of defence production in India. Also, identify the measures through which indigenous manufacturing of defence equipments is being encouraged by the Government.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"India's ability to puruse a clear-cut strategic vision depends on its ability to improve institutional cooperation and coordination between the armed forces and civilian bureaucracy. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3539,"topper":"Junaid Ahmad","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Xdtroc9DPS33t8O1i0lXpD1GMJBVPej9/view","questions":[{"page":9,"question":"Efforts should be made to support Indian businesses to invest abroad as several direct and indirect benefits accrue to the home country from outward foreign direct investment. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Monetary policy transmission in India has largely remained ineffective. What are the reasons behind this? Explain what marginal cost-based lending rate (MCLR) is and how it can affect monetary policy transmission in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"What is Artificial Intelligence? Can it be a potential game changer in improving governance? Examine the challenges that lie in its use.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"The government recently announced its plan to make India a 100% electric vehicle nation by 2030. What are the advantages of Electric Vehicles over interral combustion engine (ICE) vehicles? Highlight the challenges that the government needs to overcome to implement this plan.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3540,"topper":"Junaid Ahmad","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/75510-32718_762_junaid_ahmad_rank_3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Even though the Representation of the People Act has been amended from time to time, the issues pertaining to criminalisation and influence of money power remain unresolved. Comment. Also discuss the role played by the judiciary and the Election Commission in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"The main function of the Public Accounts Committee is to ascertain that the money granted by Parliament has been spent by the government within the scope of the demand. In this context, critically analyse the role played by the Public Accounts Committee.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Referendums are portrayed as popular governance in its purest form, however, it is also argued that they often subvert democracy rather than serve it. Examine in the light of recent developments across the globe.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"What do you understand by special category status for states? Examine its contribution in bringing balanced regional development in the country. In light of the 14th Finance Commission recommendations, analyse whether this categorisation has outlived its relevance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"It is contended that GST regime will significantly curb the financial autonomy of states by taking away substantial taxation powers. In this regard, examine the impact of the GST regime on federal structure of our polity. What are the proposed mechanisms in the bill which seek to address this issue?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"What is the rationale behind the changes in the budgetary process approved by the Union Cabinet recently? Do you think it is a step forward towards efficient governance and fiscal prudence?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Critically examine the provisions of the recently introduced Citizenship Amendment Bill 2016. Are some provisions of the bill against India's secular principles?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Whereas the legislature is empowered to regulate the ratification of international treaties in the United states, in India it is mostly the domain of the executive. Examine the rationale and benefits of these two approaches with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"What are the reasons for the declining rate of child adoption in India? Discuss whether the amended Juvenile Justice (Care & Protection of Children) Act, 2015 can address this issue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Bill passed recently aims at striking a balance between education and India's economic reality. Critically analyze.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Though the Maharashtra Protection of People from Social Boycott (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act of 2016 is an important step in the long-standing struggle against social exclusion, it is only the first step. Comment. Also discuss the challenges in implementation of the act.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Though the Criminal Tribes Act, 1871 was annulled soon after independence, the communities designated as Denotified Tribes (DNT) and Nomadic Tribes (NT) remain amongst the most discriminated and disadvantaged groups in the country. Comment. Also discuss the steps taken by the government to improve their condition.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"The idea of a Pay Commission is to revise the pay scales of the government staff. In light of the recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission examine the need for the introduction of performance linked pay for government employees as in the case of private sector. Also comment on the need for the introduction of pay parity among various services.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Even though India and Russia have enjoyed a close relationship over the years, it has not been immune to the changing power dynamics globally. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"The Indus Water Treaty has survived multiple wars and is often cited as a successful example of transboundary sharing of river waters. In this context, identify the key provisions of the treaty and examine the options that India can exercise to pursue its strategic interests vis-a-vis Pakistan.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"The Iranian nuclear agreement presents an opportunity for moving towards a new security order in the Persian Gulf. Elaborate in the context of changing scenario in the region. What are the likely implications for India in this context?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Considering the diversity among Pacific Island Countries (PICs), India has a huge scope for building multi-sectoral cooperation tailored to the specific conditions in these islands. Discuss. Also examine the strategic importance of PICs for India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Though BRICS is neither an economic union nor a political coalition, it creates space for India to move the contemporary international order towards alternative models of development and governance. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Since the end of Cold War, the focus and role of NAM have changed significantly. Discuss. Also analyse its relevance for India in the emerging geo-political order.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Despite a consensus that a collective global effort is needed to alleviate the ongoing refugee crisis, efforts made so far have hardly yielded the desired results. Do you agree? Briefly highlight the socio-political impact of this crisis on destination countries. Also highlight the role that India can play in this situation.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3541,"topper":"Junaid Ahmad","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a1ace-32718_763_junaid_ahmad_rank_3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The most important challenge in managing the public sector in India is balancing its accountability with autonomy. Discuss with relevant examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Most rural poor are excluded from the ambit of the formal financial system, which raises their dependence on informal sources as well as exposure to financial distress. In this context, explain why formal sector lending, especially to farmers, is so limited. Also suggest some steps that need to be taken to increase access to formal credit in rural areas.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Efforts should be made to support Indian businesses to invest abroad as several direct and indirect benefits accrue to the home country from outward foreign direct investment. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Monetary policy transmission in India has largely remained ineffective. What are the reasons behind this? Explain what marginal cost-based lending rate (MCLR) is and how it can affect monetary policy transmission in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"India's most pressing labour market challenge going forward is to generate a large number of formal sector jobs. In this context, discuss the constraints on formalisation of workforce. Also highlight how these constraints can be overcome.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"What are the objectives of public debt management in India? Examine the rationale for setting up an independent agency to manage government debt. Also highlight the issues that need to be addressed to ensure successful debt management by an agency other than the RBI.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Explaining the rationale behind ceiling on agricultural land holdings, discuss whether land ceiling has stifled agricultural growth in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Augmenting the employment potential is linked with the need for increasing India's share in world exports. What are the objectives of the Foreign Trade Policy ? How does it seek to achieve these objectives in the coming years?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"The advent of differentiated banking marks the beginning of a radical overhaul of the banking structure that would address the abysmal levels of financial inclusion in India. Elaborate. What are the possible issues that could impede the functioning of these banks?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"While explaining the reasons behind slump in revenue of Indian railways, discuss whether the recently announced \"dynamic fare pricing\" can help in addressing the problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"What is Google Street View? Discuss the grounds on which India has refused to allow Google to launch its Street View service in the country.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Increasing use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVS) pose unique policy challenges that transcend conventional domains of national security, privacy and business practices. Analyse in the context of the draft guidelines that have been issued by the DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation). Also examine the significance of UAVs in achieving the goal of inclusive development.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"What is Artificial Intelligence? Can it be a potential game changer in improving governance? Examine the challenges that lie in its use.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"The government recently announced its plan to make India a 100% electric vehicle nation by 2030. What are the advantages of Electric Vehicles over interral combustion engine (ICE) vehicles? Highlight the challenges that the government needs to overcome to implement this plan.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"While the provisions of the Montreal Protocol have helped phase out CFCs, the alternative to them have contributed to another problem. Comment. How will the Kigali agreement help in addressing this problem?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Despite a wide range of problems and issues, India supports 57 per cent of the world population of tigers. Enumerate the challenges in maintaining the growth of tiger population in India. What are the salient features of the strategy adopted by India over the years to support the tiger population? Also highlight the measures required to further improve the situation in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"What are the reasons for indiscriminate sand mining from rivers in India? Analyse its adverse effects on economy and ecology of the region. In context of the 2015 guidelines released by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, highlight the measures that can be adopted to curb the practice of sand mining.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"India's commitment to Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) is evident from the fact that it became one of the first countries to align its National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP) with the Sendai Framework. What are the salient features of India's first National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP)? How can this plan help in effective disaster management?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Recent instances have led many to not use plastic or electronic transactions, despite the convenience. Discuss the issues associated with the rise of currency in circulation in the economy in recent times. Also, highlighting the advantages of a cashless economy, suggest measures required to bolster its popular acceptability.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Whereas proliferation of traditional nuclear weapons has long been a concern, the issue of dirty bombs and orphan sources has also become important in recent years. Explain what a dirty bomb is and highlight the concerns linked with nuclear terrorism in India. In this context, what are the issues that need to be addressed to effectively ensure the security of nuclear material in India outside the already secured nuclear installations?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3542,"topper":"Junaid Ahmad","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5ab42-32718_876_junaid_ahmad_rank_3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"While India has taken a number of steps in order to substantially improve its ranking in the World Bank's 'Ease of Doing Business' Index, it needs to take further action in this regard. Elaborate. Also analyse the utility of these rankings vis-a-vis India's objective of facilitating a sound entrepreneurial environment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"In wake of the agrarian crisis that the country is witnessing, discuss the need for adopting an income-centric approach in preference to a production-centric one as the basis of agricultural policy. In this context, also highlight the steps that should be taken to achieve the goal of doubling the income of farmers by 2021-22 and the challenges that exist.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"It is argued that India's fiscal centre of gravity has rapidly shifted from the Centre to the States. Analyse the statement in context of the debate on fiscal discipline. Also, enumerate the key recommendations of the N.K. Singh panel on Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Strategic sale of state-run firms is a prudent step to deal with the challenges being faced by the public sector enterprises in India. Comment. Also enumerate other measures that can be taken in light of NITI Aayog's suggestions in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Shell companies in India are neither legally defined nor properly understood. Analyse in the light of recent developments, prevalent understanding and steps required to effectively deal with shell companies.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"If a larger population in India is to be involved in the economy in a big way, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are key. Elaborate. Also discuss the challenges faced by the SME sector in India and give an account of the measures taken by the government to deal with these.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"What are the reasons for the growing informalization of industrial labour in India? Discuss the issues associated with the phenomenon and reforms required to deal with them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"A number of far-reaching developments have taken place in the local and global energy space which have to be reflected in our own energy policy framework. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"The Indian IT-BPM (Information Technology-Business Process Management) industry is a global powerhouse today and its impact on India and the world has been unprecedented. Comment. Also, mention the challenges being faced by India's IT-BPM sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"An effective multi-modal logistics and transport sector will make the Indian economy more competitive. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Climate change threatens sustainable development, impairs socio-economic development and reinforces cycles of poverty across the globe. In this context, discuss the utility of climate risk insurance as an instrument within a comprehensive climate risk management system.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Why are women particularly vulnerable to the impact of natural disasters? Also analyse, with adequate examples, how women can play a more effective role in disaster risk management cycle.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"In view of the seriousness of heat waves and its consequences, greater attention is required for dealing with it as a natural disaster. Analyse in the context of recent developments and the actions taken by relevant government bodies.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"While genome editing offers immense potential benefits in the area of healthcare, there are a lot of apprehensions regarding its use. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Discuss various ways in which supercomputers have benefitted mankind over the years. Also enumerate the objectives of the National Supercomputing Mission and the mechanism for its implementation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Widely seen as a disruption for the traditional banking and financial institutions, cryptocurrencies have gained significant traction lately, at the same time creating a regulatory nightmare for regulators across the globe. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"An internationally-binding agreement to strengthen the Outer Space Treaty of 1967 is both desirable and increasingly a necessity. Analyse in view of the traditional and emerging challenges in this arena.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Even after nearly 60 years in existence, AFSPA remains at the centre of debates with respect to countering violent insurgencies, role of the states and local communities. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Analyse the challenges and opportunities inherent in the push for indigenisation of defence production in India. Also, identify the measures through which indigenous manufacturing of defence equipments is being encouraged by the Government.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"India's ability to puruse a clear-cut strategic vision depends on its ability to improve institutional cooperation and coordination between the armed forces and civilian bureaucracy. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3543,"topper":"Junaid Ahmad","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b732f-32718_872_junaid_ahmad_rank_3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The \"Outcome Budget\" reflects the endeavour of the Government to convert \"Outlays\" into \"Outcomes\". Explain. Also, discuss why the potential of outcome budgeting remains untapped in the Indian context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"What is agroforestry? Discuss its potential in making agriculture sustainable and viable. In this context, discuss the salient features of National Agroforestry Policy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Comment on the problem of rising Non Performing Assets (NPAs) in India, with particular reference to public sector banks. Examine the effectiveness of the steps taken by the government in recent times to deal with this problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"To address the issue of unemployment, we need a multipronged approach and not just a focus on growth. Examine the statement in the context of various measures taken by the government in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Nuclear power has a great potential in India to supplement and in the longer term even substitute coal based power as base load. Discuss. Also, mention the steps taken by the Government of India in order to achieve nuclear energy self-sufficiency.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The agriculture sector needs government support but loan waivers are not the solution. Discuss the statement in the light of recent developments in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"What are the objectives of District Mineral Foundation? Discuss the challenges that need to be addressed for this institution to achieve its desired objectives.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"What factors explain India's poor merchandise export performance in recent times? Enumerate some recent measures taken by the government to help boost merchandise exports.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Despite numerous health hazards associated with traditional cooking energy fuels, access to clean cooking in India still continues to be a luxury. Discuss. Also enumerate the steps taken by the government to make it accessible along with the challenges faced in the process.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Taxing agricultural income is an idea whose time has come. Critically discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Dismantling of administered price mechanism for fuels is being deemed as a significant piece of economic reform. Analyse. Also, discuss how the recently introduced dynamic fuel pricing can prove to be beneficial for both the OMCs as well as consumers.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Ensuring that buildings comply with green norms will require much more than current arrangements. Analyse. Also discuss the relevant features of the new building code issued by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Given the worsening of air quality in National Capital Region, discuss the need for Graded Response Action Plan against air pollution and the challenges in its implementation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"A new disease emerging in any part of the world is a global threat. In the context of \"zoonoses\" and \"emerging infectious diseases\", analyse the risks for India. Also, identify the structures in place and measures required to combat these risks.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"There is a growing recognition that efforts should not be limited to post-disaster relief and reconstruction, rather development paradigm should integrate disaster risk reduction strategies. Discuss in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"The emphasis on TRIPS plus by developed countries is contrary to the position and interest of developing countries like India. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Coherently dealing with security threats facing India requires deeper operational synergies among the army, navy and air force. Discuss in the light of the latest Joint Doctrine for Indian Armed forces. Also, delineate the reasons for resistance to the idea of a joint Chief of Defence Staff over the years.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Over the years, laws dealing with money laundering have proved to be less than effective. Briefly discuss the statement in the context of government's proposal to make money laundering a separate criminal offence. Also enumerate the recommendations made by FATF to combat money laundering.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"In the context of recent developments briefly explain the issues involved in the Doklam area. What are the challenges that India faces in the management of border with China? In this context, also identify key steps taken by India over the years.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3544,"topper":"Junaid Ahmad","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1x_aAMk7sbbOR-urPXCcR5I-PheLbtTPp/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) The more remotely power is exercised from the people, the greater is the distance between authority and accountability. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"not more than 150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) \"If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion\". In what ways can a compassionate public official be more useful for realizing public service goals?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) The recent decision by the government to ban use of red beacons is only a symbolic gesture and a lot more needs to be done to end the VIP culture in India. Critically discuss.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) To what extent can financial incentives help shape attitude towards social issues? Discuss with relevant examples.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":11,"question":"3. (a) At times, moral behaviour can be constrained by the complexity of legal system. Explain. In this context, explain the purpose of legal protection for good samaritans in the case of road accidents.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) Examine the different ethical issues involved in the use of public shaming as a punitive measure. Do you think this is an appropriate measure to address the problem of rising crime rates.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":15,"question":"4. (a) Why did Gunnar Myrdal use the term 'soft state' in the context of South Asia? Do you think such a characterisation is still relevant in the case of India today?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":17,"question":"4. (b) Intolerance can be linked both to prejudices and value judgments. Elaborate with relevant examples. Also discuss how intolerance can be countered in a multicultural society like India.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":19,"question":"5. Social attitude towards corruption has become more forgiving with time leading to a view of illegal gains and misappropriation of public assets as a \"rightful\" individual prerogative. Analyse in the context of India.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":21,"question":"6. What are the factors which draw people to public service? Suggest measures to keep public servants motivated.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":23,"question":"7. Corporate Governance provides a framework that defines the rights, roles and responsibilities of various groups within an organization. (a) Elaborate the need to incorporate the principles of Corporate Governance to enhance the effectiveness of the public sector enterprises. (b) Identify the challenges specific to the public sector when it comes to the application of good practices of corporate governance.\na) Elaborate the need to incorporate the principles of Corporate Governance to enhance the effectiveness of the public sector enterprises.\nb) Identify the challenges specific to the public sector when it comes to the application of good practices of corporate governance.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":25,"question":"8. Emotions, earlier considered as an irrational factor in decision-making, are now recognised as a critical factor of judgment. In this regard, answer the following questions:\n(a) How can Emotional Intelligence help in coping with the intense pressure and occupational stress faced by police officers and armed forces in discharge of their duties?\n(b) What are the some of the concerns in incorporating and assessment of emotional intelligence skills in public service?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":27,"question":"9. You, a manager in one of the top IT firms in the country, are tasked with hiring new recruits for an upcoming project. You find that the company has given tacit instructions of not hiring female candidates in view of the new maternity law passed by the Government. You find this highly objectionable and lodge a protest with people in the higher management but they are firm as they want to cut down all the unnecessary costs. Based on this information, answer the following questions:\n(a) Identify the stakeholders and their interests in the situation.\n(b) What are the dilemmas that a recruiting manager may face in such a scenario?\n(c) What are the different options available to you? Which one will you pursue and why?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":32,"question":"10. There has been a perceptible rise in the cost of healthcare services provided by private hospitals. In absence of adequate and quality government hospitals, people are forced to opt for private hospitals, especially for life threatening diseases and injuries. You recently visit one of your friends admitted in a famous private hospital. You found out that the hospital is charging a huge amount of money, which seems to be unreasonable. You confront the staff and ask them to explain the rationale behind such high charges.\n\nTheir response is that the charges are fair for the kind of services they are providing.\n(a) What are the ethical issues involved in this situation?\n(b) Given how other professions price their services, discuss the feasibility of capping the amount of fees charged by doctors and private hospitals.\n(c) How can the provision of quality services and need for profit be reconciled with society's interests in this case?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":37,"question":"11. You are the District Magistrate in a district where a significant number of transgenders reside. While discrimination against the community is well known, commuters increasingly complain of harassment at their hands, especially at traffic junctions where transgenders are mostly involved in begging. This, at times, also leads to traffic management issues. You have received a number of complaints in this regard and have to act quickly to resolve it. However, a group of transgender associations argue that begging is their only source of livelihood.\nGiven the situation, answer the following questions:\n(a) Describe the ethical issues involved in this case. Discuss the attitude of people towards transgenders in general and reasons for the same.\n(b) What possible courses of action can be undertaken in such situations? Discuss their merits and demerits.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":42,"question":"12. Mr. X is the head of an NGO working in the field of environment conservation and protection. He is in dire need of funds for the NGO's operations and payments to his staff. He is approached by an official of a large infrastructure company, who is ready to provide the required funding for the NGO. But, in a quid pro quo, he asks Mr. X to raise objections over the bypassing of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) norms in an ongoing PPP project through his NGO. This project is being implemented by a rival infrastructure company. Mr. X knows that there have been instances of high level corruption in the process of granting EIA to mega projects and the information provided by the official seems to be authentic. Hence, he accepts the money and agrees to raise the objection.\n(a) Considering the circumstances of the case, is Mr. X correct in accepting the money? Give appropriate reasons for your answer.\n(b) If you were in place of Mr. X, what would have been your course of action? Give reasons for it.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":47,"question":"13. You are a civil servant posted in a state where elections were recently held. The newly elected Chief Minister had promised to ban alcohol in several of his election campaigns as well as his election manifesto, which was widely praised and supported by women of the state. Fulfilling his electoral promise, the Chief Minister has ordered a blanket ban on the sale of alcohol in the state. Following the ban, concerns have been raised about the feasibility of the ban and whether the government should interfere in what is considered by many to be a matter of personal choice.\n(a) Who are the stakeholders in this case and how are they affected by the ban?\n(b) Is blanket ban on alcohol a feasible action?\n(c) Identify the issues that may arise while enforcing the ban and the steps you will take to handle them, as a civil servant.","marks":"25","words":null},{"page":53,"question":"14. Regulation and procedure of human clinical trials vary from nation to nation. Stem cell research, as an emerging biomedical field, requires approval for human trials and encounters multiple challenges. You are the head of a team of scientists who developed a new Tissue Engineering system, which appears to be a promising means of regenerating heart tissue. Trials of the system have already been conducted on animals and yielded good results. Millions of people suffering from critical heart diseases would benefit immensely if this medication is immediately made available to them. However, you need to conduct human clinical trials before it could be commercialised. It is also known that the stringent regulatory environment in the country will mean that human trials and final approval will take many years before it is made commercially available. On the other hand, regulation of clinical trials in many poor countries is weak and quick approval is possible. Many of your competitors also resort to human trials in these countries, often bribing the officials for getting quick approvals. Given this situation, answer the following questions:\n(a) Identify the ethical issues which arise during clinical trials.\n(b) Given the above situation, would you prefer to shift human trials to a third country where regulations are lax? Give reasons in support of your choice.\n(c) Suggest a framework of standard procedure to minimise ethical conflicts and speed-up the approval process of new medicines.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3545,"topper":"Junaid Ahmad","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1T7v5hfG_Z1HwaaJPMoc2I84tiOgDkKoK/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) The seeds of patriarchy and gender inequality are sown at home, which manifest as a weed at the societal level. Elucidate. Suggest an ethical framework to systematically address the issue of patriarchy in the Indian society.","marks":"10","words":"not more than 150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) What are the factors which drive people to take law in their own hands rather than following the due process of law? Discuss ways to address the problem of mob justice.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) In a democracy, the purpose of the government should be to make it easy for people to do good and difficult to do wrong. Comment.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) Discuss John Stuart Mill's idea on freedom of thought and expression. Also, give reasons as to why, according to Mill, representative democracy is the best form of government despite its inherent weaknesses.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":11,"question":"3. (a) It is argued by some that nuclear weapons have acted more as a deterrent than leading to war and mass destruction. In this context, discuss whether it is ethically right to possess nuclear weapons to create nuclear deterrence.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) Differentiate between administration and leadership. Highlighting the traits which characterize an effective leader, discuss the importance of leadership in ensuring effective public service delivery in a bureaucratic setup.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":15,"question":"4. (a) Apart from functional knowledge and expertise, the efficacy of a civil servant also depends upon his emotional intelligence. How does emotional intelligence contribute to efficacy? How can civil servants enhance their emotional intelligence?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":17,"question":"4. (b) Enumerate the mechanisms that promote accountability of public officials in discharging their functions and responsibilities in India. Also discuss why ensuring accountability for performance is not a simple task in government service.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":19,"question":"5 Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context.\n(a) “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":21,"question":"5. (b) \"Prejudices are what fools use for reason.\"","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":23,"question":"6. Ensuring that government decisions are not influenced by public officials' private interests is a growing concern. Discuss in the context of India. Also enumerate the core principles reflected by OECD guidelines for managing conflict of interest in the public sector.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":25,"question":"7. Discuss, with examples, the significance of principles of public life as recommended by Nolan committee. Why are these principles considered as an essential set of expectations from public servants?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":27,"question":"8. A peculiar inhuman situation exists for the people fleeing from war zones - they cannot go back to their homeland for fear of being persecuted and no country is ready to bear their burden due to various reasons. Citing contemporary examples, discuss the ethical issues involved in such situations.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":29,"question":"9. As the administrator in-charge of your area, you are witness to the widespread food wastage in lavish parties as well as in restaurants and eateries, on one hand and people starving due to inability to ensure one square-meal a day, on the other. Realizing that it is not the scarcity of resources, but the habit of people that is causing paucity in availability of food, you decide that certain measures are needed to be taken in order to deal with the issue of starvation at the grassroot level.\n(a) Identify the ethical issues involved in this case.\n(b) What measures would you take to deal with wastage of food in your area?\n(c) What explains this co-existence of affluence and hunger in developing countries like India?","marks":"20","words":"in around 250"},{"page":34,"question":"10. The excluded and marginalized section of society are worst hit by globalization. Take the case of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) like Sentinelese of Andaman & Nicobar islands; their population has reduced drastically and they are facing various other problems as well. In this context answer the following questions:\n(a) What are the challenges faced by PVTGs due to globalisation?\n(b) If you are posted as a Development Officer in such an area, what will be your priorities to reduce their vulnerabilities and ensure welfare?","marks":null,"words":"20"},{"page":39,"question":"11. Undercover journalism exposes injustices, negligence, corruption and wrongdoing and yet going undercover to expose wrongdoing remains controversial. But, undercover journalists contend that they are fulfilling a fundamental duty of finding truth through their journalism. They argue that public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy and the duty of the journalist is to further those ends by seeking truth and providing a fair and comprehensive account of events and issues. So, there are some supporters of this kind of journalism, which sometimes infringe the privacy of individuals. However, some journalists also urge avoiding surreptitious methods of gathering information except when traditional open methods will not yield information vital to the public. In this context, answer the following questions:\n(a) What are the ethical issues involved in the practice of undercover journalism?\n(b) Do you support the practice of undercover investigation by journalists? Give reasons in support of your answer.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":44,"question":"12. You are the chief executive of ABC Ltd., an automotive component manufacturing company. Until recently, all of your production plants were located in City X. However, the cost of production has risen, causing profits to decline. A number of factors have led to an increase in the production costs. First, the union representing the workers in your plant waged a successful strike resulting in increased salary and benefits. A second factor has been imposition of stringent environmental regulations. Shareholders are concerned about the declining fortunes of the company. Many of the competitors have moved their operations to less-developed cities, where the operating costs are less than in City X. ABC Ltd. is a major employer in the city where it is located, and you know that a plant closure will cause economic dislocation in the city.\nGiven the situation, answer the following questions:\n(a) What are the ethical issues involved in this case?\n(b) How can the interests of different stakeholders be reconciled in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"13. You are posted as a District Education Officer (DEO) in a Maoist affected district. You have been specifically given the responsibility to work on the literacy mission. After reading the education reports and doing field visits, you find that the number of out of school children has increased drastically and the motivation among students and teachers is also low. While certain basic infrastructure is already in place, the major hurdle in attracting students to these schools include the attitude of inhabitants towards education and the security risks involved in sending children to schools. Given the situation, answer the following questions:\n(a) Analyse the reasons behind such an attitude.\n(b) As a DEO, what are the steps that you would take in order to increase the school attendance and change the prevalent attitude of inhabitants towards education?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":54,"question":"14 Mr. Pradeep is a senior civil servant in the central government and is involved in the budgeting department. In the course of performing his duties, he comes to know about diversion of funds earmarked for SC/ST sub-plan for other purposes. While he is not directly responsible for this aspect of the budget, he raised his concerns to the department concerned. He also learns that the minister responsible as well as senior most civil servants are aware of the practice and have given tacit approval for it. Soon thereafter, Pradeep was summoned to talk on the issue and was told that since the matter is not within his jurisdiction, he should 'keep his nose out of it'. After much soul searching, Pradeep decided to obey his supervisors by leaving the matter alone. Based on the information given, answer the following questions:\n(a) Elaborate on the internal dissonance that Pradeep faces in the given situation.\n(b) On what basis can the decision of Pradeep be justified?\n(c) Had you been in Pradeep's place, what would have been the course of action chosen by you? Recognise the merits and demerits, if any","marks":null,"words":"20"}]},{"id":3546,"topper":"Junaid Ahmad","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/10a5f-32718_877_junaid_ahmad_rank_3.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"In a democracy, the purpose of the government should be to make it easy for people to do good and difficult to do wrong. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss John Stuart Mill's idea on freedom of thought and expression. Also, give reasons as to why, according to Mill, representative democracy is the best form of government despite its inherent weaknesses.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"It is argued by some that nuclear weapons have acted more as a deterrent than leading to war and mass destruction. In this context, discuss whether it is ethically right to possess nuclear weapons to create nuclear deterrence.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context. 10 (a) \"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"\"Prejudices are what fools use for reason.\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Ensuring that government decisions are not influenced by public officials' private interests is a growing concern. Discuss in the context of India. Also enumerate the core principles reflected by OECD guidelines for managing conflict of interest in the public sector.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3547,"topper":"Junaid Ahmad","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/effc5-32718_873_junaid_ahmad_rank_3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The more remotely power is exercised from the people, the greater is the distance between authority and accountability. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"\"If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion\". In what ways can a compassionate public official be more useful for realizing public service goals?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"The recent decision by the government to ban use of red beacons is only a symbolic gesture and a lot more needs to be done to end the VIP culture in India. Critically discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"To what extent can financial incentives help shape attitude towards social issues? Discuss with relevant examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"At times, moral behaviour can be constrained by the complexity of legal system. Explain. In this context, explain the purpose of legal protection for good samaritans in the case of road accidents.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Examine the different ethical issues involved in the use of public shaming as a punitive measure. Do you think this is an appropriate measure to address the problem of rising crime rates.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Why did Gunnar Myrdal use the term 'soft state' in the context of South Asia? Do you think such a characterisation is still relevant in the case of India today?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Intolerance can be linked both to prejudices and value judgments. Elaborate with relevant examples. Also discuss how intolerance can be countered in a multicultural society like India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Social attitude towards corruption has become more forgiving with time leading to a view of illegal gains and misappropriation of public assets as a \"rightful\" individual prerogative. Analyse in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"What are the factors which draw people to public service? Suggest measures to keep public servants motivated.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Corporate Governance provides a framework that defines the rights, roles and responsibilities of various groups within an organization. (a) Elaborate the need to incorporate the principles of Corporate Governance to enhance the effectiveness of the public sector enterprises. (b) Identify the challenges specific to the public sector when it comes to the application of good practices of corporate governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Emotions, earlier considered as an irrational factor in decision-making, are now recognised as a critical factor of judgment. In this regard, answer the following questions: (a) How can Emotional Intelligence help in coping with the intense pressure and occupational stress faced by police officers and armed forces in discharge of their duties? (b) What are the some of the concerns in incorporating and assessment of emotional intelligence skills in public service?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"You, a manager in one of the top IT firms in the country, are tasked with hiring new recruits for an upcoming project. You find that the company has given tacit instructions of not hiring female candidates in view of the new maternity law passed by the Government. You find this highly objectionable and lodge a protest with people in the higher management but they are firm as they want to cut down all the unnecessary costs. Based on this information, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the stakeholders and their interests in the situation. (b) What are the dilemmas that a recruiting manager may face in such a scenario? (c) What are the different options available to you? Which one will you pursue and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"There has been a perceptible rise in the cost of healthcare services provided by private hospitals. In absence of adequate and quality government hospitals, people are forced to opt for private hospitals, especially for life threatening diseases and injuries. You recently visit one of your friends admitted in a famous private hospital. You found out that the hospital is charging a huge amount of money, which seems to be unreasonable. You confront the staff and ask them to explain the rationale behind such high charges. Their response is that the charges are fair for the kind of services they are providing. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in this situation? (b) Given how other professions price their services, discuss the feasibility of capping the amount of fees charged by doctors and private hospitals. (c) How can the provision of quality services and need for profit be reconciled with society's interests in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"You are the District Magistrate in a district where a significant number of transgenders reside. While discrimination against the community is well known, commuters increasingly complain of harassment at their hands, especially at traffic junctions where transgenders are mostly involved in begging. This, at times, also leads to traffic management issues. You have received a number of complaints in this regard and have to act quickly to resolve it. However, a group of transgender associations argue that begging is their only source of livelihood. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Describe the ethical issues involved in this case. Discuss the attitude of people towards transgenders in general and reasons for the same. (b) What possible courses of action can be undertaken in such situations? Discuss their merits and demerits.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Mr. X is the head of an NGO working in the field of environment conservation and protection. He is in dire need of funds for the NGO's operations and payments to his staff. He is approached by an official of a large infrastructure company, who is ready to provide the required funding for the NGO. But, in a quid pro quo, he asks Mr. X to raise objections over the bypassing of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) norms in an ongoing PPP project through his NGO. This project is being implemented by a rival infrastructure company. Mr. X knows that there have been instances of high level corruption in the process of granting EIA to mega projects and the information provided by the official seems to be authentic. Hence, he accepts the money and agrees to raise the objection. (a) Considering the circumstances of the case, is Mr. X correct in accepting the money? Give appropriate reasons for your answer. (b) If you were in place of Mr. X, what would have been your course of action? Give reasons for it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"You are a civil servant posted in a state where elections were recently held. The newly elected Chief Minister had promised to ban alcohol in several of his election campaigns as well as his election manifesto, which was widely praised and supported by women of the state. Fulfilling his electoral promise, the Chief Minister has ordered a blanket ban on the sale of alcohol in the state. Following the ban, concerns have been raised about the feasibility of the ban and whether the government should interfere in what is considered by many to be a matter of personal choice. (a) Who are the stakeholders in this case and how are they affected by the ban? (b) Is blanket ban on alcohol a feasible action? (c) Identify the issues that may arise while enforcing the ban and the steps you will take to handle them, as a civil servant.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3548,"topper":"Junaid Ahmad","air":3,"year":2018,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"IAS Exam Portal","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/visionresources/toppersanswerbooklet/5ab42-32718_876_junaid_ahmad_rank_3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3549,"topper":"Junaid Ahmad","air":3,"year":2018,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"IAS Exam Portal","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/visionresources/toppersanswerbooklet/b732f-32718_872_junaid_ahmad_rank_3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3550,"topper":"Junaid Ahmad","air":3,"year":2018,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"IAS Exam Portal","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/visionresources/toppersanswerbooklet/a1ace-32718_763_junaid_ahmad_rank_3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3551,"topper":"Junaid Ahmad","air":3,"year":2018,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"IAS Exam Portal","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/visionresources/toppersanswerbooklet/75510-32718_762_junaid_ahmad_rank_3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3552,"topper":"Junaid Ahmad","air":3,"year":2018,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"IAS Exam Portal","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/visionresources/toppersanswerbooklet/effc5-32718_873_junaid_ahmad_rank_3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3553,"topper":"Junaid Ahmad","air":3,"year":2018,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"IAS Exam Portal","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/visionresources/toppersanswerbooklet/10a5f-32718_877_junaid_ahmad_rank_3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3554,"topper":"K N Chandana Jahnavi","air":50,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/84/air-50-k-n-chandana-jahnavi_test-5_gs1.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. How did the ancient trade routes connecting India to foreign countries contribute to the exchange and dissemination of culture?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. The Quit India movement was a people's movement cutting across the class divides but it was the women's leadership that left a clear mark. Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. 'The hallmark of post-Independent India has been its remarkable strides in science and technology'. To what extent did scientific development during this period put India on the path of modernity?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. Discuss the feasibility of Interlinking rivers to resolve the issue of water stress in other regions.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. How will the structural shift from coal-based power plants to renewable energy generation impact human development in coal-bearing states?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. To what extent temperature and precipitation are the most important factors that determine soil properties?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. Why are severe and intense cyclones becoming a regular phenomenon in the Arabian Sea? Substantiate with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. In the context of cultural diversity in India, can we consider Southern states as distinct cultural units in comparison to the rest of India? Substantiate your view.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Poverty and population growth are locked in a vicious cycle, where poverty restricts individuals' ability to break free from the cycle, while population growth strains resources. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. India has a rich heritage in the internationalization of education. In this context how will the recent push for the 'internationalization of education' impact society and foster cultural exchange?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. 'Although there were many differences between the Gandhara and Mathura art, they considerably influenced the Amravati school of art.' Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. 'England's Industrial Revolution not only transformed the economic landscape but also had far-reaching social and cultural impacts'. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. How did the social reform and ideological struggle against the backward traditional elements and hegemony of colonial culture in the nineteenth century influence the emergence of a distinct cultural identity and national consciousness?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. How does temperature inversion affect atmospheric conditions and what are its implications for local weather patterns and air pollution levels?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. What are the geographical factors responsible for mangrove vegetation in India? How does climate change pose a threat to mangrove vegetation in India?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. What are the geographical and economic factors that influence the location of the sugar industry, and how do they contribute to the growth of the industry in India and different parts of the world?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17 What are the key strategies used in dryland farming to overcome water scarcity and maximize agricultural productivity in arid and semi-arid regions? Also, discuss the need to promote dryland farming in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. How has the contemporary women's movement encompassed diverse approaches beyond traditional methods? Also, highlight the unique contribution and challenges of the contemporary women's movement.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. Do you think that the forces of modernization that catalyzed the eradication of social evils in Indian society have also threatened our cultural values and ethos?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":53,"question":"20. In the context of states in India evaluate the relationship between regional disparity and sentiments of regionalism. Is regionalism antagonistic to the idea of nationalism?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 150"}]},{"id":3555,"topper":"K N Chandana Jahnavi","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/K-N-CHANDANA-JAHNAVI-UPSC-2023-Rank-48-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"It was neither her Coal and Iron reserves, nor the inventions of steam engine and cotton mills, but her democracy and rule of law that made Britain the epicentre of Industrial Revolution. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"In its extent, reach, and revolutionary zeal, Civil Disobedience Movement has a unique place in India's freedom struggle. Elucidate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"How will you explain that Vaishnavism and Shaivism as followed in medieval India represent both local traditions and universal ideals? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What do you understand from land subsidence? Explaining various reasons behind land subsidence, recommend measures to arrest the calamity. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Examining the reasons behind erratic Monsoon, highlight the possible outcomes of the same. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Explore and evaluate the impact of new technologies on Indian society. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Why did Hinduism-which amalgamated and absorbed almost every diverse faith, tradition, belief and practice that arose from within or outside, within its fold- failed to assimilate Islamic cultural beliefs and practices? Give reasons. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Elucidate the differences between Western and Indian model of secularism. To what extent do you agree with the criticism that Indian model of secularism is susceptible to promoting minority appeasement? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"With special reference to India, elucidate how globalisation-a multifaceted phenomenon-has had positive socio-economic outcomes on one hand and widened the gaps between the haves and have nots on the other? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Dravidian temple architecture that came of age during the rule of the Pallavas, could reach its zenith only at the time of the imperial Cholas. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the reasons why pre-independence women movements were led by men. Also analyse the contribution of women-led socio-economic movements in post-independence India in mainstreaming and successfully redressing the concerns of women. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Discuss the causes for salinity ingress along with its various consequences and potential solutions. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The economic and strategic significance of mineral wealth of a country cannot be seen in isolation from the associated socio-ecological impacts of their extraction. Discuss in light of the newfound lithium reserves in Northern India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Explain the mechanism and occurrence of earthquake. With the help of map given below, throw light upon the vulnerability of regions affected by earthquake and earthquake related disasters. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Enumerating different types of tides highlight their significance. Also, explain how tides are different from waves. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"In the contemporary times, the conventional conceptualization of the institution of marriage as well as family is facing evolutionary changes. Do you agree? Justify. To what extent have the state and market played a role in this? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Bring out the reasons and consequences of the spurt in child marriages in recent years. What steps can be taken beyond the legal realms to tackle the menace? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Examine the reasons behind generation of regional sentiments? Do you agree that regional sentiments and cultural assertiveness may lead to the issue of separatism? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3556,"topper":"K N Chandana Jahnavi","air":50,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1a9dc-719172_2420_chandana-kuruganty_rank_50.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3557,"topper":"K N Chandana Jahnavi","air":50,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/99/air-50-k-n-chandana-jahnavi_test-_gs1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3558,"topper":"K N Chandana Jahnavi","air":50,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/54/air-50-k-n-chandana-jahnavi_test-1_gs1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3559,"topper":"K N Chandana Jahnavi","air":50,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/46/air-50-k-n-chandana-jahnavi_test5-_gs1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3560,"topper":"K N Chandana Jahnavi","air":50,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/73/air-50-k-n-chandana-jahnavi_test-6_gs2.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. \"Interstate border disputes, if not promptly and impartially settled, can transform into persistent issues that impede development and generate friction\". Highlighting the constitutional and legal framework to resolve interstate disputes, explain why Independent India has failed to resolve inter-state border disputes.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. Examine the role of the Inter-state Council in promoting vertical (Centre-State) and horizontal (Inter-State) Intergovernmental cooperation and coordination.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. Discuss the key function of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). What steps should be taken to revamp the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in order to enhance its effectiveness as a true guardian of public funds?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. Recognizing the pivotal role of urbanization as a driver of national economic growth, the Fifteenth Finance Commission has suggested major reforms for Urban Local Bodies. Evaluate the recommendations put forward by the Fifteenth Finance Commission in promoting and revitalizing ULBs in India.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. Highlight the key differences in the scope of Freedom of speech and expression as provided under Parliamentary privileges vis a vis Fundamental rights. Why is it necessary to maintain a balance between parliamentary privilege and fundamental rights?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. Civil society organizations, play a pivotal role in fostering \"collective private action for the public good\". What challenges do they face in local resource mobilization (LRM) and corporate funding through corporate social responsibility (CSR)? Also, suggest measures.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. The first step to eradicating poverty is reliable poverty assessment for program design, implementation, and monitoring. In this context discuss the methodology and significance of NITI Aayog's National Multidimensional Poverty Index.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. In the context of India, despite the presence of constitutional provisions, legal precedents, and international commitments that establish a robust foundation for a right to health, why has there been a lack of explicit legal recognition of this right?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. The collective strength of BRICS nations allows for meaningful cooperation on myriad issues, however, the platform's ability to influence the trajectory of bilateral relationships remains limited. Do you agree?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. In light of the recent demands to amend the Indus Waters Treaty, discuss the possible implications it could have on the water-sharing mechanism between India and Pakistan.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. The doctrine of Parliamentary sovereignty and judicial supremacy has exerted considerable influence in shaping the constitutional frameworks of India and the USA. Citing relevant case laws discuss the role of the judiciary in influencing the constitutions in these countries. Is the scope of judicial review wider in India?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. Delimitation of seats is essential to ensure fair representation and uphold the principles of one vote, one value. Highlighting the challenges posed by misrepresentation in constituencies analyze the ramifications of population-based delimitation in creating federal tension.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. Discuss the role of the Supreme Court of India in strengthening the hands of the Election Commission in the discharge of its constitutional responsibility of conducting free and fair elections in the country.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14 The declining role of Parliament undermines the fundamental principle of separation of powers, as it diminishes the legislature's ability to serve as a check on the executive branch and ensure a balanced exercise of power. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"15 Discuss the crucial role played by the National Commission of Women in shaping the discourse on gender-sensitive laws in India. To what extent the elevation of the National Commission for Women to a constitutional body would reinforce its authority?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. 'Satisfactory and timely redressal of grievances is the cornerstone of 'minimum government, maximum governance.' In this context discuss the challenges associated with current grievance redress mechanisms and suggest measures to strengthen the process.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. 'Corruption corrodes the fabric of governance, eroding the public's faith in democratic institutions.' Examine the potential for harmonizing the Right to Information (RTI) Act, the Whistleblower Protection Act (WBPA), and the Lokpal & Lokayukta Act, 2013, to enhance the effectiveness of the anticorruption regime.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. Analyze the potential challenges and benefits involved in leveraging SHGs as platforms for skill development, entrepreneurship, and income generation among marginalized communities to effectively counter poverty.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. 'India is uniquely positioned on the world map for its rich culture.' In this context discuss the role of culture, diaspora, and democracy as instruments of India's soft power diplomacy. To what extent India has been able to position itself as a 'smart power'?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. The synergy of shared values and vibrant people-to-people connections between India and Australia creates a fertile ground for fostering long-lasting trade relations and strategic collaboration between the two nations. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3561,"topper":"K N Chandana Jahnavi","air":50,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/74/air-50-k-n-chandana-jahnavi_test-2_gs2.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Q.1 There is a need to resolve the ambiguity in the disqualification provisions under section 8 of the Representation of People Act 1951. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Q.2 Constitution is a mere skeleton whereas constitutionalism is the soul of democracy. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Q.3 \"Electoral bonds are a double-edged sword, providing anonymity to donors while raising concerns about transparency in political funding.\" To what extent have electoral bonds further legitimized opacity in electoral funding?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Q.4 The question of gender equality is central to the debate on Uniform Civil Code. In this light what are the challenges in reconciling UCC with gender equality as enshrined in the constitution?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Q.5 'The Governor's office is neither decorative nor inconsequential, it assumes a constitutional role of profound essence' To what extent does the Governor actively contribute to the governance of a state and reinforce the principles of federalism in the country?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Q.6 Recently demand has been rising in a state regarding the enactment of Social Accountability Law. How such a law can lead to good governance and boost citizens' participation in decision-making. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Q.7 There is a need for convergence of 'nutrition-specific' and 'nutrition-sensitive' interventions to effectively tackle child undernutrition in India. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Q.8 \"MGNREGA, the lynchpin of rural poverty alleviation, has become the victim of fiscal apathy.\" Critically analyze the statement in light of recent developments.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Q.9 \"India must leverage, if not manage, the global divides\". How can the current geopolitical churn pave the way for India's rise to the global high table?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Q.10 \"Berlin can be India's gateway to the European Union.\" Elaborate with respect to Germany's significance in India's relationship with the EU.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.11 How has the Anti-Defection Law impacted the relationship between political parties and individual legislators in India? In light of the recent incidents also discuss the unintended consequences it has on the functioning of democracy in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.12 Critics assert that limitless judicial authority rests on the structural ambiguity of the basic structure doctrine. Has the elastic nature of the basic structure doctrine made the judiciary more powerful than the executive?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.13 Fundamental rights are not gifts bestowed upon by the state rather an individual possesses them independently of the state. In this context discuss the desirability of reasonable restrictions on various fundamental rights.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.14 ‘S.R. Bommai v. Union of India signified a paradigm shift in the judicial interpretation of the union’s authority to assume control of a state’s administration.’ In this context discuss the significance and impact of the judgement on cementing the federal structure.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.15 The key to effective decentralization is, 'political decentralization should follow finance and functional decentralization'. Discuss in the context of impediments faced by local governance in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.16 Multi-stakeholder partnerships are the key to leveraging collective expertise and networks. How can effective partnership and localized implementation efforts be fostered to accelerate the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in India?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.17 How has the implementation of the POSH Act resulted in limited success in raising awareness about sexual harassment, and what factors have hindered its effective outreach to women employed in the unorganized sector? Propose strategies to bridge this gap and ensure comprehensive protection for women in the unorganized sector against workplace harassment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.18 'Neo-liberal reforms and globalization have deeply transformed the institutions of the welfare state and set the ground for a new type of civil services.' In this context examine the challenges faced in service delivery and suggest adequate reforms.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.19 China views India as its \"Asian Rival\" with an innate ability to counter its hegemonistic goals in Asia. Despite these difficulties in India-China relations, there are also many areas of convergence. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Q.20 Indo-Pacific region in recent times has emerged as a zone of diverging interests and priorities. Discuss. Do you think the Global Security Initiative will supersede QUAD in the region?","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3562,"topper":"K N Chandana Jahnavi","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/K-N-CHANDANA-JAHNAVI-UPSC-2023-Rank-48-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"In many ways, the Spanish civil war was the opening act of WWII. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"How will you explain the different fates of Buddhism and Jainism despite a slew of similarities in the two religions? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Non-Cooperation Movement democratized India's freedom struggle but suffered from inherent limitations. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Critically analyse the efficacy of linguistic reorganization of states in addressing the reasons for linguistic divides in post-independent India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Briefly discuss the role of plate tectonics theory in explaining the location of volcanoes. Also, explain the multifarious impacts of volcanoes on the surrounding regions. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Taking further the success of Aspirational Districts Programme, Aspirational Blocks can help achieve the twin objectives of balanced growth and checking stress migration. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Describe the critical factors for location of defense industries and suggest measures to overcome the challenges. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"To what extent can Socio-Economic-Caste Census (SECC) address the challenges in achieving equitable resource allocation and targeted welfare? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Indian society is premised on some common values that give it a composite texture as well as some diverse practices that deepen its heterogeneity. Elucidate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What are the factors that influence population growth in the country? In this perspective, examine the relevance and need of raising the minimum marriageable age of women for population development. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Bring out the reasons behind the tribal unrest in British India. Also, analyze the reasons for their limited success. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The independence of India was not a result of a forced expulsion of the Empire, as desired by the Quit India Movement; it was rather a confluence of domestic politics and global circumstances. Analyze. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Explain why Sufism, a liberal reform movement in Islam could deepen its roots in the Indian sub-continent, despite Islam being a foreign religion? Also, bring out the impacts of Sufism on Indian society. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Enumerate the reasons behind rising intensity and frequency of cyclones in the Arabian Sea in recent years. Giving special reference to NDMA guidelines, recommend measures to check the adverse impacts of cyclones. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Examine the impacts of climate change on the hydrological cycle and suggest suitable mitigation and adaptation strategies to contain the harmful implications. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Defining continental shelf, highlight its resource potential and ecological significance. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Rooted in patriarchal values, gender-based violence, in all its manifestations, is antithetical to societal growth. Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The caste calculus in the Indian society remains predominant and continues to project its shadow on social, political, and economic domains. Do you agree? Substantiate your answer. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss various factors contributing to the water woes faced by Indian cities. Also, explain complexities in implementing a comprehensive water management plan. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Though important elements of group identity, religion and region also run the risk of deepening communal cleavages. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3563,"topper":"K N Chandana Jahnavi","air":50,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/53/air-50-k-n-chandana-jahnavi_test2-_gs2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3564,"topper":"K N Chandana Jahnavi","air":50,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/48/air-50-k-n-chandana-jahnavi_test-6_gs2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3565,"topper":"K N Chandana Jahnavi","air":50,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/70/air-50-k-n-chandana-jahnavi_test-7_gs3.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. Elaborate on the difference between Capital Account and Current Account as components of Balance of Payment (BOP). Suggest a few measures to balance the BOP deficit of India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. The logistics sector is one of the important components of the growth of the manufacturing industry. Discuss. Also, mention various components of the recently announced National Logistics Policy 2022.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. What is India's stand on the New Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies under WTO? How is the Fisheries sector significant for India? Enumerate the steps taken by the Government to develop this sector.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. Analyze the systemic and institutional constraints that continue to hinder land reform efforts in India and propose pragmatic solutions to ensure equitable distribution of land.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. What are the unique features and capabilities of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, and how has it contributed to India's defence capabilities and strategic position in the region?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. In line with the country's efforts to explore the depths of the ocean and harness the resources it holds, the Indian government has proposed a deep-sea exploration mission Samudrayaan. How can this mission contribute to the advancement of ocean science and technology in the country?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. What is Global Methane Pledge? Do you think the Global Methane Pledge is a positive step toward mitigating methane emissions? Explain India's stance on this issue.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of disaster management in public health. Discuss the key strategies and challenges for managing pandemics and other infectious disease outbreaks.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. \"The resource curse of Eastern and Central India has been a crucial driver of LWE\". Elaborate and suggest measures for sustainable and inclusive development of the region.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. In light of the declining trend of violence in the North East and J&K region do you think that AFSPA has lived its utility? Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. International trade is centred on the dominant currency paradigm (DCM). Critically Analyze the importance of Hard currency in International trade and Discuss the potential of rupee acceptance in global trade as an alternative to dollar imperialism.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. A demographic Dividend does not ensure growth; it only generates potential. Discuss the steps made by the government to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the demographic transition.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. 'Genome editing holds immense potential for crop improvement, but it also raises ethical and safety concerns'. How far do the new guidelines for the safety assessment of genome-edited plants in India, ensure the safety of genetically modified crops?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. Discuss the impact of direct and indirect farm subsidies on the agriculture sector in India. How have Minimum Support Prices (MSP) affected the agricultural economy?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a rapidly escalating crisis that poses a grave threat to public health worldwide. What are the major contributing factors to the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance, and what steps can be taken to address this global health threat?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. What do you understand by Disruptive innovations? What are some examples of disruptive innovation in recent times, and how have they changed the way industries operate?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. Trace the evolution of the Loss and Damage fund. What are the major development related to loss and damage funds in COP 27?. What are the commitments made by India in this conference?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":47,"question":"18 Disaster management is not just about responding to emergencies but also about building resilient communities. Discuss the key strategies that can be used to build community resilience and reduce the impact of disasters.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":50,"question":"19 The transformation of terrorism through the use of new and emerging technologies like metaverse and virtual assets is a matter of concern. How can we counter the Use of New and Emerging Technologies for Terrorist Purposes and Elucidate the importance of the \"Delhi declaration\" in this regard?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. \"The Agnipath scheme is a bitter pill needed for the resilience and efficacy of our armed forces.\" Critically Analyze the statement with relevant arguments.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"}]},{"id":3566,"topper":"K N Chandana Jahnavi","air":50,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/85/air-50-k-n-chandana-jahnavi_test-3_gs3.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Q.1 What do you understand by Windfall tax? Do you think that windfall taxes can effectively redistribute wealth and promote greater economic equality?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":8,"question":"Q.2 Discuss the perceived successes and challenges of implementing inflation targeting under the new Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) regime.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":10,"question":"Q.3 Assess the potential of millet production in promoting sustainable agriculture and improving food security in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"1. Are NUTRI cereals help in NUTRITIONAL security\n2. tackle Cereal intake of rice & wheat with Balanced DIET & diversification\n3. tackle diabetes with low glycemic index\n4. Higher fibre, protein per capita over monoculture crops\n5. enhance INDIA's per capita production\n6. Also help in Farmer income diversity (Dalwai committee)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Q.4 Jal Jeevan Mission has the potential to end the regional disparity in the availability and accessibility of drinking water. Highlighting the significance of the mission, discuss the underlying impediments in achieving the desired objectives.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Q.5 What do you understand by Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)? Discuss its applications and how it can revolutionize the energy program of India.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":16,"question":"Q.6 Discuss in brief developments and challenges in the Gaganyaan mission of ISRO. What are the possible benefits of the mission for the society?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":18,"question":"Q.7 \"Green hydrogen can be the silver bullet in our quest to tackle climate change and pollution\". Critically analyze the statement in light of India's National Green Hydrogen mission.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Q.8 What are the key lessons for disaster management and environmental conservation in the Himalayan region, in light of the recent disaster in Joshimath, Uttarakhand?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":22,"question":"Q.9 \"The recent radical trends in Punjab show that the Khalistan issue is still simmering.\" Discuss the statement with respect to recent developments and suggest measures to handle it.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Q.10 The anonymity and ease of drone operation contribute to the challenges of India's border security. Elaborate and give suggestions to tackle the drone problem in border areas.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.11 Electricity Amendment Bill, 2022 brings several advantages for consumers, DISCOMs as well as the environment. Elaborate. Also, list out its shortcomings and suggest some measures to overcome them.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.12 Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) plays an important role in the regulation of the share market and safeguarding the interests of investors. In the light of given statement, highlight the challenges faced by the SEBI and suggest reforms in this regard.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.13 Despite being a major contributor to the Indian economy, the agriculture sector is plagued by several constraints that impede its growth and development. Discuss the role of technology in overcoming these constraints.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.14 Evaluate the impact of irrigation on the environment and natural resources, and suggest measures to ensure the sustainability and equity of irrigation practices in agriculture.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.15 How India benefitted strategically from the contributions of Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha and Dr. Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai in the fields of atomic energy and space technology respectively?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.16 Generative AI holds the potential to push the boundaries of innovation in the near future, yet its societal impact raises substantial challenges. Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.17 Explain the purpose of the \"Mangrove Alliance for Climate\" launched at the COP27 UN Climate Change Conference in Egypt in November 2022. Elaborate on the importance of mangroves in maintaining the coastal ecology of tropical nations.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.18 The Formation of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure brings more robustness to the Disaster Management approach in India. Comment and justify the need for a new strategy to tackle Disasters in India.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":48,"question":"WHAT more is needed with respect to CDRI for Robustness","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"Q.19 The recent rise in ransomware attacks targeting critical infrastructure and major corporations has highlighted the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity measures and policies. Discussing the key factors contributing to this trend, analyze the impact of these attacks on various sectors.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Q.20 In the context of border security, how can cooperation and coordination between different security agencies be improved to ensure effective and efficient management of coastal and terrestrial borders?","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3567,"topper":"K N Chandana Jahnavi","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/K-N-CHANDANA-JAHNAVI-UPSC-2023-Rank-48-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Investment in infrastructure is a precursor to social and economic transformation; however, the focus on economic gains must not marginalise the concerns for safety. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What do you understand from Green growth? With special reference to the budget 2023-2024, discuss various government measures to propel green growth in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Project cheetah marks a departure from India's efforts for conservation of various critically endangered species. In this perspective, do you think the reintroduction of major fauna that has gone extinct is justified? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"In what ways can precision agriculture become a panacea for multipronged challenges plaguing the agriculture sector? Discuss. Also, analyse various impediments in widespread adoption of precision farming in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are the reasons for increasing emphasis on the horticulture sector in recent years? Evaluate government measures for the development of the horticulture sector. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Unplanned urbanization has made Indian cities vulnerable to fire safety hazards. Discuss and recommend measures for mitigating urban fires, with special reference to national building code, 2016. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"DPI (Digital Public Infrastructure) is indispensable for digitally enabling citizens and businesses; however, the challenges of exclusion, exploitation, and monopolisation cannot be ignored. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Assess the relevance of the NISAR mission in observing and managing climate change and natural hazards. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Defense indigenization remains the Achilles heel of India's security architecture. Examine the importance of startups in defense sector to make India secure and self-reliant. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Edge in modern warfare lies not so much in the capacity to overwhelm the adversary as much in the ability to nip the threat in the bud. In this context, discuss the role of intelligence in maintaining national security, and also cite challenges associated. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Labour and export intensive industries are key to problems of jobless growth. In this perspective, analyse the opportunities and challenges associated with the textile sector. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"In an era of interconnected challenges, the emerging global polycrisis poses significant implications for India's macroeconomic stability. Examine and suggest measures to make the Indian economy more resilient to global shocks and challenges. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Do you think the low Female Labor Force Participation Rate presents a correct picture about the 'working women' in India's economy? Give reasons in support of your answer. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Across sectors and regions, the most marginalised sections are also the most affected by the impacts of climate change. Explain. Also, present a case for a climate resilient model of development that integrates mitigation and adaptation measures. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite the potential to check the triple whammy of nutritional deficiency, environmental degradation, and receding farm incomes, the adoption of Millets has been abysmally low. Analyse. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"A link between unorganized farming community and formal industrial sector, Food Processing Industries (FPI) can play a key role in advancing the rural economy. Evaluate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What do you understand by generative Artificial Intelligence (AI)? How can policymakers and regulatory bodies effectively address the concerns and challenges posed by generative AI? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Though ethnic fault lines are a major threat, security challenges in the North-East are not confined to the same. Discuss the statement with special reference to Manipur. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Critically examine the role of development initiatives in addressing the root causes of militancy/ terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3568,"topper":"K N Chandana Jahnavi","air":50,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/50/air-50-k-n-chandana-jahnavi_test3-_gs3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3569,"topper":"K N Chandana Jahnavi","air":50,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/43/air-50-k-n-chandana-jahnavi_test-7_gs3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3570,"topper":"K N Chandana Jahnavi","air":50,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/52/air-50-k-n-chandana-jahnavi_test-8_gs4.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1 (a) \"The State took taxes from the people only to ensure their prosperity in return like the sun takes moisture from the earth only to give it back in thousandfold measure.\" Kalidasa.\nExplain the Indian concept of \"giving it back\" and its relevance as a guiding value for civil servants.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"(b) Public service takes place in a bureaucratic structure with clear lines of authority, value standardization, and accountability mechanisms. Working within such a structure, what do you think are the influences that impact the public servant's ethical decision-making?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"2 (a) What do you understand by the terms 'ethics' and 'integrity'? Do you think they are interrelated? Explain with examples the relationship between ethics and integrity in the context of public administration.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"(b) What do you understand by the terms ethical behavior and 'emotionally intelligent behavior'? Identify the relevant emotional intelligence components that act as a reliable guide to ethical behavior.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"3. (a) \"To achieve a good life, duty is not sufficient; one needs to develop one's sympathetic feelings for others, and neither duty alone nor good will alone are sufficient to be moral.\" Do you agree with the above statement? Justify your position.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"(b) Developing a Scientific temper, innovative mindset, and civic-conscious citizens are major objectives of higher educational institutions. Can higher educational institutions be instrumental in promoting integrity education among youth to establish a public culture of integrity and a corruption-free political culture? If yes, how?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"4. Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance.\n(a) The senses deceive from time to time, and it is prudent never to trust wholly those who have deceived us even once.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":20,"question":"(b) \"The price good men pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men.\"","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"(c) \"Men must have corrupted nature a little, for they were not born wolves, and they have become wolves.\"","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":24,"question":"5. (a) As professionals, civil servants are career focused and are also self-interested. At the same time, their service ethos imposes an obligation to serve the public interest selflessly. Is it possible for a civil servant to reconcile career and service obligation? Explain your position.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"(b) \"While competence without compassion can be brutal and inhumane; similarly, compassion without competence can be meaningless for persons seeking help.\" Explain the above with the help of a suitable illustration in the context of public services.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"6. (a) Does the suffering of individuals in one part of the world generate moral demands of assistance on those foreigners who live far away from them? Are these moral demands of assistance justified? Can governments be held morally responsible for failing to help the international community in times of deprivation? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":30,"question":"(b) Civil Services ethics has everything to do with management. It is as much a Departmental as a personal issue. Leaders who fail to create systems that facilitate ethical conduct are equally to blame as much as those who indulge in ethical misconduct. Do you think the Departmental culture leads to ethical misconduct or is the individual with weak willpower culpable? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"7 You are posted as a District Development officer in a district with a low literacy rate and poor health indicators. As you took charge, your Health Secretary had given express instructions that your priority is to improve health indicators by enhancing the delivery of healthcare services.\n\nAfter taking over, you traveled around the district to study and identify ways of improving healthcare services. During your field trip, you discovered that the issue was not the accessibility of services; it was something else. You found the problem was the myths, misconceptions, and malpractices that hindered the uptake of health care services. For instance, people believed that vaccines caused impotence, immunization was equivalent to birth control, using antenatal care was counterproductive to the health of the mother and baby, and so on.\n\nYou realize that these beliefs were the behavioral barriers that stood in the way of health and nutrition services. And these behavioral barriers made it difficult for front-line workers to reach out.\n\nYou discussed your observations with the Health Secretary, and he advised you to seek inputs from the neighboring district DDO who was doing some good work. When you met with the neighboring DDO, you learned he was experimenting with using the Faith leaders' influence and reach to persuade people. You were unsure about roping in faith leaders to help you overcome the behavioral barriers. As a civil servant, you felt it would be a mistake to involve faith leaders in health service schemes. When you shared your apprehensions with the Secretary, he firmly instructed you to try and innovate.\n(a) What are the issues involved in the above case?\n(b) What are the advantages and disadvantages of using Faith leaders as influencers and persuaders?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"(c) and (d) (c) If not faith leaders, what are your other options for breaking the behavioral barriers?\n(d) Do you think it is ethically right for a civil servant to involve faith leaders in promoting government schemes? (Answer in 250 words) 20 Marks","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"You are the Head of an Agency, a special purpose vehicle, responsible for overseeing the last-mile delivery of essential services and sorting out bottlenecks and grievances of the citizens within your jurisdiction. The essential services included Maternal and infant health care, nutritional support to BPL families, drinking water availability, etc.\n\nYour agency employed a staff of 15 to carry out regular official operations and handle grievances. Since the agency dealt with complaints, there was an enormous amount of public dealing daily. Sometimes the agency officials had to work beyond office hours to finish the regular office work as public dealings took away most of the office hours. The employees were unhappy doing the extra bit as they were not paid any overtime. A few of them informally raised the issue with you, but you were helpless as the agency rules didn’t allow any travel or overtime allowances. You tried taking up the matter with HQ but to no avail.\n\nThe work stress gradually started showing up among the staff, they became irritable with the complainants, and at times they shouted at them. Besides rudeness, the staff’s language became abusive, derogatory, and sometimes casteist. You could notice that there were 4 of them in particular who were getting very abusive and discriminatory while handling grievances. As the Head, you warned them, but there was no marked change in their work attitude. To compound your problem, some of the villagers, through their Sarpanch, raised the issue of rude, disrespectful, and discriminatory behavior with your HQ. The HQ immediately instructed you to take action and create a respectful and dignified workspace.\n(a) What are the issues involved in the above case?\n(b) What are the action options available to you?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"(d) What do you understand by dignity? Distinguish between human and social dignity? Identify the common dignity violations that one notices in government departments.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"9 A major pharmaceutical company headquartered in Mumbai had worldwide operations. It was a big producer and exporter of generic drugs. It has production facilities spread around the country. After the pandemic, the company saw an exponential growth in demand for its generic drugs, and to meet the demand, the company contracted out production to small manufacturers. The deal was that the contracted supplier would supply a specified quantity of drugs within the prearranged schedule, and on delivery, the payments were released. The company didn't bother about the supplier's facilities, policies, or safety standards. It was a simple business deal of keeping the supply chain running without liabilities.\n\nSome suppliers saw this as an opportunity to make some quick money. They started stretching the limits of their production facility and didn't mind compromising with safety and labor laws. Unfortunately, a supplier's storage facility caught fire, and 22 workers died in the tragedy. The production facility was closed, and the dead workers' families sued the supplier and pharmaceutical company for damages. The supplier agreed to pay the damages, but the company denied any liabilities as they were not directly involved. Meanwhile, the lawyers representing the family claimed that the company was morally responsible for the tragedy because they didn't inspect the production facility for safety and were indifferent to everything. The families considered the company to be outright consequentialists worried about keeping their supply lines running, whatever the cost.\n(a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (50 words) 5 marks\n(b) Ethically analyze the company's position on paying damages and justify why/ why not the company should be liable for damages. (120 words) 10 marks\n(c) What do you understand by the term moral responsibility? When do you think a person or an entity becomes morally responsible for actions committed or omitted? (80 words) 5 marks","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"(a) उपरोक्त मामले में कौन से नैतिक मुद्दे और दुविधाएँ शामिल हैं?  \n(b) आपके पास कौन से विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?  \n(c) विकल्पों का विश्लेषण करने के बाद अपनी चुनी हुई कार्रवाई का चयन करें।  \n(d) उपरोक्त मामले में आपकी नैतिक प्रेरणा क्या होगी? क्या यह कर्तव्य, दायित्व या परिणाम होना चाहिए?  \n(250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए) [20 अंक]\na) उपरोक्त मामले में कौन से नैतिक मुद्दे और दुविधाएँ शामिल हैं?\nb) आपके पास कौन से विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nc) विकल्पों का विश्लेषण करने के बाद अपनी चुनी हुई कार्रवाई का चयन करें।\nd) उपरोक्त मामले में आपकी नैतिक प्रेरणा क्या होगी? क्या यह कर्तव्य, दायित्व या परिणाम होना चाहिए?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों"},{"page":48,"question":"(a) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas involved in the above case?\n(b) What are the options available to you?\n(c) Select your chosen course of action after analyzing the options.\n(d) What must be your moral motivation in the above case? Should it be duty, care, or consequences?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":52,"question":"11. (a) उपरोक्त मामले में कौन से नैतिक मुद्दे शामिल हैं?\n(b) आपके अनुसार उपरोक्त मामले में सिद्धांत-उत्कृष्ट और नियम-पालन करने वाले पुलिस कर्मियों को क्या करना चाहिए और क्यों? तर्क दीजिए।\n(c) आपके अनुसार सिविल सेवा में किसे प्राथमिकता दी जानी चाहिए, विभाग के प्रति निष्ठा, या अपने निर्णयों और सेवा मूल्यों में निष्पक्ष और गैर-पक्षपातपूर्ण होना?\na) उपरोक्त मामले में कौन से नैतिक मुद्दे शामिल हैं?\nb) आपके अनुसार उपरोक्त मामले में सिद्धांत-उत्कृष्ट और नियम-पालन करने वाले पुलिस कर्मियों को क्या करना चाहिए और क्यों? तर्क दीजिए।\nc) आपके अनुसार सिविल सेवा में किसे प्राथमिकता दी जानी चाहिए, विभाग के प्रति निष्ठा, या अपने निर्णयों और सेवा मूल्यों में निष्पक्ष और गैर-पक्षपातपूर्ण होना?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए"},{"page":53,"question":"(a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\n(b) What do you think principle-oriented and rule-abiding police personnel must do in the above case? Why? Justify\n(c) What do you think must assume priority in civil service, loyalty to the department, or being impartial and non-partisan in your decisions and service values?\na) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\nb) What do you think principle-oriented and rule-abiding police personnel must do in the above case? Why? Justify\nc) What do you think must assume priority in civil service, loyalty to the department, or being impartial and non-partisan in your decisions and service values?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":57,"question":"(a) उपरोक्त मामले में कौन-कौन से मुद्दे शामिल हैं ?\n(b) क्या आप प्रवासी भारतीयों की मदद के बजाय अर्थनीति को प्राथमिकता देने के राजदूत के रुख से सहमत हैं ? अगर हाँ तो क्यों, अगर नहीं तो क्यों नहीं ?\n(c) दायित्व, परिणामवाद और कर्तव्य के बीच, आपके अनुसार भारतीय विदेश नीति का मार्गदर्शन करने के लिए उपयुक्त परिप्रेक्ष्य क्या है ? तर्क दीजिए।\na) उपरोक्त मामले में कौन-कौन से मुद्दे शामिल हैं ?\nb) क्या आप प्रवासी भारतीयों की मदद के बजाय अर्थनीति को प्राथमिकता देने के राजदूत के रुख से सहमत हैं ? अगर हाँ तो क्यों, अगर नहीं तो क्यों नहीं ?\nc) दायित्व, परिणामवाद और कर्तव्य के बीच, आपके अनुसार भारतीय विदेश नीति का मार्गदर्शन करने के लिए उपयुक्त परिप्रेक्ष्य क्या है ? तर्क दीजिए।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए"},{"page":58,"question":"(a) What are the issues involved in the above case?\n(b) Do you agree with the Ambassador's position of prioritizing economics over helping the diaspora? Why/why not?\n(c) Among Care, Consequentialism, and Duty, what do you think is the appropriate perspective to guide Indian Foreign policy? Justify.\na What are the issues involved in the above case?\nb Do you agree with the Ambassador's position of prioritizing economics over helping the diaspora? Why/why not?\nc Among Care, Consequentialism, and Duty, what do you think is the appropriate perspective to guide Indian Foreign policy? Justify.","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"}]},{"id":3571,"topper":"K N Chandana Jahnavi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c8717-719172_1827_chandana-kuruganty_rank_50.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The ideals of 'Dhamma' by Ashoka present key learnings on public morality. Discuss. Also, state their relevance for public servants. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"There is a need for an effective climate governance structure within the broad framework of corporate governance. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Family values influence the decisions individuals make both within the family structure and outside of it. Do you agree with the statement? Justify with relevant examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"'Niti' must be more concerned with 'nyaya' i.e. the elimination of removable injustices rather than defining a perfectly just society. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"While it may seem restrictive, anonymity is one of the greatest strengths of the civil services. Comment in the context of growth of social media in recent times. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Corporate governance and business ethics are key factors influencing investment decisions and determining the flow of capital worldwide. In this context, discuss the inter-relationship between corporate governance and business ethics. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Examine the issue of foreign aid in global politics from an ethical perspective. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explaining the meaning of media ethics, discuss why it is a prerequisite for democracy. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by a situation of 'crisis of conscience'? Also, explain how a public servant can deal with such a situation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The opportunities and threats created by emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) require leaders across business, government and civil society to understand the importance of values and ethics in technological development. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"It is argued that the Indian bureaucracy suffers from indecision and risk aversion. Do you agree? Justify with logical arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":34,"question":"Recently, the government has proposed a bill to increase the age of marriage for women from 18 to 21 years. It has been argued that it will help women improve their nutritional status, lower maternal mortality rate and improve the overall health status of women. However, some critics have stated that the proposed law would be counterproductive to women's cause and the desired objectives will not be met. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What effect will an increase in the age of marriage have on women in India? (b) Can legislation be used as an effective tool for social change? (c) Discuss other agents that can be used for social change in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Climate change not only threatens our ecosystems but also undermines the foundation of our fundamental rights, deepens inequalities and creates new forms of injustice. Adapting to climate change and trying to mitigate its impacts are not just a matter of scientific knowledge and political will but also demand a broader view of a complex, inter-related situation. Human induced climate change has brought in several ethical dimensions not just in causing climate change but also in the role and responsibility in mitigating it. (a) Highlight the ethical issues arising out of human-induced climate change. (b) What ethical principles should form the basis of global action on climate change?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"A bridge is being built by a powerful local contractor in a district. The Public Works Department (PWD) is responsible for issuing the tender, checking the quality of the bridge and giving approval to it. During the construction of the bridge, testing by the quality control lab in the PWD showed its strength to be slightly below the minimum value required for granting approval for its further construction and completion. The local contractor paid hefty bribes to some officials in the PWD to get the contract. These officials are pressurising the quality control lab in the PWD to sign the report and give the required approval to the bridge. The local MLA is also pressuring the concerned lab for the approval, as elections in the state are approaching and the bridge has to be inaugurated. However, the in-charge of the lab is aware that if he grants approval and any mishappening related to the bridge occurs in the future, he may come under scrutiny. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the issues involved in this scenario? (b) Evaluate the options available to the in-charge of the quality control lab in the given situation. (c) What course of action should the lab in-charge take? Justify with logical arguments.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3572,"topper":"K N Chandana Jahnavi","air":50,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/65aa1-719172_1525_chandana-kuruganty_rank_50.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3573,"topper":"K N Chandana Jahnavi","air":50,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e7be3-719172_1819_chandana-kuruganty_rank_50.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3574,"topper":"K N Chandana Jahnavi","air":50,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/44/air-50-k-n-chandana-jahnavi_test-8_gs4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3575,"topper":"K N Chandana Jahnavi","air":50,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/18p0cyrSAYiyw61XJkXNyZOp0FfAV2ERU","questions":[]},{"id":3576,"topper":"K N Chandana Jahnavi","air":50,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/25cb2-719172_1526_k_n_chandana_jahnavi_rank_50.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3577,"topper":"K N Chandana Jahnavi","air":50,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ce91b-719172_1527_k_n_chandana_jahnavi_rank_50.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3578,"topper":"K N Chandana Jahnavi","air":50,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b8e95-719172_1528_k_n_chandana_jahnavi_rank_50.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3579,"topper":"K N Chandana Jahnavi","air":50,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/384f0-719172_1529_k_n_chandana_jahnavi_rank_50.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3580,"topper":"K N Chandana Jahnavi","air":50,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/K-N-CHANDANA-JAHNAVI-UPSC-2023-Rank-48-MGP-Answer-Copy-Sociology-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3581,"topper":"K Varun Reddy","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-GE-Fqhsm6JzOlmIYB62GMKk5p9f5Q6w/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) Examine the relevance of the following in the context of civil service:\na) Probity\nb) Service principle\nc) Conscientiousness\nd) Collegiality","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) a) 'We are what our thoughts have made us'. What do you understand by this statement? Explain in reference to the contemporary times.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"b) Discuss the significance of Mahatma Gandhi's Talisman for civil servants.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.3) a) How could social intelligence and attitudinal change contribute to the success of 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao'?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"b) Social values are not merely the context in which the public agency operates; they form its essence. Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q4) a) Giving suitable examples, define and differentiate between 'Ethical Universalism' and 'Ethical Relativism'.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"b) What role does 'ethics' play in international relations? In your view, what is the relationship between ethics, politics and power?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.5) a) Does civil service ethics differ from professional ethics or, on the other hand, from personal ethics? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"b) \"It is very difficult to find a man in this world who is always pure in all respects. It is only on account of fear or punishment that an individual behaves properly and is kept within bounds.\" (10 Marks,150 Words)\ni. Do you think that you are pure in all respects? Describe with examples.\nii. Other than fear or punishment, is there any other way through which behavior of an individual can be shaped or kept within bounds?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.6) a) \"Waning ethics in India's corporate sector is not just an economic problem\". Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"b) What are the ethical obligations of a civil servant? Discuss with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.7) a) \"Whatever a person having authority does, other people do the same thing; whatever standards he sets up, all people follow the same.\" Examine, with reference to real-life examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"b) How can emotional intelligence contribute to the work culture of an organization?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.8) You are Principal of a well-reputed school of an urban locality. One day, the parents of a 9-year-old girl come to you and register a complaint of molestation of their ward against a 10-year-old boy of your school. You somehow persuade them to wait for your response on the matter before resorting to legal options. You immediately form a committee of few staff members to inquire into the matter and find facts. Committee report establishes all the facts and arguments in favor of the victim. (20 Marks, 250 Words)\na) What are the dilemmas before you? What will be your response to the situation?\nb) Give reasons for changing values and behavior of children, leading to such incidents. What remedial measures would you suggest?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Q.9 'A building located in a clustered urban locality caught fire. The Fire subsequently got spread to a restaurant in the vicinity. A birthday was party going on in the restaurant. As a consequence, a number of people including women and children died. The government immediately announced cash relief to the aggrieved families and arrested the builder.\n\nGive reasons for such incidents taking place across the country. Suggest measures to prevent their occurrence.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Q.10 You are an honest and responsible civil servant. One evening when you reached home, you found that your wife was upset with you. On inquiring, you found the following:\na) She asked that whom you actually are making happy with your morals and values- government or society? Because neither of the two is supportive and appreciative of the way you work.\nb) She questioned how even your juniors are better well-off than you, and the way she feels marginalized in the lavish parties of his seniors, given the ordinary lifestyle they live in.\nc) She also complained that how your work culture and value-filled lifestyle has disturbed the peace & harmony of the family, especially the children who have to change schools due to frequent transfers.\n After a small quarrel with her, at night you were thinking about the matter and were in a dilemma about it. You, yourself were convinced by her complaints to an extent. In this situation, explain how will you convince your wife and even yourself for the right? Also, discuss how will you keep your conscience intact with your founding values?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"(c) what is the reward for my ethical values? if not for transfers causing difficulty for children and family","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Q.11) You are head of the Human Resources department of a private organization. One day one of the employees committed suicide due to work pressure and long duration of work timings, as revealed by his suicide note. His family was demanding compensation. However, the company denied compensation because the company had several employees working under similar conditions and even the deceased did not report to the management regarding his problem before taking such a step. However, employees of the company went on strike demanding compensation for the family of the deceased. The Chairman of the management board has asked for your recommendations.\na) What recommendations would you provide to the management?\nb) Discuss the merits and demerits of each of the recommendations.\nc) Is it Ethical on part of the employer to ask his employees to work beyond working hours?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Q.12 You decide to take the metro to avoid traffic as you have an urgent business meeting in your office and you already are running late. In metro you find a man teasing a young woman. Before you could think of anything, the woman out of frustration gets down on next stoppage with eve-teaser still being in the metro.\nWhat would you do in such a situation? Justify your action.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Q.13 In recent times, cases of manhandling of doctors by relatives and family members of the deceased owing to delayed medical interventions or other reasons in several district government hospitals have come forth. Doctors in such cases often have protested and even have gone for a strike to ensure proper action against the perpetrators. Aggrieved family members, on the other hand, have always blamed doctors and poor management in such hospitals for their weak and inefficient response.\na) Evaluate the merits and demerits of your course of action in the below-mentioned role-\n  i. As Chief Medical Officer of that District hospital\n  ii. As aggrieved Family Member\n  iii. As Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) of that District\nb) What could be the long-term solution to the issue discussed in the case?","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":3582,"topper":"Kaanchi Singhal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/a4911661fb63cf32bd7e1d24c76e3051/37/mt23fltpn007_tc014.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"If you look into someone's face long enough, eventually you feel that you are looking into yourself.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"It is the province of knowledge to speak and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Drop the question what tomorrow may bring, and count as profit every day that fate allows you.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Truth, like a torch, the more it is shook, it shines.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Art is I; science is We.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Only the dead have seen the end of the war.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Act as if it were impossible to fail.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3583,"topper":"Kaanchi Singhal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/a4911661fb63cf32bd7e1d24c76e3051/36/mt23fltpn007_tc013.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Reason has always existed, but not always in a reasonable form.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"The opposite of poverty is not wealth.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"To forgive is to set a prisoner free and to discover that the prisoner was you.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"A man who wants to lead the orchestra must turn his back on the crowd.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"International Trade is a good indicator of National Security.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"It is not that we use technology, we live technology.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"There is more to life than simply increasing its speed.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Nature is neither a servant nor a master, but a necessary partner.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3584,"topper":"Kaanchi Singhal","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/KAANCHI-SINGHAL-UPSC-2023-Rank-244-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Foreign trade is an important milestone on the path of becoming a 5 trillion USD economy. In this context, analyse the potential of the recently released Foreign Trade Policy, 2023 in revamping India's participation in global trade. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Social protection schemes are an integral aspect of a welfare economy; however, the principles of fiscal prudence cannot be ignored. Discuss, with special reference to Old Pension Scheme (OPS). (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand from Agristack? To what extent can it become a panacea for the problems plaguing the farm sector. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The objective of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to provide a long term and equitable solution to the dilemma between free trade and food security has remained unfulfilled. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Even after five decades of the Stockholm conference, narrowing the gaps between the targets and actions remains one of the biggest challenges towards reversing climate change. Discuss. Also, recommend measures for building a coherent actionable strategy to tackle climate change. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What are the impediments in management of E-waste in the country? In what ways can the trinity of citizens, businesses, and the government tackle this menace? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How does nuclear fusion differ from nuclear fission? Assess the relevance of nuclear energy in resolving the global energy security dilemma? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are run of the river hydroelectric projects? How far can run of the river hydroelectric projects balance ecological conservation with socio-economic development? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"A robust border infrastructure is the surest way to counter multifarious threats emanating from inimical actors. Discuss, in light of Vibrant Village Programme. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"How far can a clearly articulated National Security Strategy help in tackling challenges to national security? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What are the factors that influence the inflation trends in the country? Highlighting the impacts, discuss the institutional measures in place to check inflation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Though a cornerstone of Atmanirbhar Bharat, Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme is not without its own challenges. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"How is internationalisation of rupee different from De-Dollarisation? Highlighting the benefits of internationalisation of rupee, discuss the challenges associated with the same. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What are Primary Agricultural Credit Societies? Can the cooperative push alone help in achieving the twin targets of boosting rural economy and mainstreaming small and marginal farmers? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Farm policies in the country have inadvertently led to undesirable consequences. Do you agree? Giving emphasis on PM PRANAM, discuss ways to enhance soil health and farm productivity. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What do you understand by heat waves? Highlight the reasons and impact of the rising frequency of heat waves across India. Also, recommend some measures to mitigate its impact. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"How is Chandrayaan-3 different from its predecessor, Chandrayaan-2? To what extent can India's presence in Artemis Accords help in furthering the exploration of lunar surface? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Research and Development is the key to unlock the potential of 'knowledge economy.' In this perspective, analyse the role of the National Research Foundation Bill, 2023 in democratizing the research ecosystem in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'Hybrid warfare.' Highlighting its implications for India, recommend measures to develop a comprehensive ecosystem to counter the same. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How are internal security challenges related to peace in neighboring countries? Explain with special reference to instability on India's eastern frontier. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3585,"topper":"Kaanchi Singhal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/748520c30390b56bbbd3f8693a3b3ea3/8/mt23fltpn007_tc035-test-01-gs-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"The fabric of Indian philosophical thought owes as much to Northern India as to Southern India. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"The Indian society's impulse for social change and reform was a response to its opposition to colonial rule. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"What are the factors that led to the Russian revolution and what are the consequences of this revolution? Discuss its influence on the Indian national movement. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the various factors responsible for the uneven temperature distribution on Earth's surface. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The melting of glaciers due to climate change has serious implications for the ecosystem and human society. Discuss the effects of melting glaciers on the environment and the measures that can be taken to address this issue. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The White Revolution was most successful in the Western part of India. Discuss the factors for this regional success of the White Revolution. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"To what extent does seismic investigation contribute to our understanding of the Earth's interior structure? Analyze its significance in detail. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The pace of demographic transition varies across different states of India making population growth a double-edged sword. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The ethnic and cultural diversity in India has always been bound by the thread of unity. Discuss the major factors that have contributed to the cultural unity of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The dichotomy in public and private life in Indian society acts as a major barrier to the annihilation of caste. Justify. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"India was forced into numerous wars post Independence. Highlight the causes and impact of the Indo-Pak and Indo-China wars on our bilateral relationships. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"The process of consolidation of Bengal, which started after the Battle of Plassey culminated in the Battle of Buxar. Do you think the Battle of Buxar was more important for the British than Plassey? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Sanskrit literature in general and particularly in the Guptan age set a high watermark for the literary history of ancient India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"The configuration of the ocean floor provides essential information about the geological processes that have shaped the Earth's surface. Discuss the major features of the ocean floor and their significance in the study of oceanography. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"With the growing demand for rare earth elements, their distribution has become a critical aspect of the global economy. Discuss the distribution of rare earth elements across the world, their uses, and the environmental impact of their extraction. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Tourism in the hilly states is threatening to exceed the ecological carrying capacity of the region. Analyze the factors contributing to this trend and evaluate the potential Environmental impacts of this phenomenon. What measures can be taken to ensure sustainable tourism in these states? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"The Indian monsoon is a complex phenomenon influenced by various climatic factors. Critically examine the role of oceanic and atmospheric factors in determining the intensity and distribution of monsoon rainfall in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Why do traditions in our society impede change? To what extent can social legislation be instrumental against old customary practices? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Slums are not 'problems' that have to be 'solved' - but are indeed a result of lopsided and vested urban policies covering infrastructure provision and socio-economic issues. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Communalism gains strength from economic deprivation, and thrives in environments of social exclusion, creating fertile ground for discontent and division. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3586,"topper":"Kaanchi Singhal","air":244,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/35/mt23fltpn007_tc035-test-01-gs-1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3587,"topper":"Kaanchi Singhal","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/KAANCHI-SINGHAL-UPSC-2023-Rank-244-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Investment in infrastructure is a precursor to social and economic transformation; however, the focus on economic gains must not marginalise the concerns for safety. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What do you understand from Green growth? With special reference to the budget 2023-2024, discuss various government measures to propel green growth in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Project cheetah marks a departure from India's efforts for conservation of various critically-endangered species. In this perspective, do you think the reintroduction of major fauna that has gone extinct is justified? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"In what ways can precision agriculture become a panacea for multipronged challenges plaguing the agriculture sector? Discuss. Also, analyse various impediments in widespread adoption of precision farming in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are the reasons for increasing emphasis on the horticulture sector in recent years? Evaluate government measures for the development of the horticulture sector. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Unplanned urbanization has made Indian cities vulnerable to fire safety hazards. Discuss and recommend measures for mitigating urban fires, with special reference to national building code, 2016. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"DPI (Digital Public Infrastructure) is indispensable for digitally enabling citizens and businesses; however, the challenges of exclusion, exploitation, and monopolisation cannot be ignored. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Assess the relevance of the NISAR mission in observing and managing climate change and natural hazards. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Defense indigenization remains the Achilles heel of India's security architecture. Examine the importance of startups in defense sector to make India secure and self-reliant. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Edge in modern warfare lies not so much in the capacity to overwhelm the adversary as much in the ability to nip the threat in the bud. In this context, discuss the role of intelligence in maintaining national security, and also cite challenges associated. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Labour and export intensive industries are key to problems of jobless growth. In this perspective, analyse the opportunities and challenges associated with the textile sector. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"In an era of interconnected challenges, the emerging global polycrisis poses significant implications for India's macroeconomic stability. Examine and suggest measures to make the Indian economy more resilient to global shocks and challenges. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Do you think the low Female Labor Force Participation Rate presents a correct picture about the 'working women' in India's economy? Give reasons in support of your answer. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Across sectors and regions, the most marginalised sections are also the most affected by the impacts of climate change. Explain. Also, present a case for a climate resilient model of development that integrates mitigation and adaptation measures. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite the potential to check the triple whammy of nutritional deficiency, environmental degradation, and receding farm incomes, the adoption of Millets has been abysmally low. Analyse. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"A link between unorganized farming community and formal industrial sector, Food Processing Industries (FPI) can play a key role in advancing the rural economy. Evaluate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What do you understand by generative Artificial Intelligence (AI)? How can policymakers and regulatory bodies effectively address the concerns and challenges posed by generative AI? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Though ethnic fault lines are a major threat, security challenges in the North-East are not confined to the same. Discuss the statement with special reference to Manipur. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Critically examine the role of development initiatives in addressing the root causes of militancy/terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3588,"topper":"Kaanchi Singhal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/262932451353683940_PDF_ORIGINAL.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"There is a need to resolve the ambiguity in the disqualification provisions under section 8 of the Representation of People Act 1951. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Constitution is a mere skeleton whereas constitutionalism is the soul of democracy. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"\"Electoral bonds are a double-edged sword, providing anonymity to donors while raising concerns about transparency in political funding.\" To what extent have electoral bonds further legitimized opacity in electoral funding? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"The question of gender equality is central to the debate on Uniform Civil Code. In this light what are the challenges in reconciling UCC with gender equality as enshrined in the constitution? (Answer in 150 words) 10 marks.\"","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"The Governor's office is neither decorative nor inconsequential, it assumes a constitutional role of profound essence\" To what extent does the Governor, actively contribute to the governance of a state and reinforce the principles of federalism in the country? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Recently demand has been rising in a state regarding the enactment of Social Accountability Law. How such a law can lead to good governance and boost citizens' participation in decision-making. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"There is a need for convergence of 'nutrition-specific' and 'nutrition-sensitive' interventions to effectively tackle child undernutrition in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"MGNREGA, the lynchpin of rural poverty alleviation, has become the victim of fiscal apathy.\" Critically analyze the statement in light of recent developments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"India must leverage, if not manage, the global divides\". How can the current geopolitical churn pave the way for India's rise to the global high table? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"Berlin can be India's gateway to the European Union.\" Elaborate with respect to Germany's significance in India's relationship with the EU. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"How has the Anti-Defection Law impacted the relationship between political parties and individual legislators in India? In light of the recent incidents also discuss the unintended consequences it has on the functioning of democracy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Critics assert that limitless judicial authority rests on the structural ambiguity of the basic structure doctrine. Has the elastic nature of the basic structure doctrine made the judiciary more powerful than the executive? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Fundamental rights are not gifts bestowed upon by the state rather an individual possesses them independently of the state. In this context discuss the desirability of reasonable restrictions on various fundamental rights. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"S.R. Bommai v. Union of India signified a paradigm shift in the judicial interpretation of the union's authority to assume control of a state's administration.' In this context discuss the significance and impact of the judgement on cementing the federal structure. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"The key to effective decentralization is, 'political decentralization should follow finance and functional decentralization'. Discuss in the context of impediments faced by local governance in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Multi-stakeholder partnerships are the key to leveraging collective expertise and networks. How can effective partnership and localized implementation efforts be fostered to accelerate the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"How has the implementation of the POSH Act resulted in limited success in raising awareness about sexual harassment, and what factors have hindered its effective outreach to women employed in the unorganized sector? Propose strategies to bridge this gap and ensure comprehensive protection for women in the unorganized sector against workplace harassment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Indo-Pacific region in recent times has emerged as a zone of diverging interests and priorities. Discuss. Do you think the Global Security Initiative will supersede QUAD in the region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3589,"topper":"Kaanchi Singhal","air":244,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/55/mt23fltpn007_tc036-test-02-gs-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3590,"topper":"Kaanchi Singhal","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/KAANCHI-SINGHAL-UPSC-2023-Rank-244-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Basic structure doctrine has prevented the, Parliament, a creature of the constitution, from becoming the master of the constitution. Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"To what extent, in your opinion, Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in India have enabled women led development at the grassroot level? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The power of pressure groups lies not in their size or elaborate organization, but in their ability to mobilize public opinion and create lasting change. With help of relevant examples, discuss how informal pressure groups shape public policy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"\"Bail not Jail\" is the cardinal principle that upholds the sacrosanct ideas of individual's liberty and dignity. Explain the statement with the help of various judicial pronouncements. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Dispute redressal is the most important component of cooperative federalism. How does the Interstate Council facilitate the resolution of disputes related to states in India, and what are the challenges associated with this process? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Anti-defection law has failed to address and resolve the evil of political defection satisfactorily. Discuss various issues surrounding the Anti-defection law and recommend some corrective measures. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Decriminalization of homosexuality by the SC in Navtej Singh Jauhar case remains a task half done, specially without the socio-political sensitisation about the issues faced by LGBTQIA+ community. Elaborate in light of ongoing debates on same sex marriage. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Built upon common democratic values and shared vision of strategic autonomy, India-France bilateral ties exude a promise of stability, growth, and security in a time of geo-political flux and uncertainty. Do you agree? Substantiate your answer. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"As an important attribute of soft power, \"Knowledge diplomacy\" has the potential to further various objectives of foreign policy. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Referring to the case laws through which the collegium system in India evolved, critically assess its functioning. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Considering the non-enforceable nature of fundamental duties and directive principles of state policy, critically examine their impact in socio-political norms. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite its vital role for the smooth functioning of the body politic, constitutional punctuality remains conspicuous by its absence. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Frequent reliance on the ordinance making power by the government, not only dilutes the basic tenets of executive accountability in a parliamentary democracy, but also overlooks the democratic traditions of building consensus. Discuss with relevant examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The critical reason for poor public health indicators in India goes beyond recognition of right to health as fundamental right. Do you think that a statutory framework alone can ameliorate the situation? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Reforming the education infrastructure through digital interventions is a progressive step, but it has its limitations too. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Electoral bond was brought in as a reform that was high on intent but has proved to be low on substance. Do you agree? Justify. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The profound impact of the data revolution and widespread smartphone usage has necessitated the use of digital tools in welfare programmes. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Presidency of G20 is but a reflection of India's quest for a more just and polycentric world order, where the voice of the global south is mainstreamed not muzzled. Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The new cold war between the USA and China may have the effect of casting a long shadow on India's strategic interests from Pacific to Atlantic. Evaluate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3591,"topper":"Kaanchi Singhal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/748520c30390b56bbbd3f8693a3b3ea3/9/mt23fltpn007_tc037-test-03-gs-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"What do you understand by Windfall tax? Do you think that windfall taxes can effectively redistribute wealth and promote greater economic equality? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss the perceived successes and challenges of implementing inflation targeting under the new Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) regime. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Assess the potential of millet production in promoting sustainable agriculture and improving food security in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Jal Jeevan Mission has the potential to end the regional disparity in the availability and accessibility of drinking water. Highlighting the significance of the mission, discuss the underlying impediments in achieving the desired objectives. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What do you understand by Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)? Discuss its applications and how it can revolutionize the energy program of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Discuss in brief developments and challenges in the Gaganyaan mission of ISRO. What are the possible benefits of the mission for the society? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"\"Green hydrogen can be the silver bullet in our quest to tackle climate change and pollution\". Critically analyze the statement in light of India's National Green Hydrogen mission. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What are the key lessons for disaster management and environmental conservation in the Himalayan region, in light of the recent disaster in Joshimath, Uttarakhand? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"\"The recent radical trends in Punjab show that the Khalistan issue is still simmering.\" Discuss the statement with respect to recent developments and suggest measures to handle it. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The anonymity and ease of drone operation contribute to the challenges of India's border security. Elaborate and give suggestions to tackle the drone problem in border areas. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Electricity Amendment Bill, 2022 brings several advantages for consumers, DISCOMs as well as the environment. Elaborate. Also, list out its shortcomings and suggest some measures to overcome them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) plays an important role in the regulation of the share market and safeguarding the interests of investors. In the light of given statement, highlight the challenges faced by the SEBI and suggest reforms in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Despite being a major contributor to the Indian economy, the agriculture sector is plagued by several constraints that impede its growth and development. Discuss the role of technology in overcoming these constraints. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Evaluate the impact of irrigation on the environment and natural resources, and suggest measures to ensure the sustainability and equity of irrigation practices in agriculture. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"How India benefitted strategically from the contributions of Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha and Dr. Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai in the fields of atomic energy and space technology respectively? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Genreative AI holds the potential to push the boundaries of innovation in the near future, yet its societal impact raises substantial challenges. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Explain the purpose of the \"Mangrove Alliance for Climate\" launched at the COP27 UN Climate Change Conference in Egypt in November 2022. Elaborate on the importance of mangroves in maintaining the coastal ecology of tropical nations. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"The Formation of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure brings more robustness to the Disaster Management approach in India. Comment and justify the need for a new strategy to tackle Disasters in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"The recent rise in ransomware attacks targeting critical infrastructure and major corporations has highlighted the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity measures and policies. Discussing the key factors contributing to this trend, analyze the impact of these attacks on various sectors. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"In the context of border security, how can cooperation and coordination between different security agencies be improved to ensure effective and efficient management of coastal and terrestrial borders? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3592,"topper":"Kaanchi Singhal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/52/mt23fltpn007_tc041-test-7-gs-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Elaborate on the difference between Capital Account and Current Account as components of Balance of ...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"The logistics sector is one of the important components of the growth of the manufacturing industry....","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"What is India's stand on the New Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies under WTO? How is the Fisheries se...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"Analyze the systemic and institutional constraints that continue to hinder land reform efforts in In...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"What are the unique features and capabilities of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, and how has ...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"What is Global Methane Pledge? Do you think the Global Methane Pledge is a positive step toward miti...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of disaster management in public health. Discus...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"\"The resource curse of Eastern and Central India has been a crucial driver of LWE\". Elaborate and su...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"In light of the declining trend of violence in the North East and J&K region do you think that AFSPA has lived its utility? Comment.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3593,"topper":"Kaanchi Singhal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/748520c30390b56bbbd3f8693a3b3ea3/7/mt23fltpn007_tc041-test-7-gs-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Elaborate on the difference between Capital Account and Current Account as components of Balance of Payment (BOP). Suggest a few measures to balance the BOP deficit of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The logistics sector is one of the important components of the growth of the manufacturing industry. Discuss. Also, mention various components of the recently announced National Logistics Policy 2022. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What is India's stand on the New Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies under WTO? How is the Fisheries sector significant for India? Enumerate the steps taken by the Government to develop this sector. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Analyze the systemic and institutional constraints that continue to hinder land reform efforts in India and propose pragmatic solutions to ensure equitable distribution of land. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What are the unique features and capabilities of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, and how has it contributed to India's defence capabilities and strategic position in the region? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"In line with the country's efforts to explore the depths of the ocean and harness the resources it holds, the Indian government has proposed a deep-sea exploration mission Samudrayaan. How can this mission contribute to the advancement of ocean science and technology in the country? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What is Global Methane Pledge? Do you think the Global Methane Pledge is a positive step toward mitigating methane emissions? Explain India's stance on this issue. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of disaster management in public health. Discuss the key strategies and challenges for managing pandemics and other infectious disease outbreaks. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"The resource curse of Eastern and Central India has been a crucial driver of LWE\". Elaborate and suggest measures for sustainable and inclusive development of the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In light of the declining trend of violence in the North East and J&K region do you think that AFSPA has lived its utility? Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"International trade is centred on the dominant currency paradigm (DCM). Critically Analyze the importance of Hard currency in International trade and Discuss the potential of rupee acceptance in global trade as an alternative to dollar imperialism. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"A demographic Dividend does not ensure growth; it only generates potential. Discuss the steps made by the government to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the demographic transition. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"'Genome editing holds immense potential for crop improvement, but it also raises ethical and safety concerns.' How far do the new guidelines for the safety assessment of genome-edited plants in India, ensure the safety of genetically modified crops? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the impact of direct and indirect farm subsidies on the agriculture sector in India. How have Minimum Support Prices (MSP) affected the agricultural economy? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a rapidly escalating crisis that poses a grave threat to public health worldwide. What are the major contributing factors to the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance, and what steps can be taken to address this global health threat? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by Disruptive innovations? What are some examples of disruptive innovation in recent times, and how have they changed the way industries operate? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Trace the evolution of the Loss and Damage fund. What are the major development related to loss and damage funds in COP 27?, What are the commitments made by India in this conference? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Disaster management is not just about responding to emergencies but also about building resilient communities. Discuss the key strategies that can be used to build community resilience and reduce the impact of disasters. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The transformation of terrorism through the use of new and emerging technologies like metaverse and virtual assets is a matter of concern. How can we counter the use of New and Emerging Technologies for Terrorist Purposes and Elucidate the importance of the \"Delhi declaration\" in this regard? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"\"The Agnipath scheme is a bitter pill needed for the resilience and efficacy of our armed forces.\" Critically Analyze the statement with relevant arguments. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3594,"topper":"Kaanchi Singhal","air":244,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/38/mt23fltpn007_tc037-test-03-gs-3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3595,"topper":"Kaanchi Singhal","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/KAANCHI-SINGHAL-UPSC-2023-Rank-244-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"It was neither her Coal and Iron reserves, nor the inventions of steam engine and cotton mills, but her democracy and rule of law that made Britain the epicentre of Industrial Revolution. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"In its extent, reach, and revolutionary zeal, Civil Disobedience Movement has a unique place in India's freedom struggle. Elucidate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"How will you explain that Vaishnavism and Shaivism as followed in medieval India represent both local traditions and universal ideals? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What do you understand from land subsidence? Explaining various reasons behind land subsidence, recommend measures to arrest the calamity. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Examining the reasons behind erratic Monsoon, highlight the possible outcomes of the same. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Explore and evaluate the impact of new technologies on Indian society. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Why did Hinduism-which amalgamated and absorbed almost every diverse faith, tradition, belief and practice that arose from within or outside, within its fold- failed to assimilate Islamic cultural beliefs and practices? Give reasons. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Elucidate the differences between Western and Indian model of secularism. To what extent do you agree with the criticism that Indian model of secularism is susceptible to promoting minori-ty appeasement? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"With special reference to India, elucidate how globalisation-a multifaceted phenomenon-has had positive socio-economic outcomes on one hand and widened the gaps between the haves and have nots on the other? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Dravidian temple architecture that came of age during the rule of the Pallavas, could reach its zenith only at the time of the imperial Cholas. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the reasons why pre-independence women movements were led by men. Also analyse the contribution of women-led socio-economic movements in post-independence India in mainstreaming and successfully redressing the concerns of women. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Discuss the causes for salinity ingress along with its various consequences and potential solutions. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The economic and strategic significance of mineral wealth of a country cannot be seen in isolation from the associated socio-ecological impacts of their extraction. Discuss in light of the newfound lithium reserves in Northern India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Explain the mechanism and occurrence of earthquake. With the help of map given below, throw light upon the vulnerability of regions affected by earthquake and earthquake related disasters. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Enumerating different types of tides highlight their significance. Also, explain how tides are different from waves. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"In the contemporary times, the conventional conceptualization of the institution of marriage as well as family is facing evolutionary changes. Do you agree? Justify. To what extent have the state and market played a role in this? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Bring out the reasons and consequences of the spurt in child marriages in recent years. What steps can be taken beyond the legal realms to tackle the menace? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Examine the reasons behind generation of regional sentiments? Do you agree that regional sentiments and cultural assertiveness may lead to the issue of separatism? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3596,"topper":"Kaanchi Singhal","air":223,"year":2021,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1g_rdIIlbZUrBb2oVRNSSbUwWvhK7yrJX","questions":[]},{"id":3597,"topper":"Kaanchi Singhal","air":213,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Law","optional":true,"source":"De Facto Law","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.defactolaw.in/_files/ugd/f721f3_2ee81452740840dcade6150406e59b38.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3598,"topper":"Kabil Bhargava","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/cda76-1400317_2082_kabil_bhargava_rank_122.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the role that the International Solar Alliance (ISA) can play in helping the international community realise the full potential of solar energy. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Pravasi Bhartiya Divas is a moment to reconnect and re-imagine new possibilities and a network to drive change, discover new ties and develop new ideas, Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss the rationale behind India's recent pitch for 'New Orientation for a Reformed Multilateral System (NORMS)' to reflect the present day geo-political realities. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"In light of the new and upcoming challenges faced by the Global South, discuss the role that India can play in empowering the voice of the Global South. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Highlighting the potential areas of cooperation between India and CARICOM member states, discuss the various measures that have been taken in recent times to strengthen India's relationship with the Caribbean countries. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"India's presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) not only provides it with an opportunity to deepen its relations with the Central Asian nations but also promote its economic and security interests. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Bring out India's contributions towards the UN peacekeeping efforts. Also, highlight the challenges faced by the UN peacekeeping forces. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"As the only G20 member from South Asia, the G20 leadership is an ideal opportunity for India to use it as an effective platform to amplify South Asia's voice at the global stage. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the role played by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in the field of nuclear safety. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The India-UAE CEPA will serve as a catalyst to bolster economic ties between the two countries and give India greater access to the region. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Despite certain challenges, the mutual understanding between India and Bangladesh has allowed the 'Golden Chapter' of the two countries to continue. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"While the 2030 Roadmap for India-UK future relations seeks to revitalise the relationship between the two countries, there are major challenges that need to be ironed out. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The growing influence of China in West Asia signals the end of the US hegemony and the dawn of a new multi-polar order. Critically discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"India is no longer wedded to 'bilateralism only' in its approach with its South Asian neighbours. Discuss. Also, highlight the challenges pertaining to effective cooperation in the region. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"In light of the new security cooperation efforts springing up across the Indo-Pacific, including strengthening of the Australia-Japan-U.S. trilateral, discuss the relevance of the QUAD in the present geopolitical climate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"India needs to be a sensitive and generous partner to Nepal for the \"Neighbourhood First\" policy to take root. In this context, mention the recent roadblocks in the Indo-Nepal relationship and suggest a way forward. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The Indian diaspora plays a decisive role in leveraging India's economic interests and shaping its foreign policy. In this context, discuss the major challenges faced by the Indian diaspora and steps taken by India to enhance engagement with them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"As India re-imagines its neighbourhood, cross-border connectivity through sub-regions is becoming increasingly vital. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The adoption of 'Act Far East' Policy underlines the significance of the Far East region for India. Discuss. Also, highlight the impediments to India's interests in the Far East. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"As security threats increase in form and frequency in the South-West Indian Ocean, discuss the role played by India in relation to small island developing states (SIDS) in the region. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3599,"topper":"Kabil Bhargava","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b59f3-1400317_2084_kabil_bhargava_rank_122.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"India has recently set up its first Biological Data Centre. Highlighting its objectives, discuss its significance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Highlighting the objectives of the National Supercomputing Mission, discuss its achievements so far. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand by 'Organ on Chips' (OoCs)? Bring out their potential in revolutionising the pharmaceutical sector. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Despite the impressive progress of India's start-up ecosystem, the pressing need to develop deep tech start-ups in the country cannot be overstated. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What are the potential impacts of geomagnetic storm on the technology and infrastructure on Earth? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"As India prepares for the Chandrayaan-3 mission, there is much to be learned from its previous lunar missions. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Green hydrogen has the potential to drastically reduce CO2 emissions, fight climate change, and put India on a path towards net-zero energy imports. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is all set to launch Aditya-L1 in 2023. How is Aditya-L1 different from Aditya-1? Also, state the scientific objectives of Aditya-L1. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlighting the institutional framework proposed under the National Geospatial Policy, analyse how it will strengthen the geospatial infrastructure in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Explain why India is considered a land of opportunities in the field of biotechnology. Also, discuss India's preparedness in becoming a leading bio-manufacturing hub. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Provide an account of the recent developments regarding AI chatbots. Also, discuss the potential benefits and concerns associated with them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"With regard to science, technology and innovation in India, the people of the Harappan civilization can be considered as the real pioneers. Discuss with appropriate examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Bring out the contributions of Homi Jahangir Bhabha in the development of nuclear technology in India. Do you think India should prioritise the development of nuclear energy to ensure its energy security? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Recently, there has been a growing demand for the installation of small modular reactors (SMRs) to replace ageing thermal power plants and meet India's energy needs. In this context, bring out the prospects and challenges of setting up SMRs in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Quantum technology can play a key role in driving economic growth and improving the lives of people. Discuss. Also, enumerate the associated challenges. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The Union Budget 2022-23 has listed space economy as an important 'sunrise opportunity' for the Indian economy. Discuss. Also, list the measures taken to make India the space hub of the world. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3600,"topper":"Kabil Bhargava","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8cb1e-1400317_2083_kabil_bhargava_rank_122.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain how shell companies are used for money laundering. Discuss the steps that have been taken to curb the use of shell companies in this context. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the impacts of smuggling and counterfeiting on India's internal security. What steps have been taken to tackle these in recent times? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The character of warfare has been changing continuously and the advent of drones and counter-drone systems has radically altered the way we will fight in the future. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The internet and social media platforms have turned into potent instruments in the toolkit of terrorist and militant groups. Discuss. Also, highlight the significance of the Delhi Declaration (2022) in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Lone-wolf attacks have evolved as the new face of terrorism and bring unique challenges for counter-terrorism. Discuss. Also, highlight India's vulnerabilities in this context. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The unique and well-defined characteristics of organised crimes render their control ineffective. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Discuss the impact of extremism on tribal development in India. What steps have been taken to address this issue? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Do you agree with the view that terms such as 'hybrid militant' and 'over-ground workers (OGWs)' reflect the changing dynamics of militancy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"While Village Defence Guards (VDGs) can instil a sense of self protection, there are several issues associated with their revival. Discuss in context of the security threats prevalent in the region of Jammu and Kashmir. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Bring out the rationale behind theaterisation plans, which seek to integrate the defence forces into specific theatre commands in India. Discuss the challenges in this context as well. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do you understand by invisible warfare? Discuss the challenges it poses to India's security and mention the steps that have been taken in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Insurgency violence and civilian deaths have seen a sharp decline in the North-East region of India. However, for an era of peace to dawn, there remain various challenges that need to be addressed. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Discuss how cryptocurrencies are becoming preferred tools for money laundering by criminal organizations. Also, state measures to tackle the problem of money laundering in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The factors responsible for the growth of drug trafficking in India go beyond its mere proximity to one of the largest drug-production networks in the world. Discuss. Also, highlight the measures taken by the government to tackle this growing menace. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Economic vitality and national security of a country depend on a stable, safe and resilient cyberspace. In this context, analyse the need for making India's National Cyber Security Strategy robust and effective. Also, suggest measures that the government needs to take to tackle the escalating cyber threats and espionage. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Infrastructure development in border areas is critical not only for socio-economic development but also for national security. Discuss. Also, identify the role played by the Border Roads Organization (BRO) in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Despite global efforts and strict legislations, why is it difficult to trace money laundering offences? Also, state the role of technology in combating the menace of money laundering. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Considering the multifarious nature of jobs that the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) needs to perform, it is needless to say that there are a number of challenges that it encounters. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India's long coastline makes coastal security an indispensable part of India's security architecture. Discuss. Also, highlight the loopholes in India's present coastal security architecture. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India has undertaken a range of measures to boost its geospatial capabilities. In this context, discuss the significance of geospatial data and associated technologies in safeguarding the national security of India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3601,"topper":"Kabil Bhargava","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2f10c-1400317_2071_kabil_bhargava_rank_122.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"There are arguments that bills of national importance should be placed before the Inter-State Council prior to their introduction in the Parliament. Discuss in light of the issues that have been observed in the passage of bills in the Parliament in recent times. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the role played by the Directorate of Enforcement in the investigation of offence of money laundering and violations of foreign exchange laws. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The Indian Constitution has been successful in providing a framework for liberal democracy to flourish in India. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Central Information Commission plays a key role in empowering people through information. In this context, discuss the issues faced by it and suggest measures that are required to strengthen the institution. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What do you understand by the \"principle of subsidiarity\"? Discuss its importance in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Bringing out the differences between political parties and pressure groups, discuss how pressure groups play an important role in improving governance and democratic processes in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The practice of separation of powers in the Constitutional scheme of India and USA is distinct in its own way. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"\"The moral value of fundamental duties would not be to smother rights but to establish a democratic balance by making the people conscious of their duties equally as they are conscious of their rights\". Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the impact of the proclamation of National Emergency on Fundamental Rights in India. Also, highlight the various Supreme Court judgments in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The Seventh Schedule is a relic from the colonial past inherited from the Government of India Act, 1935 which needs to be revisited for improving Centre-state relations. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Technology has the potential to bring drastic changes in the field of law and transform the court system. In this context, discuss the need for digitization of Indian judiciary and challenges faced in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Even after three decades of constitutional amendments, India is yet to decentralise power to local self-government institutions in the true sense. Discuss. Do you agree with the view that Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyaan will be able to develop the governance capabilities of the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"With 98% coverage in rural India, cooperatives are the mainstay of rural economy ensuring sustainable livelihoods and income for people. Discuss. Also, state the recent initiatives taken by the government to improve the functioning of cooperative societies and make them more effective. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Governance of inter-state rivers in India suffers from various issues due to conflictual federalism. Discuss. Also, highlight the mechanisms which can be utilised to resolve inter-state river water disputes in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"A dysfunctional criminal justice system, absence of well-considered legislation and need for domain expertise, are being seen as the new challenges for the Indian judiciary. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"To what extent has the anti-defection law been able to address the issue of political instability in India? Discuss with suitable arguments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Though the Indian Constitution provides a clear division of legislative powers between the Union and states with each being supreme within the spheres allotted to them, this division is tilted towards the Union. In this context, discuss the powers of the Parliament to legislate on subjects in the State List. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Despite the benefits of wider representation of women in the judiciary, Indian courts have significantly fewer women as compared to men. Discuss. Also, suggest some measures to bridge the gender gap in Indian judiciary. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Elaborate on the fundamental aspects in which the Indian Constitution differed from its contemporaries despite being a post-colonial document. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The tribunalisation of justice though considered to be an effective step is fraught with several challenges. Discuss in light of the Law Commission of India's report on the working of tribunals in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3602,"topper":"Kabil Bhargava","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/kabil-bhargava-test-1-1747467749684.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Besides being public servants, they are also citizens and have personal lives. At times, there is an inherent tension among the roles. How can a public servant effectively navigate the intrinsic tension between personal interests and official duties? Explain (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":3,"question":"\"Ideas are the cornerstone of a strong public service framework globally.\" In the context of this statement, discuss the ideas of a philosopher whose ideas you believe are most pertinent to the civil services in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"\"The challenge of power lies in its responsible application rather than its irresponsible and indulgent use - specifically, how to motivate those in power to serve the public rather than exploit it.\" Analyse the relationship between power and public service. Do you believe that the concept of power conflicts with the ideal of service, or do they complement each other? Substantiate your viewpoint. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Human values emphasise the humane aspects of public servants, whereas public service values focus on the transparency and effectiveness of service delivery. Do you think these value systems conflict with or complement each other? Justify your perspective with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"\"When good individuals in any society become complacent and cease their vigilance and struggle, malevolent forces prevail.\" Discuss the role and significance of civil society in curbing corruption and official misconduct. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Do you agree with feminist ethicists that women are \"more emotional\" and prioritise relationships over rules, reflecting different yet equally valuable ethical perspectives? Justify your viewpoints with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Ideally, ethics and law should be harmonious in the context of administration, yet conflicts between them can arise. How should an administrator handle conflicts between legal directives and ethical considerations, particularly when directives are illegal and laws are unjust? Discuss (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Critically evaluate the role of family and educational institutions in shaping ethical values among civil servants. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"How can civil servants cultivate a positive attitude towards the weaker sections of society? Suggest some implementable and practical steps. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Business ethicists believe that external and internal regulations are insufficient for curtailing or preventing corporate malpractices; they strongly advocate the presence of whistleblowing mechanisms as a check against corporate misgovernance. Do you think corporate governance is incomplete without whistleblowing? Why/Why not? Explain (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the relevance of the following quotes to the present times. (a) \" , ; \"- \"Moral actions belong to the jurisdiction of the outward and inward court, both civil and domestic governor; I mean both the magistrate and conscience.\" Locke (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"As the Head of Safety, the conclusions of your report carry significant consequences. Firstly, if the driver is deemed culpable due to his intoxication, his family may lose a substantial amount of post-death benefits because he was under the influence while on duty. Secondly, if you conceal the driver's intoxication and attribute the incident solely to poor maintenance, the maintenance crew would face job termination. This situation required extensive introspection before finalizing the report. (a) Identify the ethical issues and dilemmas in the above case. (b) What are the options available to you in the above case? (c) What do you think is more ethical to focus on the personal responsibility of the driver, who was intoxicated, or on the broader systemic issue of maintenance failures? Justify your answer with relevant ethical theories. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"What are the ethical issues and dilemmas in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you in the above case? (c) Considering the persistent nature of the RTI activist and the public's right to information, how should you navigate the tension between national security concerns and the principles of transparency and accountability? Explain (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"As a dedicated Block Development Officer (BDO), you are highly respected by your staff and appreciated by your superiors for your constructive work. The state government has selected several villages within your jurisdiction to pilot a women's self-employment scheme utilising Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The project is to be implemented by a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), and you have been instructed to provide logistical and other necessary support. The NGO staff commenced their work by meeting and identifying young women who appeared to be suitable candidates for training and skill development. Following identification, these young women were provided with a starter kit, which included a broadband dongle, a 10-inch tablet, and some reading material. The training began in earnest, and the selected young women exhibited great enthusiasm and eagerness to learn. Initially, the project showed promising signs of success. However, one day, village elders approached you with a request to halt the pilot scheme. They expressed concerns that the devices and online learning were corrupting the young women. They believed that the girls were merely watching videos on the tablets instead of learning. The elders suggested that vocational skills training, such as stitching or cooking, would be more beneficial than digital skills. After listening to their concerns, you assured them that you would investigate the matter. Upon inquiring with the NGO staff, they clarified that the videos being viewed were educational, and they were monitoring the trainees' browsing behaviour through backend systems to ensure appropriate usage. The NGO staff also pointed out that some village men felt excluded from the process and were attempting to dissuade the women from participating in the training sessions. As a BDO, you recognize the scheme's importance and potential benefits for the women in the villages. However, you are also aware that if the men's underlying mindset issues are not addressed promptly, the entire skill development effort could be undermined. As a committed public servant, you were determined to take some preventive action as you noticed tensions brewing among the men. (a) What are the issues that you notice in the above case? (b) What are actionable options available to you? (c) Considering the feedback from the NGO staff about village men feeling left out and dissuading women from attending training sessions, what strategies would you implement to ensure their inclusion and support for the program? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Mr. Rajesh Kumar, a senior IAS officer, is posted as Principal Secretary of the Department of Urban Development. Mr. Kumar oversees a major infrastructure project to transform a densely populated urban slum into a modern residential area with improved amenities. Mr. Kumar's \"Urban Renewal Initiative\" project involves a multi-phase plan. The first phase focuses on relocating residents to temporary housing while construction begins on new apartment complexes. The project also includes the installation of modern sewage systems, clean drinking water facilities, community healthcare centres, and schools. The overarching goal is to uplift the socio-economic conditions of the slum dwellers, offering them a path to better opportunities and living standards. However, the project faces stiff opposition from a local political leader, Mr. Sharma, who has considerable influence in the area. Mr. Sharma argues that the relocation will cause many residents to be displaced and their lives to be disrupted. However, while these concerns are justified, it is also clear that Mr. Sharma's opposition is driven by his vested interest in maintaining control over the slum's voter base. His opposition to the project stems from the fear that if residents' living conditions in improved and they became less dependent on patronage, they would lose their power. In a private meeting, Mr. Sharma made Mr. Kumar a compromise proposal. If the government awards the construction contract to companies controlled by Mr. Sharma's associates and family members, he will withdraw his opposition and support the project. This compromise would accelerate the project and ensure that residents receive promised benefits immediately. However, agreeing to Mr. Sharma's terms would mean compromising transparency and fairness in public procurement with ethical principles. Mr. Kumar was bound ethically. Agreeing to Mr. Sharma's terms would mean engaging in corrupt conduct, and rejecting the deal could delay the project or even derail it, causing slum dwellers to be deprived of much-needed improvements in their living conditions. (a) Identify the ethical issues and dilemmas present in the above case. (b) Considering the utilitarian perspective, do you think Mr. Kumar should accept Mr. Sharma's proposal to expedite the project for the betterment of the slum's residents? Why or why not? (c) In the context of virtue ethics, discuss the importance of moral character and integrity for a senior civil servant like Mr. Kumar. How should these virtues guide his actions in resolving this dilemma? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Ms. Ananya Rao serves as a District Collector in Maharashtra. The district is embarking on an ambitious infrastructure project, the Rural Connectivity Project, designed to improve road connectivity between remote villages and main towns. This project promises significant benefits, including easier access to markets, healthcare, and education for the rural population. The project, however, is mired in controversy. Environmentalists argue that the construction will cause irreparable damage to local forests and wildlife habitats. Local farming communities are concerned about losing agricultural land due to road expansion. There are also allegations of inadequate compensation and resettlement plans for affected families. As the project progresses, various departments, including the Environment, Agriculture, and Public Works Department (PWD), are involved in the decision-making process. Each department has specific responsibilities. The Environment Department is tasked with assessing environmental impact, the Agriculture Department is responsible for ensuring farmers' rights, and the PWD is responsible for executing construction. Ms. Rao, in her capacity, oversees the coordination among these departments. However, the project faces delays and mounting public criticism due to conflicting priorities and lack of accountability. Environmental assessments are incomplete, farmers' concerns remain unaddressed, and construction deadlines are missed. In a critical meeting, the state Chief Secretary, Mr. Vikram Patel, emphasized the urgency of advancing the project and held Ms. Rao accountable for the delays, lack of progress, and overall non-performance. Ms. Rao left the meeting disappointed and felt holding her accountable for delay was unfair as there were others also involved in the project. (a) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas involved in the above case? (b) What are the options available to Ms. Rao? (c) What course of action would you suggest for Ms. Rao? Why? (d) Do you think holding Ms. Rao accountable for the delays was justified? Why/Why not? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Ms. Sharma is the Director of the Department of Health and Family Welfare in a large Indian state. The department is responsible for implementing health policies, managing public health facilities, and ensuring the delivery of healthcare services. The workforce comprises a mix of senior officials, mid-level managers, and frontline health workers. Over the past few months, Ms. Sharma has received multiple complaints about Mr. Arvind Gupta, a senior official known for his authoritative management style. Mr. Gupta is a performance-driven officer who sometimes publicly berates subordinates and intimidates staff to get work done. One such complaint came from Ms. Anita Verma, a mid-level manager who reported that Mr. Gupta publicly berated her during a departmental meeting, calling her \"incompetent\" and \"useless\" in front of her peers. Ms. Verma stated that this incident severely impacted her mental health and work performance. Other employees shared similar experiences. Mr. Ravi Kumar, a junior officer, recounted an instance where Mr. Gupta threatened to terminate his employment if he failed to complete an unrealistic workload within a tight deadline. He described Mr. Gupta's behaviour as harsh and demeaning, with frequent outbursts of anger and unwarranted criticism that created a climate of fear and anxiety in the workplace. Despite his behaviour, Mr. Gupta is recognized for his exceptional work performance. He has been instrumental in implementing several successful health initiatives, significantly improving healthcare delivery in districts. His expertise and dedication have made him an indispensable asset to the department, complicating the decision to address the complaints against him. Ms. Sharma had a tough decision to make. She knew she had to be strict, but she was also worried about the workflow disruption that action against Mr. Gupta could cause. (a) What are the issues and dilemmas that confront Ms. Sharma? (b) What ethical principles should guide Ms. Sharma in addressing the harassment and bullying complaints in her department? (c) What long-term strategies should be implemented to prevent harassment and bullying in government departments? How can these strategies promote a culture of respect and inclusivity? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":3603,"topper":"Kabil Bhargava","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e4745-1400317_2070_kabil_bhargava_rank_122.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Differentiating between courage and bravery, discuss why courage is often thought of as the first of all virtues. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss how social, cultural and religious factors act as determinants of ethics. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Bring out the relevance of the teachings of Gautam Buddha in contemporary times. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"If one takes care of the means the end will take care of itself. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Explain the relevance of the following in the context of civil services: (150 words) 10 (i) Impersonality (ii) Anonymity (iii) Perseverance (iv) Fairness","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"With the help of relevant examples, bring out the difference between the following: (150 words) 10 (i) Intelligence Quotient and Emotional Quotient (ii) Attitude and Aptitude","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What do you understand by political neutrality? Explain its significance in public service. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"There is more to integrity than honesty. Illustrate with examples. Also, suggest ways to inculcate integrity as a value in civil services. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What do you understand by probity? Why is it considered essential for good governance? (150 words) 10 (a) (b) ? ?","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Although utilitarianism is arguably the most reason-based approach to determining right and wrong, it has obvious limitations. Discuss. (150 words) 10 - ,","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"What do you understand by ethical dilemma? Explain with examples, how it can lead to crisis of conscience. (150 words) 10 ?","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":40,"question":"The promotion of harmful products like liquor, tobacco, etc. through mass media and advertisements have been banned in India. However, many companies are roping in big celebrities to promote these harmful products and brands through surrogate advertisement. In the disguise of another product, surrogate advertising is used to promote regulated products, like cigarettes and alcohol, There have been many debates on this issue, particularly in recent times, with many arguing that such advertisements should be banned altogether. In this context, answer the following: (a) What are the ethical issues involved in surrogate advertising? (b) Suggest steps that can be taken to address these type of advertisements in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"Today, digital games and gameful interactions with a digital dimension are rapidly becoming pervasive in society. It is a highly engaging pastime and also a vehicle for acquiring knowledge and/or modifying attitudes and behaviours at various levels, whether by explicit intention or otherwise. Online games' increasingly important role in society brings about ethical implications that cannot be ignored, and have sometimes been the object of heated public and academic debate. (a) Discuss the various social and psychological issues involved in online gaming. (b) Give some suggestions to address the harmful impact of online gaming on the society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":55,"question":"Climate change and environmental degradation have caused havoc globally. It has repercussions on the life and livelihood of each and every individual on the planet. Despite its huge impact, climate change and environmental conservation have not become an electoral issue in India. Globally, green parties are making strides, albeit gradually. In countries like Netherlands, Sweden and Australia, they have begun to make a mark in electoral politics. In India, however, there is no such development. (a) In your view, why has politics in India not seen it's 'green moment' yet? (b) Do you think people in India are generally apathetic to climate change and environment related issues? Suggest some initiatives to bring about a change in the attitude of the people towards the issue.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3604,"topper":"Kachan Kumar Kandpal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c027c-26216_747_kanchan_kumar_rank_263.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"A broad ethical framework as a guiding light for international relations will not only ensure harmonious relations between nations but will also lead to progress of the human race. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"What does inequality mean to you? What are the different kinds of inequality? Is inequality morally wrong?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"One has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws. In light of this statement, examine the relevance of civil disobedience in a modern democratic society. Discuss the duties and responsibilities of a law enforcing officer in such situations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Ensuring accountability in the administration just adds another layer in the bureaucratic process. Examine. Differentiate between accountability and responsibility. Suggest some measures through which administrative accountability can be made more effective in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"\"Morality is based neither on the principle of utility, nor on a law of nature, but on human reason. But human reason can be fallible.\" Comment., What does morality mean to you?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"For effective public service delivery, the need today is to move from traditional accountability mechanisms to social accountability through greater civic engagement. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"What do you mean by social justice? Explain with examples, why it is imperative for a society to promote social justice.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Investigative reporting by media can be a significant source of information on corruption. What are ethical issues involved in investigative journalism? What safeguards can be introduced to prevent its misuse?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"While transplantation of organs represents one of the most spectacular achievements of modern medical science, it has raised many ethical issues as well. Discuss. Also, examine the issues related to organ transplantation in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"There can be honesty without integrity, but no integrity without honesty. Do you agree? Justify your stand with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"\"It is not always the same thing to be a good person and a good citizen.\" Explain the meaning of this statement and analyse its implications for a democratic society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Value of compassion towards the weak extends the limits of operations of a public servant by introducing flexibility but dilutes the principle of objectivity. Discuss. If a conflict arises between the value of compassion and principle of objectivity, how will you deal with it as a public servant?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Which administrator had a lasting impact on your decision to join the civil services and why? Should administrators have increased media presence so that the common man can know more about their efforts and achievements? Justify your stand.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"You are a Secretary in a government department. Your Minister has proposed an unemployment grant, which is expected to cost the public exchequer heavily. Having already taken the decision, he asks you to come up with research to support the scheme. Despite your best efforts, you fail to find socio-economic benefit in it. You approach the Minister with relevant facts and studies and ask him to reconsider his decision. Instead, he asks you to suppress the negative impacts and actively promote the scheme through mass media as the percieved social impacts are more important than economic impacts. Elections are due in a short time and the political party currently in power is expected to win. You are also due for promotion at the same time. You are expected to fully cooperate in the situation and make the scheme a success, however flawed its foundations may be. (a) List the different stakeholders in the above situation and mention their prospective interests. (b) Discuss the ethical dilemma which you face in this situation. (c) Some of the alternatives for you to handle the situation could be: • Do as asked by the Minister.. • Insist on publication of results and let the public decide whether it wants the scheme. • Call a press conference and brief the media about the results and the callous attitude of the Minister. Suggest any other possible option(s). Evaluate all of them and suggest the best course of action, giving reasons for it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"You recently joined the civil administration as a young District Commissioner. As a part of fulfilling their electoral promise, the new government in the state announced total prohibition on production, sale and purchase of liquor. This has not only led to smuggling of liquor from neighbouring states but also production of illicit liquor in the state, known as hooch. Women of the area decide to go on a protest against the recent hooch tragedy wherein several people lost their lives owing to consumption of illicit liquor. The political authorities scapegoat you for mismanagement. (a) What are the issues involved in this case? (b) What are the various options available to you. Evaluate all of them and suggest the best course of action, giving reasons for it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"You are a doctoral student at a large university in the final months of your research on a potentially revolutionary technology. Meanwhile, you have also applied for post-doctoral research cum teaching positions at various universities. To your pleasant surprise, you get an interview call from your undergraduate alma mater, a prestigious research institution in a city where you would love to live. In the interview, the department chair asks for detailed information about your research. Your group is working on a patent application and its members have agreed not to provide details until a paper currently being prepared is submitted for publication. You explain the situation and tell them that you would be glad to send them an early preprint when it is available. But the Chair pushes harder for this information, remarking that the Department seeks team players, willing to share information with department colleagues. She also appeals to your undergraduate connection with the institution. (a) Enumerate the ethical issues involved in the case in light of your current responsibilities vis-a-vis future expectations. (b) Discuss the possible motivations of the department chair in pressing you for detailed information. (c) What stand will you take in such a situation? Give reasonable justification for your arguments.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":56,"question":"In a district, in which you are posted as a District Magistrate, a teacher molests a child in a government run school. As the news of this crime spreads, the parents, relatives and locals gather at the school. The culprit teacher has meanwhile fled. The police arrests the Principal of the school and assure the crowd that the culprit would be arrested soon. The crowd, however, has gone berserk and begins to damage the school building. It wants immediate arrest of the culprit and is not ready to budge until he is arrested. (a) Is it correct to take the Principal into custody when he has personally not committed the crime? Support your answer with appropriate reasons. (b) What options do you have in dealing with the crowd? Enumerate the merits and demerits of each and also suggest the best possible option. (c) In the capacity of District Magistrate what would be your long term plan to prevent molestations and rapes in the schools?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3605,"topper":"Kajol Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7ef7a-1083896_1835_kajol-singh_rank-149.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The withdrawal of general consent to the CBI by certain state governments in India threatens the spirit of cooperative federalism in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Stating the sources of finance for local self-governments in India, suggest ways to strengthen their financial position. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Cabinet Committees play an important role in reinstating collective responsibility and principle of homogeneity of the Executive in the Indian Parliamentary system. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"There is a need to overhaul the public procurement and project management (PPPM) framework of India for faster, efficient and transparent execution of government projects. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Adequate measures are required to overcome the challenges and vulnerabilities associated with undertaking social accountability initiatives and institutionalising them. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"In view of the recent Parliamentary Standing Committee report, discuss the issues faced by the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) and suggest measures that can be adopted to strengthen it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"While the Mid-Day Meal scheme was aimed at fulfilling the nutritional needs of students, it is far behind in achieving this objective. Discuss. Also, suggest remedial measures in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) remain critical for the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In this context, discuss the impediments in the fulfilment of SRHR in India. Also, mention the steps that can be taken in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"State the functions of the United Nations Human Rights Council. Also, discuss the issues faced by the Council in the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"West Asia is an important strategic region for India with profound geo-political and geo-economic significance. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Disenfranchising prisoners desecrates a cherished value in a democracy i.e. 'right to vote', which should be guarded earnestly. Discuss in the light of The Representation of The People Act, 1951. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"There are similarities and interactions between the affirmative action adopted by India and USA owing to similar historical injustices faced by their respective vulnerable groups. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Objections to domicile-based reservation in private sector jobs on the grounds of constitutional equality and freedom are misplaced. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"There have been arguments that sedition law is an attack on the very foundation of India's liberal democratic principles, as enshrined in the Constitution. Do you agree? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite Government e-Marketplace facing certain challenges, it has brought about a significant improvement in the procurement of goods and services by various government agencies. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"A reformed system of recruitment, training and evaluation needs to be put in place to take forward the development of a highly efficient and accountable civil service. Discuss in the context of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Despite initiatives taken by the Indian government to achieve critical goals in the education sector, major interventions are required to tackle learning poverty as well as the persisting inequalities. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"In light of the burgeoning burden of both communicable and non-communicable diseases, there is a need to revamp the public health surveillance system in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The repercussions of the ongoing economic crisis in Sri Lanka extend beyond its borders. Discuss with specific reference to India. Also, mention the steps that India has taken to assist Sri Lanka tide over the crisis. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India is a reliable partner in the Indian Ocean Region and can take on the role of being the net security provider in the region. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3606,"topper":"Kajol Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3c667-1083896_2211_kajol-singh_rank-149.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The Cholas are inextricably linked with the zenith of Dravidian art and architecture. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Among the major legacies of the Indian freedom movement, civil liberties formed an important one. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The Berlin Conference of 1884-85 in many ways set the ground for the scramble in Africa. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What is a cloudburst and what are its effects? Why are they more frequent in the Himalayan region? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Despite its potential, there are several challenges in the implementation of the Ken-Betwa Link Project. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Identify the issues related to production and supply of coal in India. How can these issues be addressed? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Present the geographical distribution of agro-based industries in India and discuss the challenges faced by them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The caste system continues to be one of the key drivers of poverty and inequality in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the issues faced by domestic workers in India. Also suggest measures that can be taken to empower them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Given the deeply gendered impact of population control measures, examine the need to rethink the current approach of population control measures in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Examine the impact of the Sramana tradition on the Vedic religion and its relation with the emergence of Jainism, Buddhism and Ajivika sects. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Giving a brief overview of the three Carnatic Wars, discuss the factors that led to the success of the British against the French in the struggle for control over India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Provide an account of the issues that led to a crisis in Punjab in the 1980s. Also, discuss the roadmap to peace that was eventually adopted. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Post-drift theories based on ocean floor mapping provided new dimensions to the study of distribution of oceans and continents. Elaborate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Explain the phenomenon of heat waves. Also, enumerate the conditions favourable for the development of heat waves in India and their associated health impacts. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Providing an account of distribution of rainforests across the world, mention their key characteristics. Also highlight the threats that are being faced by tropical rainforests. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Indian cities are not only mimicking the social and cultural structures of inequality and exclusion found in rural areas but are also creating fault lines for future conflicts. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Examine the multi-dimensional impact of globalisation on tribal development in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3607,"topper":"Kajol Singh","air":149,"year":2022,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a8e02-1083896_2213_kajol-singh_rank-149.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3608,"topper":"Kalpana Pandey","air":102,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AH4_NdAvd5X-njYGYL3V4eqvSsb3CYJv/view","questions":[]},{"id":3609,"topper":"Kalpesh Kumar Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0d93d-645833_1436_kalpesh-kumar-sharma_rank_73.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Given the growing ecological and geopolitical significance, Arctic region offers immense opportunities for serving India's long-term interests. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the challenges that India may face in the eventuality of withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan. What options does India have to safeguard its interests in the context of the changing situation? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The BRICS as a grouping seems to have internal contradictions, which makes it difficult for it to emerge as an effective forum in a dynamic multi-polar international order. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Despite India having immense soft power potential, it alone will not be sufficient to achieve India's foreign policy objectives. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Highlighting the role of space technology in border management, enumerate the steps taken so far in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Despite allegations of human rights violations under the AFSPA, it is a functional requirement for the army in disturbed areas. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The use of Internet creates both challenges and opportunities in the fight against terrorism. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain the concept of Chandrasekhar Limit and highlight its significance in the field of astronomy. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Examining the risk posed by space debris, suggest some measures which can be taken for its mitigation and removal. (150 words) 10 ,","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the challenges confronting higher self-reliance and indigenisation of defence industry in India. What steps can be taken to accelerate its pace? (150 words) 10 - ?","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Comment on the role played by the diaspora in India's development process. Also, discuss the challenges in terms of engaging the Indian diaspora and suggest ways to translate these partnerships into benefits. (250 words) 15 ,","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Commenting on the importance of Central Asia for India, highlight the progress made in the relationship in recent past along with the issues that still remain to further cement the ties. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the significance of India's island territories in its quest to become a net security provider in the Indian Ocean region. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"A fine balance between security and developmental measures needs to be attained for tackling the menace of Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in India. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Illustrate the linkages between drug trafficking, organised crime and terrorism. In this regard, mention the steps that have been taken to arrest the availability of drugs in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Identify the key threats to national security in the wake of climate change. Also, highlight India's stand and rationale on UN's decision to declare climate change as an international security issue. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Explaining the concept of data exclusivity, bring out the arguments for and against incorporating data exclusivity norms in India's IPR regime. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Compare and contrast fifth generation (5G) of wireless telecom technology with 4G technology. What challenges need to be overcome for 5G's pan-India rollout? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3610,"topper":"Kalpesh Kumar Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/dd284-645833_1245_kalpesh-kumar-sharma_rank_73.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the attributes of leadership, analyse why it is important for a civil servant.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"A civil servant needs to be objective as well as empathetic. What do you understand by objectivity? Discuss its relationship with empathy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"With rapidly increasing use of information technology, what according to you is the role of ethics in cyber space?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Transparency in government organisations is an essential pre-condition for good governance. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but its lowest ones. Nelson Mandela","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"For achieving success, attitude is equally, if not more important than ability. Discuss with the help of examples from your daily life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"The core of high Emotional Intelligence is self-awareness. If you don't understand your own motivations and behaviours, it is nearly impossible to develop an understanding of others. Discuss with the help of appropriate examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by Integrity Pacts? Highlight the role they can play in bringing transparency in allotment of public contracts and ensuring proper utilization of public funds in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"In the context of rapid technological change, discuss the significance of inculcating moral and spiritual values in educational institutions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Explain the main elements of integral humanism as propounded by Deen Dayal Upadhyay and highlight its contemporary relevance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"It is imperative for a country like India, that code of ethics should be implemented for civil servants on social media platforms as well. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Discuss how effective corporate governance can ensure the equitable treatment of all stakeholders.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"You are posted as the Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district of a state where alcohol prohibition has been imposed recently. The District Excise department has conducted many raids and seized liquor in large quantities, for which it has received state-wide public appreciation. A few months later reports surface in the media that in this district, hundreds of seized bottles of illicit liquor are missing from the government malkhanas or stores. As a result, the government is left red-faced. You are asked by the DM, who is the overall in-charge of the district excise setup, to investigate the matter. Upon investigation, you unearth a nexus of politicians and government officials who smuggled seized liquor and sold it through spurious means both inside and outside the state. In this context, evaluate these options:","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Being aware of the seriousness of the matter, discretely put the detailed investigation report in the public domain and expose the nexus. Also, suggest, without restricting yourself to the given options, the final course of action that you would prefer.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3611,"topper":"Kanchan","air":35,"year":2019,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/14pxwb4hOc1x1zzjxG1p5zKh1cz61Nmy-","questions":[]},{"id":3612,"topper":"Kanchan","air":35,"year":2019,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1c3yMf_5o6_OjHY6QoCQlMpPOOX-D94DL","questions":[]},{"id":3613,"topper":"Kanchan Choudhary","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/10z1auiW_q8MYus_UoGBnp2ulu3HfEip1/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Critically evaluate the significance of the Basic Structure Doctrine in the five decades since its judicial pronouncement. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Though defamation law is vital to protect one's reputation and dignity in society, weaponization of the same to curb dissent and free speech is antithetical in a constitutional democracy. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Explore the legal constitutional basis for the conflicts between the elected government and the institution of the Lieutenant Governor over the governance process in the Union Territory of Delhi. Analyse the role that the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 2023, can play in resolving it. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The objective of the Mediation Bill, 2023 is to have a mediation first approach to civil and commercial disputes resolution, with the purpose of reducing the burden of litigation on Courts, providing alternate means of disputes resolution, and enhancing the country's reputation as an investor friendly destination. Comment, with special emphasis on the salient features of the bill. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"A middle point between socialism and capitalism, cooperatives bring the best of the both worlds. Assess the utility of the cooperative model in effecting rural prosperity. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Evaluate the efficacy of Forest Rights Act, 2006 (FRA) and Panchayat (Extension of the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA) in attaining their mandate. Also, recommend measures to make these legislations more effective in attaining their desired objectives. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Differentiate between the legal and illegal means adopted by advocacy networks to advance their interests. What are the factors that limit their effectiveness as a pressure group? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the steps taken by the government in empowering Self Help Groups as a development partner in poverty alleviation. Also highlight the challenges in the working of SHGs. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Changing strategic realities come with their own constraints and possibilities. Describe briefly India's defense diplomacy in the context of contemporary geopolitics. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Explain the significance and implications of the China-brokered diplomatic accord between Iran and Saudi Arabia. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"A key pillar of Constitutional morality is constitutional punctuality. Illustrate with suitable examples, how a lack of constitutional punctuality not only hinders democratic functioning of the State, but also goes against the spirit of the Constitution. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Free and fair elections are the lifeblood of a democracy, and electoral reforms are at the core of political reforms. In this context, highlighting the challenges to functioning of the Election Commission, suggest the necessary reforms needed, with special reference to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Other Election Commissioners ECs (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The overhaul of India's criminal justice system is not only a long due reform, it is also imperative for decolonizing India's penal system. Elucidate in the light of recently proposed trinity of Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill, 2023, Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita Bill, 2023 and Bharatiya Sakshya Bill, 2023. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What ails institutions of Higher education? Bring out the possibilities and challenges that come with the entry and operation of foreign educational institutions seeking to impart higher education. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Partnership between the State and CSOs for delivering development, while promising at face value, is fraught with challenges. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Critically analyse the working of the POCSO Act, 2012 in addressing the menace of child sex abuse in society in the 10 years since its enactment. How far has the National Commission for protection of child rights been successful in fulfilling its mandate? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Discuss the challenges that keep India multi-dimensionally poor with special reference to NITI Ayog's National Multidimensional Poverty Index Report. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"BRICS can serve as a platform for shaping a post-Western global order, but the potential of the grouping is held back by internal contradictions. Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"\"WTO is dead! Long live WTO!\" In the context of this statement, account for the reasons behind why the WTO is dysfunctional. In your opinion, what reforms are needed to promote resilient, sustainable, and inclusive world trade. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3614,"topper":"Kanchan Kamar Kandpal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/38275-26216_844_kanchan_kumar_rank_263.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"It has been assessed that radicalisation is a security threat to India. Explain the basis of such an assessment with examples. What are the key pillars of the counter radicalisation strategy of the government?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Arguments on Siachen issue often move around the idea of demilitarisation. Examining the key attributes of the Siachen issue explain the basis of arguments regarding its demilitarisation? Also highlight the arguments against such an idea.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Money laundering and terrorism have strong inter linkages. Illustrate. In this context, how far do the steps taken by the government confirm with the international commitments?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Longstanding issue of insurgency in the Northeast highlights the linkage between violence, remoteness, underdevelopment and alienation. Elaborate. Also, suggest some corrective measures for a lasting resolution of the conflicts in this region.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"While on the one hand China's One Road One Belt initiative poses security concerns and challenges for India, on the other, it can help improve India's connectivity to major markets and resource supplies. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"NATGRID was an ambitious step involving intelligence reforms, however, it remained a non-starter. Explain. In the context of recent initiatives to revive the NATGRID and the challenges it faced previously what steps are required to make it effective?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"India's national security architecture faces a difficult task in detecting digital intrusion in cyberspace. What are the challenges India faces w.r.t. Digital Intrusion? How can these challenges be overcome?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Relations with Iran hold a lot of potential for India's ambitions for West Asia and beyond, however, realising this potential also involves certain global and regional challenges. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"The internal crisis in Nepal over the past few years has given concrete shape to the fears of China gaining upper hand vis-a-vis a traditionally influential India. Elaborate. What can India do to further strengthen its ties with the Himalayan nation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"The Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement (TPP), touted as the world's biggest trade deal to date, has danger of bending the WTO rules. In this context, discuss the impact TPP can have on India's foreign trade. What are the options that India has to deal with the issues arising out of the TPP?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Legal proceedings initiated by the Marshall Islands against India, Pakistan and Britain over nuclear weapons in the International Court of Justice highlights the issues of jurisidiction of the court. What is India's position vis-a-vis the jurisdiction of the ICJ? Also differentiate between binding and advisory pronunciations of the court with suitable examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Even though the refugee crisis in Europe does not affect India directly, it presents an opportunity for India to showcase its commitment and capability to take greater responsibility in dealing with global issues. Comment in light of India's strengths, experience and international commitments regarding refugees.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"India is endowed with an amazing variety and wealth of soft power resources. Providing examples, illustrate the utilisation of soft power in diplomatic initiatives of the recent past. What are the limitations of the soft power approach in diplomacy in case of a developing country such as India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Highlight the features of NAVIC and bring out its significance for India. How is it different from GAGAN? Examine whether NAVIC can be a replacement of GPS for India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"What are Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) and how are they an improvement over carbon fibres? Highlight the various unique properties of CNTs which hacen them suitable to the manufacturing industry.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Explain the significance of gravitational waves recently detected by LIGO. What are the objectives of the recently envisaged LIGO-India project and what benefits will India accrue from it?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"What are the criteria employed for a pandemic to be declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the WHO? In the wake of recent Ebola and Zika virus outbreaks examine the efficacy of the prevalent architecture of global health governance. Also, assess India's preparedness in handling such global epidemics.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Give a brief explanation of CRISPR - gene editing technology. Also discuss its significance in modern biology and agriculture.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Even though large infrastructure projects like High Speed Rail (HSR) facilitate greater technological development, they come with their own set of challenges. Examine in the context of proposed HSR projects in India. Suggest some measures on how HSR can truly be 'Made in India'.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"What do you understand by Big-data? Using SDGs as an example, discuss its role in effective implementation of public policy. Also mention challenges faced in using Big-Data and measures to overcome them.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3615,"topper":"Kanchan Kumar Kandpal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/cee2f-26216_766_kanchan_kumar_rank_263.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"All the questions are compulsory and carry 12.5 marks each.","marks":"5","words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Legislative Councils in states are expensive and otherwise superfluous legislative appendages. Examine the utility of legislative councils in this context. Also, comment on the procedural aspect of setting up and abolishing them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"While some argue that Article 3 provides usurping powers to the center at the cost of states, according to others it enables the Parliament to maintain and preserve federalism as enshrined in the constitution. Discuss. Is it time to have a relook at Article 3 in the spirit of co-operative federalism?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"While the British Parliament is a sovereign legislature, the Parliaments of India and USA are non-sovereign legislatures. Explain. Also, compare the organisation and powers of the Indian Lok Sabha with the British House of Commons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"While Fundamental Rights are crucial to the survival of a vibrant democracy, Fundamental Duties are equally important. While enumerating the Fundamental Duties, discuss the statement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Several constitutional experts have found the process of appointment and removal of governor to be against the very grain of democratic traditions and constitutional propriety. Do you think that this process warrants a fresh look in context of recent controversies surrounding the post?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Repeated violations of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) have raised questions on its effectiveness. In this light, discuss the idea of making MCC a part of Representation of Peoples Act, 1951.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"The government cannot condition receipt of public benefits on waiver of fundamental rights. Discuss this statement in context of the recent issues raised in the Aadhaar petitions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Though the institutions protecting human rights and rights of the vulnerable sections are meant to act as watchdogs, they are treated as subordinate departments with scant regard for their autonomy or statutory character. Discuss the issues which these institutions are facing related to appointment, structure and functioning.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Equality of seats among states in Rajya Sabha could not be adopted after independence because of the circumstances prevailing at that time. However, there is a need to take a fresh look at this. Evaluate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"It is contert ded that the implementation of One-Rank-One-Pension (OROP) for the armed forces would create a severe strain on government finances. Explain the principles underlying the OROP and arguments that have been cited in its support as well as opposition.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Article 311 of the Constitution has been a matter of much debate. Arguments range from its retention in its present form, or even strengthening it, to its total deletion. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"While Public Interest Litigations have provided access to justice for the poor and the marginalized sections of the society but many vested interests have also misused it. In this context, examine the utility of PILs as a tool of social justice.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"What do you understand by alternate dispute redressal mechanism? Discuss the various tools of ADR. In light of the problems faced by the Indian judiciary enumerate the advantages of Lok Adalats.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Bringing political parties under the ambit of RTI will not only usher accountability and transparency in governance but will also be a major step towards electoral reforms. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"A generational shift in railway operations is required. In light of this, discuss the need for an independent tariff and safety regulatory authority of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"It has been argued that the 'First past the post' system fails to represent the will of the majority and encourages vote-bank politics. In this context, examine whether India should adopt Proportional Representation System to reform our electoral process.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Independence of judiciary and separation of powers, both are part of the basic structure of the constitution. In this context, discuss the recent Supreme Court judgment on the constitutional validity of the National Judicial Appointments Commission.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"AMRUT gives state governments the flexibility in designing schemes and eases central monitoring. Explain. How far can it recast the urban landscape of India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"There has been a tendency to resolve specialized cases faster through the means of Tribunals. In light of this, discuss the issue of increasing \"tribunalisation\" of courts in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"While the 73rd and 74th constitutional amendments provided for representation to women in local governance, much work remains to be done to ensure their true participation, given their present socio-economic conditions. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3616,"topper":"Kanchan Kumar Kandpal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d8f14-26216_845_kanchan_kumar_rank_263.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Soil management in Northeast India is critical for a viable agriculture economy. In this context, discuss the problems of soils in Northeast India. Suggest some steps that can be taken to counter this problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"How does the plate tectonics theory help explain the formation of Himalayas and Deccan Traps?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Inspite being one of the largest producer of fish, there is still considerable scope of improvement in the fishery sector. In light of the above statement, discuss the problems and prospects of Fishery industry in India with respect to both inland and marine fisheries.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Vegetation in deserts and saline areas have highly specialized means of adapting themselves to the environment. Explain.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Give an account of the distribution of cement industry in India and the factors that affect its location. Also trace the growth of cement industry in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Despite the enormous demand of electronics, the manufacturing of electronic goods has not been a feature of the Indian industry. Enumerate the reasons for the same. Suggest measures which are required to acheive the target of Net Zero Import by 2020.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Agroforestry is seen as a solution to meet the challenges of food, nutrition, energy, employment and environment security. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Explain the phenomenon of Tsunami formation and highlight reasons for India's vulnerability to Tsunamis. List some measures to mitigate the impact of Tsunamis.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Explain the role of Himalayas in influencing the climate of South Asia. Enumerate the changes observed recently in the Himalayan region with respect to climate and geomorphology. What are the possible anthropogenic causes behind them ?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Explain the different types of earthquake waves and the concept of shadow zone. What inferences can we draw from shadow zones regarding the interior of the Earth?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Explain the difference between chemical weathering and physical weathering. What is the ecological and economic significance of weathering?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Tropical regions are not only the most resource rich but also one of the most underdeveloped regions of the world. What are the factors responsible for this? How have some of the tropical countries turned their natural limitations to their advantage? Illustrate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Coral reefs are the most biologically diverse and economically valuable ecosystems on earth. Elaborate. Discuss the factors responsible for the decline of coral reefs across the world. Also, list some measures that have been taken for their preservation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Despite EIA being a useful policy tool for sustainable development, deficiencies in its design and implementation have prevented it from realising its potential. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"According to the Indian Fertiliser Scenario 2014, the use of urea in India has increased by more than 50 per cent since 2000. How does human intervention turn nitrogen from a nutrient to a pollutant? Discuss the impacts of nitrogen pollution on environment and human health. Also, explain how nitrogen pollution can be managed.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Temperate grasslands are called 'Granaries of the world'. Elucidate. How have the farming practices adopted in these regions impacted the environment?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Enumerate the global targets and priorities for action of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. Discuss the positive features and limitations of the framework.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"What is a heat wave? Discuss the health impacts of heat wave in India. Analyse the reasons behind high incidence of mortality rates due to heat wave in India. Suggest measures to tackle the above problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"\"Rising accidents involving merchant ships leading to oil spills in Indian waters is a growing concern that needs to be addressed.\" Discuss the impact of oil spills on marine environment. Also, suggest measures to prevent such disasters.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Forest fire pose a threat not only to the forest wealth but also to the entire regime of flora and fauna. What are the causes of forest fire? Discuss the ecological, economic and social impacts of forest fires.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3617,"topper":"Kanchan Kumar Kandpal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a8a30-26216_824_kanchan_kumar_rank_263.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Rights-based approach to social policy, which has rippled through India over the past decade and a half, reorients governance from ideas of patronage towards duty of the state and justified claims of citizens. Discuss with examples. Also, explain how the rights-based approach helps in improving public service delivery.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Despite high enrolment in Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY), out-of-pocket expenditure on health has steadily increased over the years. In this context, highlight the achievements and shortcomings of RSBY. Also, discuss the challenges faced in its implementation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Unhealthy competition between Self Help Groups (SHGs) and Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) reduces the effectiveness of both. Discuss. How can creating a synergy between the two help in addressing development challenges at the sub-district level?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"With an expected increase in old age population in the near future, there is a need to increase the ambit and reach of social safety net for their welfare. Discuss the challenges which policymakers face in design, development and execution of welfare measures for the elderly. How far do the recent measures taken by the government address these?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Civil Society Organizations and Corporates share a symbiotic relationship, which can be leveraged to meet the developmental needs of India. Analyze. Also enumerate the CSR provisions under Companies Act, 2013.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"According to a recent WHO report, India sees the largest number of suicides globally. In this context, enumerate the objectives and approach of India's new National Mental Health Policy. Also, explain what is Mental Health Action Plan 365.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Urban sanitation has not received adequate attention at the national level in the past and few initiatives have been taken to tackle deficiencies in urban sanitation. In light of this, examine whether the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan can help in solving the urban sanitation problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"There is a need to move away from debates of 'public' versus 'private' provision of education towards models of education provision with public funding and private management. Discuss. Can such a move impact the quality and learning outcomes in elementary education?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) bill recently passed by the Parliament is a regressive step towards protecting child rights in India. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"\"In a nation of one billion cell phones, M-governance or mobile governance has the potential to make development a truly inclusive and comprehensive mass movement\". Illustrate how M-government can bring in more transparency and accountability in government functioning. Also, discuss the challenges in implementing M-government.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"The Rights of the Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2014 fails to adopt United Nation Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability (UNCRPD) in its true spirit. Examine. Also, highlight the recent suggestions made by the Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"An empowered Gram Sabha is the bedrock of successful local governance. In this context, analyse the role of Gram Sabha as a pillar of development. What steps can be taken to strengthen their functioning?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"The recent amendments to Child Labour Act seek to strike a balance between the need for education of a child and the reality of the socio-economic conditions. Critically evaluate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Give an account of the features of 'Housing for All by 2022' mission. Also, discuss the challenges that lie ahead in its implementation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Enumerate the directives laid down by the Supreme Court for police reforms in the Prakash Singh case. Discuss the challenges faced in implementing these reforms.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"What is E-Kranti? How is it an improvement over National e-Governance Plan? Discuss the challenges foreseen in the implementation of E-kranti.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Some provisions of Official Secrets Act, 1923 go against the spirit of Right to Information. Explain. In this context, examine whether this necessitates repealing of the Official Secrets Act.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Despite increasing awareness of beneficiaries, social audits have not played a significant role in reducing malpractices and detecting irregularities. Discuss. How can social audits be made more effective?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Nutrition status is linked to non-nutrition factors. In light of this statement, examine why despite a fast growing economy and the largest anti-malnutrition programme, India has the world's worst level of child malnutrition. What steps has the Government taken to to tackle the malnutrition problem in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) based on the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India are described as 'State in miniature'. Elaborate. Also, critically evaluate the functioning of ADCs over the years.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3618,"topper":"Kanchan Kumar Kandpal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/22d33-26216_843_kanchan_kumar_rank_263.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the need for adhering to the road map for fiscal consolidation by fixing the fiscal deficit. Has the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, 2003 served the purpose for which it was envisaged?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Public investment in railways has a multiplier effect for the larger economy. Elaborate. What factors have held back the railways despite having a separate budget and considerable resources? In this context, enumerate the relevant recommendations of Bibek Debroy committee?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"\"There is a myth that small firms create the most jobs in an economy. The fact is that small firms that grow big create the jobs\". In context of the Indian economy what are the factors that prevent firms that start small from growing bigger. What progress has India made in this respect and what other measures are required?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Enumerate the reasons why problem of NPAs is more pronounced in the public sector banks as compared to the private sector. Discuss the implications of having high NPAs in an economy. Also list the measures which the government has taken in order to address them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Mention the salient features of the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) proposed by the government to reinvigorate private investment in infrastructure sector. How is it an improvement over the EPC model?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Even within the multilateral format of WTO the FTA route has served India well. Comment. How can India effectively deal with the challenges posed by the new mega regional agreements such as TPP?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Cashless economy is a global trend now. What are the challenges of achieving a cashless economy in the case of India? How can these challenges be overcome?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Abysmal level of formally skilled workers in Indian economy, as indicated by the Labour Bureau Report 2014, is a cause of concern. What are the factors responsible for such a scenario? Also, examine the measures taken by the government in recent years to address the relevant concerns.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"In the 10 years of its existence MGNREGA has won laurels as well as attracted criticism. Comment. What changes are required for the scheme to be relevant in the current scenario.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Power sector reforms, crucial as they are, have remained elusive. Discuss the reasons for their failure. How far can the UDAY scheme address the issues concerning DISCOMS and improve the entire power sector value chain?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Market volatility and vulnerability to weather are the major issues facing Indian agriculture. Elaborate. In this regard, critically examine the importance of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana vis-a-vis earlier insurance schemes in addressing the problems of Indian agriculture.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"The Hydrocarbon Exploration Licensing Policy (HELP) is a step forward from the New Exploration Licensing Policy (NELP). Compare the two policies and elaborate how HELP can encourage investment in the hydrocarbon sector as well as curtail India's export dependence?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Although equal land ownership rights are essential for the economic empowerment of women, these rights are often overlooked. Discuss. What steps have been taken by the government to ensure land rights for women?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"It has been argued that the Nutrient based subsidy (NBS) scheme launched in 2010 has created more problems than it intended to solve. Examine. What measures are required to address concerns arising out of the fertilizer subsidy policy in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"The success of \"Operation Flood\" proves that thoughtful intervention in the livestock sector has the potential of acting as a growth engine for the agriculture sector and rural economy. In light of this, examine the potential of the livestock sector and the challenges it faces. Also enumerate the steps taken by the government in recent years to leverage the potential of this sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"What are the twin objectives of government food procurement policy in India? Discuss the instruments of this policy. Do you think there is an urgent need for rationalization of MSP policy in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Discuss the potential of Food Processing Industry with regards to employment generation in India. What are the key impediments which need to be overcome before the sector can become internationally competitive and achieve high growth?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Mixed farming for the resource poor farmer is mostly a poverty induced option. Comment. What role can the government play to help farmers realise the potential from mixed farming.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"What do you understand by cropping pattern? What are the factors that influence the cropping pattern in India? Is there a need to change the cropping pattern in the country keeping the agro-ecological concerns in mind?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3619,"topper":"Kanchan Kumar Kandpal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d220a-26216_1066_kanchan_kumar_rank_263.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The cave architecture in India not only enlighten us with information of tradition and customs of ancient times but also illustrate considerable accomplishment with regard to structural engineering and artistry. Discuss. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"While the Battle of Plassey laid the foundation of British Empire in India, it was the Battle of Buxar that proved to be the turning point of British fortunes in India. Discuss. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Among many novel methods and themes, the Swadeshi Movement laid great emphasis not only on boycott but also on self-reliance. Discuss. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The idea of linguistic states predated independence, however it took some time even after independence for this idea to be implemented. Discuss. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Dr. B. R. Ambedkar understood that persistent inequalities pose fundamental challenges to the economic and social well-being of the nation and people. In this context, discuss the key contributions of Dr. Ambedkar in the history of modern India. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"It has been pointed out that in recent times, while the proportional share of nuclear households has dipped in urban areas it has risen in rural areas. Analyse the reasons behind this trend. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Separation, and not divorce, is the dominant form of marriage dissolution for most women in India. What could be the possible reasons behind this? Also, discuss why there are striking differences in divorce rates between the different regions in India. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Elaborate on the factors responsible for the evolution of the current drainage system in Indian sub-continent, with special emphasis on the characteristic features of Himalayan and Peninsular rivers. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Enumerate the features of Plantation Agriculture and the problems faced by them. Given the fact that area under cultivation of palm oil has been increasing, discuss the benefits and challenges associated with it. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Bring out the distinctive features of Gandhara, Mathura and Amravati schools of art that flourished towards the first century CE. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The British in India wanted not only territorial conquest and control over revenues; they also felt that they had a cultural mission: to 'civilise the natives', change their customs and values. Critically discuss. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi being close associates, there were significant differences between the two regarding the role of state and the control that it exercised. Comment. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Enumerating the reasons behind Sino-Soviet split in the second half of the 20th century, analyse its impact on the Cold War. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"History has disproved the prediction that democracy would not succeed in India. In this context, critically assess the achievements and challenges of democracy in India since Independence. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Enumerate the key issues faced by working women in contemporary Indian society and the steps taken by the government to address them. Also, critically examine the key features of Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act 2017. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Despite tropical areas being the major emitters of CFCs, the phenomenon of ozone hole formation is largely confined to polar areas and that too over the Antarctic and in early spring. Elaborate. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3620,"topper":"Kanchan Kumar Kandpal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8aa8d-26216_760_kanchan_kumar_rank_263.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Celebrities are paid huge amounts by companies for endorsing products that at times turn out to be harmful for the consumers. Examine the ethical dimensions involved in such instances.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Lack of cleanliness in urban areas despite schemes such as the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan point to difficulties faced in bringing about attitudinal and behavioural changes. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Issues around economic inclusion are not just about income gaps, there are many dimensions of moral and ethical choices as well. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Socially and economically marginalized women are used to make a profit, often at the cost of their own health and reproductive autonomy, in the name of commercial surrogacy. Discuss the ethical issues associated with commercial surrogacy in India. Should commercial surrogacy be completely banned?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"While discussing the ethical issues that journalists face on a regular basis, examine the causes of increased sensationalism in news media in recent times.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"What are the various sources through which humans can judge the correctness of their actions? In the context of public life discuss how these sources are important in offering a clear and practical guidance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Should a person resort to leaking of information in case of wrongs done in the organization ? Does it cause a conflict of interest between the personal, organizational and societal spheres? Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Competition, it is argued, spurs the best of performance, however, can it also instigate cheating and unethical behaviour? Discuss with adequate examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"\"A person may cause evil to others not only by his actions but by his inaction, and in either case he is justly accountable to them for the injury\". Explain the statement giving one example each from personal and public life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"\"A people that values its privileges principles soon loses both.\" What does this quotation mean to you? Explain with an example.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Instances of atrocities against dalits despite stringent legal measures point to the fact that the problem is not one of legality only but a matter of entrenched social prejudices and attitude. In this context suggest some effective measures to address the issue holistically.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"What do you mean by 'anonymity in the civil services'? Explain why anonymity and neutrality are considered as important traits for civil servants.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Prescription of dresscode for women not only violates their liberty but also reflects outdated views on gender relations as well as proper conduct. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"List the options available to you in the given case. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Discuss some feasible steps that you can take to control this serious problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"What are the immediate steps which should be taken in such a situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"Suggest some long term measures to ensure that such a situation is not repeated.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":59,"question":"Is Dr. Singh's participation in this study appropriate? Justify your position.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":59,"question":"Does Dr. Singh have a conflict of interest? If so, what is the nature of the conflict? How could it be mitigated.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":59,"question":"How would the nature of the conflict of interest be different had he not already owned stock, but instead had been offered stock as a form of compensation for conducting the study?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3621,"topper":"Kanika","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/568cb-1005490_1986_kanika_rank_64.pdf","questions":[{"page":26,"question":"Pattern of Indian monsoon has been witnessing changes in recent decades. Examine in the light of recent studies linking the phenomenon to climate change.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Highlighting the reasons for higher concentration of plantations in South India. Give an account of significance & challenges that the plantation sector of S. India is confronted with.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"India's vulnerability to flash floods. Assess and suggest measures for better resilience to flash floods. In this context also briefly highlight the significance of recently launched Flash Flood Guidance system operated by IMD.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"In light of increasing industrial disasters in India, examine the reasons for their occurrence. Discuss the steps that have been taken to deal with industrial disasters.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3622,"topper":"Kanika","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/51e71-1005490_1863_kanika_rank_64.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Parliamentary oversight of administration is not an end in itself rather it acts as a means to strengthen the efficient functioning of the administration. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"The Tenth schedule of the Constitution has weakened the democratic credentials of India's representative democracy. Critically discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Article 246 of Indian Constitution is considered as the cornerstone of Centre-state legislative relations. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Although the provision of issuing ordinances amounts to the usurpation of legislative power by the Executive, both Centre & states in India have taken unrestrained course to it. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"There has been a manifold increase in the number of ministries in the central govt since independence. Do you agree with the view there is a need to phase out many ministries and amalgamate others in this context?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Evaluate the success of Digital India in fulfilling its vision of transforming India into a digitally empowered society & knowledge economy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Examine the issues related to poverty measurement in India. Suggest measures to improve upon the existing methodologies.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"As one of the recommendations of the NEP 2020, discuss the rationale behind internationalisation of higher education in India and its associated challenges.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Stating the significance of FTAs examine whether they have been as beneficial as expected for India .","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Though multi lateral development bank (MDBs) are crucial for holistic development of developing nations like India, there are certain legitimate concerns about their functioning. Discuss .","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Despite the legal framework to resolve inter state river water disputes, why do they continue to exist ? Also, discuss measures that can be taken to resolve such disputes in an expeditious and agreeable manner .","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"While use of technology is a welcome step towards improving the efficiency of the judicial system, it must be understood that technology itself comes with a set of challenges that make justice even more inaccessible. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"The current urban planning capacities in India are extremely skeletal and need systemic reforms and a change in mindset. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"Reservation for women in the PRIs has not translated into corresponding increase in women's representation in India's status state legislatures. Bringing out the reasons for the same, discuss how under representation of women in state legislatures can be corrected.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"For effective public service delivery, there is need to shift from traditional accountability mechanisms to social accountability mechanisms. In this context, discuss the pre-conditions for the success of social accountability efforts and challenges associated with them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"The MGNREGA remains one of the most ambitious programmes for public welfare & rural development, but its objectives cannot be achieved without strong & capable PRI. Elucidate","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Despite legal safeguards and international conventions, the state has failed to uphold the rights of persons with disabilities in general and those with psychosocial disabilities in particular. Discuss in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"To what extent has the PM Awas Yojana (Gramin) been successful in solving the problem of rural housing in India? Discuss with adequate arguments.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"Despite the potential of India's neighbourhood first policy, there have been several impediments to regional cooperation in S. Asia. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"It is argued that China's BRI has resulted in unsustainable debt for infrastructure deals in several countries across continents and it is a part of debt trap diplomacy. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3623,"topper":"Kanika","air":64,"year":2021,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/bd87f-1005490_1987_kanika_rank_64.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3624,"topper":"Kanika Goyal","air":9,"year":2024,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Insights IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.insightsonindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Kanika_Goyal_AIR-9_IPM-Test-Series_GS-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3625,"topper":"Kanishak Aggarwal","air":72,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/KANISHAK-AGGARWALUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-72-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1 Why has public bathing been a recurring practice across cultures and societies? Discuss with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Estimate the contributions of Chalukyas of Badami to Indian heritage and culture.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar had contrasting philosophies and approaches on caste and social reform. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"q.4) What factors can be attributed to the rising incidents of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) in the Himalayan region? Discuss with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) \"Migration is a vital livelihood strategy for rural households in developing countries like India.\" Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Bring out the interdependence between physical and chemical weathering with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Discuss how social media is reshaping identity formation and self-worth among adolescents in contemporary Indian society.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q39 Disproportionate preference for government jobs in certain Indian states is not merely a matter of personal aspiration. Analyze.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) Explain the significance of population education in light of India's status as the world's most populous nation.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q3 Globalization has infused Indian festivals with commercial elements, while also helping preserve and popularize them in new ways. Do you agree? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 India has a rich tradition of diverse dance forms, encompassing both classical and folk styles. Illustrate how they reflect the country's rich spiritual, cultural, and social life.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) The third decade of the 20th century witnessed the emergence of new forces and ideological currents that influenced the character of the Indian national movement. Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 Analyse the circumstances that led to Simla Agreement in 1972. Discuss the significance of the agreement.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.16 The Indian Ocean is warming at an alarming rate. How may it affect the food security of India?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.17) Describing the distribution of sugarcane producing countries, examine the major environmental challenges associated with its cultivation.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.18 The richness and diversity of Indian society find vivid expression in the unique culture of its tribal communities. Elucidate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.19 Why is it essential to focus on health in the context of urban planning and reforms? How can this be achieved?","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3626,"topper":"Kanishak Aggarwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/12LGRPFpUn89y-mZSAd3a8hSDhy2d8z0P/view","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Explain the concept of the “Missing Middle” in India's industrial ecosystem. How does it affect economic growth and employment generation? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Household savings form a crucial pillar of domestic capital formation. In light of their recent decline, elucidate the underlying causes and propose strategies to strengthen savings behavior in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Despite its potential, the corporate bond market in India remains underdeveloped. Examine the structural and regulatory challenges impeding its growth. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"In light of recent Budget 2025 allocations and the push for green infrastructure, analyze how Viability Gap Funding can be leveraged to promote renewable energy projects. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Why is self-sufficiency in pulse production crucial for India? Discuss the policy and technological interventions needed to achieve Aatma Nirbharata in pulses. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Examine how space-based solutions are addressing developmental challenges in rural India. What steps can further enhance their outreach and effectiveness? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Delineate the linkages between urbanization patterns and rising PM 2.5 levels in Tier-II and Tier-III cities of India. What are the various mitigation measures and the government's initiatives to mitigate air pollution in India? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What do you understand about Artificial Neural Networks? List out its applications across various fields. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"Internal security challenges in India are increasingly shaped by external and transnational dynamics.\" Examine the statement with relevant examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"While tariff rationalization aims to enhance economic efficiency, it may also pose challenges to certain sectors. Critically assess the potential trade-offs involved in the Union Budget 2025-26's approach to tariff reforms. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"A shift from fiscal deficit targeting to debt-to-GDP ratio as the fiscal anchor signals a more holistic approach to fiscal discipline. Do you agree? Give reasons in support of your arguments. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"India's food processing sector is moving towards greater formalization and efficiency. Critically assess how initiatives like the PLI scheme and Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Enterprises (PM-FME) contribute to this transformation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Do you agree that granting a legal guarantee to Minimum Support Price (MSP) may create a fiscally unsustainable and economically inefficient agricultural system? Suggest viable alternatives to ensure fair farmer remuneration without distorting the market. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) can empower developing countries to lead the global climate action narrative. Discuss with suitable examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Analyse the reasons behind the increasing vulnerability of the Himalayan region to landslides. What steps can be taken for their management and control? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Forest fires are yet another symptom of climate change. Analyze the various causes for wildfire in forests. Give two examples of recent wildfires. Mention the policies and frameworks aimed at tackling wildfire in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"One Health approach is key to preventing future pandemics and preserving ecosystems. Analyze how the Biodiversity and Health Global Action Plan adopted at COP 16 aligns with this vision. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3627,"topper":"Kanishak Aggarwal","air":72,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/KANISHAK-AGGARWALUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-72-Sample-MGP-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.2) Why does India need to transition from a 'build to print' to a 'build to design' model in manufacturing? What steps has been taken by the government in this regard?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.3) Explain the concept of a nutrition-sensitive food system and suggest strategies to achieve it in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.5) Rare earths are not just elements; they are foundational inputs that act like 'seeds of technology'. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.6) Why retrofitting Electrostatic Precipitators (ESPs) in Indian thermal power plants is a more viable and effective option compared to the installation of flue gas desulfurization (FGD) systems?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.7) 'The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regime in India remains weak and is often reduced to a procedural formality.' In light of this statement, examine the key challenges in EIA implementation and suggest reforms.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Plastic pollution is emerging as a serious environmental threat in India. Discuss the various mitigation measures to address this problem and also the government's initiatives in this regard.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.9) Amid evolving threats, there is a need to blend private sector capabilities with India's current internal security architecture. In this context, elaborate on the ways in which the private sector can contribute to strengthening internal security.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.10) \"Radicalisation in Jammu and Kashmir is driven as much by socio-economic factors as by external influences.\" Discuss how education and youth engagement can play a role in countering radicalisation in J&K.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.11 Outlining the key characteristics of the care economy, discuss how India can better integrate the value of unpaid and underpaid care work into its economic framework.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.12 'The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) presents both unprecedented opportunities and significant challenges for India's labour market.' Examine. Also suggest strategies to align AI adoption with inclusive and resilient labour market outcomes.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":24,"question":"Q.13) Why does India's agricultural export performance remain weak despite high production levels? What measures would you suggest to improve agri-export competitiveness?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Q.14 \"The agricultural subsidy regime in the country needs reforms to address the distortions it causes.\" Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Q.15) How can biomanufacturing transform today's consumptive manufacturing paradigm to the one based on regenerative principles? Also discuss how BioE3 Policy (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment) aims to foster biomanufacturing in the country.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Bio E3 policy fosters biomanufacturing in the country in following manner -\n1) Encourages private players to come up & set up biomanufacturing plants.\n2) Provides them with much needed finance.\n3) Channelize the narrative of people towards conservation.\n4) Promotes industry - academia linkage to develop skills accordingly.\n5) Nudges the research domain to foster research on biomanufacturing.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Q.16 The future of digital innovation depends on self-reliant, domain-specific AI capabilities. In this context, bring out the key considerations in developing indigenous AI models and tools. Suggest measures to build an enabling ecosystem for AI innovation in India. What initiatives have been taken by the government in this regard?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Q.17) Marine oil spills are a form of environmental disaster, with far-reaching consequences for biodiversity and coastal livelihoods; however, India's preparedness to prevent such incidents and mitigate their impact has significant gaps. Analyze.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Q.18 'The United Nations has declared 2025 as the International Year of Glacier Preservation.' Bring out the ecological and socio-economic significance of glaciers. What are the key challenges in preserving them? What measures have been taken at national and international levels towards preservation of glaciers?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Q.19 What are the determinants of insurgency in the north-eastern region of India? What strategy should the Government of India, civil administration and security forces adopt to counter the threat in the affected areas?","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3628,"topper":"Kanishak Aggarwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7823e-1178032_1827_kanishak_aggarwal_rank_72.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) The ideals of 'Dhamma' by Ashoka present key learnings on public morality. Discuss. Also, state their relevance for public servants.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) There is a need for an effective climate governance structure within the broad framework of corporate governance. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) Family values influence the decisions individuals make both within the family structure and outside of it. Do you agree with the statement? Justify with relevant examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) 'Niti' must be more concerned with 'nyaya' i.e. the elimination of removable injustices rather than defining a perfectly just society. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"3. (a) While it may seem restrictive, anonymity is one of the greatest strengths of the civil services. Comment in the context of growth of social media in recent times.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) Corporate governance and business ethics are key factors influencing investment decisions and determining the flow of capital worldwide. In this context, discuss the inter-relationship between corporate governance and business ethics.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"4. (a) Examine the issue of foreign aid in global politics from an ethical perspective.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"4. (b) Explaining the meaning of media ethics, discuss why it is a prerequisite for democracy.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"5. (a) What do you understand by a situation of 'crisis of conscience'? Also, explain how a public servant can deal with such a situation.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"5. (b) The opportunities and threats created by emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) require leaders across business, government and civil society to understand the importance of values and ethics in technological development. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"6. (a) It is argued that the Indian bureaucracy suffers from indecision and risk aversion. Do you agree? Justify with logical arguments.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"6. (b) Corruption endangers not only the quality of governance but also threatens the very foundation of our society. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"6. (c) Discuss the foundational values of civil services, which are prerequisites in building a responsive public administration. Also, highlight how Mission Karmayogi aspires to make public administration more responsive.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"7. You come across a news report of a state 'X', which has a considerable number of school going children suffering from malnourishment. To overcome this, the state recently rolled out a policy to introduce eggs in mid-day meals in schools. However, some parents, teachers and a few religious groups have protested against the move. The report states that the Minister of Education of state 'X' has assured the public of a reversal in the policy. You are aware that this may be because elections are approaching in the state and the party in power may not want to antagonise a particular religious group, which is its key supporter.\n\nIn light of this, answer the following:\n(a) Highlight the stakeholders in the given case study.\n(b) Examine the options available in the given situation.\n(c) According to you, what is the best course of action and why?","marks":"20","words":"around 250"},{"page":34,"question":"8. Recently, the government has proposed a bill to increase the age of marriage for women from 18 to 21 years. It has been argued that it will help women improve their nutritional status, lower maternal mortality rate and improve the overall health status of women. However, some critics have stated that the proposed law would be counterproductive to women's cause and the desired objectives will not be met. In this context, answer the following questions:\n(a) What effect will an increase in the age of marriage have on women in India?\n(b) Can legislation be used as an effective tool for social change?\n(c) Discuss other agents that can be used for social change in this context.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":39,"question":"9. Climate change not only threatens our ecosystems but also undermines the foundation of our fundamental rights, deepens inequalities and creates new forms of injustice. Adapting to climate change and trying to mitigate its impacts are not just a matter of scientific knowledge and political will but also demand a broader view of a complex, inter-related situation. Human induced climate change has brought in several ethical dimensions not just in causing climate change but also in the role and responsibility in mitigating it.\n(a) Highlight the ethical issues arising out of human-induced climate change.\n(b) What ethical principles should form the basis of global action on climate change?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":44,"question":"10. You are the Chairperson of Staff Selection Commission of a state. Recently, an exam for recruitment to the position of sub-inspectors was conducted by the Commission. But a video of some students using hi-tech devices like spy-mics, and placing \"solvers\" to cheat in the exam by hiding bluetooth devices in wig, has been surfacing on the internet. Also, this is not an isolated incident; many instances of organized cheating scandals have shocked the state in recent years. Students are agitated and demanding cancellation of the exam and there is pressure on you to resign. However, your daughter had also appeared in this exam and is confident of clearing it. There are many other students who had waited for this exam for a long time and are hopeful of clearing it with honest efforts. Whatever decision the Commission takes is bound to affect the career of a large number of candidates who appeared in the exam, including your own daughter.\n(a) Highlight the ethical issues concerned in the case.\n(b) Why is cheating in examinations prevalent in many states across India?\n(c) What measures would you take to make sure that a similar situation does not arise in future?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":49,"question":"11. You are a young officer posted as a Sub-Divisional Magistrate in a backward district. You receive a complaint against the appointment of a Dalit woman in a village school for cooking food under the Mid-Day Meal scheme by parents of some students. The parents are putting immense pressure on the school management to discontinue the services of the woman concerned on the basis of long-standing social norms of caste impurity. They also say that if the management fails to take a favourable decision, keeping in mind the prevailing social customs, they will convene a village assembly and take action against the woman and her family members, including boycotting them socially.\n\nBased on the above information, address the following:\n(a) Identify the issues involved in the given case study.\n(b) Highlighting the reasons behind continuing caste discrimination, discuss the steps which you will take to resolve the present issue.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":54,"question":"12. A bridge is being built by a powerful local contractor in a district. The Public Works Department (PWD) is responsible for issuing the tender, checking the quality of the bridge and giving approval to it. During the construction of the bridge, testing by the quality control lab in the PWD showed its strength to be slightly below the minimum value required for granting approval for its further construction and completion. The local contractor paid hefty bribes to some officials in the PWD to get the contract. These officials are pressurising the quality control lab in the PWD to sign the report and give the required approval to the bridge. The local MLA is also pressuring the concerned lab for the approval, as elections in the state are approaching and the bridge has to be inaugurated. However, the in-charge of the lab is aware that if he grants approval and any mishappening related to the bridge occurs in the future, he may come under scrutiny. In this context, answer the following questions:\n(a) What are the issues involved in this scenario?\n(b) Evaluate the options available to the in-charge of the quality control lab in the given situation.\n(c) What course of action should the lab in-charge take? Justify with logical arguments.","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":3629,"topper":"Kanishak Aggarwal","air":72,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1R2l6AJV52JQWbEb_zABZECpx6KifFGEQ","questions":[]},{"id":3630,"topper":"Kanishak Aggarwal","air":279,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/MATHS-T05-KANISHAK-AGGARWAL-R279-1750230058525.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3631,"topper":"Kanishak Aggarwal","air":279,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/MATHS-T1-KANISHAK-AGGARWAL-R279-1750230884618.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3632,"topper":"Kanishak Aggarwal","air":279,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/MATHS-T10-KANISHAK-AGGARWAL-R279-1750230909384.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3633,"topper":"Kanishak Aggarwal","air":279,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/MATHS-T11-KANISHAK-AGGARWAL-R279-1750230940655.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3634,"topper":"Kanishak Aggarwal","air":279,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/MATHS-T12-KANISHAK-AGGARWAL-R279-1750230965119.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3635,"topper":"Kanishak Aggarwal","air":279,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/MATHS-T2-KANISHAK-AGGARWAL-R279-1750230992192.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3636,"topper":"Kanishak Aggarwal","air":279,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/MATHS-T3-KANISHAK-AGGARWAL-R279-1750231020838.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3637,"topper":"Kanishak Aggarwal","air":279,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/MATHS-T4-KANISHAK-AGGARWAL-R279-1750231064840.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3638,"topper":"Kanishak Aggarwal","air":279,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/MATHS-T5-KANISHAK-AGGARWAL-R279-1750231093859.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3639,"topper":"Kanishak Aggarwal","air":279,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/MATHS-T6-KANISHAK-AGGARWAL-R279-1750231125993.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3640,"topper":"Kanishak Aggarwal","air":279,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/MATHS-T7-KANISHAK-AGGARWAL-R279-1750231152814.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3641,"topper":"Kanishak Aggarwal","air":279,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/MATHS-T8-KANISHAK-AGGARWAL-R279-1750231178547.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3642,"topper":"Kanishak Aggarwal","air":72,"year":2025,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/vaji_gs3_560b2c9b36.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3643,"topper":"Kanishak Kataria","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tnakjcpJDo3IbCTko-NVQdyV2juzRz_x/view","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/ philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) \"Silence becomes cowardice when occasion demands speaking out the whole truth and acting accordingly\" - Mahatma Gandhi.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"\"We must not only tolerate others, but positively embrace them\" - Swami Vivekananda.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Emotional Intelligence is part nature and part nurture. Explaining the statement, discuss how emotional intelligence of civil servants can be enhanced.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"What do you understand by Probity in Governance? Examine whether the recent amendments to Prevention of Corruption Act and the proposed ones in Whistleblower Protection Act undermine it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"What do you understand by cognitive dissonance? Giving examples, discuss how it influences one's behavior and attitude.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"What are the ethical principles that should form the basis of the system permitting organ donation and allocation? Also discuss the importance of regulation for the success of any organ transplant program.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Where as some argue that leaks constitute an affront to democracy, others are of the opinion that leaks are a part of democracy. Examine the merits of both the arguments in the context of information attributed to leaks from government offices and whistleblowers.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"You are a young recruit to the IAS. Upon the completion of your training you have been posted in a subdividion of a district where industrial development has been lagging. The area has large reserves of minerals and a significant tribal population. The government has identified the area for a large thermal power plant and also adequate expansion of mining. This announcement has seen a rise in land prices in the area as well as unrest among the local population about possible land acquisition. As part of routine examination of records you observe large land purchases in recent years that are linked with the family of the local politician, who is also a member of the state cabinet. You also recognise that much of this land is around the site of the proposed industrial area. Further, one of your staff members also informs you that the family has been buying in the name of 10. According to the WHO suicide is the second leading cause of death in the age group of 15-29 years globally. In India also, instances of young people committing suicide have been reported widely in recent times. It is all the more disturbing that such a phenomenon is increasingly visible in urban and prosperous areas. (a) What are the reasons that render people vulnerable to taking such drastic steps as suicide? (b) Also, discuss the role that you as an individual, the society and the government can play in addressing this issue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"According to the WHO suicide is the second leading cause of death in the age group of 15-29 years globally. In India also, instances of young people committing suicide have been reported widely in recent times. It is all the more disturbing that such a phenomenon is increasingly visible in urban and prosperous areas. (a) What are the reasons that render people vulnerable to taking such drastic steps as suicide? (b) Also, discuss the role that you as an individual, the society and the government can play in addressing this issue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate of a primarily rural district. Excess agricultural production has led to a continuous fall in market prices of crops in the last three years. With elections approaching soon, the opposition has decided to make this a political issue and has mobilised farmers to protest against falling prices. The protests turned violent at some point and police had to fire in self-defence, killing two people. Violence has increased since then and you yourself were attacked when you tried to pacify the protestors. The protestors have also blocked the main roads as well as railways to prevent movement of goods and people. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the key concerns that need to be addressed on a priority basis. (b) What steps will you take to address them?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"You have recently been promoted as a Branch Manager in a Public Sector Bank. The bank is battling high NPAs and mounting losses. You have been assigned a very high target of loans by the higher management for the current quarter. Your career prospects also depend on your performance in critical times. Few days back you rejected a loan application for a huge sum based on detailed analysis. Today you got a call from the Regional Manager to approve the loan quickly. On your reluctance to approve, he hints that the loan is sought by a person well connected in the finance ministry and that a refusal will have consequences for everyone in the approval chain. You are now in a tough spot. Based on the given information, answer the following questions: (a) Bring out the ethical issues in the case above. (b) What are the consequences of agreeing to the demands of the senior in the given case. Assess which of them are meritorious and which are not. (c) Suggest institutional reforms that can result in non-punishment of","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"You, the chairperson of a State Public Service Commission (SPSC), come to know that there were instances of rampant cheating in a competitive exam conducted recently by the SPSC. Your daughter, who also appeared in this exam and is confident of clearing it corroborates the same. However, she denies engaging in any such activity herself. Whatever decision the Commission takes is bound to affect the career of a large number of candidates who appeared in the exam, including your own daughter. (a) Identify the different stakeholders and their interests in the case above. (b) Enumerate the options you have to handle the current situation. What will be your choice and why? (c) Suggest measures that you would take to make sure that a similar situation does not arise in future.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"You are waiting in your car for your turn at a toll tax booth. You suddenly witness some men heckling and manhandling the toll booth operator and vandalising the property at the toll booth. They are accompanying a local politician who was passing through. Disgruntled with the fact that they were asked to pay the toll, they began to argue that the toll is too high and the public is being exploited by charging an unreasonable toll fee. At the same time they are also warning others against paying the toll fee. However, the other people around you are keeping with themselves, without anyone coming forward to intervene. While you also felt that the toll was quite high, you believe that this is not the right thing to do. (a) Bring out the ethical issues in the case above. (b) What accounts for such an overt display of hooliganism in our country. (c) What is the course of action that you would take? Justify with appropriate reasons.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3644,"topper":"Kanishak Kataria","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iMo9ki4YLYPQYHs--YJ5cWl7_PebBMEM/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"It has been argued that over the years there has been a steady decline in the efficacy of Parliament as an institution of accountability. Analyse and also suggest appropriate measures to address the relevant concerns. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Panchayati raj institutions (PRIs) are simultaneously a remarkable success and a staggering failure, depending on the goalposts against which they are evaluated. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) is more than just the keeper of our national accounts; it is also a conscience-keeper and a watchdog. Examine the statement in light of making the auditing process more effective. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The concern for transparency in political funding is at odds with the Electoral Bond Scheme notified by the government. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Lobbying in India exists in a perennially grey legal and policy arena. In this context, discuss the need to formally recognize and regulate lobbying in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"India sees Indian Ocean as not just a water body, but a global stage for continued economic, social, and cultural dialogue. Elaborate.(150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In the context of India taking greater responsibility in management of the global commons, there has been a shift in India's climate change negotiation stance. In this context, analyze the evolution of India's climate policy. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlighting the constitutional role of the Finance Commission (FC), discuss the issues which are being debated w.r.t. terms of reference (ToR) of the 15th Finance Commission. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The spirit of the constitution of India represents a synthesis of Indian values, democratic and socialist movements in west and our independence movement. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"What is the importance of an independent judiciary in a democracy? Highlight the safeguards in our political-constitutional setup to ensure the independence of judiciary. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Identifying the various issues plaguing the voluntary sector in India, discuss the need for a national accreditation agency to overcome them. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Given the importance of a teacher in affecting the learning outcomes of children, discuss the problems in the present system of teacher training in India. How can these be addressed? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The implementation of a scheme with such scale and benefit as Ayushman Bharat is likely to face many obstacles. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Given the fact that India cannot match China's financial clout, it is seen to be diversifying the ways in which it can enhance cooperation and promote its diplomatic profile in Africa. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Discuss how American sanctions on its adversaries affect India. Taking the example of CAATSA, analyse how India can shield its strategic interests in face of such sanctions. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3645,"topper":"Kanishak Kataria","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Sa6OsGbuiucA8F_-K7mu9428pQd3l2HI/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What is the role that opposition plays in a democracy like India? In this context, discuss whether our Parliament can benefit from a shadow cabinet. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Where there is a right, there is a remedy. In this context, discuss the nature and significance of writs in India with adequate examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Enumerate the objectives of NITI Aayog. Also, discuss the performance of this body since its inception and suggest measures to make it more effective. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"In view of the political class's inability to develop and maintain conventions relating to the appropriate use of Article 356, the Supreme Court's decision in the Bommai case provided much needed clarity. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Press freedom and good governance are not mutually exclusive. They support each other while promoting a country's economic and human development. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"SHGs have succeeded in delivering financial inclusion, but for them to evolve as viable business enterprise requires a different approach. Analyse in the context of the twin goals of rural growth and promotion of women's entrepreneurship. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The focus of higher education in India has been on a select few Central or autonomous institutions where as the ones in states remain neglected. Commenting on the statement, highlight the significance of Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the role played by PRIs in political empowerment of women. Also, suggest measures to further increase their political participation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What is Strategic Autonomy? Critically examine the elements of such a policy in India's contemporary foreign policy in the context of recent developments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"IBSA and BRICS are both examples of India's quest for multialignment, however there are key differences in their orientation. Discuss in the context of the relevance of these groupings for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What are the various modes of Alternate Dispute Redressal (ADR) mechanisms available in India? Identifying the problems being faced by them, provide suggestions needed to increase their effectiveness. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"While the power to punish for the contempt of court is a much needed tool to protect the administration of justice from being maligned, it is time that it be relooked into. Critically analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Criminalisation of politics remains a key concern for the Indian political system. In this context, analyse the role played by the Supreme Court and Election Commission over the years. Also, in what ways can the media play a positive role? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight, in brief, the mandate of the National Commission for Minorities (NCM). Identify the different challenges that the commission faces and suggest measures to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The recent decision of the government to open up positions at the senior levels in bureaucracy through lateral entry is an important but only small step in the direction of much needed reforms in the higher civil services. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Identifying the broad contours of the 'Transformation of Aspirational Districts' programme, explain how it adopts a novel strategy to address backwardness. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"How did India fare on the Millennium Development Goals related to health? In this regard, identify the relevant Sustainable Development Goals and evaluate India's capacity to meet them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the different rights recognized under the Forest Rights Act, 2006? Highlight the gaps in the implementation of community forest rights and community forest resource rights granted under the Forest Rights Act. Also, suggest measures to address the current scenario. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Progress in India-US ties has been accompanied by equally significant divergences on important issues. Examine in the context of recent developments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Despite bonhomie, the structural differences between Indian and Israeli national security situations, their worldviews and absence of explicitly shared enemies limit stronger strategic rapprochement. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3646,"topper":"Kanishak Kataria","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1typP8NGko0NhdtZTWPbByI5Gfxhtp7yS/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"There are many challenges in sustainably scaling up renewable energy in India. Analyse. Also, discuss what can be done to address these challenges. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The policies and indicators introduced by the government, in recent times, to finance urban development in India are key in addressing the existing challenges. Discuss with special reference to municipal bonds. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"With a number of issues continuing to be a roadblock, a large section of India's rural population is still 'financially excluded'. Discuss. Analyse how these issues can be addressed and the measures taken by the government and RBI recently in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'Environmental Accounting'? Discussing the rationale behind introducing environmental accounting, highlight its status in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"While access to irrigation is important, efficiency of water use is equally, if not more, crucial. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"For a holistic approach to disaster risk reduction, there is a need to mainstream indigenous traditional knowledge and link it with modern technologies. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do you understand by food irradiation? Highlighting some of its unique applications, examine its relevance for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Whereas misuse of technology has abetted the spread of fake news, it is with the aid of technology that this menace can be curbed. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Explain the salient features of the recently established Defence Planning Committee. How can it help in credible defence preparedness? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Recent reports of Maoist leaders having amassed huge assets in property and cash underlines the significance of probing the funding network as part of counter-terrorism efforts. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Not only do services MSMEs contribute mightily to the overall GDP growth, they have a powerful, multiplier impact on the local economies as well. Elaborating on the statement, highlight the problems faced by service sector MSMEs. How can the government make it easier for MSMEs to start and grow a business? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Contract Farming has many advantages, however it suffers from market failures. Elaborate. What can the government do to correct problems that lead to contract failures? Also, discuss whether the Model Contract Farming Act, 2018 is a step in the right direction. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Suggest the measures needed to improve the employability of labour force as well as increasing number of employment opportunities in light of structural changes being brought by disruptive technologies. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"India's trade policy in agriculture, marred by ad-hocism and pro-consumer bias, has constrained realization of export potential, and prevented the farmers from reaping the benefits. Examine the statement and discuss ways, including government initiatives, to improve agricultural exports. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Is currency exchange rate a suitable measure of relative economic performance of countries? Despite improving macro-economic fundamentals, trade deficit in India continues to widen. Bring out the factors responsible for this situation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"It will take much more than relief packages to address the problems being faced by the sugar industry in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"NAPCC, almost 10 years old and formulated with lofty objectives, has not served as the best answer to cope with the impacts of climate change. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Proliferation of nuclear weapons and the threat of their use are key concerns for global security nonetheless existing international arrangements seem to be ineffective. Comment. Also, identify the salient features of India's policy in this context and discuss whether India should join the NPT in the current form. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The maritime security domain requires collective multilateral and regional cooperation to combat non traditional threats. Discuss in the context of threats in the Western Indian Ocean and the recent amendments in the Djibouti Code of Conduct. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India's space programme was initiated with the vision of utilising outer space for peaceful purposes, however with changing times it has the potential to play a significant role in strengthening security capabilities of India. Discuss with adequate examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3647,"topper":"Kanishak Kataria","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1ee27-417797_1067_kanishak_kataria_rank_1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What is the role that opposition plays in a democracy like India? In this context, discuss whether our Parliament can benefit from a shadow cabinet. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Where there is a right, there is a remedy. In this context, discuss the nature and significance of writs in India with adequate examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Enumerate the objectives of NITI Aayog. Also, discuss the performance of this body since its inception and suggest measures to make it more effective. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"In view of the political class's inability to develop and maintain conventions relating to the appropriate use of Article 356, the Supreme Court's decision in the Bommai case provided much needed clarity. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Press freedom and good governance are not mutually exclusive. They support each other while promoting a country's economic and human development. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"SHGs have succeeded in delivering financial inclusion, but for them to evolve as viable business enterprise requires a different approach. Analyse in the context of the twin goals of rural growth and promotion of women's entrepreneurship. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The focus of higher education in India has been on a select few Central or autonomous institutions where as the ones in states remain neglected. Commenting on the statement, highlight the significance of Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the role played by PRIs in political empowerment of women. Also, suggest measures to further increase their political participation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What is Strategic Autonomy? Critically examine the elements of such a policy in India's contemporary foreign policy in the context of recent developments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"IBSA and BRICS are both examples of India's quest for multialignment, however there are key differences in their orientation. Discuss in the context of the relevance of these groupings for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What are the various modes of Alternate Dispute Redressal (ADR) mechanisms available in India? Identifying the problems being faced by them, provide suggestions needed to increase their effectiveness. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"While the power to punish for the contempt of court is a much needed tool to protect the administration of justice from being maligned, it is time that it be relooked into. Critically analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Criminalisation of politics remains a key concern for the Indian political system. In this context, analyse the role played by the Supreme Court and Election Commission over the years. Also, in what ways can the media play a positive role? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight, in brief, the mandate of the National Commission for Minorities (NCM). Identify the different challenges that the commission faces and suggest measures to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The recent decision of the government to open up positions at the senior levels in bureaucracy through lateral entry is an important but only small step in the direction of much needed reforms in the higher civil services. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Identifying the broad contours of the 'Transformation of Aspirational Districts' programme, explain how it adopts a novel strategy to address backwardness. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"How did India fare on the Millennium Development Goals related to health? In this regard, identify the relevant Sustainable Development Goals and evaluate India's capacity to meet them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the different rights recognized under the Forest Rights Act, 2006? Highlight the gaps in the implementation of community forest rights and community forest resource rights granted under the Forest Rights Act. Also, suggest measures to address the current scenario. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Progress in India-US ties has been accompanied by equally significant divergences on important issues. Examine in the context of recent developments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Despite bonhomie, the structural differences between Indian and Israeli national security situations, their worldviews and absence of explicitly shared enemies limit stronger strategic rapprochement. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3648,"topper":"Kanishak Kataria","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e915c-417797_1068_kanishak_kataria_rank_1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"There are many challenges in sustainably scaling up renewable energy in India. Analyse. Also, discuss what can be done to address these challenges. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The policies and indicators introduced by the government, in recent times, to finance urban development in India are key in addressing the existing challenges. Discuss with special reference to municipal bonds. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"With a number of issues continuing to be a roadblock, a large section of India's rural population is still 'financially excluded'. Discuss. Analyse how these issues can be addressed and the measures taken by the government and RBI recently in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'Environmental Accounting'? Discussing the rationale behind introducing environmental accounting, highlight its status in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"While access to irrigation is important, efficiency of water use is equally, if not more, crucial. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"For a holistic approach to disaster risk reduction, there is a need to mainstream indigenous traditional knowledge and link it with modern technologies. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do you understand by food irradiation? Highlighting some of its unique applications, examine its relevance for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Whereas misuse of technology has abetted the spread of fake news, it is with the aid of technology that this menace can be curbed. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Explain the salient features of the recently established Defence Planning Committee. How can it help in credible defence preparedness? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Recent reports of Maoist leaders having amassed huge assets in property and cash underlines the significance of probing the funding network as part of counter-terrorism efforts. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Not only do services MSMEs contribute mightily to the overall GDP growth, they have a powerful, multiplier impact on the local economies as well. Elaborating on the statement, highlight the problems faced by service sector MSMEs. How can the government make it easier for MSMEs to start and grow a business? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Contract Farming has many advantages, however it suffers from market failures. Elaborate. What can the government do to correct problems that lead to contract failures? Also, discuss whether the Model Contract Farming Act, 2018 is a step in the right direction. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Suggest the measures needed to improve the employability of labour force as well as increasing number of employment opportunities in light of structural changes being brought by disruptive technologies. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"India's trade policy in agriculture, marred by ad-hocism and pro-consumer bias, has constrained realization of export potential, and prevented the farmers from reaping the benefits. Examine the statement and discuss ways, including government initiatives, to improve agricultural exports. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Is currency exchange rate a suitable measure of relative economic performance of countries? Despite improving macro-economic fundamentals, trade deficit in India continues to widen. Bring out the factors responsible for this situation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"It will take much more than relief packages to address the problems being faced by the sugar industry in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"NAPCC, almost 10 years old and formulated with lofty objectives, has not served as the best answer to cope with the impacts of climate change. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Proliferation of nuclear weapons and the threat of their use are key concerns for global security nonetheless existing international arrangements seem to be ineffective. Comment. Also, identify the salient features of India's policy in this context and discuss whether India should join the NPT in the current form. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The maritime security domain requires collective multilateral and regional cooperation to combat non traditional threats. Discuss in the context of threats in the Western Indian Ocean and the recent amendments in the Djibouti Code of Conduct. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India's space programme was initiated with the vision of utilising outer space for peaceful purposes, however with changing times it has the potential to play a significant role in strengthening security capabilities of India. Discuss with adequate examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3649,"topper":"Kanishak Kataria","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4adc0-417797_1071_kanishak_kataria_rank_1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"It has been argued that over the years there has been a steady decline in the efficacy of Parliament as an institution of accountability. Analyse and also suggest appropriate measures to address the relevant concerns. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Panchayati raj institutions (PRIs) are simultaneously a remarkable success and a staggering failure, depending on the goalposts against which they are evaluated. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) is more than just the keeper of our national accounts; it is also a conscience-keeper and a watchdog. Examine the statement in light of making the auditing process more effective. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The concern for transparency in political funding is at odds with the Electoral Bond Scheme notified by the government. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Lobbying in India exists in a perennially grey legal and policy arena. In this context, discuss the need to formally recognize and regulate lobbying in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"More than a decade after it was passed, the implementation of the RTI Act leaves much to be desired. Comment. Also discuss the issues associated with the recent proposals to amend the RTI Act. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Critically discuss the evolving policy on reservation in promotions in India with special focus on its ability to meet the objectives of social justice. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"India produces enough food for its people, but not all people get enough food to eat. Discussing this paradox, highlight some of the major interventions taken in the past few years in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"India sees Indian Ocean as not just a water body, but a global stage for continued economic, social, and cultural dialogue. Elaborate.(150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In the context of India taking greater responsibility in management of the global commons, there has been a shift in India's climate change negotiation stance. In this context, analyze the evolution of India's climate policy. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlighting the constitutional role of the Finance Commission (FC), discuss the issues which are being debated w.r.t. terms of reference (ToR) of the 15th Finance Commission. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The spirit of the constitution of India represents a synthesis of Indian values, democratic and socialist movements in west and our independence movement. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"What is the importance of an independent judiciary in a democracy? Highlight the safeguards in our political-constitutional setup to ensure the independence of judiciary. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Even though Indian federalism has matured quite a bit, with states having far greater control of their economic and political management, serious structural problems still remain. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The recent amendments to the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 strike a balance between enforcement overzealousness and the need for stringent action against corrupt public servants. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Identifying the various issues plaguing the voluntary sector in India, discuss the need for a national accreditation agency to overcome them. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Given the importance of a teacher in affecting the learning outcomes of children, discuss the problems in the present system of teacher training in India. How can these be addressed? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The implementation of a scheme with such scale and benefit as Ayushman Bharat is likely to face many obstacles. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Given the fact that India cannot match China's financial clout, it is seen to be diversifying the ways in which it can enhance cooperation and promote its diplomatic profile in Africa. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Discuss how American sanctions on its adversaries affect India. Taking the example of CAATSA, analyse how India can shield its strategic interests in face of such sanctions. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3650,"topper":"Kanishak Kataria","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MuSc8SHwt0nMa_8oT1R0XD8iLYs_e8c2/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) Growing awareness about terminal as well as mental illness has given credence to the idea of \"living wills\". What is a living will? Discuss the ethical issues to be considered from an individual as well as social perspective to formulate and implement it.","marks":"10","words":"not more than 150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) In order to improve the bureaucratic work culture and productivity, there is a need to downsize government and privatize some of the services. Critically discuss with examples.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) Examine the contemporary relevance of Gandhiji's talisman as a means of resolving ethical dilemmas in day to day life.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) \"Intelligence plus character–that is the goal of true education.\" Assess whether such an objective can be achieved within the existing system of education in India.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":11,"question":"3. (a) \"A blanket prohibition of criticism of the policies of the Government is invalid and void, and it makes no difference if the person criticizing happens to be a government servant.\" Critically discuss in the context of Civil Service Conduct Rules, 1964.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) \"Man by nature is a political animal\". Explain with reference to Aristotle's idea of the state in life of the society.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":15,"question":"4. (a) What are the factors that have influenced the contemporary attitude of the state and the society towards homosexuality in India? Also, comment on the changing attitude and the factors driving this change.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":17,"question":"4. (b) With behavioural issues and suicides among children on the rise, teachers and parents need to play an active part in ensuring mental well-being. Discuss. Also, explain the importance of emotional intelligence in this regard.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":19,"question":"5. (a) The policy of Dhamma advocated by Ashoka through his edicts remains relevant in the context of issues in public life even today. Elucidate with examples.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":21,"question":"5. (b) Arguably, poverty is not only a matter of statistics. It is a reflection on the kind of society we live in. In this context, discuss the ethical implications for a society that witnesses high incidence of poverty.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":23,"question":"6. Every superstition cannot be removed by the force of law. For that, a mental change is necessary. Comment. Also, explain how educators and public figures can help in eradicating superstition and instilling scientific temper among people.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":25,"question":"7. Many argue that there are times, when war is morally permissible, and even obligatory. Critically discuss.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":27,"question":"8. It has been argued that traditional approaches to corporate social responsibility (CSR) are inadequate. Discuss. Also, examine the role of Social License to Operate (SLO) in this regard.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":29,"question":"9. A renowned and critically acclaimed producer-director has come up with a new movie based on retelling of the freedom movement. The trailer of this project depicts prominent freedom fighters and various aspects of their personalities. It is a project that involves substantial sums of money and has taken collaborative efforts of 3 years. However, certain political and social activists have objected to what they perceived as negative portrayal of some freedom fighters. As such, they have opposed the release of this movie and issued threats with serious consequences. This has come in the context of increase in the number of instances involving many groups issuing threats against one or the other movie. In such a context you have been designated as the head of a special committee with the broad responsibility of reviewing the film certification process in general as well as the checking the historical accuracy of the events depicted in this particular movie.\n(a) Who are the key stakeholders you would involve as part of the consultation process?\n(b) What are the principles that you would consider while giving your recommendations to the government? Also, provide an outline of a solution that you deem appropriate in the prevailing context.","marks":null,"words":"around 250"},{"page":34,"question":"10. There have been reports of repeat instances of mob lynching in different states of India. It has been pointed out that these presumably faceless mobs gather impromptu on the basis of unverified information on issues that affect the collective conscience of the society such as child trafficking, sexual harassment, cow slaughter etc. Most of the people don't even regret their action of violating the law and even get away with committing such a heinous crime.\n(a) What are the socio-psychological factors that motivate people to join the mob and kill fellow human beings?\n(b) Identify the implications of increasing crime of lynching on society.\n(c) Examine the role of social media in recent instances of mob lynching. As a law enforcement officer, how will you prevent such incidents from happening in your district?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":39,"question":"11. We live in a time when almost everything can be bought and sold. Over the past few years, markets and market values have come to govern our lives as never before. Today the logic of buying and selling no longer applies to material good alone but increasingly governs the whole of life. However, there is a wide spread realization that markets have become detached from morals and we need to somehow reconnect them. The use of markets to allocate social goods has also been a cause of concern. In this context, answer the following:\n(a) Is greed wholly a vice or a trait of character that has both positive and negative sides? Could you relate it to the utilitarian philosophy that emphasizes pursuit of self interest by individuals as the basis of economic well being?\n(b) Are there some things that money shouldn't buy? Illustrate with examples.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":44,"question":"12. You are the head of a policy think-tank. There is a proposal to cut down more than 10,000 trees to build a residential colony in the capital of the country. The city has one of the highest homeless population in the country and the settlement will be used for them. This news has generated a lot of public debate. While on the one hand is the need to expand urban infrastructure in order to meet the demands of the growing population, on the other, is the environmental concern. In last ten years, the city has lost more than half of its green cover and has seen increased frequency of extreme climatic events. You are asked to deliver a lecture for the policymakers and concerned citizens, in which you have to specifically deal with the following questions:\n(a) Why do you think such situations arise in the first place where developmental activities and environmental concerns often come out as antithetical to each other?\n(b) What should be the short-term and long-term solutions for tackling such situations?\n(c) What are the potential benefits of inculcating environmental concerns in the policy making and planning process?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":49,"question":"13. You are a young athlete representing India at an international-level competition. During the competition, you witness a few senior athletes injecting something using a syringe, in private. When you approach them, they explain that it is a performance enhancing drug, which is very common in such competitions and you should take the same as well. You are in fear and decide to approach the coach to discuss the event you witnessed. However, you get to know that the athletes are taking the drug at the advice of the coach himself.\n(a) What would you do in this scenario? Discuss the options available to you and chart your course of action.\n(b) Why do you think use of unfair means to enhance performance is common in competitive sporting event? How can this practice be minimized?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":54,"question":"14. You have been appointed by Election Commission as a booth level officer to oversee the conduct of elections in a remote and under-developed area. For the preparations of elections, you have been instructed to ensure maximum voter turnout. For this, you conduct a series of meetings with the people in villages encouraging them to vote in large numbers. However, they confront you with the fact that despite so many previous elections, the promises made by representatives remain unfulfilled and even the basic necessities of livelihood are not available. As such, they are ignorant of your appeals and are subsequently not forthcoming even to listen to you, let alone giving assurances to vote. Based on this information, answer the following questions:\n(a) Identify the stakeholders in the situation along with their interests.\n(b) What are the factors that you will take into account to convince the people and ensure maximum voter turnout?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":55,"question":"(b) What is the basic reason for the services not reaching them?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3651,"topper":"Kanishak Kataria","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IvJTHEvwx4kH0xgDN2YUV9gQKfsrh2Vs/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) Growing awareness about terminal as well as mental illness has given credence to the idea of \"living wills\". What is a living will? Discuss the ethical issues to be considered from an individual as well as social perspective to formulate and implement it.","marks":"10","words":"not more than 150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) In order to improve the bureaucratic work culture and productivity, there is a need to downsize government and privatize some of the services. Critically discuss with examples.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) Examine the contemporary relevance of Gandhiji's talisman as a means of resolving ethical dilemmas in day to day life.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) \"Intelligence plus character–that is the goal of true education.\" Assess whether such an objective can be achieved within the existing system of education in India.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":11,"question":"3. (a) \"A blanket prohibition of criticism of the policies of the Government is invalid and void, and it makes no difference if the person criticizing happens to be a government servant.\" Critically discuss in the context of Civil Service Conduct Rules, 1964.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) \"Man by nature is a political animal\". Explain with reference to Aristotle's idea of the state in life of the society.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":15,"question":"4. (a) What are the factors that have influenced the contemporary attitude of the state and the society towards homosexuality in India? Also, comment on the changing attitude and the factors driving this change.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":17,"question":"4. (b) With behavioural issues and suicides among children on the rise, teachers and parents need to play an active part in ensuring mental well-being. Discuss. Also, explain the importance of emotional intelligence in this regard.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":19,"question":"5. (a) The policy of Dhamma advocated by Ashoka through his edicts remains relevant in the context of issues in public life even today. Elucidate with examples.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":21,"question":"5. (b) Arguably, poverty is not only a matter of statistics. It is a reflection on the kind of society we live in. In this context, discuss the ethical implications for a society that witnesses high incidence of poverty.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":23,"question":"6. Every superstition cannot be removed by the force of law. For that, a mental change is necessary. Comment. Also, explain how educators and public figures can help in eradicating superstition and instilling scientific temper among people.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":25,"question":"7. Many argue that there are times, when war is morally permissible, and even obligatory. Critically discuss.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":27,"question":"8. It has been argued that traditional approaches to corporate social responsibility (CSR) are inadequate. Discuss. Also, examine the role of Social License to Operate (SLO) in this regard.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":29,"question":"9. A renowned and critically acclaimed producer-director has come up with a new movie based on retelling of the freedom movement. The trailer of this project depicts prominent freedom fighters and various aspects of their personalities. It is a project that involves substantial sums of money and has taken collaborative efforts of 3 years. However, certain political and social activists have objected to what they perceived as negative portrayal of some freedom fighters. As such, they have opposed the release of this movie and issued threats with serious consequences. This has come in the context of increase in the number of instances involving many groups issuing threats against one or the other movie. In such a context you have been designated as the head of a special committee with the broad responsibility of reviewing the film certification process in general as well as the checking the historical accuracy of the events depicted in this particular movie.\n(a) Who are the key stakeholders you would involve as part of the consultation process?\n(b) What are the principles that you would consider while giving your recommendations to the government? Also, provide an outline of a solution that you deem appropriate in the prevailing context.","marks":null,"words":"around 250"},{"page":34,"question":"10. There have been reports of repeat instances of mob lynching in different states of India. It has been pointed out that these presumably faceless mobs gather impromptu on the basis of unverified information on issues that affect the collective conscience of the society such as child trafficking, sexual harassment, cow slaughter etc. Most of the people don't even regret their action of violating the law and even get away with committing such a heinous crime.\n(a) What are the socio-psychological factors that motivate people to join the mob and kill fellow human beings?\n(b) Identify the implications of increasing crime of lynching on society.\n(c) Examine the role of social media in recent instances of mob lynching. As a law enforcement officer, how will you prevent such incidents from happening in your district?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":39,"question":"11. We live in a time when almost everything can be bought and sold. Over the past few years, markets and market values have come to govern our lives as never before. Today the logic of buying and selling no longer applies to material good alone but increasingly governs the whole of life. However, there is a wide spread realization that markets have become detached from morals and we need to somehow reconnect them. The use of markets to allocate social goods has also been a cause of concern. In this context, answer the following:\n(a) Is greed wholly a vice or a trait of character that has both positive and negative sides? Could you relate it to the utilitarian philosophy that emphasizes pursuit of self interest by individuals as the basis of economic well being?\n(b) Are there some things that money shouldn't buy? Illustrate with examples.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":44,"question":"12. You are the head of a policy think-tank. There is a proposal to cut down more than 10,000 trees to build a residential colony in the capital of the country. The city has one of the highest homeless population in the country and the settlement will be used for them. This news has generated a lot of public debate. While on the one hand is the need to expand urban infrastructure in order to meet the demands of the growing population, on the other, is the environmental concern. In last ten years, the city has lost more than half of its green cover and has seen increased frequency of extreme climatic events. You are asked to deliver a lecture for the policymakers and concerned citizens, in which you have to specifically deal with the following questions:\n(a) Why do you think such situations arise in the first place where developmental activities and environmental concerns often come out as antithetical to each other?\n(b) What should be the short-term and long-term solutions for tackling such situations?\n(c) What are the potential benefits of inculcating environmental concerns in the policy making and planning process?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":49,"question":"13. You are a young athlete representing India at an international-level competition. During the competition, you witness a few senior athletes injecting something using a syringe, in private. When you approach them, they explain that it is a performance enhancing drug, which is very common in such competitions and you should take the same as well. You are in fear and decide to approach the coach to discuss the event you witnessed. However, you get to know that the athletes are taking the drug at the advice of the coach himself.\n(a) What would you do in this scenario? Discuss the options available to you and chart your course of action.\n(b) Why do you think use of unfair means to enhance performance is common in competitive sporting event? How can this practice be minimized?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":54,"question":"14. You have been appointed by Election Commission as a booth level officer to oversee the conduct of elections in a remote and under-developed area. For the preparations of elections, you have been instructed to ensure maximum voter turnout. For this, you conduct a series of meetings with the people in villages encouraging them to vote in large numbers. However, they confront you with the fact that despite so many previous elections, the promises made by representatives remain unfulfilled and even the basic necessities of livelihood are not available. As such, they are ignorant of your appeals and are subsequently not forthcoming even to listen to you, let alone giving assurances to vote. Based on this information, answer the following questions:\n(a) Identify the stakeholders in the situation along with their interests.\n(b) What are the factors that you will take into account to convince the people and ensure maximum voter turnout?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":55,"question":"(b) What is the basic reason for the services not reaching them?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3652,"topper":"Kanishak Kataria","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pSKg1vc39Dxhj-qoFRN57EDAbtd8W1i5/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the recent refugee crisis and immigration as a global phenomenon from a broad perspective of globalisation and rights of citizens and aliens.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) Corruption distorts not only functioning of the Government in India but business and corporate activities as well. Explain and discuss how the state can effectively deal with deficit of ethics in the private sector.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":7,"question":"2. Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/ philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context.\n(a) \"Silence becomes cowardice when occasion demands speaking out the whole truth and acting accordingly\" - Mahatma Gandhi.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) \"We must not only tolerate others, but positively embrace them\" - Swami Vivekananda.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":11,"question":"3. (a) Emotional Intelligence is part nature and part nurture. Explaining the statement, discuss how emotional intelligence of civil servants can be enhanced.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) What do you understand by Probity in Governance? Examine whether the recent amendments to Prevention of Corruption Act and the proposed ones in Whistleblower Protection Act undermine it.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":15,"question":"4. (a) Ensuring that civil service values are recognised during the recruitment process and ensured through a code of ethics after appointment is a necessary condition of making the civil services an effective instrument of citizen centric governance.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":17,"question":"4. (b) What do you understand by cognitive dissonance? Giving examples, discuss how it influences one's behavior and attitude.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":19,"question":"5. (a) What do you understand by Amartya Sen's 'capability approach'? Analyse its significance in understanding social realities and in making a pro poor development strategy.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":21,"question":"5. (b) While in principle most nations claim commitment to universal values, in practice these values are honoured more in breach than in the observance. In context of this statement, comment on the relevance of values in foreign policy.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":23,"question":"6. While some ethical approaches consider an action to be ethical based on results, other focus on means. Taking the example of Indian bureaucracy, compare and examine how these approaches have played out for the benefit of citizens.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":25,"question":"7. What are the ethical principles that should form the basis of the system permitting organ donation and allocation? Also discuss the importance of regulation for the success of any organ transplant program.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":27,"question":"8. Where as some argue that leaks constitute an affront to democracy, others are of the opinion that leaks are a part of democracy. Examine the merits of both the arguments in the context of information attributed to leaks from government offices and whistleblowers.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":29,"question":"9. You are a young recruit to the IAS. Upon the completion of your training you have been posted in a subdivision of a district where industrial development has been lagging. The area has large reserves of minerals and a significant tribal population. The government has identified the area for a large thermal power plant and also adequate expansion of mining. This announcement has seen a rise in land prices in the area as well as unrest among the local population about possible land acquisition. As part of routine examination of records you observe large land purchases in recent years that are linked with the family of the local politician, who is also a member of the state cabinet. You also recognise that much of this land is around the site of the proposed industrial area. Further, one of your staff members also informs you that the family has been buying in the name of drivers, cleaners as well as domestic helps. You feel that having been aware of the policy decision the politician has played a role in these purchases. Incidently your relations with the politician have been cordial and he is a popular figure in the area.\n(a) As the official responsible for acquisition of land and payment of compensation for the land acquired, what are the ethical issues that you face in the given situation?\n(b) What will be your response to a suggestion that in view of these benami land transfers a freeze on land sale in the area should be enforced?\n(c) What is the course of action that you would take? Justify with reasons.","marks":"20","words":"in around 250"},{"page":34,"question":"10 According to the WHO suicide is the second leading cause of death in the age group of 15-29 years globally. In India also, instances of young people committing suicide have been reported widely in recent times. It is all the more disturbing that such a phenomenon is increasingly visible in urban and prosperous areas.\n(a) What are the reasons that render people vulnerable to taking such drastic steps as suicide?\n(b) Also, discuss the role that you as an individual, the society and the government can play in addressing this issue.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":38,"question":"11. You are posted as a District Magistrate of a primarily rural district. Excess agricultural production has led to a continuous fall in market prices of crops in the last three years. With elections approaching soon, the opposition has decided to make this a political issue and has mobilised farmers to protest against falling prices. The protests turned violent at some point and police had to fire in self-defence, killing two people. Violence has increased since then and you yourself were attacked when you tried to pacify the protestors. The protestors have also blocked the main roads as well as railways to prevent movement of goods and people. Given the situation, answer the following questions:\n(a) Identify the key concerns that need to be addressed on a priority basis.\n(b) What steps will you take to address them?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":42,"question":"12. You have recently been promoted as a Branch Manager in a Public Sector Bank. The bank is battling high NPAs and mounting losses. You have been assigned a very high target of loans by the higher management for the current quarter. Your career prospects also depend on your performance in critical times. Few days back you rejected a loan application for a huge sum based on detailed analysis. Today you got a call from the Regional Manager to approve the loan quickly. On your reluctance to approve, he hints that the loan is sought by a person well connected in the finance ministry and that a refusal will have consequences for everyone in the approval chain. You are now in a tough spot. Based on the given information, answer the following questions:\n(a) Bring out the ethical issues in the case above.\n(b) What are the consequences of agreeing to the demands of the senior in the given case. Assess which of them are meritorious and which are not.\n(c) Suggest institutional reforms that can result in non-punishment of honest feedback.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":47,"question":"13. You, the chairperson of a State Public Service Commission (SPSC), come to know that there were instances of rampant cheating in a competitive exam conducted recently by the SPSC. Your daughter, who also appeared in this exam and is confident of clearing it corroborates the same. However, she denies engaging in any such activity herself. Whatever decision the Commission takes is bound to affect the career of a large number of candidates who appeared in the exam, including your own daughter.\n(a) Identify the different stakeholders and their interests in the case above.\n(b) Enumerate the options you have to handle the current situation. What will be your choice and why?\n(c) Suggest measures that you would take to make sure that a similar situation does not arise in future.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":52,"question":"14. You are waiting in your car for your turn at a toll tax booth. You suddenly witness some men heckling and manhandling the toll booth operator and vandalising the property at the toll booth. They are accompanying a local politician who was passing through. Disgruntled with the fact that they were asked to pay the toll, they began to argue that the toll is too high and the public is being exploited by charging an unreasonable toll fee. At the same time they are also warning others against paying the toll fee. However, the other people around you are keeping with themselves, without anyone coming forward to intervene. While you also felt that the toll was quite high, you believe that this is not the right thing to do.\n(a) Bring out the ethical issues in the case above.\n(b) What accounts for such an overt display of hooliganism in our country.\n(c) What is the course of action that you would take? Justify with appropriate reasons.","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":3653,"topper":"Kanishak Kataria","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OQvw1FeDUvJcbOJnstD5dANWjtAROQ8N/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) Growing awareness about terminal as well as mental illness has given credence to the idea of \"living wills\". What is a living will? Discuss the ethical issues to be considered from an individual as well as social perspective to formulate and implement it.","marks":"10","words":"not more than 150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) In order to improve the bureaucratic work culture and productivity, there is a need to downsize government and privatize some of the services. Critically discuss with examples.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) Examine the contemporary relevance of Gandhiji's talisman as a means of resolving ethical dilemmas in day to day life.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) \"Intelligence plus character–that is the goal of true education.\" Assess whether such an objective can be achieved within the existing system of education in India.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":11,"question":"3. (a) \"A blanket prohibition of criticism of the policies of the Government is invalid and void, and it makes no difference if the person criticizing happens to be a government servant.\" Critically discuss in the context of Civil Service Conduct Rules, 1964.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) \"Man by nature is a political animal\". Explain with reference to Aristotle's idea of the state in life of the society.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":15,"question":"4. (a) What are the factors that have influenced the contemporary attitude of the state and the society towards homosexuality in India? Also, comment on the changing attitude and the factors driving this change.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":17,"question":"4. (b) With behavioural issues and suicides among children on the rise, teachers and parents need to play an active part in ensuring mental well-being. Discuss. Also, explain the importance of emotional intelligence in this regard.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":19,"question":"5. (a) The policy of Dhamma advocated by Ashoka through his edicts remains relevant in the context of issues in public life even today. Elucidate with examples.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":21,"question":"5. (b) Arguably, poverty is not only a matter of statistics. It is a reflection on the kind of society we live in. In this context, discuss the ethical implications for a society that witnesses high incidence of poverty.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":23,"question":"6. Every superstition cannot be removed by the force of law. For that, a mental change is necessary. Comment. Also, explain how educators and public figures can help in eradicating superstition and instilling scientific temper among people.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":25,"question":"7. Many argue that there are times, when war is morally permissible, and even obligatory. Critically discuss.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":27,"question":"8. It has been argued that traditional approaches to corporate social responsibility (CSR) are inadequate. Discuss. Also, examine the role of Social License to Operate (SLO) in this regard.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":29,"question":"9. A renowned and critically acclaimed producer-director has come up with a new movie based on retelling of the freedom movement. The trailer of this project depicts prominent freedom fighters and various aspects of their personalities. It is a project that involves substantial sums of money and has taken collaborative efforts of 3 years. However, certain political and social activists have objected to what they perceived as negative portrayal of some freedom fighters. As such, they have opposed the release of this movie and issued threats with serious consequences. This has come in the context of increase in the number of instances involving many groups issuing threats against one or the other movie. In such a context you have been designated as the head of a special committee with the broad responsibility of reviewing the film certification process in general as well as the checking the historical accuracy of the events depicted in this particular movie.\n(a) Who are the key stakeholders you would involve as part of the consultation process?\n(b) What are the principles that you would consider while giving your recommendations to the government? Also, provide an outline of a solution that you deem appropriate in the prevailing context.","marks":null,"words":"around 250"},{"page":34,"question":"10. There have been reports of repeat instances of mob lynching in different states of India. It has been pointed out that these presumably faceless mobs gather impromptu on the basis of unverified information on issues that affect the collective conscience of the society such as child trafficking, sexual harassment, cow slaughter etc. Most of the people don't even regret their action of violating the law and even get away with committing such a heinous crime.\n(a) What are the socio-psychological factors that motivate people to join the mob and kill fellow human beings?\n(b) Identify the implications of increasing crime of lynching on society.\n(c) Examine the role of social media in recent instances of mob lynching. As a law enforcement officer, how will you prevent such incidents from happening in your district?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":39,"question":"11. We live in a time when almost everything can be bought and sold. Over the past few years, markets and market values have come to govern our lives as never before. Today the logic of buying and selling no longer applies to material good alone but increasingly governs the whole of life. However, there is a wide spread realization that markets have become detached from morals and we need to somehow reconnect them. The use of markets to allocate social goods has also been a cause of concern. In this context, answer the following:\n(a) Is greed wholly a vice or a trait of character that has both positive and negative sides? Could you relate it to the utilitarian philosophy that emphasizes pursuit of self interest by individuals as the basis of economic well being?\n(b) Are there some things that money shouldn't buy? Illustrate with examples.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":44,"question":"12. You are the head of a policy think-tank. There is a proposal to cut down more than 10,000 trees to build a residential colony in the capital of the country. The city has one of the highest homeless population in the country and the settlement will be used for them. This news has generated a lot of public debate. While on the one hand is the need to expand urban infrastructure in order to meet the demands of the growing population, on the other, is the environmental concern. In last ten years, the city has lost more than half of its green cover and has seen increased frequency of extreme climatic events. You are asked to deliver a lecture for the policymakers and concerned citizens, in which you have to specifically deal with the following questions:\n(a) Why do you think such situations arise in the first place where developmental activities and environmental concerns often come out as antithetical to each other?\n(b) What should be the short-term and long-term solutions for tackling such situations?\n(c) What are the potential benefits of inculcating environmental concerns in the policy making and planning process?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":49,"question":"13. You are a young athlete representing India at an international-level competition. During the competition, you witness a few senior athletes injecting something using a syringe, in private. When you approach them, they explain that it is a performance enhancing drug, which is very common in such competitions and you should take the same as well. You are in fear and decide to approach the coach to discuss the event you witnessed. However, you get to know that the athletes are taking the drug at the advice of the coach himself.\n(a) What would you do in this scenario? Discuss the options available to you and chart your course of action.\n(b) Why do you think use of unfair means to enhance performance is common in competitive sporting event? How can this practice be minimized?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":54,"question":"14. You have been appointed by Election Commission as a booth level officer to oversee the conduct of elections in a remote and under-developed area. For the preparations of elections, you have been instructed to ensure maximum voter turnout. For this, you conduct a series of meetings with the people in villages encouraging them to vote in large numbers. However, they confront you with the fact that despite so many previous elections, the promises made by representatives remain unfulfilled and even the basic necessities of livelihood are not available. As such, they are ignorant of your appeals and are subsequently not forthcoming even to listen to you, let alone giving assurances to vote. Based on this information, answer the following questions:\n(a) Identify the stakeholders in the situation along with their interests.\n(b) What are the factors that you will take into account to convince the people and ensure maximum voter turnout?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":55,"question":"(b) What is the basic reason for the services not reaching them?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3654,"topper":"Kanishak Kataria","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xAOKuAvZpj769CBfSITdlVTomJJWISKx/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the recent refugee crisis and immigration as a global phenomenon from a broad perspective of globalisation and rights of citizens and aliens.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) Corruption distorts not only functioning of the Government in India but business and corporate activities as well. Explain and discuss how the state can effectively deal with deficit of ethics in the private sector.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":7,"question":"2. Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/ philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context.\n(a) \"Silence becomes cowardice when occasion demands speaking out the whole truth and acting accordingly\" - Mahatma Gandhi.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) \"We must not only tolerate others, but positively embrace them\" - Swami Vivekananda.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":11,"question":"3. (a) Emotional Intelligence is part nature and part nurture. Explaining the statement, discuss how emotional intelligence of civil servants can be enhanced.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) What do you understand by Probity in Governance? Examine whether the recent amendments to Prevention of Corruption Act and the proposed ones in Whistleblower Protection Act undermine it.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":15,"question":"4. (a) Ensuring that civil service values are recognised during the recruitment process and ensured through a code of ethics after appointment is a necessary condition of making the civil services an effective instrument of citizen centric governance.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":17,"question":"4. (b) What do you understand by cognitive dissonance? Giving examples, discuss how it influences one's behavior and attitude.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":19,"question":"5. (a) What do you understand by Amartya Sen's 'capability approach'? Analyse its significance in understanding social realities and in making a pro poor development strategy.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":21,"question":"5 (b) While in principle most nations claim commitment to universal values, in practice these values are honoured more in breach than in the observance. In context of this statement, comment on the relevance of values in foreign policy.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":23,"question":"6. While some ethical approaches consider an action to be ethical based on results, other focus on means. Taking the example of Indian bureaucracy, compare and examine how these approaches have played out for the benefit of citizens.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":25,"question":"7. What are the ethical principles that should form the basis of the system permitting organ donation and allocation? Also discuss the importance of regulation for the success of any organ transplant program.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":27,"question":"8. Where as some argue that leaks constitute an affront to democracy, others are of the opinion that leaks are a part of democracy. Examine the merits of both the arguments in the context of information attributed to leaks from government offices and whistleblowers.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":29,"question":"9. You are a young recruit to the IAS. Upon the completion of your training you have been posted in a subdivision of a district where industrial development has been lagging. The area has large reserves of minerals and a significant tribal population. The government has identified the area for a large thermal power plant and also adequate expansion of mining. This announcement has seen a rise in land prices in the area as well as unrest among the local population about possible land acquisition. As part of routine examination of records you observe large land purchases in recent years that are linked with the family of the local politician, who is also a member of the state cabinet. You also recognise that much of this land is around the site of the proposed industrial area. Further, one of your staff members also informs you that the family has been buying in the name of drivers, cleaners as well as domestic helps. You feel that having been aware of the policy decision the politician has played a role in these purchases. Incidently your relations with the politician have been cordial and he is a popular figure in the area.\n(a) As the official responsible for acquisition of land and payment of compensation for the land acquired, what are the ethical issues that you face in the given situation?\n(b) What will be your response to a suggestion that in view of these benami land transfers a freeze on land sale in the area should be enforced?\n(c) What is the course of action that you would take? Justify with reasons.","marks":"20","words":"in around 250"},{"page":34,"question":"10 According to the WHO suicide is the second leading cause of death in the age group of 15-29 years globally. In India also, instances of young people committing suicide have been reported widely in recent times. It is all the more disturbing that such a phenomenon is increasingly visible in urban and prosperous areas.\n(a) What are the reasons that render people vulnerable to taking such drastic steps as suicide?\n(b) Also, discuss the role that you as an individual, the society and the government can play in addressing this issue.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":38,"question":"11. You are posted as a District Magistrate of a primarily rural district. Excess agricultural production has led to a continuous fall in market prices of crops in the last three years. With elections approaching soon, the opposition has decided to make this a political issue and has mobilised farmers to protest against falling prices. The protests turned violent at some point and police had to fire in self-defence, killing two people. Violence has increased since then and you yourself were attacked when you tried to pacify the protestors. The protestors have also blocked the main roads as well as railways to prevent movement of goods and people. Given the situation, answer the following questions:\n(a) Identify the key concerns that need to be addressed on a priority basis.\n(b) What steps will you take to address them?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":42,"question":"12. You have recently been promoted as a Branch Manager in a Public Sector Bank. The bank is battling high NPAs and mounting losses. You have been assigned a very high target of loans by the higher management for the current quarter. Your career prospects also depend on your performance in critical times. Few days back you rejected a loan application for a huge sum based on detailed analysis. Today you got a call from the Regional Manager to approve the loan quickly. On your reluctance to approve, he hints that the loan is sought by a person well connected in the finance ministry and that a refusal will have consequences for everyone in the approval chain. You are now in a tough spot. Based on the given information, answer the following questions:\n(a) Bring out the ethical issues in the case above.\n(b) What are the consequences of agreeing to the demands of the senior in the given case. Assess which of them are meritorious and which are not.\n(c) Suggest institutional reforms that can result in non-punishment of honest feedback.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":47,"question":"13. You, the chairperson of a State Public Service Commission (SPSC), come to know that there were instances of rampant cheating in a competitive exam conducted recently by the SPSC. Your daughter, who also appeared in this exam and is confident of clearing it corroborates the same. However, she denies engaging in any such activity herself. Whatever decision the Commission takes is bound to affect the career of a large number of candidates who appeared in the exam, including your own daughter.\n(a) Identify the different stakeholders and their interests in the case above.\n(b) Enumerate the options you have to handle the current situation. What will be your choice and why?\n(c) Suggest measures that you would take to make sure that a similar situation does not arise in future.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":52,"question":"14. You are waiting in your car for your turn at a toll tax booth. You suddenly witness some men heckling and manhandling the toll booth operator and vandalising the property at the toll booth. They are accompanying a local politician who was passing through. Disgruntled with the fact that they were asked to pay the toll, they began to argue that the toll is too high and the public is being exploited by charging an unreasonable toll fee. At the same time they are also warning others against paying the toll fee. However, the other people around you are keeping with themselves, without anyone coming forward to intervene. While you also felt that the toll was quite high, you believe that this is not the right thing to do.\n(a) Bring out the ethical issues in the case above.\n(b) What accounts for such an overt display of hooliganism in our country.\n(c) What is the course of action that you would take? Justify with appropriate reasons.","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":3655,"topper":"Kanishak Kataria","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/16biOLB1p2VaIQQF0vnCJs05Hfm1gThUw/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the recent refugee crisis and immigration as a global phenomenon from a broad perspective of globalisation and rights of citizens and aliens.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) Corruption distorts not only functioning of the Government in India but business and corporate activities as well. Explain and discuss how the state can effectively deal with deficit of ethics in the private sector.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":7,"question":"2. Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/ philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context.\n(a) \"Silence becomes cowardice when occasion demands speaking out the whole truth and acting accordingly\" - Mahatma Gandhi.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) \"We must not only tolerate others, but positively embrace them\" - Swami Vivekananda.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":11,"question":"3. (a) Emotional Intelligence is part nature and part nurture. Explaining the statement, discuss how emotional intelligence of civil servants can be enhanced.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) What do you understand by Probity in Governance? Examine whether the recent amendments to Prevention of Corruption Act and the proposed ones in Whistleblower Protection Act undermine it.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":15,"question":"4. (a) Ensuring that civil service values are recognised during the recruitment process and ensured through a code of ethics after appointment is a necessary condition of making the civil services an effective instrument of citizen centric governance.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":17,"question":"4. (b) What do you understand by cognitive dissonance? Giving examples, discuss how it influences one's behavior and attitude.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":19,"question":"5. (a) What do you understand by Amartya Sen's 'capability approach'? Analyse its significance in understanding social realities and in making a pro poor development strategy.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":21,"question":"5. (b) While in principle most nations claim commitment to universal values, in practice these values are honoured more in breach than in the observance. In context of this statement, comment on the relevance of values in foreign policy.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":23,"question":"6. While some ethical approaches consider an action to be ethical based on results, other focus on means. Taking the example of Indian bureaucracy, compare and examine how these approaches have played out for the benefit of citizens.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":25,"question":"7. What are the ethical principles that should form the basis of the system permitting organ donation and allocation? Also discuss the importance of regulation for the success of any organ transplant program.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":27,"question":"8. Where as some argue that leaks constitute an affront to democracy, others are of the opinion that leaks are a part of democracy. Examine the merits of both the arguments in the context of information attributed to leaks from government offices and whistleblowers.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":29,"question":"9. You are a young recruit to the IAS. Upon the completion of your training you have been posted in a subdivision of a district where industrial development has been lagging. The area has large reserves of minerals and a significant tribal population. The government has identified the area for a large thermal power plant and also adequate expansion of mining. This announcement has seen a rise in land prices in the area as well as unrest among the local population about possible land acquisition. As part of routine examination of records you observe large land purchases in recent years that are linked with the family of the local politician, who is also a member of the state cabinet. You also recognise that much of this land is around the site of the proposed industrial area. Further, one of your staff members also informs you that the family has been buying in the name of drivers, cleaners as well as domestic helps. You feel that having been aware of the policy decision the politician has played a role in these purchases. Incidently your relations with the politician have been cordial and he is a popular figure in the area.\n(a) As the official responsible for acquisition of land and payment of compensation for the land acquired, what are the ethical issues that you face in the given situation?\n(b) What will be your response to a suggestion that in view of these benami land transfers a freeze on land sale in the area should be enforced?\n(c) What is the course of action that you would take? Justify with reasons.","marks":"20","words":"in around 250"},{"page":34,"question":"10 According to the WHO suicide is the second leading cause of death in the age group of 15-29 years globally. In India also, instances of young people committing suicide have been reported widely in recent times. It is all the more disturbing that such a phenomenon is increasingly visible in urban and prosperous areas.\n(a) What are the reasons that render people vulnerable to taking such drastic steps as suicide?\n(b) Also, discuss the role that you as an individual, the society and the government can play in addressing this issue.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":38,"question":"11. You are posted as a District Magistrate of a primarily rural district. Excess agricultural production has led to a continuous fall in market prices of crops in the last three years. With elections approaching soon, the opposition has decided to make this a political issue and has mobilised farmers to protest against falling prices. The protests turned violent at some point and police had to fire in self-defence, killing two people. Violence has increased since then and you yourself were attacked when you tried to pacify the protestors. The protestors have also blocked the main roads as well as railways to prevent movement of goods and people. Given the situation, answer the following questions:\n(a) Identify the key concerns that need to be addressed on a priority basis.\n(b) What steps will you take to address them?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":42,"question":"12. You have recently been promoted as a Branch Manager in a Public Sector Bank. The bank is battling high NPAs and mounting losses. You have been assigned a very high target of loans by the higher management for the current quarter. Your career prospects also depend on your performance in critical times. Few days back you rejected a loan application for a huge sum based on detailed analysis. Today you got a call from the Regional Manager to approve the loan quickly. On your reluctance to approve, he hints that the loan is sought by a person well connected in the finance ministry and that a refusal will have consequences for everyone in the approval chain. You are now in a tough spot. Based on the given information, answer the following questions:\n(a) Bring out the ethical issues in the case above.\n(b) What are the consequences of agreeing to the demands of the senior in the given case. Assess which of them are meritorious and which are not.\n(c) Suggest institutional reforms that can result in non-punishment of honest feedback.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":47,"question":"13. You, the chairperson of a State Public Service Commission (SPSC), come to know that there were instances of rampant cheating in a competitive exam conducted recently by the SPSC. Your daughter, who also appeared in this exam and is confident of clearing it corroborates the same. However, she denies engaging in any such activity herself. Whatever decision the Commission takes is bound to affect the career of a large number of candidates who appeared in the exam, including your own daughter.\n(a) Identify the different stakeholders and their interests in the case above.\n(b) Enumerate the options you have to handle the current situation. What will be your choice and why?\n(c) Suggest measures that you would take to make sure that a similar situation does not arise in future.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":52,"question":"14. You are waiting in your car for your turn at a toll tax booth. You suddenly witness some men heckling and manhandling the toll booth operator and vandalising the property at the toll booth. They are accompanying a local politician who was passing through. Disgruntled with the fact that they were asked to pay the toll, they began to argue that the toll is too high and the public is being exploited by charging an unreasonable toll fee. At the same time they are also warning others against paying the toll fee. However, the other people around you are keeping with themselves, without anyone coming forward to intervene. While you also felt that the toll was quite high, you believe that this is not the right thing to do.\n(a) Bring out the ethical issues in the case above.\n(b) What accounts for such an overt display of hooliganism in our country.\n(c) What is the course of action that you would take? Justify with appropriate reasons.","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":3656,"topper":"Kanishak Kataria","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/bf259-417797_1069_kanishak_kataria_rank_1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Growing awareness about terminal as well as mental illness has given credence to the idea of \"living wills\". What is a living will? Discuss the ethical issues to be considered from an individual as well as social perspective to formulate and implement it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"In order to improve the bureaucratic work culture and productivity, there is a need to downsize government and privatize some of the services. Critically discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Examine the contemporary relevance of Gandhiji's talisman as a means of resolving ethical dilemmas in day to day life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"\"Intelligence plus character-that is the goal of true education.\" Assess whether such an objective can be achieved within the existing system of education in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"\"A blanket prohibition of criticism of the policies of the Government is invalid and void, and it makes no difference if the person criticizing happens to be a government servant.\" Critically discuss in the context of Civil Service Conduct Rules, 1964.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"\"Man by nature is a political animal\". Explain with reference to Aristotle's idea of the state in life of the society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"What are the factors that have influenced the contemporary attitude of the state and the society towards homosexuality in India? Also, comment on the changing attitude and the factors driving this change.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"With behavioural issues and suicides among children on the rise, teachers and parents need to play an active part in ensuring mental well-being. Discuss. Also, explain the importance of emotional intelligence in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"The policy of Dhamma advocated by Ashoka through his edicts remains relevant in the context of issues in public life even today. Elucidate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Arguably, poverty is not only a matter of statistics. It is a reflection on the kind of society we live in. In this context, discuss the ethical implications for a society that witnesses high incidence of poverty.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Every superstition cannot be removed by the force of law. For that, a mental change is necessary. Comment. Also, explain how educators and public figures can help in eradicating superstition and instilling scientific temper among people.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"10 responsibility (CSR) are inadequate. Discuss. Also, examine the role of Social License to Operate (SLO) in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"A renowned and critically acclaimed producer-director has come up with a new movie based on retelling of the freedom movement. The trailer of this project depicts prominent freedom fighters and various aspects of their personalities. It is a project that involves substantial sums of money and has taken collaborative efforts of 3 years. However, certain political and social activists have objected to what they perceived as negative portrayal of some freedom fighters. As such, they have opposed the release of this movie and issued threats with serious consequences. This has come in the context of increase in the number of instances involving many groups issuing threats against one or the other movie. In such a context you have been designated as the head of a special committee with the broad responsibility of reviewing the film certification process in general as well as the checking the historical accuracy of the events depicted in this particular movie. (a) Who are the key stakeholders you would involve as part of the consultation process? (b) What are the principles that you would consider while giving your recommendations to the government? Also, provide an outline of a solution that you deem appropriate in the prevailing context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"There have been reports of repeat instances of mob lynching in different states of India. It has been pointed out that these presumably faceless mobs gather impromptu on the basis of unverified information on issues that affect the collective conscience of the society such as child trafficking, sexual harassment, cow slaughter etc. Most of the people don't even regret their action of violating the law and even get away with committing such a heinous crime. 20 - , , (a) What are the socio-psychological factors that motivate people to join the mob and kill fellow human beings? - - ? (b) Identify the implications of increasing crime of lynching on society. (c) Examine the role of social media in recent instances of mob lynching. As a law enforcement officer, how will you prevent such incidents from happening in your district? , ?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"We live in a time when almost everything can be bought and sold. Over the past few years, markets and market values have come to govern our lives as never before. Today the logic of buying and selling no applies to material good alone but increasingly governs the whole of life. However, there is a wide spread realization that markets have become detached from morals and we need to somehow reconnect them. The use of markets to allocate social goods has also been a cause of concern. In this context, answer the following: 20 (a) Is greed wholly a vice or a trait of character that has both positive and negative sides? Could you relate it to the utilitarian philosophy that emphasizes pursuit of self interest by individuals as the basis of economic well being? (b) Are there some things that money shouldn't buy? Illustrate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3657,"topper":"Kanishak Kataria","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/f1f49-417797_1073_kanishak_kataria_rank_1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the ethical issues involved in the recent refugee crisis and immigration as a global phenomenon from a broad perspective of globalisation and rights of citizens and aliens.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Corruption distorts not only functioning of the Government in India but business and corporate activities as well. Explain and discuss how the state can effectively deal with deficit of ethics in the private sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/ philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) \"Silence becomes cowardice when occasion demands speaking out the whole truth and acting accordingly\" - Mahatma Gandhi.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"\"We must not only tolerate others, but positively embrace them\" - Swami Vivekananda.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Emotional Intelligence is part nature and part nurture. Explaining the statement, discuss how emotional intelligence of civil servants can be enhanced.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"What do you understand by Probity in Governance? Examine whether the recent amendments to Prevention of Corruption Act and the proposed ones in Whistleblower Protection Act undermine it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"What do you understand by cognitive dissonance? Giving examples, discuss how it influences one's behavior and attitude.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by Amartya Sen's 'capability approach'? Analyse its significance in understanding social realities and in making a pro poor development strategy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"While in principle most nations claim commitment to universal values, in practice these values are honoured more in breach than in the observance. In context of this statement, comment on the relevance of values in foreign policy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"While some ethical approaches consider an action to be ethical based on results, other focus on means. Taking the example of Indian bureaucracy, compare and examine how these approaches have played out for the benefit of citizens.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"What are the ethical principles that should form the basis of the system permitting organ donation and allocation? Also discuss the importance of regulation for the success of any organ transplant program.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Where as some argue that leaks constitute an affront to democracy, others are of the opinion that leaks are a part of democracy. Examine the merits of both the arguments in the context of information attributed to leaks from government offices and whistleblowers.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"You are a young recruit to the IAS. Upon the completion of your training you have been posted in a subdivision of a district where industrial development has been lagging. The area has large reserves of minerals and a significant tribal population. The government has identified the area for a large thermal power plant and also adequate expansion of mining. This announcement has seen a rise in land prices in the area as well as unrest among the local population about possible land acquisition. As part of routine examination of records you observe large land purchases in recent years that are linked with the family of the local politician, who is also a member of the state cabinet. You also recognise that much of this land is around the site of the proposed industrial area. Further, one of your staff members also informs you that the family has been buying in the name of drivers, cleaners as well as domestic helps. You feel that having been aware of the policy decision the politician has played a role in these purchases. Incidently your relations with the politician have been cordial and he is a popular figure in the area. (a) As the official responsible for acquisition of land and payment of compensation for the land acquired, what are the ethical issues that you face in the given situation? (b) What will be your response to a suggestion that in view of these benami land transfers a freeze on land sale in the area should be enforced? (c) What is the course of action that you would take? Justify with reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"According to the WHO suicide is the second leading cause of death in the age group of 15-29 years globally. In India also, instances of young people committing suicide have been reported widely in recent times. It is all the more disturbing that such a phenomenon is increasingly visible in urban and prosperous areas. (a) What are the reasons that render people vulnerable to taking such drastic steps as suicide? (b) Also, discuss the role that you as an individual, the society and the government can play in addressing this issue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"You, the chairperson of a State Public Service Commission (SPSC), come to know that there were instances of rampant cheating in a competitive exam conducted recently by the SPSC. Your daughter, who also appeared in this exam and is confident of clearing it corroborates the same. However, she denies engaging in any such activity herself. Whatever decision the Commission takes is bound to affect the career of a large number of candidates who appeared in the exam, including your own daughter. (a) Identify the different stakeholders and their interests in the case above. (b) Enumerate the options you have to handle the current situation. What will be your choice and why? (c) Suggest measures that you would take to make sure that a similar situation does not arise in future.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3658,"topper":"Kanishak Kataria","air":1,"year":2018,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"IMS4Maths","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://ims4maths.com/images/KANISHAK%20KATARIA%20TEST%2005.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3659,"topper":"Kanishak Kataria","air":1,"year":2018,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"IMS4Maths","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://ims4maths.com/images/KANISHAK%20KATARIA%20TEST%2006.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3660,"topper":"Kanishak Kataria","air":1,"year":2018,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"IAS Exam Portal","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/visionresources/toppersanswerbooklet/1ee27-417797_1067_kanishak_kataria_rank_1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3661,"topper":"Kanishak Kataria","air":1,"year":2018,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"IAS Exam Portal","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/visionresources/toppersanswerbooklet/4adc0-417797_1071_kanishak_kataria_rank_1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3662,"topper":"Kanishak Kataria","air":1,"year":2018,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"IAS Exam Portal","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/visionresources/toppersanswerbooklet/e915c-417797_1068_kanishak_kataria_rank_1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3663,"topper":"Kanishak Kataria","air":1,"year":2018,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"IAS Exam Portal","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/visionresources/toppersanswerbooklet/bf259-417797_1069_kanishak_kataria_rank_1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3664,"topper":"Kanishak Kataria","air":1,"year":2018,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"IAS Exam Portal","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/visionresources/toppersanswerbooklet/f1f49-417797_1073_kanishak_kataria_rank_1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3665,"topper":"KANISK","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/KANISK-UPSC-2024-Rank-380-AWFG-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Short Note on Impact of Jainism on Indian society (10 Marks)","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":2,"question":"Highlight how Buddhism brought changes to economic and cultural spheres of the Indian society. * (1 5 Marks)","marks":"5","words":null},{"page":2,"question":"Describe the concept of “sacred complex” with an ethnographic example . (15 Marks)","marks":"15","words":null}]},{"id":3666,"topper":"Kankanala Rahul Reddy","air":218,"year":2020,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1UkFqTiNhjy-MI3ZQ-p4zYU2ZgjuMxAf0","questions":[]},{"id":3667,"topper":"Kanta Jagir","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8e840-42370_1021_kanta_rank_632.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Identify the key objectives of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. Also highlight the challenges in its implementation. (POCSO) , 2012 ,","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Discuss how the design of MGNREGA program makes it more successful than other rural development programmes.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Self-employment of the poor has been an important objective of the anti-poverty programmes and SHGs have played a significant role in this. Elucidate with examples. Also discuss the problems which plague the model of SHG micro-finance in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Give an account of the issues that arise due to short tenure of civil servants in India. Critically discuss the move of setting up a Civil Services Board in order to address this problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"India's health system is one of the most privatised in the world, poorly regulated and accessible only to those with income levels well above the average. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Keeping in mind the importance of NGOs in India's development process it is imperative that adequate legal and regulatory mechanisms should be in place. Discuss in the context of recent developments.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"While on one hand, there has been proliferation of use of digital technology, on the other hand, resulting digital dividends have not been forthcoming. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"The public policy requirements of the 21st century demand a bureaucracy less generalist in nature. Analyse in the context of Indian civil services.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Explain how the National Digital Library (NDL) can bring a fundamental shift in the paradigm of education and research. Also highlight the challenges that need to be addressed to make NDL self-sustainable.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Census 2011 observed that there has been a significant increase in urban homeless households in the period between 2001 and 2011. What are homeless households? Highlighting the challenges faced by them, discuss the causes for increase in such households. Suggest various measures to rehabilitate these households.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"What is the criteria for a village being recognized as electrified? Examine the challenges present in rural electrification in India. Elaborate upon some of the recent initiatives of the government with a special emphasis on Deen Dayal Upadhayaya Gram Jyoti Yojana.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"While the Right to Education (RTE) Act was based on noble intentions, implementation of many of its provisions remain ridden with problems. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Critically examining the key provisions of The Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill 2016, discuss whether a complete ban on commercial surrogacy is justified.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"It is often strongly suggested that scarce government resources should be redirected in favour of primary education rather than higher education. In this context, analyse whether curtailing public spending in higher education would help in achieving the principle of equity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Accessibility is the key to inclusion and equal access for people with disabilities. Analyse. Also discuss the objectives and components of the Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan with a special emphasis on inclusiveness and accessibility index.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"The Olympic Task Force constituted to prepare an action plan for the next three Olympic Games is a step in the right direction. Comment. Also highlight other initiatives required to augment India's performance in the sporting arena internationally.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Recent judgment of the Supreme Court, amending the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 has invoked varied reponses. Highlighting the amendment, critically examine its likely impact on the application of the law.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Inspite of its usefulness as a tool of transparency and accountability, the RTI Act needs to be amended as it is being widely misused, especially to blackmail public functionaries. Critically examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"The transgender community has been among one of the most marginalized communities in India. Discuss. How does the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill 2016 seek to protect transgenders from discrimination and address the problems faced by them?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Though the Forest Rights Act 2006 tries to undo the historic injustice done to the forest dweller and tribals, it has been argued that it is being misused. Critically analyse.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3668,"topper":"Kanta Jagir","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/45629-42370_1023_kanta_rank_632.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The evolution of temple-building in India can be attributed to factors such as changing form of worship, improvement in the skills of the craftsmen and the increase in funding provided by kings and rich merchants. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Metal casting in India appears to be one of the oldest sculptural traditions. Discuss the significance of cire-perduor or \"lost wax\" technique in the sculptural tradition of India with examples from different regions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"India's middle ages brought about a very rich tradition of devotional literature of remarkable merit which dispels the assumption of a dark period of India's history. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"The outbreak of World War II in 1939 divided the nationalists over the next course of action in the freedom struggle. Elaborate. In this context, also examine the factors that led to INC launching the Quit India Movement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"How did the Indian industrialists contribute to the freedom struggle? Did the emergence of the socialistic trend during the later period of the struggle deter them from supporting the freedom struggle? Analyze.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The social-religious reform movements of the 19th and 20th century in British India not only tried to purge the Indian society of various social evils but also prepared the ground for the Indian freedom struggle. Analyze.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"The dawn of 19th century was marked by large scale expansion of the British empire into India, especially during the governorship of Wellesley. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"United States entered the Vietnam war incrementally, in a series of steps between 1950 and 1965. Elucidate. Also analyse the reasons for America's failure in the war.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Even though there is much that is wrong with the European Union (EU), its achievements can not be discounted either. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Despite being a failure, 1848 revolutions remain a watershed event in European History. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"The events that led to the American Revolution had causes rooted in the social, economic, political and ideological context of that time. Elaborate. Also, bring out the influence that the American Revolution had on the French Revolution.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"In the context of Punjab crisis it can be argued that language, religion and regionalism combined into a potentially explosive situation which political elites struggled to contain. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"What were the factors that led to the declaration of Emergency in 1975? Why is it considered as the dark period of Indian democracy? In this context, discuss the response to the imposition of emergency among the masses, media and political class.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"The role of women since independence has not been confined to issues of women alone, rather they have played an important role in the issues related to peasants, tribals, farmers, trade unions and environment. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Critically examine the point of view that cultural diversity in India has been a hindrance to the process of nation building.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Equality of opportunity requires not only open competition for advantaged positions but also fair access to qualifications required for those positions. Discuss in the Indian context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Portrayal of stereotypical sensational images of women not only reduces their identity to a mere object of desire but also reinforces the patriarchal structure of the society. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Explain the concept of planned obsolescence with examples and discuss its impact for an economy. In this context, comment on Indian society's move towards throwaway culture.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Employment is a vital factor in empowerment of persons with disabilities. Analyse. Enumerate the steps taken by the government to increase employment of persons with disabilities.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"While many see globalisation as synonymous with westernisation, evidence suggests that the process of globalisation has not been a one way street. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3669,"topper":"Kanta Jagir","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/560e7-42370_1025_kanta_rank_632.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The dual use nature of space technology enables its utilisation for civilian as well as military purposes. In this context, examine the need for a Space Security Policy in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"What are the issues associated with coastal security in India? In this context, discuss whether a Central Marine Police Force can help in addressing these issues.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Cyber terrorism holds serious potential to paralyze economic and financial institutions in India. What are the issues and challenges w.r.t. India's cyber security? What initiatives has the GoI taken to address the same?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Critically examine the feasibility of fencing the Indo-Myanmar border as a strategy to contain insurgency given the existing Free Movement Regime (FMR) between the two countries.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"What do you understand by 'lone wolf attacks'? In the wake of increasing lone wolf attacks across the globe, assess India's vulnerability to such attacks. Also, suggest measures that can prevent such attacks.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"What are the factors that lead to generation of black money in India? Discuss the role played by India both domestically and internationally to neutralise the menace of money laundering and black money.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"The national security of the country cannot be strengthened until we focus on intelligence sharing and ensure greater coordination among agencies. Elaborate. Also, highlight the steps being taken by the government to strengthen its intelligence network.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"In what ways is the approach of \"Act East\" Policy different from \"Look East\" Policy? Suggest certain priority areas on which India should focus upon to fulfill its ambitious geostrategic and economic goals in the region.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"In recent years there has been an increasing convergence between Russia and China on several global issues. What are its implications for India? What steps should be taken by India to protect its national interests?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"After remaining peripheral to India's foreign policy priorities, the Indian Ocean has recieved some attention in recent years. Nonetheless, given the significance it holds, involvement of actors with diverse interests and existing challenges, it is imperative that India redoubles its efforts in shaping the future of the region. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"What are the objectives and key achievements of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL)? Also, highlighting India's association with the Commission, identify its influence on various domestic legal regimes.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"What are the issues and challenges faced by Indian migrants in the Gulf countries? Enumerate the steps taken by the Indian government to address these.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"The recent breakthrough in the Civil Nuclear field is a sign of India-Japan relations moving beyond the calculations of complementarities and cooperation. Analyse in view of the multiple factors shaping India-Japan relations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"The Commonwealth grouping has been accused of talking about ideals that it does not uphold and wasting the resources of governments. Critically analyse the statement and comment on the relevance of the Commonwealth grouping in present times.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"ISRO has successfully flight tested the Reusable Launch Vehicle-Technology Demonstrator (RLV-TD). Discuss the significance of RLV and bring out the differences between RLVs and conventional Launch Vehicles (LVs). What are the challenges in successful execution of RLVs?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Women constitute just 14% of science researchers in India, though they are no longer a minority within higher education when it comes to STEM. Analyse the reasons for this state of affairs and discuss how it can be addressed.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"What do you understand by Internet Governance? Has the recent development of ICANN becoming free from the US government solved the issues of Internet Governance? What should be the way forward?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Increase in the cases of nosocomial infections has emerged as a major concern in India. What are nosocomial infections? What are its causes and why is it a major concern in India? Identify the measures required to combat these infections.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"There is a growing concern that robots, automation and AI will transform the labour markets and lead to massive job loss across the world. Comment. Also mention the steps that can be taken to mitigate the impact of increased automation and AI.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"The importance of IPRs as a marketable financial asset and economic tool needs to be recognised. Elaborate. In this context, analyse how the National Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Policy intends to lay the future roadmap for intellectual property in India.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3670,"topper":"Kanta Jagir","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/79df5-42370_1022_kanta_rank_632.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by seasonal shifting of pressure belts? What impact does it have on the formation of various climatic regions across the globe? Discuss its socio-economic significance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Explain the reasons for the formation of Sargasso Sea. Also, examine the factors for it being a region with one of the highest ocean salinity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Why are river deltas important? Discuss the existing threats to river deltas and the measures needed to overcome these threats.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Give an account of the different types of earthquakes based on their zone of occurrence. Identify the earthquake prone regions of the world with special reference to India. Also explain the reasons for the occurrence of earthquakes in geologically inactive regions like Peninsular India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Explain the reasons for the following: (a) Erosional forms dominate in the west coast while depositional forms dominate in the east coast of India. (b) Western Ghats in Karnataka receive more monsoon rainfall than Maharashtra and Kerala.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"With increasing urbanisation in India, the land usage pattern is undergoing major changes. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"How is the coal bearing strata of India classified in geological terms? Why does coal remain the most important source of energy in India and what are its implications?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Forest fires have become a regular feature during summers in the Western Himalayas. What are the causes behind this phenomenon? Critically examine the efforts made by authorities in countering this problem. Do periodic forest fires have any benefits associated with them?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"What are sunrise industries? Elaborate on the potential of these industries in India with a special focus on the food processing industry.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Scientific and technological advancements have removed the constraints posed by geographical factors which determine the location of industries. Comment. Giving examples, discuss the new factors that have come into play as a result.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Give a brief distribution of major grasslands of the world. Discuss the reasons behind the temperate grasslands becoming the grain baskets of the world. Also compare their performance vis-a-vis tropical grasslands in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Weather and climate information plays a significant role in increasing agricultural productivity as well as minimising crop losses. Comment. Also examine the ways in which forecasting system can be made more effective and inclusive.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"The Paris Climate agreement sets ambitious goals but does not go far enough in mechanisms to achieve the aims. Comment. Also highlight the challenges which a developing country like India faces to achieve the targets it has set for itself.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Describe the factors responsible for increase in marine pollution in the past few decades. What impact does marine pollution have on the ocean ecosystem? Discuss the measures taken by the international community to deal with it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Discuss the environmental impact of electronic waste and the best practices for its handling in the context of the E-waste (Management) Rules, 2016. Also suggest some ways to incentivise consumers to utilise and dispose-off the e-waste properly.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"An emissions-reduction approach to fighting global warming is not enough. Alternative solutions involving climate engineering might have to be deployed sooner than we think. Defining climate engineering, critically examine the statement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Discuss how drought is more of a man-made disaster than a mere deficiency of rainfall. Elaborate on the consequences of desertification that drought prone regions face. Also, bring out the preventive steps to be taken in light of targets to curb desertification as mentioned under the SDGs.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"India's first National Disaster Management Plan may fulfill the legal requirement of having a plan but it may not be very effective in achieving its objective of building resilience. Critically analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"A better prepared community is key to effective disaster risk reduction. Citing specific examples, examine the importance of the role of local government and community in dealing with disasters.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"What is the role of NDRF in managing disasters in the country? Highlighting the challenges that NDRF has been facing, discuss why it is still the armed forces which end up being the most visible force at hand during disasters.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3671,"topper":"Kanta Jagir","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/903cc-42370_1066_kanta_rank_632.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The cave architecture in India not only enlighten us with information of tradition and customs of ancient times but also illustrate considerable accomplishment with regard to structural engineering and artistry. Discuss. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"While the Battle of Plassey laid the foundation of British Empire in India, it was the Battle of Buxar that proved to be the turning point of British fortunes in India. Discuss. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Among many novel methods and themes, the Swadeshi Movement laid great emphasis not only on boycott but also on self-reliance. Discuss. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The idea of linguistic states predated independence, however it took some time even after independence for this idea to be implemented. Discuss. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Dr. B. R. Ambedkar understood that persistent inequalities pose fundamental challenges to the economic and social well-being of the nation and people. In this context, discuss the key contributions of Dr. Ambedkar in the history of modern India. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"It has been pointed out that in recent times, while the proportional share of nuclear households has dipped in urban areas it has risen in rural areas. Analyse the reasons behind this trend. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Separation, and not divorce, is the dominant form of marriage dissolution for most women in India. What could be the possible reasons behind this? Also, discuss why there are striking differences in divorce rates between the different regions in India. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Elaborate on the factors responsible for the evolution of the current drainage system in Indian sub-continent, with special emphasis on the characteristic features of Himalayan and Peninsular rivers. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Enumerate the features of Plantation Agriculture and the problems faced by them. Given the fact that area under cultivation of palm oil has been increasing, discuss the benefits and challenges associated with it. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Bring out the distinctive features of Gandhara, Mathura and Amravati schools of art that flourished towards the first century CE. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The British in India wanted not only territorial conquest and control over revenues; they also felt that they had a cultural mission: to 'civilise the natives', change their customs and values. Critically discuss. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi being close associates, there were significant differences between the two regarding the role of state and the control that it exercised. Comment. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Enumerating the reasons behind Sino-Soviet split in the second half of the 20th century, analyse its impact on the Cold War. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"History has disproved the prediction that democracy would not succeed in India. In this context, critically assess the achievements and challenges of democracy in India since Independence. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Enumerate the key issues faced by working women in contemporary Indian society and the steps taken by the government to address them. Also, critically examine the key features of Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Despite tropical areas being the major emitters of CFCs, the phenomenon of ozone hole formation is largely confined to polar areas and that too over the Antarctic and in early spring. Elaborate. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3672,"topper":"Kanta Jagir","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/91a1e-42370_1067_kanta_rank_632.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What is the role that opposition plays in a democracy like India? In this context, discuss whether our Parliament can benefit from a shadow cabinet. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Where there is a right, there is a remedy. In this context, discuss the nature and significance of writs in India with adequate examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Enumerate the objectives of NITI Aayog. Also, discuss the performance of this body since its inception and suggest measures to make it more effective. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"In view of the political class's inability to develop and maintain conventions relating to the appropriate use of Article 356, the Supreme Court's decision in the Bommai case provided much needed clarity. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Press freedom and good governance are not mutually exclusive. They support each other while promoting a country's economic and human development. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"SHGs have succeeded in delivering financial inclusion, but for them to evolve as viable business enterprise requires a different approach. Analyse in the context of the twin goals of rural growth and promotion of women's entrepreneurship. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The focus of higher education in India has been on a select few Central or autonomous institutions where as the ones in states remain neglected. Commenting on the statement, highlight the significance of Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the role played by PRIs in political empowerment of women. Also, suggest measures to further increase their political participation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While the power to punish for the contempt of court is a much needed tool to protect the administration of justice from being maligned, it is time that it be relooked into. Critically analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Criminalisation of politics remains a key concern for the Indian political system. In this context, analyse the role played by the Supreme Court and Election Commission over the years. Also, in what ways can the media play a positive role? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight, in brief, the mandate of the National Commission for Minorities (NCM). Identify the different challenges that the commission faces and suggest measures to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The recent decision of the government to open up positions at the senior levels in bureaucracy through lateral entry is an important but only small step in the direction of much needed reforms in the higher civil services. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Identifying the broad contours of the 'Transformation of Aspirational Districts' programme, explain how it adopts a novel strategy to address backwardness. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"How did India fare on the Millennium Development Goals related to health? In this regard, identify the relevant Sustainable Development Goals and evaluate India's capacity to meet them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the different rights recognized under the Forest Rights Act, 2006? Highlight the gaps in the implementation of community forest rights and community forest resource rights granted under the Forest Rights Act. Also, suggest measures to address the current scenario. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Progress in India-US ties has been accompanied by equally significant divergences on important issues. Examine in the context of recent developments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Despite bonhomie, the structural differences between Indian and Israeli national security situations, their worldviews and absence of explicitly shared enemies limit stronger strategic rapprochement. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3673,"topper":"Kanta Jagir","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4f2bb-42370_860_kanta_rank_632.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Marketing has become a crucial link in the success of a business. With suitable examples, discuss the ethical issues involved in marketing of a product or service. How can these issues be resolved?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Value education empowers a person to confront the myriad challenges of contemporary Indian society. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Ethics is the first line of defence against corruption while law enforcement is remedial and reactive. Examine the statement with suitable examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss the influence that parents have on values of their children and the role they can play in transmitting good values and resisting negative influences. Why is it that, at times, the values of children differ from that of their parents?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"What does 'public service' means to you? Describe the various ways in which one can serve the public. Does one necessarily serve the public better by entering the civil services? Justify your stand.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"What do you understand by 'civic virtue' in public life? What are the challenges in practising it in today's time? How can these challenges be overcome?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"The lives of great leaders inspire us in many ways. Which leader has had a lasting impact on you and in what way? Mention one outstanding value that you have imbibed from him/her and its importance to being a civil servant.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Governance is the vital link in our quest for prosperity and equity. What should be the key elements of ethical governance to eliminate corruption and bureaucratic delays? Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Has excessive profit seeking by corporates undermined the trust of public in the private sector? Giving examples, examine the reasons for failure of corporate governance in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Income inequality, resource mismanagement and health hazards are some of the negative consequences of globalization. In this context, what are some of the ethical dilemmas that civil servants face today? How has the approach to handling these undergone a change?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss the role and importance of independent directors for corporate governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Is there a conflict between morality and freedom? Discuss with reference to Kant's views on categorical imperative.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"\"Since at the beginning and end of our lives we are so dependent on other's kindness, how can it be that in the middle we neglect the kindness towards others?\" - The Dalai Lama. Bring out what you understand by this quote and discuss its relevance in the Indian society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"You, a reporter currently working as an intern, accompanied a small group of reporters to a political event organized by the ruling party's state unit. The party was followed by dinner where you were also asked to join. Here, you noticed that alcohol was being served to some members of the ruling party. Consumption of alcohol had been declared illegal in the state a few months ago and the ban is being enforced strictly across the state. The other reporters in your group ignored the issue and asked you to ignore it as well. However, it was clear to you that the law was not being followed. (a) Identify the issues involved in this scenario. (b) What are your duties in such a scenario? (c) What course of action would you follow and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"You are officer-in-charge of a very important railway junction, which is an artery of trade and commerce. A peasant disturbance has been brewing in your district for the past few weeks. Their discussions with the political and district leadership has borne no fruit and it has come to the stage that now they are protesting by organizing a sit-in on the railway tracks near the station. They have thereby succeeded in blocking movement of all trains. This disruption is causing significant harassment for the passengers waiting at the platform as well. (a) What will be your course of immediate action? (b) How can emotional intelligence act as a tool in handling this issue? (c) What steps will you take so that such incidents are not repeated in the future?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"You are the CEO of a film production company, which has not been doing well financially for some time. Your company is now relying on its forthcoming movie, which is about to be released shortly. The movie has a cast of reliable actors and even before its release, trade pundits have predicted that the movie will be a hit. However, you face a conundrum as one of the actors in the movie is a citizen of a neighbouring country with which relations have been disturbed and a war like situation exists. While the political atmosphere was different when the movie was filmed, now there is a widespread public demand, with a local political party at the forefront, for replacing the actor from the movie or a ban on the release of the movie itself, if the actor is not replaced. While you are aware of the mood of the nation and the public repercussions of releasing the movie in its present form, you also know that it is not feasible to replace him at this stage as he has a substantial role in the movie. There is also a section in the film fraternity that does not want you to compromise in the wake of threat by the local party as it compromises freedom of speech and expression as well as artistic creativity. (a) What are the options available to you? (b) Evaluate each of the options and state their merits and demerits. (c) What course of action would you take and why?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3674,"topper":"KARAN KUMAR","air":174,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/KARAN-KUMAR-UPSC-2024-Rank-174-MGP-Sample-Copy-.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3675,"topper":"Karan Seth","air":333,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/KARAN-SETHUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-333-Sample-ESSAY-COPY-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. Glaciers are the canaries in the coal mine of climate change.\n2. To be content with little is difficult; to be content with much, impossible.\n3. The true cost of economic and leadership gaps is deferred growth and skewed transitions.\n4. An India that is not pluralist is not India at all.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"1. True peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3676,"topper":"Karishma Nair","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4ac36-514134_1243_karishma-nair_rank_14.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Reservation of seats in legislature is needed to ensure meaningful political participation of women and to make the democratic process truly inclusive. Discuss the statement in the light of 108th Constitution Amendment Bill. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the issue of reservation in promotions for SCs and STs in public employment in the light of various judicial pronouncements and constitutional amendments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the reasons behind underperformance of the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs). How can their performance be improved? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlighting the rationale behind continuance of the Official Secrets Act, critically discuss whether the Right to Information should be given precedence over it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What is the rationale behind having a mandatory 'cooling-off' period for retired civil servants? In light of numerous instances of violation of this provision, do you think there is a need to have a relook at Civil Services Conduct Rules? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlighting the key features of POSHAN Abhiyan, explain how it is an improvement over previous interventions in achieving the goal of malnutrition free India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Give an account of the challenges that the multilateral rule-based trading system is facing. With special focus on WTO, discuss how these challenges can be addressed effectively. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Highlight the major impediments affecting India-US trade relations. What possible consequences can the recent withdrawal of Generalized System of Preference (GSP) have on India-US trade relations? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"In a democratic setup, it is imperative that independence be balanced with accountability. Discuss in the context of judiciary in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Despite various strengths, there are certain weaknesses in the existing structure of departments of the government which render the system slow and cumbersome. Analyze. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the light of criticism surrounding the composition and functioning of Rajya Sabha, do you think it exists merely as a secondary house of the Parliament? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Despite legislative changes with respect to funding of political parties in recent years, many challenges still exist with regards to transparency in electoral funding. Discuss. Can state funding of elections help in addressing these challenges? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Successful and long-lasting urban transformation critically depends on reforming the way our cities are governed. In this context, highlight the challenges plaguing urban governance in India and suggest some strategies to overcome those challenges. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Explain the role that SHGs play in poverty alleviation in India. Highlighting the shortcomings of the SHG-Bank Linkage programme, give some suggestions to improve its performance. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Despite initiatives taken by the government in recent years to address the challenges of the Indian higher education system, many reforms are still required to improve its quality and enhance its relevance. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Giving an account of the progress made under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, mention the challenges that it faces in achieving its target. How can the implementation of the programme be fast-tracked? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Island nations of the Indian Ocean hold immense strategic value in shaping the geopolitical contours of the region and ensuring maritime security of India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Development assistance, a key instrument in India's foreign policy, has seen a considerable expansion in the past few years both in its scope and reach. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3677,"topper":"Karishma Nair","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5245e-514134_1247_karishma-nair_rank_14.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Mention the structure and functions of NITI Aayog. Also, comment on its contemporary relevance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Critically discuss the practice of setting up Fast Track Courts to reduce pendency of cases in the judiciary. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the challenges faced by lower judiciary in India and suggest measures for enhancing their productivity. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Assess the need to formalise the process of post-legislative scrutiny to improve the effectiveness of laws. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in improving the effectiveness of e-governance in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Despite various reforms in the public grievance redressal mechanisms, their effectiveness remain limited. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Explaining the factors that contribute to trafficking of women and children in India, highlight the steps taken in recent times to combat it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"With Vector-Borne Diseases (VBDs) reaching epidemic proportions in India, highlight the factors that have led to their emergence. Also, suggest some measures for their effective control and management. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"After years of neglect, rapidly evolving regional strategic realities are now forcing India and Indonesia to coordinate their policies ever more closely. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Despite several attempts at resetting the ties, various barriers continue to be a cause of concern in the India-Nepal bilateral relations. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Delineate the differences between pressure groups and interest groups. Citing examples, elaborate on the ways in which pressure groups influence government decisions and policy making in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlighting the issues faced by the institutions of local self governance in India, suggest measures that can be taken to improve their effectiveness in the delivery of public goods and services at the grassroot level. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The recent amendment to the Right to Information Act, 2005 will weaken the act and undermine the authority of Information Commissioners. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight the process of delimitation in India. Also, throw light on the debates surrounding the delimitation exercise in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Self Help Groups (SHGs) are vehicles of rural development, which help in the upliftment of marginalized groups. Elucidate. Further, mention the constraints faced by SHGs and how they can be addressed. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"With construction of toilets being only one part of the solution for a clean India, it is time that the Swachh Bharat Mission puts more emphasis on the other facets as well. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Highlight the salient features of Mission Indradhanush. What are the challenges that the mission is facing in its implementation? Suggest measures to address these challenges for progressing towards full immunization coverage. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Assess the importance of skilling in light of changing economic and demographic structure in India. In this regard, how far has the Skill India Mission succeeded in its mandate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What according to you are the reasons that motivated India to create a dedicated Indo-Pacific division in the MEA recently? Also, highlight the challenges for India in the Indo-Pacific region. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"For SCO to become a successful regional grouping, it has to overcome bilateral differences between its members and their respective geopolitical calculations. Comment. Also, discuss the role that SCO can play in enhancing India's interest in the Eurasian region. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3678,"topper":"Karishma Nair","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2361e-514134_1242_karishma-nair_rank_14.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Tribal art in India generally reflects the creative energy found in rural areas that acts as an undercurrent to the craftsmanship. Explain with reference to the Worli and Gond paintings. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Though it had its achievements, the exclusion of Indians from the system was a key feature of judicial reforms introduced by Cornwallis. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Marshall Plan was important in the recovery of the European states from the aftermath of the Second World War. However, it also became a crucial factor in the creation of two Europes i.e. East and West. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Examine the causes behind the existence of bonded labour in contemporary India. Also, discuss the steps that should be taken for its redress. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"State the factors that enhance the risk for initiation or continuation of abuse of drugs by the youth. What measures can be taken to address this issue? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Critically analyze the impact of globalization on culture in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"How do increasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions impact coastal and marine ecosystems? Highlight various measures that can be taken for protection and restoration of such vulnerable ecosystems. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Explain the phenomenon of a Polar Vortex. Also, comment on the reasons as to why tropical areas as south as Florida have been witnessing sub-zero temperatures in recent years. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The most powerful trend of medieval Indian literature is devotional poetry which dominates almost all the major languages of the country. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Discuss the major changes introduced by the Government of India Act, 1919 and its significance as a historical landmark in the Indian freedom struggle. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Multiple factors allowed the British to gain control over India. In this context, highlighting the main developments, trace the course of British conquest of India from 1757 to 1856. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"With India becoming increasingly urban and the urban poor increasing in number, it is imperative that the challenges they face be addressed urgently. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Violations of women's sexual and reproductive health rights are often deeply engrained in societal values and traditions. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by the term Land Degradation Neutrality? Highlight its significance and the steps required to achieve it. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"State the geographical and economic importance of Hindukush-Himalayan region. How are the critical geographical features of this region changing and what possible consequences will it have? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What is the most accepted reasoning behind occurrence of earth's magnetism? Discuss the factors behind its variation temporally and spatially. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Explain Walker Circulation. Discuss how it influences Indian Monsoon. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3679,"topper":"Karishma Nair","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rgFE80Oj5EflBKJNG1ABFM6aD0VIL80_/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) What do you understand by cultural sensitivity? Identify the ways in which individuals and organisations can benefit from cultural sensitivity in India.","marks":"10","words":"not more than 150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) In the quest for scientific and technological development, ethical values should not be neglected. Discuss in the current context.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) In a plural society like India, education should help the individual to celebrate the plurality and visualize the inherent unity of cultures and values. Analyze the statement in the present context with examples.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) Elucidate Swami Vivekananda's ideas on nationalism.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":11,"question":"3. Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context:\n(a) The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. Mahatma Gandhi","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) So long as you do not achieve social liberty, whatever freedom is provided by the law is of no avail to you. B.R. Ambedkar","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":15,"question":"4. (a) Explaining the concept of moral attitude, discuss how social media is shaping moral attitudes of people.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":17,"question":"4. (b) Analyse the importance of both influence and persuasion for effective leadership.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":19,"question":"5. (a) Analyze the significance of adopting a code of ethics for creating a healthy work culture in an organization.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":21,"question":"5. (b) Ethos, ethics, equity and efficiency are key criteria on the basis of which the competency of civil servants should be judged. Analyse.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":23,"question":"6. The mandatory nature of Corporate Social Responsibility goes against the notion of philanthropy. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":25,"question":"7. There have been arguments that rich countries owe an obligation to people living in poor countries. In this context, discuss the issues associated with foreign aid.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":27,"question":"8. It is essential that people have access to information if they are to have the capacity to exercise other rights. Discuss the statement with focus on importance of RTI in governance.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":29,"question":"9 You have been recently appointed as the head of tourism department of a state in India that has many places of great historical importance. In the past few years, the state has witnessed a decrease in tourist inflow. Upon enquiry, you come to know that this decrease is largely attributed to the influence of touts and harassment of tourists, including unwanted advances and grossly overcharging them for various services. You also did a quick search about your state on leading travel advisory websites and found that it has earned a dubious reputation for being particularly unsafe for women tourists.\n\nGiven the situation, answer the following:\n(a) Do you think that such a state of affairs can be attributed to insensitivity prevailing in the society? How can the community be made more sensitive towards tourists?\n(b) Suggest some measures to make a quick turnaround in terms of reputation, employment generation and rebuild the reputation of the state as a safe haven for tourists.","marks":"20","words":"in around 250"},{"page":34,"question":"10. A private company has proposed a large-scale hydel power project to tap the potential of a fast-flowing river in a state predominantly occupied by indigenous tribal groups. The state is backward and badly needs funds for socio-economic development. The state government is deliberating on the issue and is yet to take a final decision on the matter.\nWhile the project is expected to generate substantial revenue and employment, it will submerge the surrounding areas eventually displacing the tribals. Another issue of concern is that the tribal community regards this land and the river as sacred and integral to their cultural heritage. Thus, the tribals are not in favour of going ahead with the project and are already protesting against it. Their leader has threatened to initiate a hunger strike if the government goes ahead with the project. This has caught the attention of the mainstream media and social activists.\nBased on the information given above, answer the following:\n(a) Identify the stakeholders involved in the case and their respective interests.\n(b) Keeping in mind the issues involved, how can differing interests be reconciled for ensuring sustainable development in the area?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":39,"question":"11. You are posted as Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district, which has a bustling market in the district headquarters with a high footfall. The area has traditionally been occupied by street vendors and hawkers. They form an intrinsic part of the market system in the area and derive their livelihood from it. Recently, you got reports that the policemen posted in the area harass the hawkers and also extort 'hafta' - a weekly bribe - from them despite complying with the laws. It has been brought to your notice that while those who comply with this arrangement are allowed to carry on with their daily operations, those who do not are being evicted from the market area. In the process of eviction, they are even physically assaulted and their saleable items are often confiscated and destroyed. As a result, some street vendors have been staging protests against the local administration in the market and have blocked the normal market passage. They have also threatened to intensify their protest over a period of time. The local police, however, has been in denial of any such wrong doings and argue that they are merely removing illegal encroachments, which were causing traffic jam in the area. In this situation, answer the following:\n(a) Mention the stakeholders and ethical issues involved in the case.\n(b) As the Superintendent of Police, what course of action would you adopt for diffusing the tensions in the area? Also, suggest some policy recommendations, which will help resolve the issues in the long-term.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":44,"question":"12. A mid level manager in a food and beverages firm has been assigned the responsibility to deal with tensions arising in a rural area between the firm and the local farmers. These farmers supply the company with bananas, which are used exclusively by the company in its niche products. The banana plantations are growing a variety developed by the firm. The core issue revolves around the perceived violation of company's IPR as many of the farmers in the neighbouring areas have also started growing the same variety of banana. It is suspected that the farmers with whom the company had a contract have shared the breed with others in the region. The legal department of the firm is of the opinion that a legal complaint against the farmers is the only way to protect the IPR of the company. It would also set a precedent for the future. However, many in the firm also believe that such a step would escalate the matter.\n\nIn such a scenario, identify the key issues to be addressed. What measures would you suggest to deal with these issues?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":49,"question":"13. You have recently been posted as a probationary officer in the District Magistrate's office in a tribal district. During one of the fieldtrips, while interacting with the tribals, you come to know about a private company, established a few years back, which has transformed their lives. The company, using the traditional knowledge of tribals, had launched a series of products and provided numerous livelihood opportunities to the tribals.\n\nUpon further enquiry, you come to know that while the lives of tribals had indeed improved, the distribution of profits however, has been quite disproportionate. The company has seen a huge growth in its operations and its owners have amassed huge wealth. It is also planning to file for IPR, which may further hinder the interests of the tribals.\n\nYou feel that tribals have been left short changed and there has not been an equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the use of their resources. When you tried to approach the Gram Sabha and voice your concerns, the tribals requested you not to intervene as they do not have any alternatives. They also argue that governments in the past have failed to protect their interests.\n\nGiven the situation, answer the following:\n(a) Identify the different stakeholders and their interests involved in this case.\n(b) Present a case to convince the District Magistrate for the need of government intervention in the situation.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":54,"question":"14. Various studies have found out that cases of depression and mental illness have increased exponentially in the recent past. Also, in the age group of 15-30 years, this problem is further pronounced. Furthermore, the rising trend of suicides in this age group has been attributed to depression.\n\nGiven the situation, answer the following questions:\n(a) Present an ethical critique of the prevalent societal attitude towards mental illness.\n(b) Given the magnitude of the problem among younger generation/young adults, analyse the role of the following:\ni. Parenting\nii. Social Media\niii. Video Games","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":3680,"topper":"Karishma Nair","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HxDCRNJN0vN4gmK9qG5lQt89ACBj2NSs/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) Examine the relevance of following values in the context of Civil Service with suitable examples:\n1. Objectivity\n2. Persuasion\n3. Compassion\n4. Anonymity","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) 'Public money ought to be touched with the most scrupulous consciousness of honor'. In the light of this statement discuss the values that should guide a civil servant when dealing with public funds.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q2) a) It is during the times of distress and uncertainties that public servants need to display emotional intelligence and become pillars of strength for the society. Analyze this statement with focus on healthcare professionals in dealing with the pandemic.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) Social media platforms are inherently wired to reinforce one's political and social attitude, irrespective of its ethicality. Critically Analyze.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) a) Without attitudinal reorientation of civil servants, Citizen Charter may remain another cosmetic change in series of administrative reforms. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) Jaina's philosophy of Anekantavada can help preserve the spirit of tolerance and peaceful co-existence in India. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q 4 a) Can social changes be induced through force of law? Assess appropriateness of using law for bringing social changes.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"While civil servants require discretionary powers for better decision making and innovative problem solving, it may be misused and derail ethical governance. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q5) a) It is a crime against humanity to make a profit during any human tragedy. On the contrary, there should be empathy and concern about human suffering. Analyse in the context of ethical issues involved in the pre purchase agreements of Covid-19 vaccine between different nations and pharmaceutical companies.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"b) Probity in governance is an essential and vital requirement for an efficient and effective system of governance and for socio-economic development. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q6) Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/ philosophers/ psychologists. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context.\na) \"In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing. The worst thing you can do is nothing.\" - Theodore Roosevelt.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"b) 'When Men are Pure, Laws are useless; When men are corrupt, laws are broken' - former British PM Benjamin Disraeli","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Q.7 Stanley Milgram, an American psychologist conducted a scientific experiment to demonstrate how someone in a position of authority can influence people to behave unethically and against their wishes, proved that subjects often performed actions that were unethical when ordered to by a person in authority. It happened in case of German dictator Adolf Hitler also who ordered the killing of millions of people during World War II and could produce obedience.\n\nCivil servants are generally both victims and perpetrators of this power of authority. Discuss how. What would be your course of action when stuck in a similar situation?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Q.8 Sahdev and Aparna had a son named Abhijeet who was diagnosed with thalassemia minor when he was just a few months old. Abhijeet thus, needed blood transfusion every three weeks, resulting in chronic weakness and a compromised immune system resulting in frequent illnesses.\nThe permanent cure for Abhijeet's ailment was bone transplant, but due to no match in the family, it was not possible. The couple then found out about the concept of 'saviour sibling' and decided to go ahead with it. A saviour sibling is a child conceived through selective In vitro fertilization (IVF) as a potential source of donor organs or cells for an existing brother or sister with a life-threatening medical condition.\nAfter many attempts, the couple finally gave birth to a healthy baby girl Kavya, who matched the criteria to be a donor for Abhijeet. However, Kavya had to grow and weigh 10 kg before she could donate stem cells for transplantation to save her critically ill brother. While the procedure of donating stem cells is not dangerous, it would be extremely painful.\na) List the ethical arguments for and against the 'saviour child therapy'. Do you believe that it is ethical for a parent to give consent for donation of stem cells on behalf of infants?\nb) If the procedure also included risk to the life of the new born baby, would it still be a prudent therapy? Justify your answer.","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.9 You are a responsible and dedicated district level officer. Knowing your dedication towards the work, the government entrusted you with the responsibility of solving the livelihood problems of common people of a district named Birbhoom.\n\nBirbhoom is a district in West Bengal hardest hit by cyclone Amphan. It destroyed thousands of homes, rendered many people homeless and without any means of livelihood. Some families lost their only bread earner. The cyclone washed away embankments, mud homes and fisheries, which thousands of families relied upon for their livelihood and sanitation infrastructure collapsed. Large areas of agricultural land are still water-logged. At the same time COVID-19 is deepening the crisis as many more are losing their livelihood because of the lockdown measures and some people are facing health issues.\n\nAn uphill task of rescuing people by maintaining safe distance between them is also a problem. Moreover, in last few weeks, thousands of migrants have also come back from cities across India to west Bengal. Most of them are placed in quarantine facilities, some are facing livelihood issues.\na) In such a scenario, how would you manage the societal, livelihood and health issues of the affected vulnerable communities at the same time?\nb) Examine the qualities that help a public servant in tacking such crisis situations in a better manner.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"(b) Qualities that help public servants in crisis","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Q.10) Law enforcement officers possess enormous amounts of power, which can be used against citizens to deprive them of their freedom, search them and their dwellings, seize their property, and use force against them. These powers are legally permitted under specific circumstances, and law enforcement officers are trained to know when these powers can be legally applied. As law enforcement officers rank among the most powerful occupations in society, what compounds their ability to use their power is that they are often in contact with relatively powerless and disenfranchised citizens who may be unable to resist an officer's illegitimate use of that power.\n\nWhat measures can be taken to prevent illegitimate use of power by law enforcement officers? Would it help in achievement of our aim to make Indian police more sensitive and approachable?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Q.11 You have recently started working for an international soft drink company as its quality control officer. The company sells its signature soft drink under the same brand name all over the world. The soft drink is very popular in India and generates substantial revenue for the company. While the drink is in compliance with the Indian regulatory criteria, you recently discovered during your inspection that the drink is less healthy compared to those sold in developed markets. This is due to a cheaper water filtration system used for Indian markets.\nOn bringing the issue in notice to your immediate manager, he simply ignored the matter saying that the company is following all the laws. On further enquiry, you found out that the other employees in the company are silent on the issue due to fear of losing their job. You also found out that your predecessor raised the same concern and was fired from his job.\nEvaluating all the options available with you, what would you do in this situation and why?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.12) You are the District Administrator of an area which is predominantly agriculture based and is experiencing high COVID-19 infection cases and related deaths. The government has recently introduced some legislations which would affect the farming sector. These new bills however, have generated a lot of discontent among the farming community in your district. Farmers have gathered in huge numbers to protest the new bills in the busy part of the city, violating the COVID guidelines like wearing masks or maintaining social distancing norms. Because of such a situation, the law and order as well as the health situation in your district has become vulnerable. Given this situation, state your opinions on the following:\na) How will you balance their right of the protestors and safety of the public?\nb) What will be your course of action in the given situation?\nc) Should the Right to Protest be suspended temporarily to arrest the Covid-19 infection wave?","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":3681,"topper":"Karishma Nair","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gVfkspKXARuz7VegWJ3x5vHDep5d0c4v/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q1 a) Laws and conscience often complement each other to guide the ethical behavior. However, when contradicting, they become the roots of ethical dilemmas. Examine the statement with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The moral compass of a society is demonstrated in the times of crisis. In this context analyze the various ethical concerns during the recent migrant crisis due to COVID.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2 a What do you understand by cognitive dissonance? Discuss the role it can play as a tool for persuasion and attitude change.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Q-2) a) What do you understand by cognitive dissonance? Discuss the role it can play as a tool for persuasion and attitude change.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"By Rule of law can only defeat the perverse mind. However, it cannot defeat the perversity of the heart. In the light of this statement, discuss the relevance of ethics as an internal check of human actions.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) a) \"Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 was enacted to ensure ethics and morality in public service. It should not become a means for unethical objectives\". Examine the statement in the light of misuse of RTI act to fulfill vested interests.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) \"Emotional competence is the single most important personal quality that each of us must develop and access to experience a breakthrough\". Do you agree with this view? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.4 a) What do you mean by \"public\" in public service? In a country like India, should public service be governed by the utilitarian principle of the \"greatest happiness of the greatest number\"?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are various challenges in effective public service delivery in the country? How can the use of 'Sevottam Model' bring excellence in public service delivery?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.5 a) Elimination of corruption is not only a moral imperative but an economic necessity for a nation aspiring to catch up with the rest of the world. Examine the statement and its relevance in the Indian context.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"b) Ethical perspectives have influential roles in foreign affairs and international decision making; however, nation-states throughout the international system have different beliefs about what ethics is. In this context, discuss how acceptable ethical standards can be set in international relations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q6 a) Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context:\na) Where the roots of private virtue are diseased, the fruit of public probity cannot but be corrupt. - Felix Adler","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"b) \"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter\". - Martin Luther King","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"e) \"When a man is prey to his emotions, he is not his own master.\" - Benedict de Spinoza","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7) During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people have been put under quarantine, in many cases even when they have not been tested positive. There have been cases where many state governments even violated the medical ethics code by publishing address details, marking doors of their home with stickers and even large posters, stamping them with indelible ink. The practice of conspicuously affixing posters outside the residence of COVID19 positive patients creates stigma and often leads to a situation where patients may be treated as so called \"untouchables\" in the society. Such instances present a case for an unwarranted diminution of dignity and personal liberty. These measures are in direct violation of medical ethics and patient's right to privacy and confidentiality.\na) What is the ethical dilemma involved in this situation?\nb) How can a balance be achieved by district administration between ensuring public safety during a pandemic and ensuring that right to privacy and dignity of people is not violated.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Q.8) Civil servants form a part of permanent executive different from the temporary executive. The Indian Constitution provides for protecting civil servants from the undue political influence. It is expected that when caught between various political ideologies and in conflicts of opinion, civil servants maintain their neutrality so as to uphold the principles of good governance. But in recent times there are increasing instances of bureaucrats getting involved in politics compromising their neutrality.\na) Discuss the need for civil servants to be politically neutral.\nb) Enumerate challenges faced by politically neutral civil servants in different situations.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Q.9 Air Pollution and environmental degradation are among the most urgent issues of the century. The negative consequences of these issues are not unknown to anyone. Government is bringing laws and regulations to check issues like stubble burning, bursting fire crackers etc. but the outcome of the laws and regulations has remained very limited. It is due to the fact that the major responsibility lies with the general public which holds an indifferent attitude towards the same.\na) Discuss the reasons behind such lack of concern about the issue among people.\nb) Suggest measures to rectify the attitude and behaviour of the people towards environment.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"(a) Reasons behind lack of concern about the issue among people.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Q20 The government recently launched a special scheme to provide scholarships to a few students from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and underprivileged families, who have secured admission in any of the world's top 300 academic institutions. Among the students selected for the scholarship are the names of the son of a minister and the daughter of an undersecretary level IAS officer belonging to the ministry that administers the scheme. The list, when released in public domain, triggered accusations of fund misuse and questions over conflict of interest. When questioned by the media, the IAS officer answered that his daughter had already applied for the scholarship before he even joined the department. Also, he had already informed the department regarding the conflict of interest and recused himself from the interview panel and thus was not involved in the final selection of the candidates. The minister, however, denied commenting on the issue.\na) Examine the various ethical issue involved.\nb) Suggest measures to resolve the conflict of interest in order to ensure delivery of services to the last person in the line and enhancing public perception towards politicians & bureaucrats.","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":42,"question":"(a) Ethical issues involved","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Q.11 You are a police officer known for your expertise in conducting fair and unbiased enquiries. You really admire a Bollywood actor, Jonny who has a large follower base among the masses as most of his movies have a social message aimed at betterment of the society. All the roles he has played in movies or advertisements are aimed at making positive influence on his followers. Recently, his name has cropped up in one of your investigations related to Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. An accused under the investigation alleges that the said actor is a regular buyer of the substances prohibited under the Act. The conviction in the case may result in fine as well as jail term. As you are the investigating officer, you have a lot of discretion in the enquiry.\na) What are the areas of conflict of interests in this case, if any?\nb) What would be your opted course of action?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Q.12) One of the most important characteristics of an effective leader is treating people equally. This involves fairness and consistency, including regards to applying the rules to everyone equally. You are a coach of a football team. One day, you catch a few superstar players breaking some rules that should lead to their suspension from the team immediately before a big and important game. If the star players don't play, there is a good chance the team will lose. If the coach doesn't punish the players it will be violation of the established rules.\na) Discuss ethical dilemmas involved in such a situation.\nb) What will be your course of action? Justify.","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":3682,"topper":"Karishma Nair","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4bb74-514134_1245_karishma-nair_rank_14.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the attributes of leadership, analyse why it is important for a civil servant.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"A civil servant needs to be objective as well as empathetic. What do you understand by objectivity? Discuss its relationship with empathy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"With rapidly increasing use of information technology, what according to you is the role of ethics in cyber space?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Transparency in government organisations is an essential pre-condition for good governance. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but its lowest ones. Nelson Mandela","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"For achieving success, attitude is equally, if not more important than ability. Discuss with the help of examples from your daily life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"The core of high Emotional Intelligence is self-awareness. If you don't understand your own motivations and behaviours, it is nearly impossible to develop an understanding of others. Discuss with the help of appropriate examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by Integrity Pacts? Highlight the role they can play in bringing transparency in allotment of public contracts and ensuring proper utilization of public funds in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"In the context of rapid technological change, discuss the significance of inculcating moral and spiritual values in educational institutions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Explain the main elements of integral humanism as propounded by Deen Dayal Upadhyay and highlight its contemporary relevance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate in a Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected district. The district has witnessed many instances of violence by the naxalites in the past. It has been observed that instances of violence increase as the elections approach. You, as a Returning Officer, are responsible for the smooth conduct of elections. Soon after the announcement of elections, the naxalites gave a call for their boycott and have been threatening people to stay away from them. The people of the district are eager to exercise their voting rights but are scared of the impending acts of violence. Further, with threat to their lives and a low expected turnout, the other electoral officers are also reluctant to go to these areas. In this context, answer the following: (a) Identify the civil service values that are crucial for working in such adversities. (b) Suggest a plan of action to ensure the conduct of free and fair elections in such a situation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate in a district, where many large factories and commercial establishments are located. One such factory is owned by one of your close friends. You visit each other's home frequently and are often seen in public together. Recently, media reported about poor working conditions in your friend's factory. Upon enquiry with the labor office, you come to know that the factory has witnessed frequent labour unrests in the past as well. However, the labour officer told you that he was hesitating to take any action due to your proximity with the owner of the factory. With reference to the facts of the case, answer the following questions: (a) Identifying the stakeholders and public cause, discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) As the District Magistrate, what appropriate course of action will you take? Give reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are a resident of a remote tribal district, where there is high incidence of malnutrition. As a remedial measure, the District Magistrate has initiated a programme to promote millet cultivation, especially on the lands currently lying fallow in the district. However, this well-intentioned move of the officer receives flak from the local tribals as this may not only change their age-old food habits, but also alter their traditional agricultural practices. They further cite lower remunerative prices of millets as another reason for continuing with their existing crop production pattern. As a civil servant aspirant, who has a keen interest in development of tribal areas, answer the following questions: (a) What according to you are the key issues and challenges involved in the above situation? (b) Identify the key stakeholders and their respective interests. (c) Suggest a course of action that the District Magistrate can take keeping in mind the larger tribal interests.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3683,"topper":"Karishma Nair","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e7111-514134_1249_karishma-nair_rank_14.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by cultural sensitivity? Identify the ways in which individuals and organisations can benefit from cultural sensitivity in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"In the quest for scientific and technological development, ethical values should not be neglected. Discuss in the current context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"In a plural society like India, education should help the individual to celebrate the plurality and visualize the inherent unity of cultures and values. Analyze the statement in the present context with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Elucidate Swami Vivekananda's ideas on nationalism.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. Mahatma Gandhi","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Explaining the concept of moral attitude, discuss how social media is shaping moral attitudes of people.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Analyse the importance of both influence and persuasion for effective leadership.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Analyze the significance of adopting a code of ethics for creating a healthy work culture in an organization.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Ethos, ethics, equity and efficiency are key criteria on the basis of which the competency of civil servants should be judged. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"The mandatory nature of Corporate Social Responsibility goes against the notion of philanthropy. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You have recently been posted as a probationary officer in the District Magistrate's office in a tribal district. During one of the fieldtrips, while interacting with the tribals, you come to know about a private company, established a few years back, which has transformed their lives. The company, using the traditional knowledge of tribals, had launched a series of products and provided numerous livelihood opportunities to the tribals. Upon further enquiry, you come to know that while the lives of tribals had indeed improved, the distribution of profits however, has been quite disproportionate. The company has seen a huge growth in its operations and its owners have amassed huge wealth. It is also planning to file for IPR, which may further hinder the interests of the tribals. You feel that tribals have been left short changed and there has not been an equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the use of their resources. When you tried to approach the Gram Sabha and voice your concerns, the tribals requested you not to intervene as they do not have any alternatives. They also argue that governments in the past have failed to protect their interests. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the different stakeholders and their interests involved in this case. (b) Present a case to convince the District Magistrate for the need of government intervention in the situation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Various studies have found out that cases of depression and mental illness have increased exponentially in the recent past. Also, in the age group of 15-30 years, this problem is further pronounced. Furthermore, the rising trend of suicides in this age group has been attributed to depression. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Present an ethical critique of the prevalent societal attitude towards mental illness. (b) Given the magnitude of the problem among younger generation/young adults, analyse the role of the following: i. Parenting ii. Social Media iii. Video Games","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3684,"topper":"Karishma Nair","air":14,"year":2020,"paper":"Optional — Public Administration","optional":true,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1v6g6mlxC_rDL_2ou_Szw8BEOu8viMRQE","questions":[]},{"id":3685,"topper":"Karmveer Narwadia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/34a4e-704560_2365_karmveer_narwadia_rank_795.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"How has the absence of effective and equitable land reforms contributed to the persistence of poverty in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Comment on how the Unified Payment Interface (UPI) has unleashed financial inclusion in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss the role of Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) in supporting India's economic growth and infrastructure development. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"India needs to leverage its comparative advantage in food processing to transform the sector into a global powerhouse. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"How do plastics contribute to climate change? Why has India not been successful at controlling plastic pollution despite initiating several measures? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Explain the causes of frequent stampedes at public places in India. How can such incidents be prevented? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What are the latest advancements in the field of humanoid robots? Discuss the issues surrounding the impact of these robots on society. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"How has recombinant DNA technology revolutionized genetic engineering? Provide examples to illustrate its impact. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"New and evolving tactics employed by non-state actors in Jammu and Kashmir have created significant security challenges in the region. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Why has there been an uneven tilt towards water-intensive cropping pattern in India? Discuss the measures that can be implemented to ensure a sustainable water-use cropping pattern. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Mainstreaming climate change concerns within the development agenda requires integration of climate finance into the budgeting process. In this light, discuss the need for climate budgeting in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"What role do Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) play in the storage and marketing of agricultural produce in India? Comment on the significance of the recently launched 'World's Largest Grain Storage Plan in Cooperative Sector'. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The expansion of existing airports and the development of new airports in India can provide benefits beyond merely improving travel connectivity. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"India is on the cusp of a significant transformation in its energy sector and is set to substantially augment the country's energy capacity. What makes this transformation sustainable and inclusive? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in its recent report emphasizes that carbon dioxide removal (CDR) will be necessary to achieve net negative CO2 emissions. What is CDR? Describe the different methods to attain CDR and discuss the associated challenges. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What makes India vulnerable to flood-related hazards? Giving suitable examples, analyse the causes for flood-related disasters in various parts of India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"How do ISRO's Aditya-L1 mission and NASA's Parker Solar Probe differ in their study of the sun? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Bring out the detrimental impact of money laundering on the economy and national security of India. Discuss the challenges faced in countering this menace. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Defence exports are a strategic imperative for India to enhance its stature on the global stage. Discuss. What are the measures adopted by the government to bolster defence exports? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3686,"topper":"Karmveer Narwadia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/54d08-704560_2363_karmveer_narwadia_rank_795.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What were the various modes through which Indian culture spread abroad in the ancient period? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Colonial economic policies, driven by capitalist imperatives, created and even exacerbated the conditions for famines in India. Explain with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The civil liberties enjoyed in India today are a direct reflection of the political values and ideals of the Indian National Movement. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What are the factors that have kept the multi-decadal conflict between Israel and Palestine raging even in contemporary times? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Why is there a prominence of local winds in regions around the Mediterranean Sea? How do they influence regional climates and the lives of local populace? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Explain the positive environmental impact of cyclones on ecosystems and geographical areas. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Explain the concept of 'resource curse'. Do you think over dependence on a single resource can hinder a country's development? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Identify the causes of water crisis in India's mega cities such as Chennai, Bengaluru, etc. Suggest remedial measures to overcome this crisis. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Analyse the role of the state and market forces in understanding the changing family system and norms in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"With a decline in chronic poverty but a rise in vulnerability among the newly non-poor, how can India restructure its social protection systems to address both emerging and persistent challenges effectively? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Explain the contribution of Sangam literature in providing political and socio-economic insights into the Tamil region and beyond. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Discuss the significance of symbolic language in Buddhism with special emphasis on animal symbols. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"How did the First World War bring in social and economic disruptions for nearly all sections of the Indian society and lead to mass mobilisation for the independence struggle? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What are the challenges faced in milk production in India? How can India bring about White Revolution 2.0? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"How does climate change impact tropical rainforests worldwide? What measures can be taken to safeguard them from detrimental effects of climate change? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Mention the key factors responsible for the emergence of industrial clusters in India. What benefits do enterprises gain from operating within these clusters? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What are the reasons behind India's underperformance in the textile sector compared to its competitors? How can India become competitive in this labour-intensive Industry. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"With around 20% of India's population expected to be over 60 years old in 2050, do you think it is the right time for India to embrace the concept of 'silver dividend'? What measures should India take to reap the benefits of this dividend? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"How has technology enabled women to overcome patriarchal constraints and expand their engagement beyond traditional roles in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Do you think that regionalism in India has mainly been a result of existence of multiple distinct linguistic identities? Discuss with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3687,"topper":"Karmveer Narwadia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/53f93-704560_2367_karmveer_narwadia_rank_795.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The Mauryan art was not only inspired by foreign influences but was also a continuation of indigenous traditions. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What were the different types of migrations from colonial India to other British colonies? How did it impact the British rule in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The 1960s was a decade of both peril and transformation for India. Explain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Iranian Revolution of 1979 not only transformed the regional dynamics but also had global ramifications. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"How do the Western Ghats influence South-West monsoon in India's South-West coastal regions? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The theory of plate tectonics explains many geological processes that are linked to natural hazards. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Examine the potential of tidal energy in India and explain the obstacles faced in harnessing it. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the impact of globalization on socio-cultural practices in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What are the issues that plague India's urban poverty alleviation measures? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"How does the disproportionate burden of care work placed on women contribute to their impoverishment in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Explain the role of Sufism in shaping the syncretic culture of India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Despite the regional variations, there remain some unifying themes that bind the different folk music and dance forms in India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"How did the disillusionment and lessons from the Permanent Settlement lead to the development of alternative land revenue systems in British India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the key factors that contribute to the localization of dairy industry in the Northern and Western India. How does the dairy sector impact the region's economic development? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What factors have contributed to the emergence of East Asia as a major hub for semiconductor manufacturing? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Why is India heading towards groundwater depletion tipping point? What strategies can be adopted for groundwater restoration? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"How is climate change affecting the Himalayas in terms of physiological changes and biodiversity? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3688,"topper":"Karmveer Narwadia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/80b98-704560_2364_karmveer_narwadia_rank_795.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the criticisms faced by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in fulfilling its mandate of investigating offences of money laundering and violations of foreign exchange laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Why are the Departmentally Related Standing Committees (DRSCs), also known as 'Mini Parliament', not effective in carrying out their functions? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What are the similarities and differences with regard to the separation of powers in India, USA, and UK? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Though measures adopted by the Central government have impacted state finances, the state governments themselves are mainly responsible for the financial challenges they face. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The Supreme Court of India recently recognised that the right against the adverse impacts of climate change is intertwined with the right to life and equality. Discuss the role played by the judiciary in constitutionalization of environmental issues. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"SHG federations have emerged as an important institutional innovation to sustain SHGs in India. Discuss. What inadequacies hamper their functioning? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Frequent transfers are a pervasive problem among the higher civil service in India. Discuss the drawbacks associated with frequent transfers of civil servants and suggest reforms to overcome this issue. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Despite being a major food producer and implementing extensive nutrition programmes, why does India continue to struggle with the malnutrition crisis? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"India's close engagements with Iran would continue even if it may cause discomfort with the West.\" In the light of the above statement, explain why maintaining a relationship with Iran is significant for India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the role of the India-China Border Peace and Tranquility Agreement (BPTA) in effectively diffusing border tensions between India and China. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"To what extent, in your opinion, can holding simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies augment overall governance in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The Indian Constitution is a living document that has evolved with time to reflect the changing needs and aspirations of the society. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"How do the deficiencies in the Indian criminal justice system impact the human rights of undertrial prisoners? What reforms are necessary to address these deficiencies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Why has the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) not been able to effectively carry out its role as the watchdog of human rights in India? What are the reasons that have prevented it from getting accreditation from the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI)? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the background and key provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. List the implementation challenges that the Act faces. What measures can improve its effectiveness? Refer to Supreme Court judgments in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"With issues of prejudice and partisanship associated with Speakers of State Legislative Assemblies, should the powers under the anti-defection law be taken away from their hands? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Recently, the UGC released regulations for establishment and operation of campuses by foreign universities in India. Discuss the reasons for allowing the entry of Foreign Higher Educational Institutions (FHEIs) in India. What are the major obstacles in ensuring their smooth entry? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"To what extent has the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) achieved its core objectives? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"\"Changing geopolitical realities make the strategic location of the Bay of Bengal crucial to the wider concept of the Indo-Pacific.\" In the light of the above statement, discuss the role of the BIMSTEC in enhancing regional cooperation and promoting stability. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Discuss how India's expanding defence diplomacy strengthens its influence in the neighbourhood. (Answer in 250 words) T5","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3689,"topper":"Karmveer Narwadia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5ca26-704560_2078_karmveer_narwadia_rank_954.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Leaders with fortitude are known by everyone and they are the people to turn to when crisis arises. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"In the wake of changing social landscape in the country, value education is as important as technical education for the youth to become not only skilled but also morally strong professionals. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"While impartiality has been identified as one of the key ethical values for public service, it should not be seen as precluding compassion in public services. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The power, which administrators wield, can bring the nation great dividends if rightly used, but can bring harm and disrepute if abused. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Analyse the ethical implications of commercial space exploration, especially with the entry of private sector in recent times. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"While Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to radically transform and disrupt our world, the right ethical choices can make AI a force of good for humanity. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'social accountability'? Explain its significance and discuss critical factors responsible for the success of any social accountability initiative. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Corruption is a challenge to democracy and citizens' estimations of corruption are one of the main criteria for its wideness and harmfulness. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Work from home culture has led to many ethical concerns in private organizations. In light of this, do you think it is ethical for an employee to practice moonlighting? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Do you agree with the view that environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations for a corporation create immense value for the business? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"While there are multiple institutions to ensure fairness in international relations, states often put aside moral values and the directions of these institutions for their own interests. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":34,"question":"Rupa, a young civil servant, rejoined work soon after giving birth to her child and without availing her full maternity leave. However, she began to bring her child in the office and started attended meetings with her child in arms. Some of her photographs were also uploaded on social media. While some are hailing her as a young independent working mother, she is also being criticized by others on account of trivialising her official work and of trying to paint a heroic picture by fulfilling both her personal and professional duties. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) Do you think the act of the officer was justified? Should there be an overlap between personal and professional duties of a civil servant? (b) Does the work culture in India hinder working mothers from fulfilling their dual role? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"You have recently joined as a Regional Sales Manager of a pharmaceutical company and have been given a sales target for the year, which is unusually high as per your assessment. On surveying the market, however, you have observed that the competitors are achieving such targets. On a deeper analysis, you come across unethical practices of giving gifts, payments and hospitality benefits to doctors by their medical representatives. This is prohibited by the Uniform Code of Pharmaceuticals Marketing Practices. You contacted the National Sales Manager in this regard but he hinted at achieving the released targets at whatever cost. You directed the Area Sales Managers to meet their respective targets while not engaging in the practice of unethical incentives to the doctors. They have communicated their concerns regarding their inability to meet the targets without provision of these perks and benefits. (a) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by you in this context? (b) Discuss the merits and demerits of the options available to you? Which of these will you choose and why? (c) What are the ethical alternatives available to the pharmaceutical sector to market their products? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3690,"topper":"Karmveer Narwadia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a19b7-704560_2366_karmveer_narwadia_rank_795.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"How can the family effectively transmit core moral principles in an era dominated by digital influences? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Though conscience generally serves as a crucial guide in ethical decision-making, it is sometimes fraught with limitations. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What ethical principles should govern the utilization of public funds? Discuss the moral implications of using taxpayer money to bail out large corporations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Probity means more than just the avoidance of corrupt or dishonest conduct. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"\"To educate a man in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society.\" - Theodore Roosevelt (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"In general, the higher a position in an organization, the more emotional intelligence matters. Do you agree with this view? Give reasons in support of your answer. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In addition to neutrality and non-partisanship, tolerance and inclusion are other important values that facilitate the civil servants to be more competent in a diverse country like India. Explain with suitable illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What are the key principles of public service delivery? Discuss the challenges associated with providing effective public service delivery in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"When it comes to attitudinal change towards sustainable development, behavioural nudges are the way forward. Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"What lessons can be learnt from the life of Mother Teresa? Discuss their relevance in the contemporary world. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"In the following questions, carefully study the cases presented and then answer the questions that follow (in around 250 words): 7. You are the Superintendent of Police in a city hosting a major religious festival at a temple. The event is expected to attract over a million pilgrims, far exceeding the temple's infrastructure capacity. Despite extensive planning and precautionary measures, a sudden crowd surge near the main shrine entrance has resulted in a stampede, causing multiple casualties and numerous injuries. The situation has escalated, with panic spreading among the devotees present at the temple. Adding to the complexity, instances of fake news are rapidly circulating through WhatsApp groups and social media platforms, falsely attributing the stampede to communal clashes. This misinformation is causing widespread panic among the general public and threatens to ignite communal riots in the district. As the Superintendent of Police, you find yourself at the center of this crisis, faced with the dual challenge of managing the immediate aftermath of the stampede and countering the spread of potentially dangerous misinformation. (a) Identify the key stakeholders involved in this case. (b) Explain the measures you, as the Superintendent of Police, will take to address the stampede situation and curb the spread of fake news through social media. (c) Discuss the ethical considerations you must keep in mind while implementing these measures, particularly in balancing public safety with individual rights and religious sentiments. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Identify the key stakeholders involved in this case. (b) Explain the measures you, as the Superintendent of Police, will take to address the stampede situation and curb the spread of fake news through social media. (c) Discuss the ethical considerations you must keep in mind while implementing these measures, particularly in balancing public safety with individual rights and religious sentiments. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"What are the ethical issues involved in Ravi's decision to endorse the bottled water product? (b) Discuss the broader implications of celebrity endorsements and their influence on public health and consumer behaviour. (c) How can public figures like Ravi use their influence to promote ethical business practices in the advertising industry? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the broader implications of celebrity endorsements and their influence on public health and consumer behaviour. (c) How can public figures like Ravi use their influence to promote ethical business practices in the advertising industry? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"As the District Magistrate, you are faced with the challenge of addressing both the immediate crisis and the systemic issues that have led to this situation. (a) Identify the key stakeholders involved in this case and their respective interests. (b) Discuss the immediate measures you will take to provide relief to the affected farming community. (c) Discuss the ethical dilemmas you might face while implementing your chosen course of action and how you would navigate them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Mr. V, recently appointed as the head of Aztack's India division, faces a significant ethical dilemma regarding the company's baby food products. Recently, it has come to public attention that Aztack's baby products in India contain nearly 3 grams of sugar per serving, while similar products in wealthier nations like Germany and the UK have no added sugar. Aztack defends this practice, stating that the sugar levels comply with local regulations. However, the nutritional information on these products omits details about added sugars. This revelation has sparked backlash from civil society, NGOs, and health experts, who argue that added sugar in baby products is dangerous and unnecessary. The criticism is growing, putting Aztack's reputation and market position at risk. Mr. V faces a serious challenge. Removing these baby products from the market could result in significant financial losses for the company, potentially leading to employee layoffs and even the possibility of the company shutting down, given its already precarious financial state. The senior management is pressuring him to resolve the issue without making drastic changes that could affect the company's profit. (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) Evaluate the options available to Mr. V in the above situation. (c) Which of the above would be the most appropriate option for Mr. V and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Sagar Mehta, a 42-year-old professional with an impeccable track record in the corporate world, had recently accepted the position of CEO at Infratech Solutions, one of India's largest infrastructure companies. Known for its expertise in designing and constructing roads and bridges, Infratech had built a strong reputation over the past three decades, primarily working on projects for state public works departments and occasionally securing contracts with national agencies. For Sagar, this role was the culmination of 15 years of hard work and dedication. He had climbed the corporate ladder through sheer talent and integrity, always adhering to ethical business practices. His appointment as CEO of Infratech was seen as a breath of fresh air in an industry often marred by controversies. Eight months into his new role, Sagar was feeling confident about the direction in which he was steering the company. He had implemented new technologies, streamlined processes, and was pushing for more sustainable practices in their projects. One evening, while reviewing some financial documents, Sagar noticed a pattern of large outflows to various obscure entities just before major contract announcements. Intrigued and slightly concerned, he decided to dig deeper. He found out that Infratech had been making substantial political donations to the election campaigns of ruling party members in states where they were bidding for contracts. These donations were carefully timed and strategically distributed to maximize the company's chances of securing lucrative government projects. Sagar had always prided himself on running clean operations. Determined to address this issue, Sagar raised the matter at the next Board meeting. To his shock and dismay, the Board of Directors not only acknowledged the practice but also strongly defended it. The message was clear - the Board expected Sagar to continue this practice, and any deviation could jeopardize not just the company's stability but also his position as CEO. As Sagar left the meeting, he felt the weight of this ethical dilemma bearing down on him. On the one hand, he was responsible for the company's success and the livelihoods of thousands of employees who depended on Infratech. On the other hand, he was now complicit in a practice that he found ethically questionable and potentially illegal. (a) State the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) Evaluate the options available to Sagar. (c) What should be his course of action? Give reasons to support your answer. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"As you stand there, torn between your professional duty and your love for your daughter, you realize the weight of the decision before you. The integrity of the entire examination system hangs in the balance, as does the future of millions of students - including your own child. (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) As a person responsible for ensuring exam protocols, what are the options available to you? What course of action will you follow and why?(Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3691,"topper":"KARN SATYARTHI","air":9,"year":2015,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/visionias_5205_608_Karn.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3692,"topper":"KARN SATYARTHI","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/visionias_5205_696_Karn.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Business groups in colonial India were guided by a pragmatic approach to issues and this explained why they maintained a policy of equidistance from both the government and the Congress. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"The difference between moderates and extremists was one of degree rather than of kind. In light of the above statement discuss the goals and methods of moderates and extremists during the Independence movement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"Though the Khilafat movement petered out but the religious emotions which it had articulated continued to persist long after its demise. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"\"The introduction of printing press in India was an event of revolutionary significance in the life of Indian people.\" In this context discuss the contribution of press in the Indian national movement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"The Treaty of Bassein proved to be a watershed event in the history of British supremacy in India. Explain.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"\"A new style of architecture, entirely different in character from Muslim architecture in other countries, gradually evolved, incorporating the best of both Hindu and Muslim styles\". Discuss the above statement in the context of Indo-Islamic style of architecture.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"\"The Mughal paintings represent an assimilation of Indian, Persian and European elements\". Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"\"Pali and Prakrit literature played an important role in ancient India\". Explain.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"The Punjab crisis of 1980s was an unanticipated consequence of the Green Revolution. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"'Dalit Movements for empowerment of dalits in independent India have essentially been for carving out political space through electoral politics.' Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"\"India to them should signify not only a protecting force but a liberating one.\" In light of the given statement, trace the roots of Nehru's tribal policy and also outline the basic features of his policy in brief.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Continental system of Napoleon was his single biggest blunder, which eventually led to his downfall. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"'Comparisons of the Fascist regime of Italy with the Nationalist Socialist regime of Germany is almost inevitable. The similarities are obvious, but there are differences which are worth mentioning.' Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Many post-communist states took the recourse to 'Shock Therapy' after the collapse of USSR. What do you understand by Shock Therapy? Critically evaluate its impact on these states.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"British decolonisation process has been markedly different from the French decolonisation process. Do you agree? Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Urbanisation and migration have increased the vulnerability of elderly in India. Comment. Also, discuss the measures, which should be taken to address their vulnerabilities.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"\"Globalization will end up making all cultures of the world homogeneous\". Critically examine the statement taking examples from socio-cultural and economic life of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Discuss the problems faced by workers in the informal sector in India. What steps have been taken by the government to improve the condition of workers in the informal sector?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"In what ways do gender stereotypes influence the social position of women in Indian society?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"Social determinants of malnutrition in India necessitate a multi-pronged approach to tackle the problem. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3693,"topper":"KARN SATYARTHI","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/visionias_5205_632_Karn.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"It has been argued that if the tendency to bypass the Council of States for passing important legislation through the 'nomenclature' of money Bill is not checked legally, it can affect the very basic structure of our Constitution and functioning of the Parliament. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Parliament should be an institution of discussion, debate, deliberation and dissent not of disruption. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"While much has been said about the significance of Indian ocean region, the salience of Pacific has only recently figured prominently in the Indian scheme of things. in what ways are the Pacific island nations important from India's perspective? What challenges does India face in furthering its influence in the region?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Inspite of the importance of private sector's role in Indian higher education its performance has not been satisfactory. Discuss. What are the challenges that lie ahead in setting up high quality private institutions in the country?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"United Nations Security Council reforms should not only include its expansion but also the way it functions. Analyze.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Passing of private member's bill has been a rarity in India's political history. Compare and contrast government bill and private member's bill. Further discuss the issues w.r.t passage of private member's bill in the Parliament along with suggesting measures to address the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Law Commission in its 262nd report has the recommended the abolition of Death Penalty. What arguments have been put forward by the commission in order to justify its stand. Does this issue necessitate a fresh look in context of the changed socio-economic conditions in the country? Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Transparency and accountability are important not only in state run enterprises but also non-governmental organizations. Discuss. Further, suggest measures on how NGOs can be made more transparent and accountable in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"Many of the recent exclusivist outbursts in the northeastern States, including in Manipur, can be attributed to a fear of losing ancestral land to \"outsiders\". In this context, what has been the role of Inner Line Permit system? Also, discuss its limitations and relevance in view of the situation prevailing in the current scenario.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"The move by Assam and Odisha to create legislative councils has created a public debate on the role of upper house in states. In this context, examine the utility of legislative councils.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"The Indian Police Act of 1861, a colonial relic, needs to be replaced with a law that befits a free country. In context of the above statement discuss the need for reforms to establish a professional police force in the country.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"A view which has gained currency is that the no-detention policy under the RTE Act has led to deteriorating standards in learning outcomes. Critically examine this view and suggest measures to improve education standards in the country.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"PRAGATI is a unique blend of e-governance and e-transparecy, which seeks to promote a culture of proactive governance and timely implementation involving realtime presence and exchange among key stakeholders. Illustrate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"Discus how Directive Principle of State Policy have shaped the policy making process in India. Do you think it has been successful in achieving its objective. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"India's participation in bilateral and multilateral naval and military exercises represent India's desire to safeguard its sphere of influence and is also a response to changing geo-strategic scenario. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Despite complementarity of interests and needs, India and Central Asia have remained distant for a long time. Explain why. In what ways can the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) help in expanding India's trade and investment links with Central Asia?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"The fourteenth finance commission is advancement over the previous finance commission in terms of improving the federal relations of the country. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"\"The Right to Privacy is not a guaranteed constitutional right.\" Critically discuss this statement in the light of recent controversy around the Aadhar Scheme.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"India's inability to join APEC is not because of lack of interest on her part but due to a variety of other reasons. Explain. What are the expected benefits of such a membership for India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"That the recognition of transgender rights could open up a Pandora's Box on the issue of decriminalization of homosexuality amounts to taking a narrow view on an important question of social justice. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3694,"topper":"KARN SATYARTHI","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/visionias_5205_631_Karn.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Indian Martial Arts, while enjoying the sanctity of ancient texts, are also closely correlated with culture and geography. Illustrate. (Answer in 150 words) 10X25=250","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"In addition to religious unrest, political and economic factors were also responsible for the rise of Buddhism and Jainism in the 6th century B.C. Explain. (Answer in 150 words) 10X25=250","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Trace the evolution of Hindustani and Carnatic styles of music in India. Discuss their salient features. Explain why different forms do not exist in Carnatic style of music unlike Hindustani music.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"\"The culture of democracy and respect for civil liberties in India is not 'the lasting contribution of colonialism', but a result of the national freedom movement.\" Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"The developments in the second half of 18th century proved conducive for the rise of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and establishment of a powerful kingdom in Punjab. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Many Indian revolutionaries abroad viewed the outbreak of First World War as an opportunity to overthrow the British rule from India. In this context, examine the role of Ghadar party movement and its impact on the Indian national movement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"The Indian National Movement was not only inspired by developments around the world but also actively forged linkages with others on the issues of imperialism and colonialism. Explain.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"The State Reorganization Commission turned language from a dividing force to a cementing and integrating one. Critically evaluate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"\"The National Emergency of 1975 was like a vaccination against the dictatorship. It was painful and caused fever, but strengthened the resistance of our democracy.\" Analyze the statement in light of the outcomes of the emergency era.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"The issues that gave rise to the Assam movement in 1979 were a combination of cultural pride and economic backwardness. Explain. Do you think that the Assam Accord of 1985 has been able to address these issues?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"The genesis of the revolution in Iran had a number of common aspects with those that had overturned regimes in Europe in the past - France in 1789 and Russia in 1917, yet its execution was distinctly different. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"The Monroe doctrine provided the basis for American expansion and the emergence of USA as an imperialist power. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"\"If Balkans were the powder keg of Europe in the early 20th century, then it was the great powers of Europe who supplied the powder.\" In light of the above statement, explain how the 'Eastern question' fuelled the First World War.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"Bring out the salient features of the 'Great Leap Forward' of China in 1960s. Also discuss its successes and failures.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"While some contend that prostitution is a victimless crime, others argue that it is inherently immoral, commercially exploitative and promotes the repression of women. In this context, discuss whether prostitution should be legalized in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"Marriage and family institutions in India are marked by continuity as well as change. Discuss in the context of legislations and socio-economic changes that have been taking place over the past few decades in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"\"Migration is influenced both by the pattern of development and the social structure.\" Discuss this statement in the context of existing pattern of migration in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"The uneven spatial distribution of population in India suggests its close relationship with physical, social and historical factors. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"Analyze the latitudinal distribution of salinity. Why is salinity in subtropics greater than in equatorial regions?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"India has enormous potential in terms of harnessing renewable energy sources. Elucidate the geo-climatic factors suitable for harnessing this potential. Further, elaborate on the steps taken by the government in making India a hub of renewable power.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"What are changes in an economy that affect the land use pattern? Discuss in context of developing countries like India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"What are the reasons for the poor development of livestock in tropical/equatorial regions as compared to the temperate regions? Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"What do you mean by \"Shadow Zones\" in seismology? How do the shadow zones of P-Waves differ from those of S-Waves. Also discuss the difference in their mode of propagation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"What do you mean by Western Disturbances? Elaborate on the socio-cultural and economic impacts of Western Disturbances in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Warm and cold fronts are manifestations of the interaction of different air masses. Explain the process of front formation along with the weather conditions associated with them.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3695,"topper":"KARN SATYARTHI","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/visionias_5205_633_Karn.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"How are SDGs an improvement over MDGs? What are the challenges that are foreseen in the implementation of SDGs? What are the lessons that India can learn from the progress made on MDGs that could inform and enhance its performance on SDGs?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Discuss the possible reasons behind China's recent decision to devalue the yuan. Also, examine the impact that yuan's devaluation may have on India and rest of the world.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"An unmanaged border accentuates threats from unconventional sources by providing easy points of ingress and egress. Discuss in the context of India's international border along the north eastern states.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"While India's disaster response in recent times has improved significantly in saving lives, it needs to improve its capacity in saving livelihoods as well. In context of the above statement, examine India's Disaster Risk Reduction System.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Given the threat of climate change, there is an urgent need to move towards Climate Smart Agriculture. Elaborate. Also, discuss the strategies to make high cost technologies accessible to the Indian farmers.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"Instead of running piecemeal schemes that do not address the specific challenge of poverty-ridden households it is better to use concrete tools such as SECC. In light of the above statement, explain how SECC data can be utilized to address multi-dimensional aspects of poverty.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"While a strong and vibrant democracy is our shield against radicalizing forces such as the ISIS, we should not neglect the threat of radicalisation through cyber space where modern day wars are fought. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"According to UNEP report, up to 90% of the world's electronic waste is traded or dumped illegally in Asia and Africa, with India being one of the main destinations. Mention the hazards of this illegal dumping and discuss how India can tackle this challenge.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"What constitutes the MSME sector in India? Examine the reasons for its slow growth and enumerate the initiatives taken by the Government to revive MSMEs.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"RBI has recently classified some banks as 'Domestic Systemically Important Banks' (D-SIBs). What is the rationale behind this move? Examine the possible implications of this step.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"INDCs signal the end of CBDR as well as the underlying principle of historic responsibility and respective capabilities. Critically analyse. How far do technology and finance hold the key to viable progress on restricting global warming within reasonable limits?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"Even though Flyash is a valuable resource material, but if not managed well, it may pose environmental challenges. Comment. Also list a few steps that have been taken by the government to promote the use of flyash.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Rising income inequality is a widespread concern for advanced as well as emerging economies. Illustrate how inequality impedes economic growth. Also, examine the steps taken by India to tackle income inequality.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"What are biosimilars? How are they different from traditional generic drugs? Enumerate the regulatory requirements present for biosimilars in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Discuss the sectoral composition of workforce across India and the problems associated with it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"India needs a national common market for agricultural commodities by making the Agricultural Produce Market Committees just one among the many options available for the farmers to sell their produce. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"Banking is hobbled by policy, which creates double financial repression, and by structural factors, which impede competition. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"India's SAGAR approach to the Indian Ocean Region presents an opportunity for it to play the role of security provider as well as facilitator of Blue Economy. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"The multiplicity of labour laws and difficulty in coping with them are an impediment to industrial development in India. Critically examine. What are the labour reform measures initiated by the government for ensuring compliance and promoting ease of doing business.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Climate Change has the potential to create migrant crisis across the world and force people to become Climate Exile. How serious is this problem for a country like India? Examine the adequacy of existing global frameworks and institutions to deal with such crisis. In context of the upcoming Paris Conference, discuss the measures that should be taken by the international community in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3696,"topper":"KARN SATYARTHI","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/visionias_5205_621_Karn.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"\"If instead of insisting on rights everyone does his duty, there will immediately be the rule of order established among mankind.\" - Mahatma Gandhi. Bring out what this statement means to you in the present context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Should circumstances be the sole criterion for judging the morality of human action or the nature of the action and its purpose must also be considered? Justify your stand with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"A person cannot do right in civil service whilst attempting to do wrong in personal life. In context of this statement, examine the relationship between personal and professional ethics. Do civil servants have to be ethical in personal life in order to be professionally ethical? Illustrate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What is the importance of whistle-blowing in public and private institutions? What role does individual conscience play in the act of whistle-blowing? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"'Objectivity' and 'neutrality' are among the core civil service values. Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The legal framework in modern society has both anomalous and complementary relationship with its ethical framework. Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"There seems to be a fundamental contradiction between effectiveness and accountability. Comment. Why is accountability a necessary evil for good governance? Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"\"One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors\". Explain. Suggest some measures that can be taken to increase political participation in our country. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The erosion of civic values from our public life has become a pervasive phenomenon. Discuss the role of value education in tackling this issue in the Indian context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"It is often said that home is the first school and parents are the first teachers. Explain the role of family in inculcating moral values. Analyze how the changing nature of family has affected this role in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"A world without nuclear weapons would be less stable and more dangerous for all of us.\" Critically examine the ethical dimensions of the given statement from the perspective of international relations. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"The increasing speed and scope of globalization has raised several ethical concerns. Analyze with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"What do you understand by aptitude? What kind of aptitude is considered important for civil services? What measures have you taken to make yourself fit for being a civil servant? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"You are a young civil servant posted in a tribal dominated district, which is notorious for illegal mining done by mafia. They exercise their power over poor tribals of the region by bribing the local tribal musclemen who have political aspirations. The consequent easy money and luxury have ensured that these musclemen work in the interest of these mafia. They use these 'tribal' musclemen as a 'front' to plant 'constructed' news in the media to create confusion or to gain sympathy of the civil society activists and the public at large. It is a strategy to thwart any concrete action of the government for eliminating the menace of illegal activities in that area. You quickly understood these designs after assuming the office. You came to know that some employees in your own office are in nexus with the mafia. When you initiated stringent action against the mafia they turned hostile. They prompted few tribal musclemen to file a fake FIR against you under the stringent provisions of the 'Prevention of Atrocities Against SC Highlight and discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case. (b) What steps will you take to resolve this case in the most appropriate manner? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"In the face of acute famine in the district, you, as an area officer, have instructed your subordinates to procure food grains from the FCI godowns located in the adjoining districts. This would make the food grains available to the public through PDS shops. Considering the gravity of the situation, this task has to be done immediately, because majority of the people in the district are poor, and therefore can't buy the food at the market prices. However, you were told that all the truck operators have formed a cartel and are asking for three times the usual transportation rate, in order to exploit the situation. This would nullify your effort, as the prices of the food grains would increase due to high transportation charges. (a) Following are some suggested options. Please evaluate the merits and demerits of each of the options:","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"Transport the food grains by Railways, though it may take a week.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"Agree to pay the truck owners the transportation charges they are 11. 'Honour killing' has been in news in recent times. It involves the homicide of a member of a family by other members, due to the perpetrators' belief that the victim has brought shame or dishonour upon the family. Analyse this problem in detail and indicate not only the social but also the emotional and attitudinal factors responsible for this problem? Also, distinctly bring out why: (a) The youth in such areas do not speak up against these practices. (b) The conviction rate in 'honour killing' cases is extremely low. (c) Women, who have to face the brunt of this crime the most, do not speak against it collectively. Discuss some feasible steps, which could be effective in controlling this serious problem. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"'Honour killing' has been in news in recent times. It involves the homicide of a member of a family by other members, due to the perpetrators' belief that the victim has brought shame or dishonour upon the family. Analyse this problem in detail and indicate not only the social but also the emotional and attitudinal factors responsible for this problem? Also, distinctly bring out why: (a) The youth in such areas do not speak up against these practices. (b) The conviction rate in 'honour killing' cases is extremely low. (c) Women, who have to face the brunt of this crime the most, do not speak against it collectively. Discuss some feasible steps, which could be effective in controlling this serious problem. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate in a communal violence prone area, where incidents of communal clashes are often visible. Recently, trailer of a movie was released by a Film Director whose is known to make movies on religious issues. After the release of the trailer, there was anger among a minority community, who claim that their religious sentiments had been hurt in the movie and thus demanded a ban on the movie. However, the government did not pay heed to any such demands and the movie is slated to be released the next week across the entire country. You had also watched the trailer and felt that it was derogatory to that minority community. Also, being in-charge of the communally sensitive district, you are concerned about the law and order scenario on the day the movie releases. Some of the options to deal with the issue are mentioned below. Evaluate these options and suggest the best course of action, giving your reasons for it. (a) Do not allow the release of movie in your district as you feel that it hurts the religious sentiments.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3697,"topper":"Karnati Varun Reddy","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/61c49-11704_824_karnati_varun_reddy_rank_7.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Rights-based approach to social policy, which has rippled through India over the past decade and a half, reorients governance from ideas of patronage towards duty of the state and justified claims of citizens. Discuss with examples. Also, explain how the rights-based approach helps in improving public service delivery.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Despite high enrolment in Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY), out-of-pocket expenditure on health has steadily increased over the years. In this context, highlight the achievements and shortcomings of RSBY. Also, discuss the challenges faced in its implementation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Unhealthy competition between Self Help Groups (SHGs) and Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) reduces the effectiveness of both. Discuss. How can creating a synergy between the two help in addressing development challenges at the sub-district level?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"With an expected increase in old age population in the near future, there is a need to increase the ambit and reach of social safety net for their welfare. Discuss the challenges which policymakers face in design, development and execution of welfare measures for the elderly. How far do the recent measures taken by the government address these?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Civil Society Organizations and Corporates share a symbiotic relationship, which can be leveraged to meet the developmental needs of India. Analyze. Also enumerate the CSR provisions under Companies Act, 2013.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"According to a recent WHO report, India sees the largest number of suicides globally. In this context, enumerate the objectives and approach of India's new National Mental Health Policy. Also, explain what is Mental Health Action Plan 365.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Urban sanitation has not received adequate attention at the national level in the past and few initiatives have been taken to tackle deficiencies in urban sanitation. In light of this, examine whether the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan can help in solving the urban sanitation problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"There is a need to move away from debates of 'public' versus 'private' provision of education towards models of education provision with public funding and private management. Discuss. Can such a move impact the quality and learning outcomes in elementary education?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) bill recently passed by the Parliament is a regressive step towards protecting child rights in India. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"\"In a nation of one billion cell phones, M-governance or mobile governance has the potential to make development a truly inclusive and comprehensive mass movement\". Illustrate how M-government can bring in more transparency and accountability in government functioning. Also, discuss the challenges in implementing M-government.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"The Rights of the Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2014 fails to adopt United Nation Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability (UNCRPD) in its true spirit. Examine. Also, highlight the recent suggestions made by the Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"An empowered Gram Sabha is the bedrock of successful local governance. In this context, analyse the role of Gram Sabha as a pillar of development. What steps can be taken to strengthen their functioning?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"The recent amendments to Child Labour Act seek to strike a balance between the need for education of a child and the reality of the socio-economic conditions. Critically evaluate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Give an account of the features of 'Housing for All by 2022' mission. Also, discuss the challenges that lie ahead in its implementation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Enumerate the directives laid down by the Supreme Court for police reforms in the Prakash Singh case. Discuss the challenges faced in implementing these reforms.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"What is E-Kranti? How is it an improvement over National e-Governance Plan? Discuss the challenges foreseen in the implementation of E-kranti.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Some provisions of Official Secrets Act, 1923 go against the spirit of Right to Information. Explain. In this context, examine whether this necessitates repealing of the Official Secrets Act.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Despite increasing awareness of beneficiaries, social audits have not played a significant role in reducing malpractices and detecting irregularities. Discuss. How can social audits be made more effective?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Nutrition status is linked to non-nutrition factors. In light of this statement, examine why despite a fast growing economy and the largest anti-malnutrition programme, India has the world's worst level of child malnutrition. What steps has the Government taken to to tackle the malnutrition problem in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) based on the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India are described as 'State in miniature'. Elaborate. Also, critically evaluate the functioning of ADCs over the years.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3698,"topper":"Karnati Varun Reddy","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9d256-11704_748_karnati_varun_reddy_rank_7.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The crux of ethical behavior lies not only in standards, but in their adoption in action and issuing sanctions against their violation. Illustrate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Ethical qualities of a civil servant come handy in times of a crisis. Elucidate using the example of a natural disaster.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"The bailout package offered to large financial corporations in response to global financial crisis raised important ethical questions. Discuss the ethical issues involved in giving bailout packages to financial corporations using taxpayers' money.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"There is an entrenched perception in our country that the police is biased against the minority community. Why does such a perception exist? Suggest steps to bridge the police community gap.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"India's abysmal record in sex ratio and gender violence reflects the general attitude of the society towards women. Discuss. In this context, how could an attitudinal change be brought about?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"In the parlance of governance, probity is often used in conjunction with integrity. How do you differentiate between the two? What is their importance in public life? What measures can help promote these values in governance?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"How does the use of social media influence political participation and civic engagement? Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"What are the objectives behind the creation of Citizens' Charter? How does a Citizens' Charter ensure transparency and accountability in governance? What are the impediments in its effective implementation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"RTI is termed as a master key to good governance. Highlight the role of RTI in making the administration and governance of our country more ethical and responsive.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Differentiate between persuasion and social influence. How can persuasion be made effective to bring about an attitudinal change? Give two examples where you brought about a positive attitudinal change through persuasion.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"In spite of the existence of a Code of Conduct for public servants, its implementation has been tardy and of limited success. Discuss. Further, suggest steps which could be taken to improve the efficacy of the Code of Conduct. What role can Code of Ethics play in reinforcing the Code of Conduct in public life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Given below is a quotation. Bring out what it means to you in present context. \"The intellect has sharp eye for methods and tools, but is blind to ends and values.\" - Einstein.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Your 16 year old cousin, Leena, loves to play basketball but her peers mock her short height, so much so that Leena has developed a negative attitude towards all sports. As a responsible elder cousin, how will you convince Leena to take up sports once again?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"You are the dean of an engineering college. You have received a complaint regarding prejudice against students from lower castes by some senior professors. These professors have contributed a lot academically to the university. However, this particular instance has disturbed peace and harmony in the campus. (a) Discuss the immediate steps you would take to contain growing discontent among some students. (b) Discuss the action to be taken if the professors are found to be guilty and also evaluate the steps if it comes out to be a false case against the professors. (c) What should be the responsibilities of professors and students to create positive social ambience in the campus?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"You are a manager in a sales firm. Mr. A and Mr. B are two juniors working under you. Mr. A is a hardworking person who completes his work before time and hardly takes a leave. His work is meticulous and you have never received any complaint about his work. However, in your personal meetings with Mr. A, you realized that he kept to himself and spoke only when required. You received similar feedbacks from his colleagues as well. Mr. B is not as hard working and completes his work at the very last moment. You also come to know that using his rapport with his colleagues he gets his work done by them. In your meetings with him, he comes across as a confident person but lacking in sincerity. Both are expecting promotion this year, but you can promote only one of them as you have only one vacant position. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) Discuss the merits and demerits of choosing one amongst the two for promotion. (b) Based on your evaluation, whom will you choose for the job? (c) What steps will you take to keep all the employees motivated who did not get promotion on expected lines?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":67,"question":"You are an undergraduate student in a leading Law University. You go with your college friend Surender to his village to attend his sister's marriage. Surender's parents are farmers and are financially very poor. They have somehow managed to send him to the university by selling their land. After interaction with the family relatives attending the marriage, you find out that the bride is not of marriagable age, which makes it a case of child marraige. The family wants early marriage of the daughter to avoid huge demands of dowry in the future. You are well aware that child marriage is illegal in India. So, you discuss the issue with your friend who says that he is helpless and can't do anything. Your friend feels that his family is already doing too much for him and he cannot argue and change his parents' decision. In this situation, what are the possible actions you can take? Evaluate the merits and demerits of each of them.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3699,"topper":"Karnati Varun Reddy","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7e7c0-11704_747_karnati_varun_reddy_rank_7.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"A broad ethical framework as a guiding light for international relations will not only ensure harmonious relations between nations but will also lead to progress of the human race. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"What does inequality mean to you? What are the different kinds of inequality? Is inequality morally wrong?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"One has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws. In light of this statement, examine the relevance of civil disobedience in a modern democratic society. Discuss the duties and responsibilities of a law enforcing officer in such situations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Ensuring accountability in the administration just adds another layer in the bureaucratic process. Examine. Differentiate between accountability and responsibility. Suggest some measures through which administrative accountability can be made more effective in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"\"Morality is based neither on the principle of utility, nor on a law of nature, but on human reason. But human reason can be fallible.\" Comment., What does morality mean to you?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"For effective public service delivery, the need today is to move from traditional accountability mechanisms to social accountability through greater civic engagement. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"What do you mean by social justice? Explain with examples, why it is imperative for a society to promote social justice.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Investigative reporting by media can be a significant source of information on corruption. What are ethical issues involved in investigative journalism? What safeguards can be introduced to prevent its misuse?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"While transplantation of organs represents one of the most spectacular achievements of modern medical science, it has raised many ethical issues as well. Discuss. Also, examine the issues related to organ transplantation in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"There can be honesty without integrity, but no integrity without honesty. Do you agree? Justify your stand with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"\"It is not always the same thing to be a good person and a good citizen.\" Explain the meaning of this statement and analyse its implications for a democratic society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Value of compassion towards the weak extends the limits of operations of a public servant by introducing flexibility but dilutes the principle of objectivity. Discuss. If a conflict arises between the value of compassion and principle of objectivity, how will you deal with it as a public servant?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Which administrator had a lasting impact on your decision to join the civil services and why? Should administrators have increased media presence so that the common man can know more about their efforts and achievements? Justify your stand.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"You are a Secretary in a government department. Your Minister has proposed an unemployment grant, which is expected to cost the public exchequer heavily. Having already taken the decision, he asks you to come up with research to support the scheme. Despite your best efforts, you fail to find socio-economic benefit in it. You approach the Minister with relevant facts and studies and ask him to reconsider his decision. Instead, he asks you to suppress the negative impacts and actively promote the scheme through mass media as the percieved social impacts are more important than economic impacts. Elections are due in a short time and the political party currently in power is expected to win. You are also due for promotion at the same time. You are expected to fully cooperate in the situation and make the scheme a success, however flawed its foundations may be. (a) List the different stakeholders in the above situation and mention their prospective interests. (b) Discuss the ethical dilemma which you face in this situation. (c) Some of the alternatives for you to handle the situation could be: • Do as asked by the Minister.. • Insist on publication of results and let the public decide whether it wants the scheme. • Call a press conference and brief the media about the results and the callous attitude of the Minister. Suggest any other possible option(s). Evaluate all of them and suggest the best course of action, giving reasons for it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"The International Money Bank has granted loan to the government to construct ten dams. The dams would provide water for irrigation of crops, control floods in some parts of your district, and supply drinking water to numerous towns and cities. Seven of these dams are to be constructed in areas of high ecological value occupied by native groups who are challenging the government. The native groups, who oppose the construction of the dams, represent a minority compared to the multiple towns and cities which would benefit from the dams. Nevertheless, it should be taken under consideration that the natives consider the forests as their own. Also, their distinctive life style and culture is intimately related to the existence of these natural areas. It has been noted that the forests also have a very high ecological value. If this project is completed, their land would submerge and the natives would have to be relocated. The International Money Bank is aware of this yet it has granted the loan. You are the District Magistrate of this district. Every day protests and demonstrations are happening in your office. The government has given you the responsibility to manage the situation. What are the various options available to you. Evaluate all of them and suggest the best course of action, giving reasons for it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"You recently joined the civil administration as a young District Commissioner. As a part of fulfilling their electoral promise, the new government in the state announced total prohibition on production, sale and purchase of liquor. This has not only led to smuggling of liquor from neighbouring states but also production of illicit liquor in the state, known as hooch. Women of the area decide to go on a protest against the recent hooch tragedy wherein several people lost their lives owing to consumption of illicit liquor. The political authorities scapegoat you for mismanagement. (a) What are the issues involved in this case? (b) What are the various options available to you. Evaluate all of them and suggest the best course of action, giving reasons for it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"You are a doctoral student at a large university in the final months of your research on a potentially revolutionary technology. Meanwhile, you have also applied for post-doctoral research cum teaching positions at various universities. To your pleasant surprise, you get an interview call from your undergraduate alma mater, a prestigious research institution in a city where you would love to live. In the interview, the department chair asks for detailed information about your research. Your group is working on a patent application and its members have agreed not to provide details until a paper currently being prepared is submitted for publication. You explain the situation and tell them that you would be glad to send them an early preprint when it is available. But the Chair pushes harder for this information, remarking that the Department seeks team players, willing to share information with department colleagues. She also appeals to your undergraduate connection with the institution. (a) Enumerate the ethical issues involved in the case in light of your current responsibilities vis-a-vis future expectations. (b) Discuss the possible motivations of the department chair in pressing you for detailed information. (c) What stand will you take in such a situation? Give reasonable justification for your arguments.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":56,"question":"In a district, in which you are posted as a District Magistrate, a teacher molests a child in a government run school. As the news of this crime spreads, the parents, relatives and locals gather at the school. The culprit teacher has meanwhile fled. The police arrests the Principal of the school and assure the crowd that the culprit would be arrested soon. The crowd, however, has gone berserk and begins to damage the school building. It wants immediate arrest of the culprit and is not ready to budge until he is arrested. (a) Is it correct to take the Principal into custody when he has personally not committed the crime? Support your answer with appropriate reasons. (b) What options do you have in dealing with the crowd? Enumerate the merits and demerits of each and also suggest the best possible option. (c) In the capacity of District Magistrate what would be your long term plan to prevent molestations and rapes in the schools?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3700,"topper":"Karnati Varun Reddy","air":7,"year":2018,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"IMS4Maths","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://ims4maths.com/images/K.%20Varun%20Reddy%20test%20no-5%20checked%20copy.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3701,"topper":"Karnati Varun Reddy","air":7,"year":2018,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"IMS4Maths","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://ims4maths.com/images/k.%20varun%20reddy%20test%2006.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3702,"topper":"KARTHIK D","air":949,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/305/mt23flton016_tc002-test-02-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3703,"topper":"KARTHIK D","air":949,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/304/mt23flton016_tc002-test-02-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3704,"topper":"Kartik Bachhav","air":177,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/BACHHAV-KARTIK-RAVINDRAUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-177-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1 To what extent have farmer associations been successful in influencing public policies and governance in the country?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Article 21 of the Indian Constitution broadly interprets the right to life and liberty. Elucidate with the help of relevant case laws.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Strengthening the subordinate judiciary is vital for revitalizing the entire edifice of the Indian judicial system. Discuss. Also, examine the role of 'All India Judicial Services' (AIJS) in enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of the Indian judiciary.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4 Why does the Constitution not provide for a conclusive say to the State Legislative Assemblies in the creation, bifurcation, or dissolution of a State?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) The Presidents of India and USA differ not just the manner in which they are elected but also with respect to their powers. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6 Governor is neither a saboteur nor a sage; he is a constitutional functionary who needs to be solely loyal to the Constitution. Critically examine the statement in the light of recent events.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":16,"question":"Q.7) How does the inability of local bodies to generate their own funds affect their ability to function effectively? Suggest necessary measures to empower local governments in generating independent revenue streams.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.8 \"Parliamentary democracy would be incomplete without Parliamentary committees.\" In light of the statement, examine the role of the Public Accounts Committee in establishing financial accountability of the executive.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":22,"question":"Q.9 What do you understand by Alternate Dispute Redressal (ADR) mechanisms? What are the reasons for their low adoption as the primary mode of dispute resolution in the country? Suggest measures for improvement.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.10 Although upholding the spirit of the Constitution through judicial activism is noble in its intent, in practice it runs the risk of undermining the delicate balance of power that the Constitution sought to achieve. Critically examine.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3705,"topper":"Kartik Jivani Nagjibhai","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/474b3-13245_872_kartik_jivani_nagjibhai_rank_94.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The \"Outcome Budget\" reflects the endeavour of the Government to convert \"Outlays\" into \"Outcomes\". Explain. Also, discuss why the potential of outcome budgeting remains untapped in the Indian context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"What is agroforestry? Discuss its potential in making agriculture sustainable and viable. In this context, discuss the salient features of National Agroforestry Policy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Comment on the problem of rising Non Performing Assets (NPAs) in India, with particular reference to public sector banks. Examine the effectiveness of the steps taken by the government in recent times to deal with this problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"To address the issue of unemployment, we need a multipronged approach and not just a focus on growth. Examine the statement in the context of various measures taken by the government in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Nuclear power has a great potential in India to supplement and in the longer term even substitute coal based power as base load. Discuss. Also, mention the steps taken by the Government of India in order to achieve nuclear energy self-sufficiency.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The agriculture sector needs government support but loan waivers are not the solution. Discuss the statement in the light of recent developments in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"What are the objectives of District Mineral Foundation? Discuss the challenges that need to be addressed for this institution to achieve its desired objectives.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"What factors explain India's poor merchandise export performance in recent times? Enumerate some recent measures taken by the government to help boost merchandise exports.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Despite numerous health hazards associated with traditional cooking energy fuels, access to clean cooking in India still continues to be a luxury. Discuss. Also enumerate the steps taken by the government to make it accessible along with the challenges faced in the process.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Taxing agricultural income is an idea whose time has come. Critically discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Dismantling of administered price mechanism for fuels is being deemed as a significant piece of economic reform. Analyse. Also, discuss how the recently introduced dynamic fuel pricing can prove to be beneficial for both the OMCs as well as consumers.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Ensuring that buildings comply with green norms will require much more than current arrangements. Analyse. Also discuss the relevant features of the new building code issued by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Given the worsening of air quality in National Capital Region, discuss the need for Graded Response Action Plan against air pollution and the challenges in its implementation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"A new disease emerging in any part of the world is a global threat. In the context of \"zoonoses\" and \"emerging infectious diseases\", analyse the risks for India. Also, identify the structures in place and measures required to combat these risks.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"There is a growing recognition that efforts should not be limited to post-disaster relief and reconstruction, rather development paradigm should integrate disaster risk reduction strategies. Discuss in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"The emphasis on TRIPS plus by developed countries is contrary to the position and interest of developing countries like India. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Coherently dealing with security threats facing India requires deeper operational synergies among the army, navy and air force. Discuss in the light of the latest Joint Doctrine for Indian Armed forces. Also, delineate the reasons for resistance to the idea of a joint Chief of Defence Staff over the years.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Over the years, laws dealing with money laundering have proved to be less than effective. Briefly discuss the statement in the context of government's proposal to make money laundering a separate criminal offence. Also enumerate the recommendations made by FATF to combat money laundering.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"In the context of recent developments briefly explain the issues involved in the Doklam area. What are the challenges that India faces in the management of border with China? In this context, also identify key steps taken by India over the years.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3706,"topper":"Kartik Jivani Nagjibhai","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e4790-13245_927_kartik_jivani_nagjibhai_rank_94.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Enumerate the discretionary powers of the Governor mentioned in the Indian Constitution. Why is it said that the post of governor has become highly politicised?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"CAG is instrumental in securing accountability of the executive to the Parliament in the sphere of financial administration. Elaborate. Enumerate the provisions made in the Constitution to ensure the independence of the CAG.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"What are the different institutional arrangements in India to promote cooperation between the Centre and States? Critically analyse the role of Inter-State Council to enhance cooperative federalism in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"In view of the idea of holding simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies, discuss the advantages that its implementation would lead to and the concerns that it raises.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"Proliferaton of Ministries and Departments in the government not only leads to weak coordination and integration but also fragmentation of functions. Comment in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Though judicial activism has made the judiciary more people friendly, there is also a negative side to the idea of a pro-active judiciary in the form of judicial overreach. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Examine the reasons behind the government's decision to dismantle the plan-non-plan classification of expenditure. How will the new classification of schemes into 'core of the core', 'core' and 'Optional' address the shortcomings of the earlier classification?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"The amendment to do away with the domicile requirement for elections to the Rajya Sabha has militated against the very purpose that guided the Constituent Assembly to create the Council of States and reduced it to a mere revising chamber. Critically analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"Discuss the significance of the concept of Office of Profit as enshrined in the Indian Constitution. Why has it been embroiled in controversies for a long time? Analyse the role played by judiciary in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"The provisions of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution devolve some essential powers to the lower levels in order to cater to the needs of the tribal community. Discuss, while examining the modern day challenges faced by the institutions set up under the Sixth Schedule.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"The political empowerment of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) has not been accompanied by empowerment in other spheres. Comment. Also examine whether devolving functional autonomy, administrative support and financial resources to the PRIs can help in overcoming the issues related to PRIs.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"While it has been argued that the judiciary should be brought under RTI, a balance also needs to be maintained between independence of the judiciary and the right of people to know. In this context, discuss the pros and cons of bringing the judiciary under the ambit of RTI.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"Differentiate between pressure groups and political parties. It is often said that pressure groups are primarily a consequence of inadequacies of the political parties in India. Discuss the above statement in the context of rising environmental protection groups.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Give an account of the factors responsible for the limited success of Lok Adalats. What measures are required to ensure that Lok Adalats function as an effective dispute redressal mechanism?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Part IV of the Indian Constitution has great value as it provides for social and economic democracy. In light of the above statement, discuss the importance and limitations of this part of the constitution.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"Government advertisements have often been viewed as misuse of taxpayer's money for enhancing the image of political parties. Discuss in the light of relevant SC rulings. Also enumerate the recommendations made by the Twentieth Law Commission to address the issue of paid news and political advertisements.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"In a paradigmatic shift from the command and control approach of the past, NITI Aayog accommodates diverse points of view in a collaborative, rather than confrontationist setting. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"Vast powers have been vested in the office of the Speaker to strengthen the democratic institutions of the parliamentary system, and not to stifle dissent or protest in the House. Comment in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":56,"question":"Tenth Schedule of the Constitution and the subsequent amendments have failed at solving the problem of defections and opportunistic politics. Critically analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":59,"question":"It is the Parliamentary system, with its basis on constant accountability, accommodation and inclusion, which can best serve the needs of the country. Examine, keeping in mind the arguments that are periodically put forward for adopting the Presidential system in India.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3707,"topper":"Kartik Jivani Nagjibhai","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/48857-13245_867_kartik_jivani_nagjibhai_rank_94.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"UAE occupies a key place in India's Look West policy. Comment while elaborating on the growing cooperation between the two countries. Also highlight the challenges that need to be overcome in order to realize the full potential of the growing relations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"In what ways is the approach of \"Act East\" Policy different from \"Look East\" Policy? Suggest certain priority areas on which India should focus upon to fulfill its ambitious geostrategic and economic goals in the region.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"What are the issues and challenges faced by Indian migrants in the Gulf countries? Enumerate the steps taken by the Indian government to address these.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"In recent years there has been an increasing convergence between Russia and China on several global issues. What are its implications for India? What steps should be taken by India to protect its national interests?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"What are the objectives and key achievements of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL)? Also, highlighting India's association with the Commission, identify its influence on various domestic legal regimes.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Climate change can not only lead to an impending environment catastrophe but may also have profound strategic impact. Elaborate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Central Asia is considered to be India's 'extended neighbourhood' and a priority area in policy-making. Highlight the significance of the region to India and the challenges India faces in deepening ties with the region. Also discuss the strategy India has adopted to overcome these challenges.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"SAARC minus Pakistan can be a ray of hope for the sub-continent amidst SAARC's failure to be an organization for regional integration, economic cooperation and a platform to raise common issues. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Why is the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) a cause of concern for India? In this context, assess whether joining the CPEC is a viable option for India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Comment on the crisis faced by the Rohingyas in Myanmar. What has been the approach of the international community in handling the situation? How can the ongoing crisis impact India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"What do you understand by South-South cooperation? Highlight the importance of such a cooperation for developing countries like India. Also, mention the role India can play for deepening the South-South cooperation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Analyse the importance of NSG membership for India. Also, mention the hurdles India is facing in its quest of becoming a member of NSG despite consistent efforts.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"While BRICS has emerged as an effective multilateral forum in a multi-polar international order, at the same time, as a grouping it seems to have internal contradictions also. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"How is an asylum seeker different from a refugee? Discuss the need for a uniform asylum policy in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"The recent breakthrough in the Civil Nuclear field is a sign of India-Japan relations moving beyond the calculations of complementarities and cooperation. Analyse in view of the multiple factors shaping India-Japan relations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Enumerate the objectives of Forum for India Pacific Islands Cooperation and discuss its importance for India. Also examine the progress made by the forum in attaining its objectives.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"What were the objectives behind setting up of the International Criminal Court (ICC)? Identify the challenges that the ICC faces in becoming an independent, credible and effective institution for international criminal justice system. Also suggest measures to address these challenges.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"The Commonwealth grouping has been accused of talking about ideals that it does not uphold and wasting the resources of governments. Critically analyse the statement and comment on the relevance of the Commonwealth grouping in present times.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Discuss the strategic importance of the Heart of Asia conference with regards to India. Highlighting its key takeaways, discuss how the Amritsar Declaration takes the process forward.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"After remaining peripheral to India's foreign policy priorities, the Indian Ocean has recieved some attention in recent years. Nonetheless, given the significance it holds, involvement of actors with diverse interests and existing challenges, it is imperative that India redoubles its efforts in shaping the future of the region. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3708,"topper":"Kartik Jivani Nagjibhai","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1b798-13245_871_kartik_jivani_nagjibhai_rank_94.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Criticism about the judiciary should be welcomed, so long as criticisms do not hamper the \"administration of justice\". In this context discuss whether the power of contempt of court given to the higher judiciary limits the freedom granted by Article 19 (a) and whether these two can be reconciled.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Special rights are not privileges but they are granted to make it possible for minorities to preserve their identity, culture and traditions. Elaborate in the context of India with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"A clear delineation of functions of local governments vis-à-vis State Governments will only strengthen the principle of subsidiarity. In this context, discuss the challenges and the reforms required for effective democratic decentralization in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Despite being a welcome step, Inter-State Water Disputes (Amendment) Bill, 2017 fails to resolve the issue of overlapping of jurisdiction between the legislature and judiciary. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Critically discuss the major reforms introduced in the area of electoral funding in Union Budget 2017. Do you think that state funding of elections is a viable idea to check misuse of money power in politics?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The provision of 33% reservation of seats for women in urban local body elections in Nagaland has been in news for various reasons in recent times. Discuss the underlying issues in light of the constitutional provisions at stake and the social realities of the state.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Enumerate the guidelines for police reforms as laid down by the Supreme Court in Prakash Singh case in 2006. In this regard, critically discuss the issues in their implementation by the States. 2006 - ,","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"While the Competition Commission of India and sector-specific regulators are required to complement each other, overlapping jurisdiction has resulted in regulatory parallelism amongst them. Comment. - - ,","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"There is both spatial and economic inequality with regards to access to healthcare services in India. Elaborate. How does the New Health Policy attempts to address these issues?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Census 2011 observed that there has been a significant increase in urban homeless households in the period between 2001 and 2011. What are homeless households? Highlighting the challenges faced by them, discuss the causes for increase in such households. Suggest various measures to rehabilitate these households.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Recent judgment of the Supreme Court, amending the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 has invoked varied reponses. Highlighting the amendment, critically examine its likely impact on application of the law.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Examine the steps taken by the government over the years to ensure a secure and exploitation-free childhood for its citizens. Further analyse how the recent ratification of the two key ILO conventions will help India's fight against child labour.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"According to the World Bank, while digital technologies have spread rapidly in much of the world, resulting digital dividends have lagged behind. Analyse in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"\"Our country suffers from an excess of old and unnecessary laws which obstruct people and businesses\". In light of the observation elucidate how outdated and impractical laws bring inefficiency in governance. How far is the repealing and cosolidation of statutes a solution to the problem at hand?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Due to increasing consumption and changing consumption patterns, water scarcity is an emerging threat in India and thus it becomes imperative to treat water as a commodity and privatize it. Critically evaluate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Given the mandate of the Organisation and its composition, too much should not be read into India becoming a full time member of SCO. Critically comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"India needs to utilize its technological capacity based diplomacy to strengthen relationships with the neigbours. Discuss. Also examine the significance of South Asia satellite to enhance regional cooperation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Though both India and Bangladesh have been able to resolve various pending bilateral issues, solution to the Teesta Water dispute remains illusive. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Discuss the important provisions and significance of the recent proposal by India for Trade Facilitation in Services (TFS) Agreement under WTO.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"BIMSTEC has the potential to become a distinctive link between South and Southeast Asia. Elaborate. Also discuss the factors hindering the potential of BIMSTEC over the years. Highlight the key initiatives in recent times and further measures required to make the grouping more effective.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3709,"topper":"Kartik Jivani Nagjibhai","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/73047-13245_860_kartik_jivani_nagjibhai_rank_94.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Marketing has become a crucial link in the success of a business. With suitable examples, discuss the ethical issues involved in marketing of a product or service. How can these issues be resolved?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Value education empowers a person to confront the myriad challenges of contemporary Indian society. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Ethics is the first line of defence against corruption while law enforcement is remedial and reactive. Examine the statement with suitable examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss the influence that parents have on values of their children and the role they can play in transmitting good values and resisting negative influences. Why is it that, at times, the values of children differ from that of their parents?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"What does 'public service' means to you? Describe the various ways in which one can serve the public. Does one necessarily serve the public better by entering the civil services? Justify your stand.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"What do you understand by 'civic virtue' in public life? What are the challenges in practising it in today's time? How can these challenges be overcome?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"The lives of great leaders inspire us in many ways. Which leader has had a lasting impact on you and in what way? Mention one outstanding value that you have imbibed from him/her and its importance to being a civil servant.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Governance is the vital link in our quest for prosperity and equity. What should be the key elements of ethical governance to eliminate corruption and bureaucratic delays? Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Has excessive profit seeking by corporates undermined the trust of public in the private sector? Giving examples, examine the reasons for failure of corporate governance in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Income inequality, resource mismanagement and health hazards are some of the negative consequences of globalization. In this context, what are some of the ethical dilemmas that civil servants face today? How has the approach to handling these undergone a change?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss the role and importance of independent directors for corporate governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"You are officer-in-charge of a very important railway junction, which is an artery of trade and commerce. A peasant disturbance has been brewing in your district for the past few weeks. Their discussions with the political and district leadership has borne no fruit and it has come to the stage that now they are protesting by organizing a sit-in on the railway tracks near the station. They have thereby succeeded in blocking movement of all trains. This disruption is causing significant harassment for the passengers waiting at the platform as well. (a) What will be your course of immediate action? (b) How can emotional intelligence act as a tool in handling this issue? (c) What steps will you take so that such incidents are not repeated in the future?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"You are the CEO of a film production company, which has not been doing well financially for some time. Your company is now relying on its forthcoming movie, which is about to be released shortly. The movie has a cast of reliable actors and even before its release, trade pundits have predicted that the movie will be a hit. However, you face a conundrum as one of the actors in the movie is a citizen of a neighbouring country with which relations have been disturbed and a war like situation exists. While the political atmosphere was different when the movie was being filmed, now there is a widespread public demand, with a local political party at the forefront, for replacing the actor from the movie or a ban on the release of the movie itself, if the actor is not replaced. While you are aware of the mood of the nation and the public repercussions of releasing the movie in its present form, you also know that it is not feasible to replace him at this stage as he has a substantial role in the movie. There is also a section in the film fraternity that does not want you to compromise in the wake of threat by the local party as it compromises freedom of speech and expression as well as artistic creativity. (a) What are the options available to you? (b) Evaluate each of the options and state their merits and demerits. (c) What course of action would you take and why?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3710,"topper":"Kartik Jivani Nagjibhai","air":94,"year":2018,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a38ca-13245_861_kartik_jivani_nagjibhai_rank_94.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3711,"topper":"Kartikey Kumar","air":282,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1T4P-FothW3s6a-Z5OggoY2fY2HBjdDIN","questions":[]},{"id":3712,"topper":"Kartikeya Jaiswal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/28ddf-1031651_1509_kartikeya-jaiswal_rank_35.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The architecture of Vijayanagara kingdom has a distinctive style comprising of unique features. Elaborate with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Although the tenure of Lord William Bentinck was short, it was marked by enduring reforms. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"While the Indian capitalists were not in favour of protracted mass civil disobedience, many of them also acknowledged the utility, even necessity, of civil disobedience in getting crucial concessions for their class and the nation. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"American Revolution was a constitutional crisis brought on by the irreconcilability of Britain's imperial interests and the colonists' experience in self government. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Explaining the phenomenon of Western Disturbance, discuss its impact on the Indian weather system. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Arabian Sea, a cyclone shy water body, is converting into a cyclone hotbed. Analyse the reasons behind this trend. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Despite the Peninsular India being a stable land mass and a region of slight seismicity, it has witnessed several earthquakes. Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Despite all the long strides towards women's rights to property and inheritance in India, there still exist challenges that need to be addressed. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"It has been observed in India, while the population has stabilised in southern states, this remains a pipe dream in the case of northern states. Analyse the reasons behind this trend. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Globalisation is affecting the attitudes and aspirations of youth in India in multifarious ways. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Identifying its major forms, broadly trace the evolution of classical dance in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The acceptance of partition by the Indian National Congress was only the last stage of the process of gradual concessions given to the Muslim League. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Over the course of the freedom struggle, especially after the Indian Council's Act of 1892, nationalist leaders in India transformed the Imperial Legislative Council, from a powerless machine functioning as a tool of endorsement of government policies into a forum for ventilating popular grievances. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Despite its advocacy for peaceful resolution of disputes, highlight the factors that prompted India to use force to remove Portuguese colonial rule from its territories after independence. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The roots of the present Israel-Palestine conflict may be traced back to ancient history, however it is the 20th century which has shaped it in its modern form. Explain. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Discuss the problems and prospects of the cotton textile industry in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"As Indian cities are undergoing rapid urbanization with burgeoning population, state policies and actions have proved to be inadequate to address the corresponding challenges. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Nation doesn't negate the concept of region. Discuss the idea in the Indian context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3713,"topper":"Kartikeya Jaiswal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6c43d-1031651_1862_kartikeya-jaiswal_rank_35.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Jyotiba Phule was not only a key social reformer but also a patron of literary works. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Cave paintings in India have a long tradition with both religious as well as secular attributes. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The Swadeshi movement started as an anti-partition movement, but became a multi-faceted mass movement after 1905. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Although the National Emergency of 1975 was a temporary blip in independent India's history, it emboldened the spirit and resistance of our democracy. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Examine the relationship between the Walker Circulation and the Indian Monsoon. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Identifying the factors responsible for formation of tides, discuss their geographic and economic significance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What are Rossby waves? Discuss the role played by them in shaping the climate of the earth. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"One of the reasons for increased global interest in Afghanistan is its endowment with key natural resources. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The traditional structure of the caste system has witnessed paradoxical changes over the last few decades in India. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Economic empowerment of women is the key to ensure their social empowerment. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"India has the highest number of endangered languages in the world as per the UNESCO. In this context, discuss the factors that have endangered native languages in India and highlight the steps taken to conserve and protect these languages. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The policy of 'Subsidiary Alliance' helped in establishing British control over internal affairs of Indian states without incurring any direct imperial liability. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"\"Before 1857 the British were effectively working against the traditional grain of Indian society; afterwards they were working with it\" Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Enumerating the revolutionary maxims propounded by Sun Yat-sen, discuss the conditions that led to the revival of Chinese nationalism in the early 20th century. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Based on their geological age, present a brief account of the classification and distribution of coal reserves in India. Also, discuss the ongoing stress in the coal sector in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What is Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC)? Discuss the reasons for recent decline in the AMOC and its associated impact. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3714,"topper":"Kartikeya Jaiswal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/26eb4-1031651_1863_kartikeya-jaiswal_rank_35.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Parliamentary oversight of administration is not an end in itself rather it acts as a means to strengthen the efficient functioning of the administration. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Tenth Schedule of the Constitution has weakened the democratic credentials of India's representative democracy. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Article 246 of the Indian Constitution is considered as the cornerstone of Centre-state legislative relations. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Although the provision of issuing ordinances amounts to the usurpation of legislative power by the Executive, both Centre and states in India have taken unrestrained course to it. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"There has been a manifold increase in the number of ministries in the central government since independence. Do you agree with the view there is a need to phase out many ministries and amalgamate others in this context? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Evaluate the success of Digital India in fulfilling its vision of transforming India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Examine the issues related to poverty measurement in India. Suggest measures to improve upon the existing methodologies. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"As one of the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, discuss the rationale behind internationalisation of higher education in India and its associated challenges. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Stating the significance of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), examine whether they have been as beneficial as expected for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Though multilateral development banks (MDBs) are crucial for holistic development of developing nations like India, there are certain legitimate concerns about their functioning. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Despite the legal framework to resolve inter-state river water disputes, why do they continue to exist? Also, discuss measures that can be taken to resolve such disputes in an expeditious and agreeable manner. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"While use of technology is a welcome step towards improving the efficiency of the judicial system, it must be understood that technology itself comes with a set of challenges that make justice even more inaccessible. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The current urban planning capacities in India are extremely skeletal and need systemic reforms and a change in mindset. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Reservation for women in the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) has not translated into corresponding increase in women's representation in India's state legislatures. Bringing out the reasons for the same, discuss how under-representation of women in the state legislatures can be corrected. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"For effective public service delivery, there is need to shift from traditional accountability mechanisms to social accountability mechanisms. In this context, discuss the pre-conditions for the success of social accountability efforts and challenges associated with them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) remains one of the most ambitious programmes for public welfare and rural development, but its objectives cannot be achieved without strong and capable Panchayati Raj Institutions. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Despite legal safeguards and international conventions, the State has failed to uphold the rights of persons with disabilities in general and those with psychosocial disabilities in particular. Discuss in the context of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"To what extent has the PM Awas Yojana (Gramin) been successful in solving the problem of rural housing in India? Discuss with adequate arguments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Despite the potential of India's Neighbourhood First policy, there have been several impediments to regional cooperation in South Asia. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"It is argued that China's Belt and Road Initiative has resulted in unsustainable debt-for-infrastructure deals in several countries across continents and it is a part of debt trap diplomacy. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3715,"topper":"Kartikeya Jaiswal","air":35,"year":2021,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d5cbc-1031651_1864_kartikeya-jaiswal_rank_35.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3716,"topper":"Kartikeya Jaiswal","air":35,"year":2021,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/424b9-1031651_1505_kartikeya-jaiswal_rank_35.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3717,"topper":"Kartikeya Jaiswal","air":35,"year":2021,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/39c15-1031651_1865_kartikeya-jaiswal_rank_35.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3718,"topper":"KASHISH BAKSHI","air":54,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7a64d-1065392_2123_kashish_bakshi_rank_54.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3719,"topper":"KASHISH BAKSHI","air":54,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/94156-1065392_2122_kashish_bakshi_rank_54.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3720,"topper":"KASHISH BAKSHI","air":54,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/16bbf-1065392_2121_kashish_bakshi_rank_54.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3721,"topper":"KASHISH BAKSHI","air":54,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/f3b02-1065392_2085_kashish-bakshi_rank_54.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3722,"topper":"KASHISH BAKSHI","air":54,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/428f8-1065392_2086_kashish-bakshi_rank_54.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3723,"topper":"KASHISH BAKSHI","air":54,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7ba34-1065392_2087_kashish-bakshi_rank_54.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3724,"topper":"KASHISH BAKSHI","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e2221-1065392_2092_kashish_bakshi_rank_54.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Direct interactions with social groups, like families and peers, teach people how others expect them to behave. Likewise, a society as a whole reinforces and shapes values through its norms, institutions, media, and collective behaviour. Discuss how a society's formal and informal institutions socialize its population, with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Do you think technology can play a role in establishing a value-centric modern society? Critically evaluate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"\"Drop by drop is the water pot filled. Likewise, the wise man, gathering it little by little, fills himself with good.\" Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"There is an ongoing debate on what constitute the core components necessary to define empathy. However, the three that are most often included in psychologists' definitions are affective understanding, emotional contagion, and cognitive perspective-taking. Explain with suitable illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What does each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"The end-product of education should be a free creative man, who can battle against historical circumstances and adversities of nature.\" Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are the signs that show that an individual ranks on the lower spectrum of emotional intelligence? How far is technology leading to a decline in the emotional intelligence of people, especially the younger generations? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"Action is a catalyst for profound shifts in attitude of an individual.\" How far do you agree with the statement? Give suitable examples to substantiate your answer. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Thirukkural advocates a conscious and a spirit-centered approach to business ethics based on eternal values and moral principles that should govern the conduct of business leaders. What are the ethical issues faced by businesses in contemporary times? How will the teachings of Thirukkural assist in their resolution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Laws promote social control by resolving basic value conflicts, settling individual disputes, and making rules that even our rulers must follow. But, law does not always achieve its purpose and can rather harm society. In this background, discuss the limitations and dysfunctions of law, with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":34,"question":"The Indian Railways (IR) has approximately 43,000 hectares of vacant land, which is not required for operational purposes in the foreseeable future. Such plots of land are entrusted to the Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA) by the Railway Board for commercial development. As the Vice-Chairman of the RLDA, you are responsible for identifying the potential of these vacant lands and work out the best mode of commercial development. Meanwhile, the Union government is planning to build India's first intermodal stations. Intermodal Stations (IMS) are terminal infrastructure, which integrate various transportation modes such as rail, road, mass rapid transit system, bus rapid transit, inland waterways, auto-rickshaws, taxis and private vehicles so that people can move from one mode to another seamlessly. The Union Ministry has shortlisted two cities to build IMS. The land identified in one city, which happens to be the home town of a Union Minister, belongs to the RLDA. You are supposed to clear a final report on this land based on which it will be cleared for building IMS. After going through the land details, you discover that the land contains natural urban forest with more than 40,000 trees that provide diverse ecosystem services to the residents of the cities. Clearing this land for the project will lead to cutting of these trees. Also, the news of this land being under consideration is already out and the environmental civil society groups in the city are protesting against it. They are threatening to go to the court if the trees are cut to proceed with the project. Further, an alternative site has been proposed by an environmental think tank, which could be suitable in terms of sustainable development of the project. On the other hand, there is pressure from the Union Minister to clear the land for the project. A senior member from the Railway Board has also approached you to look into the issue favourably else it might upset the political executive. (a) What are the ethical dilemmas faced by you in the given situation? (b) Under the given conditions, what are the options available to you? (c) Critically evaluate each of the options listed by you. (d) What option would you adopt and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"You are the head of the Human Resources (HR) department of a reputed tech company in India that has several high profile national and international clients. It has recently come to your notice that a few employees of the Software Development Team have become irregular and insincere towards their work in the past few months. In the past, this team has been instrumental in timely executing projects, resulting in massive revenue and profits for the company. When you enquire about the issue in detail, you find that many employees including the senior leaders of the concerned team are juggling between multiple jobs. This phenomenon is popularly known as 'moonlighting'. When you ask the employees, most of whom have been high performers, their argument is that doing multiple jobs makes them more skillful and resourceful in their work. Further, their justification is that they have been doing their gigs beyond the usual working hours of the company. Some of them communicate that they face financial constraints and this is a reason for them to pursue the second gig. Others are of the view that it provides them avenues to learn new things, which is of help in their current roles. Thus, a whole network of freelancing has been flourishing secretly. You also get to know that employees in some other departments, like the Testing team, are envious of the Software Development team and secretly express their wish to pursue a similar path. Owing to no specific guidelines, these employees have got a free hand. It has led to multiple issues of productivity and the work culture of the organization and could set a wrong precedent for the other employees, if allowed to continue. On the other hand, firing such a high performing employees at once is going to add to the attrition rate of the company and loss of talent. The views amongst your colleagues in the HR department is also divided on the issue. You have been entrusted by the senior management to evaluate the situation and take appropriate steps. In this context: (a) Highlight the ethical issues associated with moonlighting. (b) As the HR head of the company, what are the options available to you? (c) Evaluate each of these options and choose the option, which you would adopt, giving reasons. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3725,"topper":"Kashish Kalra","air":96,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://academy.forumias.com/optional-test-series/slider%20Image/kashish.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3726,"topper":"Kasiraju Pavana Sai Sahithya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/71ec5-251203_2220_kasiraju-pavana-sai-sahithya_rank-243.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The logic of limitless wealth lies in the basic human instinct for furthering self-interest in the form of profit. In this context, do you think there is a possibility of pursuing ethical capitalism? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"If a law is unjust, a man is not only right to disobey it, he is obligated to do so. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The capacity of Citizens' Charter to initiate any transformative process is conditioned upon it being appropriately designed and effectively executed. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The moral fiber and ethical conduct of public officials not only influence the standard of governance but also their own interests and performance. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The ongoing debate on euthanasia poses several ethical questions. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Foreign aid is a form of neo-colonialism, as the economically wealthier countries can exploit the developing countries under the cloak of aid. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Throwing light on the idea of Universal Humanism propounded by Rabindranath Tagore, discuss its contemporary relevance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree with the view that it is nature and not nurture which determines the emotional intelligence of a person? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Values that guide public administrators can often compete with each other, owing to their relative importance to the larger public interest. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Is it justifiable to say that corruption is a social phenomenon? What are the various ways through which administrative corruption can be tackled? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? \" ; \" \"Overcoming poverty is not a task of charity; it is an act of justice.\" Nelson Mandela (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":37,"question":"The transgender community has been a part of India's social set up since the very beginning but never recognized as a reputable part of the society. 'Hijra' is a term traditionally used in India for transgender women who were born male. The role and value of this community in accordance with the sacred Hindu texts condenses to the performance of blessings at marriage and birth ceremonies for good fortune. With the advent of the British Raj in the 19th century, the acts of \"cross-dressing\" were registered as a criminal offence and if such offences were committed repeatedly, imprisonment followed. Thus, began the criminalization of hijras. Today, although legally supported and socially empowered as compared to earlier times, hijras are still subject to transphobic discrimination-associated violence, poverty, and segregation. In light of the above, answer the following: (a) Identify the challenges faced by transgenders during the different stages of their life. (b) Discuss the reasons for the continuing discrimination against trangenders in India despite several initiatives for their upliftment in recent times. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"You are an IPS officer posted as the Inspector General of Police in a state. The recent death of a father-son duo in one of the districts in the state, due to custodial violence allegedly in the presence of the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), has sparked anger across the state. This is not an isolated incident, as there have been allegations raised by human rights groups in the past regarding custodial deaths due to physical assault by the police. The High Court of the State, taking suo moto cognizance of the recent incident, has served a notice to the state government, seeking a detailed report on the rising instances of custodial deaths. The state government has constituted a Committee to probe the incident and submit a detailed report about the veracity of facts related to it. You have been asked to head the Committee. You know the Deputy Superintendent of Police of the district to be an honest, hardworking and upright officer. He has privately requested you to absolve him of any wrongdoing as he claims not to be present when the incident occurred. You know that any action against him will be detrimental to his reputation and career. On the other hand, the seniors in the department are pressurising you to put all the blame on the DSP and make him a sacrificial lamb in order to protect the overall image of the police in the state. In the given scenario, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the stakeholders and the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) What steps will you take to ensure that the enquiry is seen to be fair and impartial? (c) Given the challenges that the police forces in India operate under in their day-to-day functioning, suggest some initiatives to address them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Mr. X is a billionaire businessman who heads a conglomerate engaged in insurance, energy generation and distribution, and manufacturing. Despite being globally known as a great philanthropist, he turned down a shareholder request seeking the disclosure of the conglomerate's actions on issues related to climate change as well as diversity and inclusion. Because of increased attention to climate and diversity issues, many leading firms have committed themselves to incorporate relevant considerations in their business strategies. Therefore, some industry-observers wonder if Mr. X is out of touch with the industry at large and have warned him that failing to address climate change issues puts his businesses under systemic risk. But, Mr. X maintained his vote against the disclosure proposal, while at the same time acknowledged the importance of both climate change and a diverse and inclusive work force. However, Mr. X believes that such ethical issues take secondary importance to maximising shareholder profit. (a) Discuss the importance of including climate change strategies and diversity and inclusion in a business organisation? (b) In your opinion, what matters more for a business organisation - socio-environmental concerns or shareholder profit? (c) How can the two above-mentioned issues be reconciled? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"You are posted as a Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district where people of different religious communities are living together peacefully. The district is also famous for its architectural heritage and is regularly visited by tourists from all around the world. However, there has been an incident in the nearby state where people of two different communities have started fighting over religious issues. This incident has a spillover effect over the whole country. In your own area of jurisdiction, you have come to know from various sources about circulation of some hate speech videos, which have the potential to destabilise the law and order situation. You are also aware that some outsiders with dubious intentions have started pouring in your district. In one locality, a shopkeeper who had earlier filed a complaint regarding threats he received for posting something on the internet, is found murdered in cold blood. This incident has stunned the nation. You are being informed that hundreds of people of the community to which the shopkeeper belonged are planning to stage a massive protest in your district. (a) In the given situation, what are the options available to you to ensure that the law and order situation in the district remains stable. Provide a detailed account of your course of action. (b) Do you think the present legal and institutional mechanisms are sufficient to tackle the menace of hate speech in the society? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"The Indian education system suffers from many ills. One of the major issues is the focus on 'rote learning', which has been the staple of the Indian education system for many years. While many Indians have attained success despite this system, simply being able to recall information is not enough in today's world when that information is instantly available to anyone on a mobile phone. A survey of 200 Indian and foreign companies found that only 14% of Indian graduates were prepared for the workforce, largely because most graduates were unable to apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the consequences of 'rote learning' on the educational development of young students in the country? (b) Suggest measures that can be taken to address this issue. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3727,"topper":"Kasturi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/24243-721089_2213_kasturi_rank-67.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"An effective approach to green budgeting is underpinned by strong strategic framework, tools for evidence generation and an enabling budgetary governance framework. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"State the need for circular economy in India and the challenges associated with it. Also, discuss the measures that are required to build a circular economy in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The Major Port Authorities Act, 2021, seeks to grant greater autonomy and flexibility to the major ports and professionalise their governance. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Analyse the need for shifting from presumptive land titling to conclusive land titling system in India. Also, highlight the hurdles in its implementation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What do you understand by methanol economy? Critically discuss its role in achieving India's energy security and economic prosperity. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discuss the role of geospatial technologies in developing effective approaches for disaster risk reduction and disaster management. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The focus of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) needs to shift from utilization and exploitation of natural resources to conservation of natural resources. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What do you understand by hybrid warfare? Discuss India's preparedness in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the challenges associated with inclusion of women in armed forces, particularly in combat roles in India. How can these challenges be addressed? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"S. Chandrasekhar was one of the greatest scientists of the 20th century whose prolific contributions spanned across astrophysics, space and mathematics. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"State finances in India present a worrying picture, with debt sustainability being a major concern. Discuss in context of the recent RBI report on state finances. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The Indian experience provides several lessons of an inclusive digital economy model that enables formal digital governance structure at a low cost and with easier access. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Dairying is a viable livelihood option for a large section of the population. In this context, discuss the significance, challenges faced and associated government initiatives for the dairy sector in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The imperative to increase farmers' income must shift to creating value chains and must not be reliant on the MSP regime and subsidy bias prevalent in the current Indian agricultural system. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What are the challenges in ensuring sustainable river management in urban areas? Highlight the remedial measures that can be taken for river management with a special focus on the recently launched River Cities Alliance. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Haphazard growth and poor management make the Indian cities the locus of disasters, both large and small. Comment. Also, discuss the current gaps in policies in addressing these challenges. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Discuss the extent of the problem of narco-terrorism in India. What measures have been taken by the government to counter and control this problem? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The dark web can be an ideal platform for several criminal and terrorist activities. Discuss with examples. Also, suggest measures to tackle the misuse of dark web. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What is catalysis? Highlight the characteristics of catalysts. Also, elaborate why catalytic reactions are important for human beings. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Electric mobility offers solutions to the problems associated with climate change, growing fuel prices, and urban transportation issues. Discuss in the context of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3728,"topper":"Kasturi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/bf443-721089_1836_kasturi_rank-67.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The PM-AASHA scheme is aimed at improving procurement mechanism as well as ensuring remunerative prices for farmers. In this context, highlight the various components of the scheme and discuss the concerns associated with it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Explaining the concept of blended finance, discuss the role it can play in mobilizing capital for infrastructure development in developing countries like India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss the challenges faced in the revival and revamp of dry ports in India and state the measures that can be adopted in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Monoculture is one of the major threats to ensuring food security and sustainability of Indian agriculture. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Aapda Mitra – a force of volunteers from across India trained in disaster response – is becoming a game changer in the field of disaster management in the country. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Why is the rise in lone wolf attacks considered as a serious challenge for security agencies around the world? Highlight the role of the internet in exacerbating such attacks. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The fundamental inefficiencies embedded in our military structures and processes are now being addressed through a slew of defence reforms in the country. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"In light of the recent establishment of the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in India, discuss the advantages and challenges in mainstreaming traditional medicine in the country. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Nano Urea Liquid has the potential to transform farming in India and across the world by improving productivity while reducing environmental pollution and input cost. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss the domino effect of high crude oil prices on the Indian economy. Also, enumerate the measures that India can take in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The consistent high operating ratio of the Indian Railways is indicative of its incapability to generate high operational surplus. Explain the reasons behind this trend. Also, highlight the remedial measures taken by the government in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Micro food processing sector is the key driver of growth in the Indian economy as it encourages food processing innovation. In this context, state the challenges faced by the micro food processing sector and discuss how the recent initiatives taken by the government aim to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Despite efforts by successive governments, equitable growth remains elusive and income inequality continues to persist in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Stating the factors that determine the employment situation of an economy in the long-term, discuss the measures that are needed for India to address its unemployment problem. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"In view of the rapidly increasing socio-economic damage caused by disasters, integrating Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) into development planning requires an effective stakeholder engagement mechanism. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Provide an account of the existing carbon trading mechanisms in India. Also, discuss the significance of an efficient carbon trading market in the country and state the challenges that currently exist. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The menace of drug trafficking in India has been on a rise due to a mix of factors, both internal and external. Discuss. Also, state the challenges posed by drug trafficking to India's national security. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The Andaman and Nicobar islands' strategic significance in the Indian Ocean region (IOR) has been underplayed by India's policy of 'masterly inactivity and benign neglect'. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India has recently commissioned the world’s first large International Liquid-Mirror Telescope (ILMT). How will the newly commissioned telescope aid in India’s astronomical observations and research? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3729,"topper":"Kasturi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8cbfa-721089_1834_kasturi_rank-67.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The Sunga dynasty contributed significantly to the cultural and social development in ancient India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the role of foreign nationals in the Indian freedom struggle during the Gandhian phase. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by tsunamigenic zones? Giving an account of their global distribution, explain the propagation of tsunamis. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are atmospheric lakes? Highlight their characteristics. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What are polymetallic nodules? Highlight their geographical distribution and state their significance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What are technical textiles? In view of their significance, discuss the steps taken by the government to promote them in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the challenges that internal migration creates for urban governance in India. Also, suggest measures to address the same. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the various opportunities and challenges posed by globalization on working women in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the rationale behind anti-conversion laws in India. Also, state the concerns that have been raised with regard to these laws. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Central Asian contacts had a profound political and cultural impact on India in ancient times. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Governance, during the British rule, was a means of exploitation of India rather than a vehicle of public welfare. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Discuss how India successfully dealt with the sensitive issue of language, which had the potential of threatening national unity in the post-independence period. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Bring out the factors, which led to decolonisation after the Second World War. Also, discuss the role played by India in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What are Marine Heat Waves (MHW)? Identify the causes of their formation and discuss their consequences for India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What are the geo-climatic conditions required for oil palm cultivation? Do you agree with the view that India should promote its large-scale cultivation to reduce import dependency? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"In view of the changes witnessed in the state of Himalayan cryosphere, discuss the implications for India's water security. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Ocean warming, ocean acidification and ocean deoxygenation are often referred to as the 'deadly trio' for marine life. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Tribals in India continue to face myriad challenges with regard to healthcare. Discuss the issues faced by them in this context and suggest remedial measures. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Reservation for women perpetuates a “proxy culture” as seen in the phenomenon of \"sarpanch patis\". In this context, discuss whether reservation can address the issue of poor participation of women in Indian politics. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3730,"topper":"Kasturi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/da89f-721089_2211_kasturi_rank-67.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The Cholas are inextricably linked with the zenith of Dravidian art and architecture. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Among the major legacies of the Indian freedom movement, civil liberties formed an important one. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The Berlin Conference of 1884-85 in many ways set the ground for the scramble in Africa. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What is a cloudburst and what are its effects? Why are they more frequent in the Himalayan region? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Despite its potential, there are several challenges in the implementation of the Ken-Betwa Link Project. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Identify the issues related to production and supply of coal in India. How can these issues be addressed? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Present the geographical distribution of agro-based industries in India and discuss the challenges faced by them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The caste system continues to be one of the key drivers of poverty and inequality in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the issues faced by domestic workers in India. Also suggest measures that can be taken to empower them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Given the deeply gendered impact of population control measures, examine the need to rethink the current approach of population control measures in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Examine the impact of the Sramana tradition on the Vedic religion and its relation with the emergence of Jainism, Buddhism and Ajivika sects. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Giving a brief overview of the three Carnatic Wars, discuss the factors that led to the success of the British against the French in the struggle for control over India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Provide an account of the issues that led to a crisis in Punjab in the 1980s. Also, discuss the roadmap to peace that was eventually adopted. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Post-drift theories based on ocean floor mapping provided new dimensions to the study of distribution of oceans and continents. Elaborate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Explain the phenomenon of heat waves. Also, enumerate the conditions favourable for the development of heat waves in India and their associated health impacts. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Providing an account of distribution of rainforests across the world, mention their key characteristics. Also highlight the threats that are being faced by tropical rainforests. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Indian cities are not only mimicking the social and cultural structures of inequality and exclusion found in rural areas but are also creating fault lines for future conflicts. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Examine the multi-dimensional impact of globalisation on tribal development in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3731,"topper":"Kasturi","air":67,"year":2022,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/74010-721089_1530_kasturi_rank-67.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1 (a) \"Historical Materialism is Economic Determinism\". Critically analyze.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"1 (b) Briefly discuss the functional pre requisites of social systems by Talcott Parsons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Explain the nature and scope of quantitative methods of data collection in sociological research?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"History is past sociology and sociology is present history. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the relevance of feminist methodology in sociological research.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Critically examine to what extent the concept of 'latent and manifest functions' evolved by R.K. Merton has given greater significance and relevance to the functional analysis in understanding social reality.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"What do you mean by rationality? Discuss Max Weber's treatment of rationality in his work.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"Discuss the sociological significance of distinction between 'family' and 'household'.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Critically examine linear theories of social change.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"In the wake of globalisation, the power of nation state is evolving. Critically analyze.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"Where on one hand mass media has served as an important tool of social change, but on the other hand it has also emerged as tools of inequality and conservatism. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Discuss Ogburn's theory of defunctionalisation of family.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"While classical pluralists have some similarities with Parson's functionalist theory but it also differs from it in many important aspects. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3732,"topper":"Kasturi","air":67,"year":2022,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/546df-721089_1531_kasturi_rank-67.pdf","questions":[{"page":13,"question":"The idea of the Indian village as represented in the earlier writings of the colonial administrators has been critiqued by many scholars. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"India's nationalism was result of the material conditions created by the British colonialism\". Examine the statement with respect to A R Desai's work.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Secularization of caste is essentially a modern phenomenon. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Caste as a social reality was viewed differently by Gandhi and Ambedkar. Their perspectives diverge but meet at a common end. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"Tribes are generally seen to be society based on equality, but forms of social differentiation exists with tribes too. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"Social change can be brought through public policy. Critically analyze.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"Slum is the lifeline of urbanity. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Briefly discuss the concept of ethno-nationalism along with suitable examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"\"Domestic violence is India's most widespread crime against women\". In the context of this statement, examine to what extent, Domestic violence Act protects and grants relief to victims of DV.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"\"The pluralist and multi religious character of Indian society is facing constant challenges.\" Discuss in context of problems of religious minorities in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"\"Middle class has been taken as the cornerstone of a stable democracy.\" Discuss in context of Indian society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":55,"question":"The lopsided, iniquitous, and environmentally destructive processes of development has given rise to environmental movements in India. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":59,"question":"\"Surrogacy is both a need and source of income\". Discuss in context of Indian society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":61,"question":"\"Demography offers a potential, 'it's not a destiny\". critically comment.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3733,"topper":"Kasturi Panda","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JepeyU5NH1v9nhnOd1VsuqSov72N4pNI/view","questions":[{"page":15,"question":"What are the Li('tors responsible for the of industlies in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"It is itnportant to understand the dynamics of population growth for designing an app101)liate response. Elaborate. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":47,"question":"India is no longer largely it is now more unequal and vulnerable ssith pockets of deep poverty.Its future shateclprosperity willdepend to a large extent on how its socia wotection systen evolves and catches up with its diver •it demograph Comment. (15Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3734,"topper":"Kasturi Panda","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1J_etLaaFnrgFE95TOhUzGDA0NTfjWVmh/view","questions":[]},{"id":3735,"topper":"Kasturi Sha","air":68,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/16AmdveYJNHx8D3HDZ-ycDNXpqa62fSk9","questions":[]},{"id":3736,"topper":"Kavya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/49093-584225_1394_kavya_rank-244.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the value-added, income and expenditure methods of estimating national income.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Explain why Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector is regarded as the 'growth engine' of the Indian economy. Suggest key reforms that are required for improving the overall business climate for MSMEs in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"The average size of holdings has shown a steady declining trend over the last three decades. What are the challenges faced by farmers due to fragmentation of land? What needs to be done in this regard?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Distinguishing between a flexible and fixed exchange rate system, explain how exchange rate is determined under a flexible exchange rate system.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"Discuss why enacting appropriate land leasing laws should be given priority in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of a country can not be taken as an index of the welfare of the people of that country. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Bringing out the difference between depreciation and devaluation of a currency, explain how they affect foreign trade of a country.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"Explain the mechanism of credit creation by the banking system in an economy. What are the factors that limit such credit creation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"With the help of a diagram, explain the circular flow of income in a simple economy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Explain the meaning of Balance of Payments and give an account of various components included within current and capital account.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Explain the demand-pull and cost-push factors of inflation in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"Explain the different quantitative and qualitative policy tools used to regulate money supply in the economy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"What is liquidity trap? Discuss its implications on the economy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"Why is the RBI called as the 'lender of last resort'? What other functions are performed by RBI while acting as a banker to commercial banks and the government?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"What are the key issues in fiscal management in India? How can these issues be addressed?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"What is sterilization? Explain how it is deployed by RBI in stabilizing the money supply against external shocks.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"Bringing out the difference between fiscal deficit, primary deficit and the revenue deficit, explain the implications of a high fiscal deficit on the economy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Explain, in brief, the various components of budget receipts and expenditure.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"Highlight the monetary and fiscal measures that can be taken to address the phenomenon of inflation. Also explain their limitations.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3737,"topper":"Kavya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/116ff-584225_1395_kavya-c_rank-244.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Revisiting PPP model is key for India's investment led growth. Analyze","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"What is zero Budget Natural Farming? Account for the potential benefits offered by it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Elaborate on the poverty estimation methodologies adopted after independence in India","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"Identify the different types of unemployment. What are the factors affecting unemployment in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"Agricultural marketing in India suffers from various shortcomings. Explain. Highlight the Highlight the challenges faced by the civil aviation sector in India. What steps have been taken by the government to address these challenges?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"Highlight the challenges faced by the civil aviation sector in India. What steps have been taken by the government to address these challenges?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"What do you understand by Swiss challenge method of investment? Mention the benefits and issues associated with this model.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Highlighting the importance of manufacturing sector in economic development, discuss the need for a new industrial policy","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Highlighting the prospects of electric mobility in India, discuss the challenges involved in making a transition towards electric vehicles.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Provide SWOT (Strength, Weakness, Opportunities, Threat) analysis of the food processing sector in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"What do you mean by precision agriculture? How can precision farming help make agriculture sustainable & profitable.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"What do you understand by human capital? state how human capital formation contributes to economic growth and development.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"While port-led development in India has numerous advantages, it is being held back by a number of constraints. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"What do you understand by inclusive growth? Highlight the challenges in attaining inclusive growth in India. How can these challenges be addressed.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Unscientific use of irrigation water is giving rise to variety of ecological problems in India. Elaborate","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"Bring out the challenges faced by the textiles & apparel industry in India. Highlight some measures by the govt to address them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Stating the significance of financial inclusion analyze, how JAM trinity is facilitating it.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3738,"topper":"Kayandepatil Gaurav Gangadhar","air":146,"year":2022,"paper":"Optional — Public Administration","optional":true,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/u/2/folders/1J0J58JZAlm_vAZZRFdjw3Z8llE-8Zpk8","questions":[]},{"id":3739,"topper":"Keerthi Vasan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/143707_1025_Keerthi_Vasan_Rank_29.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The dual use nature of space technology enables its utilisation for civilian as well as military purposes. In this context, examine the need for a Space Security Policy in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"What are the issues associated with coastal security in India? In this context, discuss whether a Central Marine Police Force can help in addressing these issues.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Cyber terrorism holds serious potential to paralyze economic and financial institutions in India. What are the issues and challenges w.r.t. India's cyber security? What initiatives has the GoI taken to address the same?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Critically examine the feasibility of fencing the Indo-Myanmar border as a strategy to contain insurgency given the existing Free Movement Regime (FMR) between the two countries.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"What do you understand by 'lone wolf attacks'? In the wake of increasing lone wolf attacks across the globe, assess India's vulnerability to such attacks. Also, suggest measures that can prevent such attacks.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"What are the factors that lead to generation of black money in India? Discuss the role played by India both domestically and internationally to neutralise the menace of money laundering and black money.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"The national security of the country cannot be strengthened until we focus on intelligence sharing and ensure greater coordination among agencies. Elaborate. Also, highlight the steps being taken by the government to strengthen its intelligence network.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"In what ways is the approach of \"Act East\" Policy different from \"Look East\" Policy? Suggest certain priority areas on which India should focus upon to fulfill its ambitious geostrategic and economic goals in the region.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"In recent years there has been an increasing convergence between Russia and China on several global issues. What are its implications for India? What steps should be taken by India to protect its national interests?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"After remaining peripheral to India's foreign policy priorities, the Indian Ocean has recieved some attention in recent years. Nonetheless, given the significance it holds, involvement of actors with diverse interests and existing challenges, it is imperative that India redoubles its efforts in shaping the future of the region. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"What are the objectives and key achievements of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL)? Also, highlighting India's association with the Commission, identify its influence on various domestic legal regimes.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"What are the issues and challenges faced by Indian migrants in the Gulf countries? Enumerate the steps taken by the Indian government to address these.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"The recent breakthrough in the Civil Nuclear field is a sign of India-Japan relations moving beyond the calculations of complementarities and cooperation. Analyse in view of the multiple factors shaping India-Japan relations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"The Commonwealth grouping has been accused of talking about ideals that it does not uphold and wasting the resources of governments. Critically analyse the statement and comment on the relevance of the Commonwealth grouping in present times.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"ISRO has successfully flight tested the Reusable Launch Vehicle-Technology Demonstrator (RLV-TD). Discuss the significance of RLV and bring out the differences between RLVs and conventional Launch Vehicles (LVs). What are the challenges in successful execution of RLVs?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Women constitute just 14% of science researchers in India, though they are no longer a minority within higher education when it comes to STEM. Analyse the reasons for this state of affairs and discuss how it can be addressed.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"What do you understand by Internet Governance? Has the recent development of ICANN becoming free from the US government solved the issues of Internet Governance? What should be the way forward?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Increase in the cases of nosocomial infections has emerged as a major concern in India. What are nosocomial infections? What are its causes and why is it a major concern in India? Identify the measures required to combat these infections.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"There is a growing concern that robots, automation and AI will transform the labour markets and lead to massive job loss across the world. Comment. Also mention the steps that can be taken to mitigate the impact of increased automation and AI.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"The importance of IPRs as a marketable financial asset and economic tool needs to be recognised. Elaborate. In this context, analyse how the National Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Policy intends to lay the future roadmap for intellectual property in India.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3740,"topper":"Keerthi Vasan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/143707_1022_Keerthi_Vasan_Rank_29.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by seasonal shifting of pressure belts? What impact does it have on the formation of various climatic regions across the globe? Discuss its socio-economic significance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Explain the reasons for the formation of Sargasso Sea. Also, examine the factors for it being a region with one of the highest ocean salinity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Why are river deltas important? Discuss the existing threats to river deltas and the measures needed to overcome these threats.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Give an account of the different types of earthquakes based on their zone of occurrence. Identify the earthquake prone regions of the world with special reference to India. Also explain the reasons for the occurrence of earthquakes in geologically inactive regions like Peninsular India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"How is the coal bearing strata of India classified in geological terms? Why does coal remain the most important source of energy in India and what are its implications?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Forest fires have become a regular feature during summers in the Western Himalayas. What are the causes behind this phenomenon? Critically examine the efforts made by authorities in countering this problem. Do periodic forest fires have any benefits associated with them?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Give a brief distribution of major grasslands of the world. Discuss the reasons behind the temperate grasslands becoming the grain baskets of the world. Also compare their performance vis-a-vis tropical grasslands in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Weather and climate information plays a significant role in increasing agricultural productivity as well as minimising crop losses. Comment. Also examine the ways in which forecasting system can be made more effective and inclusive.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Discuss the environmental impact of electronic waste and the best practices for its handling in the context of the E-waste (Management) Rules, 2016. Also suggest some ways to incentivise consumers to utilise and dispose-off the e-waste properly.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"An emissions-reduction approach to fighting global warming is not enough. Alternative solutions involving climate engineering might have to be deployed sooner than we think. Defining climate engineering, critically examine the statement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Discuss how drought is more of a man-made disaster than a mere deficiency of rainfall. Elaborate on the consequences of desertification that drought prone regions face. Also, bring out the preventive steps to be taken in light of targets to curb desertification as mentioned under the SDGs.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"India's first National Disaster Management Plan may fulfill the legal requirement of having a plan but it may not be very effective in achieving its objective of building resilience. Critically analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"A better prepared community is key to effective disaster risk reduction. Citing specific examples, examine the importance of the role of local government and community in dealing with disasters.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"What is the role of NDRF in managing disasters in the country? Highlighting the challenges that NDRF has been facing, discuss why it is still the armed forces which end up being the most visible force at hand during disasters.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3741,"topper":"Keerthi Vasan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/143707_1024_Keerthi_Vasan_Rank_29.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The idea of Universal Basic income has gained appeal in recent months. Enumerating the challenges in its implementation, discuss whether it can be a potent tool to reduce leakages in the system and address inequality in the economy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"A peculiar combination of factors explain India's poor export performance in recent times. Comment. How can the Foreign Trade Policy help in improving India's share in global trade?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"What are Advance Pricing Agreements and how are they related to Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS)? Discuss their relevance for India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"What is meant by public debt? Highlight the objectives of public debt management. Explain why it is considered prudent to disaggregate debt management from monetary policy and take it out of the realm of central bank.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"There is an urgent need for India to get infrastructure financing, however, the current investment model of PPPs is poorly designed and needs restructuring. Discuss the issues plaguing the success of PPPs with respect to stalled projects, risk management, governance & institutional capacity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"What are the reasons behind a low tax base in India? Discuss the issues associated with it and the steps required to widen the tax base.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Even though the construction sector has significant multiplier effect on the economy, in recent years, it has been showing signs of stress. What are the causes for such a state of affairs? In this context, also highlight the steps taken by the government.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"The worsening road safety situation in India is further complicated by an increasing population and proliferation of vehicles on the road. Discuss. Also, highlight the steps that are being taken by the government to address the issue of road safety and reduce the associated fatalities.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Briefly highlight the parameters used by the government to determine the extent of poverty in India. Examine the relationship of economic growth and poverty alleviation in the post-reforms era.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Explain why the government has adopted the HELP in place of the NELP that was existing for almost a decade. Also discuss how HELP has the potential to transform India's E&P activities with special emphasis on non-conventional sources of energy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Successive governments have resorted to disinvestment of sick and loss-making PSUs. What, according to you, are the targets which the government seek to meet from this exercise? Also explain why the disinvestment targets have not been met in the past.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"What is hydroponics? Discuss its relevance in light of limited land availability while ensuring food security.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"It is argued by many that there is an urgent need for states to reform land laws and, in particular, tenancy laws. What are the factors cited for the need of such reforms? Identify the impediments in the way of such reforms and highlight the benefits that would accrue from them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Discuss the potential of horticulture sector in realizing the government's vision of doubling the farm income. Also, highlight the challenges which are needed to be addressed for realizing full potential of this sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Not only does the yield (measured in tonnes/ha.) of a crop but a number of other factors determine the choice of crops that a farmer cultivates. Elaborate with special focus on cropping pattern in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Discuss the significance of food processing industry in the economic development of the country and the challenges which need to be tackled for sustained growth of the industry. Also elaborate on the the salient features of National Mission on Food Processing.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Financial support to farmers through various instruments has been a crucial aspect of agricultural policy of the government. Examine whether the proposal of moving towards direct transfer of benefits and universal crop insurance would alleviate the existing concerns in the current scenario.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Buffer stocking of food grains is seen as a vehicle to deliver strategic food and agricultural domestic support policies, however, there is a growing consensus that the programme has been not just costly but also imprudently wasteful. Critically evaluate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Discuss the lacunae in implementation of Minimum Wages Act in ensuring the welfare of agricultural labour. Also, suggest some other measures to improve the situation of agricultural labourers in the country.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"In spite of having the world's largest livestock population in India, the potential of animal rearing remains underutilized. In this context, discuss the challenges faced by the meat and poultry sector and suggest measures for accelerated and sustained growth for this sector.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3742,"topper":"Keerthi Vasan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/143707_875_Keerthi_Vasan_Rank_29.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Centralising recruitment through an All-India Judicial Service (AIJS) will not address the multiple problems in the judiciary and cause new ones instead. Critically evaluate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"The roots of the most pertinent challenges faced by Indian politics today can be traced to the lack of intra-party democracy in candidate selection and internal elections. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"While the idea behind merger of autonomous bodies in India is to curb overlapping work and reduce expenditure, it may end up doing more harm than good. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Well-defined electoral laws and greater powers for the Election Commission of India are required as the existing laws and mechanisms are inadequate to deal with new challenges. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Privileges should be defined and delimited for the free and independent functioning of the legislatures. In this context, discuss whether there is a need to re-examine the balance between fundamental rights and parliamentary privileges in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The principle of accountability is an essential part of the rule of law. In this context, discuss the lacunae in government's approach and judiciary's response to the phenomenon of extrajudicial killings in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Explain the rationale behind enacting the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016. Discuss how it can help in revitalizing consumer confidence in the real estate market. Also highlight the hurdles that remain in implementing it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Moving the subject of water from state list to concurrent list will solve the issues related to governance of water resources. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Give an account of the areas of potential conflict in the relationship between the political executive and civil servants. Also discuss why a healthy working relationship between the two is critical for good governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Despite their location in the non-political domain of civil society, NGOs have ended up playing a key, if indirect, role in India's politics. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Magnitude of India's urbanisation is not unusual but the pattern is. In this context, examine the issues in the governance of cities in India. Also suggest the reforms required to make Indian cities dynamos of competitive sub-federalism.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Social boycott should be treated as a criminal offence, rather than being considered as just another form of social evil plaguing the Indian society. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Human Trafficking in India has emerged as a serious issue, which calls for understanding the complexity of the problem and devising an effective strategy to combat it. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"A weak teacher education system is at the core of India's problems in school education. Evaluate. In this context, also enumerate the recommendations of the High-Powered Commission on Teacher Education constituted by the Supreme Court of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"It has been argued that the recent order of the Supreme Court to prevent the misuse of Section 498A institutionalises the prejudices and rehabilitates the myths, which the women's movement in India has battled over decades. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"As strategic interests between India and US continue to converge, defence has emerged as a major area of cooperation between the two. Discuss the significance and possible implications of this development.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"India's contribution to peacekeeping missions of the United Nations has remained steadfast despite changes in the nature, form and variety of UN peace keeping missions. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"India's partnership with Africa is an amalgam of African development priorities as well as India's development objectives. Discuss. Also highlight the initiatives taken by India in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Comment on the role of International Court of Justice in upholding the values of international law. In this context, also highlight the association of India with the ICJ over the years.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"In view of the focus on trans-regional economic corridors and changing regional geo-politics and geo-economics, critically discuss the idea of an Indo-Pacific Economic Corridor.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3743,"topper":"Keerthi Vasan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/143707_874_Keerthi_Vasan_Rank_29.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The greatness of the Mughal achievement in the political unification of India was matched by the splendour and beauty of the work of architects, poets, historians, painters and musicians who flourished in the period. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Traditionally, India had developed wide-ranging water harvesting techniques in keeping with the local ecological conditions and their water needs. Substantiate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Imperial rivalries of 18th Century Europe were played out in India as well. Comment in the context of the Carnatic Wars.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"The Lucknow session of 1916 was a watershed event during the freedom struggle of India due to various reasons. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Reforms initiated by the Justice Party became a model for social affirmative action in the country. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"War in the Korean Peninsula proved to be disastrous for Korea, a missed opportunity for the United States and a defining moment for China. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"The Munich Pact brought neither peace nor stability in relations between European countries, rather it turned out to be an act of appeasement that made war inevitable. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Explain how Gandhi's non-violent philosophy influenced Martin Luther King Jr.'s methods. Also discuss the contributions and accomplishments of King to ensure civil rights for all people regardless of race in America.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Apart from the linguistic reorganisation of states, the three language formula was an important part of government policy to address the language question in India. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Enumerate the measures for the welfare of Unorganised Workers in India. In the context of problems being faced by 'domestic helps', discuss the need for additional measures to safeguard their interests.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"The manner in which the mentally ill have been treated in India suggests that policy measures alone may not be sufficient to address the challenges faced by them. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Highlight the characteristics of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) and discuss the challenges faced by them. Also enumerate the measures taken by the government to address these challenges.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"While suburbanisation is a common phenomenon in most urbanising countries, it is occurring at a relatively early stage of India's urban development. Enumerating the reasons behind this development, highlight the challenges it is creating for Indian cities.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Various geographical and anthropogenic factors have rendered Brahmaputra Valley susceptible to recurrent floods. Discuss the causes and suggest suitable measures of mitigation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Give a brief account of Earth's heat budget. Also discuss how increasing concentration of carbon dioxide in Earth's atmosphere effects it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Give an outline of the major geological events that have shaped the present drainage system of Peninsular India. Also, explain why peninsular rivers are unsuitable for navigation but facilitate hydroelectric power generation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Elaborate with examples as to how government policies influence the location of industries. Also, mention the steps taken by the Government of India to stimulate industrial activity in backward regions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Explain, in brief, the process of cloud formation. Also, elucidate how clouds can help in weather forecasting.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"The socio-economic and ecological consequences of soil degradation are far-reaching. Discuss. Suggest measures that can be taken to restore soil fertility and arrest soil degradation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Development of island territories requires a careful balancing of environmental and tribal concerns with exploitation of economic potential. Elaborating on the threats faced by island territories of India, comment on the recent measures proposed by the government regarding their development.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3744,"topper":"Keerthi Vasan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/143707_877_Keerthi_Vasan_Rank_29.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"In a democracy, the purpose of the government should be to make it easy for people to do good and difficult to do wrong. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss John Stuart Mill's idea on freedom of thought and expression. Also, give reasons as to why, according to Mill, representative democracy is the best form of government despite its inherent weaknesses.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"It is argued by some that nuclear weapons have acted more as a deterrent than leading to war and mass destruction. In this context, discuss whether it is ethically right to possess nuclear weapons to create nuclear deterrence.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Differentiate between administration and leadership. Highlighting the traits which characterize an effective leader, discuss the importance of leadership in ensuring effective public service delivery in a bureaucratic setup.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Apart from functional knowledge and expertise, the efficacy of a civil servant also depends upon his emotional intelligence. How does emotional intelligence contribute to efficacy? How can civil servants enhance their emotional intelligence?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Enumerate the mechanisms that promote accountability of public officials in discharging their functions and responsibilities in India. Also discuss why ensuring accountability for performance is not a simple task in government service.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Discuss, with examples, the significance of principles of public life as recommended by Nolan committee. Why are these principles considered as an essential set of expectations from public servants?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"A peculiar inhuman situation exists for the people fleeing from war zones - they cannot go back to their homeland for fear of being persecuted and no country is ready to bear their burden due to various reasons. Citing contemporary examples, discuss the ethical issues involved in such situations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"As the administrator in-charge of your area, you are witness to the widespread food wastage in lavish parties as well as in restaurants and eateries, on one hand and people starving due to inability to ensure one square-meal a day, on the other. Realizing that it is not the scarcity of resources, but the habit of people that is causing paucity in availability of food, you decide that certain measures are needed to be taken in order to deal with the issue of starvation at the grassroot level. 20 Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) What measures would you take to deal with wastage of food in your area? (c) What explains this co-existence of affluence and hunger in developing countries like India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"The excluded and marginalized section of society are worst hit by globalization. Take the case of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) like Sentinelese of Andaman & Nicobar islands; their population has reduced drastically and they are facing various other problems as well. In this context answer the following questions: 20 (a) What are the challenges faced by PVTGs due to globalisation? (b) If you are posted as a Development Officer in such an area, what will be your priorities to reduce their vulnerabilities and ensure welfare?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3745,"topper":"Keerthi Vasan V","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vO5kDkqUbvnMaDgaYckLYaU8-Jwfd5ty/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) The seeds of patriarchy and gender inequality are sown at home, which manifest as a weed at the societal level. Elucidate. Suggest an ethical framework to systematically address the issue of patriarchy in the Indian society.","marks":"10","words":"not more than 150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) What are the factors which drive people to take law in their own hands rather than following the due process of law? Discuss ways to address the problem of mob justice.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) In a democracy, the purpose of the government should be to make it easy for people to do good and difficult to do wrong. Comment.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) Discuss John Stuart Mill's idea on freedom of thought and expression. Also, give reasons as to why, according to Mill, representative democracy is the best form of government despite its inherent weaknesses.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":11,"question":"3. (a) It is argued by some that nuclear weapons have acted more as a deterrent than leading to war and mass destruction. In this context, discuss whether it is ethically right to possess nuclear weapons to create nuclear deterrence.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) Differentiate between administration and leadership. Highlighting the traits which characterize an effective leader, discuss the importance of leadership in ensuring effective public service delivery in a bureaucratic setup.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":15,"question":"4. (a) Apart from functional knowledge and expertise, the efficacy of a civil servant also depends upon his emotional intelligence. How does emotional intelligence contribute to efficacy? How can civil servants enhance their emotional intelligence?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":17,"question":"4. (b) Enumerate the mechanisms that promote accountability of public officials in discharging their functions and responsibilities in India. Also discuss why ensuring accountability for performance is not a simple task in government service.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Why difficult to ensure accountability?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"5 Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context.\n(a) \"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.\"","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":21,"question":"5. (b) \"Prejudices are what fools use for reason.\"","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":23,"question":"6. Ensuring that government decisions are not influenced by public officials' private interests is a growing concern. Discuss in the context of India. Also enumerate the core principles reflected by OECD guidelines for managing conflict of interest in the public sector.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":25,"question":"7. Discuss, with examples, the significance of principles of public life as recommended by Nolan committee. Why are these principles considered as an essential set of expectations from public servants?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":27,"question":"8. A peculiar inhuman situation exists for the people fleeing from war zones - they cannot go back to their homeland for fear of being persecuted and no country is ready to bear their burden due to various reasons. Citing contemporary examples, discuss the ethical issues involved in such situations.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":29,"question":"9. As the administrator in-charge of your area, you are witness to the widespread food wastage in lavish parties as well as in restaurants and eateries, on one hand and people starving due to inability to ensure one square-meal a day, on the other. Realizing that it is not the scarcity of resources, but the habit of people that is causing paucity in availability of food, you decide that certain measures are needed to be taken in order to deal with the issue of starvation at the grassroot level. Given the situation, answer the following questions:\n(a) Identify the ethical issues involved in this case.\n(b) What measures would you take to deal with wastage of food in your area?\n(c) What explains this co-existence of affluence and hunger in developing countries like India?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":34,"question":"10 The excluded and marginalized section of society are worst hit by globalization. Take the case of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) like Sentinelese of Andaman & Nicobar islands; their population has reduced drastically and they are facing various other problems as well. In this context answer the following questions:\n(a) What are the challenges faced by PVTGs due to globalisation?\n(b) If you are posted as a Development Officer in such an area, what will be your priorities to reduce their vulnerabilities and ensure welfare?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":39,"question":"11. Undercover journalism exposes injustices, negligence, corruption and wrongdoing and yet going undercover to expose wrongdoing remains controversial. But, undercover journalists contend that they are fulfilling a fundamental duty of finding truth through their journalism. They argue that public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy and the duty of the journalist is to further those ends by seeking truth and providing a fair and comprehensive account of events and issues. So, there are some supporters of this kind of journalism, which sometimes infringe the privacy of individuals. However, some journalists also urge avoiding surreptitious methods of gathering information except when traditional open methods will not yield information vital to the public. In this context, answer the following questions:\n(a) What are the ethical issues involved in the practice of undercover journalism?\n(b) Do you support the practice of undercover investigation by journalists? Give reasons in support of your answer.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":44,"question":"12. You are the chief executive of ABC Ltd., an automotive component manufacturing company. Until recently, all of your production plants were located in City X. However, the cost of production has risen, causing profits to decline. A number of factors have led to an increase in the production costs. First, the union representing the workers in your plant waged a successful strike resulting in increased salary and benefits. A second factor has been imposition of stringent environmental regulations. Shareholders are concerned about the declining fortunes of the company. Many of the competitors have moved their operations to less-developed cities, where the operating costs are less than in City X. ABC Ltd. is a major employer in the city where it is located, and you know that a plant closure will cause economic dislocation in the city.\nGiven the situation, answer the following questions:\n(a) What are the ethical issues involved in this case?\n(b) How can the interests of different stakeholders be reconciled in this case?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":46,"question":"(b) How to reconcile interests?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"13. You are posted as a District Education Officer (DEO) in a Maoist affected district. You have been specifically given the responsibility to work on the literacy mission. After reading the education reports and doing field visits, you find that the number of out of school children has increased drastically and the motivation among students and teachers is also low. While certain basic infrastructure is already in place, the major hurdle in attracting students to these schools include the attitude of inhabitants towards education and the security risks involved in sending children to schools. Given the situation, answer the following questions:\n(a) Analyse the reasons behind such an attitude.\n(b) As a DEO, what are the steps that you would take in order to increase the school attendance and change the prevalent attitude of inhabitants towards education?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":50,"question":"a) Reasons behind such attitude :-","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"14 Mr. Pradeep is a senior civil servant in the central government and is involved in the budgeting department. In the course of performing his duties, he comes to know about diversion of funds earmarked for SC/ST sub-plan for other purposes. While he is not directly responsible for this aspect of the budget, he raised his concerns to the department concerned. He also learns that the minister responsible as well as senior most civil servants are aware of the practice and have given tacit approval for it. Soon thereafter, Pradeep was summoned to talk on the issue and was told that since the matter is not within his jurisdiction, he should 'keep his nose out of it'. After much soul searching, Pradeep decided to obey his supervisors by leaving the matter alone. Based on the information given, answer the following questions:\n(a) Elaborate on the internal dissonance that Pradeep faces in the given situation.\n(b) On what basis can the decision of Pradeep be justified?\n(c) Had you been in Pradeep's place, what would have been the course of action chosen by you? Recognise the merits and demerits, if any.","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":3746,"topper":"KESHAW GARG","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/KESHAW-GARG-UPSC-2024-Rank-496-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Describe briefly what gene therapy is and what advantages it has over other treatments? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"With recent advances in technology, robots are now equipped to perform more than just conventional and routine tasks, which brings new opportunities as well as risks. In this context, evaluate the future potential of the robotics sector. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Private participation in propelling India's space journey is widely acknowledged but is yet to be fully tapped. In light of the statement, analyse the hurdles faced by the private sector and also recommend measures to unlock greater private participation in the space economy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Technology plays a multidimensional role in augmenting the disaster management apparatus of the country. Discuss. Also, bring out the measures needed to enhance the usage of such technologies in managing disasters. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Discuss the natural and anthropogenic factors behind incidents of land subsidence. Suggest counter-measures to contain such incidents. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF). Also, discuss GLOF mitigation strategy with special reference to National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) guidelines. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"National security challenges require sufficiently addressing the concerns of human security. Explain and suggest reforms for the same. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Outlining the various cyber threats faced by India, assess the state of the country's preparedness to deal with the same. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Explain how the geographical location of India makes it extremely vulnerable to the menace of drug trafficking. What are the various internal security threats posed by drug trafficking? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Discuss the socio-economic impact of new developments in science and technology in India since independence. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the repercussions on marine ecosystem and economy resulting from the combined effects of ocean acidification, ocean warming, and oxygen loss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The invisible nature of groundwater is a major obstacle in the path towards achieving the twin objectives of building climate resilience and meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Describe the concept of loss and damage and evaluate its relevance in ensuring climate equity. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What role does wetland play in expanding the framework of sustainable development? What are the challenges faced by wetland ecosystem? Discuss the corrective steps required for their effective conservation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Despite various efforts a lasting solution to the insurgency in the north-eastern region of India remains elusive. Analyse the reasons behind the continuation of insurgency in the region. Also, suggest effective measures to tackle it. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"While developmental initiatives have a significant role to play, they alone cannot root out terrorism/ militancy in Jammu and Kashmir. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"What do you understand by theaterisation of commands? Enumerating the impediments in theaterisation for India's armed forces, discuss the role of Chief of Defence Staff in enhancing the effectiveness of India's external security response. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3747,"topper":"Ketan Garg","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/30973_877_Ketan_Garg_Rank_93.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The seeds of patriarchy and gender inequality are sown at home, which manifest as a weed at the societal level. Elucidate. Suggest an ethical framework to systematically address the issue of patriarchy in the Indian society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"What are the factors which drive people to take law in their own hands rather than following the due process of law? Discuss ways to address the problem of mob justice.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"In a democracy, the purpose of the government should be to make it easy for people to do good and difficult to do wrong. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss John Stuart Mill's idea on freedom of thought and expression. Also, give reasons as to why, according to Mill, representative democracy is the best form of government despite its inherent weaknesses.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"It is argued by some that nuclear weapons have acted more as a deterrent than leading to war and mass destruction. In this context, discuss whether it is ethically right to possess nuclear weapons to create nuclear deterrence.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Differentiate between administration and leadership. Highlighting the traits which characterize an effective leader, discuss the importance of leadership in ensuring effective public service delivery in a bureaucratic setup.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Apart from functional knowledge and expertise, the efficacy of a civil servant also depends upon his emotional intelligence. How does emotional intelligence contribute to efficacy? How can civil servants enhance their emotional intelligence?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Enumerate the mechanisms that promote accountability of public officials in discharging their functions and responsibilities in India. Also discuss why ensuring accountability for performance is not a simple task in government service.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) \"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"\"Prejudices are what fools use for reason.\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Ensuring that government decisions are not influenced by public officials' private interests is a growing concern. Discuss in the context of India. Also enumerate the core principles reflected by OECD guidelines for managing conflict of interest in the public sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Discuss, with examples, the significance of principles of public life as recommended by Nolan committee. Why are these principles considered as an essential set of expectations from public servants?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"A peculiar inhuman situation exists for the people fleeing from war zones - they cannot go back to their homeland for fear of being persecuted and no country is ready to bear their burden due to various reasons. Citing contemporary examples, discuss the ethical issues involved in such situations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"As the administrator in-charge of your area, you are witness to the widespread food wastage in lavish parties as well as in restaurants and eateries, on one hand and people starving due to inability to ensure one square-meal a day, on the other. Realizing that it is not the scarcity of resources, but the habit of people that is causing paucity in availability of food, you decide that certain measures are needed to be taken in order to deal with the issue of starvation at the grassroot level. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) What measures would you take to deal with wastage of food in your area? (c) What explains this co-existence of affluence and hunger in developing countries like India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"The excluded and marginalized section of society are worst hit by globalization. Take the case of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) like Sentinelese of Andaman & Nicobar islands; their population has reduced drastically and they are facing various other problems as well. In this context answer the following questions: 20 (a) What are the challenges faced by PVTGs due to globalisation? (b) If you are posted as a Development Officer in such an area, what will be your priorities to reduce their vulnerabilities and ensure welfare?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Undercover journalism exposes injustices, negligence, corruption and wrongdoing and yet going undercover to expose wrongdoing remains controversial. But, undercover journalists contend that they are fulfilling a fundamental duty of finding truth through their journalism. They argue that public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy and the duty of the journalist is to further those ends by seeking truth and providing a fair and comprehensive account of events and issues. So, there are some supporters of this kind of journalism, which sometimes infringe the privacy of individuals. However, some journalists also urge avoiding surreptitious methods of gathering information except when traditional open methods will not yield information vital to the public. In this context, answer the following questions: 20 (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the practice of undercover journalism? (b) Do you support the practice of undercover investigation by journalists? Give reasons in support of your answer.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are the chief executive of ABC Ltd., an automotive component manufacturing company. Until recently, all of your production plants were located in City X. However, the cost of production has risen, causing profits to decline. A number of factors have led to an increase in the production costs. First, the union representing the workers in your plant waged a successful strike resulting in increased salary and benefits. A second factor has been imposition of stringent environmental regulations. Shareholders are concerned about the declining fortunes of the company. Many of the competitors have moved their operations to less-developed cities, where the operating costs are less than in City X. ABC Ltd. is a major employer in the city where it is located, and you know that a plant closure will cause economic dislocation in the city. 20 Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) What are the ethical issues involved in this case? (b) How can the interests of different stakeholders be reconciled in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You are posted as a District Education Officer (DEO) in a Maoist affected district. You have been specifically given the responsibility to work on the literacy mission. After reading the education reports and doing field visits, you find that the number of out of school children has increased drastically and the motivation among students and teachers is also low. While certain basic infrastructure is already in place, the major hurdle in attracting students to these schools include the attitude of inhabitants towards education and the security risks involved in sending children to schools. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Analyse the reasons behind such an attitude. 20 (b) As a DEO, what are the steps that you would take in order to increase the school attendance and change the prevalent attitude of inhabitants towards education?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Mr. Pradeep is a senior civil servant in the central government and is involved in the budgeting department. In the course of performing his duties, he comes to know about diversion of funds earmarked for SC/ST sub-plan for other purposes. While he is not directly responsible for this aspect of the budget, he raised his concerns to the department concerned. He also learns that the minister responsible as well as senior most civil servants are aware of the practice and have given tacit approval for it. Soon thereafter, Pradeep was summoned to talk on the issue and was told that since the matter is not within his jurisdiction, he should 'keep his nose out of it'. After much soul searching, Pradeep decided to obey his supervisors by leaving the matter alone. Based on the information given, answer the following questions: (a) Elaborate on the internal dissonance that Pradeep faces in the given situation. 20 (b) On what basis can the decision of Pradeep be justified? (c) Had you been in Pradeep's place, what would have been the course of action chosen by you? Recognise the merits and demerits, if any.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3748,"topper":"Ketan Shukla","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/ketan-shukla-gs-mac-2024-1745406701576.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"1 (a) Besides being public servants, they are also citizens and have personal lives. At times, there is an inherent tension among the roles. How can a public servant effectively navigate the intrinsic tension between personal interests and official duties and between private inclinations and public obligations? Explain","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"(b) \"Ideas are the cornerstone of a strong public service framework globally.\" In the context of this statement, discuss the ideas of a philosopher whose ideas you believe are most pertinent to the civil services in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. (a) \"The challenge of power lies in its responsible application rather than its irresponsible and indulgent use — specifically, how to motivate those in power to serve the public rather than exploit it.\" Analyse the relationship between power and public service. Do you believe that the concept of power conflicts with the ideal of service, or do they complement each other? Substantiate your viewpoint.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"(b) Human values emphasise the humane aspects of public servants, whereas public service values focus on the transparency and effectiveness of service delivery. Do you think these value systems conflict with or complement each other? Justify your perspective with relevant examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"3. (a) \"When good individuals in any society become complacent and cease their vigilance and struggle, malevolent forces prevail.\" Discuss the role and significance of civil society in curbing corruption and official misconduct.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"(b) Do you agree with feminist ethicists that women are \"more emotional\" and prioritise relationships over rules, reflecting different yet equally valuable ethical perspectives? Justify your viewpoints with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"4 (a) Ideally, ethics and law should be harmonious in the context of administration, yet conflicts between them can arise. How should an administrator handle conflicts between legal directives and ethical considerations, particularly when directives are illegal and laws are unjust? Discuss","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"(b) Critically evaluate the role of family and educational institutions in shaping ethical values among civil servants.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"5. (a) How can civil servants cultivate a positive attitude towards the weaker sections of society? Suggest some implementable and practical steps.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":22,"question":"(b) Business ethicists believe that external and internal regulations are insufficient for curtailing or preventing corporate malpractices; they strongly advocate the presence of whistleblowing mechanisms as a check against corporate misgovernance. Do you think corporate governance is incomplete without whistleblowing (Why/Why not)? Explain (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"6. Discuss the relevance of the following quotes to the present times.\n(a) \"Moral actions belong to the jurisdiction of the outward and inward court, both civil and domestic governor; I mean both the magistrate and conscience.\" Locke (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"(b) \"Good people do not need laws to tell them to act responsibly, while bad people will find a way around the laws.\" Plato (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"(c) \"A sense of duty is useful in work, but offensive in personal relations.\" Russell (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"7 In a tragic incident that profoundly impacted the community, a public transport bus operated by the city's transportation department plummeted into a ravine due to brake failure. This catastrophic event resulted in the fatalities of several passengers and the driver. As the Head of Safety, the responsibility to investigate and address the underlying causes of this accident is incumbent upon you.\n\nThe accident occurred on a steep mountainous route, a critical and challenging area for bus operations. Initial investigations revealed two primary causes:\n1. The driver was found to be under the influence of alcohol.\n2. The maintenance team had not adequately serviced the bus's braking system.\n\nThese findings highlighted severe lapses in both the human and mechanical aspects of the transport system.\n\nUpon concluding the inquiry, you realized the complexity of the situation. There were numerous uncertainties and ambiguities, preventing a straightforward assignment of responsibility or a definitive conclusion. The accident might have been averted if the maintenance team had performed their duties diligently. Similarly, if the bus driver had not been intoxicated, he might have been able to prevent the bus from falling into the ravine.\n(a) Identify the ethical issues and dilemmas involved in the above case.\n(b) What options are available to you in the above case?\n(c) Do you think focusing on the personal responsibility of the intoxicated driver is more ethical or the systemic issues of maintenance failures? Justify your answer with relevant ethical principles.","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"This situation required extensive introspection before finalizing the report.\n(a) Identify the ethical issues and dilemmas in the above case.\n(b) What are the options available to you in the above case?\n(c) What do you think is more ethical to focus on the personal responsibility of the driver, who was intoxicated, or on the broader systemic issue of maintenance failures? Justify your answer with relevant ethical theories.\na) Identify the ethical issues and dilemmas in the above case.\nb) What are the options available to you in the above case?\nc) What do you think is more ethical to focus on the personal responsibility of the driver, who was intoxicated, or on the broader systemic issue of maintenance failures? Justify your answer with relevant ethical theories.","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":35,"question":"8 As an officer in the Right to Information (RTI) division of the Defence Ministry, your primary responsibility is to respond to RTI queries by furnishing relevant details. Most of these RTI applications pertain to tender information and procurement contracts. However, occasionally, applications concerning sensitive matters arise, requiring you to seek legal advice and obtain approval from your senior before responding. Recently, an RTI application was received that involved sensitive departmental initiatives. Following protocol, you sought legal advice, and the legal officer cleared the response. However, your senior did not approve the reply and instructed you to be opaque in your response. Respecting the chain of command, you adhered to the senior's directive and provided a vague and non-informative reply. Undeterred by the initial response, the applicant resubmitted the application, demonstrating persistence. Once again, you followed the senior's instructions and kept the response deliberately vague. This cycle continued, with the applicant becoming increasingly relentless. One day, the entire email trail related to this RTI case got leaked and found its way to the media. It was revealed that the persistent applicant was an RTI activist, dedicated to ensuring transparency and accountability within government departments. The media coverage brought significant public attention and scrutiny to the Defence Ministry's handling of RTI requests, particularly those concerning sensitive information. In the aftermath of the media exposure, your senior officer instructed you to take responsibility for the opaque responses. You were left questioning your actions and decisions, pondering where you might have gone wrong.\n(a) उपयुक्त मामले में निहित नैतिक मुद्दों और दुविधाओं की पहचान कीजिए।\n(b) उपयुक्त मामले में आपके पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\n(c) आरटीआई कार्यकर्ता की दृढ़ प्रकृति और जनता के सूचना के अधिकार को ध्यान में रखते हुए, आपको राष्ट्रीय सुरक्षा चिंताओं और पारदर्शिता और जवाबदेही के सिद्धांतों के बीच तनाव को कैसे दूर करना चाहिए? स्पष्ट कीजिए।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए"},{"page":36,"question":"(a) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas in the above case?\n(b) What are the options available to you in the above case?\n(c) Considering the persistent nature of the RTI activist and the public's right to information, how should you navigate the tension between national security concerns and the principles of transparency and accountability? Explain","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":40,"question":"9 (a) उपयुक्त मामले में निहित नैतिक मुद्दों और दुविधाओं की पहचान कीजिए।\n(b) उपयुक्त मामले में आपके पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\n(c) एनजीओ कर्मचारियों से प्राप्त फीडबैक पर विचार करते हुए कि गांव के पुरुष खुद को उपेक्षित महसूस कर रहे हैं और महिलाओं को प्रशिक्षण सत्रों में भाग लेने से रोकने का प्रयास कर रहे हैं, आप कार्यक्रम में उनके समावेशन और समर्थन को सुनिश्चित करने के लिए क्या रणनीतियां लागू करेंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए) 20 अंक\na) उपयुक्त मामले में निहित नैतिक मुद्दों और दुविधाओं की पहचान कीजिए।\nb) उपयुक्त मामले में आपके पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nc) एनजीओ कर्मचारियों से प्राप्त फीडबैक पर विचार करते हुए कि गांव के पुरुष खुद को उपेक्षित महसूस कर रहे हैं और महिलाओं को प्रशिक्षण सत्रों में भाग लेने से रोकने का प्रयास कर रहे हैं, आप कार्यक्रम में उनके समावेशन और समर्थन को सुनिश्चित करने के लिए क्या रणनीतियां लागू करेंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए) 20 अंक","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":41,"question":"(a) What the issues that you notice in the above case?\n(b) What are actionable options available to you?\n(c) Considering the feedback from the NGO staff about village men feeling left out and attempting to dissuade women from attending training sessions, what strategies would you implement to ensure their inclusion and support for the program? (Answer in 250 words) 20 marks","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"10 (a) उपयुक्त मामले में निहित नैतिक मुद्दों और दुविधाओं की पहचान कीजिए।\n(b) उपयोगितावादी दृष्टिकोण को ध्यान में रखते हुए, क्या आपको लगता है कि श्री कुमार को झुग्गी-झोपड़ियों के निवासियों की बेहतरी के लिए परियोजना में तेजी लाने के श्री शर्मा के प्रस्ताव को स्वीकार कर लेना चाहिए था? क्यों अथवा क्यों नहीं?\n(c) गुण नीतिशास्त्र (virtue ethics) के संदर्भ में, श्री कुमार जैसे वरिष्ठ सिविल सेवक के लिए नैतिक चरित्र और सत्यनिष्ठा के महत्व पर चर्चा कीजिए। इस दुविधा को हल करने में इन गुणों को उनके कार्यों का मार्गदर्शन किस प्रकार से करना चाहिए? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए) [20 अंक]","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":46,"question":"(a) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas in the above case?\n(b) Considering the utilitarian perspective, do you think Mr. Kumar should have accepted Mr. Sharma's proposal to expedite the project for the greater good of the slum residents? Why or why not?\n(c) In the context of virtue ethics, discuss the importance of moral character and integrity for a senior civil servant like Mr. Kumar. How should these virtues guide his actions in resolving the dilemma?\na) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas in the above case?\nb) Considering the utilitarian perspective, do you think Mr. Kumar should have accepted Mr. Sharma's proposal to expedite the project for the greater good of the slum residents? Why or why not?\nc) In the context of virtue ethics, discuss the importance of moral character and integrity for a senior civil servant like Mr. Kumar. How should these virtues guide his actions in resolving the dilemma?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":50,"question":"11 (a) उपयुक्त मामले में निहित नैतिक मुद्दों और दुविधाओं की पहचान कीजिए।\n(b) सुश्री राव के पास उपलब्ध विकल्प क्या हैं?\n(c) आप सुश्री राव के लिए किस प्रकार की कार्रवाई का सुझाव देंगे? क्यों?\n(d) क्या आपको लगता है कि देरी के लिए सुश्री राव को जवाबदेह ठहराना उचित था? क्यों/क्यों नहीं?\na उपयुक्त मामले में निहित नैतिक मुद्दों और दुविधाओं की पहचान कीजिए।\nb सुश्री राव के पास उपलब्ध विकल्प क्या हैं?\nc आप सुश्री राव के लिए किस प्रकार की कार्रवाई का सुझाव देंगे? क्यों?\nd क्या आपको लगता है कि देरी के लिए सुश्री राव को जवाबदेह ठहराना उचित था? क्यों/क्यों नहीं?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए"},{"page":51,"question":"In a critical meeting, the state Chief Secretary, Mr. Vikram Patel, emphasized the urgency of advancing the project and held Ms. Rao accountable for the delays, lack of progress, and overall non-performance. Ms. Rao left the meeting disappointed and felt holding her accountable for delay was unfair as there were others also involved in the project.\n(a) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas involved in the above case?\n(b) What are the options available to Ms. Rao?\n(c) What course of action would you suggest for Ms. Rao? Why?\n(d) Do you think holding Ms. Rao accountable for the delays was justified? Why/Why not?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":55,"question":"12 (a) सुश्री शर्मा के सामने मौजूद मुद्दे और दुविधाएँ क्या हैं?  \n(b) अपने विभाग में उत्पीड़न और धमकाने की शिकायतों को संबोधित करने में सुश्री शर्मा को किन नैतिक सिद्धांतों द्वारा मार्गदर्शित होना चाहिए?  \n(c) सरकारी विभागों में उत्पीड़न और धमकाने को रोकने के लिए कौन-सी दीर्घकालिक रणनीतियाँ लागू की जानी चाहिए? ये रणनीतियाँ सम्मान और समाविष्टता की संस्कृति को कैसे बढ़ावा दे सकती हैं?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए"},{"page":56,"question":"(a) What are the issues and dilemmas that confront Ms. Sharma?\n(b) What ethical principles should guide Ms. Sharma in addressing the harassment and bullying complaints in her department?\n(c) What long-term strategies should be implemented to prevent harassment and bullying in government departments? How can these strategies promote a culture of respect and inclusivity? (Answer in 250 words) 20 marks\na) What are the issues and dilemmas that confront Ms. Sharma?\nb) What ethical principles should guide Ms. Sharma in addressing the harassment and bullying complaints in her department?\nc) What long-term strategies should be implemented to prevent harassment and bullying in government departments? How can these strategies promote a culture of respect and inclusivity?","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":3749,"topper":"Ketan Sukla","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/7/ketan-shukla-test-4-1753350262065.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Besides being public servants, they are also citizens and have personal lives. At times, there is an inherent tension among the roles. How can a public servant effectively navigate the intrinsic tension between personal interests and official duties and between private inclinations and public obligations? Explain (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"\"Ideas are the cornerstone of a strong public service framework globally.\" In the context of this statement, discuss the ideas of a philosopher whose ideas you believe are most pertinent to the civil services in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"\"The challenge of power lies in its responsible application rather than its irresponsible and indulgent use - specifically, how to motivate those in power to serve the public rather than exploit it.\" Analyse the relationship between power and public service. Do you believe that the concept of power conflicts with the ideal of service, or do they complement each other? Substantiate your viewpoint. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"Human values emphasise the humane aspects of public servants, whereas public service values focus on the transparency and effectiveness of service delivery. Do you think these value systems conflict with or complement each other? Justify your perspective with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks\"","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"When good individuals in any society become complacent and cease their vigilance and struggle, malevolent forces prevail.\" Discuss the role and significance of civil society in curbing corruption and official misconduct. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks\"","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Do you agree with feminist ethicists that women are \"more emotional\" and prioritise relationships over rules, reflecting different yet equally valuable ethical perspectives? Justify your viewpoints with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Ideally, ethics and law should be harmonious in the context of administration, yet conflicts between them can arise. How should an administrator handle conflicts between legal directives and ethical considerations, particularly when directives are illegal and laws are unjust? Discuss (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Critically evaluate the role of family and educational institutions in shaping ethical values among civil servants. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"How can civil servants cultivate a positive attitude towards the weaker sections of society? Suggest some implementable and practical steps. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Business ethicists believe that external and internal regulations are insufficient for curtailing or preventing corporate malpractices; they strongly advocate the presence of whistleblowing mechanisms as a check against corporate misgovernance. Do you think corporate governance is incomplete without whistleblowing? Why/Why not? Explain (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the relevance of the following quotes to the present times. (a) \"Moral actions belong to the jurisdiction of the outward and inward court, both civil and domestic governor; I mean both the magistrate and conscience.\" Locke (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":31,"question":"As the Head of Safety, the conclusions of your report carry significant consequences. Firstly, if the driver is deemed culpable due to his intoxication, his family may lose a substantial amount of post-death benefits because he was under the influence while on duty. Secondly, if you conceal the driver's intoxication and attribute the incident solely to poor maintenance, the maintenance crew would face job termination. This situation required extensive introspection before finalizing the report. (a) Identify the ethical issues and dilemmas in the above case. (b) What are the options available to you in the above case? (c) What do you think is more ethical to focus on the personal responsibility of the driver, who was' intoxicated, or on the broader systemic issue of maintenance failures? Justify your answer with relevant ethical theories. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"What are the ethical issues and dilemmas in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you in the above case? (c) Considering the persistent nature of the RTI activist and the public's right to information, how should you navigate the tension between national security concerns and the principles of transparency and accountability? Explain (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"As a dedicated Block Development Officer (BDO), you are highly respected by your staff and appreciated by your superiors for your creative work. The state government has selected several villages in your jurisdiction for the implementation of a women's self-employment scheme using Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The project is to be implemented by a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), and you have been directed to provide logistics and other necessary support. The NGO staff began their work by meeting and identifying young women who were suitable candidates for training and skill development. After identification, these young women were provided with a starter kit, which included a broadband dongle, a 10-inch tablet, and some reading material. The training started in earnest, and the selected young women showed great enthusiasm and eagerness to learn. Initially, the project showed promising signs of success. However, one day, the village elders approached you with a request to stop this pilot project. They expressed concern that these devices and online learning were corrupting the young women. They believed that instead of learning, the girls were only watching videos on the tablets. The elders suggested that vocational skill training, such as stitching or cooking, would be more beneficial than digital skills. After listening to their concerns, you assured them that you would investigate the matter. Upon inquiring with the NGO staff, they clarified that the videos being viewed were educational, and they were monitoring the trainees' browsing behaviour through backend systems to ensure appropriate usage. The NGO staff also pointed out that some village men felt excluded from the process and were attempting to dissuade the women from participating in the training sessions. As a BDO, you recognize the scheme's importance and potential benefits for the women in the villages. However, you are also aware that if the men's underlying mindset issues are not addressed promptly, the entire skill development effort could be undermined. As a committed public servant, you were determined to take some preventive action as you noticed tensions brewing among the men. (a) What the issues that you notice in the above case? (b) What are actionable options available to you? (c) Considering the feedback from the NGO staff about village men feeling left out and attempting to dissuade women from attending training sessions, what strategies would you implement to ensure their inclusion and support for the program? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Ms. Ananya Rao is working as a District Collector in Maharashtra. The district is working on an ambitious infrastructure project, the Rural Connectivity Project, designed to improve road connectivity between remote villages and major cities. This project promises several key benefits, including easy access to markets, healthcare and education for the rural population. However, this project is embroiled in controversies. Environmentalists argue that its construction will cause irreparable damage to local forests and wildlife habitats. The local farming community is concerned about losing agricultural land due to road expansion. There are also allegations of inadequate compensation and inadequate rehabilitation plans for affected families. As the project progresses, various departments including Environment, Agriculture and Public Works Department (PWD) are involved in the decision-making process. Each department has its own specific responsibilities. The Environment Department is tasked with assessing environmental impacts, the Agriculture Department is responsible for securing farmers' rights, and the PWD is responsible for executing construction work. Ms. Rao, in her capacity, oversees the coordination between these departments. However, due to conflicting priorities and a lack of accountability, this project is delayed and public criticism is mounting. Environmental In a critical meeting, the state Chief Secretary, Mr. Vikram Patel, emphasized the urgency of advancing the project and held Ms. Rao accountable for the delays, lack of progress, and overall non-performance. Ms. Rao left the meeting disappointed and felt holding her accountable for delay was unfair as there were others also involved in the project. (a) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas involved in the above case? (b) What are the options available to Ms. Rao? (c) What course of action would you suggest for Ms. Rao? Why? (d) Do you think holding Ms. Rao accountable for the delays was justified? Why/Why not? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":3750,"topper":"Ketan Sukla","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/7/ketan-shukla-test-3-1753350251540.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Highlighting the factors contributing to high fiscal deficit in India, discuss the potential consequences of such deficit and suggest measures to ensure fiscal consolidation. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"India's aspiration to be a developed nation by 2047 hinges on significant capital investment. In light of this, discuss the potential of capital investment in achieving this vision. What are the challenges India faces in this regard? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What are the major challenges faced by India's agriculture sector to achieve self-sufficiency in pulses and vegetable oils? Suggest measures to address these challenges. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What are the principles behind the working of Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV)? Explain the significance and potential benefits of use of RLVs in India's space commerce. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Examine the key features of the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) 2023. Analyze its potential for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"In light of the increased intensity, frequency and duration of heat waves in the last decade, do you think the time has come to include \"heat waves\" as a notified disaster under the Disaster Management Act, 2005? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Recently formulated 'joint doctrine for cyberspace operations' by Indian armed forces will lead to strengthening of the cyber-security posture for both conventional operations as well as gray zone warfare. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the necessity and potential issues surrounding the extension of the Border Security Force's (BSF) territorial jurisdiction in states adjacent to Pakistan and Bangladesh. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"India's economic growth story is often overshadowed by the persistent challenges of unemployment. Analyze the concept of structural unemployment and discuss its relevance in the context of India's current economic situation. Suggest policy measures to promote inclusive job growth. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Discuss the role of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in fostering regional growth in India. How can MSMEs contribute to achieving industrial diversification and technological advancement? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"\"The sole point of MSP is to protect farmers from sudden price shock\". Do you think legalization of MSP can insure farmers from sudden price shocks? What are the other measures which can be taken to make MSP-led procurement effective? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Discuss the role of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) in the Public Distribution System (PDS) to ensure food security in India. Suggest necessary reforms in the functioning of FCI to enhance its efficiency and effectiveness. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Discuss the role of nanotechnology on enhancing agricultural productivity and food security in India. Highlight recent developments and potential benefits and risks of use of nano fertilizers and nano-pesticides. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"The Nobel Prize in Physics of 2023 was jointly awarded to Ekimov, Brus and Bawendi for the discovery of synthesis of quantum dots. In this context, discuss the applications of quantum dots. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Evaluate the role of protected areas in biodiversity conservation in India. How effective have national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves been in preserving India's biodiversity? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"What the causes of high levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and ozone pollution in India. How effective are the various steps taken by the government to mitigate particulate matter and ozone pollution? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) Report 2023 highlights a growing menace of drug trafficking in South Asia, with India being a major hub. Analyze the various dimensions of this challenge with respect to India. Also suggest a multi-pronged approach to address it. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"India's response to left wing extremism needs to integrate soft approaches like socio-economic policies and dialogue along with hard security measures to address the root causes of Naxalism. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3751,"topper":"Ketan Sukla","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/7/ketan-shukla-test-2-1753350239527.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Federal governance is characterised by institutionalized arrangements for solving problems generated by pluralism based on consultation and mutual consent. How have Zonal Councils evolved from merely advisory bodies to proactive platforms for action? (Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Secularism under the Indian constitution is encapsulated in the broader concept of constitutional commitment to equality. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"There is a need to shift the focus of Section 8 of the Representation of People Act, 1951 from the duration of the sentence to the gravity of the offence. Comment on how the current classification under Section 8 leads to arbitrary categorisation of offences. Also, mention the remedies available to a person disqualified under this section. ( Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What is the significance of the Leader of Opposition in the Indian parliamentary system? How does the role of the opposition contribute to the checks and balances in a democracy? ( Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"The core ideals of the Preamble - sovereignty, socialism, secularism, and democracy - form the bedrock of India's constitutional framework.\" Elucidate. ( Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Assess the implications of the 103rd Constitutional Amendment, which introduced a ten per cent reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), on the principle of social justice in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The focus of welfare schemes in India is shifting from \"well-being\" towards \"over-dependency\". In light of this, do you agree that welfare schemes have inculcated a \"freebies culture\" in India leading to a divergence of focus from poverty and hunger alleviation? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"E-governance is not just about efficiency; it's about making governance accessible and inclusive for every citizen. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"With the advent of new regional and multilateral agreements like QUAD, AUKUS, I2U2 etc the old world order represented by organizations like NAM, Davos, and G77 is losing its relevance. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The island states and territories from the South Pacific to the African coast have become new nodes in India's changing strategic geography. In this context, highlight the importance of these island states for India and also throw light upon the initiatives taken by India to strengthen ties with these states. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Electoral funding in India is fraught with the double whammy of legal loopholes and political inefficiencies. In this context, discuss the challenges to electoral funding. What lessons can India draw from global best practices in this regard? (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Pressure groups form the social foundation of a democracy. In this context, discuss pressure groups' key contributions in promoting social security measures for workers in India, and how they address the gaps in existing policies. (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"The Constitution envisages the \"principle of federal supremacy\" in the executive space of Indian federal polity. Discuss while referring to the relevant Constitutional provisions and case laws. How are contentious issues regarding the distribution of powers resolved? (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Delimitation of seats is essential to ensure fair representation and uphold the principles of one vote, one value. Highlighting the challenges posed by misrepresentation in constituencies analyse the ramifications of population-based delimitation in creating federal tension. (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"To what extent can the PIL system be held responsible for shifting the focus of the higher Courts from \"constitutional matters\" to day-to-day matters? What role can the trial Courts play in reducing the overall burden on higher Courts? (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"India's higher education system needs significant reforms to align with global standards. How does the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 aim to address these challenges, and what lessons can India learn from international practices to enhance its higher education system? Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"The Right to Information (RTI) Act is hailed for its transformative impact on the quest for transparency and accountability in Indian governance. However, multifaceted challenges and systemic limitations impede its effective implementation. Discuss. Also, suggest measures for its effective implementation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Discuss the unique challenges and opportunities Self Help Groups (SHGs) encounter in urban areas compared to rural ones, and how can microfinance be adapted to tackle urban poverty. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Highlight the significance of the recently envisaged India-Middle East-Europe corridor for India's connectivity with the world, especially the West. Do you think, in recent times, transport and energy initiatives have taken precedence in India's foreign policy? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Despite the recent rise in politically contentious issues, the India-Canada bilateral relationship has remained committed to shared values of democracy, pluralism, expanding economic engagement and long-standing people-to-people ties. Highlighting the significant pillars of the India-Canada relationship, discuss the potential areas of cooperation and collaboration between India and Canada. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3752,"topper":"Ketan Sukla","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/7/ketan-shukla-test-1-1753350222902.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"The rule of law and judicial review are interdependent, as one cannot truly exist without the other. In this context can judicial review be considered the most important aspect among those that constitute the basic structure of the Constitution? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"How does the power and authority of Delhi's lieutenant governor compare to that of the governors of other states, particularly in terms of acting on the aid and advice of the council of ministers? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss the role of the judiciary in navigating the tension between the right to religion and constitutional morality in India in recent times. Refer to relevant case laws. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The principle of 'Separation of Powers' is a key feature of the American Constitution. In this context, compare how the Indian Constitution's functional separation of powers distinguishes itself from the US system. What are the advantages of a check and balance system over a rigid Separation of Powers? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution is more than a legal provision that empowers tribal regions with self-rule. How does the sixth schedule foster development while respecting their traditional governance systems and cultural practices? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How do partnerships between Civil Society Organizations and Government Entities contribute to India's development goals? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss the importance of cultivating a culture of life-long learning among Indian civil servants. How has Mission Karmyogi contributed to this objective? Illustrate with examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Given India's strides in reducing extreme poverty, should the country consider redefining its poverty line to better reflect the current socio-economic realities? Discuss the potential benefits and challenges associated with redefinition of the poverty line. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Evaluate the impact of the deepening political divisions with the major Western States on global governance and international cooperation. How should India navigate these divisions to advance its national interests on the global stage? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"How does India's Arctic Policy align with its broader foreign policy objectives? Broadly discuss the collaborations and agreements India is involved in with the Arctic Council. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In what ways are the terms of reference of the 16th Finance Commission different from that of the previous Finance Commissions? Despite increasingly progressive devolution by subsequent Finance Commissions, examine the factors that propel economic disparities across various States. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Compare and contrast the powers and working of the Ethics Committee and the Privileges Committee in addressing cases of 'unethical' conduct and breach of privileges. How do these Committees complement each other in maintaining parliamentary discipline? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"In the context of persistent legislative dysfunction in India, analyze the evolving role of judicial activism in shaping public policy and governance. Using examples from landmark court cases, evaluate the effectiveness of judicial interventions in addressing governance gaps and safeguarding citizens' rights. (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"To what extent does the level of internal democracy within political parties impact the functioning and legitimacy of the Indian party system? What reforms can address the challenges of inadequate intraparty democracy in India? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"\"The NHRC must not only be a watchdog but also a beacon of hope for the marginalized and oppressed.\" In this context discuss the role and mandate of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in India. How does the current composition and functioning of the NHRC affect its independence and effectiveness? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"The persistent health equity challenges in India pose a critical barrier in achieving Universal Health Coverage. In this context discuss the role of the public and private sectors in ensuring adequate health access and outcomes across rural and urban areas.(250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals requires consideration of regional context and local situations. In light of this statement examine the role of Panchayats as catalysts for grassroot development and advancing sustainable development.(250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"What are the implications of the POCSO Act on the rights and welfare of children in India? Analyze the role of the POCSO Act in transforming India's legal framework for child protection. (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Examine the influence of human rights issues and democratic values on the diplomatic relationship between the U.S. and India. How have these concerns affected bilateral engagements and what can be done to mitigate tensions arising from these issues? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Examine the geopolitical challenges India faces in South Asia despite its global rise. How can India navigate these challenges to strengthen its regional leadership? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3753,"topper":"Khetdan Charan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0b2d8-1046611_3128_khetdan_charan_rank_689.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"The world must learn to work together, or finally it will not work at all.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Technology, like art, is a soaring exercise of the human imagination.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"We've begun to raise daughters more like sons, but few have the courage to raise our sons more like our daughters.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3754,"topper":"Khetdan Charan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1fc16-1046611_2929_khetdan_charan_rank_689.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Expression of dissent is central to the functioning of the Parliament. In light of this, discuss the role of the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in India's parliamentary system. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"How can the integration of technology into judicial processes enhance accessibility, capability, and efficiency in justice delivery? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Supreme Court of India has upheld unique asymmetry in India's federalism by intricately balancing centralized authority and regional autonomy. Discuss with the help of relevant case laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Evaluate the effectiveness of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes in safeguarding the interests of the Scheduled Castes in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Executive accountability to the legislature through Parliamentary Committees has been the hallmark of the Indian political system. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can India make Citizens' Charter a powerful tool for improving governance and empowering citizens? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How do corporate donors aid NGOs in facilitating holistic development in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite its merits, should the POCSO Act be revisited to correct the existing inadequacies? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"China's acquisition of strategic ports globally has significant implications for international trade routes and economic relations. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"What are the main functions of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)? How will its recent treaty on intellectual property, genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge benefit India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) plays a crucial role in combating corruption, its functioning is often criticized for being partisan and acting against the federal spirit. Discuss with the help of suitable examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Governors in India often overstep their constitutional role and fail to act effectively when needed. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Both India and the USA adhere to democratic principles but their electoral systems exhibit significant differences. What are the key differences in electoral practices between the two countries? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"How far do you agree with the view that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has met its objective of ensuring environmental justice in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Though Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) have become a platform for competitive politics, they have not emerged as an agency of planning and service delivery. Why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by interoperability in e-governance? What steps have been taken by the government to ensure interoperability and integration of various e-governance systems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"When it comes to sexual and reproductive health of women in India, rights-based discourse has largely been bypassed not just by the societal norms but also by the legal norms. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"How effective has India been in enhancing immunization coverage over the years? What challenges continue to affect immunization efforts in the country? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India used its Presidency of the G20 to bring the voice of the Global South to the centre stage. Discuss with special reference to Africa. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"India's relationship with the UAE has witnessed a remarkable expansion across various domains in the last decade. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3755,"topper":"Khetdan Charan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/df56c-1046611_2930_khetdan_charan_rank_689.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How is the rapid growth of the food processing industry leading to food safety challenges in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Under the Public Distribution System of India, the Fair Price Shop (FPS) transformation is an evolving process. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"How are agri-tech startups in India helping farmers in enhancing farm productivity and market access? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the role of digitization of land records in the effective implementation of land reforms in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"To fully exploit its demographic dividend and accelerate economic growth, India needs to adopt a manufacturing-led growth model. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can the resilience of Indian coastal communities be strengthened to tackle the growing natural hazards resulting from climate change? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How does the Green Credit Programme extend beyond carbon management to promote a more sustainable environment in India? What are the various concerns about its implementation? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What is the need for NavIC when existing satellite navigation systems are already available? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Cyber-enabled financial crime has emerged as the new frontier of global money laundering. Discuss. How can the government address this issue? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The Indian Army is observing the year 2024 as the 'Year of Technology Absorption'. In light of this, explain why there is a need for technology absorption in the defence sector of India. What challenges can India face in this initiative? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What are the issues faced in the development of trade and industries in the North-Eastern Region (NER) of India? Comment on the measures that have been taken to tackle these issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the era of climate change and growing water scarcity, how can micro-irrigation systems contribute to sustainable agricultural practices in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What strategies can be adopted to overcome the issues pertaining to freight transportation in the Indian Railways and increase its share in the domestic freight? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the factors that have aided India in making impressive strides in the renewable energy sector and establishing itself as a frontrunner in the global renewable energy transition. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"How does agricultural runoff containing fertilizers and pesticides contribute to environmental pollution? What measures can be taken to mitigate the impact of agricultural runoff? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The growing influx of tourists in Himalayan states has breached their ecological carrying capacity, leading to significant man-made disasters. What measures can be implemented to prevent such disasters while promoting sustainable tourism? Discuss with relevant examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"How do superconductors fuel innovation in diverse fields of science and technology? Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"While India has laws covering almost all types of intellectual property rights, numerous enforcement, regulatory and administrative challenges hamper the commercialisation of IPRs in India. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Keeping in view the challenges in creating integrated theatre commands, examine how the theaterisation of commands can lead to greater integration and rationalisation of manpower and resources among the three services. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Treating border villages as first villages not just geographically but also in terms of facilities can be a key strategy for enhancing border security. Discuss. Also, highlight the measures being taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3756,"topper":"Khetdan Charan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e8b87-1046611_2931_khetdan_charan_rank_689.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The end cannot justify the means, for the simple and obvious reason that the means employed determine the nature of the ends produced. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss how the relationship between law and ethics is dynamic and continuously shaped by societal changes. Provide examples to illustrate this dynamic relationship. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Differentiate between probity and integrity with suitable examples. How do these values contribute to ethical governance and decision-making in the civil services? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the ethical implications of withholding information in public administration. How can transparency enhance accountability and reduce corruption in government institutions? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"There is no school equal to a decent home and no teacher equal to a virtuous parent.\"- Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.\" - Leo Tolstoy (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"To see what is right and not do it is a lack of courage.\" - Confucius (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What factors lead to a positive attitude in a person? How does positive attitude enhance the effectiveness of civil servants in performing their duties? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss how emotional intelligence can influence ethical decision-making in the allocation of scarce public resources. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Various international humanitarian organizations provide emergency aid in conflict zones around the world. Highlight the ethical challenges faced by such organizations. What are the principles that guide international humanitarian work? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Why is persuasion regarded as an important skill for civil servants? What are the key considerations that should guide persuasion in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"What role can ethical leadership play in curbing corruption, especially in public service? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"What were the major teachings of Swami Dayanand Saraswati? Explain their relevance in addressing the current ethical and social challenges in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":33,"question":"Discuss the ethical dilemma Karan faces in deciding whether to report the incident against Mariyam's wishes. (b) Evaluate the options available to Karan. Which of these options should he choose and why? (c) What responsibilities do organizations like XYZ Corp have in preventing and addressing sexual harassment and creating inclusive workplace environments? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"What are the options available to Jay as the Commissioner of the Education Department? Evaluate each of these options. (b) What option should Jay adopt and why? (c) How can civil servants like Jay be better protected when they attempt to uphold ethical standards in their work? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"As the District Magistrate of X city, you are responsible for overseeing the construction of a new metro depot in an urban forest area, which is a critical infrastructure project aimed at improving public transportation and reducing traffic congestion and air pollution. The project, however, requires the clearance of a substantial portion of the forest, which has triggered strong opposition from environmental activists, local residents, and NGOs. This forest is widely regarded as essential for the city's ecological balance, often referred to as the city's \"lungs.\" In addition to the environmental concerns, you are under considerable pressure from politicians at the state-level to expedite the project, given the upcoming elections in two years. The political leadership emphasizes the benefits of the metro project for the city's development and its potential to garner electoral support. The project is expected to significantly reduce travel time for thousands of commuters and potentially decrease overall vehicle emissions in the city. However, it would also lead to the loss of thousands of trees and disrupt local ecosystems. As you prepare to make a decision, you are aware that your choice will have far-reaching consequences for both the city's development and its environment. (a) Identify the ethical dilemmas involved in the above case. (b) Evaluate the options available to you in the above situation. Which of these would you choose and why? (c) Suggest some measures that could be implemented to balance urban development needs with environmental conservation in future projects. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Dr. Mehra is a senior drug developer at a leading pharmaceutical company in India, renowned for producing various medications, including lifesaving drugs critical for treating chronic and rare diseases. Since its inception, the company has emphasized the quality and affordability of its drugs. Recently, under revised government guidelines, pharmaceutical companies are required to market a finished product only after obtaining \"satisfactory results\" from tests on the ingredients. Additionally, they must retain a sufficient quantity of samples of both intermediate and final products to allow repeated testing or verification of a batch. Dr. Mehra's team is in the final stages of developing a new medication for a rare but life-threatening disease. This drug has shown promising results in clinical trials. However, there have been unresolved concerns about the long-term side effects of the drug, observed in a small percentage of trial subjects. Despite this, the company has not released any major drug in the past decade, leading to significant pressure from the board members to expedite the drug's release. (a) Identify the stakeholders in the above case study. (b) Discuss the ethical issues faced by Dr. Mehra. (c) Analyse the options available to Dr. Mehra in the above case. Which of these would you choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"You have been appointed as the Under Secretary in the State Urban Development Department. The Department has been tasked with a prestigious project aimed at revitalizing the infrastructure of a city with deep historical significance. This project, which you are extremely passionate about, involves modernizing public transportation, restoring heritage buildings, and creating green spaces while preserving the city's cultural essence. Excited by the opportunity, you spent weeks researching and drafting a comprehensive proposal. Your plan included innovative ideas for sustainable development, community engagement, and leveraging technology for urban planning. You presented these initial plans in a departmental meeting, hoping to inspire your colleagues and kickstart the project. However, your enthusiasm was met with indifference. Your colleagues showed little interest, failing to contribute ideas he seemed equally indifferent, casually mentioning that he is set to retire in six months and that the project has a long gestation period. Determined to see the project succeed, you took it upon yourself to drive it forward. For the past two months, you have been working more than 12 hours a day, often late into the night, sacrificing time with your family. Your dedication is driven by your belief in the project's potential to transform the lives of the city's residents and preserve its rich heritage for future generations. Two months into the project, a review meeting is called by the Chief Secretary. During the meeting, Department heads from various sectors are present to discuss ongoing and upcoming projects. When it is time to present the urban revitalization project, your boss stands up. To your shock, he presents your draft proposal as his own work, taking all the credit for the innovative ideas and comprehensive planning. As you sit there, listening to your superior claim your hard work as his own, you feel a mix of anger, disappointment, and demoralization. This incident not only undermines your efforts but also leaves you questioning the value of your dedication in a work culture that does not seem to support collaboration or recognize individual contributions. (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) How does the above-mentioned work culture affect workplace morale and productivity? (c) What are the options available to you and how would you address the situation? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":58,"question":"Arun, renowned for his integrity and dedication, has recently assumed the role of Superintendent at a state Pollution Control Board. This posting, his fourth in just one year, includes the responsibility of overseeing Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs). In his new position, Arun becomes aware of a copper smelting plant situated near a crucial wetland that serves as the primary water source for the region. Despite the plant's notorious reputation for heavy pollution, the current EIA, presented to Arun by the Chairperson, indicates no significant impact on the wetland. The next assessment is not scheduled for another two years. One day, Arun receives a letter from a politician affiliated with the opposition party. The letter contains evidence suggesting that the current EIA results are based on falsified lab reports, allegedly approved by the Chairperson. The Chairperson is known to have close ties with the ruling party, which has been receiving substantial donations from the plant's operators. The opposition politician urges Arun to expose the Chairperson from within the department, arguing that this approach could effectively pressurize the government to conduct a new EIA. He promises Arun significant rewards and support once their party comes to power, an outcome suggested by recent opinion polls. While the evidence presented is compelling, Arun remains cautious about the possibility of being exploited as a political pawn. He is acutely aware of the potential consequences of his actions, both for his career and for the environment. (a) In light of the above case, discuss the ethical issues that may arise from the nexus between corporate, political, and bureaucratic interests. (b) As a conscientious civil servant, evaluate the options available to Arun. Which option should he choose and why?(Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":59,"question":"In light of the above case, discuss the ethical issues that may arise from the nexus between corporate, political, and bureaucratic interests. (b) As a conscientious civil servant, evaluate the options available to Arun. Which option should he choose and why?(Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3757,"topper":"Khushboo","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/91e05-887006_1754_khushboo_rank-139.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Women in leadership : Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"In the face of adversity, we have a choice : we can be bitter, or we can be better.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3758,"topper":"Khushboo","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6760e-887006_1837_khushboo_rank-139.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"With the help of appropriate examples, discuss the ethical challenges involved in policing in India. Also, highlight the reasons behind corruption in the police force. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"It is not only public servants, but also the common citizens who play a key role in institutionalising high standards of ethical conduct and good governance. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"While emotional intelligence is an essential tool for a public servant, it can also be misused to manipulate people to act against their own interests. Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.\" Nelson Mandela (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"Is it ethical to punish children as adults?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3759,"topper":"Khushboo","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/89b34-887006_2220_khushboo_rank-139.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The logic of limitless wealth lies in the basic human instinct for furthering self-interest in the form of profit. In this context, do you think there is a possibility of pursuing ethical capitalism? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"If a law is unjust, a man is not only right to disobey it, he is obligated to do so. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The ongoing debate on euthanasia poses several ethical questions. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Foreign aid is a form of neo-colonialism, as the economically wealthier countries can exploit the developing countries under the cloak of aid. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Throwing light on the idea of Universal Humanism propounded by Rabindranath Tagore, discuss its contemporary relevance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree with the view that it is nature and not nurture which determines the emotional intelligence of a person? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Values that guide public administrators can often compete with each other, owing to their relative importance to the larger public interest. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Is it justifiable to say that corruption is a social phenomenon? What are the various ways through which administrative corruption can be tackled? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":42,"question":"In the given scenario, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the stakeholders and ethical issues involved in this case. (b) What steps will you take to ensure that the investigation is fair and impartial?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3760,"topper":"Khushboo Gupta","air":80,"year":2018,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e40cb-146733_1078_khusboo_gupta_rank_80.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3761,"topper":"Khushboo Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6906b-146733_1022_khusboo_gupta_rank_80.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by seasonal shifting of pressure belts? What impact does it have on the formation of various climatic regions across the globe? Discuss its socio-economic significance. (12.5X20=250)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Explain the reasons for the formation of Sargasso Sea. Also, examine the factors for it being a region with one of the highest ocean salinity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"Why are river deltas important? Discuss the existing threats to river deltas and the measures needed to overcome these threats.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Give an account of the different types of earthquakes based on their zone of occurrence. Identify the earthquake prone regions of the world with special reference to India. Also explain the reasons for the occurrence of earthquakes in geologically inactive regions like Peninsular India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"Explain the reasons for the following: (a) Erosional forms dominate in the west coast while depositional forms dominate in the east coast of India. (b) Western Ghats in Karnataka receive more monsoon rainfall than Maharashtra and Kerala.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"With increasing urbanisation in India, the land usage pattern is undergoing major changes. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"How is the coal bearing strata of India classified in geological terms? Why does coal remain the most important source of energy in India and what are its implications?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"Forest fires have become a regular feature during summers in the Western Himalayas. What are the causes behind this phenomenon? Critically examine the efforts made by authorities in countering this problem. Do periodic forest fires have any benefits associated with them?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"What are sunrise industries? Elaborate on the potential of these industries in India with a special focus on the food processing industry.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"Scientific and technological advancements have removed the constraints posed by geographical factors which determine the location of industries. Comment. Giving examples, discuss the new factors that have come into play as a result.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"Give a brief distribution of major grasslands of the world. Discuss the reasons behind the temperate grasslands becoming the grain baskets of the world. Also compare their performance vis-a-vis tropical grasslands in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Weather and climate information plays a significant role in increasing agricultural productivity as well as minimising crop losses. Comment. Also examine the ways in which forecasting system can be made more effective and inclusive.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"The Paris Climate agreement sets ambitious goals but does not go far enough in mechanisms to achieve the aims. Comment. Also highlight the challenges which a developing country like India faces to achieve the targets it has set for itself.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Describe the factors responsible for increase in marine pollution in the past few decades. What impact does marine pollution have on the ocean ecosystem? Discuss the measures taken by the international community to deal with it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Discuss the environmental impact of electronic waste and the best practices for its handling in the context of the E-waste (Management) Rules, 2016. Also suggest some ways to incentivise consumers to utilise and dispose-off the e-waste properly.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"An emissions-reduction approach to fighting global warming is not enough. Alternative solutions involving climate engineering might have to be deployed sooner than we think. Defining climate engineering, critically examine the statement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"Discuss how drought is more of a man-made disaster than a mere deficiency of rainfall. Elaborate on the consequences of desertification that drought prone regions face. Also, bring out the preventive steps to be taken in light of targets to curb desertification as mentioned under the SDGs.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"India's first National Disaster Management Plan may fulfill the legal requirement of having a plan but it may not be very effective in achieving its objective of building resilience. Critically analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"A better prepared community is key to effective disaster risk reduction. Citing specific examples, examine the importance of the role of local government and community in dealing with disasters.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"What is the role of NDRF in managing disasters in the country? Highlighting the challenges that NDRF has been facing, discuss why it is still the armed forces which end up being the most visible force at hand during disasters.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3762,"topper":"Khushboo Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/85176-146733_1021_khusboo_gupta_rank_80.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Identify the key objectives of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. Also highlight the challenges in its implementation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Discuss how the design of MGNREGA program makes it more successful than other rural development programmes.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Self-employment of the poor has been an important objective of the anti-poverty programmes and SHGs have played a significant role in this. Elucidate with examples. Also discuss the problems which plague the model of SHG micro-finance in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Give an account of the issues that arise due to short tenure of civil servants in India. Critically discuss the move of setting up a Civil Services Board in order to address this problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"India's health system is one of the most privatised in the world, poorly regulated and accessible only to those with income levels well above the average. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Keeping in mind the importance of NGOs in India's development process it is imperative that adequate legal and regulatory mechanisms should be in place. Discuss in the context of recent developments.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"While on one hand, there has been proliferation of use of digital technology, on the other hand, resulting digital dividends have not been forthcoming. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"The public policy requirements of the 21st century demand a bureaucracy less generalist in nature. Analyse in the context of Indian civil services.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Explain how the National Digital Library (NDL) can bring a fundamental shift in the paradigm of education and research. Also highlight the challenges that need to be addressed to make NDL self-sustainable.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Census 2011 observed that there has been a significant increase in urban homeless households in the period between 2001 and 2011. What are homeless households? Highlighting the challenges faced by them, discuss the causes for increase in such households. Suggest various measures to rehabilitate these households.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"Budget 2017 - 2018 has made 'Housing' a part of infrastructure, 11. What is the criteria for a village being recognized as electrified? Examine the challenges present in rural electrification in India. Elaborate upon some of the recent initiatives of the government with a special emphasis on Deen Dayal Upadhayaya Gram Jyoti Yojana.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"While the Right to Education (RTE) Act was based on noble intentions, implementation of many of its provisions remain ridden with problems. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"Critically examining the key provisions of The Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill 2016, discuss whether a complete ban on commercial surrogacy is justified.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"It is often strongly suggested that scarce government resources should be redirected in favour of primary education rather than higher education. In this context, analyse whether curtailing public spending in higher education would help in achieving the principle of equity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Accessibility is the key to inclusion and equal access for people with disabilities. Analyse. Also discuss the objectives and components of the Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan with a special emphasis on inclusiveness and accessibility index.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"The Olympic Task Force constituted to prepare an action plan for the next three Olympic Games is a step in the right direction. Comment. Also highlight other initiatives required to augment India's performance in the sporting arena internationally.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"Recent judgment of the Supreme Court, amending the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 has invoked varied reponses. Highlighting the amendment, critically examine its likely impact on the application of the law.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"Inspite of its usefulness as a tool of transparency and accountability, the RTI Act needs to be amended as it is being widely misused, especially to blackmail public functionaries. Critically examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":56,"question":"The transgender community has been among one of the most marginalized communities in India. Discuss. How does the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill 2016 seek to protect transgenders from discrimination and address the problems faced by them?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":59,"question":"Though the Forest Rights Act 2006 tries to undo the historic injustice done to the forest dweller and tribals, it has been argued that it is being misused. Critically analyse.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3763,"topper":"Khushboo Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2fdc5-146733_1070_khusboo_gupta_rank_80.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Shrenis were very sound and stable institutions, and enjoyed considerable moral and social prestige not only among their own members, but in society at large. In light of the statement, explain the significant aspects of Shrenis or Guilds in ancient India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Marathas failed to fill the political vacuum created by the decline of the Mughal Empire because of a number of reasons. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The East India Company as a political power had long been dead, what the Act of 1858 did was to give its corpse a decent burial. Analyze.(150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Spanish Civil War though fought locally, had far reaching and widespread significance. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss how the culture of consumption has played a crucial role in the process of globalisation especially in shaping the growth of cities in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Although it was outlawed 25 years ago, manual scavenging continues to be prevalent in India. Analysing the reasons behind this problem, discuss what can be done to address it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Explain the concept of soil liquefaction. Illustrate how it manifests during seismic events. What preventive steps can be taken to minimise its impact? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Identify the factors that determine density of ocean waters. Discuss the latitudinal distribution of density and explain the seasonal changes that occur, if any. Also, illustrate its relationship with ocean currents. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Explain how the scientific understanding of the earth's interior has improved with analysis of seismic waves. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Highlight the key factors that need to be considered in deciding the location of nuclear power plants. Also, explain the difficulties India faces in utilizing the large reserves of thorium as part of its civil nuclear programme. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Both the Pallavas and the Cholas played a significant role in the development of structural temples in South India. Explain with examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":24,"question":"The views of Gandhi, Nehru and Bose broadly represented the major strands of debate on the question of India's support to British efforts in World War-II. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Even as the British tried to suppress it at every conceivable opportunity, the vernacular press played a crucial role in the freedom movement. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Explain the issues that shaped the Assam Movement. In this context, also comment on the significance of the Assam Accord of 1985. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Discuss the diverse processes through which nation-states and nationalism came into being in nineteenth-century Europe. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss why women continue to bear an uneven burden of the terminal methods of family planning in India. What can be done to address this unevenness? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Secularism in India is based on the idea of equal respect for all religions rather than strict separation of state and religion. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What are jet streams? How do they influence rainfall in India? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Illustrating the mountain building process that led to the formation of Himalayas, elaborate why they are often referred to as young and restless mountains. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What do you understand by Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM)? How does National Water Policy, 2012 try to promote IWRM? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3764,"topper":"Khushboo Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c48d9-146733_1066_khusboo_gupta_rank_80.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The cave architecture in India not only enlighten us with information of tradition and customs of ancient times but also illustrate considerable accomplishment with regard to structural engineering and artistry. Discuss. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"While the Battle of Plassey laid the foundation of British Empire in India, it was the Battle of Buxar that proved to be the turning point of British fortunes in India. Discuss. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Among many novel methods and themes, the Swadeshi Movement laid great emphasis not only on boycott but also on self-reliance. Discuss. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The idea of linguistic states predated independence, however it took some time even after independence for this idea to be implemented. Discuss. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Dr. B. R. Ambedkar understood that persistent inequalities pose fundamental challenges to the economic and social well-being of the nation and people. In this context, discuss the key contributions of Dr. Ambedkar in the history of modern India. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"It has been pointed out that in recent times, while the proportional share of nuclear households has dipped in urban areas it has risen in rural areas. Analyse the reasons behind this trend. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Separation, and not divorce, is the dominant form of marriage dissolution for most women in India. What could be the possible reasons behind this? Also, discuss why there are striking differences in divorce rates between the different regions in India. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Elaborate on the factors responsible for the evolution of the current drainage system in Indian sub-continent, with special emphasis on the characteristic features of Himalayan and Peninsular rivers. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Enumerate the features of Plantation Agriculture and the problems faced by them. Given the fact that area under cultivation of palm oil has been increasing, discuss the benefits and challenges associated with it. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Bring out the distinctive features of Gandhara, Mathura and Amravati schools of art that flourished towards the first century CE. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The British in India wanted not only territorial conquest and control over revenues; they also felt that they had a cultural mission: to 'civilise the natives', change their customs and values. Critically discuss. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi being close associates, there were significant differences between the two regarding the role of state and the control that it exercised. Comment. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Enumerating the reasons behind Sino-Soviet split in the second half of the 20th century, analyse its impact on the Cold War. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"History has disproved the prediction that democracy would not succeed in India. In this context, critically assess the achievements and challenges of democracy in India since Independence. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Enumerate the key issues faced by working women in contemporary Indian society and the steps taken by the government to address them. Also, critically examine the key features of Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act 2017. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Despite tropical areas being the major emitters of CFCs, the phenomenon of ozone hole formation is largely confined to polar areas and that too over the Antarctic and in early spring. Elaborate. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3765,"topper":"Khushboo Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/150ee-146733_1068_khusboo_gupta_rank_80.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"There are many challenges in sustainably scaling up renewable energy in India. Analyse. Also, discuss what can be done to address these challenges. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The policies and indicators introduced by the government, in recent times, to finance urban development in India are key in addressing the existing challenges. Discuss with special reference to municipal bonds. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"With a number of issues continuing to be a roadblock, a large section of India's rural population is still 'financially excluded'. Discuss. Analyse how these issues can be addressed and the measures taken by the government and RBI recently in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'Environmental Accounting'? Discussing the rationale behind introducing environmental accounting, highlight its status in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"While access to irrigation is important, efficiency of water use is equally, if not more, crucial. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"For a holistic approach to disaster risk reduction, there is a need to mainstream indigenous traditional knowledge and link it with modern technologies. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do you understand by food irradiation? Highlighting some of its unique applications, examine its relevance for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Whereas misuse of technology has abetted the spread of fake news, it is with the aid of technology that this menace can be curbed. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Explain the salient features of the recently established Defence Planning Committee. How can it help in credible defence preparedness? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Recent reports of Maoist leaders having amassed huge assets in property and cash underlines the significance of probing the funding network as part of counter-terrorism efforts. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Not only do services MSMEs contribute mightily to the overall GDP growth, they have a powerful, multiplier impact on the local economies as well. Elaborating on the statement, highlight the problems faced by service sector MSMEs. How can the government make it easier for MSMEs to start and grow a business? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":24,"question":"Contract Farming has many advantages, however it suffers from market failures. Elaborate. What can the government do to correct problems that lead to contract failures? Also, discuss whether the Model Contract Farming Act, 2018 is a step in the right direction. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Suggest the measures needed to improve the employability of labour force as well as increasing number of employment opportunities in light of structural changes being brought by disruptive technologies. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"India's trade policy in agriculture, marred by ad-hocism and pro-consumer bias, has constrained realization of export potential, and prevented the farmers from reaping the benefits. Examine the statement and discuss ways, including government initiatives, to improve agricultural exports. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Is currency exchange rate a suitable measure of relative economic performance of countries? Despite improving macro-economic fundamentals, trade deficit in India continues to widen. Bring out the factors responsible for this situation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"It will take much more than relief packages to address the problems being faced by the sugar industry in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"NAPCC, almost 10 years old and formulated with lofty objectives, has not served as the best answer to cope with the impacts of climate change. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Proliferation of nuclear weapons and the threat of their use are key concerns for global security nonetheless existing international arrangements seem to be ineffective. Comment. Also, identify the salient features of India's policy in this context and discuss whether India should join the NPT in the current form. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"The maritime security domain requires collective multilateral and regional cooperation to combat non traditional threats. Discuss in the context of the Western Indian Ocean and the recent amendments in the Djibouti Code of Conduct. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India's space programme was initiated with the vision of utilising outer space for peaceful purposes, however with changing times it has the potential to play a significant role in strengthening security capabilities of India. Discuss with adequate examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3766,"topper":"Khushboo Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a5fd1-146733_1067_khusboo_gupta_rank_80.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What is the role that opposition plays in a democracy like India? In this context, discuss whether our Parliament can benefit from a shadow cabinet. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Where there is a right, there is a remedy. In this context, discuss the nature and significance of writs in India with adequate examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Enumerate the objectives of NITI Aayog. Also, discuss the performance of this body since its inception and suggest measures to make it more effective. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"In view of the political class's inability to develop and maintain conventions relating to the appropriate use of Article 356, the Supreme Court's decision in the Bommai case provided much needed clarity. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Press freedom and good governance are not mutually exclusive. They support each other while promoting a country's economic and human development. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"SHGs have succeeded in delivering financial inclusion, but for them to evolve as viable business enterprise requires a different approach. Analyse in the context of the twin goals of rural growth and promotion of women's entrepreneurship. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The focus of higher education in India has been on a select few Central or autonomous institutions where as the ones in states remain neglected. Commenting on the statement, highlight the significance of Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the role played by PRIs in political empowerment of women. Also, suggest measures to further increase their political participation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What is Strategic Autonomy? Critically examine the elements of such a policy in India's contemporary foreign policy in the context of recent developments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"IBSA and BRICS are both examples of India's quest for multialignment, however there are key differences in their orientation. Discuss in the context of the relevance of these groupings for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What are the various modes of Alternate Dispute Redressal (ADR) mechanisms available in India? Identifying the problems being faced by them, provide suggestions needed to increase their effectiveness. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"While the power to punish for the contempt of court is a much needed tool to protect the administration of justice from being maligned, it is time that it be relooked into. Critically analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Criminalisation of politics remains a key concern for the Indian political system. In this context, analyse the role played by the Supreme Court and Election Commission over the years. Also, in what ways can the media play a positive role? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight, in brief, the mandate of the National Commission for Minorities (NCM). Identify the different challenges that the commission faces and suggest measures to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The recent decision of the government to open up positions at the senior levels in bureaucracy through lateral entry is an important but only small step in the direction of much needed reforms in the higher civil services. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Identifying the broad contours of the 'Transformation of Aspirational Districts' programme, explain how it adopts a novel strategy to address backwardness. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"How did India fare on the Millennium Development Goals related to health? In this regard, identify the relevant Sustainable Development Goals and evaluate India's capacity to meet them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"What are the different rights recognized under the Forest Rights Act, 2006? Highlight the gaps in the implementation of community forest rights and community forest resource rights granted under the Forest Rights Act. Also, suggest measures to address the current scenario. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Progress in India-US ties has been accompanied by equally significant divergences on important issues. Examine in the context of recent developments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Despite bonhomie, the structural differences between Indian and Israeli national security situations, their worldviews and absence of explicitly shared enemies limit stronger strategic rapprochement. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3767,"topper":"Khushboo Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e699f-146733_1071_khusboo_gupta_rank_80.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) is more than just the keeper of our national accounts; it is also a conscience-keeper and a watchdog. Examine the statement in light of making the auditing process more effective. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The concern for transparency in political funding is at odds with the Electoral Bond Scheme notified by the government. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Lobbying in India exists in a perennially grey legal and policy arena. In this context, discuss the need to formally recognize and regulate lobbying in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"More than a decade after it was passed, the implementation of the RTI Act leaves much to be desired. Comment. Also discuss the issues associated with the recent proposals to amend the RTI Act. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Critically discuss the evolving policy on reservation in promotions in India with special focus on its ability to meet the objectives of social justice. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"India produces enough food for its people, but not all people get enough food to eat. Discussing this paradox, highlight some of the major interventions taken in the past few years in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"India sees Indian Ocean as not just a water body, but a global stage for continued economic, social, and cultural dialogue. Elaborate.(150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In the context of India taking greater responsibility in management of the global commons, there has been a shift in India's climate change negotiation stance. In this context, analyze the evolution of India's climate policy. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlighting the constitutional role of the Finance Commission (FC), discuss the issues which are being debated w.r.t. terms of reference (ToR) of the 15th Finance Commission. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The spirit of the constitution of India represents a synthesis of Indian values, democratic and socialist movements in west and our Independence movement. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"What is the importance of an independent judiciary in a democracy? Highlight the safeguards in our political-constitutional setup to ensure the independence of judiciary. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Even though Indian federalism has matured quite a bit, with states having far greater control of their economic and political management, serious structural problems still remain. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The recent amendments to the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 strike a balance between enforcement overzealousness and the need for stringent action against corrupt public servants. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Identifying the various issues plaguing the voluntary sector in India, discuss the need for a national accreditation agency to overcome them. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Given the importance of a teacher in affecting the learning outcomes of children, discuss the problems in the present system of teacher training in India. How can these be addressed? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The implementation of a scheme with such scale and benefit as Ayushman Bharat is likely to face many obstacles. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Given the fact that India cannot match China's financial clout, it is seen to be diversifying the ways in which it can enhance cooperation and promote its diplomatic profile in Africa. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss how American sanctions on its adversaries affect India. Taking the example of CAATSA, analyse how India can shield its strategic interests in face of such sanctions. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3768,"topper":"Khushboo Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ce635-146733_1072_khusboo_gupta_rank_80.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain why it is important to urgently address the problem of poor land records and infirmity of land titles in India. Also discuss how this problem can be addressed. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What are the special features of the infrastructure sector that make its financing a challenge? What measures have been taken to facilitate adequate amount of finance to this sector? (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Despite favourable circumstances, India's electronics manufacturing has been unable to respond to the rising demand. Discuss. What steps can be taken to address this situation? (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Despite registering a high growth rate in the post-reform era, India continues to witness a high incidence of poverty. Explain this paradox and suggest ways to resolve it. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"In light of the argument that India has entered a regime of \"permanent surpluses\", discuss whether the time has come to remove agricultural commodities completely from Essential Commodities Act. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The 1988 National Forest Policy (NFP) was visionary in its scope and ambition. However, there is a need for a new forest policy in the current context. Discuss. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How does rapid urbanization increases the vulnerability to major disasters? Explaining with examples, suggest measures to develop disaster-resilient cities. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain DNA profiling and highlight its forensic application. Also discuss the significance of DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2018 in this regard. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What is meant by the term Blue Water Capabilities? In this context, identify the key measures that have been undertaken to enhance the blue water capabilities of the Indian Navy. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Identify the factors that make India vulnerable to drug trafficking? Also discuss the key steps taken to deal with it in our country. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"How do higher global crude oil prices affect the Indian economy? What steps can be taken to gradually insulate India from global oil price volatility in the long term? (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Explaining the importance, highlight the achievements of dairy sector in India. Examine whether over-production is the reason for the problems being faced by the dairy industry. Give some solutions to address the problems. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"There has been a focus on Textile and Apparels industry in India in recent years. Elaborate the potential of this industry and the challenges that lie in achieving it. What steps have been taken in this regard? (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"How do transportation corridors in biodiversity rich areas impact the wildlife? Examine the current policy framework in this regard. Also, suggest measures to minimise the negative effects while balancing the need for development. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The potential of technology to aid farmers in increasing productivity as well reducing susceptibility to climate change remains underutilized. Identify the reasons for the same and suggest measures to improve technological penetration in agriculture. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What is Intelligent Transportation System (ITS)? Explaining the need of ITS in India, identify the challenges in deploying it. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Explain the concept and significance of Data Localisation. Also discuss its limitations in strengthening law enforcement efforts in the context of Srikrishna Committee report and the draft Personal Data Protection Bill, 2018. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"What is the link between illegal immigration and national security? In this context, critically discuss the exercise of creating a National Register of Citizens in Assam. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3769,"topper":"Khushboo Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/73048-146733_1069_khusboo_gupta_rank_80.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Growing awareness about terminal as well as mental illness has given credence to the idea of \"living wills\". What is a living will? Discuss the ethical issues to be considered from an individual as well as social perspective to formulate and implement it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"In order to improve the bureaucratic work culture and productivity, there is a need to downsize government and privatize some of the services. Critically discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Examine the contemporary relevance of Gandhiji's talisman as a means of resolving ethical dilemmas in day to day life. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"\"Intelligence plus character-that is the goal of true education.\" Assess whether such an objective can be achieved within the existing system of education in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"\"A blanket prohibition of criticism of the policies of the Government is invalid and void, and it makes no difference if the person criticizing happens to be a government servant.\" Critically discuss in the context of Civil Service Conduct Rules, 1964. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Man by nature is a political animal\". Explain with reference to Aristotle's idea of the state in life of the society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"What are the factors that have influenced the contemporary attitude of the state and the society towards homosexuality in India? Also, comment on the changing attitude and the factors driving this change.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"With behavioural issues and suicides among children on the rise, teachers and parents need to play an active part in ensuring mental well-being. Discuss. Also, explain the importance of emotional intelligence in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The policy of Dhamma advocated by Ashoka through his edicts remains relevant in the context of issues in public life even today. Elucidate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Arguably, poverty is not only a matter of statistics. It is a reflection on the kind of society we live in. In this context, discuss the ethical implications for a society that witnesses high incidence of poverty.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"Every superstition cannot be removed by the force of law. For that, a mental change is necessary. Comment. Also, explain how educators and public figures can help in eradicating superstition and instilling scientific temper among people.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Many argue that there are times, when war is morally permissible, and even obligatory. Critically discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"It has been argued that traditional approaches to corporate social responsibility (CSR) are inadequate. Discuss. Also, examine the role of Social License to Operate (SLO) in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"A renowned and critically acclaimed producer-director has come up with a new movie based on retelling of the freedom movement. The trailer of this project depicts prominent freedom fighters and various aspects of their personalities. It is a project that involves substantial sums of money and has taken collaborative efforts of 3 years. However, certain political and social activists have objected to what they perceived as negative portrayal of some freedom fighters. As such, they have opposed the release of this movie and issued threats with serious consequences. This has come in the context of increase in the number of instances involving many groups issuing threats against one or the other movie. In such a context you have been designated as the head of a special committee with the broad responsibility of reviewing the film certification process in general as well as the checking the historical accuracy of the events depicted in this particular movie. 20 (a) Who are the key stakeholders you would involve as part of the consultation process? (b) What are the principles that you would consider while giving your recommendations to the government? Also, provide an outline of a solution that you deem appropriate in the prevailing context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"There have been reports of repeat instances of mob lynching in different states of India. It has been pointed out that these presumably faceless mobs gather impromptu on the basis of unverified information on issues that affect the collective conscience of the society such as child trafficking, sexual harassment, cow slaughter etc. Most of the people don't even regret their action of violating the law and even get away with committing such a heinous crime. (Answer in 250 words) 20 (a) What are the socio-psychological factors that motivate people to join the mob and kill fellow human beings? (b) Identify the implications of increasing crime of lynching on society. (c) Examine the role of social media in recent instances of mob lynching. As a law enforcement officer, how will you prevent such incidents from happening in your district?","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"We live in a time when almost everything can be bought and sold. Over the past few years, markets and market values have come to govern our lives as never before. Today the logic of buying and selling no longer applies to material good alone but increasingly governs the whole of life. However, there is a wide spread realization that markets have become detached from morals and we need to somehow reconnect them. The use of markets to allocate social goods has also been a cause of concern. In this context, answer the following: (a) Is greed wholly a vice or a trait of character that has both positive and negative sides? Could you relate it to the utilitarian philosophy that emphasizes pursuit of self interest by individuals as the basis of economic well being? (b) Are there some things that money shouldn't buy? Illustrate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3770,"topper":"Khushboo Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a3e10-146733_1073_khusboo_gupta_rank_80.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the ethical issues involved in the recent refugee crisis and immigration as a global phenomenon from a broad perspective of globalisation and rights of citizens and aliens.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Corruption distorts not only functioning of the Government in India but business and corporate activities as well. Explain and discuss how the state can effectively deal with deficit of ethics in the private sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/ philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) \"Silence becomes cowardice when occasion demands speaking out the whole truth and acting accordingly\" - Mahatma Gandhi.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"\"We must not only tolerate others, but positively embrace them\" - Swami Vivekananda.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Emotional Intelligence is part nature and part nurture. Explaining the statement, discuss how emotional intelligence of civil servants can be enhanced.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"What do you understand by Probity in Governance? Examine whether the recent amendments to Prevention of Corruption Act and the proposed ones in Whistleblower Protection Act undermine it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Ensuring that civil service values are recognised during the recruitment process and ensured through a code of ethics after appointment is a necessary condition of making the civil services an effective instrument of citizen centric governance. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"What do you understand by cognitive dissonance? Giving examples, discuss how it influences one's behavior and attitude.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by Amartya Sen's 'capability approach'? Analyse its significance in understanding social realities and in making a pro poor development strategy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"While in principle most nations claim commitment to universal values, in practice these values are honoured more in breach than in the observance. In context of this statement, comment on the relevance of values in foreign policy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"While some ethical approaches consider an action to be ethical based on results, other focus on means. Taking the example of Indian bureaucracy compare and examine how these approaches have played out for the benefit of citizens.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"What are the ethical principles that should form the basis of the system permitting organ donation and allocation? Also discuss the importance of regulation for the success of any organ transplant program.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Where as some argue that leaks constitute an affront to democracy, others are of the opinion that leaks are a part of democracy. Examine the merits of both the arguments in the context of information attributed to leaks from government offices and whistleblowers.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"You are a young recruit to the IAS. Upon the completion of your training you have been posted in a subdividion of a district where industrial development has been lagging. The area has large reserves of minerals and a significant tribal population. The government has identified the area for a large thermal power plant and also adequate expansion of mining. This announcement has seen a rise in land prices in the area as well as unrest among the local population about possible land acquisition. As part of routine examination of records you observe large land purchases in recent years that are linked with the family of the local politician, who is also a member of the state cabinet. You also recognise that much of this land is around the site of the proposed industrial area. Further, one of your staff members also informs you that the family has been buying in the name of drivers, cleaners as well as domestic helps. You feel that having been aware of the policy decision the politician has played a role in these purchases. Incidently your relations with the politician have been cordial and he is a popular figure in the area. (a) As the official responsible for acquisition of land and payment of compensation for the land acquired, what are the ethical issues that you face in the given situation? (b) What will be your response to a suggestion that in view of these benami land transfers a freeze on land sale in the area should be enforced? (c) What is the course of action that you would take? Justify with reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"In view of these benami land transfers, what would be your response to the suggestion that a freeze on land sale in the area should be enforced? (c) What course of action would you take? Justify your stand.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"According to the WHO suicide is the second leading cause of death in the age group of 15-29 years globally. In India also, instances of young people committing suicide have been reported widely in recent times. It is all the more disturbing that such a phenomenon is increasingly visible in urban and prosperous areas. (a) What are the reasons that render people vulnerable to taking such drastic steps as suicide? (b) Also, discuss the role that you as an individual, the society and the government can play in addressing this issue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate of a primarily rural district. Excess agricultural production has led to a continuous fall in market prices of crops in the last three years. With elections approaching soon, the opposition has decided to make this a political issue and has mobilised farmers to protest against falling prices. The protests turned violent at some point and police had to fire in self-defence, killing two people. Violence has increased since then and you yourself were attacked when you tried to pacify the protestors. The protestors have also blocked the main roads as well as railways to prevent movement of goods and people. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the key concerns that need to be addressed on a priority basis. (b) What steps will you take to address them?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You have recently been promoted as a Branch Manager in a Public Sector Bank. The bank is battling high NPAs and mounting losses. You have been assigned a very high target of loans by the higher management for the current quarter. Your career prospects also depend on your performance in critical times. Few days back you rejected a loan application for a huge sum based on detailed analysis. Today you got a call from the Regional Manager to approve the loan quickly. On your reluctance to approve, he hints that the loan is sought by a person well connected in the finance ministry and that a refusal will have consequences for everyone in the approval chain. You are now in a tough spot. Based on the given information, answer the following questions: (a) Bring out the ethical issues in the case above. (b) What are the consequences of agreeing to the demands of the senior in the given case. Assess which of them are meritorious and which are not. (c) Suggest institutional reforms that can result in non-punishment of honest feedback.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You, the chairperson of a State Public Service Commission (SPSC), come to know that there were instances of rampant cheating in a competitive exam conducted recently by the SPSC. Your daughter, who also appeared in this exam and is confident of clearing it corroborates the same. However, she denies engaging in any such activity herself. Whatever decision the Commission takes is bound to affect the career of a large number of candidates who appeared in the exam, including your daughter. (a) Identify the different stakeholders and their interests in the case above. (b) Enumerate the options you have to handle the current situation. What will be your choice and why? (c) Suggest measures that you would take to make sure that a similar situation does not arise in future.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"You are waiting in your car for your turn at a toll tax booth. You suddenly witness some men heckling and manhandling the toll booth operator and vandalising the property at the toll booth. They are accompanying a local politician who was passing through. Disgruntled with the fact that they were asked to pay the toll, they began to argue that the toll is too high and the public is being exploited by charging an unreasonable toll fee. At the same time they are also warning others against paying the toll fee. However, the other people around you are keeping with themselves, without anyone coming forward to intervene. While you also felt that the toll was quite high, you believe that this is not the right thing to do. (a) Bring out the ethical issues in the case above. (b) What accounts for such an overt display of hooliganism in our country. (c) What is the course of action that you would take? Justify with appropriate reasons.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3771,"topper":"Khushboo Lather","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/40dfa-25609_1109_khushboo_lather_rank_98.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The most powerful trend of medieval Indian literature between 1000 and 1800 A.D. is devotional (bhakti) poetry, which dominates almost all the major languages of the country. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"A real breakthrough was made by Bhagat Singh and his colleagues in terms of ideology, goals and the forms of revolutionary struggle. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Series of civil rebellions run like a thread through the first 100 years of British rule. In this context, explain the underlying factors and consequences of Paika Rebellion of 1817. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Railway system was built not for the modernization of India, but to serve the imperial, colonial and strategic objectives of the British. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"\"Historical events are to be evaluated in terms of their consequences\". In this context, critically assess the legacy of the October 1917 revolution in Russia. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The beginning of modern China can be traced back to its humiliation at the hands of the western colonial powers. Examine the significance of the Opium Wars in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The imposition of national emergency in 1975 was perhaps the gravest test India's democracy faced. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The mixing of caste and politics resulting into 'politicization of caste' and 'casteization of politics' in contemporary India has become a grave challenge to our democracy. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"There is an emerging pattern of a predominantly youthful north and a maturing south and west. Analyze the possible implications of such a demographic divergence on policy-making in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The surge in urban crimes is a grim reminder of the unplanned & rapid nature of urbanization in India. Discuss. Also, list measures that can be taken to tackle the issue of urban crimes in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Nearly all the artistic remains in ancient India are of religious nature, or were at least made for religious purpose. Critically evaluate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Indian nationalism arose when the contradiction between the aims and objectives of the British rule and the interests of Indians became clear and obvious. In this context, elaborate on the role played by the intelligentsia in the growth of nationalism. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Trace the evolution of British policy towards the Princely states. In what ways did the national movement in princely states differ from the rest of British India? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Events in West Asia and Afghanistan in the year 1979 had a deep impact on the politics of the region with long lasting significance. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Even though the South Americans welcomed the formulation of Monroe doctrine, it's later interpretation became a pretext for United States' intervention. Elaborate with examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The isolation of the region, its complex social character and its backwardness have all resulted in a complicated set of demands from different states of the North-East since independence. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The demand by nativist political parties and movements that employment preferences be given to \"local\" people has raised certain issues. Examine the statement in the context of 'son of soil theory' in India. Also discuss, why such demands develop in some states and cities and not in others. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Globalization is a double-edged sword, which on one hand ensures economic growth but on the other hand, assaults national sovereignty, erodes local culture and threatens economic and social stability. Critically examine the statement in context of Indian society. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The focus on risk factors that appear at a young age and timely interventions is the key to preventing child delinquency and its escalation into chronic criminality. Analyse the statement with respect to growing incidences of child delinquency in context of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Is the Indian notion of secularism, based on uniform respect for all religions by the state and separation of religion from public institutional practices, adequate to ensure a secular state? Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3772,"topper":"Khushboo Lather","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d7a73-25609_1049_khushboo_lather_rank_98.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Concerns regarding the wide formulation and indiscreet application of discretionary powers of the Governor need closer attention. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Explain the concept of subordinate legislation in India. Also discuss the mechanisms for their scrutiny and control. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The crucial position accorded to the Speaker in Indian legislatures, makes it imperative to protect them from undue political pressures and incentives. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Departmentally-Related Standing Committees have been referred to as mini-parliaments in India. Highlight their relevance in a democratic polity and discuss, with examples, how they improve the overall effectiveness of the Parliament. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Enumerate the issues associated with functioning of tribunals in India. How can these be addressed? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Examine the significance of Gram Sabhas, as mentioned in Article 243A of the Indian constitution, in the development process with special reference to Fifth Schedule areas. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The Rajya Sabha is merely a secondary house rather than a second house in the Indian Parliamentary system. Critically analyze the statement. Also, compare and contrast the position of the Rajya Sabha vis-à-vis the State legislative councils. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"A major shift is needed in the institutional framework of the Central Water Commission (CWC) and the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) to make water management more holistic and multidisciplinary. Discuss in the context of Mihir Shah Committee recommendations. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"On what grounds can a person be denied the right to contest elections to the Parliament in India? Will a life-time ban on those convicted of heinous crimes address the problem of criminalisation of politics? Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Directive Principles can be considered as even more important than the Fundamental Rights because they provide a positive thrust towards welfare. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"In light of demands for replacement of the FPTP (First Past the Post) system with other alternatives, compare the merits and enumerate the challenges associated with replacing the current system. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Despite long term recognition of the problem of pendency of cases in the courts, limited progress has been made in reducing their number. What are the possible reasons for such a scenario? Suggest a framework of measures that can be taken to address this issue. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite the phrase 'due process of law' not being included in Article 21, the Supreme Court, over the years, has adopted the doctrines of 'procedural due process' and 'substantive due process' into Indian constitutional law. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Can we say that cooperative federalism in India has strengthened in the post-liberalisation era? Give reasons in support of your answer. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Faulty regulatory policies can have a severe adverse effect on the efficient interplay of market forces and end up harming public interest. Examine in the context of systemic issues pertaining to regulatory environment in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Mention the constitutional provisions to safeguard and ensure the independent and impartial functioning of the UPSC. Further, assess the limitations of UPSC in effectively performing its role as the 'watchdog of merit system' in India as envisioned by the Constitution. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What are the key issues in the context of electoral funding in India? How far do you think the idea of state funding of elections can address these issues? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Separation of powers in case of India has acquired its own uniqueness under the constitutional arrangement. Explain. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Highlight the extent of President's powers under Article 352. Comment on the judicial scrutiny of proclamation and the exercise of executive powers under National Emergency. How is this power different from the one bestowed under Article 356? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Fiscal transfers from the Centre to States are critical in India. In this context, explain the rationale of both general and specific purpose fiscal transfers. Also highlight the problems witnessed in the design and implementation of specific purpose transfers. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3773,"topper":"Khushboo Lather","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/49e24-25609_1107_khushboo_lather_rank_98.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"In view of the direct link between tenure security and food security, there is need for a conducive legal framework for land rights in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The measurement of the extent of formal sector and formal employment is yet an unsettled matter in our economy. Comment. Also, mention the steps which the government has taken to improve its extent. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Contract farming can help in the expansion of organized food processing industry in India by strengthening backward linkages. Comment. What changes are required in the existing regulatory structure to address issues related to contract farming in India? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Minimum Support Price (MSP) of crops is a short term solution for agricultural distress which creates long term problems. Examine. Suggest measures to overcome the limitations of the MSP regime. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Enumerating the factors that determine a nation's energy-mix, comment on the need for having a diversified fuel basket for meeting India's future energy demands. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Despite being a water-stressed economy, micro irrigation penetration in India remains sub-optimal. Discuss the reasons behind it. Also list measures taken by the government to provide an impetus to micro irrigation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the prospects & challenges in adopting an integrated multimodal transportation system in India with reference to government initiatives in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Public Sector Enterprises formed the backbone of industrial development after independence, but with changing times, their role has also changed. Discuss. Also, comment on the need to adopt a multi-pronged strategy to deal with the issues that they are facing. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"In the light of increasing NPAs and frauds, the twin balance sheet problem has grown immensely. Comment on the issue and analyse the potential of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code to be a game changer for Indian economy's health and long-term growth. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Under-employment rather than unemployment is the key problem facing India today. Elaborate. Also, suggest measures to counter this problem. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The role of international trade in achieving a quicker pace of economic development is well recognized. What are the benefits of international trade for a developing country like India? Highlight the challenges that India faces in improving its share in world trade. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"A near stagnant tax to GDP ratio for the country since decades reflects not only non-fruition of efforts to increase it but also underlying structural issues with tax regime. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Enumerating the features of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana, discuss its potential for the growth of food processing sector in the country. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by Seed Replacement Rate? Explaining the concept of breeder, foundation and certified seeds, highlight the major policy initiatives taken in order to address the challenge of quality seed availability to farmers. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Enumerate the factors that determine cropping pattern in an agricultural region. Discuss the need for diversification in context of problems being faced by monoculture regions in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The need to overhaul the current budget making process can be gauged from the fact that it neither undertakes broad-based consultations, nor is adequately transparent nor effective in estimating and allocating the demands of various stakeholders. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Identifying the key elements under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), briefly explain how it can lead to holistic development of the horticulture sector in India. Also elaborate the factors which act as roadblocks for the efficient supply chain of Fruits and Vegetables sector in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3774,"topper":"Khushboo Lather","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e221f-25609_1050_khushboo_lather_rank_98.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Citizens' Charters make administration both accountable and citizen-friendly. However, over time, in a large number of offices, Citizens' Charters have fallen into disuse. Suggest measures that can make these charters effective tools for bringing accountability in public service. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the importance of involving civil society in pre-legislative scrutiny and mention the steps that can be taken by the government to increase public engagement in it. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Poor standards of tertiary education are a drag on India's competitiveness. Elucidate. Also enumerate the initiatives taken by the government in the past few years to improve the quality of higher education in India. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Social audit has a crucial role in effective implementation of social sector programmes. Comment. Also discuss its strengths and limitations. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are the major welfare schemes for elderly in India? Do you think the benefits of such schemes are reaching a wide section of the target segment? Give reasons. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Welfare policies in India have undergone a paradigm shift in recent decades, yet they retain certain elements of continuity. Discuss with examples. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Discuss whether changes recommended by the Law Commission in its 268th report can help in addressing the problems of undertrials languishing in jails in India. What other measures can be taken in this regard? (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"While various government initiatives and policies have created opportunities in the affordable housing segment, there are challenges that still persist. Discuss. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Demographic dividend may become demographic liability in the absence of adequate skill development. In this context, discuss the importance of National Policy for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, 2015. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Highlight the need for whistleblower protection in India. Critically analyze whether the Whistleblower Protection Act provides sufficient protection to the whistleblowers. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What are the factors which have been responsible for slow pace of growth of coverage under the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP). Enumerate the recent steps taken by the government in order to increase this pace to achieve universal coverage swiftly. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the ways in which digital divide perpetuates and manifests itself in India. Discuss the importance of steps taken by the government to bridge this divide. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"What are the objectives of National Health Mission? Why, in your opinion, non-communicable diseases have acquired salience in recent times? What are its implications for health policy in the country? (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Over the years, there has been a growing realisation that undue interference from the State, lack of autonomy and widespread politicisation has severely impaired the functioning of Cooperative sector and there is a need to introduce urgent reforms in the Cooperative sector. Discuss. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"With the current system of health financing in India being largely out-of-pocket payments, examine the need for reforms in healthcare finance. Also discuss the issues associated with reinforcing insurance as the long-term strategy for health financing in this regard. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Explain the significance of the recently launched National Nutritional Strategy in the light of sliding ranking of India along the Global Hunger Index. Also, discuss with examples, the role that local self governments can play in promoting, monitoring and sustaining nutrition initiatives. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The bureaucracy in India is facing a number of serious challenges from diminishing human capital to political interference that, if left unaddressed, will lead to further institutional decline. Discuss. How can these challenges be addressed? (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"While many people have been able to rise above poverty line, India is still home to the largest number of poor. Discuss briefly the underlying factors responsible for the prevalence of poverty in India. What are the areas in which focussed efforts need to be made in order to accelerate poverty eradication in a sustainable manner? (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"In context of the need to strengthen corporate governance, the Kotak panel report has called for a major overhaul in norms for listed companies. Critically discuss the impediments to corporate governance in India and evaluate how the recommendations can help in overcoming them. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Several issues related to adopting new technologies, transforming processes and improving implementation of NeGP need to be addressed. Discuss. Also, enumerate the sets of principles guiding the design and implementation of the e-Kranti Program (NeGP 2.0). (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3775,"topper":"Khushboo Lather","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/92727-25609_1066_khushboo_lather_rank_98.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The cave architecture in India not only enlighten us with information of tradition and customs of ancient times but also illustrate considerable accomplishment with regard to structural engineering and artistry. Discuss. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"While the Battle of Plassey laid the foundation of British Empire in India, it was the Battle of Buxar that proved to be the turning point of British fortunes in India. Discuss. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Among many novel methods and themes, the Swadeshi Movement laid great emphasis not only on boycott but also on self-reliance. Discuss. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The idea of linguistic states predated independence, however it took some time even after independence for this idea to be implemented. Discuss. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Dr. B. R. Ambedkar understood that persistent inequalities pose fundamental challenges to the economic and social well-being of the nation and people. In this context, discuss the key contributions of Dr. Ambedkar in the history of modern India. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"It has been pointed out that in recent times, while the proportional share of nuclear households has dipped in urban areas it has risen in rural areas. Analyse the reasons behind this trend. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Separation, and not divorce, is the dominant form of marriage dissolution for most women in India. What could be the possible reasons behind this? Also, discuss why there are striking differences in divorce rates between the different regions in India. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Elaborate on the factors responsible for the evolution of the current drainage system in Indian sub-continent, with special emphasis on the characteristic features of Himalayan and Peninsular rivers. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Enumerate the features of Plantation Agriculture and the problems faced by them. Given the fact that area under cultivation of palm oil has been increasing, discuss the benefits and challenges associated with it. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Bring out the distinctive features of Gandhara, Mathura and Amravati schools of art that flourished towards the first century CE. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The British in India wanted not only territorial conquest and control over revenues; they also felt that they had a cultural mission: to 'civilise the natives', change their customs and values. Critically discuss. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi being close associates, there were significant differences between the two regarding the role of state and the control that it exercised. Comment. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Enumerating the reasons behind Sino-Soviet split in the second half of the 20th century, analyse its impact on the Cold War. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"History has disproved the prediction that democracy would not succeed in India. In this context, critically assess the achievements and challenges of democracy in India since Independence. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Enumerate the key issues faced by working women in contemporary Indian society and the steps taken by the government to address them. Also, critically examine the key features of Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act 2017. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Despite tropical areas being the major emitters of CFCs, the phenomenon of ozone hole formation is largely confined to polar areas and that too over the Antarctic and in early spring. Elaborate. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3776,"topper":"Khushboo Lather","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c87cb-25609_1067_khushboo_lather_rank_98.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What is the role that opposition plays in a democracy like India? In this context, discuss whether our Parliament can benefit from a shadow cabinet. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Where there is a right, there is a remedy. In this context, discuss the nature and significance of writs in India with adequate examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Enumerate the objectives of NITI Aayog. Also, discuss the performance of this body since its inception and suggest measures to make it more effective. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"In view of the political class's inability to develop and maintain conventions relating to the appropriate use of Article 356, the Supreme Court's decision in the Bommai case provided much needed clarity. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Press freedom and good governance are not mutually exclusive. They support each other while promoting a country's economic and human development. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"SHGs have succeeded in delivering financial inclusion, but for them to evolve as viable business enterprise requires a different approach. Analyse in the context of the twin goals of rural growth and promotion of women's entrepreneurship. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The focus of higher education in India has been on a select few Central or autonomous institutions where as the ones in states remain neglected. Commenting on the statement, highlight the significance of Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the role played by PRIs in political empowerment of women. Also, suggest measures to further increase their political participation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What is Strategic Autonomy? Critically examine the elements of such a policy in India's contemporary foreign policy in the context of recent developments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"IBSA and BRICS are both examples of India's quest for multialignment, however there are key differences in their orientation. Discuss in the context of the relevance of these groupings for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What are the various modes of Alternate Dispute Redressal (ADR) mechanisms available in India? Identifying the problems being faced by them, provide suggestions needed to increase their effectiveness. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"While the power to punish for the contempt of court is a much needed tool to protect the administration of justice from being maligned, it is time that it be relooked into. Critically analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Criminalisation of politics remains a key concern for the Indian political system. In this context, analyse the role played by the Supreme Court and Election Commission over the years. Also, in what ways can the media play a positive role? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight, in brief, the mandate of the National Commission for Minorities (NCM). Identify the different challenges that the commission faces and suggest measures to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The recent decision of the government to open up positions at the senior levels in bureaucracy through lateral entry is an important but only small step in the direction of much needed reforms in the higher civil services. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Identifying the broad contours of the 'Transformation of Aspirational Districts' programme, explain how it adopts a novel strategy to address backwardness. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"How did India fare on the Millennium Development Goals related to health? In this regard, identify the relevant Sustainable Development Goals and evaluate India's capacity to meet them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the different rights recognized under the Forest Rights Act, 2006? Highlight the gaps in the implementation of community forest rights and community forest resource rights granted under the Forest Rights Act. Also, suggest measures to address the current scenario. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Progress in India-US ties has been accompanied by equally significant divergences on important issues. Examine in the context of recent developments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Despite bonhomie, the structural differences between Indian and Israeli national security situations, their worldviews and absence of explicitly shared enemies limit stronger strategic rapprochement. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3777,"topper":"Khushboo Lather","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/64ef7-25609_1071_khushboo_lather_rank_98.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) is more than just the keeper of our national accounts; it is also a conscience-keeper and a watchdog. Examine the statement in light of making the auditing process more effective. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The concern for transparency in political funding is at odds with the Electoral Bond Scheme notified by the government. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Lobbying in India exists in a perennially grey legal and policy arena. In this context, discuss the need to formally recognize and regulate lobbying in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"More than a decade after it was passed, the implementation of the RTI Act leaves much to be desired. Comment. Also discuss the issues associated with the recent proposals to amend the RTI Act. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Critically discuss the evolving policy on reservation in promotions in India with special focus on its ability to meet the objectives of social justice. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"India produces enough food for its people, but not all people get enough food to eat. Discussing this paradox, highlight some of the major interventions taken in the past few years in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"India sees Indian Ocean as not just a water body, but a global stage for continued economic, social, and cultural dialogue. Elaborate.(150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In the context of India taking greater responsibility in management of the global commons, there has been a shift in India's climate change negotiation stance. In this context, analyze the evolution of India's climate policy. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlighting the constitutional role of the Finance Commission (FC), discuss the issues which are being debated w.r.t. terms of reference (ToR) of the 15th Finance Commission. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The spirit of the constitution of India represents a synthesis of Indian values, democratic and socialist movements in west and our independence movement. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"What is the importance of an independent judiciary in a democracy? Highlight the safeguards in our political-constitutional setup to ensure the independence of judiciary. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Even though Indian federalism has matured quite a bit, with states having far greater control of their economic and political management, serious structural problems still remain. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The recent amendments to the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 strike a balance between enforcement overzealousness and the need for stringent action against corrupt public servants. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Identifying the various issues plaguing the voluntary sector in India, discuss the need for a national accreditation agency to overcome them. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Given the importance of a teacher in affecting the learning outcomes of children, discuss the problems in the present system of teacher training in India. How can these be addressed? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The implementation of a scheme with such scale and benefit as Ayushman Bharat is likely to face many obstacles. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Given the fact that India cannot match China's financial clout, it is seen to be diversifying the ways in which it can enhance cooperation and promote its diplomatic profile in Africa. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Discuss how American sanctions on its adversaries affect India. Taking the example of CAATSA, analyse how India can shield its strategic interests in face of such sanctions. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3778,"topper":"Khushboo Lather","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b4c6c-25609_1072_khushboo_lather_rank_98.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain why it is important to urgently address the problem of poor land records and infirmity of land titles in India. Also discuss how this problem can be addressed. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What are the special features of the infrastructure sector that make its financing a challenge? What measures have been taken to facilitate adequate amount of finance to this sector? (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Despite favourable circumstances, India's electronics manufacturing has been unable to respond to the rising demand. Discuss. What steps can be taken to address this situation? (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Despite registering a high growth rate in the post-reform era, India continues to witness a high incidence of poverty. Explain this paradox and suggest ways to resolve it. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"In light of the argument that India has entered a regime of \"permanent surpluses\", discuss whether the time has come to remove agricultural commodities completely from Essential Commodities Act. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The 1988 National Forest Policy (NFP) was visionary in its scope and ambition. However, there is a need for a new forest policy in the current context. Discuss. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How does rapid urbanization increases the vulnerability to major disasters? Explaining with examples, suggest measures to develop disaster-resilient cities. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain DNA profiling and highlight its forensic application. Also discuss the significance of DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2018 in this regard. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What is meant by the term Blue Water Capabilities? In this context, identify the key measures that have been undertaken to enhance the blue water capabilities of the Indian Navy. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Identify the factors that make India vulnerable to drug trafficking? Also discuss the key steps taken to deal with it in our country. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"How do higher global crude oil prices affect the Indian economy? What steps can be taken to gradually insulate India from global oil price volatility in the long term? (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Explaining the importance, highlight the achievements of dairy sector in India. Examine whether over-production is the reason for the problems being faced by the dairy industry. Give some solutions to address the problems. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"There has been a focus on Textile and Apparels industry in India in recent years. Elaborate the potential of this industry and the challenges that lie in achieving it. What steps have been taken in this regard? (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"How do transportation corridors in biodiversity rich areas impact the wildlife? Examine the current policy framework in this regard. Also, suggest measures to minimise the negative effects while balancing the need for development. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The potential of technology to aid farmers in increasing productivity as well reducing susceptibility to climate change remains underutilized. Identify the reasons for the same and suggest measures to improve technological penetration in agriculture. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What is Intelligent Transportation System (ITS)? Explaining the need of ITS in India, identify the challenges in deploying it. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Explain the concept and significance of Data Localisation. Also, discuss its limitations in strengthening law enforcement efforts in the context of Srikrishna Committee report and the draft Personal Data Protection Bill, 2018. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"What is the link between illegal immigration and national security? In this context, critically discuss the exercise of creating a National Register of Citizens in Assam. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3779,"topper":"Khushboo Lather","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/aa7d5-25609_1057_khushboo_lather_rank_98.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Self doubt can both help and hinder leadership. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Bring out the significance of probity in public life. What are the requisites for ensuring probity in governance? Pointing out the key concerns in India in this context, suggest certain remedial measures.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"While the corrupt and dishonest should be punished swiftly, honest public servants need to be protected against malicious and motivated complaints to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of an organisation. Discuss. How can the two objectives be reconciled?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"The effective implementation of the Right to Information Act will create an environment of vigilance which will help in functioning of a more participatory democracy. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"The bureaucracy technically has been an efficient form of organisation but is seen to have exceeded its administrative powers due to its tendency towards self aggrandisement, permanence in employment, and nearness to the political executive. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Social media has played a key role in influencing political opinions and social attitudes in India. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"\"Nonviolence is not servile passivity but a powerful moral force which makes for social transformation\". Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"It is at the interface of public action and private interest that the need arises for establishing not just a code of ethics but a code of conduct. In this context, highlight the need for drafting a code of ethics as well as a code of conduct.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Income inequality is a matter of grave concern for the Indian society. In this context, examine the relevance of Gandhiji's concepts of 'Sarvodaya' and 'Trusteeship'.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"It does not take long for conflict to turn violent when deep seeded prejudices and discriminatory attitudes are not addressed. Discuss in the context of communal and caste-based violence in India. What role should the state play in this context?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Explain with examples how emotional intelligence increases the effectiveness of leadership skills in a civil servant.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"While on the one hand, some state governments have implemented alcohol consumption prohibition laws, it is permitted in other states. Debates around this issue often involves aspects such as individual rights, cultural attitudes and social welfare. As a teacher you need to explain the key issues involved to a young audience. What are these? How would you conclude the lecture?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"As a concerned citizen you have been engaged with the issue of persons employed in manual scavenging. You notice that despite laws and strictures from the highest court of the land the practice of employing human labour to clean sewers continues. While the administration has to ensure the cleanliness of the urban localities, those who are employed also have to earn to sustain themselves and their families. The death of few workers recently due to asphyxiation while cleaning a septic tank has caused much consternation in your locality. You would like to engage with the situation by writing to the administration, for which you need to find an answer to the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders involved and state their conflicting interests. (b) What challenges does the administration face in curbing this social evil? (c) Enumerate the steps to deal with the problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are a teacher in the Science department of a reputed college. Your HoD (Head of Department) has been a good mentor to you and has guided your career progress. You get to know from one of your students that the HoD gives private tuitions at his residence, which is disliked by many others in the department. There are also rumours that he might be giving extra marks to the students taking his tuitions. When enquired, his reply is that he is not alone and a few other teachers are giving private tuitions as well. He assures you that it is beneficial for the students as some of them need extra attention. He advises you not to make a fuss about it and indirectly reminds you about the assessment rating, which is due this week. You are aware that a good rating will definitely get you the due promotion. The HoD is due to retire in 4 months. (a) What are the dilemmas that you face in this situation? (b) Highlight the course of action that you would adopt and give reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3780,"topper":"Khushboo Lather","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e4720-25609_1056_khushboo_lather_rank_98.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the significance of the following in the context of civil service: 10 (i) Public trust (ii) Objectivity (iii) Strength of character (iv) Empathy (v) Selflessness","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Why do civil servants have a special obligation to uphold ethical standards? What are the main areas of concerns for implementation of an effective ethical standard in civil services? In this context, suggest measures to remedy these concerns.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"2(b) While families are the first socializing agents, which inculcate moral values in a child, the role played by schools in this regard is also indispensable. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"What is the significance of morality in day-to-day life? Give an example from your own life where you chose moral action and elaborate the reasons for your choice of that action.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"We make a living by what we do, but we make a life by what we give. 10 (i) Highlight the importance of value of altruism for a society. (ii) Discuss the role of education in imparting such values.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"4 (b) Giving examples, examine the relationship between personal and professional ethics of civil servants.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3781,"topper":"Khushboo Oberoi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/dd539-887006_2218_khushboo-oberoi_rank-139.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to revisit the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution? Discuss with suitable arguments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Highlighting the advantages of online dispute resolution (ODR) mechanism for justice delivery, discuss the challenges associated with its effective implementation in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Despite the constitutional division of powers, Centre-state disputes have been a perennial feature of Indian democracy. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Do you agree with the view that adopting a framework for lobbying will strengthen participative governance and ease of doing business in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Despite the government encouraging open source instead of proprietary technology for government applications, the true potential of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) and digital platforms remains unrealized. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"As a social safety-valve, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) can be the principal vehicles through which communities voice their concerns. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Despite being lauded for its patient centric approach, the implementation of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, remains sluggish and mired with various issues. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to formulate an Urban Employment Guarantee scheme at the national level? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the relevance of BIMSTEC as a regional organisation to fulfil India's strategic aspirations in the Indian Ocean Region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the relevance of the Gujral Doctrine for India with regard to its relations with its immediate neighbours in the present times. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the pivotal role of the \"Officers of Parliament\" in the Indian Parliamentary system. Also, discuss the constitutional and statutory provisions for their impartial functioning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The Finance Commission plays a crucial role in balancing fiscal federalism in India. In this context, examine the recommendations given by the 15th Finance Commission. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Critically assess whether according statutory backing to the Model Code of Conduct will contribute towards free and fair elections in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The market disruption caused by digital revolution warrants renewed focus and perspective to ensure fair competition in the digital economy. In this light, discuss the need to revamp the Competition Commission of India (CCI). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"There is an urgent need for effective whistle-blowing mechanisms and ensuring that necessary safeguards for the protection of whistle-blowers are established in both public and private spheres in India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"State the reasons behind the poor performance of cooperatives in India. Also, discuss the reforms undertaken by the government to overcome the shortcomings. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) is born from a collective desire to make the Indo-Pacific region an engine of global economic growth. Comment. Also, discuss India's concerns in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"India needs to identify the priority areas to further its techno-diplomacy amidst the complexities of expanding digital space and New and Emerging Strategic Technologies. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3782,"topper":"Khushboo Oberoi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/33672-887006_2219_khushboo-oberoi_rank-139.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Fiscal policy can be a key tool to reduce income inequality as well as make the poorest and the downtrodden a part of the country's growth story. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Digitizing land records will go a long way in ensuring land reforms as well as lessening the burden on the Indian Judiciary. Elaborate. Also, state the measures taken in this context. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"It has been pointed out that competitive politics to fund mostly non-merit subsidies is pushing a few states in India to the brink of a deep fiscal crisis. In this context, discuss the need to rationalise the subsidy regime in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Micro-irrigation has tremendous potential in transforming farming into a profitable and sustainable venture. Discuss the given statement in the context of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Given its vast resources and technical expertise, India can play a key role in assisting the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) in dealing with the impact of climate change. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The recent \"Disaster Management Plan of Ministry of Panchayati Raj (DMP-MoPR)\" aims to develop disaster resilience at the grassroots level. In this context, discuss the rationale behind the formulation of the Plan and highlight its key components. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the internal security implications emanating from the use of Emerging And Disruptive Technologies (EDT) by state and non-state actors. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Identify the impediments faced by India in boosting its defence exports. Also, discuss the steps taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the multiple issues associated with space debris. Also, state the initiatives taken in recent times to tackle this menace. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The adoption of Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) in India is expected to make e-commerce more inclusive and accessible for consumers. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While an agreement was recently reached at the WTO on a deal to curb \"harmful\" government fisheries subsidies, certain concerns raised by India suggests that the matter will require further negotiations. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite the advantages that are associated with the hybrid annuity model (HAM) in the road construction sector, the interest in it has moderated due to various reasons. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The existing MSP procurement regime is neither economically nor agro-ecologically sustainable. Elaborate. Also, evaluate the alternative approaches that can be adopted to improve the existing MSP regime. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"It is being argued that India is struggling with overflowing foodgrains in warehouses. Discuss the statement in view of the existing buffer stock policy of India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Recently, the government has asked all ports to prepare a master plan in order to become 'mega ports' by 2047. In light of this, discuss the challenges faced by ports and suggest remedial measures in order to propel India's blue economy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Inequality in income and wealth translates into carbon inequality. In this context, discuss the significance of addressing carbon inequality for India and suggest ways to achieve it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Despite increased and regular occurrences of landslides over the past decade in India, the dominant development paradigm has largely not been modified. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India needs a smart border management system to balance legitimate cross border flows with national security interests. Discuss. Also, highlight the initiatives taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Establishing linkages between globalisation and money laundering, discuss the initiatives taken at the national and international levels to combat it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"There have been arguments that India needs to review some of its past assumptions about the nature of outer space and contribute to the development of new global norms. In this context, analyse India's stand in relation to the Artemis Accords. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3783,"topper":"Khushboo Oberoi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0f456-887006_2217_khushboo-oberoi_rank-139.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With examples, discuss how the cultural traditions from various regions of India get reflected in regional music. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Highlighting the emergence of the working class movement, discuss its contribution towards India's freedom struggle. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Do you agree with the view that Gandhian politics was, in a sense, a continuation of Tilak's politics? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"It is said that the world's oceans are losing their 'memory' due to human-induced warming. Comment. Also, discuss the consequences of the phenomenon. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What is soil amendment? Evaluate the benefits and concerns associated with it. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"It has been suggested that the next decade may see a boom in hybrid power plants. Stating the advantages that such power plants offer, discuss the associated challenges. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What are Van Allen Radiation Belts? Explaining their formation, discuss why there has been a growing focus on their study. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss whether marital rape should be criminalised in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What is care economy? Highlight the challenges associated with it and mention the steps taken to address them in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Post-pandemic India is staring at the challenge of “learning poverty”. Analyse its implications and discuss a way ahead. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Bring out the evolution of mural traditions in South India. Also, elaborate on their significant characteristics. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Indian nationalism that confronted British imperialism in the 19th century was a product of colonial modernity. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The frequent instances of urban flooding pose a severe risk to the urban ecosystem in India. Discuss with special emphasis on its impact on the critical infrastructure. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Sand is not only critical for economic development but also provides crucial ecosystem services. Elaborate. In this context, discuss the importance of sustainable sand mining in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3784,"topper":"Khushboo Oberoi","air":139,"year":2022,"paper":"Optional — Public Administration","optional":true,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1cfqLvufgcTtUq81jaGKsuLaHj5_DRJoE","questions":[]},{"id":3785,"topper":"Khushhali Solanki","air":61,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1xO8Ivnr83IjX01DgIeAgeyToYcDCFBag","questions":[]},{"id":3786,"topper":"Khushhali Solanki","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2c1dd-1214161_1513_khushhali-solanki_rank_61.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"In the context of protection of monuments, explain the role of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Also, comment on the challenges faced by ASI and measures taken to address these. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Tribal art has a huge potential for acting as an economic resource and a tool for socio-economic transformation of tribals in India. Elucidate. Also highlight the challenges in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Often deemed as the 'forgotten conflict', the Korean War had far-reaching implications. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Explaining the origin of earth's magnetism, discuss its significance with special reference to its interaction with solar particles. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discussing the challenges pertaining to dam safety in India, highlight the potential of Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project to address them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What is understood by Carbon Compensation Depth (CCD)? Discuss the implications of the rise in this depth due to anthropogenic warming as well. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"In view of demographic changes in recent decades, do you think India needs a two-child policy? Discuss in light of various strands of the debate surrounding this issue. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Globalization is incredibly efficient but has so far been incredibly unjust. Examine the statement in the context of developing countries like India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"It would not be completely wrong to state that in India, art is religion and religion is art.\" In light of the statement, discuss the impact of various religions on art in India, citing relevant examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"The New Social Movements in post-independence period made an important beginning in awakening the society against injustices and deepened the very notion of democracy in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"What are the reasons for recurrent and often catastrophic wildfires in places like Australia and the United States? Are there any lessons to be learnt from these events by India? Explain adequately. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Discuss why India needs a cross border flood management mechanism. Also, state the major issues in cross border flood management and suggest remedial measures in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Depletion of water resources in India is both a geo-climatic phenomenon as well as a result some short-sighted government policies. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"What are the major lithospheric plates? How and why do these plates move? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"There exists a wide gap between the constitutionally professed secularism and its practice in India. Do you agree? Substantiate with relevant arguments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"India spends less than one per cent of GDP on care work infrastructure and services. In view of the statement, explain how increased public investment in care economy infrastructure can be instrumental in meeting multiple policy objectives. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3787,"topper":"Khushhali Solanki","air":61,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ced46-1214161_1515_khushhali-solanki_rank_61.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3788,"topper":"Khushhali Solanki","air":61,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ca5a7-1214161_1864_khushhali-solanki_rank_61.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3789,"topper":"Khushhali Solanki","air":61,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/93393beb2b7e996905ce7ea7f8b78443/36/air-61-khushhali-solanki_test-7_gs3.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"1. Elaborate on the difference between Capital Account and Current Account as components of Balance of Payment (BOP). Suggest a few measures to balance the BOP deficit of India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"2. The logistics sector is one of the important components of the growth of the manufacturing industry. Discuss. Also, mention various components of the recently announced National Logistics Policy 2022.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"3. What is India's stand on the New Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies under WTO? How is the Fisheries sector significant for India? Enumerate the steps taken by the Government to develop this sector.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"4. Analyze the systemic and institutional constraints that continue to hinder land reform efforts in India and propose pragmatic solutions to ensure equitable distribution of land.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"5. What are the unique features and capabilities of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, and how has it contributed to India's defence capabilities and strategic position in the region?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"6. In line with the country's efforts to explore the depths of the ocean and harness the resources it holds, the Indian government has proposed a deep-sea exploration mission Samudrayaan. How can this mission contribute to the advancement of ocean science and technology in the country?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"7. What is Global Methane Pledge? Do you think the Global Methane Pledge is a positive step toward mitigating methane emissions? Explain India's stance on this issue.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":18,"question":"8. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of disaster management in public health. Discuss the key strategies and challenges for managing pandemics and other infectious disease outbreaks.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"9. \"The resource curse of Eastern and Central India has been a crucial driver of LWE\". Elaborate and suggest measures for sustainable and inclusive development of the region.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"10. In light of the declining trend of violence in the North East and J&K region do you think that AFSPA has lived its utility? Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"11. International trade is centred on the dominant currency paradigm (DCM). Critically Analyze the importance of Hard currency in International trade and Discuss the potential of rupee acceptance in global trade as an alternative to dollar imperialism.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":27,"question":"A demographic Dividend does not ensure growth; it only generates potential. Discuss the steps made by the government to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the demographic transition.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":30,"question":"13. 'Genome editing holds immense potential for crop improvement, but it also raises ethical and safety concerns'. How far do the new guidelines for the safety assessment of genome-edited plants in India ensure the safety of genetically modified crops?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":33,"question":"4. Discuss the impact of direct and indirect farm subsidies on the agriculture sector in India. How have Minimum Support Prices (MSP) affected the agricultural economy?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":36,"question":"15. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a rapidly escalating crisis that poses a grave threat to public health worldwide. What are the major contributing factors to the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance, and what steps can be taken to address this global health threat?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":39,"question":"16. What do you understand by Disruptive innovations? What are some examples of disruptive innovation in recent times, and how have they changed the way industries operate?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"17. Trace the evolution of the Loss and Damage fund. What are the major development related to loss and damage funds in COP 27?, What are the commitments made by India in this conference?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":45,"question":"Disaster management is not just about responding to emergencies but also about building resilient communities. Discuss the key strategies that can be used to build community resilience and reduce the impact of disasters.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"19. The transformation of terrorism through the use of new and emerging technologies like metaverse and virtual assets is a matter of concern. How can we counter the Use of New and Emerging Technologies for Terrorist Purposes and Elucidate the importance of the \"Delhi declaration\" in this regard?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":51,"question":"20. \"The Agnipath scheme is a bitter pill needed for the resilience and efficacy of our armed forces.\" Critically Analyze the statement with relevant arguments.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"}]},{"id":3790,"topper":"Khushhali Solanki","air":61,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/116/air-61-khushhali-solanki_test-7_gs3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3791,"topper":"Khushhali Solanki","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kZrkNz3zPv77mlVdwxRRU6KjvgvscI7O/view","questions":[]},{"id":3792,"topper":"Khushhali Solanki","air":61,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/280bd-1214161_1516_khushhali-solanki_rank_61.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3793,"topper":"Khushhali Solanki","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FrywOolYtLZRKp-vUbD5GvHkwc3KKlHY/view","questions":[]},{"id":3794,"topper":"Khushhali Solanki","air":61,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1iwt1AMrQ9PCOoLQFBI8ewGtI9RfeOkUJ","questions":[]},{"id":3795,"topper":"Khushhali Solanki","air":61,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Public Administration","optional":true,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1L4mkIC58yl8JRYkYJfJg_8dNGveSmIJb","questions":[]},{"id":3796,"topper":"Kiran","air":896,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Sleepy Classes","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://sleepyclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/kiran_hlt2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3797,"topper":"Kiran Kamate","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/77be7-1012764_3282_kiran_kamate_rank_53.pdf","questions":[{"page":33,"question":"1 Philosophical underpinnings - Locke - S.C. Theories\n2 Why? It has approval of majority\n3 Why not? J.S. Mill's quote\n3A Challenge to first common carrier concept\n4 Balancing individual vs. community rights?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3798,"topper":"Kiran Kamate","air":53,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/33660-1012764_3283_kiran_kamate_rank_53.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3799,"topper":"Kiran Kamate","air":53,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/MT25FLTRA015_TC005.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3800,"topper":"Kiran Kamate","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0de7c-1012764_4510_kiran_kamate_rank_53.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. Folk music serves as a repository of the cultural identity. Discuss the role of folk music in preserving cultural heritage and promoting social cohesion.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. How does the Vesara style of temple architecture represent a synthesis of the Nagara and Dravida styles? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. Discuss the role played by Indians living abroad in advancing the cause of India's freedom struggle. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. How did the Marshall Plan influence the economic recovery and political stability of post-war Europe? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. Discuss the factors responsible for increased cyclonic activity in the Arabian Sea. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. How can technological interventions help in transforming the textile sector in India? What are the initiatives that the government has taken in this regard? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. What is a seiche and how does it form? Discuss the geographical conditions under which seiches are most likely to occur.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. How has rapid urbanisation affected the socio-cultural landscape of peri-urban regions in India?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Examine the role of historical and socio-political factors in driving communalism in Indian politics. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. Globalization has significantly influenced the aspirations, lifestyle, and value systems of Indian youth. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. Examine how Chandragupta-II's reign symbolised a golden age of cultural development, laying the foundation for future advancements in Indian art and literature.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. Evaluate the intended and unintended consequences of British educational policies for the Indian society in the colonial period.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. India's territorial disputes after independence were not merely about borders, but also encompass issues of national identity, historical grievances, and geopolitical strategies. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. Discuss the geographical conditions responsible for the development of shola forests in the upper reaches of the Western Ghats. Highlight their ecological significance.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. Discuss the potential of natural hydrogen as a fuel to meet growing global energy demands? Why is it still an untapped industry?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. Why is there a shift of labour-intensive industries from China to South and Southeast Asia? Discuss the advantages and challenges for India in this context.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. Explain the socio-economic transformations resulting from women's migration to metropolitan areas in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. The institution of marriage in India is increasingly becoming a site of conspicuous consumption and commodification. Critically examine the impact of this commercialisation on social equity and gender relations.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. Analyse how recognizing, reducing, and redistributing care work can foster gender equality and promote inclusive development in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. Discuss the changing nature of family structures in urban India. How is it impacting elderly care and socialization of the youth? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3801,"topper":"Kiran Kamate","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/8753a84a20ad78852d2f922fc896d837/51/mt25fltra015_flt2501.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Cave paintings are the visual autobiography of a prehistoric man. What can we infer about prehistoric beliefs and social practices from the cave paintings in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"Colonial education policy, intended to create obedient clerks, became a channel for political awakening and national self-assertion.\" Discuss (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"India faces a looming freshwater crisis despite its vast river systems. Discuss the causes and evaluate integrated water resource management strategies for sustainability. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How do the Deccan and Chota Nagpur plateaus differ in their physical characteristics and resource potential? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Compare the characteristics of east-flowing and west-flowing rivers with suitable examples. Why do most rivers in India flow eastward? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The Arctic region is emerging as a new frontier for resource exploration. Discuss the opportunities and challenges for India in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"How are changing family structures and migration trends increasingly leading to the social isolation of the elderly in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In what ways does urbanization challenge traditional notions of social cohesion in Indian society? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Safety and mobility are gendered constraints that significantly influence women's participation in the labour force in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"What do the accounts of Arab and European travellers reveal about the nature of social and economic life in medieval India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"India's linguistic diversity is not a challenge to national integration but a testament to its cultural resilience.' Discuss in the context of contemporary debates on language policy and identity politics in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Examine the role played by reformist organizations like the Brahmo Samaj and Arya Samaj in addressing various social issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"What are rift valleys, and how are they formed? Explain their geomorphological and economic significance. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"What is 'Blue Revolution'? Discuss the major challenges faced in the development of aquaculture in India. Suggest a set of comprehensive strategies to overcome these challenges. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"With accelerating glacial melt in the Himalayas, GLOFs pose a severe hazard downstream. Analyse the causes, impacts, and mitigation strategies related to GLOFs in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Using suitable examples, discuss the conditions required for the formation of salt pans and mangroves in India. How do these ecosystems support coastal resilience? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Caste in India today operates more as a system of identity assertion than of rigid hierarchy. Discuss this transformation in the context of caste group mobilisation and economic change. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Have regional identities in India evolved from cultural expressions to organised assertions of autonomy? Discuss their implications for national cohesion. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"The rise of the new middle class in India is marked by a culture of consumption. In what ways is the transition from conscious to impulsive consumption affecting family structure and dynamics in urban India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3802,"topper":"Kiran Kamate","air":53,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/KIRAN-KAMATE-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-53-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) Examine the scope and significance of the Supreme Court's advisory jurisdiction under Article 143 of the Constitution.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2 What is delimitation, and why is it important? What challenges are associated with the delimitation exercise in India?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) How has asymmetric federalism helped India accommodate its diverse regional needs? Discuss with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Explain how the terms 'socialist' and 'secular' in the Preamble embody specific meanings in the Indian context.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 The role of State Finance Commissions in building regional equity and strengthening the federal link has largely been underutilized. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6 How far do you think has the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) been successful in protecting and promoting child rights in India?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) Outline the salient features of New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 related to school education. What does it state about the medium of instruction in schools?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) Throw light on the legal frameworks that are in place to ensure women's safety in India. What further steps are needed to enhance their safety and well-being?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 \"A multipolar world order is not merely an option but a necessity\". Elaborate. How can India leverage its position to strengthen multipolarity in the global arena?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) \"ASEAN is the cornerstone of India's Act East Policy and its Indo-Pacific vision.\" Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) Discuss the various administrative challenges faced by local self-governments (LSGs). What measures do you suggest for devolving administrative powers to LSGs, enabling them to function as institutions of genuine self-governance?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) In light of recent developments, the Collegium system and the Supreme Court's decision to strike down the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) Act, 2014 have once again come under scrutiny. Do you think that a NJAC-like body can make judicial appointments more transparent, broad-based, and accountable? Justify your answer.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 Differentiate between the clemency powers of the Presidents of India and the USA. Also, critically examine the vesting of clemency power in the executive.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 What constitutes corrupt practices under the Representation of the People Act, 1951? Also, discuss the challenges in curbing such malpractices and suggest remedial measures.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Discuss the role of the Vice-President as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. Also describe the procedure for his/her removal from office.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 \"Universal Basic Income (UBI) is a viable solution to eradicate extreme poverty in India.\" Critically discuss the statement.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 What are the key determinants of malnutrition among under-five children in the country? Also, elaborate on the role of nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions in addressing this issue.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 \"Data is the raw material of Artificial Intelligence.\" In this context, discuss the need for transparent and accountable data governance frameworks in India. What steps has the government taken in this regard?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Critically examine the role of International Monetary Fund (IMF) in addressing debt distress in the Global South. How can India use its post-G20 presidency momentum to push IMF reforms?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 \"In a fluid geopolitical arena, engagement without formal endorsement is a pragmatic middle path.\" Do you agree? Explain in the context of India's current approach towards the Taliban regime in Afghanistan.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3803,"topper":"Kiran Kamate","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/cba58-1012764_4511_kiran_kamate_rank_53.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. How does the Supreme Court's recent decision on Aligarh Muslim University's minority status affect the interpretation of Article 30 of the Indian Constitution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. The Supreme Court, in a recent verdict, prescribed a time period for the Governor's assent to state legislative bills. What are the implications of this judgment for cooperative federalism and legislative accountability in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. Discuss the recent changes and initiatives related to cooperatives that aim to smoothen the tussle between the Centre and States in the cooperative sector.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. In recent years, use of social media and digital mobilisation by civil society has emerged as a powerful form of pressure politics. Examine its impact on policymaking and democratic accountability.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. How is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) emerging as a business-led solution for addressing development challenges in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. Discuss how mechanisms like public consultations and Jan Sunwais in India impact governance outcomes.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. How effective have the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) and Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan been in addressing substance abuse in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. Rote learning and neglect of creativity in foundational education setup in India make it less ready for marketplaces that are now driven by Artificial Intelligence. Do you agree with this view? Substantiate your argument.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Analyze the transformation of the G7 from a symbol of Western strategic unity to a forum marked by internal contradictions. How should India navigate this changing dynamic to advance its strategic interests? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. Discuss the role of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in the development of developing countries. What are the key criticisms associated with its approach? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. The 103rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019 has introduced a new dimension to the principle of affirmative action in India. Critically examine its implications for the broader goal of social justice.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. The District Planning Committee (DPC) was envisioned as a key instrument to strengthen grassroots-level planning. How far has it succeeded in achieving this goal? Discuss the challenges faced by DPCs and suggest measures to make them more effective.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. The restrictions imposed under Article 293 of the Constitution on State borrowing powers, though constitutionally valid, may hinder fiscal autonomy of States and disrupt cooperative federalism. Discuss in the light of recent developments.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. Examine the tension between the right to contest elections and the need to uphold electoral ethics under the Representation of the People Act. Should there be a lifetime ban on convicted criminals? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. To what extent has the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme, launched in 2015, succeeded in addressing the declining child sex ratio and empowering the girl child? Suggest measures to enhance its impact at the grassroots level.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are emerging as vehicles of socio-economic transformation in rural India. Examine the role of government in scaling their reach and effectiveness.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. Despite economic growth, multidimensional poverty continues to persist in India. Analyse the underlying causes and discuss the measures taken by the government to address them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. India faces a paradox of food surplus and nutritional deficit. Analyse the structural reasons behind this paradox and suggest reform strategies.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. India's timely response during the economic crises in Sri Lanka and the Maldives reflects its \"Neighbourhood First\" policy in action. Examine how Indian aid has impacted bilateral ties with these nations. What steps can further be taken to promote sustainable economic cooperation in the Indian Ocean region?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. Discuss the geostrategic significance of Afghanistan for India in the context of continental connectivity and access to Central Asia. How has the altered political landscape post-2021 affected India's connectivity and energy corridor ambitions? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3804,"topper":"Kiran Kamate","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/8753a84a20ad78852d2f922fc896d837/63/mt25fltra015_m25gat04.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"'Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) plays a pivotal role in laying the foundation for formal primary education and ensuring the holistic development of children.' Examine the current status of ECCE in India. What steps can be taken to improve the quality of elementary education in the country? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"'Despite the growing harmful impact of online spaces on adolescents, curbing these negative effects remains a significant challenge'. Discuss the factors responsible for this challenge and suggest measures to protect adolescents in the digital age. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discuss the key provisions of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, and their role in addressing historical injustices. What are the major challenges in its implementation? Suggest measures to overcome these challenges for effective implementation of forest rights. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":16,"question":"'The rapid growth of the gig economy in India has created new employment opportunities but also exposed significant social security challenges for gig workers'. Discuss these challenges and suggest how the rationalization of labour laws can aid their formalization and integration into the social safety net. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the notable developments made by India in achieving gender parity and examine the barriers that continue to hinder progress. What further measures can be adopted to make progress towards gender parity in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":22,"question":"Critically examine the various welfare measures undertaken for senior citizens in India. Analyse the need for a comprehensive policy to effectively address the challenges faced by the elderly in the country. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"Discuss the factors that have led to a significant increase in internal migration in the country over the past two decades. What are the challenges faced by migrant workers in India? Suggest measures that are needed to address these challenges. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3805,"topper":"Kiran Kamate","air":53,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/8753a84a20ad78852d2f922fc896d837/54/mt25fltra015_flt2502.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3806,"topper":"Kiran Kamate","air":53,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/8753a84a20ad78852d2f922fc896d837/78/mt25fltra015_m25gat01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3807,"topper":"Kiran Kamate","air":53,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/8753a84a20ad78852d2f922fc896d837/75/mt25fltra015_m25gat02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3808,"topper":"Kiran Kamate","air":53,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/KIRAN-KAMATE-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-53-Sample-MGP-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) What is a 'Census'? Discuss the importance of Census for the economy and policy making.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Assess the role of NITI Aayog over the past decade in transforming the country's approach to planning and development.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Discuss various measures taken by the Government to strengthen the Cooperative movement and ensure \"Sahakar Se Samriddhi\".","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) India remains significantly dependent on imports to meet its pulses demand. Examine the key challenges in achieving self-reliance in pulses. Also, mention the major government initiatives taken in this regard.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) What is a 'Black box'? Explain its significance in flight safety and airplane crash investigations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) How does NISAR mission exemplify international cooperation in space exploration and scientific research? In what ways will it help in climate change monitoring and natural hazard management?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) While oceans are considered among mankind's best allies in the fight against climate change, they are themselves heavily impacted by the same. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8 “Disasters cannot be managed by a single agency, department, or ministry on its own. It requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.” Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) The convergence of organized crime and terrorism presents a formidable challenge to the country's internal security. Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 In an era of complex security challenges, examine the ways in which the private sector can contribute to strengthening India's internal security.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced a transfer of surplus to the Union Government for the financial year 2024-25. What does 'surplus' mean in this context? How does the RBI generate it, and what is its significance for the country's fiscal policy?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 Examine the role of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model in the development of ports in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 \"Legalizing the Minimum Support Price (MSP) would create more challenges than it resolves.\" Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) Why does India's agricultural export performance remain weak despite high production levels? What measures would you suggest to improve agri-export competitiveness?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 How the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) can help India in its socio-economic development? Identify the hurdles in its large-scale adoption and suggest corrective measures.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) What is a Geographical Indication (GI)? What are the legal frameworks governing it? How does it differ from a trademark? How can GI infringement be tackled?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"How is it different from Trademark","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 \"Mangroves contribute significantly to the coastal economy and ecology, but they are threatened by numerous factors\". Elaborate. Also, state the measures taken by the government for mangrove conservation and restoration.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 What is oil pollution? What are its impacts on the marine ecosystem? In what way is oil pollution particularly harmful for a country like India?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19) Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have become an integral aspect of modern conflict and warfare, employed by both state and non-state actors. Discuss its implications for India's security architecture and state the measures being taken to address them. Also suggest other steps to tackle the threats emanating from UAVs.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 Maritime security challenges are complex, driven by both conventional and non-conventional threats. In this context, discuss the key maritime security challenges in India. Also, highlight the measures taken by the government in this regard.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3809,"topper":"Kiran Kamate","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Visionias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/17262-1012764_4512_kiran_kamate_rank_53.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. Analyse the factors that have contributed to India's inclusive economic growth in the past decade.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. The Reserve Bank of India’s surplus transfers offer the government much-needed fiscal space, yet they are not without challenges. Critically examine the implications of the RBI's surplus transfers to the government.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. To what extent was the first National Monetization Pipeline (NMP) able to meet its objectives? What are the objectives of the new Asset Monetization Plan 2025-30 as announced in the recent 2025 Budget? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. Examine the major challenges hindering the Indian textile industry from achieving its full potential in the global value chain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. Why has India become increasingly import-dependent for edible oils despite being a major agricultural economy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. Air accidents are low-frequency but high-impact events. Examine the disaster management protocols in place for aviation-related emergencies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. Chemical pollution poses a grave threat to human health and the environment in India. Discuss the key sources contributing to pervasive chemical contamination and evaluate the effectiveness of existing environmental laws in curbing this problem.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. Missile defence systems are becoming critical for national security in the face of evolving regional threats and advanced weapon technologies. Explain the working principle of missile defence systems. Critically assess India's progress in developing indigenous missile defence capabilities.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Despite multiple resolutions and initiatives undertaken by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), its efforts to counter terrorism have achieved limited success. Discuss the reasons for this limited effectiveness.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. India practices a ‘multi-alignment’ approach in its cyber diplomacy. How does this posture strengthen India’s internal security while maintaining strategic autonomy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. While examining the shortcomings of the land reforms in the past, elaborate what land reforms 2.0 should look like. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. As NITI Aayog completes 10 years of its establishment, critically examine its role in the planning and development paradigm of governance in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. What are the primary causes of limited formal credit penetration among the rural and unbanked populations in India? Comment on the effectiveness of Small Finance Banks in addressing this gap and advancing inclusive financial growth.","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. To what extent has the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for the food processing industry facilitated value addition, employment generation, and global competitiveness in India's food processing industry? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. Waste circularity is emerging as a sustainable solution to India's mounting solid waste crisis. Discuss the key principles of waste circularity and the government's initiative in this regard. How effective have these measures been in fostering a circular economy? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. Discuss the importance of integrating traditional ecological knowledge of India's tribal communities with modern disaster management frameworks. Mention two examples where indigenous practices have contributed to disaster resilience.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. CRISPR technology has rapidly advanced in recent years, with new tools and clinical breakthroughs. Highlight the recent developments in CRISPR-based gene editing technology applications. Discuss the opportunities and ethical challenges these advancements present for healthcare and society.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. A credible semiconductor ecosystem is pivotal for India's economic security as much as for national security. Analyse the strategic objectives, incentives, and institutional architecture of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM). Identify the major risks that could derail its timelines.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. Intricate inter-play of diverse factors has been the force multipliers for extremism in the North East. Discuss. Suggest a multilayered strategy to tackle the menace of extremism in this region.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. Despite recent steps towards inducting women into combat roles, their participation remains low. Examine the key challenges impeding the greater inclusion of women in the Indian armed forces. Also, suggest suitable measures to enhance their participation.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3810,"topper":"Kiran Kamate","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/8753a84a20ad78852d2f922fc896d837/71/mt25fltra015_m25gat05.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"India aims to achieve 570 GW of solar capacity by 2030, surpassing its global commitments. However, to realise its full potential, India must accelerate solar expansion by addressing the major challenges faced by the solar sector. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the role of technological innovations in addressing the challenges faced by Indian agriculture. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Examine the current status of inland waterways in India and their advantages. What are the key challenges hindering the development of inland waterways in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Skill India Mission has recently been restructured and extended with the aim of equipping the youth with \"future-ready skills.\" In this context, examine the achievements and challenges of the Skill India Mission in the Indian economy. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What is digital currency? Discuss the potential benefits of digital currency in financial transformation and the challenges associated with it. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"For India to raise the manufacturing sector's contribution to GDP from 15% to 25%, strategic reforms and the creation of a robust ecosystem for industrial growth are essential. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":16,"question":"With the growing demand from farmers for a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Prices (MSPs), critically examine the advantages and challenges of legalising MSP. Also, suggest measures to strengthen price support mechanisms for farmers in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":19,"question":"What is Climate Resilient Agriculture (CRA)? Discuss the steps taken by the government to promote CRA and examine the key challenges faced in making Indian agriculture climate-resilient. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the need for Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and their potential to transform Indian agriculture. Highlight the challenges faced by FPOs and the initiatives undertaken by the government to promote them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"Analyse the opportunities for enhancing agricultural exports from India and the challenges impeding their growth. Also, suggest measures needed for a stable and effective Agri-export policy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3811,"topper":"Kiran Kamate","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/8753a84a20ad78852d2f922fc896d837/60/mt25fltra015_flt2511.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"How far do you think the recent proposals to reform India's tax structure will help in improving India's tax buoyancy and base? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"How do the rising trends of economic nationalism and protectionism affect India's global trade competitiveness? What recent measures has India taken to navigate these challenges? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Examine the role of Integrated Farming System (IFS) in improving agricultural productivity and minimizing the environmental impact of agriculture. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"In recent years, Indian agriculture has been witnessing a transformation towards better productivity and improved farmer incomes. What institutional and structural reforms have been undertaken by the Government to make agriculture more rewarding and sustainable? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How do Air Defence systems work? What are the various air-defense systems that India currently possesses? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the potential of RNA editing in treating genetic disorders. What are its advantages over DNA editing? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Urban areas are more vulnerable to disasters due to unplanned growth and infrastructure collapses. Discuss. What strategies do you recommend to enhance urban resilience to such disasters? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Despite its criticality for the success of the Swachha Bharat Mission, solid waste management in India remains at a sub-optimal level. In this context, suggest long-term technological and institutional solutions towards effective solid-waste management. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"Social media has emerged as a new frontier in modern warfare, shaping narratives, influencing perceptions, and impacting national security\". In this context, analyse the role of social media in contemporary conflicts. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The Border Security Force (BSF) has evolved significantly in its jurisdiction as well as its strategic importance in border management and the internal security framework. Explain the role and mandate of BSF. What are the issues BSF faces while operating in the border States? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"India's growth story is marred by persistent challenges of inequality and the middle-income-trap. Discuss. Highlight the approaches India should follow to escape the middle-income trap and ensure inclusive and sustainable economic growth. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"MSMEs are central to the success of the Make in India initiative, yet they face challenges in scaling up and integrating into formal supply chains. Discuss. Suggest structural reforms needed to make MSMEs more resilient and competitive. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"\"The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) aims to achieve 'more crop per drop', yet irrigation efficiency in India remains suboptimal.\" Critically analyse. What reforms are needed to strengthen its implementation? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"The rising import of oilseeds and pulses has made their cultivation unremunerative. In the light of this statement, elucidate the steps needed to promote the production and consumption of oilseeds and pulses in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Explain the scientific principles behind cloud seeding. Highlighting its role in alleviating air pollution and global warming, discuss its potential limitations. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Give an account of the evolution of India's 3-Stage Nuclear Power Programme. What are the advantages and strategic imperatives of realising the thorium-based third stage? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Recent studies indicate that the 2014-2024 decade is the warmest decade and 2024 is the warmest year on record. In the light of rapid global warming, what are the impacts of climate change on biodiversity? Discuss the measures needed to ensure ecological resilience and conservation of species diversity. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Forest fires in India are increasing in frequency and intensity, posing severe ecological and economic challenges. Describe the various causes of forest fires. What measures are followed to prevent and manage forest fires in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"What are organized crimes? Discuss the linkages between organized crime and terrorism. How do such linkages pose internal security challenges to India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"India's north-eastern region is fraught with contentious issues and security challenges. Examine the various security challenges currently prevailing in the region. Discuss the steps to counter these challenges. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3812,"topper":"Kiran Kamate","air":53,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/8753a84a20ad78852d2f922fc896d837/53/mt25fltra015_flt2503.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3813,"topper":"Kiran Kamate","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d7c8d-1012764_4513_kiran_kamate_rank_53.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. (a) Compassion is the courageous choice to feel another's suffering as one's own, and to act upon it, even when silence is safer and indifference is easier. Examine the significance of compassion as an essential ethical value for civil servants in India. Illustrate your answer with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"1. (b) Marriages in India are transitioning from traditional sacramental unions to more autonomous relationships, reflected in live-in relationships and rising divorce rates. Discuss the ethical dimensions of these changes.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"2. (a) While accountability often necessitates documentation, an overemphasis on bureaucratic procedures and excessive paperwork can inadvertently silence the very voices that public policy intends to empower, particularly at the grassroots. Examine the above statement with suitable illustrations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"2. (b) The principle of impartiality may conflict with the need for compassion towards marginalized communities. Discuss in the context of civil services in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"3 (a) What do each of the following quotations mean to you?\n(a) \"The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home.\" - Confucius (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"3. (b) \"Act only according to that maxim through which you can at the same time will that it become a universal law.\" - Immanuel Kant (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"3. (c) \"We are not only responsible for what we do, but also for what we fail to do\" - Molière. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"4. (a) Patriotism encourages ethical questioning, while nationalism often suppresses it. Discuss this statement in light of the formation of political attitudes during high-pressure national events. How can individuals develop moral attitudes that balance national interest with ethical reasoning?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"4. (b) Discuss how employee well-being and fairness can be balanced with efficiency and profitability in private organisations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"5. (a) Do you agree that excessive use of social media and emerging AI technologies may lead to a decline in emotional regulation and moral sensitivity among adolescents? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"5. (b) In light of the increasing incidents of suicides among students in India, discuss how Emotional Intelligence (EI) can aid in managing stress and emotional challenges.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"6. (a) In public service, emotional intelligence is not about suppressing emotion, but mastering its purpose — to connect, to de-escalate, and to uplift others with empathy and strength. Do you agree with this view? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"6. (b) An efficient work culture is built not only on rules, but on shared values. In this context, evaluate the role of leadership and team dynamics in transforming work culture within an organization.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"7 You are posted as the Joint Secretary in the Department of Information Technology of a state. The government recently implemented several citizen-centric digital services, collecting large volumes of personal data from residents. The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, requires that such data be processed only with explicit and informed consent, and mandates that processing must cease immediately upon withdrawal of consent.\n\nDuring an internal audit, you discover that the department continues to process and analyze personal data of several citizens even after they have formally withdrawn their consent. This data is being used for policy analytics and service improvement, purposes not explicitly disclosed at the time of data collection. When you bring this to the attention of your department head, you are informed that halting the processing will disrupt ongoing digital initiatives and may affect state-level performance metrics. Moreover, you find that the consent withdrawal process is cumbersome, and many citizens are unaware of their rights under the DPDP Act.\n\nYou also learn that a prominent social activist is planning to file a complaint with the Data Protection Board against involuntary use of personal data, which could attract public scrutiny and legal action against the department.\n(a) Identify and discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.\n(b) What are the potential consequences for the department if the issue is not addressed transparently?\n(c) How would you balance the need for efficient public service delivery with the obligation to protect citizens’ data rights? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"8 You are an IAS officer, currently serving as the Secretary of the Public Works Department in a hill state. Recently, a disturbing incident has come to light involving a senior Cabinet Minister and two engineers of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). During an inspection of a critical highway project, the Minister was allegedly seen on video physically assaulting and verbally abusing the engineers in full public view. The video, recorded by bystanders, went viral on social media and was widely covered by television channels, sparking both outrage and support from different sections of society. The Minister later defended his actions, alleging that the officials were corrupt, unresponsive to local grievances, and responsible for inordinate delays in the project. He insisted that his actions were driven by public frustration and the urgency of delivering infrastructure to a remote region.\n\nHowever, the engineers have filed a police complaint and written to their superiors, claiming they were targeted for resisting political pressure to award contracts to specific local contractors linked to the Minister. As the situation escalated, a union of NHAI engineers declared a strike.\n(a) इस प्रकरण में शामिल प्रमुख नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं? हितधारकों और उनके परस्पर विरोधी हितों की पहचान कीजिए।\n(b) लोक निर्माण विभाग के सचिव के रूप में, आप उपयुक्त स्थिति में क्या कार्रवाई करेंगे?\n(c) ऐसी घटनाएं सिविल सेवकों के मनोबल और शासन में जनता के विश्वास को कैसे प्रभावित करती हैं? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"(a) What are the key ethical issues involved in this situation? Identify the stakeholders and their conflicting interests.\n(b) As the Secretary of the PWD, what actions will you take in above situation?\n(c) How do such incidents affect the morale of civil servants and public trust in governance? (Answer in 250 words)\na) What are the key ethical issues involved in this situation? Identify the stakeholders and their conflicting interests.\nb) As the Secretary of the PWD, what actions will you take in above situation?\nc) How do such incidents affect the morale of civil servants and public trust in governance?","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"9 You are the Secretary in the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Government of India. In recent years, an increasing number of civil servants, particularly younger officers from the IAS, IPS, and IRS, have begun maintaining personal YouTube channels and social media pages. On these platforms, they regularly post videos related to their official work — showcasing innovative projects, public outreach initiatives, inspection drives, and sometimes even day-to-day administrative duties.\n\nThese videos often receive widespread public attention, and many viewers express admiration, saying such content enhances transparency, motivates aspirants, and humanizes the bureaucracy. However, concerns have also emerged from various quarters. Senior officers argue that such content may blur the boundaries between personal branding and public service, while some citizens and media commentators point to instances where videos feature vulnerable beneficiaries without consent, raise concerns about misuse of official premises, or seem designed more for personal popularity than public accountability.\n\nYou have been asked to prepare a report for the government to maintain a balance between public interest, institutional integrity, and evolving modes of communication, including disciplinary measures.\n(a) Identify the ethical issues involved in civil servants publicly displaying their official work on social media platforms.\n(b) Do such efforts promote awareness and motivation, or do they compromise anonymity, neutrality, and the spirit of public service? Give your opinion.\n(c) As Secretary, what guiding principles and policy measures would you suggest to ensure digital participation of civil servants with accountability? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"You have been asked to prepare a report with recommendations to balance public interest, institutional integrity, and evolving modes of communication.\n(a) Identify the ethical issues involved in civil servants publicly showcasing their official work on social media.\n(b) Do such practices promote awareness and motivation, or do they compromise the values of anonymity, neutrality, and collective service ethos? Give your opinion.\n(c) As the Secretary, what guiding principles and policy recommendations would you suggest to ensure responsible digital engagement by civil servants? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"10 You are the Director of the National Bioethics Commission who is responsible for assessing the ethical feasibility and oversight of a nationwide gene sequencing program. The project named GeneFuture, aims to sequence the DNA of every newborn child and store it in a centralized national database. The objective is to identify genetic predispositions to serious diseases early in life, allowing for preventive treatment and personalized medicine. Over 100,000 babies have already been enrolled in the pilot phase of the program. The government claims that this move is a landmark step in public health advancement.\n\nHowever, collection of newborn genetic data raises significant ethical concerns, particularly around informed consent, which may not fully capture parents' understanding of the long-term risks involved. Once gathered, this sensitive data could be misused for purposes such as surveillance; insurance discrimination, or commercial marketing by third parties. Uncertainty over data ownership—whether it lies with the state, parents, or the individual as they mature—further complicates the issue. The involvement of private tech and pharmaceutical companies heightens fears of commercial exploitation, especially in the absence of clear mechanisms for individuals to withdraw consent or delete their genetic information upon reaching adulthood.\n(a) What are the ethical issues you perceive in the implementation of the GeneFuture program?\n(b) Identify the conflicting interests of different stakeholders in this case.\n(c) What guiding ethical principles would you recommend for implementation of this project? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"11 You are a dedicated District Health Officer (DHO) with a strong commitment to evidence-based public health practices, recently assigned to a remote district in India. Your immediate and most critical task is to lead a crucial district-wide Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination drive, aimed at achieving 100% immunization coverage among children aged 9 months to 15 years. The success of this drive is vital for the collective health of thousands of children and for the district's overall health indicators, especially with the impending monsoon season posing additional health challenges.\n\nHowever, in one of the largest and most traditional villages in your district, you encounter formidable resistance. The villagers, deeply influenced by the pronouncements of a revered local\n(a) उपयुक्त प्रकरण में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\n(b) इस विरोध को शांत करने के लिए आपके पास तत्काल क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\n(c) अंधविश्वास के व्यापक प्रभाव को दूर करने और संधारणीय लोक स्वास्थ्य परिणामों हेतु वैज्ञानिक सोच को बढ़ावा देने के लिए आप कौन-सी दीर्घकालिक रणनीतियाँ और प्रणालीगत सुधारों का सुझाव देंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case.\n(b) What are the immediate options available to you to overcome this resistance?\n(c) What long-term strategies and systemic reforms would you suggest to address the pervasive influence of superstition and foster a scientific temperament for sustainable public health outcomes? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"12 You are a highly motivated and principle-driven Gram Panchayat Secretary, recently posted in a large and socio-economically diverse village in a remote district. Your immediate and most critical task is the meticulous verification of beneficiaries for the 'Gramin Awas Yojana' – a flagship state housing scheme aimed at providing 'pucca' (brick) houses to the genuinely impoverished and landless households. The scheme is under tight deadlines, with funds\n(a) What are the possible administrative and ethical difficulties you face?\n(b) Discuss all the options available to you.\n(c) Which broad course of action will you take while justifying your ethical propriety? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":58,"question":"(a) What are the potential administrative and ethical dilemmas you face?\n(b) Discuss all options available to you.\n(c) What comprehensive course of action would you choose to adopt, providing ethical justification for your decision? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3814,"topper":"Kiran Kamate","air":53,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/8753a84a20ad78852d2f922fc896d837/62/mt25fltra015_flt2504.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3815,"topper":"Kiran Kamate","air":53,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3e01b-1012764_4517_kiran_kamate_rank_53.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3816,"topper":"Kiran Kamate","air":53,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/bbe57-1012764_4518_kiran_kamate_rank_53.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3817,"topper":"Kiran Kamate","air":53,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/KIRAN_KAMATE_AIR%20_53_2025/Test%201,%20PSIR%20Crash%20Course.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3818,"topper":"Kiran Kamate","air":53,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/KIRAN_KAMATE_AIR%20_53_2025/Test%202,%20PSIR%20Crash%20Course.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3819,"topper":"Kiran Kamate","air":53,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/KIRAN_KAMATE_AIR%20_53_2025/Test%203,%20PSIR%20Crash%20Course.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3820,"topper":"Kiran Kamate","air":53,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/KIRAN_KAMATE_AIR%20_53_2025/Test%205,%20PSIR%20Crash%20Course.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3821,"topper":"Kiran Kamate","air":53,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/KIRAN_KAMATE_AIR%20_53_2025/Test%206,%20PSIR%20Crash%20Course.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3822,"topper":"Kiran Kamate","air":53,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/KIRAN_KAMATE_AIR%20_53_2025/Test%207,%20PSIR%20Crash%20Course.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3823,"topper":"Kiran Kamate","air":53,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/KIRAN_KAMATE_AIR%20_53_2025/Test%208,%20PSIR%20Crash%20Course.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3824,"topper":"Kiran P B","air":100,"year":2021,"paper":"Optional — Public Administration","optional":true,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/12KmUwImzKH4-j9cnAy6KmxfeNNrctGKP","questions":[]},{"id":3825,"topper":"Kiranmayi Koppisetti","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a0f1a-209721_1148_kiranmayi-koppisetti_rank_56.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the significance of the following in the context of civil service: (i) Public trust (ii) Objectivity (iii) Strength of character (iv) Empathy (v) Selflessness","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Do you think nation states owe a responsibility towards asylum seekers? What are the considerations that should, in your opinion, go into the making of a refugee policy? Provide arguments with contemporary examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Why do civil servants have a special obligation to uphold ethical standards? What are the main areas of concerns for implementation of an effective ethical standard in civil services? In this context, suggest measures to remedy these concerns.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"While families are the first socializing agents, which inculcate moral values in a child, the role played by schools in this regard is also indispensable. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"What is the significance of ethics in day-to-day life? Give an example from your own life where you chose ethical action and elaborate the reasons for your choice of that action.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Analyse the ethical dimensions of using nuclear deterrence as a self-defense strategy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"We make a living by what we do, but we make a life by what we give.10 (i) Highlight the importance of value of altruism for a society. (ii) Discuss the role of education in imparting such values.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Giving examples, examine the relationship between personal and professional ethics of civil servants.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/ philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) If people scrutinize their own faults as they do the faults of others, mankind will be freed of all evil.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"How do law and conscience act as source of ethical guidance? Explain with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Good corporate governance is not an end in itself. It is a means to support economic efficiency, sustainable growth and financial stability. Discuss.10","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"You are the District Development Officer posted in a backward region where open defecation is rampant and there is high child mortality due to diarrhoea. Under the Center's Swachh Bharat Abhiyan you spearheaded the construction of thousands of toilets in your area; still people relieve themselves in the open. The media and the opposition parties are already labelling the programme as a failure and waste of public money. You have been asked to report on the reasons for low usage and bring about a change. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the reasons behind people not using the constructed toilets? (b) How can people's attitude towards open defecation be changed? Give a reasoned account of the steps that you will take to bring about this change.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"The steady decline in sex ratio suggests that marked improvement in the economy and literacy rates do not seem to have had any impact on this index. In fact, the availability of new technology and its easy access for the urban, wealthy and educated have worsened the trend and harmed the status of women in Indian society. (a) Explain why the phenomenon should not be simply viewed as a medical or legal issue and more attention should be given to the ethical issues involved. (b) Give some suggestions to tackle the problem of declining sex ratio. (c) Discuss the ethical dilemma involved in Right to abortion vs. Prevention of female foeticide. How can this be resolved?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are working as a senior doctor in the oncology department of a super specialty hospital located in Delhi. While accessing the quotations from reputed pharmaceutical companies to hospitals, you unearth a nexus between pharma firms and the hospital administration. You get to know that they are hand-in-glove with each other and trying to fleece cancer patients by selling drugs at exorbitant prices, even though low cost alternative drugs are available in the market. Being the head of Alliance of Doctors for Ethical Healthcare, who is working against the arbitrary price regime of life saving drugs, you get a chance to represent your case before the Health Minister of your state. However, certain other doctors of the Alliance have asked you to present a distorted reality in front of the Minister since they are obtaining pecuniary benefits from such a scheme of nexus, which would cease if the nexus gets exposed. (a) Identify the main stakeholders and ethical issues involved. (b) Analyse the possible solutions for addressing the issues. (c) What would be your final course of action and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You are working as a Manager who handles critical projects in a private firm. You have recently been issued a notice by the Human Resource department that categorically highlights gender imbalance in your team and instructs you to recruit more females. Realizing the importance of this matter you decide to roll out vacancy requirements on an urgent basis and close it within a week. You receive several applications and start interviewing female candidates. However, you realize that the top four candidates are married and two of them are expecting their child. During the interviews the candidates commit on their priority for the project, till it finishes and show willingness to work from home, afterwards. What is the course of action that you will take? Explain the factors that you will take into account and justify the merits of the course of action.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Mr. A is a senior most member of a highly reputed company with considerable customer interface. In recent months, the business of the company has been going down. On detailed analysis, it was found that some of the functionaries of the company have impulsive nature, which has many a times led to altercations with the customers and even among themselves. This has adversely affected the work culture and sullied the image of the company in the market. He seeks your advice, as you are his friend as well as a person who understands management. (a) What are the factors that you would consider in making your advice? (b) What steps will you suggest to deal with the situation that the company faces?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3826,"topper":"Kiranmayi Koppisetti","air":56,"year":2021,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/113QH4cxvdQXVASnoixniP2uj7XzzJrzu","questions":[]},{"id":3827,"topper":"KIRTI TRIPATHI","air":149,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/dd9b0-1421777_2321_kirti_tripathi_rank_149.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3828,"topper":"KIRTI TRIPATHI","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/27d27-1421777_2424_kirti_tripathi_rank_149.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What are the different dimensions of food security? Examine India's status in terms of ensuring food security with regard to these dimensions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Modern technologies such as blockchain and ChatGPT are powerful tools with immense potential to transform agriculture into a more efficient and sustainable sector. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What factors have led to the recent acceleration in the trend towards de-dollarization of the global economy? Do you think the dollar will lose its dominance anytime soon? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Despite significant pressure from the developed countries to alter its food subsidy regime, there is merit in India trying to retain its policy support for the poor in the country. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Several initiatives have been taken by the government towards addressing India's water needs, but the issues of water availability and water quality still warrant prioritised intervention. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What are the major drivers of glacial retreat in the Arctic? Describe the potential impact of the retreat of Arctic glaciers on the ecosystem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Space tourism, which was viewed as something straight out of a science fiction movie, is now becoming a reality albeit not without hindrances. What are the challenges associated with space tourism? What measures can be taken to address these challenges? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Global health experts widely believe that the development of CAR-T cell therapy can be a game changer in the treatment of cancer. How can CAR-T cell therapy overcome the limitations of CRISPR-Cas9 technology? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss why the rising deployment of new and emerging technologies by prominent violent extremist organizations demand concerted global efforts. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"With the Line of Actual Control (LAC) remaining tense after the Galwan and Yangste incidents and both India and China ramping up infrastructure in the border areas, discuss the role that ITBP plays in the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Do you think there is a need for a shift from 'land productivity' to 'irrigation water productivity' in India? Justify your answer. What are the challenges in making this shift? Explain. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Examine the role that green hydrogen can play in unlocking the energy security of India. How can the National Green Hydrogen Mission help India in achieving its energy goals? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The government has been weighing a transition from minimum wage to living wage in recent times. What are the benefits and constraints in the adoption of living wage in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The Union Budget affects almost every sector of the Indian economy, yet neither the budgetary processes nor the budget policies come under substantial public scrutiny. Do you agree? Justify your answer. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"India has been able to transform itself from a milk deficit country to the world's biggest milk producer, but the productivity of dairy animals in the country remains a concern. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"While climate change is responsible for crop failures, the agricultural sector itself is partly responsible for extreme weather events. Discuss. What strategy has been adopted under National Agriculture Disaster Management Plan to strengthen the resilience of the farming community in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Some regions in India, including Delhi, are highly vulnerable to the impact of earthquakes originating in the Himalayas. Discuss. What institutional measures have been taken to mitigate earthquake losses in India? Do you think there are significant gaps that still exist? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Recently, scientists announced net energy gain in nuclear fusion reaction, which is considered as a major scientific breakthrough for the future of clean energy. What are the advantages of nuclear fusion based power generation? What are the limitations in using it to generate electricity at a commercial scale? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Keeping in view the recent amendment, examine the efficacy of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, in tackling the menace of money laundering in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Discuss the security threats present in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), which have a direct bearing on India's maritime border interests. Suggest a robust strategy to deal with these threats. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3829,"topper":"KIRTI TRIPATHI","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8f29e-1421777_2422_kirti_tripathi_rank_149.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The traditional theatre forms of India reflect the ideals and emotions of the society, and an individual's role in the community. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Provide an account of the historical and architectural importance of the Sanchi Stupa. Also, discuss how it inspired the future architecture in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Bhagat Singh made a real breakthrough in terms of revolutionary ideology, the goals of revolution and forms of revolutionary struggle. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Bringing out the factors that led to the Meiji restoration, discuss its significance for Japan. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"It is believed that a nation is an “imagined community” held together by common beliefs, history, political aspirations etc. In this context, discuss what the basis of India as a nation is. Also, bring out the threats to the concept of Indian nationhood. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"State the key factors behind the growth of the pharmaceutical industry in India. Additionally, discuss its significance with regard to India's economy and public health. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss why the Bay of Bengal is more prone to cyclones than the Arabian Sea. Also, explain the reasons for the decrease in frequency of tropical cyclones during the Southwest monsoon season. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite being destructive in nature, volcanoes are critical for the existence of human life on earth. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The existence of relative deprivation is an important aspect in constructing the argument for regionalism. Explain with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"If India is to realise the goal of 'education for all', the issue of rising cases of bullying and other forms of school violence needs to be addressed immediately. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Bring out the role played by the Ahom Kingdom in shaping the cultural and historical identity of North-East India, and discuss its legacy in contemporary times. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The capitalist class generally remained ambivalent in their support to the Indian National Congress until 1940s. In this context, analyse the varying positions of the Indian capitalists throughout the national movement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Trace the evolution of the press in India. Also, discuss the instrumental impact it had during various stages of the Indian freedom struggle despite the repressive policies of the British. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Mountains are fragile ecosystems vulnerable to the adverse impact of climate change and other anthropogenic interventions. Illustrate with examples. Also, highlight the initiatives taken for their sustainable management. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind unsustainable management of sand resources in India. Highlighting its impact, enumerate the remedial measures taken in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Giving an account of the major lithium-producing countries, discuss the geo-political aspects of lithium production and its environmental implications. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The youth are capable of identifying themselves with a global identity and connecting with events and experiences outside their countries. In this context, discuss the impact of globalization on the various aspects of youth identity. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"As fertility rates decline in India, future demographic concerns center around an ageing population and a weak social security system. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"With a significant proportion of India's population expected to live in urban areas by 2030, the welfare of the urban poor needs to take centre-stage in public policy. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3830,"topper":"KIRTI TRIPATHI","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a860d-1421777_2423_kirti_tripathi_rank_149.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With suitable examples, discuss how environmental pressure groups enhance public participation and responsiveness with regard to environmental policies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The recent acknowledgment of sex work as a 'profession' by the Supreme Court is merely the first step in ensuring basic rights and equality for sex workers in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the role played by District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) in providing free legal aid and disseminating legal awareness in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"The collegium system has become a victim of its own success, with the concentration of power in the hands of a few, leading to questions about about its legitimacy.\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"Civil services reforms must go beyond recruitment and standardised training to cope with the present day challenges.\" Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Outcome-based finance models such as social impact bonds have the potential to truly catalyse change and deliver socio-economic impact at scale. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The wide gap between the number of females graduating every year and those entering the workspace is an issue of paramount importance that needs to be addressed. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"An up to date and functional Civil Registration System (CRS) is essential to the socio-economic planning in India. Discuss in the light of the recent move of the Central government in revamping the CRS system in the country. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What are the key areas of reform if the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has to align with the current economic realities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In recent years, India's relationship with West Asia has evolved from the confines of geopolitics to expanse of geoeconomics. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The role of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) is significant in furthering healthy competitiveness aimed at inspiring stakeholders to innovate and augment effectiveness. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"\"The menace of paid news often rears its ugly head during elections.\" Discuss the need for making paid news an electoral offence in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the 'Doctrine of Essentiality' referred to by the courts in the context of religious practices in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"As per the recently released report of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), there is an urgent need to limit the size of the government in India. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The Institutions of Eminence (IoE) scheme was conceived to develop 'world-class' centres of higher education in India but six years later, it is yet to become the game changer it was intended to be. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) allows for innovative and convenient public services, help overcome inclusion or accessibility barriers, and increase transparency and accountability with real-time data. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Besides legislation, the full realisation of the 'right to health for all' in India demands plugging of social, financial, and infrastructural gaps. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The 'third gender' has not yet been engendered in the Indian society despite legislative nudge. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Among other factors, strained ties with China and Pakistan make it difficult for India to fulfill its expectations from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"The recently concluded initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) between the United States and India promises a long overdue transformation of their partnership in the field of technology. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3831,"topper":"KIRTI YADAV","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/308/mt23macen232_tc036-test-02-gs-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"There is a need to resolve the ambiguity in the disqualification provisions under section 8 of the Representation of People Act 1951. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Constitution is a mere skeleton whereas constitutionalism is the soul of democracy. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The question of gender equality is central to the debate on Uniform Civil Code. In this light what a...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Recently demand has been rising in a state regarding the enactment of Social Accountability Law. How...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"\"Berlin can be India's gateway to the European Union.\" Elaborate with respect to Germany's significance in India's relationship with the EU. There is a need to resolve the ambiguity in the disqualification provisions under section 8 of the Representation of People Act 1951. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3832,"topper":"KIRTI YADAV","air":510,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/311/mt23macen232_tc036-test-02-gs-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3833,"topper":"KIRTI YADAV","air":510,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/313/mt23macen232_tc040-test-06-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3834,"topper":"KIRTI YADAV","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/312/mt23macen232_tc038-test-04-gs-08.pdf","questions":[{"page":19,"question":"Values are standards that help us distinguish what we hold dear. Explain the significance of foundational values in public administration. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"\"Monopoly + Discretion - Accountability = Corruption\". In the light of this statement, discuss how citizen engagement can facilitate ethics-driven administration. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":3835,"topper":"KIRTI YADAV","air":510,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/309/mt23macen232_tc038-test-04-gs-08.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3836,"topper":"KIRTI YADAV","air":510,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/310/mt23macen232_tc040-test-06-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3837,"topper":"Kishlay Jha","air":44,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Forest Service (IFS)","optional":true,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/KISHLAY_JHA_UPSC_IFS_2024_AIR_44_SS_GS_2_dc7782101a.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3838,"topper":"Kishlay Jha","air":44,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Forest Service (IFS)","optional":true,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/KISHLAY_JHA_UPSC_IFS_2024_AIR_44_SS_GS_3_dd320e7376.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3839,"topper":"Komal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d44df-1026090_2090_komal_rank_06.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What is the Doctrine of Severability? Discuss with the help of relevant judicial decisions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The office of Governor needs to be transformed to preserve constitutional governance in India. Discuss in the light of recent controversies surrounding the Governors' office. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"\"Disturbing public order or inciting violence cannot be allowed under the garb of the freedom of speech and expression.\" Discuss with help of the recent Supreme Court judgment on hate speech. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss the role of the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) for the effective functioning of democracy in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are the various ways in which emerging technologies can be utilised by civil servants in ensuring efficient public service delivery and affecting change in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"To what extent, in your opinion, has the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana been successful in promoting skill development and employment in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Examine the potential of the Bhu-Aadhaar project in bringing significant benefits to India's land management system. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the different determinants of the occurrence of child labour in India. What measures can be taken to tackle the issue of child labour in the country? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The limited revenue generation capacity of municipal corporations has increased their dependence on taxes and grants from the states. What are the issues associated with this trend? What measures are required to improve the finances of the municipal corporations in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"\"The purpose of having a Constitution is to transform the society for the better and this objective is the fundamental pillar of transformative constitutionalism.\" Discuss with the help of recent case laws. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"How can a 'rule of law culture' contribute towards promoting individual liberty and democratic governance in a society like India? What are the challenges in fostering such a culture? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) are not just engaged in charitable work but also involved in political processes for building a just, peaceful, humane, and sustainable future. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Self-help groups (SHGs) have contributed towards rural development and women empowerment, but their uneven geographical impact and rising loan defaults are serious challenges that need to be addressed. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Do you agree with the view that the deep-rooted problems in India's school education system cannot be solved by digital transformation alone? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India has placed soft power as an important pillar of its foreign policy to enhance its global standing and image abroad. Discuss the statement along with the initiatives taken by the government. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3840,"topper":"Komal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b7464-1026090_1839_komal_rank_06.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"An independent umbrella body that brings the various central investigative agencies under one roof holds the key to shoring up their credibility. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the significance of the Doctrines of Pith and Substance and Colourable Legislation with respect to Centre-state relations in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Do you agree with the view that there should be simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and the State Legislative Assemblies in India? Discuss with suitable arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss the need for codification of parliamentary privileges in India, in light of the uncertainty and ambiguity around them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"While the Civil Services Board can be a step forward in making the Indian bureaucracy more effective, it has its own issues which need to be addressed. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Highlight the potential of India Digital Ecosystem Architecture (IndEA) 2.0 in transforming the ecosystem of service delivery in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What is Civil Registration System? Highlight its importance and discuss the measures taken by the government to bring about improvements in it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and Their Rehabilitation Act, 2013, provides an effective mechanism for empowerment of the intended beneficiaries in the society. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the reforms that must be undertaken to strengthen the World Trade Organisation in order to address the vulnerabilities in the present global trading system. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"State the significance of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Also, discuss the need for a legally binding Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Critically assess the role played by the National Human Rights Commission as a watchdog of human rights violations in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Discuss how the integration of information and communications technology (ICT) in the dispute resolution processes will help in overcoming the challenges associated with the functioning of courts and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) forums. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite various provisions concerning disqualification of legislators under The Representation of The People Act, 1951, the issue of criminalization of politics is still unresolved to a large extent in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"It is time for reforms, which recognise that urban local bodies (ULBs) need permanent, buoyant revenue sources to match the growing demands of an increasing urban population. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The role of the civil society organisations (CSOs) in India is changing in contemporary times and has become increasingly more complex. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Though the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) aims to address the inequity in development in India, there are a number of issues which plague the scheme. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Highlighting the factors responsible for the growth of EdTech sector in India in recent times, discuss its benefits. Also, state the concerns associated with it. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Bring out the role of Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers in delivering health services in rural India. Also, suggest the measures that can be taken to overcome the challenges faced by them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss the various concerns that have arisen for India after the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan. Also, suggest the measures that India should take in the given context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Bangladesh is not only a key part of India's \"Neighbourhood First policy\" but also crucial for the \"Act East policy\". In this context, discuss the steps taken by the two countries to strengthen their relationship. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3841,"topper":"Komal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/853ff-1026090_2086_komal_rank_06.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Do you agree with the view that there is a need to enact a new law for ensuring judicial accountability in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Constitutionally reconciling Fundamental Rights with the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs) has been a tough task since the inception of the Indian Constitution. Discuss with the help of relevant case laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss the functions performed by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) and its role in shaping policy-making in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Re-examination and reconsideration of the provisions of Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) requires striking a balance between concerns of civil liberties and human rights, and maintaining and protecting the sovereignty and integrity of India. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Citizen participation is key to the success of e-governance initiatives in rural India. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"How far do you think the Aspirational District Programme has been able to achieve its objectives since its inception? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Technology has a crucial role to play in advancing the NGO sector and improving outcomes for beneficiaries. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the implications associated with the entry of foreign educational institutions for technical and higher education in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The flourishing relationship between India and countries of Latin America has become a critical element of India's foreign policy. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What is debt-trap diplomacy? How does China's debt-trap diplomacy impact India's interests in its neighbourhood? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Despite being an amalgamation of various constitutions from across the world, the Indian Constitution imbibes social justice, pluralism, and equality through its various provisions. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Recent developments have brought to light the issue of criminalizing marital rape in India. Analyse the implications of ensuring legal protection for victims of marital rape in the country. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The Indian model of federalism has been criticized for being too centralized, but it also provides adequate space and autonomy to the states. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The recent judgment of the Supreme Court on appointments to the Election Commission of India (ECI) has fundamentally changed the appointment process and can have potentially far-reaching implications. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Integration with the global trends and opening up of the economy has resulted in diversified challenges for the civil services, which require holistic reforms for efficient service delivery. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What role can open data play in promoting transparency and accountability in e-governance in India? What are the challenges in ensuring the quality and reliability of open data in the country? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"To reduce the prevalence of 'zero food' children in India, maternal nutrition needs to be made a priority. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Recently, the Central government exempted all foods and drugs for rare diseases imported by people for personal use from customs duty. What are the concerns related to rare diseases as a public health issue in India? How can these be resolved? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"For realistic and effective collaborations to take place in the Indo-Pacific region, there is a need to acknowledge and recognize the underlining intention of the various countries with stakes in the region. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"There is a need to address the underlying challenges, both internal and external, in the North-Eastern region of India before it can serve as a pivotal connecting space between India and its neighbours. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3842,"topper":"Komal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/851ad-1026090_1840_komal_rank_06.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"While fixed-term employment offers an ingenious way to address specific issues faced by both employers and employees, there are also some concerns associated with it. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"An efficient logistics sector with a focus on warehousing is pivotal to the success of the Bharatmala Pariyojana. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'irrigation scheduling'? Bringing out the advantages provided by it, discuss the difficulties faced in applying it on a farm level. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"While the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana was touted as the largest crop insurance scheme globally in terms of farmer participation, various concerns have arisen since its implementation. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The Stockholm Conference commenced the contemporary environmental era, which brought a paradigm shift in the environmental governance and set a tone for multi-lateral environmental regime. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The world has witnessed a huge surge in climate-induced disasters, which are largely driven by anthropogenic factors. In this context, analyse the role of early warning systems in mitigating the impact of the disasters. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Critically examine the implications of leveraging technology in policing. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"How far do you agree with the view that climate change poses a threat to international peace and security? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by a virtual private network (VPN)? Highlight its advantages and discuss the concerns posed by it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The discovery of the Higgs Boson at the Large Hadron Collider in CERN completed 10 years recently. In this context, discuss the role played by CERN in overall scientific development. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlighting the factors that affect the cropping pattern in India, discuss the need for modifying it in the context of the emerging agro-ecological concerns. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"While the budgetary reforms undertaken by the Central government in recent years have led to better management of government expenditure, there are some issues that still need redressal. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"For India to create a 'future ready' railway system, it must harness innovation and resource efficiency. Discuss the statement in the context of the measures enlisted in the National Rail Plan 2030. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the significance of technology in the Indian agricultural sector. Also, state the challenges in realising its potential to improve agricultural efficiency and increase the income of the farmers. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite the digital transformation in the Public Distribution System (PDS) in India, several challenges still remain. Elaborate. Also, suggest measures to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss the various concerns that exist with regard to fuel efficiency regulations for vehicles in India. Also, suggest the measures that can be taken in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Urban fire is becoming a serious cause of concern in Indian cities. In this context, highlight the major causes behind urban fires in India. What steps can be taken to build robust fire resilience in Indian cities? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Drones in border areas present a serious threat for border management in India. Elaborate. Also, discuss the different measures taken to regulate the use of drones in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Despite a global framework to prevent weaponization of space, it has been increasing in the recent times. Discuss. Also, give an account of the implications of space weaponization. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"What do you understand by a bio-economy? Highlight the role that the National Biotechnology Development Strategy 2021-2025 can play in creating a robust bio-economy in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3843,"topper":"Komal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a421e-1026090_2421_komal_rank_06.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Societies across the world are witnessing a gradual moral decline in values and it is time that educators stepped in and made efforts to rekindle the desire of human beings to develop personal, social, and professional moral values. Do you agree that in the wake of changing social landscape in the country, value education is as important as technical education for the youth to become not only skilled but also morally strong professionals? Explain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Guru Nanak Dev ji believed that despite religion, caste, and gender, everyone should seek well for others and only then one can have that goodness back in return. Discuss the important teachings of Guru Nanak Dev ji relevant to the youth of today. (Answer in 150 words)10","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What does each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \" \" - \"It takes something more than intelligence to act intelligently.\" - Fyodor Dostoyevsky (Answer in 150 words)10","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"A popular government, without popular information, or the means of acquiring it, is but a prologue to a farce or a tragedy; or perhaps both.\" - James Madison (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"\"Character may almost be called the most effective means of persuasion.\" - Aristotle (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"While impartiality has been identified as one of the key ethical values for public service, it should not be seen as precluding compassion in public services. Explain with suitable illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)10","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The power, which administrators wield, can bring the nation great dividends if rightly used, but can bring harm and disrepute if abused. Explain with suitable illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'social accountability' and what is its significance? Discuss the critical factors responsible for the success of any social accountability initiative. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Too much dependence on data driven technologies can result in data colonisation and digital dictatorship. Discuss the various issues that may arise in this context and suggest remedial measures. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Prejudice and discrimination when left unaddressed have the potential to turn conflicts into violence. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Though the 'Me Too Movement' helped in creating some murmur with respect to sexual harassment of women at workplace, it has failed to create a lasting positive impact on the work culture in India. Do you agree? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Highlight the issues related to integrity and ethics in the case above.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"What are the various options available to Meera? Which option should she choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"You have recently joined as a Regional Sales Manager of a pharmaceutical company and have been given a sales target for the year, which is unusually high as per your assessment. On surveying the market, however, you have observed that the competitors are achieving such targets. On a deeper analysis, you come across unethical practices of giving gifts, payments and hospitality benefits to doctors by their medical representatives. This is prohibited by the Uniform Code of Pharmaceuticals Marketing Practices. You contacted the National Sales Manager in this regard but he hinted at achieving the released targets at whatever cost. You directed the Area Sales Managers to meet their respective targets while not engaging in the practice of unethical incentives to the doctors. They have communicated their concerns regarding their inability to meet the targets without provision of these perks and benefits. (a) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by you in this context? (b) Discuss the merits and demerits of the options available to you? Which of these will you choose and why? (c) What are the ethical alternatives available to the pharmaceutical sector to market their products? (Answer in 250 words)20","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Civil servants are usually considered as the behind-the-scenes operators of plans and policies of the government. Being the permanent executive, they are expected to work without getting into the limelight while it is up to the politicians to hog the limelight for their political ends. But in recent times, a trend is developing where civil servants, especially younger ones, have taken to social media to post their day-to-day activities on a regular basis. Some studies suggest that some of the officers have attained a level of popularity that does not trail too far behind celebrities and influencers in India. Most of these officers with social media presence argue that this helps them connect with the people and also inspire the younger generation. However, many senior civil servants strongly oppose such a trend. They believe that some of the content shared by such officers is excessively publicity-seeking, violates the 'principles' of the civil services, and may even be disadvantageous to their own career as well as the service as a whole. There have been calls from various quarters advising the young officers to desist from creating a filmstar like image of themselves. In this context, answer the following questions. (a) What are the ethical issues associated with the excessive use of social media by civil servants? (b) How can social media be effectively utilized by public officials? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"You are a young IAS officer and have recently joined as a Sub-Divisional Magistrate in a district, which has been declared 'open defecation free'. However, you get information that some villages in your sub-division are still continuing the practice of open defecation out of habit despite availability of toilets. Your colleagues in the district administration confirm that the information is true. You call the village headmen of these villages and tell them to persuade their respective villagers to stop open defecation. But, they express their unwillingness and inability to fully stop this practice, as in some cases they themselves consider it healthy to defecate in the open. You discuss this matter with the District Magistrate who forbids you from taking any official action, as this may cause the 'open defecation free' status given to the district to be withdrawn. As a young and dynamic officer, answer the following: (a) Why do people continue to practice open defecation even when they have access to toilets? (b) What are the options available to you as the Sub-Divisional Magistrate in this case? Highlight the merits and demerits of each option. (c) What will be your course of action? (Answer in 250 words)20","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3844,"topper":"Komal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6739e-1026090_2088_komal_rank_06.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The principle of double effect is based on the idea that if a person's behaviour or conduct is intended to achieve a goal which is morally good, however, as a result, there is a morally bad side-effect, then it is still acceptable to adopt that particular behaviour or conduct. How far can this principle aid in resolving difficult moral situations? Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Indian Republic chose Ashoka's Lion Capital at Sarnath as its state emblem to reflect the same harmony achieved by him and effect a continuity with his humane policies towards the people of the modern Indian nation. In this background, discuss the ethical teachings that find resonance in Ashoka's life. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Compassion and tolerance are necessities and not luxuries, as without them, humanity cannot survive. How do the values of compassion and tolerance assist in the day-to-day functioning of a civil servant? Explain using suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Transparency is a necessary condition for accountability, but it does not automatically guarantee accountability. Discuss. Under what conditions does transparency lead to accountability? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What does each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \" \" . \"A great man is different from an eminent one in that he is ready to be the servant of the society.\" B.R. Ambedkar (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The concept of ethical corporate governance works on the principle of balance of equity, which seeks to balance the interests of the company, customers, suppliers, financers, government and shareholders on the one hand and the community at large on the other hand. Which values play a central role in ensuring ethical corporate governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Toxic work environment and overwork are social problems, which require the government, labour unions, health officials and corporates to formulate appropriate policies. What are the ethical issues that should be considered while formulating appropriate policies in this regard? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"For leaders, having emotional intelligence is vital for success as it helps them to read and regulate their own emotions while intuitively grasping how others feel and gauging their emotional state. But effective leadership in today's interconnected world necessitates going beyond emotional intelligence and cultivating cultural intelligence. Discuss with illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Probity is confirmed integrity, which is usually regarded as being incorruptible. What is the significance of probity in governance? How important is the role of leadership in fostering probity and ethical governance in public service? Explain using suitable illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Analyse the role of moral attitude in shaping the perception and response to marital rape in India. Explain the ethical considerations in criminalising marital rape in the country. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Apart from consciousness, one needs to possess conscience in order to make ethical decisions. Explain with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"As an aware individual, who understands various dimensions of this issue, answer the following: (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) Do you think same-sex marriage should be recognised by the State in India? (c) Critically examine whether law can be effective in bringing about social change.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3845,"topper":"Komal Patel","air":null,"year":2015,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"IMS4Maths","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://ims4maths.com/Admin/Files/IAS%202015/Komal-Patel-Test-2-Copy.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3846,"topper":"Komal Patel","air":null,"year":2015,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"IMS4Maths","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://ims4maths.com/Admin/Files/IAS%202015/PATEL-KOMAL-Test-3-Copy.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3847,"topper":"Komal Patel","air":null,"year":2015,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"IMS4Maths","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://ims4maths.com/Admin/Files/IAS%202015/Komal-Patel-Test-4-Copy.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3848,"topper":"Komal Patel","air":null,"year":2015,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"IMS4Maths","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://ims4maths.com/Admin/Files/IAS%202015/KOMAL-PATEL-Test-5.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3849,"topper":"Komal Patel","air":null,"year":2015,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"IMS4Maths","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://ims4maths.com/Admin/Files/IAS%202015/Komal-Patel-Test-6.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3850,"topper":"Komal Patel","air":null,"year":2015,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"IMS4Maths","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://ims4maths.com/Admin/Files/IAS%202015/Komal-Test-No-7.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3851,"topper":"Komal Patel","air":null,"year":2015,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"IMS4Maths","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://ims4maths.com/Admin/Files/IAS%202015/Komal-Patel-Test-9-Copy.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3852,"topper":"Komal Patel","air":null,"year":2015,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"IMS4Maths","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://ims4maths.com/Admin/Files/IAS%202015/Komal-Patel-Test-11.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3853,"topper":"Komal Punia","air":6,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DT74dwlneTmhsaEAjwFpZMc3cnNym5B-/view","questions":[]},{"id":3854,"topper":"Komal Punia","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Komal-Punia-UPSC-2024-Rank-6-MGP-Sample-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) In many ways, the Spanish civil war was the opening act of WWII. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) How will you explain the different fates of Buddhism and Jainism despite a slew of similarities in the two religions?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Non-Cooperation Movement democratized India's freedom struggle but suffered from inherent limitations. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Critically analyse the efficacy of linguistic reorganization of states in addressing the reasons for linguistic divides in post-independent India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) Briefly discuss the role of plate tectonics theory in explaining the location of volcanoes. Also, explain the multifarious impacts of volcanoes on the surrounding regions.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) Taking further the success of Aspirational Districts Programme, Aspirational Blocks can help achieve the twin objectives of balanced growth and checking stress migration. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7 Describe the critical factors for location of defense industries and suggest measures to overcome the challenges.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) To what extent can Socio-Economic-Caste Census (SECC) address the challenges in achieving equitable resource allocation and targeted welfare?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) Indian society is premised on some common values that give it a composite texture as well as some diverse practices that deepen its heterogeneity. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 What are the factors that influence population growth in the country? In this perspective, examine the relevance and need of raising the minimum marriageable age of women for population development.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 Bring out the reasons behind the tribal unrest in British India. Also, analyze the reasons for their limited success.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 The independence of India was not a result of a forced expulsion of the Empire, as desired by the Quit India Movement; it was rather a confluence of domestic politics and global circumstances. Analyze.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 Explain why Sufism, a liberal reform movement in Islam could deepen its roots in the Indian sub-continent, despite Islam being a foreign religion? Also, bring out the impacts of Sufism on Indian society.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 Enumerate the reasons behind rising intensity and frequency of cyclones in the Arabian Sea in recent years. Giving special reference to NDMA guidelines, recommend measures to check the adverse impacts of cyclones.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Examine the impacts of climate change on the hydrological cycle and suggest suitable mitigation and adaptation strategies to contain the harmful implications.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) Defining continental shelf, highlight its resource potential and ecological significance.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 Rooted in patriarchal values, gender-based violence, in all its manifestations, is antithetical to societal growth. Explain.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18) The caste calculus in the Indian society remains predominant and continues to project its shadow on social, political, and economic domains. Do you agree? Substantiate your answer.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Discuss various factors contributing to the water woes faced by Indian cities. Also, explain complexities in implementing a comprehensive water management plan.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 Though important elements of group identity, religion and region also run the risk of deepening communal cleavages. Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3855,"topper":"Komal Punia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/gs-mac-test-4-1745406887120.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Q.1 A. \"It is wrong to assume that ethical decisions are, can or should be purely rational and principled. Human feelings are an inseparable part of our ethical life.\" In what way do feelings impact our ethical decisions? Illustrate with examples.\nB What do you understand by ethics management? Can public officials manage ethics in the work place in a manner similar to managing budgets, policies and people? Do you think adopting codes of ethics and conduct is sufficient enough for managing ethics in the workplace or something more is needed? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Q.2 A. While traditional ethics has focussed on notions of justice, fair allocation and obligations, ethics of care emphasise maintaining connectedness and promoting care. Which of the above two ethical perspectives is more suitable for guiding ethical decision making in the context of public services. Explain your position with suitable examples. (150 words, 10 marks)\n\nB. What does the term \"quality\" mean in service delivery. What are the components of service quality and indicate ways and means for ensuring total quality in terms of efficiency, economy and effectiveness? (150 words, 10 marks)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3 A. In the context of public service, what does public service attitude mean? Discuss the attitude biases that affects a public servants on field decision making? Explain how a public servant can overcome such attitude biases? (150 words, 10 marks)\n\nB. \"I am a Moslem; I am a Hindu; I am a Christian; I am a Jew.\" Mahatma Gandhi. What did Mahatma Gandhi mean by the above statement? Some philosophers have argued that religion is harmful to the moral life, whereas others have claimed that it is necessary to it. Explain your position on the relationship between religion and morality. (150 words, 10 marks)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.4 A. \"There is only one responsibility of business, namely to use its resources and engage in activities designed to increase profits.\" Do you think corporations, by indulging in social responsibilities, are compromising their core resource utilisation and production responsibility by diverting resources into unproductive social endeavours? (150 words, 10 marks)\nB Do you think values such as \"tyaga,\" (renunciation) \"seva,\" (service) \"daanam,\" (Charity) \"damah,\" (self-control) that are espoused in traditional Indian Wisdom have relevance for modern day public servants? Why? Why not? (150 words, 10 marks)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.5 A. Explain the difference between conflict among interests and conflict among various sources of authority. Illustrate with relevant examples. (150 words, 10 marks)\n\nB. The domain of governance is ridden with uncertainties, ambiguities and paradoxes and this can at times lead to timidity and withdrawal among public administrators. Discuss the relevance of inner courage for overcoming and coping with ambiguities. (150 words, 10 marks)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.6 Given below are three quotations of philosophers. What do each of the quotations convey to you in the present context?\nA \"To feel for others, and little for ourselves; to restrain our selfish, and exercise our benevolent affections, constitutes the perfection of human nature.\" Adam Smith (150 words, 10 marks)\nB \"Virtue lies in our power, and so does vice; because where it is in our power to act, it is also in our power not to act.\" Aristotle (150 words, 10 marks)\nC \"I know that I am intelligent, because I know that I know nothing.\" Socrates (150 words, 10 marks)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"6B. Aristotle quote highlight the significance of self-control in face of utilisation of power.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Case Study 1 You are the Compliance Officer at GreenTech Industries, a company that manufactures eco-friendly products and believes in making positive environmental impacts. Your primary responsibility is to ensure that the company adheres to environmental laws and ethical standards. The Company recently developed a new product that promises significant ecological benefits but involves a manufacturing process that produces hazardous waste.\n\nDuring an internal audit, you discover that the hazardous waste from the new product's manufacturing process is being disposed of in a manner that technically meets legal standards but raises serious ethical concerns. While compliant with current laws, the disposal method poses potential risks to a local community's health and the environment in the long term.\n\nLegally, GreenTech Industries is not violating any regulations. The waste disposal method is within the permissible limits set by environmental laws. However, ethically, you are aware that continued use of this method could significantly harm the local community and ecosystem.\n\nYou were left wondering, on the one hand, the Company was legally correct, but on the other, it was hypocritical about its avowed values of positively impacting the environment. As a conscientious professional, you are serious about taking action, but the challenge is its whats and hows.\n1 What are the ethical issues and dilemmas that confronts you in the above case?\n2 Discuss the available options along with its merits and demerits.\n3 What will be your chosen course of action? Why","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Case Study 2 You are the District Collector of a rural district where traditional social customs and religious practices strongly influence daily life. Recently, a case has emerged involving a local temple and its long-standing tradition of excluding women from certain religious rituals and spaces.\n\nA group of educated young women from the village, inspired by the increasing national dialogue on gender equality, has petitioned for the right to participate in these religious rituals. They argued that excluding women is discriminatory and violates their constitutional rights. However, the temple authorities and a significant portion of the local community vehemently oppose this change, citing religious texts and long-standing customs.\n\nAs the District Collector, you face a complex ethical dilemma. Legally, you are obliged to uphold the Indian Constitution, which guarantees equality and prohibits gender-based discrimination. However, enforcing this law could lead to significant unrest in the community, where traditional customs and religious beliefs are deeply entrenched. And you are aware that the district has a history of unrest on religious matters, and local politicians did not mind stoking the unrest for political gains.\n\nThe moral argument for gender equality clashes with the community's religious sentiments. The temple authorities believe that altering the rituals would desecrate their sacred traditions. Meanwhile, the women demanding entry see this as a moral and legal fight for their rights. You as a district collector was in a precarious dilemma, one on hand being a progressive officer you knew what is the right thing to do but on the other as an administrative professional you didn't want an unrest with religious tone at your hands.\n1. Who are the administrative and ethical issues involved in the above situation?\n2. What options do you have in the above situation?\n3. Discuss the merits and demerits of each option and explain the action taken by you with reasons.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"1. What are the administrative and ethical issues involved in the above situation?\n2. What are the options available to you in the above situation?\n3. Discuss the merits and demerits of each option and explain your chosen course of action along with reasons. (250 words, 20 marks)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Case Study 3 1. What are the issues involved in the above case?\n2. Is it ethically justified to be devoted to duty at the cost of the personal safety of the staff? Discuss.\n3. How will you go about doing your election duties without compromising the safety of your staff? Explain.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"1. Do you think the above case involves a conflict of interest or there are more issues? Explain\n2. Keeping the above case in perspective, discuss the relevance of impartiality and non-partisanship as professional value.\n3. In hindsight, how do you think you could have avoided the above unpleasant situation.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Case Study 5:\n1. Discuss the administrative and ethical issues involved in the above case.\n2. Do you think it was morally right on your part to write to the minister? Justify.\n3. How will you respond to the action initiated against you? Discuss the available options and justify your selected course of action.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"Case Study 6 You are an IAS officer recently appointed as the Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Rural Development. Your responsibilities include overseeing the implementation of various rural development schemes and ensuring their efficient execution.\n\nDuring an audit of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) funds, you discover substantial irregularities. It appears that a significant portion of the funds allocated for rural employment projects has been siphoned off by senior officials within the ministry through fraudulent invoices and fake beneficiary lists. The funds meant for the rural poor have been diverted to personal accounts.\n\nYou are faced with an ethical dilemma. Reporting this corruption could lead to severe repercussions for you as the implicated senior officials are politically influential and have strong connections. You have also received subtle threats implying that your career progression could be jeopardised if you proceed with the disclosure. On the other hand, ignoring the corruption would mean perpetuating a cycle of exploitation and depriving the rural poor of their rightful benefits.\n1 What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\n2 What are the options available to you?\n3 Identify and explain your chosen course of action after evaluating the merits and demerits of each option.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"3 Make audit report public by way of filing RTI by any NGO.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3856,"topper":"Komal Punia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xu2F6g60h8NMfaPWwj-ZF4Qutj8IQa8O/view","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Discuss the role of the Department Related Standing Committee (DRSC) system in improving parliamentary effectiveness. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Presence of multiple parastatals erodes the autonomy of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The provisions under Article 360 remain a dead letter even during the worst economic crisis. Analyse. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"'Unique blend of flexibility and rigidity distinguish Indian constitution from that of the US constitution.' Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the role of microfinance institutions (MFI) in rural financial empowerment in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Do you agree that the Aspirational District Programme has emerged as a template for good governance? Substantiate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Rising informality in employment raises the concern for social security. Discuss the statement with reference to platform workers. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Demographic transition demands renewed focus on healthcare intervention patterns. Discuss the statement in the light of geriatric health in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"'Funding remains a major limitation for the effective functioning of multilateral organisations.' Discuss the statement with reference to the functioning of UNESCO. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"How will the BBIN grouping promote regional integration in South Asia? Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"'Financial resources of the centre are elastic and substantial while that of the states are inelastic and inadequate.' Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"\"Supremacy of the constitution requires all ordinary laws to conform to the constitutional law.\" Discuss the statement with reference to judicial review in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"'The delimitation process creates a wedge between representative democracy and federalism.' Examine. Also suggest measures to address the concerns of federal units. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Examine the impact of recent changes to the election commissioners' appointment process on autonomy and independence of the election commission. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"\"Without performance targets, the civil service degenerates into a closed priesthood with no accountability.\" Discuss the statement with reference to the Mission Karmayogi. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"The Forest Rights Act, 2006 was a historic effort in doing justice to the tribal community. Evaluate the status of its implementation and suggest measures for improvement. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"What do you understand by India Stack? Discuss its role in good governance and improving ease of living. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"\"You can change our friends but not neighbors.\" In the light of the statement, examine the relevance of Gujral doctrine in India's Foreign Policy. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Examine the objectives of the Indian Ocean Rim Association. What importance does it hold for India's strategic interest? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3857,"topper":"Komal Punia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jNOtmI134-cJPTA6iUCNZohlK29MkGul/view","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Discuss the role of the Department Related Standing Committee (DRSC) system in improving parliamentary effectiveness. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Presence of multiple parastatals erodes the autonomy of Urban Local Bodies. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The provisions under Article 360 remain a dead letter even during the worst economic crisis. Analyse. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"'Unique blend of flexibility and rigidity distinguish Indian constitution from that of the US constitution.' Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the role of microfinance institutions (MFI) in rural financial empowerment in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Do you agree that the Aspirational District Programme has emerged as a template for good governance? Substantiate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Rising informality in employment raises the concern for social security. Discuss the statement with reference to platform workers. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Demographic transition demands renewed focus on healthcare intervention patterns. Discuss the statement in the light of geriatric health in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":3858,"topper":"Komal Punia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UJTkpIyvqDVx0sqEGwA0_T9JQ7BLQsEK/view","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Discuss the role of the Department Related Standing Committee (DRSC) system in improving parliamentary effectiveness. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Presence of multiple parastatals erodes the autonomy of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The provisions under Article 360 remain a dead letter even during the worst economic crisis. Analyse. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"'Unique blend of flexibility and rigidity distinguish Indian constitution from that of the US constitution.' Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the role of microfinance institutions (MFI) in rural financial empowerment in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Do you agree that the Aspirational District Programme has emerged as a template for good governance? Substantiate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Rising informality in employment raises the concern for social security. Discuss the statement with reference to platform workers. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Demographic transition demands renewed focus on healthcare intervention patterns. Discuss the statement in the light of geriatric health in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"'Funding remains a major limitation for the effective functioning of multilateral organisations.' Discuss the statement with reference to the functioning of UNESCO. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"How will the BBIN grouping promote regional integration in South Asia? Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"'Financial resources of the centre are elastic and substantial while that of the states are inelastic and inadequate.' Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3859,"topper":"Komal Punia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZtJ9FRxYvSxX04fcSSDHqhvwll58Rydl/view","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Discuss the role of the Department Related Standing Committee (DRSC) system in improving parliamentary effectiveness. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Presence of multiple parastatals erodes the autonomy of Urban Local Bodies. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The provisions under Article 360 remain a dead letter even during the worst economic crisis. Analyse. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"'Unique blend of flexibility and rigidity distinguish Indian constitution from that of the US constitution.' Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the role of microfinance institutions (MFI) in rural financial empowerment in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Do you agree that the Aspirational District Programme has emerged as a template for good governance? Substantiate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Rising informality in employment raises the concern for social security. Discuss the statement with reference to platform workers. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Demographic transition demands renewed focus on healthcare intervention patterns. Discuss the statement in the light of geriatric health in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"'Funding remains a major limitation for the effective functioning of multilateral organisations.' Discuss the statement with reference to the functioning of UNESCO. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"How will the BBIN grouping promote regional integration in South Asia? Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"'Financial resources of the centre are elastic and substantial while that of the states are inelastic and inadequate.' Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"\"Supremacy of the constitution requires all ordinary laws to conform to the constitutional law.\" Discuss the statement with reference to judicial review in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"'The delimitation process creates a wedge between representative democracy and federalism.' Examine. Also suggest measures to address the concerns of federal units. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Examine the impact of recent changes to the election commissioners' appointment process on autonomy and independence of the election commission. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"'Without performance targets, the civil service degenerates into a closed priesthood with no accountability.' Discuss the statement with reference to the Mission Karmayogi. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"The Forest Rights Act, 2006 was a historic effort in doing justice to the tribal community. Evaluate the status of its implementation and suggest measures for improvement. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"What do you understand by India Stack? Discuss its role in good governance and improving ease of living. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"'You can change our friends but not neighbors.' In the light of the statement, examine the relevance of Gujral doctrine in India's Foreign Policy. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Examine the objectives of the Indian Ocean Rim Association. What importance does it hold for India's strategic interest? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"What are the strategic challenges to the global economy in active decoupling from China? How will it benefit India's economic growth prospects? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3860,"topper":"Komal Punia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/KOMAL_PUNIA_GS_PAPER_GS_2_T_2_AIR_6_4d69efebbc.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Discuss the role of the Department Related Standing Committee (DRSC) system in improving parliamentary effectiveness. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Presence of multiple parastatals erodes the autonomy of Urban Local Bodies. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":3861,"topper":"Komal Punia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KMu5xyl5BEYOrq19MDx58IZXSxsK7vLI/view","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Attitude is a crucial factor in building the social capital of an individual. Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Emotional intelligence is primary in managing workplace conflicts. Discuss with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Most of the time, the bilateral conflicts become difficult to resolve due to mutual suspicion. How does the 'Panch Sheel' help in promoting ethical relations between countries? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Huge sums of public funds are used in populist measures for electoral gains. What are the ethical issues associated with the freebie culture? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Probity in governance is a vital requirement for socio-economic development, without which no real progress is possible in a nation. Discuss. Support your answer with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Increasing complexity in public administration creates multiple ethical dilemmas. Explain the application of Gandhi's Talisman in decision making for public servants. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you in the present context? a) \"The highest result of education is tolerance\" - Helen Keller. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"Service which is rendered without joy helps neither the servant nor the served.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"Faith is of no evil in the absence of strength. Faith and strength, both are essential to accomplish any great work\" - Vallabhbhai Patel (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"'The scope for corruption increases when the accountability of public administration is fragile and division of power is ambiguous.' Analyse. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Dr. Aanand, a professor of chemistry at ABC College, Pune, had been teaching there for over 20 years. He is known for his passion for teaching and commitment to student welfare, and is respected by both colleagues and students. His son is also a final year student in the very same college. Over the past few months, Dr. Aanand observed a significant change in the behaviour of some of his students. There was a noticeable decline in academic performance, increased absenteeism, and instances of erratic behaviour. Through confidential conversations with a few students and careful observation, he discovered that several students were using contraband drugs. Upon inspecting the student's hostel rooms he found evidence of usage of illegal drugs such as weed, marijuana etc. Determined to address the issue, Dr. Aanand conducted a discreet investigation. He found that the source of the drugs was linked to a well-organized network operating within the college. Shockingly, he discovered that Aditya, the son of the institution's representative at UGC/college management committee, was lynchpin in this drug network. He exploited his privileged position as he was backed by his father, making it difficult for students and authorities to complain and take action against him. Bothered by this incident, Dr. Aanand quickly reported the incident to the management and Aditya's father, who advised him to leave the matter as any action taken would harm the reputation of the college. Dr. Aanand was also threatened with dire consequences for both him and his son, who is yet to start his career. a) Discuss the ethical dilemmas involved in the case. b) What are the options available to Dr. Aanand? Evaluate each of these options and choose the option he would adopt giving reasons. c) Based on the given case study mention few laws, rules and regulations related to prevention of drug abuse in India. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"You are the CEO of the Smart Cities Mission in XYZ City. As the CEO, you are tasked with transforming your city into a model of sustainability, efficiency, and livesability. The mission aims to enhance quality of urban living through advanced infrastructure, improved public services, and environmental sustainability. However, recent reports indicate significant environmental deterioration due to ineffective waste management practices. The city has witnessed a rise in pollution levels, overflowing garbage bins, and uncollected waste in several neighbourhood's, leading to downgrading of its cleanliness ranking. An investigation into the waste management system revealed that the contracting company responsible for waste disposal is performing poorly. The company is failing to adhere to the terms of the contract, resulting in irregular waste collection, improper disposal methods, and inadequate recycling processes. Soon, you call the head of the waste management contracting company, who happens to be your college friend. During the meeting, he discloses how he was able to get this lucrative contract using bribes and kickbacks given to local politicians and your predecessor. As a result, he is financially and managerially constrained from improving the waste management process in the area. Furthermore, your friend is dealing with severe financial difficulties due to his mother's serious illness. Additionally, he offers you a share of the contract if you agree to overlook the issue. Therefore, he is appealing to you as a friend to ignore the issue and approve his bills to ensure timely payments for the waste management contract. a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. b) What are the options available to you in this situation? Evaluate each of these options and choose the option the CEO would adopt giving reasons. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"As a civil servant what are the ethical dilemmas involved in the above situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"List the options available to you and justify which one you would choose. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"In the early hours of the morning on 25th August, 2023, a passenger train derailed near a small town in Odisha, approximately 80 kilometres from Bhubaneswar. The accident was caused by a broken railway track, which had been weakened by continuous heavy rains over the past week. The derailment led to significant loss of life and injury to many passengers, along with extensive damage to the train and surrounding infrastructure. You are a commandant officer, NDRF and were immediately informed of the incident. You rush to the site for immediate support and inform others to reach the site as soon as possible. Upon reaching the accident site, you are faced with a chaotic and distressing scene. Several train coaches are overturned, and many passengers are trapped inside. The rescue operations are underway, but the heavy rains and muddy terrain are making the process difficult. The rains and lightning have also disturbed communication lines making it difficult to mobilise help immediately. Moreover, due to excessive rain and difficult terrain it was getting difficult to mobilise enough support staff to the site. This was further aggravated by limited resources available for rescue operations. Equipment such as metal cutters, canine squads and other heavy-lift equipment were difficult to reach to the site. As a result rescue workers were unable to rescue people properly, creating more chaos and panic, leading to protest by passengers and victims. Medical teams and first-aid kits were still on the way, adding more to the crisis. a) As a commandant officer, NDRF, how would you handle the crisis? b) Mention various steps that can be taken to avoid rail accidents, post this incident? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"You are the Exam Controller at an exam centre conducting a government recruitment examination. The exam is being conducted online by a reputed software company known for its advanced security measures. This examination is crucial for lakhs of aspirants seeking stable and prestigious government positions. During the examination, an invigilator notices suspicious behaviour from a candidate who appears to be frequently looking off-screen. Upon closer scrutiny and examination of the candidate's activity logs, it is confirmed that the candidate is using unauthorised electronic devices and software to receive answers in real-time. The candidate is immediately detained for questioning. The candidate's confession reveals that they are part of a larger network involving managers from the software company responsible for conducting the online exam. These managers are found to be colluding with organized crime syndicates to facilitate cheating in exchange for substantial sums of money. These syndicates orchestrate the cheating operations, recruit candidates, and handle financial transactions. The mafia, aware of your discovery, approaches you with an offer. They promise a significant cut of the profits not only for you but for every person working at the centre if they turn a blind eye to the cheating and allow the network to operate. Many employees are in favour of agreeing to it, while a few oppose it. They also threaten you with severe consequences if you refuse. At the same time, you are facing financial pressure to secure funds for your daughter's admission into a prestigious management college. a) What are the ethical issues involved in this case? b) What would you do in such a scenario? c) Based on the above case study, discuss the pros and cons of online examination. And provide ways to improve it. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":3862,"topper":"Komal Punia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sq7sfwrl8PPV-zOutK1gfWg0eervIwa3/view","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Attitude is a crucial factor in building the social capital of an individual. Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Emotional intelligence is primary in managing workplace conflicts. Discuss with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Most of the time, the bilateral conflicts become difficult to resolve due to mutual suspicion. How does the 'Panch Sheel' help in promoting ethical relations between countries? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Huge sums of public funds are used in populist measures for electoral gains. What are the ethical issues associated with the freebie culture? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Probity in governance is a vital requirement for socio-economic development, without which no real progress is possible in a nation. Discuss. Support your answer with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Increasing complexity in public administration creates multiple ethical dilemmas. Explain the application of Gandhi's Talisman in decision making for public servants. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you in the present context? a) \"The highest result of education is tolerance\" - Helen Keller. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"Service which is rendered without joy helps neither the servant nor the served.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"Faith is of no evil in the absence of strength. Faith and strength, both are essential to accomplish any great work\" - Vallabhbhai Patel (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"'The scope for corruption increases when the accountability of public administration is fragile and division of power is ambiguous.' Analyse. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Dr. Aanand, a professor of chemistry at ABC College, Pune, had been teaching there for over 20 years. He is known for his passion for teaching and commitment to student welfare, and is respected by both colleagues and students. His son is also a final year student in the very same college. Over the past few months, Dr. Aanand observed a significant change in the behaviour of some of his students. There was a noticeable decline in academic performance, increased absenteeism, and instances of erratic behaviour. Through confidential conversations with a few students and careful observation, he discovered that several students were using contraband drugs. Upon inspecting the student's hostel rooms he found evidence of usage of illegal drugs such as weed, marijuana etc. Determined to address the issue, Dr. Aanand conducted a discreet investigation. He found that the source of the drugs was linked to a well-organized network operating within the college. Shockingly, he discovered that Aditya, the son of the institution's representative at UGC/college management committee, was lynchpin in this drug network. He exploited his privileged position as he was backed by his father, making it difficult for students and authorities to complain and take action against him. Bothered by this incident, Dr. Aanand quickly reported the incident to the management and Aditya's father, who advised him to leave the matter as any action taken would harm the reputation of the college. Dr. Aanand was also threatened with dire consequences for both him and his son, who is yet to start his career. a) Discuss the ethical dilemmas involved in the case. b) What are the options available to Dr. Aanand? Evaluate each of these options and choose the option he would adopt giving reasons. c) Based on the given case study mention few laws, rules and regulations related to prevention of drug abuse in India. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"You are the CEO of the Smart Cities Mission in XYZ City. As the CEO, you are tasked with transforming your city into a model of sustainability, efficiency, and livesbility. The mission aims to enhance quality of urban living through advanced infrastructure, improved public services, and environmental sustainability. However, recent reports indicate significant environmental deterioration due to ineffective waste management practices. The city has witnessed a rise in pollution levels, overflowing garbage bins, and uncollected waste in several neighbourhood's, leading to downgrading of its cleanliness ranking. An investigation into the waste management system revealed that the contracting company responsible for waste disposal is performing poorly. The company is failing to adhere to the terms of the contract, resulting in irregular waste collection, improper disposal methods, and inadequate recycling processes. Soon, you call the head of the waste management contracting company, who happens to be your college friend. During the meeting, he discloses how he was able to get this lucrative contract using bribes and kickbacks given to local politicians and your predecessor. As a result, he is financially and managerially constrained from improving the waste management process in the area. Furthermore, your friend is dealing with severe financial difficulties due to his mother's serious illness. Additionally, he offers you a share of the contract if you agree to overlook the issue. Therefore, he is appealing to you as a friend to ignore the issue and approve his bills to ensure timely payments for the waste management contract. a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. b) What are the options available to you in this situation? Evaluate each of these options and choose the option the CEO would adopt giving reasons. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"As a civil servant what are the ethical dilemmas involved in the above situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"List the options available to you and justify which one you would choose. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"In the early hours of the morning on 25th August, 2023, a passenger train derailed near a small town in Odisha, approximately 80 kilometres from Bhubaneswar. The accident was caused by a broken railway track, which had been weakened by continuous heavy rains over the past week. The derailment led to significant loss of life and injury to many passengers, along with extensive damage to the train and surrounding infrastructure. You are a commandant officer, NDRF and were immediately informed of the incident. You rush to the site for immediate support and inform others to reach the site as soon as possible. Upon reaching the accident site, you are faced with a chaotic and distressing scene. Several train coaches are overturned, and many passengers are trapped inside. The rescue operations are underway, but the heavy rains and muddy terrain are making the process difficult. The rains and lightning have also disturbed communication lines making it mobilise help immediately. Moreover, due to excessive rain and difficult terrain it was getting difficult to mobilise enough support staff to the site. This was further aggravated by limited resources available for rescue operations. Equipment such as metal cutters, canine squads and other heavy-lift equipment were difficult to reach to the site. As a result rescue workers were unable to rescue people properly, creating more chaos and panic, leading to protest by passengers and victims. Medical teams and first-aid kits were still on the way, adding more to the crisis. (a) As a commandant officer, NDRF, how would you handle the crisis? (b) Mention various steps that can be taken to avoid rail accidents, post this incident? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"What are the ethical issues involved in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":55,"question":"Based on the above case study, discuss the pros and cons of online examination. And provide ways to improve it.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3863,"topper":"Komal Punia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/KOMAL_PUNIA_GS_PAPER_GS_4_T_4_AIR_6_bf958710b9.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Attitude is a crucial factor in building the social capital of an individual. Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Emotional intelligence is primary in managing workplace conflicts. Discuss with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Most of the time, the bilateral conflicts become difficult to resolve due to mutual suspicion. How does the 'Panch Sheel' help in promoting ethical relations between countries? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Huge sums of public funds are used in populist measures for electoral gains. What are the ethical issues associated with the freebie culture? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Probity in governance is a vital requirement for socio-economic development, without which no real progress is possible in a nation. Discuss. Support your answer with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Increasing complexity in public administration creates multiple ethical dilemmas. Explain the application of Gandhi's Talisman in decision making for public servants. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you in the present context? a) \"The highest result of education is tolerance\" - Helen Keller. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"Service which is rendered without joy helps neither the servant nor the served.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"Faith is of no evil in the absence of strength. Faith and strength, both are essential to accomplish any great work\" - Vallabhbhai Patel (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"'The scope for corruption increases when the accountability of public administration is fragile and division of power is ambiguous.' Analyse. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Dr. Aanand, a professor of chemistry at ABC College, Pune, had been teaching there for over 20 years. He is known for his passion for teaching and commitment to student welfare, and is respected by both colleagues and students. His son is also a final year student in the very same college. Over the past few months, Dr. Aanand observed a significant change in the behaviour of some of his students. There was a noticeable decline in academic performance, increased absenteeism, and instances of erratic behaviour. Through confidential conversations with a few students and careful observation, he discovered that several students were using contraband drugs. Upon inspecting the student's hostel rooms he found evidence of usage of illegal drugs such as weed, marijuana etc. Determined to address the issue, Dr. Aanand conducted a discreet investigation. He found that the source of the drugs was linked to a well-organized network operating within the college. Shockingly, he discovered that Aditya, the son of the institution's representative at UGC/college management committee, was lynchpin in this drug network. He exploited his privileged position as he was backed by his father, making it difficult for students and authorities to complain and take action against him. Bothered by this incident, Dr. Aanand quickly reported the incident to the management and Aditya's father, who advised him to leave the matter as any action taken would harm the reputation of the college. Dr. Aanand was also threatened with dire consequences for both him and his son, who is yet to start his career. a) Discuss the ethical dilemmas involved in the case. b) What are the options available to Dr. Aanand? Evaluate each of these options and choose the option he would adopt giving reasons. c) Based on the given case study mention few laws, rules and regulations related to prevention of drug abuse in India. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"You are the CEO of the Smart Cities Mission in XYZ City. As the CEO, you are tasked with transforming your city into a model of sustainability, efficiency, and livesability. The mission aims to enhance quality of urban living through advanced infrastructure, improved public services, and environmental sustainability. However, recent reports indicate significant environmental deterioration due to ineffective waste management practices. The city has witnessed a rise in pollution levels, overflowing garbage bins, and uncollected waste in several neighbourhood's, leading to downgrading of its cleanliness ranking. An investigation into the waste management system revealed that the contracting company responsible for waste disposal is performing poorly. The company is failing to adhere to the terms of the contract, resulting in irregular waste collection, improper disposal methods, and inadequate recycling processes. Soon, you call the head of the waste management contracting company, who happens to be your college friend. During the meeting, he discloses how he was able to get this lucrative contract using bribes and kickbacks given to local politicians and your predecessor. As a result, he is financially and managerially constrained from improving the waste management process in the area. Furthermore, your friend is dealing with severe financial difficulties due to his mother's serious illness. Additionally, he offers you a share of the contract if you agree to overlook the issue. Therefore, he is appealing to you as a friend to ignore the issue and approve his bills to ensure timely payments for the waste management contract. a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. b) What are the options available to you in this situation? Evaluate each of these options and choose the option the CEO would adopt giving reasons. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"As a civil servant what are the ethical dilemmas involved in the above situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"List the options available to you and justify which one you would choose. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"In the early hours of the morning on 25th August, 2023, a passenger train derailed near a small town in Odisha, approximately 80 kilometres from Bhubaneswar. The accident was caused by a broken railway track, which had been weakened by continuous heavy rains over the past week. The derailment led to significant loss of life and injury to many passengers, along with extensive damage to the train and surrounding infrastructure. You are a commandant officer, NDRF and were immediately informed of the incident. You rush to the site for immediate support and inform others to reach the site as soon as possible. Upon reaching the accident site, you are faced with a chaotic and distressing scene. Several train coaches are overturned, and many passengers are trapped inside. The rescue operations are underway, but the heavy rains and muddy terrain are making the process difficult. The rains and lightning have also disturbed communication lines making it difficult to mobilise help immediately. Moreover, due to excessive rain and difficult terrain it was getting difficult to mobilise enough support staff to the site. This was further aggravated by limited resources available for rescue operations. Equipment such as metal cutters, canine squads and other heavy-lift equipment were difficult to reach to the site. As a result rescue workers were unable to rescue people properly, creating more chaos and panic, leading to protest by passengers and victims. Medical teams and first-aid kits were still on the way, adding more to the crisis. a) As a commandant officer, NDRF, how would you handle the crisis? b) Mention various steps that can be taken to avoid rail accidents, post this incident? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"You are the Exam Controller at an exam centre conducting a government recruitment examination. The exam is being conducted online by a reputed software company known for its advanced security measures. This examination is crucial for lakhs of aspirants seeking stable and prestigious government positions. During the examination, an invigilator notices suspicious behaviour from a candidate who appears to be frequently looking off-screen. Upon closer scrutiny and examination of the candidate's activity logs, it is confirmed that the candidate is using unauthorised electronic devices and software to receive answers in real-time. The candidate is immediately detained for questioning. The candidate's confession reveals that they are part of a larger network involving managers from the software company responsible for conducting the online exam. These managers are found to be colluding with organized crime syndicates to facilitate cheating in exchange for substantial sums of money. These syndicates orchestrate the cheating operations, recruit candidates, and handle financial transactions. The mafia, aware of your discovery, approaches you with an offer. They promise a significant cut of the profits not only for you but for every person working at the centre if they turn a blind eye to the cheating and allow the network to operate. Many employees are in favour of agreeing to it, while a few oppose it. They also threaten you with severe consequences if you refuse. At the same time, you are facing financial pressure to secure funds for your daughter's admission into a prestigious management college. a) What are the ethical issues involved in this case? b) What would you do in such a scenario? c) Based on the above case study, discuss the pros and cons of online examination. And provide ways to improve it. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":3864,"topper":"Komal Punia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CJFfE_F7deszKLcsTss6LyZGcgDLE76V/view","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Attitude is a crucial factor in building the social capital of an individual. Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Emotional intelligence is primary in managing workplace conflicts. Discuss with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Most of the time, the bilateral conflicts become difficult to resolve due to mutual suspicion. How does the 'Panch Sheel' help in promoting ethical relations between countries? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Huge sums of public funds are used in populist measures for electoral gains. What are the ethical issues associated with the freebie culture? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Probity in governance is a vital requirement for socio-economic development, without which no real progress is possible in a nation. Discuss. Support your answer with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Increasing complexity in public administration creates multiple ethical dilemmas. Explain the application of Gandhi's Talisman in decision making for public servants. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you in the present context? a) \"The highest result of education is tolerance\" - Helen Keller. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"Service which is rendered without joy helps neither the servant nor the served.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"Faith is of no evil in the absence of strength. Faith and strength, both are essential to accomplish any great work\" - Vallabhbhai Patel (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"'The scope for corruption increases when the accountability of public administration is fragile and division of power is ambiguous.' Analyse. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Dr. Aanand, a professor of chemistry at ABC College, Pune, had been teaching there for over 20 years. He is known for his passion for teaching and commitment to student welfare, and is respected by both colleagues and students. His son is also a final year student in the very same college. Over the past few months, Dr. Aanand observed a significant change in the behaviour of some of his students. There was a noticeable decline in academic performance, increased absenteeism, and instances of erratic behaviour. Through confidential conversations with a few students and careful observation, he discovered that several students were using contraband drugs. Upon inspecting the student's hostel rooms he found evidence of usage of illegal drugs such as weed, marijuana etc. Determined to address the issue, Dr. Aanand conducted a discreet investigation. He found that the source of the drugs was linked to a well-organized network operating within the college. Shockingly, he discovered that Aditya, the son of the institution's representative at UGC for college management committee, was lynchpin in this drug network. He exploited his privileged position as he was backed by his father, making it difficult for students and authorities to complain and take action against him. Bothered by this incident, Dr. Aanand quickly reported the incident to the management and Aditya's father, who advised him to leave the matter as any action taken would harm the reputation of the college. Dr. Aanand was also threatened with dire consequences for both him and his son, who is yet to start his career. a) Discuss the ethical dilemmas involved in the case. b) What are the options available to Dr. Aanand? Evaluate each of these options and choose the option he would adopt giving reasons. c) Based on the given case study mention few laws, rules and regulations related to prevention of drug abuse in India. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"You are the CEO of the Smart Cities Mission in XYZ City. As the CEO, you are tasked with transforming your city into a model of sustainability, efficiency, and livesability. The mission aims to enhance quality of urban living through advanced infrastructure, improved public services, and environmental sustainability. However, recent reports indicate significant environmental deterioration due to ineffective waste management practices. The city has witnessed a rise in pollution levels, overflowing garbage bins, and uncollected waste in several neighbourhood's, leading to downgrading of its cleanliness ranking. An investigation into the waste management system revealed that the contracting company responsible for waste disposal is performing poorly. The company is failing to adhere to the terms of the contract, resulting in irregular waste collection, improper disposal methods, and inadequate recycling processes. Soon, you call the head of the waste management contracting company, who happens to be your college friend. During the meeting, he discloses how he was able to get this lucrative contract using bribes and kickbacks given to local politicians and your predecessor. As a result, he is financially and managerially constrained from improving the waste management process in the area. Furthermore, your friend is dealing with severe financial difficulties due to his mother's serious illness. Additionally, he offers you a share of the contract if you agree to overlook the issue. Therefore, he is appealing to you as a friend to ignore the issue and approve his bills to ensure timely payments for the waste management contract. a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. b) What are the options available to you in this situation? Evaluate each of these options and choose the option the CEO would adopt giving reasons. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"In the early hours of the morning on 25th August, 2023, a passenger train derailed near a small town in Odisha, approximately 80 kilometres from Bhubaneswar. The accident was caused by a broken railway track, which had been weakened by continuous heavy rains over the past week. The derailment led to significant loss of life and injury to many passengers, along with extensive damage to the train and surrounding infrastructure. You are a commandant officer, NDRF and were immediately informed of the incident. You rush to the site for immediate support and inform others to reach the site as soon as possible. Upon reaching the accident site, you are faced with a chaotic and distressing scene. Several train coaches are overturned, and many passengers are trapped inside. The rescue operations are underway, but the heavy rains and muddy terrain are making the process difficult. The rains and lightning have also disturbed communication lines making it difficult to mobilise help immediately. Moreover, due to excessive rain and difficult terrain it was getting difficult to mobilise enough support staff to the site. This was further aggravated by limited resources available for rescue operations. Equipment such as metal cutters, canine squads and other heavy-lift equipment were difficult to reach to the site. As a result rescue workers were unable to rescue people properly, creating more chaos and panic, leading to protest by passengers and victims. Medical teams and first-aid kits were still on the way, adding more to the crisis. a) As a commandant officer, NDRF, how would you handle the crisis? b) Mention various steps that can be taken to avoid rail accidents, post this incident? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"You are the Exam Controller at an exam centre conducting a government recruitment examination. The exam is being conducted online by a reputed software company known for its advanced security measures. This examination is crucial for lakhs of aspirants seeking stable and prestigious government positions. During the examination, an invigilator notices suspicious behaviour from a candidate who appears to be frequently looking off-screen. Upon closer scrutiny and examination of the candidate's activity logs, it is confirmed that the candidate is using unauthorised electronic devices and software to receive answers in real-time. The candidate is immediately detained for questioning. The candidate's confession reveals that they are part of a larger network involving managers from the software company responsible for conducting the online exam. These managers are found to be colluding with organized crime syndicates to facilitate cheating in exchange for substantial sums of money. These syndicates orchestrate the cheating operations, recruit candidates, and handle financial transactions. The mafia, aware of your discovery, approaches you with an offer. They promise a significant cut of the profits not only for you but for every person working at the centre if they turn a blind eye to the cheating and allow the network to operate. Many employees are in favour of agreeing to it, while a few oppose it. They also threaten you with severe consequences if you refuse. At the same time, you are facing financial pressure to secure funds for your daughter's admission into a prestigious management college. a) What are the ethical issues involved in this case? b) What would you do in such a scenario? c) Based on the above case study, discuss the pros and cons of online examination. And provide ways to improve it. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":3865,"topper":"Komal Punia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1s7jHZFSldvmod2nx0JXxK8DwIOEIUGbt/view","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Attitude is a crucial factor in building the social capital of an individual. Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Emotional intelligence is primary in managing workplace conflicts. Discuss with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Most of the time, the bilateral conflicts become difficult to resolve due to mutual suspicion. How does the 'Panch Sheel' help in promoting ethical relations between countries? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Huge sums of public funds are used in populist measures for electoral gains. What are the ethical issues associated with the freebie culture? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Probity in governance is a vital requirement for socio-economic development, without which no real progress is possible in a nation. Discuss. Support your answer with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Increasing complexity in public administration creates multiple ethical dilemmas. Explain the application of Gandhi's Talisman in decision making for public servants. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you in the present context? a) \"The highest result of education is tolerance\" - Helen Keller. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"Faith is of no evil in the absence of strength. Faith and strength, both are essential to accomplish any great work\" - Vallabhbhai Patel (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"'The scope for corruption increases when the accountability of public administration is fragile and division of power is ambiguous.' Analyse. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Dr. Aanand, a professor of chemistry at ABC College, Pune, had been teaching there for over 20 years. He is known for his passion for teaching and commitment to student welfare, and is respected by both colleagues and students. His son is also a final year student in the very same college. Over the past few months, Dr. Aanand observed a significant change in the behaviour of some of his students. There was a noticeable decline in academic performance, increased absenteeism, and instances of erratic behaviour. Through confidential conversations with a few students and careful observation, he discovered that several students were using contraband drugs. Upon inspecting the student's hostel rooms he found evidence of usage of illegal drugs such as weed, marijuana etc. Determined to address the issue, Dr. Aanand conducted a discreet investigation. He found that the source of the drugs was linked to a well-organized network operating within the college. Shockingly, he discovered that Aditya, the son of the institution's representative at UGC for college management committee, was lynchpin in this drug network. He exploited his privileged position as he was backed by his father, making it difficult for students and authorities to complain and take action against him. Bothered by this incident, Dr. Aanand quickly reported the incident to the management and Aditya's father, who advised him to leave the matter as any action taken would harm the reputation of the college. Dr. Aanand was also threatened with dire consequences for both him and his son, who is yet to start his career. a) Discuss the ethical dilemmas involved in the case. b) What are the options available to Dr. Aanand? Evaluate each of these options and choose the option he would adopt giving reasons. c) Based on the given case study mention few laws, rules and regulations related to prevention of drug abuse in India. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"You are the CEO of the Smart Cities Mission in XYZ City. As the CEO, you are tasked with transforming your city into a model of sustainability, efficiency, and livesability. The mission aims to enhance quality of urban living through advanced infrastructure, improved public services, and environmental sustainability. However, recent reports indicate significant environmental deterioration due to ineffective waste management practices. The city has witnessed a rise in pollution levels, overflowing garbage bins, and uncollected waste in several neighbourhood's, leading to downgrading of its cleanliness ranking. An investigation into the waste management system revealed that the contracting company responsible for waste disposal is performing poorly. The company is failing to adhere to the terms of the contract, resulting in irregular waste collection, improper disposal methods, and inadequate recycling processes. Soon, you call the head of the waste management contracting company, who happens to be your college friend. During the meeting, he discloses how he was able to get this lucrative contract using bribes and kickbacks given to local politicians and your predecessor. As a result, he is financially and managerially constrained from improving the waste management process in the area. Furthermore, your friend is dealing with severe financial difficulties due to his mother's serious illness. Additionally, he offers you a share of the contract if you agree to overlook the issue. Therefore, he is appealing to you as a friend to ignore the issue and approve his bills to ensure timely payments for the waste management contract. a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. b) What are the options available to you in this situation? Evaluate each of these options and choose the option the CEO would adopt giving reasons. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"As a civil servant what are the ethical dilemmas involved in the above situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"List the options available to you and justify which one you would choose. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"In the early hours of the morning on 25th August, 2023, a passenger train derailed near a small town in Odisha, approximately 80 kilometres from Bhubaneswar. The accident was caused by a broken railway track, which had been weakened by continuous heavy rains over the past week. The derailment led to significant loss of life and injury to many passengers, along with extensive damage to the train and surrounding infrastructure. You are a commandant officer, NDRF and were immediately informed of the incident. You rush to the site for immediate support and inform others to reach the site as soon as possible. Upon reaching the accident site, you are faced with a chaotic and distressing scene. Several train coaches are overturned, and many passengers are trapped inside. The rescue operations are underway, but the heavy rains and muddy terrain are making the process difficult. The rains and lightning have also disturbed communication lines making it mobilise help immediately. Moreover, due to excessive rain and difficult terrain it was getting difficult to mobilise enough support staff to the site. This was further aggravated by limited resources available for rescue operations. Equipment such as metal cutters, canine squads and other heavy-lift equipment were difficult to reach to the site. As a result rescue workers were unable to rescue people properly, creating more chaos and panic, leading to protest by passengers and victims. Medical teams and first aid kits were still on the way, adding more to the crisis. a) As a commandant officer, NDRF, how would you handle the crisis? b) Mention various steps that can be taken to avoid rail accidents, post this incident? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"You are the Exam Controller at an exam centre conducting a government recruitment examination. The exam is being conducted online by a reputed software company known for its advanced security measures. This examination is crucial for lakhs of aspirants seeking stable and prestigious government positions. During the examination, an invigilator notices suspicious behaviour from a candidate who appears to be frequently looking off-screen. Upon closer scrutiny and examination of the candidate's activity logs, it is confirmed that the candidate is using unauthorised electronic devices and software to receive answers in real-time. The candidate is immediately detained for questioning. The candidate's confession reveals that they are part of a larger network involving managers from the software company responsible for conducting the online exam. These managers are found to be colluding with organized crime syndicates to facilitate cheating in exchange for substantial sums of money. These syndicates orchestrate the cheating operations, recruit candidates, and handle financial transactions. The mafia, aware of your discovery, approaches you with an offer. They promise a significant cut of the profits not only for you but for every person working at the centre if they turn a blind eye to the cheating and allow the network to operate. Many employees are in favour of agreeing to it, while a few oppose it. They also threaten you with severe consequences if you refuse. At the same time, you are facing financial pressure to secure funds for your daughter's admission into a prestigious management college. a) What are the ethical issues involved in this case? b) What would you do in such a scenario? c) Based on the above case study, discuss the pros and cons of online examination. And provide ways to improve it. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":3866,"topper":"Komal Punia","air":6,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QjNbVL1zlPIRRsAjJL8SiCFb87JWCMTk/view","questions":[]},{"id":3867,"topper":"Komal Punia","air":6,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LPvEREBPISOMGG-F5agFOlAVwhxMVol_/view","questions":[]},{"id":3868,"topper":"Komal Punia","air":6,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UfoWXZ6FjxLJhX2zBtLxRX18AK2lWv-P/view","questions":[]},{"id":3869,"topper":"Komal Punia","air":6,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/ETHICS_PROGRAME_KOMAL_PUNIA_AIR_6_87255f6f71_ea31cf0b6c.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3870,"topper":"Komal Puria","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/gs-mac-test-3-1745406770466.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"1 Highlighting the factors contributing to high fiscal deficit in India, discuss the potential consequences of such deficit and suggest measures to ensure fiscal consolidation.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"2 India's aspiration to be a developed nation by 2047 hinges on significant capital investment. In light of this, discuss the potential of capital investment in achieving this vision. What are the challenges India faces in this regard?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"3. With growing urbanization, peri-urban agriculture is emerging as a significant contributor to fresh farm produce needs. In this context, discuss the opportunities and challenges associated with promoting peri-urban agriculture in a sustainable manner.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"4. What are the major challenges faced by India's agriculture sector to achieve self-sufficiency in pulses and vegetable oils? Suggest measures to address these challenges.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"5 Evaluate the potential of biomanufacturing and bio-foundry in driving India's future towards a sustainable green economy.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"6. What are the principles behind the working of Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV)? Explain the significance and potential benefits of use of RLVs in India's space commerce.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Examine the key features of the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) 2023. Analyze its potential for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"8. In light of the increased intensity, frequency and duration of heat waves in the last decade, do you think the time has come to include \"heat waves\" as a notified disaster under the Disaster Management Act, 2005?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"9. Recently formulated 'joint doctrine for cyberspace operations' by Indian armed forces will lead to strengthening of the cyber-security posture for both conventional operations as well as gray zone warfare. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"10 Discuss the necessity and potential issues surrounding the extension of the Border Security Force's (BSF) territorial jurisdiction in states adjacent to Pakistan and Bangladesh.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"11. India's economic growth story is often overshadowed by the persistent challenges of unemployment. Analyze the concept of structural unemployment and discuss its relevance in the context of India's current economic situation. Suggest policy measures to promote inclusive job growth.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"2 Discuss the role of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in fostering regional growth in India. How can MSMEs contribute to achieving industrial diversification and technological advancement?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"13. \"The sole point of MSP is to protect farmers from sudden price shock\". Do you think legalization of MSP can insure farmers from sudden price shocks? What are the other measures which can be taken to make MSP-led procurement effective?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"14 Discuss the role of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) in the Public Distribution System (PDS) to ensure food security in India. Suggest necessary reforms in the functioning of FCI to enhance its efficiency and effectiveness.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"15 Discuss the role of nanotechnology on enhancing agricultural productivity and food security in India. Highlight recent developments and potential benefits and risks of use of nano-fertilizers and nano-pesticides.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"16. The Nobel Prize in Physics of 2023 was jointly awarded to Ekimov, Brus and Bawendi for the discovery of synthesis of quantum dots. In this context, discuss the applications of quantum dots.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"17 Evaluate the role of protected areas in biodiversity conservation in India. How effective have national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves been in preserving India's biodiversity?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"18 What the causes of high levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and ozone pollution in India. How effective are the various steps taken by the government to mitigate particulate matter and ozone pollution?","marks":"15 marks, 250","words":"15"},{"page":48,"question":"19. The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) Report 2023 highlights a growing menace of drug trafficking in South Asia, with India being a major hub. Analyze the various dimensions of this challenge with respect to India. Also suggest a multi-pronged approach to address it.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"20 India's response to left wing extremism needs to integrate soft approaches like socio-economic policies and dialogue along with hard security measures to address the root causes of Naxalism. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3871,"topper":"KORAPOTHULA SREEKAR RAJ","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/48f94f4c58dc4d501f6f42102607e751/2/pttp221185_tc062.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"If you look into someone's face long enough, eventually you feel that you are looking into yourself.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"It is the province of knowledge to speak and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Drop the question what tomorrow may bring, and count as profit every day that fate allows you.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Truth, like a torch, the more it is shook, it shines.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Art is I; science is We.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Only the dead have seen the end of the war.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Act as if it were impossible to fail.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3872,"topper":"KORAPOTHULA SREEKAR RAJ","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/48f94f4c58dc4d501f6f42102607e751/3/pttp221185_tc063.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Little strokes fell great oaks.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Judge a man by his questions rather than his answers.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Great principles, great ideals know no nationality.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"In struggling with misfortune lies the true proof of virtue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"The whole purpose of Education is to turn mirrors into windows.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"To dwell is to garden.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"Reality is the shadow of ideas.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"We can not despair of humanity, since we ourselves are human beings.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3873,"topper":"KORAPOTHULA SREEKAR RAJ","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/48f94f4c58dc4d501f6f42102607e751/4/pttp221185_tc065.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"You can't serve data on a hungry man's plate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"AI is overcoming our mental limitation but not expanding our mental horizon.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"We are using environment for politics, not politics for environment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"The worst form of inequality is to try to make unequal things equal.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Existence is a science, living is an art. ,","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"If the truth shall kill them, let them die. ,","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"The only way to go beyond things, is to go through them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Dream for the best. Be prepared for the worst. Enjoy life in between.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3874,"topper":"KORAPOTHULA SREEKAR RAJ","air":934,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/48f94f4c58dc4d501f6f42102607e751/1/pttp221185_tc061.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3875,"topper":"KORAPOTHULA SREEKAR RAJ","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/332/pttp221185_tc075-test-05-gs-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"How did the ancient trade routes connecting India to foreign countries contribute to the exchange and dissemination of culture? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"The Quit India movement was a people's movement cutting across the class divides but it was the women's leadership that left a clear mark. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The hallmark of post-Independent India has been its remarkable strides in science and technology. To what extent did scientific development during this period put India on the path of modernity? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the feasibility of Interlinking rivers to resolve the issue of water stress in other regions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How will the structural shift from coal-based power plants to renewable energy generation impact human development in coal-bearing states? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"To what extent temperature and precipitation are the most important factors that determine soil properties? ( Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Why are severe and intense cyclones becoming a regular phenomenon in the Arabian Sea? Substantiate with examples. ( Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"In the context of cultural diversity in India, can we consider Southern states as distinct cultural units in comparison to the rest of India? Substantiate your view. ( Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Poverty and population growth are locked in a vicious cycle, where poverty restricts individuals' ability to break free from the cycle, while population growth strains resources. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"India has a rich heritage in the internationalization of education. In this context how will the recent push for the 'internationalization of education' impact society and foster cultural exchange? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"'Although there were many differences between the Gandhara and Mathura art, they considerably influenced the Amravati school of art.' Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"England's Industrial Revolution not only transformed the economic landscape but also had far-reaching social and cultural impacts'. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"How did the social reform and ideological struggle against the backward traditional elements and hegemony of colonial culture in the nineteenth century influence the emergence of a distinct cultural identity and national consciousness? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"How does temperature inversion affect atmospheric conditions and what are its implications for local weather patterns and air pollution levels? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"What are the geographical factors responsible for mangrove vegetation in India? How does climate change pose a threat to mangrove vegetation in India? ( Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"What are the geographical and economic factors that influence the location of the sugar industry, and how do they contribute to the growth of the industry in India and different parts of the world? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"What are the key strategies used in dryland farming to overcome water scarcity and maximize agricultural productivity in arid and semi-arid regions? Also, discuss the need to promote dryland farming in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"How has the contemporary women's movement encompassed diverse approaches beyond traditional methods? Also, highlight the unique contribution and challenges of the contemporary women's movement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Do you think that the forces of modernization that catalyzed the eradication of social evils in Indian society have also threatened our cultural values and ethos? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"15","words":"150"},{"page":51,"question":"In the context of states in India evaluate the relationship between regional disparity and sentiments of regionalism. Is regionalism antagonistic to the idea of nationalism? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"15","words":"150"}]},{"id":3876,"topper":"KORAPOTHULA SREEKAR RAJ","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/324/pttp221185_tc075-test-05-gs-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"How did the ancient trade routes connecting India to foreign countries contribute to the exchange and dissemination of culture?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The Quit India movement was a people's movement cutting across the class divides but it was the women's leadership that left a clear mark. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the feasibility of Interlinking rivers to resolve the issue of water stress in other regions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"How will the structural shift from coal-based power plants to renewable energy generation impact human development in coal-bearing states?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"To what extent temperature and precipitation are the most important factors that determine soil properties?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Why are severe and intense cyclones becoming a regular phenomenon in the Arabian Sea? Substantiate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"In the context of cultural diversity in India, can we consider Southern states as distinct cultural...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"India has a rich heritage in the internationalization of education. In this context how will the rec... How did the ancient trade routes connecting India to foreign countries contribute to the exchange and dissemination of culture?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3877,"topper":"KORAPOTHULA SREEKAR RAJ","air":934,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/328/pttp221185_tc071-test-01-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3878,"topper":"KORAPOTHULA SREEKAR RAJ","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/333/pttp221185_tc076-test-06-gs-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"\"Interstate border disputes, if not promptly and impartially settled, can transform into persistent issues that impede development and generate friction. Highlighting the constitutional and legal framework to resolve interstate disputes, explain why Independent India has failed to resolve inter-state border disputes. (Answer in 150 words) 10 marks\"","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"\"Examine the role of the Inter-state Council in promoting vertical (Centre-State) and horizontal (Inter-State) Intergovernmental cooperation and coordination. (Answer in 150 words) 10 marks\"","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss the key function of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). What steps should be taken to revamp the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in order to enhance its effectiveness as a true guardian of public funds? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Recognizing the pivotal role of urbanization as a driver of national economic growth, the Fifteenth Finance Commission has suggested major reforms for Urban Local Bodies. Evaluate the recommendations put forward by the Fifteenth Finance Commission in promoting and revitalizing ULBs in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Highlight the key differences in the scope of Freedom of speech and expression as provided under Parliamentary privileges vis a vis Fundamental rights. Why is it necessary to maintain a balance between parliamentary privilege and fundamental rights? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Civil society organizations, play a pivotal role in fostering \"collective private action for the public good\". What challenges do they face in local resource mobilization (LRM) and corporate funding through corporate social responsibility (CSR)? Also, suggest measures. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The first step to eradicating poverty is reliable poverty assessment for program design, implementation, and monitoring. In this context discuss the methodology and significance of NITI Aayog's National Multidimensional Poverty Index. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"In the context of India, despite the presence of constitutional provisions, legal precedents, and international commitments that establish a robust foundation for a right to health, why has there been a lack of explicit legal recognition of this right? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The collective strength of BRICS nations allows for meaningful cooperation on myriad issues, however, the platform's ability to influence the trajectory of bilateral relationships remains limited. Do you agree? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"In light of the recent demands to amend the Indus Waters Treaty, discuss the possible implications it could have on the water-sharing mechanism between India and Pakistan. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The doctrine of Parliamentary sovereignty and judicial supremacy has exerted considerable influence in shaping the constitutional frameworks of India and the USA. Citing relevant case laws discuss the role of the judiciary in influencing the constitutions in these countries. Is the scope of judicial review wider in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Delimitation of seats is essential to ensure fair representation and uphold the principles of one vote, one value'. Highlighting the challenges posed by misrepresentation in constituencies analyze the ramifications of population-based delimitation in creating federal tension. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Discuss the role of the Supreme Court of India in strengthening the hands of the Election Commission in the discharge of its constitutional responsibility of conducting free and fair elections in the country. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"The declining role of Parliament undermines the fundamental principle of separation of powers, as it diminishes the legislature's ability to serve as a check on the executive branch and ensure a balanced exercise of power. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Discuss the crucial role played by the National Commission of Women in shaping the discourse on gender-sensitive laws in India. To what extent the elevation of the National Commission for Women to a constitutional body would reinforce its authority? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Satisfactory and timely redressal of grievances is the cornerstone of 'minimum government, maximum governance.' In this context discuss the challenges associated with current grievance redress mechanisms and suggest measures to strengthen the process. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"'Corruption corrodes the fabric of governance, eroding the public's faith in democratic institutions.' Examine the potential for harmonizing the Right to Information (RTI) Act, the Whistleblower Protection Act (WBPA), and the Lokpal & Lokayukta Act, 2013, to enhance the effectiveness of the anticorruption regime. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Analyze the potential challenges and benefits involved in leveraging SHGs as platforms for skill development, entrepreneurship, and income generation among marginalized communities to effectively counter poverty. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"'India is uniquely positioned on the world map for its rich culture.' In this context discuss the role of culture, diaspora, and democracy as instruments of India's soft power diplomacy. To what extent India has been able to position itself as a 'smart power'? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"The synergy of shared values and vibrant people-to-people connections between India and Australia creates a fertile ground for fostering long-lasting trade relations and strategic collaboration between the two nations. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3879,"topper":"KORAPOTHULA SREEKAR RAJ","air":934,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/329/pttp221185_tc072-test-02-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3880,"topper":"KORAPOTHULA SREEKAR RAJ","air":934,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/325/pttp221185_tc076-test-06-gs-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3881,"topper":"KORAPOTHULA SREEKAR RAJ","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/334/pttp221185_tc077-test-07-gs-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Elaborate on the difference between Capital Account and Current Account as components of Balance of Payment (BOP). Suggest a few measures to balance the BOP deficit of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"The logistics sector is one of the important components of the growth of the manufacturing industry. Discuss. Also, mention various components of the recently announced National Logistics Policy 2022. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"What is India's stand on the New Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies under WTO? How is the Fisheries sector significant for India? Enumerate the steps taken by the Government to develop this sector. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Analyze the systemic and institutional constraints that continue to hinder land reform efforts in India and propose pragmatic solutions to ensure equitable distribution of land. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What are the unique features and capabilities of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, and how has it contributed to India's defence capabilities and strategic position in the region? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"In line with the country's efforts to explore the depths of the ocean and harness the resources it holds, the Indian government has proposed a deep-sea exploration mission Samudrayaan. How can this mission contribute to the advancement of ocean science and technology in the country? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What is Global Methane Pledge? Do you think the Global Methane Pledge is a positive step toward mitigating methane emissions? Explain India's stance on this issue. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of disaster management in public health. Discuss the key strategies and challenges for managing pandemics and other infectious disease outbreaks. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The resource curse of Eastern and Central India has been a crucial driver of LWE. Elaborate and suggest measures for sustainable and inclusive development of the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"In light of the declining trend of violence in the North East and J&K region do you think that AFSPA has lived its utility? Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"International trade is centred on the dominant currency paradigm (DCM). Critically Analyze the importance of Hard currency in International trade and Discuss the potential of rupee acceptance in global trade as an alternative to dollar imperialism. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"A demographic Dividend does not ensure growth; it only generates potential. Discuss the steps made by the government to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the demographic transition. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"'Genome editing holds immense potential for crop improvement, but it also raises ethical and safety concerns'. How far do the new guidelines for the safety assessment of genome-edited plants in India, ensure the safety of genetically modified crops? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Discuss the impact of direct and indirect farm subsidies on the agriculture sector in India. How have Minimum Support Prices (MSP) affected the agricultural economy? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a rapidly escalating crisis that poses a grave threat to public health worldwide. What are the major contributing factors to the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance, and what steps can be taken to address this global health threat? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"What do you understand by Disruptive innovations? What are some examples of disruptive innovation in recent times, and how have they changed the way industries operate? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Trace the evolution of the Loss and Damage fund. What are the major development related to loss and damage funds in COP 27? What are the commitments made by India in this conference? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Disaster management is not just about responding to emergencies but also about building resilient communities. Discuss the key strategies that can be used to build community resilience and reduce the impact of disasters. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"The transformation of terrorism through the use of new and emerging technologies like metaverse and virtual assets is a matter of concern. How can we counter the Use of New and Emerging Technologies for Terrorist Purposes and Elucidate the importance of the \"Delhi declaration\" in this regard? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"\"The Agnipath scheme is a bitter pill needed for the resilience and efficacy of our armed forces.\" Critically Analyze the statement with relevant arguments. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3882,"topper":"KORAPOTHULA SREEKAR RAJ","air":934,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/330/pttp221185_tc073-test-03-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3883,"topper":"KORAPOTHULA SREEKAR RAJ","air":934,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/326/pttp221185_tc077-test-07-gs-3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3884,"topper":"KORAPOTHULA SREEKAR 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RAJ","air":934,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/321/pttp221185_tc072-test-02-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3888,"topper":"KORAPOTHULA SREEKAR RAJ","air":934,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/322/pttp221185_tc073-test-03-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3889,"topper":"KORAPOTHULA SREEKAR RAJ","air":934,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/323/pttp221185_tc074-test-04-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3890,"topper":"KORAPOTHULA SREEKAR RAJ","air":934,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/327/pttp221185_tc078-test-08-gs04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3891,"topper":"Koshinder","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/48f94f4c58dc4d501f6f42102607e751/6/pttp220149_tc062.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"If you look into someone's face long enough, eventually you feel that you are looking into yourself.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"It is the province of knowledge to speak and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Drop the question what tomorrow may bring, and count as profit every day that fate allows you.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Truth, like a torch, the more it is shook, it shines.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Art is I; science is We.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Only the dead have seen the end of the war.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Act as if it were impossible to fail.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3892,"topper":"Koshinder","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/48f94f4c58dc4d501f6f42102607e751/7/pttp220149_tc063.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Little strokes fell great oaks.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Judge a man by his questions rather than his answers.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Great principles,great ideals know no nationality.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"In struggling with misfortune lies the true proof of virtue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"The whole purpose of Education is to turn mirrors into windows.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"To dwell is to garden.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Reality is the shadow of ideas.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"We can not despair of humanity, since we ourselves are human beings.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3893,"topper":"Koshinder","air":588,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/48f94f4c58dc4d501f6f42102607e751/5/pttp220149_tc061.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3894,"topper":"Koshinder","air":588,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/342/pttp220149_tc071-test-01-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3895,"topper":"Koshinder","air":588,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/343/pttp220149_tc072-test-02-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3896,"topper":"Koshinder","air":588,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"IAS 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Gyan","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://iasgyan.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/images/KoshinderGS-4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3900,"topper":"Koshinder","air":588,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/338/pttp220149_tc071-test-01-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3901,"topper":"Koshinder","air":588,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/339/pttp220149_tc072-test-02-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3902,"topper":"Koshinder","air":588,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/340/pttp220149_tc073-test-03-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3903,"topper":"Koshinder","air":588,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/341/pttp220149_tc074-test-04-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3904,"topper":"KOWSALYA MURUGASAMY","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/82b01-409325_2091_kowsalya_murugasamy_rank_57.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What are the reasons behind the inefficient use of water in Indian agriculture? Suggest measures to improve water use efficiency. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What are the social, economic and environmental benefits of diversifying the food basket under the Public Distribution System (PDS) in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Can re-energising the livestock sector be the key to sustainable livelihood and increasing the income of Indian farmers? Give reasons in support of your answer. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Do you agree that high economic growth in the post-reform period has not resulted in growth trickling down to the marginalised sections, rendering inclusive growth a major concern? Justify your answer. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Evaluate the outcome of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). How can Mission LiFE reinvigorate the NCAP in addressing the issue of air pollution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discuss the impact of wildfires on the ecosystem. Describe the significance of the UNEP's Fire Ready Formula in dealing with the menace of wildfires. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Recently, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) launched its new rocket called Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV). What are its advantages? How can SSLVs be a game changer for ISRO in the years to come? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Why is biopiracy a cause of great concern to the existing traditional knowledge of the developing world? What steps have been taken by the government of India for protecting the existing traditional Indian knowledge? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What are the challenges faced by the Assam Rifles with regard to border management and tackling of insurgency in North-East India? Discuss how these challenges require a reorientation of the force. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The race to put weapons in space may soon pass the point of no return making space the next theatre of arms struggle. What are the possible reasons behind the weaponization of space? Discuss its implications. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNP) recently became the first 100% Landlord Port of India. What do you understand by the Landlord Port model? What are the different models employed in the management of ports? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Analyse the performance of the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) scheme launched to promote farm mechanization in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Discuss the potential of digitization in harnessing the untapped potential of the food processing sector and resolving the challenges that it faces. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What is the significance of land record modernization in India? In this light, state the features of the National Generic Document Registration System (NGDRS). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The use of technology has played a key role in the success of the 'Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana' since its inception. Discuss. What further changes can be incorporated to make the scheme more farmer-friendly? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss how the transition towards renewable energy has the potential to transform the lives of women in India and unlock their potential. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"How does climate change exacerbate the challenges that India faces in eliminating hunger and malnutrition? Discuss in the context of India's commitment to achieve zero hunger by 2030. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Terrorism financing continues to remain a major challenge for the international community despite several efforts to curb it. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) will progressively multiply the opportunities as well as challenges from the national security perspective. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3905,"topper":"KOWSALYA MURUGASAMY","air":57,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e8eee-409325_1524_kowsalya_murugasamy_rank_57.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3906,"topper":"KOWSALYA MURUGASAMY","air":57,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ec82c-409325_2086_kowsalya_murugasamy_rank_57.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3907,"topper":"KOWSALYA MURUGASAMY","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/91a86-409325_2092_kowsalya_murugasamy_rank_57.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Direct interactions with social groups, like families and peers, teach people how others expect them to behave. Likewise, a society as a whole reinforces and shapes values through its norms, institutions, media, and collective behaviour. Discuss how a society's formal and informal institutions socialize its population, with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Do you think technology can play a role in establishing a value-centric modern society? Critically evaluate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are the signs that show that an individual ranks on the lower spectrum of emotional intelligence? How far is technology leading to a decline in the emotional intelligence of people, especially the younger generations? (Answer in 150 words)10","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":31,"question":"After going through the land details, you discover that the land contains natural urban forest with more than 40,000 trees that provide diverse ecosystem services to the residents of the cities. Clearing this land for the project will lead to cutting of these trees. Also, the news of this land being under consideration is already out and the environmental civil society groups in the city are protesting against it. They are threatening to go to the court if the trees are cut to proceed with the project. Further, an alternative site has been proposed by an environmental think tank, which could be suitable in terms of sustainable development of the project. On the other hand, there is pressure from the Union Minister to clear the land for the project. A senior member from the Railway Board has also approached you to look into the issue favourably else it might upset the political executive. (a) What are the ethical dilemmas faced by you in the given situation? (b) Under the given conditions, what are the options available to you? (c) Critically evaluate each of the options listed by you. (d) What option would you adopt and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Further, their justification is that they have been doing their gigs beyond the usual working hours of the company. Some of them communicate that they face financial constraints and this is a reason for them to pursue the second gig. Others are of the view that it provides them avenues to learn new things, which is of help in their current roles. Thus, a whole network of freelancing has been flourishing secretly. You also get to know that employees in some other departments, like the Testing team, are envious of the Software Development team and secretly express their wish to pursue a similar path. Owing to no specific guidelines, these employees have got a free hand. It has led to multiple issues of productivity and the work culture of the organization and could set a wrong precedent for the other employees, if allowed to continue. On the other other hand, firing such a huge number of high performing employees at once is going to add to the attrition rate of the company and loss of talent. The views amongst your colleagues in the HR department is also divided on the issue. You have been entrusted by the senior management to evaluate the situation and take appropriate steps. In this context: (a) Highlight the ethical issues associated with moonlighting. (b) As the HR head of the company, what are the options available to you? (c) Evaluate each of these options and choose the option, which you would adopt, giving reasons. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"You are the CEO of a highly successful multinational clothing corporation based in a developed country. Your brand is a household name and your products are sold worldwide. In an attempt to manage production costs and maintain competitive pricing, your company outsources its manufacturing operations to a developing nation where labour is inexpensive. However, a grave situation has recently unfolded. An investigative journalist, you have outsourced an important part of your production is operating its facility including minors, is nothing short of a \"sweatshop,\" where employees work long hours for abysmally low wages in a hazardous environment. The report has led to widespread international condemnation, inciting potential consumer boycotts, and putting your company's hard-earned reputation in jeopardy. If this was not alarming enough, another serious issue has surfaced. A thorough investigation by your compliance team has uncovered that one of the suppliers to the aforementioned outsourced facility has been engaging in illegal deforestation activities. The supplier has been ruthlessly exploiting the country's natural resources, causing significant harm to the local ecosystem and contributing to climate change. These findings have escalated the reputational crisis facing your company, further complicating the ethical landscape. You find yourself in a challenging position, caught in a triad of ethical, financial, and environmental predicaments. If you decide to shut down the factory or enforce better labour standards, the ensuing rise in production costs could affect your market competitiveness and dent your profit. Conversely, if you choose to continue with the current setup, you risk contravening international labour laws, human rights norms, and environmental regulations, potentially inflicting irreversible damage to your company's reputation. (a) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by you in this context? (b) Discuss the merits and demerits of the options available to you. Which of these will you choose and why? (c) What are the ethical alternatives available to the multinational corporations to balance profitability and ethical labour practices? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"In the recently announced result of the Civil Services Examination, for the second year in a row, a female candidate has secured the top rank. Overall, of the total of 933 successful candidates, 320 are women. This is the highest percentage of women candidates selected in any year. But these numbers are far less than the proportion of women in the population. Even in the bureaucratic hierarchy, women seldom hold top posts as compared to men. In the medical sector, on an average more women join medical colleges compared to men in India. But at the post-graduation and doctoral levels, the percentage of female doctors is around one-third of the male doctors. It is also observed that positions of leadership in academics and administration are still mostly occupied by men. Additionally, in the field of politics, the representation of women in leadership positions remains relatively low. In the Lok Sabha, women hold only around 14% of the seats. In the State Legislatures, the representation of women varies, with some states showing higher percentages than others. However, there is still a long way to go to achieve gender parity in political representation. In this context, answer the following questions. (a) What are the key barriers and challenges that hinder the path of women in their journey towards leadership roles in their respective fields? (b) How do the social and cultural norms affect women's employment in India? (c) Discuss how gender parity in employment opportunities and career growth be ensured for women in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3908,"topper":"KOWSALYA MURUGASAMY","air":57,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/47b0a-409325_2088_kowsalya_murugasamy_rank_57.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3909,"topper":"Koya Shree Harsha","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/108481_877_Koya_Rank_6.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"What are the factors which drive people to take law in their own hands rather than following the due process of law? Discuss ways to address the problem of mob justice.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"In a democracy, the purpose of the government should be to make it easy for people to do good and difficult to do wrong. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss John Stuart Mill's idea on freedom of thought and expression. Also, give reasons as to why, according to Mill, representative democracy is the best form of government despite its inherent weaknesses.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) \"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Ensuring that government decisions are not influenced by public officials' private interests is a growing concern. Discuss in the context of India. Also enumerate the core principles reflected by OECD guidelines for managing conflict of interest in the public sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Discuss, with examples, the significance of principles of public life as recommended by Nolan committee. Why are these principles considered as an essential set of expectations from public servants?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"A peculiar inhuman situation exists for the people fleeing from war zones - they cannot go back to their homeland for fear of being persecuted and no country is ready to bear their burden due to various reasons. Citing contemporary examples, discuss the ethical issues involved in such situations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"The excluded and marginalized section of society are worst hit by globalization. Take the case of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) like Sentinelese of Andaman & Nicobar islands; their population has reduced drastically and they are facing various other problems as well. In this context answer the following questions: 20 (a) What are the challenges faced by PVTGs due to globalisation? (b) If you are posted as a Development Officer in such an area, what will be your priorities to reduce their vulnerabilities and ensure welfare?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3910,"topper":"Koya Shree Harsha","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/108481_861_Koya_Rank_6.pdf","questions":[{"page":23,"question":"Is Emotional Intelligence influenced by cultural moorings? How would you differentiate the applicability of Emotional Intelligence in Indian society from that of Western society?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Evaluate the success of RTI in bringing governance reforms in the country. Examine whether it has served the purpose it was meant for.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"The decisive role that money plays in elections creates a vicious cycle of corruption. (a) Elaborate in the context of India. (b) Discuss whether state funding of elections can help in curbing the menace of political corruption in India.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3911,"topper":"KPARIKSHIT","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/26de5-683437_2420_kparikshit_rank_596.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Examine the persisting issues related to fiscal stability of states in India. What measures are needed to address these issues? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"How can the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme help in achieving an Atmanirbhar Bharat? What are the challenges in realizing its objectives? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"How is the advent of climate change leading to the revival of cultivation of millets? What steps have been taken by the government to give an impetus to millet production in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Poor quality and inadequate availability of feeds and fodder are the major reasons behind the low productivity of the livestock in India. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What is Integrated Pest Management (IPM)? State its objectives and discuss its various components. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Explain the significance of international cooperation in disaster risk reduction. What initiatives has India taken to strengthen regional cooperation for reducing disasters? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The ecological cost of excessive and indiscriminate sand mining far outweighs its economic benefits. Discuss in context of the importance of sustainable sand mining. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the rationale behind theaterisation plans, which seek to integrate the defence forces into specific theatre commands in India. What are the associated challenges? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Describe how shell companies are used for money laundering. What steps have been taken to curb the use of shell companies for money laundering in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"India has recently set up its first Biological Data Centre. What are its objectives and significance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"In view of India's rapid urbanisation, it has become imperative to tap into municipal bonds to meet the rising demand of capital investment in urban areas. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"India has achieved significant strides in various development parameters such as economic growth, women's education, and fertility rates. However, the country's Female Labour Force Participation Rate (FLFPR) remains amongst the lowest in the world. Discuss. What measures can be taken to improve the FLFPR in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The inefficiencies in post-harvest value chain are leading to crop losses, with significant adverse impact on the livelihood of small and marginal farmers. Discuss in the context of India. What steps has the government taken to address these concerns? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"When it comes to the energy sector, the trends of decarbonisation, decentralisation and digitisation are fast emerging. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the challenges in mitigating chemical disasters in India. How can these challenges be addressed? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What do you understand by the idea of climate reparations? Discuss the need to implement this idea in the current context. What are the challenges you foresee in its implementation? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What is invisible warfare? Keeping in view the challenges it poses to India's security, discuss the steps that have been taken to tackle the menace of invisible warfare. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"What are the contributions of Homi Jahangir Bhabha in the development of nuclear technology in India? Do you think India should prioritise the development of nuclear energy to ensure its energy security? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3912,"topper":"KPARIKSHIT","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6c9a5-683437_2085_kparikshit_rank_596.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The Pala Empire is known for a distinctive form of Buddhist art. In this context, discuss the contributions made by the Pala dynasty towards art. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"It was Adi Shankaracharya's genius that reinvented Hinduism and re-established the Vedic tradition with excellent commentaries. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The colonial forest policies were driven by the needs of the British Empire with no concern for the well-being of the locals and the environment. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The principles of Panchsheel and Non-Alignment aided India in maneuvering the Cold War era. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"One of the major features of the 19th century Europe was the struggle for national unification. Discuss in the context of Germany. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What is the triple dip La Niña phenomenon? Discuss its likely impact on different regions of the world. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Hydropower is a major source of low-carbon energy supply across the world but its share in India's total electricity generation remains low. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain the concept of seismic gap in the context of the recent earthquake in Turkey. Also, enlist the reasons behind the severity of the earthquake. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Highlighting the recent trends in marriages in India, explain why the legal backing of same-sex marriage is being termed as an issue of seminal importance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Considering the multiplicity of factors affecting the mental well-being in an inter-connected world, discuss the various challenges in achieving sound mental healthcare. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Elaborate upon the major numismatic stages in India from the ancient to modern times. Also, discuss how the study of coins helps in understanding history. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Despite being celebrated as the champion of Dalit rights, the contributions of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar went far beyond that and encompassed a wide range of issues. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The Civil Disobedience Movement of 1930-34 was marked by a unique character, regional spatial patterns and employment of new mobilization techniques. Elucidate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Explain the underlying causes behind the phenomenon of sinking islands in India's coastal regions. Also, evaluate its possible implications for the nation as a whole and island communities in particular. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"In view of the important role played by soil for the ecosystem, discuss the significance of sustainable soil management in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Jet streams play an important role in altering the climate of India and the world. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Highlighting the factors responsible for the formation and proliferation of slums in India, discuss the need to revamp the In-Situ Slum Redevelopment (ISSR) scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Bring out the relationship between poverty and environmental degradation in India. How can poverty reduction efforts play an important role in promoting sustainable development and safeguarding the environment? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3913,"topper":"KPARIKSHIT","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2e9d2-683437_2211_kparikshit_rank_596.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The Cholas are inextricably linked with the zenith of Dravidian art and architecture. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Among the major legacies of the Indian freedom movement, civil liberties formed an important one. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The Berlin Conference of 1884-85 in many ways set the ground for the scramble in Africa. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What is a cloudburst and what are its effects? Why are they more frequent in the Himalayan region? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Despite its potential, there are several challenges in the implementation of the Ken-Betwa Link Project. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Identify the issues related to production and supply of coal in India. How can these issues be addressed? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Present the geographical distribution of agro-based industries in India and discuss the challenges faced by them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The caste system continues to be one of the key drivers of poverty and inequality in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the issues faced by domestic workers in India. Also suggest measures that can be taken to empower them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Given the deeply gendered impact of population control measures, examine the need to rethink the current approach of population control measures in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Examine the impact of the Sramana tradition on the Vedic religion and its relation with the emergence of Jainism, Buddhism and Ajivika sects. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Giving a brief overview of the three Carnatic Wars, discuss the factors that led to the success of the British against the French in the struggle for control over India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Provide an account of the issues that led to a crisis in Punjab in the 1980s. Also, discuss the roadmap to peace that was eventually adopted. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Post-drift theories based on ocean floor mapping provided new dimensions to the study of distribution of oceans and continents. Elaborate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Explain the phenomenon of heat waves. Also, enumerate the conditions favourable for the development of heat waves in India and their associated health impacts. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Providing an account of distribution of rainforests across the world, mention their key characteristics. Also highlight the threats that are being faced by tropical rainforests. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Indian cities are not only mimicking the social and cultural structures of inequality and exclusion found in rural areas but are also creating fault lines for future conflicts. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Examine the multi-dimensional impact of globalisation on tribal development in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3914,"topper":"KPARIKSHIT","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8eea3-683437_2419_kparikshit_rank_596.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the role played by the Directorate of Enforcement in the investigation of offence of money laundering and violations of foreign exchange laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Indian Constitution has been successful in providing a framework for liberal democracy to flourish in India. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand by the \"principle of subsidiarity\"? Discuss its importance in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"\"The moral value of fundamental duties would not be to smother rights but to establish a democratic balance by making the people conscious of their duties equally as they are conscious of their rights\". Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Do you think the exercise of delegated legislation by the executive goes against the principle of separation of powers? Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"A key factor behind poor governance is a system of thinking and working in silos. Discuss in the context of public services in India. (Answer in 150 words) 10.","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Unsafe abortions are a critical issue affecting the reproductive and maternal health of women in India. Identify the reasons behind the same and suggest remedial measures as well. (Answer in 150 words) 10.","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Digital healthcare has the potential to address the perennial issues pertaining to accessibility and affordability of healthcare in India. In this context, discuss the role of Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission in putting the country at the cusp of a 'digital health' revolution. (Answer in 150 words) 10.","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"As the only G20 member from South Asia, the G20 leadership is an ideal opportunity for India to use it as an effective platform to amplify South Asia's voice at the global stage. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The India-UAE CEPA will serve as a catalyst to bolster economic ties between the two countries and give India greater access to the region. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"A dysfunctional criminal justice system, absence of well-considered legislation and need for domain expertise, are being seen as the new challenges for the Indian judiciary. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"To what extent has the anti-defection law been able to address the issue of political instability in India? Discuss with suitable arguments. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Governance of inter-state rivers in India suffers from various issues due to conflictual federalism. Discuss. Also, highlight the mechanisms, which can be utilised to resolve inter-state river water disputes in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Elaborate on the fundamental aspects in which the Indian Constitution differed from its contemporaries despite being a post-colonial document. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Freebies, especially ahead of elections, do more harm than good to the society. Do you agree? Give logical arguments in support of your answer. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The Smart Cities Mission, which was launched to change the urban landscape of India has produced mixed results. Discuss. Also, highlight the challenges faced in executing the Mission. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"It has been argued that despite several hurdles faced by the entrepreneurship ecosystem in India, the future of India is likely to be shaped by its entrepreneurs. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Though the 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' scheme has given much-need attention to gender discrimination, it has failed to yield desired results due to poor implementation and monitoring. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"As security threats increase in form and frequency in the South-West Indian Ocean, discuss the role played by India in relation to small island developing states (SIDS) in the region. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"As India re-imagines its neighbourhood, cross-border connectivity through sub-regions is becoming increasingly vital. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)15","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3915,"topper":"KPARIKSHIT","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9b147-683437_2086_kparikshit_rank_596.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Do you agree with the view that there is a need to enact a new law for ensuring judicial accountability in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Constitutionally reconciling Fundamental Rights with the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs) has been a tough task since the inception of the Indian Constitution. Discuss with the help of relevant case laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss the functions performed by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) and its role in shaping policy-making in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Re-examination and reconsideration of the provisions of Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) requires striking a balance between concerns of civil liberties and human rights, and maintaining and protecting the sovereignty and integrity of India. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"\"Citizen participation is key to the success of e-governance initiatives in rural India.\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"How far do you think the Aspirational District Programme has been able to achieve its objectives since its inception? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Technology has a crucial role to play in advancing the NGO sector and improving outcomes for beneficiaries. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the implications associated with the entry of foreign educational institutions for technical and higher education in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The flourishing relationship between India and countries of Latin America has become a critical element of India's foreign policy. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What is debt-trap diplomacy? How does China's debt-trap diplomacy impact India's interests in its neighbourhood? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Despite being an amalgamation of various constitutions from across the world, the Indian Constitution imbibes social justice, pluralism, and equality through its various provisions. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Recent developments have brought to light the issue of criminalizing marital rape in India. Analyse the implications of ensuring legal protection for victims of marital rape in the country. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"\"The Indian model of federalism has been criticized for being too centralized, but it also provides adequate space and autonomy to the states.\" Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The recent judgment of the Supreme Court on appointments to the Election Commission of India (ECI) has fundamentally changed the appointment process and can have potentially far-reaching implications. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Integration with the global trends and opening up of the economy has resulted in diversified challenges for the civil services, which require holistic reforms for efficient service delivery. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What role can open data play in promoting transparency and accountability in e-governance in India? What are the challenges in ensuring the quality and reliability of open data in the country? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"To reduce the prevalence of 'zero food' children in India, maternal nutrition needs to be made a priority. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Recently, the Central government exempted all foods and drugs for rare diseases imported by people for personal use from customs duty. What are the concerns related to rare diseases as a public health issue in India? How can these be resolved? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"For realistic and effective collaborations to take place in the Indo-Pacific region, there is a need to acknowledge and recognize the underlining intention of the various countries with stakes in the region. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"There is a need to address the underlying challenges, both internal and external, in the North-Eastern region of India before it can serve as a pivotal connecting space between India and its neighbours. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3916,"topper":"KPARIKSHIT","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/debd8-683437_2214_kparikshit_rank_596.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The ideals of 'Dhamma' by Ashoka present key learnings on public morality. Discuss. Also, state their relevance for public servants. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Although bribery is illegal and counterproductive, public officials still demand bribes, and executives in the private sector remain tempted to pay up. In this context, discuss ways in which corporations can build a framework to eliminate the practice of offering kickbacks. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"It is argued that the Indian bureaucracy suffers from indecision and risk aversion. Do you agree? Justify with logical arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Although open and transparent governance has gained ground, do you agree with the view that there is merit in withholding some information from people? Justify your arguments with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"While it may seem restrictive, anonymity is one of the greatest strengths of the civil services. Comment in the context of growth of social media in recent times. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"A legally enforceable code of ethics for civil servants, which not only prescribes the ethical values they must display in their public life but also provides sanctions for violations of these values, is the need of the hour. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Examine the issue of foreign aid in global politics from an ethical perspective. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"There is a need for an effective climate governance structure within the broad framework of corporate governance. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"A well-developed Emotional intelligence is not only an instrumental tool in accomplishing goals, but has a dark side as a weapon for manipulating others by robbing them of their capacity to reason.\" Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The opportunities and threats created by emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) require leaders across business, government and civil society to understand the importance of values and ethics in technological development. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"All persons ought to endeavour to follow what is right, and not what is established.\" - Aristotle (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":34,"question":"Capital punishment, or \"death penalty,\" is an institutionalized practice designed to result in deliberately executing persons in response to actual or supposed misconduct and following an authorized, rule-governed process to conclude that the person is responsible for violating norms that warrant execution. Punitive executions have historically been imposed by diverse kinds of authorities, for an expansive range of conduct, political or religious beliefs and practices, for a status beyond one's control, or without employing any significant due process procedures. Punitive executions also have been and continue to be carried out more informally, such as by terrorist groups, urban gangs, and mobs. For centuries in Europe and America, discussions have focused on capital punishment as an institutionalized, rule-governed practice of modern states and legal systems governing serious criminal conduct and procedures. In light of the above debate of capital punishment, answer the following questions: (a) What are the arguments in favour of and against having capital punishment in the criminal justice system? (b) Do you think capital punishment has a place in modern civilised society? Examine in the context of moral implications involved in awarding it.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3917,"topper":"KPARIKSHIT","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4831b-683437_2421_kparikshit_rank_596.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Societies across the world are witnessing a gradual moral decline in values and it is time that educators stepped in and made efforts to rekindle the desire of human beings to develop personal, social, and professional moral values. Do you agree that in the wake of changing social landscape in the country, value education is as important as technical education for the youth to become not only skilled but also morally strong professionals? Explain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Guru Nanak Dev ji believed that despite religion, caste, and gender, everyone should seek well for others and only then one can have that goodness back in return. Discuss the important teachings of Guru Nanak Dev ji relevant to the youth of today. (Answer in 150 words)10","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The 'work from home' culture that gained wide acceptance with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to many ethical concerns for private organizations with moonlighting being one of the most prominent ones. Do you think that it is ethical for an employee to practice moonlighting? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)10","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"While there are multiple institutions to ensure fairness in international relations, states often put aside moral values and the directions of these institutions for their own interests. Discuss with illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)10","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"\"It takes something more than intelligence to act intelligently.\" - Fyodor Dostoyevsky (Answer in 150 words)10","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"A popular government, without popular information, or the means of acquiring it, is but a prologue to a farce or a tragedy; or perhaps both.\" - James Madison (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"\"Character may almost be called the most effective means of persuasion.\" - Aristotle (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"While impartiality has been identified as one of the key ethical values for public service, it should not be seen as precluding compassion in public services. Explain with suitable illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The power, which administrators wield, can bring the nation great dividends if rightly used, but can bring harm and disrepute if abused. Explain with suitable illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'social accountability' and what is its significance? Discuss the critical factors responsible for the success of any social accountability initiative. (Answer in 150 words)10","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Too much dependence on data driven technologies can result in data colonisation and digital dictatorship. Discuss the various issues that may arise in this context and suggest remedial measures. (Answer in 150 words)10","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Prejudice and discrimination when left unaddressed have the potential to turn conflicts into violence. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Though the 'Me Too Movement' helped in creating some murmur with respect to sexual harassment of women at workplace, it has failed to create a lasting positive impact on the work culture in India. Do you agree? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You have been working in a well-known business consultancy company for nearly 15 years and have been promoted to a senior executive level. You have a junior colleague, named Meera, whom you have been mentoring from time to time. The time and effort she has invested in the company along with your guidance has led her to rapidly grow professionally in the organisation. The work environment has also been conducive for her growth. Meanwhile, Meera's mother has been ill and requiring medical attention for the past few years. Her medical bills have been increasing rapidly over time. Recently, Meera encountered an uncomfortable experience of sexual advances at the hands of your immediate boss, which she reported to Human Resources Department (HRD) of the company instantly. The concerned boss has been instrumental in the success of the company and is also well-connected within the company and beyond. He has indirectly offered a large amount for the settlement of this issue to Meera. If Meera accepts his offer, she will have to sign a non-disclosure agreement that restricts her from re-opening the issue or even discussing about it. She came to know that the concerned boss has been involved in similar acts earlier as well. Given his position in the company and his connections, Meera feels that he could be a threat to her career in the future. She is also in dire need of money. In the given circumstances, address the following: (a) Identify the main stakeholders involved in this case. (b) Highlight the issues related to integrity and ethics in the case above. (c) What are the various options available to Meera? Which option should she choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"In the given circumstances, address the following: (a) Identify the main stakeholders involved in this case. (b) Highlight the issues related to integrity and ethics in the case above. (c) What are the various options available to Meera? Which option should she choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"You have recently joined as a Regional Sales Manager of a pharmaceutical company and have been given a sales target for the year, which is unusually high as per your assessment. On surveying the market, however, you have observed that the competitors are achieving such targets. On a deeper analysis, you come across unethical practices of giving gifts, payments and hospitality benefits to doctors by their medical representatives. This is prohibited by the Uniform Code of Pharmaceuticals Marketing Practices. You contacted the National Sales Manager in this regard but he hinted at achieving the released targets at whatever cost. You directed the Area Sales Managers to meet their respective targets while not engaging in the practice of unethical incentives to the doctors. They have communicated their concerns regarding their inability to meet the targets without provision of these perks and benefits. (a) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by you in this context? (b) Discuss the merits and demerits of the options available to you? Which of these will you choose and why? (c) What are the ethical alternatives available to the pharmaceutical sector to market their products? (Answer in 250 words)20","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Civil servants are usually considered as the behind-the-scenes operators of plans and policies of the government. Being the permanent executive, they are expected to work without getting into the limelight while it is up to the politicians to hog the limelight for their political ends. But in recent times, a trend is developing where civil servants, especially younger ones, have taken to social media to post their day-to-day activities on a regular basis. Some studies suggest that some of the officers have attained a level of popularity that does not trail too far behind celebrities and influencers in India. Most of these officers with social media presence argue that this helps them connect with the people and also inspire the younger generation. However, many senior civil servants strongly oppose such a trend. They believe that some of the content shared by such officers is excessively publicity-seeking, violates the 'principles' of the civil services, and may even be disadvantageous to their own career as well as the service as a whole. There have been calls from various quarters advising the young officers to desist from creating a filmstar like image of themselves. In this context, answer the following questions. (a) What are the ethical issues associated with the excessive use of social media by civil servants? (b) How can social media be effectively utilized by public officials? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"You are a young IAS officer and have recently joined as a Sub-Divisional Magistrate in a district, which has been declared 'open defecation free'. However, you get information that some villages in your sub-division are still continuing the practice of open defecation out of habit despite availability of toilets. Your colleagues in the district administration confirm that the information is true. You call the village headmen of these villages and tell them to persuade their respective villagers to stop open defecation. But, they express their unwillingness and inability to fully stop this practice, as in some cases they themselves consider it healthy to defecate in the open. You discuss this matter with the District Magistrate who forbids you from taking any official action, as this may cause the 'open defecation free' status given to the district to be withdrawn. As a young and dynamic officer, answer the following: (a) Why do people continue to practice open defecation even when they have access to toilets? (b) What are the options available to you as the Sub-Divisional Magistrate in this case? Highlight the merits and demerits of each option. (c) What will be your course of action? (Answer in 250 words)20","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3918,"topper":"Krati Raj","air":106,"year":2020,"paper":"Optional — Public Administration","optional":true,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1UEXZhbwEF5MVeglAlwhXoRzdX2Pp04v3","questions":[]},{"id":3919,"topper":"KRISHAN TIWARI","air":764,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/350/pttp221317_tc071-test-01-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3920,"topper":"KRISHAN TIWARI","air":764,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/351/pttp221317_tc072-test-02-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3921,"topper":"KRISHAN TIWARI","air":764,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/352/pttp221317_tc073-test-03-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3922,"topper":"KRISHAN TIWARI","air":764,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/353/pttp221317_tc074-test-04-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3923,"topper":"KRISHAN TIWARI","air":764,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/346/pttp221317_tc071-test-01-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3924,"topper":"KRISHAN TIWARI","air":764,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/347/pttp221317_tc072-test-02-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3925,"topper":"KRISHAN TIWARI","air":764,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/348/pttp221317_tc073-test-03-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3926,"topper":"KRISHAN TIWARI","air":764,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/349/pttp221317_tc074-test-04-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3927,"topper":"Krishna Goyal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/95003-45893392_3281_krishna-goyal_rank_300.pdf","questions":[{"page":21,"question":"\"OVER TOURISM IS LIKE PREPARING A DINNER PARTY FOR 12 AND HAVING 12000 SHOW UP\"","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3928,"topper":"Krishna Goyal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/KRISHNA_GOYAL_SS_ETHICS_MODULE_GS_4_TEST_2_AIR_300_88c1495c5f.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"\"As biotechnology blurs the lines between healing and enhancement, nature and design, the ethical foundations of science face unprecedented scrutiny.\" Critically examine the role of Bio Ethics in dealing with the ethical challenges posed by advancements in biotechnology. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"\"While economic and human capital are often emphasized in policymaking, it is social capital that sustains democratic institutions and inclusive development.\" Discuss the role of social capital in enhancing ethical governance, community resilience, and citizen participation. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"\"Integrity without objectivity risks moral absolutism; objectivity without integrity risks ethical indifference.\" In the context of public service, critically analyze how the dynamic interplay between integrity and objectivity shapes ethical decision-making. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"\"While Public-Private Partnerships promise efficiency and innovation, they often blur the lines between public interest and private profit.\" Critically examine the ethical issues involved in PPP models of governance. How can transparency, accountability, and equity be ensured in such collaborations, especially in essential sectors like health, education, and infrastructure? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context? a. Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever. — Mahatma Gandhi (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"In a country grappling with resource constraints, the vast surplus funds held by religious institutions raise pressing ethical questions about social responsibility.\" Critically examine the ethical, constitutional, and socio-cultural implications of utilizing surplus funds from religious institutions for public welfare purposes such as education and healthcare? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"\"Persuasion involves deliberate efforts to shape attitudes through reasoned argument, whereas social influence often operates subtly through conformity, peer pressure, or cultural norms. Both play a critical role in decision-making and public behavior.\" How can civil servants ethically employ both to bring about positive behavioural change in society? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"Despite significant investments and administrative reforms, public service delivery in India often remains poor in quality and accessibility. Critically analyze how socio-cultural factors interact with politico-administrative inefficiencies to perpetuate substandard delivery of public services. How can policy design and implementation be made more culturally responsive to address these challenges?\" (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"The rise of hybrid work models has redefined workplace ethics, blurring the boundaries between personal autonomy and professional accountability.\" Critically analyze the ethical challenges emerging from remote and hybrid work arrangements. How can organizations balance flexibility with fairness, trust with transparency, and productivity with employee well-being in the evolving work culture? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"\"Social audits and The Right to Information (RTI) Act are not merely tools of financial accountability, but instruments of participatory ethics that empower citizens to hold power to account.\" Critically examine the effectiveness of both of them in ensuring transparency, accountability, and ethical governance. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"\"While international funding aims to promote development, humanitarian aid, and global cooperation, it often comes embedded with political agendas, conditionalities, and asymmetric power dynamics.\" Critically examine the ethical challenges posed by international funding. How can global financial assistance be restructured to align with ethical principles of equity, dignity, and mutual respect? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":36,"question":"You are the Chief Compliance Commissioner at the National Startup Governance Board (NSGB)—a regulatory authority under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, tasked with ensuring ethical practices, board accountability, and investor transparency in India's startup ecosystem. Five years ago, \"EduNow\", an ed-tech startup founded by an alumnus of a premier college of India, was celebrated as a beacon of India's digital future. With a bold mission to democratize learning for rural students, it grew rapidly—partnering with schools, onboarding millions of users, and securing funding from global investors. But today, EduNow is imploding under the weight of governance failure. Auditors have resigned, citing withheld information, inflated revenues, and fabricated subscriber data. Several board members quit silently, without public explanation. Employees allege mass layoffs through WhatsApp, non-payment of dues, and coercion to sign NDAs in exchange for exit compensation. A leaked internal report reveals Personal expenses of the founder were booked as business expenses, Related-party transactions with shell companies owned by family members, Manipulation of user metrics to secure higher valuations in funding rounds. Despite these, the founder retains full operational control and is preparing for a new fundraising round, even considering an IPO. Meanwhile, a 27-year-old EduNow sales executive dies by suicide, allegedly due to unethical sales pressure and denial of salary for six months. His handwritten note, now viral, reads, \"I believed in the dream. But I was punished for asking for my salary. What future does honesty have?\" Public anger is erupting. Parents, students, and employees feel betrayed. Investors are distancing themselves. The media is asking tough questions. You are called for an emergency press conference in 6 hours. (a) As the Chief Compliance Commissioner, list your top five immediate ethical decisions. (b) Suppose the founder be forced to resign, and you are given the charge. What systemic changes that you would introduce? (c) Should companies that deliver public services (like EduRise in education) be subject to stricter governance norms than typical startups? OR Should startups be exempt from the same governance norms as large listed companies to encourage growth? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"You have recently been appointed as the Chairperson & Managing Director (CMD) of Bharatam Alloy Limited (BAL), a large but severely underperforming Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the Ministry of Heavy Industries. Once a symbol of India's industrial self-reliance, BAL is now grappling with Mounting operational losses, Outdated technology, Unmotivated workforce, Delays in salary payments, Poor customer satisfaction, Multiple failed modernization attempts. BAL's biggest plant is in a Tier-II town that heavily depends on the company for employment and local economy. Last week, an accidental furnace blast at BAL's facility injured 18 contract workers, 2 critically. The incident brought the company back into the media spotlight, triggering: Public protests led by injured workers' families demanding justice and permanent jobs. Employees' unions threatening indefinite strike, blaming mismanagement and unsafe conditions, Local politicians accusing you and previous leadership of criminal negligence, National media labeling BAL a \"black hole for taxpayers\" A PIL has been filed in High Court, demanding either privatization or shutdown of the PSU to stop further waste of public money. The Ministry asks you to submit a revival plan within 10 days but hints at disinvestment if no credible plan emerges. Workers want permanent employment for contract laborers, but BAL has no financial capacity to absorb them all. The Chief Safety Officer, in an internal report, reveals that preventive maintenance was ignored due to budget cuts. A private competitor has offered to acquire BAL, promising better technology and full job security for current employees—but with no guarantee for contract workers. Your spouse, a journalist, is being pressured by her editor to cover \"how you are the new face of PSU corruption\" in an exposé. Your own conscience is shaken after personally meeting the family of one injured worker who asked. \"Would your child work in this furnace if it ran like this?\" (a) Identify the ethical dilemmas. (b) What options are available before you? Write its merits and demerits (c) As CMD, what immediate and long-term steps will you take to address I. The accident and its aftermath II. Public Trust III. Financial viability of the PSU (d) Do you recommend absorbing all contract workers into permanent roles despite financial constraints? What would be your response if this were a private company? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"In recent years, India has witnessed an explosion of self-styled financial influencers, or \"finfluencers\" on social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter). These individuals, often without formal financial qualifications, offer stock market tips, mutual fund suggestions, crypto investment advice, and more to millions of followers. However, this unregulated space has now become a serious concern. A recent example involved a well-known finfluencer promoting a newly listed stock as a \"hidden gem.\" Thousands of people invested in it, causing its price to spike artificially. A few weeks later, the stock crashed, revealing that the finfluencer had received undisclosed compensation from the company's promoters to create promotional content — effectively making it a \"pump and dump\" scheme. This led to public uproar, loss of hard-earned money by common people, and an erosion of trust in online financial content. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) initiated an investigation but faced challenges due to loopholes in current digital regulation frameworks. Meanwhile, several other finfluencers continue similar activities unchecked. You are an officer in the Ministry of Finance, asked to look into this growing menace and propose policy and ethical safeguards (a) Identify and evaluate the key ethical issues involved in this case. (b) What steps would you suggest to ensure that financial influencers act with accountability and integrity? How would you balance the need for regulation with the right to freedom of expression? (c) What role can digital platforms and social media companies play in promoting ethical content? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Slums & Low-Income Areas in Urban Periphery where power is needed for cooling and Women are reporting rising cases of domestic violence and health issues due to heat stress. Infants and elderly are at highest risk. Migrant laborers from these areas serve the city and the industrial belt Farmers' protests are growing, with slogans like \"No power, no food\". A few have threatened suicide, reminiscent of a tragic incident last year. A viral video shows an elderly woman in a rural hamlet fanning her unconscious grandson due to heatstroke, saying, \"The government gave us electricity on election day. Now where is it?\" On the other hand, factory owners have warned of shutdowns and mass layoffs if power is cut for more than two days. The District Civil Surgeon pleads with you to not cut power to the city hospital: \"One failed ventilator could mean ten deaths.\" Political representatives from both rural and urban areas are blaming each other, and you are accused of bias no matter what you decide. The State Power Minister subtly suggests, \"We cannot afford negative media about failing industry. Make a practical choice.\" Your subordinate suggests cutting power to slums, saying \"They have no votes.\" Your own elderly parents live in one of the villages, and are facing the same crisis, but you're told not to show \"personal bias.\" (a) What are the ethical issues and conflicting duties involved in this situation? (b) If you had to rank these three sectors in priority, how would you do it and why? (c) Suppose a local TV channel offers you a platform to explain your decision. How would you communicate your choice ethically and transparently to a divided and emotionally charged public?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3929,"topper":"KRISHNA JOSHI","air":73,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/94c16-1554476_2320_krishna-joshi_rank_73.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3930,"topper":"KRISHNA JOSHI","air":73,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1020d-1554476_2321_krishna-joshi_rank_73.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3931,"topper":"Kriti Joshi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3b0ac-731399_2210_kriti-joshi_rank-274.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the significance of Central Asia for India, discuss the challenges in strengthening the Indo-Central Asian relationship. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the role that the Indian diaspora can play in the making of \"Aatmanirbhar Bharat\" (self-reliant India). Also, mention the challenges in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Stating the significance of trans-boundary river water management for India, discuss the emerging issues in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"UN Peacekeeping requires reforms to keep its operations fit-for-purpose. In this context, discuss the challenges faced by the UN Peacekeeping. Also, suggest reforms to improve its operations. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the role that space technology can play in strengthening India's border security. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What do you understand by hybrid warfare? Discuss India's preparedness in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Discuss how cryptocurrencies can become a tool of money laundering in India. Also, highlight the steps taken by the government in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"To display its commitment to achieve net zero emissions, India has incentivised the production of green hydrogen. In this context, discuss the prospects and challenges of a green hydrogen economy. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"S. Chandrasekhar was one of the greatest scientists of the 20th century whose prolific contributions spanned across astrophysics, space and mathematics. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"India's lunar missions, besides attesting to the development of space technology in India, have contributed significantly in exploring the lunar surface. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"There have been arguments that with the old global multilateral order failing to manage rising challenges, issue-based coalitions are gaining traction and have become the arenas of functional cooperation. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"India intends to achieve a balanced and optimal development of energy infrastructure in the South-Asian region through mutual understanding and cooperation. In light of this statement, discuss the need as well as existing gaps in South Asia's energy cooperation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Not only is the Indo-French bilateral relationship the key for unlocking the synergies with the European Union but it is also crucial for a sustainable and stable world order. Do you agree? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"A mix of internal and external factors poses security threats in North-East India. Discuss. What steps has the government taken to maintain peace and stability in this region? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the extent of the problem of narco-terrorism in India. What measures have been taken by the government to counter and control this problem? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"In light of the increasing security challenges faced by India, state the need for achieving self-reliance in defence manufacturing. Also, discuss the challenges in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"India faces a number of security threats and challenges that originate from the seas. Discuss. Also, give an account of the initiatives taken to strengthen the coastal security of India in recent times. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What is Gamma Irradiation Technology? Highlight its various applications, with special focus on food preservation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Recently, the WHO has declared antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as one of the top 10 global public health threats facing humanity. Comment. Also, discuss the measures taken to counter this threat in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"What are Hypersonic Weapons? Highlight their significance and discuss the challenges in their adoption and use. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3932,"topper":"Kriti Joshi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/48e74-731399_2208_kriti-joshi_rank-274.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"An effective approach to green budgeting is underpinned by strong strategic framework, tools for evidence generation and an enabling budgetary governance framework. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"State the need for circular economy in India and the challenges associated with it. Also, discuss the measures that are required to build a circular economy in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The Major Port Authorities Act, 2021, seeks to grant greater autonomy and flexibility to the major ports and professionalise their governance. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Increasing the share of rail freight in the overall modal mix could present a golden opportunity for India to shift to an efficient freight paradigm. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Investment in infrastructure is pivotal for accelerated and inclusive socio-economic development of a country. In this context, discuss the significance of the National Monetisation Pipeline. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discuss the need for a National Employment Policy in India. What should be taken into account while formulating such a policy? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Planning for the potential long-term impacts of climate change on agriculture needs to be prioritised to mitigate threats it poses to India's food security. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"In light of various issues being faced, discuss the need for a revamped and need-based PDS in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Analyse the need for shifting from presumptive land titling to conclusive land titling system in India. Also, highlight the hurdles in its implementation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What do you understand by methanol economy? Critically discuss its role in achieving India's energy security and economic prosperity. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"State finances in India present a worrying picture, with debt sustainability being a major concern. Discuss in context of the recent RBI report on state finances. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The Indian experience provides several lessons of an inclusive digital economy model that enables formal digital governance structure at a low cost and with easier access. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"To capitalize on its demographic dividend, India must create well-paying, high productivity jobs. In view of this, discuss the challenges in creation of such jobs in India. What policy measures can help in addressing these challenges? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Though Special Economic Zones (SEZs) can play a significant role in export promotion in India, they are struggling with multiple challenges. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Do you agree with the view that the mixed results of economic reforms in the last three decades can be attributed to the reforms being half-baked and incomplete? Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Dairying is a viable livelihood option for a large section of the population. In this context, discuss the significance, challenges faced and associated government initiatives for the dairy sector in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The imperative to increase farmers' income must shift to creating value chains and must not be reliant on the MSP regime and subsidy bias prevalent in the current Indian agricultural system. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Food processing industry provides a vital link between the two pillars of the economy, i.e. agriculture and industry. In view of this, examine the constraints faced by the agri-food supply chain system in India. Suggest suitable solutions as well. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Availability of adequate storage infrastructure has a direct bearing on agricultural yield and farmer's income. Comment. In this context, discuss the measures that can be undertaken to enhance India's agriculture storage capacity. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Owing to rapid depletion of water resources, there is an urgent need to increase water use efficiency. In this context, discuss the status of irrigation in India and challenges faced. Also, suggest suitable measures to address the challenges. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3933,"topper":"Kriti Joshi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/96c96-731399_1513_kriti-joshi_rank-274.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"In the context of protection of monuments, explain the role of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Also, comment on the challenges faced by ASI and measures taken to address these. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Tribal art has a huge potential for acting as an economic resource and a tool for socio-economic transformation of tribals in India. Elucidate. Also highlight the challenges in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Though the Government of India Act, 1919 proposed some radical administrative changes, it remained short of fulfilling aspirations of Indians. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Often deemed as the 'forgotten conflict', the Korean War had far-reaching implications. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Explaining the origin of earth's magnetism, discuss its significance with special reference to its interaction with solar particles. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discussing the challenges pertaining to dam safety in India, highlight the potential of Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project to address them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What is understood by Carbon Compensation Depth (CCD)? Discuss the implications of the rise in this depth due to anthropogenic warming as well. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"In view of demographic changes in recent decades, do you think India needs a two-child policy? Discuss in light of various strands of the debate surrounding this issue. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Globalization is incredibly efficient but has so far been incredibly unjust. Examine the statement in the context of developing countries like India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Despite organizational apathy from the Indian National Congress in its initial years, the working class in various parts of the country subsequently participated overwhelmingly in the nationalist movement. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Though some of his early measures restored faith among the Indians in the liberal tradition of England, Lord Ripon's tenure did not bring about significant changes in the conservative mindset of the colonial bureaucracy. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The New Social Movements in post-independence period made an important beginning in awakening the society against injustices and deepened the very notion of democracy in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What are the reasons for recurrent and often catastrophic wildfires in places like Australia and the United States? Are there any lessons to be learnt from these events by India? Explain adequately. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss why India needs a cross border flood management mechanism. Also, state the major issues in cross border flood management and suggest remedial measures in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Depletion of water resources in India is both a geo-climatic phenomenon as well as a result some short-sighted government policies. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the major lithospheric plates? How and why do these plates move? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"There exists a wide gap between the constitutionally professed secularism and its practice in India. Do you agree? Substantiate with relevant arguments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India spends less than one per cent of GDP on care work infrastructure and services. In view of the statement, explain how increased public investment in care economy infrastructure can be instrumental in meeting multiple policy objectives. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3934,"topper":"Kriti Joshi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d785a-731399_1988_kriti_joshi_rank-274.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Morality is neither divine commands nor universal principle of thought rather practices developed by groups of human beings striving to avoid mutually harmful conflict and promote mutually beneficial cooperation. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"\"Never do anything against the conscience even if the state demands it.\" In this context, discuss the role of conscience in taking ethical decisions in administration. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"\"While corruption is never good, not all forms of corruption are equally bad for the economy, nor do they cause the same kind of harm.\" Critically analyse the statement in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Explain different aspects of the 'right conduct' taught by Mahavira to attain a life full of happiness and content. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Analyze the significance of appointing ethics officers in the light of strengthening corporate governance in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What is the ethical basis behind the idea of reparations for historical wrongs committed against certain groups? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Gender inequality begins at home and then gets institutionalised at the societal level. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What do you understand by Integrity Pacts? In light of recent events, analyse their utility in ensuring transparency and efficiency in public procurement in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"For a public servant to fulfill his ethical obligations, it is important that there be no dichotomy between his personal ethics and public ethics. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The moral circle of humanity has been expanding constantly over time. Discuss in this context whether non-human entities should have the same rights as humans beings. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"Each individual is capable of transforming his immediate environment by attempting a radical transformation inside him\". – J Krishnamurti (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"Facts are many, but the truth is one.\" - Rabindranath Tagore \" , \" - (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"\"It may be expedient but it is not just that some should have less in order that others may prosper.\" - John Rawls \" \" - (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You are a single mother and work as a school counsellor for the psychological well-being of primary and secondary school children at a reputed school. Recently, you have found through your interactions that several students have been facing emotional trauma and mental health issues. Realising the gravity of the situation you want to discuss this with the school authorities and the board of trustees and come up with an advanced plan that can help parents get better involved. However, during the meeting, concerns are raised regarding your findings and the lack of supporting evidence is also cited by some. Moreover, senior members who are present express a sense of displeasure at what this might mean for the reputation of the school. You are thoroughly appalled with this approach of the school authorities, yet you are mired down in your own financial circumstances. On the basis of the above situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the most relevant stakeholders in the case. (b) What are the dilemmas in the case? (c) Discuss how stigmatisation of mental health issues can be addressed in schools. , - , , , , , : (a) (b) - ? (c)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Though discrimination on racial grounds is generally associated with Western countries, arguably similar notions of colour and racial discrimination are prevalent in India too. Many Indians are found to be obsessed for \"White\" skin tone as visible in matrimonial ads and popularity of whitening creams. They are also found to be more hospitable towards the white-skinned Europeans than the dark-skinned Africans. Even within the country, people can be found to be discriminating fellow countrymen on the basis of their skin tone. People from North-East India face frequent racial abuse and are referred to by various derogatory names. All these point towards racism being practised and accepted in India. Moreover, it is not considered a very serious issue as the anti-discrimination laws in India are not stringent enough to deal with hate crimes associated with racism. (a) In this context, discuss the ethical issues associated with the practice and acceptance of racial discrimination in India. (b) If you have been tasked to formulate a plan to combat hate crimes associated with racism in India and bring about an attitudinal change, what would be your suggestions?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are the Superintendent of Police of a city where a large slum has developed in recent decades on the property of Indian Railways. The Indian Railways has prepared a plan for expansion of the city railway station for which they want to get the slums demolished. They have requested the assistance of local police for the same, however, the people residing in those slums have responded angrily to this step and have occupied the railway tracks, resisting any action by the officials. Slum dwellers are asking for a suitable rehabilitation, citing that the city is under the grip of a cold wave as the month of December is in progress. This has not only halted the railway traffic on the route causing immense hardship to railway passengers but also posing risk of violence between slum-dwellers and the police. Given the situation (a) Identify various issues involved in the case along with different stakeholders. (b) What course of action would you follow to end this situation of confrontation and resume normal functioning of the Railways?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3935,"topper":"Kriti Joshi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c5dd2-731399_1837_kriti_joshi_rank-274.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain why altruism constitutes one of the core values in public life. In this regard, suggest some measures to foster altruistic behaviour in public services. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Certain actions can be right even though they do not maximize good consequences, for the rightness of such actions consists in their representing certain norms. Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"With the help of appropriate examples, discuss the ethical challenges involved in policing in India. Also, highlight the reasons behind corruption in the police force. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"A right combination of spirit and structure is integral to ethical corporate governance. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"It is not only public servants, but also the common citizens who play a key role in institutionalising high standards of ethical conduct and good governance. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Public administration in India suffers from the 'working-in-silos' culture. In this context, discuss the importance of cooperation, coordination and collaboration for efficient governance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"While emotional intelligence is an essential tool for a public servant, it can also be misused to manipulate people to act against their own interests. Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Social influence is an ambivalent concept. It can be a source for good, bad and even for evil. Discuss with the help of relevant examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Effective public service delivery demands a people-centric approach, which is built upon coordination and leverages technology. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Highlight the important teachings of Kautilya that are relevant to public services in 21st century India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.\" Nelson Mandela (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You have recently graduated from college and are now preparing for the civil services examination. While reading the newspaper, you come across a news report of a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), working for child rights, challenging a provision of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, in the Supreme Court of India. The said provision provides for the option of Children in Conflict with Law (CCL) to be tried as adults under certain circumstances. The NGO's plea is that children are not able to understand the gravity of crimes. It has also contended that the criminal acts committed by children are a reflection of failure of the society to take care of its children. In the context of this situation, as a young aspirant, answer the following questions: (a) What are the possible factors that can drive a child towards committing heinous crimes? (b) Is it ethical to punish children as adults rather than giving them a chance for reformation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"You are a CEO-founder of an edTech company. You are under tremendous pressure from the investors in your company to increase the profitability of the company and undertake downsizing. After making a few bad acquisitions, the company's finances have taken a huge hit in the last couple of years. The downsizing is suggested with the hope that the company's profitability would rise, as it often does when mass layoff or downsizing decisions are carried out. Moreover, the investors have hinted that such measures would attract further investment from them, which has come as a ray of hope considering the ongoing volatile market conditions and slowdown in big-ticket fundings. Given the situation, rumors of unscrupulous firing have started doing the rounds among employees. It has increased apprehensiveness and reduced cohesiveness among them. You have informed the investors that the cost cutting exercise can affect the output as well as reputation of the company in the long-run. However, they are adamant to pursue the same. (a) Identify the stakeholders and ethical issues involved in the case. (b) You and the HR team have identified some options and are deliberating to put them across to the investors for consideration. Discuss the merits and demerits of each of these: (i) Identifying key high performers and offering them suitable positions before implementing the layoff decision. (ii) Putting the terminated employees on retainer to work part-time. (iii) Executing the lay off order in the same spirit as it was asked by the investors and letting them deal with the long-term consequences. (iv) Improving the perception of fairness among the existing and terminated employees and moving ahead with the layoffs. (c) Without restricting yourself to the above options, discuss the course of action you will take, and provide adequate reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"There is an ongoing ethnic civil war in a neighbouring country. The conflict has caused massive displacement of people from the country. Ironically, the developed countries have closed off their borders to the refugees on account of the COVID-19 pandemic, resource competition, domestic politics etc. With countries sealing off their borders, the refugees are left in a vulnerable situation and many are taking illegal routes to enter your country. As a Senior Official of your country's Ministry of External Affairs, you have been involved in discussions with officials of other nations and are entrusted with the mandate to design a national policy to safely accommodate India bound refugees. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) Discuss the moral issues related to the rights of international refugees, especially those from conflict-torn regions. (b) What recommendations would you suggest given the large influx of refugees in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Social interactions where a person is addressed by their correct name and pronouns, consistent with their gender identity, are widely recognized as a basic and yet critical aspect of gender affirmation. A national university invited speakers for a discussion on rights of sexual minorities in India. The panel included speakers representing a wide variety of opinions and perspectives on the issue. The debates, though largely peaceful, witnessed a controversy. A college association representing sexual minorities took offence against a panellist who cautioned against self-identification by sexual minorities and the liberal use of pronouns. The association reached out to the media and the localised controversy soon turned into a national issue across news networks and social media. The association demanded that the panellist apologise for his views and issue a public statement in this context. The panellist, on the other hand, seemed unmoved by the issue. In the meantime, the University has come under huge pressure to resolve the issue. The Vice Chancellor set up a Committee to look into the matter and its peaceful resolution. You have been appointed as the Chairperson of the Committee. In this regard, answer the following questions: (a) Discuss the various moral issues involved in the case. (b) Keeping the right to freedom of speech and expression in mind, highlight the steps you would take to resolve the issue and list arguments in support.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"You are a young athlete representing India at an international-level competition. To your surprise, during the competition, you witness a few senior athletes injecting something using a syringe in private. When you approach them, they explain that it is a performance enhancing drug, which is very common in such competitions and you should take the same as well. You are aware that if these players get caught in a doping test, it may damage India's reputation. You are confused and afraid of the repercussions and decide to approach the coach to discuss the event you witnessed. However, you get to know that the athletes are taking the drug on the advice of the coach himself. (a) What would you do in this scenario? Discuss the options available to you and chart your course of action. (b) What are the reasons behind the use of performance enhancing drugs in competitive sporting events? How can this practice be minimized?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":55,"question":"You have been newly appointed as the District Magistrate of a district, which is known for its rich mineral deposits. Following the news being circulated in the media about the illegal mining in your district, you have initiated an enquiry into it. When the State's Minister of Mines and Minerals gets to know of the enquiry initiated by you, he directs you to name some junior government employees as being involved in the wrongdoing and make them scapegoats. He also points out that elections to the State Assembly are around the corner and the present government wishes to stay clear of any political corruption. This Minister is a very influential figure in the present regime and there are high chances of the present ruling party being voted back to power. In due course of the enquiry, it has come to your notice that the said Minister has also been involved in illegal mining through his cronies. The findings of the enquiry can affect the outcome of the elections as well as completely derail your career, if the incumbent party wins the elections, which looks very likely as per the polls. Answer the following with reference to this case: (a) Identify the stakeholders and the ethical issues in the given case. (b) Critically evaluate the options in the given scenario and state your course of action, giving reasons.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3936,"topper":"Kriti Tripathi","air":149,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/KRITI-TRIPATHI-UPSC-2023-Rank-149-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3937,"topper":"Kriti Tripathi","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/KRITI-TRIPATHI-UPSC-2023-Rank-149-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"What are the suitable conditions for the formation of a tropical cyclone? Also, bring out differences between a Tropical and an extra-tropical cyclone. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Explain the impacts of Himalayas on the climatic condition of the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"What are seismic waves? How do seismic waves help in understanding of internal structure of the earth? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Why is Antarctic becoming the region of human interest? Examine the significance of Antarctic Bill, 2022 in protecting India's interest in the region. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"How does India's eastern coast differ in geographical features from the western coast? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Blue economy offers an instrument to harness the maritime resources for sustainable development; however, it faces inherent challenges. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Favourable conditions have led to the growth of the IT industry in India, at the same time, unfavourable factors have led to its skewed concentration. Elaborate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Explaining the suitable conditions for temperature inversion, discuss its various impacts. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Account for the periodic shortage of coal in the country in spite of its relative abundance and recommend measures to address this problem. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite being rich in forest-resources, why do tropical regions have limited growth of the lumbering industry in comparison to temperate regions? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"All deserts are water deficit, but are formed due to different reasons. Discuss. Also, analyse various adaptations in the flora and fauna to survive the water deficit conditions. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"Describe the three-cell model of global atmospheric circulation. Examine its significance in explaining the world climatic patterns. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Compare the Continental Drift Theory and Plate Tectonic Theory. How does Plate Tectonic Theory explain orogenesis and volcanism? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Describe the various factors responsible for the formation of ocean currents and discuss their impact on different human activities. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"With the help of a map, explain the distribution and characteristic features of different types of forests in India. Highlighting the major causes of deforestation, suggest steps needed to conserve forest resource of the country. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"What is understood by air mass and fronts? Explain the different types of air masses and fronts along with associated weather patterns. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Renewable energy is becoming a beacon of sustainable growth in the long run; however, in the near future, fossil fuels are indispensable for energy security in the country. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Assessing the significance of mangroves in coastal ecology and economy, examine the reasons for their accelerated depletion. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Discuss the environmental impacts of destruction of urban wetlands and suggest measures to protect and conserve wetlands in Indian cities. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Projects for inter-linking of rivers are an attractive solution to multi-dimensional problems related to water management in the country. Explain. What are the various challenges and concerns in its execution? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3938,"topper":"Kriti Tripathi","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/KRITI-TRIPATHI-UPSC-2023-Rank-149-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"It is often said that politics and ethics belong to different worlds. What is your opinion in this regard? Justify your answer with illustration. Also, highlight the consequences of divergence between politics and ethics. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"\"Integrity is telling myself the truth and honesty is telling the truth to other people.\" Examine the importance of integrity and honesty for a public servant. Also, suggest measures to cultivate these attributes. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"\"Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.\" Discuss the importance of emotional intelligence in self-realisation. Do you think emotional intelligence can be learned? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"Human behaviour flows from three main sources: desire, emotions, and knowledge\"-Plato (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"There is a higher court of appeal than courts of justice and that is the court of conscience. It supersedes all other courts.\"-Mahatma Gandhi (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"Tolerance refers to the act of respecting conflicting / opposite views and gives space to freedom of opinion and expression\" - John F. Kennedy (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"In tandem with the individual merits of employees, the work culture of an organization also plays an important role in harnessing positive outcomes. Discuss the statement in light of the work culture in government organizations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What do you understand from conflict of interest? With the help of suitable examples, illustrate how it affects the working of public servants. In what ways can conflict of interest be minimised? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"Those who would give up essential liberty, to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.\" In the context of this statement, bring out the ethical issues involved with creating a surveillance state for the sake of national security. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"If corruption is a disease, transparency and accountability are essentially its antidote. Explaining the statement, evaluate various measures available to ensure transparency and accountability in the governance process. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"In your opinion, what qualities make a person a 'good person'? Do you think all good persons share similar traits or do their qualities change with 'stan, kal, patra' (place, time and role)? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":3939,"topper":"Kriti Tripathi","air":149,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/KRITI-TRIPATHI-UPSC-2023-Rank-149-MGP-Answer-Copy-Answer-Writing-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3940,"topper":"Kritika","air":312,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/KRITIKA-CHAUDHARYUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-312-Sample-ESSAY-COPY-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"MIRROR, MIRROR - WHAT DO YOU SEE?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"DOES THE MIRROR SHOW ALL THE IMAGES?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3941,"topper":"Kritika","air":312,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/KRITIKA-CHAUDHARYUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-312-Sample-MGP-COPY-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Q.1) Gangetic Plains are rich in alluvial & minerals transported from the Great Himalayas. Terai region is most fertile for agriculture & contributes to 48% agricultural productivity (Ministry of Agriculture).\n1) Ecological problems\n2) Demographic pressure\n3) Unskilled manpower","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":4,"question":"2) Differences between Eastern & Western Himalayas\n1. Presence of Trans-Himalayan ranges\n2. Height of mountains","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Q.6) Rare Earth Elements are the \"upcoming Gold\" of the world. With the rise of technological researches, the demand of Rare Earth Elements will rise multifold. \"Industry 4.0\" & \"Neural Artificial Networks\" are the modern industries for which Rare Earths are the Vitamins.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Why inter-religious marriages are uncommon\n1 Intersectionality of religion, gender & caste\n2 Cultural Norms\n3 Legal Processes\n4 Negative outcomes = punishment as a deterrent\n5 Stereotypes & Prejudices","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Q.10) Globalization has become a reality due to increased interrelatedness of supply chains which impact socio-cultural trends. Mahatma Gandhi said \"I want culture of any society to flow through my house but I refuse to be blown off my feet by it\".\n1) Trend of fast fashion\n2) Westernization of dresses & \"Jeans Culture\"\n3) Mall culture\n4) Sustainable fashion","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Q.12) Geomorphic agents cause denudation activities or depositional ones, leading to the formation of landmasses. While certain geomorphic agents cause diastrophic shifts, others may lead to swift orographic uplift.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"Q.14 FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR VARIATIONS IN OCEAN SALINITY","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3942,"topper":"Kritika","air":312,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/KRITIKA-CHAUDHARYUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-312-Sample-MGP-COPY-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"\"समावेशी संवृद्धि एक परिवेशीय विकास प्रक्रिया है जो कि आर्थिक वृद्धि के लाभों तक सभी की पहुँच हो।\" भारतीय संदर्भ में समझाइए।","marks":null,"words":"10"},{"page":5,"question":"Green Budgeting is an environmental management tool that ensures that government budgets contribute to environmental objectives. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"In your opinion, can privatization help in addressing these challenges?","marks":"10 Marks, 150","words":"10"},{"page":11,"question":"Q5 The MSME is an important component of India's economy. It is faced with a multitude of challenges. Discuss. Also, suggest measures to support the growth of MSME sector.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) A robust food processing sector can solve various issues plaguing Indian agriculture. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.1) Despite being a progressive tax, only a small part of the adult population files income tax returns, and an even smaller segment pays taxes. Explore the factors that contribute to low tax compliance in India. Additionally, discuss ways to improve direct tax collection in the country.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":18,"question":"Q.12) The HAM model amalgamating attributes of EPC and BOT, emerges as a pragmatic approach for advancing infrastructure development in the country. Explain.","marks":"15","words":"15"},{"page":21,"question":"Q36 Economic reforms of 1991 marked a significant leap forward for India's economy, ushering in a new era of liberalization, privatization, and globalization; however, as India marches towards Viksit Bharat (developed India), the need is felt for Reforms 2.0. Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":24,"question":"Q.14) Explain the significance of agricultural marketing in the country outlining the key challenges it faces. Suggest reforms for its improvement. (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Q6 Indigenization has been a major focus area in the defence sector. Discuss the key challenges faced by the country in indigenizing the defence sector and the steps taken by the government in this regard.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Q.16 Effective multimodal transport is key to reducing transportation costs, and minimizing environmental degradation and pollution. Elaborate. Also, suggest measures to enhance multimodal transport.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Q.36 The transition from the Green Revolution to Evergreen Revolution has potential for sustainable agricultural growth. In this context, examine the role of technology in Indian agriculture. What measures can be taken to accelerate this transition? (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3943,"topper":"Kritika Goyal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9cd2f-388004_2212_kritika-goyal_rank-14.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by 'constitutionalism'? Highlight various ways in which the Indian Constitution underscores this principle. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Competition Commission of India (CCI) effectively reflects a shift from the era of Licence Raj to a conducive regulatory ambience for enhancing consumer welfare by encouraging competition in the market. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Mention various initiatives taken for online delivery of judicial services in India. Also, discuss the challenges faced in their implementation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Bring out the similarities and differences in the Bill of Rights in the Constitution of the United States and Fundamental Rights in the Constitution of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"It is often argued that the implementation of The Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 has so far been tardy and ineffectual. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Explain the rationale behind the creation of a Social Stock Exchange in India. Do you think this move would boost social impact investing in the country? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The National Digital Health Mission (NDHM) has the potential to bring a new revolution in India's health sector in multiple ways. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"While participation of private sector in the higher education system of India is a necessity, it creates issues that need careful redressal. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Highlighting the significance of Central Asia for India, discuss the challenges in strengthening the Indo-Central Asian relationship. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the role that the Indian diaspora can play in the making of \"Aatmanirbhar Bharat\" (self-reliant India). Also, mention the challenges in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"A critical appraisal of the outcomes of the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act underlines the need for second-generation reforms to strengthen decentralisation of urban local governance in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"It is argued that unchecked and rampant exercise of the power to insert laws in the Ninth Schedule results in undermining of Constitutional supremacy and creation of Parliamentary hegemony. Do you agree? Justify your stand with logical arguments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Asymmetry is an important characteristic of federalism in India, which has helped in the accommodation of diverse demands inherent in our democracy. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"In India, the Finance Commissions are established pursuant to the constitutional mandate. In this context, do you think the State Finance Commissions have been effective in promoting fiscal federalism? Substantiate with arguments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Reduction in the overall size of the bureaucracy has been seen as the underlying idea behind civil services reforms. Is it a good idea to reduce the size of the Indian bureaucracy? Examine in light of the experience of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"There is a need to ensure better ethical standards, accountability and management of temples in India. Discuss in the context of issues associated with state intervention in management of temples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by feminisation of old age? Highlight the issues associated with it in the Indian context. Also, mention the measures taken by the government in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Given its impact on both individual resilience and the resilience of the economy, is there a case for strong universal social protection in India? Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"There have been arguments that with the old global multilateral order failing to manage rising challenges, issue-based coalitions are gaining traction and have become the arenas of functional cooperation. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India intends to achieve a balanced and optimal development of energy infrastructure in the South-Asian region through mutual understanding and cooperation. In light of this statement, discuss the need as well as existing gaps in South Asia's energy cooperation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3944,"topper":"Kritika Goyal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/dc106-388004_2211_kritika-goyal_rank-14.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The Cholas are inextricably linked with the zenith of Dravidian art and architecture. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Among the major legacies of the Indian freedom movement, civil liberties formed an important one. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The Berlin Conference of 1884-85 in many ways set the ground for the scramble in Africa. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"What is a cloudburst and what are its effects? Why are they more frequent in the Himalayan region? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Despite its potential, there are several challenges in the implementation of the Ken-Betwa Link Project. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Identify the issues related to production and supply of coal in India. How can these issues be addressed? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Present the geographical distribution of agro-based industries in India and discuss the challenges faced by them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The caste system continues to be one of the key drivers of poverty and inequality in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the issues faced by domestic workers in India, Also suggest measures that can be taken to empower them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Given the deeply gendered impact of population control measures, examine the need to rethink the current approach of population control measures in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Examine the impact of the Sramana tradition on the Vedic religion and its relation with the emergence of Jainism, Buddhism and Ajivika sects. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Giving a brief overview of the three Carnatic Wars discuss the factors that led to the success of the British against the French in the struggle for control over India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Provide an account of the issues that led to a crisis in Punjab in the 1980s. Also, discuss the roadmap to peace that was eventually adopted. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Post-drift theories based on ocean floor mapping provided new dimensions to the study of distribution of oceans and continents. Elaborate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Explain the phenomenon of heat waves. Also, enumerate the conditions favourable for the development of heat waves in India and their associated health impacts. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Providing an account of distribution of rainforests across the world, mention their key characteristics. Also highlight the threats that are being faced by tropical rainforests. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Indian cities are not only mimicking the social and cultural structures of inequality and exclusion found in rural areas but are also creating fault lines for future conflicts. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Examine the multi-dimensional impact of globalisation on tribal development in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3945,"topper":"Kritika Goyal","air":14,"year":2022,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/82c02-388004_2213_kritika-goyal_rank-14.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3946,"topper":"Kritika Goyal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3770e-388004_2214_kritika-goyal_rank-14.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The ideals of 'Dhamma' by Ashoka present key learnings on public morality. Discuss. Also, state their relevance for public servants. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Although bribery is illegal and counterproductive, public officials still demand bribes, and executives in the private sector remain tempted to pay up. In this context, discuss ways in which corporations can build a framework to eliminate the practice of offering kickbacks. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"It is argued that the Indian bureaucracy suffers from indecision and risk aversion. Do you agree? Justify with logical arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Although open and transparent governance has gained ground, do you agree with the view that there is merit in withholding some information from people? Justify your arguments with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"While it may seem restrictive, anonymity is one of the greatest strengths of the civil services. Comment in the context of growth of social media in recent times. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"A legally enforceable code of ethics for civil servants, which not only prescribes the ethical values they must display in their public life but also provides sanctions for violations of these values, is the need of the hour. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Examine the issue of foreign aid in global politics from an ethical perspective. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"There is a need for an effective climate governance structure within the broad framework of corporate governance. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"A well-developed Emotional intelligence is not only an instrumental tool in accomplishing goals, but has a dark side as a weapon for manipulating others by robbing them of their capacity to reason.\" Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The opportunities and threats created by emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) require leaders across business, government and civil society to understand the importance of values and ethics in technological development. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"All persons ought to endeavour to follow what is right, and not what is established.\" - Aristotle (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"It is compassion, the most gracious of virtues, which moves the world.\" - Tiruvalluvar, Kural (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"\"I understand democracy as something that gives the weak the same chance as the strong.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You come across a news report of a state 'X', which has a considerable number of school going children suffering from malnourishment. To overcome this, the state recently rolled out a policy to introduce eggs in mid-day meals in schools. However, some parents, teachers and a few religious groups have protested against the move. The report states that the Minister of Education of state 'X' has assured the public of a reversal in the policy. You are aware that this may be because elections are approaching in the state and the party in power may not want to antagonise a particular religious group, which is its key supporter. In light of this, answer the following: (a) Highlight the stakeholders in the given case study. (b) Examine the options available in the given situation. (c) According to you, what is the best course of action and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Capital punishment, or \"death penalty,\" is an institutionalized practice designed to result in deliberately executing persons in response to actual or supposed misconduct and following an authorized, rule-governed process to conclude that the person is responsible for violating norms that warrant execution. Punitive executions have historically been imposed by diverse kinds of authorities, for an expansive range of conduct, political or religious beliefs and practices, for a status beyond one's control, or without employing any significant due process procedures. Punitive executions also have been and continue to be carried out more informally, such as by terrorist groups, urban gangs, and mobs. For centuries in Europe and America, discussions have focused on capital punishment as an institutionalized, rule-governed practice of modern states and legal systems governing serious criminal conduct and procedures. In light of the above debate of capital punishment, answer the following questions: (a) What are the arguments in favour of and against having capital punishment in the criminal justice system? (b) Do you think capital punishment has a place in modern civilised society? Examine in the context of moral implications involved in awarding it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"An Indian company is active in the telecom sector and is the majority owner of a telecom company based in other geographies across the world. At one of its European headquarters, there emerged whistleblowing allegations that a local executive was bribing local government officials in order to obtain telecom cabling and construction contracts from the local government. The kickbacks were allegedly paid through a third-party consultant. More specifically, there were allegations that the executive, the third party, and a government official had some sort of business interest in common, possibly shareholdings in a limited company or the joint ownership of an undisclosed asset. The company is thought to be particularly close to the ruling dispensation in India and the news has now raised pressure to put its business operations in India under scanner as well. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the ethical challenges in the given case? (b) Identify the different stakeholders and their interests. (c) As the CEO of the firm, how would you respond to the given situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are the Chairperson of Staff Selection Commission of a state. Recently, an exam for recruitment to the position of sub-inspectors was conducted by the Commission. But a video of some students using hi-tech devices like spy-mics, and placing \"solvers\" to cheat in the exam by hiding bluetooth devices in wig, has been surfacing on the internet. Also, this is not an isolated incident; many instances of organized cheating scandals have shocked the state in recent years. Students are agitated and demanding cancellation of the exam and there is pressure on you to resign. However, your daughter had also appeared in this exam and is confident of clearing it. There are many other students who had waited for this exam for a long time and are hopeful of clearing it with honest efforts. Whatever decision the Commission takes is bound to affect the career of a large number of candidates who appeared in the exam, including your own daughter. (a) Highlight the ethical issues concerned in the case. (b) Why is cheating in examinations prevalent in many states across India? (c) What measures would you take to make sure that a similar situation does not arise in future?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Sunil has been posted as a DM in a hilly district which is vulnerable to several natural disasters. The district is known for a pilgrimage site and is frequently visited by tourists from all over India. The major occupation of locals therefore lies in the hospitality business. Unfortunately, after a few days of his joining, the district faced a major earthquake. It has led to high casualties and damages to the essential infrastructure such as roads and bridges. Both locals and tourists are trapped at different routes and locations. An international convoy of dignitaries from a neighboring country which has come to pay their obeisance at the pilgrimage site, is also trapped due to the disaster. Because of this, Sunil has to divert most of the available resources in the rescue operation of the foreign dignitaries. People are emotionally distressed due to the disaster, and delayed response from authorities to their needs has led to a law-and-order situation in the district. People from other states whose families are trapped and need immediate assistance are also getting restless and flooding the emergency helplines with complaints and requests. (a) Discuss the issues being faced by Sunil in the given scenario. (b) Mention a course of action that Sunil must take to maintain law-and-order as well as to expediate rescue operations of all concerned..","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"You are the Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district. One of your subordinates informs you that a girl has reached out to him and complained about a potential death threat to her and her boyfriend who belongs to another caste. Both the families are averse to their union. She has also informed that the local police station is neither filing any complaint nor giving her any assurance of protection. The girl belongs to the dominant caste of the region and her father is a prominent local leader of the party which is in power in the state. On further enquiry, you come to know that both the girl and her boyfriend are adults. They have moved out of the house and have started living together. This has further angered both the families and they are accusing each other of abduction. In the given scenario, answer the following questions: (a) Bring out the ethical dilemma faced by the you. (b) What would be a suitable course of action to resolve the issue? (c) At times, such instances lead to violence and may end up in honour killings. Discuss the reasons behind their social acceptance in parts of India despite the legal sanction against them.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3947,"topper":"Kritika Goyal","air":14,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9c188-388004_1837_kritika-goyal_rank-14.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3948,"topper":"Kritika Goyal","air":14,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1PnmPtUqTLgyx1FhpgcRcoPzQYJ9T4zz2","questions":[]},{"id":3949,"topper":"Kritika Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4b4c7-691621_1391_kritika-mishr_rank-66.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Enumerate important privileges enjoyed by each House of Parliament collectively and its members individually and also discuss their significance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Give an account of the composition and functions of the Finance Commission as mentioned in the Constitution of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Preamble shows the general purposes behind several provisions in the Constitution, and is a key to the minds of the makers of the Constitution. Explain. Also, comment on the amendability of the Preamble.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Explain the principle of subsidiarity, its importance and discuss how the 73rd constitutional amendment act tries to achieve it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Explaining the importance of an independent judiciary, highlight the relevant Constitutional provisions that safeguard and ensure the independent and impartial functioning of the Supreme Court.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Mention the six freedoms as guaranteed under Article 19 of the Indian Constitution. Also, comment on the way in which the constitution has attempted to strike a balance between individual liberty and interests of society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"With examples, discuss the significance of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in light of costly and time-consuming litigation process in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Explain why the Indian Constitution has been argued to have created a 'federation with a centralising tendency'.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"The parliamentary control over government and administration in India is more theoretical than practical. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Why did the Constituent Assembly replace the original plan to have elected governors in favour of appointment by the President? Also, bring out the arguments that are raised against the current form of appointment of Governors.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Explaining the concept of judicial activism, discuss why it is important for courts not to take over the functions of the legislature or the executive.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"Compare the constitutional position of Rajya Sabha with the Lok Sabha in terms of legislative powers. Also bring out special powers given to Rajya Sabha in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"Comment upon the distribution of legislative subjects between the Centre and states. Under what circumstances does the Parliament make laws on matters enumerated in the State list?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Explain the significance of the concept of 'separation of powers' in a democracy. What can be the reasons for India not following the doctrine in the strict sense?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"Explain the grounds on which a National Emergency can be declared and highlight its effects on Centre-state relations and Fundamental Rights.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"Analyze how the CAG ensures financial accountability of the Executive to the Legislature while working as an independent Constitutional body.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"Highlight the veto powers of the President of India. How does the veto powers of the Governor differ from that of the President?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"Even though the parliamentary system of government in India is largely based on the British parliamentary model it never became a replica of the British system. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"A number of judicial pronouncements and constitutional amendments have altered the balance between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy since the commencement of the constitution. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"Highlight the powers and functions of the Election Commission of India (ECI). Also, discuss the issues regarding the independence and impartiality of the ECI.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3950,"topper":"Kritika Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/48165-691621_1397_kritika-mishr_rank-66.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by good governance? Explain with special focus on characteristics of good governance identified by UNDP.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Mention the issues with the public healthcare system in India. How can these issues be addressed?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Explaining the concept of regionalism, elaborate on the different forms that regionalism has taken in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Highlight the major problems related to urbanization in India. What steps have been taken by the government in recent times to address these?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Explaining the importance of skill development for India, highlight the challenges related to it. What steps have been taken by the government in this regard?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Bring out the differences between the western concept of secularism and Indian secularism.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Analyse the role of civil services in a democracy like India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Examine the impact of globalization on Indian society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Mention the major focus areas for the Jal Shakti Abhiyan and highlight the strategies for its implementation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Mentioning the various forms of diversity in India, highlight the factors that facilitate unity amongst such diversity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Explain the reasons behind low participation of women in the labour force. How can the situation be improved?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Highlighting their significance, discuss the issues with Citizen's Charter in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Discuss the role of women's organisations in bringing about gender justice in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Literacy rates vary considerably across gender, regions and social groups in India. Elaborate. Also, suggest measures to improve the situation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Highlight the issues that the voluntary sector in India faces. How can these issues be addressed?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Analyse the potential of e-governance in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"What is social audit? Give an account of its significance and limitations in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Give an account of the challenges that the government has been facing in eliminating malnutrition in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Bring out the successes and failures of the Pre-conception and Pre-natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) PCPNDT Act, 1994.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3951,"topper":"Krupa A Jain","air":190,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/KRUPA-A-JAIN-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-190-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1 \"India's democratic roots are deeply embedded in its ancient civilizational ethos.\" Discuss in the context of India being referred to as the 'Mother of Democracy'.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Elucidate the significance of tiger and elephant figures in Indian mythology, art and architecture.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3 The arrival of Lord William Bentinck marked a period of transformation in the British Indian State. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Explain how the American War of Independence deprived Great Britain of one empire, but it strengthened the foundations of another.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 What are Rare Earth Elements (REEs)? Discuss the multi-dimensional implications of uneven distribution of REEs in the world.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6 Highlight the salient differences between the Himalayan and the Peninsular drainage Systems.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) Describe the nature and mode of origin of the main types of rock at the earth's crust.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8 The alienation of modern lifestyles from nature has contributed to the ongoing environmental crisis in India. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) What do you understand by the term 'urbanisation of poverty'? Also, explain how urban poverty differs from rural poverty in India?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) Globalization has redefined the idea of community and kinship in Indian society. Do you agree? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) The flourishing of various art forms during the Kushana period reflects the rich and diverse cultural landscape of the time. What insights does this provide into the socio-cultural aspects of that era?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) Trace the events that led to the Civil Disobedience Movement. What were its outcomes?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 Mahatma Jyotirao Phule's reformist ideas played a significant role in shaping the social foundations of the Indian freedom movement. Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 The interlinking of rivers offers several benefits, but also raises significant socio-economic and environmental concerns. Analyze.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15) Explain the concept of rain shadow effect. How does it influence the distribution of precipitation and vegetation across mountain ranges?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 Bring out the major features of the Indian monsoon and elaborate upon its causative factors.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 What are the geographical factors responsible for the growth of mangrove vegetation in India? Also highlight its role in coastal ecology.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 To what extent can the rise of 'Kidfluencers' be seen as a reflection of changing family structures and parental aspirations in Indian society?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Women often form the backbone of grassroots movements in India, yet they remain largely invisible and excluded from the decision-making process. Examine.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 Do you agree with the view that social media is a 'double edged sword'? Discuss in the context of its impact on Indian society.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3952,"topper":"Krupa A Jain","air":190,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/KRUPA-A-JAIN-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-190-Sample-MGP-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"2.1 To what extent, in your opinion, have the ideals of the Preamble been realised in the country's 75-year constitutional journey?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"2) The evolution of property rights in India reflects an intricate relationship that exists between individual rights and public welfare. Discuss this statement with the help of relevant constitutional provisions and case laws.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"3) Under what conditions can the 'National' Emergency be proclaimed by the President of India? What are the consequences when such a proclamation remains in force? When was it last imposed in the country?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"4) 'Lack of a binding framework for pre-legislative consultations in India limits citizen engagement in the lawmaking.' Propose measures to strengthen the role of public consultation in the legislative process.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"5) 'The recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission have enabled the States to improve their fiscal conditions.' Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"2.6) In what ways do industry and business associations contribute to socio-economic development in the country? Explain with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"2.7 \"India's poverty lies in the eyes of the beholder.\" In light of this statement, examine the need for a credible and periodically updated poverty estimation framework in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"8) The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 falls short of achieving its intended objectives. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"2.9 'Starved of funds, shackled by geopolitics, WHO is facing a crisis of capacity and credibility.' Discuss the statement in the light of USA's withdrawal and its accusation of the health body of being 'biased towards China and mishandling the COVID-19 pandemic'.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"2.10) The world continues to operate in a 'my terrorist' versus 'your terrorist' paradigm. Explain. What strategies would you suggest to develop a unified, comprehensive, and rules-based global approach to tackle the menace of terrorism?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"11 Briefly explain the procedure laid down in the Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1951 for the registration of political parties with the Election Commission of India (ECI). What are Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs)? What concerns are associated with them? Does the ECI have powers to de-register a political party?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) Assess the role of NITI Aayog over the past decade in promoting cooperative and competitive federalism.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"2.13 'The post of Deputy Speaker goes beyond ceremonial significance and is indispensable to Indian parliamentary democracy.' Discuss with relevant constitutional provisions and conventions. Also, examine the implications of the prolonged vacancy of the Deputy Speaker's post.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 Is the growing demand for stricter regulation of online content justified, or does it pose a threat to the right to freedom of speech and expression? Examine in light of recent judicial pronouncements.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"2.15 Critically examine the 'in-house procedure' adopted by the Apex Court to inquire into allegations of misconduct against judges of constitutional courts in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 Recent controversies over alleged malpractices in the electoral rolls have renewed demands for the mandatory linkage of Aadhaar with Voter ID. What is your opinion? Give reasons in support of your answer.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"17 Lateral entry into civil services is seen as a reformative step, yet it continues to attract criticism and controversy. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 While rankings aim to benchmark the performance of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), concerns remain about whether current ranking frameworks reflect the broader goals of education. Suggest measures to make the ranking system more objective, inclusive, and aligned with educational and societal outcomes.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"19) Examine the factors behind the growing salience of the Arctic region in international politics. Discuss, in this context, strategies for India to recalibrate its Arctic engagement.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 Bangladesh is a key pillar of India's Neighborhood First policy, but recent developments on both sides threaten to disrupt the 'Sonali Adhyay' in bilateral relations. Analyze.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3953,"topper":"Krupa Ajain","air":190,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/KRUPA-A-JAIN-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-190-Sample-MGP-Copy-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) Rising influence of money power in Indian elections poses a serious challenge to transparency, fairness, and democratic accountability. How can ethical electoral funding be ensured to maintain the integrity of democracy?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"3) Explain the key dimensions of ethics that influence human behaviour. How do these dimensions shape ethical decision-making in private life?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) \"Academic freedom is the bedrock of scholarly inquiry and intellectual progress.\" Examine the ethical issues that arise when educational institutions yield to political, social, or economic pressures and compromises academic freedom.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"3) Fortitude enables a civil servant to make difficult yet morally right decisions. Explain with reference to real-life examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) Given below are the three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context?\na) \"When learning is purposeful, creativity blossoms. When creativity blossoms, thinking emanates. When thinking emanates, knowledge is fully lit. When knowledge is lit, the economy flourishes.\" - Abdul Kalam","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"1) \"The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the world's problems.\" - Mahatma Gandhi","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"\"Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.\" - Dalai Lama","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"4) a) What do you understand by the term 'probity in governance'? Explain how probity acts as the foundation of ethical public administration.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"Starvation must not be used as a weapon of war.\" Yet, parties involved in conflicts often resort to the blockade of food and medical aid to civilians in conflict zones, deepening the humanitarian crisis. Powerful nations, despite their capacity to intervene, tend to prioritise strategic interests over humanitarian concerns. What ethical considerations should guide powerful nations in preventing such actions and ensuring unimpeded humanitarian access?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.5) a) What teachings of Mahavira are most relevant today and why? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"b) \"In contemporary times, social media platforms have emerged as powerful agents in shaping individual and societal attitudes.\" Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.6) a) What do you understand by the 'voice of conscience'? In what ways can you prepare yourself to listen to the voice of conscience?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"b) Effective utilisation of public funds is not merely an administrative requirement but a moral responsibility of those entrusted with public office. However, instances of funds allocated to government schemes lying idle or being diverted towards extraneous purposes continue to be reported across the country. Examine the reasons for under-utilization and mis-utilization of public funds and their implications.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7 A rail overbridge (ROB) is being planned in the capital city of a central Indian state. The project aims to reduce traffic congestion and ease delays at railway crossings, which affect thousands of daily commuters. It had been a long-standing demand of local residents, and the government approved it to address persistent traffic bottlenecks in the area. The project is to be executed by the State Public Works Department (PWD), with a strict completion deadline of one year i.e. 31st July 2026. The PWD Minister, who is also the local MLA, is scheduled to inaugurate the project in the third week of August 2026. This is planned to take place shortly before the expected announcement of state elections. Ramesh has been selected as the project manager of this prestigious assignment on the basis of his professional competence and experience.\n\nWhile reviewing the approved design plans in preparation for execution, Ramesh identifies a serious flaw. The proposed alignment includes a sharp 90-degree turn, incorporated due to spatial constraints between an electrified railway line on one side and ongoing metro construction on the other. From a technical standpoint, Ramesh believes the design is unsafe. It increases the risk of vehicular accidents, especially for heavy vehicles, and may lead to long-term inconvenience for road users.\n\nRamesh promptly raises the issue with the Chief Engineer. However, the Chief Engineer overrules the concern. He states that the General Arrangement Drawing (GAD) has already been approved by the Bridge Engineering Department, in coordination with Indian Railways. He points out that revisiting the design at this stage shall result in project delays, increased expenditure, and unwanted political attention.\n\nSubsequently, Ramesh comes to know that the contractor awarded the tender to execute the project is a close relative of the PWD Minister. He also receives unofficial communication suggesting that his promotion to Additional Chief Engineer is under active consideration, but could be jeopardised if he creates \"unnecessary hurdles\" in the project's timely completion.\n\nThe incumbent state government is eager to complete the overbridge before the elections and present it as a major developmental achievement. This adds to the pressure on Ramesh to expedite project execution without raising further objections. Nonetheless, he remains convinced that the current design is flawed and could have grave implications for public safety if left unaddressed.\n\nMeanwhile, the bridge design has also attracted widespread public attention after being published in a leading local newspaper. Images of the sharp 90-degree turn went viral on social media, drawing criticism and ridicule. Several engineering experts have publicly flagged the alignment as a potential safety hazard, reinforcing Ramesh's concerns.\na) Under the given conditions, what are the options available to Ramesh as a project manager?\nb) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Ramesh?\nc) What are the professional challenges likely to be faced by Ramesh and his response to overcome such challenges?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":30,"question":"a) दी गई परिस्थितियों में, एक परियोजना प्रबंधक के रूप में रमेश के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nb) रमेश को किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\nc) रमेश को किन व्यावसायिक चुनौतियों का सामना करना पड़ सकता है तथा ऐसी चुनौतियों पर नियंत्रण पाने के लिए उसकी क्या प्रतिक्रिया होनी चाहिए?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.8) Srushti is a young and dynamic IPS officer, posted as Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in a communally sensitive district. Her husband, Arjun, is an IAS officer and posted as Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in the same district. Both are honest, sincere and deeply committed to their work. They have a daughter who is just four months old, and is looked after by a domestic helper. Srushti resumed duty just two weeks ago after six months of maternity leave.\n\nAt 9 PM on Saturday night, Srushti is in her office reviewing the security arrangements with her team for an upcoming local festival. The situation in the area has been tense throughout the week due to a flare-up between two communities over a petty issue. Around 9:30 PM, she gets a call from the Superintendent of Police. He asks her to prepare a detailed law and order brief for a high-level meeting the next morning.\n\nSrushti reaches home at 10 PM, feeling exhausted. She has not been getting proper sleep during the week due to frequent night patrolling. Arjun also returns around the same time after a long day in the field. Their daughter has been unwell and cried through most of the previous night. Arjun expresses concern about Srushti's heavy workload and the baby's condition. He tells her that she can not keep pushing herself like this and that the child needs more of her attention. Srushti replies that she cannot afford to step back. She adds that people are already judging her and questioning her commitment to work for availing maternity leave. The conversation gradually turns into an argument. Arjun feels Srushti is ignoring her health and family, while Srushti feels judged and unsupported.\n\nLater that night, as Srushti sits at her desk preparing the report, she pauses and reflects on the purpose of her work. She had joined the IPS to serve the people and protect the vulnerable. But now, she wonders if she is being fair to her own child and family. Even as recently as last week, she had to cancel the family dinner as she had to attend an urgent meeting at the SP office. She also feels the weight of expectations. Male officers with children are rarely questioned. But as a new mother, she is constantly under scrutiny. Many in the department believe that women, especially new mothers, are not suitable for field duty.\n\nSrushti starts thinking about her options. She knows that whatever decision she makes will not only impact her own future but also influence the expectations placed on other working mothers in uniform.\na) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\nb) Evaluate the options available to Srushti in the above situation.\nc) What suggestions would you make to help officers like Srushti maintain a healthy work-life balance.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"a) उपर्युक्त मामले में नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\nb) उपरोक्त स्थिति में सृष्टि के लिए उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nc) सृष्टि जैसे अधिकारियों को स्वस्थ कार्य-जीवन संतुलन बनाए रखने में मदद करने के लिए आप क्या सुझाव देंगे?\na) उपर्युक्त मामले में नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\nb) उपर्युक्त स्थिति में सृष्टि के लिए उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nc) सृष्टि जैसे अधिकारियों को स्वस्थ कार्य-जीवन संतुलन बनाए रखने में मदद करने के लिए आप क्या सुझाव देंगे?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":40,"question":"Q.9 A reputed Indian beauty & personal care company developed a herbal skin cream for the international market, claiming anti-ageing and skin-repair properties based on traditional Ayurvedic formulations. After obtaining the necessary approvals and export certifications, the company began exporting the product. The product received widespread positive feedback for its quality and natural formulation, and soon became a huge hit in international markets. Riding on this success, the company announced that the product would soon be made available to domestic consumers, with almost the same quality and health benefits.\n\nSubsequently, it secured approval from the domestic regulatory authority and launched the product in the Indian market. Over time, the brand gained a significant share of the domestic market and earned substantial revenues both nationally and internationally.\n\nHowever, during a random sample check, officials discovered that the cream sold in India differed from the version approved by the competent authority. The product failed to meet the claimed herbal composition and purity standards. Further investigation revealed that the company had often been distributing batches that had failed export quality checks.\n\nThe incident triggered widespread public criticism and regulatory scrutiny, leading to a sharp decline in the company’s reputation and financial performance.\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\nb) What actions should the competent regulatory authority take against the personal care company for violating domestic quality standards and distributing rejected export batches in the Indian market?\nc) What course of action is available to the company to manage the crisis and restore public trust and brand credibility?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Q.10 A forest fire has broken out in a hilly district and is rapidly spreading toward an eco-sensitive area that includes four villages (ESA villages). These villages lie along the forest fringe and are surrounded by difficult terrain. The region is known for its biodiversity and traditional forest-based livelihoods. The inhabitants of these villages are mostly poor tribal communities, dependent on forest resources for their sustenance.\nYou, as the District Magistrate of the area, have rushed to the spot with a medical team, police personnel, NGOs, media, and support staff to oversee the rescue and containment operations. Your disaster response team on the ground is small and poorly equipped. Reinforcements from the district headquarter have been requested, but they may take several hours to arrive due to the remoteness and challenging terrain.\nIn the meantime, a group of trained ex-forest guards and local youth from the villages offer to help. They are experienced and familiar with the area. However, existing government rules do not permit the engagement of unofficial personnel in fire control operations without formal clearance and insurance coverage.\nYour team members are divided on this issue. Some members argue that volunteers should be engaged immediately to prevent the fire from spreading. Others caution that involving them without proper approval and safety cover could be risky and against protocol.\nAs the District Magistrate, you are also the Chairperson of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA). The fire is spreading at a very rapid rate, and immediate action is required to protect lives, property, and the environment. You are now in a dilemma.\na) What are the options available to you?\nb) Critically evaluate each of the options identified by you.\nc) What option would you adopt and why?\nd) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by you?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"(a) and (b) (a) Options available and their critical evaluation and (b)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"Q.11) In one of the government primary schools located in a rural block of a district, the newly appointed headmistress observed an unusual practice. The school had been preparing and serving mid-day meals separately to students belonging to different communities. Although the meals were cooked using a common gas connection, separate utensils, cooking areas, and serving arrangements had been in place for more than two decades. Students from the two communities had their food cooked and served by different cooks and ate in separate classrooms, despite attending classes together.\nAfter taking charge, the headmistress decided to discontinue this practice. She directed that food be prepared and served together for all students, using a common kitchen and utensils. However, the decision triggered backlash. A considerable number of parents across communities vehemently opposed the move and stopped sending their children to school. Consequently, attendance fell by almost 60 percent. This also raised concerns regarding the possible discontinuation of the mid-day meal scheme, withdrawal of teaching staff, and even closure of the school due to falling enrolment. The issue has attracted attention from various political and social groups attempting to further polarise the situation and serve their vested interests.\nMarpi Apang, the District Education Officer (DEO), has been tasked by the Deputy Commissioner's office to amicably resolve the matter at the earliest. She has also been directed to submit a detailed report along with the Action Taken Report within a fortnight.\na) Identify the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb) What course of action should Marpi adopt and why?\nc) What should be the responsibilities of different social segments and agencies to create positive social ambiance for accepting such changes?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"Q.12 You are a Municipal Commissioner of a tier-2 city experiencing rapid urban expansion. Several high-rise residential and commercial buildings are under construction in the city to meet the growing demand for housing. One such luxury residential complex is being built, employing hundreds of daily-wage labourers, many of whom live in temporary settlements at the construction site. Late one night during the monsoon season, a large section of scaffolding and concrete slabs collapses from the upper floors of one of the under-construction buildings. Seven labourers, including two minors, die on the spot. Several others are critically injured and rushed to the hospital. The tragic incident results in public outrage, intense media scrutiny, and protests by a local NGO. The state government orders a formal inquiry and directs you to submit a report within a week. Your preliminary investigation reveals a series of irregularities. The construction material used is substandard and not in accordance with the National Building Code. Although the approved plan permits construction of fifteen floors, the builder has illegally added two extra floors. Moreover, the structure has encroached on land demarcated for a community park and a fire service lane under the city's Zonal Development Plan. These violations are not reported during site inspections conducted by the building inspector of the municipal corporation. The building clearance was granted during the tenure of your predecessor, who is not only your batchmate but also a close friend. Both of you were roommates during your training at LBSNAA. Prima facie, the case appears to involve a widespread nexus between officials of the Municipal Corporation and the builder. Your colleagues are putting pressure on you to go slow in the inquiry. Some of them suggest that holding the builder accountable could damage the city's image among investors and slow down urban development. Meanwhile, you come to know that the builder is the younger brother of a powerful minister in the state cabinet. One evening, his personal aide visits you privately. He suggests that the matter could be “mutually settled” and offers you a premium apartment worth ₹2 crore in the same residential complex. In the same breath, he hints that if the matter is not resolved swiftly in the builder's favour, someone in his office is prepared to file a complaint against you under the SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\nb) What are the options available to you in this situation?\nc) Explain your selected course of action.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":56,"question":"a) मामले में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा करें।\nb) इस स्थिति में आपके पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध है?\nc) अपनी चुनी हुई कार्यवाही का विवरण दीजिए।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"}]},{"id":3954,"topper":"Krupa Jain","air":190,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/KRUPA-A-JAIN-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-190-Sample-ESSAY-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.\n2. The civilisation that doesn't adopt modern technologies becomes extinct.\n3. Data without wisdom and innovation without ethics are dangerous tools.\n4. The doubter is a true man of science.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"1. The empires of the future will be the empires of the mind.\n2. Responsibility is the invisible thread that holds freedom together.\n3. You may not be able to do everything, but do something.\n4. Behavior is the mirror in which everyone shows their image.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3955,"topper":"Krupa Jain","air":440,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-h1YL1HoWhzZ5eoqinrIlckht5D0ixV6/view","questions":[]},{"id":3956,"topper":"Kshitij Aditya Sharma","air":58,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/ESSAY_PROGRAMNE_T_1_KSHITIJ_ADITYA_SHARMA_AIR_58_0643ba10fd.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3957,"topper":"Kshitij Aditya Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5292b-45933652_2905_kshitij_aditya_sharma_rank_58.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain why there has been no improvement in the operating ratio of the Indian Railways despite the marked increase in its capital expenditure. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Examine the relationship between human capital and economic growth. Discuss the issues affecting human capital formation in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss how India can increase access to green financing to achieve its climate targets and support sustainable development? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What is the status of adoption of Decentralized Renewable Energy (DRE)? Examine the challenges faced in its adoption. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"India, the world's largest producer and consumer of pulses, ironically relies on imports to meet its demand. Examine the major reasons for this imbalance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Why is resource efficiency and circularity significant for a developing country like India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How can India harness the capabilities of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to enhance its approach to disaster planning, mitigation, and response? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the contribution of M.S. Swaminathan to scientific research and technological innovation in Indian agriculture. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the security threats arising out of deepfake technology. Suggest measures that are needed to tackle these threats. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What is the role played by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) in safeguarding the maritime security of India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss the hindrances that India faces in following the path of labour-intensive manufacturing to generate employment for the rising working age population. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"What is middle-income trap? How can India prevent itself from falling in the trap? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Why are land titles in India unclear? How can clear land titles provide an impetus to achieve India's socio-economic goals? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"How has digitization of Public Distribution System (PDS) emerged as a panacea for various challenges faced by the PDS in India? Comment on the potential of 'SMART-PDS' initiative in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Mention the challenges in landslide mitigation and prevention in India. How can the National Landslide Risk Management Strategy strengthen and mainstream landslide disaster preparedness and mitigation? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Why is there a need to move towards net zero emissions? What strategy has India adopted to achieve the net zero target? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What are the advantages and challenges associated with the adoption of precision medicine in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the foundational principles of Web 3.0 and the key technologies on which it is based? State its potential benefits. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Traditional anti-money laundering (AML) tactics are proving inadequate due to the complexity of financial transactions and the criminal use of technology. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How can infrastructure development in the border areas be a game changer not only in terms of border security but also for the development of the region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3958,"topper":"Kshitij Aditya Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/24655-45933652_2363_kshitij_aditya_sharma_rank_58.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What were the various modes through which Indian culture spread abroad in the ancient period? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Colonial economic policies, driven by capitalist imperatives, created and even exacerbated the conditions for famines in India. Explain with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The civil liberties enjoyed in India today are a direct reflection of the political values and ideals of the Indian National Movement. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What are the factors that have kept the multi-decadal conflict between Israel and Palestine raging even in contemporary times? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Why is there a prominence of local winds in regions around the Mediterranean Sea? How do they influence regional climates and the lives of local populace? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Explain the positive environmental impact of cyclones on ecosystems and geographical areas. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Explain the concept of 'resource curse'. Do you think over dependence on a single resource can hinder a country's development? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Identify the causes of water crisis in India's mega cities such as Chennai, Bengaluru, etc. Suggest remedial measures to overcome this crisis. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Analyse the role of the state and market forces in understanding the changing family system and norms in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"With a decline in chronic poverty but a rise in vulnerability among the newly non-poor, how can India restructure its social protection systems to address both emerging and persistent challenges effectively? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Explain the contribution of Sangam literature in providing political and socio-economic insights into the Tamil region and beyond. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Discuss the significance of symbolic language in Buddhism with special emphasis on animal symbols. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"How did the First World War bring in social and economic disruptions for nearly all sections of the Indian society and lead to mass mobilisation for the independence struggle? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What are the challenges faced in milk production in India? How can India bring about White Revolution 2.0? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"How does climate change impact tropical rainforests worldwide? What measures can be taken to safeguard them from detrimental effects of climate change? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Mention the key factors responsible for the emergence of industrial clusters in India. What benefits do enterprises gain from operating within these clusters? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What are the reasons behind India's underperformance in the textile sector compared to its competitors? How can India become competitive in this labour-intensive Industry. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"With around 20% of India's population expected to be over 60 years old in 2050, do you think it is the right time for India to embrace the concept of 'silver dividend'? What measures should India take to reap the benefits of this dividend? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"How has technology enabled women to overcome patriarchal constraints and expand their engagement beyond traditional roles in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Do you think that regionalism in India has mainly been a result of existence of multiple distinct linguistic identities? Discuss with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3959,"topper":"Kshitij Aditya Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/54eea-45933652_2903_kshitij_aditya_sharma_rank_58.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Indian vernacular literature is a reflection of regional identities, aspirations, and histories. Elaborate with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"How did the motivation of the British East India Company to commercialize Indian agriculture affect the rural economy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The partition of India was a violent separation of communities who had hitherto lived together. In light of the statement, discuss the difficulties faced by refugees in the process of partition. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The type of magma not only decides the shape of a volcano but also its explosive nature. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Examine the effectiveness of managed retreat as a strategy for coastal urbanization in the face of sea-level rise and environmental challenges. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"State the potential sites for geothermal energy in India. Why is India still at a nascent stage of utilization of geothermal energy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Why is resource efficiency and circularity significant for a developing country like India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the changes in the pattern of division of labour in the Indian family system. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Tracing the development of bronze casting in India, examine why the Chola bronze sculptures are considered as the most refined. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Comment on the nature of disagreements between Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore during the course of the Indian freedom struggle, which shaped the core principles of Indian democracy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The First World War represents a turning point in African history with profound consequences for its colonized nations. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What are the problems associated with the sugar industry in India? Can the rising demand of ethanol help in ensuring its sustenance? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the impact of receding ice-caps in the Arctic region on the global climate, marine ecosystem, and the global economy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Outline the characteristics of the climate and vegetation in the equatorial region. How do they affect the overall development of countries lying in this region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Discuss the impact of globalization on existing social exclusions in India. How does it result in new forms of exclusion? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Do you think that commercialisation of festivals in India has overshadowed the social significance of these events? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"What was the basis of formation of regional identities in the early years of independent India? How did economic factors in the later decades influence regionalism? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3960,"topper":"Kshitij Aditya Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/KSHITIJ_ADITYA_SHARMA_GS_PAPER_GS_1_T_1_AIR_58_edfac45646.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"'Cave paintings are the window into the aesthetic sensitivity and creativeness of ancient humans.' Discuss the statement with reference to ancient Indian cave paintings. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Evaluate the role of subsidiary alliance policy in turning 'the British Empire in India' into 'the British Empire of India'. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Mass nationalism was a watershed in the Indian freedom struggle towards independence. How did the Indian Business community react to it? Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Do you agree that non-alignment adopted after independence formed the bed-rock of Indian Foreign policy. Substantiate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Colonial legacy is the primary source of political instability in the African Continent. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Sustainable urban development needs mindful reassessment of land use patterns. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Socio-cultural factors more than economic factors influence women migration patterns in India. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the significance of the IT industries in promoting regional development in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"‘Partition was a necessary evil to get rid of British rule and prevent a complete breakdown of law and order.’ Analyse. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"To what extent urbanisation has influenced the social hierarchy in Indian society? Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Globalisation expanded the market opportunities for goods and services beyond domestic territories. Discuss the effects of globalisation on the Indian craft industry with examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Rise of communalism in secular India threatens the social fabric and public order. Discuss the measures to contain the spread of communalism. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Describe the distribution of major palm oil producing countries. Also, indicate the major environmental issues faced by them. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Discuss the importance of water as the chief architect of the earth surface. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"'Tropical rainforests of the ocean are under serious threat of existence.' Discuss. Also, suggest measures to rejuvenate these critical ecosystems. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Explain the reasons for geographical concentration of ozone holes. What are the remedial measures to ozone depletion? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"'Global warming increasingly contributes to extreme weather events.' Examine the statement with special focus on recent events of natural hazards in the Indian subcontinent. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3961,"topper":"Kshitij Aditya Sharma","air":58,"year":2024,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/be3a4-45933652_2365_kshitij_aditya_sharma_rank_58.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3962,"topper":"Kshitij Aditya Sharma","air":384,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/KSHITIJ-ADITYA-SHARMA-UPSC-2023-Rank-384-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3963,"topper":"Kshitij Aditya Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/KSHITIJ_ADITYA_SHARMA_GS_PAPER_GS_2_T_2_AIR_58_5a44780309.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the role of the Department Related Standing Committee (DRSC) system in improving parliamentary effectiveness. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Presence of multiple parastatals erodes the autonomy of Urban Local Bodies. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The provisions under Article 360 remain a dead letter even during the worst economic crisis. Analyse. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"'Unique blend of flexibility and rigidity distinguish Indian constitution from that of the US constitution.' Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the role of microfinance institutions (MFI) in rural financial empowerment in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Do you agree that the Aspirational District Programme has emerged as a template for good governance? Substantiate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Rising informality in employment raises the concern for social security. Discuss the statement with reference to platform workers. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Demographic transition demands renewed focus on healthcare intervention patterns. Discuss the statement in the light of geriatric health in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"'Funding remains a major limitation for the effective functioning of multilateral organisations.' Discuss the statement with reference to the functioning of UNESCO. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"How will the BBIN grouping promote regional integration in South Asia? Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"'Financial resources of the centre are elastic and substantial while that of the states are inelastic and inadequate.' Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"\"Supremacy of the constitution requires all ordinary laws to conform to the constitutional law.\" Discuss the statement with reference to judicial review in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"'The delimitation process creates a wedge between representative democracy and federalism.' Examine. Also suggest measures to address the concerns of federal units. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Examine the impact of recent changes to the election commissioners' appointment process on autonomy and independence of the election commission. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"'Without performance targets, the civil service degenerates into a closed priesthood with no accountability.' Discuss the statement with reference to the Mission Karmayogi. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The Forest Rights Act, 2006 was a historic effort in doing justice to the tribal community.' Evaluate the status of its implementation and suggest measures for improvement. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by India Stack? Discuss its role in good governance and improving ease of living. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"'You can change our friends but not neighbors.' In the light of the statement, examine the relevance of Gujral doctrine in India's Foreign Policy. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Examine the objectives of the Indian Ocean Rim Association. What importance does it hold for India's strategic interest? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"What are the strategic challenges to the global economy in active decoupling from China? How will it benefit India's economic growth prospects? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3964,"topper":"Kshitij Aditya Sharma","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/KSHITIJ-ADITYA-SHARMA-UPSC-2024-Rank-58-MGP-Sample-Copy-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) Investment in infrastructure is a precursor to social and economic transformation; however, the focus on economic gains must not marginalise the concerns for safety. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) What do you understand from Green growth? With special reference to the budget 2023-2024, discuss various government measures to propel green growth in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q3) Project cheetah marks a departure from India's efforts for conservation of various critically-endangered species. In this perspective, do you think the reintroduction of major fauna that has gone extinct is justified?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4 In what ways can precision agriculture become a panacea for multipronged challenges plaguing the agriculture sector? Discuss. Also, analyse various impediments in widespread adoption of precision farming in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) What are the reasons for increasing emphasis on the horticulture sector in recent years? Evaluate government measures for the development of the horticulture sector.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6 Unplanned urbanization has made Indian cities vulnerable to fire safety hazards. Discuss and recommend measures for mitigating urban fires, with special reference to national building code, 2016.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) DPI (Digital Public Infrastructure) is indispensable for digitally enabling citizens and businesses; however, the challenges of exclusion, exploitation, and monopolisation cannot be ignored. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) Assess the relevance of the NISAR mission in observing and managing climate change and natural hazards.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) Defense indigenization remains the Achilles heel of India's security architecture. Examine the importance of startups in defense sector to make India secure and self-reliant.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 Edge in modern warfare lies not so much in the capacity to overwhelm the adversary as much in the ability to nip the threat in the bud. In this context, discuss the role of intelligence in maintaining national security, and also cite challenges associated.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 Labour and export intensive industries are key to problems of jobless growth. In this perspective, analyse the opportunities and challenges associated with the textile sector.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 In an era of interconnected challenges, the emerging global polycrisis poses significant implications for India's macroeconomic stability. Examine and suggest measures to make the Indian economy more resilient to global shocks and challenges.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13) Do you think the low Female Labor Force Participation Rate presents a correct picture about the 'working women' in India's economy? Give reasons in support of your answer.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 Across sectors and regions, the most marginalised sections are also the most affected by the impacts of climate change. Explain. Also, present a case for a climate resilient model of development that integrates mitigation and adaptation measures.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Despite the potential to check the triple whammy of nutritional deficiency, environmental degradation, and receding farm incomes, the adoption of Millets has been abysmally low. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 A link between unorganized farming community and formal industrial sector, Food Processing Industries (FPI) can play a key role in advancing the rural economy. Evaluate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17) A multi-sectoral and multi-tiered process, Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) is beset with a plethora of constraints. Identifying these constrains, recommend measures for building a robust DRR strategy.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 What do you understand by generative Artificial Intelligence (AI)? How can policymakers and regulatory bodies effectively address the concerns and challenges posed by generative AI?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Though ethnic fault lines are a major threat, security challenges in the North-East are not confined to the same. Discuss the statement with special reference to Manipur.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20) Critically examine the role of development initiatives in addressing the root causes of militancy/terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3965,"topper":"Kshitij Aditya Sharma","air":384,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/KSHITIJ-ADITYA-SHARMA-UPSC-2023-Rank-384-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3966,"topper":"Kshitij Aditya Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/acabe-45933652_2370_kshitij-aditya-sharma_58.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Does moral conscience always complement laws, rules, and regulations in ethical decision-making? Support your answer with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Compassion towards weaker sections of society is essential and non-negotiable in a country like India. Examine with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Corruption exists and thrives in Indian society because it is socially accepted and even seen as aspirational. Do you agree with this view? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Social accountability is increasingly recognized as a means of enhancing democratic governance and improving service delivery. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What does the following quotation convey to you in the present context. (a) \"The human voice can never reach the distance that is covered by the still small voice of conscience.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Fortitude is the marshal of thought, the armor of the will, and the fort of reason.\" - Francis Bacon. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"\"Character is repeated habits, and repeated habits alone can reform character.\" - Swami Vivekananda (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"How can organizations balance healthy competition while preventing undue pressure on employees? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Formation of attitudes is a crucial aspect of the socialization process. Discuss the various factors that contribute to the development of attitudes in individuals. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Conflicts are inevitable in any workplace, and administrative roles are no exception. In light of this, discuss the role of emotional intelligence in conflict management. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Discuss how attitude plays a crucial role in shaping our perceptions and interactions with the world. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Recent studies indicate that Generation Z is experiencing higher levels of loneliness than the previous generations. What are the possible reasons for this trend? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":35,"question":"You are the Director of a Public Sector Unit (PSU) that specializes in the manufacturing of critical defense products for the country and exports it all over the world. Your unit is renowned for its expertise and efficiency, as it consistently delivers vital products on time. Your unit has recently received a crucial order to manufacture specific products as part of a high-priority defense project with a tight deadline. However, you face a daunting challenge. With rising raw material costs and budget constraints, the unit has almost exhausted its funds for the year. Hiring additional manpower, a crucial need to meet the fast-approaching deadline for a critical defense project, is out of the question until the next budgetary allocation which is going to happen in months. Meanwhile, your existing workforce, already putting in grueling 10-11 hour shifts, six days a week, is visibly demotivated and showing signs of fatigue. You presented the issue to the senior management, highlighting the unsustainable work schedule and potential burnout risks. The management acknowledged the situation but, constrained by the funding deficit, urged you to find internal solutions. The suggestion was to further distribute the workload, thereby implying more overtime for the existing employees. (a) Highlight the ethical issues involved in the above case. (b) Evaluate the options available to you. What course of action you will take to address the above issue? (c) Burn out is a critical factor resulting in demotivation of employees. What steps should the private companies and government take in this regard? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Evaluate the options available to you. What course of action you will take to address the above issue? (c) Burn out is a critical factor resulting in demotivation of employees. What steps should the private companies and government take in this regard? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"As a research and development analyst in a leading nutraceutical company, you have been actively involved in the development of a nutrient-rich biomass that improves skin and bone health. The research outcomes are promising, and your team is enthusiastic about the upcoming product launch. During routine inter-team meetings, you accidentally come across research trials and documents related to another product of your company. This product claims to reduce weight and enhance immunity, but upon closer inspection, you discover that the trials were falsely conducted, and the research outcomes were generalized, however, there were no side-effects of the product. The product works on the placebo effect only. The team responsible for this product seems to have overlooked taking these documents along with them after the inter-team meeting. As per company's policy, going through the research trials of other teams is strictly prohibited. The false claims associated with this product contribute significantly to its high sales within the company. If the information regarding the false claims is revealed, it could potentially harm the company, leading to severe consequences such as closure, and jeopardize the years of hard work you have invested in your product, which has genuine and significant results for preventive healthcare. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (b) Evaluate the options available to you. (c) What will be your course of action? Justify. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Anmol, the Chief Development Officer of a remote and aspirational district in India, faces a complex ethical dilemma. The district benefitted from the government's recent development initiatives, but it still struggles in the fields of health and education. Partnering with a national NGO, Anmol has seen significant improvements in these areas, especially during natural disasters when the NGO's role in delivering lifesaving medicines was critical. During one such disaster, the NGO played a significant role in providing critical life-saving medicines to people and prevented the loss of lives and spread of communicable diseases. Anmol's as well as the NGO's work during this time was recognised widely and even rewarded by the state and Central governments. However, Anmol later learned that the NGO has been involved in bribing local officials to operate effectively. This practice, although illegal, is seemingly widespread in the district. Anmol is now at a crossroads, having to decide how to address this issue without jeopardizing the essential services provided by the NGO, as they complement the government's efforts and there are no viable alternatives in the region. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in this case? (b) List the options available to Anmol and evaluate their merits and demerits. (c) Which option should Anmol choose and why? Justify with arguments. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Within hours of the video's release, it went viral on social media, accompanied by images from Ravish's lavish wedding that had taken place just two months prior. The public criticized Ravish for his opulent lifestyle while simultaneously laying off a significant number of employees. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the given case? (b) In light of the above case, discuss the ethical considerations regarding disparities in remuneration between top-level leaders and their subordinates in corporate organizations. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"Vikram, a senior data scientist, is leading a team to develop an Artificial Intelligence (AI) system for a e-commerce platform. He has to enhance customer experience by providing personalized recommendations based on user behaviour. The success of this project is critical not only for the company's growth but also for Vikram's team, which has been underperforming in the recent months. The stakes are high, and the team is at risk of suspension if it fails to deliver on this project. To improve the accuracy of the AI algorithms, Vikram's team considers incorporating sensitive personal information, including users' purchasing history, location data, health records and social media activities. While this could significantly enhance the system's effectiveness, it raises concerns about privacy and the potential misuse of sensitive data. Also, a data breach has occurred earlier on the e-commerce platform, and personal information of thousands of users was exposed to unauthorized entities. The incident became widely publicized, leading to regulatory scrutiny and potential legal action against the company. Vikram faces pressure from the company's marketing department to prioritize revenue generation over user privacy. The marketing team suggests implementing tactics that subtly encourage users to make more purchases, even if it means manipulating their preferences or creating a sense of urgency. (a) Identify the ethical issues faced by Vikram in developing the AI system. (b) What are the options available to Vikram in addressing this case? (c) How can ethics be an integral component of AI systems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":56,"question":"Identify the ethical issues faced by Vikram in developing the AI system. (b) What are the options available to Vikram in addressing this case? (c) How can ethics be an integral component of AI systems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3967,"topper":"Kshitij Aditya Sharma","air":384,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/KSHITIJ-ADITYA-SHARMA-UPSC-2023-Rank-384-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3968,"topper":"Kshitij Aditya Sharma","air":384,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/KSHITIJ-ADITYA-SHARMA-UPSC-2023-Rank-384-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3969,"topper":"KUHOO GARG","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5dc03-1091252_2422_kuhoo_garg_rank_178.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The traditional theatre forms of India reflect the ideals and emotions of the society, and an individual's role in the community. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Provide an account of the historical and architectural importance of the Sanchi Stupa. Also, discuss how it inspired the future architecture in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Bhagat Singh made a real breakthrough in terms of revolutionary ideology, the goals of revolution and forms of revolutionary struggle. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Bringing out the factors that led to the Meiji restoration, discuss its significance for Japan. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"It is believed that a nation is an \"imagined community\" held together by common beliefs, history, political aspirations etc. In this context, discuss what the basis of India as a nation is. Also, bring out the threats to the concept of Indian nationhood. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"State the key factors behind the growth of the pharmaceutical industry in India. Additionally, discuss its significance with regard to India's economy and public health.(Answer in 150words)10","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss why the Bay of Bengal is more prone to cyclones than the Arabian Sea. Also, explain the reasons for the decrease in frequency of tropical cyclones during the Southwest monsoon season. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite being destructive in nature, volcanoes are critical for the existence of human life on earth. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The existence of relative deprivation is an important aspect in constructing the argument for regionalism. Explain with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"If India is to realise the goal of 'education for all', the issue of rising cases of bullying and other forms of school violence needs to be addressed immediately. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Bring out the role played by the Ahom Kingdom in shaping the cultural and historical identity of North-East India, and discuss its legacy in contemporary times. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The capitalist class generally remained ambivalent in their support to the Indian National Congress until 1940s. In this context, analyse the varying positions of the Indian capitalists throughout the national movement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Trace the evolution of the press in India. Also, discuss the instrumental impact it had during various stages of the Indian freedom struggle despite the repressive policies of the British. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Mountains are fragile ecosystems vulnerable to the adverse impact of climate change and other anthropogenic interventions. Illustrate with examples. Also, highlight the initiatives taken for their sustainable management. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind unsustainable management of sand resources in India. Highlighting its impact, enumerate the remedial measures taken in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"As fertility rates decline in India, future demographic concerns center around an ageing population and a weak social security system. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"With a significant proportion of India's population expected to live in urban areas by 2030, the welfare of the urban poor needs to take centre-stage in public policy. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3970,"topper":"KUHOO GARG","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/de605-1091252_2424_kuhoo_garg_rank_178.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What are the different dimensions of food security? Examine India's status in terms of ensuring food security with regard to these dimensions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Modern technologies such as blockchain and ChatGPT are powerful tools with immense potential to transform agriculture into a more efficient and sustainable sector. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What factors have led to the recent acceleration in the trend towards de-dollarization of the global economy? Do you think the dollar will lose its dominance anytime soon? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Despite significant pressure from the developed countries to alter its food subsidy regime, there is merit in India trying to retain its policy support for the poor in the country. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Several initiatives have been taken by the government towards addressing India's water needs, but the issues of water availability and water quality still warrant prioritised intervention. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What are the major drivers of glacial retreat in the Arctic? Describe the potential impact of the retreat of Arctic glaciers on the ecosystem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Space tourism, which was viewed as something straight out of a science fiction movie, is now becoming a reality albeit not without hindrances. What are the challenges associated with space tourism? What measures can be taken to address these challenges? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Global health experts widely believe that the development of CAR-T cell therapy can be a game changer in the treatment of cancer. How can CAR-T cell therapy overcome the limitations of CRISPR-Cas9 technology? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss why the rising deployment of new and emerging technologies by prominent violent extremist organizations demand concerted global efforts. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"With the Line of Actual Control (LAC) remaining tense after the Galwan and Yangste incidents and both India and China ramping up infrastructure in the border areas, discuss the role that ITBP plays in the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Do you think there is a need for a shift from 'land productivity' to 'irrigation water productivity' in India? Justify your answer. What are the challenges in making this shift? Explain. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Examine the role that green hydrogen can play in unlocking the energy security of India. How can the National Green Hydrogen Mission help India in achieving its energy goals? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The government has been weighing a transition from minimum wage to living wage in recent times. What are the benefits and constraints in the adoption of living wage in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The Union Budget affects almost every sector of the Indian economy, yet neither the budgetary processes nor the budget policies come under substantial public scrutiny. Do you agree? Justify your answer. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"India has been able to transform itself from a milk deficit country to the world's biggest milk producer, but the productivity of dairy animals in the country remains a concern. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"While climate change is responsible for crop failures, the agricultural sector itself is partly responsible for extreme weather events. Discuss. What strategy has been adopted under National Agriculture Disaster Management Plan to strengthen the resilience of the farming community in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Some regions in India, including Delhi, are highly vulnerable to the impact of earthquakes originating in the Himalayas. Discuss. What institutional measures have been taken to mitigate earthquake losses in India? Do you think there are significant gaps that still exist? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Recently, scientists announced net energy gain in nuclear fusion reaction, which is considered as a major scientific breakthrough for the future of clean energy. What are the advantages of nuclear fusion based power generation? What are the limitations in using it to generate electricity at a commercial scale? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Keeping in view the recent amendment, examine the efficacy of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, in tackling the menace of money laundering in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Discuss the security threats present in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), which have a direct bearing on India's maritime border interests. Suggest a robust strategy to deal with these threats. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3971,"topper":"Kulkarni Aniket Laxmikant","air":517,"year":2020,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/17dzSIfRjXv5bcaT8FRZohP55QgsarKv1","questions":[]},{"id":3972,"topper":"Kumar Anurag","air":48,"year":2018,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3aa2c-26074_1078_kumar_anurag_rank_48.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3973,"topper":"Kumar Anurag","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/93108-26074_1065_kumar_anurag_rank_48.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Despite many challenges, India has persisted in consolidating relations with Iran. Explain. In the context of Chabahar Port, discuss the significance of other actors in Indo-Iranian relations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"It has been argued that recent developments in Maldives marked a test for the Neighbourhood First policy of India. In this context, do you think India's neighbourhood policy requires a major overhaul to deal with such developments?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"The developments since the beginning of 21st century have augured well for India-Japan relations, nonetheless terming them natural allies would require further consolidation of the ties. Critically comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"In view of India's quest to become a leading power globally, assess its potential to achieve desired outcomes and preparedness to address key emerging issues in international arena.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Critically analyse the role of non-state actors in international relations and their impact on India's diplomatic ties and strategic interests.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Examine the key aspects of India-United Kingdom ties. In this context, how significant is the Commonwealth grouping? Discuss in view of the recent developments.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"UN Peacekeeping requires reforms to ensure its increased effectiveness and appropriate use in future. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the progress and hurdles in achieving the objectives of India's Connect Central Asia policy. Also suggest measures to overcome these hurdles.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Urban terrorism has been on the rise in recent times. Identify the factors that make urban centres susceptible to terrorist attacks. What lessons can be learnt from the past attacks to put in place effective measures to combat it?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Despite consistent efforts to contain it, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed waves of violence since the inception of insurgency in the late 1980s. What, in your opinion, are the causes of persistent violence in the state? Also, suggest measures to improve the situation in the state.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"While the National Investigation Agency is emerging as India's premier terror investigating agency, the challenges before it are multipronged. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Assess the potential of Social Media Networks for effective policing in India. Also highlight the reasons behind relatively slow pace of adaptation of social media into policing in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Integrated theatre commands are only one amongst the many steps required for improving the effectiveness of armed forces. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Discussing the applications of the NISAR mission, comment on the need for international collaborations in India's space programme to generate resources and develop expertise.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Elaborate upon the role of remote sensing technology in the agriculture sector. Also, enumerate various programmes undertaken by the government to leverage remote sensing technology for monitoring agriculture in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Defining superbugs, assess why India is particularly vulnerable to them. Also, suggest measures that can be taken to deal with the threat of superbugs in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Despite its associated risks, nanotechnology offers many advantages to improve upon existing technologies to tackle air, water, and soil pollution. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"What is cloud computing? With examples, identify how it can improve the quality of governance. Also suggest some measures that can be deployed to counter the security risks that may arise.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Delineate objectives and services linked with Technology and Innovation Support Centers (TISC) program of the WIPO. Also, highlight steps taken by India in this context with special emphasis on IPR awareness.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Discuss the significance of polar research and India's contribution in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3974,"topper":"Kumar Anurag","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d8b30-26074_1072_kumar_anurag_rank_48.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain why it is important to urgently address the problem of poor land records and infirmity of land titles in India. Also discuss how this problem can be addressed. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What are the special features of the infrastructure sector that make its financing a challenge? What measures have been taken to facilitate adequate amount of finance to this sector? (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Despite favourable circumstances, India's electronics manufacturing has been unable to respond to the rising demand. Discuss. What steps can be taken to address this situation? (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Despite registering a high growth rate in the post-reform era, India continues to witness a high incidence of poverty. Explain this paradox and suggest ways to resolve it. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"In light of the argument that India has entered a regime of \"permanent surpluses\", discuss whether the time has come to remove agricultural commodities completely from Essential Commodities Act. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The 1988 National Forest Policy (NFP) was visionary in its scope and ambition. However, there is a need for a new forest policy in the current context. Discuss. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How does rapid urbanization increases the vulnerability to major disasters? Explaining with examples, suggest measures to develop disaster-resilient cities. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain DNA profiling and highlight its forensic application. Also discuss the significance of DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2018 in this regard. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What is meant by the term Blue Water Capabilities? In this context, identify the key measures that have been undertaken to enhance the blue water capabilities of the Indian Navy. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Identify the factors that make India vulnerable to drug trafficking? Also discuss the key steps taken to deal with it in our country. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"How do higher global crude oil prices affect the Indian economy? What steps can be taken to gradually insulate India from global oil price volatility in the long term? (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Explaining the importance, highlight the achievements of dairy sector in India. Examine whether over-production is the reason for the problems being faced by the dairy industry. Give some solutions to address the problems. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"There has been a focus on Textile and Apparels industry in India in recent years. Elaborate the potential of this industry and the challenges that lie in achieving it. What steps have been taken in this regard? (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"How do transportation corridors in biodiversity rich areas impact the wildlife? Examine the current policy framework in this regard. Also, suggest measures to minimise the negative effects while balancing the need for development. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The potential of technology to aid farmers in increasing productivity as well reducing susceptibility to climate change remains underutilized. Identify the reasons for the same and suggest measures to improve technological penetration in agriculture. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What is Intelligent Transportation System (ITS)? Explaining the need of ITS in India, identify the challenges in deploying it. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Explain the concept and significance of Data Localisation. Also discuss its limitations in strengthening law enforcement efforts in the context of Srikrishna Committee report and the draft Personal Data Protection Bill, 2018. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"What is the link between illegal immigration and national security? In this context, critically discuss the exercise of creating a National Register of Citizens in Assam. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3975,"topper":"Kumar Anurag","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/bdcc3-26074_1073_kumar_anurag_rank_48.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Corruption distorts not only functioning of the Government in India but business and corporate activities as well. Explain and discuss how the state can effectively deal with deficit of ethics in the private sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/ philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) \"Silence becomes cowardice when occasion demands speaking out the whole truth and acting accordingly\" - Mahatma Gandhi.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"What do you understand by Probity in Governance? Examine whether the recent amendments to Prevention of Corruption Act and the proposed ones in Whistleblower Protection Act undermine it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"While some ethical approaches consider an action to be ethical based on results, other focus on means. Taking the example of Indian bureaucracy compare and examine how these approaches have played out for the benefit of citizens.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"What are the ethical principles that should form the basis of the system permitting organ donation and allocation? Also discuss the importance of regulation for the success of any organ transplant program.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Where as some argue that leaks constitute an affront to democracy, others are of the opinion that leaks are a part of democracy. Examine the merits of both the arguments in the context of information attributed to leaks from government offices and whistleblowers.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"According to the WHO suicide is the second leading cause of death in the age group of 15-29 years globally. In India also, instances of young people committing suicide have been reported widely in recent times. It is all the more disturbing that such a phenomenon is increasingly visible in urban and prosperous areas. (a) What are the reasons that render people vulnerable to taking such drastic steps as suicide? (b) Also, discuss the role that you as an individual, the society and the government can play in addressing this issue.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3976,"topper":"Kumar Anurag","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/42023-26074_1069_kumar_anurag_rank_48.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"In order to improve the bureaucratic work culture and productivity, there is a need to downsize government and privatize some of the services. Critically discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"A blanket prohibition of criticism of the policies of the Government is invalid and void, and it makes no difference if the person criticizing happens to be a government servant.\" Critically discuss in the context of Civil Service Conduct Rules, 1964.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Man by nature is a political animal\". Explain with reference to Aristotle's idea of the state in life of the society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"What are the factors that have influenced the contemporary attitude of the state and the society towards homosexuality in India? Also, comment on the changing attitude and the factors driving this change.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Every superstition cannot be removed by the force of law. For that, a mental change is necessary. Comment. Also, explain how educators and public figures can help in eradicating superstition and instilling scientific temper among people.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Many argue that there are times, when war is morally permissible, and even obligatory. Critically discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"It has been argued that traditional approaches to corporate social responsibility (CSR) are inadequate. Discuss. Also, examine the role of Social License to Operate (SLO) in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3977,"topper":"Kumar Biswaranjan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/681ae-681197_1448_kumar-biswaranjan_rank_182.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"It is argued that mathematics and astronomy were an important part of intellectual development in ancient India. In this context, highlight the major contributions of ancient India to these areas. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In context of the rivalries, which existed between the English and French trading companies in India, highlight the factors, which led to the success of the English East India Company in its struggle against the French. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What were the causes of the Iranian Revolution of 1979? In what ways do the consequences of this revolution remain relevant even today? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Analyze the impact of globalization on indigenous craft, literary traditions and traditional knowledge systems in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Juvenile delinquency has attracted much media attention in recent years. What are the factors that drive the juveniles towards crime? In this context, state the significance of rehabilitative and reformative measures for juvenile delinquents. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Highlighting the health challenges that tribals are facing in India, suggest a roadmap to improve the health indicators of the tribals. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Give an account of the geographical distribution pattern of major agro-based industries in India. Also, explain their multiplier effect on rural economy. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Highlight the reasons and resultant implications of disappearance of urban water bodies in India. Mention some of the steps which can be taken in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Explaining the role that Ocean Iron Fertilization can play in the fight against climate change, discuss the concerns associated with its large-scale adoption. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"In India a vast number of languages are potentially endangered. Discuss the reasons and implications of disappearance of a language. Also, suggest measures to preserve potentially endangered languages. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"While the British established a judicial system based on the rule of law, in practice this system suffered from numerous drawbacks. Analyze keeping in mind the developments between 1793 and 1833. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Trace the evolution of British policy towards the princely states in India. How did the freedom movement impact the people of these princely states? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Give a brief account of the circumstances under which Simla agreement was signed in 1972. Mentioning its important provisions, discuss whether it was a lost opportunity for India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"State the push and pull factors responsible for internal migration in India. Also examine how it is impacting urban transition in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Examine the factors responsible for poor performance of family planning programme in India. Suggest some family planning strategies, which can be adopted for improving reproductive health outcomes and achieving family welfare. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Women experience poverty differently and more acutely as compared to men. In this context, explain the socio-economic factors, which contribute to feminization of poverty in India. How can this problem be tackled? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Giving examples, highlight the reasons behind existence of regional disparities in India. Suggest some strategies to address them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Highlighting different factors affecting Indian monsoon, explain why it is difficult to predict it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3978,"topper":"Kumar Biswaranjan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/515be-681197_1450_kumar-biswaranjan_rank_182.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"An effective crop insurance system is crucial in cushioning income losses for farmers. In this context, assess the performance of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Explaining the significance of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), highlight the challenges that need to be addressed for it to achieve its true potential. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the potential of multimodal transport in transforming India's transportation and logistics sector. Mention the measures taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Private investment is a key driver that catalyses an economy into a self-sustaining cycle of growth. Explaining the statement, highlight the steps that should be taken to revive private investment in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Comment on the efficacy of waste to energy plants being established in India in order to solve the problem of discarded municipal solid waste. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"In recent decades India has made changes in its IPR regime to make it TRIPS compliant, however there continue to remain fundamental differences on IPR related issues in relation to the developed world. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Chandrayaan-2 has not only been considered as one of the most challenging missions of ISRO but also more technologically advanced than Chandrayaan-1. Elaborate. Further, examine how lunar exploration can benefit humanity in general. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Given the strategic rivalries and growing space capabilities of many countries, militarisation of outer space is considered a threat. In this context, discuss the need for a rule-based order to securely govern outer space. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Money laundering not only threatens the stability of the financial system of India but also its national security. Elucidate. In this context, discuss how far the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 addresses these issues. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Discuss the need for agricultural marketing reforms in India. Also, identify the key aspects of agricultural markets that need to be reformed. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite the government meeting its disinvestment targets in recent years, its efforts towards strategic disinvestment and privatisation remain limited. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"There have been arguments that employment creation and productivity do not grow adequately as firms age in India. In this context, analyse why Indian firms start small and stay small. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Bring out the importance of focussing on energy efficiency for achieving energy security in India. What steps have been taken by the government in this regard? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Despite having a statutory framework for minimum wages since long, many workers continue to remain outside its reach. Examine the reasons and suggest corrective measures in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Highlight the significance of a well-established carbon market in India. In this context, explaining the mechanism of renewable energy certificates (REC), highlight the challenges that the REC market faces. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Discuss the need and challenges in integrating the efforts for disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Given the significance of data in policy making, analyze why its potential remains underutilised. Also, suggest some measures for transforming India's data infrastructure in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The roots of insurgency in the North Eastern region are embedded in a host of factors. Discuss. What measures have been taken to tackle cross-border insurgency in this area? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Highlight the challenges faced by India in countering terror financing. Also, mention the steps taken by India in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3979,"topper":"Kumar Biswaranjan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ae24e-681197_1449_kumar-biswaranjan_rank_182.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Bringing higher judiciary under the ambit of RTI has its own merits and demerits. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Tribunals in India have not just replicated some of the problems that our judiciary suffers from but added a few more. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Parliamentary privileges are not always used for the aims they were intended to serve. In this context, discuss the need for codification of these privileges in light of recent developments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"There is a point of view that the office of Governor has outlived its relevance and needs to be abolished. Critically examine in the current context. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Is lateral entry in civil services the panacea to address the challenges, which hamper the effective functioning of bureaucracy in India? Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Highlighting the grievances of states towards Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS), explain how the government has sought to rationalise these schemes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The PM Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) has begun well and holds a lot of promise, however it needs to address multiple challenges to become a success. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Highlighting its key features, examine the need for the passage of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill by the Parliament at the earliest. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"With changing times India's engagement with its diaspora has also undergone a change. Explain in the context of government policies on diaspora. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Despite its immense potential, the challenges associated with RCEP for India cannot be ignored. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Decentralisation in India has been fairly successful at the political level, however on the fiscal and administrative fronts progress is marred by several bottlenecks. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The provisions of the Anti-Defection Law have been repeatedly violated and are routinely misinterpreted. Examine. Also, suggest measures to strengthen the Anti-Defection Law. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The amendment process for the Indian Constitution follows a middle path between rigidity and flexibility. Comment in comparative perspective. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Assess the effectiveness of the institutional architecture of Indian federalism in settling inter-state disputes. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The recent advances in technologies have the potential to make e-governance a very potent tool for ushering in an era of good governance. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"While Indians are donating to charitable causes more than ever, philanthropy in India is still at a formative stage. In this context, highlight the significance of philanthropy and state the factors holding back philanthropy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Highlight the challenges faced in implementation of healthcare schemes in India. Examine how creation of a robust digital health ecosystem can prove to be a game changer in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"For India to emerge as a knowledge superpower, it is imperative to address the challenges of access, equity, quality, affordability and accountability faced by the current education system. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Ties with both USA and Russia are important for India, however, both these relations have their own sets of challenges, and some of these are further accentuated by the friction between these two powers. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3980,"topper":"Kumar Biswaranjan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/63bf1-681197_1451_kumar-biswaranjan_rank_182.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"It is morally permissible to perform an action in pursuit of a good end in full knowledge that the action might also bring about bad results. Critically examine the statement with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"An essential element that distinguishes a career in public service from jobs elsewhere is its focus on public service ethos. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The foundational values of efficiency, impartiality, empathy, and incorruptibility are an integral part of civil services. Elaborate with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The foreign policy of nations is primarily guided by national interests. Do you think the pursuit of such exclusive concerns leaves little scope for ethics in international relations? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Corporate Social Responsibility can help in changing the perception of 'business ethics' being an oxymoron. Critically analyze. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: Intolerance is itself a form of violence and an obstacle to the growth of a true democratic spirit. Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Citizens' Charters by themselves cannot achieve the desired results in improving quality of public services. Discuss the statement in light of the Sevottam Model. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"What do you understand by social capital? Explain its relationship with good governance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Emotional Intelligence is an essential ingredient for managing personal and organizational change. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Do you agree that privatization and outsourcing of selected public services will help improve the quality of public service delivery and in particular reduce the incidence of corruption? Substantiate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Discuss the contributions of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar to the idea of social justice in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"You are posted as the District Magistrate in a district, which has been ravaged by floods recently. The severity of floods has not only led to destruction of shelter and livelihood, but also created risks of deadly diseases spreading in the area. Street thugs have taken advantage of the situation and are looting and stocking anything they can get their hands on. There are reports that many shops and homes have been broken into and looted. Some suspect that this is the work of illegal immigrants from a neighbouring country, who have been residing in the district for a long time. The local MLA is objecting to extension of relief and rehabilitation assistance to these illegal immigrants. A number of residents of the district have also joined the MLA and are arguing that citizens have the first right on the country's resources, particularly in the prevailing situation. In this context, answer the following: (a) Do you think that citizens of a country have the first claim on resources of a nation in every situation? Justify your answer with valid arguments. (b) Given this information, chart a course of action based on priorities of the administration. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"You are the Commissioner of a city municipal corporation. Recognizing the state of some of the old buildings, you have categorised these under the list of dilapidated buildings. You have also issued an advisory to residents regarding the status and hazards of living in such buildings and asked them to vacate the premises. However, even after such a notification, residents continue to occupy such buildings and refuse to vacate. These are mostly poor people who have no other alternative available and would be rendered homeless if they vacate the premises. While you are trying to figure a way out for these people, your worst fears come true when one of the four-storeyed buildings on the list collapsed after heavy rains. Following the incident, public outrage led to accusations against the corporation for not getting the building vacated. (a) What challenges do you face as the Commissioner in this situation? Highlight the steps you will take to address these. (b) What measures will you take to prevent reoccurrence of such unfortunate incidents? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"You have been recently posted as a District Education Officer in a district, which is notorious for mass copying. It again witnessed some disturbing incidents during the recent Board examination. In some of the examination centers located in your district, the parents virtually took over the centres to help their wards to copy during the exams. The parents justified their act by arguing that the concerned teachers did not take classes at all during the year. Upon enquiry, you found that invigilators turned a blind eye in this situation and school administrations were also involved in tampering with the CCTV footage of the incidents. You also found that teacher absenteeism has indeed been rampant. Further, concerns regarding this had been repeatedly raised by parents in the past, but no action was taken. In this situation: (a) What course of action would you take in the immediate to short term to deal with the issue at hand? (b) Explaining the ramifications of such incidents for the society at large, highlight some long-term reforms that should be taken to prevent such incidents from re-occurring. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"You are recently posted as District Magistrate in a district, which is a major hub of industrial activities and attracts workers from different places and communities. The workers of these industries often utilize the open spaces on roads for performing their daily prayers, though only for a short period of time. The lack of a place of worship close to the work places, is cited as the reason for continuance of this practice. However, some residents of nearby areas have been objecting to this practice due to the inconvenience caused by congestion on the roads. There have also been complaints of alleged illegal encroachments over public land in garb of this practice. One day, you are informed that a group of locals disrupted the workers at the time of worship. The incident led to clashes between several groups and a law and order problem has arisen in the district. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) What are the options available before you? Evaluate the merits and demerits of each one of them. (b) What course of action would you choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"You are the district magistrate in a district of a hill state. An NRI tycoon is planning to arrange a large wedding ceremony in your district. Given the scale of the ceremony, a feasibility report was prepared. The report has called for adopting a cautious approach and has raised concerns regarding its impact on the environment. Recognizing this, the NRI has offered extra compensation for the prospective environmental damages. Also, the local MLA and some prominent residents are arguing that such a wedding can help in developing the district as a tourist hotspot and turn it into a popular wedding destination, bringing prosperity for the residents. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders in the given situation and their respective interests. (b) Highlight the options available to you and the course of action you will take, giving reasons for the same. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"The challenge of climate change presents the world with several fundamental ethical dilemmas. From a global perspective, it presents the world with a collective action problem: all countries have a collective interest in controlling global carbon emissions. But each individual country also has incentives to over-consume in response to societal demands for economic growth and prosperity. Developing nations faced with these costs may encounter further challenges as the impact of climate change will most likely fall disproportionately on the poor, thus also raising issues of fairness and inequality. As an intergenerational problem, the consequences of actions taken by the current generation will have the greatest impact on future generations. While it is intuitive that the current generation has some ethical responsibility to leave an inhabitable world to future generations, the extent of this obligation is less clear. Answer the following questions in this regard: (a) To what extent do humans have a moral responsibility to future generations that are yet to be born? (b) Do developed countries have a greater responsibility to take action and bear more costs of controlling climate change than developing countries? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3981,"topper":"Kumar Shivashish","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/580ea-371859_1244_kumar-shivashish_rank_108.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the need of an Independent Fiscal Council (IFC) in bringing about transparency and accountability in fiscal processes in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Recognizing the potential of exports in generating employment, a number of steps need to be taken to address India's weakening export competitiveness. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlighting the main features of National Mineral Policy, 2019, discuss how it can help in ensuring sustainable and responsible mining. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlighting the salient features of the PM JI-VAN Yojana, analyze how it can assist in achieving the vision and goals of the National Policy on Biofuels, 2018. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) provides an alternative to capital and chemical intensive agriculture currently being practiced in India. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"There have been arguments that India could fall into a 'middle income trap'. Explaining the phenomenon, highlight the reasons behind such arguments. How can India avoid it? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Highlighting its importance, discuss the major issues that plague effective monetary policy transmission in India. Also, mention the steps taken by RBI to improve it. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What is Access and Benefit Sharing? Explain how it aids in sustainable use of biodiversity. Also, mention the different global and national level mechanisms for ensuring Access and Benefit Sharing. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Stating the significance, discuss the challenges in achieving disaster resilience of infrastructure. Suggest some ways for mainstreaming it in the development paradigm. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Highlighting the significance of data localization for India, discuss various challenges associated with data localization. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Money Laundering as a socio economic offence is a menace especially for developing countries like India. Comment. What measures have been taken at the domestic and international levels to deal with this menace? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The primary motive of terrorism differs from that of organised crime but there exists a symbiotic relationship between the two. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3982,"topper":"Kumar Shivashish","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6fea1-371859_1247_kumar-shivashish_rank_108.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Mention the structure and functions of NITI Aayog. Also, comment on its contemporary relevance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Critically discuss the practice of setting up Fast Track Courts to reduce pendency of cases in the judiciary. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the challenges faced by lower judiciary in India and suggest measures for enhancing their productivity. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Assess the need to formalise the process of post-legislative scrutiny to improve the effectiveness of laws. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in improving the effectiveness of e-governance in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Despite various reforms in the public grievance redressal mechanisms, their effectiveness remain limited. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Explaining the factors that contribute to trafficking of women and children in India, highlight the steps taken in recent times to combat it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"With Vector-Borne Diseases (VBDs) reaching epidemic proportions in India, highlight the factors that have led to their emergence. Also, suggest some measures for their effective control and management. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"After years of neglect, rapidly evolving regional strategic realities are now forcing India and Indonesia to coordinate their policies ever more closely. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Despite several attempts at resetting the ties, various barriers continue to be a cause of concern in the India-Nepal bilateral relations. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Delineate the differences between pressure groups and interest groups. Citing examples, elaborate on the ways in which pressure groups influence government decisions and policy making in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlighting the issues faced by the institutions of local self governance in India, suggest measures that can be taken to improve their effectiveness in the delivery of public goods and services at the grassroot level. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The recent amendment to the Right to Information Act, 2005 will weaken the act and undermine the authority of Information Commissioners. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight the process of delimitation in India. Also, throw light on the debates surrounding the delimitation exercise in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Self Help Groups (SHGs) are vehicles of rural development, which help in the upliftment of marginalized groups. Elucidate. Further, mention the constraints faced by SHGs and how they can be addressed. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"With construction of toilets being only one part of the solution for a clean India, it is time that the Swachh Bharat Mission puts more emphasis on the other facets as well. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Highlight the salient features of Mission Indradhanush. What are the challenges that the mission is facing in its implementation? Suggest measures to address these challenges for progressing towards full immunization coverage. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Assess the importance of skilling in light of changing economic and demographic structure in India. In this regard, how far has the Skill India Mission succeeded in its mandate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What according to you are the reasons that motivated India to create a dedicated Indo-Pacific division in the MEA recently? Also, highlight the challenges for India in the Indo-Pacific region. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"For SCO to become a successful regional grouping, it has to overcome bilateral differences between its members and their respective geopolitical calculations. Comment. Also, discuss the role that SCO can play in enhancing India's interest in the Eurasian region. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3983,"topper":"Kumar Shivashish","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/f3f5a-371859_1246_kumar-shivashish_rank_108.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Rock-cut structures were closely associated with various religions and religious activities. Discuss the statement giving relevant examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The legislative and administrative record of the Congress Ministries during their twenty-eight months rule under the Act of 1935 was positive, but the period also witnessed the emergence of serious weaknesses in the Congress. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Kamladevi Chattopadhyay was a multifaceted personality with significant contributions both to pre and post independence India. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The inherent limitations of Napoleon's policy of Continental Blockade ultimately resulted in its failure. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Despite changes in the institution of marriage in recent times, there have been elements of continuity as well. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"There are multiple disabilities that a person experiences in the course of ageing. Elaborate. Also identify key government initiatives taken for addressing them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlight the reasons behind prevalence of low literacy rate among tribals. Also, mention some initiatives taken by the government in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain how Continental Drift Theory describes the changing configuration of the continents. Discuss the prominent evidences given by Alfred Wegener to support his theory. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The variety of landforms on the earth's surface is the result of internal and external forces. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Explaining the concept of Lapse Rate, examine its relationship with atmospheric stability. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The colonial period brought the influence of Western architectural forms to India. In this context, giving examples, highlight the contribution of Europeans to Indian architecture. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The nineteenth century witnessed a struggle against the backward elements of traditional culture. Discuss in the context of socio-religious reform movements. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Explaining the reasons behind partition of Bengal, discuss the successes and limitations of the Swadeshi movement launched in its wake. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The reorganisation of states in India post-independence has been an ongoing process with distinct contributing factors. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The Treaty of Versailles was not a peace agreement based on reconciliation but was 'dictated peace' forced on Germany, which eventually triggered the Second World War. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Legal measures alone are not sufficient for addressing the issue of domestic violence against women, rather it requires intervention at societal level. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"India is undergoing a demographic transition the implications of which are multipronged. Analyze. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3984,"topper":"Kumar Shivashish","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/31006-371859_1247_kumar-shivashish_rank_108.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Mention the structure and functions of NITI Aayog. Also, comment on its contemporary relevance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Critically discuss the practice of setting up Fast Track Courts to reduce pendency of cases in the judiciary. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the challenges faced by lower judiciary in India and suggest measures for enhancing their productivity. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Assess the need to formalise the process of post-legislative scrutiny to improve the effectiveness of laws. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in improving the effectiveness of e-governance in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Despite various reforms in the public grievance redressal mechanisms, their effectiveness remain limited. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Explaining the factors that contribute to trafficking of women and children in India, highlight the steps taken in recent times to combat it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"With Vector-Borne Diseases (VBDs) reaching epidemic proportions in India, highlight the factors that have led to their emergence. Also, suggest some measures for their effective control and management. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"After years of neglect, rapidly evolving regional strategic realities are now forcing India and Indonesia to coordinate their policies ever more closely. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Despite several attempts at resetting the ties, various barriers continue to be a cause of concern in the India-Nepal bilateral relations. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Delineate the differences between pressure groups and interest groups. Citing examples, elaborate on the ways in which pressure groups influence government decisions and policy making in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlighting the issues faced by the institutions of local self governance in India, suggest measures that can be taken to improve their effectiveness in the delivery of public goods and services at the grassroot level. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The recent amendment to the Right to Information Act, 2005 will weaken the act and undermine the authority of Information Commissioners. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight the process of delimitation in India. Also, throw light on the debates surrounding the delimitation exercise in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Self Help Groups (SHGs) are vehicles of rural development, which help in the upliftment of marginalized groups. Elucidate. Further, mention the constraints faced by SHGs and how they can be addressed. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"With construction of toilets being only one part of the solution for a clean India, it is time that the Swachh Bharat Mission puts more emphasis on the other facets as well. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Highlight the salient features of Mission Indradhanush. What are the challenges that the mission is facing in its implementation? Suggest measures to address these challenges for progressing towards full immunization coverage. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Assess the importance of skilling in light of changing economic and demographic structure in India. In this regard, how far has the Skill India Mission succeeded in its mandate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What according to you are the reasons that motivated India to create a dedicated Indo-Pacific division in the MEA recently? Also, highlight the challenges for India in the Indo-Pacific region. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"For SCO to become a successful regional grouping, it has to overcome bilateral differences between its members and their respective geopolitical calculations. Comment. Also, discuss the role that SCO can play in enhancing India's interest in the Eurasian region. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3985,"topper":"Kumar Shivashish","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/42b91-371859_1245_kumar-shivashish_rank_108.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the attributes of leadership, analyse why it is important for a civil servant.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"A civil servant needs to be objective as well as empathetic. What do you understand by objectivity? Discuss its relationship with empathy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"With rapidly increasing use of information technology, what according to you is the role of ethics in cyber space?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Transparency in government organisations is an essential pre-condition for good governance. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but its lowest ones. Nelson Mandela","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"For achieving success, attitude is equally, if not more important than ability. Discuss with the help of examples from your daily life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"The core of high Emotional Intelligence is self-awareness. If you don't understand your own motivations and behaviours, it is nearly impossible to develop an understanding of others. Discuss with the help of appropriate examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by Integrity Pacts? Highlight the role they can play in bringing transparency in allotment of public contracts and ensuring proper utilization of public funds in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"In the context of rapid technological change, discuss the significance of inculcating moral and spiritual values in educational institutions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Explain the main elements of integral humanism as propounded by Deen Dayal Upadhyay and highlight its contemporary relevance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"It is imperative for a country like India, that code of ethics should be implemented for civil servants on social media platforms as well. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Discuss how effective corporate governance can ensure the equitable treatment of all stakeholders.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"You are posted as the Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district of a state where alcohol prohibition has been imposed recently. The District Excise department has conducted many raids and seized liquor in large quantities, for which it has received state-wide public appreciation. A few months later reports surface in the media that in this district, hundreds of seized bottles of illicit liquor are missing from the government malkhanas or stores. As a result, the government is left red-faced. You are asked by the DM, who is the overall in-charge of the district excise setup, to investigate the matter. Upon investigation, you unearth a nexus of politicians and government officials who smuggled seized liquor and sold it through spurious means both inside and outside the state. In this context, evaluate these options:","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Being aware of the seriousness of the matter, discretely put the detailed investigation report in the public domain and expose the nexus. Also, suggest, without restricting yourself to the given options, the final course of action that you would prefer.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are a resident of a remote tribal district, where there is high incidence of malnutrition. As a remedial measure, the District Magistrate has initiated a programme to promote millet cultivation, especially on the lands currently lying fallow in the district. However, this well-intentioned move of the officer receives flak from the local tribals as this may not only change their age-old food habits, but also alter their traditional agricultural practices. They further cite lower remunerative prices of millets as another reason for continuing with their existing crop production pattern. As a civil servant aspirant, who has a keen interest in development of tribal areas, answer the following questions: (a) What according to you are the key issues and challenges involved in the above situation? (b) Identify the key stakeholders and their respective interests. (c) Suggest a course of action that the District Magistrate can take keeping in mind the larger tribal interests.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You have recently been posted as a District Labour Officer in a state, which derives a substantial revenue from tourism. You come to know that a big hotel in the area has not been paying wages as per the Minimum Wages Act. The hotel owner is a powerful local leader having contacts with many influential officials of the state. You have the power to take sou-moto cognizance of such violations and accordingly you initiate a preliminary enquiry into the matter. However, no worker is willing to come forward to lodge a formal complaint because they fear loss of employment. Meanwhile, your action has attracted notice of the higher authorities, and you are advised to drop the matter altogether. You are deeply concerned about the situation as it involves not only violation of the Minimum Wages Act but also denial of basic human rights of the worker. (a) Identify the issues involved in the given case. (b) Consider the options given below:","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Serve a notice to the hotel owner and initiate action as per your powers under the Minimum Wages Act. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each of these options and suggest your preferred course of action, giving reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"You are the Chairman of a Committee, constituted by the government, to suggest measures to improve the quality of education in state-run schools. In view of the increasing dropout rate and the widening gap between students' learning ability in state-run and private schools, answer the following questions: (a) Examine the role of government in the education sector, especially providing primary and secondary education through state-run schools. (b) Identify the principles and values that would guide your recommendations in this regard. (c) Suggest some ways in which quality of education in state-run schools can be improved.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3986,"topper":"Kumar Shivraj","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/KUMAR_SHIVRAJ_SS_GS_1_AIR_496_2025_ce75226349.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"The evolution of temple architecture in India illustrates the synthesis of art, religion, and polity. Illustrate with suitable examples from South India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The rise and development of the new religious ideas in the 6th B.C. India have brought significant changes to contemporary social life. Do you agree? Justify using examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Under colonialism, India's traditional economic structure was reoriented to fit into the economic needs of industrial Britain. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are Western disturbances? Explain their role in influencing the weather patterns of northern India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discuss the non-conventional energy potential of peninsular India with relevant examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Why are most of India's iron and steel plants concentrated in the eastern and central parts of the country? Illustrate with examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"In contemporary India, marriage is increasingly perceived as a personal choice rather than a societal obligation. Enumerate the socio-economic forces behind this transformation and assess its potential impact on family structure. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Analyse to what extent does regionalism contributes to the deepening of decentralization in India? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the potential socio-political implications of implementing a nationwide caste census. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The Lucknow Pact of 1916 was both a high point of Hindu-Muslim unity and a harbinger of future communal divisions. Comment (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"While the Bhakti and Sufi movements emerged from different religious milieus, their convergence lay in the realm of devotion and dissent.\" Examine the socio-religious significance of their interaction in medieval India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Contrast the approaches of Sardar Patel and Jawaharlal Nehru in handling princely states and regional integration. How did their differing visions shape the evolution of the Indian Union? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"The American Civil War was not just a political conflict but a clash of two divergent economic systems. Substantiate (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"What are marine heatwaves? Examine the causes of the increasing frequency of marine heatwaves. How do they influence the onset of the summer monsoon in India? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Assess the effectiveness of tribal development programmes in India. Why do tribal areas continue to experience developmental setbacks, and what are the challenges? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"\"As the world's water towers melt, the risk of water stress increases.\" Discuss how the Himalayan glaciers' retreat could redefine freshwater availability and regional hydropolitics in South Asia. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Despite increasing participation of women in the professional workforce, their presence in top leadership remains minimal. Examine the interplay of societal norms and workplace structures in perpetuating this gender gap. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"The phenomenon of 'livability atrophy' in Indian cities reflects the widening gap between urban expansion and quality of life. Examine the causes and consequences of this trend, and suggest measures to make urban growth more humane and sustainable. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Define transnationalism and examine the factors that have led to the increasing global interconnectedness of diaspora communities. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Communalism in India, rooted in historical legacies and socio-economic inequalities, continues to undermine social cohesion and national integration. Discuss with examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3987,"topper":"Kumar Shivraj","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/KUMAR_SHIVRAJ_SS_GS_2_AIR_496_2025_227b347dcf.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"'Constitutional morality' is not a natural sentiment in India but has to be cultivated. Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer with relevant examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Supreme Court's recent invocation of Article 142 to confer 'deemed assent' to state bills raises critical questions about the separation of powers. Critically examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The impartiality of the Speaker of Lok Sabha is central to the integrity of the legislative process. Explain with relevant examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"How does the Sixth Schedule balance tribal autonomy with national integration? Evaluate its success and limitations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Explain how Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, while aiming to safeguard privacy, risks weakening the transparency framework established by the Right to Information Act, 2005. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms offer a viable solution to India's overburdened judiciary. Enumerate the types of ADR mechanisms in India and analyze their advantages over conventional litigation. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Examine how Community-based financial institutions promote responsive governance and address structural inequalities, especially for marginalized women. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Despite their intended purpose, Citizen's Charters in India have fallen short in transforming administration into a citizen-centric service system. Do you agree? Justify your answer. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Mauritius remains the 'Star and Key' to the Indian Ocean for India. Analyze the geopolitical significance of Mauritius in India's Indian Ocean strategy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Discuss the constitutional and statutory provisions governing the disqualification of Members of Parliament in India. How effective are they in upholding the integrity of the legislature? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"India's fiscal federalism is heavily vertical, transactional, and tax-centric. In light of this, critically examine the case for institutionalizing \"resource federalism\" to ensure more equitable and autonomous state-level economic development. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"While India has a structured but rarely used process for the removal of judges, the UK emphasizes ministerial responsibility and in house mechanisms . Compare and evaluate these approaches in maintaining judicial accountability. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Despite being part of the Directive Principles, the Uniform Civil Code remains unrealised at the national level. Examine the factors behind the delay and suggest potential measure for its national implementation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Judicial recognition of intra-caste inequality within Scheduled Castes opens new debates in affirmative action policies. Examine the challenges and opportunities this poses for social justice in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"AI-driven education can play a transformative role in achieving the goals of New Education Policy 2020. Discuss the opportunities and challenges in integrating Artificial Intelligence into India's education system. What safeguards are needed to ensure its safe deployment? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Discuss the role of targeted welfare schemes for nomadic communities in achieving inclusive development. What are the implementation bottlenecks and how can they be resolved? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"\"Cultural diplomacy through diaspora outreach has emerged as a soft power tool in India's global engagement strategy.\" Evaluate the strengths and limitations of diaspora-led cultural diplomacy in advancing India's national interest. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"How have the growing tensions between the U.S., Israel, and Iran affected regional stability in West Asia? In this context, evaluate the key considerations for India's foreign policy to safeguard its interests in West Asia. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"With overlapping geographical and strategic interests, ASEAN-BIMSTEC cooperation can enhance Indo-Pacific connectivity and resilience. Analyze the institutional, political, and external challenges that impede this collaboration. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3988,"topper":"Kumar Shivraj","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/KUMAR_SHIVRAJ_SS_GS_3_AIR_496_2025_dd14fd0402.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Explain the concept of the “Missing Middle” in India's industrial ecosystem. How does it affect economic growth and employment generation? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Household savings form a crucial pillar of domestic capital formation. In light of their recent decline, elucidate the underlying causes and propose strategies to strengthen savings behavior in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Despite its potential, the corporate bond market in India remains underdeveloped. Examine the structural and regulatory challenges impeding its growth. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"In light of recent Budget 2025 allocations and the push for green infrastructure, analyze how Viability Gap Funding can be leveraged to promote renewable energy projects. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Why is self-sufficiency in pulse production crucial for India? Discuss the policy and technological interventions needed to achieve Aatma Nirbharata in pulses. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Examine how space-based solutions are addressing developmental challenges in rural India. What steps can further enhance their outreach and effectiveness? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Delineate the linkages between urbanization patterns and rising PM 2.5 levels in Tier-II and Tier-III cities of India. What are the various mitigation measures and the government's initiatives to mitigate air pollution in India? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Explain the structural and operational limitations of the Disaster Management Act, 2005. How far does the 2025 Amendment address these deficiencies through a shift towards anticipatory and technology-driven disaster governance? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What do you understand about Artificial Neural Networks? List out its applications across various fields. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"Internal security challenges in India are increasingly shaped by external and transnational dynamics.\" Examine the statement with relevant examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"While tariff rationalization aims to enhance economic efficiency, it may also pose challenges to certain sectors. Critically assess the potential trade-offs involved in the Union Budget 2025–26's approach to tariff reforms. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"A shift from fiscal deficit targeting to debt-to-GDP ratio as the fiscal anchor signals a more holistic approach to fiscal discipline. Do you agree? Give reasons in support of your arguments. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"India's food processing sector is moving towards greater formalization and efficiency. Critically assess how initiatives like the PLI scheme and Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Enterprises (PM-FME) contribute to this transformation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Do you agree that granting a legal guarantee to Minimum Support Price (MSP) may create a fiscally unsustainable and economically inefficient agricultural system? Suggest viable alternatives to ensure fair farmer remuneration without distorting the market. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) can empower developing countries to lead the global climate action narrative. Discuss with suitable examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Analyse the reasons behind the increasing vulnerability of the Himalayan region to landslides. What steps can be taken for their management and control? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Forest fires are yet another symptom of climate change. Analyze the various causes for wildfire in forests. Give two examples of recent wildfires. Mention the policies and frameworks aimed at tackling wildfire in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"One Health approach is key to preventing future pandemics and preserving ecosystems. Analyze how the Biodiversity and Health Global Action Plan adopted at COP 16 aligns with this vision. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"In light of evolving national security threats, how do the New Criminal Laws address modern threats like cybercrime and organized crime? Outline the challenges perceived in its effective implementation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Discuss how integrated border infrastructure and management practices can balance security imperatives with the socio-economic development of frontier communities. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":3989,"topper":"Kumar Sushant","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2bdfc-1267594_1835_kumar-sushant_rank-122.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The withdrawal of general consent to the CBI by certain state governments in India threatens the spirit of cooperative federalism in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Stating the sources of finance for local self-governments in India, suggest ways to strengthen their financial position. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Cabinet Committees play an important role in reinstating collective responsibility and principle of homogeneity of the Executive in the Indian Parliamentary system. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"There is a need to overhaul the public procurement and project management (PPPM) framework of India for faster, efficient and transparent execution of government projects. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Adequate measures are required to overcome the challenges and vulnerabilities associated with undertaking social accountability initiatives and institutionalising them. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"In view of the recent Parliamentary Standing Committee report, discuss the issues faced by the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) and suggest measures that can be adopted to strengthen it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"While the Mid-Day Meal scheme was aimed at fulfilling the nutritional needs of students, it is far behind in achieving this objective. Discuss. Also, suggest remedial measures in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) remain critical for the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In this context, discuss the impediments in the fulfilment of SRHR in India. Also, mention the steps that can be taken in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"State the functions of the United Nations Human Rights Council. Also, discuss the issues faced by the Council in the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"West Asia is an important strategic region for India with profound geo-political and geo-economic significance. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Disenfranchising prisoners desecrates a cherished value in a democracy i.e. 'right to vote', which should be guarded earnestly. Discuss in the light of The Representation of The People Act, 1951. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"There are similarities and interactions between the affirmative action adopted by India and USA owing to similar historical injustices faced by their respective vulnerable groups. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Objections to domicile-based reservation in private sector jobs on the grounds of constitutional equality and freedom are misplaced. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"There have been arguments that sedition law is an attack on the very foundation of India's liberal democratic principles, as enshrined in the Constitution. Do you agree? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite Government e-Marketplace facing certain challenges, it has brought about a significant improvement in the procurement of goods and services by various government agencies. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"A reformed system of recruitment, training and evaluation needs to be put in place to take forward the development of a highly efficient and accountable civil service. Discuss in the context of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Despite initiatives taken by the Indian government to achieve critical goals in the education sector, major interventions are required to tackle learning poverty as well as the persisting inequalities. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"In light of the burgeoning burden of both communicable and non-communicable diseases, there is a need to revamp the public health surveillance system in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The repercussions of the ongoing economic crisis in Sri Lanka extend beyond its borders. Discuss with specific reference to India. Also, mention the steps that India has taken to assist Sri Lanka tide over the crisis. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India is a reliable partner in the Indian Ocean Region and can take on the role of being the net security provider in the region. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3990,"topper":"Kumar Sushant","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/75012-1267594_1840_kumar-sushant_rank-122.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"While fixed-term employment offers an ingenious way to address specific issues faced by both employers and employees, there are also some concerns associated with it. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"An efficient logistics sector with a focus on warehousing is pivotal to the success of the Bharatmala Pariyojana. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'irrigation scheduling'? Bringing out the advantages provided by it, discuss the difficulties faced in applying it on a farm level. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"While the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana was touted as the largest crop insurance scheme globally in terms of farmer participation, various concerns have arisen since its implementation. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The Stockholm Conference commenced the contemporary \"environmental era\", which brought a paradigm shift in the environmental governance and set a tone for multi-lateral environmental regime. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The world has witnessed a huge surge in climate-induced disasters, which are largely driven by anthropogenic factors. In this context, analyse the role of early warning systems in mitigating the impact of the disasters. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Critically examine the implications of leveraging technology in policing. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"How far do you agree with the view that climate change poses a threat to international peace and security? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by a virtual private network (VPN)? Highlight its advantages and discuss the concerns posed by it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The discovery of the Higgs Boson at the Large Hadron Collider in CERN completed 10 years recently. In this context, discuss the role played by CERN in overall scientific development. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlighting the factors that affect the cropping pattern in India, discuss the need for modifying it in the context of the emerging agro-ecological concerns. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"While the budgetary reforms undertaken by the Central government in recent years have led to better management of government expenditure, there are some issues that still need redressal. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"For India to create a 'future ready' railway system, it must harness innovation and resource efficiency. Discuss the statement in the context of the measures enlisted in the National Rail Plan 2030. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the significance of technology in the Indian agricultural sector. Also, state the challenges in realising its potential to improve agricultural efficiency and increase the income of the farmers. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite the digital transformation in the Public Distribution System (PDS) in India, several challenges still remain. Elaborate. Also, suggest measures to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss the various concerns that exist with regard to fuel efficiency regulations for vehicles in India. Also, suggest the measures that can be taken in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Urban fire is becoming a serious cause of concern in Indian cities. In this context, highlight the major causes behind urban fires in India. What steps can be taken to build robust fire resilience in Indian cities? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Drones in border areas present a serious threat for border management in India. Elaborate. Also, discuss the different measures taken to regulate the use of drones in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Despite a global framework to prevent weaponization of space, it has been increasing in the recent times. Discuss. Also, give an account of the implications of space weaponization. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"What do you understand by a bio-economy? Highlight the role that the National Biotechnology Development Strategy 2021-2025 can play in creating a robust bio-economy in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":3991,"topper":"Kumar Sushant","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a2815-1267594_1830_kumar-sushant_rank-122.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"According to you, what are the main reasons behind prejudice against certain sections of a society? Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss how persuasion acts as a functional pillar in attitudinal change and attitude formation with requisite examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"A legally enforceable code of ethics for civil servants, which not only prescribes the ethical values they must display in their public life but also provides sanctions for violations of these values, is the need of the hour. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Although open and transparent governance has gained ground, do you agree with the view that there is merit in withholding some information from people? Justify your arguments with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Although bribery is illegal and counterproductive, public officials still demand bribes, and executives in the private sector remain tempted to pay up. In this context, discuss ways in which corporations can build a framework to eliminate the practice of offering kickbacks. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Identifying the issues associated with utilization of public funds, discuss the various ethical principles which can help devise strategies for better utilization of public funds in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"All persons ought to endeavour to follow what is right, and not what is established.\" - Aristotle (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"\"It is compassion, the most gracious of virtues, which moves the world.\" - Tiruvalluvar, Kural (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"I understand democracy as something that gives the weak the same chance as the strong.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"\"A well-developed Emotional intelligence is not only an instrumental tool in accomplishing goals, but has a dark side as a weapon for manipulating others by robbing them of their capacity to reason.\" Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do you understand by conformity, compliance and obedience? Discuss their relevance in the context of civil services in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":34,"question":"Capital punishment, or \"death penalty,\" is an institutionalized practice designed to result in deliberately executing persons in response to actual or supposed misconduct and following an authorized, rule-governed process to conclude that the person is responsible for violating norms that warrant execution. Punitive executions have historically been imposed by diverse kinds of authorities, for an expansive range of conduct, political or religious beliefs and practices, for a status beyond one's control, or without employing any significant due process procedures. Punitive executions also have been and continue to be carried out more informally, such as by terrorist groups, urban gangs, and mobs. For centuries in Europe and America, discussions have focused on capital punishment as an institutionalized, rule-governed practice of modern states and legal systems governing serious criminal conduct and procedures. In light of the above debate of capital punishment, answer the following questions: (a) What are the arguments in favour of and against having capital punishment in the criminal justice system? (b) Do you think capital punishment has a place in modern civilised society? Examine in the context of moral implications involved in awarding it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"An Indian company is active in the telecom sector and is the majority owner of a telecom company based in other geographies across the world. At one of its European headquarters, there emerged whistleblowing allegations that a local executive was bribing local government officials in order to obtain telecom cabling and construction contracts from the local government. The kickbacks were allegedly paid through a third-party consultant. More specifically, there were allegations that the executive, the third party, and a government official had some sort of business interest in common, possibly shareholdings in a limited company or the joint ownership of an undisclosed asset. The company is thought to be particularly close to the ruling dispensation in India and the news has now raised pressure to put its business operations in India under scanner as well. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the ethical challenges in the given case? (b) Identify the different stakeholders and their interests. (c) As the CEO of the firm, how would you respond to the given situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You are posted as a Customs official in one of renowned port cities of India. Your team has recently intercepted a consignment having over 5000 kilograms of red sandalwood. Red Sandalwood, also known as Red Sanders, is a prohibited item for export and is covered under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) list and hence you detained a few individuals for their alleged involvement in trying to smuggle it to another country. However, you later come to know that these people are working for an influential businessman with close ties to the ruling party of the state. Your seniors in the department have verbally instructed you not to register any compliant as yet. You are fearful that a deal will be struck between the businessman and a few corrupt officers of your department and the detained persons will be freed. You are ready to go ahead and file the complaint but at the same time are also fearful of departmental action against you if you disobey your seniors. (a) What are the various options available to you in the given case? Evaluate the merits and demerits of each of these. (b) Also indicate (without necessarily restricting to the above options) your course of action and the reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"You are the Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district. One of your subordinates informs you that a girl has reached out to him and complained about a potential death threat to her and her boyfriend who belongs to another caste. Both the families are averse to their union. She has also informed that the local police station is neither filing any complaint nor giving her any assurance of protection. The girl belongs to the dominant caste of the region and her father is a prominent local leader of the party which is in power in the state. On further enquiry, you come to know that both the girl and her boyfriend are adults. They have moved out of the house and have started living together. This has further angered both the families and they are accusing each other of abduction. In the given scenario, answer the following questions: (a) Bring out the ethical dilemma faced by you. (b) What would be a suitable course of action to resolve the issue? (c) At times, such instances lead to violence and may end up in honour killings. Discuss the reasons behind their social acceptance in parts of India despite the legal sanction against them.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3992,"topper":"Kumar Sushant","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2650a-1267594_1827_kumar-sushant_rank-122.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The ideals of 'Dhamma' by Ashoka present key learnings on public morality. Discuss. Also, state their relevance for public servants. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"There is a need for an effective climate governance structure within the broad framework of corporate governance. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Family values influence the decisions individuals make both within the family structure and outside of it. Do you agree with the statement? Justify with relevant examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"'Niti' must be more concerned with 'nyaya' i.e. the elimination of removable injustices rather than defining a perfectly just society. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"While it may seem restrictive, anonymity is one of the greatest strengths of the civil services. Comment in the context of growth of social media in recent times. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Corporate governance and business ethics are key factors influencing investment decisions and determining the flow of capital worldwide. In this context, discuss the inter-relationship between corporate governance and business ethics. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Examine the issue of foreign aid in global politics from an ethical perspective. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explaining the meaning of media ethics, discuss why it is a prerequisite for democracy. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by a situation of 'crisis of conscience'? Also, explain how a public servant can deal with such a situation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The opportunities and threats created by emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) require leaders across business, government and civil society to understand the importance of values and ethics in technological development. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"It is argued that the Indian bureaucracy suffers from indecision and risk aversion. Do you agree? Justify with logical arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Corruption endangers not only the quality of governance but also threatens the very foundation of our society. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Discuss the foundational values of civil services, which are prerequisites in building a responsive public administration. Also, highlight how Mission Karmayogi aspires to make public administration more responsive. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"In the following questions, carefully study the cases presented and then answer the questions that follow (in around 250 words): 7. You come across a news report of a state 'X', which has a considerable number of school going children suffering from malnourishment. To overcome this, the state recently rolled out a policy to introduce eggs in mid-day meals in schools. However, some parents, teachers and a few religious groups have protested against the move. The report states that the Minister of Education of state 'X' has assured the public of a reversal in the policy. You are aware that this may be because elections are approaching in the state and the party in power may not want to antagonise a particular religious group, which is its key supporter. In light of this, answer the following: (a) Highlight the stakeholders in the given case study. (b) Examine the options available in the given situation. (c) According to you, what is the best course of action and why?","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Recently, the government has proposed a bill to increase the age of marriage for women from 18 to 21 years. It has been argued that it will help women improve their nutritional status, lower maternal mortality rate and improve the overall health status of women. However, some critics have stated that the proposed law would be counterproductive to women's cause and the desired objectives will not be met. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What effect will an increase in the age of marriage have on women in India? (b) Can legislation be used as an effective tool for social change? (c) Discuss other agents that can be used for social change in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Climate change not only threatens our ecosystems but also undermines the foundation of our fundamental rights, deepens inequalities and creates new forms of injustice. Adapting to climate change and trying to mitigate its impacts are not just a matter of scientific knowledge and political will but also demand a broader view of a complex, inter-related situation. Human induced climate change has brought in several ethical dimensions not just in causing climate change but also in the role and responsibility in mitigating it. (a) Highlight the ethical issues arising out of human-induced climate change. (b) What ethical principles should form the basis of global action on climate change?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You are a young officer posted as a Sub-Divisional Magistrate in a backward district. You receive a complaint against the appointment of a Dalit woman in a village school for cooking food under the Mid-Day Meal scheme by parents of some students. The parents are putting immense pressure on the school management to discontinue the services of the woman concerned on the basis of long-standing social norms of caste impurity. They also say that if the management fails to take a favourable decision, keeping in mind the prevailing social customs, they will convene a village assembly and take action against the woman and her family members, including boycotting them socially. Based on the above information, address the following: (a) Identify the issues involved in the given case study. (b) Highlighting the reasons behind continuing caste discrimination, discuss the steps which you will take to resolve the present issue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"A bridge is being built by a powerful local contractor in a district. The Public Works Department (PWD) is responsible for issuing the tender, checking the quality of the bridge and giving approval to it. During the construction of the bridge, testing by the quality control lab in the PWD showed its strength to be slightly below the minimum value required for granting approval for its further construction and completion. The local contractor paid hefty bribes to some officials in the PWD to get the contract. These officials are pressurising the quality control lab in the PWD to sign the report and give the required approval to the bridge. The local MLA is also pressuring the concerned lab for the approval, as elections in the state are approaching and the bridge has to be inaugurated. However, the in-charge of the lab is aware that if he grants approval and any mishappening related to the bridge occurs in the future, he may come under scrutiny. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the issues involved in this scenario? (b) Evaluate the options available to the in-charge of the quality control lab in the given situation. (c) What course of action should the lab in-charge take? Justify with logical arguments.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3993,"topper":"Kumar Sushant","air":122,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/215ee-1267594_1837_kumar-sushant_rank-122.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3994,"topper":"Kumud Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IDBTFDChUlhRcvIf3VRRHa7-GKdMHyBT/view","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Patience and time grow the seed that blossoms into wisdom.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"The measure of intelligence is the ability to change.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3995,"topper":"Kumud Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/14Z5uKEC6YTce840GGfSOG3bK7YSS3ZTU/view","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"There is nothing permanent except change.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"The proper use of science is not to conquer nature but to live in it.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3996,"topper":"Kumud Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vjuum12EiFNfl_wB2igettuXcyfcjenr/view","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"The twin killers of success are impatience and greed.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Storms make trees take deeper roots,","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":3997,"topper":"Kumud Mishra","air":69,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Drishti IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.drishtiias.com/images/pdf/Kumud%20Mishra_Essay.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3998,"topper":"Kumud Mishra","air":259,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Drishti IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.drishtiias.com/images/pdf/Kumud%20Mishra_Essay%201.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":3999,"topper":"Kumud Mishra","air":69,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Insights IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.insightsonindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/kumud-mishra-upsc-rank-69-essay-topper-copy.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4000,"topper":"Kumud Mishra","air":69,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Insights IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.insightsonindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/kumud-mishra-upsc-rank-69-essay-topper-copy-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4001,"topper":"Kumud Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oZzi_y0WgJdp8X0nj9CEX7pfP2LgWNKB/view","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Gender based violence in India has not declined despite taking various measures. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The emergence of the El Nino weather pattern has raised concerns over monsoon rainfall in 2023. In light of this, discuss the impact of El Nino on the Indian monsoon.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"What is uniform civil code (UCC)? Comment upon the relevance of UCC for a secular country like India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Explain the importance of Swadeshi movement in India's struggle for independence. Discuss the shortcomings of the movement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Marine resources have emerged as a vital cornerstone of the economy, providing rich source of livelihoods and prosperity. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"With the help of suitable examples, describe various Aeolian landforms.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Assess the importance of footloose industries in the development of backward regions in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Discuss the reasons that led to the October Revolution in Russia bringing a new form of government in Russia.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Highlight the contribution of Rashtrakutas in enriching the architecture and culture of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"How did the essence of the Indian liberation struggle evolve as a result of the Gandhian political philosophy?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Describe the factors that contribute to the continuity and change in Indian society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Foreign accounts as a source of ancient Indian history has both advantages and shortcomings. Examine this statement with appropriate examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"\"Climate warming and unsustainable groundwater extraction are likely to amplify the challenges related to groundwater sustainability.\" In light of the above statement discuss various reasons for groundwater depletion and highlight government initiatives to address the challenges.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Folk art entails a world of culture and tradition passed down from generations. However, the skill which goes into their making is adopted by a very less number of youths due to lack of livelihood opportunities. Suggest measures to integrate economy and folk art to preserve the rich Indian culture and heritage","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"What are the challenges in tribal health care system in India? How should healthcare delivery and human resources be organized in tribal health?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Assess the multidimensional implications of uneven distribution of mineral resources in the world.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"The caste system in India acts as a catalyst for other social issues which hinder the development of Indian society. Do you agree with the view?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"In light of the recently occured cyclone Biparjoy that stuck the Saurashtra and Kutch region of Gujarat, discuss the features and process of formation of tropical cyclone and the change in the nature of cyclones in the Indian ocean.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Critically examine the nature of the revolt of 1857 and explain how it affected the British policy in India in later years?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"How do the cultural, linguistic and religious diversity in India influence the social fabric of the country and shape its identity?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4002,"topper":"Kumud Mishra","air":69,"year":2024,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Drishti IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.drishtiias.com/images/pdf/Kumud%20Mishra_GS%201.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4003,"topper":"Kumud Mishra","air":259,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Drishti IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.drishtiias.com/images/pdf/Kumud%20Mishra_GS%201%201.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4004,"topper":"Kumud Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Q0hjHuY0BT4LcXtuRTr7SAtKu6v-LbdB/view","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"The FIPIC initiative represents a significant endeavour aimed at enhancing India's involvement in the Pacific region. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"An active, diverse civil society often plays a valuable role in helping advance democracy. It can discipline the state ensure that citizens' interests are taken seriously and foster greater civic and political participation. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"The Right to Information Act is one of the significant instruments that has reinforced the centrality of citizens in India. Critically examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss the challenges and opportunities for India in its engagement with the African continent and suggest ways to improve, enhance the partnership.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Analyse the role of India in promoting regional connectivity and economic integration in South Asia.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Cooperative federalism reflects an ideology of stable relationship between centre and state interaction. Despite this, there are certain issues and challenges pertaining to it. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Analyse the nature of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) as an independent body.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"What are the challenges in the implementation of e-Governance in India? What measures need to be taken to overcome it?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss ways to empower NGOs in India to carry out development activities for safeguarding the environment. Also, throw light on the primary obstacles that may impede progress","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the emerging avenues of international relations and assess the preparedness of India in these area of expertise.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"The quality of higher education in India requires major improvements to make it internationally competitive. Do you think that the entry of foreign educational institutions would help improve the quality of higher and technical education in the country? Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Comment on the constitutional validity of the 103rd Constitutional Amendment Act 2019 which aims to bring the economically weaker section to the mainstream of development, in the light of recent Supreme Court judgements.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"The proposed Multi-State Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Bill, 2022 seeks to revamp the operation of cooperative societies in India. Discuss the key provisions of the Bill, emphasizing the importance of this amendment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"A Governor should discharge his duty in accordance with the spirit of the Constitution and not just act as an agent of the Centre. Discuss the issues associated with the post of Governor in this regard and suggest remedies for it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Throw light on the role of parliamentary committees and give a contemporary evaluation of their functioning so far.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"What are the grounds for disqualification for a people's representative under RPA 1951? Is it time to reconsider the Act?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"G-20 presidency under India is an embodiment of inclusivity, ambitiousness and decisiveness. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Discuss the role of Bureaucracy in the conduct of free and fair elections under the guidance of the Election Commission of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Examine the need for prison reforms in India. Discuss the significance of Model Prison Act 2023 in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"High prevalence of stunting, wasting, and anaemia continue to pose public health risks for children and women in India. Discuss how India should strengthen its existing social sector scheme like Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) to tackle these issues.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4005,"topper":"Kumud Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SgJOIshSqCRczqItS955_5fne1_ujR3d/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the importance of the principle of 'complete justice' as outlined in the Indian constitution. Refer to key judicial rulings that have contributed to the realisation of complete justice in modern India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"American constitution provides for 'due process of law' against that of 'procedure established by law', contained in the Indian constitution. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Extending Sixth Schedule status to Ladakh could impact its cultural preservation and regional autonomy. In this context, critically evaluate the benefits and challenges associated with this potential change.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss how the principles established in the S.R. Bommai case remain essential for preserving the constitutional values of federalism and secularism.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"The challenges posed by mass media to the election process have prompted the Election Commission of India (ECI) to issue guidelines for the ethical use of social media platforms. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"The Right to Information Act has played a significant role in promoting transparency and accountability in Indian governance, but it faces challenges in its implementation. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"How would you explain the persistence of high malnutrition rates with declining poverty rates in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"ASEAN centrality, a key element in regional security and Asia's multilateral cooperation can be deployed to ensure that Asia's future is not dictated predominatly by greater power interests. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"The strategic partnership between India and European union holds a lot of untapped potential, but is constrained by a range of factors. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Soft power has the potential to multiply the efforts of Indian diplomacy and in this regard should be pursued as an important objective. In this context, assess the extent to which it has been leveraged in Indian foregin policy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"The importance of parliamentary functioning in India is undeniable, yet its effectiveness has noticeably reduced in recent years. critically analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"The Indian constitution provides a framework for urban governance, but despite various initiatives, significant challenges continue to persist in urban areas. critically analyse","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Quotas and the inclusion of a creamy layer. How does this shift the objective of caste-based reservations from social equity and justice to economic equity and justice?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"In recent years, the shift towards New Public Governance has led to both cooperation and conflict between the state and civil society organisations in India. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind juvenile involvement in criminal activities in India. Suggest comprehensive juvenile justice policy to address these challenges.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"Critically analyse the impact of the Skill India Mission on enhancing employability and economic development.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Despite recent efforts by governments to improve civil servants efficiency and capacity building, a thorough restructuring of the civil services is necessary to effectively tackle contemporary challenges. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"\"India's membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is aimed at securing strategic benefits.\" In this context, discuss how ongoing disputes with China and Pakistan impact India's ability to achieve these benefits?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"As China continues to pursue dominance over Indo-Pacific, the trilateral technology alliance between India, South Korea and the United States aim to enhance collaboration in key emerging technology fields. Discuss the implications of this alliance for the security and stability of the Indo-Pacific.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"Evaluate the role of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in addressing the challenges faced by refugees in the current conflict ridden world. How effective has the UNHCR been in fulfilling its mandate amidst escalating global crisis?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4006,"topper":"Kumud Mishra","air":69,"year":2024,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Drishti IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.drishtiias.com/images/pdf/Kumud%20Mishra_GS%202.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4007,"topper":"Kumud Mishra","air":259,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Drishti IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.drishtiias.com/images/pdf/Kumud%20Mishra_GS%202%201.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4008,"topper":"Kumud Mishra","air":69,"year":2024,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Insights IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.insightsonindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/kumud-mishra-upsc-rank-69-gs-2-topper-copy.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4009,"topper":"Kumud Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bDTS3HQi0HbOsQyUVS7WiqqiN3Dnp7bZ/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Analyse how fintech can enhance financial inclusion and reduce gender gaps in India. Also, identify key challenges that need to be addressed.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"As per government data, India recorded a trade deficit with a of its top 10 trading partners in FY 2023-24. Discuss contributing factors and assess their impact.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Evaluate why horticulture remains an understated contributor to India's agriculture. Discuss government measures that could enhance its global market share and address current challenges.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"How has the Public Distribution System (PDS) impacted household food spending in India? What changes could enhance its effectiveness in ensuring food security?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Understanding and addressing orbital debris is crucial for space sustainability. In this context, discuss the concept of Space Situational Awareness.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"What are data centres? How do they operate? Discuss their significance in driving India's digital revolution.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Explain the concept of the 'triple planetary crisis' and the interlinkages between different aspects of this crisis.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the key provisions and significance of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement. How will India benefit from signing and implementing this agreement?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"The Armed Forces have finalized the structure for making integrated theatre commands. Evaluate the significance of theaterization in India's armed forces.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Assess the impact of recent peace agreements and reduction in violence on the internal security landscape of India's North east region.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Despite significant strides in reducing the share of agriculture in output and employment India's structural transformation is marked by sectoral imbalances, low productivity and the rise of low skill jobs. Evaluate key issues and suggest policy measures for addressing them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"India faces challenges in measuring extreme poverty due to varying estimates and outdated poverty lines. In this context, discuss the need for a national poverty indicator and its potential impact on policymaking.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"To achieve sustainable agriculture growth the focus must be on enhancing the income of small and marginal farmers. Discuss the extent to which government policies have succeeded in this objective.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"These government initiatives have succeeded to a large extent, but the challenge remains in terms of the reach and quality.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"Analyse the potential impact of fisheries and seaweed aquaculture on the Indian economy. What factors contribute to its classification as a sunrise sector ?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"Despite India's talent in science and technology why does it lag in research and development compared to other emerging economies ? Analyse the factors. Also examine how Anusandhan National Research Foundation Act 2023, aims to address them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"In the context of Artificial Intelligence (AI) development, how can India strike a balance between technological innovations and the need for inclusive growth that benefits marginalized communities?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"The Economic Survey 2023-24 has highlighted the flaws in the current global approach to climate change mitigation. Explain their impact on developing countries like India. Also suggest ways to balance development and climate action.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"What are the major challenges to building disaster resilience in Indian cities? Enumerate the current initiatives and suggest improvements.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"United Nations recently unveiled the 'Global Principles for Information Integrity' for curbing the spread of online misinformation. Assess the impact of online misinformation on social trust and internal security. Also discuss the challenges in addressing it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"Despite significant progress in combating Left Wing Extremism (LWE), challenges persist. Evaluate the effectiveness of the government's strategy in reducing Left Wing Extremism and its goal of eradicating LWE by 2026.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4010,"topper":"Kumud Mishra","air":69,"year":2024,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Insights IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.insightsonindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/kumud-mishra-upsc-rank-69-gs-3-topper-copy.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4011,"topper":"Kumud Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ukjKEBFjkJVop3n7TVDhctzjq9j7dy5b/view","questions":[{"page":17,"question":"4(a) Persuasion is a vital part of politics.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Explain the importance of foundational values and core principles for effective and doorstep public service delivery.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"In the realm of ethical development, what factors contribute to the evolution of individual's moral attitudes?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"6(a) \"When the credibility of an organization...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"6(b) \"Public service must be more than...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"During the 1970s and 1980s, thousands of people in the UK were infected with HIV and Hepatitis C through contaminated blood products. Many of these individuals were haemophiliacs who relied on regular blood transfusions. The scandal, often referred to as the worst treatment disaster in the history of the National Health Service (NHS), involved the sourcing of blood from high-risk groups, including prisoners and intravenous drug users, and a failure to adequately screen for infections. Despite growing evidence of the risks, the government and health authorities were slow to act, and many victims were not informed of their diagnosis for years. The scandal has led to decades of suffering, loss of life, and a long-running campaign for justice and compensation. In light of this case, answer the following: (a) Identify the main stakeholders involved in this case. (b) Discuss the ethical issues related to integrity and accountability in this case. (c) As the Director General of the NHS, what course of action would you take to address the grievances of the victims and prevent such lapses in the future?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"As the SP of Jaipur district, recently you have observed a disturbing trend of increasing digital addiction and moral crisis among young children in your jurisdiction. Many parents have reported that their children are spending excessive time on digital devices and the internet, leading to behavioral changes, academic decline, and exposure to inappropriate content. Some children have even been found to be involved in cyberbullying and other harmful online activities. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) What are the ethical implications of unrestricted access to digital content on the upbringing and moral development of children? (b) As the SP, what measures would you take to address this issue in collaboration with other stakeholders? (c) How can parents and educational institutions play a role in fostering digital literacy and ethical behavior among children?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4012,"topper":"Kumud Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OdWl30SceHR6xSfcZiKb3bRfAFW-i1HL/view","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Emotional Intelligence is increasingly recognised as a vital tool for effective governance. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"2(b) \"Emotional intelligence is important, but...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"5(a) Discuss the significance and applications of Emotional Intelligence in the administration and governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"6(b) \"All Knowledge should be subject to...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"As the District Magistrate (DM) in...","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4013,"topper":"Kumud Mishra","air":69,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Insights IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.insightsonindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/kumud-mishra-upsc-rank-69-ethics-topper-copy.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4014,"topper":"Kumud Mishra","air":69,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Insights IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.insightsonindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/kumud-mishra-upsc-rank-69-ethics-topper-copy-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4015,"topper":"KUNAL AGARWAL","air":247,"year":2022,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"IAS Delhi Institute","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DLIw9j7insmEZ6UR2UYJmP_9fX-W05Iw/view?usp=sharing","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Post-Behaviouralism as “credo of relevance”. Comment (15 Marks)","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":13,"question":"“Each man is an end in itself. No one ought to treat the other as a means to an end” – Immanuel Kant. Critically analyse with respect to Aristotle’s Theory of Slavery. (15 Marks)","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":16,"question":"“Feeling of inequality, howsoever real or imagined, is the most common cause behind any revolution.” - Aristotle. Comment (15 Marks)","marks":"15","words":null}]},{"id":4016,"topper":"Kunal Rastogi","air":15,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e31d6-1111885_2319_kunal_rastogi_rank_15.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4017,"topper":"Kunal Rastogi","air":15,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0cd34-1111885_2322__kunal_rastogi_rank_15.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4018,"topper":"Kunal Rastogi","air":15,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/19aaa-1111885_2323_kunal_rastogi_rank_15.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4019,"topper":"Kunal Rastogi","air":15,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Kunal-Rastogi-UPSC-2023-Rank-15-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4020,"topper":"Kunal Rastogi","air":15,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/13yE-CMvC1eUeh4q4gZdCtecLjmadGGCG/view","questions":[]},{"id":4021,"topper":"Kunal Rastogi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4e372-1111885_1511_kunal_rastogi-_rank_15.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Despite a vast coast line and a number of waterways, why has India not been able to achieve its potential in bringing a significant modal shift from rail and road to waterways? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The move to establish a National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development, to reverse the drag on India's growth potential will have its own set of challenges. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlighting the issues related to the current fertilizer subsidy regime in India, discuss the need for reforms in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Identifying the need for a climate resilient agriculture in India, discuss how it can be achieved. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Mega Food Parks (MFPs) were considered to be a gamechanger for the food processing sector in India, but their progress remains stunted. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do you understand by impact based forecasting in disaster management? How can such forecasting strengthen the disaster management preparedness? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Low Earth Orbit is becoming increasingly crowded as countries race to launch satellites into space. Highlighting the associated issues, discuss international efforts taken in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Enumerating the existing measures to counter bio-terrorism in India, highlight the need for a bio-terrorism law. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the potential of \"Integrated Law Enforcement Centres\" and \"Smart Walls\" on India's border areas to address the prevailing security challenges. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Farm loan waivers are neither adequate nor recommended for promoting sustained agricultural growth. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"A number of initiatives in recent years have focussed on the MSME sector. Why is there a need to focus on this sector? Also, identify the measures taken by the government and further scope of action. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Skilling the Indian population faces a 3E challenge - Education, Employment and Employability. Discuss. Also suggest interventions required to effectively manage this challenge. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Despite its importance, agricultural marketing faces various institutional and infrastructural related issues in India. Elaborate. Also, enlist the measures that have been taken in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Marine litter is not just an environmental issue but poses a socio-economic challenge as well. Discuss. Also, enumerate the initiatives taken by the global community to reduce marine litter. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Assess India's vulnerability to flash floods and suggest measures for better resilience to flash floods. In this context, also briefly highlight the significance of recently launched Flash Flood Guidance System (FFGS) operated by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Hydrogen based energy production can play a key role in a clean, secure and affordable energy future. In this context, identify the potential and opportunities for utilising hydrogen based technologies. What are the challenges that need to be addressed to fullfill the potential? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Despite the huge promise of satellite-based internet connectivity, it hasn't gained traction on a significant commercial scale, especially in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India's attempts at strengthening its intelligence infrastructure and capabilities have historically been reactive and incremental, rather than holistic and sustainable. Discuss. Also, provide a concrete framework in transforming the country's intelligence capabilities. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"In light of the prominent instances of drone attacks by both state and non state actors, assess the challenges and capabilities of India in dealing with such security threats. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4022,"topper":"Kunal Rastogi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/58a61-1111885_1862_kunal_rastogi-_rank_15.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Jyotiba Phule was not only a key social reformer but also a patron of literary works. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Cave paintings in India have a long tradition with both religious as well as secular attributes. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The Swadeshi movement started as an anti-partition movement, but became a multi-faceted mass movement after 1905. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Although the National Emergency of 1975 was a temporary blip in independent India's history, it emboldened the spirit and resistance of our democracy. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Examine the relationship between the Walker Circulation and the Indian Monsoon. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Identifying the factors responsible for formation of tides, discuss their geographic and economic significance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What are Rossby waves? Discuss the role played by them in shaping the climate of the earth. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"One of the reasons for increased global interest in Afghanistan is its endowment with key natural resources. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The traditional structure of the caste system has witnessed paradoxical changes over the last few decades in India. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Economic empowerment of women is the key to ensure their social empowerment. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"India has the highest number of endangered languages in the world as per the UNESCO. In this context, discuss the factors that have endangered native languages in India and highlight the steps taken to conserve and protect these'languages. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The policy of 'Subsidiary Alliance' helped in establishing British control over internal affairs of Indian states without incurring any direct imperial liability. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"\"Before 1857 the British were effectively working against the traditional grain of Indian society; afterwards they were working with it\". Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Enumerating the revolutionary maxims propounded by Sun Yat-sen, discuss the conditions that led to the revival of Chinese nationalism in the early 20th century. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Based on their geological age, present a brief account of the classification and distribution of coal reserves in India. Also, discuss the ongoing stress in the coal sector in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What is Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC)? Discuss the reasons for recent decline in the AMOC and its associated impact. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Recent reports and National Family Health Surveys have signalled a monumental shift in Indian demographics. Highlighting this shift, discuss the challenges that it will pose. Also, suggest remedial measures. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Looking at all poverty from the rural perspective and applying rural solutions to urban conditions will not yield results. Discuss the statement in context of differences between urban and rural poverty in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Regional movements are often conservative in orientation, supported by traditional social classes and religious groups and oppose social change imposed by modernity. Critically discuss in the context of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4023,"topper":"Kunal Rastogi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a8e0b-1111885_1513_kunal_rastogi-_rank_15.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"In the context of protection of monuments, explain the role of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Also, comment on the challenges faced by ASI and measures taken to address these. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Tribal art has a huge potential for acting as an economic resource and a tool for socio-economic transformation of tribals in India. Elucidate. Also highlight the challenges in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Though the Government of India Act, 1919 proposed some radical administrative changes, it remained short of fulfilling aspirations of Indians. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Often deemed as the 'forgotten conflict', the Korean War had far-reaching implications. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Explaining the origin of earth's magnetism, discuss its significance with special reference to its interaction with solar particles. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discussing the challenges pertaining to dam safety in India, highlight the potential of Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project to address them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What is understood by Carbon Compensation Depth (CCD)? Discuss the implications of the rise in this depth due to anthropogenic warming as well. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"In view of demographic changes in recent decades, do you think India needs a two-child policy? Discuss in light of various strands of the debate surrounding this issue. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Globalization is incredibly efficient, but has so far been incredibly unjust. Examine the statement in the context of developing countries like India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"It would not be completely wrong to state that in India, art is religion and religion is art.\" In light of the statement, discuss the impact of various religions on art in India, citing relevant examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"Despite organizational apathy from the Indian National Congress in its initial years, the working class in various parts of the country subsequently participated overwhelmingly in the nationalist movement. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Though some of his early measures restored faith among the Indians in the liberal tradition of England, Lord Ripon's tenure did not bring about significant changes in the conservative mindset of the colonial bureaucracy. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"The New Social Movements in post-independence period made an important beginning in awakening the society against injustices and deepened the very notion of democracy in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"What are the reasons for recurrent and often catastrophic wildfires in places like Australia and the United States? Are there any lessons to be learnt from these events by India? Explain adequately. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Discuss why India needs a cross border flood management mechanism. Also, state the major issues in cross border flood management and suggest remedial measures in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Depletion of water resources in India is both a geo climatic phenomenon as well as a result some short-sighted government policies. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"What are the major lithospheric plates? How and why do these plates move? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"There exists a wide gap between the constitutionally professed secularism and its practice in India. Do you agree? Substantiate with relevant arguments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"India spends less than one per cent of GDP on care work infrastructure and services. In view of the statement, explain how increased public investment in care economy infrastructure can be instrumental in meeting multiple policy objectives. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4024,"topper":"Kunal Rastogi","air":15,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/93aaf-1111885_1514_kunal_rastogi-_rank_15.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4025,"topper":"Kunal Rastogi","air":15,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Kunal-Rastogi-UPSC-2023-Rank-15-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4026,"topper":"Kunal Rastogi","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Kunal-Rastogi-UPSC-2023-Rank-15-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Foreign trade is an important milestone on the path of becoming a 5 trillion USD economy. In this context, analyse the potential of the recently released Foreign Trade Policy, 2023 in revamping India's participation in global trade. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Social protection schemes are an integral aspect of a welfare economy; however, the principles of fiscal prudence cannot be ignored. Discuss, with special reference to Old Pension Scheme (OPS). (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand from Agristack? To what extent can it become a panacea for the problems plaguing the farm sector. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The objective of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to provide a long term and equitable solution to the dilemma between free trade and food security has remained unfulfilled. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Even after five decades of the Stockholm conference, narrowing the gaps between the targets and actions remains one of the biggest challenges towards reversing climate change. Discuss. Also, recommend measures for building a coherent actionable strategy to tackle climate change. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What are the impediments in management of E-waste in the country? In what ways can the trinity of citizens, businesses, and the government tackle this menace? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How does nuclear fusion differ from nuclear fission? Assess the relevance of nuclear energy in resolving the global energy security dilemma? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are run of the river hydroelectric projects? How far can run of the river hydroelectric projects balance ecological conservation with socio-economic development? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"A robust border infrastructure is the surest way to counter multifarious threats emanating from inimical actors. Discuss, in light of Vibrant Village Programme. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"How far can a clearly articulated National Security Strategy help in tackling challenges to national security? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What are the factors that influence the inflation trends in the country? Highlighting the impacts, discuss the institutional measures in place to check inflation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Though a cornerstone of Atmanirbhar Bharat, Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme is not without its own challenges. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"How is internationalisation of rupee different from De-Dollarisation? Highlighting the benefits of internationalisation of rupee, discuss the challenges associated with the same. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What are Primary Agricultural Credit Societies? Can the cooperative push alone help in achieving the twin targets of boosting rural economy and mainstreaming small and marginal farmers? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Farm policies in the country have inadvertently led to undesirable consequences. Do you agree? Giving emphasis on PM PRANAM, discuss ways to enhance soil health and farm productivity. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What do you understand by heat waves? Highlight the reasons and impact of the rising frequency of heat waves across India. Also, recommend some measures to mitigate its impact. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"How is Chandrayaan-3 different from its predecessor, Chandrayaan-2? To what extent can India's presence in Artemis Accords help in furthering the exploration of lunar surface? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Research and Development is the key to unlock the potential of 'knowledge economy.' In this perspective, analyse the role of the National Research Foundation Bill, 2023 in democratizing the research ecosystem in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'Hybrid warfare.' Highlighting its implications for India, recommend measures to develop a comprehensive ecosystem to counter the same. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How are internal security challenges related to peace in neighboring countries? Explain with special reference to instability on India's eastern frontier. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4027,"topper":"Kunal Rastogi","air":15,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1r1Uvi6zVrzZJL0cFQMKU8DOgsGFlpaVD/view","questions":[]},{"id":4028,"topper":"Kunal Rastogi","air":15,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cxbX_kZYtzBkxOCRYpqcwmgoz3y4NnCY/view","questions":[]},{"id":4029,"topper":"Kunal Rastogi","air":15,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Kunal-Rastogi-UPSC-2023-Rank-15-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper-1-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4030,"topper":"Kunal Rastogi","air":15,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/u/2/folders/1fvqGGhzHYAGNLc6kd94ByNtmEFD5TLhF","questions":[]},{"id":4031,"topper":"Kunal Rastogi","air":15,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Kunal-Rastogi-UPSC-IAS-2023-Toppers-AIR-15-Sample-MGP-GS-Copy.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4032,"topper":"Kush Motwani","air":11,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/KUSH-MOTWANI-UPSC-2023-Rank-11-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4033,"topper":"Kush Motwani","air":11,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/93393beb2b7e996905ce7ea7f8b78443/31/air-11-kush-motwani_test-5_gs1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. How did the ancient trade routes connecting India to foreign countries contribute to the exchange and dissemination of culture?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":5,"question":"2. The Quit India movement was a people's movement cutting across the class divides but it was the women's leadership that left a clear mark. Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":7,"question":"3. 'The hallmark of post-Independent India has been its remarkable strides in science and technology'. To what extent did scientific development during this period put India on the path of modernity?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"4. Discuss the feasibility of Interlinking rivers to resolve the issue of water stress in other regions.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":11,"question":"5. How will the structural shift from coal-based power plants to renewable energy generation impact human development in coal-bearing states?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":13,"question":"6. To what extent temperature and precipitation are the most important factors that determine soil properties?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"7. Why are severe and intense cyclones becoming a regular phenomenon in the Arabian Sea? Substantiate with examples.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":17,"question":"8. In the context of cultural diversity in India, can we consider Southern states as distinct cultural units in comparison to the rest of India? Substantiate your view.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"9. Poverty and population growth are locked in a vicious cycle, where poverty restricts individuals' ability to break free from the cycle, while population growth strains resources. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"10. India has a rich heritage in the internationalization of education. In this context how will the recent push for the 'internationalization of education' impact society and foster cultural exchange?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":23,"question":"11. 'Although there were many differences between the Gandhara and Mathura art, they considerably influenced the Amravati school of art.' Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":26,"question":"12. 'England's Industrial Revolution not only transformed the economic landscape but also had far-reaching social and cultural impacts'. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":29,"question":"13. How did the social reform and ideological struggle against the backward traditional elements and hegemony of colonial culture in the nineteenth century influence the emergence of a distinct cultural identity and national consciousness?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"How struggle against hegemony of colonial culture led to this identity","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"14. How does temperature inversion affect atmospheric conditions and what are its implications for local weather patterns and air pollution levels?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":35,"question":"15. What are the geographical factors responsible for mangrove vegetation in India? How does climate change pose a threat to mangrove vegetation in India?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":38,"question":"16. What are the geographical and economic factors that influence the location of the sugar industry, and how do they contribute to the growth of the industry in India and different parts of the world?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":41,"question":"17. What are the key strategies used in dryland farming to overcome water scarcity and maximize agricultural productivity in arid and semi-arid regions? Also, discuss the need to promote dryland farming in India.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":44,"question":"8. How has the contemporary women's movement encompassed diverse approaches beyond traditional methods? Also, highlight the unique contribution and challenges of the contemporary women's movement.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":47,"question":"19. Do you think that the forces of modernization that catalyzed the eradication of social evils in Indian society have also threatened our cultural values and ethos?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":49,"question":"3. Define in standards of art and culture.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"0. In the context of states in India evaluate the relationship between regional disparity and sentiments of regionalism. Is regionalism antagonistic to the idea of nationalism? (Answer in 150 words) 15 marks","marks":"15","words":"150"}]},{"id":4034,"topper":"Kush Motwani","air":11,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/93393beb2b7e996905ce7ea7f8b78443/61/air-11-kush-motwani_test-1_gs1.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Q.1 The fabric of Indian philosophical thought owes as much to Northern India as to Southern India. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":4,"question":"Q.2 The Indian society's impulse for social change and reform was a response to its opposition to colonial rule. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Q.3 What are the factors that led to the Russian revolution and what are the consequences of this revolution? Discuss its influence on the Indian national movement.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Q.4 Discuss the various factors responsible for the uneven temperature distribution on Earth's surface.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":10,"question":"Q.5 The melting of glaciers due to climate change has serious implications for the ecosystem and human society. Discuss the effects of melting glaciers on the environment and the measures that can be taken to address this issue.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Q.6 The White Revolution was most successful in the Western part of India. Discuss the factors for this regional success of the White Revolution.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Q.7 To what extent does seismic investigation contribute to our understanding of the Earth's interior structure? Analyze its significance in detail.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Q.8 The pace of demographic transition varies across different states of India making population growth a double-edged sword. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":18,"question":"Q.9 The ethnic and cultural diversity in India has always been bound by the thread of unity. Discuss the major factors that have contributed to the cultural unity of India.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":20,"question":"Q.10 The dichotomy in public and private life in Indian society acts as a major barrier to the annihilation of caste. Justify.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Q.11 India was forced into numerous wars post Independence. Highlight the causes and impact of the Indo-Pak and Indo-China wars on our bilateral relationships.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.12 The process of consolidation of Bengal, which started after the Battle of Plassey culminated in the Battle of Buxar. Do you think the Battle of Buxar was more important for the British than Plassey?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":28,"question":"Q.13 Sanskrit literature in general and particularly in the Guptan age set a high watermark for the literary history of ancient India. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Q.14 The configuration of the ocean floor provides essential information about the geological processes that have shaped the Earth's surface. Discuss the major features of the ocean floor and their significance in the study of oceanography.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Q.15 With the growing demand for rare earth elements, their distribution has become a critical aspect of the global economy. Discuss the distribution of rare earth elements across the world, their uses, and the environmental impact of their extraction.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Q.16 Tourism in the hilly states is threatening to exceed the ecological carrying capacity of the region. Analyze the factors contributing to this trend and evaluate the potential Environmental impacts of this phenomenon. What measures can be taken to ensure sustainable tourism in these states?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Q.17 The Indian monsoon is a complex phenomenon influenced by various climatic factors. Critically examine the role of oceanic and atmospheric factors in determining the intensity and distribution of monsoon rainfall in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Q.18 Why do traditions in our society impede change? To what extent can social legislation be instrumental against old customary practices?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":46,"question":"Q.19 Slums are not 'problems' that have to be 'solved' - but are indeed a result of lopsided and vested urban policies covering infrastructure provision and socio-economic issues. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Q.20 Communalism gains strength from economic deprivation, and thrives in environments of social exclusion, creating fertile ground for discontent and division. Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4035,"topper":"Kush Motwani","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/KUSH-MOTWANI-UPSC-2023-Rank-11-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Fundamental rights chapter of the constitution is the \"north star\" of the universe of constitutionalism. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Just because a person is offended by someone's speech or word; it does not mean that an offence has been committed. In this context, discuss the issues surrounding the use of the section 295A and 153A of IPC. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Present a comparative analysis of political system of India and Sri-Lanka. How far do you agree that the reason for the economic crisis in Sri-Lanka lies in its political structure? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The changed nature of civil society due to its professionalization has helped in deepening of democracy but at the cost of participation and accountability. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"While National Green Tribunal (NGT) has made immense contribution to protection of environment, various structural and functional issues have limited its effectiveness. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Policy of reservation, started to provide equality of opportunities, has fallen victim to political opportunism. Critically examine the success of affirmative actions in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Unless the factors that prevent effective and full participation of persons with disability in political and public life are addressed, the goal of inclusiveness and empowerment will remain elusive. Analyze. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The criminal justice system has made the process itself a punishment leading to the prolonged incarceration of undertrials. Highlighting the reasons for the large number of undertrial prisoners, examine the desirability of a dedicated bail law. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"China's interest in Russia is not only that of a strategic partner, but also for it being a strategic diversion for the west. Analyze. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Appraise the role of Indian diaspora in the economies of West Asia and Africa. What initiatives can be taken to address the issues faced by the diaspora in these regions? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Electoral reform is a continuous effort to make election funding transparent, election process inclusive, and political parties accountable. Discuss issues related to election funding, proposal for remote voting and regulation of Registered Unrecognized Political Parties (RUPPs). (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Judicial accountability and independence are mutually reinforcing. Do you agree? In what ways can judicial accountability be enhanced without impinging on its independence? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Ordinances deny legislative legitimacy to executive actions and weakens democratic accountability of elected government. Discuss the rationale behind inclusion of ordinance making power in the constitution and various safeguards against its misuse. Has the ordinance making power outlived its utility in present times? Justify. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The achievement of Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 can happen only if we consider local context and situations. In light of this statement, examine the critical role as well as capabilities of PRIs in meeting the SDGs. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Ayushman Bharat is a revolutionary intervention but falls short of recognizing the right to health as a universal basic right. In this perspective, discuss the need for and impediments in ensuring the right to health for all in the country. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Assess the performance of MGNREGA in generation of sustainable employment and creation of durable assets in rural India. Can this model be replicated in urban areas as well? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Poverty is driving women into the workforce, while education seems to drive them out of it. What explains this anomaly? How can Self Help Groups (SHGs) correct this aberration? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Rather than seeing it as a replacement for SAARC, BIMSTEC must be appreciated for its critical role as a bridge between South Asia and ASEAN. Analyze. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Compare the aims and objectives of I2U2 and Quad. What importance does I2U2 hold for India? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4036,"topper":"Kush Motwani","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e5400-916052_1524_kush_motwani_rank_11.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Tenancy reforms are much needed to give a boost to the Indian agricultural sector. Comment. In this context, also discuss the significance of the Model Land Leasing Act, 2016. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"India's march towards inclusive growth and it achieving the Sustainable Development Goals are intricately linked. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Highlight the need for evolving an appropriate system of Rules Of Origin in regional trading arrangements. What steps have been taken by India recently in this regard? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"MSP regime is a creation of an era of scarcity in the 1960s. Discuss its relevance in the current era of surplus agricultural production. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Examine the link between the recent locust attack and climate change. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Highlighting the properties of Carbon Nanotubes, discuss its applications. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"India's domestic patent regime privileges public health over pharmaceutical industry's interests. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Bring out the arguments surrounding the idea of employing the principle of 'one border - one force' on Indian borders. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Assess the need to create a new cadre of Indian Frontier Administrative Service to undertake the vital tasks at Indian frontiers. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The main objective of Union Budget 2020-21 is to provide \"Ease of Living\" to all citizens. Analyse the framework proposed in the Budget 2020-21 to achieve this objective. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"Several challenges are needed to be addressed to realise the full benefits of the recent agricultural marketing reforms. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Multimodal transport requires multiple integrations across different modes of transportation. Substantiate. What are the challenges and opportunities associated with multimodal transportation for India? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Though COVID-19 pandemic exposes the vulnerability of Informal sector and associated labor force in India, it also presents an opportunity to rebalance formal-informal economy dynamics in the country. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Highlight the drivers and challenges facing India's ambition to become a gas-based economy. Mention the steps that have been taken by the government recently in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Climate Change and the associated events endanger the marine and coastal ecosystems while increasing the vulnerability of coastal population. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Using examples, highlight how natural ecosystems perform different hazard mitigation functions. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Explain what genome sequencing is and state the challenges in scaling up genome sequencing projects. Also, throw some light on the recently launched IndiGen Project. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"India needs to avert radicalisation and societal dissention, as internal faultlines are a breeding ground for cyber and transnational terrorism. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Given the emerging security challenges, discuss why the establishment of Integrated Theatre Commands is being seen as an important defence reform. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4037,"topper":"Kush Motwani","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3448e-916052_1523_kush_motwani_rank_11.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Enumerate the issues associated with functioning of the Central Information Commission. How can these issues be addressed? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"In India, Governor's discretionary powers are wider than those of the President. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Highlight the objectives that were sought to be achieved through tribunals. How successful have they been in meeting them? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Instead of the government regulating Over-the-top (OTT) platforms, there have been calls for a self-regulating mechanism for such platforms, as in the case of print media. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Bring out the arguments surrounding the issue of some states reserving jobs for locals in the private sector. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Identifying the key elements of Mission Karmayogi, briefly explain how it can lead to holistic development of the human resources and state's capacity. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Highlighting the role played by ASHA workers in public health system of India, discuss the challenges faced by them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"While internationalisation of higher education has many potential benefits for India, certain challenges will need to be addressed in this regard. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"India needs to adopt a more pragmatic stance in the context of the ongoing intra-Afghan talks. Discuss, in the light of India's engagement with Afghanistan. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"In the geo-strategic context of West Asia, the recent efforts to normalise relations between Israel and UAE may open new possibilities for India. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"It is not only the content of election manifestos but also the past performance with respect to promises made in election manifestos that need to be regulated. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"In order to achieve a reduction in the pendency of cases and a return to the Supreme Court's original role as a final appellate court, setting up of a National Court of Appeal is the need of the hour. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"The Constitution of India reflects an amalgamation of spirit of Indian freedom struggle and various administrative provisions of different acts of British rule in India. Explain. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Mention the key components of the SVAMITVA scheme. Also, highlight its intended benefits and discuss the potential issues in its implementation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Sharing of information among all stakeholders in government functioning is a leading practice towards good governance. Discuss with examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"India has an oversized and bloated government which acts as a drag on economic efficiency and growth. Critically evaluate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Though the National Digital Health Mission is a step in the right direction for both patients and the healthcare system, concerns around data privacy need to be addressed. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"One Nation One Ration card has the potential to significantly transform the lives of migrant workers in India. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"The World Trade Organization is buffeted by multiple challenges which have eroded the credibility of the organization. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"BIMSTEC is indispensable for India's efforts in promoting regional cooperation and integration in the neighbourhood. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4038,"topper":"Kush Motwani","air":11,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/93393beb2b7e996905ce7ea7f8b78443/52/air-11-kush-motwani_test-1_gs1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4039,"topper":"Kush Motwani","air":11,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/93393beb2b7e996905ce7ea7f8b78443/43/air-11-kush-motwani_test-5_gs1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4040,"topper":"Kush Motwani","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CTQEt8sgzFo6VnpkqVycR7FxYt8dqS6Z/view","questions":[]},{"id":4041,"topper":"Kush Motwani","air":11,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/93393beb2b7e996905ce7ea7f8b78443/28/air-11-kush-motwani_test-6_gs2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. \"Interstate border disputes, if not promptly and impartially settled, can transform into persistent issues that impede development and generate friction\". Highlighting the constitutional and legal framework to resolve interstate disputes, explain why Independent India has failed to resolve inter-state border disputes.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"2. Examine the role of the Inter-state Council in promoting vertical (Centre-State) and horizontal (Inter-State) Intergovernmental cooperation and coordination.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"3. Discuss the key function of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). What steps should be taken to revamp the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in order to enhance its effectiveness as a true guardian of public funds?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"4. Recognizing the pivotal role of urbanization as a driver of national economic growth, the Fifteenth Finance Commission has suggested major reforms for Urban Local Bodies. Evaluate the recommendations put forward by the Fifteenth Finance Commission in promoting and revitalizing ULBs in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"5. Highlight the key differences in the scope of Freedom of speech and expression as provided under Parliamentary privileges vis a vis Fundamental rights. Why is it necessary to maintain a balance between parliamentary privilege and fundamental rights?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"6. Civil society organizations, play a pivotal role in fostering \"collective private action for the public good\". What challenges do they face in local resource mobilization (LRM) and corporate funding through corporate social responsibility (CSR)? Also, suggest measures.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":15,"question":"7. The first step to eradicating poverty is reliable poverty assessment for program design, implementation, and monitoring. In this context discuss the methodology and significance of NITI Aayog's National Multidimensional Poverty Index.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"8. In the context of India, despite the presence of constitutional provisions, legal precedents, and international commitments that establish a robust foundation for a right to health, why has there been a lack of explicit legal recognition of this right?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":19,"question":"9. The collective strength of BRICS nations allows for meaningful cooperation on myriad issues, however, the platform's ability to influence the trajectory of bilateral relationships remains limited. Do you agree? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"10. In light of the recent demands to amend the Indus Waters Treaty, discuss the possible implications it could have on the water-sharing mechanism between India and Pakistan.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"11. The doctrine of Parliamentary sovereignty and judicial supremacy has exerted considerable influence in shaping the constitutional frameworks of India and the USA. Citing relevant case laws discuss the role of the judiciary in influencing the constitutions in these countries? Is the scope of judicial review wider in India?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":26,"question":"12. Delimitation of seats is essential to ensure fair representation and uphold the principles of one vote, one value'. Highlighting the challenges posed by misrepresentation in constituencies analyze the ramifications of population-based delimitation in creating federal tension.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":29,"question":"13. Discuss the role of the Supreme Court of India in strengthening the hands of the Election Commission in the discharge of its constitutional responsibility of conducting free and fair elections in the country.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":32,"question":"14. 'The declining role of Parliament undermines the fundamental principle of separation of powers, as it diminishes the legislature's ability to serve as a check on the executive branch and ensure a balanced exercise of power.' Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"15. Discuss the crucial role played by the National Commission of Women in shaping the discourse on gender-sensitive laws in India. To what extent the elevation of the National Commission for Women to a constitutional body would reinforce its authority?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":38,"question":"16. 'Satisfactory and timely redressal of grievances is the cornerstone of 'minimum government, maximum governance.' In this context discuss the challenges associated with current grievance redress mechanisms and suggest measures to strengthen the process.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"17. 'Corruption corrodes the fabric of governance, eroding the public's faith in democratic institutions.' Examine the potential for harmonizing the Right to Information (RTI) Act, the Whistleblower Protection Act (WBPA), and the Lokpal & Lokayukta Act, 2013, to enhance the effectiveness of the anticorruption regime.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":44,"question":"18. Analyze the potential challenges and benefits involved in leveraging SHGs as platforms for skill development, entrepreneurship, and income generation among marginalized communities to effectively counter poverty.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":47,"question":"19. 'India is uniquely positioned on the world map for its rich culture.' In this context discuss the role of culture, diaspora, and democracy as instruments of India's soft power diplomacy. To what extent India has been able to position itself as a 'smart power' ?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":50,"question":"20. The synergy of shared values and vibrant people-to-people connections between India and Australia creates a fertile ground for fostering long-lasting trade relations and strategic collaboration between the two nations. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4042,"topper":"Kush Motwani","air":11,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/93393beb2b7e996905ce7ea7f8b78443/45/air-11-kush-motwani_test-2_gs2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"01 Is there a need to resolve the ambiguity in the disqualification provisions under section 8 of RPA 1951? Discuss","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Q2 Constitution is a mere skeleton whereas constitutionalism is the soul of democracy. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"03 \"Electoral bonds are a double edged sword, providing anonymity to donors while raising concerns around transparency.\" To what extent have electoral bonds further legitimized opacity in electoral funding?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"04 Question of gender equality is central to debate on UCC. What are the challenges in reconciling UCC with gender equality as enshrined in the constitution?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"06 Recently, demand has been rising in a state regarding enactment of social accountability law. How can such a law lead to good governance and raise citizens participation in decision-making?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"08 \"MUNREGA, lynchpin of rural poverty alleviation, has become victim of fiscal apathy\". Critically analyze in light of recent developments. The budget for MUNREGA was cut in budget 2023-24 by ~15%, in light of revival of economy and employment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Q1 \"India must leverage, if not manage, global political divides\". How can current geopolitical churn pave way to India's rise to global high table ?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Q10 \"Berlin can be India's gateway to EU\": Elaborate with respect to Germany's significance in India's relationship with EU.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Q11 How has anti-defection law impacted relationship between pol parties and individual legislators? In light of recent incidents, also discuss unintended consequences it has on functioning of democracy in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Q13 FRs are not gifts bestowed upon by the state, rather an individual possesses them independent of the state. In this context, discuss desirability of reasonable restrictions on various FRs.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"Q14 \"SR Bommai\" vs Union -  Q  Signified a paradigm shift in judicial interpretation of union's authority to assume control of state's admin\". Discuss significance and impact of the judgement in converting federal structure.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"16 Multi-stakeholder partnerships are key to leveraging collective expertise and networks. How can effective partnership and localized implementation be fostered to accelerate achievements of SDGs in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Q17 How has implementation of POSH Act resulted in limited success in raising awareness about sexual harassment, and what factors have hindered its outreach to unorganized sector? Propose strategies to bridge this gap, and ensure comprehensive protection to women in unorg sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Q18 \"Neo-liberal reforms and globalization have deeply transformed institutions of welfare State and set the ground for a new type of civil services\". In this context, examine challenges faced in service delivery and suggest reforms.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"Q19 China views India as \"Asian Rival\" with innate ability to counter its hegemonic goals in Asia. Despite these difficulties in India-China relations, there are also convergences. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"Q20 Indo-Pacific in recent times has emerged as zone of diverging interests and priorities. Discuss. Do you think Global Security Initiative will supersede Quad in the region?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4043,"topper":"Kush Motwani","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/KUSH-MOTWANI-UPSC-2023-Rank-11-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Gandhian ideology secured democracy in the country even before it was formally established. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"British response to the revolt of 1857 did more than merely restoring colonial control; it prolonged the longevity of the British imperialism in India. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The reasons for World War I lay in Bismarck's system of alliances. Critically analyze. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Why are hilly regions more vulnerable to cloudbursts? Describe their impact and suggest suitable strategy for mitigating their adverse effects. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Explain the phenomenon of marine heat waves and their multi-dimensional impacts. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Describe the main pillars of India's Arctic Policy. Why is arctic region gaining greater geopolitical significance in the present context? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Covid-19 pandemic has brought fundamental changes in the labour market and nature of jobs. Enumerate these changes and discuss their social consequences. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"It is not the diversity, but threat to diversity that imperils the unity of the country. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Urbanization is a complex process that reflects transformation not only in 'where people live' and 'what they do', but also in 'how they live'. In light of this statement, analyze the impact of urbanization on the Indian society. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"No vulnerability is without an underlying social cause and child labour is no exception. Analyze. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Indian sculptures are not just an expression of religious traditions but also a reflection of technical brilliance and aesthetic sensibilities of their time. Elaborate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"From paper partition to delayed decolonization, African colonial experience was different from rest of the world. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Compare the peasant and tribal movements in pre-independence India. How far would it be correct to classify peasant and tribal movements as a part of national freedom struggle? Justify with suitable examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"How is general pattern of ocean surface current circulation related to global atmospheric circulation patterns? Also discuss the influence of these circulations on climate and human activities. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Describe the ecosystem services provided by the mangrove forests. Examine the causes of depletion of mangrove forests and suggest measures for their protection. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The largest contributors to climate change, cities are also one of the most vulnerable to its adverse effects. Explain. Also analyze the role of cities in achieving carbon neutrality and building climate resilience. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Account for the shift in location of sugar industry. What has been the economic and ecological consequences of these shifts? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Population composition, rather than population size, is more critical determinant of development trajectory of a country. Examine. Also discuss the desirability of raising legal age of marriage for women to stabilize population size. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"How has globalization impacted traditional cultural values in the society? Do you agree that globalization has reduced diversity and increased disparity in the country? Justify. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"While equal rights have been granted to both men and women to participate in economic activities, economic empowerment of women has been slow in coming due to various social barriers. Examine the statement based on your understanding of economic empowerment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4044,"topper":"Kush Motwani","air":11,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/93393beb2b7e996905ce7ea7f8b78443/47/air-11-kush-motwani_test-2_gs2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4045,"topper":"Kush Motwani","air":11,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/93393beb2b7e996905ce7ea7f8b78443/41/air-11-kush-motwani_test-6_gs2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4046,"topper":"Kush Motwani","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DSTsBFiPQyl7uo0l083bd5MakN-XJFzB/view","questions":[]},{"id":4047,"topper":"Kush Motwani","air":11,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/93393beb2b7e996905ce7ea7f8b78443/34/air-11-kush-motwani_test-7_gs3.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"1. Elaborate on the difference between Capital Account and Current Account as components of Balance of Payment (BOP). Suggest a few measures to balance the BOP deficit of India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"2. The logistics sector is one of the important components of the growth of the manufacturing industry. Discuss. Also, mention various components of the recently announced National Logistics Policy 2022.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"3. What is India's stand on the New Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies under WTO? How is the Fisheries sector significant for India? Enumerate the steps taken by the Government to develop this sector.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":8,"question":"4. Analyze the systemic and institutional constraints that continue to hinder land reform efforts in India and propose pragmatic solutions to ensure equitable distribution of land.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"5. What are the unique features and capabilities of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, and how has it contributed to India's defence capabilities and strategic position in the region?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"6. In line with the country's efforts to explore the depths of the ocean and harness the resources it holds, the Indian government has proposed a deep-sea exploration mission Samudrayaan. How can this mission contribute to the advancement of ocean science and technology in the country?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"7. What is Global Methane Pledge? Do you think the Global Methane Pledge is a positive step toward mitigating methane emissions? Explain India's stance on this issue.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":16,"question":"8. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of disaster management in public health. Discuss the key strategies and challenges for managing pandemics and other infectious disease outbreaks.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"9. \"The resource curse of Eastern and Central India has been a crucial driver of LWE\". Elaborate and suggest measures for sustainable and inclusive development of the region.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"10. In light of the declining trend of violence in the North East and J&K region do you think that AFSPA has lived its utility? Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"11. International trade is centred on the dominant currency paradigm (DCM). Critically Analyze the importance of Hard currency in International trade and Discuss the potential of rupee acceptance in global trade as an alternative to dollar imperialism.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":25,"question":"12. A demographic Dividend does not ensure growth; it only generates potential. Discuss the steps made by the government to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the demographic transition.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"13. 'Genome editing holds immense potential for crop improvement, but it also raises ethical and safety concerns'. How far do the new guidelines for the safety assessment of genome-edited plants in India, ensure the safety of genetically modified crops?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":31,"question":"14. Discuss the impact of direct and indirect farm subsidies on the agriculture sector in India. How have Minimum Support Prices (MSP) affected the agricultural economy?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":34,"question":"15. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a rapidly escalating crisis that poses a grave threat to public health worldwide. What are the major contributing factors to the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance, and what steps can be taken to address this global health threat?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"16. What do you understand by Disruptive innovations? What are some examples of disruptive innovation in recent times, and how have they changed the way industries operate?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"17. Trace the evolution of the Loss and Damage fund. What are the major development related to loss and damage funds in COP 27?, What are the commitments made by India in this conference?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":43,"question":"18. Disaster management is not just about responding to emergencies but also about building resilient communities. Discuss the key strategies that can be used to build community resilience and reduce the impact of disasters.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"19. The transformation of terrorism through the use of new and emerging technologies like metaverse and virtual assets is a matter of concern. How can we counter the Use of New and Emerging Technologies for Terrorist Purposes and Elucidate the importance of the \"Delhi declaration\" in this regard?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"20. \"The Agnipath scheme is a bitter pill needed for the resilience and efficacy of our armed forces.\" Critically Analyze the statement with relevant arguments.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4048,"topper":"Kush Motwani","air":11,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/93393beb2b7e996905ce7ea7f8b78443/38/air-11-kush-motwani_test-3_gs3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q1 What do you understand by windfall tax? Do you think they can effectively redistribute wealth and promote greater economic equality?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Q2 Discuss perceived successes and weaknesses of implementing inflation targeting under the new MPC regime.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"03 Assess the potential for millet production in India, in promoting sust. agri. and improving food security.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Q4 JJM has the potential to end the regional disparity in availability and accessibility of drinking water. Highlighting its significance - discuss the underlying impediments in achieving desired objectives.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"05. What do you understand by Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)? Discuss their applications and how it can revolutionize the energy program of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"06 Discuss the developments and challenges in Gaganyaan mission. What are possible benefits of the mission to society?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Q7 \"Green Hydrogen can be the silver bullet in our quest to tackle climate change and pollution\" - critically analyze in light of National Green Hydrogen Mission.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"08 What are key lessons for DM and env conservation in Himalayan region, in light of recent disasters at Joshimath, Uttarakhand?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Q9 \"Recent trends in Punjab share Khalistan issue is still simmering\". Discuss with respect to recent developments and suggest measures to handle it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"Q12 SEBI plays an important role in regulation of share market and safeguarding interests of investors. Highlight challenges faced by SEBI, and suggest reforms in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Q13 Despite being major contributor to Indian economy, agri sector is plagued by several constraints, that impede its growth and dev. Discuss role of tech in overcoming these constraints.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"Q19 Evaluate impact of irrigation on environment and natural resources. Suggest measures to ensure sustainability of and equity of irrigation practices.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"Q15 How India benefited strategically from contributions of Dr. Abhedra and Dr. Sarabhai in fields of atomic energy and space tech respectively?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"Q16 Generative AI holds the potential to push boundaries of innovation in the near future, yet its societal impact raises substantial challenges. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"8) Explain the purpose of \"Mangrove Alliance for Climate\" launched at COP 27. Elaborate on importance of mangroves in maintaining coastal ecology of tropical nations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Q19 Formation of CDRI brings more robustness to DM approach in India. Comment and justify the need for a new strategy to tackle disasters in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"Q19 Recent rise in ransomware attacks targeting critical infra and major corporations has highlighted urgent need for stronger cybersecurity measures and policies. Discussing key factors for this trend, analyze the impact of these attacks on various sectors.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"Q20 In context of border security, how can coop and coord between diff security agencies be improved to ensure effective and efficient management of warted and terrestrial borders?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4049,"topper":"Kush Motwani","air":11,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/93393beb2b7e996905ce7ea7f8b78443/53/air-11-kush-motwani_test-3_gs3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4050,"topper":"Kush Motwani","air":11,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/93393beb2b7e996905ce7ea7f8b78443/39/air-11-kush-motwani_test-7_gs3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4051,"topper":"Kush Motwani","air":11,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/93393beb2b7e996905ce7ea7f8b78443/50/air-11-kush-motwani_test-8_gs4.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) \"The State took taxes from the people only to ensure their prosperity in return like the sun takes moisture from the earth only to give it back in thousandfold measure.\" Kalidasa.\n\nExplain the Indian concept of \"giving it back\" and its relevance as a guiding value for civil servants.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"(b) Public service takes place in a bureaucratic structure with clear lines of authority, value standardization, and accountability mechanisms. Working within such a structure, what do you think are the influences that impact the public servant's ethical decision-making?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":7,"question":"2 (a) What do you understand by the terms 'ethics' and 'integrity'? Do you think they are interrelated? Explain with examples the relationship between ethics and integrity in the context of public administration.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by the terms ethical behavior and 'emotionally intelligent behavior'? Identify the relevant emotional intelligence components that act as a reliable guide to ethical behavior.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":11,"question":"3. (a) \"To achieve a good life, duty is not sufficient; one needs to develop one's sympathetic feelings for others, and neither duty alone nor good will alone are sufficient to be moral.\" Do you agree with the above statement? Justify your position.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"(b) Developing a Scientific temper, innovative mindset, and civic-conscious citizens are major objectives of higher educational institutions. Can higher educational institutions be instrumental in promoting integrity education among youth to establish a public culture of integrity and a corruption-free political culture? If yes, how?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"4 Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance.\n(a) The senses deceive from time to time, and it is prudent never to trust wholly those who have deceived us even once.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":17,"question":"(b) \"The price good men pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men.\"","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"(c) \"Men must have corrupted nature a little, for they were not born wolves, and they have become wolves.\" (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"5 (a) As professionals, civil servants are career focused and are also self-interested. At the same time, their service ethos imposes an obligation to serve the public interest selflessly. Is it possible for a civil servant to reconcile career and service obligation? Explain your position.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":23,"question":"(b) \"While competence without compassion can be brutal and inhumane; similarly, compassion without competence can be meaningless for persons seeking help.\" Explain the above with the help of a suitable illustration in the context of public services.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"6 (a) Does the suffering of individuals in one part of the world generate moral demands of assistance on those foreigners who live far away from them? Are these moral demands of assistance justified? Can governments be held morally responsible for failing to help the international community in times of deprivation? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Q Are moral demands of assistance justified?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"(b) Civil Services ethics has everything to do with management. It is as much a Departmental as a personal issue. Leaders who fail to create systems that facilitate ethical conduct are equally to blame as much as those who indulge in ethical misconduct. Do you think the Departmental culture leads to ethical misconduct or is the individual with weak willpower culpable? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"(a), (b) (a) What are the issues involved in the above case?\n(b) What are the advantages and disadvantages of using Faith leaders as influencers and persuaders?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"(c) and (d) (c) If not faith leaders, what are your other options for breaking the behavioral barriers?\n(d) Do you think it is ethically right for a civil servant to involve faith leaders in promoting government schemes?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":34,"question":"(a) What are the issues involved in the above case?\n(b) What are the action options available to you?\na) What are the issues involved in the above case?\nb) What are the action options available to you?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"(d) What do you understand by dignity? Distinguish between human and social dignity? Identify the common dignity violations that one notices in government departments.","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":40,"question":"9 (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (50 words) 5 marks\n(b) Ethically analyze the company's position on paying damages and justify why/ why not the company should be liable for damages. (120 words) 10 marks.\n(c) What do you understand by the term moral responsibility? When do you think a person or an entity becomes morally responsible for actions committed or omitted? (80 words) 5 marks\na) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (50 words) 5 marks\nb) Ethically analyze the company's position on paying damages and justify why/ why not the company should be liable for damages. (120 words) 10 marks.\nc) What do you understand by the term moral responsibility? When do you think a person or an entity becomes morally responsible for actions committed or omitted? (80 words) 5 marks","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"(a) उपरोक्त मामले में कौन से नैतिक मुद्दे और दुविधाएँ शामिल हैं?  \n(b) आपके पास कौन से विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?  \n(c) विकल्पों का विश्लेषण करने के बाद अपनी चुनी हुई कार्रवाई का चयन करें।  \n(d) उपरोक्त मामले में आपकी नैतिक प्रेरणा क्या होनी चाहिए? क्या यह कर्तव्य, दायित्व या परिणाम होना चाहिए?\na) उपरोक्त मामले में कौन से नैतिक मुद्दे और दुविधाएँ शामिल हैं?\nb) आपके पास कौन से विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nc) विकल्पों का विश्लेषण करने के बाद अपनी चुनी हुई कार्रवाई का चयन करें।\nd) उपरोक्त मामले में आपकी नैतिक प्रेरणा क्या होनी चाहिए? क्या यह कर्तव्य, दायित्व या परिणाम होना चाहिए?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए"},{"page":46,"question":"(a) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas involved in the above case?\n(b) What are the options available to you?\n(c) Select your chosen course of action after analyzing the options.\n(d) What must be your moral motivation in the above case? Should it be duty, care, or consequences?\na) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas involved in the above case?\nb) What are the options available to you?\nc) Select your chosen course of action after analyzing the options.\nd) What must be your moral motivation in the above case? Should it be duty, care, or consequences?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":50,"question":"11 You are a young police officer undergoing field training along with some of your batchmates. You and Vikas are spending two weeks in a police station learning the nitty gritty and nuances of field-level policing. Every day there was something new to learn.\n(a) उपरोक्त मामले में कौन से नैतिक मुद्दे शामिल हैं?\n(b) आपके अनुसार उपरोक्त मामले में सिद्धांत-उन्मुख और नियम-पालन करने वाले पुलिस कर्मियों को क्या करना चाहिए और क्यों? तर्क दीजिए।\n(c) आपके अनुसार सिविल सेवा में किसे प्राथमिकता दी जानी चाहिए, विभाग के प्रति निष्ठा, या अपने निर्णयों और सेवा मूल्यों में निष्पक्ष और गैर-पक्षपातपूर्ण होना? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए) 20 अंक","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":51,"question":"(a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\n(b) What do you think principle-oriented and rule-abiding police personnel must do in the above case? Why? Justify\n(c) What do you think must assume priority in civil service, loyalty to the department, or being impartial and non-partisan in your decisions and service values?\na) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\nb) What do you think principle-oriented and rule-abiding police personnel must do in the above case? Why? Justify\nc) What do you think must assume priority in civil service, loyalty to the department, or being impartial and non-partisan in your decisions and service values?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":55,"question":"(a) उपरोक्त मामले में कौन-कौन से मुद्दे शामिल हैं ?\n(b) क्या आप प्रवासी भारतीयों की मदद के बजाय अर्थनीति को प्राथमिकता देने के राजदूत के रुख से सहमत हैं? अगर हाँ तो क्यों, अगर नहीं तो क्यों नहीं ?\n(c) दायित्व, परिणामवाद और कर्तव्य के बीच, आपके अनुसार भारतीय विदेश नीति का मार्गदर्शन करने के लिए उपयुक्त परिप्रेक्ष्य क्या है? तर्क दीजिए। (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए) 20 अंक\na) उपरोक्त मामले में कौन-कौन से मुद्दे शामिल हैं ?\nb) क्या आप प्रवासी भारतीयों की मदद के बजाय अर्थनीति को प्राथमिकता देने के राजदूत के रुख से सहमत हैं? अगर हाँ तो क्यों, अगर नहीं तो क्यों नहीं ?\nc) दायित्व, परिणामवाद और कर्तव्य के बीच, आपके अनुसार भारतीय विदेश नीति का मार्गदर्शन करने के लिए उपयुक्त परिप्रेक्ष्य क्या है? तर्क दीजिए। (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए) 20 अंक","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":56,"question":"(a) What are the issues involved in the above case?\n(b) Do you agree with the Ambassador's position of prioritizing economics over helping the diaspora? Why/why not?\n(c) Among Care, Consequentialism, and Duty, what do you think is the appropriate perspective to guide Indian Foreign policy? Justify.\na) What are the issues involved in the above case?\nb) Do you agree with the Ambassador's position of prioritizing economics over helping the diaspora? Why/why not?\nc) Among Care, Consequentialism, and Duty, what do you think is the appropriate perspective to guide Indian Foreign policy? Justify.","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"}]},{"id":4052,"topper":"Kush Motwani","air":11,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/93393beb2b7e996905ce7ea7f8b78443/59/air-11-kush-motwani_test-4_gs4.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"1. (a) Public service requires not merely legal but also morally principled action. Public service requires the public servant to place loyalty to the constitution, laws, and ethical principles. Among the three, which do you think must acquire primacy while carrying out official functions? Why? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"1. (b) What do you understand by \"integrity-based civil disobedience\"? Do you think a challenge to personal integrity can be a justifiable cause for responsible disobedience in civil services? Explain.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"2. (a) Recent research has shown that emotions significantly impact personal and professional lives. What are the primary emotions that negatively and positively impact workplace productivity? Explain with relevant examples.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":8,"question":"2 (b) Technical efficiency ensures resource utilization and social efficiency ensures fulfillment of social needs, what does ethical efficiency ensure? Do you think ethical efficiency is more important than technical and social efficiency? Why/Why not?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":10,"question":"3 (a) \"Man cannot do right in one department of life whilst he is occupied in doing wrong in any other department.\" Gandhi.\nDo you think an individual's personal ethics impacts professional life or they both can be compartmentalized? Explain your position with relevant examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"3. (b) Goodness is the result of internal imperatives to do what is right, not sanctions from moral rules or rewards from expected consequences. Do you agree? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"4. (a) Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance.\n(a) \"To tolerate is purely an act of the mind. That is the essence of virtue. To tolerate is a strength.\"","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"4. (b) \"It is our first duty to serve society, and after we have done that, we may attend wholly to the salvation of our souls.\" (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"4. (c) \"Periods of peace are the empty pages in the history books\" (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"5 (a) In the context of civil service, distinguish between moral and nonmoral values. Identify 5 basic moral values that can serve as foundational values for all services irrespective of the department. Give reasons why those values can be considered foundational.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"5. (b) Citizens' involvement in decision-making is critical to ethics in governance. Do you agree that effective civic engagement mechanisms can facilitate an ethics-driven administration? What do you think are the mechanisms that citizens can use for ensuring ethics in governance?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"6. (a) Social transformation programs such as \"beti bachao and beti padhao\" believes in using advice, counseling, and persuasion but sometimes a little force is also necessary for getting the desired response. Do you think it is a good idea to mix little force with persuasion by public administrators while implementing social schemes of transformation? Explain with relevant examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"6 (b) Ultimately foreign policy of every country hinges upon the strength which the nation possesses. Strength may be military or financial and may be also... moral. Do you think ethical strength without military or financial muscle will be respected in today's world? Explain your position.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"7 You are a young officer working with the Municipal Corporation of an industrial city. The city was known for manufacturing ball bearings and auto parts. Most manufacturing units were small-scale units with very little production process automation. The units relied on manual labor, which was in abundance due to the villages close by.\nAs the number of manufacturing units grew, the demand for labor increased, bringing in a steady inflow of laborers into the city. This influx of people into the town led to a mushrooming of slums and encroachments on the sidewalks. Once in a while, the Corporation conducted drives to clear out the slums, but after a time, the slums came back. The illegal slums had become an urban nightmare.\nYou were given the responsibility of clearing out the encroachments and slums with the help of Police authorities. As you started the drive, you realized that the people living by the sidewalks were vulnerable compared to the slum dwellers. Many sidewalk dwellers had recently come to the city after selling their properties in their villages. Now if you drive them out, they have no place to go. Your heart went out to them, and you felt that your departmental action was inhumane, but your official responsibilities demanded stern impartial action. You are desperate to find a way to help the sidewalk dwellers without compromising your official duties.\n(a) What value conflicts do you notice in the above situation?\n(b) Can an administrator compromise the value of impartiality for empathy? Discuss.\n(c) What are the options available in the above situation?\n(d) Suggest viable solutions for tackling illegal slums and encroachments in urban areas.","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":33,"question":"8 A certain State government was running a welfare scheme for promoting safe motherhood among rural landless laborers' families. The scheme involves the transfer of funds to the beneficiaries to enable them to mitigate income loss due to maternal care responsibilities. Since its implementation, the scheme has done reasonably well on maternal health and economic indicators. You are the Director of the Department responsible for implementing and operating the scheme. Recently you have been receiving reports of welfare fraud being committed by families by producing fake bona fide. The families committed the fraud with the help of local officials responsible for scrutinizing the bona fide. You were concerned because the fraud was seriously undermining the scheme's efficiency. You called for a departmental meeting to discuss and find a solution to the problem. In the meeting, it was decided to merge several available government data sets such as Aadhar cards, voter ID cards, marriage certificates, birth certificates, bank details, and other personal assets. By merging all the data sets, the department would be able to develop the beneficiary's economic profile. And this will help the department scrutinize the documents and detect fraud. This was a comprehensive strategy, but it risked violating an individual's data privacy. As a Department head, you wanted to detect and prevent fraud, but at the same time, you were apprehensive about violating the Data privacy of the stakeholders.\n(a) What are the issues involved in the above case?\n(b) Do you think violating data privacy is justified to prevent welfare fraud? Why/ Why not?\n(c) What, according to you, can be the reasons for such welfare frauds happening in the country?\n(d) Are there any ways and means to prevent such fraud? Give your suggestions.","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":35,"question":"(b) Comparative of data privacy to prevent welfare fraud.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"9 You are posted in the Department of Mines, and one of your roles is to help your Department Head negotiate mining leases with private contractors. Recently, the state government demarcated a new mining zone and planned to invite bids for the mining blocks. You were instructed to oversee the bidding process and speed up the contract negotiations. As planned, the tenders were released, bids came in, and tenders were allocated as per the norms. All this happened at a breakneck speed. You wondered, why the hurry? But it was not your place to think and question; you quietly went about your work. As the contractors were about to start operations, you had to instruct them on environmental concerns to watch out for. And to do that, you read the environmental impact assessment report submitted by a consulting firm hired by the department. To your surprise, the report was shoddy and looked cooked up. You got suspicious and raised the issue with your Head, who politely instructed you to do what you were told, and he reminded you that the Department had revenue targets and was under pressure from the Ministry. After the meeting, you, on your own accord, did some digging and found out that the report was fraudulent and the mining activity that was about to start would lead to a massive environmental disaster which the State could not afford.\n(a) What are the issues and value violations you notice in the above case?\n(b) What are the options available to you?\n(c) Discuss the advantage and disadvantages of each option and identify your chosen course of action.\n(d) Do you think that environmental considerations are sometimes overrated at the cost of development?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":43,"question":"10 (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\n(b) Do you think corporate businesses like GAMA should consider international ethics while promoting their business interests? If yes, why? If no, why not?\n(c) Do you think the social responsibility of a corporate extends beyond its immediate community to the international community? If yes, why? If no, why not?\n(d) Do you think defense manufacturing companies should be regulated by their respective governments or should their entrepreneurship and innovation be encouraged even if it reduces energy? Discuss.\na) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\nb) Do you think corporate businesses like GAMA should consider international ethics while promoting their business interests? If yes, why? If no, why not?\nc) Do you think the social responsibility of a corporate extends beyond its immediate community to the international community? If yes, why? If no, why not?\nd) Do you think defense manufacturing companies should be regulated by their respective governments or should their entrepreneurship and innovation be encouraged even if it reduces energy? Discuss.","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"(b), (c), (d) (b) Do you think corporate businesses such as GAMA must consider international ethics while pursuing business interests? Why/why not?\n(c) Do you think a corporate's social responsibility extends beyond one's immediate community to the international community? Why/Why not?\n(d) Do you think the Defence sector companies marketing sensitive technologies must be regulated by their respective governments, or regulation may curtail their entrepreneurial and innovation energy? Discuss.","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":48,"question":"11 (a) इस मामले में कौन-कौन से नैतिक और व्यावसायिक मुद्दे शामिल हैं?  \n(b) श्री शर्मा और सीईओ के पास कौन-कौन से विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?  \n(c) क्या आपको लगता है कि बिक्री कार्यबल को स्वतंत्रता देने की संगठनात्मक संस्कृति के कारण समस्या उत्पन्न हुई या व्यक्ति की भ्रष्ट प्रवृत्ति के कारण समस्या उत्पन्न हुई? चर्चा कीजिए।  \n(d) जैसा कि इस मामले में बताया गया है, ऐसे अनैतिक व्यवहार को रोकने के लिए कंपनी कौन-कौन से नैतिक तंत्र और उपाय निर्माण और कार्यान्वित कर सकती है?\na) इस मामले में कौन-कौन से नैतिक और व्यावसायिक मुद्दे शामिल हैं?\nb) श्री शर्मा और सीईओ के पास कौन-कौन से विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nc) क्या आपको लगता है कि बिक्री कार्यबल को स्वतंत्रता देने की संगठनात्मक संस्कृति के कारण समस्या उत्पन्न हुई या व्यक्ति की भ्रष्ट प्रवृत्ति के कारण समस्या उत्पन्न हुई? चर्चा कीजिए।\nd) जैसा कि इस मामले में बताया गया है, ऐसे अनैतिक व्यवहार को रोकने के लिए कंपनी कौन-कौन से नैतिक तंत्र और उपाय निर्माण और कार्यान्वित कर सकती है?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए"},{"page":49,"question":"(a) What are the ethical and business issues involved in the case?\n(b) What are the options available to Mr. Sharma and the CEO?\n(c) Do you think the organizational culture of giving freedom to the sales force led to the issue or was the individual's corrupt nature that led to the problem? Discuss.\n(d) What ethics mechanisms and steps can the company create and implement to prevent unethical behavior, as mentioned in the case? (Answer in 250 words) 20 marks\na) What are the ethical and business issues involved in the case?\nb) What are the options available to Mr. Sharma and the CEO?\nc) Do you think the organizational culture of giving freedom to the sales force led to the issue or was the individual's corrupt nature that led to the problem? Discuss.\nd) What ethics mechanisms and steps can the company create and implement to prevent unethical behavior, as mentioned in the case?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"12 (a) उपरोक्त मामले में कौन-कौन से मुद्दे शामिल हैं?\n(b) आपको क्या लगता है रश्मि को क्या करना चाहिए? क्या रश्मि के लिए स्थानीय प्रशासन को शामिल करना अच्छा विचार होगा? कार्यान्वयन योग्य कार्यवाही का सुझाव दीजिए।\n(c) क्या आपको लगता है कि कंपनियों को उस क्षेत्र की सामाजिक समस्याओं के लिए भी जिम्मेदारी स्वीकार करनी चाहिए जहाँ वे अपना कार्य करती हैं? अगर हाँ तो क्यों, अगर नहीं तो क्यों नहीं?\n(d) श्रमिक संघ की इतनी आक्रामक प्रतिक्रिया के क्या कारण हो सकते हैं? आपके अनुसार रश्मि को कर्मचारी संघ को कैसे संभालना चाहिए? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए) 20 अंक\na) उपरोक्त मामले में कौन-कौन से मुद्दे शामिल हैं?\nb) आपको क्या लगता है रश्मि को क्या करना चाहिए? क्या रश्मि के लिए स्थानीय प्रशासन को शामिल करना अच्छा विचार होगा? कार्यान्वयन योग्य कार्यवाही का सुझाव दीजिए।\nc) क्या आपको लगता है कि कंपनियों को उस क्षेत्र की सामाजिक समस्याओं के लिए भी जिम्मेदारी स्वीकार करनी चाहिए जहाँ वे अपना कार्य करती हैं? अगर हाँ तो क्यों, अगर नहीं तो क्यों नहीं?\nd) श्रमिक संघ की इतनी आक्रामक प्रतिक्रिया के क्या कारण हो सकते हैं? आपके अनुसार रश्मि को कर्मचारी संघ को कैसे संभालना चाहिए? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए) 20 अंक","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":54,"question":"(a) What are the issues involved in the above case?\n(b) What do you think Rashmi should do? Would it be a good idea for Rashmi to involve local administration? Suggest an implementable course of action.\n(c) Do you think companies should also accept responsibility for the social problems of the region where they operate? Why/why not?\n(d) What could be the reasons for such an aggressive reaction from the workers union? How do you think Rashmi should handle the workers union?\na) What are the issues involved in the above case?\nb) What do you think Rashmi should do? Would it be a good idea for Rashmi to involve local administration? Suggest an implementable course of action.\nc) Do you think companies should also accept responsibility for the social problems of the region where they operate? Why/why not?\nd) What could be the reasons for such an aggressive reaction from the workers union? How do you think Rashmi should handle the workers union?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"}]},{"id":4053,"topper":"Kush Motwani","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/KUSH-MOTWANI-UPSC-2023-Rank-11-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Successful people are not those who did not fail, but those who persisted in turbulent times and kept moving after a failure. In light of this statement, examine the importance of adversity quotient in life. How can adversity quotient be developed? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"'Strength does not come from physical capacity but from an indomitable will.' - Gandhi. What does strength mean to you and how far do you agree with the given statement? Discuss with suitable example. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Good governance does not depend on laws, but upon the personal qualities of those who administer the law. Do you agree with this statement? Justify your view. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"An active civil service is necessary but not sufficient; India also requires civil service activism for fulfilling the vision of 'justice, liberty and equality for all'. Analyze the statement citing relevant examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Educational institutions complement the role of the family and the society in shaping our values. Discuss. Can digital education perform this value inculcation function effectively? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Gendered attitudes convert differences in sexes into discriminations. Examine the factors responsible for negative attitudes toward women in the Indian society. How can these attitudes be changed? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"How are ethical concerns and work culture of public institutions different from those of private institutions? Examine the desirability of adoption of work culture similar to private institutions in public institutions. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Besides objectivity, civil servants also need empathy and compassion to effectively resolve various ethical dilemmas they face while discharging their responsibilities. Discuss with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Leadership is essentially a task of persuasion. How does ability to persuade others help civil servants in performing their duty? Identify five qualities that make civil servants effective agents of persuasion. Justify your choices. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What does each of the following quotations mean to you? Peace is not mere absence of war; it is presence of justice (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"What principles of corporate ethics would you consider while taking the decision in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Examine various options available with you for handling the issue at hand. What will you do in the given case? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Asanpur is a beautiful small district in Northern part of India. It used to be the hub of stone mining activity. However, excessive mining led to environmental degradation and rapid soil erosion while cutting of stone created air pollution hazard. Due to various detrimental impacts, NGT has imposed a ban on stone mining in Asanpur. Despite this ban, the mining mafia has been able to operate with connivance of corrupt government officials and politicians. Many officers hve tried to stop this illegal mining, but the powerful mafia has either forced them to submit through force or bribed them or got them transferred through their political contacts. Last week, a DSP lost his life when he was trying to stop a truck carrying illegally mined stones. You recently got promoted and made the SP of Asanpur. Upon taking the charge, you quickly realized the gravity of the problem. Illegal mining was run by organized gangs in the district. It was also linked to other crimes in your city ranging from petty crimes like pick pocketing to serious offenses like kidnapping and murders. Illegal mining and related crime have negatively impacted socio-economic development of the district as youth are increasingly getting involved in the illegal activities and businesses are leaving the district due to high crime rates. You created a special task force and started taking stringent actions against the illegal mining in your district. In a short span of a few weeks you seized thirty dumpers carrying illegally mined stones. Public appreciated your stringent actions while the corrupt ecosystem created by illegal miners was rattled. One day, a junior officer approached you and informed you that he has been receiving threats from the illegal stone miners. He also informs you that others in the task force are also facing problems like someone in the task force is being harassed by reopening an old settled case against him while someone else has received a transfer order to a remote district. This has demotivated the taskforce and reminded them of the connections of illegal miners in the district. The same day, when you reach home, your wife tells you that she got a call from an unknown number threatening her of dire consequences if you do not stop your investigation. You fear that the call was from a member of the organized crime syndicate involved in the illegal mining activity. Your wife is worried about the safety of the family and requests you to be lenient in your work. In this situation, answer the following questions:","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"How will you motivate the task force to work with honesty in this adverse condition?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Identify the various dimensions of the crisis. Based on your understanding, suggest measures to deal with the crisis. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"What are the different courses of action that you can take? Identify the most suitable course of action and justify your choice. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the various ethical issues involved in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Do you think Rashmi is justified in demanding a permanent government job?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Do you think the government is justified in terminating the contracts of corona warriors?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Consider yourself in the position of Health secretary in the concerned state. What would you do to address the issue at hand? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Abha is currently working as the DM of a district. One day, she went to a village for inspecting the progress of a certain village development project. Abha was not satisfied with the pace of the work and wanted to talk with the Sarpanch of the village about the same. Abha went to the panchayat office where she found the Sarpanch standing just outside the office. The Sarpanch greeted Abha and offered her a seat. Abha sat down and started discussing the matter with the Sarpanch. She noticed that Sarpanch was still standing; she thought that Sarpanch was not sitting because of hesitation or out of respect for the officer. She requested him to take a seat but he reluctantly sat on a wooden stool. Abha jokingly asked him if he liked the stool so much that he chose it instead of a chair, to which the Sarpanch replied that he was not allowed to sit on a chair as it belonged to a Dalit community. Abha was taken aback by this response. Abha enquired further about the issue. The sarpanch explained that since the Sarpanch position was reserved for SC community, he won the election. But despite being the official head of the panchayat, he did not have any power. He was neither allowed to enter the panchayat office nor was given access to official documents. A separate water pot was kept for him outside the office and he was not allowed to use the common water pot. He was used as a rubber stamp and he signed the given document. He went on to tell Abha that last year he was not allowed to hoist the national flag during the Independence Day celebration. Abha was shocked to hear about the kind of discrimination that the Sarpanch faced. On the basis of this case study answer the following questions:","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Why do caste based discriminations still persist even after 75 years of independence?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Examine the various ethical issues involved in this case.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Help Jayant identify different options available with him to cope with the crisis? Discuss the merits and demerits of each of these options.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"As a mutual friend, what advice would you give to Jayant and Sarita in this case so that they can return back to being a happy couple?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"How can Jayant develop the qualities that are required to handle such crisis situations in life? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"Help identify the various options available to Jayant to deal with the crisis? Discuss the pros and cons of each option. 2) As a mutual friend, what advice would you give to Jayant and Sarita in this matter so that they can return as a happy couple? 3) How can Jayant develop the necessary qualities to handle such crisis situations in life? (20 Marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":4054,"topper":"Kush Motwani","air":11,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8a814-916052_1525_kush_motwani_rank_11.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4055,"topper":"Kush Motwani","air":11,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/93393beb2b7e996905ce7ea7f8b78443/42/air-11-kush-motwani_test-4_gs4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4056,"topper":"Kush Motwani","air":11,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/93393beb2b7e996905ce7ea7f8b78443/40/air-11-kush-motwani_test-8_gs4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4057,"topper":"Kushal Jain","air":40,"year":2021,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6d34f-973996_1528_kushal-jain_rank40.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Briefly discuss the various dimensions of inter-caste conflict in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Bring out the conceptual difference between 'Caste' and 'Varna'.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Sanskritization involves 'positional change' in caste system without any 'structural' change. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Critically examine Louis Dumont's understanding of the Indian caste system.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"GS Ghurye liberated the study of Indian society from the colonial biases and laid the true foundation of the discipline of sociology in India. Substantiate this statement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"\"Social inequality in India has multiple dimensions.\" Explain this statement in the light of the views of Andre Beteille on caste in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Elaborate on 'Daniel Thorner's' division of the agrarian population of India into different class categories.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"\"Patriarchy is a result of socialization\". Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Caste as a social capital is functional as well as dysfunctional to the Indian society. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"Elaborate on Iravati Karve's classification of regional kinship variations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"\"Modern society is characterized by departure from tradition and religion to individualism and rational organization of society\". In the context of this statement, discuss to what extent the institution of marriage in Indian society has undergone changes.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"\"The transformation of the tribes into castes in India is conceived to occur through certain methods that have been diversely conceptualized.\" Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"\"There is a general trend towards commodification of women at the cultural level in India.\" Explain.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"What do you understand by secularism in the Indian context? Discuss the socio-economic factors responsible for anti-secular trends in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"Critically analyse if contemporary Indian society is dominated by the 'nuclear family' structure.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4058,"topper":"Kushal Jain","air":40,"year":2021,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/732f4-973996_1529_kushal-jain_rank40.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"\"The project of Dalit capitalism is futile in a society where caste decides the social capital\" Critically analyze.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Critically examine the 'paradox' of India's 'green revolution'.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Do you agree that the Constitution of India has weakened the traditional social order in India? Give reasons for your opinion.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the nature and social background of the working class in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"\"Education is not only instrumental in bringing about social change, it is also instrumental in maintaining the status quo.\" Comment in the context of Indian society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"\"Poverty is the root cause of child labour.\" In this context, there is a possibility of more children engaging in child labour due to the loss of jobs during the ongoing pandemic. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"How is the Indian agrarian system witnessing a change in its 'mode of production'.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"India's bonded labourers are caught between an entrenched caste system and a dismissive state. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"\"Gentrification of the cities and ghettoization are the two sides of the same coin in the new urban landscape.\" Examine the statement with reference to the Indian experience of urbanization.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"\"The introduction of reservation policy is not sufficient to empower women and strengthen their role as key stakeholders in local governance.\" Examine the statement in the context of Panchayati Raj in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"\"State intervention is needed to make farming economically and ecologically viable\". Comment with special reference to the problems faced by small and marginal farmers in contemporary India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"Pressure groups happen to be an indicator of level of political maturity and accommodation in a political system. In this context critically analyse role of pressure groups in the policy making process in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Explain how the history of dairy cooperatives in India showcases a model for realisation of the goal of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-reliant India).","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"Infant mortality rate is the most sensitive index for measuring development. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"What do you understand by 'cultural nationalism'? How does it manifest in India? Give some examples from recent times.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Briefly discuss D.N. Dhanagare's views on agrarian movements in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"Globalisation has given a new lease of life to communalism. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"With rapidly ageing population, India is staring at the prospects of generational socio-economic crisis. In the context of this statement, discuss the challenges of ageing population.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":61,"question":"\"The relationship between NGOs and the women's movement in India has led to a loss of collective feminist politics based on autonomy.\" Comment in the context of the notion of 'NGOization'.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":63,"question":"Due to pre-existing gender differences, women are experiencing the effects of the COVID crisis in different and often more negative ways. Critically examine the statement in context of Indian women's vulnerability to COVID-19.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":67,"question":"Despite a fast-growing economy and the largest anti-malnutrition programme, India has the world's worst level of child malnutrition. Elaborate the social causes as well as consequences of malnutrition in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":73,"question":"\"Population policy 2000 sees population structure through lens of fertility, ignoring important component of migration\". In reference to recent migrant crisis, analyze why there is a need for internal migration policy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":77,"question":"\"Poverty in India has been socially generated and perpetuated\". Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":81,"question":"\"Physiological factors associated with women cannot be a rationale to deny them the right to worship.\" How patriarchy operates through religion, discuss in relation to Sabrimala judgement.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4059,"topper":"Kushal Jain","air":40,"year":2021,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6ee0b-973996_1526_kushal-jain_rank40.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Explain Karl Marx's conception of transition from 'class-in- itself' to 'class-for-itself'.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Examine the role of pattern variables in understanding of social systems.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"\"It is the ideal type which is explained through the verstehen approach.\" Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the relevance of Emile Durkheim's understanding of religion in contemporary society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"\"Weber's theory of 'The protestant ethic and spirit of capitalism' despite its share of criticism remains bold and illuminating\". Critically examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"\"Social fact plays a central role in the sociology of Emile Durkheim\". Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"\"It is only by taking the roles of others that we have been able to come back to ourselves.\" Explain this view point of G.H Mead","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"In what ways are Marx's theory of 'Alienation' and Durkheim's theory of 'anomie' different from each other and to what extent can they be seen as having similarities?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Examine the salient features of Weberian bureaucracy. What was Weber's assessment of the increasing bureaucratization of modern societies?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"'No society can either be absolutely open or absolutely closed.' Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Explain Karl Marx's theory of social stratification. Do you agree with Marx that social stratification can be abolished?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"\"The Pluralists view pressure groups as necessary elements in a democratic system\". Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Is religious belief compatible with a scientific outlook? Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"Examine the functional as well as dysfunctional aspects of religion as a social institution in the contemporary society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":61,"question":"Discuss the implications of 'social mobility' at the 'individual' and 'societal level,' in different structures.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":63,"question":"\"Power is not a zero-sum game\". Discuss the statement with respect to Weber and Parsons views on power.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":67,"question":"\"Any form of collective action cannot be labelled as a social movement, even if it is directed towards changing the existing social values.\" Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":71,"question":"Critically examine the role of civil society in the functioning of democracy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":73,"question":"What are the major dimensions of Secularisation in the modern world? Discuss the factors inhibiting the growth of Secularisation in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":77,"question":"Poverty has manifested as well as latent forms. Explain with examples from contemporary Indian society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":81,"question":"Critically discuss 'Value-added theory' with respect to the social movements.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4060,"topper":"Lakshay Aggarwal","air":164,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/LAKSHAY-AGGARWAL-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-164-Sample-Essay-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. You are the master of your conscience and you are the ruler of your destiny.\n2. The inability to see potential in others is the greatest disability\n3. Men are governed only by serving them.\n4. Desires cannot be contrary to nature since it was given to man by nature itself","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"1. Technology and inclusion go hand in hand in eliminating barriers","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4061,"topper":"Lakshay Aggarwal","air":164,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/LAKSHAY-AGGARWAL-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-164-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) \"Nalanda is a symbol of India's academic heritage and vibrant cultural exchange\". Elucidate with special references to foreign travelers' accounts.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q-2) The period of Delhi Sultans witnessed the emergence of Indo-Persian culture. Discuss the statement with reference to developments in the fields of literature, art and architecture.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Give a brief account of the contributions of early nationalists to the Indian freedom struggle.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) The Vaikom Satyagraha marked a historic milestone in India's fight against social injustice, demonstrating the power of non-violent resistance in dismantling oppressive caste barriers. Explain.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) The Oslo Accords, once hailed as a landmark diplomatic achievement, failed to address key issues, highlighting the challenges of achieving lasting peace between Israel and Palestine. Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) What are Northern and Southern lights? Explain the phenomenon and discuss their associated impacts on Earth's atmosphere and human activities.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) Identifying the major automobile clusters in India, enumerate the favourable factors for the location of the automobile industry.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8 \"India's diversity is her greatest strength.\" In light of the statement, explain how diversity has enriched and strengthened Indian society.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) Critically examine the effects of globalization on the youth in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 The recognition of LGBTQ rights in India marks significant progress, but the journey towards full societal integration and acceptance remains arduous, necessitating a profound socio-cultural shift. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 Throw light upon the importance of seals and sealings in the reconstruction of socio-economic and religious life of the Harappan people. Also, explain why many of the known Harappan settlements are in semi-arid regions.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) Describe the significance of the Dandi March (1930) as the starting point of the Civil Disobedience Movement. Also, discuss the national and international reactions to the Dandi March and the Salt Satyagraha.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 Give a reasoned account of the distribution of deserts across the earth with the help of relevant examples.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 Discuss the impact of local winds on their associated regions, citing examples from different parts of the world.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15) Rare Earths Elements (REE) are considered as 'Vitamins of Modern Industry'. In this context, bring out the multi-dimensional implications of uneven distribution of REE in the world.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 Describe the various factors that influence ocean currents and discuss their multi-dimensional impact.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 Briefly explain the process of tide formation and differentiate between tides and waves.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 While social media facilitates unprecedented connectivity and self-expression, it can also widen social crevices and fractures. In this context, examine the impact of social media on Indian society.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 \"The regionalism in India is both a response to the failures in addressing regional aspirations and as an assertion of socio-cultural identity in the face of perceived marginalization.\" Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 Explain how traditional gender roles and responsibilities exacerbate the vulnerability of women to extreme heat conditions. Suggest strategies to mitigate these vulnerabilities.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4062,"topper":"Lakshay Aggarwal","air":164,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/LAKSHAY-AGGARWAL-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-164-Sample-MGP-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) The Indian Constitution does not embody a strict separation of powers rather it introduces a system of checks and balances, with overlapping functions and interdependencies among the legislature, executive, and judiciary. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Recently, the Supreme Court has expanded the scope of Articles 14 and 21 to include the \"right against the adverse effects of climate change\". In this context, citing relevant case laws, discuss the role played by Indian judiciary in 'constitutionalization' of environmental issues.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3 The Speaker's inclination to cater to party loyalties often undermines the dignity and impartiality of the office, eroding public trust in the legislative process. Analyse with the help of recent examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Assess the effectiveness of SEBI in fulfilling its envisaged role of regulating the securities market, ensuring transparency, and protecting investors' interests.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) The foundational strength of the Indian Constitution stems from its ability to integrate diverse socio-political perspectives. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) Parliamentary committees serve as vital tools for legislative oversight, ensuring accountability and transparency in governance processes. In light of the statement, examine the role of the Public Accounts Committee in establishing financial accountability of the executive.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) Without addressing the issues that hinder the full and effective participation of persons with disabilities in political and public life, the goal of achieving inclusiveness and their empowerment will remain unattainable. Analyze.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) What roles do community-based interventions play in enhancing access to preventive and promotive healthcare services in India?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) The current composition of the UNSC, with under-representation and un-representation of key regions is detrimental to its legitimacy and effectiveness, underscoring the urgent need for reforms. Elaborate. Also, present a case for India's permanent membership in the UNSC.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 \"The ongoing internal crisis in Myanmar is impeding India's Act East Policy.\" In light of the statement, discuss the measures taken by India to deal with the crisis and associated challenges.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 \"The Basic Structure Doctrine, lauded for safeguarding the core principles of the Constitution against majoritarian impulses, is also criticized for enabling judicial overreach and disturbing the balance of power as envisioned by the Constitution.\" Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) Enumerate the salient features of Representation of People's Act, 1951. In your opinion, what amendments are needed in the Act to further the cause of free and fair elections in light of contemporary challenges.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 The cooperative nature of Indian federalism is being increasingly challenged by emerging differences in Centre-State relations. Discuss. What steps can be taken to strengthen the cooperative spirit of Indian federalism?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 Parliamentary privileges are fundamental for lawmakers to discharge their duties without undue influence. However, ensuring the responsible exercise of these privileges is crucial for fostering public trust and ensuring the accountability of public institutions. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 The Constitution of India provides several rights that empower the individual, yet it balances these freedoms with reasonable restrictions in the larger public interest. Discuss how constitutional restrictions on fundamental rights strike a fine balance between individual interests and societal interests. Also, mention the principles that are considered in evaluating the reasonableness of restrictions with reference case laws.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) can play a crucial role in alleviating rural poverty by providing women with access to microfinance, enabling them to start small businesses and improve their livelihoods. Examine.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 Despite the implementation of numerous policies and schemes aimed at combating hunger and malnutrition in the country, their effectiveness remains limited. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 The true test of good governance is the degree to which it ensures accountability towards citizens and delivers on the promise of sustainable and inclusive human development. Discuss in the context of challenges to good governance in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 As the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) provides a judicial mechanism for the peaceful resolution of international disputes. In this context, throw light on the structure and mandate of ICJ. Also, highlight the challenges it faces in fulfilling its mandate.","marks":"15","words":"15"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 Geopolitical shifts pose challenges to India-Russia relations, yet the relationship remains robust, driven by deep-rooted trust and a shared commitment to sustain a multifaceted strategic partnership. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4063,"topper":"Lakshay Aggarwal","air":164,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/LAKSHAY-AGGARWAL-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-164-Sample-MGP-Copy-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) Why has there been an increased focus on negotiating, renegotiating and concluding Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) by India in recent years?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) A well-designed fiscal policy can serve as a vital instrument to facilitate the equitable distribution of resources and ensure the welfare of all sections of society. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) What are the primary factors contributing to India's significant reliance on imported edible oils? What measures do you suggest to increase domestic production and to reduce India's reliance on imported edible oils?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4 With the growing water crisis in India, micro irrigation offers a sustainable solution for water conservation; however, its adoption remains skewed and below its potential. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) The recurring railway accidents highlight the urgent necessity for addressing the myriad challenges related to safety, undercapacity and lack of modernization within Indian Railways. Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6 How does NISAR mission exemplify international cooperation in space exploration and scientific research? In what ways will it help in climate change monitoring and natural hazard management?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7 Nuclear technology can play a transformative role in enhancing food security and agricultural sustainability. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) Increasing frequency of forest fires in India underscores the urgent need for sustainable forest management practices. In light of the statement, bring out the causes and multidimensional impact of forest fires. Also, suggest measures for their prevention and management.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 What reasons can be attributed to the recent surge in terror related violence in Jammu and Kashmir? What strategies would you suggest to counter it?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) In the light of recent events, throw light on the possible implications of 'cyber slavery' on internal security of India","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 \"The liberalization policies of 1991 significantly enhanced India's economic dynamism, but the evolving global and domestic landscape necessitates 'Reforms 2.0' for sustained economic development and prosperity.\" Comment","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Infrastructure development is not just for economic transformation but also for sustainable development and societal well-being. Elaborate with examples.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q15 Biotechnology for achieving sustainable food production, efficient waste management and significant advancements in human health. Elucidate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"3 Tail Climate Change is leading to significant alterations in ecosystems, resulting in cascading effects on biodiversity, ecosystem services, and human livelihoods, necessitating integrated approaches to conservation and climate adaptation. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 Urban areas, often referred to as the cradle of civilization and growth engines, are increasingly experiencing various natural and man-made disasters. Discuss in the Indian context. Also, suggest suitable mitigation and management strategies.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 India's disaster management framework has made significant progress in the 21st century, yet challenges persist in ensuring timely response and effective coordination during crises. Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Explain how the symbiotic relationship between organised crime and terrorism further aggravates the threats emerging from it? What steps can be taken to address this linkage and the threats","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 Strengthening security apparatus in border areas and forging developmental partnerships with the locals are essential components of a robust and effective border management strategy. Discuss, with initiatives taken by the government in this regard.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4064,"topper":"Lakshay Aggarwal","air":164,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/LAKSHAY-AGGARWAL-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-164-Sample-MGP-Copy-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) Ethics in private life may reflect personal beliefs; in public life, they must uphold legal and societal norms. Discuss the contrasting ways in which ethical principles operate in private and public relations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) Despite legal provisions, instances of sexual violence against women continue to rise. How can a \"change in attitude\" address this issue?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) Do you agree with the utilitarian principle that 'the greatest happiness of the greatest number' should guide decision-making and public policy formulation?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) The development of an individual's values is a multifaceted process, involving engagement of diverse institutions such as family, society, and educational establishments. Discuss with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) What does each of the following quotations mean to you?\na) \"Experience is the only teacher we have. We may talk and reason all our lives, but we shall not understand a word of truth, until we experience it ourselves\". Swami Vivekananda","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) \"Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.\" Dalai Lama","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"c) \"Non-violence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man.\" Mahatma Gandhi","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.4) a) The balance between laws and conscience is delicate; when synchronized, they promote ethical conduct, but their discord can give rise to significant ethical dilemmas. Illustrate with examples","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"b) \"Good governance is not only about rules and regulations but also the character and conduct of those who govern.\" Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.5) a) \"In the realm of international relations, ethics often takes a backseat to national interest, which primarily drives foreign policy decisions.\" Critically examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"b) The essence of business is profit, but it must be achieved through responsible and sustainable practices. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.6) a) What are the ethical concerns associated with Artificial Intelligence? How can ethics help in resolving them?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"b) While some argue that values are influenced by temporal and situational factors, others uphold the belief in timeless and universal human values. What is your opinion in this regard? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7 a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case study.\nb) As the DEO and DM, what short-term and long-term measures would you take to ensure maximum voter turnout?\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case study.\nb) As the DEO and DM, what short-term and long-term measures would you take to ensure maximum voter turnout?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"a) केस स्टडी में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा करें।\nb) DEO और DM के रूप में, अधिकतम मतदाताओं द्वारा मतदान सुनिश्चित करने के लिए आप कौन से अल्पकालिक और दीर्घकालिक उपाय करेंगे?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.8 a) What are the reasons for increasing incidents of cyber bullying among children? What role can parents play in shielding their children from the effects of cyber-bullying? b) Discuss the responsibility of educational institutions to check the incidents of cyber-bullying. c) What ethical issues are involved in the use of social media by children?\na) What are the reasons for increasing incidents of cyber bullying among children? What role can parents play in shielding their children from the effects of cyber-bullying?\nb) Discuss the responsibility of educational institutions to check the incidents of cyber-bullying.\nc) What ethical issues are involved in the use of social media by children?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"a) Reason for increasing cyber-bullying\n1) Easy access to social media. 1/3rd school children had access to social media in urban India - NITI data\n2) Decline in ethical studies. Focus on technical disciplines have made us insensitive.\n3) Issue of increasing social media hate: trolling of celebrities, deplatforming of Rashmika Mandana.\n4) Lack of punitive action. No accountability of social media platform. Lackadaisical implementation of cyber laws. Ill defined IT rules on cyber crime and bullying.\n5) Rising mobocracy. Mob justice, jumping onto conclusions and lack of critical thinking.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"Q.9 EduLab Pvt. Ltd. is a globally renowned Ed-tech company known for its online products. Recently, it faced significant challenges despite the substantial growth in the online education sector driven by technological advancements such as the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The company reported unprecedented net losses, prompting a comprehensive overhaul of its operations to streamline processes and improve efficiency. To address these financial challenges, the company decided to incorporate new technologies, including AI and automation. This strategic shift led to the decision to lay off almost 10% of its workforce. It was also a cost-cutting measure aimed at reducing expenditure on human resources and reign in the mounting losses. Following the layoffs, the company made headlines by giving substantial bonuses to its senior management. They also signed a high-profile sports personality as their brand ambassador with a multimillion-dollar contract. Reports indicated continued excessive spending on first-class travel and generous salaries for senior officers, casting doubt on the company’s claims of financial strain. The abrupt manner in which the layoffs were executed left many employees in distress. Concerns arose over their financial obligations, such as EMIs, school fees, and caregiving responsibilities. Media coverage highlighted grievances from laid-off employees regarding contractual obligations that were allegedly ignored. The absence of any severance packages or formal notices further compounded their anxiety. While the owner of EduLab Pvt. Ltd. issued an apology to the affected employees, the handling of the layoffs was criticized for its perceived insensitivity and lack of transparency. The incident sparked widespread public debate and scrutiny, underscoring broader concerns about corporate responsibility and ethical practices in the face of technological disruptions and industry transitions.\na) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case study?\nb) How can ethics in corporate governance contribute to organizational resilience during periods of economic downturn or technological disruption?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"2) You are the Chairman of a Coastal Development Authority of a state, tasked with preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR) of construction of a coastal highway. It is an ambitious project aimed to enhance connectivity and promote tourism in the scenic coastal region of the state. The initial DPR, meticulously crafted by your team, prioritizes minimizing environmental impact by utilizing existing government land and adhering to stringent guidelines on land acquisition and compensation for affected stakeholders. The proposed route ensures minimal disruption to local fishing communities and preserves critical coastal habitats. However, challenges arise when a wealthy real estate developer, with ties to influential policymakers, proposes a significant alteration to the highway route. He suggests moving the highway closer to a resort he plans to develop, arguing that it would spur tourism and economic growth in the area. In exchange, he offers to facilitate the acquisition of beachfront property at a nominal rate for your family, highlighting it as a mutually beneficial arrangement. This proposed realignment would require acquiring privately owned coastal lands, displacing traditional fishing communities, and potentially disturbing fragile marine ecosystems. Moreover, it would involve the removal of significant coastal vegetation, impacting local biodiversity and the natural beauty of the region.\nUnder the given conditions, what are the options available to you? Critically examine each of the options.\nb) What course of action would you adopt to navigate the situation and why?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.11 Nitish is an aspiring civil servant. One day, while reading the newspaper, he came across an article about a demolition drive. In a large Indian city, the state government had launched a significant urban reclamation project aimed at restoring the banks of a heavily polluted river. The river, which flows through a densely populated area, had become severely degraded due to illegal encroachments and industrial pollution. Over several decades, thousands of families had settled along the riverbanks, constructing homes, shops, and factories without proper authorization. The river had long been a dumping ground for industrial waste from other parts of the city, contributing to severe pollution. Environmentalists have time and again emphasized the need for a comprehensive clean-up and sustainable development plan.\n\nTo rejuvenate the river and its surroundings, the state government initiated a comprehensive demolition drive to remove the illegal constructions. The project aimed not only to restore the river's natural ecosystem but also to develop the area into an eco-tourism destination.\n\nThe demolition faced strong resistance from the residents, including appeals and protests in front of local authorities. Many residents, claiming that they had settled with the tacit approval of administration, hold the administration itself responsible for the issue. Some of them approached the courts to halt the demolition. The blame-game has erupted between the opposition and ruling parties in the state over the matter. Most of the affected residents belonged to marginalized sections of society, raising concerns about their displacement and livelihood.\n\nNitish, who himself comes from a family of limited means, sat there, reflecting on the pain of the people who had invested their life savings to build their homes and businesses. The drive disrupted thriving local commerce and displaced thousands of families. He questioned whether uprooting established communities by the demolition of residential and commercial properties was justified in a country where millions of people are homeless, poor, and have meager savings.\na) Discuss the ethical issues in this case.\nb) How far do you think Nitish's thinking is justified? Discuss by assessing the merits and demerits.\nc) As an outsider, what measures would you suggest to prevent such situations and manage the interests of all stakeholders?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":56,"question":"Q.12 Rahul belongs to a wealthy and influential business family. On his 17th birthday, he threw a party for his friends at a famous club in the city. The celebration continued late into the night, where everyone enjoyed themselves. After the party, Rahul bid goodbye to his friends and decided to drive home. He was driving his high-end SUV and, while speeding for fun, he lost control of the car while negotiating a sharp turn. The car collided with a bike coming from the opposite direction. The two occupants of the bike died on the spot, while Rahul escaped with minor bruises on his face and knees. The police arrived at the scene, detained Rahul, and took him to the hospital for a preliminary medical check-up. The families of the deceased were informed, and the bodies were sent for autopsy. After the initial legal formalities, Rahul was presented before the Juvenile Justice Board. The Board granted him bail on lenient terms that included writing a 300-word essay on road safety. This decision sparked outrage, but the situation escalated when a video of Rahul and his friends consuming alcohol in the club emerged and went viral on social media. As the case became the talk of the city, an investigative report by a leading daily unveiled further shocking details. The report revealed that Rahul's father had attempted to mislead the police by falsely claiming that the family driver was at the wheel during the accident. Initial actions by the police suggested preferential treatment towards Rahul, including delays in filing the FIR and later registering it under lenient provisions of the law. The investigative report also highlighted the involvement of medical staff in manipulating and tampering with evidence in exchange for inducements from Rahul's father. Rahul's blood samples were replaced with those of another person which had no traces of alcohol. Furthermore, the local MLA, who is the brother of State Home Minister and close to Rahul's family, reportedly intervened to influence police and judicial proceedings in favor of the juvenile. The city is gripped by a sense of injustice as details of corruption, collusion, and manipulation unfold, revealing the lengths to which those in power can conspire and make a mockery of laws, institutions, and principles of justice. You are the SP of the district where the entire incident occurred. Prima facie, the facts highlighted in the newspaper's investigative report appear to be correct. However, due to the involvement of the local MLA and the political connections of Rahul's father, you are facing pressure from higher authorities to manipulate the investigation and acquit Rahul. Additionally, the MLA has promised a 'plum posting' if you hush up the matter, and your promotion is also due soon. Meanwhile, the families of the victims, along with the public, are demanding accountability and justice.\na) As the SP of the district, examine the options available to you. What course of action would you take and why?\nb) How might the actions of Rahul's father influence his perception of personal responsibility and societal obligations?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"a) जिले के पुलिस अधीक्षक के रूप में, आपके पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों की जांच करें। आप क्या कदम उठाएंगे और क्यों?\nb) राहुल के पिता के कार्यों से उनकी व्यक्तिगत जिम्मेदारी और सामाजिक दायित्वों की धारणा पर क्या प्रभाव पड़ सकता है?\n(20 अंक, 250 शब्द)\na) जिले के पुलिस अधीक्षक के रूप में, आपके पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों की जांच करें। आप क्या कदम उठाएंगे और क्यों?\nb) राहुल के पिता के कार्यों से उनकी व्यक्तिगत जिम्मेदारी और सामाजिक दायित्वों की धारणा पर क्या प्रभाव पड़ सकता है?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"}]},{"id":4065,"topper":"LAKSHMI MENON V","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/LAKSHMI-MENON-V-UPSC-2024-Rank-310-AWFG-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"In many ways, the Spanish civil war was the opening act of WWII. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"How will you explain the different fates of Buddhism and Jainism despite a slew of similarities in the two religions? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Non-Cooperation Movement democratized India's freedom struggle but suffered from inherent limitations. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Critically analyse the efficacy of linguistic reorganization of states in addressing the reasons for linguistic divides in post-independent India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Briefly discuss the role of plate tectonics theory in explaining the location of volcanoes. Also, explain the multifarious impacts of volcanoes on the surrounding regions. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Taking further the success of Aspirational Districts Programme, Aspirational Blocks can help achieve the twin objectives of balanced growth and checking stress migration. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Describe the critical factors for location of defense industries and suggest measures to overcome the challenges. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"To what extent can Socio-Economic-Caste Census (SECC) address the challenges in achieving equitable resource allocation and targeted welfare? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Indian society is premised on some common values that give it a composite texture as well as some diverse practices that deepen its heterogeneity. Elucidate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What are the factors that influence population growth in the country? In this perspective, examine the relevance and need of raising the minimum marriageable age of women for population development. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Bring out the reasons behind the tribal unrest in British India. Also, analyze the reasons for their limited success. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The independence of India was not a result of a forced expulsion of the Empire, as desired by the Quit India Movement; it was rather a confluence of domestic politics and global circumstances. Analyze. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Explain why Sufism, a liberal reform movement in Islam could deepen its roots in the Indian sub-continent, despite Islam being a foreign religion? Also, bring out the impacts of Sufism on Indian society. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Enumerate the reasons behind rising intensity and frequency of cyclones in the Arabian Sea in recent years. Giving special reference to NDMA guidelines, recommend measures to check the adverse impacts of cyclones. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Examine the impacts of climate change on the hydrological cycle and suggest suitable mitigation and adaptation strategies to contain the harmful implications. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Defining continental shelf, highlight its resource potential and ecological significance. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Rooted in patriarchal values, gender-based violence, in all its manifestations, is antithetical to societal growth. Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The caste calculus in the Indian society remains predominant and continues to project its shadow on social, political, and economic domains. Do you agree? Substantiate your answer. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss various factors contributing to the water woes faced by Indian cities. Also, explain complexities in implementing a comprehensive water management plan. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Though important elements of group identity, religion and region also run the risk of deepening communal cleavages. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4066,"topper":"Lavanya Gaur","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/LAVANYA-GAUR-UPSC-2024-Rank-57-AWFG-Sample-Copy-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Q.1) Lokpal and Lokayuktas were envisaged to strengthen the legal and institutional mechanism to ensure cleanliness in public life. Critically examine their role as anti-corruption watchdogs.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":2,"question":"Q.6) What do you understand by the First Past the Post System (FPPS)? Why was FPPS preferred over the Proportional Representation (PR) system for elections to the Lok Sabha/Vidhan Sabha? Also, critically examine the consequences of this preference.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4067,"topper":"Lavanya Gaur","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/LAVANYA-GAUR-UPSC-2024-Rank-57-AWFG-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":17,"question":"How P.G. keep the govt. response to wishes of community","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4068,"topper":"Lavanya Gaur","air":57,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gcDTBPScITYexZU7PC6S7nCIkoGbOlIr/view","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Comment on the following in about 150 words each: 10x5=50 (a) How has the scope of Sociology broadened in the global times?","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":2,"question":"In what way ‘interpretative’ method is different from ‘positivist’ approach in the study of social phenomena? (20 marks)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":2,"question":"What makes Durkheim’s research on Suicide rate a positivist research. Clarify. (20 marks)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Answer the following in about 150 words each: 10x5=50 (a) Describe the process of “operationalization of variable “with few examples. (b) While economics is about how people make choice, sociology is about they don’t have any choice to make. What do you understand by the given statement?","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":3,"question":"Explain the different types of non-probability sampling techniques. Bring out the conditions of their usage with appropriate examples. (20marks)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the challenges involved in collecting data through Survey (20 marks)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Is Sociology a Science? Give reasons for your answer. (20 marks)","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":4069,"topper":"Laxman Meena","air":983,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Drishti IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.drishtiias.com/images/pdf/Laxman%20Meena_Essay.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4070,"topper":"Laxman Meena","air":983,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BLGzHgmHjmnnx-iZ2LbkW1-r880YqSUE/view","questions":[]},{"id":4071,"topper":"Laxman Tiwari","air":71,"year":2020,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/29afd-232438_1254_laxman-tiwari_rank_71.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4072,"topper":"Laxman Tiwari","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/31781-232438_1413_laxman-tiwari_rank_71.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"In India, ancient and medieval storage structures such as the step wells, are not only magnificent in their conception, architecture and ornamentation, but also hold a lesson for contemporary water concerns. Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"In the period after 1919-20, the influence of Indian capitalist class over the nationalist movement progressively increased due to various reasons. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"With modern education being introduced in India to meet the interests of the British, its reach was restricted and its character unsatisfactory. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Throw light on the reasons of poverty in the third world countries and enumerate the key ideas suggested in the Brandt report of 1980 to help them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Though both caste and race are manifestations of closed systems of stratification, there are important differences between the two. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What are peri-urban areas? Highlight the problems of peri-urban areas in India and also suggest corrective measures. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Studying the cosmos for over a quarter century, the Hubble Space Telescope has changed our fundamental understanding of the universe. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Giving example, explain how continental rupture ultimately results in the formation of a new ocean basin. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"A strong tradition of linguistic analysis developed in ancient India and there remained a continuous focus on its preservation and transmission. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Explain, using examples, how the nature of peasant movements changed during the colonial period. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"What were the conditions and circumstances that led to the emergence of Socialist Movement in India? Analyse the impact of socialist ideas on the Indian National Movement. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The Truman doctrine was part humanitarian and part strategic in its objectives and impact. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Almost all the major 'divisive' problems of today have been there ever since Independence, or even earlier. But in spite of them India has not only survived as a nation but also become stronger. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Domestic servants are one unique group of workers in modern India, which is ubiquitous but remains invisible. Indicate the challenges faced by this section of workers. Also, discuss the factors that contribute to these challenges and suggest measures to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The story of contemporary India is a story of migration. In this context, explain how migration has shaped India socially and economically. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Briefly describe the process of ozone hole formation. Also, explain why ozone hole over Antarctic is greater in size than the one over Arctic. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Watershed management can ensure effective use of both natural and social capitals. In this context, discuss how the concept of integrated watershed management can help meet the sustainable development goals in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4073,"topper":"Laxman Tiwari","air":71,"year":2020,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a1e55-232438_1418_laxman-tiwari_rank_71.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4074,"topper":"Laxman Tiwari","air":71,"year":2020,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/08c56-232438_1414_laxman-tiwari_rank_71.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4075,"topper":"Laxman Tiwari","air":71,"year":2020,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/14ed4-232438_1420_laxman-tiwari_rank_71.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4076,"topper":"Lindhiya l AN","air":354,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/LINDHIYA-L-AN-UPSC-2023-Rank-354-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4077,"topper":"Lindhiya l AN","air":354,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/LINDHIYA-L-AN-UPSC-2023-Rank-354-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4078,"topper":"Lindhiya l AN","air":354,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/LINDHIYA-L-AN-UPSC-2023-Rank-354-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4079,"topper":"Liza Garga","air":303,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/LIZA-GARGA-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-303-Sample-ESSAY-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. WE CANNOT SOLVE OUR PROBLEMS WITH THE SAME THINKING WE USED WHEN WE CREATED THEM","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Are behaviours innate to people or can it be acquired?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4080,"topper":"Liza Garga","air":303,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/LIZA-GARGA-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-303-Sample-MGP-COPY-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) Rising influence of money power in Indian elections poses a serious challenge to transparency, fairness, and democratic accountability. How can ethical electoral funding be ensured to maintain the integrity of democracy?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) Explain the key dimensions of ethics that influence human behaviour. How do these dimensions shape ethical decision-making in private life?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) \"Academic freedom is the bedrock of scholarly inquiry and intellectual progress.\" Examine the ethical issues that arise when educational institutions yield to political, social, or economic pressures and compromises academic freedom.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"6) Fortitude enables a civil servant to make difficult yet morally right decisions. Explain with reference to real-life examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) Given below are the three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context?\na) \"When learning is purposeful, creativity blossoms. When creativity blossoms, thinking emanates. When thinking emanates, knowledge is fully lit. When knowledge is lit, the economy flourishes.\" - Abdul Kalam","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) \"The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the world's problems.\" - Mahatma Gandhi","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"c) \"Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.\" - Dalai Lama","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.4) a) What do you understand by the term 'probity in governance'? Explain how probity acts as the foundation of ethical public administration.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"b) \"Starvation must not be used as a weapon of war.\" Yet, parties involved in conflicts often resort to the blockade of food and medical aid to civilians in conflict zones, deepening the humanitarian crisis. Powerful nations, despite their capacity to intervene, tend to prioritise strategic interests over humanitarian concerns. What ethical considerations should guide powerful nations in preventing such actions and ensuring unimpeded humanitarian access?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.5) a) What teachings of Mahavira are most relevant today and why? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"b) \"In contemporary times, social media platforms have emerged as powerful agents in shaping individual and societal attitudes.\" Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.6) a) What do you understand by the 'voice of conscience'? In what ways can you prepare yourself to listen to the voice of conscience?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"b) Examine the reasons for under-utilization and mis-utilization of public funds and their implications.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7) A rail overbridge (ROB) is being planned in the capital city of a central Indian state. The project aims to reduce traffic congestion and ease delays at railway crossings, which affect thousands of daily commuters. It had been a long-standing demand of local residents, and the government approved it to address persistent traffic bottlenecks in the area. The project is to be executed by the State Public Works Department (PWD), with a strict completion deadline of one year i.e. 31st July 2026. The PWD Minister, who is also the local MLA, is scheduled to inaugurate the project in the third week of August 2026. This is planned to take place shortly before the expected announcement of state elections. Ramesh has been selected as the project manager of this prestigious assignment on the basis of his professional competence and experience.\n\nWhile reviewing the approved design plans in preparation for execution, Ramesh identifies a serious flaw. The proposed alignment includes a sharp 90-degree turn, incorporated due to spatial constraints between an electrified railway line on one side and ongoing metro construction on the other. From a technical standpoint, Ramesh believes the design is unsafe. It increases the risk of vehicular accidents, especially for heavy vehicles, and may lead to long-term inconvenience for road users.\n\nRamesh promptly raises the issue with the Chief Engineer. However, the Chief Engineer overrules the concern. He states that the General Arrangement Drawing (GAD) has already been approved by the Bridge Engineering Department, in coordination with Indian Railways. He points out that revisiting the design at this stage shall result in project delays, increased expenditure and unwanted political attention.\n\nSubsequently, Ramesh comes to know that the contractor awarded the tender to execute the project is a close relative of the PWD Minister. He also receives unofficial communication suggesting that his promotion to Additional Chief Engineer is under active consideration, but could be jeopardised if he creates \"unnecessary hurdles\" in the project's timely completion.\n\nThe incumbent state government is eager to complete the overbridge before the elections and present it as a major developmental achievement. This adds to the pressure on Ramesh to expedite project execution without raising further objections. Nonetheless, he remains convinced that the current design is flawed and could have grave implications for public safety if left unaddressed.\n\nMeanwhile, the bridge design has also attracted widespread public attention after being published in a leading local newspaper. Images of the sharp 90-degree turn went viral on social media, drawing criticism and ridicule. Several engineering experts have publicly flagged the alignment as a potential safety hazard, reinforcing Ramesh's concerns.\na) Under the given conditions, what are the options available to Ramesh as a project manager?\nb) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Ramesh?\nc) What are the professional challenges likely to be faced by Ramesh and his response to overcome such challenges?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":30,"question":"a) दी गई परिस्थितियों में, एक परियोजना प्रबंधक के रूप में रमेश के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nb) रमेश को किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\nc) रमेश को किन व्यावसायिक चुनौतियों का सामना करना पड़ सकता है तथा ऐसी चुनौतियों पर नियंत्रण पाने के लिए उसकी क्या प्रतिक्रिया होनी चाहिए?\na) दी गई परिस्थितियों में, एक परियोजना प्रबंधक के रूप में रमेश के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nb) रमेश को किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\nc) रमेश को किन व्यावसायिक चुनौतियों का सामना करना पड़ सकता है तथा ऐसी चुनौतियों पर नियंत्रण पाने के लिए उसकी क्या प्रतिक्रिया होनी चाहिए?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":34,"question":"Q.8) Srushti is a young and dynamic IPS officer, posted as Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in a communally sensitive district. Her husband, Arjun, is an IAS officer and posted as Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in the same district. Both are honest, sincere and deeply committed to their work. They have a daughter who is just four months old, and is looked after by a domestic helper. Srushti resumed duty just two weeks ago after six months of maternity leave.\nAt 9 PM on Saturday night, Srushti is in her office reviewing the security arrangements with her team for an upcoming local festival. The situation in the area has been tense throughout the week due to a flare-up between two communities over a petty issue. Around 9:30 PM, she gets a call from the Superintendent of Police. He asks her to prepare a detailed law and order brief for a high-level meeting the next morning.\nSrushti reaches home at 10 PM, feeling exhausted. She has not been getting proper sleep during the week due to frequent night patrolling. Arjun also returns around the same time after a long day in the field. Their daughter has been unwell and cried through most of the previous night. Arjun expresses concern about Srushti's heavy workload and the baby's condition. He tells her that she can not keep pushing herself like this and that the child needs more of her attention. Srushti replies that she cannot afford to step back. She adds that people are already judging her and questioning her commitment to work for availing maternity leave. The conversation gradually turns into an argument. Arjun feels Srushti is ignoring her health and family, while Srushti feels judged and unsupported.\nLater that night, as Srushti sits at her desk preparing the report, she pauses and reflects on the purpose of her work. She had joined the IPS to serve the people and protect the vulnerable. But now, she wonders if she is being fair to her own child and family. Even as recently as last week, she had to cancel the family dinner as she had to attend an urgent meeting at the SP office. She also feels the weight of expectations. Male officers with children are rarely questioned. But as a new mother, she is constantly under scrutiny. Many in the department believe that women, especially new mothers, are not suitable for field duty.\nSrushti starts thinking about her options. She knows that whatever decision she makes will not only impact her own future but also influence the expectations placed on other working mothers in uniform.\na) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\nb) Evaluate the options available to Srushti in the above situation.\nc) What suggestions would you make to help officers like Srushti maintain a healthy work-life balance.","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":35,"question":"a) उपर्युक्त मामले में नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\nb) उपरोक्त स्थिति में सृष्टि के लिए उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nc) सृष्टि जैसे अधिकारियों को स्वस्थ कार्य-जीवन संतुलन बनाए रखने में मदद करने के लिए आप क्या सुझाव देंगे?\na) उपर्युक्त मामले में नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\nb) उपर्युक्त स्थिति में सृष्टि के लिए उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nc) सृष्टि जैसे अधिकारियों को स्वस्थ कार्य-जीवन संतुलन बनाए रखने में मदद करने के लिए आप क्या सुझाव देंगे?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":39,"question":"Q.9) A reputed Indian beauty & personal care company developed a herbal skin cream for the international market, claiming anti-ageing and skin-repair properties based on traditional Ayurvedic formulations. After obtaining the necessary approvals and export certifications, the company began exporting the product. The product received widespread positive feedback for its quality and natural formulation, and soon became a huge hit in international markets. Riding on this success, the company announced that the product would soon be made available to domestic consumers, with almost the same quality and health benefits.\n\nSubsequently, it secured approval from the domestic regulatory authority and launched the product in the Indian market. Over time, the brand gained a significant share of the domestic market and earned substantial revenues both nationally and internationally.\n\nHowever, during a random sample check, officials discovered that the cream sold in India differed from the version approved by the competent authority. The product failed to meet the claimed herbal composition and purity standards. Further investigation revealed that the company had often been distributing batches that had failed export quality checks.\n\nThe incident triggered widespread public criticism and regulatory scrutiny, leading to a sharp decline in the company’s reputation and financial performance.\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\nb) What actions should the competent regulatory authority take against the personal care company for violating domestic quality standards and distributing rejected export batches in the Indian market?\nc) What course of action is available to the company to manage the crisis and restore public trust and brand credibility?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Q.10) A forest fire has broken out in a hilly district and is rapidly spreading toward an eco-sensitive area that includes four villages (ESA villages). These villages lie along the forest fringe and are surrounded by difficult terrain. The region is known for its biodiversity and traditional forest-based livelihoods. The inhabitants of these villages are mostly poor tribal communities, dependent on forest resources for their sustenance.\nYou, as the District Magistrate of the area, have rushed to the spot with a medical team, police personnel, NGOs, media, and support staff to oversee the rescue and containment operations. Your disaster response team on the ground is small and poorly equipped. Reinforcements from the district headquarter have been requested, but they may take several hours to arrive due to the remoteness and challenging terrain.\nIn the meantime, a group of trained ex-forest guards and local youth from the villages offer to help. They are experienced and familiar with the area. However, existing government rules do not permit the engagement of unofficial personnel in fire control operations without formal clearance and insurance coverage.\nYour team members are divided on this issue. Some members argue that volunteers should be engaged immediately to prevent the fire from spreading. Others caution that involving them without proper approval and safety cover could be risky and against protocol.\nAs the District Magistrate, you are also the Chairperson of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA). The fire is spreading at a very rapid rate, and immediate action is required to protect lives, property, and the environment. You are now in a dilemma.\na) What are the options available to you?\nb) Critically evaluate each of the options identified by you.\nc) What option would you adopt and why?\nd) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by you?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Q.11) In one of the government primary schools located in a rural block of a district, the newly appointed headmistress observed an unusual practice. The school had been preparing and serving mid-day meals separately to students belonging to different communities. Although the meals were cooked using a common gas connection, separate utensils, cooking areas, and serving arrangements had been in place for more than two decades. Students from the two communities had their food cooked and served by different cooks and ate in separate classrooms, despite attending classes together.\nAfter taking charge, the headmistress decided to discontinue this practice. She directed that food be prepared and served together for all students, using a common kitchen and utensils. However, the decision triggered backlash. A considerable number of parents across communities vehemently opposed the move and stopped sending their children to school. Consequently, attendance fell by almost 60 percent. This also raised concerns regarding the possible discontinuation of the mid-day meal scheme, withdrawal of teaching staff, and even closure of the school due to falling enrolment. The issue has attracted attention from various political and social groups attempting to further polarise the situation and serve their vested interests.\nMarpi Apang, the District Education Officer (DEO), has been tasked by the Deputy Commissioner's office to amicably resolve the matter at the earliest. She has also been directed to submit a detailed report along with the Action Taken Report within a fortnight.\na) Identify the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb) What course of action should Marpi adopt and why?\nc) What should be the responsibilities of different social segments and agencies to create positive social ambiance for accepting such changes?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"(c) Responsibilities of different social segments :\n1 Practice ethical discourse\n2 Indulge in ethical universalism\n3 Foster social harmony (social ethics of Durkheim)\n4 Treat humanity as \"means\" (categorical imperative of Kant)\n5 Practice Anekantavad -> encourage a tolerant culture","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Q.12) You are a Municipal Commissioner of a tier-2 city experiencing rapid urban expansion. Several high-rise residential and commercial buildings are under construction in the city to meet the growing demand for housing. One such luxury residential complex is being built, employing hundreds of daily-wage labourers, many of whom live in temporary settlements at the construction site. Late one night during the monsoon season, a large section of scaffolding and concrete slabs collapses from the upper floors of one of the under-construction buildings. Seven labourers, including two minors, die on the spot. Several others are critically injured and rushed to the hospital. The tragic incident results in public outrage, intense media scrutiny, and protests by a local NGO. The state government orders a formal inquiry and directs you to submit a report within a week. Your preliminary investigation reveals a series of irregularities. The construction material used is substandard and not in accordance with the National Building Code. Although the approved plan permits construction of fifteen floors, the builder has illegally added two extra floors. Moreover, the structure has encroached on land demarcated for a community park and a fire service lane under the city's Zonal Development Plan. These violations are not reported during site inspections conducted by the building inspector of the municipal corporation. The building clearance was granted during the tenure of your predecessor, who is not only your batchmate but also a close friend. Both of you were roommates during your training at LBSNAA. Prima facie, the case appears to involve a widespread nexus between officials of the Municipal Corporation and the builder. Your colleagues are putting pressure on you to go slow in the inquiry. Some of them suggest that holding the builder accountable could damage the city's image among investors and slow down urban development. Meanwhile, you come to know that the builder is the younger brother of a powerful minister in the state cabinet. One evening, his personal aide visits you privately. He suggests that the matter could be “mutually settled” and offers you a premium apartment worth ₹2 crore in the same residential complex. In the same breath, he hints that if the matter is not resolved swiftly in the builder's favour, someone in his office is prepared to file a complaint against you under the SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\nb) What are the options available to you in this situation?\nc) Explain your selected course of action.","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":52,"question":"(20 अंक, 250 शब्द)\n\nमामले में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा करें।\nइस स्थिति में आपके पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध है?\nअपनी चुनी हुई कार्यवाही का विवरण दीजिए।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250"}]},{"id":4081,"topper":"Liza Garga","air":303,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/LIZA-GARGA-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-303-Sample-MGP-COPY-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) The Union Budget 2025-26 outlines a shift towards the 'debt-to-GDP ratio' as the fiscal anchor starting from FY 2026-27. Discuss the rationale behind this shift.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Why does India need to transition from a 'build to print' to a 'build to design' model in manufacturing? What steps has been taken by the government in this regard?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Explain the concept of a nutrition-sensitive food system and suggest strategies to achieve it in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Give a brief overview of the 'Digital Agriculture Mission'. How can it benefit the agriculture sector?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) Rare earths are not just elements; they are foundational inputs that act like 'seeds of technology'. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) Why retrofitting Electrostatic Precipitators (ESPs) in Indian thermal power plants is a more viable and effective option compared to the installation of flue gas desulfurization (FGD) systems?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) 'The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regime in India remains weak and is often reduced to a procedural formality.' In light of this statement, examine the key challenges in EIA implementation and suggest reforms.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) Plastic pollution is emerging as a serious environmental threat in India. Discuss the various mitigation measures to address this problem and also the government's initiatives in this regard.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) Amid evolving threats, there is a need to blend private sector capabilities with India's current internal security architecture. In this context, elaborate on the ways in which the private sector can contribute to strengthening internal security.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 'Radicalisation in Jammu and Kashmir is driven as much by socio-economic factors as by external influences'. Discuss how education and youth engagement can play a role in countering radicalisation in J&K.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) Outlining the key characteristics of the care economy, discuss how India can better integrate the value of unpaid and underpaid care work into its economic framework.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) 'The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) presents both unprecedented opportunities and significant challenges for India's labour market.' Examine. Also suggest strategies to align AI adoption with inclusive and resilient labour market outcomes.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13) Why does India's agricultural export performance remain weak despite high production levels? What measures would you suggest to improve agri-export competitiveness?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) \"The agricultural subsidy regime in the country needs reforms to address the distortions it causes.\" Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15) How can biomanufacturing transform today's consumptive manufacturing paradigm to the one based on regenerative principles? Also discuss how BioE3 Policy (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment) aims to foster biomanufacturing in the country.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) The future of digital innovation depends on self-reliant, domain-specific AI capabilities. In this context, bring out the key considerations in developing indigenous AI models and tools. Suggest measures to build an enabling ecosystem for AI innovation in India. What initiatives have been taken by the government in this regard?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17) Marine oil spills are a form of environmental disaster, with far-reaching consequences for biodiversity and coastal livelihoods; however, India's preparedness to prevent such incidents and mitigate their impact has significant gaps. Analyze.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18) The United Nations has declared 2025 as the International Year of Glacier Preservation. Bring out the ecological and socio-economic significance of glaciers. What are the key challenges in preserving them? What measures have been taken at national and international levels towards preservation of glaciers?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"9) What are the determinants of insurgency in the north-eastern region of India? What strategy should the Government of India, civil administration and security forces adopt to counter the threat in the affected areas?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20) Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have become an integral aspect of modern conflict and warfare, employed by both state and non-state actors. Discuss its implications for India's security architecture and state the measures being taken to address them. Also suggest other steps to tackle the threats emanating from UAVs.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4082,"topper":"Liza Garga","air":303,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/LIZA-GARGA-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-303-Sample-MGP-COPY-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1 While the Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) scheme and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme are both designed to boost economic growth, they employ different approaches and focus on distinct outcomes. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) What do you understand by Reverse Brain Drain? Identify the key drivers of the rising trend of this phenomenon in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) The Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) not only enhances logistics efficiency but also represents a pivotal milestone in the country's infrastructure development and economic growth. In this context, describe the significance of the Dedicated Freight Corridor.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Define precision agriculture. How can it help in optimizing crop production and resource management?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) Why has rice not seen similar innovation in processed food products compared to wheat, despite being a staple in many regions of the country?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) Explain the working principle of the pumped storage hydropower system. What are the key advantages it offers compared to other power storage technologies?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) Describe the major outcomes of the 29th session of the Conference of Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) How can emerging solar technologies address the twin challenges of resource scarcity and environmental degradation? Illustrate your answer with recent innovations in the field.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 What is 'research security'? What are the key hurdles in ensuring research security in India?","marks":"10 marks, 150","words":"10"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) is necessary for maintaining peace and stability in the 'disturbed areas'. Critically examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) How has inadequate progress on factor market reforms impacted India's double-digit growth aspirations? What measures has the government taken in this regard?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) What are the factors responsible for the recent depreciation of the Indian Rupee? Discuss its implications for the economy and suggest policy measures to stabilize the currency.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 While Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) can resolve the issues of small farmers and boost agrarian economy, the realization of their potential is hindered by a multitude of factors. Analyze","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) Discuss the significance of aquaculture towards nutrition security, livelihood generation, and economic growth. Also mention various initiatives taken by the government to promote sustainable aquaculture in the country.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Q.15) What is gene therapy? What makes it a better treatment option than the conventional approaches?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Q.16) Why are countries keen on developing their own space stations? What obstacles do they face in the process, and how can these be overcome?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Q.17 Climate change is causing profound alterations in ecosystems, triggering cascading impacts on biodiversity, ecosystem services, and human livelihoods which demands integrated approaches to conservation and climate adaptation. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Q.18) Often referred to as the 'cradle of civilization' and 'growth engines', urban areas are increasingly experiencing various natural and man-made disasters. Discuss in the Indian context. Also, suggest suitable mitigation and management strategies.","marks":"15 marks, 250","words":"15"},{"page":48,"question":"Q.19 How does India's geographical location heighten its vulnerability to drug trafficking? Also, analyze various internal security risks linked to drug trafficking.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Q.20) The increasing frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks pose a significant threat to national security. Discuss the major challenges in ensuring cybersecurity in the country and enumerate the measures taken by the government in this regard.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4083,"topper":"M N Harendhira Prasad","air":93,"year":2014,"paper":"Optional — Psychology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0d6b6-mn-harendhira_93_2014_psychology_booklet_1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4084,"topper":"M N Harendhira Prasad","air":93,"year":2014,"paper":"Optional — Psychology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c3fb5-mn-harendhira_93_2014_psychology_booklet_2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4085,"topper":"M N Harendhira Prasad","air":93,"year":2014,"paper":"Optional — Psychology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/10657-mn-harendhira_93_2014_psychology_booklet_3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4086,"topper":"M N Harendhira Prasad","air":93,"year":2014,"paper":"Optional — Psychology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/18401-mn-harendhira_93_2014_psychology_booklet_4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4087,"topper":"M Sri Pranav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0c97b-586044_1451_m-sri-pranav_rank-60.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"It is morally permissible to perform an action in pursuit of a good end in full knowledge that the action might also bring about bad results. Critically examine the statement with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"An essential element that distinguishes a career in public service from jobs elsewhere is its focus on public service ethos. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The foundational values of efficiency, impartiality, empathy, and incorruptibility are an integral part of civil services. Elaborate with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The foreign policy of nations is primarily guided by national interests. Do you think the pursuit of such exclusive concerns leaves little scope for ethics in international relations? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Corporate Social Responsibility can help in changing the perception of 'business ethics' being an oxymoron. Critically analyze. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: Intolerance is itself a form of violence and an obstacle to the growth of a true democratic spirit. Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Citizens’ Charters by themselves cannot achieve the desired results in improving quality of public services. Discuss the statement in light of the Sevottam Model. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"What do you understand by social capital? Explain its relationship with good governance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Emotional Intelligence is an essential ingredient for managing personal and organizational change. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Do you agree that privatization and outsourcing of selected public services will help improve the quality of public service delivery and in particular reduce the incidence of corruption? Substantiate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Discuss the contributions of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar to the idea of social justice in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":4088,"topper":"M Venkatesh Prasad Sagar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/M_VENKATESH_PRASAD_SAGAR_SS_GS_3_AIR_358_709f827964.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Explain the concept of the \"Missing Middle\" in India's industrial ecosystem. How does it affect economic growth and employment generation? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Household savings form a crucial pillar of domestic capital formation. In light of their recent decline, elucidate the underlying causes and propose strategies to strengthen savings behavior in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Despite its potential, the corporate bond market in India remains underdeveloped. Examine the structural and regulatory challenges impeding its growth. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"In light of recent Budget 2025 allocations and the push for green infrastructure, analyze how Viability Gap Funding can be leveraged to promote renewable energy projects. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Why is self-sufficiency in pulse production crucial for India? Discuss the policy and technological interventions needed to achieve Aatma Nirbharata in pulses. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Examine how space-based solutions are addressing developmental challenges in rural India. What steps can further enhance their outreach and effectiveness? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Delineate the linkages between urbanization patterns and rising PM 2.5 levels in Tier-II and Tier-III cities of India. What are the various mitigation measures and the government's initiatives to mitigate air pollution in India? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Explain the structural and operational limitations of the Disaster Management Act, 2005. How far does the 2025 Amendment address these deficiencies through a shift towards anticipatory and technology-driven disaster governance? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What do you understand about Artificial Neural Networks? List out its applications across various fields. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"Internal security challenges in India are increasingly shaped by external and transnational dynamics.\" Examine the statement with relevant examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"While tariff rationalization aims to enhance economic efficiency, it may also pose challenges to certain sectors. Critically assess the potential trade-offs involved in the Union Budget 2025-26's approach to tariff reforms. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"A shift from fiscal deficit targeting to debt-to-GDP ratio as the fiscal anchor signals a more holistic approach to fiscal discipline. Do you agree? Give reasons in support of your arguments. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4089,"topper":"M Venkatesh Prasad Sagar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/M_VENKATESH_PRASAD_SAGAR_SS_GS_4_AIR_358_22ab970e82.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"\"Integrity in isolation may ensure honesty, but without impartiality and non-partisanship, governance cannot be ethical.\" Evaluate the interdependence of these foundational values in the context of public service. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"\"The essence of ethics in human actions involves a balance between individual autonomy and societal norms\". Examine this statement by exploring how ethical frameworks reconcile personal freedom with social responsibility. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Is conscience a universal moral compass, or is it shaped by society and upbringing? Illustrate with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"How can the ethical principles rooted in ancient Indian philosophy serve as a guide for policymakers and administrators in balancing development with ecological sustainability? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context? (a) Cultivation of mind should be the ultimate aim of human existence.-Dr. B. R. Ambedkar (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"Technology is ethically neutral until we apply it.\" Discuss this statement with reference to the ethical challenges posed by artificial intelligence and data privacy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Rules and procedures are essential for institutional functioning. However, they are not substitutes for ethical leadership and value-based discretion. Justify your answer with examples from public administration. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Is it ethically justified for youth to remain apolitical in a democracy if politics determines the moral fabric of society? Critically examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Explain three moral dilemmas commonly faced by civil servants. Provide ethical frameworks to resolve them effectively. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"\"Sporting fairness and gender inclusivity are often on a collision course.\" Discuss the ethical dimensions involved in allowing transgender athletes to participate in women's sports. Should fairness outweigh inclusion? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"How can Buddhist principles guide public servants in maintaining a balance between personal well-being and professional responsibilities in high-pressure governance environments? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":36,"question":"A border district along the Indo-Pak Line of Control has been devastated by continuous cross-border shelling. Villages lie abandoned, homes destroyed, schools shut indefinitely, and farmlands rendered unusable. The displaced population, children, elderly, and daily-wage families, suffers from deep psychological trauma, loss of livelihood, and absence of basic services. To respond, the administration has established multiple rehabilitation camps under emergency relief protocols. As the newly appointed District Rehabilitation Commissioner, known for your integrity, you are tasked with leading this effort. However, you soon discover a distressing reality: Relief distribution is marred by corruption, funds are being siphoned off, and material aid is being diverted to private godowns. Caste-based discrimination in compensation lists is rampant and marginalised communities are systematically excluded. Political interference is growing, local leaders demand selective allocation for their vote banks, threatening to stir unrest if their demands aren't met. Adding to the challenge, vulnerable groups like landless labourers, orphans, the elderly, and differently-abled persons are invisible in the rehabilitation process. You also find that some field officers are indifferent or even complicit, out of fear or political alignment. Meanwhile, the media focuses only on high-profile narratives, ignoring those suffering silently. (a) What are the core ethical issues involved in this situation? (b) What should be your immediate course of action to ensure fair and transparent relief distribution? (c) How can you tactfully manage political interference while upholding neutrality and inclusivity? (d) How can an administrator maintain emotional balance and compassion without compromising institutional discipline? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"You are a senior civil servant in the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting. Your 17-year-old daughter, an intelligent and sensitive student of Class 12, has been an avid follower of popular influencers and motivational speakers. Recently, she became deeply interested in a popular podcast show hosted by a well-known social media figure, Kunal Bhalla. The show claims to champion \"free thinking\" and covers topics like hustle culture, masculinity, personal transformation, and anti-institutional narratives. Over time, your daughter's behaviour begins to change. She withdraws from academic interests, begins idolising internet influencers, and adopts rigid opinions about success, failure, and mental health. She starts rejecting family advice, refuses to appear for her board preparatory exams, and argues that \"school is irrelevant in the age of free minds.\" Concerned, you and your spouse try to reason with her, but she accuses you of being \"closed-minded.\" Matters come to head when you are alerted by your ministry's media monitoring cell about a viral video clip where your daughter is seen giving an interview on a fringe podcast platform, endorsing radical views on education, politics, and civil services. The clip drew public attention because of your designation, and journalists began speculating about a \"generational rebellion\" within the bureaucracy. Meanwhile, the influencer, Kunal Bhalla, publicly praises your daughter as \"the new voice of youth dissent,\" but refuses to take accountability for his platform's role in shaping her worldview. Social media is split, some defend her right to free thought, while others accuse such influencers of normalising disrespect for institutions and romanticizing shallow intellectualism. Your colleagues advice silence, but your daughter now wants to drop out of school and intern with a podcast network. (a) What are the key ethical issues involved in the way \"free thinking\" is promoted by influencers on social media, especially for impressionable youth? (b) What should be the role of public figures in responding to the misuse or distortion of influential platforms in the name of free expression? (c) Suggest a policy framework or guidelines for responsible influencer content aimed at youth without curbing intellectual freedom. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Raghav is the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of a fast-growing tech company in South Asia that designs and deploys AI systems for public services like education and policing. Recently, the company secured a large government contract to implement facial recognition and predictive analytics systems in public schools and police departments. The project is significant for the company's growth and is being closely monitored by international investors and government agencies, However, two major concerns have emerged. First, internal audits show that the AI systems are not adequately trained on local data. They frequently misidentify individuals from tribal and minority backgrounds and unfairly flag behavioral issues among students from these communities. The software also lacks support for vernacular languages and neurodivergent users, raising concerns about exclusion and discrimination. Second, environmental groups have raised objections to the company's rising carbon footprint due to the expansion of energy-intensive data centers. There has been a 42% increase in emissions over the last two years. Raghav now faces a serious ethical dilemma: whether to push ahead with deployment to maintain momentum and company interests, or pause and resolve these concerns, knowing it may slow down progress and create internal friction. (a) Identify and discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) Critically examine the options available to Raghav in this situation. (c) Which of the above options should Raghav adopt and why? Justify your answer using principles of ethics and professional responsibility. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":56,"question":"A senior IAS officer, recently appointed as chairperson of the NCR Clean Air Mission, is tasked with addressing the escalating air pollution crisis in Delhi and neighboring regions, where the Air Quality Index has reached hazardous levels. Scientific assessments point to multiple contributors, i.e., stubble burning in nearby states, construction-related dust, industrial emissions, and diesel vehicle traffic. The officer proposes strict, time-bound restrictions, including suspending construction activities, limiting vehicular movement, and enforcing crop-residue burning bans. However, these measures attract strong opposition from various stakeholders. Farmers cite a lack of alternatives, real estate bodies warn of large-scale job losses, transport unions threaten strikes, and political authorities express concerns over the potential impact on upcoming international investment events. Meanwhile, health experts caution that delays will result in severe public health consequences, especially for children and the elderly. The media criticizes the measures as elitist and anti-poor. Caught between conflicting imperatives, i.e., environmental protection, economic livelihood, public health, and political viability, the officer must now make a decision. (a) What are the options available to the officer to tackle the situation effectively? (b) What core values and principles should guide decision-making in this scenario? (c) In such situations, what long-term institutional reforms would you suggest to reconcile environmental protection with developmental imperatives? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":4090,"topper":"Madhav Agarawal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/gs-mac-test-2-madhav-agarwal-1745408498015.pdf","questions":[{"page":39,"question":"Q18 POCSO Act has brought an overarching framework to regulate and investigate cases of child sexual offences (below age of 18). Implications on rights & welfare of children.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4091,"topper":"Madhav Agarwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/48f94f4c58dc4d501f6f42102607e751/8/pttp220590_tc065.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"AI is overcoming our mental limitation but not expanding our mental horizon.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4092,"topper":"Madhav Agarwal","air":16,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7074d-710846_2488_madhav_agarwal_rank_16.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4093,"topper":"Madhav Agarwal","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/MADHAV-AGARWAL-UPSC-2023-Rank-211-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Basic structure doctrine has prevented the Parliament, a creature of the constitution, from becoming the master of the constitution. Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"To what extent, in your opinion, Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in India have enabled women led development at the grassroot level? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The power of pressure groups lies not in their size or elaborate organization, but in their ability to mobilize public opinion and create lasting change. With help of relevant examples, discuss how informal pressure groups shape public policy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"\"Bail not Jail\" is the cardinal principle that upholds the sacrosanct ideas of individual's liberty and dignity. Explain the statement with the help of various judicial pronouncements. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Dispute redressal is the most important component of cooperative federalism. How does the Interstate Council facilitate the resolution of disputes related to states in India, and what are the challenges associated with this process? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Anti-defection law has failed to address and resolve the evil of political defection satisfactorily. Discuss various issues surrounding the Anti-defection law and recommend some corrective measures. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Decriminalization of homosexuality by the SC in Navtej Singh Jauhar case remains a task half done, specially without the socio-political sensitisation about the issues faced by LGBTQIA+ community. Elaborate in light of ongoing debates on same sex marriage. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Built upon common democratic values and shared vision of strategic autonomy, India-France bilateral ties exude a promise of stability, growth, and security in a time of geo-political flux and uncertainty. Do you agree? Substantiate your answer. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"As an important attribute of soft power, \"Knowledge diplomacy\" has the potential to further various objectives of foreign policy. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Referring to the case laws through which the collegium system in India evolved, critically assess its functioning. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Considering the non-enforceable nature of fundamental duties and directive principles of state policy, critically examine their impact in socio-political norms. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite its vital role for the smooth functioning of the body politic, constitutional punctuality remains conspicuous by its absence. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Frequent reliance on the ordinance making power by the government, not only dilutes the basic tenets of executive accountability in a parliamentary democracy, but also overlooks the democratic traditions of building consensus. Discuss with relevant examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The critical reason for poor public health indicators in India goes beyond recognition of right to health as fundamental right. Do you think that a statutory framework alone can ameliorate the situation? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Reforming the education infrastructure through digital interventions is a progressive step, but it has its limitations too. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Electoral bond was brought in as a reform that was high on intent but has proved to be low on substance. Do you agree? Justify. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The profound impact of the data revolution and widespread smartphone usage has necessitated the use of digital tools in welfare programmes. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Presidency of G20 is but a reflection of India's quest for a more just and polycentric world order, where the voice of the global south is mainstreamed not muzzled. Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The new cold war between the USA and China may have the effect of casting a long shadow on India's strategic interests from Pacific to Atlantic. Evaluate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4094,"topper":"Madhav Agarwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/58/pttp220590_tc071-test-01-gs-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The fabric of Indian philosophical thought owes as much to Northern India as to Southern India. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The Indian society's impulse for social change and reform was a response to its opposition to colonial rule. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"What are the factors that led to the Russian revolution and what are the consequences of this revolu...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the various factors responsible for the uneven temperature distribution on Earth's surface.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The White Revolution was most successful in the Western part of India. Discuss the factors for this regional success of the White Revolution.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"To what extent does seismic investigation contribute to our understanding of the Earth's interior structure? Analyze its significance in detail.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The pace of demographic transition varies across different states of India making population growth a double-edged sword. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The ethnic and cultural diversity in India has always been bound by the thread of unity. Discuss the...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The dichotomy in public and private life in Indian society acts as a major barrier to the annihilation of caste. Justify. Q1 The fabric of Indian philosophical thought owes as much to Northern India as to Southern India. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4095,"topper":"Madhav Agarwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/217/pttp220590_tc071-test-01-gs-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"The fabric of Indian philosophical thought owes as much to Northern India as to Southern India. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The Indian society's impulse for social change and reform was a response to its opposition to colonial rule. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What are the factors that led to the Russian revolution and what are the consequences of this revolution? Discuss its influence on the Indian national movement. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the various factors responsible for the uneven temperature distribution on Earth's surface. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The melting of glaciers due to climate change has serious implications for the ecosystem and human society. Discuss the effects of melting glaciers on the environment and the measures that can be taken to address this issue. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The White Revolution was most successful in the Western part of India. Discuss the factors for this regional success of the White Revolution. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"To what extent does seismic investigation contribute to our understanding of the Earth's interior structure? Analyze its significance in detail. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The pace of demographic transition varies across different states of India making population growth a double-edged sword. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The ethnic and cultural diversity in India has always been bound by the thread of unity. Discuss the major factors that have contributed to the cultural unity of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The dichotomy in public and private life in Indian society acts as a major barrier to the annihilation of caste. Justify. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"India was forced into numerous wars post Independence. Highlight the causes and impact of the Indo-Pak and Indo-China wars on our bilateral relationships. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"The process of consolidation of Bengal, which started after the Battle of Plassey culminated in the Battle of Buxar. Do you think the Battle of Buxar was more important for the British than Plassey? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Sanskrit literature in general and particularly in the Guptan age set a high watermark for the literary history of ancient India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"The configuration of the ocean floor provides essential information about the geological processes that have shaped the Earth's surface. Discuss the major features of the ocean floor and their significance in the study of oceanography. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"With the growing demand for rare earth elements, their distribution has become a critical aspect of the global economy. Discuss the distribution of rare earth elements across the world, their uses, and the environmental impact of their extraction. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Tourism in the hilly states is threatening to exceed the ecological carrying capacity of the region. Analyze the factors contributing to this trend and evaluate the potential Environmental impacts of this phenomenon. What measures can be taken to ensure sustainable tourism in these states? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"The Indian monsoon is a complex phenomenon influenced by various climatic factors. Critically examine the role of oceanic and atmospheric factors in determining the intensity and distribution of monsoon rainfall in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Why do traditions in our society impede change? To what extent can social legislation be instrumental against old customary practices? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Slums are not 'problems' that have to be 'solved' - but are indeed a result of lopsided and vested urban policies covering infrastructure provision and socio-economic issues. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Communalism gains strength from economic deprivation, and thrives in environments of social exclusion, creating fertile ground for discontent and division. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4096,"topper":"Madhav Agarwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/525f2-710846_2423_madhav_agarwal_rank_16.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With suitable examples, discuss how environmental pressure groups enhance public participation and responsiveness with regard to environmental policies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The recent acknowledgment of sex work as a 'profession' by the Supreme Court is merely the first step in ensuring basic rights and equality for sex workers in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the role played by District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) in providing free legal aid and disseminating legal awareness in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"The collegium system has become a victim of its own success, with the concentration of power in the hands of a few, leading to questions about its legitimacy.\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":4097,"topper":"Madhav Agarwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6ac20-710846_2422_madhav_agarwal_rank_16.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The traditional theatre forms of India reflect the ideals and emotions of the society, and an individual's role in the community. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Provide an account of the historical and architectural importance of the Sanchi Stupa. Also, discuss how it inspired the future architecture in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Bhagat Singh made a real breakthrough in terms of revolutionary ideology, the goals of revolution and forms of revolutionary struggle. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Bringing out the factors that led to the Meiji restoration, discuss its significance for Japan. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"It is believed that a nation is an “imagined community” held together by common beliefs, history, political aspirations etc. In this context, discuss what the basis of India as a nation is. Also, bring out the threats to the concept of Indian nationhood. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"State the key factors behind the growth of the pharmaceutical industry in India. Additionally, discuss its significance with regard to India's economy and public health.(Answer in 150words)10","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss why the Bay of Bengal is more prone to cyclones than the Arabian Sea. Also, explain the reasons for the decrease in frequency of tropical cyclones during the Southwest monsoon season. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite being destructive in nature, volcanoes are critical for the existence of human life on earth. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The existence of relative deprivation is an important aspect in constructing the argument for regionalism. Explain with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"If India is to realise the goal of 'education for all', the issue of rising cases of bullying and other forms of school violence needs to be addressed immediately. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Bring out the role played by the Ahom Kingdom in shaping the cultural and historical identity of North-East India, and discuss its legacy in contemporary times. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The capitalist class generally remained ambivalent in their support to the Indian National Congress until 1940s. In this context, analyse the varying positions of the Indian capitalists throughout the national movement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Trace the evolution of the press in India. Also, discuss the instrumental impact it had during various stages of the Indian freedom struggle despite the repressive policies of the British. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Mountains are fragile ecosystems vulnerable to the adverse impact of climate change and other anthropogenic interventions. Illustrate with examples. Also, highlight the initiatives taken for their sustainable management. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind unsustainable management of sand resources in India. Highlighting its impact, enumerate the remedial measures taken in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Giving an account of the major lithium-producing countries, discuss the geo-political aspects of lithium production and its environmental implications. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The youth are capable of identifying themselves with a global identity and connecting with events and experiences outside their countries. In this context, discuss the impact of globalization on the various aspects of youth identity. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"As fertility rates decline in India, future demographic concerns center around an ageing population and a weak social security system. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"With a significant proportion of India's population expected to live in urban areas by 2030, the welfare of the urban poor needs to take centre-stage in public policy. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4098,"topper":"Madhav Agarwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b8340-710846_2424_madhav_agarwal_rank_16.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What are the different dimensions of food security? Examine India's status in terms of ensuring food security with regard to these dimensions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Modern technologies such as blockchain and ChatGPT are powerful tools with immense potential to transform agriculture into a more efficient and sustainable sector. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What factors have led to the recent acceleration in the trend towards de-dollarization of the global economy? Do you think the dollar will lose its dominance anytime soon? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Despite significant pressure from the developed countries to alter its food subsidy regime, there is merit in India trying to retain its policy support for the poor in the country. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Several initiatives have been taken by the government towards addressing India's water needs, but the issues of water availability and water quality still warrant prioritised intervention. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What are the major drivers of glacial retreat in the Arctic? Describe the potential impact of the retreat of Arctic glaciers on the ecosystem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Space tourism, which was viewed as something straight out of a science fiction movie, is now becoming a reality albeit not without hindrances. What are the challenges associated with space tourism? What measures can be taken to address these challenges? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Global health experts widely believe that the development of CAR-T cell therapy can be a game changer in the treatment of cancer. How can CAR-T cell therapy overcome the limitations of CRISPR-Cas9 technology? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss why the rising deployment of new and emerging technologies by prominent violent extremist organizations demand concerted global efforts. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"With the Line of Actual Control (LAC) remaining tense after the Galwan and Yangste incidents and both India and China ramping up infrastructure in the border areas, discuss the role that ITBP plays in the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Do you think there is a need for a shift from 'land productivity' to 'irrigation water productivity' in India? Justify your answer. What are the challenges in making this shift? Explain. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Examine the role that green hydrogen can play in unlocking the energy security of India. How can the National Green Hydrogen Mission help India in achieving its energy goals? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The government has been weighing a transition from minimum wage to living wage in recent times. What are the benefits and constraints in the adoption of living wage in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The Union Budget affects almost every sector of the Indian economy, yet neither the budgetary processes nor the budget policies come under substantial public scrutiny. Do you agree? Justify your answer. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"India has been able to transform itself from a milk deficit country to the world's biggest milk producer, but the productivity of dairy animals in the country remains a concern. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"While climate change is responsible for crop failures, the agricultural sector itself is partly responsible for extreme weather events. Discuss. What strategy has been adopted under National Agriculture Disaster Management Plan to strengthen the resilience of the farming community in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Some regions in India, including Delhi, are highly vulnerable to the impact of earthquakes originating in the Himalayas. Discuss. What institutional measures have been taken to mitigate earthquake losses in India? Do you think there are significant gaps that still exist? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Recently, scientists announced net energy gain in nuclear fusion reaction, which is considered as a major scientific breakthrough for the future of clean energy. What are the advantages of nuclear fusion based power generation? What are the limitations in using it to generate electricity at a commercial scale? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Keeping in view the recent amendment, examine the efficacy of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, in tackling the menace of money laundering in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Discuss the security threats present in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), which have a direct bearing on India's maritime border interests. Suggest a robust strategy to deal with these threats. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4099,"topper":"Madhav Agarwal","air":16,"year":2024,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/madhav-agarwal-gs-test-5-1745670307993.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4100,"topper":"Madhav Agarwal","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/MADHAV-AGARWAL-UPSC-2024-Rank-16-MGP-Sample-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) Basic structure doctrine has prevented the Parliament, a creature of the constitution, from becoming the master of the constitution. Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) To what extent, in your opinion, Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in India have enabled women led development at the grassroot level?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) The power of pressure groups lies not in their size or elaborate organization, but in their ability to mobilize public opinion and create lasting change. With help of relevant examples, discuss how informal pressure groups shape public policy.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4 \"Bail not Jail\" is the cardinal principle that upholds the sacrosanct ideas of individual's liberty and dignity. Explain the statement with the help of various judicial pronouncements.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 Dispute redressal is the most important component of cooperative federalism. How does the Interstate Council facilitate the resolution of disputes related to states in India, and what are the challenges associated with this process?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) Anti-defection law has failed to address and resolve the evil of political defection satisfactorily. Discuss various issues surrounding the Anti-defection law and recommend some corrective measures.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) Decriminalization of homosexuality by the SC in Navtej Singh Jauhar case remains a task half done, specially without the socio-political sensitisation about the issues faced by LGBTQIA+ community. Elaborate in light of ongoing debates on same sex marriage.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8 Asses the relevance of lateral entry in civil services in making the governance structure more effective, efficient, and people oriented.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) Built upon common democratic values and shared vision of strategic autonomy, India-France bilateral ties exude a promise of stability, growth, and security in a time of geo-political flux and uncertainty. Do you agree? Substantiate your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) As an important attribute of soft power, \"Knowledge diplomacy\" has the potential to further various objectives of foreign policy. Explain.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 Referring to the case laws through which the collegium system in India evolved, critically assess its functioning.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 Considering the non-enforceable nature of fundamental duties and directive principles of state policy, critically examine their impact in socio-political norms.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13) Despite its vital role for the smooth functioning of the body politic, constitutional punctuality remains conspicuous by its absence. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 Frequent reliance on the ordinance making power by the government, not only dilutes the basic tenets of executive accountability in a parliamentary democracy, but also overlooks the democratic traditions of building consensus. Discuss with relevant examples.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 The critical reason for poor public health indicators in India goes beyond recognition of right to health as fundamental right. Do you think that a statutory framework alone can ameliorate the situation?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 Reforming the education infrastructure through digital interventions is a progressive step, but it has its limitations too. Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 Electoral bond was brought in as a reform that was high on intent but has proved to be low on substance. Do you agree? Justify.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 The profound impact of the data revolution and widespread smartphone usage has necessitated the use of digital tools in welfare programmes. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Presidency of G20 is but a reflection of India's quest for a more just and polycentric world order, where the voice of the global south is mainstreamed not muzzled. Elucidate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20) The new cold war between the USA and China may have the effect of casting a long shadow on India's strategic interests from Pacific to Atlantic. Evaluate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"7 Ignite regional conflicts like in West Asia; where China brokered Iran-Saudi deal and India is into US led I2U2 partnership (major diaspora, oil security).","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4101,"topper":"Madhav Agarwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/gs-mac-test-3-madhav-agarwal-1745408513670.pdf","questions":[{"page":12,"question":"95 Bio-manufacturing and Bio-forday, involve use of bio technology and can usher green economy in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"5 Bridge the rural urban divide by promoting cluster based growth.\neg FPI industries in rural areas like AMUL.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Q16 What are quantum dots?\n1) Application of Quantum Dots:","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4102,"topper":"Madhav Agarwal","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/MADHAV-AGARWAL-UPSC-2023-Rank-211-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"It was neither her Coal and Iron reserves, nor the inventions of steam engine and cotton mills, but her democracy and rule of law that made Britain the epicentre of Industrial Revolution. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"In its extent, reach, and revolutionary zeal, Civil Disobedience Movement has a unique place in India's freedom struggle. Elucidate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"How will you explain that Vaishnavism and Shaivism as followed in medieval India represent both local traditions and universal ideals? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What do you understand from land subsidence? Explaining various reasons behind land subsidence, recommend measures to arrest the calamity. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Examining the reasons behind erratic Monsoon, highlight the possible outcomes of the same. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Explore and evaluate the impact of new technologies on Indian society. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Why did Hinduism - which amalgamated and absorbed almost every diverse faith, tradition, belief and practice that arose from within or outside, within its fold- failed to assimilate Islamic cultural beliefs and practices? Give reasons. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Elucidate the differences between Western and Indian model of secularism. To what extent do you agree with the criticism that Indian model of secularism is susceptible to promoting minority appeasement? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"With special reference to India, elucidate how globalisation-a multifaceted phenomenon-has had positive socio-economic outcomes on one hand and widened the gaps between the haves and have nots on the other? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Dravidian temple architecture that came of age during the rule of the Pallavas, could reach its zenith only at the time of the imperial Cholas. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the reasons why pre-independence women movements were led by men. Also analyse the contribution of women-led socio-economic movements in post-independence India in mainstreaming and successfully redressing the concerns of women. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Discuss the causes for salinity ingress along with its various consequences and potential solutions. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The economic and strategic significance of mineral wealth of a country cannot be seen in isolation from the associated socio-ecological impacts of their extraction. Discuss in light of the newfound lithium reserves in Northern India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Explain the mechanism and occurrence of earthquake. With the help of map given below, throw light upon the vulnerability of regions affected by earthquake and earthquake related disasters. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Enumerating different types of tides highlight their significance. Also, explain how tides are different from waves. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"In the contemporary times, the conventional conceptualization of the institution of marriage as well as family is facing evolutionary changes. Do you agree? Justify. To what extent have the state and market played a role in this? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Bring out the reasons and consequences of the spurt in child marriages in recent years. What steps can be taken beyond the legal realms to tackle the menace? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Examine the reasons behind generation of regional sentiments? Do you agree that region-al sentiments and cultural assertiveness may lead to the issue of separatism? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4103,"topper":"Madhav Agarwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/214/pttp220590_tc072-test-02-gs-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"There is a need to resolve the ambiguity in the disqualification provisions under section 8 of the Representation of People Act 1951. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Constitution is a mere skeleton whereas constitutionalism is the soul of democracy. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"\"Electoral bonds are a double-edged sword, providing anonymity to donors while raising concerns about transparency in political funding.\" To what extent have electoral bonds further legitimized opacity in electoral funding? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The question of gender equality is central to the debate on Uniform Civil Code. In this light what are the challenges in reconciling UCC with gender equality as enshrined in the constitution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The Governor's office is neither decorative nor inconsequential, it assumes a constitutional role of profound essence. To what extent does the Governor, actively contribute to the governance of a state and reinforce the principles of federalism in the country? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Recently demand has been rising in a state regarding the enactment of Social Accountability Law. How such a law can lead to good governance and boost citizens' participation in decision-making. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"There is a need for convergence of 'nutrition-specific' and 'nutrition-sensitive' interventions to effectively tackle child undernutrition in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"MGNREGA, the lynchpin of rural poverty alleviation, has become the victim of fiscal apathy.\" Critically analyze the statement in light of recent developments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"\"India must leverage, if not manage, the global divides\". How can the current geopolitical churn pave the way for India's rise to the global high table? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"Berlin can be India's gateway to the European Union.\" Elaborate with respect to Germany's significance in India's relationship with the EU. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"How has the Anti-Defection Law impacted the relationship between political parties and individual legislators in India? In light of the recent incidents also discuss the unintended consequences it has on the functioning of democracy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Critics assert that limitless judicial authority rests on the structural ambiguity of the basic structure doctrine. Has the elastic nature of the basic structure doctrine made the judiciary more powerful than the executive? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Fundamental rights are not gifts bestowed upon by the state rather an individual possesses them independently of the state. In this context discuss the desirability of reasonable restrictions on various fundamental rights. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"S.R. Bommai v. Union of India signified a paradigm shift in the judicial interpretation of the union's authority to assume control of a state's administration. In this context discuss the significance and impact of the judgement on cementing the federal structure. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"The key to effective decentralization is, \"political decentralization\" should follow \"finance and functional decentralization\". Discuss in the context of impediments faced by local governance in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Multi-stakeholder partnerships are the key to leveraging collective expertise and networks. How can effective partnership and localized implementation efforts be fostered to accelerate the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"How has the implementation of the POSH Act resulted in limited success in raising awareness about sexual harassment, and what factors have hindered its effective outreach to women employed in the unorganized sector? Propose strategies to bridge this gap and ensure comprehensive protection for women in the unorganized sector against workplace harassment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Neo-liberal reforms and globalization have deeply transformed the institutions of the welfare state and set the ground for a new type of civil services. In this context examine the challenges faced in service delivery and suggest adequate reforms. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"China views India as its \"Asian Rival\" with an innate ability to counter its hegemonic goals in Asia. Despite these difficulties in India-China relations, there are also many areas of convergence. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Indo-Pacific region in recent times has emerged as a zone of diverging interests and priorities. Discuss. Do you think the Global Security Initiative will supersede QUAD in the region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4104,"topper":"Madhav Agarwal","air":211,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/60/pttp220590_tc072-test-02-gs-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4105,"topper":"Madhav Agarwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/gs-mac-test-1-madhav-agarwal-1745408445806.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Q1. Examine the role of numismatic evidence in understanding the political and economic history of ancient India. Provide specific examples.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Q2 Assess the impact of women’s organizations in mobilizing women across diverse socio-economic and regional backgrounds in pre-independence India.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":8,"question":"Q3 How did the policy of non-alignment reflect the aspirations of India and other newly independent nations to maintain their sovereignty and resist colonial pressures?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":10,"question":"Q4. Discuss the processes involved in volcanism. Highlight the major volcanic regions in the world and their associated tectonic settings.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Q5. Explain the geological features and ecological importance of the Eastern Ghats.","marks":"10 अंक","words":null},{"page":14,"question":"Q6 Earlier known as coarse cereals the government rebranded millets in 2018 as nutri-cereals. In this context discuss the ecological and nutritional significance of millets","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Q7. What are the potential consequences of Arctic ice melt on biodiversity and ecosystems? How might these changes impact global ecological balance","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":17,"question":"1 Disturb the flows of the Global Ocean Conveyor Belt due to density changes.\n2 Risk of sea level: Submerge of nearby areas\n3 Interlinkage of climate: polar climate is seen linked to Indian monsoons.\n4 Rise of temperature: due to fall in Albedo effect.\n5 Freeze on ground water for fresh water as permafrost melts.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Q8 Do you think the Uniform Civil Code contradicts the idea of religious pluralism and cultural differences in Indian society?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Q9. Discuss the concept of healthy active ageing in the context of demographic shifts in India. How does it contribute to social inclusion?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":22,"question":"Q11 Discuss with examples the key features of Vijayanagara architecture. How did Indo-Islamic elements manifest in their structures?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Q12 Compare and contrast the features of ancient Indian universities like Nalanda and Takshashila with modern state-funded universities in India. What lessons can modern universities learn from ancient ones to improve their effectiveness?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":28,"question":"Q13 Analyze the ideological differences and similarities between the revolutionary movement(1920-1930s) and the Gandhian non-violent struggle. How did these two ideologies influence each other?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":31,"question":"Q14 What are the various types of glacial landforms formed in the Indian Himalayas. How do these features impact local ecosystems and human activities?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Q15 Discuss the unique geographical features of the Indian Ocean and their impact on global oceanic circulation patterns. How do these features influence the climate of the Indian subcontinent?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":37,"question":"Q16 Urban heat islands (UHIs) have become a significant phenomenon in Indian cities, exacerbating the frequency and intensity of heat waves. Analyze the underlying factors contributing to this phenomenon and critically assess the existing mitigation strategies.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":40,"question":"Q17 Evaluate the primary factors contributing to regional disparities in the sugar industry between North India and Peninsular India. What measures can be undertaken to reduce the surplus sugar production?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":43,"question":"Q18 'Social mobility is essential for achieving true equality within society'. In this context highlight the barriers to intergenerational mobility in Indian society, and examine the role of education on social mobility.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":46,"question":"Q19 Analyze the influence of globalization on migration patterns in India. What are the economic and social implications of increased internal and international migration?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Q20 Discuss how gender-based violence in India is a manifestation of patriarchal values. To what extent has modernisation in law served as an instrument of women’s empowerment in this regard?","marks":"15","words":null}]},{"id":4106,"topper":"Madhav Agarwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/219/pttp220590_tc073-test-03-gs-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"What do you understand by Windfall tax? Do you think that windfall taxes can effectively redistribute wealth and promote greater economic equality? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Discuss the perceived successes and challenges of implementing inflation targeting under the new Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) regime. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Assess the potential of millet production in promoting sustainable agriculture and improving food security in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Jal Jeevan Mission has the potential to end the regional disparity in the availability and accessibility of drinking water. Highlighting the significance of the mission, discuss the underlying impediments in achieving the desired objectives. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What do you understand by Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)? Discuss its applications and how it can revolutionize the energy program of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Discuss in brief developments and challenges in the Gaganyaan mission of ISRO. What are the possible benefits of the mission for the society? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"Green hydrogen can be the silver bullet in our quest to tackle climate change and pollution\". Critically analyze the statement in light of India's National Green Hydrogen mission. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What are the key lessons for disaster management and environmental conservation in the Himalayan region, in light of the recent disaster in Joshimath, Uttarakhand? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"The recent radical trends in Punjab show that the Khalistan issue is still simmering.\" Discuss the statement with respect to recent developments and suggest measures to handle it. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The anonymity and ease of drone operation contribute to the challenges of India's border security. Elaborate and give suggestions to tackle the drone problem in border areas. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Electricity Amendment Bill, 2022 brings several advantages for consumers, DISCOMs as well as the environment. Elaborate. Also, list out its shortcomings and suggest some measures to overcome them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) plays an important role in the regulation of the share market and safeguarding the interests of investors. In the light of given statement, highlight the challenges faced by the SEBI and suggest reforms in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite being a major contributor to the Indian economy, the agriculture sector is plagued by several constraints that impede its growth and development. Discuss the role of technology in overcoming these constraints. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Evaluate the impact of irrigation on the environment and natural resources, and suggest measures to ensure the sustainability and equity of irrigation practices in agriculture. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"How India benefitted strategically from the contributions of Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha and Dr. Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai in the fields of atomic energy and space technology respectively? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Genreative AI holds the potential to push the boundaries of innovation in the near future, yet its societal impact raises substantial challenges. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Explain the purpose of the “Mangrove Alliance for Climate” launched at the COP27 UN Climate Change Conference in Egypt in November 2022. Elaborate on the importance of mangroves in maintaining the coastal ecology of tropical nations. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The Formation of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure brings more robustness to the Disaster Management approach in India. Comment and justify the need for a new strategy to tackle Disasters in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The recent rise in ransomware attacks targeting critical infrastructure and major corporations has highlighted the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity measures and policies. Discussing the key factors contributing to this trend, analyze the impact of these attacks on various sectors. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"In the context of border security, how can cooperation and coordination between different security agencies be improved to ensure effective and efficient management of coastal and terrestrial borders? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4107,"topper":"Madhav Agarwal","air":211,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/54/pttp220590_tc073-test-03-gs-3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4108,"topper":"Madhav Agarwal","air":211,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/MADHAV-AGARWAL-UPSC-2023-Rank-211-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4109,"topper":"Madhav Agarwal","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/MADHAV-AGARWAL-UPSC-2023-Rank-211-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The influence of ethical principles on shaping socially responsible behavior is widely acknowledged. How do ethical values facilitate individuals in cultivating a proactive and constructive attitude towards fulfilling their social responsibilities? Can the subjective nature of ethical principles lead to divergent attitudes regarding social responsibility? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Through their actions, interactions, and teachings, schools have the power to mold the moral compass of the next generation. In this perspective, discuss the significance of value-based education in preparing the youth to address the contemporary challenges of society. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'situation ethics'? Critically analyze its strengths and weaknesses in making moral judgements. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Maintaining traditional bonds and familial relationships in an increasingly globalized world requires personal relationships to be governed by ethical principles. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Why should a man be moral? Because it strengthens his will.\" - Swami Vivekanand. In this perspective, discuss the significance of morality for bringing efficiency and effectiveness in public administration. Do you think moral rigidity can be a hindrance in good governance? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Civil servants who embody emotional intelligence exhibit a profound understanding of the human aspect of governance, enabling them to cultivate meaningful relationships, foster cooperation, and drive positive change. Examine ways in which Emotional Intelligence can be inculcated in civil servants. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The challenges posed by the corporate sector's impact on climate, environmental sustain- ability, and living conditions has highlighted the need for responsible and inclusive business prac- tices. In this direction, the contemporary discourse on corporate governance is emphasizing the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. Evaluate the ESG framework in equipping the corporate world with the capabilities to fulfill its social roles and re- sponsibilities. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Uniform Civil Code (UCC) aims to create a set of laws governing personal matters, such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption, irrespective of individuals' religious affilia- tions. In the context of the ongoing discourse on UCC in India, examine the challenges that arise when attempting to reconcile legal principles with diverse moral considerations. To what extent should the law be influenced by moral/religious principles? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What does each of the following quotation mean to you? a) \"When I do good, I feel good; when I do bad, I feel bad, and that is my religion\" - Abraham Lin- coln. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time.\" - Ruth Bader Ginsburg. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"\"Happiness is that state of consciousness which proceeds from the achievement of one's values\" - Ayn Rand. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":4110,"topper":"Madhav Agarwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/748520c30390b56bbbd3f8693a3b3ea3/12/pttp220590_tc074-test-4-gs-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Public service requires not merely legal but also morally principled action. Public service requires the public servant to place loyalty to the constitution, laws, and ethical principles. Among the three, which do you think must acquire primacy while carrying out official functions? Why? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"What do you understand by \"integrity-based civil disobedience\"? Do you think a challenge to personal integrity can be a justifiable cause for responsible disobedience in civil services? Explain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Recent research has shown that emotions significantly impact personal and professional lives. What are the primary emotions that negatively and positively impact workplace productivity? Explain with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Technical efficiency ensures resource utilization and social efficiency ensures fulfillment of social needs, what does ethical efficiency ensure? Do you think ethical efficiency is more important than technical and social efficiency? Why/Why not? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"Man cannot do right in one department of life whilst he is occupied in doing wrong in any other department.\" Gandhi. Do you think an individual's personal ethics impacts professional life or they both can be compartmentalized? Explain your position with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"In the context of civil service, distinguish between moral and nonmoral values. Identify 5 basic moral values that can serve as foundational values for all services irrespective of the department. Give reasons why those values can be considered foundational. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Citizens' involvement in decision-making is critical to ethics in governance. Do you agree that effective civic engagement mechanisms can facilitate an ethics-driven administration? What do you think are the mechanisms that citizens can use for ensuring ethics in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Social transformation programs such as \"beti bachao and beti padhao\" believes in using advice, counseling, and persuasion but sometimes a little force is also necessary for getting the desired response. Do you think it is a good idea to mix little force with persuasion by public administrators while implementing social schemes of transformation? Explain with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Ultimately foreign policy of every country hinges upon the strength which the nation possesses. Strength may be military or financial and may be also...moral.\" Do you think ethical strength without military or financial muscle will be respected in today's world? Explain your position. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"You are a young officer working with the Municipal Corporation of an industrial city. The city was known for manufacturing ball bearings and auto parts. Most manufacturing units were small-scale units with very little production process automation. The units relied on manual labor, which was in abundance due to the villages close by. As the number of manufacturing units grew, the demand for labor increased, bringing in a steady inflow of laborers into the city. This influx of people into the town led to a mushrooming of slums and encroachments on the sidewalks. Once in a while, the Corporation conducted drives to clear out the slums, but after a time, the slums came back. The illegal slums had become an urban nightmare. You were given the responsibility of clearing out the encroachments and slums with the help of Police authorities. As you started the drive, you realized that the people living by the sidewalks were vulnerable compared to the slum dwellers. Many sidewalk dwellers had recently come to the city after selling their properties in their villages. Now if you drive them out, they have no place to go. Your heart went out to them, and you felt that your departmental action was inhumane, but your official responsibilities demanded stern impartial action. You are desperate to find a way to help the sidewalk dwellers without compromising your official duties. (a) What value conflicts do you notice in the above situation? (b) Can an administrator compromise the value of impartiality for empathy? Discuss. (c) What are the options available in the above situation? (d) Suggest viable solutions for tackling illegal slums and encroachments in urban areas. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"A certain State government was running a welfare scheme for promoting safe motherhood among rural landless laborers' families. The scheme involves the transfer of funds to the beneficiaries to enable them to mitigate income loss due to maternal care responsibilities. Since its implementation, the scheme has done reasonably well on maternal health and economic indicators. You are the Director of the Department responsible for implementing and operating the scheme. Recently you have been receiving reports of welfare fraud being committed by families by producing fake bona fide. The families committed the fraud with the help of local officials responsible for scrutinizing the bonafide. You were concerned because the fraud was seriously undermining the scheme's efficiency. You called for a departmental meeting to discuss and find a solution to the problem. In the meeting, it was decided to merge several available government data sets such as Aadhar cards, voter ID cards, marriage certificates, birth certificates, bank details, and other personal assets. By merging all the data sets, the department would be able to develop the beneficiary's economic profile. And this will help the department scrutinize the documents and detect fraud. This was a comprehensive strategy, but it risked violating an individual's data privacy. As a Department head, you wanted to detect and prevent fraud, but at the same time, you were apprehensive about violating the Data privacy of the stakeholders. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) Do you think violating data privacy is justified to prevent welfare fraud? Why/ Why not? (c) What, according to you, can be the reasons for such welfare frauds happening in the country? (d) Are there any ways and means to prevent such fraud? Give your suggestions. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"You are posted in the Department of Mines, and one of your roles is to help your Department Head negotiate mining leases with private contractors. Recently, the state government demarcated a new mining zone and planned to invite bids for the mining blocs. You were instructed to oversee the bidding process and speed up the contract negotiations. As planned, the tenders were released, bids came in, and tenders were allocated as per the norms. All this happened at a breakneck speed. You wondered, why the hurry? But it was not your place to think and question; you quietly went about your work. As the contractors were about to start operations, you had to instruct them on environmental concerns to watch out for. And to do that, you read the environmental impact assessment report submitted by a consulting firm hired by the department. To your surprise, the report was shoddy and looked cooked up. You got suspicious and raised the issue with your Head, who politely instructed you to do what you were told, and he reminded you that the Department had revenue targets and was under pressure from the Ministry. After the meeting, you, on your own accord, did some digging and found out that the report was fraudulent and the mining activity that was about to start would lead to a massive environmental disaster which the State could not afford. (a) What are the issues and value violations you notice in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you? (c) Discuss the advantage and disadvantages of each option and identify your chosen course of action. (d) Do you think that environmental considerations are sometimes overrated at the cost of development? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Do you think corporate businesses such as GAMA must consider international ethics while pursuing business interests? Why/why not? (c) Do you think a corporate's social responsibility extends beyond one's immediate community to the international community? Why/Why not? (d) Do you think the Defence sector companies marketing sensitive technologies must be regulated by their respective governments, or regulation may curtail their entrepreneurial and innovation energy? Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Mr. Sharma was the All India Sales Head of a pharmaceutical company with a turnover of 400 crores. The company's main markets were small towns and tier 2 cities. Further, the company did a sizeable amount of business with state government hospitals and health centers. Mr. Sharma had given a lot of freedom to field sales agents to strike deals and negotiate prices with clients. This strategy worked well for the company. Recently Mr. Sharma received word that three company employees were selling products to government hospitals and health centers at a higher price than they were selling to other private hospitals and health centers. The employees were with the company for over five years and were good performers. A few sales staff informally raised the issue of the three getting relatively higher commissions because of their inflated deals. And this was creating a sense of unease among the sales staff. A cursory review of the account of the three showed that, in many instances, the government hospitals were paying more than other private institutions. Under procurement rules, the government is supposed to pay a fair price, one that other cost-conscious customers pay. On inquiry, Mr. Sharma found that the three were not alone; this in Mr. Sharma had an Mr. Sharma , Mr. Sharma (a) - ? (b) Mr. Sharma - ? (c) ? (d) , - ?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4111,"topper":"Madhav Agarwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c99ad-710846_2425_madhav_agarwal_rank_16.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"For effective corporate governance to take place in the coming years, why is it important to integrate the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics with the multi-stakeholder approach? What benefits can be accrued by such integration? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In acts of corruption, the focus is often only on the demand side of the equation, on public officials who abuse their office for private gain. Frequently, the supply side is given less attention. Those who pay bribes are sometimes depicted as innocent parties and victims of extortionary practices of wily public servants. Do you agree that 'collusive corruption', in which there is a willing bribe-giver, is a formidable challenge for institutions fighting corruption? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Citizens' Charters initiative was a response to the quest for solving the problems, which a citizen encountered, day in and day out, while dealing with the organisations providing public services. But the introduction and implementation of Citizens' Charters in the government of India has been difficult due to the old bureaucratic set up and the rigid attitudes of the work force. Discuss the major obstacles that have been encountered in implementing the Citizens' Charter initiative. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Quality of public service delivery is a major determinant of the quality of life of vulnerable sections in a highly unequal society divided along the lines of class, caste, religion, etc. In this background, do you think that public service delivery is efficient and sufficient enough to improve the lives of vulnerable groups in India? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? \"The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own.\" - Lao Tzu (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"If ethics are poor at the top, that behavior is copied down through the organization.\" - Robert Noyce (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"The end of law is not to abolish or restrain, but to preserve and enlarge freedom,\" - John Locke (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Wealthy CEOs and founders of successful businesses around the world are increasingly pledging to give away their wealth in philanthropy. Do you think that such a move is sufficient enough to bring about a positive change in the society? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"As organizations across the globe begin their artificial intelligence (AI) transformation, the leap into the AI era is expected to be more challenging than any technology that businesses have grappled with yet. In this background, discuss the concerns around fairness, transparency, and job security that may arise. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The emphasis of Swami Dayanand Saraswati on education, social equality, and ethical values continues to influence the socio-cultural discourse in contemporary India. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Emotional intelligence may not be singularly associated with emotions or intelligence. It can also include a broad range of personality characteristics that might predict success in professional and everyday life. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"With reference to this case study, answer the following: (a) What are the issues involved in this case? (b) What measures can be taken to minimize the negative implications of adopting such technologies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Many proponents of deep-sea drilling argue that tapping into the vast amount of rare earth elements in the Indian Ocean will help shore up national security interests for India, bolster its economy and workforce, and offer a reliable supply of strategic minerals. Keeping this in mind, the government has approved a $540-million programme to study ways of mining nickel, cobalt, manganese and iron hydroxide from the bed of the Indian Ocean 6,000 meters below sea level. The government argues that the project can power India's growth for 100 years. It will also study climate change, explore marine flora and fauna and harness thermal energy. However, a competing point of view alleges that deep ocean drilling poses immense risk to the environment. A comprehensive report on Sustainable Ocean Economy by independent geologists states that \"until the need for, and potential consequences of, deep-sea mining are better understood, the concept is conceptually difficult to align with the definition of a sustainable ocean economy and raises various environmental, legal and governance challenges, as well as possible conflicts with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.\" It also highlights that the profitability of national mining operations, without governmental support or comparably low taxes, remains questionable. If the operations are profitable, it will also raise questions about the equitable sharing of profits derived from a resource taken out of Additionally, companies like BMW, Volvo, Google and Korean battery maker Samsung SDI, vowed in a statement to not buy metals produced from deep-sea mining until the environmental risks of the activity are \"comprehensively understood.\" In the context of the above-stated information, address the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the given case study? (b) How can the vision of economic development of a nation be achieved without adversely affecting the sustainability of oceans? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4112,"topper":"Madhav Agarwal","air":211,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/65/pttp220590_tc074-test-4-gs-4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4113,"topper":"Madhav Agarwal","air":16,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1EhZf3gw50UsOSyGViuJ8xinBKvtbxYEg","questions":[]},{"id":4114,"topper":"Madhav Agrawal","air":16,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/11P4nJ-yWskm_TizPm4m_VO2JE_qsKdhN/view","questions":[]},{"id":4115,"topper":"Madhav Agrawal","air":16,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wxUG5ZH2OAly_L3GamiZUTIndmLv5SdA/view","questions":[]},{"id":4116,"topper":"Madhav Agrawal","air":16,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1x11_KQAJyp7az2QCljMlMZov3GSedO7X/view","questions":[]},{"id":4117,"topper":"Madhav Agrawal","air":16,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eEMfLpNW-Pg7skz8VCdb67vPORi2sGuk/view","questions":[]},{"id":4118,"topper":"Madhav Agrawal","air":16,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/ETHICS_PROGRAME_MADHAV_AGRAWAL_AIR_16_2ef1dcc929.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4119,"topper":"Madhavi","air":446,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Insights IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.insightsonindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/MADHAVI-upsc-rank-446-essay-toppers-copy-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4120,"topper":"Madhavi","air":446,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Insights IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.insightsonindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/MADHAVI-upsc-rank-446-essay-toppers-copy.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4121,"topper":"Madhavi","air":446,"year":2024,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Insights IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.insightsonindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/MADHAVI-upsc-rank-446-gs-1-toppers-copy-updated.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4122,"topper":"Madhavi","air":446,"year":2024,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Insights IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.insightsonindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/MADHAVI-upsc-rank-446-gs-1-toppers-copy-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4123,"topper":"Madhavi","air":446,"year":2024,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Insights IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.insightsonindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/MADHAVI-upsc-rank-446-gs-2-toppers-copy.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4124,"topper":"Madhavi","air":446,"year":2024,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Insights IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.insightsonindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/MADHAVI-upsc-rank-446-gs-2-toppers-copy-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4125,"topper":"Madhavi","air":446,"year":2024,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Insights IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.insightsonindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/MADHAVI-upsc-rank-446-gs-3-toppers-copy.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4126,"topper":"Madhavi","air":446,"year":2024,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Insights IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.insightsonindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/MADHAVI-upsc-rank-446-gs-3-toppers-copy-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4127,"topper":"Madhavi","air":446,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Insights IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.insightsonindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/MADHAVI-upsc-rank-446-gs-4-toppers-copy.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4128,"topper":"Madhavi","air":446,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Insights IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.insightsonindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/MADHAVI-upsc-rank-446-gs-4-toppers-copy-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4129,"topper":"Madhavi R","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YtIFiHKSrwbSKdSXp88HDda-EvovWp4j/view","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Hatred comes from the heart; contempt from the head; and neither feeling is quite within our control.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Receive without pride, let go without attachment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"The lust for comfort murders the passions of the soul.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Life is an endless journey between perception and reality.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"The breach of one rule inevitably leads to the breach of other rules.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Disinterested Intellectual curiosity is the lifeblood of real civilization.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Our deeds determine us as much as we determine our deeds.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"In the midst of movement and chaos, keep stillness inside of you.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4130,"topper":"Madhavi R","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1U9vfyaB6ao_xsLNAejIO_2tNs3O-WPwq/view","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Good actions are a guard against the blows of adversity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"The test of progress is the amount of renunciation that one has attained.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Prejudice can exist without discrimination.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4131,"topper":"Madhavi R","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QoKPEX_do8Rx3MqwhZkdZHjMKGRiwPNu/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"\"Miniature painting in India is a harmonious blend of Indian and Persian painting traditions\". Discuss using suitable examples. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Analyse the revolutionary activities of Indians in Europe and other nations. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Bring out the reasons why the Revolt of 1857 did not spread to South and most of Eastern and Western India. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Explain the role of plate tectonics in making the earth a habitable planet. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"India doesn't have a scarcity of water but has a scarcity in its management. Comment. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do we mean by the 'Cultural and Creative Economy'? Assess its potential as a 'sunrise sector' for creating new avenues of growth and employment in India. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Bring out the reasons for the vulnerability of India's North East to landslides and floods. Also, suggest measures to mitigate them. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Critically examine the impact of 'Globalization' on tribal development. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Do you think the institution of 'family' is fast losing its predominant position as a source of values, mores and cultural attitudes in present times? Analyse. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"The architecture of the Vijayanagara empire shows a sophisticated, well-planned and progressive architectural style rarely seen elsewhere in those times.\" Elaborate. (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The motifs, murals and sculptures of ancient India are informative and artistic at the same time. Illustrate. (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The style of leadership and the views of Gandhi & Subhas Chandra Bose were poles apart but they influenced each other and the freedom struggle. Elucidate. (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight the major significance of the Carnatic Wars, Battle of Plassey and Battle of Buxar in laying the foundation of British rule in India. Could the results of the wars would have been different? Argue. (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Post-Independent India successfully emerged as the voice of third-world countries. Discuss (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Describe the major factors that influence the location of the fertilizer industry in India? Can India become self-sufficient in fertilizer production? Explain. (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Human-induced climate change is driving permafrost thaw, sea ice loss, and ecological changes across the North pole. Bring out the potential consequences and suggest measures to mitigate them. (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Has the rise of scientific rationalism and technological advancements made the coexistence of religious diversity and secularism easier in India? Discuss (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"How has westernization contributed to the emergence of the class system in India? Also, do you think caste and class identities are getting intertwined with each other? Justify your opinion. (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"\"The nature and extent of poverty and inequality in India change from region-to-region and state-to-state\". What are the social reasons contributing to this? Suggest some social measures to overcome this situation. (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4132,"topper":"Madhavi R","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QRBoGWdu4LPnpCT1YairqhrbAF3FaM_y/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Theatre art is one of the best-known real-time expressions of art that are both entertaining and purposeful. Illustrate (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Highlighting the contributions of Adi Shankaracharya, examine the relevance of his teachings in the present day. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"\"Britain's conscious and deliberate bleeding of India was the greatest crime in all history\". Do you agree with the statement? Give your views. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Did the British impart political unity to the hitherto cultural unity that existed in India? Critically Analyse. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The Weather Forecasting process impacts a multitude of dependent sectors and hence there exists a need to overcome associated challenges in India. Discuss. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'Polar amplification'? Why is it much stronger in the Arctic region than in the Antarctic? Give reasons. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How can the promotion of urban and peri-urban agriculture help achieve urban food security and develop healthy and sustainable cities for all? (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"How have the cultural aspects of Indian society contributed to strengthening social harmony and order? (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Do you think the time is ripe for India to enact a Population law for its regulation? Comment. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Globalization has led to increases in standards of living around the world, but not all of its effects are positive for everyone. Critically analyse the statement in the context of Indian Society. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The bhakti and Sufi poets played an important role in laying the foundation for a reconfiguration of society and religion on more equitable lines. Discuss. (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"British educational policy, meant to further subjugate Indians, instead catalysed free thoughts and pioneered the Indian independence movement. Elaborate. (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Trace the evolution and impact of the Indian revolutionaries' movement on the Indian freedom struggle. Did it fail to achieve its objectives? Argue. (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The causes, strategies and consequences of the World Wars remain matters of contemporary concern. Comment (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Partition triggered riots, mass casualties, and a colossal wave of migration. Examine the impact of partition on the newly independent India and how it continues to influence people and the state of the Indian subcontinent. (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"There is a growing magnitude of inequality in availability and access to water in India. Analyse various contributing factors, their multi-dimensional implications and possible solutions for equitable water access. (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Traditionally dominated by Rice and Wheat, the cropping pattern in India has seen marked diversification in recent times. Explain the factors responsible for such change and its significance for Indian agriculture. (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Explain how climate change drives heatwaves and wildfires across the world. Also, critically examine various measures taken by countries to mitigate its impact. (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Briefly outline various reasons for the stigma, discrimination and neglect of People with disabilities (PwDs). Also, suggest measures to fight myths and misconceptions about disability in India. (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"\"Aborting females may have consequences that reverberate beyond the families making the choice\". Highlight the recent trend and the legal challenges in preventing sex selection and their consequences in India. (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4133,"topper":"Madhavi R","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ki1rOpuwXjOx6ciC9vjZT5Usc3RLemxD/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the issues in India's electoral system, discuss the reforms needed in the Representation of People's Act to overcome them. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the process and rationale behind the creation of new districts in a state. Does the creation of more districts lead to decentralized development and better governance? Argue. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by the 'principle of 'Reasonable Accommodation'? How does it promote equality, positive rights and prevent discrimination? Cite some examples to validate your answer. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the issues plaguing and reforms needed for the 'modernization of police forces' in India. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"'Freebies in welfare schemes work in the short term and aren't really free, they also create a patron-client syndrome'. Analyze the statement in context of governance in India. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"For a successful Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Informal workers (Rag-pickers) in India's waste management must be recognized, supported, and formalized. Elaborate on the measures needed in this direction (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Mutually strengthening economic visions and attuned geopolitical outlooks have laid the foundation for a more robust and promising alliance between India and the UAE. Elaborate (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The United Nations exists not as a static memorial to the aspirations of an earlier age but as a work in progress. In light of the emerging challenges of today's world, examine the potential United Nations in overcoming them. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"India has over the years emerged as the 'Preferred Security Partner' and a 'net security provider' in the Indian Ocean Region. Substantiate the statement with examples. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Critically analyze the rationale behind the proposed amendments to the Indian Administrative Service (Cadre) Rules, 1954, and its impact on India's federal structure. (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"\"Our society is a progressive society but Indian criminal laws doesn't reflect the modern reality as per the democratic aspirations of people.\" In light of the statement, explain the need and the major changes required in the criminal laws. (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In view of allegations of politicization of probe agencies, discuss the need for an independent umbrella body to regulate various central investigating agencies in India. What other reform measures have been suggested in this regard. (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Urban planning is the foundation for an integrated development of cities, citizens, and the environment. In this context, highlight the present issue in urban planning and suggest measures for the augmentation of Urban planning capacity in India. (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Civil Society Organizations bridge the 'governance gap' between citizens and the government, however sometimes their activities restrict the promotion of government programmes as well. In this regard, do you think stricter limitations on CSOs are justified? Argue (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"\"Any policy for data accessibility and its use is incomplete without a comprehensive data protection framework\". Evaluate the statement in light of the recently released Draft India Data Accessibility and Use Policy 2022. (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Throw light on the achievements of Poshan Abhiyan in ensuring nutritional security in India. Also, highlight the salient aspects of recently restructured Saksham Anganwadi and POSHAN 2.0, in order to fight nutritional crisis in India. (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Despite government efforts and increasing awareness, child marriage remains a pertinent phenomenon. Discuss (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India and European Union had a limited yet promising bilateral ties in the last six decades. However, current geopolitical challenges now offer an opportunity to work together and actualize the true potential of their relations. Analyze. (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"'India is taking a geopolitical balancing act in maintaining its longstanding friendship with Russia, even as it grows closer to the United States and its partners.' How far has India been able to maintain its autonomy and look out for its own strategic interests? Examine. (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4134,"topper":"Madhavi R","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KG8Ovgii3VZtMUTf9fTkedEdcW763NG9/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Indian Constitution acquires its secular character not just from the words in the Preamble but from a collective reading of many of its provisions. Illustrate with examples. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"\"In India, we follow a separation of functions and not of powers\". Examine the statement with help of examples. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Is the President bound to accept the advice of the Council of Ministers? Discuss in context of the relationship between President, Prime Minister and Council of Ministers (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Examine the significance of 'Neutrality Doctrine' in the case of Constitutional Bodies. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"ICTs represent a technology watershed to transform governance and empower citizens. Analyze. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"It is widely agreed that there is a governance deficit in India when compared with other countries at similar levels of development. In this context, discuss the key governance challenges and what can be done to address them. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"'Door-step delivery of services aims to remedy the issues with traditional bureaucracy and create a leaner, incentive-driven local administration'. Discuss (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"\"Digitization of healthcare must be complemented by a simultaneous thrust to modernize physical health infrastructure.\" Why and how can the health sector be effectively digitalised? (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"SCO serves India's quest for geopolitical balance and regional engagement, however, any benefits from it are cancelled out by the presence of China and Pakistan. In this context discuss various concerns faced by India regarding SCO? (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"\"Contradictions in the India-Russia relationship will be difficult to overcome in the long term\". Critically comment. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"Free and fair election is the 'basic structure' of our constitution and it is the 'heartbeat' of democracy.\" Critically examine the role of the Election commission of India in ensuring free and fair elections in India. (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The Indian model of federalism strengthens the Union government more than the states, but at the same time, state-level government structures have been able to assert their independence in different political contexts. Clarify. (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Trace and evaluate the role of the Finance Commission in ensuring just and equitable resource sharing among the local bodies, states, and the union. (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the need to formulate migration-centric policies, strategies, and institutional mechanisms to promote sustainable migration in India. (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"No development strategy can succeed unless it is complemented by the effective implementation of Panchayat Raj Institutions and Urban local bodies. Examine. (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Digital age is raising new questions on sovereignty, governance, law, rights, and security. Discuss (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Citizens' Charters initiative is a response to the quest for solving the problems which a citizen encounters. In light of the statement, evaluate the problems faced in implementing Citizen Charters in India (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"World Bank data-rigging crisis highlights the 'deeper structural issues' in the governance of both the Bank and the IMF. In this context, elaborate on the roles, functions, and issues in the working of two Bretton Woods Institutions. (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"In view of the emerging problems and opportunities associated with the Indus Basin, explain the need for a new Indus water treaty. (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"'India's ability to secure its economic, political and security interest will depend critically on its active contribution to the shaping of the international agenda'. Discuss (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4135,"topper":"Madhavi R","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Zv61M70A4Z8TjfPYX6izkfVP7q7tILzj/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What are the challenges and opportunities in India's integration with the Global Value Chain to improve the business climate and ensure inclusive growth? (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Examine the performance of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) and issues which hinder the achievement of its stated objectives. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Even though a sudden shift to natural and organic farming is impractical, it is essential in the long run. Discuss the prime reasons which are hindering this shift in India. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'Fungiculture'? How and to what extent would it help supplement small farmers' income in India? (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"How does technology affect gender inequality? Suggest measures to bridge the gender equity gap in the science and technology field. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What advantage does Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) have over platform-based models of e-commerce in India? Discuss (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Energy transition is considered the best measure to achieve the goal of carbon neutrality. Explain. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"\"Right intent, confusing content\". Critically examine the recently proposed changes in the Draft E-waste management rules 2022. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The impact of floods on life and property can be most effectively reduced by hazard and vulnerability mapping. Comment. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Internal security is very much a prerogative of the police and efficient policing is needed in order to tackle threats. In this context, bring out the need for police reforms in India. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Analyze the structural and practical limitations in reforming the power sector in India. What remedial measures would you suggest in this regard? (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"MSMEs in India have huge potential for economic and social transformation. However, challenges remain. Elaborate. (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Bring out the issues associated with the highly inefficient grain management system in India. What can be done to make it more targeted, and cost-saving? (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What is CERN and what are its major objectives? Ten years since the discovery of Higgs's Boson at CERN, how has it impacted everyday life? (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Technological advancements not only boost economic growth but also ensure national security and offer international leverage. Elaborate. Also, discuss India's role in this regard. (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Explain how the understanding of the concept of 'Sustainable Use' is vital for achieving environmental, social and economic sustainability. Mention the measures taken (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Highlight the social, ecological and economic costs related to the increasing extent and severity of coastal erosion with the rising global sea level. Also, suggest measures to arrest, adapt and mitigate its impact. (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What are the powers of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act? Critically examine ED's working in preventing money laundering and corruption in India. (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Data security has assumed significant importance and there is a need for a 'continuous and calibrated approach' to deal with rising Cybercrimes. In this context, discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the recently withdrawn Personal Data Protection Bill 2019. What can India learn from other countries in this regard? (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4136,"topper":"Madhavi R","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/11C797Ltco5OwSaor1H407DDko_UtmFIJ/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Gender-responsive budgeting though it began as a promising fiscal innovation in India has not translated effectively into policies that impact on women. Examine. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Sagarmala project provides an opportunity for improving carrying capacity and developing ports as a key contributor to economic growth. Discuss. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":4137,"topper":"Madhavi R","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1M7dEDgpRTD2GKDk_zfQKmvIxhv4M6xL8/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Organ donation by living donors clearly saves lives but one person becomes a patient to benefit another person who is already a patient. Discuss the ethical questions involved in organ donation and transplantation. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Every culture passes certain values such as empathy, compassion from generation to generation. Discuss some of the values of Indian culture which helps us to develop an ideal personality (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"How does an ethical vision and an ethical quotient help in combating corruption in public services? (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Examine the relevance of the following in the context of civil service: (a) selflessness (b) openness (c) public accountability (d) public trust (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"\"One of the important functions of the civil services is to speak truth to power\". Justify with a suitable illustration. (10 Marks 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do you understand by nationalism? What significance does it hold in your life? (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are the major emotional intelligence competencies that help an individual to navigate and manage a crisis? (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Ethical businesses have an upper hand in terms of customer retention and brand image. Thus in the coming years, the importance of corporate ethics is only going to increase. Do you agree with this view? Discuss. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do the following quotes mean to you? a) \"Reason has always existed but not always in a reasonable form.\" - Karl Marx (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"Capabilities are clearly manifested only when they have been realised.\" - Simone de Beauvoir. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"\"A man is but a product of his thoughts. What he thinks, he becomes.\" - M.K. Gandhi (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You are posted as SP of a district. In one of the police stations in your jurisdiction, there has been an incident in which police had brought a person belonging to a minority community for enquiry and had kept him in the station for the whole night. The person was admitted to the hospital in the morning as his health deteriorated and he died during the treatment. But the family of the dead person is now accusing the police of summoning him on false pretenses and when his wife and daughter went to meet him police demanded two ducks as bribery to let him go. He didn't have any health complications and his death was due to police atrocities. This has sparked a violent protest by his family, relatives and other villagers. The protesters have set ablaze the police station and the vehicles. It is found in the CCTV camera that it was the dead person's wife and daughter who poured the petrol and set the fire. There is also a possibility of this incident sparking communal riots in the state as the police are from different communities than that of the dead person. In this case consider the following questions. a. As SP of the district, what measures will you take to ensure peace in the district? b. Is the act of setting ablaze police stations and vehicles by the dead person's wife and daughter justifiable? (20 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"You have recently been appointed as the District magistrate of a district, which has been witnessing floods for the last couple of years. This year is no exception. It has been raining continuously and has brought in unprecedented challenges. Thousands of people are trapped in flood waters. Boats needed for evacuation remained in lorries as the roads were damaged because of rain and were flooded. The boats reached the river, they could not enter the water because of the cross currents. Helicopters could not pick up people as desired for many reasons like there were trees near houses, old people could not climb up, and the houses did not have a rooftop. Communication lines are cut off. The batteries of mobiles of all your team members out in the field had drained after 3 days of rain, no power supply and damaged mobile towers. Corruption at lower levels of bureaucracy has further aggravated the situation. In the present situation a. As the District Collector, what are your priorities for solving the immediate problem? b. What long term measures would you take to prevent the future recurrence of the problem? (20 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"You are a project manager in a private company. Akash and Ajay are two of your team members but with opposite personality traits. Akash is a hardworking person who completes assigned work before time with the best quality. He is very sincere and punctual and hardly ever takes a leave. His work is commendable and you have never received any complaint about his work. In your personal interaction with Akash you found him to be an introvert who keeps to himself and spoke only when required. You received similar feedback from his colleagues as well. Whereas Ajay is not as hardworking and completes his work at the very last moment of the deadline. He has good rapport with the team which he uses to get his work done by the other team members. But he is very confident and keeps the environment at work very cool. His friendly nature has been liked by other members of the team as well. Your senior executive has asked you to choose one among Akash and Ajay for the promotion and salary hike. In this context, answer the following questions: a. Discuss the merits and demerits of choosing one amongst the two for promotion. b. Based on your evaluation, whom will you choose for the job? c. What steps will you take to keep all the employees motivated who did not get a promotion? (20 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"You are posted as Block Development officer in a backward block. Your primary responsibility is to ensure disbursement of social security benefits like pensions, scholarships etc. to all eligible beneficiaries. In order to bring transparency and accountability, the government has released a new app where biometrics of beneficiaries are captured while disbursing the benefits. One day a widowed tribal woman affected by leprosy approaches you and pleads for justice. Since she is affected by leprosy her skin has been damaged physiologically and fingerprints have become dysfunctional. Consequently, she is unable to prove her biometric identity to avail pension. Since proving the biometric identity is mandatory as per the existing rules, local authorities have denied her the benefits. a. What are the options available to you? b. Evaluate their merits and demerits. c. Which option do you choose and why? (20 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Karthik has been posted as a SDM in a part of the district that is backward and is facing the problem of high malnourishment among children. As soon as he assumed charge, he was mandated by the DM to take immediate action against the issue and show progress. He collects the basic information and facts about the issue and learns that the major reason for malnourishment among children is women of the district being anaemic. The patriarchal setup prevailing in the area has allowed least opportunities for the women to grow. Most of the girls are married off once they attain puberty. The administrative set up has turned blind eye to the situation, not wanting the wrath of communities. Mostly confined to home and engaged in the household work, women haven't been able to access the public healthcare facilities. In addition to this, there is rampant corruption in the ground among law enforcement agencies as well as the healthcare workers who are diverting the benefits given for pregnant women. a. What are the ethical issues involved in the present case? b. What measures would you adopt to improve the nutritional status of children of the district? (20 Marks 250 Words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Effective utilisation of funds is the inevitable requirement for success in the governance process. Utilisation of funds is linked to different stages like sanctioning a specific amount, procurement and implementation. A weak and inefficient procurement process leads to poor utilisation of funds. In India, the procurement practices often differ from what is prescribed because of the hurdles such as inefficient monitoring process, limited accountability and governance, limited awareness and organisational culture. a. What are the challenges that are associated with public procurement policy? b. If you are posted as secretary in the finance department, what measures would you take to reform the public procurement system? (20 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":4138,"topper":"Madhavi R","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vq6SuZn3Tenk1nYvKfXX-m6J5naMUKg1/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain briefly what ethical choices you would make under a given situation citing appropriate reasons. a. Exaggerating experience on a resume to get a job. b. Downloading music and movies from shared sites. c. Taking office supplies home. d. Stretching the truth about a product's capabilities to make the sale. (10 Marks|150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Established law cannot provide an efficient answer to the moral aspects of new situations which demands us to enact new moral laws or make new applications of existing moral laws. Do you agree with this view? Discuss with contemporary examples. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss with relevant examples the importance of the idea of 'sheelam param bhushanam' (Character is the highest virtue) in the life of a civil servant. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Transparency and citizen participation are important mechanisms for promoting public ethics and accountability in governance. Elucidate. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The role of politics and power overshadows the importance of 'ethics' international relations. Examine this statement in the context of the present international scenario. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What is the impact of ethical behaviour on the modern workplace? Discuss if an ethical climate at the workplace can help in better retention of employees. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What is the role of conscience in the process of ethical decision making? Cite an example from your life where it has helped you in ethical decision making. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the concept of nationalism as given by Rabindranath Tagore. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Civil servants are committed to the improvement of the policy-making and service delivery abilities of the state. Discuss. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"How are attitudes formed? What role does attitude play in influencing behaviour and actions of an individual? (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do the following quotes mean to you? a) \"Reality is created by the mind, we can change the reality by changing our mind.\" - Plato (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.\" - Aristotle. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"\"Anyone who doesn't take truth seriously in small matters cannot be trusted in large ones either.\" - Albert Einstein. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Recently PM in his independence day speech stressed on the importance of 'nari-shakti', that is women empowerment, for the success and prosperity of India. Many reports like Gender Gap Report by WEF, Gender inequality Index etc show many problems being faced by women in various fields. One of the fields in India where women participation is very low is STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). Women account for over 43 per cent of all graduates in India, one of the highest in the world, according to the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) report 2019-20. However, just 14 percent of them pursue scientific research in universities and institutions. If you are secretary of the department of science and asked to suggest measures to address the issue what will be your suggestions? (20 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"You are the CEO of a well known film production company, which has not been doing well financially for some time. Your company is now relying on its forthcoming movie for its revival to get back into the entertainment industry. The movie has been made on a big budget and is about to be released shortly. The movie has a cast of reliable actors and is much awaited. There are predictions that the movie will be a hit. However, just before release there erupted a controversy involving the main character who happens to be from the minority religion and has been targeted by right wing parties for indecent portrayal of gods and goddesses in his previous movies and also for the comment his wife had made on the security of her life. This has prompted a boycott movement on social media for the movie. While you are aware of the mood of the nation and the public repercussions of releasing the movie in its present form, you also know that it is not feasible to modify any content in the movie and also to replace him at this stage as he has a substantial role in the movie. There is also a section in the film fraternity that does not want you to compromise in the wake of threat by few rightist people as it compromises freedom of speech and expression as well as artistic creativity. a. What are the options available to you? b. Evaluate each of the options and state their merits and demerits. c. What course of action would you take and why? (20 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Ramesh has been brought up in a joint family and is very attached to his parents. As the only son to his parents he takes care of them and their needs. But his parents are staunch believers in God and religious tenets. Their spirituality has been a guiding light for them throughout their lives. Ramesh is a rational person and doesn't agree with some of his parents' superstitious beliefs. He is married and has young kids whose worldview is getting shaped. He is concerned that any association of kids with the superstitious beliefs would hamper their upbringing but is also fearful that any confrontation with his parents regarding their regressive beliefs will hamper his relationship with his parents. a. How joint families consisting of grandparents play a vital role in the development of children? b. In this scenario, what steps should Ramesh take to ensure healthy development of his kids? (20 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"You are a young and diligent IPS officer who is known for efficiency. You have been working as an additional commissioner of police in a metropolitan city. The city is known for its thriving opportunities that attracts youngsters from all across the nation. In recent years, the city is witnessing a steep rise in cases of cyber crime where people have lost their hard earned money, women have been blackmailed, and youngsters have been bullied. But the conviction rate has almost remained zero. This has made people lose faith in the police department and has brought in widespread criticism. This has also brought disrepute to the city as well as the state. Taking cognizance of the issue, the state government has constituted a special cell to combat cyber crimes and you have been appointed to head the team. a. What will be your priorities and strategy to combat cyber crimes? b. What are the reasons for the thriving of cyber criminals in the country as a whole? (20 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Recently, there was an incident where a dalit boy was beaten very badly by his school teacher who belongs to higher caste for drinking water from pot that is marked for higher caste students. He was admitted to a hospital. Following the incident, the village panchayat was convened where the village elders had pressurised the boy's family not to take any action against the teacher and have offered a compensation of 2 lakhs to the family but haven't done anything to punish the teacher. The boy eventually succumbed to death due to injuries. His parents have lodged a FIR following the death of the boy amid the threats from villagers. a. What are the ethical issues involved in the present case? b. Even after 75 years of independence and legal and institutional reforms in place, the caste discrimination against dalits continues even today. What are the reasons for this according to you? (20 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":4139,"topper":"Madhavi R","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/MADHAVI-R-UPSC-2024-Rank-446-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by 'green growth'? Enumerate the measures taken by the government to promote green growth in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"DPI (Digital Public Infrastructure) is a critical enabler of digital transformation for both businesses and citizens; however, it comes with its own set of challenges. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Explain the different types of trade agreements? How is a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) different from a Free Trade Agreement (FTA)? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The rationale behind the MSP system is well acknowledged, but it requires comprehensive reforms to mitigate the unintended consequences on the market and environment. Analyse. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"How can quantum technologies optimize production processes and improve efficiency in the manufacturing sector? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Biofuels can play a role in energy security by reducing India's reliance on imported fossil fuels and diversifying its energy mix. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Alongside the alarming depletion, rising pollution levels of groundwater resources are exacerbating the water crisis in India. In light of the statement, bring out the reasons for groundwater pollution in the country. Suggest remedial measures and mention the initiatives taken by the government in this regard. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are marine heat waves? Throw light on its impact on marine ecosystem and coastal communities. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Elaborate on the need for a clearly articulated National Security Strategy for systematic, consistent and coherent approach towards national security. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"India's precarious location on the drug map makes it extremely vulnerable to drug trafficking. Illustrate. How does drug trafficking affect India's internal security? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The much-cherished demographic dividend of India can be leveraged only if the twin challenges of unemployment and unemployability are addressed holistically. Analyse. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Despite government efforts at 'Make in India', what are the key impediments in making in India? Suggest measures to encourage domestic manufacturing. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"India is one of the largest producers of food, yet Food Processing Industry (FPI) is not well developed in the country. Examine the inhibiting factors and recommend some remedial actions to promote FPIs. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Adoption of millets can provide unique solutions to the problems of nutritional deficiency, ecological degradation, and receding farm incomes; however, the realization of its complete potential is hindered by a slew of factors. Analyse. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Describe how the Gaganyaan mission can help achieve India's broader national objectives. Also, throw light on the key challenges that the mission faces. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Green Hydrogen is necessary for the country to modernize without carbonizing; however, its adoption is beset with several challenges. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Biotechnology, by integrating biological sciences with technological innovations, offers comprehensive solutions to some of the most pressing challenges in food production, waste management and human health. Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Explain the causes and impacts of landslides. Also, discuss the various measures to mitigate their impact, with a special emphasis on National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) guidelines. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"As threats to maritime security evolve, India faces multifaceted challenges that necessitate a comprehensive and proactive approach to safeguard its strategic interests. In light of the statement, throw light on the key maritime security challenges in India. Also, highlight the measures taken by the government to strengthen maritime security in the country. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Bring out the challenges posed by 'hybrid warfare' to the national security and suggest comprehensive counter-measures. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4140,"topper":"Madhukant","air":578,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/MATHS-AN-T1-MADHUKANT-R578-1750228624629.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4141,"topper":"Madhukant","air":578,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/MATHS-AN-T2-MADHUKANT-R578-1750229636499.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4142,"topper":"Madhukant","air":578,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/MATHS-T1-MADHUKANT-R578-1750229665342.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4143,"topper":"Madhukant","air":578,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/MATHS-T10-MADHUKANT-R578-1750229693293.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4144,"topper":"Madhukant","air":578,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/MATHS-T2-MADHUKANT-R578-1750229823958.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4145,"topper":"Madhukant","air":578,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/MATHS-T3-MADHUKANT-R578-1750229847101.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4146,"topper":"Madhukant","air":578,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/MATHS-T4-MADHUKANT-R578-1750229875988.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4147,"topper":"MADHVAN GUPTA","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/MADHVAN-GUPTA-UPSC-2024-Rank-410-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The Indian Constitution does not embody a strict separation of powers rather it introduces a system of checks and balances, with overlapping functions and interdependencies among the legislature, executive, and judiciary. Elaborate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Recently, the Supreme Court expanded the scope of Articles 14 and 21 to include the \"right against the adverse effects of climate change\". In this context, citing relevant case laws, discuss the role played by Indian judiciary in 'constitutionalization' of environmental issues. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The Speaker's inclination to cater to party loyalties often undermines the dignity and impartiality of the office, eroding public trust in the legislative process. Analyse with the help of recent examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Assess the effectiveness of SEBI in fulfilling its envisaged role of regulating the securities market, ensuring transparency, and protecting investors' interests. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The foundational strength of the Indian Constitution stems from its ability to integrate diverse socio-political perspectives. Elucidate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Parliamentary committees serve as vital tools for legislative oversight, ensuring accountability and transparency in governance processes. In light of the statement, examine the role of the Public Accounts Committee in establishing financial accountability of the executive. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Without addressing the issues that hinder the full and effective participation of persons with disabilities in political and public life, the goal of achieving inclusiveness and their empowerment will remain unattainable. Analyze. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What roles do community-based interventions play in enhancing access to preventive and promotive healthcare services in India? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The current composition of the UNSC, with under-representation and un-representation of key regions is detrimental to its legitimacy and effectiveness, underscoring the urgent need for reforms. Elaborate. Also, present a case for India's permanent membership in the UNSC. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"\"The ongoing internal crisis in Myanmar is impeding India's Act East Policy.\" In light of the statement, discuss the measures taken by India to deal with the crisis and associated challenges. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"The Basic Structure Doctrine, lauded for safeguarding the core principles of the Constitution against majoritarian impulses, is also criticized for enabling judicial overreach and disturbing the balance of power as envisioned by the Constitution.\" Elaborate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Enumerate the salient features of Representation of People's Act, 1951. In your opinion, what amendments are needed in the Act to further the cause of free and fair elections in light of contemporary challenges. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The cooperative nature of Indian federalism is being increasingly challenged by emerging differences in Centre-State relations. Discuss. What steps can be taken to strengthen the cooperative spirit of Indian federalism? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Parliamentary privileges are fundamental for lawmakers to discharge their duties without undue influence. However, ensuring the responsible exercise of these privileges is crucial for fostering public trust and ensuring the accountability of public institutions. Analyse. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The Constitution of India provides several rights that empower the individual, yet it balances these freedoms with reasonable restrictions in the larger public interest. Discuss how constitutional restrictions on fundamental rights strike a fine balance between individual interests and societal interests. Also, mention the principles that are considered in evaluating the reasonableness of restrictions (15 marks, 250 words) with reference case laws.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Self-Help Groups (SHGs) can play a crucial role in alleviating rural poverty by providing women with access to microfinance, enabling them to start small businesses and improve their livelihoods. Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Despite the implementation of numerous policies and schemes aimed at combating hunger and malnutrition in the country, their effectiveness remains limited. Analyse. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The true test of good governance is the degree to which it ensures accountability towards citizens and delivers on the promise of sustainable and inclusive human development. Discuss in the context of challenges to good governance in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"As the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) provides a judicial mechanism for the peaceful resolution of international disputes. In this context, throw light on the structure and mandate of ICJ. Also, highlight the challenges it faces in fulfilling its mandate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Geopolitical shifts pose challenges to India-Russia relations, yet the relationship remains robust, driven by deep-rooted trust and a shared commitment to sustain a multifaceted strategic partnership. Analyse. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4148,"topper":"Madhvendra Pratap Singh","air":153,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/MADHVENDRA-PRATAP-SINGHUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-153-Sample-Essay-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. The great aim of education is not knowledge but action.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4149,"topper":"Madhvendra Pratap Singh","air":153,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/MADHVENDRA-PRATAP-SINGHUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-153-Sample-Essay-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. What is research, but a blind date with knowledge.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"1. Family is the first school of citizenship.\n2. There are better practices to \"best practices\".\n3. Distorting history leads to indoctrination and not education.\n4. Tradition is a guide, not a jailor.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"But then what are the challenges in carrying out these better practices to established best practices?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4150,"topper":"Madhvendra Pratap Singh","air":153,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/MADHVENDRA-PRATAP-SINGHUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-153-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1 \"Extraordinary powers must be exercised with extraordinary care.\" Discuss in the context of Article 142 of the Indian Constitution.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Why are State Legislative Assemblies involved in the election of the President but excluded from the process of impeachment?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Private Member's Bills (PMBs) seldom become law in India, yet they are an important aspect of parliamentary democracy. Bring out their significance and suggest steps to strengthen the PMB process.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Highlight the key points of convergence and divergence between the judicial systems of India and USA.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 The role of Election Commission of India has evolved beyond conducting elections to becoming a guardian of electoral democracy. Critically evaluate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6 What is the rationale behind the 'three-language formula' in India's education policy? Also highlight the challenges associated with its adoption and implementation across the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) 'Emerging environmental concerns and evolving ecosystem perspectives demand a reimagined approach to rural water governance.' Discuss the key interventions needed to recalibrate rural water policies with special emphasis on the role of communities.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) Identify and discuss the challenges hindering effective implementation of gender-sensitive policies and schemes in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 Effective transboundary water management can act as a catalyst for regional peace and cooperation.' In light of this statement, bring out the opportunities and challenges for India in leveraging 'water diplomacy' in its neighbourhood.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) What are the key areas of reform if the World Trade Organization (WTO) has to remain relevant in the present context of rising protectionism and trade wars?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) The basic structure doctrine acts as a constitutional compass in balancing Parliament's legislative authority and constitutional supremacy. Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) are pivotal to inclusive and efficient urban governance, yet they remain fiscally constrained and institutionally weak. Analyze.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 \"The judiciary has functioned as an institutional corrective, redefining and refining the contours of the Governor's office to prevent its misuse and uphold constitutional principles.\" Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 How is the 'vertical' and 'horizontal' devolution of taxes to the states decided? Highlighting the concerns raised by some states regarding the devolution of taxes, suggest corrective measures.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 What steps are required for the constitutionalization of a Commission? Do you think granting constitutional status to the Central Information Commission (CIC) would strengthen the RTI regime in India? Give reasons.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 Even as India experiences consistent economic growth and has achieved self-sufficiency in food production, hunger and food insecurity remain pressing concerns. Examine the factors responsible for this paradox and suggest steps to improve the situation.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 The Union Government has recently announced that caste enumeration will be part of the upcoming census. Examine the opportunities and challenges associated with conducting a nationwide 'caste census'. Also, propose a framework for its seamless and effective conduct.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 \"AI integration in governance is no longer a choice but a necessity.\" In light of this statement, discuss how AI can enhance education and healthcare governance.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Providing a brief overview of the aims and objectives of BIMSTEC, explain its significance for India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 India's approach to its relationship with China has evolved into what can be best described as 'competitive coexistence'. Discuss in light of recent developments. What should be the broad contours of India's future China policy?","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4151,"topper":"Madhvendra Pratap Singh","air":153,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/MADHVENDRA-PRATAP-SINGHUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-153-Sample-MGP-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) To what extent, in your opinion, have the ideals of the Preamble been realised in the country's 75-year constitutional journey?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) The evolution of property rights in India reflects an intricate relationship that exists between individual rights and public welfare. Discuss this statement with the help of relevant constitutional provisions and case laws.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Under what conditions can the 'National' Emergency be proclaimed by the President of India? What are the consequences when such a proclamation remains in force? When was it last imposed in the country?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) 'Lack of a binding framework for pre-legislative consultations in India limits citizen engagement in the lawmaking.' Propose measures to strengthen the role of public consultation in the legislative process.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 'The recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission have enabled the States to improve their fiscal conditions. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6 In what ways do industry and business associations contribute to socio-economic development in the country? Explain with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7 \"India's poverty lies in the eyes of the beholder.\" In light of this statement, examine the need for a credible and periodically updated poverty estimation framework in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8 The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 falls short of achieving its intended objectives. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) 'Starved of funds, shackled by geopolitics, WHO is facing a crisis of capacity and credibility.' Discuss the statement in the light of USA's withdrawal and its accusation of the health body of being 'biased towards China and mishandling the COVID-19 pandemic'.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) The world continues to operate in a 'my terrorist' versus 'your terrorist' paradigm. Explain. What strategies would you suggest to develop a unified, comprehensive, and rules-based global approach to tackle the menace of terrorism?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 Briefly explain the procedure laid down in the Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1951 for the registration of political parties with the Election Commission of India (ECI). What are Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs)? What concerns are associated with them? Does the ECI have powers to de-register a political party?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) Assess the role of NITI Aayog over the past decade in promoting cooperative and competitive federalism.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 'The post of Deputy Speaker goes beyond ceremonial significance and is indispensable to Indian parliamentary democracy.' Discuss with relevant constitutional provisions and conventions. Also, examine the implications of the prolonged vacancy of the Deputy Speaker's post.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 Is the growing demand for stricter regulation of online content justified, or does it pose a threat to the right to freedom of speech and expression? Examine in light of recent judicial pronouncements.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Critically examine the 'in-house procedure' adopted by the Apex Court to inquire into allegations of misconduct against judges of constitutional courts in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 Recent controversies over alleged malpractices in the electoral rolls have renewed demands for the mandatory linkage of Aadhaar with Voter ID. What is your opinion? Give reasons in support of your answer.","marks":"15","words":"15"},{"page":40,"question":"6) Overlapping of roles between ECI and UIDAI.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 Lateral entry into civil services is seen as a reformative step, yet it continues to attract criticism and controversy. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 While rankings aim to benchmark the performance of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), concerns remain about whether current ranking frameworks reflect the broader goals of education. Suggest measures to make the ranking system more objective, inclusive, and aligned with educational and societal outcomes.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Examine the factors behind the growing salience of the Arctic region in international politics. Discuss, in this context, strategies for India to recalibrate its Arctic engagement.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 Bangladesh is a key pillar of India's Neighborhood First policy, but recent developments on both sides threaten to disrupt the 'Sonali Adhyay' in bilateral relations. Analyze.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4152,"topper":"Mahadik Akshay Sanjay","air":212,"year":2021,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1O9vqwb8dPdPxcEEPILJe2ZfcJVZFkhHc","questions":[]},{"id":4153,"topper":"Mahesh Kumar Kamtam","air":200,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/74103-36866_2043_mahesh-kumar-kamtam_rank-200.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4154,"topper":"MAHI SHARMA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/48f94f4c58dc4d501f6f42102607e751/12/aim24gcra040_tc033.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Gender Equality is not a \"women's issue\"-it's good for men too.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Is UCC, the unity that we aspire in our diversity?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Problems of 21st century are problems without passport.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"The more we are developing, the more unhealthy we are getting. Where does the real problem lie?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Is Internal Security always an Internal Challenge?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Sports, the toy of humanity","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Is Economy becoming the end rather than the means?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4155,"topper":"MAHI SHARMA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/48f94f4c58dc4d501f6f42102607e751/13/aim24gcra040_tc034.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"You can't serve data on a hungry man's plate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"AI is overcoming our mental limitation but not expanding our mental horizon.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"We are using environment for politics, not politics for environment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"The worst form of inequality is to try to make unequal things equal.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Existence is a science, living is an art.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"If the truth shall kill them, let them die.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"The only way to go beyond things, is to go through them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Dream for the best. Be prepared for the worst. Enjoy life in between.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4156,"topper":"MAHI SHARMA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/48f94f4c58dc4d501f6f42102607e751/10/aim24gcra040_tc031.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"If you look into someone's face long enough, eventually you feel that you are looking into yourself.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"It is the province of knowledge to speak and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Drop the question what tomorrow may bring, and count as profit every day that fate allows you.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Truth, like a torch, the more it is shook, it shines.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Art is I; science is We.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Only the dead have seen the end of the war.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Act as if it were impossible to fail.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4157,"topper":"MAHI SHARMA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/48f94f4c58dc4d501f6f42102607e751/11/aim24gcra040_tc032.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Little strokes fell great oaks.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Judge a man by his questions rather than his answers.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Great principles, great ideals know no nationality.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"In struggling with misfortune lies the true proof of virtue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"The whole purpose of Education is to turn mirrors into windows.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"To dwell is to garden.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Reality is the shadow of ideas.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"We can not despair of humanity, since we ourselves are human beings.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4158,"topper":"MAHI SHARMA","air":106,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/48f94f4c58dc4d501f6f42102607e751/9/aim24gcra040_tc030.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4159,"topper":"MAHI SHARMA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ff162fc0430025272826e0c794787a7c/10/aim24gcra040_tc047-test-01-gs-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What are the factors that led to the Russian revolution and what are the consequences of this revolution? Discuss its influence on the Indian national movement. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The hallmark of post-Independent India has been its remarkable strides in science and technology'. To what extent did scientific development during this period put India on the path of modernity? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the various factors responsible for the uneven temperature distribution on Earth's surface. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"To what extent does seismic investigation contribute to our understanding of the Earth's interior structure? Analyze its significance in detail. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The melting of glaciers due to climate change has serious implications for the ecosystem and human society. Discuss the effects of melting glaciers on the environment and the measures that can be taken to address this issue. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The White Revolution was most successful in the Western part of India. Discuss the factors for this regional success of the White Revolution. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How will the structural shift from coal-based power plants to renewable energy generation impact human development in coal-bearing states? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"To what extent temperature and precipitation are the most important factors that determine soil properties? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Why are severe and intense cyclones becoming a regular phenomenon in the Arabian Sea? Substantiate with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"'England's Industrial Revolution not only transformed the economic landscape but also had far-reaching social and cultural impacts'. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"India was forced into numerous wars post Independence. Highlight the causes and impact of the Indo-Pak and Indo-China wars on our bilateral relationships. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"'The most economically active corridors today overlap with the former green revolution regions in India'. In the context of post-independent India how has Green Revolution in India contributed to agricultural productivity but in hindsight produced a geography of uneven development? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"In what ways did the events of World War I and its immediate aftermath foster the resurgence of nationalism in Africa and Asia? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The configuration of the ocean floor provides essential information about the geological processes that have shaped the Earth's surface. Discuss the major features of the ocean floor and their significance in the study of oceanography. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The Indian monsoon is a complex phenomenon influenced by various climatic factors. Critically examine the role of oceanic and atmospheric factors in determining the intensity and distribution of monsoon rainfall in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"How does temperature inversion affect atmospheric conditions and what are its implications for local weather patterns and air pollution levels? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"With the growing demand for rare earth elements, their distribution has become a critical aspect of the global economy. Discuss the distribution of rare earth elements across the world, their uses, and the environmental impact of their extraction. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What are the geographical and economic factors that influence the location of the sugar industry, and how do they contribute to the growth of the industry in India and different parts of the world? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Tourism in the hilly states is threatening to exceed the ecological carrying capacity of the region. Analyze the factors contributing to this trend and evaluate the potential Environmental impacts of this phenomenon. What measures can be taken to ensure sustainable tourism in these states? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"What are the geographical factors responsible for mangrove vegetation in India? How does climate change pose a threat to mangrove vegetation in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4160,"topper":"MAHI SHARMA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ff162fc0430025272826e0c794787a7c/11/aim24gcra040_tc055-test-9-gs-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Numerous foreign travellers have vividly documented their observations of the Vijayanagara Empire over time, offering valuable sources for reconstructing its history. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Adi Shankaracharya had a profound role in uniting seemingly irreconcilable worldviews of thought. In this context discuss his philosophical thought and its lasting impact on Indian philosophy. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Do you agree that Dr BR Ambedkar's view of the caste problem was more political than social? Also highlight his efforts aimed at social reform. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How does oceanic salinity vary across different regions of the world's oceans, and what factors contribute to these variations? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Explain the origin of Indian islands in the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Examine the factors contributing to India's groundwater crisis, and its implications for agriculture and water security in the country. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What are critical minerals, and how do they influence technological advancement and national security? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"How does fostering pluralism within Indian society contribute to the endeavour of nation-building? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the changing nature of problems the working class is facing due to the emerging gig economy. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Homogenisation tendencies as a result of globalisation have in fact preserved and promoted the local cultures of India. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What are the circumstances that led to the disintegration of the USSR and the end of the Cold War? How did the end of the cold war contribute to the spread of Globalization across the world? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"How did the enduring legacy of the Harappan Civilization leave a mark on the evolution of Indian culture, even after its sudden decline? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"How did Mahatma Gandhi's participation in the Khilafat Movement illustrate his ability to connect diverse issues and mobilize different communities towards a common cause? To what extent did the Khilafat movement achieve its objective? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"How is Transit Oriented Development(TOD) linked to the concept of a sustainable urban transportation system? Discuss its impact on overall enhanced quality of life for citizens. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Although desert landscapes across the world reflect many similarities, the process of desertification is influenced by local factors. Elaborate with suitable examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Explain the various stages of the formation of The Great Himalayas. How Eastern Himalayas is different from Western Himalayas? (Anwer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Describe the significance of eco-sensitive zones in environmental conservation and provide examples of how they are designated and managed in different geographical regions? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"How has the pandemic reshaped the landscape of education, and what long-term effects might these changes have on teaching methods and learning outcomes? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Analyze the factors behind the upsurge of ethnic identity struggle in the context of India, and discuss their implications for the country's social fabric. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"How does patriarchy differently impact the dynamics of the workplace vis a vis the household? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4161,"topper":"MAHI SHARMA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/82/aim24gcra040_tc047-test-01-gs-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What are the factors that led to the Russian revolution and what are the consequences of this revolution?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"'The hallmark of post-Independent India has been its remarkable strides in science and technology'. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the various factors responsible for the uneven temperature distribution on Earth's surface.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"To what extent does seismic investigation contribute to our understanding of the Earth's interior structure? Analyze its significance in detail.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The melting of glaciers due to climate change has serious implications for the ecosystem and human society. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The White Revolution was most successful in the Western part of India. Discuss the factors for this regional success of the White Revolution.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"How will the structural shift from coal-based power plants to renewable energy generation impact human development in coal-bearing states?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"To what extent temperature and precipitation are the most important factors that determine soil properties?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Why are severe and intense cyclones becoming a regular phenomenon in the Arabian Sea? Substantiate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"'England's Industrial Revolution not only transformed the economic landscape but also had far-reaching social and cultural impacts'. Discuss. What are the factors that led to the Russian revolution and what are the consequences of this revolution?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4162,"topper":"MAHI SHARMA","air":106,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ff162fc0430025272826e0c794787a7c/13/aim24gcra040_tc048-test-2-gs1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4163,"topper":"MAHI SHARMA","air":106,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/85/aim24gcra040_tc048-test-2-gs1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4164,"topper":"MAHI SHARMA","air":106,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/106/aim24gcra040_tc055-test-9-gs-1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4165,"topper":"MAHI SHARMA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ff162fc0430025272826e0c794787a7c/4/aim24gcra040_tc050-test-4gs-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Recently demand has been rising in a state regarding the enactment of Social Accountability Law. How such a law can lead to good governance and boost citizens' participation in decision-making. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Civil society organizations, play a pivotal role in fostering \"collective private action for the public good\". What challenges do they face in local resource mobilization (LRM) and corporate funding through corporate social responsibility (CSR)? Also, suggest measures. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"There is a need for convergence of 'nutrition-specific' and 'nutrition-sensitive' interventions to effectively tackle child undernutrition in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"MGNREGA, the lynchpin of rural poverty alleviation, has become the victim of fiscal apathy.\" Critically analyze the statement in light of recent developments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The first step to eradicating poverty is reliable poverty assessment for program design, implementation, and monitoring. In this context discuss the methodology and significance of NITI Aayog's National Multidimensional Poverty Index. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"In the context of India, despite the presence of constitutional provisions, legal precedents, and international commitments that establish a robust foundation for a right to health, why has there been a lack of explicit legal recognition of this right? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"India must leverage, if not manage, the global divides\". How can the current geopolitical churn pave the way for India's rise to the global high table? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"Berlin can be India's gateway to the European Union.\" Elaborate with respect to Germany's significance in India's relationship with the EU. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The collective strength of BRICS nations allows for meaningful cooperation on myriad issues, however, the platform's ability to influence the trajectory of bilateral relationships remains limited. Do you agree? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In light of the recent demands to amend the Indus Waters Treaty, discuss the possible implications it could have on the water-sharing mechanism between India and Pakistan. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Multi-stakeholder partnerships are the key to leveraging collective expertise and networks. How can effective partnership and localized implementation efforts be fostered to accelerate the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"'Neo-liberal reforms and globalization have deeply transformed the institutions of the welfare state and set the ground for a new type of civil services. In this context examine the challenges faced in service delivery and suggest adequate reforms. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Satisfactory and timely redressal of grievances is the cornerstone of 'minimum government, maximum governance.' In this context discuss the challenges associated with current grievance redress mechanisms and suggest measures to strengthen the process. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"'Corruption corrodes the fabric of governance, eroding the public's faith in democratic institutions.' Examine the potential for harmonizing the Right to Information (RTI) Act, the Whistleblower Protection Act (WBPA), and the Lokpal & Lokayukta Act, 2013 to enhance the effectiveness of the anticorruption regime (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"How has the implementation of the POSH Act resulted in limited success in raising awareness about sexual harassment, and what factors have hindered its effective outreach to women employed in the unorganized sector? Propose strategies to bridge this gap and ensure comprehensive protection for women in the unorganized sector against workplace harassment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Analyze the potential challenges and benefits involved in leveraging SHGs as platforms for skill development, entrepreneurship, and income generation among marginalized communities to effectively counter poverty. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"China views India as its \"Asian Rival\" with an innate ability to counter its hegemonic goals in Asia. Despite these difficulties in India-China relations, there are also many areas of convergence. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Indo-Pacific region in recent times has emerged as a zone of diverging interests and priorities. Discuss. Do you think the Global Security Initiative will supersede QUAD in the region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"'India is uniquely positioned on the world map for its rich culture.' In this context discuss the role of culture, diaspora, and democracy as instruments of India's soft power diplomacy. To what extent India has been able to position itself as a 'smart power'? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"The synergy of shared values and vibrant people-to-people connections between India and Australia creates a fertile ground for fostering long-lasting trade relations and strategic collaboration between the two nations. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4166,"topper":"MAHI SHARMA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ff162fc0430025272826e0c794787a7c/3/aim24gcra040_tc056-test-10-gs-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The recent Supreme Court judgments on human rights issues mark a remarkable shift in using International law and treaties not just as a source of inspiration but as a source of law. Examine with reference to relevant case laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The United States and India have their own distinctive jurisprudence on freedom of speech and expression despite the similarities in constitutional provisions. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Fundamental Duties are a reminder that citizenship is not merely a passive status but an active engagement. Discuss. What are the challenges in their legal enforcement? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the mandate of the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT). To what extent earlier SC verdicts have resolved the jurisdictional tussle between CAT and High courts? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"Equality under the Indian constitution is not merely about formal equality, it also incorporates the idea of substantive equality\". Discuss this statement in light of constitutional provisions and relevant Supreme Court judgments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Pressure groups and political parties are inherently similar in their objective to democratise the political process, however, more and more pressure groups today aspire to transform into political parties. Elaborate and highlight the factors that are encouraging this transformation. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"Can the infusion of foreign educational institutions be a transformative step in enhancing the global competitiveness of higher education in India and addressing the prevailing quality challenges?\" Justify with reason. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"To address the limitations of the public health system, how can the private sector contribute effectively to bridging the gap to ensure equitable and accessible healthcare for all? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"There is an urgent need for global cooperation to eradicate poverty and hunger. In this context analyse how international cooperation can impact efforts to address the challenges of poverty and hunger. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The changing global dynamics require prompt effective and meaningful reforms within the World Trade Organization (WTO), to ensure its relevance and capacity to address modern trade complexities. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"How has the 69th Constitutional amendment led to Delhi's dual governance dilemma? Discuss its impact on cooperative federalism as envisaged in the Constitution. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"\"Constitution envisages an independent judiciary, not insulated judiciary\"; In the light of the given statement, discuss the issues associated with the appointment of judges in the higher judiciary and explore alternatives to the current system. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Under what circumstances can the Governor reserve a state bill for the consideration of the President and why is the provision controversial? Also, discuss the reforms suggested by Punchhi Commission in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The Ninth Schedule fabricated a constitutional paradox to safeguard laws related to socio-economic justice from being challenged under the fundamental right to property. Does the ninth schedule have any relevance in present times? How did the IR Coelho judgment resolve this paradox? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"\"Central Information Commission stands as the guardian of democracy, with an unwavering relevance to good governance.\" Justify the context in terms of the mandate of the CIC. Has the statutory status limited the effectiveness of the commission in recent times? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Discuss the significance of the POCSO Act in ensuring the safety and protection of children against sexual offences. What changes would you suggest to the present Act to enhance its effective implementation? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"\"Technology serves as the catalyst for reshaping the traditional contours of bureaucracy, propelling it to become more efficient, transparent, and citizen-centric.\" Explain, and also explore how the integration of technology can expedite governmental efforts aimed at modernizing the civil service. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India and US have had an oscillating relationship in the past, to what extent has the relationship acquired depth in recent times? How should New Delhi navigate its relationship with the US after its sharp divergence with Washington on the issue of the Russia- Ukraine war? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"How has the India-ASEAN partnership evolved since the implementation of the 'Look East Policy'? In what ways can India leverage the increasing strength of its economy alongside geopolitical realities as opportunities to foster closer India and ASEAN relations? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4167,"topper":"MAHI SHARMA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ff162fc0430025272826e0c794787a7c/2/aim24gcra040_tc049-test-3-gs-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"There is a need to resolve the ambiguity in the disqualification provisions under section 8 of the Representation of People Act 1951. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Constitution is a mere skeleton whereas constitutionalism is the soul of democracy. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"Electoral bonds are a double-edged sword providing anonymity to donors while raising concerns about transparency in political funding.\" To what extent have electoral bonds further legitimized opacity in electoral funding? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The question of gender equality is central to the debate on Uniform Civil Code. In this light what are the challenges in reconciling UCC with gender equality as enshrined in the constitution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"The Governor's office is neither decorative nor inconsequential, it assumes a constitutional role of profound essence.\" To what extent does the Governor actively contribute to the governance of a state and reinforce the principles of federalism in the country? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"Interstate border disputes, if not promptly and impartially settled, can transform into persistent issues that impede development and generate friction\". Highlighting the constitutional and legal framework to resolve interstate disputes, explain why Independent India has failed to resolve inter-state border disputes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Examine the role of the Inter-state Council in promoting vertical (Centre-State) and horizontal (Inter-State) Intergovernmental cooperation and coordination. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss the key function of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). What steps should be taken to revamp the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in order to enhance its effectiveness as a true guardian of public funds? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Recognizing the pivotal role of urbanization as a driver of national economic growth, the Fifteenth Finance Commission has suggested major reforms for Urban Local Bodies. Evaluate the recommendations put forward by the Fifteenth Finance Commission in promoting and revitalizing ULBs in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Highlight the key differences in the scope of Freedom of speech and expression as provided under Parliamentary privileges vis a vis Fundamental rights. Why is it necessary to maintain a balance between parliamentary privilege and fundamental rights? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"How has the Anti-Defection Law impacted the relationship between political parties and individual legislators in India? In light of the recent incidents, also discuss the unintended consequences it has on the functioning of democracy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Critics assert that limitless judicial authority rests on the structural ambiguity of the basic structure doctrine. Has the elastic nature of the basic structure doctrine made the judiciary more powerful than the executive? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Fundamental rights are not gifts bestowed upon by the state rather an individual possesses them independently of the state. In this context discuss the desirability of reasonable restrictions on various fundamental rights. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"S.R. Bommai v. Union of India signified a paradigm shift in the judicial interpretation of the union's authority to assume control of a state's administration. In this context discuss the significance and impact of the judgement on cementing the federal structure. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The key to effective decentralization is political decentralization should follow finance and functional decentralization. Discuss in the context of impediments faced by local governance in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The doctrine of Parliamentary sovereignty and judicial supremacy has exerted considerable influence in shaping the constitutional frameworks of India and the USA. Citing relevant case laws discuss the role of the judiciary in influencing the constitutions in these countries. Is the scope of judicial review wider in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Delimitation of seats is essential to ensure fair representation and uphold the principles of one vote, one value. Highlighting the challenges posed by misrepresentation in constituencies analyze the ramifications of population-based delimitation in creating federal tension. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss the role of the Supreme Court of India in strengthening the hands of the Election Commission in the discharge of its constitutional responsibility of conducting free and fair elections in the country. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"'The declining role of Parliament undermines the fundamental principle of separation of powers, as it diminishes the legislature's ability to serve as a check on the executive branch and ensure a balanced exercise of power.' Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Discuss the crucial role played by the National Commission of Women in shaping the discourse on gender-sensitive laws in India. To what extent the elevation of the National Commission for Women to a constitutional body would reinforce its authority? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4168,"topper":"MAHI SHARMA","air":106,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/81/aim24gcra040_tc049-test-3-gs-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4169,"topper":"MAHI SHARMA","air":106,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/86/aim24gcra040_tc050-test-4gs-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4170,"topper":"MAHI SHARMA","air":106,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/100/aim24gcra040_tc056-test-10-gs-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4171,"topper":"MAHI SHARMA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ff162fc0430025272826e0c794787a7c/12/aim24gcra040_tc052-test-6-gs-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What do you understand by Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)? Discuss its applications and how it can revolutionize the energy program of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss in brief developments and challenges in the Gaganyaan mission of ISRO. What are the possible benefits of the mission for the society? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What are the unique features and capabilities of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, and how has it contributed to India's defense capabilities and strategic position in the region? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"In line with the country's efforts to explore the depths of the ocean and harness the resources it holds, the Indian government has proposed a deep-sea exploration mission Samudrayaan. How can this mission contribute to the advancement of ocean science and technology in the country? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What are the key lessons for disaster management and environmental conservation in the Himalayan region, in light of the recent disaster in Joshimath, Uttarakhand? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of disaster management in public health. Discuss the key strategies and challenges for managing pandemics and other infectious disease outbreaks. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"The recent radical trends in Punjab show that the Khalistan issue is still simmering.\" Discuss the statement with respect to recent developments and suggest measures to handle it. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The anonymity and ease of drone operation contribute to the challenges of India's border security. Elaborate and give suggestions to tackle the drone problem in border areas. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"The resource curse of Eastern and Central India has been a crucial driver of LWE\". Elaborate and suggest measures for sustainable and inclusive development of the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In light of the declining trend of violence in the North East and J&K region do you think that AFSPA has lived its utility? Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"How India benefitted strategically from the contributions of Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha and Dr. Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai in the fields of atomic energy and space technology respectively? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Generative AI holds the potential to push the boundaries of innovation in the near future, yet its societal impact raises substantial challenges. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a rapidly escalating crisis that poses a grave threat to public health worldwide. What are the major contributing factors to the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance, and what steps can be taken to address this global health threat? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What do you understand by Disruptive innovations? What are some examples of disruptive innovation in recent times, and how have they changed the way industries operate? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The Formation of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure brings more robustness to the Disaster Management approach in India. Comment and justify the need for a new strategy to tackle Disasters in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Disaster management is not just about responding to emergencies but also about building resilient communities. Discuss the key strategies that can be used to build community resilience and reduce the impact of disasters. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The recent rise in ransomware attacks targeting critical infrastructure and major corporations has highlighted the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity measures and policies. Discussing the key factors contributing to this trend, analyze the impact of these attacks on various sectors. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"In the context of border security, how can cooperation and coordination between different security agencies be improved to ensure effective and efficient management of coastal and terrestrial borders? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The transformation of terrorism through the use of new and emerging technologies like metaverse and virtual assets is a matter of concern. How can we counter the Use of New and Emerging Technologies for Terrorist Purposes and Elucidate the importance of the \"Delhi declaration\" in this regard? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"\"The Agnipath scheme is a bitter pill needed for the resilience and efficacy of our armed forces.\" Critically Analyze the statement with relevant arguments. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4172,"topper":"MAHI SHARMA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ff162fc0430025272826e0c794787a7c/6/aim24gcra040_tc057-test-11-gs-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Differentiate between Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Wholesale Price Index (WPI). Do you think that CPI is a better measure of inflation as compared to WPI? Substantiate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Jobless growth is an inherent feature of India's growth trajectory? What are the major reasons behind the high unemployment rate in India? Suggest remedial measures to improve the overall employment growth rate in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Bringing urea under the NBS Scheme is seen as the panacea for all the issues related to fertiliser subsidies in India as well as for the environmental problems of agriculture. Highlighting the issues related to urea management, suggest reforms are required to improve the usage of urea in a sustainable manner. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"India's food security faces challenges from not just domestic factors but also global factors. Comment. Discuss some ways to strengthen India's food security. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Recently, India became the 27th signatory to the Artemis Accord led by NASA. Critically analyse its implications for the space exploration programmes in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How does the decomposition of organic matter in the soil contribute to the carbon cycle, and what are the key factors that influence this process? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Climate change mitigation and adaptation strategy is not only about reducing future emissions but also involves active removal of already released carbon into the atmosphere. In this context what do you understand by the concept of Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) and discuss the progress of the international community in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Poor building design, flagrant violations of building codes and fire safety norms and overcrowding of spaces are responsible for the rising risk of fires in urban areas. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Ethnic conflicts and cross-border migration along India-Myanmar and India-Bangladesh borders impact India's internal security. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"What are the main challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in investigating and prosecuting cases of money laundering, and how can they be overcome? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Low tax buoyancy often translates into higher deficits and debt. Can a higher direct tax rate improve the overall tax-to-GDP ratio in India? What other steps can be undertaken to revamp the overall tax structure in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Startups are the driving engines of the fast-changing modern economy. Why have Indian startups failed to realise their potential? What steps can be undertaken to improve the profitability and performance of startups in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Import of edible oils forms a major part of India's import bill. In this context, evaluate the importance of the recently launched National Mission on Edible Oils and Oil Palm (NMEO-OP). What are the environmental concerns related to increasing palm oil production in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"A robust livestock economy can act as a parallel source of farmers' income. Highlighting the role of the livestock economy in the agriculture sector in India discuss the challenges faced by the livestock sector in India. Suggest interventions that can strengthen the livestock sector to contribute to the overall well-being of the farmers. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Nuclear fusion has been hailed as the energy source of the future, with the potential to provide clean, safe, and virtually limitless energy. Discuss the scientific principles behind nuclear fusion and the challenges and opportunities in harnessing this technology for practical applications. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What have been the difficulties in the administration of IPRs in India? Suggest measures to improve the administration of IPRs in order to encourage an innovation-led economy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The recent amendments in the Wildlife Protection Act provide a framework to prevent illegal trade in wild animals and plants to ensure that their survival is not threatened. In this regard, mention the implications of illegal wildlife trade in India and analyse the effectiveness of the recent amendments to address the issue. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Analyse the factors that contribute to the increased incidence and severity of floods in urban areas and the measures that can be taken to reduce the risk and enhance the resilience of the population. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Do you think that intelligence and law enforcement agencies in India have the necessary resources and capabilities to effectively tackle the link between organised crime and terrorism? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"India needs to update its Information Technology Act, of 2000 to deal with emerging internal and external communication security and to make the cyber ecosystem more safe and secure. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4173,"topper":"MAHI SHARMA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/97/aim24gcra040_tc057-test-11-gs-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"India's food security faces challenges from not just domestic factors but also global factors. Comme...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"Recently, India became the 27th signatory to the Artemis Accord led by NASA. Critically analyse its ...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"How does the decomposition of organic matter in the soil contribute to the carbon cycle, and what are the key factors that influence this process?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"Ethnic conflicts and cross-border migration along India-Myanmar and India-Bangladesh borders impact India's internal security. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"What are the main challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in investigating and prosecuting case...","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4174,"topper":"MAHI SHARMA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ff162fc0430025272826e0c794787a7c/8/aim24gcra040_tc051-test-5-gs-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What do you understand by Windfall tax? Do you think that windfall taxes can effectively redistribute wealth and promote greater economic equality? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Elaborate on the difference between Capital Account and Current Account as components of Balance of Payment (BOP). Suggest a few measures to balance the BOP deficit of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the perceived successes and challenges of implementing inflation targeting under the new Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) regime. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The logistics sector is one of the important components of the growth of the manufacturing industry. Discuss. Also, mention various components of the recently announced National Logistics Policy 2022. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Assess the potential of millet production in promoting sustainable agriculture and improving food security in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Jal Jeevan Mission has the potential to end the regional disparity in the availability and accessibility of drinking water. Highlighting the significance of the mission, discuss the underlying impediments in achieving the desired objectives. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What is India's stand on the New Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies under WTO? How is the Fisheries sector significant for India? Enumerate the steps taken by the Government to develop this sector. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Analyze the systemic and institutional constraints that continue to hinder land reform efforts in India and propose pragmatic solutions to ensure equitable distribution of land. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"Green hydrogen can be the silver bullet in our quest to tackle climate change and pollution\". Critically analyze the statement in light of India's National Green Hydrogen mission. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Explain the purpose of the \"Mangrove Alliance for Climate\" launched at the COP27 UN Climate Change Conference in Egypt in November 2022. Elaborate on the importance of mangroves in maintaining the coastal ecology of tropical nations. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Electricity Amendment Bill, 2022 brings several advantages for consumers, DISCOMs as well as the environment. Elaborate. Also, list out its shortcomings and suggest some measures to overcome them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) plays an important role in the regulation of the share market and safeguarding the interests of investors. In the light of given statement, highlight the challenges faced by the SEBI and suggest reforms in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"International trade is centered on the dominant currency paradigm (DCM). Critically Analyze the importance of Hard currency in International trade and Discuss the potential of rupee acceptance in global trade as an alternative to dollar imperialism. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Demographic Dividend does not ensure growth; it only generates potential. Discuss the steps made by the government to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the demographic transition. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Despite being a major contributor to the Indian economy, the agriculture sector is plagued by several constraints that impede its growth and development. Discuss the role of technology in overcoming these constraints. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Evaluate the impact of irrigation on the environment and natural resources, and suggest measures to ensure the sustainability and equity of irrigation practices in agriculture. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Genome editing holds immense potential for crop improvement, but it also raises ethical and safety concerns. How far do the new guidelines for the safety assessment of genome-edited plants in India, ensure the safety of genetically modified crops? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss the impact of direct and indirect farm subsidies on the agriculture sector in India. How have Minimum Support Prices (MSP) affected the agricultural economy? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"What is Global Methane Pledge? Do you think the Global Methane Pledge is a positive step toward mitigating methane emissions? Explain India's stance on this issue. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Trace the evolution of the Loss and Damage fund. What are the major development related to loss and damage funds in COP 27?, What are the commitments made by India in this conference? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4175,"topper":"MAHI SHARMA","air":106,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/88/aim24gcra040_tc051-test-5-gs-3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4176,"topper":"MAHI SHARMA","air":106,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/104/aim24gcra040_tc052-test-6-gs-3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4177,"topper":"MAHI SHARMA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ff162fc0430025272826e0c794787a7c/7/aim24gcra040_tc054-test-8-gs-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"\"The State took taxes from the people only to ensure their prosperity in return like the sun takes moisture from the earth only to give it back in thousandfold measure.\" Kalidasa. Explain the Indian concept of \"giving it back\" and its relevance as a guiding value for civil servants. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Public service takes place in a bureaucratic structure with clear lines of authority, value standardization, and accountability mechanisms. Working within such a structure, what do you think are the influences that impact the public servant's ethical decision-making? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"As professionals, civil servants are career focused and are also self-interested. At the same time, their service ethos imposes an obligation to serve the public interest selflessly. Is it possible for a civil servant to reconcile career and service obligation? Explain your position. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"While competence without compassion can be brutal and inhumane; similarly, compassion without competence can be meaningless for persons seeking help.\" Explain the above with the help of a suitable illustration in the context of public services. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Public service requires not merely legal but also morally principled action. Public service requires the public servant to place loyalty to the constitution, laws, and ethical principles. Among the three, which do you think must acquire primacy while carrying out official functions? Why? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What do you understand by \"integrity-based civil disobedience\"? Do you think a challenge to personal integrity can be a justifiable cause for responsible disobedience in civil services? Explain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance. (a) The senses deceive from time to time, and it is prudent never to trust wholly those who have deceived us even once. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Recent research has shown that emotions significantly impact personal and professional lives. What are the primary emotions that negatively and positively impact workplace productivity? Explain with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Technical efficiency ensures resource utilization and social efficiency ensures fulfillment of social needs, what does ethical efficiency ensure? Do you think ethical efficiency is more important than technical and social efficiency? Why/Why not? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"In the context of civil service, distinguish between moral and nonmoral values. Identify 5 basic moral values that can serve as foundational values for all services irrespective of the department. Give reasons why those values can be considered foundational. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Citizens' involvement in decision-making is critical to ethics in governance. Do you agree that effective civic engagement mechanisms can facilitate an ethics-driven administration? What do you think are the mechanisms that citizens can use for ensuring ethics in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"You are a young officer working with the Municipal Corporation of an industrial city. The city was known for manufacturing ball bearings and auto parts. Most manufacturing units were small-scale units with very little production process automation. The units relied on manual labor, which was in abundance due to the villages close by. As the number of manufacturing units grew, the demand for labor increased, bringing in a steady inflow of laborers into the city. This influx of people into the town led to a mushrooming of slums and encroachments on the sidewalks. Once in a while, the Corporation conducted drives to clear out the slums, but after a time, the slums came back. The illegal slums had become an urban nightmare. You were given the responsibility of clearing out the encroachments and slums with the help of Police authorities. As you started the drive, you realized that the people living by the sidewalks were vulnerable compared to the slum dwellers. Many sidewalk dwellers had recently come to the city after selling their properties in their villages. Now if you drive them out, they have no place to go. Your heart went out to them, and you felt that your departmental action was inhumane, but your official responsibilities demanded stern impartial action. You are desperate to find a way to help the sidewalk dwellers without compromising your official duties. (a) What value conflicts do you notice in the above situation? (b) Can an administrator compromise the value of impartiality for empathy? Discuss. (c) What are the options available in the above situation? (d) Suggest viable solutions for tackling illegal slums and encroachments in urban areas. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"A certain State government was running a welfare scheme for promoting safe motherhood among rural landless laborers' families. The scheme involves the transfer of funds to the beneficiaries to enable them to mitigate income loss due to maternal care responsibilities. Since its implementation, the scheme has done reasonably well on maternal health and economic indicators. You are the Director of the Department responsible for implementing and operating the scheme. Recently you have been receiving reports of welfare fraud being committed by families by producing fake bona fide. The families committed the fraud with the help of local officials responsible for scrutinizing the bonafide. You were concerned because the fraud was seriously undermining the scheme's efficiency. You called for a departmental meeting to discuss and find a solution to the problem. In the meeting, it was decided to merge several available government data sets such as Aadhar cards, voter ID cards, marriage certificates, birth certificates, bank details, and other personal assets. By merging all the data sets, the department would be able to develop the beneficiary's economic profile. And this will help the department scrutinize the documents and detect fraud. This was a comprehensive strategy, but it risked violating an individual's data privacy. As a Department head, you wanted to detect and prevent fraud, but at the same time, you were apprehensive about violating the Data privacy of the stakeholders. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) Do you think violating data privacy is justified to prevent welfare fraud? Why/ Why not? (c) What, according to you, can be the reasons for such welfare frauds happening in the country? (d) Are there any ways and means to prevent such fraud? Give your suggestions. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"You are posted in the Department of Mines, and one of your roles is to help your Department Head negotiate mining leases with private contractors. Recently, the state government demarcated a new mining zone and planned to invite bids for the mining blocs. You were instructed to oversee the bidding process and speed up the contract negotiations. As planned, the tenders were released, bids came in, and tenders were allocated as per the norms. All this happened at a breakneck speed. You wondered, why the hurry? But it was not your place to think and question; you quietly went about your work. As the contractors were about to start operations, you had to instruct them on environmental concerns to watch out for. And to do that, you read the environmental impact assessment report submitted by a consulting firm hired by the department. To your surprise, the report was shoddy and looked cooked up. You got suspicious and raised the issue with your Head, who politely instructed you to do what you were told, and he reminded you that the Department had revenue targets and was under pressure from the Ministry. After the meeting, you, on your own accord, did some digging and found out that the report was fraudulent and the mining activity that was about to start would lead to a massive environmental disaster which the State could not afford. (a) What are the issues and value violations you notice in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you? (c) Discuss the advantage and disadvantages of each option and identify your chosen course of action. (d) Do you think that environmental considerations are sometimes overrated at the cost of development? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Mr. Sharma was the All India Sales Head of a pharmaceutical company with a turnover of 400 crores, The company's main markets were small towns and tier 2 cities. Further, the company did a sizeable amount of business with state government hospitals and health centers. Mr. Sharma had given a lot of freedom to field sales agents to strike deals and negotiate prices with clients. This strategy worked well for the company. Recently Mr. Sharma received word that three company employees were selling products to government hospitals and health centers at a higher price than they were selling to other private hospitals and health centers. The employees were with the company for over five years and were good performers. A few sales staff informally raised the issue of the three getting relatively higher commissions because of their inflated deals. And this was creating a sense of unease among the sales staff. A cursory review of the account of the three showed that, in many instances, the government hospitals were paying more than other private institutions. Under procurement rules, the government is supposed to pay a fair price, one that other cost-conscious customers pay. On inquiry, Mr. Sharma found that the three were not alone; government purchase department officials were helping them scam the Department. Mr. Sharma realized that his sales staff and some corrupt government staff had been defrauding the state exchequer for quite some time. Mr. Sharma immediately reported it to his CEO, and the two discussed how to deal with the sales staff and whether to inform the government about the scam and the involvement of their staff. The issue was informing the government means that there was every possibility that they might be blacklisted, thereby losing a lot of business. Mr. Sharma and CEO were caught in a dilemma regarding how to proceed with the case. (a) What are the ethical and business issues involved in the case? (b) What are the options available to Mr. Sharma and the CEO? (c) Do you think the organizational culture of giving freedom to the sales force led to the issue or was the individual's corrupt nature that led to the problem? Discuss. (d) What ethics mechanisms and steps can the company create and implement to prevent unethical behavior, as mentioned in the case? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"You and Ajay were in college together, qualified for the civil services examination, trained, and worked in the same State. Over the years, you and Ajay became good friends and colleagues. Even the families became close to the extent of taking vacations and celebrating festivals together. Professionally, in the last 15 years, both grew, but the paths you and Ajay took differed. You kept your distance from political masters, preferred to be neutral, and refrained from being identified with any group, lobby, or ideology. But Ajay was not discreet about his leanings, and he was well-networked and connected. Because of his networking, Ajay always had postings considered \"plum postings.\" Ajay was posted as CMD of Urban Infrastructure Projects, a high-profile Project with a huge outlay. At the same time, you were working in State Planning Commission for three years and were awaiting your promotion and new posting. When new postings were announced, you were surprised to see your transfer to Vigilance Department. Within a month of taking charge, you were ordered by your Departmental Secretary to conduct an inquiry discreetly into land dealings involving a Minister and his family. You were strictly told to keep it discreet and not to share any information about the investigation with anybody besides the Secretary. As you started the inquiry, you realized Ajay was closely involved with the Minister and his deals. As evidence started piling up, you were shocked to notice Ajay's questionable decisions favoring the Minister and friends. Further, you found evidence of Ajay having assets disproportionately much higher than his declared sources of income. When you shared the details with the Secretary, he immediately ordered you to search Ajay's office and home as he believed Ajay was the medium through which they could catch the Minister for shady land deals. You were in a bind as you knew a search operation would tarnish Ajay's reputation and be traumatic for the family. (a) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas involved in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you? (c) Select your chosen course of action after analyzing the options. (d) What must be your moral motivation in the above case? Should it be duty, care, or consequences? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":4178,"topper":"MAHI SHARMA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ff162fc0430025272826e0c794787a7c/5/aim24gcra040_tc058-test-12-gs-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Most civil servants are neither pure deontologists nor pure utilitarians, but they operate according to a kind of ethical pluralism.\" Do you agree? Discuss your position with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The motivation to seek a career in public service and perform public service can be due to attraction to public service, commitment to public values, self-sacrifice and compassion. Among the four, what is the primary public service motivator for you? Explain your motivating factor. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"One of the critical areas of governance is developing policies for managing public health emergencies such as COVID. While tackling such health emergencies, the government may take measures that involve the abdication of liberty on the part of the citizens. According to you, what ethical principles should guide the government's public health policymaking? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Identify any four components of emotional intelligence relevant to public services. Explain their role in administrative decision-making. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Values lie at the core of the diverse world of human behaviour and are expressed in every human decision and action. In keeping with the above statement, explain with the help of illustrations how values impact an individual's behaviour. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Explain the difference between codes of ethics, codes of conduct and codes of rules and regulations. Do you think an increase in the number of codes and regulations is an efficient response to the decline of public trust and integrity issues? Why/why not? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance. \"The root of happiness is Dharma (righteousness), the root of Dharma is Artha (economy), the root of Artha is right governance.\" (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Prioritising ethical concerns within public administration and policy has monetary costs in terms of training and other expenses. Do you think the financial cost of actively pursuing ethical standards by the government is justified? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Distinguish between administrative, legal and professional accountability. Despite multiple institutional accountability mechanisms, the government has failed to make a dent in systemic corruption. What do you think are the reasons for the poor performance of accountability mechanisms? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Economists view transparency as a condition for open markets, and political scientists view it as a condition for public participation. What does transparency imply in public administration ethics? Is it only a flow of information or more than that? Explain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Persuasion performs a number of positive, prosocial functions. However, people often equate persuasion with manipulation and consider it unethical. What are the ethical values a persuader must respect to ensure the ethicality of the act of persuasion? Explain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"You are the VP (Operations) of a company that manufactures and supplies space probes and satellite equipment to Government space agencies. The company has been in the business for over four decades and has built considerable expertise in producing and delivering high-quality products. The business was good. As VP of Operations, it was your responsibility to ensure the completion of projects and deliverables on time. A critical deliverable was running behind schedule due to the non-availability of a specific raw material. The material in question was an environmentally hazardous chemical that the Environmental Ministry banned. But considering the importance of the chemical compound for the space industry, the Environment Ministry was planning to allow controlled use in about three weeks. You and the company management didn't have three week waiting time. Further, there was severe pressure from the Department of Space to complete the deliverable on time as a lot was riding politically on the project. After internal discussions, you met the Space Department officials to explain the predicament and request a deadline extension. When the meeting happened, you were shocked by the attitude of the Department officials. They refused to accept any delay and suggested circumventing the environmental ministry's prohibition and procuring and using the chemical. They justified it by saying the ministry would allow controlled use in a few weeks. So, why wait? Besides, they noted that the environment ministry doesn't understand space priorities and their intricacies. They pointed out that everything is justified in the name of national interest. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What are the issues involved in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the merits and demerits of each option and select your chosen course of action.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"What do you understand by National Interest? Do you think it is ethically justified for a nation to prioritise security and economics over and above social justice and social development priorities?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"You work as an investment banker with one of the country's biggest private banks. You independently handled a team of 15 junior bankers and reported directly to the Head Investment Banking Division. You also networked with individuals with a high net worth in assets and income as part of your job. The purpose of networking was to persuade them to have their income and assets managed by your bank. Over the years, you had brought in a lot of clients for the bank, and you managed assets and accounts for a few big clients. You managed a client with a very sizeable business account, and he frequently received remittances from offshore accounts of his company. In the last six months, you could notice a considerable number of forex transactions had happened in his account. And the money was further moved around to smaller locations within the country. When you tracked the money movement, you noticed that funds were transferred to areas where the client had no business dealings. Government regulations required the bank to report a large inflow of forex funds and client details. You forwarded the details to your Head, who forwarded it to the relevant authorities. When the transactions continued unabated, you got suspicious. On scrutiny, you discovered that the client had dealings with organisations banned by the government for funding anti-national activities. You shared the same information with your Head and requested him to report to the authorities. He said he would look into it. But he didn't. After a few weeks, you raised the matter again, and this time, he curtly told you that the regulations stipulate that account information had to be furnished, which the bank did. It was up to the authorities to scrutinise and take action. The bank was not at fault as it was complying with the law. Further, the Head told you the client was good business for the bank. You were concerned about what to do next as you knew the client was good business, but he was up to no good. (a) What are the issues involved in the case? (b) What are the options available to you? (c) Select your course of action after analysing all the options (d) Do you think breaching client confidentiality and trust can be justified in the above case? (250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What are the issues involved in the case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"Do you think breaching client confidentiality and trust can be justified in the above case? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"What are the issues and ethical dilemmas involved in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"How would you see the widow as a victim of her husband's crime or an accused? Justify. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What are the options Pallavi has? How should she navigate the issues with Mr Thakur?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"What do you think is the problem with Mr Thakur, is it a lack of emotional intelligence or something else?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"How do you think you will be able to help Pallavi? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"What options are available to the MP in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"Evaluate the options and suggest a course of action to the MP.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"Distinguish between political and bureaucratic corruption. Can bureaucracy play a role in checking political corruption? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"You are a senior engineer working for S & P Constructions, a prominent government contractor. You are working at a construction site building a nuclear reactor facility. Along with other responsibilities at the site, you were also the safety in charge. One day as you did your weekly safety audit, you noticed that the welders had not followed procedures and used the wrong materials in some sections. The situation was hazardous since some defective welds appeared on the water pipes carrying coolant to the reactor core. The rupture of the pipes could cause disaster if safety backups failed simultaneously. You called a meeting of the welding supervisors to instruct them to rectify the faulty welders. But even after two weeks, the welds were not fixed, and when asked, the supervisors said they had instructions from the superiors to go ahead with the way it is. You were shocked at this compromise of safety. You travelled to the HQ to discuss this with the senior management. Instead of taking corrective action, the senior management transferred you to a different site and warned you about discussing the safety practices of the nuclear site. You needed the job, so you returned to your new workplace quietly. After five years, the nuclear reactor was in the news for pipe bursts, killing ten engineers and due to the fallout, the neighbouring villages had to be evacuated. You could see your fears coming true. The nuclear facility was shut down, and an inquiry was instituted. You were also summoned for questioning as you handled safety during the construction. You were in a dilemma; tell the truth of safety compromise or hide it and keep the job. Further, your conscience was troubling you that you could have done something five years back instead of quickly taking the transfer. 1. What are the issues involved in the above case? 2. What options do you have in the above dilemma? 3. After evaluating the options, identify which option you would choose. 4. Do you think whistle-blowing could have been a good option five years back? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":4179,"topper":"MAHI SHARMA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/96/aim24gcra040_tc054-test-8-gs-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Q1 \"The State took taxes from the people only to ensure their prosperity in return like the sun takes m...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"What do you understand by \"integrity-based civil disobedience\"? Do you think a challenge to persona...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance. The senses...","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4180,"topper":"MAHI SHARMA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ff162fc0430025272826e0c794787a7c/9/aim24gcra040_tc053-test-7-gs-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"\"Man cannot do right in one department of life whilst he is occupied in doing wrong in any other department.\" Gandhi. Do you think an individual's personal ethics impacts professional life or they both can be compartmentalized? Explain your position with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Goodness is the result of internal imperatives to do what is right, not sanctions from moral rules or rewards from expected consequences. Do you agree? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Social transformation programs such as \"beti bachao and beti padhao\" believes in using advice, counseling, and persuasion but sometimes a little force is also necessary for getting the desired response. Do you think it is a good idea to mix little force with persuasion by public administrators while implementing social schemes of transformation? Explain with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Ultimately foreign policy of every country hinges upon the strength which the nation possesses. Strength may be military or financial and may be also...moral.\" Do you think ethical strength without military or financial muscle will be respected in today's world? Explain your position. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"To achieve a good life, duty is not sufficient; one needs to develop one's sympathetic feelings for others, and neither duty alone nor good will alone are sufficient to be moral.\" Do you agree with the above statement? Justify your position. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Developing a Scientific temper, innovative mindset, and civic-conscious citizens are major objectives of higher educational institutions. Can higher educational institutions be instrumental in promoting integrity education among youth to establish a public culture of integrity and a corruption-free political culture? If yes, how? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance. (a) \"To tolerate is purely an act of the mind. That is the essence of virtue. To tolerate is a strength.\" (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"What do you understand by the terms 'ethics' and 'integrity'? Do you think they are interrelated? Explain with examples the relationship between ethics and integrity in the context of public administration. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What do you understand by the terms 'ethical behaviour' and 'emotionally intelligent behaviour'? Identify the relevant emotional intelligence components that act as a reliable guide to ethical behaviour. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Does the suffering of individuals in one part of the world generate moral demands of assistance on those foreigners who live far away from them? Are these moral demands of assistance justified? Can governments be held morally responsible for failing to help the international community in times of deprivation? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Civil Services ethics has everything to do with management. It is as much a Departmental as a personal issue. Leaders who fail to create systems that facilitate ethical conduct are equally to blame as much as those who indulge in ethical misconduct. Do you think the Departmental culture leads to ethical misconduct or is the individual with weak willpower culpable? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":33,"question":"Do you think a corporate's social responsibility extends beyond one's immediate community to the international community? Why/Why not? (d) Do you think the Defence sector companies marketing sensitive technologies must be regulated by their respective governments, or regulation may curtail their entrepreneurial and innovation energy? Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":58,"question":"You are a Foreign Service official working in an embassy overseas. One of your duties was to liaise with the local Indian community, one of the country's largest immigrant groups. A group of wealthy Indian immigrants wanted to build a place of worship and a school to promote their language and culture. The school was intended to act as a center for promoting and preserving Indian culture among the immigrants. The Indian community leaders went through all the legal procedures to acquire the land, got the building plans approved by the city council, and with all the approvals in place, the construction work began. A few months into the construction, the locals started complaining about noise, and slowly a campaign began against the construction of a religious structure. The local city councilors joined in and raised the issue of how Indian immigrants having their own cultural space will lead to a similar demand from other immigrant communities. And this may escalate intolerance among different ethnic groups. The local politicians filed a public lawsuit to halt the construction and demolish whatever was built. Indian community responded with their lawsuit and approached the embassy for help. They wanted the Ambassador to take up the issue with the government. Meanwhile, the Ambassador deputed you to meet the Indian community leaders to understand the issue and prepare a report. You met with the community leaders and found that the reason for local antipathy towards the Indian community was just an expression of latent racism and intolerance. You presented your observations to the Ambassador and requested him to do something as the Indians were on the right and were being victims of racist behavior. The Ambassador, in turn, replied that he would not like to get involved in local politics. The Indians were citizens of that country; they had nothing to do with India besides ethnicity. Further, a crucial Economic agreement was about to be signed between the two countries in the coming weeks, and he did not want to jeopardize the growing relations between the two countries over some local politics. You were shocked to see economics getting priority over the diaspora. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) Do you agree with the Ambassador's position of prioritizing economics over helping the diaspora? Why/why not? (c) Among Care, Consequentialism, and Duty, what do you think is the appropriate perspective to guide Indian Foreign policy? Justify. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":4181,"topper":"MAHI SHARMA","air":106,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/90/aim24gcra040_tc053-test-7-gs-4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4182,"topper":"MAHI SHARMA","air":106,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/94/aim24gcra040_tc058-test-12-gs-4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4183,"topper":"Mahima Kasana","air":141,"year":2022,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/580b6-1383501_2211_mahima-kasana_rank-141.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4184,"topper":"Mahima Kasana","air":141,"year":2022,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/91897-1383501_2213_mahima-kasana_rank-141.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4185,"topper":"Mahima Kasana","air":141,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c7541-1383501_1837_mahima-kasana_rank-141.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4186,"topper":"Mahima Sikand","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/63c32-mahima-sikand_53_2014_gs_booklet_1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What institutional changes would be required if the Finance Commission were to undertake Planning Commission's functions and the latter discontinued? Do you think such a move would be correct?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"Is there a need for giving states a greater say while finalizing the terms of reference of the Finance Commission?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"If the political class intends to uphold the position of Governor, as was envisaged by the Constitution, then significant reforms will have to be introduced with respect to the appointment and removal of this important constitutional dignitary. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Equality of seats among States in the Rajya Sabha is a principle, which found a great deal of acceptance in the Constituent Assembly. However, it could not be adopted because of the circumstances prevailing at that time. Is there a need to look afresh at this?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Article 145 of the Indian Constitution says that any \"substantial question of law\" relating to the interpretation of the Constitution must be heard by benches of at least five judges. But some of the most important constitutional cases, like Salwa Judum and Naz foundation, were decided by smaller benches. Why is there a need for larger benches? What are the possible reasons for smaller benches hearing such important cases?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Empowered Group of Ministers lead to early and effective decision-making on particular issues. Critically analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Articles 256 and 257 have been a major bone of contention in the Union-State relationship. Contrast the provisions of the two and propose a framework for the relationship, which is coherent with federal and parliamentary nature of Indian democracy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"What are Lok Adalats? Can they serve as an alternative to the regular legal redressal mechanisms available through courts?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"Judicial Activism has hurt the separation of power principle in India and is not healthy for Indian polity. With the help of few judgments given by the Supreme Court of India, critically analyse this statement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"What is the difference between Exit and Opinion Polls? Should Opinion polls be banned on the ground that they influence the voting behaviour of people?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"\"Prime Minister represents the executive government in a way that no single member of the Council of Ministers (CoM) or even the entire CoM can.\" Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"'Candidates should not be allowed to contest election simultaneously for the same office from more than one constituency.' Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":55,"question":"India has become the first country to ratify the Marrakesh Convention that codifies exemptions to copyrights to benefit the blind and impaired readers. Discuss the importance of this event and the challenges that lie further ahead of it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":59,"question":"Pressure groups ensure that an individual's democratic rights are not confined just to the act of voting. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4187,"topper":"Mahipal Singh Gurjar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3d9e1-637446_1436_mahipal-singh-gurjar_rank-256.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Given the growing ecological and geopolitical significance, Arctic region offers immense opportunities for serving India's long-term interests. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the challenges that India may face in the eventuality of withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan. What options does India have to safeguard its interests in the context of the changing situation? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The BRICS as a grouping seems to have internal contradictions, which makes it difficult for it to emerge as an effective forum in a dynamic multi-polar international order. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Despite India having immense soft power potential, it alone will not be sufficient to achieve India's foreign policy objectives. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Highlighting the role of space technology in border management, enumerate the steps taken so far in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Despite allegations of human rights violations under the AFSPA, it is a functional requirement for the army in disturbed areas. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The use of Internet creates both challenges and opportunities in the fight against terrorism. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain the concept of Chandrasekhar Limit and highlight its significance in the field of astronomy. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Examining the risk posed by space debris, suggest some measures which can be taken for its mitigation and removal. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the challenges confronting higher self-reliance and indigenisation of defence industry in India. What steps can be taken to accelerate its pace? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Comment on the role played by the diaspora in India's development process. Also, discuss the challenges in terms of engaging the Indian diaspora and suggest ways to translate these partnerships into benefits. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the reasons behind proliferation of multilateral preferential trade agreements. Do they violate WTO's MFN principle? Do you think that such trade groupings present an existential threat to WTO? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"India needs to balance its growing water needs and larger security concerns with effective hydro-diplomacy. Highlighting the challenges faced with regard to transboundary rivers, analyze this statement in the context of India's riparian relations with its neighbours. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Commenting on the importance of Central Asia for India, highlight the progress made in the relationship in recent past along with the issues that still remain to further cement the ties. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the significance of India's island territories in its quest to become a net security provider in the Indian Ocean region. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"A fine balance between security and developmental measures needs to be attained for tackling the menace of Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in India. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Illustrate the linkages between drug trafficking, organised crime and terrorism. In this regard, mention the steps that have been taken to arrest the availability of drugs in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Identify the key threats to national security in the wake of climate change. Also, highlight India's stand and rationale on UN's decision to declare climate change as an international security issue. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Explaining the concept of data exclusivity, bring out the arguments for and against incorporating data exclusivity norms in India's IPR regime. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Compare and contrast fifth generation (5G) of wireless telecom technology with 4G technology. What challenges need to be overcome for 5G's pan-India rollout? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4188,"topper":"Mahipal Singh Gurjar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5cd49-637446_1243_mahipal-singh-gurjar_rank-256.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Reservation of seats in legislature is needed to ensure meaningful political participation of women and to make the democratic process truly inclusive. Discuss the statement in the light of 108th Constitution Amendment Bill. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the issue of reservation in promotions for SCs and STs in public employment in the light of various judicial pronouncements and constitutional amendments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the reasons behind underperformance of the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs). How can their performance be improved? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlighting the rationale behind continuance of the Official Secrets Act, critically discuss whether the Right to Information should be given precedence over it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What is the rationale behind having a mandatory 'cooling-off' period for retired civil servants? In light of numerous instances of violation of this provision, do you think there is a need to have a relook at Civil Services Conduct Rules? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlighting the key features of POSHAN Abhiyan, explain how it is an improvement over previous interventions in achieving the goal of malnutrition free India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Give an account of the challenges that the multilateral rule-based trading system is facing. With special focus on WTO, discuss how these challenges can be addressed effectively. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Highlight the major impediments affecting India-US trade relations. What possible consequences can the recent withdrawal of Generalized System of Preference (GSP) have on India-US trade relations? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"In a democratic setup, it is imperative that independence be balanced with accountability. Discuss in the context of judiciary in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Despite various strengths, there are certain weaknesses in the existing structure of departments of the government which render the system slow and cumbersome. Analyze. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the light of criticism surrounding the composition and functioning of Rajya Sabha, do you think it exists merely as a secondary house of the Parliament? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Despite legislative changes with respect to funding of political parties in recent years, many challenges still exist with regards to transparency in electoral funding. Discuss. Can state funding of elections help in addressing these challenges? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Successful and long-lasting urban transformation critically depends on reforming the way our cities are governed. In this context, highlight the challenges plaguing urban governance in India and suggest some strategies to overcome those challenges. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Explain the role that SHGs play in poverty alleviation in India. Highlighting the shortcomings of the SHG-Bank Linkage programme, give some suggestions to improve its performance. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Despite initiatives taken by the government in recent years to address the challenges of the Indian higher education system, many reforms are still required to improve its quality and enhance its relevance. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Giving an account of the progress made under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, mention the challenges that it faces in achieving its target. How can the implementation of the programme be fast-tracked? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Island nations of the Indian Ocean hold immense strategic value in shaping the geopolitical contours of the region and ensuring maritime security of India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Development assistance, a key instrument in India's foreign policy, has seen a considerable expansion in the past few years both in its scope and reach. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4189,"topper":"Mahipal Singh Gurjar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7631b-637446_1435_mahipal-singh-gurjar_rank-256.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Do you think there has been a convergence of values between public and private sectors in the wake of increasing role of the private sector in public service delivery?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Giving examples of some social ills plaguing the society, discuss how social persuasion can be an effective technique to overcome them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"What steps should be taken by the government for increasing the effectiveness of grievance redressal mechanism?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are two statements. Bring out what you understand by them and discuss their relevance in the present context. (a) \"I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear\"- Nelson Mandela","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"\"Not everybody can be famous, but everybody can be great because greatness is determined by service\"- Martin Luther King.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Explain why superstitious beliefs and practices abound in India. In this context, discuss the importance of inculcating scientific temper to remove superstitions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Simply labelling people as liberal or conservative is to miss the point that an individual can have divergent views on different issues. Explain with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Anti-corruption measures need focus on both demand as well as supply side of corruption. Discuss in the light of prevalence of 'collusive corruption' in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Identify the various traits of a healthy work culture for a bureaucracy in a modern society. Also, suggest ways in which a healthy work culture can be created in India to meet the objectives of good-governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Citizen's charters can be both a stimulus and a means for government to raise the standards of Public Service delivery. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Attitude and behaviour are so closely interwoven that a change in one inevitably influences the other. Explain the statement with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Emotional intelligence, is an important parameter as one aspires to move up the ladder in a competitive environment. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Rapid growth of information and communication technology, with all its benefits, has associated risks and far-reaching consequences. The government has constituted a committee to frame guidelines for an inclusive and safe cyberspace in India. The committee has solicited public opinion in this regard. As a concerned citizen, you have to give your suggestions on the following themes: (a) Why do you think some people or a set of people are more vulnerable to cyber threats with special emphasis on cyber-bullying. (b) Do you think the experiences and exposure in cyberspace are an important influence in a person's attitude and behaviour? (c) What reasonable restrictions can be applied to make cyberspace more safe and friendly to all citizens?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"You are serving as the Public Health Officer in a district that is lagging behind in achieving the Open Defecation Free (ODF) status. Even after ensuring adequate access to water and sanitation services, their usage has not spread and the practice of open defecation continues in the district. Despite serious extension efforts by the government, safe hygienic practices have not been adopted by the people. As a result, various instances of bacteriological contamination and water-borne diseases have surfaced up recently. In such a scenario: (a) Examine the reasons behind low usage and adoption rates of built toilets in India? (b) Highlighting the principles to be kept in mind while preparing an effective Information, Education and Communication (IEC) strategy, design an action plan to address the problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"You are the District Magistrate of a district that is known for making combustible substances such as match boxes and fire crackers. As per the The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016, employment of children in such hazardous activities is prohibited. In this regard, government has also released a notification that owners of these manufacturing units need to report on the profiles of their employees annually as child labour has been prevalent in these industries. These manufacturing units, abiding by the directives of the government, publish such reports annually and claim to have successfully put an end to employment of child labour. However, it has been brought to your notice that these companies are taking advantage of the loopholes in the law. They have been outsourcing their hiring to independent contractors who engage families in the business. The families have been continuing to use child labour to supplement their income and also keep the cost of labour competitive so as to bag more such contracts and since they are not officially on the payroll of the companies, they are absolved of the legal liabilities. (a) Identify the ethical issues in this case. (b) How would you approach the problem and what would be the main elements of your action?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are working as a Block Development Officer (BDO) in a state and the Lok Sabha elections are around the corner. Two months prior to the elections, a mega rally of a leader from the political party ruling the state is being organized in the neighboring district. All BDOs have received an oral order from the Chief Development Officer directing them to make sure that five buses full of people from their block be sent to the rally. The only direction is to ensure maximum participation and make suitable arrangements in pursuit of the same. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) As a civil servant, what values should guide your response in such a situation? (b) Identify the various options that are available to you? (c) What course of action would you choose and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You are serving as a District Magistrate in a district, which is prone to recurrent droughts. The issue of scarcity of water is aggravating year by year. Even during the years of high rainfall, the district has witnessed severe shortage of water for agriculture purposes, mainly due to cultivation of water guzzling crops. It is evident that water scarcity is one of the main reasons for backwardness of the district. Recognising this, the state government decided to withdraw some incentives given for cultivation of such crops and incentivise a cropping pattern more suitable to the agro-climatic conditions of this region. However, anticipating worsening of their economic condition in such times, the farmers have taken to protesting on the streets. Despite such a well-intentioned move by the government, the farmers feel that response of the state administration has been anti-farmer and cruel. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Do you think there is a real divergence between interests of the farmers of this district and the state? (b) What immediate steps should you advocate in the interests of farmers of the district?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Many Indian cities are facing a major problem of management of household waste. Huge volume of wastes has meant that landfill sites are facing the problem of overcapacity. On the other hand, the waste-to-energy plants constructed to solve the problem are also facing flak due to their inefficiency and release of poisonous pollutants. The manner of waste disposal by people is identified as one of the main reasons behind this problem. The government has notified rules regarding disposal, collection and treatment of waste and has initiated numerous awareness campaigns in the past. Still, the problem does not seem to be getting under control. Given such a situation, answer the following questions: (a) What do you think is the reason behind the apathy of people towards issues like waste disposal that affect the larger interests of society in general? (b) Identify the stakeholders and the significance of their involvement in addressing the issue.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4190,"topper":"Maithreyi Naidu","air":27,"year":2020,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3cdf5-163974_932_maithreyi-naidu_rank27.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4191,"topper":"Maithreyi Naidu","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d7591-163974_875_maithreyi-naidu_rank27.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Centralised recruitment through All-India Judicial Service (AIJS) will not address the multiple problems in the judiciary and cause new ones instead. Critically evaluate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"The roots of the most pertinent challenges faced by the Indian politics today can be traced to the lack of intra-party democracy in candidate selection and internal elections. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"While the idea behind merger of autonomous bodies in India is to curb overlapping work and reduce expenditure, it may end up doing more harm than good. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Well defined electoral laws and greater powers for the Election Commission of India are required as the existing laws and mechanisms are inadequate to deal with new challenges. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Privileges should be defined and delimited for the free and independent functioning of the legislatures. In this context, discuss whether there is a need to reexamine the balance between fundamental rights and parliamentary privileges in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"The principle of accountability is an essential part of the rule of law. In this context, discuss the lacunae in government's approach and Judiciary's response to the extra judicial killings in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Explain the rationale behind enacting the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act 2016. Discuss how it can help in revitalising consumer confidence in the real estate market. Also, highlight the hurdles that remain in implementing it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Moving the subject of water from State list to Concurrent list will solve the issues related to governance of water resources. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Give an account of the areas of potential conflict in the relationship between the political executive and civil servants. Also discuss why a healthy working relationship between the two is critical for good governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Despite their location in the non-political domain of civil society, NGOs have ended up playing a key, if indirect, role in India's politics. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Magnitude of India's urbanisation is not unusual but the pattern is. In this context, examine the issues in the governance of cities in India. Also, suggest reforms required to make Indian cities dynamos of competitive sub-federalism.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Social boycott should be treated as a criminal offence, rather than being considered another form of social evil plaguing the Indian society. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Human trafficking in India has emerged as a serious issue, which calls for understanding the complexity of the problem and devising an effective strategy to combat it. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"A weak teacher education system is at the core of India's problems in school education. Evaluate. In this context, also enumerate the recommendations of the high powered commission on teacher education constituted by the Supreme Court of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"It has been argued that the recent order of the Supreme Court to prevent the misuse of section 498A institutionalises the prejudices and rehabilitates the myths, which the women's movement in India has battled over decades. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"As strategic interests between India and US continue to converge, defence has emerged as a major area of co-operation between the two. Discuss the significance and possible implications of this development.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"India's contribution to peace keeping missions of the UN has remained steadfast despite changes in the nature, form and variety of UN peace keeping missions. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"India's partnership with Africa is an amalgam of African development priorities as well as India's development objectives. Discuss. Also, highlight the initiatives taken by India in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"Comment on the role of International Court of Justice in upholding the values of International Law. In this context, also highlight the association of India with the ICJ over the years.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"In view of the focus on trans regional economic corridors and changing regional geo-politics and geo economics, critically discuss the idea of an Indo-Pacific economic corridor.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4192,"topper":"Maithreyi Naidu","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/91980-163974_877_maithreyi-naidu_rank27.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The seeds of patriarchy and gender inequality are sown at home, which manifest as a weed at the societal level. Elucidate. Suggest an ethical framework to systematically address the issue of patriarchy in the Indian society. (b) What are the factors which drive people to take law in their own hands rather than following the due process of law? Discuss the ways to address the problem of mob justice.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"2 (a) In a democracy, the purpose of the government should be to make it easy for the people to do good and difficult to do wrong. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss John Stuart Mill's idea on freedom of thought and expression. Also, give reasons as to why, according to Mill, representative democracy is the best form of government despite its inherent weaknesses.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"Differentiate between administration and leadership. Highlighting the traits which characterise an effective leader, discuss the importance of leadership in ensuring effective public service delivery in a bureaucratic setup.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. For each of these bring out what it means to you in the present context: (a) \"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated\". (b) \"Prejudices are what fools use for reason\".","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Ensuring that government decisions are not influenced by public officials' private interests is a growing concern. Discuss in the context of India. Also, enumerate the core principles reflected by OECD guidelines for managing conflict of interest in the public sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss, with examples, the significance of principles of public life as recommended by Nolan committee. Why are these principles considered as an essential set of expectations from public servants?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"A peculiar inhuman situation exists for the people fleeing from war zones - they cannot go back to their homeland for fear of being persecuted and no country is ready to bear their burden due to various reasons. Citing contemporary examples, discuss the ethical issues involved in such situations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"As the administrator in charge of your area, you are witness to the widespread food wastage in lavish parties as well as in restaurants and eateries, on one hand and people starving due to inability to ensure one square meal a day. On the other, realising that it is not scarcity of resources, but the habit of people that is causing paucity in availability of food you decide that certain measures are needed to be taken in order to deal with the issue of starvation at the grassroot level. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) What measures would you take to deal with wastage of food in your area? (c) What explains this co-existence of affluence and hunger in developing countries like in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"The excluded and marginalised section of society are worst hit by globalisation. Take the case of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) like Sentinelese of Andaman and Nicobar islands; their population has reduced drastically and they are facing various other problems as well. In this context answer the following questions: (a) What are the challenges faced by PVTGs due to globalisation (b) If you are posted as a Development Officer in such an area, what will be your priorities to reduce their vulnerabilities and ensure welfare?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"Undercover journalism exposes injustices, negligence, corruption and wrong doing and yet going undercover to expose wrong doing remains controversial. But, undercover journalists contend that they are fulfilling a fundamental duty of finding truth through their journalism. They argue that public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy and the duty of the journalists is to further those ends by seeking results and providing a fair and comprehensive account of events and issues. So, there are some supporters of this kind of journalism, which sometimes infringe the privacy of individuals. However, some journalists also urge avoiding surreptitious methods of gathering information except when traditional methods will not yield information vital to the public. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the practice of undercover journalism? (b) Do you support the practice of undercover investigation by journalists? Give reasons in support of your answer.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"You are the chief executive of ABC Ltd, an automotive component manufacturing company. Until recently, all of your production plants were located in city X. However, the cost of production has risen, causing profits to decline. A number of factors have led to an increase in the production costs. First, the union representing the workers in your plant waged a successful strike resulting in increased salary and benefits. A second factor has been imposition of stringent environmental regulations. Shareholders are concerned about the declining fortunes of the company. Many of the competitors have moved their operations to less developed cities, where the operating costs are less than city X. ABC Ltd is a major employer in the city where it is located, and you know that a plant closure will cause economic dislocation in the city. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) What are the ethical issues involved in this case? (b) How can the interests of different stakeholders be reconciled in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"You are posted as a District Education Officer(DEO) in a Maoist affected district. You have been specifically given the responsibility to work on the literacy mission. After reading the education reports and doing field visits, you find that the number of out of school children has increased drastically and the motivation amongst students and teachers is also low. While the basic infrastructure is already in place, the main hurdle in attracting students to these schools include the attitude of inhabitants towards education and the security threats involved in sending children to schools. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Analyse the reasons behind such an attitude. (b) As a DEO, what are the steps you would take in order to increase the school attendance and change the prevalent attitude of inhabitants towards education?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Mr Pradeep is a senior civil servant in the central government and is involved in the budgeting department. In the course of performing his duties he comes to know of diversion of funds earmarked for SC/ST sub-plan for other purposes. While he is not directly responsible for this aspect of the budget, he raised his concerns to the department concerned. He also learns that the minister responsible as well as senior most civil servants are aware of the practice and have given tacit approval for it. Soon, thereafter Pradeep was summoned to talk on the issue and was told that since the matter is not within his jurisdiction, he should \"keep his nose out of it\". After much soul searching, Pradeep decided to drop his pursuance by leaving the matter alone. Based on the information given, answer the following question: (a) Elaborate the ethical dilemmas that Pradeep faces in the given situation. (b) On what basis can the decision of Pradeep be justified. (c) Had you been in Pradeep's place, what would have been the course of action chosen by you? Recognise the merits and demerits, if any.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4193,"topper":"Maithreyi Naidu","air":27,"year":2020,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/bf12c-163974_938_maithreyi-naidu_rank27.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4194,"topper":"Maithreyi Naidu","air":27,"year":2020,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b40d4-163974_939_maithreyi-naidu_rank27.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4195,"topper":"Maithreyi Naidu","air":27,"year":2020,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/577e0-163974_940_maithreyi-naidu_rank27.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4196,"topper":"MAITREYA KUMAR SHUKLA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0e2ff-1130489_2488_maitreya_kumar_shukla_rank_633.pdf","questions":[{"page":18,"question":"The wise man does at once what the fool does finally.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The world is a tragedy to those who feel, but a comedy to those who think.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Perfect clarity would profit the intellect but damage the will.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4197,"topper":"MAITREYA KUMAR SHUKLA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8c0b7-1130489_2422_maitreya_kumar_shukla_rank_633.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The traditional theatre forms of India reflect the ideals and emotions of the society, and an individual's role in the community. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Provide an account of the historical and architectural importance of the Sanchi Stupa. Also, discuss how it inspired the future architecture in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Bhagat Singh made a real breakthrough in terms of revolutionary ideology, the goals of revolution and forms of revolutionary struggle. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Bringing out the factors that led to the Meiji restoration, discuss its significance for Japan. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"It is believed that a nation is an “imagined community” held together by common beliefs, history, political aspirations etc. In this context, discuss what the basis of India as a nation is. Also, bring out the threats to the concept of Indian nationhood. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"State the key factors behind the growth of the pharmaceutical industry in India. Additionally, discuss its significance with regard to India's economy and public health.(Answer in 150words)10","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss why the Bay of Bengal is more prone to cyclones than the Arabian Sea. Also, explain the reasons for the decrease in frequency of tropical cyclones during the Southwest monsoon season. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite being destructive in nature, volcanoes are critical for the existence of human life on earth. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The existence of relative deprivation is an important aspect in constructing the argument for regionalism. Explain with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"If India is to realise the goal of 'education for all', the issue of rising cases of bullying and other forms of school violence needs to be addressed immediately. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Bring out the role played by the Ahom Kingdom in shaping the cultural and historical identity of North-East India, and discuss its legacy in contemporary times. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The capitalist class generally remained ambivalent in their support to the Indian National Congress until 1940s. In this context, analyse the varying positions of the Indian capitalists throughout the national movement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Trace the evolution of the press in India. Also, discuss the instrumental impact it had during various stages of the Indian freedom struggle despite the repressive policies of the British. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Mountains are fragile ecosystems vulnerable to the adverse impact of climate change and other anthropogenic interventions. Illustrate with examples. Also, highlight the initiatives taken for their sustainable management. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind unsustainable management of sand resources in India. Highlighting its impact, enumerate the remedial measures taken in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Giving an account of the major lithium-producing countries, discuss the geo-political aspects of lithium production and its environmental implications. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The youth are capable of identifying themselves with a global identity and connecting with events and experiences outside their countries. In this context, discuss the impact of globalization on the various aspects of youth identity. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"As fertility rates decline in India, future demographic concerns center around an ageing population and a weak social security system. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"With a significant proportion of India's population expected to live in urban areas by 2030, the welfare of the urban poor needs to take centre-stage in public policy. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4198,"topper":"MAITREYA KUMAR SHUKLA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ae7fb-1130489_2219_maitreya_kumar_shukla_rank_633.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Fiscal policy can be a key tool to reduce income inequality as well as make the poorest and the downtrodden a part of the country's growth story. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Micro-irrigation has tremendous potential in transforming farming into a profitable and sustainable venture. Discuss the given statement in the context of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Given its vast resources and technical expertise, India can play a key role in assisting the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) in dealing with the impact of climate change. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The recent \"Disaster Management Plan of Ministry of Panchayati Raj (DMP-MoPR)\" aims to develop disaster resilience at the grassroots level. In this context, discuss the rationale behind the formulation of the Plan and highlight its key components. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the internal security implications emanating from the use of Emerging And Disruptive Technologies (EDT) by state and non-state actors. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Identify the impediments faced by India in boosting its defence exports. Also, discuss the steps taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the multiple issues associated with space debris. Also, state the initiatives taken in recent times to tackle this menace. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The adoption of Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) in India is expected to make e-commerce more inclusive and accessible for consumers. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While an agreement was recently reached at the WTO on a deal to curb \"harmful\" government fisheries subsidies, certain concerns raised by India suggests that the matter will require further negotiations. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite the advantages that are associated with the hybrid annuity model (HAM) in the road construction sector, the interest in it has moderated due to various reasons. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The existing MSP procurement regime is neither economically nor agro-ecologically sustainable. Elaborate. Also, evaluate the alternative approaches that can be adopted to improve the existing MSP regime. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"It is being argued that India is struggling with overflowing foodgrains in warehouses. Discuss the statement in view of the existing buffer stock policy of India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Recently, the government has asked all ports to prepare a master plan in order to become 'mega ports' by 2047. In light of this, discuss the challenges faced by ports and suggest remedial measures in order to propel India's blue economy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Inequality in income and wealth translates into carbon inequality. In this context, discuss the significance of addressing carbon inequality for India and suggest ways to achieve it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Despite increased and regular occurrences of landslides over the past decade in India, the dominant development paradigm has largely not been modified. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)15","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India needs a smart border management system to balance legitimate cross border flows with national security interests. Discuss. Also, highlight the initiatives taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Establishing linkages between globalisation and money laundering, discuss the initiatives taken at the national and international levels to combat it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"There have been arguments that India needs to review some of its past assumptions about the nature of outer space and contribute to the development of new global norms. In this context, analyse India's stand in relation to the Artemis Accords. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4199,"topper":"MAITREYA KUMAR SHUKLA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/504c7-1130489_2220_maitreya_kumar_shukla_rank_633.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The logic of limitless wealth lies in the basic human instinct for furthering self-interest in the form of profit. In this context, do you think there is a possibility of pursuing ethical capitalism? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"If a law is unjust, a man is not only right to disobey it, he is obligated to do so. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The capacity of Citizens' Charter to initiate any transformative process is conditioned upon it being appropriately designed and effectively executed. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The moral fiber and ethical conduct of public officials not only influence the standard of governance but also their own interests and performance. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The ongoing debate on euthanasia poses several ethical questions. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Foreign aid is a form of neo-colonialism, as the economically wealthier countries can exploit the developing countries under the cloak of aid. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Throwing light on the idea of Universal Humanism propounded by Rabindranath Tagore, discuss its contemporary relevance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree with the view that it is nature and not nurture which determines the emotional intelligence of a person? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Values that guide public administrators can often compete with each other, owing to their relative importance to the larger public interest. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Is it justifiable to say that corruption is a social phenomenon? What are the various ways through which administrative corruption can be tackled? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"Overcoming poverty is not a task of charity; it is an act of justice.\" Nelson Mandela (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"\"I do believe that, where there is only a choice between cowardice and violence, I would advise violence.\"- Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"You are posted as the Commissioner of Police in a metropolitan city where a visiting foreign dignitary, with President-level security cover, is scheduled to visit for an official function. As a part of the security preparedness, it has been decided that no vehicular traffic will be allowed on the route which will be taken by the foreign dignitary to reach the venue of the function in the city. However, just 15 minutes before the scheduled arrival of the dignitary, you are informed that a critically-ill patient is stuck on the way to the hospital in a private car along with his family. In this situation, answer the following: (a) Discuss the issues involved in halting traffic for VIP movement. (b) List the options available to you in this situation with their merits and demerits. (c) What will be your course of action? Justify with proper reasoning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"The Indian education system suffers from many ills. One of the major issues is the focus on ‘rote learning’, which has been the staple of the Indian education system for many years. While many Indians have attained success despite this system, simply being able to recall information is not enough in today’s world when that information is instantly available to anyone on a mobile phone. A survey of 200 Indian and foreign companies found that only 14% of Indian graduates were prepared for the workforce, largely because most graduates were unable to apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the consequences of ‘rote learning’ on the educational development of young students in the country? (b) Suggest measures that can be taken to address this issue. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4200,"topper":"MAITREYA KUMAR SHUKLA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e13b2-1130489_2425_maitreya_kumar_shukla_rank_633.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"For effective corporate governance to take place in the coming years, why is it important to integrate the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics with the multi-stakeholder approach? What benefits can be accrued by such integration? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In acts of corruption, the focus is often only on the demand side of the equation, on public officials who abuse their office for private gain. Frequently, the supply side is given less attention. Those who pay bribes are sometimes depicted as innocent parties and victims of extortionary practices of wily public servants. Do you agree that 'collusive corruption', in which there is a willing bribe-giver, is a formidable challenge for institutions fighting corruption? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Citizens' Charters initiative was a response to the quest for solving the problems, which a citizen encountered, day in and day out, while dealing with the organisations providing public services. But the introduction and implementation of Citizens' Charters in the government of India has been difficult due to the old bureaucratic set up and the rigid attitudes of the work force. Discuss the major obstacles that have been encountered in implementing the Citizens' Charter initiative. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Quality of public service delivery is a major determinant of the quality of life of vulnerable sections in a highly unequal society divided along the lines of class, caste, religion, etc. In this background, do you think that public service delivery is efficient and sufficient enough to improve the lives of vulnerable groups in India? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? \"The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own.\" - Lao Tzu (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"If ethics are poor at the top, that behavior is copied down through the organization.\" - Robert Noyce (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"The end of law is not to abolish or restrain, but to preserve and enlarge freedom.\" - John Locke (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Wealthy CEOs and founders of successful businesses around the world are increasingly pledging to give away their wealth in philanthropy. Do you think that such a move is sufficient enough to bring about a positive change in the society? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"As organizations across the globe begin their artificial intelligence (AI) transformation, the leap into the AI era is expected to be more challenging than any technology that businesses have grappled with yet. In this background, discuss the concerns around fairness, transparency, and job security that may arise. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The emphasis of Swami Dayanand Saraswati on education, social equality, and ethical values continues to influence the socio-cultural discourse in contemporary India. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Emotional intelligence may not be singularly associated with emotions or intelligence. It can also include a broad range of personality characteristics that might predict success in professional and everyday life. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Traditional forms of state-led accountability, also characterised as vertical and horizontal channels of accountability, are increasingly found to be inadequate, and a myriad of multi-stakeholder and bottom-up citizen directed approaches have come to the fore, to supplement or supplant them. Discuss with illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":37,"question":"Rina and her friends from the college were working as interns with a company for the last few months. On completion of their internship, some of them, including Rina, have been offered full-time jobs in the company. Being a reputed company, she and her friends accepted the offer. Rina is enthusiastic about her new job and has even established good relationship with some of her company co-workers during her internship. However, during her tenure as an intern, Rina had begun to notice that one of the Vice-Presidents (VPs) of the company was giving her too much attention. He used to make an extra effort to stop by Rina's cubicle and chat, something he was not doing with any of the other interns. He had even tried to connect with Rina over social networking sites. Some of her co-interns also noticed this and began to make offhand comments to Rina about the extra attention being given by the VP. Now that she was has been hired for a full time position, she is fearful that she might have to work with this VP directly. While he has not done or said anything explicitly inappropriate, the extra attention and the fact that her co-workers noticed it, made her very uncomfortable and undermined her concentration at work. The company encourages an open and friendly atmosphere and when she was hired, it was communicated to her that she should always speak to her Manager whenever faced with any uncomfortable work related issues. However, she is concerned to speak about it officially, as the VP has not explicitly done anything wrong. In the given situation: (a) What dilemmas does Rina face? (b) What options does she have? Provide the merits and demerits of each. (c) Highlight the course of action she should adopt, along with justification for the same. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"In the given situation: (a) What dilemmas does Rina face? (b) What options does she have? Provide the merits and demerits of each. (c) Highlight the course of action she should adopt, along with justification for the same. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"You have recently been posted as a Nodal Education Officer in one of the districts, where mass cheating in examinations is a regular phenomenon. Media reports have shown parents and relatives scaling school walls and buildings to pass answer chits to students taking secondary school examinations in the district. Moreover, with the advent of new technological devices, cheating in examinations has become more sophisticated and exam rules are flouted openly. On investigation, it has come to your notice that these rackets are run by many school authorities, including exam invigilators who are mostly teachers, and they are hand in glove for profits. With a shortage of staff, invigilators threaten go on mass strikes if any action is taken. Conducting the exams, cancelling them on account of cheating and having re-exams are a loss of time and money for the government and this vicious cycle goes on. As the Nodal Education Officer of the district, address the following questions: (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (b) How will you resolve the issues in the given case? (c) What long-term strategy needs to be adopted to deal with the menace of cheating in various examinations? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Many proponents of deep-sea drilling argue that tapping into the vast amount of rare earth elements in the Indian Ocean will help shore up national security interests for India, bolster its economy and workforce, and offer a reliable supply of strategic minerals. Keeping this in mind, the government has approved a $540-million programme to study ways of mining nickel, cobalt, manganese and iron hydroxide from the bed of the Indian Ocean 6,000 meters below sea level. The government argues that the project can power India's growth for 100 years. It will also study climate change, explore marine flora and fauna and harness thermal energy. However, a competing point of view alleges that deep ocean drilling poses immense risk to the environment. A comprehensive report on Sustainable Ocean Economy by independent geologists states that \"until the need for, and potential consequences of, deep-sea mining are better understood, the concept is conceptually difficult to align with the definition of a sustainable ocean economy and raises various environmental, legal and governance challenges, as well as possible conflicts with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.\" It also highlights that the profitability of national mining operations, without governmental support or comparably low taxes, remains questionable. If the operations are profitable, it will also raise questions about the equitable sharing of profits derived from a resource taken out of Additionally, companies like BMW, Volvo, Google and Korean battery maker Samsung SDI, vowed in a statement to not buy metals produced from deep-sea mining until the environmental risks of the activity are \"comprehensively understood.\" In the context of the above-stated information, address the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the given case study? (b) How can the vision of economic development of a nation be achieved without adversely affecting the sustainability of oceans? (Answer in 250 words) 20 In the context of the above-stated information, address the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the given case study? (b) How can the vision of economic development of a nation be achieved without adversely affecting the sustainability of oceans? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":58,"question":"That her wedding will not be held as a private ceremony with only close friends and family, but should be publicised in a grand way, as you had promised earlier to her. Given this situation, answer the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the above situation? (b) What are the various options that you have, as a father and an ambitious politician? (c) What will be your course of action? Justify with proper reasoning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4201,"topper":"Makarandu Manda","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2bb91-200072_1049_makarandu-manda_rank_110.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Concerns regarding the wide formulation and indiscreet application of discretionary powers of the Governor need closer attention. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Explain the concept of subordinate legislation in India. Also discuss the mechanisms for their scrutiny and control. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The crucial position accorded to the Speaker in Indian legislatures, makes it imperative to protect them from undue political pressures and incentives. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Departmentally-Related Standing Committees have been referred to as mini-parliaments in India. Highlight their relevance in a democratic polity and discuss, with examples, how they improve the overall effectiveness of the Parliament. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Enumerate the issues associated with functioning of tribunals in India. How can these be addressed? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Examine the significance of Gram Sabhas, as mentioned in Article 243A of the Indian constitution, in the development process with special reference to Fifth Schedule areas. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The Rajya Sabha is merely a secondary house rather than a second house in the Indian Parliamentary system. Critically analyze the statement. Also, compare and contrast the position of the Rajya Sabha vis-a-vis the State legislative councils. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"A major shift is needed in the institutional framework of the Central Water Commission (CWC) and the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) to make water management more holistic and multidisciplinary. Discuss in the context of Mihir Shah Committee recommendations. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"On what grounds can a person be denied the right to contest elections to the Parliament in India? Will a life-time ban on those convicted of heinous crimes address the problem of criminalisation of politics? Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Directive Principles can be considered as even more important than the Fundamental Rights because they provide a positive thrust towards welfare. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"In light of demands for replacement of the FPTP (First Past the Post) system with other alternatives, compare the merits and enumerate the challenges associated with replacing the current system. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Despite long term recognition of the problem of pendency of cases in the courts, limited progress has been made in reducing their number. What are the possible reasons for such a scenario? Suggest a framework of measures that can be taken to address this issue. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite the phrase 'due process of law' not being included in Article 21, the Supreme Court, over the years, has adopted the doctrines of 'procedural due process' and 'substantive due process' into Indian constitutional law. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Can we say that cooperative federalism in India has strengthened in the post-liberalisation era? Give reasons in support of your answer. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Faulty regulatory policies can have a severe adverse effect on the efficient interplay of market forces and end up harming public interest. Examine in the context of systemic issues pertaining to regulatory environment in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Mention the constitutional provisions to safeguard and ensure the independent and impartial functioning of the UPSC. Further, assess the limitations of UPSC in effectively performing its role as the 'watchdog of merit system' in India as envisioned by the Constitution. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What are the key issues in the context of electoral funding in India? How far do you think the idea of state funding of elections can address these issues? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Separation of powers in case of India has acquired its own uniqueness under the constitutional arrangement. Explain. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Highlight the extent of President's powers under Article 352. Comment on the judicial scrutiny of proclamation and the exercise of executive powers under National Emergency. How is this power different from the one bestowed under Article 356? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Fiscal transfers from the Centre to States are critical in India. In this context, explain the rationale of both general and specific purpose fiscal transfers. Also highlight the problems witnessed in the design and implementation of specific purpose transfers. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4202,"topper":"Makarandu Manda","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ca4b3-200072_1068_makarandu-manda_rank_110.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"There are many challenges in sustainably scaling up renewable energy in India. Analyse. Also, discuss what can be done to address these challenges. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The policies and indicators introduced by the government, in recent times, to finance urban development in India are key in addressing the existing challenges. Discuss with special reference to municipal bonds. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"With a number of issues continuing to be a roadblock, a large section of India's rural population is still 'financially excluded'. Discuss. Analyse how these issues can be addressed and the measures taken by the government and RBI recently in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'Environmental Accounting'? Discussing the rationale behind introducing environmental accounting, highlight its status in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"While access to irrigation is important, efficiency of water use is equally, if not more, crucial. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"For a holistic approach to disaster risk reduction, there is a need to mainstream indigenous traditional knowledge and link it with modern technologies. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Not only do services MSMEs contribute mightily to the overall GDP growth, they have a powerful, multiplier impact on the local economies as well. Elaborating on the statement, highlight the problems faced by service sector MSMEs. How can the government make it easier for MSMEs to start and grow a business? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":18,"question":"Contract Farming has many advantages, however it suffers from market failures. Elaborate. What can the government do to correct problems that lead to contract failures? Also, discuss whether the Model Contract Farming Act, 2018 is a step in the right direction. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":21,"question":"Suggest the measures needed to improve the employability of labour force as well as increasing number of employment opportunities in light of structural changes being brought by disruptive technologies. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":24,"question":"India's trade policy in agriculture, marred by ad-hocism and pro-consumer bias, has constrained realization of export potential, and prevented the farmers from reaping the benefits. Examine the statement and discuss ways, including government initiatives, to improve agricultural exports. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Is currency exchange rate a suitable measure of relative economic performance of countries? Despite improving macro-economic fundamentals, trade deficit in India continues to widen. Bring out the factors responsible for this situation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"It will take much more than relief packages to address the problems being faced by the sugar industry in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"NAPCC, almost 10 years old and formulated with lofty objectives, has not served as the best answer to cope with the impacts of climate change. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Proliferation of nuclear weapons and the threat of their use are key concerns for global security nonetheless existing international arrangements seem to be ineffective. Comment. Also, identify the salient features of India's policy in this context and discuss whether India should join the NPT in the current form. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"India's space programme was initiated with the vision of utilising outer space for peaceful purposes, however with changing times it has the potential to play a significant role in strengthening security capabilities of India. Discuss with adequate examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4203,"topper":"Malavika G Nair","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/MALAVIKA-G-NAIR-UPSC-2024-Rank-45-MGP-Sample-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q1 Societal apathy towards mental health issues has resulted in marginalization of individuals dealing with mental disorders. Elaborate and suggest measures to bring mental health concerns from periphery to mainstream.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Q2 Critically assess the role of microfinance in satisfactorily addressing the interconnected challenges of poverty and unemployment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Q3. Though grand in their intent, the legislative measures for vulnerable populations have become handicapped due to implementational bottlenecks. Comment, with special reference to SC/ST, Prevention of Atrocities Act, 1989.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Q4 What are the reasons behind limited success of co-operative movement? How can co-operatives be made more effective fostering rural development?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 Leveraging real time data in policy making has become indispensable for achieving good governance. In this context, analyse the role of e-governance in enhancing the effectiveness of developmental policies.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Q6 In civil services, what should matter are - capabilities, merit and talent. In this context, examine the relevance of lateral entry in civil services in face of various apprehensions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Q1 India must exercise stabilizing influence in its difficult neighbourhood to effectively safeguard national interest. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Q8 ASEAN serves the twin purpose of developing India's North East and augmenting the country's reach in Southeast Asian Region. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"29. The realization of a successful Asian century is premised upon stable India-China relations. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"810 Do you think NATO as a system of US-led collective security for Europe is increasingly relevant in multipolar world? Justify your answer.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Q.14 Increased penetration of mobile network, internet infrastructure, and smart phones have made m-governance the pivot of the welfare programmes of the government, but it poses challenges of exclusion. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"Q12 The distinct characteristics of the Civil Society Organizations and the government create a unique symbiosis in improving the governance and development process in the country. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Q13 Critically examine the utility of social audit framework in bringing the governance process closer to the people.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"Q14) Eradication of chronic malnutrition for an all-encompassing approach. In this context, throw light on the importance of nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive approaches for achieving the goal of Zero Hunger","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"Q15 Evaluate the efficacy of digital interventions in transforming the educational infrastructure of the country.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"Q16) The role of the civil services is not limited to the mere welfare of the people but extends to the realm of upholding the spirit of the Constitution. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Q17 India has a pride of place among the comity of nations with strong credentials in the arena of soft power. Identifying the key attributes of India's soft power, discuss the extent to which it has been leveraged in India's foreign policy matrix.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"18) BRICS can serve as a platform for shaping a post western global order, but the potential of the grouping is held back by internal contradictions. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"Q19) Enumerate the factors that make Indo Pacific a theatre of opportunity for India. What are the impediments in reaping the geostrategic potential for the Indo-Pacific.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"Q20 The latent potential of the India-EU strategic partnerships is detered due to a slew of factors. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4204,"topper":"Malavika G Nair","air":45,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9161c-966415_2527_malavika_g_nair_rank_45.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Though Positivism became a powerful sociological method, it had its critics. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Reliability and validity in social research are pre-requisites. Explain the concepts and their significance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Could you elaborate on the diverse types of family structures prevalent in today's societies?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Access to quality education contributes to breaking the cycle of poverty and fostering upward social mobility? Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"The family may well be dysfunctional both for society and its individual members\". Evaluate the statement with the help of sociological perspectives.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Common sense is considered as way of mundane life, but sociology examines the mundane life. Explain.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Clarify the correlation between Sociology and political science.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"What is \"sampling\"? Which sampling technique would be suitable to study voting behaviour of people? Explain.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"The alternatives to the institution of the marriage are leading to its disintegration. Identify the causes and comment on the validity of the statement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"How do online platforms contribute to the dynamics of social and political change in contemporary society?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"Examine the impact of information technology on 'social organization of work' in contemporary society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Is society seen as a harmonious system with gradual changes to maintain stability, or is it viewed as a battleground where conflicts between groups drive significant transformations? Discuss in context of functionalist and conflict theory of social change.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"Techniques of data collection play crucial role in social research. Describe case studies as a technique of data collection in social research.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"How does structural-functional theoretical framework explain the functions of kinship systems in maintaining social order and stability?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Surveys have become part and parcel of modern life, constituting almost an industry. In this context, critically evaluate the usefulness of survey as a research method.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"History without Sociology has no fruit; Sociology without History has no root. Critically Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4205,"topper":"Malavika G Nair","air":45,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c6e8f-966415_2526_malavika_g_nair_rank_45.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Assess Max Weber's concept of \"Ideal Types\" as a unique and distinctive methodological approach in sociology.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Explain how Talcott Parsons AGIL model can be applied to understand and analyze the education system in contemporary societies.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Examine the consequences of 'social mobility' on both the 'individual' and 'societal' levels within various societal frameworks.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"It has been suggested that a significant portion of Max Weber's theoretical framework was crafted through extensive and prolonged intellectual discourse with the shadow of Marx. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"\"Durkheim's idea of social facts both established sociology as an independent field of study and provided one of the most convincing arguments for studying society as it is before we decide what it should be\". Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"Critically examine 'pattern variables' as a conceptual tool, in understanding social reality.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"The concept of 'latent and manifest functions' evolved by Robert K. Merton, has given greater 'significance and relevance' to the 'functional analysis' in understanding social reality. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"\"Emile Durkheim's concept of the division of labor highlight its dual nature, serving as both a functional and potentially anomic force in society.\" Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Utilizing Durkheim's Suicide theory, examine the pattern of elevated suicide rates in present-day Indian society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"\"Pressure groups are the corner stone of a democracy\". Critically analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"Robert K. Merton s theory of deviance, was a departure from constructing 'total theoretical systems' in explaining social phenomena. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"In Marx's view, social stratification is created by people's differing relationship to the means of production. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Examine and highlight the similarities and differences between C. Wright Mills' understanding of the elite in the power structure and the perspectives of Pareto and Mosca on the same subject.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"\"What key factors have acted as catalysts for revolutions throughout history\"? Discuss with the help of different sociological perspectives.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Modernity has many children, one of them is 'fundamentalism'. Critically examine the relevance of the statement.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4206,"topper":"Malavika G Nair","air":45,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5f62d-966415_1532_malavika_g_nair_rank_45.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4207,"topper":"Malavika G Nair","air":45,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b386d-966415_1528_malavika_g_nair_rank_45.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4208,"topper":"Mali Jaideep Narayanlal","air":645,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/MALI_JAIDEEP_NARAYANLAL_SS_GS_1_AIR_645_2025_9931754689.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4209,"topper":"Mali Jaideep Narayanlal","air":645,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/MALI_JAIDEEP_NARAYANLAL_SS_GS_2_AIR_645_2025_6add1b2aa7.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4210,"topper":"Mali Jaideep Narayanlal","air":645,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/MALI_JAIDEEP_NARAYANLAL_SS_GS_3_AIR_645_2025_1a120791e3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4211,"topper":"Mali Jaideep Narayanlal","air":645,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/JAIDEEP_MALI_SS_GS_4_AIR_645_2025_4add03171a.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4212,"topper":"Maliye Sri Pranav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d3e0b-586044_1419-_maliye-sri-pranav_rank-60.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the issues associated with power discoms in India, discuss whether privatizing discoms can help in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Harnessing Smart Agriculture can potentially be a game-changer for farm productivity in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Rather than focusing solely on quantity, inclusive growth concerns itself with the quality of growth. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"In the backdrop of Atmanirbhar Bharat, discuss the core areas crucial in export promotion for India to become a manufacturing hub. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Arsenic pollution is becoming a severe environmental issue in India. Enumerating its various sources, discuss the consequences and measures to tackle it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The Green Term Ahead Market (GTAM) can invigorate the renewable energy sector in India. Evaluate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The CRISPR/Cas9 genetic scissors have revolutionized the genome editing technique with applications in various areas. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Bring out the role played by Financial Action Task Force in tackling the menace of money laundering. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the recent reforms that have been undertaken in the National Security Architecture of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Bring out the key hurdles that are being faced in accomplishing land reforms in India. Also, discuss the advantages which can be reaped by accomplishing them in contemporary times. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"India needs to accord more significance to nutritional security than food security. Comment. In this context, suggest a framework that should be adopted by the government to achieve nutritional self-reliance. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Private investments are key for India to move into a high growth trajectory. Discuss. Also highlight the steps taken by the government in recent times to address the fall in private investments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"India's geographical diversity and varied levels of development across regions necessitate a targeted region specific action plan to ensure a minimum acceptable level of prosperity. Elaborate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Empowering the farmers by ensuring barrier-free trade in the agriculture produce is critical in doubling their incomes. Enumerating the existing bottlenecks, discuss how the recent legislations can help in overcoming them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The reasons for recurring floods in the regions of Eastern India such as Bihar and Assam go far beyond their topography. Discuss. Also, suggest measures to control this menace. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"How can 5G technology potentially bring about a digital revolution in India? Identify the challenges in adoption of 5G technology in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Besides computing, quantum technology has potential applications in various areas. Discuss. What are the challenges which lie ahead for effective utilization of quantum technology? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"While most insurgent groups in North-East India have given up violence and are engaged in peace talks with the government, a number of issues could create hurdles in the future. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Identifying the key vulnerabilities in India's cyberspace, discuss the framework which should be adopted in the envisaged new cyber security policy in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4213,"topper":"Maliye Sri Pranav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3ca85-586044_1449_maliye-sri-pranav_rank-60.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Bringing higher judiciary under the ambit of RTI has its own merits and demerits. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Tribunals in India have not just replicated some of the problems that our judiciary suffers from but added a few more. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Parliamentary privileges are not always used for the aims they were intended to serve. In this context, discuss the need for codification of these privileges in light of recent developments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"There is a point of view that the office of Governor has outlived its relevance and needs to be abolished. Critically examine in the current context. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Highlighting its key features, examine the need for the passage of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill by the Parliament at the earliest. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"With changing times India's engagement with its diaspora has also undergone a change. Explain in the context of government policies on diaspora. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Despite its immense potential, the challenges associated with RCEP for India cannot be ignored. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":38,"question":"The recent advances in technologies have the potential to make e-governance a very potent tool for ushering in an era of good governance. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"While Indians are donating to charitable causes more than ever, philanthropy in India is still at a formative stage. In this context, highlight the significance of philanthropy and state the factors holding back philanthropy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4214,"topper":"Maliye Sri Pranav","air":60,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1y1AUZEf6Yzi8t_AxlXwfU8m8Ni0ilbkU","questions":[]},{"id":4215,"topper":"Mamta Jogi","air":921,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/f2b76-1269555_2574_mamta_jogi_rank_921.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4216,"topper":"Mamta Jogi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d07f2-1269555_2370_mamta_jogi_rank_921.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Does moral conscience always complement laws, rules, and regulations in ethical decision-making? Support your answer with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Compassion towards weaker sections of society is essential and non-negotiable in a country like India. Examine with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Corruption exists and thrives in Indian society because it is socially accepted and even seen as aspirational. Do you agree with this view? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Social accountability is increasingly recognized as a means of enhancing democratic governance and improving service delivery. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"\"The human voice can never reach the distance that is covered by the still small voice of conscience.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Fortitude is the marshal of thought, the armor of the will, and the fort of reason.\" - Francis Bacon. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"\"Character is repeated habits, and repeated habits alone can reform character.\" - Swami Vivekananda (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"How can organizations balance healthy competition while preventing undue pressure on employees? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Formation of attitudes is a crucial aspect of the socialization process. Discuss the various factors that contribute to the development of attitudes in individuals. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Conflicts are inevitable in any workplace, and administrative roles are no exception. In light of this, discuss the role of emotional intelligence in conflict management. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Discuss how attitude plays a crucial role in shaping our perceptions and interactions with the world. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Recent studies indicate that Generation Z is experiencing higher levels of loneliness than the previous generations. What are the possible reasons for this trend? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Neeraj is a recent college graduate who works in the finance and analytics department of a large IT company. Recently, Neeraj discovered an alarming discrepancy in the recording of sales, which raised concerns about the company's commitment to truthful reporting to investors. Neeraj's company specializes in providing software services to other businesses that want to drive their business growth, accelerate sales, and earn more profits. The cost of a product depends on the type of services required. Advanced packages are costlier, and selling more will indicate stronger growth for the company. Neeraj was recently tasked with a new project to develop a visual showing the number of customers who had purchased products, and the amount spent on advanced vs. basic packages. But, in his research for the project, he came across a pattern of reporting sales information that disturbed him. Neeraj saw that if a customer had purchased Rs. 50 Lakh worth of \"advanced\" products and Rs. 50 lakh worth of \"basic\" products, the entire Rs. 1 Crore worth of sales were classified as sale of \"advanced\" products. He discovered multiple instances of this kind and the misrepresentation amounted to crores of rupees. As an employee, he grapples with the unsettling realization that investors may be receiving misleading information to make the company's sales look stronger than they in fact are. Neeraj feels that the right thing to do would be to speak up and try to fix the way the company reports its sales numbers. He is deeply troubled by what appears to be dishonesty, as it conflicts with his personal integrity and moral values. But, Neeraj is new to the company and does not want to create any major problems. He also wonders if there is some good explanation for the way that the sales are recorded. When Neeraj consulted his senior, he was told that this is a \"creative accounting\" practice common in corporate organizations. He also indicated that the total amount of sales has not been fudged. Moreover, it is a stressful time, in which many tech lay-offs are taking place and Neeraj's own company has announced that there would be layoffs. As a new employee, he knows that he may be among the first employees considered for firing. Hence, he does not want to do anything to risk losing his job right now because he has student loan to pay off apart from other expenses like rent. (a) What are the ethical dilemmas faced by Neeraj in this case? (b) How does the work culture influence employees' willingness to report potential wrongdoing?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"Ravish, hailing from a modest background, worked diligently to gain admission to a prestigious university. After graduating with commendable academic credentials, he secured a well-paying job at a leading multinational company. Driven by ambition, he left the job after gaining a few years of experience to launch his own startup. Thanks to the startup boom in the country, Ravish was able to secure significant capital from investors with relative ease. His hard work and dedication fueled the rapid growth and success of his startup. However, as the company flourished, Ravish's extravagant lifestyle began to attract public attention. As the founder and CEO, he drew a substantial salary, believing it to be justified given his efforts in building the company from scratch. A few years later, an economic downturn put Ravish's startup under financial strain. Investors, now focused on profitability, withdrew their support, leaving Ravish under immense pressure to cut costs in order to sustain the business. Consequently, he decided to downsize the workforce and communicated this decision through a personalized video message to his employees. Within hours of the video's release, it went viral on social media, accompanied by images from Ravish's lavish wedding that had taken place just two months prior. The public criticized Ravish for his opulent lifestyle while simultaneously laying off a significant number of employees. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the given case? (b) In light of the above case, discuss the ethical considerations regarding disparities in remuneration between top-level leaders and their subordinates in corporate organizations. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Within hours of the video's release, it went viral on social media, accompanied by images from Ravish's lavish wedding that had taken place just two months prior. The public criticized Ravish for his opulent lifestyle while simultaneously laying off a significant number of employees. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the given case? (b) In light of the above case, discuss the ethical considerations regarding disparities in remuneration between top-level leaders and their subordinates in corporate organizations. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"Vikram, a senior data scientist, is leading a team to develop an Artificial Intelligence (AI) system for a e-commerce platform. He has to enhance customer experience by providing personalized recommendations based on user behaviour. The success of this project is critical not only for the company's growth but also for Vikram's team, which has been underperforming in the recent months. The stakes are high, and the team is at risk of suspension if it fails to deliver on this project. To improve the accuracy of the AI algorithms, Vikram's team considers incorporating sensitive personal information, including users' purchasing history, location data, health records and social media activities. While this could significantly enhance the system's effectiveness, it raises concerns about privacy and the potential misuse of sensitive data. Also, a data breach has occurred earlier on the e-commerce platform, and personal information of thousands of users was exposed to unauthorized entities. The incident became widely publicized, leading to regulatory scrutiny and potential legal action against the company. Vikram faces pressure from the company's marketing department to prioritize revenue generation over user privacy. The marketing team suggests implementing tactics that subtly encourage users to make more purchases, even if it means manipulating their preferences or creating a sense of urgency. (a) Identify the ethical issues faced by Vikram in developing the AI system. (b) What are the options available to Vikram in addressing this case? (c) How can ethics be an integral component of AI systems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":56,"question":"Identify the ethical issues faced by Vikram in developing the AI system. (b) What are the options available to Vikram in addressing this case? (c) How can ethics be an integral component of AI systems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4217,"topper":"Mamta Jogi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/139b0-1269555_2366_mamta_jogi_rank_921.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"How can the family effectively transmit core moral principles in an era dominated by digital influences? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Though conscience generally serves as a crucial guide in ethical decision-making, it is sometimes fraught with limitations. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What ethical principles should govern the utilization of public funds? Discuss the moral implications of using taxpayer money to bail out large corporations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Probity means more than just the avoidance of corrupt or dishonest conduct. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What does the following quotation convey to you in the present context. \"To educate a man in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society.\" - Theodore Roosevelt (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.\" - Henry Ford (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"\"Laws are silent in times of war.\" - Cicero (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Good corporate governance is about intellectual honesty and not just sticking to rules and regulations. Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"In general, the higher a position in an organization, the more emotional intelligence matters. Do you agree with this view? Give reasons in support of your answer. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In addition to neutrality and non-partisanhip, tolerance and inclusion are other important values that facilitate the civil servants to be more competent in a diverse country like India. Explain with suitable illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What are the key principles of public service delivery? Discuss the challenges associated with providing effective public service delivery in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"When it comes to attitudinal change towards sustainable development, behavioural nudges are the way forward. Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"What lessons can be learnt from the life of Mother Teresa? Discuss their relevance in the contemporary world. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Identify the key stakeholders involved in this case. (b) Explain the measures you, as the Superintendent of Police, will take to address the stampede situation and curb the spread of fake news through social media. (c) Discuss the ethical considerations you must keep in mind while implementing these measures, particularly in balancing public safety with individual rights and religious sentiments. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Ravi Sharma, a renowned movie actor, finds himself in an ethical dilemma regarding a lucrative endorsement deal offered by a prominent bottled water company. However, the bottled water company is a subsidiary of a major alcohol brand, and the water bottles carry the same branding as the alcohol products. The advertising campaign is designed to reinforce the alcohol brand's image under the guise of promoting a healthy product. Ravi is known for his socially responsible public image and advocacy for healthy living. He is deeply aware of the harmful effects of alcohol, having lost a close family member to an alcohol-related illness. However, the financial reward from this endorsement deal is substantial and could significantly support Ravi's philanthropic activities, particularly his initiatives for providing education and healthcare to underprivileged communities. This situation places Ravi at a crossroads, forcing him to choose between accepting a deal that could indirectly promote alcohol use and rejecting it on ethical grounds, potentially foregoing significant funding for his charitable work. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in Ravi's decision to endorse the bottled water product?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the broader implications of celebrity endorsements and their influence on public health and consumer behaviour. (c) How can public figures like Ravi use their influence to promote ethical business practices in the advertising industry? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"You are posted as the District Magistrate in a predominantly agricultural district. Recently, the region has been hit by unseasonal rainfall, causing severe crop damage and pushing the farming community to the brink of crisis. The situation is further exacerbated by widespread corruption in the food grain procurement system. You have received reports about rampant malpractices in the warehouses responsible for procuring food grains from farmers. These corrupt practices include deliberate delays in the procurement process, manipulation of weighing scales, arbitrary quality rejections, and demands for bribes from desperate farmers. As a result, farmers are facing significant financial losses, with many unable to recover even their input costs. Many farmers are unable to sell their produce, while others are forced to sell at prices far below the Minimum Support Price (MSP). This has led to financial distress for the farming community. Adding to the complexity, you have received reports suggesting that some local politicians and influential businessmen are involved in these corrupt practices, benefiting from the farmers' misery. There are also rumors of potential farmer protests and agitations if immediate action is not taken. As the District Magistrate, you are faced with the challenge of addressing both the immediate crisis and the systemic issues that have led to this situation. (a) Identify the key stakeholders involved in this case and their respective interests. (b) Discuss the immediate measures you will take to provide relief to the affected farming community. (c) Discuss the ethical dilemmas you might face while implementing your chosen course of action and how you would navigate them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Mr. V, recently appointed as the head of Aztack's India division, faces a significant ethical dilemma regarding the company's baby food products. Recently, it has come to public attention that Aztack's baby products in India contain nearly 3 grams of sugar per serving, while similar products in wealthier nations like Germany and the UK have no added sugar. Aztack defends this practice, stating that the sugar levels comply with local regulations. However, the nutritional information on these products omits details about added sugars. This revelation has sparked backlash from civil society, NGOs, and health experts, who argue that added sugar in baby products is dangerous and unnecessary. The criticism is growing, putting Aztack's reputation and market position at risk. Mr. V faces a serious challenge. Removing these baby products from the market could result in significant financial losses for the company, potentially leading to employee layoffs and even the possibility of the company shutting down, given its already precarious financial state. The senior management is pressuring him to resolve the issue without making drastic changes that could affect the company's profit. (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) Evaluate the options available to Mr. V in the above situation. (c) Which of the above would be the most appropriate option for Mr. V and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Sagar Mehta, a 42-year-old professional with an impeccable track record in the corporate world, had recently accepted the position of CEO at Infratech Solutions, one of India's largest infrastructure companies. Known for its expertise in designing and constructing roads and bridges, Infratech had built a strong reputation over the past three decades, primarily working on projects for state public works departments and occasionally securing contracts with national agencies. For Sagar, this role was the culmination of 15 years of hard work and dedication. He had climbed the corporate ladder through sheer talent and integrity, always adhering to ethical business practices. His appointment as CEO of Infratech was seen as a breath of fresh air in an industry often marred by controversies. Eight months into his new role, Sagar was feeling confident about the direction in which he was steering the company. He had implemented new technologies, streamlined processes, and was pushing for more sustainable practices in their projects. One evening, while reviewing some financial documents, Sagar noticed a pattern of large outflows to various obscure entities just before major contract announcements. Intrigued and slightly concerned, he decided to dig deeper. He found out that Infratech had been making substantial political donations to the election campaigns of ruling party members in states where they were bidding for contracts. These donations were carefully timed and strategically distributed to maximize the company's chances of securing lucrative government projects. Sagar had always prided himself on running clean operations. Determined to address this issue, Sagar raised the matter at the next Board meeting. To his shock and dismay, the Board of Directors not only acknowledged the practice but also strongly defended it. The message was clear - the Board expected Sagar to continue this practice, and any deviation could jeopardize not just the company's stability but also his position as CEO. As Sagar left the meeting, he felt the weight of this ethical dilemma bearing down on him. On the one hand, he was responsible for the company's success and the livelihoods of thousands of employees who depended on Infratech. On the other hand, he was now complicit in a practice that he found ethically questionable and potentially illegal. (a) State the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) Evaluate the options available to Sagar. (c) What should be his course of action? Give reasons to support your answer. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4218,"topper":"Mamta Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2456e-936371_1417_mamta-yadav_rank_5.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Dadabhai Naoroji left an indelible imprint on the national movement. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Quit India movement marked a new direction in the struggle against the British colonial rule in India. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The end of World War II marked the birth of a new international order. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Simla Agreement (1972) and Lahore Declaration (1999) are two key milestones in the history of the Indian subcontinent. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Social security should not only involve economic empowerment but also social empowerment. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Explain with examples how globalisation is manifested in both local in the global and the global in the local. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In light of persistence of various forms of violence against women in India, discuss the ways in which the issue can be addressed effectively. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What is an urban forest? Highlight its benefits and steps taken by the government to promote urban forestry in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"How has globalization impacted the location of the IT Industry? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"How can eco-tourism be used to sustainably harness the potential of tourism industry in India? Discuss the challenges and steps taken by the government in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The advent of Buddhism and Jainism was instrumental in the development of architecture in ancient India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The reactionary policies of Lord Lytton and the liberal policies of his successor Lord Rippon acted as catalyst in the formation of the Indian National Congress. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Gandhiji changed his methods of struggle against the British from time-to-time to suit the varied circumstances and problems that needed to be tackled. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Bring out the relationship between the industrial revolution and the advent of imperialism in different parts of the world. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The caste system in India has continued to persist by adapting itself to a variety of changing socio-economic and political conditions in the past few decades. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"It is argued by some that regionalism is a threat to national integrity while others consider it as a highly impactful tool in facilitating political participation. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Describe the process of rift valley formation, with special emphasis on the Great Rift Valley System. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India's water resources have witnessed rapid depletion due to a mix of economic, geographic, and political factors. Explain and discuss its implications. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How are plateaus formed? Also, briefly discuss the features of the Deccan plateau and its economic significance. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4219,"topper":"Mamta Yadav","air":5,"year":2020,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7f47d-936371_1418_mamta-yadav_rank_5.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4220,"topper":"Mamta Yadav","air":5,"year":2020,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/414e0-936371_1419_mamta-yadav_rank_5.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4221,"topper":"Mamta Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1G4QrQlXb0iJKqk0V-56rpdEvct1i7lPZ/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) Man is not only a product of his environment but can also modify the environment. Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) Though it may seem that accountability and efficiency are antithetical to each other, accountability is a sine qua non for good governance. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) Gandhian ideals can be of immense help in dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic. Evaluate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) While civil servants have the legal right to undertake post-retirement jobs, it raises key ethical issues. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"3. Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context:\n(a) Try not to become a man of success but rather try to become a man of value. Albert Einstein","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) Having knowledge of an unethical act and allowing it to continue can spread a contagion that can affect multiple beings in society. Bertrand Russell","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"4. (a) When people use a common resource without a coordinated plan the result is often a tragedy of the commons in which the resource is depleted. In this context, discuss the various ethical challenges arising out of utilization of Global Commons.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"4. (b) While a code of conduct merely establishes minimal standards of conduct, a better strategy to promote ethical work culture is through internalization of values. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"5. (a) A state that does not have the political will and the discipline to enforce probity in governance, can not get rid of the menace of prolonged corruption. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"5. (b) India cannot march successfully in to the 21st century with the administrative system having a colonial mindset. Discuss in context of the bureaucratic work culture in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"6. Which corporate leader has inspired you the most and what moral lessons have you learnt from their life?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"7. Increasing participation of people in governance and easy access to information is what transforms governance to good governance. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"8. It is sometimes believed that moral scrupulousness in one's private life automatically guarantees high moral stature in professional life. Do you agree? Justify your stand with logical arguments.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"9. You are working as a District Magistrate in an aspirational district where women literacy and sex ratio is one of the lowest in the country. It is brought to your notice that a woman who has been elected as 'Sarpanch' on a seat reserved for women candidates in a panchayat in your district is head 'only on the paper'. All the work related to the panchayat is actually carried out by her husband. Even the flag hoisting ceremony on Independence Day is carried out by her husband. However, her husband happens to be a good administrator as indicated by that panchayat's performance on various developmental parameters as compared to other panchayats in the district. Also, her husband enjoys the support of the local people. Given the situation, answer the following:\n(a) Identify the stakeholders and issues involved in this case?\n(b) What options are available to you as the District Magistrate in such a scenario? Also, evaluate each option and indicate what option will you choose.","marks":"20","words":"in around 250"},{"page":34,"question":"10. The issues confronting humanity are multifaceted - from political conflicts and human rights abuses to pandemics and climate change. They are not contained within national borders, nor do they fit into the silos of separate government agencies or academic specialties. What is required is greater international cooperation, mutual respect, abiding by international laws and participative global decision-making. However, over the last decade, it has been observed that international relations have overshadowed these basic tenets of global governance and now we are at the verge of serious global catastrophic risks. When it comes to the structures of global governance, business as usual, is no longer an option. Not only an improvement in our understanding of risks is required but also taking responsibility to lead collective action for a coordinated global response.\n(a) What do you think are the factors hindering collective actions?\n(b) Provide a case for the moral obligation of the international community to come together and find solutions to the problems we face.\n(c) What should be the principles guiding such international cooperation?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":39,"question":"11. You are posted as Superintendent of Police in a district. A case has come up in which more than 30 girls were allegedly raped and sexually exploited at the city shelter home run by an NGO. The scandal came to light when media flagged complaints of sexual abuse of inmates of the city shelter home. A nexus of police, politicians, administration and criminals have been allegedly responsible for the racket going on for the last few years. In light of this, a lot of protests have erupted across the city. While, on one hand, media glare has meant that people are demanding swift action, you have been asked to go slow in investigating the case by top officers in your department. Elections in the state are due in a few months, so it has become a politically sensitive issue. You are also under immense political pressure from the ruling party to not take strict action and make compromises to cover up the case. Given the situation, answer the following:\n(a) Identify the issues involved in the case.\n(b) What are the options available to you? Which of these options will you choose? Justify your stand with logical arguments.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":44,"question":"12. Being the senior-most IAS officer, you are in line to be promoted as Chief Secretary after the incumbent retires in the next two months. Currently, you are heading the Public Works Department (PWD) and a road construction project worth crores has been opened for tender. A company X belonging to the son-in-law of the incumbent Chief Minister has also applied for the same. The director in charge of the screening process, a young IAS officer, has reported that company Y and the state PSU have submitted the best bids. Both you and the director are facing political pressure to favour the company X. The young IAS officer may be demoralised if you give in to the pressure. But if you don't give in then he may be transferred and your chances of promotion may also suffer. In light of the situation, answer the following:\n(a) Discuss the ethical issues faced by you in the given case.\n(b) What are the options available to you? Which of these options will you choose? Justify your stand with logical arguments.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":49,"question":"13. As the head of the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), you are tasked to complete the construction of a power plant. The project needs to be completed expeditiously to fulfil the promise made by the government to ensure access to power for all. The selected site is in a remote area and is ideal for plant construction. However, the project would require relocation of the people living in the vicinity. Initially, the local community objected to disruption in their lives, but were convinced later about the economic benefits that would accrue to the region through this plant. The project had started gathering pace, but recently a local NGO working for environment protection got involved with the local community regarding the issue. And now the local community has started protesting against any developmental activity in the region. As the officer-in-charge for the speedy execution of the project, answer the following:\n(a) What are the issues involved in this case?\n(b) What course of action will you take and why?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":54,"question":"14. Genetic editing has several applications with its potential to edit the genomes of both somatic and germ cells. This allows for the ability to not only cure genetic diseases but to edit the characteristics of future offspring. The last few years have seen the development of several efficient, more precise genetic engineering techniques. However, with growing sophistication, various issues of bioethics have also have come to the forefront.\n(a) Discuss the ethical considerations associated with genome editing.\n(b) In the light of these ethical issues, provide an ethical framework on how this technology can be used for the betterment of humanity.","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":4222,"topper":"Mamta Yadav","air":5,"year":2020,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9afc6-936371_1420_mamta-yadav_rank_5.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4223,"topper":"Manan Agarwal","air":46,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c3ff4-629408_1459_manan-agarwal_rank-46.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4224,"topper":"Manan Agarwal","air":46,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/09ec5-629408_1460_manan-agarwal_rank-46.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4225,"topper":"Manan Agarwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b1f83-629408_2218_manan-agarwal_-rank-46.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to revisit the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution? Discuss with suitable arguments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":4226,"topper":"Manan Agarwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/940e1-629408_2219_manan-agarwal_-rank-46.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Fiscal policy can be a key tool to reduce income inequality as well as make the poorest and the downtrodden a part of the country's growth story. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Digitizing land records will go a long way in ensuring land reforms as well as lessening the burden on the Indian Judiciary. Elaborate. Also, state the measures taken in this context. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"It has been pointed out that competitive politics to fund mostly non-merit subsidies is pushing a few states in India to the brink of a deep fiscal crisis. In this context, discuss the need to rationalise the subsidy regime in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Micro-irrigation has tremendous potential in transforming farming into a profitable and sustainable venture. Discuss the given statement in the context of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Given its vast resources and technical expertise, India can play a key role in assisting the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) in dealing with the impact of climate change. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The recent \"Disaster Management Plan of Ministry of Panchayati Raj (DMP-MoPR)\" aims to develop disaster resilience at the grassroots level. In this context, discuss the rationale behind the formulation of the Plan and highlight its key components. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the internal security implications emanating from the use of Emerging And Disruptive Technologies (EDT) by state and non-state actors. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Identify the impediments faced by India in boosting its defence exports. Also, discuss the steps taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the multiple issues associated with space debris. Also, state the initiatives taken in recent times to tackle this menace. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The adoption of Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) in India is expected to make e-commerce more inclusive and accessible for consumers. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While an agreement was recently reached at the WTO on a deal to curb \"harmful\" government fisheries subsidies, certain concerns raised by India suggests that the matter will require further negotiations. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite the advantages that are associated with the hybrid annuity model (HAM) in the road construction sector, the interest in it has moderated due to various reasons. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The existing MSP procurement regime is neither economically nor agro-ecologically sustainable. Elaborate. Also, evaluate the alternative approaches that can be adopted to improve the existing MSP regime. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"It is being argued that India is struggling with overflowing foodgrains in warehouses. Discuss the statement in view of the existing buffer stock policy of India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Recently, the government has asked all ports to prepare a master plan in order to become 'mega ports' by 2047. In light of this, discuss the challenges faced by ports and suggest remedial measures in order to propel India's blue economy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Inequality in income and wealth translates into carbon inequality. In this context, discuss the significance of addressing carbon inequality for India and suggest ways to achieve it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Despite increased and regular occurrences of landslides over the past decade in India, the dominant development paradigm has largely not been modified. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India needs a smart border management system to balance legitimate cross border flows with national security interests. Discuss. Also, highlight the initiatives taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Establishing linkages between globalisation and money laundering, discuss the initiatives taken at the national and international levels to combat it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"There have been arguments that India needs to review some of its past assumptions about the nature of outer space and contribute to the development of new global norms. In this context, analyse India's stand in relation to the Artemis Accords. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"Highlight India's own scientific capability in space sector","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4227,"topper":"Manan Agarwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/18a74-629408_2217_manan-agarwal_-rank-46.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With examples, discuss how the cultural traditions from various regions of India get reflected in regional music. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Highlighting the emergence of the working class movement, discuss its contribution towards India's freedom struggle. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Do you agree with the view that Gandhian politics was, in a sense, a continuation of Tilak's politics? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"It is said that the world's oceans are losing their 'memory' due to human-induced warming. Comment. Also, discuss the consequences of the phenomenon. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What is soil amendment? Evaluate the benefits and concerns associated with it. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"It has been suggested that the next decade may see a boom in hybrid power plants. Stating the advantages that such power plants offer, discuss the associated challenges. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What are Van Allen Radiation Belts? Explaining their formation, discuss why there has been a growing focus on their study. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss whether marital rape should be criminalised in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What is care economy? Highlight the challenges associated with it and mention the steps taken to address them in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Post-pandemic India is staring at the challenge of \"learning poverty\". Analyse its implications and discuss a way ahead. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Bring out the evolution of mural traditions in South India. Also, elaborate on their significant characteristics. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Indian nationalism that confronted British imperialism in the 19th century was a product of colonial modernity. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Environmentalism surfaced in the form of many organised movements in post independence India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Do you agree with the view that continental blockade was an ill-conceived strategy by Napoleon to conquer Britain through economic means? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What do you understand by the Arctic Paradox? Highlight the spatial distribution of mineral and energy resources in the Arctic region. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Cryosphere changes have a tendency to bring about a devastating impact on the ecosystem and its people. Discuss. Also, enlist measures to tackle this threat. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The frequent instances of urban flooding pose a severe risk to the urban ecosystem in India. Discuss with special emphasis on its impact on the critical infrastructure. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Sand is not only critical for economic development but also provides crucial ecosystem services. Elaborate. In this context, discuss the importance of sustainable sand mining in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The challenge of unbridled and unbalanced growth of urban spaces in India necessitates reforms in urban planning and capacity. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Feminist movements in India have historically lacked inclusivity, often growing within a limited Western upper-class psyche. Critically discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4228,"topper":"Manan Agarwal","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QiOY5tBaA46jEdmsAwL5ygnHVOFxZyb2/view","questions":[]},{"id":4229,"topper":"Manan Agarwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3f661-629408_2220_manan-agarwal_-rank-46.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The logic of limitless wealth lies in the basic human instinct for furthering self-interest in the form of profit. In this context, do you think there is a possibility of pursuing ethical capitalism? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":4230,"topper":"Manan Agarwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/209a4-629408_2214_manan-agarwal_-rank-46.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The ideals of 'Dhamma' by Ashoka present key learnings on public morality. Discuss. Also, state their relevance for public servants. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Although bribery is illegal and counterproductive, public officials still demand bribes, and executives in the private sector remain tempted to pay up. In this context, discuss ways in which corporations can build a framework to eliminate the practice of offering kickbacks. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"It is argued that the Indian bureaucracy suffers from indecision and risk aversion. Do you agree? Justify with logical arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Although open and transparent governance has gained ground, do you agree with the view that there is merit in withholding some information from people? Justify your arguments with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"While it may seem restrictive, anonymity is one of the greatest strengths of the civil services. Comment in the context of growth of social media in recent times. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"A legally enforceable code of ethics for civil servants, which not only prescribes the ethical values they must display in their public life but also provides sanctions for violations of these values, is the need of the hour. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Examine the issue of foreign aid in global politics from an ethical perspective. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"There is a need for an effective climate governance structure within the broad framework of corporate governance. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"A well-developed Emotional intelligence is not only an instrumental tool in accomplishing goals, but has a dark side as a weapon for manipulating others by robbing them of their capacity to reason.\" Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The opportunities and threats created by emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) require leaders across business, government and civil society to understand the importance of values and ethics in technological development. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"All persons ought to endeavour to follow what is right, and not what is established.\" - Aristotle (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":34,"question":"Capital punishment, or \"death penalty,\" is an institutionalized practice designed to result in deliberately executing persons in response to actual or supposed misconduct and following an authorized, rule-governed process to conclude that the person is responsible for violating norms that warrant execution. Punitive executions have historically been imposed by diverse kinds of authorities, for an expansive range of conduct, political or religious beliefs and practices, for a status beyond one's control, or without employing any significant due process procedures. Punitive executions also have been and continue to be carried out more informally, such as by terrorist groups, urban gangs, and mobs. For centuries in Europe and America, discussions have focused on capital punishment as an institutionalized, rule-governed practice of modern states and legal systems governing serious criminal conduct and procedures. In light of the above debate of capital punishment, answer the following questions: (a) What are the arguments in favour of and against having capital punishment in the criminal justice system? (b) Do you think capital punishment has a place in modern civilised society? Examine in the context of moral implications involved in awarding it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are the Chairperson of Staff Selection Commission of a state. Recently, an exam for recruitment to the position of sub-inspectors was conducted by the Commission. But a video of some students using hi-tech devices like spy-mics, and placing \"solvers\" to cheat in the exam by hiding bluetooth devices in wig, has been surfacing on the internet. Also, this is not an isolated incident; many instances of organized cheating scandals have shocked the state in recent years. Students are agitated and demanding cancellation of the exam and there is pressure on you to resign. However, your daughter had also appeared in this exam and is confident of clearing it. There are many other students who had waited for this exam for a long time and are hopeful of clearing it with honest efforts. Whatever decision the Commission takes is bound to affect the career of a large number of candidates who appeared in the exam, including your own daughter. (a) Highlight the ethical issues concerned in the case. (b) Why is cheating in examinations prevalent in many states across India? (c) What measures would you take to make sure that a similar situation does not arise in future?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Sunil has been posted as a DM in a hilly district which is vulnerable to several natural disasters. The district is known for a pilgrimage site and is frequently visited by tourists from all over India. The major occupation of locals therefore lies in the hospitality business. Unfortunately, after a few days of his joining, the district faced a major earthquake. It has led to high casualties and damages to the essential infrastructure such as roads and bridges. Both locals and tourists are trapped at different routes and locations. An international convoy of dignitaries from a neighboring country which has come to pay their obeisance at the pilgrimage site, is also trapped due to the disaster. Because of this, Sunil has to divert most of the available resources in the rescue operation of the foreign dignitaries. People are emotionally distressed due to the disaster, and delayed response from authorities to their needs has led to a law-and-order situation in the district. People from other states whose families are trapped and need immediate assistance are also getting restless and flooding the emergency helplines with complaints and requests. (a) Discuss the issues being faced by Sunil in the given scenario. (b) Mention a course of action that Sunil must take to maintain law-and-order as well as to expediate rescue operations of all concerned.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"You are the Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district. One of your subordinates informs you that a girl has reached out to him and complained about a potential death threat to her and her boyfriend who belongs to another caste. Both the families are averse to their union. She has also informed that the local police station is neither filing any complaint nor giving her any assurance of protection. The girl belongs to the dominant caste of the region and her father is a prominent local leader of the party which is in power in the state. On further enquiry, you come to know that both the girl and her boyfriend are adults. They have moved out of the house and have started living together. This has further angered both the families and they are accusing each other of abduction. In the given scenario, answer the following questions: (a) Bring out the ethical dilemma faced by the you. (b) What would be a suitable course of action to resolve the issue? (c) At times, such instances lead to violence and may end up in honour killings. Discuss the reasons behind their social acceptance in parts of India despite the legal sanction against them.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4231,"topper":"Manan Bhat","air":88,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/93393beb2b7e996905ce7ea7f8b78443/55/air-88-manan-bhat_test-1_gs1.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Q.1 The fabric of Indian philosophical thought owes as much to Northern India as to Southern India. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2 The Indian society's impulse for social change and reform was a response to its opposition to colonial rule. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.3 What are the factors that led to the Russian revolution and what are the consequences of this revolution? Discuss its influence on the Indian national movement.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Q.4 Discuss the various factors responsible for the uneven temperature distribution on Earth's surface.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Q.5 The melting of glaciers due to climate change has serious implications for the ecosystem and human society. Discuss the effects of melting glaciers on the environment and the measures that can be taken to address this issue.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Q.6 The White Revolution was most successful in the Western part of India. Discuss the factors for this regional success of the White Revolution.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Q.7 To what extent does seismic investigation contribute to our understanding of the Earth's interior structure? Analyze its significance in detail.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Q.8 The pace of demographic transition varies across different states of India making population growth a double-edged sword. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":20,"question":"Q.9 The ethnic and cultural diversity in India has always been bound by the thread of unity. Discuss the major factors that have contributed to the cultural unity of India.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":22,"question":"Q.10 The dichotomy in public and private life in Indian society acts as a major barrier to the annihilation of caste. Justify.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":24,"question":"Q.11 India was forced into numerous wars post Independence. Highlight the causes and impact of the Indo-Pak and Indo-China wars on our bilateral relationships.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Q.12 The process of consolidation of Bengal, which started after the Battle of Plassey culminated in the Battle of Buxar. Do you think the Battle of Buxar was more important for the British than Plassey?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":30,"question":"Q.13 Sanskrit literature in general and particularly in the Guptan age set a high watermark for the literary history of ancient India. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 The configuration of the ocean floor provides essential information about the geological processes that have shaped the Earth's surface. Discuss the major features of the ocean floor and their significance in the study of oceanography.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 With the growing demand for rare earth elements, their distribution has become a critical aspect of the global economy. Discuss the distribution of rare earth elements across the world, their uses, and the environmental impact of their extraction.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 Tourism in the hilly states is threatening to exceed the ecological carrying capacity of the region. Analyze the factors contributing to this trend and evaluate the potential Environmental impacts of this phenomenon. What measures can be taken to ensure sustainable tourism in these states?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 The Indian monsoon is a complex phenomenon influenced by various climatic factors. Critically examine the role of oceanic and atmospheric factors in determining the intensity and distribution of monsoon rainfall in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"1) Oceanic?\na) Positive Indian Ocean Dipole further strengthen the Mascarene High & more rainfall?\nb) La-Mha also strengthen the High pressure of Mascarene High causing more rainfall?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 Why do traditions in our society impede change? To what extent can social legislation be instrumental against old customary practices?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Slums are not 'problems' that have to be 'solved' - but are indeed a result of lopsided and vested urban policies covering infrastructure provision and socio-economic issues. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 Communalism gains strength from economic deprivation, and thrives in environments of social exclusion, creating fertile ground for discontent and division. Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4232,"topper":"Manan Bhat","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Manan-Bhat-UPSC-2023-Rank-88-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"In many ways, the Spanish civil war was the opening act of WWII. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"How will you explain the different fates of Buddhism and Jainism despite a slew of similarities in the two religions? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Non-Cooperation Movement democratized India's freedom struggle but suffered from inherent limitations. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Critically analyse the efficacy of linguistic reorganization of states in addressing the reasons for linguistic divides in post-independent India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Briefly discuss the role of plate tectonics theory in explaining the location of volcanoes. Also, explain the multifarious impacts of volcanoes on the surrounding regions. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Taking further the success of Aspirational Districts Programme, Aspirational Blocks can help achieve the twin objectives of balanced growth and checking stress migration. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Describe the critical factors for location of defense industries and suggest measures to overcome the challenges. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"To what extent can Socio-Economic-Caste Census (SECC) address the challenges in achieving equitable resource allocation and targeted welfare? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Indian society is premised on some common values that give it a composite texture as well as some diverse practices that deepen its heterogeneity. Elucidate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What are the factors that influence population growth in the country? In this perspective, examine the relevance and need of raising the minimum marriageable age of women for population development. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Bring out the reasons behind the tribal unrest in British India. Also, analyze the reasons for their limited success. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The independence of India was not a result of a forced expulsion of the Empire, as desired by the Quit India Movement; it was rather a confluence of domestic politics and global circumstances. Analyze. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Explain why Sufism, a liberal reform movement in Islam could deepen its roots in the Indian sub-continent, despite Islam being a foreign religion? Also, bring out the impacts of Sufism on Indian society. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Enumerate the reasons behind rising intensity and frequency of cyclones in the Arabian Sea in recent years. Giving special reference to NDMA guidelines, recommend measures to check the adverse impacts of cyclones. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Examine the impacts of climate change on the hydrological cycle and suggest suitable mitigation and adaptation strategies to contain the harmful implications. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Defining continental shelf, highlight its resource potential and ecological significance. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Rooted in patriarchal values, gender-based violence, in all its manifestations, is antithetical to societal growth. Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The caste calculus in the Indian society remains predominant and continues to project its shadow on social, political, and economic domains. Do you agree? Substantiate your answer. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss various factors contributing to the water woes faced by Indian cities. Also, explain complexities in implementing a comprehensive water management plan. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Though important elements of group identity, religion and region also run the risk of deepening communal cleavages. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4233,"topper":"Manan Bhat","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/47ec5-718535_1863_manan-bhat_rank-231.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Parliamentary oversight of administration is not an end in itself rather it acts as a means to strengthen the efficient functioning of the administration. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Tenth Schedule of the Constitution has weakened the democratic credentials of India's representative democracy. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Article 246 of the Indian Constitution is considered as the cornerstone of Centre-state legislative relations. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Although the provision of issuing ordinances amounts to the usurpation of legislative power by the Executive, both Centre and states in India have taken unrestrained course to it. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"There has been a manifold increase in the number of ministries in the central government since independence. Do you agree with the view there is a need to phase out many ministries and amalgamate others in this context? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Evaluate the success of Digital India in fulfilling its vision of transforming India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Examine the issues related to poverty measurement in India. Suggest measures to improve upon the existing methodologies. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"As one of the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, discuss the rationale behind internationalisation of higher education in India and its associated challenges. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Stating the significance of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), examine whether they have been as beneficial as expected for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Though multilateral development banks (MDBs) are crucial for holistic development of developing nations like India, there are certain legitimate concerns about their functioning. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Despite the legal framework to resolve inter-state river water disputes, why do they continue to exist? Also, discuss measures that can be taken to resolve such disputes in an expeditious and agreeable manner. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"While use of technology is a welcome step towards improving the efficiency of the judicial system, it must be understood that technology itself comes with a set of challenges that make justice even more inaccessible. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The current urban planning capacities in India are extremely skeletal and need systemic reforms and a change in mindset. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Reservation for women in the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) has not translated into corresponding increase in women's representation in India's state legislatures. Bringing out the reasons for the same, discuss how under-representation of women in the state legislatures can be corrected. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"For effective public service delivery, there is need to shift from traditional accountability mechanisms to social accountability mechanisms. In this context, discuss the pre-conditions for the success of social accountability efforts and challenges associated with them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) remains one of the most ambitious programmes for public welfare and rural development, but its objectives cannot be achieved without strong and capable Panchayati Raj Institutions. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Despite legal safeguards and international conventions, the State has failed to uphold the rights of persons with disabilities in general and those with psychosocial disabilities in particular. Discuss in the context of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"To what extent has the PM Awas Yojana (Gramin) been successful in solving the problem of rural housing in India? Discuss with adequate arguments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Despite the potential of India's Neighbourhood First policy, there have been several impediments to regional cooperation in South Asia. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"It is argued that China's Belt and Road Initiative has resulted in unsustainable debt-for-infrastructure deals in several countries across continents and it is a part of debt trap diplomacy. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4234,"topper":"Manan Bhat","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c454f-718535_1515_manan-bhat_rank-231.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the meaning of off-budget borrowings and its role in helping the government raise funds for various expenditures. Also, comment on its desirability. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"It is argued that genetically modified food crops are required to ensure food security of India. Examine in view of concerns regarding introduction of GM crops. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"India's price intervention policies to support its agricultural sector not only create a broken system but also complicate matters related to international trade rules. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"India has an opportunity to become a leading global food supplier provided it has an efficient supply chain and the right marketing strategies. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Land banks are increasingly gaining prominence in India to encourage land-use efficiency and enable economic growth. In this context, discuss the benefits of a land bank and state the concerns associated with it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Desertification has been described as one of the greatest environmental challenges of our time and climate change is making it worse. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In the context of intellectual property rights, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of releasing projects under an 'Open Source' license. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"\"Indian space sector has been dominated by a single umbrella of government and government institutions.\" In light of the statement, discuss the significance of Indian Space Association in providing an impetus, to space technology in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Man and machine both have an important role in national security and making urban areas secure. In this context, discuss how technology is a major stakeholder in addressing the internal security challenges of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"National Security Guard (NSG) has emerged as a formidable force equipped to handle various manifestations of terrorism. Discuss the mandate and achievements of this force. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do you understand by asset monetisation? Why is it needed in India? In this context, discuss the issues that need to be addressed for the National Monetisation Pipeline to succeed. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"What is social stock exchange (SSE)? Discuss the need for setting up of SSEs and key challenges in their effective implementation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the context of India, highlight the importance of agriculture extension. What are the challenges faced in provisioning of agriculture extension services? How does the National Mission on Agricultural Extension & Technology (NMAET) address these issues? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Clearly delineate the 'employment problem' that India currently faces. Also, explain the fundamental reasons behind existence of this problem. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Although steps have been taken for integrating the dispersed logistics activities of maritime trade, much more needs to be done to make India a maritime powerhouse. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Accounting for natural capital and ecosystem services is crucial to understand the link between the economy and environment. Discuss with specific references to India's initiatives in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Rapid and unplanned urbanisation accompanied by population growth have increased both the risk and impact of natural disasters. Discuss the statement along with adequate measures to address the relevant concerns in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"National Hydrogen Mission can be a game changer for India's rising energy demands. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Despite geo-strategic instability of its region and a keen awareness of the cyber threat it faces, India has made only 'modest progress' in developing its policy and doctrine for cyberspace security. Critically examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Developmental interventions alone cannot play a defining role in the resolution of existing and protracted internal conflicts in various parts of India within a reasonable time frame. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4235,"topper":"Manan Bhat","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d0fde-718535_1513_manan-bhat_rank-231.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"In the context of protection of monuments, explain the role of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Also, comment on the challenges faced by ASI and measures taken to address these. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Tribal art has a huge potential for acting as an economic resource and a tool for socio-economic transformation of tribals in India. Elucidate. Also highlight the challenges in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Though the Government of India Act, 1919 proposed some radical administrative changes, it remained short of fulfilling aspirations of Indians. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Often deemed as the 'forgotten conflict', the Korean War had far-reaching implications. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Explaining the origin of earth's magnetism, discuss its significance with special reference to its interaction with solar particles. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discussing the challenges pertaining to dam safety in India, highlight the potential of Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project to address them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What is understood by Carbon Compensation Depth (CCD)? Discuss the implications of the rise in this depth due to anthropogenic warming as well. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"In view of demographic changes in recent decades, do you think India needs a two-child policy? Discuss in light of various strands of the debate surrounding this issue. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Globalization is incredibly efficient but has so far been incredibly unjust. Examine the statement in the context of developing countries like India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"It would not be completely wrong to state that in India, art is religion and religion is art.\" In light of the statement, discuss the impact of various religions on art in India, citing relevant examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Despite organizational apathy from the Indian National Congress in its initial years, the working class in various parts of the country subsequently participated overwhelmingly in the nationalist movement. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Though some of his early measures restored faith among the Indians in the liberal tradition of England, Lord Ripon's tenure did not bring about significant changes in the conservative mindset of the colonial bureaucracy. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The New Social Movements in post-independence period made an important beginning in awakening the society against injustices and deepened the very notion of democracy in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What are the reasons for recurrent and often catastrophic wildfires in places like Australia and the United States? Are there any lessons to be learnt from these events by India? Explain adequately. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss why India needs a cross border flood management mechanism. Also, state the major issues in cross border flood management and suggest remedial measures in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Depletion of water resources in India is both a geo-climatic phenomenon as well as a result some short-sighted government policies. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the major lithospheric plates? How and why do these plates move? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"There exists a wide gap between the constitutionally professed secularism and its practice in India. Do you agree? Substantiate with relevant arguments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India spends less than one per cent of GDP on care work infrastructure and services. In view of the statement, explain how increased public investment in care economy infrastructure can be instrumental in meeting multiple policy objectives. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4236,"topper":"Manan Bhat","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7db39-718535_1515_manan-bhat_rank_88.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the meaning of off-budget borrowings and its role in helping the government raise funds for various expenditures. Also, comment on its desirability. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"It is argued that genetically modified food crops are required to ensure food security of India. Examine in view of concerns regarding introduction of GM crops. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"India's price intervention policies to support its agricultural sector not only create a broken system but also complicate matters related to international trade rules. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"India has an opportunity to become a leading global food supplier provided it has an efficient supply chain and the right marketing strategies. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Land banks are increasingly gaining prominence in India to encourage land-use efficiency and enable economic growth. In this context, discuss the benefits of a land bank and state the concerns associated with it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Desertification has been described as one of the greatest environmental challenges of our time and climate change is making it worse. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In the context of intellectual property rights, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of releasing projects under an 'Open Source' license. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"\"Indian space sector has been dominated by a single umbrella of government and government institutions.\" In light of the statement, discuss the significance of Indian Space Association in providing an impetus to space technology in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Man and machine both have an important role in national security and making urban areas secure. In this context, discuss how technology is a major stakeholder in addressing the internal security challenges of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"National Security Guard (NSG) has emerged as a formidable force equipped to handle various manifestations of terrorism. Discuss the mandate and achievements of this force. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do you understand by asset monetisation? Why is it needed in India? In this context, discuss the issues that need to be addressed for the National Monetisation Pipeline to succeed. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"What is social stock exchange (SSE)? Discuss the need for setting up of SSEs and key challenges in their effective implementation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the context of India, highlight the importance of agriculture extension. What are the challenges faced in provisioning of agriculture extension services? How does the National Mission on Agricultural Extension & Technology (NMAET) address these issues? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Clearly delineate the 'employment problem' that India currently faces. Also, explain the fundamental reasons behind existence of this problem. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Although steps have been taken for integrating the dispersed logistics activities of maritime trade, much more needs to be done to make India a maritime powerhouse. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Accounting for natural capital and ecosystem services is crucial to understand the link between the economy and environment. Discuss with specific references to India's initiatives in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Rapid and unplanned urbanisation accompanied by population growth have increased both the risk and impact of natural disasters. Discuss the statement along with adequate measures to address the relevant concerns in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"National Hydrogen Mission can be a game changer for India's rising energy demands. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Despite geo-strategic instability of its region and a keen awareness of the cyber threat it faces, India has made only 'modest progress' in developing its policy and doctrine for cyberspace security. Critically examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Developmental interventions alone cannot play a defining role in the resolution of existing and protracted internal conflicts in various parts of India within a reasonable time frame. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4237,"topper":"Manan Bhat","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/457c1-718535_1513_manan-bhat_rank_88.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"In the context of protection of monuments, explain the role of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Also, comment on the challenges faced by ASI and measures taken to address these. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Tribal art has a huge potential for acting as an economic resource and a tool for socio-economic transformation of tribals in India. Elucidate. Also highlight the challenges in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Though the Government of India Act, 1919 proposed some radical administrative changes, it remained short of fulfilling aspirations of Indians. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Often deemed as the 'forgotten conflict', the Korean War had far-reaching implications. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Explaining the origin of earth's magnetism, discuss its significance with special reference to its interaction with solar particles. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discussing the challenges pertaining to dam safety in India, highlight the potential of Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project to address them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What is understood by Carbon Compensation Depth (CCD)? Discuss the implications of the rise in this depth due to anthropogenic warming as well. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"In view of demographic changes in recent decades, do you think India needs a two-child policy? Discuss in light of various strands of the debate surrounding this issue. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Globalization is incredibly efficient but has so far been incredibly unjust. Examine the statement in the context of developing countries like India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"It would not be completely wrong to state that in India, art is religion and religion is art. In light of the statement, discuss the impact of various religions on art in India, citing relevant examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Despite organizational apathy from the Indian National Congress in its initial years, the working class in various parts of the country subsequently participated overwhelmingly in the nationalist movement. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Though some of his early measures restored faith among the Indians in the liberal tradition of England, Lord Ripon's tenure did not bring about significant changes in the conservative mindset of the colonial bureaucracy. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The New Social Movements in post-independence period made an important beginning in awakening the society against injustices and deepened the very notion of democracy in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What are the reasons for recurrent and often catastrophic wildfires in places like Australia and the United States? Are there any lessons to be learnt from these events by India? Explain adequately. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss why India needs a cross border flood management mechanism. Also, state the major issues in cross border flood management and suggest remedial measures in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Depletion of water resources in India is both a geo-climatic phenomenon as well as a result some short-sighted government policies. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the major lithospheric plates? How and why do these plates move? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"There exists a wide gap between the constitutionally professed secularism and its practice in India. Do you agree? Substantiate with relevant arguments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India spends less than one per cent of GDP on care work infrastructure and services. In view of the statement, explain how increased public investment in care economy infrastructure can be instrumental in meeting multiple policy objectives. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4238,"topper":"Manan Bhat","air":88,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/93/air-88-manan-bhat_test-1_gs1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4239,"topper":"Manan Bhat","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Manan-Bhat-UPSC-2023-Rank-88-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Basic structure doctrine has prevented the Parliament, a creature of the constitution, from becoming the master of the constitution. Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"To what extent, in your opinion, Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in India have enabled women led development at the grassroot level? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The power of pressure groups lies not in their size or elaborate organization, but in their ability to mobilize public opinion and create lasting change. With help of relevant examples, discuss how informal pressure groups shape public policy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"\"Bail not Jail\" is the cardinal principle that upholds the sacrosanct ideas of individual's liberty and dignity. Explain the statement with the help of various judicial pronouncements. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Dispute redressal is the most important component of cooperative federalism. How does the Interstate Council facilitate the resolution of disputes related to states in India, and what are the challenges associated with this process? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Anti-defection law has failed to address and resolve the evil of political defection satisfactorily. Discuss various issues surrounding the Anti-defection law and recommend some corrective measures. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Decriminalization of homosexuality by the SC in Navtej Singh Jauhar case remains a task half done, specially without the socio-political sensitisation about the issues faced by LGBTQIA+ community. Elaborate in light of ongoing debates on same sex marriage. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Built upon common democratic values and shared vision of strategic autonomy, India-France bilateral ties exude a promise of stability, growth, and security in a time of geo-political flux and uncertainty. Do you agree? Substantiate your answer. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"As an important attribute of soft power, \"Knowledge diplomacy\" has the potential to further various objectives of foreign policy. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Referring to the case laws through which the collegium system in India evolved, critically assess its functioning. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Considering the non-enforceable nature of fundamental duties and directive principles of state policy, critically examine their impact in socio-political norms. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite its vital role for the smooth functioning of the body politic, constitutional punctuality remains conspicuous by its absence. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Frequent reliance on the ordinance making power by the government, not only dilutes the basic tenets of executive accountability in a parliamentary democracy, but also overlooks the democratic traditions of building consensus. Discuss with relevant examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The critical reason for poor public health indicators in India goes beyond recognition of right to health as fundamental right. Do you think that a statutory framework alone can ameliorate the situation? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Reforming the education infrastructure through digital interventions is a progressive step, but it has its limitations too. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Electoral bond was brought in as a reform that was high on intent but has proved to be low on substance. Do you agree? Justify. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The profound impact of the data revolution and widespread smartphone usage has necessitated the use of digital tools in welfare programmes. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Presidency of G20 is but a reflection of India's quest for a more just and polycentric world order, where the voice of the global south is mainstreamed not muzzled. Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The new cold war between the USA and China may have the effect of casting a long shadow on India's strategic interests from Pacific to Atlantic. Evaluate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4240,"topper":"Manan Bhat","air":88,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/93393beb2b7e996905ce7ea7f8b78443/54/air-88-manan-bhat_test-3_gs3.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Q.1 What do you understand by Windfall tax? Do you think that windfall taxes can effectively redistribute wealth and promote greater economic equality?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Q.2 Discuss the perceived successes and challenges of implementing inflation targeting under the new Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) regime.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Q.3 Assess the potential of millet production in promoting sustainable agriculture and improving food security in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Q.4 Jal Jeevan Mission has the potential to end the regional disparity in the availability and accessibility of drinking water. Highlighting the significance of the mission, discuss the underlying impediments in achieving the desired objectives.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"5) Curb climate change impacts :- due to rise in temperature, aquifers are depleting, hence JJM as a tool to compensate it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Q.5 What do you understand by Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)? Discuss its applications and how it can revolutionize the energy program of India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Q.6 Discuss in brief developments and challenges in the Gaganyaan mission of ISRO. What are the possible benefits of the mission for the society?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":16,"question":"Q.7 \"Green hydrogen can be the silver bullet in our quest to tackle climate change and pollution\". Critically analyze the statement in light of India's National Green Hydrogen mission.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Q.8 What are the key lessons for disaster management and environmental conservation in the Himalayan region, in light of the recent disaster in Joshimath, Uttarakhand?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Q.9 \"The recent radical trends in Punjab show that the Khalistan issue is still simmering.\" Discuss the statement with respect to recent developments and suggest measures to handle it.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Q.10 The anonymity and ease of drone operation contribute to the challenges of India's border security. Elaborate and give suggestions to tackle the drone problem in border areas.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Q.11 Electricity Amendment Bill, 2022 brings several advantages for consumers, DISCOMs as well as the environment. Elaborate. Also, list out its shortcomings and suggest some measures to overcome them.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.12 Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) plays an important role in the regulation of the share market and safeguarding the interests of investors. In the light of given statement, highlight the challenges faced by the SEBI and suggest reforms in this regard.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":28,"question":"Q.13 Despite being a major contributor to the Indian economy, the agriculture sector is plagued by several constraints that impede its growth and development. Discuss the role of technology in overcoming these constraints.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Q.14 Evaluate the impact of irrigation on the environment and natural resources, and suggest measures to ensure the sustainability and equity of irrigation practices in agriculture.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Q.15 How India benefitted strategically from the contributions of Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha and Dr. Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai in the fields of atomic energy and space technology respectively?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":36,"question":"Q.16 Generative AI holds the potential to push the boundaries of innovation in the near future, yet its societal impact raises substantial challenges. Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":39,"question":"Q.17 Explain the purpose of the \"Mangrove Alliance for Climate\" launched at the COP27 UN Climate Change Conference in Egypt in November 2022. Elaborate on the importance of mangroves in maintaining the coastal ecology of tropical nations.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Q.18 The Formation of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure brings more robustness to the Disaster Management approach in India. Comment and justify the need for a new strategy to tackle Disasters in India.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":44,"question":"What new policy should include?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Q.19 The recent rise in ransomware attacks targeting critical infrastructure and major corporations has highlighted the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity measures and policies. Discussing the key factors contributing to this trend, analyze the impact of these attacks on various sectors.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Q.20 In the context of border security, how can cooperation and coordination between different security agencies be improved to ensure effective and efficient management of coastal and terrestrial borders?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"}]},{"id":4241,"topper":"Manan Bhat","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Manan-Bhat-UPSC-2023-Rank-88-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the role of the 'Fourth Estate' in upholding democratic values and analyse the issues affecting press freedom in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The electoral process, though inclusionary in theory, has been pointed out for exclusionary tendencies in practice. Analyse, with special emphasis on role of women, in India's representative electoral system. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Assess the effectiveness of Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 in resolution of river-water disputes. Also describe the potential impact of delays in resolution of water disputes. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the significance of the cooperative model of development in addressing the issues of rural growth. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"In order to pass the ultimate test of good governance, welfare state should be close to the people, responsive to their aspirations and inclusive in its approach. Discuss with special reference to PM PVTG Development Mission. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"To what extent collaboration between the state and civil society organizations (CSOs) help in addressing poverty and malnutrition in the country? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Absence of a robust social infrastructure in the country may become one of the most significant challenges in achieving a developed status by 2047. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Though the changing paradigm towards dialogue and diplomacy in West Asia augurs well for India's interests in this otherwise restive region, presence of inimical actors may reverse the gains. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Water diplomacy can redefine the contours of regional cooperation in South Asia. Discuss with special reference to Indus water treaty 1960. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Despite constitutional backing to the institutions of local governance, the idea of decentralisation has remained hostage to several structural bottlenecks. Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Independent judiciary, as envisaged by the constitution, provides the bedrock for a thriving polity; however, executive encroachment may erode its credibility and affect its efficacy. Evaluate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Executive agencies, working as the watchdog against impropriety, are vital to act against the corrupt; however, pandering to vested interests may have the effect of turning the idea of rule of law on its head. Comment, with special reference to controversies associated with the Enforcement Directorate (ED). (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Critically analyse the role of National Commission for Women (NCW) in wake of its mandate to safeguard women's rights and uphold their socio-economic wellbeing. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Understanding the extent, source, and complexity of deprivations among the multidimensionally poor contributes to more informed policymaking. In this context, analyze the latest National Multidimensional Poverty Index Report by NITI Aayog. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Safely managed drinking water services, as desired by Jal Jeevan Mission, are designated to give multifarious benefits cutting across generations. Discuss. Also, elaborate upon the challenges in ensuring the mission's success. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Legislation like Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989 remains mere legal documents without intense sensitization of public functionaries and the civil society. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Harbinger of global rebalancing, India-Africa ties are a beacon of inclusive, sustainable, and equitable world. Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How do ASEAN centrality, rules-based order, and development partnership with Pacific Island states make Indo-Pacific a theatre of opportunity for India? What are the hurdles in realisation of an inclusive Indo-Pacific construct? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4242,"topper":"Manan Bhat","air":88,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/81/air-88-manan-bhat_test-3_gs3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4243,"topper":"Manan Bhat","air":88,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/93393beb2b7e996905ce7ea7f8b78443/64/air-88-manan-bhat_test-4_gs4.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"1. (a) Public service requires not merely legal but also morally principled action. Public service requires the public servant to place loyalty to the constitution, laws, and ethical principles. Among the three, which do you think must acquire primacy while carrying out official functions? Why? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"(b) What do you understand by \"integrity-based civil disobedience\"? Do you think a challenge to personal integrity can be a justifiable cause for responsible disobedience in civil services? Explain.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":9,"question":"2. (a) Recent research has shown that emotions significantly impact personal and professional lives. What are the primary emotions that negatively and positively impact workplace productivity? Explain with relevant examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"(b) Technical efficiency ensures resource utilization and social efficiency ensures fulfillment of social needs, what does ethical efficiency ensure? Do you think ethical efficiency is more important than technical and social efficiency? Why/Why not?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"3. (a) \"Man cannot do right in one department of life whilst he is occupied in doing wrong in any other department.\" Gandhi.\nDo you think an individual's personal ethics impacts professional life or they both can be compartmentalized? Explain your position with relevant examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"(b) Goodness is the result of internal imperatives to do what is right, not sanctions from moral rules or rewards from expected consequences. Do you agree? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"4. Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance.\n(a) \"To tolerate is purely an act of the mind. That is the essence of virtue. To tolerate is a strength.\" (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"(b) \"It is our first duty to serve society, and after we have done that, we may attend wholly to the salvation of our souls.\" (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"(c) \"Periods of peace are the empty pages in the history books\" (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"5. (a) In the context of civil service, distinguish between moral and nonmoral values. Identify 5 basic moral values that can serve as foundational values for all services irrespective of the department. Give reasons why those values can be considered foundational.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"(b) Citizens' involvement in decision-making is critical to ethics in governance. Do you agree that effective civic engagement mechanisms can facilitate an ethics-driven administration? What do you think are the mechanisms that citizens can use for ensuring ethics in governance?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"6. (a) Social transformation programs such as “beti bachao and beti padhao” believes in using advice, counseling, and persuasion but sometimes a little force is also necessary for getting the desired response. Do you think it is a good idea to mix little force with persuasion by public administrators while implementing social schemes of transformation? Explain with relevant examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"(b) Ultimately foreign policy of every country hinges upon the strength which the nation possesses. Strength may be military or financial and may be also...moral.\" Do you think ethical strength without military or financial muscle will be respected in today's world? Explain your position.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"7 You are a young officer working with the Municipal Corporation of an industrial city. The city was known for manufacturing ball bearings and auto parts. Most manufacturing units were small-scale units with very little production process automation. The units relied on manual labor, which was in abundance due to the villages close by.\n\nAs the number of manufacturing units grew, the demand for labor increased, bringing in a steady inflow of laborers into the city. This influx of people into the town led to a mushrooming of slums and encroachments on the sidewalks. Once in a while, the Corporation conducted drives to clear out the slums, but after a time, the slums came back. The illegal slums had become an urban nightmare.\n\nYou were given the responsibility of clearing out the encroachments and slums with the help of Police authorities. As you started the drive, you realized that the people living by the sidewalks were vulnerable compared to the slum dwellers. Many sidewalk dwellers had recently come to the city after selling their properties in their villages. Now if you drive them out, they have no place to go. Your heart went out to them, and you felt that your departmental action was inhumane, but your official responsibilities demanded stern impartial action. You are desperate to find a way to help the sidewalk dwellers without compromising your official duties.\n(a) What value conflicts do you notice in the above situation?\n(b) Can an administrator compromise the value of impartiality for empathy? Discuss.\n(c) What are the options available in the above situation?\n(d) Suggest viable solutions for tackling illegal slums and encroachments in urban areas.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"(a) Value conflicts in above situation:\ni) Public service duty VS empathy for vulnerable section.\nii) Bureaucratic order VS voice of conscience.\niii) Law & order VS illegal encroachment.\niv) Law VS humanity.\nv) Official responsibility VS personal values of compassion.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"d) Ways to tackle Slums & encroachments in Urban Areas","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"You are the Director of the Department responsible for implementing and operating the scheme. Recently you have been receiving reports of welfare fraud being committed by families by producing fake bona fide. The families committed the fraud with the help of local officials responsible for scrutinizing the bona fide. You were concerned because the fraud was seriously undermining the scheme's efficiency. You called for a departmental meeting to discuss and find a solution to the problem. In the meeting, it was decided to merge several available government data sets such as Aadhar cards, voter ID cards, marriage certificates, birth certificates, bank details, and other personal assets. By merging all the data sets, the department would be able to develop the beneficiary's economic profile. And this will help the department scrutinize the documents and detect fraud. This was a comprehensive strategy, but it risked violating an individual's data privacy. As a Department head, you wanted to detect and prevent fraud, but at the same time, you were apprehensive about violating the Data privacy of the stakeholders.\n(a) What are the issues involved in the above case?\n(b) Do you think violating data privacy is justified to prevent welfare fraud? Why/ Why not?\n(c) What, according to you, can be the reasons for such welfare frauds happening in the country?\n(d) Are there any ways and means to prevent such fraud? Give your suggestions.","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":39,"question":"9 You are posted in the Department of Mines, and one of your roles is to help your Department Head negotiate mining leases with private contractors. Recently, the state government demarcated a new mining zone and planned to invite bids for the mining blocs. You were instructed to oversee the bidding process and speed up the contract negotiations. As planned, the tenders were released, bids came in, and tenders were allocated as per the norms. All this happened at a breakneck speed. You wondered, why the hurry? But it was not your place to think and question; you quietly went about your work. As the contractors were about to start operations, you had to instruct them on environmental concerns to watch out for. And to do that, you read the environmental impact assessment report submitted by a consulting firm hired by the department. To your surprise, the report was shoddy and looked cooked up. You got suspicious and raised the issue with your Head, who politely instructed you to do what you were told, and he reminded you that the Department had revenue targets and was under pressure from the Ministry. After the meeting, you, on your own accord, did some digging and found out that the report was fraudulent and the mining activity that was about to start would lead to a massive environmental disaster which the State could not afford.\n(a) What are the issues and value violations you notice in the above case?\n(b) What are the options available to you?\n(c) Discuss the advantage and disadvantages of each option and identify your chosen course of action.\n(d) Do you think that environmental considerations are sometimes overrated at the cost of development?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":44,"question":"1 (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\n(b) Do you think GAMA should consider the international ethics while expanding its corporate business? If yes, why? If no, why not?\n(c) Do you think a corporation's social responsibility extends to the international community? If yes, why? If no, why not?\n(d) Do you think defense companies involved in sensitive technology transfer should be regulated by their respective governments? Or will regulation reduce their entrepreneurship and innovation? Discuss.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"(b), (c), (d) (b) Do you think corporate businesses such as GAMA must consider international ethics while pursuing business interests? Why/why not?\n(c) Do you think a corporate's social responsibility extends beyond one's immediate community to the international community? Why/Why not?\n(d) Do you think the Defence sector companies marketing sensitive technologies must be regulated by their respective governments, or regulation may curtail their entrepreneurial and innovation energy? Discuss.","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":47,"question":"6) GAMA must consider ethics because:-\ni) To ensure proper implementation of Universal Declaration of Human Rights :-\nii) To ensure commerce with morality (Gandhian idea)\niii) Kant's deontology :- There can be no wrong means like trading with military junta to gain right aim of making monetary benefits.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"11. (a) इस मामले में कौन-से नैतिक और व्यावसायिक मुद्दे शामिल हैं?\n(b) श्री शर्मा और सीईओ के पास कौन-कौन से विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\n(c) क्या आपको लगता है कि बिक्री कार्यबल को स्वतंत्रता देने की संगठनात्मक संस्कृति के कारण समस्या उत्पन्न हुई या व्यक्ति की भ्रष्ट प्रवृत्ति के कारण समस्या उत्पन्न हुई? चर्चा कीजिए।\n(d) जैसा कि इस मामले में बताया गया है, ऐसे अनैतिक व्यवहार को रोकने के लिए कंपनी कौन-से नैतिक तंत्र और उपाय निर्माण और कार्यान्वित कर सकती है? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए) 20 अंक\na) इस मामले में कौन-से नैतिक और व्यावसायिक मुद्दे शामिल हैं?\nb) श्री शर्मा और सीईओ के पास कौन-कौन से विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nc) क्या आपको लगता है कि बिक्री कार्यबल को स्वतंत्रता देने की संगठनात्मक संस्कृति के कारण समस्या उत्पन्न हुई या व्यक्ति की भ्रष्ट प्रवृत्ति के कारण समस्या उत्पन्न हुई? चर्चा कीजिए।\nd) जैसा कि इस मामले में बताया गया है, ऐसे अनैतिक व्यवहार को रोकने के लिए कंपनी कौन-से नैतिक तंत्र और उपाय निर्माण और कार्यान्वित कर सकती है?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":51,"question":"(a) What are the ethical and business issues involved in the case?\n(b) What are the options available to Mr. Sharma and the CEO?\n(c) Do you think the organizational culture of giving freedom to the sales force led to the issue or was the individual's corrupt nature that led to the problem? Discuss.\n(d) What ethics mechanisms and steps can the company create and implement to prevent unethical behavior, as mentioned in the case? (Answer in 250 words) 20 marks\na) What are the ethical and business issues involved in the case?\nb) What are the options available to Mr. Sharma and the CEO?\nc) Do you think the organizational culture of giving freedom to the sales force led to the issue or was the individual's corrupt nature that led to the problem? Discuss.\nd) What ethics mechanisms and steps can the company create and implement to prevent unethical behavior, as mentioned in the case? (Answer in 250 words) 20 marks","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"(a) उपरोक्‍त मामले में कौन-कौन से मुद्दे शामिल हैं?\n(b) आपको क्या लगता है रश्मि को क्या करना चाहिए? क्या रश्मि के लिए स्थानीय प्रशासन को शामिल करना अच्छा विचार होगा? कार्यान्वयन योग्य कार्यवाही का सुझाव दीजिए।\n(c) क्या आपको लगता है कि कंपनियों को उस क्षेत्र की सामाजिक समस्याओं के लिए भी जिम्मेदारी स्वीकार करनी चाहिए जहाँ वे अपना कार्य करती हैं? अगर हाँ तो क्यों, अगर नहीं तो क्यों नहीं?\n(d) श्रमिक संघ की इतनी आक्रामक प्रतिक्रिया के क्या कारण हो सकते हैं? आपके अनुसार रश्मि को कर्मचारी संघ को कैसे संभालना चाहिए?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए"},{"page":56,"question":"(a) What are the issues involved in the above case?\n(b) What do you think Rashmi should do? Would it be a good idea for Rashmi to involve local administration? Suggest an implementable course of action.\n(c) Do you think companies should also accept responsibility for the social problems of the region where they operate? Why/why not?\n(d) What could be the reasons for such an aggressive reaction from the workers union? How do you think Rashmi should handle the workers union?\na) What are the issues involved in the above case?\nb) What do you think Rashmi should do? Would it be a good idea for Rashmi to involve local administration? Suggest an implementable course of action.\nc) Do you think companies should also accept responsibility for the social problems of the region where they operate? Why/why not?\nd) What could be the reasons for such an aggressive reaction from the workers union? How do you think Rashmi should handle the workers union?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"}]},{"id":4244,"topper":"Manan Bhat","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Manan-Bhat-UPSC-2023-Rank-88-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Celebrity endorsements raise pertinent ethical concerns about responsibility that delve into the realm of ethical considerations of social influence that run deeper than mere surface appeal. In this context, suggest measures to tackle the ethical challenges of celebrity brand endorsements. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Embracing a scientific mindset involves setting aside impulsive inclinations in favor of the pursuit of truth. In your view, how does the integration of scientific thinking contribute to addressing contemporary challenges and promoting societal progress? How can we effectively cultivate a scientific attitude in society? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"In the realm of professional conduct, ethics plays a role that tends to go far beyond fulfilling the roles and responsibilities of the job with diligence and honesty. But some people consider professional competence as the only critical requirement for a job. If faced with a choice, who would you prefer to hire - someone with professional competence or one with strong moral values? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Patriotism can hold different meanings for different people, often shaped by personal experiences and convictions. What does patriotism mean to you? Explain narrating incidents from your life when you exhibited patriotism. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Max Weber's concept of bureaucracy was developed in the early 20th century, but it still influences administrative structures today. In what ways do you see Weberian bureaucracy as relevant in today's rapidly changing world? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Global challenges often test the ethical fiber of nations, urging them to channel narrow pursuit of national-interest into an enlightened self-interest.\" Enumerating the various ethical principles underlying the concept of enlightened national-interest examine its efficacy in helping nations navigate the fine line between pursuing their strategic interests and upholding ethical principles, particularly in times of conflict? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In the realm of governance, a crucial aspect is the art of persuasion. The qualities that make civil servants proficient persuaders empower them to fulfill their responsibilities in an effective manner. Discuss with illustrations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Corruption has multifaceted implications. Some consider it an undeniable vice, while others contend it to be an unavoidable necessity for navigating the bureaucratic complexities. In your opinion, does corruption oil or corrode the gears of development? Substantiate your arguments. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Ethical hacking and malicious hacking stand as divergent paths with distinct intentions and consequences. As technology advances, it becomes imperative to comprehend the nuances that set these practices apart in the cybersecurity landscape. In this perspective, elucidate the principles that differentiate ethical hacking and malicious hacking. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What does each of the following quotation mean to you? a) \"Our greatest ability as humans is not to change the world, but to change ourselves.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"What recommendations should Dharmendra make to create a safe environment for the women? b) What are the factors that have led to victimization of women, especially during conflicts? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":59,"question":"Mr X is travelling by road with his family to attend a marriage ceremony. His grandfather, who is the head of the family is also travelling with him. On the way to their destination, all of them stop at a road side restaurant for lunch. This is a well-known restaurant owned by one of the friends of Mr X. The place is known for its tasty and hygienic food. However, the grandfather notices a picture on the wall of the restaurant and enquires about the religion of the restaurant owner. Mr X's friend belongs to a religion different from the grandfather's religion. The grandfather has a negative attitude towards the religion of Mr X's friend and he insists that he will not eat in that restaurant. He demands that the entire family should leave the restaurant immediately as they are travelling for a happy occasion and eating at this particular restaurant will pollute them. Mr X tries to calm down his grandfather and explain to him that religion has nothing to do with purity or pollution. He also reasons that several travel magazines have rated the restaurant highly, especially for its superior hygiene standards. Also, he points out that there is no restaurant in the way for the next 100 Km and it will be difficult for all to make do without food for that long. However, his arguments fall on deaf years, and which is more his grandfather admonishes him for bringing the family to the restaurant despite being aware about the religion of the owner. Mr X's friend feels insulted and discriminated against due to his religion. Mr X's father is upset but refuses to say anything out of respect for the grandfather. Entire family is embarrassed by the attitude of the grandfather and they are getting ready to leave the restaurant. Mr X is confused regarding how he should act in this situation. a) What are the various ethical issues in the above case study? b) Imagine yourself in the place of Mr X. Evaluate the different courses of actions available with you. What is the most suitable course of action? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":4245,"topper":"Manan Bhat","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3aeed-718535_1516_manan-bhat_rank-231.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Do laws need to be consistent with the prevalent moral norms? Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"\"People's indifference is the best breeding ground for corruption to grow\". Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"In the context of COVID-19 pandemic, discuss the importance of Emotional Intelligence among healthcare workers. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"It is the 'spirit of service' that motivates a public servant to serve the country's interests and address people's issues. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Ethics does its work in the world by granting and withdrawing legitimacy. Discuss in the context of role of ethics in international relations. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Sustainable growth of an organisation can result only by aligning its decisions to the interests of all stakeholders, not merely its shareholders. Do you agree? Justify with logical arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri's life exemplifies value-driven public service of the highest order. What are the values one can learn from his life to be a good citizen and a good administrator? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"There is a view that the institutional mechanisms to ensure accountability of civil servants have weakened over time. In this context, discuss the need of a social accountability law in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Why has anonymity of civil servants traditionally been seen as an important arrangement? In this context, discuss your opinion on the doctrine of facelessness in civil services. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In the age of social media, influencers have a huge following and have gained prominent marketing roles. In this context, discuss the ethical issues involved in influencer marketing. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or the darkness of destructive selfishness. - Martin Luther King Jr. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You are a young officer posted as the Sub Divisional Magistrate in a district which houses factories for making match boxes and fire crackers. It is brought to your notice that a large number of children are working in these hazardous activities. The government had previously released a notification that owners of these manufacturing units need to report on the profiles of their employees annually to prevent child labour. These manufacturing units, abiding by the directives of the government, publish such reports annually and claim to have successfully put an end to employment of child labour. However, there are reports that these units are taking advantage of loopholes in the law. They are using contractors to continue to indirectly hire children without them officially being on the payroll of the units. Families of these child labourers are poor and see this as an essential source of income. An influential local politician also owns some of these manufacturing units and is known to put pressure on the officers involved for not taking any action against child labour. (a) Identify the stakeholders and ethical issues in this case. (b) How would you approach the problem and what would be the main elements of your action? (c) What medium to long-term measures will you propose to tackle the problem of child labour in the district?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Many states in India have experimented with prohibition of liquor at various times. However, it is common knowledge that many such states have a thriving illegal liquor industry. Moreover, it is ironical that while many political parties have prohibition prominently mentioned in their manifestos, it is politicians who distribute alcohol among voters during their election campaigns. This also gives rise to illicit liquor trade and many people lose their lives to it. (a) What are the socio-economic problems that are widely attributed to alcoholism? (b) Do you think prohibiting liquor creates more problems than it proposes to solve? (c) Short of prohibition, what can be done to tackle the problem of rising alcoholism, particularly among the youth of the country?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate (DM) of a district where residents are facing the menace of stray dogs. Instances of dogs chasing two-wheelers, cyclists and attacking pedestrians are on the rise. Elderly persons as well as children are the worst-hit and recently, an 8 year old girl was severely injured by a pack of dogs. The perceived magnanimity of the problem and inaction from government authorities have prompted vigilante groups to cull dogs in mass numbers. However, local NGOs have come out against such a practice of mass culling and are calling for stringent action against those killing stray dogs. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (b) As the DM, suggest short-term and long-term measures to tackle the above issue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are a young officer posted as the Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district. You have received information that at a party some people were harassed by your subordinate police officer. On further inquiry, you came to know that two complaints have been filed - one by the police and the other by people who organised the party. According to the police, people had gathered without permission and were not following COVID-19 appropriate behaviour and social distancing norms. But on the other hand, the complaint filed by the party organisers says that police entered the private venue due to loud noise and harassed everyone at the party including women guests. According to them, your subordinate police officer even tore apart the document, which granted permission to organise the party. A video of this incident, showing your subordinate officer tearing off a document, is being widely circulated on social media platforms. Due to this, social activists want you to take strict action against your subordinate police officer. (a) Identify the ethical issues in the case. (b) What are the factors that can influence decision by competent authorities in such instances? Do you think mobilising public opinion through social media is a fair way to influence the decision in such cases? (c) As the SP, what will be your course of action in this situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"As India's vaccination drive against the COVID-19 pandemic breaches the 100 crore inoculation mark, some of the most backward tribal districts of the country still remain unvaccinated. You are the new District Magistrate (DM) in one such tribal district. The vaccination drive has been unsuccessful in the district so far despite imminent threats of the virus. It is believed that the tribals of the district refuse to get vaccinated due to their personal beliefs regarding immunization. Further, the community doctor who works in geriatrics and has almost daily contact with members of the district, too has refused to be vaccinated based on his personal beliefs. This has made the people more adamant about their decision to remain unvaccinated. Additionally, rumours of a few deaths post-vaccination have spread in the district. There is also a high risk of rising cases in the nearby districts spilling over to your district. There is a dire need for assuaging the fear of people and extreme pressure on the administration to take action and conduct the vaccination drive smoothly. (a) What are the ethical issues in the given case? (b) As the DM in charge, what steps will you take to tackle the issues? (c) Discuss how persuasion can be used to convince people to voluntarily get vaccinated.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"In India, there exists a huge gap between demand for organ transplants and available donors, both living and cadaver. Besides a lack of awareness on organ donation, the rise of non-communicable and lifestyle diseases, such as hypertension and diabetes have led to increased instances of organ failure, in turn putting even more pressure on the demand for vital organs. According to reports, an estimated four lakh people die in India every year waiting for an organ transplant. Other than the legal and administrative issues, there are various ethical issues related to organ donation and transplantation in India. Provide an account of these ethical issues in detail. Also, discuss how the gap between demand and supply of organs in India can be closed.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4246,"topper":"Manan Bhat","air":88,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/77/air-88-manan-bhat_test-4_gs4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4247,"topper":"Manan Bhat","air":88,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AsbKTC1f-du0CsdunQqkPsv1IOB26SCC/view","questions":[]},{"id":4248,"topper":"Manan Bhat","air":231,"year":2022,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pD4m6FUHMeYa-oY2DZUYZKz8q9uUMD_p/view","questions":[]},{"id":4249,"topper":"Manasvi Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/591e8-34466_2218_manasvi-sharma_rank-101.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to revisit the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution? Discuss with suitable arguments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Highlighting the advantages of online dispute resolution (ODR) mechanism for justice delivery, discuss the challenges associated with its effective implementation in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Despite the constitutional division of powers, Centre-state disputes have been a perennial feature of Indian democracy. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Do you agree with the view that adopting a framework for lobbying will strengthen participative governance and ease of doing business in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Despite the government encouraging open source instead of proprietary technology for government applications, the true potential of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) and digital platforms remains unrealized. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"As a social safety-valve, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) can be the principal vehicles through which communities voice their concerns. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Despite being lauded for its patient centric approach, the implementation of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, remains sluggish and mired with various issues. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to formulate an Urban Employment Guarantee scheme at the national level? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the relevance of BIMSTEC as a regional organisation to fulfil India's strategic aspirations in the Indian Ocean Region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the relevance of the Gujral Doctrine for India with regard to its relations with its immediate neighbours in the present times. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the pivotal role of the \"Officers of Parliament\" in the Indian Parliamentary system. Also, discuss the constitutional and statutory provisions for their impartial functioning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The Finance Commission plays a crucial role in balancing fiscal federalism in India. In this context, examine the recommendations given by the 15th Finance Commission. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Critically assess whether according statutory backing to the Model Code of Conduct will contribute towards free and fair elections in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The market disruption caused by digital revolution warrants renewed focus and perspective to ensure fair competition in the digital economy. In this light, discuss the need to revamp the Competition Commission of India (CCI). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"There is an urgent need for effective whistle-blowing mechanisms and ensuring that necessary safeguards for the protection of whistle-blowers are established in both public and private spheres in India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"State the reasons behind the poor performance of cooperatives in India. Also, discuss the reforms undertaken by the government to overcome the shortcomings. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Public-Private Partnership model, if harnessed properly, has the potential to bridge the gaps in India's healthcare system. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Although the New Education Policy brings with itself a commendable vision, its success will depend on its ability to effectively integrate with the government's other policy initiatives. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) is born from a collective desire to make the Indo-Pacific region an engine of global economic growth. Comment. Also, discuss India's concerns in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"India needs to identify the priority areas to further its techno-diplomacy amidst the complexities of expanding digital space and New and Emerging Strategic Technologies. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4250,"topper":"Manasvi Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/bd848-34466_2220_manasvi-sharma_rank-101.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The logic of limitless wealth lies in the basic human instinct for furthering self-interest in the form of profit. In this context, do you think there is a possibility of pursuing ethical capitalism? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"If a law is unjust, a man is not only right to disobey it, he is obligated to do so. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The capacity of Citizens' Charter to initiate any transformative process is conditioned upon it being appropriately designed and effectively executed. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The moral fiber and ethical conduct of public officials not only influence the standard of governance but also their own interests and performance. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The ongoing debate on euthanasia poses several ethical questions. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Foreign aid is a form of neo-colonialism, as the economically wealthier countries can exploit the developing countries under the cloak of aid. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Throwing light on the idea of Universal Humanism propounded by Rabindranath Tagore, discuss its contemporary relevance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) “ ; ” \"Overcoming poverty is not a task of charity; it is an act of justice.\" Nelson Mandela (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":52,"question":"You are posted as a Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district where people of different religious communities are living together peacefully. The district is also famous for its architectural heritage and is regularly visited by tourists from all around the world. However, there has been an incident in the nearby state where people of two different communities have started fighting over religious issues. This incident has a spillover effect over the whole country. In your own area of jurisdiction, you have come to know from various sources about circulation of some hate speech videos, which have the potential to destabilise the law and order situation. You are also aware that some outsiders with dubious intentions have started pouring in your district. In one locality, a shopkeeper who had earlier filed a complaint regarding threats he received for posting something on the internet, is found murdered in cold blood. This incident has stunned the nation. You are being informed that hundreds of people of the community to which the shopkeeper belonged are planning to stage a massive protest in your district. (a) In the given situation, what are the options available to you to ensure that the law and order situation in the district remains stable. Provide a detailed account of your course of action. (b) Do you think the present legal and institutional mechanisms are sufficient to tackle the menace of hate speech in the society? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"The Indian education system suffers from many ills. One of the major issues is the focus on ‘rote learning’, which has been the staple of the Indian education system for many years. While many Indians have attained success despite this system, simply being able to recall information is not enough in today’s world when that information is instantly available to anyone on a mobile phone. A survey of 200 Indian and foreign companies found that only 14% of Indian graduates were prepared for the workforce, largely because most graduates were unable to apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the consequences of ‘rote learning’ on the educational development of young students in the country? (b) Suggest measures that can be taken to address this issue. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4251,"topper":"Manav Dhanetiya","air":514,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Law","optional":true,"source":"De Facto Law","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.defactolaw.in/_files/ugd/9bce74_f0502bd8a290488790944c5eabfac695.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4252,"topper":"Manav Dhanetiya","air":514,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Law","optional":true,"source":"De Facto Law","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.defactolaw.in/_files/ugd/9bce74_8769efcba93640c69f7ab1019c4dbf6e.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4253,"topper":"Manav Dhanetiya","air":514,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Law","optional":true,"source":"De Facto Law","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.defactolaw.in/_files/ugd/9bce74_e352c3ba9aa74f1dae5aee59adcb7f59.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4254,"topper":"Manika Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/072dd-1293391_2070_manika-gupta_rank_127.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q1 (a) Differentiating between courage and bravery, discuss why courage is often thought of as first of all virtues.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"(b) Discuss how social, cultural and religious factors act as determinants of ethics.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"Q2 (a) Bring out the relevance of Gautam Buddha in contemporary times.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"(b) If one takes care of the means the end will take care of itself. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Q3 (a) Explain the relevance of the following in context of civil services:\n(i) Impersonality\n(ii) Anonymity","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"(b) With the help of relevant egs., bring out the difference between the following:\n(i) Intelligence Quotient and Emotional Quotient","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Q4.(a) What do you understand by political neutrality? Explain its significance in public service.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"(b) There is more to integrity than honesty. Illustrate with examples. Also, suggest ways to inculcate integrity as a value in civil services.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"How to inculcate integrity","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"(c) What do you understand by probity? Why is it considered essential for good governance?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"Q5 a) Although utilitarianism is arguably the most reason-based approach to determining right and wrong, it has obvious limitations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"b) What do you understand by ethical dilemma? Explain with examples how it leads to crisis of conscience.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"06) What is code of conduct? How is it different from code of ethics?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"b) Bring out the relevance of the 7 principles of public life stated by Nolan Committee in the Indian context, with the help of examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"Q9. India, being a welfare state takes steps to preserve the health of its citizens by banning the promotion of certain harmful substances. This is in line with Article 47 of the constitution.\n(a) Ethical issues in surrogate advertising\n1) Deception to consumers -> This is against professional ethics and personal ethics as one is taking advantage of information asymmetry.\n2) Commercial gain prioritised over health\n3) Freedom of choice for the consumers and argument against state paternalism","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"Q11 With Digital Revolution, the online gaming industry has boomed and brought with itself its own set of ramifications.\n(a) Social issues in online gaming","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Q1 (a) Differentiating between courage and bravery, discuss why courage is often thought of as first of all virtue.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4255,"topper":"MANIL BEJOTRA","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/MANIL-BEJOTRA-UPSC-2024-Rank-401-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"It is often said that politics and ethics belong to different worlds. What is your opinion in this regard? Justify your answer with illustration. Also, highlight the consequences of divergence between politics and ethics. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"\"Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.\" In the context of this statement, bring out the ethical issues involved with creating a surveillance state for the sake of national security. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Family plays a prominent role in the value development of an individual. Elucidate. Also, examine the impact of the changing nature of families on children's moral development. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Different individuals have different conceptions of patriotism. What does patriotism mean to you? Narrate in brief any two real-life incidents when you displayed patriotism. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Moral behaviour is not only good for the community in which one is a part but also for the individuals who profess it. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discuss the important teachings of Swami Vivekananda. Bring out their relevance in the contemporary world. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"\"Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.\" Discuss the importance of emotional intelligence in self-realisation. Do you think emotional intelligence can be learned? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What do you understand by environmental ethics? Examine the ethical concerns in 'phase-down versus phase out debate' in the use of coal by developing countries. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"Two things define you: Your patience when you have nothing and your attitude when you have everything.\" What roles do attitude and patience play in the personal and professional lives of civil servants? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Gendered attitudes convert differences in sexes into discriminations. Examine the factors responsible for negative attitudes toward women in the Indian society. How can these attitudes be changed? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What does each of the following quotation mean to you? a) \"Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.\" -Mahatma Gandhi. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"The price good men pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men.\" - Plato. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"\"Whatever is begun in anger, ends in shame\"-Benjamin Franklin. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":36,"question":"How should one deal with the issues of online abuse as in the case study above? What are the options available to you? b) What values should guide online behaviour? Are these values different from the values governing offline conduct? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Mr. A is travelling by road with his family to attend a marriage ceremony. His grandfather, who is the head of the family, is also travelling with him. On the way to their destination, all of them stop at a roadside restaurant for lunch. This is a well-known restaurant owned by one of the friends of Mr. A. The place is known for its tasty and hygienic food. However, the grandfather notices a picture on the wall of the restaurant and enquires about the religion of the restaurant owner. Mr. A's friend belongs to a religion different from his grandfather's religion. The grandfather has a negative attitude towards the religion of Mr. A's friend, and he insists that he will not eat in that restaurant. He demands that the entire family leave the restaurant immediately, as they are travelling for a happy occasion and eating at this particular restaurant will pollute them. Mr. A tries to calm down his grandfather and explain to him that religion has nothing to do with purity or pollution. He also reasons that several travel magazines have rated the restaurant highly, especially for its superior hygiene standards. Also, he points out that there is no restaurant in the way for the next 100 km, and it will be difficult for all to make do without food for that long. However, his arguments fall on deaf ears, and more specifically, his grandfather admonishes him for bringing the family to the restaurant despite being aware of the religion of the owner. Mr. A's friend feels insulted and discriminated against due to his religion. Mr. A's father is upset but refuses to say anything out of respect for the grandfather. The entire family is embarrassed by the attitude of the grandfather, and they are getting What are the various ethical issues involved in the above case study? b) Placing yourself in the place of Mr. A, imagine what would be your course of action. Evaluate the various courses of action. What is the most appropriate course of action? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":60,"question":"Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, Purabkashi is a town located on the way to major pilgrimage destinations. The town is traversed by a section of the Panch-Dham Road Project, whose objective is to improve connectivity to the five major pilgrimage centers in the region. The project aims to develop and widen nearly 900 km of national highways in the Himalayas, making journeys to these centers saf- er, faster, and more convenient. The project is being constructed at a very high cost and is expected to boost tourism in the region and reduce road accidents occurring in the hilly region. The project is also important from a security point of view, as these roads can act as strategic feeder roads that connect the border with the Army camps in the nearby areas. The roads may facilitate quicker movement of troops and supplies and can serve as a strategic asset in connecting the border regions. However, from the conception stage of the project itself, various NGOs have raised several fault lines regarding its environmental sustainability. It has been noted that the project may destroy about 690 hectares of forests, and an estimated 20 million cubic meters of soil need to be removed. Experts raise concern that such a high-impact activity may aggravate erosion and destabilize the slopes. Large- scale uprooting of vegetation can prove to be perilous for biodiversity and regional ecology. Indiscrimi- nate blasting during road construction creates cracks in soil and rocks that may enhance the possibil- ity of landslides and associated disasters in the future. In 2018, the project was challenged in the Su- preme Court by an NGO for its potential impact on the Himalayan ecology due to felling trees, cutting hills, and dumping excavated material. The Supreme Court then constituted a high-powered commit- What are the various ethical issues involved in the above case study? b) As the head of the Panch-Dham project, what are the options available to Mr. Vinay? Analyse the pros and cons of each. c) In your opinion, between the dual objectives of development and conservation, which should be given higher priority and why? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":4256,"topper":"Maninderjit Kaur","air":246,"year":2019,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/91b77-113990_1075_maninderjit-kaur_rank_246.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4257,"topper":"Maninderjit Kaur","air":246,"year":2019,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/aa814-113990_1242_maninderjit-kaur_rank_246.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4258,"topper":"Maninderjit Kaur","air":246,"year":2019,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ac16e-113990_1244_maninderjit-kaur_rank_246.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4259,"topper":"Maninderjit Kaur","air":246,"year":2019,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/90f01-113990_1430_maninderjit-kaur_rank_246.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4260,"topper":"Maninderjit Kaur","air":246,"year":2019,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/85a00-113990_1434_maninderjit-kaur_rank_246.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4261,"topper":"Manish","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0547d-810341_2217_manish_rank-283.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With examples, discuss how the cultural traditions from various regions of India get reflected in regional music. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Highlighting the emergence of the working class movement, discuss its contribution towards India's freedom struggle. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Do you agree with the view that Gandhian politics was, in a sense, a continuation of Tilak's politics? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"It is said that the world's oceans are losing their 'memory' due to human-induced warming. Comment. Also, discuss the consequences of the phenomenon. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What is soil amendment? Evaluate the benefits and concerns associated with it. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"It has been suggested that the next decade may see a boom in hybrid power plants. Stating the advantages that such power plants offer, discuss the associated challenges. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What are Van Allen Radiation Belts? Explaining their formation, discuss why there has been a growing focus on their study. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss whether marital rape should be criminalised in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What is care economy? Highlight the challenges associated with it and mention the steps taken to address them in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Post-pandemic India is staring at the challenge of learning poverty. Analyse its implications and discuss a way ahead. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Bring out the evolution of mural traditions in South India. Also, elaborate on their significant characteristics. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Indian nationalism that confronted British imperialism in the 19th century was a product of colonial modernity. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Environmentalism surfaced in the form of many organised movements in post independence India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Do you agree with the view that continental blockade was an ill-conceived strategy by Napoleon to conquer Britain through economic means? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What do you understand by the Arctic Paradox? Highlight the spatial distribution of mineral and energy resources in the Arctic region. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Cryosphere changes have a tendency to bring about a devastating impact on the ecosystem and its people. Discuss. Also, enlist measures to tackle this threat. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The frequent instances of urban flooding pose a severe risk to the urban ecosystem in India. Discuss with special emphasis on its impact on the critical infrastructure. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Sand is not only critical for economic development but also provides crucial ecosystem services. Elaborate. In this context, discuss the importance of sustainable sand mining in India (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The challenge of unbridled and unbalanced growth of urban spaces in India necessitates reforms in urban planning and capacity. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Feminist movements in India have historically lacked inclusivity, often growing within a limited Western upper-class psyche. Critically discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4262,"topper":"Manish","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/76f30-810341_2218_manish_rank-283.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to revisit the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution? Discuss with suitable arguments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Highlighting the advantages of online dispute resolution (ODR) mechanism for justice delivery, discuss the challenges associated with its effective implementation in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Despite the constitutional division of powers, Centre-state disputes have been a perennial feature of Indian democracy. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Do you agree with the view that adopting a framework for lobbying will strengthen participative governance and ease of doing business in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Despite the government encouraging open source instead of proprietary technology for government applications, the true potential of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) and digital platforms remains unrealized. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"As a social safety-valve, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) can be the principal vehicles through which communities voice their concerns. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Despite being lauded for its patient centric approach, the implementation of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, remains sluggish and mired with various issues. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to formulate an Urban Employment Guarantee scheme at the national level? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the relevance of BIMSTEC as a regional organisation to fulfil India's strategic aspirations in the Indian Ocean Region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the relevance of the Gujral Doctrine for India with regard to its relations with its immediate neighbours in the present times. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the pivotal role of the \"Officers of Parliament\" in the Indian Parliamentary system. Also, discuss the constitutional and statutory provisions for their impartial functioning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The Finance Commission plays a crucial role in balancing fiscal federalism in India. In this context, examine the recommendations given by the 15th Finance Commission. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Critically assess whether according statutory backing to the Model Code of Conduct will contribute towards free and fair elections in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The market disruption caused by digital revolution warrants renewed focus and perspective to ensure fair competition in the digital economy. In this light, discuss the need to revamp the Competition Commission of India (CCI). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"There is an urgent need for effective whistle-blowing mechanisms and ensuring that necessary safeguards for the protection of whistle-blowers are established in both public and private spheres in India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"State the reasons behind the poor performance of cooperatives in India. Also, discuss the reforms undertaken by the government to overcome the shortcomings. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Public-Private Partnership model, if harnessed properly, has the potential to bridge the gaps in India's healthcare system. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Although the New Education Policy brings with itself a commendable vision, its success will depend on its ability to effectively integrate with the government's other policy initiatives. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) is born from a collective desire to make the Indo-Pacific region an engine of global economic growth. Comment. Also, discuss India's concerns in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"India needs to identify the priority areas to further its techno-diplomacy amidst the complexities of expanding digital space and New and Emerging Strategic Technologies. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4263,"topper":"Manish","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/eb197-810341_2219_manish_rank-283.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Fiscal policy can be a key tool to reduce income inequality as well as make the poorest and the downtrodden a part of the country's growth story. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Digitizing land records will go a long way in ensuring land reforms as well as lessening the burden on the Indian Judiciary. Elaborate. Also, state the measures taken in this context. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"It has been pointed out that competitive politics to fund mostly non-merit subsidies is pushing a few states in India to the brink of a deep fiscal crisis. In this context, discuss the need to rationalise the subsidy regime in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Micro-irrigation has tremendous potential in transforming farming into a profitable and sustainable venture. Discuss the given statement in the context of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Given its vast resources and technical expertise, India can play a key role in assisting the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) in dealing with the impact of climate change. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The recent \"Disaster Management Plan of Ministry of Panchayati Raj (DMP-MoPR)\" aims to develop disaster resilience at the grassroots level. In this context, discuss the rationale behind the formulation of the Plan and highlight its key components. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the internal security implications emanating from the use of Emerging And Disruptive Technologies (EDT) by state and non-state actors. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Identify the impediments faced by India in boosting its defence exports. Also, discuss the steps taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the multiple issues associated with space debris. Also, state the initiatives taken in recent times to tackle this menace. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The adoption of Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) in India is expected to make e-commerce more inclusive and accessible for consumers. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While an agreement was recently reached at the WTO on a deal to curb \"harmful\" government fisheries subsidies, certain concerns raised by India suggests that the matter will require further negotiations. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite the advantages that are associated with the hybrid annuity model (HAM) in the road construction sector, the interest in it has moderated due to various reasons. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The existing MSP procurement regime is neither economically nor agro-ecologically sustainable. Elaborate. Also, evaluate the alternative approaches that can be adopted to improve the existing MSP regime. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"It is being argued that India is struggling with overflowing foodgrains in warehouses. Discuss the statement in view of the existing buffer stock policy of India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Recently, the government has asked all ports to prepare a master plan in order to become 'mega ports' by 2047. In light of this, discuss the challenges faced by ports and suggest remedial measures in order to propel India's blue economy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Inequality in income and wealth translates into carbon inequality. In this context, discuss the significance of addressing carbon inequality for India and suggest ways to achieve it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Despite increased and regular occurrences of landslides over the past decade in India, the dominant development paradigm has largely not been modified. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India needs a smart border management system to balance legitimate cross border flows with national security interests. Discuss. Also, highlight the initiatives taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Establishing linkages between globalisation and money laundering, discuss the initiatives taken at the national and international levels to combat it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"There have been arguments that India needs to review some of its past assumptions about the nature of outer space and contribute to the development of new global norms. In this context, analyse India's stand in relation to the Artemis Accords. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4264,"topper":"Manish","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8c811-810341_1705_manish_rank-283.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"While the Right to Information Act is considered path breaking in promoting transparency and accountability, discuss why some argue that it has not been able to fully achieve its objectives. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"'The Citizens' Charter sees public services through the eyes of those who use them.' Discuss how emergence of citizens' charters have altered the concept of accountability and improved the delivery of public services. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"How can organizational culture impact public service motivation and sustain values in administration? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"It is imperative that civil servants have leadership skills to bring about meaningful change in the present day India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Digitization of service delivery and online public interface have the potential to transform governance in India. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) To educate a person in the mind but not in morals is to educate a menace to society. - Theodore Roosevelt (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"As interactive technologies such as Artificial Intelligence penetrate peoples' lives, the lack of understanding of their social influence carries a risk of them doing more harm than good. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Examine the role of media in promoting probity in governance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"A civil servant's conduct is expected to be a model of ethical behaviour. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Given the importance of inculcating emotional intelligence from an early age, discuss how schools can play a prominent role in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"The utilisation of public funds in a democracy like India must be based on the principles of transparency, accountability and efficiency. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"A manufacturing company is located in a small town where it is not easy for people to find jobs otherwise. The company has stayed in the town even though it could find cheaper workers elsewhere, because workers are loyal to the company due to the jobs it provides. Over the years, the company has developed a reputation in the town for taking care of its employees and being a responsible corporate citizen, owing to its CSR activities. The manufacturing process used by the company produces a by-product that has been flowing into the town river for some time now. According to some media reports people living near the river have started reporting illnesses off late and there is also damage to aquatic life. People, however, have refused to come forward as their livelihood depends on the company. You being the Sustainability Officer of the company believe it to be your duty to report this to the higher management. You are of the opinion that this matter is associated with the prestige of the company and should be taken seriously. In the meanwhile the new CEO, who has just joined the company, has called you for briefing and understanding the local issues. On the basis of the above case, answer the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders in the case above. (b) What arguments would you put forth to the CEO to convince him to act on this matter?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"A recent phenomenon called as 'Deepfakes' has gained media attention. It has been found to be a powerful technology through which programmers can manipulate a video or audio content and make them look real. While the technique can be used to have some harmless fun, it is rife with possibilities of misuse. From creating fake pornographic videos to making politicians appear to say things they did not, the potential for damage to individuals, organisations and societies is vast. (a) Identify the potential damaging effects of such a technological tool? (b) What steps are required to minimise the impact and adequately deal with the misuse of such technologies?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4265,"topper":"Manish","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2fc6f-810341_1525_manish_rank-283.pdf","questions":[{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context:","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Identify which essential information should be made available to the public via Citizen's Charter? Also, suggest some steps for successful implementation of the Citizen's Charter. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Respect for human rights and humanitarian principles is a responsibility for all members of the international community. Discuss in the context of roles and responsibilities of States for protection of refugees. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"What is red-tapism? Why is it considered a hurdle in the process of transitioning towards citizen centric governance? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":37,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind such behaviour on part of society towards air pollution.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Suppose you are a senior IAS officer who is heading a panel set up by the government to bring suitable changes in the conduct rules. Elaborate on how you will respond to the following questions:","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Economic growth has been the primary goal of economic policies, and the principal measure of an economy's success. In the last few decades, economic growth benefitted mankind in multiple ways. But alongside these benefits, it has also generated significant issues and a series of converging challenges. In light of this, answer the following: (a) What was the rationale behind GDP growth being considered the pillar of economic policies the world over in the past few decades? (b) Explain the need to go beyond GDP growth and reassess our measures of development. Identify some of the components that need to be complemented with GDP growth going forward.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4266,"topper":"Manish","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0f515-810341_1516_manish_rank-283.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"People's indifference is the best breeding ground for corruption to grow\". Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"In the context of COVID-19 pandemic, discuss the importance of Emotional Intelligence among healthcare workers. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Ethics does its work in the world by granting and withdrawing legitimacy. Discuss in the context of role of ethics in international relations. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or the darkness of destructive selfishness. – Martin Luther King Jr. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":4267,"topper":"Manish","air":356,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Geography","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/GEO-T1-MANISH-R356-1750226863455.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4268,"topper":"Manish","air":356,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Geography","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/GEO-T2-MANISH-R356-1750227173893.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4269,"topper":"Manish","air":356,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Geography","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/GEO-T5-MANISH-R356-1750227191901.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4270,"topper":"Manish","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/MANISH-UPSC-2024-Rank-356-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Ethics in private life may reflect personal beliefs; in public life, they must uphold legal and societal norms. Discuss the contrasting ways in which ethical principles operate in private and public relations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Despite legal provisions, instances of sexual violence against women continue to rise. How can a \"change in attitude\" address this issue? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Do you agree with the utilitarian principle that 'the greatest happiness of the greatest number' should guide decision-making and public policy formulation? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The development of an individual's values is a multifaceted process, involving engagement of diverse institutions such as family, society, and educational establishments. Discuss with examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What does each of the following quotations mean to you? a) \"Experience is the only teacher we have. We may talk and reason all our lives, but we shall not understand a word of truth, until we experience it ourselves\". Swami Vivekananda (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The balance between laws and conscience is delicate; when synchronized, they promote ethical conduct, but their discord can give rise to significant ethical dilemmas. Illustrate with examples (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"Good governance is not only about rules and regulations but also the character and conduct of those who govern.\" Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"\"In the realm of international relations, ethics often takes a backseat to national interest, which primarily drives foreign policy decisions.\" Critically examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The essence of business is profit, but it must be achieved through responsible and sustainable practices. Elaborate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"What are the ethical concerns associated with Artificial intelligence? How can ethics help in resolving them? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"While some argue that values are influenced by temporal and situational factors, others uphold the belief in timeless and universal human values. What is your opinion in this regard? Justify your answer. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":45,"question":"You are the Chairman of a Coastal Development Authority of a state, tasked with preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR) of construction of a coastal highway. It is an ambitious project aimed to enhance connectivity and promote tourism in the scenic coastal region of the state. The initial DPR, meticulously crafted by your team, prioritizes minimizing environmental impact by utilizing existing government land and adhering to stringent guidelines on land acquisition and compensation for affected stakeholders. The proposed route ensures minimal disruption to local fishing communities and preserves critical coastal habitats. However, challenges arise when a wealthy real estate developer, with ties to influential policymakers, proposes a significant alteration to the highway route. He suggests moving the highway closer to a resort he plans to develop, arguing that it would spur tourism and economic growth in the area. In exchange, he offers to facilitate the acquisition of beachfront property at a nominal rate for your family, highlighting it as a mutually beneficial arrangement. This proposed realignment would require acquiring privately owned coastal lands, displacing traditional fishing communities, and potentially disturbing fragile marine ecosystems. Moreover, it would involve the removal of significant coastal vegetation, impacting local biodiversity and the natural beauty of the region. a) Under the given conditions, what are the options available to you? Critically examine each of the options. b) What course of action would you adopt to navigate the situation and why? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case. b) Do you think Nitish's thinking is justified? Discuss by assessing the merits and demerits. c) As an outsider, what measures would you suggest to prevent such situations and manage the interests of all stakeholders? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":4271,"topper":"Manish Bhardwaj","air":215,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/MANISH-BHARDWAJ-UPSC-2023-Rank-215-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4272,"topper":"Manish Bhardwaj","air":114,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1veLOFraOAYabZP1GFgO86Y5gbeCbs-d8","questions":[]},{"id":4273,"topper":"Manish Bhardwaj","air":215,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/MANISH-BHARDWAJ-UPSC-2023-Rank-215-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4274,"topper":"Manish Bhardwaj","air":215,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/MANISH-BHARDWAJ-UPSC-2023-Rank-215-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4275,"topper":"Manish Bhardwaj","air":215,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/MANISH-BHARDWAJ-UPSC-2023-Rank-215-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4276,"topper":"Manish Gurwani","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/14654_846_Manish_Rank_18.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Give an account of the distinguishing features of Indian classical dances. What is the difference between Nritta, Nritya and Natya? Also, discuss how Indian classical dances are a manifestation of spirituality.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"How did the Sramana tradition influence the Vedic religion and led to the emergence of Jainism, Buddhism and Ajivika sects? Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Post-Mauryan five centuries are often referred to as the \"Dark Period\" of Indian History akin to the Dark Ages of Europe. Do you agree with the view?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"The relationship between the British imperialists and the Indian Princely States changed from 'Struggle for Equality' to 'Policy of Equal Federation' according to their changing needs. Analyze.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"While the Indian capitalist class could have contributed significantly towards the Indian national movement, it remained a bystander. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Examine whether the mutiny of 1857 was an organized and planned revolt or a spontaneous insurrection. Also, discuss the reasons for its limited territorial spread.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"The system of permanent settlement not only had economic consequences, but also gave rise to a new social structure in the Indian society. Explain.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the circumstances that led to an alliance between the Khilafat and Non-Cooperation Movements? Critically analyse the implications of this alliance on the Indian freedom movement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"The emergence of national multimedia conglomerates in the post-liberalization period has not only changed the nature of journalism but also affected democratic mobilization in India. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Operation Flood created a strong foundation to transform India's dairy sector into a vibrant business activity. Explain. Why could the example of Amul not be replicated in other areas of the country?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Implementation of the language provisions in the Constitution proved to be a formidable task even though the Congress party was in power all over the country. In this regard, discuss the challenges and the manner in which the language issue was resolved.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"The Cold War was a geopolitical, ideological, and economic struggle between two world superpowers. Discuss. What were the factors responsible for the end of the Cold War?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"While there were some similarities between Hitler's Nazism and Mussolini's Fascism, there were certain fundamental differences as well. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"What were the conditions that favored imperialism in Asia and Africa? Discuss the long-term impacts of imperialist control on the countries of Asia and Africa.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Briefly discuss the issues that led to the rise of ethnic insurgency in Sri Lanka in the 1980s. How did the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord attempt to address them?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Investment in the future of girl child is not only a question of economic priority but also one of social attitude. Comment. How can the government schemes help change entrenched social attitudes vis a vis the girl child?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Suicide is a leading cause of death among young people not only in India but also in other countries. Why are the youth vulnerable to suicides? Discuss some strategies to address the problem of suicides among the youth.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Unemployment can not be ascribed only to economic factors, social and personal factors equally contribute to this phenomenon. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"With overpopulated cities and their strained infrastructure, India is in the midst of an urban crisis. How far can the Smart Cities Mission help in upgradation of exisiting cities in the country? What are the reservations of local bodies with respect to this mission?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"What are Personal Law Boards? Are their decisions binding on citizens? How can the incongruence between the principles followed by them and those of the common law courts be reconciled? Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4277,"topper":"Manish Gurwani","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/14654_748_Manish_Rank_18.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The crux of ethical behavior lies not only in standards, but in their adoption in action and issuing sanctions against their violation. Illustrate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Ethical qualities of a civil servant come handy in times of a crisis. Elucidate using the example of a natural disaster.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"The bailout package offered to large financial corporations in response to global financial crisis raised important ethical questions. Discuss the ethical issues involved in giving bailout packages to financial corporations using taxpayers' money.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"There is an entrenched perception in our country that the police is biased against the minority community. Why does such a perception exist? Suggest steps to bridge the police community gap.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"India's abysmal record in sex ratio and gender violence reflects the general attitude of the society towards women. Discuss. In this context, how could an attitudinal change be brought about?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"In the parlance of governance, probity is often used in conjunction with integrity. How do you differentiate between the two? What is their importance in public life? What measures can help promote these values in governance?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"How does the use of social media influence political participation and civic engagement? Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"What are the objectives behind the creation of Citizens' Charter? How does a Citizens' Charter ensure transparency and accountability in governance? What are the impediments in its effective implementation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"RTI is termed as a master key to good governance. Highlight the role of RTI in making the administration and governance of our country more ethical and responsive.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Differentiate between persuasion and social influence. How can persuasion be made effective to bring about an attitudinal change? Give two examples where you brought about a positive attitudinal change through persuasion.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"In spite of the existence of a Code of Conduct for public servants, its implementation has been tardy and of limited success. Discuss. Further, suggest steps which could be taken to improve the efficacy of the Code of Conduct. What role can Code of Ethics play in reinforcing the Code of Conduct in public life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Given below is a quotation. Bring out what it means to you in present context. \"The intellect has sharp eye for methods and tools, but is blind to ends and values.\" -Einstein.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Your 16 year old cousin, Leena, loves to play basketball but her peers mock her short height, so much so that Leena has developed a negative attitude towards all sports. As a responsible elder cousin, how will you convince Leena to take up sports once again?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"You are the dean of an engineering college. You have received a complaint regarding prejudice against students from lower castes by some senior professors. These professors have contributed a lot academically to the university. However, this particular instance has disturbed peace and harmony in the campus. (a) Discuss the immediate steps you would take to contain growing discontent among some students. (b) Discuss the action to be taken if the professors are found to be guilty and also evaluate the steps if it comes out to be a false case against the professors. (c) What should be the responsibilities of professors and students to create positive social ambience in the campus?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"You have been recently posted as Superintendent of Police of a district which has a famous temple. Shortly thereafter you found that there is considerable tension in your district on the issue of allowing entry of women in the temple. The women were trying to break the allegedly 400-year-old tradition of the temple, which banned women from entering its inner sanctum. Recently a 350-strong group of women was stopped by the the temple administration from entering the temple. This led to a scuffle wherein few women participating in the protest were manhandled. There is a pressure on you from local politicians who want you to prevent any such forced entry as elections are approaching. (a) Do you think there is a dichotomy between progressive values guaranteed to women by the Constitution and regressive traditions which continue in the garb of religion? How can this dichotomy be resolved? (b) How would you manage the law and order situation created by the forced entry? (c) How would you manage and mould patriarchal attitude of the temple administrators and male elders to ensure harmony.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"You are a manager in a sales firm. Mr. A and Mr. B are two juniors working under you. Mr. A is a hardworking person who completes his work before time and hardly takes a leave. His work is meticulous and you have never received any complaint about his work. However, in your personal meetings with Mr. A, you realized that he kept to himself and spoke only when required. You received similar feedbacks from his colleagues as well. Mr. B is not as hard working and completes his work at the very last moment. You also come to know that using his rapport with his colleagues he gets his work done by them. In your meetings with him, he comes across as a confident person but lacking in sincerity. Both are expecting promotion this year, but you can promote only one of them as you have only one vacant position. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) Discuss the merits and demerits of choosing one amongst the two for promotion. (b) Based on your evaluation, whom will you choose for the job? (c) What steps will you take to keep all the employees motivated who did not get promotion on expected lines?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":62,"question":"Mr. A is an honest senior bureaucrat who retired some time back. He has worked across many positions and wields immense influence in the corridors of power. His wife was working in a consulting firm. She has now quit her job and started her own consulting firm that will bid for government contracts also. Mr. A himself intends to contribute his experience and insider knowledge about the government operations to prepare for the bid. When prodded about any conflict of interest, Mrs. A argued that she always wanted to own her own consulting firm and bid for government projects so that she could improve the quality of government operations through her services. But earlier she could not since her husband was a bureaucrat in the same city and various government rules prevented her from doing so. As he has now retired she can take up this job. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in this case? (b) What are steps that can be taken by Mr. A to resolve these ethical issues? (c) What is the best option for Mr. A? Support your answer with appropriate reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":67,"question":"You are an undergraduate student in a leading Law University. You go with your college friend Surender to his village to attend his sister's marriage. Surender's parents are farmers and are financially very poor. They have somehow managed to send him to the university by selling their land. After interaction with the family relatives attending the marriage, you find out that the bride is not of marriagable age, which makes it a case of child marraige. The family wants early marriage of the daughter to avoid huge demands of dowry in the future. You are well aware that child marriage is illegal in India. So, you discuss the issue with your friend who says that he is helpless and can't do anything. Your friend feels that his family is already doing too much for him and he cannot argue and change his parents' decision. In this situation, what are the possible actions you can take? Evaluate the merits and demerits of each of them.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4278,"topper":"Manish Gurwani","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/14654_747_Manish_Rank_18.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"A broad ethical framework as a guiding light for international relations will not only ensure harmonious relations between nations but will also lead to progress of the human race. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"What does inequality mean to you? What are the different kinds of inequality? Is inequality morally wrong?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"One has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws. In light of this statement, examine the relevance of civil disobedience in a modern democratic society. Discuss the duties and responsibilities of a law enforcing officer in such situations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Ensuring accountability in the administration just adds another layer in the bureaucratic process. Examine. Differentiate between accountability and responsibility. Suggest some measures through which administrative accountability can be made more effective in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"\"Morality is based neither on the principle of utility, nor on a law of nature, but on human reason. But human reason can be fallible.\" Comment., What does morality mean to you?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"For effective public service delivery, the need today is to move from traditional accountability mechanisms to social accountability through greater civic engagement. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"What do you mean by social justice? Explain with examples, why it is imperative for a society to promote social justice.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Investigative reporting by media can be a significant source of information on corruption. What are ethical issues involved in investigative journalism? What safeguards can be introduced to prevent its misuse?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"While transplantation of organs represents one of the most spectacular achievements of modern medical science, it has raised many ethical issues as well. Discuss. Also, examine the issues related to organ transplantation in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"There can be honesty without integrity, but no integrity without honesty. Do you agree? Justify your stand with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"\"It is not always the same thing to be a good person and a good citizen.\" Explain the meaning of this statement and analyse its implications for a democratic society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Value of compassion towards the weak extends the limits of operations of a public servant by introducing flexibility but dilutes the principle of objectivity. Discuss. If a conflict arises between the value of compassion and principle of objectivity, how will you deal with it as a public servant?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Which administrator had a lasting impact on your decision to join the civil services and why? Should administrators have increased media presence so that the common man can know more about their efforts and achievements? Justify your stand.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"You are a Secretary in a government department. Your Minister has proposed an unemployment grant, which is expected to cost the public exchequer heavily. Having already taken the decision, he asks you to come up with research to support the scheme. Despite your best efforts, you fail to find socio-economic benefit in it. You approach the Minister with relevant facts and studies and ask him to reconsider his decision. Instead, he asks you to suppress the negative impacts and actively promote the scheme through mass media as the percieved social impacts are more important than economic impacts. Elections are due in a short time and the political party currently in power is expected to win. You are also due for promotion at the same time. You are expected to fully cooperate in the situation and make the scheme a success, however flawed its foundations may be. (a) List the different stakeholders in the above situation and mention their prospective interests. (b) Discuss the ethical dilemma which you face in this situation. (c) Some of the alternatives for you to handle the situation could be: • Do as asked by the Minister.. • Insist on publication of results and let the public decide whether it wants the scheme. • Call a press conference and brief the media about the results and the callous attitude of the Minister. Suggest any other possible option(s). Evaluate all of them and suggest the best course of action, giving reasons for it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"The International Money Bank has granted loan to the government to construct ten dams. The dams would provide water for irrigation of crops, control floods in some parts of your district, and supply drinking water to numerous towns and cities. Seven of these dams are to be constructed in areas of high ecological value occupied by native groups who are challenging the government. The native groups, who oppose the construction of the dams, represent a minority compared to the multiple towns and cities which would benefit from the dams. Nevertheless, it should be taken under consideration that the natives consider the forests as their own. Also, their distinctive life style and culture is intimately related to the existence of these natural areas. It has been noted that the forests also have a very high ecological value. If this project is completed, their land would submerge and the natives would have to be relocated. The International Money Bank is aware of this yet it has granted the loan. You are the District Magistrate of this district. Every day protests and demonstrations are happening in your office. The government has given you the responsibility to manage the situation. What are the various options available to you. Evaluate all of them and suggest the best course of action, giving reasons for it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"You recently joined the civil administration as a young District Commissioner. As a part of fulfilling their electoral promise, the new government in the state announced total prohibition on production, sale and purchase of liquor. This has not only led to smuggling of liquor from neighbouring states but also production of illicit liquor in the state, known as hooch. Women of the area decide to go on a protest against the recent hooch tragedy wherein several people lost their lives owing to consumption of illicit liquor. The political authorities scapegoat you for mismanagement. (a) What are the issues involved in this case? (b) What are the various options available to you. Evaluate all of them and suggest the best course of action, giving reasons for it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"You are a doctoral student at a large university in the final months of your research on a potentially revolutionary technology. Meanwhile, you have also applied for post-doctoral research cum teaching positions at various universities. To your pleasant surprise, you get an interview call from your undergraduate alma mater, a prestigious research institution in a city where you would love to live. In the interview, the department chair asks for detailed information about your research. Your group is working on a patent application and its members have agreed not to provide details until a paper currently being prepared is submitted for publication. You explain the situation and tell them that you would be glad to send them an early preprint when it is available. But the Chair pushes harder for this information, remarking that the Department seeks team players, willing to share information with department colleagues. She also appeals to your undergraduate connection with the institution. (a) Enumerate the ethical issues involved in the case in light of your current responsibilities vis-a-vis future expectations. (b) Discuss the possible motivations of the department chair in pressing you for detailed information. (c) What stand will you take in such a situation? Give reasonable justification for your arguments.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"You have recently been appointed as the District Collector of an impoverished district, which has been witnessing drought for the last couple of years. Corruption at lower levels of bureaucracy has further aggravated the situation. The district also faces the problem of diminishing resources of drinking water. Despite, the gravity of the problem, the response from the central and the state government is lackadaisical. Moreover, the media coverage of the problem is also dismal. To make matters worse, the younger members of the community are migrating in search of work to the urban areas without much success, leaving the elders, women, and children behind to fend for themselves. (a) As the District Collector what would be your priorities for solving the problem? (b) How would you tackle the situation? (c) What long term measures would you take to prevent the future recurrence of the problem?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":56,"question":"In a district, in which you are posted as a District Magistrate, a teacher molests a child in a government run school. As the news of this crime spreads, the parents, relatives and locals gather at the school. The culprit teacher has meanwhile fled. The police arrests the Principal of the school and assure the crowd that the culprit would be arrested soon. The crowd, however, has gone berserk and begins to damage the school building. It wants immediate arrest of the culprit and is not ready to budge until he is arrested. (a) Is it correct to take the Principal into custody when he has personally not committed the crime? Support your answer with appropriate reasons. (b) What options do you have in dealing with the crowd? Enumerate the merits and demerits of each and also suggest the best possible option. (c) In the capacity of District Magistrate what would be your long term plan to prevent molestations and rapes in the schools?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4279,"topper":"Manish Kansal","air":481,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1nbvNWKDdpAwcZ4ErHFCRn6hp75LtUYWW","questions":[]},{"id":4280,"topper":"Manish Kansal","air":481,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RfZH8Zsjg8dmHnDZE1y7ZQjGp2LTZDc9","questions":[]},{"id":4281,"topper":"Manish Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4476_877_Manish_Kumar_Rank_84.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The seeds of patriarchy and gender inequality are sown at home, which manifest as a weed at the societal level. Elucidate. Suggest an ethical framework to systematically address the issue of patriarchy in the Indian society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"What are the factors which drive people to take law in their own hands rather than following the due process of law? Discuss ways to address the problem of mob justice.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"In a democracy, the purpose of the government should be to make it easy for people to do good and difficult to do wrong. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss John Stuart Mill's idea on freedom of thought and expression. Also, give reasons as to why, according to Mill, representative democracy is the best form of government despite its inherent weaknesses.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"It is argued by some that nuclear weapons have acted more as a deterrent than leading to war and mass destruction. In this context, discuss whether it is ethically right to possess nuclear weapons to create nuclear deterrence.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Differentiate between administration and leadership. Highlighting the traits which characterize an effective leader, discuss the importance of leadership in ensuring effective public service delivery in a bureaucratic setup.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Apart from functional knowledge and expertise, the efficacy of a civil servant also depends upon his emotional intelligence. How does emotional intelligence contribute to efficacy? How can civil servants enhance their emotional intelligence?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Enumerate the mechanisms that promote accountability of public officials in discharging their functions and responsibilities in India. Also discuss why ensuring accountability for performance is not a simple task in government service.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) \"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"\"Prejudices are what fools use for reason.\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Ensuring that government decisions are not influenced by public officials' private interests is a growing concern. Discuss in the context of India. Also enumerate the core principles reflected by OECD guidelines for managing conflict of interest in the public sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Discuss, with examples, the significance of principles of public life as recommended by Nolan committee. Why are these principles considered as an essential set of expectations from public servants?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"A peculiar inhuman situation exists for the people fleeing from war zones - they cannot go back to their homeland for fear of being persecuted and no country is ready to bear their burden due to various reasons. Citing contemporary examples, discuss the ethical issues involved in such situations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"As the administrator in-charge of your area, you are witness to the widespread food wastage in lavish parties as well as in restaurants and eateries, on one hand and people starving due to inability to ensure one square-meal a day, on the other. Realizing that it is not the scarcity of resources, but the habit of people that is causing paucity in availability of food, you decide that certain measures are needed to be taken in order to deal with the issue of starvation at the grassroot level. 20 Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) What measures would you take to deal with wastage of food in your area? (c) What explains this co-existence of affluence and hunger in developing countries like India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"The excluded and marginalized section of society are worst hit by globalization. Take the case of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) like Sentinelese of Andaman & Nicobar islands; their population has reduced drastically and they are facing various other problems as well. In this context answer the following questions: 20 (a) What are the challenges faced by PVTGs due to globalisation? (b) If you are posted as a Development Officer in such an area, what will be your priorities to reduce their vulnerabilities and ensure welfare?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are the chief executive of ABC Ltd., an automotive component manufacturing company. Until recently, all of your production plants were located in City X. However, the cost of production has risen, causing profits to decline. A number of factors have led to an increase in the production costs. First, the union representing the workers in your plant waged a successful strike resulting in increased salary and benefits. A second factor has been imposition of stringent environmental regulations. Shareholders are concerned about the declining fortunes of the company. Many of the competitors have moved their operations to less-developed cities, where the operating costs are less than in City X. ABC Ltd. is a major employer in the city where it is located, and you know that a plant closure will cause economic dislocation in the city. 20 Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) What are the ethical issues involved in this case?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4282,"topper":"Manish Sharma","air":307,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/MANISH-SHARMA-UPSC-2023-Rank-307-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4283,"topper":"Manish Sharma","air":268,"year":2019,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/19938-19552_1230_manish-sharma_rank_268.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4284,"topper":"Manish Sharma","air":268,"year":2019,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ab8e9-19552_1234_manish-sharma_rank_268.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4285,"topper":"Manish Sharma","air":307,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/MANISH-SHARMA-UPSC-2023-Rank-307-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4286,"topper":"Manish Sharma","air":307,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/MANISH-SHARMA-UPSC-2023-Rank-307-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4287,"topper":"Manish Sharma","air":268,"year":2019,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/631cf-19552_1238_manish-sharma_rank_268.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4288,"topper":"Manish Sharma","air":307,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/MANISH-SHARMA-UPSC-2023-Rank-307-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4289,"topper":"Manish Sharma","air":307,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Economics","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/05e79e85886db31c562f8e2fb26b6867/4/eco-7_manish-sharma_.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4290,"topper":"Manisha","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d31ea-627862_2122_manisha_rank-522.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The perspective from which we view the world shapes our behavior towards it.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4291,"topper":"Manisha","air":522,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d1c40-627862_2121_manisha_rank-522.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4292,"topper":"Manisha","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1c27b-627862_2213_manisha_rank-522.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"An effective approach to green budgeting is underpinned by strong strategic framework, tools for evidence generation and an enabling budgetary governance framework. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"State the need for circular economy in India and the challenges associated with it. Also, discuss the measures that are required to build a circular economy in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The Major Port Authorities Act, 2021, seeks to grant greater autonomy and flexibility to the major ports and professionalise their governance. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Analyse the need for shifting from presumptive land titling to conclusive land titling system in India. Also, highlight the hurdles in its implementation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What do you understand by methanol economy? Critically discuss its role in achieving India's energy security and economic prosperity. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discuss the role of geospatial technologies in developing effective approaches for disaster risk reduction and disaster management. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The focus of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) needs to shift from utilization and exploitation of natural resources to conservation of natural resources. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What do you understand by hybrid warfare? Discuss India's preparedness in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the challenges associated with inclusion of women in armed forces, particularly in combat roles in India. How can these challenges be addressed? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"S. Chandrasekhar was one of the greatest scientists of the 20th century whose prolific contributions spanned across astrophysics, space and mathematics. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"State finances in India present a worrying picture, with debt sustainability being a major concern. Discuss in context of the recent RBI report on state finances. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The Indian experience provides several lessons of an inclusive digital economy model that enables formal digital governance structure at a low cost and with easier access. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Dairying is a viable livelihood option for a large section of the population. In this context, discuss the significance, challenges faced and associated government initiatives for the dairy sector in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The imperative to increase farmers' income must shift to creating value chains and must not be reliant on the MSP regime and subsidy bias prevalent in the current Indian agricultural system. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What are the challenges in ensuring sustainable river management in urban areas? Highlight the remedial measures that can be taken for river management with a special focus on the recently launched River Cities Alliance. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Haphazard growth and poor management make the Indian cities the locus of disasters, both large and small. Comment. Also, discuss the current gaps in policies in addressing these challenges. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Discuss the extent of the problem of narco-terrorism in India. What measures have been taken by the government to counter and control this problem? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The dark web can be an ideal platform for several criminal and terrorist activities. Discuss with examples. Also, suggest measures to tackle the misuse of dark web. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What is catalysis? Highlight the characteristics of catalysts. Also, elaborate why catalytic reactions are important for human beings. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Electric mobility offers solutions to the problems associated with climate change, growing fuel prices, and urban transportation issues. Discuss in the context of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4293,"topper":"Manisha","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c0cd6-627862_1834_manisha_rank-522.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The Sunga dynasty contributed significantly to the cultural and social development in ancient India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the role of foreign nationals in the Indian freedom struggle during the Gandhian phase. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by tsunamigenic zones? Giving an account of their global distribution, explain the propagation of tsunamis. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are atmospheric lakes? Highlight their characteristics. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What are polymetallic nodules? Highlight their geographical distribution and state their significance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What are technical textiles? In view of their significance, discuss the steps taken by the government to promote them in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the challenges that internal migration creates for urban governance in India. Also, suggest measures to address the same. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the various opportunities and challenges posed by globalization on working women in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the rationale behind anti-conversion laws in India. Also, state the concerns that have been raised with regard to these laws. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Central Asian contacts had a profound political and cultural impact on India in ancient times. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Governance, during the British rule, was a means of exploitation of India rather than a vehicle of public welfare. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Discuss how India successfully dealt with the sensitive issue of language, which had the potential of threatening national unity in the post-independence period. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Bring out the factors, which led to decolonisation after the Second World War. Also, discuss the role played by India in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What are Marine Heat Waves (MHW)? Identify the causes of their formation and discuss their consequences for India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What are the geo-climatic conditions required for oil palm cultivation? Do you agree with the view that India should promote its large-scale cultivation to reduce import dependency? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"In view of the changes witnessed in the state of Himalayan cryosphere, discuss the implications for India's water security. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Ocean warming, ocean acidification and ocean deoxygenation are often referred to as the 'deadly trio' for marine life. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Tribals in India continue to face myriad challenges with regard to healthcare. Discuss the issues faced by them in this context and suggest remedial measures. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Reservation for women perpetuates a \"proxy culture\" as seen in the phenomenon of \"sarpanch patis\". In this context, discuss whether reservation can address the issue of poor participation of women in Indian politics. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4294,"topper":"Manisha","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b03cc-627862_2212_manisha_rank-522.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by 'constitutionalism'? Highlight various ways in which the Indian Constitution underscores this principle. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Competition Commission of India (CCI) effectively reflects a shift from the era of Licence Raj to a conducive regulatory ambience for enhancing consumer welfare by encouraging competition in the market. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Mention various initiatives taken for online delivery of judicial services in India. Also, discuss the challenges faced in their implementation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Bring out the similarities and differences in the Bill of Rights in the Constitution of the United States and Fundamental Rights in the Constitution of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"It is often argued that the implementation of The Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 has so far been tardy and ineffectual. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Explain the rationale behind the creation of a Social Stock Exchange in India. Do you think this move would boost social impact investing in the country? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The National Digital Health Mission (NDHM) has the potential to bring a new revolution in India's health sector in multiple ways. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"While participation of private sector in the higher education system of India is a necessity, it creates issues that need careful redressal. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Highlighting the significance of Central Asia for India, discuss the challenges in strengthening the Indo-Central Asian relationship. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the role that the Indian diaspora can play in the making of \"Aatmanirbhar Bharat\" (self-reliant India). Also, mention the challenges in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"A critical appraisal of the outcomes of the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act underlines the need for second-generation reforms to strengthen decentralisation of urban local governance in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"It is argued that unchecked and rampant exercise of the power to insert laws in the Ninth Schedule results in undermining of Constitutional supremacy and creation of Parliamentary hegemony. Do you agree? Justify your stand with logical arguments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Asymmetry is an important characteristic of federalism in India, which has helped in the accommodation of diverse demands inherent in our democracy. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"In India, the Finance Commissions are established pursuant to the constitutional mandate. In this context, do you think the State Finance Commissions have been effective in promoting fiscal federalism? Substantiate with arguments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Reduction in the overall size of the bureaucracy has been seen as the underlying idea behind civil services reforms. Is it a good idea to reduce the size of the Indian bureaucracy? Examine in light of the experience of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"There is a need to ensure better ethical standards, accountability and management of temples in India. Discuss in the context of issues associated with state intervention in management of temples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by feminisation of old age? Highlight the issues associated with it in the Indian context. Also, mention the measures taken by the government in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Given its impact on both individual resilience and the resilience of the economy, is there a case for strong universal social protection in India? Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"There have been arguments that with the old global multilateral order failing to manage rising challenges, issue-based coalitions are gaining traction and have become the arenas of functional cooperation. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India intends to achieve a balanced and optimal development of energy infrastructure in the South-Asian region through mutual understanding and cooperation. In light of this statement, discuss the need as well as existing gaps in South Asia's energy cooperation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4295,"topper":"Manisha","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3e5b2-627862_1837_manisha_rank-522.pdf","questions":[{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead. Nelson Mandela (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":4296,"topper":"Manisha Awhale","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/17265_745_Awahare_Manisha_Rank_33.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The significance of Sanskrit language is evident from its use in the fields of epic poetry and drama in the Indian Culture. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Puppetry, often considered one of the ingenious creations of mankind, has its roots in India and takes myriad forms across States of India. Illustrate..","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Give an account of the distinguishing features of Indian classical dances. What is the difference between Nritta, Nritya and Natya? Also, discuss how Indian classical dances are a manifestation of spirituality.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the evolution of different pottery styles in India from the Indus Valley Civilisation to the later Vedic period. Also, analyse how they reflect the socio-cultural life of the people.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"The Bhakti and Sufi movement in India was not only an inquisitive reformist discourse in religion and society but also the womb of lasting traditions, architecture, literature and several art forms. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Most of the schools of Rajput Painting in India reflect strong Mughal influence. Discuss the differences and similarities between the two. Also, describe the features of the Chaurapanchasika paintings.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"How did the Sramana tradition influence the Vedic religion and led to the emergence of Jainism, Buddhism and Ajivika sects? Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"\"Gupta sculpture was the final culmination of the early classical sculpture of Amravati and Mathura\". Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Post-Mauryan five centuries are often referred to as the \"Dark Period\" of Indian History akin to the Dark Ages of Europe. Do you agree with the view?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"In the early decades of the twentieth century, reform movement as a whole not only became revivalist but also a national mass-based movement. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"The relationship between the British imperialists and the Indian Princely States changed from 'Struggle for Equality' to 'Policy of Equal Federation' according to their changing needs. Analyze.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"While the Indian capitalist class could have contributed significantly towards the Indian national movement, it remained a bystander. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Examine whether the mutiny of 1857 was an organized and planned revolt or a spontaneous insurrection. Also, discuss the reasons for its limited territorial spread.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"In eighteenth century, the only power that could have replaced the Mughals and challenged the ascent of British in India was the Marathas. However, they were plagued by shortcomings similar to the ones that caused the decline of Mughal Empire. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Discuss the role played by freedom fighters from India's northeast in the fight for India's independence.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Trace the evolution of the labour movement in pre-Independence India. Also, discuss the role played by the working class in the freedom struggle.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"How did the peasant movements differ from tribal movements in the nineteenth century. Discuss in context of their causes, organisation and government response.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"The system of permanent settlement not only had economic consequences, but also gave rise to a new social structure in the Indian society. Explain.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Discuss the circumstances that led to an alliance between the Khilafat and Non-Cooperation Movements? Critically analyse the implications of this alliance on the Indian freedom movement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Discuss the rise and growth of left wing in the Congress during the Indian National movement. What were its major weaknesses? Analyse its impact on Indian society and politics.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4297,"topper":"Manisha Awhale","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/17265_1143_Awahare_Manisha_Rank_33.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Concerns regarding the wide formulation and indiscreet application of discretionary powers of the Governor need closer attention. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Explain the concept of subordinate legislation in India. Also discuss the mechanisms for their scrutiny and control. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Despite long-term recognition of the problem of pendency of cases in the courts, limited progress has been made in reducing their number. What are the possible reasons for such a scenario? Suggest a framework of measures that can be taken to address this issue. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite the phrase 'due process of law' not being mentioned in the Constitution, the Supreme Court, over the years, has adopted the doctrines of 'procedural due process' and 'substantive due process' into Indian constitutional law. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Can we say that cooperative federalism in India has strengthened in the post-liberalisation era? Give reasons in support of your answer. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Faulty regulatory policies can have a severe adverse effect on the efficient interplay of market forces and end up harming public interest. Examine in the context of systemic issues pertaining toregulative environment in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Mention the constitutional provisions to safeguard and ensure the independent and impartial functioning of the UPSC. Further, assess the limitations of UPSC in effectively performing its role as the 'watchdog of merit system' in India as envisioned by the Constitution. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Identify the key issues relating to electoral funding in India. How far can the idea of State Funding of Elections address these issues? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Fiscal transfers from the Centre to States are critical in India. In this context, explain the rationale of both general and specific purpose fiscal transfers. Also highlight the problems witnessed in the design and implementation of specific purpose transfers. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4298,"topper":"Manisha Awhale","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/17265_1147_Awahare_Manisha_Rank_33.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the issues faced in BOT and EPC models of infrastructure investment, explain how HAM can address these. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The investment rate in India has gradually declined after a historic high in the mid 2000s. Examine the reasons behind this trend. Discuss the steps required to revive investment for a sustained growth. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The measurement of the extent of formal sector and formal employment is yet an unsettled matter in our economy. Comment. Also, mention the steps which the government has taken to improve its extent. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"In the context of major challenges that have restricted industrial growth, there is need for a new industrial policy to enable the industry to fulfill its role as the engine of growth and shoulder the responsibility of adding more value and jobs. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Providing social security, especially to those working in unorganised sector, is an important requirement to achieve the goal of inclusive growth. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Assigning infrastructure status to the logistics industry is a good first move, but there are several other problems related to this sector that need to be addressed. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In view of the direct link between tenure security and food security, there is need for a conducive legal framework for land rights in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Minimum Support Price (MSP) of crops is a short term solution for agricultural distress which creates long term problems. Examine. Suggest measures to overcome the the limitations of the MSP regime. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"With women playing an increasingly significant role in the Indian agriculture sector, gender specific interventions can be the key to improving agricultural productivity. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Enumerating the factors that determine a nation's energy-mix, comment on the need for having a diversified fuel basket for meeting India's future energy demands. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlight the importance of MSME sector in India's economy. Also, identifying the challenges, suggest some policy recommendations to ensure their sustenance and competitive growth. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"A near stagnant tax to GDP ratio for the country since decades reflects not only non-fruition of efforts to increase it but also underlying structural issues with tax regime. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Adhering to fiscal discipline is considered as a hallmark of sound financial management by government. Elaborate. To what extent does the Budget 2018 incorporates fiscal discipline vis-a-vis competing targets of the government? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The role of international trade in achieving a quicker pace of economic development is well recognized. What are the benefits of international trade for a developing country like India? Highlight the challenges that India faces in improving its share in world trade. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"In the light of increasing NPAs and frauds, the twin balance sheet problem has grown immensely. Comment on the issue and analyse the potential of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code to be a game changer for Indian economy's health and long-term growth. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Enhancing private infrastructure spending and revival of stalled projects is critical to the success of Bharatmala Pariyojana. Discuss. Also enumerate measures taken by the government to revive stalled projects on National Highways. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Going forward, the allied sectors will play a critical role in increasing the resilience and improving economic returns in agriculture. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Enumerate the factors that determine cropping pattern in an agricultural region. Discuss the need for diversification in context of problems being faced by monoculture regions in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"It is argued that fertilizer subsidies have a negative impact on promoting Organic farming in India. Comment. Also, critically analyse the advantages of replacing direct benefit transfer in fertilizers with direct income support for farmers. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"What do you understand by Seed Replacement Rate? Explaining the concept of breeder, foundation and certified seeds, highlight the major policy initiatives taken in order to address the challenge of quality seed availability to farmers. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4299,"topper":"Manisha Awhale","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3a42d-17265_1149_awahare_manisha_rank_33.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Self doubt can both help and hinder leadership. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Bring out the significance of probity in public life. What are the requisites for ensuring probity in governance? Pointing out the key concerns in India in this context, suggest certain remedial measures.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"While the corrupt and dishonest should be punished swiftly, honest public servants need to be protected against malicious and motivated complaints to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of an organisation. Discuss. How can the two objectives be reconciled?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"The effective implementation of the Right to Information Act will create an environment of vigilance which will help in functioning of a more participatory democracy. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"The bureaucracy technically has been an efficient form of organisation but is seen to have exceeded its administrative powers due to its tendency towards self aggrandisement, permanence in employment, and nearness to the political executive. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Social media has played a key role in influencing political opinions and social attitudes in India. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"\"Nonviolence is not servile passivity but a powerful moral force which makes for social transformation\". Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"It is at the interface of public action and private interest that the need arises for establishing not just a code of ethics but a code of conduct. In this context, highlight the need for drafting a code of ethics as well as a code of conduct.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Income inequality is a matter of grave concern for the Indian society. In this context, examine the relevance of Gandhiji's concepts of 'Sarvodaya' and 'Trusteeship'.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"It does not take long for conflict to turn violent when deep seated prejudices and discriminatory attitudes are not addressed. Discuss in the context of communal and caste-based violence in India. What role should the state play in this context?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Explain with examples how emotional intelligence increases the effectiveness of leadership skills in a civil servant.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"While on the one hand, some state governments have implemented alcohol consumption prohibition laws, it is permitted in other states. Debates around this issue often involves aspects such as individual rights, cultural attitudes and social welfare. As a teacher you need to explain the key issues involved to a young audience. What are these? How would you conclude the lecture?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"As a concerned citizen you have been engaged with the issue of persons employed in manual scavenging. You notice that despite laws and strictures from the highest court of the land the practice of employing human labour to clean sewers continues. While the administration has to ensure the cleanliness of the urban localities, those who are employed also have to earn to sustain themselves and their families. The death of few workers recently due to asphyxiation while cleaning a septic tank has caused much consternation in your locality. You would like to engage with the situation by writing to the administration, for which you need to find an answer to the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders involved and state their conflicting interests. (b) What challenges does the administration face in curbing this social evil? (c) Enumerate the steps to deal with the problem.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4300,"topper":"MANISHA DHARVE","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d89e9-801934_2488_manisha_dharve_rank_257.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"A mind all logic is like a knife all blade, it makes the hand bleed that uses it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"History is a cyclic poem written by time upon the memories of man.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The wise man does at once what the fool does finally.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The world is a tragedy to those who feel, but a comedy to those who think.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Perfect clarity would profit the intellect but damage the will.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4301,"topper":"MANISHA DHARVE","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/174bd-801934_2068_manisha_dharve_rank_257.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the achievements of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, discuss the reasons behind its success.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"What are Urban Heat Islands? Identifying the reasons behind their creation, discuss the measures which can help counter them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Highlighting the causes of forest fires, bring out the measures to prevent their occurrence in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"What is carbon inequality? Discuss the need to address it and the measures that can be taken in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Stating the significance of Coastal Vulnerability Index, enumerate the initiatives taken to enhance resilience against coastal vulnerability in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"How is water scarcity different from water stress? Highlighting the issue of water stress in India, suggest measures to address it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) experience the impact of disasters disproportionately. Discuss. Also, mention the steps taken by the government to make disaster management more inclusive.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the environmental and socio-economic impacts of invasive alien species.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Elaborate on how soil pollution affects food security, human health and the environment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"What is Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)? Highlight its objectives and describe the different stages involved in the EIA process.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"What are the risks posed by droughts? Identify the risk reduction measures that can be used to combat droughts.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"What are Marine Heat Waves (MHWs)? Discuss the reasons behind their occurrence and their impact on the Indian subcontinent.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"What is the impact of rising plastic pollution on the environment? Discuss the recent measures taken globally to tackle the menace of plastic pollution.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"What is radioactive waste? Discuss its various harmful effects and suggest ways to manage it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Highlighting the impacts of land degradation and desertification, enumerate the initiatives taken at the national and international levels to combat them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"What are Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs)? Highlight their significance in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"What is zero budget natural farming (ZBNF)? Discuss its significance and challenges vis-a-vis traditional farming.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Do you think there is a need to take account of Gross Environment Product (GEP) in the calculation of GDP? Also, bring out the issues in capturing GEP.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Delineate the various Landslide Vulnerability Zones in India. Also, enumerate the measures that can be taken to mitigate the effects of landslides.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"What are Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)? Highlighting their significance, discuss the challenges in extending the MPA network in the country.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4302,"topper":"MANISHA DHARVE","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b570a-801934_2423_manisha_dharve_rank_257.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With suitable examples, discuss how environmental pressure groups enhance public participation and responsiveness with regard to environmental policies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The recent acknowledgment of sex work as a 'profession' by the Supreme Court is merely the first step in ensuring basic rights and equality for sex workers in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the role played by District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) in providing free legal aid and disseminating legal awareness in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"The collegium system has become a victim of its own success, with the concentration of power in the hands of a few, leading to questions about its legitimacy.\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"Civil services reforms must go beyond recruitment and standardised training to cope with the present day challenges.\" Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"Outcome-based finance models such as social impact bonds have the potential to truly catalyse change and deliver socio-economic impact at scale. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"The wide gap between the number of females graduating every year and those entering the workspace is an issue of paramount importance that needs to be addressed. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words) 10\"","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"An up to date and functional Civil Registration System (CRS) is essential to the socio-economic planning in India. Discuss in the light of the recent move of the Central government in revamping the CRS system in the country. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What are the key areas of reform if the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has to align with the current economic realities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In recent years, India's relationship with West Asia has evolved from the confines of geopolitics to expanse of geoeconomics. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The role of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) is significant in furthering healthy competitiveness aimed at inspiring stakeholders to innovate and augment effectiveness. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"\"The menace of paid news often rears its ugly head during elections.\" Discuss the need for making paid news an electoral offence in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the 'Doctrine of Essentiality' referred to by the courts in the context of religious practices in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"As per the recently released report of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), there is an urgent need to limit the size of the government in India. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Besides legislation, the full realisation of the 'right to health for all' in India demands plugging of social, financial, and infrastructural gaps. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The 'third gender' has not yet been engendered in the Indian society despite legislative nudge. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Among other factors, strained ties with China and Pakistan make it difficult for India to fulfill its expectations from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"The recently concluded initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) between the United States and India promises a long overdue transformation of their partnership in the field of technology. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4303,"topper":"MANISHA DHARVE","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9c29b-801934_2422_manisha_dharve_rank_257.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The traditional theatre forms of India reflect the ideals and emotions of the society, and an individual's role in the community. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Provide an account of the historical and architectural importance of the Sanchi Stupa. Also, discuss how it inspired the future architecture in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Bhagat Singh made a real breakthrough in terms of revolutionary ideology, the goals of revolution and forms of revolutionary struggle. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Bringing out the factors that led to the Meiji restoration, discuss its significance for Japan. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"It is believed that a nation is an \"imagined community\" held together by common beliefs, history, political aspirations etc. In this context, discuss what the basis of India as a nation is. Also, bring out the threats to the concept of Indian nationhood. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"State the key factors behind the growth of the pharmaceutical industry in India. Additionally, discuss its significance with regard to India's economy and public health.(Answer in 150words)10","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss why the Bay of Bengal is more prone to cyclones than the Arabian Sea. Also, explain the reasons for the decrease in frequency of tropical cyclones during the Southwest monsoon season. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite being destructive in nature, volcanoes are critical for the existence of human life on earth. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The existence of relative deprivation is an important aspect in constructing the argument for regionalism. Explain with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"If India is to realise the goal of 'education for all', the issue of rising cases of bullying and other forms of school violence needs to be addressed immediately. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Bring out the role played by the Ahom Kingdom in shaping the cultural and historical identity of North-East India, and discuss its legacy in contemporary times. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The capitalist class generally remained ambivalent in their support to the Indian National Congress until 1940s. In this context, analyse the varying positions of the Indian capitalists throughout the national movement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Trace the evolution of the press in India. Also, discuss the instrumental impact it had during various stages of the Indian freedom struggle despite the repressive policies of the British. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Mountains are fragile ecosystems vulnerable to the adverse impact of climate change and other anthropogenic interventions. Illustrate with examples. Also, highlight the initiatives taken for their sustainable management. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind unsustainable management of sand resources in India. Highlighting its impact, enumerate the remedial measures taken in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"As fertility rates decline in India, future demographic concerns center around an ageing population and a weak social security system. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"With a significant proportion of India's population expected to live in urban areas by 2030, the welfare of the urban poor needs to take centre-stage in public policy. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4304,"topper":"MANISHA DHARVE","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/28722-801934_2425_manisha_dharve_rank_257.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"For effective corporate governance to take place in the coming years, why is it important to integrate the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics with the multi-stakeholder approach? What benefits can be accrued by such integration? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In acts of corruption, the focus is often only on the demand side of the equation, on public officials who abuse their office for private gain. Frequently, the supply side is given less attention. Those who pay bribes are sometimes depicted as innocent parties and victims of extortionary practices of wily public servants. Do you agree that 'collusive corruption', in which there is a willing bribe-giver, is a formidable challenge for institutions fighting corruption? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Citizens' Charters initiative was a response to the quest for solving the problems, which a citizen encountered, day in and day out, while dealing with the organisations providing public services. But the introduction and implementation of Citizens' Charters in the government of India has been difficult due to the old bureaucratic set up and the rigid attitudes of the work force. Discuss the major obstacles that have been encountered in implementing the Citizens' Charter initiative. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Quality of public service delivery is a major determinant of the quality of life of vulnerable sections in a highly unequal society divided along the lines of class, caste, religion, etc. In this background, do you think that public service delivery is efficient and sufficient enough to improve the lives of vulnerable groups in India? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own.\" - Lao Tzu (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"If ethics are poor at the top, that behavior is copied down through the organization.\" - Robert Noyce (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"The end of law is not to abolish or restrain, but to preserve and enlarge freedom.\" - John Locke (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Wealthy CEOs and founders of successful businesses around the world are increasingly pledging to give away their wealth in philanthropy. Do you think that such a move is sufficient enough to bring about a positive change in the society? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"As organizations across the globe begin their artificial intelligence (AI) transformation, the leap into the AI era is expected to be more challenging than any technology that businesses have grappled with yet. In this background, discuss the concerns around fairness, transparency, and job security that may arise. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The emphasis of Swami Dayanand Saraswati on education, social equality, and ethical values continues to influence the socio-cultural discourse in contemporary India. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Emotional intelligence may not be singularly associated with emotions or intelligence. It can also include a broad range of personality characteristics that might predict success in professional and everyday life. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Traditional forms of state-led accountability, also characterised as vertical and horizontal channels of accountability, are increasingly found to be inadequate, and a myriad of multi-stakeholder and bottom-up citizen directed approaches have come to the fore, to supplement or supplant them. Discuss with illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"In a metropolitan city of India, the law enforcement authorities decided to adopt facial recognition technology to improve their crime-fighting capabilities. They implemented a facial recognition system that integrated with existing surveillance cameras across the city, allowing real-time identification and tracking of individuals. The system was intended to assist in identifying known criminals, missing persons, and suspects in ongoing investigations. One evening, a woman reported a mugging incident where the perpetrator wore a hoodie, obscuring most of his face. The victim provided a vague description to the police, and based on that information, the authorities decided to use facial recognition technology to locate potential suspects. The system scanned through hours of surveillance footage from various locations near the crime scene. The facial recognition algorithm generated a list of potential matches, and one individual's image stood out as a close match to the description provided by the victim. The police considered this individual a prime suspect and proceeded with his arrest. Subsequently, it was discovered that the arrested person was innocent. Further investigation revealed that the facial recognition system had misidentified the innocent individual due to the limitations of the technology and the partial description provided by the victim. The police released the arrested individual; still his reputation got tarnished for life. He, along with his family, was evicted from their current place of residence. The psychological impact of the incident has been tremendous owing to which his job is also on the line. With reference to this case study, answer the following: (a) What are the issues involved in this case? (b) What measures can be taken to minimize the negative implications of adopting such technologies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"With reference to this case study, answer the following: (a) What are the issues involved in this case? (b) What measures can be taken to minimize the negative implications of adopting such technologies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"In the given situation: (a) What dilemmas does Rina face? (b) What options does she have? Provide the merits and demerits of each. (c) Highlight the course of action she should adopt, along with justification for the same. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"You have recently been posted as a Nodal Education Officer in one of the districts, where mass cheating in examinations is a regular phenomenon. Media reports have shown parents and relatives scaling school walls and buildings to pass answer chits to students taking secondary school examinations in the district. Moreover, with the advent of new technological devices, cheating in examinations has become more sophisticated and exam rules are flouted openly. On investigation, it has come to your notice that these rackets are run by many school authorities, including exam invigilators who are mostly teachers, and they are hand in glove for profits. With a shortage of staff, invigilators threaten go on mass strikes if any action is taken. Conducting the exams, cancelling them on account of cheating and having re-exams are a loss of time and money for the government and this vicious cycle goes on. As the Nodal Education Officer of the district, address the following questions: (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (b) How will you resolve the issues in the given case? (c) What long-term strategy needs to be adopted to deal with the menace of cheating in various examinations? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Many proponents of deep-sea drilling argue that tapping into the vast amount of rare earth elements in the Indian Ocean will help shore up national security interests for India, bolster its economy and workforce, and offer a reliable supply of strategic minerals. Keeping this in mind, the government has approved a $540-million programme to study ways of mining nickel, cobalt, manganese and iron hydroxide from the bed of the Indian Ocean 6,000 meters below sea level. The government argues that the project can power India's growth for 100 years. It will also study climate change, explore marine flora and fauna and harness thermal energy. However, a competing point of view alleges that deep ocean drilling poses immense risk to the environment. A comprehensive report on Sustainable Ocean Economy by independent geologists states that \"until the need for, and potential consequences of, deep-sea mining are better understood, the concept is conceptually difficult to align with the definition of a sustainable ocean economy and raises various environmental, legal and governance challenges, as well as possible conflicts with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.\" It also highlights that the profitability of national mining operations, without governmental support or comparably low taxes, remains questionable. If the operations are profitable, it will also raise questions about the equitable sharing of profits derived from a resource taken out of humanity's common heritage. Additionally, companies like BMW, Volvo, Google and Korean battery maker Samsung SDI, vowed in a statement to not buy metals produced from deep-sea mining until the environmental risks of the activity are \"comprehensively understood.\" In the context of the above-stated information, address the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the given case study? (b) How can the vision of economic development of a nation be achieved without adversely affecting the sustainability of oceans? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"You are a public representative, elected on the ticket of a political party, considered as conservative by many. Your daughter, who has returned years after studying abroad, has conveyed to you her choice of marrying a person from another community. You personally do not consider anything wrong in her choice, and convey your assent to her. You also discuss it with many among your friends and family, and inform them of a grand wedding ceremony you are planning for your daughter. However, a few days after you have shared the news of the forthcoming grand wedding with many, you are informed by your political secretary about an issue being made of the same. He informs you that there are whispers among many people in your constituency about it, and indications of a sense of unease among some prominent citizens. While most of them are enamoured by your plans for a grand wedding ceremony for your daughter, they are unhappy about the bridegroom being from another community. You also get to know through your sources in the party, that your assent to the choice of the bridegroom may lead to a denial of ticket by the high command in the forthcoming elections. You are not only an ambitious politician and a rising star in your political party but also an open-minded, loving and doting father. But howsoever much you love your daughter's freedom and choices, you do not want her decision to adversely affect your political journey. This is more so, when you had been eagerly looking forward to greater responsibilities and a higher stature in the party, given the years of hardwork you have put in, as a politician. Your daughter, on the other hand, is firm with her choice and does not want her impending grand wedding to be affected in any way. She is adamant that her wedding will not be held as a private ceremony with only close friends and family, but should be publicised in a grand way, as you had promised earlier to her. Given this situation, answer the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the above situation? (b) What are the various options that you have, as a father and an ambitious politician? (c) What will be your course of action? Justify with proper reasoning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4305,"topper":"Maniya Verma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/06ff5-658508_1836_maniya-verma_rank-258.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The PM-AASHA scheme is aimed at improving procurement mechanism as well as ensuring remunerative prices for farmers. In this context, highlight the various components of the scheme and discuss the concerns associated with it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Explaining the concept of blended finance, discuss the role it can play in mobilizing capital for infrastructure development in developing countries like India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss the challenges faced in the revival and revamp of dry ports in India and state the measures that can be adopted in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Monoculture is one of the major threats to ensuring food security and sustainability of Indian agriculture. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Aapda Mitra - a force of volunteers from across India trained in disaster response - is becoming a game changer in the field of disaster management in the country. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Why is the rise in lone wolf attacks considered as a serious challenge for security agencies around the world? Highlight the role of the internet in exacerbating such attacks. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The fundamental inefficiencies embedded in our military structures and processes are now being addressed through a slew of defence reforms in the country. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"In light of the recent establishment of the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in India, discuss the advantages and challenges in mainstreaming traditional medicine in the country. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Nano Urea Liquid has the potential to transform farming in India and across the world by improving productivity while reducing environmental pollution and input cost. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss the domino effect of high crude oil prices on the Indian economy. Also, enumerate the measures that India can take in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The consistent high operating ratio of the Indian Railways is indicative of its incapability to generate high operational surplus. Explain the reasons behind this trend. Also, highlight the remedial measures taken by the government in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Micro food processing sector is the key driver of growth in the Indian economy as it encourages food processing innovation. In this context, state the challenges faced by the micro food processing sector and discuss how the recent initiatives taken by the government aim to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Despite efforts by successive governments, equitable growth remains elusive and income inequality continues to persist in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Stating the factors that determine the employment situation of an economy in the long-term, discuss the measures that are needed for India to address its unemployment problem. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"In view of the rapidly increasing socio-economic damage due to disasters, integrating Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) into development planning requires an effective stakeholder engagement mechanism. (250 words) 15 Discuss.","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Provide an account of the existing carbon trading mechanisms in India. Also, discuss the significance of an efficient carbon trading market in the country and state the challenges that currently exist. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The menace of drug trafficking in India has been on a rise due to a mix of factors, both internal and external. Discuss. Also, state the challenges posed by drug trafficking to India's national security. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The Andaman and Nicobar islands' strategic significance in the Indian Ocean region (IOR) has been underplayed by India's policy of 'masterly inactivity and benign neglect'. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India has recently commissioned the world's first large International Liquid-Mirror Telescope (ILMT). How will the newly commissioned telescope aid in India's astronomical observations and research? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4306,"topper":"Maniya Verma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5c4e8-658508_1834_maniya-verma_rank-258.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The Sunga dynasty contributed significantly to the cultural and social development in ancient India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the role of foreign nationals in the Indian freedom struggle during the Gandhian phase. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by tsunamigenic zones? Giving an account of their global distribution, explain the propagation of tsunamis. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are atmospheric lakes? Highlight their characteristics. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What are polymetallic nodules? Highlight their geographical distribution and state their significance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What are technical textiles? In view of their significance, discuss the steps taken by the government to promote them in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the challenges that internal migration creates for urban governance in India. Also, suggest measures to address the same. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the various opportunities and challenges posed by globalization on working women in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the rationale behind anti-conversion laws in India. Also, state the concerns that have been raised with regard to these laws. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Governance, during the British rule, was a means of exploitation of India rather than a vehicle of public welfare. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Discuss how India successfully dealt with the sensitive issue of language, which had the potential of threatening national unity in the post-independence period. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Bring out the factors, which led to decolonisation after the Second World War. Also, discuss the role played by India in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What are Marine Heat Waves (MHW)? Identify the causes of their formation and discuss their consequences for India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What are the geo-climatic conditions required for oil palm cultivation? Do you agree with the view that India should promote its large-scale cultivation to reduce import dependency? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"In view of the changes witnessed in the state of Himalayan cryosphere, discuss the implications for India's water security. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Ocean warming, ocean acidification and ocean deoxygenation are often referred to as the 'deadly trio' for marine life. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Tribals in India continue to face myriad challenges with regard to healthcare. Discuss the issues faced by them in this context and suggest remedial measures. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Reservation for women perpetuates a \"proxy culture\" as seen in the phenomenon of \"sarpanch patis\". In this context, discuss whether reservation can address the issue of poor participation of women in Indian politics. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4307,"topper":"Maniya Verma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b05cc-658508_1830_maniya-verma_rank-258.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"According to you, what are the main reasons behind prejudice against certain sections of a society? Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss how persuasion acts as a functional pillar in attitudinal change and attitude formation with requisite examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"A legally enforceable code of ethics for civil servants, which not only prescribes the ethical values they must display in their public life but also provides sanctions for violations of these values, is the need of the hour. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Although open and transparent governance has gained ground, do you agree with the view that there is merit in withholding some information from people? Justify your arguments with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Although bribery is illegal and counterproductive, public officials still demand bribes, and executives in the private sector remain tempted to pay up. In this context, discuss ways in which corporations can build a framework to eliminate the practice of offering kickbacks. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Identifying the issues associated with utilization of public funds, discuss the various ethical principles which can help devise strategies for better utilization of public funds in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"All persons ought to endeavour to follow what is right, and not what is established.\" — Aristotle (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"\"It is compassion, the most gracious of virtues, which moves the world.\" — Tiruvalluvar, Kural (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"I understand democracy as something that gives the weak the same chance as the strong.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"\"A well-developed Emotional intelligence is not only an instrumental tool in accomplishing goals, but has a dark side as a weapon for manipulating others by robbing them of their capacity to reason.\" Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do you understand by conformity, compliance and obedience? Discuss their relevance in the context of civil services in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Though the internal control systems in India are impressive on paper, they have not worked well in curbing the issue of corruption in the administration. Comment. Also, discuss the various reasons for the same. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"There is broad consensus that the state has failed to effectively deliver public services to its citizens, particularly the poor. In this context, discuss the need for providing incentives, building state capacity and ensuring transparency for better service delivery. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You are the principal of a college which has a long history of student politics. However, due to your personal belief, you are not in favour of conducting student elections and thus have kept the process of yearly student elections pending without any official announcement. While you are mulling over the decision of not conducting elections, you get representation from some professors as well as students who criticize the activities of student unions as obstructive to the academic environment of the college. Some time later, student leaders also come to talk to you regarding conduct of elections, and you tell them about the representation received by you against allowing student elections. You further tell them that you are contemplating suspending all activities related to student politics in the campus. On hearing this, student leaders become aggressive and start sloganeering and destroying college property. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the issues involved in the case above? (b) How can you separate your personal ethics from professional ethics? (c) How would you deal with this situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Capital punishment, or \"death penalty,\" is an institutionalized practice designed to result in deliberately executing persons in response to actual or supposed misconduct and following an authorized, rule-governed process to conclude that the person is responsible for violating norms that warrant execution. Punitive executions have historically been imposed by diverse kinds of authorities, for an expansive range of conduct, political or religious beliefs and practices, for a status beyond one's control, or without employing any significant due process procedures. Punitive executions also have been and continue to be carried out more informally, such as by terrorist groups, urban gangs, and mobs. For centuries in Europe and America, discussions have focused on capital punishment as an institutionalized, rule-governed practice of modern states and legal systems governing serious criminal conduct and procedures. In light of the above debate of capital punishment, answer the following questions: (a) What are the arguments in favour of and against having capital punishment in the criminal justice system? (b) Do you think capital punishment has a place in modern civilised society? Examine in the context of moral implications involved in awarding it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"An Indian company is active in the telecom sector and is the majority owner of a telecom company based in other geographies across the world. At one of its European headquarters, there emerged whistleblowing allegations that a local executive was bribing local government officials in order to obtain telecom cabling and construction contracts from the local government. The kickbacks were allegedly paid through a third-party consultant. More specifically, there were allegations that the executive, the third party, and a government official had some sort of business interest in common, possibly shareholdings in a limited company or the joint ownership of an undisclosed asset. The company is thought to be particularly close to the ruling dispensation in India and the news has now raised pressure to put its business operations in India under scanner as well. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the ethical challenges in the given case? (b) Identify the different stakeholders and their interests. (c) As the CEO of the firm, how would you respond to the given situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"Sunil has been posted as a DM in a hilly district which is vulnerable to several natural disasters. The district is known for a pilgrimage site and is frequently visited by tourists from all over India. The major occupation of locals therefore lies in the hospitality business. Unfortunately, after a few days of his joining, the district faced a major earthquake. It has led to high casualties and damages to the essential infrastructure such as roads and bridges. Both locals and tourists are trapped at different routes and locations. An international convoy of dignitaries from a neighboring country which has come to pay their obeisance at the pilgrimage site, is also trapped due to the disaster. Because of this, Sunil has to divert most of the available resources in the rescue operation of the foreign dignitaries. People are emotionally distressed due to the disaster, and delayed response from authorities to their needs has led to a law-and-order situation in the district. People from other states whose families are trapped and need immediate assistance are also getting restless and flooding the emergency helplines with complaints and requests. (a) Discuss the issues being faced by Sunil in the given scenario. (b) Mention a course of action that Sunil must take to maintain law-and-order as well as to expediate rescue operations of all concerned.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are posted as a Customs official in one of renowned port cities of India. Your team has recently intercepted a consignment having over 5000 kilograms of red sandalwood. Red Sandalwood, also known as Red Sanders, is a prohibited item for export and is covered under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) list and hence you detained a few individuals for their alleged involvement in trying to smuggle it to another country. However, you later come to know that these people are working for an influential businessman with close ties to the ruling party of the state. Your seniors in the department have verbally instructed you not to register any compliant as yet. You are fearful that a deal will be struck between the businessman and a few corrupt officers of your department and the detained persons will be freed. You are ready to go ahead and file the complaint but at the same time are also fearful of departmental action against you if you disobey your seniors. (a) What are the various options available to you in the given case? Evaluate the merits and demerits of each of these. (b) Also indicate (without necessarily restricting to the above options) your course of action and the reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"You are the Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district. One of your subordinates informs you that a girl has reached out to him and complained about a potential death threat to her and her boyfriend who belongs to another caste. Both the families are averse to their union. She has also informed that the local police station is neither filing any complaint nor giving her any assurance of protection. The girl belongs to the dominant caste of the region and her father is a prominent local leader of the party which is in power in the state. On further enquiry, you come to know that both the girl and her boyfriend are adults. They have moved out of the house and have started living together. This has further angered both the families and they are accusing each other of abduction. In the given scenario, answer the following questions: (a) Bring out the ethical dilemma faced by the you. (b) What would be a suitable course of action to resolve the issue? (c) At times, such instances lead to violence and may end up in honour killings. Discuss the reasons behind their social acceptance in parts of India despite the legal sanction against them.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4308,"topper":"Maniya Verma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ebac4-658508_1827_maniya-verma_rank-258.pdf","questions":[{"page":15,"question":"Examine the issue of foreign aid in global politics from an ethical perspective. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explaining the meaning of media ethics, discuss why it is a prerequisite for democracy. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":33,"question":"Recently, the government has proposed a bill to increase the age of marriage for women from 18 to 21 years. It has been argued that it will help women improve their nutritional status, lower maternal mortality rate and improve the overall health status of women. However, some critics have stated that the proposed law would be counterproductive to women's cause and the desired objectives will not be met. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What effect will an increase in the age of marriage have on women in India? (b) Can legislation be used as an effective tool for social change? (c) Discuss other agents that can be used for social change in this context.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4309,"topper":"Maniya Verma","air":258,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a8afe-658508_1837_maniya-verma_rank-258.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4310,"topper":"MANNAT LUTHRA","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/MANNAT-LUTHRA-UPSC-2024-Rank-338-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) seeks to democratize the nation's online market by catalysing a shift from a platform centric to an open model of e-commerce. Enumerate the issues in platform centric e-commerce model and discuss the significance of ONDC. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Highlighting the existing bottlenecks in infrastructure development in the country, examine the role of PM Gati Shakti-National Master Plan for Multi-Modal Connectivity to overcome these challenges. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Often cited as responsible for many of the agriculture's maladies, Minimum Support Price (MSP) policy can also provide their remedies. Analyze the statement with special reference to issues related to mono-cropping and climate change. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Explain the critical role of the fisheries sector for development of coastal areas. Describing the major outcomes of the 12th ministerial of WTO, discuss India's concerns related to the impact of these outcomes on fisheries sector in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are the advantages of liquid nano urea over conventional fertilizers? Also bring out other applications of nanotechnology in the agriculture sector. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discuss the reasons for rising anti-microbial resistance (AMR) in India and the efforts to control it. Can traditional medicine help in controlling AMR in the country? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Critically evaluate the various government initiatives to promote renewable energy in the country. How far can the Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill, 2022 contribute towards the objective of decarbonizing the economy? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Money laundering undermines the integrity of the financial system and threatens national security. Elaborate. How effective has Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA) been in checking the problem of money laundering in the country? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"In the five years since its launch to create \"One Nation, One Tax, One Market\", Goods and Services Tax (GST) has been a cause of celebration as well as a source of worry for the stakeholders. In light of this statement, assess the performance of GST. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Discussing the reasons for high Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) in Indian banking sector, critically examine the utility of Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) and National Asset Reconstruction Company Ltd (NARCL) for reducing financial stress on banks. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"While post-independence policies have transformed India from a 'ship to mouth' economy to a net exporter of agri-products, nutrition security is yet an unrealized objective. Analyze. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Examine the critical role of Food Corporation of India (FCI) in food management in the country. Highlight various challenges faced by the FCI and suggest reforms to make it more effective in its functioning. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What do you understand by Artificial Intelligence (AI)? Analyze its predictive and prescriptive applications to improve governance in the country and list out the challenges inherent in AI. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"How is 5G different from previous generations of tele-communication technology? Underlining the transformative application of 5G technology, discuss various challenges in its roll-out. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Why is Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) seen as a regulatory hurdle to development rather than an integral part of developmental planning? How far can the recently proposed ranking system for State EIA Authorities (SEIAA) help in changing this perception? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Unscientific, unmindful and unregulated tourism in the ecologically fragile areas has increased the vulnerabilities of these regions towards a plethora of disasters. Examine the statement and suggest strategies for sustainable tourism. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"How are 'hybrid-militants' different from militants and Over Ground Workers (OGW)? In what ways have hybrid-militants changed the security concerns in Jammu and Kashmir? Also recommend effective measures to counter them. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Explain the linkages of human trafficking with other illicit activities such as drug trafficking, gun-running, and terrorism. Discuss the measures to tackle the menace of human trafficking with special reference of draft Trafficking in Persons (Prevention, Care & Rehabilitation) Bill 2021. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4311,"topper":"Manny Bhushan Singh","air":123,"year":2018,"paper":"Optional — Public Administration","optional":true,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1EYh6VkXORpZJYQSuYZtvnQx5NabMt5by","questions":[]},{"id":4312,"topper":"Manoj Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b626c-62755_1330_manoj-kumar_rank-478.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Assess the feasibility of introducing two time zones in India in the wake of recent proposal made by Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Mention the conditions responsible for occurrence of Temperature Inversion in atmosphere. Elaborating on its various types, highlight its effects on the biosphere. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Identify different factors that trigger Glacial Lake Outburst Floods. Also, suggest certain measures that need to be taken to minimize their impact. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What is palaeomagnetism? Explain how it serves as a bridging evidence for Plate Tectonics Theory. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"With adequate examples, explain how ocean currents influence the formation of fishing grounds across the world. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discussing the reasons behind disappearance of springs, examine how springshed management can help revive springs, especially in the Himalayan region. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Giving a brief account of rising nitrogen emissions in India, discuss why it is a matter of concern. What steps can be taken to limit such emissions? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Montreal Protocol is often considered as the most successful international environmental treaty. Highlighting the achievements of the protocol, discuss the reasons for its success. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Elaborate on the concept of rat-hole mining. In the context of North-Eastern India, highlight its ecological consequences. Also, explain why it still persists despite the ban imposed by National Green Tribunal (NGT)? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the factors responsible for location of high-tech industries in the vicinity of major metropolitan regions. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Explain the reasons behind earthquakes in Himalayas being more intense and frequent than the ones occurring in Alps region. Why are scientists predicting a largescale earthquake in northern India? Also, elaborate upon some prominent earthquake forecasting techniques. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Describe the mechanism of formation, movement and dissipation of tropical cyclones. In this context, explain why the recent 'Titli' cyclone was termed as 'rarest of rare' by IMD. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Differentiate between eustatic and isostatic type of sea-level changes. Also, discuss the resultant landforms which are likely to be formed as a result of sea-level fluctuations. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the vulnerabilities of urban areas to disasters. What measures have been taken to minimise the losses in such areas during disasters? What further improvements would you suggest to make them more resilient? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Explain the role of river as a geomorphic agent with suitable examples of landforms formed during its course of flow. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Analyse how far the 'Katowice Climate Package' goes in achieving the objectives of the Paris Climate agreement amid the concerns of developing countries like India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What is Conservation Agriculture? Highlight the prospects and challenges of adopting Conservation Agriculture in India. Also, mention some important policy considerations for its promotion. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Elaborate the concept, objectives and distribution of Petroleum, Chemicals and Petrochemical Investment Regions (PCPIRs) in India. Also, examine why the PCPIRs have failed to achieve the desired success. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"National Policy on Biofuels 2018 primarily tries to address supply-side issues that have discouraged the production of biofuels within the country. Elaborate. What other benefits are expected from the policy? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Identify the major Uranium reserves in the world and the countries from where India sources it. What measures are required to ensure supply security of fuel for nuclear plants in the country? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4313,"topper":"Manoj Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9a7b0-62755_1246_manoj-kumar_rank-478.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Rock-cut structures were closely associated with various religions and religious activities. Discuss the statement giving relevant examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The legislative and administrative record of the Congress Ministries during their twenty-eight months rule under the Act of 1935 was positive, but the period also witnessed the emergence of serious weaknesses in the Congress. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Kamladevi Chattopadhyay was a multifaceted personality with significant contributions both to pre and post independence India. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The inherent limitations of Napoleon's policy of Continental Blockade ultimately resulted in its failure. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Despite changes in the institution of marriage in recent times, there have been elements of continuity as well. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"There are multiple disabilities that a person experiences in the course of ageing. Elaborate. Also identify key government initiatives taken for addressing them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlight the reasons behind prevalence of low literacy rate among tribals. Also, mention some initiatives taken by the government in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain how Continental Drift Theory describes the changing configuration of the continents. Discuss the prominent evidences given by Alfred Wegener to support his theory. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The variety of landforms on the earth's surface is the result of internal and external forces. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Explaining the concept of Lapse Rate, examine its relationship with atmospheric stability. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The colonial period brought the influence of Western architectural forms to India. In this context, giving examples, highlight the contribution of Europeans to Indian architecture. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The nineteenth century witnessed a struggle against the backward elements of traditional culture. Discuss in the context of socio-religious reform movements. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Explaining the reasons behind partition of Bengal, discuss the successes and limitations of the Swadeshi movement launched in its wake. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The reorganisation of states in India post-independence has been an ongoing process with distinct contributing factors. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The Treaty of Versailles was not a peace agreement based on reconciliation but was 'dictated peace' forced on Germany, which eventually triggered the Second World War. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Legal measures alone are not sufficient for addressing the issue of domestic violence against women, rather it requires intervention at societal level. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"India is undergoing a demographic transition the implications of which are multipronged. Analyze. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Highlight the significance of watershed development in India. Give reasons for the limited success of initiatives directed towards watershed management in India. Also, suggest some measures to improve the design of watershed programs. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Explain the relationship between raw materials and location of industries. How are globalisation and technological advancements changing this relationship? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Explain how natural greenhouse effect helps in maintaining Earth's heat budget. What are the possible implications of rising concentration of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in atmosphere on Earth's heat budget? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4314,"topper":"Manoj Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/215d1-62755_1247_manoj-kumar_rank-478.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Mention the structure and functions of NITI Aayog. Also, comment on its contemporary relevance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Critically discuss the practice of setting up Fast Track Courts to reduce pendency of cases in the judiciary. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the challenges faced by lower judiciary in India and suggest measures for enhancing their productivity. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Assess the need to formalise the process of post-legislative scrutiny to improve the effectiveness of laws. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in improving the effectiveness of e-governance in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Despite various reforms in the public grievance redressal mechanisms, their effectiveness remain limited. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Explaining the factors that contribute to trafficking of women and children in India, highlight the steps taken in recent times to combat it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"With Vector-Borne Diseases (VBDs) reaching epidemic proportions in India, highlight the factors that have led to their emergence. Also, suggest some measures for their effective control and management. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"After years of neglect, rapidly evolving regional strategic realities are now forcing India and Indonesia to coordinate their policies ever more closely. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Despite several attempts at resetting the ties, various barriers continue to be a cause of concern in the India-Nepal bilateral relations. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Delineate the differences between pressure groups and interest groups. Citing examples, elaborate on the ways in which pressure groups influence government decisions and policy making in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlighting the issues faced by the institutions of local self governance in India, suggest measures that can be taken to improve their effectiveness in the delivery of public goods and services at the grassroot level. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The recent amendment to the Right to Information Act, 2005 will weaken the act and undermine the authority of Information Commissioners. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight the process of delimitation in India. Also, throw light on the debates surrounding the delimitation exercise in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Self Help Groups (SHGs) are vehicles of rural development, which help in the upliftment of marginalized groups. Elucidate. Further, mention the constraints faced by SHGs and how they can be addressed. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"With construction of toilets being only one part of the solution for a clean India, it is time that the Swachh Bharat Mission puts more emphasis on the other facets as well. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Highlight the salient features of Mission Indradhanush. What are the challenges that the mission is facing in its implementation? Suggest measures to address these challenges for progressing towards full immunization coverage. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Assess the importance of skilling in light of changing economic and demographic structure in India. In this regard, how far has the Skill India Mission succeeded in its mandate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What according to you are the reasons that motivated India to create a dedicated Indo-Pacific division in the MEA recently? Also, highlight the challenges for India in the Indo-Pacific region. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"For SCO to become a successful regional grouping, it has to overcome bilateral differences between its members and their respective geopolitical calculations. Comment. Also, discuss the role that SCO can play in enhancing India's interest in the Eurasian region. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4315,"topper":"Manoj Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7e0f7-1228024_1840_manoj-kumar_rank-786.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"While fixed-term employment offers an ingenious way to address specific issues faced by both employers and employees, there are also some concerns associated with it. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"An efficient logistics sector with a focus on warehousing is pivotal to the success of the Bharatmala Pariyojana. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'irrigation scheduling'? Bringing out the advantages provided by it, discuss the difficulties faced in applying it on a farm level. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"While the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana was touted as the largest crop insurance scheme globally in terms of farmer participation, various concerns have arisen since its implementation. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The Stockholm Conference commenced the contemporary \"environmental era\", which brought a paradigm shift in the environmental governance and set a tone for multi-lateral environmental regime. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The world has witnessed a huge surge in climate-induced disasters, which are largely driven by anthropogenic factors. In this context, analyse the role of early warning systems in mitigating the impact of the disasters. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Critically examine the implications of leveraging technology in policing. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"How far do you agree with the view that climate change poses a threat to international peace and security? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by a virtual private network (VPN)? Highlight its advantages and discuss the concerns posed by it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The discovery of the Higgs Boson at the Large Hadron Collider in CERN completed 10 years recently. In this context, discuss the role played by CERN in overall scientific development. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlighting the factors that affect the cropping pattern in India, discuss the need for modifying it in the context of the emerging agro-ecological concerns. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"While the budgetary reforms undertaken by the Central government in recent years have led to better management of government expenditure, there are some issues that still need redressal. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"For India to create a 'future ready' railway system, it must harness innovation and resource efficiency. Discuss the statement in the context of the measures enlisted in the National Rail Plan 2030. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the significance of technology in the Indian agricultural sector. Also, state the challenges in realising its potential to improve agricultural efficiency and increase the income of the farmers. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite the digital transformation in the Public Distribution System (PDS) in India, several challenges still remain. Elaborate. Also, suggest measures to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss the various concerns that exist with regard to fuel efficiency regulations for vehicles in India. Also, suggest the measures that can be taken in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Urban fire is becoming a serious cause of concern in Indian cities. In this context, highlight the major causes behind urban fires in India. What steps can be taken to build robust fire resilience in Indian cities? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Drones in border areas present a serious threat for border management in India. Elaborate. Also, discuss the different measures taken to regulate the use of drones in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Despite a global framework to prevent weaponization of space, it has been increasing in the recent times. Discuss. Also, give an account of the implications of space weaponization. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"What do you understand by a bio-economy? Highlight the role that the National Biotechnology Development Strategy 2021-2025 can play in creating a robust bio-economy in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4316,"topper":"Manoj Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/bf2ac-1228024_2218_manoj-kumar_rank-786.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to revisit the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution? Discuss with suitable arguments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Highlighting the advantages of online dispute resolution (ODR) mechanism for justice delivery, discuss the challenges associated with its effective implementation in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Despite the constitutional division of powers, Centre-state disputes have been a perennial feature of Indian democracy. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Do you agree with the view that adopting a framework for lobbying will strengthen participative governance and ease of doing business in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Despite the government encouraging open source instead of proprietary technology for government applications, the true potential of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) and digital platforms remains unrealized. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"As a social safety-valve, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) can be the principal vehicles through which communities voice their concerns. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Despite being lauded for its patient centric approach, the implementation of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, remains sluggish and mired with various issues. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to formulate an Urban Employment Guarantee scheme at the national level? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the relevance of BIMSTEC as a regional organisation to fulfil India's strategic aspirations in the Indian Ocean Region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the relevance of the Gujral Doctrine for India with regard to its relations with its immediate neighbours in the present times. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the pivotal role of the \"Officers of Parliament\" in the Indian Parliamentary system. Also, discuss the constitutional and statutory provisions for their impartial functioning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The Finance Commission plays a crucial role in balancing fiscal federalism in India. In this context, examine the recommendations given by the 15th Finance Commission. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Critically assess whether according statutory backing to the Model Code of Conduct will contribute towards free and fair elections in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The market disruption caused by digital revolution warrants renewed focus and perspective to ensure fair competition in the digital economy. In this light, discuss the need to revamp the Competition Commission of India (CCI). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"There is an urgent need for effective whistle-blowing mechanisms and ensuring that necessary safeguards for the protection of whistle-blowers are established in both public and private spheres in India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"State the reasons behind the poor performance of cooperatives in India. Also, discuss the reforms undertaken by the government to overcome the shortcomings. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Public-Private Partnership model, if harnessed properly, has the potential to bridge the gaps in India's healthcare system. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Although the New Education Policy brings with itself a commendable vision, its success will depend on its ability to effectively integrate with the government's other policy initiatives. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) is born from a collective desire to make the Indo-Pacific region an engine of global economic growth. Comment. Also, discuss India's concerns in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"India needs to identify the priority areas to further its techno-diplomacy amidst the complexities of expanding digital space and New and Emerging Strategic Technologies. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4317,"topper":"Manoj Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0cf00-1228024_1839_manoj-kumar_rank-786.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"An independent umbrella body that brings the various central investigative agencies under one roof holds the key to shoring up their credibility. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the significance of the Doctrines of Pith and Substance and Colourable Legislation with respect to Centre-state relations in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Do you agree with the view that there should be simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and the State Legislative Assemblies in India? Discuss with suitable arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss the need for codification of parliamentary privileges in India, in light of the uncertainty and ambiguity around them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"While the Civil Services Board can be a step forward in making the Indian bureaucracy more effective, it has its own issues which need to be addressed. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Highlight the potential of India Digital Ecosystem Architecture (IndEA) 2.0 in transforming the ecosystem of service delivery in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What is Civil Registration System? Highlight its importance and discuss the measures taken by the government to bring about improvements in it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and Their Rehabilitation Act, 2013, provides an effective mechanism for empowerment of the intended beneficiaries in the society. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the reforms that must be undertaken to strengthen the World Trade Organisation in order to address the vulnerabilities in the present global trading system. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"State the significance of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Also, discuss the need for a legally binding Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Critically assess the role played by the National Human Rights Commission as a watchdog of human rights violations in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Discuss how the integration of information and communications technology (ICT) in the dispute resolution processes will help in overcoming the challenges associated with the functioning of courts and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) forums. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite various provisions concerning disqualification of legislators under The Representation of The People Act, 1951, the issue of criminalization of politics is still unresolved to a large extent in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"It is time for reforms, which recognise that urban local bodies (ULBs) need permanent, buoyant revenue sources to match the growing demands of an increasing urban population. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The role of the civil society organisations (CSOs) in India is changing in contemporary times and has become increasingly more complex. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Though the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) aims to address the inequity in development in India, there are a number of issues which plague the scheme. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Highlighting the factors responsible for the growth of EdTech sector in India in recent times, discuss its benefits. Also, state the concerns associated with it. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Bring out the role of Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers in delivering health services in rural India. Also, suggest the measures that can be taken to overcome the challenges faced by them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss the various concerns that have arisen for India after the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan. Also, suggest the measures that India should take in the given context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Bangladesh is not only a key part of India's \"Neighbourhood First policy\" but also crucial for the \"Act East policy\". In this context, discuss the steps taken by the two countries to strengthen their relationship. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4318,"topper":"Manoj Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c1944-62755_1244_manoj-kumar_rank-478.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the need of an Independent Fiscal Council (IFC) in bringing about transparency and accountability in fiscal processes in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Recognizing the potential of exports in generating employment, a number of steps need to be taken to address India's weakening export competitiveness. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlighting the main features of National Mineral Policy, 2019, discuss how it can help in ensuring sustainable and responsible mining. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlighting the salient features of the PM JI-VAN Yojana, analyze how it can assist in achieving the vision and goals of the National Policy on Biofuels, 2018. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) provides an alternative to capital and chemical intensive agriculture currently being practiced in India. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Marine life is facing 'irreparable damage' from the millions of tonnes of plastic waste which ends up in the oceans each year. In this context, examine the implications of plastic pollution on marine ecosystem and suggest some measures for addressing this problem. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are black holes? Highlight the challenges in imaging a black hole? How were these challenges overcome by the Event Horizon Telescope project? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"While mentioning the objectives of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), discuss the challenges which are hindering the utilization of the ATT to its full potential. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Threats to internal security of India may be posed both through the communication networks and also to the networks. Discuss. Also, highlight the steps taken by the government in making the networks more secure. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlight the importance and challenges related to integration of Variable Renewable Energy (VRE) in India. Mention some steps that can be taken for its smooth integration with the synchronized Indian grid. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"There have been arguments that India could fall into a 'middle income trap'. Explaining the phenomenon, highlight the reasons behind such arguments. How can India avoid it? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Highlighting its importance, discuss the major issues that plague effective monetary policy transmission in India. Also, mention the steps taken by RBI to improve it. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight the constraints faced by rainfed agriculture in India. Discuss some agronomic practices that can be adopted for stabilizing agricultural production in rainfed areas. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite the steps taken by the government in recent years, a number of problems continue to persist in the urea sector in India. Discuss. What reforms should be taken to address the persisting problems? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What is Access and Benefit Sharing? Explain how it aids in sustainable use of biodiversity. Also, mention the different global and national level mechanisms for ensuring Access and Benefit Sharing. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Stating the significance, discuss the challenges in achieving disaster resilience of infrastructure. Suggest some ways for mainstreaming it in the development paradigm. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Highlighting the significance of data localization for India, discuss various challenges associated with data localization. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Money Laundering as a socio economic offence is a menace especially for developing countries like India. Comment. What measures have been taken at the domestic and international levels to deal with this menace? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The primary motive of terrorism differs from that of organised crime but there exists a symbiotic relationship between the two. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4319,"topper":"Manoj Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/03c2f-62755_1245_manoj-kumar_rank-478.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the attributes of leadership, analyse why it is important for a civil servant.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"A civil servant needs to be objective as well as empathetic. What do you understand by objectivity? Discuss its relationship with empathy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"With rapidly increasing use of information technology, what according to you is the role of ethics in cyber space?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Transparency in government organisations is an essential pre-condition for good governance. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but its lowest ones. Nelson Mandela","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"For achieving success, attitude is equally, if not more important than ability. Discuss with the help of examples from your daily life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"The core of high Emotional Intelligence is self-awareness. If you don't understand your own motivations and behaviours, it is nearly impossible to develop an understanding of others. Discuss with the help of appropriate examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by Integrity Pacts? Highlight the role they can play in bringing transparency in allotment of public contracts and ensuring proper utilization of public funds in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"In the context of rapid technological change, discuss the significance of inculcating moral and spiritual values in educational institutions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Explain the main elements of integral humanism as propounded by Deen Dayal Upadhyay and highlight its contemporary relevance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"It is imperative for a country like India, that code of ethics should be implemented for civil servants on social media platforms as well. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Discuss how effective corporate governance can ensure the equitable treatment of all stakeholders.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"You are posted as the Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district of a state where alcohol prohibition has been imposed recently. The District Excise department has conducted many raids and seized liquor in large quantities, for which it has received state-wide public appreciation. A few months later reports surface in the media that in this district, hundreds of seized bottles of illicit liquor are missing from the government malkhanas or stores. As a result, the government is left red-faced. You are asked by the DM, who is the overall in-charge of the district excise setup, to investigate the matter. Upon investigation, you unearth a nexus of politicians and government officials who smuggled seized liquor and sold it through spurious means both inside and outside the state. In this context, evaluate these options:","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Being aware of the seriousness of the matter, discretely put the detailed investigation report in the public domain and expose the nexus. Also, suggest, without restricting yourself to the given options, the final course of action that you would prefer.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate in a Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected district. The district has witnessed many instances of violence by the naxalites in the past. It has been observed that instances of violence increase as the elections approach. You, as a Returning Officer, are responsible for the smooth conduct of elections. Soon after the announcement of elections, the naxalites gave a call for their boycott and have been threatening people to stay away from them. The people of the district are eager to exercise their voting rights but are scared of the impending acts of violence. Further, with threat to their lives and a low expected turnout, the other electoral officers are also reluctant to go to these areas. In this context, answer the following: (a) Identify the civil service values that are crucial for working in such adversities. (b) Suggest a plan of action to ensure the conduct of free and fair elections in such a situation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate in a district, where many large factories and commercial establishments are located. One such factory is owned by one of your close friends. You visit each other's home frequently and are often seen in public together. Recently, media reported about poor working conditions in your friend's factory. Upon enquiry with the labor office, you come to know that the factory has witnessed frequent labour unrests in the past as well. However, the labour officer told you that he was hesitating to take any action due to your proximity with the owner of the factory. With reference to the facts of the case, answer the following questions: (a) Identifying the stakeholders and public cause, discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) As the District Magistrate, what appropriate course of action will you take? Give reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are a resident of a remote tribal district, where there is high incidence of malnutrition. As a remedial measure, the District Magistrate has initiated a programme to promote millet cultivation, especially on the lands currently lying fallow in the district. However, this well-intentioned move of the officer receives flak from the local tribals as this may not only change their age-old food habits, but also alter their traditional agricultural practices. They further cite lower remunerative prices of millets as another reason for continuing with their existing crop production pattern. As a civil servant aspirant, who has a keen interest in development of tribal areas, answer the following questions: (a) What according to you are the key issues and challenges involved in the above situation? (b) Identify the key stakeholders and their respective interests. (c) Suggest a course of action that the District Magistrate can take keeping in mind the larger tribal interests.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You have recently been posted as a District Labour Officer in a state, which derives a substantial revenue from tourism. You come to know that a big hotel in the area has not been paying wages as per the Minimum Wages Act. The hotel owner is a powerful local leader having contacts with many influential officials of the state. You have the power to take sou-moto cognizance of such violations and accordingly you initiate a preliminary enquiry into the matter. However, no worker is willing to come forward to lodge a formal complaint because they fear loss of employment. Meanwhile, your action has attracted notice of the higher authorities, and you are advised to drop the matter altogether. You are deeply concerned about the situation as it involves not only violation of the Minimum Wages Act but also denial of basic human rights of the worker. (a) Identify the issues involved in the given case. (b) Consider the options given below:","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Serve a notice to the hotel owner and initiate action as per your powers under the Minimum Wages Act. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each of these options and suggest your preferred course of action, giving reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"You are the Chairman of a Committee, constituted by the government, to suggest measures to improve the quality of education in state-run schools. In view of the increasing dropout rate and the widening gap between students' learning ability in state-run and private schools, answer the following questions: (a) Examine the role of government in the education sector, especially providing primary and secondary education through state-run schools. (b) Identify the principles and values that would guide your recommendations in this regard. (c) Suggest some ways in which quality of education in state-run schools can be improved.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4320,"topper":"Manoj Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/20826-1228024_2220_manoj-kumar_rank-786.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The logic of limitless wealth lies in the basic human instinct for furthering self-interest in the form of profit. In this context, do you think there is a possibility of pursuing ethical capitalism? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"If a law is unjust, a man is not only right to disobey it, he is obligated to do so. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The capacity of Citizens' Charter to initiate any transformative process is conditioned upon it being appropriately designed and effectively executed. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The moral fiber and ethical conduct of public officials not only influence the standard of governance but also their own interests and performance. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The ongoing debate on euthanasia poses several ethical questions. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Foreign aid is a form of neo-colonialism, as the economically wealthier countries can exploit the developing countries, under the cloak of aid. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Throwing light on the idea of Universal Humanism propounded by Rabindranath Tagore, discuss its contemporary relevance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree with the view that it is nature and not nurture which determines the emotional intelligence of a person? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Values that guide public administrators can often compete with each other, owing to their relative importance to the larger public interest. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Is it justifiable to say that corruption is a social phenomenon? What are the various ways through which administrative corruption can be tackled? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"\"I do believe that, where there is only a choice between cowardice and violence, I would advise violence.\"- Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":47,"question":"Mr. X is a billionaire businessman who heads a conglomerate engaged in insurance, energy generation and distribution, and manufacturing. Despite being globally known as a great philanthropist, he turned down a shareholder request seeking the disclosure of the conglomerate's actions on issues related to climate change as well as diversity and inclusion. Because of increased attention to climate and diversity issues, many leading firms have committed themselves to incorporate relevant considerations in their business strategies. Therefore, some industry-observers wonder if Mr. X is out of touch with the industry at large and have warned him that failing to address climate change issues puts his businesses under systemic risk. But, Mr. X maintained his vote against the disclosure proposal, while at the same time acknowledged the importance of both climate change and a diverse and inclusive work force. However, Mr. X believes that such ethical issues take secondary importance to maximising shareholder profit. (a) Discuss the importance of including climate change strategies and diversity and inclusion in a business organisation? (b) In your opinion, what matters more for a business organisation - socio-environmental concerns or shareholder profit? (c) How can the two above-mentioned issues be reconciled? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"You are posted as a Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district where people of different religious communities are living together peacefully. The district is also famous for its architectural heritage and is regularly visited by tourists from all around the world. However, there has been an incident in the nearby state where people of two different communities have started fighting over religious issues. This incident has a spillover effect over the whole country. You are now aware that some outsiders with dubious intentions have started pouring in your district. In one locality, a shopkeeper who had earlier filed a complaint regarding threats he received for posting something on the internet, is found murdered in cold blood. This incident has stunned the nation. You are being informed that hundreds of people of the community to which the shopkeeper belonged are planning to stage a massive protest in your district. (a) In the given situation, what are the options available to you to ensure that the law and order situation in the district remains stable. Provide a detailed account of your course of action. (b) Do you think the present legal and institutional mechanisms are sufficient to tackle the menace of hate speech in the society? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"The Indian education system suffers from many ills. One of the major issues is the focus on 'rote learning', which has been the staple of the Indian education system for many years. While many Indians have attained success despite this system, simply being able to recall information is not enough in today's world when that information is instantly available to anyone on a mobile phone. A survey of 200 Indian and foreign companies found that only 14% of Indian graduates were prepared for the workforce, largely because most graduates were unable to apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the consequences of 'rote learning' on the educational development of young students in the country? (b) Suggest measures that can be taken to address this issue. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4321,"topper":"Manoj Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c997b-1228024_1837_manoj-kumar_rank-786.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain why altruism constitutes one of the core values in public life. In this regard, suggest some measures to foster altruistic behaviour in public services. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Certain actions can be right even though they do not maximize good consequences, for the rightness of such actions consists in their representing certain norms. Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"With the help of appropriate examples, discuss the ethical challenges involved in policing in India. Also, highlight the reasons behind corruption in the police force. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"A right combination of spirit and structure is integral to ethical corporate governance. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"It is not only public servants, but also the common citizens who play a key role in institutionalising high standards of ethical conduct and good governance. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Public administration in India suffers from the 'working-in-silos' culture. In this context, discuss the importance of cooperation, coordination and collaboration for efficient governance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"While emotional intelligence is an essential tool for a public servant, it can also be misused to manipulate people to act against their own interests. Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Social influence is an ambivalent concept. It can be a source for good, bad and even for evil. Discuss with the help of relevant examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Effective public service delivery demands a people-centric approach, which is built upon coordination and leverages technology. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Highlight the important teachings of Kautilya that relevant to public services in 21st century India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.\" Nelson Mandela (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You have recently graduated from college and are now preparing for the civil services examination. While reading the newspaper, you come across a news report of a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), working for child rights, challenging a provision of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, in the Supreme Court of India. The said provision provides for the option of Children in Conflict with Law (CCL) to be tried as adults under certain circumstances. The NGO's plea is that children are not able to understand the gravity of crimes. It has also contended that the criminal acts committed by children are a reflection of failure of the society to take care of its children. In the context of this situation, as a young aspirant, answer the following questions: (a) What are the possible factors that can drive a child towards committing heinous crimes? (b) Is it ethical to punish children as adults rather than giving them a chance for reformation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"There is an ongoing ethnic civil war in a neighbouring country. The conflict has caused massive displacement of people from the country. Ironically, the developed countries have closed off their borders to the refugees on account of the COVID-19 pandemic, resource competition, domestic politics etc. With countries sealing off their borders, the refugees are left in a vulnerable situation and many are taking illegal routes to enter your country. As a Senior Official of your country's Ministry of External Affairs, you have been involved in discussions with officials of other nations and are entrusted with the mandate to design a national policy to safely accommodate India bound refugees. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) Discuss the moral issues related to the rights of international refugees, especially those from conflict-torn regions. (b) What recommendations would you suggest given the large influx of refugees in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Social interactions where a person is addressed by their correct name and pronouns, consistent with their gender identity, are widely recognized as a basic and yet critical aspect of gender affirmation. A national university invited speakers for a discussion on rights of sexual minorities in India. The panel included speakers representing a wide variety of opinions and perspectives on the issue. The debates, though largely peaceful, witnessed a controversy. A college association representing sexual minorities took offence against a panellist who cautioned against self-identification by sexual minorities and the liberal use of pronouns. The association reached out to the media and the localised controversy soon turned into a national issue across news networks and social media. The association demanded that the panellist apologise for his views and issue a public statement in this context. The panellist, on the other hand, seemed unmoved by the issue. In the meantime, the University has come under huge pressure to resolve the issue. The Vice Chancellor set up a Committee to look into the matter and its peaceful resolution. You have been appointed as the Chairperson of the Committee. In this regard, answer the following questions: (a) Discuss the various moral issues involved in the case. (b) Keeping the right to freedom of speech and expression in mind, highlight the steps you would take to resolve the issue and list arguments in support.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"You are a young athlete representing India at an international-level competition. To your surprise, during the competition, you witness a few senior athletes injecting something using a syringe in private. When you approach them, they explain that it is a performance enhancing drug, which is very common in such competitions and you should take the same as well. You are aware that if these players get caught in a doping test, it may damage India's reputation. You are confused and afraid of the repercussions and decide to approach the coach to discuss the event you witnessed. However, you get to know that the athletes are taking the drug on the advice of the coach himself. (a) What would you do in this scenario? Discuss the options available to you and chart your course of action. (b) What are the reasons behind the use of performance enhancing drugs in competitive sporting events? How can this practice be minimized?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4322,"topper":"Manoj Kumar Yadav","air":381,"year":2021,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1bBVEdKjde-epnl2-Q6PqFFiGE3zi2xU1","questions":[]},{"id":4323,"topper":"Manoj Kumar Yadav","air":381,"year":2021,"paper":"Optional — Public Administration","optional":true,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ImVOedqB7Np6UzXK3fls1JoHf1c_J55G","questions":[]},{"id":4324,"topper":"Manoj Kumar Yadav","air":381,"year":2021,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-joMMKSgx4_KWBNzLP9KByF7spGBHNyT","questions":[]},{"id":4325,"topper":"Mansi Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/8753a84a20ad78852d2f922fc896d837/30/mts_2023_unchecked_aim24gcl1025_tc304.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Patriarchy is the least noticed yet the most significant structure of social inequality.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4326,"topper":"Mansi Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/AIM24GCL1025_TC001.pdf","questions":[{"page":18,"question":"OPINIONS: INDELIBLE INK ON IMPRESSIONABLE MINDS","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4327,"topper":"Mansi Gupta","air":78,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/AIM24GCL1025_TC005.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4328,"topper":"Mansi Gupta","air":78,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/8753a84a20ad78852d2f922fc896d837/56/mts_2023_unchecked_aim24gcl1025_tc351.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4329,"topper":"Mansi Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/8753a84a20ad78852d2f922fc896d837/23/mts_2023_unchecked_aim24gcl1025_tc307.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"The level of excellence of Mauryan kingdom was ahead of its time and still relevant to present India. Discuss. (10M)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Though not very useful from point of view of connected political history, sangam literature portrays social-eco conditions of its time with vividness. Comment. (10M)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"The fabric of Indian philosophical thought owes much to northern and southern India. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"How did ancient trade routes connecting India to foreign countries contribute to exchange and dissemination of culture? (10 M)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"How does the archaeological evidence help in piecing together life in Harappan civilization? 15 M","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"How do you explain the decline of Buddhism and Jainism? What was the impact of these philosophies on Indian society? (15M)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the main contribution of Gupta and Chola period to Indian heritage and culture.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Sanskrit lit in general and particularly the gupta age set a high watermark for literary history of ancient India. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Although there were many diff in Gandhara and Mathura school, they considerably influenced Amaravati schools. Elaborate. (15M)","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4330,"topper":"Mansi Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/8753a84a20ad78852d2f922fc896d837/47/mts_2023_unchecked_aim24gcl1025_st001.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"The Pala period is the most significant phase in history of Buddhism. Enumerate. (10M)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Evaluate the nature of Bhakti literature and contribution to Indian culture. (10M)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Persian literary sources of medieval India reflect the spirit of age? Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Constitutional morality is rooted in Constitution itself and is founded on its essential facet. Explain doctrine of constitutional morality with help of relevant decisions. (10M)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Right to move and residence throughout the territory of India are freely available to Indian citizens, but aren't absolute. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the role of VP as chairman of RS.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"Individual parliamentarian's role as the national lawmaker is on a decline, which in turn, adversely impacted quality of debates and outcome. Comment. (15 M)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"The most significant achievement of modern law is the constitutionalization of environment problems by SC. Discuss with help of case laws.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4331,"topper":"Mansi Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/8753a84a20ad78852d2f922fc896d837/66/mts_2023_unchecked_aim24gcl1025_tc309.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"How did the foreign accounts help in piecing together history of ancient India? Explain with suitable examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Indian national congress was not the first political orgn but culmination of a long process of political development in colonial India. Discuss. [10 M]","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"The revolt of 1857, called the First War of independence was neither first nor a war of independence. Discuss (10 M)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"Gandhian phase of national movement brought in a new set of ideas, philosophies and added wind to the sails of national development. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Assess the role of SC Bose in India's struggle for independence.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"What was the Mountbatten plan? Highlight the contributions of lord Mountbatten in final transfer of power & ultimate independence of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Why was there a sudden spurt in famines in colonial India since mid 18th C? Give reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"Indian philosophy and tradition played a significant role in conceiving & shaping the monuments and their art in India. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Discuss the significance of lion & bull figures in Indian mythology, art & architecture. [15 M].","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"Within the constitutional field, moderates never visualized a clinical separation from the British empire; what they wanted was only limited self govt within the imperial framework. In light of this statement discuss contribution of moderates to national movement, along with limitations. [15 M]","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"'The English were unwillingly drawn into political turmoil of Indian themselves & almost forced to acquire Indian territories'. Critically comment on this colonial view of British conquest of India. [15 M]","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"What were the factors that helped revolutionary extremism in first half of 20th c? What was the impact of revolutionary extremists on national political scenario?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"Bring out constructive programme of MG during NCM and civil disobedience movt. [15M]","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"What are the various ways in which nationalism manifested in India during colonial rule? [15M]","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"To what extent women participated in diff phases of the freedom struggle? How did this activism & politicization of women promote a feminist consciousness in colonial India? [15M]","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"How did British economic policies favour the western capitalist class at expense of India's economic interest? What were the factors that developed modest Indian industrial development in starting decades of 20th C, despite an obstructing colonial presence?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Highlighting the evolution of British policy on Princely states, discuss the role played by PS in Indian national movt.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4332,"topper":"Mansi Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/8753a84a20ad78852d2f922fc896d837/69/mts_2023_unchecked_aim24gcl1025_tc308.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Clarify how mid 18thc India was beset with spectre of fragmented polity. (10M)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The success of EIC depended on its capacity to mobilize greater resources than its rivals. Critically comment in context of reasons for success of EIC both against Indians & Europeans. [10M].","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Indian society's impulse for change & reform was a response to colonial rule. Elaborate. (10M)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"The 1857 uprising was culmination of recurrent, big & small local rebellions that occured in preceeding 100 years of British rule. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Critically examine how introduction of Western education transformed India in unforeseen ways.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"How did social reform & ideological struggle against backward traditional elements and hegemony of colonial culture in 19th C can influence the emergence of a distinct cultural identity & national consciousness? [15M]","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"The process of consolidation of Bengals, which started after Plassey culminated in Battle of Buxar. Do you think Battle of Buxar was more imp for British than Plassey?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Examine how the decline of traditional artisan industry in colonial India crippled the rural economy. [15 m]","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss British govt's approach towards Indian admin after revolt of 1857? How did admin changes post 1857 help in consolidating British control over India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"What was the real reason behind British decision to partition the province of Bengal? To what extent did the differences in approach to deal with the issue of the partition of Bengal led to surat split of 1907? [15M].","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4333,"topper":"Mansi Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/8753a84a20ad78852d2f922fc896d837/14/mts_2023_unchecked_aim24gcl1025_tc302.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"How far do you think cooperation, competition and cofrontsation have shaped the nature of Indian federation? cite some examples to validate. (10M)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":4,"question":"Examine the role of ISC in promoting vertical and horizontal intergovernmental cooperation and coordination (10M)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"The powers, privileges and immunities of Parliament & its members u/ Art 105 leave room for a large no. of uncodified privileges to continue. Assess the reasons. How can this problem be resolved? (10M)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"Unlike RS, desirability of second chamber at state level is often questioned on various grounds. Explain (10 M)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"Under what circumstances can Financial emergency be invoked by President? What consequences follow when such a decln remain in force? (10M)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"To what extent parliamentary committees have been effective in ensuring accountability of the executive ? Justify your answer (15 M)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Any federal system is bound to have asymmetries, therefore special provisions are necessary not only to come together but hold together. Discuss in context of Indian federalism. (15M)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The essence of parliamentary democracy lies in the ability to debate, discuss and dissent. Parliament is where ideas are tested, policies are scrutinized and voice of people is translated into action. In this context, discuss the reasons for recent decline in role of Parliament as a deliberative and representative institution.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4334,"topper":"Mansi Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/8753a84a20ad78852d2f922fc896d837/21/mts_2023_unchecked_aim24gcl1025_tc306.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"There is a need to resolve ambiguity in disqualification provisions u/s. 8 of RPA 1951. Discuss disqualification under Representation of People Act, 1951 occurs in various instances to censure the candidates and members of house from wrongful acts. Under Act 8, 8A, 9, 9A, 10, 123 etc members /candidate can be disqualified. Disqualification under S. 8 1) S.8 and provides list of specific offences which are punishable u/act. 2) S.8 states that if any candidate is convicted for offence and imprisoned for 2 years /more - he stands immediately disqualified for period of term and 6 years after that. 3) S.8 provided for automatic stay in cases for of members of House for 3 months to file appeal. This was","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":4,"question":"Highlight key differences in scope of freedom of speech and expression as provided u/ parliamentary privileges vis-a-vis FR. Why is it necessary to maintain a balance between parliamentary privilege and FR?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Electoral bonds are double edged sword providing anonymity to donors while raising concern about transparency in political funding. To what extent have EBs legitimized opacity in electoral funding?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"The Indian consti not only served as political blue-print but also provides a social framework. In this context discuss changing contours of socialism in last 75 years. (10 M)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss key fxn of PAC. What steps should be taken to revamp PAC to ↑ its effectiveness as true guardian of public funds? (10 M)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"The lack of effective functioning of local bodies fairly results from their capability to generate independent financial resources. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"The harmonious coexistence of FR and DPSP lays the foundation for just and equitable society, where individual liberty and collective welfare complement each other - Ambedkar. Discuss harmonious reln b/w FR & DPSP in light of SC judgements","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"In spirit of unity and efficiency one nation One election stands as a powerful step towards streamlining our democratic process. Comment. (150 words) Q.10) Under what circumstances, can a governor use discretion u/ Art 200? Discuss its impact on role and authority of governor in federal setup.","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Under what circumstances, can a governor use discretion u/ Art 200? Discuss its impact on role and authority of governor in federal setup.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"The office of CBI has faced criticism and challenge, primarily due to concerns around its autonomy, transparency & susceptibility to external inference. Discuss & suggest reforms to uphold its credibility & effectiveness.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"How has ADL impacted reln b/w political parties and individual legislators in India? In light of recent examples also discuss the unintended consequences it has on fxn of democracy in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"SR Bommai v/s UOI signified a paradigm shift in judicial interpretation of union's authority to assume control of a state's admin. In this context discuss the significance and impact of the judgement cementing federal structure","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"The doctrine of parliamentary sovereignty and judicial supremacy has exerted considerable influence in shaping constitutional framework of India & US. Cite relevant case laws and discuss role of judiciary in influencing constitutions in these countries. Is the scope of JR wider in India? (15 M)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Delimitation of seats is essential to ensure fair representation and uphold one vote one value? Highlighting challenges posed by misrepresentation in constituencies, analyse ramifications of population based delimitation in creating federal tension. (15 M)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"RS has been transformed from a useless stepney typre to the most useful supporting organ in past few decades. Highlight the factors as well as the areas in which this transformation could be visible","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"Though HRC have contributed immensely to the protection of HR in India, yet they've failed to assert themselves against the mighty and powerful. Analyzing their structural & practical limitations, suggest remedial measures.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"Discuss the role of SC in India in strengthening the hands of EC in discharge of constitutional responsibility of conducting free and fair election in country","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"Discuss the crucial role played the National Commission of women in shaping the discourse on gender-sensitive laws in India. To what extent the elevation of NCW to constitutional body would reinforce its authority? (15M)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Discuss the role of ECI in light of the evolution of MCC (15M)","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4335,"topper":"Mansi Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/8753a84a20ad78852d2f922fc896d837/12/mts_2023_unchecked_aim24gcl1025_tc303.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"IX schedule once a vessel for reforms was transformed into a constitutional dustbins of limitless proportions. What was the significance of IR Coelho judgement wrt IX schedule of Constitution? (10 M)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":4,"question":"Examine the importance of establishing a National Tribunals commission in systematically reforming tribunal system in India. (10 M)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"The governor's office is neither decorative, nor inconsequential, assumes a constitutional role of profound essence.' To what extent governor actively contribute to the governance of a state & reinforce principles of federalism? (10 M).","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"Instances of President's delay in commuting death sentence have come under public debate as a denial of justice. Should there be a time specified for President to accept/reject such petition? Analyse (10M)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"How has judicial activism in India contributed to protection and advancement of Human rights? Discuss with reference to significant cases. [10M]","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Resorting to ordinance has always raised concerns about violation of spirit of separation of powers. While noting the rationale justifying power to promulgate, analyze whether decision of SC on the issue has further facilitated resorting to this power. Should the power to promulgate ordinances be repealed? (15M)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Constitution envisages an independent judiciary, not an insulated judiciary. In light of this discuss issues related to appointment of judges in higher judiciary and suggest alternatives to current system. (15M)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Examine, advantages and challenges associated with ODR mechanisms in dispute resolution (15M)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Judicial legislation is antithetical to doctrine of separation of powers as envisaged in Indian Consti. In this context justify the filing of large no. of PIL praying for issuing guidelines to executive authority. (15M)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"The huge number of undertrial languished in prisons reflect Equality before law doesn't always signify equal access to law. In this context, discuss reasons for growing no. of undertrials in Indian prisons and also suggest corrective measures (15M)","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4336,"topper":"Mansi Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/8753a84a20ad78852d2f922fc896d837/29/mts_2023_unchecked_aim24gcl1025_tc305.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Discuss the safeguards available to civil servants against doctrine of pleasure w/Art. 310 [10M]","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":4,"question":"Discuss the role of NCBC in wake of its transformation from statutory to constitutional body.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"CAG has a very vital role to play. Explain how this is reflected in methods & terms of his appointment as well range of powers he can exercise (10M)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"Recognizing the pivotal role of urbanization as a driver of economic growth, Fifteenth Finance Commission has suggested major reforms for ULBs. Evaluate recommendations of FFC in promoting & revitalizing ULBs in India. (10M)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"Cooperative federalism finds its true expression in mandate & fxn of GST council. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Attorney General is the chief legal advisor & lawyer of GOI. Discuss. (15M)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Key to effective decentralization is political decentralization should follow finance & function decentralization. Discuss in context of impediments faced by local govt in India. (15M)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"What are the powers & fxn of NCSC? Discuss the performance of NCSC in protecting & promoting rights of SC. [15M]","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Highlight the concerns related to TOR of FFC discussed how commission balanced conflicting interests. (15M)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Interstate border disputes, if not promptly & impartially settled can transform into persistent issues that impede development & generate friction. Highlighting the constitutional & legal frameworks to resolve interstate disputes, explain why independent India has failed to resolve inter-state border disputes.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4337,"topper":"Mansi Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/8753a84a20ad78852d2f922fc896d837/3/mts_2023_unchecked_aim24gcl1025_tc301.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"How does the Indian constitution harmoniously blends borrowed elements with indigenous needs? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Preamble is the mirror that reflects the mission and vision of the constitution makers. Explain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"What is Rule of Law? Compare and contrast the implementation of the Rule of Law in India and that of the United Kingdom (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Fundamental Duties are a reminder that citizenship is not merely a passive status but an active engagement. Discuss. What are the challenges in their legal enforcement? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"'Unchecked hate speech emboldens hatred and fosters fear and animosity.' Does the problem of hate speech in India stem from the lack of laws or lack of their effective implementation? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Examine the distinct characteristics of the notion of Equality in the Constitutions of the United States and India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":17,"question":"\"Basic structure doctrine is a North Star that guides interpreters of Constitution\" Analyse the above statement and also highlight the elements that constitute basic structure as decided in various judgements. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":23,"question":"The expression \"equal respect for all religions\" does not capture the complexities of Indian secularism. Analyse, also discuss the challenges in the implementation of the Uniform civil code. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"In light of the recent Supreme Court judgement on the Right to Privacy, examine the scope of Fundamental Rights in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4338,"topper":"Mansi Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/8753a84a20ad78852d2f922fc896d837/13/mts_2023_unchecked_aim24gcl1025_tc316.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"What do you understand by windfall tax? Do you think windfall taxes can effectively redistribute wealth and promote greater eco. equality?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":4,"question":"Elaborate on difference b/w capital a/c and current A/c as components of BoP. suggest a few measure to balance BoP deficit in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Discuss the percieved successes and challenges of implementing inflation targetting u/new monetary Policy committee regime. [10]","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"Logistics sector is one of the imp. components of growth of manufacturing industry. Discuss. Also mention various components of recently announced NLP, 2022. Logistics contribute to 14% of GDP and employs 22 million people. Its importance is immense not just for itself but for synergy of all other sectors of economy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"Diff b/w CPI & WPI. Do you think CPI is a better measure of inflation compared to WPI? Substantiate. Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Wholesale Price Index (WPI) are 2 measures used to check inflation in country. They operate in different domains and are key to policy making.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Jobless growth is an inherent feature of India's growth trajectory. What are the main reasons behind high unemployment rate? Suggest remedial measures to improve overall employment growth rate in India. Jobless growth is the phenomenon of increase in GDP without and equivalent increase in employment. The increase in employment from 1990s - 2004-05 far exceeds that in 2004-05 to 2020-21, indicating the same in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"Recently, GOI evaluating prospect of developing salt based cavern strategic oil reserves to increase India's strategic oil capacity. Critically analyse importance of strategic oil reserve to strengthen India's energy security & capacity to mitigate supply disruptions in global market.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Aviation sector infamously known as graveyard of investment. Issues? suggest reforms to revitalize the sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"What is digital public infra? What are the advantages of DPI development in India? What are the impediments to realising full potential of DPI in India? substantiate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Evaluate the potential of PLI scheme in fostering innovation & enhancing competitiveness in targeted sectors & suggest measures to ensure sustainability & scalability of scheme.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"Electricity Amendment Bill 2022, brings several adv for consumers, DISCOMs as well as env. elaborate - Also list out its shortcomings & measure to overcome.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"SEBI plays an imp role in regulation of share market & safeguarding interests of investors. In light of this, highlight challenges faced by SEBI & suggest reforms. SEBI was established in 1992 in the aftermath of financial crisis faced due unscrupulous share market activities. It has held a higher position amongst India's regulators to safeguard national interest.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"Intl trade centred on dominant currency paradigm. Critically Analyse imp of hard currencies in intl trade and discuss potential of rupee acceptance in global trade as an alternative to dollar imperialism (15 M) Hard currencies refer to those currencies which are issued by nations and are considered is politically and economically stable. It is around them that international trade revolves today in an ever - connected world.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"Demographic dividend doesn't ensure growth; it only generates potential. Discuss steps made by govt to take opportunities of transition presented by demographic transition. [15M]","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Low tax buoyancy translates to higher deficits and debts. Can a higher direct tax rate improve overall tax to GDP ratio in India? What other steps can be undertaken to revamp overall tax structure in India? [15]","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"Startups are the driving engines of the fast changing modern economy. Why have Indian startups failed to realize their potential? What steps can be undertaken to improve profitability & performance of startups in India? [15].","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"What are the inherent challenges that telecom sector faced in recent times? How far does Draft Telecom Bill 2022 address such issues? Suggest measures to revamp Telecom sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"Analyse the advantages and disadvantages of various PPP models in terms of financing, risk allocation and service delivery. [15M]","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"The EV industry is critically dependant on semiconductors for its sustainability. Challenges of Indian semi-conductor industry? Analyse and suggest measures to strengthen supply chain of semi-conductors in India.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4339,"topper":"Mansi Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/8753a84a20ad78852d2f922fc896d837/4/mts_2023_unchecked_aim24gcl1025_tc315.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"FDI, apart from being a driver of economic growth, can also be seen as a non-debt creating financial resource. In this context, what is the relevance of FDI in eco growth of India? What are the issues associated with FDI as a source of growth?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":4,"question":"India is no country for working women. In this context discuss the reason for low FLPR in labour force while suggesting measure to improve participation of women in labour force.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"The overfocus on GDP growth rate subsidies the issue of growing inequality & environmental unsustainability. In this context, highlight limitation of GDP and suggest alternatives to GDP as a welfare of growth rate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"How has budgetary process changed since last decade suggest budgetary reforms that can help in better mgt of govt expenditure.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"Inequality has become a major challenge to IG in India. In this context, elaborate on reasons for rising economic inequality in India. Also suggest measures required to reduce eco. inequality in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Do you agree that India's growth trajectory in post covid era has been K shaped? Substantiate with reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Rising NPAs coupled with twin balance sheet issues have been the most pressing problem of India's economy in recent times. What are the factors responsible for rising NPAs? Elaborate on measures that can be undertaken to address this problem, giving special reference to potential of newly formed NARCL and IDRCL.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"India is often criticized for its regulatory cholesterol, which hinders eco growth & innovation. Discuss the concept of regulatory cholesterol and its impact on Indian economy. Suggest pragmatic measures to streamline regulatory env. that promote EODB.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Economic growth in recent past has been led by an increase in labour activity. Explain this stm. Suggest growth pattern that will lead to creation of more jobs w/o compromising labour productivity. [15]","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4340,"topper":"Mansi Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/8753a84a20ad78852d2f922fc896d837/81/mts_2023_unchecked_aim24gcl1025_tc319.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"What do you understand by 'ethics' and 'integrity'? Do you think they are interrelated? Explain with examples of relation between ethics & integrity in context of pub-ad.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"With regards to morality of actions, one view is that means is of paramount importance & other view is that ends justify mean. Which do you think is more apt? Justify.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"'Man cannot do right in one department of life whilst he is occupied in doing wrong in any other department' - Gandhi. Do you think an individual's personal ethics impact professional life or they both can be compartmentalized? Explain with relevant examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Goodness is the result of internal imperatives to do what is right, not sanctions from moral rules or rewards from expected consequences. Do you agree? Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"\"Every work has to pass through hundreds of difficulties before succeeding. Those that persevere will see the light later or sooner. -Vivekananda\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"\"We never obtain peace until and unless we obtain peace within ourselves\"- Dalai Lama.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4341,"topper":"Mansi Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/8753a84a20ad78852d2f922fc896d837/67/mts_2023_unchecked_aim24gcl1025_tc321.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"What is meant by public interest? What are the principles and procedures to be followed by civil servants in public interest? (10 M, 150 W)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"In looking for people to hire you look for 3 qualities - integrity, intelligence and energy. And if they don't have first, other two will kill you - Warren Buffet. What you understand by this stm in present day scenario? Explain.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'public servant'? Reflect on expected role of a public servant. [10]","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Identify 10 essential values that are needed to be an effective public servant. Describe ways & means to prevent non-ethical behaviors in public servants.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Russia and Ukraine War has been going on for the past 7 months. Different countries have taken independent stands & action keeping in view their national interests. War has its impact on diff aspects of society, including human tragedy. What are those ethical issues that are crucial to be considered while launching the war and its continuation so far? Illustrate with justification the ethical issues involved in given state of affairs. [20]","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"In contemporary world, corp sectors' contribution to generally wealth & employment is increasing. In doing so, they are bringing in unprecedented onsaugernt on Climate, environmental sustainability & living condn of human being. In this bg, is CSR efficient and sufficient enough to fulfil social roles and responsibilities needed in the corporate work mandated? Criticaley examine. [10]","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Life does not make any sense without interdependence. We need each other, and sooner we learn that it is better for all of us. - Erik Erikson.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Case study on mining lease (a) What are the issue and value violations that you notice in above case? (b) What are the options available to you? (c) Discuss advantages & disadvantages of option chosen and your chosen course of action. (d) Do you think environmental considerations are sometimes overstated at cost of development?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4342,"topper":"Mansi Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/8753a84a20ad78852d2f922fc896d837/68/mts_2023_unchecked_aim24gcl1025_tc320.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"What are the basic principles of public life? Illustrate any 3 of these with suitable examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":4,"question":"\"Emotional intelligence is the ability to make your emotions work for you rather than against you.\" Do you agree with this view? Discuss. (10M)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"What teachings of Buddha are relevant today and why? (10M)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"A positive attitude is considered to be an essential characteristic of civil servant who is often required to fxn [function] in extreme stress. What contributes to a positive attitude in a person? [10]","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"Persuasion performs a number of positive, pro-social functions. However, people often equate persuasion with manipulation and consider it unethical. What are the ethical values a persuader must respect to ensure the ethicality of an act of persuasion? Explain. [10]","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"'While competence without compassion can be brutal & inhumane, compassion w/o competence can be meaningless for person seeking help.' Explain the above with help of a suitable illustration in context of public service. [10M]","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4343,"topper":"Mansi Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/cbae1-709839_3128_mansi_singh_rank_168.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"The world must learn to work together, or finally it will not work at all.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Technology, like art, is a soaring exercise of the human imagination.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"We've begun to raise daughters more like sons, but few have the courage to raise our sons more like our daughters.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4344,"topper":"Mansi Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/be13d-709839_2928_mansi-singh_rank_126.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. How does tribal art provide valuable insights into the cultural perspectives and values of Indian tribal communities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. Compare and contrast the approach of Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru towards the Indian freedom struggle.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. What are the key factors that accelerated decolonization post-World War II? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. How does human encroachment impact water bodies in urban areas? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. How do physical geographical features influence the development and operation of transportation systems? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. How are ocean trenches formed? Describe the significant characteristics of these oceanic relief formations.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. Identify the reasons behind increasing number of extreme rainfall events throughout India in recent times. Assess their socio-economic impact.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. India is expected to have the largest working-age population in the world by 2030 and it cannot afford low participation of women in the workforce anymore. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Do you agree that there has been a progressive secularization of caste in India? Support your view with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. Why is inequality increasing in India despite the fall in overall poverty? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. How did the competitive and hostile dynamic between Brahminism and Buddhism over funding, followers, and ideology mark the decline of Buddhism? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. European travellers' accounts in the medieval period have played an important role in shaping our understanding of the empires and people of that period in India. Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. The British victory in the Battle of Plassey in 1757 not just changed the course of Indian history but also that of the world. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":34,"question":"5 Provide source of funding that not only helped in ending Anglo-French rivalry but later helped Britishers in WWI and WWII. Yet, not that much pivotal","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"14. Why was it more difficult to rehabilitate refugees in West Bengal as compared to Punjab after partition? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. Discuss the economic and social costs associated with the transition from coal to green energy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. Explain the process of formation of volcanic calderas. How do they contribute to the scenic beauty of the region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. What are the reasons behind the increased frequency and intensity of heat waves globally? How will it impact global food security?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. Identifying the characteristics of the grassland biome, mention the threats posed to Banni grasslands in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. India's approach to secularism does not merely challenge inter-religious domination but intra-religious domination as well. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":53,"question":"0. Do you agree with the view that Indian cities are turning into landscapes of stark inequality and social exclusion? What steps can be taken to make urban areas more egalitarian in India?","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4345,"topper":"Mansi Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/75ead-709839_2928_mans_singh_rank_168.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How does tribal art provide valuable insights into the cultural perspectives and values of Indian tribal communities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What are the key factors that accelerated decolonization post-World War II? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How does human encroachment impact water bodies in urban areas? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How do physical geographical features influence the development and operation of transportation systems? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How are ocean trenches formed? Describe the significant characteristics of these oceanic relief formations. (Answer in 150words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Identify the reasons behind increasing number of extreme rainfall events throughout India in recent times. Assess their socio-economic impact. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"India is expected to have the largest working-age population in the world by 2030 and it cannot afford low participation of women in the workforce anymore. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Do you agree that there has been a progressive secularization of caste in India? Support your view with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Why is inequality increasing in India despite the fall in overall poverty? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"How did the competitive and hostile dynamic between Brahminism and Buddhism over funding, followers, and ideology mark the decline of Buddhism? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"European travellers' accounts in the medieval period have played an important role in shaping our understanding of the empires and people of that period in India. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The British victory in the Battle of Plassey in 1757 not just changed the course of Indian history but also that of the world. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Why was it more difficult to rehabilitate refugees in West Bengal as compared to Punjab after partition? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss the economic and social costs associated with the transition from coal to green energy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Explain the process of formation of volcanic calderas. How do they contribute to the scenic beauty of the region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the reasons behind the increased frequency and intensity of heat waves globally? How will it impact global food security? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India's approach to secularism does not merely challenge inter-religious domination but intra-religious domination as well. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Do you agree with the view that Indian cities are turning into landscapes of stark inequality and social exclusion? What steps can be taken to make urban areas more egalitarian in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4346,"topper":"Mansi Singh","air":168,"year":2024,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/cd983-709839_2367_mans_singh_rank_168.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4347,"topper":"Mansi Singh","air":168,"year":2024,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ad53e-709839_2365_mans_singh_rank_168.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4348,"topper":"Mansi Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c8cc3-709839_2368_mansi-singh_rank_126.pdf","questions":[{"page":9,"question":"4 Justice Ramanna called for online Dispute Resolution for faster delivery of justice along with pre-litigation measures.\n Role of ODR in Just, speed and effective resolution dispute","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"1 \"Civil services decides the growth and development paradigm of nation\" - book \"Why Nation fail\"\nA) Due to politician-civil servant nexus as civil servants are at mercy of politician due to transfer policy (Hota Committee)\nB) Breeds \"culture of impunity\" as no checks and balances are ensured.\nC) Leads to 'Suited-booted' plutocracy due to 'MAI BAAP CULTURE' as civil servants are not then answerable for omission and commission.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"13 Prevention of Atrocities Act, 1989 is a landmark legal mandate to reduce violence and discrimination against SC and STs.\nRole Role in preventing atrocities and providing protection","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"17 Reasons for poor access to healthy food","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4349,"topper":"Mansi Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/368b1-709839_2369_mansi-singh_rank_126.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1 The recent panchamrit pledge of India calls for Net Zero Emission by 2070 that calls for energy transition in transport sector.\n Hurdles faced by energy transition of transport sector","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"6 Role of Media in disaster management\n1 Disseminating information in timely manner for effective evacuation [As done during Amphan cyclone]\n2 Creating Awareness among people about disaster management\n3 In highlighting infrastructural loopholes in disaster preparedness (eg. Cover head under table during earthquake, stormy blockage pipe)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"3) Terrorism and media\na) global cooperation like UNODC, RATS of SCO etc.\nb) Operation Pigeon of Kerala to prevent online radicalisation\nc) create awareness","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4350,"topper":"Mansi Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/256a9-709839_2359_mansi-singh_rank_126.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q1 (a) Whether blowing is event of exposing mal-practices that are prevalent in an organization by its own member. eg. known revelation\n Ethical Implications of Whistle blowing in a work environment","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Q6 a Participatory governance is essential for effective service delivery as mentioned under Sevottam Model.\n1 Bring accountability and transparency (eg. Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan led to RTI).\n2 Unearth corruptive practices (eg. recently MPLAD fund scam in Bengal came to notice).\n3 Bring efficiency in service delivery (eg. social auditing of MGNREGA).\n4 Bring inclusion and exclusion errors (eg. SECC, 2011 has point for engaged of public).","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"4 Candidate who missed election due to malpractice\na) Trust in selection process\nb) breakdown of one's own morale and loose faith in hardwork","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4351,"topper":"Mansi Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b2862-709839_2931_mansi_singh_rank_168.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The end cannot justify the means, for the simple and obvious reason that the means employed determine the nature of the ends produced. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss how the relationship between law and ethics is dynamic and continuously shaped by societal changes. Provide examples to illustrate this dynamic relationship. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Differentiate between probity and integrity with suitable examples. How do these values contribute to ethical governance and decision-making in the civil services? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the ethical implications of withholding information in public administration. How can transparency enhance accountability and reduce corruption in government institutions? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What factors lead to a positive attitude in a person? How does positive attitude enhance the effectiveness of civil servants in performing their duties? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss how emotional intelligence can influence ethical decision-making in the allocation of scarce public resources. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Various international humanitarian organizations provide emergency aid in conflict zones around the world. Highlight the ethical challenges faced by such organizations. What are the principles that guide international humanitarian work? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Why is persuasion regarded as an important skill for civil servants? What are the key considerations that should guide persuasion in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"What role can ethical leadership play in curbing corruption, especially in public service? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"What were the major teachings of Swami Dayanand Saraswati? Explain their relevance in addressing the current ethical and social challenges in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":39,"question":"What are the options available to Jay as the Commissioner of the Education Department? Evaluate each of these options. (b) What option should Jay adopt and why? (c) How can civil servants like Jay be better protected when they attempt to uphold ethical standards in their work? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4352,"topper":"Mansi Singh","air":126,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Vdipq13q0Eyn2wP92gqeTjsaSBfZ5gjI/view","questions":[]},{"id":4353,"topper":"MANTHAN JINDAL","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/MANTHAN-JINDAL-UPSC-2024-Rank-440-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Why has there been an increased focus on negotiating, renegotiating and concluding Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) by India in recent years? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"A well-designed fiscal policy can serve as a vital instrument to facilitate the equitable distribution of resources and ensure the welfare of all sections of society. Elaborate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What are the primary factors contributing to India's significant reliance on imported edible oils? What measures do you suggest to increase domestic production and to reduce India's reliance on imported edible oils? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"With the growing water crisis in India, micro irrigation offers a sustainable solution for water conservation; however, its adoption remains skewed and below its potential. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The recurring railway accidents highlight the urgent necessity for addressing the myriad challenges related to safety, undercapacity and lack of modernization within Indian Railways. Analyse. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"How does NISAR mission exemplify international cooperation in space exploration and scientific research? In what ways will it help in climate change monitoring and natural hazard management? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Nuclear technology can play a transformative role in enhancing food security and agricultural sustainability. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Increasing frequency of forest fires in India underscores the urgent need for sustainable forest management practices. In light of the statement, bring out the causes and multidimensional impact of forest fires. Also, suggest measures for their prevention and management. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What reasons can be attributed to the recent surge in terror related violence in Jammu and Kashmir? What strategies would you suggest to counter it? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"The liberalization policies of 1991 significantly enhanced India's economic dynamism, but the evolving global and domestic landscape necessitates 'Reforms 2.0' for sustained economic development and prosperity.\" Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Infrastructure development is essential not just for economic transformation but also for sustainable development and societal well-being. Elaborate with examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Bring out the significance of aquaculture towards nutrition security, livelihood generation, and economic growth. Also, mention various measures taken by the government to promote aquaculture in the country. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The MSP system, though well-intentioned, has led to market distortions and ecological stress, necessitating reforms to make it more inclusive and efficient. Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Biotechnology holds immense potential for achieving sustainable food production, efficient waste management and significant advancements in human health. Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Climate change is leading to significant alterations in ecosystems, resulting in cascading effects on biodiversity, ecosystem services, and human livelihoods, necessitating integrated approaches to conservation and climate adaptation. Analyse. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Urban areas, often referred to as the cradle of civilization and growth engines, are increasingly experiencing various natural and man-made disasters. Discuss in the Indian context. Also, suggest suitable mitigation and management strategies. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"\"India's disaster management framework has made significant progress in the 21st century, yet challenges persist in ensuring timely response and effective coordination during crises.\" Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Explain how the symbiotic relationship between organized crime and terrorism further aggravates internal security concerns. What steps can be taken to address this linkage and the threats emerging from it? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Strengthening security apparatus in border areas and forging developmental partnerships with the locals are essential components of a robust and effective border management strategy. Discuss, with initiatives taken by the government in this regard. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4354,"topper":"Manuj Jindal","air":53,"year":2016,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/11QAWkdoqu-c1rtJAHPPudHskakK4arUD","questions":[]},{"id":4355,"topper":"Manuj Jindal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dEG7GqYHNOEn-VnmyjA9wYH3uxRQfMYU/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1 (a) What are human nature and its role in guiding human conduct? How human nature of Indian people can be described?\n(i) It is due to human nature that India has peace and harmony in our society.\n(ii) Human nature of people is responsible for no or slow progress of our country in many aspects.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"(b) The idea of 'minimum government and maximum governance' has become a popular model of governance today. In the light of this statement, analyse the following questions with suitable illustrations and in the end explain how ethics can help in reconciling both views?\ni. It propagates the philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi-that people should govern themselves, that is, self governance.\nii. This idea runs afoul to the fact that people cannot govern themselves, they must be governed.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"2. (a) Since there are law, rules, regulations, ethics and conscience to guide public servants conducts, most of the time they may face moral dilemma. In this context consider the following questions:\ni. In such situation one should give preference to law and rule over conscience as the latter is difficult to establish objectively.\nii. Explain with any specific example which has conflict between them that how you will overcome such moral dilemma?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"2. (b) Socialisation can be considered as the ethical eco-system for a child which shapes his/her future character and conduct.\ni. Discuss how socialisation has undergone changes in 21st century from that of 20th century?\nii. There is a view that traditional values have eroded. Discuss how it has posed challenges in values inculcation to social institutions such as family and parents?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"3. Given are two quotations of moral thinker/philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context:\n(a) \"It is easy to hate and it is difficult to love. This is how the whole scheme of things works. All good things are difficult to achieve; and bad things are very easy to get.\"","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"3. (b) \"The world is a dangerous place to live; not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it\" (150 words) [10]","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"4. (a) Should society adhere to its tradition and culture or it should accept change? In this context consider the following questions:\ni. Tradition and culture give identity to society and hence, it should not be changed.\nii. Change is inevitable, it is only unchanging reality.\n In the end, discuss how ethics can help in bringing clarity on the above issue.","marks":"10","words":"200"},{"page":17,"question":"4. (b) Discuss the following questions based on role and responsibility of an ethical public administrator.\ni. He/she must pay attention to both, immoral means to attain moral ends; and moral means to attain moral ends.\nii. He/she must prefer policy impartiality over ethical neutrality.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"5. There is a view that in the last three decades governments have given too many rights to citizens such as in terms of local bodies, Citizen's charter, RTI, RTE, whistle-blowing law, rights getting expansion due to innovative interpretation by judiciary, etc. In the light of this statement, answer the following questions.\ni. They have strengthened democracy at the cost of governance.\nii. They have strengthened both governance and democracy but at the cost of economic growth.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"6. Discuss the reasons why public servants are expected for more discipline in their conduct than others and hence there are code of conduct and code of ethics for them? Is a public servant only a public servant during office hours or ethical norms should be practiced outside office hours also? Explain.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"7. What is meant by bureaucratic work culture and how it is different from professional work culture? Discuss the factors responsible for their distinctive characteristics. Do you think that a fully professionalised bureaucracy will not suit to Indian conditions? Give justification to your view.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"8. All nations give first priority to their citizens for example they are given some constitutional rights which are not enjoyed by people of other countries. Doesn't it show giving preference to citizen over human? Is it ethically justifiable to divide people on the basis of citizenship, that is, territorial sovereignty? Illustrate and explain.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"9. Due to increase in the incidents of stalking, kidnapping and rape in moving vehicle, life of women has become unsafe in one such city. There have been reports of two murders both are related to stalking. In both cases, women were married and had children as well. In both cases, police have been informed and formal complaints were filed but still the menace was not addressed. Interestingly, in one such case when complaint was filed by the woman, the constable himself became stalker.\nThese incidents have found wide coverage in the media which has further abetted fearfulness and lack of safety to women. It is also a setback to the city police which has in past special drives for creating awareness on women safety and has taken many measures including community policing.\na) Suppose you are the Deputy Police Commissioner in the city then what more specific measures will be taken to tackle the menace of stalking and other issues?\nb) Discuss the behavioural problems of the police in this case and whether disciplinary action as transfer is sufficient or there in need for upholding police accountability if it is, so how?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"10. There is a report of racism at one such international airport of the country. Miss A has alleged that the immigration officer 'humiliated' her by repeatedly asking questions about her nationality. The officer looked at her passport and told you didn't look like an Indian. The officer also asked her other inappropriate questions like number of states in the country and the number of states bordering her state.\n\nAlthough she has not filed a formal complaint but the incident has gone viral on social media. There have been reactions also from all quarters including government of India. It is very shameful for the country that people belonging to a particular region are still doubted on their nationality.\n\nSuppose you are the head of the immigration department of the airport then\na) Give your reaction to the above incident.\nb) Evaluate the following options and choose the most appropriate one, giving reasons\n\ni. No any courses of action will be taken as it is one-off incident.\nii. Only warning should be issued to the officer that he should not repeat in future.\niii. First allegation should be established and Miss A should be persuaded to file a formal complaint to proceed for disciplinary action against the officer.\niv. Warning should be issued to the officer and a sensitisation programme should be initiated in the department about for appropriate conduct.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"11. Recently, a metropolitan city which is also the NCT of the country is experiencing extreme air pollution due to which it has been unofficially declared as 'environmental emergency'. The city appears to be like a gas chamber.\nThe immediate causes are burning of crops stubbles in vicinity states and fire crackers on the festive occasion. The other factors are related with city lifestyle wherein most of the human polluting activities remain largely unregulated. Other cities in the country which are close to the vicinity states have also started facing air pollution problems.\nThe emergency like situation has resulted into respiratory related problems such heart and asthma and children are being considered as the most vulnerable. One death has also been reported.\nSuppose you are the head of the pollution department of the city then\na) Is it failure of environmental governance or a human failure? Analyse the factors responsible for failure of regulation of human activities in the city.\nb) What should be the immediate steps taken to tackle the emergency?\nc) Discuss the medium and long term steps so that the city air pollution is contained at acceptable.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"12. A wrestler who has participated at international and national events gets his birth to represent India in the upcoming Olympic through a court battle replacing the sportsperson who won a medal in the last Olympic.\n\nWhen few days are left in the event, there are reports of doping against him. He alleges for foul practices by some people in his foods. Initial investigation also happens from this angle. He is being portrays as clean.\n\nThe Indian anti-doping agency also clears his name which is challenged in the world anti-doping agency. This agency rule against the wrestler and consequently, he loses chance to participate in the Olympic. At this stage, India loses chance to replace him in the category he could have participated. Most importantly, image of the country has suffered.\n\nSuppose you were the concerned authority to take a final decision on his participation and replacement at early stage when the controversy first surfaced then\na) Discuss the courses of action that you could have followed and give reasons in justification.\nb) What steps should be taken by the sports authorities in the country to avoid such embarrassment at national and international level.\nc) To what extent adoption of a code of sports ethics at national level will help in this regard?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"13. There is a historical city in one of the districts of UP. Recently, it has been in news due to controversy on a report by a person of the city that there has been exodus of people only belonging to majority community although they are in minority in the city.\nThe controversy is on the claim that the migration is only due to fear of the dominant community in the city and not due to other reasons such as search for better life, employment, safety and security due to gangsters menace and law and order problems. This has also been corroborated by a report on the issue by the NHRC, which has also become controversial.\nInterestingly, the city has always had communal harmony. It has seen no trace of communal tension even at a time when parts of UP witnessed a lot of violence and communal hatred during 2013.\na) Suppose you are the District Magistrate of that district then what should be your immediate priorities and why?\nb) Discuss the role and significance of various stakeholders you will seek help and why?\nc) Discuss your courses of actions which will be able to not only provide short term solution but also be long lasting in establishing rule of law and peace and harmony in the city.","marks":"25","words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"14. Government has officially decided to construct a nuclear power plant in one district of a state. All the clearances have been done such as design, disaster profiling of the area, population which will be relocated, etc., and the location has been found very ideal for the plant.\n\nSince the location is in remote area which is sparsely populated, there are over 2000 population which are going to be affected in relocation. The locality has children, youths, adult men and women, aged, farmers, local traders and businessmen. They have been living happily in that remote area and with their collective efforts; largely the village has been self reliant.\n\nThey are not against the plant or any developmental project but they also don't want disruption in their lifestyle, social harmony, belongingness and emotional attachment, recreation, business, and farming, which they have narrated to you on your visit to the area. Some of them have even threatened that if this happen, they will commit suicide.\n\nSuppose you are a government officer and has been given with adequate power the task to successfully relocate them, then\na) What will be your order of priority to the above stakeholders while exploring various options and why?\nb) What are the various options available to you?\nc) Evaluate them and choose the most appropriate one, giving reasons.","marks":"25","words":"250"}]},{"id":4356,"topper":"Manuj Jindal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaanias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VHiF2fmY0JWr-aR1iK5U4eQ3RQwwB9FG/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) What do you understand by the concept of civil service accountability? Are you satisfied with the present level of accountability in civil services? Discuss how the role of emotional intelligence becomes important in enhancing accountability?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"1. (b) Consider the following questions based on the relationship between religion and law\n\ni. Religious belief shouldn't serve as foundation for morality in a pluralistic society like India.\nii. Law should prevail over religion whenever there is conflict between the two.\nDiscuss how ethics can help having a better understanding of conflict between religion and law?\ni. Religious belief shouldn't serve as foundation for morality in a pluralistic society like India.\nii. Law should prevail over religion whenever there is conflict between the two.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"2. (a) Since politics and business are inseparable, a good governance ecosystem is a precondition for corporate governance. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"2. (b) Explain whether you will agree or not with the popular impression that in our country now there is no fear of the anti-corruption laws on the part of government officials? Discuss the factors which are responsible for such perception.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"3 Given are two quotations of moral thinker/philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context:\n(a) \"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that\".","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"3. (b) \"Anybody can become angry - that is easy, but to be angry with the right person and to the right degree and at the right time and for the right purpose, and in the right way - that is not within everybody's power and is not easy\".","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"4. (d) Distinguish the following with suitable examples.\ni. Responsibility from fiduciary responsibility\nii. Courage from courage of conviction\niii. Integrity from impeccable integrity\niv. Probity from probity in public life","marks":"10","words":"200"},{"page":20,"question":"4. (b) \"An honest civil servant should not be harassed by anybody or agency or institution while in service or after retirement. It would make the civil servants working in the system nervous, which would not be in the interest of the country\". Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"5. What is 'success in life' for you? Explain with relevant references and examples. Discuss its importance in your life. Do you think success is essential for recognition in society?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"6. \"A Constitution may indicate the direction in which we are to move, but the social structure will decide how far we are able to move and at what pace\". In the light of this statement, do you think that attitudes held by us are the main cause of lack of desirable level change in our society? Discuss the hurdles faced in changing such attitude?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"7. The role of Media is very important in shaping people's thought and action. In this regard consider the following:\ni. Media should stand for peace and not for war.\nii. Media shouldn't take side in the name of nationalism.\nDiscuss how media ethics can help in explaining the above questions.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"8. In the face of prevalent circumstances, our efforts at combating corruption suffer for three basic reasons: -\n(i) Absence of a basic or minimal code of conduct that applies uniformly to every holder of public office or authority, irrespective of the wing of the State to which he belongs;\n(ii) A procedure that offers escape routes, at every step of the way, to the delinquent; and\n(iii) Lack of will or initiative on the part of authorities in catching the bull by the horns.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":33,"question":"9. You are in a subordinate position as a Revenue Officer next to the district head of your department. Your department is entrusted with revenue collection in the district. Annual and the corresponding monthly targets are duly achieved in the district where you are posted and the performance of that district is considered to be satisfactory and even good as compared to other districts in the state. Eventually, you come to know that there is more potential for revenue collection and hence you start applying more efforts. Your enthusiasm to collect more revenue has not gone well in the administration. You are advised from above and below your rank to maintain status quo or face consequences. All the staff seems to be in collusion and you have good evidence to believe that the nexus goes to the departmental headquarter.\n(a) Identify the various actions that you could take;\n(b) Evaluate the pros and cons of each of your actions.\n(c) What should be the most appropriate action in your view? Give adequate justification.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"10. You are the Chief Judicial Magistrate of a district and you have also administrative authority on district judiciary. In due course, a four days leave from work falls and everyone seems to enjoy the holidays. On the third day of the leave, you come to know through TV channels that one of your subordinate judges had been caught in a raid on a hotel, famed for prostitution in the neighbouring country.\nHowever, the judge is released without any case registered against him and is freed by the local police of the neighbouring country. The neighbouring country did it due to good relation with our country.\nAlthough the news did not reach to the press and public of your district, but staff members are aware about such incident. Majority of staff members want only warning should be given, but the other want the erring judge to be sacked.\n(a) What should be your courses of action in this case and discuss why they are necessary?\n(a) Discuss some feasible strategies to avoid such type of embarrassment in future.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"11. A joint operation has been started by security forces in a naxal affected area after one such ambush by naxalites in which some people and security personnel were killed.\nThe operation has not received encouraging success. The local media in that area, has been reporting all the progress on day to day basis and it has been critical to security forces for their lack of success.\nThe security forces are of view that the role of media is having demoralising effect on police force, on the one hand, and morale boosting for naxalites, on the other.\nYou are District Magistrate of one such affected district. You have become popular due to your democratic way of handling the naxalites which has also resulted into surrenders in past.\nYou get a call from the head of the joint operation to curtail media freedom and ensure that the local media reports in favour of administration. Even you are told not to shy away if there is need to gag media and arrest some journalists.\n(a) What are the options available to you in this situation?\n(b) Evaluate the pros and cons of each of your options and choose the most appropriate one, giving reasons.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"12. The ministry of health appointed an expert team to conduct epidemiological study on the health of 1,000 agricultural workers to know the impact of pesticide exposure on health. The study finds that there are adverse impacts on the health of agricultural workers such as the possibility of skin cancer. The report finds its way in media which result into public outcry. However, the ministry rejects the findings of the team as it does not find satisfactory.\nThe ministry of environment has requested the ministry of health not to disclose the findings unless it carries its own study to verify the facts as its expansion plan for genetically modified seeds may get affected.\nAn RTI activist applies for information to PIO of ministry of health. Now, the PIO is in dilemma what he should do? So far, the PIO has a good record of disclosing information for which he has been recently appreciated.\nSuppose you are the PIO then discuss the merits and demerits of the following options and choose the most appropriate one, giving reasons.\n(a) The PIO should consult the higher authority and act as per the advice.\n(b) The PIO should refuse to disclose the information as it is sensitive and can create law and order problem.\n(c) The PIO should partially disclose the information which is not related to the adverse impact on health.\n(d) The PIO should disclose the complete information to maintain his good record.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"13. Under the ambitious interlinking of rivers programme, one state Chief Minister on the occasion of inauguration mentioned that khus grass should be laid in and around the confluence of the two rivers to promote tourism.\nMr A is a sincere, honest and dedicated senior district forest officer. On the basis of the CM wishes, he issued tender for this grass and eventually, over Rs. 15 lakh was spent to buy 5 lakh ton grass and they were planted in around the confluence.\nSince due to flood, the grass planted were swept away, the department again started efforts to lay down the grass then it was found that there were irregularities and corruption. It has been reported that on paper, the quantity of grass shown is different from the quantity planted. Proper labourers were not also employed rather passers' by were given the task but interestingly, bill vouchers for wages have been issued.\nSuppose you are the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests of the state and you have been give task to take appropriate steps then how do you view the following questions\na) Whether the issues in the case study are more about corruption rather than administrative efficiency?\nb) Although Mr A has dedication towards service but lacks work culture ethics.\nc) The issues are not about efficient utilisation of public fund but rather about quality of service.\nd) In your view, what should be the most appropriate action against Mr A? Give proper justification.","marks":"25","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"14. There is a very strange story of electrification of a village in one state. The village is divided by a 50 feet road. The higher caste live on the one side of the road and people belonging to the lower caste live on the other side of the road.\nThe power supply in the village has created a wide gulf between the two sections' living standards. On one hand, the upper caste has all the modern facilities such as TV, refrigerators, coolers and other luxury goods, but on the other, the lower caste struggle even if there is electric poll. They have to get their mobiles' charged through battery and children have to study under lantern.\nWhen the people belonging to lower caste went in past to electricity department to get power connection, they were refused on certain excuse. Recently, media has reported the incidents of discrimination.\nThe power department is under huge pressure from the forward caste not to supply electricity to lower caste area and have threatened that if power is supplied, the village will experience violence.\na) Suppose you are the Executive Engineer of the district and the matter come to your knowledge then how you will handle the situation to redress the grievances of people belonging the lower caste?\nb) In this case, what is more important for you: not disturbing the harmony or eliminating caste discrimination, which will necessarily result into disharmony?\nc) Discuss your strategies for similar cases in villages where caste discrimination prevails to eliminate such practices and ensure sustained harmony.","marks":"25","words":"250"}]},{"id":4357,"topper":"Manuj Jindal","air":53,"year":2016,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1An-MMpS7gQ-wuxew7w2Gk_5R8gaKrrEE","questions":[]},{"id":4358,"topper":"Manush Pareek","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/06859-3762_1449_manush-pareek_rank_146.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Bringing higher judiciary under the ambit of RTI has its own merits and demerits. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Tribunals in India have not just replicated some of the problems that our judiciary suffers from but added a few more. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Parliamentary privileges are not always used for the aims they were intended to serve. In this context, discuss the need for codification of these privileges in light of recent developments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"There is a point of view that the office of Governor has outlived its relevance and needs to be abolished. Critically examine in the current context. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Is lateral entry in civil services the panacea to address the challenges, which hamper the effective functioning of bureaucracy in India? Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Highlighting the grievances of states towards Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS), explain how the government has sought to rationalise these schemes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The PM Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) has begun well and holds a lot of promise, however it needs to address multiple challenges to become a success. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Highlighting its key features, examine the need for the passage of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill by the Parliament at the earliest. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"With changing times India's engagement with its diaspora has also undergone a change. Explain in the context of government policies on diaspora. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Despite its immense potential, the challenges associated with RCEP for India cannot be ignored. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Decentralisation in India has been fairly successful at the political level, however on the fiscal and administrative fronts progress is marred by several bottlenecks. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The provisions of the Anti-Defection Law have been repeatedly violated and are routinely misinterpreted. Examine. Also, suggest measures to strengthen the Anti-Defection Law. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The amendment process for the Indian Constitution follows a middle path between rigidity and flexibility. Comment in comparative perspective. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Assess the effectiveness of the institutional architecture of Indian federalism in settling inter-state disputes. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The recent advances in technologies have the potential to make e-governance a very potent tool for ushering in an era of good governance. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"While Indians are donating to charitable causes more than ever, philanthropy in India is still at a formative stage. In this context, highlight the significance of philanthropy and state the factors holding back philanthropy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Highlight the challenges faced in implementation of healthcare schemes in India. Examine how creation of a robust digital health ecosystem can prove to be a game changer in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"For India to emerge as a knowledge superpower, it is imperative to address the challenges of access, equity, quality, affordability and accountability faced by the current education system. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Ties with both USA and Russia are important for India, however, both these relations have their own sets of challenges, and some of these are further accentuated by the friction between these two powers. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4359,"topper":"Manush Pareek","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c4d2b-3762_1451_manush-pareek_rank_146.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"It is morally permissible to perform an action in pursuit of a good end in full knowledge that the action might also bring about bad results. Critically examine the statement with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"An essential element that distinguishes a career in public service from jobs elsewhere is its focus on public service ethos. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The foundational values of efficiency, impartiality, empathy, and incorruptibility are an integral part of civil services. Elaborate with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The foreign policy of nations is primarily guided by national interests. Do you think the pursuit of such exclusive concerns leaves little scope for ethics in international relations? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Corporate Social Responsibility can help in changing the perception of 'business ethics' being an oxymoron. Critically analyze. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) Intolerance is itself a form of violence and an obstacle to the growth of a true democratic spirit. Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Citizens' Charters by themselves cannot achieve the desired results in improving quality of public services. Discuss the statement in light of the Sevottam Model. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"What do you understand by social capital? Explain its relationship with good governance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Emotional Intelligence is an essential ingredient for managing personal and organizational change. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Do you agree that privatization and outsourcing of selected public services will help improve the quality of public service delivery and in particular reduce the incidence of corruption? Substantiate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Discuss the contributions of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar to the idea of social justice in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"You are posted as the District Magistrate in a district, which has been ravaged by floods recently. The severity of floods has not only led to destruction of shelter and livelihood, but also created risks of deadly diseases spreading in the area. Street thugs have taken advantage of the situation and are looting and stocking anything they can get their hands on. There are reports that many shops and homes have been broken into and looted. Some suspect that this is the work of illegal immigrants from a neighbouring country, who have been residing in the district for a long time. The local MLA is objecting to extension of relief and rehabilitation assistance to these illegal immigrants. A number of residents of the district have also joined the MLA and are arguing that citizens have the first right on the country's resources, particularly in the prevailing situation. In this context, answer the following: (a) Do you think that citizens of a country have the first claim on resources of a nation in every situation? Justify your answer with valid arguments. (b) Given this information, chart a course of action based on priorities of the administration. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"You are the Commissioner of a city municipal corporation. Recognizing the state of some of the old buildings, you have categorised these under the list of dilapidated buildings. You have also issued an advisory to residents regarding the status and hazards of living in such buildings and asked them to vacate the premises. However, even after such a notification, residents continue to occupy such buildings and refuse to vacate. These are mostly poor people who have no other alternative available and would be rendered homeless if they vacate the premises. While you are trying to figure a way out for these people, your worst fears come true when one of the four-storeyed buildings on the list collapsed after heavy rains. Following the incident, public outrage led to accusations against the corporation for not getting the building vacated. (a) What challenges do you face as the Commissioner in this situation? Highlight the steps you will take to address these. (b) What measures will you take to prevent reoccurrence of such unfortunate incidents? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"You have been recently posted as a District Education Officer in a district, which is notorious for mass copying. It again witnessed some disturbing incidents during the recent Board examination. In some of the examination centers located in your district, the parents virtually took over the centres to help their wards to copy during the exams. The parents justified their act by arguing that the concerned teachers did not take classes at all during the year. Upon enquiry, you found that invigilators turned a blind eye in this situation and school administrations were also involved in tampering with the CCTV footage of the incidents. You also found that teacher absenteeism has indeed been rampant. Further, concerns regarding this had been repeatedly raised by parents in the past, but no action was taken. In this situation: (a) What course of action would you take in the immediate to short term to deal with the issue at hand? (b) Explaining the ramifications of such incidents for the society at large, highlight some long-term reforms that should be taken to prevent such incidents from re-occurring. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"You are the district magistrate in a district of a hill state. An NRI tycoon is planning to arrange a large wedding ceremony in your district. Given the scale of the ceremony, a feasibility report was prepared. The report has called for adopting a cautious approach and has raised concerns regarding its impact on the environment. Recognizing this, the NRI has offered extra compensation for the prospective environmental damages. Also, the local MLA and some prominent residents are arguing that such a wedding can help in developing the district as a tourist hotspot and turn it into a popular wedding destination, bringing prosperity for the residents. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders in the given situation and their respective interests. (b) Highlight the options available to you and the course of action you will take, giving reasons for the same. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"The challenge of climate change presents the world with several fundamental ethical dilemmas. From a global perspective, it presents the world with a collective action problem: all countries have a collective interest in controlling global carbon emissions. But each individual country also has incentives to over-consume in response to societal demands for economic growth and prosperity. Developing nations faced with these costs may encounter further challenges as the impact of climate change will most likely fall disproportionately on the poor, thus also raising issues of fairness and inequality. As an intergenerational problem, the consequences of actions taken by the current generation will have the greatest impact on future generations. While it is intuitive that the current generation has some ethical responsibility to leave an inhabitable world to future generations, the extent of this obligation is less clear. Answer the following questions in this regard: (a) To what extent do humans have a moral responsibility to future generations that are yet to be born? (b) Do developed countries have a greater responsibility to take action and bear more costs of controlling climate change than developing countries? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4360,"topper":"Matthews Mathew","air":233,"year":2019,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ac554-7952_1075_matthews-mathew_rank_233.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4361,"topper":"Matthews Mathew","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/74af3-7952_1049_matthews-mathew_rank_233.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Concerns regarding the wide formulation and indiscreet application of discretionary powers of the Governor need closer attention. Discuss","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Explain the concept of subordinate legislation in India. Also discuss the mechanisms for their scrutiny and control.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"The crucial position accorded to the speaker in Indian legislatures makes it imperative to protect them from undue political pressures and incentives. Examine","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"The Departmentally Related Standing Committees have been referred to as mini-parliaments in India. Highlight their relevance in a democratic polity and discuss with examples how they improve the overall effectiveness of the Parliament. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Enumerate the issues associated with functioning of tribunals in India. How can they be addressed? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Examine the significance of Gram Sabhas, as mentioned in Article 243 A of the constitution, in the development process with special reference to Fifth Schedule areas. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"A major shift is needed in the institutional framework of the Central Water Commission (CWC) and the Central Ground Water Board to make water management more holistic and multidisciplinary. Discuss in the context of Mihir Shah Committee Recommendations","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"The Rajya Sabha is merely a secondary house rather than a second house in the Indian Parliamentary system. Critically analyse the statement. Also compare and contrast the position of Rajya Sabha vis-a-vis the State Legislative 8. A major shift is needed in the institutional framework of the Central Water Commission (CWC) and the Central Ground Water Board to make water management more holistic and multidisciplinary. Discuss in the context of Mihir Shah Committee Recommendations 9. On what grounds can a person be denied the right to contest elections to the Parliament in India? Will a lifetime ban on those convicted of heinous crimes address the problem of criminalisation of politics? Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"On what grounds can a person be denied the right to contest elections to the Parliament in India? Will a lifetime ban on those convicted of heinous crimes address the problem of criminalisation of politics? Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Directive Principles can be considered as even more important than the Fundamental rights because they give a positive thrust towards welfare. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"In light of demands for replacement of the FPTP system with other alternatives, compare the merits and enumerate the challenges associated with replacing the current system.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Despite long term recognition of the problem of pendency of cases in the courts, limited progress has been made in reducing their number. What are the possible reasons for such a scenario? Suggest a framework of measures that can be taken 13. Despite the phrase 'due process of law' not being included in Article 21, the Supreme Court over the years has adopted the doctrines of 'procedural due process' and 'substantive due process' into Indian constitutional 14. Can we say that cooperative federalism in India has strengthened in the post-liberalisation era? Give reasons in support of your answer.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Can we say that cooperative federalism in India has strengthened in the post-liberalisation era? Give reasons in support of your answer.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Faulty regulatory policies can have a severe adverse effect on the efficient interplay of market forces and end up harming public interest. Examine in the context of systemic issues pertaining to the regulatory environment in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Mention the constitutional provisions to safeguard and ensure the independent and impartial functioning of the UPSC. Further assess the limitations of UPSC in effectively performing its role as the custodian of merit systems in","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"What are the key issues in the context of electoral funding in India? How far do you think the idea of state funding of elections can address these issues?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Separation of powers in case of India has acquired its own uniqueness under the constitutional arrangement, Explain","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Highlight the extent of President's powers under Article 352. Comment on the judicial scrutiny of proclamation and the exercise of executive powers under National Emergency. How is this power different from the one bestowed under Article 356?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Fiscal transfers from the Centre to the States are critical in India. In this context, explain the rationale of both general and specific purpose fiscal transfers. Also highlight the problems witnessed in the design and implementation of specific","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4362,"topper":"Matthews Mathew","air":233,"year":2019,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b6256-7952_746_matthews-mathew_rank_233.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4363,"topper":"Matthews Mathew","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/416ac-7952_1056_matthews-mathew_rank_233.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Explain the significance of the following in the context of civil service: 10 (i) Public trust (ii) Objectivity (iii) Strength of character (iv) Empathy (v) Selflessness : (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":4,"question":"Do you think nation states owe a responsibility towards asylum seekers? What are the considerations that should, in your opinion, go into the making of a refugee policy? Provide arguments with contemporary examples. 10 ? , ?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Why do civil servants have a special obligation to uphold ethical standards? What are the main areas of concerns for implementation of an effective ethical standard in civil services? In this context, suggest measures to remedy these concerns. 10 ? ? ,","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"While families are the first socializing agents, which inculcate moral values in a child, the role played by schools in this regard is also indispensable. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"What is the significance of morality in day-to-day life? Give an example from your own life where you chose moral action and elaborate the reasons for your choice of that action.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Analyse the ethical dimensions of using nuclear deterrence as a self-defense strategy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"We make a living by what we do, but we make a life by what we give.10 (i) Highlight the importance of value of altruism for a society. (ii) Discuss the role of education in imparting such values.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Giving examples, examine the relationship between personal and professional ethics of civil servants.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/ philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) If people scrutinize their own faults as they do the faults of others, mankind will be freed of all evil.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"How do law and conscience act as source of ethical guidance? Explain with examples. 10 : ?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"The steady decline in sex ratio suggests that marked improvement in the economy and literacy rates do not seem to have had any impact on this index. In fact, the availability of new technology and its easy access for the urban, wealthy and educated have worsened the trend and harmed the status of women in Indian society. 20 (a) Explain why the phenomenon should not be simply viewed as a medical or legal issue and more attention should be given to the ethical issues involved. (b) Give some suggestions to tackle the problem of declining sex ratio. (c) Discuss the ethical dilemma involved in Right to abortion vs. Prevention of female foeticide. How can this be resolved?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4364,"topper":"Maurvie Tiwari","air":90,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/MAURVIE-TIWARIUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-90-Sample-ESSAY-Copy-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. True leadership lies in serving not ruling.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"1. The great aim of education is not knowledge but action.\n2. The global south must redefine development through cooperation and justice.\n3. There is no health without mental health.\n4. If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4365,"topper":"Maurvie Tiwari","air":90,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/MAURVIE-TIWARIUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-90-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) How would you explain the anomaly of chronic hunger and malnutrition coexisting with surplus food grain production in the country? How can this anomaly be resolved?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Animal husbandry is the key to supplement farm income, make agriculture sustainable and enhance value addition in food processing chain. Discuss and evaluate the various government measures to boost animal husbandry sector.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Despite their flaws in limiting access to larger market and poor price realization for agricultural produce, APMCs have their utility. Analyse the statement and suggest reforms in agriculture marketing in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Cropping pattern in the country does not concur with the agro-climatic reality, leading to unintended and undesirable consequences. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) Digital technologies can transform agriculture into an enterprise. Examine and identify various constraints in application of ICT in agricultural sector.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) Reforms in Public distribution system (PDS) and Food Corporation of India (FCI) are two sides of the same coin. Discuss the statement along with suitable reforms in PDS and FCI.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":16,"question":"Q.7) India is one of the largest producers of food, yet Food Processing Industry (FPI) is not well developed in the country. Examine the inhibiting factors and recommend some remedial actions to promote FPIs.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.8) Direct income transfer to farmers can improve production, increase resilience to market volatility and encourage adoption of new farming techniques. Analyze the various benefits and bottlenecks of the PM-Kisan Yojana.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":22,"question":"Q.9) Discuss the rationale behind declaring Minimum Support Price (MSP) and various issues related to MSP regime in the country. Do you think that providing legal backing to MSP is necessary and sufficient for making farming financially sustainable?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.10 How far do you agree that green revolution has made the present generation food sufficient at the cost of nutritional security of future generations? Also, recommend measures to transform green revolution into evergreen revolution.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"1) Implement recommendations of\na) crop diversification\nb) Implement Model Land Leasing Act\nc) Increase cropping intensity\nd) Turning farming into an enterprise by using best business practices","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4366,"topper":"MAYANK DUBEY","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/64f98-1306059_2488_mayank_dubey_rank_313.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"A mind all logic is like a knife all blade, it makes the hand bleed that uses it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"History is a cyclic poem written by time upon the memories of man.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The wise man does at once what the fool does finally.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The world is a tragedy to those who feel, but a comedy to those who think.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Perfect clarity would profit the intellect but damage the will.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4367,"topper":"MAYANK DUBEY","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a00dc-1306059_2425_mayank_dubey_rank_313.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"For effective corporate governance to take place in the coming years, why is it important to integrate the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics with the multi-stakeholder approach? What benefits can be accrued by such integration? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In acts of corruption, the focus is often only on the demand side of the equation, on public officials who abuse their office for private gain. Frequently, the supply side is given less attention. Those who pay bribes are sometimes depicted as innocent parties and victims of extortionary practices of wily public servants. Do you agree that 'collusive corruption', in which there is a willing bribe-giver, is a formidable challenge for institutions fighting corruption? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Citizens' Charters initiative was a response to the quest for solving the problems, which a citizen encountered, day in and day out, while dealing with the organisations providing public services. But the introduction and implementation of Citizens' Charters in the government of India has been difficult due to the old bureaucratic set up and the rigid attitudes of the work force. Discuss the major obstacles that have been encountered in implementing the Citizens' Charter initiative. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Quality of public service delivery is a major determinant of the quality of life of vulnerable sections in a highly unequal society divided along the lines of class, caste, religion, etc. In this background, do you think that public service delivery is efficient and sufficient enough to improve the lives of vulnerable groups in India? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Wealthy CEOs and founders of successful businesses around the world are increasingly pledging to give away their wealth in philanthropy. Do you think that such a move is sufficient enough to bring about a positive change in the society? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"As organizations across the globe begin their artificial intelligence (AI) transformation, the leap into the AI era is expected to be more challenging than any technology that businesses have grappled with yet. In this background, discuss the concerns around fairness, transparency, and job security that may arise. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The emphasis of Swami Dayanand Saraswati on education, social equality, and ethical values continues to influence the socio-cultural discourse in contemporary India. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":33,"question":"With reference to this case study, answer the following: (a) What are the issues involved in this case? (b) What measures can be taken to minimize the negative implications of adopting such technologies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"In the given situation: (a) What dilemmas does Rina face? (b) What options does she have? Provide the merits and demerits of each. (c) Highlight the course of action she should adopt, along with justification for the same. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Additionally, companies like BMW, Volvo, Google and Korean battery maker Samsung SDI, vowed in a statement to not buy metals produced from deep-sea mining until the environmental risks of the activity are “comprehensively understood.” In the context of the above-stated information, address the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the given case study? (b) How can the vision of economic development of a nation be achieved without adversely affecting the sustainability of oceans? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4368,"topper":"Mayank khandelwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/f07d8-644696_1429_mayank_khandelwal_rank_167.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Illustrate how pressure groups have emerged as a strong mechanism for making democracy participatory and responsive. (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Explain the significance and controversies, if any, associated with the Article 35A of the Indian constitution. (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The ambiguity surrounding lobbying in India is further exacerbated by the country's endemic corruption. In this context, critically examine the case for legalising lobbying in India. (150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Independent India adopted a modified version of the Westminster model of government. In this context discuss the commonalities and differences between the political system of India and UK. (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Political parties are an integral part of the democratic set up of India. In the context, discuss the need for strengthening the process of institutionalization of intra-party democracy in political parties in India. (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"It is of paramount importance to ensure that the Election Commission of India (ECI) be fully insulated from political pressure to maintain the purity of elections. In this context, discuss the need to have a relook at the process of appointment and removal of election commissioners to the ECI. (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In post-liberalised India, it is imperative that the role of state be that of a facilitator, and not one of a regulator. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"By providing new pools of leadership talent, lateral entry will help in addressing the most crucial challenges that the civil services in India currently face. Critically evaluate. (150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the need for an effective and functional working relationship between Gram Panchayats and SHGs. How can an efficient synergy between the two be achieved? (150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Public service delivery in India has long been marred by various issues leading to poor service delivery outcomes. While discussing the reasons for the same, suggest ways to make public service delivery more efficient. (150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlighting different Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms available in India, explain their importance. Also, mention different measures that have been adopted to further improve the framework of ADR in India. (250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Success of the institutions of local self-governance depends largely on the attitude of state governments. Discuss in the context of constitutional provisions and recent experience of the working of these institutions in India. (250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Right to freedom of religion cannot be allowed to deny right to equality and individual dignity. Discuss in the light of constitutional provisions and recent judicial pronouncements. (250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Identify the key areas of reforms required in the judicial system in India. In this context, examine the significance of the idea of putting in place an All-India Judicial Service. (250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"While there are existing laws for the same, substantial efforts still need to be undertaken to prohibit people with criminal antecedents from entering into politics. Discuss in context of the problem of criminalization of politics in India and resulting issues. (250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"On the recent World Press Freedom Index (WPFI) India ranks 140. Elucidate the significance of media in a democracy like India. Identify the major issues affecting the media in contemporary times. In this context, enumerate the measures to address these issues. (250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Explain why the doctrine of separation of powers is considered as an indispensable part of a democratic setup. Also, discussing this doctrine in the context of India, explain the principle of 'checks and balances'. (250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Government schemes in India have long suffered from monitoring and implementation challenges. What steps have been taken by the government recently in this regard? Also discuss the potential of social audit in addressing these challenges. (250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"In the context of recent concerns related to functioning of NGOs in India, discuss the need for self-regulatory guidelines and transparency mechanisms to restore the credibility of voluntary organisations. (250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Focusing on technology without realizing that e-Governance is basically about ushering reforms in governance has meant that the potential of e-governance has not been realized. Discussing the statement, suggest what should be done to address this situation. (250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4369,"topper":"Mayank Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/64a22-487045_1247_mayank-mishra_rank_172.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Mention the structure and functions of NITI Aayog. Also, comment on its contemporary relevance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Critically discuss the practice of setting up Fast Track Courts to reduce pendency of cases in the judiciary. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the challenges faced by lower judiciary in India and suggest measures for enhancing their productivity. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Assess the need to formalise the process of post-legislative scrutiny to improve the effectiveness of laws. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in improving the effectiveness of e-governance in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Despite various reforms in the public grievance redressal mechanisms, their effectiveness remain limited. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Explaining the factors that contribute to trafficking of women and children in India, highlight the steps taken in recent times to combat it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"With Vector-Borne Diseases (VBDs) reaching epidemic proportions in India, highlight the factors that have led to their emergence. Also, suggest some measures for their effective control and management. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"After years of neglect, rapidly evolving regional strategic realities are now forcing India and Indonesia to coordinate their policies ever more closely. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Despite several attempts at resetting the ties, various barriers continue to be a cause of concern in the India-Nepal bilateral relations. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Delineate the differences between pressure groups and interest groups. Citing examples, elaborate on the ways in which pressure groups influence government decisions and policy making in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlighting the issues faced by the institutions of local self governance in India, suggest measures that can be taken to improve their effectiveness in the delivery of public goods and services at the grassroot level. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The recent amendment to the Right to Information Act, 2005 will weaken the act and undermine the authority of Information Commissioners. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight the process of delimitation in India. Also, throw light on the debates surrounding the delimitation exercise in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Self Help Groups (SHGs) are vehicles of rural development, which help in the upliftment of marginalized groups. Elucidate. Further, mention the constraints faced by SHGs and how they can be addressed. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"With construction of toilets being only one part of the solution for a clean India, it is time that the Swachh Bharat Mission puts more emphasis on the other facets as well. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Highlight the salient features of Mission Indradhanush. What are the challenges that the mission is facing in its implementation? Suggest measures to address these challenges for progressing towards full immunization coverage. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Assess the importance of skilling in light of changing economic and demographic structure in India. In this regard, how far has the Skill India Mission succeeded in its mandate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What according to you are the reasons that motivated India to create a dedicated Indo-Pacific division in the MEA recently? Also, highlight the challenges for India in the Indo-Pacific region. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"For SCO to become a successful regional grouping, it has to overcome bilateral differences between its members and their respective geopolitical calculations. Comment. Also, discuss the role that SCO can play in enhancing India's interest in the Eurasian region. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4370,"topper":"Mayank Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/da9dd-487045_1242_mayank-mishra_rank_172.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Tribal art in India generally reflects the creative energy found in rural areas that acts as an undercurrent to the craftsmanship. Explain with reference to the Worli and Gond paintings. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Though it had its achievements, the exclusion of Indians from the system was a key feature of judicial reforms introduced by Cornwallis. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Marshall Plan was important in the recovery of the European states from the aftermath of the Second World War. However, it also became a crucial factor in the creation of two Europes i.e. East and West. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Examine the causes behind the existence of bonded labour in contemporary India. Also, discuss the steps that should be taken for its redress. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"State the factors that enhance the risk for initiation or continuation of abuse of drugs by the youth. What measures can be taken to address this issue? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Critically analyze the impact of globalization on culture in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"How do increasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions impact coastal and marine ecosystems? Highlight various measures that can be taken for protection and restoration of such vulnerable ecosystems. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Explain the phenomenon of a Polar Vortex. Also, comment on the reasons as to why tropical areas as south as Florida have been witnessing sub-zero temperatures in recent years. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The most powerful trend of medieval Indian literature is devotional poetry which dominates almost all the major languages of the country. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Discuss the major changes introduced by the Government of India Act, 1919 and its significance as a historical landmark in the Indian freedom struggle. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Multiple factors allowed the British to gain control over India. In this context, highlighting the main developments, trace the course of British conquest of India from 1757 to 1856. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"With India becoming increasingly urban and the urban poor increasing in number, it is imperative that the challenges they face be addressed urgently. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Violations of women's sexual and reproductive health rights are often deeply engrained in societal values and traditions. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by the term Land Degradation Neutrality? Highlight its significance and the steps required to achieve it. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"State the geographical and economic importance of Hindukush-Himalayan region. How are the critical geographical features of this region changing and what possible consequences will it have? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What is the most accepted reasoning behind occurrence of earth's magnetism? Discuss the factors behind its variation temporally and spatially. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Explain Walker Circulation. Discuss how it influences Indian Monsoon. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4371,"topper":"Mayank Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6cebf-487045_1246_mayank-mishra_rank_172.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Rock-cut structures were closely associated with various religions and, religious activities. Discuss the statement giving relevant examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The legislative and administrative record of the Congress Ministries during their twenty-eight months rule under the Act of 1935 was positive, but the period also witnessed the emergence of serious weaknesses in the Congress. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Kamladevi Chattopadhyay was a multifaceted personality with significant contributions both to pre and post independence India. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The inherent limitations of Napoleon's policy of Continental Blockade ultimately resulted in its failure. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Despite changes in the institution of marriage in recent times, there have been elements of continuity as well. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"There are multiple disabilities that a person experiences in the course of ageing. Elaborate. Also identify key government initiatives taken for addressing them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlight the reasons behind prevalence of low literacy rate among tribals. Also, mention some initiatives taken by the government in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain how Continental Drift Theory describes the changing configuration of the continents. Discuss the prominent evidences given by Alfred Wegener to support his theory. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The variety of landforms on the earth's surface is the result of internal and external forces. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Explaining the concept of Lapse Rate, examine its relationship with atmospheric stability. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The colonial period brought the influence of Western architectural forms to India. In this context, giving examples, highlight the contribution of Europeans to Indian architecture. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The nineteenth century witnessed a struggle against the backward elements of traditional culture. Discuss in the context of socio-religious reform movements. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Explaining the reasons behind partition of Bengal, discuss the successes and limitations of the Swadeshi movement launched in its wake. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The reorganisation of states in India post-independence has been an ongoing process with distinct contributing factors. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The Treaty of Versailles was not a peace agreement based on reconciliation but was 'dictated peace' forced on Germany, which eventually triggered the Second World War. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Legal measures alone are not sufficient for addressing the issue of domestic violence against women, rather it requires intervention at societal level. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"India is undergoing a demographic transition the implications of which are multipronged. Analyze. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Highlight the significance of watershed development in India. Give reasons for the limited success of initiatives directed towards watershed management in India. Also, suggest some measures to improve the design of watershed programs. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Explain the relationship between raw materials and location of industries. How are globalisation and technological advancements changing this relationship? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Explain how natural greenhouse effect helps in maintaining Earth's heat budget. What are the possible implications of rising concentration of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in atmosphere on Earth's heat budget? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4372,"topper":"Mayank Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/11e6f-487045_1249_mayank-mishra_rank_172.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by cultural sensitivity? Identify the ways in which individuals and organisations can benefit from cultural sensitivity in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"In the quest for scientific and technological development, ethical values should not be neglected. Discuss in the current context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"In a plural society like India, education should help the individual to celebrate the plurality and visualize the inherent unity of cultures and values. Analyze the statement in the present context with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Elucidate Swami Vivekananda's ideas on nationalism.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. Mahatma Gandhi","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Explaining the concept of moral attitude, discuss how social media is shaping moral attitudes of people.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Analyse the importance of both influence and persuasion for effective leadership.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Analyze the significance of adopting a code of ethics for creating a healthy work culture in an organization.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Ethos, ethics, equity and efficiency are key criteria on the basis of which the competency of civil servants should be judged. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"The mandatory nature of Corporate Social Responsibility goes against the notion of philanthropy. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"There have been arguments that rich countries owe an obligation to people living in poor countries. In this context, discuss the issues associated with foreign aid.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"It is essential that people have access to information if they are to have the capacity to exercise other rights. Discuss the statement with focus on importance of RTI in governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"You have been recently appointed as the head of tourism department of a state in India that has many places of great historical importance. In the past few years, the state has witnessed a decrease in tourist inflow. Upon enquiry, you come to know that this decrease is largely attributed to the influence of touts and harassment of tourists, including unwanted advances and grossly overcharging them for various services. You also did a quick search about your state on leading travel advisory websites and found that it has earned a dubious reputation for being particularly unsafe for women tourists. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) Do you think that such a state of affairs can be attributed to insensitivity prevailing in the society? How can the community be made more sensitive towards tourists? (b) Suggest some measures to make a quick turnaround in terms of reputation, employment generation and rebuild the reputation of the state as a safe haven for tourists.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"A private company has proposed a large-scale hydel power project to tap the potential of a fast-flowing river in a state predominantly occupied by indigenous tribal groups. The state is backward and badly needs funds for socio-economic development. The state government is deliberating on the issue and is yet to take a final decision on the matter. While the project is expected to generate substantial revenue and employment, it will submerge the surrounding areas eventually displacing the tribals. Another issue of concern is that the tribal community regards this land and the river as sacred and integral to their cultural heritage. Thus, the tribals are not in favour of going ahead with the project and are already protesting against it. Their leader has threatened to initiate a hunger strike if the government goes ahead with the project. This has caught the attention of the mainstream media and social activists. Based on the information given above, answer the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders involved in the case and their respective interests. (b) Keeping in mind the issues involved, how can differing interests be reconciled for ensuring sustainable development in the area?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"You are posted as Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district, which has a bustling market in the district headquarters with a high footfall. The area has traditionally been occupied by street vendors and hawkers. They form an intrinsic part of the market system in the area and derive their livelihood from it. Recently, you got reports that the policemen posted in the area harass the hawkers and also extort 'hafta' - a weekly bribe - from them despite complying with the laws. It has been brought to your notice that while those who comply with this arrangement are allowed to carry on with their daily operations, those who do not are being evicted from the market area. In the process of eviction, they are even physically assaulted and their saleable items are often confiscated and destroyed. As a result, some street vendors have been staging protests against the local administration in the market and have blocked the normal market passage. They have also threatened to intensify their protest over a period of time. The local police, however, has been in denial of any such wrong doings and argue that they are merely removing illegal encroachments, which were causing traffic jam in the area. In this situation, answer the following: (a) Mention the stakeholders and ethical issues involved in the case. (b) As the Superintendent of Police, what course of action would you adopt for diffusing the tensions in the area? Also, suggest some policy recommendations, which will help resolve the issues in the long-term.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You have recently been posted as a probationary officer in the District Magistrate's office in a tribal district. During one of the fieldtrips, while interacting with the tribals, you come to know about a private company, established a few years back, which has transformed their lives. The company, using the traditional knowledge of tribals, had launched a series of products and provided numerous livelihood opportunities to the tribals. Upon further enquiry, you come to know that while the lives of tribals had indeed improved, the distribution of profits, however, has been quite disproportionate. The company has seen a huge growth in its operations and its owners have amassed huge wealth. It is also planning to file for IPR, which may further hinder the interests of the tribals. You feel that tribals have been left short changed and there has not been an equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the use of their resources. When you tried to approach the Gram Sabha and voice your concerns, the tribals requested you not to intervene as they do not have any alternatives. They also argue that governments in the past have failed to protect their interests. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the different stakeholders and their interests involved in this case. (b) Present a case to convince the District Magistrate for the need of government intervention in the situation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Various studies have found out that cases of depression and mental illness have increased exponentially in the recent past. Also, in the age group of 15-30 years, this problem is further pronounced. Furthermore, the rising trend of suicides in this age group has been attributed to depression. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Present an ethical critique of the prevalent societal attitude towards mental illness. (b) Given the magnitude of the problem among younger generation/young adults, analyse the role of the following: i. Parenting ii. Social Media iii. Video Games","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4373,"topper":"Mayank Mishra","air":172,"year":2019,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0f684-487045_1439_mayank-mishra_rank_172.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4374,"topper":"Mayank Mudgil","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0bad2-883478_1755_mayank-mudgil_rank-187.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Development is the enhancement of freedoms that allow people to lead lives that they have reason to value. 'Development is about transforming the lives of people, not just transforming economies'.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"The youth need to be enabled to become job generators from job seekers","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4375,"topper":"Mayank Mudgil","air":187,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5e6f6-883478_1752_mayank-mudgil_rank-187.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4376,"topper":"Mayank Mudgil","air":187,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/10898-883478_1756_mayank-mudgil_rank-187.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4377,"topper":"Mayank Mudgil","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4f857-883478_1862_mayank-mudgil_rank-187.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Jyotiba Phule was not only a key social reformer but also a patron of literary works. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Cave paintings in India have a long tradition with both religious as well as secular attributes. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"The Swadeshi movement started as an anti-partition movement, but became a multi-faceted mass movement after 1905. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"What are Rossby waves? Discuss the role played by them in shaping the climate of the earth.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"One of the reasons for increased global interest in Afghanistan is its endowment with key natural resources. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"The traditional structure of the caste system has witnessed paradoxical changes over the last few decades in India. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Economic empowerment of women is the key to ensure their social empowerment. Discuss in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"India has the highest number of endangered in the world as per the UNESCO. In the context, discuss the factors they have endangered native languages in India and highlight the steps taken to conserve and protect these languages.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"The policy of 'Subsidiary Alliance' helped in establishing British control over internal affairs of Indian States without incurring any direct imperial liability. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"\"Before 1857 the British were effectively working against the traditional grain of Indian society; afterwards they were working with it.\" Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Enumerating the revolutionary maxims propounded by Sun Yat-Sen, discuss the conditions that led to the revival of Chinese nationalism in the early 20th century.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Based on their geological age, present a brief account of the classification and distribution of coal reserves in India. Also, discuss the ongoing stress in the coal sector of in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"What is Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC)? Discuss the reasons for recent decline in the AMOC and its associated impact.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Recent reports and national family health surveys have signalled a monumental shift in Indian demographics. Highlighting this shift, discuss the challenges that it will pose. Also, suggest remedial measures.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Looking at all poverty from the rural perspective and applying rural solutions to urban conditions will not yield results. Discuss the statement in context of differences between urban and rural poverty in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Regional movements are often conservative in orientation, supported by traditional social classes and religious groups and oppose social change imposed by modernity. Critically discuss in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4378,"topper":"Mayank Mudgil","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c194a-883478_1514_mayank-mudgil_rank-187.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the changes introduced by the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) Amendment Act, 2021, analyse various issues with the amended Act. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Are there valid arguments for continuing with sedition law in 21st century democratic India? Discuss in light of the debate surrounding it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Identify the issues that have contributed to a decline in the performance of Parliamentary Standing Committees. How can these issues be addressed? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Despite being a non-constitutional body, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) has wielded immense decision-making power in India. Discuss the advantages and issues associated with it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the role of data in governance in India. Also, state the various challenges in this regard and suggest remedial measures. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"With specific examples, elaborate upon the conditions that led to the emergence of a new civil society in urban India in the last few decades. Also, highlight its contribution towards effecting governance and policy changes. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The Gati Shakti mission has the potential to not only address the issue of infrastructure bottlenecks but also streamline the governance processes in the country. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Giving an account of the issues faced by workers in the informal sector, discuss whether the recently launched e-Shram portal can help in addressing them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Clarifying the significance of the recent developments on the issue of global minimum tax, discuss its prospects and challenges for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Announcement of the AUKUS security pact heralds a new era of global geo-politics. Comment. Also, discuss how it may affect India's interests. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Effective devolution of finances is an important requirement for Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) to fulfill their objectives. Discuss while also elaborating on the reasons behind lack of financial resources for PRIs in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Judicial activism is a necessary tool to guard against \"legislative adventurism and executive excesses\". Critically discuss in the context of the doctrine of separation of powers as provided in the Constitution of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The electoral bond scheme is part of what appears to be a growing trend away from transparency and accountability in electoral funding. Critically analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The significance of the principle of subsidiarity was well reflected in the management of the COVID-19 pandemic. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Social media has ushered in greater transparency and accountability in governance. But accountability through social media is no alternative to institutional accountability. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Although the State has the right incentives and intentions to deliver public services efficiently, its capacity to do so is questionable. Critically discuss in the context of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The problem of hunger in India does not lie in food production but various other underlying issues. Discuss in the wake of decline in India's ranking in the Global Hunger Index, 2021. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Democratization of primary healthcare is indispensable for fulfilling the objectives of equitable and comprehensive care in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"In the context of the evolving discourse on the Indo-Pacific, analyse the factors driving the global shift towards the region. Also, identify India's interests and challenges in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India's Afghanistan policy must be based on a clear-eyed understanding of important strategic goals in the region amidst the current regional and global strategic environment. Elaborate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4379,"topper":"Mayank Mudgil","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d583e-883478_1864_mayank-mudgil_rank-187.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Agristack can serve as a foundation to build innovative agrifocused solutions, thus enabling creation of a better ecosystem for agriculture in India. Comment. Also, discuss the concerns associated with it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Despite the advantages of geothermal energy, it has not been adopted on a wide scale in India. Comment. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"While WTO seeks elimination of subsidies that contribute to IUU (illegal, unreported and unregulated) fishing, there are multiple concerns around it. Discuss while highlighting India's stand on the issue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"There is a view that current agricultural policies in India are baised against rainfed agriculture. Comment. Also, identify government imitatives in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Enumerate the major causes behind marine heatwaves. Also discuss their impact on the ocean ecosystem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Aseismic structure are touted as a viable solution to combat earthquack destruction. In this context, highlight the need of a national Program on seismic Retrofitting of Buildings and structures in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Despite the risk associated with cryptoassets, their underlying advantages should not be overlooked. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality (VR and AR) have massive innovation potential across a wide range of industries and research fields in India. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the role and functions of Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and examine whether NDPS Act, 1985 needs to be remodelled.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Recent events have raised concerns around the issue of surveillance in India. Do you think surveillance is a necessary evil to tackle crime and terror? Discuss the various arguments on the issue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"The decision to grow a particular crop by a farmer is affected by various factors other than the yield of a crop. Discuss this statement and assess the need for bringing a change in the cropping pattern in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Identifying the importance of livestock in the Indian agricultural economy, enumerate the step taken by the government in this regard. Also, discuss the potential impact of climate change on the livestock sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"It has been argued by some economist that supply creates its own demand. In this context, discuss the merits and demerits of reliance on investment in infrastructure to boost the Indian economy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Innovations emerge not just as an opportunity but also as pre-condition to assure the sustainability of food production. Analyse the statement in context of food processing sector in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"The factors contributing the unemployment in India are not merely a result of the structural issue related to the Indian economy. Discuss also, highlight the measures taken to adress the problem of unemployment in recent times.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Highlighting the major announcements made by India in the recently concluded COP26, examine India's capabilities in achieving net zero emissions by 2070.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"While geography plays a definite role in the recurring disasters in Western Ghats, it is the human intervention that has exacerbated them. Discuss. Also, suggest measures to protect Western Ghats from these frequent disasters.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"The IPR regime in India is mired by inadequate protection and ineffective implementation. In this context, discuss how the IPR regime can be made more robust and effective.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"What are the similarities and differences between the activities of terrorists and organised criminal group? Also elaborate upon the fact their linkage occur in both tactical and strategic ways.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"There is a view that the 'civil society is emerging as the new frontier of war', in the 4th generation of warfare. Do you agree with this view? Substantiate with logical arguments.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4380,"topper":"Mayank Mudgil","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/203e1-883478_2220_mayank-mudgil_rank-187.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The logic of limitless wealth lies in the basic human instinct for furthering self-interest in the form of profit. In this context, do you think there is a possibility of pursuing ethical capitalism? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"If a law is unjust, a man is not only right to disobey it, he is obligated to do so. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The capacity of Citizens' Charter to initiate any transformative process is conditioned upon it being appropriately designed and effectively executed. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The moral fiber and ethical conduct of public officials not only influence the standard of governance but also their own interests and performance. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The ongoing debate on euthanasia poses several ethical questions. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Foreign aid is a form of neo-colonialism, as the economically wealthier countries can exploit the developing countries under the cloak of aid. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Throwing light on the idea of Universal Humanism propounded by Rabindranath Tagore, discuss its contemporary relevance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree with the view that it is nature and not nurture which determines the emotional intelligence of a person? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Values that guide public administrators can often compete with each other, owing to their relative importance to the larger public interest. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Is it justifiable to say that corruption is a social phenomenon? What are the various ways through which administrative corruption can be tackled? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"\"I do believe that, where there is only a choice between cowardice and violence, I would advise violence.\"- Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"You are posted as the Commissioner of Police in a metropolitan city where a visiting foreign dignitary, with President-level security cover, is scheduled to visit for an official function. As a part of the security preparedness, it has been decided that no vehicular traffic will be allowed on the route which will be taken by the foreign dignitary to reach the venue of the function in the city. However, just 15 minutes before the scheduled arrival of the dignitary, you are informed that a critically-ill patient is stuck on the way to the hospital in a private car along with his family. In this situation, answer the following: (a) Discuss the issues involved in halting traffic for VIP movement. (b) List the options available to you in this situation with their merits and demerits. (c) What will be your course of action? Justify with proper reasoning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"The transgender community has been a part of India's social set up since the very beginning but never recognized as a reputable part of the society. 'Hijra' is a term traditionally used in India for transgender women who were born male. The role and value of this community in accordance with the sacred Hindu texts condenses to the performance of blessings at marriage and birth ceremonies for good fortune. With the advent of the British Raj in the 19th century, the acts of \"cross-dressing\" were registered as a criminal offence and if such offences were committed repeatedly, imprisonment followed. Thus, began the criminalization of hijras. Today, although legally supported and socially empowered as compared to earlier times, hijras are still subject to transphobic discrimination-associated violence, poverty, and segregation. In light of the above, answer the following: (a) Identify the challenges faced by transgenders during the different stages of their life. (b) Discuss the reasons for the continuing discrimination against trangenders in India despite several initiatives for their upliftment in recent times. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"You are an IPS officer posted as the Inspector General of Police in a state. The recent death of a father-son duo in one of the districts in the state, due to custodial violence allegedly in the presence of the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), has sparked anger across the state. This is not an isolated incident, as there have been allegations raised by human rights groups in the past regarding custodial deaths due to physical assault by the police. The High Court of the State, taking suo moto cognizance of the recent incident, has served a notice to the state government, seeking a detailed report on the rising instances of custodial deaths. The state government has constituted a Committee to probe the incident and submit a detailed report about the veracity of facts related to it. You have been asked to head the Committee. You know the Deputy Superintendent of Police of the district to be an honest, hardworking and upright officer. He has privately requested you to absolve him of any wrongdoing as he claims not to be present when the incident occurred. You know that any action against him will be detrimental to his reputation and career. On the other hand, the seniors in the department are pressurising you to put all the blame on the DSP and make him a sacrificial lamb in order to protect the overall image of the police in the state. In the given scenario, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the stakeholders and the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) What steps will you take to ensure that the enquiry is seen to be fair and impartial? (c) Given the challenges that the police forces in India operate under in their day-to-day functioning, suggest some initiatives to address them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Mr. X is a billionaire businessman who heads a conglomerate engaged in insurance, energy generation and distribution, and manufacturing. Despite being globally known as a great philanthropist, he turned down a shareholder request seeking the disclosure of the conglomerate's actions on issues related to climate change as well as diversity and inclusion. Because of increased attention to climate and diversity issues, many leading firms have committed themselves to incorporate relevant considerations in their business strategies. Therefore, some industry-observors wonder if Mr. X is out of touch with the industry at large and have warned him that failing to address climate change issues puts his businesses under systemic risk. But, Mr. X maintained his vote against the disclosure proposal, while at the same time acknowledged the importance of both climate change and a diverse and inclusive work force. However, Mr. X believes that such ethical issues take secondary importance to maximising shareholder profit. (a) Discuss the importance of including climate change strategies and diversity and inclusion in a business organisation? (b) In your opinion, what matters more for a business organisation - socio-environmental concerns or shareholder profit? (c) How can the two above-mentioned issues be reconciled? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"You are posted as a Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district where people of different religious communities are living together peacefully. The district is also famous for its architectural heritage and is regularly visited by tourists from all around the world. However, there has been an incident in the nearby state where people of two different communities have started fighting over religious issues. This incident has a spillover effect over the whole country. In your own area of jurisdiction, you have come to know from various sources about circulation of some hate speech videos, which have the potential to destabilise the law and order situation. You are also aware that some outsiders with dubious intentions have started pouring in your district. In one locality, a shopkeeper who had earlier filed a complaint regarding threats he received for posting something on the internet, is found murdered in cold blood. This incident has stunned the nation. You are being informed that hundreds of people of the community to which the shopkeeper belonged are planning to stage a massive protest in your district. (a) In the given situation, what are the options available to you to ensure that the law and order situation in the district remains stable. Provide a detailed account of your course of action. (b) Do you think the present legal and institutional mechanisms are sufficient to tackle the menace of hate speech in the society? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"The Indian education system suffers from many ills. One of the major issues is the focus on 'rote learning', which has been the staple of the Indian education system for many years. While many Indians have attained success despite this system, simply being able to recall information is not enough in today's world when that information is instantly available to anyone on a mobile phone. A survey of 200 Indian and foreign companies found that only 14% of Indian graduates were prepared for the workforce, largely because most graduates were unable to apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the consequences of 'rote learning' on the educational development of young students in the country? (b) Suggest measures that can be taken to address this issue. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4381,"topper":"Mayank Mudgil","air":187,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c1076-883478_1837_mayank-mudgil_rank-187.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4382,"topper":"Mayank Purohit","air":33,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/MAYANK-PUROHIT-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-33-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) Explain the significance of the recent changes made to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) with respect to labour market data estimation in the country","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Q.8) Highlight the key provisions of the Disaster Management (Amendment) Act, 2025. How would the amendment help strengthen the disaster management framework in the country?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.15 Launched on 25th June 2025, the Axiom-4 (Ax-04) mission has been much in the news since then. What are the key features of the mission? What significance does it hold for the Gaganyaan project and India's long-term space ambitions?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.3 Genome-edited or GE crops are crops whose genes have been altered through removal, modification or addition without introducing foreign genes.\n1. Enhance field rates of crops Eg: GE rice by ICAR.\n2. Produce draught tolerant crops to overcome effects of climate change.\n3. Enhance nutritional profile Eg: Golden rice containing vitamin A.\n4. Resistance to herbicides and pesticides to prevent impact due to pests.\n5. Better absorption of nutrients to increase efficiency of meals.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Q.10 According to a report by Symantec, India is the 3rd most vulnerable country to cyber attacks.\n1. Rise in cyber attacks => eg: AIIMS attack of 2023.\n2. Use in warfare => eg: Pakistan sponsored attack during op. Sindoor.\n3. Targeting critical infrastructure => eg: Wanna-cry worm in Kundan Kulum power plant.\n4. Affect economic security => eg: Attack on Mumbai local trains system.\n5. Use of non-state actors => low cost but high damage to target.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Q.11 IBC, 2016 was introduced to streamline insolvency proceeding under SARFAESI Act which were cumbersome and time consuming.\n1. Reduce delays in insolvency and bankruptcy cases. -> strict timelines (330 days)\n2. Greater say of creditors in proceedings through Committee of Creditors.\n3. Free up productive assets and recycle them back to economy.\n4. Promote Ease of Doing Business in India.\n5. Address Chakravyuh challenge (Economic survey) -> Easy to get in, difficult","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"Q.12 India's startup ecosystem has grown exponentially with more than 1 lakh startups and 100 Unicorns (> 1 billion $)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"2. Pumped storage hydro-power is water moved up the dam when surplus power, released when deficit to generate electricity.\nMerits 1) High storage capacity.\n2) Sustainable (no pollution).\n3) Low long term costs.\n4) Can be integrated into existing projects.\nDemerits 1) Not scalable.\n2) Location specific potential.\n3) Flooding of nearby areas.\n4) Silting and maintenance may enhance costs.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4383,"topper":"Mayank Purohit","air":33,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/MAYANK-PUROHIT-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-33-Sample-MGP-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) ‘Unconscious biases in parenting continue to shape gendered experiences in India.’ Do you agree with this view? Discuss.\nb) Distinguish between empathy and compassion. Why are they considered as foundational values in public services?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Q.4) a) “With great power comes great responsibility.” In the present context, ‘Big Tech’ headquartered in developed countries wield disproportionate influence over digital infrastructure, personal data, and global narratives—often prioritising profit over ethical considerations. What ethical principles should guide such corporations in building a fair, inclusive, and just global digital framework?\nb) What do you understand by the term ‘crisis of conscience’? Describe an incident from your life where you experienced such a crisis. How did you deal with it?","marks":"10 marks, 150","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.6) a) Public spaces serve as arenas of democratic participation and civic expression. Yet in India, they remain deeply gendered, with many women largely confined to the private and domestic sphere. Examine the factors that restrict women’s access to public spaces. How can ethical governance help address the issue of gendered spatial control and promote inclusivity in public spaces?\nb) Write short notes on the following in 30 words each:\ni) Ethical fading\nii) Conflict of interest\niii) Persuasion\niv) Work culture\nv) Corporate governance","marks":"10 marks, 150","words":"10"},{"page":6,"question":"Q.7 A State Government in the northeastern part of the country has launched a series of anti-encroachment drives across forest areas, wetlands, and revenue lands. Under the directions of the Chief Minister, the administration has intensified efforts to reclaim public land, particularly in areas reserved for ecological protection and critical infrastructure development. Most of the time, these actions have been backed by court orders and have resulted in the recovery of thousands of hectares of land. However, in certain regions, the implementation of such drives is fraught with social and political complexities. In several districts, settlements have existed for decades and are inhabited by marginalized communities with limited access to legal rights or formal rehabilitation measures. These areas are often politically sensitive and influenced by local leaders and pressure groups.\nSimanta is posted as Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) in one such district. Over the past year, the district administration has attempted to align eviction measures with welfare outreach, including the provision of temporary shelters, relocation assistance, and public consultations. Recently, a major operation was scheduled to clear encroachments from over 140 hectares of forest land within a Reserved Forest, primarily to curb rising instances of human-elephant conflict and to restore ecological balance. Anticipating eviction, some residents approached the High Court seeking a stay. However, the court refused to grant it and directed the administration to proceed with the eviction following due process. Notices were served, and a detailed roadmap was prepared to carry out the operation, which was expected to last 2–3 days due to the scale and remote location. On the first day, Simanta led a team comprising forest officials, municipal workers, and police personnel. Demolitions were conducted peacefully and without major resistance. However, on the second day, when the team returned to the site, a large group of agitated residents—primarily women and children—had gathered. They raised slogans and formed human chains to prevent further evictions. The atmosphere grew tense when some individuals began throwing stones, resulting in serious injury to a municipal worker. The crowd grew increasingly volatile and emotionally charged, demanding an immediate halt to the operation. The police contingent present on the ground was outnumbered by the crowd. Faced with this crisis, some team members pleaded with Simanta to call off the operation, fearing threats to their life and the possibility of a violent escalation. Simanta attempted to contact his superior officer (the Deputy Commissioner), but due to poor mobile connectivity in the forested area, communication could not be established. Meanwhile, several local journalists had arrived and begun reporting on the incident. Simanta is in a dilemma as to what to do.\na. Evaluate the options available with Simanta to cope with the situation.\nb. Which of the above options would be the most appropriate for Simanta and why?\nc. What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Simanta?\nd. Examine the qualities of a public servant which will be required to manage such situations.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":7,"question":"a. स्थिति से निपटने के लिए सिमंता के पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nb. सिमंता के लिए सबसे उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?\nc. सिमंता को किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\nd. ऐसी परिस्थितियों का प्रबंधन करने के लिए एक लोक सेवक के गुणों का परीक्षण करें।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":8,"question":"a. Suggest a course of action Megha can take to sensitize her village community without appearing disrespectful or confrontational.\nb. What ethical principles and methods should guide her actions while engaging with the community?\nc. How is menstruation related to human rights?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":9,"question":"You are the officer-in-charge of implementing PMAY-G in the district. The case of Gopal reaches you through a prominent newspaper report. You personally visit him to understand the situation on the ground. After meeting him and listening to his account, you feel that he certainly needs support. Your enquiries confirm that he is truly destitute and living in a pitiable condition under the open sky. It is also established that he demolished his house based on a faulty interpretation of the scheme by panchayat officials. However, he has no documents to show that he fulfils the eligibility criteria under the scheme. Now you are in a dilemma. Including him under the scheme without the necessary documents would clearly be a violation of rules. But denying him support would be cruel and inhuman.\na. Can you think of a rational way to resolve this dilemma?\nb. Give your reasons for it.\nc. What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":10,"question":"a. Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\nb. Examine the behavior of DPDO from an ethical point of view.\nc. How would you react to the situation?\na Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\nb Examine the behavior of DPDO from an ethical point of view.\nc How would you react to the situation?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":11,"question":"a. Bring out the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb. What are the options available to Nithin?\nc. Critically examine each of the options identified by Nithin.\nd. Which of the options, do you think, would be more appropriate for Nithin to adopt and why?\na. Bring out the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb. What are the options available to Nithin?\nc. Critically examine each of the options identified by Nithin.\nd. Which of the options, do you think, would be more appropriate for Nithin to adopt and why?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":12,"question":"Q.12 You are appointed as an officer heading the Air Quality Compliance Division of the Environment Pollution Control Board in Delhi-NCR. The region is witnessing alarming levels of air pollution, which typically worsen during the winter months due to various meteorological and anthropogenic factors. The situation has led to severe public health concerns, particularly affecting vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and those with respiratory illnesses. The Supreme Court has also raised serious concern over the deteriorating air quality in Delhi-NCR and has directed the administration to take immediate and effective measures to control pollution, especially during the winter months. Your jurisdiction has a large number of small and medium-scale industries that were granted environmental clearance over the years. These industries form the backbone of the local economy and provide employment to a significant number of migrant workers. However, recent inspections and air quality monitoring reports indicate that a significant number of these units are operating in violation of prescribed air emission norms. As part of targeted measures to curb air pollution, you issued notices to all identified polluting units, directing them to apply for fresh environmental clearance certificates from the competent authority. However, your decision triggered strong opposition from a section of industrial units, labour unions, and local politicians. Industrial owners argued that such action would lead to production shutdowns, financial losses, and shortages of their products in the market. Labour unions and workers also protested, fearing mass unemployment and livelihood insecurity. Local politicians and vested interests accused you of jeopardising the socio-economic stability of the region. You received representations from various quarters urging you to withdraw the notices and not initiate harsh measures, citing the interests of multiple stakeholders. Additionally, you began receiving anonymous threats, aimed at coercing you into reversing your decision. On the other hand, several of your colleagues supported your stance, encouraging you to act in the larger public interest. Several local NGOs and environmental groups rallied behind your actions, demanding the immediate closure of polluting units.\na Under the given conditions, what are the options available to you?\nb Critically evaluate each of the options listed by you.\nc What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by you?","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":4384,"topper":"MD ASIM MUJTEBA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/48f94f4c58dc4d501f6f42102607e751/14/mt23rcapa081_702.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"You can't serve data on a hungry man's plate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"AI is overcoming our mental limitation but not expanding our mental horizon.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"We are using environment for politics, not politics for environment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"The worst form of inequality is to try to make unequal things equal.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Existence is a science, living is an art.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"If the truth shall kill them, let them die.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"The only way to go beyond things, is to go through them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Dream for the best. Be prepared for the worst. Enjoy life in between.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4385,"topper":"MD ASIM MUJTEBA","air":481,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/370/mt23rcapa081_tc703-test-01-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4386,"topper":"MD ASIM MUJTEBA","air":481,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/374/mt23rcapa081_tc707-test-05-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4387,"topper":"MD ASIM MUJTEBA","air":481,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/371/mt23rcapa081_tc704-test-02-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4388,"topper":"MD ASIM MUJTEBA","air":481,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/375/mt23rcapa081_tc708-test-06-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4389,"topper":"MD ASIM MUJTEBA","air":481,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/372/mt23rcapa081_tc705-test-03-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4390,"topper":"MD ASIM MUJTEBA","air":481,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/376/mt23rcapa081_tc709-test-07-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4391,"topper":"MD ASIM MUJTEBA","air":481,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/373/mt23rcapa081_tc706-test-04-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4392,"topper":"MD ASIM MUJTEBA","air":481,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/377/mt23rcapa081_tc710-test-08-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4393,"topper":"MD ASIM MUJTEBA","air":481,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/362/mt23rcapa081_tc703-test-01-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4394,"topper":"MD ASIM MUJTEBA","air":481,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/363/mt23rcapa081_tc704-test-02-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4395,"topper":"MD ASIM MUJTEBA","air":481,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/364/mt23rcapa081_tc705-test-03-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4396,"topper":"MD ASIM MUJTEBA","air":481,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/365/mt23rcapa081_tc706-test-04-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4397,"topper":"MD ASIM MUJTEBA","air":481,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/366/mt23rcapa081_tc707-test-05-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4398,"topper":"MD ASIM MUJTEBA","air":481,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/367/mt23rcapa081_tc708-test-06-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4399,"topper":"MD ASIM MUJTEBA","air":481,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/368/mt23rcapa081_tc709-test-07-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4400,"topper":"MD ASIM MUJTEBA","air":481,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/369/mt23rcapa081_tc710-test-08-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4401,"topper":"MD BURHAN ZAMAN","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/48f94f4c58dc4d501f6f42102607e751/16/mt23rcapa083_tc701.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"If you look into someone's face long enough, eventually you feel that you are looking into yourself.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"It is the province of knowledge to speak and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Drop the question what tomorrow may bring, and count as profit every day that fate allows you.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Truth, like a torch, the more it is shook, it shines.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Art is I; science is We.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Only the dead have seen the end of the war.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Act as if it were impossible to fail.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4402,"topper":"MD BURHAN ZAMAN","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/48f94f4c58dc4d501f6f42102607e751/15/mt23rcapa083_702.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"You can't serve data on a hungry man's plate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"AI is overcoming our mental limitation but not expanding our mental horizon.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"We are using environment for politics, not politics for environment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"The worst form of inequality is to try to make unequal things equal.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Existence is a science, living is an art.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"If the truth shall kill them, let them die.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"The only way to go beyond things, is to go through them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Dream for the best. Be prepared for the worst. Enjoy life in between.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4403,"topper":"MD BURHAN ZAMAN","air":822,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/391/mt23rcapa083_tc703-test-01-gs01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4404,"topper":"MD BURHAN ZAMAN","air":822,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/395/mt23rcapa083_tc707-test-05-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4405,"topper":"MD BURHAN ZAMAN","air":822,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/392/mt23rcapa083_tc704-test-02-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4406,"topper":"MD BURHAN ZAMAN","air":822,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/396/mt23rcapa083_tc708-test-06-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4407,"topper":"MD BURHAN ZAMAN","air":822,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/393/mt23rcapa083_tc705-test-03-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4408,"topper":"MD BURHAN ZAMAN","air":822,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/394/mt23rcapa083_tc706-test-04-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4409,"topper":"MD BURHAN ZAMAN","air":822,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/385/mt23rcapa083_tc703-test-01-gs01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4410,"topper":"MD BURHAN ZAMAN","air":822,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/386/mt23rcapa083_tc704-test-02-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4411,"topper":"MD BURHAN ZAMAN","air":822,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/387/mt23rcapa083_tc705-test-03-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4412,"topper":"MD BURHAN ZAMAN","air":822,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/388/mt23rcapa083_tc706-test-04-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4413,"topper":"MD BURHAN ZAMAN","air":822,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/389/mt23rcapa083_tc707-test-05-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4414,"topper":"MD BURHAN ZAMAN","air":822,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/390/mt23rcapa083_tc708-test-06-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4415,"topper":"Md Ishteyaque Rahman","air":354,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/MD-ISHTEYAQUE-RAHMANUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-354-Sample-MGP-ESSAY-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. True leadership lies in serving not ruling.\n2. Democracy is not just the right to vote, it is the right to live in dignity.\n3. Growing regional aspirations and demand for greater autonomy: A challenge to Indian federalism.\n4. The ballot is stronger than the bullet.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"1. The great aim of education is not knowledge but action.\n2. The global south must redefine development through cooperation and justice.\n3. There is no health without mental health.\n4. If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4416,"topper":"Md Ishteyaque Rahman","air":354,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/MD-ISHTEYAQUE-RAHMANUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-354-Sample-MGP-COPY-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) To what extent, in your opinion, have the ideals of the Preamble been realised in the country's 75-year constitutional journey?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) The evolution of property rights in India reflects an intricate relationship that exists between individual rights and public welfare. Discuss this statement with the help of relevant constitutional provisions and case laws.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3 Under what conditions can the 'National' Emergency be proclaimed by the President of India? What are the consequences when such a proclamation remains in force? When was it last imposed in the country?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4 'Lack of a binding framework for pre-legislative consultations in India limits citizen engagement in the lawmaking.' Propose measures to strengthen the role of public consultation in the legislative process.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 'The recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission have enabled the States to improve their fiscal conditions.' Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6 In what ways do industry and business associations contribute to socio-economic development in the country? Explain with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7 \"India's poverty lies in the eyes of the beholder.\" In light of this statement, examine the need for a credible and periodically updated poverty estimation framework in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 falls short of achieving its intended objectives. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 'Starved of funds, shackled by geopolitics, WHO is facing a crisis of capacity and credibility.' Discuss the statement in the light of USA's withdrawal and its accusation of the health body of being 'biased towards China and mishandling the COVID-19 pandemic'.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 The world continues to operate in a 'my terrorist' versus 'your terrorist' paradigm. Explain. What strategies would you suggest to develop a unified, comprehensive, and rules-based global approach to tackle the menace of terrorism?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) Briefly explain the procedure laid down in the Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1951 for the registration of political parties with the Election Commission of India (ECI). What are Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs)? What concerns are associated with them? Does the ECI have powers to de-register a political party?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 Assess the role of NITI Aayog over the past decade in promoting cooperative and competitive federalism.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 'The post of Deputy Speaker goes beyond ceremonial significance and is indispensable to Indian parliamentary democracy.' Discuss with relevant constitutional provisions and conventions. Also, examine the implications of the prolonged vacancy of the Deputy Speaker's post.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) Is the growing demand for stricter regulation of online content justified, or does it pose a threat to the right to freedom of speech and expression? Examine in light of recent judicial pronouncements.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Critically examine the 'in-house procedure' adopted by the Apex Court to inquire into allegations of misconduct against judges of constitutional courts in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) Recent controversies over alleged malpractices in the electoral rolls have renewed demands for the mandatory linkage of Aadhaar with Voter ID. What is your opinion? Give reasons in support of your answer.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17) Lateral entry into civil services is seen as a reformative step, yet it continues to attract criticism and controversy. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 While rankings aim to benchmark the performance of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), concerns remain about whether current ranking frameworks reflect the broader goals of education. Suggest measures to make the ranking system more objective, inclusive, and aligned with educational and societal outcomes.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Examine the factors behind the growing salience of the Arctic region in international politics. Discuss, in this context, strategies for India to recalibrate its Arctic engagement.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 Bangladesh is a key pillar of India's Neighborhood First policy, but recent developments on both sides threaten to disrupt the 'Sonali Adhyay' in bilateral relations. Analyze.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4417,"topper":"Md Ishteyaque Rahman","air":354,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/MD-ISHTEYAQUE-RAHMANUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-354-Sample-MGP-COPY-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) 'Unconscious biases in parenting continue to shape gendered experiences in India.' Do you agree with this view? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) Distinguish between empathy and compassion. Why are they considered as foundational values in public services?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) The current society is witnessing rising levels of intolerance. What are the consequences of this situation for personal well-being and for societal well-being? What can one do at the personal level to become tolerant?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) What are the main components of emotional intelligence and how does it help an individual in taking ethical decisions?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) Given below are the three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context?\na) \"This life is short, the vanities of the world are transient, but they alone live who live for others, the rest are more dead than alive.\" - Swami Vivekanand","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) \"If you cry because the sun has gone out of your life, your tears will prevent you from seeing the stars.\" - Rabindranath Tagore","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"c) \"Two ways of building character - cultivating strength to challenge oppression, and tolerate the resultant hardships that give rise to courage and awareness.\" - Sardar Patel","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.4) a) \"With great power comes great responsibility.\" In the present context, 'Big Tech' headquartered in developed countries wield disproportionate influence over digital infrastructure, personal data, and global narratives—often prioritising profit over ethical considerations. What ethical principles should guide such corporations in building a fair, inclusive, and just global digital framework?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"b) What do you understand by the term 'crisis of conscience'? Describe an incident from your life where you experienced such a crisis. How did you deal with it?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.5) a) \"A politics of confession that encourages politicians and parties to confess and offer regret for their errors can surely be a cathartic experience.\" Examine the statement from the ethical point of view.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"b) What are the key objectives of the Right to Information Act, 2005? Examine the ethical concerns associated with certain provisions of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act in realizing the objectives of the RTI Act.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.6) a) Public spaces serve as arenas of democratic participation and civic expression. Yet in India, they remain deeply gendered, with many women largely confined to the private and domestic sphere. Examine the factors that restrict women's access to public spaces. How can ethical governance help address the issue of gendered spatial control and promote inclusivity in public spaces?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"b) Write short notes on the following in 30 words each:\ni) Ethical fading\nii) Conflict of interest\niii) Persuasion\niv) Work culture\nv) Corporate governance","marks":"10 marks, 150","words":"30 words each"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7) A State Government in the northeastern part of the country has launched a series of anti-encroachment drives across forest areas, wetlands, and revenue lands. Under the directions of the Chief Minister, the administration has intensified efforts to reclaim public land, particularly in areas reserved for ecological protection and critical infrastructure development. Most of the time, these actions have been backed by court orders and have resulted in the recovery of thousands of hectares of land. However, in certain regions, the implementation of such drives is fraught with social and political complexities. In several districts, settlements have existed for decades and are inhabited by marginalized communities with limited access to legal rights or formal rehabilitation measures. These areas are often politically sensitive and influenced by local leaders and pressure groups.\nSimanta is posted as Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) in one such district. Over the past year, the district administration has attempted to align eviction measures with welfare outreach, including the provision of temporary shelters, relocation assistance, and public consultations. Recently, a major operation was scheduled to clear encroachments from over 140 hectares of forest land within a Reserved Forest, primarily to curb rising instances of human-elephant conflict and to restore ecological balance. Anticipating eviction, some residents approached the High Court seeking a stay. However, the court refused to grant it and directed the administration to proceed with the eviction following due process. Notices were served, and a detailed roadmap was prepared to carry out the operation, which was expected to last 2-3 days due to the scale and remote location. On the first day, Simanta led a team comprising forest officials, municipal workers, and police personnel. Demolitions were conducted peacefully and without major resistance. However, on the second day, when the team returned to the site, a large group of agitated residents—primarily women and children—had gathered. They raised slogans and formed human chains to prevent further evictions. The atmosphere grew tense when some individuals began throwing stones, resulting in serious injury to a municipal worker. The crowd grew increasingly volatile and emotionally charged, demanding an immediate halt to the operation. The police contingent present on the ground was outnumbered by the crowd. Faced with this crisis, some team members pleaded with Simanta to call off the operation, fearing threats to their life and the possibility of a violent escalation. Simanta attempted to contact his superior officer (the Deputy Commissioner), but due to poor mobile connectivity in the forested area, communication could not be established. Meanwhile, several local journalists had arrived and begun reporting on the incident. Simanta is in a dilemma as to what to do.\na. Evaluate the options available with Simanta to cope with the situation.\nb. Which of the above options would be the most appropriate for Simanta and why?\nc. What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Simanta?\nd. Examine the qualities of a public servant which will be required to manage such situations.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"a. स्थिति से निपटने के लिए सिमंता के पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nb. सिमंता के लिए सबसे उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?\nc. सिमंता को किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\nd. ऐसी परिस्थितियों का प्रबंधन करने के लिए एक लोक सेवक के गुणों का परीक्षण करें।\na स्थिति से निपटने के लिए सिमंता के पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nb सिमंता के लिए सबसे उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?\nc सिमंता को किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\nd ऐसी परिस्थितियों का प्रबंधन करने के लिए एक लोक सेवक के गुणों का परीक्षण करें।","marks":null,"words":"20 अंक"},{"page":34,"question":"Q.8) Megha is a first-year sociology student at a reputed college in the national capital. She is originally from Tadchiroli, a tribal village in a western Indian state. Megha's family migrated to the city when she was seven years old and had not visited their village since. Though Megha has fond memories of her childhood there, she never deeply understood the customs and traditions of the region. One day, Megha expresses her wish to visit Tadchiroli. Her father agrees and asks her to inform Ratan, her paternal uncle, who still lives in the village with his family. Megha informs Ratan and travels to the village during a semester break. Upon arrival, she receives a warm welcome from Ratan and his family. Later, Ratan invites her to attend a local festival. During the event, Megha notices that her cousin Rinki is missing. Curious, she asks Ratan's wife Ratna why Rinki is not at the festival. Ratna explains that Rinki is on her period, and as per tradition, menstruating girls must stay separately in small huts built specifically for the purpose. Locally known as 'kurma ghars', they are generally located on the periphery of the village, near a river or pond. She further adds that these girls are not allowed to enter the main house or participate in any social or religious activities. Megha is taken aback. She asks whether all women follow this practice. Ratna nods and says it has been the custom for generations. Even schoolgirls stay in these huts and miss classes during their periods. Ratna admits that many in the village, including herself, never questioned the practice. The explanation unsettles Megha. She finds it hard to believe that a natural biological function leads to such exclusion. Before returning to the city, Megha observes that even educated family members seem to accept and follow these customs. The experience leaves a deep impact on her. She starts reading more about menstrual taboos and their impact on women's health, dignity, and education. As a sociology student, she recognises how such traditions are linked to patriarchy and social stigma. She begins to reflect on what she can do at her level to improve the current situation, without alienating the community or disrespecting its traditions.\na. Suggest a course of action Megha can take to sensitize her village community without appearing disrespectful or confrontational.\nb. What ethical principles and methods should guide her actions while engaging with the community?\nc. How is menstruation related to human rights?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":35,"question":"a. मेधा द्वारा अपने गांव के समुदाय को असम्मानजनक या टकरावपूर्ण व्यवहार किए बिना संवेदनशील बनाने के लिए अपनाई जा सकने वाली कार्यवाही का सुझाव दीजिए।\nb. समुदाय के साथ जुड़ते समय उसके कार्यों को किन नैतिक सिद्धांतों और तरीकों से निर्देशित किया जाना चाहिए?\nc. मासिक धर्म मानव अधिकारों से किस प्रकार संबंधित है?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":39,"question":"Q.9 Gopal is an 80-year-old man living in a remote and an underdeveloped village in a Central Indian state. He had been residing in a small mud house for years. When he came to know about the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana–Gramin (PMAY-G), he saw a glimmer of hope for a pucca house in the last phase of his life. However, the village sarpanch and panchayat secretary told him that to be eligible under the scheme, he must first demolish his existing house so that during a site inspection, no structure would be visible at the location. Subsequently, Gopal demolished his shelter and began living under a babool tree. For nearly six months, he has been staying in the open, braving harsh weather conditions. During this time, he has repeatedly visited the panchayat office but has been told that his application cannot be processed as he lacks the necessary documents.\nYou are the officer-in-charge of implementing PMAY-G in the district. The case of Gopal reaches you through a prominent newspaper report. You personally visit him to understand the situation on the ground. After meeting him and listening to his account, you feel that he certainly needs support. Your enquiries confirm that he is truly destitute and living in a pitiable condition under the open sky. It is also established that he demolished his house based on a faulty interpretation of the scheme by panchayat officials. However, he has no documents to show that he fulfils the eligibility criteria under the scheme.\nNow you are in a dilemma. Including him under the scheme without the necessary documents would clearly be a violation of rules. But denying him support would be cruel and inhuman.\na. Can you think of a rational way to resolve this dilemma?\nb. Give your reasons for it.\nc. What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.10 You are working as an Assistant Section Officer in the District Development and Panchayat Office. One day, one of your close colleagues approaches you in deep distress. She tells you that her father is suffering from a severe liver condition, and the doctors have clearly stated that he must undergo liver transplant immediately in order to survive. She shares that she has no health insurance, and the surgery would cost around Rs 15 lakh. You are aware that her husband passed away a few years ago, and that she also has a four-year-old son with special needs. Just a few weeks ago, she also lost all her savings in a digital arrest scam. As a widow from a lower middle-class family, her options are extremely limited. Although you feel deeply empathetic, you are unable to offer financial assistance, as you do not have the resources to help.\nA few weeks later, you enquire about her father's health. She informs you that the liver transplant surgery was successful and that her father is now recovering steadily. Relieved, you ask how she managed to arrange the funds. Hesitantly, she confides that the District Development and Panchayat Officer (DDPO) helped her. Moved by her situation, the DDPO facilitated the release of Rs 15 lakh from the fund allocated to a rural sanitation scheme. The implementation of this scheme had been put on hold for a year due to technical issues and pending site approvals. She explains that the amount was provided on the assurance of strict confidentiality and with a commitment to repay it at the earliest. She expresses deep gratitude for the DDPO's timely help, which she believes saved her father's life. She has already begun repaying the money and will continue to do so until it is all returned.\na. Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\nb. Examine the behavior of DPDO from an ethical point of view.\nc. How would you react to the situation?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Q.11) Nithin is the head of the Marketing Department at Pehnava Clothings Ltd., a reputed apparel manufacturing company with a strong global presence. Known for its professionalism and consistent performance, the company had earned a credible name in both domestic and international markets. However, the firm was going through difficult times. For three consecutive quarters, it had witnessed a steep decline in sales. This trend had raised serious concerns among the top management regarding the company's competitiveness, profitability, and long-term stability. To address the situation, the leadership decided to restructure the marketing division and bring in dynamic leadership. A senior marketing executive, Mr. A, was hired after a rigorous selection process. He had an impressive career record and was known for turning around sales performance in other firms and building strong brand identities. With high expectations placed upon him, Mr. A was seen as the key figure to steer the company out of crisis. Mr. A soon began delivering results. Within a year, the company's revenue had almost doubled, and its brand visibility had increased significantly. His bold marketing strategies, proactive outreach, and innovative campaigns received appreciation from various quarters within the company. His performance drew the attention of the top management. There were deliberations about assigning him a larger role within the company, with a focus on long-term business strategy. He was also being considered for an internal award for 'Excellence in Leadership and Innovation'. However, alongside professional success of Mr. A, Nithin began receiving troubling feedback about his conduct in the workplace. Informal reports indicated that he frequently made inappropriate comments about women. In addition, he regularly sent indecent messages via social media apps to all team members, including his female colleagues. Although no formal complaint was lodged initially, Nithin could sense tension within the team, and signs of discomfort were becoming increasingly apparent. Some employees even started avoiding direct interaction with Mr. A. Team morale and interpersonal trust were gradually eroding, but employees remained hesitant to speak openly. The matter escalated one evening when Mrs. X, one of Mr. A's team members approached Nithin. Visibly disturbed and emotionally shaken, she disclosed that Mr. A had repeatedly engaged in inappropriate behavior towards her. She added that Mr. A had been making undesirable advances towards her and had even tried to touch her inappropriately in his cabin. She urged Nithin to take appropriate action in the matter, or else she would have no option but to resign from her position.\na. Bring out the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb. What are the options available to Nithin?\nc. Critically examine each of the options identified by Nithin.\nd. Which of the options, do you think, would be more appropriate for Nithin to adopt and why?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":50,"question":"a. इस मामले में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों को स्पष्ट करें।\nb. नितिन के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nc. नितिन द्वारा पहचाने गए प्रत्येक विकल्प का आलोचनात्मक परीक्षण करें।\nd. नितिन के लिए कौन सा विकल्प अपनाना अधिक उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?\na इस मामले में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों को स्पष्ट करें।\nb नितिन के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nc नितिन द्वारा पहचाने गए प्रत्येक विकल्प का आलोचनात्मक परीक्षण करें।\nd नितिन के लिए कौन सा विकल्प अपनाना अधिक उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?","marks":null,"words":"20 अंक"}]},{"id":4418,"topper":"MD NAYAB ANJUM","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/MD-NAYAB-ANJUM-UPSC-2024-Rank-292-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The Indian Constitution does not embody a strict separation of powers rather it introduces a system of checks and balances, with overlapping functions and interdependencies among the legislature, executive, and judiciary. Elaborate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Recently, the Supreme Court has expanded the scope of Articles 14 and 21 to include the \"right against the adverse effects of climate change\". In this context, citing relevant case laws, discuss the role played by Indian judiciary in 'constitutionalization' of environmental issues. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The Speaker's inclination to cater to party loyalties often undermines the dignity and impartiality of the office, eroding public trust in the legislative process. Analyse with the help of recent examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Assess the effectiveness of SEBI in fulfilling its envisaged role of regulating the securities market, ensuring transparency, and protecting investors' interests. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The foundational strength of the Indian Constitution stems from its ability to integrate diverse socio-political perspectives. Elucidate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Parliamentary committees serve as vital tools for legislative oversight, ensuring accountability and transparency in governance processes. In light of the statement, examine the role of the Public Accounts Committee in establishing financial accountability of the executive. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Without addressing the issues that hinder the full and effective participation of persons with disabilities in political and public life, the goal of achieving inclusiveness and their empowerment will remain unattainable. Analyze. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What roles do community-based interventions play in enhancing access to preventive and promotive healthcare services in India? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The current composition of the UNSC, with under-representation and un-representation of key regions is detrimental to its legitimacy and effectiveness, underscoring the urgent need for reforms. Elaborate. Also, present a case for India's permanent membership in the UNSC. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"\"The ongoing internal crisis in Myanmar is impeding India's Act East Policy.\" In light of the statement, discuss the measures taken by India to deal with the crisis and associated challenges. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"The Basic Structure Doctrine, lauded for safeguarding the core principles of the Constitution against majoritarian impulses, is also criticized for enabling judicial overreach and disturbing the balance of power as envisioned by the Constitution.\" Elaborate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Enumerate the salient features of Representation of People's Act, 1951. In your opinion, what amendments are needed in the Act to further the cause of free and fair elections in light of contemporary challenges. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The cooperative nature of Indian federalism is being increasingly challenged by emerging differences in Centre-State relations. Discuss. What steps can be taken to strengthen the cooperative spirit of Indian federalism? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Parliamentary privileges are fundamental for lawmakers to discharge their duties without undue influence. However, ensuring the responsible exercise of these privileges is crucial for fostering public trust and ensuring the accountability of public institutions. Analyse. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The Constitution of India provides several rights that empower the individual, yet it balances these freedoms with reasonable restrictions in the larger public interest. Discuss how constitutional restrictions on fundamental rights strike a fine balance between individual interests and societal interests. Also, mention the principles that are considered in evaluating the reasonableness of restrictions with reference case laws. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Self-Help Groups (SHGs) can play a crucial role in alleviating rural poverty by providing women with access to microfinance, enabling them to start small businesses and improve their livelihoods. Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Despite the implementation of numerous policies and schemes aimed at combating hunger and malnutrition in the country, their effectiveness remains limited. Analyse. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The true test of good governance is the degree to which it ensures accountability towards citizens and delivers on the promise of sustainable and inclusive human development. Discuss in the context of challenges to good governance in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"As the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) provides a judicial mechanism for the peaceful resolution of international disputes. In this context, throw light on the structure and mandate of ICJ. Also, highlight the challenges it faces in fulfilling its mandate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Geopolitical shifts pose challenges to India-Russia relations, yet the relationship remains robust, driven by deep-rooted trust and a shared commitment to sustain a multifaceted strategic partnership. Analyse. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4419,"topper":"Md Tabish Hasan","air":374,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Md-Tabish-Hasan-UPSC-IAS-2023-Toppers-AIR-374-Sample-MGP-Essay-Copy.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4420,"topper":"Md Tabish Hasan","air":374,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1T0dl4gXRmcPDL3h3fxh31I5xfy4LMQGu/view","questions":[]},{"id":4421,"topper":"Md Tabish Hasan","air":374,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Md-Tabish-Hasan-UPSC-IAS-2023-Toppers-AIR-374-Sample-MGP-GS-Copy.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4422,"topper":"Medha Anand","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c62d7-105670_2488_medha_anand_rank_14.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"The wise man does at once what the fool does finally.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"The world is a tragedy to those who feel, but a comedy to those who think.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Perfect clarity would profit the intellect but damage the will.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4423,"topper":"Medha Anand","air":13,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/u/2/folders/1Eq7JxGhwHS894_rCHOSaIW138IEscdPn","questions":[]},{"id":4424,"topper":"Medha Anand","air":13,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/125/air-13-medha-anand_test-1_gs1.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. Numerous foreign travellers have vividly documented their observations of the Vijayanagara Empire over time, offering valuable sources for reconstructing its history. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. 'Adi Shankaracharya had a profound role in uniting seemingly irreconcilable worldviews of thought'. In this context discuss his philosophical thought and its lasting impact on Indian philosophy.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. Do you agree that Dr BR Ambedkar's view of the caste problem was more political than social? Also highlight his efforts aimed at social reform.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. How does oceanic salinity vary across different regions of the world's oceans, and what factors contribute to these variations?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. Explain the origin of Indian islands in the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. Examine the factors contributing to India's groundwater crisis, and its implications for agriculture and water security in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. What are critical minerals, and how do they influence technological advancement and national security?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. How does fostering pluralism within Indian society contribute to the endeavour of nation-building?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Discuss the changing nature of problems the working class is facing due to the emerging gig economy.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. Homogenisation tendencies as a result of globalisation have in fact preserved and promoted the local cultures of India. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. What are the circumstances that led to the disintegration of the USSR and the end of the Cold War? How did the end of the cold war contribute to the spread of Globalization across the world?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. How did the enduring legacy of the Harappan Civilization leave a mark on the evolution of Indian culture, even after its sudden decline?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. How did Mahatma Gandhi's participation in the Khilafat Movement illustrate his ability to connect diverse issues and mobilize different communities towards a common cause? To what extent did the Khilafat movement achieve its objective?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. How is Transit Oriented Development (TOD) linked to the concept of a sustainable urban transportation system? Discuss its impact on overall enhanced quality of life for citizens.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. Although desert landscapes across the world reflect many similarities the process of desertification is influenced by local factors. Elaborate with suitable examples.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. Explain the various stages of the formation of The Great Himalayas. How Eastern Himalayas is different from Western Himalayas?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. Describe the significance of eco-sensitive zones in environmental conservation and provide examples of how they are designated and managed in different geographical regions?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. How has the pandemic reshaped the landscape of education, and what long-term effects might these changes have on teaching methods and learning outcomes?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. Analyze the factors behind the upsurge of ethnic identity struggle in the context of India, and discuss their implications for the country's social fabric.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. How does patriarchy differently impact the dynamics of the workplace vis a vis the household?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"}]},{"id":4425,"topper":"Medha Anand","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/35e20-105670_2415_medha_anand_rank_13.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Examine the persisting issues related to fiscal stability of states in India. What measures are needed to address these issues? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The internationalisation of rupee has many advantages, yet it is not devoid of risks. Explain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Audit reports on various development initiatives in India have frequently highlighted inefficacies in public expenditure. Identify these inefficiencies and suggest measures that can be taken to address them. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"How can the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme help in achieving an Atmanirbhar Bharat? What are the challenges in realizing its objectives? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are the various challenges that India's innovation ecosystem faces? How can these challenges be addressed? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"How is the advent of climate change leading to the revival of cultivation of millets? What steps have been taken by the government to give an impetus to millet production in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Poor quality and inadequate availability of feeds and fodder are the major reasons behind the low productivity of the livestock in India. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What is Integrated Pest Management (IPM)? State its objectives and discuss its various components. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"How has poor grain management been a greater challenge to food security in India than the actual shortage of grains? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Explain what you understand by urban agriculture and state its types. Discuss its significance in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"In view of India's rapid urbanisation, it has become imperative to tap into municipal bonds to meet the rising demand of capital investment in urban areas. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"India has achieved significant strides in various development parameters such as economic growth, women's education, and fertility rates. However, the country's Female Labour Force Participation Rate (FLFPR) remains amongst the lowest in the world. Discuss. What measures can be taken to improve the FLFPR in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Do you think that the collaboration of private and public sector is the key to the successful development of an investment model related to urban infrastructure in India? Justify your answer. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"How can Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) act as an important source of non-debt finance for India's economic development? What steps have been taken to boost FDI in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"There is a need for interventions to enhance the coal evacuation infrastructure and reduce the freight cost to improve the overall competitiveness of coal in India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The inefficiencies in post-harvest value chain are leading to crop losses, with significant adverse impact on the livelihood of small and marginal farmers. Discuss in the context of India. What steps has the government taken to address these concerns? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What are the existing issues related to land records in India? How can digitisation of land records and conclusive 'land titling' help in addressing them? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"When it comes to the energy sector, the trends of decarbonisation, decentralisation and digitisation are fast emerging. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Agricultural subsidies have supported farmers' income in India, but they have also contributed to environmental degradation and biodiversity loss. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Despite adoption of numerous measures to streamline financing of infrastructure in the road sector, private investment has played a limited role. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4426,"topper":"Medha Anand","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9b16a-105670_2423_medha_anand_rank_14.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With suitable examples, discuss how environmental pressure groups enhance public participation and responsiveness with regard to environmental policies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The recent acknowledgment of sex work as a 'profession' by the Supreme Court is merely the first step in ensuring basic rights and equality for sex workers in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the role played by District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) in providing free legal aid and disseminating legal awareness in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"The collegium system has become a victim of its own success, with the concentration of power in the hands of a few, leading to questions about its legitimacy.\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Civil services reforms must go beyond recruitment and standardised training to cope with the present day challenges.\" Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Outcome-based finance models such as social impact bonds have the potential to truly catalyse change and deliver socio-economic impact at scale. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The wide gap between the number of females graduating every year and those entering the workspace is an issue of paramount importance that needs to be addressed. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"An up to date and functional Civil Registration System (CRS) is essential to the socio-economic planning in India. Discuss in the light of the recent move of the Central government in revamping the CRS system in the country. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What are the key areas of reform if the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has to align with the current economic realities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In recent years, India's relationship with West Asia has evolved from the confines of geopolitics to expanse of geoeconomics. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The role of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) is significant in furthering healthy competitiveness aimed at inspiring stakeholders to innovate and augment effectiveness. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"\"The menace of paid news often rears its ugly head during elections.\" Discuss the need for making paid news an electoral offence in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the 'Doctrine of Essentiality' referred to by the courts in the context of religious practices in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"As per the recently released report of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), there is an urgent need to limit the size of the government in India. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The Institutions of Eminence (IoE) scheme was conceived to develop 'world-class' centres of higher education in India but six years later, it is yet to become the game changer it was intended to be. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) allows for innovative and convenient public services, help overcome inclusion or accessibility barriers, and increase transparency and accountability with real-time data. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Besides legislation, the full realisation of the 'right to health for all' in India demands plugging of social, financial, and infrastructural gaps. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The 'third gender' has not yet been engendered in the Indian society despite legislative nudge. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Among other factors, strained ties with China and Pakistan make it difficult for India to fulfill its expectations from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"The recently concluded initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) between the United States and India promises a long overdue transformation of their partnership in the field of technology. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4427,"topper":"Medha Anand","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/586c7-105670_2424_medha_anand_rank_14.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What are the different dimensions of food security? Examine India's status in terms of ensuring food security with regard to these dimensions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Modern technologies such as blockchain and ChatGPT are powerful tools with immense potential to transform agriculture into a more efficient and sustainable sector. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What factors have led to the recent acceleration in the trend towards de-dollarization of the global economy? Do you think the dollar will lose its dominance anytime soon? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Despite significant pressure from the developed countries to alter its food subsidy regime, there is merit in India trying to retain its policy support for the poor in the country. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Several initiatives have been taken by the government towards addressing India's water needs, but the issues of water availability and water quality still warrant prioritised intervention. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What are the major drivers of glacial retreat in the Arctic? Describe the potential impact of the retreat of Arctic glaciers on the ecosystem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Space tourism, which was viewed as something straight out of a science fiction movie, is now becoming a reality albeit not without hindrances. What are the challenges associated with space tourism? What measures can be taken to address these challenges? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Global health experts widely believe that the development of CAR-T cell therapy can be a game changer in the treatment of cancer. How can CAR-T cell therapy overcome the limitations of CRISPR-Cas9 technology? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss why the rising deployment of new and emerging technologies by prominent violent extremist organizations demand concerted global efforts. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"With the Line of Actual Control (LAC) remaining tense after the Galwan and Yangste incidents and both India and China ramping up infrastructure in the border areas, discuss the role that ITBP plays in the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Do you think there is a need for a shift from 'land productivity' to 'irrigation water productivity' in India? Justify your answer. What are the challenges in making this shift? Explain. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Examine the role that green hydrogen can play in unlocking the energy security of India. How can the National Green Hydrogen Mission help India in achieving its energy goals? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The government has been weighing a transition from minimum wage to living wage in recent times. What are the benefits and constraints in the adoption of living wage in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The Union Budget affects almost every sector of the Indian economy, yet neither the budgetary processes nor the budget policies come under substantial public scrutiny. Do you agree? Justify your answer. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"India has been able to transform itself from a milk deficit country to the world's biggest milk producer, but the productivity of dairy animals in the country remains a concern. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"While climate change is responsible for crop failures, the agricultural sector itself is partly responsible for extreme weather events. Discuss. What strategy has been adopted under National Agriculture Disaster Management Plan to strengthen the resilience of the farming community in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Some regions in India, including Delhi, are highly vulnerable to the impact of earthquakes originating in the Himalayas. Discuss. What institutional measures have been taken to mitigate earthquake losses in India? Do you think there are significant gaps that still exist? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Recently, scientists announced net energy gain in nuclear fusion reaction, which is considered as a major scientific breakthrough for the future of clean energy. What are the advantages of nuclear fusion based power generation? What are the limitations in using it to generate electricity at a commercial scale? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Keeping in view the recent amendment, examine the efficacy of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, in tackling the menace of money laundering in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Discuss the security threats present in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), which have a direct bearing on India's maritime border interests. Suggest a robust strategy to deal with these threats. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4428,"topper":"Medha Anand","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/30f20-105670_2422_medha_anand_rank_14.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The traditional theatre forms of India reflect the ideals and emotions of the society, and an individual's role in the community. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Provide an account of the historical and architectural importance of the Sanchi Stupa. Also, discuss how it inspired the future architecture in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Bhagat Singh made a real breakthrough in terms of revolutionary ideology, the goals of revolution and forms of revolutionary struggle. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Bringing out the factors that led to the Meiji restoration, discuss its significance for Japan. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"It is believed that a nation is an \"imagined community\" held together by common beliefs, history, political aspirations etc. In this context, discuss what the basis of India as a nation is. Also, bring out the threats to the concept of Indian nationhood. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"State the key factors behind the growth of the pharmaceutical industry in India. Additionally, discuss its significance with regard to India's economy and public health.(Answer in 150words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss why the Bay of Bengal is more prone to cyclones than the Arabian Sea. Also, explain the reasons for the decrease in frequency of tropical cyclones during the Southwest monsoon season. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite being destructive in nature, volcanoes are critical for the existence of human life on earth. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The existence of relative deprivation is an important aspect in constructing the argument for regionalism. Explain with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"If India is to realise the goal of 'education for all', the issue of rising cases of bullying and other forms of school violence needs to be addressed immediately. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Bring out the role played by the Ahom Kingdom in shaping the cultural and historical identity of North-East India, and discuss its legacy in contemporary times. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The capitalist class generally remained ambivalent in their support to the Indian National Congress until 1940s. In this context, analyse the varying positions of the Indian capitalists throughout the national movement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Trace the evolution of the press in India. Also, discuss the instrumental impact it had during various stages of the Indian freedom struggle despite the repressive policies of the British. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Mountains are fragile ecosystems vulnerable to the adverse impact of climate change and other anthropogenic interventions. Illustrate with examples. Also, highlight the initiatives taken for their sustainable management. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind unsustainable management of sand resources in India. Highlighting its impact, enumerate the remedial measures taken in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Giving an account of the major lithium-producing countries, discuss the geo-political aspects of lithium production and its environmental implications. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The youth are capable of identifying themselves with a global identity and connecting with events and experiences outside their countries. In this context, discuss the impact of globalization on the various aspects of youth identity. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"As fertility rates decline in India, future demographic concerns center around an ageing population and a weak social security system. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"With a significant proportion of India's population expected to live in urban areas by 2030, the welfare of the urban poor needs to take centre-stage in public policy. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4429,"topper":"Medha Anand","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Medha-Anand-UPSC-2023-Rank-13-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"In what ways can land reforms contribute towards holistic development of agriculture? Also, critically analyse the achievements of land reforms in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"National Monetization Pipeline (NMP) has the potential of providing a positive trigger for the economy by designing a roadmap for realizing the true value of underutilized government assets. In context of the statement, examine the opportunities and challenges involved. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"How has the Industrial policy in India evolved since independence? Have these policies suc- ceeded in attaining their objectives? Argue your case. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Evaluate the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) in addressing the challenges of Public Private Part- nership (PPP) in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The MSME sector is a significant contributor to industrial output, employment generation, and exports; however, its potential remains untapped due to several factors. Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":16,"question":"What do you understand from Liberalisation, Privatisation and Globalisation (LPG)? Examine the effects of LPG reforms on different sectors of Indian economy. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":19,"question":"A robust infrastructure sector is indispensable for putting the country in a consistent socio - economic growth trajectory. Analyse the statement and evaluate the role of PM - Gatishakti and Na- tional Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) in infrastructure development of the country? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":22,"question":"In the financial year 2021 - 22, Indian merchandise exports have crossed the 400 billion USD mark. Identify the reasons for this spectacular performance of Indian exports and suggest reforms to further boost the exports. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"Why has Indian Railways been unable to become competitive, fast, and efficient as their counterparts in developed economies? Discuss the need and ways for its holistic overhaul. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4430,"topper":"Medha Anand","air":13,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/171b1-105670_2085_medha_anand_rank_13.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4431,"topper":"Medha Anand","air":13,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1e442-105670_2086_medha_anand_rank_13.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4432,"topper":"Medha Anand","air":13,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/16/air-13-medha-anand_test-1_gs1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4433,"topper":"Medha Anand","air":13,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/112/air-13-medha-anand_test-2_gs2.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. The recent Supreme Court judgments on human rights issues mark a remarkable shift in using International law and treaties not just as a source of inspiration but as a source of law. Examine with reference to relevant case laws.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. The United States and India have their own distinctive jurisprudence on freedom of speech and expression despite the similarities in constitutional provisions. Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. Fundamental Duties are a reminder that citizenship is not merely a passive status but an active engagement. Discuss. What are the challenges in their legal enforcement?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. Discuss the mandate of the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT). To what extent earlier SC verdicts have resolved the jurisdictional tussle between CAT and High courts? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. 'Equality under the Indian constitution is not merely about formal equality, it also incorporates the idea of substantive equality'. Discuss this statement in light of constitutional provisions and relevant Supreme Court judgments.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. Pressure groups and political parties are inherently similar in their objective to democratise the political process, however, more and more pressure groups today aspire to transform into political parties. Elaborate and highlight the factors that are encouraging this transformation.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. Can the infusion of foreign educational institutions be a transformative step in enhancing the global competitiveness of higher education in India and addressing the prevailing quality challenges? Justify with reason.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. To address the limitations of the public health system, how can the private sector contribute effectively to bridging the gap to ensure equitable and accessible healthcare for all? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. There is an urgent need for global cooperation to eradicate poverty and hunger. In this context analyse how international cooperation can impact efforts to address the challenges of poverty and hunger.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. The changing global dynamics require prompt effective and meaningful reforms within the World Trade Organization (WTO), to ensure its relevance and capacity to address modern trade complexities. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. How has the 69th Constitutional amendment led to Delhi's dual governance dilemma? Discuss its impact on cooperative federalism as envisaged in the Constitution.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. \"Constitution envisages an independent judiciary, not insulated judiciary\"; In the light of the given statement, discuss the issues associated with the appointment of judges in the higher judiciary and explore alternatives to the current system.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. The National Commission for Scheduled Tribe (NCST) has largely been confined to a monitoring and advisory role. What are the impediments in the functioning of NCST despite the constitutional status, also suggests reforms.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":35,"question":"14 Under what circumstances can the Governor reserve a state bill for the consideration of the President and why is the provision controversial? Also, discuss the reforms suggested by Punchhi Commission in this regard.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. The Ninth Schedule fabricated a constitutional paradox to safeguard laws related to socio-economic justice from being challenged under the fundamental right to property. Does the ninth schedule have any relevance in present times? How did the IR Coelho judgment resolve this paradox?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. \"Central Information Commission stands as the guardian of democracy, with an unwavering relevance to good governance.\" Justify the context in terms of the mandate of the CIC. Has the statutory status limited the effectiveness of the commission in recent times?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. Discuss the significance of the POCSO Act in ensuring the safety and protection of children against sexual offences. What changes would you suggest to the present Act to enhance its effective implementation?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. 'Technology serves as the catalyst for reshaping the traditional contours of bureaucracy, propelling it to become more efficient, transparent, and citizen-centric.' Explain and also explore how the integration of technology can expedite governmental efforts aimed at modernizing the civil service.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. India and US have had an oscillating relationship in the past, to what extent has the relationship acquired depth in recent times? How should New Delhi navigate its relationship with the US after its sharp divergence with Washington on the issue of the Russia-Ukraine war?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. How has the India-ASEAN partnership evolved since the implementation of the 'Look East Policy'? In what ways can India leverage the increasing strength of its economy alongside geopolitical realities as opportunities to foster closer India and ASEAN relations?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"}]},{"id":4434,"topper":"Medha Anand","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Medha-Anand-UPSC-2023-Rank-13-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting different kinds of cyberthreats faced by India, evaluate the current status of cybersecurity framework in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Often criticised as draconian by human rights activists, AFSPA is justified as a necessary evil by its supporters. Critically appraise the utility of Armed Forces Special Powers Act in light of the pre- vailing security situation. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Money laundering is a global problem that cannot be solved by isolated responses. Discuss the statement and also suggest ways to curb the menace. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"India needs modern armed forces and younger, leaner battle - ready soldiers to tackle security challenges of 21st century. In this perspective, evaluate the Agnipath scheme. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Examine the linkages between terrorism and organized crime. Present a case for breaking the illicit bond between the two. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Despite being seminal to the security and integrity of the country, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) themselves face a plethora of challenges. Discuss the statement, suggesting ways to ame- liorate their problems. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":16,"question":"What are the reasons behind continuation of insurgency in the North - Eastern region of the country? Highlight the government initiatives to check insurgency in North - East. Also, recommend measures required to deal with this threat. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":19,"question":"In what ways fake news has impacted internal security of the country? How can fake news be identified and controlled? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":22,"question":"Internal Security of the country is a shared responsibility between the citizens and the gov- ernment. With the help of the map given below, describe various internal security challenges to the country. What steps should be taken to strengthen the internal security situation? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"Though Naxalism is showing a downward trend, it is not only thriving in its core areas of in- fluence but also changing its form. Analysing the reason for its retreat, underline the factors be- hind its continuance. Also, discuss measures towards eliminating LWE from the country altogether. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4435,"topper":"Medha Anand","air":13,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/14/air-13-medha-anand_test-2_gs2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4436,"topper":"Medha Anand","air":13,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/118/air-13-medha-anand_test-3_gs3.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. Differentiate between Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Wholesale Price Index (WPI). Do you think that CPI is a better measure of inflation as compared to WPI? Substantiate.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. Jobless growth is an inherent feature of India's growth trajectory. What are the major reasons behind the high unemployment rate in India? Suggest remedial measures to improve the overall employment growth rate in India.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. Bringing urea under the NBS Scheme is seen as the panacea for all the issues related to fertiliser subsidies in India as well as for the environmental problems of agriculture. Highlighting the issues related to urea management, suggest reforms are required to improve the usage of urea in a sustainable manner in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. India's food security faces challenges from not just domestic factors but also global factors. Comment. Discuss some ways to strengthen India's food security.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. Recently, India became the 27th signatory to the Artemis Accord led by NASA. Critically analyse its implications for the space exploration programmes in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. How does the decomposition of organic matter in the soil contribute to the carbon cycle, and what are the key factors that influence this process?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. Climate change mitigation and adaptation strategy is not only about reducing future emissions but also involves active removal of already released carbon into the atmosphere. In this context what do you understand by the concept of Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) and discuss the progress of the international community in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. Poor building design, flagrant violations of building codes and fire safety norms and overcrowding of spaces are responsible for the rising risk of fires in urban areas. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Ethnic conflicts and cross-border migration along India-Myanmar and India-Bangladesh borders impact India's internal security. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":24,"question":"10 What are the main challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in investigating and prosecuting cases of money laundering, and how can they be overcome?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. Low tax buoyancy often translates into higher deficits and debt. Can a higher direct tax rate improve the overall tax-to-GDP ratio in India? What other steps can be undertaken to revamp the overall tax structure in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. Why have Indian startups failed to realise their potential? What steps can be undertaken to improve the profitability and performance of startups in India?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. Import of edible oils forms a major part of India's import bill. In this context, evaluate the importance of the recently launched National Mission on Edible Oils and Oil Palm (NMEO-OP). What are the environmental concerns related to increasing palm oil production in India?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. A robust livestock economy can act as a parallel source of farmers' income. Highlighting the role of the livestock economy in the agriculture sector in India discuss the challenges faced by the livestock sector in India. Suggest interventions that can strengthen the livestock sector to contribute to the overall well-being of the farmers.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. Nuclear fusion has been hailed as the energy source of the future, with the potential to provide clean, safe, and virtually limitless energy. Discuss the scientific principles behind nuclear fusion and the challenges and opportunities in harnessing this technology for practical applications.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. What have been the difficulties in the administration of IPRs in India? Suggest measures to improve the administration of IPRs in order to encourage an innovation-led economy in India.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. The recent amendments in the Wildlife Protection Act provide a framework to prevent illegal trade in wild animals and plants to ensure that their survival is not threatened. In this regard, mention the implications of illegal wildlife trade in India and analyse the effectiveness of the recent amendments to address the issue. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. Analyse the factors that contribute to the increased incidence and severity of floods in urban areas and the measures that can be taken to reduce the risk and enhance the resilience of the population.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. Do you think that intelligence and law enforcement agencies in India have the necessary resources and capabilities to effectively tackle the link between organised crime and terrorism?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. India needs to update its Information Technology Act, of 2000 to deal with emerging internal and external communication security and to make the cyber ecosystem more safe and secure. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"}]},{"id":4437,"topper":"Medha Anand","air":13,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/15/air-13-medha-anand_test-3_gs3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4438,"topper":"Medha Anand","air":13,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/140/air-13-medha-anand_test-4_gs4.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. (a) Most civil servants are neither pure deontologists nor pure utilitarians, but they operate according to a kind of ethical pluralism. Do you agree? Discuss your position with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":8,"question":"1. (b) The motivation to seek a career in public service and perform public service can be due to attraction to public service, commitment to public values, self-sacrifice and compassion. Among the four, what is the primary public service motivator for you? Explain your motivating factor.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"2 (a) One of the critical areas of governance is developing policies for managing public health emergencies such as COVID. While tackling such health emergencies, the government may take measures that involve the abdication of liberty on the part of the citizens. According to you, what ethical principles should guide the government's public health policymaking?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":12,"question":"2 (b) Identify any four components of emotional intelligence relevant to public services. Explain their role in administrative decision-making.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"3. (a) Values lie at the core of the diverse world of human behaviour and are expressed in every human decision and action. In keeping with the above statement, explain with the help of illustrations how values impact an individual's behaviour.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":16,"question":"3. (b) Explain the difference between codes of ethics, codes of conduct and codes of rules and regulations. Do you think an increase in the number of codes and regulations is an efficient response to the decline of public trust and integrity issues? Why/why not?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"4. Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance.\n(a) The root of happiness is Dharma (righteousness), the root of Dharma is Artha (economy), the root of Artha is right governance.\" (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"4. (b) \"The most important human endeavour is the striving for morality in our actions. Our inner balance and even our existence depend on it. Only morality in our actions can give beauty and dignity to life.\" (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"4. (c) \"Humility is the most difficult of all virtues to achieve; nothing dies harder than the desire to think well of oneself.\"","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":24,"question":"5. (a) Prioritising ethical concerns within public administration and policy has monetary costs in terms of training and other expenses. Do you think the financial cost of actively pursuing ethical standards by the government is justified? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"5. (b) Distinguish between administrative, legal and professional accountability. Despite multiple institutional accountability mechanisms, the government has failed to make a dent in systemic corruption. What do you think are the reasons for the poor performance of accountability mechanisms?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":28,"question":"6. (a) Economists view transparency as a condition for open markets and political scientists view it as a condition for public participation. What does transparency imply in public administration ethics? Is it only a flow of information or more than that? Explain.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"6. (b) Persuasion performs a number of positive, prosocial functions. However, people often equate persuasion with manipulation and consider it unethical. What are the ethical values a persuader must respect to ensure the ethicality of the act of persuasion? Explain.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"You are the VP (Operations) of a company that manufactures and supplies space probes and satellite equipment to Government space agencies. The company has been in the business for over four decades and has built considerable expertise in producing and delivering high-quality products. The business was good.\nAs VP of Operations, it was your responsibility to ensure the completion of projects and deliverables on time. A critical deliverable was running behind schedule due to the non-availability of a specific raw material. The material in question was an environmentally hazardous chemical that the Environmental Ministry banned. But considering the importance of the chemical compound for the space industry, the Environment Ministry was planning to allow controlled use in about three weeks. You and the company management didn't have three week waiting time.\nFurther, there was severe pressure from the Department of Space to complete the deliverable on time as a lot was riding politically on the project. After internal discussions, you met the Space Department officials to explain the predicament and request a deadline extension. When the meeting happened, you were shocked by the attitude of the Department officials. They refused to accept any delay and suggested circumventing the environmental ministry's prohibition and procuring and using the chemical. They justified it by saying the ministry would allow controlled use in a few weeks. So, why wait? Besides, they noted that the environment ministry doesn't understand space priorities and their intricacies. They pointed out that everything is justified in the name of national interest.\n1. What are the issues involved in the above case?\n2. What are the options available to you?\n3. Discuss the merits and demerits of each option and select your chosen course of action.\n4. What do you understand by National Interest? Do you think it is ethically justified for a nation to prioritise security and economics over and above social justice and social development priorities?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"1 Issues involved\n(a) Completion of project in the given timeline is a priority for space programs.\n(b) Use of hazardous chemical by illegal procuring it might danger lives - what if a spill occurs? Who will take responsibility.\n(c) Attitude of space department officials who are ready to circumvent rules to reach a hasty decision.\n(d) What happens to space program, if the project is not delivered on time?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"8 (a) इस मामले से जुड़े नैतिक मुद्दे कौन-कौन से हैं?\n(b) आपके पास कौन-से विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\n(c) सभी विकल्पों का विश्लेषण कीजिए और अपने द्वारा चुने हुए विकल्प को स्पष्ट कीजिए।\n(d) क्या आपको लगता है कि उपरोक्त मामले में ग्राहक की गोपनीयता और विश्वास के उल्लंघन को उचित ठहराया जा सकता है? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए) 20 अंक\na) इस मामले से जुड़े नैतिक मुद्दे कौन-कौन से हैं?\nb) आपके पास कौन-से विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nc) सभी विकल्पों का विश्लेषण कीजिए और अपने द्वारा चुने हुए विकल्प को स्पष्ट कीजिए।\nd) क्या आपको लगता है कि उपरोक्त मामले में ग्राहक की गोपनीयता और विश्वास के उल्लंघन को उचित ठहराया जा सकता है?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":38,"question":"1. What are the issues involved in the case?\n2. What are the options available to you?\n3. Select your course of action after analysing all the options\n4. Do you think breaching client confidentiality and trust can be justified in the above case? (Answer in 250 words) 20 Marks","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"9 (a) उपरोक्त मामले में कौन से मुद्दे और नैतिक दुविधाएँ शामिल हैं?  \n(b) यदि आप प्रभारी अधिकारी होते तो आप मामले को कैसे आगे बढ़ाते?  \n(c) प्रासंगिक विकल्पों का पता लगाएँ और सलाह दें कि रश्मी को क्या कदम उठाना चाहिए।  \n(d) आप विधवा को कैसे देखेंगे - उसके पति के अपराध की साक्षी या आरोपी के रूप में? औचित्य सिद्ध कीजिए।  \n(250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)\na) उपरोक्त मामले में कौन से मुद्दे और नैतिक दुविधाएँ शामिल हैं?\nb) यदि आप प्रभारी अधिकारी होते तो आप मामले को कैसे आगे बढ़ाते?\nc) प्रासंगिक विकल्पों का पता लगाएँ और सलाह दें कि रश्मी को क्या कदम उठाना चाहिए।\nd) आप विधवा को कैसे देखेंगे - उसके पति के अपराध की साक्षी या आरोपी के रूप में? औचित्य सिद्ध कीजिए।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":43,"question":"1. What are the issues and ethical dilemmas involved in the above case?\n2. How would you proceed with the case if you were the officer in charge?\n3. Explore relevant options and advise what course of action Rashmi should take.\n4. How would you see the widow as a victim of her husband's crime or an accused? Justify.","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":44,"question":"2 As an officer in charge, one will have to proceed on facts\na) Use intelligence to know about the veracity of Rashmi's claim\nb) If widow is a victim, utilize discretionary powers and use file notings to prove her victimisation. Also, provide her safety from the drug peddlers, get her son enrolled in a school and applaud Rashmi for her efforts\nc) If she doesn't come out clean, use the strictest provisions against her, as she is spoiling the youth. Send her child to school to not waste his childhood","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"10 You are working as an Assistant Librarian in a State University for ten years. In the last ten years, you had witnessed the growth of the university in all academic and research areas. As the university expanded, it commissioned new departments and research labs, launched new courses and hired new staff. With new academic courses coming in, the library also grew in terms of books, periodicals and online research facilities. The library needed a new team, and it brought in contractual staff. One such contractual library counter staff was Pallavi, who was with the library for four years. She was a diligent staff, meticulous in record-keeping and courteous in public dealings. But somehow the Librarian Mr Thakur had taken a personal dislike to her. He never lost an occasion to insult Pallavi even in the presence of students publicly. Pallavi never complained about this harassment as being a widowed single mother she needed the job, and she didn't want to give any reason to Mr Thakur to dismiss her. One day things went a little out of line with Mr Thakur verbally abusing Pallavi in front of the entire staff. You couldn't bear it, and you wanted to intervene, but you didn't. But the next day when reached the library with your guilty and troubled conscience, you talk to Pallavi and decide to help her.\n1. What are the issues involved in the above case?\n2. What are the options Pallavi has? How should she navigate the issues with Mr Thakur?\n3. What do you think is the problem with Mr Thakur, is it a lack of emotional intelligence or something else?\n4. How do you think you will be able to help Pallavi?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":48,"question":"1 Issues involved in the above case\na) Reason for Mr Thakur's dislike\nb) Can he publicly humiliate her?\nc) Just because she desperately needs the job, is it ok to abuse her?\nd) Why are others not standing up for her?\ne) What impact will it have on students, what will they learn out of this situation?\nf) How is this mental abuse affecting Pallavi?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"11 (a) आपके अनुसार उपरोक्त मामले में कौन-कौन से नैतिक मुद्दे शामिल हैं?\n(b) उपरोक्त मामले में सांसद के पास कौन-कौन से विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\n(c) सभी विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन कीजिए और सांसद को कार्रवाई का तरीका सुझाइए।\n(d) राजनीतिक और नौकरशाही भ्रष्टाचार के बीच अंतर स्पष्ट कीजिए। क्या नौकरशाही राजनीतिक भ्रष्टाचार पर रोक लगाने में भूमिका निभा सकती है?\n\n1. What do you think are the issues involved in the above case?\n2. What options are available to the MP in the above case?\n3. Evaluate the options and suggest a course of action to the MP.\n4. Distinguish between political and bureaucratic corruption. Can bureaucracy play a role in checking political corruption?\na) आपके अनुसार उपरोक्त मामले में कौन-कौन से नैतिक मुद्दे शामिल हैं?\nb) उपरोक्त मामले में सांसद के पास कौन-कौन से विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nc) सभी विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन कीजिए और सांसद को कार्रवाई का तरीका सुझाइए।\nd) राजनीतिक और नौकरशाही भ्रष्टाचार के बीच अंतर स्पष्ट कीजिए। क्या नौकरशाही राजनीतिक भ्रष्टाचार पर रोक लगाने में भूमिका निभा सकती है?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":57,"question":"12 You are a senior engineer working for S & P Constructions, a prominent government contractor. You are working at a construction site building a nuclear reactor facility. Along with other responsibilities at the site, you were also the safety in charge. One day as you did your weekly safety audit, you noticed that the welders had not followed procedures and used the wrong materials in some sections. The situation was hazardous since some defective welds appeared on the water pipes carrying coolant to the reactor core. The rupture of the pipes could cause disaster if safety backups failed simultaneously.\nYou called a meeting of the welding supervisors to instruct them to rectify the faulty weldings. But even after two weeks, the welds were not fixed, and when asked, the supervisors said they had instructions from the superiors to go ahead with the way it is. You were shocked at this compromise of safety. You travelled to the HQ to discuss this with the senior management. Instead of taking corrective action, the senior management transferred you to a different site and warned you about discussing the safety practices of the nuclear site. You needed the job, so you returned to your new workplace quietly.\nAfter five years, the nuclear reactor was in the news for pipe bursts, killing ten engineers and due to the fallout, the neighbouring villages had to be evacuated. You could see your fears coming true. The nuclear facility was shut down, and an inquiry was instituted. You were also summoned for questioning as you handled safety during the construction. You were in a dilemma; tell the truth of safety compromise or hide it and keep the job. Further, your conscience was troubling you that you could have done something five years back instead of quickly taking the transfer.\n1 What are the issues involved in the above case?\n2 What options do you have in the above dilemma?\n3 After evaluating the options, identify which option you would choose.\n4 Do you think whistle-blowing could have been a good option five years back?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":58,"question":"1) Issues involved\na) Should you speak the truth and risk losing the job?\nb) Should you raise alarm against the superiors who didn't adhere to your advice then?\nc) Was it correct on your part to have left the situation?\nd) How to manage the crisis of conscience that led to the recent mayhem?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4439,"topper":"Medha Anand","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LxMkWLa-o3P4HvZPGVlG7nCvrfZirx8A/view","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. (a) For effective corporate governance to take place in the coming years, why is it important to integrate the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics with the multi-stakeholder approach? What benefits can be accrued by such integration? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"1. (b) In acts of corruption, the focus is often only on the demand side of the equation, on public officials who abuse their office for private gain. Frequently, the supply side is given less attention. Those who pay bribes are sometimes depicted as innocent parties and victims of extortionary practices of wily public servants. Do you agree that 'collusive corruption', in which there is a willing bribe-giver, is a formidable challenge for institutions fighting corruption?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"2. (a) The Citizens' Charters initiative was a response to the quest for solving the problems, which a citizen encountered, day in and day out, while dealing with the organisations providing public services. But the introduction and implementation of Citizens' Charters in the government of India has been difficult due to the old bureaucratic set up and the rigid attitudes of the work force. Discuss the major obstacles that have been encountered in implementing the Citizens' Charter initiative.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"2. (b) Quality of public service delivery is a major determinant of the quality of life of vulnerable sections in a highly unequal society divided along the lines of class, caste, religion, etc. In this background, do you think that public service delivery is efficient and sufficient enough to improve the lives of vulnerable groups in India? Critically examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What more needs to be done alongside public service delivery -","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"3 (a) What do each of the following quotations mean to you?\n(a) \"The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own.\" - Lao Tzu (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"3. (b) \"If ethics are poor at the top, that behavior is copied down through the organization.\" - Robert Noyce (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"3. (c) \"The end of law is not to abolish or restrain, but to preserve and enlarge freedom.\" - John Locke (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"4. (a) Wealthy CEOs and founders of successful businesses around the world are increasingly pledging to give away their wealth in philanthropy. Do you think that such a move is sufficient enough to bring about a positive change in the society? Critically examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"4. (b) As organizations across the globe begin their artificial intelligence (AI) transformation, the leap into the AI era is expected to be more challenging than any technology that businesses have grappled with yet. In this background, discuss the concerns around fairness, transparency, and job security that may arise.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"5. (a) The emphasis of Swami Dayanand Saraswati on education, social equality, and ethical values continues to influence the socio-cultural discourse in contemporary India. Discuss with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"5. (b) Write short notes on the following in 30 words each :\n(i) Dedication to public service\n(ii) Non-partisanship in civil service\n(iii) Objectivity in decision-making","marks":"2 x 5 = 10","words":"30 words each"},{"page":28,"question":"6. (a) Emotional intelligence may not be singularly associated with emotions or intelligence. It can also include a broad range of personality characteristics that might predict success in professional and everyday life. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"6. (b) Traditional forms of state-led accountability, also characterised as vertical and horizontal channels of accountability, are increasingly found to be inadequate, and a myriad of multi-stakeholder and bottom-up citizen directed approaches have come to the fore, to supplement or supplant them. Discuss with illustrations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"7 इस प्रकरण के संदर्भ में, निम्नलिखित का उत्तर दीजिए:\n(a) इस प्रकरण में शामिल मुद्दे कौन-से हैं?\n(b) ऐसी प्रौद्योगिकियों को अपनाने के नकारात्मक प्रभावों को कम करने के लिए क्या उपाय किए जा सकते हैं? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"With reference to this case study, answer the following:\n(a) What are the issues involved in this case?\n(b) What measures can be taken to minimize the negative implications of adopting such technologies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"5 Who gave the order to arrest a person without conducting proper checks?\n6 Why were no forensic investigations done before arresting him - viz his phone location etc.\n7 Why were there lack of checks and balances - can means justify the ends of it?\n8 Affected stakeholders - society at large, tarnished police image, person who got arrested, his family\n9 How can over-reliance over technology justify actual arrest of a person and give no moral accountability of investigation agencies.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"8 दी गई स्थिति में:\n(a) रीना को किन दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\n(b) उसके पास क्या विकल्प हैं? प्रत्येक के गुण और दोष बताइए।\n(c) उसके द्वारा अपनाई जाने वाली कार्रवाई को रेखांकित कीजिए, साथ ही उसका औचित्य सिद्ध कीजिए। (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"In the given situation:\n(a) What dilemmas does Rina face?\n(b) What options does she have? Provide the merits and demerits of each.\n(c) Highlight the course of action she should adopt, along with justification for the same. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"9 You have recently been posted as a Nodal Education Officer in one of the districts, where mass cheating in examinations is a regular phenomenon. Media reports have shown parents and relatives scaling school walls and buildings to pass answer chits to students taking secondary school examinations in the district. Moreover, with the advent of new technological devices, cheating in examinations has become more sophisticated and exam rules are flouted openly. On investigation, it has come to your notice that these rackets are run by many school authorities, including exam invigilators who are mostly teachers, and they are hand in glove for profits. With a shortage of staff, invigilators threaten go on mass strikes if any action is taken. Conducting the exams, cancelling them on account of cheating and having re-exams are a loss of time and money for the government and this vicious cycle goes on.\n\nAs the Nodal Education Officer of the district, address the following questions:\n(a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\n(b) How will you resolve the issues in the given case?\n(c) What long-term strategy needs to be adopted to deal with the menace of cheating in various examinations? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"7) Why are parents so keen on getting good marks for their child?\n8) Why are the moral values of society stooping to such low levels?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"10 उपयुक्त जानकारी के संदर्भ में, निम्नलिखित पर ध्यान दीजिए:\n(a) प्रस्तुत प्रकरण में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दे कौन-से हैं?\n(b) महासागरों की संधारणीयता पर प्रतिकूल प्रभाव डाले बिना किसी राष्ट्र के आर्थिक विकास के दृष्टिकोण को कैसे प्राप्त किया जा सकता है? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":48,"question":"In the context of the above-stated information, address the following:\n(a) What are the ethical issues in the given case study?\n(b) How can the vision of economic development of a nation be achieved without adversely affecting the sustainability of oceans? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"4) What about the unintended consequences - what if deep sea drilling leads to underwater land subsidence?\n5) Should a biocentric approach be taken or an anthropocentric approach?\n6) Aren't we supposed to approach environment as stewards (where we should take care of the natural environment)?\n7) While some companies are declaring they won't use the mined products - will they continue on their stance when their profits will dwindle, due to rival companies using these minerals?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"11 (a) आप एक जिला मजिस्ट्रेट हैं और यह क्षेत्र आपके क्षेत्राधिकार में आता है। दोनों पक्षों के लोग अपनी शिकायतें लेकर आपके पास आए हैं। आप दोनों दृष्टिकोणों में सामंजस्य स्थापित करने के लिए क्या करेंगे?\n(b) कार्रवाई के निम्नलिखित संभावित तरीकों के गुण और दोषों का उल्लेख कीजिए:\n(1) क्षेत्र के निवासियों के विरोध को नजरअंदाज करना और धार्मिक पूजा स्थल को मौजूदा नियमों के अनुसार बनाने की अनुमति दे देना।\n(2) नए पूजा स्थल पर भरोसा करने वाले हजारों उपासकों को निराश करते हुए, निवासियों से सहमत होकर निर्माण पर रोक लगा देना।\n(3) एक समझौते के रूप में, आपके द्वारा पूजा स्थल पर भवन निर्माण संबंधी अतिरिक्त नियमों को लागू किया जाना या डिजाइन में संशोधन पर बल दिया जाना। (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":53,"question":"(a) You are a District Magistrate and the area lies in your jurisdiction. People from both sides have approached you with their grievances. What would you do to reconcile the two points of view?\n(b) Mention the merits and demerits of the following potential courses of action:\n(1) Ignore the opposition from the residents of the area and allow the place of religious worship to be built in accordance with the existing regulations.\n(2) Prohibit the construction, agreeing with the residents while causing distress among the thousands of worshippers counting on the new place of worship.\n(3) As a compromise, you place additional building regulations on the worship place or insist on modifications to the design. (Answer in 250 words)\na) You are a District Magistrate and the area lies in your jurisdiction. People from both sides have approached you with their grievances. What would you do to reconcile the two points of view?\nb) Mention the merits and demerits of the following potential courses of action:\n(1) Ignore the opposition from the residents of the area and allow the place of religious worship to be built in accordance with the existing regulations.\n(2) Prohibit the construction, agreeing with the residents while causing distress among the thousands of worshippers counting on the new place of worship.\n(3) As a compromise, you place additional building regulations on the worship place or insist on modifications to the design.","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"12 You are a public representative, elected on the ticket of a political party, considered as conservative by many. Your daughter, who has returned years after studying abroad, has conveyed to you her choice of marrying a person from another community. You personally do not consider anything wrong in her choice, and convey your assent to her. You also discuss it with many among your friends and family, and inform them of a grand wedding ceremony you are planning for your daughter. However, a few days after you have shared the news of the forthcoming grand wedding with many, you are informed by your political secretary about an issue being made of the same. He informs you that there are whispers among many people in your constituency about it, and indications of a sense of unease among some prominent citizens. While most of them are enamoured by your plans for a grand wedding ceremony for your daughter, they are unhappy about the bridegroom being from another community. You also get to know through your sources in the party, that your assent to the choice of the bridegroom may lead to a denial of ticket by the high command in the forthcoming elections. You are not only an ambitious politician and a rising star in your political party but also an open-minded, loving and doting father. But howsoever much you love your daughter's freedom and choices, you do not want her decision to adversely affect your political journey. This is more so, when you had been eagerly looking forward to greater responsibilities and a higher stature in the party, given the years of hardwork you have put in, as a politician. Your daughter, on the other hand, is firm with her choice and does not want her impending grand wedding to be affected in any way. She is adamant\n(a) उपयुक्त प्रकरण में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दे कौन-से हैं?\n(b) एक पिता और एक महत्वाकांक्षी राजनीतिज्ञ के रूप में आपके पास उपलब्ध विभिन्न विकल्प क्या हैं?\n(c) आपकी कार्रवाई का तरीका क्या होगा? उचित तर्क सहित पुष्टि कीजिए। (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":58,"question":"Given this situation, answer the following:\n(a) What are the ethical issues in the above situation?\n(b) What are the various options that you have, as a father and an ambitious politician?\n(c) What will be your course of action? Justify with proper reasoning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":4440,"topper":"Medha Anand","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FqRNFbpRQhftEh2VX36mPGV9bYw2CsOE/view","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"leaders with fortitude are known by everyone and they are the people to turn to when crisis arises. Discuss","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Q 1 b) In the wake of changing social landscape in the country, value ed is as imp. as tech ed for youth to become not only skilled but morally strong professionals. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"2 a) While impartiality has been identified as one of the key ethical values for public service, it should not be seen as precluding compassion in public service. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Analyse ethical implications of commerce space exploration, especially with entry of private sector in recent times.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"(b) While AI has the potential to radically transform and disrupt our world, the right ethical choices can make AI a force of good for humanity. Discuss with examples","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"What do you understand by 'social accountability'? Explain its significance & discuss critical factors responsible for success of any social accountability initiative","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"(b) Corruption is a challenge to democracy & citizens' estimations of corruption are one of the main criteria for its wideness & harmfulness. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"In light of this do you think it is ethical for an employee to practice moonlighting? Discuss","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"5b Do you agree that ESG considerations for a corporation create immense value for the business?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"6 a. Where there are multiple institutions to ensure fairness in IR, states often put aside moral values & directions of these institutions for their own interest. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"6b Discuss various ethical issues that can arise when a foreign funded research project conducts medical research in developing countries.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"6c Discuss teachings of Guru Nanak Dev relevant to youth of today.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"a) If act was justified:\n1) Biological need - child has to be breast fed.\n2) Importance to work - if a civil servant is off duty, huge amount of pending work will remain.\n3) Highest workmanship of professional integrity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"2 Disallow unethical practices","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4441,"topper":"Medha Anand","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iI-6YZ1pVOm7d1ReVWgD1QeQx7ZhAQO5/view","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. (a) Most civil servants are neither pure deontologists nor pure utilitarians, but they operate according to a kind of ethical pluralism. Do you agree? Discuss your position with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":8,"question":"1. (b) The motivation to seek a career in public service and perform public service can be due to attraction to public service, commitment to public values, self-sacrifice and compassion. Among the four, what is the primary public service motivator for you? Explain your motivating factor.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":10,"question":"2. (a) One of the critical areas of governance is developing policies for managing public health emergencies such as COVID. While tackling such health emergencies, the government may take measures that involve the abdication of liberty on the part of the citizens. According to you, what ethical principles should guide the government's public health policymaking?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"2 (b) Identify any four components of emotional intelligence relevant to public services. Explain their role in administrative decision-making.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"3. (a) Values lie at the core of the diverse world of human behaviour and are expressed in every human decision and action. In keeping with the above statement, explain with the help of illustrations how values impact an individual's behaviour.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":16,"question":"3. (b) Explain the difference between codes of ethics, codes of conduct and codes of rules and regulations. Do you think an increase in the number of codes and regulations is an efficient response to the decline of public trust and integrity issues? Why/why not?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"4. Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance.\n(a) The root of happiness is Dharma (righteousness), the root of Dharma is Artha (economy), the root of Artha is right governance.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"4. (b) \"The most important human endeavour is the striving for morality in our actions. Our inner balance and even our existence depend on it. Only morality in our actions can give beauty and dignity to life.\"","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":22,"question":"4. (c) \"Humility is the most difficult of all virtues to achieve; nothing dies harder than the desire to think well of oneself.\"","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":24,"question":"5. (a) Prioritising ethical concerns within public administration and policy has monetary costs in terms of training and other expenses. Do you think the financial cost of actively pursuing ethical standards by the government is justified? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"5. (b) Distinguish between administrative, legal and professional accountability. Despite multiple institutional accountability mechanisms, the government has failed to make a dent in systemic corruption. What do you think are the reasons for the poor performance of accountability mechanisms?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":28,"question":"6. (a) Economists view transparency as a condition for open markets and political scientists view it as a condition for public participation. What does transparency imply in public administration ethics? Is it only a flow of information or more than that? Explain.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"6. (b) Persuasion performs a number of positive, prosocial functions. However, people often equate persuasion with manipulation and consider it unethical. What are the ethical values a persuader must respect to ensure the ethicality of the act of persuasion? Explain.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":32,"question":"You are the VP (Operations) of a company that manufactures and supplies space probes and satellite equipment to Government space agencies. The company has been in the business for over four decades and has built considerable expertise in producing and delivering high-quality products. The business was good.\nAs VP of Operations, it was your responsibility to ensure the completion of projects and deliverables on time. A critical deliverable was running behind schedule due to the non-availability of a specific raw material. The material in question was an environmentally hazardous chemical that the Environmental Ministry banned. But considering the importance of the chemical compound for the space industry, the Environment Ministry was planning to allow controlled use in about three weeks. You and the company management didn't have three week waiting time.\nFurther, there was severe pressure from the Department of Space to complete the deliverable on time as a lot was riding politically on the project. After internal discussions, you met the Space Department officials to explain the predicament and request a deadline extension. When the meeting happened, you were shocked by the attitude of the Department officials. They refused to accept any delay and suggested circumventing the environmental ministry's prohibition and procuring and using the chemical. They justified it by saying the ministry would allow controlled use in a few weeks. So, why wait? Besides, they noted that the environment ministry doesn't understand space priorities and their intricacies. They pointed out that everything is justified in the name of national interest.\n1. What are the issues involved in the above case?\n2. What are the options available to you?\n3. Discuss the merits and demerits of each option and select your chosen course of action.\n4. What do you understand by National Interest? Do you think it is ethically justified for a nation to prioritise security and economics over and above social justice and social development priorities?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"1 Issues involved\n(a) Completion of project in the given timeline is a priority for space programs.\n(b) Use of hazardous chemical by illegal procuring it might danger lives - what if a spill occurs? Who will take responsibility?\n(c) Attitude of space department officials who are ready to circumvent rules to reach a hasty decision.\n(d) What happens to space program, if the project is not delivered on time?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"8 (a) इस मामले से जुड़े नैतिक मुद्दे कौन-कौन से हैं?\n(b) आपके पास कौन-से विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\n(c) सभी विकल्पों का विश्लेषण कीजिए और अपने द्वारा चुने हुए विकल्प को स्पष्ट कीजिए।\n(d) क्या आपको लगता है कि उपरोक्त मामले में ग्राहक की गोपनीयता और विश्वास के उल्लंघन को उचित ठहराया जा सकता है? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए) 20 अंक\na) इस मामले से जुड़े नैतिक मुद्दे कौन-कौन से हैं?\nb) आपके पास कौन-से विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nc) सभी विकल्पों का विश्लेषण कीजिए और अपने द्वारा चुने हुए विकल्प को स्पष्ट कीजिए।\nd) क्या आपको लगता है कि उपरोक्त मामले में ग्राहक की गोपनीयता और विश्वास के उल्लंघन को उचित ठहराया जा सकता है? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए) 20 अंक","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":38,"question":"1. What are the issues involved in the case?\n2. What are the options available to you?\n3. Select your course of action after analysing all the options\n4. Do you think breaching client confidentiality and trust can be justified in the above case? (Answer in 250 words) 20 Marks","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"9 (a) उपरोक्त मामले में कौन से मुद्दे और नैतिक दुविधाएँ शामिल हैं?  \n(b) यदि आप प्रभारी अधिकारी होते तो आप मामले को कैसे आगे बढ़ाते?  \n(c) प्रासंगिक विकल्पों का पता लगाएँ और सलाह दें कि रश्मी को क्या कदम उठाना चाहिए।  \n(d) आप विधवा को कैसे देखेंगे - उसके पति के अपराध की साक्षी या आरोपी के रूप में? औचित्य सिद्ध कीजिए।  \n(250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)\na) उपरोक्त मामले में कौन से मुद्दे और नैतिक दुविधाएँ शामिल हैं?\nb) यदि आप प्रभारी अधिकारी होते तो आप मामले को कैसे आगे बढ़ाते?\nc) प्रासंगिक विकल्पों का पता लगाएँ और सलाह दें कि रश्मी को क्या कदम उठाना चाहिए।\nd) आप विधवा को कैसे देखेंगे - उसके पति के अपराध की साक्षी या आरोपी के रूप में? औचित्य सिद्ध कीजिए।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":43,"question":"1. What are the issues and ethical dilemmas involved in the above case?\n2. How would you proceed with the case if you were the officer in charge?\n3. Explore relevant options and advise what course of action Rashmi should take.\n4. How would you see the widow as a victim of her husband's crime or an accused? Justify.","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":44,"question":"2 As an officer in charge, one will have to proceed on facts\na) Use intelligence to know about the veracity of Rashmi's claim\nb) If widow is a victim, utilize discretionary powers and use file notings to prove her victimisation. Also, provide her safety from the drug peddlers, get her son enrolled in a school and applaud Rashmi for her efforts\nc) If she doesn't come out clean, use the strictest provisions against her, as she is spoiling the youth. Send her child to school to not waste his childhood","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"10 You are working as an Assistant Librarian in a State University for ten years. In the last ten years, you had witnessed the growth of the university in all academic and research areas. As the university expanded, it commissioned new departments and research labs, launched new courses and hired new staff. With new academic courses coming in, the library also grew in terms of books, periodicals and online research facilities. The library needed a new team, and it brought in contractual staff. One such contractual library counter staff was Pallavi, who was with the library for four years. She was a diligent staff, meticulous in record-keeping and courteous in public dealings. But somehow the Librarian Mr Thakur had taken a personal dislike to her. He never lost an occasion to insult Pallavi even in the presence of students publicly. Pallavi never complained about this harassment as being a widowed single mother she needed the job, and she didn't want to give any reason to Mr Thakur to dismiss her. One day things went a little out of line with Mr Thakur verbally abusing Pallavi in front of the entire staff. You couldn't bear it, and you wanted to intervene, but you didn't. But the next day when reached the library with your guilty and troubled conscience, you talk to Pallavi and decide to help her.\n1. What are the issues involved in the above case?\n2. What are the options Pallavi has? How should she navigate the issues with Mr Thakur?\n3. What do you think is the problem with Mr Thakur, is it a lack of emotional intelligence or something else?\n4. How do you think you will be able to help Pallavi?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":48,"question":"1 Issues involved in the above case\na) Reason for Mr Thakur's dislike\nb) Can he publicly humiliate her?\nc) Just because she desperately needs the job, is it ok to abuse her?\nd) Why are others not standing up for her?\ne) What impact will it have on students, what will they learn out of this situation?\nf) How is this mental abuse affecting Pallavi?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"11 An influential politician, a third-time MP, was known in his State for his infrastructure development works, especially roads and irrigation canals. Acknowledging his developmental work and goodwill, the Party appointed him the State Party President. Since his Party is also the ruling Party in the State, the MP has started working closely with the Chief Minister. After six months of becoming the Party President, the MP learned that a sizable amount of development funds were diverted to party promotional activities. Further, a few mega-development projects were allocated to the relatives of the CM and a few of his close ministers. The MP was neither impressed nor happy with how the State government managed the development funds because the Party had won the last elections promising development and clean administration. There was a lot of financial corruption in the State ministries; some of the ministers used the State machinery for personal purposes. He knew if the Party continued to function the way it is now, it would be an electoral disaster in the next elections. The MP was a politician with a conscience. His dilemma was that, as a Party President, he had to ensure his Party won the next elections. To do that, he had to clean up the State administration, which meant locking horns with the CM, an extremely powerful figure well-supported by the Party's senior members. And importantly, the MP was unwilling to risk his political career, which he had built after years of hard work.\n1. What do you think are the issues involved in the above case?\n2. What options are available to the MP in the above case?\n3. Evaluate the options and suggest a course of action to the MP.\n4. Distinguish between political and bureaucratic corruption. Can bureaucracy play a role in checking political corruption?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":57,"question":"12 You are a senior engineer working for S & P Constructions, a prominent government contractor. You are working at a construction site building a nuclear reactor facility. Along with other responsibilities at the site, you were also the safety in charge. One day as you did your weekly safety audit, you noticed that the welders had not followed procedures and used the wrong materials in some sections. The situation was hazardous since some defective welds appeared on the water pipes carrying coolant to the reactor core. The rupture of the pipes could cause disaster if safety backups failed simultaneously.\nYou called a meeting of the welding supervisors to instruct them to rectify the faulty weldings. But even after two weeks, the welds were not fixed, and when asked, the supervisors said they had instructions from the superiors to go ahead with the way it is. You were shocked at this compromise of safety. You travelled to the HQ to discuss this with the senior management. Instead of taking corrective action, the senior management transferred you to a different site and warned you about discussing the safety practices of the nuclear site. You needed the job, so you returned to your new workplace quietly.\nAfter five years, the nuclear reactor was in the news for pipe bursts, killing ten engineers and due to the fallout, the neighbouring villages had to be evacuated. You could see your fears coming true. The nuclear facility was shut down, and an inquiry was instituted. You were also summoned for questioning as you handled safety during the construction. You were in a dilemma; tell the truth of safety compromise or hide it and keep the job. Further, your conscience was troubling you that you could have done something five years back instead of quickly taking the transfer.\n1 What are the issues involved in the above case?\n2 What options do you have in the above dilemma?\n3 After evaluating the options, identify which option you would choose.\n4 Do you think whistle-blowing could have been a good option five years back?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":58,"question":"1) Issues involved\na) Should you speak the truth and risk losing the job?\nb) Should you raise alarm against the superiors who didn't adhere to your advice then?\nc) Was it correct on your part to have left the situation?\nd) How to manage the crisis of conscience that led to the recent mayhem?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4442,"topper":"Medha Anand","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sWceiFvefDklUGqYHZ4_PSanfuaY-eGM/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) Too much dependence on data driven technologies can result in data colonisation and digital dictatorship. Discuss the various issues that may arise in this context and suggest remedial measures.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) Due to the recent proliferation of social media, influencers have become important agents of change in the society. Discuss with examples. Also, highlight the ethical issues involved.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) Prejudice and discrimination when left unaddressed have the potential to turn conflicts into violence. Discuss with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) Non-violence is the highest form of fundamental moral virtue. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"3. (a) Though the ‘Me Too Movement’ helped in creating some murmur with respect to sexual harassment of women at workplace, it has failed to create a lasting positive impact on the work culture in India. Do you agree?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) India ranks 85th amongst 180 countries in the Corruption Perception Index of 2021. In this context, discuss the various ways to tackle corruption in India, with special reference to Kautilya's Arthashastra.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"4. (a) An ethical work culture not only drives positive organisational outcomes but also helps employees thrive. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"4. (b) Bring out the ethical principles on which a Citizen's Charter is formulated. Also, discuss its purpose and effectiveness in India.","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"5. (a) Probity in public life is nothing but the reflection of integrity in personal life. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"5. (b) The work culture of the police in India is said to be characterised by indecision, inefficiency and lack of empathy. Discuss. Also, suggest remedial measures in this context.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"6. What does each of the following quotations mean to you?\n(a) \"It takes something more than intelligence to act intelligently.\" – Fyodor Dostoyevsky. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"6. (b) \"A popular government, without popular information, or the means of acquiring it, is but a prologue to a farce or a tragedy; or perhaps both.\" - James Madison (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"6. (c) \"Character may almost be called the most effective means of persuasion.\" - Aristotle (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"7 You are a young IAS officer and have recently joined as a Sub-Divisional Magistrate in a district, which has been declared 'open defecation free'. However, you get information that some villages in your sub-division are still continuing the practice of open defecation out of habit despite availability of toilets. Your colleagues in the district administration confirm that the information is true. You call the village headmen of these villages and tell them to persuade their respective villagers to stop open defecation. But, they express their unwillingness and inability to fully stop this practice, as in some cases they themselves consider it healthy to defecate in the open. You discuss this matter with the District Magistrate who forbids you from taking any official action, as this may cause the 'open defecation free' status given to the district to be withdrawn.\n\nAs a young and dynamic officer, answer the following:\n(a) Why do people continue to practice open defecation even when they have access to toilets?\n(b) What are the options available to you as the Sub-Divisional Magistrate in this case? Highlight the merits and demerits of each option.\n(c) What will be your course of action? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"around 250"},{"page":34,"question":"8 You are the District Magistrate of a district, which is the hub of coaching centres for engineering as well as medical entrance exams. Recently, around 5 students have committed suicide owing to academic and social pressure. Students in the age group 15-18 years from across the country come to the district with the dream of getting admission into prestigious institutions like the IITs and AIIMS. However, the coaching institutes are business-minded and want to have toppers from their institute so that they can attract more students. They create a lot of pressure on students to perform, with differential treatment like forming different category of batches depending on students' performance. These students live as Paying Guests and in hostels away from their families and many cannot tackle the huge burden of competition and the associated mental stress.\nThe recent spate of suicide by 5 students has been highlighted by the national media and you have been asked by the Chief Minister to present a report of the situation and take steps on the matter. The Chief Minister has also asked you to keep the matter away from limelight so that the coaching centres continue with their business and generate revenue for themselves as well as the state. Upon investigation, you find out that 2-3 of the most famous coaching institutions are run by political leaders of the ruling party.\n(a) इसमें शामिल हितधारकों का उल्लेख कीजिए और दिए गए प्रकरण से जुड़े नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\n(b) दी गई स्थिति में, आप क्या कार्रवाई करेंगे?\n(c) छात्रों के बीच आत्महत्या के मामलों में वृद्धि के विभिन्न कारणों पर चर्चा करते हुए, इस मुद्दे के दीर्घकालिक समाधान के लिए उपाय सुझाइए। (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दें)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Given the situation:\n(a) Highlight the stakeholders involved and discuss the associated ethical issues in the given case.\n(b) Given the situation, what will be your course of action?\n(c) Discussing the various reasons for increased cases of suicides among students, suggest measures to address the issue in the long-run. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"9 You are appointed as the Project Director in a large infrastructure company of the country. The company has won the rights to develop a port and its hinterland in a state. The project has economic and strategic significance for the country as it would develop a leading transshipment hub in the region and would lead to higher exports and earnings through its operation, flourishing of new businesses and also create employment opportunities. Also, the successful completion and operationalization of the project is important for the company as some of its previous projects were halted due to protests by the local communities and not only the reputation of the company but also significant investments are at stake. The land acquisition for the project has been completed as per the laid down rules and regulations. The Environmental Impact Assessment has been carried out and the project has received the go ahead from the concerned authorities. Also, rehabilitation and alternative livelihood opportunities are made available to the affected people as per the laid-down norms. However, once the construction started, some farmer groups started agitating on the grounds that they have not been adequately compensated and that the project will negatively impact their livelihoods. They are demanding that either the project be halted or the compensation provided to them be increased substantially by way of money and assured jobs.\n\nIn this context, answer the following:\n(a) Identify the primary stakeholders and the issues affecting them in this case.\n(b) Evaluate the merits and demerits of the demands of the protesting groups in the given context.\n(c) What action will you take? (Answer in 250 words)\n(a) Identify the primary stakeholders and the issues affecting them in this case.\n(b) Evaluate the merits and demerits of the demands of the protesting groups in the given context.\n(c) What action will you take? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"In this context, answer the following:\n(a) Identify the relevant stakeholders in this case and the issues affecting them.\n(b) Evaluate the merits and demerits of ceding to the demands of the protesting groups, in the given context.\n(c) What course of action will you follow? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"10 In order to tackle climate change, green energy is touted as one of the best solutions. Countries are now replacing coal with hydroelectric power, fossil fuels with solar energy, petrol and diesel cars with electric vehicles (EVs). EVs are being pitched as a cleaner, greener and sustainable alternative. Electric cars use batteries, and lithium and cobalt are rare metals that make up these batteries. The cobalt in the battery keeps it stable and allows it to operate safely. Cobalt is used in about half of the electric cars, which is about four to 30 kilograms per battery.\nYou are the District Magistrate of a district where cobalt is found in abundance. On a visit to one such cobalt site, you find out that children are employed in the mines and these children flirt with death daily. They enter vertical tunnels that are too narrow for adults to enter and dig for cobalt under inhumane conditions in a furnace-like environment. Although, they sometimes use shovels, they typically dig with their bare hands. They are not provided with masks, gloves, work clothes and are only provided with 20 minutes of oxygen at a time. Yet, these young children dig for hours. Upon digging the rock, they crush it, wash it and then take their finds to the market in order to sell them.\n(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case.\n(b) Despite legal and institutional measures, discuss the reasons for the persistence of child labour in India.\n(c) In the given situation, what steps would you take to solve the problem of child labour in your district? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"In this regard, answer the following questions:\n(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case.\n(b) Despite the legal and institutional measures, discuss the reasons behind the prevalence of child labour in India.\n(c) In context of the given situation, what steps will you take to address the issue of child labour in the district? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"11 You are one of the producers of a television reality show. The show is very popular in the country and has a wide viewership among all sections of the society and across various regions. However, a controversy has emerged wherein in the latest season of the show, a contestant from the film industry who has been accused of sexual harassment by many of his co-workers has been accepted as a participant. Several media houses have reported it and have criticized the show for giving a national platform to one of the country's most high-profile alleged perpetrators of female harassment. They term it as a denigration of those women who had bravely spoken up about their harassment.\nIn a personal capacity, you also feel the same and are of the view that such a controversial person should not have been invited to the show. However, when you talk to other producers about it, they opine that the controversy is good for the show, as it generates free publicity. Also, they say that a person is not guilty unless the court of law declares so and the career of a person should not be sabotaged due to media trial. Moreover, the person in question is very close to the host of the show, who is an extremely popular public figure in the country. The show commands a huge fandom and success of the show is also contingent on him. None of the producers want to antagonize the host.\n(a) इस प्रकरण में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दे कौन-से हैं?\n(b) आपके समक्ष कौन-से विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं और आप क्या कार्रवाई करेंगे?\n(c) ऐसे प्रकरणों में मीडिया द्वारा ट्रायल के सकारात्मक और नकारात्मक प्रभावों पर चर्चा कीजिए। (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दें)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"In the given situation, answer the following questions:\n(a) What are the ethical issues involved in the case?\n(b) What are the options available to you and what will be your course of action?\n(c) Discuss the positive and negative impacts of trial by media in such cases.","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":58,"question":"12. You have recently joined as the Chief Executive Officer of the Water Supply and Sewerage Board in a metropolitan city of India. Recently, there was an incident where two poor people died while undertaking hazardous cleaning of sewers in a posh neighbourhood, housing top corporate honchos of the city. The preliminary report found that a few residents in the said neighbourhood employed private workers to clean the sewers without the knowledge of the local city administration. A complaint for causing death by negligence has been registered against the concerned residents as well as the private contractor through whom these poor people were employed to carry out the task. The complaint has come as a shock to the residents of the neighbourhood, most of whom never had a brush with the law before. During the investigation, the residents of the neighbourhood complained that the local administration has not been cleaning sewers for a long time, forcing them to hire private workers. You also come to know that there has been a confusion over the maintenance works in the city administration.\n(a) Identify the stakeholders involved in the case along with the related issues.\n(b) Evaluate the available options in the given case. Which option will you choose and why?\n(c) What long-term measures will you take to prevent such incidents in the future? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":59,"question":"In light of the above situation, answer the following questions:\n(a) Identify the stakeholders involved in the case along with the associated issues.\n(b) Evaluate the options that are available to you in the given case. Which of these options will you choose and why?\n(c) What will be the long-term measures you will take to prevent such an incident from occurring in the future? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":4443,"topper":"Medha Anand","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Gsscore","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zue7k__aS7G5SHvJv0Q8fJUHh6zEvIwp/view","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Q1 Climate Change has been described as a perfect 'moral storm'. Critically analyze.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Q2 What is corruption - A legal problem? A social problem? A moral problem? or just a grease that runs a system seamlessly?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Q3. Make an analysis of Kant's ethical theory.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Q4 Why does cultural relativism supposedly make us more tolerant of other cultures and, critically examine the view that moral values are relative?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Q5 What is moral crisis? Cite some examples from Indian society and polity. Explain the statement in right context- \"The hottest places in hell are reserved for those who, in times of great moral crisis, maintain their neutrality.\"","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Q6 It is commonly accepted that: \"don't promise when you are happy, don't answer when you are angry, and don't decide when you are sad\". What is the essence of this statement for a working civil servant?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What should one possess to proper decision making?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Q7 There are two statements given below. Explain their meaning and significance with respect to the contemporary times.\n(a) Life without thankfulness is devoid of love and passion. Hope without thankfulness is lacking in fine perception. Faith without thankfulness lacks strength and fortitude. Every virtue divorced from thankfulness is maimed and limps along the spiritual road.\n(b) Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Q8 Describe the process of crowd funding and reasons why it may be successful? What are the positive effects of crowd funding?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Q9 Critically evaluate Aristotle's doctrine of mean as the key to happiness. How this doctrine relevant for a working civil servant?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Q10 What is social intelligence? Why does it matter?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What does lack of SI lead to?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Q11 What is doctrine of double effect? Does 'Principle of Permissible Harm' stand the test of moral laws?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Q12 Imagine you are asked to assist with college-wide campaign to increase seat-belt use. How would you create a persuasive message for the college students?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Q13 Answer the following questions related to the leadership quality:\n(a) Charisma is the result of effective leadership, not the other way around. Discuss.\n(b) Why Charisma as a leadership trait doesn't last long?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"(b) Charisma as a leadership trait is short lived in its very nature and can't survive very long. It is a feature of charisma or the charm in itself and thus, it diminishes with it. - How?\n Impart effective leadership as a trait is what has longevity and sustenance and not charisma in general.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Q14 You are a senior civil servant. One of your officer friend is hard working, completes her work on time but always demoralizes her subordinates by blaming them for one or the other thing. She keeps everyone on toes. Often she shouts in her office and want to just follow the blue book while working. She also insults junior officers if one fails to get the things done. Her only mantra to work is to \"get the things done-whatever it takes.\" Due to this bossy attitude your friend is not liked by the subordinates and because of her uneven relation with her team members, she fails to portray a good office culture. Most of the colleagues know about this case but no one wants to discuss it because of your proximity with that lady officer. However, one day, one close friend happens to be your colleague briefed about the problem subordinate officers are facing.\n(a) Directly talk to subordinate and assure about correcting the things in future.\n(b) Give responsibility to your friend who briefed you about this case.\n(c) Transfer the lady officer as this case may bring sorry figure for you also in future.\n(d) Request the lady officer not to do so as this may hamper their personal relations also.\n(e) Is there any better option available to correct the things other than that mentioned above?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Q15 You are head of an organization which has large public interface. One day an old man approaches you and complaints that one Assistant incharge of Old Age Pension Scheme is demanding Rs. 100.00 from him for clearing his pension claims. He has further revealed that this is a common practice in this office and those who do not pay the bribe money, are harassed.\n\nYou have become very upset with the state of affairs and want to solve the problem of the old man alongwith bringing some qualitative change in the work culture of the organization, for better service delivery.\n(a) What are the options available to you?\n(b) Evaluate each of these options and choose the option which you would adopt, giving reasons.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Q16 You are a doctor in a government hospital. One of your lady friends got married in very rich and influential family. However, with passage of time you came to know that the family is very conservative as she visited you to seek your help in determining sex of the child at fetus stage. As her in-laws want a boy child to act as inheritor of the family. They have also ordered to abort the child if it is girl. Later her in-laws insisted hard and connected the doctor with the health minister on mobile phone. The minister said the doctor to help them in all possible manners without saying anything about the issue at hand. Thus reporting about the issue to police is waste.\n(a) What are the ethical dilemmas in the above case?\n(b) Do you think that your moral obligation also demands to help your friend?\n(c) A doctor in a public or government hospital should obey the health minister for whatever he says. Do you agree and why?\n(d) What steps will you take in the above situation?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Q17 You are head of a charitable trust that takes care of education, clothing, food & other basic needs of children from marginal community. Your organization also offers health services to the members of weaker section. You find it difficult to serve qualitatively because of the crunch of funds. Trust runs on donations and contributions from donors only. There is a regular fall in contribution from several imminent persons who were prime donors previously. Now you have decided to go for small advertisement to get donation for the good cause. Response is not very encouraging, however, a prominent local politician with a criminal record offers a hefty donation. The options available are:\n(a) Take donation from that politician.\n(b) Reject offer of that politician as his track record is poor.\n(c) Ask him to directly assist to those who are in need.\n(d) Reduce your operational scale to affordable level, so that you can sustain charitable work.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"7 Better discuss pros & cons of each option separately","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Q18 You are CEO of a company, which is involved in manufacturing of large-scale copper products. It has created good employment opportunity for the locals. But the local residents are not happy with the management of the company and big group of local residents are protesting continuously. They are demanding closure of the plant as factory discharge is contaminating the local water sources.\n\nYour father is a senior IAS officer placed in the concerned Ministry. He is influential and very well networked. Company's management is pushing you to manage the situation and local authority through your father, as putting high quality production facility in plant will increase the cost of production, and company may loose market share in terms of sales if cost goes high. Based on the above situation answer the following questions:\n(a) What are the options available to you?\n(b) Discuss merits & demerits of each option.\n(c) What will be your final call? Justify.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Q19 You are a District Collector. A seven-year boy has been killed in a school. Parents are angry and protesting. They have blocked the traffic and want speedy action. Parents are scared as it happened during the school hours. They also want tough action against school administration. Few parents don't want to send their children to same school. They tried admission in different schools but all of them have been denied admission. Now, few parents seek help from administration for admission of their children at different places. They don't want to send their children to same school where a boy has been killed. It is harming their children's study as examination is approaching. What are the options before you as District Collector to address the concerns of the parents?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"5 What would you do to assure it does not recur again?","marks":"3 1/2","words":null}]},{"id":4444,"topper":"Medha Anand","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ftzo8Vrq--XBghcQFhdqnvA4vaFyfH2T/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) Education without values works rather to make man a cleverer devil. In this context, discuss the importance of ethics in education. Also, throw light upon the role of educational institutions in imparting ethical values.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) Differentiate between the following:\ni) Ethics and morality\nii) Ethics in private relationships and ethics in public life.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) Ahimsa is not only the negative refusal to do harm, but also the positive doing of good. In this perspective, discuss the significance of ‘ahimsa’ in modern times.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) Which famous personality has influenced you and why? In what ways have you emulated their example in your own life?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) a) The ends, no matter how valuable, cannot justify the means. Analyse. In your opinion, what is more important, adherence to means or to focus on ends?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) What does the following quotation mean to you?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.4 a) What are the various ethical issues involved in the above case study?\nb) You are a close friend of Akhilesh. What advice will you give, in this situation, to Akhilesh in order to convince his father to abstain from giving dowry and organising a lavish wedding?\na) What are the various ethical issues involved in the above case study?\nb) You are a close friend of Akhilesh. What advice will you give, in this situation, to Akhilesh in order to convince his father to abstain from giving dowry and organising a lavish wedding?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":16,"question":"a) उपरोक्त केस स्टडी में शामिल विभिन्न नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\nb) आप अखिलेश के करीबी हैं। ऐसी स्थिति में आप अखिलेश को क्या सलाह देंगे कि जिससे वह अपने पिता को दहेज न देने और भव्य विवाह आयोजित करने से मनाने के लिए क्या कदम उठाए? (100 अंक, 250 शब्द)","marks":"100","words":"250"},{"page":20,"question":"Q.5 Naveen and Vinod, final year undergraduate students at ABC college of engineering, are close friends. Naveen has been a meritorious student and got appointed as the secretary of the training and placement cell, which has the mandate to oversee the campus placements of the students. Vinod, on the other hand, spent more time on leisure activities and paid less attention to his academic performance. However, the lackadaisical attitude of Vinod began to reflect on his grades. His poor performance in the majority of subjects meant that he had to complete some courses again, in order to graduate in time. As Vinod struggled to complete his extra courses, he barely had any time left for anything else. The immense fatigue was also evident from his deteriorating physical and psychological health.\n\nAround this time the campus placement in the ABC college had started. While all other students were preparing for the recruitment tests, Vinod had barely any time for the same. Vinod's parents, who had taken loan for Vinod's education, are expecting Vinod to get a good job. The guilt of wasting his college years and letting down his poor parents was becoming unbearable for Vinod, as a result of which he had a nervous breakdown. Naveen, who in his capacity as secretary of training and placement cell, was busy organising the recruitment drive, was aware that the chances of Vinod getting recruited were very slim. He also knew that Vinod was repenting in true sense and working very hard to complete his courses, despite his deteriorating emotional health. Naveen was afraid that if Vinod did not get a job, he may take some extreme step.\n\nNaveen has in his possession the question paper for the recruitment test to be held next week. Vinod had in the past requested Naveen to help him in any way possible to get a decent job. While Naveen knows that sharing the questions with Vinod may help him get through the exam, it would be ethically incorrect. Now, Naveen is in a dilemma over the course of action he should take.\na) What are the ethical dilemmas before Naveen in this case?\nb) Identify and evaluate the various courses of actions available before Naveen. If you were in Naveen's shoes, which course of action would you choose and why?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":21,"question":"a) इस मामले में नवीन के सामने नैतिक दुविधाएं क्या हैं?\nb) नवीन के समक्ष उपलब्ध विभिन्न प्रकार के कार्यवाहियों को पहचानें और उनका मूल्यांकन करें। यदि आप नवीन के स्थान पर होते तो आप कौन-सी कार्यवाही चुनते और क्यों?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.6) Aisha is a 13-year-old girl, studying in class 7th of the XYZ public school. Aisha is a confident child who excels both in academics as well as extra-co-curricular activities like singing, dancing etc. In the recently concluded annual day function, Aisha was facilitated for her all-round performance and it was also announced that Aisha will represent the school in the annual inter-school singing competition. The whole school was confident about Aisha's talent and expected to bag the trophy this year. On the day of the competition Aisha developed a cough and could not give her best performance. As a result, XYZ public school lost the contest to their nearest rival, the PQR convent school. Although Aisha was disappointed, the principal of the school, Miss Nisha, consoled her, and also congratulated her for her determination and confidence to perform despite developing a bad throat.\n\nHowever, post the defeat at the inter-school singing competition there was a marked change in Aisha's behavior. Aisha began to avoid all extra-co-curricular activities. Her academic performance also began to deteriorate. At the monthly parents' teachers conference, Aisha's mother confided in her teachers that her behavior at home has also changed. She keeps to herself, gets irritated and avoids going out to play with friends. Aisha's condition became a cause of concern for her teachers and parents. Upon enquiring further with her friends, it was revealed that post the inter-school singing competition, Aisha was subjected to intense trolling by the students of XYZ public school on various social media platforms. Videos of her performance were circulated with morphed pictures and voices. On various social media pages, she was held responsible for the defeat of the school. Also, funny messages/memes were being circulated targeting Aisha. Even morphed pictures of Aisha's parents were being circulated on various groups to humiliate Aisha.\n\nThe principal of the school expressed her disbelief on the level of cyber bullying undergoing in the school. The school administration swung into action, at once, to take the corrective steps, while Aisha's parents had to opt for psychological counseling for Aisha.\na) What are the reasons for increasing incidents of cyber bullying among children?\nb) Examine the responsibility of educational institutions to check the incidents of cyber-bullying.\nc) What role can parents play in shielding their children from the effects of cyber-bullying?","marks":"25","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"a) बच्चों में साइबर बुलिंग की बढ़ती घटनाओं के क्या कारण हैं?\nb) साइबर बुलिंग की घटनाओं को रोकने के लिए शैक्षणिक संस्थानों की जिम्मेदारी की परीक्षा करें?\nc) माता-पिता अपने बच्चों को साइबर बुलिंग के प्रभाव से बचाने में क्या भूमिका निभा सकते हैं?","marks":"25 अंक","words":"25 अंक"}]},{"id":4445,"topper":"Medha Anand","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Gsscore","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vnWBn0O1qLGIDXVbjYyFKqJE297P9FoU/view","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Q1 You are a Superintendent of Police and a huge protest is going on in front of your office. These protesters are Human Right activists. Protest is because of two consecutive incidents happened in your district.\n(a) Analyse the ethical dilemmas you will face as SP in both the stated situations.\n(b) Human Rights Activists are demanding action against official involved in both the cases. What will be your course of action?\n(c) Police Chief of State reaches to you and asks for not taking any action, as it will bring down the morals of the police force. What will be your course of action?\n(d) Can you justify the use of torture technique in any given circumstances?\n(e) Would you justify the use of human shield to save the lives of your colleagues? Give reasons. What are the moral and ethical issues involved in using human shield as the method of action against agitating mob?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":8,"question":"Q2 There was a conflict between the students of upper castes and Dalit community in a central university. The Dean and Vice Chancellor called a reconciliatory meeting, but it did not yield any result. The other day violence erupted in some parts of the university and some hostels. Examinations are very close. Some students have to submit their Ph.D thesis or M.Phil dissertations. Some politicians from a certain section put pressure on the Vice Chancellor to take action against the agitating students.\n(a) Discuss various options available to the Vice Chancellor.\n(b) Justify why these options are worth considering?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":11,"question":"Q3 You are a head of Water Supply Board of a district town and in-charge of supplying drinking water to the people. You had a detailed consultation with people regarding a Citizen Charter for water supply services. Based on the requirement and expectations of people, you had a discussion with your subordinates who were little reluctant about the Charter but seeing your positive attitude they ultimately agreed. You committed some hurry in implementation of the Charter and notice the following problems:\n\n1. The quantum of water promised could not be ensured.\n2. The quality of water did not improve.\n3. One of your key functionaries went on a long leave and you did not get his replacement.\n4. The entire blame on the failure of the Charter came on you.\n\nPonder over the situation and answer the following questions:\na) What were the reasons of failure of the Citizen Charter?\nb) What should have been ideal course of action and why?\nc) Draw a Citizen's Charter for this case.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":14,"question":"Q4 Due to fall in agricultural productivity and faulty procurement policy, a marginal family head has committed suicide and left his family and two children, daughter (12 years) and son (8 years). They shifted to nearby city in search of work and ended up living in a slum. Both children had to leave their studies and mother went searching for some household work. Finally she is a maid at your home. She works at your personal residence. One day she felt ill and ask her daughter to continue in place of her. Your wife is an IAS officer and quite busy. She does not have time to take care of old in-laws who needs constant care. Though there is a nurse to take care of them but there is a need of help in small household works also. So she gave consent to daughter of maid to continue in place of her. As she fears that your family may engage someone else and she will loose livelihood opportunity. When you raised the concern, she replied that this is matter of few weeks only, and also saying no will bring them on street. As in such a metro city one cannot survive without work, everything has a cost. You are Mayor of the city.\na) What are the ethical dilemmas related to it?\nb) Your wife is in support of her placement as domestic worker as it will help her in balancing household and work responsibilities. Do you find her justification right?\nc) How will you persuade her to change her decision?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":17,"question":"Q5 There is an entrepreneur who has opened a factory in the rural areas for the manufacture of sanitary ware. His initiative has helped in providing good employment opportunity to rural people and in the production of affordable sanitary products which are being used in construction of rural toilets. However there are some cases of under payment of wages and few cases of employment of children below 14 yrs. You are labour enforcement officer of the area and in course of your routine inspection, you noticed these discrepancies. Answer the following.\n(a) What are the options available to you?\n(b) Discuss the merits/demerits of each option and finally choose the option which you consider best with suitable justifications.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":20,"question":"Q6 One of your friend, a mid-level bureaucrat, is highly upset because of his job related stress and family problems and often expresses his disenchantment with life. He gave an application for 3 week leave, which was sanctioned by his boss. However, a senior officer (placed higher than his boss), called him during his leave period to office for handling a sudden exigency and this was not the first time when such a thing had happened to him. It happens very often because the officer is very efficient and reliable. The officer has a feeling that those who work honestly are overused while those who work less but keep a personal liaison with seniors work less and get various rewards and privileges. He is disillusioned. He is unable to give reasonable time to his ageing sick mother, his wife who is under depression and children who are going to face their 10th and 12th board examinations. The officer is very upset and broken because of his inability to reconcile his official duties and family responsibilities. He seems to be very disturbed and broken. Despite being an honest and efficient officer he has not been given adequate rewards and recognition and space for looking after his personal needs; he displays signals of suicidal tendencies. What would be your suggestions to him? Discuss merits and demerits of each option.","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":4446,"topper":"Medha Anand","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/93abd-105670_2081_medha_anand_rank_14.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Too much dependence on data driven technologies can result in data colonisation and digital dictatorship. Discuss the various issues that may arise in this context and suggest remedial measures. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Due to the recent proliferation of social media, influencers have become important agents of change in the society. Discuss with examples. Also, highlight the ethical issues involved. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Prejudice and discrimination when left unaddressed have the potential to turn conflicts into violence. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Non-violence is the highest form of fundamental moral virtue. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Though the 'Me Too Movement' helped in creating some murmur with respect to sexual harassment of women at workplace, it has failed to create a lasting positive impact on the work culture in India. Do you agree? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"India ranks 85th amongst 180 countries in the Corruption Perception Index of 2021. In this context, discuss the various ways to tackle corruption in India, with special reference to Kautilya's Arthashastra. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"An ethical work culture not only drives positive organisational outcomes but also helps employees thrive. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Bring out the ethical principles on which a Citizen's Charter is formulated. Also, discuss its purpose and effectiveness in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Probity in public life is nothing but the reflection of integrity in personal life. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The work culture of the police in India is said to be characterised by indecision, inefficiency and lack of empathy. Discuss. Also, suggest remedial measures in this context. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What does each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"It takes something more than intelligence to act intelligently.\" - Fyodor Dostoyevsky. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"A popular government, without popular information, or the means of acquiring it, is but a prologue to a farce or a tragedy; or perhaps both.\"- James Madison (Answer in 150words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"\"Character may almost be called the most effective means of persuasion.\" - Aristotle (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"In the following questions, carefully study the cases presented and then answer the questions that follow (in around 250 words): 7. You are a young IAS officer and have recently joined as a Sub-Divisional Magistrate in a district, which has been declared 'open defecation free'. However, you get information that some villages in your sub-division are still continuing the practice of open defecation out of habit despite availability of toilets. Your colleagues in the district administration confirm that the information is true. You call the village headmen of these villages and tell them to persuade their respective villagers to stop open defecation. But, they express their unwillingness and inability to fully stop this practice, as in some cases they themselves consider it healthy to defecate in the open. You discuss this matter with the District Magistrate who forbids you from taking any official action, as this may cause the 'open defecation free' status given to the district to be withdrawn. As a young and dynamic officer, answer the following: (a) Why do people continue to practice open defecation even when they have access to toilets? (b) What are the options available to you as the Sub-Divisional Magistrate in this case? Highlight the merits and demerits of each option. (c) What will be your course of action? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"They are involved in false advertisements in order to lure students. They also create undue pressure on the students to perform. Also, there is an emerging black market for performance enhancing drugs, which have become common among the students. Given the situation: (a) Highlight the stakeholders involved and discuss the associated ethical issues in the given case. (b) Given the situation, what will be your course of action? (c) Discussing the various reasons for increased cases of suicides among students, suggest measures to address the issue in the long-run. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"In this context, answer the following: (a) Identify the relevant stakeholders in this case and the issues affecting them. (b) Evaluate the merits and demerits of ceding to the demands of the protesting groups, in the given context. (c) What course of action will you follow? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"In order to tackle climate change, green energy is touted as one of the best solutions. Countries are now replacing coal with hydroelectric power, fossil fuels with solar energy, petrol and diesel cars with electric vehicles (EVs). EVs are being pitched as a cleaner, greener and sustainable alternative. Electric cars use batteries, and lithium and cobalt are rare metals that make up these batteries. The cobalt in the battery keeps it stable and allows it to operate safely. Cobalt is used in about half of the electric cars, which is about four to 30 kilograms per battery. You are the District Magistrate of a district where cobalt is found in abundance. On a visit to one such cobalt site, you find out that children are employed in the mines and these children flirt with death daily. They enter vertical tunnels that are too narrow for adults to enter and dig for cobalt under inhumane conditions in a furnace-like environment. Although, they sometimes use shovels, they typically dig with their bare hands. They are not provided with masks, gloves, work clothes and are only provided with 20 minutes of oxygen at a time. Yet, these young children dig for hours. Upon digging the rock, they crush it, wash it and then take their finds to the market in order to sell them. In this regard, answer the following questions: (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case. (b) Despite the legal and institutional measures, discuss the reasons behind the prevalence of child labour in India. (c) In context of the given situation, what steps will you take to address the issue of child labour in the district? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"You are one of the producers of a television reality show. The show is very popular in the country and has a wide viewership among all sections of the society and across various regions. However, a controversy has emerged wherein in the latest season of the show, a contestant from the film industry who has been accused of sexual harassment by many of his co-workers has been accepted as a participant. Several media houses have reported it and have criticized the show for giving a national platform to one of the country's most high-profile alleged perpetrators of female harassment. They term it as a denigration of those women who had bravely spoken up about their harassment. In a personal capacity, you also feel the same and are of the view that such a controversial person should not have been invited to the show. However, when you talk to other producers about it, they opine that the controversy is good for the show, as it generates free publicity. Also, they say that a person is not guilty unless the court of law declares so and the career of a person should not be sabotaged due to media trial. Moreover, the person in question is very close to the host of the show, who is an extremely popular public figure in the country. The show commands a huge fandom and success of the show is also contingent on him. None of the producers want to antagonize the host. In the given situation, answer the following questions: (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the case? (b) What are the options available to you and what will be your course of action? (c) Discuss the positive and negative impacts of trial by media in such cases. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4447,"topper":"Medha Anand","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/50a2b-105670_2078_medha_anand_rank_14.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"In the wake of changing social landscape in the country, value ed is as imp. as tech ed for youth to become not only skilled but morally strong professionals. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"While impartiality has been identified as one of the key ethical values for public service, it should not be seen as precluding compassion in public service. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"The power, which administrators wield, can bring the nation great dividends if rightly used, but can bring harm & disrepute if abused. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Analyse ethical implications of commerce space exploration, especially with entry of private sector in recent times. The recent National Space Policy, 2023 aims to enhance engagement between govt and Non-govt entities, which is bound to raise ethical questions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"While AI has the potential to radically transform and disrupt our world, the right ethical choices can make AI a force of good for humanity. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"What do you understand by 'social accountability'? Explain its significance & discuss critical factors responsible for sucess of any social accountability initiative.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Corruption is a challenge to democracy & citizen's estimations of corruption are one of the main criteria for its wideness & harmfulness. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Work from home culture has led to many ethical concerns in prt org\". In light of this do you think it is ethical for an employee to practice moonlighting? Discuss Covid-19 brought in brought in Work from Home (WFH) culture to work from work ethics centrality to ensure social distancing","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Do you agree that ESG considerations for a corporation create immense value for the business?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"While there are multiple institutions to ensure fairness in IR, states often put aside moral values and directions of these institutions for their own interest. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss various ethical issues that can arise when a foreign funded research project conducts medical research in developing countries.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Discuss teachings of Guru Nanak Dev relevant to youth of today.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4448,"topper":"Medha Anand","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/448e9-105670_2425_medha_anand_rank_14.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"For effective corporate governance to take place in the coming years, why is it important to integrate the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics with the multi-stakeholder approach? What benefits can be accrued by such integration? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In acts of corruption, the focus is often only on the demand side of the equation, on public officials who abuse their office for private gain. Frequently, the supply side is given less attention. Those who pay bribes are sometimes depicted as innocent parties and victims of extortionary practices of wily public servants. Do you agree that 'collusive corruption', in which there is a willing bribe-giver, is a formidable challenge for institutions fighting corruption? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Citizens' Charters initiative was a response to the quest for solving the problems, which a citizen encountered, day in and day out, while dealing with the organisations providing public services. But the introduction and implementation of Citizens' Charters in the government of India has been difficult due to the old bureaucratic set up and the rigid attitudes of the work force. Discuss the major obstacles that have been encountered in implementing the Citizens' Charter initiative. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Quality of public service delivery is a major determinant of the quality of life of vulnerable sections in a highly unequal society divided along the lines of class, caste, religion, etc. In this background, do you think that public service delivery is efficient and sufficient enough to improve the lives of vulnerable groups in India? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Wealthy CEOs and founders of successful businesses around the world are increasingly pledging to give away their wealth in philanthropy. Do you think that such a move is sufficient enough to bring about a positive change in the society? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"As organizations across the globe begin their artificial intelligence (AI) transformation, the leap into the AI era is expected to be more challenging than any technology that businesses have grappled with yet. In this background, discuss the concerns around fairness, transparency, and job security that may arise. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The emphasis of Swami Dayanand Saraswati on education, social equality, and ethical values continues to influence the socio-cultural discourse in contemporary India. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Emotional intelligence may not be singularly associated with emotions or intelligence. It can also include a broad range of personality characteristics that might predict success in professional and everyday life. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Traditional forms of state-led accountability, also characterised as vertical and horizontal channels of accountability, are increasingly found to be inadequate, and a myriad of multi-stakeholder and bottom-up citizen directed approaches have come to the fore, to supplement or supplant them. Discuss with illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":33,"question":"With reference to this case study, answer the following: (a) What are the issues involved in this case? (b) What measures can be taken to minimize the negative implications of adopting such technologies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"In the given situation: (a) What dilemmas does Rina face? (b) What options does she have? Provide the merits and demerits of each. (c) Highlight the course of action she should adopt, along with justification for the same. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"As the Nodal Education Officer of a district, address the following questions: (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (b) How will you resolve the problems in the given case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Additionally, companies like BMW, Volvo, Google and Korean battery maker Samsung SDI, vowed in a statement to not buy metals produced from deep-sea mining until the environmental risks of the activity are “comprehensively understood.” In the context of the above-stated information, address the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the given case study? (b) How can the vision of economic development of a nation be achieved without adversely affecting the sustainability of oceans? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":58,"question":"That her wedding will not be held as a private ceremony with only close friends and family, but should be publicised in a grand way, as you had promised earlier to her. Given this situation, answer the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the above situation? (b) What are the various options that you have, as a father and an ambitious politician? (c) What will be your course of action? Justify with proper reasoning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4449,"topper":"Medha Anand","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Medha-Anand-UPSC-2023-Rank-13-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Education without values works rather to make man a cleverer devil. In this context, discuss the importance of ethics in education. Also, throw light upon the role of educational institutions in imparting ethical values. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Ahimsa is not only the negative refusal to do harm, but also the positive doing of good. In this perspective, discuss the significance of ‘ ahimsa ’ in modern times. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The ends, no matter how valuable, cannot justify the means. Analyse. In your opinion, what is more important, adherence to means or to focus on ends? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":4450,"topper":"Medha Anand","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Medha-Anand-UPSC-2023-Rank-13-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What are the suitable conditions for the formation of a tropical cyclone? Also, bring out dif- ferences between a tropical and an extra - tropical cyclone. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Explain the impacts of Himalayas on the climatic condition of the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What are seismic waves? How do seismic waves help in understanding of internal structure of the earth? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Why is Antarctic becoming an area of renewed human interest? Examine the significance of Antarctic bill, 2022 in protecting India's interest in the region. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"How does the Eastern coast of India differ in its geographical features from the western coast? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"All deserts are rain deficit, but are formed due to different reasons. Discuss. Also, analyse various adaptations in the flora and fauna to survive the water deficit conditions. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":16,"question":"Describe the tri - cellular model of global atmospheric circulation. Examine its significance in explaining the world climatic patterns. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":19,"question":"Compare the Continental Drift Theory and Plate Tectonic Theory. How does Plate Tectonic Theory explain orogenesis and volcanism? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":22,"question":"Describe the various factors responsible for formation of ocean currents and discuss their impact on different human activities. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"With the help of a map, explain the distribution and characteristic features of different types of forests in India. Highlighting the major causes of deforestation, suggest steps needed to conserve forest resource of the country. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4451,"topper":"Medha Anand","air":13,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/12/air-13-medha-anand_test-4_gs4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4452,"topper":"Meghna Chakravorty","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/MEGHNA-CHAKRAVORTY-UPSC-2024-Rank-79-MGP-Sample-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":11,"question":"95. Why it was hailed as a landmark","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4453,"topper":"Mehak Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1__qrgi0ECgVgj9igFrZFqblQlhNLkRJ6/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) \"Once one knows what virtue is, it is impossible not to act virtuously.\" Do you agree with this point of view? Justify.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) What does courage mean to you? Explain with help of two examples from your life where you have acted courageously.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"b) Persuasion and coercion both make their entry in shaping attitude, depending upon the necessity, urgency and context. Explain with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.3) a) What are the limitations of code of conduct in upholding integrity and probity in civil services? Do you think code of ethics can overcome these limitations?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"b) It is said that there is a difference between a good place to work and a great place to work. Highlighting the features of work culture of government offices, explain what measures can be taken to improve it.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.4) a) Differentiate between the following:\n1. Envy and Jealousy\n2. Conscience and Consciousness.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"b) Which two human values would you ask every child of your country to adopt so that it benefits all of the humanity? Justify your choices.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Bring out the difference between a manager and a leader. In your opinion, what are the important qualities of a leader and why leadership is considered an important quality of a civil servant?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"b) Finding that often creates deep cleavages between personal and professional life. In this context, discuss the importance of emotional intelligence for a civil servant.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"a) \"No responsibility of the government is more fundamental than the responsibility of maintaining the higher standards of ethical behaviour.\" - John F. Kennedy","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Dalai Lama through his quote above underlines the importance of self awareness by individuals.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"c) \"There is no higher religion than human service. To work for the common good is the greatest creed.\" - Woodrow Wilson.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Q.7 During the second wave of Covid-19, Amit, a resident of a posh metropolitan society, was desperately looking for Covid-19 vaccination slots for him and his wife. His wife is diabetic and also suffers from asthma. The government has started an online registration process for keeping a track of vaccination progress as well as maintaining transparency in vaccination allocation. However, the demand has out stripped the supply by a huge margin and it has become very difficult to get a slot booked for vaccination. Amit tried to register an online slot for himself and his wife but, like millions of others, he was unable to book a slot. He also visited all the health facilities near him and even requested government officials for vaccines, but to no avail. He knew that the chairman of his society, Mr. Chadda, is a politically connected man and could arrange the vaccines. When Amit approached Mr. Chadda, he told Amit that other members of the society had also approached him and he was trying to get vaccines for the entire society. After a few days, a camp has been set up in the society for free vaccination of all eligible members of the society. Amit decides to volunteer in the vaccination drive. While volunteering, he finds that the vaccine boxes have 'For Public Health Centre, Village Gumla' written on them. Amit understood that these vaccines are meant for rural area but had been diverted to this society. He brings the matter to the notice of Mr. Chadda. Mr. Chadda tells Amit that he should not worry about the source of the vaccine and if he feels any guilt, he can skip the vaccination drive as it is a voluntary exercise. Amit knows that this is the only opportunity for him and his wife to get vaccines immediately. When Amit asks for his wife's opinion, she advises him to be thankful that Mr. Chadda has arranged the vaccines for them and that people in the villages are safer as villages are less congested. Amit is now in a conundrum over whether he should get vaccine shots for him and his wife that are meant for rural people. He is also not sure whether he should report the matter to government officials or not. Apart from facing danger of contracting Covid-19, the decision to report would also lead to many other old and vulnerable residents of the society to miss out on the vaccine. With reference to this case study:\na) Bring out and discuss the ethical dilemmas involved in this case.\nb) What is the best course of action for Amit? What ethical principles should he consider before taking any future action?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"a) इस मामले में शामिल नैतिक दुविधाओं को सामने लाएं और उन पर चर्चा करें।\nb) अमित के लिए कार्रवाई का सबसे अच्छा तरीका क्या है? भविष्य में कोई कार्रवाई करने से पहले उसे किन नैतिक सिद्धांतों पर विचार करना चाहिए?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.8) Satish owns an ad agency which is doing very good in terms of revenue and online ratings. The creative and innovative working environment has led to a good reputation of the new company and Satish is anticipating a few big contracts from potential clients in near future. Satish attributes the success of his new agency to his very capable creative director who is instrumental in designing the content of his company's work. One day, Satish received a completed advertisement from his creative director for a daily consumer product. Satish as well as the concerned client were very impressed with the content and congratulated the creative director for his work and approved it to be launched.\nHowever, after a few days of the launch of the advertisement, Satish started receiving threats from a particular section of the community to withdraw the advertisement as it, according to them, had hurt their religious sentiments. Although Satish himself approved the advertisement, now there is pressure from an influential political leader of the concerned community to remove the creative director for offending the religious sentiments of the community. Satish is threatened of dire consequences if he does not remove the creative director. The situation has left Satish stressed and very worried as the threats through calls and messages are targeted towards his family members as well. More so the advertisement is receiving immense online trolling on popular social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook etc. Morphed pictures of Satish are being circulated in the social media platforms and he fears that the same might be done with his family members.\nThis whole incident has caused Satish great psychological and emotional strain. His ad agency depends a lot on social media platforms for marketing and the massive amount of trolling is bringing a very bad name to his agency, thus significantly reducing the ratings and business credibility of his new firm. He has also received information from an executive of a big company that his contract for making a series of promotional videos and advertisements could be cancelled as the company does not want to associate with him due to the current controversy. Satish was counting on this project and its cancellation will lead him towards a considerable financial loss. As a concerned owner Satish consulted his legal team which advised him to withdraw the advertisement even though there was nothing legally imprudent in the content in order to save the image and retain the clients of the firm. They also informally advised Satish to agree to the demands of removing the creative director in order to placate the angry members of the community. Satish as a young entrepreneur has always supported independent thinking and creative content and finds himself in a dilemma.\na) You are a friend of Satish and he turns to you for counsel in this difficult situation. Help him identify various ethical issues involved in this situation and suggest to him the most suitable course of action.\nb) 'Censorship by voice and defamation' on social media has become a disturbing scenario. What according to you motivates the social media users to engage in online bullying?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"a) आप सतीश के मित्र हैं और यह इस कठिन परिस्थिति में परामर्श के लिए आपके पास आता है। इस स्थिति में शामिल विभिन्न नैतिक मुद्दों की पहचान करने में उसकी मदद करें और उसे कार्रवाई का सबसे उपयुक्त तरीका सुझाएं।\nb) सोशल मीडिया पर 'ध्वनि और मानहानि द्वारा सेंसरशिप' एक परिदृश्य बनने वाला परिदृश्य बन गया है। आपके अनुसार सोशल मीडिया उपयोगकर्ताओं को ऑनलाइन पुलिस में शामिल होने के लिए क्या प्रेरित करता है?\na) आप सतीश के मित्र हैं और यह इस कठिन परिस्थिति में परामर्श के लिए आपके पास आता है। इस स्थिति में शामिल विभिन्न नैतिक मुद्दों की पहचान करने में उसकी मदद करें और उसे कार्रवाई का सबसे उपयुक्त तरीका सुझाएं।\nb) सोशल मीडिया पर 'ध्वनि और मानहानि द्वारा सेंसरशिप' एक परिदृश्य बनने वाला परिदृश्य बन गया है। आपके अनुसार सोशल मीडिया उपयोगकर्ताओं को ऑनलाइन पुलिस में शामिल होने के लिए क्या प्रेरित करता है?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":37,"question":"In such a complex situation, what will be your response? Examine the qualities of a public servant which will be required to manage the situation.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"ऐसी जटिल स्थिति में आपकी क्या प्रतिक्रिया होगी? एक निपुण सेवक के उन गुणों का परीक्षण कीजिए जो स्थिति को प्रभावित करने के लिए आवश्यक होंगे।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":42,"question":"Q.10) Kuldeep is an honest senior officer working in Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in one of the states in Western India. The state has been in news for a trend of increasing drug usage among the youth. One day, he received a tip-off regarding a drug party. He conducted a raid and detained all the persons present on the venue. One of the detainees was Raghav, the son of a wealthy and politically connected businessman. He was in an intoxicated state and misbehaved with the NCB personnel on duty, warning them of dire consequences for detaining him. During frisking, Raghav was found to be in possession of contraband drugs. He was arrested and this news went viral on social media.\n\nSoon after the arrest, Kuldeep received a call from his senior who asked Kuldeep to apprise him of the case. During the conversation his senior dropped a subtle hint that as Raghav is a well-connected individual, going after him could be a career damaging case for Mr. Kuldeep and he should quietly settle the case for his own good. Kuldeep understood that his senior wanted him to drop charges against Raghav and set him free. However, Kuldeep has decided to pursue the case and follow the law.\n\nFew days after the arrest, a case was filed by Raghav's father alleging that Kuldeep has asked for money in return of dropping case against his son. Some people on social media have raised doubt on educational qualification of Kuldeep and few have made even distasteful remarks on his personal life. These allegations were widely covered in electronic media putting Kuldeep and his entire family under immense psychological pressure. In response to the allegations, the government has setup an inquiry panel to look into the matter. The inquiry panel promptly seeks Kuldeep's explanation.\n\nSome of the options available with Kuldeep to handle this situation could be as follows:\na) Kuldeep can present his case to the inquiry panel and go soft on the investigation of the case.\nb) Kuldeep can present his case to the inquiry panel and continue firmly with the case.\nc) Kuldeep can ignore the inquiry panel and directly approach the media with the case findings and his side of the story.\n\nSuggest any other possible option(s) that can be availed by Kuldeep. Evaluate all of them and suggest the best course of action, giving reasons for it.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"कुलदीप अपना मामला जांच पैनल के सामने पेश कर सकते हैं और मामले की जांच में नसीब बरत सकते हैं।\na) कुलदीप अपना मामला जांच पैनल के सामने पेश कर सकते हैं और मामले को मजबूती से जारी रख सकते हैं।\nb) कुलदीप जांच पैनल को अनदेखी कर सकते हैं और मामले के निष्कर्ष और कहानी के अपने पक्ष के साथ सीधे मीडिया से संपर्क कर सकते हैं।\nकिसी अन्य सम्भावित विकल्प का सुझाव दें जिसका कुलदीप द्वारा लाभ उठाया जा सकता है। उन सभी का मूल्यांकन करें और उनके लिए कारण दर्शाते हुए कार्रवाई का सर्वोत्तम तरीका सुझाएं। (250 शब्द, 20 अंक)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q1 You are the drug controller and are appointed by the court to investigate the case. There are two options before you:\na) You ought to take a broader view of the situation and will act leniently, as the act was not motivated by concerns for profit and has helped save lives of the poor and needy.\nb) Pursue the matter strictly in spirit of the Drug and Cosmetics Act, which has provision for both jail and fine, as the incident was illegal and caused panic in the people.\nAs the drug controller, which course of action will you opt for and why? (250 words, 20 marks)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"You are the drug controller and the court has appointed you to investigate the case. You have two options:\na) You should have a comprehensive view of the situation and work with compassion because the work was not inspired by profit motives and it helped save the lives of the poor and needy.\nb) Strictly follow the provisions of the Drug and Cosmetics Act, which provides for both jail and fine, because the incident was illegal and caused panic among people.\nc) What action will you take as a drug controller?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"b) Resume the matter strictly as per provisions of law","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"Q.12 A social experiment \"slap her\" was conducted to evaluate the attitude of boys in the age group 6-13 years towards violence against women. Experiment started with simple questions where boys were asked their name, aspirations and dreams. Then a girl of their age was introduced to them and a casual conversation was facilitated between boys and girls. During the experiments, boys were instructed to engage in simple activities like hand shaking, high fiving etc. with girls. In the end, boys were asked to slap the girl. Upon hearing the instruction boys looked confused initially, but ultimately all the boys refused to slap the girl. The experiments showed that at a younger age, boys believed that it was wrong for them to hit another person, especially a girl. This experiment also suggested that violence against women is not something that comes naturally to boys. However, this attitude changes drastically as boys grow up to be adults. Data from the National Family Health Survey-4 revealed that for the entire country, 42% of men think that a husband was justified in hitting or beating his wife. A more worrying trend was that an even larger portion, 52%, of women believe that it was acceptable for them to be hit by their husbands. National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB) data shows an increasing trend of domestic violence against women in the country. Further, the Covid-19 induced lockdowns brought a shadow pandemic for women where they were exposed to higher degree of domestic violence. Based on the above observations, answer the following questions:\na) Why does the attitude of boys change towards girls when they grow up?\nb) What explains the higher acceptance of domestic violence among women than men?\nc) What can be done to bring desirable changes in the attitude of society towards women?","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":4454,"topper":"Mehak Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kba4UeNjft_v5OLZVtG6RZlF1cT20WON/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) What do you understand by social intelligence? How does it help a civil servant to perform his duty efficiently?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) Differentiate between active bureaucracy and bureaucratic activism. Discuss, with example, the relevance of bureaucratic activism in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) Objectivity and compassion both are considered foundational values for a civil servant. Why is it important for a civil servant to balance these values? Explain with help of two examples where (i) objectivity was practiced without compassion (ii) objectivity and compassion were blended together.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) What do you understand by the term \"participatory governance\"? Based on your understanding of the term, discuss why is it important for ensuring ethical governance.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) a) Is lateral entry panacea for all shortcomings in Indian bureaucracy? Critically examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) Differentiate between the following:\n1. Organizational ethics and organizational culture","marks":"5","words":"100"},{"page":14,"question":"2. Intellectual integrity vs moral integrity","marks":"5 marks, 100","words":"5"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.4) a) Individual liberty is an ideal of democracy, yet states frame laws and policies that restrict personal freedoms. Do you think it is ethical for a democratic government to limit individual liberties of their citizen?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"b) The management of covid induced lockdown makes the perfect case for a civil service based on democratic attitude and not bureaucratic attitude. Explain with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.5) a) Nations must incorporate morality in their climate action for just and equitable distribution of global carbon space. In this light, bring out and discuss ethical dimensions in India's climate action plans and commitments.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"b) \"There would be no one to frighten you, if you refused to be afraid.\"- Mahatma Gandhi. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.6) a) What do you understand by business ethics? Is corporate ethics really concerned about public well-being or is it merely a profit-making strategy?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"b) Accountability without transparency is hollow, transparency without accountability is meaningless. Explain the statement with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"c) Why is dedication a more significant value for public servants compared to their counterparts? Explain with help of real-life examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7 Policing in India is often seen as employing harsh and inhumane methods on citizens while dealing with civic issues. This can be seen in the following three incidents: A State government ordered a ban on selling of firecrackers on Diwali. Raids were carried out across the state to apprehend illegal sale of firecrackers. During one such raid, a roadside vendor was arrested in front of his young daughter who was seen to be pleading the police to let go of her father. The police were seen to upturn the small cache of firecrackers displayed for sale on a cot. In another incident, police were seen to upturn a cart of vegetables while enforcing restrictions against opening of shops in a lock-down imposed to control a pandemic. In another lockdown related incident, police personnel canned a young man roaming outside his house, and when his father intervened, both were arrested. All three incidents were caught on camera and the videos went viral on social media sites. As Superintendent of Police, you intend to impart a more humane face to the police in your district and bridge the trust deficit that exist between common citizens and police personals. You find out that the police personals are overworked and many vacancies have been lying pending for years. The police personals are forced to work for long hours without breaks, away from families, including on days of festivals. You also have good reasons to believe the existence of an extortion network involving police in your district with apparent political patronage. The government has invited suggestions from the police heads for overhauling the working of the police and making the police the ideal employer attracting best of the talent to fill pending vacancies. Based on these details, answer:\na) How could the three instances of apparent high handedness by police as described be dealt differently?\nb) Analyze the difference between police service and police force.\nc) What would be your suggestions to the government? How would you strengthen the moral values among the police personals in your district?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":34,"question":"Q.8) You are working as a Chief Development Officer in a district. You are known for your honesty and dedication to work. All the files related to development work and contracts in the district pass through your office. This makes your office vulnerable to corruption. You have made it clear to your staff that you will follow zero tolerance to corruption in office and very strict action will be taken against anyone who indulges in corruption.\n\nOne day a contractor came to meet you regarding an ongoing project. He informed you that your peon takes money from all the contractors for telling them about your schedule and meeting timings. The contractor told you that it is difficult to meet you because of your busy schedule. The peon takes money and informs them about timings when you are available in the office. It saves them much effort and makes it easy to meet you.\n\nYou are unhappy with your peon. You called him and asked for an explanation. The peon told you that he does not ask for money, it is the contractors who give him money on their own. The amount involved is very small, just sufficient for tea or coffee. He further tells that he has 6 daughters, all of whom are unmarried. His youngest daughter has a chronic illness and she is bedridden. He tells you that he is in dire need of money. He also tells you that this is a common practice and peons of all the officers get money from the contractors for facilitating their meetings with other officers.\n\nYou enquired about his story with your other staff and whatever he told you about his daughters was true. You know that the salary of a peon is not sufficient for taking care of such a large family and getting good treatment for the daughter. There is also the problem of dowry in the area which makes the marriage of women expensive.\na) Why are such acts of petty corruption considered acceptable in government offices?\nb) Is there a case for serious action against the peon? What will be your course of action to deal with the situation?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":39,"question":"Q.9 India has been trying to develop deeper bonds with its neighbors through its neighborhood first policy. The policy has started bearing fruits. In recent years the relationship with country X, one of the India's neighbors, has been improving. This is visible as the government of X has been supportive of Indian government's efforts to reign in the militant groups that find shelter in the dense forests along the border with X. Successful joint operations of Indian army and X's military have helped reduce militancy in the Indian bordering states. Last month, the military of X carried out a coup d'etat and took over the democratically elected government. The entire political leadership was put under house arrest and the head of the government was arrested on the charge of electoral frauds. The citizens of the nation protested against the coup. The military responded with violent suppression of the protesters. A section of police officers, sympathetic to the cause of the protesters, refused to follow orders of their superiors to open fire upon unarmed protestors and even sided with the protestors. This act of defiance created a fear of persecution in these officers by the military. Some of these police officers and their families crossed over to India through porous borders. Inflow of refugees through porous borders has been a continuous source of tension between India and X. In past few years, due to ethnic and religious persecution, a large number of people have come to India illegally. This number is expected to rise in future because of military rule in the country. India is concerned about the inflow of illegal immigrants as well as removal of democratically elected government in X. India has been invited by X to participate in latter's Armed Forces Day parade. Many countries have refused the invitation in wake of the violence seen during handling of protests by the police and armed forces. The permanent representative of X at United Nations has called on the countries of the world to not engage with the military regime of X. Most western countries have announced sanctions against X's military-related individuals and businesses and have called for restoration of democracy. India has been reluctant to comment on the matter and it is still contemplating about future course of action. As a senior bureaucrat in the Ministry of External Affairs, you have been asked by the government to devise a professional response to the current crisis, answer the following questions:\na) What are the available options and what course of action would you suggest?\nb) List five ethical factors that would influence your suggestion to the government.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"a) The above situation presents a classic dilemma in international affairs where the domestic interest of a country often conflicts with ethical course of action. What options available?\n1) giving refuge to police from country X and openly comment on the wrongdoing in neighbourhood","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Q.10 Based on the given information, answer the following:\na) Examine the relevance of functional specialization in the developmental roles of public administrators.\nb) Is Dr Surendra Tarun an example of an ideal administrator? Justify your answer.","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":45,"question":"a) लोक प्रशासकों की विकासात्मक भूमिकाओं में कार्यात्मक विशेषज्ञता की प्रासंगिकता का परीक्षण कीजिए।\nb) क्या डॉ सुरेंद्र तरुण एक आदर्श प्रशासक के उदाहरण हैं? अपने जवाब का औचित्य सिद्ध करें।\na) लोक प्रशासकों की विकासात्मक भूमिकाओं में कार्यात्मक विशेषज्ञता की प्रासंगिकता का परीक्षण कीजिए।\nb) क्या डॉ सुरेंद्र तरुण एक आदर्श प्रशासक के उदाहरण हैं? अपने जवाब का औचित्य सिद्ध करें।","marks":null,"words":"20 अंक"},{"page":49,"question":"Q.11 You have been recently appointed as the SP of the Gumla district of Jharkhand. You are a person who believes in rationality and has empathy towards vulnerable sections. Tribals form the majority population of the district. There is widespread illiteracy among the local people of Gumla. People of the district are mainly engaged in agriculture which does not provide adequate income to them. The district also performs poorly on socio-economic development parameters. The healthcare delivery and education system are not appropriate in the district. One day you saw a headline in a local daily newspaper about a case of mob lynching of four elderly persons suspected of practicing witchcraft. You have always lived in metro cities and this kind of news was shocking to you. You were deeply hurt by the news and your conscience was forcing you to do something concrete about it. Therefore, you ordered a preliminary enquiry to investigate the incident. Moreover, the State Human Rights Commission has also demanded answers from the government in the case of human rights violations. So, there is a pressure by the government on you to resolve the issue as soon as possible. As you investigate the matter, you find that there is widespread superstition prevalent in the district specially in hinterland areas. The people do not go to local health centers and choose to visit ojha (quack). When ojha has fail to cure the illness, they put the blame on someone in the village. Such persons then become victim of villager's rage as villagers consider them as responsible for the death of their loved ones. You are aware of Jharkhand witchcraft prevention act 2001 which imposes legal sanctions for identifying a woman as a witch. However, many activists have pointed that the act is a toothless legislation. The act imposes a fine of only 1000 rupees and has a provision of imprisonment of only three months. The investigation also reveals that there is an indirect consent of local Panchayat heads in such incidents. If anybody tries to raise voice against it he/she is outcasted by the village. Therefore, even rational people prefer to remain silent about such incidents. It was also found that the police officers react only after violence takes place. After these findings, you understand that the district requires urgent reform to curb such inhuman acts.\na) Bring out and discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case\nb) As a senior police officer responsible for maintaining law and order in your district, how are you going to bring the problem under control?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":50,"question":"b) आपके जिले में कानून-व्यवस्था बनाए रखने के लिए, जिम्मेदार एक वरिष्ठ पुलिस अधिकारी के रूप में, आप समस्या को कैसे नियंत्रण में लाने जा रहे हैं?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":54,"question":"Q.12 Considering the whole situation, do you agree that Apple's action was justified? Why or why not? Make an argument by weighing the competing values in this case.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"पूरी स्थिति को ध्यान में रखते हुए क्या आप सहमत हैं कि ऐप्पल की कार्रवाई उचित थी? क्यों या क्यों नहीं? इस मामले में प्रतिस्पर्धी मूल्य को तौलकर तर्क दें।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":58,"question":"2) Ethical hacking is justified from utilitarian perspective & can be explored for greater good of society, only in cases specified by law, subject to approval of parliament or a direct vote by people.\n1. competing values/ ethical dilemmas\n2. why Apple is justified\n3. why not justified\n4. Suggest an alternative","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4455,"topper":"Mehak Jain","air":17,"year":2021,"paper":"Optional — Public Administration","optional":true,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1qQpeH8VbFph4IY3GGZLvPVnL05p7Emh1","questions":[]},{"id":4456,"topper":"Meivyn Varghese","air":155,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7d121-141971_2121_meivyn-varghese_rank-155.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4457,"topper":"Meivyn Varghese","air":155,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/49ed9-141971_1753_meivyn-varghese_rank-155.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4458,"topper":"Meivyn Varghese","air":155,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/14b02-141971_2122_meivyn-varghese_rank-155.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4459,"topper":"Meivyn Varghese","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4dd94-141971_1023_meivyn-varghese_rank-155.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The evolution of temple-building in India can be attributed to factors such as changing form of worship, improvement in the skills of the craftsmen and the increase in funding provided by kings and rich merchants. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Metal casting in India appears to be one of the oldest sculptural traditions. Discuss the significance of cire-perduor or \"lost wax\" technique in the sculptural tradition of India with examples from different regions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"India's middle ages brought about a very rich tradition of devotional literature of remarkable merit which dispels the assumption of a dark period of India's history. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"The outbreak of World War II in 1939 divided the nationalists over the next course of action in the freedom struggle. Elaborate. In this context, also examine the factors that led to INC launching the Quit India Movement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"How did the Indian industrialists contribute to the freedom struggle? Did the emergence of the socialistic trend during the later period of the struggle deter them from supporting the freedom struggle? Analyze.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The social-religious reform movements of the 19th and 20th century in British India not only tried to purge the Indian society of various social evils but also prepared the ground for the Indian freedom struggle. Analyze.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"The dawn of 19th century was marked by large scale expansion of the British empire into India, especially during the governorship of Wellesley. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"United States entered the Vietnam war incrementally, in a series of steps between 1950 and 1965. Elucidate. Also analyse the reasons for America's failure in the war.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Even though there is much that is wrong with the European Union (EU), its achievements can not be discounted either. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Despite being a failure, 1848 revolutions remain a watershed event in European History. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"The events that led to the American Revolution had causes rooted in the social, economic, political and ideological context of that time. Elaborate. Also, bring out the influence that the American Revolution had on the French Revolution.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"In the context of Punjab crisis it can be argued that language, religion and regionalism combined into a potentially explosive situation which political elites struggled to contain. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"What were the factors that led to the declaration of Emergency in 1975? Why is it considered as the dark period of Indian democracy? In this context, discuss the response to the imposition of emergency among the masses, media and political class.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"The role of women since independence has not been confined to issues of women alone, rather they have played an important role in the issues related to peasants, tribals, farmers, trade unions and environment. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Critically examine the point of view that cultural diversity in India has been a hindrance to the process of nation building.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Equality of opportunity requires not only open competition for advantaged positions but also fair access to qualifications required for those positions. Discuss in the Indian context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Portrayal of stereotypical sensational images of women not only reduces their identity to a mere object of desire but also reinforces the patriarchal structure of the society. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Explain the concept of planned obsolescence with examples and discuss its impact for an economy. In this context, comment on Indian society's move towards throwaway culture.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Employment is a vital factor in empowerment of persons with disabilities. Analyse. Enumerate the steps taken by the government to increase employment of persons with disabilities.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"While many see globalisation as synonymous with westernisation, evidence suggests that the process of globalisation has not been a one way street. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4460,"topper":"Meivyn Varghese","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/49d62-141971_1751_meivyn-varghese_rank-155.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Reformed multilateralism is the need of the hour. Analyse with reference to India's position on reforming the United Nations. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Although the treaty on Nuclear Non-Proliferation (NPT) has acquired universal acceptance, it remains deeply flawed. Analyse in the context of India's position on the issues involved. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Critically analyse the significance of membership of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlighting the existing gaps in the South Asian energy cooperation, bring out the steps taken by India to promote energy cooperation with its neighbours. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"In what possible ways can Artificial Intelligence (AI) aid in augmenting offensive and defensive capacity of the military? Explain with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"A greater understanding and comprehensive national power are required for India to respond more effectively to the challenge of hybrid warfare. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Securing India's critical infrastructure from cyber threats remains a key challenge for India. Discuss in the light of recent events. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"When it comes to promoting competition and innovation, patent pools are a double-edged sword. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Inspite of multiple benefits and growing acceptance of traditional medicine, it faces several hurdles in adoption at a large scale. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the potential of nuclear fusion in providing sustainable energy. Analyse the role played by the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor in achieving this potential. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The role of the diaspora as a strategic asset for India has never been so acutely felt as in the present scenario of global and domestic challenges. Discuss with examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Elaborating the new strategic possibilities opening up in the Gulf region, examine the challenges that need to be addressed to recalibrate India's ties with the region. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"While India-US relations have acquired greater depth in the last two decades, the policies of Washington even in this era continue to pose challenges to New Delhi's strategic interests. Discuss with adequate examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Why does India need an Arctic policy? In this context, also highlight the key aspects of the recently released draft of India's Arctic Policy Roadmap For Sustainable Engagement. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"In defence technology, India has 'Indianised' well, 'Indigenized' satisfactorily but is yet nowhere near becoming \"Indian\" in terms of being self-reliant. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"External influence in internal security challenges is often exacerbated by failure of domestic political and administrative system in coping with the internal conflicts. Comment. Also, mention the ways to tackle external threats to internal security. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Briefly listing the conditions that make India prone to transnational organised crime and terrorism, discuss the threats that India faces from this nexus. Also, mention the steps that India has taken in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Bring out the differences between Surface Web, Deep Web and Dark Web. Also, mention the concerns associated with use of Dark Web and steps taken by India in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"How are Messenger RNA (mRNA) based vaccines different from conventional vaccines? Discuss the benefits and challenges associated with the mRNA vaccines. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Humans were always far better at inventing technology than using it wisely. Discuss with relevant examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4461,"topper":"Meivyn Varghese","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/f32b4-141971_1864_meivyn-varghese_rank-155.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Agristack can serve as a foundation to build innovative agri-focused solutions, thus enabling creation of a better ecosystem for agriculture in India. Comment. Also, discuss the concerns associated with it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Despite the advantages of geothermal energy, it has not been adopted on a wide scale in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"While the WTO seeks elimination of subsidies that contribute to IUU (illegal, unreported and unregulated) fishing, there are multiple concerns around it. Discuss while highlighting India's stand on the issue. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"There is a view that the current agricultural policies in India are biased against rainfed agriculture. Comment. Also, identify government initiatives in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Enumerate the major causes behind marine heatwaves. Also, discuss their impact on the ocean ecosystem. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Aseismic structures are touted as a viable solution to combat earthquake destruction. In this context, highlight the need of a National Program on Seismic Retrofitting of Buildings and Structures in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Despite the risks associated with cryptoassets, their underlying advantages should not be overlooked. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality (VR and AR) have massive innovation potential across a wide range of industries and research fields in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the role and functions of Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and examine whether the NDPS Act, 1985 needs to be remodelled. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Recent events have raised concerns around the issue of surveillance in India. Do you think surveillance is a necessary evil to tackle crime and terror? Discuss the various arguments on the issue. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The decision to grow a particular crop by a farmer is affected by various factors other than the yield of a crop. Discuss this statement and assess the need for bringing a change in the cropping pattern in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Identifying the importance of livestock in the Indian agricultural economy, enumerate the steps taken by the government in this regard. Also, discuss the potential impact of climate change on the livestock sector. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"It has been argued by some economists that supply creates its own demand. In this context, discuss the merits and demerits of reliance on investment in infrastructure to boost the Indian economy. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Innovations emerge not just as an opportunity but also as a pre-condition to assure the sustainability of food production. Analyse the statement in context of the food processing sector in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The factors contributing to unemployment in India are not merely a result of the structural issues related to the Indian economy. Discuss. Also, highlight the measures taken to address the problem of unemployment in recent times. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Highlighting the major announcements made by India in the recently concluded COP26, examine India's capabilities in achieving net zero emissions by 2070. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"While geography plays a definite role in the recurring disasters in Western Ghats, it is the human intervention that has exacerbated them. Discuss. Also, suggest measures to protect Western Ghats from these frequent disasters. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The IPR regime in India is mired by inadequate protection and ineffective implementation. In this context, discuss how the IPR regime can be made more robust and effective. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What are the similarities and differences between the activities of terrorists and organized criminal groups? Also, elaborate upon the fact that their linkages occur in both tactical and strategic ways. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"There is a view that the 'civil society is emerging as the new frontier of war', in the 4th generation of warfare. Do you agree with this view? Substantiate with logical arguments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4462,"topper":"Meivyn Varghese","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5743e-141971_1512_meivyn-varghese_rank-155.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Persuasion plays an important role in public administration. Discuss. Also highlight the various elements of effective persuasion. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"\"Never do anything against the conscience even if the state demands it.\" In this context, discuss the role of conscience in taking ethical decisions in administration. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Raja Ram Mohan Roy's liberal views on social and religious issues have much relevance in present day India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The moral circle of humanity has been expanding constantly over time. Discuss in this context whether non-human entities should have the same rights as humans beings. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"Each individual is capable of transforming his immediate environment by attempting a radical transformation inside him\". - J Krishnamurti (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"An important requisite for ensuring probity in governance is absence of corruption. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The right to information (RTI) and the right to privacy (RTP) complement each other in holding the government accountable to the people, however, in cases of conflict, they can be reconciled keeping public interest in mind. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Explain the ethical issues involved in spending government funds for advertisement campaigns and publicity. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Explaining the concept of political neutrality, discuss its significance in administration. Also, highlight how the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules seek to ensure political neutrality in the civil services. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"In light of the recurring issues, there is a constant need to search for better ethical frameworks and models of corporate governance. Discuss with adequate examples and evidence in support of your arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":41,"question":"You are working as a Divisional Forest Officer in an area which is home to tigers. Recently, there have been reports of a tiger venturing into agricultural fields and also killing livestock of villagers. Unfortunately, 2-3 villagers have been killed by some wild animals in last few weeks. Villagers claim that the tiger has killed their fellow villagers and request you to protect their lives and property by either relocating or killing the man-eater tiger. They also obstructed investigation of forest officials to ascertain whether it was the work of tiger or some other animals. Your attempts to trap the tiger have not been successful. Concerned over the delay in killing or relocating the tiger, villagers hire a private hunter to kill the tiger on their own and argue that they have a right to defend themselves and their property. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the issues involved in this scenario. (b) What steps would you take as the Divisional Forest Officer to ensure villagers' safety along with protection of tigers?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"You work as a marketing consultant for a multinational company that specializes in various products including nutrient supplements, diet pills etc. The company pays its employees extremely well and provides satisfactory fringe benefits. Your manager has hinted that he will recommend you for overseas company transfer, which will improve your job profile. This has motivated you to work harder and perform better. The company has to advertise and sell a new weight loss pill 'X'. As per in-company research, it has minimal or no side effects and has no adverse impacts on health, which is its unique selling point (USP). You are given the responsibility of heading the marketing team for advertising pill 'X'. Due to a well-crafted marketing strategy including endorsement by a renowned celebrity, the product has generated considerable public attention. However, while working on an advertisement campaign for the pill, you find out that the in-company research findings of pill 'X' are fabricated. While it indeed has no side-effects, there are no proven benefits of taking the pill as well. It merely acts as a placebo. When you bring up the issue with your manager, he promptly tells you to keep the facts to yourself. He also indirectly brings up the fact that your performance review date is approaching and hints that you will get transferred overseas if you prove your loyalty to the company. Based on the given information, address the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders in this situation. (b) State the ethical issues that arise in this case. (c) Discuss your options in this scenario and mention your next step.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":56,"question":"The COVID-19 pandemic has forced universities, schools and other educational institutions around the world to shut down their campuses indefinitely and move their educational activities onto online platforms. These institutions were not prepared for such a transition and their online teaching-learning process evolved gradually. Though students considered online learning advantageous because of flexibility and convenience, there have been reports that the students prefer learning in physical classrooms to online education. The students feel that online education is stressful and affects their health and social life. Moreover, not all students have equal access to, and expertise on, digital technologies. Although these inequalities existed earlier, the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed this digital divide. Considering yourself as the Chairman of a Committee, constituted by the government, to suggest measures to improve the quality and accessibility of online education, answer the following questions: (a) What are the key ethical issues at stake here? (b) Highlight the principles and values that will guide your recommendations to the government. (c) Suggest measures to improve the quality and accessibility of online education in the country.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4463,"topper":"Merugu Kaushik","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Merugu-Kaushik-UPSC-2023-Rank-82-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Before the borders are broken the minds are invaded.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Talent and passion are only useful tools if one has the work ethic to back them up.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The opportunity of interfaith dialogue: modern solution for globalised world.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The only impossible journey is the one you never begin.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Science applied is the engine of humanity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Eyes cannot see what the mind does not know.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Doubt is the origin of wisdom.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"The relation between environment, resources and conflict is same as the connection between Democracy, human rights and peace.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4464,"topper":"Merugu Kaushik","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Merugu-Kaushik-UPSC-2023-Rank-82-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"In many ways, the Spanish civil war was the opening act of WWII. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"How will you explain the different fates of Buddhism and Jainism despite a slew of similarities in the two religions? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Non-Cooperation Movement democratized India's freedom struggle but suffered from inherent limitations. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Critically analyse the efficacy of linguistic reorganization of states in addressing the reasons for linguistic divides in post-independent India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Briefly discuss the role of plate tectonics theory in explaining the location of volcanoes. Also, explain the multifarious impacts of volcanoes on the surrounding regions. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Taking further the success of Aspirational Districts Programme, Aspirational Blocks can help achieve the twin objectives of balanced growth and checking stress migration. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Describe the critical factors for location of defense industries and suggest measures to overcome the challenges. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"To what extent can Socio-Economic-Caste Census (SECC) address the challenges in achieving equitable resource allocation and targeted welfare? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Indian society is premised on some common values that give it a composite texture as well as some diverse practices that deepen its heterogeneity. Elucidate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What are the factors that influence population growth in the country? In this perspective, examine the relevance and need of raising the minimum marriageable age of women for population development. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Bring out the reasons behind the tribal unrest in British India. Also, analyze the reasons for their limited success. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The independence of India was not a result of a forced expulsion of the Empire, as desired by the Quit India Movement; it was rather a confluence of domestic politics and global circumstances. Analyze. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Explain why Sufism, a liberal reform movement in Islam could deepen its roots in the Indian sub-continent, despite Islam being a foreign religion? Also, bring out the impacts of Sufism on Indian society. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Enumerate the reasons behind rising intensity and frequency of cyclones in the Arabian Sea in recent years. Giving special reference to NDMA guidelines, recommend measures to check the adverse impacts of cyclones. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Examine the impacts of climate change on the hydrological cycle and suggest suitable mitigation and adaptation strategies to contain the harmful implications. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Defining continental shelf, highlight its resource potential and ecological significance. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Rooted in patriarchal values, gender-based violence, in all its manifestations, is antithetical to societal growth. Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The caste calculus in the Indian society remains predominant and continues to project its shadow on social, political, and economic domains. Do you agree? Substantiate your answer. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss various factors contributing to the water woes faced by Indian cities. Also, explain complexities in implementing a comprehensive water management plan. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Though important elements of group identity, religion and region also run the risk of deepening communal cleavages. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4465,"topper":"Merugu Kaushik","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Merugu-Kaushik-UPSC-2023-Rank-82-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Foreign trade is an important milestone on the path of becoming a 5 trillion USD economy. In this context, analyse the potential of the recently released Foreign Trade Policy, 2023 in revamping India's participation in global trade. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Social protection schemes are an integral aspect of a welfare economy; however, the principles of fiscal prudence cannot be ignored. Discuss, with special reference to Old Pension Scheme (OPS). (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand from Agristack? To what extent can it become a panacea for the problems plaguing the farm sector. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The objective of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to provide a long term and equitable solution to the dilemma between free trade and food security has remained unfulfilled. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Even after five decades of the Stockholm conference, narrowing the gaps between the targets and actions remains one of the biggest challenges towards reversing climate change. Discuss. Also, recommend measures for building a coherent actionable strategy to tackle climate change. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What are the impediments in management of E-waste in the country? In what ways can the trinity of citizens, businesses, and the government tackle this menace? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How does nuclear fusion differ from nuclear fission? Assess the relevance of nuclear energy in resolving the global energy security dilemma? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are run of the river hydroelectric projects? How far can run of the river hydroelectric projects balance ecological conservation with socio-economic development? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"A robust border infrastructure is the surest way to counter multifarious threats emanating from inimical actors. Discuss, in light of Vibrant Village Programme. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"How far can a clearly articulated National Security Strategy help in tackling challenges to national security? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What are the factors that influence the inflation trends in the country? Highlighting the impacts, discuss the institutional measures in place to check inflation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Though a cornerstone of Atmanirbhar Bharat, Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme is not without its own challenges. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"How is internationalisation of rupee different from De-Dollarisation? Highlighting the benefits of internationalisation of rupee, discuss the challenges associated with the same. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What are Primary Agricultural Credit Societies? Can the cooperative push alone help in achieving the twin targets of boosting rural economy and mainstreaming small and marginal farmers? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Farm policies in the country have inadvertently led to undesirable consequences. Do you agree? Giving emphasis on PM PRANAM, discuss ways to enhance soil health and farm productivity. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What do you understand by heat waves? Highlight the reasons and impact of the rising frequency of heat waves across India. Also, recommend some measures to mitigate its impact. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"How is Chandrayaan-3 different from its predecessor, Chandrayaan-2? To what extent can India's presence in Artemis Accords help in furthering the exploration of lunar surface? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Research and Development is the key to unlock the potential of 'knowledge economy.' In this perspective, analyse the role of the National Research Foundation Bill, 2023 in democratizing the research ecosystem in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'Hybrid warfare.' Highlighting its implications for India, recommend measures to develop a comprehensive ecosystem to counter the same. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How are internal security challenges related to peace in neighboring countries? Explain with special reference to instability on India's eastern frontier. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4466,"topper":"Merugu Kaushik","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Merugu-Kaushik-UPSC-2023-Rank-82-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Celebrity endorsements raise pertinent ethical concerns about responsibility that delve into the realm of ethical considerations of social influence that run deeper than mere surface appeal. In this context, suggest measures to tackle the ethical challenges of celebrity brand endorsements. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Embracing a scientific mindset involves setting aside impulsive inclinations in favor of the pursuit of truth. In your view, how does the integration of scientific thinking contribute to addressing contemporary challenges and promoting societal progress? How can we effectively cultivate a scientific attitude in society? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"In the realm of professional conduct, ethics plays a role that tends to go far beyond fulfilling the roles and responsibilities of the job with diligence and honesty. But some people consider professional competence as the only critical requirement for a job. If faced with a choice, who would you prefer to hire - someone with professional competence or one with strong moral values? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Patriotism can hold different meanings for different people, often shaped by personal experiences and convictions. What does patriotism mean to you? Explain narrating incidents from your life when you exhibited patriotism. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Max Weber's concept of bureaucracy was developed in the early 20th century, but it still influences administrative structures today. In what ways do you see Weberian bureaucracy as relevant in today's rapidly changing world? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Global challenges often test the ethical fiber of nations, urging them to channel narrow pursuit of national-interest into an enlightened self-interest.\" Enumerating the various ethical principles underlying the concept of enlightened national-interest examine its efficacy in helping nations navigate the fine line between pursuing their strategic interests and upholding ethical principles, particularly in times of conflict? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In the realm of governance, a crucial aspect is the art of persuasion. The qualities that make civil servants proficient persuaders empower them to fulfill their responsibilities in an effective manner. Discuss with illustrations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Corruption has multifaceted implications. Some consider it an undeniable vice while others contend it to be an unavoidable necessity for navigating the bureaucratic complexities. In your opinion, does corruption oil or corrode the gears of development? Substantiate your arguments. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Ethical hacking and malicious hacking stand as divergent paths with distinct intentions and consequences. As technology advances, it becomes imperative to comprehend the nuances that set these practices apart in the cybersecurity landscape. In this perspective, elucidate the principles that differentiate ethical hacking and malicious hacking. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What does each of the following quotation mean to you? a) \"Our greatest ability as humans is not to change the world, but to change ourselves.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":58,"question":"Mr X is travelling by road with his family to attend a marriage ceremony. His grandfather, who is the head of the family is also travelling with him. On the way to their destination, all of them stop at a road side restaurant for lunch. This is a well-known restaurant owned by one of the friends of Mr X. The place is known for its tasty and hygienic food. However, the grandfather notices a picture on the wall of the restaurant and enquires about the religion of the restaurant owner. Mr X's friend belongs to a religion different from the grandfather's religion. The grandfather has a negative attitude towards the religion of Mr X's friend and he insists that he will not eat in that restaurant. He demands that the entire family should leave the restaurant immediately as they are travelling for a happy occasion and eating at this particular restaurant will pollute them. Mr X tries to calm down his grandfather and explain to him that religion has nothing to do with purity or pollution. He also reasons that several travel magazines have rated the restaurant highly, especially for its superior hygiene standards. Also, he points out that there is no restaurant in the way for the next 100 Km and it will be difficult for all to make do without food for that long. However, his arguments fall on deaf years, and which is more his grandfather admonishes him for bringing the family to the restaurant despite being aware about the religion of the owner. Mr X's friend feels insulted and discriminated against due to his religion. Mr X's father is upset but refuses to say anything out of respect for the grandfather. Entire family is embarrassed by the attitude of the grandfather and they are getting ready to leave the restaurant. Mr X is confused regarding how he should act in this situation. a) What are the various ethical issues in the above case study? b) Imagine yourself in the place of Mr X. Evaluate the different courses of actions available with you. What is the most suitable course of action? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":4467,"topper":"MIHIR RAJ","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/MIHIR-RAJ-UPSC-2024-Rank-398-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"\"Nalanda is a symbol of India's academic heritage and vibrant cultural exchange\". Elucidate with special references to foreign travelers' accounts. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The period of Delhi Sultans witnessed the emergence of Indo-Persian culture. Discuss the statement with reference to developments in the fields of literature, art and architecture. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Vaikom Satyagraha marked a historic milestone in India's fight against social injustice, demonstrating the power of non-violent resistance in dismantling oppressive caste barriers. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The Oslo Accords, once hailed as a landmark diplomatic achievement, failed to address key issues, highlighting the challenges of achieving lasting peace between Israel and Palestine. Analyse. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What are Northern and Southern lights? Explain the phenomenon and discuss their associated impacts on Earth's atmosphere and human activities. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Identifying the major automobile clusters in India, enumerate the favourable factors for the location of the automobile industry. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"\"India's diversity is her greatest strength.\" In light of the statement, explain how diversity has enriched and strengthened Indian society. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Critically examine the effects of globalization on the youth in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The recognition of LGBTQ rights in India marks significant progress, but the journey towards full societal integration and acceptance remains arduous, necessitating a profound socio-cultural shift. Elaborate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Throw light upon the importance of seals and sealings in the reconstruction of socio-economic and religious life of the Harappan people. Also, explain why many of the known Harappan settlements are in semi-arid regions. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Describe the significance of the Dandi March (1930) as the starting point of the Civil Disobedience Movement. Also, discuss the national and international reactions to the Dandi March and the Salt Satyagraha. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the impact of local winds on their associated regions, citing examples from different parts of the world. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Rare Earths Elements (REE) are considered as 'Vitamins of Modern Industry'. In this context, bring out the multi-dimensional implications of uneven distribution of REE in the world. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Describe the various factors that influence ocean currents and discuss their multi-dimensional impact. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Briefly explain the process of tide formation and differentiate between tides and waves. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"While social media facilitates unprecedented connectivity and self-expression, it can also widen social crevices and fractures. In this context, examine the impact of social media on Indian society. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"\"The regionalism in India is both a response to the failures in addressing regional aspirations and as an assertion of socio-cultural identity in the face of perceived marginalization.\" Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Explain how traditional gender roles and responsibilities exacerbate the vulnerability of women to extreme heat conditions. Suggest strategies to mitigate these vulnerabilities. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4468,"topper":"Minal Karanwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PnXSY389QjIFdYww_qBHvyJpb8tYL1UM/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) Celebrities are paid huge amounts by companies for endorsing products that at times turn out to be harmful for the consumers. Examine the ethical dimensions involved in such instances.","marks":"10","words":"not more than 150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) Lack of cleanliness in urban areas despite schemes such as the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan point to difficulties faced in bringing about attitudinal and behavioural changes. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) Issues around economic inclusion are not just about income gaps, there are many dimensions of moral and ethical choices as well. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":9,"question":"(b) Socially and economically marginalized women are used to make a profit, often at the cost of their own health and reproductive autonomy, in the name of commercial surrogacy. Discuss the ethical issues associated with commercial surrogacy in India. Should commercial surrogacy be completely banned?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":11,"question":"3. (a) While discussing the ethical issues that journalists face on a regular basis, examine the causes of increased sensationalism in news media in recent times.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":13,"question":"(b) What are the various sources through which humans can judge the correctness of their actions? In the context of public life discuss how these sources are important in offering a clear and practical guidance.","marks":null,"words":"10"},{"page":15,"question":"4. (a) Should a person resort to leaking of information in case of wrongs done in the organization? Does it cause a conflict of interest between the personal, organizational and societal spheres? Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":"10"},{"page":17,"question":"(b) Competition, it is argued, spurs the best of performance, however, can it also instigate cheating and unethical behaviour? Discuss with adequate examples.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":19,"question":"5. (a) \"A person may cause evil to others not only by his actions but by his inaction, and in either case he is justly accountable to them for the injury\". Explain the statement giving one example each from personal and public life.","marks":null,"words":"10"},{"page":21,"question":"(b) \"A people that values its privileges above its principles soon loses both.\" What does this quotation mean to you? Explain with an example.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":23,"question":"6. Instances of atrocities against dalits despite stringent legal measures point to the fact that the problem is not one of legality only but a matter of entrenched social prejudices and attitude. In this context suggest some effective measures to address the issue holistically.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":25,"question":"7. What do you mean by 'anonymity in the civil services'? Explain why anonymity and neutrality are considered as important traits for civil servants.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":27,"question":"8. Prescription of dresscode for women not only violates their liberty but also reflects outdated views on gender relations as well as proper conduct. Comment.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":29,"question":"9. You are DM of of a very poor district in the hinterland of India. It has come to your notice that manual scavenging is widely prevalent in the district even though the new law prohibits manual scavenging in any form. Upon enquiry, you have found that the number of manual scavengers has been reported to be very low, however, hundreds of dry latrines in the district depict a different picture. You have also noticed two more important trends: first, most of the manual scavengers are Dalits, and second, in many of the cases they themselves go to the houses and request the owners to clean their toilets manually, as it would provide monetary benefits. The entire district administration has been criticized by the media and there is political pressure on you to manipulate the data in a way that it shows less number of manual scavengers in the district. Based on the given information answer the following:\n1. Identify the ethical issues associated with manual scavenging.\n2. List the options available to you in the given case. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each.\n3. Discuss some feasible steps that you can take to control this serious problem.","marks":"20","words":"in around 250"},{"page":35,"question":"10. You are SP of a district where the use of drugs is prevalent, especially among the youth. The neighbouring districts are also suffering from the same problem. There is a huge hue and cry in the national media about the drug issue and the government and political parties are pressurising the police and district administration to act on the issue. A big deal of drugs is busted by the police in your area and all the culprits have been arrested. However, even before you reach your office, a minister from the ruling party of the state calls and asks you to release few of the culprits. You have long suspected the role of many senior leaders in this drug menace of the state. You have also been informed by your juniors that a few officers who dared to act against people involved in drug dealings were transferred or suspended on wrong charges earlier.\n1. Identify the options available to you.\n2. Evaluate the pros and cons of each of your options.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":41,"question":"11. You are the manager of a small hotel which maintains high standards of ethics in dealing with its customers. One day a person comes to your hotel and enquires about booking a room at your hotel. However, due to peak season, all rooms were already booked and hence the staff politely informed him about the unavailability. The person, however, was adamant and took this as a personal insult and started misbehaving with the staff present at the counter. Citing his political connection he also threatened the staff of severe consequences. Next day the person lodged a frivolous complaint with the police under the stringent SC/ST act. In his complaint he accused you and your staff of insulting him deliberately on the basis of his caste. He insisted further that he was denied a room at your hotel due to the caste he belongs to.\n1. What are the options available to you?\n2. Evaluate each of these options and choose the option which you would adopt, giving reasons.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":47,"question":"12. You are the Health Secretary in a state where there is an outbreak of dengue and chikungunya diseases. There have been reports of negligent attitude of some private hospitals in the city. Also, the public hospitals do not have the required infrastructure and staff to meet such increased number of cases in a short span of time. Additionally, the staff is demoralised by the increased working hours and the public outrage. Despite the efforts of the local authorities this issue emerges year after year.\n1. What are the immediate steps which should be taken in such a situation?\n2. Suggest some long term measures to ensure that such a situation is not repeated.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":53,"question":"13. As a Forest Officer, you are receiving increasing complaints of certain animals ruining the farms and causing damage to crops. This is creating an undue financial burden for the farmers who are in deep distress because of the uncontrolled damage. Consequently, the farmers are demanding you to put forward a request for culling of animals. You are an animal lover and against culling of animals. You had made efforts to control the menace but the population of animals has increased beyond the managing capacity.\n1. What are the options available to you? Evaluate each of these options and choose the option which you would adopt, giving reasons.\n2. Also suggest some long term measures to ensure that such a situation is not repeated.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":59,"question":"14. Dr. A.K. Singh, a professor of medicine, is a prominent cardiologist. His personal financial investments include significant stock holdings in three publicly traded biotechnology firms. He is approached by one of these firms to be a lead investigator in a therapeutic trial of a novel agent for preventing tissue damage from myocardial infarction (MI). This will be a randomized double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial (neither patient nor physician will know whether the drug under investigation or a placebo is being used in a given patient). Dr. Singh is quite familiar with the preliminary animal and cell biology work in the area and believes that there is an excellent chance that this new drug will result in a significant improvement in survival and reduce damage to the heart muscle. He even thinks this novel agent may reduce the risk of heart failure and irregular beats. Dr. Singh's group is one of the few cardiology groups fully prepared to carry out this investigation, which is why he was contacted. He cares for a large number of patients with MI and believes that he could enroll numerous patients efficiently. The drug will only be available to his patients if his group participates in the trial. The company is offering Rs. 25 lakh for each patient enrolled. As a lead investigator, he will become much better known and will likely experience an increase in referrals if the trial succeeds.\n1. Is Dr. Singh's participation in this study appropriate? Justify your position.\n2. Does Dr. Singh have a conflict of interest? If so, what is the nature of the conflict? How could it be mitigated.\n3. How would the nature of the conflict of interest be different had he not already owned stock, but instead had been offered stock as a form of compensation for conducting the study?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4469,"topper":"Minal Karanwal","air":35,"year":2018,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9ce4d-26970_760_minal_karanwal_rank_35.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4470,"topper":"Minal Negi","air":66,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/MINAL_NEGI_AIR_66_2025/Test%201,%20Essay.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4471,"topper":"Minal Negi","air":66,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/MINAL_NEGI_AIR_66_2025/Test%202,%20Essay.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4472,"topper":"Minal Negi","air":66,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/MINAL_NEGI_AIR_66_2025/Test%203,%20Essay.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4473,"topper":"Minal Negi","air":66,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/MINAL-NEGIUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-66-Sample-MGP-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) It is often said that politics and ethics belong to different worlds. What is your opinion in this regard? Justify your answer with illustration. Also, highlight the consequences of divergence between politics and ethics.\nb) “Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.” In the context of this statement, bring out the ethical issues involved with creating a surveillance state for the sake of national security.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Q.4) a) What do you understand by environmental ethics? Examine the ethical concerns in ‘phase-down versus phase out debate’ in the use of coal by developing countries.\nb) Define the term “ethical hacking”. What are the principles that separate ethical hacking from malicious hacking?","marks":"10 marks, 150","words":"10"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.7 You are working as Director (Human Resource) in a software company. Various factors such as economic slowdown in some of the major trade partners of India and disruptive technological changes like generative Artificial Intelligence require rapid adaptive measures from businesses to survive. The marketing department has reported that there is lack of demand for the services provided by your company in the market and business-as-usual scenario could spell doom for the company. Your company has decided to take a slew of measures to tread through a tough phase of the business which include technological rejuvenation of the company and streamlining the workforce. A significant number of employees in your organization are above fifty years of age and are finding it difficult to adapt to the new working conditions and the rapid upskilling required by the company. After proper training, the employees were subjected to a test, and a list was prepared of those who are above fifty years of age and who did not do well in the test. You have been told by the board of directors that they have plans to lay off approximately 25% of the employees. This is essential for the efficiency and survival of the company. You have been given a list of employees who are to be laid off and you have been told to communicate to them the decision of the company to terminate them.\na) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\nb) As the head of the HR department, what ethical dilemma do you face?\nc) Do you think that the company’s decision is appropriate? According to you what should have been the ideal course of action in the given scenario?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":6,"question":"Q.8) Farmer unions have called for mass protest against the private sugar factories for pending arrear that are due for the last two years. On the day of mass protest, large number of farmers turned up at several places and the protests turned violent. There were instances of stone pelting, vehicle burning, and clashes with police, who were not able to control the violent protesters at some places. The resort to lathi charge only aggravated the agitated protestors. At one of the protest sites, police resorted to firing and four farmers were killed. This further fuelled the protests as farmers at other places also resorted to violence to protest against police action. Looking at the intensity of the situation, under opposition pressure, one of the Minister of the state government gave the statement that farmers did not die due to police firing but there were some anti-social elements amongst the protesters who fired in order to create unrest in the state. This statement of the Minister instead of calming the protesters further angered them as some eyewitness testified to news channels about the deaths being the result of police firing. All this further projected government in bad light and the police action has come under severe criticism by various sections of intelligentsia. The public sentiment has started to sway in favour of the protesting farmers. The protesters have started blocking all the major state highways which has crippled the day-to-day routine of the people of the state. Further, there is a danger that the situation might get out of control anytime. There is huge pressure on the state government to diffuse the situation. Suppose you are the district magistrate where the incident has taken place:\na) You are to address the press conference. What will be your statement to the media if it seeks clarification on whether people died in the police firing?\nb) What are the ethical issues involved in the case?\nc) What steps will you take to tackle the post-firing situation effectively?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.9 A gaming website dedicated to chess has gained popularity in recent times due to its online lessons and tips for improving skills in the game. You have recently started playing chess at the platform. The platform provides you analysis of your games and suggests areas of improvement. The online lessons have helped you improve your game a lot over a very short time. You are amazed at the ability of competing with players of all levels of skills from across the world. While testing and improving your chess skills on the platform, you have made friendship and acquaintances with many competitive chess players from different parts of the world. Recently, you have been encountering racial, religious and stereotypical remarks during the games from the other players. Initially you ignored such things as childish tactics by an opponent to distract you from your gameplay. Later you would try to engage with such people to dispel stereotypes. But increasingly such experiences are making you sad and bitter. Now you block such people as you encounter them.\nWhat started as a fun and stimulating experience for you has become a source of negativity in your life. In your discussions with other people, you come to realize that they have also experienced similar racial and religious slurs, and many people have left the platform to avoid the abusive experience. You also sense that this is not an issue specific to this gaming website but is part of the generally seen behaviour on social media. You used to consider online trolling as harmless puns that could not create actual harm, but after experiencing its dark side as a victim you are realizing its negative impact.\nGiven this information, what are your thoughts on the following :\na) How should one deal with the issues of on-line abuse such as in the case above? What options are available to you?\nb) What values should guide online behaviour? Do these values differ from values governing offline conduct?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":8,"question":"Q.10 Jajantara, one of the districts in Eastern India has emerged as a hotspot of voice phishing activity. Voice phishing, also known as ‘vishing’, is the use of fraudulent phone calls to trick people into giving money or revealing personal information. Vishing fraudsters often use modern VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) features such as caller ID spoofing and automated systems (IVR) to impede detection by law enforcement agencies. Vishing is typically used to steal credit card numbers, banking details or other information for identity theft and related crimes. The promise of earning huge amount of money in shorter span of time is used to lure unemployed and educated youth into this scam. The entire vishing racket is being run like an organised crime. The networks that run these scams have also started feeding other crimes like arms smuggling, money laundering, and gang wars. The system is on the verge of collapse and the common people are losing faith in the capability of administration to improve law and order in the district. The situation has been further worsened by unconfirmed reports that local politicians as well as some senior police officers are providing surreptitious patronage to the phishing mafia. The poor reputation of the district has started to reflect in international headlines. The youth from the area are stigmatised and face hurdles in gaining employment due to the negative perceptions about the district.\nYou are a police officer who is appointed as superintendent of police to bring the situation to normalcy. Identify the various dimensions of the crisis. Based on your understanding, suggest measures to deal with the same.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.11 Prahlad is a climate conscious and responsible citizen, who left his well-paying job as a senior manager in a multinational company to start a small firm that would manufacture eco-friendly products. The motto of his company is “no waste, all green”. His firm makes bio-degradable polymer which can be used as an alternative to plastic bags, bottles, plates etc. Prahlad thinks that this will promote a healthier environment and will have a positive impact on people’s health. It will also help address the problem of climate change by reducing one’s carbon footprint. For this to be achieved, he believes that not just products, but the process too should be less polluting. This is why, he invested heavily in non-polluting machinery. These machines are certified as “green machines”. In fact, some of them were even imported from other countries. All of this has gained him a good reputation in the eyes of critics and environmentalists. But as the technology used in manufacturing these products is new, imported and expensive, the products made by Prahlad’s firm is costlier than conventional plastic products. Prahlad has proved that his product is environmentally benign, but he was unable to scale up production because of he ran out of funds. Prahlad knows that if he could start manufacturing the polymer at a large scale and leverage economies of scale his product would become more price competitive to conventional plastics. Prahlad used last of his funds to publicize his product. Prahlad thought that with this publicity, raising funds from the market would be easy. Prahlad reached out to many investors, and they showed great interest in Prahlad’s product. But none of them were willing to invest money in this product. They feared that this new product, being much expensive, would not be able to compete with the conventional plastic products. Prahlad’s firm is also losing his existing customer who complain about very high cost of his products. Both Prahlad’s prospective investors and past customers know that this technology is less polluting and environmentally benign and has a positive attitude towards it. But consumer concern and attitude about the environment does not readily translate into the purchase of environmentally friendly products. Academic research has also identified this gap between purchase intentions and behaviors. Prahlad knows that if he changes the production procedure, things can look better for the company on the financial front, but that can take away his reputation and will also be against his own beliefs. The only possible hope is to expand his consumer base, sell his products at full capacity and convince investors to invest in his eco-friendly venture to keep his green industry running. Consider yourself in Prahlad’s position and answer the following questions:\na) How will you induce behavioral change to nudge people to move towards eco-friendly products?\nb) What factors will you have to consider while inspiring such a change?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":10,"question":"Q.12 Sundar, a young government servant, joined the office with great enthusiasm and desire to serve the public. Soon after getting a government job, Sundar got married with Sarita who is also a government servant working as a junior engineer in electricity department. But both of them have different postings. They work from two different cities and live separately. Sundar has applied for his transfer many times, but in vain.\nWith his dedication to work, Sundar is making a great image of himself and is getting appreciation from his peers and seniors. Because of his great performance, he got an important task of auditing the performance of “Housing for all” scheme. The scheme aims to provide affordable housing to the urban poor population. However, his study and research led to some shocking results. He found out that most of the houses are being acquired by relatives of local politicians and government servants.\na) What ethical issues arise in this case? How should Sundar deal with these issues?\nb) What steps should Sundar take to ensure transparency and accountability in the audit process?\nc) How can Sundar balance his personal and professional life in this situation?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":11,"question":"a) and b) Answer the following questions:\na) Why such instance of corruption in government programmes are common across the country? How can they be prevented?\nb) Enumerate various interests involved in this case from the perspective of different stakeholders. What advice will you give to Sundar?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":14,"question":"Q1 (b) Recent Digital Data Protection Act, 2023 which allows unprecedented powers of govt in digital realm has led to compromise of both liberty and security.\n Ethical issues in creating a surveillance state","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Q 7 (a) Attitude and Patience in personal lives","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4474,"topper":"Minal Negi","air":66,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/MINAL_NEGI_AIR_66_2025/Test%201,%20PSIR%20Crash%20Course.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4475,"topper":"Minal Negi","air":66,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/MINAL_NEGI_AIR_66_2025/Test%202,%20PSIR%20Crash%20Course.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4476,"topper":"Minal Negi","air":66,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/MINAL_NEGI_AIR_66_2025/Test%205,%20PSIR%20Sectional.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4477,"topper":"Minal Negi","air":66,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/MINAL_NEGI_AIR_66_2025/Test%206,%20PSIR%20Sectional.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4478,"topper":"Minal Negi","air":66,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/MINAL_NEGI_AIR_66_2025/Test%207,%20PSIR%20Sectional.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4479,"topper":"Minal Negi","air":66,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/MINAL_NEGI_AIR_66_2025/Test%208,%20PSIR%20Sectional.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4480,"topper":"Minal Negi","air":66,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/MINAL_NEGI_AIR_66_2025/Test%2010,%20PSIR%20Sectional.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4481,"topper":"Mithlesh Kumari Meena","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ea0fb-660130_2212_mithlesh-kumari-meena_rank-826.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by 'constitutionalism'? Highlight various ways in which the Indian Constitution underscores this principle. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Competition Commission of India (CCI) effectively reflects a shift from the era of Licence Raj to a conducive regulatory ambience for enhancing consumer welfare by encouraging competition in the market. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Mention various initiatives taken for online delivery of judicial services in India. Also, discuss the challenges faced in their implementation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Bring out the similarities and differences in the Bill of Rights in the Constitution of the United States and Fundamental Rights in the Constitution of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"It is often argued that the implementation of The Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 has so far been tardy and ineffectual. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Explain the rationale behind the creation of a Social Stock Exchange in India. Do you think this move would boost social impact investing in the country? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The National Digital Health Mission (NDHM) has the potential to bring a new revolution in India's health sector in multiple ways. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"While participation of private sector in the higher education system of India is a necessity, it creates issues that need careful redressal. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Highlighting the significance of Central Asia for India, discuss the challenges in strengthening the Indo-Central Asian relationship. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the role that the Indian diaspora can play in the making of \"Aatmanirbhar Bharat\" (self-reliant India). Also, mention the challenges in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"A critical appraisal of the outcomes of the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act underlines the need for second-generation reforms to strengthen decentralisation of urban local governance in India. Discuss.(250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"It is argued that unchecked and rampant exercise of the power to insert laws in the Ninth Schedule results in undermining of Constitutional supremacy and creation of Parliamentary hegemony. Do you agree? Justify your stand with logical arguments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Asymmetry is an important characteristic of federalism in India, which has helped in the accommodation of diverse demands inherent in our democracy. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"In India, the Finance Commissions are established pursuant to the constitutional mandate. In this context, do you think the State Finance Commissions have been effective in promoting fiscal federalism? Substantiate with arguments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Reduction in the overall size of the bureaucracy has been seen as the underlying idea behind civil services reforms. Is it a good idea to reduce the size of the Indian bureaucracy? Examine in light of the experience of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"There is a need to ensure better ethical standards, accountability and management of temples in India. Discuss in the context of issues associated with state intervention in management of temples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by feminisation of old age? Highlight the issues associated with it in the Indian context. Also, mention the measures taken by the government in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Given its impact on both individual resilience and the resilience of the economy, is there a case for strong universal social protection in India? Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"There have been arguments that with the old global multilateral order failing to manage rising challenges, issue-based coalitions are gaining traction and have become the arenas of functional cooperation. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India intends to achieve a balanced and optimal development of energy infrastructure in the South-Asian region through mutual understanding and cooperation. In light of this statement, discuss the need as well as existing gaps in South Asia's energy cooperation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4482,"topper":"Mithlesh Kumari Meena","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1cedc-660130_1840_mithlesh-kumari-meena_rank-826.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"While fixed-term employment offers an ingenious way to address specific issues faced by both employers and employees, there are also some concerns associated with it. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"An efficient logistics sector with a focus on warehousing is pivotal to the success of the Bharatmala Pariyojana. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'irrigation scheduling'? Bringing out the advantages provided by it, discuss the difficulties faced in applying it on a farm level. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"While the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana was touted as the largest crop insurance scheme globally in terms of farmer participation, various concerns have arisen since its implementation. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The Stockholm Conference commenced the contemporary \"environmental era\", which brought a paradigm shift in the environmental governance and set a tone for multi-lateral environmental regime. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The world has witnessed a huge surge in climate-induced disasters, which are largely driven by anthropogenic factors. In this context, analyse the role of early warning systems in mitigating the impact of the disasters. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Critically examine the implications of leveraging technology in policing. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"How far do you agree with the view that climate change poses a threat to international peace and security? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by a virtual private network (VPN)? Highlight its advantages and discuss the concerns posed by it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The discovery of the Higgs Boson at the Large Hadron Collider in CERN completed 10 years recently. In this context, discuss the role played by CERN in overall scientific development. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlighting the factors that affect the cropping pattern in India, discuss the need for modifying it in the context of the emerging agro-ecological concerns. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"While the budgetary reforms undertaken by the Central government in recent years have led to better management of government expenditure, there are some issues that still need redressal. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"For India to create a 'future ready' railway system, it must harness innovation and resource efficiency. Discuss the statement in the context of the measures enlisted in the National Rail Plan 2030. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the significance of technology in the Indian agricultural sector. Also, state the challenges in realising its potential to improve agricultural efficiency and increase the income of the farmers. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite the digital transformation in the Public Distribution System (PDS) in India, several challenges still remain. Elaborate. Also, suggest measures to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss the various concerns that exist with regard to fuel efficiency regulations for vehicles in India. Also, suggest the measures that can be taken in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Urban fire is becoming a serious cause of concern in Indian cities. In this context, highlight the major causes behind urban fires in India. What steps can be taken to build robust fire resilience in Indian cities? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Drones in border areas present a serious threat for border management in India. Elaborate. Also, discuss the different measures taken to regulate the use of drones in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Despite a global framework to prevent weaponization of space, it has been increasing in the recent times. Discuss. Also, give an account of the implications of space weaponization. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"What do you understand by a bio-economy? Highlight the role that the National Biotechnology Development Strategy 2021-2025 can play in creating a robust bio-economy in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4483,"topper":"Mithlesh Kumari Meena","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b6224-660130_1839_mithlesh-kumari-meena_rank-826.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"An independent umbrella body that brings the various central investigative agencies under one roof holds the key to shoring up their credibility. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the significance of the Doctrines of Pith and Substance and Colourable Legislation with respect to Centre-state relations in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Do you agree with the view that there should be simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and the State Legislative Assemblies in India? Discuss with suitable arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss the need for codification of parliamentary privileges in India, in light of the uncertainty and ambiguity around them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"While the Civil Services Board can be a step forward in making the Indian bureaucracy more effective, it has its own issues which need to be addressed. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Highlight the potential of India Digital Ecosystem Architecture (IndEA) 2.0 in transforming the ecosystem of service delivery in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What is Civil Registration System? Highlight its importance and discuss the measures taken by the government to bring about improvements in it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and Their Rehabilitation Act, 2013, provides an effective mechanism for empowerment of the intended beneficiaries in the society. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the reforms that must be undertaken to strengthen the World Trade Organisation in order to address the vulnerabilities in the present global trading system. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"State the significance of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Also, discuss the need for a legally binding Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Critically assess the role played by the National Human Rights Commission as a watchdog of human rights violations in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Discuss how the integration of information and communications technology (ICT) in the dispute resolution processes will help in overcoming the challenges associated with the functioning of courts and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) forums. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite various provisions concerning disqualification of legislators under The Representation of The People Act, 1951, the issue of criminalization of politics is still unresolved to a large extent in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"It is time for reforms, which recognise that urban local bodies (ULBs) need permanent, buoyant revenue sources to match the growing demands of an increasing urban population. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The role of the civil society organisations (CSOs) in India is changing in contemporary times and has become increasingly more complex. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Though the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) aims to address the inequity in development in India, there are a number of issues which plague the scheme. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Highlighting the factors responsible for the growth of EdTech sector in India in recent times, discuss its benefits. Also, state the concerns associated with it. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Bring out the role of Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers in delivering health services in rural India. Also, suggest the measures that can be taken to overcome the challenges faced by them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss the various concerns that have arisen for India after the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan. Also, suggest the measures that India should take in the given context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Bangladesh is not only a key part of India's \"Neighbourhood First policy\" but also crucial for the \"Act East policy\". In this context, discuss the steps taken by the two countries to strengthen their relationship. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4484,"topper":"Mithlesh Kumari Meena","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/50e82-660130_1841_mithlesh-kumari-meena_rank-826.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the meaning of self-efficacy, along with its key determinants. Also, discuss the significance of high self-efficacy for a civil servant. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have the right to do and what is right to do. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Dealing with an ethical dilemma not only requires following rules and regulations, but also requires adherence to moral prudence and altruism. Explain in the context of civil services in India, with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Code of Conduct for the civil services in India has merely remained a code; it has not helped promote ethical and moral values in governance. In this context, discuss the need for a National Commission on Integrity and Transparency in Governance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Digital ethics principles are necessary to prevent erosion of public values and deal with the ethical implications of digitizing governance systems. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Despite differences in terms of organizational values guiding the public and private sectors, there remain certain values that are equally important to both. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Bring out the difference between accountability and responsibility. Also, discuss the significance of accountability in ensuring ethical governance in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Though laws and rules can be considered as the principal guide on morality for public administrators, they are not sufficient in themselves. Substantiate with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Transparency is vital to cultivate public trust in government and to prevent, detect and deter corruption effectively. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"'Just-in-time' release of funds heralds a significant reform for the Indian government's payment architecture. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.\"- Marcus Aurelius (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"The forces in a capitalist society, if left unchecked, tend to make the rich richer and the poor poorer.\" — Jawaharlal Nehru (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate in a district, which is witnessing a high caseload of COVID-19 pandemic patients. The physical infrastructure and human resources in the district are stretched much beyond their capacity. At the peak of the pandemic, certain reports emerge that the District Medical Officer has been misusing his position to abuse female employees in his department and coercing them to have sexual relations with him. However, the concerned officer not only has an impeccable academic record but also a profound professional track record. You also need his presence and guidance to deal with the pandemic situation in the district. But, there is pressure from the media and civil society organisations to immediately report the matter to the State authorities for action against the concerned officer. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders and issues involved in the above case. (b) What are the options available to you? Discuss their pros and cons. (c) What will be your final course of action? Justify with reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"You are posted as the Superintendent of Police (SP) of a district, which has witnessed several lynching related crimes in the recent past. One day, a police station in the district got an SOS that in a particular village under their jurisdiction, two women have been accused of witchcraft and are now being paraded naked by the villagers. Given the past record of crimes in the village, it was likely that they would be killed by the villagers. When a police team from the station reached the spot and tried to save the two women from the mob, a scuffle broke out. In the ensuing scuffle, the police were brutally attacked and they had to retaliate by lathicharging in order to save themselves. The incident left three villagers dead. There is anger amongst the villagers, who are also a critical vote bank of the ruling party in the state. As the SP, you have been instructed to institute a quick enquiry and take the strictest action against the police team who lathicharged. You are aware that with elections around the corner, you need to diffuse the situation quickly. Given the situation, answer the following : (a) Identify the stakeholders and the issues involved in the above case. (b) What are the options available to you? Which of these will you choose and why? (c) As an objective and scientfic-tempered administrator, what steps will you suggest in the long-run to deal with mob lynching?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"You are an Airworthiness Officer posted with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, tasked to conduct the safety audit of a major airline of the country. During the recent audit, you find that some of the airplanes belonging to the airline do not fully meet a few of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) safety standards. The issues are minor, mainly pertaining to some incomplete aircraft maintenance logs and safety rules related to training of the crew. The airline belongs to a very influential business conglomerate with close ties to all major national political parties and has a long history of ethical business practises. The point person appointed by the airline to communicate with you has assured that everything will be in order in a couple of months. Your senior in the department has also indicated that it is best not to mention such minor issues in the report, particularly given the image of the business group involved and the trust it enjoys. He also reiterates the assurance given by the airline to address these issues at the earliest in a time-bound manner. However, you are aware that airline safety norms are paramount and every other consideration is secondary to the safety of the crew and passengers. As a public servant appointed to uphold public trust, answer the following: (a) Bring out the dilemmas that you face, elaborating on the competing values in the given situation. (b) What are the options available to you? Discuss the merits and demerits of each. Which of these will you choose and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"With the advent of 24x7 news and prevalence of an array of news sources across the board, the media is omnipresent in nature. In this competitive environment, many media professionals who are overcome by deadlines, bottom-line imperatives, and corporate interests are losing sight of the ethical implications of their work. Further, there have been several cases of irresponsible reporting where the reportage has interfered with court proceedings, compromised delicate security situations or led to the spread of fake or unverified news. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the ethical issues prevalent in the profession of media. (b) How does unethical reporting and sensationalization of news impact the society? (c) What can be done to strengthen the role of ethics in media?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4485,"topper":"Mithun Premraj","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/96e4a-81836_1148_mithun-premraj_rank_12.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the significance of the following in the context of civil service: 10 (i) Public trust (ii) Objectivity (iii) Strength of character (iv) Empathy (v) Selflessness","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Do you think nation states owe a responsibility towards asylum seekers? What are the considerations that should, in your opinion, go into the making of a refugee policy? Provide arguments with contemporary examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Why do civil servants have a special obligation to uphold ethical standards? What are the main areas of concerns for implementation of an effective ethical standard in civil services? In this context, suggest measures to remedy these concerns.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"While families are the first socializing agents, which inculcate moral values in a child, the role played by schools in this regard is also indispensable. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"What is the significance of ethics in day-to-day life? Give an example from your own life where you chose ethical action and elaborate the reasons for your choice of that action.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Analyse the ethical dimensions of using nuclear deterrence as a self-defense strategy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"We make a living by what we do, but we make a life by what we give.10 (i) Highlight the importance of value of altruism for a society. (ii) Discuss the role of education in imparting such values.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Giving examples, examine the relationship between personal and professional ethics of civil servants.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/ philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) If people scrutinize their own faults as they do the faults of others, mankind will be freed of all evil.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"How do law and conscience act as source of ethical guidance? Explain with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Good corporate governance is not an end in itself. It is a means to support economic efficiency, sustainable growth and financial stability. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"You are the District Development Officer posted in a backward region where open defecation is rampant and there is high child mortality due to diarrhoea. Under the Center's Swachh Bharat Abhiyan you spearheaded the construction of thousands of toilets in your area; still people relieve themselves in the open. The media and the opposition parties are already labelling the programme as a failure and waste of public money. You have been asked to report on the reasons for low usage and bring about a change. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the reasons behind people not using the constructed toilets? (b) How can people's attitude towards open defecation be changed? Give a reasoned account of the steps that you will take to bring about this change.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"The steady decline in sex ratio suggests that marked improvement in the economy and literacy rates do not seem to have had any impact on this index. In fact, the availability of new technology and its easy access for the urban, wealthy and educated have worsened the trend and harmed the status of women in Indian society. (a) Explain why the phenomenon should not be simply viewed as a medical or legal issue and more attention should be given to the ethical issues involved. (b) Give some suggestions to tackle the problem of declining sex ratio. (c) Discuss the ethical dilemma involved in Right to abortion vs. Prevention of female foeticide. How can this be resolved?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4486,"topper":"MOHAMED RISWIN I","air":659,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/48f94f4c58dc4d501f6f42102607e751/17/pttp220019_tc061.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4487,"topper":"MOHAMED RISWIN I","air":659,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/48f94f4c58dc4d501f6f42102607e751/18/pttp220019_tc062.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4488,"topper":"MOHAMED RISWIN I","air":659,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/48f94f4c58dc4d501f6f42102607e751/19/pttp220019_tc063.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4489,"topper":"MOHAMED RISWIN I","air":659,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/404/pttp220019_tc071-test-01-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4490,"topper":"MOHAMED RISWIN I","air":659,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/405/pttp220019_tc072-test-02-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4491,"topper":"MOHAMED RISWIN I","air":659,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/406/pttp220019_tc073-test-03-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4492,"topper":"MOHAMED RISWIN I","air":659,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/407/pttp220019_tc074-test-04-gs04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4493,"topper":"MOHAMED RISWIN I","air":659,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/400/pttp220019_tc071-test-01-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4494,"topper":"MOHAMED RISWIN I","air":659,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/401/pttp220019_tc072-test-02-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4495,"topper":"MOHAMED RISWIN I","air":659,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/402/pttp220019_tc073-test-03-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4496,"topper":"MOHAMED RISWIN I","air":659,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/403/pttp220019_tc074-test-04-gs04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4497,"topper":"MOHAMMAD HARIS MIR","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/MOHAMMAD-HARIS-MIR-UPSC-2024-Rank-314-AWFG-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"How will you explain that the values of tolerance and inclusiveness which were deeply embedded in ancient Indian society continue to persist and flourish in the present times? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"\"If there is one thing that embodies India's civilizational character, it's her pluralism.\" Explain the significance of pluralism in India's socio-cultural fabric? How has the Indian civilization managed to sustain its pluralistic character? Give suitable examples in support of your answer. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"In what ways are the institutions of marriage and family undergoing changes in contemporary times? Elucidate the role of the state and the market in facilitating these changes. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Even after seven decades of independence, the colonial mindset continues to cast its shadow on Indian society. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Globalization involves a complex exchange of cultural influences, where local identities are transformed by global forces, while global culture in turn is shaped by local identities. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Enumerate the factors behind the proliferation of the IT industry in India. Also, Explain the reasons behind the skewed concentration of the IT industry within the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The eastern coast and the western coast of India differ considerably in their geographical characteristics. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the factors behind distribution of global palm oil production. Why does India depend on palm oil imports despite having conditions suitable for its cultivation? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Why is Mediterranean climate different from China-type climate despite being on a similar latitude? Also explain how the differences in climate affect life and economic activities in the region. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Describe the various types of fronts and their role in formation of extra-tropical cyclones. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Cities are the engines of economic growth, but they can also be the black holes of the environment. What are some of the key environmental challenges facing urban areas in the 21st century? How should modern cities address these challenges? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"To what extent do traditional Indian family values align with the principles of constitutional morality? How can the Indian society resolve the tension between preserving traditional values and embracing social change? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The forces of globalization have an indelible influence on the traditional cultural values of Indian society. Elaborate. Also, discuss the impact of globalization on diversity and disparity in the country. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What do you understand by footloose industries? Discuss their significance and provide a suitable strategy for the growth of footloose industries in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Enumerate the major reasons that make the Indian economy heavily reliant on coal. Explain why phasing out coal from our energy basket is difficult. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"With help of a neat diagram, describe the general atmospheric circulation. Highlight the factors that affect the movement of winds on earth? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Describe the role of geography in shaping patterns of international trade and globalization. To what extent can geopolitical shifts overpower the logic of geography? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Mangroves play a significant role in coastal ecology and economy. Examine. Also, elaborate the reasons behind the accelerated destruction of the mangrove habitat. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Although poor air quality is a perennial problem, it gets intensified during the winter months in Delhi-NCR. Explain. Evaluate the efficacy of existing measures to control air pollution. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4498,"topper":"Mohammad Muneeb Bhat","air":131,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/f26b5-325391_1078_mohammad_muneeb_bhat_rank_131.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4499,"topper":"Mohammad Muneeb Bhat","air":131,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1SyXI92VnMLVR8mofkoCFDUpC9A8WpSBJ","questions":[]},{"id":4500,"topper":"Mohammad Muneeb Bhat","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5985d-325391_1068_mohammad_muneeb_bhat_rank_131.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"There are many challenges in sustainably scaling up renewable energy in India. Analyse. Also, discuss what can be done to address these challenges. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The policies and indicators introduced by the government, in recent times, to finance urban development in India are key in addressing the existing challenges. Discuss with special reference to municipal bonds. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"With a number of issues continuing to be a roadblock, a large section of India's rural population is still 'financially excluded'. Discuss. Analyse how these issues can be addressed and the measures taken by the government and RBI recently in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'Environmental Accounting'? Discussing the rationale behind introducing environmental accounting, highlight its status in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"While access to irrigation is important, efficiency of water use is equally, if not more, crucial. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"For a holistic approach to disaster risk reduction, there is a need to mainstream indigenous traditional knowledge and link it with modern technologies. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do you understand by food irradiation? Highlighting some of its unique applications, examine its relevance for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Whereas misuse of technology has abetted the spread of fake news, it is with the aid of technology that this menace can be curbed. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Explain the salient features of the recently established Defence Planning Committee. How can it help in credible defence preparedness? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Recent reports of Maoist leaders having amassed huge assets in property and cash underlines the significance of probing the funding network as part of counter-terrorism efforts. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Not only do services MSMEs contribute mightily to the overall GDP growth, they have a powerful, multiplier impact on the local economies as well. Elaborating on the statement, highlight the problems faced by service sector MSMEs. How can the government make it easier for MSMEs to start and grow a business? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Contract Farming has many advantages, however it suffers from market failures. Elaborate. What can the government do to correct problems that lead to contract failures? Also, discuss whether the Model Contract Farming Act, 2018 is a step in the right direction. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Suggest the measures needed to improve the employability of labour force as well as increasing number of employment opportunities in light of structural changes being brought by disruptive technologies. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"India's trade policy in agriculture, marred by ad-hocism and pro-consumer bias, has constrained realization of export potential, and prevented the farmers from reaping the benefits. Examine the statement and discuss ways, including government initiatives, to improve agricultural exports. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Is currency exchange rate a suitable measure of relative economic performance of countries? Despite improving macro-economic fundamentals, trade deficit in India continues to widen. Bring out the factors responsible for this situation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"It will take much more than relief packages to address the problems being faced by the sugar industry in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"NAPCC, almost 10 years old and formulated with lofty objectives, has not served as the best answer to cope with the impacts of climate change. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Proliferation of nuclear weapons and the threat of their use are key concerns for global security nonetheless existing international arrangements seem to be ineffective. Comment. Also, identify the salient features of India's policy in this context and discuss whether India should join the NPT in the current form. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The maritime security domain requires collective multilateral and regional cooperation to combat non traditional threats. Discuss in the context of threats in the Western Indian Ocean and the recent amendments in the Djibouti Code of Conduct. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India's space programme was initiated with the vision of utilising outer space for peaceful purposes, however with changing times it has the potential to play a significant role in strengthening security capabilities of India. Discuss with adequate examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4501,"topper":"Mohammad Muneeb Bhat","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0e645-325391_1072_mohammad_muneeb_bhat_rank_131.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain why it is important to urgently address the problem of poor land records and infirmity of land titles in India. Also discuss how this problem can be addressed. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What are the special features of the infrastructure sector that make its financing a challenge? What measures have been taken to facilitate adequate amount of finance to this sector? (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Despite favourable circumstances, India's electronics manufacturing has been unable to respond to the rising demand. Discuss. What steps can be taken to address this situation? (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Despite registering a high growth rate in the post-reform era, India continues to witness a high incidence of poverty. Explain this paradox and suggest ways to resolve it. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"In light of the argument that India has entered a regime of \"permanent surpluses\", discuss whether the time has come to remove agricultural commodities completely from Essential Commodities Act. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The 1988 National Forest Policy (NFP) was visionary in its scope and ambition. However, there is a need for a new forest policy in the current context. Discuss. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How does rapid urbanization increases the vulnerability to major disasters? Explaining with examples, suggest measures to develop disaster-resilient cities. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain DNA profiling and highlight its forensic application. Also discuss the significance of DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2018 in this regard. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What is meant by the term Blue Water Capabilities? In this context, identify the key measures that have been undertaken to enhance the blue water capabilities of the Indian Navy. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Identify the factors that make India vulnerable to drug trafficking? Also discuss the key steps taken to deal with it in our country. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"How do higher global crude oil prices affect the Indian economy? What steps can be taken to gradually insulate India from global oil price volatility in the long term? (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Critically discuss the role of private sector in skill development in India in recent years. In this context, what are the measures required to improve oversight as well as financing in the skill development sector? (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The e-commerce sector has been booming in India for the last few years. Examine the need for its regulation in light of the recently proposed draft e-commerce policy. Further, identify the challenges that the sector is currently facing. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Explaining the importance, highlight the achievements of dairy sector in India. Examine whether over-production is the reason for the problems being faced by the dairy industry. Give some solutions to address the problems. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"There has been a focus on Textile and Apparels industry in India in recent years. Elaborate the potential of this industry and the challenges that lie in achieving it. What steps have been taken in this regard? (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"How do transportation corridors in biodiversity rich areas impact the wildlife? Examine the current policy framework in this regard. Also, suggest measures to minimise the negative effects while balancing the need for development. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The potential of technology to aid farmers in increasing productivity as well reducing susceptibility to climate change remains underutilized. Identify the reasons for the same and suggest measures to improve technological penetration in agriculture. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What is Intelligent Transportation System (ITS)? Explaining the need of ITS in India, identify the challenges in deploying it. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Explain the concept and significance of Data Localisation. Also discuss its limitations in strengthening law enforcement efforts in the context of Srikrishna Committee report and the draft Personal Data Protection Bill, 2018. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"What is the link between illegal immigration and national security? In this context, critically discuss the exercise of creating a National Register of Citizens in Assam. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4502,"topper":"Mohammad Muneeb Bhat","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2eb59-325391_1071_mohammad_muneeb_bhat_rank_131.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"It has been argued that over the years there has been a steady decline in the efficacy of Parliament as an institution of accountability. Analyse and also suggest appropriate measures to address the relevant concerns. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Panchayati raj institutions (PRIs) are simultaneously a remarkable success and a staggering failure, depending on the goalposts against which they are evaluated. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) is more than just the keeper of our national accounts; it is also a conscience-keeper and a watchdog. Examine the statement in light of making the auditing process more effective. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The concern for transparency in political funding is at odds with the Electoral Bond Scheme notified by the government. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Lobbying in India exists in a perennially grey legal and policy arena. In this context, discuss the need to formally recognize and regulate lobbying in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"More than a decade after it was passed, the implementation of the RTI Act leaves much to be desired. Comment. Also discuss the issues associated with the recent proposals to amend the RTI Act. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Critically discuss the evolving policy on reservation in promotions in India with special focus on its ability to meet the objectives of social justice. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"India produces enough food for its people, but not all people get enough food to eat. Discussing this paradox, highlight some of the major interventions taken in the past few years in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"India sees Indian Ocean as not just a water body, but a global stage for continued economic, social, and cultural dialogue. Elaborate.(150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In the context of India taking greater responsibility in management of the global commons, there has been a shift in India's climate change negotiation stance. In this context, analyze the evolution of India's climate policy. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlighting the constitutional role of the Finance Commission (FC), discuss the issues which are being debated w.r.t. terms of reference (ToR) of the 15th Finance Commission. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The spirit of the constitution of India represents a synthesis of Indian values, democratic and socialist movements in west and our independence movement. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"What is the importance of an independent judiciary in a democracy? Highlight the safeguards in our political-constitutional setup to ensure the independence of judiciary. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Even though Indian federalism has matured quite a bit, with states having far greater control of their economic and political management, serious structural problems still remain. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The recent amendments to the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 strike a balance between enforcement overzealousness and the need for stringent action against corrupt public servants. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Identifying the various issues plaguing the voluntary sector in India, discuss the need for a national accreditation agency to overcome them. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Given the importance of a teacher in affecting the learning outcomes of children, discuss the problems in the present system of teacher training in India. How can these be addressed? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The implementation of a scheme with such scale and benefit as Ayushman Bharat is likely to face many obstacles. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Given the fact that India cannot match China's financial clout, it is seen to be diversifying the ways in which it can enhance cooperation and promote its diplomatic profile in Africa. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Discuss how American sanctions on its adversaries affect India. Taking the example of CAATSA, analyse how India can shield its strategic interests in face of such sanctions. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4503,"topper":"Mohammad Muneeb Bhat","air":131,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/u/2/folders/1lHbqWlVbgfBlG8Ub3aoZ-xXF5gaHBen7","questions":[]},{"id":4504,"topper":"MOHAMMED SHAUKATH AZEEM","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/MOHAMMED-SHAUKATH-AZEEM-UPSC-2024-Rank-345-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The Hoysala period saw the development of a distinctive style of temple architecture renowned for its intricacy and artistic brilliance. Elaborate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"British colonial rule had a profound impact on Indian agriculture, fundamentally altering the traditional agrarian economy which led to severe peasant resistance. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The history of India's independence would remain incomplete without acknowledging the significant contributions from the Northeast region. Substantiate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Explain the factors contributing to the variability of the Indian monsoon. Also, discuss its multi-dimensional impact. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"At the time of her independence, India was beset with multiple challenges. Enumerating those challenges, analyze how far India has been able to address them. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What do you understand by the Meiji restoration? Discuss its impact on Japan and the world. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the reasons for the rise in prevalence of substance abuse in India. Also, examine its impact on family and society. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Do you think that a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is essential in a multi-cultural and diverse country like India? Justify your answer. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss how the Bhakti movement, along with questioning the established social order, also made substantial contributions to the development of devotional literature. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The Marathas posed a formidable challenge to British expansion but could not consolidate their power into a centralized authority capable of rivaling British dominance in India. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The political reorganization of states and territories has been an ongoing process in the post-independence era. Discuss with examples. How successful has it been in accommodating diverse regional aspirations? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlighting the contribution of revolutionaries to the Indian freedom movement, discuss the factors that limited their efforts. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"\"The aspirations of the Indian national movement extended to securing social justice and economic regeneration, in addition to political freedom.\" Elaborate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The 'paper partition' of Africa and its prolonged journey to decolonization stand in contrast to colonial experiences elsewhere. Analyse. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"\"India faces a grave water crisis due to soaring demand, pollution, and climate change, which necessitates urgent measures to ensure water security for all.\" Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Provide a reasoned account of the global distribution of volcanoes with the help of a world map. (15 marks, 250 words) Also, discuss the various consequences of volcanoes.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"\"A seemingly casteless upper caste and an apparently caste-defined lower caste is one of the central aspects of the caste system in contemporary times\". Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Tolerance and harmony are engrained in the societal ethos of India, but communal discord remains a significant threat to the nation's pluralistic fabric. Elaborate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4505,"topper":"Mohan Dan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a6631-579950_2219_mohan-dan_rank-710.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Fiscal policy can be a key tool to reduce income inequality as well as make the poorest and the downtrodden a part of the country's growth story. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Digitizing land records will go a long way in ensuring land reforms as well as lessening the burden on the Indian Judiciary. Elaborate. Also, state the measures taken in this context. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"It has been pointed out that competitive politics to fund mostly non-merit subsidies is pushing a few states in India to the brink of a deep fiscal crisis. In this context, discuss the need to rationalise the subsidy regime in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Micro-irrigation has tremendous potential in transforming farming into a profitable and sustainable venture. Discuss the given statement in the context of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Given its vast resources and technical expertise, India can play a key role in assisting the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) in dealing with the impact of climate change. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The recent \"Disaster Management Plan of Ministry of Panchayati Raj (DMP-MoPR)\" aims to develop disaster resilience at the grassroots level. In this context, discuss the rationale behind the formulation of the Plan and highlight its key components. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the internal security implications emanating from the use of Emerging And Disruptive Technologies (EDT) by state and non-state actors. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Identify the impediments faced by India in boosting its defence exports. Also, discuss the steps taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the multiple issues associated with space debris. Also, state the initiatives taken in recent times to tackle this menace. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The adoption of Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) in India is expected to make e-commerce more inclusive and accessible for consumers. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While an agreement was recently reached at the WTO on a deal to curb \"harmful\" government fisheries subsidies, certain concerns raised by India suggests that the matter will require further negotiations. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite the advantages that are associated with the hybrid annuity model (HAM) in the road construction sector, the interest in it has moderated due to various reasons. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The existing MSP procurement regime is neither economically nor agro-ecologically sustainable. Elaborate. Also, evaluate the alternative approaches that can be adopted to improve the existing MSP regime. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"It is being argued that India is struggling with overflowing foodgrains in warehouses. Discuss the statement in view of the existing buffer stock policy of India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Recently, the government has asked all ports to prepare a master plan in order to become 'mega ports' by 2047. In light of this, discuss the challenges faced by ports and suggest remedial measures in order to propel India's blue economy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Inequality in income and wealth translates into carbon inequality. In this context, discuss the significance of addressing carbon inequality for India and suggest ways to achieve it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Despite increased and regular occurrences of landslides over the past decade in India, the dominant development paradigm has largely not been modified. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)15","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India needs a smart border management system to balance legitimate cross border flows with national security interests. Discuss. Also, highlight the initiatives taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Establishing linkages between globalisation and money laundering, discuss the initiatives taken at the national and international levels to combat it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"There have been arguments that India needs to review some of its past assumptions about the nature of outer space and contribute to the development of new global norms. In this context, analyse India's stand in relation to the Artemis Accords. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4506,"topper":"Mohan Dan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/020f8-579950_2220_mohan-dan_rank-710.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The logic of limitless wealth lies in the basic human instinct for furthering self-interest in the form of profit. In this context, do you think there is a possibility of pursuing ethical capitalism? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The capacity of Citizens' Charter to initiate any transformative process is conditioned upon it being appropriately designed and effectively executed. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The moral fiber and ethical conduct of public officials not only influence the standard of governance but also their own interests and performance. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The ongoing debate on euthanasia poses several ethical questions. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Foreign aid is a form of neo-colonialism, as the economically wealthier countries can exploit the developing countries under the cloak of aid. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Throwing light on the idea of Universal Humanism propounded by Rabindranath Tagore, discuss its contemporary relevance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree with the view that it is nature and not nurture which determines the emotional intelligence of a person? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Values that guide public administrators can often compete with each other, owing to their relative importance to the larger public interest. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Is it justifiable to say that corruption is a social phenomenon? What are the various ways through which administrative corruption can be tackled? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"\"I do believe that, where there is only a choice between cowardice and violence, I would advise violence.\"- Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":47,"question":"Mr. X is a billionaire businessman who heads a conglomerate engaged in insurance, energy generation and distribution, and manufacturing. Despite being globally known as a great philanthropist, he turned down a shareholder request seeking the disclosure of the conglomerate's actions on issues related to climate change as well as diversity and inclusion. Because of increased attention to climate and diversity issues, many leading firms have committed themselves to incorporate relevant considerations in their business strategies. Therefore, some industry-observers wonder if Mr. X is out of touch with the industry at large and have warned him that failing to address climate change issues puts his businesses under systemic risk. But, Mr. X maintained his vote against the disclosure proposal, while at the same time acknowledged the importance of both climate change and a diverse and inclusive work force. However, Mr. X believes that such ethical issues take secondary importance to maximising shareholder profit. (a) Discuss the importance of including climate change strategies and diversity and inclusion in a business organisation? (b) In your opinion, what matters more for a business organisation - socio-environmental concerns or shareholder profit? (c) How can the two above-mentioned issues be reconciled? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"You are posted as a Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district where people of different religious communities are living together peacefully. The district is also famous for its architectural heritage and is regularly visited by tourists from all around the world. However, there has been an incident in the nearby state where people of two different communities have started fighting over religious issues. This incident has a spillover effect over the whole country. In your own area of jurisdiction, you have come to know from various sources about circulation of some hate speech videos, which have the potential to destabilise the law and order situation. You are also aware that some outsiders with dubious intentions have started pouring in your district. In one locality, a shopkeeper who had earlier filed a complaint regarding threats he received for posting something on the internet, is found murdered in cold blood. This incident has stunned the nation. You are being informed that hundreds of people of the community to which the shopkeeper belonged are planning to stage a massive protest in your district. (a) In the given situation, what are the options available to you to ensure that the law and order situation in the district remains stable. Provide a detailed account of your course of action. (b) Do you think the present legal and institutional mechanisms are sufficient to tackle the menace of hate speech in the society? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"The Indian education system suffers from many ills. One of the major issues is the focus on 'rote learning', which has been the staple of the Indian education system for many years. While many Indians have attained success despite this system, simply being able to recall information is not enough in today's world when that information is instantly available to anyone on a mobile phone. A survey of 200 Indian and foreign companies found that only 14% of Indian graduates were prepared for the workforce, largely because most graduates were unable to apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the consequences of 'rote learning' on the educational development of young students in the country? (b) Suggest measures that can be taken to address this issue. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4507,"topper":"Mohan Lal","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Mohan-lal-UPSC-2023-Rank-53-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The ultimate renewable energy is the human ingenuity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Human laws and natural laws mutually reinforce each other.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"History should be understood as evolution of society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"If one has seen further than others it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Is modernism at a crossroads with cultural and civilisational ethos?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Man often enjoys the comfort of opinion without the discomfort for thought.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"The rise of populism in democratic societies is a threat to the rule of law and constitutionalism.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"It's time for us to turn to each other, not on each other.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4508,"topper":"Mohan Lal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5bf24-356415_1457_mohan_lal_rank_53.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What is meant by being a global citizen?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"\"Digital infrastructure is important for future-ready governance.\"","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4509,"topper":"Mohan Lal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3f901-356415_2488_mohan_lal_rank_53.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"A mind all logic is like a knife all blade, it makes the hand bleed that uses it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"History is a cyclic poem written by time upon the memories of man.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The wise man does at once what the fool does finally.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The world is a tragedy to those who feel, but a comedy to those who think.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Perfect clarity would profit the intellect but damage the will.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4510,"topper":"Mohan Lal","air":53,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/269af-356415_1458_mohan_lal_rank_53.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4511,"topper":"Mohan Lal","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Mohan-lal-UPSC-2023-Rank-53-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"To what extent, in your opinion, Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in India have enabled women led development at the grassroot level? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Narrow understanding of disability has marginalised people suffering from mental disorders. Elucidate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) addresses the need for interoperability in health services through a unified health interface. Elaborate its significance in digitising the health care ecosystem. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Objectives of a welfare government remains incomplete without a progressive ecosystem for the children's development. Discuss with special emphasis to recently passed Juvenile Justice Amendment Act, 2021. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Decriminalisation of homosexuality by the SC in Navtej Singh Jauhar case remains a task half done, specially without the socio-political sensitisation about the issues faced by LGBTQIA+ community. Elaborate in light of ongoing debates on same sex marriage. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"India's balancing act in the ongoing Ukraine crisis is borne out of mature strategic thinking rather than mere necessities. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What do you understand by Non-Alignment Movement (NAM)? Is India's foreign policy still guided by the principles of non-Alignment? Justify. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) Built upon common democratic values and shared vision of strategic autonomy, India-France bilateral ties exude a promise of stability, growth, and security in a time of geo-political flux and uncertainty. Do you agree? Substantiate your answer. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"As an important attribute of soft-power, \"Knowledge diplomacy\" has the potential to further various objectives of foreign policy. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The profound impact of the data revolution and widespread smartphone usage has necessitated the use of digital tools in welfare programmes. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Reforming the education infrastructure through digital interventions is a progressive step, but it has its limitations too. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The unique attributes and strengths of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and the government make them complimentary to one another in the governance and developmental process. Comment. Evaluate the need for effective and progressive regulation of the NGOs. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"How far have Forest Rights Act, 2006 and PESA Act, 1996 been successful in attaining their desired objectives? What needs to be done to improve their implementation on ground? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Enduring effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have exacerbated existing issues of poverty and hunger. Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Instability in its neighbourhood combined with displacement and humanitarian crisis don't augur well for India's interest in the region. Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The new cold war between the USA and China may have the effect of casting a long shadow on India's strategic interests from Pacific to Atlantic. Evaluate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"For creation of a stable, peaceful and prosperous multipolar order, UN Security Council (UNSC) reforms are an urgent imperative. Examine the statement and present a case for India's permanent membership in UNSC. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The presidency of G20 is but a reflection of India's quest for a more just and polycentric world order, where the voice of the global south is mainstreamed not muzzled. Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4512,"topper":"Mohan Lal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a88cb-356415_1412_mohan_lal_rank_53.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What is proton therapy? Explain its advantages over conventional radiation therapy in cancer treatment and the limitations to its widespread adoption in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Explain the Raman effect and its applications with adequate examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Despite steps taken by India for the development and adoption of nanotechnology, much more needs to be done to ensure that its huge potential is fully leveraged. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Along with other measures, technological interventions are crucial in dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic and its after effects. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Frugal Innovation, one of the most prominent contribution of India to the science and technology community across the world, comes with its own set of challenges. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What is Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)? Examine the major contributing factors for prevalence of antibiotic resistance in India. What steps has the government taken to address this problem? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Explaining how the 5G mobile communication technology works, discuss its differences with LTE. Discuss the challenges being faced in its rollout. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Highlighting the significance of genome mapping in India, discuss the associated challenges with the Genome India Project. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What do you understand by 'soft robotics'? Highlight its possible applications. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Examine the significance of GISAT-1 satellite, India's first earth imaging satellite in a geostationary orbit. (150 words) 10 - , GISAT-1","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"In the context of India, identify the issues faced by women in science to pursue higher studies or research. Also, discuss the measures needed and already in place to address these issues. (250 words) 15 , ,","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"Highlighting the potential of supercomputing in helping solve some of the world's most pressing challenges, mention the initiatives taken by India in recent years to build its supercomputing power. Also, discuss some of the concerns around supercomputers. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Discuss the key challenges that India faces in harnessing the full potential of Artificial Intelligence for its socio-economic development. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"What is a blockchain and how does it work? Highlight its potential for various sectors in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Explaining how quantum computers work, discuss the challenges that need to be addressed for the scalable development of this technology. Also, highlight significance of the recently launched National Mission on Quantum Technologies & Applications (NM-QTA). (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"How well India taps into the immense potential of its biotechnology sector depends largely on how it addresses the relevant policy and regulatory challenges. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Bring out the differences between bacteria and viruses. Also, explaining why antibiotics can work against bacteria but not viruses describe the general working of vaccines designed to attack certain viruses. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Comment on the significance of nuclear power for a country like India. In this context, also analyse the progress and challenges associated with three stage programme for nuclear power generation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Highlight the benefits of having an effective Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) regime. In this context, discuss the role of IPR Policy, 2016, in strengthening and making India's IPR regime more effective. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4513,"topper":"Mohan Lal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/dcdcb-356415_1398_mohan_lal_rank_53.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Bring out Gandhiji's philosophy of Means and Ends. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Probity is an essential condition of good governance. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand by ethical dilemma? Bring out some examples of ethical dilemma often faced by civil servants. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Why are certain rights considered universal in nature? Explain using examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Explain in brief, what you understand by the following: (a) Beliefs (b) Values (c) Norms (d) Ethics (e) Morals (300 words)","marks":null,"words":"300"},{"page":15,"question":"What do you understand by the terms transparency and accountability in administration? Bring out the relationship between the two. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss whether some restrictions on enjoyment of freedom are necessary in the interest of social harmony. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Analyse the role played by family and educational institutions in development of one's character. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"What do you understand by utilitarianism? Illustrate with examples the grounds on which it has been criticized. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'conflict of interest'? How can conflict of interest in public service be resolved? (150 words) 10 ' - ' ? ' - ' ?","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":38,"question":"Today, homosexuality and queer identities may be acceptable to more Indians than ever before, but within the boundaries of family, home and school, acceptance of their sexuality and freedom to openly express their gender choices still remain a constant struggle for LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer) people. While LGBTQ voices heard through several online and real-world platforms form an important part of LGBTQ activism, these expose only a small part of the diverse challenges faced by the community. In light of this situation: (a) Explain the ways in which discrimination against LGBTQs creates 10. In a metropolitan city a new metro rail project has been sanctioned. The project is expected to reduce traffic congestion, lower the pollution levels in the city and save significant amount of fossil fuel. However, the project requires construction of a car shed for the metro terminus station. The city is already very congested and not much land is available except a patch of green belt within the municipal area. Consequently, the municipal corporation's Tree Authority approved a proposal to cut down about 2700 trees to make way for the metro car shed. The approval enraged environment action and citizens' groups who have organized protest rallies demanding withdrawal of this order and protection of the green belt. The print and electronic media also took up 11. The right to protest is an integral part of democracy. But protests often take a violent turn and lead to destruction of life and property. In such situations, it is the duty of the police force to deal with the violent protests and restore normalcy. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What challenges does the police force face in such situations? (b) As the SP in the capital city of a state where such protests often take place, how would you deal with such a situation when faced with it?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"The right to protest is an integral part of democracy. But protests often take a violent turn and lead to destruction of life and property. In such situations, it is the duty of the police force to deal with the violent protests and restore normalcy. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What challenges does the police force face in such situations? (b) As the SP in the capital city of a state where such protests often take place, how would you deal with such a situation when faced with it?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"The founding fathers of the Indian Constitution envisaged a neutral, apolitical civil service. The conduct rules governing the All-India Services explicitly prohibit participation of a member of service in politics. It also limits connection of officers with Press or Radio to matters of public interest. And it also prevents them from criticizing the Government in public. (a) Why is it important for civil servants to be politically neutral? (b) Highlight the challenges faced by politically neutral civil servants in different situations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"Recently, the Motor Vehicles Act was amended to hike the fines for violations of various traffic rules. While the intention of the amendments was to deter people from violating the law and strictly follow traffic rules in the interest of road safety, these measures are being opposed as it is felt that the fines are too excessive and beyond the reach of common man. (a) In light of this, critically analyse the ethical aspects of the recent amendments. (b) Are legislative measures alone sufficient in bringing about behavioural change?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming economy and society and will almost certainly continue to do so in the coming decades. This transformation will have deep ethical impact, with these powerful new technologies both improving and disrupting human lives. In this context, identify the ethical considerations, if any, of the following issues associated with the use of Al: (a) Privacy (b) Al induced unemployment (c) Potential for misuse","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4514,"topper":"Mohan Lal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/eb9b7-356415_1401_mohan_lal_rank_53.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Female poet-saints played a significant role in the bhakti movement. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Curzon's domestic and foreign policies were motivated by the urge to further strengthen the British position in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The Communal Award was seen not only as an attack on national unity but also inimical to the interests of the depressed classes. Discuss. Also, highlight how the Poona Pact sought to address some concerns in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Given the important role played by the press in the formation and propagation of nationalist ideology, the British sought to curb the freedom of the press at various points during the freedom movement. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The peasant awakening seen in 1930s in India was largely a result of the combination of particular economic and political developments of that period. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Though the upsurge by the ratings of the Royal Indian Navy was suppressed, it is seen as an event which marked the end of British rule in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The story of India's freedom struggle cannot be complete without recognizing the role that many leaders of North East India played during the time. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Giving an account of revolutionary activities carried outside India to get freedom from the British colonial rule, highlight the limitations of such activities. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The architecture of Pallava kingdom has a distinctive style comprising of cave temples, monolithic temples and structural temples. Elaborate with examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"Though the contact between the Greeks and ancient Indians was for a brief period, its impact was fairly wide in range. Elaborate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"The subject of Indian folk art paintings is as diverse as the Indian cultural milieu itself. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The short-sightedness of Congress, Jinnah's ambitions and British amorality - all played their part in the partition of India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Given the specific nature and character of the British colonial state, the Indian national movement gradually evolved its strategy and tactics over the course of time. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The foundation of the Indian National Congress in 1885 was not a sudden accident but the culmination of a long process of political awakening. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Despite the Cripps' proposal being a step ahead of the August Offer, it was rejected by both the Congress and the Muslim League albeit for different reasons. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Though India as a whole had been ruled by some emperors in the past, it was only in the 19th century that the concept of national identity and national consciousness emerged. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"The Marathas had the potential to develop into a new pan-India empire replacing the Mughals, but that potential was never fully realized because of the nature of the Maratha polity itself. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"The Revolt of 1857 led not to the downfall but to the consolidation of British Empire in India. In this context, bring out the changes in administrative structure and policies introduced by the British post 1857. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4515,"topper":"Mohan Lal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1ad52-356415_2424_mohan_lal_rank_53.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What are the different dimensions of food security? Examine India's status in terms of ensuring food security with regard to these dimensions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Modern technologies such as blockchain and ChatGPT are powerful tools with immense potential to transform agriculture into a more efficient and sustainable sector. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What factors have led to the recent acceleration in the trend towards de-dollarization of the global economy? Do you think the dollar will lose its dominance anytime soon? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Despite significant pressure from the developed countries to alter its food subsidy regime, there is merit in India trying to retain its policy support for the poor in the country. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Several initiatives have been taken by the government towards addressing India's water needs, but the issues of water availability and water quality still warrant prioritised intervention. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What are the major drivers of glacial retreat in the Arctic? Describe the potential impact of the retreat of Arctic glaciers on the ecosystem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Space tourism, which was viewed as something straight out of a science fiction movie, is now becoming a reality albeit not without hindrances. What are the challenges associated with space tourism? What measures can be taken to address these challenges? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Global health experts widely believe that the development of CAR-T cell therapy can be a game changer in the treatment of cancer. How can CAR-T cell therapy overcome the limitations of CRISPR-Cas9 technology? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss why the rising deployment of new and emerging technologies by prominent violent extremist organizations demand concerted global efforts. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"With the Line of Actual Control (LAC) remaining tense after the Galwan and Yangste incidents and both India and China ramping up infrastructure in the border areas, discuss the role that ITBP plays in the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Do you think there is a need for a shift from 'land productivity' to 'irrigation water productivity' in India? Justify your answer. What are the challenges in making this shift? Explain. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Examine the role that green hydrogen can play in unlocking the energy security of India. How can the National Green Hydrogen Mission help India in achieving its energy goals? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The government has been weighing a transition from minimum wage to living wage in recent times. What are the benefits and constraints in the adoption of living wage in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The Union Budget affects almost every sector of the Indian economy, yet neither the budgetary processes nor the budget policies come under substantial public scrutiny. Do you agree? Justify your answer. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"India has been able to transform itself from a milk deficit country to the world's biggest milk producer, but the productivity of dairy animals in the country remains a concern. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"While climate change is responsible for crop failures, the agricultural sector itself is partly responsible for extreme weather events. Discuss. What strategy has been adopted under National Agriculture Disaster Management Plan to strengthen the resilience of the farming community in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Some regions in India, including Delhi, are highly vulnerable to the impact of earthquakes originating in the Himalayas. Discuss. What institutional measures have been taken to mitigate earthquake losses in India? Do you think there are significant gaps that still exist? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Recently, scientists announced net energy gain in nuclear fusion reaction, which is considered as a major scientific breakthrough for the future of clean energy. What are the advantages of nuclear fusion based power generation? What are the limitations in using it to generate electricity at a commercial scale? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Keeping in view the recent amendment, examine the efficacy of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, in tackling the menace of money laundering in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Discuss the security threats present in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), which have a direct bearing on India's maritime border interests. Suggest a robust strategy to deal with these threats. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4516,"topper":"Mohan Lal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/90ab2-356415_2423_mohan_lal_rank_53.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With suitable examples, discuss how environmental pressure groups enhance public participation and responsiveness with regard to environmental policies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The recent acknowledgment of sex work as a 'profession' by the Supreme Court is merely the first step in ensuring basic rights and equality for sex workers in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the role played by District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) in providing free legal aid and disseminating legal awareness in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"The collegium system has become a victim of its own success, with the concentration of power in the hands of a few, leading to questions about its legitimacy.\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"Civil services reforms must go beyond recruitment and standardised training to cope with the present day challenges.\" Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"Outcome-based finance models such as social impact bonds have the potential to truly catalyse change and deliver socio-economic impact at scale. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"The wide gap between the number of females graduating every year and those entering the workspace is an issue of paramount importance that needs to be addressed. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words) 10\"","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"An up to date and functional Civil Registration System (CRS) is essential to the socio-economic planning in India. Discuss in the light of the recent move of the Central government in revamping the CRS system in the country. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What are the key areas of reform if the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has to align with the current economic realities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In recent years, India's relationship with West Asia has evolved from the confines of geopolitics to expanse of geoeconomics. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The role of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) is significant in furthering healthy competitiveness aimed at inspiring stakeholders to innovate and augment effectiveness. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"\"The menace of paid news often rears its ugly head during elections.\" Discuss the need for making paid news an electoral offence in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the 'Doctrine of Essentiality' referred to by the courts in the context of religious practices in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"As per the recently released report of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), there is an urgent need to limit the size of the government in India. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The Institutions of Eminence (IoE) scheme was conceived to develop 'world-class' centres of higher education in India but six years later, it is yet to become the game changer it was intended to be. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) allows for innovative and convenient public services, help overcome inclusion or accessibility barriers, and increase transparency and accountability with real-time data. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Besides legislation, the full realisation of the 'right to health for all' in India demands plugging of social, financial, and infrastructural gaps. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The 'third gender' has not yet been engendered in the Indian society despite legislative nudge. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Among other factors, strained ties with China and Pakistan make it difficult for India to fulfill its expectations from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"The recently concluded initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) between the United States and India promises a long overdue transformation of their partnership in the field of technology. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4517,"topper":"Mohan Lal","air":53,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/31/air-53-mohan-lal__test-6_gs2.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"\"Interstate border disputes, if not promptly and impartially settled, can transform into persistent issues that impede development and generate friction\". Highlighting the constitutional and legal framework to resolve interstate disputes, explain why Independent India has failed to resolve inter-state border disputes.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":8,"question":"Examine the role of the Inter-state Council in promoting vertical (Centre-State) and horizontal (Inter-State) Intergovernmental cooperation and coordination.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the key function of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). What steps should be taken to revamp the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in order to enhance its effectiveness as a true guardian of public funds?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":12,"question":"Recognizing the pivotal role of urbanization as a driver of national economic growth, the Fifteenth Finance Commission has suggested major reforms for Urban Local Bodies. Evaluate the recommendations put forward by the Fifteenth Finance Commission in promoting and revitalizing ULBs in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Highlight the key differences in the scope of Freedom of speech and expression as provided under Parliamentary privileges vis a vis Fundamental rights. Why is it necessary to maintain a balance between parliamentary privilege and fundamental rights?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Civil society organizations play a pivotal role in fostering \"collective private action for the public good\". What challenges do they face in local resource mobilization (LRM) and corporate funding through corporate social responsibility (CSR)? Also, suggest measures.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":18,"question":"The first step to eradicating poverty is reliable poverty assessment for program design, implementation, and monitoring. In this context discuss the methodology and significance of NITI Aayog's National Multidimensional Poverty Index.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":20,"question":"5. In the context of India, despite the presence of constitutional provisions, legal precedents, and international commitments that establish a robust foundation for a right to health, why has there been a lack of explicit legal recognition of this right?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":22,"question":"The collective strength of BRICS nations allows for meaningful cooperation on myriad issues, however, the platform's ability to influence the trajectory of bilateral relationships remains limited. Do you agree? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10 In light of the recent demands to amend the Indus Waters Treaty, discuss the possible implications it could have on the water-sharing mechanism between India and Pakistan.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. The doctrine of Parliamentary sovereignty and judicial supremacy has exerted considerable influence in shaping the constitutional frameworks of India and the USA. Citing relevant case laws discuss the role of the judiciary in influencing the constitutions in these countries. Is the scope of judicial review wider in India?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Delimitation of seats is essential to ensure fair representation and uphold the principles of one vote, one value. Highlighting the challenges posed by misrepresentation in constituencies, analyze the ramifications of population-based delimitation in creating federal tension.","marks":"5","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. Discuss the role of the Supreme Court of India in strengthening the hands of the Election Commission in the discharge of its constitutional responsibility of conducting free and fair elections in the country.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":35,"question":"The declining role of Parliament undermines the fundamental principle of separation of powers, weakens or diminishes the legislature's ability to serve as a check on the executive branch and ensure a balanced exercise of power. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":38,"question":"15 Discuss the crucial role played by the National Commission of Women in shaping the discourse on gender-sensitive laws in India. To what extent the elevation of the National Commission for Women to a constitutional body would reinforce its authority?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. 'Satisfactory and timely redressal of grievances is the cornerstone of 'minimum government, maximum governance.' In this context discuss the challenges associated with current grievance redress mechanisms and suggest measures to strengthen the process. (Answer in 250 words) [15 Marks]","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"27. Corruption corrodes the fabric of governance, eroding the public's faith in democratic institutions. Examine the potential for harmonizing the Right to Information (RTI) Act, the Whistleblower Protection Act (WBPA), and the Lokpal & Lokayukta Act, 2013, to enhance the effectiveness of the anticorruption regime.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":47,"question":"8. Analyze the potential challenges and benefits involved in leveraging SHGs as platforms for skill development, entrepreneurship, and income generation among marginalized communities to effectively counter poverty.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. India is uniquely positioned on the world map for its rich culture. In this context discuss the role of culture, diaspora, and democracy as instruments of India's soft power diplomacy. To what extent India has been able to position itself as a 'smart power'?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. The synergy of shared values and vibrant people-to-people connection between India and Australia creates a fertile ground for fostering long-lasting trade relations and strategic collaboration between the two nations. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"}]},{"id":4518,"topper":"Mohan Lal","air":53,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/32/air-53-mohan-lal__test-6_gs2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4519,"topper":"Mohan Lal","air":53,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/35/air-53-mohan-lal__test-4_gs4.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"1 (a) Public service requires not merely legal but also morally principled action. Public service requires the public servant to place loyalty to the constitution, laws, and ethical principles. Among the three, which do you think must acquire primacy while carrying out official functions? Why? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"1. What do you understand by \"integrity-based civil disobedience\"? Do you think a challenge to personal integrity can be a justifiable cause for responsible disobedience in civil services? Explain.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":9,"question":"2. (a) Recent research has shown that emotions significantly impact personal and professional lives. What are the primary emotions that negatively and positively impact workplace productivity? Explain with relevant examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"2 (b) Technical efficiency ensures resource utilization and social efficiency ensures fulfillment of social needs. What does ethical efficiency ensure? Do you think ethical efficiency is more important than technical and social efficiency? Why/Why not?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"3 (a) \"Man cannot do right in one department of life whilst he is occupied in doing wrong in any other department.\" Gandhi.\nDo you think an individual's personal ethics impacts professional life or they both can be compartmentalized? Explain your position with relevant examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"3 (b) Goodness is the result of internal imperatives to do what is right, not sanctions from moral rules or rewards from expected consequences. Do you agree? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":17,"question":"4 (a) Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance.\n(a) \"To tolerate is purely an act of the mind. That is the essence of virtue. To tolerate is a strength.\" (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"4 (b) \"It is our first duty to serve society, and after we have done that, we may attend wholly to the salvation of our souls.\"","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":21,"question":"4. (c) \"Periods of peace are the empty pages in the history books\" (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"5 (i) In the context of civil service, distinguish between moral and non-moral values. Identify 5 basic moral values that can serve as foundational values for all services irrespective of the department. Give reasons why those values can be considered foundational.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"5 (i) Citizens' involvement in decision-making is critical to ethics in governance. Do you agree that effective civic engagement mechanisms can facilitate an ethics-driven administration? What do you think are the mechanisms that citizens can use for ensuring ethics in governance?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"(a) Social transformation programs such as \"beti bachao and beti padhao\" believes in using advice, counseling, and persuasion but sometimes a little force is also necessary for getting the desired response. Do you think it is a good idea to mix little force with persuasion by public administrators while implementing social schemes of transformation? Explain with relevant examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"6 (b) Ultimately foreign policy of every country hinges upon the strength which the nation possesses. Strength may be military or financial and may be also moral. Do you think ethical strength without military or financial muscle will be respected in today's world? Explain your position.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":31,"question":"7 You are a young officer working with the Municipal Corporation of an industrial city. The city was known for manufacturing ball bearings and auto parts. Most manufacturing units were small-scale units with very little production process automation. The units relied on manual labor, which was in abundance due to the villages close by.\n\nAs the number of manufacturing units grew, the demand for labor increased, bringing in a steady inflow of laborers into the city. This influx of people into the town led to a mushrooming of slums and encroachments on the sidewalks. Once in a while, the Corporation conducted drives to clear out the slums, but after a time, the slums came back. The illegal slums had become an urban nightmare.\n\nYou were given the responsibility of clearing out the encroachments and slums with the help of Police authorities. As you started the drive, you realized that the people living by the sidewalks were vulnerable compared to the slum dwellers. Many sidewalk dwellers had recently come to the city after selling their properties in their villages. Now if you drive them out, they have no place to go. Your heart went out to them, and you felt that your departmental action was inhumane, but your official responsibilities demanded stern impartial action. You are desperate to find a way to help the sidewalk dwellers without compromising your official duties.\n(a) What value conflicts do you notice in the above situation?\n(b) Can an administrator compromise the value of impartiality for empathy? Discuss.\n(c) What are the options available in the above situation?\n(d) Suggest viable solutions for tackling illegal slums and encroachments in urban areas.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"You are the Director of the Department responsible for implementing and operating the scheme. Recently you have been receiving reports of welfare fraud being committed by families by producing fake bonafide. The families committed the fraud with the help of local officials responsible for scrutinizing the documents and detect fraud. This was a comprehensive strategy, but it risked violating an individual's data privacy. As a Department head, you wanted to detect and prevent fraud, but at the same time, you were apprehensive about violating the Data privacy of the stakeholders.\n(a) What are the issues involved in the above case?\n(b) Do you think violating data privacy is justified to prevent welfare fraud? Why/ Why not?\n(c) What, according to you, can be the reasons for such welfare frauds happening in the country?\n(d) Are there any ways and means to prevent such fraud? Give your suggestions.","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":39,"question":"Q2 Way to prevent fraud:\n(i) Creating objective criteria for assessment of intended beneficiary.\n(ii) Use of technology like thumbmail and identity, Aadhar, Data.\n(iii) Social audit to name and shame for person holding undue benefit.\n(iv) Strict enforcement of prevention of Corruption Act to ensure civil servants at ground level follow rules.\n(v) Increase awareness and responsibity by citizens who are touching the undue benefit.\n(vi) Involvement of civil society organisation in delivery to ensure transparency and accountability.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"You are posted in the Department of Mines and one of your roles is to help your Department Head negotiate mining leases with private contractors. Recently, the state government demarcated a new mining zone and planned to invite bids for the mining blocs. You were instructed to oversee the bidding process and speed up the contract negotiations. As planned, the tenders were released, bids came in, and tenders were allocated as per the norms. All this happened at a breakneck speed. You wondered, why the hurry? But it was not your place to think and question; you quietly went about your work. As the contractors were about to start operations, you had to instruct them on environmental concerns to watch out for. And to do that, you read the environmental impact assessment report submitted by a consulting firm hired by the department. To your surprise, the report was shoddy and looked cooked up. You got suspicious and raised the issue with your Head, who politely instructed you to do what you were told, and he reminded you that the Department had revenue targets and was under pressure from the Ministry. After the meeting, you, on your own accord, did some digging and found out that the report was fraudulent and the mining activity that was about to start would lead to a massive environmental disaster which the State could not afford.\n(a) What are the issues and value violations you notice in the above case?\n(b) What are the options available to you?\n(c) Discuss the advantage and disadvantages of each option and identify your chosen course of action.\n(d) Do you think that environmental considerations are sometimes overrated at the cost of development? (Answer in 250 words) 20 marks","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"(a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\n(b) Do you think GAMA, as a corporate business, should think about business interests beyond national interests and international ethics? If yes, why? If no, why not?\n(c) Do you think a corporate's business dealings with a community close to its neighboring community have spread to the international community? If yes, why? If no, why not?\n(d) Do you think the defense sector companies marketing sensitive technology should be regulated by their respective governments or should their entrepreneurship and innovation be encouraged? Discuss. (Answer in 250 words) [20 marks]","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"11 (a) इस मामले में कौन-कौन से नैतिक और व्यावसायिक मुद्दे शामिल हैं?  \n(b) श्री शर्मा और सीईओ के पास कौन-कौन से विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?  \n(c) क्या आपको लगता है कि बिक्री कार्यबल को स्वतंत्रता देने की संगठनात्मक संस्कृति के कारण समस्या उत्पन्न हुई या व्यक्ति की भ्रष्ट प्रवृत्ति के कारण समस्या उत्पन्न हुई? स्पष्ट कीजिए।  \n(d) जैसा कि इस मामले में बताया गया है, ऐसे अनैतिक व्यवहार को रोकने के लिए कंपनी कौन-से नैतिक तंत्र और उपाय निर्माण और कार्यान्वित कर सकती है? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए) 20 अंक\na) इस मामले में कौन-कौन से नैतिक और व्यावसायिक मुद्दे शामिल हैं?\nb) श्री शर्मा और सीईओ के पास कौन-कौन से विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nc) क्या आपको लगता है कि बिक्री कार्यबल को स्वतंत्रता देने की संगठनात्मक संस्कृति के कारण समस्या उत्पन्न हुई या व्यक्ति की भ्रष्ट प्रवृत्ति के कारण समस्या उत्पन्न हुई? स्पष्ट कीजिए।\nd) जैसा कि इस मामले में बताया गया है, ऐसे अनैतिक व्यवहार को रोकने के लिए कंपनी कौन-से नैतिक तंत्र और उपाय निर्माण और कार्यान्वित कर सकती है?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":52,"question":"(a) What are the ethical and business issues involved in the case?  \n(b) What are the options available to Mr. Sharma and the CEO?  \n(c) Do you think the organizational culture of giving freedom to the sales force led to the issue or was the individual's corrupt nature that led to the problem? Discuss.  \n(d) What ethics mechanisms and steps can the company create and implement to prevent unethical behavior, as mentioned in the case? (Answer in 250 words) 20 marks","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":56,"question":"Singh Garh is a primarily rural district with minimal; relatively insignificant industrial activity, except for one consumer goods manufacturing plant, which was the primary source of employment. Development indicators such as health, literacy, etc., were much below the national average. Along with developmental issues, another grave concern was the slow rise in child marriages. Despite the legal sanctions, child marriage continued to rise unabated.\n(a) In the above case, who are the stakeholders involved?\n(b) What do you think Rashim should do? Should Rashim involve the local administration? What would be a good approach? Suggest an effective course of action.\n(c) Do you think companies should also take responsibility for social issues in the areas where they operate? If yes, why? If no, why not?\n(d) Why is the trade union so aggressive in its reaction? What could be the reasons? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"(a) What are the issues involved in the above case?  \n(b) What do you think Rashmi should do? Would it be a good idea for Rashmi to involve local administration? Suggest an implementable course of action.  \n(c) Do you think companies should also accept responsibility for the social problems of the region where they operate? Why/why not?  \n(d) What could be the reasons for such an aggressive reaction from the workers union? How do you think Rashmi should handle the workers union?  (Answer in 250 words) 20 marks","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":4520,"topper":"Mohan Lal","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Mohan-lal-UPSC-2023-Rank-53-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Where the roots of private virtue are diseased, the fruit of public probity cannot but be corrupt. What do you understand by probity? Discuss ways of inculcating probity in public life. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Evaluate the role of citizen's charter in making governance citizen centric. Also, recommend some measures to make citizen's charters more effective. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"While successful managers make profit for their organizations, it is leaders who build successful organizations. In light of this statement, differentiate between a manager and a leader. Examine why leadership is considered a foundational value for a civil servant. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Right to Information Act, 2005, aims to make the governance process transparent and accountable, however, the sunshine legislation is beset with several challenges. Analyse. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Uniform Civil Code (UCC) aims to create a common set of laws governing personal matters, such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption, irrespective of individuals' religious affiliations. In the context of the ongoing discourse on UCC in India, examine the challenges that arise when attempting to reconcile legal principles with diverse moral considerations. To what extent should the law be influenced by moral/religious principles? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"\"Why should a man be moral? Because it strengthens his will.\" - Swami Vivekanand. In this perspective, discuss the significance of morality for bringing efficiency and effectiveness in public administration. Do you think moral rigidity can be a hindrance in good governance? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Civil servants who embody emotional intelligence exhibit a profound understanding of the human aspect of governance, enabling them to cultivate meaningful relationships, foster cooperation, and drive positive change. Examine ways in which Emotional Intelligence can be inculcated in civil servants. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The challenges posed by the corporate sector's impact on climate, environmental sustainability, and living conditions has highlighted the need for responsible and inclusive business practices. In this direction, the contemporary discourse on corporate governance is emphasizing the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. Evaluate the ESG framework in equipping the corporate world with the capabilities to fulfill its social roles and responsibilities. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What does each of the following quotation mean to you? a) \"Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom\" - Thomas Jefferson (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"When I do good, I feel good; when I do bad, I feel bad, and that is my religion\" - Abraham Lincoln. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"\"Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time.\" - Ruth Bader Ginsburg. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":51,"question":"Evaluate all the above courses of action and suggest the best course of action, giving your reasons for it. b) What according to you are the reasons behind poor work culture in public offices? Also, recommend measures to improve the same. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":56,"question":"You are the managing director of an upcoming advertising company which has made a name for itself in the market in a very short time. Varun is a star employee of your company who has consistently given good performance. Some of the most popular advertisements of the company, in recent times, have been an outcome of Varun's creative ideas. Since his joining, Varun has helped in almost doubling the revenues of the company, by bringing new clients and improving the brand equity of the company. You place high value in Varun's professional competence and are in the process of giving him a bigger responsibility in the company. However, you have been hearing rumours from various sections about the attitude of Varun towards his female colleagues. It has come to your notice that Varun is habitual of passing loose and lewd comments on the female employees of the company. Furthermore, Varun regularly sends indecent messages on phone to all the employees, including female workers. One day, Geetanjali, an employee working in Varun's team comes to you visibly disturbed. She complains to you about the repeated misbehaviour of Varun towards her. She informs you that Varun has on many occasions made undesirable physical advances towards her. She also tells that last evening before her shift was about to end, Varun called her in his cabin and tried to touch her inappropriately. She requests you to conduct an enquiry by the internal complaints committee (formed under POSH Act). She also tells you that in case appropriate action is not taken against Varun, she will be forced to resign from her position. You personally know Geetanjali as a dedicated and honest employee of the company. You are aware that she is the sole breadwinner of her family and has to support her teen-age brother and ailing mother. You also understand that unless the situation was really serious, Geetanjali would not have thought of resignation. On the other hand, an enquiry against Varun may affect the financial growth of the company. Also, you know that if Varun is fired for his actions, many big clients may leave the company. a) What are the ethical issues involved in this case study? b) Evaluate the different options available to you. In this situation, which option will you adopt and why? c) What steps will you take to ensure a safer workplace for women in your company? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":4521,"topper":"Mohan Lal","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Mohan-lal-UPSC-2023-Rank-53-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Ahimsa is not only the negative refusal to do harm, but also the positive doing of good. In this perspective, discuss the significance of 'ahimsa' in modern times. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Which famous personality has influenced you and why? In what ways have you emulated their example in your own life? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What does the following quotation mean to you? a) \"The greatest wealth is to live content with little\"-Plato (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"\"Whatever is begun in anger, ends in shame\"-Benjamin Franklin. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"\"Happiness is that state of consciousness which proceeds from the achievement of one's values\" - Ayn Rand. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Differentiate between the following: (10 marks, 150 words) (i) Attitude and Opinion. (ii) Emotions and feelings.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do you understand by emotional intelligence? Examine the importance of emotional intelligence in personal and professional life. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Political attitude has as much to do with society as with politics. Discuss with suitable illustrations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The influence of ethical principles on shaping socially responsible behavior is widely acknowledged. How do ethical values facilitate individuals in cultivating a proactive and constructive attitude towards fulfilling their social responsibilities? Can the subjective nature of ethical principles lead to divergent attitudes regarding social responsibility? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Through their actions, interactions, and teachings, schools have the power to mold the moral compass of the next generation. In this perspective, discuss the significance of value-based education in preparing the youth to address the contemporary challenges of society. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'situation ethics'? Critically analyze its strengths and weaknesses in making moral judgements. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Maintaining traditional bonds and familial relationships in an increasingly globalized world requires personal relationships to be governed by ethical principles. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":35,"question":"Naveen and Vinod, final year undergraduate students at ABC college of engineering, are close friends. Naveen has been a meritorious student and got appointed as the secretary of the training and placement cell, which has the mandate to oversee the campus placements of the students. Vinod, on the other hand, spent more time on leisure activities and paid less attention to his academic performance. However, the lackadaisical attitude of Vinod began to reflect on his grades. His poor performance in the majority of subjects meant that he had to complete some courses again, in order to graduate in time. As Vinod struggled to complete his extra courses, he barely had any time for anything else. The immense fatigue was also evident from his deteriorating physical and psychological health. Around this time the campus placement in the ABC college had started. While all other students were preparing for the recruitment tests, Vinod had barely any time for the same. Vinod's parents, who had taken loan for Vinod's education, are expecting Vinod to get a good job. The guilt of wasting his college years and letting down his poor parents was becoming unbearable for Vinod, as a result of which he had a nervous breakdown. Naveen, who in his capacity as secretary of training and placement cell, was busy organising the recruitment drive, was aware that the chances of Vinod getting recruited were very slim. He also knew that Vinod was repenting in true sense and working very hard to complete his courses, despite his deteriorating emotional health. Naveen was afraid that if Vinod did not get a job, he may take some extreme step. Naveen has in his possession the question paper for the recruitment test to be held next week. Vinod had in the past requested Naveen to help him in any way possible to get a decent job. While Naveen 'snows that sharing the questions with Vinod may help him get through the exam, it would be ethically incorrect. Now, Naveen is in a dilemma over the course of action he should take. a) What are the ethical dilemmas before Naveen in this case? b) Identify and evaluate the various courses of actions available before Naveen. If you were in Naveen's shoes, which course of action would you choose and why? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":4522,"topper":"Mohan Lal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/288b1-356415_1420_mohan_lal_rank_53.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Man is not only a product of his environment but can also modify the environment. Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer with suitable examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Though it may seem that accountability and efficiency are antithetical to each other, accountability is a sine qua non for good governance. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Gandhian ideals can be of immense help in dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic. Evaluate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"While civil servants have the legal right to undertake post-retirement jobs, it raises key ethical issues. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) Try not to become a man of success but rather try to become a man of value. Albert Einstein (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"When people use a common resource without a coordinated plan the result is often a tragedy of the commons in which the resource is depleted. In this context, discuss the various ethical challenges arising out of utilization of Global Commons. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"While a code of conduct merely establishes minimal standards of conduct, a better strategy to promote ethical work culture is through internalization of values. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"A state that does not have the political will and the discipline to enforce probity in governance, can not get rid of the menace of prolonged corruption. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"India cannot march successfully in to the 21st century with the administrative system having a colonial mindset. Discuss in context of the bureaucratic work culture in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Which corporate leader has inspired you the most and what moral lessons have you learnt from their life? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Increasing participation of people in governance and easy access to information is what transforms governance to good governance. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"It is sometimes believed that moral scrupulousness in one's private life automatically guarantees high moral stature in professional life. Do you agree? Justify your stand with logical arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You are working as a District Magistrate in an aspirational district where women literacy and sex ratio is one of the lowest in the country. It is brought to your notice that a woman who has been elected as 'Sarpanch' on a seat reserved for women candidates in a panchayat in your district is head 'only on the paper'. All the work related to the panchayat is actually carried out by her husband. Even the flag hoisting ceremony on Independence Day is carried out by her husband. However, her husband happens to be a good administrator as indicated by that panchayat's performance on various developmental parameters as compared to other panchayats in the district. Also, her husband enjoys the support of the local people. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders and issues involved in this case? (b) What options are available to you as the District Magistrate in such a scenario? Also, evaluate each option and indicate what option will you choose.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"As the head of the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), you are tasked to complete the construction of a power plant. The project needs to be completed expeditiously to fulfil the promise made by the government to ensure access to power for all. The selected site is in a remote area and is ideal for plant construction. However, the project would require relocation of the people living in the vicinity: Initially, the local community objected to disruption in their lives but were convinced later about the economic benefits that would accrue to the region through this plant. The project had started gathering pace, but recently a local NGO working for environment protection got involved with the local community regarding the issue. And now the local community has started protesting against any developmental activity in the region. As the officer-in-charge for the speedy execution of the project, answer the following: (a) What are the issues involved in this case? (b) What course of action will you take and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"Genetic editing has several applications with its potential to edit the genomes of both somatic and germ cells. This allows for the ability to not only cure genetic diseases but to edit the characteristics of future offspring. The last few years have seen the development of several efficient, more precise genetic engineering techniques. However, with growing sophistication, various issues of bioethics have also come to the forefront. (a) Discuss the ethical considerations associated with genome editing. (b) In the light of these ethical issues, provide an ethical framework on how this technology can be used for the betterment of humanity.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4523,"topper":"Mohan Lal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/acdbe-356415_2425_mohan_lal_rank_53.pdf","questions":[{"page":20,"question":"Wealthy CEOs and founders of successful businesses around the world are increasingly pledging to give away their wealth in philanthropy. Do you think that such a move is sufficient enough to bring about a positive change in the society? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"As organizations across the globe begin their artificial intelligence (AI) transformation, the leap into the AI era is expected to be more challenging than any technology that businesses have grappled with yet. In this background, discuss the concerns around fairness, transparency, and job security that may arise. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The emphasis of Swami Dayanand Saraswati on education, social equality, and ethical values continues to influence the socio-cultural discourse in contemporary India. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Emotional intelligence may not be singularly associated with emotions or intelligence. It can also include a broad range of personality characteristics that might predict success in professional and everyday life. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Traditional forms of state-led accountability, also characterised as vertical and horizontal channels of accountability, are increasingly found to be inadequate, and a myriad of multi-stakeholder and bottom-up citizen directed approaches have come to the fore, to supplement or supplant them. Discuss with illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":33,"question":"With reference to this case study, answer the following: (a) What are the issues involved in this case? (b) What measures can be taken to minimize the negative implications of adopting such technologies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"In the given situation: (a) What dilemmas does Rina face? (b) What options does she have? Provide the merits and demerits of each. (c) Highlight the course of action she should adopt, along with justification for the same. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Additionally, companies like BMW, Volvo, Google and Korean battery maker Samsung SDI, vowed in a statement to not buy metals produced from deep-sea mining until the environmental risks of the activity are “comprehensively understood.” In the context of the above-stated information, address the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the given case study? (b) How can the vision of economic development of a nation be achieved without adversely affecting the sustainability of oceans? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4524,"topper":"Mohan Lal","air":53,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/34/air-53-mohan-lal__test-4_gs4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4525,"topper":"MOHAN MANGAWA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ec1a7-1165756_2488_mohan_mangawa_rank_551.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"A mind all logic is like a knife all blade, it makes the hand bleed that uses it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"History is a cyclic poem written by time upon the memories of man.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The wise man does at once what the fool does finally.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Perfect clarity would profit the intellect but damage the will.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4526,"topper":"MOHAN MANGAWA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4b3be-1165756_2220_mohan_mangawa_rank_551.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The logic of limitless wealth lies in the basic human instinct for furthering self-interest in the form of profit. In this context, do you think there is a possibility of pursuing ethical capitalism? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"If a law is unjust, a man is not only right to disobey it, he is obligated to do so. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The capacity of Citizens' Charter to initiate any transformative process is conditioned upon it being appropriately designed and effectively executed. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The moral fiber and ethical conduct of public officials not only influence the standard of governance but also their own interests and performance. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The ongoing debate on euthanasia poses several ethical questions. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree with the view that it is nature and not nurture which determines the emotional intelligence of a person? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Values that guide public administrators can often compete with each other, owing to their relative importance to the larger public interest. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Is it justifiable to say that corruption is a social phenomenon? What are the various ways through which administrative corruption can be tackled? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":47,"question":"Mr. X is a billionaire businessman who heads a conglomerate engaged in insurance, energy generation and distribution, and manufacturing. Despite being globally known as a great philanthropist, he turned down a shareholder request seeking the disclosure of the conglomerate's actions on issues related to climate change as well as diversity and inclusion. Because of increased attention to climate and diversity issues, many leading firms have committed themselves to incorporate relevant considerations in their business strategies. Therefore, some industry-observors wonder if Mr. X is out of touch with the industry at large and have warned him that failing to address climate change issues puts his businesses under systemic risk. But, Mr. X maintained his vote against the disclosure proposal, while at the same time acknowledged the importance of both climate change and a diverse and inclusive work force. However, Mr. X believes that such ethical issues take secondary importance to maximising shareholder profit. (a) Discuss the importance of including climate change strategies and diversity and inclusion in a business organisation? (b) In your opinion, what matters more for a business organisation - socio-environmental concerns or shareholder profit? (c) How can the two above-mentioned issues be reconciled? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"The Indian education system suffers from many ills. One of the major issues is the focus on 'rote learning', which has been the staple of the Indian education system for many years. While many Indians have attained success despite this system, simply being able to recall information is not enough in today's world when that information is instantly available to anyone on a mobile phone. A survey of 200 Indian and foreign companies found that only 14% of Indian graduates were prepared for the workforce, largely because most graduates were unable to apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the consequences of 'rote learning' on the educational development of young students in the country? (b) Suggest measures that can be taken to address this issue. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4527,"topper":"MOHAN MANGAWA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b89aa-1165756_2425_mohan_mangawa_rank_551.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"For effective corporate governance to take place in the coming years, why is it important to integrate the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics with the multi-stakeholder approach? What benefits can be accrued by such integration? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In acts of corruption, the focus is often only on the demand side of the equation, on public officials who abuse their office for private gain. Frequently, the supply side is given less attention. Those who pay bribes are sometimes depicted as innocent parties and victims of extortionary practices of wily public servants. Do you agree that 'collusive corruption', in which there is a willing bribe-giver, is a formidable challenge for institutions fighting corruption? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Citizens' Charters initiative was a response to the quest for solving the problems, which a citizen encountered, day in and day out, while dealing with the organisations providing public services. But the introduction and implementation of Citizens' Charters in the government of India has been difficult due to the old bureaucratic set up and the rigid attitudes of the work force. Discuss the major obstacles that have been encountered in implementing the Citizens' Charter initiative. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Quality of public service delivery is a major determinant of the quality of life of vulnerable sections in a highly unequal society divided along the lines of class, caste, religion, etc. In this background, do you think that public service delivery is efficient and sufficient enough to improve the lives of vulnerable groups in India? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own.\" - Lao Tzu (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"If ethics are poor at the top, that behavior is copied down through the organization.\" - Robert Noyce (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"The end of law is not to abolish or restrain, but to preserve and enlarge freedom.\" - John Locke (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Wealthy CEOs and founders of successful businesses around the world are increasingly pledging to give away their wealth in philanthropy. Do you think that such a move is sufficient enough to bring about a positive change in the society? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"As organizations across the globe begin their artificial intelligence (AI) transformation, the leap into the AI era is expected to be more challenging than any technology that businesses have grappled with yet. In this background, discuss the concerns around fairness, transparency, and job security that may arise. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The emphasis of Swami Dayanand Saraswati on education, social equality, and ethical values continues to influence the socio-cultural discourse in contemporary India. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Emotional intelligence may not be singularly associated with emotions or intelligence. It can also include a broad range of personality characteristics that might predict success in professional and everyday life. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Traditional forms of state-led accountability, also characterised by vertical and horizontal channels of accountability, are increasingly found to be inadequate, and a myriad of multi-stakeholder and bottom-up citizen directed approaches have come to the fore, to supplement or supplant them. Discuss with illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"In a metropolitan city of India, the law enforcement authorities decided to adopt facial recognition technology to improve their crime-fighting capabilities. They implemented a facial recognition system that integrated with existing surveillance cameras across the city, allowing real-time identification and tracking of individuals. The system was intended to assist in identifying known criminals, missing persons, and suspects in ongoing investigations. One evening, a woman reported a mugging incident where the perpetrator wore a hoodie, obscuring most of his face. The victim provided a vague description to the police, and based on that information, the authorities decided to use facial recognition to locate potential suspects. The system scanned through hours of surveillance footage from various locations near the crime scene. The facial recognition algorithm generated a list of potential matches, and one individual's image stood out as a close match to the description provided by the victim. The police considered this individual a prime suspect and proceeded with his arrest. Subsequently, it was discovered that the arrested person was innocent. Further investigation revealed that the facial recognition system had misidentified the innocent individual due to the limitations of the technology and the partial description provided by the victim. The police released the arrested individual; still his reputation got tarnished for life. He, along with his family, was evicted from their current place of residence. The psychological impact of the incident has been tremendous owing to which his job is also on the line. With reference to this case study, answer the following: (a) What are the issues involved in this case? (b) What measures can be taken to minimize the negative implications of adopting such technologies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"With reference to this case study, answer the following: (a) What are the issues involved in this case? (b) What measures can be taken to minimize the negative implications of adopting such technologies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Rina and her friends from the college were working as interns with a company for the last few months. On completion of their internship, some of them, including Rina, have been offered full-time jobs in the company. Being a reputed company, she and her friends accepted the offer. Rina is enthusiastic about her new job and has even established good relationship with some of her company co-workers during her internship. However, during her tenure as an intern, Rina had begun to notice that one of the Vice-Presidents (VPs) of the company was giving her too much attention. He used to make an extra effort to stop by Rina's cubicle and chat, something he was not doing with any of the other interns. He had even tried to connect with Rina over social networking sites. Some of her co-interns also noticed this and began to make offhand comments to Rina about the extra attention being given by the VP. Now that she was has been hired for a full time position, she is fearful that she might have to work with this VP directly. While he has not done or said anything explicitly inappropriate, the extra attention and the fact that her co-workers noticed it, made her very uncomfortable and undermined her concentration at work. The company encourages an open and friendly atmosphere and when she was hired, it was communicated to her that she should always speak to her Manager whenever faced with any uncomfortable work related issues. However, she is concerned to speak about it officially, as the VP has explicitly not done anything wrong. In the given situation: (a) What dilemmas does Rina face? (b) What options does she have? Provide the merits and demerits of each. (c) Highlight the course of action she should adopt, along with justification for the same. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"You have recently been posted as a Nodal Education Officer in one of the districts, where mass cheating in examinations is a regular phenomenon. Media reports have shown parents and relatives scaling school walls and buildings to pass answer chits to students taking secondary school examinations in the district. Moreover, with the advent of new technological devices, cheating in examinations has become more sophisticated and exam rules are flouted openly. On investigation, it has come to your notice that these rackets are run by many school authorities, including exam invigilators who are mostly teachers, and they are hand in glove for profits. With a shortage of staff, invigilators threaten go on mass strikes if any action is taken. Conducting the exams, cancelling them on account of cheating and having re-exams are a loss of time and money for the government and this vicious cycle goes on. As the Nodal Education Officer of the district, address the following questions: (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (b) How will you resolve the issues in the given case? (c) What long-term strategy needs to be adopted to deal with the menace of cheating in various examinations? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Many proponents of deep-sea drilling argue that tapping into the vast amount of rare earth elements in the Indian Ocean will help shore up national security interests for India, bolster its economy and workforce, and offer a reliable supply of strategic minerals. Keeping this in mind, the government has approved a $540-million programme to study ways of mining nickel, cobalt, manganese and iron hydroxide from the bed of the Indian Ocean 6,000 meters below sea level. The government argues that the project can power India's growth for 100 years. It will also study climate change, explore marine flora and fauna and harness thermal energy. However, a competing point of view alleges that deep ocean drilling poses immense risk to the environment. A comprehensive report on Sustainable Ocean Economy by independent geologists states that \"until the need for, and potential consequences of, deep-sea mining are better understood, the concept is conceptually difficult to align with the definition of a sustainable ocean economy and raises various environmental, legal and governance challenges, as well as possible conflicts with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.\" It also highlights that the profitability of national mining operations, without governmental support or comparably low taxes, remains questionable. If the operations are profitable, it will also raise questions about the equitable distribution of benefits from resources derived from the common heritage of mankind. Additionally, companies like BMW, Volvo, Google and Korean battery maker Samsung SDI, vowed in a statement to not buy metals produced from deep-sea mining until the environmental risks of the activity are \"comprehensively understood.\" In the context of the above-stated information, address the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the given case study? (b) How can the vision of economic development of a nation be achieved without adversely affecting the sustainability of oceans? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Additionally, companies like BMW, Volvo, Google and Korean battery maker Samsung SDI, vowed in a statement to not buy metals produced from deep-sea mining until the environmental risks of the activity are \"comprehensively understood.\" In the context of the above-stated information, address the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the given case study? (b) How can the vision of economic development of a nation be achieved without adversely affecting the sustainability of oceans? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4528,"topper":"MOHD ASHFAQ","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/48f94f4c58dc4d501f6f42102607e751/24/mt23rcapa040_tc701.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"If you look into someone's face long enough, eventually you feel that you are looking into yourself.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"It is the province of knowledge to speak and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Drop the question what tomorrow may bring, and count as profit every day that fate allows you.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Truth, like a torch, the more it is shook, it shines.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Art is I; science is We.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Only the dead have seen the end of the war.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Act as if it were impossible to fail.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4529,"topper":"MOHD ASHFAQ","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/48f94f4c58dc4d501f6f42102607e751/23/mt23rcapa040_702.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"You can't serve data on a hungry man's plate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"AI is overcoming our mental limitation but not expanding our mental horizon.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"We are using environment for politics, not politics for environment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"The worst form of inequality is to try to make unequal things equal.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Existence is a science, living is an art.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"If the truth shall kill them, let them die.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"The only way to go beyond things, is to go through them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Dream for the best. Be prepared for the worst. Enjoy life in between.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4530,"topper":"MOHD ASHFAQ","air":770,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/05e79e85886db31c562f8e2fb26b6867/6/_essay_test_1__mohd-ashfaq-uc.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4531,"topper":"MOHD ASHFAQ","air":770,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/420/mt23rcapa040_tc703-test-01-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4532,"topper":"MOHD ASHFAQ","air":770,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/424/mt23rcapa040_tc707-test-05-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4533,"topper":"MOHD ASHFAQ","air":770,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/421/mt23rcapa040_tc704-test-02-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4534,"topper":"MOHD ASHFAQ","air":770,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/425/mt23rcapa040_tc708-test-06-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4535,"topper":"MOHD ASHFAQ","air":770,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/422/mt23rcapa040_tc705-test-03-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4536,"topper":"MOHD ASHFAQ","air":770,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/423/mt23rcapa040_tc706-test-04-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4537,"topper":"MOHD ASHFAQ","air":770,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Economics","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/05e79e85886db31c562f8e2fb26b6867/5/_economics_optional_1-mohd-ashfaq-uc.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4538,"topper":"MOHD ASHFAQ","air":770,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Economics","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/05e79e85886db31c562f8e2fb26b6867/10/eco_test-1_mohd-ashfaq-uc.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4539,"topper":"MOHD ASHFAQ","air":770,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Economics","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/05e79e85886db31c562f8e2fb26b6867/11/eco_test-2_mohd-ashfaq_-uc.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4540,"topper":"MOHD ASHFAQ","air":770,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Economics","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/05e79e85886db31c562f8e2fb26b6867/12/eco-test-2_mohd_ashfaq_-mt22eco1n027-_14-8-2022-uc.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4541,"topper":"MOHD ASHFAQ","air":770,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Economics","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/05e79e85886db31c562f8e2fb26b6867/8/eco-test-6-mohd-ashfaq-2023-uc.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4542,"topper":"MOHD ASHFAQ","air":770,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Economics","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/05e79e85886db31c562f8e2fb26b6867/9/eco_test_7-mohd-ashfaq-2023-uc.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4543,"topper":"MOHD ASHFAQ","air":770,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Economics","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/05e79e85886db31c562f8e2fb26b6867/7/eco-paper-2-test-8_mohd-ashfaq-2023-uc.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4544,"topper":"MOHD ASHFAQ","air":770,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/414/mt23rcapa040_tc703-test-01-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4545,"topper":"MOHD ASHFAQ","air":770,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/415/mt23rcapa040_tc704-test-02-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4546,"topper":"MOHD ASHFAQ","air":770,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/416/mt23rcapa040_tc705-test-03-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4547,"topper":"MOHD ASHFAQ","air":770,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/417/mt23rcapa040_tc706-test-04-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4548,"topper":"MOHD ASHFAQ","air":770,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/418/mt23rcapa040_tc707-test-05-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4549,"topper":"MOHD ASHFAQ","air":770,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/022c58f3f0988adf83a584c53e9d0ac5/419/mt23rcapa040_tc708-test-06-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4550,"topper":"Mohit","air":58,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1o6_gMDz3iHUlTC1z5r6tfQJvGciigija/view","questions":[]},{"id":4551,"topper":"Mohit","air":58,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1o2LJY2A267Q0D26C0r6lQoXSEaKndI4G/view","questions":[]},{"id":4552,"topper":"Mohit Aggarwal Nadbaiwalla","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8b42d-162127_2928_mohit-aggarwal-nadbaiwalla_rank_281.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How does tribal art provide valuable insights into the cultural perspectives and values of Indian tribal communities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What are the key factors that accelerated decolonization post-World War II? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How does human encroachment impact water bodies in urban areas? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How do physical geographical features influence the development and operation of transportation systems? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How are ocean trenches formed? Describe the significant characteristics of these oceanic relief formations. (Answer in 150words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Identify the reasons behind increasing number of extreme rainfall events throughout India in recent times. Assess their socio-economic impact. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"India is expected to have the largest working-age population in the world by 2030 and it cannot afford low participation of women in the workforce anymore. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Do you agree that there has been a progressive secularization of caste in India? Support your view with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Why is inequality increasing in India despite the fall in overall poverty? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"How did the competitive and hostile dynamic between Brahminism and Buddhism over funding, followers, and ideology mark the decline of Buddhism? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"European travellers' accounts in the medieval period have played an important role in shaping our understanding of the empires and people of that period in India. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The British victory in the Battle of Plassey in 1757 not just changed the course of Indian history but also that of the world. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Why was it more difficult to rehabilitate refugees in West Bengal as compared to Punjab after partition? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss the economic and social costs associated with the transition from coal to green energy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Explain the process of formation of volcanic calderas. How do they contribute to the scenic beauty of the region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the reasons behind the increased frequency and intensity of heat waves globally? How will it impact global food security? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India's approach to secularism does not merely challenge inter-religious domination but intra-religious domination as well. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Do you agree with the view that Indian cities are turning into landscapes of stark inequality and social exclusion? What steps can be taken to make urban areas more egalitarian in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4553,"topper":"Mohit Aggarwal Nadbaiwalla","air":281,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/5/mts_2025_unchecked_cava25ecl1169_anv2501.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4554,"topper":"Mohit Aggarwal Nadbaiwalla","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/7/mts_2024_unchecked_cava25ecl1169_gat2501.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"In the era of global value chains and increased economic interdependence does Make in India hold relevance? How is it different from previous policies enacted to promote the manufacturing sector in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":3,"question":"Analyze the implications of the political and economic instability in Bangladesh on India's foreign policy in the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":3,"question":"What is Digital Agriculture mission and its main components? Discuss the significance of this mission in modernizing Indian agriculture and making it sustainable. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":3,"question":"While the QUAD is widely viewed as a mechanism to balance China's growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region, its focus has broadened from purely security concerns to addressing a wide range of global issues. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":3,"question":"How do the objectives of white revolution 2.0 differ from earlier white revolution? What are the challenges faced by the Indian dairy industry that necessitated White Revolution 2.0 and how does this program aim to overcome these challenges? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":3,"question":"\"UN can't build a future for our grandchildren with the institutions of our grandparents\". Discuss various issues plaguing the UN and suggest necessary measures needed to ensure the UN can respond to emerging challenges. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":3,"question":"Despite numerous judgements, committee recommendations and laws, many problems still plague Indian prisons. Highlighting the need for prison reforms in India, suggest a way forward. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":3,"question":"The guarantee of equality in the constitution entails parity of treatment under parity of conditions but not sameness. In light of this statement discuss the permissibility of Sub-classification in reservations as per Article 14 and various judicial pronouncements. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":3,"question":"How has the contemporary women's movement encompassed diverse approaches beyond traditional methods? Also, highlights the unique contributions and challenges of the contemporary women's movement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":9,"question":"What factors have hindered the effective outreach of POSH to women employed in the unorganized sector? Propose strategies to bridge this gap to ensure comprehensive protection of women in the unorganized sector against workplace harassment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":4555,"topper":"Mohit Aggarwal Nadbaiwalla","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/cc80e7c81f00eaa4f15f78533b4a4ad5/8/mts_2025_unchecked_cava25ecl1169_anv2502.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Socialistic ideals and secularism are core features of the Basic Structure doctrine in India. In this context, discuss how judicial decisions have cemented these principles as the cornerstone of constitutional identity. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"There is a need to expand the scope of 'corrupt practices' under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, to address emerging forms of electoral malpractices.\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Analyse the distinguishing perspectives on equality as reflected in the constitutional frameworks of India and France. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The shrinking effective share of States in the Union's gross tax revenues, coupled with equity-heavy criteria in horizontal devolution, raises critical concerns for fiscal federalism in India. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"Citizenship is the legal foundation of constitutional rights and responsibilities.\" Discuss how India's approach to citizenship reflects its commitment to constitutional values. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Declining fertility rates, coupled with rising life expectancy, require a shift from fertility-focused interventions to human capital investments. Examine in the light of recent population trends. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The quality of governance is critically linked to the extent and nature of citizen participation in democratic processes. Discuss using examples in the Indian context. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Low alignment between educational outcomes and market needs can widen social and economic inequalities. Examine this statement in the context of India's skills ecosystem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The weakening commitment of major powers to international health frameworks poses serious challenges to equitable global cooperation. Discuss in light of the U.S. withdrawal from the WHO and its implications for India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The ongoing conflict in West Asia has exposed the vulnerabilities of regional diplomacy. In this light, discuss the implications of the West Asian conflict for India's strategic autonomy and regional engagement. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"\"Department-related Standing Committees serve as the institutional backbone of legislative scrutiny, yet their potential remains underutilised.\" Critically analyse the challenges faced by Parliamentary Committees in ensuring executive accountability in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"\"President's Rule is a constitutional mechanism to deal with governance failure, not political convenience.\" Under what circumstances can President's Rule be imposed in a State? Discuss the constitutional safeguards and judicial verdicts associated with it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"The recently released Devolution Index reveals wide variation in the performance of States in empowering Panchayati Raj Institutions. While explaining the reasons behind this variation, discuss the role of capacity-building initiatives in enabling PRIs to fulfil their constitutional mandate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"\"In the evolving constitutional and political landscape, the effectiveness of statutory commissions depends on their structural autonomy and independence.\" Discuss in the context of the growing demand for constitutional status for statutory commissions like the National Commission for Women (NCW) and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"\"An independent judiciary is essential for upholding constitutional values, but it must also remain accountable to preserve public trust.\" Discuss in the context of recent issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Institutional autonomy of sectoral regulators is critical for ensuring credibility, transparency, and fair competition. In light of recent incidents, examine the issues pertaining to the independence and autonomy of regulatory bodies in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"How far do you think a caste census is a necessary step toward realising the goals of social justice and equitable development, despite the administrative challenges it poses? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"\"The complexity of modern governance demands adaptive and dynamic administrative reforms.\" Evaluate the role of administrative reforms in improving efficiency, transparency and responsiveness in Indian governance. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"\"The trajectory of India-China relations in the last 75 years reflects a balance between pragmatic cooperation and unresolved strategic tensions. Discuss the contours of this evolving policy and highlight the measures India should take to counterbalance asymmetries with China. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"The evolution of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) from a maritime security grouping to a multidimensional partnership reflects changing strategic realities in the Indo-Pacific. In this context, examine the opportunities and challenges that QUAD presents for India's regional aspirations and strategic autonomy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4556,"topper":"Mohit Aggarwal Nadbaiwalla","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4c201-162127_4511_mohit-aggarwal-nadbaiwalla_rank_281.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How does the Supreme Court's recent decision on Aligarh Muslim University's minority status affect the interpretation of Article 30 of the Indian Constitution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The Supreme Court, in a recent verdict, prescribed a time period for the Governor's assent to state legislative bills. What are the implications of this judgment for cooperative federalism and legislative accountability in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the recent changes and initiatives related to cooperatives that aim to smoothen the tussle between the Centre and States in the cooperative sector. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"In recent years, use of social media and digital mobilisation by civil society has emerged as a powerful form of pressure politics. Examine its impact on policymaking and democratic accountability. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) emerging as a business-led solution for addressing development challenges in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss how mechanisms like public consultations and Jan Sunwais in India impact governance outcomes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How effective have the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) and Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan been in addressing substance abuse in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Rote learning and neglect of creativity in foundational education setup in India make it less ready for marketplaces that are now driven by Artificial Intelligence. Do you agree with this view? Substantiate your argument. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Analyze the transformation of the G7 from a symbol of Western strategic unity to a forum marked by internal contradictions. How should India navigate this changing dynamic to advance its strategic interests? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the role of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in the development of developing countries. What are the key criticisms associated with its approach? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The 103rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019 has introduced a new dimension to the principle of affirmative action in India. Critically examine its implications for the broader goal of social justice. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The District Planning Committee (DPC) was envisioned as a key instrument to strengthen grassroots-level planning. How far has it succeeded in achieving this goal? Discuss the challenges faced by DPCs and suggest measures to make them more effective. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The restrictions imposed under Article 293 of the Constitution on State borrowing powers, though constitutionally valid, may hinder fiscal autonomy of States and disrupt cooperative federalism. Discuss in the light of recent developments. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Examine the tension between the right to contest elections and the need to uphold electoral ethics under the Representation of the People Act. Should there be a lifetime ban on convicted criminals? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"To what extent has the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme, launched in 2015, succeeded in addressing the declining child sex ratio and empowering the girl child? Suggest measures to enhance its impact at the grassroots level. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are emerging as vehicles of socio-economic transformation in rural India. Examine the role of government in scaling their reach and effectiveness. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India faces a paradox of food surplus and nutritional deficit. Analyse the structural reasons behind this paradox and suggest reform strategies. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India's timely response during the economic crises in Sri Lanka and the Maldives reflects its \"Neighbourhood First\" policy in action. Examine how Indian aid has impacted bilateral ties with these nations. What steps can further be taken to promote sustainable economic cooperation in the Indian Ocean region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Discuss the geostrategic significance of Afghanistan for India in the context of continental connectivity and access to Central Asia. How has the altered political landscape post-2021 affected India's connectivity and energy corridor ambitions? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4557,"topper":"Mohit Aggarwal Nadbaiwalla","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/11/mts_2025_unchecked_cava25ecl1169_anv2503.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"How far do you think the recent proposals to reform India's tax structure will help in improving India's tax buoyancy and base? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"How do the rising trends of economic nationalism and protectionism affect India's global trade competitiveness? What recent measures has India taken to navigate these challenges? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Examine the role of Integrated Farming System (IFM) in improving agricultural productivity and minimizing the environmental impact of agriculture. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"In recent years, Indian agriculture has been witnessing a transformation towards better productivity and improved farmer incomes. What institutional and structural reforms have been undertaken by the Government to make agriculture more rewarding and sustainable? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How do Air Defence systems work? What are the various air-defense systems that India currently possesses? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the potential of RNA editing in treating genetic disorders. What are its advantages over DNA editing? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Urban areas are more vulnerable to disasters due to unplanned growth and infrastructure collapses. Discuss. What strategies do you recommend to enhance urban resilience to such disasters? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Despite its criticality for the success of the Swachha Bharat Mission, solid waste management in India remains at a sub-optimal level. In this context, suggest long-term technological and institutional solutions towards effective solid-waste management. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"Social media has emerged as a new frontier in modern warfare, shaping narratives, influencing perceptions, and impacting national security\". In this context, analyse the role of social media in contemporary conflicts. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The Border Security Force (BSF) has evolved significantly in its jurisdiction as well as its strategic importance in border management and the internal security framework. Explain the role and mandate of BSF. What are the issues BSF faces while operating in the border States? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"India's growth story is marred by persistent challenges of inequality and the middle-income-trap. Discuss. Highlight the approaches India should follow to escape the middle-income trap and ensure inclusive and sustainable economic growth. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"MSMEs are central to the success of the Make in India initiative, yet they face challenges in scaling up and integrating into formal supply chains. Discuss. Suggest structural reforms needed to make MSMEs more resilient and competitive. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"\"The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) aims to achieve 'more crop per drop', yet irrigation efficiency in India remains suboptimal.\" Critically analyse. What reforms are needed to strengthen its implementation? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"The rising import of oilseeds and pulses has made their cultivation unremunerative. In the light of this statement, elucidate the steps needed to promote the production and consumption of oilseeds and pulses in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Explain the scientific principles behind cloud seeding. Highlighting its role in alleviating air pollution and global warming, discuss its potential limitations. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Give an account of the evolution of India's 3-Stage Nuclear Power Programme. What are the advantages and strategic imperatives of realising the thorium-based third stage? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Recent studies indicate that the 2014-2024 decade is the warmest decade and 2024 is the warmest year on record. In the light of rapid global warming, what are the impacts of climate change on biodiversity? Discuss the measures needed to ensure ecological resilience and conservation of species diversity. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Forest fires in India are increasing in frequency and intensity, posing severe ecological and economic challenges. Describe the various causes of forest fires. What measures are followed to prevent and manage forest fires in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"What are organized crimes? Discuss the linkages between organized crime and terrorism. How do such linkages pose internal security challenges to India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"India's north-eastern region is fraught with contentious issues and security challenges. Examine the various security challenges currently prevailing in the region. Discuss the steps to counter these challenges. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4558,"topper":"Mohit Aggarwal Nadbaiwalla","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c7a30-162127_4512_mohit-aggarwal-nadbaiwalla_rank_281.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Analyse the factors that have contributed to India's inclusive economic growth in the past decade. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The Reserve Bank of India's surplus transfers offer the government much-needed fiscal space, yet they are not without challenges. Critically examine the implications of the RBI's surplus transfers to the government. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"To what extent was the first National Monetization Pipeline (NMP) able to meet its objectives? What are the objectives of the new Asset Monetization Plan 2025-30 as announced in the recent 2025 Budget? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Examine the major challenges hindering the Indian textile industry from achieving its full potential in the global value chain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Why has India become increasingly import-dependent for edible oils despite being a major agricultural economy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Air accidents are low-frequency but high-impact events. Examine the disaster management protocols in place for aviation-related emergencies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Chemical pollution poses a grave threat to human health and the environment in India. Discuss the key sources contributing to pervasive chemical contamination and evaluate the effectiveness of existing environmental laws in curbing this problem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Missile defence systems are becoming critical for national security in the face of evolving regional threats and advanced weapon technologies. Explain the working principle of missile defence systems. Critically assess India's progress in developing indigenous missile defence capabilities. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Despite multiple resolutions and initiatives undertaken by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), its efforts to counter terrorism have achieved limited success. Discuss the reasons for this limited effectiveness. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"India practices a 'multi-alignment' approach in its cyber diplomacy. How does this posture strengthen India's internal security while maintaining strategic autonomy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While examining the shortcomings of the land reforms in the past, elaborate what land reforms 2.0 should look like. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"As NITI Aayog completes 10 years of its establishment, critically examine its role in the planning and development paradigm of governance in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What are the primary causes of limited formal credit penetration among the rural and unbanked populations in India? Comment on the effectiveness of Small Finance Banks in addressing this gap and advancing inclusive financial growth. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"To what extent has the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for the food processing industry facilitated value addition, employment generation, and global competitiveness in India's food processing industry? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Waste circularity is emerging as a sustainable solution to India's mounting solid waste crisis. Discuss the key principles of waste circularity and the government's initiative in this regard. How effective have these measures been in fostering a circular economy? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Discuss the importance of integrating traditional ecological knowledge of India's tribal communities with modern disaster management frameworks. Mention two examples where indigenous practices have contributed to disaster resilience. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"CRISPR technology has rapidly advanced in recent years, with new tools and clinical breakthroughs. Highlight the recent developments in CRISPR-based gene editing technology applications. Discuss the opportunities and ethical challenges these advancements present for healthcare and society. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"A credible semiconductor ecosystem is pivotal for India's economic security as much as for national security. Analyse the strategic objectives, incentives, and institutional architecture of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM). Identify the major risks that could derail its timelines. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Intricate inter-play of diverse factors has been the force multipliers for extremism in the North East. Discuss. Suggest a multilayered strategy to tackle the menace of extremism in this region. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Despite recent steps towards inducting women into combat roles, their participation remains low. Examine the key challenges impeding the greater inclusion of women in the Indian armed forces. Also, suggest suitable measures to enhance their participation. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4559,"topper":"Mohit Aggarwal Nadbaiwalla","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/20/mts_2025_unchecked_cava25ecl1169_anv2504.pdf","questions":[{"page":14,"question":"\"The heart of the ethical dilemma is not the absence of values but the presence of competing responsibilities.\" Discuss how ethical dilemmas in public administration often emerge from the clash of legitimate obligations rather than moral ambiguity. Illustrate with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"The growing layers of oversight, media scrutiny, and public expectations have made accountability a double-edged sword for public servants.\" Do you agree that excessive accountability pressure can sometimes hinder ethical judgment and innovation in the bureaucracy? Explain your perspective with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"Family, society, and education do not merely transmit values they shape the ethical foundation of public life.\" Discuss how these institutions influence value formation in public servants. Why is the role of these institutions critical in strengthening ethical governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"Gandhian ethics emphasize purity of means, truth, and moral courage even when outcomes are uncertain.\" Critically evaluate whether such absolutist ethics are compatible with the demands of modern public administration, where administrative realism and pragmatism are often necessary. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"Procurement decisions are a litmus test of public sector probity, where integrity must resist both institutional pressures and private influence.\" Discuss how the principles of transparency, fairness, and accountability can strengthen ethical conduct in public procurement. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"Attitudes, shaped by personal beliefs and values, influence the ethical behaviour of public servants.\" Explain how moral and political attitudes impact administrative neutrality and integrity in public service. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"\"Foreign aid is often framed as generosity, but its ethical legitimacy depends on fairness, accountability, and respect for sovereignty.\" Explain the ethical concerns associated with conditional foreign aid. How can donor countries uphold recipient autonomy while ensuring transparency and developmental impact? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":34,"question":"You are posted as the District Planning Officer in a newly restructured administrative zone. The state government has directed you to prepare a development expenditure plan for the coming year. Your role includes recommending discretionary allocations from the United Development Fund (UDF) about 20% of the total block-level budget. After extensive consultation with field officers and data review, your team prioritizes: • Water access and school infrastructure in several remote, underserved tribal hamlets, and • A major repair of a collapsing rural health centre serving five panchayats. However, two senior MLAs from urbanized parts of the district strongly push for: • Smart LED lighting, park beautification, and road tiling in their constituencies, projects with high visibility and electoral value. They warn that neglecting their proposals may \"delay coordination\" during implementation. You are told off-record that the projects were \"assumed to be cleared\" at the political level. Your superior hints that \"this isn't the year to provoke conflict,\" and advises you to \"strike a balance.\" At the same time, social media pages in rural areas are questioning whether the administration only serves the politically powerful. You must now submit the final plan balancing equity, visibility, fairness, and career risk. What you prioritize will set the tone for future planning cycles. 1. What are the ethical considerations involved in this budget allocation decision? 2. What are the options available to you as the District Planning Officer? 3. What would be your final recommendation, and how would you justify it? 4. How can administrators ensure equitable development while maintaining working relationships with elected representatives? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"You are posted as the Deputy Director (Training) at a state administrative academy. Among the current batch of officer trainees is a probationer known for initiative and strong opinions on social justice and governance. Over the past few weeks, the probationer has been posting commentary on current affairs on his public social media account. While not abusive or inflammatory, his posts openly criticise: * Certain welfare schemes as \"tokenistic,\" * The inaction of state agencies in recent communal incidents, * And call for \"civil resistance\" to regressive laws. Screenshots of his posts have circulated in the department. Some senior officers consider the posts politically charged and believe they undermine the principle of neutrality and decorum expected of civil servants. Others argue he is still under training and needs mentorship, not discipline. You are informally asked by the Director General to \"speak to him\" and submit a recommendation on whether formal action is warranted. The probationer, when confronted, says: \"I posted as a citizen, not as a government mouthpiece. I'm entitled to express myself. My views don't affect my professional objectivity.\" There's growing debate in the academy: Where does personal liberty end and institutional responsibility begin? Is there space for moral conviction in service, or must officers conform fully to institutional restraint even in their private lives?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"What are the key ethical and professional concerns in this situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"How can civil servants balance personal expression with the demands of neutrality and public accountability? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the key ethical issues in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"How can civil servants uphold integrity when informal hierarchies and peer pressure discourage ethical action? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"What are the ethical concerns involved in the allocation of CSR funds in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"How would you assess the competing pressures of organizational politics and public interest?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"What decision would you take, and how would you justify it ethically and professionally? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"What are the administrative and ethical issues involved in the case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"How can senior civil servants uphold neutrality and fairness in politically sensitive postings without inviting retaliation or appearing insubordinate? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":59,"question":"What are the core ethical challenges involved in executing the eviction in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":59,"question":"How should a public servant reconcile legal mandates with humanitarian obligations in contexts of informal urban settlements?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Several NGOs and urban policy experts point out that the land had remained vacant for decades, with no alternative use pursued or development plan executed until the recent PIL. They also raise concerns that no rehabilitation policy has been activated, despite a clear state commitment under its urban housing scheme. The situation is tense: • A local MLA supports immediate clearance citing \"respect for the rule of law and infrastructure development.\" • Media and civil society are sharply divided; some demand swift implementation, others condemn the potential humanitarian fallout. • Your team awaits instruction. Some suggest delaying until an in-principle rehabilitation commitment is secured. Others urge immediate compliance to \"avoid contempt.\" You are now faced with a critical choice: obeying the court order as is, or seeking space to align legal compliance with ethical obligations.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4560,"topper":"Mohit Agrawal","air":281,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Mohit-Aggarwal-NadbaiwallaUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-281-Sample-MGP-Copy-1-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Q.1) Aditya L1 mission is an important milestone as India's first space based solar observatory. Enlist the major scientific objectives and the challenges of the mission.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Q.2) Describe briefly what gene therapy is and what advantages it has over other treatments?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Q.3) With recent advances in technology, robots are now equipped to perform more than just conventional and routine tasks, which brings new opportunities as well as risks. In this context, evaluate the future potential of the robotics sector.","marks":"10","words":"750"},{"page":10,"question":"Q.4) Private participation in propelling India's space journey is widely acknowledged but is yet to be fully tapped. In light of the statement, analyse the hurdles faced by the private sector and also recommend measures to unlock greater private participation in the space economy.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Q.5) Write an explanatory note on the causes and impacts of avalanches. Also, highlight the various strategies to mitigate its impact, with a special emphasis on NDMA guidelines.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Q.6) Technology plays a multidimensional role in augmenting the disaster management apparatus of the country. Discuss. Also, bring out the measures needed to enhance the usage of such technologies in managing disasters.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Q.7) Discuss the natural and anthropogenic factors behind incidents of land subsidence. Suggest counter-measures to contain such incidents.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Q.8) Explain Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF). Also, discuss GLOF mitigation strategy with special reference to National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) guidelines.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Q.9) National security challenges require sufficiently addressing the concerns of human security. Explain and suggest reforms for the same.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Q.10) Outlining the various cyber threats faced by India, assess the state of the country's preparedness to deal with the same.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Q.11) Explain how the geographical location of India makes it extremely vulnerable to the menace of drug trafficking. What are the various internal security threats posed by drug trafficking?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Q.12) Discuss the socio-economic impact of new developments in science and technology in India since independence.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Q.13 5G technology is a breakthrough that finds applications across diverse sectors. Elaborate. How is 5G technology different from its predecessor? Also, list the various challenges associated with its effective rollout.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Q.14) Discuss the repercussions on marine ecosystem and economy resulting from the combined effects of ocean acidification, ocean warming, and oxygen loss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Q.15 The invisible nature of groundwater is a major obstacle in the path towards achieving the twin objectives of building climate resilience and meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Elucidate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Q.16) Describe the concept of loss and damage and evaluate its relevance in ensuring climate equity.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Q.17) What role does wetland play in expanding the framework of sustainable development? What are the challenges faced by wetland ecosystem? Discuss the corrective steps required for their effective conservation.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Q.18) Despite various efforts, a lasting solution to the insurgency in the north-eastern region of India remains elusive. Analyse the reasons behind the continuation of insurgency in the region. Also, suggest effective measures to tackle it.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Q.19) While developmental initiatives have a significant role to play, they alone cannot root out terrorism/militancy in Jammu and Kashmir. Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Q.20 What do you understand by theaterisation of commands? Enumerating the impediments in theaterisation for India's armed forces, discuss the role of Chief of Defence Staff in enhancing the effectiveness of India's external security response.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4561,"topper":"Mohit Agrawal","air":281,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Mohit-Aggarwal-NadbaiwallaUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-281-Sample-MGP-Copy-2-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) It is often said that politics and ethics belong to different worlds. What is your opinion in this regard? Justify your answer with illustration. Also, highlight the consequences of divergence between politics and ethics.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) \"Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.\" In the context of this statement, bring out the ethical issues involved with creating a surveillance state for the sake of national security.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) Family plays a prominent role in the value development of an individual. Elucidate. Also, examine the impact of the changing nature of families on children's moral development.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) Different individuals have different conceptions of patriotism. What does patriotism mean to you? Narrate in brief any two real-life incidents when you displayed patriotism","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) a) Moral behaviour is not only good for the community in which one is a part but also for the individuals who profess it. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) Discuss the important teachings of Swami Vivekananda. Bring out their relevance in the contemporary world.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.4) a) \"Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.\" Discuss the importance of emotional intelligence in self-realisation. Do you think emotional intelligence can be learned?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"b) What do you understand by environmental ethics? Examine the ethical concerns in 'phase-down versus phase out debate in the use of coal by developing countries.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.5) a) \"Two things define you: Your patience when you have nothing and your attitude when you have everything.\" What roles do attitude and patience play in the personal and professional lives of civil servants?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"b Gendered attitudes convert differences in sexes into discriminations. Examine the factors responsible for negative attitudes toward women in the Indian society. How can these attitudes be changed?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.6) What does each of the following quotation mean to you?\na) \"Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.\" - Mahatma Gandhi.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"b) \"The price good men pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men.\" - Plato.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"c) \"Whatever is begun in anger, ends in shame\" - Benjamin Franklin.","marks":"10","words":"10"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7) Prahlad is a climate conscious and responsible citizen, who left his well-paying job as a senior manager in a multinational company to start a small firm that would manufacture eco-friendly products. The motto of his company is \"no waste, all green\". His firm makes bio-degradable polymer which can be used as an alternative to plastic bags, bottles, plates etc. Prahlad thinks that this will promote a healthier environment and will have a positive impact on people's health. It will also help address the problem of climate change by reducing one's carbon footprint. For this to be achieved, he believes that not just products, but the process too should be less polluting. This is why, he invested heavily in non-polluting machinery. These machines are certified as \"green machines\". In fact, some of them were even imported from other countries. All of this has gained him a good reputation in the eyes of critics and environmentalists. But as the technology used in manufacturing these products is new, imported and expensive, the products made by Prahlad's firm is costlier than conventional plastic products. Prahlad has proved that his product is environmentally benign, but he was unable to scale up production because of he ran out of funds. Prahlad knows that if he could start manufacturing the polymer at a large scale and leverage economies of scale his product would become more price competitive to conventional plastics. Prahlad used last of his funds to publicize his product. Prahlad thought that with this publicity, raising funds from the market would be easy. Prahlad reached out to many investors, and they showed great interest in Prahlad's product. But none of them were willing to invest money in this product. They feared that this new product, being much expensive, would not be able to compete with the conventional plastic products. Prahlad's firm is also losing his existing customer who complain about very high cost of his products. Both Prahlad's prospective investors and past customers know that this technology is less polluting and environmentally benign and has a positive attitude towards it. But consumer concern and attitude about the environment does not readily translate into the purchase of environmentally friendly products. Academic research has also identified this gap between purchase intentions and behaviors. Prahlad knows that if he changes the production procedure, things can look better for the company on the financial front, but that can take away his reputation and will also be against his own beliefs. The only possible hope is to expand his consumer base, sell his products at full capacity and convince investors to invest in his eco-friendly venture to keep his green industry running. Consider yourself in Prahlad's position and answer the following questions:\na) How will you induce behavioral change to nudge people to move towards eco-friendly products?\nb) What factors will you have to consider while inspiring such a change?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"खुद को प्रहलाद की स्थिति में रखें और निम्नलिखित प्रश्नों के उत्तर दें:\na) आप लोगों को पर्यावरण-अनुकूल उत्पादों की ओर बढ़ने के लिए प्रेरित करने के लिए व्यवहार में बदलाव कैसे लाएंगे?\nb) इस तरह के बदलाव को प्रेरित करते समय आपको किन कारकों पर विचार करना होगा?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.8) A gaming website dedicated to chess has gained popularity in recent times due to its online lessons and tips for improving skills in the game. You have recently started playing chess at the platform. The platform provides you analysis of your games and suggests areas of improvement. The online lessons have helped you improve your game a lot over a very short time. You are amazed at the ability of competing with players of all levels of skills from across the world. While testing and improving your chess skills on the platform, you have made friendship and acquaintances with many competitive chess players from different parts of the world. Recently, you have been encountering racial, religious and stereotypical remarks during the games from the other players. Initially you ignored such things as childish tactics by an opponent to distract you from your gameplay. Later you would try to engage with such people to dispel stereotypes. But increasingly such experiences are making you sad and bitter. Now you block such people as you encounter them. What started as a fun and stimulating experience for you has become a source of negativity in your life. In your discussions with other people, you come to realize that they have also experienced similar racial and religious slurs, and many people have left the platform to avoid the abusive experience. You also sense that this is not an issue specific to this gaming website but is part of the generally seen behaviour on social media. You used to consider online trolling as harmless puns that could not create actual harm, but after experiencing its dark side as a victim you are realizing its negative impact. Given this information, what are your thoughts on the following:\na) How should one deal with the issues of on-line abuse such as in the case above? What options are available to you?\nb) What values should guide online behaviour? Do these values differ from values governing offline conduct?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"a) किसी को ऑनलाइन दुरुपयोग के मुद्दों से कैसे निपटना चाहिए, जैसा कि ऊपर के केस अध्ययन में है? आपके पास कौन से विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nb) ऑनलाइन व्यवहार को किन मूल्यों द्वारा निर्देशित किया जाना चाहिए? क्या ये मूल्य ऑफलाइन आचरण को नियंत्रित करने वाले मूल्यों से भिन्न हैं?","marks":null,"words":"20 अंक"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.9) You are working as Director (Human Resource) in a software company. Various factors such as economic slowdown in some of the major trade partners of India and disruptive technological changes like generative Artificial Intelligence require rapid adaptive measures from businesses to survive. The marketing department has reported that there is lack of demand for the services provided by your company in the market and business-as-usual scenario could spell doom for the company. Your company has decided to take a slew of measures to tread through a tough phase of the business which include technological rejuvenation of the company and streamlining the workforce. A significant number of employees in your organization are above fifty years of age and are finding it difficult to adapt to the new working conditions and the rapid upskilling required by the company. After proper training, the employees were subjected to a test, and a list was prepared of those who are above fifty years of age and who did not do well in the test. You have been told by the board of directors that they have plans to lay off approximately 25% of the employees. This is essential for the efficiency and survival of the company. You have been given a list of employees who are to be laid off and you have been told to communicate to them the decision of the company to terminate them.\n\nIn the above list, there is an employee who has been working in the company for twenty years. He is known for his discipline, integrity, and loyalty to the company. His financial situation is not good at present as he applied for personal loan a few months ago in order to meet the expenses of his ailing father who was hospitalized. He is sole breadwinner of the family and has two dependent daughters. Marriage of one of the daughters is scheduled for next month.\na) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\nb) As the head of the HR department, what ethical dilemma do you face?\nc) Do you think that the company's decision is appropriate? According to you what should have been the ideal course of action in the given scenario?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"a) उपरोक्त केस अध्ययन में नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\nb) मानव संसाधन विभाग के प्रमुख के रूप में, आपको किस नैतिक दुविधा का सामना करना पड़ता है?\nc) क्या आपको लगता है कि कंपनी का निर्णय उचित है? आपके अनुसार दिए गए परिदृश्य में कार्रवाई का आदर्श तरीका क्या होना चाहिए था?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.10 Mr. A is travelling by road with his family to attend a marriage ceremony. His grandfather, who is the head of the family, is also travelling with him. On the way to their destination, all of them stop at a roadside restaurant for lunch. This is a well-known restaurant owned by one of the friends of Mr. A. The place is known for its tasty and hygienic food.\n\nHowever, the grandfather notices a picture on the wall of the restaurant and enquires about the religion of the restaurant owner. Mr. A's friend belongs to a religion different from his grandfather's religion. The grandfather has a negative attitude towards the religion of Mr. A's friend, and he insists that he will not eat in that restaurant. He demands that the entire family leave the restaurant immediately, as they are travelling for a happy occasion and eating at this particular restaurant will pollute them. Mr. A tries to calm down his grandfather and explain to him that religion has nothing to do with purity or pollution. He also reasons that several travel magazines have rated the restaurant highly, especially for its superior hygiene standards. Also, he points out that there is no restaurant in the way for the next 100 km, and it will be difficult for all to make do without food for that long. However, his arguments fall on deaf ears, and more specifically, his grandfather admonishes him for bringing the family to the restaurant despite being aware of the religion of the owner. Mr. A's friend feels insulted and discriminated against due to his religion. Mr. A's father is upset but refuses to say anything out of respect for the grandfather. The entire family is embarrassed by the attitude of the grandfather, and they are getting ready to leave the restaurant. Mr. A is confused regarding how he should act in this situation.\na) What are the various ethical issues in the above case study?\nb) Imagine yourself in the place of Mr. A. Evaluate the different courses of action available to you. What is the most suitable course of action?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"a) and b) a) उपरोक्त केस अध्ययन में विभिन्न नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\nb) खुद को श्री A की जगह पर रखकर कल्पना कीजिए। दी गई विभिन्न कार्यवाही का मूल्यांकन कीजिए। सबसे उपयुक्त कार्यवाही क्या है? (20 अंक, 250 शब्द)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Q.11 On a cold and foggy night in December, Arun and Seema, both unknown to each other, boarded a train for Lucknow at the Delhi junction. Both were going to their home town on the weekend. It was supposed to be a routine train journey of 7-8 hours. Arun, a first-year graduate from a reputed institute in Delhi, aspires to join DRDO and make a career in the R&D field. Seema, a national-level volleyball player, had dreams of joining the paramilitary forces. Both checked their tickets and got comfortable in their respective seats in the coach S7.\nThe train gave the final horn and slowly started leaving the station. Amidst the chugging of the engine and the train wheels clacking on the tracks, both Arun and Seema fall asleep. But as fate would have it that night, a routine train journey turned out to be a nightmare for the passengers of coach S7, including Arun and Seema. The train was on its scheduled two-minute halt at an outskirt station when suddenly 4-5 robbers entered the coach S7. They asked all the passengers to hand over their valuables without any fuss. None of the passengers could gather the courage to confront them, as they had country-made pistols and sharp-edged weapons. But somehow, Arun and Seema mustered the courage and resisted the robbers. The robbers threatened them with dire consequences and asked them to comply with their command. But both remained adamant and even refused to hand over their valuables to the robbers. To teach them a lesson and set an example for the other passengers, both Arun and Seema were thrown out of the moving train. At that very moment, another train was approaching on the parallel track, and both were hit by it; Arun lost his right arm, Seema lost her left leg, and she had multiple fractures in the spinal cord.\nBoth met somewhat similar fates that night, but both faced the 'tragedy' that unfolded with them in a completely different manner. In spite of full support from his family, Arun lost all hope and got disenchanted with life. He couldn't accept the new reality and went into depression. Also, the thoughts of committing suicide would often come into his mind. Seema, on the other hand, after completing her treatment, decided to pursue her dreams. She was also encouraged by his family and friends to start a new life. She started training with a prosthetic leg and resumed playing volleyball. Not only this, she decided to push boundaries and chose mountaineering. And around two years later, she became the world's first female amputee to scale Mount Everest.\nThe stories of Arun and Seema highlight the importance of the adversity quotient. But it is also evident that different people possess different levels of adversity quotient. Based on your understanding of the above case study, answer the following:\na) Examine the importance of the adversity quotient in life, citing examples. How can the adversity quotient be developed?\nb) As a friend of Arun, what suggestions would you give to him to overcome the aftermath of the tragedy?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"a) उदाहरण देते हुए जीवन में प्रतिकूलता के महत्व की परिभाषा कीजिए। एडवर्सिटी कोषंट (AQ) को कैसे विकसित किया जा सकता है?\nb) अरुण के मित्र के रूप में, आप उसे संकट के बाद के परिणामों से उबरने के लिए क्या सुझाव देंगे?\na) उदाहरण देते हुए जीवन में प्रतिकूलता के महत्व की परिभाषा कीजिए। एडवर्सिटी कोषंट (AQ) को कैसे विकसित किया जा सकता है?\nb) अरुण के मित्र के रूप में, आप उसे संकट के बाद के परिणामों से उबरने के लिए क्या सुझाव देंगे?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":59,"question":"Q.12 Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, Purabkashi is a town located on the way to major pilgrimage destinations. The town is traversed by a section of the Panch-Dham Road Project, whose objective is to improve connectivity to the five major pilgrimage centers in the region. The project aims to develop and widen nearly 900 km of national highways in the Himalayas, making journeys to these centers safer, faster, and more convenient. The project is being constructed at a very high cost and is expected to boost tourism in the region and reduce road accidents occurring in the hilly region. The project is also important from a security point of view, as these roads can act as strategic feeder roads that connect the border with the Army camps in the nearby areas. The roads may facilitate quicker movement of troops and supplies and can serve as a strategic asset in connecting the border regions. However, from the conception stage of the project itself, various NGOs have raised several fault lines regarding its environmental sustainability. It has been noted that the project may destroy about 690 hectares of forests, and an estimated 20 million cubic meters of soil need to be removed. Experts raise concern that such a high-impact activity may aggravate erosion and destabilize the slopes. Large-scale uprooting of vegetation can prove to be perilous for biodiversity and regional ecology. Indiscriminate blasting during road construction creates cracks in soil and rocks that may enhance the possibility of landslides and associated disasters in the future. In 2018, the project was challenged in the Supreme Court by an NGO for its potential impact on the Himalayan ecology due to felling trees, cutting hills, and dumping excavated material. The Supreme Court then constituted a high-powered committee that warned against widening the road by 12 meters. It had suggested that the widening stay between 5.5 and 7 meters. However, this recommendation by independent experts was opposed by government officials and ultimately sidelined. The worst fears of the local and scientific communities came true when about 40 workers got trapped inside a tunnel after the under-construction tunnel structure collapsed in Purabkashi. Overnight, Purabkashi became the talk of the country. The project was awarded to the contractor, PQR Enterprises. Mr. Vinay Kumar, who has experience completing many such projects in the past, was appointed as Project Director, overseeing the smooth completion of the project and monitoring the contractor's work. Mr. Vinay is known for his honesty and dedication. Prior to the mishap, he had successfully overseen this project to meet its timeline. But after the mishap, the higher authorities are privately requesting the project director, Mr. Vinay, to take responsibility for the mishap. To manage the growing resentment in the locality and nationwide, he is being asked to step down as project director. But Mr. Vinay feels that he is being unfairly blamed. To alleviate the pressure from the public, he is being scapegoated. The project had issues right from the conception stage, given the ecological fragility of the region. Various ecological experts and geological scientists think that the incident has exposed not only the project's vulnerabilities but also the lapses in the safe tunnel construction mechanisms carried out, like the failure to construct an escape tunnel. Several experts have pointed out this incident as a warning for future disasters, as now questions have been raised about the fragility of the Himalayas in sustaining massive infrastructure projects like the Panch-Dham project. The government, despite many voices against the project, is treating the incident as an isolated incident and moving on with the further construction of the project. There is a protest happening in the state with a demand by the people to consider the project's environmental consequences and also the operations of the contractor, PQR Enterprises, in the particular project.\na) What are the various ethical issues involved in the above case study?\nb) As the head of the Panch-Dham Project, what are the options available to Mr. Vinay? Analyze the advantages and disadvantages of each.\nc) In your opinion, between the twin objectives of development and conservation, what should be given more priority and why?","marks":"20 marks, 250","words":"20"},{"page":61,"question":"a) उपरोक्त केस अध्ययन में शामिल विभिन्न नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\nb) पंच-धाम परियोजना के प्रमुख के रूप में, श्री विनय के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं? प्रत्येक के फायदे और नुकसान का विश्लेषण कीजिए\nc) आपकी राय में, विकास और संरक्षण के दोहरे उद्देश्यों के बीच, किसे अधिक प्राथमिकता दी जानी चाहिए और क्यों? (20 अंक, 250 शब्द)","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250"}]},{"id":4562,"topper":"Mohit Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/48f94f4c58dc4d501f6f42102607e751/28/aim24gcra017_tc033.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Gender Equality is not a \"women's issue\"-it's good for men too.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Is UCC, the unity that we aspire in our diversity?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Problems of 21st century are problems without passport.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"The more we are developing, the more unhealthy we are getting. Where does the real problem lie?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Is Internal Security always an Internal Challenge?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Sports, the toy of humanity","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Is Economy becoming the end rather than the means?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4563,"topper":"Mohit Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/48f94f4c58dc4d501f6f42102607e751/29/aim24gcra017_tc034.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"You can't serve data on a hungry man's plate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"AI is overcoming our mental limitation but not expanding our mental horizon.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"We are using environment for politics, not politics for environment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"The worst form of inequality is to try to make unequal things equal.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Existence is a science, living is an art.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"If the truth shall kill them, let them die.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"The only way to go beyond things, is to go through them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Dream for the best. Be prepared for the worst. Enjoy life in between.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4564,"topper":"Mohit Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/EC25RA013_TC001.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"War is merely the continuation of politics by other means.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Ecology is the permanent economy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"History is not the study of the past but the study of change.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Strategic thinking is the bridge between dreams and achievement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Life is a long lesson in humility.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Empathy is the antidote to shame.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Don't let someone else's opinion of you become your reality.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Information is the building block of reality.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4565,"topper":"Mohit Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/EC25RA013_TC003.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"The greatest deception men suffer is from their own opinions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"A truly gender equal society would be one, where everyone can be themselves.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Science is organised knowledge, wisdom is organised life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"I know not with what weapon World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"People travel by road or rail, economy travels on infrastructure.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"As you start to walk on the way, the way appears.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Everything that life teaches can be summed up in three words: it goes on.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4566,"topper":"Mohit Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/EC25RA013_TC002.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"To educate a man in mind and not in morals is to educate menace to society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"AI could be a good servant but a bad master.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Justice is the first virtue of social institutions, as truth is of systems of thought.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Water is the elixir of life, but fuel of discord.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Writing is the geometry of the soul.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Three rules of work: out of clutter find simplicity. From discord find harmony. In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"To live without, Hope is to cease to Live.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4567,"topper":"Mohit Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/48f94f4c58dc4d501f6f42102607e751/26/aim24gcra017_tc031.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"If you look into someone's face long enough, eventually you feel that you are looking into yourself.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"It is the province of knowledge to speak and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Drop the question what tomorrow may bring, and count as profit every day that fate allows you.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Truth, like a torch, the more it is shook, it shines.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Art is I; science is We.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Only the dead have seen the end of the war.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Act as if it were impossible to fail.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4568,"topper":"Mohit Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/48f94f4c58dc4d501f6f42102607e751/27/aim24gcra017_tc032.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Little strokes fell great oaks.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Judge a man by his questions rather than his answers.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Great principles, great ideals know no nationality.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"In struggling with misfortune lies the true proof of virtue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"The whole purpose of Education is to turn mirrors into windows.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"To dwell is to garden.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Reality is the shadow of ideas.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"We can not despair of humanity, since we ourselves are human beings.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4569,"topper":"Mohit Gupta","air":58,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/EC25RA013_TC005.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4570,"topper":"Mohit Gupta","air":192,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/48f94f4c58dc4d501f6f42102607e751/25/aim24gcra017_tc030.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4571,"topper":"Mohit Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/31/aim24gcra017_tc055-test-09gs-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Do you agree that Dr BR Ambedkar's view of the caste problem was more political than social? Also highlight his efforts aimed at social reform.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"How does oceanic salinity vary across different regions of the world's oceans, and what factors contribute to these variations?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"Explain the origin of Indian islands in the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"Examine the factors contributing to India's groundwater crisis, and its implications for agriculture and water security in the country.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"What are critical minerals, and how do they influence technological advancement and national security?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"How does fostering pluralism within Indian society contribute to the endeavour of nation-building?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"Discuss the changing nature of problems the working class is facing due to the emerging gig economy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"Homogenisation tendencies as a result of globalisation have in fact preserved and promoted the local cultures of India. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4572,"topper":"Mohit Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/748520c30390b56bbbd3f8693a3b3ea3/96/aim24gcra017_tc055-test-09gs-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Numerous foreign travellers have vividly documented their observations of the Vijayanagara Empire over time, offering valuable sources for reconstructing its history. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Adi Shankaracharya had a profound role in uniting seemingly irreconcilable worldviews of thought. In this context discuss his philosophical thought and its lasting impact on Indian philosophy. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Do you agree that Dr BR Ambedkar's view of the caste problem was more political than social? Also highlight his efforts aimed at social reform. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How does oceanic salinity vary across different regions of the world's oceans, and what factors contribute to these variations? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Explain the origin of Indian islands in the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Examine the factors contributing to India's groundwater crisis, and its implications for agriculture and water security in the country. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What are critical minerals and how do they influence technological advancement and national security? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"How does fostering pluralism within Indian society contribute to the endeavour of nation-building? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the changing nature of problems the working class is facing due to the emerging gig economy. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Homogenisation tendencies as a result of globalisation have in fact preserved and promoted the local cultures of India. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What are the circumstances that led to the disintegration of the USSR and the end of the Cold War? How did the end of the cold war contribute to the spread of Globalization across the world? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"How did the enduring legacy of the Harappan Civilization leave a mark on the evolution of Indian culture, even after its sudden decline? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"How did Mahatma Gandhi's participation in the Khilafat Movement illustrate his ability to connect diverse issues and mobilize different communities towards a common cause? To what extent did the Khilafat movement achieve its objective? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"How is Transit Oriented Development(TOD) linked to the concept of a sustainable urban transportation system? Discuss its impact on overall enhanced quality of life for citizens. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Although desert landscapes across the world reflect many similarities the process of desertification is influenced by local factors. Elaborate with suitable examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Explain the various stages of the formation of The Great Himalayas. How Eastern Himalayas is different from Western Himalayas? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Describe the significance of eco-sensitive zones in environmental conservation and provide examples of how they are designated and managed in different geographical regions? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"How has the pandemic reshaped the landscape of education, and what long-term effects might these changes have on teaching methods and learning outcomes? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Analyze the factors behind the upsurge of ethnic identity struggle in the context of India, and discuss their implications for the country's social fabric. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"How does patriarchy differently impact the dynamics of the workplace vis a vis the household? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4573,"topper":"Mohit Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/c85cb55fcb443ff744279fa10d00b627/21/mts_2025_unchecked_aim24gcra017_slt2509.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Pillars are not merely architectural marvels, but also serve as crucial sources of ancient Indian history. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"To what extent did early economic nationalists like Dadabhai Naoroji shape the intellectual foundations of the Indian freedom movement? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How did the Indian national movement influence freedom movements across the world? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How does the movement of continental plates help explain the spatial distribution of earthquakes in specific regions of the world? Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"River interlinking is seen as a means to reduce regional water stress. Discuss its advantages and examine the possible environmental and social implications. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the localisation factors for the textile industry in India and examine its economic significance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What are loess deposits, and why do they constitute some of the most agriculturally productive regions of the world? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Screen-based education has improved accessibility but also created new behavioural and social challenges for children. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Why are protectionist and xenophobic trends against Indians rising in the West, despite the global embrace of Indian culture and soft power? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":31,"question":"Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Jawaharlal Nehru differed in their approach to nation building, yet their shared vision was instrumental in shaping modern India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"The Swadeshi Movement marked a significant shift in India's freedom struggle from passive resistance to active mass mobilisation. In this context, discuss the strategies, social impact, and limitations of the movement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"The Western Ghats and the Northeastern Hills receive some of the highest rainfall during the southwest monsoon in India. Discuss the mechanisms responsible for heavy rainfall in these regions and analyse the monsoon's influence on human life in these regions. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Differentiate between forest cover, tree cover, and green cover. How do forest ecosystems in India contribute to climate resilience and carbon sequestration? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Account for the salinity variations in the world's oceans. How does this variation impact ocean circulation and marine ecosystems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"How does the polar cryosphere play a pivotal role in regulating the Earth's climate system? Also, enumerate the key factors responsible for rapid warming in the Arctic. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"\"Religious pluralism and secularism are integral to India's social fabric, but their coexistence requires constant negotiation.\" Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Discuss the intersection of class, gender, and geography in determining women's access to opportunities in the Indian service sector. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"\"Despite a strong continuity in traditional family values, Indian society is witnessing rising trends of delayed marriage, increasing divorce rates, and family disruption.\" Discuss the socio-economic and cultural factors contributing to this shift. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4574,"topper":"Mohit Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/c85cb55fcb443ff744279fa10d00b627/10/mts_2025_unchecked_aim24gcra017_slt2501.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Cave paintings are the visual autobiography of a prehistoric man. What can we infer about prehistoric beliefs and social practices from the cave paintings in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"Colonial education policy, intended to create obedient clerks, became a channel for political awakening and national self-assertion.\" Discuss (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Evaluate the extent to which the Gupta economy facilitated cultural and scientific advancements. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How are changing family structures and migration trends increasingly leading to the social isolation of the elderly in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"In what ways does urbanization challenge traditional notions of social cohesion in Indian society? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Safety and mobility are gendered constraints that significantly influence women's participation in the labour force in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Is globalisation leading to the erosion of local languages and traditional culture in India? Justify your answer. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Neo-spiritual movements in India reflect the fusion of tradition, modernity, and digital influence in the practice of faith. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"How does the status and role of women in tribal societies differ from gender norms in mainstream Indian society? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Do diaspora communities act as custodians of Indian cultural traditions or agents of cultural change? Critically examine with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"What do the accounts of Arab and European travellers reveal about the nature of social and economic life in medieval India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Examine the role played by reformist organizations like the Brahmo Samaj and Arya Samaj in addressing various social issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Examine the ways in which Gandhian mass movements opened political space for Indian women. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Despite legal and educational advances, why do certain social practices, such as dowry, caste endogamy, or child marriage, continue to persist in modern India? Analyse with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Modern parenting in India is increasingly balancing traditional expectations and emerging societal norms. Analyse the social implications of this tension. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"With the rise of digital media influencers, traditional role models in Indian society are being replaced. Analyse its impact on youth behaviour and value systems. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Urbanization is posing a threat to the existing urban infrastructure. Discuss the developmental issues it poses and its impact on urban communities. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Caste in India today operates more as a system of identity assertion than of rigid hierarchy. Discuss this transformation in the context of caste group mobilisation and economic change. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Have regional identities in India evolved from cultural expressions to organised assertions of autonomy? Discuss their implications for national cohesion. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"The rise of the new middle class in India is marked by a culture of consumption. In what ways is the transition from conscious to impulsive consumption affecting family structure and dynamics in urban India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4575,"topper":"Mohit Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/c85cb55fcb443ff744279fa10d00b627/14/mts_2025_unchecked_aim24gcra017_slt2502.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"\"The Cold War was less a military confrontation and more a battle of ideologies.\" Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Critically examine the impact of the Emergency on Indian democracy and civil liberties. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Explain the geological features and ecological importance of the Eastern Ghats. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"India faces a looming freshwater crisis despite its vast river systems. Discuss the causes and evaluate integrated water resource management strategies for sustainability. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How do the Deccan and Chotanagpur plateaus differ in their physical characteristics and resource potential? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Compare the characteristics of east-flowing and west-flowing rivers with suitable examples. Why do most rivers in India flow eastward? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":4576,"topper":"Mohit Gupta","air":192,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/216/aim24gcra017_tc047-test-0-1gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4577,"topper":"Mohit Gupta","air":192,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/215/aim24gcra017_tc048-test-2-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4578,"topper":"Mohit Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/218/aim24gcra017_tc050-test-04gs-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Recently demand has been rising in a state regarding the enactment of Social Accountability Law. How such a law can lead to good governance and boost citizens' participation in decision-making. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Civil society organizations, play a pivotal role in fostering \"collective private action for the public good\". What challenges do they face in local resource mobilization (LRM) and corporate funding through corporate social responsibility (CSR)? Also, suggest measures. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"There is a need for convergence of 'nutrition-specific' and 'nutrition-sensitive' interventions to effectively tackle child undernutrition in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"MGNREGA, the lynchpin of rural poverty alleviation, has become the victim of fiscal apathy.\" Critically analyze the statement in light of recent developments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The first step to eradicating poverty is reliable poverty assessment for program design, implementation, and monitoring. In this context discuss the methodology and significance of NITI Aayog's National Multidimensional Poverty Index. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"In the context of India, despite the presence of constitutional provisions, legal precedents, and international commitments that establish a robust foundation for a right to health, why has there been a lack of explicit legal recognition of this right? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"India must leverage, if not manage, the global divide\". How can the current geopolitical churn pave the way for India s rise to the global high table? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"Berlin can be India's gateway to the European Union.\" Elaborate with respect to Germany's significance in India's relationship with the EU. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The collective strength of BRICS nations allows for meaningful cooperation on myriad issues, however, the platform's ability to influence the trajectory of bilateral relationships remains limited. Do you agree? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In light of the recent demands to amend the Indus Waters Treaty, discuss the possible implications it could have on the water-sharing mechanism between India and Pakistan. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Multi-stakeholder partnerships are the key to leveraging collective expertise and networks. How can effective partnership and localized implementation efforts be fostered to accelerate the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Neo-liberal reforms and globalization have deeply transformed the institutions of the welfare state and set the ground for a new type of civil services. In this context examine the challenges faced in service delivery and suggest adequate reforms. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Satisfactory and timely redressal of grievances is the cornerstone of 'minimum government, maximum governance.' In this context discuss the challenges associated with current grievance redress mechanisms and suggest measures to strengthen the process. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"'Corruption corrodes the fabric of governance, eroding the public's faith in democratic institutions.' Examine the potential for harmonizing the Right to Information (RTI) Act, the Whistleblower Protection Act (WBPA), and the Lokpal & Lokayukta Act, 2013 to enhance the effectiveness of the anticorruption regime. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"How has the implementation of the POSH Act resulted in limited success in raising awareness about sexual harassment, and what factors have hindered its effective outreach to women employed in the unorganized sector? Propose strategies to bridge this gap and ensure comprehensive protection for women in the unorganized sector against workplace harassment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Analyze the potential challenges and benefits involved in leveraging SHGs as platforms for skill development, entrepreneurship, and income generation among marginalized communities to effectively counter poverty. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"China views India as its \"Asian Rival\" with an innate ability to counter its hegemonic goals in Asia. Despite these difficulties in India-China relations, there are also many areas of convergence. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Indo-Pacific region in recent times has emerged as a zone of diverging interests and priorities. Discuss. Do you think the Global Security Initiative will supersede QUAD in the region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India is uniquely positioned on the world map for its rich culture. In this context discuss the role of culture, diaspora, and democracy as instruments of India's soft power diplomacy. To what extent India has been able to position itself as a 'smart power'? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"The synergy of shared values and vibrant people-to-people connections between India and Australia creates a fertile ground for fostering long-lasting trade relations and strategic collaboration between the two nations. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4579,"topper":"Mohit Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/748520c30390b56bbbd3f8693a3b3ea3/94/aim24gcra017_tc049-test-03-gs-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"There is a need to resolve the ambiguity in the disqualification provisions under Section 8 of the Representation of People Act 1951. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Constitution is a mere skeleton whereas constitutionalism is the soul of democracy. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"Electoral bonds are a double-edged sword providing anonymity to donors while raising concerns about transparency in political funding.\" To what extent have electoral bonds further legitimized opacity in electoral funding? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The question of gender equality is central to the debate on Uniform Civil Code. In this light what are the challenges in reconciling UCC with gender equality as enshrined in the constitution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The Governor's office is neither decorative nor inconsequential, it assumes a constitutional role of profound essence. To what extent does the Governor actively contribute to the governance of a state and reinforce the principles of federalism in the country? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"Interstate border disputes, if not promptly and impartially settled, can transform into persistent issues that impede development and generate friction\". Highlighting the constitutional and legal framework to resolve interstate disputes, explain why Independent India has failed to resolve inter-state border disputes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Examine the role of the Inter-state Council in promoting vertical (Centre-State) and horizontal (Inter-State) Intergovernmental cooperation and coordination. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss the key function of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). What steps should be taken to revamp the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in order to enhance its effectiveness as a true guardian of public funds? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Recognizing the pivotal role of urbanization as a driver of national economic growth, the Fifteenth Finance Commission has suggested major reforms for Urban Local Bodies. Evaluate the recommendations put forward by the Fifteenth Finance Commission in promoting and revitalizing ULBs in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Highlight the key differences in the scope of Freedom of speech and expression as provided under Parliamentary privileges vis a vis Fundamental rights. Why is it necessary to maintain a balance between parliamentary privilege and fundamental rights? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"How has the Anti-Defection Law impacted the relationship between political parties and individual legislators in India? In light of the recent incidents also discuss the unintended consequences it has on the functioning of democracy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Critics assert that limitless judicial authority rests on the structural ambiguity of the basic structure doctrine. Has the elastic nature of the basic structure doctrine made the judiciary more powerful than the executive? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Fundamental rights are not gifts bestowed upon by the state rather an individual possesses them independently of the state. In this context discuss the desirability of reasonable restrictions on various fundamental rights. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"S.R. Bommai v. Union of India signified a paradigm shift in the judicial interpretation of the union's authority to assume control of a state's administration. In this context discuss the significance and impact of the judgement on cementing the federal structure. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The key to effective decentralization is political decentralization should follow finance and functional decentralization. Discuss in the context of impediments faced by local governance in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The doctrine of Parliamentary sovereignty and judicial supremacy has exerted considerable influence in shaping the constitutional frameworks of India and the USA. Citing relevant case laws discuss the role of the judiciary in influencing the constitutions in these countries. Is the scope of judicial review wider in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Delimitation of seats is essential to ensure fair representation and uphold the principles of one vote, one value'. Highlighting the challenges posed by misrepresentation in constituencies analyze the ramifications of population-based delimitation in creating federal tension. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss the role of the Supreme Court of India in strengthening the hands of the Election Commission in the discharge of its constitutional responsibility of conducting free and fair elections in the country. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The declining role of Parliament undermines the fundamental principle of separation of powers, as it diminishes the legislature's ability to serve as a check on the executive branch and ensure a balanced exercise of power. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Discuss the crucial role played by the National Commission of Women in shaping the discourse on gender-sensitive laws in India. To what extent the elevation of the National Commission for Women to a constitutional body would reinforce its authority? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4580,"topper":"Mohit Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/748520c30390b56bbbd3f8693a3b3ea3/91/aim24gcra017_tc056-test-10-gs-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The recent Supreme Court judgments on human rights issues mark a remarkable shift in using International law and treaties not just as a source of inspiration but as a source of law. Examine with reference to relevant case laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The United States and India have their own distinctive jurisprudence on freedom of speech and expression despite the similarities in constitutional provisions. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Fundamental Duties are a reminder that citizenship is not merely a passive status but an active engagement. Discuss. What are the challenges in their legal enforcement? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the mandate of the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT). To what extent earlier SC verdicts have resolved the jurisdictional tussle between CAT and High courts? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Equality under the Indian constitution is not merely about formal equality, it also incorporates the idea of substantive equality. Discuss this statement in light of constitutional provisions and relevant Supreme Court judgments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Pressure groups and political parties are inherently similar in their objective to democratise the political process, however, more and more pressure groups today aspire to transform into political parties. Elaborate and highlight the factors that are encouraging this transformation. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Can the infusion of foreign educational institutions be a transformative step in enhancing the global competitiveness of higher education in India and addressing the prevailing quality challenges? Justify with reason. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"To address the limitations of the public health system, how can the private sector contribute effectively to bridging the gap to ensure equitable and accessible healthcare for all? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"There is an urgent need for global cooperation to eradicate poverty and hunger. In this context analyse how international cooperation can impact efforts to address the challenges of poverty and hunger. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The changing global dynamics require prompt effective and meaningful reforms within the World Trade Organization (WTO), to ensure its relevance and capacity to address modern trade complexities. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"How has the 69th Constitutional amendment led to Delhi's dual governance dilemma? Discuss its impact on cooperative federalism as envisaged in the Constitution. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"\"Constitution envisages an independent judiciary, not insulated judiciary\"; In the light of the given statement, discuss the issues associated with the appointment of judges in the higher judiciary and explore alternatives to the current system. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Under what circumstances can the Governor reserve a state bill for the consideration of the President and why is the provision controversial? Also, discuss the reforms suggested by Punchhi Commission in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The Ninth Schedule fabricated a constitutional paradox to safeguard laws related to socio-economic justice from being challenged under the fundamental right to property. Does the ninth schedule have any relevance in present times? How did the IR Coelho judgment resolve this paradox? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"\"Central Information Commission stands as the guardian of democracy, with an unwavering relevance to good governance.\" Justify the context in terms of the mandate of the CIC. Has the statutory status limited the effectiveness of the commission in recent times? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Discuss the significance of the POCSO Act in ensuring the safety and protection of children against sexual offences. What changes would you suggest to the present Act to enhance its effective implementation? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Technology serves as the catalyst for reshaping the traditional contours of bureaucracy, propelling it to become more efficient, transparent, and citizen-centric. Explain and also explore how the integration of technology can expedite governmental efforts aimed at modernizing the civil service. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India and US have had an oscillating relationship in the past, to what extent has the relationship acquired depth in recent times? How should New Delhi navigate its relationship with the US after its sharp divergence with Washington on the issue of the Russia-Ukraine war? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"How has the India-ASEAN partnership evolved since the implementation of the 'Look East Policy'? In what ways can India leverage the increasing strength of its economy alongside geopolitical realities as opportunities to foster closer India and ASEAN relations? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4581,"topper":"Mohit Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/c85cb55fcb443ff744279fa10d00b627/7/mts_2025_unchecked_aim24gcra017_slt2504.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"\"To make skilling meaningful, programs like PM Internship Scheme (PMIS) must ensure not just participation but employability-linked outcomes.\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"Women-centric welfare schemes need to move beyond welfare to empowerment.\" Examine in the context of key women-centric welfare schemes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The SHG-Bank Linkage Programme has been hailed as an indigenous tool for poverty alleviation in India. Examine its impact on improving rural livelihoods and reducing multi-dimensional poverty. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"India is emerging as a global hub for social entrepreneurship. Can social enterprises effectively complement the state in achieving inclusive development? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How far do you think Citizen-led environmental movements have proven to be effective tools of ecological preservation in recent years. Justify with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"The increasing regulatory oversight on civil society organisations risks shrinking democratic space.\" Examine (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Digital governance is emerging as a frontier of global agenda, and India seeks to lead by example. Examine (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"India’s engagement with Africa is no longer limited to development cooperation, but increasingly shaped by strategic and economic considerations. Discuss (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Examine India’s transboundary water-sharing challenges with Pakistan and Bangladesh in light of recent disputes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The Indian diaspora in the Gulf region plays a pivotal role in shaping India's economic relations and people-centric diplomacy with West Asia. Discuss (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Freebies' in electoral politics have sparked debate over their impact on governance in India. Differentiate between freebies and welfare measures, and examine their impact on governance. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"\"Weak institutional independence of Information Commissions has diluted the effectiveness of the Right to Information (RTI) regime.\" Discuss in the light of autonomy and independence of the Information Commissions. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"\"Civil services in India were envisioned as instruments of neutrality and efficiency, yet they are increasingly perceived as rigid and politicised.\" Examine the issues responsible for this perception and suggest corrective measures. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Structural barriers have long impeded the development of a robust research environment despite the presence of numerous institutions. Discuss how the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) seeks to address these structural challenges. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Well-executed government initiatives often fail if operations and maintenance are not integral to the programme design. In the context of Swachh Bharat Mission in India, discuss how collective action and community ownership can ensure its long-term sustainability. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Despite consistent economic growth and social sector spending, India continues to perform poorly in global human development rankings. Examine the structural issues that inhibit equitable and inclusive human development. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"\"The expansion of BRICS offers opportunities for India to strengthen its voice in global economic governance.\" Discuss how India can leverage the BRICS Plus to advance the interests of the Global South. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"India's strategic autonomy remains the guiding principle in navigating relations with the United States and China. In this context, analyze the potential challenges and opportunities for India and how should India navigate this renewed US-China rivalry. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"The launch of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) marks a turning point in India's connectivity diplomacy. Analyse its strategic relevance for India vis-à-vis China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"\"Act East Policy is as much about regional balancing as it is about economic diplomacy.\" Analyse this statement in the context of India's engagement with ASEAN amidst shifting power dynamics in the Indo-Pacific. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4582,"topper":"Mohit Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/c85cb55fcb443ff744279fa10d00b627/13/mts_2025_unchecked_aim24gcra017_slt2503.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"What is constitutional morality? How far does the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) align with the vision of constitutional morality as encompassed in the Indian Constitution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What is a Privilege Motion in the Indian Parliament? How does the Committee of Privileges examine and deal with such motions? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Article 143 of the Constitution confers advisory jurisdiction upon the Supreme Court through a presidential reference mechanism. Examine the significance and scope of the Supreme Court's advisory jurisdiction under this provision. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Compare the powers of the head of state in India and the UK. How do their roles reflect the constitutional principles of their respective systems? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Since Independence, the composition of the Indian Parliament has undergone a significant change with the changing socio-economic profile of the Members of Parliament(MPs). Analyse the impact of this shift on the overall quality of representative democracy in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The contributions of the founding mothers in the Constituent Assembly and their feminist perspective have shaped India's constitutional discourse. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"A democracy is only as strong as its Opposition.\" In this light, examine the role of the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and suggest measures to enhance the effectiveness of this institution in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What are the constitutional provisions related to minority educational institutions in India? How have judicial pronouncements shaped the balance between the right to equality and the right to preserve minority identity in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In a rights-based democracy, institutions like the NHRC must evolve beyond symbolic presence to real-time impact. In this context, discuss the structural and functional issues within India's human rights framework. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Delimitation upholds the idea of 'one citizen, one vote', but its implications go against the principles of federalism. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"The role of Governors in opposition-ruled States has been a flashpoint in Centre-State relations. Critically discuss how gubernatorial overreach challenges the position of state governments and suggest safeguards to mitigate such conflicts. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Despite increased political representation, Elected Women Representatives (EWRs) in Panchayati Raj Institutions continue to face barriers to effective participation and leadership. In this context, discuss the challenges EWRs face and suggest reforms needed to enable gender-inclusive grassroots governance. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"The evolving relationship between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy has been a dynamic feature of India's constitutional journey, often necessitating judicial interventions and constitutional amendments. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"The Upper House was envisioned as a reviewing chamber and not a rival to the Lower House. In light of this statement, do you think the Rajya Sabha continues to fulfil this vision in contemporary Indian polity? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"The principle of checks and balances in the Indian Constitution is often challenged by the judiciary's expanding role in legislative and executive domains. Highlighting the reasons, assess its impact on the functional separation between various organs. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"The credibility of the electoral process rests on the autonomy and neutrality of the Election Commission. Do you think the Election Commission of India is facing credibility issues in sustaining public trust in electoral democracy? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"While cooperative federalism is rooted in the design of the Constitution, political considerations have given rise to competitive and confrontational federalism. Examine the role of constitutional and extra-constitutional institutions in reconciling these trends within India's federal structure. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Cooperative societies are integral to India's socio-economic development. Examine the governance and autonomy challenges faced by Multi-State Cooperative Societies (MSCSs) and discuss how the recent Multi State Cooperative Societies (Amendment Act, 2023) seeks to address these issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"The growing number of undertrial prisoners in India reflects both systemic and procedural lapses within the criminal justice system. In light of recent Supreme Court directions, discuss the underlying challenges and suggest a multi-pronged approach to address this crisis. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4583,"topper":"Mohit Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/c85cb55fcb443ff744279fa10d00b627/8/mts_2025_unchecked_aim24gcra017_slt2510.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Socialistic ideals and secularism are core features of the Basic Structure doctrine in India. In this context, discuss how judicial decisions have cemented these principles as the cornerstone of constitutional identity. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"There is a need to expand the scope of corrupt practices under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, to address emerging forms of electoral malpractices.\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Analyse the distinguishing perspectives on equality as reflected in the constitutional frameworks of India and France. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The shrinking effective share of States in the Union's gross tax revenues, coupled with equity-heavy criteria in horizontal devolution, raises critical concerns for fiscal federalism in India. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"Citizenship is the legal foundation of constitutional rights and responsibilities.\" Discuss how India's approach to citizenship reflects its commitment to constitutional values. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Declining fertility rates, coupled with rising life expectancy, require a shift from fertility focused interventions to human capital investments. Examine in the light of recent population trends. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"The quality of governance is critically linked to the extent and nature of citizen participation in democratic processes.\" Discuss using examples in the Indian context. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"Low alignment between educational outcomes and market needs can widen social and economic inequalities.\" Examine this statement in the context of India's skills ecosystem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"The weakening commitment of major powers to international health frameworks poses serious challenges to equitable global cooperation.\" Discuss in light of the U.S. withdrawal from the WHO and its implications for India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The ongoing conflict in West Asia has exposed the vulnerabilities of regional diplomacy. In this light, discuss the implications of the West Asian conflict for India's strategic autonomy and regional engagement. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"\"Department-related Standing Committees serve as the institutional backbone of legislative scrutiny, yet their potential remains underutilised.\" Critically analyse the challenges faced by Parliamentary Committees in ensuring executive accountability in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"\"President's Rule is a constitutional mechanism to deal with governance failure, not political convenience.\" Under what circumstances can President's Rule be imposed in a State? Discuss the constitutional safeguards and judicial verdicts associated with it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"The recently released Devolution Index reveals wide variation in the performance of States in empowering Panchayati Raj Institutions. While explaining the reasons behind this variation, discuss the role of capacity-building initiatives in enabling PRIs to fulfil their constitutional mandate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"\"In the evolving constitutional and political landscape, the effectiveness of statutory commissions depends on their structural autonomy and independence.\" Discuss in the context of the growing demand for constitutional status for statutory commissions like the National Commission for Women (NCW) and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"\"An independent judiciary is essential for upholding constitutional values, but it must also remain accountable to preserve public trust.\" Discuss in the context of recent issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Institutional autonomy of sectoral regulators is critical for ensuring credibility, transparency, and fair competition. In light of recent incidents, examine the issues pertaining to the independence and autonomy of regulatory bodies in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"How far do you think a caste census is a necessary step toward realising the goals of social justice and equitable development, despite the administrative challenges it poses? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"\"The complexity of modern governance demands adaptive and dynamic administrative reforms.\" Evaluate the role of administrative reforms in improving efficiency, transparency, and responsiveness in Indian governance. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"The trajectory of India-China relations in the last 75 years reflects a balance between pragmatic cooperation and unresolved strategic tensions. Discuss the contours of this evolving policy and highlight the measures India should take to counterbalance asymmetries with China. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"The evolution of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) from a maritime security grouping to a multidimensional partnership reflects changing strategic realities in the Indo-Pacific. In this context, examine the opportunities and challenges that QUAD presents for India's regional aspirations and strategic autonomy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4584,"topper":"Mohit Gupta","air":192,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/29/aim24gcra017_tc049-test-03-gs-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4585,"topper":"Mohit Gupta","air":192,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/1/aim24gcra017_tc050-test-04gs-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4586,"topper":"Mohit Gupta","air":192,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/36/aim24gcra017_tc056-test-10-gs-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4587,"topper":"Mohit Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/748520c30390b56bbbd3f8693a3b3ea3/97/aim24gcra017_tc051-test-05-gs-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What do you understand by Windfall tax? Do you think that windfall taxes can effectively redistribute wealth and promote greater economic equality? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Elaborate on the difference between Capital Account and Current Account as components of Balance of Payment (BOP). Suggest a few measures to balance the BOP deficit of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the perceived successes and challenges of implementing inflation targeting under the new Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) regime. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The logistics sector is one of the important components of the growth of the manufacturing industry. Discuss. Also, mention various components of the recently announced National Logistics Policy 2022. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Assess the potential of millet production in promoting sustainable agriculture and improving food security in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Jal Jeevan Mission has the potential to end the regional disparity in the availability and accessibility of drinking water. Highlighting the significance of the mission, discuss the underlying impediments in achieving the desired objectives. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What is India's stand on the New Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies under WTO? How is the Fisheries sector significant for India? Enumerate the steps taken by the Government to develop this sector. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Analyze the systemic and institutional constraints that continue to hinder land reform efforts in India and propose pragmatic solutions to ensure equitable distribution of land. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"Green hydrogen can be the silver bullet in our quest to tackle climate change and pollution\". Critically analyze the statement in light of India's National Green Hydrogen mission. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Explain the purpose of the \"Mangrove Alliance for Climate\" launched at the COP27 UN Climate Change Conference in Egypt in November 2022. Elaborate on the importance of mangroves in maintaining the coastal ecology of tropical nations. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Electricity Amendment Bill, 2022 brings several advantages for consumers, DISCOMs as well as the environment. Elaborate. Also, list out its shortcomings and suggest some measures to overcome them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) plays an important role in the regulation of the share market and safeguarding the interests of investors. In the light of given statement highlight the challenges faced by the SEBI and suggest reforms in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"International trade is centered on the dominant currency paradigm (DCM). Critically Analyze the importance of Hard currency in International trade and Discuss the potential of rupee acceptance in global trade as an alternative to dollar imperialism. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Demographic Dividend does not ensure growth; it only generates potential. Discuss the steps made by the government to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the demographic transition. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Despite being a major contributor to the Indian economy, the agriculture sector is plagued by several constraints that impede its growth and development. Discuss the role of technology in overcoming these constraints. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Evaluate the impact of irrigation on the environment and natural resources, and suggest measures to ensure the sustainability and equity of irrigation practices in agriculture. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Genome editing holds immense potential for crop improvement, but it also raises ethical and safety concerns. How far do the new guidelines for the safety assessment of genome-edited plants in India, ensure the safety of genetically modified crops? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss the impact of direct and indirect farm subsidies on the agriculture sector in India. How have Minimum Support Prices (MSP) affected the agricultural economy? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"What is Global Methane Pledge? Do you think the Global Methane Pledge is a positive step toward mitigating methane emissions? Explain India's stance on this issue. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Trace the evolution of the Loss and Damage fund. What are the major development related to loss and damage funds in COP 27?, What are the commitments made by India in this conference? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4588,"topper":"Mohit Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/748520c30390b56bbbd3f8693a3b3ea3/89/aim24gcra017_tc057-test-11-gs-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Differentiate between Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Wholesale Price Index (WPI). Do you think that CPI is a better measure of inflation as compared to WPI? Substantiate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Jobless growth is an inherent feature of India's growth trajectory. What are the major reasons behind the high unemployment rate in India? Suggest remedial measures to improve the overall employment growth rate in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Bringing urea under the NBS Scheme is seen as the panacea for all the issues related to fertiliser subsidies in India as well as for the environmental problems of agriculture. Highlighting the issues related to urea management, suggest reforms are required to improve the usage of urea in a sustainable manner in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"India's food security faces challenges from not just domestic factors but also global factors. Comment. Discuss some ways to strengthen India's food security. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Recently, India became the 27th signatory to the Artemis Accords led by NASA. Critically analyse its implications for the space exploration programmes in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How does the decomposition of organic matter in the soil contribute to the carbon cycle, and what are the key factors that influence this process? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Climate change mitigation and adaptation strategy is not only about reducing future emissions but also involves active removal of already released carbon into the atmosphere. In this context what do you understand by the concept of Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) and discuss the progress of the international community in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Poor building design, flagrant violations of building codes and fire safety norms and overcrowding of spaces are responsible for the rising risk of fires in urban areas. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Ethnic conflicts and cross-border migration along India-Myanmar and India-Bangladesh borders impact India's internal security. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"What are the main challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in investigating and prosecuting cases of money laundering, and how can they be overcome? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Low tax buoyancy often translates into higher deficits and debt. Can a higher direct tax rate improve the overall tax-to-GDP ratio in India? What other steps can be undertaken to revamp the overall tax structure in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Startups are the driving engines of the fast-changing modern economy. Why have Indian startups failed to realise their potential? What steps can be undertaken to improve the profitability and performance of startups in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Import of edible oils forms a major part of India's import bill. In this context, evaluate the importance of the recently launched National Mission on Edible Oils and Oil Palm (NMEO-OP). What are the environmental concerns related to increasing palm oil production in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"A robust livestock economy can act as a parallel source of farmers' income. Highlighting the role of the livestock economy in the agriculture sector in India discuss the challenges faced by the livestock sector in India. Suggest interventions that can strengthen the livestock sector to contribute to the overall well-being of the farmers. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Nuclear fusion has been hailed as the energy source of the future, with the potential to provide clean, safe, and virtually limitless energy. Discuss the scientific principles behind nuclear fusion and the challenges and opportunities in harnessing this technology for practical applications. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What have been the difficulties in the administration of IPRs in India? Suggest measures to improve the administration of IPRs in order to encourage an innovation-led economy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The recent amendments in the Wildlife Protection Act provide a framework to prevent illegal trade in wild animals and plants to ensure that their survival is not threatened. In this regard, mention the implications of illegal wildlife trade in India and analyse the effectiveness of the recent amendments to address the issue. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Analyse the factors that contribute to the increased incidence and severity of floods in urban areas and the measures that can be taken to reduce the risk and enhance the resilience of the population. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Do you think that intelligence and law enforcement agencies in India have the necessary resources and capabilities to effectively tackle the link between organised crime and terrorism? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"India needs to update its Information Technology Act, of 2000 to deal with emerging internal and external communication security and to make the cyber ecosystem more safe and secure. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4589,"topper":"Mohit Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/748520c30390b56bbbd3f8693a3b3ea3/93/aim24gcra017_tc052-test-06-gs-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What do you understand by Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)? Discuss its applications and how it can revolutionize the energy program of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss in brief developments and challenges in the Gaganyaan mission of ISRO. What are the possible benefits of the mission for the society? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What are the unique features and capabilities of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, and how has it contributed to India's defense capabilities and strategic position in the region? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"In line with the country's efforts to explore the depths of the ocean and harness the resources it holds, the Indian government has proposed a deep-sea exploration mission Samudrayaan. How can this mission contribute to the advancement of ocean science and technology in the country? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What are the key lessons for disaster management and environmental conservation in the Himalayan region, in light of the recent disaster in Joshimath, Uttarakhand? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of disaster management in public health. Discuss the key strategies and challenges for managing pandemics and other infectious disease outbreaks. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"The recent radical trends in Punjab show that the Khalistan issue is still simmering.\" Discuss the statement with respect to recent developments and suggest measures to handle it. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The anonymity and ease of drone operation contribute to the challenges of India's border security. Elaborate and give suggestions to tackle the drone problem in border areas. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"The resource curse of Eastern and Central India has been a crucial driver of LWE\". Elaborate and suggest measures for sustainable and inclusive development of the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In light of the declining trend of violence in the North East and J&K region do you think that AFSPA has lived its utility? Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"How India benefitted strategically from the contributions of Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha and Dr. Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai in the fields of atomic energy and space technology respectively? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Generative AI holds the potential to push the boundaries of innovation in the near future, yet its societal impact raises substantial challenges. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a rapidly escalating crisis that poses a grave threat to public health worldwide. What are the major contributing factors to the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance, and what steps can be taken to address this global health threat? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What do you understand by disruptive innovations? What are some examples of disruptive innovation in recent times, and how have they changed the way industries operate? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The Formation of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure brings more robustness to the Disaster Management approach in India. Comment and justify the need for a new strategy to tackle Disasters in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Disaster management is not just about responding to emergencies but also about building resilient communities. Discuss the key strategies that can be used to build community resilience and reduce the impact of disasters. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The recent rise in ransomware attacks targeting critical infrastructure and major corporations has highlighted the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity measures and policies. Discussing the key factors contributing to this trend, analyze the impact of these attacks on various sectors. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"In the context of border security, how can cooperation and coordination between different security agencies be improved to ensure effective and efficient management of coastal and terrestrial borders? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The transformation of terrorism through the use of new and emerging technologies like metaverse and virtual assets is a matter of concern. How can we counter the Use of New and Emerging Technologies for Terrorist Purposes and Elucidate the importance of the \"Delhi declaration\" in this regard? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"\"The Agnipath scheme is a bitter pill needed for the resilience and efficacy of our armed forces.\" Critically Analyze the statement with relevant arguments. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4590,"topper":"Mohit Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/c85cb55fcb443ff744279fa10d00b627/2/mts_2025_unchecked_aim24gcra017_slt2506.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Discuss the importance of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in the defense sector and modern warfare. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What are artificial neural networks? Discuss their importance in machine learning and artificial intelligence. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Introduce the concept of precision medicine. Comment on the role of precision medicine in the treatment of rare and specific diseases. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What is the Axiom-4 mission? How will India's participation in the Axiom-4 mission help in bolstering India's human space programme? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss how cryptocurrency and other emerging technologies contribute to the menace of money laundering and terror financing. What steps have been undertaken by the Government of India to tackle this issue? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What is hybrid warfare? How is it different from conventional warfare? How can India navigate the challenge of hybrid warfare? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"How does the long maritime border of India present immense internal security challenges? Suggest measures to address these challenges. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Despite decline in terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir, Over Ground Workers (OGWs) and proxy militant groups continue to pose a serious threat to India's internal security. What strategies can be adopted to neutralize these threats? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the vulnerability of northern India to earthquake-related disasters. Highlight India's preparedness in mitigating their impacts. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"“Preparedness is the first step towards disaster risk reduction”. In this context assess the role of the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) in strengthening disaster preparedness and early warning systems in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Explain the aims and objectives of the recently launched BioE3 policy. How can the policy help in ensuring “green growth” of the economy? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Discuss the potential of reusable launch vehicles in future space operations and missions. What are India's initiatives towards the development of reusable launch vehicles? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Left-wing extremism (LWE) continues to remain a challenge to India's internal security. Discuss the Government of India's approach towards solving the issue of LWE in the country. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"What are the threats posed to India's internal security by external State and non-state actors? Discuss the strategies necessary to tackle these threats. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"With the rapid digitalization of Indian society, cyber crimes like digital arrest have also increased. Highlighting the major elements of cybersecurity, Discuss the measures needed to strengthen India's cybersecurity infrastructure. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Illegal immigration poses a threat to India's democracy, sovereignty and internal security. In light of this statement, discuss how the recently passed Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025 helps in effectively addressing the issue of illegal immigration. What are the constitutional and potential human rights challenges associated with the Act? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Climate change and rapid urbanization have intensified the impact and frequency of heat waves in India. Discuss. How can Heat Action Plans (HAPs) improve heatwave management in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"In spite of being preventable, stampedes due to improper crowd control mechanisms continue to claim lives in India. Discuss the underlying causes of such disasters. What institutional and technological measures can be taken for efficient crowd management? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4591,"topper":"Mohit Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/c85cb55fcb443ff744279fa10d00b627/6/mts_2025_unchecked_aim24gcra017_slt2505.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"The recent push towards gender budgeting in the Government Budget reflects its importance for women empowerment. What are the recent initiatives towards gender budgeting in India and their importance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Port-led development is seen as a key driver of economic growth and regional integration in India. Discuss how the Sagarmala initiative can promote port-led growth and the coastal economy. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Even after a decade of Make in India, India's manufacturing sector has remained a weak spot in its growth story. How can India fundamentally reset its manufacturing sector to utilise its potential in GDP growth and job creation? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Indian startups despite showing great potential have not scaled up on innovation. Discuss. Suggest measures for Indian startups to go up the value chain? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss the importance of livestock farming in a non-farm economy. What is the need for the recently proposed livestock census in promoting animal husbandry? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How can minimum support prices help in promoting farmers' income? What are the challenges faced by farmers in accessing the benefits of minimum support prices? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite a robust Public Distribution System (PDS), food security remains a challenge to the Indian population. What are deficiencies in the current PDS system? Suggest reforms to improve the system. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the key components of the recently launched Digital Agriculture Mission. How will this mission help in improving farmers welfare? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Examine the environmental impacts of oil spills on marine and coastal ecosystems. What are the various methods used for cleaning-up of oil spills? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Discuss how the Biodiversity Act, 2002 and recently notified Biological Diversity (Access and Benefit Sharing) Regulation, 2025 promote access and benefit sharing while ensuring growth of traditional industries. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Despite India's push for a robust digital economy, India faces challenges with regard to digital inclusion. Discuss. Suggest measures to ensure equitable access to digital resources. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"As artificial intelligence penetrates into various sectors of the economy, job losses are becoming a reality. Analysing the impacts of AI on employment, suggest measures to navigate this challenge and promote job growth. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"\"Infrastructure development is a key driver of accelerated and inclusive economic growth\". Highlighting the importance of infrastructure investment in achieving long-term growth, discuss India's success and failures in stimulating infrastructure-led growth in the economy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"What are the responsibilities of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC)? How effective has the RBI's monetary policy initiatives been to broaden economic recovery whilst maintaining a sustainable inflation rate? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"India's post-harvest losses amount to approximately ₹1,52,790 crore annually. To what extent can post-harvest losses in India be attributed to the constraints in the transport and marketing of agricultural products? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"What are the direct and indirect subsidies in Indian agriculture? How have these subsidies impacted the cropping diversity and farm economy of the country? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"What are the opportunities and challenges of the food processing industry in India? Why has the overall private investment remained low in the industry despite immense potential? Suggest measures. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Micro-irrigation systems can revolutionize Indian agriculture, but adoption remains limited. In this context, discuss how micro-irrigation can help in sustainable water management. What are the barriers to its widespread adoption? Suggest measures to overcome them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"What were the various market mechanisms under the Kyoto Protocol? What is Article 6 of the Paris Climate Change Agreement? Explain the significance of the global carbon market in achieving net-zero targets. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"Wetlands play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, yet they face several anthropogenic and climate-related threats. Discuss. What steps have been undertaken by the Government of India to conserve and promote wetlands? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4592,"topper":"Mohit Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/c85cb55fcb443ff744279fa10d00b627/5/mts_2025_unchecked_aim24gcra017_slt2511.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"How far do you think the recent proposals to reform India's tax structure will help in improving India's tax buoyancy and base? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"How do the rising trends of economic nationalism and protectionism affect India's global trade competitiveness? What recent measures has India taken to navigate these challenges? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Examine the role of Integrated Farming System (IFS) in improving agricultural productivity and minimizing the environmental impact of agriculture. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"In recent years, Indian agriculture has been witnessing a transformation towards better productivity and improved farmer incomes. What institutional and structural reforms have been undertaken by the Government to make agriculture more rewarding and sustainable? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How do Air Defence systems work? What are the various air-defense systems that India currently possesses? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the potential of RNA editing in treating genetic disorders. What are its advantages over DNA editing? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Urban areas are more vulnerable to disasters due to unplanned growth and infrastructure collapses. Discuss. What strategies do you recommend to enhance urban resilience to such disasters? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Despite its criticality for the success of the Swachha Bharat Mission, solid waste management in India remains at a sub-optimal level. In this context, suggest long-term technological and institutional solutions towards effective solid-waste management. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"Social media has emerged as a new frontier in modern warfare, shaping narratives, influencing perceptions, and impacting national security\". In this context, analyse the role of social media in contemporary conflicts. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The Border Security Force (BSF) has evolved significantly in its jurisdiction as well as its strategic importance in border management and the internal security framework. Explain the role and mandate of BSF. What are the issues BSF faces while operating in the border States? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"India's growth story is marred by persistent challenges of inequality and the middle-income trap. Discuss. Highlight the approaches India should follow to escape the middle-income trap and ensure inclusive and sustainable economic growth. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"MSMEs are central to the success of the Make in India initiative, yet they face challenges in scaling up and integrating into formal supply chains. Discuss. Suggest structural reforms needed to make MSMEs more resilient and competitive. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"\"The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) aims to achieve 'more crop per drop', yet irrigation efficiency in India remains suboptimal.\" Critically analyse. What reforms are needed to strengthen its implementation? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"The rising import of oilseeds and pulses has made their cultivation unremunerative. In the light of this statement, elucidate the steps needed to promote the production and consumption of oilseeds and pulses in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Explain the scientific principles behind cloud seeding. Highlighting its role in alleviating air pollution and global warming, discuss its potential limitations. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Give an account of the evolution of India's 3-Stage Nuclear Power Programme. What are the advantages and strategic imperatives of realising the thorium-based third stage? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Recent studies indicate that the 2014-2024 decade is the warmest decade and 2024 is the warmest year on record. In the light of rapid global warming, what are the impacts of climate change on biodiversity? Discuss the measures needed to ensure ecological resilience and conservation of species diversity. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Forest fires in India are increasing in frequency and intensity, posing severe ecological and economic challenges. Describe the various causes of forest fires. What measures are followed to prevent and manage forest fires in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"What are organized crimes? Discuss the linkages between organized crime and terrorism. How do such linkages pose internal security challenges to India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"India's north-eastern region is fraught with contentious issues and security challenges. Examine the various security challenges currently prevailing in the region. Discuss the steps to counter these challenges. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4593,"topper":"Mohit Gupta","air":192,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/21/aim24gcra017_tc051-test-05-gs-3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4594,"topper":"Mohit Gupta","air":192,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/32/aim24gcra017_tc052-test-06-gs-3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4595,"topper":"Mohit Gupta","air":192,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/53/aim24gcra017_tc057-test-11-gs-3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4596,"topper":"Mohit Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/748520c30390b56bbbd3f8693a3b3ea3/92/aim24gcra017_tc053-test-07gs-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Goodness is the result of internal imperatives to do what is right, not sanctions from moral rules or rewards from expected consequences. Do you agree? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Social transformation programs such as \"beti bachao and beti padhao\" believes in using advice, counseling, and persuasion but sometimes a little force is also necessary for getting the desired response. Do you think it is a good idea to mix little force with persuasion by public administrators while implementing social schemes of transformation? Explain with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Ultimately foreign policy of every country hinges upon the strength which the nation possesses. Strength may be military or financial and may be also...moral. Do you think ethical strength without military or financial muscle will be respected in today's world? Explain your position. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"To achieve a good life, duty is not sufficient; one needs to develop one's sympathetic feelings for others, and neither duty alone nor good will alone are sufficient to be moral.\" Do you agree with the above statement? Justify your position. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Developing a scientific temper, innovative mindset, and civic-conscious citizens are major objectives of higher educational institutions. Can higher educational institutions be instrumental in promoting integrity education among youth to establish a public culture of integrity and a corruption-free political culture? If yes, how? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance. (a) \" \" \"To tolerate is purely an act of the mind. That is the essence of virtue. To tolerate is a strength.\" (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What do you understand by the terms 'ethical behaviour' and 'emotionally intelligent behaviour'? Identify the relevant emotional intelligence components that act as a reliable guide to ethical behaviour. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Does the suffering of individuals in one part of the world generate moral demands of assistance on those foreigners who live far away from them? Are these moral demands of assistance justified? Can governments be held morally responsible for failing to help the international community in times of deprivation? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Civil Services ethics has everything to do with management. It is as much a Departmental as a personal issue. Leaders who fail to create systems that facilitate ethical conduct are equally to blame as much as those who indulge in ethical misconduct. Do you think the Departmental culture leads to ethical misconduct or is the individual with weak willpower culpable? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":33,"question":"Do you think a corporate's social responsibility extends beyond one's immediate community to the international community? Why/Why not? (d) Do you think the Defence sector companies marketing sensitive technologies must be regulated by their respective governments, or regulation may curtail their entrepreneurial and innovation energy? Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"You are posted as a District Development officer in a district with a low literacy rate and poor health indicators. As you took charge, your Health Secretary had given express instructions that your priority is to improve health indicators by enhancing the delivery of healthcare services. After taking over, you travelled around the district to study and identify ways of improving healthcare services. During your field trip, you discovered that the issue was not the accessibility of services; it was something else. You found the problem was the myths, misconceptions, and malpractices that hindered the uptake of health care services. For instance, people believed that vaccines caused impotence, immunization was equivalent to birth control, using antenatal care was counterproductive to the health of the mother and baby, and so on. You realize that these beliefs were the behavioural barriers that stood in the way of health and nutrition services. And these behavioural barriers made it difficult for front-line workers to reach out. You discussed your observations with the Health Secretary, and he advised you to seek inputs from the neighbouring district DDO who was doing some good work. When you met with the neighbouring DDO, you learned he was experimenting with using the Faith leader's influence and reach to persuade people. You were unsure about roping in faith leaders to help you overcome the behavioural barriers. As a civil servant, you felt it would be a mistake to involve faith leaders in health service schemes. When you shared your apprehensions with the Secretary, he firmly instructed you to try and innovate. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) What are the advantages and disadvantages of using Faith leaders as influencers and persuaders? (c) If not faith leaders, what are your other options for breaking the behavioural barriers? (d) Do you think it is ethically right for a civil servant to involve faith leaders in promoting government schemes? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"You are the Head of an Agency, a special purpose vehicle, responsible for overseeing the last-mile delivery of essential services and sorting out bottlenecks and grievances of the citizens within your jurisdiction. The essential services included Maternal and infant health care, nutritional support to BPL families, drinking water availability, etc. Your agency employed a staff of 15 to carry out regular official operations and handle grievances. Since the agency dealt with complaints, there was an enormous amount of public dealing daily. Sometimes the agency officials had to work beyond office hours to finish the regular office work as public dealings took away most of the office hours. The employees were unhappy doing the extra bit as they were not paid any overtime. A few of them informally raised the issue with you, but you were helpless as the agency rules didn't allow any travel or overtime allowances. You tried taking up the matter with HQ but to no avail. The work stress gradually started showing up among the staff, they became irritable with the complainants, and at times they shouted at them. Besides rudeness, the staff's language became abusive, derogatory, and sometimes casteist. You could notice that there were 4 of them in particular who were getting very abusive and discriminatory while handling grievances. As the Head, you warned them, but there was no marked change in their work attitude. To compound your problem, some of the villagers, through their Sarpanch, raised the issue of rude, disrespectful, and discriminatory behavior with your HQ. The HQ immediately instructed you to take action and create a respectful and dignified workspace. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) What are the action options available to you? (c) Examine each of the options and identify your chosen course of action (d) What do you understand by dignity? Distinguish between human and social dignity? Identify the common dignity violations that one notices in government departments. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":4597,"topper":"Mohit Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/34/aim24gcra017_tc054-test-08-gs-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"\"The State took taxes from the people only to ensure their prosperity in return like the sun takes m...\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"\"Public service takes place in a bureaucratic structure with clear lines of authority, value standar...\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"\"As professionals, civil servants are career focused and are also self-interested. At the same time, ...\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"\"While competence without compassion can be brutal and inhumane; similarly, compassion without comp...\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"\"Public service requires not merely legal but also morally principled action. Public service requires...\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"\"What do you understand by “integrity-based civil disobedience”? Do you think a challenge to persona...\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"\"Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance. The senses...\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"\"Recent research has shown that emotions significantly impact personal and professional lives. What a...\"","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4598,"topper":"Mohit Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/748520c30390b56bbbd3f8693a3b3ea3/90/aim24gcra017_tc054-test-08-gs-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"\"The State took taxes from the people only to ensure their prosperity in return like the sun takes moisture from the earth only to give it back in thousandfold measure.\" Kalidasa. Explain the Indian concept of \\\"giving it back\\\" and its relevance as a guiding value for civil servants. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks\"","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Public service takes place in a bureaucratic structure with clear lines of authority, value standardization, and accountability mechanisms. Working within such a structure, what do you think are the influences that impact the public servant's ethical decision-making? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"As professionals, civil servants are career focused and are also self-interested. At the same time, their service ethos imposes an obligation to serve the public interest selflessly. Is it possible for a civil servant to reconcile career and service obligation? Explain your position. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"While competence without campassion can be brutal and inhumane; similarly, compassion without competence can be meaningless for persons seeking help.\" Explain the above with the help of a suitable illustration in the context of public services. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Public service requires not merely legal but also morally principled action. Public service requires the public servant to place loyalty to the constitution, laws, and ethical principles. Among the three, which do you think must acquire primacy while carrying out official functions? Why? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What do you understand by \"integrity-based civil disobedience\"? Do you think a challenge to personal integrity can be a justifiable cause to responsible disobedience in civil services? Explain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance. (a) The senses deceive from time to time, and it is prudent never to trust wholly those who have deceived us even once. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Recent research has shown that emotions significantly impact personal and professional lives. What are the primary emotions that negatively and positively impact workplace productivity? Explain with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Technical efficiency ensures resource utilization and social efficiency ensures fulfillment of social needs, what does ethical efficiency ensure? Do you think ethical efficiency is more important than technical and social efficiency? Why/Why not? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"In the context of civil service, distinguish between moral and nonmoral values. Identify 5 basic moral values that can serve as foundational values for all services irrespective of the department. Give reasons why those values can be considered foundational. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Citizens' involvement in decision-making is critical to ethics in governance. Do you agree that effective civic engagement mechanisms can facilitate an ethics-driven administration? What do you think are the mechanisms that citizens can use for ensuring ethics in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"You are a young officer working with the Municipal Corporation of an industrial city. The city was known for manufacturing ball bearings and auto parts. Most manufacturing units were small-scale units with very little production process automation. The units relied on manual labor, which was in abundance due to the villages close by. As the number of manufacturing units grew, the demand for labor increased, bringing in a steady inflow of laborers into the city. This influx of people into the town led to a mushrooming of slums and encroachments on the sidewalks. Once in a while, the Corporation conducted drives to clear out the slums, but after a time, the slums came back. The illegal slums had become an urban nightmare. You were given the responsibility of clearing out the encroachments and slums with the help of Police authorities. As you started the drive, you realized that the people living by the sidewalks were vulnerable compared to the slum dwellers. Many sidewalk dwellers had recently come to the city after selling their properties in their villages. Now if you drive them out, they have no place to go. Your heart went out to them, and you felt that your departmental action was inhumane, but your official responsibilities demanded stern impartial action. You are desperate to find a way to help the sidewalk dwellers without compromising your official duties. (a) What value conflicts do you notice in the above situation? (b) Can an administrator compromise the value of impartiality for empathy? Discuss. (c) What are the options available in the above situation? (d) Suggest viable solutions for tackling illegal slums and encroachments in urban areas. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"A certain State government was running a welfare scheme for promoting safe motherhood among rural landless laborers' families. The scheme involves the transfer of funds to the beneficiaries to enable them to mitigate income loss due to maternal care responsibilities. Since its implementation, the scheme has done reasonably well on maternal health and economic indicators. You are the Director of the Department responsible for implementing and operating the scheme. Recently you have been receiving reports of welfare fraud being committed by families by producing fake bona fide. The families committed the fraud with the help of local officials responsible for scrutinizing the bonafide. You were concerned because the fraud was seriously undermining the scheme's efficiency. You called for a departmental meeting to discuss and find a solution to the problem. In the meeting, it was decided to merge several available government data sets such as Aadhar cards, voter ID cards, marriage certificates, birth certificates, bank details, and other personal assets. By merging all the data sets, the department would be able to develop the beneficiary's economic profile. And this will help the department scrutinize the documents and detect fraud. This was a comprehensive strategy, but it risked violating an individual's data privacy. As a Department head, you wanted to detect and prevent fraud, but at the same time, you were apprehensive about violating the Data privacy of the stakeholders. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) Do you think violating data privacy is justified to prevent welfare fraud? Why / Why not? (c) What, according to you, can be the reasons for such welfare frauds happening in the country? (d) Are there any ways and means to prevent such fraud? Give your suggestions. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"You are posted in the Department of Mines, and one of your roles is to help your Department Head negotiate mining leases with private contractors. Recently, the state government demarcated a new mining zone and planned to invite bids for the mining blocs. You were instructed to oversee the bidding process and speed up the contract negotiations. As planned, the tenders were released, bids came in, and tenders were allocated as per the norms. All this happened at a breakneck speed. You wondered, why the hurry? But it was not your place to think and question; you quietly went about your work. As the contractors were about to start operations, you had to instruct them on environmental concerns to watch out for. And to do that, you read the environmental impact assessment report submitted by a consulting firm hired by the department. To your surprise, the report was shoddy and looked cooked up. You got suspicious and raised the issue with your Head, who politely instructed you to do what you were told, and he reminded you that the Department had revenue targets and was under pressure from the Ministry. After the meeting, you, on your own accord, did some digging and found out that the report was fraudulent and the mining activity that was about to start would lead to a massive environmental disaster which the State could not afford. (a) What are the issues and value violations you notice in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you? (c) Discuss the advantage and disadvantages of each option and identify your chosen course of action. (d) Do you think that environmental considerations are sometimes overrated at the cost of development? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Mr. Sharma was the All India Sales Head of a pharmaceutical company with a turnover of 400 crores. The company's main markets were small towns and tier 2 cities. Further, the company did a sizeable amount of business with state government hospitals and health centers. Mr. Sharma had given a lot of freedom to field sales agents to strike deals and negotiate prices with clients. This strategy worked well for the company. Recently Mr. Sharma received word that three company employees were selling products to government hospitals and health centers at a higher price than they were selling to other private hospitals and health centers. The employees were with the company for over five years and were good performers. A few sales staff informally raised the issue of the three getting relatively higher commissions because of their inflated deals. And this was creating a sense of unease among the sales staff. A cursory review of the account of the three showed that, in many instances, the government hospitals were paying more than other private institutions. Under procurement rules, the government is supposed to pay a fair price, one that other cost-conscious customers pay. On inquiry, Mr. Sharma found that the three were not alone; government purchase department officials were helping them scam the Department. Mr. Sharma realized that his sales staff and some corrupt government staff had been defrauding the state exchequer for quite some time. Mr. Sharma immediately reported it to his CEO, and the two discussed how to deal with the sales staff and whether to inform the government about the scam and the involvement of their staff. The issue was informing the government means that there was every possibility that they might be blacklisted, thereby losing a lot of business. Mr. Sharma and CEO were caught in a dilemma regarding how to proceed with the case. (a) What are the ethical and business issues involved in the case? (b) What are the options available to Mr. Sharma and the CEO? (c) Do you think the organizational culture of giving freedom to the sales force led to the issue or was the individual's corrupt nature that led to the problem? Discuss. (d) What ethics mechanisms and steps can the company create and implement to prevent unethical behavior, as mentioned in the case? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":4599,"topper":"Mohit Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/748520c30390b56bbbd3f8693a3b3ea3/95/aim24gcra017_tc058-test-12-gs-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Most civil servants are neither pure deontologists nor pure utilitarians, but they operate according to a kind of ethical pluralism. Do you agree? Discuss your position with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Identify any four components of emotional intelligence relevant to public services. Explain their role in administrative decision-making. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Values lie at the core of the diverse world of human behaviour and are expressed in every human decision and action. In keeping with the above statement, explain with the help of illustrations how values impact an individual's behaviour. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Explain the difference between codes of ethics, codes of conduct and codes of rules and regulations. Do you think an increase in the number of codes and regulations is an efficient response to the decline of public trust and integrity issues? Why/why not? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance (a) \"The root of happiness is Dharma (righteousness), the root of Dharma is Artha (economy), the root of Artha is right governance.\" (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Prioritising ethical concerns within public administration and policy has monetary costs in terms of training and other expenses. Do you think the financial cost of actively pursuing ethical standards by the government is justified? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Distinguish between administrative, legal and professional accountability. Despite multiple institutional accountability mechanisms, the government has failed to make a dent in systemic corruption. What do you think are the reasons for the poor performance of accountability mechanisms? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Economists view transparency as a condition for open markets, and political scientists view it as a condition for public participation. What does transparency imply in public administration ethics? Is it only a flow of information or more than that? Explain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Persuasion performs a number of positive prosocial functions. However, people often equate persuasion with manipulation and consider it unethical. What are the ethical values a persuader must respect to ensure the ethicality of the act of persuasion? Explain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"You are the VP (Operations) of a company that manufactures and supplies space probes and satellite equipment to government space agencies. The company has been in the business for over four decades and has built considerable expertise in producing and delivering high-quality products. The business was good. As VP of Operations, it was your responsibility to ensure the completion of projects and deliverables on time. A critical deliverable was running behind schedule due to the non-availability of a specific raw material. The material in question was an environmentally hazardous chemical that the Environment Ministry banned. But considering the importance of the chemical compound for the space industry, the Environment Ministry was planning to allow controlled use in about three weeks. You and the company management didn't have three week waiting time. Further, there was severe pressure from the Department of Space to complete the deliverable on time as a lot was riding politically on the project. After internal discussions, you met the Space Department officials to explain the predicament and request a deadline extension. When the meeting happened, you were shocked by the attitude of the Department officials. They refused to accept any delay and suggested circumventing the environmental ministry's prohibition and procuring and using the chemical. They justified it by saying the ministry would allow controlled use in a few weeks. So, why wait? Besides, they noted that the environment ministry doesn't understand space priorities and their intricacies. They pointed out that everything is justified in the name of national interest. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What are the issues involved in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the merits and demerits of each option and select your chosen course of action.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"What do you understand by National Interest? Do you think it is ethically justified for a nation to prioritise security and economics over and above social justice and social development priorities?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"You work as an investment banker with one of the country's biggest private banks. You independently handled a team of 15 junior bankers and reported directly to the Head Investment Banking Division. You also networked with individuals with a high net worth in assets and income as part of your job. The purpose of networking was to persuade them to have their income and assets managed by your bank. Over the years, you had brought in a lot of clients for the bank, and you managed assets and accounts for a few big clients. You managed a client with a sizeable business account, and he frequently received remittances from offshore accounts of his company. In the last six months, you could notice a considerable number of forex transactions had happened in his account. And the money was further moved around to smaller locations within the country. When you tracked the money movement, you noticed that funds were transferred to areas where the client had no business dealings. Government regulations required the bank to report a large inflow of forex funds and client details. You forwarded the details to your Head, who forwarded it to the relevant authorities. When the transactions continued unabated, you got suspicious. On scrutiny, you discovered that the client had dealings with organisations banned by the government for funding anti-national activities. You shared the same information with your Head and requested him to report to the authorities. He said he would look into it. But he didn't. After a few weeks, you raised the matter again, and this time, he curtly told you that the regulations stipulate that account information had to be furnished, which the bank did. It was up to the authorities to scrutinise and take action. The bank was not at fault as it was complying with the law. Further, the Head told you the client was good business for the bank. You were concerned about what to do next as you knew the client was good business, but he was up to no good. (a) What are the issues involved in the case? (b) What are the options available to you? (c) Select your course of action after analysing all the options (d) Do you think breaching client confidentiality and trust can be justified in the above case? (250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What are the issues involved in the case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"Do you think breaching client confidentiality and trust can be justified in the above case? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"How would you see the widow as a victim of her husband's crime or an accused? Justify. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What are the options Pallavi has? How should she navigate the issues with Mr Thakur?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"What do you think is the problem with Mr Thakur, is it a lack of emotional intelligence or something else?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"How do you think you will be able to help Pallavi? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"What options are available to the MP in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"Evaluate the options and suggest a course of action to the MP.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"Distinguish between political and bureaucratic corruption. Can bureaucracy play a role in checking political corruption? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"You are a senior engineer working for S & P Constructions, a prominent government contractor. You are working at a construction site building a nuclear reactor facility. Along with other responsibilities at the site, you were also the safety in charge. One day as you did your weekly safety audit, you noticed that the welders had not followed procedures and used the wrong materials in some sections. The situation was hazardous since some defective welds appeared on the water pipes carrying coolant to the reactor core. The rupture of the pipes could cause disaster if safety backups failed simultaneously. You called a meeting of the welding supervisors to instruct them to rectify the faulty weldings. But even after two weeks, the welds were not fixed, and when asked, the supervisors said they had instructions from the superiors to go ahead with the way it is. You were shocked at this compromise of safety. You travelled to the HQ to discuss this with the senior management. Instead of taking corrective action, the senior management transferred you to a different site and warned you about discussing the safety practices of the nuclear site. You needed the job, so you returned to your new workplace quietly. After five years, the nuclear reactor was in the news for pipe bursts, killing ten engineers and due to the fallout, the neighbouring villages had to be evacuated. You could see your fears coming true. The nuclear facility was shut down, and an inquiry was instituted. You were also summoned for questioning as you handled safety during the construction. You were in a dilemma; tell the truth of safety compromise or hide it and keep the job. Further, your conscience was troubling you that you could have done something five years back instead of quickly taking the transfer. 1. What are the issues involved in the above case? 2. What options do you have in the above dilemma? 3. After evaluating the options, identify which option you would choose. 4. Do you think whistle-blowing could have been a good option five years back? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":4600,"topper":"Mohit Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/c85cb55fcb443ff744279fa10d00b627/3/mts_2025_unchecked_aim24gcra017_slt2512.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"\"Duty forms the cornerstone of administrative ethics, yet without integration of other ethical perspectives, it risks becoming mechanical compliance.\" Discuss how the interplay of duty, virtue, principle, and consequences can enrich ethical decision-making in public administration. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"The strength of a professional public service lies in its ability to remain non-partisan, even in a deeply political environment.\" Do you agree that partisanship undermines the ethical foundation of public administration? Discuss the risks posed by political bias among civil servants and the safeguards that help uphold neutrality. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"In situations of moral ambiguity, where formal rules fall short, emotional intelligence and conscience become crucial tools. Explain how these internal faculties help public servants navigate ethical grey zones. Support with a suitable example. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"The heart of the ethical dilemma is not the absence of values but the presence of competing responsibilities.\" Discuss how ethical dilemmas in public administration often emerge from the clash of legitimate obligations rather than moral ambiguity. Illustrate with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"The growing layers of oversight, media scrutiny, and public expectations have made accountability a double-edged sword for public servants.\" Do you agree that excessive accountability pressure can sometimes hinder ethical judgment and innovation in the bureaucracy? Explain your perspective with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"Family, society, and education do not merely transmit values they shape the ethical foundation of public life.\" Discuss how these institutions influence value formation in public servants. Why is the role of these institutions critical in strengthening ethical governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"Gandhian ethics emphasize purity of means, truth, and moral courage even when outcomes are uncertain.\" Critically evaluate whether such absolutist ethics are compatible with the demands of modern public administration, where administrative realism and pragmatism are often necessary. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"Procurement decisions are a litmus test of public sector probity, where integrity must resist both institutional pressures and private influence.\" Discuss how the principles of transparency, fairness, and accountability can strengthen ethical conduct in public procurement. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"Attitudes, shaped by personal beliefs and values, influence the ethical behaviour of public servants.\" Explain how moral and political attitudes impact administrative neutrality and integrity in public service. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"\"Foreign aid is often framed as generosity, but its ethical legitimacy depends on fairness, accountability, and respect for sovereignty.\" Explain the ethical concerns associated with conditional foreign aid. How can donor countries uphold recipient autonomy while ensuring transparency and developmental impact? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":34,"question":"What are the ethical considerations involved in this budget allocation decision?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"How can administrators ensure equitable development while maintaining working relationships with elected representatives? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"What are the key ethical and professional concerns in this situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"How can civil servants balance personal expression with the demands of neutrality and public accountability? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the key ethical issues in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"How can civil servants uphold integrity when informal hierarchies and peer pressure discourage ethical action? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"You are posted as the General Manager (CSR) in a large public sector undertaking (PSU) in the mining sector. Your role involves evaluating and disbursing funds under the company's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) mandate, especially in districts affected by mining-related displacement. Your team has shortlisted three NGOs for a major livelihood promotion initiative: • Two are small, field-tested organizations with verifiable work in the affected tribal belt. • The third is a well-connected urban NGO, recently floated by a relative of a senior PSU board member. It has flashy brochures and political backing, but no track record in the region. During internal discussions, subtle signals are sent that favour the third NGO, with phrases like \\u201cstrategic alignment\\u201d and \\u201clong-term stakeholder management.\\u201d The CSR committee chair even jokes, \\u201cIt\\u2019s just CSR, not rocket science.\\u201d Meanwhile, field officers caution you that the communities need culturally rooted, decentralized interventions and the urban NGO\\u2019s one-size-fits-all proposal won\\u2019t work. Some colleagues suggest approving all three, dividing funds equally. You must finalize your funding recommendation this week. Technically, all three proposals have passed minimum screening, though the field evidence differs widely. Your decision will affect both ground impact and organizational politics and will set a precedent for future CSR allocations. 1. What are the ethical concerns involved in the allocation of CSR funds in this case? 2. How would you assess the competing pressures of organizational politics and public interest? 3. What decision would you take, and how would you justify it ethically and professionally? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"You are posted as the District Magistrate in a tier-2 city. As part of routine administrative coordination, you recently conducted a performance review of key departments. The Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) in your district was commended for resolving a large backlog of land dispute cases and digitizing over 6,000 property records in a high-conflict zone. Her work has improved grievance redressal and reduced local litigation. However, you soon receive an internal note from the General Administration Department, asking for your remarks on a \\u201croutine\\u201d proposal to transfer the RDO to a remote sub-division. No performance concerns are cited. Informally, you learn that the RDO\\u2019s strict application of land laws has led to resistance from local political leaders. Some had interests in disputed religious landholdings and were reportedly unhappy with her refusal to accommodate \\u201ccommunity sentiments.\\u201d During a recent meeting, a senior MLA remarked that officers should be \\u201cmore politically aware of local dynamics.\\u201d The officer has not filed a formal complaint but appears demoralized. Your senior colleagues hint this may be a \\u201csignal\\u201d to adjust administrative behaviour. Your confidential note, due in 48 hours, will influence the transfer\\u2019s fate. There is no legal bar, but tenure guidelines recommend a minimum 2-year posting, and the officer is only 10 months into the role. 1. What are the administrative and ethical issues involved in the case? 2. What would be your response in the official note, and why? 3. How can senior civil servants uphold neutrality and fairness in politically sensitive postings without inviting retaliation or appearing insubordinate? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":59,"question":"What are the core ethical challenges involved in executing the eviction in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":59,"question":"How should a public servant reconcile legal mandates with humanitarian obligations in contexts of informal urban settlements?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4601,"topper":"Mohit Gupta","air":192,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/33/aim24gcra017_tc053-test-07gs-4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4602,"topper":"Mohit Gupta","air":192,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/228/aim24gcra017_tc058-test-12-gs-4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4603,"topper":"Mohit Gupta","air":192,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Mohit-Gupta-UPSC-IAS-2023-Toppers-AIR-192-Sample-MGP-GS-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Issues of women were at the center of the discourse of socio-religious reforms. In this light, assess the contribution of the 19th century socio-religious reform movements to the emancipation of women. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"In what ways has the Indian independence movement shaped the identity of modern India? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Why did British colonial enterprise succeed in securing rule over India while efforts from other European powers failed to give them a firm foothold in the country? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"In your view, was the 1857 uprising a national war for independence? What were the reasons for its failure? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The ideology of paternalistic benevolence and white man's burden thinly veiled the realities of a despotic Raj that continually impoverished the country. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Identify any three salient features of Indian society and discuss their significance in building a national identity. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The essence of social harmony and national unity lies in working with difference, rather than working to eliminate differences. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the factors driving internal migration in the country and analyze its various socio-economic impacts. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"The changes in labour market and employment pattern in recent years have opened up new avenues of economic empowerment, but have also created new problems.\" Substantiate this statement with examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Analyze how social and economic inequalities between genders shape power relations within marriages and discuss the various consequences of these imbalances. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What was the need to have different land revenue systems under the same colonial regime? Assess the impact of land revenue systems on society and economy. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The dyarchy introduced by the Montague-Chelmsford reforms of 1919 was a far cry from devolution of power to a representative and responsible government which could satisfy the rising national sentiment among Indians. Critically evaluate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Highlight the key features of Lord Ripon's new approach that differentiated his policies from those of his predecessors. What were the long-term effects of the period of his governorship? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"\"The national movement before the arrival of Gandhi was a movement representing the classes.\" How did the entry of Gandhiji change the character of the national movement for freedom? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"It was the constitutional impasse that forced India towards freedom with partition. Analyse the factors that contributed to this constitutional impasse. Why did efforts to solve it fail? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"To what extent do cultural and social norms influence population growth in India? Evaluate the effectiveness and necessity of a population control law and raising minimum age of marriage for women for population development. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Caste system has evolved and persisted, despite concerted efforts to eliminate it.\" Examine and highlight the various factors that have contributed to the continuance of caste-based discrimination and inequality in society. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Analyze the ways in which urbanization has impacted social values, and traditions. Also, assess the role of urban planning in promoting social inclusion and cultural diversity in urban areas. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Poverty is not limited to lack of financial resources, but also encompasses a degree of social marginalization and exclusions. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Why does communalism still persist in the country, despite it being widely recognized as a threat? Do you think that Indian model of secularism has failed to build an inclusive and integrated society? Justify. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4604,"topper":"Mohit Gupta","air":192,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Mohit-Gupta-UPSC-IAS-2023-Toppers-AIR-192-Sample-MGP-GS-Copy-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"\"The art of painting in India has a rich and diverse history, with works that are not only aesthetically beautiful, but also offer insights into the social, cultural, and political contexts in which they were created.\" Elaborate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"\"Without the participation and contributions of women, the Indian national movement could not have achieved the successes it did.\" In this perspective, analyze the role of women in the Indian national movement. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Examine the essential principles of the Subsidiary Alliance system. Assess its contribution in making the British the paramount authority in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"\"The attainment of political independence in 1947 was a watershed moment in Indian history, but it did not mean an end to the struggles for economic and cultural freedom.\" Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Buddha's teachings can help in understanding and resolving the problems of today's society. Do you agree? Justify your answer. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Poverty has a woman's face.\" What do you understand by 'feminization of poverty'? What role can women empowerment play in poverty reduction? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Globalization involves a complex exchange of cultural influences, where local identities are transformed by global forces, while global culture in turn is shaped by local identities. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Why is Mediterranean climate different from China-type climate despite being on a similar latitude? Also explain how the differences in climate affect life and economic activities in the region. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Describe the various types of fronts and their role in formation of extra-tropical cyclones. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the factors behind distribution of global palm oil production. Why does India depend on palm oil imports despite having conditions suitable for its cultivation? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"When it comes to Indian culture, few symbols are as enduring and ubiquitous as the elephant and the lotus. Elaborate this statement with examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"\"The changing nature of revolutionary extremism in the Indian national movement reflected a broader shift in political consciousness.\" Substantiate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"\"The Great Depression led to the rise of radical politics and the emergence of new forms of government intervention in the economy.\" Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"\"If there is one thing that embodies India's civilizational character, it's her pluralism.\" Explain the significance of pluralism in India's socio-cultural fabric? How has the Indian civilization managed to sustain its pluralistic character? Give suitable examples in support of your answer. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Castelessness is a privilege that only a few can afford whose caste privilege has already translated into social, political, and economic capital. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"To what extent do traditional Indian family values align with the principles of constitutional morality? How can the Indian society resolve the tension between preserving traditional values and embracing social change? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"With help of a neat diagram, describe the general atmospheric circulation. Highlight the factors that affect the movement of winds on earth? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What do you understand by footloose industries? Discuss their significance and provide a suitable strategy for the growth of footloose industries in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Describe the role of geography in shaping patterns of international trade and globalization. To what extent can geopolitical shifts overpower the logic of geography? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Cities are the engines of economic growth, but they can also be the black holes of the environment. What are some of the key environmental challenges facing urban areas in the 21st century? How should modern cities address these challenges? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4605,"topper":"Mohit Gupta","air":192,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Mohit-Gupta-UPSC-IAS-2023-Toppers-AIR-192-Sample-MGP-GS-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Why is Indus Valley Civilization considered an urban civilization? Can you identify some of the elements of IVC that have influenced the present-day culture of the Indian subcontinent? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Vijayanagar was syncretic society and it made immense contribution to the development of art and literature in the region. Substantiate with examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Describe any three important problems that India faced during early years after independence. How were these problems resolved? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What are the criteria used to identify tribals in India? Assess the efforts made towards the integration of tribal communities after independence. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Analyze the roots and manifestations of regionalism in India. Is regionalism always a threat to unity and integrity of the country? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Among the manifold factors behind the unification of Germany, the realpolitik of Bismarck stands out. Evaluate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The French Revolution (1789) could achieve far less than what it had set out to effect. Do you agree? Justify your answer. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Analyze the causes of the Iranian Revolution and discuss its significance for the region and the world. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What were the driving forces for the paper partition of Africa? How did it impact the political and social landscape of the continent? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"\"If I could save the Union without freeing any slave, I would do it; and if I could save it by freeing all the slaves, I would do it; and if I could save it by freeing some and leaving others alone, I would also do that.\" Discuss the issues that fueled the American civil war. How far did the civil war succeed in achieving its objective? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Gandhara art was a hybrid school that reflects the cultural contact between India and the Hellenistic world. Elaborate. Also discuss the unique features of Gandhara art viz-a-viz Mathura and Amaravati school of art. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Examine the influence of regional and local traditions on temple architecture of ancient India. Also explain how ancient temple architecture impacted the architectural style and design of later periods. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Explain why Sufism, a liberal reform movement in Islam could deepen its roots in the Indian sub-continent, despite Islam being a foreign religion? Also, bring out the impacts of Sufism on Indian society. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Critically examine the conditions that necessitated the imposition of National Emergency in 1975. What were its short term and long-term impacts for the country? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Why is the decade of 1960 known as 'dangerous decade'? How did India surmount the challenges faced during this era? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"How did Italy transform from a geographical expression to a nation-state? Evaluate the role of Cavour in the unification of Italy. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Why did Britain follow a policy of appeasement during inter-war years? To what extent was this policy responsible for the outbreak of World War II? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Describe the reasons that made Britain the birthplace of Industrial Revolution. In what ways the process of industrialization differ across countries? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"\"World War I was an inevitable catastrophe waiting to happen, resulting from the interplay of long-term structural, cultural, and political factors.\" Elucidate (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"\"The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 signaled the end of the Cold War and the end of history as we knew it.\" Analyze the causes and the consequences of the fall of the Berlin Wall. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4606,"topper":"Mohit Gupta","air":192,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Mohit-Gupta-UPSC-IAS-2023-Toppers-AIR-192-Sample-MGP-GS-Copy-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the characteristics of water masses and their role in thermohaline circulation. Why are thermohaline circulations of the Pacific Ocean not as developed as in the Atlantic Ocean? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Describe the various types of delta. Why does India's eastern coast has more deltas than its western coast? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"With the help of an annotated diagram, discuss the various landforms of karst region. Why is 'underground scenery' very well developed in karst region? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by the Inter-tropical convergence zone (ITCZ)? Discuss the climatic impact of its seasonal shift. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Explain the process of tide formation and distinguish between tides and waves. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Define air mass and explain the influence of different types of air masses on weather patterns. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The melting of the cryosphere due to climate change is a global threat whose effects will not be restricted to mountains and polar countries. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Heat waves are a silent natural disaster. Describe the criteria for declaring heat waves and enumerate its humanitarian, environmental and economic impacts. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What are the locational factors for textile industry? Why have countries like Vietnam and Bangladesh emerged as significant competitors to India in the textile exports? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The Himalayan region has significant mineral resources, but realizing their potential has its own set of challenges. Discuss in light of recent finding of lithium reserves in Jammu & Kashmir. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Describe the structure of a tropical cyclone and the conditions that are suitable for its formation. Also discuss the impact of tropical cyclones on human populations and the natural environment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"To what extent does the theory of plate tectonics explain the major geological features of the Earth's surface? Discuss with suitable examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Account for the differences in ocean water density across the globe and its diverse implications. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Explain the origin and evolution of the Himalayan Mountain range. What impact do Himalayas have on the climate and geography of the Indian subcontinent? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Describe the factors that influence the monsoon rainfall in India. What do you mean by normal monsoon? Why do some regions suffer drought even in a year of 'normal monsoon'? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Healthy coral reefs are among the most biologically diverse, ecologically vital and economically valuable ecosystems on earth. Elaborate upon the significance of coral reefs. Describe the suitable conditions for their health and the threats faced by them. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) is being planned as a reliable, high-speed, and high-frequency transportation service for the National Capital Region (NCR). Discuss the factors driving the need for RRTS and elaborate upon the challenges faced in implementing such systems in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Water scarcity threatens economic and social gains and is a potent fuel for wars and conflict. What are the political and natural challenges in access to freshwater resources in regions with shared international transboundary rivers? Elaborate upon the impact of access to freshwater for economic development and poverty reduction. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"With the help of a map, show major ocean currents of the world. Explaining the factors driving the ocean currents, highlight their effects on human activities. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Explain the primary lines of evidence supporting the theory of continental drift. How did it contribute to expanding our understanding of Earth's history. Also discuss the limitations of continental drift theory. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4607,"topper":"Mohit Gupta","air":192,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/2/aim24gcra017_tc047-test-0-1gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4608,"topper":"Mohit Gupta","air":192,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/9/aim24gcra017_tc048-test-2-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4609,"topper":"Mohit Kasniya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6a2a6-37396_1413_mohit-kasniya_rank_61.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"In India, ancient and medieval storage structures such as the step wells, are not only magnificent in their conception, architecture and ornamentation but also hold a lesson for contemporary water concerns. Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"In the period after 1919-20, the influence of Indian capitalist class over the nationalist movement progressively increased due to various reasons. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"With modern education being introduced in India to meet the interests of the British, its reach was restricted and its character unsatisfactory. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Throw light on the reasons of poverty in the third world countries and enumerate the key ideas suggested in the Brandt report of 1980 to help them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Though both caste and race are manifestations of closed systems of stratification, there are important differences between the two. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What are peri-urban areas? Highlight the problems of peri-urban areas in India and also suggest corrective measures. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Studying the cosmos for over a quarter century, the Hubble Space Telescope has changed our fundamental understanding of the universe. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Giving example, explain how continental rupture ultimately results in the formation of a new ocean basin. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"A strong tradition of linguistic analysis developed in ancient India and there remained a continuous focus on its preservation and transmission. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Explain, using examples, how the nature of peasant movements changed during the colonial period. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"What were the conditions and circumstances that led to the emergence of Socialist Movement in India? Analyse the impact of socialist ideas on the Indian National Movement. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Almost all the major 'divisive' problems of today have been there ever since Independence, or even earlier. But in spite of them India has not only survived as a nation but also become stronger. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Domestic servants are one unique group of workers in modern India, which is ubiquitous but remains invisible. Indicate the challenges faced by this section of workers. Also, discuss the factors that contribute to these challenges and suggest measures to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The story of contemporary India is a story of migration. In this context, explain how migration has shaped India socially and economically. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Briefly describe the process of ozone hole formation. Also, explain why ozone hole over Antarctic is greater in size than the one over Arctic. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Watershed management can ensure effective use of both natural and social capitals. In this context, discuss how the concept of integrated watershed management can help meet the sustainable development goals in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4610,"topper":"Mohit Kasniya","air":61,"year":2021,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ba8c1-37396_1414_mohit-kasniya_rank_61.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4611,"topper":"Mohit Kasniya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/17a17-37396_1416_mohit-kasniya_rank_61.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the significance of ethical work culture, suggest ways by which it can be imbibed in an organization. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Upholding probity in governance is not only contingent on values of an individual but also the processes of the institution. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The nature of a business's operations has a major influence on the ethical issues with which it must contend. Giving examples, discuss how business ethics is crucial in today's world. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"An honest bureaucrat can be put to inconvenience but the dishonest one is more likely to suffer in the long run. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The notion of an ethical foreign policy downplays the realities of international politics. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Conscience can neither be silent nor delayed as a source of ethical guidance. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) To educate a person in the mind but not in morals is to educate a menace to society. - Theodore Roosevelt (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"Children are great imitators, so give them something great to imitate.\" In this context, discuss the importance of role models in inculcating values in children. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The Covid-19 pandemic has brought with itself an environment of uncertainties and hardships. In this context, discuss the significance of emotional intelligence in dealing with the situation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Bring out the role of social media in shaping one's moral and political attitude. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Environmental ethics is about the moral relationship of human beings to, and also the value and moral status of, the environment and its non-human contents. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"The Citizens' Charter cannot be an end in itself; it is rather a means to an end. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You are the District Magistrate of district, which has recently witnessed rapid transmission of the Covid-19 pandemic. The district has high population density and a sizeable chunk of migrant workers. There has been a shutdown of business activities and the workers are yearning to go back to their native places. The administration has announced a strict lockdown and divided the district into containment zones. There is a severe shortage of people, material and money in the administration and fear and panic is seen to be gripping them. (a) What are the qualities of a civil servant that are revealed in such testing times? (b) What measures would you suggest for: (i) Dealing with the current issue. (ii) Making the district administration more resilient to respond to such a critical situation in the future.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"In recent times, the country witnessed protests based on opposition to some steps taken by the government. Whereas, mostly these were peaceful protests, at a few places these activities turned violent leading to destruction of public property. In some places government arrested few of the protesters and imposed heavy fines on them for the destruction of the property. In case they could not pay, their private property was confiscated by the government to pay for the damage done to the public property. In addition to this, some governments published the photographs, names and addresses of those accused of vandalism during protests at various locations. (a) What are the issues of public importance at stake in this case? (b) Are their any ethical or legal principles at play here which may be conflicting? (c) What should be the principles guiding a democratic state in such circumstances?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"The global toll of the COVID-19 pandemic is enormous: more than a half-million lives lost, hundreds of millions out of work, and trillions of dollars of wealth destroyed. And the disease has by no means run its course. There is tremendous interest in the development of a vaccine, with more than a hundred initiatives under way around the world. Even if one or more vaccines emerge that promise to make people less susceptible to COVID-19, the public-health problem will not be eliminated. But policymakers can avert some foreseeable problems by starting to address key questions about financing and distribution now. In view of the above scenario, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the different stakeholders involved in this scenario. (b) Identify some of the ethical questions and issues that are likely to emerge as the vaccine becomes available. (c) Who, in your opinion, should be amongst the first recipients of the vaccine? Give reasons for your answer.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"You are the head of a PSU, which has recently been entrusted with the construction of a new airport in a metropolitan city. However, the area in the immediate neighbourhood of the proposed airport runways have large tracts of land occupied by dense slum settlements. If the airport is to be constructed, approximately 75,000 slum families will have to be humanly rehabilitated. The sheer scale of this rehabilitation, almost similar to an urban renewal, has thrown up many challenges. Foremost among these is identifying an appropriate location for rehabilitation of slum dwellers. You are faced with the following options in this regard, each of which have their own merits and demerits: (a) There is no reasonably priced land in close vicinity of the present slums. A vacant parcel of land that you have identified close-by will have to be developed afresh along with all civic amenities, and this will entail huge cost for the PSU. (b) There is another location, which is very far-off where a factory once stood. All the required civic amenities are in place here and the factory can be converted into appropriate houses at little cost to the PSU. However, there will be loss of livelihood on relocation to this area because of its distance from the current slum location. (c) There is yet another site, which can be used for rehabilitation at reasonable cost. Neither is it too far nor will it entail huge monetary cost, but exercising this option involves cutting a large number of trees, which may adversely affect the ecology of the area. This is likely to face resistance from environmental groups. Given the above options and the associated challenges, which of these sites will you choose for rehabilitation of slum dwellers? Provide adequate justification for your choice.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You are an Indian Forest Service Officer posted in a division which falls in the coastal regulation zone and contains multiple wildlife sanctuaries. Recently, the State government has brought up a proposal of a new food processing park in your division. Under the proposal, around 175 square kilometers of forest land will be acquired as per the law. The developers of the project claim the various socio-economic benefits it can provide to the people in the area. Due to this a sizeable chunk of trees will be uprooted. There are studies which suggest that such initiatives have a long-term impact on wildlife and also leads to human-wildlife conflict. Some residents living in the periphery of the forest have supported this move in hope of employment opportunities. However, traditional dwellers of the forests have protested against this move. The government has constituted a committee to frame guidelines for sustainable operation of this project. The committee has asked for your suggestions in this regard. (a) Identify the principles and values that would guide your suggestions in this regard. (b) What course of action should be taken in order to balance the social and environmental needs in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"The RTI Act, which became operational in 2005 empowers the Indian citizens to seek information from public authorities. This, in effect, makes the Government and its functionaries more accountable and responsible. However, it has faced resistance because of the entrenched bureaucratic culture and it is taking time to change the mindset of the people in the government to new realities in wake of the act. This has led to implementation issues and questions have also been raised against the effectiveness of the act in achieving its desired objectives. Apart from this, certain issues related to the information seeker have also been raised from time to time. In view of the innumerable challenges answer the following: (a) Explain the importance of a transparent government system in a democracy, like India. (b) Elaborate on the challenges that the implementation of RTI has faced, in the context of information seeker (demand-side) as well as those entrusted to give information (supply-side). (c) Discuss the role that such a legislation can be expected to play given the ground realities in our country. How can it be ensured that such legislations are effective in achieving their envisaged objectives?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4612,"topper":"Mohit Rawat","air":462,"year":2020,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ssXp1C2j6x2e0J-LH1hjatMUI-JjoHoA","questions":[]},{"id":4613,"topper":"MOKSH DILIP RANAWAT","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/MOKSH-DILIP-RANAWAT-UPSC-2024-Rank-251-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What are civil society organizations (CSOs)? Discuss their role as developmental partners of the government and highlight the concerns associated with their functioning. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"How does citizen's charter ensure transparency and accountability in the administration? How far has it been able to make administration citizen centric? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Right to Information (RTI) is considered a sunshine legislation but is not without its own challenges. Highlighting the changes made by RTI (Amendment) Act 2019, discuss the statement. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Good governance has become synonymous with policy decisions driven by real time data. Analyze the significance of e-governance in improving developmental policies. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Microfinance is surest way to break the vicious cycle of poverty and unemployment. Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"India's \"balancing act\" in the ongoing Ukraine crisis is borne out of mature strategic thinking rather than mere necessities. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do you understand by Non-Aligned-Movement (NAM)? Is India's foreign policy still guided by the principles of non-Alignment? Justify. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"For a developing and energy deficient country, energy security essentially becomes a centre point of diplomacy. Discuss in the Indian perspective. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Analyse, with illustrations, the significance of Indian diaspora in extending the soft power of the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The global response to Covid19 pandemic showed a compartmentalised approach rather than a coherent strategy. Do you agree? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"An archaic and obsolete edifice of civil services does not augur well for a welfare state. Examine the various issues surrounding the civil services in the country. What suggestions would you make for their reform? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"An independent and unbiased media is critical in a democracy for holding the government accountable by educating, informing and mobilizing the public. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Social audit is decisive tool to make government programmes responsive to people's aspirations. Examine the status of social audit in India. In what ways can social audits be made more effective? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"NGOs have filled the developmental space vacated by the government, however, adversarial relations and trust deficit between the NGOs and the government need to be smoothened to deliver sustainable social development. Discuss with special reference to Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Act, 2020. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Dual control of All India Services often becomes a cause for federal tensions. Explain the rationale behind adopting such a system. Also, evaluate the changes proposed by the central government in March 2022 in the IAS (Cadre) Rules, 1954. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Instability in its neighbourhood combined with displacement and humanitarian crisis don't augur well for India's interest in the region. Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"For creation of a stable, peaceful and prosperous multipolar order, UN Security Council (UNSC) reforms are an urgent imperative. Examine the statement and present a case for India's permanent membership in UNSC. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the reasons for the ongoing economic crisis in Sri-Lanka? Analyse its impact upon India. Also, suggest suitable steps that India can take to ameliorate the crisis. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"As a sub-regional grouping, BIMSTEC provides a confluence of Act East and neighbourhood first policy. Analyse the importance of BIMSTEC and evaluate its position vis-à-vis SAARC. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India-US relationship is a strategic partnership based on convergence of interests and shared value; a partnership, mature enough to accommodate divergence in worldview of both the countries. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4614,"topper":"MONA JAKHAR","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/MONA-JAKHAR-UPSC-2024-Rank-490-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Critically evaluate the significance of the Basic Structure Doctrine in the five decades since its judicial pronouncement. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Though defamation law is vital to protect one's reputation and dignity in society, weaponization of the same to curb dissent and free speech is antithetical in a constitutional democracy. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Explore the legal-constitutional basis for the conflicts between the elected government and the institution of the Lieutenant Governor over the governance process in the Union Territory of Delhi. Analyse the role that the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 2023, can play in resolving it. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The objective of the Mediation Bill, 2023 is to have a mediation first approach to civil and commercial disputes resolution, with the purpose of reducing the burden of litigation on Courts, providing alternate means of disputes resolution, and enhancing the country's reputation as an investor friendly destination. Comment, with special emphasis on the salient features of the bill. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"A middle point between socialism and capitalism, cooperatives bring the best of the both worlds. Assess the utility of the cooperative model in effecting rural prosperity. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Evaluate the efficacy of Forest Rights Act, 2006 (FRA) and Panchayat (Extension of the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA) in attaining their mandate. Also, recommend measures to make these legislations more effective in attaining their desired objectives. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Differentiate between the legal and illegal means adopted by advocacy networks to advance their interests. What are the factors that limit their effectiveness as a pressure group? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the steps taken by the government in empowering Self Help Groups as a development partner in poverty alleviation. Also highlight the challenges in the working of SHGs. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Changing strategic realities come with their own constraints and possibilities. Describe briefly India's defense diplomacy in the context of contemporary geopolitics. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Explain the significance and implications of the China-brokered diplomatic accord between Iran and Saudi Arabia. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"A key pillar of Constitutional morality is constitutional punctuality. Illustrate with suitable examples, how a lack of constitutional punctuality not only hinders democratic functioning of the State, but also goes against the spirit of the Constitution. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Free and fair elections are the lifeblood of a democracy, and electoral reforms are at the core of political reforms. In this context, highlighting the challenges to functioning of the Election Commission, suggest the necessary reforms needed, with special reference to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Other Election Commissioners ECs (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The overhaul of India's criminal justice system is not only a long due reform, it is also imperative for decolonizing India's penal system. Elucidate in the light of recently proposed trinity of Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill, 2023, Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita Bill, 2023 and Bharatiya Sakshya Bill, 2023. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What ails institutions of Higher education? Bring out the possibilities and challenges that come with the entry and operation of foreign educational institutions seeking to impart higher education. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Partnership between the State and CSOs for delivering development, while promising at face value, is fraught with challenges. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Critically analyse the working of the POCSO Act, 2012 in addressing the menace of child sex abuse in society in the 10 years since its enactment. How far has the National Commission for protection of child rights been successful in fulfilling its mandate? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Discuss the challenges that keep India multi-dimensionally poor with special reference to NITI Ayog's National Multidimensional Poverty Index Report. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"BRICS can serve as a platform for shaping a post-Western global order, but the potential of the grouping is held back by internal contradictions. Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"\"WTO is dead! Long live WTO!\" In the context of this statement, account for the reasons behind why the WTO is dysfunctional. In your opinion, what reforms are needed to promote resilient, sustainable, and inclusive world trade. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4615,"topper":"Monica R","air":39,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/14G7UHrnRzx904JuDLl50FIr3_vyDxbfX","questions":[]},{"id":4616,"topper":"Monika","air":16,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/MONIKA-SRIVASTAVA-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-16-Sample-AWFG-Copy-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Q.1) Examine the socio-cultural factors restricting women's access to public spaces in Indian cities.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":3,"question":"Q.6 Analyze the underlying causes of migration in India. Discuss the resulting impact of migration on both rural and urban societies.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":4,"question":"1 Examine socio-cultural factors restricting women's access to public spaces in Indian cities","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"2. How Globalisation impacts elderly population in India, highlighting associated opportunities and challenges.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"Q3. Significance of population education in highlighting India's status as world's most populous nation","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"40 How does assertion of linguistic identity impact model concept of national identity? Explain using suitable examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"6 Identify major shifts in Institution of marriage over past few decades. Analyse factors that drove these gradual transformations","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"Q6 Analyse underlying causes of migration in India. Discuss resulting impact of migration on both rural and urban households","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Q7 While secularism is part of Basic Structure of constitution, it needs to part of Basic Structure of society. Comment on various challenges","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4617,"topper":"Monika","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7bb05-115128_2078_monika_srivastava_rank_16.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) Leaders with fortitude are known by everyone and they are the people to turn to when crisis arises. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) In the wake of changing social landscape in the country, value education is as important as technical education for the youth to become not only skilled but also morally strong professionals. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) While impartiality has been identified as one of the key ethical values for public service, it should not be seen as precluding compassion in public services. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) The power, which administrators wield, can bring the nation great dividends if rightly used, but can bring harm and disrepute if abused, Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"3. (a) Analyse the ethical implications of commercial space exploration, especially with the entry of private sector in recent times.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) While Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to radically transform and disrupt our world, the right ethical choices can make AI a force of good for humanity. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"4. What do you understand by the term 'social accountability'? Explain its significance and discuss critical factors responsible for the success of any social accountability initiative.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"4 (b) Corruption is a challenge to democracy and citizens' estimations of corruption are one of the main criteria for its wideness and harmfulness. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"5. (a) Work from home culture has led to many ethical concerns in private organizations. In light of this, do you think it is ethical for an employee to practice moonlighting? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"5. (b) Do you agree with the view that environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations for a corporation create immense value for the business? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"6 (a) While there are multiple institutions to ensure fairness in international relations, states often put aside moral values and the directions of these institutions for their own interests. Discuss with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"6. (b) Discuss the various ethical issues that can arise when a foreign-funded research project conducts medical research in developing countries.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"6. (c) Discuss the important teachings of Guru Nanak Dev relevant to the youth of today.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"7 In the following questions, carefully study the cases presented and then answer the questions that follow (in around 250 words):\n(a) Mention the stakeholders and ethical issues surrounding the recent mass layoffs in new age startups.\n(b) Identify the reasons behind such irresponsible conduct by higher management, particularly in startups in India.\n(c) Suggest some measures to tackle the aforementioned problems. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"around 250"},{"page":34,"question":"8 In this context, answer the following the questions:\n(a) Do you think the act of the officer was justified? Should there be an overlap between personal and professional duties of a civil servant?\n(b) Does the work culture in India hinder working mothers from fulfilling their dual role? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"9 In the given circumstances, address the following:\n(a) Identify the main stakeholders involved in this case.\n(b) Highlight the issues related to integrity and ethics in the case above.\n(c) What are the various options available to Meera? Which option should she choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"10 You have recently joined as a Regional Sales Manager of a pharmaceutical company and have been given a sales target for the year, which is unusually high as per your assessment. On surveying the market, however, you have observed that the competitors are achieving such targets. On a deeper analysis, you come across unethical practices of giving gifts, payments and hospitality benefits to doctors by their medical representatives. This is prohibited by the Uniform Code of Pharmaceuticals Marketing Practices. You contacted the National Sales Manager in this regard but he hinted at achieving the released targets at whatever cost. You directed the Area Sales Managers to meet their respective targets while not engaging in the practice of unethical incentives to the doctors. They have communicated their concerns regarding their inability to meet the targets without provision of these perks and benefits.\n(a) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by you in this context?\n(b) Discuss the merits and demerits of the options available to you? Which of these will you choose and why?\n(c) What are the ethical alternatives available to the pharmaceutical sector to market their products? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"11 In this context, answer the following questions.\n(a) What are the ethical issues associated with the excessive use of social media by civil servants?\n(b) How can social media be effectively utilized by public officials? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"12 You are the Managing Director of a successful marketing company in India that has several high profile national and international clients. The company makes every effort to hire people from all social and religious backgrounds in order to promote diversity. One day, an employee Miss 'A' who was recently hired informs you that she often feels discriminated in the company due to the fact that she is a transgender woman. She points out that senior male employees are uncomfortable in her presence. Further, other employees want to discuss her personal life when she has no intention of doing so. She also states that she has been excluded from some departmental meetings without being given a valid reason. Due to these instances, she feels harassed and wants you to either correct the situation immediately or accept her resignation. If she resigns and the information becomes public, the image of the company will be maligned. However, you know it is difficult to bring about an immediate change in the attitude of your employees, especially senior members, as such changes require time.\n(a) Highlight the ethical issues in this situation.\n(b) As a Managing Director, what are the options available to you?\n(c) Evaluate each of these options and choose the option which you would adopt, giving reasons. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4618,"topper":"Monika Srivastava","air":16,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/MONIKA-SRIVASTAVA-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-16-Sample-MGP-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"1. A nation of sheep will beget a government of wolves.\n2. The best way to predict the future is to create it.\n3. Be not afraid of growing slowly, be afraid only of standing still.\n4. The imagination is not a state; it is the human existence itself.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"WHY THE FEAR OF MOVING?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"a Given the critically of having a Growth Mindset and Acting over Reacting, how do we make sure that we are battling the fear and growing out of shackles?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"DO WE NOT FEAR ANYTHING, THEN?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4619,"topper":"Monika Srivastava","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b0416-115128_2439_monika_srivastava_rank_16.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"To be free is to live in a way that respects and enhances freedom of others","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4620,"topper":"Monika Srivastava","air":16,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/MONIKA-SRIVASTAVA-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-16-Sample-MGP-Copy-2-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) What factors contributed to the rise of powerful kingdoms, including Magadha and the Mauryan Empire, in the region of present-day Bihar during ancient times?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) How did British colonial policies impact the traditional agrarian economy and lead to widespread peasant resistance in the country?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3 To what extent, in your opinion, has the formation of linguistic states strengthened the cause of Indian unity?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Describe the meridional circulation of the atmosphere and highlight its significance for the world climate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) What is sea surface temperature rise? Explain the hazards associated with rise of sea-surface temperatures.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) The peninsular location of India provides opportunities for harnessing non-conventional energy resources. Discuss with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) What accounts for the relatively more favorable sex ratio for women among Scheduled Tribes compared to Scheduled Castes?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"1 Impact of mainland practices on scheduled castes as Isolation and lesser influence on ST\n2 Concept of 'Stridhana' since Gupta Times\n3 Historical Reasons for lack of property rights among women, lesser political participation\n4 Decline in women status from early vedic to later vedic","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) Discuss the positive and negative effects of globalization on youth in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 “Air pollution is as much an issue of equity and justice as it is an environmental one.” Elaborate with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) How is poverty intertwined with the structure of society? Explain this relationship with examples from Indian society.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 Dravidian temple architecture that came of age during the rule of the Pallavas, reached its zenith at the time of the imperial Cholas. Elaborate with suitable examples.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) Discuss the causes behind the Russian Revolutions of 1917. Why is the second revolution considered more significant than the first?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 \"New imperialism was a nationalistic, not an economic phenomenon.\" Critically examine.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 Discuss the role of the press in spreading nationalist ideas and sentiments during the freedom struggle. What challenges did the press, particularly the vernacular press, face during this period?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Despite sharing a similar latitude, why does the Mediterranean climate vary from the China-type climate? How do the differences in climate affect life and economic activities in the region?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) Often called 'white gold,' lithium has emerged as a priority metal in achieving the global energy transition. Explain. Also, outline the distribution of lithium in India and the world, and discuss the implications of its uneven availability globally.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 Incidence of extreme rainfall events and flash floods in recent times has led to devastating consequences for major cities of India. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 What do you understand by the term 'demographic dividend'? Highlighting the challenges the country faces in realizing the potential of its favourable demography, suggest corrective measures.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 \"A seemingly casteless upper caste and an apparently caste-defined lower caste is one of the central aspects of the institution of caste in contemporary times\". Examine.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20) Explain how India's contemporary gender rights discourse maintains continuity with 19th-century social reform efforts while also expanding to address new challenges.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4621,"topper":"Monika Srivastava","air":16,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/GS_1_Test_2_Vajiram_compressed_d6281f2053.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4622,"topper":"Monika Srivastava","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9432b-115128_4511_monika_srivastava_rank_16.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. How does the Supreme Court’s recent decision on Aligarh Muslim University’s minority status affect the interpretation of Article 30 of the Indian Constitution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. The Supreme Court, in a recent verdict, prescribed a time period for the Governor's assent to state legislative bills. What are the implications of this judgment for cooperative federalism and legislative accountability in India?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. Discuss the recent changes and initiatives related to cooperatives that aim to smoothen the tussle between the Centre and States in the cooperative sector. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. In recent years, use of social media and digital mobilisation by civil society has emerged as a powerful form of pressure politics. Examine its impact on policymaking and democratic accountability.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. How is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) emerging as a business-led solution for addressing development challenges in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. Discuss how mechanisms like public consultations and Jan Sunwais in India impact governance outcomes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. How effective have the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) and Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan been in addressing substance abuse in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. Rote learning and neglect of creativity in foundational education setup in India make it less ready for marketplaces that are now driven by Artificial Intelligence. Do you agree with this view? Substantiate your argument.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Analyze the transformation of the G7 from a symbol of Western strategic unity to a forum marked by internal contradictions. How should India navigate this changing dynamic to advance its strategic interests? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. Discuss the role of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in the development of developing countries. What are the key criticisms associated with its approach? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. The 103rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019 has introduced a new dimension to the principle of affirmative action in India. Critically examine its implications for the broader goal of social justice.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. The District Planning Committee (DPC) was envisioned as a key instrument to strengthen grassroots-level planning. How far has it succeeded in achieving this goal? Discuss the challenges faced by DPCs and suggest measures to make them more effective.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. The restrictions imposed under Article 293 of the Constitution on State borrowing powers, though constitutionally valid, may hinder fiscal autonomy of States and disrupt cooperative federalism. Discuss in the light of recent developments.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. Examine the tension between the right to contest elections and the need to uphold electoral ethics under the Representation of the People Act. Should there be a lifetime ban on convicted criminals? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. To what extent has the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme, launched in 2015, succeeded in addressing the declining child sex ratio and empowering the girl child? Suggest measures to enhance its impact at the grassroots level.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are emerging as vehicles of socio-economic transformation in rural India. Examine the role of government in scaling their reach and effectiveness.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. Despite economic growth, multidimensional poverty continues to persist in India. Analyse the underlying causes and discuss the measures taken by the government to address them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. India faces a paradox of food surplus and nutritional deficit. Analyse the structural reasons behind this paradox and suggest reform strategies.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. India's timely response during the economic crises in Sri Lanka and the Maldives reflects its \"Neighbourhood First\" policy in action. Examine how Indian aid has impacted bilateral ties with these nations. What steps can further be taken to promote sustainable economic cooperation in the Indian Ocean region?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. Discuss the geostrategic significance of Afghanistan for India in the context of continental connectivity and access to Central Asia. How has the altered political landscape post-2021 affected India's connectivity and energy corridor ambitions? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4623,"topper":"Monika Srivastava","air":16,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/GS_2_FLT_3_Vajiram_compressed_538b73a90f.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4624,"topper":"Monika Srivastava","air":16,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/MONIKA-SRIVASTAVA-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-16-Sample-MGP-Copy-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1 While the Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) scheme and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme are both designed to boost economic growth, they employ different approaches and focus on distinct outcomes. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) What do you understand by 'Reverse Brain Drain'? Identify the key drivers of the rising trend of this phenomenon in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) The Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) not only enhances logistics efficiency but also represents a pivotal milestone in the country's infrastructure development and economic growth. In this context, describe the significance of the Dedicated Freight Corridor.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Define precision agriculture. How can it help in optimizing crop production and resource management?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) Why has rice not seen similar innovation in processed food products compared to wheat, despite being a staple in many regions of the country?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) Explain the working principle of the pumped storage hydropower system. What are the key advantages it offers compared to other power storage technologies?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) Describe the major outcomes of the 29th session of the Conference of Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) How can emerging solar technologies address the twin challenges of resource scarcity and environmental degradation? Illustrate your answer with recent innovations in the field.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) What is 'research security'? What are the key hurdles in ensuring research security in India?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) is necessary for maintaining peace and stability in the 'disturbed areas'. Critically examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) How has inadequate progress on factor market reforms impacted India's double-digit growth aspirations? What measures has the government taken in this regard?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) What are the factors responsible for the recent depreciation of the Indian Rupee? Discuss its implications for the economy and suggest policy measures to stabilize the currency.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 While Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) can resolve the issues of small farmers and boost agrarian economy, the realization of their potential is hindered by a multitude of factors. Analyze.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) Discuss the significance of aquaculture towards nutrition security, livelihood generation, and economic growth. Also mention various initiatives taken by the government to promote sustainable aquaculture in the country.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 What is gene therapy? What makes it a better treatment option than the conventional approaches?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) Why are countries keen on developing their own space stations? What obstacles do they face in the process, and how can these be overcome?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 Climate change is causing profound alterations in ecosystems, triggering cascading impacts on biodiversity, ecosystem services, and human livelihoods, which demands integrated approaches to conservation and climate adaptation. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 Often referred to as the 'cradle of civilization' and 'growth engines', urban areas are increasingly experiencing various natural and man-made disasters. Discuss in the Indian context. Also, suggest suitable mitigation and management strategies.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 How does India's geographical location heighten its vulnerability to drug trafficking? Also, analyze various internal security risks linked to drug trafficking.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 The increasing frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks pose a significant threat to national security. Discuss the major challenges in ensuring cybersecurity in the country and enumerate the measures taken by the government in this regard.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4625,"topper":"Monika Srivastava","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a40b4-115128_4512_monika_srivastava_rank_16.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. Analyse the factors that have contributed to India's inclusive economic growth in the past decade. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. The Reserve Bank of India’s surplus transfers offer the government much-needed fiscal space, yet they are not without challenges. Critically examine the implications of the RBI's surplus transfers to the government.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. To what extent was the first National Monetization Pipeline (NMP) able to meet its objectives? What are the objectives of the new Asset Monetization Plan 2025–30 as announced in the recent 2025 Budget? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. Examine the major challenges hindering the Indian textile industry from achieving its full potential in the global value chain.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. Why has India become increasingly import-dependent for edible oils despite being a major agricultural economy?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. Air accidents are low-frequency but high-impact events. Examine the disaster management protocols in place for aviation-related emergencies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. Chemical pollution poses a grave threat to human health and the environment in India. Discuss the key sources contributing to pervasive chemical contamination and evaluate the effectiveness of existing environmental laws in curbing this problem.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. Missile defence systems are becoming critical for national security in the face of evolving regional threats and advanced weapon technologies. Explain the working principle of missile defence systems. Critically assess India's progress in developing indigenous missile defence capabilities.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Despite multiple resolutions and initiatives undertaken by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), its efforts to counter terrorism have achieved limited success. Discuss the reasons for this limited effectiveness.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. India practices a ‘multi-alignment’ approach in its cyber diplomacy. How does this posture strengthen India’s internal security while maintaining strategic autonomy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. While examining the shortcomings of the land reforms in the past, elaborate what land reforms 2.0 should look like. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"12 As NITI Aayog completes 10 years of its establishment, critically examine its role in the planning and development paradigm of governance in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. What are the primary causes of limited formal credit penetration among the rural and unbanked populations in India? Comment on the effectiveness of Small Finance Banks in addressing this gap and advancing inclusive financial growth.","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. To what extent has the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for the food processing industry facilitated value addition, employment generation, and global competitiveness in India's food processing industry? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. Waste circularity is emerging as a sustainable solution to India's mounting solid waste crisis. Discuss the key principles of waste circularity and the government's initiative in this regard. How effective have these measures been in fostering a circular economy? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. Discuss the importance of integrating traditional ecological knowledge of India's tribal communities with modern disaster management frameworks. Mention two examples where indigenous practices have contributed to disaster resilience.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. CRISPR technology has rapidly advanced in recent years, with new tools and clinical breakthroughs. Highlight the recent developments in CRISPR-based gene editing technology applications. Discuss the opportunities and ethical challenges these advancements present for healthcare and society.","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. A credible semiconductor ecosystem is pivotal for India's economic security as much as for national security. Analyse the strategic objectives, incentives, and institutional architecture of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM). Identify the major risks that could derail its timelines.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. Intricate inter-play of diverse factors has been the force multipliers for extremism in the North East. Discuss. Suggest a multilayered strategy to tackle the menace of extremism in this region.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. Despite recent steps towards inducting women into combat roles, their participation remains low. Examine the key challenges impeding the greater inclusion of women in the Indian armed forces. Also, suggest suitable measures to enhance their participation.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4626,"topper":"Monika Srivastava","air":16,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/Vajiram_GS_3_Test1_compressed_c89e42e13b.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4627,"topper":"Monika Srivastava","air":16,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/MONIKA-SRIVASTAVA-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-16-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) How has the evolution of data-driven targeting from service personalization to behavioral prediction created new ethical challenges for society? Discuss with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) Even with legal safeguards in place, instances of sexual violence against women persist. How can a \"change in attitude\" help address this issue?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) What is meant by 'parliamentary ethics'? Discuss its significance in maintaining democratic values in the context of recent developments in Indian politics.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) A \"non-absolutist approach\" has been a defining feature of ethical considerations in Indian society and its philosophical traditions. Do you agree? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context?\na) \"You may never know what results come from your action. But if you do nothing, there will be no result\" Mahatma Gandhi","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) \"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.\" Martin Luther King Jr.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"c) \"Experience is the only teacher we have. We may talk and reason all our lives, but we shall not understand a word of truth, until we experience it ourselves\". Swami Vivekananda","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.4) a) The interplay between laws and conscience is subtle; their synergy encourages ethical conduct, while dissonance can give rise to significant ethical dilemmas. Illustrate with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"b) \"In post-conflict rehabilitation, the pursuit of justice must be balanced with the need for reconciliation.\" Examine this statement in the context of addressing ethnic violence.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.5) a) What do you understand by the term \"Conflict of Interest\"? How does it manifest in the decision making by public servants? In what ways can it be minimized?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"b) The utilitarian principle of 'the greatest happiness of the greatest number' should guide decision-making and public policy formulation. What is your opinion in this regard? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.6) a) The risks to civilian aviation in conflict zones underscore the need for an ethical framework prioritizing human lives. Yet, the interplay of state interests and sovereignty complicates global responses. What ethical principles should guide nations in addressing aviation safety, and how can the international community address these risks?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"b) \"Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.\" Bring out the importance of emotional intelligence (EI) in self-realisation. How can it be developed?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7) Prateek Kumar, the Project Manager, is in charge of the construction of a highly anticipated highway that is expected to drive regional development. The project aims to enhance connectivity, boost trade, and create substantial employment opportunities. Given its importance, it has become a focal point for the ruling party, which is actively promoting it as a symbol of progress ahead of the upcoming state elections next year. The timely completion of the highway is crucial, as the Chief Minister is scheduled to inaugurate it upon completion. This has led to added pressure on Prateek and his team to meet the approaching deadline, which is set for next month.\nDuring a routine inspection, Prateek discovers that a particular stretch of the highway has been built with substandard materials. This section fails to meet the required safety and durability standards, posing a serious threat to public safety and lives. If left unresolved, the compromised quality could lead to accidents, undermining both the project's credibility and the government's promises for safe and reliable infrastructure. Concerned, Prateek raises the issue with the contractor, but the contractor downplays the severity, claiming that minor adjustments will fix the problem without causing major delays.\nIn a subsequent team meeting, some senior members suggest that Prateek overlook the quality concerns to ensure the project remains on schedule. They argue that the majority of the highway meets standards and emphasize the severe economic and political consequences of delays. With elections approaching, they stress the importance of the Chief Minister's inauguration as a key political event. They warn that any delay could damage the ruling party's image, harm its electoral prospects, and potentially have repercussions for the team and the organization.\nLater, the contractor privately approaches Prateek with a substantial bribe, urging him to ignore the issue and allow the project to proceed. The contractor justifies his actions by citing financial pressures and the need to complete the project on time. Prateek is an honest and upright officer, but he understands that addressing the problem would delay the project, making it impossible to meet the deadline.\na. Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\nb. Under the given conditions, what are the options available to Prateek as the Project Manager? Critically evaluate each of the options.\nc. What option should Prateek adopt and why?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":30,"question":"a. मामले में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा करें।\nb. दी गई परिस्थितियों में, प्रोजेक्ट मैनेजर के रूप में प्रतीक के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं? प्रत्येक विकल्प का आलोचनात्मक मूल्यांकन करें।\nc. प्रतीक को कौन सा विकल्प अपनाना चाहिए और क्यों?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.8 Ramesh is a ninth-class student of Shiksha Public School from a lower-middle-class family in a tier-3 city. He had a deep interest in creative arts like music and dance and had always excelled in them. Teachers and friends often praised his talent, and Ramesh dreamed of pursuing a career in performing arts. However, his parents envisioned a different path for him, which was becoming an engineer. Coming from modest backgrounds and facing financial difficulties, Ramesh's parents were banking on his engineering career to secure a stable and prosperous future.\nWhen Ramesh shared his dream with his parents, they strongly opposed it, as expected. His father dismissed his passion as unrealistic and said music and dance were not respectable professions. He also compared Ramesh to his cousin Mahesh, who had secured a high-paying job after graduating from a top engineering college. Ramesh felt pressured and reluctantly agreed to pursue science in school. After completing his board exams, his parents sent him to Kotanagar, a coaching hub known for engineering entrance exam preparation.\nTo finance Ramesh's coaching fees, his parents mortgaged their only ancestral property, emphasizing the importance of Ramesh's success in the upcoming engineering entrance exams. Ramesh, torn between his dreams and his family's expectations, resolved to work hard. However, the demanding coaching schedule, coupled with his lack of interest in the subjects, began to take a toll on his mental health.\nFar from home, Ramesh felt isolated and depressed. He missed his friends, school environment, and the hobbies that once brought him joy. The pressure to perform was immense, with his mock test results consistently falling short of expectations. Over time, he began withdrawing from others, even avoiding phone calls with his parents.\nAfter two years of grueling preparation, Ramesh appeared for the entrance exam under the weight of crushing expectations. When the results were declared, he was unable to secure admission to a prestigious engineering college. The disappointment in his parents' voices further deepened his guilt and sense of failure. Feeling like a burden and unable to bear the weight of unmet expectations, Ramesh took a drastic step and ended his life by jumping from his hostel building.\nIn his final note, Ramesh apologized to his parents for failing to meet their aspirations and expressed his regret for letting them down.\na. Based on the above case study, discuss the ethical issues with the education system.\nb. What are the qualities lacked by Ramesh's parents?\nc. What qualities in a person can prevent them from taking the extreme step of suicide?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"a. उपरोक्त केस स्टडी के आधार पर शिक्षा प्रणाली से जुड़े नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा करें।\nb. रमेश के माता-पिता में कौन से गुणों का अभाव है?\nc. किसी व्यक्ति के कौन से गुण उसे आत्महत्या जैसा चरम कदम उठाने से रोक सकते हैं?\na उपरोक्त केस स्टडी के आधार पर शिक्षा प्रणाली से जुड़े नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा करें।\nb रमेश के माता-पिता में कौन से गुणों का अभाव है?\nc किसी व्यक्ति के कौन से गुण उसे आत्महत्या जैसा चरम कदम उठाने से रोक सकते हैं?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.9) Inside a busy city administration office, Joint Municipal Commissioner Keerthi, who also serves as the Public Information Officer (PIO), faces a challenging situation. Recently, an RTI application has been received, demanding details about public infrastructure projects initiated during her tenure. Upon reviewing the requested information, Keerthi discovers that certain decisions made regarding these projects were not entirely sound in hindsight. These decisions, although taken in good faith and after due diligence, failed to realize promised outcomes. There were other employees also who were party to this decision. The disclosure of this information could potentially lead to scrutiny and backlash against herself, the employees, and contractors involved. Known for her integrity and commitment to public service, Keerthi finds herself at a crossroads. The RTI Act has served as a critical check against administrative arbitrariness, ensuring transparency and accountability. However, she also observes a troubling trend. RTI applications are often used by vested interests and activists seeking personal gain rather than genuine public interest. Some activists even resort to threats or extortion tactics, undermining the integrity of the RTI process. She fears the requested RTI information could be similarly exploited. Moreover, the employees involved are requesting her to withhold the information. In navigating this situation, Keerthi weighs her options carefully.\na. Critically examine the options available to Keerthi in the above situation.\nb. Which of the above would be the most appropriate for Keerthi and why?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Q.10) Littering at popular tourist destinations has become a significant environmental and ethical concern in India. A recent incident highlighted this issue when tourists were observed throwing tissue papers and a cake box on the road after celebrating a birthday. When a local politely requested them to use a nearby dustbin just 5 feet away, the tourists dismissed the appeal, claiming no dustbin was available. The situation escalated when their driver threw a plastic bag into the adjacent valley. Public reactions to the incident were divided. Some individuals commended the intervention as an effort to promote civic responsibility, emphasizing the need to protect fragile ecosystems like hill stations. Many argued that tourists must adhere to basic environmental ethics and that public spaces are a shared responsibility. Critics also highlighted the broader implications of such irresponsible behavior on the environment and local livelihoods. On the other hand, the tourists involved accused those intervening of interfering in their personal affairs, claiming their privacy was being violated. The argument that the tourists were being publicly shamed through the viral video added another layer to the ethical debate. Many questioned whether posting such incidents online, even for a social cause, was appropriate or necessary. The debate continues, with one side emphasizing the collective responsibility to preserve public spaces and the environment, while the other raises concerns about individual privacy and autonomy.\na. What are the ethical concerns associated with tourists littering at public destinations?\nb. How can ethical tourism practices be integrated into policies to address issues like littering at tourist destinations?\nc. Suggest a course of action that balances environmental responsibility and individual rights. Justify your answer.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Q.11) With multipronged strategy of the Central and State Governments, especially in the last few years, the Naxalite problem has been resolved to a large extent in the affected states of the country. However, there are a few pockets in certain states where the naxalite problem still persists, mainly due to the involvement of foreign countries. Rohit is posted as SP (Special Operations) for the last one year, in one of the districts which is still affected by the naxalite problem. The district administration has taken a lot of developmental works in the recent past in the naxalite-affected areas to win the hearts and minds of the people. Over a period of time, Rohit has established an excellent intelligence network to get real-time information regarding the movement of naxalite cadre. To instill confidence in the public and have moral ascendancy over the naxalites, a number of cordon and search operations are being conducted by the police. Rohit, who himself was leading one of the contingents, got a message through his intelligence source that about ten hardcore naxalites were hiding in a particular village with sophisticated weapons. Without wasting any time, Rohit reached the target village with his team and laid out a foolproof cordon and started carrying out a systematic search. During the search, his team managed to overpower all the naxalites along with their automatic weapons. However, in the meantime, more than a hundred tribal women surrounded the village and started marching towards the target house. They were shouting and demanding the immediate release of insurgents since they are their protectors and saviors. The situation on the ground was becoming very critical as the tribal women were extremely agitated and aggressive. Rohit tried to contact his superior officer (IG Special Operations) of the state on the radio set and on mobile phone, but failed to do so due to poor connectivity. Rohit was in great dilemma since out of the naxalites apprehended, two were not only hardcore top insurgents with prize money of ₹10 lakhs on their heads, but were also involved in a recent ambush on the security forces. However, if he did not release the naxalites, the situation could get out of control since the tribal women were aggressively charging towards them. In that case, to control the situation, Rohit might have to resort to firing, which may lead to valuable loss of lives of civilians and would further complicate the situation.\na. What are the options available with Rohit to cope with the situation?\nb. What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Rohit?\nc. Which of the options, do you think, would be more appropriate for Rohit to adopt and why?\nd. In the present situation, what are the extra precautionary measures to be taken by the police in dealing with women protesters?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":56,"question":"Q.12) In the lush green expanse of the Eastern Ghats, a significant change is underway. The state government has announced a new infrastructure project—a highway connecting City A and City B. This project, envisioned as a catalyst for economic growth and enhanced connectivity, also promises to attract significant investments, including from a major semiconductor company. The semiconductor company is important for strategic purposes, given the growing importance of semiconductors in defense, space, and communications sectors. However, the proposed highway passes through a densely forested tribal area, home to an indigenous community deeply connected to the land. The local tribal community, reliant on the forest for their livelihood and cultural practices, is alarmed by the prospect of displacement and the extensive forest clearance required by the project. The forest is not just their home but a crucial part of their identity and source of livelihood. It is where their ancestors are buried, where they grow medicinal plants, and where their children play. The community's leaders, including Meera, a respected elder, are determined to protect their land. They fear losing their ancestral lands and the destruction of their way of life. Determined to make their voices heard, the community organizes a protest march to the office of the District Magistrate and seeks time to meet the DM. The DM, Vikash known for his fair and balanced approach, listens intently as Meera and other leaders explain their fears. They asserted their legally protected right to manage and protect the forest. Meanwhile, in the corporate offices of M&T Infrastructure Ltd., CEO Sunil is grappling with the growing unrest. The company has been contracted to build the highway, but the resistance from the tribal community poses a significant challenge. Delays could lead to escalating costs and potential project failure. Sunil decides to seek a meeting with Saritha, the Chief Secretary of State, to discuss the situation. Saritha, overseeing the project from the state secretariat, is aware of the delicate balance needed. The project is crucial for the state's development and aligns with the policy of promoting ease of doing business. Moreover, the potential investment from the semiconductor company is strategically important for both the state and the nation. Any delay or hindrance could tarnish the state's reputation and dissuade future investments. When Sunil meets Saritha, he lays out his concerns. \"Madam Secretary, the protests are intensifying. If this continues, we might have to consider withdrawing from the project. The financial risks are becoming untenable.\" The ruling party, keen to maintain its pro-development image, wants early completion of the project and the materialization of the semiconductor manufacturing plant to fulfill its poll promises. The Chief Secretary conveys the policy of the state government and the concerns of M&T Infrastructure Ltd. to the District Magistrate of the district concerned. As the administrative head of the district, the responsibility for maintaining law and order and facilitating development projects rests upon him.\na. What are the ethical issues involved in the case?\nb. Evaluate the options available to Vikash, being District Magistrate of the area.\nc. What course of action should Vikash adopt and why?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":57,"question":"a. इस मामले में नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\nb. क्षेत्र के जिला मजिस्ट्रेट होने के नाते विकास के लिए उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nc. विकास को क्या कार्यवाही अपनानी चाहिए और क्यों?\na. इस मामले में नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\nb. क्षेत्र के जिला मजिस्ट्रेट होने के नाते विकास के लिए उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nc. विकास को क्या कार्यवाही अपनानी चाहिए और क्यों?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"}]},{"id":4628,"topper":"Monika Srivastava","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8c9b1-115128_4513_monika_srivastava_rank_16.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. (a) Compassion is the courageous choice to feel another's suffering as one's own, and to act upon it, even when silence is safer and indifference is easier. Examine the significance of compassion as an essential ethical value for civil servants in India. Illustrate your answer with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"1. (b) Marriages in India are transitioning from traditional sacramental unions to more autonomous relationships, reflected in live-in relationships and rising divorce rates. Discuss the ethical dimensions of these changes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"2. (a) While accountability often necessitates documentation, an overemphasis on bureaucratic procedures and excessive paperwork can inadvertently silence the very voices that public policy intends to empower, particularly at the grassroots. Examine the above statement with suitable illustrations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"2. (b) The principle of impartiality may conflict with the need for compassion towards marginalized communities. Discuss in the context of civil services in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"3 (a) What do each of the following quotations mean to you?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"3. (b) \"Act only according to that maxim through which you can at the same time will that it become a universal law.\" - Immanuel Kant (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"3. (c) \"We are not only responsible for what we do, but also for what we fail to do\" - Molière. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"4. (a) Patriotism encourages ethical questioning, while nationalism often suppresses it. Discuss this statement in light of the formation of political attitudes during high-pressure national events. How can individuals develop moral attitudes that balance national interest with ethical reasoning?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"4. (b) Discuss how employee well-being and fairness can be balanced with efficiency and profitability in private organisations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"5. (a) Do you agree that excessive use of social media and emerging AI technologies may lead to a decline in emotional regulation and moral sensitivity among adolescents? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"5. (b) In light of the increasing incidents of suicides among students in India, discuss how Emotional Intelligence (EI) can aid in managing stress and emotional challenges.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"6. (a) In public service, emotional intelligence is not about suppressing emotion, but mastering its purpose — to connect, to de-escalate, and to uplift others with empathy and strength. Do you agree with this view? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"6. (b) An efficient work culture is built not only on rules, but on shared values. In this context, evaluate the role of leadership and team dynamics in transforming work culture within an organization.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"7 You are posted as the Joint Secretary in the Department of Information Technology of a state. The government recently implemented several citizen-centric digital services, collecting large volumes of personal data from residents. The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, requires that such data be processed only with explicit and informed consent, and mandates that processing must cease immediately upon withdrawal of consent.\nDuring an internal audit, you discover that the department continues to process and analyze personal data of several citizens even after they have formally withdrawn their consent. This data is being used for policy analytics and service improvement, purposes not explicitly disclosed at the time of data collection. When you bring this to the attention of your department head, you are informed that halting the processing will disrupt ongoing digital initiatives and may affect state-level performance metrics. Moreover, you find that the consent withdrawal process is cumbersome, and many citizens are unaware of their rights under the DPDP Act.\nYou also learn that a prominent social activist is planning to file a complaint with the Data Protection Board against involuntary use of personal data, which could attract public scrutiny and legal action against the department.\n(a) Identify and discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.\n(b) What are the potential consequences for the department if the issue is not addressed transparently?\n(c) How would you balance the need for efficient public service delivery with the obligation to protect citizens’ data rights? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"8 You are an IAS officer, currently serving as the Secretary of the Public Works Department in a hill state. Recently, a disturbing incident has come to light involving a senior Cabinet Minister and two engineers of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). During an inspection of a critical highway project, the Minister was allegedly seen on video physically assaulting and verbally abusing the engineers in full public view. The video, recorded by bystanders, went viral on social media and was widely covered by television channels, sparking both outrage and support from different sections of society. The Minister later defended his actions, alleging that the officials were corrupt, unresponsive to local grievances, and responsible for inordinate delays in the project. He insisted that his actions were driven by public frustration and the urgency of delivering infrastructure to a remote region.\n\nHowever, the engineers have filed a police complaint and written to their superiors, claiming they were targeted for resisting political pressure to award contracts to specific local contractors linked to the Minister. As the situation escalated, a union of NHAI engineers declared a strike,\n(a) इस प्रकरण में शामिल प्रमुख नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं? हितधारकों और उनके परस्पर विरोधी हितों की पहचान कीजिए।\n(b) लोक निर्माण विभाग के सचिव के रूप में, आप उपयुक्त स्थिति में क्या कार्रवाई करेंगे?\n(c) ऐसी घटनाएं सिविल सेवकों के मनोबल और शासन में जनता के विश्वास को कैसे प्रभावित करती हैं? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"(a) What are the key ethical issues involved in this situation? Identify the stakeholders and their conflicting interests.\n(b) As the Secretary of the PWD, what actions will you take in above situation?\n(c) How do such incidents affect the morale of civil servants and public trust in governance? (Answer in 250 words)\na) What are the key ethical issues involved in this situation? Identify the stakeholders and their conflicting interests.\nb) As the Secretary of the PWD, what actions will you take in above situation?\nc) How do such incidents affect the morale of civil servants and public trust in governance?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"9 You are the Secretary in the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Government of India. In recent years, an increasing number of civil servants, particularly younger officers from the IAS, IPS, and IRS, have begun maintaining personal YouTube channels and social media pages. On these platforms, they regularly post videos related to their official work — showcasing innovative projects, public outreach initiatives, inspection drives, and sometimes even day-to-day administrative duties.\n\nThese videos often receive widespread public attention, and many viewers express admiration, saying such content enhances transparency, motivates aspirants, and humanizes the bureaucracy. However, concerns have also emerged from various quarters. Senior officers argue that such content may blur the boundaries between personal branding and public service, while some citizens and media commentators point to instances where videos feature vulnerable beneficiaries without consent, raise concerns about misuse of official premises, or seem designed more for personal popularity than public accountability.\n(a) लोक सेवकों द्वारा अपने आधिकारिक कार्यों को सोशल मीडिया पर सार्वजनिक रूप से प्रदर्शित करने के कृत्यों में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों की पहचान कीजिए।\n(b) क्या ऐसी प्रयासें जागरूकता और प्रेरणा को प्रोत्साहित देती हैं या क्या ये अनामिता, तटस्थता और सामूहिक सेवा भावना के मूल्यों से समझौता करती हैं? अपना मत दीजिए।\n(c) सचिव के रूप में, लोक सेवकों की उत्तरदायित्व डिजिटल सहभागिता सुनिश्चित करने के लिए आप कौन-से मार्गदर्शक सिद्धांत और नीतिगत अनुशंसाएं सुझाएंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"In one case, a district magistrate was seen filming a surprise school inspection in which teachers were scolded on camera — the video was later posted to his personal YouTube channel that is also monetized. While some praised the officer’s strictness, others criticized the public shaming of teachers and the breach of service dignity. In another case, a police officer was seen directing a flood rescue operation while his staff filmed drone footage, later edited into a motivational video for social media. You have been asked to prepare a report with recommendations to balance public interest, institutional integrity, and evolving modes of communication.\n(a) Identify the ethical issues involved in civil servants publicly showcasing their official work on social media.\n(b) Do such practices promote awareness and motivation, or do they compromise the values of anonymity, neutrality, and collective service ethos? Give your opinion.\n(c) As the Secretary, what guiding principles and policy recommendations would you suggest to ensure responsible digital engagement by civil servants? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"10. You are the Director of the National Bioethics Commission who is responsible for assessing the ethical feasibility and oversight of a nationwide gene sequencing program. The project named GeneFuture, aims to sequence the DNA of every newborn child and store it in a centralized national database. The objective is to identify genetic predispositions to serious diseases early in life, allowing for preventive treatment and personalized medicine. Over 100,000 babies have already been enrolled in the pilot phase of the program. The government claims that this move is a landmark step in public health advancement.\n\nHowever, collection of newborn genetic data raises significant ethical concerns, particularly around informed consent, which may not fully capture parents' understanding of the long-term risks involved. Once gathered, this sensitive data could be misused for purposes such as surveillance, insurance discrimination, or commercial marketing by third parties. Uncertainty over data ownership—whether it lies with the state, parents, or the individual as they mature—further complicates the issue. The involvement of private tech and pharmaceutical companies heightens fears of commercial exploitation, especially in the absence of clear mechanisms for individuals to withdraw consent or delete their genetic information upon reaching adulthood.\n(a) What are the ethical issues you perceive in the implementation of the GeneFuture program?\n(b) Identify the conflicting interests of different stakeholders in this case.\n(c) What guiding ethical principles would you recommend for implementation of this project? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"11 You are a dedicated District Health Officer (DHO) with a strong commitment to evidence-based public health practices, recently assigned to a remote district in India. Your immediate and most critical task is to lead a crucial district-wide Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination drive, aimed at achieving 100% immunization coverage among children aged 9 months to 15 years. The success of this drive is vital for the collective health of thousands of children and for the district's overall health indicators, especially with the impending monsoon season posing additional health challenges.\n\nHowever, in one of the largest and most traditional villages in your district, you encounter formidable resistance. The villagers, deeply influenced by the pronouncements of a revered local spiritual guru, strongly oppose the vaccination. The guru teaches that vaccination is an attack on the souls and that traditional herbal remedies and ritual blessings provide sufficient protection. This belief has led to widespread rejection of vaccination camps in the village, with some locals facing social ostracism and even physical threats. The state health department is under pressure to meet vaccination targets and has warned of serious consequences if the district fails to achieve them. The department has also instructed that coercion should not be used under any circumstances, as it may lead to public unrest. Meanwhile, a large annual fair involving many surrounding villages is scheduled to take place soon, which could exacerbate the spread of measles-rubella if the village remains unvaccinated.\n\n(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this scenario.\n(b) What immediate alternatives do you have to address this resistance?\n(c) To counter the widespread impact of superstition and promote scientific thinking for sustainable public health outcomes, what long-term strategies and systemic reforms would you suggest? (Answer in 250 words)\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this scenario.\nb) What immediate alternatives do you have to address this resistance?\nc) To counter the widespread impact of superstition and promote scientific thinking for sustainable public health outcomes, what long-term strategies and systemic reforms would you suggest? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case.\n(b) What are the immediate options available to you to overcome this resistance?\n(c) What long-term strategies and systemic reforms would you suggest to address the pervasive influence of superstition and foster a scientific temperament for sustainable public health outcomes? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"12 You are a highly motivated and principle-driven Gram Panchayat Secretary, recently posted in a large and socio-economically diverse village in a remote district. Your immediate and most critical task is the meticulous verification of beneficiaries for the 'Gramin Awas Yojana' – a flagship state housing scheme aimed at providing 'pucca' (brick) houses to the genuinely impoverished and landless households. The scheme is under tight deadlines, with funds...\n(a) What are the likely administrative and ethical difficulties you face?\n(b) Discuss all the options available to you.\n(c) Which broad course of action will you take, justifying your decision on ethical grounds? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":58,"question":"(a) What are the potential administrative and ethical dilemmas you face?\n(b) Discuss all options available to you.\n(c) What comprehensive course of action would you choose to adopt, providing ethical justification for your decision? (Answer in 250 words)\na) What are the potential administrative and ethical dilemmas you face?\nb) Discuss all options available to you.\nc) What comprehensive course of action would you choose to adopt, providing ethical justification for your decision? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4629,"topper":"Monika Srivastava","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1k_GElc7JTou830kr06iJbF6kTP20OGOx/view","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"Compare and contrast the roles of family and educational institutions in value inculcation. How can these two institutions complement each other? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"\"Tolerance is not just about accepting differences; it is about appreciating and celebrating diversity.\" Discuss the importance of tolerance for governance. How can civil servants foster a culture of tolerance and inclusivity in a diverse country like India? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"\"A person's character is most accurately revealed in their private life, not their public persona.\" Critically examine this statement in the context of public servants and their ethical conduct (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Accountability mechanisms are essential for ethical governance but often lead to bureaucratic delays and inefficiencies.\" Critically examine this statement in the context of Indian administration. Can a balance be struck between accountability and efficiency? Discuss with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What does each of the following quotations convey to you in present context? (a) \"\"Reason is, and ought only to be the slave of the passions, and can never pretend to any other office than to serve and obey them.\"- David Hume (10 marks, 150 words) (b) \"The ultimate measure of a person is not where they stand in moments of comfort and convenience, but where they stand at times of challenge and controversy.\"- Martin Luther King Jr. (10 Marks, 150 Words) (c) \"In matters of conscience, the law of the majority has no place.\" - Mahatma Gandhi. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"Empathy is seeing with the eyes of another, listening with the ears of another, and feeling with the heart of another.\" How can emotionally intelligent civil servants utilize empathy to improve governance and service delivery? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Analyse the ethical implications of the widening gap between rich and poor nations. Is there a moral obligation for developed countries to assist developing ones? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.\" Discuss the ethical responsibilities of individuals, corporations, and governments in protecting the environment for future generations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"Impartiality is not neutrality; it is about treating everyone fairly based on merit and evidence.\" Explain the difference between impartiality and neutrality in the context of civil service. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"The teachings of the Bhagavad Gita offer valuable lessons for ethical conduct in public service. Discuss the relevance of these teachings in navigating the ethical issues of administration in contemporary India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":4630,"topper":"Monika Srivastava","air":16,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/Ethics_FLT_1_Monika_S_11zon_1_5ed0e9fc2a.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4631,"topper":"Monika Srivastava","air":16,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/Vajiram_GS_4_Test1_Kanika_compressed_927178b506.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4632,"topper":"Moomal Rajpurohit","air":173,"year":2019,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d7970-28375_1146_moomal-rajpurohit_rank_173.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4633,"topper":"Moomal Rajpurohit","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/dfeb9-28375_1148_moomal-rajpurohit_rank_173.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the significance of the following in the context of civil service: 10 (i) Public trust (ii) Objectivity (iii) Strength of character (iv) Empathy (v) Selflessness","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Do you think nation states owe a responsibility towards asylum seekers? What are the considerations that should, in your opinion, go into the making of a refugee policy? Provide arguments with contemporary examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Why do civil servants have a special obligation to uphold ethical standards? What are the main areas of concerns for implementation of an effective ethical standard in civil services? In this context, suggest measures to remedy these concerns.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"While families are the first socializing agents, which inculcate moral values in a child, the role played by schools in this regard is also indispensable. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"What is the significance of ethics in day-to-day life? Give an example from your own life where you chose ethical action and elaborate the reasons for your choice of that action.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Analyse the ethical dimensions of using nuclear deterrence as a self-defense strategy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"We make a living by what we do, but we make a life by what we give. 10 (i) Highlight the importance of value of altruism for a society. (ii) Discuss the role of education in imparting such values.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Giving examples, examine the relationship between personal and professional ethics of civil servants.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/ philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) If people scrutinize their own faults as they do the faults of others, mankind will be freed of all evil.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"How do law and conscience act as source of ethical guidance? Explain with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Good corporate governance is not an end in itself. It is a means to support economic efficiency, sustainable growth and financial stability. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"You are the District Development Officer posted in a backward region where open defecation is rampant and there is high child mortality due to diarrhoea. Under the Center's Swachh Bharat Abhiyan you spearheaded the construction of thousands of toilets in your area; still people relieve themselves in the open. The media and the opposition parties are already labelling the programme as a failure and waste of public money. You have been asked to report on the reasons for low usage and bring about a change. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the reasons behind people not using the constructed toilets? (b) How can people's attitude towards open defecation be changed? Give a reasoned account of the steps that you will take to bring about this change.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"The steady decline in sex ratio suggests that marked improvement in the economy and literacy rates do not seem to have had any impact on this index. In fact, the availability of new technology and its easy access for the urban, wealthy and educated have worsened the trend and harmed the status of women in Indian society. (a) Explain why the phenomenon should not be simply viewed as a medical or legal issue and more attention should be given to the ethical issues involved. (b) Give some suggestions to tackle the problem of declining sex ratio. (c) Discuss the ethical dilemma involved in Right to abortion vs. Prevention of female foeticide. How can this be resolved?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"You are the officer-in-charge responsible for monitoring allotment of foodgrains under the Public Distribution System to BPL families in a given district. A group of BPL families in the district claim that they have been denied ration from fair price shops due to non-linking of Aadhar card with their BPL cards. They remark that the government and officers concerned are not empathising with their situation and stage a silent protest. Further, the incident is also being linked to similar instances in other areas of the country where people were denied access to PDS benefits due to similar reasons. The government receives a lot of criticism for this incident on social media networks. You are now in a conundrum, as you are aware that the BPL families need to get foodgrains on time. However, as a government officer, you also need to follow the prescribed rules. Media scrutiny has further aggravated the situation and you realize you need to tread carefully. Based on the information above, answer the following: (a) List the issues in the given situation that the parties involved are facing. (b) What step(s) will you take in the situation to ensure that the demands of the aggrieved persons are met without violating the rules? (c) In this context, briefly discuss how the poor in the country currently face digital exclusion and its consequence(s).","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are working as a senior doctor in the oncology department of a super specialty hospital located in Delhi. While accessing the quotations from reputed pharmaceutical companies to hospitals, you unearth a nexus between pharma firms and the hospital administration. You get to know that they are hand-in glove with each other and trying to fleece cancer patients by selling drugs at exorbitant prices, even though low cost alternative drugs are available in the market. Being the head of Alliance of Doctors for Ethical Healthcare, who is working against the arbitrary price regime of life saving drugs, you get a chance to represent your case before the Health Minister of your state. However, certain other doctors of the Alliance have asked you to present a distorted reality in front of the Minister since they are obtaining pecuniary benefits from such a scheme of nexus, which would cease if the nexus gets exposed. (a) Identify the main stakeholders and ethical issues involved. (b) Analyse the possible solutions for addressing the issues. (c) What would be your final course of action and why?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4634,"topper":"Moomal Rajpurohit","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8e4c9-28375_1069_moomal-rajpurohit_rank_173.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Growing awareness about terminal as well as mental illness has given credence to the idea of \"living wills\". What is a living will? Discuss the ethical issues to be considered from an individual as well as social perspective to formulate and implement it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"In order to improve the bureaucratic work culture and productivity, there is a need to downsize government and privatize some of the services. Critically discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Examine the contemporary relevance of Gandhiji's talisman as a means of resolving ethical dilemmas in day to day life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"\"Intelligence plus character-that is the goal of true education.\" Assess whether such an objective can be achieved within the existing system of education in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"\"A blanket prohibition of criticism of the policies of the Government is invalid and void, and it makes no difference if the person criticizing happens to be a government servant.\" Critically discuss in the context of Civil Service Conduct Rules, 1964.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"\"Man by nature is a political animal\". Explain with reference to Aristotle's idea of the state in life of the society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"What are the factors that have influenced the contemporary attitude of the state and the society towards homosexuality in India? Also, comment on the changing attitude and the factors driving this change.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"With behavioural issues and suicides among children on the rise, teachers and parents need to play an active part in ensuring mental well-being. Discuss. Also, explain the importance of emotional intelligence in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"The policy of Dhamma advocated by Ashoka through his edicts remains relevant in the context of issues in public life even today. Elucidate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Arguably, poverty is not only a matter of statistics. It is a reflection on the kind of society we live in. In this context, discuss the ethical implications for a society that witnesses high incidence of poverty.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Every superstition cannot be removed by the force of law. For that, a mental change is necessary. Comment. Also, explain how educators and public figures can help in eradicating superstition and instilling scientific temper among people.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Many argue that there are times, when war is morally permissible, and even obligatory. Critically discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"It has been argued that traditional approaches to corporate social responsibility (CSR) are inadequate. Discuss. Also, examine the role of Social License to Operate (SLO) in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"A renowned and critically acclaimed producer-director has come up with a new movie based on retelling of the freedom movement. The trailer of this project depicts prominent freedom fighters and various aspects of their personalities. It is a project that involves substantial sums of money and has taken collaborative efforts of 3 years. However, certain political and social activists have objected to what they perceived as negative portrayal of some freedom fighters. As such, they have opposed the release of this movie and issued threats with serious consequences. This has come in the context of increase in the number of instances involving many groups issuing threats against one or the other movie. In such a context you have been designated as the head of a special committee with the broad responsibility of reviewing the film certification process in general as well as the checking the historical accuracy of the events depicted in this particular movie. 20 (a) Who are the key stakeholders you would involve as part of the consultation process? (b) What are the principles that you would consider while giving your recommendations to the government? Also, provide an outline of a solution that you deem appropriate in the prevailing context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"There have been reports of repeat instances of mob lynching in different states of India. It has been pointed out that these presumably faceless mobs gather impromptu on the basis of unverified information on issues that affect the collective conscience of the society such as child trafficking, sexual harassment, cow slaughter etc. Most of the people don't even regret their action of violating the law and even get away with committing such a heinous crime. 20 (a) What are the socio-psychological factors that motivate people to join the mob and kill fellow human beings? (b) Identify the implications of increasing crime of lynching on society. (c) Examine the role of social media in recent instances of mob lynching. As a law enforcement officer, how will you prevent such incidents from happening in your district?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4635,"topper":"Mourya N","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3210_873_Mourya_N_Rank_100.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The more remotely power is exercised from the people, the greater is the distance between authority and accountability. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"\"If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion\". In what ways can a compassionate public official be more useful for realizing public service goals?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"The recent decision by the government to ban use of red beacons is only a symbolic gesture and a lot more needs to be done to end the VIP culture in India. Critically discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"To what extent can financial incentives help shape attitude towards social issues? Discuss with relevant examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"At times, moral behaviour can be constrained by the complexity of legal system. Explain. In this context, explain the purpose of legal protection for good samaritans in the case of road accidents.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Examine the different ethical issues involved in the use of public shaming as a punitive measure. Do you think this is an appropriate measure to address the problem of rising crime rates.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Why did Gunnar Myrdal use the term 'soft state' in the context of South Asia? Do you think such a characterisation is still relevant in the case of India today?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Intolerance can be linked both to prejudices and value judgments. Elaborate with relevant examples. Also discuss how intolerance can be countered in a multicultural society like India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Social attitude towards corruption has become more forgiving with time leading to a view of illegal gains and misappropriation of public assets as a \"rightful\" individual prerogative. Analyse in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"What are the factors which draw people to public service? Suggest measures to keep public servants motivated.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Corporate Governance provides a framework that defines the rights, roles and responsibilities of various groups within an organization. (a) Elaborate the need to incorporate the principles of Corporate Governance to enhance the effectiveness of the public sector enterprises. (b) Identify the challenges specific to the public sector when it comes to the application of good practices of corporate governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Emotions, earlier considered as an irrational factor in decision-making, are now recognised as a critical factor of judgment. In this regard, answer the following questions: (a) How can Emotional Intelligence help in coping with the intense pressure and occupational stress faced by police officers and armed forces in discharge of their duties? (b) What are the some of the concerns in incorporating and assessment of emotional intelligence skills in public service?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"You, a manager in one of the top IT firms in the country, are tasked with hiring new recruits for an upcoming project. You find that the company has given tacit instructions of not hiring female candidates in view of the new maternity law passed by the Government. You find this highly objectionable and lodge a protest with people in the higher management but they are firm as they want to cut down all the unnecessary costs. Based on this information, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the stakeholders and their interests in the situation. (b) What are the dilemmas that a recruiting manager may face in such a scenario? (c) What are the different options available to you? Which one will you pursue and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"There has been a perceptible rise in the cost of healthcare services provided by private hospitals. In, absence of adequate and quality government hospitals, people are forced to opt for private hospitals, especially for life threatening diseases and injuries. You recently visit one of your friends admitted in a famous private hospital. You found out that the hospital is charging a huge amount of money, which seems to be unreasonable. You confront the staff and ask them to explain the rationale behind such high charges. Their response is that the charges are fair for the kind of services they are providing. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in this situation? (b) Given how other professions price their services, discuss the feasibility of capping the amount of fees charged by doctors and private hospitals. (c) How can the provision of quality services and need for profit be reconciled with society's interests in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"You are the District Magistrate in a district where a significant number of transgenders reside. While discrimination against the community is well known, commuters increasingly complain of harassment at their hands, especially at traffic junctions where transgenders are mostly involved in begging. This, at times, also leads to traffic management issues. You have received a number of complaints in this regard and have to act quickly to resolve it. However, a group of transgender associations argue that begging is their only source of livelihood. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Describe the ethical issues involved in this case. Discuss the attitude of people towards transgenders in general and reasons for the same. (b) What possible courses of action can be undertaken in such situations? Discuss their merits and demerits.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Mr. X is the head of an NGO working in the field of environment conservation and protection. He is in dire need of funds for the NGO's operations and payments to his staff. He is approached by an official of a large infrastructure company, who is ready to provide the required funding for the NGO. But, in a quid pro quo, he asks Mr. X to raise objections over the bypassing of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) norms in an ongoing PPP project through his NGO. This project is being implemented by a rival infrastructure company. Mr. X knows that there have been instances of high level corruption in the process of granting EIA to mega projects and the information provided by the official seems to be authentic. Hence, he accepts the money and agrees to raise the objection. (a) Considering the circumstances of the case, is Mr. X correct in accepting the money? Give appropriate reasons for your answer. (b) If you were in place of Mr. X, what would have been your course of action? Give reasons for it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"You are a civil servant posted in a state where elections were recently held. The newly elected Chief Minister had promised to ban alcohol in several of his election campaigns as well as his election manifesto, which was widely praised and supported by women of the state. Fulfilling his electoral promise, the Chief Minister has ordered a blanket ban on the sale of alcohol in the state. Following the ban, concerns have been raised about the feasibility of the ban and whether the government should interfere in what is considered by many to be a matter of personal choice, (a) Who are the stakeholders in this case and how are they affected by the ban? (b) Is blanket ban on alcohol a feasible action? (c) Identify the issues that may arise while enforcing the ban and the steps you will take to handle them, as a civil servant.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"Regulation and procedure of human clinical trials vary from nation to nation. Stem cell research, as an emerging biomedical field, requires approval for human trials and encounters multiple challenges. You are the head of a team of scientists who developed a new Tissue Engineering system, which appears to be a promising means of regenerating heart tissue. Trials of the system have already been conducted on animals and yielded good results. Millions of people suffering from critical heart diseases would benefit immensely if this medication is immediately made available to them. However, you need to conduct human clinical trials before it could be commercialised. It is also known that the stringent regulatory environment in the country will mean that human trials and final approval will take many years before it is made commercially available. On the other hand, regulation of clinical trials in many poor countries is weak and quick approval is possible. Many of your competitors also resort to human trials in these countries, often bribing the officials for getting quick approvals. Given this situation, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the ethical issues which arise during clinical trials. (b) Given the above situation, would you prefer to shift human trials to a third country where regulations are lax? Give reasons in support of your choice. (c) Suggest a framework of standard procedure to minimise ethical conflicts and speed-up the approval process of new medicines.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4636,"topper":"Mrinal Kumar","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/MRINAL-KUMAR-UPSC-2023-Rank-197-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Before the borders are broken the minds are invaded.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Talent and passion are only useful tools if one has the work ethic to back them up.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The opportunity of interfaith dialogue: modern solution for globalised world.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The only impossible journey is the one you never begin.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Science applied is the engine of humanity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Eyes cannot see what the mind does not know.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Doubt is the origin of wisdom.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"The relation between environment, resources and conflict is same as the connection between Democracy, human rights and peace.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4637,"topper":"Mrinal Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/48f94f4c58dc4d501f6f42102607e751/31/pttp221190_tc062.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Truth, like a torch, the more it is shook, it shines.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Art is I; science is We.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Only the dead have seen the end of the war.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Act as if it were impossible to fail.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4638,"topper":"Mrinal Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/48f94f4c58dc4d501f6f42102607e751/32/pttp221190_tc063.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Little strokes fell great oaks.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Judge a man by his questions rather than his answers.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Great principles, great ideals know no nationality.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"In struggling with misfortune lies the true proof of virtue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"The whole purpose of Education is to turn mirrors into windows.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"To dwell is to garden.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Reality is the shadow of ideas.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"We can not despair of humanity, since we ourselves are human beings.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4639,"topper":"Mrinal Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/48f94f4c58dc4d501f6f42102607e751/33/pttp221190_tc064.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Is UCC, the unity that we aspire in our diversity?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Problems of 21st century are problems without passport.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"The more we are developing, the more unhealthy we are getting. Where does the real problem lie?\", \"NONE\", \"NONE\", \"NONE\", \"NONE\", \"NONE\"]","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Is Internal Security always an Internal Challenge?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Sports, the toy of humanity","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Is Economy becoming the end rather than the means?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4640,"topper":"Mrinal Kumar","air":197,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/48f94f4c58dc4d501f6f42102607e751/30/pttp221190_tc061.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4641,"topper":"Mrinal Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/42/pttp221190_tc071-gs-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The fabric of Indian philosophical thought owes as much to Northern India as to Southern India. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The Indian society's impulse for social change and reform was a response to its opposition to colonial rule. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"What are the factors that led to the Russian revolution and what are the consequences of this revolu...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the various factors responsible for the uneven temperature distribution on Earth's surface.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The White Revolution was most successful in the Western part of India. Discuss the factors for this regional success of the White Revolution.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"To what extent does seismic investigation contribute to our understanding of the Earth's interior structure? Analyze its significance in detail.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The pace of demographic transition varies across different states of India making population growth a double-edged sword. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The ethnic and cultural diversity in India has always been bound by the thread of unity. Discuss the...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The dichotomy in public and private life in Indian society acts as a major barrier to the annihilation of caste. Justify. Q1 The fabric of Indian philosophical thought owes as much to Northern India as to Southern India. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4642,"topper":"Mrinal Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/748520c30390b56bbbd3f8693a3b3ea3/61/pttp221190_tc071-gs-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"The fabric of Indian philosophical thought owes as much to Northern India as to Southern India. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The Indian society's impulse for social change and reform was a response to its opposition to colonial rule. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What are the factors that led to the Russian revolution and what are the consequences of this revolution? Discuss its influence on the Indian national movement. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the various factors responsible for the uneven temperature distribution on Earth's surface. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The melting of glaciers due to climate change has serious implications for the ecosystem and human society. Discuss the effects of melting glaciers on the environment and the measures that can be taken to address this issue. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The White Revolution was most successful in the Western part of India. Discuss the factors for this regional success of the White Revolution. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"To what extent does seismic investigation contribute to our understanding of the Earth's interior structure? Analyze its significance in detail. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The pace of demographic transition varies across different states of India making population growth a double-edged sword. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The ethnic and cultural diversity in India has always been bound by the thread of unity. Discuss the major factors that have contributed to the cultural unity of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The dichotomy in public and private life in Indian society acts as a major barrier to the annihilation of caste. Justify. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"India was forced into numerous wars post Independence. Highlight the causes and impact of the Indo-Pak and Indo-China wars on our bilateral relationships. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The process of consolidation of Bengal, which started after the Battle of Plassey culminated in the Battle of Buxar. Do you think the Battle of Buxar was more important for the British than Plassey? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Sanskrit literature in general and particularly in the Guptan age set a high watermark for the literary history of ancient India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The configuration of the ocean floor provides essential information about the geological processes that have shaped the Earth's surface. Discuss the major features of the ocean floor and their significance in the study of oceanography. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"With the growing demand for rare earth elements, their distribution has become a critical aspect of the global economy. Discuss the distribution of rare earth elements across the world, their uses, and the environmental impact of their extraction. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Tourism in the hilly states is threatening to exceed the ecological carrying capacity of the region. Analyze the factors contributing to this trend and evaluate the potential environmental impacts of this phenomenon. What measures can be taken to ensure sustainable tourism in these states? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The Indian monsoon is a complex phenomenon influenced by various climatic factors. Critically examine the role of oceanic and atmospheric factors in determining the intensity and distribution of monsoon rainfall in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Why do traditions in our society impede change? To what extent can social legislation be instrumental against old customary practices? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Slums are not 'problems' that have to be 'solved' - but are indeed a result of lopsided and vested urban policies covering infrastructure provision and socio-economic issues. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Communalism gains strength from economic deprivation, and thrives in environments of social exclusion, creating fertile ground for discontent and division. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4643,"topper":"Mrinal Kumar","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/MRINAL-KUMAR-UPSC-2023-Rank-197-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the role of the 'Fourth Estate' in upholding democratic values and analyse the issues affecting press freedom in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The electoral process, though inclusionary in theory, has been pointed out for exclusionary tendencies in practice. Analyse, with special emphasis on role of women in India's representative electoral system. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Assess the effectiveness of Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 in resolution of river-water disputes. Also describe the potential impact of delays in resolution of water disputes. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the significance of the cooperative model of development in addressing the issues of rural growth. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"In order to pass the ultimate test of good governance, welfare state should be close to the people, responsive to their aspirations, and inclusive in its approach. Discuss with special reference to PM PVTG Development Mission. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"To what extent collaboration between the state and civil society organizations (CSOs) help in addressing poverty and malnutrition in the country? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Absence of a robust social infrastructure in the country may become one of the most significant challenges in achieving a developed status by 2047. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Though the changing paradigm towards dialogue and diplomacy in West Asia augurs well for India's interests in this otherwise restive region, presence of inimical actors may reverse the gains. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Water diplomacy can redefine the contours of regional cooperation in South Asia. Discuss with special reference to Indus water treaty 1960. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Despite constitutional backing to the institutions of local governance, the idea of decen- tralisation has remained hostage to several structural bottlenecks. Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Independent judiciary, as envisaged by the constitution, provides the bedrock for a thriving polity; however, executive encroachment may erode its credibility and affect its efficacy. Evaluate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Executive agencies, working as the watchdog against impropriety, are vital to act against the corrupt; however, pandering to vested interests may have the effect of turning the idea of rule of law on its head. Comment, with special reference to controversies associated with the Enforcement Directorate (ED). (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Critically analyse the role of National Commission for Women (NCW) in wake of its mandate to safeguard women's rights and uphold their socio-economic wellbeing. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Understanding the extent, source, and complexity of deprivations among the multidimensionally poor contributes to more informed policymaking. In this context, analyze the latest National Multidimensional Poverty Index Report by NITI Aayog. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Safely managed drinking water services, as desired by Jal Jeevan Mission, are designated to give multifarious benefits cutting across generations. Discuss. Also, elaborate upon the challenges in ensuring the mission's success. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Legislation like Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989 remains mere legal documents without intense sensitization of public functionaries and the civil society. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Harbinger of global rebalancing, India-Africa ties are a beacon of inclusive, sustainable, and equitable world. Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"How do ASEAN centrality, rules-based order, and development partnership with Pacific Island states make Indo-Pacific a theatre of opportunity for India? What are the hurdles in realisation of an inclusive Indo-Pacific construct? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4644,"topper":"Mrinal Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/41/pttp221190_tc072-gs-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"There is a need to resolve the ambiguity in the disqualification provisions under section 8 of the Representation of People Act 1951. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"Constitution is a mere skeleton whereas constitutionalism is the soul of democracy. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"The question of gender equality is central to the debate on Uniform Civil Code. In this light what a...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"Recently demand has been rising in a state regarding the enactment of Social Accountability Law. How...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"\"Berlin can be India's gateway to the European Union.\" Elaborate with respect to Germany's significance in India's relationship with the EU.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4645,"topper":"Mrinal Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/748520c30390b56bbbd3f8693a3b3ea3/59/pttp221190_tc072-gs-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"There is a need to resolve the ambiguity in the disqualification provisions under section 8 of the Representation of People Act 1951. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Constitution is a mere skeleton whereas constitutionalism is the soul of democracy. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"\"Electoral bonds are a double-edged sword, providing anonymity to donors while raising concerns about transparency in political funding.\" To what extent have electoral bonds further legitimized opacity in electoral funding? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The question of gender equality is central to the debate on Uniform Civil Code. In this light what are the challenges in reconciling UCC with gender equality as enshrined in the constitution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"'The Governor's office is neither decorative nor inconsequential, it assumes a constitutional role of profound essence' To what extent does the Governor actively contribute to the governance of a state and reinforce the principles of federalism in the country? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Recently demand has been rising in a state regarding the enactment of Social Accountability Law. How such a law can lead to good governance and boost citizens' participation in decision-making. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"There is a need for convergence of 'nutrition-specific' and 'nutrition-sensitive' interventions to effectively tackle child undernutrition in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"MGNREGA, the lynchpin of rural poverty alleviation, has become the victim of fiscal apathy.\" Critically analyze the statement in light of recent developments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"\"India must leverage, if not manage, the global divides.\" How can the current geopolitical churn pave the way for India's rise to the global high table? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"Berlin can be India's gateway to the European Union.\" Elaborate with respect to Germany's significance in India's relationship with the EU. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"How has the Anti-Defection Law impacted the relationship between political parties and individual legislators in India? In light of the recent incidents also discuss the unintended consequences it has on the functioning of democracy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Critics assert that limitless judicial authority rests on the structural ambiguity of the basic structure doctrine. Has the elastic nature of the basic structure doctrine made the judiciary more powerful than the executive? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Fundamental rights are not gifts bestowed upon by the state rather an individual possesses them independently of the state. In this context discuss the desirability of reasonable restrictions on various fundamental rights. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"S.R. Bommai v. Union of India signified a paradigm shift in the judicial interpretation of the union's authority to assume control of a state's administration. In this context discuss the significance and impact of the judgement on cementing the federal structure. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"The key to effective decentralization is, 'political decentralization should follow finance and functional decentralization'. Discuss in the context of impediments faced by local governance in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Multi-stakeholder partnerships are the key to leveraging collective expertise and networks. How can effective partnership and localized implementation efforts be fostered to accelerate the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"How has the implementation of the POSH Act resulted in limited success in raising awareness about sexual harassment, and what factors have hindered its effective outreach to women employed in the unorganized sector? Propose strategies to bridge this gap and ensure comprehensive protection for women in the unorganized sector against workplace harassment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"'Neo-liberal reforms and globalization have deeply transformed the institutions of the welfare state and set the ground for a new type of civil services.' In this context examine the challenges faced in service delivery and suggest adequate reforms. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"China views India as its \"Asian Rival\" with an innate ability to counter its hegemonic goals in Asia. Despite these difficulties in India-China relations, there are also many areas of convergence. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Indo-Pacific region in recent times has emerged as a zone of diverging interests and priorities. Discuss. Do you think the Global Security Initiative will supersede QUAD in the region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4646,"topper":"Mrinal Kumar","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/MRINAL-KUMAR-UPSC-2023-Rank-197-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"In many ways, the Spanish civil war was the opening act of WWII. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"How will you explain the different fates of Buddhism and Jainism despite a slew of similarities in the two religions? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Non-Cooperation Movement democratized India's freedom struggle but suffered from inherent limitations. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Critically analyse the efficacy of linguistic reorganization of states in addressing the reasons for linguistic divides in post-independent India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Briefly discuss the role of plate tectonics theory in explaining the location of volcanoes. Also, explain the multifarious impacts of volcanoes on the surrounding regions. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Taking further the success of Aspirational Districts Programme, Aspirational Blocks can help achieve the twin objectives of balanced growth and checking stress migration. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Describe the critical factors for location of defense industries and suggest measures to overcome the challenges. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"To what extent can Socio-Economic-Caste Census (SECC) address the challenges in achieving equitable resource allocation and targeted welfare? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Indian society is premised on some common values that give it a composite texture as well as some diverse practices that deepen its heterogeneity. Elucidate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What are the factors that influence population growth in the country? In this perspective, examine the relevance and need of raising the minimum marriageable age of women for population development? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Bring out the reasons behind the tribal unrest in British India. Also analyze the reasons for their limited success. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"The independence of India was not a result of a forced expulsion of the Empire, as desired by the Quit India Movement; it was rather a confluence of domestic politics and global circumstances. Analyze. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Explain why Sufism, a liberal reform movement in Islam could deepen its roots in the Indian sub-continent, despite Islam being a foreign religion? Also, bring out the impacts of Sufism on Indian society. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Enumerate the reasons behind rising intensity and frequency of cyclones in the Arabian Sea in recent years. Giving special reference to NDMA guidelines recommend measures to check the adverse impacts of cyclones. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Examine the impacts of climate change on the hydrological cycle and suggest suitable mitigation and adaptation strategies to contain the harmful implications. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Defining continental shelf, highlight its resource potential and ecological significance. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Rooted in patriarchal values, gender-based violence, in all its manifestations, is antithetical to societal growth. Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"The caste calculus in the Indian society remains predominant and continues to project its shadow on social, political, and economic domains. Do you agree? Substantiate your answer. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Discuss various factors contributing to the water woes faced by Indian cities. Also, explain complexities in implementing a comprehensive water management plan. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Though important elements of group identity, religion and region also run the risk of deepening communal cleavages. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4647,"topper":"Mrinal Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/748520c30390b56bbbd3f8693a3b3ea3/62/pttp221190_tc077-gs-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Elaborate on the difference between Capital Account and Current Account as components of Balance of Payment (BOP). Suggest a few measures to balance the BOP deficit of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The logistics sector is one of the important components of the growth of the manufacturing industry. Discuss. Also, mention various components of the recently announced National Logistics Policy 2022. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What is India's stand on the New Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies under WTO? How is the Fisheries sector significant for India? Enumerate the steps taken by the Government to develop this sector. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Analyze the systemic and institutional constraints that continue to hinder land reform efforts in India and propose pragmatic solutions to ensure equitable distribution of land. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What are the unique features and capabilities of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, and how has it contributed to India's defence capabilities and strategic position in the region? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"In line with the country's efforts to explore the depths of the ocean and harness the resources it holds, the Indian government has proposed a deep-sea exploration mission Samudrayaan. How can this mission contribute to the advancement of ocean science and technology in the country? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What is Global Methane Pledge? Do you think the Global Methane Pledge is a positive step toward mitigating methane emissions? Explain India's stance on this issue. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of disaster management in public health. Discuss the key strategies and challenges for managing pandemics and other infectious disease outbreaks. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"The resource curse of Eastern and Central India has been a crucial driver of LWE\". Elaborate and suggest measures for sustainable and inclusive development of the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In light of the declining trend of violence in the North East and J&K region do you think that AFSPA has lived its utility? Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"International trade is centred on the dominant currency paradigm (DCM). Critically Analyze the importance of Hard currency in International trade and Discuss the potential of rupee acceptance in global trade as an alternative to dollar imperialism. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"A demographic Dividend does not ensure growth; it only generates potential. Discuss the steps made by the government to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the demographic transition. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the impact of direct and indirect farm subsidies on the agriculture sector in India. How have Minimum Support Prices (MSP) affected the agricultural economy? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a rapidly escalating crisis that poses a grave threat to public health worldwide. What are the major contributing factors to the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance, and what steps can be taken to address this global health threat? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by Disruptive innovations? What are some examples of disruptive innovation in recent times, and how have they changed the way industries operate? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Trace the evolution of the Loss and Damage fund. What are the major development related to loss and damage funds in COP 27?, What are the commitments made by India in this conference? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Disaster management is not just about responding to emergencies but also about building resilient communities. Discuss the key strategies that can be used to build community resilience and reduce the impact of disasters. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The transformation of terrorism through the use of new and emerging technologies like metaverse and virtual assets is a matter of concern. How can we counter the use of New and Emerging Technologies for Terrorist Purposes and Elucidate the importance of the “Delhi declaration” in this regard? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"\"The Agnipath scheme is a bitter pill needed for the resilience and efficacy of our armed forces.\" Critically Analyze the statement with relevant arguments. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4648,"topper":"Mrinal Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/748520c30390b56bbbd3f8693a3b3ea3/58/pttp221190_tc073-gs-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"What do you understand by Windfall tax? Do you think that windfall taxes can effectively redistribute wealth and promote greater economic equality? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss the perceived successes and challenges of implementing inflation targeting under the new Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) regime. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Assess the potential of millet production in promoting sustainable agriculture and improving food security in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Jal Jeevan Mission has the potential to end the regional disparity in the availability and accessibility of drinking water. Highlighting the significance of the mission, discuss the underlying impediments in achieving the desired objectives. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do you understand by Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)? Discuss its applications and how it can revolutionize the energy program of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss in brief developments and challenges in the Gaganyaan mission of ISRO. What are the possible benefits of the mission for the society? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"Green hydrogen can be the silver bullet in our quest to tackle climate change and pollution\". Critically analyze the statement in light of India's National Green Hydrogen mission. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What are the key lessons for disaster management and environmental conservation in the Himalayan region, in light of the recent disaster in Joshimath, Uttarakhand? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"The recent radical trends in Punjab show that the Khalistan issue is still simmering.\" Discuss the statement with respect to recent developments and suggest measures to handle it. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The anonymity and ease of drone operation contribute to the challenges of India's border security. Elaborate and give suggestions to tackle the drone problem in border areas. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Electricity Amendment Bill, 2022 brings several advantages for consumers, DISCOMs as well as the environment. Elaborate. Also, list out its shortcomings and suggest some measures to overcome them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) plays an important role in the regulation of the share market and safeguarding the interests of investors. In the light of given statement, highlight the challenges faced by the SEBI and suggest reforms in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Despite being a major contributor to the Indian economy, the agriculture sector is plagued by several constraints that impede its growth and development. Discuss the role of technology in overcoming these constraints. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Evaluate the impact of irrigation on the environment and natural resources, and suggest measures to ensure the sustainability and equity of irrigation practices in agriculture.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"How India benefitted strategically from the contributions of Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha and Dr. Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai in the fields of atomic energy and space technology respectively?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Genreative AI holds the potential to push the boundaries of innovation in the near future, yet its societal impact raises substantial challenges. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Explain the purpose of the \"Mangrove Alliance for Climate\" launched at the COP27 UN Climate Change Conference in Egypt in November 2022. Elaborate on the importance of mangroves in maintaining the coastal ecology of tropical nations. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"The Formation of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure brings more robustness to the Disaster Management approach in India. Comment and justify the need for a new strategy to tackle Disasters in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"The recent rise in ransomware attacks targeting critical infrastructure and major corporations has highlighted the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity measures and policies. Discussing the key factors contributing to this trend, analyze the impact of these attacks on various sectors. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"In the context of border security, how can cooperation and coordination between different security agencies be improved to ensure effective and efficient management of coastal and terrestrial borders? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4649,"topper":"Mrinal Kumar","air":197,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/45/pttp221190_tc073-gs-3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4650,"topper":"Mrinal Kumar","air":197,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/39/pttp221190_tc077-gs-3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4651,"topper":"Mrinal Kumar","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/MRINAL-KUMAR-UPSC-2023-Rank-197-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Celebrity endorsements raise pertinent ethical concerns about responsibility that delve into the realm of ethical considerations of social influence that run deeper than mere surface appeal. In this context, suggest measures to tackle the ethical challenges of celebrity brand endorsements. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Embracing a scientific mindset involves setting aside impulsive inclinations in favor of the pursuit of truth. In your view, how does the integration of scientific thinking contribute to address-ing contemporary challenges and promoting societal progress? How can we effectively cultivate a scientific attitude in society? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"In the realm of professional conduct, ethics plays a role that tends to go far beyond fulfilling the roles and responsibilities of the job with diligence and honesty. But some people consider professional competence as the only critical requirement for a job. If faced with a choice, who would you prefer to hire - someone with professional competence or one with strong moral values? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Patriotism can hold different meanings for different people, often shaped by personal experiences and convictions. What does patriotism mean to yoy? Explain narrating incidents from your life when you exhibited patriotism. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Max Weber's concept of bureaucracy was developed in the early 20th century, but it still influences administrative structures today. In what ways do you see Weberian bureaucracy as relevant in today's rapidly changing world? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Global challenges often test the ethical fiber of nations, urging them to channel narrow pursuit of national-interest into an enlightened self-interest.\" Enumerating the various ethical principles underlying the concept of enlightened national-interest examine its efficacy in helping nations navigate the fine line between pursuing their strategic interests and upholding ethical principles, particularly in times of conflict? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In the realm of governance, a crucial aspect is the art of persuasion. The qualities that make civil servants proficient persuaders empower them to fulfill their responsibilities in an effective manner. Discuss with illustrations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Corruption has multifaceted implications. Some consider it an undeniable vice, while others contend it to be an unavoidable necessity for navigating the bureaucratic complexities. In your opinion, does corruption oil or corrode the gears of development? Substantiate your arguments. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Ethical hacking and malicious hacking stand as divergent paths with distinct intentions and consequences. As technology advances, it becomes imperative to comprehend the nuances that set these practices apart in the cybersecurity landscape. In this perspective, elucidate the principles that differentiate ethical hacking and malicious hacking. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What does each of the following quotation mean to you? a) \"Our greatest ability as humans is not to change the world, but to change ourselves.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":37,"question":"Manoj's parents lack what qualities? b) What qualities in a person can prevent them from taking an extreme step like suicide? c) What are the various ethical issues with the education system as depicted in the case study? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"What are the key ethical concerns present in the above case study? b) According to you between the twin objectives of development and conservation what should be given more priority and why? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":60,"question":"Mr X is travelling by road with his family to attend a marriage ceremony. His grandfather, who is the head of the family is also travelling with him. On the way to their destination, all of them stop at a road side restaurant for lunch. This is a well-known restaurant owned by one of the friends of Mr X. The place is known for its tasty and hygienic food. However, the grandfather notices a picture on the wall of the restaurant and enquires about the religion of the restaurant owner. Mr X's friend belongs to a religion different from the grandfather's religion. The grandfather has a negative attitude towards the religion of Mr X's friend and he insists that he will not eat in that restaurant. He demands that the entire family should leave the restaurant immediately as they are travelling for a happy occasion and eating at this particular restaurant will pollute them. Mr X tries to calm down his grandfather and explain to him that religion has nothing to do with purity or pollution. He also reasons that several travel magazines have rated the restaurant highly, especially for its superior hygiene standards. Also, he points out that there is no restaurant in the way for the next 100 Km and it will be difficult for all to make do without food for that long. However, his arguments fall on deaf years, and which is more his grandfather admonishes him for bringing the family to the restaurant despite being aware about the religion of the owner. Mr X's friend feels insulted and discriminated against due to his religion. Mr X's father is upset but refuses to say anything out of respect for the grandfather. Entire family is embarrassed by the attitude of the grandfather and they are getting ready to leave the restaurant. Mr X is confused regarding how he should act in this situation. a) What are the various ethical issues in the above case study? b) Imagine yourself in the place of Mr X. Evaluate the different courses of actions available with you. What is the most suitable course of action? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4652,"topper":"Mrinal Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/748520c30390b56bbbd3f8693a3b3ea3/60/pttp221190_tc074-gs-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Public service requires not merely legal but also morally principled action. Public service requires the public servant to place loyalty to the constitution, laws, and ethical principles. Among the three, which do you think must acquire primacy while carrying out official functions? Why? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand by \"integrity-based civil disobedience\"? Do you think a challenge to personal integrity can be a justifiable cause for responsible disobedience in civil services? Explain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Recent research has shown that emotions significantly impact personal and professional lives. What are the primary emotions that negatively and positively impact workplace productivity? Explain with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Technical efficiency ensures resource utilization and social efficiency ensures fulfillment of social needs, what does ethical efficiency ensure? Do you think ethical efficiency is more important than technical and social efficiency? Why/Why not? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Man cannot do right in one department of life whilst he is occupied in doing wrong in any other department.\" Gandhi. Do you think an individual's personal ethics impacts professional life or they both can be compartmentalized? Explain your position with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Goodness is the result of internal imperatives to do what is right, not sanctions from moral rules or rewards from expected consequences. Do you agree? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"In the context of civil service, distinguish between moral and non-moral values. Identify 5 basic moral values that can serve as foundational values for all services irrespective of the department. Give reasons why those values can be considered foundational. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Citizens' involvement in decision-making is critical to ethics in governance. Do you agree that effective civic engagement mechanisms can facilitate an ethics-driven administration? What do you think are the mechanisms that citizens can use for ensuring ethics in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Social transformation programs such as \\u201cbeti bachao and beti padhao\\u201d believes in using advice, counseling, and persuasion but sometimes a little force is also necessary for getting the desired response. Do you think it is a good idea to mix little force with persuasion by public administrators while implementing social schemes of transformation? Explain with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Ultimately foreign policy of every country hinges upon the strength which the nation possesses. Strength may be military or financial and may be also moral. Do you think ethical strength without military or financial muscle will be respected in today's world? Explain your position. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":31,"question":"You are a young officer working with the Municipal Corporation of an industrial city. The city was known for manufacturing ball bearings and auto parts. Most manufacturing units were small-scale units with very little production process automation. The units relied on manual labor, which was in abundance due to the villages close by. As the number of manufacturing units grew, the demand for labor increased, bringing in a steady inflow of laborers into the city. This influx of people into the town led to a mushrooming of slums and encroachments on the sidewalks. Once in a while, the Corporation conducted drives to clear out the slums, but after a time, the slums came back. The illegal slums had become an urban nightmare. You were given the responsibility of clearing out the encroachments and slums with the help of Police authorities. As you started the drive, you realized that the people living by the sidewalks were vulnerable compared to the slum dwellers. Many sidewalk dwellers had recently come to the city after selling their properties in their villages. Now if you drive them out, they have no place to go. Your heart went out to them, and you felt that your departmental action was inhumane, but your official responsibilities demanded stern impartial action. You are desperate to find a way to help the sidewalk dwellers without compromising your official duties. (a) What value conflicts do you notice in the above situation? (b) Can an administrator compromise the value of impartiality for empathy? Discuss. (c) What are the options available in the above situation? (d) Suggest viable solutions for tackling illegal slums and encroachments in urban areas. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"A certain State government was running a welfare scheme for promoting safe motherhood among rural landless laborers' families. The scheme involves the transfer of funds to the beneficiaries to enable them to mitigate income loss due to maternal care responsibilities. Since its implementation, the scheme has done reasonably well on maternal health and economic indicators. You are the Director of the Department responsible for implementing and operating the scheme. Recently you have been receiving reports of welfare fraud being committed by families by producing fake bona fide. The families committed the fraud with the help of local officials responsible for scrutinizing the bonafide. You were concerned because the fraud was seriously undermining the scheme's efficiency. You called for a departmental meeting to discuss and find a solution to the problem. In the meeting, it was decided to merge several available government data sets such as Aadhar cards, voter ID cards, marriage certificates, birth certificates, bank details, and other personal assets. By merging all the data sets, the department would be able to develop the beneficiary's economic profile. And this will help the department scrutinize the documents and detect fraud. This was a comprehensive strategy, but it risked violating an individual's data privacy. As a Department head, you wanted to detect and prevent fraud, but at the same time, you were apprehensive about violating the Data privacy of the stakeholders. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) Do you think violating data privacy is justified to prevent welfare fraud? Why/ Why not? (c) What, according to you, can be the reasons for such welfare frauds happening in the country? (d) Are there any ways and means to prevent such fraud? Give your suggestions. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"You are posted in the Department of Mines, and one of your roles is to help your Department Head negotiate mining leases with private contractors. Recently, the state government demarcated a new mining zone and planned to invite bids for the mining blocs. You were instructed to oversee the bidding process and speed up the contract negotiations. As planned, the tenders were released, bids came in, and tenders were allocated as per the norms. All this happened at a breakneck speed. You wondered, why the hurry? But it was not your place to think and question; you quietly went about your work. As the contractors were about to start operations, you had to instruct them on environmental concerns to watch out for. And to do that, you read the environmental impact assessment report submitted by a consulting firm hired by the department. To your surprise, the report was shoddy and looked cooked up. You got suspicious and raised the issue with your Head, who politely instructed you to do what you were told, and he reminded you that the Department had revenue targets and was under pressure from the Ministry. After the meeting, you, on your own accord, did some digging and found out that the report was fraudulent and the mining activity that was about to start would lead to a massive environmental disaster which the State could not afford. (a) What are the issues and value violations you notice in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you? (c) Discuss the advantage and disadvantages of each option and identify your chosen course of action. (d) Do you think that environmental considerations are sometimes overrated at the cost of development?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"Do you think corporate businesses such as GAMA must consider international ethics while pursuing business interests? Why/why not? (c) Do you think a corporate's social responsibility extends beyond one's immediate community to the international community? Why/Why not? (d) Do you think the Defence sector companies marketing sensitive technologies must be regulated by their respective governments, or regulation may curtail their entrepreneurial and innovation energy? Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Mr. Sharma was the All India Sales Head of a pharmaceutical company with a turnover of 400 crores. The company's main markets were small towns and tier 2 cities. Further, the company did a sizeable amount of business with state government hospitals and health centers. Mr. Sharma had given a lot of freedom to field sales agents to strike deals and negotiate prices with clients. This strategy worked well for the company. Recently Mr. Sharma received word that three company employees were selling products to government hospitals and health centers at a higher price than they were selling to other private hospitals and health centers. The employees were with the company for over five years and were good performers. A few sales staff informally raised the issue of the three getting relatively higher commissions because of their inflated deals. And this was creating a sense of unease among the sales staff. A cursory review of the account of the three showed that, in many instances, the government hospitals were paying more than other private institutions. Under procurement rules, the government is supposed to pay a fair price, one that other cost-conscious customers pay. On inquiry, Mr. Sharma found that the three were not alone; government purchase department officials were helping them scam the Department. Mr. Sharma realized that his sales staff and some corrupt government staff had been defrauding the state exchequer for quite some time. Mr. Sharma immediately reported it to his CEO, and the two discussed how to deal with the sales staff and whether to inform the government about the scam and the involvement of their staff. The issue was informing the government means that there was every possibility that they might be blacklisted, thereby losing a lot of business. Mr. Sharma and CEO were caught in a dilemma regarding how to proceed with the case. (a) What are the ethical and business issues involved in the case? (b) What are the options available to Mr. Sharma and the CEO? (c) Do you think the organizational culture of giving freedom to the sales force led to the issue or was the individual's corrupt nature that led to the problem? Discuss. (d) What ethics mechanisms and steps can the company create and implement to prevent unethical behavior, as mentioned in the case? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":4653,"topper":"Mrinal Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/748520c30390b56bbbd3f8693a3b3ea3/57/pttp221190_tc078-gs-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Public service takes place in a bureaucratic structure with clear lines of authority, value standardization, and accountability mechanisms. Working within such a structure, what do you think are the influences that impact the public servant's ethical decision-making? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What do you understand by the terms 'ethics' and 'integrity'? Do you think they are interrelated? Explain with examples the relationship between ethics and integrity in the context of public administration. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What do you understand by the terms 'ethical behavior' and 'emotionally intelligent behavior'? Identify the relevant emotional intelligence components that act as a reliable guide to ethical behavior. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"As professionals, civil servants are career focused and are also self-interested. At the same time, their service ethos imposes an obligation to serve the public interest selflessly. Is it possible for a civil servant to reconcile career and service obligation? Explain your position. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"\"While competence without compassion can be brutal and inhumane; similarly, compassion without competence can be meaningless for persons seeking help.\" Explain the above with the help of a suitable illustration in the context of public services. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Does the suffering of individuals in one part of the world generate moral demands of assistance on those foreigners who live far away from them? Are these moral demands of assistance justified? Can governments be held morally responsible for failing to help the international community in times of deprivation? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Civil Services ethics has everything to do with management. It is as much a Departmental as a personal issue. Leaders who fail to create systems that facilitate ethical conduct are equally to blame as much as those who indulge in ethical misconduct. Do you think the Departmental culture leads to ethical misconduct or is the individual with weak willpower culpable? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"You are posted as a District Development officer in a district with a low literacy rate and poor health indicators. As you took charge, your Health Secretary had given express instructions that your priority is to improve health indicators by enhancing the delivery of healthcare services. After taking over, you traveled around the district to study and identify ways of improving healthcare services. During your field trip, you discovered that the issue was not the accessibility of services; it was something else. You found the problem was the myths, misconceptions, and malpractices that hindered the uptake of health care services. For instance, people believed that vaccines caused impotence, immunization was equivalent to birth control, using antenatal care was counterproductive to the health of the mother and baby, and so on. You realize that these beliefs were the behavioral barriers that stood in the way of health and nutrition services. And these behavioral barriers made it difficult for front-line workers to reach out. You discussed your observations with the Health Secretary, and he advised you to seek inputs from the neighboring district DDO who was doing some good work. When you met with the neighboring DDO, you learned he was experimenting with using the faith leader's influence and reach to persuade people. You were unsure about roping in faith leaders to help you overcome the behavioral barriers. As a civil servant, you felt it would be a mistake to involve faith leaders in health service schemes. When you shared your apprehensions with the Secretary, he firmly instructed you to try and innovate. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"If not faith leaders, what are your other options for breaking the behavioral barriers? (d) Do you think it is ethically right for a civil servant to involve faith leaders in promoting government schemes? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"What are the issues involved in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (50 words)","marks":"5","words":"50"},{"page":42,"question":"Ethically analyze the company's position on paying damages and justify why/ why not the company should be liable for damages. (120 words)","marks":"10","words":"120"},{"page":42,"question":"What do you understand by the term moral responsibility? When do you think a person or an entity becomes morally responsible for actions committed or omitted? (80 words)","marks":"5","words":"80"},{"page":46,"question":"You and Ajay were in college together, qualified for the civil services examination, trained, and worked in the same State. Over the years, you and Ajay became good friends and colleagues. Even the families became close to the extent of taking vacations and celebrating festivals together.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"What are the ethical issues and dilemmas involved in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"What must be your moral motivation in the above case? Should it be duty, care, or consequences?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4654,"topper":"Mrinal Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0cd3d-590108_1494_mrinal_kumar_rank_197.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by probity in governance? Explain, with examples, how it enhances transparency and accountability in the administration. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Differentiating between empathy and compassion, discuss the importance of compassion towards weaker sections of society in the administration. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Ethics may, at times, seem to be in conflict with law and vice-versa. Discuss with suitable examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Explaining the concept of Emotional Intelligence, highlight its role in administration. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Examine the relevance of the following in the context of civil services: (a) Integrity and Honesty (b) Objectivity and Neutrality (c) Impartiality and Non-partisanship (d) Accountability and Responsibility","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"India is one of the biggest fairness product markets in the world. A number of firms produce, advertise and sell fairness creams, marketed mainly as whitening products in the country. At the same time there have been many debates on this issue, particularly in recent times, with many arguing that such advertisements should be banned altogether. In this context, answer the following: (a) What are the ethical issues involved in advertising of fairness products? (b) Highlight the consequences of preference for light-skinned people in a society like India? (c) Do you think such issues are better tackled at the societal level rather than regulating advertisements through legal and administrative measures?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4655,"topper":"Mrinal Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6ffba-590108_1837_mrinal_kumar_rank_197.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain why altruism constitutes one of the core values in public life. In this regard, suggest some measures to foster altruistic behaviour in public services. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Certain actions can be right even though they do not maximize good consequences, for the rightness of such actions consists in their representing certain norms. Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"With the help of appropriate examples, discuss the ethical challenges involved in policing in India. Also, highlight the reasons behind corruption in the police force. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"A right combination of spirit and structure is integral to ethical corporate governance. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"It is not only public servants, but also the common citizens who play a key role in institutionalising high standards of ethical conduct and good governance. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Public administration in India suffers from the 'working-in-silos' culture. In this context, discuss the importance of cooperation, coordination and collaboration for efficient governance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"While emotional intelligence is an essential tool for a public servant, it can also be misused to manipulate people to act against their own interests. Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Social influence is an ambivalent concept. It can be a source for good, bad and even for evil. Discuss with the help of relevant examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Effective public service delivery demands a people-centric approach, which is built upon coordination and leverages technology. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Highlight the important teachings of Kautilya that are relevant to public services in 21st century India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.\" Nelson Mandela (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You have recently graduated from college and are now preparing for the civil services examination. While reading the newspaper, you come across a news report of a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), working for child rights, challenging a provision of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, in the Supreme Court of India. The said provision provides for the option of Children in Conflict with Law (CCL) to be tried as adults under certain circumstances. The NGO's plea is that children are not able to understand the gravity of crimes. It has also contended that the criminal acts committed by children are a reflection of failure of the society to take care of its children. In the context of this situation, as a young aspirant, answer the following questions: (a) What are the possible factors that can drive a child towards committing heinous crimes? (b) Is it ethical to punish children as adults rather than giving them a chance for reformation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"You are a CEO-founder of an edTech company. You are under tremendous pressure from the investors in your company to increase the profitability of the company and undertake downsizing. After making a few bad acquisitions, the company's finances have taken a huge hit in the last couple of years. The downsizing is suggested with the hope that the company's profitability would rise, as it often does when mass layoff or downsizing decisions are carried out. Moreover, the investors have hinted that such measures would attract further investment from them, which has come as a ray of hope considering the ongoing volatile market conditions and slowdown in big-ticket fundings. Given the situation, rumors of unscrupulous firing have started doing the rounds among employees. It has increased apprehensiveness and reduced cohesiveness among them. You have informed the investors that the cost cutting exercise can affect the output as well as reputation of the company in the long-run. However, they are adamant to pursue the same. (a) Identify the stakeholders and ethical issues involved in the case. (b) You and the HR team have identified some options and are deliberating to put them across to the investors for consideration. Discuss the merits and demerits of each of these: (i) Identifying key high performers and offering them suitable positions before implementing the layoff decision. (ii) Putting the terminated employees on retainer to work part-time. (iii) Executing the lay off order in the same spirit as it was asked by the investors and letting them deal with the long-term consequences. (iv) Improving the perception of fairness among the existing and terminated employees and moving ahead with the layoffs. (c) Without restricting yourself to the above options, discuss the course of action you will take, and provide adequate reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"Identify the stakeholders and ethical issues involved in the case. (b) You and the HR team have identified some options and are deliberating to put them across to the investors for consideration. Discuss the merits and demerits of each of these: (i) Identifying key high performers and offering them suitable positions before implementing the layoff decision. (ii) Putting the terminated employees on retainer to work part-time. (iii) Executing the lay off order in the same spirit as it was asked by the investors and letting them deal with the long-term consequences. (iv) Improving the perception of fairness among the existing and terminated employees and moving ahead with the layoffs. (c) Without restricting yourself to the above options, discuss the course of action you will take, and provide adequate reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"There is an ongoing ethnic civil war in a neighbouring country. The conflict has caused massive displacement of people from the country. Ironically, the developed countries have closed off their borders to the refugees on account of the COVID-19 pandemic, resource competition, domestic politics etc. With countries sealing off their borders, the refugees are left in a vulnerable situation and many are taking illegal routes to enter your country. As a Senior Official of your country's Ministry of External Affairs, you have been involved in discussions with officials of other nations and are entrusted with the mandate to design a national policy to safely accommodate India bound refugees. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) Discuss the moral issues related to the rights of international refugees, especially those from conflict-torn regions. (b) What recommendations would you suggest given the large influx of refugees in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Social interactions where a person is addressed by their correct name and pronouns, consistent with their gender identity, are widely recognized as a basic and yet critical aspect of gender affirmation. A national university invited speakers for a discussion on rights of sexual minorities in India. The panel included speakers representing a wide variety of opinions and perspectives on the issue. The debates, though largely peaceful, witnessed a controversy. A college association representing sexual minorities took offence against a panellist who cautioned against self-identification by sexual minorities and the liberal use of pronouns. The association reached out to the media and the localised controversy soon turned into a national issue across news networks and social media. The association demanded that the panellist apologise for his views and issue a public statement in this context. The panellist, on the other hand, seemed unmoved by the issue. In the meantime, the University has come under huge pressure to resolve the issue. The Vice Chancellor set up a Committee to look into the matter and its peaceful resolution. You have been appointed as the Chairperson of the Committee. In this regard, answer the following questions: (a) Discuss the various moral issues involved in the case. (b) Keeping the right to freedom of speech and expression in mind, highlight the steps you would take to resolve the issue and list arguments in support.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"You are a young athlete representing India at an international-level competition. To your surprise, during the competition, you witness a few senior athletes injecting something using a syringe in private. When you approach them, they explain that it is a performance enhancing drug, which is very common in such competitions and you should take the same as well. You are aware that if these players get caught in a doping test, it may damage India's reputation. You are confused and afraid of the repercussions and decide to approach the coach to discuss the event you witnessed. However, you get to know that the athletes are taking the drug on the advice of the coach himself. (a) What would you do in this scenario? Discuss the options available to you and chart your course of action. (b) What are the reasons behind the use of performance enhancing drugs in competitive sporting events? How can this practice be minimized?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":55,"question":"You have been newly appointed as the District Magistrate of a district, which is known for its rich mineral deposits. Following the news being circulated in the media about the illegal mining in your district, you have initiated an enquiry into it. When the State's Minister of Mines and Minerals gets to know of the enquiry initiated by you, he directs you to name some junior government employees as being involved in the wrongdoing and make them scapegoats. He also points out that elections to the State Assembly are around the corner and the present government wishes to stay clear of any political corruption. This Minister is a very influential figure in the present regime and there are high chances of the present ruling party being voted back to power. In due course of the enquiry, it has come to your notice that the said Minister has also been involved in illegal mining through his cronies. The findings of the enquiry can affect the outcome of the elections as well as completely derail your career, if the incumbent party wins the elections, which looks very likely as per the polls. Answer the following with reference to this case: (a) Identify the stakeholders and the ethical issues in the given case. (b) Critically evaluate the options in the given scenario and state your course of action, giving reasons.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4656,"topper":"Mrinal Kumar","air":197,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/50/pttp221190_tc074-gs-4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4657,"topper":"Mrinal Kumar","air":197,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/43/pttp221190_tc078-gs-4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4658,"topper":"MRINALIKA RATHORE","air":125,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/350c0-551604_2488_mrinalika_rathore_rank_125.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4659,"topper":"MRINALIKA RATHORE","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1ccd6-551604_2424_mrinalika_rathore_rank_125.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What are the different dimensions of food security? Examine India's status in terms of ensuring food security with regard to these dimensions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Modern technologies such as blockchain and ChatGPT are powerful tools with immense potential to transform agriculture into a more efficient and sustainable sector. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What factors have led to the recent acceleration in the trend towards de-dollarization of the global economy? Do you think the dollar will lose its dominance anytime soon? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Despite significant pressure from the developed countries to alter its food subsidy regime, there is merit in India trying to retain its policy support for the poor in the country. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Several initiatives have been taken by the government towards addressing India's water needs, but the issues of water availability and water quality still warrant prioritised intervention. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What are the major drivers of glacial retreat in the Arctic? Describe the potential impact of the retreat of Arctic glaciers on the ecosystem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Space tourism, which was viewed as something straight out of a science fiction movie, is now becoming a reality albeit not without hindrances. What are the challenges associated with space tourism? What measures can be taken to address these challenges? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Global health experts widely believe that the development of CAR-T cell therapy can be a game changer in the treatment of cancer. How can CAR-T cell therapy overcome the limitations of CRISPR-Cas9 technology? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss why the rising deployment of new and emerging technologies by prominent violent extremist organizations demand concerted global efforts. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"With the Line of Actual Control (LAC) remaining tense after the Galwan and Yangste incidents and both India and China ramping up infrastructure in the border areas, discuss the role that ITBP plays in the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Do you think there is a need for a shift from 'land productivity' to 'irrigation water productivity' in India? Justify your answer. What are the challenges in making this shift? Explain. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Examine the role that green hydrogen can play in unlocking the energy security of India. How can the National Green Hydrogen Mission help India in achieving its energy goals? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The government has been weighing a transition from minimum wage to living wage in recent times. What are the benefits and constraints in the adoption of living wage in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The Union Budget affects almost every sector of the Indian economy, yet neither the budgetary processes nor the budget policies come under substantial public scrutiny. Do you agree? Justify your answer. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Some regions in India, including Delhi, are highly vulnerable to the impact of earthquakes originating in the Himalayas. Discuss. What institutional measures have been taken to mitigate earthquake losses in India? Do you think there are significant gaps that still exist? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Recently, scientists announced net energy gain in nuclear fusion reaction, which is considered as a major scientific breakthrough for the future of clean energy. What are the advantages of nuclear fusion based power generation? What are the limitations in using it to generate electricity at a commercial scale? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4660,"topper":"MRINALIKA RATHORE","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/cb180-551604_2423_mrinalika_rathore_rank_125.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With suitable examples, discuss how environmental pressure groups enhance public participation and responsiveness with regard to environmental policies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The recent acknowledgment of sex work as a 'profession' by the Supreme Court is merely the first step in ensuring basic rights and equality for sex workers in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the role played by District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) in providing free legal aid and disseminating legal awareness in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"The collegium system has become a victim of its own success, with the concentration of power in the hands of a few, leading to questions about its legitimacy.\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Civil services reforms must go beyond recruitment and standardised training to cope with the present day challenges. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Outcome-based finance models such as social impact bonds have the potential to truly catalyse change and deliver socio-economic impact at scale. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The wide gap between the number of females graduating every year and those entering the workspace is an issue of paramount importance that needs to be addressed. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"An up to date and functional Civil Registration System (CRS) is essential to the socio-economic planning in India. Discuss in the light of the recent move of the Central government in revamping the CRS system in the country. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What are the key areas of reform if the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has to align with the current economic realities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In recent years, India's relationship with West Asia has evolved from the confines of geopolitics to expanse of geoeconomics. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The role of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) is significant in furthering healthy competitiveness aimed at inspiring stakeholders to innovate and augment effectiveness. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"\"The menace of paid news often rears its ugly head during elections.\" Discuss the need for making paid news an electoral offence in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the 'Doctrine of Essentiality' referred to by the courts in the context of religious practices in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"As per the recently released report of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), there is an urgent need to limit the size of the government in India. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The Institutions of Eminence (IoE) scheme was conceived to develop 'world-class' centres of higher education in India but six years later, it is yet to become the game changer it was intended to be. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) allows for innovative and convenient public services, help overcome inclusion or accessibility barriers, and increase transparency and accountability with real-time data. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Besides legislation, the full realisation of the 'right to health for all' in India demands plugging of social, financial, and infrastructural gaps. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The 'third gender' has not yet been engendered in the Indian society despite legislative nudge. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Among other factors, strained ties with China and Pakistan make it difficult for India to fulfill its expectations from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"The recently concluded initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) between the United States and India promises a long overdue transformation of their partnership in the field of technology. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4661,"topper":"MRINALIKA RATHORE","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2b204-551604_2422_mrinalika_rathore_rank_125.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"The traditional theatre forms of India reflect the ideals and emotions of the society, and an individual's role in the community. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Provide an account of the historical and architectural importance of the Sanchi Stupa. Also, discuss how it inspired the future architecture in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The existence of relative deprivation is an important aspect in constructing the argument for regionalism. Explain with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"If India is to realise the goal of 'education for all', the issue of rising cases of bullying and other forms of school violence needs to be addressed immediately. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Bring out the role played by the Ahom Kingdom in shaping the cultural and historical identity of North-East India, and discuss its legacy in contemporary times. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind unsustainable management of sand resources in India. Highlighting its impact, enumerate the remedial measures taken in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Giving an account of the major lithium-producing countries, discuss the geo-political aspects of lithium production and its environmental implications. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"With a significant proportion of India's population expected to live in urban areas by 2030, the welfare of the urban poor needs to take centre-stage in public policy. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4662,"topper":"MRINALIKA RATHORE","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a3c16-551604_1705_mrinalika_rathore_rank_125.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"While the Right to Information Act is considered path breaking in promoting transparency and accountability, discuss why some argue that it has not been able to fully achieve its objectives. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"'The Citizens' Charter sees public services through the eyes of those who use them.' Discuss how emergence of citizens' charters have altered the concept of accountability and improved the delivery of public services. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"How can organizational culture impact public service motivation and sustain values in administration? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"It is imperative that civil servants have leadership skills to bring about meaningful change in the present day India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Digitization of service delivery and online public interface have the potential to transform governance in India. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) To educate a person in the mind but not in morals is to educate a menace to society. — Theodore Roosevelt (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"As interactive technologies such as Artificial Intelligence penetrate peoples' lives, the lack of understanding of their social influence carries a risk of them doing more harm than good. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Examine the role of media in promoting probity in governance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"A civil servant's conduct is expected to be a model of ethical behaviour. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Given the importance of inculcating emotional intelligence from an early age, discuss how schools can play a prominent role in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"A manufacturing company is located in a small town where it is not easy for people to find jobs otherwise. The company has stayed in the town even though it could find cheaper workers elsewhere, because workers are loyal to the company due to the jobs it provides. Over the years, the company has developed a reputation in the town for taking care of its employees and being a responsible corporate citizen, owing to its CSR activities. The manufacturing process used by the company produces a by-product that has been flowing into the town river for some time now. According to some media reports people living near the river have started reporting illnesses off late and there is also damage to aquatic life. People, however, have refused to come forward as their livelihood depends on the company. You being the Sustainability Officer of the company believe it to be your duty to report this to the higher management. You are of the opinion that this matter is associated with the prestige of the company and should be taken seriously. In the meanwhile the new CEO, who has just joined the company, has called you for briefing and understanding the local issues. On the basis of the above case, answer the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders in the case above. (b) What arguments would you put forth to the CEO to convince him to act on this matter?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Disciplining children remains a pertinent challenge for educational institutions across India. Often, it is found that potentially dangerous forms of disciplining are frequently resorted to in India. These include physical and emotional punishment and in some cases, negative reinforcement by the teachers. Although these are old forms of school violence, they have only recently started to be looked upon systematically as a problem. Until now, corporal punishment and negative reinforcement and the forms these take, were frequently dismissed, and ignored in India. However, it is now being realized that their effects are quite concerning. Further, it is also in light of a cultural acceptance of such harmful and ineffective disciplining processes, that issues as serious as bullying, teasing and ragging in schools escape scrutiny and redressal. In the light of the aforementioned observations, discuss the following questions: (a) What are the effects of such processes of disciplining on the growth and development of children? (b) Suggest some alternate ways to ensure disciplining of school children.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"You are a member of a High-level Committee that has been formed to monitor discrimination and violence against Scheduled Castes (SCs) and suggest measures to curb them. When you delve deeper into the issue, you come across many recent incidents, which confirm the widely held belief that SCs are consistently humiliated on a daily basis. On the basis of the above information, answer the following: (a) Discuss why there is widespread discrimination and violence against SCs despite enactment of suitable legislations to prevent such instances. (b) As a member of the High-level Committee, suggest legal and administrative measures to prevent atrocities against the SCs. (c) State the role of media and civil society in bringing about behavioural change in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"You are waiting at a red light of a traffic signal while driving a car. A poor teenage boy, who is looking sick and weak, approaches you and starts begging for money. Looking at his situation, you out of compassion take out your wallet and start looking for some money to give it to him. But suddenly the boy, who was standing very near to you, snatches your wallet and starts running. Another man standing next to your car watches this act and catches the boy. He starts beating him badly. Few other people also join him. (a) What are the issues involved in this case? (b) What course of action will you take and why?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4663,"topper":"MRINALIKA RATHORE","air":125,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/aea86-551604_1525_mrinalika_rathore_rank_125.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4664,"topper":"MRINALIKA RATHORE","air":125,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1b1a4-551604_2088_mrinalika_rathore_rank_125.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4665,"topper":"Mudit Foujdar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/MUDIT_FOUJDARUPSC_IAS_2025_Toppers_AIR_353_Sample_MGP_COPY_3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1 The inherent strength of the Indian constitution stems from its ability to accommodate disparate interests. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Indiscriminate use of section 124-A of the IPC is like a saw in the hands of carpenter who cuts the entire forest instead of a tree. Has the Sedition law outlived its utility? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Convergence between SHGs and panchayats is an assured way of achieving women empowerment. Do you agree?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4 Reasonable balance between individual's liberty and the state's right to impose restrictions is vital for the functioning of a constitutional democracy. Explain with help of suitable illustrations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) What do you understand by the cohabitation form of government? How does it differ from the Westminster system?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) Mutual comity and respect between social media intermediaries and national governments are necessary to democratize cyberpolitics in the interest of users. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) The pace of justice is severely restricted by the poor judicial infrastructure in the country. Do you think creation of a National Judicial Infrastructure Authority of India will be able to improve the quality of justice?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) Illiteracy, poverty and unemployment provides an inter-related syndrome which demands a whole of government approach for its effective eradication. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 NATO, a collective defence organization, formed during the heydays of cold war has outlived its utility in a world increasingly ascribing to multipolar ideals. Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 There can be no genuine Asian century without amicable India-China relations. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 The constitutional position of the governor is that of a lynchpin of federalism, holding together the units of federal polity. Critically examine the functioning of the office of governor in carrying out its envisaged role.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 Judiciary has played an active role in reforming the electoral system by making it more transparent and responsive. Elucidate. Also, critically assess the impacts of various judicial pronouncements in attaining their desired objective.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 Effective policy formulation and implementation are contingent upon availability of reliable data. Highlighting the importance of Civil Registration System (CRS), examine the need for revamping Indian CRS.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 The pattern of economic growth in India has widened the gap between haves and have-nots, and calls for enhanced role of state in protection and promotion of social security. Critically examine.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Welfare role of the government does not end at nourishing the demographic dividend, but extends to preserving the interests of the elderlies. Examine the constraints faced by the elderlies? Also, recommend suitable measures for developing a comprehensive framework for geriatric care in the country.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 Governance is a broader concept than government, as it keeps people at the centre of the developmental process. In light of the statement, discuss the paradigm of good governance in the country and highlight the challenges associated with its on-ground implementation.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 Continuance of manual scavenging reflects a deeper problem that is a vicious mix of poor governance measures combined with a deep-seated societal vulnerability. Explaining the contributing factors behind manual scavenging, suggest ways to eliminate the menace.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18) What are the challenges ailing the higher education institutions (HEIs) in India? Also, suggest ways to transform Indian institutions into global learning centres.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Soft power is the ability of the country to get what it wants through attraction rather than coercion. What are the elements of India's soft power? How far has India been able to leverage its soft power?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20) The inherent potential of India-EU bilateral relationship to forge a mutually beneficial strategic partnership remains unrealised due to several factors. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4666,"topper":"Mudit Foujdar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/MUDIT_FOUJDARUPSC_IAS_2025_Toppers_AIR_353_Sample_MGP_COPY_1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) The concentration of wealth at the top necessitates addressing scarcity of resources for the masses. In this context, assess the potential of Universal Basic Income (UBI) in furthering the goals of economic equity.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Digital commerce is reshaping the global business environment, but its potential is marred by anti-competitive practices, supply chain gaps and limited participation from MSMEs. Discuss the statement and highlight the role of Open Network Digital Commerce (ONDC) in democratizing e-commerce sector.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Analyse the reasons for India's import dependence in edible oil. How far can National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm (NMOOP) aid the country in becoming self-reliant in edible oil?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Agriculture subsidy regime in its present form fuels economic inefficiency and creates ecological imbalance. In this perspective, examine various issues related to farm subsidies. Also, recommend measures to rationalise the same.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"8. WTO sanctions due to trade distortions","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) What do you mean by 'dark matter' and why is it difficult to detect? How has the search for 'dark matter' shaped modern pursuits in science?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Search for dark matter has shaped modern science in the following ways:\n1. Elaborate measuring devices (such as Gamma Ray telescopes, X-ray observatories) have been created. Eg: James Webb Telescope (Infrared)\n2. Complimentary fields such as Gravitational Waves, Black Holes, 'Dark Energy' have developed.\n3. Searches for new elementary particles (such as 'Graviton') have led to the discovery of other particles (such as neutrinos in LHC, CERN).\n4. Fuels curiosity regarding the unexplored & unexplained Universe.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6 The future of digital technologies lies in blurring lines between physical and virtual worlds. In this context, discuss the ways in which Metaverse can alter our everyday lives.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7 Underline factors responsible for poor solid waste management in Indian cities. In what ways can the trinity of citizens, businesses, and the governments tackle this hazard.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8 Ever-increasing competition to control land resources has not only led to environmental degradation but also fuelled social instability, poverty, and migration. Discuss the multidimensional effects of Land Degradation. How can we achieve Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN)?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) While addressing the broader challenges of national security the finer questions of human security are often overlooked. What do you understand by human security? Also, recommend measures to build a robust human security paradigm?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 Border management in the country is as much an endeavour in forging developmental partnerships with the locals as it is an exercise in managing cross-border threats. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) The much-cherished demographic dividend of India can be leveraged only if the twin challenges of unemployment and unemployability are addressed holistically. Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 While infrastructure can act as the force multiplier to achieve a 5 trillion USD economy, Gatishakti masterplan can play a similar role for the growth of infrastructure. Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13) Agriculture is both the cause and a casualty of climate change. In what ways climate change affects agriculture? Suggest ways to make agriculture climate resilient.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 As an organization of the producers, by the producers and for the producers, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) can resolve the multiple issues plaguing agriculture. Critically examine.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Vaccines have proven to be a vital tool in controlling the virulent effects of the SARS-CoV-2. Explaining various types of vaccines, enumerate steps involved in their development.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 Quantum computing can herald transformative changes in various fields of human engagements that are beyond the capacity of traditional computers. Describe quantum computing and list its advantages over traditional computers.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 What do you understand by cloud burst? Examine the reasons for high vulnerability of the mountainous regions to cloud bursts and discuss ways to mitigate its ill-effects.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the risk of infectious agents jumping the barriers of species, necessitating human, animal, and environmental health questions to be dealt in an integrated manner. In this light, discuss the concept of one health.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19) Trafficking in the country has grown to become a grave internal security threat and persistent social bane. Identifying the factors behind various forms of trafficking, suggest measures to tackle the menace.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 Though drones have multitude of enabling applications for the welfare of human kind, their proliferation has opened a new dimension of security threat for the country. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4667,"topper":"Mudit Foujdar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/MUDIT_FOUJDARUPSC_IAS_2025_Toppers_AIR_353_Sample_MGP_COPY_2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) It is often said that politics and ethics belong to different worlds. What is your opinion in this regard? Justify your answer with illustration. Also, highlight the consequences of divergence between politics and ethics.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) \"Integrity is telling myself the truth and honesty is telling the truth to other people.\" Examine the importance of integrity and honesty for a public servant. Also, suggest measures to cultivate these attributes.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) \"Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.\" Discuss the importance of emotional intelligence in self-realisation. Do you think emotional intelligence can be learned?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) Differentiate between the following:\n(i) Rules and Laws\n(ii) Attitude and Belief","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) What does each of the following quotations mean to you?\na) \"Human behaviour flows from three main sources: desire, emotions, and knowledge\" - Plato","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) \"There is a higher court than courts of justice and that is the court of conscience. It supersedes all other courts.\" - Mahatma Gandhi","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"c) \"Tolerance implies no lack of commitment to one's own beliefs. Rather it condemns the oppression or persecution of others.\"- John F. Kennedy","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.4) a) Write short notes on the following in about 30-50 words each:\n(i) Ethical governance\n(ii) compassion in public life\n(iii) Selflessness\n(iv) Crisis of conscience\n(v) Non-partisanship","marks":"10 marks, 150","words":"30-50 words each"},{"page":19,"question":"b) In tandem with the individual merits of employees, the work culture of an organization also plays an important role in harnessing positive outcomes. Discuss the statement in light of the work culture in government organizations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.5) a) What do you understand from conflict of interest? With the help of suitable examples, illustrate how it affects the working of public servants. In what ways can conflict of interest be minimised?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"b) \"Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.\" In the context of this statement, bring out the ethical issues involved with creating a surveillance state for the sake of national security.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.6) a) If corruption is a disease, transparency and accountability are essentially its antidote. Explaining the statement, evaluate various measures available to ensure transparency and accountability in the governance process.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"b) In your opinion, what qualities make a person a 'good person'? Do you think all good persons share similar traits or do their qualities change with 'stan, kal, patra' (place, time and role)?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7) Anand Singh is a government bus conductor working with the Nav Pradesh Transport Corporation. Anand has completed 35 years of service and is due for retirement next year. Anand is happy because he is hopeful of getting his daughter, Madhvi, married from the money he will receive as his retirement benefits. However, Anand's wife pesters him to earn more money in one way or the other. Anand likes his job, and all the passengers in his route vouch for his good nature and helpful behaviour.\n\nOne day, Suresh, Anand's boss, called Anand in his cabin. He told Anand that a complaint has been filed against him by a person for illegally taking the ticket money from him without issuing the receipt for the ticket. Suresh explained to Anand that this act amounted to misappropriation of government money. Suresh always saw Anand as a decent individual and he asked him as to why he indulged in such an act? Anand, visibly disturbed, told Suresh that as the conductor of a government bus he receives a meagre salary, grossly insufficient to meet the needs of his family. He told him that his younger daughter, Sarita, suffers from chronic kidney ailment, and requires dialysis twice a week. A huge chunk of his paltry salary goes towards the cost of Sarita's treatment. Moreover, as a single bread-winner of the family, he has to cater to the needs of his elderly parents. Anand further tells Suresh that since last one year a substantial portion of his income goes towards repaying the loan that he took for his elder daughter's college education. Anand laments that even after working for 35 long years, he is unable to provide for his family beyond the bare basic necessities. He tells Suresh that he is aware of many incidents of large-scale corruption in the road transport department that go virtually unnoticed. Further, Anand justifies his act of taking money by highlighting that almost every colleague of his indulges in such practices, and in comparison, to them, what he took, just fifty rupees, is ignorable and paltry. Further, he brought to light the fact that at times they, the conductors, were expected to give their immediate superiors a bribe in the name of convenience fees for various official tasks.\n\nWhile listening to Anand, Suresh feels compassion for him. He decides to verify the veracity of Anand's claim with regard to the dire straits of his financial conditions. On enquiry, all the workers in the office attested to the fact that Anand is going through a very bad phase and that he frequently resorts to short term loans in order to meet his financial requirements. Moreover, the office employees requested Suresh to take a lenient view of Anand's case. They were of the view that if a strong action is taken over such a trivial incident, then it would be highly unjust and unfair towards Anand. On reaching his home, Suresh shared the whole occurrence and Anand's story with his wife. To his surprise, his wife too agreed with the employees of the office. She told him that such small incidents are a routine matter. Also, with rising inflation and increasing obligations, this is the only way for people like Anand to make their ends meet. She asks Suresh to not waste his time and energy over such a small matter.\na) Why are the incidents of petty corruption trivialized? According to you, is it justifiable to ignore small incidents of corruption?\nb) What are various ethical dilemmas in the above case study?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"c) Discuss the merits and demerits of various options available to Suresh. Also, what, according to you, will be the ideal course of action and why?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.8 Vimla is a senior IAS officer posted as the secretary in the Ministry of Women and Child Development. On one of her field visits to a government school, Vimla requested the principal to arrange for an interactive session with the students. During the session, a girl, Bindhiya, raised the issue of menstrual hygiene with Vimla. Bindhiya was of the view that menstrual hygiene is of paramount importance for the health and well-being of adolescent girls. She appraised the secretary that most of the students in the school came from socio-economically backward families. Therefore, it was difficult for them to afford high priced sanitary napkins. She suggested that if the government can make the sanitary napkins available at subsidised prices, it will lead to an improvement in overall health of female students. While on one hand it will reduce the economic burden on their parents, it will also have a positive impact on educational/cognitive outcomes of students. Further, Bindhiya suggested that the task of making sanitary napkins can be outsourced to a women SHG, leading to their economic empowerment. While everyone in the session agreed with Bindhiya's suggestion, Vimla's response came as a surprise. Vimla raised her concern over increasing dependence of people on government subsidies and freebies. She retorted at Bindhiya by saying that if the demand for sanitary napkins is conceded, people will next demand the government for providing contraceptives. Vimla's remarks were widely criticised for being in poor taste.\n\nArun and Malti are a married couple living in Delhi. Both are members of IAS, and are posted in the central secretariat. Fitness enthusiasts, Arun and Malti, are also avid pet lovers. They own two dogs. Arun and Malti go for their evening walks in the government stadium located close to their official residence. One evening, the athletes in the government stadium were informed by the stadium in charge that they have to wind-up their practice early. As the athletes were practicing for an upcoming national level meet, they protested the order of vacating the grounds before the official closing time of the stadium. However, the stadium in charge informed them that senior IAS officers, Arun and Malti, were here early for their daily evening walk along with their two pet dogs. The athletes were aghast as the pets of a power couple were getting more priority than hard-working, sincere athletes preparing for a national level event. The incident raised questions over the lack of sensitivity and misuse of authority by public officials.\n\nMahesh is an IPS officer posted as the DIG traffic in a western state of India. Mahesh has an impeccable record of service, and is also a recipient several honours from the government. However, the personal life of Mahesh has always been a cause of concern. In the past, Mahesh's wife had made allegations of domestic violence against him. At that time the matter was settled in a family court, where Mahesh had apologised for his behaviour and blamed the stress due to extreme work pressure as a reason for his violent behaviour. More recently, Nandini, a teen-age house maid, working in Mahesh's house was rescued by an anti-child labour NGO. The NGO had received a complaint from a neighbour of Mahesh, who had noticed bruise marks on Nandini's face and on several occasions heard Nandini crying and sobbing. On further enquiry, it was found that Nandini was made to do hard physical labour, was denied even basic nutrition, and her condition was worsened by mental and physical trauma that she had to suffer. The incident raised the issue of violation of child rights by a public official who is expected to uphold the rule of law.\na) What are various ethical issues in the above case study?\nb) What explains the bureaucratic apathy as highlighted in the above instances? How can the same be corrected?\nc) What virtues in a civil servant/public official could have prevented the above incidents?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"a) उपरोक्त केस स्टडी में विभिन्न नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\nb) उपयुक्त उदाहरण में उजागर की गई नौकरशाही की उदासीनता या निष्क्रियता की क्या व्याख्या है? इसे कैसे ठीक किया जा सकता है?\nc) एक सिविल सेवक/लोक अधिकारी में कौन से गुण उपरोक्त घटनाओं को रोक सकते थे?","marks":null,"words":"20 अंक"},{"page":37,"question":"a) Ethical issues in the above case study:\n1. Lack of empathy and compassion in public servants.\n2. Welfare policies versus Dependence of people on the government.\n3. Abuse of public office.\n4. Mai-Baap culture.\n5. Lack of accountability due to security of tenure.\n6. Personal ethics versus Professional ethics.\n7. Lack of emotional intelligence.\n8. Colonial hangover of the bureaucracy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Q.9 On the basis of the above case, answer the following questions:\na) Who are the different stakeholders involved in this case? Also, identify their interests/concerns.\nb) What should be the course of action of the new CEO to handle the situation at hand? Which ethical principles should guide his actions? Explain.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.10) The national capital has been under the grip of an outbreak of dengue fever which has affected many in the city. Unseasonal rainfall, clogged drains, negligent administration and ignorance of the general public have led to water logging in various places in the capital, which has become the breeding grounds for mosquitos. Comprehensive coverage of the issue in national and international media has become an embarrassment for the ruling dispensation in the capital.\nTo control the outbreak, the administration swung into action and a taskforce was created to control the situation in the city. The Chief Minister visited many areas which were hot spots of the dengue outbreak and announced that all the victims of dengue would be provided free treatment and be paid a government allowance to make up for the wage loss due to dengue. To identify the beneficiaries of the government's plan, Rajesh, a member of the taskforce, was given the responsibility of conducting a survey and recording the names of the victims.\nRajesh conducted the survey diligently, working beyond his normal duty hours, to prepare the list of beneficiaries. Based on the survey, Rajesh prepared a draft list and submitted it to the head of the taskforce. Rajesh's list contained thousands of names and it was realized that the number of victims was much larger than originally anticipated. The head of the task force appreciated the hard work of Rajesh, but told him that such a long list of victims was unacceptable. He explained to Rajesh that giving government aid to such a large number of people was beyond the financial capacity of the state and presenting such a long list would only add to the embarrassment of the government. When Rajesh raised the contention that it was the order of the Chief Minister to give aid to every victim, the head of the taskforce further explained that it was the political expediency of the CM, as assembly elections are due in the next six months. He hinted that Rajesh should modify his list and include only those names who form the electorate of the capital and leave out others from the list as they are politically 'irrelevant'. He also indirectly told Rajesh that by giving a shorter list he could gain some political brownie points that could help him advance his career, while if he insisted on giving the complete list, he could land at the cross hairs of the ruling party. Rajesh understood that if he obliged the request of the head of the taskforce, it would mean leaving out the migrant population who are the most vulnerable section. Rajesh's mind tells him to follow what the head of the task force has asked him to do, but his conscience is exhorting him to say no.\na) Based on this case study, identify the various ethical dilemmas faced by Rajesh.\nb) If you were in Rajesh's shoes, what would you have done? Present an assessment and justification of your suggested course of action.","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":48,"question":"a) इस केस स्टडी के आधार पर, राकेश के सामने आने वाली विभिन्न नैतिक दुविधाओं की पहचान करें।\nb) यदि आप राकेश के स्थान पर होते, तो क्या करते? अपनी सुझाई गई कार्रवाई का मूल्यांकन और औचित्य प्रस्तुत करें।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":53,"question":"Q.11 Satish is a young IAS officer who has been appointed as the collector of a district in a South Indian state. Satish is known for his empathetic and compassionate attitude towards weaker sections. During his last posting as collector of another district in the same state, his work has earned him the name 'compassionate collector'. As collector, he quickly started taking people-oriented actions. He started 'janta darbar' (open house) on every Friday, so that people can directly approach him with their grievances and concerns. In one such Janta darbar, a distressed couple came to him with the plight of their sick daughter. The couple informed that their daughter was suffering from a rare heart condition and undergoing treatment in a private hospital, however, her survival requires immediate surgery. They further told him that they were able to raise substantial money through crowd funding and donations, but were still short of 2 lakhs. They showed some medical reports from a private hospital and recommendations of doctors from the same hospital prescribing immediate surgery. They begged Satish to help them arrange the remaining amount for the surgery. Moved by the pain of the couple and on the basis of the reports from the private hospital, Satish decided to give 2 lakhs for the Collector's discretionary fund and accordingly 2 lakhs were released to the private hospital. After a few weeks, an investigative journalist busted a scam where a private hospital, XYZ, was generating spurious reports and bills for treatments of fake patients. These bills were being paid by the government under the scheme for reimbursement of medical expenditure for treatment of weaker sections of the society. The name XYZ struck him and he recalled that the couple also gave him medical reports from the same hospital. The report of the journalist further added that the scam was going on for quite some time in connivance with the government officials. The news item reported Satish's name as an accomplice of the hospital and accused him of swindling public resources by giving money to XYZ out of the collector's discretionary fund. Taking note of the report, the state government has sent a show cause notice to Satish and an enquiry has been ordered to investigate the matter.\na) Examine various ethical issues involved in the case presented above.\nb) Do you think the actions of Satish were ethically justified? Justify your opinion.\nc) What should Satish do in this situation for handling the allegations of corruption levelled against him?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"c) Satish's course of action to handle allegations of corruption :","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":59,"question":"Q.12) Moonlighting refers to doing a second job, typically at night and secretly, in addition to one's regular employment. With work from home becoming a new feature of many jobs, it has become easy for many people to moonlight.\n\nArvind is a software engineer in Comsoft, an MNC, and he works from home for his firm. Arvind has received only meagre salary hikes in the last two years as the business of Comsoft has suffered due to the pandemic. However, his expenditure has increased substantially as he got married and had a child in these two years. Arvind was finding it difficult to make his ends meet and decided to take up another job, apart from his regular job in Comsoft. He got his second gig at Mocsoft, who happened to be a competitor of Comsoft, and thus, started moonlighting. This side gig was very helpful for Arvind and his financial condition started improving. Arvind found that in Mocsoft, his role and responsibilities were quite similar to that in his regular employment at Comsoft. This meant that he could easily manoeuvre between two jobs without compromising the quality of work in either company. Shift timing of both the jobs were also different. To keep the two jobs separate, he used his official computer to work for Comsoft and his personal computer for Mocsoft. Two jobs gave Arvind financial space to save for buying a house, something the couple had always dreamt of. However, all his plans shattered and his world came crashing down when Arvind received an official mail from Comsoft informing him of his termination with immediate effect citing his second job as the reason for termination. Arvind was clueless as to what to do now and how to tell his wife about his termination. Similar is the story of hundreds of Arvind, who were terminated for moonlighting.\na) Analyze the various ethical issues involved in the case of moonlighting.\nb) Do you think Comsoft's decision to terminate the employment of Arvind is justified? Why or why not?\nc) Identify various qualities which could help Arvind handle this situation.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":60,"question":"a) मूनलाइटिंग के मामले में शामिल विभिन्न नैतिक मुद्दों का विश्लेषण करें।\nb) क्या आपको लगता है कि कॉम्सॉफ्ट का अरविंद के रोजगार को समाप्त करने का निर्णय उचित है? क्यों या क्यों नहीं?\nc) विभिन्न गुणों की पहचान करें जो अरविंद को इस स्थिति से निपटने में मदद कर सकते हैं।\na) मूनलाइटिंग के मामले में शामिल विभिन्न नैतिक मुद्दों का विश्लेषण करें।\nb) क्या आपको लगता है कि कॉम्सॉफ्ट का अरविंद के रोजगार को समाप्त करने का निर्णय उचित है? क्यों या क्यों नहीं?\nc) विभिन्न गुणों की पहचान करें जो अरविंद को इस स्थिति से निपटने में मदद कर सकते हैं।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":62,"question":"c) Qualities which could help Arvind handle this situation:\n1. Maintaining an optimistic attitude and finding another job.\n2. Accepting responsibility and offering","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4668,"topper":"Mudita Agarwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2dee3-1158344_3284_mudita-agarwal_rank_198.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Injustice makes the rules and courage breaks them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"What lies behind us, and what lies before us are tiny matters, compared to what lies within us.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4669,"topper":"Mudita Agarwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9f9eb-1158344_4512_mudita-agarwal_rank_198.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Analyse the factors that have contributed to India's inclusive economic growth in the past decade. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The Reserve Bank of India's surplus transfers offer the government much-needed fiscal space, yet they are not without challenges. Critically examine the implications of the RBI's surplus transfers to the government. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"To what extent was the first National Monetization Pipeline (NMP) able to meet its objectives? What are the objectives of the new Asset Monetization Plan 2025–30 as announced in the recent 2025 Budget? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Examine the major challenges hindering the Indian textile industry from achieving its full potential in the global value chain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Why has India become increasingly import-dependent for edible oils despite being a major agricultural economy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Air accidents are low-frequency but high-impact events. Examine the disaster management protocols in place for aviation-related emergencies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Chemical pollution poses a grave threat to human health and the environment in India. Discuss the key sources contributing to pervasive chemical contamination and evaluate the effectiveness of existing environmental laws in curbing this problem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Missile defence systems are becoming critical for national security in the face of evolving regional threats and advanced weapon technologies. Explain the working principle of missile defence systems. Critically assess India's progress in developing indigenous missile defence capabilities. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Despite multiple resolutions and initiatives undertaken by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), its efforts to counter terrorism have achieved limited success. Discuss the reasons for this limited effectiveness. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"India practices a 'multi-alignment' approach in its cyber diplomacy. How does this posture strengthen India's internal security while maintaining strategic autonomy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While examining the shortcomings of the land reforms in the past, elaborate what land reforms 2.0 should look like. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"As NITI Aayog completes 10 years of its establishment, critically examine its role in the planning and development paradigm of governance in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What are the primary causes of limited formal credit penetration among the rural and unbanked populations in India? Comment on the effectiveness of Small Finance Banks in addressing this gap and advancing inclusive financial growth. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"To what extent has the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for the food processing industry facilitated value addition, employment generation, and global competitiveness in India's food processing industry? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Waste circularity is emerging as a sustainable solution to India's mounting solid waste crisis. Discuss the key principles of waste circularity and the government's initiative in this regard. How effective have these measures been in fostering a circular economy? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Discuss the importance of integrating traditional ecological knowledge of India's tribal communities with modern disaster management frameworks. Mention two examples where indigenous practices have contributed to disaster resilience. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"CRISPR technology has rapidly advanced in recent years, with new tools and clinical breakthroughs. Highlight the recent developments in CRISPR-based gene editing technology applications. Discuss the opportunities and ethical challenges these advancements present for healthcare and society. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"A credible semiconductor ecosystem is pivotal for India's economic security as much as for national security. Analyse the strategic objectives, incentives, and institutional architecture of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM). Identify the major risks that could derail its timelines. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Intricate inter-play of diverse factors has been the force multipliers for extremism in the North East. Discuss. Suggest a multilayered strategy to tackle the menace of extremism in this region. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Despite recent steps towards inducting women into combat roles, their participation remains low. Examine the key challenges impeding the greater inclusion of women in the Indian armed forces. Also, suggest suitable measures to enhance their participation. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4670,"topper":"Mudita Agarwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3205b-1158344_2930_mudita-agarwal_rank_198.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How is the rapid growth of the food processing industry leading to food safety challenges in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":4671,"topper":"Mudita Agarwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0c77f-1158344_2931_mudita-agarwal_rank_198.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The end cannot justify the means, for the simple and obvious reason that the means employed determine the nature of the ends produced. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss how the relationship between law and ethics is dynamic and continuously shaped by societal changes. Provide examples to illustrate this dynamic relationship. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Differentiate between probity and integrity with suitable examples. How do these values contribute to ethical governance and decision-making in the civil services? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the ethical implications of withholding information in public administration. How can transparency enhance accountability and reduce corruption in government institutions? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? \"There is no school equal to a decent home and no teacher equal to a virtuous parent.\"- Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.\" - Leo Tolstoy (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"To see what is right and not do it is a lack of courage.\" - Confucius (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What factors lead to a positive attitude in a person? How does positive attitude enhance the effectiveness of civil servants in performing their duties? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss how emotional intelligence can influence ethical decision-making in the allocation of scarce public resources. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Various international humanitarian organizations provide emergency aid in conflict zones around the world. Highlight the ethical challenges faced by such organizations. What are the principles that guide international humanitarian work? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Why is persuasion regarded as an important skill for civil servants? What are the key considerations that should guide persuasion in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"What role can ethical leadership play in curbing corruption, especially in public service? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"What were the major teachings of Swami Dayanand Saraswati? Explain their relevance in addressing the current ethical and social challenges in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":33,"question":"Discuss the ethical dilemma Karan faces in deciding whether to report the incident against Mariyam's wishes. (b) Evaluate the options available to Karan. Which of these options should he choose and why? (c) What responsibilities do organizations like XYZ Corp have in preventing and addressing sexual harassment and creating inclusive workplace environments? (Answer in 250 words)20","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Jay, a civil servant, was appointed as the Commissioner in the state's Education Department a year ago. In his initial months, he implemented several policies and programmes that were transforming the Education Ministry's operations, gaining a good reputation that could potentially benefit the concerned minister in the upcoming elections. However, Jay now faces a significant challenge. As part of his responsibilities, he must approve the recruitment of new teachers for government schools. He has received a list of 120 candidates recommended for vacant posts, but suspects the recruitment process was unfair. Jay had also received several complaints claiming that the process had not been meritocratic. Upon review, Jay discovers evidence suggesting that many names on the list are the result of political patronage - a prevalent issue in the state where politicians use recruitment to gain political support. Jay believes the Education Minister is engaging in this practice as the election season approaches. This situation reminds Jay of a past incident when, as a junior officer, he refused to entertain an unnecessary procurement request. Consequently, he was transferred within a week, and he and his family faced frivolous anti-corruption complaints as retaliation. His successor approved the procurement at even higher rates. Jay is now concerned that blocking the current recruitment could lead to similar consequences. In addition, he fears that if he stands against this unfair recruitment process What are the options available to Jay as the Commissioner of the Education Department? Evaluate each of these options. (b) What option should Jay adopt and why? (c) How can civil servants like Jay be better protected when they attempt to uphold ethical standards in their work? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"As the District Magistrate of X city, you are responsible for overseeing the construction of a new metro depot in an urban forest area, which is a critical infrastructure project aimed at improving public transportation and reducing traffic congestion and air pollution. The project, however, requires the clearance of a substantial portion of the forest, which has triggered strong opposition from environmental activists, local residents, and NGOs. This forest is widely regarded as essential for the city's ecological balance, often referred to as the city's \"lungs.\" In addition to the environmental concerns, you are under considerable pressure from politicians at the state-level to expedite the project, given the upcoming elections in two years. The political leadership emphasizes the benefits of the metro project for the city's development and its potential to garner electoral support. The project is expected to significantly reduce travel time for thousands of commuters and potentially decrease overall vehicle emissions in the city. However, it would also lead to the loss of thousands of trees and disrupt local ecosystems. As you prepare to make a decision, you are aware that your choice will have far-reaching consequences for both the city's development and its environment. (a) Identify the ethical dilemmas involved in the above case. (b) Evaluate the options available to you in the above situation. Which of these would you choose and why? (c) Suggest some measures that could be implemented to balance urban development needs with environmental conservation in future projects. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Dr. Mehra is a senior drug developer at a leading pharmaceutical company in India, renowned for producing various medications, including lifesaving drugs critical for treating chronic and rare diseases. Since its inception, the company has emphasized the quality and affordability of its drugs. Recently, under revised government guidelines, pharmaceutical companies are required to market a finished product only after obtaining \"satisfactory results\" from tests on the ingredients. Additionally, they must retain a sufficient quantity of samples of both intermediate and final products to allow repeated testing or verification of a batch. Dr. Mehra's team is in the final stages of developing a new medication for a rare but life-threatening disease. This drug has shown promising results in clinical trials. However, there have been unresolved concerns about the long-term side effects of the drug, observed in a small percentage of trial subjects. Despite this, the company has not released any major drug in the past decade, leading to significant pressure from the board members to expedite the drug's release. (a) Identify the stakeholders in the above case study. (b) Discuss the ethical issues faced by Dr. Mehra. (c) Analyse the options available to Dr. Mehra in the above case. Which of these would you choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"You have been appointed as the Under Secretary in the State Urban Development Department. The Department has been tasked with a prestigious project aimed at revitalizing the infrastructure of a city with deep historical significance. This project, which you are extremely passionate about, involves modernizing public transportation, restoring heritage buildings, and creating green spaces while preserving the city's cultural essence. Excited by the opportunity, you spent weeks researching and drafting a comprehensive proposal. Your plan included innovative ideas for sustainable development, community engagement, and leveraging technology for urban planning. You presented these initial plans in a departmental meeting, hoping to inspire your colleagues and kickstart the project. However, your enthusiasm was met with indifference. Your colleagues showed little interest, he seemed equally indifferent, casually mentioning that he is set to retire in six months and that the project has a long gestation period. Determined to see the project succeed, you took it upon yourself to drive it forward. For the past two months, you have been working more than 12 hours a day, often late into the night, sacrificing time with your family. Your dedication is driven by your belief in the project's potential to transform the lives of the city's residents and preserve its rich heritage for future generations. Two months into the project, a review meeting is called by the Chief Secretary. During the meeting, Department heads from various sectors are present to discuss ongoing and upcoming projects. When it is time to present the urban revitalization project, your boss stands up. To your shock, he presents your draft proposal as his own work, taking all the credit for the innovative ideas and comprehensive planning. As you sit there, listening to your superior claim your hard work as his own, you feel a mix of anger, disappointment, and demoralization. This incident not only undermines your efforts but also leaves you questioning the value of your dedication in a work culture that does not seem to support collaboration or recognize individual contributions. (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) How does the above-mentioned work culture affect workplace morale and productivity? (c) What are the options available to you and how would you address the situation? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":58,"question":"Arun, renowned for his integrity and dedication, has recently assumed the role of Superintendent at a state Pollution Control Board. This posting, his fourth in just one year, includes the responsibility of overseeing Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs). In his new position, Arun becomes aware of a copper smelting plant situated near a crucial wetland that serves as the primary water source for the region. Despite the plant's notorious reputation for heavy pollution, the current EIA, presented to Arun by the Chairperson, indicates no significant impact on the wetland. The next assessment is not scheduled for another two years. One day, Arun receives a letter from a politician affiliated with the opposition party. The letter contains evidence suggesting that the current EIA results are based on falsified lab reports, allegedly approved by the Chairperson. The Chairperson is known to have close ties with the ruling party, which has been receiving substantial donations from the plant's operators. The opposition politician urges Arun to expose the Chairperson from within the department, arguing that this approach could effectively pressurize the government to conduct a new EIA. He promises Arun significant rewards and support once their party comes to power, an outcome suggested by recent opinion polls. While the evidence presented is compelling, Arun remains cautious about the possibility of being exploited as a political pawn. He is acutely aware of the potential consequences of his actions. (a) In light of the above case, discuss the ethical issues that may arise from the nexus between corporate, political, and bureaucratic interests. (b) As a conscientious civil servant, evaluate the options available to Arun. Which option should he choose and why?(Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4672,"topper":"Mudita Agarwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3e33e-1158344_2425_mudita-agarwal_rank_198.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"For effective corporate governance to take place in the coming years, why is it important to integrate the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics with the multi-stakeholder approach? What benefits can be accrued by such integration? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":4673,"topper":"Mudita Bansal","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/MUDITA-BANSAL-UPSC-2024-Rank-44-MGP-Sample-Copy-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) The Indian Constitution does not embody a strict separation of powers rather it introduces a system of checks and balances, with overlapping functions and interdependencies among the legislature, executive, and judiciary. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2 Recently, the Supreme Court has expanded the scope of Articles 14 and 21 to include the \"right against the adverse effects of climate change\". In this context, citing relevant case laws, discuss the role played by Indian judiciary in 'constitutionalization' of environmental issues.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) The Speaker's inclination to cater to party loyalties often undermines the dignity and impartiality of the office, eroding public trust in the legislative process. Analyse with the help of recent examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4 Assess the effectiveness of SEBI in fulfilling its envisaged role of regulating the securities market, ensuring transparency, and protecting investors' interests.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 The foundational strength of the Indian Constitution stems from its ability to integrate diverse socio-political perspectives. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6 Parliamentary committees serve as vital tools for legislative oversight, ensuring accountability and transparency in governance processes. In light of the statement, examine the role of the Public Accounts Committee in establishing financial accountability of the executive.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) Without addressing the issues that hinder the full and effective participation of persons with disabilities in political and public life, the goal of achieving inclusiveness and their empowerment will remain unattainable. Analyze.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) What roles do community-based interventions play in enhancing access to preventive and promotive healthcare services in India?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 The current composition of the UNSC, with under-representation and un-representation of key regions is detrimental to its legitimacy and effectiveness, underscoring the urgent need for reforms. Elaborate. Also, present a case for India's permanent membership in the UNSC.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.1C) \"The ongoing internal crisis in Myanmar is impeding India's Act East Policy.\" In light of the statement, discuss the measures taken by India to deal with the crisis and associated challenges.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 \"The Basic Structure Doctrine, lauded for safeguarding the core principles of the Constitution against majoritarian impulses, is also criticized for enabling judicial overreach and disturbing the balance of power as envisioned by the Constitution.\" Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 Enumerate the salient features of Representation of People's Act, 1951. In your opinion, what amendments are needed in the Act to further the cause of free and fair elections in light of contemporary challenges.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13) The cooperative nature of Indian federalism is being increasingly challenged by emerging differences in Centre-State relations. Discuss. What steps can be taken to strengthen the cooperative spirit of Indian federalism?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) Parliamentary privileges are fundamental for lawmakers to discharge their duties without undue influence. However, ensuring the responsible exercise of these privileges is crucial for fostering public trust and ensuring the accountability of public institutions. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 The Constitution of India provides several rights that empower the individual, yet it balances these freedoms with reasonable restrictions in the larger public interest. Discuss how constitutional restrictions on fundamental rights strike a fine balance between individual interests and societal interests. Also, mention the principles that are considered in evaluating the reasonableness of restrictions with reference case laws.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) Self-Help Groups (SHGs) can play a crucial role in alleviating rural poverty by providing women with access to microfinance, enabling them to start small businesses and improve their livelihoods. Examine.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 Despite the implementation of numerous policies and schemes aimed at combating hunger and malnutrition in the country, their effectiveness remains limited. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18) The true test of good governance is the degree to which it ensures accountability towards citizens and delivers on the promise of sustainable and inclusive human development. Discuss in the context of challenges to good governance in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 As the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) provides a judicial mechanism for the peaceful resolution of international disputes. In this context, throw light on the structure and mandate of ICJ. Also, highlight the challenges it faces in fulfilling its mandate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20) Geopolitical shifts pose challenges to India-Russia relations, yet the relationship remains robust, driven by deep-rooted trust and a shared commitment to sustain a multifaceted strategic partnership. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4674,"topper":"Mudita Bansal","air":44,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cfVWDSuMbd0zXFmLOyDqcEg_49kSC9ED/view","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Comment on the following in about 150 words each: 10x5=50 (a) How has the scope of Sociology broadened in the global times?","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":2,"question":"In what way ‘interpretative’ method is different from ‘positivist’ approach in the study of social phenomena? (20 marks)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":2,"question":"What makes Durkheim’s research on Suicide rate a positivist research. Clarify. (20 marks)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Answer the following in about 150 words each: 10x5=50 (a) Describe the process of “operationalization of variable “with few examples. (b) While economics is about how people make choice, sociology is about they don’t have any choice to make. What do you understand by the given statement?","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":3,"question":"Explain the different types of non-probability sampling techniques. Bring out the conditions of their usage with appropriate examples. (20marks)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the challenges involved in collecting data through Survey (20 marks)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Is Sociology a Science? Give reasons for your answer. (20 marks)","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":4675,"topper":"Mudra Gairola","air":53,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/88537-373895_1074_mudra-gairola_rank-53.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4676,"topper":"Mudra Gairola","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d9b06-373895_2034_mudra-gairola_rank-53.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Explain the concept of Sarvodaya with the help of examples from the lives of prominent personalities. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The life and teachings of Guru Nanak presents a template for leading a life within the corridors of ethics and values. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"There is no 'invisible hand' channeling self-interest into some social optimum. In this context, the State has an integral role to play in making available essential public goods and services, despite the increasing pace of privatization. Do you agree? Justify with examples from India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Even though the state actors who make rules and implement them have an important role to play in the fight against corruption, the battle is not likely to succeed without the active efforts of various segments of society. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do you understand by Social Intelligence? Discuss its various components and explain how it is different from Emotional Intelligence. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Ethical behaviour is the best not merely in the context of morality, but it is also the best in the context of one's own career prospects. Discuss in the context of civil services in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The press is an important agent in ensuring the citizen's right to receive and impart information as a measure of probity in governance. In this context, do you think that the press in India discharges its duty honestly? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":50,"question":"The education sector in India is embedded in a restrictive regulatory environment and is considered a public good. Although private participation is allowed in the education sector, but at all levels, these institutions have to function on a not-for-profit basis. The Supreme Court had (a) What are the ethical concerns in allowing educational institutions to operate with a profit motive? (b) Is the most important role of education to prepare people for gainful employment or should education and knowledge be appreciated for their own value? (c) Discuss the various ways through which value-based education can be provided. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4677,"topper":"Mudra Raheja","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/mudra-raheja-test-6-1747819899844.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Highlighting the elements of urbanization discuss how agriculture played a pivotal role in the enduring success and longevity of the Harrapan Civilization. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"The Quit India Movement marked the awakening of the nation's soul and brought diverse sections together in a unified vision of Independence. Discuss (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Analyze the impact of World War II in accelerating the process of decolonization in Asia and Africa. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the various types of sedimentary rocks and their formation processes. What is the economic significance of sedimentary rocks? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What are the characteristics of anticyclonic circulations, and how do they influence weather patterns over the Indian subcontinent? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What is coral bleaching, and what are its main causes? Also, evaluate the role of marine protected areas (MPAs) in the conservation of coral reefs. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss the role of economic corridors in fostering regional economic integration and development. How do projects like the Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor (CBIC) align with India's broader economic growth strategies? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What is gender fluid identity, and what are the LGBTQ community's ongoing challenges to full societal inclusion and equal treatment? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"How does the interplay between regional and national identities fuel the emergence of regionalistic sentiments? How can we balance regional identities with broader national identity? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"How do various cultural practices and traditions contribute to the idea of \"Unity in Diversity\"? Provide examples to support your argument. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"What is the significance of Stupa art in the context of Buddhist architecture and culture? Discuss its various elements and symbolism and their role in coveying Buddist beliefs. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"\"The dual struggle against entrenched social customs and colonial dominance was a prominent feature of socio-religious reform movements in 19th century India.\" How did the socio-religious reform movements of 19th century India respond to colonial cultural and ideological hegemony? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"How did the British policies contribute to the de-industrialization of India, and how did this process affect the lives of Indian artisans and the broader economy? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"What are the factors that lead to the formation of local winds? Discuss their impact on the weather and climate in various regions, providing relevant examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"What are the primary drivers of freshwater scarcity in megacities like Bangalore and Hyderabad? Suggest comprehensive solutions that address both supply and demand aspects of urban water management. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"What is the Blue Revolution? What are the significant hurdles in aquaculture development, and what comprehensive strategies can be implemented to address them? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"What are the key factors influencing the establishment of large-scale solar farms in India, and what are their environmental and social impacts? How can India balance the expansion of solar energy with the need to protect biodiversity and local ecosystems? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"In what ways do social media platforms perpetuate and challenge social inequalities and power structures? Provide a critical analysis. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Give a comparative analysis of the tribal and mainstream societies. Is tribal society more progressive than mainstream society? Argue with examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"In what ways does poverty intersect with other social problems like caste, social stratification, and gender inequality? What comprehensive strategies do you suggest to address these interrelated issues? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4678,"topper":"Mudra Raheja","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/mudra-raheja-test-5-1747819880759.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Examine the role of numismatic evidence in understanding the political and economic history of ancient India. Provide specific examples.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Assess the impact of women's organizations in mobilizing women across diverse socio-economic and regional backgrounds in pre-independence India.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":7,"question":"How did the policy of non-alignment reflect the aspirations of India and other newly independent nations to maintain their sovereignty and resist colonial pressures?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss the processes involved in volcanism. Highlight the major volcanic regions in the world and their associated tectonic settings.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Explain the geological features and ecological importance of the Eastern Ghats.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Earlier known as coarse cereals the government rebranded millets in 2018 as nutri-cereals. In this context discuss the ecological and nutritional significance of millets","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"What are the potential consequences of Arctic ice melt on biodiversity and ecosystems? How might these changes impact global ecological balance","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Do you think the Uniform Civil Code contradicts the idea of religious pluralism and cultural differences in Indian society?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the concept of healthy active ageing in the context of demographic shifts in India. How does it contribute to social inclusion?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":21,"question":"How is the transition from 'conscious consumption' to 'compulsive consumption' impacting family structure and dynamics in urban areas?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss with examples the key features of Vijayanagara architecture. How did Indo-Islamic elements manifest in their structures?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":26,"question":"Compare and contrast the features of ancient Indian universities like Nalanda and Takshashila with modern state-funded universities in India. What lessons can modern universities learn from ancient ones to improve their effectiveness?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Analyze the ideological differences and similarities between the revolutionary movement(1920-1930s) and the Gandhian non-violent struggle. How did these two ideologies influence each other?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":32,"question":"What are the various types of glacial landforms formed in the Indian Himalayas. How do these features impact local ecosystems and human activities?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the unique geographical features of the Indian Ocean and their impact on global oceanic circulation patterns. How do these features influence the climate of the Indian subcontinent?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":38,"question":"Urban heat islands (UHIs) have become a significant phenomenon in Indian cities, exacerbating the frequency and intensity of heat waves. Analyze the underlying factors contributing to this phenomenon and critically assess the existing mitigation strategies.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Evaluate the primary factors contributing to regional disparities in the sugar industry between North India and Peninsular India. What measures can be undertaken to reduce the surplus sugar production?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Social mobility is essential for achieving true equality within society'. In this context highlight the barriers to intergenerational mobility in Indian society, and examine the role of education on social mobility.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":47,"question":"Analyze the influence of globalization on migration patterns in India. What are the economic and social implications of increased internal and international migration?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":50,"question":"Discuss how gender-based violence in India is a manifestation of patriarchal values. To what extent has modernisation in law served as an instrument of women's empowerment in this regard?","marks":"15","words":null}]},{"id":4679,"topper":"Mudra Raheja","air":252,"year":2024,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/mudra-raheja-test-1-1747819824432.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4680,"topper":"Mudra Raheja","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/mudra-raheja-test-2-1747819836375.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Highlighting the factors contributing to high fiscal deficit in India, discuss the potential consequences of such deficit and suggest measures to ensure fiscal consolidation. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":3,"question":"India's aspiration to be a developed nation by 2047 hinges on significant capital investment. In light of this, discuss the potential of capital investment in achieving this vision. What are the challenges India faces in this regard? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"\"With growing urbanization, peri-urban agriculture is emerging as a significant contributor to fresh farm produce needs\". In this context, discuss the opportunities and challenges associated with promoting peri-urban agriculture in a sustainable manner. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What are the major challenges faced by India's agriculture sector to achieve self-sufficiency in pulses and vegetable oils? Suggest measures to address these challenges. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Evaluate the potential of biomanufacturing and bio-foundry in driving India's future towards a sustainable green economy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are the principles behind the working of Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV)? Explain the significance and potential benefits of use of RLVs in India's space commerce. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Examine the key features of the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) 2023. Analyze its potential for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In light of the increased intensity, frequency and duration of heat waves in the last decade, do you think the time has come to include \"heat waves\" as a notified disaster under the Disaster Management Act, 2005? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Recently formulated 'joint doctrine for cyberspace operations' by Indian armed forces will lead to strengthening of the cyber-security posture for both conventional operations as well as gray zone warfare. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the necessity and potential issues surrounding the extension of the Border Security Force's (BSF) territorial jurisdiction in states adjacent to Pakistan and Bangladesh. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"India's economic growth story is often overshadowed by the persistent challenges of unemployment. Analyze the concept of structural unemployment and discuss its relevance in the context of India's current economic situation. Suggest policy measures to promote inclusive job growth. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the role of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in fostering regional growth in India. How can MSMEs contribute to achieving industrial diversification and technological advancement? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"\"The sole point of MSP is to protect farmers from sudden price shock\". Do you think legalization of MSP can insure farmers from sudden price shocks? What are the other measures which can be taken to make MSP-led procurement effective? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Discuss the role of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) in the Public Distribution System (PDS) to ensure food security in India. Suggest necessary reforms in the functioning of FCI to enhance its efficiency and effectiveness. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Discuss the role of nanotechnology on enhancing agricultural productivity and food security in India. Highlight recent developments and potential benefits and risks of use of nano-fertilizers and nano-pesticides. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"The Nobel Prize in Physics of 2023 was jointly awarded to Ekimov, Brus and Bawendi for the discovery of synthesis of quantum dots. In this context, discuss the applications of quantum dots. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Evaluate the role of protected areas in biodiversity conservation in India. How effective have national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves been in preserving India's biodiversity? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"What the causes of high levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and ozone pollution in India. How effective are the various steps taken by the government to mitigate particulate matter and ozone pollution? (15 marks,","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":45,"question":"The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) Report 2023 highlights a growing menace of drug trafficking in South Asia, with India being a major hub. Analyze the various dimensions of this challenge with respect to India. Also suggest a multi-pronged approach to address it. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"India's response to left wing extremism needs to integrate soft approaches like socio-economic policies and dialogue along with hard security measures to address the root causes of Naxalism. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4681,"topper":"Mudra Raheja","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/mudra-raheja-test-4-1747819862137.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Explain the relationship between Public Service Values and Public Administration Ethics. Do you think public service values are only eloquent statements for glorifying the Department's mission, or do they have any utility for public servants? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"How does the conscientious public servant sort through competing considerations and determine \"the right thing to do?\" When it comes to serving the public, how does one put one's values into practice? Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"What do you understand by good governance in public administration and corporations? How do they differ? Identify and explain three principles that can act as a foundation for good governance in a corporate setting. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"One hallmark of good governance is government departments' adherence to strict ethical standards when procuring goods and services for public programmes. Identify and explain the ethical principles that must be respected to maintain the integrity of the procurement process. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How should public servants ethically balance stakeholder interests, official obligations, and regime values when making administrative decisions, and which of these should be given the most moral weight? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Recent researchers have argued that the government's health and social-based interventions are significantly less effective without the emotional skills of self-awareness and empathy. Do you agree? Justify your answer with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss with relevant examples how civil servants' political and moral attitudes impact their work ethics and daily administrative decision-making. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"The motive has nothing to do with the morality of the action.\" In light of the above statement, do you think motive is irrelevant in determining the morality of an action? Explain your position with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Explain the contemporary relevance of Jain Tirthankaras' vow-based moral philosophy. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What ethical dilemmas arise from the use of economic sanctions in international relations, and how can policymakers balance these concerns with the need to punish illegal behaviours and compel political change? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"You recently took over as CEO of Beta Technologies, a renowned IT services and consulting firm in India established in 1990. Over the past three decades, the company has grown into a global player with clients in North America, Europe, and Asia. Known for cutting-edge solutions and strong client relationships, Beta Technologies has been a market leader in the IT sector. It has been three weeks since you took over, and one day, the company's legal head came to you with a report that they had discovered discrepancies in the company's financial statement. For five years, the company's financial Officer (CFO), Mr. Rahul Mehta, has manipulated its earnings reports. By inflating revenues and understating expenses, he has created a false image of financial health to boost stock prices and secure more investment. Further, it was found that Mr. Mehta has significant personal investments in some of the company's vendors. These vendors were awarded lucrative contracts, often at inflated prices and with favourable terms detrimental to the company. Mr Mehta's actions have compromised the procurement process and led to financial losses for the company. As CEO, you were confronted with a critical decision. You also had to contend with financial irregularities and a skewed procurement process. As a new CEO: (a) What decision options are available to you? (b) What are the issues involved in the above case? (c) What will be your chosen course of action and Why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"As the situation unravelled, you found yourself in a moral quandary. On one hand, as the DDO, I was bound by regulations that required me to ensure the proper use of government resources. Despite the noble intent, the unauthorised diversion of food grains was a breach of protocol that necessitated disciplinary action, including the suspension of the school officials involved. On the other hand, these school officials' actions were driven by a deep sense of humanity and compassion. They chose to prioritise the immediate needs of their community, recognising the dire circumstances and the urgent need to prevent further starvation deaths. Punishing them for their humane response to the crisis seemed not only harsh but also contrary to the spirit of public service. (a) What are the ethical issues in the above case? (b) As a DDO, what are the options available to you? (c) Explain your chosen course of action, along with your reasons. (d) Given the above case, what would be the best ethical theory for handling human distress situations? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"You were wondering about the course of action, as the deductions were legal, and the agents were technically following instructions. But, in the process, they were exploiting the poor villagers. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you as an SP? (c) Explain your chosen course of action. (d) If you have to recommend a better way of promoting the bima yojna, what would that be? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"As a junior engineer in the Department of Water Supply for the past five years, my responsibilities included ensuring water quality and maintaining supply lines for regular distribution. The zone I was posted in had persistent water shortage issues, particularly exacerbated during the summer when the supply became erratic. Residents had to rely heavily on water tankers, which added to their financial burden and inconvenience. Over the years, I observed that the disruptions in water supply were not merely due to technical issues or natural scarcity. Through careful monitoring and data collection, I uncovered evidence suggesting that a cartel of tanker owners was deliberately creating an artificial shortage. This cartel would tamper with the water supply lines, causing disruptions, and then capitalise on the situation by selling water at inflated prices. The activities of this cartel were not only illegal but also highly unethical, exploiting the residents' basic need for water. With substantial evidence in hand, I decided to take action against the cartel. I met with the district Superintendent of Police (SP) and presented my findings. The SP appeared concerned and promised to initiate action against the culprits. However, two weeks passed without any noticeable action being taken. Frustrated and determined, I scheduled another meeting with the SP to understand the delay. During our meeting, the SP candidly explained the situation. He acknowledged the problem and the validity of my evidence but expressed his inability to act due to the cartel's strong political connections and influence. He feared for the safety of his men and the potential repercussions on his career if he went against such powerful interests. This revelation left me in a difficult position, as I understood the SP's predicament but also felt a deep responsibility to address the issue for the sake of the community. (a) What are the options available to you in the above situation? (b) What will be your chosen course of action? (c) Identify the ethical issues involved in the case (d) Suggest some measures for handling cartels who prey on people's needs. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"AquaTech is a government defence contracting firm specialising in manufacturing robotic systems for police and military use. It is known for producing bomb-defusing robots and working on other classified projects. One critical project involved developing a robot capable of sweeping minefields and detecting hidden explosives. The project had a stringent seven-month deadline to produce a working prototype for a demonstration to top defence ministry officials. The project encountered delays due to staff shortages and other unforeseen issues, resulting in a two-week lag. As the deadline loomed, the project leader pressured the team to work extended hours with minimal rest. Despite these challenges, the team managed to complete the prototype on time for the demonstration. During the demonstration, the robot was deployed in an active minefield to detect mines and mark them with a spray. Initially, the robot performed as expected, identifying mines. However, instead of marking the sites, it triggered explosions, causing fatal injuries to the operating engineer. The demonstration was immediately halted, and an inquiry was launched. The investigation revealed that a software flaw caused the malfunction, leading to the tragic accident. The software development team argued that the operator issued mixed commands, which contributed to the malfunction. Overall, each team kept deflecting responsibility, but somebody or a team had to be made accountable for the fatal errors. (a) If you are the ethics officer of AquaTech enquiring, who will you hold responsible for the fatality? Why? (b) Discuss some common ethical issues that arise while using artificial intelligence. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) With a limited budget at your disposal, you decide to allocate funds to tackle witchcraft-related superstitions. How would you justify your decision to the community and stakeholders? (c) Given that witchcraft-related crimes were not initially reported by the BDOs, how would you address this lack of communication and ensure better reporting and transparency moving forward? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":4682,"topper":"Mudra Raheja","air":252,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/mudra-raheja-test-3-1747819848331.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4683,"topper":"Mudra Raheja","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/MUDRA-RAHEJA-UPSC-2024-Rank-252-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"To what extent can the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act 2023 help enhance trust-based governance for ease of living and doing business? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Fluctuations in the price of TOP (tomato, onion, potato) crops impact all strata of societies. Highlighting the reasons and implications of such fluctuations, evaluate the effectiveness of Operations Greens in stabilizing the otherwise restive horticulture sector. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"A focused and sustained promotion and pursuit of blue economy help meet the challenges of food security, national security, and climate security. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What advantages does Green Hydrogen and a hydrogen economy offer in addressing national and global concerns? Discuss the impediments in its adoption. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"In what ways do plastics harm human, animal, and ocean health? Bring out the various domestic and international efforts that have been put in this regard in recent times? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Though spatially distributed across the length and breadth of the country, incidents of cloud burst disproportionately impact the mountainous regions. Comment (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"As the emerging technologies enhance their reach and extent, the amalgamation of real and virtual will become inevitable. In this perspective, discuss how metaverse will alter the lives of common man. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What makes dark matter difficult to detect? Also, analyse how the search for the elusive dark matter has influenced the trailing of modern pursuits in science. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"While AFSPA has been criticised for promoting excesses by the security forces, its profound utility to upkeep the security situation cannot be overstated. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Its not only the heft but also the agility, efficiency, and swiftness which will define the warfare in the contemporary times. In this context, discuss the relevance of the Agnipath scheme. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The path towards an Atmanirbhar Bharat traverses through an overhaul of industrial policies. Comment, with special reference to the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Infrastructure investments are crucial for socio-economic development, as they have a multiplier effect on economy, however, concerns for safety must not be ignored. Discuss in the light of recent events. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"How will you explain the irony of poor adoption of millet crops despite their multifarious advantages? Also, recommend measures to curb this anomaly. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Analyze the role Agri-tech can play in penetration of technology in agriculture. In what ways can Agristack help address the crisis in the farm sector. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The objective of an inclusive clean energy transition will remain incomplete without leveraging the potential of the biofuels. Enumerating the seminal provisions of the National Biofuel Policy, analyze the possible challenges in its smooth implementation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Despite having a robust legal architecture in the form of Disaster Management Act, 2005, a coordinated on ground response to disaster remains in a state of want. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Trace the evolution of Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) from its humble beginnings as the space agency of the government to becoming a technology behemoth, spearheading innovations with respect to satellites, launch vehicles, and planetary explorations. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"In what ways has Drug trafficking taken new forms and new routes in recent years. Elucidate the steps taken by the govt in this regard, with special reference to Operation Samudragupta. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Why does the North East remain a hotbed of insurgency? With special emphasis on government measures, discuss the steps to ameliorate the situation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4684,"topper":"Muhammed Abdaal Akhtar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0e950-muhammed-abdaal-akhtar_35_2014_gs_booklet_2.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Why is agricultural diversification essential for sustainable livelihood? Bring out the importance of allied activities associated with agriculture as a source of diversification. 10 ?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"The recent RBI decision to give licenses to Small and Payments banks is seen as a positive step towards heralding financial inclusion. Explain how these banks will help in financial inclusion. What are the challenges these banks are likely to face?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"India has emerged as the world's largest PPP market with more than 900 projects in various stages of development yet challenges galore. Explain. How far would the '3P India' Initiative be able to address these challenges?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"An expert committee to look into the issue of Rhino poaching has proposed dehorning of Rhinos as a solution to stop poaching of Rhinos. Critically analyse the viability of this measure to stop poaching of Rhinos.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"Today's terrorist organisations succeed on the basis of a sound underlying business model of organised crimes. Why do terrorist organisations find it beneficial to enter into organised crimes or partner with organised criminals? Illustrate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"What is \"Drishti\" System? How will it help in enhancing aviation safety?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"What is ZMapp and why was it in news recently?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Explain EPC model of investment in the infrastructure sector. Why has the governmer t been favouring the EPC model over PPP in recent years?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"The fact that Ganga is a holy river has, ironically, been a major factor responsible for its increasing pollution. Comment. Critically analyze the success of the steps taken by the Government to make Ganga pollution free?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"Land reforms in India have only benefitted certain sections of the farming community. For the landless in the country, land reforms are still a distant dream. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"\"DNA Computing along with use of Nanobots is revolutionizing the field of targeted drug delivery\". Explain DNA Computing and DNA Nanobots and their utility in targeted drug delivery.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":62,"question":"What do you understand by Green Buildings? Explain how GRIHA ratings are proving to be more effective than the mandatory mechanisms like Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC)?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4685,"topper":"Muhammed Abdaal Akhtar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3d043-muhammed-abdaal-akhtar_35_2014_gs_booklet_1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Are all professions morally equivalent or are some superior to others? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"What are the major ethical concerns governing the functioning of government organisations? How are they different from those in private organisations? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":4686,"topper":"Muhammed Swalah T A","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/18/mts_2023_unchecked_mt23rcapa056_702.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"You can't serve data on a hungry man's plate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"AI is overcoming our mental limitation but not expanding our mental horizon.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"We are using environment for politics, not politics for environment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"The worst form of inequality is to try to make unequal things equal.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Existence is a science, living is an art.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"If the truth shall kill them, let them die.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"The only way to go beyond things, is to go through them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Dream for the best. Be prepared for the worst. Enjoy life in between.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4687,"topper":"Muhammed Swalah T A","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/92/mts_2023_unchecked_mt23rcapa056_tc703.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The fabric of Indian philosophical thought owes as much to Northern India as to Southern India. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The Indian society's impulse for social change and reform was a response to its opposition to colonial rule. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What are the factors that led to the Russian revolution and what are the consequences of this revolution? Discuss its influence on the Indian national movement. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the various factors responsible for the uneven temperature distribution on Earth's surface. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The melting of glaciers due to climate change has serious implications for the ecosystem and human society. Discuss the effects of melting glaciers on the environment and the measures that can be taken to address this issue. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The White Revolution was most successful in the Western part of India. Discuss the factors for this regional success of the White Revolution. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"To what extent does seismic investigation contribute to our understanding of the Earth's interior structure? Analyze its significance in detail. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The pace of demographic transition varies across different states of India making population growth a double-edged sword. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The ethnic and cultural diversity in India has always been bound by the thread of unity. Discuss the major factors that have contributed to the cultural unity of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The dichotomy in public and private life in Indian society acts as a major barrier to the annihilation of caste. Justify. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"India was forced into numerous wars post Independence. Highlight the causes and impact of the Indo-Pak and Indo-China wars on our bilateral relationships. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The process of consolidation of Bengal, which started after the Battle of Plassey culminated in the Battle of Buxar. Do you think the Battle of Buxar was more important for the British than Plassey? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Sanskrit literature in general and particularly in the Guptan age set a high watermark for the literary history of ancient India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The configuration of the ocean floor provides essential information about the geological processes that have shaped the Earth's surface. Discuss the major features of the ocean floor and their significance in the study of oceanography. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"With the growing demand for rare earth elements, their distribution has become a critical aspect of the global economy. Discuss the distribution of rare earth elements across the world, their uses, and the environmental impact of their extraction. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Tourism in the hilly states is threatening to exceed the ecological carrying capacity of the region. Analyze the factors contributing to this trend and evaluate the potential Environmental impacts of this phenomenon. What measures can be taken to ensure sustainable tourism in these states? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The Indian monsoon is a complex phenomenon influenced by various climatic factors. Critically examine the role of oceanic and atmospheric factors in determining the intensity and distribution of monsoon rainfall in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Why do traditions in our society impede change? To what extent can social legislation be instrumental against old customary practices? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Slums are not 'problems' that have to be 'solved' - but are indeed a result of lopsided and vested urban policies covering infrastructure provision and socio-economic issues. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Communalism gains strength from economic deprivation, and thrives in environments of social exclusion, creating fertile ground for discontent and division. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4688,"topper":"Muhammed Swalah T A","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/120/mts_2023_unchecked_mt23rcapa056_tc707.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How did the ancient trade routes connecting India to foreign countries contribute to the exchange and dissemination of culture? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The Quit India movement was a people's movement cutting across the class divides but it was the women's leadership that left a clear mark. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"'The hallmark of post-Independent India has been its remarkable strides in science and technology'. To what extent did scientific development during this period put India on the path of modernity? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the feasibility of Interlinking rivers to resolve the issue of water stress in other regions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How will the structural shift from coal-based power plants to renewable energy generation impact human development in coal-bearing states? ( Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"To what extent temperature and precipitation are the most important factors that determine soil properties? ( Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Why are severe and intense cyclones becoming a regular phenomenon in the Arabian Sea? Substantiate with examples. ( Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"In the context of cultural diversity in India, can we consider Southern states as distinct cultural units in comparison to the rest of India? Substantiate your view. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Poverty and population growth are locked in a vicious cycle, where poverty restricts individuals' ability to break free from the cycle, while population growth strains resources. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"India has a rich heritage in the internationalization of education. In this context how will the recent push for the 'internationalization of education' impact society and foster cultural exchange? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"'Although there were many differences between the Gandhara and Mathura art, they considerably influenced the Amravati school of art.' Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"'England's Industrial Revolution not only transformed the economic landscape but also had far-reaching social and cultural impacts'. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"How did the social reform and ideological struggle against the backward traditional elements and hegemony of colonial culture in the nineteenth century influence the emergence of a distinct cultural identity and national consciousness? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"How does temperature inversion affect atmospheric conditions and what are its implications for local weather patterns and air pollution levels? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What are the geographical factors responsible for mangrove vegetation in India? How does climate change pose a threat to mangrove vegetation in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What are the geographical and economic factors that influence the location of the sugar industry, and how do they contribute to the growth of the industry in India and different parts of the world? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the key strategies used in dryland farming to overcome water scarcity and maximize agricultural productivity in arid and semi-arid regions? Also, discuss the need to promote dryland farming in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"How has the contemporary women's movement encompassed diverse approaches beyond traditional methods? Also, highlight the unique contribution and challenges of the contemporary women's movement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Do you think that the forces of modernization that catalyzed the eradication of social evils in Indian society have also threatened our cultural values and ethos? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"15","words":"150"},{"page":53,"question":"In the context of states in India evaluate the relationship between regional disparity and sentiments of regionalism. Is regionalism antagonistic to the idea of nationalism? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"15","words":"150"}]},{"id":4689,"topper":"Muhammed Swalah T A","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/65/mts_2025_unchecked_mt23rcapa056_flt2501.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Cave paintings are the visual autobiography of a prehistoric man. What can we infer about prehistoric beliefs and social practices from the cave paintings in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"Colonial education policy, intended to create obedient clerks, became a channel for political awakening and national self-assertion.\" Discuss (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Evaluate the extent to which the Gupta economy facilitated cultural and scientific advancements. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"India faces a looming freshwater crisis despite its vast river systems. Discuss the causes and evaluate integrated water resource management strategies for sustainability. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How do the Deccan and Chota Nagpur plateaus differ in their physical characteristics and resource potential? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Compare the characteristics of east-flowing and west-flowing rivers with suitable examples. Why do most rivers in India flow eastward? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The Arctic region is emerging as a new frontier for resource exploration. Discuss the opportunities and challenges for India in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"How are changing family structures and migration trends increasingly leading to the social isolation of the elderly in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In what ways does urbanization challenge traditional notions of social cohesion in Indian society? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Safety and mobility are gendered constraints that significantly influence women's participation in the labour force in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"What do the accounts of Arab and European travellers reveal about the nature of social and economic life in medieval India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"India's linguistic diversity is not a challenge to national integration but a testament to its cultural resilience.' Discuss in the context of contemporary debates on language policy and identity politics in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Examine the role played by reformist organizations like the Brahmo Samaj and Arya Samaj in addressing various social issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"What are rift valleys, and how are they formed? Explain their geomorphological and economic significance. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"What is ‘Blue Revolution’? Discuss the major challenges faced in the development of aquaculture in India. Suggest a set of comprehensive strategies to overcome these challenges. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"With accelerating glacial melt in the Himalayas, GLOFs pose a severe hazard downstream. Analyse the causes, impacts, and mitigation strategies related to GLOFs in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Using suitable examples, discuss the conditions required for the formation of salt pans and mangroves in India. How do these ecosystems support coastal resilience? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Caste in India today operates more as a system of identity assertion than of rigid hierarchy. Discuss this transformation in the context of caste group mobilisation and economic change. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Have regional identities in India evolved from cultural expressions to organised assertions of autonomy? Discuss their implications for national cohesion. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"The rise of the new middle class in India is marked by a culture of consumption. In what ways is the transition from conscious to impulsive consumption affecting family structure and dynamics in urban India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4690,"topper":"Muhammed Swalah T A","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/34/mts_2025_unchecked_mt23rcapa056_flt2505.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"In what ways did medieval Indian sculptures and paintings reflect the cultural ethos of their times? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"The Cold War was less a military confrontation and more a battle of ideologies.\" Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Critically examine the impact of the Emergency on Indian democracy and civil liberties. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Explain the geological features and ecological importance of the Eastern Ghats. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Explain the origin of the Indian islands in the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss how inland water transport can alter the economy of eastern India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Desertification is not merely a land degradation issue; it is a silent threat to global ecological stability and food security. Discuss (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Is globalisation leading to the erosion of local languages and traditional culture in India? Justify your answer. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Neo-spiritual movements in India reflect the fusion of tradition, modernity, and digital influence in the practice of faith. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"How does the status and role of women in tribal societies differ from gender norms in mainstream Indian society? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"To what extent did vernacular literature in medieval India contribute to challenging established social norms? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Examine the ways in which Gandhian mass movements opened political space for Indian women. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"\"Bose symbolised a blend of militant nationalism and socialist vision.\" Discuss with reference to his political and economic ideas. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Urbanization is posing a threat to the existing urban infrastructure. Discuss the developmental issues it poses and its impact on urban communities. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Discuss the agro-climatic factors necessary for tea cultivation. Why is its production concentrated in specific pockets of Eastern and Southern India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"What factors are responsible for landslides in the Western Ghats? Discuss some mitigation measures to minimize their impact. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Classify the different types of lakes based on their geomorphological origin. Why are certain lake types more prevalent in specific regions of the world? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"With the rise of digital media influencers, traditional role models in Indian society are being replaced. Analyse its impact on youth behaviour and value systems. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Despite legal and educational advances, why do certain social practices, such as dowry, caste endogamy, or child marriage, continue to persist in modern India? Analyse with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"\"Modern parenting in India is increasingly balancing traditional expectations and emerging societal norms. Analyse the social implications of this tension.\" (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4691,"topper":"Muhammed Swalah T A","air":429,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/139/mts_2024_unchecked_mt23rcapa056_tc005.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4692,"topper":"Muhammed Swalah T A","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/33/mts_2023_unchecked_mt23rcapa056_tc708.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Examine the role of the Inter-state Council in promoting vertical (Centre-State) and horizontal (Inter-State) Intergovernmental cooperation and coordination. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the key function of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). What steps should be taken to revamp the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in order to enhance its effectiveness as a true guardian of public funds? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Recognizing the pivotal role of urbanization as a driver of national economic growth, the Fifteenth Finance Commission has suggested major reforms for Urban Local Bodies. Evaluate the recommendations put forward by the Fifteenth Finance Commission in promoting and revitalizing ULBs in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Highlight the key differences in the scope of Freedom of speech and expression as provided under Parliamentary privileges vis a vis Fundamental rights. Why is it necessary to maintain a balance between parliamentary privilege and fundamental rights? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Civil society organizations, play a pivotal role in fostering \"collective private action for the public good\". What challenges do they face in local resource mobilization (LRM) and corporate funding through corporate social responsibility (CSR)? Also, suggest measures. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The first step to eradicating poverty is reliable poverty assessment for program design, implementation, and monitoring. In this context discuss the methodology and significance of NITI Aayog's National Multidimensional Poverty Index. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"In the context of India, despite the presence of constitutional provisions, legal precedents, and international commitments that establish a robust foundation for a right to health, why has there been a lack of explicit legal recognition of this right? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The collective strength of BRICS nations allows for meaningful cooperation on myriad issues, however, the platform's ability to influence the trajectory of bilateral relationships remains limited. Do you agree? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In light of the recent demands to amend the Indus Waters Treaty, discuss the possible implications it could have on the water-sharing mechanism between India and Pakistan. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The doctrine of Parliamentary sovereignty and judicial supremacy has exerted considerable influence in shaping the constitutional frameworks of India and the USA. Citing relevant case laws discuss the role of the judiciary in influencing the constitutions in these countries. Is the scope of judicial review wider in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Delimitation of seats is essential to ensure fair representation and uphold the principles of one vote, one value'. Highlighting the challenges posed by misrepresentation in constituencies analyze the ramifications of population-based delimitation in creating federal tension. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the role of the Supreme Court of India in strengthening the hands of the Election Commission in the discharge of its constitutional responsibility of conducting free and fair elections in the country. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"\"The declining role of Parliament undermines the fundamental principle of separation of powers, as it diminishes the legislature's ability to serve as a check on the executive branch and ensure a balanced exercise of power.' Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss the crucial role played by the National Commission of Women in shaping the discourse on gender-sensitive laws in India. To what extent the elevation of the National Commission for Women to a constitutional body would reinforce its authority? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"'Satisfactory and timely redressal of grievances is the cornerstone of 'minimum government, maximum governance.' In this context discuss the challenges associated with current grievance redress mechanisms and suggest measures to strengthen the process. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"'India is uniquely positioned on the world map for its rich culture.' In this context discuss the role of culture, diaspora, and democracy as instruments of India's soft power diplomacy. To what extent India has been able to position itself as a 'smart power'? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"The synergy of shared values and vibrant people-to-people connections between India and Australia creates a fertile ground for fostering long-lasting trade relations and strategic collaboration between the two nations. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4693,"topper":"Muhammed Swalah T A","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/138/mts_2023_unchecked_mt23rcapa056_tc704.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"There is a need to resolve the ambiguity in the disqualification provisions under section 8 of the Representation of People Act 1951. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Constitution is a mere skeleton whereas constitutionalism is the soul of democracy. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"Electoral bonds are a double-edged sword, providing anonymity to donors while raising concerns about transparency in political funding.\" To what extent have electoral bonds further legitimized opacity in electoral funding? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The question of gender equality is central to the debate on Uniform Civil Code. In this light what are the challenges in reconciling UCC with gender equality as enshrined in the constitution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"'The Governor's office is neither decorative nor inconsequential, it assumes a constitutional role of profound essence' To what extent does the Governor, actively contribute to the governance of a state and reinforce the principles of federalism in the country? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Recently demand has been rising in a state regarding the enactment of Social Accountability Law. How such a law can lead to good governance and boost citizens' participation in decision-making. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"There is a need for convergence of 'nutrition-specific' and 'nutrition-sensitive' interventions to effectively tackle child undernutrition in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"MGNREGA, the lynchpin of rural poverty alleviation, has become the victim of fiscal apathy.\" Critically analyze the statement in light of recent developments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"India must leverage, if not manage, the global divides\". How can the current geopolitical churn pave the way for India's rise to the global high table? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"Berlin can be India's gateway to the European Union.\" Elaborate with respect to Germany's significance in India's relationship with the EU. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"How has the Anti-Defection Law impacted the relationship between political parties and individual legislators in India? In light of the recent incidents also discuss the unintended consequences it has on the functioning of democracy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Critics assert that limitless judicial authority rests on the structural ambiguity of the basic structure doctrine. Has the elastic nature of the basic structure doctrine made the judiciary more powerful than the executive? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Fundamental rights are not gifts bestowed upon by the state rather an individual possesses them independently of the state. In this context discuss the desirability of reasonable restrictions on various fundamental rights. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"'S.R. Bommai v. Union of India signified a paradigm shift in the judicial interpretation of the union's authority to assume control of a state's administration.' In this context discuss the significance and impact of the judgement on cementing the federal structure. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The key to effective decentralization is, 'political decentralization should follow finance and functional decentralization'. Discuss in the context of impediments faced by local governance in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Multi-stakeholder partnerships are the key to leveraging collective expertise and networks. How can effective partnership and localized implementation efforts be fostered to accelerate the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"How has the implementation of the POSH Act resulted in limited success in raising awareness about sexual harassment, and what factors have hindered its effective outreach to women employed in the unorganized sector? Propose strategies to bridge this gap and ensure comprehensive protection for women in the unorganized sector against workplace harassment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"'Neo-liberal reforms and globalization have deeply transformed the institutions of the welfare state and set the ground for a new type of civil services.' In this context examine the challenges faced in service delivery and suggest adequate reforms. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"China views India as its \"Asian Rival\" with an innate ability to counter its hegemonic goals in Asia. Despite these difficulties in India-China relations, there are also many areas of convergence. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Indo-Pacific region in recent times has emerged as a zone of diverging interests and priorities. Discuss. Do you think the Global Security Initiative will supersede QUAD in the region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4694,"topper":"Muhammed Swalah T A","air":429,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/57/mts_2025_unchecked_mt23rcapa056_flt2502.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4695,"topper":"Muhammed Swalah T A","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/123/mts_2023_unchecked_mt23rcapa056_tc705.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What do you understand by Windfall tax? Do you think that windfall taxes can effectively redistribute wealth and promote greater economic equality? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss the perceived successes and challenges of implementing inflation targeting under the new Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) regime. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Assess the potential of millet production in promoting sustainable agriculture and improving food security in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Jal Jeevan Mission has the potential to end the regional disparity in the availability and accessibility of drinking water. Highlighting the significance of the mission, discuss the underlying impediments in achieving the desired objectives. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do you understand by Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)? Discuss its applications and how it can revolutionize the energy program of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss in brief developments and challenges in the Gaganyaan mission of ISRO. What are the possible benefits of the mission for the society? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"Green hydrogen can be the silver bullet in our quest to tackle climate change and pollution\". Critically analyze the statement in light of India's National Green Hydrogen mission. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What are the key lessons for disaster management and environmental conservation in the Himalayan region, in light of the recent disaster in Joshimath, Uttarakhand? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"The recent radical trends in Punjab show that the Khalistan issue is still simmering.\" Discuss the statement with respect to recent developments and suggest measures to handle it. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The anonymity and ease of drone operation contribute to the challenges of India's border security. Elaborate and give suggestions to tackle the drone problem in border areas. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"Despite being a major contributor to the Indian economy, the agriculture sector is plagued by several constraints that impede its growth and development. Discuss the role of technology in overcoming these constraints. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Evaluate the impact of irrigation on the environment and natural resources, and suggest measures to ensure the sustainability and equity of irrigation practices in agriculture. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"How India benefitted strategically from the contributions of Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha and Dr. Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai in the fields of atomic energy and space technology respectively? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Genreative AI holds the potential to push the boundaries of innovation in the near future, yet its societal impact raises substantial challenges. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Explain the purpose of the \"Mangrove Alliance for Climate\" launched at the COP27 UN Climate Change Conference in Egypt in November 2022. Elaborate on the importance of mangroves in maintaining the coastal ecology of tropical nations. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The Formation of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure brings more robustness to the Disaster Management approach in India. Comment and justify the need for a new strategy to tackle Disasters in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The recent rise in ransomware attacks targeting critical infrastructure and major corporations has highlighted the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity measures and policies. Discussing the key factors contributing to this trend, analyze the impact of these attacks on various sectors. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"In the context of border security, how can cooperation and coordination between different security agencies be improved to ensure effective and efficient management of coastal and terrestrial borders? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4696,"topper":"Muhammed Swalah T A","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/27/mts_2023_unchecked_mt23rcapa056_tc709.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Elaborate on the difference between Capital Account and Current Account as components of Balance of Payment (BOP). Suggest a few measures to balance the BOP deficit of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The logistics sector is one of the important components of the growth of the manufacturing industry. Discuss. Also, mention various components of the recently announced National Logistics Policy 2022. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What is India's stand on the New Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies under WTO? How is the Fisheries sector significant for India? Enumerate the steps taken by the Government to develop this sector. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Analyze the systemic and institutional constraints that continue to hinder land reform efforts in India and propose pragmatic solutions to ensure equitable distribution of land. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What are the unique features and capabilities of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, and how has it contributed to India's defence capabilities and strategic position in the region? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"In line with the country's efforts to explore the depths of the ocean and harness the resources it holds, the Indian government has proposed a deep-sea exploration mission Samudrayaan. How can this mission contribute to the advancement of ocean science and technology in the country? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What is Global Methane Pledge? Do you think the Global Methane Pledge is a positive step toward mitigating methane emissions? Explain India's stance on this issue. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of disaster management in public health. Discuss the key strategies and challenges for managing pandemics and other infectious disease outbreaks. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"The resource curse of Eastern and Central India has been a crucial driver of LWE\". Elaborate and suggest measures for sustainable and inclusive development of the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In light of the declining trend of violence in the North East and J&K region do you think that AFSPA has lived its utility? Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"International trade is centred on the dominant currency paradigm (DCM). Critically Analyze the importance of Hard currency in international trade and Discuss the potential of rupee acceptance in global trade as an alternative to dollar imperialism. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"A demographic Dividend does not ensure growth; it only generates potential. Discuss the steps made by the government to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the demographic transition. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Genome editing holds immense potential for crop improvement, but it also raises ethical and safety concerns'. How far do the new guidelines for the safety assessment of genome-edited plants in India, ensure the safety of genetically modified crops? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the impact of direct and indirect farm subsidies on the agriculture sector in India. How have Minimum Support Prices (MSP) affected the agricultural economy? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a rapidly escalating crisis that poses a grave threat to public health worldwide. What are the major contributing factors to the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance, and what steps can be taken to address this global health threat? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by Disruptive innovations? What are some examples of disruptive innovation in recent times, and how have they changed the way industries operate? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Trace the evolution of the Loss and Damage fund. What are the major development related to loss and damage funds in COP 27?, What are the commitments made by India in this conference? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Disaster management is not just about responding to emergencies but also about building resilient communities. Discuss the key strategies that can be used to build community resilience and reduce the impact of disasters. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The transformation of terrorism through the use of new and emerging technologies like metaverse and virtual assets is a matter of concern. How can we counter the Use of New and Emerging Technologies for Terrorist Purposes and Elucidate the importance of the \"Delhi declaration\" in this regard? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"\"The Agnipath scheme is a bitter pill needed for the resilience and efficacy of our armed forces.\" Critically Analyze the statement with relevant arguments. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4697,"topper":"Muhammed Swalah T A","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/41/mts_2025_unchecked_mt23rcapa056_flt2507.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Even after a decade of Make in India, India's manufacturing sector has remained a weak spot in its growth story. How can India fundamentally reset its manufacturing sector to utilise its potential in GDP growth and job creation? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Indian startups, despite showing great potential, have not scaled up on innovation. Discuss. Suggest measures for Indian startups to go up the value chain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Despite a robust Public Distribution System (PDS), food security remains a challenge to the Indian population. What are the deficiencies in the current PDS system? Suggest reforms to improve the system. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Discuss the key components of the recently launched Digital Agriculture Mission. How will this mission help in improving farmers' welfare? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What is the Axiom-4 mission? How will India's participation in the Axiom-4 mission help in bolstering India's human space programme? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Introduce the concept of precision medicine. Comment on the role of precision medicine in the treatment of rare and specific diseases. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss how the Biodiversity Act, 2002, and the recently notified Biological Diversity (Access and Benefit Sharing) Regulation, 2025, promote access and benefit sharing while ensuring the growth of traditional industries. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"Preparedness is the first step towards disaster risk reduction\". In this context, assess the role of the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) in strengthening disaster preparedness and early warning systems in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"How does the long maritime border of India present immense internal security challenges? Suggest measures to address these challenges. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Despite decline in terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir, Over Ground Workers (OGWs) and proxy militant groups continue to pose a serious threat to India's internal security. What strategies can be adopted to neutralize these threats? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"\"Infrastructure development is a key driver of accelerated and inclusive economic growth\". Highlighting the importance of infrastructure investment in achieving long-term growth, discuss India's successes and failures in stimulating infrastructure-led growth in the economy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"What are the responsibilities of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC)? How effective has the RBI's monetary policy initiatives been to broaden economic recovery whilst maintaining a sustainable inflation rate? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"What are the opportunities and challenges of the food processing industry in India? Why has the overall private investment remained low in the industry despite immense potential? Suggest measures. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Micro-irrigation systems can revolutionize Indian agriculture, but adoption remains limited. In this context, discuss how micro-irrigation can help in sustainable water management. What are the barriers to its widespread adoption? Suggest measures to overcome them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"'With the development of advanced chips like Majorana 1 and Willow, quantum computers are no longer a theory but a reality'. What are the principles of quantum computing? How does the National Quantum Mission help in scaling up quantum technologies in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Wetlands play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, yet they face several anthropogenic and climate-related threats. Discuss. What steps have been undertaken by the Government of India to conserve and promote wetlands? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"In spite of being preventable, stampedes due to improper crowd control mechanisms continue to claim lives in India. Discuss the underlying causes of such disasters. What institutional and technological measures can be taken for efficient crowd management? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"With the rapid digitalization of Indian society, cyber crimes like digital arrest have also increased. Highlighting the major elements of cybersecurity, Discuss the measures needed to strengthen India's cybersecurity infrastructure. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"Illegal immigration poses a threat to India's democracy, sovereignty, and internal security. In light of this statement, discuss how the recently passed Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, helps in effectively addressing the issue of illegal immigration. What are the constitutional and potential human rights challenges associated with the Act? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4698,"topper":"Muhammed Swalah T A","air":429,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/58/mts_2025_unchecked_mt23rcapa056_flt2503.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4699,"topper":"Muhammed Swalah T A","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/136/mts_2023_unchecked_mt23rcapa056_tc710.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Public service takes place in a bureaucratic structure with clear lines of authority, value standardization, and accountability mechanisms. Working within such a structure, what do you think are the influences that impact the public servant's ethical decision-making? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What do you understand by the terms 'ethics' and 'integrity'? Do you think they are interrelated? Explain with examples the relationship between ethics and integrity in the context of public administration. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What do you understand by the terms 'ethical behavior' and 'emotionally intelligent behavior'? Identify the relevant emotional intelligence components that act as a reliable guide to ethical behavior. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"To achieve a good life, duty is not sufficient; one needs to develop one's sympathetic feelings for others, and neither duty alone nor good will allone are sufficient to be moral.\" Do you agree with the above statement? Justify your position. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Developing a Scientific temper, innovative mindset, and civic-conscious citizens are major objectives of higher educational institutions. Can higher educational institutions be instrumental in promoting integrity education among youth to establish a public culture of integrity and a corruption-free political culture? If yes, how? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"As professionals, civil servants are career focused and are also self-interested. At the same time, their service ethos imposes an obligation to serve the public interest selflessly. Is it possible for a civil servant to reconcile career and service obligation? Explain your position. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"\"While competence without compassion can be brutal and inhumane; similarly, compassion without competence can be meaningless for persons seeking help.\" Explain the above with the help of a suitable illustration in the context of public services. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Does the suffering of individuals in one part of the world generate moral demands of assistance on those foreigners who live far away from them? Are these moral demands of assistance justified? Can governments be held morally responsible for failing to help the international community in times of deprivation? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Civil Services ethics has everything to do with management. It is as much a Departmental as a personal issue. Leaders who fail to create systems that facilitate ethical conduct are equally to blame as much as those who indulge in ethical misconduct. Do you think the Departmental culture leads to ethical misconduct or is the individual with weak willpower culpable? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"You are posted as a District Development officer in a district with a low literacy rate and poor health indicators. As you took charge, your Health Secretary had given express instructions that your priority is to improve health indicators by enhancing the delivery of healthcare services. After taking over, you traveled around the district to study and identify ways of improving healthcare services. During your field trip, you discovered that the issue was not the accessibility of services; it was something else. You found the problem was the myths, misconceptions, and malpractices that hindered the uptake of health care services. For instance, people believed that vaccines caused impotence, immunization was equivalent to birth control, using antenatal care was counterproductive to the health of the mother and baby, and so on. You realize that these beliefs were the behavioral barriers that stood in the way of health and nutrition services. And these behavioral barriers made it difficult for front-line workers to reach out. You discussed your observations with the Health Secretary, and he advised you to seek inputs from the neighboring district DDO who was doing some good work. When you met with the neighboring DDO, you learned he was experimenting with using the Faith leader's influence and reach to persuade people. You were unsure about roping in faith leaders to help you overcome the behavioral barriers. As a civil servant, you felt it would be a mistake to involve faith leaders in health service schemes. When you shared your apprehensions with the Secretary, he firmly instructed you to try and innovate. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) What are the advantages and disadvantages of using Faith leaders as influencers and persuaders? (c) If not faith leaders, what are your other options for breaking the behavioral barriers? (d) Do you think it is ethically right for a civil servant to involve faith leaders in promoting government schemes? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"If not faith leaders, what are your other options for breaking the behavioral barriers? (d) Do you think it is ethically right for a civil servant to involve faith leaders in promoting government schemes? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"You are the Head of an Agency, a special purpose vehicle, responsible for overseeing the last-mile delivery of essential services and sorting out bottlenecks and grievances of the citizens within your jurisdiction. The essential services included Maternal and infant health care, nutritional support to BPL families, drinking water availability, etc. Your agency employed a staff of 15 to carry out regular official operations and handle grievances. Since the agency dealt with complaints, there was an enormous amount of public dealing daily. Sometimes the agency officials had to work beyond office hours to finish the regular office work as public dealings took away most of the office hours. The employees were unhappy doing the extra bit as they were not paid any overtime. A few of them informally raised the issue with you, but you were helpless as the agency rules didn't allow any travel or overtime allowances. You tried taking up the matter with HQ but to no avail. The work stress gradually started showing up among the staff, they became irritable with the complainants, and at times they shouted at them. Besides rudeness, the staff's language became abusive, derogatory, and sometimes casteist. You could notice that there were 4 of them in particular who were getting very abusive and discriminatory while handling grievances. As the Head, you warned them, but there was no marked change in their work attitude. To compound your problem, some of the villagers, through their Sarpanch, raised the issue of rude, disrespectful, and discriminatory behavior with your HQ. The HQ immediately instructed you to take action and create a respectful and dignified workspace. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) What are the action options available to you? (c) Examine each of the options and identify your chosen course of action (d) What do you understand by dignity? Distinguish between human and social dignity? Identify the common dignity violations that one notices in government departments. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"You and Ajay were in college together, qualified for the civil services examination, trained, and worked in the same State. Over the years, you and Ajay became good friends and colleagues. Even the families became close to the extent of taking vacations and celebrating festivals together. Professionally, in the last 15 years, both grew, but the paths you and Ajay took differed. You kept your distance from political masters, preferred to be neutral, and refrained from being identified with any group, lobby, or ideology. But Ajay was not discreet about his leanings, and he was well-networked and connected. Because of his networking, Ajay always had postings considered \"plum postings.\" Ajay was posted as CMD of Urban Infrastructure Projects, a high-profile Project with a huge outlay. At the same time, you were working in State Planning Commission for three years and were awaiting your promotion and new posting. When new postings were announced, you were surprised to see your transfer to Vigilance Department. Within a month of taking charge, you were ordered by your Departmental Secretary to conduct an inquiry discreetly into land dealings involving a Minister and his family. You were strictly told to keep it discreet and not to share any information about the investigation with anybody besides the Secretary. As you started the inquiry, you realized Ajay was closely involved with the Minister and his deals. As evidence started piling up, you were shocked to notice Ajay's questionable decisions favoring the Minister and friends. Further, you found evidence of Ajay having assets disproportionately much higher than his declared sources of income. When you shared the details with the Secretary, he immediately ordered you to search Ajay's office and home as he believed Ajay was the medium through which they could catch the Minister for shady land deals. You were in a bind as you knew a search operation would tarnish Ajay's reputation and be traumatic for the family. (a) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas involved in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you? (c) Select your chosen course of action after analyzing the options. (d) What must be your moral motivation in the above case? Should it be duty, care, or consequences? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"You are a Foreign Service official working in an embassy overseas. One of your duties was to liaise with the local Indian community, one of the country's largest immigrant groups. A group of wealthy Indian immigrants wanted to build a place of worship and a school to promote their language and culture. The school was intended to act as a center for promoting and preserving Indian culture among the immigrants. The Indian community leaders went through all the legal procedures to acquire the land, got the building plans approved by the city council, and with all the approvals in place, the construction work began. A few months into the construction, the locals started complaining about noise, and slowly a campaign began against the construction of a religious structure. The local city councilors joined in and raised the issue of how Indian immigrants having their own cultural space will lead to a similar demand from other immigrant communities. And this may escalate intolerance among different ethnic groups. The local politicians filed a public lawsuit to halt the construction and demolish whatever was built. Indian community responded with their lawsuit and approached the embassy for help. They wanted the Ambassador to take up the issue with the government. Meanwhile, the Ambassador deputed you to meet the Indian community leaders to understand the issue and prepare a report. You met with the community leaders and found that the reason for local antipathy towards the Indian community was just an expression of latent racism and intolerance. You presented your observations to the Ambassador and requested him to do something as the Indians were on the right and were being victims of racist behavior. The Ambassador, in turn, replied that he would not like to get involved in local politics. The Indians were citizens of that country; they had nothing to do with India besides ethnicity. Further, a crucial Economic agreement was about to be signed between the two countries in the coming weeks, and he did not want to jeopardize the growing relations between the two countries over some local politics. You were shocked to see economics getting priority over the diaspora. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) Do you agree with the Ambassador's position of prioritizing economics over helping the diaspora? Why/why not? (c) Among Care, Consequentialism, and Duty, what do you think is the appropriate perspective to guide Indian Foreign policy? Justify. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":4700,"topper":"Muhammed Swalah T A","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/105/mts_2023_unchecked_mt23rcapa056_tc706.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Public service requires not merely legal but also morally principled action. Public service requires the public servant to place loyalty to the constitution, laws, and ethical principles. Among the three, which do you think must acquire primacy while carrying out official functions? Why? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"What do you understand by \"integrity-based civil disobedience\"? Do you think a challenge to personal integrity can be a justifiable cause for responsible disobedience in civil services? Explain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Recent research has shown that emotions significantly impact personal and professional lives. What are the primary emotions that negatively and positively impact workplace productivity? Explain with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Technical efficiency ensures resource utilization and social efficiency ensures fulfillment of social needs, what does ethical efficiency ensure? Do you think ethical efficiency is more important than technical and social efficiency? Why/Why not? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"Man cannot do right in one department of life whilst he is occupied in doing wrong in any other department.\" Gandhi. Do you think an individual's personal ethics impacts professional life or they both can be compartmentalized? Explain your position with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Goodness is the result of internal imperatives to do what is right, not sanctions from moral rules or rewards from expected consequences. Do you agree? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance. \"To tolerate is purely an act of the mind. That is the essence of virtue. To tolerate is a strength.\" (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In the context of civil service, distinguish between moral and nonmoral values. Identify 5 basic moral values that can serve as foundational values for all services irrespective of the department. Give reasons why those values can be considered foundational. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Citizens' involvement in decision-making is critical to ethics in governance. Do you agree that effective civic engagement mechanisms can facilitate an ethics-driven administration? What do you think are the mechanisms that citizens can use fo: ensuring ethics in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Social transformation programs such as \"beti bachao and beti padhao\" believes in using advice, counseling, and persuasion but sometimes a little force is also necessary for getting the desired response. Do you think it is a good idea to mix little force with persuasion by public administrators while implementing social schemes of transformation? Explain with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Ultimately foreign policy of every country hinges upon the strength which the nation possesses. Strength may be military or financial and may be also...moral.\" Do you think ethical strength without military or financial muscle will be respected in today's world? Explain your position. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"You are a young officer working with the Municipal Corporation of an industrial city. The city was known for manufacturing ball bearings and auto parts. Most manufacturing units were small-scale units with very little production process automation. The units relied on manual labor, which was in abundance due to the villages close by. As the number of manufacturing units grew, the demand for labor increased, bringing in a steady inflow of laborers into the city. This influx of people into the town led to a mushrooming of slums and encroachments on the sidewalks. Once in a while, the Corporation conducted drives to clear out the slums, but after a time, the slums came back. The illegal slums had become an urban nightmare. You were given the responsibility of clearing out the encroachments and slums with the help of Police authorities. As you started the drive, you realized that the people living by the sidewalks were vulnerable compared to the slum dwellers. Many sidewalk dwellers had recently come to the city after selling their properties in their villages. Now if you drive them out, they have no place to go. Your heart went out to them, and you felt that your departmental action was inhumane, but your official responsibilities demanded stern impartial action. You are desperate to find a way to help the sidewalk dwellers without compromising your official duties. (a) What value conflicts do you notice in the above situation? (b) Can an administrator compromise the value of impartiality for empathy? Discuss. (c) What are the options available in the above situation? (d) Suggest viable solutions for tackling illegal slums and encroachments in urban areas. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"A certain State government was running a welfare scheme for promoting safe motherhood among rural landless laborers' families. The scheme involves the transfer of funds to the beneficiaries to enable them to mitigate income loss due to maternal care responsibilities. Since its implementation, the scheme has done reasonably well on maternal health and economic indicators. You are the Director of the Department responsible for implementing and operating the scheme. Recently you have been receiving reports of welfare fraud being committed by families by producing fake bona fide. The families committed the fraud with the help of local officials responsible for scrutinizing the bona fide. You were concerned because the fraud was seriously undermining the scheme's efficiency. You called for a departmental meeting to discuss and find a solution to the problem. In the meeting, it was decided to merge several available government data sets such as Aadhar cards, voter ID cards, marriage certificates, birth certificates, bank details, and other personal assets. By merging all the data sets, the department would be able to develop the beneficiary's economic profile. And this will help the department scrutinize, the documents and detect fraud. This was a comprehensive strategy, but it risked violating an individual's data privacy. As a Department head, you wanted to detect and prevent fraud, but at the same time, you were apprehensive about violating the Data privacy of the stakeholders. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) Do you think violating data privacy is justified to prevent welfare fraud? Why/ Why not? (c) What, according to you, can be the reasons for such welfare frauds happening in the country? (d) Are there any ways and means to prevent such fraud? Give your suggestions. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"You are posted in the Department of Mines, and one of your roles is to help your Department Head negotiate mining leases with private contractors. Recently, the state government demarcated a new mining zone and planned to invite bids for the mining blocs. You were instructed to oversee the bidding process and speed up the contract negotiations. As planned, the tenders were released, bids came in, and tenders were allocated as per the norms. All this happened at a breakneck speed. You wondered, why the hurry? But it was not your place to think and question; you quietly went about your work. As the contractors were about to start operations, you had to instruct them on environmental concerns to watch out for. And to do that, you read the environmental impact assessment report submitted by a consulting firm hired by the department. To your surprise, the report was shoddy and looked cooked up. You got suspicious and raised the issue with your Head, who politely instructed you to do what you were told, and he reminded you that the Department had revenue targets and was under pressure from the Ministry. After the meeting, you, on your own accord, did some digging and found out that the report was fraudulent and the mining activity that was about to start would lead to a massive environmental disaster which the State could not afford. (a) What are the issues and value violations you notice in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you? (c) Discuss the advantage and disadvantages of each option and identify your chosen course of action. (d) Do you think that environmental considerations are sometimes overrated at the cost of development? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Do you think corporate businesses such as GAMA must consider international ethics while pursuing business interests? Why/why not? (c) Do you think a corporate's social responsibility extends beyond one's immediate community to the international community? Why/Why not? (d) Do you think the Defence sector companies marketing sensitive technologies must be regulated by their respective governments, or regulation may curtail their entrepreneurial and innovation energy? Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Mr. Sharma was the All India Sales Head of a pharmaceutical company with a turnover of 400 crores. The company's main markets were small towns and tier 2 cities. Further, the company did a sizeable amount of business with state government hospitals and health centers. Mr. Sharma had given a lot of freedom to field sales agents to strike deals and negotiate prices with clients. This strategy worked well for the company. Recently Mr. Sharma received word that three company employees were selling products to government hospitals and health centers at a higher price than they were selling to other private hospitals and health centers. The employees were with the company for over five years and were good performers. A few sales staff informally raised the issue of the three getting relatively higher commissions because of their inflated deals. And this was creating a sense of unease among the sales staff. A cursory review of the account of the three showed that, in many instances, the government hospitals were paying more than other private institutions. Under procurement rules, the government is supposed to pay a fair price, one that other cost-conscious customers pay. On inquiry, Mr. Sharma found that the three were not alone; government purchase department officials were helping them scam the Department. Mr. Sharma realized that his sales staff and some corrupt government staff had been defrauding the state exchequer for quite some time. Mr. Sharma immediately reported it to his CEO, and the two discussed how to deal with the sales staff and whether to inform the government about the scam and the involvement of their staff. The issue was informing the government means that there was every possibility that they might be blacklisted, thereby losing a lot of business. Mr. Sharma and CEO were caught in a dilemma regarding how to proceed with the case. (a) What are the ethical and business issues involved in the case? (b) What are the options available to Mr. Sharma and the CEO? (c) Do you think the organizational culture of giving freedom to the sales force led to the issue or was the individual's corrupt nature that led to the problem? Discuss. (d) What ethics mechanisms and steps can the company create and implement to prevent unethical behavior, as mentioned in the case? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"Singh Garh is a primarily rural district with minimal, relatively insignificant industrial activity, except for one consumer goods manufacturing plant, which was the primary source of employment. Development indicators such as health, literacy, etc., were much below the national average. Along with developmental issues, another grave concern was the slow rise in child marriages. Despite the legal sanctions, child marriage continued to rise unabated. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) What do you think Rashmi should do? Would it be a good idea for Rashmi to involve local administration? Suggest an implementable course of action. (c) Do you think companies should also accept responsibility for the social problems of the region where they operate? Why/why not? (d) What could be the reasons for such an aggressive reaction from the workers union? How do you think Rashmi should handle the workers union? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":4701,"topper":"Muhammed Swalah T A","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/cc80e7c81f00eaa4f15f78533b4a4ad5/19/mts_2024_unchecked_mt23rcapa056_tc012.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Most civil servants are neither pure deontologists nor pure utilitarians, but they operate according to a kind of ethical pluralism.\" Do you agree? Discuss your position with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The motivation to seek a career in public service and perform public service can be due to attraction to public service, commitment to public values, self-sacrifice and compassion. Among the four, what is the primary public service motivator for you? Explain your motivating factor. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"One of the critical areas of governance is developing policies for managing public health emergencies such as COVID. While tackling such health emergencies, the government may take measures that involve the abdication of liberty on the part of the citizens. According to you, what ethical principles should guide the government's public health policymaking? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Identify any four components of emotional intelligence relevant to public services. Explain their role in administrative decision-making. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Values lie at the core of the diverse world of human behaviour and are expressed in every human decision and action. In keeping with the above statement, explain with the help of illustrations how values impact an individual's behaviour. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Explain the difference between codes of ethics, codes of conduct and codes of rules and regulations. Do you think an increase in the number of codes and regulations is an efficient response to the decline of public trust and integrity issues? Why/why not? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance. (a) \"The root of happiness is Dharma (righteousness), the root of Dharma is Artha (economy), the root of Artha is right governance.\" (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Prioritising ethical concerns within public administration and policy has monetary costs in terms of training and other expenses. Do you think the financial cost of actively pursuing ethical standards by the government is justified? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Distinguish between administrative, legal and professional accountability. Despite multiple institutional accountability mechanisms, the government has failed to make a dent in systemic corruption. What do you think are the reasons for the poor performance of accountability mechanisms? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Economists view transparency as a condition for open markets, and political scientists view it as a condition for public participation. What does transparency imply in public administration ethics? Is it only a flow of information or more than that? Explain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Persuasion performs a number of positive, prosocial functions. However, people often equate persuasion with manipulation and consider it unethical. What are the ethical values a persuader must respect to ensure the ethicality of the act of persuasion? Explain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"You are the VP (Operations) of a company that manufactures and supplies space probes and satellite equipment to Government space agencies. The company has been in the business for over four decades and has built considerable expertise in producing and delivering high-quality products. The business was good. As VP of Operations, it was your responsibility to ensure the completion of projects and deliverables on time. A critical deliverable was running behind schedule due to the non-availability of a specific raw material. The material in question was an environmentally hazardous chemical that the Environmental Ministry banned. But considering the importance of the chemical compound for the space industry, the Environment Ministry was planning to allow controlled use in about three weeks. You and the company management didn't have three week waiting time. Further, there was severe pressure from the Department of Space to complete the deliverable on time as a lot was riding politically on the project. After internal discussions, you met the Space Department officials to explain the predicament and request a deadline extension. When the meeting happened, you were shocked by the attitude of the Department officials. They refused to accept any delay and suggested circumventing the environmental ministry's prohibition and procuring and using the chemical. They justified it by saying the ministry would allow controlled use in a few weeks. So, why wait? Besides, they noted that the environment ministry doesn't understand space priorities and their intricacies. They pointed out that everything is justified in the name of national interest. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What are the issues involved in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the merits and demerits of each option and select your chosen course of action.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"What do you understand by National Interest? Do you think it is ethically justified for a nation to prioritise security and economics over and above social justice and social development priorities?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"You work as an investment banker with one of the country's biggest private banks. You independently handled a team of 15 junior bankers and reported directly to the Head Investment Banking Division. You also networked with individuals with a high net worth in assets and income as part of your job. The purpose of networking was to persuade them to have their income and assets managed by your bank. Over the years, you had brought in a lot of clients for the bank, and you managed assets and accounts for a few big clients. You managed a client with a very sizeable business account, and he frequently received remittances from offshore accounts of his company. In the last six months, you could notice a considerable number of forex transactions had happened in his account. And the money was further moved around to smaller locations within the country. When you tracked the money movement, you noticed that funds were transferred to areas where the client had no business dealings. Government regulations required the bank to report a large inflow of forex funds and client details. You forwarded the details to your Head, who forwarded it to the relevant authorities. When the transactions continued unabated, you got suspicious. On scrutiny, you discovered that the client had dealings with organisations banned by the government for funding anti-national activities. You shared the same information with your Head and requested him to report to the authorities. He said he would look into it. But he didn't. After a few weeks, you raised the matter again, and this time, he curtly told you that the regulations stipulate that account information had to be furnished, which the bank did. It was up to the authorities to scrutinise and take action. The bank was not at fault as it was complying with the law. Further, the Head told you the client was good business for the bank. You were concerned about what to do next as you knew the client was good business, but he was up to no good. (a) What are the issues involved in the case? (b) What are the options available to you? (c) Select your course of action after analysing all the options (d) Do you think breaching client confidentiality and trust can be justified in the above case? (250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What are the issues involved in the case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"Do you think breaching client confidentiality and trust can be justified in the above case? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"What are the issues and ethical dilemmas involved in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"How would you see the widow as a victim of her husband's crime or an accused? Justify. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What are the options Pallavi has? How should she navigate the issues with Mr Thakur?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"What do you think is the problem with Mr Thakur, is it a lack of emotional intelligence or something else?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"How do you think you will be able to help Pallavi? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"What options are available to the MP in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"Evaluate the options and suggest a course of action to the MP.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"Distinguish between political and bureaucratic corruption. Can bureaucracy play a role in checking political corruption? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"You are a senior engineer working for S & P Constructions, a prominent government contractor. You are working at a construction site building a nuclear reactor facility. Along with other responsibilities at the site, you were also the safety in charge. One day as you did your weekly safety audit, you noticed that the welders had not followed procedures and used the wrong materials in some sections. The situation was hazardous since some defective welds appeared on the water pipes carrying coolant to the reactor core. The rupture of the pipes could cause disaster if safety backups failed simultaneously. You called a meeting of the welding supervisors to instruct them to rectify the faulty weldings. But even after two weeks, the welds were not fixed, and when asked, the supervisors said they had instructions from the superiors to go ahead with the way it is. You were shocked at this compromise of safety. You travelled to the HQ to discuss this with the senior management. Instead of taking corrective action, the senior management transferred you to a different site and warned you about discussing the safety practices of the nuclear site. You needed the job, so you returned to your new workplace quietly. After five years, the nuclear reactor was in the news for pipe bursts, killing ten engineers and due to the fallout, the neighbouring villages had to be evacuated. You could see your fears coming true. The nuclear facility was shut down, and an inquiry was instituted. You were also summoned for questioning as you handled safety during the construction. You were in a dilemma; tell the truth of safety compromise or hide it and keep the job. Further, your conscience was troubling you that you could have done something five years back instead of quickly taking the transfer. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) What options do you have in the above dilemma? (c) After evaluating the options, identify which option you would choose. (d) Do you think whistle-blowing could have been a good option five years back?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4702,"topper":"Muhammed Swalah T A","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/24/mts_2024_unchecked_mt23rcapa056_tc008.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Public service takes place in a bureaucratic structure with clear lines of authority, value standardization, and accountability mechanisms. Working within such a structure, what do you think are the influences that impact the public servant's ethical decision-making? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What do you understand by the terms 'ethics' and 'integrity'? Do you think they are interrelated? Explain with examples the relationship between ethics and integrity in the context of public administration. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What do you understand by the terms 'ethical behavior' and 'emotionally intelligent behavior'? Identify the relevant emotional intelligence components that act as a reliable guide to ethical behavior. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance. (a) - , , 10 The senses deceive from time to time, and it is prudent never to trust wholly those who have deceived us even once (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"As professionals, civil servants are career focused and are also self-interested. At the same time, their service ethos imposes an obligation to serve the public interest selflessly. Is it possible for a civil servant to reconcile career and service obligation? Explain your position. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Does the suffering of individuals in one part of the world generate moral demands of assistance on those foreigners who live far away from them? Are these moral demands of assistance justified? Can governments be held morally responsible for failing to help the international community in times of deprivation? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"You are posted as a District Development officer in a district with a low literacy rate and poor health indicators. As you took charge, your Health Secretary had given express instructions that your priority is to improve health indicators by enhancing the delivery of healthcare services. After taking over, you traveled around the district to study and identify ways of improving healthcare services. During your field trip, you discovered that the issue was not the accessibility of services, it was something else. You found the problem was the myths, misconceptions, and malpractices that hindered the uptake of health care services. For instance, people believed that vaccines caused impotence, immunization was equivalent to birth control, using antenatal care was counterproductive to the health of the mother and baby, and so on. You realize that these beliefs were the behavioral barriers that stood in the way of health and nutrition services. And these behavioral barriers made it difficult for front-line workers to reach out. You discussed your observations with the Health Secretary, and he advised you to seek inputs from the neighboring district DDO who was doing some good work. When you met with the neighboring DDO, you learned he was experimenting with using the Faith leader's influence and reach to persuade people. You were unsure about roping in faith leaders to help you overcome the behavioral barriers. As a civil servant, you felt it would be a mistake to involve faith leaders in health service schemes. When you shared your apprehensions with the Secretary, he firmly instructed you to try and innovate. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) What are the advantages and disadvantages of using Faith leaders as influencers and persuaders?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"If not faith leaders, what are your other options for breaking the behavioral barriers? (d) Do you think it is ethically right for a civil servant to involve faith leaders in promoting government schemes? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"You are the Head of an Agency, a special purpose vehicle, responsible for overseeing the last-mile delivery of essential services and sorting out bottlenecks and grievances of the citizens within your jurisdiction. The essential services included Maternal and infant health care, nutritional support to BPL families, drinking water availability, etc. Your agency employed a staff of 15 to carry out regular official operations and handle grievances. Since the agency dealt with complaints, there was an enormous amount of public dealing daily. Sometimes the agency officials had to work beyond office hours to finish the regular office work as public dealings took away most of the office hours. The employees were unhappy doing the extra but as they were not paid any overtime. A few of them informally raised the issue with you, but you were helpless as the agency rules didn't allow any travel or overtime allowances. You tried taking up the matter with HQ but to no avail. The work stress gradually started showing up among the staff, they became irritable with the complainants, and at times they shouted at them. Besides rudeness, the staff's language became abusive, derogatory, and sometimes casteist. You could notice that there were 4 of them in particular who were getting very abusive and discriminatory while handling grievances. As the Head, you warned them, but there was no marked change in their work attitude. To compound your problem, some of the villagers, through their Sarpanch, raised the issue of rude, disrespectful, and discriminatory behavior with your HQ. The HQ immediately instructed you to take action and create a respectful and dignified workspace. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) What are the action options available to you?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"Examine each of the options and identify your chosen course of action (d) What do you understand by dignity? Distinguish between human and social dignity? Identify the common dignity violations that one notices in government departments. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"You and Ajay were in college together, qualified for the civil services examination, trained, and worked in the same State. Over the years, you and Ajay became good friends and colleagues. Even the families became close to the extent of taking vacations and celebrating festivals together. Professionally, in the last 15 years, both grew, but the paths you and Ajay took differed. You kept your distance from political masters, preferred to be neutral, and refrained from being identified with any group, lobby, or ideology. But Ajay was not discreet about his leanings, and he was well-networked and connected. Because of his networking, Ajay always had postings considered \"plum postings\". Ajay was posted as CMD of Urban Infrastructure Projects, a high-profile Project with a huge outlay. At the same time, you were working in State Planning Commission for three years and were awaiting your promotion and new posting. When new postings were announced, you were surprised to see your transfer to Vigilance Department. Within a month of taking charge, you were ordered by your Departmental Secretary to conduct an inquiry discreetly into land dealings involving a Minister and his family. You were strictly told to keep it discreet and not to share any information about the investigation with anybody besides the Secretary. As you started the inquiry, you realized Ajay was closely involved with the Minister and his deals. As evidence started piling up, you were shocked to notice Ajay's questionable decisions favoring the Minister and friends. Further, you found evidence of Ajay having assets disproportionately much higher than his declared sources of income. When you shared the details with the Secretary, he immediately ordered you to search Ajay's office and home as he believed Ajay was the medium through which they could catch the Minister for shady land deals. You were in a bind as you knew a search operation would tarnish Ajay's reputation and be traumatic for the family. (a) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas involved in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you? (c) Select your chosen course of action after analyzing the options. (d) What must be your moral motivation in the above case? Should it be duty, care, or consequences? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"As you started the inquiry, you realized Ajay was closely involved with the Minister and his deals. As evidence started piling up, you were shocked to notice Ajay's questionable decisions favoring the Minister and friends. Further, you found evidence of Ajay having assets disproportionately much higher than his declared sources of income. When you shared the details with the Secretary, he immediately ordered you to search Ajay's office and home as he believed Ajay was the medium through which they could catch the Minister for shady land deals. You were in a bind as you knew a search operation would tarnish Ajay's reputation and be traumatic for the family. (a) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas involved in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you? (c) Select your chosen course of action after analyzing the options. (d) What must be your moral motivation in the above case? Should it be duty, care, or consequences? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":58,"question":"You are a Foreign Service official working in an embassy overseas. One of your duties was to liaise with the local Indian community, one of the country's largest immigrant groups. A group of wealthy Indian immigrants wanted to build a place of worship and a school to promote their language and culture. The school was intended to act as a center for promoting and preserving Indian culture among the immigrants. The Indian community leaders went through all the legal procedures to acquire the land, got the building plans approved by the city council, and with all the approvals in place, the construction work began. A few months into the construction, the locals started complaining about noise, and slowly a campaign began against the construction of a religious structure. The local city councilors joined in and raised the issue of how Indian immigrants having their own cultural space will lead to a similar demand from other immigrant communities. And this may escalate intolerance among different ethnic groups. The local politicians filed a public lawsuit to halt the construction and demolish whatever was built. Indian community responded with their lawsuit and approached the embassy for help. They wanted the Ambassador to take up the issue with the government. Meanwhile, the Ambassador deputed you to meet the Indian community leaders to understand the issue and prepare a report. You met with the community leaders and found that the reason for local antipathy towards the Indian community was just an expression of latent racism and intolerance. You presented your observations to the Ambassador and requested him to do something as the Indians were on the right and were being victims of racist behavior. The Ambassador, in turn, replied that he would not like to get involved in local politics. The Indians were citizens of that country; they had nothing to do with India besides ethnicity. Further, a crucial Economic agreement was about to be signed between the two countries in the coming weeks, and he did not want to jeopardize the growing relations between the two countries over some local politics. You were shocked to see economics getting priority over the diaspora. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) Do you agree with the Ambassador's position of prioritizing economics over helping the diaspora? Why/why not? (c) Among Care, Consequentialism, and Duty, what do you think is the appropriate perspective to guide Indian foreign policy? Justify. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":4703,"topper":"Muhammed Swalah T A","air":429,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/26/mts_2025_unchecked_mt23rcapa056_flt2504.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4704,"topper":"Mukan Dagar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1k6o2sIPUbuZYe1VQ8jg6GUQSg0C2hELC/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) Successful people are not those who did not fail, but those who persisted in turbulent times and kept moving after a failure. In light of this statement, examine the importance of adversity quotient in life. How can adversity quotient be developed?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) 'Strength does not come from physical capacity but from an indomitable will.' - Gandhi. What does strength mean to you and how far do you agree with the given statement? Discuss with suitable example.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) Differentiate between the following:\ni) Conscientiousness Vs. Conscience\nii) Guilt Vs. Remorse","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) Good governance does not depend on laws, but upon the personal qualities of those who administer the law. Do you agree with this statement? Justify your view.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) a) An active civil service is necessary but not sufficient; India also requires civil service activism for fulfilling the vision of 'justice, liberty and equality for all'. Analyze the statement citing relevant examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) Educational institutions complement the role of the family and the society in shaping our values. Discuss. Can digital education perform this value inculcation function effectively?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.4) a) Gendered attitudes convert differences in sexes into discriminations. Examine the factors responsible for negative attitudes toward women in the Indian society. How can these attitudes be changed?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"b) How are ethical concerns and work culture of public institutions different from those of private institutions? Examine the desirability of adoption of work culture similar to private institutions in public institutions.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.5) a) Besides objectivity, civil servants also need empathy and compassion to effectively resolve various ethical dilemmas they face while discharging their responsibilities. Discuss with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"b) Leadership is essentially a task of persuasion. How does ability to persuade others help civil servants in performing their duty? Identify five qualities that make civil servants effective agents of persuasion. Justify your choices.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"3 Persuading seniors in case of questionable directive to rethink the proposition","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Q.6) a) What does each of the following quotations mean to you? Peace is not mere absence of war; it is presence of justice","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"b) 'The world will not be destroyed by those who do evil, but by those who watch them without doing anything.'","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"c) 'Happiness is a mysterious thing, to be found somewhere between too little and too much.'","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7) Sunshine electronics is a domestic mobile manufacturer and you are its CEO. Sunshine electronics has made an affordable 5g phone with over 80% domestically sourced components. It has spent a large amount of money for promotion of the phone. General public is excited about the new phone and the company has already received over 1 lakh pre-launch orders from various online shopping portals. The achievement of the company has also received recognition from the highest political level and has been cited as a successful example of Atma-Nirbhar Bharat. The Central Minister of Electronics and Information Technology is the chief guest in the launch event of the new mobile phone.\nJust a day before the launch of the new phone, you received a call from the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of your company. He informs you that the US has banned Huwu Technologies Pvt. Ltd. from doing business in the USA and a similar ban is expected to be imposed by the EU in the next few days. The ban on Huwu is based on a report claiming that Huwu has been working very closely with the Chinese government and there are technical 'backdoors' in the components made by Huwu that allows it to spy on users of the devices that have these components.\nThe new phone made by your company also uses a chip manufactured by Huwu. To fulfil the pre-orders in the shortest possible time, Sunshine Electronics has also manufactured around fifty thousand devices. Cancelling or postponing the launch event would be embarrassing for political dispensation and financially disastrous for your company. On the other hand, going ahead with the launch would mean potentially risking the privacy and security of your customers.\n1) On the basis of this case, identify the various ethical dilemmas involved.\n2) What principles of corporate ethics would you consider while taking the decision in this case?\n3) Examine various options available with you for handling the issue at hand. What will you do in the given case?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"1) इस मामले के आधार पर, इसमें शामिल विभिन्न नैतिक दुविधाओं की पहचान करें।\n2) इस मामले में निर्णय लेते समय आप कॉर्पोरेट नैतिकता के किन सिद्धांतों पर विचार करेंगे?\n3) समस्या से निपटने के लिए आपके पास उपलब्ध विभिन्न विकल्पों की जांच करें। दिए गए मामले में आप क्या करेंगे?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":34,"question":"Q.8) Asanpur is a beautiful small district in Northern part of India. It used to be the hub of stone mining activity. However, excessive mining led to environmental degradation and rapid soil erosion while cutting of stone created air pollution hazard. Due to various detrimental impacts, NGT has imposed a ban on stone mining in Asanpur. Despite this ban, the mining mafia has been able to operate with connivance of corrupt government officials and politicians. Many officers have tried to stop this illegal mining, but the powerful mafia has either forced them to submit through force or bribed them or got them transferred through their political contacts. Last week, a DSP lost his life when he was trying to stop a truck carrying illegally mined stones.\nYou recently got promoted and made the SP of Asanpur. Upon taking the charge, you quickly realized the gravity of the problem. Illegal mining was run by organized gangs in the district. It was also linked to other crimes in your city ranging from petty crimes like pick pocketing to serious offenses like kidnapping and murders. Illegal mining and related crime have negatively impacted socio-economic development of the district as youth are increasingly getting involved in the illegal activities and businesses are leaving the district due to high crime rates. You created a special task force and started taking stringent actions against the illegal mining in your district. In a short span of a few weeks you seized thirty dumpers carrying illegally mined stones. Public appreciated your stringent actions while the corrupt ecosystem created by illegal miners was rattled.\nOne day, a junior officer approached you and informed you that he has been receiving threats from the illegal stone miners. He also informs you that others in the task force are also facing problems like someone in the task force is being harassed by reopening an old settled case against him while someone else has received a transfer order to a remote district. This has demotivated the taskforce and reminded them of the connections of illegal miners in the district. The same day, when you reach home, your wife tells you that she got a call from an unknown number threatening her of dire consequences if you do not stop your investigation. You fear that the call was from a member of the organized crime syndicate involved in the illegal mining activity. Your wife is worried about the safety of the family and requests you to be lenient in your work. In this situation, answer the following questions:\n1) How will you motivate the task force to work with honesty in this adverse condition?\n2) How would you justify putting your family at risk in line of your duty?\n3) Identify the various dimensions of the crisis. Based on your understanding, suggest measures to deal with the crisis.","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":35,"question":"1) इस विपरीत परिस्थिति में आप टास्क फोर्स को ईमानदारी से काम करने के लिए कैसे प्रेरित करेंगे?\n2) आप अपने कर्तव्य के क्रम में अपने परिवार को जोखिम में डालने को कैसे उचित ठहराएंगे?\n3) संकट के विभिन्न आयामों की पहचान करें। अपनी समझ के आधार पर संकट से निपटने के उपाय सुझाएं।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":37,"question":"3) Dimensions of the crisis\n1) Illegal mining & mining mafia\n2) Corrupt officials & politicians forming nexus\n3) Increasing illegal activities\n4) Degeneration of Youth\n5) Ailing businesses - economic loss\n6) Threat to police officers, transfers, etc.\n7) Threats to own family","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Q.9 Under the Mid-Day Meal (MDM) scheme, children are served cooked food in their school. It has been revolutionary in not only improving the nutritional status of children but also increasing the retention ratio in schools. However, the quality of food has been a cause of concern. In one of the unfortunate incidents, two students lost their lives and over thirty children fell ill after eating the MDM in their school. The district administration was quick in its action and fired the cook (bhojan-mata) of the concerned school. The bhojan-mata, who belongs to a backward caste, is the sole breadwinner in her family after her husband passed away. In an TV interview related to the incident, Bhojan-mata claimed that she is being made a scapegoat and being targeted only because she belongs to a backward caste. This created a political storm in the state. Opposition parties picked up the issue of social discrimination and started state-wide protest demanding justice for the bhojan-mata. The protest found resonance with masses and the ruling party was severely criticized. To win back the confidence of the public, the government has constituted a commission to investigate the matter in an impartial manner. You are a joint secretary level officer and have been appointed as a member of the commission. During the investigation, you found that bhojan-mata was indeed not at fault. It was the contractor who was supplying poor quality raw materials to the school that caused the food poisoning in children. You also found that the food contractor was the brother of a powerful cabinet minister. You suspect that the district administration was hand-in-glove with the contractor and they connived to implicate bhojan-mata and exonerate the contractor. You brought these findings before the head of the commission. To your surprise, the head of the commission informs you that he was already aware of these facts. He informs you that the minister has asked him to make a report that vindicates the bhojan-mata and reinstates her in order to subdue the opposition led agitations. He asks you to find someone else who can be blamed to ensure that the government is able to save its face as declaring the brother of a sitting cabinet minister responsible would push the government further in trouble. He also tells you that helping the ruling dispensation would ultimately help you, subtly giving hints of getting a 'plum posting' and also warns you that going against the wish of the minister can attract the wrath of the minister that can be disastrous for your career.\n1) What are the various ethical dilemmas that you face in this situation?\n2) What are the different courses of action that you can take? Identify the most suitable course of action and justify your choice.","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":40,"question":"1) 1) इस स्थिति में आप किन विभिन्न नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करते हैं?\n2) कार्रवाई के विभिन्न कदम क्या हैं जो आप ले सकते हैं? कार्रवाई के सबसे उपयुक्त कदम की पहचान करें और अपनी पसंद का औचित्य साबित करें।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.10 On the basis of this case, answer the following questions:\n1) What are the various ethical issues involved in this case?\n2) Do you think Rashmi is justified in demanding a permanent government job?\n3) Do you think the government is justified in terminating the contracts of corona warriors?\n4) Consider yourself in the position of Health secretary in the concerned state. What would you do to address the issue at hand?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":45,"question":"1) इस मामले में शामिल विभिन्न नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\n2) क्या आपको लगता है कि रश्मि का स्थायी सरकारी नौकरी की मांग करना जायज है?\n3) क्या आपको लगता है कि सरकार का कोरोना योद्धाओं के ठेके खत्म करना जायज है?\n4) अपने आप को संबंधित राज्य में स्वास्थ्य सचिव के पद पर विचार करें। मौजूदा मुद्दे को हल करने के लिए आप क्या करेंगे?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":49,"question":"Q.11 On the basis of this case study answer the following questions:\n1) Why do caste-based discriminations still persist even after 75 years of independence?\n2) Examine the various ethical issues involved in this case.\n3) Identify various stakeholders and their responsibilities for creating an egalitarian society.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"1) Reasons for persistance of caste-based discrimination","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Q.12) You are a mutual friend of Jayant and Sarita. One day you received a call from a distressed Jayant and he asks you for your advice on this issue.\n1) Help Jayant identify different options available with him to cope with the crisis? Discuss the merits and demerits of each of these options.\n2) As a mutual friend, what advice would you give to Jayant and Sarita in this case so that they can return back to being a happy couple?\n3) How can Jayant develop the qualities that are required to handle such crisis situations in life?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"1) संकट से निपटने के लिए जयंत के पास उपलब्ध विभिन्न विकल्पों की पहचान करने में मदद करें? इनमें से प्रत्येक विकल्प के गुण-दोषों की विवेचना कीजिए।\n2) एक पारस्परिक मित्र के रूप में, आप इस मामले में जयंत और सरिता को क्या सलाह देंगे ताकि वे एक खुशहाल दंपति के रूप में वापस आ सकें?\n3) जयंत जीवन में ऐसी संकट स्थितियों को संभालने के लिए आवश्यक गुणों को कैसे विकसित कर सकता है?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"}]},{"id":4705,"topper":"Muktendra Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/95145-1385290_2218_muktendra-kumar_rank-819.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to revisit the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution? Discuss with suitable arguments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Highlighting the advantages of online dispute resolution (ODR) mechanism for justice delivery, discuss the challenges associated with its effective implementation in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Despite the constitutional division of powers, Centre-state disputes have been a perennial feature of Indian democracy. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Do you agree with the view that adopting a framework for lobbying will strengthen participative governance and ease of doing business in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Despite the government encouraging open source instead of proprietary technology for government applications, the true potential of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) and digital platforms remains unrealized. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"As a social safety-valve, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) can be the principal vehicles through which communities voice their concerns. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Despite being lauded for its patient centric approach, the implementation of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, remains sluggish and mired with various issues. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to formulate an Urban Employment Guarantee scheme at the national level? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the relevance of BIMSTEC as a regional organisation to fulfil India's strategic aspirations in the Indian Ocean Region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the relevance of the Gujral Doctrine for India with regard to its relations with its immediate neighbours in the present times. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the pivotal role of the \"Officers of Parliament\" in the Indian Parliamentary system. Also, discuss the constitutional and statutory provisions for their impartial functioning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The Finance Commission plays a crucial role in balancing fiscal federalism in India. In this context, examine the recommendations given by the 15th Finance Commission. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Critically assess whether according statutory backing to the Model Code of Conduct will contribute towards free and fair elections in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The market disruption caused by digital revolution warrants renewed focus and perspective to ensure fair competition in the digital economy. In this light, discuss the need to revamp the Competition Commission of India (CCI). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"There is an urgent need for effective whistle-blowing mechanisms and ensuring that necessary safeguards for the protection of whistle-blowers are established in both public and private spheres in India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"State the reasons behind the poor performance of cooperatives in India. Also, discuss the reforms undertaken by the government to overcome the shortcomings. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Public-Private Partnership model, if harnessed properly, has the potential to bridge the gaps in India's healthcare system. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Although the New Education Policy brings with it a commendable vision, its success will depend on its ability to effectively integrate with the government's other policy initiatives. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) is born from a collective desire to make the Indo-Pacific region an engine of global economic growth. Comment. Also, discuss India's concerns in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"India needs to identify the priority areas to further its techno-diplomacy amidst the complexities of expanding digital space and New and Emerging Strategic Technologies. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4706,"topper":"Muktendra Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/25c61-1385290_2217_muktendra-kumar_rank-819.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With examples, discuss how the cultural traditions from various regions of India get reflected in regional music. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Highlighting the emergence of the working class movement, discuss its contribution towards India's freedom struggle. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Do you agree with the view that Gandhian politics was, in a sense, a continuation of Tilak's politics? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"It is said that the world's oceans are losing their 'memory' due to human-induced warming. Comment. Also, discuss the consequences of the phenomenon. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What is soil amendment? Evaluate the benefits and concerns associated with it. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"It has been suggested that the next decade may see a boom in hybrid power plants. Stating the advantages that such power plants offer, discuss the associated challenges. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What are Van Allen Radiation Belts? Explaining their formation, discuss why there has been a growing focus on their study. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss whether marital rape should be criminalised in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What is care economy? Highlight the challenges associated with it and mention the steps taken to address them in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Post-pandemic India is staring at the challenge of \"learning poverty\". Analyse its implications and discuss a way ahead. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Bring out the evolution of mural traditions in South India. Also, elaborate on their significant characteristics. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Indian nationalism that confronted British imperialism in the 19th century was a product of colonial modernity. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Environmentalism surfaced in the form of many organised movements in post independence India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Do you agree with the view that continental blockade was an ill-conceived strategy by Napoleon to conquer Britain through economic means? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What do you understand by the Arctic Paradox? Highlight the spatial distribution of mineral and energy resources in the Arctic region. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Cryosphere changes have a tendency to bring about a devastating impact on the ecosystem and its people. Discuss. Also, enlist measures to tackle this threat. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The frequent instances of urban flooding pose a severe risk to the urban ecosystem in India. Discuss with special emphasis on its impact on the critical infrastructure. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The challenge of unbridled and unbalanced growth of urban spaces in India necessitates reforms in urban planning and capacity. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4707,"topper":"Muktendra Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0d856-1385290_2219_muktendra-kumar_rank-819.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Fiscal policy can be a key tool to reduce income inequality as well as make the poorest and the downtrodden a part of the country's growth story. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Digitizing land records will go a long way in ensuring land reforms as well as lessening the burden on the Indian Judiciary. Elaborate. Also, state the measures taken in this context. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"It has been pointed out that competitive politics to fund mostly non-merit subsidies is pushing a few states in India to the brink of a deep fiscal crisis. In this context, discuss the need to rationalise the subsidy regime in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Micro-irrigation has tremendous potential in transforming farming into a profitable and sustainable venture. Discuss the given statement in the context of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Given its vast resources and technical expertise, India can play a key role in assisting the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) in dealing with the impact of climate change. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The recent \"Disaster Management Plan of Ministry of Panchayati Raj (DMP-MoPR)\" aims to develop disaster resilience at the grassroots level. In this context, discuss the rationale behind the formulation of the Plan and highlight its key components. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the internal security implications emanating from the use of Emerging And Disruptive Technologies (EDT) by state and non-state actors. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Identify the impediments faced by India in boosting its defence exports. Also, discuss the steps taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the multiple issues associated with space debris. Also, state the initiatives taken in recent times to tackle this menace. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The adoption of Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) in India is expected to make e-commerce more inclusive and accessible for consumers. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While an agreement was recently reached at the WTO on a deal to curb “harmful” government fisheries subsidies, certain concerns raised by India suggests that the matter will require further negotiations. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite the advantages that are associated with the hybrid annuity model (HAM) in the road construction sector, the interest in it has moderated due to various reasons. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The existing MSP procurement regime is neither economically nor agro-ecologically sustainable. Elaborate. Also, evaluate the alternative approaches that can be adopted to improve the existing MSP regime. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"It is being argued that India is struggling with overflowing foodgrains in warehouses. Discuss the statement in view of the existing buffer stock policy of India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Recently, the government has asked all ports to prepare a master plan in order to become 'mega ports' by 2047. In light of this, discuss the challenges faced by ports and suggest remedial measures in order to propel India's blue economy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Inequality in income and wealth translates into carbon inequality. In this context, discuss the significance of addressing carbon inequality for India and suggest ways to achieve it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Despite increased and regular occurrences of landslides over the past decade in India, the dominant development paradigm has largely not been modified. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)15","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India needs a smart border management system to balance legitimate cross border flows with national security interests. Discuss. Also, highlight the initiatives taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)15","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Establishing linkages between globalisation and money laundering, discuss the initiatives taken at the national and international levels to combat it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"There have been arguments that India needs to review some of its past assumptions about the nature of outer space and contribute to the development of new global norms. In this context, analyse India's stand in relation to the Artemis Accords. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4708,"topper":"Muktendra Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e48c8-1385290_2220_muktendra-kumar_rank-819.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The logic of limitless wealth lies in the basic human instinct for furthering self-interest in the form of profit. In this context, do you think there is a possibility of pursuing ethical capitalism? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"If a law is unjust, a man is not only right to disobey it, he is obligated to do so. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The capacity of Citizens' Charter to initiate any transformative process is conditioned upon it being appropriately designed and effectively executed. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The moral fiber and ethical conduct of public officials not only influence the standard of governance but also their own interests and performance. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The ongoing debate on euthanasia poses several ethical questions. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Foreign aid is a form of neo-colonialism, as the economically wealthier countries can exploit the developing countries under the cloak of aid. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Throwing light on the idea of Universal Humanism propounded by Rabindranath Tagore, discuss its contemporary relevance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree with the view that it is nature and not nurture which determines the emotional intelligence of a person? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Values that guide public administrators can often compete with each other, owing to their relative importance to the larger public interest. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Is it justifiable to say that corruption is a social phenomenon? What are the various ways through which administrative corruption can be tackled? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \" ; \" \"Overcoming poverty is not a task of charity; it is an act of justice.\" Nelson Mandela (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":4709,"topper":"Mukul Jamloki","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d5114-28393_1020_mukul-jamloki_rank_260.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Enumerate the discretionary powers of the Governor mentioned in the Indian Constitution. Why is it said that the post of governor has become highly politicised?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"CAG is instrumental in securing accountability of the executive to the Parliament in the sphere of financial administration. Elaborate. Enumerate the provisions made in the Constitution to ensure the independence of the CAG.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"What are the different institutional arrangements in India to promote cooperation between the Centre and States? Critically analyse the role of Inter-State Council to enhance cooperative federalism in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"In view of the idea of holding simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies, discuss the advantages that its implementation would lead to and the concerns that it raises.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"While the Competition Commission of India and sector-specific regulators are required to complement each other, overlapping jurisdiction has resulted in regulatory parallelism amongst them. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Criticism about the judiciary should be welcomed, so long as criticisms do not hamper the \"administration of justice\". In this context discuss whether the power of contempt of court given to the higher judiciary limits the freedom granted by Article 19 (a) and whether these two can be reconciled.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Despite being a welcome step, Inter-State Water Disputes (Amendment) Bill, 2017 fails to resolve the issue of overlapping of jurisdiction between the legislature and judiciary. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Critically discuss the major reforms introduced in the area of electoral funding in Union Budget 2017. Do you think that state funding of elections is a viable idea to check misuse of money power in politics?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Discuss the significance of the concept of Office of Profit as enshrined in the Indian Constitution. Why has it been embroiled in controversies for a long time? Analyse the role played by judiciary in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"The provisions of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution devolve some essential powers to the lower levels in order to cater to the needs of the tribal community. Discuss, while examining the modern day challenges faced by the institutions set up under the Sixth Schedule.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Special rights are not privileges but they are granted to make it possible for minorities to preserve their identity, culture and traditions. Elaborate in the context of India with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"While it has been argued that the judiciary should be brought under RTI, a balance also needs to be maintained between independence of the judiciary and the right of people to know. In this context, discuss the pros and cons of bringing the judiciary under the ambit of RTI.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Differentiate between pressure groups and political parties. It is often said that pressure groups are primarily a consequence of inadequacies of the political parties in India. Discuss the above statement in the context of rising environmental protection groups.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Give an account of the factors responsible for the limited success of Lok Adalats. What measures are required to ensure that Lok Adalats function as an effective dispute redressal mechanism?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"The provision of 33% reservation of seats for women in urban local body elections in Nagaland has been in news for various reasons in recent times. Discuss the underlying issues in light of the constitutional provisions at stake and the social realities of the state.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Government advertisements have often been viewed as misuse of taxpayer's money for enhancing the image of political parties. Discuss in the light of relevant SC rulings. Also enumerate the recommendations made by the Twentieth Law Commission to address the issue of paid news and political advertisements.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"A clear delineation of functions of local governments vis-à-vis State Governments will only strengthen the principle of subsidiarity. In this context, discuss the challenges and the reforms required for effective democratic decentralization in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Vast powers have been vested in the office of the Speaker to strengthen the democratic institutions of the parliamentary system, and not to stifle dissent or protest in the House. Comment in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Tenth Schedule of the Constitution and the subsequent amendments have failed at solving the problem of defections and opportunistic politics. Critically analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"It is the Parliamentary system, with its basis on constant accountability, accommodation and inclusion, which can best serve the needs of the country. Examine, keeping in mind the arguments that are periodically put forward for adopting the Presidential system in India.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4710,"topper":"Mukul Jamloki","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c61c6-28393_1024_mukul-jamloki_rank_260.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The idea of Universal Basic income has gained appeal in recent months. Enumerating the challenges in its implementation, discuss whether it can be a potent tool to reduce leakages in the system and address inequality in the economy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"A peculiar combination of factors explain India's poor export performance in recent times. Comment. How can the Foreign Trade Policy help in improving India's share in global trade?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4711,"topper":"Mukul Jamloki","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/75d5f-28393_1021_mukul-jamloki_rank_260.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Identify the key objectives of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. Also highlight the challenges in its implementation. (POCSO) , 2012 ,","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Discuss how the design of MGNREGA program makes it more successful than other rural development programmes.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Self-employment of the poor has been an important objective of the anti-poverty programmes and SHGs have played a significant role in this. Elucidate with examples. Also discuss the problems which plague the model of SHG micro-finance in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Give an account of the issues that arise due to short tenure of civil servants in India. Critically discuss the move of setting up a Civil Services Board in order to address this problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"India's health system is one of the most privatised in the world, poorly regulated and accessible only to those with income levels well above the average. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Keeping in mind the importance of NGOs in India's development process it is imperative that adequate legal and regulatory mechanisms should be in place. Discuss in the context of recent developments.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"While on one hand, there has been proliferation of use of digital technology, on the other hand, resulting digital dividends have not been forthcoming. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"The public policy requirements of the 21st century demand a bureaucracy less generalist in nature. Analyse in the context of Indian civil services.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Explain how the National Digital Library (NDL) can bring a fundamental shift in the paradigm of education and research. Also highlight the challenges that need to be addressed to make NDL self-sustainable.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Census 2011 observed that there has been a significant increase in urban homeless households in the period between 2001 and 2011. What are homeless households? Highlighting the challenges faced by them, discuss the causes for increase in such households. Suggest various measures to rehabilitate these households.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"What is the criteria for a village being recognized as electrified? Examine the challenges present in rural electrification in India. Elaborate upon some of the recent initiatives of the government with a special emphasis on Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"While the Right to Education (RTE) Act was based on noble intentions, implementation of many of its provisions remain ridden with problems. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Critically examining the key provisions of The Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill 2016, discuss whether a complete ban on commercial surrogacy is justified.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"It is often strongly suggested that scarce government resources should be redirected in favour of primary education rather than higher education. In this context, analyse whether curtailing public spending in higher education would help in achieving the principle of equity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Accessibility is the key to inclusion and equal access for people with disabilities. Analyse. Also discuss the objectives and components of the Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan with a special emphasis on inclusiveness and accessibility index.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"The Olympic Task Force constituted to prepare an action plan for the next three Olympic Games is a step in the right direction. Comment. Also highlight other initiatives required to augment India's performance in the sporting arena internationally.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Recent judgment of the Supreme Court, amending the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 has invoked varied reponses. Highlighting the amendment, critically examine its likely impact on the application of the law.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Inspite of its usefulness as a tool of transparency and accountability, the RTI Act needs to be amended as it is being widely misused, especially to blackmail public functionaries. Critically examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"The transgender community has been among one of the most marginalized communities in India. Discuss. How does the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill 2016 seek to protect transgenders from discrimination and address the problems faced by them?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Though the Forest Rights Act 2006 tries to undo the historic injustice done to the forest dweller and tribals, it has been argued that it is being misused. Critically analyse.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4712,"topper":"Mukul Jamloki","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b00bf-28393_875_mukul-jamloki_rank_260.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Centralising recruitment through an All-India Judicial Service (AIJS) will not address the multiple problems in the judiciary and cause new ones instead. Critically evaluate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"The roots of the most pertinent challenges faced by Indian politics today can be traced to the lack of intra-party democracy in candidate selection and internal elections. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"While the idea behind merger of autonomous bodies in India is to curb overlapping work and reduce expenditure, it may end up doing more harm than good. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Well-defined electoral laws and greater powers for the Election Commission of India are required as the existing laws and mechanisms are inadequate to deal with new challenges. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Privileges should be defined and delimited for the free and independent functioning of the legislatures. In this context, discuss whether there is a need to re-examine the balance between fundamental rights and parliamentary privileges in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The principle of accountability is an essential part of the rule of law. In this context, discuss the lacunae in government's approach and judiciary's response to the phenomenon of extrajudicial killings in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Explain the rationale behind enacting the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016. Discuss how it can help in revitalizing consumer confidence in the real estate market. Also highlight the hurdles that remain in implementing it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Moving the subject of water from state list to concurrent list will solve the issues related to governance of water resources. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Give an account of the areas of potential conflict in the relationship between the political executive and civil servants. Also discuss why a healthy working relationship between the two is critical for good governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Despite their location in the non-political domain of civil society, NGOs have ended up playing a key, if indirect, role in India's politics. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Magnitude of India's urbanisation is not unusual but the pattern is. In this context, examine the issues in the governance of cities in India. Also suggest the reforms required to make Indian cities dynamos of competitive sub-federalism.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Social boycott should be treated as a criminal offence, rather than being considered as just another form of social evil plaguing the Indian society. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"It has been argued that the recent order of the Supreme Court to prevent the misuse of Section 498A institutionalises the prejudices and rehabilitates the myths, which the women's movement in India has battled over decades. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"As strategic interests between India and US continue to converge, defence has emerged as a major area of cooperation between the two. Discuss the significance and possible implications of this development.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"India's contribution to peacekeeping missions of the United Nations has remained steadfast despite changes in the nature, form and variety of UN peace keeping missions. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"India's partnership with Africa is an amalgam of African development priorities as well as India's development objectives. Discuss. Also highlight the initiatives taken by India in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Comment on the role of International Court of Justice in upholding the values of international law. In this context, also highlight the association of India with the ICJ over the years.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"In view of the focus on trans-regional economic corridors and changing regional geo-politics and geo-economics, critically discuss the idea of an Indo-Pacific Economic Corridor.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4713,"topper":"Mukul Jamloki","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/65bf7-28393_877_mukul-jamloki_rank_260.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The seeds of patriarchy and gender inequality are sown at home, which manifest as a weed at the societal level. Elucidate. Suggest an ethical framework to systematically address the issue of patriarchy in the Indian society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"What are the factors which drive people to take law in their own hands rather than following the due process of law? Discuss ways to address the problem of mob justice.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"In a democracy, the purpose of the government should be to make it easy for people to do good and difficult to do wrong. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss John Stuart Mill's idea on freedom of thought and expression. Also, give reasons as to why, according to Mill, representative democracy is the best form of government despite its inherent weaknesses.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"It is argued by some that nuclear weapons have acted more as a deterrent than leading to war and mass destruction. In this context, discuss whether it is ethically right to possess nuclear weapons to create nuclear deterrence.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Differentiate between administration and leadership. Highlighting the traits which characterize an effective leader, discuss the importance of leadership in ensuring effective public service delivery in a bureaucratic setup.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Apart from functional knowledge and expertise, the efficacy of a civil servant also depends upon his emotional intelligence. How does emotional intelligence contribute to efficacy? How can civil servants enhance their emotional intelligence?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Enumerate the mechanisms that promote accountability of public officials in discharging their functions and responsibilities in India. Also discuss why ensuring accountability for performance is not a simple task in government service.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) \"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"\"Prejudices are what fools use for reason.\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Ensuring that government decisions are not influenced by public officials' private interests is a growing concern. Discuss in the context of India. Also enumerate the core principles reflected by OECD guidelines for managing conflict of interest in the public sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Discuss, with examples, the significance of principles of public life as recommended by Nolan committee. Why are these principles considered as an essential set of expectations from public servants?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"A peculiar inhuman situation exists for the people fleeing from war zones - they cannot go back to their homeland for fear of being persecuted and no country is ready to bear their burden due to various reasons. Citing contemporary examples, discuss the ethical issues involved in such situations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"As the administrator in-charge of your area, you are witness to the widespread food wastage in lavish parties as well as in restaurants and eateries, on one hand and people starving due to inability to ensure one square-meal a day, on the other. Realizing that it is not the scarcity of resources, but the habit of people that is causing paucity in availability of food, you decide that certain measures are needed to be taken in order to deal with the issue of starvation at the grassroot level. 20 Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) What measures would you take to deal with wastage of food in your area? (c) What explains this co-existence of affluence and hunger in developing countries like India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"The excluded and marginalized section of society are worst hit by globalization. Take the case of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) like Sentinelese of Andaman & Nicobar islands; their population has reduced drastically and they are facing various other problems as well. In this context answer the following questions: 20 (a) What are the challenges faced by PVTGs due to globalisation? (b) If you are posted as a Development Officer in such an area, what will be your priorities to reduce their vulnerabilities and ensure welfare?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Undercover journalism exposes injustices, negligence, corruption and wrongdoing and yet going undercover to expose wrongdoing remains controversial. But, undercover journalists contend that they are fulfilling a fundamental duty of finding truth through their journalism. They argue that public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy and the duty of the journalist is to further those ends by seeking truth and providing a fair and comprehensive account of events and issues. So, there are some supporters of this kind of journalism, which sometimes infringe the privacy of individuals. However, some journalists also urge avoiding surreptitious methods of gathering information except when traditional open methods not yield information vital to the public. In this context, answer the following questions: 20 (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the practice of undercover journalism? (b) Do you support the practice of undercover investigation by journalists? Give reasons in support of your answer.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You are posted as a District Education Officer (DEO) in a Maoist affected district. You have been specifically given the responsibility to work on the literacy mission. After reading the education reports and doing field visits, you find that the number of out of school children has increased drastically and the motivation among students and teachers is also low. While certain basic infrastructure is already in place, the major hurdle in attracting students to these schools include the attitude of inhabitants towards education and the security risks involved in sending children to schools. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Analyse the reasons behind such an attitude. 20 (b) As a DEO, what are the steps that you would take in order to increase the school attendance and change the prevalent attitude of inhabitants towards education?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Mr. Pradeep is a senior civil servant in the central government and is involved in the budgeting department. In the course of performing his duties, he comes to know about diversion of funds earmarked for SC/ST sub-plan for other purposes. While he is not directly responsible for this aspect of the budget, he raised his concerns to the department concerned. He also learns that the minister responsible as well as senior most civil servants are aware of the practice and have given tacit approval for it. Soon thereafter, Pradeep was summoned to talk on the issue and was told that since the matter is not within his jurisdiction, he should 'keep his nose out of it'. After much soul searching, Pradeep decided to obey his supervisors by leaving the matter alone. Based on the information given, answer the following questions: 20 (a) Elaborate on the internal dissonance that Pradeep faces in the given situation. (b) On what basis can the decision of Pradeep be justified? (c) Had you been in Pradeep's place, what would have been the course of action chosen by you? Recognise the merits and demerits, if any.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4714,"topper":"Mukul Khandelwal","air":229,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Sleepy Classes","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://sleepyclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/MukulKhandelwal_HLT-1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4715,"topper":"Mukul Khandelwal","air":229,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Sleepy Classes","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://sleepyclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Mukul_Khandelwal_HLT2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4716,"topper":"Mukul Khandelwal","air":229,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Sleepy Classes","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://sleepyclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/MUKULKHANDELWAL-HLT3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4717,"topper":"Mukul Khandelwal","air":229,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Sleepy Classes","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://sleepyclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Mukul_Khandelwal_Mains-Sectional-Test1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4718,"topper":"Mukul Khandelwal","air":229,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Sleepy Classes","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://sleepyclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/MukulKhandelwal-Mains-Sectional-Test-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4719,"topper":"Mukul Khandelwal","air":229,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Sleepy Classes","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://sleepyclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/MukulKhandelwal_Mains-Sectional-Test-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Question 1. Write a short note on Social Stratification and Gender. How is it being addressed in India. (10 Marks) Question 2. Do you think that the boundary line between ethnicity and race is blurred? Justify your answer. (10 Marks) Question 3. Analyze the social organization of work in capitalist society, focusing on the 'Limits of the working day'. (10 Marks) Question 4. Discuss how promoting higher education in regional languages can fosters social inclusion. (10 Marks) Question 5. What is glocalization? How it influences the dynamics of the Indian informal sector. (10 Marks) (All the Questions shall be answered in not more than 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Question 2. Do you think that the boundary line between ethnicity and race is blurred? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Question 3. Analyze the social organization of work in capitalist society, focusing on the 'Limits of the working day'.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Question 4. Discuss how promoting higher education in regional languages can fosters social inclusion.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Question 5. What is glocalization? How it influences the dynamics of the Indian informal sector.","marks":"10","words":null}]},{"id":4720,"topper":"Mukul Khandelwal","air":229,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Sleepy Classes","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://sleepyclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/MukulKhandelwal_Mains-Sectional-Test-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Question 1. Critically analyze the functionalist perspectives on the institution of family. How do these perspectives assist in understanding the family in contemporary society? (10 Marks) Question 2. Highlight the differences and similarities between totemism and animism. (10 Marks) Question 3. Are social movements traditional in their methods but progressive in their goals? Explain. (10 Marks) Question 4. Do you think Vilfredo Pareto's theory of the Circulation of Elites is relevant in modern societies? Critically examine. (10 Marks) Question 5. Evaluate, how caste ideology has contributed to the strengthening of democracy? (10 Marks) (All the Questions shall be answered in not more than 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Question 2. Highlight the differences and similarities between totemism and animism.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Question 3. Are social movements traditional in their methods but progressive in their goals? Explain.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Question 4. Do you think Vilfredo Pareto's theory of the Circulation of Elites is relevant in modern societies? Critically examine.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Question 5. Evaluate, how caste ideology has contributed to the strengthening of democracy?","marks":"10","words":null}]},{"id":4721,"topper":"Mukul Khandelwal","air":229,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Sleepy Classes","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://sleepyclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/MukulKhandelwal_Mains-Sectional-Test-5.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Question 1. Discuss G.S. Ghurye's Indological approach to understand society in India. (10 Marks) Question 2. Analyse different forms of untouchability in India (10 Marks) Question 3. Caste-like formations are present in non-Hindu religious communities as well. Elaborate with examples. (10 Marks) Question 4. Explain B. R. Ambedkar's concept of \"Annihilation of Caste\"? (10 Marks) Question 5. Analyse the contribution of Yogendra Singh's theory of India's modernization. (10 Marks) (All the Questions shall be answered in not more than 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Question 2. Analyse different forms of untouchability in India","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Question 3. Caste-like formations are present in non-Hindu religious communities as well. Elaborate with examples.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Question 4. Explain B. R. Ambedkar's concept of \"Annihilation of Caste\"?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Question 5. Analyse the contribution of Yogendra Singh's theory of India's modernization.","marks":"10","words":null}]},{"id":4722,"topper":"Mukul Khandelwal","air":229,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Sleepy Classes","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://sleepyclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/MukulKhandelwal_Mains-Sectional-Test-6.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Question 1. Write short note with sociological perspective: Verrier Elwin's views on freedom for the tribals. (10 Marks) Question 2. Discuss the evolving roles of middle-class women in contemporary India. (10 Marks) Question 3. Analyze household dimensions of family in India. (10 Marks) Question 4. Analyze how factionalism manifests in Indian rural society. (10 Marks) Question 5. Comment on how the banning of 'Sati' contributed to the eradication of a major social evil in colonial India.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Question 2. Discuss the evolving roles of middle-class women in contemporary India.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Question 3. Analyze household dimensions of family in India.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Question 4. Analyze how factionalism manifests in Indian rural society.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Question 5. Comment on how the banning of 'Sati' contributed to the eradication of a major social evil in colonial India.","marks":"10","words":null}]},{"id":4723,"topper":"Mukul Khandelwal","air":229,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Sleepy Classes","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://sleepyclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/MukulKhandelwal_Mains-Sectional-Test7.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4724,"topper":"Mukul Khandelwal","air":229,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Sleepy Classes","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://sleepyclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/MukulKhandelwal-Mains-Sectional-Test-8.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4725,"topper":"Mukund Kr","air":54,"year":2019,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/83cc5-49120_1255_mukund-kr_rank_54.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4726,"topper":"Mukund Kr","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/f0a44-49120_1231_mukund-kr_rank_54.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by New Social Movements in independent India? In this context, discuss the key features of the New Farmers' Movements. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The years 1975-77 marked a period of both challenges to and triumph of democracy in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss the challenges that were specific to the process of post-independence integration of North East India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What challenges did independent India face in integration of princely states? In this context, throw light on the role played by Sardar Patel. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Reforms introduced by Mikhail Gorbachev, though aimed at transforming the USSR, ultimately led to its disintegration. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The cultural revolution in China was an example of the cult of personality leading to widespread destruction. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Though the conditions in France were vastly different from those in America, many of the driving factors behind the two revolutions were similar. Discuss in the context of French revolution. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Critically discuss the successes and failures of League of Nations in removing the major obstacles to peace after the First World War. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Give an account of the the Iranian Revolution of 1979 and discuss its impact on the politics of West Asia. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The similarities between the rival dictatorships of Hitler and Stalin were far more striking than their differences. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The integration of tribals was a crucial issue facing independent India. Highlight the main arguments in the debates on this issue that helped shape the government policy. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Even though the leading Indian Nationalists had long been sensible of the power of the mother tongue to rouse and move, linguistic reorganisation of states after independence took some time to become a reality. Explain. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Critically evaluate the role of caste based mobilisations and movements in improving the socio-economic and political status of scheduled castes and backward classes in post-independence India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Trace the root causes of what culminated in the 1980's as a crisis in Punjab. What steps were taken to diffuse it? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Equitable distribution of land plays an important role in bringing about socio-economic transformation. In this regard, analyse the progress of land reforms measures taken in India since independence. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Comparing the process of decolonisation in Africa and Asia, explain why did it take longer for African countries to gain independence. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Discuss whether the Second World War was a conflict of ideologies or an inevitable international conflict resulting from pursuit of imperial interests. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What were the possible reasons that led to The Great Depression in the late 1920s? Also, elucidate its impact beyond the United States. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Apart from industrial revolution, there were other factors as well that contributed to the race for colonies in the 19th century. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Discuss the role of the socialist movement of the 19th century in presenting a critique of capitalism and providing an alternative. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4727,"topper":"Mukund Kr","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e866f-49120_1237_mukund-kr_rank_54.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"There is need for a more effective implementation of the existing provisions, as well as strengthening the current legal and institutional frameworks for addressing issues related to sexual harassment at workplace. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Despite existing mechanisms and laws, crimes against children have been rising in India. Discuss the reasons behind this trend. What more can be done in this context to address the prevalent situation? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Democratic processes and practices in India have refashioned caste in multiple ways. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Globalization has been a significant force in shaping the contemporary education system in India in both positive and negative ways. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The lack of clarity over what constitutes an urban area encourages haphazard development pattern in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The changing employment landscape across the globe makes it imperative that vocational education be integrated with the school curriculum in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Communalism in India is fuelled by socio-economic disparities and politicization of identities. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are the factors due to which Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) remain one of the most backward groups in India? Highlight the steps taken by the government for their upliftment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Examine the reasons behind prevalence of child labour in India. What steps have been taken by the Indian government for addressing the menace of child labour? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Regionalism need not be regarded as unhealthy unless it takes a militant, aggressive turn and encourages the growth of secessionist tendencies. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Universal Health Coverage is a worthwhile goal, however achieving this in a country like India is a challenging task. Analyse. In this context, discuss the significance of the Ayushman Bharat Scheme. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Given the scale of internal migration in India, highlight the challenges faced by migrants. In this context, discuss the need for a National Policy on Migration. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Examine the contemporary trends and reasons for change in the traditional family structure in India. Discuss the reforms needed in the existing social security protection measures in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What are the various challenges that persons with disabilities face in living a dignified life? Suggest some measures for ensuring their effective participation in society. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"India is currently facing \"triple burden\" of undernutrition, overnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies. Examine the reasons and suggest some measures for combating them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The strategy for combating poverty in India must rest on both effective implementation of anti-poverty programmes and employment intensive economic growth. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Critically examine the impact of globalization on rural society in India. Also delineate some strategies for tapping the opportunities offered by globalization. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Patriarchy is not mere economic dependence but also operates in cultural habits and dominates the minds of males and females equally. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Indian society in ancient, medieval and modern times always exhibited an underlying unity that created a composite culture, which is decisively pan-Indian in nature. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4728,"topper":"Mukund Kr","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/798a6-49120_1234_mukund-kr_rank_54.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explaining the reasons behind India's lower female labour force participation rates (LFPR), list the steps that have been taken to augment it. What more needs to be done? (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Parliamentary scrutiny over public finance is an important aspect of governmental accountability. In this context, discuss the role, importance and challenges in establishing a Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO) for effective oversight of budgetary process. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the various challenges faced by MSMEs in accessing credit. Also, mention some of the recent steps taken by the government and RBI to address this issue. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"By rebalancing project risks between the public and private sectors, the HAM model has encouraged investments in the road infrastructure sector. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"In view of the growing significance of FinTech innovations, discuss the potential and challenges of mainstreaming FinTech in Indian economy. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"With India striving to achieve its development objectives, examine how blue economy can help in pursuing the objectives of economic development and ecological sustainability. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Despite many advantages associated with Electric Vehicles, there are many technical and commercial challenges for mainstreaming them. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"A rapidly changing economic structure and demography require a comprehensive employment policy to address the multitude of challenges that might arise in future. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Examine the need for a comprehensive policy on e-commerce in view of its domestic expansion as well as safeguarding India's interests globally. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the need for deepening bond markets for Indian economy. Also, identify the reasons behind weak development of bond market in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"In the context of IL&FS crisis, explain the risks that the economy faces due to laxity in the regulation of the Non Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs). (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"What do you understand by Universal Basic Income (UBI)? Discuss the advantages that it presents over the existing social protection schemes in India. Also, identify the criticism associated with the idea of UBI for a country like India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Critically examine the practice of resorting to farm loan waivers as a means to alleviate agricultural distress. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight the factors responsible for rise in the number of start-ups in India in recent years. Analyzing the challenges in the existing start-up ecosystem, suggest some measures to resolve them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the idea of participatory budgeting and its significance for India. Also, identify the challenges in mainstreaming participatory budgeting in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Can the consolidation of banks help in stemming the existing problems in the banking sector? Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"There is a high cost of compliance as well as complexities associated with existing labour laws at centre and state levels. Discuss. What steps have recently been taken by the central government to address these challenges? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Why have Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in India not been able to achieve the desired objectives? In this context, suggest some measures to revive SEZs in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Why has the contribution of manufacturing sector, as a percentage of the GDP, remained stagnant in the recent years? In this context, analyse the achievements of National Manufacturing Policy, 2011 with regards to its intended objectives. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"One of the goals that a developing economy aspires for is to bring down the Incremental Capital-Output Ratio (ICOR). In this context, what are the constraints that underlie the efficient conversion of savings rate to investments in the Indian economy? Also suggest some measures to improve this efficiency. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4729,"topper":"Mukund Kr","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/34931-49120_1244_mukund-kr_rank_54.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the need of an Independent Fiscal Council (IFC) in bringing about transparency and accountability in fiscal processes in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Recognizing the potential of exports in generating employment, a number of steps need to be taken to address India's weakening export competitiveness. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlighting the main features of National Mineral Policy, 2019, discuss how it can help in ensuring sustainable and responsible mining. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlighting the salient features of the PM JI-VAN Yojana, analyze how it can assist in achieving the vision and goals of the National Policy on Biofuels, 2018. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) provides an alternative to capital and chemical intensive agriculture currently being practiced in India. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Marine life is facing 'irreparable damage' from the millions of tonnes of plastic waste which ends up in the oceans each year. In this context, examine the implications of plastic pollution on marine ecosystem and suggest some measures for addressing this problem. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are black holes? Highlight the challenges in imaging a black hole? How were these challenges overcome by the Event Horizon Telescope project? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"While mentioning the objectives of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), discuss the challenges which are hindering the utilization of the ATT to its full potential. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Threats to internal security of India may be posed both through the communication networks and also to the networks. Discuss. Also, highlight the steps taken by the government in making the networks more secure. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlight the importance and challenges related to integration of Variable Renewable Energy (VRE) in India. Mention some steps that can be taken for its smooth integration with the synchronized Indian grid. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"There have been arguments that India could fall into a 'middle income trap'. Explaining the phenomenon, highlight the reasons behind such arguments. How can India avoid it? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Highlighting its importance, discuss the major issues that plague effective monetary policy transmission in India. Also, mention the steps taken by RBI to improve it. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight the constraints faced by rainfed agriculture in India. Discuss some agronomic practices that can be adopted for stabilizing agricultural production in rainfed areas. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite the steps taken by the government in recent years, a number of problems continue to persist in the urea sector in India. Discuss. What reforms should be taken to address the persisting problems? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What is Access and Benefit Sharing? Explain how it aids in sustainable use of biodiversity. Also, mention the different global and national level mechanisms for ensuring Access and Benefit Sharing. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Stating the significance, discuss the challenges in achieving disaster resilience of infrastructure. Suggest some ways for mainstreaming it in the development paradigm. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Highlighting the significance of data localization for India, discuss various challenges associated with data localization. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Money Laundering as a socio economic offence is a menace especially for developing countries like India. Comment. What measures have been taken at the domestic and international levels to deal with this menace? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The primary motive of terrorism differs from that of organised crime but there exists a symbiotic relationship between the two. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4730,"topper":"MUKUND KUMAR","air":897,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/48f94f4c58dc4d501f6f42102607e751/34/pttp221597_tc063.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4731,"topper":"MUKUND KUMAR","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/6/pttp221597_tc072-test-02-gs-02.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"There is a need to resolve the ambiguity in the disqualification provisions under section 8 of the Representation of People Act 1951. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Constitution is a mere skeleton whereas constitutionalism is the soul of democracy. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Electoral bonds are a double-edged sword, providing anonymity to donors while raising concerns about transparency in political funding. To what extent have electoral bonds further legitimized opacity in electoral funding? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The question of gender equality is central to the debate on Uniform Civil Code. In this light what are the challenges in reconciling UCC with gender equality as enshrined in the constitution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The Governor's office is neither decorative nor inconsequential, it assumes a constitutional role of profound essence. To what extent does the Governor, actively contribute to the governance of a state and reinforce the principles of federalism in the country? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Recently demand has been rising in a state regarding the enactment of Social Accountability Law. How such a law can lead to good governance and boost citizens' participation in decision-making. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"There is a need for convergence of 'nutrition-specific' and 'nutrition-sensitive' interventions to effectively tackle child undernutrition in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"MGNREGA, the lynchpin of rural poverty alleviation, has become the victim of fiscal apathy. Critically analyze the statement in light of recent developments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"India must leverage, if not manage, the global divides. How can the current geopolitical churn pave the way for India's rise to the global high table? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Berlin can be India's gateway to the European Union. Elaborate with respect to Germany's significance in India's relationship with the EU. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"How has the Anti-Defection Law impacted the relationship between political parties and individual legislators in India? In light of the recent incidents also discuss the unintended consequences it has on the functioning of democracy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Critics assert that limitless judicial authority rests on the structural ambiguity of the basic structure doctrine. Has the elastic nature of the basic structure doctrine made the judiciary more powerful than the executive? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Fundamental rights are not gifts bestowed upon the state rather an individual possesses them independently of the state. In this context discuss the desirability of reasonable restrictions on various fundamental rights. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"S.R. Bommai v. Union of India signified a paradigm shift in the judicial interpretation of the union's authority to assume control of a state's administration.' In this context discuss the significance and impact of the judgement on cementing the federal structure. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The key to effective decentralization is, 'political decentralization should follow finance and functional decentralization'. Discuss in the context of impediments faced by local governance in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"How has the implementation of the POSH Act resulted in limited success in raising awareness about sexual harassment, and what factors have hindered its effective outreach to women employed in the unorganized sector? Propose strategies to bridge this gap and ensure comprehensive protection for women in the unorganized sector against workplace harassment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"'Neo-liberal reforms and globalization have deeply transformed the institutions of the welfare state and set the ground for a new type of civil services.' In this context examine the challenges faced in service delivery and suggest adequate reforms. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"China views India as its Asian Rival with an innate ability to counter its hegemonic goals in Asia. Despite these difficulties in India-China relations, there are also many areas of convergence. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Indo -Pacific region in recent times has emerged as a zone of diverging interests and priorities. Discuss. Do you think the Global Security Initiative will supersede QUAD in the region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4732,"topper":"MUKUND KUMAR","air":897,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/7/pttp221597_tc073-test-03-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4733,"topper":"MUKUND KUMAR","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/8/pttp221597_tc074-test-04-gs-04.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Public service requires not merely legal but also morally principled action. Public service requires the public servant to place loyalty to the constitution, laws, and ethical principles. Among the three, which do you think must acquire primacy while carrying out official functions? Why? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"What do you understand by integrity-based civil disobedience? Do you think a challenge to personal integrity can be a justifiable cause for responsible disobedience in civil services? Explain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Recent research has shown that emotions significantly impact personal and professional lives. What are the primary emotions that negatively and positively impact workplace productivity? Explain with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Technical efficiency ensures resource utilization and social efficiency ensures fulfillment of social needs, what does ethical efficiency ensure? Do you think ethical efficiency is more important than technical and social efficiency? Why/Why not? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Man cannot do right in one department of life whilst he is occupied in doing wrong in any other department. Gandhi. Do you think an individual's personal ethics impacts professional life or they both can be compartmentalized? Explain your position with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Goodness is the result of internal imperatives to do what is right, not sanctions from moral rules or rewards from expected consequences. Do you agree? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Citizens' involvement in decision-making is critical to ethics in governance. Do you agree that effective civic engagement mechanisms can facilitate an ethics-driven administration? What do you think are the mechanisms that citizens can use for ensuring ethics in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Social transformation programs such as beti bachao and beti padhao believes in using advice, counseling, and persuasion but sometimes a little force is also necessary for getting the desired response. Do you think it is a good idea to mix little force with persuasion by public administrators while implementing social schemes of transformation? Explain with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Ultimately foreign policy of every country hinges upon the strength which the nation possesses. Strength may be military or financial and may be also...moral. Do you think ethical strength without military or financial muscle will be respected in today's world? Explain your position. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":4734,"topper":"MUKUND KUMAR","air":897,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/3/pttp221597_tc072-test-02-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4735,"topper":"MUKUND KUMAR","air":897,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/4/pttp221597_tc073-test-03-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4736,"topper":"MUKUND KUMAR","air":897,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/5/pttp221597_tc074-test-04-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4737,"topper":"Mukund Singh Chahar","air":191,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/af561-371697_1457_mukund_singh_chahar_rank_191.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4738,"topper":"Muskan Dagar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AF-GftnbJ8p6MaaOb3uPTID8KlixkCdA/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) Ethical governance is the foundation of a welfare state. Identify essential ethical traits of a welfare state. Discuss ways and means to promote ethics in governance.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) While one group considers abortion as unmitigated evil, the other sees it as morally acceptable. Analyse various ethical concerns related to abortion and give your opinion on the issue.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) Conscience keeps ethics from fading when faced with a tough decision. Discuss in context of civil servants.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) What are the various conflicts of values that civil servants face while performing their duty? How can such conflicts be resolved? Discuss with illustrations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) a) Emotional intelligence (EI) not only helps in managing stress but also transforms distress into eustress. Elaborate with relevant examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) Differentiate between the following:\ni. Gratitude and Gratification\nii. Moral myopia vs Moral muteness","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.4) a) Although attitude and behaviour are interrelated, the former is a predisposition while the latter is an option. Discuss the structure of attitude and explain the relationship between attitude and behaviour.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"b) Civil servants should work for a cause and not for applause. In light of this statement, examine why bureaucratic anonymity is considered a foundational value for a civil servant. How far do you agree that the principle of bureaucratic anonymity has been diluted in the age of social media?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.5 What does each of the following quotation mean to you?\na) A man can give up a right, but he may not give up a duty without being guilty of a grave dereliction.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"b) Justice without force is futile, force without justice is tyrannical.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.6) a) Ethics in international relations is a myth, only national interest determines the foreign policy. How far do you agree with this statement? Discuss with suitable illustrations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"b) It is not power, but fear that corrupts. Fear of losing power corrupts those who wield it and fear of the scourge of power corrupts those who are subject to it. Examine the statement in context of political corruption.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"c) Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel. What do you understand by this statement? In your opinion, which five values should Indian education system inculcate in every student? Justify your choice.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7) Based on this case study, answer the following:\na) Identify various ethical issues involved in this incident.\nb) In your opinion, whether vaccine mandates are a violation of individual liberty or a reasonable restriction on personal freedom. Justify.\nc) Discuss the ethical responsibility of famous personalities while conducting themselves in public.","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":30,"question":"इस केस स्टडी के आधार पर, निम्नलिखित के उत्तर दें :\na) इस घटना में शामिल विभिन्न नैतिक मुद्दों को पहचान करें।\nb) आपकी राय में क्या वैक्सीन अधिदेश व्यक्तिगत स्वतंत्रता का उल्लंघन है या व्यक्तिगत स्वतंत्रता पर उचित प्रतिबंध है। उचित सिद्ध करें।\nc) सार्वजनिक रूप से स्वयं का संचालन करते समय प्रसिद्ध व्यक्तियों की नैतिक जिम्मेदारी पर चर्चा करें।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":31,"question":"B) Vaccines mandates as violation of individual liberty\n1) Health based decisions very personal\n2) Infringement on right to choose\n3) Infringement on right to bodily autonomy\n4) Restrictions on movement - against fundamental right to movement (Art. 19)\n5) Can be discriminatory against sections that can't avail vaccines\n6) Doesn't consider religious sentiments\n7) Doesn't consider underlying health conditions\n8) Imposes blanket restrictions","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Q.8) You are an IFS officer who heads a diplomatic mission in a European country. You live there with your wife and children. Your parents and few of your relatives are also visiting you for vacation. The country is known for its scenic mountains and it is a popular destination for tourists. In an unexpected turn of events, the country in which you are posted has been attacked by its neighbour due to some unresolved bilateral issues. All the major transportation channels have been adversely impacted by the attack. Flights have been cancelled and airspace above the country has been declared unsafe for commercial aircrafts. You have received an urgent communication from New Delhi asking you to prepare a plan for evacuation of Indians from the besieged country. You have been informed that a friendly neighbouring country of India has sought India's help to evacuate its citizens. Due to war, only a limited number of people can be evacuated in one go and multiple rounds would be required for evacuating everyone. You have identified following groups of people who are to be evacuated:\ni. You, your wife, children, parents and relatives.\nii. Diplomatic staff at the mission.\niii. Indian tourists visiting the country.\niv. Indian students studying in the country.\nv. A film crew and actors who were shooting a film in the country. These include some of the biggest names of Bollywood.\nvi. Citizens of the friendly neighbouring country that has requested India's help.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Q.9 Rashmi is a young IPS officer who is posted as the SP law and order in a district that has a history of communal clashes. During a cultural event, a political leader made certain controversial comments regarding the religion of another community that can potentially harm communal harmony in the district. The representatives of the aggrieved community met Rashmi with their complaint. An FIR was registered in the matter and the police department promptly started an investigation. During questioning, the accused political leader denied the charges. He claimed that he was exercising his right to freedom of expression and had no intention of hurting anyone's feelings. He even offered to tender an apology if his statement had hurt someone's religious feelings. However, the aggrieved community was not satisfied with this apology and demanded strict action against the accused.\n\nThe next day, a video went viral on social media in which the accused political leader can be seen making derogatory statements against another religious faith. However, Rashmi suspects that the video going viral on the internet is a doctored video and someone has mischievously edited it to make it more vitriolic and inflammatory. The video has ignited communal tensions in the district. The accused political leader belongs to an influential community and his community has put their support behind him. Local intelligence has warned that some anti-social elements are trying to use this opportunity to create communal riot in the district. The entire matter has been politicized and is being covered by the national media. In this situation answer the following:\na) What differentiates a hate speech from a free speech?\nb) Why does social media have a very strong influence over the actions and thoughts of its users?\nc) What is the most suitable course of action for Rashmi in this situation? Justify.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"b) factors behind strong influence of Social Media","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Q.10) You are the Chairperson of this committee. In this scenario, answer the following:\na) Why do doctors face violence in the country?\nb) Identify various moral-ethical and administrative lapses in this case.\nc) What would you recommend in this case? Give rationale behind giving those recommendations.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"a), b), c) a) देश में डॉक्टरों को हिंसा का सामना क्यों करना पड़ता है?\nb) इस मामले में विभिन्न नैतिक-नीति विषयक और प्रशासनिक खामियों को पहचान करें।\nc) इस मामले में आप क्या सुझाव देंगे? उन सुझावों को देने के पीछे तर्क दीजिए।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":49,"question":"Q.11 On the basis of above case study, answer the following:\na) Identify various ethical dilemmas involved in this case study.\nb) What can be the other options to achieve justice in the given case, apart from demolition of the illegal towers? Evaluate each of these options and suggest the most suitable option.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"Q.12) Lithium is emerging as the new gold in the modern world. It is used extensively in making rechargeable batteries that are used across phones, laptops, electric vehicles etc. As the world is transitioning towards clean energy, demand for lithium is rising exponentially. India is dependent on imports for her lithium needs. Recently, a large lithium deposit has been found during a geological survey in Central India. According to initial estimates, the reserve is large enough to not only fulfill domestic requirements but also leave enough surplus for India to export lithium to other countries. The news of this discovery is covered by national media. This reserve can provide much needed impetus to adoption and development of green energy technologies in the country. Many prominent union ministers have expressed their desire for timely development of lithium mines and claimed that this discovery to be an outcome of their far-sighted governance and development model.\n\nAmit is a senior government official who has been appointed as project development officer for this mining project. During initial assessment of the project, Amit found that the discovered reserve lies inside a forest inhabited by tribals. This is a pristine forest, hitherto untouched by humans, other than indigenous tribal communities. This forest hosts a wide variety of flora and fauna, many of which are endemic. Further, the lithium reserve lies at the foothill of a hillock. This hillock has a small shrine where the deity worshipped by the tribals is located. Lithium mining in this area would mean destruction of forest, blasting of the mountain where shrine of the tribal deity is located and displacement of tribals. The tribal population is against this mining project. They consider this project as an assault on their way of life and culture. Intelligence report suggests that if these tribals are forcefully displaced and their shrine destroyed, they can become easy targets for the Naxal indoctrination and create a security nightmare for the state. On the other hand, Amit is facing political pressure for execution of this project and has been repeatedly reminded that not only this project is of national importance but also can be a stepping stone for his career.\n\nAmit is your colleague and a close friend. He asks you for your advice in this matter. Based on the described situation, help Amit identify various ethical dilemmas in this case. In your opinion, what is the most suitable course of action for Amit? Justify your choice.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"अमित आपके सहयोगी और करीबी दोस्त हैं। वह आपसे इस मामले में आपकी सलाह मांगते हैं। वर्णित स्थिति के आधार पर, अमित को इस मामले में विभिन्न नैतिक दुविधाओं की पहचान करने में मदद करें। आपकी राय में, अमित के लिए कार्रवाई का सबसे उपयुक्त तरीका क्या है? अपने विकल्प का औचित्य सिद्ध करें।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":59,"question":"1 What can I change to complete test within time?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4739,"topper":"Muskan Khurana","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d01b9-1352352_2205_muskan-khurana_rank-98.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by 'constitutionalism'? Highlight various ways in which the Indian Constitution underscores this principle. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"With adequate arguments and examples, elaborate your views on whether interest and pressure groups in India are undermining democracy or strengthening it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The Competition Commission of India (CCI) effectively reflects a shift from the era of Licence Raj to a conducive regulatory ambience for enhancing consumer welfare by encouraging competition in the market. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Mention various initiatives taken for online delivery of judicial services in India. Also, discuss the challenges faced in their implementation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Bring out the similarities and differences in the Bill of Rights in the Constitution of the United States and Fundamental Rights in the Constitution of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"It is often argued that the implementation of The Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 has so far been tardy and ineffectual. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The National Digital Health Mission (NDHM) has the potential to bring a new revolution in India's health sector in multiple ways. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain the rationale behind the creation of a Social Stock Exchange in India. Do you think this move would boost social impact investing in the country? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Broadly explain the composition and functions of the District Mineral Foundation (DMF). Also, discuss the issues in the effective utilisation of DMF funds. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Illiteracy and poverty are hindrances in the formation of healthy public opinion on public policies. Discuss with suitable examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"A critical appraisal of the outcomes of the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act underlines the need for second-generation reforms to strengthen decentralisation of urban local governance in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Asymmetry is an important characteristic of federalism in India, which has helped in the accommodation of diverse demands inherent in our democracy. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"It is argued that unchecked and rampant exercise of the power to insert laws in the Ninth Schedule results in undermining of Constitutional supremacy and creation of Parliamentary hegemony. Do you agree? Justify your stand with logical arguments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Though the antecedents of the Indian Constitution can be traced to a series of British colonial legislations and other Constitutions of the world, in spirit and practice it has been completely Indian. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"In India, the Finance Commissions are established pursuant to the constitutional mandate. In this context, do you think the State Finance Commissions have been effective in promoting fiscal federalism? Substantiate with arguments. (250words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"In India's political system, the Executive and Legislature are not strictly separated; instead, their relationship is intimate and non-dichotomous. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Reduction in the overall size of the bureaucracy has been seen as the underlying idea behind civil services reforms. Is it a good idea to reduce the size of the Indian bureaucracy? Examine in light of the experience of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"There is a need to ensure better ethical standards, accountability and management of temples in India. Discuss in the context of issues associated with state intervention in management of temples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Over 15 years of the Right to Information Act have thrown up multiple experiences, some of which need to be built upon, while others necessitate steps to uphold the act in its letter and spirit. Explain with examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The issuance of Citizens' Charters alone cannot change the mindset of staff and clients overnight; rather, regular, untiring and persistent efforts are required to bring about attitudinal changes. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4740,"topper":"Muskan Khurana","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/cac98-1352352_1836_muskan-khurana_rank-98.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The PM-AASHA scheme is aimed at improving procurement mechanism as well as ensuring remunerative prices for farmers. In this context, highlight the various components of the scheme and discuss the concerns associated with it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Explaining the concept of blended finance, discuss the role it can play in mobilizing capital for infrastructure development in developing countries like India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss the challenges faced in the revival and revamp of dry ports in India and state the measures that can be adopted in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Monoculture is one of the major threats to ensuring food security and sustainability of Indian agriculture. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Aapda Mitra - a force of volunteers from across India trained in disaster response - is becoming a game changer in the field of disaster management in the country. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Why is the rise in lone wolf attacks considered as a serious challenge for security agencies around the world? Highlight the role of the internet in exacerbating such attacks. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The fundamental inefficiencies embedded in our military structures and processes are now being addressed through a slew of defence reforms in the country. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"In light of the recent establishment of the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in India, discuss the advantages and challenges in mainstreaming traditional medicine in the country. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Nano Urea Liquid has the potential to transform farming in India and across the world by improving productivity while reducing environmental pollution and input cost. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss the domino effect of high crude oil prices on the Indian economy. Also, enumerate the measures that India can take in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The consistent high operating ratio of the Indian Railways is indicative of its incapability to generate high operational surplus. Explain the reasons behind this trend. Also, highlight the remedial measures taken by the government in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Micro food processing sector is the key driver of growth in the Indian economy as it encourages food processing innovation. In this context, state the challenges faced by the micro food processing sector and discuss how the recent initiatives taken by the government aim to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Despite efforts by successive governments, equitable growth remains elusive and income inequality continues to persist in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Stating the factors that determine the employment situation of an economy in the long-term, discuss the measures that are needed for India to address its unemployment problem. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"In view of the rapidly increasing socio-economic damage caused by disasters, integrating Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) into development planning requires an effective stakeholder engagement mechanism. (250 words) 15 Discuss.","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Provide an account of the existing carbon trading mechanisms in India. Also, discuss the significance of an efficient carbon trading market in the country and state the challenges that currently exist. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The menace of drug trafficking in India has been on a rise due to a mix of factors, both internal and external. Discuss. Also, state the challenges posed by drug trafficking to India's national security. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The Andaman and Nicobar islands' strategic significance in the Indian Ocean region (IOR) has been underplayed by India's policy of 'masterly inactivity and benign neglect'. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India has recently commissioned the world's first large International Liquid- Mirror Telescope (ILMT). How will the newly commissioned telescope aid in India's astronomical observations and research? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4741,"topper":"Muskan Khurana","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/bb626-1352352_1834_muskan-khurana_rank-98.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The Sunga dynasty contributed significantly to the cultural and social development in ancient India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the role of foreign nationals in the Indian freedom struggle during the Gandhian phase. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by tsunamigenic zones? Giving an account of their global distribution, explain the propagation of tsunamis. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are atmospheric lakes? Highlight their characteristics. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What are polymetallic nodules? Highlight their geographical distribution and state their significance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What are technical textiles? In view of their significance, discuss the steps taken by the government to promote them in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the challenges that internal migration creates for urban governance in India. Also, suggest measures to address the same. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the various opportunities and challenges posed by globalization on working women in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the rationale behind anti-conversion laws in India. Also, state the concerns that have been raised with regard to these laws. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Central Asian contacts had a profound political and cultural impact on India in ancient times. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Governance, during the British rule, was a means of exploitation of India rather than a vehicle of public welfare. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Discuss how India successfully dealt with the sensitive issue of language, which had the potential of threatening national unity in the post-independence period. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Bring out the factors, which led to decolonisation after the Second World War. Also, discuss the role played by India in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What are Marine Heat Waves (MHW)? Identify the causes of their formation and discuss their consequences for India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What are the geo-climatic conditions required for oil palm cultivation? Do you agree with the view that India should promote its large-scale cultivation to reduce import dependency? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"In view of the changes witnessed in the state of Himalayan cryosphere, discuss the implications for India's water security. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Ocean warming, ocean acidification and ocean deoxygenation are often referred to as the 'deadly trio' for marine life. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Tribals in India continue to face myriad challenges with regard to healthcare. Discuss the issues faced by them in this context and suggest remedial measures. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Reservation for women perpetuates a \"proxy culture\" as seen in the phenomenon of \"sarpanch patis\". In this context, discuss whether reservation can address the issue of poor participation of women in Indian politics. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4742,"topper":"Muskan Khurana","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5ea33-1352352_1830_muskan-khurana_rank-98.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"According to you, what are the main reasons behind prejudice against certain sections of a society? Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss how persuasion acts as a functional pillar in attitudinal change and attitude formation with requisite examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"A legally enforceable code of ethics for civil servants, which not only prescribes the ethical values they must display in their public life but also provides sanctions for violations of these values, is the need of the hour. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Although open and transparent governance has gained ground, do you agree with the view that there is merit in withholding some information from people? Justify your arguments with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Although bribery is illegal and counterproductive, public officials still demand bribes, and executives in the private sector remain tempted to pay up. In this context, discuss ways in which corporations can build a framework to eliminate the practice of offering kickbacks. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Identifying the issues associated with utilization of public funds, discuss the various ethical principles which can help devise strategies for better utilization of public funds in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"\"All persons ought to endeavour to follow what is right, and not what is established.\" - Aristotle (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"\"It is compassion, the most gracious of virtues, which moves the world.\" - Thiruvalluvar, Kural (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"I understand democracy as something that gives the weak the same chance as the strong.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"\"A well-developed Emotional intelligence is not only an instrumental tool in accomplishing goals, but has a dark side as a weapon for manipulating others by robbing them of their capacity to reason.\" Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do you understand by conformity, compliance and obedience? Discuss their relevance in the context of civil services in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":34,"question":"Capital punishment, or \"death penalty,\" is an institutionalized practice designed to result in deliberately executing persons in response to actual or supposed misconduct and following an authorized, rule-governed process to conclude that the person is responsible for violating norms that warrant execution. Punitive executions have historically been imposed by diverse kinds of authorities, for an expansive range of conduct, political or religious beliefs and practices, for a status beyond one's control, or without employing any significant due process procedures. Punitive executions also have been and continue to be carried out more informally, such as by terrorist groups, urban gangs, and mobs. For centuries in Europe and America, discussions have focused on capital punishment as an institutionalized, rule-governed practice of modern states and legal systems governing serious criminal conduct and procedures. In light of the above debate of capital punishment, answer the following questions: (a) What are the arguments in favour of and against having capital punishment in the criminal justice system? (b) Do you think capital punishment has a place in modern civilised society? Examine in the context of moral implications involved in awarding it.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4743,"topper":"Muskan Khurana","air":98,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b837b-1352352_1837_muskan-khurana_rank-98.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4744,"topper":"Muskan Srivastava","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/essay-test-1-muskan-1745478509875.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"Write two essays, choosing one topic from each of the Sections A and B, in about 1000-1200 words each:\nQ.1 If it costs you your peace, it is too expensive.\nQ.2 In the flood of data, the thirst still remains.\nQ.3 A star has to burn to give light to others but that's what stars are meant for.\nQ.4 The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.\nQ.5 Civilization begins with order, grows with liberty, and dies with chaos.\nQ.6 A single drop never feels responsible for the flood.\nQ.7 Never does nature say one thing and wisdom another.\nQ.8 Present demonstrates the lessons of history, albeit the hardway.","marks":"125×2=250","words":"1000-1200 words each"}]},{"id":4745,"topper":"Muskan Srivastava","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/essay-test-2-muskan-1745478571754.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Competition is the law of the jungle, but cooperation is the law of land.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4746,"topper":"Muskan Srivastava","air":36,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/91ba5-1492371_2488_muskan_srivastava_rank_36.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4747,"topper":"Muskan Srivastava","air":98,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/32b40-1492371_2488_muskan_srivastava_rank_98.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4748,"topper":"Muskan Srivastava","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4613b-1492371_2415_muskan-srivastava_98.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Examine the persisting issues related to fiscal stability of states in India. What measures are needed to address these issues? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The internationalisation of rupee has many advantages, yet it is not devoid of risks. Explain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Audit reports on various development initiatives in India have frequently highlighted inefficiencies in public expenditure. Identify these inefficiencies and suggest measures that can be taken to address them. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"How can the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme help in achieving an Atmanirbhar Bharat? What are the challenges in realizing its objectives? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are the various challenges that India's innovation ecosystem faces? How can these challenges be addressed? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"How is the advent of climate change leading to the revival of cultivation of millets? What steps have been taken by the government to give an impetus to millet production in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Poor quality and inadequate availability of feeds and fodder are the major reasons behind the low productivity of the livestock in India. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What is Integrated Pest Management (IPM)? State its objectives and discuss its various components. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"How has poor grain management been a greater challenge to food security in India than the actual shortage of grains? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Explain what you understand by urban agriculture and state its types. Discuss its significance in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"In view of India's rapid urbanisation, it has become imperative to tap into municipal bonds to meet the rising demand of capital investment in urban areas. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"India has achieved significant strides in various development parameters such as economic growth, women's education, and fertility rates. However, amongst the lowest in the Female Labour Force Participation Rate (FLFPR) remains to improve the FLFPR in India? Discuss. What measures can be taken to improve the FLFPR in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Do you think that the collaboration of private and public sector is the key to the successful development of an investment model related to urban infrastructure in India? Justify your answer. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"How can Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) act as an important source of non-debt finance for India's economic development? What steps have been taken to boost FDI in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"There is a need for interventions to enhance the coal evacuation infrastructure and reduce the freight cost to improve the overall competitiveness of coal in India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The inefficiencies in post-harvest value chain are leading to crop losses, with significant adverse impact on the livelihood of small and marginal farmers. Discuss in the context of India. What steps has the government taken to address these concerns? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What are the existing issues related to land records in India? How can digitisation of land records and conclusive 'land titling' help in addressing them? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"When it comes to the energy sector, the trends of decarbonisation, decentralisation and digitisation are fast emerging. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Agricultural subsidies have supported farmers' income in India, but they have also contributed to environmental degradation and biodiversity loss. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Despite adoption of numerous measures to streamline financing of infrastructure in the road sector, private investment has played a limited role. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4749,"topper":"Muskan Srivastava","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/50f90-1492371_2424_muskan_srivastava_rank_36.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What are the different dimensions of food security? Examine India's status in terms of ensuring food security with regard to these dimensions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Modern technologies such as blockchain and ChatGPT are powerful tools with immense potential to transform agriculture into a more efficient and sustainable sector. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What factors have led to the recent acceleration in the trend towards de-dollarization of the global economy? Do you think the dollar will lose its dominance anytime soon? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Despite significant pressure from the developed countries to alter its food subsidy regime, there is merit in India trying to retain its policy support for the poor in the country. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Several initiatives have been taken by the government towards addressing India's water needs, but the issues of water availability and water quality still warrant prioritised intervention. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What are the major drivers of glacial retreat in the Arctic? Describe the potential impact of the retreat of Arctic glaciers on the ecosystem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Space tourism, which was viewed as something straight out of a science fiction movie, is now becoming a reality albeit not without hindrances. What are the challenges associated with space tourism? What measures can be taken to address these challenges? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Global health experts widely believe that the development of CAR-T cell therapy can be a game changer in the treatment of cancer. How can CAR-T cell therapy overcome the limitations of CRISPR-Cas9 technology? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss why the rising deployment of new and emerging technologies by prominent violent extremist organizations demand concerted global efforts. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"With the Line of Actual Control (LAC) remaining tense after the Galwan and Yangste incidents and both India and China ramping up infrastructure in the border areas, discuss the role that ITBP plays in the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Do you think there is a need for a shift from 'land productivity' to 'irrigation water productivity' in India? Justify your answer. What are the challenges in making this shift? Explain. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Examine the role that green hydrogen can play in unlocking the energy security of India. How can the National Green Hydrogen Mission help India in achieving its energy goals? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The government has been weighing a transition from minimum wage to living wage in recent times. What are the benefits and constraints in the adoption of living wage in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The Union Budget affects almost every sector of the Indian economy, yet neither the budgetary processes nor the budget policies come under substantial public scrutiny. Do you agree? Justify your answer. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"India has been able to transform itself from a milk deficit country to the world's biggest milk producer, but the productivity of dairy animals in the country remains a concern. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"While climate change is responsible for crop failures, the agricultural sector itself is partly responsible for extreme weather events. Discuss. What strategy has been adopted under National Agriculture Disaster Management Plan to strengthen the resilience of the farming community in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Some regions in India, including Delhi, are highly vulnerable to the impact of earthquakes originating in the Himalayas. Discuss. What institutional measures have been taken to mitigate earthquake losses in India? Do you think there are significant gaps that still exist? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Recently, scientists announced net energy gain in nuclear fusion reaction, which is considered as a major scientific breakthrough for the future of clean energy. What are the advantages of nuclear fusion based power generation? What are the limitations in using it to generate electricity at a commercial scale? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Keeping in view the recent amendment, examine the efficacy of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, in tackling the menace of money laundering in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Discuss the security threats present in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), which have a direct bearing on India's maritime border interests. Suggest a robust strategy to deal with these threats. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4750,"topper":"Muskan Srivastava","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b1752-1492371_2423_muskan_srivastava_rank_36.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With suitable examples, discuss how environmental pressure groups enhance public participation and responsiveness with regard to environmental policies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The recent acknowledgment of sex work as a 'profession' by the Supreme Court is merely the first step in ensuring basic rights and equality for sex workers in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the role played by District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) in providing free legal aid and disseminating legal awareness in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"The collegium system has become a victim of its own success, with the concentration of power in the hands of a few, leading to questions about its legitimacy.\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"Civil services reforms must go beyond recruitment and standardised training to cope with the present day challenges.\" Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Outcome-based finance models such as social impact bonds have the potential to truly catalyse change and deliver socio-economic impact at scale. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The wide gap between the number of females graduating every year and those entering the workspace is an issue of paramount importance that needs to be addressed. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the 'Doctrine of Essentiality' referred to by the courts in the context of religious practices in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"As per the recently released report of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), there is an urgent need to limit the size of the government in India. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Besides legislation, the full realisation of the 'right to health for all' in India demands plugging of social, financial, and infrastructural gaps. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The 'third gender' has not yet been engendered in the Indian society despite legislative nudge. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Among other factors, strained ties with China and Pakistan make it difficult for India to fulfill its expectations from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"The recently concluded initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) between the United States and India promises a long overdue transformation of their partnership in the field of technology. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4751,"topper":"Muskan Srivastava","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/21062-1492371_2422_muskan_srivastava_rank_36.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The traditional theatre forms of India reflect the ideals and emotions of the society, and an individual's role in the community. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":4752,"topper":"Muskan Srivastava","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a3566-1492371_2422_muskan-srivastava_98.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The traditional theatre forms of India reflect the ideals and emotions of the society, and an individual's role in the community. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Provide an account of the historical and architectural importance of the Sanchi Stupa. Also, discuss how it inspired the future architecture in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Bhagat Singh made a real breakthrough in terms of revolutionary ideology, the goals of revolution and forms of revolutionary struggle. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Bringing out the factors that led to the Meiji restoration, discuss its significance for Japan. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"It is believed that a nation is an “imagined community” held together by common beliefs, history, political aspirations etc. In this context, discuss what the basis of India as a nation is. Also, bring out the threats to the concept of Indian nationhood. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"State the key factors behind the growth of the pharmaceutical industry in India. Additionally, discuss its significance with regard to India's economy and public health.(Answer in 150words)10","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss why the Bay of Bengal is more prone to cyclones than the Arabian Sea. Also, explain the reasons for the decrease in frequency of tropical cyclones during the Southwest monsoon season. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite being destructive in nature, volcanoes are critical for the existence of human life on earth. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The existence of relative deprivation is an important aspect in constructing the argument for regionalism. Explain with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"If India is to realise the goal of 'education for all', the issue of rising cases of bullying and other forms of school violence needs to be addressed immediately. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Bring out the role played by the Ahom Kingdom in shaping the cultural and historical identity of North-East India, and discuss its legacy in contemporary times. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The capitalist class generally remained ambivalent in their support to the Indian National Congress until 1940s. In this context, analyse the varying positions of the Indian capitalists throughout the national movement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Trace the evolution of the press in India. Also, discuss the instrumental impact it had during various stages of the Indian freedom struggle despite the repressive policies of the British. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Mountains are fragile ecosystems vulnerable to the adverse impact of climate change and other anthropogenic interventions. Illustrate with examples. Also, highlight the initiatives taken for their sustainable management. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind unsustainable management of sand resources in India. Highlighting its impact, enumerate the remedial measures taken in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Giving an account of the major lithium-producing countries, discuss the geo-political aspects of lithium production and its environmental implications. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The youth are capable of identifying themselves with a global identity and connecting with events and experiences outside their countries. In this context, discuss the impact of globalization on the various aspects of youth identity. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"As fertility rates decline in India, future demographic concerns center around an ageing population and a weak social security system. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"With a significant proportion of India's population expected to live in urban areas by 2030, the welfare of the urban poor needs to take centre-stage in public policy. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4753,"topper":"Muskan Srivastava","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/44758-1492371_2423_muskan-srivastava_98.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With suitable examples, discuss how environmental pressure groups enhance public participation and responsiveness with regard to environmental policies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The recent acknowledgment of sex work as a 'profession' by the Supreme Court is merely the first step in ensuring basic rights and equality for sex workers in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the role played by District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) in providing free legal aid and disseminating legal awareness in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"The collegium system has become a victim of its own success, with the concentration of power in the hands of a few, leading to questions about its legitimacy.\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"Civil services reforms must go beyond recruitment and standardised training to cope with the present day challenges.\" Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Outcome-based finance models such as social impact bonds have the potential to truly catalyse change and deliver socio-economic impact at scale. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The wide gap between the number of females graduating every year and those entering the workspace is an issue of paramount importance that needs to be addressed. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"An up to date and functional Civil Registration System (CRS) is essential to the socio-economic planning in India. Discuss in the light of the recent move of the Central government in revamping the CRS system in the country. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What are the key areas of reform if the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has to align with the current economic realities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In recent years, India's relationship with West Asia has evolved from the confines of geopolitics to expanse of geoeconomics. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The role of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) is significant in furthering healthy competitiveness aimed at inspiring stakeholders to innovate and augment effectiveness. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"\"The menace of paid news often rears its ugly head during elections.\" Discuss the need for making paid news an electoral offence in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the 'Doctrine of Essentiality' referred to by the courts in the context of religious practices in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"As per the recently released report of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), there is an urgent need to limit the size of the government in India. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The Institutions of Eminence (IoE) scheme was conceived to develop 'world-class' centres of higher education in India but six years later, it is yet to become the game changer it was intended to be. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) allows for innovative and convenient public services, help overcome inclusion or accessibility barriers, and increase transparency and accountability with real-time data. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Besides legislation, the full realisation of the 'right to health for all' in India demands plugging of social, financial, and infrastructural gaps. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The 'third gender' has not yet been engendered in the Indian society despite legislative nudge. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Among other factors, strained ties with China and Pakistan make it difficult for India to fulfill its expectations from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"The recently concluded initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) between the United States and India promises a long overdue transformation of their partnership in the field of technology. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4754,"topper":"Muskan Srivastava","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/400f3-1492371_2424_muskan-srivastava_98.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What are the different dimensions of food security? Examine India's status in terms of ensuring food security with regard to these dimensions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Modern technologies such as blockchain and ChatGPT are powerful tools with immense potential to transform agriculture into a more efficient and sustainable sector. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What factors have led to the recent acceleration in the trend towards de-dollarization of the global economy? Do you think the dollar will lose its dominance anytime soon? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Despite significant pressure from the developed countries to alter its food subsidy regime, there is merit in India trying to retain its policy support for the poor in the country. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Several initiatives have been taken by the government towards addressing India's water needs, but the issues of water availability and water quality still warrant prioritised intervention. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What are the major drivers of glacial retreat in the Arctic? Describe the potential impact of the retreat of Arctic glaciers on the ecosystem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Space tourism, which was viewed as something straight out of a science fiction movie, is now becoming a reality albeit not without hindrances. What are the challenges associated with space tourism? What measures can be taken to address these challenges? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Global health experts widely believe that the development of CAR-T cell therapy can be a game changer in the treatment of cancer. How can CAR-T cell therapy overcome the limitations of CRISPR-Cas9 technology? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss why the rising deployment of new and emerging technologies by prominent violent extremist organizations demand concerted global efforts. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"With the Line of Actual Control (LAC) remaining tense after the Galwan and Yangste incidents and both India and China ramping up infrastructure in the border areas, discuss the role that ITBP plays in the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Do you think there is a need for a shift from 'land productivity' to 'irrigation water productivity' in India? Justify your answer. What are the challenges in making this shift? Explain. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Examine the role that green hydrogen can play in unlocking the energy security of India. How can the National Green Hydrogen Mission help India in achieving its energy goals? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The government has been weighing a transition from minimum wage to living wage in recent times. What are the benefits and constraints in the adoption of living wage in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The Union Budget affects almost every sector of the Indian economy, yet neither the budgetary processes nor the budget policies come under substantial public scrutiny. Do you agree? Justify your answer. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4755,"topper":"Muskan Srivastava","air":36,"year":2024,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/Muskan-Srivastava-TEST-1745409803268.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4756,"topper":"Muskan Srivastava","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_fL8XLFlo0jYHjR13nBnszLIOaFpNGu2/view","questions":[]},{"id":4757,"topper":"Muskan Srivastava","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/19LRQOVr3X8DRTKeaG6CUT7rfINi-ZF_P/view","questions":[]},{"id":4758,"topper":"Muskan Srivastava","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a1cdf-1492371_2425_muskan_srivastava_rank_36.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"For effective corporate governance to take place in the coming years, why is it important to integrate the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics with the multi-stakeholder approach? What benefits can be accrued by such integration? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In acts of corruption, the focus is often only on the demand side of the equation, on public officials who abuse their office for private gain. Frequently, the supply side is given less attention. Those who pay bribes are sometimes depicted as innocent parties and victims of extortionary practices of wily public servants. Do you agree that 'collusive corruption', in which there is a willing bribe-giver, is a formidable challenge for institutions fighting corruption? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Citizens' Charters initiative was a response to the quest for solving the problems, which a citizen encountered, day in and day out, while dealing with the organisations providing public services. But the introduction and implementation of Citizens' Charters in the government of India has been difficult due to the old bureaucratic set up and the rigid attitudes of the work force. Discuss the major obstacles that have been encountered in implementing the Citizens' Charter initiative. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Quality of public service delivery is a major determinant of the quality of life of vulnerable sections in a highly unequal society divided along the lines of class, caste, religion, etc. In this background, do you think that public service delivery is efficient and sufficient enough to improve the lives of vulnerable groups in India? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Wealthy CEOs and founders of successful businesses around the world are increasingly pledging to give away their wealth in philanthropy. Do you think that such a move is sufficient enough to bring about a positive change in the society? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"As organizations across the globe begin their artificial intelligence (AI) transformation, the leap into the AI era is expected to be more challenging than any technology that businesses have grappled with yet. In this background, discuss the concerns around fairness, transparency, and job security that may arise. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The emphasis of Swami Dayanand Saraswati on education, social equality, and ethical values continues to influence the socio-cultural discourse in contemporary India. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Emotional intelligence may not be singly associated with emotions or intelligence. It can also include a broad range of personality characteristics that might predict success in professional and everyday life. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":47,"question":"Many proponents of deep-sea drilling argue that tapping into the vast amount of rare earth elements in the Indian Ocean will help shore up national security interests for India, bolster its economy and workforce, and offer a reliable supply of strategic minerals. Keeping this in mind, the government has approved a $540-million programme to study ways of mining nickel, cobalt, manganese and iron hydroxide from the bed of the Indian Ocean 6,000 meters below sea level. The government argues that the project can power India's growth for 100 years. It will also study climate change, explore marine flora and fauna and harness thermal energy. However, a competing point of view alleges that deep ocean drilling poses immense risk to the environment. A comprehensive report on Sustainable Ocean Economy by independent geologists states that \"until the need for, and potential consequences of, deep-sea mining are better understood, the concept is conceptually difficult to align with the definition of a sustainable ocean economy and raises various environmental, legal and governance challenges, as well as possible conflicts with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.\" It also highlights that the profitability of national mining operations, without governmental support or comparably low taxes, remains questionable. If the operations are profitable, it will also raise questions about the equitable sharing of profits derived from a resource taken out of Additionally, companies like BMW, Volvo, Google and Korean battery maker Samsung SDI, vowed in a statement to not buy metals produced from deep-sea mining until the environmental risks of the activity are \"comprehensively understood.\" In the context of the above-stated information, address the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the given case study? (b) How can the vision of economic development of a nation be achieved without adversely affecting the sustainability of oceans? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":58,"question":"That her wedding will not be held as a private ceremony with only close friends and family, but should be publicised in a grand way, as you had promised earlier to her. Given this situation, answer the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the above situation? (b) What are the various options that you have, as a father and an ambitious politician? (c) What will be your course of action? Justify with proper reasoning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4759,"topper":"Muskan Srivastava","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/258f2-1492371_2425_muskan-srivastava_98.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"For effective corporate governance to take place in the coming years, why is it important to integrate the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics with the multi-stakeholder approach? What benefits can be accrued by such integration? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In acts of corruption, the focus is often only on the demand side of the equation, on public officials who abuse their office for private gain. Frequently, the supply side is given less attention. Those who pay bribes are sometimes depicted as innocent parties and victims of extortionary practices of wily public servants. Do you agree that 'collusive corruption', in which there is a willing bribe-giver, is a formidable challenge for institutions fighting corruption? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Citizens' Charters initiative was a response to the quest for solving the problems, which a citizen encountered, day in and day out, while dealing with the organisations providing public services. But the introduction and implementation of Citizens' Charters in the government of India has been difficult due to the old bureaucratic set up and the rigid attitudes of the work force. Discuss the major obstacles that have been encountered in implementing the Citizens' Charter initiative. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Quality of public service delivery is a major determinant of the quality of life of vulnerable sections in a highly unequal society divided along the lines of class, caste, religion, etc. In this background, do you think that public service delivery is efficient and sufficient enough to improve the lives of vulnerable groups in India? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own.\" - Lao Tzu (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"If ethics are poor at the top, that behavior is copied down through the organization.\" - Robert Noyce (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"The end of law is not to abolish or restrain, but to preserve and enlarge freedom.\" - John Locke (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Wealthy CEOs and founders of successful businesses around the world are increasingly pledging to give away their wealth in philanthropy. Do you think that such a move is sufficient enough to bring about a positive change in the society? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"As organizations across the globe begin their artificial intelligence (AI) transformation, the leap into the AI era is expected to be more challenging than any technology that businesses have grappled with yet. In this background, discuss the concerns around fairness, transparency, and job security that may arise. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The emphasis of Swami Dayanand Saraswati on education, social equality, and ethical values continues to influence the socio-cultural discourse in contemporary India. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Emotional intelligence may not be singularly associated with emotions or intelligence. It can also include a broad range of personality characteristics that might predict success in professional and everyday life. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"With reference to this case study, answer the following: (a) What are the issues involved in this case? (b) What measures can be taken to minimize the negative implications of adopting such technologies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4760,"topper":"Muskan Srivastava","air":98,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5244b-1492371_2088_muskan-srivastava_98.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4761,"topper":"Muthuarasi M","air":225,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/MUTHUARASI-M-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-225-Sample-MGP-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) How does the study of numismatics contribute to the unraveling of India's history? Explain with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Buddha's teachings can help in understanding and resolving the problems of today's society. Do you agree? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4 Examine the essential principles of the Subsidiary Alliance system. Assess its contribution in making the British the paramount authority in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 \"Without the participation and contributions of women, the Indian national movement could not have achieved the successes it did.\" In this perspective, analyze the role of women in the Indian national movement.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) How did the British education policy in colonial India fuel the rise of Indian nationalism instead of achieving its intended purpose of perpetuating Indian subjugation?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) \"The attainment of political independence in 1947 was a watershed moment in Indian history, but it did not mean an end to the struggles for economic and cultural freedom.\" Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) The Aspirational Blocks Programme, built upon the success of the Aspirational Districts Programme, can help in achieving the twin objectives of enabling balanced growth and checking stressed migration. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 \"Poverty has a woman's face.\" What do you understand by 'feminization of poverty'? What role can women empowerment play in poverty reduction?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) Digital technologies can play a significant role in bridging the gender gap in India; however, it is mired in its own set of challenges. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) When it comes to Indian culture, few symbols are as enduring and ubiquitous as the elephant and the lotus. Elaborate this statement with examples.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 Dravidian temple architecture can be seen as a continuum that, though strengthened during the period of the Pallavas, reached its pinnacle during the reign of the Cholas. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 Examine the causes that led to tribal unrest during British rule in India. Analyse the reasons for their limited success.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 \"The changing nature of revolutionary extremism in the Indian national movement reflected a broader shift in political consciousness.\" Substantiate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Analyse the significance of the Civil Disobedience Movement in India's freedom struggle, considering its extent, reach, and revolutionary zeal.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) While the Emergency of 1975 was touted as seminal for national security and unity by some, the critics paint it as the darkest phase of Post Independent India. Discuss. What insights and lessons did emergency provide for the country?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 \"The Great Depression led to the rise of radical politics and the emergence of new forms of government intervention in the economy.\" Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18) The Arab-Israeli conflict should be understood as a product of both internal dynamics and the outcome of manipulative strategies employed by imperial powers. Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 How do unplanned urbanization and unabated rural-urban migration contribute to the multiple woes faced by Indian metropolises?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 Castelessness is a privilege that only a few can afford whose caste privilege has already translated into social, political, and economic capital. Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4762,"topper":"Muthuarasi M","air":225,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/MUTHUARASI-M-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-225-Sample-MGP-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1 To what extent, in your opinion, Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in India have enabled women led development at the grassroot level?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Narrow understanding of disability has marginalised people suffering from mental disorders. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) addresses the need for interoperability in health services through a unified health interface. Elaborate its significance in digitising the health care ecosystem.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Asses the relevance of lateral entry in civil services in making the governance structure more effective, efficient, and people oriented.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 Objectives of a welfare government remains incomplete without a progressive ecosystem for the children's development. Discuss with special emphasis to recently passed Juvenile Justice Amendment Act, 2021.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) Decriminalization of homosexuality by the SC in Navtej Singh Jauhar case remains a task half done, specially without the socio-political sensitisation about the issues faced by LGBTQIA+ community. Elaborate in light of ongoing debates on same sex marriage.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) India's \"balancing act\" in the ongoing Ukraine crisis is borne out of mature strategic thinking rather than mere necessities. Explain.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) What do you understand by Non-Aligned-Movement (NAM)? Is India's foreign policy still guided by the principles of non-Alignment? Justify.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) Built upon common democratic values and shared vision of strategic autonomy, India-France bilateral ties exude a promise of stability, growth, and security in a time of geo-political flux and uncertainty. Do you agree? Substantiate your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) As an important attribute of soft power, \"Knowledge diplomacy\" has the potential to further various objectives of foreign policy. Explain.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) The profound impact of the data revolution and widespread smartphone usage has necessitated the use of digital tools in welfare programmes. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 The critical reason for poor public health indicators in India goes beyond recognition of right to health as fundamental right. Do you think that a statutory framework alone can ameliorate the situation?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13) Reforming the education infrastructure through digital interventions is a progressive step, but it has its limitations too. Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) The unique attributes and strengths of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and the government make them complimentary to one another in the governance and developmental process. Comment. Evaluate the need for effective and progressive regulation of the NGOs.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 How far have Forest Rights Act, 2006 and PESA Act, 1996 been successful in attaining their desired objectives? What needs to be done to improve their implementation on ground?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) Enduring effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have exacerbated existing issues of poverty and hunger. Explain.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 Instability in its neighbourhood combined with displacement and humanitarian crisis don't augur well for India's interest in the region. Elucidate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18) The new cold war between the USA and China may have the effect of casting a long shadow on India's strategic interests from Pacific to Atlantic. Evaluate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 For creation of a stable, peaceful and prosperous multipolar order, UN Security Council (UNSC) reforms are an urgent imperative. Examine the statement and present a case for India's permanent membership in UNSC.","marks":"15","words":"15"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 Presidency of G20 is but a reflection of India's quest for a more just and polycentric world order, where the voice of the global south is mainstreamed not muzzled. Elucidate.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4763,"topper":"Muthuarasi M","air":225,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/MUTHUARASI-M-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-225-Sample-MGP-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) Basic structure doctrine has prevented the Parliament, a creature of the constitution, from becoming the master of the constitution. Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) The power of pressure groups lies not in their size or elaborate organization, but in their ability to mobilize public opinion and create lasting change. With help of relevant examples, discuss how informal pressure groups shape public policy.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Analyse the reasons for degeneration of parliamentary functioning in recent time. Also, suggest measure to make the parliament more productive.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Subordination of investigative agencies to the executive is fraught with disastrous consequences. Discuss the statement in light of the criticism of the Central Bureau of Investigation as a \"caged parrot\".","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) The Election Commission of India has a vital role in building a robust framework of electoral democracy. Highlighting challenges associated with the functioning of ECI, suggest measures to reform the body.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) Anti-defection law has failed to address and resolve the evil of political defection satisfactorily. Discuss various issues surrounding the Anti-defection law and recommend some corrective measures.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) What do you mean by 'doctrine of essentiality'? How has judiciary used this doctrine to address conflict between various fundamental rights? Explain with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) Frequent reliance on the ordinance making power by the government, not only dilutes the basic tenets of executive accountability in a parliamentary democracy, but also overlooks the democratic traditions of building consensus. Discuss with relevant examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) \"Bail not Jail\" is the cardinal principle that upholds the sacrosanct ideas of individual's liberty and dignity. Explain the statement, citing various case laws.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q10 Dispute redressal is the most important component of cooperative federalism. How does the Interstate Council facilitate the resolution of disputes related to states in India, and what are the challenges associated with this process?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 Despite its vital role for the smooth functioning of the body politic, constitutional punctuality remains conspicuous by its absence. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 Electoral bond was brought in as a reform that was high on intent but has proved to be low on substance. Do you agree? Justify.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 Considering the non-enforceable nature of fundamental duties and directive principles of state policy, critically examine their impact in socio-political norms.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) Referring to the case laws through which the collegium system in India evolved, critically assess its functioning.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Democracy thrives on disagreements; critical and dissenting voices make a society vibrant. In your opinion, do limitations on hate speech infringe right to freedom of speech and expression? Discuss how hate speech impacts the society and ways to restrain it.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 Why is it important to ensure separation of powers between various organs of the State? Also, explain Indian model of separation of power with relevant provisions in the constitution.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q17 What do you understand by the First Past the Post System (FPPS)? Why was FPPS preferred over the Proportional Representation (PR) system for elections to the Lok Sabha/Vidhan Sabha? Also, critically examine the consequences of this preference.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 Compare the position of the Speaker in Indian and British parliamentary system? Also, discuss various controversies related to functioning of Office of Speaker in Indian context and suggest corresponding reforms.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Why was parliamentary form of government adopted for independent India? Do you agree with the opinion that Indian government is increasingly transitioning towards presidential form? Justify.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q-20 The Representation of People's Act, the bedrock of free and fair elections in the country, has failed to keep pace with the contemporary challenges. Highlighting the shortcomings in the legislation, suggest reforms to make it more effective.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4764,"topper":"Muthuarasi M","air":225,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Geography","optional":true,"source":"LotusArise","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rP6qBSpYYVzA6uBjbgeyTMOpX8GZcfOS/view","questions":[]},{"id":4765,"topper":"Muthuarasi M","air":225,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Geography","optional":true,"source":"LotusArise","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1a8gjcNTJxRAJ5eKrwXXjFLA6io9D1fGz/view","questions":[]},{"id":4766,"topper":"Muthuarasi M","air":225,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Geography","optional":true,"source":"LotusArise","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LtDqhu9LSDlY197Im_Ld0E9dOoYouhI7/view","questions":[]},{"id":4767,"topper":"Muthuarasi M","air":225,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Geography","optional":true,"source":"LotusArise","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DRR0BhxEE3ju-HVsP13NnNajoRLWywUP/view","questions":[]},{"id":4768,"topper":"N Chetana Reddy","air":110,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3fece-971773_1753_n_chetana_reddy_rank_110.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4769,"topper":"N Chetana Reddy","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/33c0a-971773_1811_n_chetana_reddy_rank_110.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Assess the performance of Jan Dhan Yojana in achieving the objective of financial inclusion.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":4,"question":"Bring out the challenges that need to be addressed to achieve the desired objectives of outcome budgeting in India.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Explain the working of Private Finance Initiative (PFI) model. Also, discuss its significance in the Indian context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"PDS in India is not only a significant anti-poverty measure but also serves as an instrument of raising nutritional security. Discuss. 10m","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"It is argued that excessive state intervention in itself has created multiple hurdles in the agricultural marketing system in India. Explain with adequate evidence. 10m","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"Bring out the inefficiencies that plague the core road logistics business in India. Also, suggest ways to overcome them. (150W)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss the opportunities and challenges in privatisation of railways in India. (150W)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Identifying the key elements under the National Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM), explain how it can help achieve the goal of \\u2018Sweet Revolution\\u2019 in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"It has been argued that remedying the exclusion of majority of the women from access to and control of rural land in India is one of the most significant steps that can be taken towards enhancing the country's rural livelihoods. In this context, identify the challenges in access to land rights by women. What measures can be taken? 150w","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the factors constraining industrial growth in the post-liberalisation period and the initiatives taken by the government to address them. 250w","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Analyze the causes and consequences of growing economic inequality in India. Also suggest some measures to deal with it. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"There have been a number of hurdles in achieving the potential of MSMEs in Indian economy. Explain. What measures have been taken to deal with them? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Critically analyze the suggestion of allowing large corporate and industrial houses to act as promoters of banks. 250W","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Financial stability is generally the domain of monetary authority. However, the fiscal policy of the government has the potential to either facilitate or undermine it. Analyze it in Indian context. 15m.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"What do you understand by e-agriculture? Explaining how ICT can help agriculture, highlight some initiatives taken by the government in this regard. 15M","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"Discuss the issues plaguing crop procurement in India. Also, suggest measure to strengthen the procurement framework. 15M","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"Explaining the concept of Integrated Water Resource Management, discuss how it can help in addressing the gaps in the present system of water management in India. 15m","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"SEZs have been facing numerous challenges, thwarting the idea of SEZ-led growth and development. Discuss. Enlist some measures that have been suggested to address these challenges. 15m","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Examine the importance of foreign capital for a developing country like India. 15m","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4770,"topper":"N Chetana Reddy","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d4b24-971773_1511_n_chetana_reddy_rank_110.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Despite a vast coastline and a number of waterways, why has India not been able to achieve its potential of waterways? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The move to establish a National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development to reverse the drag on India's growth potential will have its own challenges. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlighting the issues related to the current fertilizer subsidy regime in India, discuss the need for reforms in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Identifying the need for climate resilient agriculture in India, discuss how it can be achieved.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Mega food Parks (MFPs) were considered to be a gamechanger for the food processing sector in India but their progress remains stunted. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Give an account of the challenges associated with rapidly increasing biomedical waste in India. Also state key features of Biomedical Waste Management Rules 2018.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"What do you understand by impact based forecasting in disaster management? How can such forecasting strengthen disaster management preparedness?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Low Earth orbit is becoming increasingly crowded as countries race to launch satellites. Highlight issues and international efforts taken.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Enumerating the existing measures to counter bio-terrorism in India, highlight the need for a bioterrorism law.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the potential of \"Integrated Law Enforcement Centres\" and \"Smart Walls\" to address border security challenges.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Farm loan waivers are neither adequate nor recommended for promoting sustained agricultural growth. Analyze.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"A number of initiatives in recent years have focussed on the msme sector. Why? Identify measures taken by government and further scope of action.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Skilling the Indian population faces a 3E challenge - Education, Employment and Employability. Discuss. Suggest interventions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"Despite its importance, agricultural marketing faces various institutional and infrastructural issues. Elaborate. Also enlist measures taken.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"Marine litter is not just an environmental issue but poses a socio-economic challenge as well. Discuss. Also enumerate initiatives taken.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"Assess India's vulnerability to flash floods and suggest measures for better resilience. Highlight significance of Flash Flood Guidance System operated by IMD.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Hydrogen based energy production can play a key role in clean, secure and affordable energy. Identify potential and opportunities. What are the challenges?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Despite the huge promise of satellite-based Internet connectivity, it hasn't gained traction on a significant commercial scale. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"India's attempts at strengthening its intelligence infrastructure have been reactive and incremental rather than holistic. Discuss. Provide concrete framework for transforming it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"In light of the prominent instances of drone attacks by both state and non-state actors, assess the challenges and capabilities of India in dealing with it.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4771,"topper":"N Chetana Reddy","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5d9c8-971773_1513_n_chetana_reddy_rank_110.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"In the context of protection of monuments, explain the role of ASI. Also comment on challenges faced by ASI and measures taken to address these.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Tribal art has a huge potential for acting as an economic resource and a tool for socio-economic transformation. Elucidate. Also highlight challenges.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Through the Government of India Act 1919, proposed some radical administrative changes, it remained short of fulfilling aspirations of Indians. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Often deemed as the 'forgotten conflict', Korean war had far reaching implications. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Explaining the origin of Earth's magnetism, discuss its significance with special reference to its interaction with solar particles.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Discussing the challenges pertaining to dam safety in India, highlight the potential of Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project to address them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"What is understood by Carbon Compensation Depth? Discuss the implications of rise in thee depth due to anthropogenic warming.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"In view of demographic changes in recent decades, do you think India needs a two-child policy? Discuss in light of various strands of debate surrounding this issue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Globalisation is incredibly efficient but has so far been incredibly unjust. Examine the statement in context of developing countries like India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"\"It would not be completely wrong to state that in India, art is religion and religion is art\". Discuss impact of various religions on art in India, citing relevant examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"Despite organisational apathy from INC in its initial years, the working class in various parts of the country subsequently participated in national movement. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Though some of the early measures restored faith among the Indians in the liberal tradition of England, Ripon's tenure did not bring about significant change in colonial bureaucracy. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"The New Social Movements in post independence period made an important beginning in awakening the society against injustices and deepened democracy in India. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"What are the reasons for recurrent and often catastrophic wildfires in places like Australia and USA? Are there any lessons to be learnt by India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss why India needs a cross border flood management mechanism. Also, state major issues in cross border flood management and suggest remedial measures.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Depletion of water resources in India is both a geoclimatic phenomenon as well as a result of some short sighted government policies. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"What are the major lithospheric plates? How and why do these plates move?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"There exists a wide gap between the constitutionally professed secularism and its practice in India. Do you agree? Substantiate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"India spends less than 1% of GDP on care work infrastructure and services. Explain how increased public investment in care economy infrastructure can be instrumental in meeting multiple policy objectives.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4772,"topper":"N Chetna Reddy","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/47f13-971773_1505_n_chetana_reddy_rank_110.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Open Government Data (OGD) can be seen as a step towards greater transparency and accountability in India. In this context, discuss the benefits of OGD and the challenges which lie therein. 10m","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"1(b) While corruption is never good, not all forms of corruption are equally bad for the economy, nor do they cause the same kind of harm. Critically analyze the statement in the context of India. 10m","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"2(a) Probity in governance is an essential and vital requirement for an effective and efficient system of governance and for socio-economic development. Discuss. Also state ways to enhance probity in governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"5(a) Citizen empowerment is a natural outcome of a citizen charter. Critically evaluate in the Indian context. 10m","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4773,"topper":"Nabiya","air":29,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/NABIYA-PARVEZ-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-29-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1 Explain the significance of the recent changes made to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) with respect to labour market data estimation in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Discuss the implications of the rising trend of protectionism and tariff wars in global trade for India's macroeconomic stability.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3 \"Genome-edited crops have the potential to strengthen food and nutritional security in the country.\" Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Assess the role of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) in expanding irrigation coverage and improving on-farm water use efficiency.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 Starlink, a satellite internet service provider, has recently been granted a license to operate in India. What is satellite internet? How does it work? What are its advantages and limitations?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) What is a Geographical Indication (GI)? What are the legal frameworks governing it? How does it differ from a trademark? How can GI infringement be tackled?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7 What are the salient features of Mission Mausam launched by the Government of India? Why is such a mission needed? What are the likely challenges in its effective implementation?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) Highlight the key provisions of the Disaster Management (Amendment) Act, 2025. How would the amendment help strengthen the disaster management framework in the country?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) 'Operation Sindoor' signals a strategic evolution in India's approach to cross-border terrorism. Analyze.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 'Cyberspace has emerged as a distinct domain of warfare, posing serious threats to national security.' Discuss this statement and suggest counter-measures.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 What are the key objectives of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016? To what extent has it been successful in achieving them?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 Despite phenomenal growth in recent years, India's startup ecosystem lags in innovation across strategic sectors. Identify the factors responsible for this inadequate focus on deep-tech and suggest strategies to bridge this gap.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13) What is floriculture? How is it helpful in enhancing farm income and boosting agri-exports?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"3 International demand can be met which help to export promotion (Eg) waterlily, Blue vanda","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 “Women play a crucial role in Indian agriculture, yet continue to face systemic exclusion.” Discuss with reference to land ownership, access to credit, and agri-extension services. What initiatives has the government taken in this regard?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Launched on 25th June 2025, the Axiom-4 (Ax-04) mission has been much in the news since then. What are the key features of the mission? What significance does it hold for the Gaganyaan project and India's long-term space ambitions?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 Energy storage technology is one of the major components of renewable energy integration and decarbonization of world energy systems. Briefly discuss any three such technologies, citing their key merits and demerits.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 Global Pandemic Agreement (2025) recognizes the 'One Health' approach as critical to pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. Highlight the key features of the agreement, and elaborate on how the One Health approach can help in preventing future pandemics. What steps are needed to integrate this approach into India's environmental and health governance?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 The frequency and intensity of heatwaves, particularly in urban centres, have increased in recent years. Describe the various causes and effects of heatwaves. What policies and frameworks have been adopted in India towards extreme heat risk management?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Discuss how emerging technologies and globalization contribute to terror financing. Elaborate measures to tackle the menace of terror financing both at national and international levels.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 Explain the key components of the National Policy and Action Plan (2015) that have contributed to the significant decline of Left-Wing Extremism (LWE). What additional steps would you suggest to eliminate LWE in the near future?","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4774,"topper":"Nabiya Parvez","air":29,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/NABIYA-PARVEZ-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-29-Sample-Essay-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. True leadership lies in serving not ruling.\n2. Democracy is not just the right to vote, it is the right to live in dignity.\n3. Growing regional aspirations and demand for greater autonomy: A challenge to Indian federalism.\n4. The ballot is stronger than the bullet.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"1. The great aim of education is not knowledge but action.\n2. The global south must redefine development through cooperation and justice.\n3. There is no health without mental health.\n4. If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"What is the aim of Education then?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"The greatest aim of education : Turn the knowledge into Action","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4775,"topper":"Nagendra Babu Kumar","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/NAGENDRA-BABU-KUMAR-UPSC-2023-Rank-160-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Shelving hard decisions is the least ethical course.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"All things come into being by conflict of opposites.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The arc of the moral universe is long but it bends towards justice.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Disinterested intellectual curiosity is the lifeblood of civilisation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Modesty is the color of virtue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"The root of suffering is attachment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"The century advances but every individual begins anew.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4776,"topper":"Nagendra Babu Kumar","air":160,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d7c1b-489815_2488_nagendra_babu_kumar_rank_160.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4777,"topper":"Nagendra Babu Kumar","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/NAGENDRA-BABU-KUMAR-UPSC-2023-Rank-160-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Critically evaluate the significance of the Basic Structure Doctrine in the five decades since its judicial pronouncement. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Though defamation law is vital to protect one's reputation and dignity in society, weaponization of the same to curb dissent and free speech is antithetical in a constitutional democracy. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Explore the legal-constitutional basis for the conflicts between the elected government and the institution of the Lieutenant Governor over the governance process in the Union Territory of Delhi. Analyse the role that the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 2023, can play in resolving it. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The objective of the Mediation Bill, 2023 is to have a mediation first approach to civil and commercial disputes resolution, with the purpose of reducing the burden of litigation on Courts, providing alternate means of disputes resolution, and enhancing the country's reputation as an investor friendly destination. Comment, with special emphasis on the salient features of the bill. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"A middle point between socialism and capitalism, cooperatives bring the best of the both worlds. Assess the utility of the cooperative model in effecting rural prosperity. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Evaluate the efficacy of Forest Rights Act, 2006 (FRA) and Panchayat (Extension of the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA) in attaining their mandate. Also, recommend measures to make these legislations more effective in attaining their desired objectives. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Differentiate between the legal and illegal means adopted by advocacy networks to advance their interests. What are the factors that limit their effectiveness as a pressure group? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the steps taken by the government in empowering Self Help Groups as a development partner in poverty alleviation. Also highlight the challenges in the working of SHGs. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Changing strategic realities come with their own constraints and possibilities. Describe briefly India's defense diplomacy in the context of contemporary geopolitics. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Explain the significance and implications of the China-brokered diplomatic accord between Iran and Saudi Arabia. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"A key pillar of Constitutional morality is constitutional punctuality. Illustrate with suitable examples, how a lack of constitutional punctuality not only hinders democratic functioning of the State, but also goes against the spirit of the Constitution. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Free and fair elections are the lifeblood of a democracy, and electoral reforms are at the core of political reforms. In this context, highlighting the challenges to functioning of the Election Commission, suggest the necessary reforms needed, with special reference to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Other Election Commissioners ECs (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The overhaul of India's criminal justice system is not only a long due reform, it is also imperative for decolonizing India's penal system. Elucidate in the light of recently proposed trinity of Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill, 2023, Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita Bill, 2023 and Bharatiya Sakshya Bill, 2023. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What ails institutions of Higher education? Bring out the possibilities and challenges that come with the entry and operation of foreign educational institutions seeking to impart higher education. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Partnership between the State and CSOs for delivering development, while promising at face value, is fraught with challenges. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Critically analyse the working of the POCSO Act, 2012 in addressing the menace of child sex abuse in society in the 10 years since its enactment. How far has the National Commission for protection of child rights been successful in fulfilling its mandate? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Discuss the challenges that keep India multi-dimensionally poor with special reference to NITI Ayog's National Multidimensional Poverty Index Report. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"BRICS can serve as a platform for shaping a post-Western global order, but the potential of the grouping is held back by internal contradictions. Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"\"WTO is dead! Long live WTO!\" In the context of this statement, account for the reasons behind why the WTO is dysfunctional. In your opinion, what reforms are needed to promote resilient, sustainable, and inclusive world trade. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4778,"topper":"Nagendra Babu Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/16c5b-489815_2424_nagendra_babu_kumar_rank_160.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What are the different dimensions of food security? Examine India's status in terms of ensuring food security with regard to these dimensions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Modern technologies such as blockchain and ChatGPT are powerful tools with immense potential to transform agriculture into a more efficient and sustainable sector. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What factors have led to the recent acceleration in the trend towards de-dollarization of the global economy? Do you think the dollar will lose its dominance anytime soon? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Despite significant pressure from the developed countries to alter its food subsidy regime, there is merit in India trying to retain its policy support for the poor in the country. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":4779,"topper":"Nagendra Babu Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/bb655-489815_2423_nagendra_babu_kumar_rank_160.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With suitable examples, discuss how environmental pressure groups enhance public participation and responsiveness with regard to environmental policies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The recent acknowledgment of sex work as a 'profession' by the Supreme Court is merely the first step in ensuring basic rights and equality for sex workers in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the role played by District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) in providing free legal aid and disseminating legal awareness in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"The collegium system has become a victim of its own success, with the concentration of power in the hands of a few, leading to questions about its legitimacy.\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"Civil services reforms must go beyond recruitment and standardised training to cope with the present day challenges.\" Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"Outcome-based finance models such as social impact bonds have the potential to truly catalyse change and deliver socio-economic impact at scale. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)\"","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"The wide gap between the number of females graduating every year and those entering the workspace is an issue of paramount importance that needs to be addressed. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)\"","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"An up to date and functional Civil Registration System (CRS) is essential to the socio-economic planning in India. Discuss in the light of the recent move of the Central government in revamping the CRS system in the country. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What are the key areas of reform if the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has to align with the current economic realities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In recent years, India's relationship with West Asia has evolved from the confines of geopolitics to expanse of geoeconomics. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The role of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) is significant in furthering healthy competitiveness aimed at inspiring stakeholders to innovate and augment effectiveness. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"\"The menace of paid news often rears its ugly head during elections.\" Discuss the need for making paid news an electoral offence in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the 'Doctrine of Essentiality' referred to by the courts in the context of religious practices in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"As per the recently released report of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), there is an urgent need to limit the size of the government in India. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The Institutions of Eminence (IoE) scheme was conceived to develop 'world-class' centres of higher education in India but six years later, it is yet to become the game changer it was intended to be. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) allows for innovative and convenient public services, help overcome inclusion or accessibility barriers, and increase transparency and accountability with real-time data. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Among other factors, strained ties with China and Pakistan make it difficult for India to fulfill its expectations from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"The recently concluded initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) between the United States and India promises a long overdue transformation of their partnership in the field of technology. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4780,"topper":"Nagendra Babu Kumar","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/NAGENDRA-BABU-KUMAR-UPSC-2023-Rank-160-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"To what extent can the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act 2023 help enhance trust-based governance for ease of living and doing business? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Fluctuations in the price of TOP (tomato, onion, potato) crops impact all strata of societies. Highlighting the reasons and implications of such fluctuations, evaluate the effectiveness of Operations Greens in stabilizing the otherwise restive horticulture sector. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"A focused and sustained promotion and pursuit of blue economy help meet the challenges of food security, national security, and climate security. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What advantages does Green Hydrogen and a hydrogen economy offer in addressing national and global concerns? Discuss the impediments in its adoption. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"In what ways do plastics harm human, animal, and ocean health? Bring out the various domestic and international efforts that have been put in this regard in recent times? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Though spatially distributed across the length and breadth of the country, incidents of cloud burst disproportionately impact the mountainous regions. Comment (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"As the emerging technologies enhance their reach and extent, the amalgamation of real and virtual will become inevitable. In this perspective, discuss how metaverse will alter the lives of common man. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What makes dark matter difficult to detect? Also, analyse how the search for the elusive dark matter has influenced the trailing of modern pursuits in science. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"While AFSPA has been criticised for promoting excesses by the security forces, its profound utility to upkeep the security situation cannot be overstated. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Its not only the heft but also the agility, efficiency, and swiftness which will define the war-fare in the contemporary times. In this context, discuss the relevance of the Agnipath scheme. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The path towards an Atmanirbhar Bharat traverses through an overhaul of industrial policies. Comment, with special reference to the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Infrastructure investments are crucial for socio-economic development, as they have a multiplier effect on economy, however, concerns for safety must not be ignored. Discuss in the light of recent events. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"How will you explain the irony of poor adoption of millet crops despite their multifarious advantages? Also, recommend measures to curb this anomaly. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Analyze the role Agri-tech can play in penetration of technology in agriculture. In what ways can Agristack help address the crisis in the farm sector. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The objective of an inclusive clean energy transition will remain incomplete without leveraging the potential of the biofuels. Enumerating the seminal provisions of the National Biofuel Policy, analyze the possible challenges in its smooth implementation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Despite having a robust legal architecture in the form of Disaster Management Act, 2005, a coordinated on ground response to disaster remains in a state of want. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Trace the evolution of Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) from its humble beginnings as the space agency of the government to becoming a technology behemoth, spearheading innovations with respect to satellites, launch vehicles, and planetary explorations. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"In what ways has Drug trafficking taken new forms and new routes in recent years. Elucidate the steps taken by the govt in this regard, with special reference to Operation Samudragupta. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Why does the North East remain a hotbed of insurgency? With special emphasis on government measures, discuss the steps to ameliorate the situation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4781,"topper":"Nagendra Babu Kumar","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/NAGENDRA-BABU-KUMAR-UPSC-2023-Rank-160-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"While knowledge and skills are crucial, they should be accompanied by a strong foundation of ethics. In this context, discuss the importance of ethics in education and the role of educational institutions in imparting ethical values. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Mahatma Gandhi considered ahimsa is the highest duty. He express that even if we cannot practice it in full, we must try to understand its spirit and refrain as far as is humanly possible from violence. Do you think, this articulated profoundness of Ahimsa is still relevant? Justify your answer. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The debate of ends versus means is a never ending one. While teleologists stress the need for the right ends, deontologists argue that the ends, no matter how valuable, cannot justify the means. What are the pitfalls in justifying right ends over right means? Also analyze the implications of always adhering to the right means. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"How does Emotional Intelligence (EI) help in balancing personal as well as professional life? Discuss with examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What does each of the following quotations mean to you? a) \"Experience is the only teacher we have. We may talk and reason all our lives, but we shall not understand a word of truth, until we experience it ourselves\" - Swami Vivekananda (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Individuals should cultivate noble traits so that socio-political organizations are free from highly despicable men.\" - Thirukkural (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"\"Happiness is a mysterious thing, to be found somewhere between too little and too much.\" - Ruskin Bond (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"I would rather try to persuade a man to go along, because once I have persuaded him, he will stick. If I scare him, he will stay just as long as he is scared, and then he is gone. Persuasion can often achieve what coercion cannot. In this context, evaluate the significance of persuasion for heralding social transformations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Examine the relevance of following in the context of civil services: (10 marks, 150 words) i. Neutrality ii. Intellectual Courage iii. Diligence iv. Selflessness","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Why is leadership is considered a foundational value for civil services and a fundamental attribute to be a civil servant? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"There are certain standards that society expects from those who are elected or appointed to public office to observe and maintain in the conduct of the public affairs to which they have been entrusted. Those in positions of power can use these positions to take decisions that are solely in the public interest or they can use them to benefit themselves. Where the roots of private virtue are diseased, the fruit of public probity cannot but be corrupt. What do you understand by probity and discuss how probity in public life can be inculcated? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Ethical quandary lies in exploring the complex interplay between absoluteness and relativity in ethical considerations. Can ethical principles be regarded as universally absolute, or does the notion of relativity, often associated with physics, also apply to ethics? Share your perspective and provide supporting arguments. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Since its enactment, Right to Information (RTI) Act has helped in improving the levels of transparency and accountability in public institutions. However, many argue that the quality of public service delivery in India is still far from satisfactory. In this background, do you find RTI Act efficient enough to improve the public service delivery for Indian citizens. Critically discuss the need for a Right to Public Service Act (RSPA) to make Indian governance more ethical and efficient. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Suman is a young IPS officer who is posted as the SP law and order in a district that has a history of communal clashes. During a cultural event, a political leader made certain controversial comments regarding the religion of another community that can potentially harm communal harmony in the district. The representatives of the aggrieved community met Suman with their complaint. An FIR was registered in the matter and the police department promptly started an investigation. During questioning, the accused political leader denied the charges. He claimed that he was exercising his right to freedom of expression and had no intention of hurting anyone's feelings. . He even offered to tender an apology if his statement had hurt someone's religious feelings. However, the aggrieved community was not satisfied with this apology and demanded strict action against the accused. The next day, a video went viral on social media in which the accused political leader can be seen making derogatory statements against another religious faith. However, Suman suspects that the video going viral on the internet is a doctored video and someone has mischievously edited it to make it more vitriolic and inflammatory. The video has ignited communal tensions in the district. The accused political leader belongs to an influential community and his community has put their support behind him. Local intelligence has warned that some anti-social elements are trying to use this opportunity to create communal riot in the district. The entire matter has been politicized and is being covered by the national media. In this situation answer the following: a) What differentiates a hate speech from a free speech? b) Why does social media have a very strong influence over the actions and thoughts of its users? c) What is the most suitable course of action for Suman in this situation? Justify. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"You have recently started working at your dream company. You have hired in the strategies department along with two other new joiners. All of you have just graduated out of college. You have very friendly relations with co-joiners. The three of you have been helping each other at work. The experience of working together has built strong camaraderie between the three of you. Your boss has publicly appreciated the strong team-spirit displayed by you and your colleagues. At the annual review, you have been given a higher pay raise, and a more lucrative job profile. The promotion doesn't come as a surprise to you. You have worked beyond office hours more as a rule rather than as an exception. The project you worked at was adjudged 'the best project of the year in business impact' at the annual corporate awards. One of your co-joiners remarks, in presumably good humor, that you should suggest to your boss to allocate similar high impact projects to your friends as well. You also perceive suggestions towards the shared surname being the reason for special affinity of your boss towards you, indicating at the fact that your boss and you have the same caste. You feel hurt but you also try to think about the remarks with an open mind. You assess that the three of you have indeed worked hard with sincerity. One of your friends, in fact, worked very efficiently despite a personal tragedy at home. There was already a salary differential between you and your colleagues based on the pedigree of your college. The higher pay raise to you has expanded the differential pay structure further. You always considered the initial pay differential to be against the principle of equal pay for equal work. But now you feel your friends may not have been given equal opportunities as well. You are inclined to the belief that efforts and talent of your colleagues have been under-appreciated and you start feeling guilty about your promotion. Based on the given information, discuss the options that are available to you for addressing the guilt. What are the merits and demerits of those choices? Which option would you choose? Justify. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Based on the given information, discuss the options that are available to you for addressing the guilt. What are the merits and demerits of those choices? Which option would you choose? Justify. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"Harish is a senior officer in a government think tank. He is responsible for analysing the demands for funds from various ministries and state governments, and making recommendations to the government for prioritising the budget expenditure. Harish's department is currently busy in analysing the demands for funds from five different ministries. The first demand is from the Ministry of Defence for 500 crore rupees. The Ministry of Defence has solicited funds for the acquisition of state-of-the-art night vision goggles and assault weapons for the armed force personnel posted in terrorism infested areas of Jammu and Kashmir. The second demand is from the Ministry of Heavy Industries. The Ministry of Heavy Industries has demanded 300 crore rupees for the purchase of electric scooters. Distribution of electric scooters was one of the election promises of the incumbent union government in order to reduce pollution levels in the country. Further, as two states are set to go to poll next year, there is an additional pressure from a senior cabinet minister to prioritise this demand. The third demand is for 200 crore rupees from the Ministry of Road Transport. The Ministry of Road Transport has proposed to build robust road connectivity in left wing affected (LWE) areas and also in the hilly states. It is reasoned that while road connectivity will have a multiplier impact on the economy, it will also ease the movement of troops, improving the overall security situation in LWE areas. The fourth demand is from the Ministry of Health for 200 crore rupees. The Ministry of Health has targeted to increase the insurance penetration in the country. It is argued that increased insurance penetration will boost public health and reduce out-of-pocket expenditure. The fifth demand is for 300 crore rupees from the Ministry of Women and Child Development. The MoWCD aims to expand its nutrition programme in the country to effectively tackle the high levels of stunting and wasting in the children. While each of the government schemes is important, related to national security, economic development and public welfare; the fiscal space available with the exchequer is limited. Harish has an elbow space to accommodate schemes worth 1000 crore rupees. Now, it is incumbent upon Harish to allocate the available money in the most prudent fashion. a) What principles should guide Harish in the allocation of money? b) Imagine yourself in the position of Harish. In what order will you prioritise the available funds and why? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":58,"question":"What principles should guide Harish in the allocation of money? b) Harish's position. Imagine yourself in the position of Harish. In what order will you prioritise the available funds and why? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":4782,"topper":"Nagendra Babu Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5de9a-489815_2425_nagendra_babu_kumar_rank_160.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"For effective corporate governance to take place in the coming years, why is it important to integrate the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics with the multi-stakeholder approach? What benefits can be accrued by such integration? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In acts of corruption, the focus is often only on the demand side of the equation, on public officials who abuse their office for private gain. Frequently, the supply side is given less attention. Those who pay bribes are sometimes depicted as innocent parties and victims of extortionary practices of wily public servants. Do you agree that 'collusive corruption', in which there is a willing bribe-giver, is a formidable challenge for institutions fighting corruption? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Citizens' Charters initiative was a response to the quest for solving the problems, which a citizen encountered, day in and day out, while dealing with the organisations providing public services. But the introduction and implementation of Citizens' Charters in the government of India has been difficult due to the old bureaucratic set up and the rigid attitudes of the work force. Discuss the major obstacles that have been encountered in implementing the Citizens' Charter initiative. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Quality of public service delivery is a major determinant of the quality of life of vulnerable sections in a highly unequal society divided along the lines of class, caste, religion, etc. In this background, do you think that public service delivery is efficient and sufficient enough to improve the lives of vulnerable groups in India? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own.\" - Lao Tzu (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"If ethics are poor at the top, that behavior is copied down through the organization.\" - Robert Noyce (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"The end of law is not to abolish or restrain, but to preserve and enlarge freedom.\" - John Locke (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Wealthy CEOs and founders of successful businesses around the world are increasingly pledging to give away their wealth in philanthropy. Do you think that such a move is sufficient enough to bring about a positive change in the society? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"As organizations across the globe begin their artificial intelligence (AI) transformation, the leap into the AI era is expected to be more challenging than any technology that businesses have grappled with yet. In this background, discuss the concerns around fairness, transparency, and job security that may arise. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The emphasis of Swami Dayanand Saraswati on education, social equality, and ethical values continues to influence the socio-cultural discourse in contemporary India. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Emotional intelligence may not be singularly associated with emotions or intelligence. It can also include a broad range of personality characteristics that might predict success in professional and everyday life. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Traditional forms of state-led accountability, also characterised as vertical and horizontal channels of accountability, are increasingly found to be inadequate, and a myriad of multi-stakeholder and bottom-up citizen directed approaches have come to the fore, to supplement or supplant them. Discuss with illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":37,"question":"Rina and her friends from the college were working as interns with a company for the last few months. On completion of their internship, some of them, including Rina, have been offered full-time jobs in the company. Being a reputed company, she and her friends accepted the offer. Rina is enthusiastic about her new job and has even established good relationship with some of her company co-workers during her internship. However, during her tenure as an intern, Rina had begun to notice that one of the Vice-Presidents (VPs) of the company was giving her too much attention. He used to make an extra effort to stop by Rina's cubicle and chat, something he was not doing with any of the other interns. He had even tried to connect with Rina over social networking sites. Some of her co-interns also noticed this and began to make offhand comments to Rina about the extra attention being given by the VP. Now that she was has been hired for a full time position, she is fearful that she might have to work with this VP directly. While he has not done or said anything explicitly inappropriate, the extra attention and the fact that her co-workers noticed it, made her very uncomfortable and undermined her concentration at work. The company encourages an open and friendly atmosphere and when she was hired, it was communicated to her that she should always speak to her Manager whenever faced with any uncomfortable work related issues. However, she is concerned to speak about it officially, as the VP has not done anything explicitly wrong. In the given situation: (a) What dilemmas does Rina face? (b) What options does she have? Provide the merits and demerits of each. (c) Highlight the course of action she should adopt, along with justification for the same. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"In the given situation: (a) What dilemmas does Rina face? (b) What options does she have? Provide the merits and demerits of each. (c) Highlight the course of action she should adopt, along with justification for the same. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"You have recently been posted as a Nodal Education Officer in one of the districts, where mass cheating in examinations is a regular phenomenon. Media reports have shown parents and relatives scaling school walls and buildings to pass answer chits to students taking secondary school examinations in the district. Moreover, with the advent of new technological devices, cheating in examinations has become more sophisticated and exam rules are flouted openly. On investigation, it has come to your notice that these rackets are run by many school authorities, including exam invigilators who are mostly teachers, and they are hand in glove for profits. With a shortage of staff, invigilators threaten go on mass strikes if any action is taken. Conducting the exams, cancelling them on account of cheating and having re-exams are a loss of time and money for the government and this vicious cycle goes on. As the Nodal Education Officer of the district, address the following questions: (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (b) How will you resolve the issues in the given case? (c) What long-term strategy needs to be adopted to deal with the menace of cheating in various examinations? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Many proponents of deep-sea drilling argue that tapping into the vast amount of rare earth elements in the Indian Ocean will help shore up national security interests for India, bolster its economy and workforce, and offer a reliable supply of strategic minerals. Keeping this in mind, the government has approved a $540-million programme to study ways of mining nickel, cobalt, manganese and iron hydroxide from the bed of the Indian Ocean 6,000 meters below sea level. The government argues that the project can power India's growth for 100 years. It will also study climate change, explore marine flora and fauna and harness thermal energy. However, a competing point of view alleges that deep ocean drilling poses immense risk to the environment. A comprehensive report on Sustainable Ocean Economy by independent geologists states that \"until the need for, and potential consequences of, deep-sea mining are better understood, the concept is conceptually difficult to align with the definition of a sustainable ocean economy and raises various environmental, legal and governance challenges, as well as possible conflicts with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.\" It also highlights that the profitability of national mining operations, without governmental support or comparably low taxes, remains questionable. If the operations are profitable, it will also raise questions about the equitable sharing of profits derived from a resource taken out of the common heritage of mankind. Additionally, companies like BMW, Volvo, Google and Korean battery maker Samsung SDI, vowed in a statement to not buy metals produced from deep-sea mining until the environmental risks of the activity are \"comprehensively understood.\" In the context of the above-stated information, address the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the given case study? (b) How can the vision of economic development of a nation be achieved without adversely affecting the sustainability of oceans? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4783,"topper":"Namami Bansal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/32860_760_Namami_Rank_17.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Celebrities are paid huge amounts by companies for endorsing products that at times turn out to be harmful for the consumers. Examine the ethical dimensions involved in such instances.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Lack of cleanliness in urban areas despite schemes such as the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan point to difficulties faced in bringing about attitudinal and behavioural changes. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Issues around economic inclusion are not just about income gaps, there are many dimensions of moral and ethical choices as well. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Socially and economically marginalized women are used to make a profit, often at the cost of their own health and reproductive autonomy, in the name of commercial surrogacy. Discuss the ethical issues associated with commercial surrogacy in India. Should commercial surrogacy be completely banned?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"While discussing the ethical issues that journalists face on a regular basis, examine the causes of increased sensationalism in news media in recent times.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"What are the various sources through which humans can judge the correctness of their actions? In the context of public life discuss how these sources are important in offering a clear and practical guidance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Should a person resort to leaking of information in case of wrongs done in the organization ? Does it cause a conflict of interest between the personal, organizational and societal spheres? Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Competition, it is argued, spurs the best of performance, however, can it also instigate cheating and unethical behaviour? Discuss with adequate examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"What are the immediate steps which should be taken in such a situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"Suggest some long term measures to ensure that such a situation is not repeated.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":58,"question":"Is Dr. Singh's participation in this study justified? Justify your position. 2. Is Dr. Singh involved in a conflict of interest? If yes, what is the nature of such conflict and how can it be mitigated? 3. How would the nature of conflict be different if he did not already own shares and was offered shares in lieu of conducting the said study?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4784,"topper":"Naman Goyal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/f1553-933854_1504_naman-goyal_rank_30.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the achievements of National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK) towards ameliorating the conditions of manual scavengers in India. What other steps can be taken in this direction? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Bring out the reasons behind growing mental health related issues in India. Also, suggest some steps which can be further taken by India in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"India faces the 'triple burden of malnutrition' that threatens to erode the growth and development of its human resources and economy. Explain. Also highlight the role of the National Nutrition Strategy to address the nutritional challenges. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"To empower persons with disabilities in India, it is imperative to shift from a charity-based approach to a rights-based approach. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discuss the status of paternity leave in India and state its significance. Also, mention the challenges in granting paternity leave in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Not only does globalisation impact the environment, but environmental factors also impact globalisation. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"By persisting as a system of inequality, caste not only leads to social exclusion but also economic discrimination in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The issue of revising the minimum age of marriage for women in India has been raised in the public domain recently. Discuss the different strands of the debate in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Tribal population has fared poorly in various health indicators at the national level. In this context, highlighting various reasons for poor health of tribals, suggest suitable steps that need to be taken to address the same. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Explain why healthcare systems do not self-organise using the forces of free market. Also, discuss how this problem can be addressed. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The development of women's organisations has witnessed phases of accommodation, crisis and maturing in post independent India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Development-induced displacement is a recurring phenomenon in India and the poor and marginalised are hit the hardest by it. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Elucidate the network of key schemes designed to achieve the 'bare necessities' in India, and also analyse their outcomes. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Do you think that the separation of state and religion is a sufficient criterion for the existence of secularism? Comment in the context of existing inter-religious and intra-religious domination in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss the significance of sustainable urbanization. What are the challenges in realising the goal of sustainable urbanization? In this context, also highlight the efforts being made by the government. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Establishing the National Council for Transgender Persons is a step in the right direction but many other measures are required to holistically address the issues faced by the transgender community. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"By empowering women economically, trade can play an important role in promoting women's equality. Analyse. Also, discuss the constraints that affect women in trade related roles and how these constraints can be addressed. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"As long as it is not secessionist, or aimed at othering sections, subnationalism can be seen as a constitutive element of democracy. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The past year witnessed an increased emphasis on online learning. In this context, examine the various challenges in providing accessible and inclusive education in India. Also discuss the steps needed to address these challenges. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4785,"topper":"Naman Goyal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9a7d9-933854_1524_naman-goyal_rank_30.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Tenancy reforms are much needed to give a boost to the Indian agricultural sector. Comment. In this context, also discuss the significance of the Model Land Leasing Act, 2016. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"India's march towards inclusive growth and it achieving the Sustainable Development Goals are intricately linked. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlight the need for evolving an appropriate system of Rules Of Origin in regional trading arrangements. What steps have been taken by India recently in this regard? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"MSP regime is a creation of an era of scarcity in the 1960s. Discuss its relevance in the current era of surplus agricultural production. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Examine the link between the recent locust attack and climate change. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlighting the properties of Carbon Nanotubes, discuss its applications. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"India's domestic patent regime privileges public health over pharmaceutical industry's interests. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Bring out the arguments surrounding the idea of employing the principle of 'one border - one force' on Indian borders. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Assess the need to create a new cadre of Indian Frontier Administrative Service to undertake the vital tasks at Indian frontiers. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The main objective of Union Budget 2020-21 is to provide \"Ease of Living\" to all citizens. Analyse the framework proposed in the Budget 2020-21 to achieve this objective. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Several challenges are needed to be addressed to realise the full benefits of the recent agricultural marketing reforms. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Multimodal transport requires multiple integrations across different modes of transportation. Substantlate. What are the challenges and opportunities associated with multimodal transportation for India? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Though COVID-19 pandemic exposes the vulnerability of informal sector and associated labor force in India, it also presents an opportunity to rebalance formal-informal economy dynamics in the country. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Highlight the drivers and challenges facing India's ambition to become a gas-based economy. Mention the steps that have been taken by the government recently in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Climate Change and the associated events endanger the marine and coastal ecosystems while increasing the vulnerability of coastal population. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Using examples, highlight how natural ecosystems perform different hazard mitigation functions. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Explain what genome sequencing is and state the challenges in scaling up genome sequencing projects. Also, throw some light on the recently launched IndiGen Project. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India needs to avert radicalisation and societal dissention, as internal faultlines are a breeding ground for cyber and transnational terrorism. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Given the emerging security challenges, discuss why the establishment of Integrated Theatre Commands is being seen as an important defence reform. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4786,"topper":"Naman Goyal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3ce9f-933854_1514_naman-goyal_rank_30.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the changes introduced by the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) Amendment Act, 2021, analyse various issues with the amended Act. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Are there valid arguments for continuing with sedition law in 21st century democratic India? Discuss in light of the debate surrounding it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Identify the issues that have contributed to a decline in the performance of Parliamentary Standing Committees. How can these issues be addressed? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Despite being a non-constitutional body, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) has wielded immense decision-making power in India. Discuss the advantages and issues associated with it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the role of data in governance in India. Also, state the various challenges in this regard and suggest remedial measures. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"With specific examples, elaborate upon the conditions that led to the emergence of a new civil society in urban India in the last few decades. Also, highlight its contribution towards effecting governance and policy changes. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The Gati Shakti mission has the potential to not only address the issue of infrastructure bottlenecks but also streamline the governance processes in the country. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Giving an account of the issues faced by workers in the informal sector, discuss whether the recently launched e-Shram portal can help in addressing them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Clarifying the significance of the recent developments on the issue of global minimum tax, discuss its prospects and challenges for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Announcement of the AUKUS security pact heralds a new era of global geo-politics. Comment. Also, discuss how it may affect India's interests. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Effective devolution of finances is an important requirement for Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) to fulfill their objectives. Discuss while also elaborating on the reasons behind lack of financial resources for PRIs in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Judicial activism is a necessary tool to guard against \"legislative adventurism and executive excesses\". Critically discuss in the context of the doctrine of separation of powers as provided in the Constitution of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The electoral bond scheme is part of what appears to be a growing trend away from transparency and accountability in electoral funding. Critically analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The significance of the principle of subsidiarity was well reflected in the management of the COVID-19 pandemic. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Social media has ushered in greater transparency and accountability in governance. But accountability through social media is no alternative to institutional accountability. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Although the State has the right incentives and intentions to deliver public services efficiently, its capacity to do so is questionable. Critically discuss in the context of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The problem of hunger in India does not lie in food production but various other underlying issues. Discuss in the wake of decline in India's ranking in the Global Hunger Index, 2021. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Democratization of primary healthcare is indispensable for fulfilling the objectives of equitable and comprehensive care in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"In the context of the evolving discourse on the Indo-Pacific, analyse the factors driving the global shift towards the region. Also, identify India's interests and challenges in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India's Afghanistan policy must be based on a clear-eyed understanding of important strategic goals in the region amidst the current regional and global strategic environment. Elaborate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4787,"topper":"Naman Goyal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3bc39-933854_1513_naman-goyal_rank_30.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"In the context of protection of monuments, explain the role of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Also, comment on the challenges faced by ASI and measures taken to address these. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Tribal art has a huge potential for acting as an economic resource and a tool for socio-economic transformation of tribals in India. Elucidate. Also highlight the challenges in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Though the Government of India Act, 1919 proposed some radical administrative changes, it remained short of fulfilling aspirations of Indians. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Often deemed as the 'forgotten conflict', the Korean War had far-reaching implications. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Explaining the origin of earth's magnetism, discuss its significance with special reference to its interaction with solar particles. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discussing the challenges pertaining to dam safety in India, highlight the potential of Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project to address them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What is understood by Carbon Compensation Depth (CCD)? Discuss the implications of the rise in this depth due to anthropogenic warming as well. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"In view of demographic changes in recent decades, do you think India needs a two-child policy? Discuss in light of various strands of the debate surrounding this issue. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Globalization is incredibly efficient but has so far been incredibly unjust. Examine the statement in the context of developing countries like India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"It would not be completely wrong to state that In India, art is religion and religion is art.\" In light of the statement, discuss the impact of various religions on art in India, citing relevant examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Despite organizational apathy from the Indian National Congress in its initial years, the working class in various parts of the country subsequently participated overwhelmingly in the nationalist movement. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Though some of his early measures restored faith among the Indians in the liberal tradition of England, Lord Ripon's tenure did not bring about significant changes in the conservative mindset of the colonial bureaucracy. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The New Social Movements in post-independence period made an important beginning in awakening the society against injustices and deepened the very notion of democracy in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What are the reasons for recurrent and often catastrophic wildfires in places like Australia and the United States? Are there any lessons to be learnt from these events by India? Explain adequately. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss why India needs a cross border flood management mechanism. Also, state the major issues in cross border flood management and suggest remedial measures in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Depletion of water resources in India is both a geo-climatic phenomenon as well as a result some short-sighted government policies. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the major lithospheric plates? How and why do these plates move? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"There exists a wide gap between the constitutionally professed secularism and its practice in India. Do you agree? Substantiate with relevant arguments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India spends less than one per cent of GDP on care work infrastructure and services. In view of the statement, explain how increased public investment in care economy infrastructure can be instrumental in meeting multiple policy objectives. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4788,"topper":"Naman Goyal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/80810-933854_1516_naman-goyal_rank_30.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Do laws need to be consistent with the prevalent moral norms? Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"\"People's indifference is the best breeding ground for corruption to grow\". Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"In the context of COVID-19 pandemic, discuss the importance of Emotional Intelligence among healthcare workers. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"It is the 'spirit of service' that motivates a public servant to serve the country's interests and address people's issues. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Ethics does its work in the world by granting and withdrawing legitimacy. Discuss in the context of role of ethics in international relations. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Sustainable growth of an organisation can result only by aligning its decisions to the interests of all stakeholders, not merely its shareholders. Do you agree? Justify with logical arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri's life exemplifies value-driven public service of the highest order. What are the values one can learn from his life to be a good citizen and a good administrator? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"There is a view that the institutional mechanisms to ensure accountability of civil servants have weakened over time. In this context, discuss the need of a social accountability law in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Why has anonymity of civil servants traditionally been seen as an important arrangement? In this context, discuss your opinion on the doctrine of facelessness in civil services. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In the age of social media, influencers have a huge following and have gained prominent marketing roles. In this context, discuss the ethical issues involved in influencer marketing. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or the darkness of destructive selfishness. - Martin Luther King Jr. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You are a young officer posted as the Sub Divisional Magistrate in a district which houses factories for making match boxes and fire crackers. It is brought to your notice that a large number of children are working in these hazardous activities. The government had previously released a notification that owners of these manufacturing units need to report on the profiles of their employees annually to prevent child labour. These manufacturing units, abiding by the directives of the government, publish such reports annually and claim to have successfully put an end to employment of child labour. However, there are reports that these units are taking advantage of loopholes in the law. They are using contractors to continue to indirectly hire children without them officially being on the payroll of the units. Families of these child labourers are poor and see this as an essential source of income. An influential local politician also owns some of these manufacturing units and is known to put pressure on the officers involved for not taking any action against child labour. (a) Identify the stakeholders and ethical issues in this case. (b) How would you approach the problem and what would be the main elements of your action? (c) What medium to long-term measures will you propose to tackle the problem of child labour in the district?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Many states in India have experimented with prohibition of liquor at various times. However, it is common knowledge that many such states have a thriving illegal liquor industry. Moreover, it is ironical that while many political parties have prohibition prominently mentioned in their manifestos, it is politicians who distribute alcohol among voters during their election campaigns. This also gives rise to illicit liquor trade and many people lose their lives to it. (a) What are the socio-economic problems that are widely attributed to alcoholism? (b) Do you think prohibiting liquor creates more problems than it proposes to solve? (c) Short of prohibition, what can be done to tackle the problem of rising alcoholism, particularly among the youth of the country?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate (DM) of a district where residents are facing the menace of stray dogs. Instances of dogs chasing two-wheelers, cyclists and attacking pedestrians are on the rise. Elderly persons as well as children are the worst-hit and recently, an 8 year old girl was severely injured by a pack of dogs. The perceived magnanimity of the problem and inaction from government authorities have prompted vigilante groups to cull dogs in mass numbers. However, local NGOs have come out against such a practice of mass culling and are calling for stringent action against those killing stray dogs. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (b) As the DM, suggest short-term and long-term measures to tackle the above issue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are a young officer posted as the Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district. You have received information that at a party some people were harassed by your subordinate police officer. On further inquiry, you came to know that two complaints have been filed - one by the police and the other by people who organised the party. According to the police, people had gathered without permission and were not following COVID-19 appropriate behaviour and social distancing norms. But on the other hand, the complaint filed by the party organisers says that police entered the private venue due to loud noise and harassed everyone at the party including women guests. According to them, your subordinate police officer even tore apart the document, which granted permission to organise the party. A video of this incident, showing your subordinate officer tearing off a document, is being widely circulated on social media platforms. Due to this, social activists want you to take strict action against your subordinate police officer. (a) Identify the ethical issues in the case. (b) What are the factors that can influence decision by competent authorities in such instances? Do you think mobilising public opinion through social media is a fair way to influence the decision in such cases? (c) As the SP, what will be your course of action in this situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"As India's vaccination drive against the COVID-19 pandemic breaches the 100 crore inoculation mark, some of the most backward tribal districts of the country still remain unvaccinated. You are the new District Magistrate (DM) in one such tribal district. The vaccination drive has been unsuccessful in the district so far despite imminent threats of the virus. It is believed that the tribals of the district refuse to get vaccinated due to their personal beliefs regarding immunization. Further, the community doctor who works in geriatrics and has almost daily contact with members of the district, too has refused to be vaccinated based on his personal beliefs. This has made the people more adamant about their decision to remain unvaccinated. Additionally, rumours of a few deaths post-vaccination have spread in the district. There is also a high risk of rising cases in the nearby districts spilling over to your district. There is a dire need for assuaging the fear of people and extreme pressure on the administration to take action and conduct the vaccination drive smoothly. (a) What are the ethical issues in the given case? (b) As the DM in charge, what steps will you take to tackle the issues? (c) Discuss how persuasion can be used to convince people to voluntarily get vaccinated.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"In India, there exists a huge gap between demand for organ transplants and available donors, both living and cadaver. Besides a lack of awareness on organ donation, the rise of non-communicable and lifestyle diseases, such as hypertension and diabetes have led to increased instances of organ failure, in turn putting even more pressure on the demand for vital organs. According to reports, an estimated four lakh people die in India every year waiting for an organ transplant. Other than the legal and administrative issues, there are various ethical issues related to organ donation and transplantation in India. Provide an account of these ethical issues in detail. Also, discuss how the gap between demand and supply of organs in India can be closed.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4789,"topper":"Naman Goyal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/786ce-933854_1525_naman-goyal_rank_30.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Administration discretion can be a blessing if used correctly, however its misuse can prove to be a curse. Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"There is a view that corrupt practices have been socially accepted in India. How can this 'acceptance' be shifted to 'rejection' towards corruption? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Ethical business practices are key for long-term survival of a company. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Law succeeds in encouraging ethical behaviour in a society only when it is backed by conscience of its individuals. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter. Martin Luther King Jr. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do you understand by Social Intelligence? Discuss its relation with the Emotional Intelligence of an individual. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"While code of conduct presents a structure to organized values, code of ethics gives a foundation to that structure. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"According to Buddhism, for a man to be perfect there are two qualities that he should develop equally: compassion (karuna) on one side, and wisdom (panna) on the other. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The life of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam presents a broad range of lessons and virtues to be learnt by public servants in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Identify which essential information should be made available to the public via Citizen's Charter? Also, suggest some steps for successful implementation of the Citizen's Charter. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Respect for human rights and humanitarian principles is a responsibility for all members of the international community. Discuss in the context of roles and responsibilities of States for protection of refugees. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"What is red-tapism? Why is it considered a hurdle in the process of transitioning towards citizen centric governance? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Given the rising tide of Covid induced fatalities, the government is under extreme pressure to deliver some vaccine to the population. You are the Cabinet Secretary to the Government of India. You are heading the committee to oversee the process of vaccine development and distribution to fight against the Covid outbreak in the country. You have been asked to expedite the process and come up with a solution at the earliest. Some vaccines are available around the globe, but they are in limited supply and also expensive. One of the indigenously developed vaccine has shown initial positive results, but health experts have raised concerns over its safety, efficacy and the methodology being followed for its approval. Other promising vaccines under development, following a rigorous methodology, may take months to enter the market. In this context: (a) What are the critical issues involved in the case? (b) Explain, with relevant reasons, the course of action that you would take.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Literacy levels have been increasing in India over the past few decades, and the literacy rate was found to be 74.04 per cent after the 2011 census. Though this increase in literacy rate seems like a very great accomplishment, it is a matter of concern that still so many people in India cannot even read and write. Children are going to school but not learning much beyond \"floor level tasks\". Moreover, the higher literacy level has not resulted in better human values and this is manifested in the troubled atmosphere in the society at large. This failure of the education system to reform human behavior is troubling for a young democracy, like India. Given this situation, answer the following: (a) What role is education expected to play in reforming human behaviour and inculcating human values? (b) Do you think only the government is responsible for this state of the education system? If not, identify the stakeholders who should press for a change in the education system in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Problems surrounding air pollution present an urgent challenge for many countries, including India. Among other reasons, this challenge has been exacerbated by the indifferent attitude of people towards it. Various studies have pointed out the harmful effects of air pollution. Despite the government bringing various regulations on activities like stubble burning and bursting fire crackers, people violate them. (a) Discuss the reasons behind such behaviour on part of society towards air pollution. (b) Suggest measures that are required to be undertaken to nudge people towards pro-environment behaviour.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"In recent times, social media has emerged as an important platform for all to share their information and opinions. Many civil servants are also quite active on the social media. Given this situation, there have been calls to revise or update the Civil Services Conduct Rules. Suppose you are a senior IAS officer who is heading a panel set up by the government to bring suitable changes in the conduct rules. Elaborate on how you will respond to the following questions: (a) What are the issues with a civil servant expressing his/her views on social media on various matters? (b) Should criticism of government policies on social media by civil servants be allowed? (c) How should civil servants conduct themselves on social media?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Economic growth has been the primary goal of economic policies, and the principal measure of an economy's success. In the last few decades, economic growth benefitted mankind in multiple ways. But alongside these benefits, it has also generated significant issues and a series of converging challenges. In light of this, answer the following: (a) What was the rationale behind GDP growth being considered the pillar of economic policies the world over in the past few decades? (b) Explain the need to go beyond GDP growth and reassess our measures of development. Identify some of the components that need to be complemented with GDP growth going forward.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"The Covid-19 pandemic is far from over but governments across the world appear to have either relaxed lockdown parameters or will do so soon. Containing Covid and restoring our economies requires not just good policy decisions and medical advice; it also needs continued compliance with the recommended behavioural changes. Daunting as they may seem, the drastic changes in behaviour being called for, can indeed be brought about. Answer the following in this regard: (a) Why is behavioural change seen to be desirable in a country like India, when it is faced with a pandemic of the kind of Covid-19? (b) What role have different stakeholders in India been playing in helping communities adhere to the desired behaviour? (c) Discuss the challenges in bringing about behavioural change, particularly in such an environment of anxiety and uncertainties.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4790,"topper":"Naman Goyal","air":30,"year":2021,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1lkfBPPq-udIvE9KzX5-3z3ZvM9qUpJLh","questions":[]},{"id":4791,"topper":"Naman Kumar Singla","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/60841-1017427_1515_naman-kumar-singla_47.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the meaning of off-budget borrowings and its role in helping the government raise funds for various expenditures. Also, comment on its desirability. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"It is argued that genetically modified food crops are required to ensure food security of India. Examine in view of concerns regarding introduction of GM crops. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"India's price intervention policies to support its agricultural sector not only create a broken system but also complicate matters related to international trade rules. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"India has an opportunity to become a leading global food supplier provided it has an efficient supply chain and the right marketing strategies. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Land banks are increasingly gaining prominence in India to encourage land-use efficiency and enable economic growth. In this context, discuss the benefits of a land bank and state the concerns associated with it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Desertification has been described as one of the greatest environmental challenges of our time and climate change is making it worse. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In the context of intellectual property rights, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of releasing projects under an 'Open Source' license. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"\"Indian space sector has been dominated by a single umbrella of government and government institutions.\" In light of the statement, discuss the significance of Indian Space Association in providing an impetus to space technology in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Man and machine both have an important role in national security and making urban areas secure. In this context, discuss how technology is a major stakeholder in addressing the internal security challenges of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"National Security Guard (NSG) has emerged as a formidable force equipped to handle various manifestations of terrorism. Discuss the mandate and achievements of this force. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do you understand by asset monetisation? Why is it needed in India? In this context, discuss the issues that need to be addressed for the National Monetisation Pipeline to succeed. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"What is social stock exchange (SSE)? Discuss the need for setting up of SSEs and key challenges in their effective implementation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the context of India, highlight the importance of agriculture extension. What are the challenges faced in provisioning of agriculture extension services? How does the National Mission on Agricultural Extension & Technology (NMAET) address these issues? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Clearly delineate the 'employment problem' that India currently faces. Also, explain the fundamental reasons behind existence of this problem. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Although steps have been taken for integrating the dispersed logistics activities of maritime trade, much more needs to be done to make India a maritime powerhouse. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Accounting for natural capital and ecosystem services is crucial to understand the link between the economy and environment. Discuss with specific references to India's initiatives in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Rapid and unplanned urbanisation accompanied by population growth have increased both the risk and impact of natural disasters. Discuss the statement along with adequate measures to address the relevant concerns in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"National Hydrogen Mission can be a game changer for India's rising energy demands. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Despite geo-strategic instability of its region and a keen awareness of the cyber threat it faces, India has made only 'modest progress' in developing its policy and doctrine for cyberspace security. Critically examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Developmental interventions alone cannot play a defining role in the resolution of existing and protracted internal conflicts in various parts of India within a reasonable time frame. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4792,"topper":"Naman Kumar Singla","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2c24b-1017427_1514_naman-kumar-singla_47.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the changes introduced by the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) Amendment Act, 2021, analyse various issues with the amended Act. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Are there valid arguments for continuing with sedition law in 21st century democratic India? Discuss in light of the debate surrounding it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Identify the issues that have contributed to a decline in the performance of Parliamentary Standing Committees. How can these issues be addressed? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Despite being a non-constitutional body, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) has wielded immense decision-making power in India. Discuss the advantages and issues associated with it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the role of data in governance in India. Also, state the various challenges in this regard and suggest remedial measures. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"With specific examples, elaborate upon the conditions that led to the emergence of a new civil society in urban India in the last few decades. Also, highlight its contribution towards effecting governance and policy changes. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The Gati Shakti mission has the potential to not only address the issue of infrastructure bottlenecks but also streamline the governance processes in the country. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Giving an account of the issues faced by workers in the informal sector, discuss whether the recently launched e-Shram portal can help in addressing them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Clarifying the significance of the recent developments on the issue of global minimum tax, discuss its prospects and challenges for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Announcement of the AUKUS security pact heralds a new era of global geo-politics. Comment. Also, discuss how it may affect India's interests. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Effective devolution of finances is an important requirement for Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) to fulfill their objectives. Discuss while also elaborating on the reasons behind lack of financial resources for PRIs in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Judicial activism is a necessary tool to guard against \"legislative adventurism and executive excesses\". Critically discuss in the context of the doctrine of separation of powers as provided in the Constitution of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The electoral bond scheme is part of what appears to be a growing trend away from transparency and accountability in electoral funding. Critically analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The significance of the principle of subsidiarity was well reflected in the management of the COVID-19 pandemic. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Social media has ushered in greater transparency and accountability in governance. But accountability through social media is no alternative to institutional accountability. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Although the State has the right incentives and intentions to deliver public services efficiently, its capacity to do so is questionable. Critically discuss in the context of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The problem of hunger in India does not lie in food production but various other underlying issues. Discuss in the wake of decline in India's ranking in the Global Hunger Index, 2021. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Democratization of primary healthcare is indispensable for fulfilling the objectives of equitable and comprehensive care in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"In the context of the evolving discourse on the Indo-Pacific, analyse the factors driving the global shift towards the region. Also, identify India's interests and challenges in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India's Afghanistan policy must be based on a clear-eyed understanding of important strategic goals in the region amidst the current regional and global strategic environment. Elaborate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4793,"topper":"Naman Kumar Singla","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5559e-1017427_1513_naman-kumar-singla_47.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"In the context of protection of monuments, explain the role of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Also, comment on the challenges faced by ASI and measures taken to address these. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Tribal art has a huge potential for acting as an economic resource and a tool for socio-economic transformation of tribals in India. Elucidate. Also highlight the challenges in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Though the Government of India Act, 1919 proposed some radical administrative changes, it remained short of fulfilling aspirations of Indians. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Often deemed as the 'forgotten conflict', the Korean War had far-reaching implications. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Explaining the origin of earth's magnetism, discuss its significance with special reference to its interaction with solar particles. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discussing the challenges pertaining to dam safety in India, highlight the potential of Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project to address them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What is understood by Carbon Compensation Depth (CCD)? Discuss the implications of the rise in this depth due to anthropogenic warming as well. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"In view of demographic changes in recent decades, do you think India needs a two-child policy? Discuss in light of various strands of the debate surrounding this issue. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Globalization is incredibly efficient but has so far been incredibly unjust. Examine the statement in the context of developing countries like India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"It would not be completely wrong to state that in India, art is religion and religion is art.\" In light of the statement, discuss the impact of various religions on art in India, citing relevant examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Despite organizational apathy from the Indian National Congress in its initial years, the working class in various parts of the country subsequently participated overwhelmingly in the nationalist movement. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Though some of his early measures restored faith among the Indians in the liberal tradition of England, Lord Ripon's tenure did not bring about significant changes in the conservative mindset of the colonial bureaucracy. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The New Social Movements in post-independence period made an important beginning in awakening the society against injustices and deepened the very notion of democracy in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What are the reasons for recurrent and often catastrophic wildfires in places like Australia and the United States? Are there any lessons to be learnt from these events by India? Explain adequately. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss why India needs a cross border flood management mechanism. Also, state the major issues in cross border flood management and suggest remedial measures in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Depletion of water resources in India is both a geo-climatic phenomenon as well as a result some short-sighted government policies. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the major lithospheric plates? How and why do these plates move? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"There exists a wide gap between the constitutionally professed secularism and its practice in India. Do you agree? Substantiate with relevant arguments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India spends less than one per cent of GDP on care work infrastructure and services. In view of the statement, explain how increased public investment in care economy infrastructure can be instrumental in meeting multiple policy objectives. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4794,"topper":"Naman Kumar Singla","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9e998-1017427_1512_naman-kumar-singla_47.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Persuasion plays an important role in public administration. Discuss. Also highlight the various elements of effective persuasion. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"\"Never do anything against the conscience even if the state demands it.\" In this context, discuss the role of conscience in taking ethical decisions in administration. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Raja Ram Mohan Roy's liberal views on social and religious issues have much relevance in present day India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The moral circle of humanity has been expanding constantly over time. Discuss in this context whether non-human entities should have the same rights as humans beings. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"Each individual is capable of transforming his immediate environment by attempting a radical transformation inside him\". - J Krishnamurti (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"An important requisite for ensuring probity in governance is absence of corruption. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The right to information (RTI) and the right to privacy (RTP) complement each other in holding the government accountable to the people, however, in cases of conflict, they can be reconciled keeping public interest in mind. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Explain the ethical issues involved in spending government funds for advertisement campaigns and publicity. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Explaining the concept of political neutrality, discuss its significance in administration. Also, highlight how the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules seek to ensure political neutrality in the civil services. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"In light of the recurring issues, there is a constant need to search for better ethical frameworks and models of corporate governance. Discuss with adequate examples and evidence in support of your arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Gender inequality begins at home and then gets institutionalised at the societal level. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Stakeholder Capitalism is suggested as a way forward in wake of social, economic and environment challenges posed by Shareholder Capitalism. Examine the relevant arguments in this debate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":36,"question":"In a recent survey around social and economic indicators, a certain state in the country was found grossly underperforming. The state is marred with the issues of poverty, hunger, social backwardness, lawlessness and underdevelopment. In about seven decades since gaining independence, this state has continued to perform poorly across various indices. In the past, the Chief Minister had set up a fact finding Committee to report on the chief causes of the backwardness of the State. After years of ground research and surveying, it was found that the one of the main causes of the state's backwardness was its huge population that amplified resource scarcity to unimaginable proportions. Taking a clue from the facts presented in the report, the State Cabinet constitutes a panel of policy makers to consider this question of growing population and suggest suitable revisions to the State's Population Policy. The Panel recommends legislating a Population Control Bill that has a contentious provision in the form of 'One Child' norm. You are the Chief of this Panel and the recommendations of the Panel require your approval to be tabled in the Chief Minister's Office. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the ethical issues related to population control of a compulsory nature that you would consider before approving or rejecting the recommendation? (b) What would be your course of action in the aforementioned case? Suggest reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"You are working as a Divisional Forest Officer in an area which is home to tigers. Recently, there have been reports of a tiger venturing into agricultural fields and also killing livestock of villagers. Unfortunately, 2-3 villagers have been killed by some wild animals in last few weeks. Villagers claim that the tiger has killed their fellow villagers and request you to protect their lives and property by either relocating or killing the man-eater tiger. They also obstructed investigation of forest officials to ascertain whether it was the work of tiger or some other animals. Your attempts to trap the tiger have not been successful. Concerned over the delay in killing or relocating the tiger, villagers hire a private hunter to kill the tiger on their own and argue that they have a right to defend themselves and their property. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the issues involved in this scenario. (b) What steps would you take as the Divisional Forest Officer to ensure villagers' safety along with protection of tigers?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"You are a District Magistrate of an area which has seen a huge surge in COVID-19 cases during the second wave of pandemic in India. The health infrastructure is already overburdened. Hospitals are overwhelmed, crematoriums and burial sites are regularly running out of space, and covid testing is struggling to meet the demand. Also, the vaccination drive is at the risk of going off-track due to the demand-supply mismatch. During this difficult time, you come to know that there are some people who are engaging in black marketing, hoarding and profiteering by using every trick in the book to cheat, ransom and swindle Covid-19 patients and their kin in the name of scarcity of drugs, oxygen and hospital beds. Black marketing, hoarding and profiteering are a classic case of market failure, which highlights the significance of state intervention in a crisis situation. How can state effectively play the role of a regulator as well as service provider in such cases of market failure?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"You work as a marketing consultant for a multinational company that specializes in various products including nutrient supplements, diet pills etc. The company pays its employees extremely well and provides satisfactory fringe benefits. Your manager has hinted that he will recommend you for overseas company transfer, which will improve your job profile. This has motivated you to work harder and perform better. The company has to advertise and sell a new weight loss pill 'X'. As per in-company research, it has minimal or no side effects and has no adverse impacts on health, which is its unique selling point (USP). You are given the responsibility of heading the marketing team for advertising pill 'X'. Due to a well-crafted marketing strategy including endorsement by a renowned celebrity, the product has generated considerable public attention. However, while working on an advertisement campaign for the pill, you find out that the in-company research findings of pill 'X' are fabricated. While it indeed has no side-effects, there are no proven benefits of taking the pill as well. It merely acts as a placebo. When you bring up the issue with your manager, he promptly tells you to keep the facts to yourself. He also indirectly brings up the fact that your performance review date is approaching and hints that you will get transferred overseas if you prove your loyalty to the company. Based on the given information, address the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders in this situation. (b) State the ethical issues that arise in this case. (c) Discuss your options in this scenario and mention your next step.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":56,"question":"The COVID-19 pandemic has forced universities, schools and other educational institutions around the world to shut down their campuses indefinitely and move their educational activities onto online platforms. These institutions were not prepared for such a transition and their online teaching-learning process evolved gradually. Though students considered online learning advantageous because of flexibility and convenience, there have been reports that the students prefer learning in physical classrooms to online education. The students feel that online education is stressful and affects their health and social life. Moreover, not all students have equal access to, and expertise on, digital technologies. Although these inequalities existed earlier, the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed this digital divide. Considering yourself as the Chairman of a Committee, constituted by the government, to suggest measures to improve the quality and accessibility of online education, answer the following questions: (a) What are the key ethical issues at stake here? (b) Highlight the principles and values that will guide your recommendations to the government. (c) Suggest measures to improve the quality and accessibility of online education in the country.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4795,"topper":"Naman Kumar Singla","air":47,"year":2021,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a2d7d-1017427_1865_naman-kumar-singla_47.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4796,"topper":"Naman Upadhyay","air":106,"year":2015,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/10zad74JETemrXRBAamLMfv5D-Kr1WVG3","questions":[]},{"id":4797,"topper":"Naman Upadhyay","air":106,"year":2015,"paper":"Optional — Public Administration","optional":true,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1_yxY1_FevQE4NY-LXNZEU7Rxx6Cq7deb","questions":[]},{"id":4798,"topper":"Naman Upadhyay","air":106,"year":2015,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-0-dst2H_bO5usbhgKAG5ffFQwk9-94Y","questions":[]},{"id":4799,"topper":"Namneet Singh","air":436,"year":2021,"paper":"Optional — Public Administration","optional":true,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1nlXzauUkNdv8mPo9VHbHfiEbp7c-JJoo","questions":[]},{"id":4800,"topper":"Namrata Aggrawal","air":214,"year":2024,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/namrata-aggrawal-test-1-1747639622903.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4801,"topper":"Namrata Aggrawal","air":214,"year":2024,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/namrata-aggrawal-test-4-1747639686575.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4802,"topper":"Namrata Aggrawal","air":214,"year":2024,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/namrata-aggrawal-test-2-1747639658798.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4803,"topper":"Namrata Aggrawal","air":214,"year":2024,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/namrata-aggrawal-test-3-1747639672767.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4804,"topper":"Namrata Aggrawal","air":214,"year":2024,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/namrata-aggrawal-test-5-1747639709954.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4805,"topper":"Namrata Aggrawal","air":214,"year":2024,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/namrata-aggrawal-test-6-1747639724845.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4806,"topper":"Namrata Choubey","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/97ae0-947033_1993_namrata-choubey_rank_73.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Has the emphasis on edtech changed Education from necessity to privilege?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4807,"topper":"Namrata Choubey","air":73,"year":2021,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ac7de-947033_1992_namrata-choubey_rank_73.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4808,"topper":"Namrata Choubey","air":73,"year":2021,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b2f76-947033_1526_namrata-choubey_rank_73.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4809,"topper":"Namrata Choubey","air":73,"year":2021,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/73f46-947033_1527_namrata-choubey_rank_73.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4810,"topper":"Namrata Choubey","air":73,"year":2021,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c28f1-947033_1528_namrata-choubey_rank_73.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4811,"topper":"Namrata Choubey","air":73,"year":2021,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/78a5f-947033_1529_namrata-choubey_rank_73.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4812,"topper":"Namrata Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b6d8f-15915_741_namrata_jain_rank_12.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Rights-based approach to social policy, which has rippled through India over the past decade and a half, reorients governance from ideas of patronage towards duty of the state and justified claims .of citizens. Discuss with examples. Also, explain how the rights-based approach helps in improving public service delivery.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Despite high enrolment in Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY), out-of-pocket expenditure on health has steadily increased over the years. In this context, highlight the achievements and shortcomings of RSBY. Also, discuss the challenges faced in its implementation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Unhealthy competition between Self Help Groups (SHGs) and Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) reduces the effectiveness of both. Discuss. How can creating a synergy between the two help in addressing development challenges at the sub-district level?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"In contrast to state agencies, non-state actors have certain characteristics that make them better suited to developmental activities. Discuss. Also, highlight the problems that NGOs have been facing in India and give remedial measures to deal with them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Civil Society Organizations and Corporates share a symbiotic relationship, which can be leveraged to meet the developmental needs of India. Analyze. Also enumerate the CSR provisions under Companies Act, 2013.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"According to a recent WHO report, India sees the largest number of suicides globally. In this context, enumerate the objectives and approach of India's new National Mental Health Policy. Also, explain what is Mental Health Action Plan 365.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Urban sanitation has not received adequate attention at the national level in the past and few initiatives have been taken to tackle deficiencies in urban sanitation. In light of this, examine whether the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan can help in solving the urban sanitation problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"There is a need to move away from debates of 'public' versus 'private' provision of education towards models of education provision with public funding and private management. Discuss. Can such a move impact the quality and learning outcomes in elementary education?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Highlight the key features of Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Bill, 2015 passed by the Lok Sabha. On what grounds is it being criticized?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"\"In a nation of one billion cell phones, M-governance or mobile governance has the potential to make development a truly inclusive and comprehensive mass movement\". Illustrate how M-government can bring in more transparency and accountability in government functioning. Also, discuss the challenges in implementing M-government.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"The Rights of the Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2014 fails to adopt United Nation Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability (UNCRPD) in its true spirit. Examine. Also, highlight the recent suggestions made by the Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"The objective of Make in India cannot be achieved until India achieves a substantial success in Skill India Mission. Discuss. How does the recently launched Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) seek to address the shortage of skilled labour force in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"The recent amendments to Child Labour Act seek to strike a balance between the need for education of a child and the reality of the socio-economic conditions. Critically evaluate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Give an account of the features of 'Housing for All by 2022' mission. Also, discuss the challenges that lie ahead in its implementation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Enumerate the directives laid down by the Supreme Court for police reforms in the Prakash Singh case. Discuss the challenges faced in implementing these reforms.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"What is E-Kranti? How is it an improvement over National e-Governance Plan? Discuss the challenges foreseen in the implementation of E-kranti.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Some provisions of Official Secrets Act, 1923 go against the spirit of Right to Information. Explain. In this context, examine whether this necessitates repealing of the Official Secrets Act.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Despite increasing awareness of beneficiaries, social audits have not played a significant role in reducing malpractices and detecting irregularities. Discuss. How can social audits be made more effective?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Nutrition status is linked to non-nutrition factors. In light of this statement, examine why despite a fast growing economy and the largest anti-malnutrition programme, India has the world's worst level of child malnutrition. What steps has the Government taken to to tackle the malnutrition problem in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) based on the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India are described as 'State in miniature'. Elaborate. Also, critically evaluate the functioning of ADCs over the years.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4813,"topper":"Namrata Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5b8d9-15915_759_namrata_jain_rank_12.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"India has the lowest tax-to-GDP ratio among countries with a similar per capita income on a purchasing power parity basis. Explain the reasons for the low tax-to-GDP ratio in India. What measures can be taken to correct this situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"In spite of various initiatives, the condition of the power sector still remains one of the core challenges for India. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4814,"topper":"Namrata Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/750f3-15915_747_namrata_jain_rank_12.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"A broad ethical framework as a guiding light for international relations will not only ensure harmonious relations between nations but will also lead to progress of the human race. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"What does inequality mean to you? What are the different kinds of inequality? Is inequality morally wrong?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"For effective public service delivery, the need today is to move from traditional accountability mechanisms to social accountability through greater civic engagement. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"What do you mean by social justice? Explain with examples, why it is imperative for a society to promote social justice.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Investigative reporting by media can be a significant source of information on corruption. What are ethical issues involved in investigative journalism? What safeguards can be introduced to prevent its misuse?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Value of compassion towards the weak extends the limits of operations of a public servant by introducing flexibility but dilutes the principle of objectivity. Discuss. If a conflict arises between the value of compassion and principle of objectivity, how will you deal with it as a public servant?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Which administrator had a lasting impact on your decision to join the civil services and why? Should administrators have increased media presence so that the common man can know more about their efforts and achievements? Justify your stand.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"You are a Secretary in a government department. Your Minister has proposed an unemployment grant, which is expected to cost the public exchequer heavily. Having already taken the decision, he asks you to come up with research to support the scheme. Despite your best efforts, you fail to find socio-economic benefit in it. You approach the Minister with relevant facts and studies and ask him to reconsider his decision. Instead, he asks you to suppress the negative impacts and actively promote the scheme through mass media as the percieved social impacts are more important than economic impacts. Elections are due in a short time and the political party currently in power is expected to win. You are also due for promotion at the same time. You are expected to fully cooperate in the situation and make the scheme a success, however flawed its foundations may be. (a) List the different stakeholders in the above situation and mention their prospective interests. (b) Discuss the ethical dilemma which you face in this situation. (c) Some of the alternatives for you to handle the situation could be: • Do as asked by the Minister.. • Insist on publication of results and let the public decide whether it wants the scheme. • Call a press conference and brief the media about the results and the callous attitude of the Minister. Suggest any other possible option(s). Evaluate all of them and suggest the best course of action, giving reasons for it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"You are a doctoral student at a large university in the final months of your research on a potentially revolutionary technology. Meanwhile, you have also applied for post-doctoral research cum teaching positions at various universities. To your pleasant surprise, you get an interview call from your undergraduate alma mater, a prestigious research institution in a city where you would love to live. In the interview, the department chair asks for detailed information about your research. Your group is working on a patent application and its members have agreed not to provide details until a paper currently being prepared is submitted for publication. You explain the situation and tell them that you would be glad to send them an early preprint when it is available. But the Chair pushes harder for this information, remarking that the Department seeks team players, willing to share information with department colleagues. She also appeals to your undergraduate connection with the institution. (a) Enumerate the ethical issues involved in the case in light of your current responsibilities vis-a-vis future expectations. (b) Discuss the possible motivations of the department chair in pressing you for detailed information. (c) What stand will you take in such a situation? Give reasonable justification for your arguments.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":56,"question":"In a district, in which you are posted as a District Magistrate, a teacher molests a child in a government run school. As the news of this crime spreads, the parents, relatives and locals gather at the school. The culprit teacher has meanwhile fled. The police arrests the Principal of the school and assure the crowd that the culprit would be arrested soon. The crowd, however, has gone berserk and begins to damage the school building. It wants immediate arrest of the culprit and is not ready to budge until he is arrested. (a) Is it correct to take the Principal into custody when he has personally not committed the crime? Support your answer with appropriate reasons. (b) What options do you have in dealing with the crowd? Enumerate the merits and demerits of each and also suggest the best possible option. (c) In the capacity of District Magistrate what would be your long term plan to prevent molestations and rapes in the schools?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4815,"topper":"Namrata Jain","air":12,"year":2018,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/24395-15915_760_namrata_jain_rank_12.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4816,"topper":"Nancy Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/c4e79303c48f91abba2d44d6bdc66684/13/gspm23b10138_anv2401.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"How does the integration of traditional Indian art and architecture in the New Parliament Building serve as a testament to India's cultural ethos? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Discuss the representation of women in Sangam literature. What does it reveal about the status and roles of women in ancient South Indian society? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"How did the Moderates' economic critique of British colonial policies contribute to the development of Indian nationalism and the broader independence movement? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"How does the geological structure of the Himalayas make the region particularly prone to landslides? Discuss the natural and human-induced factors involved. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What are the major ocean currents and their associated gyres in the world's oceans? Discuss the significance of ocean currents in shaping the Earth's climate and marine ecosystems. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How have variations in soil types across India contributed to regional disparities in agricultural practices and productivity? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How does island tourism affect the economy of India's islands like the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep? What challenges and opportunities exist to make this tourism sustainable? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How has the shift in the policy from population control to family welfare and women's empowerment impacted population growth in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What are the core principles of Indian secularism, and how have they been challenged in the context of Indian society? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"To what extent does the current primary education system in India address or reinforce social inequalities, and what strategies are needed to create a more inclusive educational environment? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Compare and contrast the nature of peasant movements in India during the pre-Gandhian phase with those in the Gandhian phase. How did Mahatma Gandhi's leadership influence the nature and course of peasant movements in India during the freedom struggle? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Compare and contrast the Hoysala and Nagara styles of temple architecture. How do these differences reflect the cultural, religious, and regional influences of their time? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"How did Lord William Bentinck's policies in India influence the country's cultural and intellectual landscape? Discuss with reference to key reforms. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"With urban flooding becoming a recurrent challenge in Indian cities, analyze the underlying factors contributing to urban flooding in India. What comprehensive measures can be taken to mitigate its impact? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"As the 21st century shifts from battles over oil to competition for critical minerals, assess the potential of India's critical mineral resources in contributing to the global supply chain. What are the strategic implications of these resources for India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Explain the phenomenon of temperature inversion and its impact on weather patterns and microclimates in different regions. Also, discuss its implications for agriculture and human settlements. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Discuss the significance of the Ganga river system on the environment and Indian culture. What are the key challenges in cleaning and rejuvenating this vital river system? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Scientific pursuit in India has historically intersected with culture and religion, often blending scientific inquiry with religious practices. In this context, how do scientific advancements bridge the gap between traditional beliefs and modern thinking in addressing age-old taboos and superstitions? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Highlighting the challenges of social inequalities in the informal sector, discuss how the gig economy can resolve these issues and contribute to greater social empowerment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"What are the reasons behind the resurgence of new-age spiritualism led by religious influencers and spiritual leaders in Indian society? Evaluate the impact of this phenomenon on Indian society. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4817,"topper":"Nancy Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/4c9a7e5e5edac112d75ba3bb128c426a/8/gspm23b10138_flt2509.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Pillars are not merely architectural marvels, but also serve as crucial sources of ancient Indian history. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"To what extent did early economic nationalists like Dadabhai Naoroji shape the intellectual foundations of the Indian freedom movement? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How did the Indian national movement influence freedom movements across the world? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How does the movement of continental plates help explain the spatial distribution of earthquakes in specific regions of the world? Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"River interlinking is seen as a means to reduce regional water stress. Discuss its advantages and examine the possible environmental and social implications. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the localisation factors for the textile industry in India and examine its economic significance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What are loess deposits, and why do they constitute some of the most agriculturally productive regions of the world? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Screen-based education has improved accessibility but also created new behavioural and social challenges for children. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Why are protectionist and xenophobic trends against Indians rising in the West, despite the global embrace of Indian culture and soft power? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The caste system in India has adapted to the forces of modernisation, urbanisation, and economic liberalisation. Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":31,"question":"Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Jawaharlal Nehru differed in their approach to nation-building, yet their shared vision was instrumental in shaping modern India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"The Swadeshi Movement marked a significant shift in India's freedom struggle from passive resistance to active mass mobilisation. In this context, discuss the strategies, social impact, and limitations of the movement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"The Western Ghats and the Northeastern Hills receive some of the highest rainfall during the southwest monsoon in India. Discuss the mechanisms responsible for heavy rainfall in these regions and analyse the monsoon's influence on human life in these regions. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Differentiate between forest cover, tree cover, and green cover. How do forest ecosystems in India contribute to climate resilience and carbon sequestration? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Account for the salinity variations in the world's oceans. How does this variation impact ocean circulation and marine ecosystems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"How does the polar cryosphere play a pivotal role in regulating the Earth's climate system? Also, enumerate the key factors responsible for rapid warming in the Arctic. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"\"Religious pluralism and secularism are integral to India's social fabric, but their coexistence requires constant negotiation.\" Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Discuss the intersection of class, gender, and geography in determining women's access to opportunities in the Indian service sector. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"\"Despite a strong continuity in traditional family values, Indian society is witnessing rising trends of delayed marriage, increasing divorce rates, and family disruption.\" Discuss the socio-economic and cultural factors contributing to this shift. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4818,"topper":"Nancy Singh","air":34,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/4c9a7e5e5edac112d75ba3bb128c426a/15/gspm23b10138_gsmac2405.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4819,"topper":"Nancy Singh","air":34,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/NANCY-SINGH-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-34-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) \"The Indian Constitution is a carbon copy of the Government of India Act, 1935.\" Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Explain the concept of residuary powers under the Indian Constitution. Why were they vested in the Parliament?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) \"The expansive interpretation of Article 21 by the judiciary reflects its transformative role in safeguarding not just life, but also various facets of human well-being.\" Elucidate this statement with the help of relevant case laws.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Why were the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) made non-justiciable despite being fundamental to the governance of the country?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) Under what circumstances can the Financial Emergency be imposed by the President? What consequences follow when such a declaration remains in force?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6 The Indian Constitution does not follow the doctrine of separation of powers in its strictest sense; instead, it adopts a model based on 'checks and balances'. Elucidate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":16,"question":"Q.7 What are the essential conditions for the exercise of the legislative powers by the President? Also discuss the legality of re-promulgation of ordinances without legislative scrutiny.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.8) Right to freedom of speech and expression in India is both broad in interpretation and conditional in application. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":22,"question":"Q.9 Discuss the reasons for the limited success of Panchayati Raj Institutions in India. Also, recommend measures to strengthen the functioning of these institutions.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.10) While the Inter-State Council holds considerable potential for addressing federal disputes, this potential remains largely unrealized. Analyze.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4820,"topper":"Nancy Singh","air":34,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/NANCY-SINGH-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-34-Sample-MGP-Copy-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) The Lokpal Act aimed to establish an institution that would act as a deterrent against corruption. However, the actual impact of the Lokpal has fallen short of expectations. Assess the reasons behind the underwhelming performance of the Lokpal and propose strategies to strengthen its functioning.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) The transfer of judicial powers to quasi-judicial bodies has raised concerns regarding the creation of a parallel justice delivery system through tribunalization of justice. In this perspective, examine the benefits and drawbacks of empowering quasi-judicial bodies with judicial powers.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3 Simultaneous elections can promote governance continuity and reduce election-related expenditure. However, the idea must be carefully examined to ensure equal opportunities for all parties, preserve federal principles, and maintain the essence of democratic representation. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Is the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) able to tackle the threats to the rights of children in India? Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 \"The Attorney General of India holds a pivotal position in the legal system and represents the interests of the government.\" Explain how this is reflected in the method and terms of appointment as well as the scope of her powers and responsibilities.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6 Describe the legal and administrative powers vested in the Election Commission to conduct elections. Assess the effectiveness of the ECI in exercising its powers independently and impartially, and suggest reforms to strengthen its functioning.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":16,"question":"Q.7 Examine the mandate and powers of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) in protecting the rights and interests of Scheduled Castes. Also enumerate the challenges faced by the NCSC in fulfilling its responsibilities.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.8 Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the first-past-the-post (FPTP) system in ensuring a representative polity. Can a move towards a proportional electoral system address the limitations of the first-past-the-post system?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":22,"question":"Q.9 The Finance Commission serves as the balancing wheel of fiscal federalism, but despite its efforts to widen the share of states in the divisible pool of taxes, the struggle for financial resources between the center and states has only intensified. Analyse the factors contributing to this paradox and its implications for fiscal federalism in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.10 While decriminalization of politics is crucial, it is equally important to balance it with principles of justice, fairness, and the presumption of innocence to ensure the elimination of any doubt regarding political persecution of the opposition. In this perspective, discuss the necessity of decriminalization of politics and the challenges therein. Also assess the role of judiciary in furthering the cause of clean politics.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4821,"topper":"Nancy Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/c4e79303c48f91abba2d44d6bdc66684/15/gspm23b10138_anv2402.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"\"Parliament is a creature of the constitution, not its master\". Highlighting relevant case laws discuss how judicial intervention has shaped the balance between the Constitution and parliamentary sovereignty. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"How do the citizenship laws and policies of India and the United States differ within their constitutional frameworks? Comment on the ongoing debate on citizenship laws and policies in India and the US. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"\"The right to internet access is integral to the realization and exercise of other fundamental rights in India.\" In this context examine how the recognition of internet access as a fundamental right in India reconciles with the state's authority to impose restrictions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"How did the 44th Constitutional Amendment impact the emergency provisions in the Indian Constitution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What are the powers and immunities of the Governor in relation to bills passed by the state legislature? Are these powers unlimited in nature? Discuss in light of relevant judgements. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Do you think that lateral entry can significantly enhance the effectiveness of the Indian bureaucracy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The demand for a caste census and the sub-categorization of castes reflects the failure of neoliberalism to address India's caste problem. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Despite significant advancements, women remain underrepresented in STEM fields. What are the barriers to women's participation in STEM, and what policy interventions can address these challenges to promote gender equity? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The expansion of BRICS signals a shift towards a more multipolar world order. Discuss how this expanded grouping presents India with opportunities to enhance its global leadership while introducing certain challenges. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Strategically located ports are vital assets in regional and economic integration. In this context discuss the significance of ports like Chabahar and Sittwe in India's strategy to enhance connectivity and their contribution to India's geopolitical objectives. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"How does mediation differ from arbitration? In light of the recent enactment of the Mediation Act, of 2023, assess its potential to address the backlog of litigations in Indian courts and foster a culture of voluntary mediation, especially among private players and public-sector undertakings. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"The federal character of a nation comprising elective bodies at different levels is best secured through a bicameral legislature. In this context, discuss how a bicameral legislature supports federalism in India. What additional measures can be taken to strengthen the federal structure and ensure effective representation of states in national governance? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"An Independent Parliamentary Secretariat is the backbone of a robust democracy, ensuring non-partisan support to Parliament in carrying out its core functions. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Given the significant role of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in local governance, assess the challenges and opportunities in strengthening their financial autonomy. How can reforms in PRI financing contribute to more effective grassroots governance in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Despite the absence of a constitutional mandate, the National Commission for Women(NCW) has had a significant impact in influencing legal reforms and securing gender justice in India. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"In post-liberalized India, independent regulators were established to ensure fair competition and transparency. To what extent have independent regulators been effective in their mandates and discuss the impact of government influence on their autonomy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"How does the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023 aim to reshape the patriarchal dynamics of Indian politics? Do you think it might encounter similar limitations as those seen in local self-government institutions? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Hunger is both a cause and a consequence of poverty, and addressing it requires a multidimensional approach. Analyze the effectiveness of a multidimensional approach with examples from key government initiatives. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"The African Union's inclusion in the G-20 marks a significant step towards strengthening South-South cooperation.' Discuss the importance of this development for India and its implications for India's relations with Africa. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"What are the key challenges associated with the IMF and World Bank in addressing the needs of developing countries? Also, assess the need for reforms in Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) to address the evolving global challenges. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4822,"topper":"Nancy Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/4c9a7e5e5edac112d75ba3bb128c426a/5/gspm23b10138_flt2502.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"The contributions of the founding mothers in the Constituent Assembly and their feminist perspective have shaped India's constitutional discourse. Discuss (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What is a Privilege Motion in the Indian Parliament? How does the Committee of Privileges examine and deal with such motions? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Compare the powers of the head of state in India and the UK. How do their roles reflect the constitutional principles of their respective systems? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"A democracy is only as strong as its Opposition.\" In this light, examine the role of the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and suggest measures to enhance the effectiveness of this institution in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What are the constitutional provisions related to minority educational institutions in India? How have judicial pronouncements shaped the balance between the right to equality and the right to preserve minority identity in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"India is emerging as a global hub for social entrepreneurship. Can social enterprises effectively complement the state in achieving inclusive development? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The SHG-Bank Linkage Programme has been hailed as an indigenous tool for poverty alleviation in India. Examine its impact on improving rural livelihoods and reducing multi-dimensional poverty. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"How far do you think Citizen-led environmental movements have proven to be effective tools of ecological preservation in recent years? Justify with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"Digital governance is emerging as a frontier of the global agenda, and India seeks to lead by example.\" Examine (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Examine India's transboundary water-sharing challenges with Pakistan and Bangladesh in light of recent disputes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"The role of Governors in opposition-ruled States has been a flashpoint in Centre-State relations. Critically discuss how gubernatorial overreach challenges the position of state governments and suggest safeguards to mitigate such conflicts. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"The evolving relationship between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy has been a dynamic feature of India's constitutional journey, often necessitating judicial interventions and constitutional amendments. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"While cooperative federalism is rooted in the design of the Constitution, political considerations have given rise to competitive and confrontational federalism. Examine the role of constitutional and extra-constitutional institutions in reconciling these trends within India's federal structure. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"The growing number of undertrial prisoners in India reflects both systemic and procedural lapses within the criminal justice system. In light of recent Supreme Court directions, discuss the underlying challenges and suggest a multi-pronged approach to address this crisis. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"\"The Upper House was envisioned as a reviewing chamber and not a rival to the Lower House.' In light of this statement, do you think the Rajya Sabha continues to fulfil this vision in contemporary Indian polity? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Well-executed government initiatives often fail if operations and maintenance are not integral to the programme design. In the context of the Swachh Bharat Mission in India, discuss how collective action and community ownership can ensure its long-term sustainability. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Freebies in electoral politics have sparked debate over their impact on governance in India. Differentiate between freebies and welfare measures, and examine their impact on governance. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Structural barriers have long impeded the development of a robust research environment, despite the presence of numerous institutions. Discuss how the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) seeks to address these structural challenges. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"India's strategic autonomy remains the guiding principle in navigating relations with the United States and China. In this context, analyse the potential challenges and opportunities for India and how India should navigate this renewed US-China rivalry. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"The launch of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) marks a turning point in India's connectivity diplomacy. Analyse its strategic relevance for India vis-a-vis China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4823,"topper":"Nancy Singh","air":34,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/4c9a7e5e5edac112d75ba3bb128c426a/10/gspm23b10138_gsmac2402.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4824,"topper":"Nancy Singh","air":34,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/4c9a7e5e5edac112d75ba3bb128c426a/13/gspm23b10138_gsmac2406.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4825,"topper":"Nancy Singh","air":34,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/NANCY-SINGH-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-34-Sample-MGP-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1 Though vital of its own accord, economic growth is but a brick in the edifice of inclusive growth. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Highlighting the importance of green growth, discuss various measures to promote the same.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) What do you mean by \"outcome budget\"? Evaluating its utility, throw light upon its status in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Even though e-commerce sector is decentralizing global business environment, its potential is marred by several factors. Discuss and analyze the role of Open Network Digital Commerce (ONDC) in effectively countering these factors.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) Domestic demand has been the north star of India's economic growth; however, the target of achieving a five trillion USD economy requires holistic growth across various parameters. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) The inflation in the economy is fueled by a multitude of factors and leaves wide-ranging socio-economic impact. Analyze.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":16,"question":"Q.7 Lack of enough jobs is only one part of the employment challenge of the Indian economy, which cannot be resolved without addressing the lack of skills. Examine.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.8 Limiting the country's fiscal deficit is a cherished goal, but the progress towards it is full of hurdles. In this perspective, evaluate the effectiveness of India's fiscal consolidation framework. Also examine the role of a fiscal council in enforcing fiscal discipline.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":22,"question":"Q.9 Critically evaluate the performance of Goods and Services Tax (GST) as a much-talked about measure for fiscal reform.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.10 Assess the present computational methodology for Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in measuring economic activity in India. Do you think GDP is a good measure of development of a country?","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4826,"topper":"Nancy Singh","air":34,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/NANCY-SINGH-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-34-Sample-MGP-Copy-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) How does livestock rearing contribute to India's agricultural and economic landscape. Elaborating the key government initiatives for the growth and development of the sector, discuss the successes and limitations of livestock rearing in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) The Green Revolution, with its focus on land productivity, created a crisis for water productivity, leading to the situation of water stress in farming. In this perspective, suggest measures to make agriculture sustainable and future-ready.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3 Analysing various issues associated with farm subsidies, suggest ways to rationalise the same.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Agriculture sector needs to turn into an enterprise to become sustainable; ICT interventions are the key to this transformation. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 What is regenerative agriculture? How is it helpful in addressing the issues of agriculture?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) Discuss the multifaceted significance of the fisheries sector and the challenges faced by it.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":16,"question":"Q.7 Describe the functioning of the Public Distribution System (PDS) in India. To what extent are the issues in PDS a result of the problems in Food Corporation of India?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.8) Why are TOP (tomato, onion, potato) crops susceptible to large price fluctuations? Elaborating upon the implications of inflation in horticulture crops, assess the role of Operation Greens in containing the same.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":22,"question":"Q.9 Adoption of millets can provide unique solutions to the problems of nutritional deficiency, ecological degradation, and receding farm incomes; however, the realisation of its complete potential is hindered by a slew of factors. Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.10) Why has the growth in the Food Processing Sector remained subpar in the country? What measures can be taken to break this status-quo?","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4827,"topper":"Nancy Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/4c9a7e5e5edac112d75ba3bb128c426a/14/gspm23b10138_anv2403.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"How do household savings contribute to the growth of the Indian economy? Do you think that the recent fall in household savings rate marks a rise in indebtedness and distress among Indian households? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"India's FDI sector is seeing a significant downward trend. What factors are causing apprehensions among the foreign investors to invest in India? Suggest some corrective measures that must be taken by the Government to reverse the falling trend. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"How do farm subsidies impact crop diversity, cropping patterns and agricultural sustainability in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"While discussing the principles of \"precision agriculture\", elaborate on the uses of \"Internet of Things\" in precision agriculture. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What are Small Modular Nuclear Reactors (SMRs)? Why are SMRs considered a safer alternative to conventional Nuclear Power Plants? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Congregations in India. In the light of NDMA's \"Suggestive Framework for Preparation of Crowd Management Plan for Events Venues of Mass Gathering\", suggest measures to prevent stampede incidents. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"India's border security is under severe pressure due to the rising political crisis in neighbouring countries. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":4828,"topper":"Nancy Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/4c9a7e5e5edac112d75ba3bb128c426a/7/gspm23b10138_flt2511.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"How far do you think the recent proposals to reform India's tax structure will help in improving India's tax buoyancy and base? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"How do the rising trends of economic nationalism and protectionism affect India's global trade competitiveness? What recent measures has India taken to navigate these challenges? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Examine the role of Integrated Farming System (IFM) in improving agricultural productivity and minimizing the environmental impact of agriculture. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"In recent years, Indian agriculture has been witnessing a transformation towards better productivity and improved farmer incomes. What institutional and structural reforms have been undertaken by the Government to make agriculture more rewarding and sustainable? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How do Air Defence systems work? What are the various air-defense systems that India currently possesses? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the potential of RNA editing in treating genetic disorders. What are its advantages over DNA editing? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Urban areas are more vulnerable to disasters due to unplanned growth and infrastructure collapses. Discuss. What strategies do you recommend to enhance urban resilience to such disasters? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Despite its criticality for the success of the Swachha Bharat Mission, solid waste management in India remains at a sub-optimal level. In this context, suggest long-term technological and institutional solutions towards effective solid-waste management. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"Social media has emerged as a new frontier in modern warfare, shaping narratives, influencing perceptions, and impacting national security\". In this context, analyse the role of social media in contemporary conflicts. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The Border Security Force (BSF) has evolved significantly in its jurisdiction as well as its strategic importance in border management and the internal security framework. Explain the role and mandate of BSF. What are the issues BSF faces while operating in the border States? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"India's growth story is marred by persistent challenges of inequality and the middle-income -trap. Discuss. Highlight the approaches India should follow to escape the middle-income trap and ensure inclusive and sustainable economic growth. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"MSMEs are central to the success of the Make in India initiative, yet they face challenges in scaling up and integrating into formal supply chains. Discuss. Suggest structural reforms needed to make MSMEs more resilient and competitive. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) aims to achieve 'more crop per drop', yet irrigation efficiency in India remains suboptimal. Critically analyse. What reforms are needed to strengthen its implementation? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"The rising import of oilseeds and pulses has made their cultivation unremunerative. In the light of this statement, elucidate the steps needed to promote the production and consumption of oilseeds and pulses in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Explain the scientific principles behind cloud seeding. Highlighting its role in alleviating air pollution and global warming, discuss its potential limitations. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Give an account of the evolution of India's 3-Stage Nuclear Power Programme. What are the advantages and strategic imperatives of realising the thorium-based third stage? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Recent studies indicate that the 2014-2024 decade is the warmest decade and 2024 is the warmest year on record. In the light of rapid global warming, what are the impacts of climate change on biodiversity? Discuss the measures needed to ensure ecological resilience and conservation of species diversity. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Forest fires in India are increasing in frequency and intensity, posing severe ecological and economic challenges. Describe the various causes of forest fires. What measures are followed to prevent and manage forest fires in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"What are organized crimes? Discuss the linkages between organized crime and terrorism. How do such linkages pose internal security challenges to India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"India's north-eastern region is fraught with contentious issues and security challenges. Examine the various security challenges currently prevailing in the region. Discuss the steps to counter these challenges. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4829,"topper":"Nancy Singh","air":34,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/4c9a7e5e5edac112d75ba3bb128c426a/4/gspm23b10138_flt2503.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4830,"topper":"Nancy Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/4c9a7e5e5edac112d75ba3bb128c426a/9/gspm23b10138_eef2504.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Do you agree that ethical governance encompasses more than just clean administration, it involves inclusive, participatory, and value-driven governance? Suggest implementable measures to institutionalise ethical governance in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Administrative ethics often involve tension between legality and morality. As a public administrator, how would you handle a situation where legal compliance contradicts moral responsibility? Illustrate with an example. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"In public administration, ethical decision-making is shaped by multiple frameworks. How does a deontological or duty-based ethical approach differ from consequentialist theories such as utilitarianism in administrative practice? Illustrate your answer with an example of a moral dilemma in governance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"With the growing reliance on digital governance and AI systems, concerns about fairness, transparency, and accountability have intensified. Are the foundational values of public service sufficient to address these challenges, or do we require new ethical frameworks for the digital era? Explain with an example. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Emotional intelligence (EI) is increasingly regarded as essential for effective public service. Do you agree that EI enhances ethical decision-making and administrative performance, especially in high-pressure sectors such as policing or disaster response? Support your answer with a relevant example. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Ethical guidance in public administration stems from various sources, laws, rules, regulations, and personal conscience. These sources may not always align. In such cases, what ethical approach should a public servant adopt to resolve the conflict? Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Public servants often operate within environments shaped by political expectations, peer norms, and public opinion. How do moral and political attitudes influence ethical decision-making? How can civil servants maintain independence without becoming socially or politically detached? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Ethical governance is not solely the responsibility of the state, but also of private entities engaged in public functions. Discuss the ethical challenges posed by public-private partnerships (PPPs), and suggest ways to ensure transparency and accountability in such arrangements. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"Governance must be built not only on institutions, but also on ideas.\" In this context, discuss the philosophical foundations that should underpin ethical governance. How do these ideas contribute to ensuring probity in public life? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"\"In a deeply unequal world, ethical foreign policy is not idealism, it is realism with conscience.\" Do you agree? Discuss the ethical responsibilities of a nation-state in its conduct with other states and international bodies. Use examples from global practice. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context? (a) \"How selfish soever man may be supposed, there are evidently some principles in his nature, which interest him in the fortune of others.\" Adam Smith (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":34,"question":"What are her possible options? Which is the most appropriate and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Suggest systemic safeguards to address workplace harassment in public institutions. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"What are the ethical issues and ethical dilemmas the officer is facing?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Examine the available options and identify which one aligns best with public service values.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"What internal institutional checks can prevent such misuse of financial reporting in government departments? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the ethical issues and administrative risks involved in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Critically examine the options available to the officer.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"What would be the best course of action to take? Justify","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Suggest safeguards that should be adopted when using AI-based systems in public welfare schemes. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"\"We've alerted key departments. The public warning system is already stretched. We'll evacuate if needed.\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"What are the competing ethical principles and administrative risks the ADM must consider in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"How should the ADM respond to the situation, balancing duty, protocol, and public interest?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Suggest three institutional practices that can improve transparency and responsiveness in disaster-prone districts.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"\"This is policy now. Get it done.\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Your own field teams report widespread confusion and poor turnout in enrollment camps. Some staff suggest quietly fast-tracking token registrations to \"show progress.\" A few revenue officers feel the scheme is useful, but the communication has failed.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"What ethical and administrative challenges are involved in this situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"How should you approach implementation to balance directive compliance with stakeholder confidence?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"What lessons can be drawn from this case for future implementation of large-scale digital reforms?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":59,"question":"What are the ethical issues and administrative responsibilities involved in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":59,"question":"How should the DIO respond to this situation in a way that upholds public values and protects institutional credibility?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":59,"question":"Suggest digital communication protocols that can guide public officials in handling hate speech on official platforms. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4831,"topper":"Nancy Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/4c9a7e5e5edac112d75ba3bb128c426a/11/gspm23b10138_anv2404.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Do you think it is ethically justified for political leaders to violate the deepest constraints of morality in order to achieve great goods or avoid disasters for their communities? Justify your position with suitable examples (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"\"There is growing evidence that when it comes to moral judgment, human beings appear to be best characterised not as intuitive Deontologists or Consequentialists but as intuitive virtue theorists.\" Critically analyse the statement. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"While formal codes of conduct can sometimes be a useful guide, developing those traits of character that are particularly suited to the administrator's role is at the core of professional ethics. Identify five ethical attributes suitable for an administrator and explain how they can be developed. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What do you understand by political responsibility, professional responsibility and personal responsibility? In situations of conflict among the three, what responsibility must the public servant prioritise and why? Illustrate with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"In the context of civil service, what do you understand by \"acts of conscience\"? Illustrate with an example. In your opinion, what can be the basis of acts of conscience? Explain (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Critically examine the role of educational institutions in shaping ethical decision-making skills in future civil servants. How effective are current educational paradigms in instilling ethical behaviour among the youth? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Examine the ethical challenges administrators face while employing persuasion and social influence techniques to promote social and health interventions in rural India. Illustrate with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Critically examine the impact of the Right to Information (RTI) on enhancing ethical accountability in public administration. How effective has RTI been in preventing bureaucratic corruption and improving service delivery? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss the ethical implications of maintaining high-quality service delivery in public administration. How does probity in governance influence the efficiency and responsiveness of public services, particularly in addressing the needs of marginalised communities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Critically assess the role of regulatory frameworks in enforcing ethical standards in corporate governance. How can these frameworks be designed to encourage ethical behaviour without stifling innovation? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss what the following quotes mean to you. \"It is not because men's desires are strong that they act ill; it is because their consciences are weak.\" JS Mill (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"As the Municipal Commissioner of a district with a large public sector manufacturing unit, you find yourself at the centre of a significant ethical and administrative challenge. The manufacturing unit, one of the area's largest employers, has a troubling history of industrial safety violations. Reports of gas leaks and the release of harmful pollutants have been frequent, leading to growing concerns among the local population. Over the years, residents living near the plant have developed severe respiratory and other health-related issues. Recognising the severity of the health problems reported by residents, you initiate a comprehensive health audit. The results confirm the worst fears: a significant portion of the population living near the plant suffers from severe respiratory issues, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other health complications directly linked to long-term exposure to industrial pollutants. The findings of the health audit indicate a clear correlation between the plant's operations and the community's declining health. (a) Discuss the issues involved in the given case? (b) What options are available to you and the CMD? (c) How should you prioritize public health concerns against potential economic disruptions caused by the relocation of the plant? This decision should be guided by which ethical principles? (250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Armed with this data, you are compelled to take action. You arrange a meeting with the CMD of the public sector unit (PSU) to discuss the health audit findings and explore solutions. The CMD acknowledges the poor industrial safety record but is quick to point out the financial constraints faced by the unit. The plant's budget is limited, and no funds are allocated for the necessary safety upgrades. However, after much deliberation, both of you agree that the best course of action would be to relocate the plant to a site 30 kilometres away from the current location. This solution would mitigate the health risks for the local population while allowing the plant to continue operations, albeit at a new location. As plans for the relocation begin, the news leaks out, causing immediate unrest among the plant's workers. The workers, many of whom live near the plant, strongly oppose the relocation. They argue that the new site, 30 kilometres away, would disrupt their lives, increase their commuting time, and add to their expenses. The prospect of losing their jobs or facing hardships travelling to the new site sparks a wave of discontent. The workers organised protests and went on strike, halting production. And the discontent spilled onto the streets. Unknowingly, you had stirred a hornet's nest. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you and the CMD? (c) How should you prioritise public health concerns against the potential economic disruptions caused by the relocation of the plant? What ethical principles should guide this decision? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Understanding the gravity of the situation, you decide to take the matter directly to the Director of Purchase. The Director, a professional with years of experience, listens to your concerns but advises you to ignore the information. He argues that the allegation is based on verbal communication and lacks concrete evidence. Additionally, he expresses concern that the information might have been planted by a rival supplier to discredit the bidding process or to sabotage a competitor. Despite your reservations, you follow the Director's instructions and take no further action. The bids are opened as scheduled, and contracts are awarded based on official norms. A week later, a national daily published an investigative report detailing the bid-rigging scandal. The report includes substantial evidence, such as recorded conversations, email exchanges, and internal documents, all indicating that several bidders colluded to manipulate the tender process. The publication of this report triggered widespread public outrage, leading to calls for an investigation into the procurement process and the immediate suspension of the contracts awarded. The department, including the Director of Purchase, comes under intense scrutiny. Questions are raised about the integrity of the procurement process and the failure to prevent bid rigging despite prior knowledge of potential misconduct. Your Director is placed under suspension, and the enquiry begins. You are also under scanner as you were working closely with the Director. Meanwhile, your Director requests that you refrain from informing the enquiry committee of the information you received about bid-rigging. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the case? (b) What are the potential ethical and professional consequences of complying with the Director's request to conceal the information about the bid-rigging? Explain (c) In light of the Director's request to withhold information from the enquiry committee, how should you balance your duty to report unethical practices with your loyalty to your superior? What ethical principles should guide your decision in this situation? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"As the CDO, you are now caught between two conflicting directives, each with its own ethical and professional implications. (a)\\tWhat ethical issues and dilemmas are involved in the above case? (b)\\tWhat are the options available to the CDO? What must be the CDO's chosen course of action? (c)\\tHow should a civil servant prioritise between conflicting directives from different senior authorities? What ethical principles should guide this decision-making process? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":4832,"topper":"Nancy Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/4c9a7e5e5edac112d75ba3bb128c426a/6/gspm23b10138_flt2512.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"\"Duty forms the cornerstone of administrative ethics, yet without integration of other ethical perspectives, it risks becoming mechanical compliance.\" Discuss how the interplay of duty, virtue, principle, and consequences can enrich ethical decision-making in public administration. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"The strength of a professional public service lies in its ability to remain non-partisan, even in a deeply political environment.\" Do you agree that partisanship undermines the ethical foundation of public administration? Discuss the risks posed by political bias among civil servants and the safeguards that help uphold neutrality. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"In situations of moral ambiguity, where formal rules fall short, emotional intelligence and conscience become crucial tools. Explain how these internal faculties help public servants navigate ethical grey zones. Support with a suitable example. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"The heart of the ethical dilemma is not the absence of values but the presence of competing responsibilities.\" Discuss how ethical dilemmas in public administration often emerge from the clash of legitimate obligations rather than moral ambiguity. Illustrate with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"The growing layers of oversight, media scrutiny, and public expectations have made accountability a double-edged sword for public servants.\" Do you agree that excessive accountability pressure can sometimes hinder ethical judgment and innovation in the bureaucracy? Explain your perspective with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"Family, society, and education do not merely transmit values they shape the ethical foundation of public life.\" Discuss how these institutions influence value formation in public servants. Why is the role of these institutions critical in strengthening ethical governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"Gandhian ethics emphasize purity of means, truth, and moral courage even when outcomes are uncertain.\" Critically evaluate whether such absolutist ethics are compatible with the demands of modern public administration, where administrative realism and pragmatism are often necessary. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"Procurement decisions are a litmus test of public sector probity, where integrity must resist both institutional pressures and private influence.\" Discuss how the principles of transparency, fairness, and accountability can strengthen ethical conduct in public procurement. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"Attitudes, shaped by personal beliefs and values, influence the ethical behaviour of public servants.\" Explain how moral and political attitudes impact administrative neutrality and integrity in public service. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"\"Foreign aid is often framed as generosity, but its ethical legitimacy depends on fairness, accountability, and respect for sovereignty.\" Explain the ethical concerns associated with conditional foreign aid. How can donor countries uphold recipient autonomy while ensuring transparency and developmental impact? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context? (a) \"Good government...depends...(on) the qualities of the human beings composing the society over which the government is exercised.\" JS Mill (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":34,"question":"What are the ethical considerations involved in this budget allocation decision?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"How can administrators ensure equitable development while maintaining working relationships with elected representatives? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"You are posted as the Deputy Director (Training) at a state administrative academy. Among the current batch of officer trainees is a probationer known for initiative and strong opinions on social justice and governance. Over the past few weeks, the probationer has been posting commentary on current affairs on his public social media account. While not abusive or inflammatory, his posts openly criticise: • Certain welfare schemes as \"tokenistic,\" • The inaction of state agencies in recent communal incidents, • And call for \"civil resistance\" to regressive laws. Screenshots of his posts have circulated in the department. Some senior officers consider the posts politically charged and believe they undermine the principle of neutrality and decorum expected of civil servants. Others argue he is still under training and needs mentorship, not discipline. You are informally asked by the Director General to \"speak to him\" and submit a recommendation on whether formal action is warranted. The probationer, when confronted, says: \"I posted as a citizen, not as a government mouthpiece. I’m entitled to express myself. My views don’t affect my professional objectivity.\" There’s growing debate in the academy: Where does personal liberty end and institutional responsibility begin? Is there space for moral conviction in service, or must officers conform fully to institutional restraint even in their private lives?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"What are the key ethical and professional concerns in this situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"How can civil servants balance personal expression with the demands of neutrality and public accountability? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"What are the key ethical issues in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"How can civil servants uphold integrity when informal hierarchies and peer pressure discourage ethical action? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"What are the ethical concerns involved in the allocation of CSR funds in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"How would you assess the competing pressures of organizational politics and public interest?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"What decision would you take, and how would you justify it ethically and professionally? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"What are the administrative and ethical issues involved in the case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"How can senior civil servants uphold neutrality and fairness in politically sensitive postings without inviting retaliation or appearing insubordinate? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":59,"question":"What are the core ethical challenges involved in executing the eviction in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":59,"question":"How should a public servant reconcile legal mandates with humanitarian obligations in contexts of informal urban settlements?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4833,"topper":"Nancy Singh","air":34,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/4c9a7e5e5edac112d75ba3bb128c426a/2/gspm23b10138_ee2401.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4834,"topper":"Nancy Singh","air":34,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/4c9a7e5e5edac112d75ba3bb128c426a/1/gspm23b10138_ee2402.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4835,"topper":"Nandala Saikiran","air":27,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1DUVsaWNqMjdDiXFHuGasWgFy-6rPxVxD","questions":[]},{"id":4836,"topper":"Nandala Saikiran","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Nandala-Saikiran-UPSC-2023-Rank-27-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Investment in infrastructure is a precursor to social and economic transformation; however, the focus on economic gains must not marginalise the concerns for safety. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What do you understand from Green growth? With special reference to the budget 2023-2024, discuss various government measures to propel green growth in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Project cheetah marks a departure from India's efforts for conservation of various critically-endangered species. In this perspective, do you think the reintroduction of major fauna that has gone extinct is justified? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"In what ways can precision agriculture become a panacea for multipronged challenges plaguing the agriculture sector? Discuss. Also, analyse various impediments in widespread adoption of precision farming in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are the reasons for increasing emphasis on the horticulture sector in recent years? Evaluate government measures for the development of the horticulture sector. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Unplanned urbanization has made Indian cities vulnerable to fire safety hazards. Discuss and recommend measures for mitigating urban fires, with special reference to national building code, 2016. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"DPI (Digital Public Infrastructure) is indispensable for digitally enabling citizens and businesses; however, the challenges of exclusion, exploitation, and monopolisation cannot be ignored. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Assess the relevance of the NISAR mission in observing climate change and natural hazards. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Defense indigenization remains the Achilles heel of India's security architecture. Examine the importance of startups in defense sector to make India secure and self-reliant. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Edge in modern warfare lies not so much in the capacity to overwhelm the adversary as much in the ability to nip the threat in the bud. In this context, discuss the role of intelligence in maintaining national security, and also cite challenges associated. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Labour and export intensive industries are key to problems of jobless growth. In this perspective, analyse the opportunities and challenges associated with the textile sector. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"In an era of interconnected challenges, the emerging global polycrisis poses significant implications for India's macroeconomic stability. Examine and suggest measures to make the Indian economy more resilient to global shocks and challenges. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Do you think the low Female Labor Force Participation Rate presents a correct picture about the 'working women' in India's economy? Give reasons in support of your answer. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Across sectors and regions, the most marginalised sections are also the most affected by the impacts of climate change. Explain. Also, present a case for a climate resilient model of development that integrates mitigation and adaptation measures. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite the potential to check the triple whammy of nutritional deficiency, environmental degradation, and receding farm incomes, the adoption of Millets has been abysmally low. Analyse. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"A link between unorganized farming community and formal industrial sector, Food Processing Industries (FPI) can play a key role in advancing the rural economy. Evaluate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What do you understand by generative Artificial Intelligence (AI)? How can policymakers and regulatory bodies effectively address the concerns and challenges posed by generative AI? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Though ethnic fault lines are a major threat, security challenges in the North-East are not confined to the same. Discuss the statement with special reference to Manipur. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Critically examine the role of development initiatives in addressing the root causes of militancy/ terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4837,"topper":"Nandala Saikiran","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Nandala-Saikiran-UPSC-2023-Rank-27-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the role of the 'Fourth Estate' in upholding democratic values and analyse the issues affecting press freedom in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The electoral process, though inclusionary in theory, has been pointed out for exclusionary tendencies in practice. Analyse, with special emphasis on role of women in India's representative electoral system. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Assess the effectiveness of Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 in resolution of river-water disputes. Also describe the potential impact of delays in resolution of water disputes. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the significance of the cooperative model of development in addressing the issues of rural growth. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"In order to pass the ultimate test of good governance, welfare state should be close to the people, responsive to their aspirations, and inclusive in its approach. Discuss with special reference to PM PVTG Development Mission. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"To what extent collaboration between the state and civil society organizations (CSOs) help in addressing poverty and malnutrition in the country? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Absence of a robust social infrastructure in the country may become one of the most significant challenges in achieving a developed status by 2047. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Though the changing paradigm towards dialogue and diplomacy in West Asia augurs well for India's interests in this otherwise restive region, presence of inimical actors may reverse the gains. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Water diplomacy can redefine the contours of regional cooperation in South Asia. Discuss with special reference to Indus water treaty 1960. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Despite constitutional backing to the institutions of local governance, the idea of decentralisation has remained hostage to several structural bottlenecks. Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Independent judiciary, as envisaged by the constitution, provides the bedrock for a thriving polity; however, executive encroachment may erode its credibility and affect its efficacy. Evaluate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Executive agencies, working as the watchdog against impropriety are vital to act against the corrupt; however, pandering to vested interests may have the effect of turning the idea of rule of law on its head. Comment, with special reference to controversies associated with the Enforcement Directorate (ED). (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Critically analyse the role of National Commission for Women (NCW) in wake of its mandate to safeguard women's rights and uphold their socio-economic wellbeing. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Understanding the extent, source, and complexity of deprivations among the multidimensionally poor contributes to more informed policymaking. In this context, analyze the latest National Multidimensional Poverty Index Report by NITI Aayog. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Safely managed drinking water services, as desired by Jal Jeevan Mission, are designated to give multifarious benefits cutting across generations. Discuss. Also, elaborate upon the challenges in ensuring the mission's success. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Legislation like Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989 remains mere legal documents without intense sensitization of public functionaries and the civil society. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Harbinger of global rebalancing, India-Africa ties are a beacon of inclusive, sustainable, and equitable world. Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How do ASEAN centrality, rules-based order, and development partnership with Pacific Island states make Indo-Pacific a theatre of opportunity for India? What are the hurdles in realisation of an inclusive Indo-Pacific construct? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4838,"topper":"Nandala Saikiran","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rWwTGrPzvOu7GuzgWyn0uDQye-iWTKog/view","questions":[]},{"id":4839,"topper":"Nandala Saikiran","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Nandala-Saikiran-UPSC-2023-Rank-27-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"In many ways, the Spanish civil war was the opening act of WWII. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"How will you explain the different fates of Buddhism and Jainism despite a slew of similarities in the two religions? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Non-Cooperation Movement democratized India's freedom struggle but suffered from inherent limitations. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Critically analyse the efficacy of linguistic reorganization of states in addressing the reasons for linguistic divides in post-independent India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Briefly discuss the role of plate tectonics theory in explaining the location of volcanoes. Also, explain the multifarious impacts of volcanoes on the surrounding regions. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Taking further the success of Aspirational Districts Programme, Aspirational Blocks can help achieve the twin objectives of balanced growth and checking stress migration. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Describe the critical factors for location of defense industries and suggest measures to overcome the challenges. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"To what extent can Socio-Economic-Caste Census (SECC) address the challenges in achieving equitable resource allocation and targeted welfare? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Indian society is premised on some common values that give it a composite texture as well as some diverse practices that deepen its heterogeneity. Elucidate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What are the factors that influence population growth in the country? In this perspective, examine the relevance and need of raising the minimum marriageable age of women for population development. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Bring out the reasons behind the tribal unrest in British India. Also, analyze the reasons for their limited success. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The independence of India was not a result of a forced expulsion of the Empire, as desired by the Quit India Movement; it was rather a confluence of domestic politics and global circumstances. Analyze. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Explain why Sufism, a liberal reform movement in Islam could deepen its roots in the Indian sub-continent, despite Islam being a foreign religion? Also, bring out the impacts of Sufism on Indian society (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Enumerate the reasons behind rising intensity and frequency of cyclones in the Arabian Sea in recent years. Giving special reference to NDMA guidelines, recommend measures to check the adverse impacts of cyclones. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Examine the impacts of climate change on the hydrological cycle and suggest suitable mitigation and adaptation strategies to contain the harmful implications. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Defining continental shelf, highlight its resource potential and ecological significance. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Rooted in patriarchal values, gender-based violence, in all its manifestations, is antithetical to societal growth. Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The caste calculus in the Indian society remains predominant and continues to project its shadow on social, political, and economic domains. Do you agree? Substantiate your answer. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss various factors contributing to the water woes faced by Indian cities. Also, explain complexities in implementing a comprehensive water management plan. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Though important elements of group identity, religion and region also run the risk of deepening communal cleavages. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4840,"topper":"Nandala Saikiran","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Nandala-Saikiran-UPSC-2023-Rank-27-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The influence of ethical principles on shaping socially responsible behavior is widely acknowledged. How do ethical values facilitate individuals in cultivating a proactive and constructive attitude towards fulfilling their social responsibilities? Can the subjective nature of ethical principles lead to divergent attitudes regarding social responsibility? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Through their actions, interactions, and teachings, schools have the power to mold the moral compass of the next generation. In this perspective, discuss the significance of value-based education in preparing the youth to address the contemporary challenges of society. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'situation ethics'? Critically analyze its strengths and weaknesses in making moral judgements. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Maintaining traditional bonds and familial relationships in an increasingly globalized world requires personal relationships to be governed by ethical principles. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Why should a man be moral? Because it strengthens his will.\" - Swami Vivekanand. In this perspective, discuss the significance of morality for bringing efficiency and effectiveness in public administration. Do you think moral rigidity can be a hindrance in good governance? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Civil servants who embody emotional intelligence exhibit a profound understanding of the human aspect of governance, enabling them to cultivate meaningful relationships, foster cooperation, and drive positive change. Examine ways in which Emotional Intelligence can be inculcated in civil servants. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The challenges posed by the corporate sector's impact on climate, environmental sustainability, and living conditions has highlighted the need for responsible and inclusive business practices. In this direction, the contemporary discourse on corporate governance is emphasizing the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. Evaluate the ESG framework in equipping the corporate world with the capabilities to fulfill its social roles and responsibilities. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Uniform Civil Code (UCC) aims to create a set of laws governing personal matters, such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption, irrespective of individuals' religious affiliations. In the context of the ongoing discourse on UCC in India, examine the challenges that arise when attempting to reconcile legal principles with diverse moral considerations. To what extent should the law be influenced by moral/religious principles? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What does each of the following quotation mean to you? a) \"When I do good, I feel good; when I do bad, I feel bad, and that is my religion\" - Abraham Lincoln. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time.\" - Ruth Bader Ginsburg. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"\"Happiness is that state of consciousness which proceeds from the achievement of one's values\" - Ayn Rand. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":35,"question":"What are the qualities lacked by the colleagues and superiors of Pratap? b) What could be the possible reasons behind the negative attitude of office employees towards LGBTQIA+ community? c) As a friend of Pratap, what advice will you give him?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4841,"topper":"Nandala Saikiran","air":27,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1PCEPHz1fkCxBmJ2lrzNQ-8d6c_vqtoFM","questions":[]},{"id":4842,"topper":"Nandanaa G P","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/ETHICS_PROGRAME_NANDANAA_G_P_AIR_47_5039f6c4f2.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Compare and contrast the roles of family and educational institutions in value inculcation. How can these two institutions complement each other? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"\"Tolerance is not just about accepting differences; it is about appreciating and celebrating diversity.\" Discuss the importance of tolerance for governance. How can civil servants foster a culture of tolerance and inclusivity in a diverse country like India? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"A person's character is most accurately revealed in their private life, not their public persona.\" Critically examine this statement in the context of public servants and their ethical conduct. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"Accountability mechanisms are essential for ethical governance but often lead to bureaucratic delays and inefficiencies.\" Critically examine this statement in the context of Indian administration. Can a balance be struck between accountability and efficiency? Discuss with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What does each of the following quotations convey to you in present context? a) \"Reason is, and ought only to be the slave of the passions, and can never pretend to any other office than to serve and obey them.\"- David Hume (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"The ultimate measure of a person is not where they stand in moments of comfort and convenience, but where they stand at times of challenge and controversy.\"- Martin Luther King Jr. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"In matters of conscience, the law of the majority has no place.\"- Mahatma Gandhi. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"Empathy is seeing with the eyes of another, listening with the ears of another, and feeling with the heart of another.\" How can emotionally intelligent civil servants utilize empathy to improve governance and service delivery? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Analyse the ethical implications of the widening gap between rich and poor nations. Is there a moral obligation for developed countries to assist developing ones? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.\" Discuss the ethical responsibilities of individuals, corporations, and governments in protecting the environment for future generations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"\"Impartiality is not neutrality; it is about treating everyone fairly based on merit and evidence.\" Explain the difference between impartiality and neutrality in the context of civil service. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"The teachings of the Bhagavad Gita offer valuable lessons for ethical conduct in public service. Discuss the relevance of these teachings in navigating the ethical issues of administration in contemporary India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":35,"question":"You are a senior bureaucrat in the Ministry of Rural Development. A flagship program aimed at empowering women in rural areas through self-help groups (SHGs) and micro-enterprise initiatives is being implemented. While the program has seen success in providing financial assistance and skill development, you observe that women's participation in decision-making bodies within these SHGs and village councils remains limited. Despite legal provisions for women's participation in local governance, traditional patriarchal norms often prevail, relegating women to secondary roles. This results in their voices being unheard and their concerns being overlooked in decision-making processes. Further, Years of social conditioning has led to internalization of gender bias, where women themselves underestimate their abilities and hesitate to participate in decision-making. Many rural women are unaware of their rights and the opportunities available to them. Lack of education and information has further hindered their participation in decision-making bodies. Moreover, Male members within the community and even within the SHGs resist women's participation in decision-making. Some men cite traditional gender roles and norms while some question their abilities. They also try to control access to resources and information, limiting women's ability to participate effectively in decision-making processes. Women who attempt to challenge traditional norms face social ostracism or pressure from their families and communities to conform. a) Identify the ethical issues in the given case study. b) How can you engage with male members of the community and SHGs to address their concerns and encourage them to support women's participation? c) What institutional and policy changes can be made to create a more enabling environment for women's participation in decision-making, ensuring that their voices are heard and valued? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"You are a mid-level manager at 'GoodLife Pharma,' a leading pharmaceutical company in India. After years of research and development, the company is on the cusp of launching a revolutionary new drug, 'Revivol,' which promises to significantly improve the lives of patients suffering from a debilitating chronic illness. The drug is projected to be a blockbuster, generating billions in revenue and potentially saving countless lives. You've been an integral part of the Revivol team, and its success could significantly boost your career prospects. However, just weeks before the scheduled launch, you stumble upon disturbing evidence suggesting that Revivol may have serious, potentially fatal, side effects in a small percentage of patients. These side effects were not adequately disclosed in the initial clinical trial reports, and further investigation reveals that some data points indicating adverse reactions were deliberately omitted from the final report submitted to the regulatory authorities. You are deeply troubled by this discovery. You understand that the drug is likely to receive approval based on the existing data, and the company is already heavily invested in its marketing and launch. However, the potential harm to patients weighs heavily on your conscience. To add to the complexity, you discover that your direct superior was aware of the data discrepancies and chose to ignore them. Confronting them directly might lead to retaliation, jeopardizing your job and career. You're also the sole breadwinner for your family, and losing your job would have devastating financial consequences. a) What are the ethical dilemmas faced by the manager in this scenario? b) What will be your course of action and why? c) How could stronger corporate governance mechanisms have prevented or mitigated this situation? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"You are a young, enthusiastic IAS officer recently posted as the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of a rural subdivision. Eager to make a positive impact, you embark on a series of field visits to various government offices under your jurisdiction. However, the sight that greets you in most offices is disheartening. Employees stroll in well past the official start time, and once in, seem to prioritize leisurely tea breaks and idle chatter over their duties. The physical manifestation of this lethargy is evident in the towering stacks of unattended files gathering dust on desks. This backlog translates to agonizing delays in processing applications for essential services and benefits, leaving citizens frustrated and disillusioned. As you interact with the local populace, you hear disturbing accounts of bribery and favoritism plaguing the administrative machinery. It appears that those with influence or willing to pay under-the-table 'fees' can expedite their requests, while the marginalized and less privileged languish in the system's inefficiencies. The most distressing aspect of the situation is the impact on ordinary citizens. You witness firsthand their exasperation as they navigate the labyrinthine bureaucracy, often facing indifference, rudeness, or demands for bribes. a) What are the ethical issues in the prevailing work culture in the subdivision? b) As the SDM, what specific steps would you take to improve the overall work culture and quality of service delivery in your subdivision? c) Discuss the challenges you might encounter in implementing these changes and how you would overcome them. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"You have just been appointed as Additional Director General of Central Public Works Department. The Chief Architect of your division, who is to retire in six months, is passionately working on a very important project, the successful completion of which would earn him a lasting reputation for the rest of his life. A new lady architect, Seema, trained at Manchester School of Architecture, UK, joined as Senior Architect in your division. During the briefing about the project, Seema made some suggestions which would not only add value to the project, but would also reduce completion time. This has made the Chief Architect insecure and he is constantly worried that all the credit will go to her. Subsequently, he adopted a passive and aggressive behaviour towards her and has become disrespectful to her. Seema felt it embarrassing as the Chief Architect left no chance of humiliating her. He would very often correct her in front of other colleagues and raise his voice while speaking to her. This continuous harassment has resulted in her losing confidence and self-esteem. She felt perpetually tensed, anxious and stressed. She appeared to be in awe of him since he has had a long tenure in the office and has vast experience in the area of her work. You are aware of her outstanding academic credentials and career record in her previous organisations. However, you fear that this harassment may result in compromising her much needed contribution in this important project and may adversely impact her emotional well-being. You have also come to know from her peers that she is contemplating tendering her resignation. a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? b) What are the options available to you in order to complete the project as well as to retain Seema in the organization? c) What would be your response to Seema's predicament? What measures would you institute to prevent such occurrences from happening in your organization? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":4843,"topper":"Nandanaa G P","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1STVfHaLzxHCxJ_7snluuedZE36Incyqz/view","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Compare and contrast the roles of family and educational institutions in value inculcation. How can these two institutions complement each other? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"\"Tolerance is not just about accepting differences; it is about appreciating and celebrating diversity.\" Discuss the importance of tolerance for governance. How can civil servants foster a culture of tolerance and inclusivity in a diverse country like India? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"A person's character is most accurately revealed in their private life, not their public persona.\" Critically examine this statement in the context of public servants and their ethical conduct. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Accountability mechanisms are essential for ethical governance but often lead to bureaucratic delays and inefficiencies.\" Critically examine this statement in the context of Indian administration. Can a balance be struck between accountability and efficiency? Discuss with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What does each of the following quotations convey to you in present context? a) \"Reason is, and ought only to be the slave of the passions, and can never pretend to any other office than to serve and obey them.\" - David Hume (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"In matters of conscience, the law of the majority has no place.\" - Mahatma Gandhi. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"Empathy is seeing with the eyes of another, listening with the ears of another, and feeling with the heart of another.\" How can emotionally intelligent civil servants utilize empathy to improve governance and service delivery? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Analyse the ethical implications of the widening gap between rich and poor nations. Is there a moral obligation for developed countries to assist developing ones? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.\" Discuss the ethical responsibilities of individuals, corporations, and governments in protecting the environment for future generations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"\"Impartiality is not neutrality; it is about treating everyone fairly based on merit and evidence.\" Explain the difference between impartiality and neutrality in the context of civil service. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"The teachings of the Bhagavad Gita offer valuable lessons for ethical conduct in public service. Discuss the relevance of these teachings in navigating the ethical issues of administration in contemporary India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":35,"question":"You are a senior bureaucrat in the Ministry of Rural Development. A flagship program aimed at empowering women in rural areas through self-help groups (SHGs) and micro-enterprise initiatives is being implemented. While the program has seen success in providing financial assistance and skill development, you observe that women's participation in decision-making bodies within these SHGs and village councils remains limited. Despite legal provisions for women's participation in local governance, traditional patriarchal norms often prevail, relegating women to secondary roles. This results in their voices being unheard and their concerns being overlooked in decision-making processes. Further, years of social conditioning has led to internalization of gender bias, where women themselves underestimate their abilities and hesitate to participate in decision-making. Many rural women are unaware of their rights and the opportunities available to them. Lack of education and information has further hindered their participation in decision-making bodies. Moreover, male members within the community and even within the SHGs resist women's participation in decision-making. Some men cite traditional gender roles and norms while some question their abilities. They also try to control access to resources and information, limiting women's ability to participate effectively in decision-making processes. Women who attempt to challenge traditional norms face social ostracism or pressure from their families and communities to conform. a) Identify the ethical issues in the given case study. b) How can you engage with male members of the community and SHGs to address their concerns and encourage them to support women's participation? c) What institutional and policy changes can be made to create a more enabling environment for women's participation in decision-making, ensuring that their voices are heard and valued? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"You are a mid-level manager at 'GoodLife Pharma,' a leading pharmaceutical company in India. After years of research and development, the company is on the cusp of launching a revolutionary new drug, 'Revivol,' which promises to significantly improve the lives of patients suffering from a debilitating chronic illness. The drug is projected to be a blockbuster, generating billions in revenue and potentially saving countless lives. You've been an integral part of the Revivol team, and its success could significantly boost your career prospects. However, just weeks before the scheduled launch, you stumble upon disturbing evidence suggesting that Revivol may have serious, potentially fatal, side effects in a small percentage of patients. These side effects were not adequately disclosed in the initial clinical trial reports, and further investigation reveals that some data points indicating adverse reactions were deliberately omitted from the final report submitted to the regulatory authorities. You are deeply troubled by this discovery. You understand that the drug is likely to receive approval based on the existing data, and the company is already heavily invested in its marketing and launch. However, the potential harm to patients weighs heavily on your conscience. To add to the complexity, you discover that your direct superior was aware of the data discrepancies and chose to ignore them. Confronting them directly might lead to retaliation, jeopardizing your job and career. You're also the sole breadwinner for your family, and losing your job would have devastating financial consequences. a) What are the ethical dilemmas faced by the manager in this scenario? b) What will be your course of action and why? c) How could stronger corporate governance mechanisms have prevented or mitigated this situation? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"You are a young, enthusiastic IAS officer recently posted as the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of a rural subdivision. Eager to make a positive impact, you embark on a series of field visits to various government offices under your jurisdiction. However, the sight that greets you in most offices is disheartening. Employees stroll in well past the official start time, and once in, seem to prioritize leisurely tea breaks and idle chatter over their duties. The physical manifestation of this lethargy is evident in the towering stacks of unattended files gathering dust on desks. This backlog translates to agonizing delays in processing applications for essential services and benefits, leaving citizens frustrated and disillusioned. As you interact with the local populace, you hear disturbing accounts of bribery and favoritism plaguing the administrative machinery. It appears that those with influence or willing to pay 'under-the-table 'fees' can expedite their requests, while the marginalized and less privileged languish in the system's inefficiencies. The most distressing aspect of the situation is the impact on ordinary citizens. You witness firsthand their exasperation as they navigate the labyrinthine bureaucracy, often facing indifference, rudeness, or demands for bribes. a) What are the ethical issues in the prevailing work culture in the subdivision? b) As the SDM, what specific steps would you take to improve the overall work culture and quality of service delivery in your subdivision? c) Discuss the challenges you might encounter in implementing these changes and how you would overcome them. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"You have just been appointed as Additional Director General of Central Public Works Department. The Chief Architect of your division, who is to retire in six months, is passionately working on a very important project, the successful completion of which would earn him a lasting reputation for the rest of his life. A new lady architect, Seema, trained at Manchester School of Architecture, UK, joined as Senior Architect in your division. During the briefing about the project, Seema made some suggestions which would not only add value to the project, but would also reduce completion time. This has made the Chief Architect insecure and he is constantly worried that all the credit will go to her. Subsequently, he adopted a passive and aggressive behaviour towards her and has become disrespectful to her. Seema felt it embarrassing as the Chief Architect left no chance of humiliating her. He would very often correct her in front of other colleagues and raise his voice while speaking to her. This continuous harassment has resulted in her losing confidence and self-esteem. She felt perpetually tensed, anxious and stressed. She appeared to be in awe of him since she has had a long tenure in the office and has vast experience in the area of her work. You are aware of her outstanding academic credentials and career record in her previous organisations. However, you fear that this harassment may result in compromising her much needed contribution in this important project and may adversely impact her emotional well-being. You have also come to know from her peers that she is contemplating tendering her resignation. a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? b) What are the options available to you in order to complete the project as well as to retain Seema in the organization? c) What would be your response to Seema's predicament? What measures would you institute to prevent such occurrences from happening in your organization? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":4844,"topper":"Nandini Maharaj","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b3a95-191609_874_nandini_maharaj_rank_42.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The greatness of the Mughal achievement in the political unification of India was matched by the splendour and beauty of the work of architects, poets, historians, painters and musicians who flourished in the period. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Traditionally, India had developed wide-ranging water harvesting techniques in keeping with the local ecological conditions and their water needs. Substantiate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Imperial rivalries of 18th Century Europe were played out in India as well. Comment in the context of the Carnatic Wars.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"The Lucknow session of 1916 was a watershed event during the freedom struggle of India due to various reasons. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Reforms initiated by the Justice Party became a model for social affirmative action in the country. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"War in the Korean Peninsula proved to be disastrous for Korea, a missed opportunity for the United States and a defining moment for China. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"The Munich Pact brought neither peace nor stability in relations between European countries, rather it turned out to be an act of appeasement that made war inevitable. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Explain how Gandhi's non-violent philosophy influenced Martin Luther King Jr.'s methods. Also discuss the contributions and accomplishments of King to ensure civil rights for all people regardless of race in America.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Apart from the linguistic reorganisation of states, the three language formula was an important part of government policy to address the language question in India. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Enumerate the measures for the welfare of Unorganised Workers in India. In the context of problems being faced by 'domestic helps', discuss the need for additional measures to safeguard their interests.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"The manner in which the mentally ill have been treated in India suggests that policy measures alone may not be sufficient to address the challenges faced by them. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Highlight the characteristics of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) and discuss the challenges faced by them. Also enumerate the measures taken by the government to address these challenges.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"While suburbanisation is a common phenomenon in most urbanising countries, it is occurring at a relatively early stage of India's urban development. Enumerating the reasons behind this development, highlight the challenges it is creating for Indian cities.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Various geographical and anthropogenic factors have rendered Brahmaputra Valley susceptible to recurrent floods. Discuss the causes and suggest suitable measures of mitigation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Give a brief account of Earth's heat budget. Also discuss how increasing concentration of carbon dioxide in Earth's atmosphere effects it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Give an outline of the major geological events that have shaped the present drainage system of Peninsular India. Also, explain why peninsular rivers are unsuitable for navigation but facilitate hydroelectric power generation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Elaborate with examples as to how government policies influence the location of industries. Also, mention the steps taken by the Government of India to stimulate industrial activity in backward regions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Explain, in brief, the process of cloud formation. Also, elucidate how clouds can help in weather forecasting.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"The socio-economic and ecological consequences of soil degradation are far-reaching. Discuss. Suggest measures that can be taken to restore soil fertility and arrest soil degradation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Development of island territories requires a careful balancing of environmental and tribal concerns with exploitation of economic potential. Elaborating on the threats faced by island territories of India, comment on the recent measures proposed by the government regarding their development.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4845,"topper":"Nandini Maharaj","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/bacc5-191609_871_nandini_maharaj_rank_42.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Criticism about the judiciary should be welcomed, so long as criticisms do not hamper the \"administration of justice\". In this context discuss whether the power of contempt of court given to the higher judiciary limits the freedom granted by Article 19 (a) and whether these two can be reconciled.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Special rights are not privileges but they are granted to make it possible for minorities to preserve their identity, culture and traditions. Elaborate in the context of India with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"A clear delineation of functions of local governments vis-à-vis State Governments will only strengthen the principle of subsidiarity. In this context, discuss the challenges and the reforms required for effective democratic decentralization in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Despite being a welcome step, Inter-State Water Disputes (Amendment) Bill, 2017 fails to resolve the issue of overlapping of jurisdiction between the legislature and judiciary. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Critically discuss the major reforms introduced in the area of electoral funding in Union Budget 2017. Do you think that state funding of elections is a viable idea to check misuse of money power in politics?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The provision of 33% reservation of seats for women in urban local body elections in Nagaland has been in news for various reasons in recent times. Discuss the underlying issues in light of the constitutional provisions at stake and the social realities of the state.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Enumerate the guidelines for police reforms as laid down by the Supreme Court in Prakash Singh case in 2006. In this regard, critically discuss the issues in their implementation by the States.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"While the Competition Commission of India and sector-specific regulators are required to complement each other, overlapping jurisdiction has resulted in regulatory parallelism amongst them. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"There is both spatial and economic inequality with regards to access to healthcare services in India. Elaborate. How does the New Health Policy attempts to address these issues?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Census 2011 observed that there has been a significant increase in urban homeless households in the period between 2001 and 2011. What are homeless households? Highlighting the challenges faced by them, discuss the causes for increase in such households. Suggest various measures to rehabilitate these households.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Recent judgment of the Supreme Court, amending the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 has invoked varied reponses. Highlighting the amendment, critically examine its likely impact on application of the law.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Examine the steps taken by the government over the years to ensure a secure and exploitation-free childhood for its citizens. Further analyse how the recent ratification of the two key ILO conventions will help India's fight against child labour.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"According to the World Bank, while digital technologies have spread rapidly in much of the world, resulting digital dividends have lagged behind. Analyse in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"\"Our country suffers from an excess of old and unnecessary laws which obstruct people and businesses\". In light of the observation elucidate how outdated and impractical laws bring inefficiency in governance. How far is the repealing and cosolidation of statutes a solution to the problem at hand?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Due to increasing consumption and changing consumption patterns, water scarcity is an emerging threat in India and thus it becomes imperative to treat water as a commodity and privatize it. Critically evaluate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Given the mandate of the Organisation and its composition, too much should not be read into India becoming a full time member of SCO. Critically comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"India needs to utilize its technological capacity based diplomacy to strengthen relationships with the neigbours. Discuss. Also examine the significance of South Asia satellite to enhance regional cooperation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Though both India and Bangladesh have been able to resolve various pending bilateral issues, solution to the Teesta Water dispute remains illusive. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Discuss the important provisions and significance of the recent proposal by India for Trade Facilitation in Services (TFS) Agreement under WTO.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"BIMSTEC has the potential to become a distinctive link between South and Southeast Asia. Elaborate. Also discuss the factors hindering the potential of BIMSTEC over the years. Highlight the key initiatives in recent times and further measures required to make the grouping more effective.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4846,"topper":"Nandini Maharaj","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1d039-191609_873_nandini_maharaj_rank_42.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The more remotely power is exercised from the people, the greater is the distance between authority and accountability. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"\"If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion\". In what ways can a compassionate public official be more useful for realizing public service goals?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"The recent decision by the government to ban use of red beacons is only a symbolic gesture and a lot more needs to be done to end the VIP culture in India. Critically discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"To what extent can financial incentives help shape attitude towards social issues? Discuss with relevant examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"At times, moral behaviour can be constrained by the complexity of legal system. Explain. In this context, explain the purpose of legal protection for good samaritans in the case of road accidents.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Examine the different ethical issues involved in the use of public shaming as a punitive measure. Do you think this is an appropriate measure to address the problem of rising crime rates.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Why did Gunnar Myrdal use the term 'soft state' in the context of South Asia? Do you think such a characterisation is still relevant in the case of India today?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Intolerance can be linked both to prejudices and value judgments. Elaborate with relevant examples. Also discuss how intolerance can be countered in a multicultural society like India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Social attitude towards corruption has become more forgiving with time leading to a view of illegal gains and misappropriation of public assets as a \"rightful\" individual prerogative. Analyse in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"What are the factors which draw people to public service? Suggest measures to keep public servants motivated.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Corporate Governance provides a framework that defines the rights, roles and responsibilities of various groups within an organization. (a) Elaborate the need to incorporate the principles of Corporate Governance to enhance the effectiveness of the public sector enterprises. (b) Identify the challenges specific to the public sector when it comes to the application of good practices of corporate governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Emotions, earlier considered as an irrational factor in decision-making, are now recognised as a critical factor of judgment. In this regard, answer the following questions: (a) How can Emotional Intelligence help in coping with the intense pressure and occupational stress faced by police officers and armed forces in discharge of their duties? (b) What are the some of the concerns in incorporating and assessment of emotional intelligence skills in public service?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"You, a manager in one of the top IT firms in the country, are tasked with hiring new recruits for an upcoming project. You find that the company has given tacit instructions of not hiring female candidates in view of the new maternity law passed by the Government. You find this highly objectionable and lodge a protest with people in the higher management but they are firm as they want to cut down all the unnecessary costs. Based on this information, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the stakeholders and their interests in the situation. (b) What are the dilemmas that a recruiting manager may face in such a scenario? (c) What are the different options available to you? Which one will you pursue and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"There has been a perceptible rise in the cost of healthcare services provided by private hospitals. In absence of adequate and quality government hospitals, people are forced to opt for private hospitals, especially for life threatening diseases and injuries. You recently visit one of your friends admitted in a famous private hospital. You found out that the hospital is charging a huge amount of money, which seems to be unreasonable. You confront the staff and ask them to explain the rationale behind such high charges. Their response is that the charges are fair for the kind of services they are providing. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in this situation? (b) Given how other professions price their services, discuss the feasibility of capping the amount of fees charged by doctors and private hospitals. (c) How can the provision of quality services and need for profit be reconciled with society's interests in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"You are the District Magistrate in a district where a significant number of transgenders reside. While discrimination against the community is well known, commuters increasingly complain of harassment at their hands, especially at traffic junctions where transgenders are mostly involved in begging. This, at times, also leads to traffic management issues. You have received a number of complaints in this regard and have to act quickly to resolve it. However, a group of transgender associations argue that begging is their only source of livelihood. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Describe the ethical issues involved in this case. Discuss the attitude of people towards transgenders in general and reasons for the same. (b) What possible courses of action can be undertaken in such situations? Discuss their merits and demerits. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Mr. X is the head of an NGO working in the field of environment conservation and protection. He is in dire need of funds for the NGO's operations and payments to his staff. He is approached by an official of a large infrastructure company, who is ready to provide the required funding for the NGO. But, in a quid pro quo, he asks Mr. X to raise objections over the bypassing of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) norms in an ongoing PPP project through his NGO. This project is being implemented by a rival infrastructure company. Mr. X knows that there have been instances of high level corruption in the process of granting EIA to mega projects and the information provided by the official seems to be authentic. Hence, he accepts the money and agrees to raise the objection. (a) Considering the circumstances of the case, is Mr. X correct in accepting the money? Give appropriate reasons for your answer. (b) If you were in place of Mr. X, what would have been your course of action? Give reasons for it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"You are a civil servant posted in a state where elections were recently held. The newly elected Chief Minister had promised to ban alcohol in several of his election campaigns as well as his election manifesto, which was widely praised and supported by women of the state. Fulfilling his electoral promise, the Chief Minister has ordered a blanket ban on the sale of alcohol in the state. Following the ban, concerns have been raised about the feasibility of the ban and whether the government should interfere in what is considered by many to be a matter of personal choice. (a) Who are the stakeholders in this case and how are they affected by the ban? (b) Is blanket ban on alcohol a feasible action? (c) Identify the issues that may arise while enforcing the ban and the steps you will take to handle them, as a civil servant.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"Regulation and procedure of human clinical trials vary from nation to nation. Stem cell research, as an emerging biomedical field, requires approval for human trials and encounters multiple challenges. You are the head of a team of scientists who developed a new Tissue Engineering system, which appears to be a promising means of regenerating heart tissue. Trials of the system have already been conducted on animals and yielded good results. Millions of people suffering from critical heart diseases would benefit immensely if this medication is immediately made available to them. However, you need to conduct human clinical trials before it could be commercialised. It is also known that the stringent regulatory environment in the country will mean that human trials and final approval will take many years before it is made commercially available. On the other hand, regulation of clinical trials in many poor countries is weak and quick approval is possible. Many of your competitors also resort to human trials in these countries, often bribing the officials for getting quick approvals. Given this situation, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the ethical issues which arise during clinical trials. (b) Given the above situation, would you prefer to shift human trials to a third country where regulations are lax? Give reasons in support of your choice. (c) Suggest a framework of standard procedure to minimise ethical conflicts and speed-up the approval process of new medicines.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4847,"topper":"Narapureddy Mourya","air":100,"year":2017,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1_baHtOjZgWpQ0J2c6jco4LpggEiaCJ1G","questions":[]},{"id":4848,"topper":"Narayan Amit Malempati","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/034be-687682_1402_narayan-amit-malempati_rank_70.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What was the policy of apartheid prevalent in South Africa? Highlight the role played by prominent African leaders in bringing an end to it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"To what extent was the Treaty of Versailles responsible for World War II? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Non-alignment was an attempt by newly independent countries, including India, to keep colonialism and imperialism at bay. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Most of the factors responsible for Scramble for Africa had to do with events in Europe. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Despite the initial promise, the potential of Bhoodan and Gramdan movement remained essentially underutilized. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Concerns for national security, its national ideals and emulation of the imperialistic behaviours of Western powers, are important factors in understanding the emergence of Japan as an imperial power. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The Sykes-Picot agreement had consequences that can still be seen in West Asia. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The involvement of local voluntary organizations or Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) has been an important feature of environmental movements in India. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by neocolonialism? How is it different from colonialism? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What were the reasons for India intervening militarily in Bangladesh's war of independence in 1971? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The failures of February revolution were the primary reasons behind October revolution in Russia. Examine. Also, discuss the consequences of October revolution for Russia and the world. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Stating the reasons for the outbreak of the Vietnam War, discuss how it became a major theatre of the Cold War. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Integration of tribals with the mainstream population post independence was a difficult task due to multiple challenges and differing viewpoints. Elaborate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The imposition of Emergency in 1975 has been deemed as one of the biggest challenges faced by the Indian democracy. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Explain why the nationalists, despite their initial success, eventually lost to the communists in China. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The biggest impediments in integration of Junagadh, Hyderabad and Kashmir. In this independence came from context, bring out the strategies adopted for integration of these states in (250 words) 15 India. 17. The League of Nations was only as strong as the determination of its leading members to stand up to fascist regimes. Examine in context of failure of the League of Nations. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The League of Nations was only as strong as the determination of its leading members to stand up to fascist regimes. Examine in context of failure of the League of Nations. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Explaining why England was the first country to experience industrial revolution, analyse its impact on different aspects of the English society in the 18th century. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"While the roots of Naga insurgency lay in issues of identity and ethnicity, over the course of time it has evolved into a complex problem with political, social and economic ramifications. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Analyse the role played by Bismarck and Cavour in the unification of Germany and Italy respectively. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4849,"topper":"Narayan Amit Malempati","air":70,"year":2021,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/07605-687682_1418_narayan-amit-malempati_rank_70.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4850,"topper":"Narayan Amit Malempati","air":70,"year":2021,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/acdf9-687682_1419_narayan-amit-malempati_rank_70.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4851,"topper":"Narayan Amit Malempati","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8fe4c-687682_1406_narayan-amit-malempati_rank_70.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Norms of social morality should not be applied to acts of civil servants while they are carrying out their professional roles and responsibilities to further the common good. Critically analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Determination of ethics in state policies and actions is not easy because every policy and action has both positive and negative aspects viewed from different stakeholders' perspectives. Discuss with suitable examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand by global ethics in today's world? Highlight the role that global ethics can play in achieving universally accepted goals. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlight the important teachings of Swami Vivekananda, relevant to the youth of today. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) Courage is the most important of all the virtues because without courage, you can't practice any other virtue consistently. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Can a war ever be justified on moral grounds? Support your answer with suitable arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Do you think that ethical principles are universal in nature? Justify your answer with relevant examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"For civil servants, both professional competence and commitment to ethics are equally important. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Despite changing family structure, it still plays an important role in nurturing core societal values. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Impartiality as a core value of civil services should not become a hurdle in showing compassion towards weaker sections of the society. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Tolerance is not enough, it is the idea of acceptance that accommodates diversities and makes a society inclusive. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Companies adhering to the norms of corporate governance emerge as winners in the long run. Evaluate with the help of suitable examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You are posted as a DCP in the national capital of the country. In a locality which falls under your jurisdiction, protests have been going on for the last one month against a decision taken by the government. While these protests have been non-violent in nature and are being led by women, the protesters have blocked a major road which connects a number of satellite cities. This has led to traffic jams and congestion causing inconvenience to people who use this road for commuting to work causing hardships and a loss to the economy. A number of people filed complaints in this regard and also approached the courts. The High Court has directed the police to keep larger public interest in mind and take appropriate action. In light of the information given above, answer the following questions: (a) While highlighting the significance of right to protest in a democratic setup, discuss the limitations on this right, even if the protests are non-violent, as in this case. (b) What are the options available to you? (c) Evaluate each of these options and choose the option you would adopt, giving reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"You are a sportsman who has been recently included in the national team squad for an upcoming international tournament. Many others are fighting for the same position and you would like to cement your place in the team as soon as possible. While you are practicing at a training session for the tournament with your fellow team mates, one amongst them offers you a prohibited substance. He claims that it will help you in improving your performance in the tournament. He also informs you that a lot of other team mates also use performance enhancing drugs or PEDs to improve their performance in tournaments. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the options available to you in the above case? Which amongst these will you choose and why? (b) Discuss the ethical issues involved in doping by sportspersons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Recently, the four accused in the rape and murder of a veterinary doctor were shot down by the police while they were in police custody. The police claimed that the four accused were taken to the site of the rape in the early hours of the morning. They managed to snatch two pistols from the policemen, fired and injured two cops, and were shot in retaliation. Soon thereafter, a majority of the public welcomed the news of the police shooting the alleged rapists. Why is it that people applaud these actions of the police? Do you share such sentiments? Justify with relevant arguments.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Public policy is being increasingly informed by insights from the behavioural sciences. One such behavioural approach is the Nudge theory. It is mainly concerned with the design of choices, which influences the decisions we make. Nudge theory proposes that the designing of choices should be based on how people actually think and decide, rather than how leaders and authorities traditionally believe people think and decide. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) Giving examples, illustrate the difference between enforced change and 'Nudge' techniques? (b) Identify the ethical concerns associated with the nudge technique. Also, suggest ways for using nudging theory ethically.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate in a remote district in India. The district is prone to frequent natural disasters which often lead to breakdown of the administrative machinery. The educational and health institutes in the district suffer the most as the supply of goods is disrupted during any such disaster. You have been given the task to enroll the people in your district for a government program which requires gathering information from people using door to door campaigns. However, people in the district are not forthcoming and are refusing to comply with the directions. Upon interaction with the local leaders, you realize that their trust on local administration has also eroded. (a) What are the administrative challenges that you face in such a situation to restore the credibility of the administration? (b) Given the resources and command of the government, what short-term and long-term measures can be taken to earn back the trust of the people and their willing cooperation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"In contemporary times, disruptions have become an endemic feature of the functioning of Indian Parliament. Though it is not a new phenomenon, the disruptions, which were an exception earlier, seem to have become the new normal. The years gone by have seen MPs raise slogans, snatch papers from ministers and indulge in theatrics. Crucial time of the Parliament, which ought to have been spent in debating appropriateness of legislation or other important issues, is getting unnecessarily wasted. In this context, answer the following: (a) Identify the ethical issues involved from the point of view of different stakeholders? (b) What are the reasons behind such a scenario? (c) Is merely having a code of conduct or ethics sufficient to resolve this situation?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4852,"topper":"NARENDRA KUMAR SHAH","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/86_Narendra%20Kumar%20Shah_5095_634_GS.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Even though women may have equal skills, qualifications and commitment as men, they face much more difficulty in rising up the leadership hierarchy. Discuss the reasons for the same. Also, explain the importance of having gender parity in positions of leadership.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"All correct decisions are honest and all incorrect decisions are dishonest. Do you agree? How should the correctness and incorrectness of a decision be decided?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Should birth control be a voluntary exercise or a government policy in a country? In this regard, examine the ethical dimensions of having a One Child Policy in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"An organisation consists of a variety of individuals with varying values and degrees of motivation. What challenges do leaders face when forging a harmonious work culture in such an organisation? How can leaders engender a sense of inclusion in face of such diversity?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Notwithstanding compassion and morality, it is national interest that ultimately determines a country's decisions in international relations. Discuss this statement in the context of the current refugee crisis.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"What are the ethical issues involved in climate change negotiations? Suggest some strategies to address the divergence in ethical positions of different nations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Why is there a need for Performance Management System in an outcome oriented government? Evaluate the feasibility of peer review in context of Indian civil services.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Discretionary power in the hands of public servants is a necessary evil. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"The landmark judgment by the Supreme Court of India recognized the transgender as a third sex. What attitudes do you notice towards the transgender people in India? Discuss some steps to facilitate a dignified life for the transgender people.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"What key characteristics of a person conveying a message make it more persuasive? When celebrities endorse a product, they do so knowing that their endorsement will persuade people to buy it. What duty do they have towards the consumers?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"It is said that child labor cannot be ethical at all. Do you agree? Discuss with respect to the proposed amendments to the Child Labour Act.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Are emotions an inhibiting factor in effective decision-making? Discuss in the context of public services.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"What do you understand by the Sarvodaya philosophy of Gandhiji? Why is Sarvodaya relevant for civil servants in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are the leader of a 5 member team that has been assigned to carry out social impact assessment of a project proposed in a Naxal area. Members have been allotted a remote village each to conduct surveys and ascertain views of local people. You are under strict instructions not to disclose the identity of respondents outside the project. While compiling data, you are puzzled by the responses from one of the villages. You accompany the point-person for that village next day for verification. You randomly pick a person from the list of respondents and ask her for clarification of the response she had given earlier. She seems confused and denies any knowledge of the survey being conducted, let alone she being questioned. You try to verify this from other respondents and get similar replies. This raises serious doubts about the integrity and credibility of the survey 12. You are a Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) in an urban district. The forest cover in the district is as low as 11% and it needs to be increased as per government guidelines. By ecological and environmental perspective also it is imperative that more trees should be planted. However, you find out that while there is a grant of Rs. 1.5 crore for your division to plant trees under the Hariyali Scheme, most of this fund is lying unused. Since, it is December and as per government rules all the unused grant should be returned to the government as the financial year closes, it seems you will have to return the money completely. Also, there are strong indications from the ministry that government is mulling over a budgetary cut on Hariyali mission because most of the funds go unused. There is a strong possibility that if you return the money in this financial year you wont get it in the next financial year and even if you get, it will be a very insignificant amount. Indicate various options that you think are available in this situation. Evaluate these options and choose the most appropriate path to be","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are a Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) in an urban district. The forest cover in the district is as low as 11% and it needs to be increased as per government guidelines. By ecological and environmental perspective also it is imperative that more trees should be planted. However, you find out that while there is a grant of Rs. 1.5 crore for your division to plant trees under the Hariyali Scheme, most of this fund is lying unused. Since, it is December and as per government rules all the unused grant should be returned to the government as the financial year closes, it seems you will have to return the money completely. Also, there are strong indications from the ministry that government is mulling over a budgetary cut on Hariyali mission because most of the funds go unused. There is a strong possibility that if you return the money in this financial year you wont get it in the next financial year and even if you get, it will be a very insignificant amount. Indicate various options that you think are available in this situation. Evaluate these options and choose the most appropriate path to be","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"You, an anthropologist, have developed cordial relations with a tribal community which was hitherto isolated from rest of the humanity. Notwithstanding increased interest of researchers and media for the newly discovered tribe, you are the only person from outside whom they trust. They are ardent believers in their goddess and, trusting you, take you to her abode on a holy mountain. To your surprise, you find that the mountain is a reservoir of Uranium that can be used in your power-starved country's nuclear power plants. Besides, you are aware that Uranium being radioactive, it is highly risky to go near the mountain. You try to convince the people about harmful effects it can have and the utilitarian value that it possess for the country. However, they are in no mood to argue and politely ask you to leave. You fear that very soon the outside world will find about this and the vulnerable tribe would be displaced from their land. (a) Evaluate the following courses of action which you can take for their ethical merits and demerits: i. You would continue to convince the people yourself about the 14. A junior member of staff has just returned to work after taking special leave to care for her elderly mother. For financial reasons she needs to work full-time. She has been having difficulties with her mother's home care arrangements, causing her to miss a number of team meetings (which usually take place at the beginning of each day) and to leave work early. She is very competent in her work but her absences are putting pressure on her and her overworked colleagues. You are her manager, and you are aware that the flow of work through the practice is coming under pressure. One of her male colleagues is beginning to make comments such as \"a woman's place is in the home\", and is undermining her at every opportunity, putting her under even greater stress. What possible steps can you take to ensure that the work of the team does not suffer while also taking other humanitarian considerations into account.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4853,"topper":"NARENDRA KUMAR SHAH","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/86_Narendra%20Kumar%20Shah_5095_698_GS.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"\"A new style of architecture, entirely different in character from Muslim architecture in other countries, gradually evolved, incorporating the best of both Hindu and Muslim styles\". Discuss the above statement in the context of Indo-Islamic style of architecture.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"\"The Mughal paintings represent an assimilation of Indian, Persian and European elements\". Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Indian Dancing has changed little with the centuries, and till date the art form is practiced according to the rules of the Bharata Natyasastra. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Business groups in colonial India were guided by a pragmatic approach to issues and this explained why they maintained a policy of equidistance from both the government and the Congress. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"The Treaty of Bassein proved to be a watershed event in the history of British supremacy in India. Explain.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"\"The introduction of printing press in India was an event of revolutionary significance in the life of Indian people.\" In this context, discuss the contribution of press in the Indian national movement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"The Swadeshi Movement of 1905 not only laid the foundation of Gandhian techniques of protest but also used other innovative methods. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"'Comparisons of the Fascist regime of Italy with the Nationalist Socialist regime of Germany is almost inevitable. The similarities are obvious, but there are differences which are worth mentioning.' Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Continental system of Napoleon was his single biggest blunder, which eventually led to his downfall. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Many post-communist states took the recourse to 'Shock Therapy' after the collapse of USSR. What do you understand by Shock Therapy? Critically evaluate its impact on these states.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"\"Globalization will end up making all cultures of the world homogeneous\". Critically examine the statement taking examples from socio-cultural and economic life of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Language was an issue that once threatened to destroy the unity of India. But India dealt with it in an exemplary fashion, which her neighbours could not emulate and consequently suffered. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"The framing of a uniform civil code is an acid test of India's commitment to secularism and modernisation. Critically analyse the statement in the light of post-independent developments in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Indian environmentalism is qualitatively different from western environmentalism. Discuss the statement in the context of post-independence environmental movements in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Discuss the problems faced by workers in the informal sector in India. What steps have been taken by the government to improve the condition of workers in the informal sector?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"What are the factors responsible for high infant mortality rate in India? Discuss its implications for Indian women. Suggest steps that have been taken by the government to address this problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Even though the equatorial regions have great potential in timber resources, the lumbering industry has not developed properly in these regions. What could be the possible reasons behind this? Discuss the suitability of the equatorial regions for plantation agriculture.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"\"The potential of Inland Water transport (IWT) to encourage and support increased economic and social development is enormous\". Discuss the factors responsible for the slow growth of IWT in India with special emphasis on geographical limitations. Enumerate some steps taken by the government in order to make this form of transportation competitive with respect to rail and road.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Jute, \"The Golden Fiber\" enjoys significant ecological and economic advantages over other fibers yet it has been struggling to survive. In this context, discuss the problems associated with the Jute Industry in India. To what extent can the Jute Technology Mission address the same?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Illustrate the socio-economic significance of local winds across the world with special emphasis on India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":63,"question":"How do global pressure belts explain the formation of climatic regions across the world?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":66,"question":"What are extra tropical cyclones? How are they different from tropical cyclones? Why do the tropical cyclones weaken over the land after landfall?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":69,"question":"The formation and nature of a soil depends on a number of factors other than the parent rock. Explain through examples of Indian soil types.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":72,"question":"Which are the prominent monsoon regions other than the Indian sub-continent? Elucidate the crucial role played by the Tibetan Plateau in regulating monsoons over the sub-continent.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":75,"question":"Describe the different types of earthquake waves and their modes of propagation. How do the earthquakes occurring in the Fold Mountain regions differ from those occurring at large reservoirs/dams? What is the difference between Shallow-focus and deep-focus earthquakes?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4854,"topper":"NARENDRA KUMAR SHAH","air":86,"year":2015,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/86_Narendra%20Kumar%20Shah_5095_647_Sociology.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4855,"topper":"NARENDRA KUMAR SHAH","air":86,"year":2015,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/86_Narendra%20Kumar%20Shah_5095_648_Sociology.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4856,"topper":"Narwade V. Karbhari","air":37,"year":2020,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"IMS4Maths","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://ims4maths.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/vinayak-narwade-test-6.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4857,"topper":"Narwade V. Karbhari","air":37,"year":2020,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"IMS4Maths","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://ims4maths.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/vinayak-narwaele-test-7.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4858,"topper":"Narwade V. Karbhari","air":37,"year":2020,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"IMS4Maths","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://ims4maths.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/vinayak-narwale-test-8.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4859,"topper":"Narwade V. Karbhari","air":37,"year":2020,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"IMS4Maths","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://ims4maths.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/vinayak-nanwode.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4860,"topper":"Narwade Vinayak Karbhari","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1a7c3-654693_1436_narwade-vinayak-karbhari_rank_37.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Given the growing ecological and geopolitical significance, Arctic region offers immense opportunities for serving India's long-term interests. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the challenges that India may face in the eventuality of withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan. What options does India have to safeguard its interests in the context of the changing situation? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The BRICS as a grouping seems to have internal contradictions, which makes it difficult for it to emerge as an effective forum in a dynamic multi-polar international order. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Despite India having immense soft power potential, it alone will not be sufficient to achieve India's foreign policy objectives. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Highlighting the role of space technology in border management, enumerate the steps taken so far in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Despite allegations of human rights violations under the AFSPA, it is a functional requirement for the army in disturbed areas. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The use of Internet creates both challenges and opportunities in the fight against terrorism. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain the concept of Chandrasekhar Limit and highlight its significance in the field of astronomy. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Examining the risk posed by space debris, suggest some measures which can be taken for its mitigation and removal. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the challenges confronting higher self-reliance and indigenisation of defence industry in India. What steps can be taken to accelerate its pace? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Comment on the role played by the diaspora in India's development process. Also, discuss the challenges in terms of engaging the Indian diaspora and suggest ways to translate these partnerships into benefits. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the reasons behind proliferation of multilateral preferential trade agreements. Do they violate WTO's MFN principle? Do you think that such trade groupings present an existential threat to WTO? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"India needs to balance its growing water needs and larger security concerns with effective hydro-diplomacy. Highlighting the challenges faced with regard to transboundary rivers, analyze this statement in the context of India's riparian relations with its neighbours. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Commenting on the importance of Central Asia for India, highlight the progress made in the relationship in recent past along with the issues that still remain to further cement the ties. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the significance of India's island territories in its quest to become a net security provider in the Indian Ocean region. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"A fine balance between security and developmental measures needs to be attained for tackling the menace of Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in India. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Illustrate the linkages between drug trafficking, organised crime and terrorism. In this regard, mention the steps that have been taken to arrest the availability of drugs in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Identify the key threats to national security in the wake of climate change. Also, highlight India's stand and rationale on UN's decision to declare climate change as an international security issue. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Explaining the concept of data exclusivity, bring out the arguments for and against incorporating data exclusivity norms in India's IPR regime. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Compare and contrast fifth generation (5G) of wireless telecom technology with 4G technology. What challenges need to be overcome for 5G's pan-India rollout? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4861,"topper":"Narwade Vinayak Karbhari","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/771bc-654693_1243_narwade-vinayak-karbhari_rank_37.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Reservation of seats in legislature is needed to ensure meaningful political participation of women and to make the democratic process truly inclusive. Discuss the statement in the light of 108th Constitution Amendment Bill. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the issue of reservation in promotions for SCs and STs in public employment in the light of various judicial pronouncements and constitutional amendments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the reasons behind underperformance of the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs). How can their performance be improved? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlighting the rationale behind continuance of the Official Secrets Act, critically discuss whether the Right to Information should be given precedence over it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":4862,"topper":"Narwade Vinayak Karbhari","air":37,"year":2020,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e5571-654693_1244_narwade-vinayak-karbhari_rank_37.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4863,"topper":"Narwade Vishal Tejrao","air":91,"year":2019,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/177dZkNRyMCwKMK7I9fuBnH2lewXUXUbe","questions":[]},{"id":4864,"topper":"Narwade Vishal Tejrao","air":91,"year":2019,"paper":"Optional — Public Administration","optional":true,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1i6wuTchcTJQq9n5hegZsW2dI6RaaZeNs","questions":[]},{"id":4865,"topper":"Natisha Mathur","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zVi-8SnNz7RlOlaE6YEqDBrK2X0Kgszp/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Data \"Of the People, By the People, For the People\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The language problem in India: its past, present and prospects.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"It is not the answer that enlightens, but the question.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Stress laid on rights must also be laid on duties.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4866,"topper":"Natisha Mathur","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lhiZQupUO-826Io8W4oMFpsz_SDLUs1j/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Administrative Reforms: Key to Good Governance.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4867,"topper":"Natisha Mathur","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/56c8a-503709_1244_natisha-mathur_rank_37.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the need of an Independent Fiscal Council (IFC) in bringing about transparency and accountability in fiscal processes in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Recognizing the potential of exports in generating employment, a number of steps need to be taken to address India's weakening export competitiveness. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Marine life is facing 'irreparable damage' from the millions of tonnes of plastic waste which ends up in the oceans each year. In this context, examine the implications of plastic pollution on marine ecosystem and suggest some measures for addressing this problem. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are black holes? Highlight the challenges in imaging a black hole? How were these challenges overcome by the Event Horizon Telescope project? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"There have been arguments that India could fall into a 'middle income trap'. Explaining the phenomenon, highlight the reasons behind such arguments. How can India avoid it? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Highlighting its importance, discuss the major issues that plague effective monetary policy transmission in India. Also, mention the steps taken by RBI to improve it. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight the constraints faced by rainfed agriculture in India. Discuss some agronomic practices that can be adopted for stabilizing agricultural production in rainfed areas. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite the steps taken by the government in recent years, a number of problems continue to persist in the urea sector in India. Discuss. What reforms should be taken to address the persisting problems? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What is Access and Benefit Sharing? Explain how it aids in sustainable use of biodiversity. Also, mention the different global and national level mechanisms for ensuring Access and Benefit Sharing. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Stating the significance, discuss the challenges in achieving disaster resilience of infrastructure. Suggest some ways for mainstreaming it in the development paradigm. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Highlighting the significance of data localization for India, discuss various challenges associated with data localization. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Money Laundering as a socio economic offence is a menace especially for developing countries like India. Comment. What measures have been taken at the domestic and international levels to deal with this menace? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The primary motive of terrorism differs from that of organised crime but there exists a symbiotic relationship between the two. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4868,"topper":"Natisha Mathur","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/78bfc-503709_1248_natisha-mathur_rank_37.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the significance of Credit Rating Agencies (CRAs) in India and highlight the issues in their working. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What are the issues that have limited the success of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in India? Mention some steps that can be taken to address them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The opportunities for start-ups in India are immense, but so are the challenges. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The term 'Circular Economy' is often seen in news. What are the principles that it is based on? Bring out its relevance for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Assess the performance of Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana in achieving its stated objective of financial inclusion. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"How does pollution in rivers impact the surrounding ecosystem? Explain why such pollution has not shown signs of improvement, despite various government initiatives. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What is project MANAV launched by the Department of Biotechnology? Highlight the significance of this project. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Highlighting the properties and applications of superconductors, discuss the constraints related to their practical use. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind India becoming a major destination as well as a transit hub for drug trafficking in South Asia. How does this effect India's internal security? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The development of border areas is an important element in border management. In this context, discuss how the Border Area Development Programme (BADP) seeks to ameliorate the problems faced in border areas. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Examine whether Fixed Term Employment will be able to achieve the objectives of ease of doing business, achieving labour welfare and job creation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"A growing livestock sector augurs well for the low income households to augment their income and escape poverty. Discuss. Further, suggest some strategies for ensuring sustainable livestock sector growth in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Examine whether the time has come for India to usher in full liberalisation of the Capital Account. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlighting the challenges to agriculture extension in India, discuss how ICT can help in addressing them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Now that it has been two years since introduction of GST in India, do you think the system is on the path to achieve its intended objectives? Support your answer with relevant facts. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Highlight the gender specific challenges faced during disaster management. In this regard, discuss how the disaster management cycle can be made more gender sensitive. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Though there are some notable individual achievements, the overall participation of women in scientific research has been abysmally low. Examine. What steps have been taken by the government in this regard? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss the significance of the recent amendments made in the NIA act and the UAPA Act for countering terrorism. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The national security architecture needs to be robust enough to deal with present and evolving threats. Elaborating on the statement, discuss the recent steps taken for modernisation of the national security architecture. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4869,"topper":"Natisha Mathur","air":37,"year":2019,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qs_MxTEcT0E3zNQRhdmQO_4cLVrL5faR/view","questions":[]},{"id":4870,"topper":"Natisha Mathur","air":37,"year":2019,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uMpaeBcfVcLb95BVBSI5YeHmbI00f3m1/view","questions":[]},{"id":4871,"topper":"Natisha Mathur","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/f28bb-503709_1245_natisha-mathur_rank_37.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the attributes of leadership, analyse why it is important for a civil servant.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"A civil servant needs to be objective as well as empathetic. What do you understand by objectivity? Discuss its relationship with empathy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"With rapidly increasing use of information technology, what according to you is the role of ethics in cyber space?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Transparency in government organisations is an essential pre-condition for good governance. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but its lowest ones. Nelson Mandela","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"For achieving success, attitude is equally, if not more important than ability. Discuss with the help of examples from your daily life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"The core of high Emotional Intelligence is self-awareness. If you don't understand your own motivations and behaviours, it is nearly impossible to develop an understanding of others. Discuss with the help of appropriate examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by Integrity Pacts? Highlight the role they can play in bringing transparency in allotment of public contracts and ensuring proper utilization of public funds in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"In the context of rapid technological change, discuss the significance of inculcating moral and spiritual values in educational institutions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Explain the main elements of integral humanism as propounded by Deen Dayal Upadhyay and highlight its contemporary relevance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"It is imperative for a country like India, that code of ethics should be implemented for civil servants on social media platforms as well. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Discuss how effective corporate governance can ensure the equitable treatment of all stakeholders.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"You are posted as the Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district of a state where alcohol prohibition has been imposed recently. The District Excise department has conducted many raids and seized liquor in large quantities, for which it has received state-wide public appreciation. A few months later reports surface in the media that in this district, hundreds of seized bottles of illicit liquor are missing from the government malkhanas or stores. As a result, the government is left red-faced. You are asked by the DM, who is the overall in-charge of the district excise setup, to investigate the matter. Upon investigation, you unearth a nexus of politicians and government officials who smuggled seized liquor and sold it through spurious means both inside and outside the state. In this context, evaluate these options:","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Being aware of the seriousness of the matter, discretely put the detailed investigation report in the public domain and expose the nexus. Also, suggest, without restricting yourself to the given options, the final course of action that you would prefer.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate in a Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected district. The district has witnessed many instances of violence by the naxalites in the past. It has been observed that instances of violence increase as the elections approach. You, as a Returning Officer, are responsible for the smooth conduct of elections. Soon after the announcement of elections, the naxalites gave a call for their boycott and have been threatening people to stay away from them. The people of the district are eager to exercise their voting rights but are scared of the impending acts of violence. Further, with threat to their lives and a low expected turnout, the other electoral officers are also reluctant to go to these areas. In this context, answer the following: (a) Identify the civil service values that are crucial for working in such adversities. (b) Suggest a plan of action to ensure the conduct of free and fair elections in such a situation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate in a district, where many large factories and commercial establishments are located. One such factory is owned by one of your close friends. You visit each other's home frequently and are often seen in public together. Recently, media reported about poor working conditions in your friend's factory. Upon enquiry with the labor office, you come to know that the factory has witnessed frequent labour unrests in the past as well. However, the labour officer told you that he was hesitating to take any action due to your proximity with the owner of the factory. With reference to the facts of the case, answer the following questions: (a) Identifying the stakeholders and public cause, discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) As the District Magistrate, what appropriate course of action will you take? Give reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"You have recently been posted as a District Labour Officer in a state, which derives a substantial revenue from tourism. You come to know that a big hotel in the area has not been paying wages as per the Minimum Wages Act. The hotel owner is a powerful local leader having contacts with many influential officials of the state. You have the power to take sou-moto cognizance of such violations and accordingly you initiate a preliminary enquiry into the matter. However, no worker is willing to come forward to lodge a formal complaint because they fear loss of employment. Meanwhile, your action has attracted notice of the higher authorities, and you are advised to drop the matter altogether. You are deeply concerned about the situation as it involves not only violation of the Minimum Wages Act but also denial of basic human rights of the worker. (a) Identify the issues involved in the given case. (b) Consider the options given below:","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"Serve a notice to the hotel owner and initiate action as per your powers under the Minimum Wages Act. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each of these options and suggest your preferred course of action, giving reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"You are the Chairman of a Committee, constituted by the government, to suggest measures to improve the quality of education in state-run schools. In view of the increasing dropout rate and the widening gap between students' learning ability in state-run and private schools, answer the following questions: (a) Examine the role of government in the education sector, especially providing primary and secondary education through state-run schools. (b) Identify the principles and values that would guide your recommendations in this regard. (c) Suggest some ways in which quality of education in state-run schools can be improved.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4872,"topper":"Natisha Mathur","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6ae9d-503709_1249_natisha-mathur_rank_37.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by cultural sensitivity? Identify the ways in which individuals and organisations can benefit from cultural sensitivity in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"In the quest for scientific and technological development, ethical values should not be neglected. Discuss in the current context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"In a plural society like India, education should help the individual to celebrate the plurality and visualize the inherent unity of cultures and values. Analyze the statement in the present context with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Elucidate Swami Vivekananda's ideas on nationalism.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. Mahatma Gandhi","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Explaining the concept of moral attitude, discuss how social media is shaping moral attitudes of people.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Analyse the importance of both influence and persuasion for effective leadership.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Analyze the significance of adopting a code of ethics for creating a healthy work culture in an organization.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Ethos, ethics, equity and efficiency are key criteria on the basis of which the competency of civil servants should be judged. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"The mandatory nature of Corporate Social Responsibility goes against the notion of philanthropy. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"There have been arguments that rich countries owe an obligation to people living in poor countries. In this context, discuss the issues associated with foreign aid.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"It is essential that people have access to information if they are to have the capacity to exercise other rights. Discuss the statement with focus on importance of RTI in governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"In the following questions, carefully study the cases presented and then answer the questions that follow (in around 250 words): 9. You have been recently appointed as the head of tourism department of a state in India that has many places of great historical importance. In the past few years, the state has witnessed a decrease in tourist inflow. Upon enquiry, you come to know that this decrease is largely attributed to the influence of touts and harassment of tourists, including unwanted advances and grossly overcharging them for various services. You also did a quick search about your state on leading travel advisory websites and found that it has earned a dubious reputation for being particularly unsafe for women tourists. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) Do you think that such a state of affairs can be attributed to insensitivity prevailing in the society? How can the community be made more sensitive towards tourists? (b) Suggest some measures to make a quick turnaround in terms of reputation, employment generation and rebuild the reputation of the state as a safe haven for tourists.","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"A private company has proposed a large-scale hydel power project to tap the potential of a fast-flowing river in a state predominantly occupied by indigenous tribal groups. The state is backward and badly needs funds for socio-economic development. The state government is deliberating on the issue and is yet to take a final decision on the matter. While the project is expected to generate substantial revenue and employment, it will submerge the surrounding areas eventually displacing the tribals. Another issue of concern is that the tribal community regards this land and the river as sacred and integral to their cultural heritage. Thus, the tribals are not in favour of going ahead with the project and are already protesting against it. Their leader has threatened to initiate a hunger strike if the government goes ahead with the project. This has caught the attention of the mainstream media and social activists. Based on the information given above, answer the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders involved in the case and their respective interests. (b) Keeping in mind the issues involved, how can differing interests be reconciled for ensuring sustainable development in the area?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"You are posted as Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district, which has a bustling market in the district headquarters with a high footfall. The area has traditionally been occupied by street vendors and hawkers. They form an intrinsic part of the market system in the area and derive their livelihood from it. Recently, you got reports that the policemen posted in the area harass the hawkers and also extort 'hafta' - a weekly bribe - from them despite complying with the laws. It has been brought to your notice that while those who comply with this arrangement are allowed to carry on with their daily operations, those who do not are being evicted from the market area. In the process of eviction, they are even physically assaulted and their saleable items are often confiscated and destroyed. As a result, some street vendors have been staging protests against the local administration in the market and have blocked the normal market passage. They have also threatened to intensify their protest over a period of time. The local police, however, has been in denial of any such wrong doings and argue that they are merely removing illegal encroachments, which were causing traffic jam in the area. In this situation, answer the following: (a) Mention the stakeholders and ethical issues involved in the case. (b) As the Superintendent of Police, what course of action would you adopt for diffusing the tensions in the area? Also, suggest some policy recommendations, which will help resolve the issues in the long-term.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"A mid level manager in a food and beverages firm has been assigned the responsibility to deal with tensions arising in a rural area between the firm and the local farmers. These farmers supply the company with bananas, which are used exclusively by the company in its niche products. The banana plantations are growing a variety developed by the firm. The core issue revolves around the perceived violation of company's IPR as many of the farmers in the neighbouring areas have also started growing the same variety of banana. It is suspected that the farmers with whom the company had a contract have shared the breed with others in the region. The legal department of the firm is of the opinion that a legal complaint against the farmers is the only way to protect the IPR of the company. It would also set a precedent for the future. However, many in the firm also believe that such a step would escalate the matter. In such a scenario, identify the key issues to be addressed. What measures would you suggest to deal with these issues?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You have recently been posted as a probationary officer in the District Magistrate's office in a tribal district. During one of the fieldtrips, while interacting with the tribals, you come to know about a private company, established a few years back, which has transformed their lives. The company, using the traditional knowledge of tribals, had launched a series of products and provided numerous livelihood opportunities to the tribals. Upon further enquiry, you come to know that while the lives of tribals had indeed improved, the distribution of profits however, has been quite disproportionate. The company has seen a huge growth in its operations and its owners have amassed huge wealth. It is also planning to file for IPR, which may further hinder the interests of the tribals. You feel that tribals have been left short changed and there has not been an equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the use of their resources. When you tried to approach the Gram Sabha and voice your concerns, the tribals requested you not to intervene as they do not have any alternatives. They also argue that governments in the past have failed to protect their interests. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the different stakeholders and their interests involved in this case. (b) Present a case to convince the District Magistrate for the need of government intervention in the situation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Various studies have found out that cases of depression and mental illness have increased exponentially in the recent past. Also, in the age group of 15-30 years, this problem is further pronounced. Furthermore, the rising trend of suicides in this age group has been attributed to depression. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Present an ethical critique of the prevalent societal attitude towards mental illness. (b) Given the magnitude of the problem among younger generation/young adults, analyse the role of the following: i. Parenting ii. Social Media iii. Video Games","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4873,"topper":"Nausheen","air":9,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1D83ld5ZtqwRr3T7RhUlF1X2ujGsPeTLc/view","questions":[]},{"id":4874,"topper":"Nausheen","air":9,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1v59Q6zu729Dd_64d39ZkTsow2Xctaf4t/view","questions":[]},{"id":4875,"topper":"Nausheen","air":9,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/93393beb2b7e996905ce7ea7f8b78443/103/air-9-nausheen_test-5_gs1.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. How did the ancient trade routes connecting India to foreign countries contribute to the exchange and dissemination of culture?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. The Quit India movement was a people's movement cutting across the class divides but it was the women's leadership that left a clear mark. Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. 'The hallmark of post-Independent India has been its remarkable strides in science and technology'. To what extent did scientific development during this period put India on the path of modernity?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. Discuss the feasibility of interlinking rivers to resolve the issue of water stress in other regions.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. How will the structural shift from coal-based power plants to renewable energy generation impact human development in coal-bearing states?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. To what extent temperature and precipitation are the most important factors that determine soil properties?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. Why are severe and intense cyclones becoming a regular phenomenon in the Arabian Sea? Substantiate with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. In the context of cultural diversity in India, can we consider Southern states as distinct cultural units in comparison to the rest of India? Substantiate your view.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Poverty and population growth are locked in a vicious cycle, where poverty restricts individuals' ability to break free from the cycle, while population growth strains resources. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. India has a rich heritage in the internationalization of education. In this context how will the recent push for the internationalization of education impact society and foster cultural exchange?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. 'Although there were many differences between the Gandhara and Mathura art, they considerably influenced the Amravati school of art.' Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. 'England's Industrial Revolution not only transformed the economic landscape but also had far-reaching social and cultural impacts'. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. How did the social reform and ideological struggle against the backward traditional elements and hegemony of colonial culture in the nineteenth century influence the emergence of a distinct cultural identity and national consciousness?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. How does temperature inversion affect atmospheric conditions and what are its implications for local weather patterns and air pollution levels?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. What are the geographical factors responsible for mangrove vegetation in India? How does climate change pose a threat to mangrove vegetation in India?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. What are the geographical and economic factors that influence the location of the sugar industry, and how do they contribute to the growth of the industry in India and different parts of the world?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17 What are the key strategies used in dryland farming to overcome water scarcity and maximize agricultural productivity in arid and semi-arid regions? Also, discuss the need to promote dryland farming in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"18 How has the contemporary women's movement encompassed diverse approaches beyond traditional methods? Also, highlight the unique contribution and challenges of the contemporary women's movement.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. Do you think that the forces of modernization that catalyzed the eradication of social evils in Indian society have also threatened our cultural values and ethos?","marks":"15","words":"150"},{"page":53,"question":"20. In the context of states in India evaluate the relationship between regional disparity and sentiments of regionalism. Is regionalism antagonistic to the idea of nationalism?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 150"}]},{"id":4876,"topper":"Nausheen","air":9,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/93393beb2b7e996905ce7ea7f8b78443/104/air-9-nausheen_test-1_gs1.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Q.1 The fabric of Indian philosophical thought owes as much to Northern India as to Southern India. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":8,"question":"Q.2 The Indian society's impulse for social change and reform was a response to its opposition to colonial rule. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Q.3 What are the factors that led to the Russian revolution and what are the consequences of this revolution? Discuss its influence on the Indian national movement.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":12,"question":"Q.4 Discuss the various factors responsible for the uneven temperature distribution on Earth's surface.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Q.5 The melting of glaciers due to climate change has serious implications for the ecosystem and human society. Discuss the effects of melting glaciers on the environment and the measures that can be taken to address this issue.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Q.6 The White Revolution was most successful in the Western part of India. Discuss the factors for this regional success of the White Revolution.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":18,"question":"Q.7 To what extent does seismic investigation contribute to our understanding of the Earth's interior structure? Analyze its significance in detail.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":20,"question":"Q.8 The pace of demographic transition varies across different states of India making population growth a double-edged sword. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":22,"question":"Q.9 The ethnic and cultural diversity in India has always been bound by the thread of unity. Discuss the major factors that have contributed to the cultural unity of India.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":23,"question":"Major factors that have contributed to unity in India","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Q.10 The dichotomy in public and private life in Indian society acts as a major barrier to the annihilation of caste. Justify.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.11 India was forced into numerous wars post Independence. Highlight the causes and impact of the Indo-Pak and Indo-China wars on our bilateral relationships.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.12 The process of consolidation of Bengal, which started after the Battle of Plassey culminated in the Battle of Buxar. Do you think the Battle of Buxar was more important for the British than Plassey?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.13 Sanskrit literature in general and particularly in the Guptan age set a high watermark for the literary history of ancient India. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.14 The configuration of the ocean floor provides essential information about the geological processes that have shaped the Earth's surface. Discuss the major features of the ocean floor and their significance in the study of oceanography.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.15 With the growing demand for rare earth elements, their distribution has become a critical aspect of the global economy. Discuss the distribution of rare earth elements across the world, their uses, and the environmental impact of their extraction.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.16 Tourism in the hilly states is threatening to exceed the ecological carrying capacity of the region. Analyze the factors contributing to this trend and evaluate the potential Environmental impacts of this phenomenon. What measures can be taken to ensure sustainable tourism in these states?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Environmental impacts of the tourism phenomena:\n1 Growth of hotel industries, resorts etc. (eg.) In Kedarnath.\n2 Change in land-use pattern (eg.) Large scale deforestation.\n3 Creating connectivity for the tourists (eg.) unscientific road cutting.\n4 Supporting industries (eg.) Hydropower project of Tapovan-Vishnuyadh for electricity.\n5 Unregulated tourism (eg.) not fixing inbound tourist numbers.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Q.17 The Indian monsoon is a complex phenomenon influenced by various climatic factors. Critically examine the role of oceanic and atmospheric factors in determining the intensity and distribution of monsoon rainfall in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.18 Why do traditions in our society impede change? To what extent can social legislation be instrumental against old customary practices?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.19 Slums are not 'problems' that have to be 'solved' - but are indeed a result of lopsided and vested urban policies covering infrastructure provision and socio-economic issues. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":53,"question":"Q.20 Communalism gains strength from economic deprivation, and thrives in environments of social exclusion, creating fertile ground for discontent and division. Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4877,"topper":"Nausheen","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/75018-734212_1452_nausheen_rank_09.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain what a watershed is. What do you understand by watershed management? Giving suitable examples, discuss its significance in water resource management in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"What is inter-tropical convergence zone? How does it influence the Indian monsoon?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Highlight the reasons behind high concentration of Jute mills in West Bengal. Also give an account of the problems that the jute industry of India is confronted with.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Explain how earthquake waves are used as an indirect source for understanding the structure of the interior of the earth.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Giving an account of land use changes in India, mention various factors driving them in the last few decades. Also discuss the consequences of changing land use pattern.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"What are the major industrial regions of India? In this context, identify the factors that made Mumbai - Pune region as a major industrial hub of the country.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Illustrate the vertical and latitudinal distribution of temperature in ocean waters along with factors responsible for such a distribution.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"What were the major geological events that have shaped the present day drainage system of Peninsular India? What role has been played by geographical factors in the peninsular drainage pattern?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Why are Himalayan regions vulnerable to landslides? What steps can be taken to check frequent landslides in the region?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"What do you understand by social forestry? Highlight its socio-economic significance for India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Differentiating between good and bad ozone, write a brief note on ozone pollution. Also, highlight the initiatives taken to mitigate ozone pollution.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"What are various techniques of recovering energy from waste? Highlight the potential and challenges associated with Waste to Energy plants in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"In context of waste management, what do you understand by Extended Producer Responsibility? Mention the challenges in ensuring its compliance in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"The Paris Agreement addresses crucial areas necessary to combat climate change. In this context, identify some of the key aspects of the Agreement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"Elaborate on the different phases of the disaster risk management cycle.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":55,"question":"Assess the vulnerability of India's forests to forest fires and suggest measures to tackle it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":58,"question":"How does the National Disaster Management Plan (2016) aim to make India disaster resilient?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":61,"question":"A disaster is the combined effect of hazard and vulnerability. Elaborate with suitable examples.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4878,"topper":"Nausheen","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/39456-734212_1415_nausheen_rank_09.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"There have been arguments that direct benefit cash transfers should replace the supply of food through the public distribution system. Do you agree with such arguments? Give reasons in support of your answer. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Inclusive growth in an economy itself negates the need for a Universal Basic Income. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"E-commerce holds the potential to revamp agriculture marketing in India in multiple ways. Discuss with suitable examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"While digital financial services can expand financial inclusion in India, there are various challenges that need to be addressed in this regard. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"COVID-19 has exposed gaps in India's domestic laws to deal effectively with outbreaks of infectious diseases, especially pandemics. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Highlight the need for increasing private sector participation in space sector in India. Enumerate the steps taken by the government recently in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What do you mean by herd immunity? Also discuss the problems with primarily relying on this approach to stop the spread of infectious diseases. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Despite the acknowledgement of terrorism as a global concern, the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism is yet to be adopted. What are the reasons and implications of this impasse? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"In view of the need for effective border management necessitated by complexity of prevailing challenges, India needs to reform its Border Security Force (BSF). Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Though privatization is considered as a prominent component of economic reforms, India has been ambivalent on the subject even in the post reform period. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"Highlighting the potential of micro and small enterprises in the food processing sector, enumerate the challenges that they face. In this regard, discuss the importance of the Scheme for Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (FME). (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Discuss the significance of micro-irrigation in a situation of water crisis in India. Also, mention the challenges with regard to adoption of micro-irrigation systems in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Discuss how the idea of Aatmanirbhar Bharat goes beyond the traditional view of self-reliance. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"The increased frequency and intensity of climate extremes in the Indian subcontinent can have grave implications. Comment. Also, suggest some measures that can be taken towards building climate-resilience in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Approach to flood control in India should evolve from piecemeal measures to an integrated basin management. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"What do you understand by Convalescent Plasma Therapy? Enumerate the potential uses and concerns in its application. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Given the diverse security challenges as well as external and internal linkages, developing a National Security Strategy for India requires a comprehensive approach. Explain. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What do you understand by Critical Information Infrastructure? Highlight the significance of Critical Information Protection and state the measures taken to ensure the same. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4879,"topper":"Nausheen","air":9,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/93393beb2b7e996905ce7ea7f8b78443/62/air-9-nausheen_test-1_gs1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4880,"topper":"Nausheen","air":9,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/93393beb2b7e996905ce7ea7f8b78443/57/air-9-nausheen_test-5_gs1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4881,"topper":"Nausheen","air":9,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TV0aRpgX4Sg9uN4XZgNt7MCMfTBOuIQP/view","questions":[]},{"id":4882,"topper":"Nausheen","air":9,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eKlSdWVbfwk8ukv2ialUb1fYF_OZNm_o/view","questions":[]},{"id":4883,"topper":"Nausheen","air":9,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/93393beb2b7e996905ce7ea7f8b78443/97/air-9-nausheen_test-2_gs2.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Q.1 There is a need to resolve the ambiguity in the disqualification provisions under section 8 of the Representation of People Act 1951. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Q.2 Constitution is a mere skeleton whereas constitutionalism is the soul of democracy. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Q.3 \"Electoral bonds are a double-edged sword, providing anonymity to donors while raising concerns about transparency in political funding.\" To what extent have electoral bonds further legitimized opacity in electoral funding?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Q.4 The question of gender equality is central to the debate on Uniform Civil Code. In this light what are the challenges in reconciling UCC with gender equality as enshrined in the constitution?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Q.5 'The Governor's office is neither decorative nor inconsequential, it assumes a constitutional role of profound essence' To what extent does the Governor actively contribute to the governance of a state and reinforce the principles of federalism in the country?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Extent to which Governor contributing to the governance and re-inforcing federalism","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Q.6 Recently demand has been rising in a state regarding the enactment of Social Accountability Law. How such a law can lead to good governance and boost citizens' participation in decision-making. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Q.7 There is a need for convergence of 'nutrition-specific' and 'nutrition-sensitive' interventions to effectively tackle child undernutrition in India. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Q.8 \"MGNREGA, the lynchpin of rural poverty alleviation, has become the victim of fiscal apathy\". Critically analyze the statement in light of recent developments.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Q.9 \"India must leverage, if not manage, the global divides\" How can the current geopolitical churn pave the way for India's rise to the global high table?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Q.10 \"Berlin can be India's gateway to the European Union.\" Elaborate with respect to Germany's significance in India's relationship with the EU.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.11 How has the Anti-Defection Law impacted the relationship between political parties and individual legislators in India? In light of the recent incidents also discuss the unintended consequences it has on the functioning of democracy in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"4 If an independent member joins a political party\n Impact of Anti-Defection on relation of political parties and individual legislators","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Q.12 Critics assert that limitless judicial authority rests on the structural ambiguity of the basic structure doctrine. Has the elastic nature of the basic structure doctrine made the judiciary more powerful than the executive?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.13 Fundamental rights are not gifts bestowed upon by the state rather an individual possesses them independently of the state. In this context discuss the desirability of reasonable restrictions on various fundamental rights.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.14 'S.R. Bommai v. Union of India signified a paradigm shift in the judicial interpretation of the union's authority to assume control of a state's administration.' In this context discuss the significance and impact of the judgement on cementing the federal structure.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.15 The key to effective decentralization is 'political decentralization should follow finance and functional decentralization'. Discuss in the context of impediments faced by local governance in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.16 Multi-stakeholder partnerships are the key to leveraging collective expertise and networks. How can effective partnership and localized implementation efforts be fostered to accelerate the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in India?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.17 How has the implementation of the POSH Act resulted in limited success in raising awareness about sexual harassment, and what factors have hindered its effective outreach to women employed in the unorganized sector? Propose strategies to bridge this gap and ensure comprehensive protection for women in the unorganized sector against workplace harassment.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.18 'Neo-liberal reforms and globalization have deeply transformed the institutions of the welfare state and set the ground for a new type of civil services.' In this context examine the challenges faced in service delivery and suggest adequate reforms.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.19 China views India as its \"Asian Rival\" with an innate ability to counter its hegemonistic goals in Asia. Despite these difficulties in India-China relations, there are also many areas of convergence. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Q.20 Indo-Pacific region in recent times has emerged as a zone of diverging interests and priorities. Discuss. Do you think the Global Security Initiative will supersede QUAD in the region?","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4884,"topper":"Nausheen","air":9,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/93393beb2b7e996905ce7ea7f8b78443/99/air-9-nausheen_test-6_gs2.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. Interstate border disputes, if not promptly and impartially settled, can transform into persistent issues that impede development and generate friction. Highlighting the constitutional and legal framework to resolve interstate disputes, explain why Independent India has failed to resolve inter-state border disputes.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. Examine the role of the Inter-state Council in promoting vertical (Centre-State) and horizontal (Inter-State) Intergovernmental cooperation and coordination.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. Discuss the key function of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). What steps should be taken to revamp the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in order to enhance its effectiveness as a true guardian of public funds?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. Recognizing the pivotal role of urbanization as a driver of national economic growth, the Fifteenth Finance Commission has suggested major reforms for Urban Local Bodies. Evaluate the recommendations put forward by the Fifteenth Finance Commission in promoting and revitalizing ULBs in India.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. Highlight the key differences in the scope of Freedom of speech and expression as provided under Parliamentary privileges vis a vis Fundamental rights. Why is it necessary to maintain a balance between parliamentary privilege and fundamental rights?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. Civil society organizations play a pivotal role in fostering \"collective private action for the public good\". What challenges do they face in local resource mobilization (LRM) and corporate funding through corporate social responsibility (CSR)? Also, suggest measures.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. The first step to eradicating poverty is reliable poverty assessment for program design, implementation, and monitoring. In this context discuss the methodology and significance of NITI Aayog's National Multidimensional Poverty Index.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. In the context of India, despite the presence of constitutional provisions, legal precedents, and international commitments that establish a robust foundation for a right to health, why has there been a lack of explicit legal recognition of this right?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. The collective strength of BRICS nations allows for meaningful cooperation on myriad issues, however, the platform's ability to influence the trajectory of bilateral relationships remains limited. Do you agree?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. In light of the recent demands to amend the Indus Waters Treaty, discuss the possible implications it could have on the water-sharing mechanism between India and Pakistan.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. The doctrine of Parliamentary sovereignty and judicial supremacy has exerted considerable influence in shaping the constitutional frameworks of India and the USA. Citing relevant case laws discuss the role of the judiciary in influencing the constitutions in these countries. Is the scope of judicial review wider in India?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. Delimitation of seats is essential to ensure fair representation and uphold the principles of one vote, one value. Highlighting the challenges posed by misrepresentation in constituencies analyze the ramifications of population-based delimitation in creating federal tension.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. Discuss the role of the Supreme Court of India in strengthening the hands of the Election Commission in the discharge of its constitutional responsibility of conducting free and fair elections in the country.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. The declining role of Parliament undermines the fundamental principle of separation of powers, as it diminishes the legislature's ability to serve as a check on the executive branch and ensure a balanced exercise of power. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":38,"question":"3 Discussing major issues facing women and make recommendations to the government.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"16. 'Satisfactory and timely redressal of grievances is the cornerstone of minimum government, maximum governance.' In this context discuss the challenges associated with current grievance redress mechanisms and suggest measures to strengthen the process.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"17. 'Corruption corrodes the fabric of governance, eroding the public's faith in democratic institutions.' Examine the potential for harmonizing the Right to Information (RTI) Act, the Whistleblower Protection Act (WBPA), and the Lokpal & Lokayukta Act, 2013, to enhance the effectiveness of the anticorruption regime.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":46,"question":"18. Analyze the potential challenges and benefits involved in leveraging SHGs as platforms for skill development, entrepreneurship, and income generation among marginalized communities to effectively counter poverty.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"19. India is uniquely positioned on the world map for its rich culture. In this context discuss the role of culture, diaspora, and democracy as instruments of India's soft power diplomacy. To what extent India has been able to position itself as a 'smart power'?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"20. The synergy of shared values and vibrant people-to-people connections between India and Australia creates a fertile ground for fostering long-lasting trade relations and strategic collaboration between the two nations. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"}]},{"id":4885,"topper":"Nausheen","air":9,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/93393beb2b7e996905ce7ea7f8b78443/63/air-9-nausheen_test-2_gs2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4886,"topper":"Nausheen","air":9,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/93393beb2b7e996905ce7ea7f8b78443/60/air-9-nausheen_test-6_gs2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4887,"topper":"Nausheen","air":9,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/93393beb2b7e996905ce7ea7f8b78443/84/air-9-nausheen_test-7_gs3.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1 Elaborate on the difference between Capital Account and Current Account as components of Balance of Payment (BOP). Suggest a few measures to balance the BOP deficit of India.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. The logistics sector is one of the important components of the growth of the manufacturing industry. Discuss. Also, mention various components of the recently announced National Logistics Policy 2022.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. What is India's stand on the New Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies under WTO? How is the Fisheries sector significant for India? Enumerate the steps taken by the Government to develop this sector.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. Analyze the systemic and institutional constraints that continue to hinder land reform efforts in India and propose pragmatic solutions to ensure equitable distribution of land.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. What are the unique features and capabilities of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile and how has it contributed to India's defence capabilities and strategic position in the region?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. In line with the country's efforts to explore the depths of the ocean and harness the resources it holds, the Indian government has proposed a deep-sea exploration mission Samudrayaan. How can this mission contribute to the advancement of ocean science and technology in the country?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. What is Global Methane Pledge? Do you think the Global Methane Pledge is a positive step toward mitigating methane emissions? Explain India's stance on this issue.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of disaster management in public health. Discuss the key strategies and challenges for managing pandemics and other infectious disease outbreaks.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. \"The resource curse of Eastern and Central India has been a crucial driver of LWE.\" Elaborate and suggest measures for sustainable and inclusive development of the region.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. In light of the declining trend of violence in the North East and J&K region do you think that AFSPA has lived its utility? Comment.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. International trade is centred on the dominant currency paradigm (DCM). Critically Analyze the importance of Hard currency in International trade and Discuss the potential of rupee acceptance in global trade as an alternative to dollar imperialism.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. A demographic Dividend does not ensure growth; it only generates potential. Discuss the steps made by the government to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the demographic transition.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. \"Genome editing holds immense potential for crop improvement, but it also raises ethical and safety concerns\". How far do the new guidelines for the safety assessment of genome-edited plants in India, ensure the safety of genetically modified crops?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. Discuss the impact of direct and indirect farm subsidies on the agriculture sector in India. How have Minimum Support Prices (MSP) affected the agricultural economy?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a rapidly escalating crisis that poses a grave threat to public health worldwide. What are the major contributing factors to the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance, and what steps can be taken to address this global health threat?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. What do you understand by Disruptive Innovations? What are some examples of disruptive innovation in recent times, and how have they changed the way industries operate?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. Trace the evolution of the Loss and Damage fund. What are the major development related to loss and damage funds in COP 27? What are the commitments made by India in this conference?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. Disaster management is not just about responding to emergencies but also about building resilient communities. Discuss the key strategies that can be used to build community resilience and reduce the impact of disasters.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. The transformation of terrorism through the use of new and emerging technologies like metaverse and virtual assets is a matter of concern. How can we counter the Use of New and Emerging Technologies for Terrorist Purposes and Elucidate the importance of the \"Delhi declaration\" in this regard?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. \"The Agripath scheme is a bitter pill needed for the resilience and efficacy of our armed forces.\" Critically Analyze the statement with relevant arguments.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"}]},{"id":4888,"topper":"Nausheen","air":9,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/93393beb2b7e996905ce7ea7f8b78443/92/air-9-nausheen_test-3_gs3.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Q.1 What do you understand by Windfall tax? Do you think that windfall taxes can effectively redistribute wealth and promote greater economic equality?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Q.2 Discuss the perceived successes and challenges of implementing inflation targeting under the new Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) regime.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Q.3 Assess the potential of millet production in promoting sustainable agriculture and improving food security in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Q.4 Jal Jeevan Mission has the potential to end the regional disparity in the availability and accessibility of drinking water. Highlighting the significance of the mission, discuss the underlying impediments in achieving the desired objectives.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Q.5 What do you understand by Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)? Discuss its applications and how it can revolutionize the energy program of India.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":16,"question":"Q.6 Discuss in brief developments and challenges in the Gaganyaan mission of ISRO. What are the possible benefits of the mission for the society?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":18,"question":"Q.7 \"Green hydrogen can be the silver bullet in our quest to tackle climate change and pollution\". Critically analyze the statement in light of India's National Green Hydrogen mission.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Q.8 What are the key lessons for disaster management and environmental conservation in the Himalayan region, in light of the recent disaster in Joshimath, Uttarakhand?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":22,"question":"Q.9 \"The recent radical trends in Punjab show that the Khalistan issue is still simmering.\" Discuss the statement with respect to recent developments and suggest measures to handle it.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Q.10 The anonymity and ease of drone operation contribute to the challenges of India's border security. Elaborate and give suggestions to tackle the drone problem in border areas.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.11 Electricity Amendment Bill, 2022 brings several advantages for consumers, DISCOMs as well as the environment. Elaborate. Also, list out its shortcomings and suggest some measures to overcome them.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.12 Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) plays an important role in the regulation of the share market and safeguarding the interests of investors. In the light of given statement, highlight the challenges faced by the SEBI and suggest reforms in this regard.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.13 Despite being a major contributor to the Indian economy, the agriculture sector is plagued by several constraints that impede its growth and development. Discuss the role of technology in overcoming these constraints.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.14 Evaluate the impact of irrigation on the environment and natural resources, and suggest measures to ensure the sustainability and equity of irrigation practices in agriculture.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.15 How India benefitted strategically from the contributions of Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha and Dr. Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai in the fields of atomic energy and space technology respectively?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.16 Generative AI holds the potential to push the boundaries of innovation in the near future, yet its societal impact raises substantial challenges. Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.17 Explain the purpose of the \"Mangrove Alliance for Climate\" launched at the COP27 UN Climate Change Conference in Egypt in November 2022. Elaborate on the importance of mangroves in maintaining the coastal ecology of tropical nations.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.18 The Formation of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure brings more robustness to the Disaster Management approach in India. Comment and justify the need for a new strategy to tackle Disasters in India.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.19 The recent rise in ransomware attacks targeting critical infrastructure and major corporations has highlighted the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity measures and policies. Discussing the key factors contributing to this trend, analyze the impact of these attacks on various sectors.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":53,"question":"Q.20 In the context of border security, how can cooperation and coordination between different security agencies be improved to ensure effective and efficient management of coastal and terrestrial borders?","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4889,"topper":"Nausheen","air":9,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/93393beb2b7e996905ce7ea7f8b78443/58/air-9-nausheen_test-3_gs3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4890,"topper":"Nausheen","air":9,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/93393beb2b7e996905ce7ea7f8b78443/51/air-9-nausheen_test-7_gs3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4891,"topper":"Nausheen","air":9,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/93393beb2b7e996905ce7ea7f8b78443/100/air-9-nausheen_test-4_gs4.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1 (a) Public service requires not merely legal but also morally principled action. Public service requires the public servant to place loyalty to the constitution, laws, and ethical principles. Among the three, which do you think must acquire primacy while carrying out official functions? Why? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"1. (b) What do you understand by \"integrity-based civil disobedience\"? Do you think a challenge to personal integrity can be a justifiable cause for responsible disobedience in civil services? Explain.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"2. (a) Recent research has shown that emotions significantly impact personal and professional lives. What are the primary emotions that negatively and positively impact workplace productivity? Explain with relevant examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"2 (b) Technical efficiency ensures resource utilization and social efficiency ensures fulfillment of social needs, what does ethical efficiency ensure? Do you think ethical efficiency is more important than technical and social efficiency? Why/Why not?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"3. (a) \"Man cannot do right in one department of life whilst he is occupied in doing wrong in any other department.\" Gandhi.\nDo you think an individual's personal ethics impacts professional life or they both can be compartmentalized? Explain your position with relevant examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"3. (b) Goodness is the result of internal imperatives to do what is right, not sanctions from moral rules or rewards from expected consequences. Do you agree? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"4 (a) Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance.\n(a) \"To tolerate is purely an act of the mind. That is the essence of virtue. To tolerate is a strength.\" (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"4. (b) \"It is our first duty to serve society, and after we have done that, we may attend wholly to the salvation of our souls.\"","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":22,"question":"4. (c) \"Periods of peace are the empty pages in the history books\"","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"5 (a) In the context of civil service, distinguish between moral and nonmoral values. Identify 5 basic moral values that can serve as foundational values for all services irrespective of the department. Give reasons why those values can be considered foundational.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"5. (b) Citizens' involvement in decision-making is critical to ethics in governance. Do you agree that effective civic engagement mechanisms can facilitate an ethics-driven administration? What do you think are the mechanisms that citizens can use for ensuring ethics in governance?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":28,"question":"6. (a) Social transformation programs such as \"beti bachao and beti padhao\" believe in using advice, counseling, and persuasion but sometimes a little force is also necessary for getting the desired response. Do you think it is a good idea to mix little force with persuasion by public administrators while implementing social schemes of transformation? Explain with relevant examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"6. (b) Ultimately foreign policy of every country hinges upon the strength which the nation possesses. Strength may be military or financial and may be also...moral. Do you think ethical strength without military or financial muscle will be respected in today's world? Explain your position.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"7 You are a young officer working with the Municipal Corporation of an industrial city. The city was known for manufacturing ball bearings and auto parts. Most manufacturing units were small-scale units with very little production process automation. The units relied on manual labor, which was in abundance due to the villages close by.\nAs the number of manufacturing units grew, the demand for labor increased, bringing in a steady inflow of laborers into the city. This influx of people into the town led to a mushrooming of slums and encroachments on the sidewalks. Once in a while, the Corporation conducted drives to clear out the slums, but after a time, the slums came back. The illegal slums had become an urban nightmare.\nYou were given the responsibility of clearing out the encroachments and slums with the help of Police authorities. As you started the drive, you realized that the people living by the sidewalks were vulnerable compared to the slum dwellers. Many sidewalk dwellers had recently come to the city after selling their properties in their villages. Now if you drive them out, they have no place to go. Your heart went out to them, and you felt that your departmental action was inhumane, but your official responsibilities demanded stern impartial action. You are desperate to find a way to help the sidewalk dwellers without compromising your official duties.\n(a) What value conflicts do you notice in the above situation?\n(b) Can an administrator compromise the value of impartiality for empathy? Discuss.\n(c) What are the options available in the above situation?\n(d) Suggest viable solutions for tackling illegal slums and encroachments in urban areas.","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":37,"question":"8 A certain State government was running a welfare scheme for promoting safe motherhood among rural landless laborers' families. The scheme involves the transfer of funds to the beneficiaries to enable them to mitigate income loss due to maternal care responsibilities. Since its implementation, the scheme has done reasonably well on maternal health and economic indicators.\nYou are the Director of the Department responsible for implementing and operating the scheme. Recently you have been receiving reports of welfare fraud being committed by families by producing fake bona fide. The families committed the fraud with the help of local officials responsible for scrutinizing the bonafide.\nYou were concerned because the fraud was seriously undermining the scheme's efficiency. You called for a departmental meeting to discuss and find a solution to the problem. In the meeting, it was decided to merge several available government data sets such as Aadhar cards, voter ID cards, marriage certificates, birth certificates, bank details, and other personal assets. By merging all the data sets, the department would be able to develop the beneficiary's economic profile. And this will help the department scrutinize the documents and detect fraud. This was a comprehensive strategy, but it risked violating an individual's data privacy. As a Department head, you wanted to detect and prevent fraud, but at the same time, you were apprehensive about violating the Data privacy of the stakeholders.\n(a) What are the issues involved in the above case?\n(b) Do you think violating data privacy is justified to prevent welfare fraud? Why/ Why not?\n(c) What, according to you, can be the reasons for such welfare frauds happening in the country?\n(d) Are there any ways and means to prevent such fraud? Give your suggestions.","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":39,"question":"(c) Reasons for welfare frauds\n1 Absence of moral/ethical values in public\n2 Absence of accountability among public officials especially at lower levels","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"9 You are posted in the Department of Mines, and one of your roles is to help your Department Head negotiate mining leases with private contractors.\nRecently, the state government demarcated a new mining zone and planned to invite bids for the mining blocs. You were instructed to oversee the bidding process and speed up the contract negotiations. As planned, the tenders were released, bids came in, and tenders were allocated as per the norms. All this happened at a breakneck speed. You wondered, why the hurry? But it was not your place to think and question; you quietly went about your work.\nAs the contractors were about to start operations, you had to instruct them on environmental concerns to watch out for. And to do that, you read the environmental impact assessment report submitted by a consulting firm hired by the department. To your surprise, the report was shoddy and looked cooked up. You got suspicious and raised the issue with your Head, who politely instructed you to do what you were told, and he reminded you that the Department had revenue targets and was under pressure from the Ministry.\nAfter the meeting, you, on your own accord, did some digging and found out that the report was fraudulent and the mining activity that was about to start would lead to a massive environmental disaster which the State could not afford.\n(a) What are the issues and value violations you notice in the above case?\n(b) What are the options available to you?\n(c) Discuss the advantage and disadvantages of each option and identify your chosen course of action\n(d) Do you think that environmental considerations are sometimes overrated at the cost of development?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":47,"question":"10 (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\n(b) Do you think that corporate businesses like GAMA should consider business interests over international ethics? If yes, why? If no, why not?\n(c) Do you think that the social responsibility of a corporate extends beyond its immediate community to the international community? If yes, why? If no, why not?\n(d) Do you think that defense sector companies marketing sensitive technologies should be regularly regulated by their related governments, or should regulation reduce their entrepreneurship and innovation energy? Discuss. (Answer in 250 words) [20 marks]\na What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\nb Do you think that corporate businesses like GAMA should consider business interests over international ethics? If yes, why? If no, why not?\nc Do you think that the social responsibility of a corporate extends beyond its immediate community to the international community? If yes, why? If no, why not?\nd Do you think that defense sector companies marketing sensitive technologies should be regularly regulated by their related governments, or should regulation reduce their entrepreneurship and innovation energy? Discuss. (250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"(d) Do you think the Defence sector companies marketing sensitive technologies must be regulated by their respective governments, or regulation may curtail their entrepreneurial and innovation energy? Discuss.","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":52,"question":"11 (a) इस मामले में कौन-से नैतिक और व्यावसायिक मुद्दे शामिल हैं?\n(b) श्री शर्मा और सीईओ के पास कौन-कौन से विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\n(c) क्या आपको लगता है कि बिक्री कार्यबल को स्वतंत्रता देने की संगठनात्मक संस्कृति के कारण समस्या उत्पन्न हुई या व्यक्ति की भ्रष्ट प्रवृत्ति के कारण समस्या उत्पन्न हुई? चर्चा कीजिए।\n(d) जैसा कि इस मामले में बताया गया है, ऐसे अनैतिक व्यवहार को रोकने के लिए कंपनी कौन-से नैतिक तंत्र और उपाय निर्माण और कार्यान्वित कर सकती है? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए) [20 अंक]","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":53,"question":"(a) What are the ethical and business issues involved in the case?\n(b) What are the options available to Mr. Sharma and the CEO?\n(c) Do you think the organizational culture of giving freedom to the sales force led to the issue or was the individual's corrupt nature that led to the problem? Discuss.\n(d) What ethics mechanisms and steps can the company create and implement to prevent unethical behavior, as mentioned in the case? (Answer in 250 words) 20 marks","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"12 (a) उपरोक्त मामले में कौन-कौन से मुद्दे शामिल हैं?\n(b) आपको क्या लगता है रश्मि को क्या करना चाहिए? क्या रश्मि के लिए स्थानीय प्रशासन को शामिल करना अच्छा विचार होगा? कार्यान्वयन योग्य कार्यवाही का सुझाव दीजिए।\n(c) क्या आपको लगता है कि कंपनियों को उस क्षेत्र की सामाजिक समस्याओं के लिए भी जिम्मेदारी स्वीकार करनी चाहिए जहाँ वे अपना कार्य करती हैं? अगर हाँ तो क्यों, अगर नहीं तो क्यों नहीं?\n(d) श्रमिक संघ की इतनी आक्रामक प्रतिक्रिया के क्या कारण हो सकते हैं? आपके अनुसार रश्मि को कर्मचारी संघ को कैसे संभालना चाहिए?\na) उपरोक्त मामले में कौन-कौन से मुद्दे शामिल हैं?\nb) आपको क्या लगता है रश्मि को क्या करना चाहिए? क्या रश्मि के लिए स्थानीय प्रशासन को शामिल करना अच्छा विचार होगा? कार्यान्वयन योग्य कार्यवाही का सुझाव दीजिए।\nc) क्या आपको लगता है कि कंपनियों को उस क्षेत्र की सामाजिक समस्याओं के लिए भी जिम्मेदारी स्वीकार करनी चाहिए जहाँ वे अपना कार्य करती हैं? अगर हाँ तो क्यों, अगर नहीं तो क्यों नहीं?\nd) श्रमिक संघ की इतनी आक्रामक प्रतिक्रिया के क्या कारण हो सकते हैं? आपके अनुसार रश्मि को कर्मचारी संघ को कैसे संभालना चाहिए?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए"},{"page":58,"question":"(a) What are the issues involved in the above case?\n(b) What do you think Rashmi should do? Would it be a good idea for Rashmi to involve local administration? Suggest an implementable course of action.\n(c) Do you think companies should also accept responsibility for the social problems of the region where they operate? Why/why not?\n(d) What could be the reasons for such an aggressive reaction from the workers union? How do you think Rashmi should handle the workers union?\na) What are the issues involved in the above case?\nb) What do you think Rashmi should do? Would it be a good idea for Rashmi to involve local administration? Suggest an implementable course of action.\nc) Do you think companies should also accept responsibility for the social problems of the region where they operate? Why/why not?\nd) What could be the reasons for such an aggressive reaction from the workers union? How do you think Rashmi should handle the workers union?","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":4892,"topper":"Nausheen","air":9,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/93393beb2b7e996905ce7ea7f8b78443/93/air-9-nausheen_test-8_gs4.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. (a) \"The State took taxes from the people only to ensure their prosperity in return like the sun takes moisture from the earth only to give it back in thousandfold measure.\" Kalidasa.\nExplain the Indian concept of \"giving it back\" and its relevance as a guiding value for civil servants.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"(b) Public service takes place in a bureaucratic structure with clear lines of authority, value standardization, and accountability mechanisms. Working within such a structure, what do you think are the influences that impact the public servant's ethical decision-making?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":10,"question":"2. (a) What do you understand by the terms 'ethics' and 'integrity'? Do you think they are interrelated? Explain with examples the relationship between ethics and integrity in the context of public administration.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"(b) What do you understand by the terms ethical behavior and emotionally intelligent behavior? Identify the relevant emotional intelligence components that act as a reliable guide to ethical behavior.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"3 (a) \"To achieve a good life, duty is not sufficient, one needs to develop one's sympathetic feelings for others, and neither duty alone nor good will alone are sufficient to be moral.\" Do you agree with the above statement? Justify your position.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"(b) Developing a Scientific temper, innovative mindset, and civic-conscious citizens are major objectives of higher educational institutions. Can higher educational institutions be instrumental in promoting integrity education among youth to establish a public culture of integrity and a corruption-free political culture? If yes, how?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"4. Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance.\n(a) The senses deceive from time to time, and it is prudent never to trust wholly those who have deceived us even once.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"(b) \"The price good men pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men.\"","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"(c) \"Men must have corrupted nature a little, for they were not born wolves, and they have become wolves.\"","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"5 (a) As professionals, civil servants are career focused and are also self-interested. At the same time, their service ethos imposes an obligation to serve the public interest selflessly. Is it possible for a civil servant to reconcile career and service obligation? Explain your position.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"(b) \"While competence without compassion can be brutal and inhumane; similarly, compassion without competence can be meaningless for persons seeking help.\" Explain the above with the help of a suitable illustration in the context of public services.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"6. (a) Does the suffering of individuals in one part of the world generate moral demands of assistance on those foreigners who live far away from them? Are these moral demands of assistance justified? Can governments be held morally responsible for failing to help the international community in times of deprivation? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"(b) Civil Services ethics has everything to do with management. It is as much a Departmental as a personal issue. Leaders who fail to create systems that facilitate ethical conduct are equally to blame as much as those who indulge in ethical misconduct. Do you think the Departmental culture leads to ethical misconduct or is the individual with weak willpower culpable? Discuss","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"7 You are posted as a District Development officer in a district with a low literacy rate and poor health indicators. As you took charge, your Health Secretary had given express instructions that your priority is to improve health indicators by enhancing the delivery of healthcare services.\n\nAfter taking over, you traveled around the district to study and identify ways of improving healthcare services. During your field trip, you discovered that the issue was not the accessibility of services; it was something else. You found the problem was the myths, misconceptions, and malpractices that hindered the uptake of health care services. For instance, people believed that vaccines caused impotence, immunization was equivalent to birth control, using antenatal care was counterproductive to the health of the mother and baby, and so on.\n\nYou realize that these beliefs were the behavioral barriers that stood in the way of health and nutrition services. And these behavioral barriers made it difficult for front-line workers to reach out.\n\nYou discussed your observations with the Health Secretary, and he advised you to seek inputs from the neighboring district DDO who was doing some good work. When you met with the neighboring DDO, you learned he was experimenting with using the Faith leader's influence and reach to persuade people. You were unsure about roping in faith leaders to help you overcome the behavioral barriers. As a civil servant, you felt it would be a mistake to involve faith leaders in health service schemes. When you shared your apprehensions with the Secretary, he firmly instructed you to try and innovate.\n(a) What are the issues involved in the above case?\n(b) What are the advantages and disadvantages of using Faith leaders as influencers and persuaders?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"(c) and (d) (c) If not faith leaders, what are your other options for breaking the behavioral barriers?\n(d) Do you think it is ethically right for a civil servant to involve faith leaders in promoting government schemes? (Answer in 250 words) 20 Marks","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"8 You are the Head of an Agency, a special purpose vehicle, responsible for overseeing the last-mile delivery of essential services and sorting out bottlenecks and grievances of the citizens within your jurisdiction. The essential services included Maternal and infant health care, nutritional support to BPL families, drinking water availability, etc.\n\nYour agency employed a staff of 15 to carry out regular official operations and handle grievances. Since the agency dealt with complaints, there was an enormous amount of public dealing daily. Sometimes the agency officials had to work beyond office hours to finish the regular office work as public dealings took away most of the office hours. The employees were unhappy doing the extra bit as they were not paid any overtime. A few of them informally raised the issue with you, but you were helpless as the agency rules didn't allow any travel or overtime allowances. You tried taking up the matter with HQ but to no avail.\n\nThe work stress gradually started showing up among the staff, they became irritable with the complainants and at times they shouted at them. Besides rudeness, the staff's language became abusive, derogatory, and sometimes casteist. You could notice that there were 4 of them in particular who were getting very abusive and discriminatory while handling grievances. As the Head, you warned them, but there was no marked change in their work attitude. To compound your problem, some of the villagers, through their Sarpanch, raised the issue of rude, disrespectful, and discriminatory behavior with your HQ. The HQ immediately instructed you to take action and create a respectful and dignified workspace.\n(a) What are the issues involved in the above case?\n(b) What are the action options available to you?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"(d) What do you understand by dignity? Distinguish between human and social dignity? Identify the common dignity violations that one notices in government departments.","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":42,"question":"9 A major pharmaceutical company headquartered in Mumbai had worldwide operations. It was a big producer and exporter of generic drugs. It has production facilities spread around the country. After the pandemic, the company saw an exponential growth in demand for its generic drugs, and to meet the demand, the company contracted out production to small manufacturers. The deal was that the contracted supplier would supply a specified quantity of drugs within the prearranged schedule, and on delivery, the payments were released. The company didn't bother about the supplier's facilities, policies, or safety standards. It was a simple business deal of keeping the supply chain running without liabilities.\n\nSome suppliers saw this as an opportunity to make some quick money. They started stretching the limits of their production facility and didn't mind compromising with safety and labor laws. Unfortunately, a supplier's storage facility caught fire, and 22 workers died in the tragedy. The production facility was closed, and the dead workers' families sued the supplier and pharmaceutical company for damages. The supplier agreed to pay the damages, but the company denied any liabilities as they were not directly involved. Meanwhile, the lawyers representing the family claimed that the company was morally responsible for the tragedy because they didn't inspect the production facility for safety and were indifferent to everything. The families considered the company to be outright consequentialists worried about keeping their supply lines running, whatever the cost.\n(a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (50 words) 5 marks\n(b) Ethically analyze the company's position on paying damages and justify why/ why not the company should be liable for damages. (120 words) 10 marks.\n(c) What do you understand by the term moral responsibility? When do you think a person or an entity becomes morally responsible for actions committed or omitted? (80 words) 5 marks","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"10 (a) उपरोक्त मामले में कौन से नैतिक मुद्दे और दुविधाएँ शामिल हैं?\n(b) आपके पास कौन से विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\n(c) विकल्पों का विश्लेषण करने के बाद अपनी चुनी हुई कार्रवाई को चुनें।\n(d) उपरोक्त मामले में आपकी नैतिक प्रेरणा क्या होनी चाहिए? क्या यह कर्तव्य, सहानुभूति या परिणाम होना चाहिए? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए) 20 अंक\na) उपरोक्त मामले में कौन से नैतिक मुद्दे और दुविधाएँ शामिल हैं?\nb) आपके पास कौन से विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nc) विकल्पों का विश्लेषण करने के बाद अपनी चुनी हुई कार्रवाई को चुनें।\nd) उपरोक्त मामले में आपकी नैतिक प्रेरणा क्या होनी चाहिए? क्या यह कर्तव्य, सहानुभूति या परिणाम होना चाहिए? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए) 20 अंक","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":48,"question":"(a) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas involved in the above case?\n(b) What are the options available to you?\n(c) Select your chosen course of action after analyzing the options.\n(d) What must be your moral motivation in the above case? Should it be duty, care, or consequences?\na) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas involved in the above case?\nb) What are the options available to you?\nc) Select your chosen course of action after analyzing the options.\nd) What must be your moral motivation in the above case? Should it be duty, care, or consequences?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":52,"question":"11 (a) उपरोक्त मामले में कौन से नैतिक मुद्दे शामिल हैं?\n(b) आपके अनुसार उपरोक्त मामले में सिद्धांत-उन्मुख और नियम-पालन करने वाले पुलिस कर्मियों को क्या करना चाहिए और क्यों? तर्क दीजिए।\n(c) आपके अनुसार सिविल सेवा में किसे प्राथमिकता दी जानी चाहिए, विभाग के प्रति निष्ठा, या अपने निर्णयों और सेवा मूल्यों में निष्पक्ष और गैर-पक्षपातपूर्ण होना?\na) उपरोक्त मामले में कौन से नैतिक मुद्दे शामिल हैं?\nb) आपके अनुसार उपरोक्त मामले में सिद्धांत-उन्मुख और नियम-पालन करने वाले पुलिस कर्मियों को क्या करना चाहिए और क्यों? तर्क दीजिए।\nc) आपके अनुसार सिविल सेवा में किसे प्राथमिकता दी जानी चाहिए, विभाग के प्रति निष्ठा, या अपने निर्णयों और सेवा मूल्यों में निष्पक्ष और गैर-पक्षपातपूर्ण होना?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए"},{"page":53,"question":"(a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?  (b) What do you think principle-oriented and rule-abiding police personnel must do in the above case? Why? Justify  (c) What do you think must assume priority in civil service, loyalty to the department, or being impartial and non-partisan in your decisions and service values?\na) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\nb) What do you think principle-oriented and rule-abiding police personnel must do in the above case? Why? Justify\nc) What do you think must assume priority in civil service, loyalty to the department, or being impartial and non-partisan in your decisions and service values?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":57,"question":"12 You are a Foreign Service official working in an embassy overseas. One of your duties was to liaise with the local Indian community, one of the country's largest immigrant groups.\nA group of wealthy Indian immigrants wanted to build a place of worship and a school to promote their language and culture. The school was intended to act as a center for promoting and preserving Indian culture among the immigrants. The Indian community leaders went through all the legal procedures to acquire the land, got the building plans approved by the city council, and with all the approvals in place, the construction work began.\nA few months into the construction, the locals started complaining about noise, and slowly a campaign began against the construction of a religious structure. The local city councilors joined in and raised the issue of how Indian immigrants having their own cultural space will lead to a similar demand from other immigrant communities. And this may escalate intolerance among different ethnic groups. The local politicians filed a public lawsuit to halt the construction and demolish whatever was built. Indian community responded with their lawsuit and approached the embassy for help. They wanted the Ambassador to take up the issue with the government.\nMeanwhile, the Ambassador deputed you to meet the Indian community leaders to understand the issue and prepare a report. You met with the community leaders and found that the reason for local antipathy towards the Indian community was just an expression of latent racism and intolerance. You presented\n(a) उपरोक्त मामले में कौन-कौन से मुद्दे शामिल हैं?\n(b) क्या आप प्रवासी भारतीयों की मदद के बजाय अर्थनीति को प्राथमिकता देने के राजदूत के रुख से सहमत हैं? अगर हाँ तो क्यों, अगर नहीं तो क्यों नहीं?\n(c) दायित्व, परिणामवाद और कर्तव्य के बीच, आपके अनुसार भारतीय विदेश नीति का मार्गदर्शन करने के लिए उपयुक्त परिप्रेक्ष्य क्या है? तर्क दीजिए। (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए) 20 अंक","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":58,"question":"(a) What are the issues involved in the above case?\n(b) Do you agree with the Ambassador's position of prioritizing economics over helping the diaspora? Why/why not?\n(c) Among Care, Consequentialism, and Duty, what do you think is the appropriate perspective to guide Indian Foreign policy? Justify.\na) What are the issues involved in the above case?\nb) Do you agree with the Ambassador's position of prioritizing economics over helping the diaspora? Why/why not?\nc) Among Care, Consequentialism, and Duty, what do you think is the appropriate perspective to guide Indian Foreign policy? Justify.","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"}]},{"id":4893,"topper":"Nausheen","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/74863-734212_1525_nausheen_rank_09.pdf","questions":[{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter. Martin Luther King Jr. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Identify which essential information should be made available to the public via Citizen's Charter? Also, suggest some steps for successful implementation of the Citizen's Charter. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Respect for human rights and humanitarian principles is a responsibility for all members of the international community. Discuss in the context of roles and responsibilities of States for protection of refugees. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"What is red-tapism? Why is it considered a hurdle in the process of transitioning towards citizen centric governance? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":39,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind such behaviour on part of society towards air pollution.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"In recent times, social media has emerged as an important platform for all to share their information and opinions. Many civil servants are also quite active on the social media. Given this situation, there have been calls to revise or update the Civil Services Conduct Rules. Suppose you are a senior IAS officer who is heading a panel set up by the government to bring suitable changes in the conduct rules. Elaborate on how you will respond to the following questions: (a) What are the issues with a civil servant expressing his/her views on social media on various matters? (b) Should criticism of government policies on social media by civil servants be allowed?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Economic growth has been the primary goal of economic policies, and the principal measure of an economy's success. In the last few decades, economic growth benefitted mankind in multiple ways. But alongside these benefits, it has also generated significant issues and a series of converging challenges. In light of this, answer the following: (a) What was the rationale behind GDP growth being considered the pillar of economic policies the world over in the past few decades? (b) Explain the need to go beyond GDP growth and reassess our measures of development. Identify some of the components that need to be","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4894,"topper":"Nausheen","air":9,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/93393beb2b7e996905ce7ea7f8b78443/56/air-9-nausheen_test-4_gs4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4895,"topper":"Nausheen","air":9,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/93393beb2b7e996905ce7ea7f8b78443/48/air-9-nausheen_test-8_gs4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4896,"topper":"Nausheen","air":9,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/u/2/folders/15212UVx8tLRdcQaVbWS3Yl4OvlHF9OtL","questions":[]},{"id":4897,"topper":"Nausheen","air":9,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — History","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hqA_J_lnULzcACU00z5QeYOCFOJyp4BV/view","questions":[]},{"id":4898,"topper":"Nausheen","air":9,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — History","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/14pPtpI_h2tcAiQjMjvVQG4yNJngYKM1u/view","questions":[]},{"id":4899,"topper":"Nausheen","air":9,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — History","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QpBHtN9-i0IHS3EZ7tcQCV5O0EeB93ka/view","questions":[]},{"id":4900,"topper":"Navandar Anay Nitin","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5172c-799194_1523_navandar-anay-nitin_rank_32.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Enumerate the issues associated with functioning of the Central Information Commission. How can these issues be addressed? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"In India, Governor's discretionary powers are wider than those of the President. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the objectives that were sought to be achieved through tribunals. How successful have they been in meeting them? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Instead of the government regulating Over-the-top (OTT) platforms, there have been calls for a self-regulating mechanism for such platforms, as in the case of print media. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Bring out the arguments surrounding the issue of some states reserving jobs for locals in the private sector. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Identifying the key elements of Mission Karmayogi, briefly explain how it can lead to holistic development of the human resources and state's capacity. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlighting the role played by ASHA workers in public health system of India, discuss the challenges faced by them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"While internationalisation of higher education has many potential benefits for India, certain challenges will need to be addressed in this regard. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"India needs to adopt a more pragmatic stance in the context of the ongoing intra-Afghan talks. Discuss, in the light of India's engagement with Afghanistan. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In the geo-strategic context of West Asia, the recent efforts to normalise relations between Israel and UAE may open new possibilities for India. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"It is not only the content of election manifestos but also the past performance with respect to promises made in election manifestos that need to be regulated. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"In order to achieve a reduction in the pendency of cases and a return to the Supreme Court's original role as a final appellate court, setting up of a National Court of Appeal is the need of the hour. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The Constitution of India reflects an amalgamation of spirit of Indian freedom struggle and various administrative provisions of different acts of British rule in India. Explain. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Mention the key components of the SVAMITVA scheme. Also, highlight its intended benefits and discuss the potential issues in its implementation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Sharing of information among all stakeholders in government functioning is a leading practice towards good governance. Discuss with examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"India has an oversized and bloated government which acts as a drag on economic efficiency and growth. Critically evaluate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Though the National Digital Health Mission is a step in the right direction for both patients and the healthcare system, concerns around data privacy need to be addressed. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"One Nation One Ration card has the potential to significantly transform the lives of migrant workers in India. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The World Trade Organization is buffeted by multiple challenges which have eroded the credibility of the organization. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"BIMSTEC is indispensable for India's efforts in promoting regional cooperation and integration in the neighbourhood. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4901,"topper":"Navandar Anay Nitin","air":32,"year":2021,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/306b0-799194_1522_navandar-anay-nitin_rank_32.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4902,"topper":"Navandar Anay Nitin","air":32,"year":2021,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/bea07-799194_1419_navandar-anay-nitin_rank_32.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4903,"topper":"Navandar Anay Nitin","air":32,"year":2021,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/aa885-799194_1525_navandar-anay-nitin_rank_32.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4904,"topper":"Navandar Anay Nitin","air":32,"year":2021,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/63dce-799194_1420_navandar-anay-nitin_rank_32.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4905,"topper":"Navneet Mann","air":33,"year":2019,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/f3d85-36473_930.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4906,"topper":"Navneet Mann","air":33,"year":2019,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/59a0c-36473_931_navneet-mann_rank_33.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4907,"topper":"Navneet Mann","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b19c6-36473_876_navneet-mann_rank_33.pdf","questions":[{"page":9,"question":"It is argued that India's fiscal centre of gravity has rapidly shifted from the Centre to the States. Analyse the statement in context of the debate on fiscal discipline. Also, enumerate the key recommendations of the N.K. Singh panel on Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Strategic sale of state-run firms is a prudent step to deal with the challenges being faced by the public sector enterprises in India. Comment. Also enumerate other measures that can be taken in light of NITI Aayog's suggestions in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Shell companies in India are neither legally defined nor properly understood. Analyse in the light of recent developments, prevalent understanding and steps required to effectively deal with shell companies.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"If a larger population in India is to be involved in the economy in a big way, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are key. Elaborate. Also discuss the challenges faced by the SME sector in India and give an account of the measures taken by the government to deal with these.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"What are the reasons for the growing informalization of industrial labour in India? Discuss the issues associated with the phenomenon and reforms required to deal with them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"A number of far-reaching developments have taken place in the local and global energy space which have to be reflected in our own energy policy framework. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"The Indian IT-BPM (Information Technology-Business Process Management) industry is a global powerhouse today and its impact on India and the world has been unprecedented. Comment. Also, mention the challenges being faced by India's IT-BPM sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"An effective multi-modal logistics and transport sector will make the Indian economy more competitive. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Climate change threatens sustainable development, impairs socio-economic development and reinforces cycles of poverty across the globe. In this context, discuss the utility of climate risk insurance as an instrument within a comprehensive climate risk management system","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Why are women particularly vulnerable to the impact of natural disasters? Also analyse, with adequate examples, how women can play a more effective role in disaster risk management cycle.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"In view of the seriousness of heat waves and its consequences, greater attention is required for dealing with it as a natural disaster. Analyse in the context of recent developments and the actions taken by relevant government bodies.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"While genome editing offers immense potential benefits in the area of healthcare, there are a lot of apprehensions regarding its use. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Discuss various ways in which supercomputers have benefitted mankind over the years. Also enumerate the objectives of the National Supercomputing Mission and the mechanism for its implementation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Widely seen as a disruption for the traditional banking and financial institutions, cryptocurrencies have gained significant traction lately, at the same time creating a regulatory nightmare for regulators across the globe. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Analyse the challenges and opportunities inherent in the push for indigenisation of defence production in India. Also, identify the measures through which indigenous manufacturing of defence equipments is being encouraged by the Government.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"India's ability to puruse a clear-cut strategic vision depends on its ability to improve institutional cooperation and coordination between the armed forces and civilian bureaucracy. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4908,"topper":"Navneet Mann","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d619d-36473_874_navneet-mann_rank_33.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The greatness of the Mughal achievement in the political unification of India was matched by the splendour and beauty of the work of architects, poets, historians, painters and musicians who flourished in the period. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Traditionally, India had developed wide-ranging water harvesting techniques in keeping with the local ecological conditions and their water needs. Substantiate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Imperial rivalries of 18th Century Europe were played out in India as well. Comment in the context of the Carnatic Wars.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"The Lucknow session of 1916 was a watershed event during the freedom struggle of India due to various reasons. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Reforms initiated by the Justice Party became a model for social affirmative action in the country. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"War in the Korean Peninsula proved to be disastrous for Korea, a missed opportunity for the United States and a defining moment for China. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Apart from the linguistic reorganisation of states, the three language formula was an important part of government policy to address the language question in India. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Enumerate the measures for the welfare of Unorganised Workers in India. In the context of problems being faced by domestic helps, discuss the need for additional measures to safeguard their interests.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"The manner in which the mentally ill have been treated in India suggests that policy measures alone may not be sufficient to address the challenges faced by them. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Highlight the characteristics of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) and discuss the challenges faced by them. Also enumerate the measures taken by the government to address these challenges.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"While suburbanisation is a common phenomenon in most urbanising countries, it is occurring at a relatively early stage of India's urban development. Enumerating the reasons behind this development, highlight the challenges it is creating for Indian cities.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Various geographical and anthropogenic factors have rendered Brahmaputra Valley susceptible to recurrent floods. Discuss the causes and suggest suitable measures of mitigation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Give a brief account of Earth's heat budget. Also discuss how increasing concentration of carbon dioxide in Earth's atmosphere effects it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Give an outline of the major geological events that have shaped the present drainage system of Peninsular India. Also, explain why peninsular rivers are unsuitable for navigation but facilitate hydroelectric power generation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Elaborate with examples as to how government policies influence the location of industries. Also, mention the steps taken by the Government of India to stimulate industrial activity in backward regions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Explain, in brief, the process of cloud formation. Also, elucidate how clouds can help in weather forecasting.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"The socio-economic and ecological consequences of soil degradation are far-reaching. Discuss. Suggest measures that can be taken to restore soil fertility and arrest soil degradation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Development of island territories requires a careful balancing of environmental and tribal concerns with exploitation of economic potential. Elaborating on the threats faced by island territories of India, comment on the recent measures proposed by the government regarding their development.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4909,"topper":"Navneet Mann","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e1600-36473_875_navneet-mann_rank_33.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Centralising recruitment through an All-India Judicial Service (AIJS) will not address the multiple problems in the judiciary and cause new ones instead. Critically evaluate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"The roots of the most pertinent challenges faced by Indian politics today can be traced to the lack of intra-party democracy in candidate selection and internal elections. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"While the idea behind merger of autonomous bodies in India is to curb overlapping work and reduce expenditure, it may end up doing more harm than good. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Well-defined electoral laws and greater powers for the Election Commission of India are required as the existing laws and mechanisms are inadequate to deal with new challenges. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Privileges should be defined and delimited for the free and independent functioning of the legislatures. In this context, discuss whether there is a need to re-examine the balance between fundamental rights and parliamentary privileges in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The principle of accountability is an essential part of the rule of law. In this context, discuss the lacunae in government's approach and judiciary's response to the phenomenon of extrajudicial killings in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Explain the rationale behind enacting the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016. Discuss how it can help in revitalizing consumer confidence in the real estate market. Also highlight the hurdles that remain in implementing it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Moving the subject of water from state list to concurrent list will solve the issues related to governance of water resources. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Give an account of the areas of potential conflict in the relationship between the political executive and civil servants. Also discuss why a healthy working relationship between the two is critical for good governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Despite their location in the non-political domain of civil society, NGOs have ended up playing a key, if indirect, role in India's politics. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Magnitude of India's urbanisation is not unusual but the pattern is. In this context, examine the issues in the governance of cities in India. Also suggest the reforms required to make Indian cities dynamos of competitive sub-federalism.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Social boycott should be treated as a criminal offence, rather than being considered as just another form of social evil plaguing the Indian society. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Human Trafficking in India has emerged as a serious issue, which calls for understanding the complexity of the problem and devising an effective strategy to combat it. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"A weak teacher education system is at the core of India's problems in school education. Evaluate. In this context, also enumerate the recommendations of the High-Powered Commission on Teacher Education constituted by the Supreme Court of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"It has been argued that the recent order of the Supreme Court to prevent the misuse of Section 498A institutionalises the prejudices and rehabilitates the myths, which the women's movement in India has battled over decades. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"As strategic interests between India and US continue to converge, defence has emerged as a major area of cooperation between the two. Discuss the significance and possible implications of this development.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"India's contribution to peacekeeping missions of the United Nations has remained steadfast despite changes in the nature, form and variety of UN peace keeping missions. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"India's partnership with Africa is an amalgam of African development priorities as well as India's development objectives. Discuss. Also highlight the initiatives taken by India in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Comment on the role of International Court of Justice in upholding the values of international law. In this context, also highlight the association of India with the ICJ over the years.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"In view of the focus on trans-regional economic corridors and changing regional geo-politics and geo-economics, critically discuss the idea of an Indo-Pacific Economic Corridor.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4910,"topper":"Navneet Mann","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/26ce7-36473_1244_navneet-mann_rank_33.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the need of an Independent Fiscal Council (IFC) in bringing about transparency and accountability in fiscal processes in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Recognizing the potential of exports in generating employment, a number of steps need to be taken to address India's weakening export competitiveness. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlighting the main features of National Mineral Policy, 2019, discuss how it can help in ensuring sustainable and responsible mining. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlighting the salient features of the PM JI-VAN Yojana, analyze how it can assist in achieving the vision and goals of the National Policy on Biofuels, 2018. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) provides an alternative to capital and chemical intensive agriculture currently being practiced in India. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Marine life is facing 'irreparable damage' from the millions of tonnes of plastic waste which ends up in the oceans each year. In this context, examine the implications of plastic pollution on marine ecosystem and suggest some measures for addressing this problem. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are black holes? Highlight the challenges in imaging a black hole? How were these challenges overcome by the Event Horizon Telescope project? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"While mentioning the objectives of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), discuss the challenges which are hindering the utilization of the ATT to its full potential. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Threats to internal security of India may be posed both through the communication networks and also to the networks. Discuss. Also, highlight the steps taken by the government in making the networks more secure. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlight the importance and challenges related to integration of Variable Renewable Energy (VRE) in India. Mention some steps that can be taken for its smooth integration with the synchronized Indian grid. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"There have been arguments that India could fall into a 'middle income trap'. Explaining the phenomenon, highlight the reasons behind such arguments. How can India avoid it? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Highlighting its importance, discuss the major issues that plague effective monetary policy transmission in India. Also, mention the steps taken by RBI to improve it. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight the constraints faced by rainfed agriculture in India. Discuss some agronomic practices that can be adopted for stabilizing agricultural production in rainfed areas. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite the steps taken by the government in recent years, a number of problems continue to persist in the urea sector in India. Discuss. What reforms should be taken to address the persisting problems? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What is Access and Benefit Sharing? Explain how it aids in sustainable use of biodiversity. Also, mention the different global and national level mechanisms for ensuring Access and Benefit Sharing. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Stating the significance, discuss the challenges in achieving disaster resilience of infrastructure. Suggest some ways for mainstreaming it in the development paradigm. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Highlighting the significance of data localization for India, discuss various challenges associated with data localization. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Money Laundering as a socio economic offence is a menace especially for developing countries like India. Comment. What measures have been taken at the domestic and international levels to deal with this menace? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The primary motive of terrorism differs from that of organised crime but there exists a symbiotic relationship between the two. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4911,"topper":"Navneet Mann","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/47d74-36473_1243_navneet-mann_rank_33.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Reservation of seats in legislature is needed to ensure meaningful political participation of women and to make the democratic process truly inclusive. Discuss the statement in the light of 108th Constitution Amendment Bill. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the issue of reservation in promotions for SCs and STs in public employment in the light of various judicial pronouncements and constitutional amendments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the reasons behind underperformance of the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs). How can their performance be improved? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlighting the rationale behind continuance of the Official Secrets Act, critically discuss whether the Right to Information should be given precedence over it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What is the rationale behind having a mandatory 'cooling-off' period for retired civil servants? In light of numerous instances of violation of this provision, do you think there is a need to have a relook at Civil Services Conduct Rules? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlighting the key features of POSHAN Abhiyan, explain how it is an improvement over previous interventions in achieving the goal of malnutrition free India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Give an account of the challenges that the multilateral rule-based trading system is facing. With special focus on WTO, discuss how these challenges can be addressed effectively. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Highlight the major impediments affecting India-US trade relations. What possible consequences can the recent withdrawal of Generalized System of Preference (GSP) have on India-US trade relations? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"In a democratic setup, it is imperative that independence be balanced with accountability. Discuss in the context of judiciary in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Despite various strengths, there are certain weaknesses in the existing structure of departments of the government which render the system slow and cumbersome. Analyze. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the light of criticism surrounding the composition and functioning of Rajya Sabha, do you think it exists merely as a secondary house of the Parliament? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Despite legislative changes with respect to funding of political parties in recent years, many challenges still exist with regards to transparency in electoral funding. Discuss. Can state funding of elections help in addressing these challenges? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Successful and long-lasting urban transformation critically depends on reforming the way our cities are governed. In this context, highlight the challenges plaguing urban governance in India and suggest some strategies to overcome those challenges. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Explain the role that SHGs play in poverty alleviation in India. Highlighting the shortcomings of the SHG-Bank Linkage programme, give some suggestions to improve its performance. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Despite initiatives taken by the government in recent years to address the challenges of the Indian higher education system, many reforms are still required to improve its quality and enhance its relevance. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Giving an account of the progress made under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, mention the challenges that it faces in achieving its target. How can the implementation of the programme be fast-tracked? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Island nations of the Indian Ocean hold immense strategic value in shaping the geopolitical contours of the region and ensuring maritime security of India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Development assistance, a key instrument in India's foreign policy, has seen a considerable expansion in the past few years both in its scope and reach. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4912,"topper":"Navneet Mann","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8155e-36473_1247_navneet-mann_rank_33.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Mention the structure and functions of NITI Aayog. Also, comment on its contemporary relevance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Critically discuss the practice of setting up Fast Track Courts to reduce pendency of cases in the judiciary. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the challenges faced by lower judiciary in India and suggest measures for enhancing their productivity. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Assess the need to formalise the process of post-legislative scrutiny to improve the effectiveness of laws. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in improving the effectiveness of e-governance in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Despite various reforms in the public grievance redressal mechanisms, their effectiveness remain limited. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Explaining the factors that contribute to trafficking of women and children in India, highlight the steps taken in recent times to combat it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"With Vector-Borne Diseases (VBDs) reaching epidemic proportions in India, highlight the factors that have led to their emergence. Also, suggest some measures for their effective control and management. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"After years of neglect, rapidly evolving regional strategic realities are now forcing India and Indonesia to coordinate their policies ever more closely. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Despite several attempts at resetting the ties, various barriers continue to be a cause of concern in the India-Nepal bilateral relations. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Delineate the differences between pressure groups and interest groups. Citing examples, elaborate on the ways in which pressure groups influence government decisions and policy making in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlighting the issues faced by the institutions of local self governance in India, suggest measures that can be taken to improve their effectiveness in the delivery of public goods and services at the grassroot level. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The recent amendment to the Right to Information Act, 2005 will weaken the act and undermine the authority of Information Commissioners. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight the process of delimitation in India. Also, throw light on the debates surrounding the delimitation exercise in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Self Help Groups (SHGs) are vehicles of rural development, which help in the upliftment of marginalized groups. Elucidate. Further, mention the constraints faced by SHGs and how they can be addressed. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"With construction of toilets being only one part of the solution for a clean India, it is time that the Swachh Bharat Mission puts more emphasis on the other facets as well. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Highlight the salient features of Mission Indradhanush. What are the challenges that the mission is facing in its implementation? Suggest measures to address these challenges for progressing towards full immunization coverage. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Assess the importance of skilling in light of changing economic and demographic structure in India. In this regard, how far has the Skill India Mission succeeded in its mandate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What according to you are the reasons that motivated India to create a dedicated Indo-Pacific division in the MEA recently? Also, highlight the challenges for India in the Indo-Pacific region. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"For SCO to become a successful regional grouping, it has to overcome bilateral differences between its members and their respective geopolitical calculations. Comment. Also, discuss the role that SCO can play in enhancing India's interest in the Eurasian region. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4913,"topper":"Navneet Mann","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/bc999-36473_1249_navneet-mann_rank_33.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"In the quest for scientific and technological development, ethical values should not be neglected. Discuss in the current context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Elucidate Swami Vivekananda's ideas on nationalism.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. Mahatma Gandhi","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"The mandatory nature of Corporate Social Responsibility goes against the notion of philanthropy. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"There have been arguments that rich countries owe an obligation to people living in poor countries. In this context, discuss the issues associated with foreign aid.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"It is essential that people have access to information if they are to have the capacity to exercise other rights. Discuss the statement with focus on importance of RTI in governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Various studies have found out that cases of depression and mental illness have increased exponentially in the recent past. Also, in the age group of 15-30 years, this problem is further pronounced. Furthermore, the rising trend of suicides in this age group has been attributed to depression. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Present an ethical critique of the prevalent societal attitude towards mental illness. (b) Given the magnitude of the problem among younger generation/young adults, analyse the role of the following: i. Parenting ii. Social Media iii. Video Games","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4914,"topper":"Navneet Mann","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/75cbc-36473_877.pdf","questions":[{"page":19,"question":"Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Ensuring that government decisions are not influenced by public officials' private interests is a growing concern. Discuss in the context of India. Also enumerate the core principles reflected by OECD guidelines for managing conflict of interest in the public sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Discuss, with examples, the significance of principles of public life as recommended by Nolan committee. Why are these principles considered as an essential set of expectations from public servants?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"A peculiar inhuman situation exists for the people fleeing from war zones - they cannot go back to their homeland for fear of being persecuted and no country is ready to bear their burden due to various reasons. Citing contemporary examples, discuss the ethical issues involved in such situations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"The excluded and marginalized section of society are worst hit by globalization. Take the case of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) like Sentinelese of Andaman & Nicobar islands; their population has reduced drastically and they are facing various other problems as well. In this context answer the following questions: 20 (a) What are the challenges faced by PVTGs due to globalisation? (b) If you are posted as a Development Officer in such an area, what will be your priorities to reduce their vulnerabilities and ensure welfare?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4915,"topper":"NAZIA PARWEEN","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/48f94f4c58dc4d501f6f42102607e751/37/pttp220756_tc701.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"If you look into someone's face long enough, eventually you feel that you are looking into yourself.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"It is the province of knowledge to speak and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Drop the question what tomorrow may bring, and count as profit every day that fate allows you.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Truth, like a torch, the more it is shook, it shines.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Art is I; science is We.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Only the dead have seen the end of the war.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Act as if it were impossible to fail.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4916,"topper":"NAZIA PARWEEN","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/48f94f4c58dc4d501f6f42102607e751/35/pttp220756_702.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"You can't serve data on a hungry man's plate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"AI is overcoming our mental limitation but not expanding our mental horizon.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"We are using environment for politics not politics for environment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"The worst form of inequality is to try to make unequal things equal.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Existence is a science, living is an art.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"If the truth shall kill them, let them die.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"The only way to go beyond things, is to go through them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Dream for the best. Be prepared for the worst. Enjoy life in between.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4917,"topper":"NAZIA PARWEEN","air":670,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/23/pttp220756_tc703-test-01-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4918,"topper":"NAZIA PARWEEN","air":670,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/26/pttp220756_tc707-test-05-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4919,"topper":"NAZIA PARWEEN","air":670,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/27/pttp220756_tc708-test-06-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4920,"topper":"NAZIA PARWEEN","air":670,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/24/pttp220756_tc705-test-03-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4921,"topper":"NAZIA PARWEEN","air":670,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/28/pttp220756_tc709-test-07-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4922,"topper":"NAZIA PARWEEN","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/29/pttp220756_tc710-test-08-gs-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Public service takes place in a bureaucratic structure with clear lines of authority, value standardization, and accountability mechanisms. Working within such a structure, what do you think are the influences that impact the public servant's ethical decision-making? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What do you understand by the terms 'ethics' and 'integrity'? Do you think they are interrelated? Explain with examples the relationship between ethics and integrity in the context of public administration. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What do you understand by the terms 'ethical behavior' and 'emotionally intelligent behavior'? Identify the relevant emotional intelligence components that act as a reliable guide to ethical behavior. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"To achieve a good life, duty is not sufficient; one needs to develop one's sympathetic feelings for others, and neither duty alone nor good will alone are sufficient to be moral.\" Do you agree with the above statement? Justify your position. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Developing a Scientific temper, innovative mindset, and civic-conscious citizens are major objectives of higher educational institutions. Can higher educational institutions be instrumental in promoting integrity education among youth to establish a public culture of integrity and a corruption-free political culture? If yes, how? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance. (a) The senses deceive from time to time, and it is prudent never to trust wholly those who have deceived us even once. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"As professionals, civil servants are career focused and are also self-interested. At the same time, their service ethos imposes an obligation to serve the public interest selflessly. Is it possible for a civil servant to reconcile career and service obligation? Explain your position. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"\"While competence without compassion can be brutal and inhumane similarly, compassion without competence can be meaningless for persons seeking help.\" Explain the above with the help of a suitable illustration in the context of public services. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Does the suffering of individuals in one part of the world generate moral demands of assistance on those foreigners who live far away from them? Are these moral demands of assistance justified? Can governments be held morally responsible for failing to help the international community in times of deprivation? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Civil Services ethics has everything to do with management. It is as much a Departmental as a personal issue. Leaders who fail to create systems that facilitate ethical conduct are equally to blame as much as those who indulge in ethical misconduct. Do you think the Departmental culture leads to ethical misconduct or is the individual with weak willpower culpable? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"You are posted as a District Development officer in a district with a low literacy rate and poor health indicators. As you took charge, your Health Secretary had given express instructions that your priority is to improve health indicators by enhancing the delivery of healthcare services. After taking over, you traveled around the district to study and identify ways of improving healthcare services. During your field trip, you discovered that the issue was not the accessibility of services; it was something else. You found the problem was the myths, misconceptions, and malpractices that hindered the uptake of health care services. For instance, people believed that vaccines caused impotence, immunization was equivalent to birth control, using antenatal care was counterproductive to the health of the mother and baby, and so on. You realize that these beliefs were the behavioral barriers that stood in the way of health and nutrition services. And these behavioral barriers made it difficult for front-line workers to reach out. You discussed your observations with the Health Secretary, and he advised you to seek inputs from the neighboring district DDO who was doing some good work. When you met with the neighboring DDO, you learned he was experimenting with using the Faith leader's influence and reach to persuade people. You were unsure about roping in faith leaders to help you overcome the behavioral barriers. As a civil servant, you felt it would be a mistake to involve faith leaders in health service schemes. When you shared your apprehensions with the Secretary, he firmly instructed you to try and innovate. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) What are the advantages and disadvantages of using Faith leaders as influencers and persuaders? (c) If not faith leaders, what are your other options for breaking the behavioral barriers? (d) Do you think it is ethically right for a civil servant to involve faith leaders in promoting government schemes? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"If not faith leaders, what are your other options for breaking the behavioral barriers? (d) Do you think it is ethically right for a civil servant to involve faith leaders in promoting government schemes? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"You are the Head of an Agency, a special purpose vehicle, responsible for overseeing the last-mile delivery of essential services and sorting out bottlenecks and grievances of the citizens within your jurisdiction. The essential services included Maternal and infant health care, nutritional support to BPL families, drinking water availability, etc. Your agency employed a staff of 15 to carry out regular official operations and handle grievances. Since the agency dealt with complaints, there was an enormous amount of public dealing daily. Sometimes the agency officials had to work beyond office hours to finish the regular office work as public dealings took away most of the office hours. The employees were unhappy doing the extra bit as they were not paid any overtime. A few of them informally raised the issue with you, but you were helpless as the agency rules didn't allow any travel or overtime allowances. You tried taking up the matter with HQ but to no avail. The work stress gradually started showing up among the staff, they became irritable with the complainants, and at times they shouted at them. Besides rudeness, the staff's language became abusive, derogatory, and sometimes casteist. You could notice that there were 4 of them in particular who were getting very abusive and discriminatory while handling grievances. As the Head, you warned them, but there was no marked change in their work attitude. To compound your problem, some of the villagers, through their Sarpanch, raised the issue of rude, disrespectful, and discriminatory behavior with your HQ. The HQ immediately instructed you to take action and create a respectful and dignified workspace. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) What are the action options available to you? (c) Examine each of the options and identify your chosen course of action (d) What do you understand by dignity? Distinguish between human and social dignity? Identify the common dignity violations that one notices in government departments. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"You and Ajay were in college together, qualified for the civil services examination, trained, and worked in the same State. Over the years, you and Ajay became good friends and colleagues. Even the families became close to the extent of taking vacations and celebrating festivals together. Professionally, in the last 15 years, both grew, but the paths you and Ajay took differed. You kept your distance from political masters, preferred to be neutral, and refrained from being identified with any group, lobby, or ideology. But Ajay was not discreet about his leanings, and he was well-networked and connected. Because of his networking, Ajay always had postings considered \"plum postings.\" Ajay was posted as CMD of Urban Infrastructure Projects, a high-profile Project with a huge outlay. At the same time, you were working in State Planning Commission for three years and were awaiting your promotion and new posting. When new postings were announced, you were surprised to see your transfer to Vigilance Department. Within a month of taking charge, you were ordered by your Departmental Secretary to conduct an inquiry discreetly into land dealings involving a Minister and his family. You were strictly told to keep it discreet and not to share any information about the investigation with anybody besides the Secretary. As you started the inquiry, you realized Ajay was closely involved with the Minister and his deals. As evidence started piling up, you were shocked to notice Ajay's questionable decisions favoring the Minister and friends. Further, you found evidence of Ajay having assets disproportionately much higher than his declared sources of income. When you shared the details with the Secretary, he immediately ordered you to search Ajay's office and home as he believed Ajay was the medium through which they could catch the Minister for shady land deals. You were in a bind as you knew a search operation would tarnish Ajay's reputation and be traumatic for the family. (a) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas involved in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you? (c) Select your chosen course of action after analyzing the options. (d) What must be your moral motivation in the above case? Should it be duty, care, or consequences? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"What do you think principle-oriented and rule-abiding police personnel must do in the above case? Why? Justify","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"What do you think must assume priority in civil service, loyalty to the department, or being impartial and non-partisan in your decisions and service values?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"You are a Foreign Service official working in an embassy overseas. One of your duties was to liaise with the local Indian community, one of the country's largest immigrant groups. A group of wealthy Indian immigrants wanted to build a place of worship and a school to promote their language and culture. The school was intended to act as a center for promoting and preserving Indian culture among the immigrants. The Indian community leaders went through all the legal procedures to acquire the land, got the building plans approved by the city council, and with all the approvals in place, the construction work began. A few months into the construction, the locals started complaining about noise, and slowly a campaign began against the construction of a religious structure. The local city councilors joined in and raised the issue of how Indian immigrants having their own cultural space will lead to a similar demand from other immigrant communities. And this may escalate intolerance among different ethnic groups. The local politicians filed a public lawsuit to halt the construction and demolish whatever was built. Indian community responded with their lawsuit and approached the embassy for help. They wanted the Ambassador to take up the issue with the government. Meanwhile, the Ambassador deputed you to meet the Indian community leaders to understand the issue and prepare a report. You met with the community leaders and found that the reason for local antipathy towards the Indian community was just an expression of latent racism and intolerance. You presented your observations to the Ambassador and requested him to do something as the Indians were on the right and were being victims of racist behavior. The Ambassador, in turn, replied that he would not like to get involved in local politics. The Indians were citizens of that country; they had nothing to do with India besides ethnicity. Further, a crucial Economic agreement was about to be signed between the two countries in the coming weeks, and he did not want to jeopardize the growing relations between the two countries over some local politics. You were shocked to see economics getting priority over the diaspora. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) Do you agree with the Ambassador's position of prioritizing economics over helping the diaspora? Why/why not? (c) Among Care, Consequentialism, and Duty, what do you think is the appropriate perspective to guide Indian Foreign policy? Justify. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":4923,"topper":"NAZIA PARWEEN","air":670,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/25/pttp220756_tc706-test-04-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4924,"topper":"NAZIA PARWEEN","air":670,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/22/pttp220756_tc710-test-08-gs-4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4925,"topper":"NAZIA PARWEEN","air":670,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/16/pttp220756_tc703-test-01-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4926,"topper":"NAZIA PARWEEN","air":670,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/17/pttp220756_tc705-test-03-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4927,"topper":"NAZIA PARWEEN","air":670,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/18/pttp220756_tc706-test-04-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4928,"topper":"NAZIA PARWEEN","air":670,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/19/pttp220756_tc707-test-05-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4929,"topper":"NAZIA PARWEEN","air":670,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/20/pttp220756_tc708-test-06-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4930,"topper":"NAZIA PARWEEN","air":670,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/21/pttp220756_tc709-test-07-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4931,"topper":"Nazish Umar Ansari","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/48f94f4c58dc4d501f6f42102607e751/38/mt23rcapa011_702.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"You can't serve data on a hungry man's plate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"AI is overcoming our mental limitation but not expanding our mental horizon.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"We are using environment for politics, not politics for environment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"The worst form of inequality is to try to make unequal things equal.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Existence is a science, living is an art. If the truth shall kill them, let them die. The only way to go beyond things, is to go through them. Dream for the best. Be prepared for the worst. Enjoy life in between.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4932,"topper":"Nazish Umar Ansari","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/748520c30390b56bbbd3f8693a3b3ea3/23/mt23rcapa011_tc707-test-05-gs-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How did the ancient trade routes connecting India to foreign countries contribute to the exchange and dissemination of culture? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The Quit India movement was a people's movement cutting across the class divides but it was the women's leadership that left a clear mark. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"The hallmark of post-Independent India has been its remarkable strides in science and technology'. To what extent did scientific development during this period put India on the path of modernity? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the feasibility of Interlinking rivers to resolve the issue of water stress in other regions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How will the structural shift from coal-based power plants to renewable energy generation impact human development in coal-bearing states? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"To what extent temperature and precipitation are the most important factors that determine soil properties? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Why are severe and intense cyclones becoming a regular phenomenon in the Arabian Sea? Substantiate with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"In the context of cultural diversity in India, can we consider Southern states as distinct cultural units in comparison to the rest of India? Substantiate your view. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Poverty and population growth are locked in a vicious cycle, where poverty restricts individuals' ability to break free from the cycle, while population growth strains resources. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"India has a rich heritage in the internationalization of education. In this context how will the recent push for the 'internationalization of education' impact society and foster cultural exchange? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"'Although there were many differences between the Gandhara and Mathura art, they considerably influenced the Amravati school of art.' Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"'England's Industrial Revolution not only transformed the economic landscape but also had far-reaching social and cultural impacts'. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"How did the social reform and ideological struggle against the backward traditional elements and hegemony of colonial culture in the nineteenth century influence the emergence of a distinct cultural identity and national consciousness? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"How does temperature inversion affect atmospheric conditions and what are its implications for local weather patterns and air pollution levels? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What are the geographical factors responsible for mangrove vegetation in India? How does climate change pose a threat to mangrove vegetation in India? ( Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What are the geographical and economic factors that influence the location of the sugar industry, and how do they contribute to the growth of the industry in India and different parts of the world? ( Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the key strategies used in dryland farming to overcome water scarcity and maximize agricultural productivity in arid and semi-arid regions? Also, discuss the need to promote dryland farming in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"How has the contemporary women's movement encompassed diverse approaches beyond traditional methods? Also, highlight the unique contribution and challenges of the contemporary women's movement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Do you think that the forces of modernization that catalyzed the eradication of social evils in Indian society have also threatened our cultural values and ethos? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"15","words":"150"},{"page":53,"question":"In the context of states in India evaluate the relationship between regional disparity and sentiments of regionalism. Is regionalism antagonistic to the idea of nationalism? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"15","words":"150"}]},{"id":4933,"topper":"Nazish Umar Ansari","air":311,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/748520c30390b56bbbd3f8693a3b3ea3/25/mt23rcapa011_tc703-test-01-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4934,"topper":"Nazish Umar Ansari","air":311,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/93/mt23rcapa011_tc707-test-05-gs-1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4935,"topper":"Nazish Umar Ansari","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/748520c30390b56bbbd3f8693a3b3ea3/19/mt23rcapa011_tc708-test-06-gs-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Examine the role of the Inter-state Council in promoting vertical (Centre-State) and horizontal (Inter-State) Intergovernmental cooperation and coordination. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the key function of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). What steps should be taken to revamp the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in order to enhance its effectiveness as a true guardian of public funds? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Recognizing the pivotal role of urbanization as a driver of national economic growth, the Fifteenth Finance Commission has suggested major reforms for Urban Local Bodies. Evaluate the recommendations put forward by the Fifteenth Finance Commission in promoting and revitalizing ULBs in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Highlight the key differences in the scope of Freedom of speech and expression as provided under Parliamentary privileges vis a vis Fundamental rights. Why is it necessary to maintain a balance between parliamentary privilege and fundamental rights? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Civil society organizations, play a pivotal role in fostering \"collective private action for the public good\". What challenges do they face in local resource mobilization (LRM) and corporate funding through corporate social responsibility (CSR)? Also, suggest measures. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The first step to eradicating poverty is reliable poverty assessment for program design, implementation, and monitoring. In this context discuss the methodology and significance of NITI Aayog's National Multidimensional Poverty Index. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"In the context of India, despite the presence of constitutional provisions, legal precedents, and international commitments that establish a robust foundation for a right to health, why has there been a lack of explicit legal recognition of this right? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The collective strength of BRICS nations allows for meaningful cooperation on myriad issues, however, the platform's ability to influence the trajectory of bilateral relationships remains limited. Do you agree? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In light of the recent demands to amend the Indus Waters Treaty, discuss the possible implications it could have on the water-sharing mechanism between India and Pakistan. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The doctrine of Parliamentary sovereignty and judicial supremacy has exerted considerable influence in shaping the constitutional frameworks of India and the USA. Citing relevant case laws discuss the role of the judiciary in influencing the constitutions in these countries. Is the scope of judicial review wider in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Delimitation of seats is essential to ensure fair representation and uphold the principles of one vote, one value'. Highlighting the challenges posed by misrepresentation in constituencies analyze the ramifications of population-based delimitation in creating federal tension. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the role of the Supreme Court of India in strengthening the hands of the Election Commission in the discharge of its constitutional responsibility of conducting free and fair elections in the country. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"'The declining role of Parliament undermines the fundamental principle of separation of powers, as it diminishes the legislature's ability to serve as a check on the executive branch and ensure a balanced exercise of power.' Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss the crucial role played by the National Commission of Women in shaping the discourse on gender-sensitive laws in India. To what extent the elevation of the National Commission for Women to a constitutional body would reinforce its authority? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"'Satisfactory and timely redressal of grievances is the cornerstone of 'minimum government, maximum governance.' In this context discuss the challenges associated with current grievance redress mechanisms and suggest measures to strengthen the process. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"'Corruption corrodes the fabric of governance, eroding the public's faith in democratic institutions.' Examine the potential for harmonizing the Right to Information (RTI) Act, the Whistleblower Protection Act (WBPA), and the Lokpal & Lokayukta Act, 2013, to enhance the effectiveness of the anticorruption regime. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Analyze the potential challenges and benefits involved in leveraging SHGs as platforms for skill development, entrepreneurship, and income generation among marginalized communities to effectively counter poverty. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India is uniquely positioned on the world map for its rich culture. In this context discuss the role of culture, diaspora, and democracy as instruments of India's soft power diplomacy. To what extent India has been able to position itself as a 'smart power'? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"The synergy of shared values and vibrant people-to-people connections between India and Australia creates a fertile ground for fostering long-lasting trade relations and strategic collaboration between the two nations. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4936,"topper":"Nazish Umar Ansari","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/748520c30390b56bbbd3f8693a3b3ea3/20/mt23rcapa011_tc704-test-02-gs-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"There is a need to resolve the ambiguity in the disqualification provisions under section 8 of the Representation of People Act 1951. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Constitution is a mere skeleton whereas constitutionalism is the soul of democracy. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"Electoral bonds are a double-edged sword, providing anonymity to donors while raising concerns about transparency in political funding.\" To what extent have electoral bonds further legitimized opacity in electoral funding? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The question of gender equality is central to the debate on Uniform Civil Code. In this light what are the challenges in reconciling UCC with gender equality as enshrined in the constitution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"The Governor's office is neither decorative nor inconsequential, it assumes a constitutional role of profound essence\" To what extent does the Governor, actively contribute to the governance of a state and reinforce the principles of federalism in the country? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Recently demand has been rising in a state regarding the enactment of Social Accountability Law. How such a law can lead to good governance and boost citizens' participation in decision-making. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"There is a need for convergence of 'nutrition-specific' and 'nutrition-sensitive' interventions to effectively tackle child undernutrition in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"MGNREGA, the lynchpin of rural poverty alleviation, has become the victim of fiscal apathy.\" Critically analyze the statement in light of recent developments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"India must leverage, if not manage, the global divides\". How can the current geopolitical churn pave the way for India's rise to the global high table? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"Berlin can be India's gateway to the European Union.\" Elaborate with respect to Germany's significance in India's relationship with the EU. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Critics assert that limitless judicial authority rests on the structural ambiguity of the basic structure doctrine. Has the elastic nature of the basic structure doctrine made the judiciary more powerful than the executive? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Fundamental rights are not gifts bestowed upon by the state rather an individual possesses them independently of the state. In this context discuss the desirability of reasonable restrictions on various fundamental rights. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"S.R. Bommai v. Union of India signified a paradigm shift in the judicial interpretation of the union's authority to assume control of a state's administration. In this context discuss the significance and impact of the judgement on cementing the federal structure. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The key to effective decentralization is, 'political decentralization should follow finance and functional decentralization'. Discuss in the context of impediments faced by local governance in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"How has the implementation of the POSH Act resulted in limited success in raising awareness about sexual harassment, and what factors have hindered its effective outreach to women employed in the unorganized sector? Propose strategies to bridge this gap and ensure comprehensive protection for women in the unorganized sector against workplace harassment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"'Neo-liberal reforms and globalization have deeply transformed the institutions of the welfare state and set the ground for a new type of civil services.' In this context examine the challenges faced in service delivery and suggest adequate reforms. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"China views India as its \"Asian Rival\" with an innate ability to counter its hegemonic goals in Asia. Despite these difficulties in India-China relations, there are also many areas of convergence. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Indo-Pacific region in recent times has emerged as a zone of diverging interests and priorities. Discuss. Do you think the Global Security Initiative will supersede QUAD in the region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4937,"topper":"Nazish Umar Ansari","air":311,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/230/mt23rcapa011_tc704-test-02-gs-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4938,"topper":"Nazish Umar Ansari","air":311,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/748520c30390b56bbbd3f8693a3b3ea3/1/mt23rcapa011_tc708-test-06-gs-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4939,"topper":"Nazish Umar Ansari","air":311,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/748520c30390b56bbbd3f8693a3b3ea3/24/mt23rcapa011_tc705-test-03-gs3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4940,"topper":"Nazish Umar Ansari","air":311,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/79/mt23rcapa011_tc705-test-03-gs3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4941,"topper":"Nazish Umar Ansari","air":311,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/748520c30390b56bbbd3f8693a3b3ea3/21/mt23rcapa011_tc709-test-07-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4942,"topper":"Nazish Umar Ansari","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/748520c30390b56bbbd3f8693a3b3ea3/18/mt23rcapa011_tc710-test-08-gs-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Public service takes place in a bureaucratic structure with clear lines of authority, value standardization, and accountability mechanisms. Working within such a structure, what do you think are the influences that impact the public servant's ethical decision-making? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What do you understand by the terms 'ethics' and 'integrity'? Do you think they are interrelated? Explain with examples the relationship between ethics and integrity in the context of public administration. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What do you understand by the terms ethical behavior' and 'emotionally intelligent behavior'? Identify the relevant emotional intelligence components that act as a reliable guide to ethical behavior. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"To achieve a good life, duty is not sufficient; one needs to develop one's sympathetic feelings for others, and neither duty alone nor good will alone are sufficient to be moral.\" Do you agree with the above statement? Justify your position. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Developing a Scientific temper, innovative mindset, and civic-conscious citizens are major objectives of higher educational institutions. Can higher educational institutions be instrumental in promoting integrity education among youth to establish a public culture of integrity and a corruption-free political culture? If yes, how? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"\"While competence without compassion can be brutal and inhumane; similarly, compassion without competence can be meaningless for persons seeking help.\" Explain the above with the help of a suitable illustration in the context of public services. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Does the suffering of individuals in one part of the world generate moral demands of assistance on those foreigners who live far away from them? Are these moral demands of assistance justified? Can governments be held morally responsible for failing to help the international community in times of deprivation? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Civil Services ethics has everything to do with management. It is as much a Departmental as a personal issue. Leaders who fail to create systems that facilitate ethical conduct are equally to blame as much as those who indulge in ethical misconduct. Do you think the Departmental culture leads to ethical misconduct or is the individual with weak willpower culpable? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"You are posted as a District Development officer in a district with a low literacy rate and poor health indicators. As you took charge, your Health Secretary had given express instructions that your priority is to improve health indicators by enhancing the delivery of healthcare services. After taking over, you traveled around the district to study and identify ways of improving healthcare services. During your field trip, you discovered that the issue was not the accessibility of services; it was something else. You found the problem was the myths, misconceptions, and malpractices that hindered the uptake of health care services. For instance, people believed that vaccines caused impotence, immunization was equivalent to birth control, using antenatal care was counterproductive to the health of the mother and baby, and so on. You realize that these beliefs were the behavioral barriers that stood in the way of health and nutrition services. And these behavioral barriers made it difficult for front-line workers to reach out. You discussed your observations with the Health Secretary, and he advised you to seek inputs from the neighboring district DDO who was doing some good work. When you met with the neighboring DDO, you learned he was experimenting with using the Faith leader's influence and reach to persuade people. You were unsure about roping in faith leaders to help you overcome the behavioral barriers. As a civil servant, you felt it would be a mistake to involve faith leaders in health service schemes. When you shared your apprehensions with the Secretary, he firmly instructed you to try and innovate. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) What are the advantages and disadvantages of using Faith leaders as influencers and persuaders?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"If not faith leaders, what are your other options for breaking the behavioral barriers? (d) Do you think it is ethically right for a civil servant to involve faith leaders in promoting government schemes? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"You are the Head of an Agency, a special purpose vehicle, responsible for overseeing the last-mile delivery of essential services and sorting out bottlenecks and grievances of the citizens within your jurisdiction. The essential services included Maternal and infant health care, nutritional support to BPL families, drinking water availability, etc. Your agency employed a staff of 15 to carry out regular official operations and handle grievances. Since the agency dealt with complaints, there was an enormous amount of public dealing daily. Sometimes the agency officials had to work beyond office hours to finish the regular office work as public dealings took away most of the office hours. The employees were unhappy doing the extra bit as they were not paid any overtime. A few of them informally raised the issue with you, but you were helpless as the agency rules didn't allow any travel or overtime allowances. You tried taking up the matter with HQ but to no avail. The work stress gradually started showing up among the staff, they became irritable with the complainants, and at times they shouted at them. Besides rudeness, the staff's language became abusive, derogatory, and sometimes casteist. You could notice that there were 4 of them in particular who were getting very abusive and discriminatory while handling grievances. As the Head, you warned them, but there was no marked change in their work attitude. To compound your problem, some of the villagers, through their Sarpanch, raised the issue of rude, disrespectful, and discriminatory behavior with your HQ. The HQ immediately instructed you to take action and create a respectful and dignified workspace. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) What are the action options available to you? (c) Examine each of the options and identify your chosen course of action (d) What do you understand by dignity? Distinguish between human and social dignity? Identify the common dignity violations that one notices in government departments. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"As you started the inquiry, you realized Ajay was closely involved with the Minister and his deals. As evidence started piling up, you were shocked to notice Ajay's questionable decisions favoring the Minister and friends. Further, you found evidence of Ajay having assets disproportionately much higher than his declared sources of income. When you shared the details with the Secretary, he immediately ordered you to search Ajay's office and home as he believed Ajay was the medium through which they could catch the Minister for shady land deals. You were in a bind as you knew a search operation would tarnish Ajay's reputation and be traumatic for the family. (a) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas involved in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you? (c) Select your chosen course of action after analyzing the options. (d) What must be your moral motivation in the above case? Should it be duty, care, or consequences? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"What do you think principle-oriented and rule-abiding police personnel must do in the above case? Why? Justify","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"What do you think must assume priority in civil service, loyalty to the department, or being impartial and non-partisan in your decisions and service values?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4943,"topper":"Nazish Umar Ansari","air":311,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/748520c30390b56bbbd3f8693a3b3ea3/22/mt23rcapa011_tc706-test-04-gs4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4944,"topper":"Nazish Umar Ansari","air":311,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/87/mt23rcapa011_tc706-test-04-gs4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4945,"topper":"Nazish Umar Ansari","air":311,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/98/mt23rcapa011_tc710-test-08-gs-4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4946,"topper":"Nazish Umar Ansari","air":311,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Nazish-Umar-Ansari-UPSC-IAS-2023-Toppers-AIR-311-Sample-MGP-Ethics-Copy.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4947,"topper":"Nazish Umar Ansari","air":311,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/83/mt23rcapa011_tc703-test-01-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4948,"topper":"Nazish Umar Ansari","air":311,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/92/mt23rcapa011_tc709-test-07-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4949,"topper":"Nazish Umar Ansari","air":311,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Nazish-Umar-Ansari-UPSC-IAS-2023-Toppers-AIR-311-Sample-MGP-GS-Copy.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4950,"topper":"Nazish Umar Ansari","air":311,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Nazish-Umar-Ansari-UPSC-IAS-2023-Toppers-AIR-311-Sample-MGP-GS-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4951,"topper":"Neeharika Tomar","air":161,"year":2020,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1NOXg8zXGgnJpF6d4UPCXtZAu411wtktn","questions":[]},{"id":4952,"topper":"Neelesh Goyal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/essay-test-3-neelesh-goyal-1745488855091.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"In this essay we will explore the meaning of procrastination. How is it similar to loan? Why one should avoid procrastination? What are the reasons people procrastinate? And how to get rid of it?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"What are the reasons that people procrastinate?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4953,"topper":"Neelesh Goyal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/7/neelesh-goyal-test-12-1753347922354.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Besides being public servants, they are also citizens and have personal lives. At times, there is an inherent tension among the roles. How can a public servant effectively navigate the intrinsic tension between personal interests and official duties and between private inclinations and public obligations? Explain (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"\"Ideas are the cornerstone of a strong public service framework globally.\" In the context of this statement, discuss the ideas of a philosopher whose ideas you believe are most pertinent to the civil services in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"\"The challenge of power lies in its responsible application rather than its irresponsible and indulgent use — specifically, how to motivate those in power to serve the public rather than exploit it.\" Analyse the relationship between power and public service. Do you believe that the concept of power conflicts with the ideal of service, or do they complement each other? Substantiate your viewpoint. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Human values emphasise the humane aspects of public servants, whereas public service values focus on the transparency and effectiveness of service delivery. Do you think these value systems conflict with or complement each other? Justify your perspective with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"When good individuals in any society become complacent and cease their vigilance and struggle, malevolent forces prevail.\" Discuss the role and significance of civil society in curbing corruption and official misconduct. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Do you agree with feminist ethicists that women are \"more emotional\" and prioritise relationships over rules, reflecting different yet equally valuable ethical perspectives? Justify your viewpoints with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Ideally, ethics and law should be harmonious in the context of administration, yet conflicts between them can arise. How should an administrator handle conflicts between legal directives and ethical considerations, particularly when directives are illegal and laws are unjust? Discuss (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Critically evaluate the role of family and educational institutions in shaping ethical values among civil servants. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How can civil servants cultivate a positive attitude towards the weaker sections of society? Suggest some implementable and practical steps. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Business ethicists believe that external and internal regulations are insufficient for curtailing or preventing corporate malpractices; they strongly advocate the presence of whistleblowing mechanisms as a check against corporate misgovernance. Do you think corporate governance is incomplete without whistleblowing? Why/Why not? Explain (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss the relevance of the following quotes to the present times. (a) \"Moral actions belong to the jurisdiction of the outward and inward court, both civil and domestic governor; I mean both the magistrate and conscience.\" Locke (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"Good people do not need laws to tell them to act responsibly, while bad people will find a way around the laws.\" Plato (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"\"A sense of duty is useful in work, but offensive in personal relations.\" Russell (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"As the Head of Safety, the conclusions of your report carry significant consequences. Firstly, if the driver is deemed culpable due to his intoxication, his family may lose a substantial amount of post-death benefits because he was under the influence while on duty. Secondly, if you conceal the driver's intoxication and attribute the incident solely to poor maintenance, the maintenance crew would face job termination. This situation required extensive introspection before finalizing the report. (a) Identify the ethical issues and dilemmas in the above case. (b) What are the options available to you in the above case? (c) What do you think is more ethical to focus on the personal responsibility of the driver, who was intoxicated, or on the broader systemic issue of maintenance failures? Justify your answer with relevant ethical theories. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What are the options available to you in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"Considering the persistent nature of the RTI activist and the public's right to information, how should you navigate the tension between national security concerns and the principles of transparency and accountability? Explain (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Upon inquiring with the NGO staff, they clarified that the videos being viewed were educational, and they were monitoring the trainees' browsing behaviour through backend systems to ensure appropriate usage. The NGO staff also pointed out that some village men felt excluded from the process and were attempting to dissuade the women from participating in the training sessions. As a BDO, you recognize the scheme's importance and potential benefits for the women in the villages. However, you are also aware that if the men's underlying mindset issues are not addressed promptly, the entire skill development effort could be undermined. As a committed public servant, you were determined to take some preventive action as you noticed tensions brewing among the men. (a) What the issues that you notice in the above case? (b) What are actionable options available to you? (c) Considering the feedback from the NGO staff about village men feeling left out and attempting to dissuade women from attending training sessions, what strategies would you implement to ensure their inclusion and support for the program? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"In a critical meeting, the state Chief Secretary, Mr. Vikram Patel, emphasized the urgency of advancing the project and held Ms. Rao accountable for the delays, lack of progress, and overall non-performance. Ms. Rao left the meeting disappointed and felt holding her accountable for delay was unfair as there were others also involved in the project. (a) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas involved in the above case? (b) What are the options available to Ms. Rao? (c) What course of action would you suggest for Ms. Rao? Why? (d) Do you think holding Ms. Rao accountable for the delays was justified? Why/Why not? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":4954,"topper":"Neelesh Goyal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/7/neelesh-goyal-test-10-1753347891402.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Highlighting the factors contributing to high fiscal deficit in India, discuss the potential consequences of such deficit and suggest measures to ensure fiscal consolidation. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"India's aspiration to be a developed nation by 2047 hinges on significant capital investment. In light of this, discuss the potential of capital investment in achieving this vision. What are the challenges India faces in this regard? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"\"With growing urbanization, peri-urban agriculture is emerging as a significant contributor to fresh farm produce needs\". In this context, discuss the opportunities and challenges associated with promoting peri-urban agriculture in a sustainable manner. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"What are the major challenges faced by India's agriculture sector to achieve self-sufficiency in pulses and vegetable oils? Suggest measures to address these challenges. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Evaluate the potential of biomanufacturing and bio-foundry in driving India's future towards a sustainable green economy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What are the principles behind the working of Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV)? Explain the significance and potential benefits of use of RLVs in India's space commerce. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Examine the key features of the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) 2023. Analyze its potential for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"In light of the increased intensity, frequency and duration of heat waves in the last decade, do you think the time has come to include \"heat waves\" as a notified disaster under the Disaster Management Act, 2005? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Recently formulated 'joint doctrine for cyberspace operations' by Indian armed forces will lead to strengthening of the cyber-security posture for both conventional operations as well as gray zone warfare. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss the necessity and potential issues surrounding the extension of the Border Security Force's (BSF) territorial jurisdiction in states adjacent to Pakistan and Bangladesh. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"India's economic growth story is often overshadowed by the persistent challenges of unemployment. Analyze the concept of structural unemployment and discuss its relevance in the context of India's current economic situation. Suggest policy measures to promote inclusive job growth. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"Discuss the role of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in fostering regional growth in India. How can MSMEs contribute to achieving industrial diversification and technological advancement? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"\"The sole point of MSP is to protect farmers from sudden price shock\". Do you think legalization of MSP can insure farmers from sudden price shocks? What are the other measures which can be taken to make MSP-led procurement effective? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Discuss the role of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) in the Public Distribution System (PDS) to ensure food security in India. Suggest necessary reforms in the functioning of FCI to enhance its efficiency and effectiveness. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Discuss the role of nanotechnology on enhancing agricultural productivity and food security in India. Highlight recent developments and potential benefits and risks of use of nano-fertilizers and nano-pesticides. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"The Nobel Prize in Physics of 2023 was jointly awarded to Ekimov, Brus and Bawendi for the discovery of synthesis of quantum dots. In this context, discuss the applications of quantum dots. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Evaluate the role of protected areas in biodiversity conservation in India. How effective have national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves been in preserving India's biodiversity? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"What the causes of high levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and ozone pollution in India. How effective are the various steps taken by the government to mitigate particulate matter and ozone pollution? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) Report 2023 highlights a growing menace of drug trafficking in South Asia, with India being a major hub. Analyze the various dimensions of this challenge with respect to India. Also suggest a multi-pronged approach to address it. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"India's response to left wing extremism needs to integrate soft approaches like socio-economic policies and dialogue along with hard security measures to address the root causes of Naxalism. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4955,"topper":"Neelesh Goyal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/7/neelesh-goyal-test-11-1753347902580.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Highlighting the elements of urbanization discuss how agriculture played a pivotal role in the enduring success and longevity of the Harapan Civilization. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"The Quit India Movement marked the awakening of the nation's soul and brought diverse sections together in a unified vision of Independence. Discuss (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Analyze the impact of World War II in accelerating the process of decolonization in Asia and Africa. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss the various types of sedimentary rocks and their formation processes. What is the economic significance of sedimentary rocks? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What are the characteristics of anticyclonic circulations, and how do they influence weather patterns over the Indian subcontinent? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What is coral bleaching, and what are its main causes? Also, evaluate the role of marine protected areas (MPAs) in the conservation of coral reefs. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Discuss the role of economic corridors in fostering regional economic integration and development. How do projects like the Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor (CBIC) align with India's broader economic growth strategies? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What is gender fluid identity, and what are the LGBTQ community's ongoing challenges to full societal inclusion and equal treatment? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How does the interplay between regional and national identities fuel the emergence of regionalistic sentiments? How can we balance regional identities with broader national identity? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"How do various cultural practices and traditions contribute to the idea of \"Unity in Diversity\"? Provide examples to support your argument. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What is the significance of Stupa art in the context of Buddhist architecture and culture? Discuss its various elements and symbolism and their role in coveying Buddhist beliefs. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"\"The dual struggle against entrenched social customs and colonial dominance was a prominent feature of socio-religious reform movements in 19th century India.\" How did the socio-religious reform movements of 19th century India respond to colonial cultural and ideological hegemony? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"How did the British policies contribute to the de-industrialization of India, and how did this process affect the lives of Indian artisans and the broader economy? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"What are the factors that lead to the formation of local winds? Discuss their impact on the weather and climate in various regions, providing relevant examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"What are the primary drivers of freshwater scarcity in megacities like Bangalore and Hyderabad? Suggest comprehensive solutions that address both supply and demand aspects of urban water management. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"What is the Blue Revolution? What are the significant hurdles in aquaculture development, and what comprehensive strategies can be implemented to address them? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"What are the key factors influencing the establishment of large-scale solar farms in India, and what are their environmental and social impacts? How can India balance the expansion of solar energy with the need to protect biodiversity and local ecosystems? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"In what ways do social media platforms perpetuate and challenge social inequalities and power structures? Provide a critical analysis. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Give a comparative analysis of the tribal and mainstream societies. Is tribal society more progressive than mainstream society? Argue with examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"In what ways does poverty intersect with other social problems like caste, social stratification, and gender inequality? What comprehensive strategies do you suggest to address these interrelated issues? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4956,"topper":"Neelesh Goyal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/7/neelesh-goyal-test-8-1753347865401.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Examine the role of numismatic evidence in understanding the political and economic history of ancient India. Provide specific examples.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":4,"question":"Assess the impact of women's organizations in mobilizing women across diverse socio-economic and regional backgrounds in pre-independence India.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":6,"question":"How did the policy of non-alignment reflect the aspirations of India and other newly independent nations to maintain their sovereignty and resist colonial pressures?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss the processes involved in volcanism. Highlight the major volcanic regions in the world and their associated tectonic settings.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":10,"question":"Explain the geological features and ecological importance of the Eastern Ghats.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Earlier known as coarse cereals the government rebranded millets in 2018 as nutri-cereals. In this context discuss the ecological and nutritional significance of millets","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":14,"question":"What are the potential consequences of Arctic ice melt on biodiversity and ecosystems? How might these changes impact global ecological balance","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Do you think the Uniform Civil Code contradicts the idea of religious pluralism and cultural differences in Indian society?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the concept of healthy active ageing in the context of demographic shifts in India. How does it contribute to social inclusion?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":20,"question":"How is the transition from 'conscious consumption' to 'compulsive consumption' impacting family structure and dynamics in urban areas?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss with examples the key features of Vijayanagara architecture. How did Indo-Islamic elements manifest in their structures?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Compare and contrast the features of ancient Indian universities like Nalanda and Takshashila with modern state-funded universities in India. What lessons can modern universities learn from ancient ones to improve their effectiveness?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":28,"question":"Analyze the ideological differences and similarities between the revolutionary movement(1920-1930s) and the Gandhian non-violent struggle. How did these two ideologies influence each other?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":31,"question":"What are the various types of glacial landforms formed in the Indian Himalayas. How do these features impact local ecosystems and human activities?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Discuss the unique geographical features of the Indian Ocean and their impact on global oceanic circulation patterns. How do these features influence the climate of the Indian subcontinent?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":37,"question":"Urban heat islands (UHIs) have become a significant phenomenon in Indian cities, exacerbating the frequency and intensity of heat waves. Analyze the underlying factors contributing to this phenomenon and critically assess the existing mitigation strategies.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":40,"question":"Evaluate the primary factors contributing to regional disparities in the sugar industry between North India and Peninsular India. What measures can be undertaken to reduce the surplus sugar production?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":43,"question":"'Social mobility is essential for achieving true equality within society'. In this context highlight the barriers to intergenerational mobility in Indian society, and examine the role of education on social mobility.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":46,"question":"Analyze the influence of globalization on migration patterns in India. What are the economic and social implications of increased internal and international migration?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Discuss how gender-based violence in India is a manifestation of patriarchal values. To what extent has modernisation in law served as an instrument of women's empowerment in this regard?","marks":"15","words":null}]},{"id":4957,"topper":"Neelesh Goyal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/7/neelesh-goyal-test-4-1753347813586.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"A. \"It is wrong to assume that ethical decisions are, can or should be purely rational and principled. Human feelings are an inseparable part of our ethical life.\" In what way do feelings impact our ethical decisions? Illustrate with examples. (150 words, 10 marks) B. What do you understand by ethics management? Can public officials manage ethics in the work place in a manner similar to managing budgets, policies and people? Do you think adopting codes of ethics and conduct is sufficient enough for managing ethics in the workplace or something more is needed? Discuss. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"A. While traditional ethics has focussed on notions of justice, fair allocation and obligations, ethics of care emphasise maintaining connectedness and promoting care. Which of the above two ethical perspectives is more suitable for guiding ethical decision making in the context of public services. Explain your position with suitable examples. (150 words, 10 marks) B. What does the term \"quality\" mean in service delivery. What are the components of service quality and indicate ways and means for ensuring total quality in terms of efficiency, economy and effectiveness? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"A. In the context of public service, what does public service attitude mean? Discuss the attitude biases that affects a public servants on field decision making? Explain how a public servant can overcome such attitude biases? (150 words, 10 marks) B. \"I am a Moslem; I am a Hindu; I am a Christian; I am a Jew.\" Mahatma Gandhi. What did Mahatma Gandhi mean by the above statement? Some philosophers have argued that religion is harmful to the moral life, whereas others have claimed that it is necessary to it. Explain your position on the relationship between religion and morality. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"A. \"There is only one responsibility of business, namely to use its resources and engage in activities designed to increase profits.\" Do you think corporations, by indulging in social responsibilities, are compromising their core resource utilisation and production responsibility by diverting resources into unproductive social endeavours? (150 words, 10 marks) B. Do you think values such as \"tyaga,\" (renunciation) \"seva,\" (service) \"daanam,\" (Charity) \"damah,\" (self-control) that are espoused in traditional Indian Wisdom have relevance for modern day public servants? Why? Why not? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"A. Explain the difference between conflict among interests and conflict among various sources of authority. Illustrate with relevant examples. (150 words, 10 marks) B. The domain of governance is ridden with uncertainties, ambiguities and paradoxes and this can at times lead to timidity and withdrawal among public administrators. Discuss the relevance of inner courage for overcoming and coping with ambiguities. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Given below are three quotations of philosophers. What do each of the quotations convey to you in the present context? A. \"To feel for others, and little for ourselves; to restrain our selfish, and exercise our benevolent affections, constitutes the perfection of human nature.\" Adam Smith (150 words, 10 marks) B. \"Virtue lies in our power, and so does vice; because where it is in our power to act, it is also in our power not to act.\" Aristotle (150 words, 10 marks) C. \"I know that I am intelligent, because I know that I know nothing.\" Socrates (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":34,"question":"Case Study 2: You are the District Collector of a rural district where traditional social customs and religious practices strongly influence daily life. Recently, a case has come to light involving a local temple and some of its religious rituals and places from which women have been excluded for a long time. Inspired by the growing national discourse on gender equality, a group of educated young women from the village has filed a petition for the right to participate in these religious rituals. They have argued that excluding women is discriminatory and a violation of their constitutional rights. However, the temple authorities and a large section of the local community strongly oppose this change, citing religious texts and long-standing customs. As the District Collector, you are faced with a complex ethical dilemma. Legally, you are bound to uphold the Constitution of India, which guarantees equality and prohibits gender-based discrimination. However, enforcing this law could lead to significant unrest in the community, where traditional customs and religious beliefs are deeply entrenched. And you know that the district has a history of unrest over religious issues, and local politicians had no objection to inciting unrest for political gain. The ethical argument for gender equality clashes with the religious sentiments of the community. The temple authorities believe that the rituals 1. What are the administrative and ethical issues involved in the above situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Discuss the merits and demerits of each option and explain your chosen course of action along with reasons. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"What are the ethical issues involved in this case?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4958,"topper":"Neelesh Goyal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/7/neelesh-goyal-test-6-1753347841405.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"\"Parliament is a creature of the constitution, not its master\". Highlighting relevant case laws discuss how judicial intervention has shaped the balance between the Constitution and parliamentary sovereignty. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"How do the citizenship laws and policies of India and the United States differ within their constitutional frameworks? Comment on the ongoing debate on citizenship laws and policies in India and the US. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"\"The right to internet access is integral to the realization and exercise of other fundamental rights in India.\" In this context examine how the recognition of internet access as a fundamental right in India reconciles with the state's authority to impose restrictions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"How did the 44th Constitutional Amendment impact the emergency provisions in the Indian Constitution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What are the powers and immunities of the Governor in relation to bills passed by the state legislature? Are these powers unlimited in nature? Discuss in light of relevant judgements. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Do you think that lateral entry can significantly enhance the effectiveness of the Indian bureaucracy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The demand for a caste census and the sub-categorization of castes reflects the failure of neoliberalism to address India's caste problem. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Despite significant advancements, women remain underrepresented in STEM fields. What are the barriers to women's participation in STEM, and what policy interventions can address these challenges to promote gender equity? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"'The expansion of BRICS signals a shift towards a more multipolar world order.' Discuss how this expanded grouping presents India with opportunities to enhance its global leadership while introducing certain challenges. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Strategically located ports are vital assets in regional and economic integration. In this context discuss the significance of ports like Chabahar and Sittwe in India's strategy to enhance connectivity and their contribution to India's geopolitical objectives. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"How does mediation differ from arbitration? In light of the recent enactment of the Mediation Act, of 2023, assess its potential to address the backlog of litigations in Indian courts and foster a culture of voluntary mediation, especially among private players and public-sector undertakings. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"The federal character of a nation comprising elective bodies at different levels is best secured through a bicameral legislature. In this context, discuss how a bicameral legislature supports federalism in India. What additional measures can be taken to strengthen the federal structure and ensure effective representation of states in national governance? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"An Independent Parliamentary Secretariat is the backbone of a robust democracy, ensuring non-partisan support to Parliament in carrying out its core functions. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Given the significant role of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in local governance, assess the challenges and opportunities in strengthening their financial autonomy. How can reforms in PRI financing contribute to more effective grassroots governance in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Despite the absence of a constitutional mandate, the National Commission for Women(NCW) has had a significant impact in influencing legal reforms and securing gender justice in India. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"In post-liberalized India, independent regulators were established to ensure fair competition and transparency. To what extent have independent regulators been effective in their mandates and discuss the impact of government influence on their autonomy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"How does the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023 aim to reshape the patriarchal dynamics of Indian politics? Do you think it might encounter similar limitations as those seen in local self-government institutions? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Hunger is both a cause and a consequence of poverty, and addressing it requires a multidimensional approach. Analyze the effectiveness of a multidimensional approach with examples from key government initiatives. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"The African Union's inclusion in the G-20 marks a significant step towards strengthening South-South cooperation.' Discuss the importance of this development for India and its implications for India's relations with Africa. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"What are the key challenges associated with the IMF and World Bank in addressing the needs of developing countries? Also, assess the need for reforms in Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) to address the evolving global challenges. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4959,"topper":"Neelesh Goyal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/7/neelesh-goyal-test-7-1753347854306.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"How do household savings contribute to the growth of the Indian economy? Do you think that the recent fall in household savings rate marks a rise in indebtedness and distress among Indian households? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"India's FDI sector is seeing a significant downward trend. What factors are causing apprehensions among the foreign investors to invest in India? Suggest some corrective measures that must be taken by the Government to reverse the falling trend. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"How do farm subsidies impact crop diversity, cropping patterns and agricultural sustainability in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"While discussing the principles of \"precision agriculture\", elaborate on the uses of \"Internet of Things\" in precision agriculture. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What are Small Modular Nuclear Reactors (SMRs)? Why are SMRs considered a safer alternative to conventional Nuclear Power Plants? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What factors have contributed to the sudden rise in the incidences of zoonotic diseases across the globe? Highlight the recent examples of pandemics caused by zoonotic pathogens. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Discuss the major challenges of crowd control in large socio-religious gatherings and congregations in India. In the light of NDMA's \"Suggestive Framework for Preparation of Crowd Management Plan for Events Venues of Mass Gathering\", suggest measures to prevent stampede incidents. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"'The UN High Seas Treaty is comparable to the 2015 Paris Agreement's importance and significance'. In the context of this, discuss the importance of the UN High Seas Treaty for the conservation of marine biodiversity and fair and equitable resource-sharing. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What are the new cyber threats posed by the illicit use of Generative AI? In the light of recently signed Bletchley Declaration, how can India beef up its cybersecurity structure against threats raised by AI? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"India's border security is under severe pressure due to the rising political crisis in neighbouring countries. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"A person without skill is not an asset but a liability on the nation's growth\". How infusion of relevant skills contribute to the demographic dividend of India? What recent initiatives have been undertaken by the Government to reduce the skill gap among young Indians? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"The Indian aviation sector has immense potential to become the primary mode of transportation in the country. What are the factors propelling growth in India's aviation sector? Highlight the challenges that the sector faces and suggest measures for improvement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Farmer Producers' Organizations (FPOs) are engines of agri-innovation. In this context, discuss the role of FPOs in addressing the issue of fragmentation and lack of modernization in agriculture. Highlight the initiatives the Government took to promote the participation of FPOs in agriculture. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Despite being one of the strongest growth engines of the Indian economy, there are certain upstream and downstream issues ailing the growth of food processing industries in India. Discuss. Suggest measures to strengthen the overall growth of food processing industries in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"How was India benefitted from the contributions of Dr M.S. Swaminathan and Dr C.R. Rao in the fields of agricultural science and statistics respectively? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"How is Artificial Intelligence (AI) challenging the overall intellectual property paradigm? How can AI be balanced with intellectual property to foster innovation and incentivize creations and inventions? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Highlighting the significance of \"Western Ghats\" in preserving and conserving the biodiversity of India, discuss the threats faced by this fragile and ecologically sensitive Region. Elaborate on the measures taken by the Government of India to protect the Western Ghats ecosystem. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Describe the major outcomes of the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the features of the Green Credit Initiative launched by India on the sidelines of COP-28? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"How shell companies has contributed to the menace of money laundering in India? Do you think recent amendments to the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2005 will help address the problem of the transactional nature of clients with such shell companies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Discuss how the crime-insurgency nexus has contributed to the rise in ethnic conflicts and insurgencies in North-East India. What institutional measures can be undertaken to address this challenge? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4960,"topper":"Neelesh Goyal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/7/neelesh-goyal-test-5-1753347828380.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Comment on the important changes with respect to the Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG) and Securities Transaction Tax (STT) in the Union Budget 2024-25. Evaluate the impact of such changes on India's savings and investment regime. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"India's welfare scheme has undergone a shift from an input-based approach to outcome-based empowerment with the maxim of \"no person left behind\". In light of the above statement, discuss how this change in the approach of the government has fostered inclusive growth. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"The rainfed nature of India's agriculture makes it more susceptible to climate change. Highlight the importance of quality irrigation in the climate-adaptability of agriculture. What measures can be undertaken to improve the overall efficiency of the available irrigation practices in India? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Considering the importance of livestock in Indian agriculture, analyze how investment in animal husbandry can help in incentivizing Indian agriculture. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The discovery of Indian Laurel Trees in Andhra Pradesh has sparked the interest of scientists in the capacity of trees to store and release water. In this context, explain the science behind the process of water transportation and storage in trees. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The recently conducted global Summit on Responsible Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain (REAIM, 2023) showcased the opportunities, challenges and risks associated with the use of Artificial Intelligence in military applications. In this context, critically analyse the impact of Artificial Intelligence in defence and military applications. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The Public Accounts Committee has recently flagged concerns about the rising menace of plastic pollution. In this context, highlight the recent initiatives taken by the Government to curb plastic pollution. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Landslides have become more of a human-induced phenomenon rather than a natural phenomenon. Highlighting the reasons for increasing incidences of landslides, suggest measures that can be undertaken to mitigate the disaster. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The threats to national security have gradually transformed from being \"geographic\" to being \"thematic\". In this context, what are the contemporary challenges of internal security and what measures can be undertaken to deal with such challenges? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Evaluate the role of enhanced border surveillance technologies in bolstering India's border security framework and addressing cross-border threats. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"While startups in India have achieved notable success in fostering entrepreneurship and innovation in the economy, there are certain structural issues challenging the sustainability of startups in India. Elucidate upon these challenges faced by startups and recommend practical solutions to the problems. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"Critically evaluate the effectiveness of public-private partnerships in the modernization of railway infrastructure in India. Considering safety as one of the major challenges for railways, what measures can be taken to improve the overall safety parameters of Indian Railways? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"\"Farming becomes remunerative if the produce reaches our plates in time\". In this context, highlight the upstream and downstream issues faced by the agriculture marketing and transport sector in India. What initiatives can be undertaken to improve the overall efficiency of the sector? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"India's agriculture export-import policies are tilted more towards the consumers rather than the farmers. In light of the given statement, critically analyze the impact of import and export policies on farmers. What measures can be undertaken to shield farmers from import-export price shocks? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"India's advancement in medical science is reflected in India's success in using CAR-T cell therapy to treat the first cancer patient. Discuss the working and effectiveness of CAR-T cell therapy in treating cancer and related diseases. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"What is the main objective of India's Gaganyaan Mission and Bharatiya Antariksha Station? Which other countries have successfully launched their manned missions into space? What major technologies are required for the successful execution of the Gaganyaan Mission and related Bharatiya Antariksha Station? Also, elucidates the challenges associated with these missions. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"\"India's offshore wind energy has high potential but remains low on implementation\". Discuss the challenges impeding the harnessing of offshore wind energy and suggest possible solutions. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"In addition to being the centres of growth, urban areas are also centres of accumulating disaster risks. Why is disaster management particularly complex in mega-urban cities? What measures can be undertaken to address the problems of disaster management and risk reduction in urban areas? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Discuss the threats posed by social media and networking sites to the internal security of India. How do the fact-check units (FCUs) under Information and Technology Rules, 2021 help in controlling the overall menace of the spread of fake news on social media? What are the concerns of press broadcasters and digital media participants about the Government establishing fact-check units? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"By highlighting the role of Violent Non-State Actors (VNSAs) in inflicting violence in Kashmir valley, discuss how \"OPERATION SADBHAVNA\" by armed forces can tackle the VNSA-OGW (Over Ground Workers) nexus by addressing the aspirations of local youth. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4961,"topper":"Neelesh Goyal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/7/neelesh-goyal-test-1-1753347764431.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Federal governance is characterised by institutionalised arrangements for solving problems generated by pluralism based on consultation and mutual consent. How have Zonal Councils evolved from merely advisory bodies to proactive platforms for action? (Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Secularism under the Indian constitution is encapsulated in the broader concept of constitutional commitment to equality. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"\"There is a need to shift the focus of Section 8 of the Representation of People Act, 1951 from the duration of the sentence to the gravity of the offence.' Comment on how the current classification under Section 8 leads to arbitrary categorisation of offences. Also, mention the remedies available to a person disqualified under this section. (Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"What is the significance of the Leader of Opposition in the Indian parliamentary system? How does the role of the opposition contribute to the checks and balances in a democracy? (Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"The core ideals of the Preamble - sovereignty, socialism, secularism, and democracy - form the bedrock of India's constitutional framework.\" Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Assess the implications of the 103rd Constitutional Amendment, which introduced a ten per cent reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), on the principle of social justice in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The focus of welfare schemes in India is shifting from \"well-being\" towards \"over-dependency\". In light of this, do you agree that welfare schemes have inculcated a \"freebies culture\" in India leading to a divergence of focus from poverty and hunger alleviation? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"E-governance is not just about efficiency; it's about making governance accessible and inclusive for every citizen. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"With the advent of new regional and multilateral agreements like QUAD, AUKUS, I2U2 etc the old world order represented by organizations like NAM, Davos, and G77 is losing its relevance. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The island states and territories from the South Pacific to the African coast have become new nodes in India's changing strategic geography. In this context, highlight the importance of these island states for India and also throw light upon the initiatives taken by India to strengthen ties with these states. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Electoral funding in India is fraught with the double whammy of legal loopholes and political inefficiencies. In this context, discuss the challenges to electoral funding. What lessons can India draw from global best practices in this regard? (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"Pressure groups form the social foundation of a democracy. In this context, discuss pressure groups' key contributions in promoting social security measures for workers in India, and how they address the gaps in existing policies. (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"The Constitution envisages the \"principle of federal supremacy\" in the executive space of Indian federal polity. Discuss while referring to the relevant Constitutional provisions and case laws. How are contentious issues regarding the distribution of powers resolved? (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Delimitation of seats is essential to ensure fair representation and uphold the principles of one vote, one value. Highlighting the challenges posed by misrepresentation in constituencies analyse the ramifications of population-based delimitation in creating federal tension. (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"To what extent can the PIL system be held responsible for shifting the focus of the higher Courts from \"constitutional matters\" to day-to-day matters? What role can the trial Courts play in reducing the overall burden on higher Courts? (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"India's higher education system needs significant reforms to align with global standards. How does the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 aim to address these challenges, and what lessons can India learn from international practices to enhance its higher education system? Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"The Right to Information (RTI) Act is hailed for its transformative impact on the quest for transparency and accountability in Indian governance. However, multifaceted challenges and systemic limitations impede its effective implementation. Discuss. Also, suggest measures for its effective implementation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Discuss the unique challenges and opportunities Self Help Groups (SHGs) encounter in urban areas compared to rural ones, and how can microfinance be adapted to tackle urban poverty. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Highlight the significance of the recently envisaged India-Middle East-Europe corridor for India's connectivity with the world, especially the West. Do you think, in recent times, India's connectivity with the world, especially the West. Do you think, in recent times, India's connectivity with the world, especially the West. Do you think, in recent times, India's foreign policy? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Despite the recent rise in politically contentious issues, the India-Canada bilateral relationship has remained committed to shared values of democracy, pluralism, expanding economic engagement and long-standing people-to-people ties. Highlighting the significant pillars of the India-Canada relationship, discuss the potential areas of cooperation and collaboration between India and Canada. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4962,"topper":"Neelesh Goyal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/7/neelesh-goyal-test-3-1753347802248.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"The rule of law and judicial review are interdependent, as one cannot truly exist without the other. In this context can judicial review be considered the most important aspect among those that constitute the basic structure of the Constitution? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"How does the power and authority of Delhi's lieutenant governor compare to that of the governors of other states, particularly in terms of acting on the aid and advice of the council of ministers? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Discuss the role of the judiciary in navigating the tension between the right to religion and constitutional morality in India in recent times. Refer to relevant case laws. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The principle of 'Separation of Powers' is a key feature of the American Constitution. In this context, compare how the Indian Constitution's functional separation of powers distinguishes itself from the US system. What are the advantages of a check and balance system over a rigid Separation of Powers? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution is more than a legal provision that empowers tribal regions with self-rule. How does the sixth schedule foster development while respecting their traditional governance systems and cultural practices? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How do partnerships between Civil Society Organizations and Government Entities contribute to India's development goals? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Discuss the importance of cultivating a culture of life-long learning among Indian civil servants. How has Mission Karmyogi contributed to this objective? Illustrate with examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Given India's strides in reducing extreme poverty, should the country consider redefining its poverty line to better reflect the current socio-economic realities? Discuss the potential benefits and challenges associated with redefinition of the poverty line. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Evaluate the impact of the deepening political divisions with the major Western States on global governance and international cooperation. How should India navigate these divisions to advance its national interests on the global stage? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"How does India's Arctic Policy align with its broader foreign policy objectives? Broadly discuss the collaborations and agreements India is involved in with the Arctic Council. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"In what ways are the terms of reference of the 16th Finance Commission different from that of the previous Finance Commissions? Despite increasingly progressive devolution by subsequent Finance Commissions, examine the factors that propel economic disparities across various States. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"Compare and contrast the powers and working of the Ethics Committee and the Privileges Committee in addressing cases of 'unethical' conduct and breach of privileges. How do these Committees complement each other in maintaining parliamentary discipline? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"In the context of persistent legislative dysfunction in India, analyze the evolving role of judicial activism in shaping public policy and governance. Using examples from landmark court cases, evaluate the effectiveness of judicial interventions in addressing governance gaps and safeguarding citizens' rights. (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"To what extent does the level of internal democracy within political parties impact the functioning and legitimacy of the Indian party system? What reforms can address the challenges of inadequate intraparty democracy in India? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"\"The NHRC must not only be a watchdog but also a beacon of hope for the marginalized and oppressed.\" In this context discuss the role and mandate of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in India. How does the current composition and functioning of the NHRC affect its independence and effectiveness? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"The persistent health equity challenges in India pose a critical barrier in achieving Universal Health Coverage. In this context discuss the role of the public and private sectors in ensuring adequate health access and outcomes across rural and urban areas.(250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals requires consideration of regional context and local situations. In light of this statement examine the role of Panchayats as catalysts for grassroot development and advancing sustainable development.(250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"What are the implications of the POCSO Act on the rights and welfare of children in India? Analyze the role of the POCSO Act in transforming India's legal framework for child protection. (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Examine the influence of human rights issues and democratic values on the diplomatic relationship between the U.S. and India. How have these concerns affected bilateral engagements and what can be done to mitigate tensions arising from these issues? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Examine the geopolitical challenges India faces in South Asia despite its global rise. How can India navigate these challenges to strengthen its regional leadership? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4963,"topper":"Neelesh Goyal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/7/neelesh-goyal-test-2-1753347791429.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Do you think it is ethically justified for political leaders to violate the deepest constraints of morality in order to achieve great goods or avoid disasters for their communities? Justify your position with suitable examples (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"\"There is growing evidence that when it comes to moral judgment, human beings appear to be best characterised not as intuitive Deontologists or Consequentialists but as intuitive virtue theorists.\" Critically analyse the statement. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"While formal codes of conduct can sometimes be a useful guide, developing those traits of character that are particularly suited to the administrator's role is at the core of professional ethics. Identify five ethical attributes suitable for an administrator and explain how they can be developed. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"What do you understand by political responsibility, professional responsibility and personal responsibility? In situations of conflict among the three, what responsibility must the public servant prioritise and why? Illustrate with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"In the context of civil service, what do you understand by \"acts of conscience\"? Illustrate with an example. In your opinion, what can be the basis of acts of conscience? Explain (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Critically examine the role of educational institutions in shaping ethical decision-making skills in future civil servants. How effective are current educational paradigms in instilling ethical behaviour among the youth? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Examine the ethical challenges administrators face while employing persuasion and social influence techniques to promote social and health interventions in rural India. Illustrate with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Critically examine the impact of the Right to Information (RTI) on enhancing ethical accountability in public administration. How effective has RTI been in preventing bureaucratic corruption and improving service delivery? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the ethical implications of maintaining high-quality service delivery in public administration. How does probity in governance influence the efficiency and responsiveness of public services, particularly in addressing the needs of marginalised communities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Critically assess the role of regulatory frameworks in enforcing ethical standards in corporate governance. How can these frameworks be designed to encourage ethical behaviour without stifling innovation? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss what the following quotes mean to you. (a) \"It is not because men's desires are strong that they act ill; it is because their consciences are weak.\" J S Mill (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":40,"question":"This situation places you in a difficult position. As an Audit Officer, you must decide whether to prioritise strict adherence to rules or to consider the broader context and the potential benefits of the DM's actions. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) How should the Audit Officer balance the need for strict adherence to budgetary allocations with the DM's argument that the school's construction was in the community's best interest? Should the officer prioritise legal and procedural correctness over perceived public benefits? (c) What are the potential consequences of reporting the misallocation of funds? Should the Audit Officer consider the impact of such a report on the DM, the district, and future funding allocations when making the decision? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"You are a senior civil servant working as the Chief Development Officer (CDO) in a district where a major rural development initiative is underway. The project, aimed at improving infrastructure and providing essential services to marginalised communities, is a high-priority program for state and central governments. Your role involves overseeing the project's implementation, ensuring efficient use of public resources, and maintaining adherence to legal and procedural standards. As the project progresses, two senior authorities issue two conflicting directives, placing you in a tough situation. The Chief Secretary of the state government, who is your immediate superior, issues a directive instructing you to expedite the project to ensure its completion before the upcoming elections. The directive urges you to take all necessary measures to meet the deadline, including bypassing standard procurement procedures if needed. The underlying message is clear: the project's success is critical, and delays are unacceptable. Simultaneously, you receive a directive from the Central Government's Anti-Corruption Unit, which has been alerted to potential irregularities in the project's procurement process. This directive instructs you to halt the project and thoroughly audit all contracts awarded for procedural correctness. The directive emphasises the importance of maintaining transparency and accountability in public spending and warns against any shortcuts that could compromise the project's integrity. As the CDO, you are now caught between two conflicting directives, each with its own ethical and professional implications. (a) What ethical issues and dilemmas are involved in the above case? (b) What are the options available to the CDO? What must be the CDO's chosen course of action? (c) How should a civil servant prioritise between conflicting directives from different senior authorities? What ethical principles should guide this decision-making process? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"As the CDO, you are now caught between two conflicting directives, each with its own ethical and professional implications. (a) What ethical issues and dilemmas are involved in the above case? (b) What are the options available to the CDO? What must be the CDO's chosen course of action? (c) How should a civil servant prioritise between conflicting directives from different senior authorities? What ethical principles should guide this decision-making process? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"A prominent FMCG company recently launched a new line of eco-friendly products, including organic food items for children, positioning itself as a leader in sustainability. The products quickly gained popularity due to rising consumer interest in health and environmental consciousness. However, the company's environmental credentials come under scrutiny when a third-party non-profit organisation conducts laboratory tests on the products. The tests reveal significant discrepancies between the company's claims and the actual environmental impact of their production processes. The non-profit organisation publishes its findings, presenting substantial data to support the accusation of greenwashing. (a) What are the business ethics issues present in the above case? (b) What steps should regulatory bodies take to prevent conflicts of interest among their officials? How should conflicts of interest be managed when they are discovered after a decision has been made? (c) In situations where profitability and ethical responsibility appear to conflict, how should companies navigate these challenges? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":4964,"topper":"Neelesh Goyal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/7/neelesh-goyal-test-9-1753347879217.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"How does the integration of traditional Indian art and architecture in the New Parliament Building serve as a testament to India's cultural ethos? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Discuss the representation of women in Sangam literature. What does it reveal about the status and roles of women in ancient South Indian society? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"How did the Moderates' economic critique of British colonial policies contribute to the development of Indian nationalism and the broader independence movement? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"How does the geological structure of the Himalayas make the region particularly prone to landslides? Discuss the natural and human-induced factors involved. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What are the major ocean currents and their associated gyres in the world's oceans? Discuss the significance of ocean currents in shaping the Earth's climate and marine ecosystems. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How have variations in soil types across India contributed to regional disparities in agricultural practices and productivity? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How does island tourism affect the economy of India's islands like the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep? What challenges and opportunities exist to make this tourism sustainable? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How has the shift in the policy from population control to family welfare and women's empowerment impacted population growth in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What are the core principles of Indian secularism, and how have they been challenged in the context of Indian society? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"To what extent does the current primary education system in India address or reinforce social inequalities, and what strategies are needed to create a more inclusive educational environment? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Compare and contrast the Hoysala and Nagara styles of temple architecture. How do these differences reflect the cultural, religious, and regional influences of their time? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"How did Lord William Bentinck's policies in India influence the country's cultural and intellectual landscape? Discuss with reference to key reforms. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"With urban flooding becoming a recurrent challenge in Indian cities, analyze the underlying factors contributing to urban flooding in India. What comprehensive measures can be taken to mitigate its impact? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"As the 21st century shifts from battles over oil to competition for critical minerals, assess the potential of India's critical mineral resources in contributing to the global supply chain. What are the strategic implications of these resources for India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Explain the phenomenon of temperature inversion and its impact on weather patterns and microclimates in different regions. Also, discuss its implications for agriculture and human settlements. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Discuss the significance of the Ganga river system on the environment and Indian culture. What are the key challenges in cleaning and rejuvenating this vital river system? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Scientific pursuit in India has historically intersected with culture and religion, often blending scientific inquiry with religious practices. In this context, how do scientific advancements bridge the gap between traditional beliefs and modern thinking in addressing age-old taboos and superstitions? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Highlighting the challenges of social inequalities in the informal sector, discuss how the gig economy can resolve these issues and contribute to greater social empowerment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"What are the reasons behind the resurgence of new-age spiritualism led by religious influencers and spiritual leaders in Indian society? Evaluate the impact of this phenomenon on Indian society. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4965,"topper":"Neelesh Goyal","air":77,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vsukTnBy-0Xuu2u9Xe-8tXfqtjx3HUzN/view","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Comment on the following in about 150 words each: 10x5=50 (a) Modernity should be seen in the light of its historical context. Explain the origin & nature of modernity in Indian society. ( b ) “Sociology emerged in Europe and flourish ed to begin with on social . reformist to begin with on social reformist orientation in the U.S.A”. - comment. (c) Describe the changing equation of sociology with o","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":2,"question":"In what way ‘interpretative’ method is different from ‘positivist’ approach in the study of social phenomena? ( 20 marks)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":2,"question":"What makes Durkheim’s research on Suicide rate a positivist research. Clarify . ( 20 marks)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Examine the problems of maintaining objectivity and value neutrality in social science research? (20 marks)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Answer the following in about 150 words each: 10x5=50 (a) Describe the process of “operationalization of variable “with few examples. (b) While economics is about how people make choice, sociology is about they don’t have any choice to make. What do you understand by the given statement?","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":3,"question":"Explain the different types of non - probability sampling techniques. Bring out the conditions of their usage with appropriate examples. ( 20 marks)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the challenges involved in collecting data through Survey . ( 20 marks)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Is Sociology a Science? Give reasons for your answer. ( 20 marks)","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":4966,"topper":"Neepa Manocha","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c3c39-1253004_1820_neepa-manocha_rank-144.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by 'constitutionalism'? Highlight various ways in which the Indian Constitution underscores this principle. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Mention various initiatives taken for online delivery of judicial services in India. Also, discuss the challenges faced in their implementation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Illiteracy and poverty are hindrances in the formation of healthy public opinion on public policies. Discuss with suitable examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Why did Dr. B.R. Ambedkar see the CAG as \"probably the most important officer in the Constitution of India\"? Discuss the issues faced in the functioning of CAG. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Bring out the similarities and differences in the Bill of Rights in the Constitution of the United States and Fundamental Rights in the Constitution of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"There are various issues related to appointments in higher judiciary in India that need urgent attention. Discuss in context of the recent report by the Parliamentary Standing Committee for the Ministry of Law and Justice. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The Competition Commission of India (CCI) effectively reflects a shift from the era of Licence Raj to a conducive regulatory ambience for enhancing consumer welfare by encouraging competition in the market. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Enumerate the various kinds of writs in the Indian judicial framework and state the remedial significance of writs. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Giving the rationale behind the formation of a separate Ministry of Cooperation, discuss the ways to deepen Co-operatives as a true people centric movement in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Highlighting the key provisions of The Tribunals Reforms Bill, 2021, discuss whether it can help in addressing the issues pertaining to tribunals in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Asymmetry is not only an important characteristic of federalism in India, it has also helped in the accommodation of diverse demands inherent in our democracy. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4967,"topper":"Neepa Manocha","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d9d65-1253004_1824_neepa-manocha_rank-144.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"What is a cloudburst and what are its effects? Why are they more frequent in the Himalayan region? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Volcanic eruptions are widely considered to be agents of destruction but they also have certain positive impacts on the people and landscape. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"How does the interaction between oceans and the atmosphere stabilize and regulate the climatic variations over the earth? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Despite its potential, there are several challenges in the implementation of the Ken-Betwa Link Project. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"How are atolls formed? Discuss the threats faced by them due to anthropogenic factors. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Foaming in the beginning of winters in River Yamuna in and around Delhi has been in news. Identify the reasons behind this and discuss its larger impact. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain the process of formation of a tsunami. Also, mention the tsunami preparedness and mitigation efforts taken by the government. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the role of geospatial technologies in developing effective approaches for disaster risk reduction and disaster management. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the key challenges in implementation of school safety measures in India. How does the National Policy on Disaster Management (NPDM), 2009, seek to address these challenges? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Post drift theories based on ocean floor mapping provided new dimensions to the study of distribution of oceans and continents. Elaborate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Explain the phenomenon of heat waves. Also, enumerate conditions favourable for the development of heat waves in India and their associated health impacts. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Elaborate various factors that determine the nature of circulation of the oceanic currents. Also, highlight the major oceanic currents along with their unique features. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Despite both being polar regions, the environmental threats faced by the Arctic region are slightly accentuated as compared to Antarctica. Comment. Also, discuss the measures needed to protect the Arctic ecosystem. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Explaining the formation of the Great Northern Plains of India, describe its physiographic divisions and their important characteristics. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"In recent years, states of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh have witnessed an alarming increase in the rate of landslides. Discuss the reasons for this increase and suggest some remedial measures. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Haphazard growth and poor management make the Indian cities the locus of disasters, both large and small. Comment. Also, discuss the current gaps of disasters, both large and small. Comment. Also, discuss the current gaps 18. What are the reasons behind vulnerability of coastal areas to cyclones in India? In this context, critically discuss India's cyclone management framework. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the reasons behind vulnerability of coastal areas to cyclones in India? In this context, critically discuss India's cyclone management framework. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"To build greater disaster resilience amongst communities, it is important to avoid looking at disaster events in isolation and understand the interconnections between global disasters. Elaborate, with examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How does the Himalayan mountain range shape the climate of the Indian subcontinent? Also, discuss the impact of the warming of the Himalayas on the Indian subcontinent. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4968,"topper":"Neepa Manocha","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b0d17-1253004_1836_neepa-manocha_rank-144.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The PM-AASHA scheme is aimed at improving procurement mechanism as well as ensuring remunerative prices for farmers. In this context, highlight the various components of the scheme and discuss the concerns associated with it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Explaining the concept of blended finance, discuss the role it can play in mobilizing capital for infrastructure development in developing countries like India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss the challenges faced in the revival and revamp of dry ports in India and state the measures that can be adopted in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Monoculture is one of the major threats to ensuring food security and sustainability of Indian agriculture. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Aapda Mitra - a force of volunteers from across India trained in disaster response - is becoming a game changer in the field of disaster management in the country. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Why is the rise in lone wolf attacks considered as a serious challenge for security agencies around the world? Highlight the role of the internet in exacerbating such attacks. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The fundamental inefficiencies embedded in our military structures and processes are now being addressed through a slew of defence reforms in the country. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"In light of the recent establishment of the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in India, discuss the advantages and challenges in mainstreaming traditional medicine in the country. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Nano Urea Liquid has the potential to transform farming in India and across the world by improving productivity while reducing environmental pollution and input cost. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss the domino effect of high crude oil prices on the Indian economy. Also, enumerate the measures that India can take in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The consistent high operating ratio of the Indian Railways is indicative of its incapability to generate high operational surplus. Explain the reasons behind this trend. Also, highlight the remedial measures taken by the government in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Micro food processing sector is the key driver of growth in the Indian economy as it encourages food processing innovation. In this context, state the challenges faced by the micro food processing sector and discuss how the recent initiatives taken by the government aim to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Despite efforts by successive governments, equitable growth remains elusive and income inequality continues to persist in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Stating the factors that determine the employment situation of an economy in the long-term, discuss the measures that are needed for India to address its unemployment problem. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"In view of the rapidly increasing socio-economic damage caused by disasters, integrating Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) into development planning requires an effective stakeholder engagement mechanism. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Provide an account of the existing carbon trading mechanisms in India. Also, discuss the significance of an efficient carbon trading market in the country and state the challenges that currently exist. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The menace of drug trafficking in India has been on a rise due to a mix of factors, both internal and external. Discuss. Also, state the challenges posed by drug trafficking to India's national security. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The Andaman and Nicobar islands' strategic significance in the Indian Ocean region (IOR) has been underplayed by India's policy of 'masterly inactivity and benign neglect'. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India has recently commissioned the world's first large International Liquid-Mirror Telescope (ILMT). How will the newly commissioned telescope aid in India's astronomical observations and research? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4969,"topper":"Neepa Manocha","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/cb44e-1253004_1836_neepa-manocha_rank_183.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The PM-AASHA scheme is aimed at improving procurement mechanism as well as ensuring remunerative prices for farmers. In this context, highlight the various components of the scheme and discuss the concerns associated with it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Explaining the concept of blended finance, discuss the role it can play in mobilizing capital for infrastructure development in developing countries like India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss the challenges faced in the revival and revamp of dry ports in India and state the measures that can be adopted in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Monoculture is one of the major threats to ensuring food security and sustainability of Indian agriculture. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Aapda Mitra - a force of volunteers from across India trained in disaster response - is becoming a game changer in the field of disaster management in the country. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Why is the rise in lone wolf attacks considered as a serious challenge for security agencies around the world? Highlight the role of the internet in exacerbating such attacks. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The fundamental inefficiencies embedded in our military structures and processes are now being addressed through a slew of defence reforms in the country. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"In light of the recent establishment of the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in India, discuss the advantages and challenges in mainstreaming traditional medicine in the country. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Nano Urea Liquid has the potential to transform farming in India and across the world by improving productivity while reducing environmental pollution and input cost. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss the domino effect of high crude oil prices on the Indian economy. Also, enumerate the measures that India can take in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The consistent high operating ratio of the Indian Railways is indicative of its incapability to generate high operational surplus. Explain the reasons behind this trend. Also, highlight the remedial measures taken by the government in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Micro food processing sector is the key driver of growth in the Indian economy as it encourages food processing innovation. In this context, state the challenges faced by the micro food processing sector and discuss how the recent initiatives taken by the government aim to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Despite efforts by successive governments, equitable growth remains elusive and income inequality continues to persist in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Stating the factors that determine the employment situation of an economy in the long-term, discuss the measures that are needed for India to address its unemployment problem. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"In view of the rapidly increasing socio-economic damage caused by disasters, integrating Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) into development planning requires an effective stakeholder engagement mechanism. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Provide an account of the existing carbon trading mechanisms in India. Also, discuss the significance of an efficient carbon trading market in the country and state the challenges that currently exist. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India has recently commissioned the world's first large International Liquid-Mirror Telescope (ILMT). How will the newly commissioned telescope aid in India's astronomical observations and research? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4970,"topper":"Neepa Manocha","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a4ff3-1253004_1834_neepa-manocha_rank_183.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"The Sunga dynasty contributed significantly to the cultural and social development in ancient India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the role of foreign nationals in the Indian freedom struggle during the Gandhian phase. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand by tsunamigenic zones? Giving an account of their global distribution, explain the propagation of tsunamis. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What are atmospheric lakes? Highlight their characteristics. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are polymetallic nodules? Highlight their geographical distribution and state their significance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What are technical textiles? In view of their significance, discuss the steps taken by the government to promote them in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Discuss the challenges that internal migration creates for urban governance in India. Also, suggest measures to address the same. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the various opportunities and challenges posed by globalization on working women in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the rationale behind anti-conversion laws in India. Also, state the concerns that have been raised with regard to these laws. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Central Asian contacts had a profound political and cultural impact on India in ancient times. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":24,"question":"Governance, during the British rule, was a means of exploitation of India rather than a vehicle of public welfare. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Discuss how India successfully dealt with the sensitive issue of language, which had the potential of threatening national unity in the post-independence period. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Bring out the factors, which led to decolonisation after the Second World War. Also, discuss the role played by India in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"What are Marine Heat Waves (MHW)? Identify the causes of their formation and discuss their consequences for India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"What are the geo-climatic conditions required for oil palm cultivation? Do you agree with the view that India should promote its large-scale cultivation to reduce import dependency? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"In view of the changes witnessed in the state of Himalayan cryosphere, discuss the implications for India's water security. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Ocean warming, ocean acidification and ocean deoxygenation are often referred to as the 'deadly trio' for marine life. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Tribals in India continue to face myriad challenges with regard to healthcare. Discuss the issues faced by them in this context and suggest remedial measures. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Reservation for women perpetuates a \"proxy culture\" as seen in the phenomenon of \"sarpanch patis\". In this context, discuss whether reservation can address the issue of poor participation of women in Indian politics. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4971,"topper":"Neepa Manocha","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/94d62-1253004_1841_neepa-manocha_rank-144.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the meaning of self-efficacy, along with its key determinants. Also, discuss the significance of high self-efficacy for a civil servant. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have the right to do and what is right to do. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Dealing with an ethical dilemma not only requires following rules and regulations, but also requires adherence to moral prudence and altruism. Explain in the context of civil services in India, with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Code of Conduct for the civil services in India has merely remained a code; it has not helped promote ethical and moral values in governance. In this context, discuss the need for a National Commission on Integrity and Transparency. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Digital ethics principles are necessary to prevent erosion of public values and deal with the ethical implications of digitizing governance systems. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Despite differences in terms of organizational values guiding the public and private sectors, there remain certain values that are equally important to both. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Bring out the difference between accountability and responsibility. Also, discuss the significance of accountability in ensuring ethical governance in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Though laws and rules can be considered as the principal guide on morality for public administrators, they are not sufficient in themselves. Substantiate with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Transparency is vital to cultivate public trust in government and to prevent, detect and deter corruption effectively. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"'Just-in-time' release of funds heralds a significant reform for the Indian government's payment architecture. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.\"- Marcus Aurelius (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":34,"question":"You are posted as the Superintendent of Police (SP) of a district, which has witnessed several lynching related crimes in the recent past. One day, a police station in the district got an SOS that in a particular village under their jurisdiction, two women have been accused of witchcraft and are now being paraded naked by the villagers. Given the past record of crimes in the village, it was likely that they would be killed by the villagers. When a police team from the station reached the spot and tried to save the two women from the mob, a scuffle broke out. In the ensuing scuffle, the police were brutally attacked and they had to retaliate by lathicharging in order to save themselves. The incident left three villagers dead. There is anger amongst the villagers, who are also a critical vote bank of the ruling party in the state. As the SP, you have been instructed to institute a quick enquiry and take the strictest action against the police team who lathicharged. You are aware that with elections around the corner, you need to diffuse the situation quickly. Given the situation, answer the following : (a) Identify the stakeholders and the issues involved in the above case. (b) What are the options available to you? Which of these will you choose and why? (c) As an objective and scientfic-tempered administrator, what steps will you suggest in the long-run to deal with mob lynching?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You are the Dean of Academics of a University. It has been brought to your notice that some students have raised a complaint against Mr X, a specially-abled Professor at the University, for not performing his academic duties diligently. The Head of the Department (HoD) tried to have a conversation with him regarding these complaints; however, Mr X feels that he is a victim of internal politics and is being discriminated against on account of him being specially-abled. He also conveyed to the HoD that he will file a complaint of discrimination against the University under The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. As the Dean of Academics, it is your responsibility to uphold the academic standards of the University and take any administrative decision in this regard. In this case, answer the following questions: (a) State the stakeholders and the ethical issues in the given case. (b) What are the options available to you? (c) Evaluate each of these options and state the option which you would choose, citing reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"You have recently been posted as the District Magistrate of a poor district in India where there is a high prevalence of manual scavenging. It has been brought to your notice that manual scavenging has claimed many lives in your district. Upon further enquiry, you found that most of the manual scavengers belong to a particular caste, and majority of them can find employment only by way of scavenging. Even some government departments in your district are employing these people for physical cleaning of sewers/septic tanks without basic safety gear and measures. Despite the rehabilitation programmes for manual scavengers, the administration has been found inefficient in identifying such people in the first place and the efforts to reskill them for employment elsewhere have not yielded desired results. Based on the given information, answer the following: (a) Identify the issues associated with manual scavenging. (b) List the options available to you in the given case. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each. (c) Discuss some feasible steps that you can take to address this serious problem.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4972,"topper":"Neepa Manocha","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/28716-1253004_1841_neepa_manocha_rank_183.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the meaning of self-efficacy, along with its key determinants. Also, discuss the significance of high self-efficacy for a civil servant. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have the right to do and what is right to do. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Dealing with an ethical dilemma not only requires following rules and regulations, but also requires adherence to moral prudence and altruism. Explain in the context of civil services in India, with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Code of Conduct for the civil services in India has merely remained a code; it has not helped promote ethical and moral values in governance. In this context, discuss the need for a National Commission on Integrity and Transparency in Governance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Digital ethics principles are necessary to prevent erosion of public values and deal with the ethical implications of digitizing governance systems. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Despite differences in terms of organizational values guiding the public and private sectors, there remain certain values that are equally important to both. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Bring out the difference between accountability and responsibility. Also, discuss the significance of accountability in ensuring ethical governance in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Though laws and rules can be considered as the principal guide on morality for public administrators, they are not sufficient in themselves. Substantiate with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Transparency is vital to cultivate public trust in government and to prevent, detect and deter corruption effectively. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"'Just-in-time' release of funds heralds a significant reform for the Indian government's payment architecture. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.\"- Marcus Aurelius (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"The forces in a capitalist society, if left unchecked, tend to make the rich richer and the poor poorer.\" — Jawaharlal Nehru (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate in a district, which is witnessing a high caseload of COVID-19 pandemic patients. The physical infrastructure and human resources in the district are stretched much beyond their capacity. At the peak of the pandemic, certain reports emerge that the District Medical Officer has been misusing his position to abuse female employees in his department and coercing them to have sexual relations with him. However, the concerned officer not only has an impeccable academic record but also a profound professional track record. You also need his presence and guidance to deal with the pandemic situation in the district. But, there is pressure from the media and civil society organisations to immediately report the matter to the State authorities for action against the concerned officer. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders and issues involved in the above case. (b) What are the options available to you? Discuss their pros and cons. (c) What will be your final course of action? Justify with reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"You are posted as the Superintendent of Police (SP) of a district, which has witnessed several lynching related crimes in the recent past. One day, a police station in the district got an SOS that in a particular village under their jurisdiction, two women have been accused of witchcraft and are now being paraded naked by the villagers. Given the past record of crimes in the village, it was likely that they would be killed by the villagers. When a police team from the station reached the spot and tried to save the two women from the mob, a scuffle broke out. In the ensuing scuffle, the police were brutally attacked and they had to retaliate by lathicharging in order to save themselves. The incident left three villagers dead. There is anger amongst the villagers, who are also a critical vote bank of the ruling party in the state. As the SP, you have been instructed to institute a quick enquiry and take the strictest action against the police team who lathicharged. You are aware that with elections around the corner, you need to diffuse the situation quickly. Given the situation, answer the following : (a) Identify the stakeholders and the issues involved in the above case. (b) What are the options available to you? Which of these will you choose and why? (c) As an objective and scientfic-tempered administrator, what steps will you suggest in the long-run to deal with mob lynching?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"You are an Airworthiness Officer posted with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, tasked to conduct the safety audit of a major airline of the country. During the recent audit, you find that some of the airplanes belonging to the airline do not fully meet a few of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) safety standards. The issues are minor, mainly pertaining to some incomplete aircraft maintenance logs and safety rules related to training of the crew. The airline belongs to a very influential business conglomerate with close ties to all major national political parties and has a long history of ethical business practises. The point person appointed by the airline to communicate with you has assured that everything will be in order in a couple of months. Your senior in the department has also indicated that it is best not to mention such minor issues in the report, particularly given the image of the business group involved and the trust it enjoys. He also reiterates the assurance given by the airline to address these issues at the earliest in a time-bound manner. However, you are aware that airline safety norms are paramount and every other consideration is secondary to the safety of the crew and passengers. As a public servant appointed to uphold public trust, answer the following: (a) Bring out the dilemmas that you face, elaborating on the competing values in the given situation. (b) What are the options available to you? Discuss the merits and demerits of each. Which of these will you choose and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"With the advent of 24x7 news and prevalence of an array of news sources across the board, the media is omnipresent in nature. In this competitive environment, many media professionals who are overcome by deadlines, bottom-line imperatives, and corporate interests are losing sight of the ethical implications of their work. Further, there have been several cases of irresponsible reporting where the reportage has interfered with court proceedings, compromised delicate security situations or led to the spread of fake or unverified news. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the ethical issues prevalent in the profession of media. (b) How does unethical reporting and sensationalization of news impact the society? (c) What can be done to strengthen the role of ethics in media?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You are the Dean of Academics of a University. It has been brought to your notice that some students have raised a complaint against Mr X, a specially-abled Professor at the University, for not performing his academic duties diligently. The Head of the Department (HoD) tried to have a conversation with him regarding these complaints; however, Mr X feels that he is a victim of internal politics and is being discriminated against on account of him being specially-abled. He also conveyed to the HoD that he will file a complaint of discrimination against the University under The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. As the Dean of Academics, it is your responsibility to uphold the academic standards of the University and take any administrative decision in this regard. In this case, answer the following questions: (a) State the stakeholders and the ethical issues in the given case. (b) What are the options available to you? (c) Evaluate each of these options and state the option which you would choose, citing reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"You have recently been posted as the District Magistrate of a poor district in India where there is a high prevalence of manual scavenging. It has been brought to your notice that manual scavenging has claimed many lives in your district. Upon further enquiry, you found that most of the manual scavengers belong to a particular caste, and majority of them can find employment only by way of scavenging. Even some government departments in your district are employing these people for physical cleaning of sewers/septic tanks without basic safety gear and measures. Despite the rehabilitation programmes for manual scavengers, the administration has been found inefficient in identifying such people in the first place and the efforts to reskill them for employment elsewhere have not yielded desired results. Based on the given information, answer the following: (a) Identify the issues associated with manual scavenging. (b) List the options available to you in the given case. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each. (c) Discuss some feasible steps that you can take to address this serious problem.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4973,"topper":"Neepa Manocha","air":183,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/46285-1253004_1837_neepa_manocha_rank_183.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4974,"topper":"NEERAJ DHAKAD","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e161f-1177040_2087_neeraj_dhakad_rank_747.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"How do women contribute to livestock rearing in India? What are the issues currently faced by women in the livestock sector in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"How and to what extent can the One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) scheme provide significant potential benefits for migrant labourers, urban poor, and daily wagers? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"How has climate change affected agricultural production and productivity in India? Do you think climate smart water saving agri-technologies have become the need of the hour? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What are the economic and environmental benefits of nanofertilizers for sustainable crop production? State the concerns in the adoption of nanofertilizers by Indian farmers. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"How can the availability of adequate and equitable distribution of natural gas in all parts of the country help in achieving uniform economic and social progress? What challenges India faces in this regard? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Explain the reasons behind increasing human-wildlife conflict in India. Discuss the measures taken by the Government to mitigate the human-wildlife conflict. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Discuss the linkages between growing urbanization and noise pollution in India. Describe the effects of noise pollution on human health. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"How can the Indian Space Policy, 2023 act as a catalyst for the development of a robust, innovative and globally competitive space ecosystem in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the mandate of the Special Frontier Force. What have been its achievements in ensuring the security of India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Why is ensuring maritime security considered the key to safeguarding India's strategic and economic well-being? What is the significance of the Maritime Anti-Piracy Act in this regard? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What are the seven priority areas (the Saptarishis) listed in the Budget of 2023-24? How are they expected to promote inclusive development in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"How can blockchain technology play a pivotal role towards digitization of land records in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"How far can public-private partnerships (PPPs) help in improving the storage, transportation, and marketing of agricultural produce in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The Scheme for Modernization and Reforms through Technology in Public Distribution System (SMART-PDS) has transformative potential beyond food security for India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Explain the causes behind the occurrence of marine heat waves. Discuss the ways in which they can affect the marine ecosystems and cause economic losses. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Explain the causes and impact of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs). What are the measures taken by the government in this context? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"How does radiometric dating work? What are the limitations associated with it? What are the potential advantages of using Calcium-41 in radiometric dating? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Why is there a growing concern over e-pharmacy in India despite the government's push for digital health? What measures are needed to resolve this dichotomy? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What factors have contributed to the decline of Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in India? Do you think this decline signifies the likely end of the LWE problem in the near future? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Despite commonalities and synergies between money laundering and tax crimes, leveraging anti-money laundering (AML) measures for tackling tax crimes presents political, legal as well as operational challenges. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4975,"topper":"NEERAJ DHAKAD","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/87824-1177040_2086_neeraj_dhakad_rank_747.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Do you agree with the view that there is a need to enact a new law for ensuring judicial accountability in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Constitutionally reconciling Fundamental Rights with the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs) has been a tough task since the inception of the Indian Constitution. Discuss with the help of relevant case laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss the functions performed by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) and its role in shaping policy-making in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Re-examination and reconsideration of the provisions of Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) requires striking a balance between concerns of civil liberties and human rights, and maintaining and protecting the sovereignty and integrity of India. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"\"Citizen participation is key to the success of e-governance initiatives in rural India.\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"How far do you think the Aspirational District Programme has been able to achieve its objectives since its inception? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Technology has a crucial role to play in advancing the NGO sector and improving outcomes for beneficiaries. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the implications associated with the entry of foreign educational institutions for technical and higher education in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The flourishing relationship between India and countries of Latin America has become a critical element of India's foreign policy. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What is debt-trap diplomacy? How does China's debt-trap diplomacy impact India's interests in its neighbourhood? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Despite being an amalgamation of various constitutions from across the world, the Indian Constitution imbibes social justice, pluralism, and equality through its various provisions. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Recent developments have brought to light the issue of criminalizing marital rape in India. Analyse the implications of ensuring legal protection for victims of marital rape in the country. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"\"The Indian model of federalism has been criticized for being too centralized, but it also provides adequate space and autonomy to the states.\" Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The recent judgment of the Supreme Court on appointments to the Election Commission of India (ECI) has fundamentally changed the appointment process and can have potentially far-reaching implications. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Integration with the global trends and opening up of the economy has resulted in diversified challenges for the civil services, which require holistic reforms for efficient service delivery. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4976,"topper":"NEERAJ DHAKAD","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/96d44-1177040_2078_neeraj_dhakad_rank_747.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Leaders with fortitude are known by everyone and they are the people to turn to when crisis arises. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"In the wake of changing social landscape in the country, value education is as important as technical education for the youth to become not only skilled but also morally strong professionals. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"While impartiality has been identified as one of the key ethical values for public service, it should not be seen as precluding compassion in public services. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The power, which administrators wield, can bring the nation great dividends if rightly used, but can bring harm and disrepute if abused. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Analyse the ethical implications of commercial space exploration, especially with the entry of private sector in recent times. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"While Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to radically transform and disrupt our world, the right ethical choices can make AI a force of good for humanity. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'social accountability'? Explain its significance and discuss critical factors responsible for the success of any social accountability initiative. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Corruption is a challenge to democracy and citizens' estimations of corruption are one of the main criteria for its wideness and harmfulness. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Work from home culture has led to many ethical concerns in private organizations. In light of this, do you think it is ethical for an employee to practice moonlighting? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Do you agree with the view that environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations for a corporation create immense value for the business? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"While there are multiple institutions to ensure fairness in international relations, states often put aside moral values and the directions of these institutions for their own interests. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Discuss the various ethical issues that can arise when a foreign-funded research project conducts medical research in developing countries. (Answer in 150 words)10","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Discuss the important teachings of Guru Nanak Dev relevant to the youth of today. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"For some time now, business news across the world has been filled with reports of massive layoffs taking place, particularly in technology firms and new-age startups. This, when only till a while ago, limitless money and funding were flowing to startups from all over - Angel Investors, Venture Capital firms, Private Equity, and so on. The money tap seems to have been suddenly closed now. What has replaced the news of record valuations and remunerations, is that of massive firing of employees. The founders of startups and technology firms are justifying the exercise in wake of their responsibility to ensure profitability of their ventures and their accountability towards their investors and shareholders. The argument being advanced pertains to ensuring sustainable growth and profitability. However, it is well known that behind the present scenario lie a series of poor and irresponsible decision-making. But it is the entry and middle-level employees who are unfortunately being made to bear the brunt of it. In this context, answer the following: (a) Mention the stakeholders and ethical issues surrounding the recent mass layoffs in new age startups. (b) Identify the reasons behind such irresponsible conduct by higher management, particularly in startups in India. (c) Suggest some measures to tackle the aforementioned problems. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Rupa, a young civil servant, rejoined work soon after giving birth to her child and without availing her full maternity leave. However, she began to bring her child in the office and started attended meetings with her child in arms. Some of her photographs were also uploaded on social media. While some are hailing her as a young independent working mother, she is also being criticized by others on account of trivialising her official work and of trying to paint a heroic picture by fulfilling both her personal and professional duties. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) Do you think the act of the officer was justified? Should there be an overlap between personal and professional duties of a civil servant? (b) Does the work culture in India hinder working mothers from fulfilling their dual role? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4977,"topper":"NEERAJ DHAKAD","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3e167-1177040_2088_neeraj_dhakad_rank_747.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The principle of double effect is based on the idea that if a person's behaviour or conduct is intended to achieve a goal which is morally good, however, as a result, there is a morally bad side-effect, then it is still acceptable to adopt that particular behaviour or conduct. How far can this principle aid in resolving difficult moral situations? Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Indian Republic chose Ashoka's Lion Capital at Sarnath as its state emblem to reflect the same harmony achieved by him and effect a continuity with his humane policies towards the people of the modern Indian nation. In this background, discuss the ethical teachings that find resonance in Ashoka's life. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Compassion and tolerance are necessities and not luxuries, as without them, humanity cannot survive. How do the values of compassion and tolerance assist in the day-to-day functioning of a civil servant? Explain using suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Transparency is a necessary condition for accountability, but it does not automatically guarantee accountability. Discuss. Under what conditions does transparency lead to accountability? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What does each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"A great man is different from an eminent one in that he is ready to be the servant of the society.\" B.R. Ambedkar (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The concept of ethical corporate governance works on the principle of balance of equity, which seeks to balance the interests of the company, customers, suppliers, financiers, government and shareholders on the one hand and the community at large on the other hand. Which values play a central role in ensuring ethical corporate governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Toxic work environment and overwork are social problems, which require the government, labour unions, health officials and corporates to formulate appropriate policies. What are the ethical issues that should be considered while formulating appropriate policies in this regard? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"For leaders, having emotional intelligence is vital for success as it helps them to read and regulate their own emotions while intuitively grasping how others feel and gauging their emotional state. But effective leadership in today's interconnected world necessitates going beyond emotional intelligence and cultivating cultural intelligence. Discuss with illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Probity is confirmed integrity, which is usually regarded as being incorruptible. What is the significance of probity in governance? How important is the role of leadership in fostering probity and ethical governance in public service? Explain using suitable illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Analyse the role of moral attitude in shaping the perception and response to marital rape in India. Explain the ethical considerations in criminalising marital rape in the country. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Apart from consciousness, one needs to possess conscience in order to make ethical decisions. Explain with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Even if the LGBTQIA+ couples live together, legally, they are on a slippery slope. They do not enjoy the rights that married couples do. For example, the LGBTQIA+ couples cannot adopt children or have a child by surrogacy, they do not have automatic rights to inheritance, maintenance and tax benefits, and after a partner passes away, they cannot avail benefits like pension or compensation. Most of all, since marriage is a social institution that is created by and highly regulated by law, without this social sanction, same-sex couples struggle to make a life together. A number of petitions have been filed in recent years in courts for the legal recognition of same-sex marriages. Gender rights campaigners believe that recognizing same-sex marriages is the next logical step after the decriminalization of homosexuality. However, the other point of view is that the concept of marriage ought not to be disturbed or diluted by judicial interpretation. It is argued that a middle path could be for the government to set up a panel to look into the pleas of same sex couples and recommend a way out. As an aware individual, who understands various dimensions of this issue, answer the following: (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) Do you think same-sex marriage should be recognised by the State in India? (c) Critically examine whether law can be effective in bringing about social change.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Lloyd is an honest and upright officer working as the Superintendent of Police in a state, which is notorious for gang culture and criminal activities. Based on his impeccable track record, he was transferred to the state capital four months ago. His wife and daughter are also happy as the capital city is comparatively safer compared to all his previous postings. Recently, a criminal who was under trial and facing charges in a number of serious cases, was killed by some people in the capital city while he was being taken to the court. Due to the poor record of the state police in terms of death of criminals in police custody, various human rights organizations are demanding a fair enquiry in the case. They have approached the courts in this matter and subsequently a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed by the state government to look into this issue. Since the police officers escorting the criminal during this incident are from the police station that comes under Lloyd's jurisdiction, he will be required to depose before the SIT with all the details. While investigating, he came across details, which clearly establish a nexus between a prominent politician and the criminal. He prepared a report and was planning to share it with the SIT. On the basis of his findings, the nexus of the concerned criminal with the politician would be exposed and the politician may also face charges. Lloyd's senior asks him about the findings of the report and advises him to drop the information implicating the politician from the report. He informs that the politician mentioned in the report is a very prominent figure in public life, and shares good relations with all the major political parties in the state. His senior further informs that this will bring him in the good books of those in positions of power. Further, this will also help him remain posted in the capital city, which ensures the safety of his wife and daughter. (a) What are the options available with Lloyd to deal with the situation? (b) Critically evaluate each of the options and identify the most appropriate one for Lloyd to adopt. (c) What measures would you suggest to prevent deaths in police custody","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"What are the options available with Lloyd to deal with the situation? (b) Critically evaluate each of the options and identify the most appropriate one for Lloyd to adopt. (c) What measures would you suggest to prevent deaths in police custody","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"Raj comes from a very poor family and due to financial constraints, he had to compromise on his higher education. But, he was hard-working and started earning during his college days to support his family. He made his career in the customer support department and due to his integrity and hard work, he was promoted. Recently, he got a job offer from a very prominent ed-tech company. He happily accepted the offer, as the company was offering a significant salary hike as well as promotion to a Team lead position. Raj was really happy with this new job and felt that his hard work of many years had finally paid off. The significant salary jump in his new job would also help him sponsor the education of his younger sister. But, within a few months of joining, Raj realized that something was wrong with the business practices of the company. His customer support team frequently received calls from parents of poor students who complained about the company misleading them on loans or financing options for the various expensive courses. After going into some details, he realized that the sales team of his company was indulging in malpractices to lure poor parents to buy courses for their children. He informed this to the head of his department but the head did not seem concerned. Some of his colleagues informed him that this is a normal practice in the ed-tech industry to achieve sales targets. Further, he was also informed that due to the recent funding crunch in start-ups, the company is under severe pressure to show profits, else there will be mass layoffs. (a) Identify the ethical issues associated with the case above. (b) Under the given conditions, what are the options available to Raj? (c) Critically evaluate each of these options. (d) What course of action should Raj adopt? Justify with valid reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"As the Head of the Municipal Corporation, you are faced with a challenging situation wherein two groups of concerned citizens have approached you. One, expressing their frustrations and concerns regarding the menace caused by street dogs in the city and other, taking steps towards encouraging compassion and humane treatment to these silent beings. The first plea highlights the rising incidents of stray dogs' attacking or killing the vulnerable members of society especially children. They point to inadequate sterilisation and vaccination of dogs as exacerbating the situation. They demand the immediate removal of street dogs and their relocation elsewhere. The second plea however points to ineffective animal healthcare and control, illegal breeding centres, pet owners abandoning their pets on the streets as root of the problem. They argue that the system or the people responsible for the situation should be punished, not the animals. Furthermore, India has laws in place that make it illegal to remove a dog from the streets. This means that once a dog is on the streets, it has a \"right\" to stay there unless adopted. Balancing the animals' right to life with human safety concerns is proving to be a difficult task. (a) What are the ethical dilemmas involved in the case? (b) Evaluate the implications of favouring one plea over the other. (c) What course of action would resolve the situation in the immediate as well as long term?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"You are young upright person who has been newly appointed in the Anti-Corruption Bureau of your district. After joining, your office receives a tip-off from an anonymous person that an engineer working with the Municipal Corporation of the city has amassed wealth much beyond his known sources of income and is hand in gloves in corrupt activities. Because the law is clear that anonymous complaints cannot be acted upon, you ignore the complaint. But in the next few weeks, you receive a few more anonymous complaints against the concerned engineer. You begin to make enquiries against the engineer and find that he is indeed a very corrupt officer. Some time later, you make up your mind to conduct raids on his office and house, even though you have not received any official complaint in the prescribed format against him till date. What you unearth during the raids is shocking for you and your staff. You find not only vast amounts of unaccounted currency, much beyond the of the engineer, but also gold, travel tickets to visits made abroad, reservations in five-star hotels, and a whole bunch of clinching evidence against influential politicians and bureaucrats - appointed in the past as well as present ones - in the district. However, soon after conducting the raid, you start receiving subtle messages from your superiors to drop the investigation in the interest of your own long-term career and the safety and security of your loved ones. They also point out that you had not followed the rules stipulated for conducting the raid, and if the matter were to reach the courts, it would be disposed off in no time due to procedural lapses on your part. Since, you are an upright officer, you ignore these warnings and continue with your investigation. However, soon you are put on administrative leave on the ground of flouting the rules. You also come to know that a few of your juniors have filed a complaint against you for being involved in corruption. They have also complained that you instructed them to extort money from not only the concerned engineer but also the politicians and bureaucrats against whom you unearthed evidence, to put a halt to the investigation. Based on the above scenario, answer the following: (a) Identify the various stakeholders and the issues involved in the case. (b) What options do you have in the given situation? (c) Analyse the merits and demerits of each of these options. (d) Discuss your course of action, with proper justification.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":56,"question":"You have been appointed as the Chief Secretary in a state. Recently, a complex issue has surfaced involving two civil servants from your state. Both the officers who are known for their excellence in their respective roles have found themselves embroiled in an intense public feud on social media. Officer A initiated the dispute by posting a series of images and statements on social media, indirectly implying that Officer B has been utilizing personal relationships and networking for gaining undue advantages in job postings and promotions. This action, while unproven, has stirred up a storm of rumors, leading to severe reputational damage to Officer B. In response, Officer B defended herself on the same platform, accusing Officer A of unethical practices and breach of confidentiality. She went a step further by revealing his internal departmental issues, which Officer A was supposedly involved in. These allegations have not only escalated the conflict but also exposed sensitive information to the public. Officer A's social media posts have been prominently picked up and publicised by a local news outlet further escalating the situation. The issue has now gone beyond the realms of the state administration, leading to intense public speculation and media scrutiny. All these events have unfolded on a public platform and have tarnished the image of the civil services and created a disruption in the working of the state administration. The Central Government is closely monitoring the situation and has exerted pressure for appropriate disciplinary action against the officers involved. (a) What are ethical issues involved in this situation? (b) What are the options available to you as the Chief Secretary? (c) Which option would you choose and why?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4978,"topper":"NEERAJ SONGARA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/06a09-1447625_2488_neeraj_songara_rank_964.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"A mind all logic is like a knife all blade, it makes the hand bleed that uses it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"History is a cyclic poem written by time upon the memories of man.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The wise man does at once what the fool does finally.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The world is a tragedy to those who feel, but a comedy to those who think.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Perfect clarity would profit the intellect but damage the will.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4979,"topper":"NEERAJ SONGARA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/12f24-1447625_2419_neeraj_songara_964.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the role played by the Directorate of Enforcement in the investigation of offence of money laundering and violations of foreign exchange laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Indian Constitution has been successful in providing a framework for liberal democracy to flourish in India. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand by the \"principle of subsidiarity\"? Discuss its importance in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"\"The moral value of fundamental duties would not be to smother rights but to establish a democratic balance by making the people conscious of their duties equally as they are conscious of their rights\". Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Do you think the exercise of delegated legislation by the executive goes against the principle of separation of powers? Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"A key factor behind poor governance is a system of thinking and working in silos. Discuss in the context of public services in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Unsafe abortions are a critical issue affecting the reproductive and maternal health of women in India. Identify the reasons behind the same and suggest remedial measures as well. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Digital healthcare has the potential to address the perennial issues pertaining to accessibility and affordability of healthcare in India. In this context, discuss the role of Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission in putting the country at the cusp of a 'digital health' revolution. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"As the only G20 member from South Asia, the G20 leadership is an ideal opportunity for India to use it as an effective platform to amplify South Asia's voice at the global stage. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The India-UAE CEPA will serve as a catalyst to bolster economic ties between the two countries and give India greater access to the region. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"A dysfunctional criminal justice system, absence of well-considered legislation and need for domain expertise, are being seen as the new challenges for the Indian judiciary. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"To what extent has the anti-defection law been able to address the issue of political instability in India? Discuss with suitable arguments. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Governance of inter-state rivers in India suffers from various issues due to conflictual federalism. Discuss. Also, highlight the mechanisms, which can be utilised to resolve inter-state river water disputes in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Elaborate on the fundamental aspects in which the Indian Constitution differed from its contemporaries despite being a post-colonial document. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Freebies, especially ahead of elections, do more harm than good to the society. Do you agree? Give logical arguments in support of your answer. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The Smart Cities Mission, which was launched to change the urban landscape of India has produced mixed results. Discuss. Also, highlight the challenges faced in executing the Mission. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"It has been argued that despite several hurdles faced by the entrepreneurship ecosystem in India, the future of India is likely to be shaped by its entrepreneurs. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Though the 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' scheme has given much-need attention to gender discrimination, it has failed to yield desired results due to poor implementation and monitoring. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"As security threats increase in form and frequency in the South-West Indian Ocean, discuss the role played by India in relation to small island developing states (SIDS) in the region. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"As India re-imagines its neighbourhood, cross-border connectivity through sub-regions is becoming increasingly vital. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4980,"topper":"NEERAJ SONGARA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9d9ad-1447625_2423_neeraj_songara_964.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With suitable examples, discuss how environmental pressure groups enhance public participation and responsiveness with regard to environmental policies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"Civil services reforms must go beyond recruitment and standardised training to cope with the present day challenges.\" Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"Outcome-based finance models such as social impact bonds have the potential to truly catalyse change and deliver socio-economic impact at scale. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)\"","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"The wide gap between the number of females graduating every year and those entering the workspace is an issue of paramount importance that needs to be addressed. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)\"","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"An up to date and functional Civil Registration System (CRS) is essential to the socio-economic planning in India. Discuss in the light of the recent move of the Central government in revamping the CRS system in the country. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What are the key areas of reform if the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has to align with the current economic realities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In recent years, India's relationship with West Asia has evolved from the confines of geopolitics to expanse of geoeconomics. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The role of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) is significant in furthering healthy competitiveness aimed at inspiring stakeholders to innovate and augment effectiveness. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"\"The menace of paid news often rears its ugly head during elections.\" Discuss the need for making paid news an electoral offence in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the 'Doctrine of Essentiality' referred to by the courts in the context of religious practices in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"As per the recently released report of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), there is an urgent need to limit the size of the government in India. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The Institutions of Eminence (IoE) scheme was conceived to develop 'world-class' centres of higher education in India but six years later, it is yet to become the game changer it was intended to be. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), allows for innovative and convenient public services, help overcome inclusion or accessibility barriers, and increase transparency and accountability with real-time data. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Besides legislation, the full realisation of the 'right to health for all' in India demands plugging of social, financial, and infrastructural gaps. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The 'third gender' has not yet been engendered in the Indian society despite legislative nudge. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Among other factors, strained ties with China and Pakistan make it difficult for India to fulfill its expectations from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"The recently concluded initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) between the United States and India promises a long overdue transformation of their partnership in the field of technology. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4981,"topper":"NEERAJ SONGARA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7564c-1447625_2421_neeraj_songara_rank_964.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Societies across the world are witnessing a gradual moral decline in values and it is time that educators stepped in and made efforts to rekindle the desire of human beings to develop personal, social, and professional moral values. Do you agree that in the wake of changing social landscape in the country, value education is as important as technical education for the youth to become not only skilled but also morally strong professionals? Explain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Guru Nanak Dev ji believed that despite religion, caste, and gender, everyone should seek well for others and only then one can have that goodness back in return. Discuss the important teachings of Guru Nanak Dev ji relevant to the youth of today. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The 'work from home' culture that gained wide acceptance with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to many ethical concerns for private organizations with moonlighting being one of the most prominent ones. Do you think that it is ethical for an employee to practice moonlighting? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"While there are multiple institutions to ensure fairness in international relations, states often put aside moral values and the directions of these institutions for their own interests. Discuss with illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What does each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"It takes something more than intelligence to act intelligently.\" - Fyodor Dostoyevsky (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"A popular government, without popular information, or the means of acquiring it, is but a prologue to a farce or a tragedy; or perhaps both.\" - James Madison (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"\"Character may almost be called the most effective means of persuasion.\" - Aristotle (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"While impartiality has been identified as one of the key ethical values for public service, it should not be seen as precluding compassion in public services. Explain with suitable illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The power, which administrators wield, can bring the nation great dividends if rightly used, but can bring harm and disrepute if abused. Explain with suitable illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'social accountability' and what is its significance? Discuss the critical factors responsible for the success of any social accountability initiative. (Answer in 150 words)10","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Too much dependence on data driven technologies can result in data colonisation and digital dictatorship. Discuss the various issues that may arise in this context and suggest remedial measures. (Answer in 150 words)10","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":44,"question":"You are a young IAS officer and have recently joined as a Sub-Divisional Magistrate in a district, which has been declared 'open defecation free'. However, you get information that some villages in your sub-division are still continuing the practice of open defecation out of habit despite availability of toilets. Your colleagues in the district administration confirm that the information is true. You call the village headmen of these villages and tell them to persuade their respective villagers to stop open defecation. But, they express their unwillingness and inability to fully stop this practice, as in some cases they themselves consider it healthy to defecate in the open. You discuss this matter with the District Magistrate who forbids you from taking any official action, as this may cause the 'open defecation free' status given to the district to be withdrawn. As a young and dynamic officer, answer the following: (a) Why do people continue to practice open defecation even when they have access to toilets? (b) What are the options available to you as the Sub-Divisional Magistrate in this case? Highlight the merits and demerits of each option. (c) What will be your course of action? (Answer in 250 words)20","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"You are the District Magistrate of a district, which is the hub of coaching centres for engineering as well as medical entrance exams. Recently, around 5 students have committed suicide owing to academic and social pressure. Students in the age group 15-18 years from across the country come to the district with the dream of getting admission into prestigious institutions like the IITs and AIIMS. However, the coaching institutes are business-minded and want to have toppers from their institute so that they can attract more students. They create a lot of pressure on students to perform, with differential treatment like forming different category of batches depending on students' performance. These students live as Paying Guests and in hostels away from their families and many cannot tackle the huge burden of competition and the associated mental stress. The recent spate of suicide by 5 students has been highlighted by the national media and you have been asked by the Chief Minister to present a report of the situation and take steps on the matter. The Chief Minister has also asked you to keep the matter away from limelight so that the coaching centres continue with their business and generate revenue for themselves as well as the state. Upon investigation, you find out that 2-3 of the most famous coaching institutions are run by political leaders of the ruling party. They are involved in false advertisements in order to lure students. They also create undue pressure on the students to perform. Also, there is an emerging black market for performance enhancing drugs, which have become common among the students. Given the situation: (a) Highlight the stakeholders involved and discuss the associated ethical issues in the given case. (b) Given the situation, what will be your course of action? (c) Discussing the various reasons for increased cases of suicides among students, suggest measures to address the issue in the long-run. (Answer in 250 words)20","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"You have recently joined as the Chief Executive Officer of the Water Supply and Sewerage Board in a metropolitan city of India. Recently, there was an incident where two poor people died while undertaking hazardous cleaning of sewers in a posh neighbourhood, housing top corporate honchos of the city. The preliminary report found that a few residents in the said neighbourhood employed private workers to clean the sewers without the knowledge of the local city administration. A complaint for causing death by negligence has been registered against the concerned residents as well as the private contractor through whom these poor people were employed to carry out the task. The complaint has come as a shock to the residents of the neighbourhood, most of whom never had a brush with the law before. During the investigation, the residents of the neighbourhood complained that the local administration has not been cleaning sewers for a long time, forcing them to hire private workers. You also come to know that there is a confusion over the maintenance works in the city administration, with no resolution till date. The city administration, as a whole, has also been facing a shortage of funds to build the requisite infrastructure and provide protective gears to carry out the sewage cleaning work. In the meantime, the family members of the deceased have started pressurising the government for compensation and there has also been a media blitzkrieg blaming the apathy of the city administration for the incident and pressure to withdraw the complaints registered against the high profile residents of the neighbourhood. In light of the above situation, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the stakeholders involved in the case along with the associated issues. (b) Evaluate the options that are available to you in the given case. Which of these options will you choose and why? (c) What will be the long-term measures you will take to prevent such an incident from occurring in the future? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4982,"topper":"NEERAJ SONGARA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7d977-1447625_2425_neeraj_songara_rank_964.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"For effective corporate governance to take place in the coming years, why is it important to integrate the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics with the multi-stakeholder approach? What benefits can be accrued by such integration? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In acts of corruption, the focus is often only on the demand side of the equation, on public officials who abuse their office for private gain. Frequently, the supply side is given less attention. Those who pay bribes are sometimes depicted as innocent parties and victims of extortionary practices of wily public servants. Do you agree that 'collusive corruption', in which there is a willing bribe-giver, is a formidable challenge for institutions fighting corruption? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Citizens' Charters initiative was a response to the quest for solving the problems, which a citizen encountered, day in and day out, while dealing with the organisations providing public services. But the introduction and implementation of Citizens' Charters in the government of India has been difficult due to the old bureaucratic set up and the rigid attitudes of the work force. Discuss the major obstacles that have been encountered in implementing the Citizens' Charter initiative. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Quality of public service delivery is a major determinant of the quality of life of vulnerable sections in a highly unequal society divided along the lines of class, caste, religion, etc. In this background, do you think that public service delivery is efficient and sufficient enough to improve the lives of vulnerable groups in India? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own.\" - Lao Tzu (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"If ethics are poor at the top, that behavior is copied down through the organization.\" - Robert Noyce (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"The end of law is not to abolish or restrain, but to preserve and enlarge freedom.\" - John Locke (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Wealthy CEOs and founders of successful businesses around the world are increasingly pledging to give away their wealth in philanthropy. Do you think that such a move is sufficient enough to bring about a positive change in the society? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"As organizations across the globe begin their artificial intelligence (AI) transformation, the leap into the AI era is expected to be more challenging than any technology that businesses have grappled with yet. In this background, discuss the concerns around fairness, transparency, and job security that may arise. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The emphasis of Swami Dayanand Saraswati on education, social equality, and ethical values continues to influence the socio-cultural discourse in contemporary India. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Emotional intelligence may not be singularly associated with emotions or intelligence. It can also include a broad range of personality characteristics that might predict success in professional and everyday life. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Traditional forms of state-led accountability, also characterised as vertical and horizontal channels of accountability, are increasingly found to be inadequate, and a myriad of multi-stakeholder and bottom-up citizen directed approaches have come to the fore, to supplement or supplant them. Discuss with illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":48,"question":"Additionally, companies like BMW, Volvo, Google and Korean battery maker Samsung SDI, vowed in a statement to not buy metals from deep-sea mining until the environmental risks of the activity are “comprehensively understood.” In the context of the above-stated information, address the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the given case study? (b) How can the vision of economic development of a nation be achieved without adversely affecting the sustainability of oceans? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4983,"topper":"Neeraj Trar","air":180,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/NEERAJ-TRARUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-180-Sample-MGP-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) \"Bhagavad Gita and Natyashastra are not merely texts; they exemplify the timeless wisdom, richness and diversity of Indian knowledge traditions.\" Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.3) Why is the First World War considered as the first 'total' war in modern history?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.4) Highlight the differences in the approach of Bhagat Singh and Mahatma Gandhi in the struggle for freedom.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.5) Briefly explain the processes through which the earth-atmosphere system maintains heat balance.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.6) What characteristics of the monsoon climate play a crucial role in sustaining agriculture in Monsoon Asia?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.7) Account for the factors influencing the location of semiconductor industries across the world.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.8) Unemployment is not just an economic challenge, but a social one with far-reaching consequences. In this context, discuss the social impact of unemployment in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.9) Globalization has facilitated the influx of global brands and multinational corporations into the Indian market, significantly altering the consumer behaviour. Do you agree? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.10 Discuss how social media is reshaping identity formation and self-worth among adolescents in contemporary Indian society.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.11 The fusion of Islamic architectural styles with indigenous Indian traditions played a key role in the evolution of Indo-Islamic architecture in the country. Discuss with examples.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":24,"question":"Q.12 'Emergency' is one of the most controversial and widely debated events in Indian politics. How far do you agree with the view that it was imposed to fulfil individual political goals rather than serve national interests? Also, discuss the short-term and long-term impacts of the Emergency.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Q.13 What are 'atmospheric rivers'? How do they influence global weather patterns and impact human settlements?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Q.14 Despite sharing a similar latitude, why does the Mediterranean climate vary from the China-type climate? How do the differences in climate affect life and economic activities in the region?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Q.15 \"The tropical Indian Ocean is likely to be in a near-permanent heatwave state.\" Discuss the factors responsible for the rapid warming of the Indian Ocean along with its multi-dimensional impacts.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Q.16 How can the demographic transition in the southern states, marked by low fertility rates and an aging population, impact the region's economic growth and social welfare policies?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Q.17) Incidence of extreme rainfall events and flash floods in recent times has led to devastating consequences for major cities of India. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Q.18 \"Air pollution is as much an issue of equity and justice as it is an environmental one.\" Elaborate with examples.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Q.19 Analyze the socio-cultural factors contributing to the high attrition rate among women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers in India. Suggest measures to improve their retention in STEM.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Q.20) \"Caste census is relevant and necessary for any well-designed policy to reduce social inequality\". Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4984,"topper":"Neeraj Trar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/bbf05-817626_2422_neeraj-trar_rank_180.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The traditional theatre forms of India reflect the ideals and emotions of the society, and an individual's role in the community. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Provide an account of the historical and architectural importance of the Sanchi Stupa. Also, discuss how it inspired the future architecture in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Bhagat Singh made a real breakthrough in terms of revolutionary ideology, the goals of revolution and forms of revolutionary struggle. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Bringing out the factors that led to the Meiji restoration, discuss its significance for Japan. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":4985,"topper":"Neeraj Trar","air":180,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/NEERAJ-TRARUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-180-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) Examine the scope and significance of the Supreme Court's advisory jurisdiction under Article 143 of the Constitution.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) What is delimitation, and why is it important? What challenges are associated with the delimitation exercise in India?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) How has asymmetric federalism helped India accommodate its diverse regional needs? Discuss with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4 Explain how the terms ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ in the Preamble embody specific meanings in the Indian context.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 The role of State Finance Commissions in building regional equity and strengthening the federal link has largely been underutilized. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6 How far do you think has the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) been successful in protecting and promoting child rights in India?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) Outline the salient features of New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 related to school education. What does it state about the medium of instruction in schools?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8 Throw light on the legal frameworks that are in place to ensure women's safety in India. What further steps are needed to enhance their safety and well-being?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 \"A multipolar world order is not merely an option but a necessity\". Elaborate. How can India leverage its position to strengthen multipolarity in the global arena?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 \"ASEAN is the cornerstone of India's Act East Policy and its Indo-Pacific vision.\" Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) Discuss the various administrative challenges faced by local self-governments (LSGs). What measures do you suggest for devolving administrative powers to LSGs, enabling them to function as institutions of genuine self-governance?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 In light of recent developments, the Collegium system and the Supreme Court's decision to strike down the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) Act, 2014 have once again come under scrutiny. Do you think that a NJAC-like body can make judicial appointments more transparent, broad-based, and accountable? Justify your answer.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 Differentiate between the clemency powers of the Presidents of India and the USA. Also, critically examine the vesting of clemency power in the executive.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 What constitutes corrupt practices under the Representation of the People Act, 1951? Also, discuss the challenges in curbing such malpractices and suggest remedial measures.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Discuss the role of the Vice-President as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. Also describe the procedure for his/her removal from office.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 \"Universal Basic Income (UBI) is a viable solution to eradicate extreme poverty in India.\" Critically discuss the statement.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 What are the key determinants of malnutrition among under-five children in the country? Also, elaborate on the role of nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions in addressing this issue.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 \"Data is the raw material of Artificial Intelligence.\" In this context, discuss the need for transparent and accountable data governance frameworks in India. What steps has the government taken in this regard?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Critically examine the role of International Monetary Fund (IMF) in addressing debt distress in the Global South. How can India use its post-G20 presidency momentum to push IMF reforms?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 \"In a fluid geopolitical arena, engagement without formal endorsement is a pragmatic middle path.\" Do you agree? Explain in the context of India's current approach towards the Taliban regime in Afghanistan.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":4986,"topper":"Neeraj Trar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/46fea-817626_2423_neeraj-trar_rank_180.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With suitable examples, discuss how environmental pressure groups enhance public participation and responsiveness with regard to environmental policies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The recent acknowledgment of sex work as a 'profession' by the Supreme Court is merely the first step in ensuring basic rights and equality for sex workers in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the role played by District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) in providing free legal aid and disseminating legal awareness in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"The collegium system has become a victim of its own success, with the concentration of power in the hands of a few, leading to questions about its legitimacy.\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"Civil services reforms must go beyond recruitment and standardised training to cope with the present day challenges.\" Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Outcome-based finance models such as social impact bonds have the potential to truly catalyse change and deliver socio-economic impact at scale. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The wide gap between the number of females graduating every year and those entering the workspace is an issue of paramount importance that needs to be addressed. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"An up to date and functional Civil Registration System (CRS) is essential to the socio-economic planning in India. Discuss in the light of the recent move of the Central government in revamping the CRS system in the country. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What are the key areas of reform if the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has to align with the current economic realities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In recent years, India's relationship with West Asia has evolved from the confines of geopolitics to expanse of geoeconomics. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The role of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) is significant in furthering healthy competitiveness aimed at inspiring stakeholders to innovate and augment effectiveness. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"\"The menace of paid news often rears its ugly head during elections.\" Discuss the need for making paid news an electoral offence in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the 'Doctrine of Essentiality' referred to by the courts in the context of religious practices in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"As per the recently released report of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), there is an urgent need to limit the size of the government in India. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The Institutions of Eminence (IoE) scheme was conceived to develop 'world-class' centres of higher education in India but six years later, it is yet to become the game changer it was intended to be. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) allows for innovative and convenient public services, help overcome inclusion or accessibility barriers, and increase transparency and accountability with real-time data. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Besides legislation, the full realisation of the 'right to health for all' in India demands plugging of social, financial, and infrastructural gaps. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Among other factors, strained ties with China and Pakistan make it difficult for India to fulfill its expectations from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"The recently concluded initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) between the United States and India promises a long overdue transformation of their partnership in the field of technology. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4987,"topper":"Neeraj Trar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/dd00d-817626_4513_neeraj-trar_rank_180.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Compassion is the courageous choice to feel another's suffering as one's own, and to act upon it, even when silence is safer and indifference is easier. Examine the significance of compassion as an essential ethical value for civil servants in India. Illustrate your answer with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Marriages in India are transitioning from traditional sacramental unions to more autonomous relationships, reflected in live-in relationships and rising divorce rates. Discuss the ethical dimensions of these changes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"While accountability often necessitates documentation, an overemphasis on bureaucratic procedures and excessive paperwork can inadvertently silence the very voices that public policy intends to empower, particularly at the grassroots. Examine the above statement with suitable illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The principle of impartiality may conflict with the need for compassion towards marginalized communities. Discuss in the context of civil services in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Patriotism encourages ethical questioning, while nationalism often suppresses it. Discuss this statement in light of the formation of political attitudes during high-pressure national events. How can individuals develop moral attitudes that balance national interest with ethical reasoning? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss how employee well-being and fairness can be balanced with efficiency and profitability in private organisations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Do you agree that excessive use of social media and emerging AI technologies may lead to a decline in emotional regulation and moral sensitivity among adolescents? Justify your answer. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"In light of the increasing incidents of suicides among students in India, discuss how Emotional Intelligence (EI) can aid in managing stress and emotional challenges. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"In public service, emotional intelligence is not about suppressing emotion, but mastering its purpose — to connect, to de-escalate, and to uplift others with empathy and strength. Do you agree with this view? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"An efficient work culture is built not only on rules, but on shared values. In this context, evaluate the role of leadership and team dynamics in transforming work culture within an organization. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"You are posted as the Joint Secretary in the Department of Information Technology of a state. The government recently implemented several citizen-centric digital services, collecting large volumes of personal data from residents. The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, requires that such data be processed only with explicit and informed consent, and mandates that processing must cease immediately upon withdrawal of consent. During an internal audit, you discover that the department continues to process and analyze personal data of several citizens even after they have formally withdrawn their consent. This data is being used for policy analytics and service improvement, purposes not explicitly disclosed at the time of data collection. When you bring this to the attention of your department head, you are informed that halting the processing will disrupt ongoing digital initiatives and may affect state-level performance metrics. Moreover, you find that the consent withdrawal process is cumbersome, and many citizens are unaware of their rights under the DPDP Act. You also learn that a prominent social activist is planning to file a complaint with the Data Protection Board against involuntary use of personal data, which could attract public scrutiny and legal action against the department. (a) Identify and discuss the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) What are the potential consequences for the department if the issue is not addressed transparently? (c) How would you balance the need for efficient public service delivery with the obligation to protect citizens' data rights? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"You are an IAS officer, currently serving as the Secretary of the Public Works Department in a hill state. Recently, a disturbing incident has come to light involving a senior Cabinet Minister and two engineers of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). During an inspection of a critical highway project, the Minister was allegedly seen on video physically assaulting and verbally abusing the engineers in full public view. The video, recorded by bystanders, went viral on social media and was widely covered by television channels, sparking both outrage and support from different sections of society. The Minister later defended his actions, alleging that the officials were corrupt, unresponsive to local grievances, and responsible for inordinate delays in the project. He insisted that his actions were driven by public frustration and the urgency of delivering infrastructure to a remote region. However, the engineers have filed a police complaint and written to their superiors, claiming they demanding action against the Minister and protection of officer dignity. This has brought several critical infrastructure projects to a standstill, including road connectivity to tribal areas, pre-monsoon repair works, and strategic border roads. You have been directed by the Chief Secretary to prepare a fact-finding report, while also ensuring smooth coordination between state and central agencies. Meanwhile, the Minister's office is informally pressuring you to downplay the incident. The media is sharply divided — some portraying the Minister as a crusader against corruption, others condemning the act as a serious breach of administrative ethics and rule of law. Civil servants across departments have expressed concern about personal safety, dignity, and increasing political interference, while citizens are now growing restless due to halted infrastructure works. (a) What are the key ethical issues involved in this situation? Identify the stakeholders and their conflicting interests. (b) As the Secretary of the PWD, what actions will you take in above situation? (c) How do such incidents affect the morale of civil servants and public trust in governance? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"In one case, a district magistrate was seen filming a surprise school inspection in which teachers were scolded on camera — the video was later posted to his personal YouTube channel that is also monetized. While some praised the officer’s strictness, others criticized the public shaming of teachers and the breach of service dignity. In another case, a police officer was seen directing a flood rescue operation while his staff filmed drone footage, later edited into a motivational video for social media. You have been asked to prepare a report with recommendations to balance public interest, institutional integrity, and evolving modes of communication. (a) Identify the ethical issues involved in civil servants publicly showcasing their official work on social media. (b) Do such practices promote awareness and motivation, or do they compromise the values of anonymity, neutrality, and collective service ethos? Give your opinion. (c) As the Secretary, what guiding principles and policy recommendations would you suggest to ensure responsible digital engagement by civil servants? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4988,"topper":"Neeraj Trar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/f2005-0817626_2220_neeraj-trar_rank_180.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The logic of limitless wealth lies in the basic human instinct for furthering self-interest in the form of profit. In this context, do you think there is a possibility of pursuing ethical capitalism? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"If a law is unjust, a man is not only right to disobey it, he is obligated to do so. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The capacity of Citizens' Charter to initiate any transformative process is conditioned upon it being appropriately designed and effectively executed. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The moral fiber and ethical conduct of public officials not only influence the standard of governance but also their own interests and performance. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The ongoing debate on euthanasia poses several ethical questions. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Foreign aid is a form of neo-colonialism, as the economically wealthier countries can exploit the developing countries under the cloak of aid. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Throwing light on the idea of Universal Humanism propounded by Rabindranath Tagore, discuss its contemporary relevance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree with the view that it is nature and not nurture which determines the emotional intelligence of a person? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Values that guide public administrators can often compete with each other, owing to their relative importance to the larger public interest. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Is it justifiable to say that corruption is a social phenomenon? What are the various ways through which administrative corruption can be tackled? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"\"I do believe that, where there is only a choice between cowardice and violence, I would advise violence.\"- Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"You are posted as the Commissioner of Police in a metropolitan city where a visiting foreign dignitary, with President-level security cover, is scheduled to visit for an official function. As a part of the security preparedness, it has been decided that no vehicular traffic will be allowed on the route which will be taken by the foreign dignitary to reach the venue of the function in the city. However, just 15 minutes before the scheduled arrival of the dignitary, you are informed that a critically-ill patient is stuck on the way to the hospital in a private car along with his family. In this situation, answer the following: (a) Discuss the issues involved in halting traffic for VIP movement. (b) List the options available to you in this situation with their merits and demerits. (c) What will be your course of action? Justify with proper reasoning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"You are posted as a Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district where people of different religious communities are living together peacefully. The district is also famous for its architectural heritage and is regularly visited by tourists from all around the world. However, there has been an incident in the nearby state where people of two different communities have started fighting over religious issues. This incident has a spillover effect over the whole country. In your own area of jurisdiction, you have come to know from various sources about circulation of some hate speech videos, which have the potential to destabilise the law and order situation. You are also aware that some outsiders with dubious intentions have started pouring in your district. In one locality, a shopkeeper who had earlier filed a complaint regarding threats he received for posting something on the internet, is found murdered in cold blood. This incident has stunned the nation. You are being informed that hundreds of people of the community to which the shopkeeper belonged are planning to stage a massive protest in your district. (a) In the given situation, what are the options available to you to ensure that the law and order situation in the district remains stable. Provide a detailed account of your course of action. (b) Do you think the present legal and institutional mechanisms are sufficient to tackle the menace of hate speech in the society? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"The Indian education system suffers from many ills. One of the major issues is the focus on ‘rote learning’, which has been the staple of the Indian education system for many years. While many Indians have attained success despite this system, simply being able to recall information is not enough in today’s world when that information is instantly available to anyone on a mobile phone. A survey of 200 Indian and foreign companies found that only 14% of Indian graduates were prepared for the workforce, largely because most graduates were unable to apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the consequences of ‘rote learning’ on the educational development of young students in the country? (b) Suggest measures that can be taken to address this issue. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":4989,"topper":"NEETI AGARWAL","air":383,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/26329-636519_2295_neeti_agrawal.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4990,"topper":"NEETI AGARWAL","air":383,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8a54e-636519_2296_neeti_agrawal.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4991,"topper":"NEETI AGARWAL","air":383,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9617b-636519_2300_neeti_agrawal.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4992,"topper":"NEETI AGARWAL","air":383,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b103f-636519_2302_neeti_agrawal.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4993,"topper":"Neeti Agrawal","air":383,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/NEETI-AGRAWAL-UPSC-2023-Rank-383-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4994,"topper":"Neeti Agrawal","air":383,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/NEETI-AGRAWAL-UPSC-2023-Rank-383-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4995,"topper":"Neeti Agrawal","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RhY40Q9TpTOZmx5LrHC-aq2GcrYNYeaZ/view","questions":[]},{"id":4996,"topper":"Neeti Agrawal","air":383,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/NEETI-AGRAWAL-UPSC-2023-Rank-383-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":4997,"topper":"Neha","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GIeJ1cf50TABUX8Z8mcTKAtLeeOGDgaN/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) Self doubt can both help and hinder leadership. Discuss with examples.","marks":"10","words":"not more than 150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) Bring out the significance of probity in public life. What are the requisites for ensuring probity in governance? Pointing out the key concerns in India in this context, suggest certain remedial measures.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) While the corrupt and dishonest should be punished swiftly, honest public servants need to be protected against malicious and motivated complaints to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of an organisation. Discuss. How can the two objectives be reconciled?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) The effective implementation of the Right to Information Act will create an environment of vigilance which will help in functioning of a more participatory democracy. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":11,"question":"3. (a) The bureaucracy technically has been an efficient form of organisation but is seen to have exceeded its administrative powers due to its tendency towards self aggrandisement, permanence in employment, and nearness to the political executive. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) Social media has played a key role in influencing political opinions and social attitudes in India. Comment.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":15,"question":"4. (a) \"Nonviolence is not servile passivity but a powerful moral force which makes for social transformation\". Comment.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":17,"question":"4. (b) It is at the interface of public action and private interest that the need arises for establishing not just a code of ethics but a code of conduct. In this context, highlight the need for drafting a code of ethics as well as a code of conduct.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":19,"question":"5. (a) Income inequality is a matter of grave concern for the Indian society. In this context, examine the relevance of Gandhiji's concepts of 'Sarvodaya' and 'Trusteeship'.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":21,"question":"5. (b) It does not take long for conflict to turn violent when deep seeded prejudices and discriminatory attitudes are not addressed. Discuss in the context of communal and caste-based violence in India. What role should the state play in this context?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":23,"question":"6. Explain with examples how emotional intelligence increases the effectiveness of leadership skills in a civil servant.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":25,"question":"7. A Citizens' Charter sees public services through the eyes of those who use them. In this context, analyze the importance of citizen charter in making public services citizen centric.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":27,"question":"8. Given the effects that cultural attitudes about menstruation have on women, there is need to follow a strategic approach in combating these. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":29,"question":"9. As the District Magistrate you are posted in a district that had been infamous for girl-child marriages. The government introduced a contributory scheme two decades ago, where the government contributed the same amount as the parents, into an account, for their girl child of age 0 to 7 years. The total sum could be withdrawn only when the girl turns eighteen and is unmarried. Due to this scheme, a new pattern has emerged. All girls are married as soon as they turn eighteen and incidents of dowry have increased substantially – because the community customs require paying the sum commensurate to the age of the girl. Further, parents now tend to save money for the scheme instead of investing in girl’s education. As the local administration tries to tackle the current situation it looks up to you for ideas and leadership:\n(a) Identify the factors which have led to such outcomes.\n(b) Devise a strategy, keeping in mind the multiple aspects of the situation.","marks":"20","words":"In around 250"},{"page":34,"question":"10. While on the one hand, some state governments have implemented alcohol consumption prohibition laws, It is permitted in other states. Debates around this issue often involves aspects such as individual rights, cultural attitudes and social welfare. As a teacher you need to explain the key issues involved to a young audience. What are these? How would you conclude the lecture?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":39,"question":"11. As a concerned citizen you have been engaged with the issue of persons employed in manual scavenging. You notice that despite laws and strictures from the highest court of the land the practice of employing human labour to clean sewers continues. While the administration has to ensure the cleanliness of the urban localities, those who are employed also have to earn to sustain themselves and their families. The death of few workers recently due to asphyxiation while cleaning a septic tank has caused much consternation in your locality. You would like to engage with the situation by writing to the administration, for which you need to find an answer to the following:\n(a) Identify the stakeholders involved and state their conflicting interests.\n(b) What challenges does the administration face in curbing this social evil?\n(c) Enumerate the steps to deal with the problem.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":44,"question":"12. You are a teacher in the Science department of a reputed college. Your HoD (Head of Department) has been a good mentor to you and has guided your career progress. You get to know from one of your students that the HoD gives private tuitions at his residence, which is disliked by many others in the department. There are also rumours that he might be giving extra marks to the students taking his tuitions. When enquired, his reply is that he is not alone and a few other teachers are giving private tuitions as well. He assures you that it is beneficial for the students as some of them need extra attention. He advises you not to make a fuss about it and indirectly reminds you about the assessment rating, which is due this week. You are aware that a good rating will definitely get you the due promotion. The HoD is due to retire in 4 months.\n(a) What are the dilemmas that you face in this situation?\n(b) Highlight the course of action that you would adopt and give reasons for the same.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":46,"question":"(1) Do I investigate the issue of private tuitions by the HoD (and other teachers) or do I ignore it?\n(2) If private tuitions are not allowed, as per the college rules, do I report this to the concerned authorities?\n(3) Especially do I report the HoD when he has only 4 months to retire? and he has been a good mentor too.\n(4) My assessment rating is due this week. Further investigation may affect my rating.\n(5) Why are private tuitions needed? What are the viewpoints of the students?\n(6) Is it true that HoD awards extra marks to tuition students or just a rumour?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"13. While stampedes and mishaps due to overcrowding have led to loss of lives on multiple occasions, it remains an issue discussed only when there is a tragedy. Recently you were assigned the responsibility of conducting a mela around a revered religious place, which attracts millions of devotees. Every year the numbers have been increasing and this year due to certain celestial alignments the crowd is expected to be unprecedented. In the previous year the officer in charge was criticised and transferred over allegations of hurting religious sensitivities by restricting access to the religious place. You have three months to prepare for the mela.\n(a) Identify the key areas you would focus on?\n(b) What are the challenges that you foresee?\n(c) How do you propose to overcome them?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":54,"question":"14. You are a senior official at a government agency that is responsible for collection, storage and protection of biometric data of citizens. Due to the expanse of operations, the agency employs third parties for collection of data. There have been reports of security breach and leakage of data by third parties in exchange of money. A journalist from a prominent newspaper carries a sting operation and releases some data in the public to show the ongoing corruption and highlighting the inability of the agency in protecting public data. You are asked by the chairperson of the agency to file an FIR against the journalist and pursue criminal proceedings against him considering it an act of unauthorized access.\n(a) Do you agree with the action sought by the chairperson against the journalist? Give appropriate reasons for your answer.\n(b) If you disagree, what would be your course of action?\n(c) Do you think the action of the journalist is justified?","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":4998,"topper":"Neha","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KJamr1jRcdMgtzPQXYz7pHlBUcDPe7re/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) Explain the significance of the following in the context of civil service:\n(i) Public trust\n(ii) Objectivity\n(iii) Strength of character\n(iv) Empathy\n(v) Selflessness","marks":"10","words":"not more than 150 words each"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) Do you think nation states owe a responsibility towards asylum seekers? What are the considerations that should, in your opinion, go into the making of a refugee policy? Provide arguments with contemporary examples.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) Why do civil servants have a special obligation to uphold ethical standards? What are the main areas of concerns for implementation of an effective ethical standard in civil services? In this context, suggest measures to remedy these concerns.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) While families are the first socializing agents, which inculcate moral values in a child, the role played by schools in this regard is also indispensable. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":11,"question":"3. (a) What is the significance of morality in day-to-day life? Give an example from your own life where you chose moral action and elaborate the reasons for your choice of that action.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) Analyse the ethical dimensions of using nuclear deterrence as a self-defense strategy.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":15,"question":"4. (a) We make a living by what we do, but we make a life by what we give. 10\n(i) Highlight the importance of value of altruism for a society.\n(ii) Discuss the role of education in imparting such values.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":17,"question":"4. (b) Giving examples, examine the relationship between personal and professional ethics of civil servants.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":19,"question":"5 Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/ philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context.\n(a) If people scrutinize their own faults as they do the faults of others, mankind will be freed of all evil.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":21,"question":"5. (b) Courage is the first of human qualities because it's the quality that guarantees the others.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":23,"question":"6. How do law and conscience act as source of ethical guidance? Explain with examples.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":25,"question":"7. Differentiate between the following using examples:\n(i) Wants and Needs\n(ii) Ethics and Etiquette","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":27,"question":"8. Good corporate governance is not an end in itself. It is a means to support economic efficiency, sustainable growth and financial stability. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":29,"question":"9 A hilly state witnessed torrential rains leading to loss of life and property. Apart from the local inhabitants there were tourists stranded in large numbers. With the supply chains broken and increased demand, it was observed that local shopkeepers started selling essential goods at very high prices. With a very restricted possibility of being evacuated in the coming few days, the stranded people feel helpless. A crumbled governance infrastructure in remote areas has multiplied the extent of their agony. Given this situation, answer the following questions.\n(a) Identify the various stakeholders in the case and give a reasoned account of their interests. Given the administrative, market and ethical perspective of viewing the situation, do you think there is a conflict in the priorities of these stakeholders?\n(b) Suggest ways to harmonize competing interests in order to resolve the issues, provide relief and prevent escalation of conflict.","marks":"20","words":"around 250"},{"page":35,"question":"10. The steady decline in sex ratio suggests that marked improvement in the economy and literacy rates do not seem to have had any impact on this index. In fact, the availability of new technology and its easy access for the urban, wealthy and educated have worsened the trend and harmed the status of women in Indian society.\n(a) Explain why the phenomenon should not be simply viewed as a medical or legal issue and more attention should be given to the ethical issues involved.\n(b) Give some suggestions to tackle the problem of declining sex ratio.\n(c) Discuss the ethical dilemma involved in Right to abortion vs. Prevention of female foeticide. How can this be resolved?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":37,"question":"(1) Why is the birth of a girl child not desired?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"11. You are the officer-in-charge responsible for monitoring allotment of foodgrains under the Public Distribution System to BPL families in a given district. A group of BPL families in the district claim that they have been denied ration from fair price shops due to non-linking of Aadhar card with their BPL cards. They remark that the government and officers concerned are not empathising with their situation and stage a silent protest. Further, the incident is also being linked to similar instances in other areas of the country where people were denied access to PDS benefits due to similar reasons. The government receives a lot of criticism for this incident on social media networks. You are now in a conundrum, as you are aware that the BPL families need to get foodgrains on time. However, as a government officer, you also need to follow the prescribed rules. Media scrutiny has further aggravated the situation and you realize you need to tread carefully.\n(a) List the issues in the given situation that the parties involved are facing.\n(b) What step(s) will you take in the situation to ensure that the demands of the aggrieved persons are met without violating the rules?\n(c) In this context, briefly discuss how the poor in the country currently face digital exclusion and its consequence(s).","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":47,"question":"12 You are working as a senior doctor in the oncology department of a super specialty hospital located in Delhi. While accessing the quotations from reputed pharmaceutical companies to hospitals, you unearth a nexus between pharma firms and the hospital administration. You get to know that they are hand-in glove with each other and trying to fleece cancer patients by selling drugs at exorbitant prices, even though low cost alternative drugs are available in the market. Being the head of Alliance of Doctors for Ethical Healthcare, who is working against the arbitrary price regime of life saving drugs, you get a chance to represent your case before the Health Minister of your state. However, certain other doctors of the Alliance have asked you to present a distorted reality in front of the Minister since they are obtaining pecuniary benefits from such a scheme of nexus, which would cease if the nexus gets exposed.\n(a) Identify the main stakeholders and ethical issues involved.\n(b) Analyse the possible solutions for addressing the issues.\n(c) What would be your final course of action and why?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":53,"question":"13. You are working as a Manager who handles critical projects in a private firm. You have recently been issued a notice by the Human Resource department that categorically highlights gender imbalance in your team and instructs you to recruit more females. Realizing the importance of this matter you decide to roll out vacancy requirements on an urgent basis and close it within a week. You receive several applications and start interviewing female candidates. However, you realize that the top four candidates are married and two of them are expecting their child. During the interviews the candidates commit on their priority for the project, till it finishes and show willingness to work from home, afterwards. What is the course of action that you will take? Explain the factors that you will take into account and justify the merits of the course of action.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":55,"question":"The dilemma is - do you hire them? What will happen to the critical project if you do hire?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":59,"question":"14 Mr. A is a senior most member of a highly reputed company with considerable customer interface. In recent months, the business of the company has been going down. On detailed analysis, it was found that some of the functionaries of the company have impulsive nature, which has many a times led to altercations with the customers and even among themselves. This has adversely affected the work culture and sullied the image of the company in the market. He seeks your advice, as you are his friend as well as a person who understands management.\n(a) What are the factors that you would consider in making your advice?\n(b) What steps will you suggest to deal with the situation that the company faces?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":61,"question":"(1) Was the nature of the functionaries always impulsive? or is it due to current losses, which have further led to more losses due to their behavior? Is the behaviour inherent nature or as a result of current stress?\n(2) What do the other team members think about this issue?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":4999,"topper":"Neha","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-N9Y8H1kTTtmvGPrPNwUEgB_pR9E119b/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the recent refugee crisis and immigration as a global phenomenon from a broad perspective of globalisation and rights of citizens and aliens.","marks":"10","words":"not more than 150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) Corruption distorts not only functioning of the Government in India but business and corporate activities as well. Explain and discuss how the state can effectively deal with deficit of ethics in the private sector.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":7,"question":"2. Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/ philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context.\n(a) \"Silence becomes cowardice when occasion demands speaking out the whole truth and acting accordingly\" - Mahatma Gandhi.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) \"We must not only tolerate others, but positively embrace them\" - Swami Vivekananda.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":11,"question":"3. (a) Emotional Intelligence is part nature and part nurture. Explaining the statement, discuss how emotional Intelligence of civil servants can be enhanced.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) What do you understand by Probity in Governance? Examine whether the recent amendments to Prevention of Corruption Act and the proposed ones in Whistleblower Protection Act undermine it.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":15,"question":"4. (a) Ensuring that civil service values are recognised during the recruitment process and ensured through a code of ethics after appointment is a necessary condition of making the civil services an effective instrument of citizen centric governance. Comment.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":17,"question":"4. (b) What do you understand by cognitive dissonance? Giving examples, discuss how it influences one's behavior and attitude.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":19,"question":"5. (a) What do you understand by Amartya Sen's 'capability approach'? Analyse its significance in understanding social realities and in making a pro poor development strategy.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":21,"question":"5. (b) While in principle most nations claim commitment to universal values, in practice these values are honoured more in breach than in the observance. In context of this statement, comment on the relevance of values in foreign policy.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":23,"question":"6. While some ethical approaches consider an action to be ethical based on results, other focus on means. Taking the example of Indian bureaucracy compare and examine how these approaches have played out for the benefit of citizens.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":25,"question":"7. What are the ethical principles that should form the basis of the system permitting organ donation and allocation? Also discuss the importance of regulation for the success of any organ transplant program.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":27,"question":"8. Where as some argue that leaks constitute an affront to democracy, others are of the opinion that leaks are a part of democracy. Examine the merits of both the arguments in the context of information attributed to leaks from government offices and whistleblowers.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":29,"question":"9. You are a young recruit to the IAS. Upon the completion of your training you have been posted in a subdivision of a district where industrial development has been lagging. The area has large reserves of minerals and a significant tribal population. The government has identified the area for a large thermal power plant and also adequate expansion of mining. This announcement has seen a rise in land prices in the area as well as unrest among the local population about possible land acquisition. As part of routine examination of records you observe large land purchases in recent years that are linked with the family of the local politician, who is also a member of the state cabinet. You also recognise that much of this land is around the site of the proposed industrial area. Further, one of your staff members also informs you that the family has been buying in the name of drivers, cleaners as well as domestic helps. You feel that having been aware of the policy decision the politician has played a role in these purchases. Incidently your relations with the politician have been cordial and he is a popular figure in the area.\n(a) As the official responsible for acquisition of land and payment of compensation for the land acquired, what are the ethical issues that you face in the given situation?\n(b) What will be your response to a suggestion that in view of these benami land transfers a freeze on land sale in the area should be enforced?\n(c) What is the course of action that you would take? Justify with reasons.","marks":"20","words":"in around 250"},{"page":30,"question":"(b) इन वेनामी भूमि अंतरणों को ध्यान में रखते हुए क्षेत्र में भूमि की बिक्री पर रोक लगाए जाने के सुझाव पर आपकी प्रतिक्रिया क्या होगी?\n(c) आप क्या कार्यवाही करना चाहेंगे? तर्क प्रस्तुत करते हुए इसका औचित्य सिद्ध कीजिए।","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"10. According to the WHO suicide is the second leading cause of death in the age group of 15-29 years globally. In India also, instances of young people committing suicide have been reported widely in recent times. It is all the more disturbing that such a phenomenon is increasingly visible in urban and prosperous areas.\n(a) What are the reasons that render people vulnerable to taking such drastic steps as suicide?\n(b) Also, discuss the role that you as an individual, the society and the government can play in addressing this issue.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":39,"question":"11. You are posted as a District Magistrate of a primarily rural district. Excess agricultural production has led to a continuous fall in market prices of crops in the last three years. With elections approaching soon, the opposition has decided to make this a political issue and has mobilised farmers to protest against falling prices. The protests turned violent at some point and police had to fire in self-defence, killing two people. Violence has increased since then and you yourself were attacked when you tried to pacify the protestors. The protestors have also blocked the main roads as well as railways to prevent movement of goods and people.\nGiven the situation, answer the following questions:\n(a) Identify the key concerns that need to be addressed on a priority basis.\n(b) What steps will you take to address them?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":44,"question":"12. You have recently been promoted as a Branch Manager in a Public Sector Bank. The bank is battling high NPAs and mounting losses. You have been assigned a very high target of loans by the higher management for the current quarter. Your career prospects also depend on your performance in critical times. Few days back you rejected a loan application for a huge sum based on detailed analysis. Today you got a call from the Regional Manager to approve the loan quickly. On your reluctance to approve, he hints that the loan is sought by a person well connected in the finance ministry and that a refusal will have consequences for everyone in the approval chain. You are now in a tough spot. Based on the given information, answer the following questions:\n(a) Bring out the ethical issues in the case above.\n(b) What are the consequences of agreeing to the demands of the senior in the given case. Assess which of them are meritorious and which are not.\n(c) Suggest institutional reforms that can result in non-punishment of honest feedback.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":49,"question":"13. You, the chairperson of a State Public Service Commission (SPSC), come to know that there were instances of rampant cheating in a competitive exam conducted recently by the SPSC. Your daughter, who also appeared in this exam and is confident of clearing it corroborates the same. However, she denies engaging in any such activity herself. Whatever decision the Commission takes is bound to affect the career of a large number of candidates who appeared in the exam, including your own daughter.\n(a) Identify the different stakeholders and their interests in the case above.\n(b) Enumerate the options you have to handle the current situation. What will be your choice and why?\n(c) Suggest measures that you would take to make sure that a similar situation does not arise in future.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":54,"question":"14. You are waiting in your car for your turn at a toll tax booth. You suddenly witness some men heckling and manhandling the toll booth operator and vandalising the property at the toll booth. They are accompanying a local politician who was passing through. Disgruntled with the fact that they were asked to pay the toll, they began to argue that the toll is too high and the public is being exploited by charging an unreasonable toll fee. At the same time they are also warning others against paying the toll fee. However, the other people around you are keeping with themselves, without anyone coming forward to intervene. While you also felt that the toll was quite high, you believe that this is not the right thing to do.\n(a) Bring out the ethical issues in the case above.\n(b) What accounts for such an overt display of hooliganism in our country.\n(c) What is the course of action that you would take? Justify with appropriate reasons.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":56,"question":"13 The overt display of hooliganism in our country is due to:\n(1) Poor law and order and judicial processes -> the rich and powerful can","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5000,"topper":"Neha Bandhu","air":121,"year":2019,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ed99e-171485_1074_neha-bandhu_rank_121.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5001,"topper":"Neha Bandhu","air":121,"year":2019,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/af9b1-171485_1077_neha-bandhu_rank_121.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5002,"topper":"Neha Bandhu","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/184d8-171485_1020_neha-bandhu_rank_121.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Enumerate the discretionary powers of the Governor mentioned in the Indian Constitution. Why is it said that the post of governor has become highly politicised?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"CAG is instrumental in securing accountability of the executive to the Parliament in the sphere of financial administration. Elaborate. Enumerate the provisions made in the Constitution to ensure the independence of the CAG.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"What are the different institutional arrangements in India to promote cooperation between the Centre and States? Critically analyse the role of Inter-State Council to enhance cooperative federalism in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"In view of the idea of holding simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies, discuss the advantages that its implementation would lead to and the concerns that it raises.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"While the Competition Commission of India and sector-specific regulators are required to complement each other, overlapping jurisdiction has resulted in regulatory parallelism amongst them. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Criticism about the judiciary should be welcomed, so long as criticisms do not hamper the \"administration of justice\". In this context discuss whether the power of contempt of court given to the higher judiciary limits the freedom granted by Article 19 (a) and whether these two can be reconciled.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Despite being a welcome step, Inter-State Water Disputes (Amendment) Bill, 2017 fails to resolve the issue of overlapping of jurisdiction between the legislature and judiciary. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Critically discuss the major reforms introduced in the area of electoral funding in Union Budget 2017. Do you think that state funding of elections is a viable idea to check misuse of money power in politics?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Discuss the significance of the concept of Office of Profit as enshrined in the Indian Constitution. Why has it been embroiled in controversies for a long time? Analyse the role played by judiciary in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"The provisions of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution devolve some essential powers to the lower levels in order to cater to the needs of the tribal community. Discuss, while examining the modern day challenges faced by the institutions set up under the Sixth Schedule.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Special rights are not privileges but they are granted to make it possible for minorities to preserve their identity, culture and traditions. Elaborate in the context of India with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"While it has been argued that the judiciary should be brought under RTI, a balance also needs to be maintained between independence of the judiciary and the right of people to know. In this context, discuss the pros and cons of bringing the judiciary under the ambit of RTI.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Differentiate between pressure groups and political parties. It is often said that pressure groups are primarily a consequence of inadequacies of the political parties in India. Discuss the above statement in the context of rising environmental protection groups.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Give an account of the factors responsible for the limited success of Lok Adalats. What measures are required to ensure that Lok Adalats function as an effective dispute redressal mechanism?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"The provision of 33% reservation of seats for women in urban local body elections in Nagaland has been in news for various reasons in recent times. Discuss the underlying issues in light of the constitutional provisions at stake and the social realities of the state.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Government advertisements have often been viewed as misuse of taxpayer's money for enhancing the image of political parties. Discuss in the light of relevant SC rulings. Also enumerate the recommendations made by the Twentieth Law Commission to address the issue of paid news and political advertisements.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"A clear delineation of functions of local governments vis-a-vis State Governments will only strengthen the principle of subsidiarity. In this context, discuss the challenges and the reforms required for effective democratic decentralization in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Vast powers have been vested in the office of the Speaker to strengthen the democratic institutions of the parliamentary system, and not to stifle dissent or protest in the House. Comment in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Tenth Schedule of the Constitution and the subsequent amendments have failed at solving the problem of defections and opportunistic politics. Critically analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"It is the Parliamentary system, with its basis on constant accountability, accommodation and inclusion, which can best serve the needs of the country. Examine, keeping in mind the arguments that are periodically put forward for adopting the Presidential system in India.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5003,"topper":"Neha Bandhu","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/87817-171485_1023_neha-bandhu_rank_121.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The evolution of temple-building in India can be attributed to factors such as changing form of worship, improvement in the skills of the craftsmen and the increase in funding provided by kings and rich merchants. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Metal casting in India appears to be one of the oldest sculptural traditions. Discuss the significance of cire-perduor or \"lost wax\" technique in the sculptural tradition of India with examples from different regions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"India's middle ages brought about a very rich tradition of devotional literature of remarkable merit which dispels the assumption of a dark period of India's history. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"The outbreak of World War II in 1939 divided the nationalists over the next course of action in the freedom struggle. Elaborate. In this context, also examine the factors that led to INC launching the Quit India Movement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"How did the Indian industrialists contribute to the freedom struggle? Did the emergence of the socialistic trend during the later period of the struggle deter them from supporting the freedom struggle? Analyze.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The social-religious reform movements of the 19th and 20th century in British India not only tried to purge the Indian society of various social evils but also prepared the ground for the Indian freedom struggle. Analyze.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"The dawn of 19th century was marked by large scale expansion of the British empire into India, especially during the governorship of Wellesley. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"United States entered the Vietnam war incrementally, in a series of steps between 1950 and 1965. Elucidate. Also analyse the reasons for America's failure in the war.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5004,"topper":"Neha Bandhu","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3e2ae-171485_1024_neha-bandhu_rank_121.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The idea of Universal Basic income has gained appeal in recent months. Enumerating the challenges in its implementation, discuss whether it can be a potent tool to reduce leakages in the system and address inequality in the economy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"A peculiar combination of factors explain India's poor export performance in recent times. Comment. How can the Foreign Trade Policy help in improving India's share in global trade?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"What are Advance Pricing Agreements and how are they related to Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS)? Discuss their relevance for India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"What is meant by public debt? Highlight the objectives of public debt management. Explain why it is considered prudent to disaggregate debt management from monetary policy and take it out of the realm of central bank.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Briefly highlight the parameters used by the government to determine the extent of poverty in India. Examine the relationship of economic growth and poverty alleviation in the post-reforms era.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Explain why the government has adopted the HELP in place of the NELP that was existing for almost a decade. Also discuss how HELP has the potential to transform India's E&P activities with special emphasis on non-conventional sources of energy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Successive governments have resorted to disinvestment of sick and loss-making PSUs. What, according to you, are the targets which the government seek to meet from this exercise? Also explain why the disinvestment targets have not been met in the past.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"What is hydroponics? Discuss its relevance in light of limited land availability while ensuring food security.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Discuss the lacunae in implementation of Minimum Wages Act in ensuring the welfare of agricultural labour. Also, suggest some other measures to improve the situation of agricultural labourers in the country.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"In spite of having the world's largest livestock population in India, the potential of animal rearing remains underutilized. In this context, discuss the challenges faced by the meat and poultry sector and suggest measures for accelerated and sustained growth for this sector.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5005,"topper":"Neha Bandhu","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/48bb4-171485_860_neha-bandhu_rank_121.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Marketing has become a crucial link in the success of a business. With suitable examples, discuss the ethical issues involved in marketing of a product or service. How can these issues be resolved?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Value education empowers a person to confront the myriad challenges of contemporary Indian society. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Ethics is the first line of defence against corruption while law enforcement is remedial and reactive. Examine the statement with suitable examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss the influence that parents have on values of their children and the role they can play in transmitting good values and resisting negative influences. Why is it that, at times, the values of children differ from that of their parents?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"What does 'public service' means to you? Describe the various ways in which one can serve the public. Does one necessarily serve the public better by entering the civil services? Justify your stand.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"What do you understand by 'civic virtue' in public life? What are the challenges in practising it in today's time? How can these challenges be overcome?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"The lives of great leaders inspire us in many ways. Which leader has had a lasting impact on you and in what way? Mention one outstanding value that you have imbibed from him/her and its importance to being a civil servant.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Governance is the vital link in our quest for prosperity and equity. What should be the key elements of ethical governance to eliminate corruption and bureaucratic delays? Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Has excessive profit seeking by corporates undermined the trust of public in the private sector? Giving examples, examine the reasons for failure of corporate governance in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Income inequality, resource mismanagement and health hazards are some of the negative consequences of globalization. In this context, what are some of the ethical dilemmas that civil servants face today? How has the approach to handling these undergone a change?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss the role and importance of independent directors for corporate governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"You are officer-in-charge of a very important railway junction, which is an artery of trade and commerce. A peasant disturbance has been brewing in your district for the past few weeks. Their discussions with the political and district leadership has borne no fruit and it has come to the stage that now they are protesting by organizing a sit-in on the railway tracks near the station. They have thereby succeeded in blocking movement of all trains. This disruption is causing significant harassment for the passengers waiting at the platform as well. (a) What will be your course of immediate action? (b) How can emotional intelligence act as a tool in handling this issue? (c) What steps will you take so that such incidents are not repeated in the future?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"You are the CEO of a film production company, which has not been doing well financially for some time. Your company is now relying on its forthcoming movie, which is about to be released shortly. The movie has a cast of reliable actors and even before its release, trade pundits have predicted that the movie will be a hit. However, you face a conundrum as one of the actors in the movie is a citizen of a neighbouring country with which relations have been disturbed and a war like situation exists. While the political atmosphere was different when the movie was being filmed, now there is a widespread public demand, with a local political party at the forefront, for replacing the actor from the movie or a ban on the release of the movie itself, if the actor is not replaced. While you are aware of the mood of the nation and the public repercussions of releasing the movie in its present form, you also know that it is not feasible to replace him at this stage as he has a substantial role in the movie. There is also a section in the film fraternity that does not want you to compromise in the wake of threat by the local party as it compromises freedom of speech and expression as well as artistic creativity. (a) What are the options available to you? (b) Evaluate each of the options and state their merits and demerits. (c) What course of action would you take and why?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5006,"topper":"Neha Bandhu","air":121,"year":2019,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1e3cb-171485_1211_neha-bandhu_rank_121pdf.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5007,"topper":"Neha Bandhu","air":121,"year":2019,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5f593-171485_1212_neha-bandhu_rank_121.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5008,"topper":"Neha Bhosle","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6db87-135596_1074_neha-bhosle_rank_15.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Strengthening healthcare system in India: Is privatization the only answer ?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5009,"topper":"Neha Bhosle","air":15,"year":2019,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/56651-135596_1077_neha-bhosle_rank_15.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5010,"topper":"Neha Bhosle","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c2f17-135596_1055_neha-bhosle_rank_15.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Even though fought away from its shores, the Korean War saw a close involvement of India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Concluded in 1919, the treaty of Versailles was a failure, both in its intents and outcomes. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The failures of the League of Nations, ultimately, can be traced back to its membership as well as events around the globe in 1930s. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What was the Balfour Declaration? Why is it considered to be a significant factor in shaping the course of conflict in West Asia? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"\"Historical events are to be evaluated in terms of their consequences\". In this context, critically assess the legacy of the October 1917 revolution in Russia. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Starting form small incremental steps, the war in Vietnam spanned multiple presidencies culminating in the failure of the United States on multiple fronts. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The beginning of modern China can be traced back to its humiliation at the hands of the western colonial powers. Examine the significance of the Opium Wars in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The imposition of national emergency in 1975 was perhaps the gravest test India's democracy faced. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"While to some the abolition of the Privy Purses was a \"historical necessity\", to others, it was \"betrayal of a promise\". Examine in the context of the abolition of Privy Purses in 1971. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Examine the issues which obstructed the political development in post-colonial African countries. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Luddite rebellion was one of the reactions to the negative fallouts of the industrial revolution. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Fascism and Nazism both emerged in an unstable Europe, not only causing further instability but virtually destroying the continent in their wake. Explain. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Events in West Asia and Afghanistan in the year 1979 had a deep impact on the politics of the region with long lasting significance. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Even though the South Americans welcomed the formulation of Monroe doctrine, it's later interpretation became a pretext for United States' intervention. Elaborate with examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The task of integrating tribal population in post-independence India raised multiple debates and resulted in a policy that has both successes and failures to account for. Explain. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The India-China war of 1962 was a result of immediate as well as longstanding factors. Explain. Also, examine the significant consequences of the war. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The isolation of the region, its complex social character and its backwardness have all resulted in a complicated set of demands from different states of the North-East since independence. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The reasons for the Bangladesh liberation war lay in the history of animosity, discrimination and socio-political conditions between the two wings of Pakistan. Comment. Also discuss India's contribution and role in the creation of Bangladesh. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Fallouts of the Green Revolution, the nature of intervention of the central government to address Punjab's problem, and increased communalization of politics led to an eruption of militant violence in Punjab. Elaborate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5011,"topper":"Neha Bhosle","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/195a7-135596_1065_neha-bhosle_rank_15.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Despite many challenges, India has persisted in consolidating relations with Iran. Explain. In the context of Chabahar Port, discuss the significance of other actors in Indo-Iranian relations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"It has been argued that recent developments in Maldives marked a test for the Neighbourhood First policy of India. In this context, do you think India's neighbourhood policy requires a major overhaul to deal with such developments?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"The developments since the beginning of 21st century have augured well for India-Japan relations, nonetheless terming them natural allies would require further consolidation of the ties. Critically comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"In view of India's quest to become a leading power globally, assess its potential to achieve desired outcomes and preparedness to address key emerging issues in international arena.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Critically analyse the role of non-state actors in international relations and their impact on India's diplomatic ties and strategic interests.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Examine the key aspects of India-United Kingdom ties. In this context, how significant is the Commonwealth grouping? Discuss in view of the recent developments.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"UN Peacekeeping requires reforms to ensure its increased effectiveness and appropriate use in future. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the progress and hurdles in achieving the objectives of India's Connect Central Asia policy. Also suggest measures to overcome these hurdles.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"While the National Investigation Agency is emerging as India's premier terror investigating agency, the challenges before it are multipronged. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Assess the potential of Social Media Networks for effective policing in India. Also, highlight the reasons behind relatively slow pace of adaptation of social media into policing in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Integrated theatre commands are only one amongst the many steps required for improving the effectiveness of armed forces. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Discussing the applications of the NISAR mission, comment on the need for international collaborations in India's space programme to generate resources and develop expertise.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Elaborate upon the role of remote sensing technology in the agriculture sector. Also, enumerate various programmes undertaken by the government to leverage remote sensing technology for monitoring agriculture in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Defining superbugs, assess why India is particularly vulnerable to them. Also, suggest measures that can be taken to deal with the threat of superbugs in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Despite its associated risks, nanotechnology offers many advantages to improve upon existing technologies to tackle air, water, and soil pollution. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"What is cloud computing? With examples, identify how it can improve the quality of governance. Also, suggest some measures that can be deployed to counter the security risks that may arise.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Delineate objectives and services linked with Technology and Innovation Support Centers (TISC) program of the WIPO. Also, highlight steps taken by India in this context with special emphasis on IPR awareness.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Discuss the significance of polar research and India's contribution in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5012,"topper":"Neha Bhosle","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9df22-135596_1058_neha-bhosle_rank_15.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"While on one hand, urbanization is creating potential for social integration and economic opportunity, on the other hand, it is also leading to segregation and exclusion based on socio-economic status. Examine the paradox in context of Indian cities. What steps can be taken to make urban space truly inclusive?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"The achievement of Sustainable Development Goals depends crucially on, among other factors, formulating development strategies that reflect the current and future population dynamics. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Globalization is a double-edged sword, which on one hand ensures economic growth but on the other hand, assaults national sovereignty, erodes local culture and threatens economic and social stability. Critically examine the statement in context of Indian society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Is the Indian notion of secularism, based on uniform respect for all religions by the state and separation of religion from public institutional practices, adequate to ensure a secular state? Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"There is an emerging pattern of a predominantly youthful north and a maturing south and west. Analyze the possible implications of such a demographic divergence on policy-making in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Given the significant increase in urban population, it is important that the nature and extent of urban poverty should be recognised and adequately addressed by public policy in India. Discuss in the context of problems faced by urban poor and the government programmes and initiatives taken to deal with them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"It is assumed that urbanization along with industrialization would induce certain essential changes in the caste-based system of stratification. In this context, discuss how the caste system has continued to persist and exert its influence in urban social life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Decline in child sex ratio, caused by various reasons, is a serious problem with severe socio-economic, demographic and cultural implications. Discuss in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"The surge in urban crimes is a grim reminder of the unplanned & rapid nature of urbanization in India. Discuss. Also, list measures that can be taken to tackle the issue of urban crimes in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Care for the elderly is fast emerging as a critical element of both public and private concern. Discuss in the context of India's increasing population of the elderly.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Rapid urbanization not only requires addressing the deficits in urban areas but also addressing those that are created because of it in rural areas. Comment. Also, evaluate the success of government programmes to reduce the stress on rural population because of urbanization.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"The relegation of women to private sphere of life is the main cause behind gender inequality and exploitation in India. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Education is an important avenue for uplifting the socio-economic status of the Scheduled Tribes. In this context, highlight the challenges faced in providing education to tribals in India. Also, suggest some measures for improvement of tribal education.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Even though millions have been lifted out of poverty in recent decades, the rise in inequality may have dire consequences for the society. Explain in the light of recent studies highlighting this increasing trend.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Growing 'informallzation of labour market' is perceived as a barrier to realising economic potential as well as a hindrance to longrun economic development and poverty reduction. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"The focus on risk factors that appear at a young age and timely interventions is the key to preventing child delinquency and its escalation into chronic criminality. Analyse the statement with respect to growing incidences of child delinquency in context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Digital technology can either be a game changer for disadvantaged children or yet another dividing line that prevents children from fulfilling their potential. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"The demand by nativist political parties and movements that employment preferences be given to \"local\" people has raised certain issues. Examine the statement in the context of 'son of soil theory' in India. Also discuss, why such demands develop in some states and cities and not in others.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"The mixing of caste and politics resulting into 'politicization of caste' and 'casteization of politics' in contemporary India has become a grave challenge to our democracy. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Explaining the importance of middle class in the developmental process of a country, discuss the grounds on which the Indian middle class is criticized by some.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5013,"topper":"Neha Bhosle","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c934a-135596_1063_neha-bhosle_rank_15.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explaining the significance of RCEP, discuss various aspects of India's engagement in this initiative. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"It has been acknowledged widely that smart power is the best possible way for achieving intended foreign policy outcomes. Examine in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"On the one hand, water has the potential of bringing closer regional integration in South Asia, on the other it has remained symbolic of the trust deficit between the countries in India's neighbourhood. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Despite a strong case for a Broad-based Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA) between India and the European Union (EU), negotiations have been stuck for long owing to multiple factors. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Non-alignment, though much debated, has retained its significance over the years in India's foreign policy engagements. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"India-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship, 1950 forms the bedrock of the India-Nepal relations. However, considering recent changes in the region, revising the treaty would be a prudent step. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Accession to the Ashgabat agreement is valuable for connecting India to its extended neighbourhood. What is the Ashgabat Agreement? Assess its significance for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The peace initiative of the Afghan government has raised some difficulties for India, nonetheless India's engagement with Afghanistan is strong enough to withstand such difficulties. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is a natural choice for India to fulfill key foreign policy priorities. In this context, discuss the issues behind hitherto slow progress and the reasons for reinvigorated optimism regarding BIMSTEC. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Highlighting its mandate, discuss the significance of International Solar Alliance in positioning India to a key global leadership role. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"India's engagement with its extended neighbourhood in West Asia has evolved into a 'Look West' approach in recent times. However, multiple faultlines in this volatile region require a balancing act on the part of India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"While India and Russia have enjoyed good relations since the Soviet era, relying on the past may not be enough to deal with shift in the relationship in light of the rapidly evolving geopolitical realities. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"India-China ties, marked by a broad convergence on transnational issues, on one hand and geostrategic rivalry on the other, have profound implications not only for the two countries but also the current international system. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"For BRICS to remain relevant, its members must make a realistic assessment of the initiative's opportunities and inherent limitations. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Sluggish progress of the Doha round signals that the WTO is proving to be ineffective in promoting free trade. Identifying the factors behind this, comment on the relevance of WTO in present context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The India-France Strategic Partnership launched in 1998 seems to have finally come of age. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Despite the great strides made, India-ASEAN relations have not measured up to expectations. Critically examine in the context of recent commemoration of relations by the two sides through the Delhi Declaration. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"India's expanding interests rather than endorsement by others should be the basis of its engagement with what is being termed as the Indo-Pacific. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"In what ways has the engagement between India and its diaspora evolved over the years? What role can the Indian diaspora play in furthering and shaping India's foreign policy goals? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India-Bangladesh relations have been termed one of fraternal friendship. What have been the key achievements in this context in the last few years? Also, identify steps to further consolidate these relations. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5014,"topper":"Neha Bhosle","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/429ff-135596_1050_neha-bhosle_rank_15.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Citizens' Charters make administration both accountable and citizen-friendly. However, over time, in a large number of offices, Citizens' Charters have fallen into disuse. Suggest measures that can make these charters effective tools for bringing accountability in public service. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the importance of involving civil society in pre-legislative scrutiny and mention the steps that can be taken by the government to increase public engagement in it. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Poor standards of tertiary education are a drag on India's competitiveness. Elucidate. Also enumerate the initiatives taken by the government in the past few years to improve the quality of higher education in India. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Social audit has a crucial role in effective implementation of social sector programmes. Comment. Also discuss its strengths and limitations. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are the major welfare schemes for elderly in India? Do you think the benefits of such schemes are reaching a wide section of the target segment? Give reasons. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Welfare policies in India have undergone a paradigm shift in recent decades, yet they retain certain elements of continuity. Discuss with examples. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Discuss whether changes recommended by the Law Commission in its 268th report can help in addressing the problems of undertrials languishing in jails in India. What other measures can be taken in this regard? (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"While various government initiatives and policies have created opportunities in the affordable housing segment, there are challenges that still persist. Discuss. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Demographic dividend may become demographic liability in the absence of adequate skill development. In this context, discuss the importance of National Policy for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, 2015. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Highlight the need for whistleblower protection in India. Critically analyze whether the Whistleblower Protection Act provides sufficient protection to the whistleblowers. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What are the factors which have been responsible for slow pace of growth of coverage under the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP). Enumerate the recent steps taken by the government in order to increase this pace to achieve universal coverage swiftly. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the ways in which digital divide perpetuates and manifests itself in India. Discuss the importance of steps taken by the government to bridge this divide. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"What are the objectives of National Health Mission? Why, in your opinion, non-communicable diseases have acquired salience in recent times? What are its implications for health policy in the country? (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Over the years, there has been a growing realisation that undue interference from the State, lack of autonomy and widespread politicisation has severely impaired the functioning of Cooperative sector and there is a need to introduce urgent reforms in the Cooperative sector. Discuss. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"With the current system of health financing in India being largely out-of-pocket payments, examine the need for reforms in healthcare finance. Also discuss the issues associated with reinforcing Insurance as the long-term strategy for health financing in this regard. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Explain the significance of the recently launched National Nutritional Strategy in the light of sliding ranking of India along the Global Hunger Index. Also, discuss with examples, the role that local self governments can play in promoting, monitoring and sustaining nutrition initiatives. (250WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The bureaucracy in India is facing a number of serious challenges from diminishing human capital to political interference that, if left unaddressed, will lead to further institutional decline. Discuss. How can these challenges be addressed? (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"While many people have been able to rise above poverty line, India is still home to the largest number of poor. Discuss briefly the underlying factors responsible for the prevalence of poverty in India. What are the areas in which focussed efforts need to be made in order to accelerate poverty eradication in a sustainable manner? (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"In context of the need to strengthen corporate governance, the Kotak panel report has called for a major overhaul in norms for listed companies. Critically discuss the impediments to corporate governance in India and evaluate how the recommendations can help in overcoming them. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Several issues related to adopting new technologies, transforming processes and improving implementation of NeGP need to be addressed. Discuss. Also, enumerate the sets of principles guiding the design and Implementation of the e-Kranti Program (NeGP 2.0). (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5015,"topper":"Neha Bhosle","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a488c-135596_1057_neha-bhosle_rank_15.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Self doubt can both help and hinder leadership. Discuss with examples. 10 (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Bring out the significance of probity in public life. What are the requisites for ensuring probity in governance? Pointing out the key concerns in India in this context, suggest certain remedial measures. 10 (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"While the corrupt and dishonest should be punished swiftly, honest public servants need to be protected against malicious and motivated complaints to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of an organisation. Discuss. How can the two objectives be reconciled?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"The effective implementation of the Right to Information Act will create an environment of vigilance which will help in functioning of a more participatory democracy. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"The bureaucracy technically has been an efficient form of organisation but is seen to have exceeded its administrative powers due to its tendency towards self aggrandisement, permanence in employment, and nearness to the political executive. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Social media has played a key role in influencing political opinions and social attitudes in India. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"\"Nonviolence is not servile passivity but a powerful moral force which makes for social transformation\". Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"It is at the interface of public action and private interest that the need arises for establishing not just a code of ethics but a code of conduct. In this context, highlight the need for drafting a code of ethics as well as a code of conduct.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Income inequality is a matter of grave concern for the Indian society. In this context, examine the relevance of Gandhiji's concepts of 'Sarvodaya' and 'Trusteeship'.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"It does not take long for conflict to turn violent when deep seeded prejudices and discriminatory attitudes are not addressed. Discuss in the context of communal and caste-based violence in India. What role should the state play in this context?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Explain with examples how emotional intelligence increases the effectiveness of leadership skills in a civil servant.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"A Citizens' Charter sees public services through the eyes of those who use them. In this context, analyze the importance of citizen charter in making public services citizen centric.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Given the effects that cultural attitudes about menstruation have on women, there is need to follow a strategic approach in combating these. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"As the District Magistrate you are posted in a district that had been infamous for girl-child marriages. The government introduced a contributory scheme two decades ago, where the government contributed the same amount as the parents, into an account, for their girl child of age 0 to 7 years. The total sum could be withdrawn only when the girl turns eighteen and is unmarried. Due to this scheme, a new pattern has emerged. All girls are married as soon as they turn eighteen and incidents of dowry have increased substantially - because the community customs require paying the sum commensurate to the age of the girl. Further, parents now tend to save money for the scheme instead of investing in girl's education. As the local administration tries to tackle the current situation it looks up to you for ideas and leadership: (a) Identify the factors which have led to such outcomes. 20 (b) Devise a strategy, keeping in mind the multiple aspects of the situation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"While on the one hand, some state governments have implemented alcohol consumption prohibition laws, it is permitted in other states. Debates around this issue often involves aspects such as individual rights, cultural attitudes and social welfare. As a teacher you need to explain the key issues involved to a young audience. What are these? How would you conclude the lecture?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"As a concerned citizen you have been engaged with the issue of persons employed in manual scavenging. You notice that despite laws and strictures from the highest court of the land the practice of employing human labour to clean sewers continues. While the administration has to ensure the cleanliness of the urban localities, those who are employed also have to earn to sustain themselves and their families. The death of few workers recently due to asphyxiation while cleaning a septic tank has caused much consternation in your locality. You would like to engage with the situation by writing to the administration, for which you need to find an answer to the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders involved and state their conflicting interests. (b) What challenges does the administration face in curbing this social evil? (c) Enumerate the steps to deal with the problem. 20 , - - , : (a) - (b) ? (c)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"While stampedes and mishaps due to overcrowding have led to loss of lives on multiple occasions, it remains an issue discussed only when there is a tragedy. Recently you were assigned the responsibility of conducting a mela around a revered religious place, which attracts millions of devotees. Every year the numbers have been increasing and this year due to certain celestial alignments the crowd is expected to be unprecedented. In the previous year the officer in charge was criticised and transferred over allegations of hurting religious sensitivities by restricting access to the religious place. You have three months to prepare for the mela. (a) Identify the key areas you would focus on? (b) What are the challenges that you foresee? (c) How do you propose to overcome them?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"You are a senior official at a government agency that is responsible for collection, storage and protection of biometric data of citizens. Due to the expanse of operations, the agency employs third parties for collection of data. There have been reports of security breach and leakage of data by third parties in exchange of money. A journalist from a prominent newspaper carries a sting operation and releases some data in the public to show the ongoing corruption and highlighting the inability of the agency in protecting public data. You are asked by the chairperson of the agency to file an FIR against the journalist and pursue criminal proceedings against him considering it an act of unauthorized access. (a) Do you agree with the action sought by the chairperson against the journalist? Give appropriate reasons for your answer. (b) If you disagree, what would be your course of action? (c) Do you think the action of the journalist is justified?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5016,"topper":"Neha Bhosle","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b3708-135596_1056_neha-bhosle_rank_15.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the significance of the following in the context of civil service: 10 (i) Public trust (ii) Objectivity (iii) Strength of character (iv) Empathy (v) Selflessness","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Do you think nation states owe a responsibility towards asylum seekers? What are the considerations that should, in your opinion, go into the making of a refugee policy? Provide arguments with contemporary examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Why do civil servants have a special obligation to uphold ethical standards? What are the main areas of concerns for implementation of an effective ethical standard in civil services? In this context, suggest measures to remedy these concerns.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"While families are the first socializing agents, which inculcate moral values in a child, the role played by schools in this regard is also indispensable. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"What is the significance of morality in day-to-day life? Give an example from your own life where you chose moral action and elaborate the reasons for your choice of that action.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Analyse the ethical dimensions of using nuclear deterrence as a self- defense strategy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"We make a living by what we do, but we make a life by what we give.10 (i) Highlight the importance of value of altruism for a society. (ii) Discuss the role of education in imparting such values.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Giving examples, examine the relationship between personal and professional ethics of civil servants.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/ philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) If people scrutinize their own faults as they do the faults of others, mankind will be freed of all evil.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"How do law and conscience act as source of ethical guidance? Explain with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Good corporate governance is not an end in itself. It is a means to support economic efficiency, sustainable growth and financial stability. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"A hilly state witnessed torrential rains leading to loss of life and property. Apart from the local inhabitants there were tourists stranded in large numbers. With the supply chains broken and increased demand, it was observed that local shopkeepers started selling essential goods at very high prices. With a very restricted possibility of being evacuated in the coming few days, the stranded people feel helpless. A crumbled governance infrastructure in remote areas has multiplied the extent of their agony. Given this situation, answer the following questions. 20 (a) Identify the various stakeholders in the case and give a reasoned account of their interests. Given the administrative, market and ethical perspective of viewing the situation, do you think there is a conflict in the priorities of these stakeholders? (b) Suggest ways to harmonize competing interests in order to resolve the issues, provide relief and prevent escalation of conflict.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"The steady decline in sex ratio suggests that marked improvement in the economy and literacy rates do not seem to have had any impact on this index. In fact, the availability of new technology and its easy access for the urban, wealthy and educated have worsened the trend and harmed the status of women in Indian society. 20 (a) Explain why the phenomenon should not be simply viewed as a medical or legal issue and more attention should be given to the ethical issues involved. (b) Give some suggestions to tackle the problem of declining sex ratio. (c) Discuss the ethical dilemma involved in Right to abortion vs. Prevention of female foeticide. How can this be resolved?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"You are the officer-in-charge responsible for monitoring allotment of foodgrains under the Public Distribution System to BPL families in a given district. A group of BPL families in the district claim that they have been denied ration from fair price shops due to non-linking of Aadhar card with their BPL cards. They remark that the government and officers concerned are not empathising with their situation and stage a silent protest. Further, the incident is also being linked to similar instances in other areas of the country where people were denied access to PDS benefits due to similar reasons. The government receives a lot of criticism for this incident on social media networks. You are now in a conundrum, as you are aware that the BPL families need to get foodgrains on time. However, as a government officer, you also need to follow the prescribed rules. Media scrutiny has further aggravated the situation and you realize you need to tread carefully. 20 Based on the information above, answer the following: (a) List the issues in the given situation that the parties involved are facing. (b) What step(s) will you take in the situation to ensure that the demands of the aggrieved persons are met without violating the rules? (c) In this context, briefly discuss how the poor in the country currently face digital exclusion and its consequence(s).","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"You are working as a senior doctor in the oncology department of a super specialty hospital located in Delhi. While accessing the quotations from reputed pharmaceutical companies to hospitals, you unearth a nexus between pharma firms and the hospital administration. You get to know that they are hand-in glove with each other and trying to fleece cancer patients by selling drugs at exorbitant prices, even though low cost alternative drugs are available in the market. Being the head of Alliance of Doctors for Ethical Healthcare, who is working against the arbitrary price regime of life saving drugs, you get a chance to represent your case before the Health Minister of your state. However, certain other doctors of the Alliance have asked you to present a distorted reality in front of the Minister since they are obtaining pecuniary benefits from such a scheme of nexus, which would cease if the nexus gets exposed. 20 (a) Identify the main stakeholders and ethical issues involved. (b) Analyse the possible solutions for addressing the issues. (c) What would be your final course of action and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"You are working as a Manager who handles critical projects in a private firm. You have recently been issued a notice by the Human Resource department that categorically highlights gender imbalance in your team and instructs you to recruit more females. Realizing the importance of this matter you decide to roll out vacancy requirements on an urgent basis and close it within a week. You receive several applications and start interviewing female candidates. However, you realize that the top four candidates are married and two of them are expecting their child. During the interviews the candidates commit on their priority for the project, till it finishes and show willingness to work from home, afterwards. What is the course of action that you will take? Explain the factors that you will take into account and justify the merits of the course of action.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":59,"question":"Mr. A is a senior most member of a highly reputed company with considerable customer interface. In recent months, the business of the company has been going down. On detailed analysis, it was found that some of the functionaries of the company have impulsive nature, which has many a times led to altercations with the customers and even among themselves. This has adversely affected the work culture and sullied the image of the company in the market. He seeks your advice, as you are his friend as well as a person who understands management. 20 (a) What are the factors that you would consider in making your advice? (b) What steps will you suggest to deal with the situation that the company faces?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5017,"topper":"Neha Bhosle","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/24479-135596_1073_neha-bhosle_rank_15.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Corruption distorts not only functioning of the Government in India but business and corporate activities as well. Explain and discuss how the state can effectively deal with deficit of ethics in the private sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/ philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) \"Silence becomes cowardice when occasion demands speaking out the whole truth and acting accordingly\" - Mahatma Gandhi.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"What do you understand by Probity in Governance? Examine whether the recent amendments to Prevention of Corruption Act and the proposed ones in Whistleblower Protection Act undermine it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"While some ethical approaches consider an action to be ethical based on results, other focus on means. Taking the example of Indian bureaucracy compare and examine how these approaches have played out for the benefit of citizens.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"According to the WHO suicide is the second leading cause of death in the age group of 15-29 years globally. In India also, instances of young people committing suicide have been reported widely in recent times. It is all the more disturbing that such a phenomenon is increasingly visible in urban and prosperous areas. (a) What are the reasons that render people vulnerable to taking such drastic steps as suicide? (b) Also, discuss the role that you as an individual, the society and the government can play in addressing this issue.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5018,"topper":"Neha Bhosle","air":15,"year":2019,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/f2d21-135596_1208_neha-bhosle_rank_15.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"Illustrate with examples: Ethnicity and race as dimensions of stratification","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"In what ways are Marx's and Weber's theories of class at odds with each other and to what extent can they be seen as complementary?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"\"Durkheim was not the first thinker to attempt to make sociology a science.\" Critically examine","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"\"Religion is the opium of masses and an instrument of classes\". Critically analyse","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"\"Suicide as a 'social fact' is an illustration of Emile Durkheim's views on 'society' and 'methodology'.\" Discuss","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Elaborate the contribution of religion in the development of science.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Is there any difference between social stratification and social inequality? Examine whether social inequalities can be functional for the society?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Critically examine various 'theories of revolution'.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Explain the relationship between the nation-state and citizenship. Why has the nation-state become the most common arena for government?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5019,"topper":"Neha Bhosle","air":15,"year":2019,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/99d63-135596_1209_neha-bhosle_rank_15.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"\"Emergence of sociology was not merely a coincidence\". Comment","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Explain the nature and scope of quantitative methods of data collection in sociological research.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"\"Phenomenology represents the most radical departure from the 'scientific' quantitative methodology\". Critically analyse the statement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"\"Methodological pluralism is an increasingly common feature of social research.\" In the context of this statement, discuss the ways in which multi-strategy research can be used.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"\"Sociology and common sense share a complimentary relationship\". Comment","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Critically assess the 'cultural lag' theory of social change","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Explain the correlation between Residency and Lines of Descent.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"What do you mean by Social organization of work? Also discuss how it is changing in contemporary society and the implications for individuals and society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"What is feminization of work? Critically examine, why this does not mean that gender equality has been achieved?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"Evaluate Max Weber's 'theory of religion' as a 'factor of social change.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Is social change evolutionary or revolutionary? Discuss this statement in context of Marxian and Parsonian idea of social change.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"\"Technology is the key to understanding social change today\". Critically analyse","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Critically examine 'dependency theory' of underdevelopment.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5020,"topper":"Neha Bhosle","air":15,"year":2019,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d5531-135596_1211_neha-bhosle_rank_15.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5021,"topper":"Neha Bhosle","air":15,"year":2019,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/f18f9-135596_1210_neha-bhosle_rank_15.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5022,"topper":"Neha Bhosle","air":15,"year":2019,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b74c7-135596_1212_neha-bhosle_rank_15.pdf","questions":[{"page":9,"question":"Discuss the importance of 'Pilot Studies' in sociological research.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"\"For Marx, the history of mankind is not only a history of class struggle but also of the increasing alienation of man\". Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"\"Historical Materialism is Economic determinism\". Critically analyse","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"\"Patriarchal values reinforce 'gendered roles' in society\". Discuss","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Marriage is no longer the popular institution in today's modern society\". Critically analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Critically examine \"functional theories of religion\".","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Critically evaluate the 'impact of automation' on the workers in the industrial and post-industrial societies.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5023,"topper":"NEHA RAJPUT","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/102f9-1420901_2089_neha_rajput_rank_51.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"With the elephant being a vital part of the Buddhist faith, it was widely represented in its sculptures as well. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"India's war of independence was won by the efforts and sacrifices of different sections of the society. In this context, discuss the contributions made by tribal women in the national freedom struggle. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Bring out the key principles underlying Rabindranath Tagore's vision of nationalism during the Indian freedom struggle. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The combination of internal pulls coupled with external pressure as well as colonial resistance prompted the European powers to relinquish their claim over colonies. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Identifying the growth drivers of aquaculture in India, discuss the associated issues. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"While critical minerals are driving the clean energy transition, they bring new vulnerabilities with regard to energy security. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How does the theory of plate tectonics help in explaining the differences in the formation of the Himalayas and Andes mountains? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Critical issues surrounding the condition of groundwater in India need overarching solutions for a water-secure future. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"A large proportion of India's population is expected to live in cities by 2050. In this context, discuss the need for urban green spaces in creating inclusive, resilient, and sustainable cities in the country. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"India's secular approach has remained that of a 'principled distance' and not of 'equi-distance'. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"A major phase in temple architecture in India is associated with the Hoysala dynasty from the 11th to 14th centuries A.D. Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Accounts of Greek historians provide valuable insights into the social and economic conditions in ancient India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Discuss the role played by the Indian diaspora in the freedom struggle of India, especially during the first half of the 20th century. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind the emergence of environmental movements and their significance in post-independent India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Analyse the possible impact of climate change on the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR). What steps can be taken to mitigate it? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Though land subsidence can happen for a host of reasons, it is imperative to estimate its possible impact and chalk out a sustainable plan to minimise the adverse impact. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Discuss the potential of natural resources in the Arctic region as drivers of economic development, while also considering the environmental and social impacts of their exploitation. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Bring out the impact of globalisation in shaping the dynamics of family size, structure and relationships in the modern Indian society. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Migration is an expression of the human aspiration for dignity, safety and a better future. In light of this, examine the multi-dimensional nature of internal migration in India and discuss its inherent relationship with development. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Workplace gender inclusivity in India is skewed against women due to a range of cultural and gender biases existent in the society. Discuss. Also suggest socio-legal measures to address this issue. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5024,"topper":"NEHA RAJPUT","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7dca5-1420901_2092_neha_rajput_rank_51.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Direct interactions with social groups, like families and peers, teach people how others expect them to behave. Likewise, a society as a whole reinforces and shapes values through its norms, institutions, media, and collective behaviour. Discuss how a society's formal and informal institutions socialize its population, with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Do you think technology can play a role in establishing a value-centric modern society? Critically evaluate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What does each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \" - , \" . 10 \"The end-product of education should be a free creative man, who can battle against historical circumstances and adversities of nature.\" Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are the signs that show that an individual ranks on the lower spectrum of emotional intelligence? How far is technology leading to a decline in the emotional intelligence of people, especially the younger generations? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"Action is a catalyst for profound shifts in attitude of an individual.\" How far do you agree with the statement? Give suitable examples to substantiate your answer. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Thirukkural advocates a conscious and a spirit-centered approach to business ethics based on eternal values and moral principles that should govern the conduct of business leaders. What are the ethical issues faced by businesses in contemporary times? How will the teachings of Thirukkural assist in their resolution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Laws promote social control by resolving basic value conflicts, settling individual disputes, and making rules that even our rulers must follow. But law does not always achieve its purpose and can rather harm society. In this background, discuss the limitations and dysfunctions of law, with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":34,"question":"The Indian Railways (IR) has approximately 43,000 hectares of vacant land, which is not required for operational purposes in the foreseeable future. Such plots of land are entrusted to the Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA) by the Railway Board for commercial development. As the Vice-Chairman of the RLDA, you are responsible for identifying the potential of these vacant lands and work out the best mode of commercial development. Meanwhile, the Union government is planning to build India's first intermodal stations, Intermodal Stations (IMS) are terminal infrastructure, which integrate various transportation modes such as rail, road, mass rapid transit system, bus rapid transit, inland waterways, auto-rickshaws, taxis and private vehicles so that people can move from one mode to another seamlessly. The Union Ministry has shortlisted two cities to build IMS. The land identified in one city, which also happens to be the home town of a Union Minister, belongs to the RLDA. You are supposed to clear a final report on this land based on which it will be cleared for building IMS. After going through the land details, you discover that the land contains natural urban forest with more than 40,000 trees that provide diverse ecosystem services to the residents of the cities. Clearing this land for the project will lead to cutting of these trees. Also, the news of this land being under consideration is already out and the environmental civil society groups in the city are protesting against it. They are threatening to go to the court if the trees are cut to proceed with the project. Further, an alternative site has been proposed by an environmental think tank, which could be suitable in terms of sustainable development of the project. On the other hand, there is pressure from the Union Minister to clear the land for the project. A senior member from the Railway Board has also approached you to look into the issue favourably else it might upset the political executive. (a) What are the ethical dilemmas faced by you in the given situation? (b) Under the given conditions, what are the options available to you? (c) Critically evaluate each of the options listed by you. (d) What option would you adopt and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"The rise of the gig economy greatly benefits the new generation of employees, as it provides them with new job opportunities and multiple sources of income. It is a common trend for fresh graduates who move out of smaller towns and cities and take up gig works to make ends meet till they land a permanent job. Organizations are also opting for temporary professionals over training their own employees for a specific skill set. The NITI Aayog estimates that India has 7.7 million gig workers, which it expects will swell to 23.5 million by 2029-30. Being a gig worker in a delivery company, Rahul earns around Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 40,000 per month depending upon the number of orders received. Also, the work gives him flexibility in scheduling and structuring his days. However, he faces unprecedented struggles due to long working hours, lack of job security, lack of availability of gigs and mainstream jobs, inhuman treatment by the employers and lack of legal protection or rights. But, he is compelled to work, as he is the sole earning member of his family of 4 members. Finding a sense of identity has become difficult as the frequently asked question 'what do you do for a living?' remains to be one of the toughest to answer. It is very difficult for him to get financial assistance, such as loans and mortgages, as he has no stable income to show nor any business to his name, just a skill which is being used every now and then by some employer. Getting health insurance is yet another pain with no insurance companies extending benefits to him due to the nature of his job. In short, Rahul and his family have almost no recognition in the society even for bare minimum amenities, which are reserved for the 'working class'. The abuse of the gig workers is further aggravated by the venture capitalists who would rather pour their money into organizations which are devoid of the employee liability and do not have the overhead expenses of managing a full-time workforce, making it difficult for the regular employers to compete. (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) What can be done to resolve the problems faced by gig workers like Rahul? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"In the recently announced result of the Civil Services Examination, for the second year in a row, a female candidate has secured the top rank. Overall, of the total of 933 successful candidates, 320 are women. This is the highest percentage of women candidates selected in any year. But these numbers are far less than the proportion of women in the population. Even in the bureaucratic hierarchy, women seldom hold top posts as compared to men. In the medical sector, on an average more women join medical colleges compared to men in India. But at the post-graduation and doctoral levels, the percentage of female doctors is around one-third of the male doctors. It is also observed that positions of leadership in academics and administration are still mostly occupied by men. Additionally, in the field of politics, the representation of women in leadership positions remains relatively low. In the Lok Sabha, women hold only around 14% of the seats. In the State Legislatures, the representation of women varies, with some states showing higher percentages than others. However, there is still a long way to go to achieve gender parity in political representation. In this context, answer the following questions. (a) What are the key barriers and challenges that hinder the path of women in their journey towards leadership roles in their respective fields? (b) How do the social and cultural norms affect women's employment in India? (c) Discuss how gender parity in employment opportunities and career growth be ensured for women in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5025,"topper":"NEHA RAJPUT","air":51,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c95c5-1420901_2088_neha_rajput_rank_51.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5026,"topper":"NEHAA K","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4763f-892821_2322_nehaa_k_rank_175.pdf","questions":[{"page":17,"question":"Question 7: We build too many walls, and not enough bridges.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5027,"topper":"NEHAA K","air":175,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8c98b-892821_2320_nehaa_k_rank_175.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5028,"topper":"NEHAA K","air":175,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6d36e-892821_2323_nehaa_k_rank_175.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5029,"topper":"NEHAA K","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/89c0b-892821_2071_nehaa_k_rank_175.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"There are arguments that bills of national importance should be placed before the Inter-State Council prior to their introduction in the Parliament. Discuss in light of the issues that have been observed in the passage of bills in the Parliament in recent times. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Discuss the role played by the Directorate of Enforcement in the investigation of offence of money laundering and violations of foreign exchange laws. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The Indian Constitution has been successful in providing a framework for liberal democracy to flourish in India. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Central Information Commission plays a key role in empowering people through information. In this context, discuss the issues faced by it and suggest measures that are required to strengthen the institution. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What do you understand by the \"principle of subsidiarity\"? Discuss its importance in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Bringing out the differences between political parties and pressure groups, discuss how pressure groups play an important role in improving governance and democratic processes in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The practice of separation of powers in the Constitutional scheme of India and USA is distinct in its own way. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"The moral value of fundamental duties would not be to smother rights, but to establish a democratic balance by making the people conscious of their duties equally as they are conscious of their rights\" Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss the impact of the proclamation of National Emergency on Fundamental Rights in India. Also, highlight the various Supreme Court judgments in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The Seventh Schedule is a relic from the colonial past inherited from the Government of India Act, 1935 which needs to be revisited for improving Centre-state relations. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Technology has the potential to bring drastic changes in the field of law and transform the court system. In this context, discuss the need for digitization of Indian judiciary and challenges faced in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Even after three decades of constitutional amendments, India is yet to decentralise power to local self-government institutions in the true sense. Discuss. Do you agree with the view that Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyaan will be able to develop the governance capabilities of the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"With 98% coverage in rural India, cooperatives are the mainstay of rural economy ensuring sustainable livelihoods and income for people. Discuss. Also, state the recent initiatives taken by the government to improve the functioning of cooperative societies and make them more effective. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Governance of inter-state rivers in India suffers from various issues due to conflictual federalism. Discuss. Also, highlight the mechanisms which can be utilised to resolve inter-state river water disputes in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"A dysfunctional criminal justice system, absence of well-considered legislation and need for domain expertise, are being seen as the new challenges for the Indian judiciary. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"To what extent has the anti-defection law been able to address the issue of political instability in India? Discuss with suitable arguments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Though the Indian Constitution provides a clear division of legislative powers between the Union and states with each being supreme within the spheres allotted to them, this division is tilted towards the Union. In this context, discuss the powers of the Parliament to legislate on subjects in the State List. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Despite the benefits of wider representation of women in the judiciary, Indian courts have significantly fewer women as compared to men. Discuss. Also, suggest some measures to bridge the gender gap in Indian judiciary. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Elaborate on the fundamental aspects in which the Indian Constitution differed from its contemporaries despite being a post-colonial document. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"The tribunalisation of justice though considered to be an effective step is fraught with several challenges. Discuss in light of the Law Commission of India's report on the working of tribunals in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5030,"topper":"NEHAA K","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2d2b8-892821_2090_nehaa_k_rank_175.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"What is the Doctrine of Severability? Discuss with the help of relevant judicial decisions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":3,"question":"The office of Governor needs to be transformed to preserve constitutional governance in India. Discuss in the light of recent controversies surrounding the Governors' office. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"\"Disturbing public order or inciting violence cannot be allowed under the garb of the freedom of speech and expression.\" Discuss with help of the recent Supreme Court judgment on hate speech. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss the role of the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) for the effective functioning of democracy in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What are the various ways in which emerging technologies can be utilised by civil servants in ensuring efficient public service delivery and affecting change in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"To what extent, in your opinion, has the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana been successful in promoting skill development and employment in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Examine the potential of the Bhu-Aadhaar project in bringing significant benefits to India's land management system. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Discuss the different determinants of the occurrence of child labour in India. What measures can be taken to tackle the issue of child labour in the country? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Despite certain hiccups recent development suggest that continuity still looms large in the Indo-Bhutan relationship. Discuss (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Critical Information Infrastructure has become a global good that requires global norms for its safeguard. What role can the G20 play to safeguard Critical Information Infrastructure? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The tussle between the legislature and judiciary culminated in the 'basic structure' doctrine in the Kesavananda Bharati case. Discuss. What is the significance of the case in limiting the power of the Parliament to amend the Constitution? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":24,"question":"The limited revenue generation capacity of municipal corporations has increased their dependence on taxes and grants from the states. What are the issues associated with this trend? What measures are required to improve the finances of the municipal corporations in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"\"The purpose of having a Constitution is to transform the society for the better and this objective is the fundamental pillar of transformative constitutionalism.\" Discuss with the help of recent case laws. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"How can a 'rule of law culture' contribute towards promoting individual liberty and democratic governance in a society like India? What are the challenges in fostering such a culture? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Do you agree with the view that the deep-rooted problems in India's school education system cannot be solved by digital transformation alone? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Examine the impact of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) on the effectiveness and transparency of welfare schemes for the vulnerable sections in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"The deepening China-Russia strategic relationship has been described by some as the 'most consequential undeclared alliance in the world.' How can this alliance impact India's national interest? What strategies should India adopt to protect her interests? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"India has placed soft power as an important pillar of its foreign policy to enhance its global standing and image abroad. Discuss the statement along with the initiatives taken by the government. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5031,"topper":"NEHAA K","air":175,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2944f-892821_2076_nehaa_k_rank_175.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5032,"topper":"NEHAA K","air":175,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4c595-892821_2086_nehaa_k_rank_175.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5033,"topper":"NEHAA K","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/dc7a7-892821_2070_nehaa_k_rank_175.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Differentiating between courage and bravery, discuss why courage is often thought of as the first of all virtues. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss how social, cultural and religious factors act as determinants of ethics. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Bring out the relevance of the teachings of Gautam Buddha in contemporary times. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"If one takes care of the means the end will take care of itself. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Explain the relevance of the following in the context of civil services: (i) Impersonality (ii) Anonymity (iii) Perseverance (iv) Fairness (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"With the help of relevant examples, bring out the difference between the following: (150 words) 10 (i) Intelligence Quotient and Emotional Quotient (ii) Attitude and Aptitude","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do you understand by political neutrality? Explain its significance in public service. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"There is more to integrity than honesty. Illustrate with examples. Also, suggest ways to inculcate integrity as a value in civil services. (150words)10","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by probity? Why is it considered essential for good governance? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Although utilitarianism is arguably the most reason-based approach to determining right and wrong, it has obvious limitations. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do you understand by ethical dilemma? Explain with examples, how it can lead to crisis of conscience. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":34,"question":"You are the managing director of a pharmaceutical company. Your company has won a tender for supply of generic affordable medicines to the state health department. In order to win the tender, you had kept the profit margins very low. However, after winning the tender, you got a call from the Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the Health Minister for a 2% cut in the total purchase of goods. You tried to meet the Health Minister in this respect, but he also hinted at doing the job as per the instructions of the OSD. You cannot refuse to go ahead with the tender because of the risk of losing your 5% security deposit. Further, the firm can be blacklisted for not fulfilling the obligations of the approved tender. Some of the options to deal with the situation are given below. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each of these options. (a) Follow the advice of the minister and comply with the demands of the OSD. (b) File a police complaint against the OSD for corruption. (c) Tip the media anonymously about the issue to build pressure on the concerned Minister. (d) Leave the allotted tender. Also, not limiting to the options given above, suggest the course of action you will take, giving appropriate reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"The promotion of harmful products like liquor, tobacco, etc. through mass media and advertisements have been banned in India. However, many companies are roping in big celebrities to promote these harmful products and brands through surrogate advertisement. In the disguise of another product, surrogate advertising is used to promote regulated products, like cigarettes and alcohol, There have been many debates on this issue, particularly in recent times, with many arguing that such advertisements should be banned altogether. In this context, answer the following: (a) What are the ethical issues involved in surrogate advertising? (b) Suggest steps that can be taken to address these type of advertisements in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Today, digital games and gameful interactions with a digital dimension are rapidly becoming pervasive in society. It is a highly engaging pastime and also a vehicle for acquiring knowledge and/or modifying attitudes and behaviours at various levels, whether by explicit intention or otherwise. Online games' increasingly important role in society brings about ethical implications that cannot be ignored, and have sometimes been the object of heated public and academic debate. (a) Discuss the various social and psychological issues involved in online gaming. (b) Give some suggestions to address the harmful impact of online gaming on the society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Climate change and environmental degradation have caused havoc globally. It has repercussions on the life and livelihood of each and every individual on the planet. Despite its huge impact, climate change and environmental conservation have not become an electoral issue in India. Globally, green parties are making strides, albeit gradually. In countries like Netherlands, Sweden and Australia, they have begun to make a mark in electoral politics. In India, however, there is no such development. (a) In your view, why has politics in India not seen it's 'green moment' yet? (b) Do you think people in India are generally apathetic to climate change and environment related issues? Suggest some initiatives to bring about a change in the attitude of the people towards the issue.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5034,"topper":"Nelaturu Sreekanth Reddy","air":151,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2a927-45939676_2530_nelaturu_sreekanth_reddy_rank_151.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5035,"topper":"Nelaturu Sreekanth Reddy","air":151,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9b8cb-45939676_2529_nelaturu_sreekanth_reddy_rank_151.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5036,"topper":"Nelaturu Sreekanth Reddy","air":151,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/322e7-45939676_2528_nelaturu_sreekanth_reddy_rank_151.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5037,"topper":"Nelaturu Sreekanth Reddy","air":151,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c1181-45939676_2527_nelaturu_sreekanth_reddy_rank_151.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5038,"topper":"Nelaturu Sreekanth Reddy","air":151,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4e6a2-45939676_2526_nelaturu_sreekanth_reddy_rank_151.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5039,"topper":"Nelli Harika","air":700,"year":2020,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/14Utl8X6jwlLU7T13gwgRp5q-dCkraaqg","questions":[]},{"id":5040,"topper":"Nesrin P Fasim","air":703,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Economics","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/ECO-T1-NESRIN-P-FASIM-R703-1750226139906.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5041,"topper":"Nesrin P Fasim","air":703,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Economics","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/ECO-T2-NESRIN-P-FASIM-R703-1750226204689.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5042,"topper":"Nesrin P Fasim","air":703,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Economics","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/ECO-T3-NESRIN-P-FASIM-R703-1750226448693.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5043,"topper":"Nesrin P Fasim","air":703,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Economics","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/ECO-T4-NESRIN-P-FASIM-R703-1750226484566.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5044,"topper":"Nesrin P Fasim","air":703,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Economics","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/ECO-T5-NESRIN-P-FASIM-R703-1750226564901.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5045,"topper":"Nesrin P Fasim","air":703,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Economics","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/ECO-T6-NESRIN-P-FASIM-R703-1750226625651.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5046,"topper":"Nidhi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c205c-24237_1243_nidhi_rank-88.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Reservation of seats in legislature is needed to ensure meaningful political participation of women and to make the democratic process truly inclusive. Discuss the statement in the light of 108th Constitution Amendment Bill. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the issue of reservation in promotions for SCs and STs in public employment in the light of various judicial pronouncements and constitutional amendments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the reasons behind underperformance of the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs). How can their performance be improved? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlighting the rationale behind continuance of the Official Secrets Act, critically discuss whether the Right to Information should be given precedence over it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What is the rationale behind having a mandatory 'cooling-off' period for retired civil servants? In light of numerous instances of violation of this provision, do you think there is a need to have a relook at Civil Services Conduct Rules? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlighting the key features of POSHAN Abhiyan, explain how it is an improvement over previous interventions in achieving the goal of malnutrition free India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Give an account of the challenges that the multilateral rule-based trading system is facing. With special focus on WTO, discuss how these challenges can be addressed effectively. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Highlight the major impediments affecting India-US trade relations. What possible consequences can the recent withdrawal of Generalized System of Preference (GSP) have on India-US trade relations? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"In a democratic setup, it is imperative that independence be balanced with accountability. Discuss in the context of judiciary in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Despite various strengths, there are certain weaknesses in the existing structure of departments of the government which render the system slow and cumbersome. Analyze. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the light of criticism surrounding the composition and functioning of Rajya Sabha, do you think it exists merely as a secondary house of the Parliament? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Despite legislative changes with respect to funding of political parties in recent years, many challenges still exist with regards to transparency in electoral funding. Discuss. Can state funding of elections help in addressing these challenges? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Successful and long-lasting urban transformation critically depends on reforming the way our cities are governed. In this context, highlight the challenges plaguing urban governance in India and suggest some strategies to overcome those challenges. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Explain the role that SHGs play in poverty alleviation in India. Highlighting the shortcomings of the SHG-Bank Linkage programme, give some suggestions to improve its performance. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Despite initiatives taken by the government in recent years to address the challenges of the Indian higher education system, many reforms are still required to improve its quality and enhance its relevance. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Giving an account of the progress made under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, mention the challenges that it faces in achieving its target. How can the implementation of the programme be fast-tracked? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Island nations of the Indian Ocean hold immense strategic value in shaping the geopolitical contours of the region and ensuring maritime security of India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Development assistance, a key instrument in India's foreign policy, has seen a considerable expansion in the past few years both in its scope and reach. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5047,"topper":"Nidhi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e655d-24237_1245_nidhi_rank-88.pdf","questions":[{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but its lowest ones. Nelson Mandela","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Explain the main elements of integral humanism as propounded by Deen Dayal Upadhyay and highlight its contemporary relevance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"It is imperative for a country like India, that code of ethics should be implemented for civil servants on social media platforms as well. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Discuss how effective corporate governance can ensure the equitable treatment of all stakeholders.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"You are the Chairman of a Committee, constituted by the government, to suggest measures to improve the quality of education in state-run schools. In view of the increasing dropout rate and the widening gap between students' learning ability in state-run and private schools, answer the following questions: (a) Examine the role of government in the education sector, especially providing primary and secondary education through state-run schools. (b) Identify the principles and values that would guide your recommendations in this regard. (c) Suggest some ways in which quality of education in state-run schools can be improved.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5048,"topper":"Nidhi Bansal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4702c-14323_1078_nidhi-bansal_rank_23.pdf","questions":[{"page":17,"question":"INDEPENDENCE OF JUDICIARY IS THE HALLMARK OF DEMOCRACY","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5049,"topper":"Nidhi Bansal","air":23,"year":2019,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1c983-14323_1077_nidhi-bansal_rank_23.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5050,"topper":"Nidhi Bansal","air":23,"year":2019,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c48f5-14323_770_nidhi-bansal_rank_23.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5051,"topper":"Nidhi Bansal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b1539-14323_1244_nidhi-bansal_rank_23.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the need of an Independent Fiscal Council (IFC) in bringing about transparency and accountability in fiscal processes in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Recognizing the potential of exports in generating employment, a number of steps need to be taken to address India's weakening export competitiveness. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlighting the main features of National Mineral Policy, 2019, discuss how it can help in ensuring sustainable and responsible mining. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlighting the salient features of the PM JI-VAN Yojana, analyze how it can assist in achieving the vision and goals of the National Policy on Biofuels, 2018. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) provides an alternative to capital and chemical intensive agriculture currently being practiced in India. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Marine life is facing 'irreparable damage' from the millions of tonnes of plastic waste which ends up in the oceans each year. In this context, examine the implications of plastic pollution on marine ecosystem and suggest some measures for addressing this problem. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are black holes? Highlight the challenges in imaging a black hole? How were these challenges overcome by the Event Horizon Telescope project? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"While mentioning the objectives of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), discuss the challenges which are hindering the utilization of the ATT to its full potential. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Threats to internal security of India may be posed both through the communication networks and also to the networks. Discuss. Also, highlight the steps taken by the government in making the networks more secure. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlight the importance and challenges related to integration of Variable Renewable Energy (VRE) in India. Mention some steps that can be taken for its smooth integration with the synchronized Indian grid. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"There have been arguments that India could fall into a 'middle income trap'. Explaining the phenomenon, highlight the reasons behind such arguments. How can India avoid it? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Highlighting its importance, discuss the major issues that plague effective monetary policy transmission in India. Also, mention the steps taken by RBI to improve it. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight the constraints faced by rainfed agriculture in India. Discuss some agronomic practices that can be adopted for stabilizing agricultural production in rainfed areas. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite the steps taken by the government in recent years, a number of problems continue to persist in the urea sector in India. Discuss. What reforms should be taken to address the persisting problems? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What is Access and Benefit Sharing? Explain how it aids in sustainable use of biodiversity. Also, mention the different global and national level mechanisms for ensuring Access and Benefit Sharing. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Stating the significance, discuss the challenges in achieving disaster resilience of infrastructure. Suggest some ways for mainstreaming it in the development paradigm. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Highlighting the significance of data localization for India, discuss various challenges associated with data localization. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Money Laundering as a socio economic offence is a menace especially for developing countries like India. Comment. What measures have been taken at the domestic and international levels to deal with this menace? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The primary motive of terrorism differs from that of organised crime but there exists a symbiotic relationship between the two. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5052,"topper":"Nidhi Bansal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/379c0-14323_1242_nidhi-bansal_rank_23.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Tribal art in India generally reflects the creative energy found in rural areas that acts as an undercurrent to the craftsmanship. Explain with reference to the Worli and Gond paintings. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Though it had its achievements, the exclusion of Indians from the system was a key feature of judicial reforms introduced by Cornwallis. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Marshall Plan was important in the recovery of the European states from the aftermath of the Second World War. However, it also became a crucial factor in the creation of two Europes i.e. East and West. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Examine the causes behind the existence of bonded labour in contemporary India. Also, discuss the steps that should be taken for its redress. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"State the factors that enhance the risk for initiation or continuation of abuse of drugs by the youth. What measures can be taken to address this issue? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Critically analyze the impact of globalization on culture in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"How do increasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions impact coastal and marine ecosystems? Highlight various measures that can be taken for protection and restoration of such vulnerable ecosystems. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Explain the phenomenon of a Polar Vortex. Also, comment on the reasons as to why tropical areas as south as Florida have been witnessing sub-zero temperatures in recent years. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The most powerful trend of medieval Indian literature is devotional poetry which dominates almost all the major languages of the country. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Discuss the major changes introduced by the Government of India Act, 1919 and its significance as a historical landmark in the Indian freedom struggle. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Multiple factors allowed the British to gain control over India. In this context, highlighting the main developments, trace the course of British conquest of India from 1757 to 1856. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"With India becoming increasingly urban and the urban poor increasing in number, it is imperative that the challenges they face be addressed urgently. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Violations of women's sexual and reproductive health rights are often deeply engrained in societal values and traditions. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by the term Land Degradation Neutrality? Highlight its significance and the steps required to achieve it. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"State the geographical and economic importance of Hindukush-Himalayan region. How are the critical geographical features of this region changing and what possible consequences will it have? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What is the most accepted reasoning behind occurrence of earth's magnetism? Discuss the factors behind its variation temporally and spatially. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Explain Walker Circulation. Discuss how it influences Indian Monsoon. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5053,"topper":"Nidhi Bansal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/80ecd-14323_1246_nidhi-bansal_rank_23.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Rock-cut structures were closely associated with various religions and religious activities. Discuss the statement giving relevant examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The legislative and administrative record of the Congress Ministries during their twenty-eight months rule under the Act of 1935 was positive, but the period also witnessed the emergence of serious weaknesses in the Congress. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Kamladevi Chattopadhyay was a multifaceted personality with significant contributions both to pre and post independence India. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The inherent limitations of Napoleon's policy of Continental Blockade ultimately resulted in its failure. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Despite changes in the institution of marriage in recent times, there have been elements of continuity as well. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"There are multiple disabilities that a person experiences in the course of ageing. Elaborate. Also identify key government initiatives taken for addressing them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlight the reasons behind prevalence of low literacy rate among tribals. Also, mention some initiatives taken by the government in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain how Continental Drift Theory describes the changing configuration of the continents. Discuss the prominent evidences given by Alfred Wegener to support his theory. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The variety of landforms on the earth's surface is the result of internal and external forces. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Explaining the concept of Lapse Rate, examine its relationship with atmospheric stability. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The colonial period brought the influence of Western architectural forms to India. In this context, giving examples, highlight the contribution of Europeans to Indian architecture. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The nineteenth century witnessed a struggle against the backward elements of traditional culture. Discuss in the context of socio-religious reform movements. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Explaining the reasons behind partition of Bengal, discuss the successes and limitations of the Swadeshi movement launched in its wake. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The reorganisation of states in India post-independence has been an ongoing process with distinct contributing factors. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The Treaty of Versailles was not a peace agreement based on reconciliation but was 'dictated peace' forced on Germany, which eventually triggered the Second World War. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Legal measures alone are not sufficient for addressing the issue of domestic violence against women, rather it requires intervention at societal level. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"India is undergoing a demographic transition the implications of which are multipronged. Analyze. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Highlight the significance of watershed development in India. Give reasons for the limited success of initiatives directed towards watershed management in India. Also, suggest some measures to improve the design of watershed programs. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Explain the relationship between raw materials and location of industries. How are globalisation and technological advancements changing this relationship? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Explain how natural greenhouse effect helps in maintaining Earth's heat budget. What are the possible implications of rising concentration of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in atmosphere on Earth's heat budget? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5054,"topper":"Nidhi Bansal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/06b76-14323_1245_nidhi-bansal_rank_23.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the attributes of leadership, analyse why it is important for a civil servant. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"A civil servant needs to be objective as well as empathetic. What do you understand by objectivity? Discuss its relationship with empathy. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"With rapidly increasing use of information technology, what according to you is the role of ethics in cyber space?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Transparency in government organisations is an essential pre-condition for good governance. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but its lowest ones. Nelson Mandela","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"For achieving success, attitude is equally, if not more important than ability. Discuss with the help of examples from your daily life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"The core of high Emotional Intelligence is self-awareness. If you don't understand your own motivations and behaviours, it is nearly impossible to develop an understanding of others. Discuss with the help of appropriate examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by Integrity Pacts? Highlight the role they can play in bringing transparency in allotment of public contracts and ensuring proper utilization of public funds in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"In the context of rapid technological change, discuss the significance of inculcating moral and spiritual values in educational institutions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Explain the main elements of integral humanism as propounded by Deen Dayal Upadhyay and highlight its contemporary relevance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"It is imperative for a country like India, that code of ethics should be implemented for civil servants on social media platforms as well. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Discuss how effective corporate governance can ensure the equitable treatment of all stakeholders.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"You are posted as the Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district of a state where alcohol prohibition has been imposed recently. The District Excise department has conducted many raids and seized liquor in large quantities, for which it has received state-wide public appreciation. A few months later reports surface in the media that in this district, hundreds of seized bottles of illicit liquor are missing from the government malkhanas or stores. As a result, the government is left red-faced. You are asked by the DM, who is the overall in-charge of the district excise setup, to investigate the matter. Upon investigation, you unearth a nexus of politicians and government officials who smuggled seized liquor and sold it through spurious means both inside and outside the state. In this context, evaluate these options:","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Being aware of the seriousness of the matter, discretely put the detailed investigation report in the public domain and expose the nexus. Also, suggest, without restricting yourself to the given options, the final course of action that you would prefer.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate in a Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected district. The district has witnessed many instances of violence by the naxalites in the past. It has been observed that instances of violence increase as the elections approach. You, as a Returning Officer, are responsible for the smooth conduct of elections. Soon after the announcement of elections, the naxalites gave a call for their boycott and have been threatening people to stay away from them. The people of the district are eager to exercise their voting rights but are scared of the impending acts of violence. Further, with threat to their lives and a low expected turnout, the other electoral officers are also reluctant to go to these areas. In this context, answer the following: (a) Identify the civil service values that are crucial for working in such adversities. (b) Suggest a plan of action to ensure the conduct of free and fair elections in such a situation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate in a district, where many large factories and commercial establishments are located. One such factory is owned by one of your close friends. You visit each other's home frequently and are often seen in public together. Recently, media reported about poor working conditions in your friend's factory. Upon enquiry with the labor office, you come to know that the factory has witnessed frequent labour unrests in the past as well. However, the labour officer told you that he was hesitating to take any action due to your proximity with the owner of the factory. With reference to the facts of the case, answer the following questions: (a) Identifying the stakeholders and public cause, discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) As the District Magistrate, what appropriate course of action will you take? Give reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are a resident of a remote tribal district, where there is high incidence of malnutrition. As a remedial measure, the District Magistrate has initiated a programme to promote millet cultivation, especially on the lands currently lying fallow in the district. However, this well-intentioned move of the officer receives flak from the local tribals as this may not only change their age-old food habits, but also alter their traditional agricultural practices. They further cite lower remunerative prices of millets as another reason for continuing with their existing crop production pattern. As a civil servant aspirant, who has a keen interest in development of tribal areas, answer the following questions: (a) What according to you are the key issues and challenges involved in the above situation? (b) Identify the key stakeholders and their respective interests. (c) Suggest a course of action that the District Magistrate can take keeping in mind the larger tribal interests.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You have recently been posted as a District Labour Officer in a state, which derives a substantial revenue from tourism. You come to know that a big hotel in the area has not been paying wages as per the Minimum Wages Act. The hotel owner is a powerful local leader having contacts with many influential officials of the state. You have the power to take sou-moto cognizance of such violations and accordingly you initiate a preliminary enquiry into the matter. However, no worker is willing to come forward to lodge a formal complaint because they fear loss of employment. Meanwhile, your action has attracted notice of the higher authorities, and you are advised to drop the matter altogether. You are deeply concerned about the situation as it involves not only violation of the Minimum Wages Act but also denial of basic human rights of the worker. (a) Identify the issues involved in the given case. (b) Consider the options given below:","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Serve a notice to the hotel owner and initiate action as per your powers under the Minimum Wages Act. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each of these options and suggest your preferred course of action, giving reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"You are the Chairman of a Committee, constituted by the government, to suggest measures to improve the quality of education in state-run schools. In view of the increasing dropout rate and the widening gap between students' learning ability in state-run and private schools, answer the following questions: (a) Examine the role of government in the education sector, especially providing primary and secondary education through state-run schools. (b) Identify the principles and values that would guide your recommendations in this regard. (c) Suggest some ways in which quality of education in state-run schools can be improved.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5055,"topper":"Nidhi Goyal","air":91,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/48f94f4c58dc4d501f6f42102607e751/39/pttp221721_tc065.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5056,"topper":"Nidhi Goyal","air":91,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/106/air-91-nidhi-goyal_test-1_gs1.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Q.3 Russian Revolution of 1917 was an important watershed movement in world history.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Q.4 Earth's surface receive heat from the sun in short wave form but not all parts of earth have same amount of temperature distribution. Factors responsible for uneven temperature distribution on earth's surface\n1) Inclination of Earth's axis\n2) Inclination of sun-rays\n3) Distribution of land & water","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Q.6 White revolution made India as one of the biggest milk producer of the world and was led by Verghese Kurien","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Q.14 Important geological processes on the ocean floor\n1) Volcanic eruptions on the crest of the mid-oceanic ridges - give rise to volcanic mountains in ocean floor","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5057,"topper":"Nidhi Goyal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/07a1b-733764_1397_nidhi_goyal_rank_91.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by good governance? Explain with special focus on characteristics of good governance identified by UNDP.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Mention the issues with the public healthcare system in India. How can these issues be addressed?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Explaining the concept of regionalism, elaborate on the different forms that regionalism has taken in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Highlight the major problems related to urbanization in India. What steps have been taken by the government in recent times to address these?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Explaining the importance of skill development for India, highlight the challenges related to it. What steps have been taken by the government in this regard?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Bring out the differences between the western concept of secularism and Indian secularism.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Analyse the role of civil services in a democracy like India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"Examine the impact of globalization on Indian society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Mention the major focus areas for the Jal Shakti Abhiyan and highlight the strategies for its implementation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"Mention the various forms of diversity in India, highlight the factors that facilitate unity amongst such diversity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"Explain the reasons behind low participation of women in the labour force. How can the situation be improved?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"Highlighting their significance, discuss the issues with Citizen's Charter in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Discuss the role of women's organisations in bringing about gender justice in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Literacy rates vary considerably across gender, regions and social groups in India. Elaborate. Also, suggest measures to improve the situation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Highlight the issues that the voluntary sector in India faces. How can these issues be addressed?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"Analyse the potential of e-governance in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"What is social audit? Give an account of its significance and limitations in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Give an account of the challenges that the government has been facing in eliminating malnutrition in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Bring out the successes and failures of the Pre-conception and Pre-natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) PCPNDT Act, 1994.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5058,"topper":"Nidhi Goyal","air":91,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/65/air-91-nidhi-goyal_test-1_gs1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5059,"topper":"Nidhi Goyal","air":91,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/102/air-91-nidhi-goyal_test-6_gs2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.2 Article 263 provides for Inter-State Council which can be established by president for creating consensus & coordination between centre & states and between states.\nRole of Inter-State Council for vertical cooperation 1) Building consensus on issues like financial devolution\nRole of Inter-State Council for vertical cooperation 2) Discussions on reform in legislative list under Schedule 7\nRole of Inter-State Council for vertical cooperation 3) Building consensus on different political parties with diverging interest\nRole of Inter-State Council for vertical cooperation 4) Opportunity for states to raise their grievances for more autonomy\nRole of Inter-State Council for vertical cooperation 5) Building consensus on formulating laws on concurrent subjects like education Eg. NEP effective implementation","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Q.14 Indian Constitution provides free separation of power between different branches of Government to ensure checks and balances.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5060,"topper":"Nidhi Goyal","air":91,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/119/air-91-nidhi-goyal_test-2_gs2.pdf","questions":[{"page":10,"question":"Q.5 Role of Governor in governance of state\n1) Asking of reports from the chief minister on the administration of affairs of the state.\n2) Directing and advising the government to take steps for welfare of people.\n3) Ensure functioning of state according to constitution (Power of president rule).\n4) Schedule V and VI provides fee Governor role in protecting interests of tribals.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"5) Governor's role in reinforcing the principles of federalism","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Q.10 India and EU are two important strategic partners in different domain","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"Q.16 India in signatory to UN's SDG agenda which calls for implementation & achievement of 17 SDG goals by 2030.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5061,"topper":"Nidhi Goyal","air":91,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/61/air-91-nidhi-goyal_test-2_gs2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5062,"topper":"Nidhi Goyal","air":91,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/57/air-91-nidhi-goyal_test-6_gs2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5063,"topper":"Nidhi Goyal","air":91,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/101/air-91-nidhi-goyal_test-3_gs3.pdf","questions":[{"page":20,"question":"Q.10 Drones are the remotely operated unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Recent times have seen rising use of drones around India's border area for anti-national & security threat purposes.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"Q.11 Electricity Amendment Bill 2022 is brought by government to transform the electricity sector of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Q.12 Securities and Exchange Board of India was established in 1992 and open Capital market regulator in country","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5064,"topper":"Nidhi Goyal","air":91,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/59/air-91-nidhi-goyal_test-3_gs3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5065,"topper":"Nidhi Goyal","air":91,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/100/air-91-nidhi-goyal_test-8_gs4.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. (a) \"The State took taxes from the people only to ensure their prosperity in return like the sun takes moisture from the earth only to give it back in thousandfold measure.\" Kalidasa.\n\nExplain the Indian concept of \"giving it back\" and its relevance as a guiding value for civil servants.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"(b) Public service takes place in a bureaucratic structure with clear lines of authority, value standardization, and accountability mechanisms. Working within such a structure, what do you think are the influences that impact the public servant's ethical decision-making?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"2. (a) What do you understand by the terms 'ethics' and 'integrity'? Do you think they are interrelated? Explain with examples the relationship between ethics and integrity in the context of public administration.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"(b) What do you understand by the terms ethical behavior and emotionally intelligent behavior? Identify the relevant emotional intelligence components that act as a reliable guide to ethical behavior.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"3. (a) \"To achieve a good life, duty is not sufficient; one needs to develop one's sympathetic feelings for others, and neither duty alone nor good will alone are sufficient to be moral.\" Do you agree with the above statement? Justify your position.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":16,"question":"(b) Developing a Scientific temper, innovative mindset, and civic-conscious citizens are major objectives of higher educational institutions. Can higher educational institutions be instrumental in promoting integrity education among youth to establish a public culture of integrity and a corruption-free political culture? If yes, how?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"4 Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance.\n(a) The senses deceive from time to time, and it is prudent never to trust wholly those who have deceived us even once. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"(b) \"The price good men pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men.\"","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"(c) \"Men must have corrupted nature a little, for they were not born wolves, and they have become wolves.\" (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"5. (a) As professionals, civil servants are career focused and are also self-interested. At the same time, their service ethos imposes an obligation to serve the public interest selflessly. Is it possible for a civil servant to reconcile career and service obligation? Explain your position.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"(b) \"While competence without compassion can be brutal and inhumane; similarly, compassion without competence can be meaningless for persons seeking help.\" Explain the above with the help of a suitable illustration in the context of public services.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"6. (a) Does the suffering of individuals in one part of the world generate moral demands of assistance on those foreigners who live far away from them? Are these moral demands of assistance justified? Can governments be held morally responsible for failing to help the international community in times of deprivation? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":30,"question":"(b) Civil Services ethics has everything to do with management. It is as much a Departmental as a personal issue. Leaders who fail to create systems that facilitate ethical conduct are equally to blame as much as those who indulge in ethical misconduct. Do you think the Departmental culture leads to ethical misconduct or is the individual with weak willpower culpable? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"7 You are posted as a District Development officer in a district with a low literacy rate and poor health indicators. As you took charge, your Health Secretary had given express instructions that your priority is to improve health indicators by enhancing the delivery of healthcare services.\n\nAfter taking over, you traveled around the district to study and identify ways of improving healthcare services. During your field trip, you discovered that the issue was not the accessibility of services; it was something else. You found the problem was the myths, misconceptions, and malpractices that hindered the uptake of health care services. For instance, people believed that vaccines caused impotence, immunization was equivalent to birth control, using antenatal care was counterproductive to the health of the mother and baby, and so on.\n\nYou realize that these beliefs were the behavioral barriers that stood in the way of health and nutrition services. And these behavioral barriers made it difficult for front-line workers to reach out.\n\nYou discussed your observations with the Health Secretary, and he advised you to seek inputs from the neighboring district DDO who was doing some good work. When you met with the neighboring DDO, you learned he was experimenting with using the Faith leader's influence and reach to persuade people. You were unsure about roping in faith leaders to help you overcome the behavioral barriers. As a civil servant, you felt it would be a mistake to involve faith leaders in health service schemes. When you shared your apprehensions with the Secretary, he firmly instructed you to try and innovate.\n(a) What are the issues involved in the above case?\n(b) What are the advantages and disadvantages of using Faith leaders as influencers and persuaders?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"(c) and (d) (c) If not faith leaders, what are your other options for breaking the behavioral barriers?\n(d) Do you think it is ethically right for a civil servant to involve faith leaders in promoting government schemes?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":36,"question":"(d) Is it ethically right for civil servants to use faith leaders for government schemes","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"8 You are the Head of an Agency, a special purpose vehicle, responsible for overseeing the last-mile delivery of essential services and sorting out bottlenecks and grievances of the citizens within your jurisdiction. The essential services included Maternal and infant health care, nutritional support to BPL families, drinking water availability, etc.\nYour agency employed a staff of 15 to carry out regular official operations and handle grievances. Since the agency dealt with complaints, there was an enormous amount of public dealing daily. Sometimes the agency officials had to work beyond office hours to finish the regular office work as public dealings took away most of the office hours. The employees were unhappy doing the extra bit as they were not paid any overtime. A few of them informally raised the issue with you, but you were helpless as the agency rules didn’t allow any travel or overtime allowances. You tried taking up the matter with HQ but to no avail.\nThe work stress gradually started showing up among the staff, they became irritable with the complainants, and at times they shouted at them. Besides rudeness, the staff’s language became abusive, derogatory, and sometimes casteist. You could notice that there were 4 of them in particular who were getting very abusive and discriminatory while handling grievances. As the Head, you warned them, but there was no marked change in their work attitude. To compound your problem, some of the villagers, through their Sarpanch, raised the issue of rude, disrespectful, and discriminatory behavior with your HQ. The HQ immediately instructed you to take action and create a respectful and dignified workspace.\n(a) What are the issues involved in the above case?\n(b) What are the action options available to you?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"(d) What do you understand by dignity? Distinguish between human and social dignity? Identify the common dignity violations that one notices in government departments.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"9 (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (50 words) 5 marks\n(b) Ethically analyze the company's position on paying damages and justify why/ why not the company should be liable for damages. (120 words) 10 marks.\n(c) What do you understand by the term moral responsibility? When do you think a person or an entity becomes morally responsible for actions committed or omitted? (80 words) 5 marks\na What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (50 words) 5 marks\nb Ethically analyze the company's position on paying damages and justify why/ why not the company should be liable for damages. (120 words) 10 marks.\nc What do you understand by the term moral responsibility? When do you think a person or an entity becomes morally responsible for actions committed or omitted? (80 words) 5 marks","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"10 (a) उपरोक्त मामले में कौन से नैतिक मुद्दे और दुविधाएँ शामिल हैं?\n(b) आपके पास कौन से विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\n(c) विकल्पों का विश्लेषण करने के बाद अपनी चुनी हुई कार्रवाई का चयन करें।\n(d) उपरोक्त मामले में आपकी नैतिक प्रेरणा क्या होनी चाहिए? क्या यह कर्तव्य, दायित्व या परिणाम होना चाहिए?\na) उपरोक्त मामले में कौन से नैतिक मुद्दे और दुविधाएँ शामिल हैं?\nb) आपके पास कौन से विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nc) विकल्पों का विश्लेषण करने के बाद अपनी चुनी हुई कार्रवाई का चयन करें।\nd) उपरोक्त मामले में आपकी नैतिक प्रेरणा क्या होनी चाहिए? क्या यह कर्तव्य, दायित्व या परिणाम होना चाहिए?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए"},{"page":48,"question":"(a) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas involved in the above case?\n(b) What are the options available to you?\n(c) Select your chosen course of action after analyzing the options.\n(d) What must be your moral motivation in the above case? Should it be duty, care, or consequences?\na) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas involved in the above case?\nb) What are the options available to you?\nc) Select your chosen course of action after analyzing the options.\nd) What must be your moral motivation in the above case? Should it be duty, care, or consequences?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":52,"question":"11 (a) उपरोक्त मामले में कौन से नैतिक मुद्दे शामिल हैं?\n(b) आपके अनुसार उपरोक्त मामले में सिद्धांत-उत्सुक और नियम-पालन करने वाले पुलिस कर्मियों को क्या करना चाहिए और क्यों? तर्क दीजिए।\n(c) आपके अनुसार सिविल सेवा में किसे प्राथमिकता दी जानी चाहिए, विभाग के प्रति निष्ठा, या अपने निर्णयों और सेवा मूल्यों में निष्पक्ष और गैर-पक्षपातपूर्ण होना? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए) 20 अंक\na) उपरोक्त मामले में कौन से नैतिक मुद्दे शामिल हैं?\nb) आपके अनुसार उपरोक्त मामले में सिद्धांत-उत्सुक और नियम-पालन करने वाले पुलिस कर्मियों को क्या करना चाहिए और क्यों? तर्क दीजिए।\nc) आपके अनुसार सिविल सेवा में किसे प्राथमिकता दी जानी चाहिए, विभाग के प्रति निष्ठा, या अपने निर्णयों और सेवा मूल्यों में निष्पक्ष और गैर-पक्षपातपूर्ण होना? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए) 20 अंक","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":54,"question":"(a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\n(b) What do you think principle-oriented and rule-abiding police personnel must do in the above case? Why? Justify\n(c) What do you think must assume priority in civil service, loyalty to the department, or being impartial and non-partisan in your decisions and service values?\na) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\nb) What do you think principle-oriented and rule-abiding police personnel must do in the above case? Why? Justify\nc) What do you think must assume priority in civil service, loyalty to the department, or being impartial and non-partisan in your decisions and service values?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":57,"question":"12 You are a Foreign Service official working in an embassy overseas. One of your duties was to liaise with the local Indian community, one of the country's largest immigrant groups.\n(a) उपरोक्त मामले में कौन-कौन से मुद्दे शामिल हैं?\n(b) क्या आप प्रवासी भारतीयों की मदद के बजाय अर्थनीति को प्राथमिकता देने के राजदूत के रुख से सहमत हैं? अगर हाँ तो क्यों, अगर नहीं तो क्यों नहीं?\n(c) दायित्व, परिणामवाद और कर्तव्य के बीच, आपके अनुसार भारतीय विदेश नीति का मार्गदर्शन करने के लिए उपयुक्त परिप्रेक्ष्य क्या है? तर्क दीजिए।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए"},{"page":58,"question":"(a) What are the issues involved in the above case?\n(b) Do you agree with the Ambassador's position of prioritizing economics over helping the diaspora? Why/why not?\n(c) Among Care, Consequentialism, and Duty, what do you think is the appropriate perspective to guide Indian Foreign policy? Justify.\na) What are the issues involved in the above case?\nb) Do you agree with the Ambassador's position of prioritizing economics over helping the diaspora? Why/why not?\nc) Among Care, Consequentialism, and Duty, what do you think is the appropriate perspective to guide Indian Foreign policy? Justify.","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"}]},{"id":5066,"topper":"Nidhi Goyal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/77631-733764_1398_nidhi_goyal_rank_91.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Bring out Gandhiji's philosophy of Means and Ends. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Probity is an essential condition of good governance. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand by ethical dilemma? Bring out some examples of ethical dilemma often faced by civil servants. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Why are certain rights considered universal in nature? Explain using examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Explain in brief, what you understand by the following: (a) Beliefs (b) Values (c) Norms (d) Ethics (e) Morals (300 words)","marks":null,"words":"300"},{"page":15,"question":"What do you understand by the terms transparency and accountability in administration? Bring out the relationship between the two. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss whether some restrictions on enjoyment of freedom are necessary in the interest of social harmony. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Analyse the role played by family and educational institutions in development of one's character. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"What do you understand by utilitarianism? Illustrate with examples the grounds on which it has been criticized. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'conflict of interest'? How can conflict of interest in public service be resolved? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Today, homosexuality and queer identities may be acceptable to more Indians than ever before, but within the boundaries of family, home and school, acceptance of their sexuality and freedom to openly express their gender choices still remain a constant struggle for LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer) people. While LGBTQ voices heard through several online and real-world platforms form an important part of LGBTQ activism, these expose only a small part of the diverse challenges faced by the community. In light of this situation: (a) Explain the ways in which discrimination against LGBTQs creates problems for them in different aspects of life. (b) What attitudinal changes are necessary to adopt a more humane approach towards this group for their betterment and assimilation in the society?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"The right to protest is an integral part of democracy. But protests often take a violent turn and lead to destruction of life and property. In such situations, it is the duty of the police force to deal with the violent protests and restore normalcy. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What challenges does the police force face in such situations? (b) As the SP in the capital city of a state where such protests often take place, how would you deal with such a situation when faced with it?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"The founding fathers of the Indian Constitution envisaged a neutral, apolitical civil service. The conduct rules governing the All-India Services explicitly prohibit participation of a member of service in politics. It also limits connection of officers with Press or Radio to matters of public interest. And it also prevents them from criticizing the Government in public. (a) Why is it important for civil servants to be politically neutral? (b) Highlight the challenges faced by politically neutral civil servants in different situations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Recently, the Motor Vehicles Act was amended to hike the fines for violations of various traffic rules. While the intention of the amendments was to deter people from violating the law and strictly follow traffic rules in the interest of road safety, these measures are being opposed as it is felt that the fines are too excessive and beyond the reach of common man. (a) In light of this, critically analyse the ethical aspects of the recent amendments. (b) Are legislative measures alone sufficient in bringing about behavioural change?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming economy and society and will almost certainly continue to do so in the coming decades. This transformation will have deep ethical impact, with these powerful new technologies both improving and disrupting human lives. In this context, identify the ethical considerations, if any, of the following issues associated with the use of AI: (a) Privacy (b) AI induced unemployment (c) Potential for misuse","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5067,"topper":"Nidhi Goyal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a1b5f-733764_1416_nidhi_goyal_rank_91.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the significance of ethical work culture, suggest ways by which it can be imbibed in an organization. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The nature of a business's operations has a major influence on the ethical issues with which it must contend. Giving examples, discuss how business ethics is crucial in today's world. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The notion of an ethical foreign policy downplays the realities of international politics. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) To educate a person in the mind but not in morals is to educate a menace to society. — Theodore Roosevelt (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"Children are great imitators, so give them something great to imitate.\" In this context, discuss the importance of role models in inculcating values in children. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"\"The Covid-19 pandemic has brought with itself an environment of uncertainties and hardships. In this context, discuss the significance of emotional intelligence in dealing with the situation. (150 words) 10\"","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Bring out the role of social media in shaping one's moral and political attitude. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Environmental ethics is about the moral relationship of human beings to, and also the value and moral status of, the environment and its non-human contents. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"The Citizens' Charter cannot be an end in itself; it is rather a means to an end. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":5068,"topper":"Nidhi Goyal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b2a77-733764_1865_nidhi_goyal_rank_91.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"An ethical action is rooted in the temporal and spatial dimensions of societies. Discuss with adequate examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Unstable marriages and families can lead to failures of moral development in children and overall moral decline in the society. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"An ethical work culture is a prerequisite for sustainable growth of an organization. Discuss and suggest some measures to build an ethical work culture in an organization. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"Enlightenment is man's emergence from his self-incurred immaturity.\" - Immanuel Kant (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"What are the important learnings from the life and teachings of Sri Adi Shankaracharya that can help public servants in their personal and professional lives. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":5069,"topper":"Nidhi Goyal","air":91,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/98/air-91-nidhi-goyal_test-4_gs4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5070,"topper":"Nidhi Goyal","air":91,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/60/air-91-nidhi-goyal_test-4_gs4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5071,"topper":"Nidhi Goyal","air":91,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/56/air-91-nidhi-goyal_test-8_gs4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5072,"topper":"Nidhi Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/08372-nidhi-gupta_3_2014_gs_booklet_2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Even years after its introduction, the ability of Citizen's Charters in improving the efficiency of public services and making governments more accountable, is found wanting in many areas. In context of this statement, mention the various lacunae in the formulation and implementation of citizen's charters in India and suggest how they can be addressed in light of the Sevottam model. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"For the success of Right to Information (RTI), a major challenge is to develop capacities for access to information. Discuss. How can the capacities of both public authorities and citizens be enhanced? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Define Work Culture. Suggest how an efficient work culture could be developed in the Indian scenario. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"If corruption exists in rich, economically successful countries, why should developing countries like India be worried about it? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Is behaviour always a reflection of one's attitude? Explain with relevant examples. (100 words)","marks":null,"words":"100"},{"page":24,"question":"Empathy is not only an important ingredient but also an indicator of one's emotional intel igence. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Why do people obey orders, which they know are ethically wrong? (100 words) , ?","marks":null,"words":"100"},{"page":32,"question":"Bring out what this statement means to you in the present context: \"There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but he must take it because conscience tells him it is right.\"- Martin Luther King (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":36,"question":"You are a young DM in a district, which is seeing rapid mushrooming of private Drug de-addiction centres. The centres are known to function in an unethical manner and their business model involves a specific consideration for cases of relapse victims. Although these centres charge at high rates, they are known to give families of addicts hope and institutionalisation of addicts has ensured maintenance of law and order, not seen in neighbouring districts. Analyse the following options for their positive and negative impact on the various stakeholders of the society. (a) Shutting down of the private de-addiction centres.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"Evaluate all of these options and suggest the best course of action with reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"Sandhya recently completed her B.Com and was extremely excited to be hired for her dream job working for a Public Sector Bank. During her initial days, she began to notice that funds from grants were being mismanaged and misallocated. Some of her co-workers were also using bank property materials, including cars, for personal business. However, Sandhya was most shocked by the hiring practices she witnessed at the office. Applicants to the jobs were supposed to take exams that were invigilated by bank employees. Sandhya began to notice that the invigilators were allowing applicants to cheat on the tests because the applicants had already been chosen for the job. Many of these pre-chosen applicants were friends of current employees. Sandhya reported what she witnessed to Mahesh, the Branch Assistant Manager, who was second-in-command to the Branch Manager. Mahesh told her, \"You heard nothing, you saw nothing, and you say nothing.\" Sandhya was absolutely shocked; not only by the corruption, but that it was 1. What are the options available to Sandhya?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"What are the options available to Kathi?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Evaluate each of these options and choose the option, which you recommend Kathi to adopt giving reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":61,"question":"You are a young reporter who has unearthed the case of the government secretly pledging gold to a foreign country. Reporting of the said activity would trigger a downward spiral for the economy as trust in the government would decrease, domestic and foreign investors will pull out investments from the country. The reporting of the incident would definitely improve your career prospects. You are still to share this information with anybody. What will you do and why?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5073,"topper":"Nidhi Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/00349-nidhi_gupta_3_2014_general_studies_booklet_1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Are all professions morally equivalent or are some superior to others? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"What are the major ethical concerns governing the functioning of government organisations? How are they different from those in private organisations? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"B. R. Ambedkar was an ardent supporter of the claims of liberty, equality and fraternity. Explain the relevance of his teaching in modern day India and how they act as a backbone for our socio-political development. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"While it is important to expose a wrongdoing, a whistleblower should have the moral backing behind his act of whistleblowing. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Colleges and schools are a microcosm of the real world. Elaborate as to how these are instrumental in character-building. Also suggest certain measures through which these institutions can play a greater role in the current scenario. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"While individual beliefs and values determine one's subjective responsibility, it is the operational environment which guides/shapes the objective responsibility. Congruence between the two is inevitable for realizing the goal of objectivity in administrative decisions. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":33,"question":"What are values? How are they different from ethics? (100 words)","marks":null,"words":"100"},{"page":35,"question":"Some alternative suggestions are given below. Please evaluate the merits and demerits of all options: a. Senior judges to ask themselves for transfer from this case. b. Completely ignore all pressure tactics of different groups. c. Increase the duration of court hearings to calm the pressure. d. Put the case on the back burner and ask the regulatory body for investigation. e. Stop the media from showing this case with hype. Along with this, also indicate what (not limiting to the options given above) is your advice, present appropriate arguments also.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Ronak has heard from his manager that their organization will be downsizing; it could be as little as 5 percent or as much as 30 percent. However, the supervisor told Ronak that \"we're all under strict orders to keep it quiet\" so that the agency's best employees will not seek other jobs. Mohan (one of the finest professionals in Ronak's unit), upon hearing the downsizing rumors, told Ronak that he was sure that he could get another job at a new business if a reduction in force occurred. However, openings at the rew business will close soon. Mohan asked Ronak, \"Will there be layoffs?\" and \"Should I get another job now?\" (a) What are the options available to Ronak? (b) Evaluate each of these options and highlight which option you would have preferred, giving reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"A terrorist group states that it has concealed a nuclear bomb in Delhi. The authorities have captured the leader of the group. He says that he knows the location of the bomb. He refuses to reveal the location. Torture is guaranteed to produce the information needed to ensure the diffusal of the bomb. (a) Is it ethically acceptable for the authorities to have him tortured to find out where the bomb is and thus save thousands of lives? (b) Suppose instead of catching the leader, the authorities have captured his 16 year old daughter. She is refusing to cooperate with the authorities. In your opinion is it morally justified to have her tortured to acquire necessary information and save thousands of lives?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":56,"question":"You are in a supermarket with your younger brother. Your brother draws your attention to a young child stealing food packets from the counter. He looks needy and he is taking advantage of the crowded store which the owner fails to manage in peak hours. The owner has a reputation of being a greedy and mean person. What will you do and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":59,"question":"During your election duty you caught hold of a vehicle full of cash. On inquiry, it was revealed to you that the vehicle belongs to a very popular politician of the region and even the exit polls are predicting his victory. The politician calls you up to release the vehicle. You try to approach your senior to seek advice but can't reach him. (a) What are the options available to you? (b) What course of action will you take?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5074,"topper":"Nidhi Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6bfc4-nidhi-gupta_3_2014_gs_booklet_4.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Probity and efficiency need not necessarily be mutually exclusive sets. Comment on the above statement and substantiate your stand with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Can conscience take precedence over rules and regulations as a source of ethical guidance? Narrate an incident from your life where you followed your conscience as a source of ethical guidance instead of rules. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"'Laws are social norms codified'. Do you agree? Give a few examples to substantiate your answer. (150 words) \" ?","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"\"Relativity applies to physics, not ethics\"-Albert Einstein. Comment. (100 words) \" , \"-","marks":null,"words":"100"},{"page":20,"question":"Indian education system needs to be reinvigorated to inculcate moral values and promote ethical conduct. Do you think indigenization of our education system can promote the same? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Explain how corruption devours the very concept of good governance and slowly eats away the good in the society. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"In framing a government, which is to be administered by men over men, the greatest difficulty lies firstly in enabling the government to control the governed; and in the next place to oblige it to control itself. Comment w.r.t. accountability of public service in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":39,"question":"You are in charge of the rescue operations in an epidemic hit area, commanding a team of 6 medical professionals. The area is located remotely and not well connected with the nearby town through roads. It takes around 24 hours to reach the nearest district hospital, which has the required vaccines and drugs. Thousands of people have died because of the disease. The disease is contagious, though it gets transmitted only through bodily fluids and not through air. However, one of your team members has fallen sick and his condition is critical. Moreover, the team does not have the required drugs to treat him. Your team members request you to call off the operation as they are scared of the disease and want to take back the sick team-member to the hospital. At the same time, media has been portraying your efforts in a negative light. (a) What are the options available to you? (b) Evaluate each option and suggest the best course of action?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"You are the Station House Officer of a police station. Recently, there has been a spurt in theft incidents in your area. Some of these incidents have occurred even during daytime. The Resident Welfare Association has blamed the labourers, residing in night shelters, for the crimes. The night shelters are a result of an initiative by the police to help the homeless people to seek refuge from the biting cold at night. You have taken great pains to get these night-shelters up and running. The record of all those who stay in these night shelters, for instance, their names and identity proofs, is kept with the police. But the police has no information if any one of them has a past criminal record. Even as an investigation regarding the thefts is going on, the RWA members are demanding to dismantle these night shelters and to not allow these labourers to reside near their homes. (a) What are the options available to you? (b) Evaluate each option and suggest the best course of action?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":55,"question":"You are a final-year engineering student, studying in a reputed engineering college of India. Campus placements are going on in your college and most of your friends have already been placed in reputed multi-national companies. You have appeared in selection tests for many companies but have failed to clear any of them. The placement season is drawing to a close. You have taken a student loan to pay for the college tuition fees. Your parents have high hopes from you and placement in a good MNC is very important for your future. Some of your friends have offered to help you to cheat in the next selection test. Many of them have themselves cleared their tests by cheating and now have job offers from big MNCs. You have never cheated in any exam in your whole student life. But the present situation is making you indecisive. (a) What are the options available to you? (b) Evaluate each option and suggest the best course of action?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5075,"topper":"Nidhi Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/83348-nidhi-gupta_3_2014_gs_booklet_3.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Why is agricultural diversification essential for sustainable livelihood? Bring out the importance of allied activities associated with agriculture as a source of diversification.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"The recent RBI decision to give licenses to Small and Payments banks is seen as a positive step towards heralding financial inclusion. Explain how these banks will help in financial inclusion. What are the challenges these banks are likely to face?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"India has emerged as the world's largest PPP market with more than 900 projects in various stages of development yet challenges galore. Explain. How far would the '3P India' Initiative be able to address these challenges?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"An expert committee to look into the issue of Rhino poaching has proposed dehorning of Rhinos as a solution to stop poaching of Rhinos. Critically analyse the viability of this measure to stop poaching of Rhinos.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"Today's terrorist organisations succeed on the basis of a sound underlying business model of organised crimes. Why do terrorist organisations find it beneficial to enter into organised crimes or partner with organised criminals? Illustrate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"What is \"Drishti\" System? How will it help in enhancing aviation safety?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Mumbai attacks brought into sharp focus India's unpreparedness in coastal security. Identify various security concerns related to our maritime boundaries. What steps have been taken by India to improve its coastal security?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"What is ZMap and why was it in news recently?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Explain EPC model of investment in the infrastructure sector. Why has the government been favouring the EPC model over PPP in recent years?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"The fact that Ganga is a holy river has, ironically, been a major factor responsible for its increasing pollution. Comment. Critically analyze the success of the steps taken by the Government to make Ganga pollution free?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"Land reforms in India have only benefitted certain sections of the farming community. For the landless in the country, land reforms are still a distant dream. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"\"DNA Computing along with use of Nanobots is revolutionizing the field of targeted drug delivery\". Explain DNA Computing and DNA Nanobots and their utility in targeted drug delivery. 10 \" \"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":62,"question":"What do you understand by Green Buildings? Explain how GRIHA ratings are proving to be more effective than the mandatory mechanisms like Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC)?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5076,"topper":"Nidhi Pai","air":110,"year":2022,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"Vishnu IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://vishnuias.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Test-1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5077,"topper":"Nidhi Pai","air":110,"year":2022,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"Vishnu IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://vishnuias.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/TEST-3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5078,"topper":"Nidhi Pai","air":110,"year":2022,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"Vishnu IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://vishnuias.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/TEST-4-2-50_merged.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5079,"topper":"Nidhi Pai","air":110,"year":2022,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"Vishnu IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://vishnuias.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/TEST-5-images-0-merged.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5080,"topper":"Nidhi Pai","air":110,"year":2022,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"Vishnu IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://vishnuias.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/TEST-6-images-0-merged.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5081,"topper":"Nidhi Pai","air":110,"year":2022,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"Vishnu IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://vishnuias.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Test-9-images-0-merged.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5082,"topper":"Nidhi Pai","air":110,"year":2022,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"Vishnu IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://vishnuias.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Test-10-images-0-merged.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5083,"topper":"Nidhi Pai","air":110,"year":2022,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"Vishnu IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://vishnuias.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Test-11-images-0-merged.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5084,"topper":"Nidhi Pai","air":110,"year":2022,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"Vishnu IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://vishnuias.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Test-13-images-0-merged.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5085,"topper":"Nidhi Pai","air":110,"year":2022,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"Vishnu IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://vishnuias.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Test-14-images-0-merged.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5086,"topper":"Nidhi Thakur","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/41efc-44930_1225_nidhi-thakur_rank_180.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The consequences of India's megacities producing tonnes of waste are troubling. Elaborate the statement and also discuss the significance of Solid Waste Management Rules 2016 in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"What do you understand by compensatory afforestation? Discuss the key elements of government's policy in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss the need for Green Financing. Mentioning some of the major global initiatives for it, highlight the climate finance architecture in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"List the different flood prone regions in India and identify the reasons behind their frequent flooding. What are the NDMA guidelines for management of floods?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"What are the priorities for action identified under the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction? Elaborate how India's National Plan for Disaster Management has tried to integrate Sendai Framework.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Define the term invasive species and provide examples from flora and fauna in India. What are the threats associated with the expansion of invasive species? In this context also discuss measures to address these threats.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"What is Environment Impact Assessment? Identifying the different processes involved in the exercise, highlight the purpose of carrying out this assessment. Further, mention in brief the status of EIA in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"What is Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA)? Highlighting the need for adopting CSA, mention some of its key characteristics.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Enumerate the key factors responsible for bad air quality in Indian cities. Also, explain the significant aspects of the Air Quality Index launched in 2014.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"What are the characteristic features of coral reef ecosystems? Highlighting their importance, identify some of the threats being faced by them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Explain the concepts of Bio-magnification and Bio-accumulation. Also, provide examples of the harmful impact of these two processes on the environment and human health.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Identify and explain the importance of key elements of action in disaster management cycle during the post-disaster phase.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Drought may be caused by natural factors but it is turned into a disaster by human induced factors. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Highlight the reasons which make coastal regions particularly susceptible to climate change. What steps have been taken by the government of India to address the same?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"What are the causes of forest fires and their effects on the ecosystem? How can forest fires be prevented? Also mention the steps that have been taken by the government in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Discuss the reasons and implications of land degradation and desertification as major environmental challenges facing India. Suggest the measures needed to address them.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5087,"topper":"Nidhi Thakur","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/738b7-44930_1228_nidhi-thakur_rank_180.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Explain the importance of departmentally related standing committees in improving the overall effectiveness of Parliament. Also, discuss the issues that they currently face. (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Illustrate how pressure groups have emerged as a strong mechanism for making democracy participatory and responsive. (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Explain the structure and functions of the National Human Rights Commission. In view of its functioning since its inception, suggest measures for further improvement. (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Highlight the ordinance-making powers of the Governor. Also enumerate the range of steps open to him when a Bill is presented after its passage by the state legislature. (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the issue of 'office of profit' as it has featured in the recent practices and debates in Indian polity. (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Highlight the importance of State Finance Commission in strengthening fiscal federalism in India. Do you agree with the view that they have not been provided with the necessary environment to play their rightful role? (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Independent India adopted a modified version of the Westminster model of government. In this context discuss the commonalities and differences between the political system of India and UK. (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"List the parliamentary mechanisms available for the scrutiny of regulators. Also, discuss major steps through which parliamentary oversight of regulators can be strengthened. (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Political parties are an integral part of the democratic set up of India. In the context, discuss the need for strengthening the process of institutionalization of intra-party democracy in political parties in India. (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Explain why it is argued that India is a sui generis case of federalism. (250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":23,"question":"Indian Constitution displays multiple features adopted from the practices around the world. Explain. How did the Government of India Act 1935 influence the constitution of independent India? (250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlighting different Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms available in India, explain their importance. Also, mention different measures that have been adopted to further improve the framework of ADR in India. (250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Identify the key areas of reforms required in the judicial system in India. In this context, examine the significance of the idea of putting in place an All-India Judicial Service. (250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"On the recent World Press Freedom Index (WPFI) India ranks 138. Elucidate the significance of media in a democracy like India. Identify the major issues affecting the media in contemporary times. In this context, enumerate the measures to address these issues. (250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What are the issues plaguing tribunals in India? Examine whether an independent autonomous body such as a National Tribunals Commission (NTC) can help in remedying these issues. (250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What are the different rights available to the consumers under the Consumer Protection Act, 1986? Explaining the three layered quasi-judicial mechanism put in place under the Act, mention the measures that can be taken to improve the functioning of these forums. (250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Success of the institutions of local self-governance depends largely on the attitude of state governments. Discuss in the context of constitutional provisions and recent experience of the working of these institutions in India. (250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5088,"topper":"Nidhi Thakur","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7f153-44930_1237_nidhi-thakur_rank_180.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"There is need for a more effective implementation of the existing provisions, as well as strengthening the current legal and institutional frameworks for addressing issues related to sexual harassment at workplace. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Despite existing mechanisms and laws, crimes against children have been rising in India. Discuss the reasons behind this trend. What more can be done in this context to address the prevalent situation? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Democratic processes and practices in India have refashioned caste in multiple ways. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Globalization has been a significant force in shaping the contemporary education system in India in both positive and negative ways. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The lack of clarity over what constitutes an urban area encourages haphazard development pattern in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The changing employment landscape across the globe makes it imperative that vocational education be integrated with the school curriculum in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Communalism in India is fuelled by socio-economic disparities and politicization of identities. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What are the factors due to which Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) remain one of the most backward groups in India? Highlight the steps taken by the government for their upliftment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Examine the reasons behind prevalence of child labour in India. What steps have been taken by the Indian government for addressing the menace of child labour? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Regionalism need not be regarded as unhealthy unless it takes a militant, aggressive turn and encourages the growth of secessionist tendencies. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Universal Health Coverage is a worthwhile goal, however achieving this in a country like India is a challenging task. Analyse. In this context, discuss the significance of the Ayushman Bharat Scheme. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"Given the scale of internal migration in India, highlight the challenges faced by migrants. In this context, discuss the need for a National Policy on Migration. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Examine the contemporary trends and reasons for change in the traditional family structure in India. Discuss the reforms needed in the existing social security protection measures in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"What are the various challenges that persons with disabilities face in living a dignified life? Suggest some measures for ensuring their effective participation in society. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"India is currently facing \"triple burden\" of undernutrition, overnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies. Examine the reasons and suggest some measures for combating them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"The strategy for combating poverty in India must rest on both effective implementation of anti-poverty programmes and employment intensive economic growth. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Critically examine the impact of globalization on rural society in India. Also delineate some strategies for tapping the opportunities offered by globalization. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5089,"topper":"Nidhi Thakur","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2ef4d-44930_1448_nidhi-thakur_rank_180.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"It is argued that mathematics and astronomy were an important part of intellectual development in ancient India. In this context, highlight the major contributions of ancient India to these areas. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In context of the rivalries, which existed between the English and French trading companies in India, highlight the factors, which led to the success of the English East India Company in its struggle against the French. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What were the causes of the Iranian Revolution of 1979? In what ways do the consequences of this revolution remain relevant even today? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Analyze the impact of globalization on indigenous craft, literary traditions and traditional knowledge systems in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Juvenile delinquency has attracted much media attention in recent years. What are the factors that drive the juveniles towards crime? In this context, state the significance of rehabilitative and reformative measures for juvenile delinquents. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Highlighting the health challenges that tribals are facing in India, suggest a roadmap to improve the health indicators of the tribals. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Highlight the reasons and resultant implications of disappearance of urban water bodies in India. Mention some of the steps which can be taken in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"In India a vast number of languages are potentially endangered. Discuss the reasons and implications of disappearance of a language. Also, suggest measures to preserve potentially endangered languages. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"While the British established a judicial system based on the rule of law, in practice this system suffered from numerous drawbacks. Analyze keeping in mind the developments between 1793 and 1833. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Trace the evolution of British policy towards the princely states in India. How did the freedom movement impact the people of these princely states? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Give a brief account of the circumstances under which Simla agreement was signed in 1972. Mentioning its important provisions, discuss whether it was a lost opportunity for India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"State the push and pull factors responsible for internal migration in India. Also examine how it is impacting urban transition in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Examine the factors responsible for poor performance of family planning programme in India. Suggest some family planning strategies, which can be adopted for improving reproductive health outcomes and achieving family welfare. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Giving examples, highlight the reasons behind existence of regional disparities in India. Suggest some strategies to address them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Highlighting different factors affecting Indian monsoon, explain why it is difficult to predict it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5090,"topper":"Nidhi Thakur","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e0055-44930_1449_nidhi-thakur_rank_180.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Bringing higher judiciary under the ambit of RTI has its own merits and demerits. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Tribunals in India have not just replicated some of the problems that our judiciary suffers from but added a few more. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Parliamentary privileges are not always used for the aims they were intended to serve. In this context, discuss the need for codification of these privileges in light of recent developments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"There is a point of view that the office of Governor has outlived its relevance and needs to be abolished. Critically examine in the current context. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Is lateral entry in civil services the panacea to address the challenges, which hamper the effective functioning of bureaucracy in India? Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Highlighting the grievances of states towards Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS), explain how the government has sought to rationalise these schemes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The PM Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) has begun well and holds a lot of promise, however it needs to address multiple challenges to become a success. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Highlighting its key features, examine the need for the passage of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill by the Parliament at the earliest. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"With changing times India's engagement with its diaspora has also undergone a change. Explain in the context of government policies on diaspora. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Despite its immense potential, the challenges associated with RCEP for India cannot be ignored. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Decentralisation in India has been fairly successful at the political level, however on the fiscal and administrative fronts progress is marred by several bottlenecks. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The provisions of the Anti-Defection Law have been repeatedly violated and are routinely misinterpreted. Examine. Also, suggest measures to strengthen the Anti-Defection Law. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The amendment process for the Indian Constitution follows a middle path between rigidity and flexibility. Comment in comparative perspective. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Assess the effectiveness of the institutional architecture of Indian federalism in settling inter-state disputes. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The recent advances in technologies have the potential to make e-governance a very potent tool for ushering in an era of good governance. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"While Indians are donating to charitable causes more than ever, philanthropy in India is still at a formative stage. In this context, highlight the significance of philanthropy and state the factors holding back philanthropy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Highlight the challenges faced in implementation of healthcare schemes in India. Examine how creation of a robust digital health ecosystem can prove to be a game changer in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"For India to emerge as a knowledge superpower, it is imperative to address the challenges of access, equity, quality, affordability and accountability faced by the current education system. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Ties with both USA and Russia are important for India, however, both these relations have their own sets of challenges, and some of these are further accentuated by the friction between these two powers. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5091,"topper":"Nidhi Thakur","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/69dcc-44930_1451_nidhi-thakur_rank_180.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"It is morally permissible to perform an action in pursuit of a good end in full knowledge that the action might also bring about bad results. Critically examine the statement with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The foreign policy of nations is primarily guided by national interests. Do you think the pursuit of such exclusive concerns leaves little scope for ethics in international relations? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Corporate Social Responsibility can help in changing the perception of 'business ethics' being an oxymoron. Critically analyze. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Citizens' Charters by themselves cannot achieve the desired results in improving quality of public services. Discuss the statement in light of the Sevottam Model. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"What do you understand by social capital? Explain its relationship with good governance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Emotional Intelligence is an essential ingredient for managing personal and organizational change. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Do you agree that privatization and outsourcing of selected public services will help improve the quality of public service delivery and in particular reduce the incidence of corruption? Substantiate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Discuss the contributions of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar to the idea of social justice in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"You are posted as the District Magistrate in a district, which has been ravaged by floods recently. The severity of floods has not only led to destruction of shelter and livelihood, but also created risks of deadly diseases spreading in the area. Street thugs have taken advantage of the situation and are looting and stocking anything they can get their hands on. There are reports that many shops and homes have been broken into and looted. Some suspect that this is the work of illegal immigrants from a neighbouring country, who have been residing in the district for a long time. The local MLA is objecting to extension of relief and rehabilitation assistance to these illegal immigrants. A number of residents of the district have also joined the MLA and are arguing that citizens have the first right on the country's resources, particularly in the prevailing situation. In this context, answer the following: (a) Do you think that citizens of a country have the first claim on resources of a nation in every situation? Justify your answer with valid arguments. (b) Given this information, chart a course of action based on priorities of the administration. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"You are the Commissioner of a city municipal corporation. Recognizing the state of some of the old buildings, you have categorised these under the list of dilapidated buildings. You have also issued an advisory to residents regarding the status and hazards of living in such buildings and asked them to vacate the premises. However, even after such a notification, residents continue to occupy such buildings and refuse to vacate. These are mostly poor people who have no other alternative available and would be rendered homeless if they vacate the premises. While you are trying to figure a way out for these people, your worst fears come true when one of the four-storeyed buildings on the list collapsed after heavy rains. Following the incident, public outrage led to accusations against the corporation for not getting the building vacated. (a) What challenges do you face as the Commissioner in this situation? Highlight the steps you will take to address these. (b) What measures will you take to prevent reoccurrence of such unfortunate incidents? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"You have been recently posted as a District Education Officer in a district, which is notorious for mass copying. It again witnessed some disturbing incidents during the recent Board examination. In some of the examination centers located in your district, the parents virtually took over the centres to help their wards to copy during the exams. The parents justified their act by arguing that the concerned teachers did not take classes at all during the year. Upon enquiry, you found that invigilators turned a blind eye in this situation and school administrations were also involved in tampering with the CCTV footage of the incidents. You also found that teacher absenteeism has indeed been rampant. Further, concerns regarding this had been repeatedly raised by parents in the past, but no action was taken. In this situation: (a) What course of action would you take in the immediate to short term to deal with the issue at hand? (b) Explaining the ramifications of such incidents for the society at large, highlight some long-term reforms that should be taken to prevent such incidents from re-occurring. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"You are recently posted as District Magistrate in a district, which is a major hub of industrial activities and attracts workers from different places and communities. The workers of these industries often utilize the open spaces on roads for performing their daily prayers, though only for a short period of time. The lack of a place of worship close to the work places, is cited as the reason for continuance of this practice. However, some residents of nearby areas have been objecting to this practice due to the inconvenience caused by congestion on the roads. There have also been complaints of alleged illegal encroachments over public land in garb of this practice. One day, you are informed that a group of locals disrupted the workers at the time of worship. The incident led to clashes between several groups and a law and order problem has arisen in the district. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) What are the options available before you? Evaluate the merits and demerits of each one of them. (b) What course of action would you choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"You are the district magistrate in a district of a hill state. An NRI tycoon is planning to arrange a large wedding ceremony in your district. Given the scale of the ceremony, a feasibility report was prepared. The report has called for adopting a cautious approach and has raised concerns regarding its impact on the environment. Recognizing this, the NRI has offered extra compensation for the prospective environmental damages. Also, the local MLA and some prominent residents are arguing that such a wedding can help in developing the district as a tourist hotspot and turn it into a popular wedding destination, bringing prosperity for the residents. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders in the given situation and their respective interests. (b) Highlight the options available to you and the course of action you will take, giving reasons for the same. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"The challenge of climate change presents the world with several fundamental ethical dilemmas. From a global perspective, it presents the world with a collective action problem: all countries have a collective interest in controlling global carbon emissions. But each individual country also has incentives to over-consume in response to societal demands for economic growth and prosperity. Developing nations faced with these costs may encounter further challenges as the impact of climate change will most likely fall disproportionally on the poor, thus also raising issues of fairness and inequality. As an intergenerational problem, the consequences of actions taken by the current generation will have the greatest impact on future generations. While it is intuitive that the current generation has some ethical responsibility to leave an inhabitable world to future generations, the extent of this obligation is less clear. Answer the following questions in this regard: (a) To what extent do humans have a moral responsibility to future generations that are yet to be born? (b) Do developed countries have a greater responsibility to take action and bear more costs of controlling climate change than developing countries? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5092,"topper":"Nidhin K Biju","air":89,"year":2019,"paper":"Optional — Public Administration","optional":true,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qBAE6HvOsIkpUp4YkL-XY8C7FmhtcQpy/view","questions":[]},{"id":5093,"topper":"Nihal Randhawa","air":108,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8e6a7-58233_1253_nihal_randhawa_rank_108.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5094,"topper":"Nihal Randhawa","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6da69-58233_1147_nihal_randhawa_rank_108.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the issues faced in BOT and EPC models of infrastructure investment, explain how HAM can address these. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The investment rate in India has gradually declined after a historic high in the mid 2000s. Examine the reasons behind this trend. Discuss the steps required to revive investment for a sustained growth. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The measurement of the extent of formal sector and formal employment is yet an unsettled matter in our economy. Comment. Also, mention the steps which the government has taken to improve its extent. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"In the context of major challenges that have restricted industrial growth, there is need for a new industrial policy to enable the industry to fulfill its role as the engine of growth and shoulder the responsibility of adding more value and jobs. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Providing social security, especially to those working in unorganised sector, is an important requirement to achieve the goal of inclusive growth. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Assigning infrastructure status to the logistics industry is a good first move, but there are several other problems related to this sector that need to be addressed. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In view of the direct link between tenure security and food security, there is need for a conducive legal framework for land rights in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Minimum Support Price (MSP) of crops is a short term solution for agricultural distress which creates long term problems. Examine. Suggest measures to overcome the the limitations of the MSP regime. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"With women playing an increasingly significant role in the Indian agriculture sector, gender specific interventions can be the key to improving agricultural productivity. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Enumerating the factors that determine a nation's energy-mix, comment on the need for having a diversified fuel basket for meeting India's future energy demands. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlight the importance of MSME sector in India's economy. Also, identifying the challenges, suggest some policy recommendations to ensure their sustenance and competitive growth. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"A near stagnant tax to GDP ratio for the country since decades reflects not only non-fruition of efforts to increase it but also underlying structural issues with tax regime. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Adhering to fiscal discipline is considered as a hallmark of sound financial management by government. Elaborate. To what extent does the Budget 2018 incorporates fiscal discipline vis-a-vis competing targets of the government? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"The role of international trade in achieving a quicker pace of economic development is well recognized. What are the benefits of international trade for a developing country like India? Highlight the challenges that India faces in improving its share in world trade. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"In the light of increasing NPAs and frauds, the twin balance sheet problem has grown immensely. Comment on the issue and analyse the potential of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code to be a game changer for Indian economy's health and long-term growth. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Enhancing private infrastructure spending and revival of stalled projects is critical to the success of Bharatmala Pariyojana. Discuss. Also enumerate measures taken by the government to revive stalled projects on National Highways. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Going forward, the allied sectors will play a critical role in increasing the resilience and improving economic returns in agriculture. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Enumerate the factors that determine cropping pattern in an agricultural region. Discuss the need for diversification in context of problems being faced by monoculture regions in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"It is argued that fertilizer subsidies have a negative impact on promoting Organic farming in India. Comment. Also, critically analyse the advantages of replacing direct benefit transfer in fertilizers with direct income support for farmers. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"What do you understand by Seed Replacement Rate? Explaining the concept of breeder, foundation and certified seeds, highlight the major policy initiatives taken in order to address the challenge of quality seed availability to farmers. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5095,"topper":"Nihal Randhawa","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0c205-58233_2843_nihal_randhawa_rank_108.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the phenomenon of El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). Discuss its effects on the global climate, with specific reference to India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Describing the different factors that influence metamorphism, highlight the significance of metamorphic rocks. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What is a thunderstorm and how is it formed? Give an account of the different stages in the lifecycle of a thunderstorm. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What are the factors that make India suitable for the development of bamboo-based industries? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"State the potential sites for geothermal energy in India. Why is India still at a nascent stage of utilization of geothermal energy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Land-use changes are leading to increased occurrences of natural disasters in India. How? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How can India harness the capabilities of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to enhance its approach to disaster planning, mitigation, and response? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"In the context of environmental conservation and biodiversity restoration, state the concept of 'rewilding.' What should be the principles guiding the rewilding initiatives? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Why has light pollution been on a steady rise in various parts of India for the past few years? What are its implications on biological organisms? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What are the reasons behind the increasing growth and spread of invasive alien species? How are they particularly harmful for a country like India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Assess the influence of the Himalayan mountain range on regional climate and local ecosystems. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Outline the characteristics of the climate and vegetation in the equatorial region. How do they affect the overall development of countries lying in this region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Identify the permafrost regions around the world. How has thawing permafrost emerged as a significant threat to global climate and ecosystem? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Deserts have a huge resource potential which can be extracted for human use. Discuss. Elaborate on the mineral profile of the Thar desert. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss the measures required to mitigate the challenges presented by the increasing occurrences of flash droughts. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Examine the effectiveness of the existing Heat Action Plans (HAPs) in protecting the vulnerable population against heat waves in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"India needs to shift its disaster management approach from relief-centric and reactionary to a more comprehensive and proactive one. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Ethnic and indigenous communities play a significant role in the biodiversity conservation of India. How? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Why is there a need to move towards net zero emissions? What strategy has India adopted to achieve the net zero target? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5096,"topper":"Nihal Randhawa","air":108,"year":2024,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4031d-58233_2367_nihal_randhawa_rank_108.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5097,"topper":"Nihal Randhawa","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/56206-58233_1069_nihal_randhawa_rank_108.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Growing awareness about terminal as well as mental illness has given credence to the idea of \"living wills\". What is a living will? Discuss the ethical issues to be considered from an individual as well as social perspective to formulate and implement it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"In order to improve the bureaucratic work culture and productivity, there is a need to downsize government and privatize some of the services. Critically discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Examine the contemporary relevance of Gandhiji's talisman as a means of resolving ethical dilemmas in day to day life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"\"Intelligence plus character-that is the goal of true education.\" Assess whether such an objective can be achieved within the existing system of education in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"\"A blanket prohibition of criticism of the policies of the Government is invalid and void, and it makes no difference if the person criticizing happens to be a government servant.\" Critically discuss in the context of Civil Service Conduct Rules, 1964.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"\"Man by nature is a political animal\". Explain with reference to Aristotle's idea of the state in life of the society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"What are the factors that have influenced the contemporary attitude of the state and the society towards homosexuality in India? Also, comment on the changing attitude and the factors driving this change.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"With behavioural issues and suicides among children on the rise, teachers and parents need to play an active part in ensuring mental well-being. Discuss. Also, explain the importance of emotional intelligence in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"The policy of Dhamma advocated by Ashoka through his edicts remains relevant in the context of issues in public life even today. Elucidate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Arguably, poverty is not only a matter of statistics. It is a reflection on the kind of society we live in. In this context, discuss the ethical implications for a society that witnesses high incidence of poverty.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Every superstition cannot be removed by the force of law. For that, a mental change is necessary. Comment. Also, explain how educators and public figures can help in eradicating superstition and instilling scientific temper among people.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Many argue that there are times, when war is morally permissible, and even obligatory. Critically discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"It has been argued that traditional approaches to corporate social responsibility (CSR) are inadequate. Discuss. Also, examine the role of Social License to Operate (SLO) in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"A renowned and critically acclaimed producer-director has come up with a new movie based on retelling of the freedom movement. The trailer of this project depicts prominent freedom fighters and various aspects of their personalities. It is a project that involves substantial sums of money and has taken collaborative efforts of 3 years. However, certain political and social activists have objected to what they perceived as negative portrayal of some freedom fighters. As such, they have opposed the release of this movie and issued threats with serious consequences. This has come in the context of increase in the number of instances involving many groups issuing threats against one or the other movie. In such a context you have been designated as the head of a special committee with the broad responsibility of reviewing the film certification process in general as well as the checking the historical accuracy of the events depicted in this particular movie. 20 (a) Who are the key stakeholders you would involve as part of the consultation process? (b) What are the principles that you would consider while giving your recommendations to the government? Also, provide an outline of a solution that you deem appropriate in the prevailing context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"There have been reports of repeat instances of mob lynching in different states of India. It has been pointed out that these presumably faceless mobs gather impromptu on the basis of unverified information on issues that affect the collective conscience of the society such as child trafficking, sexual harassment, cow slaughter etc. Most of the people don't even regret their action of violating the law and even get away with committing such a heinous crime. 20 (a) What are the socio-psychological factors that motivate people to join the mob and kill fellow human beings? (b) Identify the implications of increasing crime of lynching on society. (c) Examine the role of social media in recent instances of mob lynching. As a law enforcement officer, how will you prevent such incidents from happening in your district?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"We live in a time when almost everything can be bought and sold. Over the past few years, markets and market values have come to govern our lives as never before. Today the logic of buying and selling no longer applies to material good alone but increasingly governs the whole of life. However, there is a wide spread realization that markets have become detached from morals and we need to somehow reconnect them. The use of markets to allocate social goods has also been a cause of concern. In this context, answer the following: 20 (a) Is greed wholly a vice or a trait of character that has both positive and negative sides? Could you relate it to the utilitarian philosophy that emphasizes pursuit of self interest by individuals as the basis of economic well being? (b) Are there some things that money shouldn't buy? Illustrate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5098,"topper":"Nihal Randhwa","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0182a-58233_1150_nihal-randhwa_rank_273.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Technical solutions are necessary to augment the traditional methods of guarding the border. In this context, while mentioning the different components of Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS), discuss how it can help to address the gaps in the present system of border security. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"In comparison to conventional warfare, the possibility of successful deterrence against cyber warfare is both limited and complicated. Discuss. Also, elaborate upon India's preparedness in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Analyse the impact that the instability in the wider South Asian region has on India's internal security. What steps can be taken to minimise such impact? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlighting its mandate, discuss the significance of International Solar Alliance in positioning India to a key global leadership role. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Despite a strong case for a Broad based Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA) between India and the European Union (EU), negotiations have been stuck for long owing to multiple factors. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Accession to the Ashgabat agreement is valuable for connecting India to its extended neighbourhood. What is the Ashgabat Agreement? Assess its significance for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is a natural choice for India to fulfill key foreign policy priorities. In this context, discuss the issues behind hitherto slow progress and the reasons for reinvigorated optimism regarding BIMSTEC. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What do you understand by Free Space Optical Communication (FSOC) Technology? Critically explain its potential in connecting rural and remote areas in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What are Orphan Drugs? Examine the significance of putting in place a policy framework for such drugs in a developing country such as India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the obstacles in women's access to science education in India and also suggest remedial measures to overcome these obstacles. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Giving examples, elaborate how India's approach to becoming a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region is taking shape. What are the challenges and opportunities associated with this approach? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime) has pitched for the need of an integrated approach in order to address the difficulties in preventing, detecting, investigating and prosecuting Transnational Organised Crimes (TOC). Elaborating on these difficulties, discuss how an integrated approach can help in tackling TOCs. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Highlighting the need for SMART policing in India, suggest some administrative, legislative and technological reforms in order to realize this vision. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind private sector playing a merely peripheral role in defence manufacturing in India. Also, explain how the Draft Defence Production Policy, 2018 seeks to augment private sector participation in defence manufacturing in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"While India and Russia have enjoyed good relations since the Soviet era, relying on the past may not be enough to deal with shift in the relationship in light of the rapidly evolving geopolitical realities. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"In what ways has the engagement between India and its diaspora evolved over the years? What role can the Indian diaspora play in furthering and shaping India's foreign policy goals? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Sluggish progress of the Doha round signals that the WTO is proving to be ineffective in promoting free trade. Identifying the factors behind this, comment on the relevance of WTO in present context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"India's engagement with its extended neighbourhood in West Asia has evolved into a 'Look West' approach in recent times. However, multiple faultlines in this volatile region require a balancing act on the part of India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The rapid diffusion of Artificial Intelligence begets unique opportunities and challenges for India. Discuss. What can be done to address these challenges? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Water shortage in India has been sought to be addressed through various policy and technological interventions. Explain. Also, examine the benefits of desalination technology and the costs associated with it. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5099,"topper":"Nihal Randhwa","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2bf53-58233_1147_nihal-randhwa_rank_273.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the issues faced in BOT and EPC models of infrastructure investment, explain how HAM can address these. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The investment rate in India has gradually declined after a historic high in the mid 2000s. Examine the reasons behind this trend. Discuss the steps required to revive investment for a sustained growth. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The measurement of the extent of formal sector and formal employment is yet an unsettled matter in our economy. Comment. Also, mention the steps which the government has taken to improve its extent. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"In the context of major challenges that have restricted industrial growth, there is need for a new industrial policy to enable the industry to fulfill its role as the engine of growth and shoulder the responsibility of adding more value and jobs. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Providing social security, especially to those working in unorganised sector, is an important requirement to achieve the goal of inclusive growth. (150 words) 10 Discuss.","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"With women playing an increasingly significant role in the Indian agriculture sector, gender specific interventions can be the key to improving agricultural productivity. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Enumerating the factors that determine a nation's energy-mix, comment on the need for having a diversified fuel basket for meeting India's future energy demands. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlight the importance of MSME sector in India's economy. Also, identifying the challenges, suggest some policy recommendations to ensure their sustenance and competitive growth. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Enhancing private infrastructure spending and revival of stalled projects is critical to the success of Bharatmala Pariyojana. Discuss. Also enumerate measures taken by the government to revive stalled projects on National Highways. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Going forward, the allied sectors will play a critical role in increasing the resilience and improving economic returns in agriculture. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"What do you understand by Seed Replacement Rate? Explaining the concept of breeder, foundation and certified seeds, highlight the major policy initiatives taken in order to address the challenge of quality seed availability to farmers. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5100,"topper":"Nihal Randhwa","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3ce91-58233_1429_nihal-randhwa_rank_273.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Illustrate how pressure groups have emerged as a strong mechanism for making democracy participatory and responsive. (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Explain the significance and controversies, if any, associated with the Article 35A of the Indian constitution. (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The ambiguity surrounding lobbying in India is further exacerbated by the country's endemic corruption. In this context, critically examine the case for legalising lobbying in India. (150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Independent India adopted a modified version of the Westminster model of government. In this context discuss the commonalities and differences between the political system of India and UK. (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Political parties are an integral part of the democratic set up of India. In the context, discuss the need for strengthening the process of institutionalization of intra-party democracy in political parties in India. (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"It is of paramount importance to ensure that the Election Commission of India (ECI) be fully insulated from political pressure to maintain the purity of elections. In this context, discuss the need to have a relook at the process of appointment and removal of election commissioners to the ECI. (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In post-liberalised India, it is imperative that the role of state be that of a facilitator, and not one of a regulator. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"By providing new pools of leadership talent, lateral entry will help in addressing the most crucial challenges that the civil services in India currently face. Critically evaluate. (150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the need for an effective and functional working relationship between Gram Panchayats and SHGs. How can an efficient synergy between the two be achieved? (150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Public service delivery in India has long been marred by various issues leading to poor service delivery outcomes. While discussing the reasons for the same, suggest ways to make public service delivery more efficient. (150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlighting different Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms available in India, explain their importance. Also, mention different measures that have been adopted to further improve the framework of ADR in India. (250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Success of the institutions of local self-governance depends largely on the attitude of state governments. Discuss in the context of constitutional provisions and recent experience of the working of these institutions in India. (250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Right to freedom of religion cannot be allowed to deny right to equality and individual dignity. Discuss in the light of constitutional provisions and recent judicial pronouncements. (250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Identify the key areas of reforms required in the judicial system in India. In this context, examine the significance of the idea of putting in place an All-India Judicial Service. (250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"While there are existing laws for the same, substantial efforts still need to be undertaken to prohibit people with criminal antecedents from entering into politics. Discuss in context of the problem of criminalization of politics in India and resulting issues. (250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Government schemes in India have long suffered from monitoring and implementation challenges. What steps have been taken by the government recently in this regard? Also discuss the potential of social audit in addressing these challenges. (250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"In the context of recent concerns related to functioning of NGOs in India, discuss the need for self-regulatory guidelines and transparency mechanisms to restore the credibility of voluntary organisations. (250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Focusing on technology without realizing that e-Governance is basically about ushering reforms in governance has meant that the potential of e-governance has not been realized. Discussing the statement, suggest what should be done to address this situation. (250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5101,"topper":"Nihal Randhwa","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/122e7-58233_1432_nihal-randhwa_rank_273.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explaining the reasons behind India's lower female labour force participation rates (LFPR), list the steps that have been taken to augment it. What more needs to be done? (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"By rebalancing project risks between the public and private sectors, the HAM model has encouraged investments in the road infrastructure sector. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Examine the need for a comprehensive policy on e-commerce in view of its domestic expansion as well as safeguarding India's interests globally. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"In view of the growing significance of FinTech innovations, discuss the potential and challenges of mainstreaming FinTech in Indian economy. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"With India striving to achieve its development objectives, examine how blue economy can help in pursuing the objectives of economic development and ecological sustainability. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Reliance on borrowings for capital expenditure in railways reflects a weakening financial position. Comment on the statement and discuss ways in which better resource generation and utilisation can be achieved therein. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"With water increasingly becoming a scarce resource, large scale adoption of micro irrigation techniques could prove to be a game changer in India. Analyse. Also enumerate various steps taken by the government to promote micro irrigation in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Livestock farming not only contributes to climate change but is also affected by it. Elaborate the statement and discuss some measures that can be taken to make livestock farming more sustainable as well as resilient. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The cropping pattern of a region is influenced by geo-climatic, socio-cultural, economic, historical and political factors. Substantiate with relevant examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"A developed Inland Waterway Transport (IWT) will not only augment the overall transport capacity of the country, but also help correct the multi-modal transport mix. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Can the consolidation of banks help in stemming the existing problems in the banking sector? Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Why has the contribution of manufacturing sector, as a percentage of the GDP, remained stagnant in the recent years? In this context, analyse the achievements of National Manufacturing Policy, 2011 with regards to its intended objectives. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"One of the goals that a developing economy aspires for is to bring down the Incremental Capital-Output Ratio (ICOR). In this context, what are the constraints that underlie the efficient conversion of savings rate to investments in the Indian economy? Also suggest some measures to improve this efficiency. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight the factors responsible for rise in the number of start-ups in India in recent years. Analyzing the challenges in the existing start-up ecosystem, suggest some measures to resolve them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"There is a high cost of compliance as well as complexities associated with existing labour laws at centre and state levels. Discuss. What steps have recently been taken by the central government to address these challenges? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The contribution of coal based power generation is not expected to substantially go down in the next few decades, despite growing importance of renewables. Comment on the statement in light of increasing demand for power in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Elaborate the strategic and operational elements of the Agriculture Export Policy, 2018 and discuss the role it can play to achieve the target of doubling farmers' income by 2022. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Development of food processing industry will help in achieving the twin goals of inclusive growth and food security. Discuss. Also, account for the competitive advantages enjoyed by India in the food processing sector. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Identify the problems faced by Indian agriculture as a consequence of changing land holding pattern as witnessed in the findings of Agriculture census, 2015-16. In light of these problems, suggest suitable ways to resolve such structural issues in agriculture. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5102,"topper":"Nihal Randhwa","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8d7ac-58233_1067_nihal-randhwa_rank_273.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What is the role that opposition plays in a democracy like India? In this context, discuss whether our Parliament can benefit from a shadow cabinet. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Where there is a right, there is a remedy. In this context, discuss the nature and significance of writs in India with adequate examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Enumerate the objectives of NITI Aayog. Also, discuss the performance of this body since its inception and suggest measures to make it more effective. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"In view of the political class's inability to develop and maintain conventions relating to the appropriate use of Article 356, the Supreme Court's decision in the Bommai case provided much needed clarity. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Press freedom and good governance are not mutually exclusive. They support each other while promoting a country's economic and human development. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"SHGs have succeeded in delivering financial inclusion, but for them to evolve as viable business enterprise requires a different approach. Analyse in the context of the twin goals of rural growth and promotion of women's entrepreneurship. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The focus of higher education in India has been on a select few Central or autonomous institutions where as the ones in states remain neglected. Commenting on the statement, highlight the significance of Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the role played by PRIs in political empowerment of women. Also, suggest measures to further increase their political participation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What is Strategic Autonomy? Critically examine the elements of such a policy in India's contemporary foreign policy in the context of recent developments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"IBSA and BRICS are both examples of India's quest for multialignment, however there are key differences in their orientation. Discuss in the context of the relevance of these groupings for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What are the various modes of Alternate Dispute Redressal (ADR) mechanisms available in India? Identifying the problems being faced by them, provide suggestions needed to increase their effectiveness. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"While the power to punish for the contempt of court is a much needed tool to protect the administration of justice from being maligned, it is time that it be relooked into. Critically analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Criminalisation of politics remains a key concern for the Indian political system. In this context, analyse the role played by the Supreme Court and Election Commission over the years. Also, in what ways can the media play a positive role? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight, in brief, the mandate of the National Commission for Minorities (NCM). Identify the different challenges that the commission faces and suggest measures to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The recent decision of the government to open up positions at the senior levels in bureaucracy through lateral entry is an important but only small step in the direction of much needed reforms in the higher civil services. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Identifying the broad contours of the 'Transformation of Aspirational Districts' programme, explain how it adopts a novel strategy to address backwardness. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"How did India fare on the Millennium Development Goals related to health? In this regard, identify the relevant Sustainable Development Goals and evaluate India's capacity to meet them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the different rights recognized under the Forest Rights Act, 2006? Highlight the gaps in the implementation of community forest rights and community forest resource rights granted under the Forest Rights Act. Also, suggest measures to address the current scenario. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Progress in India-US ties has been accompanied by equally significant divergences on important issues. Examine in the context of recent developments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Despite bonhomie, the structural differences between Indian and Israeli national security situations, their worldviews and absence of explicitly shared enemies limit stronger strategic rapprochement. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5103,"topper":"Nihal Randhwa","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e3560-58233_1068_nihal-randhwa_rank_273.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"There are many challenges in sustainably scaling up renewable energy in India. Analyse. Also, discuss what can be done to address these challenges. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The policies and indicators introduced by the government, in recent times, to finance urban development in India are key in addressing the existing challenges. Discuss with special reference to municipal bonds. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"With a number of issues continuing to be a roadblock, a large section of India's rural population is still 'financially excluded'. Discuss. Analyse how these issues can be addressed and the measures taken by the government and RBI recently in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'Environmental Accounting'? Discussing the rationale behind introducing environmental accounting, highlight its status in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"While access to irrigation is important, efficiency of water use is equally, if not more, crucial. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"For a holistic approach to disaster risk reduction, there is a need to mainstream indigenous traditional knowledge and link it with modern technologies. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do you understand by food irradiation? Highlighting some of its unique applications, examine its relevance for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Whereas misuse of technology has abetted the spread of fake news, it is with the aid of technology that this menace can be curbed. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Explain the salient features of the recently established Defence Planning Committee. How can it help in credible defence preparedness? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Recent reports of Maoist leaders having amassed huge assets in property and cash underlines the significance of probing the funding network as part of counter-terrorism efforts. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Not only do services MSMEs contribute mightily to the overall GDP growth, they have a powerful multiplier impact on the local economies as well. Elaborating on the statement, highlight the problems faced by service sector MSMEs. How can the government make it easier for MSMEs to start and grow a business? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Contract Farming has many advantages, however it suffers from market failures. Elaborate. What can the government do to correct problems that lead to contract failures? Also, discuss whether the Model Contract Farming Act, 2018 is a step in the right direction. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Suggest the measures needed to improve the employability of labour force as well as increasing number of employment opportunities in light of structural changes being brought by disruptive technologies. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"India's trade policy in agriculture, marred by ad-hocism and pro-consumer bias, has constrained realization of export potential, and prevented the farmers from reaping the benefits. Examine the statement and discuss ways, including government initiatives, to improve agricultural exports. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Is currency exchange rate a suitable measure of relative economic performance of countries? Despite improving macro-economic fundamentals, trade deficit in India continues to widen. Bring out the factors responsible for this situation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"It will take much more than relief packages to address the problems being faced by the sugar industry in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"NAPCC, almost 10 years old and formulated with lofty objectives, has not served as the best answer to cope with the impacts of climate change. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The maritime security domain requires collective multilateral and regional cooperation to combat non traditional threats. Discuss in the context of threats in the Western Indian Ocean and the recent amendments in the Djibouti Code of Conduct. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India's space programme was initiated with the vision of utilising outer space for peaceful purposes, however with changing times it has the potential to play a significant role in strengthening security capabilities of India. Discuss with adequate examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5104,"topper":"Nihal Randhwa","air":273,"year":2019,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1ea42-58233_1146_nihal-randhwa_rank_273.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5105,"topper":"Nihal Randhwa","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9c479-58233_1069_nihal-randhwa_rank_273.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Growing awareness about terminal as well as mental illness has given credence to the idea of \"living wills\". What is a living will? Discuss the ethical issues to be considered from an individual as well as social perspective to formulate and implement it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"In order to improve the bureaucratic work culture and productivity, there is a need to downsize government and privatize some of the services. Critically discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Examine the contemporary relevance of Gandhiji's talisman as a means of resolving ethical dilemmas in day to day life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"\"Intelligence plus character-that is the goal of true education.\" Assess whether such an objective can be achieved within the existing system of education in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"\"A blanket prohibition of criticism of the policies of the Government is invalid and void, and it makes no difference if the person criticizing happens to be a government servant.\" Critically discuss in the context of Civil Service Conduct Rules, 1964.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"\"Man by nature is a political animal\". Explain with reference to Aristotle's idea of the state in life of the society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"What are the factors that have influenced the contemporary attitude of the state and the society towards homosexuality in India? Also, comment on the changing attitude and the factors driving this change.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"With behavioural issues and suicides among children on the rise, teachers and parents need to play an active part in ensuring mental well-being. Discuss. Also, explain the importance of emotional intelligence in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"The policy of Dhamma advocated by Ashoka through his edicts remains relevant in the context of issues in public life even today. Elucidate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Arguably, poverty is not only a matter of statistics. It is a reflection on the kind of society we live in. In this context, discuss the ethical implications for a society that witnesses high incidence of poverty.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Every superstition cannot be removed by the force of law. For that, a mental change is necessary. Comment. Also, explain how educators and public figures can help in eradicating superstition and instilling scientific temper among people.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"There have been reports of repeat instances of mob lynching in different states of India. It has been pointed out that these presumably faceless mobs gather impromptu on the basis of unverified information on issues that affect the collective conscience of the society such as child trafficking, sexual harassment, cow slaughter etc. Most of the people don't even regret their action of violating the law and even get away with committing such a heinous crime. 20 (a) What are the socio-psychological factors that motivate people to join the mob and kill fellow human beings? (b) Identify the implications of increasing crime of lynching on society. (c) Examine the role of social media in recent instances of mob lynching. As a law enforcement officer, how will you prevent such incidents from happening in your district?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"We live in a time when almost everything can be bought and sold. Over the past few years, markets and market values have come to govern our lives as never before. Today the logic of buying and selling no longer applies to material good alone but increasingly governs the whole of life. However, there is a wide spread realization that markets have become detached from morals and we need to somehow reconnect them. The use of markets to allocate social goods has also been a cause of concern. In this context, answer the following: 20 (a) Is greed wholly a vice or a trait of character that has both positive and negative sides? Could you relate it to the utilitarian philosophy that emphasizes pursuit of self interest by individuals as the basis of economic well being? (b) Are there some things that money shouldn't buy? Illustrate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5106,"topper":"Niharika Sinha","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/NIHARIKA-SINHAUPSC_IAS_2025_Toppers_AIR_365_Sample_PSIR_COPY_5.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Q.1 Answer the following questions in 150 words. (10*5 = 50 Marks)\na. Contrast the orthodox and radical approaches to political economy.\nb. “Hegemonic Stability Theory” and its realist roots — comment.\nc. Discuss the significance of APEC in promoting trans Pacific economic cooperation. In what ways does it differ from more formalised customs unions?\nd. Assess the contributions and limitations of the systems approach and structural functionalism in studying non Western political systems.\ne. ‘Pluralist explanations of the state underestimate structural inequalities.’ Evaluate this statement with reference to classical and neo pluralist debates.","marks":"10*5 = 50","words":"150"},{"page":3,"question":"Q.5) Answer the following questions in 150 words.\na. Explain how India leverages the principle of Special and Differential Treatment (SDT) to protect livelihood concerns and advance a \"development first\" WTO agenda.\nb. Comment on the institutional limitations of SAARC and BIMSTEC in mitigating ethnic conflicts and border tensions in South Asia.\nc. Discuss the constitutional and parliamentary mechanisms that influence foreign policy making in India.\nd. ‘Strategic autonomy, not alliance making, underpins India’s diplomacy during the Red Sea crisis.’ Analyse.\ne. Examine India’s leadership in the formative and adaptive phases of the Non Aligned Movement.","marks":"10*5 = 50","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Q.7 \na Discuss the limits of the “natural allies” narrative in India–US relations, and contrast them with the ‘Values-plus-multilateralism’ frame that underpins the India–EU strategic partnership. (20 marks)\nb ‘Maritime chokepoints are the new fulcrum of India’s West Asia strategy.’ Examine this statement with reference to both security and economic dimensions. (15 marks)\nc Outline a reform agenda that could convert SAFTA from a ‘paper FTA’ into a functioning South Asian Free Trade Area over the next decade. (15 marks)","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5107,"topper":"Niharika Sinha","air":365,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://academy.forumias.com/optional-test-series/slider%20Image/NIHARIKA.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5108,"topper":"Nikhil Agarwal","air":181,"year":2019,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/68991-154939_930_nikhil-agarwal_rank_181.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5109,"topper":"Nikhil Agarwal","air":181,"year":2019,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c27a3-154939_931_nikhil-agarwal_rank_181.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5110,"topper":"Nikhil Agarwal","air":181,"year":2019,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b5be2-154939_932_nikhil-agarwal_rank_181.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5111,"topper":"Nikhil Agarwal","air":181,"year":2019,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c2632-154939_933_nikhil-agarwal_rank_181.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5112,"topper":"Nikhil Agarwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/cc39f-154939_1059_nikhil-agarwal_rank_181.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the issues faced in BOT and EPC models of infrastructure investment, explain how HAM can address these. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The measurement of the extent of formal sector and formal employment is yet an unsettled matter in our economy. Comment. Also, mention the steps which the government has taken to improve its extent. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The investment rate in India has gradually declined after a historic high in the mid 2000s. Examine the reasons behind this trend. Discuss the steps required to revive investment for a sustained growth. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Strengthening the policy and institutional ecosystem supporting inclusive growth needs to be a top policy priority to thrive in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Explaining the role of human capital in economic development of a country, highlight the challenges and opportunities related to human capital formation in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"In the context of major challenges that have restricted industrial growth, there is need for a new industrial policy to enable the industry to fulfill its role as the engine of growth and shoulder the responsibility of adding more value and jobs. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Discussing the reforms that contributed in improving India's ranking in the World Bank's 'Ease of Doing Business' index, identify the challenges that still remain in the overall environment of doing business. Suggest some concrete steps that India can take to further improve its performance on the index. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) are fast becoming an important avenue for channelising funds for projects in infrastructure sector. Explaining the concept of SPVs, highlight some of the benefits and risks associated with them. Also, suggest measures to manage the risks identified. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Providing social security, especially to those working in unorganised sector, is an important requirement to achieve the goal of inclusive growth. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"NBFCs can play a critical role in strengthening our SME ecosystem and contributing to economic development. Comment. Also, discuss the need to build a regulatory framework to address the challenges that NBFCs face. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"In the light of increasing NPAs and frauds, the twin balance sheet problem has grown immensely. Comment on the issue and analyse the potential of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code to be a game changer for Indian economy's health and long-term growth. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Public Sector Enterprises formed the backbone of industrial development after independence, but with changing times, their role has also changed. Discuss. Also, comment on the need to adopt a multi-pronged strategy to deal with the issues that they are facing. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"For a developing country like India, the sectoral allocation of scarce resources is a critical factor determining pace and quality of development. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight the importance of MSME sector in India's economy. Also, identifying the challenges, suggest some policy recommendations to ensure their sustenance and competitive growth. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"In the inclusive development index of World Economic Forum (WEF), India stands very low. Discuss briefly the issues associated with living standard, environmental sustainability and protection of future generations from further indebtedness in India, on which the ranking is done. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Under-employment rather than unemployment is the key problem facing India today. Elaborate. Also, suggest measures to counter this problem. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"A near stagnant tax to gdp ratio for the country since decades reflects not only non-fruition of efforts to increase it but also underlying structural issues with tax regime. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The need to overhaul the current budget making process can be gauged from the fact that it neither undertakes broad-based consultations, nor is adequately transparent nor effective in estimating and allocating the demands of various stakeholders. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Adhering to fiscal discipline is considered as a hallmark of sound financial management by government. Elaborate. To what extent does the Budget 2018 incorporates fiscal discipline vis-a-vis competing targets of the government? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The role of international trade in achieving a quicker pace of economic development is well recognized. What are the benefits of international trade for a developing country like India? Highlight the challenges that India faces in improving its share in world trade. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5113,"topper":"Nikhil Agarwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/90da4-154939_1067_nikhil-agarwal_rank_181.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What is the role that opposition plays in a democracy like India? In this context, discuss whether our Parliament can benefit from a shadow cabinet. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Where there is a right, there is a remedy. In this context, discuss the nature and significance of writs in India with adequate examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Enumerate the objectives of NITI Aayog. Also, discuss the performance of this body since its inception and suggest measures to make it more effective. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"In view of the political class's inability to develop and maintain conventions relating to the appropriate use of Article 356, the Supreme Court's decision in the Bommai case provided much needed clarity. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Press freedom and good governance are not mutually exclusive. They support each other while promoting a country's economic and human development. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"SHGs have succeeded in delivering financial inclusion, but for them to evolve as viable business enterprise requires a different approach. Analyse in the context of the twin goals of rural growth and promotion of women's entrepreneurship. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The focus of higher education in India has been on a select few Central or autonomous institutions where as the ones in states remain neglected. Commenting on the statement, highlight the significance of Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the role played by PRIs in political empowerment of women. Also, suggest measures to further increase their political participation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What is Strategic Autonomy? Critically examine the elements of such a policy in India's contemporary foreign policy in the context of recent developments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"IBSA and BRICS are both examples of India's quest for multialignment, however there are key differences in their orientation. Discuss in the context of the relevance of these groupings for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What are the various modes of Alternate Dispute Redressal (ADR) mechanisms available in India? Identifying the problems being faced by them, provide suggestions needed to increase their effectiveness. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"While the power to punish for the contempt of court is a much needed tool to protect the administration of justice from being maligned, it is time that it be relooked into. Critically analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Criminalisation of politics remains a key concern for the Indian political system. In this context, analyse the role played by the Supreme Court and Election Commission over the years. Also, in what ways can the media play a positive role? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight, in brief, the mandate of the National Commission for Minorities (NCM). Identify the different challenges that the commission faces and suggest measures to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The recent decision of the government to open up positions at the senior levels in bureaucracy through lateral entry is an important but only small step in the direction of much needed reforms in the higher civil services. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Identifying the broad contours of the 'Transformation of Aspirational Districts' programme, explain how it adopts a novel strategy to address backwardness. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"How did India fare on the Millennium Development Goals related to health? In this regard, identify the relevant Sustainable Development Goals and evaluate India's capacity to meet them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the different rights recognized under the Forest Rights Act, 2006? Highlight the gaps in the implementation of community forest rights and community forest resource rights granted under the Forest Rights Act. Also, suggest measures to address the current scenario. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Progress in India-US ties has been accompanied by equally significant divergences on important issues. Examine in the context of recent developments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Despite bonhomie, the structural differences between Indian and Israeli national security situations, their worldviews and absence of explicitly shared enemies limit stronger strategic rapprochement. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5114,"topper":"Nikhil Agarwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e7178-154939_1057_nikhil-agarwal_rank_181.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Self doubt can both help and hinder leadership. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Bring out the significance of probity in public life. What are the requisites for ensuring probity in governance? Pointing out the key concerns in India in this context, suggest certain remedial measures.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"While the corrupt and dishonest should be punished swiftly, honest public servants need to be protected against malicious and motivated complaints to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of an organisation. Discuss. How can the two objectives be reconciled?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"The effective implementation of the Right to Information Act will create an environment of vigilance which will help in functioning of a more participatory democracy. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"The bureaucracy technically has been an efficient form of organisation but is seen to have exceeded its administrative powers due to its tendency towards self aggrandisement, permanence in employment, and nearness to the political executive. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Social media has played a key role in influencing political opinions and social attitudes in India. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"\"Nonviolence is not servile passivity but a powerful moral force which makes for social transformation\". Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"It is at the interface of public action and private interest that the need arises for establishing not just a code of ethics but a code of conduct. In this context, highlight the need for drafting a code of ethics as well as a code of conduct.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Income inequality is a matter of grave concern for the Indian society. In this context, examine the relevance of Gandhiji's concepts of 'Sarvodaya' and 'Trusteeship'.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"It does not take long for conflict to turn violent when deep seeded prejudices and discriminatory attitudes are not addressed. Discuss in the context of communal and caste-based violence in India. What role should the state play in this context?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Explain with examples how emotional intelligence increases the effectiveness of leadership skills in a civil servant.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"A Citizens' Charter sees public services through the eyes of those who use them. In this context, analyze the importance of citizen charter in making public services citizen centric.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Given the effects that cultural attitudes about menstruation have on women, there is need to follow a strategic approach in combating these. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"In the following questions, carefully study the cases presented and then answer the questions that follow (in around 250 words): 9. As the District Magistrate you are posted in a district that had been infamous for girl-child marriages. The government introduced a contributory scheme two decades ago, where the government contributed the same amount as the parents, into an account, for their girl child of age 0 to 7 years. The total sum could be withdrawn only when the girl turns eighteen and is unmarried. Due to this scheme, a new pattern has emerged. All girls are married as soon as they turn eighteen and incidents of dowry have increased substantially - because the community customs require paying the sum commensurate to the age of the girl. Further, parents now tend to save money for the scheme instead of investing in girl's education. As the local administration tries to tackle the current situation it looks up to ideas and leadership: (a) Identify the factors which have led to such outcomes. 20 (b) Devise a strategy, keeping in mind the multiple aspects of the situation.","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"While on the one hand, some state governments have implemented alcohol consumption prohibition laws, it is permitted in other states. Debates around this issue often involves aspects such as individual rights, cultural attitudes and social welfare. As a teacher you need to explain the key issues involved to a young audience. What are these? How would you conclude the lecture?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"As a concerned citizen you have been engaged with the issue of persons employed in manual scavenging. You notice that despite laws and strictures from the highest court of the land the practice of employing human labour to clean sewers continues. While the administration has to ensure the cleanliness of the urban localities, those who are employed also have to earn to sustain themselves and their families. The death of few workers recently due to asphyxiation while cleaning a septic tank has caused much consternation in your locality. You would like to engage with the situation by writing to the administration, for which you need to find an answer to the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders involved and state their conflicting interests. (b) What challenges does the administration face in curbing this social evil? (c) Enumerate the steps to deal with the problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are a teacher in the Science department of a reputed college. Your HoD (Head of Department) has been a good mentor to you and has guided your career progress. You get to know from one of your students that the HoD gives private tuitions at his residence, which is disliked by many others in the department. There are also rumours that he might be giving extra marks to the students taking his tuitions. When enquired, his reply is that he is not alone and a few other teachers are giving private tuitions as well. He assures you that it is beneficial for the students as some of them need extra attention. He advises you not to make a fuss about it and indirectly reminds you about the assessment rating, which is due this week. You are aware that a good rating will definitely get you the due promotion. The HoD is due to retire in 4 months. (a) What are the dilemmas that you face in this situation? (b) Highlight the course of action that you would adopt and give reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"While stampedes and mishaps due to overcrowding have led to loss of lives on multiple occasions, it remains an issue discussed only when there is a tragedy. Recently you were assigned the responsibility of conducting a mela around a revered religious place, which attracts millions of devotees. Every year the numbers have been increasing and this year due to certain celestial alignments the crowd is expected to be unprecedented. In the previous year the officer in charge was criticised and transferred over allegations of hurting religious sensitivities by restricting access to the religious place. You have three months to prepare for the mela. (a) Identify the key areas you would focus on? (b) What are the challenges that you foresee? (c) How do you propose to overcome them?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"You are a senior official at a government agency that is responsible for collection, storage and protection of biometric data of citizens. Due to the expanse of operations, the agency employs third parties for collection of data. There have been reports of security breach and leakage of data by third parties in exchange of money. A journalist from a prominent newspaper carries a sting operation and releases some data in the public to show the ongoing corruption and highlighting the inability of the agency in protecting public data. You are asked by the chairperson of the agency to file an FIR against the journalist and pursue criminal proceedings against him considering it an act of unauthorized access. (a) Do you agree with the action sought by the chairperson against the journalist? Give appropriate reasons for your answer. (b) If you disagree, what would be your course of action? (c) Do you think the action of the journalist is justified?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5115,"topper":"Nikhil Agarwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/58cfd-154939_1069_nikhil-agarwal_rank_181.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Growing awareness about terminal as well as mental illness has given credence to the idea of \"living wills\". What is a living will? Discuss the ethical issues to be considered from an individual as well as social perspective to formulate and implement it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"In order to improve the bureaucratic work culture and productivity, there is a need to downsize government and privatize some of the services. Critically discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Examine the contemporary relevance of Gandhiji's talisman as a means of resolving ethical dilemmas in day to day life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"\"Intelligence plus character-that is the goal of true education.\" Assess whether such an objective can be achieved within the existing system of education in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"\"A blanket prohibition of criticism of the policies of the Government is invalid and void, and it makes no difference if the person criticizing happens to be a government servant.\" Critically discuss in the context of Civil Service Conduct Rules, 1964.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"\"Man by nature is a political animal\". Explain with reference to Aristotle's idea of the state in life of the society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"What are the factors that have influenced the contemporary attitude of the state and the society towards homosexuality in India? Also, comment on the changing attitude and the factors driving this change.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"With behavioural issues and suicides among children on the rise, teachers and parents need to play an active part in ensuring mental well-being. Discuss. Also, explain the importance of emotional intelligence in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"The policy of Dhamma advocated by Ashoka through his edicts remains relevant in the context of issues in public life even today. Elucidate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Arguably, poverty is not only a matter of statistics. It is a reflection on the kind of society we live in. In this context, discuss the ethical implications for a society that witnesses high incidence of poverty.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Every superstition cannot be removed by the force of law. For that, a mental change is necessary. Comment. Also, explain how educators and public figures can help in eradicating superstition and instilling scientific temper among people.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"There have been reports of repeat instances of mob lynching in different states of India. It has been pointed out that these presumably faceless mobs gather impromptu on the basis of unverified information on issues that affect the collective conscience of the society such as child trafficking, sexual harassment, cow slaughter etc. Most of the people don't even regret their action of violating the law and even get away with committing such a heinous crime. (a) What are the socio-psychological factors that motivate people to join the mob and kill fellow human beings? (b) Identify the implications of increasing crime of lynching on society. (c) Examine the role of social media in recent instances of mob lynching. As a law enforcement officer, how will you prevent such incidents from happening in your district?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"We live in a time when almost everything can be bought and sold. Over the past few years, markets and market values have come to govern our lives as never before. Today the logic of buying and selling no longer applies to material good alone but increasingly governs the whole of life. However, there is a wide spread realization that markets have become detached from morals and we need to somehow reconnect them. The use of markets to allocate social goods has also been a cause of concern. In this context, answer the following: 20 , , , (a) Is greed wholly a vice or a trait of character that has both positive and negative sides? Could you relate it to the utilitarian philosophy that emphasizes pursuit of self interest by individuals as the basis of economic well being? ? ? (b) Are there some things that money shouldn't buy? Illustrate with examples. ?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are the head of a policy think-tank. There is a proposal to cut down more than 10,000 trees to build a residential colony in the capital of the country. The city has one of the highest homeless population in the country and the settlement will be used for them. This news has generated a lot of public debate. While on the one hand is the need to expand urban infrastructure in order to meet the demands of the growing population, on the other, is the environmental concern. In last ten years, the city has lost more than half of its green cover and has seen increased frequency of extreme climatic events. You are asked to deliver a lecture for the policymakers and concerned citizens, in which you have to specifically deal with the following questions: 20 (a) Why do you think such situations arise in the first place where developmental activities and environmental concerns often come out as antithetical to each other? (b) What should be the short-term and long-term solutions for tackling such situations? (c) What are the potential benefits of inculcating environmental concerns in the policy making and planning process?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5116,"topper":"Nikhil Kashiba Tambe","air":517,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/dd4ce-45804111_3343_nikhil_kashiba_tambe_rank_517.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5117,"topper":"Nikhil Kashiba Tambe","air":517,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1052e-45804111_3345_nikhil_kashiba_tambe_rank_517.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5118,"topper":"Nikhil Kashiba Tambe","air":517,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3c994-45804111_3349_nikhil_kashiba_tambe_rank_517.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5119,"topper":"Nikhil Mahajan","air":80,"year":2021,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/91282-9235_1399_nikhil-mahajan_ran_80-cropped.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5120,"topper":"Nikhil Mahajan","air":80,"year":2021,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a15c7-9235_1407_nikhil-mahajan_ran_80.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5121,"topper":"Nikhil Mahajan","air":80,"year":2021,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/10c2d-9235_760_nikhil-mahajan_ran_80.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5122,"topper":"Nikhil Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ae06f-1157317_3128_nikhil_sharma_rank_104.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"The world must learn to work together, or finally it will not work at all.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Technology, like art, is a soaring exercise of the human imagination.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"We've begun to raise daughters more like sons, but few have the courage to raise our sons more like our daughters.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"People's will cannot make injustice justice.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5123,"topper":"Nikhil Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6de86-1157317_2930_nikhil_sharma_rank_104.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How is the rapid growth of the food processing industry leading to food safety challenges in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Under the Public Distribution System of India, the Fair Price Shop (FPS) transformation is an evolving process. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"How are agri-tech startups in India helping farmers in enhancing farm productivity and market access? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the role of digitization of land records in the effective implementation of land reforms in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"To fully exploit its demographic dividend and accelerate economic growth, India needs to adopt a manufacturing-led growth model. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can the resilience of Indian coastal communities be strengthened to tackle the growing natural hazards resulting from climate change? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How does the Green Credit Programme extend beyond carbon management to promote a more sustainable environment in India? What are the various concerns about its implementation? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What is the need for NavIC when existing satellite navigation systems are already available? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Cyber-enabled financial crime has emerged as the new frontier of global money laundering. Discuss. How can the government address this issue? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The Indian Army is observing the year 2024 as the 'Year of Technology Absorption'. In light of this, explain why there is a need for technology absorption in the defence sector of India. What challenges can India face in this initiative? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What are the issues faced in the development of trade and industries in the North-Eastern Region (NER) of India? Comment on the measures that have been taken to tackle these issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the era of climate change and growing water scarcity, how can micro-irrigation systems contribute to sustainable agricultural practices in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What strategies can be adopted to overcome the issues pertaining to freight transportation in the Indian Railways and increase its share in the domestic freight? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the factors that have aided India in making impressive strides in the renewable energy sector and establishing itself as a frontrunner in the global renewable energy transition. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"How does agricultural runoff containing fertilizers and pesticides contribute to environmental pollution? What measures can be taken to mitigate the impact of agricultural runoff? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The growing influx of tourists in Himalayan states has breached their ecological carrying capacity, leading to significant man-made disasters. What measures can be implemented to prevent such disasters while promoting sustainable tourism? Discuss with relevant examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"How do superconductors fuel innovation in diverse fields of science and technology? Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"While India has laws covering almost all types of intellectual property rights, numerous enforcement, regulatory and administrative challenges hamper the commercialisation of IPRs in India. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Keeping in view the challenges in creating integrated theatre commands, examine how the theaterisation of commands can lead to greater integration and rationalisation of manpower and resources among the three services. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Treating border villages as first villages not just geographically but also in terms of facilities can be a key strategy for enhancing border security. Discuss. Also, highlight the measures being taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5124,"topper":"Nikhil Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/bb384-1157317_2091_nikhil_sharma_rank_104.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What are the reasons behind the inefficient use of water in Indian agriculture? Suggest measures to improve water use efficiency. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What are the social, economic and environmental benefits of diversifying the food basket under the Public Distribution System (PDS) in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Can re-energising the livestock sector be the key to sustainable livelihood and increasing the income of Indian farmers? Give reasons in support of your answer. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Do you agree that high economic growth in the post-reform period has not resulted in growth trickling down to the marginalised sections, rendering inclusive growth a major concern? Justify your answer. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Evaluate the outcome of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). How can Mission LiFE reinvigorate the NCAP in addressing the issue of air pollution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discuss the impact of wildfires on the ecosystem. Describe the significance of the UNEP's Fire Ready Formula in dealing with the menace of wildfires. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Recently, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) launched its new rocket called Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV). What are its advantages? How can SSLVs be a game changer for ISRO in the years to come? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Why is biopiracy a cause of great concern to the existing traditional knowledge of the developing world? What steps have been taken by the government of India for protecting the existing traditional Indian knowledge? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What are the challenges faced by the Assam Rifles with regard to border management and tackling of insurgency in North-East India? Discuss how these challenges require a reorientation of the force. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The race to put weapons in space may soon pass the point of no return making space the next theatre of arms struggle. What are the possible reasons behind the weaponization of space? Discuss its implications. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNP) recently became the first 100% Landlord Port of India. What do you understand by the Landlord Port model? What are the different models employed in the management of ports? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Discuss the potential of digitization in harnessing the untapped potential of the food processing sector and resolving the challenges that it faces. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What is the significance of land record modernization in India? In this light, state the features of the National Generic Document Registration System (NGDRS). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The use of technology has played a key role in the success of the 'Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana' since its inception. Discuss. What further changes can be incorporated to make the scheme more farmer-friendly? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss how the transition towards renewable energy has the potential to transform the lives of women in India and unlock their potential. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"How does climate change exacerbate the challenges that India faces in eliminating hunger and malnutrition? Discuss in the context of India's commitment to achieve zero hunger by 2030. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Terrorism financing continues to remain a major challenge for the international community despite several efforts to curb it. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) will progressively multiply the opportunities as well as challenges from the national security perspective. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5125,"topper":"Nikhil Sharma","air":104,"year":2024,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/61ff5-1157317_2085_nikhil_sharma_rank_104.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5126,"topper":"Nikhil Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4ac07-1157317_2425_nikhil_sharma_rank_104.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"For effective corporate governance to take place in the coming years, why is it important to integrate the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics with the multi-stakeholder approach? What benefits can be accrued by such integration? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":5127,"topper":"Nikita Verma","air":30,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/54735-1344988_2488_nikita_verma_rank_30.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5128,"topper":"Nikita Verma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/11e18-1344988_2081_nikita_verma_rank_30.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) Too much dependence on data driven technologies can result in data colonisation and digital dictatorship. Discuss the various issues that may arise in this context and suggest remedial measures.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) Due to the recent proliferation of social media, influencers have become important agents of change in the society. Discuss with examples. Also, highlight the ethical issues involved.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) Prejudice and discrimination when left unaddressed have the potential to turn conflicts into violence. Discuss with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) Non-violence is the highest form of fundamental moral virtue. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"3. (a) Though the ‘Me Too Movement’ helped in creating some murmur with respect to sexual harassment of women at workplace, it has failed to create a lasting positive impact on the work culture in India. Do you agree? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) India ranks 85th amongst 180 countries in the Corruption Perception Index of 2021. In this context, discuss the various ways to tackle corruption in India, with special reference to Kautilya's Arthashastra. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"4. (a) An ethical work culture not only drives positive organisational outcomes but also helps employees thrive. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"4. (b) Bring out the ethical principles on which a Citizen's Charter is formulated. Also, discuss its purpose and effectiveness in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"5. (a) Probity in public life is nothing but the reflection of integrity in personal life. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"5. (b) The work culture of the police in India is said to be characterised by indecision, inefficiency and lack of empathy. Discuss. Also, suggest remedial measures in this context. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"6 What does each of the following quotations mean to you?\n(a) \"It takes something more than intelligence to act intelligently.\" – Fyodor Dostoyevsky. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"6. (b) \"A popular government, without popular information, or the means of acquiring it, is but a prologue to a farce or a tragedy; or perhaps both.\" - James Madison (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"6. (c) \"Character may almost be called the most effective means of persuasion.\" - Aristotle (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"7 You are a young IAS officer and have recently joined as a Sub-Divisional Magistrate in a district, which has been declared 'open defecation free'. However, you get information that some villages in your sub-division are still continuing the practice of open defecation out of habit despite availability of toilets. Your colleagues in the district administration confirm that the information is true. You call the village headmen of these villages and tell them to persuade their respective villagers to stop open defecation. But, they express their unwillingness and inability to fully stop this practice, as in some cases they themselves consider it healthy to defecate in the open. You discuss this matter with the District Magistrate who forbids you from taking any official action, as this may cause the 'open defecation free' status given to the district to be withdrawn. As a young and dynamic officer, answer the following:\n(a) Why do people continue to practice open defecation even when they have access to toilets?\n(b) What are the options available to you as the Sub-Divisional Magistrate in this case? Highlight the merits and demerits of each option.\n(c) What will be your course of action? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"8 You are the District Magistrate of a district, which is the hub of coaching centres for engineering as well as medical entrance exams. Recently, around 5 students have committed suicide owing to academic and social pressure. Students in the age group 15-18 years from across the country come to the district with the dream of getting admission into prestigious institutions like the IITs and AIIMS. However, the coaching institutes are business-minded and want to have toppers from their institute so that they can attract more students. They create a lot of pressure on students to perform, with differential treatment like forming different category of batches depending on students' performance. These students live as Paying Guests and in hostels away from their families and many cannot tackle the huge burden of competition and the associated mental stress.\nThe recent spate of suicide by 5 students has been highlighted by the national media and you have been asked by the Chief Minister to present a report of the situation and take steps on the matter. The Chief Minister has also asked you to keep the matter away from limelight so that the coaching centres continue with their business and generate revenue for themselves as well as the state. Upon investigation, you find out that 2-3 of the most famous coaching institutions are run by political leaders of the ruling party.\n(a) इसमें शामिल हितधारकों का उल्लेख कीजिए और दिए गए प्रकरण से जुड़े नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\n(b) दी गई स्थिति में, आप क्या कार्रवाई करेंगे?\n(c) छात्रों के बीच आत्महत्या के मामलों में वृद्धि के विभिन्न कारणों पर चर्चा करते हुए, इस मुद्दे के दीर्घकालिक समाधान के लिए उपाय सुझाइए। (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दें)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Given the situation:\n(a) Highlight the stakeholders involved and discuss the associated ethical issues in the given case.\n(b) Given the situation, what will be your course of action?\n(c) Discussing the various reasons for increased cases of suicides among students, suggest measures to address the issue in the long-run. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"9 You are appointed as the Project Director in a large infrastructure company of the country. The company has won the rights to develop a port and its hinterland in a state. The project has economic and strategic significance for the country as it would develop a leading transshipment hub in the region and would lead to higher exports and earnings through its operation, flourishing of new businesses and also create employment opportunities. Also, the successful completion and operationalization of the project is important for the company as some of its previous projects were halted due to protests by the local communities and not only the reputation of the company but also significant investments are at stake. The land acquisition for the project has been completed as per the laid down rules and regulations. The Environmental Impact Assessment has been carried out and the project has received the go ahead from the concerned authorities. Also, rehabilitation and alternative livelihood opportunities are made available to the affected people as per the laid-down norms. However, once the construction started, some farmer groups started agitating on the grounds that they have not been adequately compensated and that the project will negatively impact their livelihoods. They are demanding that either the project be halted or the compensation provided to them be increased substantially by way of money and assured jobs.\n(a) इस प्रकरण में प्रासंगिक हितधारकों और उन्हें प्रभावित करने वाले मुद्दों की पहचान कीजिए।\n(b) दिए गए संदर्भ में, विरोध करने वाले समूहों की मांगों को मानने के गुणों और दोषों का मूल्यांकन कीजिए।\n(c) आप कौन-सी कार्रवाई का अनुसरण करेंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दें)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"In this context, answer the following:\n(a) Identify the relevant stakeholders in this case and the issues affecting them.\n(b) Evaluate the merits and demerits of ceding to the demands of the protesting groups, in the given context.\n(c) What course of action will you follow? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"10 In order to tackle climate change, green energy is touted as one of the best solutions. Countries are now replacing coal with hydroelectric power, fossil fuels with solar energy, petrol and diesel cars with electric vehicles (EVs). EVs are being pitched as a cleaner, greener and sustainable alternative. Electric cars use batteries, and lithium and cobalt are rare metals that make up these batteries. The cobalt in the battery keeps it stable and allows it to operate safely. Cobalt is used in about half of the electric cars, which is about four to 30 kilograms per battery.\nYou are the District Magistrate of a district where cobalt is found in abundance. On a visit to one such cobalt site, you find out that children are employed in the mines and these children flirt with death daily. They enter vertical tunnels that are too narrow for adults to enter and dig for cobalt under inhumane conditions in a furnace-like environment. Although, they sometimes use shovels, they typically dig with their bare hands. They are not provided with masks, gloves, work clothes and are only provided with 20 minutes of oxygen at a time. Yet, these young children dig for hours. Upon digging the rock, they crush it, wash it and then take their finds to the market in order to sell them.\n(a) उपयुक्त प्रकरण में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\n(b) कानूनी और संस्थागत उपायों के बावजूद, भारत में बाल श्रम के जारी रहने के कारणों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\n(c) दी गई स्थिति के संदर्भ में, जिले में बाल श्रम की समस्या के समाधान के लिए आप क्या कदम उठाएंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दें)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"In this regard, answer the following questions:\n(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case.\n(b) Despite the legal and institutional measures, discuss the reasons behind the prevalence of child labour in India.\n(c) In context of the given situation, what steps will you take to address the issue of child labour in the district? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"b Reasons for continuance of child labour.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"11 You are one of the producers of a television reality show. The show is very popular in the country and has a wide viewership among all sections of the society and across various regions. However, a controversy has emerged wherein in the latest season of the show, a contestant from the film industry who has been accused of sexual harassment by many of his co-workers has been accepted as a participant. Several media houses have reported it and have criticized the show for giving a national platform to one of the country's most high-profile alleged perpetrators of female harassment. They term it as a denigration of those women who had bravely spoken up about their harassment.\nIn a personal capacity, you also feel the same and are of the view that such a controversial person should not have been invited to the show. However, when you talk to other producers about it, they opine that the controversy is good for the show, as it generates free publicity. Also, they say that a person is not guilty unless the court of law declares so and the career of a person should not be sabotaged due to media trial. Moreover, the person in question is very close to the host of the show, who is an extremely popular public figure in the country. The show commands a huge fandom and success of the show is also contingent on him. None of the producers want to antagonize the host.\nAnswer the following questions in the given situation:\n(a) What are the ethical issues involved in this case?\n(b) What options are available to you and what action will you take?\n(c) Discuss the positive and negative impacts of media trials in such cases. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"In the given situation, answer the following questions:\n(a) What are the ethical issues involved in the case?\n(b) What are the options available to you and what will be your course of action?\n(c) Discuss the positive and negative impacts of trial by media in such cases.","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":58,"question":"12 You have recently joined as the Chief Executive Officer of the Water Supply and Sewerage Board in a metropolitan city of India. Recently, there was an incident where two poor people died while undertaking hazardous cleaning of sewers in a posh neighbourhood, housing top corporate honchos of the city. The preliminary report found that a few residents in the said neighbourhood employed private workers to clean the sewers without the knowledge of the local city administration. A complaint for causing death by negligence has been registered against the concerned residents as well as the private contractor through whom these poor people were employed to carry out the task. The complaint has come as a shock to the residents of the neighbourhood, most of whom never had a brush with the law before. During the investigation, the residents of the neighbourhood complained that the local administration has not been cleaning sewers for a long time, forcing them to hire private workers. You also come to know that there has been a confusion over the maintenance works in the city administration.\n(a) संबंधित मुद्दों के साथ प्रकरण में शामिल हितधारकों की पहचान कीजिए।\n(b) दिए गए प्रकरण में आपके समक्ष उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन कीजिए। आप इनमें से कौन-सा विकल्प चुनेंगे और क्यों?\n(c) भविष्य में ऐसी घटनाओं को रोकने के लिए आप कौन-से दीर्घकालीन उपाय करेंगे? (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में दें)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":59,"question":"In light of the above situation, answer the following questions:\n(a) Identify the stakeholders involved in the case along with the associated issues.\n(b) Evaluate the options that are available to you in the given case. Which of these options will you choose and why?\n(c) What will be the long-term measures you will take to prevent such an incident from occurring in the future?(Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":5129,"topper":"Nikita Verma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/86a91-1344988_2079_nikita_verma_rank_30.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. Examine how digital transformation of the Public Distribution System (PDS) in India has helped in addressing the challenges besetting it.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"2. Discuss how poor grain management has been a greater challenge to food security in India than the actual shortage of grains. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"3. Poor quality and inadequate availability of feeds and fodder are the major reasons behind the low productivity of the livestock in India. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"4. Explain what you understand by urban agriculture and state its types. Also, discuss its significance in the context of India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"5. The advent of climate change is leading to the revival of cultivation of millets. Discuss. Also, mention the steps taken by the government to give an impetus to millet production in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"6. The World Economic Forum (WEF) in its latest report stated that drones have the potential to be the harbinger of \"technology-led transformation\" of Indian agriculture. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"7. The regional connectivity scheme (RCS) completed five years some time back. In this context, evaluate the success of the scheme in achieving its stated objectives.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"8. Fertigation can help sustainably grow more food in a changing climate while radically reducing the use of precious resources such as water and minimising nutrient losses to the environment. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"9. What is Integrated Pest Management (IPM)? Highlighting its objectives, discuss the various components of IPM. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"10. In light of the challenges posed by livestock diseases, discuss the steps taken by the government to address them. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"11. There is a need for interventions to enhance the coal evacuation infrastructure and reduce the freight cost to improve the overall competitiveness of coal. Discuss in the context of India.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":26,"question":"12. Highlight the challenges faced in realizing the potential of digital agricultural economy. Discuss the role of public-private partnership (PPP) in this regard.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"13. The inefficiencies in post-harvest value chain are leading to crop losses, with significant adverse impact on the livelihood of small and marginal farmers. Discuss in the context of India. What steps has the government taken to address these concerns?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"14. Despite having one of the largest railway networks in the world, the speed of Indian trains lags behind in comparison to developed nations. Explain the reasons behind this and mention the steps being taken by the government in this regard.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"15. Access to land and effective control over it are crucial for inclusive growth and poverty eradication in India. Elaborate. Also, discuss the land reform measures adopted in India in recent times to ensure inclusive growth.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"16. When it comes to the energy sector, the trends of decarbonisation, decentralisation and digitisation are fast emerging. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"17. While agricultural subsidies have supported farmers' income, they have also contributed to environmental degradation and biodiversity loss. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"18. The persistent problems around the procurement and marketing of cereals and pulses in India can be solved by the success model of the milk sector. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"19 Highlighting the existing issues related to land records in India, discuss how digitisation of land records and conclusive 'land titling' can help in addressing them.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"20. Despite adoption of numerous measures to streamline financing of infrastructure in the road sector, private investment has played a limited role. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5130,"topper":"Nikita Verma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/35163-1344988_2082_nikita_verma_rank_30.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. Discuss the role that the International Solar Alliance (ISA) can play in helping the international community realise the full potential of solar energy. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"2. The Pravasi Bhartiya Divas is a moment to reconnect and re-imagine new possibilities and a network to drive change, discover new ties and develop new ideas. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"3. Discuss the rationale behind India's recent pitch for 'New Orientation for a Reformed Multilateral System (NORMS)' to reflect the present day geopolitical realities.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"4. In light of the new and upcoming challenges faced by the Global South, discuss the role that India can play in empowering the voice of the Global South.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":11,"question":"5. Highlighting the potential areas of cooperation between India and CARICOM member states, discuss the various measures that have been taken in recent times to strengthen India's relationship with the Caribbean countries.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"6. India's presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) not only provides it with an opportunity to deepen its relations with the Central Asian nations but also promote its economic and security interests. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"7. Bring out India's contributions towards the UN peacekeeping efforts. Also, highlight the challenges faced by the UN peacekeeping forces.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"8. As the only G20 member from South Asia, the G20 leadership is an ideal opportunity for India to use it as an effective platform to amplify South Asia's voice at the global stage. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"9. Discuss the role played by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in the field of nuclear safety. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"10. The India-UAE CEPA will serve as a catalyst to bolster economic ties between the two countries and give India greater access to the region. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"11 Despite certain challenges, the mutual understanding between India and Bangladesh has allowed the 'Golden Chapter' of the two countries to continue. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"12. While the 2030 Roadmap for India-UK future relations seeks to revitalise the relationship between the two countries, there are major challenges that need to be ironed out. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"13. The growing influence of China in West Asia signals the end of the US hegemony and the dawn of a new multi-polar order. Critically discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"14 India is no longer wedded to 'bilateralism only' in its approach with its South Asian neighbours. Discuss. Also, highlight the challenges pertaining to effective cooperation in the region.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"15. In light of the new security cooperation efforts springing up across the Indo-Pacific, including strengthening of the Australia-Japan-U.S. trilateral, discuss the relevance of the QUAD in the present geopolitical climate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"16. India needs to be a sensitive and generous partner to Nepal for the “Neighbourhood First” policy to take root. In this context, mention the recent roadblocks in the Indo-Nepal relationship and suggest a way forward.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"17 The Indian diaspora plays a decisive role in leveraging India's economic interests and shaping its foreign policy. In this context, discuss the major challenges faced by the Indian diaspora and steps taken by India to enhance engagement with them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"18. As India re-imagines its neighbourhood, cross-border connectivity through sub-regions is becoming increasingly vital. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":47,"question":"19. The adoption of 'Act Far East' Policy underlines the significance of the Far East region for India. Discuss. Also, highlight the impediments to India's interests in the Far East.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":50,"question":"20. As security threats increase in form and frequency in the South-West Indian Ocean, discuss the role played by India in relation to small island developing states (SIDS) in the region. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5131,"topper":"Nikita Verma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Visionias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d2de8-1344988_2425_nikita_verma_rank_30.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. (a) For effective corporate governance to take place in the coming years, why is it important to integrate the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics with the multi-stakeholder approach? What benefits can be accrued by such integration? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"1. (b) In acts of corruption, the focus is often only on the demand side of the equation, on public officials who abuse their office for private gain. Frequently, the supply side is given less attention. Those who pay bribes are sometimes depicted as innocent parties and victims of extortionary practices of wily public servants. Do you agree that 'collusive corruption', in which there is a willing bribe-giver, is a formidable challenge for institutions fighting corruption? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"2. (a) Discuss the major obstacles that have been encountered in implementing the Citizens' Charter initiative.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"2. (b) Quality of public service delivery is a major determinant of the quality of life of vulnerable sections in a highly unequal society divided along the lines of class, caste, religion, etc. In this background, do you think that public service delivery is efficient and sufficient enough to improve the lives of vulnerable groups in India? Critically examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"3. (a) What do each of the following quotations mean to you?\n \"The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own.\" - Lao Tzu (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"3. (b) \"If ethics are poor at the top, that behavior is copied down through the organization.\" - Robert Noyce (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"3. (c) \"The end of law is not to abolish or restrain, but to preserve and enlarge freedom.\" - John Locke (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"4. (a) Wealthy CEOs and founders of successful businesses around the world are increasingly pledging to give away their wealth in philanthropy. Do you think that such a move is sufficient enough to bring about a positive change in the society? Critically examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"4. (b) As organizations across the globe begin their artificial intelligence (AI) transformation, the leap into the AI era is expected to be more challenging than any technology that businesses have grappled with yet. In this background, discuss the concerns around fairness, transparency, and job security that may arise.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"5. (a) The emphasis of Swami Dayanand Saraswati on education, social equality, and ethical values continues to influence the socio-cultural discourse in contemporary India. Discuss with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"5. (b) Write short notes on the following in 30 words each :\n(i) Dedication to public service\n(ii) Non-partisanship in civil service\n(iii) Objectivity in decision-making","marks":"2 x 5 = 10","words":"30 words each"},{"page":28,"question":"6. (a) Emotional intelligence may not be singularly associated with emotions or intelligence. It can also include a broad range of personality characteristics that might predict success in professional and everyday life. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"6. (b) Traditional forms of state-led accountability, also characterised as vertical and horizontal channels of accountability, are increasingly found to be inadequate, and a myriad of multi-stakeholder and bottom-up citizen directed approaches have come to the fore, to supplement or supplant them. Discuss with illustrations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"7 In the context of this case, answer the following:\n(a) What are the issues involved in this case?\n(b) What measures can be taken to reduce the negative impacts of such technologies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"With reference to this case study, answer the following:\n(a) What are the issues involved in this case?\n(b) What measures can be taken to minimize the negative implications of adopting such technologies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"8 दी गई स्थिति में:\n(a) रीना को किन दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\n(b) उसके पास क्या विकल्प हैं? प्रत्येक के गुण और दोष बताइए।\n(c) उसके द्वारा अपनाई जाने वाली कार्रवाई को रेखांकित कीजिए, साथ ही उसका औचित्य सिद्ध कीजिए। (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"In the given situation:\n(a) What dilemmas does Rina face?\n(b) What options does she have? Provide the merits and demerits of each.\n(c) Highlight the course of action she should adopt, along with justification for the same. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"9 You have recently been posted as a Nodal Education Officer in one of the districts, where mass cheating in examinations is a regular phenomenon. Media reports have shown parents and relatives scaling school walls and buildings to pass answer chits to students taking secondary school examinations in the district. Moreover, with the advent of new technological devices, cheating in examinations has become more sophisticated and exam rules are flouted openly. On investigation, it has come to your notice that these rackets are run by many school authorities, including exam invigilators who are mostly teachers, and they are hand in glove for profits. With a shortage of staff, invigilators threaten go on mass strikes if any action is taken. Conducting the exams, cancelling them on account of cheating and having re-exams are a loss of time and money for the government and this vicious cycle goes on.\n\nAs the Nodal Education Officer of the district, address the following questions:\n(a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\n(b) How will you resolve the issues in the given case?\n(c) What long-term strategy needs to be adopted to deal with the menace of cheating in various examinations? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"10 उपयुक्त जानकारी के संदर्भ में, निम्नलिखित पर ध्यान दीजिए:\n(a) प्रस्तुत प्रकरण में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दे कौन-से हैं?\n(b) महासागरों की संधारणीयता पर प्रतिकूल प्रभाव डाले बिना किसी राष्ट्र के आर्थिक विकास के दृष्टिकोण को कैसे प्राप्त किया जा सकता है? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":48,"question":"In the context of the above-stated information, address the following:\n(a) What are the ethical issues in the given case study?\n(b) How can the vision of economic development of a nation be achieved without adversely affecting the sustainability of oceans? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"11 (a) आप एक जिला मजिस्ट्रेट हैं और यह क्षेत्र आपके क्षेत्राधिकार में आता है। दोनों पक्षों के लोग अपनी शिकायतें लेकर आपके पास आए हैं। आप दोनों दृष्टिकोणों में सामंजस्य स्थापित करने के लिए क्या करेंगे?\n(b) कारवाई के निम्नलिखित संभावित तरीकों के गुण और दोषों का उल्लेख कीजिए:\n(1) क्षेत्र के निवासियों के विरोध को नजरअंदाज करना और धार्मिक पूजा स्थल को मौजूदा नियमों के अनुसार बनाने की अनुमति दे देना।\n(2) नए पूजा स्थल पर भरोसा करने वाले हजारों उपासकों को निराश करते हुए, निवासियों से सहमत होकर निर्माण पर रोक लगा देना।\n(3) एक समझौते के रूप में, आपके द्वारा पूजा स्थल पर भवन निर्माण संबंधी अतिरिक्त नियमों को लागू किया जाना या डिजाइन में संशोधन पर बल दिया जाना। (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":53,"question":"(a) You are a District Magistrate and the area lies in your jurisdiction. People from both sides have approached you with their grievances. What would you do to reconcile the two points of view?\n(b) Mention the merits and demerits of the following potential courses of action:\n(1) Ignore the opposition from the residents of the area and allow the place of religious worship to be built in accordance with the existing regulations.\n(2) Prohibit the construction, agreeing with the residents while causing distress among the thousands of worshippers counting on the new place of worship.\n(3) As a compromise, you place additional building regulations on the worship place or insist on modifications to the design. (Answer in 250 words)\na) You are a District Magistrate and the area lies in your jurisdiction. People from both sides have approached you with their grievances. What would you do to reconcile the two points of view?\nb) Mention the merits and demerits of the following potential courses of action:\n(1) Ignore the opposition from the residents of the area and allow the place of religious worship to be built in accordance with the existing regulations.\n(2) Prohibit the construction, agreeing with the residents while causing distress among the thousands of worshippers counting on the new place of worship.\n(3) As a compromise, you place additional building regulations on the worship place or insist on modifications to the design.","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"12 You are a public representative, elected on the ticket of a political party, considered as conservative by many. Your daughter, who has returned years after studying abroad, has conveyed to you her choice of marrying a person from another community. You personally do not consider anything wrong in her choice, and convey your assent to her. You also discuss it with many among your friends and family, and inform them of a grand wedding ceremony you are planning for your daughter. However, a few days after you have shared the news of the forthcoming grand wedding with many, you are informed by your political secretary about an issue being made of the same. He informs you that there are whispers among many people in your constituency about it, and indications of a sense of unease among some prominent citizens. While most of them are enamoured by your plans for a grand wedding ceremony for your daughter, they are unhappy about the bridegroom being from another community. You also get to know through your sources in the party, that your assent to the choice of the bridegroom may lead to a denial of ticket by the high command in the forthcoming elections. You are not only an ambitious politician and a rising star in your political party but also an open-minded, loving and doting father. But howsoever much you love your daughter's freedom and choices, you do not want her decision to adversely affect your political journey. This is more so, when you had been eagerly looking forward to greater responsibilities and a higher stature in the party, given the years of hardwork you have put in, as a politician. Your daughter, on the other hand, is firm with her choice and does not want her impending grand wedding to be affected in any way. She is adamant\n(a) उपयुक्त प्रकरण में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दे कौन-से हैं?\n(b) एक पिता और एक महत्वाकांक्षी राजनीतिज्ञ के रूप में आपके पास उपलब्ध विभिन्न विकल्प क्या हैं?\n(c) आपकी कार्रवाई का तरीका क्या होगा? उचित तर्क सहित पुष्टि कीजिए। (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":58,"question":"Given this situation, answer the following:\n(a) What are the ethical issues in the above situation?\n(b) What are the various options that you have, as a father and an ambitious politician?\n(c) What will be your course of action? Justify with proper reasoning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":5132,"topper":"Nikita Verma","air":30,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/Nikita_Verma_AIR_30_2025/Test%201,%20PSIR%20Sectional.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5133,"topper":"Nikita Verma","air":30,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/Nikita_Verma_AIR_30_2025/Test%202,%20PSIR%20Sectional.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5134,"topper":"Nikita Verma","air":30,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/Nikita_Verma_AIR_30_2025/Test%203,%20PSIR%20Sectional.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5135,"topper":"Nikita Verma","air":30,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/Nikita_Verma_AIR_30_2025/Test%204,%20PSIR%20Sectional.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5136,"topper":"Nikita Verma","air":30,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/Nikita_Verma_AIR_30_2025/Test%205,%20PSIR%20Sectional.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5137,"topper":"Nikita Verma","air":30,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/Nikita_Verma_AIR_30_2025/Test%206,%20PSIR%20Sectional.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5138,"topper":"Nikita Verma","air":30,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/Nikita_Verma_AIR_30_2025/Test%207,%20PSIR%20Sectional.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5139,"topper":"Nikita Verma","air":30,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/Nikita_Verma_AIR_30_2025/Test%208,%20PSIR%20Sectional.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5140,"topper":"Nikita Verma","air":30,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/Nikita_Verma_AIR_30_2025/Test%209,%20PSIR%20Sectional.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5141,"topper":"Nikita Verma","air":30,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/Nikita_Verma_AIR_30_2025/Test%2010,%20PSIR%20Sectional.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5142,"topper":"Nikita Verma","air":30,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/Nikita_Verma_AIR_30_2025/Test%2011,%20PSIR%20Sectional.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5143,"topper":"Nikita Verma","air":30,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/Nikita_Verma_AIR_30_2025/Test%2012,%20PSIR%20Sectional.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5144,"topper":"Nikita Verma","air":30,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/Nikita_Verma_AIR_30_2025/Test%2015,%20PSIR%20Sectional.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5145,"topper":"Nikita Verma","air":30,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/Nikita_Verma_AIR_30_2025/Test%2016,%20PSIR%20Sectional.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5146,"topper":"Nikita Verma","air":30,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/Nikita_Verma_AIR_30_2025/Test%2017,%20PSIR%20Sectional.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5147,"topper":"Nikita Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/eaed9-28019_846_nikita-yadav_rank_67.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Give an account of the distinguishing features of Indian classical dances. What is the difference between Nritta, Nritya and Natya? Also, discuss how Indian classical dances are a manifestation of spirituality.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"How did the Sramana tradition influence the Vedic religion and led to the emergence of Jainism, Buddhism and Ajivika sects? Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Post-Mauryan five centuries are often referred to as the \"Dark Period\" of Indian History akin to the Dark Ages of Europe. Do you agree with the view?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"The relationship between the British imperialists and the Indian Princely States changed from 'Struggle for Equality' to 'Policy of Equal Federation' according to their changing needs. Analyze.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"While the Indian capitalist class could have contributed significantly towards the Indian national movement, it remained a bystander. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Examine whether the mutiny of 1857 was an organized and planned revolt or a spontaneous insurrection. Also, discuss the reasons for its limited territorial spread.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"The system of permanent settlement not only had economic consequences, but also gave rise to a new social structure in the Indian society. Explain.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the circumstances that led to an alliance between the Khilafat and Non-Cooperation Movements? Critically analyse the implications of this alliance on the Indian freedom movement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"The emergence of national multimedia conglomerates in the post-liberalization period has not only changed the nature of journalism but also affected democratic mobilization in India. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Operation Flood created a strong foundation to transform India's dairy sector into a vibrant business activity. Explain. Why could the example of Amul not be replicated in other areas of the country?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Implementation of the language provisions in the Constitution proved to be a formidable task even though the Congress party was in power all over the country. In this regard, discuss the challenges and the manner in which the language issue was resolved.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"The Cold War was a geopolitical, ideological, and economic struggle between two world superpowers. Discuss. What were the factors responsible for the end of the Cold War?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"While there were some similarities between Hitler's Nazism and Mussolini's Fascism, there were certain fundamental differences as well. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"What were the conditions that favored imperialism in Asia and Africa? Discuss the long-term impacts of imperialist control on the countries of Asia and Africa.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Briefly discuss the issues that led to the rise of ethnic insurgency in Sri Lanka in the 1980s. How did the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord attempt to address them?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Investment in the future of girl child is not only a question of economic priority but also one of social attitude. Comment. How can the government schemes help change entrenched social attitudes vis a vis the girl child?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Suicide is a leading cause of death among young people not only in India but also in other countries. Why are the youth vulnerable to suicides? Discuss some strategies to address the problem of suicides among the youth.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Unemployment can not be ascribed only to economic factors, social and personal factors equally contribute to this phenomenon. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"With overpopulated cities and their strained infrastructure, India is in the midst of an urban crisis. How far can the Smart Cities Mission help in upgradation of exisiting cities in the country? What are the reservations of local bodies with respect to this mission?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"What are Personal Law Boards? Are their decisions binding on citizens? How can the incongruence between the principles followed by them and those of the common law courts be reconciled? Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5148,"topper":"Nikita Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/64ce7-28019_844_nikita-yadav_rank_67.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"It has been assessed that radicalisation is a security threat to India. Explain the basis of such an assessment with examples. What are the key pillars of the counter radicalisation strategy of the government?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Arguments on Siachen issue often move around the idea of demilitarisation. Examining the key attributes of the Siachen issue explain the basis of arguments regarding its demilitarisation? Also highlight the arguments against such an idea.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Money laundering and terrorism have strong inter linkages. Illustrate. In this context, how far do the steps taken by the government confirm with the international commitments?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Longstanding issue of insurgency in the Northeast highlights the linkage between violence, remoteness, underdevelopment and alienation. Elaborate. Also, suggest some corrective measures for a lasting resolution of the conflicts in this region.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"While on the one hand China's One Road One Belt initiative poses security concerns and challenges for India, on the other, it can help improve India's connectivity to major markets and resource supplies. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"NATGRID was an ambitious step involving intelligence reforms, however, it remained a non-starter. Explain. In the context of recent initiatives to revive the NATGRID and the challenges it faced previously what steps are required to make it effective?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"India's national security architecture faces a difficult task in detecting digital intrusion in cyberspace. What are the challenges India faces w.r.t. Digital Intrusion? How can these challenges be overcome?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Relations with Iran hold a lot of potential for India's ambitions for West Asia and beyond, however, realising this potential also involves certain global and regional challenges. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"The internal crisis in Nepal over the past few years has given concrete shape to the fears of China gaining upper hand vis-a-vis a traditionally influential India. Elaborate. What can India do to further strengthen its ties with the Himalayan nation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"The Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement (TPP), touted as the world's biggest trade deal to date, has danger of bending the WTO rules. In this context, discuss the impact TPP can have on India's foreign trade. What are the options that India has to deal with the issues arising out of the TPP?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Legal proceedings initiated by the Marshall Islands against India, Pakistan and Britain over nuclear weapons in the International Court of Justice highlights the issues of jurisidiction of the court. What is India's position vis-a-vis the jurisdiction of the ICJ? Also differentiate between binding and advisory pronouncements of the court with suitable examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Even though the refugee crisis in Europe does not affect India directly, it presents an opportunity for India to showcase its commitment and capability to take greater responsibility in dealing with global issues. Comment in light of India's strengths, experience and international commitments regarding refugees.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"India is endowed with an amazing variety and wealth of soft power resources. Providing examples, illustrate the utilisation of soft power in diplomatic initiatives of the recent past. What are the limitations of the soft power approach in diplomacy in case of a developing country such as India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Highlight the features of NAVIC and bring out its significance for India. How is it different from GAGAN? Examine whether NAVIC can be a replacement of GPS for India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"What are Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) and how are they an improvement over carbon fibres? Highlight the various unique properties of CNTs which makes them suitable to the manufacturing industry.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Explain the significance of gravitational waves recently detected by LIGO. What are the objectives of the recently envisaged LIGO-India project and what benefits will India accrue from it?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"What are the criteria employed for a pandemic to be declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the WHO? In the wake of recent Ebola and Zika virus outbreaks examine the efficacy of the prevalent architecture of global health governance. Also, assess India's preparedness in handling such global epidemics.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Give a brief explanation of CRISPR - gene editing technology. Also discuss its significance in modern biology and agriculture.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Even though large infrastructure projects like High Speed Rail (HSR) facilitate greater technological development, they come with their own set of challenges. Examine in the context of proposed HSR projects in India. Suggest some measures on how HSR can truly be 'Made in India'.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"What do you understand by Big-data? Using SDGs as an example, discuss its role in effective implementation of public policy. Also mention challenges faced in using Big-Data and measures to overcome them.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5149,"topper":"Nikita Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/179da-28019_845_nikita-yadav_rank_67.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"All the questions are compulsory and carry 12.5 marks each. 1. Soil management in Northeast India is critical for a viable agriculture economy. In this context, discuss the problems of soils in Northeast India. Suggest some steps that can be taken to counter this problem.","marks":"5","words":null},{"page":6,"question":"How does the plate tectonics theory help explain the formation of Himalayas and Deccan Traps?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Inspite being one of the largest producer of fish, there is still considerable scope of improvement in the fishery sector. In light of the above statement, discuss the problems and prospects of Fishery industry in India with respect to both inland and marine fisheries.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Vegetation in deserts and saline areas have highly specialized means of adapting themselves to the environment. Explain.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Give an account of the distribution of cement industry in India and the factors that affect its location. Also trace the growth of cement industry in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Despite the enormous demand of electronics, the manufacturing of electronic goods has not been a feature of the Indian industry. Enumerate the reasons for the same. Suggest measures which are required to acheive the target of Net Zero Import by 2020.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Agroforestry is seen as a solution to meet the challenges of food, nutrition, energy, employment and environment security. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Explain the phenomenon of Tsunami formation and highlight reasons for India's vulnerability to Tsunamis. List some measures to mitigate the impact of Tsunamis.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Explain the role of Himalayas in influencing the climate of South Asia. Enumerate the changes observed recently in the Himalayan region with respect to climate and geomorphology. What are the possible anthropogenic causes behind them?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Explain the different types of earthquake waves and the concept of shadow zone. What inferences can we draw from shadow zones regarding the interior of the Earth?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Explain the difference between chemical weathering and physical weathering. What is the ecological and economic significance of weathering?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Tropical regions are not only the most resource rich but also one of the most underdeveloped regions of the world. What are the factors responsible for this? How have some of the tropical countries turned their natural limitations to their advantage? Illustrate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Coral reefs are the most biologically diverse and economically valuable ecosystems on earth. Elaborate. Discuss the factors responsible for the decline of coral reefs across the world. Also, list some measures that have been taken for their preservation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Despite EIA being a useful policy tool for sustainable development, deficiencies in its design and implementation have prevented it from realising its potential. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"According to the Indian Fertiliser Scenario 2014, the use of urea in India has increased by more than 50 per cent since 2000. How does human intervention turn nitrogen from a nutrient to a pollutant? Discuss the impacts of nitrogen pollution on environment and human health. Also, explain how nitrogen pollution can be managed.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Temperate grasslands are called 'Granaries of the world'. Elucidate. How have the farming practices adopted in these regions impacted the environment?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Enumerate the global targets and priorities for action of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. Discuss the positive features and limitations of the framework.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"What is a heat wave? Discuss the health impacts of heat wave in India. Analyse the reasons behind high incidence of mortality rates due to heat wave in India. Suggest measures to tackle the above problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"\"Rising accidents involving merchant ships leading to oil spills in Indian waters is a growing concern that needs to be addressed.\" Discuss the impact of oil spills on marine environment. Also, suggest measures to prevent such disasters.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Forest fire pose a threat not only to the forest wealth but also to the entire regime of flora and fauna. What are the causes of forest fire? Discuss the ecological, economic and social impacts of forest fires.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5150,"topper":"Nikita Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d86c7-28019_824_nikita-yadav_rank_67.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Rights-based approach to social policy, which has rippled through India over the past decade and a half, reorients governance from ideas of patronage towards duty of the state and justified claims of citizens. Discuss with examples. Also, explain how the rights-based approach helps in improving public service delivery.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Despite high enrolment in Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY), out-of-pocket expenditure on health has steadily increased over the years. In this context, highlight the achievements and shortcomings of RSBY. Also, discuss the challenges faced in its implementation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Unhealthy competition between Self Help Groups (SHGs) and Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) reduces the effectiveness of both. Discuss. How can creating a synergy between the two help in addressing development challenges at the sub-district level?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"With an expected increase in old age population in the near future, there is a need to increase the ambit and reach of social safety net for their welfare. Discuss the challenges which policymakers face in design, development and execution of welfare measures for the elderly. How far do the recent measures taken by the government address these?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Civil Society Organizations and Corporates share a symbiotic relationship, which can be leveraged to meet the developmental needs of India. Analyze. Also enumerate the CSR provisions under Companies Act, 2013.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"According to a recent WHO report, India sees the largest number of suicides globally. In this context, enumerate the objectives and approach of India's new National Mental Health Policy. Also, explain what is Mental Health Action Plan 365.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Urban sanitation has not received adequate attention at the national level in the past and few initiatives have been taken to tackle deficiencies in urban sanitation. In light of this, examine whether the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan can help in solving the urban sanitation problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"There is a need to move away from debates of 'public' versus 'private' provision of education towards models of education provision with public funding and private management. Discuss. Can such a move impact the quality and learning outcomes in elementary education?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) bill recently passed by the Parliament is a regressive step towards protecting child rights in India. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"\"In a nation of one billion cell phones, M-governance or mobile governance has the potential to make development a truly inclusive and comprehensive mass movement\". Illustrate how M-government can bring in more transparency and accountability in government functioning. Also, discuss the challenges in implementing M-government.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"The Rights of the Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2014 fails to adopt United Nation Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability (UNCRPD) in its true spirit. Examine. Also, highlight the recent suggestions made by the Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"An empowered Gram Sabha is the bedrock of successful local governance. In this context, analyse the role of Gram Sabha as a pillar of development. What steps can be taken to strengthen their functioning?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"The recent amendments to Child Labour Act seek to strike a balance between the need for education of a child and the reality of the socio-economic conditions. Critically evaluate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Give an account of the features of 'Housing for All by 2022' mission. Also, discuss the challenges that lie ahead in its implementation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Enumerate the directives laid down by the Supreme Court for police reforms in the Prakash Singh case. Discuss the challenges faced in implementing these reforms.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"What is E-Kranti? How is it an improvement over National e-Governance Plan? Discuss the challenges foreseen in the implementation of E-kranti.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Some provisions of Official Secrets Act, 1923 go against the spirit of Right to Information. Explain. In this context, examine whether this necessitates repealing of the Official Secrets Act.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Despite increasing awareness of beneficiaries, social audits have not played a significant role in reducing malpractices and detecting irregularities. Discuss. How can social audits be made more effective?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Nutrition status is linked to non-nutrition factors. In light of this statement, examine why despite a fast growing economy and the largest anti-malnutrition programme, India has the world's worst level of child malnutrition. What steps has the Government taken to to tackle the malnutrition problem in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) based on the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India are described as 'State in miniature'. Elaborate. Also, critically evaluate the functioning of ADCs over the years.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5151,"topper":"Nimisha Tantuway","air":878,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UfIMCKhpbrtvmVvLSFC3aw08ZAWkIcGz/view","questions":[]},{"id":5152,"topper":"Nirmal Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/eeceb-275987_1249_nirmal-kumar_rank-82.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by cultural sensitivity? Identify the ways in which individuals and organisations can benefit from cultural sensitivity in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"In the quest for scientific and technological development, ethical values should not be neglected. Discuss in the current context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"In a plural society like India, education should help the individual to celebrate the plurality and visualize the inherent unity of cultures and values. Analyze the statement in the present context with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Elucidate Swami Vivekananda's ideas on nationalism.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations from moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. Mahatma Gandhi","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Explaining the concept of moral attitude, discuss how social media is shaping moral attitudes of people.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Analyse the importance of both influence and persuasion for effective leadership.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Analyze the significance of adopting a code of ethics for creating a healthy work culture in an organization.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Ethos, ethics, equity and efficiency are key criteria on the basis of which the competency of civil servants should be judged. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"The mandatory nature of Corporate Social Responsibility goes against the notion of philanthropy. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"There have been arguments that rich countries owe an obligation to people living in poor countries. In this context, discuss the issues associated with foreign aid.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"It is essential that people have access to information if they are to have the capacity to exercise other rights. Discuss the statement with focus on importance of RTI in governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"You have been recently appointed as the head of tourism department of a state in India that has many places of great historical importance. In the past few years, the state has witnessed a decrease in tourist inflow. Upon enquiry, you come to know that this decrease is largely attributed to the influence of touts and harassment of tourists, including unwanted advances and grossly overcharging them for various services. You also did a quick search about your state on leading travel advisory websites and found that it has earned a dubious reputation for being particularly unsafe for women tourists. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) Do you think that such a state of affairs can be attributed to insensitivity prevailing in the society? How can the community be made more sensitive towards tourists? (b) Suggest some measures to make a quick turnaround in terms of reputation, employment generation and rebuild the reputation of the state as a safe haven for tourists.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"A private company has proposed a large-scale hydel power project to tap the potential of a fast-flowing river in a state predominantly occupied by indigenous tribal groups. The state is backward and badly needs funds for socio-economic development. The state government is deliberating on the issue and is yet to take a final decision on the matter. While the project is expected to generate substantial revenue and employment, it will submerge the surrounding areas eventually displacing the tribals. Another issue of concern is that the tribal community regards this land and the river as sacred and integral to their cultural heritage. Thus, the tribals are not in favour of going ahead with the project and are already protesting against it. Their leader has threatened to initiate a hunger strike if the government goes ahead with the project. This has caught the attention of the mainstream media and social activists. Based on the information given above, answer the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders involved in the case and their respective interests. (b) Keeping in mind the issues involved, how can differing interests be reconciled for ensuring sustainable development in the area?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"You are posted as Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district, which has a bustling market in the district headquarters with a high footfall. The area has traditionally been occupied by street vendors and hawkers. They form an intrinsic part of the market system in the area and derive their livelihood from it. Recently, you got reports that the policemen posted in the area harass the hawkers and also extort 'hafta' - a weekly bribe - from them despite complying with the laws. It has been brought to your notice that while those who comply with this arrangement are allowed to carry on with their daily operations, those who do not are being evicted from the market area. In the process of eviction, they are even physically assaulted and their saleable items are often confiscated and destroyed. As a result, some street vendors have been staging protests against the local administration in the market and have blocked the normal market passage. They have also threatened to intensify their protest over a period of time. The local police, however, has been in denial of any such wrong doings and argue that they are merely removing illegal encroachments, which were causing traffic jam in the area. In this situation, answer the following: (a) Mention the stakeholders and ethical issues involved in the case. (b) As the Superintendent of Police, what course of action would you adopt for diffusing the tensions in the area? Also, suggest some policy recommendations, which will help resolve the issues in the long-term.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"A mid level manager in a food and beverages firm has been assigned the responsibility to deal with tensions arising in a rural area between the firm and the local farmers. These farmers supply the company with bananas, which are used exclusively by the company in its niche products. The banana plantations are growing a variety developed by the firm. The core issue revolves around the perceived violation of company's IPR as many of the farmers in the neighbouring areas have also started growing the same variety of banana. It is suspected that the farmers with whom the company had a contract have shared the breed with others in the region. The legal department of the firm is of the opinion that a legal complaint against the farmers is the only way to protect the IPR of the company. It would also set a precedent for the future. However, many in the firm also believe that such a step would escalate the matter. In such a scenario, identify the key issues to be addressed. What measures would you suggest to deal with these issues?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"You have recently been posted as a probationary officer in the District Magistrate's office in a tribal district. During one of the fieldtrips, while interacting with the tribals, you come to know about a private company, established a few years back, which has transformed their lives. The use of products and provided numerous livelihood opportunities to the tribals. Upon further enquiry, you come to know that while the lives of tribals had indeed improved, the distribution of profits however, has been quite disproportionate. The company has seen a huge growth in its operations and its owners have amassed huge wealth. It is also planning to file for IPR, which may further hinder the interests of the tribals. You feel that tribals have been left short changed and there has not been an equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the use of their resources. When you tried to approach the Gram Sabha and voice your concerns, the tribals requested you not to intervene as they do not have any alternatives. They also argue that governments in the past have failed to protect their interests. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the different stakeholders and their interests involved in this case. (b) Present a case to convince the District Magistrate for the need of government intervention in the situation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"Various studies have found out that cases of depression and mental illness have increased exponentially in the recent past. Also, in the age group of 15-30 years, this problem is further pronounced. Furthermore, the rising trend of suicides in this age group has been attributed to depression. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Present an ethical critique of the prevalent societal attitude towards mental illness. (b) Given the magnitude of the problem among younger generation/young adults, analyse the role of the following: i. Parenting ii. Social Media iii. Video Games","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5153,"topper":"Nisar Amrutlal","air":19,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/NISAR_AMRUTLAL_AIR_19_2025/Test%201,%20PSIR%20Sectional.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5154,"topper":"Nisar Amrutlal","air":19,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/NISAR_AMRUTLAL_AIR_19_2025/Test%202,%20PSIR%20Sectional.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5155,"topper":"Nisar Dishant","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PnhoB-JIH3tEBk2234-TvyLcK56AZAkP/view","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"Environmental pollution is an incurable disease, it can only be prevented.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"The law has no compassion and justice is administered without compassion.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"The love of one's country is a splendid thing but why should love stop at the border?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"He profits most who serves best.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5156,"topper":"Nisar Dishant","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cZD4-8V7ATIDF9wsVa3Ddmsh7QB2TIMc/view","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Examine the role of numismatic evidence in understanding the political and economic history of ancient India. Provide specific examples.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Assess the impact of women's organizations in mobilizing women across diverse socio-economic and regional backgrounds in pre-independence India.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":8,"question":"How did the policy of non-alignment reflect the aspirations of India and other newly independent nations to maintain their sovereignty and resist colonial pressures?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the processes involved in volcanism. Highlight the major volcanic regions in the world and their associated tectonic settings.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Explain the geological features and ecological importance of the Eastern Ghats.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":14,"question":"Earlier known as coarse cereals the government rebranded millets in 2018 as nutri-cereals. In this context discuss the ecological and nutritional significance of millets","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":16,"question":"What are the potential consequences of Arctic ice melt on biodiversity and ecosystems? How might these changes impact global ecological balance","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Do you think the Uniform Civil Code contradicts the idea of religious pluralism and cultural differences in Indian society?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss the concept of healthy active ageing in the context of demographic shifts in India. How does it contribute to social inclusion?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":22,"question":"How is the transition from 'conscious consumption' to 'compulsive consumption' impacting family structure and dynamics in urban areas?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss with examples the key features of Vijayanagara architecture. How did Indo-Islamic elements manifest in their structures?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Compare and contrast the features of ancient Indian universities like Nalanda and Takshashila with modern state-funded universities in India. What lessons can modern universities learn from ancient ones to improve their effectiveness?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Analyze the ideological differences and similarities between the revolutionary movement(1920-1930s) and the Gandhian non-violent struggle. How did these two ideologies influence each other?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":33,"question":"What are the various types of glacial landforms formed in the Indian Himalayas. How do these features impact local ecosystems and human activities?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Discuss the unique geographical features of the Indian Ocean and their impact on global oceanic circulation patterns. How do these features influence the climate of the Indian subcontinent?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Urban heat islands (UHIs) have become a significant phenomenon in Indian cities, exacerbating the frequency and intensity of heat waves. Analyze the underlying factors contributing to this phenomenon and critically assess the existing mitigation strategies.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Evaluate the primary factors contributing to regional disparities in the sugar industry between North India and Peninsular India. What measures can be undertaken to reduce the surplus sugar production?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Discuss how gender-based violence in India is a manifestation of patriarchal values. To what extent has modernisation in law served as an instrument of women's empowerment in this regard?","marks":"15","words":null}]},{"id":5157,"topper":"Nisar Dishant","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JNEcZ_rO2NW-EYf1mz85mP67JerwS3dH/view","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"The rule of law and judicial review are interdependent, as one cannot truly exist without the other. In this context can judicial review be considered the most important aspect among those that constitute the basic structure of the Constitution? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"How does the power and authority of Delhi's lieutenant governor compare to that of the governors of other states, particularly in terms of acting on the aid and advice of the council of ministers? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss the role of the judiciary in navigating the tension between the right to religion and constitutional morality in India in recent times. Refer to relevant case laws. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The principle of 'Separation of Powers' is a key feature of the American Constitution. In this context, compare how the Indian Constitution's functional separation of powers distinguishes itself from the US system. What are the advantages of a check and balance system over a rigid Separation of Powers? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution is more than a legal provision that empowers tribal regions with self-rule. How does the sixth schedule foster development while respecting their traditional governance systems and cultural practices? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How do partnerships between Civil Society Organizations and Government Entities contribute to India's development goals? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss the importance of cultivating a culture of life-long learning among Indian civil servants. How has Mission Karmyogi contributed to this objective? Illustrate with examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Given India's strides in reducing extreme poverty, should the country consider redefining its poverty line to better reflect the current socio-economic realities? Discuss the potential benefits and challenges associated with redefinition of the poverty line. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":5158,"topper":"Nisar Dishant","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1z6HHl0BKTpoyFl9divhC5H8JUp-4ax_p/view","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"Can be imbibed into every day culture of office eg Tata, Google.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"A. While traditional ethics has focussed on notions of justice, fair allocation and obligations, ethics of care emphasise maintaining connectedness and promoting care. Which of the above two ethical perspectives is more suitable for guiding ethical decision making in the context of public services. Explain your position with suitable examples. (150 words, 10 marks) B. What does the term \"quality\" mean in service delivery. What are the components of service quality and indicate ways and means for ensuring total quality in terms of efficiency, economy and effectiveness? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"A. In the context of public service, what does public service attitude mean? Discuss the attitude biases that affects a public servants on field decision making? Explain how a public servant can overcome such attitude biases? (150 words, 10 marks) B. \"I am a Moslem; I am a Hindu; I am a Christian; I am a Jew.\" Mahatma Gandhi. What did Mahatma Gandhi mean by the above statement? Some philosophers have argued that religion is harmful to the moral life, whereas others have claimed that it is necessary to it. Explain your position on the relationship between religion and morality. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"A. \"There is only one responsibility of business, namely to use its resources and engage in activities designed to increase profits.\" Do you think corporations, by indulging in social responsibilities, are compromising their core resource utilisation and production responsibility by diverting resources into unproductive social endeavours? (150 words, 10 marks) B. Do you think values such as \"tyaga,\" (renunciation) \"seva,\" (service) \"daanam,\" (Charity) \"damah,\" (self-control) that are espoused in traditional Indian Wisdom have relevance for modern day public servants? Why? Why not? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"A. Explain the difference between conflict among interests and conflict among various sources of authority. Illustrate with relevant examples. (150 words, 10 marks) B. The domain of governance is ridden with uncertainties, ambiguities and paradoxes and this can at times lead to timidity and withdrawal among public administrators. Discuss the relevance of inner courage for overcoming and coping with ambiguities. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Given below are three quotations of philosophers. What do each of the quotations convey to you in the present context? A. \"To feel for others, and little for ourselves; to restrain our selfish, and exercise our benevolent affections, constitutes the perfection of human nature.\" Adam Smith (150 words, 10 marks) B. \"Virtue lies in our power, and so does vice; because where it is in our power to act, it is also in our power not to act.\" Aristotle (150 words, 10 marks) C. \"I know that I am intelligent, because I know that I know nothing.\" Socrates (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"What are the ethical issues and dilemmas that confronts you in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Discuss the available options along with its merits and demerits.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"What will be your chosen course of action? Why (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What are the administrative and ethical issues involved in the above situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the merits and demerits of each option and explain your chosen course of action along with reasons. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"What are the issues involved in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Is it ethically justified to be devoted to duty at the cost of the personal safety of the staff? Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"How will you go about doing your election duties without compromising the safety of your staff? Explain. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Do you think the above case involves a conflict of interest or there are more issues? Explain","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Keeping the above case in perspective, discuss the relevance of impartiality and non-partisanship as professional value.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Discuss the administrative and ethical issues involved in the above case.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Do you think it was morally right on your part to write to the minister? Justify","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"How will you respond to the action initiated against you? Discuss the available options and justify your selected course of action. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Identify and explain your chosen course of action after evaluating the merits and demerits of each option. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":5159,"topper":"Nisar Dishant Amrutlal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/GSMACT24A1668_TC064.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"Environmental pollution is an incurable disease, it can only be prevented.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"The law has no compassion and justice is administered without compassion.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"The love of one's country is a splendid thing but why should love stop at the border?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"He profits most who serves best.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Imagination is more important than knowledge.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"The best way to predict your future is to create it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"What you learn from a life in science is the vastness of our ignorance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Social media is more about psychology than technology.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5160,"topper":"Nisar Dishant Amrutlal","air":19,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2024_unchecked_GSMACT24A1668_GSMAC2401.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5161,"topper":"Nisar Dishant Amrutlal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2024_unchecked_GSMACT24A1668_GSMAC2402.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"The rule of law and judicial review are interdependent, as one cannot truly exist without the other. In this context can judicial review be considered the most important aspect among those that constitute the basic structure of the Constitution? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"How does the power and authority of Delhi's lieutenant governor compare to that of the governors of other states, particularly in terms of acting on the aid and advice of the council of ministers? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss the role of the judiciary in navigating the tension between the right to religion and constitutional morality in India in recent times. Refer to relevant case laws. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The principle of 'Separation of Powers' is a key feature of the American Constitution. In this context, compare how the Indian Constitution's functional separation of powers distinguishes itself from the US system. What are the advantages of a check and balance system over a rigid Separation of Powers? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution is more than a legal provision that empowers tribal regions with self-rule. How does the sixth schedule foster development while respecting their traditional governance systems and cultural practices? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How do partnerships between Civil Society Organizations and Government Entities contribute to India's development goals? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss the importance of cultivating a culture of life-long learning among Indian civil servants. How has Mission Karmyogi contributed to this objective? Illustrate with examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Given India's strides in reducing extreme poverty, should the country consider redefining its poverty line to better reflect the current socio-economic realities? Discuss the potential benefits and challenges associated with redefinition of the poverty line. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Evaluate the impact of the deepening political divisions with the major Western States on global governance and international cooperation. How should India navigate these divisions to advance its national interests on the global stage? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"How does India's Arctic Policy align with its broader foreign policy objectives? Broadly discuss the collaborations and agreements India is involved in with the Arctic Council. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In what ways are the terms of reference of the 16th Finance Commission different from that of the previous Finance Commissions? Despite increasingly progressive devolution by subsequent Finance Commissions, examine the factors that propel economic disparities across various States. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Compare and contrast the powers and working of the Ethics Committee and the Privileges Committee in addressing cases of 'unethical' conduct and breach of privileges. How do these Committees complement each other in maintaining parliamentary discipline? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"In the context of persistent legislative dysfunction in India, analyze the evolving role of judicial activism in shaping public policy and governance. Using examples from landmark court cases, evaluate the effectiveness of judicial interventions in addressing governance gaps and safeguarding citizens' rights. (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"To what extent does the level of internal democracy within political parties impact the functioning and legitimacy of the Indian party system? What reforms can address the challenges of inadequate intraparty democracy in India? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"\"The NHRC must not only be a watchdog but also a beacon of hope for the marginalized and oppressed.\" In this context discuss the role and mandate of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in India. How does the current composition and functioning of the NHRC affect its independence and effectiveness? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"The persistent health equity challenges in India pose a critical barrier in achieving Universal Health Coverage. In this context discuss the role of the public and private sectors in ensuring adequate health access and outcomes across rural and urban areas.(250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals requires consideration of regional context and local situations. In light of this statement examine the role of Panchayats as catalysts for grassroot development and advancing sustainable development.(250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"What are the implications of the POCSO Act on the rights and welfare of children in India? Analyze the role of the POCSO Act in transforming India's legal framework for child protection. (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Examine the influence of human rights issues and democratic values on the diplomatic relationship between the U.S. and India. How have these concerns affected bilateral engagements and what can be done to mitigate tensions arising from these issues? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Examine the geopolitical challenges India faces in South Asia despite its global rise. How can India navigate these challenges to strengthen its regional leadership? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5162,"topper":"Nisar Dishant Amrutlal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2024_unchecked_GSMACT24A1668_GSMAC2404.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"\"It is wrong to assume that ethical decisions are, can or should be purely rational and principled. Human feelings are an inseparable part of our ethical life.\" In what way do feelings impact our ethical decisions? Illustrate with examples. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"What do you understand by ethics management? Can public officials manage ethics in the work place in a manner similar to managing budgets, policies and people? Do you think adopting codes of ethics and conduct is sufficient enough for managing ethics in the workplace or something more is needed? Discuss. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"A. While traditional ethics has focussed on notions of justice, fair allocation and obligations, ethics of care emphasise maintaining connectedness and promoting care. Which of the above two ethical perspectives is more suitable for guiding ethical decision making in the context of public services. Explain your position with suitable examples. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"B. What does the term \"quality\" mean in service delivery. What are the components of service quality and indicate ways and means for ensuring total quality in terms of efficiency, economy and effectiveness? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"A. In the context of public service, what does public service attitude mean? Discuss the attitude biases that affects a public servants on field decision making? Explain how a public servant can overcome such attitude biases? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"B. \"I am a Moslem; I am a Hindu; I am a Christian; I am a Jew.\" Mahatma Gandhi. What did Mahatma Gandhi mean by the above statement? Some philosophers have argued that religion is harmful to the moral life, whereas others have claimed that it is necessary to it. Explain your position on the relationship between religion and morality. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"\"There is only one responsibility of business, namely to use its resources and engage in activities designed to increase profits.\" Do you think corporations, by indulging in social responsibilities, are compromising their core resource utilisation and production responsibility by diverting resources into unproductive social endeavours? (150 words, 10 marks) Do you think values such as \"tyaga,\" (renunciation) \"seva,\" (service) \"daanam,\" (Charity) \"damah,\" (self-control) that are espoused in traditional Indian Wisdom have relevance for modern day public servants? Why? Why not? (150 words, 10 marks)\"","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"A. Explain the difference between conflict among interests and conflict among various sources of authority. Illustrate with relevant examples. (150 words, 10 marks) B. The domain of governance is ridden with uncertainties, ambiguities and paradoxes and this can at times lead to timidity and withdrawal among public administrators. Discuss the relevance of inner courage for overcoming and coping with ambiguities. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Given below are three quotations of philosophers. What do each of the quotations convey to you in the present context? A. \"To feel for others, and little for ourselves; to restrain our selfish, and exercise our benevolent affections, constitutes the perfection of human nature.\" Adam Smith (150 words, 10 marks) B. \"Virtue lies in our power, and so does vice; because where it is in our power to act, it is also in our power not to act.\" Aristotle (150 words, 10 marks) C. \"I know that I am intelligent, because I know that I know nothing.\" Socrates (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"What are the ethical issues and dilemmas that confronts you in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Discuss the available options along with its merits and demerits.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"What will be your chosen course of action? Why (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Case Study 2: You are the District Collector of a rural district where traditional social customs and religious practices strongly influence daily life. Recently, a case has emerged involving a local temple and its long-standing tradition of excluding women from certain religious rituals and spaces. A group of educated young women from the village, inspired by the increasing national dialogue on gender equality, has petitioned for the right to participate in these religious rituals. They argued that excluding women is discriminatory and violates their constitutional rights. However, the temple authorities and a significant portion of the local community vehemently oppose this change, citing religious texts and long-standing customs. As the District Collector, you face a complex ethical dilemma. Legally, you are obliged to uphold the Indian Constitution, which guarantees equality and prohibits gender-based discrimination. However, enforcing this law could lead to significant unrest in the community, where traditional customs and religious beliefs are deeply entrenched. And you are aware that the district has a history of unrest on religious matters, and local politicians did not mind stoking the unrest for political gains. The moral argument for gender equality clashes with the community's religious sentiments. The temple authorities believe that altering the rituals would desecrate their sacred traditions. Meanwhile, the women demanding entry see this as a moral and legal fight for their rights. You as a district collector was in a precarious dilemma, one on hand being a progressive officer you knew what is the right thing to do but on the other as an administrative professional you didn't want an unrest with religious tone at your hands. 1. What are the administrative and ethical issues involved in the above situation? 2. What are the options available to you in the above situation? 3. Discuss the merits and demerits of each option and explain your chosen course of action along with reasons. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What are the administrative and ethical issues involved in the above situation? 2. What are the options available to you in the above situation? 3. Discuss the merits and demerits of each option and explain your chosen course of action along with reasons. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"What are the issues involved in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Is it ethically justified to be devoted to duty at the cost of the personal safety of the staff? Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"How will you go about doing your election duties without compromising the safety of your staff? Explain. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Case Study 4: A smart city project is underway, and you have been appointed Head of Procurement. Before this assignment, you held a similar role in a major public sector undertaking (PSU), where you earned a reputation for your tender drafting and vendor management skills. Given the smart city project's scale and significant procurement requirements, you seemed the perfect fit to lead the procurement section. A month ago, your section invited tenders for building supplies. Among the applicants was Mr. Sharma, a supplier you knew from your previous role at the PSU. Mr. Sharma lived in your neighbourhood, and your spouses were friends. Despite this personal connection, you have always maintained strict professional boundaries. Upon scrutinising all the tenders, your section found Mr. Sharma's terms the most competitive, so the tender was awarded to him. However, once the decision was made public, another vendor, Mr Patel, accused you of colluding with Mr Sharma due to your previous relationship. Mr. Patel filed a formal complaint with the Department Seniors, providing evidence of your prior association with Mr. Sharma. As a result, an enquiry was initiated, and you were placed on compulsory leave pending its outcome. This situation left you questioning where you might have gone wrong despite your efforts to maintain professionalism. 1. Do you think the above case involves a conflict of interest or there are more issues? Explain 2. Keeping the above case in perspective, discuss the relevance of impartiality and non-partisanship as professional value. 3. In hindsight, how do you think you could have avoided the above unpleasant situation. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Case Study 5: You have recently joined the Statistical Department of the State as Deputy Head of Records. Your duties involved supervising the timely inflow of data, scrutinising the data source and ensuring data entry and updating. You had a staff of 32 to manage, and it was a mixed bag; some were young recruits, some were in the department for some time, and some were on the verge of retirement. Overall, the staff was not very efficient, but somehow they managed their jobs. In one of the meetings, the Head of the Department mentioned outsourcing of jobs of your staff as a cost-cutting measure. But there were no serious deliberations, so you didn't think much of it. But yesterday, you received an official order stating that your department tasks will be outsourced and your staff will be downsized. You had no problems with outsourcing, but you did not favour downsizing, as it would lead to people losing their jobs. You sought a meeting with your Head to discuss the ramifications of the new order, specifically the downsizing part. Your Head was very emphatic about the whole process and seemed to be least concerned with people losing their livelihood. Disappointed, you got back to your office thinking of ways of saving your staff's jobs. In utter desperation, you wrote to the concerned Minister, marking a copy to your Head and the Chief Secretary. The Minister sympathetically received the note, and he assured some positive action. But your Head was not happy about you going above without his consent. He immediately orders your transfer and starts disciplinary proceedings for non-compliance with the office order. 1. Discuss the administrative and ethical issues involved in the above case. 2. Do you think it was morally right on your part to write to the minister? Justify 3. How will you respond to the action initiated against you? Discuss the available options and justify your selected course of action. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"Case Study 6: You are an IAS officer recently appointed as the Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Rural Development. Your responsibilities include overseeing the implementation of various rural development schemes and ensuring their efficient execution. During an audit of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) funds, you discover substantial irregularities. It appears that a significant portion of the funds allocated for rural employment projects has been siphoned off by senior officials within the ministry through fraudulent invoices and fake beneficiary lists. The funds meant for the rural poor have been diverted to personal accounts. You are faced with an ethical dilemma. Reporting this corruption could lead to severe repercussions for you as the implicated senior officials are politically influential and have strong connections. You have also received subtle threats implying that your career progression could be jeopardised if you proceed with the disclosure. On the other hand, ignoring the corruption would mean perpetuating a cycle of exploitation and depriving the rural poor of their rightful benefits. 1. What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? 2. What are the options available to you? 3. Identify and explain your chosen course of action after evaluating the merits and demerits of each option. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":5163,"topper":"Nisha","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/29745-962917_1523__nisha_rank_51.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Enumerate the issues associated with functioning of the Central Information Commission. How can these issues be addressed? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"In India, Governor's discretionary powers are wider than those of the President. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the objectives that were sought to be achieved through tribunals. How successful have they been in meeting them? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Instead of the government regulating Over-the-top (OTT) platforms, there have been calls for a self-regulating mechanism for such platforms, as in the case of print media. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Bring out the arguments surrounding the issue of some states reserving jobs for locals in the private sector. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Identifying the key elements of Mission Karmayogi, briefly explain how it can lead to holistic development of the human resources and state's capacity. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlighting the role played by ASHA workers in public health system of India, discuss the challenges faced by them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"While internationalisation of higher education has many potential benefits for India, certain challenges will need to be addressed in this regard. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"India needs to adopt a more pragmatic stance in the context of the ongoing intra-Afghan talks. Discuss, in the light of India's engagement with Afghanistan. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In the geo-strategic context of West Asia, the recent efforts to normalise relations between Israel and UAE may open new possibilities for India. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"It is not only the content of election manifestos but also the past performance with respect to promises made in election manifestos that need to be regulated. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"In order to achieve a reduction in the pendency of cases and a return to the Supreme Court's original role as a final appellate court, setting up of a National Court of Appeal is the need of the hour. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The Constitution of India reflects an amalgamation of spirit of Indian freedom struggle and various administrative provisions of different acts of British rule in India. Explain. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Mention the key components of the SVAMITVA scheme. Also, highlight its intended benefits and discuss the potential issues in its implementation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Sharing of information among all stakeholders in government functioning is a leading practice towards good governance. Discuss with examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"India has an oversized and bloated government which acts as a drag on economic efficiency and growth. Critically evaluate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Though the National Digital Health Mission is a step in the right direction for both patients and the healthcare system, concerns around data privacy need to be addressed. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"One Nation One Ration card has the potential to significantly transform the lives of migrant workers in India. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The World Trade Organization is buffeted by multiple challenges which have eroded the credibility of the organization. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"BIMSTEC is indispensable for India's efforts in promoting regional cooperation and integration in the neighbourhood. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5164,"topper":"Nisha","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/775df-962917_1522_nisha_rank_51.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Hampi is aptly called 'the city carved in stone'. Elucidate the architectural and historical significance of this site. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Explain how the intellectual and political work during the freedom struggle contributed to the erosion of the myth of benevolence of the British rule. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The Government of India Act, 1919, not only marked major changes in British India but also equally significant responses from the leadership of the national movement. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Arab unity as a goal has been ever elusive to achieve. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Feminist ideas were crucial in shaping the emergence of a new phase of women's movement in India. Explain. Also identify the key issues taken up during this period. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Social empowerment is both a prerequisite as well as an indicator of a nation's development. Discuss with logical arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Using examples, give an account of the factors influencing the location of Aluminium industry in India. Also, highlight the importance of this industry in brief. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain the interconnectedness of Global Climate System with suitable examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Highlight the concept of 'Atlantification' and its ecological consequences. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Identifying the factors which affect the salinity of ocean bodies, discuss the reasons behind relatively higher salinity of the North Sea, Arabian Sea and Red Sea. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Comment on the significance of the Sangam literature as a source for understanding the history of that period. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Explain the significance of the role played by Sardar Patel in pre- and post-independent India. In what ways can Sardar Patel and Bismarck be compared? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The political mobilization in the princely states was not a sudden phenomenon but a gradual process with links to the national movement. Discuss with examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"How did the spectre of spread of communism outside Europe and responses to it vitiate world peace in the aftermath of the World War-II? (250 words) 15 Discuss.","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"States in the North East region, as they stand today, are a result of multiple phases of reorganisation. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Although globalisation has enriched the Indian culture, it has also exacerbated many challenges which exist in the 21st century. Assess with suitable examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Modernisation in the context of India has to be seen differently from the west. Explain the statement with reference to impact of modernisation on traditional institutions and activities. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The term North-East does not convey the cultural diversity of the region which still remains largely unexplored, Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The Tibetan Plateau, known as the water tower of Asia, plays an important role in the system of Monsoon over Indian subcontinent. Explain. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"What is walker circulation? Highlight its impact on global climate. How is it affected by the emergence of ENSO? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5165,"topper":"Nisha","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4d016-962917_1524_nisha_rank_51.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Tenancy reforms are much needed to give a boost to the Indian agricultural sector. Comment. In this context, also discuss the significance of the Model Land Leasing Act, 2016. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"India's march towards inclusive growth and it achieving the Sustainable Development Goals are intricately linked. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlight the need for evolving an appropriate system of Rules Of Origin in regional trading arrangements. What steps have been taken by India recently in this regard? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"MSP regime is a creation of an era of scarcity in the 1960s. Discuss its relevance in the current era of surplus agricultural production. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Examine the link between the recent locust attack and climate change. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlighting the properties of Carbon Nanotubes, discuss its applications. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"India's domestic patent regime privileges public health over pharmaceutical industry's interests. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Bring out the arguments surrounding the idea of employing the principle of 'one border - one force' on Indian borders. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Assess the need to create a new cadre of Indian Frontier Administrative Service to undertake the vital tasks at Indian frontiers. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The main objective of Union Budget 2020-21 is to provide Ease of Living to all citizens. Analyse the framework proposed in the Budget 2020-21 to achieve this objective. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Several challenges are needed to be addressed to realise the full benefits of the recent agricultural marketing reforms. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Multimodal transport requires multiple integrations across different modes of transportation. Substantiate. What are the challenges and opportunities associated with multimodal transportation for India? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Though COVID-19 pandemic exposes the vulnerability of informal sector and associated labor force in India, it also presents an opportunity to rebalance formal-informal economy dynamics in the country. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Highlight the drivers and challenges facing India's ambition to become a gas-based economy. Mention the steps that have been taken by the government recently in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Climate Change and the associated events endanger the marine and coastal ecosystems while increasing the vulnerability of coastal population. (250 words) 15 Examine.","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Using examples, highlight how natural ecosystems perform different hazard mitigation functions. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Explain what genome sequencing is and state the challenges in scaling up genome sequencing projects. Also, throw some light on the recently launched IndiGen Project. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India needs to avert radicalisation and societal dissention, as internal faultlines are a breeding ground for cyber and transnational terrorism. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Given the emerging security challenges, discuss why the establishment of Integrated Theatre Commands is being seen as an important defence (250 words) 15 reform.","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5166,"topper":"Nisha","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/76dee-962917_1420_nisha_rank_51.pdf","questions":[{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) Try not to become a man of success but rather try to become a man of value. Albert Einstein (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Which corporate leader has inspired you the most and what moral lessons have you learnt from their life? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Increasing participation of people in governance and easy access to information is what transforms governance to good governance. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"It is sometimes believed that moral scrupulousness in one's private life automatically guarantees high moral stature in professional life. Do you agree? Justify your stand with logical arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":54,"question":"Genetic editing has several applications with its potential to edit the genomes of both somatic and germ cells. This allows for the ability to not only cure genetic diseases but to edit the characteristics of future offspring. The last few years have seen the development of several efficient, more precise genetic engineering techniques. However, with growing sophistication, various issues of bioethics have also have come to the forefront. (a) Discuss the ethical considerations associated with genome editing. (b) In the light of these ethical issues, provide an ethical framework on how this technology can be used for the betterment of humanity.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5167,"topper":"Nisha","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/22448-962917_1525_nisha_rank_51.pdf","questions":[{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter. Martin Luther King Jr. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Identify which essential information should be made available to the public via Citizen's Charter? Also, suggest some steps for successful implementation of the Citizen's Charter. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Respect for human rights and humanitarian principles is a responsibility for all members of the international community. Discuss in the context of roles and responsibilities of States for protection of refugees. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"What is red-tapism? Why is it considered a hurdle in the process of transitioning towards citizen centric governance? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":39,"question":"Problems surrounding air pollution present an urgent challenge for many countries, including India. Among other reasons, this challenge has been exacerbated by the indifferent attitude of people towards it. Various studies have pointed out the harmful effects of air pollution. Despite the government bringing various regulations on activities like stubble burning and bursting fire crackers, people violate them. (a) Discuss the reasons behind such behaviour on part of society towards air pollution. (b) Suggest measures that are required to be undertaken to nudge people towards pro-environment behaviour.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Economic growth that is not inclusive leads to unequal distribution of resources, defeating the very principles of democracy and welfare state. Discuss the challenges in achieving inclusive economic growth in India and suggest measures to overcome them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Economic growth has been the primary goal of economic policies, and the principal measure of an economy's success. In the last few decades, economic growth benefitted mankind in multiple ways. But alongside these benefits, it has also generated significant issues and a series of converging challenges. In light of this, answer the following: (a) What was the rationale behind GDP growth being considered the pillar of economic policies the world over in the past few decades? (b) Explain the need to go beyond GDP growth and reassess our measures of development. Identify some of the components that need to be complemented with GDP growth going forward.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5168,"topper":"Nisha Phogat","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/NISHA_PHOGAT_SS_GS_1_AIR_574_2025_809b0bcd25.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Ancient rock-cut caves are great examples of religious harmony. Illustrate using examples from Southern and Western India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The Gupta period marked a shift in the position of women in Indian society when compared to earlier times. Evaluate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"To what extent can the Swadeshi Movement be seen as a precursor to Gandhian mass mobilization techniques? Analyse critically. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Analyse how the Japanese occupation of Southeast Asia during WWII shaped Indian independence movement. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Describe artesian aquifers and state the geological and environmental conditions necessary for their formation. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Enumerate the factors that have led to the concentration of the pharmaceutical industry in the western region of India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are shallow-focus earthquakes? Discuss the factors responsible for their frequent occurrence in the Indo-Gangetic plain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Explain how health outcomes are shaped by the interplay of physical environment, cultural factors, and ecological connections. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss how migration is emerging as a more significant factor than fertility in shaping population trends in developed nations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Examine how poor urban planning in India limits the full economic potential of urbanization. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"India's pre-modern kingdoms evolved sustainable water management systems suited to regional ecological conditions.\" Examine with reference to the contributions of the Cholas and the Vijayanagara Empire. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"The French Revolution was not merely a reaction to recent events but also the outcome of prolonged structural imbalances and social discontent. Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Arab nationalism was both a unifying ideology and a source of fragmentation in West Asia. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"The Eastern Himalayan and Northeastern region of India holds immense strategic and ecological value. Comment on its resource potential and highlight the constraints affecting its effective utilisation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"What are anticyclones? Illustrate their characteristics and associated climatic conditions with suitable examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Explain the regional variation in desertification trends across India. What impact does it have on food security? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"The sub-categorisation of Scheduled Castes seeks to address intra-group inequities, but may risk conflating caste-based exclusion with class-based deprivation. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Do you agree that the assertion of cultural and tribal identity lies at the core of regional movements in India? Substantiate your view with relevant examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Explain the relationship between gender equity and human development. What are the key areas where gender equity significantly impacts development outcomes? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Gig work is often seen as a tool for women's economic inclusion but in practice, it has created a new frontier of feminised and informalised labour. Substantiate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5169,"topper":"Nisha Phogat","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/NISHA_PHOGAT_SS_GS_2_AIR_574_2025_702bcdcd8f.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Discuss how the tussle between various organs of the state reflects tensions between the doctrine of separation of powers and the need for checks and balances in Indian democracy. Illustrate with case laws. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"\"The anti-defection law was envisaged to curb unethical political defection but has ended up centralising power within party leadership\". Examine the implications of this trend on federalism and intra-party democracy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"\"The right to property, although not a fundamental right, its deprivation must still follow due process of law.\" Discuss the statement in light of the recent Supreme Court's directions on demolition protocols and the principles of natural justice. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Despite its transformative intent, the implementation of the provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 ( PESA) has remained uneven and inconsistent across states. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How can India reconcile the need for gender sensitivity with the demand for gender neutrality in its legal system to achieve true substantive equality? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"\"The one-size-fits-all approach to policymaking often ignores India's regional heterogeneity\" Discuss the implications of centralized governance on state-level autonomy and inclusive development. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) seeks to integrate fragmented pension systems across sectors. Critically evaluate its potential to ensure inclusivity and social security. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The growing focus on multipolarity has kept BRICS relevant in an evolving world order. Examine the strategic significance of BRICS for India and the Global South. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Analyze how the recent crisis in Bangladesh impacts India-Bangladesh relations and India's Neighbourhood First Policy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"The constitutional status of State Election Commissions (SECs) has not translated into real functional independence. Discuss the impact of this institutional weakness on the functioning of local self-governments in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Explain the concept of 'cohabitation' in the French semi-presidential system. Analyse why India's parliamentary system structurally prevents such an arrangement. What lessons, if any, can India draw from the French experience? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"\"Absence of timelines for granting assent under Article 200 enables constitutional subversion.\" Do you agree? Justify your answer. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Evaluate the role of the Legal Services Authority in ensuring equal access to legal aid for underprivileged sections of society. What are the key reforms required to enhance its effectiveness? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"While the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is often seen as the conscience-keeper of Parliament, it faces structural and political constraints. Critically assess the committee's effectiveness in ensuring transparency and accountability in public financial management. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Digital health is not just a technological solution but a governance imperative. In light of India's initiatives like Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) and CoWIN, examine how digital infrastructure can strengthen universal health coverage. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Does the lateral entry reform in civil services strike the right balance between efficiency and accountability? Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Informal pressure groups often act as early warning systems in democratic societies. Assess their role in safeguarding public interest. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"The India-Russia relationship is rooted in Cold War solidarity but faces strategic inertia in a fast-changing multipolar world. Examine whether this bilateral relationship needs a pragmatic reset. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"The evolving \"Great Game\" in the Arctic has opened new frontiers of strategic competition. Discuss its implications for India's energy security, scientific diplomacy, and multilateral engagement. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5170,"topper":"Nishant Saurabh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3f9a9-8880_1450_nishant-saurabh_rank_178.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"An effective crop insurance system is crucial in cushioning income losses for farmers. In this context, assess the performance of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Explaining the significance of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), highlight the challenges that need to be addressed for it to achieve its true potential. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the potential of multimodal transport in transforming India's transportation and logistics sector. Mention the measures taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Private investment is a key driver that catalyses an economy into a self-sustaining cycle of growth. Explaining the statement, highlight the steps that should be taken to revive private investment in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Comment on the efficacy of waste to energy plants being established in India in order to solve the problem of discarded municipal solid waste. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"In recent decades India has made changes in its IPR regime to make it TRIPS compliant, however there continue to remain fundamental differences on IPR related issues in relation to the developed world. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Chandrayaan-2 has not only been considered as one of the most challenging missions of ISRO but also more technologically advanced than Chandrayaan-1. Elaborate. Further, examine how lunar exploration can benefit humanity in general. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Given the strategic rivalries and growing space capabilities of many countries, militarisation of outer space is considered a threat. In this context, discuss the need for a rule-based order to securely govern outer space. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Money laundering not only threatens the stability of the financial system of India but also its national security. Elucidate. In this context, discuss how far the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 addresses these issues. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Discuss the need for agricultural marketing reforms in India. Also, identify the key aspects of agricultural markets that need to be reformed. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite the government meeting its disinvestment targets in recent years, its efforts towards strategic disinvestment and privatisation remain limited. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"There have been arguments that employment creation and productivity do not grow adequately as firms age in India. In this context, analyse why Indian firms start small and stay small. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Bring out the importance of focussing on energy efficiency for achieving energy security in India. What steps have been taken by the government in this regard? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Despite having a statutory framework for minimum wages since long, many workers continue to remain outside its reach. Examine the reasons and suggest corrective measures in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Highlight the significance of a well-established carbon market in India. In this context, explaining the mechanism of renewable energy certificates (REC), highlight the challenges that the REC market faces. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Discuss the need and challenges in integrating the efforts for disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Given the significance of data in policy making, analyze why its potential remains underutilised. Also, suggest some measures for transforming India's data infrastructure in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The roots of insurgency in the North Eastern region are embedded in a host of factors. Discuss. What measures have been taken to tackle cross-border insurgency in this area? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Highlight the challenges faced by India in countering terror financing. Also, mention the steps taken by India in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5171,"topper":"Nishant Saurabh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/63fce-8880_1448_nishant-saurabh_rank_178.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"It is argued that mathematics and astronomy were an important part of intellectual development in ancient India. In this context, highlight the major contributions of ancient India to these areas. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In context of the rivalries, which existed between the English and French trading companies in India, highlight the factors, which led to the success of the English East India Company in its struggle against the French. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What were the causes of the Iranian Revolution of 1979? In what ways do the consequences of this revolution remain relevant even today? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Analyze the impact of globalization on indigenous craft, literary traditions and traditional knowledge systems in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Juvenile delinquency has attracted much media attention in recent years. What are the factors that drive the juveniles towards crime? In this context, state the significance of rehabilitative and reformative measures for juvenile delinquents. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Highlighting the health challenges that tribals are facing in India, suggest a roadmap to improve the health indicators of the tribals. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Give an account of the geographical distribution pattern of major agro-based industries in India. Also, explain their multiplier effect on rural economy. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Highlight the reasons and resultant implications of disappearance of urban water bodies in India. Mention some of the steps which can be taken in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Explaining the role that Ocean Iron Fertilization can play in the fight against climate change, discuss the concerns associated with its large-scale adoption. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"In India a vast number of languages are potentially endangered. Discuss the reasons and implications of disappearance of a language. Also, suggest measures to preserve potentially endangered languages. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"While the British established a judicial system based on the rule of law, in practice this system suffered from numerous drawbacks. Analyze keeping in mind the developments between 1793 and 1833. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Trace the evolution of British policy towards the princely states in India. How did the freedom movement impact the people of these princely states? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Give a brief account of the circumstances under which Simla agreement was signed in 1972. Mentioning its important provisions, discuss whether it was a lost opportunity for India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"State the push and pull factors responsible for internal migration in India. Also examine how it is impacting urban transition in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Examine the factors responsible for poor performance of family planning programme in India. Suggest some family planning strategies, which can be adopted for improving reproductive health outcomes and achieving family welfare. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Women experience poverty differently and more acutely as compared to men. In this context, explain the socio-economic factors, which contribute to feminization of poverty in India. How can this problem be tackled? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Giving examples, highlight the reasons behind existence of regional disparities in India. Suggest some strategies to address them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Highlighting different factors affecting Indian monsoon, explain why it is difficult to predict it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5172,"topper":"Nishant Saurabh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e71c3-8880_1449_nishant-saurabh_rank_178.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Bringing higher judiciary under the ambit of RTI has its own merits and demerits. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Tribunals in India have not just replicated some of the problems that our judiciary suffers from but added a few more. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Parliamentary privileges are not always used for the aims they were intended to serve. In this context, discuss the need for codification of these privileges in light of recent developments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"There is a point of view that the office of Governor has outlived its relevance and needs to be abolished. Critically examine in the current context. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Highlighting its key features, examine the need for the passage of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill by the Parliament at the earliest. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"With changing times India's engagement with its diaspora has also undergone a change. Explain in the context of government policies on diaspora. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Despite its immense potential, the challenges associated with RCEP for India cannot be ignored. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Decentralisation in India has been fairly successful at the political level, however on the fiscal and administrative fronts progress is marred by several bottlenecks. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The provisions of the Anti-Defection Law have been repeatedly violated and are routinely misinterpreted. Examine. Also, suggest measures to strengthen the Anti-Defection Law. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The amendment process for the Indian Constitution follows a middle path between rigidity and flexibility. Comment in comparative perspective. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Assess the effectiveness of the institutional architecture of Indian federalism in settling inter-state disputes. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The recent advances in technologies have the potential to make e-governance a very potent tool for ushering in an era of good governance. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"While Indians are donating to charitable causes more than ever, philanthropy in India is still at a formative stage. In this context, highlight the significance of philanthropy and state the factors holding back philanthropy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Highlight the challenges faced in implementation of healthcare schemes in India. Examine how creation of a robust digital health ecosystem can prove to be a game changer in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"For India to emerge as a knowledge superpower, it is imperative to address the challenges of access, equity, quality, affordability and accountability faced by the current education system. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Ties with both USA and Russia are important for India, however, both these relations have their own sets of challenges, and some of these are further accentuated by the friction between these two powers. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5173,"topper":"Nishant Saurabh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d9f15-8880_1451_nishant-saurabh_rank_178.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"It is morally permissible to perform an action in pursuit of a good end in full knowledge that the action might also bring about bad results. Critically examine the statement with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"An essential element that distinguishes a career in public service from jobs elsewhere is its focus on public service ethos. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The foundational values of efficiency, impartiality, empathy, and incorruptibility are an integral part of civil services. Elaborate with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The foreign policy of nations is primarily guided by national interests. Do you think the pursuit of such exclusive concerns leaves little scope for ethics in international relations? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Corporate Social Responsibility can help in changing the perception of 'business ethics' being an oxymoron. Critically analyze. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Citizens’ Charters by themselves cannot achieve the desired results in improving quality of public services. Discuss the statement in light of the Sevottam Model. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"What do you understand by social capital? Explain its relationship with good governance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Emotional Intelligence is an essential ingredient for managing personal and organizational change. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Do you agree that privatization and outsourcing of selected public services will help improve the quality of public service delivery and in particular reduce the incidence of corruption? Substantiate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Discuss the contributions of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar to the idea of social justice in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"You are posted as the District Magistrate in a district, which has been ravaged by floods recently. The severity of floods has not only led to destruction of shelter and livelihood, but also created risks of deadly diseases spreading in the area. Street thugs have taken advantage of the situation and are looting and stocking anything they can get their hands on. There are reports that many shops and homes have been broken into and looted. Some suspect that this is the work of illegal immigrants from a neighbouring country, who have been residing in the district for a long time. The local MLA is objecting to extension of relief and rehabilitation assistance to these illegal immigrants. A number of residents of the district have also joined the MLA and are arguing that citizens have the first right on the country's resources, particularly in the prevailing situation. In this context, answer the following: (a) Do you think that citizens of a country have the first claim on resources of a nation in every situation? Justify your answer with valid arguments. (b) Given this information, chart a course of action based on priorities of the administration. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"You are the Commissioner of a city municipal corporation. Recognizing the state of some of the old buildings, you have categorised these under the list of dilapidated buildings. You have also issued an advisory to residents regarding the status and hazards of living in such buildings and asked them to vacate the premises. However, even after such a notification, residents continue to occupy such buildings and refuse to vacate. These are mostly poor people who have no other alternative available and would be rendered homeless if they vacate the premises. While you are trying to figure a way out for these people, your worst fears come true when one of the four-storeyed buildings on the list collapsed after heavy rains. Following the incident, public outrage led to accusations against the corporation for not getting the building vacated. (a) What challenges do you face as the Commissioner in this situation? Highlight the steps you will take to address these. (b) What measures will you take to prevent reoccurrence of such unfortunate incidents? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"You have been recently posted as a District Education Officer in a district, which is notorious for mass copying. It again witnessed some disturbing incidents during the recent Board examination. In some of the examination centers located in your district, the parents virtually took over the centres to help their wards to copy during the exams. The parents justified their act by arguing that the concerned teachers did not take classes at all during the year. Upon enquiry, you found that invigilators turned a blind eye in this situation and school administrations were also involved in tampering with the CCTV footage of the incidents. You also found that teacher absenteeism has indeed been rampant. Further, concerns regarding this had been repeatedly raised by parents in the past, but no action was taken. In this situation: (a) What course of action would you take in the immediate to short term to deal with the issue at hand? (b) Explaining the ramifications of such incidents for the society at large, highlight some long-term reforms that should be taken to prevent such incidents from re-occurring. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"You are recently posted as District Magistrate in a district, which is a major hub of industrial activities and attracts workers from different places and communities. The workers of these industries often utilize the open spaces on roads for performing their daily prayers, though only for a short period of time. The lack of a place of worship close to the work places, is cited as the reason for continuance of this practice. However, some residents of nearby areas have been objecting to this practice due to the inconvenience caused by congestion on the roads. There have also been complaints of alleged illegal encroachments over public land in garb of this practice. One day, you are informed that a group of locals disrupted the workers at the time of worship. The incident led to clashes between several groups and a law and order problem has arisen in the district. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) What are the options available before you? Evaluate the merits and demerits of each one of them. (b) What course of action would you choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"You are the district magistrate in a district of a hill state. An NRI tycoon is planning to arrange a large wedding ceremony in your district. Given the scale of the ceremony, a feasibility report was prepared. The report has called for adopting a cautious approach and has raised concerns regarding its impact on the environment. Recognizing this, the NRI has offered extra compensation for the prospective environmental damages. Also, the local MLA and some prominent residents are arguing that such a wedding can help in developing the district as a tourist hotspot and turn it into a popular wedding destination, bringing prosperity for the residents. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders in the given situation and their respective interests. (b) Highlight the options available to you and the course of action you will take, giving reasons for the same. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"The challenge of climate change presents the world with several fundamental ethical dilemmas. From a global perspective, it presents the world with a collective action problem: all countries have a collective interest in controlling global carbon emissions. But each individual country also has incentives to over-consume in response to societal demands for economic growth and prosperity. Developing nations faced with these costs may encounter further challenges as the impact of climate change will most likely fall disproportionately on the poor, thus also raising issues of fairness and inequality. As an intergenerational problem, the consequences of actions taken by the current generation will have the greatest impact on future generations. While it is intuitive that the current generation has some ethical responsibility to leave an inhabitable world to future generations, the extent of this obligation is less clear. Answer the following questions in this regard: (a) To what extent do humans have a moral responsibility to future generations that are yet to be born? (b) Do developed countries have a greater responsibility to take action and bear more costs of controlling climate change than developing countries? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5174,"topper":"Nishanth T","air":821,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Shankar IAS Parliament","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.shankariasparliament.com/uploads/downloads/NISHANTH_T_P1.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Industrial revolution has important bearings on growth and development of sociology. Discuss. (20) (b) Examine the significance of non-positivist paradigm in social science research. (20) (c) How is skilling an important dimension of social mobility?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":2,"question":"How do you view and assess the use of case studies and biographies in sociological research?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":2,"question":"Qualitative research methods are concerned with opinions, feelings and experiences. Comment on their reliability and validity. (20) (b) What do you understand by ethnicity as a dimension of social stratification?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":2,"question":"Write short answers to the following questions in about 150 words each, with a sociological perspective: (10 x 5 = 50) (a) Describe the various characteristics of Weberian bureaucracy. Are they relevant now?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":3,"question":"Examine the impact of secularisation on family and marriage systems. (20) (b) Describe the modernization theory on development. How did the under- development theorists it?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Globalization has accelerated the rise of consumerism, individualism and questioned religion and provided for pluralist societies driven by distinctive religions. Comment. (20) (b) Differentiate between Functionalist and Marxist theories of Stratification. (20) (c) Elaborate on latent and manifest functions of technology?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":8,"question":"How has the contributions from history influenced the scope of sociology?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":10,"question":"Examine the contemporary relevance Durkheimian perspective on ‘Division of labour’. (10) (T In","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":12,"question":"How did the advance of capitalism revolutionize family as an institution?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Examine the significance of non-positivist paradigm research. (20)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Describe the modernization theory on development. How did the under-development theorists counter it?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":80,"question":"Examine the changing rules of marriage. (20) (Candidates (Candidates must not write must not write","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":5175,"topper":"Nishanth T","air":821,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Shankar IAS Parliament","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.shankariasparliament.com/uploads/downloads/NISHANTH_T_P2.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Indian modernity has paradoxical features of continuity and change. Elaborate. (20) (b) Differentiate between the ‘Indological’ and ‘Functional’ perspectives on the study of caste system. (20) (c) What is tribe caste continuum?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":2,"question":"Discuss how population policies of India altered the socio-demographic profile of India. (20) (b) Do you think constitutional modernity has led to the minority empowerment?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":2,"question":"Give a sociological analysis of the emerging trends in the role of ethnicity in social movements in India. (20) (b) Critically analyse the impact of the changing trends of urbanization on Indian women. (20) (c) Discuss the changing nature of migration in India. (10) SECTION B","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":2,"question":"Write short answers to the following questions in about 150 words each, with a sociological perspective: (10 x 5 = 50) (a) Examine with suitable examples the recent trends in the marital practices in India. (10) (b) Is violence against women and children a manifestation of patriarchy?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":3,"question":"Assess the performance of rural development programmes in rural empowerment and poverty alleviation. (20) (b) Discuss the major challenges related to the environment crisis in India. What measures would you suggest to overcome this crisis?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Describe the changing dynamics of rural conflicts in India. Substantiate with suitable examples. (20) (b) Discuss the nexus between caste, class and power in Indian social scenario. (20) (c) To what extent has land reforms been effective in strengthening democracy in India?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Explain the reasons for the spurt of overt expressions of religiosity in modern India. (20) (b) Examine the nature of rural-urban disparities in the standard of living across different regions of India. (20) (c) Compare and contrast education attainment of various social groups in India.","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":5176,"topper":"Nishanth T","air":821,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Shankar IAS Parliament","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.shankariasparliament.com/uploads/downloads/NISHANTH_T_P3.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Describe various characteristics of a ‘social fact’. How is rate of suicide a social fact according to Durkheim? (10M)","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":1,"question":"With suitable examples, explain how conformity and deviance coexist in a society as propounded by R.K. Merton. (10M)","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":1,"question":"What are informal organisations? Are NGOs informal organisations? (10M)","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Explain the Cybernetic theory of hierarchy of Talcott Parsons? (10M)","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Describe the main idea of Max Weber’s book, ‘The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism’ as a critique of Marxism. (20M)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":1,"question":"How does Marx view social conflict as an essential element in social change? (20M)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":1,"question":"How has the idea of Work From Home' forced us to redefine the formal and informal organisation of work? (20M)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Analyse the causes and impact of gendered division of labour on social organization of work .(20M)","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":5177,"topper":"Nishanth T","air":821,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Shankar IAS Parliament","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.shankariasparliament.com/uploads/downloads/NISHANTH_T_P4.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Caste system studies in India have been dominated by the \"book-view\" initially. How did the entry of \"field-view\" bring about a balance in the study of Indian caste system? Discuss. (10m)","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":1,"question":"What, according to you, are the factors responsible for the continuance of caste system in India? Explain. (10m)","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Comment on the growing assertion of tribal community for autonomy in India .(10m)","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":1,"question":"How has automation impacted industrial class structure in India? (10m)","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Examine the implications of patriarchy on lineage and descent in India. (20m)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Analyse the threats and challenges faced by marriage institution in India. (20m)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":1,"question":"How do you account for the increasing significance of religion in public and personal spheres in the context of secularization thesis in India? Explain. (20m)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Bring out the differences between Srinivas’s and Dumont’s perspective in the study of caste system. (20m)","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":5178,"topper":"Nishchal Jain","air":119,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/NISHCHAL-JAINUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-119-Sample-Essay-Copy-1-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. Glaciers are the canaries in the coal mine of climate change.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"1. True peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice.\n2. The saddest aspect of life right now is that science gathers knowledge faster than society gathers wisdom.\n3. Human development suffers when interdependence is mismanaged.\n4. No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5179,"topper":"Nishchal Jain","air":119,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/NISHCHAL-JAINUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-119-Sample-MGP-Copy-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) \"Bhagavad Gita and Natyashastra are not merely texts; they exemplify the timeless wisdom, richness and diversity of Indian knowledge traditions.\" Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) The Harappan civilization was a \"technological powerhouse\" that laid the foundation for sophisticated urban living in ancient South Asia. In light of this statement, discuss the key technological breakthroughs and contributions of this Bronze Age culture.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Why is the First World War considered as the first 'total' war in modern history?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Highlight the differences in the approach of Bhagat Singh and Mahatma Gandhi in the struggle for freedom.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) Briefly explain the processes through which the earth-atmosphere system maintains heat balance.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6 What characteristics of the monsoon climate play a crucial role in sustaining agriculture in Monsoon Asia?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) Account for the factors influencing the location of semiconductor industries across the world.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) Unemployment is not just an economic challenge, but a social one with far-reaching consequences. In this context, discuss the social impact of unemployment in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) Globalization has facilitated the influx of global brands and multinational corporations into the Indian market, significantly altering the consumer behaviour. Do you agree? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) Discuss how social media is reshaping identity formation and self-worth among adolescents in contemporary Indian society.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) The fusion of Islamic architectural styles with indigenous Indian traditions played a key role in the evolution of Indo-Islamic architecture in the country. Discuss with examples.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 'Emergency' is one of the most controversial and widely debated events in Indian politics. How far do you agree with the view that it was imposed to fulfil individual political goals rather than serve national interests? Also, discuss the short-term and long-term impacts of the Emergency.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13) What are 'atmospheric rivers'? How do they influence global weather patterns and impact human settlements?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) Despite sharing a similar latitude, why does the Mediterranean climate vary from the China-type climate? How do the differences in climate affect life and economic activities in the region?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15) \"The tropical Indian Ocean is likely to be in a near-permanent heatwave state.\" Discuss the factors responsible for the rapid warming of the Indian Ocean along with its multi-dimensional impacts.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) How can the demographic transition in the southern states, marked by low fertility rates and an aging population, impact the region's economic growth and social welfare policies?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 Incidence of extreme rainfall events and flash floods in recent times has led to devastating consequences for major cities of India. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 \"Air pollution is as much an issue of equity and justice as it is an environmental one.\" Elaborate with examples.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19) Analyze the socio-cultural factors contributing to the high attrition rate among women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers in India. Suggest measures to improve their retention in STEM.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 “Caste census is relevant and necessary for any well-designed policy to reduce social inequality”. Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5180,"topper":"Nishchal Jain","air":460,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/47/mt23slton009_tc047-test-01-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5181,"topper":"Nishchal Jain","air":460,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/48/mt23slton009_tc048-test-02-gs01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5182,"topper":"Nishchal Jain","air":460,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/54/mt23slton009_tc055-test-09-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5183,"topper":"Nishchal Jain","air":119,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/NISHCHAL-JAINUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-119-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) Examine the scope and significance of the Supreme Court's advisory jurisdiction under Article 143 of the Constitution.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) What is delimitation, and why is it important? What challenges are associated with the delimitation exercise in India?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) How has asymmetric federalism helped India accommodate its diverse regional needs? Discuss with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Explain how the terms 'socialist' and 'secular' in the Preamble embody specific meanings in the Indian context.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 The role of State Finance Commissions in building regional equity and strengthening the federal link has largely been underutilized. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6 How far do you think has the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) been successful in protecting and promoting child rights in India?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7 Outline the salient features of New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 related to school education. What does it state about the medium of instruction in schools?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) Throw light on the legal frameworks that are in place to ensure women's safety in India. What further steps are needed to enhance their safety and well-being?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 \"A multipolar world order is not merely an option but a necessity\". Elaborate. How can India leverage its position to strengthen multipolarity in the global arena?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 \"ASEAN is the cornerstone of India's Act East Policy and its Indo-Pacific vision.\" Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 Discuss the various administrative challenges faced by local self-governments (LSGs). What measures do you suggest for devolving administrative powers to LSGs, enabling them to function as institutions of genuine self-governance?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) In light of recent developments, the Collegium system and the Supreme Court's decision to strike down the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) Act, 2014 have once again come under scrutiny. Do you think that a NJAC-like body can make judicial appointments more transparent, broad-based, and accountable? Justify your answer.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 Differentiate between the clemency powers of the Presidents of India and the USA. Also, critically examine the vesting of clemency power in the executive.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) What constitutes corrupt practices under the Representation of the People Act, 1951? Also, discuss the challenges in curbing such malpractices and suggest remedial measures.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Discuss the role of the Vice-President as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. Also describe the procedure for his/her removal from office.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 \"Universal Basic Income (UBI) is a viable solution to eradicate extreme poverty in India.\" Critically discuss the statement.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 What are the key determinants of malnutrition among under-five children in the country? Also, elaborate on the role of nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions in addressing this issue.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 \"Data is the raw material of Artificial Intelligence.\" In this context, discuss the need for transparent and accountable data governance frameworks in India. What steps has the government taken in this regard?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Critically examine the role of International Monetary Fund (IMF) in addressing debt distress in the Global South. How can India use its post-G20 presidency momentum to push IMF reforms?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 \"In a fluid geopolitical arena, engagement without formal endorsement is a pragmatic middle path.\" Do you agree? Explain in the context of India's current approach towards the Taliban regime in Afghanistan.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5184,"topper":"Nishchal Jain","air":460,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/49/mt23slton009_tc049-test-no-03-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5185,"topper":"Nishchal Jain","air":460,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/50/mt23slton009_tc050-test-04-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5186,"topper":"Nishchal Jain","air":460,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/55/mt23slton009_tc056-test-10-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5187,"topper":"Nishchal Jain","air":119,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/NISHCHAL-JAINUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-119-Sample-MGP-Copy-2-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) What is a 'Census'? Discuss the importance of Census for the economy and policy making.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Assess the role of NITI Aayog over the past decade in transforming the country's approach to planning and development.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Discuss various measures taken by the Government to strengthen the Cooperative movement and ensure \"Sahakar Se Samriddhi\".","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) India remains significantly dependent on imports to meet its pulses demand. Examine the key challenges in achieving self-reliance in pulses. Also, mention the major government initiatives taken in this regard.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 What is a 'Black box'? Explain its significance in flight safety and airplane crash investigations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) How does NISAR mission exemplify international cooperation in space exploration and scientific research? In what ways will it help in climate change monitoring and natural hazard management?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) While oceans are considered among mankind's best allies in the fight against climate change, they are themselves heavily impacted by the same. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8 \"Disasters cannot be managed by a single agency, department, or ministry on its own. It requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.\" Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) The convergence of organized crime and terrorism presents a formidable challenge to the country's internal security. Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 In an era of complex security challenges, examine the ways in which the private sector can contribute to strengthening India's internal security.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced a transfer of surplus to the Union Government for the financial year 2024-25. What does 'surplus' mean in this context? How does the RBI generate it, and what is its significance for the country's fiscal policy?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) Examine the role of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model in the development of ports in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 \"Legalizing the Minimum Support Price (MSP) would create more challenges than it resolves.\" Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 Why does India's agricultural export performance remain weak despite high production levels? What measures would you suggest to improve agri-export competitiveness?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15) How the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) can help India in its socio-economic development? Identify the hurdles in its large-scale adoption and suggest corrective measures.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) What is a Geographical Indication (GI)? What are the legal frameworks governing it? How does it differ from a trademark? How can GI infringement be tackled?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 \"Mangroves contribute significantly to the coastal economy and ecology, but they are threatened by numerous factors\". Elaborate. Also, state the measures taken by the government for mangrove conservation and restoration.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18) What is oil pollution? What are its impacts on the marine ecosystem? In what way is oil pollution particularly harmful for a country like India?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have become an integral aspect of modern conflict and warfare, employed by both state and non-state actors. Discuss its implications for India's security architecture and state the measures being taken to address them. Also suggest other steps to tackle the threats emanating from UAVs.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 Maritime security challenges are complex, driven by both conventional and non-conventional threats. In this context, discuss the key maritime security challenges in India. Also, highlight the measures taken by the government in this regard.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5188,"topper":"Nishchal Jain","air":460,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/51/mt23slton009_tc052-test-06-gs03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5189,"topper":"Nishchal Jain","air":460,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/56/mt23slton009_tc057-test-11-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5190,"topper":"Nishchal Jain","air":119,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/NISHCHAL-JAINUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-119-Sample-MGP-Copy-3-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) The increasing use of digital surveillance technologies for maintaining law and order is a debatable issue. Critically examine the statement from the ethical point of view.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) Knowledge and skills are important, but they must be grounded in ethical principles for true success. In this context, discuss the importance of ethics in education and the role of educational institutions in imparting ethical values.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) How does persuasion help achieve a desired change in attitude? What are the elements of an effective persuasive approach?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) While scientific research drives technological progress and societal development, its funding often raises ethical questions. What ethical concerns arise from corporate sponsorship of scientific research, and how can these be addressed?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context?\na) \"Where do the evils like corruption arise from? It comes from the never-ending greed. The fight for corruption-free ethical society will have to be fought against this greed and replace it with 'what can I give' spirit.\" - A.P.J. Abdul Kalam","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) \"The greatest glory in living lies not in never failing, but in rising every time we fail.\" - Nelson Mandela","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"c) \"Your goodness is an impediment in your way, so let your eyes be red with anger, and try to fight the injustice with a firm hand.\" - Sardar Patel","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.4) a) What do you understand by the term \"Conflict of Interest\"? How does it manifest in the decision making by public servants? In what ways can it be minimized?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"b) \"In post-conflict rehabilitation, the pursuit of justice must be balanced with the need for reconciliation.\" Examine this statement in the context of addressing ethnic violence.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.5) a) In the ever-evolving landscape of academic institutions, administrators must not only manage academic issues but also emotional and interpersonal dynamics. In this context, discuss the significance of emotionally intelligent administrators in higher education.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"b) \"The recognition of the horrors of nuclear weapons should compel nations to move towards meaningful disarmament. However, geopolitical interests continue to hinder genuine progress in this direction. What are the ethical considerations of nuclear states to pursue global disarmament, and how can the international community balance security concerns with the moral imperative of a nuclear-free world?\"","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.6) a) \"Probity in governance is an essential and vital requirement for an efficient and effective system of governance and for socio-economic development.\" Discuss the statement with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"b) How can responsible and informed social media use be nurtured among children to make the internet a safer space for them?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7) Arushi is a young IPS officer known for her competence, integrity, and relentless dedication to challenging tasks. Recognizing her excellent track record, her superiors have chosen her to handle a sensitive assignment in a tribal-dominated district notorious for illegal bauxite mining. Here, the mafia mines bauxite from mineral-rich lands, transports it by truck, and sells it on the black market. This illegal operation thrives with the support of certain local officials and tribal musclemen who intimidate the local population and bribe select poor tribals to maintain control and silence.\n\nUpon assuming the new role, Arushi quickly grasps the ground realities and identifies the mafia's modus operandi, characterized by a series of devious tactics. Her inquiries reveal that several employees in her office are colluding with the mafia, forming an unholy nexus that enables these illegal operations. Determined to dismantle this network, she initiates strict actions, including raids on trucks transporting illegally mined bauxite. These actions significantly disrupt the mafia's operations, unsettling criminals unaccustomed to such resistance. Some office employees allegedly allied with the mafia inform the criminals of her determination to dismantle their operations, posing a serious threat to their profits. In response, the mafia adopts a counter-offensive strategy. Tribal strongmen and mafia operatives begin issuing direct threats to her, warning of severe consequences if the raids continue. Her family (husband and elderly mother) are stalked and placed under virtual surveillance, causing mental anguish and stress for them all. Matters assume serious propositions when a muscleman appears in her office and threatens that if she does not halt raids, etc., she will suffer the same fate as a predecessor officer who was killed by the mafia a decade earlier.\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb) Identify and evaluate the different options available to Arushi under the given situation.\nc) Which option would she adopt and why?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"(b) Options available to Anushi\n(I) Bowling down under the pressure of mafia.\n(II) Launch massive operations against mafia at under level.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Q.8 The Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) is proposed on a river in a northeastern state of India, a recognized biodiversity hotspot. Covered in dense forests, this region harbors a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including numerous endemic species. Although sparsely populated, the region's communities have livelihoods and cultural practices deeply intertwined with the natural landscape. Its ecological wealth has been preserved over the years due to its environmental significance and cultural heritage. Additionally, the Upper Siang basin holds immense strategic importance due to its proximity to international borders, offering potential leverage in regional security and resource management.\nThe SUMP aims to harness the river's energy for economic growth, proposing infrastructure that includes an 11,000 MW \"mega dam,\" power stations, and transmission lines that could transform the state into a renewable energy hub. Proponents argue that the project will boost the state's economy through power generation, employment, and enhanced infrastructure while also helping meet the country's clean energy targets.\nHowever, a local NGO has raised concerns about the ecological and social costs of SUMP. The project would require extensive forest clearance, which plays a crucial role in carbon sequestration. Additionally, experts warn that construction activities could disturb the region's delicate ecosystems. This may affect riverine biodiversity and increase the risk of soil erosion and sedimentation, with potential downstream effects on agriculture and water quality. Another major issue raised is the potential displacement and cultural impact on local communities. This could threaten their subsistence-based livelihoods and disrupt their way of life. Critics also highlight that the project may contradict India's commitments to sustainable development.\nDespite these concerns, supporters of the project argue that SUMP's strategic importance and clean energy potential cannot be ignored. Moreover, they emphasize the project's strategic location, which would strengthen energy security, reduce regional inequalities, and contribute to the country's long-term development goals. They argue that amidst rising energy demands, the country cannot afford to forgo such an opportunity, especially given the presence of hydroelectric projects across borders that could shift regional control over water resources.\n(a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\n(b) In your opinion, which should take priority between development and conservation, and why?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"(a) उपयुक्त परिस्थिति में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों का वर्णन कीजिए?\n(b) आपकी राय में विकास और संरक्षण में से किसे प्राथमिकता दी जानी चाहिए और क्यों?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":39,"question":"Q.9) Inside a busy city administration office, Joint Municipal Commissioner Keerthi, who also serves as the Public Information Officer (PIO), faces a challenging situation. Recently, an RTI application has been received, demanding details about public infrastructure projects initiated during her tenure. Upon reviewing the requested information, Keerthi discovers that certain decisions made regarding these projects were not entirely sound in hindsight. These decisions, although taken in good faith and after due diligence, failed to realize promised outcomes. There were other employees also who were party to this decision. The disclosure of this information could potentially lead to scrutiny and backlash against herself, the employees, and contractors involved. Known for her integrity and commitment to public service, Keerthi finds herself at a crossroads. The RTI Act has served as a critical check against administrative arbitrariness, ensuring transparency and accountability. However, she also observes a troubling trend. RTI applications are often used by vested interests and activists seeking personal gain rather than genuine public interest. Some activists even resort to threats or extortion tactics, undermining the integrity of the RTI process. She fears the requested RTI information could be similarly exploited. Moreover, the employees involved are requesting her to withhold the information. In navigating this situation, Keerthi weighs her options carefully.\n(a) Critically examine the options available to Keerthi in the above situation.\n(b) Which of the above would be the most appropriate for Keerthi and why?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.10 Littering at popular tourist destinations has become a significant environmental and ethical concern in India. A recent incident highlighted this issue when tourists were observed throwing tissue papers and a cake box on the road after celebrating a birthday. When a local politely requested them to use a nearby dustbin just 5 feet away, the tourists dismissed the appeal, claiming no dustbin was available. The situation escalated when their driver threw a plastic bag into the adjacent valley.\n\nPublic reactions to the incident were divided. Some individuals commended the intervention as an effort to promote civic responsibility, emphasizing the need to protect fragile ecosystems like hill stations. Many argued that tourists must adhere to basic environmental ethics and that public spaces are a shared responsibility. Critics also highlighted the broader implications of such irresponsible behavior on the environment and local livelihoods.\n\nOn the other hand, the tourists involved accused those intervening of interfering in their personal affairs, claiming their privacy was being violated. The argument that the tourists were being publicly shamed through the viral video added another layer to the ethical debate. Many questioned whether posting such incidents online, even for a social cause, was appropriate or necessary.\n\nThe debate continues, with one side emphasizing the collective responsibility to preserve public spaces and the environment, while the other raises concerns about individual privacy and autonomy.\n(a) What are the ethical concerns associated with tourists littering at public destinations?\n(b) How can ethical tourism practices be integrated into policies to address issues like littering at tourist destinations?\n(c) Suggest a course of action that balances environmental responsibility and individual rights. Justify your answer.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Q.11 You are the Operations Manager at a fast-growing technology startup, NexGen Solutions, known for its innovative projects and timely delivery. The startup's environment is fast-paced, with tight deadlines and high expectations from clients and investors. Your current project, creating a cutting-edge AI based application, is critical for securing upcoming funding and partnerships. Your small, capable team includes four software developers and two project coordinators, with an equal number of men and women.\nRecently, the team has encountered major challenges. Priya, one of the female developers, has requested leave to care for her ailing mother. Meanwhile, another team member, Ayesha, is struggling to manage her workload along with caring for her infant child. As a result, other team members have taken on extra tasks, impacting their work-life balance and causing heightened stress. With the project deadline looming, tensions in the team have become visible. During a crucial project meeting, Karan, a senior developer, voices his frustration, saying, \"Perhaps it's not ideal to have team members who can't fully commit during critical stages.\"\nKaran's remark triggers an immediate reaction. Neha, a project coordinator, finds his comment offensive and reports it to the Human Resources (HR) Department. She also hints that she might bring the issue to social media, which could harm the startup's image. The HR Department, located at the company's headquarters, investigates and recommends disciplinary action against Karan, emphasizing the importance of a respectful, inclusive workplace. Their recommendation puts you in a difficult situation. The project is already delayed, and losing a senior developer like Karan could jeopardize its timely completion.\nYou are now faced with a complex dilemma. On one hand, it's vital to address the inappropriate comment and ensure a respectful work culture. On the other hand, you must keep the project on track without further demotivating your team.\n(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.\n(b) As the Operations Manager, how would you deal with the given situation?\n(c) Based on the case study, discuss the challenges faced by women at workplace. How can such challenges be addressed?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"Q.12) Prateek Kumar, the Project Manager, is in charge of the construction of a highly anticipated highway that is expected to drive regional development. The project aims to enhance connectivity, boost trade, and create substantial employment opportunities. Given its importance, it has become a focal point for the ruling party, which is actively promoting it as a symbol of progress ahead of the upcoming state elections next year. The timely completion of the highway is crucial, as the Chief Minister is scheduled to inaugurate it upon completion. This has led to added pressure on Prateek and his team to meet the approaching deadline, which is set for next month.\nDuring a routine inspection, Prateek discovers that a particular stretch of the highway has been built with substandard materials. This section fails to meet the required safety and durability standards, posing a serious threat to public safety and lives. If left unresolved, the compromised quality could lead to accidents, undermining both the project's credibility and the government's promises for safe and reliable infrastructure. Concerned, Prateek raises the issue with the contractor, but the contractor downplays the severity, claiming that minor adjustments will fix the problem without causing major delays.\nIn a subsequent team meeting, some senior members suggest that Prateek overlook the quality concerns to ensure the project remains on schedule. They argue that the majority of the highway meets standards and emphasize the severe economic and political consequences of delays. With elections approaching, they stress the importance of the Chief Minister's inauguration as a key political event. They warn that any delay could damage the ruling party's image, harm its electoral prospects, and potentially have repercussions for the team and the organization.\nLater, the contractor privately approaches Prateek with a substantial bribe, urging him to ignore the issue and allow the project to proceed. The contractor justifies his actions by citing financial pressures and the need to complete the project on time. Prateek is an honest and upright officer, but he understands that addressing the problem would delay the project, making it impossible to meet the deadline.\n(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\n(b) Under the given conditions, what are the options available to Prateek as the Project Manager? Critically evaluate each of the options.\n(c) What option should Prateek adopt and why?","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":5191,"topper":"Nishchal Jain","air":460,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/52/mt23slton009_tc053-test-07-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5192,"topper":"Nishchal Jain","air":460,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/53/mt23slton009_tc054-test-08-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5193,"topper":"Nishchal Jain","air":460,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/57/mt23slton009_tc058-test-12-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5194,"topper":"Nishchal Jain","air":460,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/36/mt23slton009_tc047-test-01-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5195,"topper":"Nishchal Jain","air":460,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/37/mt23slton009_tc048-test-02-gs01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5196,"topper":"Nishchal Jain","air":460,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/38/mt23slton009_tc049-test-no-03-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5197,"topper":"Nishchal Jain","air":460,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/39/mt23slton009_tc050-test-04-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5198,"topper":"Nishchal Jain","air":460,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/40/mt23slton009_tc052-test-06-gs03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5199,"topper":"Nishchal Jain","air":460,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/41/mt23slton009_tc053-test-07-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5200,"topper":"Nishchal Jain","air":460,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/42/mt23slton009_tc054-test-08-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5201,"topper":"Nishchal Jain","air":460,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/43/mt23slton009_tc055-test-09-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5202,"topper":"Nishchal Jain","air":460,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/44/mt23slton009_tc056-test-10-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5203,"topper":"Nishchal Jain","air":460,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/45/mt23slton009_tc057-test-11-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5204,"topper":"Nishchal Jain","air":460,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/46/mt23slton009_tc058-test-12-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5205,"topper":"Nitesh Kumar Mishra","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/NITESH-KUMAR-MISHRA-UPSC-2023-Rank-158-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"While the Constitution of India has borrowed many features from different countries, its spirit is completely Indian. Elaborate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Evaluate the role played by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) in the transformational development of the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":5206,"topper":"Nitesh Kumar Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/060c7-154025_2418_nitesh_kumar_mishra_rank_158.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Elaborate on the key traits inherent to the sculptures of the Vijayanagara Empire. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Women revolutionaries made brave and unforgettable contributions to the freedom struggle in India. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss how the introduction of English education in India by the British helped strengthen anti-colonialism in the country. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The disintegration of the Soviet Union in the late 20th century had a profound impact on India. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"In view of the prevailing issues, discuss the need for reforming the urban infrastructure and mobility services in India through a gender lens. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"In India, the rate of growth of elderly population in 2011-21 was about three times the rate of growth of the general population. In this context, discuss why policies for the elderly are a crucial aspect for India's overall development. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"While globalisation is allegedly responsible for human rights violations, it allows human rights movements to counter its excesses and negative effects. Elaborate with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The present drainage system of the Himalayas is, to a great extent, the result of progressive river piracy. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Illustrate the geographical distribution of polymetallic nodules and discuss their significance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What do you understand by archipelagos? Explain the different processes involved in their formation, with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Tribal and folk arts in India are confronting several challenges of the modern age in a bid to survive. Discuss. Also, highlight the various initiatives taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the distinguishing features of Indian classical dances. Also, discuss how these dances are a manifestation of spirituality. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite the Chauri Chaura incident slowing down the momentum of Indian freedom struggle for a while, the Non-Cooperation Movement remains a watershed in the history of the Indian freedom struggle. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Bring out the contributions of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan in the fields of education and foreign affairs. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Enumerate the factors driving feminization in agriculture and discuss its effects. Also, state the ways in which women can be empowered in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"In India, suicide has become one of the leading causes of death among those aged 15-29. Bringing out the reasons behind the same, discuss the priority areas of the National Suicide Prevention Strategy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Giving a brief account of the lakes formed due to Earth's movement, discuss the economic and ecological significance of lakes. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India has the potential to generate 180,000 MW of ocean thermal energy, however, progress in this regard has been slow. In this context, highlight the associated challenges and suggest remedial measures. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Bringing out the availability of natural gas hydrates in India, discuss the promise as well as the challenges associated with their exploration. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5207,"topper":"Nitesh Kumar Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/f1835-154025_2091_nitesh_kumar_mishra_rank_158.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What are the reasons behind the inefficient use of water in Indian agriculture? Suggest measures to improve water use efficiency. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What are the social, economic and environmental benefits of diversifying the food basket under the Public Distribution System (PDS) in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Can re-energising the livestock sector be the key to sustainable livelihood and increasing the income of Indian farmers? Give reasons in support of your answer. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Do you agree that high economic growth in the post-reform period has not resulted in growth trickling down to the marginalised sections, rendering inclusive growth a major concern? Justify your answer. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Evaluate the outcome of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). How can Mission LiFE reinvigorate the NCAP in addressing the issue of air pollution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discuss the impact of wildfires on the ecosystem. Describe the significance of the UNEP's Fire Ready Formula in dealing with the menace of wildfires. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Recently, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) launched its new rocket called Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV). What are its advantages? How can SSLVs be a game changer for ISRO in the years to come? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Why is biopiracy a cause of great concern to the existing traditional knowledge of the developing world? What steps have been taken by the government of India for protecting the existing traditional Indian knowledge? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What are the challenges faced by the Assam Rifles with regard to border management and tackling of insurgency in North-East India? Discuss how these challenges require a reorientation of the force. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The race to put weapons in space may soon pass the point of no return making space the next theatre of arms struggle. What are the possible reasons behind the weaponization of space? Discuss its implications. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNP) recently became the first 100% Landlord Port of India. What do you understand by the Landlord Port model? What are the different models employed in the management of ports? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Analyse the performance of the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) scheme launched to promote farm mechanization in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Discuss the potential of digitization in harnessing the untapped potential of the food processing sector and resolving the challenges that it faces. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What is the significance of land record modernization in India? In this light, state the features of the National Generic Document Registration System (NGDRS). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The use of technology has played a key role in the success of the 'Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana' since its inception. Discuss. What further changes can be incorporated to make the scheme more farmer-friendly? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss how the transition towards renewable energy has the potential to transform the lives of women in India and unlock their potential. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"How does climate change exacerbate the challenges that India faces in eliminating hunger and malnutrition? Discuss in the context of India's commitment to achieve zero hunger by 2030. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What do you understand by digital twin technology? What are the benefits and challenges in its adoption? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Terrorism financing continues to remain a major challenge for the international community despite several efforts to curb it. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) will progressively multiply the opportunities as well as challenges from the national security perspective. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5208,"topper":"Nitesh Kumar Mishra","air":158,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/260bc-154025_2087_nitesh_kumar_mishra_rank_158.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5209,"topper":"Nitesh Kumar Mishra","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/NITESH-KUMAR-MISHRA-UPSC-2023-Rank-158-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Blockchain has been positioned as a revolutionary new technology. In this context, enumerate the potential benefits and the transformative role of this technology in business and governance processes. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Despite measures to make the fields of science and technology more inclusive, the number of women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) still remains low because of many hurdles being faced by them. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":5210,"topper":"Nitesh Kumar Mishra","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/NITESH-KUMAR-MISHRA-UPSC-2023-Rank-158-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"\"One cannot remain ethical when people around are unethical\". Do you agree? Discuss with appropriate examples.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":5,"question":"\"Courage is the most important of all the virtues because, without courage, you can't practice any other virtue consistently.\" Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer including an example from your life.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Bring out the factors that influence the formation of a person's attitude. Why do you think contrasting attitudes exists towards social issues in Indian society?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":9,"question":"\"The good of an individual is contained in the good of all\" What do you understand by this statement? How can this principle be implemented in public life?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":11,"question":"\"Emotions can take over our sense of reasoning, logic and overall thinking\". In the light of above statement, analyze the role of emotional intelligence for well-being of an individual.","marks":"10","words":null}]},{"id":5211,"topper":"Nitesh Kumar Mishra","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/NITESH-KUMAR-MISHRA-UPSC-2023-Rank-158-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Examine the relevance of following values in the context of Civil Service with suitable examples:","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Transparency and accountability is fundamental to good governance. In light of the statement, analyze the issues related to Transparency in India. Mention steps to improve openness in administration.","marks":"10","words":null}]},{"id":5212,"topper":"Nitesh Kumar Mishra","air":158,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/20f11-154025_2421_nitesh_kumar_mishra_rank_158.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5213,"topper":"Nithin Pradeep","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/abee7-1424323_3128_nithin-pradeep_rank_172.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"The world must learn to work together, or finally it will not work at all.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Technology, like art, is a soaring exercise of the human imagination.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"We've begun to raise daughters more like sons, but few have the courage to raise our sons more like our daughters.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5214,"topper":"Nithin Pradeep","air":172,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1wIsxZ0oej-cwixvLe3K3M_6xhWiKyTGX","questions":[]},{"id":5215,"topper":"Nithin Pradeep","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8af51-1424323_2931_nithin-pradeep_rank_172.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The end cannot justify the means, for the simple and obvious reason that the means employed determine the nature of the ends produced. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss how the relationship between law and ethics is dynamic and continuously shaped by societal changes. Provide examples to illustrate this dynamic relationship. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Differentiate between probity and integrity with suitable examples. How do these values contribute to ethical governance and decision-making in the civil services? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the ethical implications of withholding information in public administration. How can transparency enhance accountability and reduce corruption in government institutions? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What factors lead to a positive attitude in a person? How does positive attitude enhance the effectiveness of civil servants in performing their duties? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss how emotional intelligence can influence ethical decision-making in the allocation of scarce public resources. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Various international humanitarian organizations provide emergency aid in conflict zones around the world. Highlight the ethical challenges faced by such organizations. What are the principles that guide international humanitarian work? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Why is persuasion regarded as an important skill for civil servants? What are the key considerations that should guide persuasion in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"What role can ethical leadership play in curbing corruption, especially in public service? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"What were the major teachings of Swami Dayanand Saraswati? Explain their relevance in addressing the current ethical and social challenges in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":33,"question":"Discuss the ethical dilemma Karan faces in deciding whether to report the incident against Mariyam's wishes. (b) Evaluate the options available to Karan. Which of these options should he choose and why? (c) What responsibilities do organizations like XYZ Corp have in preventing and addressing sexual harassment and creating inclusive workplace environments? (Answer in 250 words)20","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Jay, a civil servant, was appointed as the Commissioner in the state's Education Department a year ago. In his initial months, he implemented several policies and programmes that were transforming the Education Ministry's operations, gaining a good reputation that could potentially benefit the concerned minister in the upcoming elections. However, Jay now faces a significant challenge. As part of his responsibilities, he must approve the recruitment of new teachers for government schools. He has received a list of 120 candidates recommended for vacant posts, but suspects the recruitment process was unfair. Jay had also received several complaints claiming that the process had not been meritocratic. Upon review, Jay discovers evidence suggesting that many names on the list are the result of political patronage - a prevalent issue in the state where politicians use recruitment to gain political support. Jay believes the Education Minister is engaging in this practice as the election season approaches. This situation reminds Jay of a past incident when, as a junior officer, he refused to entertain an unnecessary procurement request. Consequently, he was transferred within a week, and his family faced frivolous anti-corruption complaints as retaliation. His successor approved the procurement at even higher rates. Jay is now concerned that blocking the current recruitment could lead to similar consequences. Moreover, he fears that the minister could scrap the projects he personally initiated. (a) What are the options available to Jay as the Commissioner of the Education Department? Evaluate each of these options. (b) What option should Jay adopt and why? (c) How can civil servants like Jay be better protected when they attempt to uphold ethical standards in their work? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"What are the options available to Jay as the Commissioner of the Education Department? Evaluate each of these options. (b) What option should Jay adopt and why? (c) How can civil servants like Jay be better protected when they attempt to uphold ethical standards in their work? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"As the District Magistrate of X city, you are responsible for overseeing the construction of a new metro depot in an urban forest area, which is a critical infrastructure project aimed at improving public transportation and reducing traffic congestion and air pollution. The project, however, requires the clearance of a substantial portion of the forest, which has triggered strong opposition from environmental activists, local residents, and NGOs. This forest is widely regarded as essential for the city's ecological balance, often referred to as the city's \"lungs.\" In addition to the environmental concerns, you are under considerable pressure from politicians at the state-level to expedite the project, given the upcoming elections in two years. The political leadership emphasizes the benefits of the metro project for the city's development and its potential to garner electoral support. The project is expected to significantly reduce travel time for thousands of commuters and potentially decrease overall vehicle emissions in the city. However, it would also lead to the loss of thousands of trees and disrupt local ecosystems. As you prepare to make a decision, you are aware that your choice will have far-reaching consequences for both the city's development and its environment. (a) Identify the ethical dilemmas involved in the above case. (b) Evaluate the options available to you in the above situation. Which of these would you choose and why? (c) Suggest some measures that could be implemented to balance urban development needs with environmental conservation in future projects. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Dr. Mehra is a senior drug developer at a leading pharmaceutical company in India, renowned for producing various medications, including lifesaving drugs critical for treating chronic and rare diseases. Since its inception, the company has emphasized the quality and affordability of its drugs. Recently, under revised government guidelines, pharmaceutical companies are required to market a finished product only after obtaining \"satisfactory results\" from tests on the ingredients. Additionally, they must retain a sufficient quantity of samples of both intermediate and final products to allow repeated testing or verification of a batch. Dr. Mehra's team is in the final stages of developing a new medication for a rare but life-threatening disease. This drug has shown promising results in clinical trials. However, there have been unresolved concerns about the long-term side effects of the drug, observed in a small percentage of trial subjects. Despite this, the company has not released any major drug in the past decade, leading to significant pressure from the board members to expedite the drug's release. (a) Identify the stakeholders in the above case study. (b) Discuss the ethical issues faced by Dr. Mehra. (c) Analyse the options available to Dr. Mehra in the above case. Which of these would you choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":58,"question":"You have been appointed as the Under Secretary in the State Urban Development Department. The Department has been tasked with a prestigious project aimed at revitalizing the infrastructure of a city with deep historical significance. This project, which you are extremely passionate about, involves modernizing public transportation, restoring heritage buildings, and creating green spaces while preserving the city's cultural essence. Excited by the opportunity, you spent weeks researching and drafting a comprehensive proposal. Your plan included innovative ideas for sustainable development, community engagement, and leveraging technology for urban planning. You presented these initial plans in a departmental meeting, hoping to inspire your colleagues and kickstart the project. However, your enthusiasm was met with indifference. Your colleagues showed little interest, Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) How does the above-mentioned work culture affect workplace morale and productivity? (c) What are the options available to you and how would you address the situation? (Answer in 250 words) In light of the above case, discuss the ethical issues that may arise from the nexus between corporate, political, and bureaucratic interests. (b) As a conscientious civil servant, evaluate the options available to Arun. Which option should he choose and why?(Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":58,"question":"In light of the above case, discuss the ethical issues that may arise from the nexus between corporate, political, and bureaucratic interests. (b) As a conscientious civil servant, evaluate the options available to Arun. Which option should he choose and why?(Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5216,"topper":"Nithin Pradeep","air":172,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1FuVHy6fdi_F84bGQYEVjCCCUuem0Q6GW","questions":[]},{"id":5217,"topper":"NITIN CHOUDHARY","air":578,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/62/mt23macen006_tc071-test-01-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5218,"topper":"NITIN CHOUDHARY","air":578,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/63/mt23macen006_tc072-test-02-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5219,"topper":"NITIN CHOUDHARY","air":578,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/64/mt23macen006_tc073-test-03-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5220,"topper":"NITIN CHOUDHARY","air":578,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/59/mt23macen006_tc071-test-01-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5221,"topper":"NITIN CHOUDHARY","air":578,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/60/mt23macen006_tc072-test-02-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5222,"topper":"NITIN CHOUDHARY","air":578,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/61/mt23macen006_tc073-test-03-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5223,"topper":"NITISH GUPTA","air":287,"year":2020,"paper":"Optional — Medical Science","optional":true,"source":"IAS Delhi Institute","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZMKT7LGLXmssGFMU9BMXW1iX2cSCcfUF/view?usp=share_link","questions":[]},{"id":5224,"topper":"NITISH GUPTA","air":287,"year":2020,"paper":"Optional — Medical Science","optional":true,"source":"IAS Delhi Institute","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/105lzGpTxlaT04AD6e7xHbS6U0aaSOh1i/view?usp=share_link","questions":[]},{"id":5225,"topper":"NITISH GUPTA","air":287,"year":2020,"paper":"Optional — Medical Science","optional":true,"source":"IAS Delhi Institute","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1er1cs6rTEKy0DqyP72PcHtAtBBqtNMi7/view?usp=share_link","questions":[]},{"id":5226,"topper":"Nitish K","air":8,"year":2014,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"IMS4Maths","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://ims4maths.com/coaching/files/Test-8-Nitish-K-Copy.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5227,"topper":"Nitish K","air":8,"year":2014,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"IMS4Maths","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://ims4maths.com/coaching/files/IMS-TEST-10-Nitish-k-Copy.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5228,"topper":"Nitish Kumar","air":237,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Geography","optional":true,"source":"LotusArise","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ajMFJx0S-beZ7S7cG_bt3e1YaSGHoxih/view","questions":[]},{"id":5229,"topper":"Nitish Kumar Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/NITISH_KUMAR_SINGH_GS_4_AIR_305_2025_4daf38949c.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Attitude is crucial factor in building the social capital of an individual. Do you agree with this view. Justify your answer.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"Emotional intelligence is primary in managing workplace conflicts. Discuss with suitable examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"Most of the time, the bilateral conflicts become difficult to soothe due to mutual suspicion. How does Panchasheel help in promoting ethical relations between countries?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Huge sums of public funds are used in populist measures for electoral gains. What are ethical issues associated with the freebie culture?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"Probity in governance is a vital segment for socio-economic development, without which no real progress is possible in a nation. Discuss. Support your answer with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Increasing complexity in public administration creates multiple ethical dilemmas. Explain the application of Gandhiji's Talisman in decision making for public servants. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The scope of corruption increases when the accountability of public administration is fragile and division of power is ambiguous. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5230,"topper":"Nitish Mauriya","air":90,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/758db-507906_1460_nitish-mauriya_rank-90.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5231,"topper":"Nitish Mauriya","air":90,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/326eb-507906_2125_nitish-mauriya_rank-90.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5232,"topper":"Nitish Mauriya","air":90,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b0ed8-507906_2123_nitish-mauriya_rank-90.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5233,"topper":"Nitish Mauriya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d2221-507906_2218_nitish-mauriya_rank-90.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to revisit the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution? Discuss with suitable arguments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Highlighting the advantages of online dispute resolution (ODR) mechanism for justice delivery, discuss the challenges associated with its effective implementation in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Despite the constitutional division of powers, Centre-state disputes have been a perennial feature of Indian democracy. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Do you agree with the view that adopting a framework for lobbying will strengthen participative governance and ease of doing business in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Despite the government encouraging open source instead of proprietary technology for government applications, the true potential of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) and digital platforms remains unrealized. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"As a social safety-valve, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) can be the principal vehicles through which communities voice their concerns. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Despite being lauded for its patient centric approach, the implementation of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, remains sluggish and mired with various issues. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to formulate an Urban Employment Guarantee scheme at the national level? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the relevance of BIMSTEC as a regional organisation to fulfil India's strategic aspirations in the Indian Ocean Region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the relevance of the Gujral Doctrine for India with regard to its relations with its immediate neighbours in the present times. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the pivotal role of the \"Officers of Parliament\" in the Indian parliamentary system. Also, discuss the constitutional and statutory provisions for their impartial functioning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The Finance Commission plays a crucial role in balancing fiscal federalism in India. In this context, examine the recommendations given by the 15th Finance Commission. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Critically assess whether according statutory backing to the Model Code of Conduct will contribute towards free and fair elections in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The market disruption caused by digital revolution warrants renewed focus and perspective to ensure fair competition in the digital economy. In this light, discuss the need to revamp the Competition Commission of India (CCI). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"There is an urgent need for effective whistle-blowing mechanisms and ensuring that necessary safeguards for the protection of whistle-blowers are established in both public and private spheres in India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"State the reasons behind the poor performance of cooperatives in India. Also, discuss the reforms undertaken by the government to overcome the shortcomings. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) is born from a collective desire to make the Indo-Pacific region an engine of global economic growth. Comment. Also, discuss India's concerns in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"India needs to identify the priority areas to further its techno-diplomacy amidst the complexities of expanding digital space and New and Emerging Strategic Technologies. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5234,"topper":"Nitish Mauriya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1f4e7-507906_2219_nitish-mauriya_rank-90.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Fiscal policy can be a key tool to reduce income inequality as well as make the poorest and the downtrodden a part of the country's growth story. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Digitizing land records will go a long way in ensuring land reforms as well as lessening the burden on the Indian Judiciary. Elaborate. Also, state the measures taken in this context. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"It has been pointed out that competitive politics to fund mostly non-merit subsidies is pushing a few states in India to the brink of a deep fiscal crisis. In this context, discuss the need to rationalise the subsidy regime in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Micro-irrigation has tremendous potential in transforming farming into a profitable and sustainable venture. Discuss the given statement in the context of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Given its vast resources and technical expertise, India can play a key role in assisting the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) in dealing with the impact of climate change. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The recent \"Disaster Management Plan of Ministry of Panchayati Raj (DMP-MoPR)\" aims to develop disaster resilience at the grassroots level. In this context, discuss the rationale behind the formulation of the Plan and highlight its key components. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the internal security implications emanating from the use of Emerging And Disruptive Technologies (EDT) by state and non-state actors. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Identify the impediments faced by India in boosting its defence exports. Also, discuss the steps taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the multiple issues associated with space debris. Also, state the initiatives taken in recent times to tackle this menace. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The adoption of Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) in India is expected to make e-commerce more inclusive and accessible for consumers. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While an agreement was recently reached at the WTO on a deal to curb \"harmful\" government fisheries subsidies, certain concerns raised by India suggests that the matter will require further negotiations. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite the advantages that are associated with the hybrid annuity model (HAM) in the road construction sector, the interest in it has moderated due to various reasons. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The existing MSP procurement regime is neither economically nor agro-ecologically sustainable. Elaborate. Also, evaluate the alternative approaches that can be adopted to improve the existing MSP regime. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"It is being argued that India is struggling with overflowing foodgrains in warehouses. Discuss the statement in view of the existing buffer stock policy of India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Recently, the government has asked all ports to prepare a master plan in order to become 'mega ports' by 2047. In light of this, discuss the challenges faced by ports and suggest remedial measures in order to propel India's blue economy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Inequality in income and wealth translates into carbon inequality. In this context, discuss the significance of addressing carbon inequality for India and suggest ways to achieve it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Despite increased and regular occurrences of landslides over the past decade in India, the dominant development paradigm has largely not been modified. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India needs a smart border management system to balance legitimate cross border flows with national security interests. Discuss. Also, highlight the initiatives taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Establishing linkages between globalisation and money laundering, discuss the initiatives taken at the national and international levels to combat it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"There have been arguments that India needs to review some of its past assumptions about the nature of outer space and contribute to the development of new global norms. In this context, analyse India's stand in relation to the Artemis Accords. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5235,"topper":"Nitish Mauriya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ceada-507906_1509_nitish-mauriya_rank-90.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The architecture of Vijayanagara kingdom has a distinctive style comprising of unique features. Elaborate with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Although the tenure of Lord William Bentinck was short, it was marked by enduring reforms. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"While the Indian capitalists were not in favour of protracted mass civil disobedience, many of them also acknowledged the utility, even necessity, of civil disobedience in getting crucial concessions for their class and the nation. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"American Revolution was a constitutional crisis brought on by the irreconcilability of Britain's imperial interests and the colonists' experience in self-government. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Explaining the phenomenon of Western Disturbance, discuss its impact on the Indian weather system. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Arabian Sea, a cyclone shy water body, is converting into a cyclone hotbed. Analyse the reasons behind this trend. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Despite the Peninsular India being a stable land mass and a region of slight seismicity, it has witnessed several earthquakes. Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Despite all the long strides towards women's rights to property and inheritance in India, there still exist challenges that need to be addressed. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"It has been observed in India, while the population has stabilised in southern states, this remains a pipe dream in the case of northern states. Analyse the reasons behind this trend. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Globalisation is affecting the attitudes and aspirations of youth in India in multifarious ways. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Identifying its major forms, broadly trace the evolution of classical dance in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The acceptance of partition by the Indian National Congress was only the last stage of the process of gradual concessions given to the Muslim League. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"The roots of the present Israel-Palestine conflict may be traced back to ancient history, however it is the 20th century which has shaped it in its modern form. Explain. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Over the course of the freedom struggle, especially after the Indian Council's Act of 1892, nationalist leaders in India transformed the Imperial Legislative Council, from a powerless machine functioning as a tool of endorsement of government policies into a forum for ventilating popular grievances. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Despite its advocacy for peaceful resolution of disputes, highlight the factors that prompted India to use force to remove Portuguese colonial rule from its territories after independence. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Discuss the problems and prospects of the cotton textile industry in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"As Indian cities are undergoing rapid urbanization with burgeoning population, state policies and actions have proved to be inadequate to address the corresponding challenges. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Nation doesn't negate the concept of region. Discuss the idea in the Indian context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5236,"topper":"Nitish Mauriya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c041f-507906_2220_nitish-mauriya_rank-90.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The logic of limitless wealth lies in the basic human instinct for furthering self-interest in the form of profit. In this context, do you think there is a possibility of pursuing ethical capitalism? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":5237,"topper":"Nitish Mauriya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/efa1e-507906_2214_nitish-mauriya_rank-90.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The ideals of 'Dhamma' by Ashoka present key learnings on public morality. Discuss. Also, state their relevance for public servants. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Although bribery is illegal and counterproductive, public officials still demand bribes, and executives in the private sector remain tempted to pay up. In this context, discuss ways in which corporations can build a framework to eliminate the practice of offering kickbacks. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"It is argued that the Indian bureaucracy suffers from indecision and risk aversion. Do you agree? Justify with logical arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Although open and transparent governance has gained ground, do you agree with the view that there is merit in withholding some information from people? Justify your arguments with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"While it may seem restrictive, anonymity is one of the greatest strengths of the civil services. Comment in the context of growth of social media in recent times. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"A legally enforceable code of ethics for civil servants, which not only prescribes the ethical values they must display in their public life but also provides sanctions for violations of these values, is the need of the hour. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Examine the issue of foreign aid in global politics from an ethical perspective. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"There is a need for an effective climate governance structure within the broad framework of corporate governance. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"A well-developed Emotional intelligence is not only an instrumental tool in accomplishing goals, but has a dark side as a weapon for manipulating others by robbing them of their capacity to reason.\" Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The opportunities and threats created by emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) require leaders across business, government and civil society to understand the importance of values and ethics in technological development. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"All persons ought to endeavour to follow what is right, and not what is established.\" — Aristotle (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":34,"question":"Capital punishment, or \\\"death penalty,\\\" is an institutionalized practice designed to result in deliberately executing persons in response to actual or supposed misconduct and following an authorized, rule-governed process to conclude that the person is responsible for violating norms that warrant execution. Punitive executions have historically been imposed by diverse kinds of authorities, for an expansive range of conduct, political or religious beliefs and practices, for a status beyond one's control, or without employing any significant due process procedures. Punitive executions also have been and continue to be carried out more informally, such as by terrorist groups, urban gangs, and mobs. For centuries in Europe and America, discussions have focused on capital punishment as an institutionalized, rule-governed practice of modern states and legal systems governing serious criminal conduct and procedures. In light of the above debate of capital punishment, answer the following questions: (a) What are the arguments in favour of and against having capital punishment in the criminal justice system? (b) Do you think capital punishment has a place in modern civilised society? Examine in the context of moral implications involved in awarding it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Sunil has been posted as a DM in a hilly district which is vulnerable to several natural disasters. The district is known for a pilgrimage site and is frequently visited by tourists from all over India. The major occupation of locals therefore lies in the hospitality business. Unfortunately, after a few days of his joining, the district faced a major earthquake. It has led to high casualties and damages to the essential infrastructure such as roads and bridges. Both locals and tourists are trapped at different routes and locations. An international convoy of dignitaries from a neighboring country which has come to pay their obeisance at the pilgrimage site, is also trapped due to the disaster. Because of this, Sunil has to divert most of the available resources in the rescue operation of the foreign dignitaries. People are emotionally distressed due to the disaster, and delayed response from authorities to their needs has led to a law-and-order situation in the district. People from other states whose families are trapped and need immediate assistance are also getting restless and flooding the emergency helplines with complaints and requests. (a) Discuss the issues being faced by Sunil in the given scenario. (b) Mention a course of action that Sunil must take to maintain law-and-order as well as to expediate rescue operations of all concerned.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"You are the Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district. One of your subordinates informs you that a girl has reached out to him and complained about a potential death threat to her and her boyfriend who belongs to another caste. Both the families are averse to their union. She has also informed that the local police station is neither filing any complaint nor giving her any assurance of protection. The girl belongs to the dominant caste of the region and her father is a prominent local leader of the party which is in power in the state. On further enquiry, you come to know that both the girl and her boyfriend are adults. They have moved out of the house and have started living together. This has further angered both the families and they are accusing each other of abduction. In the given scenario, answer the following questions: (a) Bring out the ethical dilemma faced by the you. (b) What would be a suitable course of action to resolve the issue? (c) At times, such instances lead to violence and may end up in honour killings. Discuss the reasons behind their social acceptance in parts of India despite the legal sanction against them.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5238,"topper":"Nitish Mauriya","air":90,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/05ddb-507906_1420_nitish-mauriya_rank-90.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5239,"topper":"Nitish Rajora","air":268,"year":2020,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1vEJlR6__TmLyoNOnlBiyHudpMctBmUsH","questions":[]},{"id":5240,"topper":"Nitisha Thakwani","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/da288-998375_3128_nitisha_thakwani_rank_133.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"The world must learn to work together, or finally it will not work at all.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Technology, like art, is a soaring exercise of the human imagination.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"We've begun to raise daughters more like sons, but few have the courage to raise our sons more like our daughters.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"While we have seen the power of 'working together', is it always true that unity is the panacea to all the problems? Does it vary from situation to situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5241,"topper":"Nitisha Thakwani","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6be31-998375_2033_nitisha_thakwani_rank_135.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Stating the issues associated with agricultural extension in India, discuss the role of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in strengthening the national agricultural research extension system. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In India, the food processing sector is emerging as a high-growth and high-profit sector due to its immense potential for value addition. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Explaining the concept of livestock-based Integrated Farming System (IFS), discuss its benefits. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"While Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) are spearheading entrepreneurship across the world, India still has one of the lowest entrepreneurship rates. Discuss. Also, state the policy measures that have been taken to increase the pace of entrepreneurship in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"'Land banks' can play a critical role in boosting the economy and promoting ease of doing business in India. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The proposed amendments to the Forest Conservation Act (FCA) are not only antithetical to the Forest Rights Act (FRA), but are also likely to delay India achieving its commitments on climate change. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The problem of flooding in urban areas is not only due to overflowing rivers, but also the uninformed ways in which our cities are coping with urbanisation. Discuss. In this context, mention the National Disaster Management Authority guidelines on urban floods. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Indian Railways has suffered from chronic under-investment, which has adversely impacted key areas of its operations. In this context, discuss the challenges faced by the railways in speedy creation of infrastructure. Also, mention the steps taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"A disruptive approach to research & development (R&D), with a focus on last mile obligations of the agricultural system is necessary to realize India's objective of doubling farmer's income. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"India's power distribution companies and electrical grids must undergo reforms to transition from fossil fuels to more sustainable forms of renewable energy. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The practice of input-intensive agriculture in India needs a massive overhaul due to its unsustainability and negative consequences. In this context, discuss the significance of Low External Input Sustainable Agriculture (LEISA). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The recently released IPCC Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) – 2021 has been deemed as 'code red' for humanity. In this context, discuss the various concerns raised in the report with special focus on India. Also, enlist the remedial measures given by the report. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Multiple chemical disasters from the Bhopal gas tragedy to gas leak in Visakhapatnam have brought into focus the risks posed by hazardous chemicals (HAZCHEM) in India. In view of this, discuss the preparedness as well as gaps in Chemical Disaster Management (CDM) in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The growing demand for liberalisation of public health-related goods and services amidst the pandemic has raised critical issues with regard to the current intellectual property regime. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Highlighting the reasons behind suboptimal results in indigenization of defence technologies in India, suggest measures which can accelerate the pace of indigenization in the defence sector. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Discuss the factors behind conceptualization of different Central Armed Police Forces for guarding the international borders. Also, highlight the contribution of these forces in ensuring security of India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Discuss the vulnerability of virtual assets in terms of their misuse for money laundering activities. Also, state corrective measures that can be taken to mitigate the risks posed by the use of virtual assets. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5242,"topper":"Nitisha Thakwani","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/16a6d-998375_2930_nitisha_thakwani_rank_135.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How is the rapid growth of the food processing industry leading to food safety challenges in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Under the Public Distribution System of India, the Fair Price Shop (FPS) transformation is an evolving process. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"How are agri-tech startups in India helping farmers in enhancing farm productivity and market access? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the role of digitization of land records in the effective implementation of land reforms in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"To fully exploit its demographic dividend and accelerate economic growth, India needs to adopt a manufacturing-led growth model. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can the resilience of Indian coastal communities be strengthened to tackle the growing natural hazards resulting from climate change? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How does the Green Credit Programme extend beyond carbon management to promote a more sustainable environment in India? What are the various concerns about its implementation? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What is the need for NavIC when existing satellite navigation systems are already available? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Cyber-enabled financial crime has emerged as the new frontier of global money laundering. Discuss. How can the government address this issue? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The Indian Army is observing the year 2024 as the 'Year of Technology Absorption'. In light of this, explain why there is a need for technology absorption in the defence sector of India. What challenges can India face in this initiative? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What are the issues faced in the development of trade and industries in the North-Eastern Region (NER) of India? Comment on the measures that have been taken to tackle these issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the era of climate change and growing water scarcity, how can micro-irrigation systems contribute to sustainable agricultural practices in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What strategies can be adopted to overcome the issues pertaining to freight transportation in the Indian Railways and increase its share in the domestic freight? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the factors that have aided India in making impressive strides in the renewable energy sector and establishing itself as a frontrunner in the global renewable energy transition. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"How does agricultural runoff containing fertilizers and pesticides contribute to environmental pollution? What measures can be taken to mitigate the impact of agricultural runoff? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The growing influx of tourists in Himalayan states has breached their ecological carrying capacity, leading to significant man-made disasters. What measures can be implemented to prevent such disasters while promoting sustainable tourism? Discuss with relevant examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"How do superconductors fuel innovation in diverse fields of science and technology? Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"While India has laws covering almost all types of intellectual property rights, numerous enforcement, regulatory and administrative challenges hamper the commercialisation of IPRs in India. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Keeping in view the challenges in creating integrated theatre commands, examine how the theaterisation of commands can lead to greater integration and rationalisation of manpower and resources among the three services. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Treating border villages as first villages not just geographically but also in terms of facilities can be a key strategy for enhancing border security. Discuss. Also, highlight the measures being taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5243,"topper":"Nitisha Thakwani","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/bef92-998375_2424_nitisha_thakwani_rank_135.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What are the different dimensions of food security? Examine India's status in terms of ensuring food security with regard to these dimensions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Modern technologies such as blockchain and ChatGPT are powerful tools with immense potential to transform agriculture into a more efficient and sustainable sector. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What factors have led to the recent acceleration in the trend towards de-dollarization of the global economy? Do you think the dollar will lose its dominance anytime soon? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Despite significant pressure from the developed countries to alter its food subsidy regime, there is merit in India trying to retain its policy support for the poor in the country. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Do you think there is a need for a shift from 'land productivity' to 'irrigation water productivity' in India? Justify your answer. What are the challenges in making this shift? Explain. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Examine the role that green hydrogen can play in unlocking the energy security of India. How can the National Green Hydrogen Mission help India in achieving its energy goals? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5244,"topper":"Nitisha Thakwani","air":133,"year":2024,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/nitisha-thakwani-test-1-1747467996226.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5245,"topper":"Nitisha Thakwani","air":133,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/nitisha-thakwani-test-2-1747468016933.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5246,"topper":"NIVEDITA CHANDRA","air":1008,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/05e79e85886db31c562f8e2fb26b6867/54/psir-1_nivedita-chandra.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5247,"topper":"NIVEDITA CHANDRA","air":1008,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/05e79e85886db31c562f8e2fb26b6867/55/psir-4_nivedita-chandra.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5248,"topper":"Nongjai MOHD Ali Akram Shah","air":188,"year":2019,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5e516-97237_1252_nongjai-mohd-ali-akram-shah_rank_188.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5249,"topper":"Nongjai MOHD Ali Akram Shah","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ba7e8-97237_874_nongjai-mohd-ali-akram-shah_rank_188.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The greatness of the Mughal achievement in the political unification of India was matched by the splendour and beauty of the work of architects, poets, historians, painters and musicians who flourished in the period. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Traditionally, India had developed wide-ranging water harvesting techniques in keeping with the local ecological conditions and their water needs. Substantiate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Imperial rivalries of 18th Century Europe were played out in India as well. Comment in the context of the Carnatic Wars.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"The Lucknow session of 1916 was a watershed event during the freedom struggle of India due to various reasons. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Reforms initiated by the Justice Party became a model for social affirmative action in the country. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"War in the Korean Peninsula proved to be disastrous for Korea, a missed opportunity for the United States and a defining moment for China. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"The Munich Pact brought neither peace nor stability in relations between European countries, rather it turned out to be an act of appeasement that made war inevitable. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Explain how Gandhi's non-violent philosophy influenced Martin Luther King Jr.'s methods. Also discuss the contributions and accomplishments of King to ensure civil rights for all people regardless of race in America.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Apart from the linguistic reorganisation of states, the three language formula was an important part of government policy to address the language question in India. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Enumerate the measures for the welfare of Unorganised Workers in India. In the context of problems being faced by 'domestic helps', discuss the need for additional measures to safeguard their interests.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"The manner in which the mentally ill have been treated in India suggests that policy measures alone may not be sufficient to address the challenges faced by them. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Highlight the characteristics of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) and discuss the challenges faced by them. Also enumerate the measures taken by the government to address these challenges.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"While suburbanisation is a common phenomenon in most urbanising countries, it is occurring at a relatively early stage of India's urban development. Enumerating the reasons behind this development, highlight the challenges it is creating for Indian cities.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Various geographical and anthropogenic factors have rendered Brahmaputra Valley susceptible to recurrent floods. Discuss the causes and suggest suitable measures of mitigation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Give a brief account of Earth's heat budget. Also discuss how increasing concentration of carbon dioxide in Earth's atmosphere effects it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Give an outline of the major geological events that have shaped the present drainage system of Peninsular India. Also, explain why peninsular rivers are unsuitable for navigation but facilitate hydroelectric power generation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Elaborate with examples as to how government policies influence the location of industries. Also, mention the steps taken by the Government of India to stimulate industrial activity in backward regions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Explain, in brief, the process of cloud formation. Also, elucidate how clouds can help in weather forecasting.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"The socio-economic and ecological consequences of soil degradation are far-reaching. Discuss. Suggest measures that can be taken to restore soil fertility and arrest soil degradation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Development of island territories requires a careful balancing of environmental and tribal concerns with exploitation of economic potential. Elaborating on the threats faced by island territories of India, comment on the recent measures proposed by the government regarding their development.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5250,"topper":"Nongjai MOHD Ali Akram Shah","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8aa6c-97237_1243_nongjai-mohd-ali-akram-shah_rank_188.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Reservation of seats in legislature is needed to ensure meaningful political participation of women and to make the democratic process truly inclusive. Discuss the statement in the light of 108th Constitution Amendment Bill. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the issue of reservation in promotions for SCs and STs in public employment in the light of various judicial pronouncements and constitutional amendments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the reasons behind underperformance of the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs). How can their performance be improved? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlighting the rationale behind continuance of the Official Secrets Act, critically discuss whether the Right to Information should be given precedence over it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What is the rationale behind having a mandatory 'cooling-off' period for retired civil servants? In light of numerous instances of violation of this provision, do you think there is a need to have a relook at Civil Services Conduct Rules? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlighting the key features of POSHAN Abhiyan, explain how it is an improvement over previous interventions in achieving the goal of malnutrition free India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Give an account of the challenges that the multilateral rule-based trading system is facing. With special focus on WTO, discuss how these challenges can be addressed effectively. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Highlight the major impediments affecting India-US trade relations. What possible consequences can the recent withdrawal of Generalized System of Preference (GSP) have on India-US trade relations? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In a democratic setup, it is imperative that independence be balanced with accountability. Discuss in the context of judiciary in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":24,"question":"Despite various strengths, there are certain weaknesses in the existing structure of departments of the government which render the system slow and cumbersome. Analyze. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"In the light of criticism surrounding the composition and functioning of Rajya Sabha, do you think it exists merely as a secondary house of the Parliament? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Despite legislative changes with respect to funding of political parties in recent years, many challenges still exist with regards to transparency in electoral funding. Discuss. Can state funding of elections help in addressing these challenges? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Successful and long-lasting urban transformation critically depends on reforming the way our cities are governed. In this context, highlight the challenges plaguing urban governance in India and suggest some strategies to overcome those challenges. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Explain the role that SHGs play in poverty alleviation in India. Highlighting the shortcomings of the SHG-Bank Linkage programme, give some suggestions to improve its performance. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Despite initiatives taken by the government in recent years to address the challenges of the Indian higher education system, many reforms are still required to improve its quality and enhance its relevance. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Giving an account of the progress made under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, mention the challenges that it faces in achieving its target. How can the implementation of the programme be fast-tracked? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Island nations of the Indian Ocean hold immense strategic value in shaping the geopolitical contours of the region and ensuring maritime security of India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Development assistance, a key instrument in India's foreign policy, has seen a considerable expansion in the past few years both in its scope and reach. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5251,"topper":"Nongjai MOHD Ali Akram Shah","air":188,"year":2019,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/56b55-97237_1244_nongjai-mohd-ali-akram-shah_rank_188.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5252,"topper":"Nongjai MOHD Ali Akram Shah","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2b9c9-97237_1245_nongjai-mohd-ali-akram-shah_rank_188.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the attributes of leadership, analyse why it is important for a civil servant.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"A civil servant needs to be objective as well as empathetic. What do you understand by objectivity? Discuss its relationship with empathy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"With rapidly increasing use of information technology, what according to you is the role of ethics in cyber space?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Transparency in government organisations is an essential pre-condition for good governance. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but its lowest ones. Nelson Mandela","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"For achieving success, attitude is equally, if not more important than ability. Discuss with the help of examples from your daily life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"The core of high Emotional Intelligence is self-awareness. If you don't understand your own motivations and behaviours, it is nearly impossible to develop an understanding of others. Discuss with the help of appropriate examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by Integrity Pacts? Highlight the role they can play in bringing transparency in allotment of public contracts and ensuring proper utilization of public funds in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"In the context of rapid technological change, discuss the significance of inculcating moral and spiritual values in educational institutions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Explain the main elements of integral humanism as propounded by Deen Dayal Upadhyay and highlight its contemporary relevance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"It is imperative for a country like India, that code of ethics should be implemented for civil servants on social media platforms as well. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Discuss how effective corporate governance can ensure the equitable treatment of all stakeholders.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"You are posted as the Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district of a state where alcohol prohibition has been imposed recently. The District Excise department has conducted many raids and seized liquor in large quantities, for which it has received state-wide public appreciation. A few months later reports surface in the media that in this district, hundreds of seized bottles of illicit liquor are missing from the government malkhanas or stores. As a result, the government is left red-faced. You are asked by the DM, who is the overall in-charge of the district excise setup, to investigate the matter. Upon investigation, you unearth a nexus of politicians and government officials who smuggled seized liquor and sold it through spurious means both inside and outside the state. In this context, evaluate these options:","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Being aware of the seriousness of the matter, discretely put the detailed investigation report in the public domain and expose the nexus. Also, suggest, without restricting yourself to the given options, the final course of action that you would prefer.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate in a district where many large factories and commercial establishments are located. One such factory is owned by one of your close friends. You visit each other's home frequently and are often seen in public together. Recently, media reported about poor working conditions in your friend's factory. Upon enquiry with the labour office, you come to know that the factory has witnessed frequent labour unrests in the past as well. However, the labour officer told you that he was hesitating to take any action due to your proximity with the owner of the factory. With reference to the facts of the case, answer the following questions: (a) Identifying the stakeholders and public cause, discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) As the District Magistrate, what appropriate course of action will you take? Give reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are a resident of a remote tribal district, where there is high incidence of malnutrition. As a remedial measure, the District Magistrate has initiated a programme to promote millet cultivation, especially on the lands currently lying fallow in the district. However, this well-intentioned move of the officer receives flak from the local tribals as this may not only change their age-old food habits, but also alter their traditional agricultural practices. They further cite lower remunerative prices of millets as another reason for continuing with their existing crop production pattern. As a civil servant who has a keen interest in development of tribal areas, answer the following questions: (a) What according to you are the key issues and challenges involved in the above situation? (b) Identify the key stakeholders and their respective interests. (c) Suggest a course of action that the District Magistrate can take keeping in mind the larger tribal interests.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You have recently been posted as a District Labour Officer in a case, which derives a substantial revenue from tourism. You discover that the hotel owners in the area are not paying wages as per the Minimum Wages Act. The hotel owner is a powerful local leasee having contacts with many influential officers of the area. You pull the hotel owner for non-compliance of legal violations and accordingly, you initiate an inquiry into the matter. However, no worker is willing to come forward to lodge a formal complaint because they fear loss of employment. Meanwhile, your action has attracted notice of the higher authorities, and you are advised to drop the matter altogether. You are deeply concerned about the situation as it involves not only violation of the Minimum Wages Act, but also denial of basic human rights of the workers. (a) Identify the issues involved in the given case. (b) Consider the options given below:","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Serve a notice to the hotel owner and initiate action as per your powers under the Minimum Wages Act. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each of these options and suggest your preferred course of action, giving reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"You are the Chairman of a Committee, constituted by the government, to suggest measures to improve the quality of education in state-run schools. In view of the increasing dropout rate and the widening gap between the students' learning ability in state-run and private schools, answer the following questions: (a) Examine the role of government in the education sector, especially providing primary and secondary education through state-run schools. (b) Identify the principles and values that would guide your recommendations in this regard. (c) Suggest some ways in which quality of education in state-run schools can be improved.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5253,"topper":"Nongjai MOHD Ali Akram Shah","air":188,"year":2019,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/144ba-97237_1249_nongjai-mohd-ali-akram-shah_rank_188.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5254,"topper":"Nupur Goel","air":11,"year":2019,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/90194-6667_1255_nupur-goel_rank_11.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5255,"topper":"Nupur Goel","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/be259-6667_1230_nupur-goel_rank_11.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Enumerate the factors responsible for the decline of Mughal empire in India. How did it help in the expansion and consolidation of British power? (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Elucidate the key features of the Indus Valley Civilization with examples from prominent archaeological findings. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Various internal and external factors shaped the national movement in India. Assess the significance of the period of the first world war in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlight the contribution of EV Ramasamy Periyar in challenging conservatism and instituting socio-political reforms. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Enumerate the important features of Subsidiary Alliance policy during the British rule. How did this policy help in the expansion of the British rule in India? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discuss the emergence, significance and decline of the Home Rule League movement during the freedom struggle of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was a far-sighted realistic leader with great diplomatic and military skills. Discuss in the context of his contribution to national freedom struggle. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Numismatics and epigraphy have played a significant role in reconstruction of ancient Indian history. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Among various modes, trade played an important role in the spread of Indian culture abroad in the ancient period. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Critically discuss the contribution of the Indian capitalist class in the freedom struggle. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"What were the expectations behind the introduction of permanent settlement by the British in Bengal? Why did the Zamindars default on payments under this system.initially? Also provide reasons for the system not being extended much beyond Bengal. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Communal consciousness arose as a result of socio-political and economic transformation of colonial India. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What were the arguments advanced by Swarajists for entry into councils and why was this move being opposed by others within the Congress? In this context, highlight the successes and limitations of the Swaraj Party on their entry in councils. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Provide an account of inscription and monuments that are chief sources of information about the Vijayanagara Empire. In this context, also highlight the key features of the Vijayanagara temple architecture. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"India has a long civilizational history. In this context, highlight the significant contributions from ancient India in science, mathematics and medicine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Over the years, the nationalist movement successfully created an ideology and culture of democracy and civil liberties that became a source of its strength. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the salient features of the Ashokan Pillars spread across the Indian subcontinent? Also, mention the key message contained in the Ashokan edicts. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Why is it argued that Non-Cooperation movement and Khilafat agitation represented a new stage in the growth of Indian national movement? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Like the Bhakti saints who were engaged in breaking down the barriers within Hinduism, the Sufis too infused a new liberal outlook within Islam. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5256,"topper":"Nupur Goel","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6948e-6667_1243_nupur-goel_rank_11.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Reservation of seats in legislature is needed to ensure meaningful political participation of women and to make the democratic process truly inclusive. Discuss the statement in the light of 108th Constitution Amendment Bill. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the issue of reservation in promotions for SCs and STs in public employment in the light of various judicial pronouncements and constitutional amendments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the reasons behind underperformance of the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs). How can their performance be improved? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlighting the rationale behind continuance of the Official Secrets Act, critically discuss whether the Right to Information should be given precedence over it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What is the rationale behind having a mandatory 'cooling-off' period for retired civil servants? In light of numerous instances of violation of this provision, do you think there is a need to have a relook at Civil Services Conduct Rules? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlighting the key features of POSHAN Abhiyan, explain how it is an improvement over previous interventions in achieving the goal of malnutrition free India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Give an account of the challenges that the multilateral rule-based trading system is facing. With special focus on WTO, discuss how these challenges can be addressed effectively. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Highlight the major impediments affecting India-US trade relations. What possible consequences can the recent withdrawal of Generalized System of Preference (GSP) have on India-US trade relations? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"In a democratic setup, it is imperative that independence be balanced with accountability. Discuss in the context of judiciary in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Despite various strengths, there are certain weaknesses in the existing structure of departments of the government which render the system slow and cumbersome. Analyze. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the light of criticism surrounding the composition and functioning of Rajya Sabha, do you think it exists merely as a secondary house of the Parliament? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Despite legislative changes with respect to funding of political parties in recent years, many challenges still exist with regards to transparency in electoral funding. Discuss. Can state funding of elections help in addressing these challenges? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Successful and long-lasting urban transformation critically depends on reforming the way our cities are governed. In this context, highlight the challenges plaguing urban governance in India and suggest some strategies to overcome those challenges. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Explain the role that SHGs play in poverty alleviation in India. Highlighting the shortcomings of the SHG-Bank Linkage programme, give some suggestions to improve its performance. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Despite initiatives taken by the government in recent years to address the challenges of the Indian higher education system, many reforms are still required to improve its quality and enhance its relevance. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Giving an account of the progress made under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, mention the challenges that it faces in achieving its target. How can the implementation of the programme be fast-tracked? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Island nations of the Indian Ocean hold immense strategic value in shaping the geopolitical contours of the region and ensuring maritime security of India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Development assistance, a key instrument in India's foreign policy, has seen a considerable expansion in the past few years both in its scope and reach. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5257,"topper":"Nupur Goel","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4555f-6667_1244_nupur-goel_rank_11.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the need of an Independent Fiscal Council (IFC) in bringing about transparency and accountability in fiscal processes in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Recognizing the potential of exports in generating employment, a number of steps need to be taken to address India's weakening export competitiveness. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlighting the main features of National Mineral Policy, 2019, discuss how it can help in ensuring sustainable and responsible mining. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlighting the salient features of the PM JI-VAN Yojana, analyze how it can assist in achieving the vision and goals of the National Policy on Biofuels, 2018. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) provides an alternative to capital and chemical intensive agriculture currently being practiced in India. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Marine life is facing 'irreparable damage' from the millions of tonnes of plastic waste which ends up in the oceans each year. In this context, examine the implications of plastic pollution on marine ecosystem and suggest some measures for addressing this problem. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are black holes? Highlight the challenges in imaging a black hole? How were these challenges overcome by the Event Horizon Telescope project? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"While mentioning the objectives of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), discuss the challenges which are hindering the utilization of the ATT to its full potential. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Threats to internal security of India may be posed both through the communication networks and also to the networks. Discuss. Also, highlight the steps taken by the government in making the networks more secure. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlight the importance and challenges related to integration of Variable Renewable Energy (VRE) in India. Mention some steps that can be taken for its smooth integration with the synchronized Indian grid. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"There have been arguments that India could fall into a 'middle income trap'. Explaining the phenomenon, highlight the reasons behind such arguments. How can India avoid it? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Highlighting its importance, discuss the major issues that plague effective monetary policy transmission in India. Also, mention the steps taken by RBI to improve it. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight the constraints faced by rainfed agriculture in India. Discuss some agronomic practices that can be adopted for stabilizing agricultural production in rainfed areas. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite the steps taken by the government in recent years, a number of problems continue to persist in the urea sector in India. Discuss. What reforms should be taken to address the persisting problems? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What is Access and Benefit Sharing? Explain how it aids in sustainable use of biodiversity. Also, mention the different global and national level mechanisms for ensuring Access and Benefit Sharing. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Stating the significance, discuss the challenges in achieving disaster resilience of infrastructure. Suggest some ways for mainstreaming it in the development paradigm. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Highlighting the significance of data localization for India, discuss various challenges associated with data localization. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Money Laundering as a socio economic offence is a menace, especially for developing countries like India. Comment. What measures have been taken at the domestic and international levels to deal with this menace? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The primary motive of terrorism differs from that of organised crime but there exists a symbiotic relationship between the two. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5258,"topper":"Nupur Goel","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9bb5d-6667_1071_nupur-goel_rank_11.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) is more than just the keeper of our national accounts; it is also a conscience-keeper and a watchdog. Examine the statement in light of making the auditing process more effective. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The concern for transparency in political funding is at odds with the Electoral Bond Scheme notified by the government. Critically discuss. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Lobbying in India exists in a perennially grey legal and policy arena. In this context, discuss the need to formally recognize and regulate lobbying in India. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"More than a decade after it was passed, the implementation of the RTI Act leaves much to be desired. Comment. Also discuss the issues associated with the recent proposals to amend the RTI Act. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Critically discuss the evolving policy on reservation in promotions in India with special focus on its ability to meet the objectives of social justice. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"India produces enough food for its people, but not all people get enough food to eat. Discussing this paradox, highlight some of the major interventions taken in the past few years in this regard. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"India sees Indian Ocean as not just a water body, but a global stage for continued economic, social, and cultural dialogue. Elaborate. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In the context of India taking greater responsibility in management of the global commons, there has been a shift in India's climate change negotiation stance. In this context, analyze the evolution of India's climate policy. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlighting the constitutional role of the Finance Commission (FC), discuss the issues which are being debated w.r.t. terms of reference (ToR) of the 15th Finance Commission. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The spirit of the constitution of India represents a synthesis of Indian values, democratic and socialist movements in west and our independence movement. Elucidate. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"What is the importance of an independent judiciary in a democracy? Highlight the safeguards in our political-constitutional setup to ensure the independence of judiciary. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Even though Indian federalism has matured quite a bit, with states having far greater control of their economic and political management, serious structural problems still remain. Discuss. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The recent amendments to the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 strike a balance between enforcement overzealousness and the need for stringent action against corrupt public servants. Discuss. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Identifying the various issues plaguing the voluntary sector in India, discuss the need for a national accreditation agency to overcome them. Discuss. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Given the importance of a teacher in affecting the learning outcomes of children, discuss the problems in the present system of teacher training in India. How can these be addressed? (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The implementation of a scheme with such scale and benefit as Ayushman Bharat is likely to face many obstacles. Critically discuss. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Given the fact that India cannot match China's financial clout, it is seen to be diversifying the ways in which it can enhance cooperation and promote its diplomatic profile in Africa. Discuss. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Discuss how American sanctions on its adversaries affect India. Taking the example of CAATSA, analyse how India can shield its strategic interests in face of such sanctions. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5259,"topper":"Nupur Goel","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/baa33-6667_1235_nupur-goel_rank_11.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Given below are two quotations. For each of these bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) The golden rule of conduct is mutual toleration, seeing that we will never all think alike and we shall always see Truth in fragment and from different points of vision. Mahatma Gandhi.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Impersonal management, a characteristic feature of a Weberian bureaucracy, develops over time into indifference, especially with regard to weaker sections of the society. Critically discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"In pursuit of political power, means are often compromised that leads to competitive reliance on unethical practices resulting in erosion of public trust. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"It takes more than a corporate governance policy to inspire ethical behavior and sustain a truly ethical workplace. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"\"Law should be so succinct that it can be carried in the pocket of the coat and it should be so simple that it can be understood by a peasant.\" Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Ethics in international relations has the potential to cater to the diplomatic challenges of 21st century. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Nolan Committee provides for one of the most comprehensive statements of what constitutes ethical standards for holders of public office. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"The sharper the socio-economic disparities, the greater the incentive towards corruption. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"The moral worth of an action depends not on the consequences that flow from it, but on its motivation. Explain the statement with the help of suitable examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"The universal adoption of common good approach poses the ethical dilemma of putting collective interests over and above the individual interests. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Compassion should never be considered as weakness, but rather as an essential element for providing a congenial administrative working environment. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Explain what you understand by the following values and discuss their importance for civil services: 10 (a) Professionalism","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"There have been widespread protests both in favour of and against advancing reservation in educational institutions and government jobs to a certain section of the society. You are the chairman of a high level commission that was constituted to look into the matter. The commission has found no compelling reasons to provide reservation to this section and is about to submit its final report to the government. Meanwhile, the government takes the decision to extend reservation to the section, turning the commission's findings inconsequential. You have also been requested to ensure that the final report supports the government's decision. (a) Discuss the dilemma that you face in this situation? (b) What course of action would you adopt and why? (c) Also discuss the ethical issues involved with the policy of affirmative action in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"You are an honest and responsible civil servant. You often observe the following: (a) If one wants to remain effective and powerful to create impact on the lives of people, one should remain loyal to those in power. (b) Following ethical means may not be practical and effective at all times. (c) Petty corruption expedites the service delivery. Examine the above statements with their merits and demerits.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Recently, two national level sportspersons who are integral members of their team, made some comments in a talk show which were perceived as being grossly misogynistic and racist. This created a huge controversy and they were temporarily suspended from the team pending an enquiry. In light of these events, answer the following questions: (a) Do you think public figures have an additional responsibility in so far as expressing their views on matters of public importance is concerned? Give reasons. (b) According to you, what are the reasons that some prominent public figures make such misogynistic comments, and even get away without any consequences? (c) As the person in charge to enquire into the conduct, what factors would you consider to examine it and what punishment, if any, would you prescribe in this specific case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"There are large number of leather industries in a major industrial town of India. They provide employment to large number of people and are also a prominent source of revenue for the state. Lately it has been observed that despite following the present emission control rules, the collective ecological footprint of these industries remains quite high affecting the surrounding areas in an adverse manner. The new technologies available for emission control are quite costly and thus acts as a disincentive for the owners of the industries for adopting them. In light of this information, the government is contemplating the following options: (a) Shutting down the industries in the region (b) Relocating the industries to a new region (c) Making the emission control rules stricter (d) Providing incentives to the industry owners for adoption of new technology. 20 Analyse the above options in terms of their merits and demerits. What course of action would you choose and why?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5260,"topper":"Nupur Goel","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/338e2-6667_1238_nupur-goel_rank_11.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Do you think there has been a convergence of values between public and private sectors in the wake of increasing role of the private sector in public service delivery?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Giving examples of some social ills plaguing the society, discuss how social persuasion can be an effective technique to overcome them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"What steps should be taken by the government for increasing the effectiveness of grievance redressal mechanism?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are two statements. Bring out what you understand by them and discuss their relevance in the present context. (a) \"I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear\"- Nelson Mandela","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"\"Not everybody can be famous, but everybody can be great because greatness is determined by service\"- Martin Luther King.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Explain why superstitious beliefs and practices abound in India. In this context, discuss the importance of inculcating scientific temper to remove superstitions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Simply labelling people as liberal or conservative is to miss the point that an individual can have divergent views on different issues. Explain with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Anti-corruption measures need focus on both demand as well as supply, side of corruption. Discuss in the light of prevalence of ‘collusive corruption’ in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Identify the various traits of a healthy work culture for a bureaucracy in a modern society. Also, suggest ways in which a healthy work culture can be created in India to meet the objectives of good-governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Citizen's charters can be both a stimulus and a means for government to raise the standards of public service delivery. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Attitude and behaviour are so closely interwoven that a change in one inevitably influences the other. Explain the statement with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Emotional intelligence is an important parameter as one aspires to move up the ladder in a competitive environment. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Rapid growth of information and communication technology, with all its benefits, has associated risks and far-reaching consequences. The government has constituted a committee to frame guidelines for an inclusive and safe cyberspace in India. The committee has solicited public opinion in this regard. As a concerned citizen, you have to give your suggestions on the following themes: (a) Why do you think some people or a set of people are more vulnerable to cyber threats with special emphasis on cyber-bullying. (b) Do you think the experiences and exposure in cyberspace are an important influence in a person's attitude and behaviour? (c) What reasonable restrictions can be applied to make cyberspace more safe and friendly to all citizens?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"You are serving as the Public Health Officer in a district that is lagging behind in achieving the Open Defecation Free (ODF) status. Even after ensuring adequate access to water and sanitation services, their usage has not spread and the practice of open defecation continues in the district. Despite serious extension efforts by the government, safe hygienic practices have not been adopted by the people. As a result, various instances of bacteriological contamination and water-borne diseases have surfaced up recently. In such a scenario: (a) Examine the reasons behind low usage and adoption rates of built toilets in India? (b) Highlighting the principles to be kept in mind while preparing an effective Information, Education and Communication (IEC) strategy, design an action plan to address the problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"You are the District Magistrate of a district that is known for making combustible substances such as match boxes and fire crackers. As per the The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016, employment of children in such hazardous activities is prohibited. In this regard, government has also released a notification that owners of these manufacturing units need to report on the profiles of their employees annually as child labour has been prevalent in these industries. These manufacturing units, abiding by the directives of the government, publish such reports annually and claim to have successfully put an end to employment of child labour. However, it has been brought to your notice that these companies are taking advantage of loopholes in the law. They have been outsourcing their hiring to independent contractors who engage families in the business. The families have been continuing to use child labour to supplement their income and also keep the cost of labour competitive so as to bag more such contracts and since they are not officially on the payroll of the companies, they are absolved of the legal liabilities. (a) Identify the ethical issues in this case. (b) How would you approach the problem and what would be the main elements of your action?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are working as a Block Development Officer (BDO) in a state and the Lok Sabha elections are around the corner. Two months prior to the elections, a mega rally of a leader from the political party ruling the state is being organized in the neighboring district. All BDOs have received an oral order from the Chief Development Officer directing them to make sure that five buses full of people from their block be sent to the rally. The only direction is to ensure maximum participation and make suitable arrangements in pursuit of the same. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) As a civil servant, what values should guide your response in such a situation? (b) Identify the various options that are available to you? (c) What course of action would you choose and why?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5261,"topper":"Nupur Goel","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e635a-6667_1245_nupur-goel_rank_11.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the attributes of leadership, analyse why it is important for a civil servant.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"A civil servant needs to be objective as well as empathetic. What do you understand by objectivity? Discuss its relationship with empathy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"With rapidly increasing use of information technology, what according to you is the role of ethics in cyber space?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Transparency in government organisations is an essential pre-condition for good governance. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but its lowest ones. Nelson Mandela","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"In the context of rapid technological change, discuss the significance of inculcating moral and spiritual values in educational institutions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Explain the main elements of integral humanism as propounded by Deen Dayal Upadhyay and highlight its contemporary relevance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"It is imperative for a country like India, that code of ethics should be implemented for civil servants on social media platforms as well. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Discuss how effective corporate governance can ensure the equitable treatment of all stakeholders.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5262,"topper":"Nupur Goel","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/bf06d-6667_1249_nupur-goel_rank_11.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"In the quest for scientific and technological development, ethical values should not be neglected. Discuss in the current context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Elucidate Swami Vivekananda's ideas on nationalism.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context:","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"The mandatory nature of Corporate Social Responsibility goes against the notion of philanthropy. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"There have been arguments that rich countries owe an obligation to people living in poor countries. In this context, discuss the issues associated with foreign aid.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"It is essential that people have access to information if they are to have the capacity to exercise other rights. Discuss the statement with focus on importance of RTI in governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Suggest some measures to make a quick turnaround in terms","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Various studies have found out that cases of depression and mental illness have increased exponentially in the recent past. Also, in the age group of 15-30 years, this problem is further pronounced. Furthermore, the rising trend of suicides in this age group has been attributed to depression. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Present an ethical critique of the prevalent societal attitude towards mental illness. (b) Given the magnitude of the problem among younger generation/young adults, analyse the role of the following: i. Parenting ii. Social Media iii. Video Games","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5263,"topper":"Nupur Goel","air":11,"year":2019,"paper":"Optional — Public Administration","optional":true,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/17VOAZQKSSs2RwOExAg85jzq2p8wBmh0i","questions":[]},{"id":5264,"topper":"Om Kant Thakur","air":52,"year":2019,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7fece-77689_1078_om-kant-thakur_rank_52.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5265,"topper":"Om Kant Thakur","air":52,"year":2019,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4479c-77689_1255_om-kant-thakur_rank_52.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5266,"topper":"P PRAVINYA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/82_P%20Pravinya_12594_635_GS.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Mughal chronicles present the empire as comprising many different ethnic and religious communities; the emperor stood at the centre of it and ensured that justice and peace prevailed. Elaborate in the context of sulh-i-kul as described by Abu'l Fazl.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Nalanda school of sculpture was the culmination of a synthesis between the local tradition and surrounding areas. Elaborate. Also enumerate the features that make the Nalanda art distinct.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss the contribution of Vijayanagar Empire to Indian art and architecture.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"The striking thing about modern India is that the men and women who made its history also wrote more authoritatively about it. In this context, highlight the literary contributions of B.R. Ambedkar, Jawaharlal Nehru and M.K. Gandhi.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Railways, which served as an important tool of industrial revolution in many western countries, acted in India as a catalyst of colonization. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Highlight the salient features of British policy towards Princely states during the 20th century. How did the policy of Indian National Congress evolve towards democratic movements in the Princely States?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"One of the paradoxical changes in the caste system in post-independence India is that it has become almost invisible for the urban middle and upper classes amongst the upper castes. Critically examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Though Pakistan believed that it could succeed against India in a short local war because of India's internal and external situation, India registered both real and symbolic gains. Discuss in context of the 1965 India-Pakistan war.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"The post-independence era witnessed emergence of 'New Social Movements' as a corrective measure to maladies arising from the neglect of political establishment. Discuss emergence of these movements in India. Also, examine their limitations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"The Guomindang despite its attempts to unite China failed. What is meant by \"San min chui\" in the context of Sun Yat-sen's programme for modernising China? Elaborate the factors that led to the failure of Guomindang.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"The Spanish Civil War, often described as a prelude to WWII, represented a battle arena for all the political ideologies of the time. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"The seven-year war was fought from 1754 to 1763. What were its consequences for British and French colonies across the world? What were its repercussions in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Although Napoleon destroyed democracy in Europe, he laid the foundations of modern Europe. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"The origin of the Israel-Palestine conflict is a corollary of the British imperialism. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"The Global Age Watch Index 2015 ranks India 71 out of 96 countries when it comes to social and economic well being of elderly. What are the reasons behind the poor condition of the elderly in the Indian society? Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"What is meant by commodification? In what ways has water undergone the process of commodification in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"What are the reasons for highly concentrated nature of semiconductor chip manufacturing industry? Should India aim for establishment of such an industry?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"What is Acid mine drainage? How does it affect biodiversity?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Despite having one of the largest reserves of iron ore in the world, India's share in the world steel production is negligible. Discuss the challenges faced by the Indian steel industry. What measures has the government taken to revive growth in this sector?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Desertification is caused by a combination of social, political, economic, and natural factors, which vary from region to region. Examine in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":63,"question":"\"Soil is a living system which responds to both degrading factors and conservation efforts.\" In this context, discuss the factors responsible for soil degradation in India. What measures can be taken to arrest soil degradation and restore soil fertility?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":66,"question":"What are the different types of droughts identified by the India Meteorological Department? Identify the drought prone areas in India. Discuss its consequences and suggest some measures to mitigate its effects.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":69,"question":"Giving examples, enumerate the non-natural causes of the phenomenon of earthquake. Also, list some measures to make buildings and cities resilient to earthquakes.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":72,"question":"Explain the geographical factors affecting the location of the coffee plantation industry. What are the reasons behind the tropical and sub-tropical regions having a lion's share in the world beverages market?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":75,"question":"Shrinking ice caps forced National Geographic to make the biggest change in its atlas since the Soviet Union broke apart. Discuss the environmental and economic consequences that the loss of arctic ice shelf will have.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5267,"topper":"P PRAVINYA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/82_P%20Pravinya_12594_622_GS.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"In this age of information and consumerism, the image of women portrayed by mass media greatly influences our social attitude towards them. Critically evaluate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"What is social accountability? How can it act as a more effective mechanism than the conventional methods of extracting accountability? What steps can a civil servant take to improve the effectiveness of social accountability in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Biometric attendance, punctuality and cleanliness provide only a good start towards the improvement of work culture. A lot more is required to improve the work culture of the Indian bureaucracy and make it more responsive and citizen centric. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Of all government activities, public procurement is amongst the one most vulnerable to fraud and corruption. Explain with examples. Further, what steps would you suggest to maintain probity in public procurement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"\"Those who say religion has nothing to do with politics do not know what religion is\". Explain. Further examine the role of religion in formation of political attitude in the Indian context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"\"Emotion can lead to our worst decisions or our best ones: The difference is emotional intelligence.\" In light of the given statement, illustrate how emotional intelligence is critical in decision making. How can it help a civil servant in taking prudent decisions?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"\"Anyone who doesn't take truth seriously in small matters cannot be trusted in large ones either.\"- Albert Einstein. Bring out what this statement means to you in the present context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Recent incidents of moral policing is symptomatic of the growing intolerance in Indian society. Analyse with examples. Suggest some measures to address this issue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'Conflict of Interest' in the context of public service? What are the norms prescribed for Civil Services in India to deal with this issue?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Although most public organizations have a code of conduct for their employees, its impact has been less than satisfactory in combating the misuse of office by public servants. Explain. Provide some suggestions to make the code of conduct a more comprehensive tool in dealing with corruption in public offices.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Citizen charter has recently emerged as an innovative tool for reinforcing citizen centric governance. Explain the statement and analyse the various constraints faced during the implementation of the citizen charter in the Indian administrative system.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"An efficient service delivery is the key to winning the public trust in government. What are the challenges being faced in efficient delivery of public services? Suggest some measures to improve the delivery of public services.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Explain the importance of diligence as a value for a civil servant. How can it be inculcated among civil servants?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"You are posted in a district as a public servant responsible for looking into the matters of violation of Right to Education Act. You came across a case in which a poor farmer had beaten his daughter for not going to take her fifth class annual exams. Eventually, he tied her up with his motorbike and took her to the examination hall. Corporal punishment to the children by parents or teachers is a punishable offence with three month jail term. When you enquired about it the poor farmer explained that he had done so for ensuring a better future for her daughter as he does not want his children to live in poverty in which he is living. He also says that his economic condition is poor and if he is taken to jail his children will face severe hardships. 10. You retired as a finance manager from a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU). After retirement you are offered a job in a private company as its finance head and you have accepted it. The company has a procurement contract with the PSU which you worked for. Now that contract is up for renewal through competitive bidding. You have been asked to lead the team responsible for bidding of this contract. While working in the PSU, you had an opportunity to work on areas relating to financial accounting, procurement, contracts and bids. You are concerned that you might breach the confidentiality if you accept the assignment in the present company. You also suspect that your knowledge and experience of working in the PSU were seen as good reasons for appointing you to the position in the present company. The loss of such a major contract would have a significant effect on the financial performance of Company. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each of the options given below and finally suggest what course of action you would like to take, providing adequate reasons. iv. Resign from the job. Suggest any other possible option(s). Evaluate all of them and suggest the best course of action, giving your reasons for it. 20 /","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"You retired as a finance manager from a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU). After retirement you are offered a job in a private company as its finance head and you have accepted it. The company has a procurement contract with the PSU which you worked for. Now that contract is up for renewal through competitive bidding. You have been asked to lead the team responsible for bidding of this contract. While working in the PSU, you had an opportunity to work on areas relating to financial accounting, procurement, contracts and bids. You are concerned that you might breach the confidentiality if you accept the assignment in the present company. You also suspect that your knowledge and experience of working in the PSU were seen as good reasons for appointing you to the position in the present company. The loss of such a major contract would have a significant effect on the financial performance of Company. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each of the options given below and finally suggest what course of action you would like to take, providing adequate reasons. iv. Resign from the job. Suggest any other possible option(s). Evaluate all of them and suggest the best course of action, giving your reasons for it. 20 /","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5268,"topper":"P Srija","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/005db-633454_1458_p-srija_rank_20.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Nothing strengthens authority so much as silence :-","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Tourism in India : a potential game changer","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5269,"topper":"P Srija","air":20,"year":2020,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3be12-633454_1459_p-srija_rank_20.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5270,"topper":"P Srija","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/05eb0-633454_1522_p-srija_rank_20.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Hampi is aptly called 'the city carved in stone'. Elucidate the architectural and historical significance of this site. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Explain how the intellectual and political work during the freedom struggle contributed to the erosion of the myth of benevolence of the British rule. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The Government of India Act, 1919, not only marked major changes in British India but also equally significant responses from the leadership of the national movement. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Arab unity as a goal has been ever elusive to achieve. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Feminist ideas were crucial in shaping the emergence of a new phase of women's movement in India. Explain. Also identify the key issues taken up during this period. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Social empowerment is both a prerequisite as well as an indicator of a nation's development. Discuss with logical arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Using examples, give an account of the factors influencing the location of Aluminium industry in India. Also, highlight the importance of this industry in brief. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain the interconnectedness of Global Climate System with suitable examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Highlight the concept of 'Atlantification' and its ecological consequences. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Identifying the factors which affect the salinity of ocean bodies, discuss the reasons behind relatively higher salinity of the North Sea, Arabian Sea and Red Sea. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Comment on the significance of the Sangam literature as a source for understanding the history of that period. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Explain the significance of the role played by Sardar Patel in pre- and post-independent India. In what ways can Sardar Patel and Bismarck be compared? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The political mobilization in the princely states was not a sudden phenomenon but a gradual process with links to the national movement. Discuss with examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"How did the spectre of spread of communism outside Europe and responses to it vitiate world peace in the aftermath of the World War-II? Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"States in the North East region, as they stand today, are a result of multiple phases of reorganisation. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Although globalisation has enriched the Indian culture, it has also exacerbated many challenges which exist in the 21st century. Assess with suitable examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Modernistation in the context of India has to be seen differently from the west. Explain the statement with reference to impact of modernisation on traditional institutions and activities. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The term North-East does not convey the cultural diversity of the region which still remains largely unexplored. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The Tibetan Plateau, known as the water tower of Asia, plays an important role in the system of Monsoon over Indian subcontinent. Explain. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"What is walker circulation? Highlight its impact on global climate. How is it affected by the emergence of ENSO? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5271,"topper":"P Srija","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/877c7-633454_1418_p-srija_rank_20.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the need to strengthen the National Commission for Scheduled Castes to tackle the problems faced by the Scheduled Castes in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Does the Representation of People's Act ensure an effective mechanism against criminalization of politics in India? Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss the challenges that are being faced by Gram Nyayalayas in their effective functioning. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Explain the rationale behind setting up 'Alternative Mechanisms' in ensuring effective decision making in the governance of the country. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The relationship between bureaucracy and democracy is both paradoxical and complementary. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"By transforming the way governments work and reinventing people's participation in the democratic process, e-governance empowers the citizen in multiple ways. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act 2019 dilutes the spirit of Supreme Court's NALSA judgement towards self-determination of gender. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The worthwhile goal of Universal Health Coverage can be achieved by declaring the right to health as a fundamental right. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Indian Diaspora in the Gulf countries is an asset beset with multiple challenges. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Briefly outline the genesis and functioning of World Food Programme (WFP). Also highlight its contribution to India's effort in addressing the issue of hunger and malnutrition. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Action against civil society groups is seen as shrinking space for dissent by some while others point out to the imperatives of merit based action against certain groups. Examine with examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Discuss the implications associated with the Prime Minister's Office acting as the most powerful office due to its formidable influence in policymaking in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"While judiciary's efforts to infuse accountability in the functioning of government institutions and engender human rights jurisprudence demonstrate the importance of judicial governance, it also leads to concerns around judicial overreach. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The power to punish for contempt of court is necessary for the administration of justice. Critically analyse: (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What are the legal concerns associated with custodial violence? Discuss the challenges in curbing such incidents. Also, suggest some ways to address this issue. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Civil society interventions, ranging from confrontation to engagement with the government, have played an important role in ushering transparency and accountability in governance in India. Discuss with examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"When it comes to hunger, India faces the paradox of plenty. Discuss. Also suggest ways in which this concern can be addressed. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What is the role of wage employment in alleviating poverty? How is the MGNREGA different from the earlier Wage Employment Programmes in India? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"China's aggressiveness in recent times presents not only challenges to India but also opportunities to strengthen itself internationally and domestically. (250 words) 15 Discuss.","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Trade and connectivity hold the key for India to better engage its neighbours. Examine the opportunities and challenges in South Asia in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5272,"topper":"P Srija","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7b880-633454_1525_p-srija_rank_20.pdf","questions":[{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter. Martin Luther King Jr. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Identify which essential information should be made available to the public via Citizen's Charter? Also, suggest some steps for successful implementation of the Citizen's Charter. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Respect for human rights and humanitarian principles is a responsibility for all members of the international community. Discuss in the context of roles and responsibilities of States for protection of refugees. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"What is red-tapism? Why is it considered a hurdle in the process of transitioning towards citizen centric governance? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":38,"question":"Problems surrounding air pollution present an urgent challenge for many countries, including India. Among other reasons, this challenge has been exacerbated by the indifferent attitude of people towards it. Various studies have pointed out the harmful effects of air pollution. Despite the government bringing various regulations on activities like stubble burning and bursting fire crackers, people violate them. (a) Discuss the reasons behind such behaviour on part of society towards air pollution. (b) Suggest measures that are required to be undertaken to nudge people towards pro-environment behaviour.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Economic growth has been the primary goal of economic policies, and the principal measure of an economy's success. In the last few decades, economic growth benefitted mankind in multiple ways. But alongside these benefits, it has also generated significant issues and a series of converging challenges. In light of this, answer the following: (a) What was the rationale behind GDP growth being considered the pillar of economic policies the world over in the past few decades? (b) Explain the need to go beyond GDP growth and reassess our measures of development. Identify some of the components that need to be complemented with GDP growth going forward.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5273,"topper":"P Srija","air":20,"year":2020,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6e249-633454_1420_p-srija_rank_20.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5274,"topper":"P Srija","air":20,"year":2020,"paper":"Optional — Medical Science","optional":true,"source":"IAS Delhi Institute","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ochz5FEsdxBWPAriLxRM7evABCv9Ke4O/view?usp=share_link","questions":[]},{"id":5275,"topper":"P Srija","air":20,"year":2020,"paper":"Optional — Medical Science","optional":true,"source":"IAS Delhi Institute","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IkPWkv5K1NsuE8LfyDjYkhdcm_da3HtL/view?usp=share_link","questions":[]},{"id":5276,"topper":"P Srija","air":20,"year":2020,"paper":"Optional — Medical Science","optional":true,"source":"IAS Delhi Institute","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HYpiWRjX5y5tYS4fyUYAaKaJJbEhJzTU/view?usp=share_link","questions":[]},{"id":5277,"topper":"P Srija","air":20,"year":2020,"paper":"Optional — Medical Science","optional":true,"source":"IAS Delhi Institute","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BPPyaX8eOBoCLQh6Lv9lVppnotlkN4ef/view?usp=share_link","questions":[]},{"id":5278,"topper":"P Vibisha","air":320,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/P-VIBISHAUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-320-Sample-ESSAY-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. True leadership lies in serving not ruling.\n2. Democracy is not just the right to vote, it is the right to live in dignity.\n3. Growing regional aspirations and demand for greater autonomy: A challenge to Indian federalism.\n4. The ballot is stronger than the bullet.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Growing regional aspirations - challenge to federalism","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Regional aspirations and Greater demand for autonomy - strengthens federalism","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"1. The great aim of education is not knowledge but action.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5279,"topper":"P Vibisha","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/P_VIBISHA_SS_GS_1_AIR_320_2025_b064f4a67f.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Ancient rock-cut caves are great examples of religious harmony. Illustrate using examples from Southern and Western India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Gupta period marked a shift in the position of women in Indian society when compared to earlier times. Evaluate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"To what extent can the Swadeshi Movement be seen as a precursor to Gandhian mass mobilization techniques? Analyse critically. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Analyse how the Japanese occupation of Southeast Asia during WWII shaped Indian independence movement. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Describe artesian aquifers and state the geological and environmental conditions necessary for their formation. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Enumerate the factors that have led to the concentration of the pharmaceutical industry in the western region of India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What are shallow-focus earthquakes? Discuss the factors responsible for their frequent occurrence in the Indo-Gangetic plain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain how health outcomes are shaped by the interplay of physical environment, cultural factors, and ecological connections. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss how migration is emerging as a more significant factor than fertility in shaping population trends in developed nations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Examine how poor urban planning in India limits the full economic potential of urbanization. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"India's pre-modern kingdoms evolved sustainable water management systems suited to regional ecological conditions.\" Examine with reference to the contributions of the Cholas and the Vijayanagara Empire. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The French Revolution was not merely a reaction to recent events but also the outcome of prolonged structural imbalances and social discontent. Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Arab nationalism was both a unifying ideology and a source of fragmentation in West Asia. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The Eastern Himalayan and Northeastern region of India holds immense strategic and ecological value. Comment on its resource potential and highlight the constraints affecting its effective utilisation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What are anticyclones? Illustrate their characteristics and associated climatic conditions with suitable examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Explain the regional variation in desertification trends across India. What impact does it have on food security? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The sub-categorisation of Scheduled Castes seeks to address intra-group inequities, but may risk conflating caste-based exclusion with class-based deprivation. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Do you agree that the assertion of cultural and tribal identity lies at the core of regional movements in India? Substantiate your view with relevant examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Explain the relationship between gender equity and human development. What are the key areas where gender equity significantly impacts development outcomes? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Gig work is often seen as a tool for women's economic inclusion but in practice, it has created a new frontier of feminised and informalised labour. Substantiate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5280,"topper":"P Vibisha","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/P_VIBISHA_SS_GS_1_AIR_320_2025_1d14e8f9e9.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"The evolution of temple architecture in India illustrates the synthesis of art, religion, and polity. Illustrate with suitable examples from South India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The rise and development of the new religious ideas in the 6th B.C. India have brought significant changes to contemporary social life. Do you agree? Justify using examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Under colonialism, India's traditional economic structure was reoriented to fit into the economic needs of industrial Britain. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are Western disturbances? Explain their role in influencing the weather patterns of northern India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discuss the non-conventional energy potential of peninsular India with relevant examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Why are most of India's iron and steel plants concentrated in the eastern and central parts of the country? Illustrate with examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"In contemporary India, marriage is increasingly perceived as a personal choice rather than a societal obligation. Enumerate the socio-economic forces behind this transformation and assess its potential impact on family structure. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Analyse to what extent does regionalism contributes to the deepening of decentralization in India? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the potential socio-political implications of implementing a nationwide caste census. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The Lucknow Pact of 1916 was both a high point of Hindu-Muslim unity and a harbinger of future communal divisions. Comment (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"While the Bhakti and Sufi movements emerged from different religious milieus, their convergence lay in the realm of devotion and dissent.\" Examine the socio-religious significance of their interaction in medieval India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Contrast the approaches of Sardar Patel and Jawaharlal Nehru in handling princely states and regional integration. How did their differing visions shape the evolution of the Indian Union? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"The American Civil War was not just a political conflict but a clash of two divergent economic systems. Substantiate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"What are marine heatwaves? Examine the causes of the increasing frequency of marine heatwaves. How do they influence the onset of the summer monsoon in India? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Assess the effectiveness of tribal development programmes in India. Why do tribal areas continue to experience developmental setbacks, and what are the challenges? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"\"As the world's water towers melt, the risk of water stress increases.\" Discuss how the Himalayan glaciers' retreat could redefine freshwater availability and regional hydropolitics in South Asia. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Despite increasing participation of women in the professional workforce, their presence in top leadership remains minimal. Examine the interplay of societal norms and workplace structures in perpetuating this gender gap. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"The phenomenon of livability atrophy in Indian cities reflects the widening gap between urban expansion and quality of life. Examine the causes and consequences of this trend, and suggest measures to make urban growth more humane and sustainable. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Define transnationalism and examine the factors that have led to the increasing global interconnectedness of diaspora communities. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Communalism in India, rooted in historical legacies and socio-economic inequalities, continues to undermine social cohesion and national integration. Discuss with examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5281,"topper":"P Vibisha","air":320,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/P-VIBISHAUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-320-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) ‘Unconscious biases in parenting continue to shape gendered experiences in India.’ Do you agree with this view? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) Distinguish between empathy and compassion. Why are they considered as foundational values in public services?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) The current society is witnessing rising levels of intolerance. What are the consequences of this situation for personal well-being and for societal well-being? What can one do at the personal level to become tolerant?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) What are the main components of emotional intelligence and how does it help an individual in taking ethical decisions?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) Given below are the three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context?\na) \"This life is short, the vanities of the world are transient, but they alone live who live for others, the rest are more dead than alive.\" -Swami Vivekanand","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) \"If you cry because the sun has gone out of your life, your tears will prevent you from seeing the stars.\" - Rabindranath Tagore","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"c) \"Two ways of building character - cultivating strength to challenge oppression, and tolerate the resultant hardships that give rise to courage and awareness.\" - Sardar Patel","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.4) a) \"With great power comes great responsibility.\" In the present context, 'Big Tech' headquartered in developed countries wield disproportionate influence over digital infrastructure, personal data, and global narratives—often prioritising profit over ethical considerations. What ethical principles should guide such corporations in building a fair, inclusive, and just global digital framework?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"b) What do you understand by the term 'crisis of conscience'? Describe an incident from your life where you experienced such a crisis. How did you deal with it?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.5) a) “A politics of confession that encourages politicians and parties to confess and offer regret for their errors can surely be a cathartic experience.” Examine the statement from the ethical point of view.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"b) What are the key objectives of the Right to Information Act, 2005? Examine the ethical concerns associated with certain provisions of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act in realizing the objectives of the RTI Act.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.6) a) Public spaces serve as arenas of democratic participation and civic expression. Yet in India, they remain deeply gendered, with many women largely confined to the private and domestic sphere. Examine the factors that restrict women's access to public spaces. How can ethical governance help address the issue of gendered spatial control and promote inclusivity in public spaces?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"b) Write short notes on the following in 30 words each:\ni) Ethical fading\nii) Conflict of interest\niii) Persuasion\niv) Work culture\nv) Corporate governance","marks":"10 marks, 150","words":"30 words each"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7) A State Government in the northeastern part of the country has launched a series of anti-encroachment drives across forest areas, wetlands, and revenue lands. Under the directions of the Chief Minister, the administration has intensified efforts to reclaim public land, particularly in areas reserved for ecological protection and critical infrastructure development. Most of the time, these actions have been backed by court orders and have resulted in the recovery of thousands of hectares of land. However, in certain regions, the implementation of such drives is fraught with social and political complexities. In several districts, settlements have existed for decades and are inhabited by marginalized communities with limited access to legal rights or formal rehabilitation measures. These areas are often politically sensitive and influenced by local leaders and pressure groups. Simanta is posted as Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) in one such district. Over the past year, the district administration has attempted to align eviction measures with welfare outreach, including the provision of temporary shelters, relocation assistance, and public consultations. Recently, a major operation was scheduled to clear encroachments from over 140 hectares of forest land within a Reserved Forest, primarily to curb rising instances of human-elephant conflict and to restore ecological balance. Anticipating eviction, some residents approached the High Court seeking a stay. However, the court refused to grant it and directed the administration to proceed with the eviction following due process. Notices were served, and a detailed roadmap was prepared to carry out the operation, which was expected to last 2-3 days due to the scale and remote location. On the first day, Simanta led a team comprising forest officials, municipal workers, and police personnel. Demolitions were conducted peacefully and without major resistance. However, on the second day, when the team returned to the site, a large group of agitated residents—primarily women and children—had gathered. They raised slogans and formed human chains to prevent further evictions. The atmosphere grew tense when some individuals began throwing stones, resulting in serious injury to a municipal worker. The crowd grew increasingly volatile and emotionally charged, demanding an immediate halt to the operation. The police contingent present on the ground was outnumbered by the crowd. Faced with this crisis, some team members pleaded with Simanta to call off the operation, fearing threats to their life and the possibility of a violent escalation. Simanta attempted to contact his superior officer (the Deputy Commissioner), but due to poor mobile connectivity in the forested area, communication could not be established. Meanwhile, several local journalists had arrived and begun reporting on the incident. Simanta is in a dilemma as to what to do.\na. Evaluate the options available with Simanta to cope with the situation.\nb. Which of the above options would be the most appropriate for Simanta and why?\nc. What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Simanta?\nd. Examine the qualities of a public servant which will be required to manage such situations.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"a. स्थिति से निपटने के लिए सिमंता के पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nb. सिमंता के लिए सबसे उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?\nc. सिमंता को किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\nd. ऐसी परिस्थितियों का प्रबंधन करने के लिए एक लोक सेवक के गुणों का परीक्षण करें।\na स्थिति से निपटने के लिए सिमंता के पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nb सिमंता के लिए सबसे उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?\nc सिमंता को किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\nd ऐसी परिस्थितियों का प्रबंधन करने के लिए एक लोक सेवक के गुणों का परीक्षण करें।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":34,"question":"Q.8) Megha is a first-year sociology student at a reputed college in the national capital. She is originally from Tadchiroli, a tribal village in a western Indian state. Megha's family migrated to the city when she was seven years old and had not visited their village since. Though Megha has fond memories of her childhood there, she never deeply understood the customs and traditions of the region. One day, Megha expresses her wish to visit Tadchiroli. Her father agrees and asks her to inform Ratan, her paternal uncle, who still lives in the village with his family. Megha informs Ratan and travels to the village during a semester break. Upon arrival, she receives a warm welcome from Ratan and his family. Later, Ratan invites her to attend a local festival. During the event, Megha notices that her cousin Rinki is missing. Curious, she asks Ratan's wife Ratna why Rinki is not at the festival. Ratna explains that Rinki is on her period, and as per tradition, menstruating girls must stay separately in small huts built specifically for the purpose. Locally known as 'kurma ghars', they are generally located on the periphery of the village, near a river or pond. She further adds that these girls are not allowed to enter the main house or participate in any social or religious activities. Megha is taken aback. She asks whether all women follow this practice. Ratna nods and says it has been the custom for generations. Even schoolgirls stay in these huts and miss classes during their periods. Ratna admits that many in the village, including herself, never questioned the practice. The explanation unsettles Megha. She finds it hard to believe that a natural biological function leads to such exclusion. Before returning to the city, Megha observes that even educated family members seem to accept and follow these customs. The experience leaves a deep impact on her. She starts reading more about menstrual taboos and their impact on women's health, dignity, and education. As a sociology student, she recognises how such traditions are linked to patriarchy and social stigma. She begins to reflect on what she can do at her level to improve the current situation, without alienating the community or disrespecting its traditions.\na. Suggest a course of action Megha can take to sensitize her village community without appearing disrespectful or confrontational.\nb. What ethical principles and methods should guide her actions while engaging with the community?\nc. How is menstruation related to human rights?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"a. मेघा द्वारा अपने गांव के समुदाय को असम्मानजनक या टकरावपूर्ण व्यवहार किए बिना संवेदनशील बनाने के लिए अपनाई जा सकने वाली कार्यवाही का सुझाव दीजिए।\nb. समुदाय के साथ जुड़ते समय उसके कार्यों को किन नैतिक सिद्धांतों और तरीकों से निर्देशित किया जाना चाहिए?\nc. मासिक धर्म मानव अधिकारों से किस प्रकार संबंधित है?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":39,"question":"Q.9 a. Can you think of a rational way to resolve this dilemma?\nb. Give your reasons for it.\nc. What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\na. Can you think of a rational way to resolve this dilemma?\nb. Give your reasons for it.\nc. What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.10 You are working as an Assistant Section Officer in the District Development and Panchayat Office. One day, one of your close colleagues approaches you in deep distress. She tells you that her father is suffering from a severe liver condition, and the doctors have clearly stated that he must undergo liver transplant immediately in order to survive. She shares that she has no health insurance, and the surgery would cost around Rs 15 lakh. You are aware that her husband passed away a few years ago, and that she also has a four-year-old son with special needs. Just a few weeks ago, she also lost all her savings in a digital arrest scam. As a widow from a lower middle-class family, her options are extremely limited. Although you feel deeply empathetic, you are unable to offer financial assistance, as you do not have the resources to help.\nA few weeks later, you enquire about her father's health. She informs you that the liver transplant surgery was successful and that her father is now recovering steadily. Relieved, you ask how she managed to arrange the funds. Hesitantly, she confides that the District Development and Panchayat Officer (DDPO) helped her. Moved by her situation, the DDPO facilitated the release of Rs 15 lakh from the fund allocated to a rural sanitation scheme. The implementation of this scheme had been put on hold for a year due to technical issues and pending site approvals. She explains that the amount was provided on the assurance of strict confidentiality and with a commitment to repay it at the earliest. She expresses deep gratitude for the DDPO's timely help, which she believes saved her father's life. She has already begun repaying the money and will continue to do so until it is all returned.\na. Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\nb. Examine the behavior of DPDO from an ethical point of view.\nc. How would you react to the situation?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Q.11) Nithin is the head of the Marketing Department at Pehnava Clothings Ltd., a reputed apparel manufacturing company with a strong global presence. Known for its professionalism and consistent performance, the company had earned a credible name in both domestic and international markets. However, the firm was going through difficult times. For three consecutive quarters, it had witnessed a steep decline in sales. This trend had raised serious concerns among the top management regarding the company's competitiveness, profitability, and long-term stability. To address the situation, the leadership decided to restructure the marketing division and bring in dynamic leadership. A senior marketing executive, Mr. A, was hired after a rigorous selection process. He had an impressive career record and was known for turning around sales performance in other firms and building strong brand identities. With high expectations placed upon him, Mr. A was seen as the key figure to steer the company out of crisis. Mr. A soon began delivering results. Within a year, the company's revenue had almost doubled, and its brand visibility had increased significantly. His bold marketing strategies, proactive outreach, and innovative campaigns received appreciation from various quarters within the company. His performance drew the attention of the top management. There were deliberations about assigning him a larger role within the company, with a focus on long-term business strategy. He was also being considered for an internal award for 'Excellence in Leadership and Innovation'. However, alongside professional success of Mr. A, Nithin began receiving troubling feedback about his conduct in the workplace. Informal reports indicated that he frequently made inappropriate comments about women. In addition, he regularly sent indecent messages via social media apps to all team members, including his female colleagues. Although no formal complaint was lodged initially, Nithin could sense tension within the team, and signs of discomfort were becoming increasingly apparent. Some employees even started avoiding direct interaction with Mr. A. Team morale and interpersonal trust were gradually eroding, but employees remained hesitant to speak openly. The matter escalated one evening when Mrs. X, one of Mr. A's team members approached Nithin. Visibly disturbed and emotionally shaken, she disclosed that Mr. A had repeatedly engaged in inappropriate behavior towards her. She added that Mr. A had been making undesirable advances towards her and had even tried to touch her inappropriately in his cabin. She urged Nithin to take appropriate action in the matter, or else she would have no option but to resign from her position.\na. Bring out the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb. What are the options available to Nithin?\nc. Critically examine each of the options identified by Nithin.\nd. Which of the options, do you think, would be more appropriate for Nithin to adopt and why?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":50,"question":"a. इस मामले में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों को स्पष्ट करें।\nb. नितिन के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nc. नितिन द्वारा पहचाने गए प्रत्येक विकल्प का आलोचनात्मक परीक्षण करें।\nd. नितिन के लिए कौन सा विकल्प अपनाना अधिक उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?\na. इस मामले में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों को स्पष्ट करें।\nb. नितिन के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nc. नितिन द्वारा पहचाने गए प्रत्येक विकल्प का आलोचनात्मक परीक्षण करें।\nd. नितिन के लिए कौन सा विकल्प अपनाना अधिक उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":55,"question":"Q.12) You are appointed as an officer heading the Air Quality Compliance Division of the Environment Pollution Control Board in Delhi-NCR. The region is witnessing alarming levels of air pollution, which typically worsen during the winter months due to various meteorological and anthropogenic factors. The situation has led to severe public health concerns, particularly affecting vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and those with respiratory illnesses. The Supreme Court has also raised serious concern over the deteriorating air quality in Delhi-NCR and has directed the administration to take immediate and effective measures to control pollution, especially during the winter months. Your jurisdiction has a large number of small and medium-scale industries that were granted environmental clearance over the years. These industries form the backbone of the local economy and provide employment to a significant number of migrant workers. However, recent inspections and air quality monitoring reports indicate that a significant number of these units are operating in violation of prescribed air emission norms. As part of targeted measures to curb air pollution, you issued notices to all identified polluting units, directing them to apply for fresh environmental clearance certificates from the competent authority. However, your decision triggered strong opposition from a section of industrial units, labour unions, and local politicians. Industrial owners argued that such action would lead to production shutdowns, financial losses, and shortages of their products in the market. Labour unions and workers also protested, fearing mass unemployment and livelihood insecurity. Local politicians and vested interests accused you of jeopardising the socio-economic stability of the region. You received representations from various quarters urging you to withdraw the notices and not initiate harsh measures, citing the interests of multiple stakeholders. Additionally, you began receiving anonymous threats, aimed at coercing you into reversing your decision. On the other hand, several of your colleagues supported your stance, encouraging you to act in the larger public interest. Several local NGOs and environmental groups rallied behind your actions, demanding the immediate closure of polluting units.\na. Under the given conditions, what are the options available to you?\nb. Critically evaluate each of the options listed by you.\nc. What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by you?","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":5282,"topper":"P Vibisha","air":320,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/P-VIBISHAUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-320-Sample-MGP-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) What is your understanding of corruption? In your opinion, does corruption grease or sand the wheels of growth? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) The balance between laws and conscience is delicate; when synchronized, they promote ethical conduct, but their discord can give rise to significant ethical dilemmas. Illustrate with examples","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) \"The recognition of the horrors of nuclear weapons should compel nations to move towards meaningful disarmament. However, geopolitical interests continue to hinder genuine progress in this direction. What are the ethical considerations of nuclear states to pursue global disarmament, and how can the international community balance security concerns with the moral imperative of a nuclear-free world?\"","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) Distinguish between \"Code of ethics\" and \"Code of conduct\" with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) a) In contemporary times, corporate governance emphasizes accountability and ethical responsibility, yet a lack of adherence to these principles among many corporations highlights a disconnect between theory and practice. In this context, discuss the challenges corporations face in adhering to ethical standards and how these challenges can be mitigated.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) Why should public services prioritize impartiality and non-partisanship as core values in the present socio-political context? Illustrate with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"c) \"Non-violence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man.\" Mahatma Gandhi. What does the given quotation mean to you?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.4) a) \"The growing reach and influence of social media present both opportunities and challenges for ethical governance.\" Examine the statement with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"b) \"Probity in governance is an essential and vital requirement for an efficient and effective system of governance and for socio-economic development.\" Discuss the statement with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.5) a) While scientific research drives technological progress and societal development, its funding often raises ethical questions. What ethical concerns arise from corporate sponsorship of scientific research, and how can these be addressed?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"b) The ethical basis of a welfare state is central to its legitimacy. What are, in your opinion, the vital ethical traits of a welfare state? Suggest ways to strengthen the ethical foundation of a state.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.6) a) Space exploration has the potential to benefit all of humanity, yet it is currently dominated by a few powerful nations and private corporations. In this context, discuss the ethical issues arising from this imbalance in control and access to space resources.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"b) Write short notes on the following in 30-50 words each:\ni) Ethical congruence\nii) Conflict of interest\niii) Compassion in public life\niv) Crisis of conscience\nv) Social capital","marks":"10 marks, 150","words":"30-50 words each"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7 Recently, a disturbing incident involving the sexual assault of two young girls at a nursery school came to light in a 'sleepy' town of a western state in the country. When the parents approached the local police station to lodge an FIR, the police turned them away. However, twelve hours later, the FIR was filed, and a 24-year-old cleaning staff member of the school was arrested as the only suspect in the incident.\nThe news of the assault spread rapidly, igniting widespread outrage and intense media coverage. The public was furious, leading to protests across the town demanding justice for the victims. Locals organized a bandh, vandalized the school, and blocked railway lines while demanding death penalty for the suspect.\nThe state government swung into action, suspending two police personnel for their delayed response and forming a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the case. The principal of the school, along with two staff members, was also suspended. The SIT began its investigation and charged the school principal, secretary, and chairman under sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for failing to report the crime. Meanwhile, the accused's first wife filed a case against him for violent sexual behavior and unnatural sex. As the investigation progressed, tensions in the town continued to simmer. The pressure on the SIT to resolve the case was immense, with political figures, media, and the public all demanding swift action.\nThe following day, while the suspect was being transported to the crime scene (the school) for further investigation, he was killed in what was described as an encounter. According to the SIT's account, the suspect managed to snatch a gun from one of the officers and opened fire, injuring him. In retaliation, the police shot the suspect, who was gravely injured and later succumbed to his wounds in the hospital.\nThe news of the encounter spread quickly. While many praised the SIT for their swift action, others raised serious concerns. The family of the suspect claimed it was a staged encounter. The human rights groups echoed similar sentiments, accusing the police of an extrajudicial killing orchestrated under immense public pressure.\na. What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\nb. Based on the case study, discuss the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in conducting a fair and impartial investigation amidst public and political pressure.\nc. What best practices should be followed to ensure the integrity of investigations in such high-profile cases?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"a. उपरोक्त मामले में नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\nb. केस स्टडी के आधार पर, सार्वजनिक और राजनीतिक दबाव के बीच निष्पक्ष जांच करने में कानून प्रवर्तन एजेंसियों के सामने आने वाली चुनौतियों पर चर्चा करें।\nc. ऐसे हाई-प्रोफाइल मामलों में जांच की सत्यनिष्ठा सुनिश्चित करने के लिए कौन सी सर्वोत्तम प्रथाओं का पालन किया जाना चाहिए?","marks":null,"words":"20 अंक"},{"page":32,"question":"Challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in conducting impartial investigation","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"Q.8 a. What are the ethical issues involved in re-appropriation of funds from a welfare project to the developmental projects?\nb. Given the need for proper utilization of public funds, discuss the options available to Sowmiya. Which option should she choose?\na What are the ethical issues involved in re-appropriation of funds from a welfare project to the developmental projects?\nb Given the need for proper utilization of public funds, discuss the options available to Sowmiya. Which option should she choose?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"a. कल्याणकारी परियोजनाओं से विकासात्मक परियोजनाओं के लिए वित्त के पुनर्विनियोजन में क्या नैतिक मुद्दे शामिल हैं?  \nb. सार्वजनिक वित्त के उचित उपयोग की आवश्यकता को देखते हुए, सौम्या के पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों पर चर्चा करें। उसे कौन सा विकल्प चुनना चाहिए?","marks":null,"words":"20 अंक"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.9) Surrogate advertising — a marketing technique that promotes a product or service restricted or banned from direct advertising, such as alcohol and tobacco, by advertising a legal product like soda, water, or music CDs from the same brand — has been around for a long time. While the practice has faced criticism in the past, it has recently gained fresh attention as several famous film stars have begun endorsing these surrogate products. Public health advocates and certain sections of society are worried about this trend. They argue that when celebrities get involved, the ads become much more influential, especially among the younger audiences. These critics believe that even if the ads don’t directly promote harmful products, they still make them seem more acceptable. As a result, there is a fear that such advertising could indirectly lead to higher consumption of those items, which could bring more health problems, especially among the youth. On the flip side, companies and the celebrities they work with claim they are not doing anything wrong. They point out that they are only endorsing legal products, and they have every right to advertise them. For them, this type of advertising is about keeping the brand alive and competing in a market with tight regulations. They also argue that restricting these ads could harm businesses, affecting jobs and overall economic growth. The debate continues, with each side presenting its own set of compelling arguments.\na. What are the ethical concerns associated with surrogate advertising?\nb. Suggest a course of action that addresses the concerns of both the stakeholders involved. Justify your answer.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Q.10) You are the Operations Manager at a fast-growing technology startup NexGen Solutions, known for its innovative projects and timely delivery. The startup's environment is fast-paced, with tight deadlines and high expectations from clients and investors. Your current project, creating a cutting-edge AI based application, is critical for securing upcoming funding and partnerships. Your small, capable team includes four software developers and two project coordinators, with an equal number of men and women. Recently, the team has encountered major challenges. Priya, one of the female developers, has requested leave to care for her ailing mother. Meanwhile, another team member, Ayesha, is struggling to manage her workload along with caring for her infant child. As a result, other team members have taken on extra tasks, impacting their work-life balance and causing heightened stress. With the project deadline looming, tensions in the team have become visible. During a crucial project meeting, Karan, a senior developer, voices his frustration, saying, \"Perhaps it's not ideal to have team members who can't fully commit during critical stages.\" Karan's remark triggers an immediate reaction. Neha, a project coordinator, finds his comment offensive and reports it to the Human Resources (HR) Department. She also hints that she might bring the issue to social media, which could harm the startup's image. The HR Department, located at the company's headquarters, investigates and recommends disciplinary action against Karan, emphasizing the importance of a respectful, inclusive workplace. Their recommendation puts you in a difficult situation. The project is already delayed, and losing a senior developer like Karan could jeopardize its timely completion. You are now faced with a complex dilemma. On one hand, it's vital to address the inappropriate comment and ensure a respectful work culture. On the other hand, you must keep the project on track without further demotivating your team.\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb) As the Operations Manager, how would you deal with the given situation?\nc) Based on the case study, discuss the challenges faced by women at workplace. How can such challenges be addressed?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Q.11) Utkarsh is a dedicated and experienced Chief Engineer in the Public Works Department (PWD) of a major Indian city. His responsibilities include overseeing the maintenance and construction of the city's infrastructure. One of his critical responsibilities is managing the safety and welfare of the PWD workers. A sudden strike by the workers' union of the PWD erupted over the issue of compensation to a construction worker who died while repairing a major bridge in the city. The case was brought to Utkarsh's attention for resolution.\na) What are the options available to Utkarsh to meet the above situation? Critically examine each of the options identified by him.\nb) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Utkarsh?\nc) What course of action should Utkarsh adopt to diffuse the above situation?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":56,"question":"Q.12 a. Analyze the conduct of the MNC from an ethical point of view.\nb. What are the options available to Arijit under the given situation? Evaluate each of the options and suggest the best course of action.\na. Analyze the conduct of the MNC from an ethical point of view.\nb. What are the options available to Arijit under the given situation? Evaluate each of the options and suggest the best course of action.","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":5283,"topper":"P Vibisha","air":320,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/P-VIBISHAUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-320-Sample-MGP-Copy-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) What constitutes journalistic ethics? Highlight the role of media, particularly mass media, in shaping ethical values in contemporary times.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) The increasing use of digital surveillance technologies for maintaining law and order is a debatable issue. Critically examine the statement from the ethical point of view.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) What do you understand by value conflict? Give an example from your personal life where you faced a conflict between two values. How did you resolve it?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) Knowledge and skills are important, but they must be grounded in ethical principles for true success. In this context, discuss the importance of ethics in education and the role of educational institutions in imparting ethical values.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3 Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context?\na) \"Where do the evils like corruption arise from? It comes from the never-ending greed. The fight for corruption-free ethical society will have to be fought against this greed and replace it with 'what can I give' spirit.\" - A.P.J. Abdul Kalam","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) \"Your goodness is an impediment in your way, so let your eyes be red with anger, and try to fight the injustice with a firm hand.\" Sardar Patel","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"c) \"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power.\" Abraham Lincoln","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.4) a) How does persuasion help achieve a desired change in attitude? What are the elements of an effective persuasive approach?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"b) While ethics in private and public relations may differ, their impact on one another is undeniable. Discuss with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.5) a) How can responsible and informed social media use be nurtured among children to make the internet a safer space for them?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"b) The philanthropy of influential personalities can serve as a catalyst for fostering ethical conduct and responsibility in society. Explain with the help of examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.6) a) \"In an increasingly complex world, emotional intelligence is a vital skill for civil servants, enabling them to navigate challenges, engage with diverse communities, and drive positive change.\" Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"b) How has the evolution of data-driven targeting from service personalization to behavioral prediction created new ethical challenges for society? Discuss with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7 You are a young and sincere employee who has recently joined a government office as an assistant to the director of your department. Being new to the workplace, you are eager to learn and grow in your role. Your superior, the director, is an experienced and intelligent person with extensive knowledge of various departments. You respect him not just for his professional skills but also for his willingness to guide and mentor you. You have built a good rapport with him and appreciate the chance to learn from such an accomplished individual.\n\nAs your relationship with your boss grows, he begins to rely on you more for work-related tasks. One day, due to ill health, he invites you to his home to help with some urgent work. When you reach his house and are about to ring the doorbell, you hear shouting from inside. Unsure of what to do, you pause for a moment but then decide to enter. Your boss greets you warmly and explains the work, but throughout, you are distracted by the sound of a woman crying in the background.\n\nInitially, you hesitate to ask about the situation, but your concern grows. Finally, you ask your boss about the noise, but his answer is vague and unsatisfactory. He quickly dismisses the matter. Although you finish the work, the unsettling environment leaves you feeling uneasy.\n\nThe next day, you discreetly inquire at the office and learn more about the situation. You discover that, despite your boss's calm and professional demeanour at work, he is abusive toward his wife at home. His wife is a simple woman, not highly educated, and suffers from regular domestic violence. This information shocks you, as it conflicts with the positive image you had of him based on your interactions at work.\n\nThis knowledge puts you in a difficult moral dilemma. On one hand, you respect your boss for his guidance, intelligence, and professionalism. On the other hand, you are aware of his unethical behaviour at home, which violates basic human rights and ethical principles. You struggle to reconcile the two sides of his character, finding it hard to balance your professional relationship with the awareness of his abusive actions at home.\na. Under the given conditions, what are the options available to you? Evaluate each of the options listed by you.\nb. What course of action would you adopt and why?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"a. दी गई परिस्थितियों में आपके पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं? आपके द्वारा सूचिबद्ध प्रत्येक विकल्प का मूल्यांकन करें।\nb. आप कौन-सा कदम उठाएँगे और क्यों?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":34,"question":"Q.8 Gaurav is traveling with his wife and children in their car on a busy Sunday evening. The road is packed with traffic, and the vehicles are barely moving. As they inch forward, Gaurav notices a biker trying to weave through the congested road. In his attempt, the biker accidentally collides with an SUV that is illegally parked in a No Parking Zone. The impact causes the rear-view mirror of the SUV to break, injuring the biker, who starts bleeding profusely.\n\nHearing the loud noise, the owner of the SUV, a local councillor, rushes out of his car in a rage. Furious about the damage, the councillor grabs a metal rod and starts hitting the injured biker. The situation quickly escalates as the councillor vents his anger on the defenceless, bleeding biker. The sight of the violence shocks Gaurav, who is watching from his car.\n\nInstinctively, Gaurav feels the urge to intervene and help the biker, who is being mercilessly beaten. However, as he opens his car door and takes a step forward, his wife stops him. She reminds him of the danger in confronting someone as powerful as the local councillor, especially when Gaurav is unarmed. She points out the risks of standing up to him and the possible consequences that could put their family in harm's way. With their children in the car and the councillor's aggressive behaviour, her concerns about safety seem valid to Gaurav.\n\nHis wife further points out that despite the number of people witnessing the incident, none of them are stepping forward to help. She questions why Gaurav should risk his safety when no one else is willing to take action. This argument adds to Gaurav's growing sense of hesitation, as he sees others choosing to remain bystanders, unwilling to intervene in the dangerous situation.\n\nGaurav glances around from his car window and notices a police constable standing near the scene. For a moment, he feels relieved, hoping that the officer will intervene to stop the violence. However, to his dismay, the officer remains passive, merely watching the councillor continue his assault without stepping in to help. This leaves Gaurav even more conflicted about what to do.\na. Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb. What are the reasons behind rise of road rage incidents in the country?\nc. Suggest measures to reduce incidents of road rage and promote responsible behaviour in public spaces.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"a. इस मामले में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा करें।\nb. देश में सड़क पर रोष की घटनाओं में वृद्धि के पीछे क्या कारण है?\nc. सड़क पर रोष की घटनाओं को कम करने और सार्वजनिक स्थानों पर उत्तरदायी व्यवहार को बढ़ावा देने के उपाय सुझाएँ।\na इस मामले में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा करें।\nb देश में सड़क पर रोष की घटनाओं में वृद्धि के पीछे क्या कारण है?\nc सड़क पर रोष की घटनाओं को कम करने और सार्वजनिक स्थानों पर उत्तरदायी व्यवहार को बढ़ावा देने के उपाय सुझाएँ।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":39,"question":"Q.9 In a southern Indian state, a globally renowned high end mobile manufacturing company advertised job vacancies, attracting many hopeful applicants. Among them were two sisters from a nearby village who applied after seeing advertisements on WhatsApp. Upon arrival at the factory's main gate, a security guard met them and asked a series of questions, including an inquiry about their marital status. After confirming that they were married, they were informed that they could not proceed further. No explanation was provided, leaving them confused and disappointed.\n\nBack in their village, the sisters reflected on their experience and felt dismayed at being denied an opportunity without a clear reason. Even the auto-rickshaw driver who took them to the facility had hinted that married women might not be hired, yet they still hoped for a fair chance.\n\nSubsequent investigations by a prominent international news agency revealed a pattern at the manufacturing facility where married women were systematically excluded from employment opportunities. This practice was not officially documented but was communicated verbally to recruitment agencies responsible for hiring. The revelations sparked significant media uproar, drawing public attention to the issue. The Union Labour Ministry also took cognizance of the situation and sought a report from the state government regarding these discriminatory hiring practices.\n\nUnfortunately, such discriminatory practices are not uncommon in various parts of the world, reflecting broader issues of gender attitudes that persist in many societies.\na. Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case study.\nb. What can be the underlying reasons for discriminatory attitudes toward hiring married women by the company?\nc. How can organizations promote gender equity in their hiring practices?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Q.10) Ramesh has been appointed as the Municipal Commissioner of a coastal city that is grappling with the recurring problem of flooding. Over the years, these floods have led to significant loss of life and extensive property damage, raising serious concerns among residents and policymakers alike. In response to this persistent challenge, Ramesh is committed to finding effective solutions. To identify and address the root causes of the flooding, he established an expert committee tasked with analyzing the situation comprehensively and proposing actionable recommendations.\n\nFollowing extensive and thorough field surveys, the committee identified two primary factors contributing to the city's increasing vulnerability to floods. The first factor is the degradation of wetlands, which serve as critical natural buffers against flooding and play a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance. The second factor is the illegal encroachments on the flood plains of seasonal streams. These encroachments have significantly reduced the streams' ability to carry water, increasing the risk of flooding. In light of these findings, the committee proposed two major interventions: the restoration of wetlands and the removal of unauthorized encroachments on the flood plains. These actions are aimed at effectively restoring the city's natural drainage system and mitigating future flood risks.\n\nRamesh recognizes the necessity of implementing these measures to ensure the city's long-term safety and resilience against flooding. However, he is also aware of the potential human cost associated with these interventions. The illegal structures in question are inhabited by marginalized migrant laborers, and their removal would render many families homeless, significantly impacting their livelihoods. Despite his personal reservations regarding the social implications of these actions, Ramesh feels compelled to proceed with the committee's recommendations, as he believes they are essential for preventing future disasters.\n\nSubsequently, the operation to remove encroachments was launched with the deployment of a police force to ensure safety and order throughout the process. As the clearance of encroachments commenced, the affected residents expressed their opposition vigorously. Protests escalated into violent confrontations, resulting in assaults on officers and vandalism of government vehicles. The situation quickly deteriorated. When the police attempted to disperse the crowd, a stampede ensued. Tragically, this chaos resulted in the deaths of two elderly men. As the in-charge of the situation, Ramesh feels that these lives could have been saved if he had acted differently.\na. Identify the various value conflicts faced by Ramesh in his role as Municipal Commissioner.\nb. Analyze the decision to remove unauthorized encroachments on the flood plains from an ethical perspective.\nc. If you were in Ramesh's position and in charge of the situation, how would you have approached the challenges presented by the encroachment clearance and the resulting protests?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"a. नगर आयुक्त के रूप में रमेश द्वारा सामना किए गए विभिन्न मूल्य संघर्षों की पहचान करें।\nb. बाढ़ के मैदानों पर अनधिकृत अतिक्रमण हटाने के निर्णय का नैतिक दृष्टिकोण से विश्लेषण करें।\nc. यदि आप रमेश की स्थिति में होते और स्थिति के प्रभारी होते, तो अतिक्रमण हटाने और उसके परिणामस्वरूप होने वाले विरोध प्रदर्शनों से उत्पन्न चुनौतियों का आप किस प्रकार सामना करते?\na नगर आयुक्त के रूप में रमेश द्वारा सामना किए गए विभिन्न मूल्य संघर्षों की पहचान करें।\nb बाढ़ के मैदानों पर अनधिकृत अतिक्रमण हटाने के निर्णय का नैतिक दृष्टिकोण से विश्लेषण करें।\nc यदि आप रमेश की स्थिति में होते और स्थिति के प्रभारी होते, तो अतिक्रमण हटाने और उसके परिणामस्वरूप होने वाले विरोध प्रदर्शनों से उत्पन्न चुनौतियों का आप किस प्रकार सामना करते?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":48,"question":"Q.11 a. Why is there a negative attitude among people regarding wearing helmets?\nb. What measures can be taken to bring about positive changes in this attitude? (20 marks, 250 words)\na. Why is there a negative attitude among people regarding wearing helmets?\nb. What measures can be taken to bring about positive changes in this attitude? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Q.12) You are the District Magistrate in a region characterized by strong adherence to traditional social norms. While there has been significant legal progress in terms of recognizing the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community, including the decriminalization of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, societal acceptance of this community remains limited. A group of LGBTQIA+ activists recently approached your office, seeking permission to organize a public awareness campaign aimed at promoting acceptance and understanding of gender diversity. The campaign would involve several activities, including seminars in educational institutions to raise awareness about the rights and challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community, a Pride march to celebrate diversity, and the distribution of educational material to promote better understanding of gender identity and sexual orientation. The activists argue that their campaign is in line with the legal developments and human rights frameworks endorsed by the Indian Constitution, and they believe such efforts are essential to promote inclusivity. This initiative is also a way to address stigma and discrimination, fostering a more inclusive environment for the LGBTQIA+ community, which has long been marginalized in society.\n\nHowever, significant opposition to this initiative has emerged, particularly from local religious and community leaders. These leaders argue that such a campaign challenges the deeply rooted cultural and religious values of the region. They fear that openly promoting LGBTQIA+ rights and gender diversity might encourage practices that they believe contradict their traditional beliefs. Some leaders even warned that the campaign could lead to unrest, disrupt social harmony, and provoke protests within the district. The arguments put forth by the opponents of the campaign are grounded in their belief that the recognition and celebration of LGBTQIA+ rights could have a destabilizing effect on the social cohesion of the community. Many of them hold conservative views about gender roles and sexuality, considering the campaign as an affront to their customs and ethos. These concerns are widespread among older generations, and religious bodies fear that such activities could influence younger minds and lead to cultural erosion.\n\nOn the other hand, a younger and more progressive section of the community has expressed strong support for the initiative. They argue that embracing diversity and promoting equality is essential for a modern and inclusive society. This group believes that public campaigns, such as the one proposed, are crucial for educating the masses and eliminating prejudices. They see the campaign as a positive step toward equality and acceptance, aligned with the constitutional values of non-discrimination and equal rights.\na. What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by you?\nb. Evaluate the options available to you, being District Magistrate of the area.\nc. How would you manage and mold the attitudes of conservative groups to ensure harmony in the district while promoting acceptance of the LGBTQIA+ community?","marks":null,"words":"20"},{"page":53,"question":"a. इस परिस्थिति में आपके सामने कौन सी नैतिक दुविधाएँ हैं?\nb. क्षेत्र के जिला मजिस्ट्रेट होने के नाते आप अपने पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nc. आप LGBTQIA+ समुदाय की स्वीकृति को बढ़ावा देते हुए जिले में सद्भाव सुनिश्चित करने के लिए रूढ़िवादी समूहों की मनोवृत्ति को कैसे प्रबंधित और ढालेंगे?\na इस परिस्थिति में आपके सामने कौन सी नैतिक दुविधाएँ हैं?\nb क्षेत्र के जिला मजिस्ट्रेट होने के नाते आप अपने पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nc आप LGBTQIA+ समुदाय की स्वीकृति को बढ़ावा देते हुए जिले में सद्भाव सुनिश्चित करने के लिए रूढ़िवादी समूहों की मनोवृत्ति को कैसे प्रबंधित और ढालेंगे?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"}]},{"id":5284,"topper":"Padmanabh Baruah","air":null,"year":2015,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"IMS4Maths","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://ims4maths.com/Admin/Files/IAS%202015/Padmanabh-Baruah-Test-6.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5285,"topper":"Padmini Narayan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0b5c3-39860_851_padmini-narayan_152.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"While India has made great strides in removing the barriers to the entry of firms, talent and technology, less progress has been made in relation to exit. In this context, discuss the causes of and costs associated with impeded exit in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"What were the major objectives and measures initiated by the New Economic Policy of 1991? Examine the major achievements and limitations of these reforms in the last 25 years.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by Green Finance? Explain its importance and discuss the issues related to use of Green Finance in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"What do you understand by informal sector? How is the status of workers in this sector different from that in the formal sector? Enumerate the steps taken by the government to improve the condition of workers in the informal sector in recent times.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Examine the advantages of direct cash transfer of subsidies over other mechanisms of disbursing them. In this context, bringing out the role of JAM Trinity, identify the challenges in its implementation and suggest possible solutions to address them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"What are various types of irrigation systems in India? Explain the benefits of micro-irrigation over the conventional irrigation systems. Also discuss the bottlenecks in the adoption of this technology.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the scope and significance of food processing industry in India. Also elaborate upon the upstream and downstream requirements of the food processing industry in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"What are 'differentiated' banks? Examine the role that they can play in furthering financial inclusion in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Explaining the importance of ports in economic development, identify the reasons for the poor performance of the port sector in India. How is the Sagarmala Project an important step in the direction of realising the potential of this sector?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"What is MSP and why is it important? Examine the need of rationalizing the MSP policy in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Explain the objectives of fiscal policy. Differentiate between expansionary and contractionary fiscal policy. Also mention the limitations of fiscal policy as a tool for macroeconomic management.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Explain the key issues in infrastructure financing in India. What steps have been taken by the government to address these issues?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Enumerating the objectives of land reform policy in post-independence India, critically examine its implementation and achievements.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"What are the problems faced by the power sector in India? Give an account of the steps taken by the government in recent years to reform the power sector and bring out their limitations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Discuss the causes and consequences of lack of a common market in Indian agriculture. How can implementation of the National Agriculture Market help in addressing the issues involved?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"What do you understand by demographic dividend in the context of India? Examine the challenges in realizing its potential and the measures required to benefit from it optimally.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Examine the issue of mismatch between potential and actual utilisation of waterways in India. Give an account of the government initiatives in the recent years aimed at removing this anomaly.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Highlight the reasons for the importance attached to the MSME sector. In this context, enumerating the government schemes to promote this sector explain the role that the MSME sector can play in the success of the Make in India initiative.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"As the recently released data shows, a narrow tax base remains a major concern in India. What are the possible reasons for such a scenario? In this context, also examine the government efforts to address the issue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Explain the process of credit creation by commercial banks with the help of an example. While distinguishing between quantitative and qualitative credit control instruments of the central bank explain how CRR and SLR can be used to control credit.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5286,"topper":"Pakshal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/470d8-1009670_2090_pakshal_secretry_rank_08.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"1. What is the Doctrine of Severability? Discuss with the help of relevant judicial decisions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":3,"question":"2. The office of Governor needs to be transformed to preserve constitutional governance in India. Discuss in the light of recent controversies surrounding the Governor's office. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"3. \"Disturbing public order or inciting violence cannot be allowed under the garb of the freedom of speech and expression.\" Discuss with help of the recent Supreme Court judgment on hate speech. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"4. Discuss the role of the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) for the effective functioning of democracy in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"5. What are the various ways in which emerging technologies can be utilised by civil servants in ensuring efficient public service delivery and affecting change in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"1. To what extent, in your opinion, has the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana been successful in promoting skill development and employment in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"7. Examine the potential of the Bhu-Aadhaar project in bringing significant benefits to India's land management system. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"8. Discuss the different determinants of the occurrence of child labour in India. What measures can be taken to tackle the issue of child labour in the country? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"1. Despite certain hiccups, recent developments suggest that continuity still looms large in the Indo-Bhutan relationship. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"10. Critical Information Infrastructure has become a global good that requires global norms for its safeguard. What role can the G20 play to safeguard Critical Information Infrastructure? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"11. The tussle between the legislature and judiciary culminated in the basic structure doctrine in the Kesavananda Bharati case. Discuss. What is the significance of the case in limiting the power of the Parliament to amend the Constitution? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":24,"question":"12. The limited revenue generation capacity of municipal corporations has increased their dependence on taxes and grants from the states. What are the issues associated with this trend? What measures are required to improve the finances of the municipal corporations in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"13. \"The purpose of having a Constitution is to transform the society for the better and this objective is the fundamental pillar of transformative constitutionalism.\" Discuss with the help of recent case laws. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"14. How can a 'rule of law culture' contribute towards promoting individual liberty and democratic governance in a society like India? What are the challenges in fostering such a culture? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"15 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) are not just engaged in charitable work but also involved in political processes for building a just, peaceful, humane, and sustainable future. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"16. Self-help groups (SHGs) have contributed towards rural development and women empowerment, but their uneven geographical impact and rising loan defaults are serious challenges that need to be addressed. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"17. Do you agree with the view that the deep-rooted problems in India's school education system cannot be solved by digital transformation alone? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"18. Examine the impact of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) on the effectiveness and transparency of welfare schemes for the vulnerable sections in India.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":45,"question":"19. The deepening China-Russia strategic relationship has been described by some as the \"most consequential undeclared alliance in the world\". How can this alliance impact India's national interest? What strategies should India adopt to protect her interests? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"20. India has placed soft power as an important pillar of its foreign policy to enhance its global standing and image abroad. Discuss the statement along with the initiatives taken by the government. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5287,"topper":"Pakshal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a9ecb-1009670_2070_pakshal_secretry_rank_08.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"1. (a) Differentiating between courage and bravery, discuss why courage is often thought of as the first of all virtues.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":2,"question":"Why is courage first of all values?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"1. (b) Discuss how social, cultural and religious factors act as determinants of ethics","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"2 (a) Bring out the relevance of the teachings of Gautam Buddha in contemporary times. (150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"2. (b) If one takes care of the means the end will take care of itself Discuss","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"3. (a) Explain the relevance of the following in the context of civil services: (150 words) [10]\n(i) Impersonality\n(ii) Anonymity\n(iii) Perseverance\n(iv) Fairness","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"3. (b) With the help of relevant examples, bring out the difference between the following:\n(i) Intelligence Quotient and Emotional Quotient\n(ii) Attitude and Aptitude","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"4. (a) What do you understand by political neutrality? Explain its significance in public service.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"6 What do you understand by probity? Why is it considered essential for good governance?","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"5. (a) Although utilitarianism is arguably the most reason-based approach to determining right and wrong, it has obvious limitations. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"5. (b) What do you understand by ethical dilemma? Explain with examples, how it can lead to crisis of conscience.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"6. (a) What is code of conduct? How is it different from code of ethics?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"6 (b) Bring out the relevance of the seven principles of public life stated by the Nolan Committee in the Indian context, with the help of examples","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"7. The Right to Information (RTI) Act is one of the most important reforms brought by the government. You have recently been transferred as the Public Information Officer (PIO) in the irrigation department of a district. While inspecting the RTI applications, you find that many of these applications relate to information on the recruitment of staff in your department. Your juniors point out that all of these have been filed by an aspiring local politician who may be trying to create an issue related to irregularities in recruitment in the department. The department fears that he is filing RTI applications for political gains in the upcoming state elections.\n\nIn this context, answer the following questions:\n(a) Identify the stakeholders and the issues involved in the case.\n(b) What measures will you take to handle the situation?","marks":"20","words":"around 250"},{"page":32,"question":"8. You are the managing director of a pharmaceutical company. Your company has won a tender for supply of generic affordable medicines to the state health department. In order to win the tender, you had kept the profit margins very low. However, after winning the tender, you got a call from the Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the Health Minister for a 2% cut in the total purchase of goods. You tried to meet the Health Minister in this respect, but he also hinted at doing the job as per the instructions of the OSD. You cannot refuse to go ahead with the tender because of the risk of losing your 5% security deposit. Further, the firm can be blacklisted for not fulfilling the obligations of the approved tender.\n\nSome of the options to deal with the situation are given below. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each of these options.\n(a) Follow the advice of the minister and comply with the demands of the OSD.\n(b) File a police complaint against the OSD for corruption.\n(c) Tip the media anonymously about the issue to build pressure on the concerned Minister.\n(d) Leave the allotted tender.\n Also, not limiting to the options given above, suggest the course of action you will take, giving appropriate reasons.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":37,"question":"In this context, answer the following:\n(a) What are the ethical issues involved in surrogate advertising?\n(b) Suggest steps that can be taken to address these type of advertisements in India.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":42,"question":"10. You are a young officer who has recently been posted as the District Magistrate in a district where power cuts are a regular phenomenon. A thermal power plant is proposed in your district, which has the potential to not only meet the energy demand of yours but also that of neighbouring districts, and also provide employment opportunities for the people of your district. However, a few people from the district are protesting against it because of the concerns of displacement and the potential pollution issue that the project may lead to. It is brought to your notice that prominent local leaders have mobilized a large crowd and are planning to march towards the Collectorate. You have also received information that the crowd may turn violent due to the presence of miscreants. In the context of this situation, address the following:\n(a) Identify the stakeholders and highlight the issues involved in the above case.\n(b) State the measures that you would take as the District Magistrate.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":47,"question":"11. Today, digital games and gameful interactions with a digital environment are rapidly becoming pervasive in society. It is a highly engaging pastime and also a vehicle for acquiring knowledge and/or modifying attitudes and behaviours at various levels, whether by explicit intention or otherwise. Online games' increasingly important role in society brings about ethical implications that cannot be ignored, and have sometimes been the object of heated public and academic debate.\n(a) Discuss the various social and psychological issues involved in online gaming.\n(b) Give some suggestions to address the harmful impact of online gaming on the society.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":51,"question":"12. Climate change and environmental degradation have caused havoc globally. It has repercussions on the life and livelihood of each and every individual on the planet. Despite its huge impact, climate change and environmental conservation have not become an electoral issue in India. Globally, green parties are making strides, albeit gradually. In countries like Netherlands, Sweden and Australia, they have begun to make a mark in electoral politics. In India, however, there is no such development.\n(a) In your view, why has politics in India not seen it's 'green moment' yet?\n(b) Do you think people in India are generally apathetic to climate change and environment related issues? Suggest some initiatives to bring about a change in the attitude of the people towards the issue.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":53,"question":"Are people of India apathetic ?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5288,"topper":"Pakshal Secretry","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1a5__hIsnQIYTDrXSIT7Xswp45vJnXJ8G/view","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"War is merely the continuation of politics by other means.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Ecology is the permanent economy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"History is not the study of the past but the study of change.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Strategic thinking is the bridge between dreams and achievement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Life is a long lesson in humility.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Empathy is the antidote to shame.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Don't let someone else's opinion of you become your reality.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Information is the building block of reality.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5289,"topper":"Pakshal Secretry","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RY3j4Y8KCP4vDFzvNQ5OhpW1uh203FzG/view","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"The greatest deception men suffer is from their own opinions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"A truly gender equal society would be one, where everyone can be themselves.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Science is organised knowledge, wisdom is organised life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"I know not with what weapon World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"People travel by road or rail, economy travels on infrastructure.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"As you start to walk on the way, the way appears.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Everything that life teaches can be summed up in three words: it goes on.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5290,"topper":"Pakshal Secretry","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/MT25FLTRA046_TC001.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"War is merely the continuation of politics by other means.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Ecology is the permanent economy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"History is not the study of the past but the study of change.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Strategic thinking is the bridge between dreams and achievement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Life is a long lesson in humility.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Empathy is the antidote to shame.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Don't let someone else's opinion of you become your reality.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Information is the building block of reality.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5291,"topper":"Pakshal Secretry","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/MT25FLTRA046_TC003.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"The greatest deception men suffer is from their own opinions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"A truly gender equal society would be one, where everyone can be themselves.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Science is organised knowledge, wisdom is organised life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"I know not with what weapon World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"People travel by road or rail, economy travels on infrastructure.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"As you start to walk on the way, the way appears.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Everything that life teaches can be summed up in three words: it goes on.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5292,"topper":"Pakshal Secretry","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/MT25FLTRA046_TC002.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"To educate a man in mind and not in morals is to educate menace to society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"AI could be a good servant but a bad master.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Justice is the first virtue of social institutions, as truth is of systems of thought.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Water is the elixir of life, but fuel of discord.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Writing is the geometry of the soul.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Three rules of work: out of clutter find simplicity. From discord find harmony. In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"To live without, Hope is to cease to Live.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5293,"topper":"Pakshal Secretry","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/MT25FLTRA046_TC004.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"Science is not only a disciple of reason but, also, one of romance and passion.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Man's capacity for justice makes democracy possible, but man's inclination to injustice makes democracy necessary.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"The Voice of the Gobal South needs to set its own tone.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"But man is a part of nature, and his war against nature is inevitability a war against himself.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Love the life you live. Live the life you Love.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"A Great man is always willing to be Little.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Choices must be made, dice must be cast.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Success is not to be pursued, it is to be attracted by the person you become.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5294,"topper":"Pakshal Secretry","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ETiblt500KkBBTEo_mPTJndwye0kaVtm/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The rise of inward-looking economic strategies in developed countries, such as the Reciprocal Tariff Plan of the USA, reflects a shift in global trade patterns. Analyse their geopolitical and economic implications for developing economies like India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Examine Indian diaspora's role in enhancing India's global profile and contributing to its socio-economic development. Discuss the major challenges related to their welfare and engagement. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) reflects deepening strategic mistrust between India and Pakistan. Examine the diplomatic and security implications of this move and analyse the structural limitations of the IWT that have hindered bilateral cooperation. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Indian Ocean is evolving as a critical geostrategic theatre, yet regional maritime security cooperation remains fragmented. In this context, evaluate the potential of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) in fostering a collective maritime security architecture in the Indian Ocean region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The Red Sea holds strategic importance in global maritime trade and geopolitics. Analyse the impact of the ongoing Red Sea crisis on regional stability and the global supply chain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The expansion of BRICS has been projected as a step towards greater representation for the Global South. Critically examine this claim in the context of growing concerns about China's strategic dominance within the grouping. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":16,"question":"\"India's recent diplomatic outreach to the Taliban government in Afghanistan marks a significant shift in its regional geopolitical strategy\". Examine the rationale behind this shift and the strategic risks and opportunities it presents for India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":19,"question":"The ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel present a foreign policy dilemma for India, given its strategic ties with both. Analyse the challenges this conflict poses and suggest how India can balance its interests amid rising instability in the region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":22,"question":"Despite being a cornerstone of the global trade architecture, the World Trade Organization (WTO) is facing a crisis of relevance. Examine the major challenges undermining the WTO's effectiveness and suggest measures for its revival in a multipolar world. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5295,"topper":"Pakshal Secretry","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/MT25FLTRA046_M25GAT01.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The rise of inward-looking economic strategies in developed countries, such as the Reciprocal Tariff Plan of the USA, reflects a shift in global trade patterns. Analyse their geopolitical and economic implications for developing economies like India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Examine Indian diaspora's role in enhancing India's global profile and contributing to its socio-economic development. Discuss the major challenges related to their welfare and engagement. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) reflects deepening strategic mistrust between India and Pakistan. Examine the diplomatic and security implications of this move and analyse the structural limitations of the IWT that have hindered bilateral cooperation. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Indian Ocean is evolving as a critical geostrategic theatre, yet regional maritime security cooperation remains fragmented. In this context, evaluate the potential of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) in fostering a collective maritime security architecture in the Indian Ocean region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The Red Sea holds strategic importance in global maritime trade and geopolitics. Analyse the impact of the ongoing Red Sea crisis on regional stability and the global supply chain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The expansion of BRICS has been projected as a step towards greater representation for the Global South. Critically examine this claim in the context of growing concerns about China's strategic dominance within the grouping. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":16,"question":"\"India's recent diplomatic outreach to the Taliban government in Afghanistan marks a significant shift in its regional geopolitical strategy'. Examine the rationale behind this shift and the strategic risks and opportunities it presents for India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":19,"question":"The ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel present a foreign policy dilemma for India, given its strategic ties with both. Analyse the challenges this conflict poses and suggest how India can balance its interests amid rising instability in the region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":22,"question":"Despite being a cornerstone of the global trade architecture, the World Trade Organization (WTO) is facing a crisis of relevance. Examine the major challenges undermining the WTO's effectiveness and suggest measures for its revival in a multipolar world. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"India-China relations are evolving from confrontation to cautious diplomacy. In this context, discuss the recent efforts made to stabilise the relationship and identify the structural challenges that continue to impede complete normalisation. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5296,"topper":"Pakshal Secretry","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/MT25FLTRA046_FLT2505.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"In what ways did medieval Indian sculptures and paintings reflect the cultural ethos of their times? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"The Cold War was less a military confrontation and more a battle of ideologies.\" Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Critically examine the impact of the Emergency on Indian democracy and civil liberties. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Explain the geological features and ecological importance of the Eastern Ghats. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Explain the origin of the Indian islands in the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss how inland water transport can alter the economy of eastern India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Desertification is not merely a land degradation issue; it is a silent threat to global ecological stability and food security. Discuss (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Is globalisation leading to the erosion of local languages and traditional culture in India? Justify your answer. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Neo-spiritual movements in India reflect the fusion of tradition, modernity, and digital influence in the practice of faith. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"How does the status and role of women in tribal societies differ from gender norms in mainstream Indian society? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"To what extent did vernacular literature in medieval India contribute to challenging established social norms? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Examine the ways in which Gandhian mass movements opened political space for Indian women. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"\"Bose symbolised a blend of militant nationalism and socialist vision.\" Discuss with reference to his political and economic ideas. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Urbanization is posing a threat to the existing urban infrastructure. Discuss the developmental issues it poses and its impact on urban communities. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Discuss the agro-climatic factors necessary for tea cultivation. Why is its production concentrated in specific pockets of Eastern and Southern India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"What factors are responsible for landslides in the Western Ghats? Discuss some mitigation measures to minimize their impact. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Classify the different types of lakes based on their geomorphological origin. Why are certain lake types more prevalent in specific regions of the world? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"With the rise of digital media influencers, traditional role models in Indian society are being replaced. Analyse its impact on youth behaviour and value systems. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Despite legal and educational advances, why do certain social practices, such as dowry, caste endogamy, or child marriage, continue to persist in modern India? Analyse with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"\"Modern parenting in India is increasingly balancing traditional expectations and emerging societal norms. Analyse the social implications of this tension.\" (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5297,"topper":"Pakshal Secretry","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/MT25FLTRA046_FLT2509.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Pillars are not merely architectural marvels, but also serve as crucial sources of ancient Indian history. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"To what extent did early economic nationalists like Dadabhai Naoroji shape the intellectual foundations of the Indian freedom movement? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How did the Indian national movement influence freedom movements across the world? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How does the movement of continental plates help explain the spatial distribution of earthquakes in specific regions of the world? Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"River interlinking is seen as a means to reduce regional water stress. Discuss its advantages and examine the possible environmental and social implications. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the localisation factors for the textile industry in India and examine its economic significance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What are loess deposits, and why do they constitute some of the most agriculturally productive regions of the world? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Screen-based education has improved accessibility but also created new behavioural and social challenges for children. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Why are protectionist and xenophobic trends against Indians rising in the West, despite the global embrace of Indian culture and soft power? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The caste system in India has adapted to the forces of modernisation, urbanisation, and economic liberalisation. Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":31,"question":"Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Jawaharlal Nehru differed in their approach to nation-building, yet their shared vision was instrumental in shaping modern India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"The Swadeshi Movement marked a significant shift in India's freedom struggle from passive resistance to active mass mobilisation. In this context, discuss the strategies, social impact, and limitations of the movement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"The Western Ghats and the Northeastern Hills receive some of the highest rainfall during the southwest monsoon in India. Discuss the mechanisms responsible for heavy rainfall in these regions and analyse the monsoon's influence on human life in these regions. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Differentiate between forest cover, tree cover, and green cover. How do forest ecosystems in India contribute to climate resilience and carbon sequestration? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Account for the salinity variations in the world's oceans. How does this variation impact ocean circulation and marine ecosystems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"How does the polar cryosphere play a pivotal role in regulating the Earth's climate system? Also, enumerate the key factors responsible for rapid warming in the Arctic. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"\"Religious pluralism and secularism are integral to India's social fabric, but their coexistence requires constant negotiation.\" Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Discuss the intersection of class, gender, and geography in determining women's access to opportunities in the Indian service sector. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"\"Despite a strong continuity in traditional family values, Indian society is witnessing rising trends of delayed marriage, increasing divorce rates, and family disruption.\" Discuss the socio-economic and cultural factors contributing to this shift. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5298,"topper":"Pakshal Secretry","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/MT25FLTRA046_FLT2501.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Cave paintings are the visual autobiography of a prehistoric man. What can we infer about prehistoric beliefs and social practices from the cave paintings in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"Colonial education policy, intended to create obedient clerks, became a channel for political awakening and national self-assertion.\" Discuss (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Evaluate the extent to which the Gupta economy facilitated cultural and scientific advancements. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"India faces a looming freshwater crisis despite its vast river systems. Discuss the causes and evaluate integrated water resource management strategies for sustainability. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How do the Deccan and Chota Nagpur plateaus differ in their physical characteristics and resource potential? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Compare the characteristics of east-flowing and west-flowing rivers with suitable examples. Why do most rivers in India flow eastward? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The Arctic region is emerging as a new frontier for resource exploration. Discuss the opportunities and challenges for India in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"How are changing family structures and migration trends increasingly leading to the social isolation of the elderly in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In what ways does urbanization challenge traditional notions of social cohesion in Indian society? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Safety and mobility are gendered constraints that significantly influence women's participation in the labour force in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"What do the accounts of Arab and European travellers reveal about the nature of social and economic life in medieval India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"India's linguistic diversity is not a challenge to national integration but a testament to its cultural resilience.' Discuss in the context of contemporary debates on language policy and identity politics in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Examine the role played by reformist organizations like the Brahmo Samaj and Arya Samaj in addressing various social issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"What are rift valleys and how are they formed? Explain their geomorphological and economic significance. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"What is 'Blue Revolution'? Discuss the major challenges faced in the development of aquaculture in India. Suggest a set of comprehensive strategies to overcome these challenges. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"With accelerating glacial melt in the Himalayas, GLOFs pose a severe hazard downstream. Analyse the causes, impacts, and mitigation strategies related to GLOFs in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Using suitable examples, discuss the conditions required for the formation of salt pans and mangroves in India. How do these ecosystems support coastal resilience? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Caste in India today operates more as a system of identity assertion than of rigid hierarchy. Discuss this transformation in the context of caste group mobilisation and economic change. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Have regional identities in India evolved from cultural expressions to organised assertions of autonomy? Discuss their implications for national cohesion. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"The rise of the new middle class in India is marked by a culture of consumption. In what ways is the transition from conscious to impulsive consumption affecting family structure and dynamics in urban India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5299,"topper":"Pakshal Secretry","air":8,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/PAKSHAL-SECRETRY-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-8-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1 \"India's democratic roots are deeply embedded in its ancient civilizational ethos.\" Discuss in the context of India being referred to as the 'Mother of Democracy'.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"2) Elucidate the significance of tiger and elephant figures in Indian mythology, art and architecture","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"2.3 The arrival of Lord William Bentinck marked a period of transformation in the British Indian State. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"4) Explain how the American War of Independence deprived Great Britain of one empire, but it strengthened the foundations of another.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"5) What are Rare Earth Elements (REEs)? Discuss the multi-dimensional implications of uneven distribution of REEs in the world.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"6) Highlight the salient differences between the Himalayan and the Peninsular drainage Systems","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7 Describe the nature and mode of origin of the main types of rock at the earth's crust","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) The alienation of modern lifestyles from nature has contributed to the ongoing environmental crisis in India. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q1 What do you understand by the term 'urbanisation of poverty'? Also, explain how urban poverty differs from rural poverty in India?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) Globalization has redefined the idea of community and kinship in Indian society. Do you agree? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 The flourishing of various art forms during the Kushana period reflects the rich and diverse cultural landscape of the time. What insights does this provide into the socio-cultural aspects of that era?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) Trace the events that led to the Civil Disobedience Movement. What were its outcomes?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13) Mahatma Jyotirao Phule's reformist ideas played a significant role in shaping the social foundations of the Indian freedom movement. Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 The interlinking of rivers offers several benefits but also raises significant socio-economic and environmental concerns. Analyze.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Explain the concept of rain shadow effect. How does it influence the distribution of precipitation and vegetation across mountain ranges?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 Bring out the major features of the Indian monsoon and elaborate upon its causative factors.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 What are the geographical factors responsible for the growth of mangrove vegetation in India? Also highlight its role in coastal ecology.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 To what extent can the rise of 'Kidfluencers' be seen as a reflection of changing family structures and parental aspirations in Indian society?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Women often form the backbone of grassroots movements in India, yet they remain largely invisible and excluded from the decision-making process. Examine.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 Do you agree with the view that social media is a 'double edged sword'? Discuss in the context of its impact on Indian society.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5300,"topper":"Pakshal Secretry","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/bf9c7-1009670_2063_pakshal_secretry_rank_08.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. Explain the importance of a Constitution in the context of a democratic country like India. (Answer in 200 words)","marks":"12.5","words":"200"},{"page":6,"question":"2. Bring out the differences between 'coming together federations' and 'holding together federations' with examples. (Answer in 200 words)","marks":"12.5","words":"200"},{"page":9,"question":"3. Compare the powers of the Lok Sabha with that of the Rajya Sabha. (Answer in 200 words)","marks":"12.5","words":"200"},{"page":12,"question":"4. What do you understand by judicial activism and overreach? Also discuss the associated concerns.","marks":"12.5","words":"200"},{"page":15,"question":"5. What do you understand by rule of law? Explain how this idea is reflected in the Constitution of India.","marks":"12.5","words":"200"},{"page":18,"question":"6. Explain the concept of separation of powers. What are the provisions in the Indian Constitution, which reflect separation of powers? (Answer in 200 words)","marks":"12.5","words":"200"},{"page":21,"question":"7. Discuss the veto powers of the President of India. (Answer in 200 words)","marks":"12.5","words":"200"},{"page":24,"question":"8. Discuss the role of the Departmentally Related Standing Committees in strengthening parliamentary democracy in India. (Answer in 200 words)","marks":"12.5","words":"200"},{"page":27,"question":"9. What do you understand by pressure groups? Citing examples, state the different types of techniques used by pressure groups.","marks":"12.5","words":"200"},{"page":30,"question":"10. Enumerate the composition and functions of the National Commission for Women (NCW). Also, highlight the initiatives taken by the Commission to give an impetus to women empowerment.","marks":"12.5","words":"Answer in 200"},{"page":33,"question":"11. Highlight the devolution of powers under the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts. Do you think the process of devolution has been less than satisfactory so far? (Answer in 200 words)","marks":"12.5","words":"200"},{"page":36,"question":"12 Although quasi-judicial bodies have powers resembling those of the judicial bodies, there are important points of distinction between the two. Elaborate.","marks":"12.5","words":"Answer in 200"},{"page":39,"question":"13. Delineate the grounds of disqualification under The Representation of the People Act, 1951. Also, discuss the remedial measures available to the disqualified representatives.","marks":"12.5","words":"Answer in 200"},{"page":42,"question":"14. The basic structure doctrine of the Indian Constitution is a judicial innovation. Analyse. (Answer in 200 words)","marks":"12.5","words":"200"},{"page":45,"question":"15. Highlight the various challenges in ensuring cooperative federalism in India. Also, suggest measures to foster cooperative federalism. (Answer in 200 words)","marks":"12.5","words":"200"},{"page":48,"question":"16. Despite having features borrowed from Constitutions of various other countries, the Constitution of India remains unique. Discuss. (Answer in 200 words)","marks":"12.5","words":"200"},{"page":51,"question":"17. Is there a need to rationalize the large number of ministries in the Government of India? Discuss with logical arguments. (Answer in 200 words)","marks":"12.5","words":"200"},{"page":54,"question":"18. Provide an account of the role of UPSC. Also, enumerate the Constitutional provisions to safeguard and ensure the independence and impartial functioning of the UPSC. (Answer in 200 words)","marks":"12.5","words":"200"},{"page":57,"question":"19 What are tribunals? How is Article 323A different from Article 323B of the Indian Constitution? (Answer in 200 words)","marks":"12.5","words":"200"},{"page":60,"question":"20. On what grounds can President's Rule be imposed in a state? Also, mention the procedure of its imposition and its effects. (Answer in 200 words)","marks":"12.5","words":"200"}]},{"id":5301,"topper":"Pakshal Secretry","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b4bc1-1009670_2071_pakshal_secretry_rank_08.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"1. There are arguments that bills of national importance should be placed before the Inter-State Council prior to their introduction in the Parliament. Discuss in light of the issues that have been observed in the passage of bills in the Parliament in recent times.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":3,"question":"2. Discuss the role played by the Directorate of Enforcement in the investigation of offence of money laundering and violations of foreign exchange laws.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"3. The Indian Constitution has been successful in providing a framework for liberal democracy to flourish in India. Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"4. The Central Information Commission plays a key role in empowering people through information. In this context, discuss the issues faced by it and suggest measures that are required to strengthen the institution.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"5. What do you understand by the \"principle of subsidiarity\"? Discuss its importance in the context of India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"6. Bringing out the differences between political parties and pressure groups, discuss how pressure groups play an important role in improving governance and democratic processes in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"7. The practice of separation of powers in the Constitutional scheme of India and USA is distinct in its own way. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"8 The moral value of fundamental duties would not be to smother rights but to establish a democratic balance by making the people conscious of their duties equally as they are conscious of their rights. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"9. Discuss the impact of the proclamation of National Emergency on Fundamental Rights in India. Also, highlight the various Supreme Court judgments in this context.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"10. The Seventh Schedule is a relic from the colonial past inherited from the Government of India Act, 1935 which needs to be revisited for improving Centre-state relations. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"11. Technology has the potential to bring drastic changes in the field of law and transform the court system. In this context, discuss the need for digitization of Indian judiciary and challenges faced in this regard.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":24,"question":"12. Even after three decades of constitutional amendments, India is yet to decentralise power to local self-government institutions in the true sense. Discuss. Do you agree with the view that Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan will be able to develop the governance capabilities of the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"13. With 98% coverage in rural India, cooperatives are the mainstay of rural economy ensuring sustainable livelihoods and income for people. Discuss. Also, state the recent initiatives taken by the government to improve the functioning of cooperative societies and make them more effective.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"14. Governance of inter-state rivers in India suffers from various issues due to conflictual federalism. Discuss. Also, highlight the mechanisms which can be utilised to resolve inter-state river water disputes in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"15. A dysfunctional criminal justice system, absence of well-considered legislation and need for domain expertise, are being seen as the new challenges for the Indian judiciary. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"16. To what extent has the anti-defection law been able to address the issue of political instability in India? Discuss with suitable arguments.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"6 Blurs distinction between dissent and defection among legislature","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"17. Though the Indian Constitution provides a clear division of legislative powers between the Union and states with each being supreme within the spheres allotted to them, this division is tilted towards the Union. In this context, discuss the powers of the Parliament to legislate on subjects in the State List.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"18. Despite the benefits of wider representation of women in the judiciary, Indian courts have significantly fewer women as compared to men. Discuss. Also, suggest some measures to bridge the gender gap in Indian judiciary.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"19. Elaborate on the fundamental aspects in which the Indian Constitution differed from its contemporaries despite being a post-colonial document.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"20. The tribunalisation of justice though considered to be an effective step is fraught with several challenges. Discuss in light of the Law Commission of India's report on the working of tribunals in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5302,"topper":"Pakshal Secretry","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/MT25FLTRA046_M25GAT02.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"\"One of the mandates of NITI Aayog is to promote competitive and cooperative federalism among States and UTs.\" In this context, evaluate the role of NITI Aayog in strengthening cooperative federalism and encouraging innovation in policy making since 2015. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Examine the structure and jurisdiction of courts in the United States and India. How do the contempt powers of courts differ in both countries? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"\"Universal basic services and targeted welfare are fiscally sound, but competitive populism may hinder productive investment.\" In this context, highlight the constitutional and legal perspectives on welfare provisioning and discuss the impacts of the rising freebie culture. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"\"The Attorney-General is the chief legal adviser and lawyer of the Government of India.\" Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"\"Lokpal is not a panacea, but a vital step towards ensuring accountability in public life.\" In this context, discuss the significance of the institution of Lokpal, along with the limitations it faces. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"Municipal corporations are key to urban governance, yet states often show reluctance to empower them functionally and financially\". In this context, examine the key challenges faced by municipal corporations and suggest measures for a paradigm shift in urban local governance. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":15,"question":"Discuss the constitutional provisions governing the imposition of President's Rule in India and its significance within the federal framework. Examine the challenges and criticisms related to its misuse. Mention key Supreme Court observations that have shaped the constitutional understanding of President's Rule. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":18,"question":"\"Delay in disqualification under the Anti-Defection Law weakens governance and undermines democratic stability.\" Discuss the provisions of the Anti-Defection Law and the role of the Speaker in its implementation. How does the delay in disqualification affect governance? Suggest reforms needed to strengthen the law. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":21,"question":"Examine the key mechanisms available to the Indian Parliament to scrutinise the executive. What are the major gaps in these mechanisms, and how can they be strengthened to uphold the principles of transparency and accountability? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":24,"question":"\"The powers of the Governor, particularly with respect to state bills, have sparked recurring tensions between the Centre and the States.\" Discuss the constitutional powers of the Governor in this regard. Highlight the key concerns arising out of the Governor's role in the legislative process. What reforms can help address the Governor-State disputes? Refer to the case laws. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5303,"topper":"Pakshal Secretry","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/MT25FLTRA046_FLT2506.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"What is constitutional morality? How far does the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) align with the vision of constitutional morality as encompassed in the Indian Constitution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Article 143 of the Constitution confers advisory jurisdiction upon the Supreme Court through a presidential reference mechanism. Examine the significance and scope of the Supreme Court's advisory jurisdiction under this provision. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Since Independence, the composition of the Indian Parliament has undergone a significant change with the changing socio-economic profile of the Members of Parliament(MPs). Analyse the impact of this shift on the overall quality of representative democracy in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"In a rights-based democracy, institutions like the NHRC must evolve beyond symbolic presence to real-time impact. In this context, discuss the structural and functional issues within India's human rights framework. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Delimitation upholds the idea of 'one citizen, one vote', but its implications go against the principles of federalism. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"To make skilling meaningful, programs like PM Internship Scheme (PMIS) must ensure not just participation but employability-linked outcomes.\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"Women-centric welfare schemes need to move beyond welfare to empowerment.\" Examine in the context of key women-centric welfare schemes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"The increasing regulatory oversight on civil society organisations risks shrinking democratic space.\" Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"India's engagement with Africa is no longer limited to development cooperation but is increasingly shaped by strategic and economic considerations. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The Indian diaspora in the Gulf region plays a pivotal role in shaping India's economic relations and people-centric diplomacy with West Asia. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Despite increased political representation, Elected Women Representatives (EWRs) in Panchayati Raj Institutions continue to face barriers to effective participation and leadership. In this context, discuss the challenges EWRs face and suggest reforms needed to enable gender-inclusive grassroots governance. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"The principle of checks and balances in the Indian Constitution is often challenged by the judiciary's expanding role in legislative and executive domains. Highlighting the reasons, assess its impact on the functional separation between various organs. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"The credibility of the electoral process rests on the autonomy and neutrality of the Election Commission. Do you think the Election Commission of India is facing credibility issues in sustaining public trust in electoral democracy? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Cooperative societies are integral to India's socio-economic development. Examine the governance and autonomy challenges faced by Multi-State Cooperative Societies (MSCSs) and discuss how the recent Multi-State Cooperative Societies (Amendment Act, 2023) seeks to address these issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"\"Weak institutional independence of Information Commissions has diluted the effectiveness of the Right to Information (RTI) regime.\" Discuss in the light of autonomy and independence of the Information Commissions. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"\"Civil services in India were envisioned as instruments of neutrality and efficiency, yet they are increasingly perceived as rigid and politicised.\" Examine the issues responsible for this perception and suggest corrective measures. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Despite consistent economic growth and social sector spending, India continues to perform poorly in global human development rankings. Examine the structural issues that inhibit equitable and inclusive human development. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"\"The expansion of BRICS offers opportunities for India to strengthen its voice in global economic governance.\" Discuss how India can leverage the BRICS Plus to advance the interests of the Global South. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"\"Act East Policy is as much about regional balancing as it is about economic diplomacy.\" Analyse this statement in the context of India's engagement with ASEAN amidst shifting power dynamics in the Indo-Pacific. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5304,"topper":"Pakshal Secretry","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/MT25FLTRA046_FLT2510.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Socialistic ideals and secularism are core features of the Basic Structure doctrine in India. In this context, discuss how judicial decisions have cemented these principles as the cornerstone of constitutional identity. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"There is a need to expand the scope of 'corrupt practices' under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, to address emerging forms of electoral malpractices.\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Analyse the distinguishing perspectives on equality as reflected in the constitutional frameworks of India and France. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The shrinking effective share of States in the Union's gross tax revenues, coupled with equity-heavy criteria in horizontal devolution, raises critical concerns for fiscal federalism in India. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"Citizenship is the legal foundation of constitutional rights and responsibilities.\" Discuss how India's approach to citizenship reflects its commitment to constitutional values. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Declining fertility rates, coupled with rising life expectancy, require a shift from fertility-focused interventions to human capital investments. Examine in the light of recent population trends. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"The quality of governance is critically linked to the extent and nature of citizen participation in democratic processes.\" Discuss using examples in the Indian context. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"Low alignment between educational outcomes and market needs can widen social and economic inequalities.\" Examine this statement in the context of India's skills ecosystem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"The weakening commitment of major powers to international health frameworks poses serious challenges to equitable global cooperation.\" Discuss in light of the U.S. withdrawal from the WHO and its implications for India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The ongoing conflict in West Asia has exposed the vulnerabilities of regional diplomacy. In this light, discuss the implications of the West Asian conflict for India's strategic autonomy and regional engagement. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"\"Department-related Standing Committees serve as the institutional backbone of legislative scrutiny, yet their potential remains underutilised.\" Critically analyse the challenges faced by Parliamentary Committees in ensuring executive accountability in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"\"President's Rule is a constitutional mechanism to deal with governance failure, not political convenience.\" Under what circumstances can President's Rule be imposed in a State? Discuss the constitutional safeguards and judicial verdicts associated with it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"The recently released Devolution Index reveals wide variation in the performance of States in empowering Panchayati Raj Institutions. While explaining the reasons behind this variation, discuss the role of capacity-building initiatives in enabling PRIs to fulfil their constitutional mandate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"\"In the evolving constitutional and political landscape, the effectiveness of statutory commissions depends on their structural autonomy and independence.\" Discuss in the context of the growing demand for constitutional status for statutory commissions like the National Commission for Women (NCW) and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"\"An independent judiciary is essential for upholding constitutional values, but it must also remain accountable to preserve public trust.\" Discuss in the context of recent issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Institutional autonomy of sectoral regulators is critical for ensuring credibility, transparency, and fair competition. In light of recent incidents, examine the issues pertaining to the independence and autonomy of regulatory bodies in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"How far do you think a caste census is a necessary step toward realising the goals of social justice and equitable development, despite the administrative challenges it poses? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"\"The complexity of modern governance demands adaptive and dynamic administrative reforms.\" Evaluate the role of administrative reforms in improving efficiency, transparency, and responsiveness in Indian governance. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"The trajectory of India-China relations in the last 75 years reflects a balance between pragmatic cooperation and unresolved strategic tensions. Discuss the contours of this evolving policy and highlight the measures India should take to counterbalance asymmetries with China. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"The evolution of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) from a maritime security grouping to a multidimensional partnership reflects changing strategic realities in the Indo-Pacific. In this context, examine the opportunities and challenges that QUAD presents for India's regional aspirations and strategic autonomy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5305,"topper":"Pakshal Secretry","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/MT25FLTRA046_FLT2502.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"The contributions of the founding mothers in the Constituent Assembly and their feminist perspective have shaped India's constitutional discourse. Discuss (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What is a Privilege Motion in the Indian Parliament? How does the Committee of Privileges examine and deal with such motions? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Compare the powers of the head of state in India and the UK. How do their roles reflect the constitutional principles of their respective systems? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"A democracy is only as strong as its Opposition. In this light, examine the role of the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and suggest measures to enhance the effectiveness of this institution in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What are the constitutional provisions related to minority educational institutions in India? How have judicial pronouncements shaped the balance between the right to equality and the right to preserve minority identity in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"India is emerging as a global hub for social entrepreneurship. Can social enterprises effectively complement the state in achieving inclusive development? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The SHG-Bank Linkage Programme has been hailed as an indigenous tool for poverty alleviation in India. Examine its impact on improving rural livelihoods and reducing multi-dimensional poverty. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"How far do you think Citizen-led environmental movements have proven to be effective tools of ecological preservation in recent years? Justify with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Digital governance is emerging as a frontier of the global agenda, and India seeks to lead by example. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Examine India's transboundary water-sharing challenges with Pakistan and Bangladesh in light of recent disputes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"The role of Governors in opposition-ruled States has been a flashpoint in Centre-State relations. Critically discuss how gubernatorial overreach challenges the position of state governments and suggest safeguards to mitigate such conflicts. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"The evolving relationship between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy has been a dynamic feature of India's constitutional journey, often necessitating judicial interventions and constitutional amendments. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"While cooperative federalism is rooted in the design of the Constitution, political considerations have given rise to competitive and confrontational federalism. Examine the role of constitutional and extra-constitutional institutions in reconciling these trends within India's federal structure. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"The growing number of undertrial prisoners in India reflects both systemic and procedural lapses within the criminal justice system. In light of recent Supreme Court directions, discuss the underlying challenges and suggest a multi-pronged approach to address this crisis. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"The Upper House was envisioned as a reviewing chamber and not a rival to the Lower House. In light of this statement, do you think the Rajya Sabha continues to fulfil this vision in contemporary Indian polity? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Well-executed government initiatives often fail if operations and maintenance are not integral to the programme design. In the context of the Swachh Bharat Mission in India, discuss how collective action and community ownership can ensure its long-term sustainability. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Freebies in electoral politics have sparked debate over their impact on governance in India. Differentiate between freebies and welfare measures, and examine their impact on governance. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Structural barriers have long impeded the development of a robust research environment, despite the presence of numerous institutions. Discuss how the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) seeks to address these structural challenges. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"India's strategic autonomy remains the guiding principle in navigating relations with the United States and China. In this context, analyse the potential challenges and opportunities for India and how India should navigate this renewed US-China rivalry. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"The launch of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) marks a turning point in India's connectivity diplomacy. Analyse its strategic relevance for India vis-a-vis China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5306,"topper":"Pakshal Secretry","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mLdJWlJeONsIw_moetjBxb5AHzW_504V/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Aditya-L1 marks a significant milestone in India's space programme. Discuss its scientific objectives and the broader significance of the mission for India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What is the Internet of Things (IoT)? Discuss its transformative potential for India's information infrastructure and evaluate its role in enhancing agricultural productivity. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Reusable launch vehicles (RLVs) present both technological promise and challenges. Discuss the hurdles in developing RLVs and outline India's progress in this field. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What is Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)? Examine how DPI can accelerate India's development and evaluate the initiatives taken to build a digital stack for the agriculture sector. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"India's proposed mission to Venus poses multiple challenges. Discuss the scientific and technological difficulties associated with exploring Venus. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Operation Sindoor highlighted the decisive role of technology in modern warfare. In this context, examine the technological advancements that contributed to its operational success. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":16,"question":"Human spaceflight poses unique safety challenges. Discuss the major risks involved in human space missions and outline the steps taken under the Gaganyaan mission to address them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":19,"question":"India has made notable progress in nuclear energy. Discuss the technological advancements in this domain and evaluate their contribution to India's developmental goals. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":22,"question":"What are mRNA vaccines? Explain how they function and highlight how they differ from DNA-based vaccines. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"What is fifth-generation warfare? Examine the emerging challenges associated with it and suggest measures India should adopt to strengthen its preparedness. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5307,"topper":"Pakshal Secretry","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/MT25FLTRA046_M25GAT03.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Aditya-L1 marks a significant milestone in India's space programme. Discuss its scientific objectives and the broader significance of the mission for India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What is the Internet of Things (IoT)? Discuss its transformative potential for India's information infrastructure and evaluate its role in enhancing agricultural productivity. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Reusable launch vehicles (RLVs) present both technological promise and challenges. Discuss the hurdles in developing RLVs and outline India's progress in this field. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What is Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)? Examine how DPI can accelerate India's development and evaluate the initiatives taken to build a digital stack for the agriculture sector. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"India's proposed mission to Venus poses multiple challenges. Discuss the scientific and technological difficulties associated with exploring Venus. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Operation Sindoor highlighted the decisive role of technology in modern warfare. In this context, examine the technological advancements that contributed to its operational success. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":16,"question":"Human spaceflight poses unique safety challenges. Discuss the major risks involved in human space missions and outline the steps taken under the Gaganyaan mission to address them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":19,"question":"India has made notable progress in nuclear energy. Discuss the technological advancements in this domain and evaluate their contribution to India's developmental goals. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":22,"question":"What are mRNA vaccines? Explain how they function and highlight how they differ from DNA-based vaccines. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"What is fifth-generation warfare? Examine the emerging challenges associated with it and suggest measures India should adopt to strengthen its preparedness. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5308,"topper":"Pakshal Secretry","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/MT25FLTRA046_flt2507.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Even after a decade of Make in India, India's manufacturing sector has remained a weak spot in its growth story. How can India fundamentally reset its manufacturing sector to utilise its potential in GDP growth and job creation? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Indian startups, despite showing great potential, have not scaled up on innovation. Discuss. Suggest measures for Indian startups to go up the value chain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Despite a robust Public Distribution System (PDS), food security remains a challenge to the Indian population. What are the deficiencies in the current PDS system? Suggest reforms to improve the system. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Discuss the key components of the recently launched Digital Agriculture Mission. How will this mission help in improving farmers' welfare? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What is the Axiom-4 mission? How will India's participation in the Axiom-4 mission help in bolstering India's human space programme? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Introduce the concept of precision medicine. Comment on the role of precision medicine in the treatment of rare and specific diseases. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss how the Biodiversity Act, 2002, and the recently notified Biological Diversity (Access and Benefit Sharing) Regulation, 2025, promote access and benefit sharing while ensuring the growth of traditional industries. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"Preparedness is the first step towards disaster risk reduction\". In this context, assess the role of the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) in strengthening disaster preparedness and early warning systems in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"How does the long maritime border of India present immense internal security challenges? Suggest measures to address these challenges. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Despite decline in terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir, Over Ground Workers (OGWs) and proxy militant groups continue to pose a serious threat to India's internal security. What strategies can be adopted to neutralize these threats? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"\"Infrastructure development is a key driver of accelerated and inclusive economic growth\". Highlighting the importance of infrastructure investment in achieving long-term growth, discuss India's successes and failures in stimulating infrastructure-led growth in the economy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"What are the responsibilities of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC)? How effective has the RBI's monetary policy initiatives been to broaden economic recovery whilst maintaining a sustainable inflation rate? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"What are the opportunities and challenges of the food processing industry in India? Why has the overall private investment remained low in the industry despite immense potential? Suggest measures. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Micro-irrigation systems can revolutionize Indian agriculture, but adoption remains limited. In this context, discuss how micro-irrigation can help in sustainable water management. What are the barriers to its widespread adoption? Suggest measures to overcome them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"With the development of advanced chips like Majorana 1 and Willow, quantum computers are no longer a theory but a reality'. What are the principles of quantum computing? How does the National Quantum Mission help in scaling up quantum technologies in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Wetlands play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, yet they face several anthropogenic and climate-related threats. Discuss. What steps have been undertaken by the Government of India to conserve and promote wetlands? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"In spite of being preventable, stampedes due to improper crowd control mechanisms continue to claim lives in India. Discuss the underlying causes of such disasters. What institutional and technological measures can be taken for efficient crowd management? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"With the rapid digitalization of Indian society, cyber crimes like digital arrest have also increased. Highlighting the major elements of cybersecurity, Discuss the measures needed to strengthen India's cybersecurity infrastructure. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"Illegal immigration poses a threat to India's democracy, sovereignty, and internal security. In light of this statement, discuss how the recently passed Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, helps in effectively addressing the issue of illegal immigration. What are the constitutional and potential human rights challenges associated with the Act? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5309,"topper":"Pakshal Secretry","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/MT25FLTRA046_FLT2511.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"How far do you think the recent proposals to reform India's tax structure will help in improving India's tax buoyancy and base? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"How do the rising trends of economic nationalism and protectionism affect India's global trade competitiveness? What recent measures has India taken to navigate these challenges? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Examine the role of Integrated Farming System (IFM) in improving agricultural productivity and minimizing the environmental impact of agriculture. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"In recent years, Indian agriculture has been witnessing a transformation towards better productivity and improved farmer incomes. What institutional and structural reforms have been undertaken by the Government to make agriculture more rewarding and sustainable? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How do Air Defence systems work? What are the various air-defense systems that India currently possesses? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the potential of RNA editing in treating genetic disorders. What are its advantages over DNA editing? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Urban areas are more vulnerable to disasters due to unplanned growth and infrastructure collapses. Discuss. What strategies do you recommend to enhance urban resilience to such disasters? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Despite its criticality for the success of the Swachh Bharat Mission, solid waste management in India remains at a sub-optimal level. In this context, suggest long-term technological and institutional solutions towards effective solid-waste management. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"Social media has emerged as a new frontier in modern warfare, shaping narratives, influencing perceptions, and impacting national security\". In this context, analyse the role of social media in contemporary conflicts. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The Border Security Force (BSF) has evolved significantly in its jurisdiction as well as its strategic importance in border management and the internal security framework. Explain the role and mandate of BSF. What are the issues BSF faces while operating in the border States? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"India's growth story is marred by persistent challenges of inequality and the middle-income trap. Discuss. Highlight the approaches India should follow to escape the middle-income trap and ensure inclusive and sustainable economic growth. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"MSMEs are central to the success of the Make in India initiative, yet they face challenges in scaling up and integrating into formal supply chains. Discuss. Suggest structural reforms needed to make MSMEs more resilient and competitive. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"\"The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) aims to achieve 'more crop per drop', yet irrigation efficiency in India remains suboptimal.\" Critically analyse. What reforms are needed to strengthen its implementation? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"The rising import of oilseeds and pulses has made their cultivation unremunerative. In the light of this statement, elucidate the steps needed to promote the production and consumption of oilseeds and pulses in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Explain the scientific principles behind cloud seeding. Highlighting its role in alleviating air pollution and global warming, discuss its potential limitations. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Give an account of the evolution of India's 3-Stage Nuclear Power Programme. What are the advantages and strategic imperatives of realising the thorium-based third stage? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Recent studies indicate that the 2014-2024 decade is the warmest decade and 2024 is the warmest year on record. In the light of rapid global warming, what are the impacts of climate change on biodiversity? Discuss the measures needed to ensure ecological resilience and conservation of species diversity. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Forest fires in India are increasing in frequency and intensity, posing severe ecological and economic challenges. Describe the various causes of forest fires. What measures are followed to prevent and manage forest fires in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"What are organized crimes? Discuss the linkages between organized crime and terrorism. How do such linkages pose internal security challenges to India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"India's north-eastern region is fraught with contentious issues and security challenges. Examine the various security challenges currently prevailing in the region. Discuss the steps to counter these challenges. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5310,"topper":"Pakshal Secretry","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/MT25FLTRA046_FLT2503.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"The recent push towards gender budgeting in the Government Budget reflects its importance for women empowerment. What are the recent initiatives towards gender budgeting in India and their importance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Port-led development is seen as a key driver of economic growth and regional integration in India. Discuss how the Sagarmala initiative can promote port-led growth and the coastal economy. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the importance of livestock farming in a non-farm economy. What is the need for the recently proposed livestock census in promoting animal husbandry? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How can minimum support prices help in promoting farmers' income? What are the challenges faced by farmers in accessing the benefits of minimum support prices? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What are artificial neural networks? Discuss their importance in machine learning and artificial intelligence. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the importance of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in the defense sector and modern warfare. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Examine the environmental impacts of oil spills on marine and coastal ecosystems. What are the various methods used for cleaning-up of oil spills? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the vulnerability of northern India to earthquake-related disasters. Highlight India's preparedness in mitigating their impacts. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss how cryptocurrency and other emerging technologies contribute to the menace of money laundering and terror financing. What steps have been undertaken by the Government of India to tackle this issue? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What is hybrid warfare? How is it different from conventional warfare? How can India navigate the challenge of hybrid warfare? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Despite India's push for a robust digital economy, India faces challenges with regard to digital inclusion. Discuss. Suggest measures to ensure equitable access to digital resources. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"As artificial intelligence penetrates into various sectors of the economy, job losses are becoming a reality. Analysing the impacts of AI on employment, suggest measures to navigate this challenge and promote job growth. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"India's post-harvest losses amount to approximately ₹1,52,790 crore annually. To what extent can post-harvest losses in India be attributed to the constraints in the transport and marketing of agricultural products? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"What are the direct and indirect subsidies in Indian agriculture? How have these subsidies impacted the cropping diversity and farm economy of the country? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Discuss the potential of reusable launch vehicles in future space operations and missions. What are India's initiatives towards the development of reusable launch vehicles? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Explain the aims and objectives of the recently launched BioE3 policy. How can the policy help in ensuring “green growth” of the economy? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"What were the various market mechanisms under the Kyoto Protocol? What is Article 6 of the Paris Climate Change Agreement? Explain the significance of the global carbon market in achieving net-zero targets. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Climate change and rapid urbanization have intensified the impact and frequency of heat waves in India. Discuss. How can Heat Action Plans (HAPs) improve heatwave management in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"What are the threats posed to India's internal security by external State and non-state actors? Discuss the strategies necessary to tackle these threats. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"Left-wing extremism (LWE) continues to remain a challenge to India's internal security. Discuss the Government of India's approach towards solving the issue of LWE in the country. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5311,"topper":"Pakshal Secretry","air":8,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/PAKSHAL-SECRETRY-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-8-Sample-MGP-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) 'Unconscious biases in parenting continue to shape gendered experiences in India.' Do you agree with this view? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) Distinguish between empathy and compassion. Why are they considered as foundational values in public services?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) The current society is witnessing rising levels of intolerance. What are the consequences of this situation for personal well-being and for societal well-being? What can one do at the personal level to become tolerant?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) What are the main components of emotional intelligence and how does it help an individual in taking ethical decisions?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"3) Given below are the three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"If you cry because the sun has gone out of your life, your tears will prevent you from seeing the stars.\" - Rabindranath Tagore (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"\"Two ways of building character - cultivating strength to challenge oppression, and tolerate the resultant hardships that give rise to courage and awareness.\" - Sardar Patel","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"4) a) \"With great power comes great responsibility.\" In the present context, 'Big Tech' headquartered in developed countries wield disproportionate influence over digital infrastructure, personal data, and global narratives - often prioritising profit over ethical considerations. What ethical principles should guide such corporations in building a fair, inclusive, and just global digital framework?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"b) What do you understand by the term 'crisis of conscience'? Describe an incident from your life where you experienced such a crisis. How did you deal with it?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.5) a) \"A politics of confession that encourages politicians and parties to confess and offer regret for their errors can surely be a cathartic experience.\" Examine the statement from the ethical point of view.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"b) What are the key objectives of the Right to Information Act, 2005? Examine the ethical concerns associated with certain provisions of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act in realizing the objectives of the RTI Act.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.6) a) Public spaces serve as arenas of democratic participation and civic expression. Yet in India, they remain deeply gendered, with many women largely confined to the private and domestic sphere. Examine the factors that restrict women's access to public spaces. How can ethical governance help address the issue of gendered spatial control and promote inclusivity in public spaces?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Q Role of Ethical governance\n1 Creating inclusive public spaces (eg women's only public parks)\n2 Sensitising people on need of spatial autonomy to women\n3 Value based service delivery by governmental -> empowerment of women (eg Ujjawala Scheme, PMJOY)\n4 Accountability and punishment to societal deviant element\n5 Ensuring Transparency -> More belief among women in public spaces safety","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"b) Write short notes on the following in 30 words each\ni) Ethical fading\nii) Conflict of interest\niii) Persuasion\niv) Work culture\nv) Corporate governance","marks":"10 marks, 150","words":"30 words each"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7 A State Government in the northeastern part of the country has launched a series of anti-encroachment drives across forest areas, wetlands, and revenue lands. Under the directions of the Chief Minister, the administration has intensified efforts to reclaim public land, particularly in areas reserved for ecological protection and critical infrastructure development. Most of the time, these actions have been backed by court orders and have resulted in the recovery of thousands of hectares of land. However, in certain regions, the implementation of such drives is fraught with social and political complexities. In several districts, settlements have existed for decades and are inhabited by marginalized communities with limited access to legal rights or formal rehabilitation measures. These areas are often politically sensitive and influenced by local leaders and pressure groups. Simanta is posted as Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) in one such district. Over the past year, the district administration has attempted to align eviction measures with welfare outreach, including the provision of temporary shelters, relocation assistance, and public consultations. Recently, a major operation was scheduled to clear encroachments from over 140 hectares of forest land within a Reserved Forest, primarily to curb rising instances of human-elephant conflict and to restore ecological balance. Anticipating eviction, some residents approached the High Court seeking a stay. However, the court refused to grant it and directed the administration to proceed with the eviction following due process. Notices were served, and a detailed roadmap was prepared to carry out the operation, which was expected to last 2-3 days due to the scale and remote location. On the first day, Simanta led a team comprising forest officials, municipal workers, and police personnel. Demolitions were conducted peacefully and without major resistance. However, on the second day, when the team returned to the site, a large group of agitated residents—primarily women and children—had gathered. They raised slogans and formed human chains to prevent further evictions. The atmosphere grew tense when some individuals began throwing stones, resulting in serious injury to a municipal worker. The crowd grew increasingly volatile and emotionally charged, demanding an immediate halt to the operation. The police contingent present on the ground was outnumbered by the crowd. Faced with this crisis, some team members pleaded with Simanta to call off the operation, fearing threats to their life and the possibility of a violent escalation. Simanta attempted to contact his superior officer (the Deputy Commissioner), but due to poor mobile connectivity in the forested area, communication could not be established. Meanwhile, several local journalists had arrived and begun reporting on the incident. Simanta is in a dilemma as to what to do.\na Evaluate the options available with Simanta to cope with the situation.\nb Which of the above options would be the most appropriate for Simanta and why?\nc What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Simanta?\nd Examine the qualities of a public servant which will be required to manage such situations.","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":30,"question":"a. स्थिति से निपटने के लिए सिमंता के पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nb. सिमंता के लिए सबसे उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?\nc. सिमंता को किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\nd. ऐसी परिस्थितियों का प्रबंधन करने के लिए एक लोक सेवक के गुणों का परीक्षण करें।\na स्थिति से निपटने के लिए सिमंता के पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nb सिमंता के लिए सबसे उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?\nc सिमंता को किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\nd ऐसी परिस्थितियों का प्रबंधन करने के लिए एक लोक सेवक के गुणों का परीक्षण करें।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":34,"question":"Q.8) Megha is a first-year sociology student at a reputed college in the national capital. She is originally from Tadchirol, a tribal village in a western Indian state. Megha's family migrated to the city when she was seven years old and had not visited their village since. Though Megha has fond memories of her childhood there, she never deeply understood the customs and traditions of the region. One day, Megha expresses her wish to visit Tadchirol. Her father agrees and asks her to inform Ratan, her paternal uncle, who still lives in the village with his family. Megha informs Ratan and travels to the village during a semester break. Upon arrival, she receives a warm welcome from Ratan and his family. Later, Ratan invites her to attend a local festival. During the event, Megha notices that her cousin Rinki is missing. Curious, she asks Ratan's wife Ratna why Rinki is not at the festival. Ratna explains that Rinki is on her period, and as per tradition, menstruating girls must stay separately in small huts built specifically for the purpose. Locally known as 'kurma ghars', they are generally located on the periphery of the village, near a river or pond. She further adds that these girls are not allowed to enter the main house or participate in any social or religious activities. Megha is taken aback. She asks whether all women follow this practice. Ratna nods and says it has been the custom for generations. Even schoolgirls stay in these huts and miss classes during their periods. Ratna admits that many in the village, including herself, never questioned the practice. The explanation unsettles Megha. She finds it hard to believe that a natural biological function leads to such exclusion. Before returning to the city, Megha observes that even educated family members seem to accept and follow these customs. The experience leaves a deep impact on her. She starts reading more about menstrual taboos and their impact on women's health, dignity, and education. As a sociology student, she recognises how such traditions are linked to patriarchy and social stigma. She begins to reflect on what she can do at her level to improve the current situation, without alienating the community or disrespecting its traditions.\na. Suggest a course of action Megha can take to sensitize her village community without appearing disrespectful or confrontational.\nb. What ethical principles and methods should guide her actions while engaging with the community?\nc. How is menstruation related to human rights?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":39,"question":"Q.9) Gopal is an 80-year-old man living in a remote and an underdeveloped village in a Central Indian state. He had been residing in a small mud house for years. When he came to know about the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G), he saw a glimmer of hope for a pucca house in the last phase of his life. However, the village sarpanch and panchayat secretary told him that to be eligible under the scheme, he must first demolish his existing house so that during a site inspection, no structure would be visible at the location. Subsequently, Gopal demolished his shelter and began living under a babool tree. For nearly six months, he has been staying in the open, braving harsh weather conditions. During this time, he has repeatedly visited the panchayat office but has been told that his application cannot be processed as he lacks the necessary documents.\nYou are the officer-in-charge of implementing PMAY-G in the district. The case of Gopal reaches you through a prominent newspaper report. You personally visit him to understand the situation on the ground. After meeting him and listening to his account, you feel that he certainly needs support. Your enquiries confirm that he is truly destitute and living in a pitiable condition under the open sky. It is also established that he demolished his house based on a faulty interpretation of the scheme by panchayat officials. However, he has no documents to show that he fulfils the eligibility criteria under the scheme.\nNow you are in a dilemma. Including him under the scheme without the necessary documents would clearly be a violation of rules. But denying him support would be cruel and inhuman.\na. Can you think of a rational way to resolve this dilemma?\nb. Give your reasons for it.\nc. What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.10 You are working as an Assistant Section Officer in the District Development and Panchayat Office. One day, one of your close colleagues approaches you in deep distress. She tells you that her father is suffering from a severe liver condition, and the doctors have clearly stated that he must undergo liver transplant immediately in order to survive. She shares that she has no health insurance, and the surgery would cost around Rs 15 lakh. You are aware that her husband passed away a few years ago, and that she also has a four-year-old son with special needs. Just a few weeks ago, she also lost all her savings in a digital arrest scam. As a widow from a lower middle-class family, her options are extremely limited. Although you feel deeply empathetic, you are unable to offer financial assistance, as you do not have the resources to help. A few weeks later, you enquire about her father's health. She informs you that the liver transplant surgery was successful and that her father is now recovering steadily. Relieved, you ask how she managed to arrange the funds. Hesitantly, she confides that the District Development and Panchayat Officer (DDPO) helped her. Moved by her situation, the DDPO facilitated the release of Rs 15 lakh from the fund allocated to a rural sanitation scheme. The implementation of this scheme had been put on hold for a year due to technical issues and pending site approvals. She explains that the amount was provided on the assurance of strict confidentiality and with a commitment to repay it at the earliest. She expresses deep gratitude for the DDPO's timely help, which she believes saved her father's life. She has already begun repaying the money and will continue to do so until it is all returned.\na Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\nb Examine the behavior of DDPO from an ethical point of view.\nc How would you react to the situation?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Q.11 Nithin is the head of the Marketing Department at Pehnava Clothings Ltd., a reputed apparel manufacturing company with a strong global presence. Known for its professionalism and consistent performance, the company had earned a credible name in both domestic and international markets. However, the firm was going through difficult times. For three consecutive quarters, it had witnessed a steep decline in sales. This trend had raised serious concerns among the top management regarding the company's competitiveness, profitability, and long-term stability. To address the situation, the leadership decided to restructure the marketing division and bring in dynamic leadership. A senior marketing executive, Mr. A, was hired after a rigorous selection process. He had an impressive career record and was known for turning around sales performance in other firms and building strong brand identities. With high expectations placed upon him, Mr. A was seen as the key figure to steer the company out of crisis. Mr. A soon began delivering results. Within a year, the company's revenue had almost doubled, and its brand visibility had increased significantly. His bold marketing strategies, proactive outreach, and innovative campaigns received appreciation from various quarters within the company. His performance drew the attention of the top management. There were deliberations about assigning him a larger role within the company, with a focus on long-term business strategy. He was also being considered for an internal award for 'Excellence in Leadership and Innovation'. However, alongside professional success of Mr. A, Nithin began receiving troubling feedback about his conduct in the workplace. Informal reports indicated that he frequently made inappropriate comments about women. In addition, he regularly sent indecent messages via social media apps to all team members, including his female colleagues. Although no formal complaint was lodged initially, Nithin could sense tension within the team, and signs of discomfort were becoming increasingly apparent. Some employees even started avoiding direct interaction with Mr. A. Team morale and interpersonal trust were gradually eroding, but employees remained hesitant to speak openly. The matter escalated one evening when Mrs. X, one of Mr. A's team members approached Nithin. Visibly disturbed and emotionally shaken, she disclosed that Mr. A had repeatedly engaged in inappropriate behavior towards her. She added that Mr. A had been making undesirable advances towards her and had even tried to touch her inappropriately in his cabin. She urged Nithin to take appropriate action in the matter, or else she would have no option but to resign from her position.\na. Bring out the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb. What are the options available to Nithin?\nc. Critically examine each of the options identified by Nithin.\nd. Which of the options, do you think, would be more appropriate for Nithin to adopt and why?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":50,"question":"a. इस मामले में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दे को स्पष्ट करें।\nb. नितिन के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nc. नितिन द्वारा पहचाने गए प्रत्येक विकल्प का आलोचनात्मक परीक्षण करें।\nd. नितिन के लिए कौन सा विकल्प अपनाना अधिक उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":54,"question":"Q.12 You are appointed as an officer heading the Air Quality Compliance Division of the Environment Pollution Control Board in Delhi-NCR. The region is witnessing alarming levels of air pollution, which typically worsen during the winter months due to various meteorological and anthropogenic factors. The situation has led to severe public health concerns, particularly affecting vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and those with respiratory illnesses. The Supreme Court has also raised serious concern over the deteriorating air quality in Delhi-NCR and has directed the administration to take immediate and effective measures to control pollution, especially during the winter months. Your jurisdiction has a large number of small and medium-scale industries that were granted environmental clearance over the years. These industries form the backbone of the local economy and provide employment to a significant number of migrant workers. However, recent inspections and air quality monitoring reports indicate that a significant number of these units are operating in violation of prescribed air emission norms. As part of targeted measures to curb air pollution, you issued notices to all identified polluting units, directing them to apply for fresh environmental clearance certificates from the competent authority. However, your decision triggered strong opposition from a section of industrial units, labour unions, and local politicians. Industrial owners argued that such action would lead to production shutdowns, financial losses, and shortages of their products in the market. Labour unions and workers also protested, fearing mass unemployment and livelihood insecurity. Local politicians and vested interests accused you of jeopardising the socio-economic stability of the region. You received representations from various quarters urging you to withdraw the notices and not initiate harsh measures, citing the interests of multiple stakeholders. Additionally, you began receiving anonymous threats, aimed at coercing you into reversing your decision. On the other hand, several of your colleagues supported your stance, encouraging you to act in the larger public interest. Several local NGOs and environmental groups rallied behind your actions, demanding the immediate closure of polluting units.\na. Under the given conditions, what are the options available to you?\nb. Critically evaluate each of the options listed by you.\nc. What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by you?","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":5312,"topper":"Pakshal Secretry","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ece82-1009670_2092_pakshal_secretry_rank_08.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"1. (a) Direct interactions with social groups, like families and peers, teach people how others expect them to behave. Likewise, a society as a whole reinforces and shapes values through its norms, institutions, media, and collective behaviour. Discuss how a society's formal and informal institutions socialize its population, with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":3,"question":"1 (i) What is meant by value and ethics? Explain with four basic 45 autonomous values (150 words) (ii) How can technology play a role in establishing a value-centric modern society? Explain (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"2. (a) \"Drop by drop is the water not filled. Likewise, the wise man, gathering it little by little, fills himself with good.\" Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"2 (b) There is an ongoing debate on what constitute the core components necessary to define empathy. However, the three that are most often included in psychologists' definitions are affective understanding, emotional contagion, and cognitive perspective-taking. Explain with suitable illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"3. What does each of the following quotations mean to you?\n(a) \"The end-product of education should be a free creative man, who can battle against historical circumstances and adversities of nature.\" Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"3. (b) \"Forgiveness is not an occasional act. It is a permanent attitude.\" - Martin Luther King, Jr. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"3 (c) \"The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets the people to do the greatest things.\" Ronald Reagan (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"4. (a) What are the signs that show that an individual ranks on the lower spectrum of emotional intelligence? How far is technology leading to a decline in the emotional intelligence of people, especially the younger generations? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"4. (1) \"Action is a catalyst for profound shifts in attitude of an individual.\" How far do you agree with the statement? Give suitable examples to substantiate your answer. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"5 (a) Thinkkural advocates a conscious and a spirit-centered approach to business ethics based on eternal values and moral principles that should govern the conduct of business leaders. What are the ethical issues faced by businesses in contemporary times? How will the teachings of Thirukkural assist in their resolution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"5 (b) Laws promote social control by resolving basic value conflicts, settling individual disputes, and making rules that even our rulers must follow. But, law does not always achieve its purpose and can rather harm society. In this background, discuss the limitations and dysfunctions of law, with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"6 Discuss the ethical issues involved in the spending of public money by the government on advertisements? What measures would you suggest to address these issues? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"In India, there are conduct rules, which govern an officer's behaviour and conduct. These include the Central Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964, All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968 etc. Do you think there is a need for a separate Code of Ethics for civil servants in India? What important values should be part of such a Code of Ethics? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"7. In the following questions, carefully study the cases presented and then answer the questions that follow (in around 250 words):\n(a) उपयुक्त स्थिति में शामिल विभिन्न मुद्दे क्या हैं?\n(b) क्या आपको लगता है कि मूल्य-सीमा का निर्धारण दी गई समस्या का समाधान एक दूसरी समस्या उत्पन्न करने करेगी?\n(c) ऐसे मामलों में उत्पन्न होने वाले मुद्दों से निपटने के लिए कौन-से दीर्घकालिक उपाय किए जा सकते हैं? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"around 250"},{"page":28,"question":"(a) What are the various issues in the above situation?\n(b) Do you think a price-cap solves the given problem by creating another one?\n(c) What are the long-term measures that can be taken to deal with issues arising in such cases? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"iv Will have to benefit the society at large by creating another problem\ni Will disincentivise pharma company to conduct R & D and thus society will suffer in long term\nii Interference of state will create Market distortion (Adam Smith) and lead to deadweight loss\niii Price cap will result in hoarding and black marketing of product, thus informally may impact vulnerable section the most\niv This price cap will also be violation of IPR commitment at WTO","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"8. (a) दी गई स्थिति में आपके द्वारा सामना की जाने वाले नैतिक दुविधाएं कौन-सी हैं?\n(b) दी गई स्थितियों में, आपके पास कौन-से विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\n(c) आपके द्वारा सूचिबद्ध प्रत्येक विकल्प का सामग्रोनात्मक मूल्यांकन कीजिए।\n(d) आप कौन-सा विकल्प चुनेंगे और क्यों? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)\na) दी गई स्थिति में आपके द्वारा सामना की जाने वाले नैतिक दुविधाएं कौन-सी हैं?\nb) दी गई स्थितियों में, आपके पास कौन-से विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nc) आपके द्वारा सूचिबद्ध प्रत्येक विकल्प का सामग्रोनात्मक मूल्यांकन कीजिए।\nd) आप कौन-सा विकल्प चुनेंगे और क्यों? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":33,"question":"(a) What are the ethical dilemmas faced by you in the given situation?\n(b) Under the given conditions, what are the options available to you?\n(c) Critically evaluate each of the options listed by you.\n(d) What option would you adopt and why? (Answer in 250 words)\na) What are the ethical dilemmas faced by you in the given situation?\nb) Under the given conditions, what are the options available to you?\nc) Critically evaluate each of the options listed by you.\nd) What option would you adopt and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"9. (a) मूल लाइटिंग से जुड़े नैतिक मुद्दों को रेखांकित कीजिए।\n(b) कंपनी के HR प्रमुख के रूप में, आपके समक्ष कौन-से विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\n(c) इनमें से प्रत्येक विकल्प का मूल्यांकन कीजिए और कारण बताते हुए आपके द्वारा अपनाए जाने वाले विकल्प का चयन कीजिए। (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)\na) मूल लाइटिंग से जुड़े नैतिक मुद्दों को रेखांकित कीजिए।\nb) कंपनी के HR प्रमुख के रूप में, आपके समक्ष कौन-से विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nc) इनमें से प्रत्येक विकल्प का मूल्यांकन कीजिए और कारण बताते हुए आपके द्वारा अपनाए जाने वाले विकल्प का चयन कीजिए। (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":38,"question":"In this context:\n(a) Highlight the ethical issues associated with moonlighting.\n(b) As the HR head of the company, what are the options available to you?\n(c) Evaluate each of these options and choose the option, which you would adopt, giving reasons. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"10. (a) इस संदर्भ में, आपको किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\n(b) आपके समक्ष उपलब्ध विकल्पों के गुणों और दोषों पर चर्चा कीजिए। आप इनमें से किस विकल्प का चयन करेंगे और क्यों?\n(c) लाभप्रदता और नैतिक श्रम प्रथाओं को संतुलित करने के लिए बहुराष्ट्रीय निगमों के पास कौन-से नैतिक विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)\na) इस संदर्भ में, आपको किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\nb) आपके समक्ष उपलब्ध विकल्पों के गुणों और दोषों पर चर्चा कीजिए। आप इनमें से किस विकल्प का चयन करेंगे और क्यों?\nc) लाभप्रदता और नैतिक श्रम प्रथाओं को संतुलित करने के लिए बहुराष्ट्रीय निगमों के पास कौन-से नैतिक विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":43,"question":"(a) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by you in this context?\n(b) Discuss the merits and demerits of the options available to you. Which of these will you choose and why?\n(c) What are the ethical alternatives available to the multinational corporations to balance profitability and ethical labour practices? (Answer in 250 words)\na) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by you in this context?\nb) Discuss the merits and demerits of the options available to you. Which of these will you choose and why?\nc) What are the ethical alternatives available to the multinational corporations to balance profitability and ethical labour practices?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"11. (a) इस प्रकरण में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\n(b) राहुल जैसे गिग श्रमिकों के सामने आने वाली समस्याओं को हल करने के लिए कौन-से उपाय अपनाए जा सकते हैं? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)\na) इस प्रकरण में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\nb) राहुल जैसे गिग श्रमिकों के सामने आने वाली समस्याओं को हल करने के लिए कौन-से उपाय अपनाए जा सकते हैं? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":48,"question":"(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\n(b) What can be done to resolve the problems faced by gig workers like Rahul? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"6 What can be done?\ni Filling the legal loopholes laws for gig workers\nii Rajasthan's recent law on gig employees","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"12. In this context, answer the following questions.\n(a) What are the key barriers and challenges that hinder the path of women in their journey towards leadership roles in their respective fields?\n(b) How do the social and cultural norms affect women's employment in India?\n(c) Discuss how gender parity in employment opportunities and career growth be ensured for women in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":5313,"topper":"Pakshal Secretry","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RXwD92BVZ1DU3jhrnfvEqD1lE2yjPpeF/view","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"\"Duty forms the cornerstone of administrative ethics, yet without integration of other ethical perspectives, it risks becoming mechanical compliance. Discuss how the interplay of duty, virtue, principle, and consequences can enrich ethical decision-making in public administration. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"The strength of a professional public service lies in its ability to remain non-partisan, even in a deeply political environment. Do you agree that partisanship undermines the ethical foundation of public administration? Discuss the risks posed by political bias among civil servants and the safeguards that help uphold neutrality. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"In situations of moral ambiguity, where formal rules fall short, emotional intelligence and conscience become crucial tools. Explain how these internal faculties help public servants navigate ethical grey zones. Support with a suitable example. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"The heart of the ethical dilemma is not the absence of values but the presence of competing responsibilities.\" Discuss how ethical dilemmas in public administration often emerge from the clash of legitimate obligations rather than moral ambiguity. Illustrate with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"The growing layers of oversight, media scrutiny, and public expectations have made accountability a double-edged sword for public servants.\" Do you agree that excessive accountability pressure can sometimes hinder ethical judgment and innovation in the bureaucracy? Explain your perspective with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"Family, society, and education do not merely transmit values they shape the ethical foundation of public life.\" Discuss how these institutions influence value formation in public servants Why is the role of these institutions critical in strengthening ethical governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"\"Foreign aid is often framed as generosity but its ethical legitimacy depends on fairness, accountability, and respect for sovereignty.\" Explain the ethical concerns associated with conditional foreign aid. How can donor countries uphold recipient autonomy while ensuring transparency and developmental impact? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":34,"question":"What are the ethical considerations involved in this budget allocation decision?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"How can administrators ensure equitable development while maintaining working relationships with elected representatives? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"You are posted as the Deputy Director (Training) at a state administrative academy. Among the current batch of officer trainees is a probationer known for initiative and strong opinions on social justice and governance. Over the past few weeks, the probationer has been posting commentary on current affairs on his public social media account. While not abusive or inflammatory, his posts openly criticise: * Certain welfare schemes as \"tokenistic,\" * The inaction of state agencies in recent communal incidents, * And call for \"civil resistance\" to regressive laws. Screenshots of his posts have circulated in the department. Some senior officers consider the posts politically charged and believe they undermine the principle of neutrality and decorum expected of civil servants. Others argue he is still under training and needs mentorship, not discipline. You are informally asked by the Director General to \"speak to him\" and submit a recommendation on whether formal action is warranted. The probationer, when confronted, says: \"I posted as a citizen, not as a government mouthpiece. I'm entitled to express myself. My views don't affect my professional objectivity.\" There's growing debate in the academy: Where does personal liberty end and institutional responsibility begin? Is there space for moral conviction in service, or must officers conform fully to institutional restraint even in their private lives?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"What are the key ethical and professional concerns in this situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"How can civil servants balance personal expression with the demands of neutrality and public accountability? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the key ethical issues in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"How can civil servants uphold integrity when informal hierarchies and peer pressure discourage ethical action? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"What are the ethical concerns involved in the allocation of CSR funds in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"How would you assess the competing pressures of organizational politics and public interest?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"What decision would you take, and how would you justify it ethically and professionally? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"What are the administrative and ethical issues involved in the case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"How can senior civil servants uphold neutrality and fairness in politically sensitive postings without inviting retaliation or appearing insubordinate? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":59,"question":"What are the core ethical challenges involved in executing the eviction in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":59,"question":"How should a public servant reconcile legal mandates with humanitarian obligations in contexts of informal urban settlements?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Several NGOs and urban policy experts point out that the land had remained vacant for decades, with no alternative use pursued or development plan executed until the recent PIL. They also raise concerns that no rehabilitation policy has been activated, despite a clear state commitment under its urban housing scheme. The situation is tense: * A local MLA supports immediate clearance, citing \"respect for the rule of law and infrastructure development.\" * Media and civil society are sharply divided; some demand swift implementation, others condemn the potential humanitarian fallout. * Your team awaits instruction. Some suggest delaying until an in-principle rehabilitation commitment is secured. Others urge immediate compliance to \"avoid contempt.\" You are now faced with a critical choice: obeying the court order as is, or seeking space to align legal compliance with ethical obligations.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5314,"topper":"Pakshal Secretry","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/MT25FLTRA046_FLT2512.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"\"Duty forms the cornerstone of administrative ethics, yet without integration of other ethical perspectives, it risks becoming mechanical compliance.\" Discuss how the interplay of duty, virtue, principle, and consequences can enrich ethical decision-making in public administration. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"The strength of a professional public service lies in its ability to remain non-partisan, even in a deeply political environment.\" Do you agree that partisanship undermines the ethical foundation of public administration? Discuss the risks posed by political bias among civil servants and the safeguards that help uphold neutrality. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"In situations of moral ambiguity, where formal rules fall short, emotional intelligence and conscience become crucial tools. Explain how these internal faculties help public servants navigate ethical grey zones. Support with a suitable example. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Discuss how ethical dilemmas in public administration often emerge from the clash of legitimate obligations rather than moral ambiguity. Illustrate with suitable examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Do you agree that excessive accountability pressure can sometimes hinder ethical judgment and innovation in the bureaucracy? Explain your perspective with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss how these institutions influence value formation in public servants Why is the role of these institutions critical in strengthening ethical governance?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"What are the key ethical and professional concerns in this situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"How can civil servants balance personal expression with the demands of neutrality and public accountability? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the key ethical issues in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"How can civil servants uphold integrity when informal hierarchies and peer pressure discourage ethical action? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"What are the administrative and ethical issues in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"What are the core ethical challenges involved in executing the eviction in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"How should a public servant reconcile legal mandates with humanitarian obligations in contexts of informal urban settlements?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5315,"topper":"Pakshal Secretry","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/MT25FLTRA046_FLT2504.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Do you agree that ethical governance encompasses more than just clean administration, it involves inclusive, participatory, and value-driven governance? Suggest implementable measures to institutionalise ethical governance in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Administrative ethics often involve tension between legality and morality? As a public administrator, how would you handle a situation where legal compliance contradicts moral responsibility? Illustrate with an example. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"In public administration, ethical decision-making is shaped by multiple frameworks. How does a deontological or duty-based ethical approach differ from consequentialist theories such as utilitarianism in administrative practice? Illustrate your answer with an example of a moral dilemma in governance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"With the growing reliance on digital governance and AI systems, concerns about fairness, transparency, and accountability have intensified. Are the foundational values of public service sufficient to address these challenges, or do we require new ethical frameworks for the digital era? Explain with an example. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Emotional intelligence (EI) is increasingly regarded as essential for effective public service. Do you agree that EI enhances ethical decision-making and administrative performance, especially in high-pressure sectors such as policing or disaster response? Support your answer with a relevant example. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Ethical guidance in public administration stems from various sources, laws, rules, regulations, and personal conscience. These sources may not always align. In such cases, what ethical approach should a public servant adopt to resolve the conflict? Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Public servants often operate within environments shaped by political expectations, peer norms, and public opinion. How do moral and political attitudes influence ethical decision-making? How can civil servants maintain independence without becoming socially or politically detached? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Ethical governance is not solely the responsibility of the state, but also of private entities engaged in public functions. Discuss the ethical challenges posed by public-private partnerships (PPPs), and suggest ways to ensure transparency and accountability in such arrangements. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Governance must be built not only on institutions, but also on ideas. In this context, discuss the philosophical foundations that should underpin ethical governance. How do these ideas contribute to ensuring probity in public life? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"In a deeply unequal world ethical foreign policy is not idealism, it is realism with conscience. Do you agree? Discuss the ethical responsibilities of a nation-state in its conduct with other states and international bodies. Use examples from global practice. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context? (a) How selfish soever man may be supposed, there are evidently some principles in his nature, which interest him in the fortune of others, Adam Smith (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":5316,"topper":"Palash Bansal","air":162,"year":2018,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1l1oGsHS7J5VYjDGmll5KmDtGiyYv4elM","questions":[]},{"id":5317,"topper":"Pallavi Mishra","air":73,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lB6T2wPWO31pRTJb-_yfKWfS55zk_qi0/view","questions":[]},{"id":5318,"topper":"Pallavi Mishra","air":73,"year":2022,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/19pbhl3iH2lwuigUNi03cIscx_qnjUQKa/view","questions":[]},{"id":5319,"topper":"Panchal Smit H","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/gs-mac-test-1-panchal-smit-1745409446939.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"1. (a) Besides being public servants, they are also citizens and have personal lives. At times, there is an inherent tension among the roles. How can a public servant effectively navigate the intrinsic tension between personal interests and official duties and between private inclinations and public obligations? Explain","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"(b) \"Ideas are the cornerstone of a strong public service framework globally.\" In the context of this statement, discuss the ideas of a philosopher whose ideas you believe are most pertinent to the civil services in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. (a) \"The challenge of power lies in its responsible application rather than its irresponsible and indulgent use—specifically, how to motivate those in power to serve the public rather than exploit it.\" Analyse the relationship between power and public service. Do you believe that the concept of power conflicts with the ideal of service, or do they complement each other? Substantiate your viewpoint.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"(b) Human values emphasise the humane aspects of public servants, whereas public service values focus on the transparency and effectiveness of service delivery. Do you think these value systems conflict with or complement each other? Justify your perspective with relevant examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"3. (a) \"When good individuals in any society become complacent and cease their vigilance and struggle, malevolent forces prevail.\" Discuss the role and significance of civil society in curbing corruption and official misconduct.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"(b) Do you agree with feminist ethicists that women are \"more emotional\" and prioritise relationships over rules, reflecting different yet equally valuable ethical perspectives? Justify your viewpoints with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"4 (a) How should an administrator handle conflicts between legal directives and ethical considerations, particularly when directives are illegal and laws are unjust? Discuss","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"(b) Critically evaluate the role of family and educational institutions in shaping ethical values among civil servants.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"5. (a) How can civil servants cultivate a positive attitude towards the weaker sections of society? Suggest some implementable and practical steps.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":22,"question":"(b) Business ethicists believe that external and internal regulations are insufficient for curtailing or preventing corporate malpractices; they strongly advocate the presence of whistleblowing mechanisms as a check against corporate misgovernance. Do you think corporate governance is incomplete without whistleblowing? Why/Why not? Explain (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"6 Discuss the relevance of the following quotes to the present times.\n(a) \"Moral actions belong to the jurisdiction of the outward and inward court, both civil and domestic governor; I mean both the magistrate and conscience.\" Locke","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"(b) \"Good people do not need laws to tell them to act responsibly, while bad people will find a way around the laws.\" Plato (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"(c) \"A sense of duty is useful in work, but offensive in personal relations.\" Russell","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":30,"question":"7 In a tragic incident that profoundly impacted the community, a public transport bus operated by the city's transportation department plummeted into a ravine due to brake failure. This catastrophic event resulted in the fatalities of several passengers and the driver. As the Head of Safety, the responsibility to investigate and address the underlying causes of this accident is incumbent upon you.\n\nThe accident occurred on a steep mountainous route, a critical and challenging area for bus operations. Initial investigations revealed two primary causes:\n1. The driver was found to be under the influence of alcohol.\n2. The maintenance team had not adequately serviced the bus's braking system.\nThese findings highlighted severe lapses in both the human and mechanical aspects of the transport system.\n\nUpon concluding the inquiry, you realized the complexity of the situation. There were numerous uncertainties and ambiguities, preventing a straightforward assignment of responsibility or a definitive conclusion. The accident might have been averted if the maintenance team had performed their duties diligently. Similarly, if the bus driver had not been intoxicated, he might have been able to prevent the bus from falling into the ravine.\n(a) उपयुक्त मामले में निहित नैतिक मुद्दों और दुविधाओं को पहचान कीजिए।\n(b) उपयुक्त मामले में आपके पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\n(c) आपको क्या लगता है कि नशे में धुत ड्राइवर को व्यक्तिगत जिम्मेदारी पर ध्यान केंद्रित करना अधिक नैतिक है या रखरखाव विफलताओं के व्यापक प्रणालीगत मुद्दे पर? प्रासंगिक नैतिक सिद्धांतों के साथ अपने उत्तर की पुष्टि कीजिए।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए"},{"page":31,"question":"(a) Identify the ethical issues and dilemmas in the above case.\n(b) What are the options available to you in the above case?\n(c) What do you think is more ethical to focus on the personal responsibility of the driver, who was intoxicated, or on the broader systemic issue of maintenance failures? Justify your answer with relevant ethical theories.\na) Identify the ethical issues and dilemmas in the above case.\nb) What are the options available to you in the above case?\nc) What do you think is more ethical to focus on the personal responsibility of the driver, who was intoxicated, or on the broader systemic issue of maintenance failures? Justify your answer with relevant ethical theories.","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":35,"question":"8. As an officer in the Right to Information (RTI) division of the Defence Ministry, your primary responsibility is to respond to RTI queries by furnishing relevant details. Most of these RTI applications pertain to tender information and procurement contracts. However, occasionally, applications concerning sensitive matters arise, requiring you to seek legal advice and obtain approval from your senior before responding. Recently, an RTI application was received that involved sensitive departmental initiatives. Following protocol, you sought legal advice, and the legal officer cleared the response. However, your senior did not approve the reply and instructed you to be opaque in your response. Respecting the chain of command, you adhered to the senior's directive and provided a vague and non-informative reply.\n\nUndeterred by the initial response, the applicant resubmitted the application, demonstrating persistence. Once again, you followed the senior's instructions and kept the response deliberately vague. This cycle continued, with the applicant becoming increasingly relentless.\n\nOne day, the entire email trail related to this RTI case got leaked and found its way to the media. It was revealed that the persistent applicant was an RTI activist, dedicated to ensuring transparency and accountability within government departments. The media coverage brought significant public attention and scrutiny to the Defence Ministry's handling of RTI requests, particularly those concerning sensitive information.\n\nIn the aftermath of the media exposure, your senior officer instructed you to take responsibility for the opaque responses. You were left questioning your actions and decisions, pondering where you might have gone wrong.\n(a) Identify the ethical issues and dilemmas involved in the given case.\n(b) What alternatives do you have in the given case?\n(c) Considering the nature of the RTI activist and the right to information of the public, how should you resolve the tension between national security concerns and the principles of transparency and accountability? Explain clearly.","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"(a) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas in the above case?\n(b) What are the options available to you in the above case?\n(c) Considering the persistent nature of the RTI activist and the public's right to information, how should you navigate the tension between national security concerns and the principles of transparency and accountability? Explain (Answer in 250 words) 20 marks\na) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas in the above case?\nb) What are the options available to you in the above case?\nc) Considering the persistent nature of the RTI activist and the public's right to information, how should you navigate the tension between national security concerns and the principles of transparency and accountability? Explain (Answer in 250 words) 20 marks","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"9 (a) उपयुक्त मामले में निहित नैतिक मुद्दों और दुविधाओं को पहचान कीजिए।\n(b) उपयुक्त मामले में आपके पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\n(c) एनजीओ कर्मचारियों से प्राप्त फीडबैक पर विचार करते हुए कि गाँव के पुरुष खुद को उपेक्षित महसूस कर रहे हैं और महिलाओं को प्रशिक्षण सत्रों में भाग लेने से रोकने का प्रयास कर रहे हैं, आप कार्यक्रम में उनके समावेशन और समर्थन को सुनिश्चित करने के लिए क्या रणनीतियाँ लागू करेंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए) 20 अंक\na) उपयुक्त मामले में निहित नैतिक मुद्दों और दुविधाओं को पहचान कीजिए।\nb) उपयुक्त मामले में आपके पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nc) एनजीओ कर्मचारियों से प्राप्त फीडबैक पर विचार करते हुए कि गाँव के पुरुष खुद को उपेक्षित महसूस कर रहे हैं और महिलाओं को प्रशिक्षण सत्रों में भाग लेने से रोकने का प्रयास कर रहे हैं, आप कार्यक्रम में उनके समावेशन और समर्थन को सुनिश्चित करने के लिए क्या रणनीतियाँ लागू करेंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए) 20 अंक","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":41,"question":"(a) What the issues that you notice in the above case?\n(b) What are actionable options available to you?\n(c) Considering the feedback from the NGO staff about village men feeling left out and attempting to dissuade women from attending training sessions, what strategies would you implement to ensure their inclusion and support for the program? (Answer in 250 words) 20 marks\na) What the issues that you notice in the above case?\nb) What are actionable options available to you?\nc) Considering the feedback from the NGO staff about village men feeling left out and attempting to dissuade women from attending training sessions, what strategies would you implement to ensure their inclusion and support for the program?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"strategies to ensure inclusion of male and support program?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"10 (a) उपयुक्त मामले में निहित नैतिक मुद्दों और दुविधाओं की पहचान कीजिए।\n(b) उपयोगितावादी दृष्टिकोण को ध्यान में रखते हुए, क्या आपको लगता है कि श्री कुमार को झुग्गी-झोपड़ियों के निवासियों की बेहतरी के लिए परियोजना में तेजी लाने के श्री शर्मा के प्रस्ताव को स्वीकार कर लेना चाहिए था? क्यों अथवा क्यों नहीं?\n(c) गुण नीतिशास्त्र (virtue ethics) के संदर्भ में, श्री कुमार जैसे वरिष्ठ सिविल सेवक के लिए नैतिक चरित्र और सत्यनिष्ठा के महत्व पर चर्चा कीजिए। इस दुविधा को हल करने में इन गुणों को उनके कार्यों का मार्गदर्शन किस प्रकार से करना चाहिए? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए) 20 अंक\na) उपयुक्त मामले में निहित नैतिक मुद्दों और दुविधाओं की पहचान कीजिए।\nb) उपयोगितावादी दृष्टिकोण को ध्यान में रखते हुए, क्या आपको लगता है कि श्री कुमार को झुग्गी-झोपड़ियों के निवासियों की बेहतरी के लिए परियोजना में तेजी लाने के श्री शर्मा के प्रस्ताव को स्वीकार कर लेना चाहिए था? क्यों अथवा क्यों नहीं?\nc) गुण नीतिशास्त्र (virtue ethics) के संदर्भ में, श्री कुमार जैसे वरिष्ठ सिविल सेवक के लिए नैतिक चरित्र और सत्यनिष्ठा के महत्व पर चर्चा कीजिए। इस दुविधा को हल करने में इन गुणों को उनके कार्यों का मार्गदर्शन किस प्रकार से करना चाहिए? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए) 20 अंक","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":46,"question":"(a) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas in the above case?\n(b) Considering the utilitarian perspective, do you think Mr. Kumar should have accepted Mr. Sharma's proposal to expedite the project for the greater good of the slum residents? Why or why not?\n(c) In the context of virtue ethics, discuss the importance of moral character and integrity for a senior civil servant like Mr. Kumar. How should these virtues guide his actions in resolving the dilemma?\na) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas in the above case?\nb) Considering the utilitarian perspective, do you think Mr. Kumar should have accepted Mr. Sharma's proposal to expedite the project for the greater good of the slum residents? Why or why not?\nc) In the context of virtue ethics, discuss the importance of moral character and integrity for a senior civil servant like Mr. Kumar. How should these virtues guide his actions in resolving the dilemma?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"11. (a) उपयुक्त मामले में निहित नैतिक मुद्दों और दुविधाओं की पहचान कीजिए।\n(b) सुश्री राव के पास उपलब्ध विकल्प क्या हैं?\n(c) आप सुश्री राव के लिए किस प्रकार की कार्रवाई का सुझाव देंगे? क्यों?\n(d) क्या आपको लगता है कि देरी के लिए सुश्री राव को जवाबदेह ठहराना उचित था? क्यों/क्यों नहीं?\na) उपयुक्त मामले में निहित नैतिक मुद्दों और दुविधाओं की पहचान कीजिए।\nb) सुश्री राव के पास उपलब्ध विकल्प क्या हैं?\nc) आप सुश्री राव के लिए किस प्रकार की कार्रवाई का सुझाव देंगे? क्यों?\nd) क्या आपको लगता है कि देरी के लिए सुश्री राव को जवाबदेह ठहराना उचित था? क्यों/क्यों नहीं?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए"},{"page":52,"question":"In a critical meeting, the state Chief Secretary, Mr. Vikram Patel, emphasized the urgency of advancing the project and held Ms. Rao accountable for the delays, lack of progress, and overall non-performance. Ms. Rao left the meeting disappointed and felt holding her accountable for delay was unfair as there were others also involved in the project.\n(a) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas involved in the above case?\n(b) What are the options available to Ms. Rao?\n(c) What course of action would you suggest for Ms. Rao? Why?\n(d) Do you think holding Ms. Rao accountable for the delays was justified? Why/Why not? (Answer in 250 words) 20 marks\na) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas involved in the above case?\nb) What are the options available to Ms. Rao?\nc) What course of action would you suggest for Ms. Rao? Why?\nd) Do you think holding Ms. Rao accountable for the delays was justified? Why/Why not?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":56,"question":"12 (a) सुश्री शर्मा के सामने मौजूद मुद्दे और दुविधाएँ क्या हैं?\n(b) अपने विभाग में उत्पीड़न और धमकाने की शिकायतों का संंबोधित करने में सुश्री शर्मा को किन नैतिक सिद्धांतों द्वारा मार्गदर्शित होना चाहिए?\n(c) सरकारी विभागों में उत्पीड़न और धमकाने को रोकने के लिए कौन-सी दीर्घकालिक रणनीतियाँ लागू की जानी चाहिए? ये रणनीतियाँ सम्मान और समावेशिता की संस्कृति को कैसे बढ़ावा दे सकती हैं?\n(250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए) 20 अंक\na) सुश्री शर्मा के सामने मौजूद मुद्दे और दुविधाएँ क्या हैं?\nb) अपने विभाग में उत्पीड़न और धमकाने की शिकायतों का संंबोधित करने में सुश्री शर्मा को किन नैतिक सिद्धांतों द्वारा मार्गदर्शित होना चाहिए?\nc) सरकारी विभागों में उत्पीड़न और धमकाने को रोकने के लिए कौन-सी दीर्घकालिक रणनीतियाँ लागू की जानी चाहिए? ये रणनीतियाँ सम्मान और समावेशिता की संस्कृति को कैसे बढ़ावा दे सकती हैं?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":57,"question":"(a) What are the issues and dilemmas that confront Ms. Sharma?\n(b) What ethical principles should guide Ms. Sharma in addressing the harassment and bullying complaints in her department?\n(c) What long-term strategies should be implemented to prevent harassment and bullying in government departments? How can these strategies promote a culture of respect and inclusivity? (Answer in 250 words) 20 marks\na) What are the issues and dilemmas that confront Ms. Sharma?\nb) What ethical principles should guide Ms. Sharma in addressing the harassment and bullying complaints in her department?\nc) What long-term strategies should be implemented to prevent harassment and bullying in government departments? How can these strategies promote a culture of respect and inclusivity?","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":5320,"topper":"Panchal Smit Hasmukhbhai","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/panchal-essay-test-2-1745478784591.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"Q.1 The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Q.5 Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5321,"topper":"Panchal Snit Hasmukhbhai","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/panchal-essay-test-5-1745478822028.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"Q.1 Procrastination is like taking a loan, enjoy it only till you have to pay the bill.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Q.6 Darkness is nothing, but only absence of light.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5322,"topper":"Pandu Wilson","air":603,"year":2021,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"SuccessClap","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://assets.zyrosite.com/dWxxVpWEZetoMDNk/air603-pandu-wilson-test-copy1-successclap-AVL09Jv90pHjv6jp.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5323,"topper":"Pandu Wilson","air":603,"year":2021,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"SuccessClap","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://assets.zyrosite.com/dWxxVpWEZetoMDNk/air603-pandu-wilson-test-copy2-successclap-YBgMVpQ83eUXNgQv.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5324,"topper":"PANKAJ","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/29_Pankaj_2514_606_Essay.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Has technology failed to help in the progress of humanity?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Globalisation is making our societies more creative and prosperous, but also more vulnerable.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5325,"topper":"PANKAJ","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/29_Pankaj_2514_605_Essay.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"Is the idea of Unity in Diversity overrated in the Indian context?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5326,"topper":"PANKAJ","air":29,"year":2015,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/29_Pankaj_2514_604_Essay.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5327,"topper":"Pankaj Patle","air":329,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/ANTHRO-T4-PANKAJ-PATLE-R329-1750225998080.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5328,"topper":"Pankaj Patle","air":329,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/ANTHRO-T3-PANKAJ-PATLE-R329-1750226090554.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5329,"topper":"Pankaj Patle","air":329,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/ANTHRO-T1-PANKAJ-PATLE-R329-1750226128696.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5330,"topper":"Pankaj Patle","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/PANKAJ-PATLE-UPSC-2024-Rank-329-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Investment in infrastructure is a precursor to social and economic transformation; however, the focus on economic gains must not marginalise the concerns for safety. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What do you understand from Green growth? With special reference to the budget 2023-2024, discuss various government measures to propel green growth in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Project cheetah marks a departure from India's efforts for conservation of various critically-endangered species. In this perspective, do you think the reintroduction of major fauna that has gone extinct is justified? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"In what ways can precision agriculture become a panacea for multipronged challenges plaguing the agriculture sector? Discuss. Also, analyse various impediments in widespread adoption of precision farming in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are the reasons for increasing emphasis on the horticulture sector in recent years? Evaluate government measures for the development of the horticulture sector. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Unplanned urbanization has made Indian cities vulnerable to fire safety hazards. Discuss and recommend measures for mitigating urban fires, with special reference to national building code, 2016. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"DPI (Digital Public Infrastructure) is indispensable for digitally enabling citizens and businesses; however, the challenges of exclusion, exploitation, and monopolisation cannot be ignored. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Assess the relevance of the NISAR mission in observing and managing climate change and natural hazards. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Defense indigenization remains the Achilles heel of India's security architecture. Examine the importance of startups in defense sector to make India secure and self-reliant. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Edge in modern warfare lies not so much in the capacity to overwhelm the adversary as much in the ability to nip the threat in the bud. In this context, discuss the role of intelligence in maintaining national security, and also cite challenges associated. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Labour and export intensive industries are key to problems of jobless growth. In this perspective, analyse the opportunities and challenges associated with the textile sector. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"In an era of interconnected challenges, the emerging global polycrisis poses significant implications for India's macroeconomic stability. Examine and suggest measures to make the Indian economy more resilient to global shocks and challenges. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Do you think the low Female Labor Force Participation Rate presents a correct picture about the 'working women' in India's economy? Give reasons in support of your answer. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Given the vision of developed India in 2047, we need \"women led development\".","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"Across sectors and regions, the most marginalised sections are also the most affected by the impacts of climate change. Explain. Also, present a case for a climate resilient model of development that integrates mitigation and adaptation measures. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite the potential to check the triple whammy of nutritional deficiency, environmental degradation, and receding farm incomes, the adoption of Millets has been abysmally low. Analyse. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"A link between unorganized farming community and formal industrial sector, Food Processing Industries (FPI) can play a key role in advancing the rural economy. Evaluate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What do you understand by generative Artificial Intelligence (AI)? How can policymakers and regulatory bodies effectively address the concerns and challenges posed by generative AI? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Though ethnic fault lines are a major threat, security challenges in the North-East are not confined to the same. Discuss the statement with special reference to Manipur. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Critically examine the role of development initiatives in addressing the root causes of militancy/terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5331,"topper":"Pankaj Soni","air":130,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/PANKAJ-SONI-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-130-Sample-ESSAY-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. You are the master of your conscience and you are the ruler of your destiny.\n2. The inability to see potential in others is the greatest disability\n3. Men are governed only by serving them.\n4. Desires cannot be contrary to nature since it was given to man by nature itself","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"1. Technology and inclusion go hand in hand in eliminating barriers","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"In this regards let us analyse the statement, is too much democracy is detrimental of development?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5332,"topper":"Pankaj Soni","air":130,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/PANKAJ-SONI-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-130-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) The Hoysala period saw the development of a distinctive style of temple architecture renowned for its intricacy and artistic brilliance. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) British colonial rule had a profound impact on Indian agriculture, fundamentally altering the traditional agrarian economy which led to severe peasant resistance. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) The history of India's independence would remain incomplete without acknowledging the significant contributions from the Northeast region. Substantiate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) The diversity of landforms across the Earth's surface reflects the unique signatures left by different geomorphic agents. In this context, describe the various erosional and depositional landforms created by glacial action.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 Explain the factors contributing to the variability of the Indian monsoon. Also, discuss its multi-dimensional impact.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) Describing the distribution of palm oil producing countries, throw light on the major environmental issues faced by them.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7 At the time of her independence, India was beset with multiple challenges. Enumerating those challenges, analyze how far India has been able to address them.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) What do you understand by the Meiji restoration? Discuss its impact on Japan and the world.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) Discuss the reasons for the rise in prevalence of substance abuse in India. Also, examine its impact on family and society.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 Do you think that a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is essential in a multi-cultural and diverse country like India? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 Discuss how the Bhakti movement, along with questioning the established social order, also made substantial contributions to the development of devotional literature.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 The Marathas posed a formidable challenge to British expansion but could not consolidate their power into a centralized authority capable of rivaling British dominance in India. Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 The political reorganization of states and territories has been an ongoing process in the post-independence era. Discuss with examples. How successful has it been in accommodating diverse regional aspirations?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 Highlighting the contributions of revolutionaries to the Indian freedom movement, discuss the factors that limited their efforts.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"2 (b) \"The aspirations of the Indian national movement extended to securing social justice and economic regeneration, in addition to political freedom.\" Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) The 'paper partition' of Africa and its prolonged journey to decolonization stand in contrast to colonial experiences elsewhere. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"India faces a grave water crisis due to soaring demand, pollution, and climate change, which necessitates urgent measures to ensure water security for all.\" Examine.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Also, discuss the various consequences of volcanoes.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"\"A seemingly casteless upper caste and an apparently caste-defined lower caste is one of the central aspects of the institution of caste in contemporary times\". Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Tolerance and harmony are engrained in societal ethos of India, but communal discord remains a significant threat to the nation's pluralistic fabric. Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5333,"topper":"Pankaj Soni","air":130,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/PANKAJ-SONI-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-130-Sample-MGP-Copy-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Why As the soul of the Constitution, the preamble is not only a majestic expression of philosophy and principles but also declares the purpose of the constitution. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Article 21 of the Constitution has been interpreted expansively to encompass various facets of personal freedom and dignity. Elucidate with the help of relevant case laws.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Explain how the Presidents of India and the USA differ in their election processes and the extent of their powers.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4 Critically examine the functioning of National Human Rights Commission of India (NHRC) as an apex institution entrusted with the protection of human rights in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) The 106th Constitutional Amendment Act (Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023) is regarded as a landmark step towards women's empowerment and representation, making women-led development a tangible reality. How far do you think this will help in making the Indian political process more gender-inclusive?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Q.6 India's growing elderly population is faced with a multitude of challenges necessitating development of a comprehensive policy framework to manage this demographic transition. Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Q.7 Discuss the benefits and challenges associated with the entry and operation of foreign higher educational institutions for internationalization of Indian higher education, in the light of recently released UGC guidelines regarding the same.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Q.8 How far do you think that farmers association has been successful as a Pressure Group?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Q.9) The peaceful and co-operative relationship between India and Bhutan provides a unique model of bilateral ties in South Asia. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Q.10 While the Gulf region offers lucrative job opportunities, the Indian diaspora often finds itself grappling with severe challenges. Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Q.11) Recent years have witnessed a concerning decline in Parliament's functioning, marked by frequent disruptions and reduced debate on crucial national issues. Analyze the reasons for the decline in Parliament's functioning in the country and suggest remedial measures.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Q.12) To what extent, in your opinion, has the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act been successful in laying a foundation for participatory and inclusive governance at the grassroot level?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Q.13 Describe the various mechanisms available for the resolution of disputes concerning the use, distribution, or control of inter-state rivers. Also, state the reasons for their limited success.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Q.14 The Election Commission of India (ECI) stands as a sentinel of democracy, ensuring that the world's largest electoral exercise is conducted with integrity and efficiency. In light of the statement, discuss the role of ECI in conducting free and fair elections. Also, state the associated challenges and suggest remedial measures.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Q.15 While e-governance offers immense potential to revolutionize governance and service delivery, its successful implementation requires addressing multifaceted challenges. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Q.16) Assess the performance of various schemes and policies undertaken to improve the socio-economic conditions of vulnerable sections of society. What measures do you suggest to enhance their performance?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Q.17 What are the common challenges faced by NGOs when working with the government? How can these challenges be mitigated to ensure a productive partnership between NGOs and the government?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Q.18 \"Poverty is a complex phenomenon that goes beyond material deprivation, necessitating comprehensive strategies that address the multifaceted nature of deprivation.\" Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Q.19 The expansion of BRICS presents new prospects for the organization, but their realization depends on the member states' ability to address internal challenges and enhance cooperation. Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Q.20 \"A multipolar world order is not merely an option but a necessity\". Elaborate. How can India leverage its position to strengthen multipolarity in the global arena?","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5334,"topper":"Pankaj Soni","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2025_unchecked_MT25FLTON050_FLT2502.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"The contributions of the founding mothers in the Constituent Assembly and their feminist perspective have shaped India's constitutional discourse. Discuss (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What is a Privilege Motion in the Indian Parliament? How does the Committee of Privileges examine and deal with such motions? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Compare the powers of the head of state in India and the UK. How do their roles reflect the constitutional principles of their respective systems? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"A democracy is only as strong as its Opposition.\" In this light, examine the role of the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and suggest measures to enhance the effectiveness of this institution in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What are the constitutional provisions related to minority educational institutions in India? How have judicial pronouncements shaped the balance between the right to equality and the right to preserve minority identity in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"India is emerging as a global hub for social entrepreneurship. Can social enterprises effectively complement the state in achieving inclusive development? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The SHG-Bank Linkage Programme has been hailed as an indigenous tool for poverty alleviation in India. Examine its impact on improving rural livelihoods and reducing multi-dimensional poverty. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"How far do you think Citizen-led environmental movements have proven to be effective tools of ecological preservation in recent years? Justify with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"Digital governance is emerging as a frontier of the global agenda, and India seeks to lead by example.\" Examine (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Examine India's transboundary water-sharing challenges with Pakistan and Bangladesh in light of recent disputes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"The role of Governors in opposition-ruled States has been a flashpoint in Centre-State relations. Critically discuss how gubernatorial overreach challenges the position of state governments and suggest safeguards to mitigate such conflicts. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"The evolving relationship between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy has been a dynamic feature of India's constitutional journey, often necessitating judicial interventions and constitutional amendments. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"While cooperative federalism is rooted in the design of the Constitution, political considerations have given rise to competitive and confrontational federalism. Examine the role of constitutional and extra-constitutional institutions in reconciling these trends within India's federal structure. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"The growing number of undertrial prisoners in India reflects both systemic and procedural lapses within the criminal justice system. In light of recent Supreme Court directions, discuss the underlying challenges and suggest a multi-pronged approach to address this crisis. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Well-executed government initiatives often fail if operations and maintenance are not integral to the programme design. In the context of the Swachh Bharat Mission in India, discuss how collective action and community ownership can ensure its long-term sustainability. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Freebies in electoral politics have sparked debate over their impact on governance in India. Differentiate between freebies and welfare measures, and examine their impact on governance. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Structural barriers have long impeded the development of a robust research environment, despite the presence of numerous institutions. Discuss how the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) seeks to address these structural challenges. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"India's strategic autonomy remains the guiding principle in navigating relations with the United States and China. In this context, analyse the potential challenges and opportunities for India and how India should navigate this renewed US-China rivalry. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"The launch of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) marks a turning point in India's connectivity diplomacy. Analyse its strategic relevance for India vis-a-vis China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5335,"topper":"Pankaj Soni","air":130,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2025_unchecked_MT25FLTON050_FLT2504.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5336,"topper":"Pankaj Yadav","air":642,"year":2016,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/daec2-23965_642_pankaj_yadav_rank_642.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5337,"topper":"Pankaj Yadav","air":642,"year":2016,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2513a-23965_769_pankaj_yadav_rank_642.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5338,"topper":"Pankaj Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e468d-23965_754_pankaj_yadav_rank_642.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The Brussels Summit succeeded in rebooting the EU-India strategic partnership, though it did not see the closing of gaps between the two sides. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"While India has taken excellent steps towards utilization of space for diplomacy, there still seems to be a lot of room for exploiting our capabilities for regional and global diplomacy. Elaborate citing examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Much ground needs to be covered before BIMSTEC can emerge as a political game changer for the North Eastern region's overall development as well as a pertinent link in the Act East Chain. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Relations with Iran hold a lot of potential for India's ambitions for West Asia and beyond, however, realising this potential also involves certain global and regional challenges. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"While India isn't a party to the South China Sea dispute, it needs to take keen interest in the region as a part of its commitment towards the \"Act East Policy\". Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The internal crisis in Nepal over the past few years has given concrete shape to the fears of China gaining upper hand vis-a-vis a traditionally influential India. Elaborate. What can India do to further strengthen its ties with the Himalayan nation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"A nation's foreign policy is strongly influenced by the imperatives of its strategic environment, its neighbourhood and its status in the international community. Elaborate with respect to the evolution of India's foreign policy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Signing of Logistical Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) with USA has signalled a change in India's policy towards its neighbours especially China. What can be the possible implications of such a policy? Can it be a counter-productive move?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"The Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement (TPP), touted as the world's biggest trade deal to date, has danger of bending the WTO rules. In this context, discuss the impact TPP can have on India's foreign trade. What are the options that India has to deal with the issues arising out of the TPP?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Indo-Afghan relations go much beyond the Indo-Pakistan rivalry. Explain. In this context how significant is the Heart of Asia Conference?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"In the recent times India has been considering a more comprehensive maritime policy in the Indian Ocean. What are the factors responsible for the recent push in this direction? How far is the Indian Ocean key to India's foray in the Indo-Pacific region?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"What are the reasons for the significance attached to India's relations with Myanmar? In what ways are the democratic changes in Myanmar going to affect these relations?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Legal proceedings initiated by the Marshall Islands against India, Pakistan and Britain over nuclear weapons in the International Court of Justice highlights the issues of jurisidiction of the court. What is India's position vis-a-vis the jurisdiction of the ICJ? Also differentiate between binding and advisory pronouncements of the court with suitable examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Discuss the causes and possible implications of UK exiting the European Union. Also assess the impact of such a scenario on India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Even though the refugee crisis in Europe does not affect India directly, it presents an opportunity for India to showcase its commitment and capability to take greater responsibility in dealing with global issues. Comment in light of India's strengths, experience and international commitments regarding refugees.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"India is endowed with an amazing variety and wealth of soft power resources. Providing examplés, illustrate the utilisation of soft power in diplomatic inititives of the recent past. What are the limitations of the soft power approach in diplomacy in case of a developing country such as India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Recent upswing in Indo-Israel relations is more a reflection of evolving national interests rather than any ideological readjustment. Discuss in light of evolution of India's relations with Israel and its historical commitment to the Palestinian concerns.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Do you agree that Nuclear Suppliers Group's (NSG's) membership is of significant importance to India? What are the hurdles in India becoming a member of the NSG?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"India and Japan not only engage economically, the two also have strategic convergence on key issues. Explain. Also examine the issues that need to be resolved for the Indo-Japan relation to fulfill its potential.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Though there are unresolved issues between the three, the Russia-India-China trilateral is indispensable to construct a multipolar world. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5339,"topper":"Pankaj Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/982a5-23965_760_pankaj_yadav_rank_642.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Celebrities are paid huge amounts by companies for endorsing products that at times turn out to be harmful for the consumers. Examine the ethical dimensions involved in such instances.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Lack of cleanliness in urban areas despite schemes such as the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan point to difficulties faced in bringing about attitudinal and behavioural changes. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Issues around economic inclusion are not just about income gaps, there are many dimensions of moral and ethical choices as well. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Socially and economically marginalized women are used to make a profit, often at the cost of their own health and reproductive autonomy, in the name of commercial surrogacy. Discuss the ethical issues associated with commercial surrogacy in India. Should commercial surrogacy be completely banned?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"While discussing the ethical issues that journalists face on a regular basis, examine the causes of increased sensationalism in news media in recent times.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"What are the various sources through which humans can judge the correctness of their actions? In the context of public life discuss how these sources are important in offering a clear and practical guidance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Should a person resort to leaking of information in case of wrongs done in the organization ? Does it cause a conflict of interest between the personal, organizational and societal spheres? Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Competition, it is argued, spurs the best of performance, however, can it also instigate cheating and unethical behaviour? Discuss with adequate examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"\"A person may cause evil to others not only by his actions but by his inaction, and in either case he is justly accountable to them for the injury\". Explain the statement giving one example each from personal and public life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"\"A people that values its privileges above its principles soon loses both.\" What does this quotation mean to you? Explain with an example.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Instances of atrocities against dalits despite stringent legal measures point to the fact that the problem is not one of legality only but a matter of entrenched social prejudices and attitude. In this context suggest some effective measures to address the issue holistically.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"What do you mean by ‘anonymity in the civil services’? Explain why anonymity and neutrality are considered as important traits for civil servants.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Prescription of dresscode for women not only violates their liberty but also reflects outdated views on gender relations as well as proper conduct. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"List the options available to you in the given case. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Discuss some feasible steps that you can take to control this serious problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"You are SP of a district where the use of drugs is prevalent; especially among the youth. The neighbouring districts are also suffering from the same problem. There is a huge hue and cry in the national media about the drug issue and the government and political parties are pressurising the police and district administration to act on the issue. A big deal of drugs is busted by the police in your area and all the culprits have been arrested. However, even before you reach your office, a minister from the ruling party of the state calls and asks you to release few of the culprits. You have long suspected the role of many senior leaders in this drug menace of the state. You have also been informed by your juniors that a few officers who dared to act against people involved in drug dealings were transferred or suspended on wrong charges earlier. 1. Identify the options available to you. 2. Evaluate the pros and cons of each of your options.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Evaluate each of these options and choose the option which you would adopt, giving reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"What are the immediate steps which should be taken in such a situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Suggest some long term measures to ensure that such a situation is not repeated.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5340,"topper":"PARAS GARG","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5b96a-420571_1753_paras_garg_rank_168.pdf","questions":[{"page":14,"question":"International cooperation and multilateralism are indispensable.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Faith is the bird that feels the light and sings when the dawn is still dark.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5341,"topper":"PARAS GARG","air":168,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5c664-420571_1254_paras_garg_rank_168.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5342,"topper":"PARAS GARG","air":168,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6fdd3-420571_1754_paras_garg_rank_168.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5343,"topper":"PARAS GARG","air":168,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/48f94f4c58dc4d501f6f42102607e751/40/mt23macen226_tc065.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5344,"topper":"PARAS GARG","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6a87c-420571_1863_paras_garg_rank_168.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Parliamentary oversight of administration is not an end in itself rather it acts as a means to strengthen the efficient functioning of the administration. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"The Tenth Schedule of the Constitution has weakened the democratic credentials of India's representative democracy. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Article 246 of the Indian Constitution is considered as the cornerstone of Centre-state legislative relations. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Although the provision of issuing ordinances amounts to the usurpation of legislative power by the Executive, both Centre and states in India have taken unrestrained course to it. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"There has been a manifold increase in the number of ministries in the central government since independence. Do you agree with the view there is a need to phase out many ministries and amalgamate others in this context? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Evaluate the success of Digital India in fulfilling its vision of transforming India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Examine the issues related to poverty measurement in India. Suggest measures to improve upon the existing methodologies. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"As one of the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, discuss the rationale behind internationalisation of higher education in India and its associated challenges. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Stating the significance of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), examine whether they have been as beneficial as expected for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Though multilateral development banks (MDBs) are crucial for holistic development of developing nations like India, there are certain legitimate concerns about their functioning. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Despite the legal framework to resolve inter-state river water disputes, why do they continue to exist? Also, discuss measures that can be taken to resolve such disputes in an expeditious and agreeable manner. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"While use of technology is a welcome step towards improving the efficiency of the judicial system, it must be understood that technology itself comes with a set of challenges that make justice even more inaccessible. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"The current urban planning capacities in India are extremely skeletal and need systemic reforms and a change in mindset. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Reservation for women in the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) has not translated into corresponding increase in women's representation in India's state legislatures. Bringing out the reasons for the same, discuss how under-representation of women in the state legislatures can be corrected. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"For effective public service delivery, there is need to shift from traditional accountability mechanisms to social accountability mechanisms. In this context, discuss the pre-conditions for the success of social accountability efforts and challenges associated with them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) remains one of the most ambitious programmes for public welfare and rural development, but its objectives cannot be achieved without strong and capable Panchayati Raj Institutions. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Despite legal safeguards and international conventions, the State has failed to uphold the rights of persons with disabilities in general and those with psychosocial disabilities in particular. Discuss in the context of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"To what extent has the PM Awas Yojana (Gramin) been successful in solving the problem of rural housing in India? Discuss with adequate arguments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Despite the potential of India's Neighbourhood First policy, there have been several impediments to regional cooperation in South Asia. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"It is argued that China's Belt and Road Initiative has resulted in unsustainable debt-for-infrastructure deals in several countries across continents and it is a part of debt trap diplomacy. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5345,"topper":"PARAS GARG","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/66c9e-420571_1864_paras_garg_rank_168.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Agristack can serve as a foundation to build innovative agri-focused solutions, thus enabling creation of a better ecosystem for agriculture in India. Comment. Also, discuss the concerns associated with it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Despite the advantages of geothermal energy, it has not been adopted on a wide scale in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"While the WTO seeks elimination of subsidies that contribute to IUU (illegal, unreported and unregulated) fishing, there are multiple concerns around it. Discuss while highlighting India's stand on the issue. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"There is a view that the current agricultural policies in India are biased against rainfed agriculture. Comment. Also, identify government initiatives in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Enumerate the major causes behind marine heatwaves. Also, discuss their impact on the ocean ecosystem. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Aseismic structures are touted as a viable solution to combat earthquake destruction. In this context, highlight the need of a National Program on Seismic Retrofitting of Buildings and Structures in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Despite the risks associated with cryptoassets, their underlying advantages should not be overlooked. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the role and functions of Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and examine whether the NDPS Act, 1985 needs to be remodelled. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Recent events have raised concerns around the issue of surveillance in India. Do you think surveillance is a necessary evil to tackle crime and terror? Discuss the various arguments on the issue. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The decision to grow a particular crop by a farmer is affected by various factors other than the yield of a crop. Discuss this statement and assess the need for bringing a change in the cropping pattern in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"Identifying the importance of livestock in the Indian agricultural economy, enumerate the steps taken by the government in this regard. Also, discuss the potential impact of climate change on the livestock sector. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"It has been argued by some economists that supply creates its own demand. In this context, discuss the merits and demerits of reliance on investment in infrastructure to boost the Indian economy. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Innovations emerge not just as an opportunity but also as a pre-condition to assure the sustainability of food production. Analyse the statement in context of the food processing sector in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"The factors contributing to unemployment in India are not merely a result of the structural issues related to the Indian economy. Discuss. Also, highlight the measures taken to address the problem of unemployment in recent times. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Highlighting the major announcements made by India in the recently concluded COP26, examine India's capabilities in achieving net zero emissions by 2070. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"While geography plays a definite role in the recurring disasters in Western Ghats, it is the human intervention that has exacerbated them. Discuss. Also, suggest measures to protect Western Ghats from these frequent disasters. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"The IPR regime in India is mired by inadequate protection and ineffective implementation. In this context, discuss how the IPR regime can be made more robust and effective. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"What are the similarities and differences between the activities of terrorists and organized criminal groups? Also, elaborate upon the fact that their linkages occur in both tactical and strategic ways. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"There is a view that the 'civil society is emerging as the new frontier of war', in the 4th generation of warfare. Do you agree with this view? Substantiate with logical arguments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5346,"topper":"PARAS GARG","air":168,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ff162fc0430025272826e0c794787a7c/70/mt23macen226_tc071-test-01-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5347,"topper":"PARAS GARG","air":168,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ff162fc0430025272826e0c794787a7c/72/mt23macen226_tc073-test-03-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5348,"topper":"PARAS GARG","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ff162fc0430025272826e0c794787a7c/71/mt23macen226_tc074-test-04-gs-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Public service requires not merely legal but also morally principled action. Public service requires the public servant to place loyalty to the constitution, laws, and ethical principles. Among the three, which do you think must acquire primacy while carrying out official functions? Why? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand by \"integrity-based civil disobedience\"? Do you think a challenge to personal integrity can be a justifiable cause for responsible disobedience in civil services? Explain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Recent research has shown that emotions significantly impact personal and professional lives. What are the primary emotions that negatively and positively impact workplace productivity? Explain with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Technical efficiency ensures resource utilization and social efficiency ensures fulfillment of social needs, what does ethical efficiency ensure? Do you think ethical efficiency is more important than technical and social efficiency? Why/Why not? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Man cannot do right in one department of life whilst he is occupied in doing wrong in any other department.\" Gandhi. Do you think an individual's personal ethics impacts professional life or they both can be compartmentalized? Explain your position with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Goodness is the result of internal imperatives to do what is right, not sanctions from moral rules or rewards from expected consequences. Do you agree? Discuss.(Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"In the context of civil service, distinguish between moral and nonmoral values. Identify 5 basic moral values that can serve as foundational values for all services irrespective of the department. Give reasons why those values can be considered foundational. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Citizens' involvement in decision-making is critical to ethics in governance. Do you agree that effective civic engagement mechanisms can facilitate an ethics-driven administration? What do you think are the mechanisms that citizens can use for ensuring ethics in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Social transformation programs such as \"beti bachao and beti padhao\" believes in using advice, counseling, and persuasion but sometimes a little force is also necessary for getting the desired response. Do you think it is a good idea to mix little force with persuasion by public administrators while implementing social schemes of transformation? Explain with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Ultimately foreign policy of every country hinges upon the strength which the nation possesses. Strength may be military or financial and may be also...moral.\" Do you think ethical strength without military or financial muscle will be respected in today's world? Explain your position. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":31,"question":"You are a young officer working with the Municipal Corporation of an industrial city. The city was known for manufacturing ball bearings and auto parts. Most manufacturing units were small-scale units with very little production process automation. The units relied on manual labor, which was in abundance due to the villages close by. As the number of manufacturing units grew, the demand for labor increased, bringing in a steady inflow of laborers into the city. This influx of people into the town led to a mushrooming of slums and encroachments on the sidewalks. Once in a while, the Corporation conducted drives to clear out the slums, but after a time, the slums came back. The illegal slums had become an urban nightmare. You were given the responsibility of clearing out the encroachments and slums with the help of Police authorities. As you started the drive, you realized that the people living by the sidewalks were vulnerable compared to the slum dwellers. Many sidewalk dwellers had recently come to the city after selling their properties in their villages. Now if you drive them out, they have no place to go. Your heart went out to them, and you felt that your departmental action was inhumane, but your official responsibilities demanded stern impartial action. You are desperate to find a way to help the sidewalk dwellers without compromising your official duties. (a) What value conflicts do you notice in the above situation? (b) Can an administrator compromise the value of impartiality for empathy? Discuss. (c) What are the options available in the above situation? (d) Suggest viable solutions for tackling illegal slums and encroachments in urban areas. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"A certain State government was running a welfare scheme for promoting safe motherhood among rural landless laborers' families. The scheme involves the transfer of funds to the beneficiaries to enable them to mitigate income loss due to maternal care responsibilities. Since its implementation, the scheme has done reasonably well on maternal health and economic indicators. You are the Director of the Department responsible for implementing and operating the scheme. Recently you have been receiving reports of welfare fraud being committed by families by producing fake bona fide. The families committed the fraud with the help of local officials responsible for scrutinizing the bonafide. You were concerned because the fraud was seriously undermining the scheme's efficiency. You called for a departmental meeting to discuss and find a solution to the problem. In the meeting, it was decided to merge several available government data sets such as Aadhar cards, voter ID cards, marriage certificates, bank details, and other personal assets. By merging all the data sets, the department would be able to develop the beneficiary's economic profile. And this will help the department scrutinize the documents and detect fraud. This was a comprehensive strategy, but it risked violating an individual's data privacy. As a Department head, you wanted to detect and prevent fraud, but at the same time, you were apprehensive about violating the Data privacy of the stakeholders. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) Do you think violating data privacy is justified to prevent welfare fraud? Why/ Why not? (c) What, according to you, can be the reasons for such welfare frauds happening in the country? (d) Are there any ways and means to prevent such fraud? Give your suggestions. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"You are posted in the Department of Mines, and one of your roles is to help your Department Head negotiate mining leases with private contractors. Recently, the state government demarcated a new mining zone and planned to invite bids for the mining blocs. You were instructed to oversee the bidding process and speed up the contract negotiations. As planned, the tenders were released, bids came in, and tenders were allocated as per the norms. All this happened at a breakneck speed. You wondered, why the hurry? But it was not your place to think and question; you quietly went about your work. As the contractors were about to start operations, you had to instruct them on environmental concerns to watch out for. And to do that, you read the environmental impact assessment report submitted by a consulting firm hired by the department. To your surprise, the report was shoddy and looked cooked up. You got suspicious and raised the issue with your Head, who politely instructed you to do what you were told, and he reminded you that the Department had revenue targets and was under pressure from the Ministry. After the meeting, you, on your own accord, did some digging and found out that the report was fraudulent and the mining activity that was about to start would lead to a massive environmental disaster which the State could not afford. (a) What are the issues and value violations you notice in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you? (c) Discuss the advantage and disadvantages of each option and identify your chosen course of action. (d) Do you think that environmental considerations are sometimes overrated at the cost of development? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Mr. Sharma was the All India Sales Head of a pharmaceutical company with a turnover of 400 crores. The company's main markets were small towns and tier 2 cities. Further, the company did a sizeable amount of business with state government hospitals and health centers. Mr. Sharma had given a lot of freedom to field sales agents to strike deals and negotiate prices with clients. This strategy worked well for the company. Recently Mr. Sharma received word that three company employees were selling products to government hospitals and health centers at a higher price than they were selling to other private hospitals and health centers. The employees were with the company for over five years and were good performers. A few sales staff informally raised the issue of the three getting relatively higher commissions because of their inflated deals. And this was creating a sense of unease among the sales staff. A cursory review of the account of the three showed that, in many instances, the government hospitals were paying more than other private institutions. Under procurement rules, the government is supposed to pay a fair price, one that other cost-conscious customers pay. On inquiry, Mr. Sharma found that the three were not alone; government purchase department officials were helping them scam the Department. Mr. Sharma realized that his sales staff and some corrupt government staff had been defrauding the state exchequer for quite some time. Mr. Sharma immediately reported it to his CEO, and the two discussed how to deal with the sales staff and whether to inform the government about the scam and the involvement of their staff. The issue was informing the government means that there was every possibility that they might be blacklisted, thereby losing a lot of business. Mr. Sharma and CEO were caught in a dilemma regarding how to proceed with the case. (a) What are the ethical and business issues involved in the case? (b) What are the options available to Mr. Sharma and the CEO? (c) Do you think the organizational culture of giving freedom to the sales force led to the issue or was the individual's corrupt nature that led to the problem? Discuss. (d) What ethics mechanisms and steps can the company create and implement to prevent unethical behavior, as mentioned in the case? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":56,"question":"Singh Garh is a primarily rural district with minimal, relatively insignificant industrial activity, except for one consumer goods manufacturing plant, which was the primary source of employment. Development indicators such as health, literacy, etc., were much below the national average. Along with developmental issues, another grave concern was the slow rise in child marriages. Despite the legal sanctions, child marriage continued to rise unabated. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) What do you think Rashmi should do? Would it be a good idea for Rashmi to involve local administration? Suggest an implementable course of action. (c) Do you think companies should also accept responsibility for the social problems of the region where they operate? Why/why not? (d) What could be the reasons for such an aggressive reaction from the workers union? How do you think Rashmi should handle the workers union? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":5349,"topper":"PARAS GARG","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/07873-420571_1865_paras_garg_rank_168.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"An ethical action is rooted in the temporal and spatial dimensions of societies. Discuss with adequate examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Unstable marriages and families can lead to failures of moral development in children and overall moral decline in the society. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"An ethical work culture is a prerequisite for sustainable growth of an organization. Discuss and suggest some measures to build an ethical work culture in an organization. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"Enlightenment is man's emergence from his self-incurred immaturity.\" - Immanuel Kant (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Students should be taught the importance of \"doing what's right\" at a young age. Discuss how the New Education Policy seeks to impart value based education to students of all age groups. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The role of emotional intelligence is crucial for public servants in overcoming adversity. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"What are the important learnings from the life and teachings of Sri Adi Shankaracharya that can help public servants in their personal and professional lives. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":5350,"topper":"PARAS GARG","air":168,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/229/mt23macen226_tc074-test-04-gs-4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5351,"topper":"PARAS GARG","air":168,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/74/mt23macen226_tc071-test-01-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5352,"topper":"PARAS GARG","air":168,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/78/mt23macen226_tc073-test-03-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5353,"topper":"Pari Bishnoi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9eb18-371410_1145_pari-bishnoi_rank_30.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"What is inversion of temperature? Discuss the various mechanisms of occurrence of this phenomenon along with its climatic and economic significance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"What do you understand by Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)? Discuss the annual fluctuations and shifting of ITCZ belt and its significance for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"What role have volcanoes played in formation of earth's atmosphere in the past? Elaborate on the impact of volcanic activity on climate change in contemporary times. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Assess the changes in distribution pattern of the 'golden fibre' industry in India over the past half century. Also, giving reasons for its decline, enumerate the measures that the government has come up with in order to revive it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"India has a long way to go in identifying shale gas rich basins and acquiring the necessary technology to extract shale gas. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How does the PAT scheme make efficiency in energy consumption attractive in energy-intensive industries? Examining its performance so far, suggest measures for improvement. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Energy efficiency in buildings need to be at the core of India's urbanization strategy. Comment. In this context elaborate the significance of Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) 2017. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Provide an appraisal of the vulnerability of the agriculture sector to natural disasters. What can be done to strengthen the resilience of the sector in order to reduce the impact of such disasters? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Plastic waste is a major environmental and public health problem in India, particularly in the urban areas. Elucidate. Can the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 help in addressing the problems related to plastic waste? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Explain what a drought is and describe its different types. Discussing the environmental and societal impacts of droughts, enumerate the factors that aggravate these. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":23,"question":"A need has been felt to demarcate aquifer systems in the country so as to provide critical information to plan for their sustainability. Analyse. Also, mention the steps taken by the Government of India in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":24,"question":"State the conditions that are conducive for the formation of coral reefs. Mention the anthropogenic factors that have resulted in their decline. Also highlight its consequences. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"The metallic minerals found in India are mainly confined to the Peninsular plateau region. What are the reasons for their uneven distribution? Also, discuss the impact it has on the location of industries in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Why is the distribution of major fishing areas skewed towards the higher latitudes as compared to the tropics? What are the challenges that the fishery industry is facing globally? Enumerate the measures taken by the various international bodies in order to make the activity more sustainable. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"The mining of sand and gravel has reached a level that is threatening the environment and ecosystem. Comment. What can be done to ensure that such mining is carried out in a sustainable manner? Discuss in context of the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"While overcrowding in public places cannot be wished away in India, what we need are better infrastructure and more effective crowd-control measures. Comment. Also, briefly enumerate NDMA guidelines for crowd management. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Assess the vulnerability of Indian coastal regions to cyclones. Also, mention the objectives and approach adopted by the National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Program (NCRMP) in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5354,"topper":"Pari Bishnoi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a361e-371410_1150_pari-bishnoi_rank_30.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Technical solutions are necessary to augment the traditional methods of guarding the border. In this context, while mentioning the different components of Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS), discuss how it can help to address the gaps in the present system of border security. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"In comparison to conventional warfare, the possibility of successful deterrence against cyber warfare is both limited and complicated. Discuss. Also, elaborate upon India's preparedness in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Analyse the impact that the instability in the wider South Asian region has on India's internal security. What steps can be taken to minimise such impact? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Highlighting its mandate, discuss the significance of International Solar Alliance in positioning India to a key global leadership role. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Despite a strong case for a Broad-based Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA) between India and the European Union (EU), negotiations have been stuck for long owing to multiple factors. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Accession to the Ashgabat agreement is valuable for connecting India to its extended neighbourhood. What is the Ashgabat Agreement? Assess its significance for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is a natural choice for India to fulfill key foreign policy priorities. In this context, discuss the issues behind hitherto slow progress and the reasons for reinvigorated optimism regarding BIMSTEC. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What do you understand by Free Space Optical Communication (FSOC) Technology? Critically explain its potential in connecting rural and remote areas in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What are Orphan Drugs? Examine the significance of putting in place a policy framework for such drugs in a developing country such as India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss the obstacles in women's access to science education in India and also suggest remedial measures to overcome these obstacles. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Giving examples, elaborate how India's approach to becoming a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region is taking shape. What are the challenges and opportunities associated with this approach? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"The UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime) has pitched for the need of an integrated approach in order to address the difficulties in preventing, detecting, investigating and prosecuting Transnational Organised Crimes (TOC). Elaborating on these difficulties, discuss how an integrated approach can help in tackling TOCs. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Highlighting the need for SMART policing in India, suggest some administrative, legislative and technological reforms in order to realize this vision. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"India's engagement with its extended neighbourhood in West Asia has evolved into a 'Look West' approach in recent times. However, multiple faultlines in this volatile region require a balancing act on the part of India. (250 words) 15 Discuss.","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"The rapid diffusion of Artificial Intelligence begets unique opportunities and challenges for India. Discuss. What can be done to address these challenges? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Water shortage in India has been sought to be addressed through various policy and technological interventions. Explain. Also, examine the benefits of desalination technology and the costs associated with it. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5355,"topper":"Pari Bishnoi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a02cd-371410_1066_pari-bishnoi_rank_30.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"The cave architecture in India not only enlighten us with information of tradition and customs of ancient times but also illustrate considerable accomplishment with regard to structural engineering and artistry. Discuss. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"While the Battle of Plassey laid the foundation of British Empire in India, it was the Battle of Buxar that proved to be the turning point of British fortunes in India. Discuss. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Among many novel methods and themes, the Swadeshi Movement laid great emphasis not only on boycott but also on self-reliance. Discuss. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The idea of linguistic states predated independence, however it took some time even after independence for this idea to be implemented. Discuss. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Dr. B. R. Ambedkar understood that persistent inequalities pose fundamental challenges to the economic and social well-being of the nation and people. In this context, discuss the key contributions of Dr. Ambedkar in the history of modern India. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"It has been pointed out that in recent times, while the proportional share of nuclear households has dipped in urban areas it has risen in rural areas. Analyse the reasons behind this trend. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Separation, and not divorce, is the dominant form of marriage dissolution for most women in India. What could be the possible reasons behind this? Also, discuss why there are striking differences in divorce rates between the different regions in India. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Elaborate on the factors responsible for the evolution of the current drainage system in Indian sub-continent, with special emphasis on the characteristic features of Himalayan and Peninsular rivers. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Bring out the distinctive features of Gandhara, Mathura and Amravati schools of art that flourished towards the first century CE. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":23,"question":"The British in India wanted not only territorial conquest and control over revenues; they also felt that they had a cultural mission: to 'civilise the natives', change their customs and values. Critically discuss. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Despite Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi being close associates, there were significant differences between the two regarding the role of state and the control that it exercised. Comment. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Enumerating the reasons behind Sino-Soviet split in the second half of the 20th century, analyse its impact on the Cold War. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"History has disproved the prediction that democracy would not succeed in India. In this context, critically assess the achievements and challenges of democracy in India since Independence. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Enumerate the key issues faced by working women in contemporary Indian society and the steps taken by the government to address them. Also, critically examine the key features of Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act 2017. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Despite tropical areas being the major emitters of CFCs, the phenomenon of ozone hole formation is largely confined to polar areas and that too over the Antarctic and in early spring. Elaborate. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5356,"topper":"Pari Bishnoi","air":30,"year":2019,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/dad20-371410_1146_pari-bishnoi_rank_30.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5357,"topper":"Pari Bishnoi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b2bb5-371410_1069_pari-bishnoi_rank_30.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Growing awareness about terminal as well as mental illness has given credence to the idea of \"living wills\". What is a living will? Discuss the ethical issues to be considered from an individual as well as social perspective to formulate and implement it. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"In order to improve the bureaucratic work culture and productivity, there is a need to downsize government and privatize some of the services. Critically discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Examine the contemporary relevance of Gandhiji's talisman as a means of resolving ethical dilemmas in day to day life. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"\"Intelligence plus character-that is the goal of true education.\" Assess whether such an objective can be achieved within the existing system of education in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"\"A blanket prohibition of criticism of the policies of the Government is invalid and void, and it makes no difference if the person criticizing happens to be a government servant.\" Critically discuss in the context of Civil Service Conduct Rules, 1964.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"\"Man by nature is a political animal\". Explain with reference to Aristotle's idea of the state in life of the society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"What are the factors that have influenced the contemporary attitude of the state and the society towards homosexuality in India? Also, comment on the changing attitude and the factors driving this change.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"With behavioural issues and suicides among children on the rise, teachers and parents need to play an active part in ensuring mental well- being. Discuss. Also, explain the importance of emotional intelligence in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The policy of Dhamma advocated by Ashoka through his edicts remains relevant in the context of issues in public life even today. Elucidate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Arguably, poverty is not only a matter of statistics. It is a reflection on the kind of society we live in. In this context, discuss the ethical implications for a society that witnesses high incidence of poverty.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"Every superstition cannot be removed by the force of law. For that, a mental change is necessary. Comment. Also, explain how educators and public figures can help in eradicating superstition and instilling scientific temper among people.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Many argue that there are times, when war is morally permissible, and even obligatory. Critically discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"A renowned and critically acclaimed producer-director has come up with a new movie based on retelling of the freedom movement. The trailer of this project depicts prominent freedom fighters and various aspects of their personalities. It is a project that involves substantial sums of money and has taken collaborative efforts of 3 years. However, certain political and social activists have objected to what they perceived as negative portrayal of some freedom fighters. As such, they have opposed the release of this movie and issued threats with serious consequences. This has come in the context of increase in the number of instances involving many groups issuing threats against one or the other movie. In such a context you have been designated as the head of a special committee with the broad responsibility of reviewing the film certification process in general as well as the checking the historical accuracy of the events depicted in this particular movie. (a) Who are the key stakeholders you would involve as part of the consultation process? (b) What are the principles that you would consider while giving your recommendations to the government? Also, provide an outline of a solution that you deem appropriate in the prevailing context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"There have been reports of repeat instances of mob lynching in different states of India. It has been pointed out that these presumably faceless mobs gather impromptu on the basis of unverified information on issues that affect the collective conscience of the society such as child trafficking, sexual harassment, cow slaughter etc. Most of the people don't even regret their action of violating the law and even get away with committing such a heinous crime. 20 (a) What are the socio-psychological factors that motivate people to join the mob and kill fellow human beings? (b) Identify the implications of increasing crime of lynching on society. (c) Examine the role of social media in recent instances of mob lynching. As a law enforcement officer, how will you prevent such incidents from happening in your district?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"We live in a time when almost everything can be bought and sold. Over the past few years, markets and market values have come to govern our lives as never before. Today the logic of buying and selling no longer applies to material good alone but increasingly governs the whole of life. However, there is a wide spread realization that markets have become detached from morals and we need to somehow reconnect them. The use of markets to allocate social goods has also been a cause of concern. In this context, answer the following: 20 (a) Is greed wholly a vice or a trait of character that has both positive and negative sides? Could you relate it to the utilitarian philosophy that emphasizes pursuit of self interest by individuals as the basis of economic well being? (b) Are there some things that money shouldn't buy? Illustrate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"You are the head of a policy think-tank. There is a proposal to cut down more than 10,000 trees to build a residential colony in the capital of the country. The city has one of the highest homeless population in the country and the settlement will be used for them. This news has generated a lot of public debate. While on the one hand is the need to expand urban infrastructure in order to meet the demands of the growing population, on the other, is the environmental concern. In last ten years, the city has lost more than half of its green cover and has seen increased frequency of extreme climatic events. You are asked to deliver a lecture for the policymakers and concerned citizens, in which you have to specifically deal with the following questions: (a) Why do you think such situations arise in the first place where developmental activities and environmental concerns often come out as antithetical to each other? (b) What should be the short-term and long-term solutions for tackling such situations? (c) What are the potential benefits of inculcating environmental concerns in the policy making and planning process?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"You are a young athlete representing India at an international-level competition. During the competition, you witness a few senior athletes injecting something using a syringe, in private. When you approach them, they explain that it is a performance enhancing drug, which is very common in such competitions and you should take the same as well. You are in fear and decide to approach the coach to discuss the event you witnessed. However, you get to know that the athletes are taking the drug at the advice of the coach himself. (a) What would you do in this scenario? Discuss the options available to you and chart your course of action. (b) Why do you think use of unfair means to enhance performance is common in competitive sporting event? How can this practice be minimized?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"You have been appointed by Election Commission as a booth level officer to oversee the conduct of elections in a remote and under-developed area. For the preparations of elections, you have been instructed to ensure maximum voter turnout. For this, you conduct a series of meetings with the people in villages encouraging them to vote in large numbers. However, they confront you with the fact that despite so many previous elections, the promises made by representatives remain unfulfilled and even the basic necessities of livelihood are not available. As such, they are ignorant of your appeals and are subsequently not forthcoming even to listen to you, let alone giving assurances to vote. Based on this information, answer the following questions: 20 (a) Identify the stakeholders in the situation along with their interests. (b) What are the factors that you will take into account to convince the people and ensure maximum voter turnout?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5358,"topper":"Parikshit Khatana","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3d133-319972_1103_parikshit-khatana_rank_184.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Technical solutions are necessary to augment the traditional methods of guarding the border. In this context, while mentioning the different components of Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS), discuss how it can help to address the gaps in the present system of border security. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"In comparison to conventional warfare, the possibility of successful deterrence against cyber warfare is both limited and complicated. Discuss. Also, elaborate upon India's preparedness in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Analyse the impact that the instability in the wider South Asian region has on India's internal security. What steps can be taken to minimise such impact? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlighting its mandate, discuss the significance of International Solar Alliance in positioning India to a key global leadership role. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Despite a strong case for a Broad-based Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA) between India and the European Union (EU), negotiations have been stuck for long owing to multiple factors. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Accession to the Ashgabat agreement is valuable for connecting India to its extended neighbourhood. What is the Ashgabat Agreement? Assess its significance for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is a natural choice for India to fulfill key foreign policy priorities. In this context, discuss the issues behind hitherto slow progress and the reasons for reinvigorated optimism regarding BIMSTEC. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What do you understand by Free Space Optical Communication (FSOC) Technology? Critically explain its potential in connecting rural and remote areas in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What are Orphan Drugs? Examine the significance of putting in place a policy framework for such drugs in a developing country such as India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the obstacles in women's access to science education in India and also suggest remedial measures to overcome these obstacles. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Giving examples, elaborate how India's approach to becoming a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region is taking shape. What are the challenges and opportunities associated with this approach? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime) has pitched for the need of an integrated approach in order to address the difficulties in preventing, detecting, investigating and prosecuting Transnational Organised Crimes (TOC). Elaborating on these difficulties, discuss how an integrated approach can help in tackling TOCs. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Highlighting the need for SMART policing in India, suggest some administrative, legislative and technological reforms in order to realize this vision. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind private sector playing a merely peripheral role in defence manufacturing in India. Also, explain how the Draft Defence Production Policy, 2018 seeks to augment private sector participation in defence manufacturing in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"While India and Russia have enjoyed good relations since the Soviet era, relying on the past may not be enough to deal with shift in the relationship in light of the rapidly evolving geopolitical realities. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"In what ways has the engagement between India and its diaspora evolved over the years? What role can the Indian diaspora play in furthering and shaping India's foreign policy goals? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Sluggish progress of the Doha round signals that the WTO is proving to be ineffective in promoting free trade. Identifying the factors behind this, comment on the relevance of WTO in present context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"India's engagement with its extended neighbourhood in West Asia has evolved into a 'Look West' approach in recent times. However, multiple faultlines in this volatile region require a balancing act on the part of India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The rapid diffusion of Artificial Intelligence begets unique opportunities and challenges for India. Discuss. What can be done to address these challenges? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Water shortage in India has been sought to be addressed through various policy and technological interventions. Explain. Also, examine the benefits of desalination technology and the costs associated with it. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5359,"topper":"Parikshit Khatana","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e22fe-319972_1107_parikshit-khatana_rank_184.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"In view of the direct link between tenure security and food security, there is need for a conducive legal framework for land rights in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The measurement of the extent of formal sector and formal employment is yet an unsettled matter in our economy. Comment. Also, mention the steps which the government has taken to improve its extent. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The investment rate in India has gradually declined after a historic high in the mid 2000s. Examine the reasons behind this trend. Discuss the steps required to revive investment for a sustained growth. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Discussing the reforms that contributed in improving India's ranking in the World Bank's 'Ease of Doing Business' index, identify the challenges that still remain in the overall environment of doing business. Suggest some concrete steps that India can take to further improve its performance on the index. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Providing social security, especially to those working in unorganised sector, is an important requirement to achieve the goal of inclusive growth. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Contract farming can help in the expansion of organized food processing industry in India by strengthening backward linkages. Comment. What changes are required in the existing regulatory structure to address issues related to contract farming in India? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Minimum Support Price (MSP) of crops is a short term solution for agricultural distress which creates long term problems. Examine. Suggest measures to overcome the limitations of the MSP regime. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Enumerating the factors that determine a nation's energy-mix, comment on the need for having a diversified fuel basket for meeting India's future energy demands. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Despite being a water-stressed economy, micro irrigation penetration in India remains sub-optimal. Discuss the reasons behind it. Also list measures taken by the government to provide an impetus to micro irrigation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the prospects & challenges in adopting an integrated multimodal transportation system in India with reference to government initiatives in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Public Sector Enterprises formed the backbone of industrial development after independence, but with changing times, their role has also changed. Discuss. Also, comment on the need to adopt a multi-pronged strategy to deal with the issues that they are facing. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"In the light of increasing NPAs and frauds, the twin balance sheet problem has grown immensely. Comment on the issue and analyse the potential of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code to be a game changer for Indian economy's health and long-term growth. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Under-employment rather than unemployment is the key problem facing India today. Elaborate. Also, suggest measures to counter this problem. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The role of international trade in achieving a quicker pace of economic development is well recognized. What are the benefits of international trade for a developing country like India? Highlight the challenges that India faces in improving its share in world trade. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"A near stagnant tax to GDP ratio for the country since decades reflects not only non-fruition of efforts to increase it but also underlying structural issues with tax regime. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Enumerating the features of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana, discuss its potential for the growth of food processing sector in the country. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by Seed Replacement Rate? Explaining the concept of breeder, foundation and certified seeds, highlight the major policy initiatives taken in order to address the challenge of quality seed availability to farmers. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Enumerate the factors that determine cropping pattern in an agricultural region. Discuss the need for diversification in context of problems being faced by monoculture regions in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The need to overhaul the current budget making process can be gauged from the fact that it neither undertakes broad-based consultations, nor is adequately transparent nor effective in estimating and allocating the demands of various stakeholders. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Identifying the key elements under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), briefly explain how it can lead to holistic development of the horticulture sector in India. Also elaborate the factors which act as roadblocks for the efficient supply chain of Fruits and Vegetables sector in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5360,"topper":"Parikshit Khatana","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/cc602-319972_1071_parikshit-khatana_rank_184.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"It has been argued that over the years there has been a steady decline in the efficacy of Parliament as an institution of accountability. Analyse and also suggest appropriate measures to address the relevant concerns. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Panchayati raj institutions (PRIs) are simultaneously a remarkable success and a staggering failure, depending on the goalposts against which they are evaluated. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) is more than just the keeper of our national accounts; it is also a conscience-keeper and a watchdog. Examine the statement in light of making the auditing process more effective. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The concern for transparency in political funding is at odds with the Electoral Bond Scheme notified by the government. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Lobbying in India exists in a perennially grey legal and policy arena. In this context, discuss the need to formally recognize and regulate lobbying in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"More than a decade after it was passed, the implementation of the RTI Act leaves much to be desired. Comment. Also discuss the issues associated with the recent proposals to amend the RTI Act. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Critically discuss the evolving policy on reservation in promotions in India with special focus on its ability to meet the objectives of social justice. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"India produces enough food for its people, but not all people get enough food to eat. Discussing this paradox, highlight some of the major interventions taken in the past few years in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"India sees Indian Ocean as not just a water body, but a global stage for continued economic, social, and cultural dialogue. Elaborate.(150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In the context of India taking greater responsibility in management of the global commons, there has been a shift in India's climate change negotiation stance. In this context, analyze the evolution of India's climate policy. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlighting the constitutional role of the Finance Commission (FC), discuss the issues which are being debated w.r.t. terms of reference (ToR) of the 15th Finance Commission. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The spirit of the constitution of India represents a synthesis of Indian values, democratic and socialist movements in west and our independence movement. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"What is the importance of an independent judiciary in a democracy? Highlight the safeguards in our political-constitutional setup to ensure the independence of judiciary. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Even though Indian federalism has matured quite a bit, with states having far greater control of their economic and political management, serious structural problems still remain. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The recent amendments to the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 strike a balance between enforcement overzealousness and the need for stringent action against corrupt public servants. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Identifying the various issues plaguing the voluntary sector in India, discuss the need for a national accreditation agency to overcome them. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Given the importance of a teacher in affecting the learning outcomes of children, discuss the problems in the present system of teacher training in India. How can these be addressed? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The implementation of a scheme with such scale and benefit as Ayushman Bharat is likely to face many obstacles. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Given the fact that India cannot match China's financial clout, it is seen to be diversifying the ways in which it can enhance cooperation and promote its diplomatic profile in Africa. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5361,"topper":"Parikshit Khatana","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ad2b9-319972_1069_parikshit-khatana_rank_184.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Growing awareness about terminal as well as mental illness has given credence to the idea of \"living wills\". What is a living will? Discuss the ethical issues to be considered from an individual as well as social perspective to formulate and implement it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"In order to improve the bureaucratic work culture and productivity, there is a need to downsize government and privatize some of the services. Critically discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Examine the contemporary relevance of Gandhiji's talisman as a means of resolving ethical dilemmas in day to day life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"\"Intelligence plus character-that is the goal of true education.\" Assess whether such an objective can be achieved within the existing system of education in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"\"A blanket prohibition of criticism of the policies of the Government is invalid and void, and it makes no difference if the person criticizing happens to be a government servant.\" Critically discuss in the context of Civil Service Conduct Rules, 1964.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"\"Man by nature is a political animal\". Explain with reference to Aristotle's idea of the state in life of the society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"What are the factors that have influenced the contemporary attitude of the state and the society towards homosexuality in India? Also, comment on the changing attitude and the factors driving this change.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"With behavioural issues and suicides among children on the rise, teachers and parents need to play an active part in ensuring mental well-being. Discuss. Also, explain the importance of emotional intelligence in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"The policy of Dhamma advocated by Ashoka through his edicts remains relevant in the context of issues in public life even today. Elucidate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Arguably, poverty is not only a matter of statistics. It is a reflection on the kind of society we live in. In this context, discuss the ethical implications for a society that witnesses high incidence of poverty.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Every superstition cannot be removed by the force of law. For that, a mental change is necessary. Comment. Also, explain how educators and public figures can help in eradicating superstition and instilling scientific temper among people.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"We live in a time when almost everything can be bought and sold. Over the past few years, markets and market values have come to govern our lives as never before. Today the logic of buying and selling no longer applies to material good alone but increasingly governs the whole of life. However, there is a wide spread realization that markets have become detached from morals and we need to somehow reconnect them. The use of markets to allocate social goods has also been a cause of concern. In this context, answer the following: 20 (a) Is greed wholly a vice or a trait of character that has both positive and negative sides? Could you relate it to the utilitarian philosophy that emphasizes pursuit of self interest by individuals as the basis of economic well being? (b) Are there some things that money shouldn't buy? Illustrate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5362,"topper":"Paritosh Pankaj","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/461e9-71337_1244_paritosh-pankaj_rank_142.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the need of an Independent Fiscal Council (IFC) in bringing about transparency and accountability in fiscal processes in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Recognizing the potential of exports in generating employment, a number of steps need to be taken to address India's weakening export competitiveness. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlighting the main features of National Mineral Policy, 2019, discuss how it can help in ensuring sustainable and responsible mining. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlighting the salient features of the PM JI-VAN Yojana, analyze how it can assist in achieving the vision and goals of the National Policy on Biofuels, 2018. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) provides an alternative to capital and chemical intensive agriculture currently being practiced in India. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Marine life is facing 'irreparable damage' from the millions of tonnes of plastic waste which ends up in the oceans each year. In this context, examine the implications of plastic pollution on marine ecosystem and suggest some measures for addressing this problem. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are black holes? Highlight the challenges in imaging a black hole? How were these challenges overcome by the Event Horizon Telescope project? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"While mentioning the objectives of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), discuss the challenges which are hindering the utilization of the ATT to its full potential. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Threats to internal security of India may be posed both through the communication networks and also to the networks. Discuss. Also, highlight the steps taken by the government in making the networks more secure. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlight the importance and challenges related to integration of Variable Renewable Energy (VRE) in India. Mention some steps that can be taken for its smooth integration with the synchronized Indian grid. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"There have been arguments that India could fall into a 'middle income trap'. Explaining the phenomenon, highlight the reasons behind such arguments. How can India avoid it? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Highlighting its importance, discuss the major issues that plague effective monetary policy transmission in India. Also, mention the steps taken by RBI to improve it. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight the constraints faced by rainfed agriculture in India. Discuss some agronomic practices that can be adopted for stabilizing agricultural production in rainfed areas. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite the steps taken by the government in recent years, a number of problems continue to persist in the urea sector in India. Discuss. What reforms should be taken to address the persisting problems? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What is Access and Benefit Sharing? Explain how it aids in sustainable use of biodiversity. Also, mention the different global and national level mechanisms for ensuring Access and Benefit Sharing. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Stating the significance, discuss the challenges in achieving disaster resilience of infrastructure. Suggest some ways for mainstreaming it in the development paradigm. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Highlighting the significance of data localization for India, discuss various challenges associated with data localization. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Money Laundering as a socio economic offence is a menace especially for developing countries like India. Comment. What measures have been taken at the domestic and international levels to deal with this menace? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The primary motive of terrorism differs from that of organised crime but there exists a symbiotic relationship between the two. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5363,"topper":"Paritosh Pankaj","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/106b5-71337_1242_paritosh-pankaj_rank_142.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Tribal art in India generally reflects the creative energy found in rural areas that acts as an undercurrent to the craftsmanship. Explain with reference to the Worli and Gond paintings. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Though it had its achievements, the exclusion of Indians from the system was a key feature of judicial reforms introduced by Cornwallis. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Marshall Plan was important in the recovery of the European states from the aftermath of the Second World War. However, it also became a crucial factor in the creation of two Europes i.e. East and West. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Examine the causes behind the existence of bonded labour in contemporary India. Also, discuss the steps that should be taken for its redress. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"State the factors that enhance the risk for initiation or continuation of abuse of drugs by the youth. What measures can be taken to address this issue? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Critically analyze the impact of globalization on culture in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"How do increasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions impact coastal and marine ecosystems? Highlight various measures that can be taken for protection and restoration of such vulnerable ecosystems. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Explain the phenomenon of a Polar Vortex. Also, comment on the reasons as to why tropical areas as south as Florida have been witnessing sub-zero temperatures in recent years. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The most powerful trend of medieval Indian literature is devotional poetry which dominates almost all the major languages of the country. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Discuss the major changes introduced by the Government of India Act, 1919 and its significance as a historical landmark in the Indian freedom struggle. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Multiple factors allowed the British to gain control over India. In this context, highlighting the main developments, trace the course of British conquest of India from 1757 to 1856. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"With India becoming increasingly urban and the urban poor increasing in number, it is imperative that the challenges they face be addressed urgently. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Violations of women's sexual and reproductive health rights are often deeply engrained in societal values and traditions. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by the term Land Degradation Neutrality? Highlight its significance and the steps required to achieve it. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"State the geographical and economic importance of Hindukush-Himalayan region. How are the critical geographical features of this region changing and what possible consequences will it have? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What is the most accepted reasoning behind occurrence of earth's magnetism? Discuss the factors behind its variation temporally and spatially. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Explain Walker Circulation. Discuss how it influences Indian Monsoon. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5364,"topper":"Paritosh Pankaj","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/17643-71337_1245_paritosh-pankaj_rank_142.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the attributes of leadership, analyse why it is important for a civil servant. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"A civil servant needs to be objective as well as empathetic. What do you understand by objectivity? Discuss its relationship with empathy. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":5365,"topper":"Parsanjeet Kour","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/19670-1353871_1839_parsanjeet-kour_rank11.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"An independent umbrella body that brings the various central investigative agencies under one roof holds the key to shoring up their credibility. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the significance of the Doctrines of Pith and Substance and Colourable Legislation with respect to Centre-state relations in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":5366,"topper":"Parsanjeet Kour","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/eee3c-1353871_1838_parsanjeet-kour_rank11.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The Chalukyan architecture uniquely epitomises the grandeur and hybrid characteristic style of temple building. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The success or failure of a political movement is not always determined by the achievement of its stated goals. Discuss in light of the Ghadar movement. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss the ways in which Gandhian conceptualisation of Sarvodaya influenced Vinoba Bhave's Bhoodan movement. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Bring out the evidences, which led to the Plate Tectonics Theory. Also, discuss how this theory explains the movement of plates. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Give an account of the formation of Abyssal Plains and highlight the relief features found on these plains. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What are the geographical and climatic conditions required for tea cultivation? In this context, discuss the reasons for the introduction of tea cultivation in the Duars region of the Himalayas by the British. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Briefly bring out the distinction between flash droughts and conventional droughts. Also, examine the reasons behind the increasing vulnerability of India to flash droughts. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Though various initiatives have been taken to ensure social security for informal workers in India, there still exist gaps which need to be plugged. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Critically assess the government's move on raising the age of marriage of women in India from 18 to 21 years. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Reservation for locals in private sector has again brought the debate around regionalism into focus. In this context, examine whether regionalism is a threat to national integration. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Explain how agricultural surplus, growth of crafts and trade, and growing population led to the second urbanisation in ancient India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"India of the 18th century failed to make progress economically, culturally and socially at a pace, which would have saved the country from collapse. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The withdrawal of the Civil Disobedience Movement triggered a two-stage debate on the strategic course of India's freedom struggle. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Throw light on the causes, course and outcomes of the civil war, which followed Russian revolution. Also bring out the reasons behind the Bolshevik victory","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"What are Glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFS)? Highlighting the susceptibility of the Himalayan region to GLOFS, state the measures required to address them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Highlighting the importance of ice sheets, discuss the likely impact of their melting on the planet with special focus on India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are twin cyclones? Discuss the role of Rossby waves and Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) in their formation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Since independence, planning strategies for women's upliftment has evolved from welfare to development to empowerment. Elucidate. Also, discuss the role played by voluntary organizations in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How far do you agree with the view that globalisation has aggravated the challenges faced by the poor in India? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5367,"topper":"Parsanjeet Kour","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/589e4-1353871_1840_parsanjeet-kour_rank11.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"While fixed-term employment offers an ingenious way to address specific issues faced by both employers and employees, there are also some concerns associated with it. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"An efficient logistics sector with a focus on warehousing is pivotal to the success of the Bharatmala Pariyojana. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'Irrigation scheduling'? Bringing out the advantages provided by it, discuss the difficulties faced in applying it on a farm level. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"While the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana was touted as the largest crop insurance scheme globally in terms of farmer participation, various concerns have arisen since its implementation. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The Stockholm Conference commenced the contemporary \"environmental era\", which brought a paradigm shift in the environmental governance and set a tone for multi-lateral environmental regime. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The world has witnessed a huge surge in climate-induced disasters, which are largely driven by anthropogenic factors. In this context, analyse the role of early warning systems in mitigating the impact of the disasters. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Critically examine the implications of leveraging technology in policing. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"How far do you agree with the view that climate change poses a threat to international peace and security? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by a virtual private network (VPN)? Highlight its advantages and discuss the concerns posed by it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The discovery of the Higgs Boson at the Large Hadron Collider in CERN completed 10 years recently. In this context, discuss the role played by CERN in overall scientific development. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlighting the factors that affect the cropping pattern in India, discuss the need for modifying it in the context of the emerging agro ecological concerns. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"While the budgetary reforms undertaken by the Central government in recent years have led to better management of government expenditure, there are some issues that still need redressal. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"For India to create a 'future ready' railway system, it must harness innovation and resource efficiency. Discuss the statement in the context of the measures enlisted in the National Rail Plan 2030. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the significance of technology in the Indian agricultural sector. Also, state the challenges in realising its potential to improve agricultural efficiency and increase the income of the farmers. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite the digital transformation in the Public Distribution System (PDS) in India, several challenges still remain. Elaborate. Also, suggest measures to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss the various concerns that exist with regard to fuel efficiency regulations for vehicles in India. Also, suggest the measures that can be taken in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Urban fire is becoming a serious cause of concern in Indian cities. In this context, highlight the major causes behind urban fires in India. What steps can be taken to build robust fire resilience in Indian cities? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Drones in border areas present a serious threat for border management in India. Elaborate. Also, discuss the different measures taken to regulate the use of drones in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Despite a global framework to prevent weaponization of space, it has been increasing in the recent times. Discuss. Also, give an account of the implications of space weaponization. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"What do you understand by a bio-economy? Highlight the role that the National Biotechnology Development Strategy 2021-2025 can play in creating a robust bio-economy in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5368,"topper":"Parsanjeet Kour","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tfrfhDZxIlsQwiLKvWfh64hbnO6MoyVN/view","questions":[]},{"id":5369,"topper":"Parsanjeet Kour","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/009d3-1353871_1841_parsanjeet-kour_rank11.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the meaning of self-efficacy, along with its key determinants. Also, discuss the significance of high self-efficacy for a civil servant. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have the right to do and what is right to do. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Dealing with an ethical dilemma not only requires following rules and regulations, but also requires adherence to moral prudence and altruism. Explain in the context of civil services in India, with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Code of Conduct for the civil services in India has merely remained a code; it has not helped promote ethical and moral values in governance. In this context, discuss the need for a National Commission on Integrity and Transparency in Governance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Digital ethics principles are necessary to prevent erosion of public values and deal with the ethical implications of digitizing governance systems. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Despite differences in terms of organizational values guiding the public and private sectors, there remain certain values that are equally important to both. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Bring out the difference between accountability and responsibility. Also, discuss the significance of accountability in ensuring ethical governance in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Though laws and rules can be considered as the principal guide on morality for public administrators, they are not sufficient in themselves. Substantiate with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Transparency is vital to cultivate public trust in government and to prevent, detect and deter corruption effectively. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"'Just-in-time' release of funds heralds a significant reform for the Indian government's payment architecture. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.\"- Marcus Aurelius (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":5370,"topper":"Parsanjeet Kour","air":11,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4354f-1353871_1837_parsanjeet-kour_rank11.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5371,"topper":"Parth Gupta","air":72,"year":2021,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b6998-122026_1753_parth-gupta_rank_72.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5372,"topper":"Parth Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7be2e-122026_1514_parth-gupta_rank_72.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the changes introduced by the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) Amendment Act, 2021, analyse various issues with the amended Act. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Are there valid arguments for continuing with sedition law in 21st century democratic India? Discuss in light of the debate surrounding it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Identify the issues that have contributed to a decline in the performance of Parliamentary Standing Committees. How can these issues be addressed? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Despite being a non-constitutional body, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) has wielded immense decision-making power in India. Discuss the advantages and issues associated with it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the role of data in governance in India. Also, state the various challenges in this regard and suggest remedial measures. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"With specific examples, elaborate upon the conditions that led to the emergence of a new civil society in urban India in the last few decades. Also, highlight its contribution towards effecting governance and policy changes. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The Gati Shakti mission has the potential to not only address the issue of infrastructure bottlenecks but also streamline the governance processes in the country. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Giving an account of the issues faced by workers in the informal sector, discuss whether the recently launched e-Shram portal can help in addressing them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Clarifying the significance of the recent developments on the issue of global minimum tax, discuss its prospects and challenges for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Announcement of the AUKUS security pact heralds a new era of global geo-politics. Comment. Also, discuss how it may affect India's interests. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Effective devolution of finances is an important requirement for Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) to fulfill their objectives. Discuss while also elaborating on the reasons behind lack of financial resources for PRIs in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Judicial activism is a necessary tool to guard against \"legislative adventurism and executive excesses\". Critically discuss in the context of the doctrine of separation of powers as provided in the Constitution of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The electoral bond scheme is part of what appears to be a growing trend away from transparency and accountability in electoral funding. Critically analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The significance of the principle of subsidiarity was well reflected in the management of the COVID-19 pandemic. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Social media has ushered in greater transparency and accountability in governance. But accountability through social media is no alternative to institutional accountability. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Although the State has the right incentives and intentions to deliver public services efficiently, its capacity to do so is questionable. Critically discuss in the context of India. (250 words) 15 ,","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The problem of hunger in India does not lie in food production but various other underlying issues. Discuss in the wake of decline in India's ranking in the Global Hunger Index, 2021. (250 words) 15 , 2021","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Democratization of primary healthcare is indispensable for fulfilling the objectives of equitable and comprehensive care in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"In the context of the evolving discourse on the Indo-Pacific, analyse the factors driving the global shift towards the region. Also, identify India's interests and challenges in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India's Afghanistan policy must be based on a clear-eyed understanding of important strategic goals in the region amidst the current regional and global strategic environment. Elaborate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5373,"topper":"Parth Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/76241-122026_1515_parth-gupta_rank_72.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the meaning of off-budget borrowings and its role in helping the government raise funds for various expenditures. Also, comment on its desirability. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"It is argued that genetically modified food crops are required to ensure food security of India. Examine in view of concerns regarding introduction of GM crops. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"India's price intervention policies to support its agricultural sector not only create a broken system but also complicate matters related to international trade rules. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"India has an opportunity to become a leading global food supplier provided it has an efficient supply chain and the right marketing strategies. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Land banks are increasingly gaining prominence in India to encourage land-use efficiency and enable economic growth. In this context, discuss the benefits of a land bank and state the concerns associated with it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Desertification has been described as one of the greatest environmental challenges of our time and climate change is making it worse. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In the context of intellectual property rights, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of releasing projects under an 'Open Source' license. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"\"Indian space sector has been dominated by a single umbrella of government and government institutions.\" In light of the statement, discuss the significance of Indian Space Association in providing an impetus to space technology in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Man and machine both have an important role in national security and making urban areas secure. In this context, discuss how technology is a major stakeholder in addressing the internal security challenges of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"National Security Guard (NSG) has emerged as a formidable force equipped to handle various manifestations of terrorism. Discuss the mandate and achievements of this force. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do you understand by asset monetisation? Why is it needed in India? In this context, discuss the issues that need to be addressed for the National Monetisation Pipeline to succeed. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"What is social stock exchange (SSE)? Discuss the need for setting up of SSEs and key challenges in their effective implementation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the context of India, highlight the importance of agriculture extension. What are the challenges faced in provisioning of agriculture extension services? How does the National Mission on Agricultural Extension & Technology (NMAET) address these issues? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Clearly delineate the 'employment problem' that India currently faces. Also, explain the fundamental reasons behind existence of this problem. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Although steps have been taken for integrating the dispersed logistics activities of maritime trade, much more needs to be done to make India a maritime powerhouse. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Accounting for natural capital and ecosystem services is crucial to understand the link between the economy and environment. Discuss with specific references to India's initiatives in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Rapid and unplanned urbanisation accompanied by population growth have increased both the risk and impact of natural disasters. Discuss the statement along with adequate measures to address the relevant concerns in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"National Hydrogen Mission can be a game changer for India's rising energy demands. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Despite geo-strategic instability of its region and a keen awareness of the cyber threat it faces, India has made only 'modest progress' in developing its policy and doctrine for cyberspace security. Critically examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Developmental interventions alone cannot play a defining role in the resolution of existing and protracted internal conflicts in various parts of India within a reasonable time frame. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5374,"topper":"Parth Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/af714-122026_1516_parth-gupta_rank_72.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Do laws need to be consistent with the prevalent moral norms? Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"\"People's indifference is the best breeding ground for corruption to grow\". Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"In the context of COVID-19 pandemic, discuss the importance of Emotional Intelligence among healthcare workers. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"It is the 'spirit of service' that motivates a public servant to serve the country's interests and address people's issues. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Ethics does its work in the world by granting and withdrawing legitimacy. Discuss in the context of role of ethics in international relations. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Sustainable growth of an organisation can result only by aligning its decisions to the interests of all stakeholders, not merely its shareholders. Do you agree? Justify with logical arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri's life exemplifies value-driven public service of the highest order. What are the values one can learn from his life to be a good citizen and a good administrator? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"There is a view that the institutional mechanisms to ensure accountability of civil servants have weakened over time. In this context, discuss the need of a social accountability law in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Why has anonymity of civil servants traditionally been seen as an important arrangement? In this context, discuss your opinion on the doctrine of facelessness in civil services. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In the age of social media, influencers have a huge following and have gained prominent marketing roles. In this context, discuss the ethical issues involved in influencer marketing. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or the darkness of destructive selfishness. - Martin Luther King Jr. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You are a young officer posted as the Sub Divisional Magistrate in a district which houses factories for making match boxes and fire crackers. It is brought to your notice that a large number of children are working in these hazardous activities. The government had previously released a notification that owners of these manufacturing units need to report on the profiles of their employees annually to prevent child labour. These manufacturing units, abiding by the directives of the government, publish such reports annually and claim to have successfully put an end to employment of child labour. However, there are reports that these units are taking advantage of loopholes in the law. They are using contractors to continue to indirectly hire children without them officially being on the payroll of the units. Families of these child labourers are poor and see this as an essential source of income. An influential local politician also owns some of these manufacturing units and is known to put pressure on the officers involved for not taking any action against child labour. (a) Identify the stakeholders and ethical issues in this case. (b) How would you approach the problem and what would be the main elements of your action? (c) What medium to long-term measures will you propose to tackle the problem of child labour in the district?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Many states in India have experimented with prohibition of liquor at various times. However, it is common knowledge that many such states have a thriving illegal liquor industry. Moreover, it is ironical that while many political parties have prohibition prominently mentioned in their manifestos, it is politicians who distribute alcohol among voters during their election campaigns. This also gives rise to illicit liquor trade and many people lose their lives to it. (a) What are the socio-economic problems that are widely attributed to alcoholism? (b) Do you think prohibiting liquor creates more problems than it proposes to solve? (c) Short of prohibition, what can be done to tackle the problem of rising alcoholism, particularly among the youth of the country?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate (DM) of a district where residents are facing the menace of stray dogs. Instances of dogs chasing two-wheelers, cyclists and attacking pedestrians are on the rise. Elderly persons as well as children are the worst-hit and recently, an 8 year old girl was severely injured by a pack of dogs. The perceived magnanimity of the problem and inaction from government authorities have prompted vigilante groups to cull dogs in mass numbers. However, local NGOs have come out against such a practice of mass culling and are calling for stringent action against those killing stray dogs. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (b) As the DM, suggest short-term and long-term measures to tackle the above issue.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5375,"topper":"Parth Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3222c-122026_1865parth-gupta_rank_72.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"An ethical action is rooted in the temporal and spatial dimensions of societies. Discuss with adequate examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Unstable marriages and families can lead to failures of moral development in children and overall moral decline in the society. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"An ethical work culture is a prerequisite for sustainable growth of an organization. Discuss and suggest some measures to build an ethical work culture in an organization. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"Enlightenment is man's emergence from his self-incurred immaturity.\" - Immanuel Kant (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"What are the important learnings from the life and teachings of Sri Adi Shankaracharya that can help public servants in their personal and professional lives. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":5376,"topper":"PATEL MITULKUMAR","air":139,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/f0862-1010083_2121_patel_mitulkumar_rank_139.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5377,"topper":"PATEL MITULKUMAR","air":139,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/43783-1010083_2123_patel_mitulkumar_rank_139.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5378,"topper":"PATEL MITULKUMAR","air":139,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/643c8-1010083_2125_patel_mitulkumar_rank_139.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5379,"topper":"PATEL MITULKUMAR","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2561b-1010083_1818_patel_mitulkumar_rank_139.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the meaning of regionalism and highlight the various forms that it can take, with suitable examples from India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"E-governance is a very vital element in improving public service delivery in India. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Explain why child labour continues to persist in India, despite stringent measures taken by the government for its eradication.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"It is argued that the role of women in family often remains unrecognised. In this context, do you think wages for housework is an idea whose time has come?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Highlight the role of the Right To Information (RTI) Act, 2005 in ensuring transparency and good governance in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Explain the reasons behind growing mental health issues faced in India. State the policy measures taken in this regard as well.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Enumerate the measures taken for population control in India. Also, discuss whether there is a need for a new Population Policy in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"What do you understand by secularism in the context of India? Explain how secularism is reflected in our constitutional provisions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Discuss the role played by SHGs in rural development in India. Also, mention various measures which have been taken by the government to promote SHGs in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"What are the various challenges being faced by school going children in India in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Identify the barriers faced by Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in India. What measures have been taken by the government in this context?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Examine whether the relationship between civil services and democracy is complementary or paradoxical.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"What are the obstacles faced in the implementation of various e-governance initiatives in India? Provide some feasible suggestions to overcome these obstacles.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"What are the challenges faced by India's primary healthcare system? Mention the government initiatives to address these challenges.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Giving an account of the initiatives taken by the government for urban development in recent years, explain how they seek to solve some of the major problems of urbanization faced in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Highlighting the general deficiencies in implementation of citizen's charters in India, enumerate the measures required to make them an effective tool of enhancing accountability in governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Analyse the changes that have taken place in the traditional joint family system in India in recent decades.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Discuss the vulnerabilities faced by the elderly in India and highlight some steps taken by the government to address these.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"With the help of suitable examples, examine the impact of globalization on environment.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5380,"topper":"PATEL MITULKUMAR","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5feee-1010083_1827_patel_mitulkumar_rank_139.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The ideals of 'Dhamma' by Ashoka present key learnings on public morality. Discuss. Also, state their relevance for public servants. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"There is a need for an effective climate governance structure within the broad framework of corporate governance. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Family values influence the decisions individuals make both within the family structure and outside of it. Do you agree with the statement? Justify with relevant examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"'Niti' must be more concerned with 'nyaya' i.e. the elimination of removable injustices rather than defining a perfectly just society. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"While it may seem restrictive, anonymity is one of the greatest strengths of the civil services. Comment in the context of growth of social media in recent times. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Corporate governance and business ethics are key factors influencing investment decisions and determining the flow of capital worldwide. In this context, discuss the inter-relationship between corporate governance and business ethics. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Examine the issue of foreign aid in global politics from an ethical perspective. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explaining the meaning of media ethics, discuss why it is a prerequisite for democracy. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by a situation of 'crisis of conscience'? Also, explain how a public servant can deal with such a situation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The opportunities and threats created by emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) require leaders across business, government and civil society to understand the importance of values and ethics in technological development. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"It is argued that the Indian bureaucracy suffers from indecision and risk aversion. Do you agree? Justify with logical arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":34,"question":"Recently, the government has proposed a bill to increase the age of marriage for women from 18 to 21 years. It has been argued that it will help women improve their nutritional status, lower maternal mortality rate and improve the overall health status of women. However, some critics have stated that the proposed law would be counterproductive to women's cause and the desired objectives will not be met. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What effect will an increase in the age of marriage have on women in India? (b) Can legislation be used as an effective tool for social change? (c) Discuss other agents that can be used for social change in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Climate change not only threatens our ecosystems but also undermines the foundation of our fundamental rights, deepens inequalities and creates new forms of injustice. Adapting to climate change and trying to mitigate its impacts are not just a matter of scientific knowledge and political will but also demand a broader view of a complex, inter-related situation. Human induced climate change has brought in several ethical dimensions not just in causing climate change but also in the role and responsibility in mitigating it. (a) Highlight the ethical issues arising out of human-induced climate change. (b) What ethical principles should form the basis of global action on climate change?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are the Chairperson of Staff Selection Commission of a state. Recently, an exam for recruitment to the position of sub-inspectors was conducted by the Commission. But a video of some students using hi-tech devices like spy-mics, and placing \"solvers\" to cheat in the exam by hiding bluetooth devices in wig, has been surfacing on the internet. Also, this is not an isolated incident; many instances of organized cheating scandals have shocked the state in recent years. Students are agitated and demanding cancellation of the exam and there is pressure on you to resign. However, your daughter had also appeared in this exam and is confident of clearing it. There are many other students who had waited for this exam for a long time and are hopeful of clearing it with honest efforts. Whatever decision the Commission takes is bound to affect the career of a large number of candidates who appeared in the exam, including your own daughter. (a) Highlight the ethical issues concerned in the case. (b) Why is cheating in examinations prevalent in many states across India? (c) What measures would you take to make sure that a similar situation does not arise in future?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5381,"topper":"PATEL MITULKUMAR","air":139,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9f9f6-1010083_1819_patel_mitulkumar_rank_139.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5382,"topper":"Patel MitulKumar Ashwinbhai","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PATEL-MITULKUMAR-ASHWINBHAI-UPSC-2023-Rank-139-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The ultimate renewable energy is the human ingenuity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Human laws and natural laws mutually reinforce each other.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"History should be understood as evolution of society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"If one has seen further than others it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"The rise of populism in democratic societies is a threat to the rule of law and constitutionalism.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5383,"topper":"Patel MitulKumar Ashwinbhai","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PATEL-MITULKUMAR-ASHWINBHAI-UPSC-2023-Rank-139-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"It was neither her Coal and Iron reserves, nor the inventions of steam engine and cotton mills, but her democracy and rule of law that made Britain the epicentre of Industrial Revolution. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"In its extent, reach, and revolutionary zeal, Civil Disobedience Movement has a unique place in India's freedom struggle. Elucidate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"How will you explain that Vaishnavism and Shaivism as followed in medieval India represent both local traditions and universal ideals? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What do you understand from land subsidence? Explaining various reasons behind land sub-sidence, recommend measures to arrest the calamity. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Examining the reasons behind erratic Monsoon, highlight the possible outcomes of the same. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Explore and evaluate the impact of new technologies on Indian society. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Why did Hinduism-which amalgamated and absorbed almost every diverse faith, tradition, belief and practice that arose from within or outside, within its fold- failed to assimilate Islamic cultural beliefs and practices? Give reasons. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Elucidate the differences between Western and Indian model of secularism. To what extent do you agree with the criticism that Indian model of secularism is susceptible to promoting minority appeasement? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"With special reference to India, elucidate how globalisation-a multifaceted phenomenon-has had positive socio-economic outcomes on one hand and widened the gaps between the haves and have nots on the other? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Dravidian temple architecture that came of age during the rule of the Pallavas, could reach its zenith only at the time of the imperial Cholas. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the reasons why pre-independence women movements were led by men. Also analyse the contribution of women-led socio-economic movements in post-independence India in mainstreaming and successfully redressing the concerns of women. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Discuss the causes for salinity ingress along with its various consequences and potential solutions. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The economic and strategic significance of mineral wealth of a country cannot be seen in isolation from the associated socio-ecological impacts of their extraction. Discuss in light of the newfound lithium reserves in Northern India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Explain the mechanism and occurrence of earthquake. With the help of map given below, throw light upon the vulnerability of regions affected by earthquake and earthquake related disas- ters. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Enumerating different types of tides highlight their significance. Also, explain how tides are different from waves. (15 marks, 250 words) -","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"In the contemporary times, the conventional conceptualization of the institution of marriage as well as family is facing evolutionary changes. Do you agree? Justify. To what extent have the state and market played a role in this? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Bring out the reasons and consequences of the spurt in child marriages in recent years. What steps can be taken beyond the legal realms to tackle the menace? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Examine the reasons behind generation of regional sentiments? Do you agree that region-al sentiments and cultural assertiveness may lead to the issue of separatism? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5384,"topper":"Patel MitulKumar Ashwinbhai","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PATEL-MITULKUMAR-ASHWINBHAI-UPSC-2023-Rank-139-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Foreign trade is an important milestone on the path of becoming a 5 trillion USD economy. In this context, analyse the potential of the recently released Foreign Trade Policy, 2023 in revamping India's participation in global trade. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Social protection schemes are an integral aspect of a welfare economy; however, the principles of fiscal prudence cannot be ignored. Discuss, with special reference to Old Pension Scheme (OPS). (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand from Agristack? To what extent can it become a panacea for the problems plaguing the farm sector. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The objective of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to provide a long term and equitable solution to the dilemma between free trade and food security has remained unfulfilled. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Even after five decades of the Stockholm conference, narrowing the gaps between the targets and actions remains one of the biggest challenges towards reversing climate change. Discuss. Also, recommend measures for building a coherent actionable strategy to tackle climate change. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What are the impediments in management of E-waste in the country? In what ways can the trinity of citizens, businesses, and the government tackle this menace? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How does nuclear fusion differ from nuclear fission? Assess the relevance of nuclear energy in resolving the global energy security dilemma? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are run of the river hydroelectric projects? How far can run of the river hydroelectric projects balance ecological conservation with socio-economic development? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"A robust border infrastructure is the surest way to counter multifarious threats emanating from inimical actors. Discuss, in light of Vibrant Village Programme. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"How far can a clearly articulated National Security Strategy help in tackling challenges to national security? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What are the factors that influence the inflation trends in the country? Highlighting the impacts, discuss the institutional measures in place to check inflation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Though a cornerstone of Atmanirbhar Bharat, Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme is not without its own challenges. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"How is internationalisation of rupee different from De-Dollarisation? Highlighting the benefits of internationalisation of rupee, discuss the challenges associated with the same. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What are Primary Agricultural Credit Societies? Can the cooperative push alone help in achieving the twin targets of boosting rural economy and mainstreaming small and marginal farmers? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Farm policies in the country have inadvertently led to undesirable consequences. Do you agree? Giving emphasis on PM PRANAM, discuss ways to enhance soil health and farm productivity. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What do you understand by heat waves? Highlight the reasons and impact of the rising frequency of heat waves across India. Also, recommend some measures to mitigate its impact. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"How is Chandrayaan-3 different from its predecessor, Chandrayaan-2? To what extent can India's presence in Artemis Accords help in furthering the exploration of lunar surface? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Research and Development is the key to unlock the potential of 'knowledge economy.' In this perspective, analyse the role of the National Research Foundation Bill, 2023 in democratizing the research ecosystem in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'Hybrid warfare.' Highlighting its implications for India, recommend measures to develop a comprehensive ecosystem to counter the same. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How are internal security challenges related to peace in neighboring countries? Explain with special reference to instability on India's eastern frontier. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5385,"topper":"Patel MitulKumar Ashwinbhai","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PATEL-MITULKUMAR-ASHWINBHAI-UPSC-2023-Rank-139-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Celebrity endorsements raise pertinent ethical concerns about responsibility that delve into the realm of ethical considerations of social influence that run deeper than mere surface appeal. In this context, suggest measures to tackle the ethical challenges of celebrity brand endorsements. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Embracing a scientific mindset involves setting aside impulsive inclinations in favor of the pursuit of truth. In your view, how does the integration of scientific thinking contribute to addressing contemporary challenges and promoting societal progress? How can we effectively cultivate a scientific attitude in society? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"In the realm of professional conduct, ethics plays a role that tends to go far beyond fulfilling the roles and responsibilities of the job with diligence and honesty. But some people consider professional competence as the only critical requirement for a job. If faced with a choice, who would you prefer to hire - someone with professional competence or one with strong moral values? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Patriotism can hold different meanings for different people, often shaped by personal experiences and convictions. What does patriotism mean to you? Explain narrating incidents from your life when you exhibited patriotism. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Max Weber's concept of bureaucracy was developed in the early 20th century, but it still influences administrative structures today. In what ways do you see Weberian bureaucracy as relevant in today's rapidly changing world? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Global challenges often test the ethical fiber of nations, urging them to channel narrow pursuit of national-interest into an enlightened self-interest.\" Enumerating the various ethical principles underlying the concept of enlightened national-interest examine its efficacy in helping nations navigate the fine line between pursuing their strategic interests and upholding ethical principles, particularly in times of conflict? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In the realm of governance, a crucial aspect is the art of persuasion. The qualities that make civil servants proficient persuaders empower them to fulfill their responsibilities in an effective manner. Discuss with illustrations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Corruption has multifaceted implications. Some consider it an undeniable vice, while others contend it to be an unavoidable necessity for navigating the bureaucratic complexities. In your opinion, does corruption oil or corrode the gears of development? Substantiate your arguments. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Ethical hacking and malicious hacking stand as divergent paths with distinct intentions and consequences. As technology advances, it becomes imperative to comprehend the nuances that set these practices apart in the cybersecurity landscape. In this perspective, elucidate the principles that differentiate ethical hacking and malicious hacking. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What does each of the following quotation mean to you? a) \"Our greatest ability as humans is not to change the world, but to change ourselves.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":5386,"topper":"Patel MitulKumar Ashwinbhai","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/PATEL-MITULKUMAR-ASHWINBHAI-UPSC-2024-Rank-244-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"\"Nalanda is a symbol of India's academic heritage and vibrant cultural exchange\". Elucidate with special references to foreign travelers' accounts. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The period of Delhi Sultans witnessed the emergence of Indo-Persian culture. Discuss the statement with reference to developments in the fields of literature, art and architecture. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Vaikom Satyagraha marked a historic milestone in India's fight against social injustice, demonstrating the power of non-violent resistance in dismantling oppressive caste barriers. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The Oslo Accords, once hailed as a landmark diplomatic achievement, failed to address key issues, highlighting the challenges of achieving lasting peace between Israel and Palestine. Analyse. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What are Northern and Southern lights? Explain the phenomenon and discuss their associated impacts on Earth's atmosphere and human activities. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Identifying the major automobile clusters in India, enumerate the favourable factors for the location of the automobile industry. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"\"India's diversity is her greatest strength.\" In light of the statement, explain how diversity has enriched and strengthened Indian society. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Critically examine the effects of globalization on the youth in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The recognition of LGBTQ rights in India marks significant progress, but the journey towards full societal integration and acceptance remains arduous, necessitating a profound socio-cultural shift. Elaborate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Throw light upon the importance of seals and sealings in the reconstruction of socio-economic and religious life of the Harappan people. Also, explain why many of the known Harappan settlements are in semi-arid regions. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Describe the significance of the Dandi March (1930) as the starting point of the Civil Disobedience Movement. Also, discuss the national and international reactions to the Dandi March and the Salt Satyagraha. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the impact of local winds on their associated regions, citing examples from different parts of the world. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Rare Earths Elements (REE) are considered as 'Vitamins of Modern Industry'. In this context, bring out the multi-dimensional implications of uneven distribution of REE in the world. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Describe the various factors that influence ocean currents and discuss their multi-dimensional impact. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Briefly explain the process of tide formation and differentiate between tides and waves. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"While social media facilitates unprecedented connectivity and self-expression, it can also widen social crevices and fractures. In this context, examine the impact of social media on Indian society. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"\"The regionalism in India is both a response to the failures in addressing regional aspirations and as an assertion of socio-cultural identity in the face of perceived marginalization.\" Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Explain how traditional gender roles and responsibilities exacerbate the vulnerability of women to extreme heat conditions. Suggest strategies to mitigate these vulnerabilities. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5387,"topper":"PATIL ASHISH ASHOK","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2267c-973081_1703_patil_ashish_ashok_rank_147.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Norms of social morality should not be applied to acts of civil servants while they are carrying out their professional roles and responsibilities to further the common good. Critically analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Determination of ethics in state policies and actions is not easy because every policy and action has both positive and negative aspects viewed from different stakeholders' perspectives. Discuss with suitable examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand by global ethics in today's world? Highlight the role that global ethics can play in achieving universally accepted goals. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlight the important teachings of Swami Vivekananda, relevant to the youth of today. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) Courage is the most important of all the virtues because without courage, you can't practice any other virtue consistently. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Can a war ever be justified on moral grounds? Support your answer with suitable arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Do you think that ethical principles are universal in nature? Justify your answer with relevant examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"For civil servants, both professional competence and commitment to ethics are equally important. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Despite changing family structure, it still plays an important role in nurturing core societal values. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Impartiality as a core value of civil services should not become a hurdle in showing compassion towards weaker sections of the society. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":39,"question":"Recently, the four accused in the rape and murder of a veterinary doctor were shot down by the police while they were in police custody. The police claimed that the four accused were taken to the site of the rape in the early hours of the morning. They managed to snatch two pistols from the policemen, fired and injured two cops, and were shot in retaliation. Soon thereafter, a majority of the public welcomed the news of the police shooting the alleged rapists. Why is it that people applaud these actions of the police? Do you share such sentiments? Justify with relevant arguments.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Public policy is being increasingly informed by insights from the behavioural sciences. One such behavioural approach is the Nudge theory. It is mainly concerned with the design of choices, which influences the decisions we make. Nudge theory proposes that the designing of choices should be based on how people actually think and decide, rather than how leaders and authorities traditionally believe people think and decide. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) Giving examples, illustrate the difference between enforced change and 'Nudge' techniques? (b) Identify the ethical concerns associated with the nudge technique. Also, suggest ways for using nudging theory ethically.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5388,"topper":"Patil Sairaj Panditrao","air":545,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tZ-QjW1mHrO3RTw9fkxhvbyy0lOfJvh3/view","questions":[]},{"id":5389,"topper":"Patil Vinay Sunil","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PATIL-VINAY-SUNIL-UPSC-2023-Rank-122-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Before the borders are broken the minds are invaded. /","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Talent and passion are only useful tools if one has the work ethic to back them up.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The opportunity of interfaith dialogue: modern solution for globalised world. :","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The only impossible journey is the one you never begin.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5390,"topper":"Patil Vinay Sunil","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PATIL-VINAY-SUNIL-UPSC-2023-Rank-122-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Basic structure doctrine has prevented the Parliament, a creature of the constitution, from becoming the master of the constitution. Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The power of pressure groups lies not in their size or elaborate organization, but in their ability to mobilize public opinion and create lasting change. With help of relevant examples, discuss how informal pressure groups shape public policy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Analyse the reasons for degeneration of parliamentary functioning in recent time. Also, suggest measure to make the parliament more productive. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Subordination of investigative agencies to the executive is fraught with disastrous consequences. Discuss the statement in light of the criticism of the Central Bureau of Investigation as a \"caged parrot\". (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The Election Commission of India has a vital role in building a robust framework of electoral democracy. Highlighting challenges associated with the functioning of ECI, suggest measures to reform the body. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Anti-defection law has failed to address and resolve the evil of political defection satisfactorily. Discuss various issues surrounding the Anti-defection law and recommend some corrective measures. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do you mean by 'doctrine of essentiality'? How has judiciary used this doctrine to address conflict between various fundamental rights? Explain with examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Frequent reliance on the ordinance making power by the government, not only dilutes the basic tenets of executive accountability in a parliamentary democracy, but also overlooks the democratic traditions of building consensus. Discuss with relevant examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"Bail not Jail\" is the cardinal principle that upholds the sacrosanct ideas of individual's liberty and dignity. Explain the statement, citing various case laws. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Dispute redressal is the most important component of cooperative federalism. How does the Interstate Council facilitate the resolution of disputes related to states in India, and what are the challenges associated with this process? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Despite its vital role for the smooth functioning of the body politic, constitutional punctuality remains conspicuous by its absence. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Electoral bond was brought in as a reform that was high on intent but has proved to be low on substance. Do you agree? Justify. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Considering the non-enforceable nature of fundamental duties and directive principles of state policy, critically examine their impact in socio-political norms. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Referring to the case laws through which the collegium system in India evolved, critically assess its functioning. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Democracy thrives on disagreements; critical and dissenting voices make a society vibrant. In your opinion, do limitations on hate speech infringe right to freedom of speech and expression? Discuss how hate speech impacts the society and ways to restrain it. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Why is it important to ensure separation of powers between various organs of the State? Also, explain Indian model of separation of power with relevant provisions in the constitution. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by the First Past the Post System (FPPS)? Why was FPPS preferred over the Proportional Representation (PR) system for elections to the Lok Sabha/Vidhan Sabha? Also, critically examine the consequences of this preference. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Compare the position of the Speaker in Indian and British parliamentary system? Also, discuss various controversies related to functioning of Office of Speaker in Indian context and suggest corresponding reforms. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Why was parliamentary form of government adopted for independent India? Do you agree with the opinion that Indian government is increasingly transitioning towards presidential form? Justify. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The Representation of People's Act, the bedrock of free and fair elections in the country, has failed to keep pace with the contemporary challenges. Highlighting the shortcomings in the legislation, suggest reforms to make it more effective. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5391,"topper":"Patil Vinay Sunil","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PATIL-VINAY-SUNIL-UPSC-2023-Rank-122-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Foreign trade is an important milestone on the path of becoming a 5 trillion USD economy. In this context, analyse the potential of the recently released Foreign Trade Policy, 2023 in revamping India's participation in global trade. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Social protection schemes are an integral aspect of a welfare economy; however, the principles of fiscal prudence cannot be ignored. Discuss, with special reference to Old Pension Scheme (OPS). (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand from Agristack? To what extent can it become a panacea for the problems plaguing the farm sector. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The objective of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to provide a long term and equitable solution to the dilemma between free trade and food security has remained unfulfilled. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Even after five decades of the Stockholm conference, narrowing the gaps between the targets and actions remains one of the biggest challenges towards reversing climate change. Discuss. Also, recommend measures for building a coherent actionable strategy to tackle climate change. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What are the impediments in management of E-waste in the country? In what ways can the trinity of citizens, businesses, and the government tackle this menace? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How does nuclear fusion differ from nuclear fission? Assess the relevance of nuclear energy in resolving the global energy security dilemma? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are run of the river hydroelectric projects? How far can run of the river hydroelectric projects balance ecological conservation with socio-economic development? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"A robust border infrastructure is the surest way to counter multifarious threats emanating from inimical actors. Discuss, in light of Vibrant Village Programme. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"How far can a clearly articulated National Security Strategy help in tackling challenges to national security? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What are the factors that influence the inflation trends in the country? Highlighting the impacts, discuss the institutional measures in place to check inflation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Though a cornerstone of Atmanirbhar Bharat, Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme is not without its own challenges. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"How is internationalisation of rupee different from De-Dollarisation? Highlighting the benefits of internationalisation of rupee, discuss the challenges associated with the same. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What are Primary Agricultural Credit Societies? Can the cooperative push alone help in achieving the twin targets of boosting rural economy and mainstreaming small and marginal farmers? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Farm policies in the country have inadvertently led to undesirable consequences. Do you agree? Giving emphasis on PM PRANAM, discuss ways to enhance soil health and farm productivity. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What do you understand by heat waves? Highlight the reasons and impact of the rising frequency of heat waves across India. Also, recommend some measures to mitigate its impact. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"How is Chandrayaan-3 different from its predecessor, Chandrayaan-2? To what extent can India's presence in Artemis Accords help in furthering the exploration of lunar surface? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Research and Development is the key to unlock the potential of 'knowledge economy.' In this perspective, analyse the role of the National Research Foundation Bill, 2023 in democratizing the research ecosystem in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'Hybrid warfare.' Highlighting its implications for India, recommend measures to develop a comprehensive ecosystem to counter the same. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How are internal security challenges related to peace in neighboring countries? Explain with special reference to instability on India's eastern frontier. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5392,"topper":"Patil Vinay Sunil","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PATIL-VINAY-SUNIL-UPSC-2023-Rank-122-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Where the roots of private virtue are diseased, the fruit of public probity cannot but be corrupt. What do you understand by probity? Discuss ways of inculcating probity in public life. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Evaluate the role of citizen's charter in making governance citizen centric. Also, recommend some measures to make citizen's charters more effective. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"While successful managers make profit for their organizations, it is leaders who build successful organizations. In light of this statement, differentiate between a manager and a leader. Examine why leadership is considered a foundational value for a civil servant. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Right to Information Act, 2005, aims to make the governance process transparent and accountable, however, the sunshine legislation is beset with several challenges. Analyse. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Uniform Civil Code (UCC) aims to create a common set of laws governing personal matters, such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption, irrespective of individuals' religious affiliations. In the context of the ongoing discourse on UCC in India, examine the challenges that arise when attempting to reconcile legal principles with diverse moral considerations. To what extent should the law be influenced by moral/religious principles? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"\"Why should a man be moral? Because it strengthens his will.\" - Swami Vivekanand. In this perspective, discuss the significance of morality for bringing efficiency and effectiveness in public administration. Do you think moral rigidity can be a hindrance in good governance? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Servants who embody emotional intelligence exhibit a profound understanding of the human aspect of governance, enabling them to cultivate meaningful relationships, foster cooperation, and drive positive change. Examine ways in which Emotional Intelligence can be inculcated in civil servants. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The challenges posed by the corporate sector's impact on climate, environmental sustainability, and living conditions has highlighted the need for responsible and inclusive business practices. In this direction, the contemporary discourse on corporate governance is emphasizing the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. Evaluate the ESG framework in equipping the corporate world with the capabilities to fulfill its social roles and responsibilities. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What does each of the following quotation mean to you? a) \"Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom\" - Thomas Jefferson (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":5393,"topper":"Patil Yogesh Ashokrao","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0ac52-325713_1150_patil-yogesh-ashokrao_rank_63.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Technical solutions are necessary to augment the traditional methods of guarding the border. In this context, while mentioning the different components of Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS), discuss how it can help to address the gaps in the present system of border security. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"In comparison to conventional warfare, the possibility of successful deterrence against cyber warfare is both limited and complicated. Discuss. Also, elaborate upon India's preparedness in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Analyse the impact that the instability in the wider South Asian region has on India's internal security. What steps can be taken to minimise such impact? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlighting its mandate, discuss the significance of International Solar Alliance in positioning India to a key global leadership role. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Despite a strong case for a Broad-based Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA) between India and the European Union (EU), negotiations have been stuck for long owing to multiple factors. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Accession to the Ashgabat agreement is valuable for connecting India to its extended neighbourhood. What is the Ashgabat Agreement? Assess its significance for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is a natural choice for India to fulfill key foreign policy priorities. In this context, discuss the issues behind hitherto slow progress and the reasons for reinvigorated optimism regarding BIMSTEC. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What do you understand by Free Space Optical Communication (FSOC) Technology? Critically explain its potential in connecting rural and remote areas in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What are Orphan Drugs? Examine the significance of putting in place a policy framework for such drugs in a developing country such as India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the obstacles in women's access to science education in India and also suggest remedial measures to overcome these obstacles. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Giving examples, elaborate how India's approach to becoming a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region is taking shape. What are the challenges and opportunities associated with this approach? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime) has pitched for the need of an integrated approach in order to address the difficulties in preventing, detecting, investigating and prosecuting Transnational Organised Crimes (TOC). Elaborating on these difficulties, discuss how an integrated approach can help in tackling TOCs. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Highlighting the need for SMART policing in India, suggest some administrative, legislative and technological reforms in order to realize this vision. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind private sector playing a merely peripheral role in defence manufacturing in India. Also, explain how the Draft Defence Production Policy, 2018 seeks to augment private sector participation in defence manufacturing in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"While India and Russia have enjoyed good relations since the Soviet era, relying on the past may not be enough to deal with shift in the relationship in light of the rapidly evolving geopolitical realities. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"In what ways has the engagement between India and its diaspora evolved over the years? What role can the Indian diaspora play in furthering and shaping India's foreign policy goals? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Sluggish progress of the Doha round signals that the WTO is proving to be ineffective in promoting free trade. Identifying the factors behind this, comment on the relevance of WTO in present context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"India's engagement with its extended neighbourhood in West Asia has evolved into a 'Look West' approach in recent times. However, multiple faultlines in this volatile region require a balancing act on the part of India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The rapid diffusion of Artificial Intelligence begets unique opportunities and challenges for India. Discuss. What can be done to address these challenges? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Water shortage in India has been sought to be addressed through various policy and technological interventions. Explain. Also, examine the benefits of desalination technology and the costs associated with it. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5394,"topper":"Patil Yogesh Ashokrao","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6a627-325713_1067_patil-yogesh-ashokrao_rank_63.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What is the role that opposition plays in a democracy like India? In this context, discuss whether our Parliament can benefit from a shadow cabinet. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Where there is a right, there is a remedy. In this context, discuss the nature and significance of writs in India with adequate examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Enumerate the objectives of NITI Aayog. Also, discuss the performance of this body since its inception and suggest measures to make it more effective. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"In view of the political class's inability to develop and maintain conventions relating to the appropriate use of Article 356, the Supreme Court's decision in the Bommai case provided much needed clarity. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Press freedom and good governance are not mutually exclusive. They support each other while promoting a country's economic and human development. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"SHGs have succeeded in delivering financial inclusion, but for them to evolve as viable business enterprise requires a different approach. Analyse in the context of the twin goals of rural growth and promotion of women's entrepreneurship. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The focus of higher education in India has been on a select few Central or autonomous institutions where as the ones in states remain neglected. Commenting on the statement, highlight the significance of Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the role played by PRIs in political empowerment of women. Also, suggest measures to further increase their political participation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What is Strategic Autonomy? Critically examine the elements of such a policy in India's contemporary foreign policy in the context of recent developments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"IBSA and BRICS are both examples of India's quest for multialignment, however there are key differences in their orientation. Discuss in the context of the relevance of these groupings for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What are the various modes of Alternate Dispute Redressal (ADR) mechanisms available in India? Identifying the problems being faced by them, provide suggestions needed to increase their effectiveness. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"While the power to punish for the contempt of court is a much needed tool to protect the administration of justice from being maligned, it is time that it be relooked into. Critically analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Criminalisation of politics remains a key concern for the Indian political system. In this context, analyse the role played by the Supreme Court and Election Commission over the years. Also, in what ways can the media play a positive role? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight, in brief, the mandate of the National Commission for Minorities (NCM). Identify the different challenges that the commission faces and suggest measures to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The recent decision of the government to open up positions at the senior levels in bureaucracy through lateral entry is an important but only small step in the direction of much needed reforms in the higher civil services. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Identifying the broad contours of the 'Transformation of Aspirational Districts' programme, explain how it adopts a novel strategy to address backwardness. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"How did India fare on the Millennium Development Goals related to health? In this regard, identify the relevant Sustainable Development Goals and evaluate India's capacity to meet them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the different rights recognized under the Forest Rights Act, 2006? Highlight the gaps in the implementation of community forest rights and community forest resource rights granted under the Forest Rights Act. Also, suggest measures to address the current scenario. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Progress in India-US ties has been accompanied by equally significant divergences on important issues. Examine in the context of recent developments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Despite bonhomie, the structural differences between Indian and Israeli national security situations, their worldviews and absence of explicitly shared enemies limit stronger strategic rapprochement. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5395,"topper":"Patil Yogesh Ashokrao","air":63,"year":2019,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0062b-325713_1146_patil-yogesh-ashokrao_rank_63.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5396,"topper":"Patil Yogesh Ashokrao","air":63,"year":2019,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/472b4-325713_1249_patil-yogesh-ashokrao_rank_63.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5397,"topper":"Pavan Agarwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/38931-pavan-agarwal-_43_2014_gs_booklet_4.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Even years after its introduction, the ability of Citizen's Charters in improving the efficiency of public services and making governments more accountable, is found wanting in many areas. In context of this statement, mention the various lacunae in the formulation and implementation of citizen's charters in India and suggest how they can be addressed in light of the Sevottam model. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"For the success of Right to Information (RTI), a major challenge is to develop capacities for access to information. Discuss. How can the capacities of both public authorities and citizens be enhanced? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Define Work Culture. Suggest how an efficient work culture could be developed in the Indian scenario. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"If corruption exists even in rich, economically successful countries, why should developing countries like India be worried about it? (150 words) 10 , , ?","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Is behaviour always a reflection of one's attitude? Explain with relevant examples. (100 words) ?","marks":null,"words":"100"},{"page":24,"question":"Empathy is not only an important ingredient but also an indicator of one's emotional intelligence. Elaborate. (150 words) , (EQ) ,","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Why do people obey orders, which they know are ethically wrong? (100 words) 5 , ?","marks":null,"words":"100"},{"page":32,"question":"Bring out what this statement means to you in the present context: \"There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but he must take it because conscience tells him it is right.\"- Martin Luther King (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":36,"question":"You are a young DM in a district, which is seeing rapid mushrooming of private Drug de-addiction centres. The centres are known to function in an unethical manner and their business model involves a specific consideration for cases of relapse victims. Although these centres charge at high rates, they are known to give families of addicts hope and institutionalisation of addicts has ensured maintenance of law and order, not seen in neighbouring districts. Analyse the following options for their positive and negative impact on the various stakeholders of the society. (a) Shutting down of the private rehab centres altogether.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"What are the options available to Kathi?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Evaluate each of these options and choose the option, which you recommend Kathi to adopt giving reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":61,"question":"You are a young reporter who has unearthed the case of the government secretly pledging gold to a foreign country. Reporting of the said activity would trigger a downward spiral for the economy as trust in the government would decrease, domestic and foreign investors will pull out from the country. The reporting of the incident would definitely improve your career prospects. You are still to share this information with anybody. What will you do and why?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5398,"topper":"Pavan Agarwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/94773-pavan-agarwal-_43_2014_gs_booklet_5.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"'Probity and efficiency need not necessarily be mutually exclusive sets'. Comment on the above statement and substantiate your stand with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Can conscience take precedence over rules and regulations as a source of ethical guidance? Narrate an incident from your life where you followed your conscience as a source of ethical guidance instead of rules. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"'Laws are social norms codified'. Do you agree? Give a few examples to substantiate your answer. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"\"Relativity applies to physics, not ethics\"-Albert Einstein. Comment. (100 words)","marks":null,"words":"100"},{"page":20,"question":"Indian education system needs to be reinvigorated to inculcate moral values and promote ethical conduct. Do you think indigenization of our education system can promote the same? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Explain how corruption devours the very concept of good governance and slowly eats away the good in the society. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"In framing a government, which is to be administered by men over men, the greatest difficulty lies firstly in enabling the government to control the governed; and in the next place to oblige it to control itself. Comment w.r.t. accountability of public service in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":35,"question":"Shalini works in the Human Resource Department in a Marketing firm. Marketing job entails a lot of travel, and accordingly the firm provides for many perks. She finds that some employees engage in activities such as getting doctor's appointment during office hours, making personal phone calls, using office computer and Internet for personal reasons. As a new employee, she finds this behaviour unethical but her colleagues tell her that since the employees tend to spend so much of their weekday hours on the job, it is all right to engage in some personal work. Consider the following options and evaluate them: (a) Strict monitoring of the employees for such unethical behaviour. (b) Ignoring this issue altogether. (c) Dismissing the employees who are found to be engaged in such activities on a regular basis. (d) Reporting the matter to the Departmental head.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"You are in charge of the rescue operations in an epidemic hit area, commanding a team of 6 medical professionals. The area is located remotely and not well connected with the nearby town through roads. It takes around 24 hours to reach the nearest district hospital, which has the required vaccines and drugs. Thousands of people have died because of the disease. The disease is contagious, though it gets transmitted only through bodily fluids and not through air. However, one of your team members has fallen sick and his condition is critical. Moreover, the team does not have the required drugs to treat him. Your team members request you to call off the operation as they are scared of the disease and want to take back the sick team-member to the hospital. At the same time, media has been portraying your efforts in a negative light. (a) What are the options available to you? (b) Evaluate each option and suggest the best course of action?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"You are the Station House Officer of a police station. Recently, there has been a spurt in theft incidents in your area. Some of these incidents have occurred even during daytime. The Resident Welfare Association has blamed the labourers, residing in night shelters, for the crimes. The night shelters are a result of an initiative by the police to help the homeless people to seek refuge from the biting cold at night. You have taken great pains to get these night-shelters up and running. The record of all those who stay in these night shelters, for instance, their names and identity proofs, is kept with the police. But the police has no information if any one of them has a past criminal record. Even as an investigation regarding the thefts is going on, the RWA members are demanding to dismantle these night shelters and to not allow these labourers to reside near their homes. (a) What are the options available to you? (b) Evaluate each option and suggest the best course of action?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":55,"question":"You are a final-year engineering student, studying in a reputed engineering college of India. Campus placements are going on in your college and most of your friends have already been placed in reputed multi-national companies. You have appeared in selection tests for many companies but have failed to clear any of them. The placement season is drawing to a close. You have taken a student loan to pay for the college tuition fees. Your parents have high hopes from you and placement in a good MNC is very important for your future. Some of your friends have offered to help you to cheat in the next selection test. Many of them have themselves cleared their tests by cheating and now have job offers from big MNCs. You have never cheated in any exam in your whole student life. But the present situation is making you indecisive. (a) What are the options available to you? (b) Evaluate each option and suggest the best course of action?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5399,"topper":"Pavan Agarwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2aeb1-pavan-agarwal-_43_2014_gs_booklet_1.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"Economy policy as it affects the most of Indian population.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5400,"topper":"Pavan Agarwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ba88d-pavan-agarwal-_43_2014_gs_booklet_2.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"The issue of allowing GM crops in the country is a subject matter of debate. Critically examine various aspects of this issue in the light of recently submitted SC-appointed Technical Expert Committee report.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Examine the causes of rupee depreciation and its impact on the Indian economy. Also discuss the steps taken by the Government and RBI to stem its slide.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"What are the various ways of Money Laundering?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"What are the aims and objectives of Mangalyaan?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5401,"topper":"Pavan Agarwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/57c24-pavan-agarwal-_43_2014_gs_booklet_6.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Describe the salient features which characterize tropical cyclones. Why, with only about 6 % of world tropical cyclones, the Indian sub-continent is one of the worst cyclone affected areas of the world?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"Explain the issue of ‘Loss and Damage’ with respect to UNFCC climate talks. Also examine the demand for creation of a third pillar in UNFCC deliberations, in addition to the two pillars of mitigation and adaptation, associated with loss and damage demands.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"'Ozone depletion and the formation of Polar Ozone Holes doesn't lead to a further warming of the troposphere, but to a slight cooling.' Explain.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Do you agree that there is a drive towards increasing use of fossil fuels after the Fukushima nuclear disaster? Discuss the availability of coal in the world and in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"What is greenhouse effect and what gases are responsible for it? Describe the potential social, economic and environmental impacts of the continued increase in greenhouse gases.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"What are the types and sources of air pollution and how does it affect living organisms? List a few measures to control air pollution.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"What are ocean currents? How do they affect the climate of coasts? Illustrate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"Differentiate between Risk Assessment and Risk Evaluation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Despite Disaster Management Authority being institutionalized in 2005, it has failed to develop sufficient capacity in preparedness as well as relief and rescue operations. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"What do you understand by shifting of wind belts? Illustrate their impact on climate of a region.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"What do you understand by the phenomenon of 'coral bleaching'? Discuss the threats that corals are facing.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":55,"question":"Do you agree that multinational companies are shifting their center of gravity towards Asia? Comment with justification.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Elaborate on the measures that can be taken to mitigate the effect of tsunamis. What global mechanisms are in place for providing early warning related to tsunamis? What are the different technologies used for detecting the presence of tsunami waves?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":65,"question":"Critically analyze the factors for the centralization of IT industry in India.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5402,"topper":"Pavan Agarwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/412f0-pavan-agarwal-_43_2014_gs_booklet_3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Are all professions morally equivalent or are some superior to others? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"What are the major ethical concerns governing the functioning of government organisations? How are they different from those in private organisations? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"B. R. Ambedkar was an ardent supporter of the claims of liberty, equality and fraternity. Explain the relevance of his teaching in modern day India and how they act as a backbone for our socio-political development. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"While it is important to expose a wrongdoing, a whistleblower should have the moral backing behind his act of whistleblowing. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Colleges and schools are a microcosm of the real world. Elaborate as to how these are instrumental in character-building. Also suggest certain measures through which these institutions can play a greater role in the current scenario. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"While individual beliefs and values determine one's subjective responsibility, it is the operational environment which guides/shapes the objective responsibility. Congruence between the two is inevitable for realizing the goal of objectivity in administrative decisions. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":33,"question":"What are values? How are they different from ethics? (100 words) ? ?","marks":null,"words":"100"},{"page":44,"question":"Ronak has heard from his manager that their organization will be downsizing; it could be as little as 5 percent or as much as 30 percent. However, the supervisor told Ronak that \"we're all under strict orders to keep it quiet\" so that the agency's best employees will not seek other jobs. Mohan (one of the finest professionals in Ronak's unit), upon hearing the downsizing rumors, told Ronak that he was sure that he could get another job at a new business if a reduction in force occurred. However, openings at the new business will close soon. Mohan asked Ronak, \"Will there be layoffs?\" and \"Should I get another job now?\" (a) What are the options available to Ronak? (b) Evaluate each of these options and highlight which option you would have preferred, giving reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"A terrorist group states that it has concealed a nuclear bomb in Delhi. The authorities have captured the leader of the group. He says that he knows the location of the bomb. He refuses to reveal the location. Torture is guaranteed to produce the information needed to ensure the diffusal of the bomb. (a) Is it ethically acceptable for the authorities to have him tortured to find out where the bomb is and thus save thousands of lives? (b) Suppose instead of catching the leader, the authorities have captured his 16 year old daughter. She is refusing to cooperate with the authorities. In your opinion is it morally justified to have her tortured to acquire necessary information and save thousands of lives?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5403,"topper":"Pavithra P","air":42,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/015f5-1330430_2574_pavithra_p_rank_42.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5404,"topper":"Pavithra P","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8be2b-1330430_2929_pavithra_p_rank_42.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Expression of dissent is central to the functioning of the Parliament. In light of this, discuss the role of the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in India's parliamentary system. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"How can the integration of technology into judicial processes enhance accessibility, capability, and efficiency in justice delivery? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Supreme Court of India has upheld unique asymmetry in India's federalism by intricately balancing centralized authority and regional autonomy. Discuss with the help of relevant case laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Evaluate the effectiveness of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes in safeguarding the interests of the Scheduled Castes in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Executive accountability to the legislature through Parliamentary Committees has been the hallmark of the Indian political system. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can India make Citizens' Charter a powerful tool for improving governance and empowering citizens? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How do corporate donors aid NGOs in facilitating holistic development in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite its merits, should the POCSO Act be revisited to correct the existing inadequacies? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"China's acquisition of strategic ports globally has significant implications for international trade routes and economic relations. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"What are the main functions of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)? How will its recent treaty on intellectual property, genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge benefit India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) plays a crucial role in combating corruption, its functioning is often criticized for being partisan and acting against the federal spirit. Discuss with the help of suitable examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Governors in India often overstep their constitutional role and fail to act effectively when needed. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Both India and the USA adhere to democratic principles but their electoral systems exhibit significant differences. What are the key differences in electoral practices between the two countries? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"How far do you agree with the view that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has met its objective of ensuring environmental justice in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Though Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) have become a platform for competitive politics, they have not emerged as an agency of planning and service delivery. Why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by interoperability in e-governance? What steps have been taken by the government to ensure interoperability and integration of various e-governance systems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"When it comes to sexual and reproductive health of women in India, rights-based discourse has largely been bypassed not just by the societal norms but also by the legal norms. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"How effective has India been in enhancing immunization coverage over the years? What challenges continue to affect immunization efforts in the country? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India used its Presidency of the G20 to bring the voice of the Global South to the centre stage. Discuss with special reference to Africa. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"India's relationship with the UAE has witnessed a remarkable expansion across various domains in the last decade. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5405,"topper":"Pavithra P","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/48f31-1330430_2928_pavithra_p_rank_42.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How does tribal art provide valuable insights into the cultural perspectives and values of Indian tribal communities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What are the key factors that accelerated decolonization post-World War II? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How does human encroachment impact water bodies in urban areas? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How do physical geographical features influence the development and operation of transportation systems? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How are ocean trenches formed? Describe the significant characteristics of these oceanic relief formations. (Answer in 150words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Identify the reasons behind increasing number of extreme rainfall events throughout India in recent times. Assess their socio-economic impact. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"India is expected to have the largest working-age population in the world by 2030 and it cannot afford low participation of women in the workforce anymore. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Do you agree that there has been a progressive secularization of caste in India? Support your view with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Why is inequality increasing in India despite the fall in overall poverty? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"How did the competitive and hostile dynamic between Brahminism and Buddhism over funding, followers, and ideology mark the decline of Buddhism? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"European travellers' accounts in the medieval period have played an important role in shaping our understanding of the empires and people of that period in India. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The British victory in the Battle of Plassey in 1757 not just changed the course of Indian history but also that of the world. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Why was it more difficult to rehabilitate refugees in West Bengal as compared to Punjab after partition? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss the economic and social costs associated with the transition from coal to green energy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Explain the process of formation of volcanic calderas. How do they contribute to the scenic beauty of the region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the reasons behind the increased frequency and intensity of heat waves globally? How will it impact global food security? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India's approach to secularism does not merely challenge inter-religious domination but intra-religious domination as well. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Do you agree with the view that Indian cities are turning into landscapes of stark inequality and social exclusion? What steps can be taken to make urban areas more egalitarian in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5406,"topper":"Pavithra P","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c026a-1330430_2930_pavithra_p_rank_42.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How is the rapid growth of the food processing industry leading to food safety challenges in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Under the Public Distribution System of India, the Fair Price Shop (FPS) transformation is an evolving process. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"How are agri-tech startups in India helping farmers in enhancing farm productivity and market access? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the role of digitization of land records in the effective implementation of land reforms in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"To fully exploit its demographic dividend and accelerate economic growth, India needs to adopt a manufacturing-led growth model. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can the resilience of Indian coastal communities be strengthened to tackle the growing natural hazards resulting from climate change? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How does the Green Credit Programme extend beyond carbon management to promote a more sustainable environment in India? What are the various concerns about its implementation? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What is the need for NavIC when existing satellite navigation systems are already available? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Cyber-enabled financial crime has emerged as the new frontier of global money laundering. Discuss. How can the government address this issue? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The Indian Army is observing the year 2024 as the 'Year of Technology Absorption'. In light of this, explain why there is a need for technology absorption in the defence sector of India. What challenges can India face in this initiative? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What are the issues faced in the development of trade and industries in the North-Eastern Region (NER) of India? Comment on the measures that have been taken to tackle these issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the era of climate change and growing water scarcity, how can micro-irrigation systems contribute to sustainable agricultural practices in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What strategies can be adopted to overcome the issues pertaining to freight transportation in the Indian Railways and increase its share in the domestic freight? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the factors that have aided India in making impressive strides in the renewable energy sector and establishing itself as a frontrunner in the global renewable energy transition. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"How does agricultural runoff containing fertilizers and pesticides contribute to environmental pollution? What measures can be taken to mitigate the impact of agricultural runoff? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The growing influx of tourists in Himalayan states has breached their ecological carrying capacity, leading to significant man-made disasters. What measures can be implemented to prevent such disasters while promoting sustainable tourism? Discuss with relevant examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"How do superconductors fuel innovation in diverse fields of science and technology? Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"While India has laws covering almost all types of intellectual property rights, numerous enforcement, regulatory and administrative challenges hamper the commercialisation of IPRs in India. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Keeping in view the challenges in creating integrated theatre commands, examine how the theaterisation of commands can lead to greater integration and rationalisation of manpower and resources among the three services. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Treating border villages as first villages not just geographically but also in terms of facilities can be a key strategy for enhancing border security. Discuss. Also, highlight the measures being taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5407,"topper":"Pavithra P","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/40aa3-1330430_2931_pavithra-p_rank_42.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The end cannot justify the means, for the simple and obvious reason that the means employed determine the nature of the ends produced. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss how the relationship between law and ethics is dynamic and continuously shaped by societal changes. Provide examples to illustrate this dynamic relationship. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Differentiate between probity and integrity with suitable examples. How do these values contribute to ethical governance and decision-making in the civil services? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the ethical implications of withholding information in public administration. How can transparency enhance accountability and reduce corruption in government institutions? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Why is persuasion regarded as an important skill for civil servants? What are the key considerations that should guide persuasion in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"What role can ethical leadership play in curbing corruption, especially in public service? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"What were the major teachings of Swami Dayanand Saraswati? Explain their relevance in addressing the current ethical and social challenges in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":39,"question":"What are the options available to Jay as the Commissioner of the Education Department?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5408,"topper":"Pavitra Goyal","air":724,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/48f94f4c58dc4d501f6f42102607e751/41/pttp220308_tc061.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5409,"topper":"Pavitra Goyal","air":724,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/69/pttp220308_tc071-test-01-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5410,"topper":"Pavitra Goyal","air":724,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/70/pttp220308_tc073-test-03-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5411,"topper":"Pavitra Goyal","air":109,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/u/2/folders/13ZHTWyvzoQ2mzXBwG04VzzvW2rKlsbYY","questions":[]},{"id":5412,"topper":"Pavitra Goyal","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/PAVITRA-GOYAL-UPSC-2024-Rank-109-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What are the pros and cons of Build Operate Transfer (BOT) model for development of infrastructure? How does this model compare with Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) and Engineering Procurement, and Construction (EPC)? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Comment on the achievements and failures of land reforms. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss the role of infrastructure development in driving socio-economic change. How can the need of efficiency be matched with the concerns for safety? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Elaborating upon the significance of the logistics sector, analyse the role of the National Logistics Policy (NLP), 2022 in addressing sectoral challenges. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The trajectory of India's future growth is contingent on leveraging the potential of and minimizing the concerns associated with Digital Physical Infrastructure (DPI). Explain with suitable illustrations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The health of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) is the key to a healthy economy. Comment and suggest measures to support the growth of the MSME sector. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":16,"question":"Ambitious economic reforms are understandably contentious, inherently challenging, and seldom flawless, yet undeniably essential. In this perspective, analyze the reasons for the success of 1991 economic reforms and discuss the challenges in implementing economic reforms today. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":19,"question":"What benefits does privatization of public infrastructure offer? Examine the role of the landlord port model in modernization of India's port infrastructure. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":22,"question":"Analyze the opportunities and challenges associated with the textile sector, with special reference to the PM MITRA scheme. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"What does the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme seek to achieve? What are the key challenges to its successful implementation? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5413,"topper":"Pavitra Goyal","air":724,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/67/pttp220308_tc071-test-01-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5414,"topper":"Pavitra Goyal","air":724,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/68/pttp220308_tc073-test-03-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5415,"topper":"Pawan Kumar Goel","air":28,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Pawan-Kumar-Goel-UPSC-2023-Rank-28-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5416,"topper":"Pawan Kumar Goel","air":28,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Pawan-Kumar-Goel-UPSC-2023-Rank-28-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper2-1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5417,"topper":"Pawan Kumar Goel","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Pawan-Kumar-Goel-UPSC-2023-Rank-28-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"It was not neither her coal and iron reserves, nor the inventions of steam engine and cotton mills, but her democracy and rule of law that made Britain the epicentre of Industrial Revolution. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":4,"question":"Compare & Contrast the character of peasant movements in India during the $19^{\\text{th}}$ & $20^{\\text{th}}$ century?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"In its extent, reach and revolutionary zeal, civil disobedience movement has a unique place in India's freedom struggle. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"How will you explain that Vaishnavism and shaivism as followed in medieval India represent both local traditions & universal ideals.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"What do you understand from land subsidence? explaining various reasons behind land subsidence, recommend measures to arrest the calamity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Examining the reasons behind erratic monsoon, highlight the possible outcomes of the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"Explore & evaluate the impact of new technologies on Indian society","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Why did Hinduism - which amalgamated and absorbed almost every diverse faith, tradition, belief and practice that arose from within or outside, within its fold - failed to assimilate Islamic cultural beliefs and practices? Give reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Elucidate the difference between western and Indian model of secularism. To what extent do you agree with the criticism that Indian model of secularism is susceptible to promoting minority appeasement?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"With special reference to India, elucidate how globalisation — a multifaceted phenomenon — has had positive socio-economic outcomes on one hand and widened the gaps between the haves and have-nots on the other ?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"Dravidian Temple Architecture that came of age during the rule of the Pallavas, could reach its zenith only at the time of the imperial cholas. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Highlight the reasons why the pre-independence women movements were led by men. Also analyse the contribution of women-led socio-economic movements in post-independence India in mainstreaming & successfully redressing the concerns of women","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"Discuss the causes for salinity ingress along with its various consequences & potential solutions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"The economic and strategic significance of mineral wealth of a country cannot be seen in isolation from the associated socio-ecological impacts of their extraction. Discuss in light of the newfound lithium reserves in Northern India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"Explain the mechanism and occurrence of earthquake. With the help of map given below, throw light upon the vulnerability of regions affected by earthquake and earthquake related disaster.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"Enumerating different types of tides highlight their significance. Also, explain how tides are different from waves","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"In the contemporary times, the conventional conceptualization of the institution of marriage as well as family is facing evolutionary changes. Do you agree? Justify. To what extent have the state and market played a role in this?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"Bring out the reasons & consequences of the spurt in child marriage and what steps can be taken beyond the legal realms to tackle the menace?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Examine the reasons behind generation of regional sentiments? Do you agree that regional sentiments and cultural assertiveness may lead to the issue of separatism?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5418,"topper":"Pawan Kumar Goel","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ae19b-104395_1060_pawan-kumar-goel_rank_131.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the prospects & challenges in adopting an integrated multimodal transportation system in India with reference to government initiatives in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Contract farming can help in the expansion of organized food processing industry in India by strengthening backward linkages. Comment. What changes are required in the existing regulatory structure to address issues related to contract farming in India? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"In view of the direct link between tenure security and food security, there is need for a conducive legal framework for land rights in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The ultimate goal of farm loan waivers is to lessen the debt burden of distressed and vulnerable farmers and help them qualify for fresh loans. However, this practise suffers from several drawbacks. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Minimum Support Price (MSP) of crops is a short term solution for agricultural distress which creates long term problems. Examine. Suggest measures to overcome the the limitations of the MSP regime. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"With women playing an increasingly significant role in the Indian agriculture sector, gender specific interventions can be the key to improving agricultural productivity. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Enumerating the factors that determine a nation's energy-mix, comment on the need for having a diversified fuel basket for meeting India's future energy demands. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Despite being a water-stressed economy, micro irrigation penetration in India remains sub-optimal. Discuss the reasons behind it. Also list measures taken by the government to provide an impetus to micro irrigation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What are the issues in effective implementation of Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) in India? Do you think direct benefit transfer as an alternative to TPDS is a viable solution to attain food security? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Assigning infrastructure status to the logistics industry is a good first move, but there are several other problems related to this sector that need to be addressed. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Enhancing private infrastructure spending and revival of stalled projects is critical to the success of Bharatmala Pariyojana. Discuss. Also enumerate measures taken by the government to revive stalled projects on National Highways. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Going forward, the allied sectors will play a critical role in increasing the resilience and improving economic returns in agriculture. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Enumerating the features of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana, discuss its potential for the growth of food processing sector in the country. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Enumerate the factors that determine cropping pattern in an agricultural region. Discuss the need for diversification in context of problems being faced by monoculture regions in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discussing the opportunities presented by decentralised energy systems, enumerate their environmental, economic and social benefits along with institutional, technical and financial challenges that they present. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"In context of the critical public service role played by the railways, it is difficult to argue that its problems will be solved by privatisation, rather there is a need to work on other options. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The irony of high consumer prices when farmers do not receive adequate margin for their produce calls for an overhaul of agriculture marketing. Discuss the various steps taken by government in this regard. Also suggest ways to further reduce the gap between consumer prices and farmer realisation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Identifying the key elements under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), briefly explain how it can lead to holistic development of the horticulture sector in India. Also elaborate the factors which act as roadblocks for the efficient supply chain of Fruits and Vegetables sector in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"It is argued that fertilizer subsidies have a negative impact on promoting Organic farming in India. Comment. Also, critically analyse the advantages of replacing direct benefit transfer in fertilizers with direct income support for farmers. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"What do you understand by Seed Replacement Rate? Explaining the concept of breeder, foundation and certified seeds, highlight the major policy initiatives taken in order to address the challenge of quality seed availability to farmers. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5419,"topper":"Pawan Kumar Goel","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c9690-104395_1050_pawan-kumar-goel_rank_131.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Citizens' Charters make administration both accountable and citizen-friendly. However, over time, in a large number of offices, Citizens' Charters have fallen into disuse. Suggest measures that can make these charters effective tools for bringing accountability in public service. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the importance of involving civil society in pre-legislative scrutiny and mention the steps that can be taken by the government to increase public engagement in it. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Poor standards of tertiary education are a drag on India's competitiveness. Elucidate. Also enumerate the initiatives taken by the government in the past few years to improve the quality of higher education in India. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Social audit has a crucial role in effective implementation of social sector programmes. Comment. Also discuss its strengths and limitations. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are the major welfare schemes for elderly in India? Do you think the benefits of such schemes are reaching a wide section of the target segment? Give reasons. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Welfare policies in India have undergone a paradigm shift in recent decades, yet they retain certain elements of continuity. Discuss with examples. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Discuss whether changes recommended by the Law Commission in its 268th report can help in addressing the problems of undertrials languishing in jails in India. What other measures can be taken in this regard? (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"While various government initiatives and policies have created opportunities in the affordable housing segment, there are challenges that still persist. Discuss. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Demographic dividend may become demographic liability in the absence of adequate skill development. In this context, discuss the importance of National Policy for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, 2015. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Highlight the need for whistleblower protection in India. Critically analyze whether the Whistleblower Protection Act provides sufficient protection to the whistleblowers. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What are the factors which have been responsible for slow pace of growth of coverage under the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP). Enumerate the recent steps taken by the government in order to increase this pace to achieve universal coverage swiftly. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the ways in which digital divide perpetuates and manifests itself in India. Discuss the importance of steps taken by the government to bridge this divide. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"What are the objectives of National Health Mission? Why, in your opinion, non-communicable diseases have acquired salience in recent times? What are its implications for health policy in the country? (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Over the years, there has been a growing realisation that undue interference from the State, lack of autonomy and widespread politicisation has severely impaired the functioning of Cooperative sector and there is a need to introduce urgent reforms in the Cooperative sector. Discuss. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"With the current system of health financing in India being largely out-of-pocket payments, examine the need for reforms in healthcare finance. Also discuss the issues associated with reinforcing insurance as the long-term strategy for health financing in this regard. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Explain the significance of the recently launched National Nutritional Strategy in the light of sliding ranking of India along the Global Hunger Index. Also, discuss with examples, the role that local self governments can play in promoting, monitoring and sustaining nutrition initiatives. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The bureaucracy in India is facing a number of serious challenges from diminishing human capital to political interference that, if left unaddressed, will lead to further institutional decline. Discuss. How can these challenges be addressed? (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"While many people have been able to rise above poverty line, India is still home to the largest number of poor. Discuss briefly the underlying factors responsible for the prevalence of poverty in India. What are the areas in which focussed efforts need to be made in order to accelerate poverty eradication in a sustainable manner? (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"In context of the need to strengthen corporate governance, the Kotak panel report has called for a major overhaul in norms for listed companies. Critically discuss the impediments to corporate governance in India and evaluate how the recommendations can help in overcoming them. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Several issues related to adopting new technologies, transforming processes and improving implementation of NeGP need to be addressed. Discuss. Also, enumerate the sets of principles guiding the design and implementation of the e-Kranti Program (NeGP 2.0). (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5420,"topper":"Pawan Kumar Goel","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d43ee-104395_1060_pawan_kumar_goel_rank_28.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the prospects & challenges in adopting an integrated multimodal transportation system in India with reference to government initiatives in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Contract farming can help in the expansion of organized food processing industry in India by strengthening backward linkages. Comment. What changes are required in the existing regulatory structure to address issues related to contract farming in India? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"In view of the direct link between tenure security and food security, there is need for a conducive legal framework for land rights in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The ultimate goal of farm loan waivers is to lessen the debt burden of distressed and vulnerable farmers and help them qualify for fresh loans. However, this practise suffers from several drawbacks. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Minimum Support Price (MSP) of crops is a short term solution for agricultural distress which creates long term problems. Examine. Suggest measures to overcome the the limitations of the MSP regime. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"With women playing an increasingly significant role in the Indian agriculture sector, gender specific interventions can be the key to improving agricultural productivity. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Enumerating the factors that determine a nation's energy-mix, comment on the need for having a diversified fuel basket for meeting India's future energy demands. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Despite being a water-stressed economy, micro irrigation penetration in India remains sub-optimal. Discuss the reasons behind it. Also list measures taken by the government to provide an impetus to micro irrigation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What are the issues in effective implementation of Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) in India? Do you think direct benefit transfer as an alternative to TPDS is a viable solution to attain food security? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Assigning infrastructure status to the logistics industry is a good first move, but there are several other problems related to this sector that need to be addressed. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Enhancing private infrastructure spending and revival of stalled projects is critical to the success of Bharatmala Pariyojana. Discuss. Also enumerate measures taken by the government to revive stalled projects on National Highways. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Going forward, the allied sectors will play a critical role in increasing the resilience and improving economic returns in agriculture. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Enumerating the features of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana, discuss its potential for the growth of food processing sector in the country. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Enumerate the factors that determine cropping pattern in an agricultural region. Discuss the need for diversification in context of problems being faced by monoculture regions in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discussing the opportunities presented by decentralised energy systems, enumerate their environmental, economic and social benefits along with institutional, technical and financial challenges that they present. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"In context of the critical public service role played by the railways, it is difficult to argue that its problems will be solved by privatisation, rather there is a need to work on other options. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The irony of high consumer prices when farmers do not receive adequate margin for their produce calls for an overhaul of agriculture marketing. Discuss the various steps taken by government in this regard. Also suggest ways to further reduce the gap between consumer prices and farmer realisation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"What do you understand by Seed Replacement Rate? Explaining the concept of breeder, foundation and certified seeds, highlight the major policy initiatives taken in order to address the challenge of quality seed availability to farmers. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5421,"topper":"Pawan Kumar Goel","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0a553-104395_1071_pawan-kumar-goel_rank_131.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"It has been argued that over the years there has been a steady decline in the efficacy of Parliament as an institution of accountability. Analyse and also suggest appropriate measures to address the relevant concerns. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Panchayati raj institutions (PRIs) are simultaneously a remarkable success and a staggering failure, depending on the goalposts against which they are evaluated. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) is more than just the keeper of our national accounts; it is also a conscience-keeper and a watchdog. Examine the statement in light of making the auditing process more effective. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The concern for transparency in political funding is at odds with the Electoral Bond Scheme notified by the government. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Lobbying in India exists in a perennially grey legal and policy arena. In this context, discuss the need to formally recognize and regulate lobbying in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"More than a decade after it was passed, the implementation of the RTI Act leaves much to be desired. Comment. Also discuss the issues associated with the recent proposals to amend the RTI Act. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Critically discuss the evolving policy on reservation in promotions in India with special focus on its ability to meet the objectives of social justice. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"India produces enough food for its people, but not all people get enough food to eat. Discussing this paradox, highlight some of the major interventions taken in the past few years in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"India sees Indian Ocean as not just a water body, but a global stage for continued economic, social, and cultural dialogue. Elaborate.(150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In the context of India taking greater responsibility in management of the global commons, there has been a shift in India's climate change negotiation stance. In this context, analyze the evolution of India's climate policy. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlighting the constitutional role of the Finance Commission (FC), discuss the issues which are being debated w.r.t. terms of reference (ToR) of the 15th Finance Commission. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The spirit of the constitution of India represents a synthesis of Indian values, democratic and socialist movements in west and our independence movement. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"What is the importance of an independent judiciary in a democracy? Highlight the safeguards in our political-constitutional setup to ensure the independence of judiciary. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Even though Indian federalism has matured quite a bit, with states having far greater control of their economic and political management, serious structural problems still remain. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The recent amendments to the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 strike a balance between enforcement overzealousness and the need for stringent action against corrupt public servants. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Identifying the various issues plaguing the voluntary sector in India, discuss the need for a national accreditation agency to overcome them. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Given the importance of a teacher in affecting the learning outcomes of children, discuss the problems in the present system of teacher training in India. How can these be addressed? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The implementation of a scheme with such scale and benefit as Ayushman Bharat is likely to face many obstacles. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Given the fact that India cannot match China's financial clout, it is seen to be diversifying the ways in which it can enhance cooperation and promote its diplomatic profile in Africa. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Discuss how American sanctions on its adversaries affect India. Taking the example of CAATSA, analyse how India can shield its strategic interests in face of such sanctions. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5422,"topper":"Pawan Kumar Goel","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/bbf4e-104395_1072_pawan-kumar-goel_rank_131.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain why it is important to urgently address the problem of poor land records and infirmity of land titles in India. Also discuss how this problem can be addressed. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What are the special features of the infrastructure sector that make its financing a challenge? What measures have been taken to facilitate adequate amount of finance to this sector? (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Despite favourable circumstances, India's electronics manufacturing has been unable to respond to the rising demand. Discuss. What steps can be taken to address this situation? (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Despite registering a high growth rate in the post-reform era, India continues to witness a high incidence of poverty. Explain this paradox and suggest ways to resolve it. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"In light of the argument that India has entered a regime of \"permanent surpluses\", discuss whether the time has come to remove agricultural commodities completely from Essential Commodities Act. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The 1988 National Forest Policy (NFP) was visionary in its scope and ambition. However, there is a need for a new forest policy in the current context. Discuss. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How does rapid urbanization increases the vulnerability to major disasters? Explaining with examples, suggest measures to develop disaster-resilient cities. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain DNA profiling and highlight its forensic application. Also discuss the significance of DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2018 in this regard. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What is meant by the term Blue Water Capabilities? In this context, identify the key measures that have been undertaken to enhance the blue water capabilities of the Indian Navy. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Identify the factors that make India vulnerable to drug trafficking? Also discuss the key steps taken to deal with it in our country. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"How do higher global crude oil prices affect the Indian economy? What steps can be taken to gradually insulate India from global oil price volatility in the long term? (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Critically discuss the role of private sector in skill development in India in recent years. In this context, what are the measures required to improve oversight as well as financing in the skill development sector? (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The e-commerce sector has been booming in India for the last few years. Examine the need for its regulation in light of the recently proposed draft e-commerce policy. Further, identify the challenges that the sector is currently facing. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Explaining the importance, highlight the achievements of dairy sector in India. Examine whether over-production is the reason for the problems being faced by the dairy industry. Give some solutions to address the problems. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"There has been a focus on Textile and Apparels industry in India in recent years. Elaborate the potential of this industry and the challenges that lie in achieving it. What steps have been taken in this regard? (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"How do transportation corridors in biodiversity rich areas impact the wildlife? Examine the current policy framework in this regard. Also, suggest measures to minimise the negative effects while balancing the need for development. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The potential of technology to aid farmers in increasing productivity as well reducing susceptibility to climate change remains underutilized. Identify the reasons for the same and suggest measures to improve technological penetration in agriculture. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What is Intelligent Transportation System (ITS)? Explaining the need of ITS in India, identify the challenges in deploying it. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Explain the concept and significance of Data Localisation. Also discuss its limitations in strengthening law enforcement efforts in the context of Srikrishna Committee report and the draft Personal Data Protection Bill, 2018. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"What is the link between illegal immigration and national security? In this context, critically discuss the exercise of creating a National Register of Citizens in Assam. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5423,"topper":"Pawan Kumar Goel","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Pawan-Kumar-Goel-UPSC-2023-Rank-28-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper2-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Investment in Infrastructure is a precursor to social & economic transformation, however, the focus on economic gains must not marginalise the concerns for safety. Comment","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":4,"question":"What do you understand from green growth? With special reference to Budget 23-24 discuss various government measures to propel green growth in the country ?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Project cheetah marks a departure from India's effort for conservation of various critically endangered species. In this perspective do you think the reintroduction of major fauna that has gone extinct is justified?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Is reintroduction of extinct species justified?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"In what ways can precision agriculture become a panacea for multipronged challenges plaguing the agriculture sector? Discuss. Also analyse various impediments in widespread adoption of precision farming in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"What are the reasons for increasing emphasis on the horticulture sector in recent years? Evaluate government measures for the development of horticulture sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Unplanned urbanization has made Indian cities vulnerable to fire safety hazards. Discuss and recommend measures for mitigating urban fires with special reference to national building code 2016.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"DPI (digital public infrastructure) is indispensible for digitally enabling citizens & businesses, however the challenges of exclusion, exploitation & monopolisation can't be ignored. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Assess the relevance of the NISAR mission in observing & managing climate change & natural hazards.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Defense Indigenization remains the Achilles Heels of India's security architecture. Examine the importance of startups in defense sector to make India secure & self-reliant.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"Edge in modern welfare lies not so much in the capacity to overwhelm the adversary as much in the ability to nip the threat in the bud. In this context, discuss the role of Intelligence in maintaining national security and also cite challenges associated Labour & Export Intensive Industries are key to problems of a jobless growth. In this perspective, analyse the opportunities & challenges associated with the textile sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"Labour & Export Intensive Industries are key to problems of a jobless growth. In this perspective, analyse the opportunities & challenges associated with the textile sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"In an era of interconnected polycrisis, the emerging global polycrisis poses significant implications for India's macro-economic stability. Examine and suggest measures to make the Indian economy more resilient to global shocks.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"Do you think the low female labour force participation rate presents a correct picture about the \"working women\" in India's economy? Give reasons in support of your answers?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"Across sectors & regions, the most marginalised sections are also the most affected by the impacts of climate change, Explain. Also, present a case for a climate resilient model of development that integrates mitigation & adaptation measures.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Despite the potential to check the triple whammy of nutritional deficiency, environmental degradation, and receding farm incomes, the adoption of millets has been abysmally low. Analyze.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"A link between unorganized farming community & formal industrial sector, food processing Industry can play a key role in advancing rural economy. Evaluate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"What do you understand by generative AI? How can policymakers & regulatory bodies effectively address the concerns & challenges posed by generative AI?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"Though ethnic fault lines are a major threat, security challenges in North East are not confined to the same. Discuss the statement with special reference to Manipur.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5424,"topper":"Pawan Kumar Goel","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2723a-104395_1056_pawan-kumar-goel_rank_131.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the significance of the following in the context of civil service: 10 (i) Public trust (ii) Objectivity (iii) Strength of character (iv) Empathy (v) Selflessness","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Do you think nation states owe a responsibility towards asylum seekers? What are the considerations that should, in your opinion, go into the making of a refugee policy? Provide arguments with contemporary examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Why do civil servants have a special obligation to uphold ethical standards? What are the main areas of concerns for implementation of an effective ethical standard in civil services? In this context, suggest measures to remedy these concerns.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"While families are the first socializing agents, which inculcate moral values in a child, the role played by schools in this regard is also indispensable. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"What is the significance of morality in day-to-day life? Give an example from your own life where you chose moral action and elaborate the reasons for your choice of that action.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Analyse the ethical dimensions of using nuclear deterrence as a self- defense strategy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"We make a living by what we do, but we make a life by what we give. 10 (i) Highlight the importance of value of altruism for a society. (ii) Discuss the role of education in imparting such values.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Giving examples, examine the relationship between personal and professional ethics of civil servants.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/ philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) If people scrutinize their own faults as they do the faults of others, mankind will be freed of all evil.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"How do law and conscience act as source of ethical guidance? Explain with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Good corporate governance is not an end in itself. It is a means to support economic efficiency, sustainable growth and financial stability. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"A hilly state witnessed torrential rains leading to loss of life and property. Apart from the local inhabitants there were tourists stranded in large numbers. With the supply chains broken and increased demand, it was observed that local shopkeepers started selling essential goods at very high prices. With a very restricted possibility of being evacuated in the coming few days, the stranded people feel helpless. A crumbled governance infrastructure in remote areas has multiplied the extent of their agony. Given this situation, answer the following questions. 20 (a) Identify the various stakeholders in the case and give a reasoned account of their interests. Given the administrative, market and ethical perspective of viewing the situation, do you think there is a conflict in the priorities of these stakeholders? (b) Suggest ways to harmonize competing interests in order to resolve the issues, provide relief and prevent escalation of conflict.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"The steady decline in sex ratio suggests that marked improvement in the economy and literacy rates do not seem to have had any impact on this index. In fact, the availability of new technology and its easy access for the urban, wealthy and educated have worsened the trend and harmed the status of women in Indian society. (a) Explain why the phenomenon should not be simply viewed as a medical or legal issue and more attention should be given to the ethical issues involved. (b) Give some suggestions to tackle the problem of declining sex ratio. (c) Discuss the ethical dilemma involved in Right to abortion vs. Prevention of female foeticide. How can this be resolved?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"You are the officer-in-charge responsible for monitoring allotment of foodgrains under the Public Distribution System to BPL families in a given district. A group of BPL families in the district claim that they have been denied ration from fair price shops due to non-linking of Aadhar card with their BPL cards. They remark that the government and officers concerned are not empathising with their situation and stage a silent protest. Further, the incident is also being linked to similar instances in other areas of the country where people were denied access to PDS benefits due to similar reasons. The government receives a lot of criticism for this incident on social media networks. You are now in a conundrum, as you are aware that the BPL families need to get foodgrains on time. However, as a government officer, you also need to follow the prescribed rules. Media scrutiny has further aggravated the situation and you realize you need to tread carefully. 20 Based on the information above, answer the following: (a) List the issues in the given situation that the parties involved are facing. (b) What step(s) will you take in the situation to ensure that the demands of the aggrieved persons are met without violating the rules? (c) In this context, briefly discuss how the poor in the country currently face digital exclusion and its consequence(s).","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5425,"topper":"Pawan Kumar Goel","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d7bd0-104395_1069_pawan-kumar-goel_rank_131.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"Examine the contemporary relevance of Gandhiji's talisman as a means of resolving ethical dilemmas in day to day life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"\"Intelligence plus character-that is the goal of true education.\" Assess whether such an objective can be achieved within the existing system of education in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"\"A blanket prohibition of criticism of the policies of the Government is invalid and void, and it makes no difference if the person criticizing happens to be a government servant.\" Critically discuss in the context of Civil Service Conduct Rules, 1964.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"\"Man by nature is a political animal\". Explain with reference to Aristotle's idea of the state in life of the society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"What are the factors that have influenced the contemporary attitude of the state and the society towards homosexuality in India? Also, comment on the changing attitude and the factors driving this change.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"With behavioural issues and suicides among children on the rise, teachers and parents need to play an active part in ensuring mental well-being. Discuss. Also, explain the importance of emotional intelligence in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Many argue that there are times, when war is morally permissible, and even obligatory. Critically discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"It has been argued that traditional approaches to corporate social responsibility (CSR) are inadequate. Discuss. Also, examine the role of Social License to Operate (SLO) in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"A renowned and critically acclaimed producer-director has come up with a new movie based on retelling of the freedom movement. The trailer of this project depicts prominent freedom fighters and various aspects of their personalities. It is a project that involves substantial sums of money and has taken collaborative efforts of 3 years. However, certain political and social activists have objected to what they perceived as negative portrayal of some freedom fighters. As such, they have opposed the release of this movie and issued threats with serious consequences. This has come in the context of increase in the number of instances involving many groups issuing threats against one or the other movie. In such a context you have been designated as the head of a special committee with the broad responsibility of reviewing the film certification process in general as well as the checking the historical accuracy of the events depicted in this particular movie. 20 (a) Who are the key stakeholders you would involve as part of the consultation process? (b) What are the principles that you would consider while giving your recommendations to the government? Also, provide an outline of a solution that you deem appropriate in the prevailing context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"We live in a time when almost everything can be bought and sold. Over the past few years, markets and market values have come to govern our lives as never before. Today the logic of buying and selling no longer applies to material good alone but increasingly governs the whole of life. However, there is a wide spread realization that markets have become detached from morals and we need to somehow reconnect them. The use of markets to allocate social goods has also been a cause of concern. In this context, answer the following: 20 (a) Is greed wholly a vice or a trait of character that has both positive and negative sides? Could you relate it to the utilitarian philosophy that emphasizes pursuit of self interest by individuals as the basis of economic well being? (b) Are there some things that money shouldn't buy? Illustrate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You are a young athlete representing India at an international-level competition. During the competition, you witness a few senior athletes injecting something using a syringe, in private. When you approach them, they explain that it is a performance enhancing drug, which is very common in such competitions and you should take the same as well. You are in fear and decide to approach the coach to discuss the event you witnessed. However, you get to know that the athletes are taking the drug at the advice of the coach himself. 20 (a) What would you do in this scenario? Discuss the options available to you and chart your course of action. (b) Why do you think use of unfair means to enhance performance is common in competitive sporting event? How can this practice be minimized?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"You have been appointed by Election Commission as a booth level officer to oversee the conduct of elections in a remote and under-developed area. For the preparations of elections, you have been instructed to ensure maximum voter turnout. For this, you conduct a series of meetings with the people in villages encouraging them to vote in large numbers. However, they confront you with the fact that despite so many previous elections, the promises made by representatives remain unfulfilled and even the basic necessities of livelihood are not available. As such, they are ignorant of your appeals and are subsequently not forthcoming even to listen to you, let alone giving assurances to vote. Based on this information, answer the following questions: 20 (a) Identify the stakeholders in the situation along with their interests. (b) What are the factors that you will take into account to convince the people and ensure maximum voter turnout?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5426,"topper":"Pawan Kumar Goel","air":28,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2a405-104395_2295_pawan_kumar_goel_rank_28.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5427,"topper":"Pawan Kumar Goel","air":28,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8b890-104395_2297_pawan_kumar_goel_rank_28.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5428,"topper":"Pawan Kumar Pandey","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/24efc-900058_2488_pawan-kumar-pandey_rank_138.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Write two essays, choosing one topic from each of the Sections A and B, in about 1000-1200 words each :\n1. It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.\n2. A mind all logic is like a knife all blade, it makes the hand bleed that uses it.\n3. Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly.\n4. History is a cyclic poem written by time upon the memories of man.\n5. The wise man does at once what the fool does finally.\n6. The world is a tragedy to those who feel, but a comedy to those who think.\n7. Perfect clarity would profit the intellect but damage the will.\n8. Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow.","marks":"125 x 2 = 250","words":"about 1000-1200 words each"},{"page":6,"question":"1. It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.\n2. A mind all logic is like a knife all blade, it makes the hand bleed that uses it.\n3. Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly.\n4. History is a cyclic poem written by time upon the memories of man.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"5. The wise man does at once what the fool does finally.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"2 What characterises the feeling that world is over? and why this feeling?\n1 Pessimistic thought\n2 lack of motivation to work\n3 feeling of instant gratification\n4 poor work culture\n5 corruption due to globalisation","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5429,"topper":"Pawan Kumar Pandey","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/cea57-900058_4510_pawan-kumar-pandey_rank_138.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. Folk music serves as a repository of the cultural identity. Discuss the role of folk music in preserving cultural heritage and promoting social cohesion.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. How does the Vesara style of temple architecture represent a synthesis of the Nagara and Dravida styles? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. Discuss the role played by Indians living abroad in advancing the cause of India's freedom struggle. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. How did the Marshall Plan influence the economic recovery and political stability of post-war Europe? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. Discuss the factors responsible for increased cyclonic activity in the Arabian Sea. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. How can technological interventions help in transforming the textile sector in India? What are the initiatives that the government has taken in this regard?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. What is a seiche and how does it form? Discuss the geographical conditions under which seiches are most likely to occur. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. How has rapid urbanisation affected the socio-cultural landscape of peri-urban regions in India?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Examine the role of historical and socio-political factors in driving communalism in Indian politics. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. Globalization has significantly influenced the aspirations, lifestyle, and value systems of Indian youth. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. Examine how Chandragupta-II's reign symbolised a golden age of cultural development, laying the foundation for future advancements in Indian art and literature.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. Evaluate the intended and unintended consequences of British educational policies for the Indian society in the colonial period. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. India's territorial disputes after independence were not merely about borders, but also encompass issues of national identity, historical grievances, and geopolitical strategies. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. Discuss the geographical conditions responsible for the development of shola forests in the upper reaches of the Western Ghats. Highlight their ecological significance.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. Discuss the potential of natural hydrogen as a fuel to meet growing global energy demands? Why is it still an untapped industry? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. Why is there a shift of labour-intensive industries from China to South and Southeast Asia? Discuss the advantages and challenges for India in this context.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. Explain the socio-economic transformations resulting from women's migration to metropolitan areas in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. The institution of marriage in India is increasingly becoming a site of conspicuous consumption and commodification. Critically examine the impact of this commercialisation on social equity and gender relations. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"19 Analyse how recognizing, reducing, and redistributing care work can foster gender equality and promote inclusive development in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. Discuss the changing nature of family structures in urban India. How is it impacting elderly care and socialization of the youth? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5430,"topper":"Pawan Kumar Pandey","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/cd12a-900058_4511_pawan-kumar-pandey_rank_138.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. How does the Supreme Court's recent decision on Aligarh Muslim University's minority status affect the interpretation of Article 30 of the Indian Constitution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. The Supreme Court, in a recent verdict, prescribed a time period for the Governor's assent to state legislative bills. What are the implications of this judgment for cooperative federalism and legislative accountability in India?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. Discuss the recent changes and initiatives related to cooperatives that aim to smoothen the tussle between the Centre and States in the cooperative sector.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. In recent years, use of social media and digital mobilisation by civil society has emerged as a powerful form of pressure politics. Examine its impact on policymaking and democratic accountability.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. How is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) emerging as a business-led solution for addressing development challenges in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. Discuss how mechanisms like public consultations and Jan Sunwais in India impact governance outcomes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. How effective have the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) and Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan been in addressing substance abuse in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. Rote learning and neglect of creativity in foundational education setup in India make it less ready for marketplaces that are now driven by Artificial Intelligence. Do you agree with this view? Substantiate your argument. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Analyze the transformation of the G7 from a symbol of Western strategic unity to a forum marked by internal contradictions. How should India navigate this changing dynamic to advance its strategic interests? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. Discuss the role of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in the development of developing countries. What are the key criticisms associated with its approach? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. The 103rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019 has introduced a new dimension to the principle of affirmative action in India. Critically examine its implications for the broader goal of social justice.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. The District Planning Committee (DPC) was envisioned as a key instrument to strengthen grassroots-level planning. How far has it succeeded in achieving this goal? Discuss the challenges faced by DPCs and suggest measures to make them more effective.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. The restrictions imposed under Article 293 of the Constitution on State borrowing powers, though constitutionally valid, may hinder fiscal autonomy of States and disrupt cooperative federalism. Discuss in the light of recent developments.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. Examine the tension between the right to contest elections and the need to uphold electoral ethics under the Representation of the People Act. Should there be a lifetime ban on convicted criminals? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. To what extent has the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme, launched in 2015, succeeded in addressing the declining child sex ratio and empowering the girl child? Suggest measures to enhance its impact at the grassroots level.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are emerging as vehicles of socio-economic transformation in rural India. Examine the role of government in scaling their reach and effectiveness. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. Despite economic growth, multidimensional poverty continues to persist in India. Analyse the underlying causes and discuss the measures taken by the government to address them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. India faces a paradox of food surplus and nutritional deficit. Analyse the structural reasons behind this paradox and suggest reform strategies.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. India's timely response during the economic crises in Sri Lanka and the Maldives reflects its \"Neighbourhood First\" policy in action. Examine how Indian aid has impacted bilateral ties with these nations. What steps can further be taken to promote sustainable economic cooperation in the Indian Ocean region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. Discuss the geostrategic significance of Afghanistan for India in the context of continental connectivity and access to Central Asia. How has the altered political landscape post-2021 affected India's connectivity and energy corridor ambitions? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5431,"topper":"Pawan Kumar Pandey","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b335b-900058_4512_pawan-kumar-pandey_rank_138.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. Analyse the factors that have contributed to India's inclusive economic growth in the past decade. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. The Reserve Bank of India's surplus transfers offer the government much-needed fiscal space, yet they are not without challenges. Critically examine the implications of the RBI's surplus transfers to the government.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. To what extent was the first National Monetization Pipeline (NMP) able to meet its objectives? What are the objectives of the new Asset Monetization Plan 2025–30 as announced in the recent 2025 Budget? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. Examine the major challenges hindering the Indian textile industry from achieving its full potential in the global value chain.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. Why has India become increasingly import-dependent for edible oils despite being a major agricultural economy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. Air accidents are low-frequency but high-impact events. Examine the disaster management protocols in place for aviation-related emergencies in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. Chemical pollution poses a grave threat to human health and the environment in India. Discuss the key sources contributing to pervasive chemical contamination and evaluate the effectiveness of existing environmental laws in curbing this problem.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. Missile defence systems are becoming critical for national security in the face of evolving regional threats and advanced weapon technologies. Explain the working principle of missile defence systems. Critically assess India's progress in developing indigenous missile defence capabilities. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Despite multiple resolutions and initiatives undertaken by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), its efforts to counter terrorism have achieved limited success. Discuss the reasons for this limited effectiveness.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. India practices a ‘multi-alignment’ approach in its cyber diplomacy. How does this posture strengthen India’s internal security while maintaining strategic autonomy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. While examining the shortcomings of the land reforms in the past, elaborate what land reforms 2.0 should look like.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. As NITI Aayog completes 10 years of its establishment, critically examine its role in the planning and development paradigm of governance in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. What are the primary causes of limited formal credit penetration among the rural and unbanked populations in India? Comment on the effectiveness of Small Finance Banks in addressing this gap and advancing inclusive financial growth.","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. To what extent has the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for the food processing industry facilitated value addition, employment generation, and global competitiveness in India's food processing industry? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. Waste circularity is emerging as a sustainable solution to India's mounting solid waste crisis. Discuss the key principles of waste circularity and the government's initiative in this regard. How effective have these measures been in fostering a circular economy? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. Discuss the importance of integrating traditional ecological knowledge of India's tribal communities with modern disaster management frameworks. Mention two examples where indigenous practices have contributed to disaster resilience.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. CRISPR technology has rapidly advanced in recent years, with new tools and clinical breakthroughs. Highlight the recent developments in CRISPR-based gene editing technology applications. Discuss the opportunities and ethical challenges these advancements present for healthcare and society.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. A credible semiconductor ecosystem is pivotal for India's economic security as much as for national security. Analyse the strategic objectives, incentives, and institutional architecture of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM). Identify the major risks that could derail its timelines.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. Intricate inter-play of diverse factors has been the force multipliers for extremism in the North East. Discuss. Suggest a multilayered strategy to tackle the menace of extremism in this region.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. Despite recent steps towards inducting women into combat roles, their participation remains low. Examine the key challenges impeding the greater inclusion of women in the Indian armed forces. Also, suggest suitable measures to enhance their participation.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5432,"topper":"Pawan Kumar Pandey","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d8a9a-900058_2931_pawan-kumar-pandey_rank_138.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. (a) The end cannot justify the means, for the simple and obvious reason that the means employed determine the nature of the ends produced. Discuss with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"1. (b) Discuss how the relationship between law and ethics is dynamic and continuously shaped by societal changes. Provide examples to illustrate this dynamic relationship.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"2. (a) Differentiate between probity and integrity with suitable examples. How do these values contribute to ethical governance and decision-making in the civil services? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"2. (b) Discuss the ethical implications of withholding information in public administration. How can transparency enhance accountability and reduce corruption in government institutions? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"3 (a) What do each of the following quotations mean to you?\n \"There is no school equal to a decent home and no teacher equal to a virtuous parent.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"3. (b) \"Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.\" - Leo Tolstoy (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"(5) Buddha changed himself completely what hampers when one changes himself?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"3. (c) \"To see what is right and not do it is a lack of courage.\" – Confucius (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"4. (a) What factors lead to a positive attitude in a person? How does positive attitude enhance the effectiveness of civil servants in performing their duties?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"4. (b) Discuss how emotional intelligence can influence ethical decision-making in the allocation of scarce public resources.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"5. (a) Various international humanitarian organizations provide emergency aid in conflict zones around the world. Highlight the ethical challenges faced by such organizations. What are the principles that guide international humanitarian work?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":26,"question":"5. (b) Why is persuasion regarded as an important skill for civil servants? What are the key considerations that should guide persuasion in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"6. (a) What role can ethical leadership play in curbing corruption, especially in public service? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"How can ethical leadership be promoted?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"6. (b) What were the major teachings of Swami Dayanand Saraswati? Explain their relevance in addressing the current ethical and social challenges in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":33,"question":"(a) Discuss the ethical dilemma Karan faces in deciding whether to report the incident against Mariyam's wishes.\n(b) Evaluate the options available to Karan. Which of these options should he choose and why?\n(c) What responsibilities do organizations like XYZ Corp have in preventing and addressing sexual harassment and creating inclusive workplace environments? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"8 (a) शिक्षा विभाग के आयुक्त के रूप में जय के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं? इनमें से प्रत्येक विकल्प का मूल्यांकन कीजिए।\n(b) जय को कौन-सा विकल्प अपनाना चाहिए और क्यों?\n(c) जय जैसे सिविल सेवकों को अपने दायित्वों के निर्वहन में नैतिक मानकों को बनाए रखने के प्रयास के दौरान बेहतर सुरक्षा कैसे प्रदान की जा सकती है? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)\na) शिक्षा विभाग के आयुक्त के रूप में जय के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं? इनमें से प्रत्येक विकल्प का मूल्यांकन कीजिए।\nb) जय को कौन-सा विकल्प अपनाना चाहिए और क्यों?\nc) जय जैसे सिविल सेवकों को अपने दायित्वों के निर्वहन में नैतिक मानकों को बनाए रखने के प्रयास के दौरान बेहतर सुरक्षा कैसे प्रदान की जा सकती है? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":39,"question":"(a) What are the options available to Jay as the Commissioner of the Education Department? Evaluate each of these options.\n(b) What option should Jay adopt and why?\n(c) How can civil servants like Jay be better protected when they attempt to uphold ethical standards in their work? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"9 As the District Magistrate of X city, you are responsible for overseeing the construction of a new metro depot in an urban forest area, which is a critical infrastructure project aimed at improving public transportation and reducing traffic congestion and air pollution. The project, however, requires the clearance of a substantial portion of the forest, which has triggered strong opposition from environmental activists, local residents, and NGOs. This forest is widely regarded as essential for the city's ecological balance, often referred to as the city's \"lungs.\" In addition to the environmental concerns, you are under considerable pressure from politicians at the state-level to expedite the project, given the upcoming elections in two years. The political leadership emphasizes the benefits of the metro project for the city's development and its potential to garner electoral support. The project is expected to significantly reduce travel time for thousands of commuters and potentially decrease overall vehicle emissions in the city. However, it would also lead to the loss of thousands of trees and disrupt local ecosystems. As you prepare to make a decision, you are aware that your choice will have far-reaching consequences for both the city's development and its environment.\n(a) Identify the ethical dilemmas involved in the above case.\n(b) Evaluate the options available to you in the above situation. Which of these would you choose and why?\n(c) Suggest some measures that could be implemented to balance urban development needs with environmental conservation in future projects. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"10 Dr. Mehra is a senior drug developer at a leading pharmaceutical company in India, renowned for producing various medications, including lifesaving drugs critical for treating chronic and rare diseases. Since its inception, the company has emphasized the quality and affordability of its drugs.\n\nRecently, under revised government guidelines, pharmaceutical companies are required to market a finished product only after obtaining \"satisfactory results\" from tests on the ingredients. Additionally, they must retain a sufficient quantity of samples of both intermediate and final products to allow repeated testing or verification of a batch.\n\nDr. Mehra's team is in the final stages of developing a new medication for a rare but life-threatening disease. This drug has shown promising results in clinical trials. However, there have been unresolved concerns about the long-term side effects of the drug, observed in a small percentage of trial subjects. Despite this, the company has not released any major drug in the past decade, leading to significant pressure from the board members to expedite the drug's release.\n(a) Identify the stakeholders in the above case study.\n(b) Discuss the ethical issues faced by Dr. Mehra.\n(c) Analyse the options available to Dr. Mehra in the above case. Which of these would you choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"11. You have been appointed as the Under Secretary in the State Urban Development Department. The Department has been tasked with a prestigious project aimed at revitalizing the infrastructure of a city with deep historical significance. This project, which you are extremely passionate about, involves modernizing public transportation, restoring heritage buildings, and creating green spaces while preserving the city's cultural essence.\n\nExcited by the opportunity, you spent weeks researching and drafting a comprehensive proposal. Your plan included innovative ideas for sustainable development, community engagement, and leveraging technology for urban planning. You presented these initial plans in a departmental meeting, hoping to inspire your colleagues and kickstart the project.\n\nHowever, your enthusiasm was met with indifference. Your colleagues showed little interest, failing to contribute ideas or efforts towards the project. Concerned, you reported this lack of enthusiasm to your immediate superior, who is also the authority for this project. To your dismay,\n(a) इस प्रकरण में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\n(b) उपयुक्त कार्य संस्कृति कार्यस्थल पर मनोबल और उत्पादकता को किस प्रकार प्रभावित करती है?\n(c) आपके पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं और आप इस स्थिति का समाधान किस प्रकार करेंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":54,"question":"(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.\n(b) How does the above-mentioned work culture affect workplace morale and productivity?\n(c) What are the options available to you and how would you address the situation? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":58,"question":"12 (a) उपयुक्त प्रकरण के आलोक में, कॉर्पोरेट, राजनीतिक और नौकरशाही के हितों के बीच गठजोड़ से उत्पन्न होने वाले नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\n(b) एक कर्तव्यनिष्ठ सिविल सेवक के रूप में, अरुण के पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन कीजिए। उसे कौन-सा विकल्प चुनना चाहिए और क्यों? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)\na) उपयुक्त प्रकरण के आलोक में, कॉर्पोरेट, राजनीतिक और नौकरशाही के हितों के बीच गठजोड़ से उत्पन्न होने वाले नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\nb) एक कर्तव्यनिष्ठ सिविल सेवक के रूप में, अरुण के पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन कीजिए। उसे कौन-सा विकल्प चुनना चाहिए और क्यों? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":59,"question":"(a) In light of the above case, discuss the ethical issues that may arise from the nexus between corporate, political, and bureaucratic interests.\n(b) As a conscientious civil servant, evaluate the options available to Arun. Which option should he choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":5433,"topper":"Pebika Lego","air":290,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/f26f6-653009_2121_pebika-lego_rank-290.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5434,"topper":"Pedditi Dhatri Reddy","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/15R_zLuRcUnqe2aeUXcqURHiSkuadjkmC/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The Montague-Chelmsford Reforms became the basis for the Government of India Act, 1935 and ultimately, the Constitution of India. Substantiate giving suitable arguments. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Our Constitution doesn't acquire its secular character merely from the words in the Preamble, but from a collective reading of many of its provisions. Elucidate. Should India have a non-establishment principle like that of the U.S. Constitution? (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Competition between states is becoming a powerful dynamic of change and progress, and that dynamic must extend to competition between states and cities, and between cities. Elaborate. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"How coordinated action between government and judiciary would not only help reduc-es the pendency of litigation in Indian courts but also facilitate ease of doing business? Dis-cuss. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are the factors due to which there is a strong demand of judicial accountability and transparency in higher judicial system? How can it be ensured? Discuss. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"In the Global Hunger Index, India stands very low. Discuss briefly the socio-economic &amp; Politico-Cultural factors that have caused the man-made starvation in India. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What are the main functions of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)? Explain how far it has been effective in accomplishing its mandate. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Guided by their desire for strategic autonomy, India and France have been traditional partners and have adapted well to the changing global context. Comment. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Capture of social welfare benefits can be obviated only when political systems are transparent and there is a free flow of information. Do you agree? Give reasons using suitable examples.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5435,"topper":"Pedditi Dhatri Reddy","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oYHzNceTz2puv9dWM9SGwdzZTJjNDeYN/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The social conditions in European towns post-Industrial Revolution resemble those existing in Indian cities post liberalization. Critically examine. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Literary accounts of foreign travellers are useful in arriving at an understanding of the socio-cultural life of Indian History. Elucidate. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The diffusion of Marxism in India has been significant, but often in synthesis with progressive indigenous philosophies. Comment. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Today, when the country seems to be in the grip of various socio-religious forces that aim to divide the society, it is pertinent that we recall the philosophies of Basavanna and his sharana movement. Comment. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Explain giving suitable arguments, why the Pokhran nuclear tests of 1998 were considered to be a paradigm shift in India's post-independence history. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discuss the role and contribution of the North-East region in India's struggle for Independence. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Giving an account of PVTGs in India, explain how are they different from other tribals of India? Indicate the major efforts taken for their upliftment. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"How does the NASA's Parker Solar Probe help to understand aspects of the Sun-Earth system that directly affect life and society? (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Present an account of major metallic mineral deposits in India. Why the vast tracts of alluvial plains of India are devoid of minerals of economic use? Give reasons. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":5436,"topper":"Pedditi Dhatri Reddy","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-c_JCNZXrksJEE1xCoRpX_W_XSZ2f32S/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain briefly what you understand by: (i) Virtue Ethics. (ii) Consequentialist Ethics. (iii) Principled Ethics. Which one makes the most sense to you and why? Give examples. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Can an individual be ethical in his/her professional conduct, while not being ethical in his/her personal life? Discuss giving suitable examples. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"'In ethics you are one of the subjects of your own inquiry.' Do you agree? Justify giving examples from your own life. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Given are two quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. For each of these bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) \"When we are caught up in a destructive emotion, we lose one of our greatest assets: our independence.\" (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What is meant by international ethics? Why is it important to study? Discuss any one international issue from the viewpoint of international ethics. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are the key elements of emotional intelligence? Which three elements do you think are most important for effective governance and administrative capabilities of a civil servant? Give reasons. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"To take a life when a life has been lost is revenge, it is not justice.' Comment. Should India do away with capital punishment and instead focus upon other innovative methods? Analyse. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":5437,"topper":"Pedditi Dhatri Reddy","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TM5WFA0QYroDhUZCj2c9loUzUh6ZP4UM/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The system of Aadhaar has been under continuous criticism for depriving the most vulnerable people of their rights-based entitlements. Discuss, while suggesting potential solutions. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"\"Aspirational India cannot ignore 'New Issues' in WTO but it has to articulate its position without sacrificing core matters which are important\". Critically examine the above statement. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Explain various types of land reforms that have taken place in India since Independence. How these land reforms have helped in poverty alleviation and food security in India? (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Reiterating the goal of doubling farmers' income by 2022, the Union Budget 2018-19 gave a big thrust to agriculture and the related Agritech sector. Analyse the measures proposed in the Budget 2018-19 to achieve the given objective. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the adverse impacts of rapid increase in municipal solid waste due to expansion of urbanization in India. In what ways, this waste can be converted into a sustainable source of energy in India? (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The installed capacities of solar and wind, at present, are far from the combined target of 160 GW to be achieved by 2022. In this light, examine the significance of 'National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy'. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"According to several geologists and hydrologists, dams represent short-lived victories of engineering over natural sciences. Do you agree? Give reasons using suitable examples. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Why Air pollution in India is a cause of concern in North but not in South? Discuss. Also, highlight, the measures taken so far to tackle the menace of air pollution in India with focus on Particulate Matter (PM). (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"How the failure to stop the degradation of Western Ghats worsened Kerala floods? Is it time to revisit the Gadgil committee recommendations on conservation and protection of Western Ghats to ensure more sustainable construction? Discuss. (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5438,"topper":"Penkeesu Dheeraj Reddy","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PENKEESU-DHEERAJ-REDDY-UPSC-2023-Rank-173-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Before the borders are broken the minds are invaded.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Talent and passion are only useful tools if one has the work ethic to back them up.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The opportunity of interfaith dialogue: modern solution for globalised world.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The only impossible journey is the one you never begin.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Science applied is the engine of humanity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Eyes cannot see what the mind does not know.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Doubt is the origin of wisdom.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"The relation between environment, resources and conflict is same as the connection between Democracy, human rights and peace.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5439,"topper":"Penkeesu Dheeraj Reddy","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PENKEESU-DHEERAJ-REDDY-UPSC-2023-Rank-173-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Foreign trade is an important milestone on the path of becoming a 5 trillion USD economy. In this context, analyse the potential of the recently released Foreign Trade Policy, 2023 in revamping India's participation in global trade. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Social protection schemes are an integral aspect of a welfare economy; however, the principles of fiscal prudence cannot be ignored. Discuss, with special reference to Old Pension Scheme (OPS). (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand from Agristack? To what extent can it become a panacea for the problems plaguing the farm sector. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The objective of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to provide a long term and equitable solution to the dilemma between free trade and food security has remained unfulfilled. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Even after five decades of the Stockholm conference, narrowing the gaps between the targets and actions remains one of the biggest challenges towards reversing climate change. Discuss. Also, recommend measures for building a coherent actionable strategy to tackle climate change. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What are the impediments in management of E-waste in the country? In what ways can the trinity of citizens, businesses, and the government tackle this menace? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How does nuclear fusion differ from nuclear fission? Assess the relevance of nuclear energy in resolving the global energy security dilemma? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are run of the river hydroelectric projects? How far can run of the river hydroelectric projects balance ecological conservation with socio-economic development? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"A robust border infrastructure is the surest way to counter multifarious threats emanating from inimical actors. Discuss, in light of Vibrant Village Programme. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"How far can a clearly articulated National Security Strategy help in tackling challenges to national security? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What are the factors that influence the inflation trends in the country? Highlighting the impacts, discuss the institutional measures in place to check inflation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Though a cornerstone of Atmanirbhar Bharat, Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme is not without its own challenges. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"How is internationalisation of rupee different from De-Dollarisation? Highlighting the benefits of internationalisation of rupee, discuss the challenges associated with the same. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What are Primary Agricultural Credit Societies? Can the cooperative push alone help in achieving the twin targets of boosting rural economy and mainstreaming small and marginal farmers? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Farm policies in the country have inadvertently led to undesirable consequences. Do you agree? Giving emphasis on PM PRANAM, discuss ways to enhance soil health and farm productivity. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What do you understand by heat waves? Highlight the reasons and impact of the rising frequency of heat waves across India. Also, recommend some measures to mitigate its impact. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"How is Chandrayaan-3 different from its predecessor, Chandrayaan-2? To what extent can India's presence in Artemis Accords help in furthering the exploration of lunar surface? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Research and Development is the key to unlock the potential of 'knowledge economy.' In this perspective, analyse the role of the National Research Foundation Bill, 2023 in democratizing the research ecosystem in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'Hybrid warfare.' Highlighting its implications for India, recommend measures to develop a comprehensive ecosystem to counter the same. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How are internal security challenges related to peace in neighboring countries? Explain with special reference to instability on India's eastern frontier. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5440,"topper":"Penkeesu Dheeraj Reddy","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b5c92-627010_1989_penkeesu_dheeraj_reddy_rank_173.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the achievements of National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK) towards ameliorating the conditions of manual scavengers in India. What other steps can be taken in this direction? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The current COVID-19 pandemic has posed a serious threat to the safety and wellbeing of children all over the world. Discuss. Also provide an account of the measures taken by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"India faces the 'triple burden of malnutrition' that threatens to erode the growth and development of its human resources and economy. Explain. Also highlight the role of the National Nutrition Strategy to address the nutritional challenges. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"To empower persons with disabilities in India, it is imperative to shift from a charity-based approach to a rights-based approach. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Despite all the long strides towards women's rights to property and inheritance in India, there still exist challenges that need to be addressed. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Not only does globalisation impact the environment, but environmental factors also impact globalisation. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"By persisting as a system of inequality, caste not only leads to social exclusion but also economic discrimination in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"It has been observed in India, while the population has stabilised in southern states, this remains a pipe dream in the case of northern states. Analyse the reasons behind this trend. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Tribal population has fared poorly in various health indicators at the national level. In this context, highlighting various reasons for poor health of tribals, suggest suitable steps that need to be taken to address the same. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Explain why healthcare systems do not self-organise using the forces of free market. Also, discuss how this problem can be addressed. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Identify the barriers that exist in the enjoyment of reproductive health rights by women in India. Also highlight the interventions that have been adopted to remove these barriers. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Development-induced displacement is a recurring phenomenon in India and the poor and marginalised are hit the hardest by it. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Elucidate the network of key schemes designed to achieve the 'bare necessities' in India, and also analyse their outcomes. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Do you think that the separation of state and religion is a sufficient criterion for the existence of secularism? Comment in the context of existing inter-religious and intra-religious domination in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"As Indian cities are undergoing rapid urbanization with burgeoning population, state policies and actions have proved to be inadequate to address the corresponding challenges. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Establishing the National Council for Transgender Persons is a step in the right direction but many other measures are required to holistically address the issues faced by the transgender community. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"By empowering women economically, trade can play an important role in promoting women's equality. Analyse. Also, discuss the constraints that affect women in trade related roles and how these constraints can be addressed. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"As long as it is not secessionist, or aimed at othering sections, subnationalism can be seen as a constitutive element of democracy. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The past year witnessed an increased emphasis on online learning. In this context, examine the various challenges in providing accessible and inclusive education in India. Also discuss the steps needed to address these challenges. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5441,"topper":"Penkeesu Dheeraj Reddy","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d6898-627010_1985_penkeesu_dheeraj_reddy_rank_173.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"On the vast panorama of world literature, Kalidasa is considered as a literary genius, second to none. Discuss in the context of writings of Kalidasa. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Tracing the evolution of Shaivism in India, discuss the various philosophical schools associated with it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Starting from the creation of world's first dock, India's maritime history is simply astonishing. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The huge strides India took towards modernisation under Lord Dalhousie were borne out of necessity rather their benevolence. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Indian women, cutting across identities, increasingly participated in the anti-colonial and democratic movements since 1930s. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"North-East India threw up constant challenges to the British hegemony in India. Discuss in the context of anti-colonial struggles in the region. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"British rule brought profound political and economic changes in the Malaya region. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The Spanish Civil War proved to be a 'One Big Dress Rehearsal' for the Second World War. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The 'cutting of Chinese melon' was a landmark event in the history of imperialism. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The Chipko movement became a symbol of many such popular movements emerging in different parts of the country during the 1970s and later. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlighting the unique features of Vesara style, discuss how it symbolizes confluence of Dravidian and Nagara temple architectures. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The roots of Indian classical music date back to ancient India. Elucidate. Also, distinguish between Hindustani and Carnatic music. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Given its inward-looking approach, the Indian School of philosophies still remain relevant in the 21st century. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"World War I brought in socio-economic dislocation for nearly all sections of the Indian population, paving the way for the necessary social mobilization for an impending mass upsurge. Elaborate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"While the Indian capitalists were not in favour of protracted mass civil disobedience, many of them also acknowledged the utility, even necessity, of civil disobedience in getting crucial concessions for their class and the nation. Explain. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The acceptance of partition by the Indian National Congress was only the last stage of the process of gradual concessions given to the Muslim League. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Over the course of the freedom struggle, especially after the Indian Council's Act of 1892, nationalist leaders in India transformed the Imperial Legislative Council, from a powerless machine functioning as a tool of endorsement of government policies into a forum for ventilating popular grievances. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"From the Anglo-Afghan Wars to the US led Global War on Terrorism, Afghanistan has been a battleground for both internal and external actors. Explain. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The roots of the present Israel-Palestine conflict may be traced back to ancient history, however it is the 20th century which has shaped it in its modern form. Explain. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Despite its advocacy for peaceful resolution of disputes, highlight the factors that prompted India to use force to remove Portuguese colonial rule from its territories after independence. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5442,"topper":"Penkeesu Dheeraj Reddy","air":173,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/60a43-627010_1987_penkeesu_dheeraj_reddy_rank_173.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5443,"topper":"Penkeesu Dheeraj Reddy","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PENKEESU-DHEERAJ-REDDY-UPSC-2023-Rank-173-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the role of the 'Fourth Estate' in upholding democratic values and analyse the issues affecting press freedom in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The electoral process, though inclusionary in theory, has been pointed out for exclusionary tendencies in practice. Analyse, with special emphasis on role of women in India's representative electoral system. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Assess the effectiveness of Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 in resolution of river-water disputes. Also describe the potential impact of delays in resolution of water disputes. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the significance of the cooperative model of development in addressing the issues of rural growth. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"In order to pass the ultimate test of good governance, welfare state should be close to the people, responsive to their aspirations, and inclusive in its approach. Discuss with special reference to PM PVTG Development Mission. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"To what extent collaboration between the state and civil society organizations (CSOs) help in addressing poverty and malnutrition in the country? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Absence of a robust social infrastructure in the country may become one of the most significant challenges in achieving a developed status by 2047. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Though the changing paradigm towards dialogue and diplomacy in West Asia augurs well for India's interests in this otherwise restive region, presence of inimical actors may reverse the gains. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Water diplomacy can redefine the contours of regional cooperation in South Asia. Discuss with special reference to Indus water treaty 1960. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Despite constitutional backing to the institutions of local governance, the idea of decen- tralisation has remained hostage to several structural bottlenecks. Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Independent judiciary, as envisaged by the constitution, provides the bedrock for a thriving polity; however, executive encroachment may erode its credibility and affect its efficacy. Evaluate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Executive agencies, working as the watchdog against impropriety, are vital to act against the corrupt; however, pandering to vested interests may have the effect of turning the idea of rule of law on its head. Comment, with special reference to controversies associated with the Enforcement Directorate (ED). (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Critically analyse the role of National Commission for Women (NCW) in wake of its mandate to safeguard women's rights and uphold their socio-economic wellbeing. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Understanding the extent, source, and complexity of deprivations among the multidimensionally poor contributes to more informed policymaking. In this context, analyze the latest National Multidimensional Poverty Index Report by NITI Aayog. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Safely managed drinking water services, as desired by Jal Jeevan Mission, are designated to give multifarious benefits cutting across generations. Discuss. Also, elaborate upon the challenges in ensuring the mission's success. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Legislation like Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989 remains mere legal documents without intense sensitization of public functionaries and the civil society. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Harbinger of global rebalancing, India-Africa ties are a beacon of inclusive, sustainable, and equitable world. Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How do ASEAN centrality, rules-based order, and development partnership with Pacific Island states make Indo-Pacific a theatre of opportunity for India? What are the hurdles in realisation of an inclusive Indo-Pacific construct? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5444,"topper":"Penkeesu Dheeraj Reddy","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PENKEESU-DHEERAJ-REDDY-UPSC-2023-Rank-173-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Celebrity endorsements raise pertinent ethical concerns about responsibility that delve into the realm of ethical considerations of social influence that run deeper than mere surface appeal. In this context, suggest measures to tackle the ethical challenges of celebrity brand endorsements. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Embracing a scientific mindset involves setting aside impulsive inclinations in favor of the pursuit of truth. In your view, how does the integration of scientific thinking contribute to addressing contemporary challenges and promoting societal progress? How can we effectively cultivate a scientific attitude in society? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"In the realm of professional conduct, ethics plays a role that tends to go far beyond fulfilling the roles and responsibilities of the job with diligence and honesty. But some people consider professional competence as the only critical requirement for a job. If faced with a choice, who would you prefer to hire - someone with professional competence or one with strong moral values? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Patriotism can hold different meanings for different people, often shaped by personal experiences and convictions. What does patriotism mean to you? Explain narrating incidents from your life when you exhibited patriotism. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Max Weber's concept of bureaucracy was developed in the early 20th century, but it still influences administrative structures today. In what ways do you see Weberian bureaucracy as relevant in today's rapidly changing world? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Global challenges often test the ethical fiber of nations, urging them to channel narrow pursuit of national-interest into an enlightened self-interest.\" Enumerating the various ethical principles underlying the concept of enlightened national-interest examine its efficacy in helping nations navigate the fine line between pursuing their strategic interests and upholding ethical principles, particularly in times of conflict? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In the realm of governance, a crucial aspect is the art of persuasion. The qualities that make civil servants proficient persuaders empower them to fulfill their responsibilities in an effective manner. Discuss with illustrations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Corruption has multifaceted implications. Some consider it an undeniable vice, while others contend it to be an unavoidable necessity for navigating the bureaucratic complexities. In your opinion, does corruption oil or corrode the gears of development? Substantiate your arguments. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Ethical hacking and malicious hacking stand as divergent paths with distinct intentions and consequences. As technology advances, it becomes imperative to comprehend the nuances that set these practices apart in the cybersecurity landscape. In this perspective, elucidate the principles that differentiate ethical hacking and malicious hacking. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What does each of the following quotation mean to you? a) \"Our greatest ability as humans is not to change the world, but to change ourselves.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":59,"question":"Mr X is travelling by road with his family to attend a marriage ceremony. His grandfather, who is the head of the family is also travelling with him. On the way to their destination, all of them stop at a road side restaurant for lunch. This is a well-known restaurant owned by one of the friends of Mr X. The place is known for its tasty and hygienic food. However, the grandfather notices a picture on the wall of the restaurant and enquires about the religion of the restaurant owner. Mr X's friend belongs to a religion different from the grandfather's religion. The grandfather has a negative attitude towards the religion of Mr X's friend and he insists that he will not eat in that restaurant. He demands that the entire family should leave the restaurant immediately as they are travelling for a happy occasion and eating at this particular restaurant will pollute them. Mr X tries to calm down his grandfather and explain to him that religion has nothing to do with purity or pollution. He also reasons that several travel magazines have rated the restaurant highly, especially for its superior hygiene standards. Also, he points out that there is no restaurant in the way for the next 100 Km and it will be difficult for all to make do without food for that long. However, his arguments fall on deaf years, and which is more his grandfather admonishes him for bringing the family to the restaurant despite being aware about the religion of the owner. Mr X's friend feels insulted and discriminated against due to his religion. Mr X's father is upset but refuses to say anything out of respect for the grandfather. Entire family is embarrassed by the attitude of the grandfather and they are getting ready to leave the restaurant. Mr X is confused regarding how he should act in this situation. a) What are the various ethical issues in the above case study? b) Imagine yourself in the place of Mr X. Evaluate the different courses of actions available with you. What is the most suitable course of action? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":5445,"topper":"Penkeesu Dheeraj Reddy","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2f651-627010_1988_penkeesu_dheeraj_reddy_rank_173.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Morality is neither divine commands nor universal principle of thought rather practices developed by groups of human beings striving to avoid mutually harmful conflict and promote mutually beneficial cooperation. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"\"Never do anything against the conscience even if the state demands it.\" In this context, discuss the role of conscience in taking ethical decisions in administration. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"\"While corruption is never good, not all forms of corruption are equally bad for the economy, nor do they cause the same kind of harm.\" Critically analyse the statement in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Emotional Intelligence is an important trait to imbibe in a highly competitive and achievement-oriented environment. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Analyze the significance of appointing ethics officers in the light of strengthening corporate governance in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What is the ethical basis behind the idea of reparations for historical wrongs committed against certain groups? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Gender inequality begins at home and then gets institutionalised at the societal level. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What do you understand by Integrity Pacts? In light of recent events, analyse their utility in ensuring transparency and efficiency in public procurement in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Persuasion plays an important role in public administration. Discuss. Also highlight the various elements of effective persuasion. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The moral circle of humanity has been expanding constantly over time. Discuss in this context whether non-human entities should have the same rights as humans beings. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"Each individual is capable of transforming his immediate environment by attempting a radical transformation inside him\". - J Krishnamurti (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"Facts are many, but the truth is one.\" - Rabindranath Tagore \" , \" - (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"\"It may be expedient but it is not just that some should have less in order that others may prosper.\" - John Rawls (150 words) 10 \" \" -","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You are a single mother and work as a school counsellor for the psychological well-being of primary and secondary school children at a reputed school. Recently, you have found through your interactions that several students have been facing emotional trauma and mental health issues. Realising the gravity of the situation you want to discuss this with the school authorities and the board of trustees and come up with an advanced plan that can help parents get better involved. However, during the meeting, concerns are raised regarding your findings and the lack of supporting evidence is also cited by some. Moreover, senior members who are present express a sense of displeasure at what this might mean for the reputation of the school. You are thoroughly appalled with this approach of the school authorities, yet you are mired down in your own financial circumstances. On the basis of the above situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the most relevant stakeholders in the case. (b) What are the dilemmas in the case? (c) Discuss how stigmatisation of mental health issues can be addressed in schools. , - , , , , , : (a) (b) - ? (c)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"You are working as a Divisional Forest Officer in an area which is home to tigers. Recently, there have been reports of a tiger venturing into agricultural fields and also killing livestock of villagers. Unfortunately, 2-3 villagers have been killed by some wild animals in last few weeks. Villagers claim that the tiger has killed their fellow villagers and request you to protect their lives and property by either relocating or killing the man-eater tiger. They also obstructed investigation of forest officials to ascertain whether it was the work of tiger or some other animals. Your attempts to trap the tiger have not been successful. Concerned over the delay in killing or relocating the tiger, villagers hire a private hunter to kill the tiger on their own and argue that they have a right to defend themselves and their property. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the issues involved in this scenario. (b) What steps would you take as the Divisional Forest Officer to ensure villagers' safety along with protection of tigers?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Though discrimination on racial grounds is generally associated with Western countries, arguably similar notions of colour and racial discrimination are prevalent in India too. Many Indians are found to be obsessed for \"White\" skin tone as visible in matrimonial ads and popularity of whitening creams. They are also found to be more hospitable towards the white-skinned Europeans than the dark-skinned Africans. Even within the country, people can be found to be discriminating fellow countrymen on the basis of their skin tone. People from North-East India face frequent racial abuse and are referred to by various derogatory names. All these point towards racism being practised and accepted in India. Moreover, it is not considered a very serious issue as the anti-discrimination laws in India are not stringent enough to deal with hate crimes associated with racism. (a) In this context, discuss the ethical issues associated with the practice and acceptance of racial discrimination in India. (b) If you have been tasked to formulate a plan to combat hate crimes associated with racism in India and bring about an attitudinal change, what would be your suggestions?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are the Superintendent of Police of a city where a large slum has developed in recent decades on the property of Indian Railways. The Indian Railways has prepared a plan for expansion of the city railway station for which they want to get the slums demolished. They have requested the assistance of local police for the same, however, the people residing in those slums have responded angrily to this step and have occupied the railway tracks, resisting any action by the officials. Slum dwellers are asking for a suitable rehabilitation, citing that the city is under the grip of a cold wave as the month of December is in progress. This has not only halted the railway traffic on the route causing immense hardships to railway passengers but also posing risk of violence between slum-dwellers and the police. Given the situation (a) Identify various issues involved in the case along with different stakeholders. (b) What course of action would you follow to end this situation of confrontation and resume normal functioning of the Railways?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"With its highly coveted line of consumer electronics, a multinational company 'A' has a cult following among loyal consumers and makes profits of crores of rupees. Recently, a report by an international non-governmental organisation has highlighted that in some overseas production centres of the company, the working conditions are hazardous for the labour, which include children also. In some centres, the international environmental standards are also flouted. The company's global head has defended their position by saying that they have little control over monitoring and regulating the entire supply chain due to internationalization of the production process. Based on the above information, answer the following: (a) Do you think company 'A' should be held responsible for ethical lapses made by individuals further down its supply chain? (b) Should customers be expected to take into account the ethical track record of companies while making purchases? Give reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"In a recent survey around social and economic indicators, a certain state in the country was found grossly underperforming. The state is marred with the issues of poverty, hunger, social backwardness, lawlessness and underdevelopment. In about seven decades since gaining independence, this state has continued to perform poorly across various indices. In the past, the Chief Minister had set up a fact finding Committee to report on the chief causes of the backwardness of the State. After years of ground research and surveying, it was found that the one of the main causes of the state's backwardness was its huge population that amplified resource scarcity to unimaginable proportions. Taking a clue from the facts presented in the report, the State Cabinet constitutes a panel of policy makers to consider this question of growing population and suggest suitable revisions to the State's Population Policy. The Panel recommends legislating a Population Control Bill that has a contentious provision in the form of 'One Child' norm. You are the Chief of this Panel and the recommendations of the Panel require your approval to be tabled in the Chief Minister's Office. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the ethical issues related to population control of a compulsory nature that you would consider before approving or rejecting the recommendation? (b) What would be your course of action in the aforementioned case? Suggest reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5446,"topper":"Penkeesu Dheeraj Reddy","air":173,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c528f-627010_1990_penkeesu_dheeraj_reddy_rank_173.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5447,"topper":"Piyush Gathala","air":309,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Public Administration","optional":true,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/u/2/folders/1eUUcYRN8WPffoHeToJniBTzsY4xGedg5","questions":[]},{"id":5448,"topper":"Piyush Gathala","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/PIYUSH-GATHALA-UPSC-2024-Rank-309-AWFG-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"In what ways did the Industrial Revolution in Europe lay the groundwork for imperialism and colonialism? (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":2,"question":"Bring out the factors behind the policy of appeasement. How far was the policy responsible for the onset of the Second World War? (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":2,"question":"Examine the significant reasons behind the Russian Revolution of 1917 and explain how the first revolution differed from the second. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":2,"question":"Outline the purpose and outcomes of the Potsdam Conference. To what extent did this conference set the stage for the Cold War? (2 50 Words)","marks":null,"words":"50"},{"page":2,"question":"It was a gradual buildup of multiple factors that led to the outbreak of World War I. Comment. (2 50 Words)","marks":null,"words":"50"},{"page":2,"question":"What factors made the Iranian Revolution of 1979 a significant event in the history of the world both in terms of its causes and consequences? (2 50 Words)","marks":"1","words":"50"}]},{"id":5449,"topper":"Piyush Sinha","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a2d22-18816_863_piyush-sinha_rank_175.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"It is important for India to return to the path of fiscal consolidation while also increasing public investment. Explain why achieving both these objectives are important to revive the present economic environment in the country.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Although it is the right time for elevating the mission of 'Make in India' to 'Innovate in India', significant challenges exist in doing so. Elaborate. How can these challenges be overcome?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"What is meant by public debt? Highlight the objectives of public debt management. Explain why it is considered prudent to disaggregate debt management from monetary policy and take it out of the realm of central bank.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"There is an urgent need for India to get infrastructure financing, however, the current investment model of PPPs is poorly designed and needs restructuring. Discuss the issues plaguing the success of PPPs with respect to stalled projects, risk management, governance & institutional capacity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"What are the reasons behind a low tax base in India? Discuss the issues associated with it and the steps required to widen the tax base.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The worsening road safety situation in India is further complicated by an increasing population and proliferation of vehicles on the road. Discuss. Also, highlight the steps that are being taken by the government to address the issue of road safety and reduce the associated fatalities.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Explain the concept of 'green economy'. Highlight the costs and benefits in making a transition towards green economy for developing countries like India. Also discuss the associated challenges.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Even though the construction sector has significant multiplier effect on the economy, in recent years, it has been showing signs of stress. What are the causes for such a state of affairs? In this context, also highlight the steps taken by the government.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"As India eyes a resurgence in port-led activities in the country, it first needs to identify the challenges which have marred their development. Elaborate various challenges faced by ports in India and highlight the steps taken to overcome them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"India's rail infrastructure has failed to keep pace with the rate at which both passenger and freight traffic has increased substantially over the years. Comment. In light of the Kakodar committee recommendations, enumerate the measures that can be taken in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Despite the government claiming excess electricity production, the power situation for households continues to remain bleak in many parts of the country. Explain the reasons behind this. How can the UDAY scheme help in improving the current situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Despite the potential of Special Employment Programmes in alleviating poverty, their impact has largely been limited. Comment. Also discuss how they can be made more effective.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Enhancing the competitiveness of the Textile sector can create employment as well as promote inclusive growth. Elaborate with reference to government initiatives for promotion of the textile sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Digitalisation of transactions is a panacea to address the problems of corruption and tax evasion as well as achieve financial inclusion. Critically evaluate. Also enumerate the impediments for India to transit to a digitalised cashless economy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"The recently launched UDAN scheme to develop the regional aviation market will not only ensure affordability and connectivity but also growth and development of the civil aviation market. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Budgetary reforms announced by the government include merging of railway budget with general budget and advancing the date of its presentation. Examine the rationale behind these reforms. What are the anticipated issues that may arise because of these?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Explain why the government has adopted the HELP in place of the NELP that was existing for almost a decade. Also discuss how HELP has the potential to transform India's E&P activities with special emphasis on non-conventional sources of energy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Successive governments have resorted to disinvestment of sick and loss-making PSUs. What, according to you, are the targets which the government seek to meet from this exercise? Also explain why the disinvestment targets have not been met in the past.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Briefly highlight the parameters used by the government to determine the extent of poverty in India. Examine the relationship of economic growth and poverty alleviation in the post-reforms era.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Clearly explain how the proposed GST regimen is different from the current system of indirect taxation in the country. Analyse the challenges which the new taxation system may pose to the economy in the short term.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5450,"topper":"Piyush Sinha","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/72303-18816_870_piyush-sinha_rank_175.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The Gupta Sculpture while depicting devotion to Vishnu, successfully shows Guptas' exemplary tolerance for both Buddhism and Jainism. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"At all times the work of Indian craftsmen has been admired for its delicacy and skill. In this context, elucidate with examples the artistic achievements of ancient India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Despite many regulations enacted by the British to curb it's freedom, the press in India played a crucial role in strengthening the national movement. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Even after a hundred years of its proclamation the effects of Balfour Declaration continue to resonate in the Arab-Israeli conflict. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Decolonisation was neither an accident nor a product of any grand design, rather it resulted from the confluence of various local and global factors. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"The unification of Germany fundamentally reshaped the balance of power in Europe. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Statistics show that child sex ratio is declining though there is an increase in overall sex ratio. Discuss the reasons that explain this trend. What measures have been taken by the government to correct this trend?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Jet streams play a significant role in influencing the weather conditions across the world. Discuss with special reference to the Indian Monsoon.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Developing hydropower projects in the north-east will help India fulfil its electricity demand and achieve energy security, however, this potential remains untapped. Why? What steps can be taken to overcome these bottlenecks for effective utilization of this potential?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Account for the distribution of cement industry in India with its factors of location. Also list the challenges which the industry has been facing lately.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Exploring and mining of polymetallic nodules in the Indian Ocean Basin by India, though filled with challenges, will be of immense strategic and commercial value. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Unregulated and nonjudicial usage of groundwater has resulted in declining groundwater levels as well as quality. In this context, discuss the need for a dedicated programme for groundwater conservation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Though Tourism is one of the most important tertiary activity in India, it is facing a number of challenges. Comment. In this context, explain the importance of promoting sustainable tourism in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Highlight the significance of wetland ecosystems, particularly in the urban areas. Also mention the steps that are being taken by the government for integrated management of wetland ecosystems.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5451,"topper":"Piyush Sinha","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/02872-18816_875_piyush-sinha_rank_175.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Centralising recruitment through an All-India Judicial Service (AIJS) will not address the multiple problems in the judiciary and cause new ones instead. Critically evaluate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"The roots of the most pertinent challenges faced by Indian politics today can be traced to the lack of intra-party democracy in candidate selection and internal elections. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"While the idea behind merger of autonomous bodies in India is to curb overlapping work and reduce expenditure, it may end up doing more harm than good. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Well-defined electoral laws and greater powers for the Election Commission of India are required as the existing laws and mechanisms are inadequate to deal with new challenges. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Privileges should be defined and delimited for the free and independent functioning of the legislatures. In this context, discuss whether there is a need to re-examine the balance between fundamental rights and parliamentary privileges in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The principle of accountability is an essential part of the rule of law. In this context, discuss the lacunae in government's approach and judiciary's response to the phenomenon of extrajudicial killings in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Explain the rationale behind enacting the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016. Discuss how it can help in revitalizing consumer confidence in the real estate market. Also highlight the hurdles that remain in implementing it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Moving the subject of water from state list to concurrent list will solve the issues related to governance of water resources. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Give an account of the areas of potential conflict in the relationship between the political executive and civil servants. Also discuss why a healthy working relationship between the two is critical for good governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Despite their location in the non-political domain of civil society, NGOs have ended up playing a key, if indirect, role in India's politics. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Magnitude of India's urbanisation is not unusual but the pattern is. In this context, examine the issues in the governance of cities in India. Also suggest the reforms required to make Indian cities dynamos of competitive sub-federalism.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Social boycott should be treated as a criminal offence, rather than being considered as just another form of social evil plaguing the Indian society. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Human Trafficking in India has emerged as a serious issue, which calls for understanding the complexity of the problem and devising an effective strategy to combat it. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"A weak teacher education system is at the core of India's problems in school education. Evaluate. In this context, also enumerate the recommendations of the High-Powered Commission on Teacher Education constituted by the Supreme Court of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"It has been argued that the recent order of the Supreme Court to prevent the misuse of Section 498A institutionalises the prejudices and rehabilitates the myths, which the women's movement in India has battled over decades. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"As strategic interests between India and US continue to converge, defence has emerged as a major area of cooperation between the two. Discuss the significance and possible implications of this development.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"India's contribution to peacekeeping missions of the United Nations has remained steadfast despite changes in the nature, form and variety of UN peace keeping missions. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"India's partnership with Africa is an amalgam of African development priorities as well as India's development objectives. Discuss. Also highlight the initiatives taken by India in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Comment on the role of International Court of Justice in upholding the values of international law. In this context, also highlight the association of India with the ICJ over the years.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"In view of the focus on trans-regional economic corridors and changing regional geo-politics and geo-economics, critically discuss the idea of an Indo-Pacific Economic Corridor.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5452,"topper":"Piyush Sinha","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/609b0-18816_873_piyush-sinha_rank_175.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The more remotely power is exercised from the people, the greater is the distance between authority and accountability. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"\"If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion\". In what ways can a compassionate public official be more useful for realizing public service goals?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"The recent decision by the government to ban use of red beacons is only a symbolic gesture and a lot more needs to be done to end the VIP culture in India. Critically discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"To what extent can financial incentives help shape attitude towards social issues? Discuss with relevant examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"At times, moral behaviour can be constrained by the complexity of legal system. Explain. In this context, explain the purpose of legal protection for good samaritans in the case of road accidents.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Examine the different ethical issues involved in the use of public shaming as a punitive measure. Do you think this is an appropriate measure to address the problem of rising crime rates.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Why did Gunnar Myrdal use the term 'soft state' in the context of South Asia? Do you think such a characterisation is still relevant in the case of India today?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Intolerance can be linked both to prejudices and value judgments. Elaborate with relevant examples. Also discuss how intolerance can be countered in a multicultural society like India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"What are the factors which draw people to public service? Suggest measures to keep public servants motivated.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Corporate Governance provides a framework that defines the rights, roles and responsibilities of various groups within an organization. (a) Elaborate the need to incorporate the principles of Corporate Governance to enhance the effectiveness of the public sector enterprises. (b) Identify the challenges specific to the public sector when it comes to the application of good practices of corporate governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Emotions, earlier considered as an irrational factor in decision-making, are now recognised as a critical factor of judgment. In this regard, answer the following questions: (a) How can Emotional Intelligence help in coping with the intense pressure and occupational stress faced by police officers and armed forces in discharge of their duties? (b) What are the some of the concerns in incorporating and assessment of emotional intelligence skills in public service?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"You, a manager in one of the top IT firms in the country, are tasked with hiring new recruits for an upcoming project. You find that the company has given tacit instructions of not hiring female candidates in view of the new maternity law passed by the Government. You find this highly objectionable and lodge a protest with people in the higher management but they are firm as they want to cut down all the unnecessary costs. Based on this information, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the stakeholders and their interests in the situation. (b) What are the dilemmas that a recruiting manager may face in such a scenario? (c) What are the different options available to you? Which one will you pursue and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Mr. X is the head of an NGO working in the field of environment conservation and protection. He is in dire need of funds for the NGO's operations and payments to his staff. He is approached by an official of a large infrastructure company, who is ready to provide the required funding for the NGO. But, in a quid pro quo, he asks Mr. X to raise objections over the bypassing of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) norms in an ongoing PPP project through his NGO. This project is being implemented by a rival infrastructure company. Mr. X knows that there have been instances of high level corruption in the process of granting EIA to mega projects and the information provided by the official seems to be authentic. Hence, he accepts the money and agrees to raise the objection. (a) Considering the circumstances of the case, is Mr. X correct in accepting the money? Give appropriate reasons for your answer. (b) If you were in place of Mr. X, what would have been your course of action? Give reasons for it.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5453,"topper":"Polavarapu Dhwanish","air":108,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/POLAVARAPU-DHWANISH-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-108-Sample-Essay-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. True leadership lies in serving not ruling.\n2. Democracy is not just the right to vote, it is the right to live in dignity.\n3. Growing regional aspirations and demand for greater autonomy: A challenge to Indian federalism.\n4. The ballot is stronger than the bullet.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"1. The great aim of education is not knowledge but action.\n2. The global south must redefine development through cooperation and justice.\n3. There is no health without mental health.\n4. If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5454,"topper":"Polavarapu Dhwanish","air":108,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/POLAVARAPU-DHWANISH-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-108-Sample-MGP-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) The Union Budget 2025-26 outlines a shift towards the 'debt-to-GDP ratio' as the fiscal anchor starting from FY 2026-27. Discuss the rationale behind this shift.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Why does India need to transition from a 'build to print' to a 'build to design' model in manufacturing? What steps has been taken by the government in this regard?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Explain the concept of a nutrition-sensitive food system and suggest strategies to achieve it in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Give a brief overview of the 'Digital Agriculture Mission'. How can it benefit the agriculture sector?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) Rare earths are not just elements; they are foundational inputs that act like ‘seeds of technology’. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) Why retrofitting Electrostatic Precipitators (ESPs) in Indian thermal power plants is a more viable and effective option compared to the installation of flue gas desulfurization (FGD) systems?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7 'The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regime in India remains weak and is often reduced to a procedural formality.' In light of this statement, examine the key challenges in EIA implementation and suggest reforms.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) Plastic pollution is emerging as a serious environmental threat in India. Discuss the various mitigation measures to address this problem and also the government's initiatives in this regard.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 Amid evolving threats, there is a need to blend private sector capabilities with India's current internal security architecture. In this context, elaborate on the ways in which the private sector can contribute to strengthening internal security.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) 'Radicalisation in Jammu and Kashmir is driven as much by socio-economic factors as by external influences.' Discuss how education and youth engagement can play a role in countering radicalisation in J&K.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) Outlining the key characteristics of the care economy, discuss how India can better integrate the value of unpaid and underpaid care work into its economic framework.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) ‘The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) presents both unprecedented opportunities and significant challenges for India’s labour market.’ Examine. Also suggest strategies to align AI adoption with inclusive and resilient labour market outcomes.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13) Why does India's agricultural export performance remain weak despite high production levels? What measures would you suggest to improve agri-export competitiveness?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 \"The agricultural subsidy regime in the country needs reforms to address the distortions it causes.\" Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 How can biomanufacturing transform today's consumptive manufacturing paradigm to the one based on regenerative principles? Also discuss how BioE3 Policy (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment) aims to foster biomanufacturing in the country.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) The future of digital innovation depends on self-reliant, domain-specific AI capabilities. In this context, bring out the key considerations in developing indigenous AI models and tools. Suggest measures to build an enabling ecosystem for AI innovation in India. What initiatives have been taken by the government in this regard?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 Marine oil spills are a form of environmental disaster, with far-reaching consequences for biodiversity and coastal livelihoods; however, India's preparedness to prevent such incidents and mitigate their impact has significant gaps. Analyze.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18) 'The United Nations has declared 2025 as the International Year of Glacier Preservation.' Bring out the ecological and socio-economic significance of glaciers. What are the key challenges in preserving them? What measures have been taken at national and international levels towards preservation of glaciers?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 What are the determinants of insurgency in the north-eastern region of India? What strategy should the Government of India, civil administration and security forces adopt to counter the threat in the affected areas?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20) Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have become an integral aspect of modern conflict and warfare, employed by both state and non-state actors. Discuss its implications for India's security architecture and state the measures being taken to address them. Also suggest other steps to tackle the threats emanating from UAVs.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5455,"topper":"Pooja Kumar","air":207,"year":2019,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5386a-36343_1253_pooja-kumar_rank_207.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5456,"topper":"Pooja Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/59d83-36343_1244_pooja-kumar_rank_207.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the need of an Independent Fiscal Council (IFC) in bringing about transparency and accountability in fiscal processes in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Recognizing the potential of exports in generating employment, a number of steps need to be taken to address India's weakening export competitiveness. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlighting the main features of National Mineral Policy, 2019, discuss how it can help in ensuring sustainable and responsible mining. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlighting the salient features of the PM JI-VAN Yojana, analyze how it can assist in achieving the vision and goals of the National Policy on Biofuels, 2018. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) provides an alternative to capital and chemical intensive agriculture currently being practiced in India. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Marine life is facing 'irreparable damage' from the millions of tonnes of plastic waste which ends up in the oceans each year. In this context, examine the implications of plastic pollution on marine ecosystem and suggest some measures for addressing this problem. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are black holes? Highlight the challenges in imaging a black hole? How were these challenges overcome by the Event Horizon Telescope project? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"While mentioning the objectives of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), discuss the challenges which are hindering the utilization of the ATT to its full potential. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Threats to internal security of India may be posed both through the communication networks and also to the networks. Discuss. Also, highlight the steps taken by the government in making the networks more secure. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlight the importance and challenges related to integration of Variable Renewable Energy (VRE) in India. Mention some steps that can be taken for its smooth integration with the synchronized Indian grid. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"There have been arguments that India could fall into a 'middle income trap'. Explaining the phenomenon, highlight the reasons behind such arguments. How can India avoid it? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Highlighting its importance, discuss the major issues that plague effective monetary policy transmission in India. Also, mention the steps taken by RBI to improve it. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight the constraints faced by rainfed agriculture in India. Discuss some agronomic practices that can be adopted for stabilizing agricultural production in rainfed areas. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite the steps taken by the government in recent years, a number of problems continue to persist in the urea sector in India. Discuss. What reforms should be taken to address the persisting problems? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What is Access and Benefit Sharing? Explain how it aids in sustainable use of biodiversity. Also, mention the different global and national level mechanisms for ensuring Access and Benefit Sharing. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Stating the significance, discuss the challenges in achieving disaster resilience of infrastructure. Suggest some ways for mainstreaming it in the development paradigm. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Highlighting the significance of data localization for India, discuss various challenges associated with data localization. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Money Laundering as a socio economic offence is a menace especially for developing countries like India. Comment. What measures have been taken at the domestic and international levels to deal with this menace? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The primary motive of terrorism differs from that of organised crime but there exists a symbiotic relationship between the two. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5457,"topper":"Pooja Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/40f63-36343_1247_pooja-kumar_rank_207.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Mention the structure and functions of NITI Aayog. Also, comment on its contemporary relevance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Critically discuss the practice of setting up Fast Track Courts to reduce pendency of cases in the judiciary. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the challenges faced by lower judiciary in India and suggest measures for enhancing their productivity. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Assess the need to formalise the process of post-legislative scrutiny to improve the effectiveness of laws. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in improving the effectiveness of e-governance in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Despite various reforms in the public grievance redressal mechanisms, their effectiveness remain limited. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Explaining the factors that contribute to trafficking of women and children in India, highlight the steps taken in recent times to combat it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"With Vector-Borne Diseases (VBDs) reaching epidemic proportions in India, highlight the factors that have led to their emergence. Also, suggest some measures for their effective control and management. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"After years of neglect, rapidly evolving regional strategic realities are now forcing India and Indonesia to coordinate their policies ever more closely. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Despite several attempts at resetting the ties, various barriers continue to be a cause of concern in the India-Nepal bilateral relations. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Delineate the differences between pressure groups and interest groups. Citing examples, elaborate on the ways in which pressure groups influence government decisions and policy making in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlighting the issues faced by the institutions of local self governance in India, suggest measures that can be taken to improve their effectiveness in the delivery of public goods and services at the grassroot level. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The recent amendment to the Right to Information Act, 2005 will weaken the act and undermine the authority of Information Commissioners. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight the process of delimitation in India. Also, throw light on the debates surrounding the delimitation exercise in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Self Help Groups (SHGs) are vehicles of rural development, which help in the upliftment of marginalized groups. Elucidate. Further, mention the constraints faced by SHGs and how they can be addressed. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"With construction of toilets being only one part of the solution for a clean India, it is time that the Swachh Bharat Mission puts more emphasis on the other facets as well. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Highlight the salient features of Mission Indradhanush. What are the challenges that the mission is facing in its implementation? Suggest measures to address these challenges for progressing towards full immunization coverage. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Assess the importance of skilling in light of changing economic and demographic structure in India. In this regard, how far has the Skill India Mission succeeded in its mandate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What according to you are the reasons that motivated India to create a dedicated Indo-Pacific division in the MEA recently? Also, highlight the challenges for India in the Indo-Pacific region. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"For SCO to become a successful regional grouping, it has to overcome bilateral differences between its members and their respective geopolitical calculations. Comment. Also, discuss the role that SCO can play in enhancing India's interest in the Eurasian region. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5458,"topper":"Pooja Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/cc89b-36343_1246_pooja-kumar_rank_207.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Rock-cut structures were closely associated with various religions and religious activities. Discuss the statement giving relevant examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The legislative and administrative record of the Congress Ministries during their twenty-eight months rule under the Act of 1935 was positive, but the period also witnessed the emergence of serious weaknesses in the Congress. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Kamladevi Chattopadhyay was a multifaceted personality with significant contributions both to pre and post independence India. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The inherent limitations of Napoleon's policy of Continental Blockade ultimately resulted in its failure. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Despite changes in the institution of marriage in recent times, there have been elements of continuity as well. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"There are multiple disabilities that a person experiences in the course of ageing. Elaborate. Also identify key government initiatives taken for addressing them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlight the reasons behind prevalence of low literacy rate among tribals. Also, mention some initiatives taken by the government in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain how Continental Drift Theory describes the changing configuration of the continents. Discuss the prominent evidences given by Alfred Wegener to support his theory. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The variety of landforms on the earth's surface is the result of internal and external forces. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Explaining the concept of Lapse Rate, examine its relationship with atmospheric stability. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The colonial period brought the influence of Western architectural forms to India. In this context, giving examples, highlight the contribution of Europeans to Indian architecture. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The nineteenth century witnessed a struggle against the backward elements of traditional culture. Discuss in the context of socio-religious reform movements. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Explaining the reasons behind partition of Bengal, discuss the successes and limitations of the Swadeshi movement launched in its wake. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The reorganisation of states in India post-independence has been an ongoing process with distinct contributing factors. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The Treaty of Versailles was not a peace agreement based on reconciliation but was 'dictated peace' forced on Germany, which eventually triggered the Second World War. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Legal measures alone are not sufficient for addressing the issue of domestic violence against women, rather it requires intervention at societal level. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"India is undergoing a demographic transition the implications of which are multipronged. Analyze. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Highlight the significance of watershed development in India. Give reasons for the limited success of initiatives directed towards watershed management in India. Also, suggest some measures to improve the design of watershed programs. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Explain the relationship between raw materials and location of industries. How are globalisation and technological advancements changing this relationship? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Explain how natural greenhouse effect helps in maintaining Earth's heat budget. What are the possible implications of rising concentration of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in atmosphere on Earth's heat budget? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5459,"topper":"Pooja Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/275ab-36343_1245_pooja-kumar_rank_207.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the attributes of leadership, analyse why it is important for a civil servant.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"A civil servant needs to be objective as well as empathetic. What do you understand by objectivity? Discuss its relationship with empathy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"With rapidly increasing use of information technology, what according to you is the role of ethics in cyber space? , ?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Transparency in government organisations is an essential pre-condition for good governance. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: / : (a) A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but its lowest ones. Nelson Mandela , -","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"For achieving success, attitude is equally, if not more important than ability. Discuss with the help of examples from your daily life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"The core of high Emotional Intelligence is self-awareness. If you don't understand your own motivations and behaviours, it is nearly impossible to develop an understanding of others. Discuss with the help of appropriate examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by Integrity Pacts? Highlight the role they can play in bringing transparency in allotment of public contracts and ensuring proper utilization of public funds in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"In the context of rapid technological change, discuss the significance of inculcating moral and spiritual values in educational institutions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Explain the main elements of integral humanism as propounded by Deen Dayal Upadhyay and highlight its contemporary relevance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"It is imperative for a country like India, that code of ethics should be implemented for civil servants on social media platforms as well. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Discuss how effective corporate governance can ensure the equitable treatment of all stakeholders.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"You are posted as the Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district of a state where alcohol prohibition has been imposed recently. The District Excise department has conducted many raids and seized liquor in large quantities, for which it has received state-wide public appreciation. A few months later reports surface in the media that in this district, hundreds of seized bottles of illicit liquor are missing from the government malkhanas or stores. As a result, the government is left red-faced. You are asked by the DM, who is the overall in-charge of the district excise setup, to investigate the matter. Upon investigation, you unearth a nexus of politicians and government officials who smuggled seized liquor and sold it through spurious means both inside and outside the state. In this context, evaluate these options:","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Being aware of the seriousness of the matter, discretely put the detailed investigation report in the public domain and expose the nexus. Also, suggest, without restricting yourself to the given options, the final course of action that you would prefer.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate in a Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected district. The district has witnessed many instances of violence by the naxalites in the past. It has been observed that instances of violence increase as the elections approach. You, as a Returning Officer, are responsible for the smooth conduct of elections. Soon after the announcement of elections, the naxalites gave a call for their boycott and have been threatening people to stay away from them. The people of the district are eager to exercise their voting rights but are scared of the impending acts of violence. Further, with threat to their lives and a low expected turnout, the other electoral officers are also reluctant to go to these areas. In this context, answer the following: (a) Identify the civil service values that are crucial for working in such adversities. (b) Suggest a plan of action to ensure the conduct of free and fair elections in such a situation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate in a district, where many large factories and commercial establishments are located. One such factory is owned by one of your close friends. You visit each other's home frequently and are often seen in public together. Recently, media reported about poor working conditions in your friend's factory. Upon enquiry with the labor office, you come to know that the factory has witnessed frequent labour unrests in the past as well. However, the labour officer told you that he was hesitating to take any action due to your proximity with the owner of the factory. With reference to the facts of the case, answer the following questions: (a) Identifying the stakeholders and public cause, discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) As the District Magistrate, what appropriate course of action will you take? Give reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are a resident of a remote tribal district, where there is high incidence of malnutrition. As a remedial measure, the District Magistrate has initiated a programme to promote millet cultivation, especially on the lands currently lying fallow in the district. However, this well-intentioned move of the officer receives flak from the local tribals as this may not only change their age-old food habits, but also alter their traditional agricultural practices. They further cite lower remunerative prices of millets as another reason for continuing with their existing crop production pattern. As a civil servant aspirant, who has a keen interest in development of tribal areas, answer the following questions: (a) What according to you are the key issues and challenges involved in the above situation? (b) Identify the key stakeholders and their respective interests. (c) Suggest a course of action that the District Magistrate can take keeping in mind the larger tribal interests.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You have recently been posted as a District Labour Officer in a state, which derives a substantial revenue from tourism. You come to know that a big hotel in the area has not been paying wages as per the Minimum Wages Act. The hotel owner is a powerful local leader having contacts with many influential officials of the state. You have the power to take sou-moto cognizance of such violations and accordingly you initiate a preliminary enquiry into the matter. However, no worker is willing to come forward to lodge a formal complaint because they fear loss of employment. Meanwhile, your action has attracted notice of the higher authorities, and you are advised to drop the matter altogether. You are deeply concerned about the situation as it involves not only violation of the Minimum Wages Act but also denial of basic human rights of the worker. (a) Identify the issues involved in the given case. (b) Consider the options given below:","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Serve a notice to the hotel owner and initiate action as per your powers under the Minimum Wages Act. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each of these options and suggest your preferred course of action, giving reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"You are the Chairman of a Committee, constituted by the government, to suggest measures to improve the quality of education in state-run schools. In view of the increasing dropout rate and the widening gap between students' learning ability in state-run and private schools, answer the following questions: (a) Examine the role of government in the education sector, especially providing primary and secondary education through state-run schools. (b) Identify the principles and values that would guide your recommendations in this regard. (c) Suggest some ways in which quality of education in state-run schools can be improved.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5460,"topper":"Pooja Maeena","air":467,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b41ce-154350_2121_pooja-maeena_rank-467.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5461,"topper":"Pooja Maeena","air":467,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/db2eb-154350_2122_pooja-maeena_rank-467.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5462,"topper":"Pooja Maeena","air":467,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/f2948-154350_2123_pooja-maeena_rank-467.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5463,"topper":"Pooja Malani","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/48f94f4c58dc4d501f6f42102607e751/43/pttp220889_tc062.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"If you look into someone's face long enough, eventually you feel that you are looking into yourself","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"It is the province of knowledge to speak and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Drop the question what tomorrow may bring, and count as profit every day that fate allows you.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5464,"topper":"Pooja Malani","air":306,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/48f94f4c58dc4d501f6f42102607e751/42/pttp220889_tc061.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5465,"topper":"Pooja Malani","air":306,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/48f94f4c58dc4d501f6f42102607e751/44/pttp220889_tc065.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5466,"topper":"Pooja Malani","air":306,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Pooja-Malani-UPSC-IAS-2023-Toppers-AIR-306-Sample-MGP-Essay-Copy.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5467,"topper":"Pooja Malani","air":306,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ff162fc0430025272826e0c794787a7c/39/pttp220889_tc071-test-01-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5468,"topper":"Pooja Malani","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/124/pttp220889_tc073-test-03-gs-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by Windfall tax? Do you think that windfall taxes can effectively redistribute wealth and promote greater economic equality?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the perceived successes and challenges of implementing inflation targeting under the new Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) regime.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Assess the potential of millet production in promoting sustainable agriculture and improving food security in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)? Discuss its applications and how it can revolutionize the energy program of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Discuss in brief developments and challenges in the Gaganyaan mission of ISRO. What are the possible benefits of the mission for the society?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"What are the key lessons for disaster management and environmental conservation in the Himalayan reg...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"\"The recent radical trends in Punjab show that the Khalistan issue is still simmering.\" Discuss the ...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The anonymity and ease of drone operation contribute to the challenges of India's border security. E... What do you understand by Windfall tax? Do you think that windfall taxes can effectively redistribute wealth and promote greater economic equality?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5469,"topper":"Pooja Malani","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ff162fc0430025272826e0c794787a7c/41/pttp220889_tc073-test-03-gs-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"What do you understand by Windfall tax? Do you think that windfall taxes can effectively redistribute wealth and promote greater economic equality? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Discuss the perceived successes and challenges of implementing inflation targeting under the new Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) regime. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Assess the potential of millet production in promoting sustainable agriculture and improving food security in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Jal Jeevan Mission has the potential to end the regional disparity in the availability and accessibility of drinking water. Highlighting the significance of the mission, discuss the underlying impediments in achieving the desired objectives. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What do you understand by Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)? Discuss its applications and how it can revolutionize the energy program of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Discuss in brief developments and challenges in the Gaganyaan mission of ISRO. What are the possible benefits of the mission for the society? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"Green hydrogen can be the silver bullet in our quest to tackle climate change and pollution\". Critically analyze the statement in light of India's National Green Hydrogen mission. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What are the key lessons for disaster management and environmental conservation in the Himalayan region, in light of the recent disaster in Joshimath, Uttarakhand? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"The recent radical trends in Punjab show that the Khalistan issue is still simmering.\" Discuss the statement with respect to recent developments and suggest measures to handle it. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The anonymity and ease of drone operation contribute to the challenges of India's border security. Elaborate and give suggestions to tackle the drone problem in border areas. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Electricity Amendment Bill, 2022 brings several advantages for consumers, DISCOMs as well as the environment. Elaborate. Also, list out its shortcomings and suggest some measures to overcome them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) plays an important role in the regulation of the share market and safeguarding the interests of investors. In the light of given statement, highlight the challenges faced by the SEBI and suggest reforms in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Despite being a major contributor to the Indian economy, the agriculture sector is plagued by several constraints that impede its growth and development. Discuss the role of technology in overcoming these constraints. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Evaluate the impact of irrigation on the environment and natural resources, and suggest measures to ensure the sustainability and equity of irrigation practices in agriculture (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"How India benefitted strategically from the contributions of Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha and Dr. Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai in the fields of atomic energy and space technology respectively? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Genreative AI holds the potential to push the boundaries of innovation in the near future, yet its societal impact raises substantial challenges. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Explain the purpose of the \"Mangrove Alliance for Climate\" launched at the COP27 UN Climate Change Conference in Egypt in November 2022. Elaborate on the importance of mangroves in maintaining the coastal ecology of tropical nations. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"The Formation of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure brings more robustness to the Disaster Management approach in India. Comment and justify the need for a new strategy to tackle Disasters in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"The recent rise in ransomware attacks targeting critical infrastructure and major corporations has highlighted the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity measures and policies, Discussing the key factors contributing to this trend, analyze the impact of these attacks on various sectors. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"In the context of border security, how can cooperation and coordination between different security agencies be improved to ensure effective and efficient management of coastal and terrestrial borders? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5470,"topper":"Pooja Malani","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ff162fc0430025272826e0c794787a7c/40/pttp220889_tc074-test-04-gs-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand by \"integrity-based civil disobedience\"? Do you think a challenge to personal integrity can be a justifiable cause for responsible disobedience in civil services? Explain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Recent research has shown that emotions significantly impact personal and professional lives. What are the primary emotions that negatively and positively impact workplace productivity? Explain with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Technical efficiency ensures resource utilization and social efficiency ensures fulfillment of social needs, what does ethical efficiency ensure? Do you think ethical efficiency is more important than technical and social efficiency? Why/Why not? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Man cannot do right in one department of life whilst he is occupied in doing wrong in any other department.\" Gandhi. Do you think an individual's personal ethics impacts professional life or they both can be compartmentalized? Explain your position with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Goodness is the result of internal imperatives to do what is right, not sanctions from moral rules or rewards from expected consequences. Do you agree? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance. (a) \"To tolerate is purely an act of the mind. That is the essence of virtue. To tolerate is a strength.\" (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"In the context of civil service, distinguish between moral and nonmoral values. Identify 5 basic moral values that can serve as foundational values for all services irrespective of the department. Give reasons why those values can be considered foundational. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Citizens' involvement in decision-making is critical to ethics in governance. Do you agree that effective civic engagement mechanisms can facilitate an ethics-driven administration? What do you think are the mechanisms that citizens can use for ensuring ethics in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Social transformation programs such as \"beti bachao and beti padhao\" believes in using advice, counseling, and persuasion but sometimes a little force is also necessary for getting the desired response. Do you think it is a good idea to mix little force with persuasion by public administrators while implementing social schemes of transformation? Explain with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Ultimately foreign policy of every country hinges upon the strength which the nation possesses. Strength may be military or financial and may be also...moral.\" Do you think ethical strength without military or financial muscle will be respected in today's world? Explain your position. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":31,"question":"You are a young officer working with the Municipal Corporation of an industrial city. The city was known for manufacturing ball bearings and auto parts. Most manufacturing units were small-scale units with very little production process automation. The units relied on manual labor, which was in abundance due to the villages close by. As the number of manufacturing units grew, the demand for labor increased, bringing in a steady inflow of laborers into the city. This influx of people into the town led to a mushrooming of slums and encroachments on the sidewalks. Once in a while, the Corporation conducted drives to clear out the slums but after a time, the slums came back. The illegal slums had become an urban nightmare. You were given the responsibility of clearing out the encroachments and slums with the help of Police authorities. As you started the drive, you realized that the people living by the sidewalks were vulnerable compared to the slum dwellers. Many sidewalk dwellers had recently come to the city after selling their properties in their villages. Now if you drive them out, they have no place to go. Your heart went out to them, and you felt that your departmental action was inhumane, but your official responsibilities demanded stern impartial action. You are desperate to find a way to help the sidewalk dwellers without compromising your official duties. (a) What value conflicts do you notice in the above situation? (b) Can an administrator compromise the value of impartiality for empathy? Discuss. (c) What are the options available in the above situation? (d) Suggest viable solutions to deal with illegal slums and encroachments. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"A certain State government was running a welfare scheme for promoting safe motherhood among rural landless laborers' families. The scheme involves the transfer of funds to the beneficiaries to enable them to mitigate income loss due to maternal care responsibilities. Since its implementation, the scheme has done reasonably well on maternal health and economic indicators. You are the Director of the Department responsible for implementing and operating the scheme. Recently you have been receiving reports of welfare fraud being committed by families by producing fake bona fide. The families committed the fraud with the help of local officials responsible for scrutinizing the bonafide. You were concerned because the fraud was seriously undermining the scheme's efficiency. You called for a departmental meeting to discuss and find a solution to the problem. In the meeting, it was decided to merge several available government data sets such as Aadhar cards, voter ID cards, marriage certificates, birth certificates, bank details, and other personal assets. By merging all the data sets, the department would be able to develop the beneficiary's economic profile. And this will help the department scrutinize the documents and detect fraud. This was a comprehensive strategy, but it risked violating an individual's data privacy. As a Department head, you wanted to detect and prevent fraud, but at the same time, you were apprehensive about violating the Data privacy of the stakeholders. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) Do you think violating data privacy is justified to prevent welfare fraud? Why/ Why not? (c) What, according to you, can be the reasons for such welfare frauds happening in the country? (d) Are there any ways and means to prevent such fraud? Give your suggestions. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"You are posted in the Department of Mines, and one of your roles is to help your Department Head negotiate mining leases with private contractors. Recently, the state government demarcated a new mining zone and planned to invite bids for the mining blocs. You were instructed to oversee the bidding process and speed up the contract negotiations. As planned, the tenders were released, bids came in, and tenders were allocated as per the norms. All this happened at a breakneck speed. You wondered, why the hurry? But it was not your place to think and question; you quietly went about your work. As the contractors were about to start operations, you had to instruct them on environmental concerns to watch out for. And to do that, you read the environmental impact assessment report submitted by the consulting firm hired by the department. To your surprise, the report was shoddy and looked cooked up. You got suspicious and raised the issue with your Head, who politely instructed you to do what you were told, and he reminded you that the Department had revenue targets and was under pressure from the Ministry. After the meeting, you, on your own accord, did some digging and found out that the report was fraudulent and the mining activity that was about to start would lead to a massive environmental disaster which the State could not afford. (a) What are the issues and value violations you notice in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you? (c) Discuss the advantage and disadvantages of each option and identify your chosen course of action. (d) Do you think that environmental considerations are sometimes overrated at the cost of development? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Do you think corporate businesses such as GAMA must consider international ethics while pursuing business interests? Why/why not? (c) Do you think a corporate's social responsibility extends beyond one's immediate community to the international community? Why/Why not? (d) Do you think the Defence sector companies marketing sensitive technologies must be regulated by their respective governments, or regulation may curtail their entrepreneurial and innovative energy? Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":5471,"topper":"Pooja Malani","air":306,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Pooja-Malani-UPSC-IAS-2023-Toppers-AIR-306-Sample-MGP-Ethics-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Note Yo can discuss your evaluated copy with the Mentor. Raise a ticket from your portal to Schedule a mentor call or visit the offine centre to meet mentor (all 7 days, Timings- 11 AM to 6 PMJ, Further if you are unsatisfied with the evaluation, you can seek re-evaluation of the copy Poor Very Poor Parameters Excellent Very Good Good Average Language","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Ethical governance is the foundation of a welfare state. Identify essential ethical trajts of a welfare state. Discuss ways and means to promote ethics in governance. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Analyse various ethical concerns related to abortion and give your opinion on the issue (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Conscience keeps ethics from fading when faced with a tough decision. Discuss in context of civil servants. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":5472,"topper":"Pooja Malani","air":306,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/114/pttp220889_tc074-test-04-gs-4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5473,"topper":"Pooja Malani","air":306,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b53ef-282979_2096_pooja_malani_rank_306.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5474,"topper":"Pooja Malani","air":306,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c251f-282979_2097_pooja_malani_rank_306.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5475,"topper":"Pooja Malani","air":306,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9030c-282979_2098_pooja_malani_rank_306.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Sustainable agriculture must be both ecologically and socially sustainable. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss the issues relating to the entitlement of transgender in Indian society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Is Caste census a necessity of the time or a divisive exercise? Substantiate with logical arguments.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"The decision of and ability for women to participate in the labour force is the outcome of various socio-economic factors that interact in a complex fashion at both the micro and macrolevel. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss the notion of Lateral entry into bureaucracy through the lens of different sociological perspectives.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"It is necessary that sexual violence has no place in society, and the institution of marriage is no exception to it. Critically discuss in context of criminalising marital rape in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Social Exclusion is maintained through the rules of purity and pollution which have deep roots in religion. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Does education influence politics or is it the other way round? Give logical arguments in support of your answer.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"Despite of a progressive law, accessing abortion by women is still challenging in India. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"Be it caste or communal violence, they stall the growth of the nation. Discuss in light of rising communal unrest in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Discuss P N Mukherjee's thoughts on Indigenisation and Social Mobility.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"A legalistic approach to increasing the age at marriage will produce positive results only if structural factors prevailing in the society are properly addressed. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Discuss the Sub-altern perspective of David Hardiman in studying Indian Society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"To what extent human rights and religious faith are at crossroads to each other?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5476,"topper":"Pooja Malani","air":306,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b7cd2-282979_2300_pooja_malani_rank_306.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5477,"topper":"Pooja Malani","air":306,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/118/pttp220889_tc071-test-01-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5478,"topper":"Pooja Malani","air":306,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Pooja-Malani-UPSC-IAS-2023-Toppers-AIR-306-Sample-MGP-GS-Copy.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5479,"topper":"Pooja Meena","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a3e51-154350_1838_pooja-meena_rank-467.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The Chalukyan architecture uniquely epitomises the grandeur and hybrid characteristic style of temple building. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The success or failure of a political movement is not always determined by the achievement of its stated goals. Discuss in light of the Ghadar movement. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss the ways in which Gandhian conceptualisation of Sarvodaya influenced Vinoba Bhave's Bhoodan movement. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Bring out the evidences, which led to the Plate Tectonics Theory. Also, discuss how this theory explains the movement of plates. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Give an account of the formation of Abyssal Plains and highlight the relief features found on these plains. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What are the geographical and climatic conditions required for tea cultivation? In this context, discuss the reasons for the introduction of tea cultivation in the Duars region of the Himalayas by the British. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Briefly bring out the distinction between flash droughts and conventional droughts. Also, examine the reasons behind the increasing vulnerability of India to flash droughts. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Though various initiatives have been taken to ensure social security for informal workers in India, there still exist gaps which need to be plugged. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Critically assess the government's move on raising the age of marriage of women in India from 18 to 21 years. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Reservation for locals in private sector has again brought the debate around regionalism into focus. In this context, examine whether regionalism is a threat to national integration. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Explain how agricultural surplus, growth of crafts and trade, and growing population led to the second urbanisation in ancient India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"India of the 18th century failed to make progress economically, culturally and socially at a pace, which would have saved the country from collapse. (250 words) 15 Comment.","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The withdrawal of the Civil Disobedience Movement triggered a two-stage debate on the strategic course of India's freedom struggle. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Throw light on the causes, course and outcomes of the Civil War, which followed the Russian Revolution. Also, bring out the reasons behind the Bolshevik victory. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What are Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs)? Highlighting the susceptibility of the Himalayan region to GLOFs, state the measures required to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Highlighting the importance of ice sheets, discuss the likely impact of their melting on the planet with special focus on India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are twin cyclones? Discuss the role of Rossby waves and Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) in their formation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Since independence, planning strategies for women's upliftment has evolved from welfare to development to empowerment. Elucidate. Also, discuss the role played by voluntary organizations in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How far do you agree with the view that globalisation has aggravated the challenges faced by the poor in India? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5480,"topper":"Pooja Meena","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d7e77-154350_1840_pooja-meena_rank-467.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"While fixed-term employment offers an ingenious way to address specific issues faced by both employers and employees, there are also some concerns associated with it. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"An efficient logistics sector with a focus on warehousing is pivotal to the success of the Bharatmala Pariyojana. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'irrigation scheduling'? Bringing out the advantages provided by it, discuss the difficulties faced in applying it on a farm level. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"While the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana was touted as the largest crop insurance scheme globally in terms of farmer participation, various concerns have arisen since its implementation. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The Stockholm Conference commenced the contemporary \"environmental era\", which brought a paradigm shift in the environmental governance and set a tone for multi-lateral environmental regime. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The world has witnessed a huge surge in climate-induced disasters, which are largely driven by anthropogenic factors. In this context, analyse the role of early warning systems in mitigating the impact of the disasters. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Critically examine the implications of leveraging technology in policing. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"How far do you agree with the view that climate change poses a threat to international peace and security? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by a virtual private network (VPN)? Highlight its advantages and discuss the concerns posed by it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The discovery of the Higgs Boson at the Large Hadron Collider in CERN completed 10 years recently. In this context, discuss the role played by CERN in overall scientific development. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlighting the factors that affect the cropping pattern in India, discuss the need for modifying it in the context of the emerging agro-ecological concerns. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"While the budgetary reforms undertaken by the Central government in recent years have led to better management of government expenditure, there are some issues that still need redressal. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"For India to create a 'future ready' railway system, it must harness innovation and resource efficiency. Discuss the statement in the context of the measures enlisted in the National Rail Plan 2030. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the significance of technology in the Indian agricultural sector. Also, state the challenges in realising its potential to improve agricultural efficiency and increase the income of the farmers. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite the digital transformation in the Public Distribution System (PDS) in India, several challenges still remain. Elaborate. Also, suggest measures to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss the various concerns that exist with regard to fuel efficiency regulations for vehicles in India. Also, suggest the measures that can be taken in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Urban fire is becoming a serious cause of concern in Indian cities. In this context, highlight the major causes behind urban fires in India. What steps can be taken to build robust fire resilience in Indian cities? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Drones in border areas present a serious threat for border management in India. Elaborate. Also, discuss the different measures taken to regulate the use of drones in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Despite a global framework to prevent weaponization of space, it has been increasing in the recent times. Discuss. Also, give an account of the implications of space weaponization. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"What do you understand by a bio-economy? Highlight the role that the National Biotechnology Development Strategy 2021-2025 can play in creating a robust bio-economy in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5481,"topper":"Pooja Meena","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b112c-154350_1835_pooja-meena_rank-467.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The withdrawal of general consent to the CBI by certain state governments in India threatens the spirit of cooperative federalism in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Stating the sources of finance for local self-governments in India, suggest ways to strengthen their financial position. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Cabinet Committees play an important role in reinstating collective responsibility and principle of homogeneity of the Executive in the Indian Parliamentary system. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"There is a need to overhaul the public procurement and project management (PPPM) framework of India for faster, efficient and transparent execution of government projects. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Adequate measures are required to overcome the challenges and vulnerabilities associated with undertaking social accountability initiatives and institutionalising them. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"In view of the recent Parliamentary Standing Committee report, discuss the issues faced by the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) and suggest measures that can be adopted to strengthen it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"While the Mid-Day Meal scheme was aimed at fulfilling the nutritional needs of students, it is far behind in achieving this objective. Discuss. Also, suggest remedial measures in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) remain critical for the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In this context, discuss the impediments in the fulfilment of SRHR in India. Also, mention the steps that can be taken in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"State the functions of the United Nations Human Rights Council. Also, discuss the issues faced by the Council in the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"West Asia is an important strategic region for India with profound geo-political and geo-economic significance. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Disenfranchising prisoners desecrates a cherished value in a democracy i.e. 'right to vote', which should be guarded earnestly. Discuss in the light of The Representation of The People Act, 1951. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"There are similarities and interactions between the affirmative action adopted by India and USA owing to similar historical injustices faced by their respective vulnerable groups. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Objections to domicile-based reservation in private sector jobs on the grounds of constitutional equality and freedom are misplaced. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"There have been arguments that sedition law is an attack on the very foundation of India's liberal democratic principles, as enshrined in the Constitution. Do you agree? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite Government e-Marketplace facing certain challenges, it has brought about a significant improvement in the procurement of goods and services by various government agencies. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"A reformed system of recruitment, training and evaluation needs to be put in place to take forward the development of a highly efficient and accountable civil service. Discuss in the context of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Despite initiatives taken by the Indian government to achieve critical goals in the education sector, major interventions are required to tackle learning poverty as well as the persisting inequalities. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"In light of the burgeoning burden of both communicable and non-communicable diseases, there is a need to revamp the public health surveillance system in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The repercussions of the ongoing economic crisis in Sri Lanka extend beyond its borders. Discuss with specific reference to India. Also, mention the steps that India has taken to assist Sri Lanka tide over the crisis. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India is a reliable partner in the Indian Ocean Region and can take on the role of being the net security provider in the region. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5482,"topper":"Pooja Meena","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/56de1-154350_1841_pooja-meena_rank-467.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the meaning of self-efficacy, along with its key determinants. Also, discuss the significance of high self-efficacy for a civil servant. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have the right to do and what is right to do. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Dealing with an ethical dilemma not only requires following rules and regulations, but also requires adherence to moral prudence and altruism. Explain in the context of civil services in India, with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Code of Conduct for the civil services in India has merely remained a code; it has not helped promote ethical and moral values in governance. In this context, discuss the need for a National Commission on Integrity and Transparency in Governance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Digital ethics principles are necessary to prevent erosion of public values and deal with the ethical implications of digitizing governance systems. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Despite differences in terms of organizational values guiding the public and private sectors, there remain certain values that are equally important to both. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Bring out the difference between accountability and responsibility. Also, discuss the significance of accountability in ensuring ethical governance in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Though laws and rules can be considered as the principal guide on morality for public administrators, they are not sufficient in themselves. Substantiate with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Transparency is vital to cultivate public trust in government and to prevent, detect and deter corruption effectively. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"'Just-in-time' release of funds heralds a significant reform for the Indian government's payment architecture. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.\"- Marcus Aurelius (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"The forces in a capitalist society, if left unchecked, tend to make the rich richer and the poor poorer.\" - Jawaharlal Nehru (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate in a district, which is witnessing a high caseload of COVID-19 pandemic patients. The physical infrastructure and human resources in the district are stretched much beyond their capacity. At the peak of the pandemic, certain reports emerge that the District Medical Officer has been misusing his position to abuse female employees in his department and coercing them to have sexual relations with him. However, the concerned officer not only has an impeccable academic record but also a profound professional track record. You also need his presence and guidance to deal with the pandemic situation in the district. But, there is pressure from the media and civil society organisations to immediately report the matter to the State authorities for action against the concerned officer. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders and issues involved in the above case. (b) What are the options available to you? Discuss their pros and cons. (c) What will be your final course of action? Justify with reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"You are an Airworthiness Officer posted with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, tasked to conduct the safety audit of a major airline of the country. During the recent audit, you find that some of the airplanes belonging to the airline do not fully meet a few of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) safety standards. The issues are minor, mainly pertaining to some incomplete aircraft maintenance logs and safety rules related to training of the crew. The airline belongs to a very influential business conglomerate with close ties to all major national political parties and has a long history of ethical business practises. The point person appointed by the airline to communicate with you has assured that everything will be in order in a couple of months. Your senior in the department has also indicated that it is best not to mention such minor issues in the report, particularly given the image of the business group involved and the trust it enjoys. He also reiterates the assurance given by the airline to address these issues at the earliest in a time-bound manner. However, you are aware that airline safety norms are paramount and every other consideration is secondary to the safety of the crew and passengers. As a public servant appointed to uphold public trust, answer the following: (a) Bring out the dilemmas that you face, elaborating on the competing values in the given situation. (b) What are the options available to you? Discuss the merits and demerits of each. Which of these will you choose and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"With the advent of 24x7 news and prevalence of an array of news sources across the board, the media is omnipresent in nature. In this competitive environment, many media professionals who are overcome by deadlines, bottom-line imperatives, and corporate interests are losing sight of the ethical implications of their work. Further, there have been several cases of irresponsible reporting where the reportage has interfered with court proceedings, compromised delicate security situations or led to the spread of fake or unverified news. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the ethical issues prevalent in the profession of media. (b) How does unethical reporting and sensationalization of news impact the society? (c) What can be done to strengthen the role of ethics in media?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5483,"topper":"Pooja Meena","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e8019-154350_1837_pooja-meena_rank-467.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"With the help of appropriate examples, discuss the ethical challenges involved in policing in India. Also, highlight the reasons behind corruption in the police force. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"It is not only public servants, but also the common citizens who play a key role in institutionalising high standards of ethical conduct and good governance. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"While emotional intelligence is an essential tool for a public servant, it can also be misused to manipulate people to act against their own interests. Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.\" Nelson Mandela (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":5484,"topper":"Pooja Soni","air":249,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/POOJA-SONI-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-249-Sample-MGP-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Q.1) Examine the scope and significance of the Supreme Court's advisory jurisdiction under Article 143 of the Constitution. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Q.2) What is delimitation, and why is it important? What challenges are associated with the delimitation exercise in India?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Q.3) How has asymmetric federalism helped India accommodate its diverse regional needs? Discuss with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Q.4) Explain how terms 'socialist' and 'secular' in the Preamble embody specific meanings in the Indian context.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Q.5) The role of State Finance Commissions in building regional equity and strengthening the federal link has largely been underutilized. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Q.7 Outline the salient features of New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 related to school education. What does it state about medium of instruction in schools?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Q.8) Throw light on the legal frameworks that are in place to ensure women's safety in India. What further steps are needed to enhance their safety and well-being?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Q.9 \"A multipolar world order is not merely an option but a necessity\". Elaborate. How can India leverage its position to strengthen multipolarity in the global arena?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Q.10 \"ASEAN is the cornerstone of India's Act East Policy and its Indo-Pacific vision.\" Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Q.11) Discuss the various administrative challenges faced by local self-governments (LSGs). What measures do you suggest for devolving administrative powers to LSGs, enabling them to function as institutions of genuine self-government?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.12) In light of recent developments, the Collegium system and the Supreme Court's decision to strike down the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) Act, 2014 have once again come under scrutiny. Do you think that a NJAC-like body can make judicial appointments more transparent, broad-based, and accountable? Justify your answer.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.13) Differentiate the pardoning powers of the Presidents of India and the USA. Also, critically examine the vesting of clemency power in the executive.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.14 What constitutes corrupt practices under the Representation of the People Act, 1951? Also, discuss the challenges in curbing such malpractices and suggest remedial measures.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.15 Discuss the role of the Vice-President as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. Also describe the procedure for his/her removal from office.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.16 \"Universal Basic Income (UBI) is a viable solution to eradicate extreme poverty in India.\" Critically discuss the statement.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.17 What are the key determinants of malnutrition among under-five children in the country? Also, elaborate on the role of nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions in addressing this issue.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"\"Data is the new Oil\". In this context, discuss the need for transparent and accountable data governance frameworks in India. What steps has the government taken in this regard?","marks":"15","words":"15"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.19 Critically examine the role of International Monetary Fund (IMF) in addressing debt distress in the Global South. How can India use its post-G20 presidency momentum to push IMF reforms?","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5485,"topper":"Pooja Soni","air":249,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/POOJA-SONI-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-249-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1 \"Bhagavad Gita and Natyashastra are not merely texts; they exemplify the timeless wisdom, richness and diversity of Indian knowledge traditions.\" Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) The Harappan civilization was a \"technological powerhouse\" that laid the foundation for sophisticated urban living in ancient South Asia. In light of this statement, discuss the key technological breakthroughs and contributions of this Bronze Age culture.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Why is the First World War considered as the first 'total' war in modern history?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Highlight the differences in the approach of Bhagat Singh and Mahatma Gandhi in the struggle for freedom.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) Briefly explain the processes through which the earth-atmosphere system maintains heat balance.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) What characteristics of the monsoon climate play a crucial role in sustaining agriculture in Monsoon Asia?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) Account for the factors influencing the location of semiconductor industries across the world.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) Unemployment is not just an economic challenge, but a social one with far-reaching consequences. In this context, discuss the social impact of unemployment in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 Globalization has facilitated the influx of global brands and multinational corporations into the Indian market, significantly altering the consumer behaviour. Do you agree? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) Discuss how social media is reshaping identity formation and self-worth among adolescents in contemporary Indian society.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 The fusion of Islamic architectural styles with indigenous Indian traditions played a key role in the evolution of Indo-Islamic architecture in the country. Discuss with examples.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 'Emergency' is one of the most controversial and widely debated events in Indian politics. How far do you agree with the view that it was imposed to fulfil individual political goals rather than serve national interests? Also, discuss the short-term and long-term impacts of the Emergency.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13) What are 'atmospheric rivers'? How do they influence global weather patterns and impact human settlements?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 Despite sharing a similar latitude, why does the Mediterranean climate vary from the China-type climate? How do the differences in climate affect life and economic activities in the region?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 \"The tropical Indian Ocean is likely to be in a near-permanent heatwave state.\" Discuss the factors responsible for the rapid warming of the Indian Ocean along with its multi-dimensional impacts.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 How can the demographic transition in the southern states, marked by low fertility rates and an aging population, impact the region's economic growth and social welfare policies?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 Incidence of extreme rainfall events and flash floods in recent times has led to devastating consequences for major cities of India. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 “Air pollution is as much an issue of equity and justice as it is an environmental one.” Elaborate with examples.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Analyze the socio-cultural factors contributing to the high attrition rate among women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers in India. Suggest measures to improve their retention in STEM.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 \"Caste census is relevant and necessary for any well-designed policy to reduce social inequality\". Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5486,"topper":"Pooja Soni","air":249,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/POOJA-SONI-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-249-Sample-MGP-Copy-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) The increasing use of digital surveillance technologies for maintaining law and order is a debatable issue. Critically examine the statement from the ethical point of view.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) Knowledge and skills are important, but they must be grounded in ethical principles for true success. In this context, discuss the importance of ethics in education and the role of educational institutions in imparting ethical values.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) How does persuasion help achieve a desired change in attitude? What are the elements of an effective persuasive approach?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) While scientific research drives technological progress and societal development, its funding often raises ethical questions. What ethical concerns arise from corporate sponsorship of scientific research, and how can these be addressed?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context?\na) \"Where do the evils like corruption arise from? It comes from the never-ending greed. The fight for corruption-free ethical society will have to be fought against this greed and replace it with 'what can I give' spirit.\" - A.P.J. Abdul Kalam","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) \"The greatest glory in living lies not in never failing, but in rising every time we fail.\" - Nelson Mandela","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"c) \"Your goodness is an impediment in your way, so let your eyes be red with anger, and try to fight the injustice with a firm hand.\" - Sardar Patel","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.4) a) What do you understand by the term \"Conflict of Interest\"? How does it manifest in the decision making by public servants? In what ways can it be minimized?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"b) \"In post-conflict rehabilitation, the pursuit of justice must be balanced with the need for reconciliation.\" Examine this statement in the context of addressing ethnic violence.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.5) a) In the ever-evolving landscape of academic institutions, administrators must not only manage academic issues but also emotional and interpersonal dynamics. In this context, discuss the significance of emotionally intelligent administrators in higher education.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"b) \"The recognition of the horrors of nuclear weapons should compel nations to move towards meaningful disarmament. However geopolitical interests continue to hinder genuine progress in this direction. What are the ethical considerations of nuclear states to pursue global disarmament, and how can the international community balance security concerns with the moral imperative of a nuclear-free world?\"","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"4 What International Community Do:\n1) accept no just use policy by all. offensive use strictly prohibited.\n2) Collective effort to curb terrorism. Zero tolerance towards state sponsored terrorism.\n3) Phased disarmament lead by developed countries like USA, Russia.\n4) Legally binding commitment of disarmament treaty.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Q.6) a) “Probity in governance is an essential and vital requirement for an efficient and effective system of governance and for socio-economic development.” Discuss the statement with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Q.7) Arushi is a young IPS officer known for her competence, integrity, and relentless dedication to challenging tasks. Recognizing her excellent track record, her superiors have chosen her to handle a sensitive assignment in a tribal-dominated district notorious for illegal bauxite mining. Here, the mafia mines bauxite from mineral-rich lands, transports it by truck, and sells it on the black market. This illegal operation thrives with the support of certain local officials and tribal musclemen who intimidate the local population and bribe select poor tribals to maintain control and silence.\n\nUpon assuming the new role, Arushi quickly grasps the ground realities and identifies the mafia's modus operandi, characterized by a series of devious tactics. Her inquiries reveal that several employees in her office are colluding with the mafia, forming an unholy nexus that enables these illegal operations. Determined to dismantle this network, she initiates strict actions, including raids on trucks transporting illegally mined bauxite. These actions significantly disrupt the mafia's operations, unsettling criminals unaccustomed to such resistance. Some office employees allegedly allied with the mafia inform the criminals of her determination to dismantle their operations, posing a serious threat to their profits. In response, the mafia adopts a counter-offensive strategy. Tribal strongmen and mafia operatives begin issuing direct threats to her, warning of severe consequences if the raids continue. Her family (husband and elderly mother) are stalked and placed under virtual surveillance, causing mental anguish and stress for them all. Matters assume serious propositions when a muscleman appears in her office and threatens that if she does not halt raids, etc., she will suffer the same fate as a predecessor officer who was killed by the mafia a decade earlier.\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb) Identify and evaluate the different options available to Arushi under the given situation.\nc) Which option would she adopt and why?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.8) The Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) is proposed on a river in a northeastern state of India, a recognized biodiversity hotspot. Covered in dense forests, this region harbors a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including numerous endemic species. Although sparsely populated, the region's communities have livelihoods and cultural practices deeply intertwined with the natural landscape. Its ecological wealth has been preserved over the years due to its environmental significance and cultural heritage. Additionally, the Upper Siang basin holds immense strategic importance due to its proximity to international borders, offering potential leverage in regional security and resource management.\nThe SUMP aims to harness the river's energy for economic growth, proposing infrastructure that includes an 11,000 MW \"mega dam,\" power stations, and transmission lines that could transform the state into a renewable energy hub. Proponents argue that the project will boost the state's economy through power generation, employment, and enhanced infrastructure while also helping meet the country's clean energy targets.\nHowever, a local NGO has raised concerns about the ecological and social costs of SUMP. The project would require extensive forest clearance, which plays a crucial role in carbon sequestration. Additionally, experts warn that construction activities could disturb the region's delicate ecosystems. This may affect riverine biodiversity and increase the risk of soil erosion and sedimentation, with potential downstream effects on agriculture and water quality. Another major issue raised is the potential displacement and cultural impact on local communities. This could threaten their subsistence-based livelihoods and disrupt their way of life. Critics also highlight that the project may contradict India's commitments to sustainable development.\nDespite these concerns, supporters of the project argue that SUMP's strategic importance and clean energy potential cannot be ignored. Moreover, they emphasize the project's strategic location, which would strengthen energy security, reduce regional inequalities, and contribute to the country's long-term development goals. They argue that amidst rising energy demands, the country cannot afford to forgo such an opportunity, especially given the presence of hydroelectric projects across borders that could shift regional control over water resources.\n(a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\n(b) In your opinion, which should take priority between development and conservation, and why?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"(a) उपयुक्त परिस्थिति में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों का वर्णन कीजिए?\n(b) आपकी राय में विकास और संरक्षण में से किसे प्राथमिकता दी जानी चाहिए और क्यों?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":37,"question":"Q.9) Inside a busy city administration office, Joint Municipal Commissioner Keerthi, who also serves as the Public Information Officer (PIO), faces a challenging situation. Recently, an RTI application has been received, demanding details about public infrastructure projects initiated during her tenure. Upon reviewing the requested information, Keerthi discovers that certain decisions made regarding these projects were not entirely sound in hindsight. These decisions, although taken in good faith and after due diligence, failed to realize promised outcomes. There were other employees also who were party to this decision. The disclosure of this information could potentially lead to scrutiny and backlash against herself, the employees, and contractors involved. Known for her integrity and commitment to public service, Keerthi finds herself at a crossroads. The RTI Act has served as a critical check against administrative arbitrariness, ensuring transparency and accountability. However, she also observes a troubling trend. RTI applications are often used by vested interests and activists seeking personal gain rather than genuine public interest. Some activists even resort to threats or extortion tactics, undermining the integrity of the RTI process. She fears the requested RTI information could be similarly exploited. Moreover, the employees involved are requesting her to withhold the information. In navigating this situation, Keerthi weighs her options carefully.\n(a) Critically examine the options available to Keerthi in the above situation.\n(b) Which of the above would be the most appropriate for Keerthi and why?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Q.10 Littering at popular tourist destinations has become a significant environmental and ethical concern in India. A recent incident highlighted this issue when tourists were observed throwing tissue papers and a cake box on the road after celebrating a birthday. When a local politely requested them to use a nearby dustbin just 5 feet away, the tourists dismissed the appeal, claiming no dustbin was available. The situation escalated when their driver threw a plastic bag into the adjacent valley.\n\nPublic reactions to the incident were divided. Some individuals commended the intervention as an effort to promote civic responsibility, emphasizing the need to protect fragile ecosystems like hill stations. Many argued that tourists must adhere to basic environmental ethics and that public spaces are a shared responsibility. Critics also highlighted the broader implications of such irresponsible behavior on the environment and local livelihoods.\n\nOn the other hand, the tourists involved accused those intervening of interfering in their personal affairs, claiming their privacy was being violated. The argument that the tourists were being publicly shamed through the viral video added another layer to the ethical debate. Many questioned whether posting such incidents online, even for a social cause, was appropriate or necessary.\n\nThe debate continues, with one side emphasizing the collective responsibility to preserve public spaces and the environment, while the other raises concerns about individual privacy and autonomy.\n(a) What are the ethical concerns associated with tourists littering at public destinations?\n(b) How can ethical tourism practices be integrated into policies to address issues like littering at tourist destinations?\n(c) Suggest a course of action that balances environmental responsibility and individual rights. Justify your answer.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"(a) Ethical concern associated with tourist littering at public destination","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"Q.11 You are the Operations Manager at a fast-growing technology startup, NexGen Solutions, known for its innovative projects and timely delivery. The startup's environment is fast-paced, with tight deadlines and high expectations from clients and investors. Your current project, creating a cutting-edge AI based application, is critical for securing upcoming funding and partnerships. Your small, capable team includes four software developers and two project coordinators, with an equal number of men and women.\nRecently, the team has encountered major challenges. Priya, one of the female developers, has requested leave to care for her ailing mother. Meanwhile, another team member, Ayesha, is struggling to manage her workload along with caring for her infant child. As a result, other team members have taken on extra tasks, impacting their work-life balance and causing heightened stress. With the project deadline looming, tensions in the team have become visible. During a crucial project meeting, Karan, a senior developer, voices his frustration, saying, “Perhaps it’s not ideal to have team members who can’t fully commit during critical stages.”\nKaran’s remark triggers an immediate reaction. Neha, a project coordinator, finds his comment offensive and reports it to the Human Resources (HR) Department. She also hints that she might bring the issue to social media, which could harm the startup’s image. The HR Department, located at the company’s headquarters, investigates and recommends disciplinary action against Karan, emphasizing the importance of a respectful, inclusive workplace. Their recommendation puts you in a difficult situation. The project is already delayed, and losing a senior developer like Karan could jeopardize its timely completion.\nYou are now faced with a complex dilemma. On one hand, it’s vital to address the inappropriate comment and ensure a respectful work culture. On the other hand, you must keep the project on track without further demotivating your team.\n(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.\n(b) As the Operations Manager, how would you deal with the given situation?\n(c) Based on the case study, discuss the challenges faced by women at workplace. How can such challenges be addressed?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"(a) ethical Issues Involved in this case\n(1) Keeping healthy work environment without compromising with personal comments, targets\n(2) Respect for women employee and maintain healthy environment.\n(3) HRD recommendation can jeopardise and delay the project\n(4) Team behaviors need a matter of investigation, decided freely and fairly.\n(5) Balancing organization (startup) sustainability need, and benchmark of healthy work environment.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5487,"topper":"Pooja Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/08966-175325_1240_pooja-yadav_rank-219.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"India's internal security challenges are intricately linked with the security of the country's borders. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Surveillance has emerged as a key component to pre-empt threats to national security. In this context, bringing out the issues in the present surveillance framework of India, suggest some measures to address them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the significance of FATF in fighting terrorism. In this regard, what are the tools available with it to fulfill its mandate? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Illustrate the concept and utility of Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS) in tackling the vulnerabilities along the Indo-Myanmar Border. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Given its structure and mandate, Defence Planning Committee (DPC) aims to move away adhocism towards a more structured defence-planning process. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Despite allegations of human rights violations under the AFSPA, it is a functional requirement for the army in disturbed areas. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlighting the role of space technology in border management, enumerate the steps taken so far in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Bring out the importance of international cooperation in fighting terrorism. In this context, throw light on UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Highlighting the debates surrounding women joining armed forces, suggest measures to improve women's participation in armed forces.(150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The use of Internet creates both challenges and opportunities in the fight against terrorism. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Identify the key threats to national security in the wake of climate change. Also, highlight India's stand and rationale on UN's decision to declare climate change as an international security issue. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Considering the sophisticated of cyber adversaries, it is imperative for India to focus on building a cyber-resilient environment. Discuss. Also, list some steps taken by the government to increase robustness of cyber security architecture in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Discuss the significance of India's island territories in its quest to become a net security provider in the Indian Ocean region. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Despite various initiatives, critical gaps in Indian maritime security architecture have remained. Examine. Suggest some policy measures to address the challenges of maritime security of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"A fine balance between security and developmental measures needs to be attained for tackling the menace of Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in India. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Despite various institutional reforms undertaken in the aftermath of 26/11 attack, India's internal-security architecture continues to grapple with a lot of challenges. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Illustrate the linkages between drug trafficking, organised crime and terrorism. In this regard, mention the steps that have been taken to arrest the availability of drugs in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Explaining the concept of asymmetric warfare, analyse the ways in which India's response to threats emanating from Pakistan has been evolving over the years. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Enumerate the factors responsible for spread of insurgency in the North-east region and its impact. Also highlight the developmental programmes initiated to combat insurgency in the region. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Give an account of the mandate of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). Highlighting the operational challenges faced by CRPF personnel, suggest measures to address those challenges. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5488,"topper":"Pooja Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1a487-175325_1228_pooja-yadav_rank-219.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"Explain the structure and functions of the National Human Rights Commission. In view of its functioning since its inception, suggest measures for further improvement. (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlight the ordinance-making powers of the Governor. Also enumerate the range of steps open to him when a Bill is presented after its passage by the state legislature. (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the issue of 'office of profit' as it has featured in the recent practices and debates in Indian polity. (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Highlight the importance of State Finance Commission in strengthening fiscal federalism in India. Do you agree with the view that they have not been provided with the necessary environment to play their rightful role? (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Explain the significance and controversies, if any, associated with the Article 35A of the Indian constitution. (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Independent India adopted a modified version of the Westminster model of government. In this context discuss the commonalities and differences between the political system of India and UK. (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Indian Constitution displays multiple features adopted from the practices around the world. Explain. How did the Government of India Act 1935 influence the constitution of independent India? (250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Highlighting different Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms available in India, explain their importance. Also, mention different measures that have been adopted to further improve the framework of ADR in India. (250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Identify the key areas of reforms required in the judicial system in India. In this context, examine the significance of the idea of putting in place an All-India Judicial Service. (250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"On the recent World Press Freedom Index (WPFI) India ranks 138. Elucidate the significance of media in a democracy like India. Identify the major issues affecting the media in contemporary times. In this context, enumerate the measures to address these issues. (250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the issues plaguing tribunals in India? Examine whether an independent autonomous body such as a National Tribunals Commission (NTC) can help in remedying these issues. (250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What are the different rights available to the consumers under the Consumer Protection Act, 1986? Explaining the three layered quasi-judicial mechanism put in place under the Act, mention the measures that can be taken to improve the functioning of these forums. (250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Success of the institutions of local self-governance depends largely on the attitude of state governments. Discuss in the context of constitutional provisions and recent experience of the working of these institutions in India. (250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5489,"topper":"Pooja Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/858a7-175325_1417_pooja-yadav_rank-219.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Dadabhai Naoroji left an indelible imprint on the national movement. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Quit India movement marked a new direction in the struggle against the British colonial rule in India. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The end of World War II marked the birth of a new international order. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Simla Agreement (1972) and Lahore Declaration (1999) are two key milestones in the history of the Indian subcontinent. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Social security should not only involve economic empowerment but also social empowerment. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Explain with examples how globalisation is manifested in both local in the global and the global in the local. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In light of persistence of various forms of violence against women in India, discuss the ways in which the issue can be addressed effectively. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What is an urban forest? Highlight its benefits and steps taken by the government to promote urban forestry in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"How has globalization impacted the location of the IT industry? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"How can eco-tourism be used to sustainably harness the potential of tourism industry in India? Discuss the challenges and steps taken by the government in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The advent of Buddhism and Jainism was instrumental in the development of architecture in ancient India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The reactionary policies of Lord Lytton and the liberal policies of his successor Lord Rippon acted as catalyst in the formation of the Indian National Congress. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Gandhiji changed his methods of struggle against the British from time-to-time to suit the varied circumstances and problems that needed to be tackled. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Bring out the relationship between the industrial revolution and the advent of imperialism in different parts of the world. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The caste system in India has continued to persist by adapting itself to a variety of changing socio-economic and political conditions in the past few decades. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"It is argued by some that regionalism is a threat to national integrity while others consider it as a highly impactful tool in facilitating political participation. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Describe the process of rift valley formation, with special emphasis on the Great Rift Valley System. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India's water resources have witnessed rapid depletion due to a mix of economic, geographic, and political factors. Explain and discuss its implications. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How are plateaus formed? Also, briefly discuss the features of the Deccan plateau and its economic significance. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5490,"topper":"POOLA DHANUSH","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/POOLA-DHANUSH-UPSC-2024-Rank-232-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by 'green growth'? Enumerate the measures taken by the government to promote green growth in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"DPI (Digital Public Infrastructure) is a critical enabler of digital transformation for both businesses and citizens; however, it comes with its own set of challenges. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Explain the different types of trade agreements? How is a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) different from a Free Trade Agreement (FTA)? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The rationale behind the MSP system is well acknowledged, but it requires comprehensive reforms to mitigate the unintended consequences on the market and environment. Analyse. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"How can quantum technologies optimize production processes and improve efficiency in the manufacturing sector? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Biofuels can play a role in energy security by reducing India's reliance on imported fossil fuels and diversifying its energy mix. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Alongside the alarming depletion, rising pollution levels of groundwater resources are exacerbat- ing the water crisis in India. In light of the statement, bring out the reasons for groundwater pollution in the country. Suggest remedial measures and mention the initiatives taken by the government in this regard. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are marine heat waves? Throw light on its impact on marine ecosystem and coastal communities. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Elaborate on the need for a clearly articulated National Security Strategy for systematic, consistent and coherent approach towards national security. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"India's precarious location on the drug map makes it extremely vulnerable to drug trafficking. Illustrate. How does drug trafficking affect India's internal security? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The much-cherished demographic dividend of India can be leveraged only if the twin challenges of unemployment and unemployability are addressed holistically. Analyse. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Despite government efforts at 'Make in India', what are the key impediments in making in India? Suggest measures to encourage domestic manufacturing. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"India is one of the largest producers of food, yet Food Processing Industry (FPI) is not well developed in the country. Examine the inhibiting factors and recommend some remedial actions to promote FPIs. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Adoption of millets can provide unique solutions to the problems of nutritional deficiency, ecological degradation, and receding farm incomes; however, the realization of its complete potential is hindered by a slew of factors. Analyse. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Describe how the Gaganyaan mission can help achieve India's broader national objectives. Also, throw light on the key challenges that the mission faces. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Green Hydrogen is necessary for the country to modernize without carbonizing; however, its adoption is beset with several challenges. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Biotechnology, by integrating biological sciences with technological innovations, offers comprehensive solutions to some of the most pressing challenges in food production, waste management and human health. Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Explain the causes and impacts of landslides. Also, discuss the various measures to mitigate their impact, with a special emphasis on National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) guidelines. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"As threats to maritime security evolve, India faces multifaceted challenges that necessitate a comprehensive and proactive approach to safeguard its strategic interests. In light of the statement, throw light on the key maritime security challenges in India. Also, highlight the measures taken by the government to strengthen maritime security in the country. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Bring out the challenges posed by 'hybrid warfare' to the national security and suggest comprehensive counter-measures. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5491,"topper":"Poonam","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/POONAM_SS_GS_1_AIR_655_2025_076b720db6.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"The evolution of temple architecture in India illustrates the synthesis of art, religion, and polity. Illustrate with suitable examples from South India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The rise and development of the new religious ideas in the 6th B.C. India have brought significant changes to contemporary social life. Do you agree? Justify using examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Under colonialism, India's traditional economic structure was reoriented to fit into the economic needs of industrial Britain. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are Western disturbances? Explain their role in influencing the weather patterns of northern India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discuss the non-conventional energy potential of peninsular India with relevant examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Why are most of India's iron and steel plants concentrated in the eastern and central parts of the country? Illustrate with examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"In contemporary India, marriage is increasingly perceived as a personal choice rather than a societal obligation. Enumerate the socio-economic forces behind this transformation and assess its potential impact on family structure. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Analyse to what extent does regionalism contributes to the deepening of decentralization in India? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the potential socio-political implications of implementing a nationwide caste census. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The Lucknow Pact of 1916 was both a high point of Hindu-Muslim unity and a harbinger of future communal divisions. Comment (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"While the Bhakti and Sufi movements emerged from different religious milieus, their convergence lay in the realm of devotion and dissent.\" Examine the socio-religious significance of their interaction in medieval India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"The American Civil War was not just a political conflict but a clash of two divergent economic systems. Substantiate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"What are marine heatwaves? Examine the causes of the increase in marine heatwaves. How do they influence the onset of the summer monsoon in India? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Assess the effectiveness of tribal development programmes in India. Why do tribal areas continue to experience developmental setbacks, and what are the challenges? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"\"As the world's water towers melt, the risk of water stress increases.\" Discuss how the Himalayan glaciers' retreat could redefine freshwater availability and regional hydropolitics in South Asia. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Despite increasing participation of women in the professional workforce, their presence in top leadership remains minimal. Examine the interplay of societal norms and workplace structures in perpetuating this gender gap. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"The phenomenon of 'livability atrophy' in Indian cities reflects the widening gap between urban expansion and quality of life. Examine the causes and consequences of this trend, and suggest measures to make urban growth more humane and sustainable. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5492,"topper":"Poonam","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/POONAM_SS_GS_4_AIR_655_2025_c3e93d220a.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"\"Integrity in isolation may ensure honesty, but without impartiality and non-partisanship, governance cannot be ethical.\" Evaluate the interdependence of these foundational values in the context of public service. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"\"The essence of ethics in human actions involves a balance between individual autonomy and societal norms\". Examine this statement by exploring how ethical frameworks reconcile personal freedom with social responsibility. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Is conscience a universal moral compass, or is it shaped by society and upbringing? Illustrate with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"How can the ethical principles rooted in ancient Indian philosophy serve as a guide for policymakers and administrators in balancing development with ecological sustainability? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context? (a) Cultivation of mind should be the ultimate aim of human existence.—Dr. B. R. Ambedkar (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"Technology is ethically neutral until we apply it.\" Discuss this statement with reference to the ethical challenges posed by artificial intelligence and data privacy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Rules and procedures are essential for institutional functioning. However, they are not substitutes for ethical leadership and value-based discretion. Justify your answer with examples from public administration. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Is it ethically justified for youth to remain apolitical in a democracy if politics determines the moral fabric of society? Critically examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"A senior IAS officer, recently appointed as chairperson of the NCR Clean Air Mission, is tasked with addressing the escalating air pollution crisis in Delhi and neighboring regions, where the Air Quality Index has reached hazardous levels. Scientific assessments point to multiple contributors, i.e., stubble burning in nearby states, construction-related dust, industrial emissions, and diesel vehicle traffic. The officer proposes strict, time-bound restrictions, including suspending construction activities, limiting vehicular movement, and enforcing crop-residue burning bans. However, these measures attract strong opposition from various stakeholders. Farmers cite a lack of alternatives, real estate bodies warn of large-scale job losses, transport unions threaten strikes, and political authorities express concerns over the potential impact on upcoming international investment events. Meanwhile, health experts caution that delays will result in severe public health consequences, especially for children and the elderly. The media criticizes the measures as elitist and anti-poor. Caught between conflicting imperatives, i.e., environmental protection, economic livelihood, public health, and political viability, the officer must now make a decision. (a) What are the options available to the officer to tackle the situation effectively? (b) What core values and principles should guide decision-making in this scenario? (c) In such situations, what long-term institutional reforms would you suggest to reconcile environmental protection with developmental imperatives? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":5493,"topper":"Poorva Agrawal","air":189,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/f0c63-1043458_2121_poorva_agrawal_rank_189.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5494,"topper":"Poorva Agrawal","air":189,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8c94d-1043458_2122_poorva_agrawal_rank_189.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5495,"topper":"Poorva Agrawal","air":189,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4f015-1043458_2123_poorva_agrawal_rank_189.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5496,"topper":"Poorva Agrawal","air":189,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/93903-1043458_2488_poorva_agrawal_rank_189.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5497,"topper":"Poorva Agrawal","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/POORVA-AGRAWAL-UPSC-2024-Rank-65-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) \"Nalanda is a symbol of India's academic heritage and vibrant cultural exchange\". Elucidate with special references to foreign travelers' accounts.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) The period of Delhi Sultans witnessed the emergence of Indo-Persian culture. Discuss the statement with reference to developments in the fields of literature, art and architecture.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Give a brief account of the contributions of early nationalists to the Indian freedom struggle.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) The Vaikom Satyagraha marked a historic milestone in India's fight against social injustice, demonstrating the power of non-violent resistance in dismantling oppressive caste barriers. Explain.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) The Oslo Accords, once hailed as a landmark diplomatic achievement, failed to address key issues, highlighting the challenges of achieving lasting peace between Israel and Palestine. Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"6) What are Northern and Southern lights? Explain the phenomenon and discuss their associated impacts on Earth's atmosphere and human activities.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) Identifying the major automobile clusters in India, enumerate the favourable factors for the location of the automobile industry.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) \"India's diversity is her greatest strength.\" In light of the statement, explain how diversity has enriched and strengthened Indian society.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 Critically examine the effects of globalization on the youth in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 The recognition of LGBTQ rights in India marks significant progress, but the journey towards full societal integration and acceptance remains arduous, necessitating a profound socio-cultural shift. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q. 1) Throw light upon the importance of seals and sealings in the reconstruction of socio-economic and religious life of the Harappan people. Also, explain why many of the known Harappan settlements are in semi-arid regions.","marks":"15","words":"15"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 Describe the significance of the Dandi March (1930) as the starting point of the Civil Disobedience Movement. Also, discuss the national and international reactions to the Dandi March and the Salt Satyagraha.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13) Give a reasoned account of the distribution of deserts across the earth with the help of relevant examples.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 Discuss the impact of local winds on their associated regions, citing examples from different parts of the world.","marks":"15 marks, 250","words":"15"},{"page":35,"question":"2.15 Rare Earths Elements (REE) are considered as 'Vitamins of Modern Industry'. In this context, bring out the multi-dimensional implications of uneven distribution of REE in the world.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) Describe the various factors that influence ocean currents and discuss their multi-dimensional impact.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 Briefly explain the process of tide formation and differentiate between tides and waves.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 While social media facilitates unprecedented connectivity and self-expression, it can also widen social crevices and fractures. In this context, examine the impact of social media on Indian society.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 \"The regionalism in India is both a response to the failures in addressing regional aspirations and as an assertion of socio-cultural identity in the face of perceived marginalization.\" Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 Explain how traditional gender roles and responsibilities exacerbate the vulnerability of women to extreme heat conditions. Suggest strategies to mitigate these vulnerabilities.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5498,"topper":"Poorva Agrawal","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/POORVA-AGRAWAL-UPSC-2023-Rank-189-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Foreign trade is an important milestone on the path of becoming a 5 trillion USD economy. In this context, analyse the potential of the recently released Foreign Trade Policy, 2023 in revamping India's participation in global trade. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Social protection schemes are an integral aspect of a welfare economy; however, the principles of fiscal prudence cannot be ignored. Discuss, with special reference to Old Pension Scheme (OPS). (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand from Agristack? To what extent can it become a panacea for the problems plaguing the farm sector. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The objective of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to provide a long term and equitable solution to the dilemma between free trade and food security has remained unfulfilled. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Even after five decades of the Stockholm conference, narrowing the gaps between the targets and actions remains one of the biggest challenges towards reversing climate change. Discuss. Also, recommend measures for building a coherent actionable strategy to tackle climate change. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What are the impediments in management of E-waste in the country? In what ways can the trinity of citizens, businesses, and the government tackle this menace? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How does nuclear fusion differ from nuclear fission? Assess the relevance of nuclear energy in resolving the global energy security dilemma? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are run of the river hydroelectric projects? How far can run of the river hydroelectric projects balance ecological conservation with socio-economic development? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"A robust border infrastructure is the surest way to counter multifarious threats emanating from inimical actors. Discuss, in light of Vibrant Village Programme. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"How far can a clearly articulated National Security Strategy help in tackling challenges to national security? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What are the factors that influence the inflation trends in the country? Highlighting the impacts, discuss the institutional measures in place to check inflation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme is not without its own challenges. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"How is internationalisation of rupee different from De-Dollarisation? Highlighting the benefits of internationalisation of rupee, discuss the challenges associated with the same. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What are Primary Agricultural Credit Societies? Can the cooperative push alone help in achieving the twin targets of boosting rural economy and mainstreaming small and marginal farmers? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Farm policies in the country have inadvertently led to undesirable consequences. Do you agree? Giving emphasis on PM PRANAM, discuss ways to enhance soil health and farm productivity. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What do you understand by heat waves? Highlight the reasons and impact of the rising frequency of heat waves across India. Also, recommend some measures to mitigate its impact. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"How is Chandrayaan-3 different from its predecessor, Chandrayaan-2? To what extent can India's presence in Artemis Accords help in furthering the exploration of lunar surface? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Research and Development is the key to unlock the potential of 'knowledge economy.' In this perspective, analyse the role of the National Research Foundation Bill, 2023 in democratizing the research ecosystem in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'Hybrid warfare.' Highlighting its implications for India, recommend measures to develop a comprehensive ecosystem to counter the same. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How are internal security challenges related to peace in neighboring countries? Explain with special reference to instability on India's eastern frontier. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5499,"topper":"Poorva Agrawal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c460d-1043458_1836_poorva_agrawal_rank_189.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The PM-AASHA scheme is aimed at improving procurement mechanism as well as ensuring remunerative prices for farmers. In this context, highlight the various components of the scheme and discuss the concerns associated with it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Explaining the concept of blended finance, discuss the role it can play in mobilizing capital for infrastructure development in developing countries like India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss the challenges faced in the revival and revamp of dry ports in India and state the measures that can be adopted in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Monoculture is one of the major threats to ensuring food security and sustainability of Indian agriculture. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Aapda Mitra - a force of volunteers from across India trained in disaster response - is becoming a game changer in the field of disaster management in the country. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Why is the rise in lone wolf attacks considered as a serious challenge for security agencies around the world? Highlight the role of the internet in exacerbating such attacks. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The fundamental inefficiencies embedded in our military structures and processes are now being addressed through a slew of defence reforms in the country. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"In light of the recent establishment of the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in India, discuss the advantages and challenges in mainstreaming traditional medicine in the country. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Nano Urea Liquid has the potential to transform farming in India and across the world by improving productivity while reducing environmental pollution and input cost. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss the domino effect of high crude oil prices on the Indian economy. Also, enumerate the measures that India can take in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The consistent high operating ratio of the Indian Railways is indicative of its incapability to generate high operational surplus. Explain the reasons behind this trend. Also, highlight the remedial measures taken by the government in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Micro food processing sector is the key driver of growth in the Indian economy as it encourages food processing innovation. In this context, state the challenges faced by the micro food processing sector and discuss how the recent initiatives taken by the government aim to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Despite efforts by successive governments, equitable growth remains elusive and income inequality continues to persist in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Stating the factors that determine the employment situation of an economy in the long-term, discuss the measures that are needed for India to address its unemployment problem. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"In view of the rapidly increasing socio-economic damage caused by disasters, integrating Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) into development planning requires an effective stakeholder engagement mechanism. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Provide an account of the existing carbon trading mechanisms in India. Also, discuss the significance of an efficient carbon trading market in the country and state the challenges that currently exist. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The menace of drug trafficking in India has been on a rise due to a mix of factors both internal and external. Discuss. Also, state the challenges posed by drug trafficking to India's national security. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The Andaman and Nicobar Islands' strategic significance in the Indian Ocean region (IOR) has been underplayed by India's policy of 'masterly inactivity and benign neglect'. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India has recently commissioned the world's first large International Liquid-Mirror Telescope (ILMT). How will the newly commissioned telescope aid in India's astronomical observations and research? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5500,"topper":"Poorva Agrawal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8618d-1043458_2424_poorva_agrawal_rank_189.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What are the different dimensions of food security? Examine India's status in terms of ensuring food security with regard to these dimensions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Modern technologies such as blockchain and ChatGPT are powerful tools with immense potential to transform agriculture into a more efficient and sustainable sector. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What factors have led to the recent acceleration in the trend towards de-dollarization of the global economy? Do you think the dollar will lose its dominance anytime soon? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Despite significant pressure from the developed countries to alter its food subsidy regime, there is merit in India trying to retain its policy support for the poor in the country. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Several initiatives have been taken by the government towards addressing India's water needs, but the issues of water availability and water quality still warrant prioritised intervention. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What are the major drivers of glacial retreat in the Arctic? Describe the potential impact of the retreat of Arctic glaciers on the ecosystem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Space tourism, which was viewed as something straight out of a science fiction movie, is now becoming a reality albeit not without hindrances. What are the challenges associated with space tourism? What measures can be taken to address these challenges? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Global health experts widely believe that the development of CAR-T cell therapy can be a game changer in the treatment of cancer. How can CAR-T cell therapy overcome the limitations of CRISPR-Cas9 technology? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss why the rising deployment of new and emerging technologies by prominent violent extremist organizations demand concerted global efforts. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"With the Line of Actual Control (LAC) remaining tense after the Galwan and Yangste incidents and both India and China ramping up infrastructure in the border areas, discuss the role that ITBP plays in the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Do you think there is a need for a shift from 'land productivity' to 'irrigation water productivity' in India? Justify your answer. What are the challenges in making this shift? Explain. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Examine the role that green hydrogen can play in unlocking the energy security of India. How can the National Green Hydrogen Mission help India in achieving its energy goals? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The government has been weighing a transition from minimum wage to living wage in recent times. What are the benefits and constraints in the adoption of living wage in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The Union Budget affects almost every sector of the Indian economy, yet neither the budgetary processes nor the budget policies come under substantial public scrutiny. Do you agree? Justify your answer. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"India has been able to transform itself from a milk deficit country to the world's biggest milk producer, but the productivity of dairy animals in the country remains a concern. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"While climate change is responsible for crop failures, the agricultural sector itself is partly responsible for extreme weather events. Discuss. What strategy has been adopted under National Agriculture Disaster Management Plan to strengthen the resilience of the farming community in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Some regions in India, including Delhi, are highly vulnerable to the impact of earthquakes originating in the Himalayas. Discuss. What institutional measures have been taken to mitigate earthquake losses in India? Do you think there are significant gaps that still exist? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Recently, scientists announced net energy gain in nuclear fusion reaction, which is considered as a major scientific breakthrough for the future of clean energy, What are the advantages of nuclear fusion based power generation? What are the limitations in using it to generate electricity at a commercial scale? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Keeping in view the recent amendment, examine the efficacy of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, in tackling the menace of money laundering in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Discuss the security threats present in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), which have a direct bearing on India's maritime border interests. Suggest a robust strategy to deal with these threats. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5501,"topper":"Poorva Agrawal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/af28f-1043458_2422_poorva_agrawal_rank_189.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The traditional theatre forms of India reflect the ideals and emotions of the society, and an individual's role in the community. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":5502,"topper":"Poorva Agrawal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e1e9c-1043458_2423_poorva_agrawal_rank_189.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With suitable examples, discuss how environmental pressure groups enhance public participation and responsiveness with regard to environmental policies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":5503,"topper":"Poorva Agrawal","air":189,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/203db-1043458_2211_poorva_agrawal_rank_189.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5504,"topper":"Poorva Agrawal","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/POORVA-AGRAWAL-UPSC-2023-Rank-189-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the role of the 'Fourth Estate' in upholding democratic values and analyse the issues affecting press freedom in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The electoral process, though inclusionary in theory, has been pointed out for exclusionary tendencies in practice. Analyse, with special emphasis on role of women in India's representative electoral system. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Assess the effectiveness of Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 in resolution of river-water disputes. Also describe the potential impact of delays in resolution of water disputes. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the significance of the cooperative model of development in addressing the issues of rural growth. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"In order to pass the ultimate test of good governance, welfare state should be close to the people, responsive to their aspirations, and inclusive in its approach. Discuss with special reference to PM PVTG Development Mission. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"To what extent collaboration between the state and civil society organizations (CSOs) help in addressing poverty and malnutrition in the country? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Absence of a robust social infrastructure in the country may become one of the most significant challenges in achieving a developed status by 2047. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Though the changing paradigm towards dialogue and diplomacy in West Asia augurs well for India's interests in this otherwise restive region, presence of inimical actors may reverse the gains. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Water diplomacy can redefine the contours of regional cooperation in South Asia. Discuss with special reference to Indus water treaty 1960. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Despite constitutional backing to the institutions of local governance, the idea of decentralisation has remained hostage to several structural bottlenecks. Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Independent judiciary, as envisaged by the constitution, provides the bedrock for a thriving polity; however, executive encroachment may erode its credibility and affect its efficacy. Evaluate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Executive agencies, working as the watchdog against impropriety, are vital to act against the corrupt; however, pandering to vested interests may have the effect of turning the idea of rule of law on its head. Comment, with special reference to controversies associated with the Enforcement Directorate (ED). (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Critically analyse the role of National Commission for Women (NCW) in wake of its mandate to safeguard women's rights and uphold their socio-economic wellbeing. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Understanding the extent, source, and complexity of deprivations among the multidimensionally poor contributes to more informed policymaking. In this context, analyze the latest National Multidimensional Poverty Index Report by NITI Aayog. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Safely managed drinking water services, as desired by Jal Jeevan Mission, are designated to give multifarious benefits cutting across generations. Discuss. Also, elaborate upon the challenges in ensuring the mission's success. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Legislation like Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989 remains mere legal documents without intense sensitization of public functionaries and the civil society. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Harbinger of global rebalancing, India-Africa ties are a beacon of inclusive, sustainable, and equitable world. Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How do ASEAN centrality, rules-based order, and development partnership with Pacific Island states make Indo-Pacific a theatre of opportunity for India? What are the hurdles in realisation of an inclusive Indo-Pacific construct? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5505,"topper":"Poorva Agrawal","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/poorva-agrawal-mains-advanced-course-2024-1745407896762.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Q1. The rule of law and judicial review are interdependent, as one cannot truly exist without the other. In this context can judicial review be considered the most important aspect among those that constitute the basic structure of the Constitution?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Q2 How does the power and authority of Delhi's lieutenant governor compare to that of the governors of other states, particularly in terms of acting on the aid and advice of the council of ministers?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Q3. Discuss the role of the judiciary in navigating the tension between the right to religion and constitutional morality in India in recent times. Refer to relevant case laws.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Q4 The principle of 'Separation of Powers' is a key feature of the American Constitution. In this context, compare how the Indian Constitution's functional separation of powers distinguishes itself from the US system. What are the advantages of a check and balance system over a rigid Separation of Powers?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Q5 The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution is more than a legal provision that empowers tribal regions with self-rule. How does the sixth schedule foster development while respecting their traditional governance systems and cultural practices?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Q6. How do partnerships between Civil Society Organizations and Government Entities contribute to India's development goals?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Q7 Discuss the importance of cultivating a culture of life-long learning among Indian civil servants. How has Mission Karmyogi contributed to this objective? Illustrate with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Q8 Given India's strides in reducing extreme poverty, should the country consider redefining its poverty line to better reflect the current socio-economic realities? Discuss the potential benefits and challenges associated with redefinition of the poverty line.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Q9 Evaluate the impact of the deepening political divisions with the major Western States on global governance and international cooperation. How should India navigate these divisions to advance its national interests on the global stage?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Q10 How does India's Arctic Policy align with its broader foreign policy objectives? Broadly discuss the collaborations and agreements India is involved in with the Arctic Council.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Collaborations and agreements India is involved in with Arctic Council:-\n1 India is part of observers - invited to the Arctic Council meetings, though without full membership.\n2 Agreement of conservation of the Arctic Marine living resources (AMLR).\n3 Part of Agreement of Arctic seals - for conservation of seals.\n4 Joint R&D through its Arctic station Himadei.\n5 Proposal for collaborative R&D with Russia in Arctic resource potential.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Q11. In what ways are the terms of reference of the 16th Finance Commission different from that of the previous Finance Commissions? Despite increasingly progressive devolution by subsequent Finance Commissions, examine the factors that propel economic disparities across various States.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"1 Compare and contrast the powers and working of the Ethics Committee and the Privileges Committee in addressing cases of 'unethical' conduct and breach of privileges. How do these Committees complement each other in maintaining parliamentary discipline?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Q13 In the context of persistent legislative dysfunction in India, analyze the evolving role of judicial activism in shaping public policy and governance. Using examples from landmark court cases, evaluate the effectiveness of judicial interventions in addressing governance gaps and safeguarding citizens' rights.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"1 To what extent does the level of internal democracy within political parties impact the functioning and legitimacy of the Indian party system? What reforms can address the challenges of inadequate intraparty democracy in India?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Q15 \"The NHRC must not only be a watchdog but also a beacon of hope for the marginalized and oppressed.\" In this context discuss the role and mandate of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in India. How does the current composition and functioning of the NHRC affect its independence and effectiveness?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"16 The persistent health equity challenges in India pose a critical barrier in achieving Universal Health Coverage. In this context discuss the role of the public and private sectors in ensuring adequate health access and outcomes across rural and urban areas.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"2/8 What are the implications of the POCSO Act on the rights and welfare of children in India? Analyze the role of the POCSO Act in transforming India's legal framework for child protection.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Q19 Examine the influence of human rights issues and democratic values on the diplomatic relationship between the U.S. and India. How have these concerns affected bilateral engagements and what can be done to mitigate tensions arising from these issues?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"6 Strengthen AOKUS & lower the potential of QUAD in countering China.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Q.10 Examine the geopolitical challenges India faces in South Asia despite its global rise. How can India navigate these challenges to strengthen its regional leadership?","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5506,"topper":"Poorva Agrawal","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/POORVA-AGRAWAL-UPSC-2023-Rank-189-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"In many ways, the Spanish civil war was the opening act of WWII. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"How will you explain the different fates of Buddhism and Jainism despite a slew of similarities in the two religions? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Non-Cooperation Movement democratized India's freedom struggle but suffered from inherent limitations. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Critically analyse the efficacy of linguistic reorganization of states in addressing the reasons for linguistic divides in post-independent India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Briefly discuss the role of plate tectonics theory in explaining the location of volcanoes. Also, explain the multifarious impacts of volcanoes on the surrounding regions. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Taking further the success of Aspirational Districts Programme, Aspirational Blocks can help achieve the twin objectives of balanced growth and checking stress migration. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Describe the critical factors for location of defense industries and suggest measures to overcome the challenges. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"To what extent can Socio-Economic-Caste Census (SECC) address the challenges in achieving equitable resource allocation and targeted welfare? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Indian society is premised on some common values that give it a composite texture as well as some diverse practices that deepen its heterogeneity. Elucidate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What are the factors that influence population growth in the country? In this perspective, examine the relevance and need of raising the minimum marriageable age of women for population development. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Bring out the reasons behind the tribal unrest in British India. Also, analyze the reasons for their limited success. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The independence of India was not a result of a forced expulsion of the Empire, as desired by the Quit India Movement; it was rather a confluence of domestic politics and global circumstances. Analyze. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Explain why Sufism, a liberal reform movement in Islam could deepen its roots in the Indian sub-continent, despite Islam being a foreign religion? Also, bring out the impacts of Sufism on Indian society. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Enumerate the reasons behind rising intensity and frequency of cyclones in the Arabian Sea in recent years. Giving special reference to NDMA guidelines, recommend measures to check the adverse impacts of cyclones. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Examine the impacts of climate change on the hydrological cycle and suggest suitable mitigation and adaptation strategies to contain the harmful implications. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Defining continental shelf, highlight its resource potential and ecological significance. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Rooted in patriarchal values, gender-based violence, in all its manifestations, is antithetical to societal growth. Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The caste calculus in the Indian society remains predominant and continues to project its shadow on social, political, and economic domains. Do you agree? Substantiate your answer. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss various factors contributing to the water woes faced by Indian cities. Also, explain complexities in implementing a comprehensive water management plan. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Though important elements of group identity, religion and region also run the risk of deepening communal cleavages. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5507,"topper":"Poorva Agrawal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/ETHICS_PROGRAME_POORVA_AGRAWAL_AIR_65_bad23c6aef.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Compare and contrast the roles of family and educational institutions in value inculcation. How can these two institutions complement each other? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"\"Tolerance is not just about accepting differences; it is about appreciating and celebrating diversity.\" Discuss the importance of tolerance for governance. How can civil servants foster a culture of tolerance and inclusivity in a diverse country like India? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"A person's character is most accurately revealed in their private life, not their public persona.\" Critically examine this statement in the context of public servants and their ethical conduct. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Accountability mechanisms are essential for ethical governance but often lead to bureaucratic delays and inefficiencies.\" Critically examine this statement in the context of Indian administration. Can a balance be struck between accountability and efficiency? Discuss with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What does each of the following quotations convey to you in present context? a) “Reason is, and ought only to be the slave of the passions and can never pretend to any other office than to serve and obey them.\"- David Hume (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"The ultimate measure of a person is not where they stand in moments of comfort and convenience, but where they stand at times of challenge and controversy.\"- Martin Luther King Jr. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"“In matters of conscience, the law of the majority has no place.” - Mahatma Gandhi. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"Empathy is seeing with the eyes of another, listening with the ears of another, and feeling with the heart of another.\" How can emotionally intelligent civil servants utilize empathy to improve governance and service delivery? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Analyse the ethical implications of the widening gap between rich and poor nations. Is there a moral obligation for developed countries to assist developing ones? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.\" Discuss the ethical responsibilities of individuals, corporations, and governments in protecting the environment for future generations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"\"Impartiality is not neutrality; it is about treating everyone fairly based on merit and evidence.\" Explain the difference between impartiality and neutrality in the context of civil service. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"The teachings of the Bhagavad Gita offer valuable lessons for ethical conduct in public service. Discuss the relevance of these teachings in navigating the ethical issues of administration in contemporary India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":35,"question":"You are a senior bureaucrat in the Ministry of Rural Development. A flagship program aimed at empowering women in rural areas through self-help groups (SHGs) and micro-enterprise initiatives is being implemented. While the program has seen success in providing financial assistance and skill development, you observe that women's participation in decision-making bodies within these SHGs and village councils remains limited. Despite legal provisions for women's participation in local governance, traditional patriarchal norms often prevail, relegating women to secondary roles. This results in their voices being unheard and their concerns being overlooked in decision-making processes. Further, Years of social conditioning has led to internalization of gender bias, where women themselves underestimate their abilities and hesitate to participate in decision-making. Many rural women are unaware of their rights and the opportunities available to them. Lack of education and information has further hindered their participation in decision-making bodies. Moreover, Male members within the community and even within the SHGs resist women's participation in decision-making. Some men cite traditional gender roles and norms while some question their abilities. They also try to control access to resources and information, limiting women's ability to participate effectively in decision-making processes. Women who attempt to challenge traditional norms face social ostracism or pressure from their families and communities to conform. a) Identify the ethical issues in the given case study. b) How can you engage with male members of the community and SHGs to address their concerns and encourage them to support women's participation? c) What institutional and policy changes can be made to create a more enabling environment for women's participation in decision-making, ensuring that their voices are heard and valued? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"You are a mid-level manager at 'GoodLife Pharma,' a leading pharmaceutical company in India. After years of research and development, the company is on the cusp of launching a revolutionary new drug, 'Revivol,' which promises to significantly improve the lives of patients suffering from a debilitating chronic illness. The drug is projected to be a blockbuster, generating billions in revenue and potentially saving countless lives. You've been an integral part of the Revivol team, and its success could significantly boost your career prospects. However, just weeks before the scheduled launch, you stumble upon disturbing evidence suggesting that Revivol may have serious, potentially fatal, side effects in a small percentage of patients. These side effects were not adequately disclosed in the initial clinical trial reports, and further investigation reveals that some data points indicating adverse reactions were deliberately omitted from the final report submitted to the regulatory authorities. You are deeply troubled by this discovery. You understand that the drug is likely to receive approval based on the existing data, and the company is already heavily invested in its marketing and launch. However, the potential harm to patients weighs heavily on your conscience. To add to the complexity, you discover that your direct superior was aware of the data discrepancies and chose to ignore them. Confronting them directly might lead to retaliation, jeopardizing your job and career. You're also the sole breadwinner for your family, and losing your job would have devastating financial consequences. a) What are the ethical dilemmas faced by the manager in this scenario? b) What will be your course of action and why? c) How could stronger corporate governance mechanisms have prevented or mitigated this situation? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"You are a young, enthusiastic IAS officer recently posted as the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of a rural subdivision. Eager to make a positive impact, you embark on a series of field visits to various government offices under your jurisdiction. However, the sight that greets you in most offices is disheartening. Employees stroll in well past the official start time, and once in, seem to prioritize leisurely tea breaks and idle chatter over their duties. The physical manifestation of this lethargy is evident in the towering stacks of unattended files gathering dust on desks. This backlog translates to agonizing delays in processing applications for essential services and benefits, leaving citizens frustrated and disillusioned. As you interact with the local populace, you hear disturbing accounts of bribery and favoritism plaguing the administrative machinery. It appears that those with influence or willing to pay under-the-table 'fees' can expedite their requests, while the marginalized and less privileged languish in the system's inefficiencies. The most distressing aspect of the situation is the impact on ordinary citizens. You witness firsthand their exasperation as they navigate the labyrinthine bureaucracy, often facing indifference, rudeness, or demands for bribes. a) What are the ethical issues in the prevailing work culture in the subdivision? b) As the SDM, what specific steps would you take to improve the overall work culture and quality of service delivery in your subdivision? c) Discuss the challenges you might encounter in implementing these changes and how you would overcome them. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"You have just been appointed as Additional Director General of Central Public Works Department. The Chief Architect of your division, who is to retire in six months, is passionately working on a very important project, the successful completion of which would earn him a lasting reputation for the rest of his life. A new lady architect, Seema, trained at Manchester School of Architecture, UK joined as Senior Architect in your division. During the briefing about the project, Seema made some suggestions which would not only add value to the project, but would also reduce completion time. This has made the Chief Architect insecure and he is constantly worried that all the credit will go to her. Subsequently, he adopted a passive and aggressive behaviour towards her and has become disrespectful to her. Seema felt it embarrassing as the Chief Architect left no chance of humiliating her. He would very often correct her in front of other colleagues and raise his voice while speaking to her. This continuous harassment has resulted in her losing confidence and self-esteem. She felt perpetually tensed, anxious and stressed. She appeared to be in awe of him since he has had a long tenure in the office and has vast experience in the area of her work. You are aware of her outstanding academic credentials and career record in her previous organisations. However, you fear that this harassment may result in compromising her much needed contribution in this important project and may adversely impact her emotional well-being. You have also come to know from her peers that she is contemplating tendering her resignation. a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? b) What are the options available to you in order to complete the project as well as to retain Seema in the organization? c) What would be your response to Seema's predicament? What measures would you institute to prevent such occurrences from happening in your organization? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":5508,"topper":"Poorva Agrawal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1j2Rc-_-SXYnOzBtwNDTFKLQ63wC3ecL9/view","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Compare and contrast the roles of family and educational institutions in value inculcation. How can these two institutions complement each other? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"\"Tolerance is not just about accepting differences; it is about appreciating and celebrating diversity.\" Discuss the importance of tolerance for governance. How can civil servants foster a culture of tolerance and inclusivity in a diverse country like India? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"A person's character is most accurately revealed in their private life, not their public persona.\" Critically examine this statement in the context of public servants and their ethical conduct. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Accountability mechanisms are essential for ethical governance but often lead to bureaucratic delays and inefficiencies.\" Critically examine this statement in the context of Indian administration. Can a balance be struck between accountability and efficiency? Discuss with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What does each of the following quotations convey to you in present context? a) \"Reason is, and ought only to be the slave of the passions and can never pretend to any other office than to serve and obey them.\"- David Hume (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"The ultimate measure of a person is not where they stand in moments of comfort and convenience, but where they stand at times of challenge and controversy.\"- Martin Luther King Jr. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"In matters of conscience, the law of the majority has no place.\" - Mahatma Gandhi. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"Empathy is seeing with the eyes of another, listening with the ears of another, and feeling with the heart of another.\" How can emotionally intelligent civil servants utilize empathy to improve governance and service delivery? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Analyse the ethical implications of the widening gap between rich and poor nations. Is there a moral obligation for developed countries to assist developing ones? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.\" Discuss the ethical responsibilities of individuals, corporations, and governments in protecting the environment for future generations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"\"Impartiality is not neutrality; it is about treating everyone fairly based on merit and evidence.\" Explain the difference between impartiality and neutrality in the context of civil service. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"The teachings of the Bhagavad Gita offer valuable lessons for ethical conduct in public service. Discuss the relevance of these teachings in navigating the ethical issues of administration in contemporary India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":35,"question":"You are a senior bureaucrat in the Ministry of Rural Development. A flagship program aimed at empowering women in rural areas through self-help groups (SHGs) and micro-enterprise initiatives is being implemented. While the program has seen success in providing financial assistance and skill development, you observe that women's participation in decision-making bodies within these SHGs and village councils remains limited. Despite legal provisions for women's participation in local governance, traditional patriarchal norms often prevail, relegating women to secondary roles. This results in their voices being unheard and their concerns being overlooked in decision-making processes. Further, Years of social conditioning has led to internalization of gender bias, where women themselves underestimate their abilities and hesitate to participate in decision-making. Many rural women are unaware of their rights and the opportunities available to them. Lack of education and information has further hindered their participation in decision-making bodies. Moreover, Male members within the community and even within the SHGs resist women's participation in decision-making. Some men cite traditional gender roles and norms while some question their abilities. They also try to control access to resources and information, limiting women's ability to participate effectively in decision-making processes. Women who attempt to challenge traditional norms face social ostracism or pressure from their families and communities to conform. a) Identify the ethical issues in the given case study. b) How can you engage with male members of the community and SHGs to address their concerns and encourage them to support women's participation? c) What institutional and policy changes can be made to create a more enabling environment for women's participation in decision-making, ensuring that their voices are heard and valued? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"What are the ethical dilemmas faced by the manager in this scenario?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"How could stronger corporate governance mechanisms have prevented or mitigated this situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"You are a young, enthusiastic IAS officer recently posted as the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of a rural subdivision. Eager to make a positive impact, you embark on a series of field visits to various government offices under your jurisdiction. However, the sight that greets you in most offices is disheartening. Employees stroll in well past the official start time, and once in, seem to prioritize leisurely tea breaks and idle chatter over their duties. The physical manifestation of this lethargy is evident in the towering stacks of unattended files gathering dust on desks. This backlog translates to agonizing delays in processing applications for essential services and benefits, leaving citizens frustrated and disillusioned. As you interact with the local populace, you hear disturbing accounts of bribery and favoritism plaguing the administrative machinery. It appears that those with influence or willing to pay under-the-table 'fees' can expedite their requests, while the marginalized and less privileged languish in the system's inefficiencies. The most distressing aspect of the situation is the impact on ordinary citizens. You witness firsthand their exasperation as they navigate the labyrinthine bureaucracy, often facing indifference, rudeness, or demands for bribes. a) What are the ethical issues in the prevailing work culture in the subdivision? b) As the SDM, what specific steps would you take to improve the overall work culture and quality of service delivery in your subdivision? c) Discuss the challenges you might encounter in implementing these changes and how you would overcome them. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"You have just been appointed as Additional Director General of Central Public Works Department. The Chief Architect of your division, who is to retire in six months, is passionately working on a very important project, the successful completion of which would earn him a lasting reputation for the rest of his life. A new lady architect, Seema, trained at Manchester School of Architecture, UK joined as Senior Architect in your division. During the briefing about the project, Seema made some suggestions which would not only add value to the project, but would also reduce completion time. This has made the Chief Architect insecure and he is constantly worried that all the credit will go to her. Subsequently, he adopted a passive and aggressive behaviour towards her and has become disrespectful to her. Seema felt it embarrassing as the Chief Architect left no chance of humiliating her. He would very often correct her in front of other colleagues and raise his voice while speaking to her. This continuous harassment has resulted in her losing confidence and self-esteem. She felt perpetually tensed, anxious and stressed. She appeared to be in awe of him since he has had a long tenure in the office and has vast experience in the area of her work. You are aware of her outstanding academic credentials and career record in her previous organisations. However, you fear that this harassment may result in compromising her much needed contribution in this important project and may adversely impact her emotional well-being. You have also come to know from her peers that she is contemplating tendering her resignation. a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? b) What are the options available to you in order to complete the project as well as to retain Seema in the organization? c) What would be your response to Seema's predicament? What measures would you institute to prevent such occurrences from happening in your organization? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":5509,"topper":"Poorva Agrawal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9533a-1043458_2425_poorva_agrawal_rank_189.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"For effective corporate governance to take place in the coming years, why is it important to integrate the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics with the multi-stakeholder approach? What benefits can be accrued by such integration? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":5510,"topper":"Poorva Agrawal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/86941-1043458_1841_poorva_agrawal_rank_189.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the meaning of self-efficacy, along with its key determinants. Also, discuss the significance of high self-efficacy for a civil servant. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have the right to do and what is right to do. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Dealing with an ethical dilemma not only requires following rules and regulations, but also requires adherence to moral prudence and altruism. Explain in the context of civil services in India, with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Code of Conduct for the civil services in India has merely remained a code; it has not helped promote ethical and moral values in governance. In this context, discuss the need for a National Commission on Integrity and Transparency in Governance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Digital ethics principles are necessary to prevent erosion of public values and deal with the ethical implications of digitizing governance systems. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Despite differences in terms of organizational values guiding the public and private sectors, there remain certain values that are equally important to both. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Bring out the difference between accountability and responsibility. Also, discuss the significance of accountability in ensuring ethical governance in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Though laws and rules can be considered as the principal guide on morality for public administrators, they are not sufficient in themselves. Substantiate with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Transparency is vital to cultivate public trust in government and to prevent, detect and deter corruption effectively. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"'Just-in-time' release of funds heralds a significant reform for the Indian government's payment architecture. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.\"- Marcus Aurelius (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":5511,"topper":"Poorva Agrawal","air":189,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/POORVA-AGRAWAL-UPSC-2023-Rank-189-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5512,"topper":"POTHARAJU HARI PRASAD","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/POTHARAJU-HARI-PRASAD-UPSC-2024-Rank-255-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"How will you explain that the Government of India Act 1935 was seminal in giving shape to the Indian constitution? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Strengthening the National Commission of Scheduled Tribes (NCST) through various complementary mechanisms can go a long way towards mainstreaming the welfare of the tribals. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"In what ways does the preamble reflect the ideals and aspirations of the Indian Constitution? To what extent have these aspirations been realised? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"How will you explain that Indian federalism is a happy mix of Unitarianism and confederalism? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Leveraging real-time data in policymaking has become indispensable for achieving good governance. In this context, analyse the role of e-governance in enhancing the effectiveness of developmental policies. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Critically assess the role of microfinance in satisfactorily addressing the interconnected challenges of poverty and unemployment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What are the reasons behind the limited success of the co-operative movement? How can co-operatives be made more effective in fostering rural development? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The principles of accountability and participation are vital to ensure the smooth implementation of welfare schemes, ensuring their success in reaching the last mile. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The realization of a successful Asian century is premised upon stable India-China relations. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"ASEAN serves the twin purpose of developing India's Northeast and augmenting the country's reach in the Southeast Asian region. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The tenets of independent judiciary, life-breath of constitutional democracy, stand perpetually undermined by the executive encroachment into the judicial domain. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the shortcomings in the Representation of People's Act. Also, recommend corrective measures to make it more effective. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Examine the role of the National Commission for Women (NCW) in protecting and promoting the rights of women in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Despite constitutional backing, urban planning and governance have given limited dividends on the ground. Enumerating the reasons for the same, suggest measures to ameliorate the situation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The role of the civil service is not limited to the mere welfare of the people but extends to the realm of upholding the spirit of the constitution. Elaborate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The distinct characteristics of the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and the government create a unique symbiosis in improving the governance and developmental process in the country. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Evaluate the efficacy of digital interventions in transforming the educational infrastructure of the country. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Enumerating the challenges faced by the elderlies in India, discuss ways for mainstreaming the paradigm for geriatric care. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India has a pride of place among the comity of nations with strong credentials in the arena of soft power. Identifying the key attributes of India's soft power, assess the extent to which it has been leveraged in India's foreign policy matrix. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The latent potential of the India-EU strategic partnership is deterred due to a slew of factors. Elaborate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5513,"topper":"Pourush Sood","air":29,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/cab1c-1175138_2121_pourush-sood_rank-29.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5514,"topper":"Pourush Sood","air":29,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ccb95-1175138_2122_pourush-sood_rank-29.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5515,"topper":"Pourush Sood","air":29,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/09b6b-1175138_2123_pourush-sood_rank-29.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5516,"topper":"Pourush Sood","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b1080-1175138_1835_pourush-sood_rank-29.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The withdrawal of general consent to the CBI by certain state governments in India threatens the spirit of cooperative federalism in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Stating the sources of finance for local self-governments in India, suggest ways to strengthen their financial position. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Cabinet Committees play an important role in reinstating collective responsibility and principle of homogeneity of the Executive in the Indian Parliamentary system. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"There is a need to overhaul the public procurement and project management (PPPM) framework of India for faster, efficient and transparent execution of government projects. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Adequate measures are required to overcome the challenges and vulnerabilities associated with undertaking social accountability initiatives and institutionalising them. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"In view of the recent Parliamentary Standing Committee report, discuss the issues faced by the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) and suggest measures that can be adopted to strengthen it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"While the Mid-Day Meal scheme was aimed at fulfilling the nutritional needs of students, it is far behind in achieving this objective. Discuss. Also, suggest remedial measures in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) remain critical for the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In this context, discuss the impediments in the fulfilment of SRHR in India. Also, mention the steps that can be taken in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"State the functions of the United Nations Human Rights Council. Also, discuss the issues faced by the Council in the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"West Asia is an important strategic region for India with profound geo-political and geo-economic significance. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Disenfranchising prisoners desecrates a cherished value in a democracy i.e. 'right to vote', which should be guarded earnestly. Discuss in the light of The Representation of The People Act, 1951. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"There are similarities and interactions between the affirmative action adopted by India and USA owing to similar historical injustices faced by their respective vulnerable groups. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Objections to domicile-based reservation in private sector jobs on the grounds of constitutional equality and freedom are misplaced. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"There have been arguments that sedition law is an attack on the very foundation of India's liberal democratic principles, as enshrined in the Constitution. Do you agree? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite Government e-Marketplace facing certain challenges, it has brought about a significant improvement in the procurement of goods and services by various government agencies. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"A reformed system of recruitment, training and evaluation needs to be put in place to take forward the development of a highly efficient and accountable civil service. Discuss in the context of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Despite initiatives taken by the Indian government to achieve critical goals in the education sector, major interventions are required to tackle learning poverty as well as the persisting inequalities. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"In light of the burgeoning burden of both communicable and non-communicable diseases, there is a need to revamp the public health surveillance system in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The repercussions of the ongoing economic crisis in Sri Lanka extend beyond its borders. Discuss with specific reference to India. Also, mention the steps that India has taken to assist Sri Lanka tide over the crisis. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India is a reliable partner in the Indian Ocean Region and can take on the role of being the net security provider in the region. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5517,"topper":"Pourush Sood","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/af32e-1175138_1840_pourush-sood_rank-29.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"While fixed-term employment offers an ingenious way to address specific issues faced by both employers and employees, there are also some concerns associated with it. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"An efficient logistics sector with a focus on warehousing is pivotal to the success of the Bharatmala Pariyojana. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'irrigation scheduling'? Bringing out the advantages provided by it, discuss the difficulties faced in applying it on a farm level. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"While the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana was touted as the largest crop insurance scheme globally in terms of farmer participation, various concerns have arisen since its implementation. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The Stockholm Conference commenced the contemporary \"environmental era\", which brought a paradigm shift in the environmental governance and set a tone for multi-lateral environmental regime. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The world has witnessed a huge surge in climate-induced disasters, which are largely driven by anthropogenic factors. In this context, analyse the role of early warning systems in mitigating the impact of the disasters. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Critically examine the implications of leveraging technology in policing. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"How far do you agree with the view that climate change poses a threat to international peace and security? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by a virtual private network (VPN)? Highlight its advantages and discuss the concerns posed by it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The discovery of the Higgs Boson at the Large Hadron Collider in CERN completed 10 years recently. In this context, discuss the role played by CERN in overall scientific development. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlighting the factors that affect the cropping pattern in India, discuss the need for modifying it in the context of the emerging agro-ecological concerns. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"While the budgetary reforms undertaken by the Central government in recent years have led to better management of government expenditure, there are some issues that still need redressal. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"For India to create a 'future ready' railway system, it must harness innovation and resource efficiency. Discuss the statement in the context of the measures enlisted in the National Rail Plan 2030. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the significance of technology in the Indian agricultural sector. Also, state the challenges in realising its potential to improve agricultural efficiency and increase the income of the farmers. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite the digital transformation in the Public Distribution System (PDS) in India, several challenges still remain. Elaborate. Also, suggest measures to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss the various concerns that exist with regard to fuel efficiency regulations for vehicles in India. Also, suggest the measures that can be taken in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Urban fire is becoming a serious cause of concern in Indian cities. In this context, highlight the major causes behind urban fires in India. What steps can be taken to build robust fire resilience in Indian cities? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Drones in border areas present a serious threat for border management in India. Elaborate. Also, discuss the different measures taken to regulate the use of drones in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Despite a global framework to prevent weaponization of space, it has been increasing in the recent times. Discuss. Also, give an account of the implications of space weaponization. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"What do you understand by a bio-economy? Highlight the role that the National Biotechnology Development Strategy 2021-2025 can play in creating a robust bio-economy in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5518,"topper":"Pourush Sood","air":29,"year":2022,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ec720-1175138_2213_pourush-sood_rank-29.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5519,"topper":"Pourush Sood","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/cf5c3-1175138_2214_pourush-sood_rank-29.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The ideals of 'Dhamma' by Ashoka present key learnings on public morality. Discuss. Also, state their relevance for public servants. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Although bribery is illegal and counterproductive, public officials still demand bribes, and executives in the private sector remain tempted to pay up. In this context, discuss ways in which corporations can build a framework to eliminate the practice of offering/kickbacks. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"It is argued that the Indian bureaucracy suffers from indecision and risk aversion. Do you agree? Justify with logical arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Although open and transparent governance has gained ground, do you agree with the view that there is merit in withholding some information from people? Justify your arguments with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"While it may seem restrictive, anonymity is one of the greatest strengths of the civil services. Comment in the context of growth of social media in recent times. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"A legally enforceable code of ethics for civil servants, which not only prescribes the ethical values they must display in their public life but also provides sanctions for violations of these values, is the need of the hour. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Examine the issue of foreign aid in global politics from an ethical perspective. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"There is a need for an effective climate governance structure within the broad framework of corporate governance. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"A well-developed Emotional intelligence is not only an instrumental tool in accomplishing goals, but has a dark side as a weapon for manipulating others by robbing them of their capacity to reason.\" Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The opportunities and threats created by emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) require leaders atross business, government and civil society to understand the importance of values and ethics in technological development. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"All persons ought to endeavour to follow what is right, and not what is established.\" — Aristotle (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"It is compassion, the most gracious of virtues, which moves the world.\" - Tiruvalluvar, Kural (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"\"I understand democracy as something that gives the weak the same chance as the strong.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You come across a news report of a state 'X', which has a considerable number of school going children suffering from malnourishment. To overcome this, the state recently rolled out a policy to introduce eggs in mid-day meals in schools. However, some parents, teachers and a few religious groups have protested against the move. The report states that the Minister of Education of state 'X' has assured the public of a reversal in the policy. You are aware that this may be because elections are approaching in the state and the party in power may not want to antagonise a particular religious group, which is its key supporter. In light of this, answer the following: (a) Highlight the stakeholders in the given case study. (b) Examine the options available in the given situation. (c) According to you, what is the best course of action and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Capital punishment, or \"death penalty,\" is an institutionalized practice designed to result in deliberately executing persons in response to actual or supposed misconduct and following an authorized, rule-governed process to conclude that the person is responsible for violating norms that warrant execution. Punitive executions have historically been imposed by diverse kinds of authorities, for an expansive range of conduct, political or religious beliefs and practices, for a status beyond one's control, or without employing any significant due process procedures. Punitive executions also have been and continue to be carried out more informally, such as by terrorist groups, urban gangs, and mobs. For centuries in Europe and America, discussions have focused on capital punishment as an institutionalized, rule-governed practice of modern states and legal systems governing serious criminal conduct and procedures. In light of the above debate of capital punishment, answer the following questions: (a) What are the arguments in favour of and against having capital punishment in the criminal justice system? (b) Do you think capital punishment has a place in modern civilised society? Examine in the context of moral implications involved in awarding it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"An Indian company is active in the telecom sector and is the majority owner of a telecom company based in other geographies across the world. At one of its European headquarters, there emerged whistleblowing allegations that a local executive was bribing local government officials in order to obtain telecom cabling and construction contracts from the local government. The kickbacks were allegedly paid through a third-party consultant. More specifically, there were allegations that the executive, the third party, and a government official had some sort of business interest in common, possibly shareholdings in a limited company or the joint ownership of an undisclosed asset. The company is thought to be particularly close to the ruling dispensation in India and the news has now raised pressure to put its business operations in India under scanner, as well. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the ethical challenges in the given case? (b) Identify the different stakeholders and their interests. (c) As the CEO of the firm, how would you respond to the given situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are the Chairperson of Staff Selection Commission of a state. Recently, an exam for recruitment to the position of sub-inspectors was conducted by the Commission. But a video of some students using hi-tech devices like spy-mics, and placing \"solvers\" to cheat in the exam by hiding bluetooth devices in wig, has been surfacing on the internet. Also, this is not an isolated incident; many instances of organized cheating scandals have shocked the state in recent years. Students are agitated and demanding cancellation of the exam and there is pressure on you to resign, However, your daughter had also appeared in this exam and is confident of clearing it. There are many other students who had waited for this exam for a long time and are hopeful of clearing it with honest efforts. Whatever decision the Commission takes is bound to affect the career of a large number of candidates who appeared in the exam, including your own daughter. (a) Highlight the ethical issues concerned in the case. (b) Why is cheating in examinations prevalent in many states across India? (c) What measures would you take to make sure that a similar situation does not arise in future?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Sunil has been posted as a DM in a hilly district which is vulnerable to several natural disasters. The district is known for a pilgrimage site and is frequently visited by tourists from all over India. The major occupation of locals therefore lies in the hospitality business. Unfortunately, after a few days of his joining, the district faced a major earthquake. It has led to high casualties and damages to the essential infrastructure such as roads and bridges. Both locals and tourists are trapped at different routes and locations. An international convoy of dignitaries from a neighboring country which has come to pay their obeisance at the pilgrimage site, is also trapped due to the disaster. Because of this, Sunil has to divert most of the available resources in the rescue operation of the foreign dignitaries. People are emotionally distressed due to the disaster, and delayed response from authorities to their needs has led to a law-and-order situation in the district. People from other states whose families are trapped and need immediate assistance are also getting restless and flooding the emergency helplines with complaints and requests. (a) Discuss the issues being faced by Sunil in the given scenario. (b) Mention a course of action that Sunil must take to maintain law-and-order as well as to expediate rescue operations of all concerned.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"You are the Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district. One of your subordinates informs you that a girl has reached out to him and complained about a potential death threat to her and her boyfriend who belongs to another caste. Both the families are averse to their union. She has also informed that the local police station is neither filing any complaint nor giving her any assurance of protection. The girl belongs to the dominant caste of the region and her father is a prominent local leader of the party which is in power in the state. On further enquiry, you come to know that both the girl and her boyfriend are adults. They have moved out of the house and have started living together. This has further angered both the families and they are accusing each other of abduction. In the given scenario, answer the following questions: (a) Bring out the ethical dilemma faced by you. (b) What would be a suitable course of action to resolve the issue? (c) At times, such instances lead to violence and may end up in honour killings. Discuss the reasons behind their social acceptance in parts of India despite the legal sanction against them.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5520,"topper":"Pourush Sood","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3d7b1-1175138_1841_pourush-sood_rank-29.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have the right to do and what is right to do. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Bring out the difference between accountability and responsibility. Also, discuss the significance of accountability in ensuring ethical governance in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.\"- Marcus Aurelius (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":5521,"topper":"Pourush Sood","air":29,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ab6bb-1175138_1837_pourush-sood_rank-29.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5522,"topper":"Prabhat Malik","air":68,"year":2014,"paper":"Optional — Public Administration","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/322dc-prabhat-malik_68_2014_public_administration_booklet_1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5523,"topper":"Prabhat Malik","air":68,"year":2014,"paper":"Optional — Public Administration","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/79dbc-prabhat-malik_68_2014_public_administration_booklet_2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5524,"topper":"Prabhat Malik","air":68,"year":2014,"paper":"Optional — Public Administration","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/48ecb-prabhat-malik_68_2014_public_administration_booklet_3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5525,"topper":"Prachi Chouhan","air":260,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d4484-1017622_2575_prachi_chouhan_rank_260.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5526,"topper":"Prachi Chouhan","air":260,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d430e-1017622_2576_prachi_chouhan_rank_260.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5527,"topper":"Prachi Chouhan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/cf781-1017622_2341_prachi_chouhan_rank_260.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the significance of the Preamble to the Indian Constitution, discuss whether it is a part of the Constitution.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"What are Parliamentary privileges? Discuss the need for codifying them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss the role of the Finance Commission in governing the financial relations between the Union and the states in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Identifying the issues associated with judicial accountability in India, suggest measures to address these issues.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Despite the considerable British influence in the making of the Indian Constitution, there are many differences in the constitutional scheme of both countries. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"In light of the role played by pressure groups in India, discuss whether they have become increasingly influential over the years.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"The CAG is argued to be the most important office in the Constitution of India as it ensures the financial accountability and transparency of the government. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Tracing the evolution of the local government in India, highlight the changes brought about by the 73rd Amendment Act to the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Bringing out the salient features of the Gram Nyayalyas Act, 2008, discuss its significance for India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Explaining the meaning of the term 'secularism', discuss how the provisions of the Constitution of India reflect secular values.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"Timely disposal of court cases is essential for maintaining the rule of law and providing access to justice. In this context, discuss the reasons behind judicial pendency and mention the steps taken to address this issue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Throw some light on the significance and limitations of the 'doctrine of basic structure' in the Indian Constitution.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"While a wide range of powers have been conferred on the Governors of states in India, there are certain limitations imposed on them as well. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Discuss the effectiveness of Parliamentary oversight to ensure Executive accountability in India. What measures can be taken to further strengthen it?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Giving an account of composition of the Competition Commission of India, discuss its role in ensuring fair competition and improving business environment in the country.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Discuss the significance of the Representation of The People Act (RPA), 1951, in the smooth functioning of the Indian democracy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"The 42nd Amendment Act brought forth a number of significant changes in the Indian Constitution. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Compare the judicial system of India with that of the United States of America (U.S.A.) and the United Kingdom (U.K.).","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"Discuss how the Indian Constitution ensures the independence of the Election Commission of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Though there exists separation of powers between the Legislature and Judiciary, judicial activism has blurred that concept. Discuss in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5528,"topper":"Prachi Chouhan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b9fdb-1017622_2369_prachi_chouhan_rank_260.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The energy transition of India's transport sector, significant to fulfil India's commitment to net-zero emissions by 2070, faces several hurdles. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"WTO's Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies lays out rules for prohibiting certain forms of harmful subsidies. Discuss. What are the implications of the agreement on India's fisheries sector? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Although the PM-KISAN Scheme has provided benefits to numerous farmers, it continues to face several significant challenges. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What role can digital technology play in transforming animal husbandry in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"India's traditional knowledge offers solutions for making agriculture sustainable for environmental conservation. Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Comment on the role of media in disaster management in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How is technology transforming India's pharmaceutical industry in terms of drug development and manufacturing? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"How can agrivoltaics, which combines solar energy with farming, be a game changer for Indian agriculture? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Can jointness of the Central Armed Police forces (CAPFs) help in tackling the major security challenges being faced in various parts of India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"How has the linkage between drugs, internet, and terrorism emerged as a significant threat for India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss the role of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) as an investment model for India's infrastructure development. Why are PPPs not a panacea for all infrastructure-related performance problems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Bring out the role of the 'One Nation-One Ration Card' scheme in ensuring food security for vulnerable sections in India. What obstacles must be overcome to make the scheme a success? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Assess whether a new industrial policy is required given the central role of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the prospects and challenges associated with inland waterways as an alternative mode of transportation in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the role played by agricultural cooperatives in enhancing farmers' income, promoting agricultural exports, and strengthening the rural economy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Comment on the success of 'Project Tiger' in protecting the national animal of the country. What further steps are needed for holistic conservation of tigers under the project? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"While the littoral states of the Bay of Bengal have made significant strides in their disaster preparedness, their efficacy has been limited. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The United Nations proclaimed 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. Which technologies in common use today are based on the understanding of quantum mechanics? What are the steps being taken by India in the field of quantum science and technology? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Key institutional and policy changes have spurred defence indigenisation, domestic capital procurement and defence exports in India. Discuss the measures adopted by the Government in this respect and the issues that still persist. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The vulnerability of India's coasts to unlawful activities poses significant threats to national security. Discuss the current security system in place for coastal security. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5529,"topper":"Prachi Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a5042-890493_3128_prachi_gupta_rank_172.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"The world must learn to work together, or finally it will not work at all.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Technology, like art, is a soaring exercise of the human imagination.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"We've begun to raise daughters more like sons, but few have the courage to raise our sons more like our daughters.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5530,"topper":"Prachi Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6f5c1-890493_2931_prachi_gupta_rank_172.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The end cannot justify the means, for the simple and obvious reason that the means employed determine the nature of the ends produced. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss how the relationship between law and ethics is dynamic and continuously shaped by societal changes. Provide examples to illustrate this dynamic relationship. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Differentiate between probity and integrity with suitable examples. How do these values contribute to ethical governance and decision-making in the civil services? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the ethical implications of withholding information in public administration. How can transparency enhance accountability and reduce corruption in government institutions? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"There is no school equal to a decent home and no teacher equal to a virtuous parent.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.\" - Leo Tolstoy (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"To see what is right and not do it is a lack of courage\" - Confucius (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What factors lead to a positive attitude in a person? How does positive attitude enhance the effectiveness of civil servants in performing their duties? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss how emotional intelligence can influence ethical decision-making in the allocation of scarce public resources. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Various international humanitarian organizations provide emergency aid in conflict zones around the world. Highlight the ethical challenges faced by such organizations. What are the principles that guide international humanitarian work? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Why is persuasion regarded as an important skill for civil servants? What are the key considerations that should guide persuasion in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"What role can ethical leadership play in curbing corruption, especially in public service? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"What were the major teachings of Swami Dayanand Saraswati? Explain their relevance in addressing the current ethical and social challenges in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":33,"question":"Discuss the ethical dilemma Karan faces in deciding whether to report the incident against Mariyam's wishes. (b) Evaluate the options available to Karan. Which of these options should he choose and why? (c) What responsibilities do organizations like XYZ Corp have in preventing and addressing sexual harassment and creating inclusive workplace environments? (Answer in 250 words)20","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"What are the options available to Jay as the Commissioner of the Education Department? Evaluate each of these options. (b) What option should Jay adopt and why? (c) How can civil servants like Jay be better protected when they attempt to uphold ethical standards in their work? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"As the District Magistrate of X city, you are responsible for overseeing the construction of a new metro depot in an urban forest area, which is a critical infrastructure project aimed at improving public transportation and reducing traffic congestion and air pollution. The project, however, requires the clearance of a substantial portion of the forest, which has triggered strong opposition from environmental activists, local residents, and NGOs. This forest is widely regarded as essential for the city's ecological balance, often referred to as the city's \"lungs.\" In addition to the environmental concerns, you are under considerable pressure from politicians at the state-level to expedite the project, given the upcoming elections in two years. The political leadership emphasizes the benefits of the metro project for the city's development and its potential to garner electoral support. The project is expected to significantly reduce travel time for thousands of commuters and potentially decrease overall vehicle emissions in the city. However, it would also lead to the loss of thousands of trees and disrupt local ecosystems. As you prepare to make a decision, you are aware that your choice will have far-reaching consequences for both the city's development and its environment. (a) Identify the ethical dilemmas involved in the above case. (b) Evaluate the options available to you in the above situation. Which of these would you choose and why? (c) Suggest some measures that could be implemented to balance urban development needs with environmental conservation in future projects. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Dr. Mehra is a senior drug developer at a leading pharmaceutical company in India, renowned for producing various medications, including lifesaving drugs critical for treating chronic and rare diseases. Since its inception, the company has emphasized the quality and affordability of its drugs. Recently, under revised government guidelines, pharmaceutical companies are required to market a finished product only after obtaining \"satisfactory results\" from tests on the ingredients. Additionally, they must retain a sufficient quantity of samples of both intermediate and final products to allow repeated testing or verification of a batch. Dr. Mehra's team is in the final stages of developing a new medication for a rare but life-threatening disease. This drug has shown promising results in clinical trials. However, there have been unresolved concerns about the long-term side effects of the drug, observed in a small percentage of trial subjects. Despite this, the company has not released any major drug in the past decade, leading to significant pressure from the board members to expedite the drug's release. (a) Identify the stakeholders in the above case study. (b) Discuss the ethical issues faced by Dr. Mehra. (c) Analyse the options available to Dr. Mehra in the above case. Which of these would you choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":58,"question":"Arun, renowned for his integrity and dedication, has recently assumed the role of Superintendent at a state Pollution Control Board. This posting, his fourth in just one year, includes the responsibility of overseeing Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs). In his new position, Arun becomes aware of a copper smelting plant situated near a crucial wetland that serves as the primary water source for the region. Despite the plant's notorious reputation for heavy pollution, the current EIA, presented to Arun by the Chairperson, indicates no significant impact on the wetland. The next assessment is not scheduled for another two years. One day, Arun receives a letter from a politician affiliated with the opposition party. The letter contains evidence suggesting that the current EIA results are based on falsified lab reports, allegedly approved by the Chairperson. The Chairperson is known to have close ties with the ruling party, which has been receiving substantial donations from the plant's operators. The opposition politician urges Arun to expose the Chairperson within the department, arguing that this approach could effectively pressurize the government to conduct a new EIA. He promises Arun significant rewards and support once their party comes to power, an outcome suggested by recent opinion polls. While the evidence presented is compelling, Arun remains cautious about the possibility of being exploited as a political pawn. He is acutely aware of the potential consequences of his actions. (a) In light of the above case, discuss the ethical issues that may arise from the nexus between corporate, political, and bureaucratic interests. (b) As a conscientious civil servant, evaluate the options available to Arun. Which option should he choose and why?(Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":59,"question":"In light of the above case, discuss the ethical issues that may arise from the nexus between corporate, political, and bureaucratic interests. (b) As a conscientious civil servant, evaluate the options available to Arun. Which option should he choose and why?(Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5531,"topper":"Prachi Gupta","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/PRACHI-GUPTA-UPSC-2024-Rank-172-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by 'green growth'? Enumerate the measures taken by the government to promote green growth in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"DPI (Digital Public Infrastructure) is a critical enabler of digital transformation for both businesses and citizens; however, it comes with its own set of challenges. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Explain the different types of trade agreements? How is a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) different from a Free Trade Agreement (FTA)? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The rationale behind the MSP system is well acknowledged, but it requires comprehensive reforms to mitigate the unintended consequences on the market and environment. Analyse. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"How can quantum technologies optimize production processes and improve efficiency in the manufacturing sector? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Biofuels can play a role in energy security by reducing India's reliance on imported fossil fuels and diversifying its energy mix. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Alongside the alarming depletion, rising pollution levels of groundwater resources are exacerbating the water crisis in India. In light of the statement, bring out the reasons for groundwater pollution in the country. Suggest remedial measures and mention the initiatives taken by the government in this regard. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are marine heat waves? Throw light on its impact on marine ecosystem and coastal communities. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Elaborate on the need for a clearly articulated National Security Strategy for systematic, consistent and coherent approach towards national security. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"India's precarious location on the drug map makes it extremely vulnerable to drug trafficking. Illustrate. How does drug trafficking affect India's internal security? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The much-cherished demographic dividend of India can be leveraged only if the twin challenges of unemployment and unemployability are addressed holistically. Analyse. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Despite government efforts at 'Make in India', what are the key impediments in making in India? Suggest measures to encourage domestic manufacturing. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"India is one of the largest producers of food, yet Food Processing Industry (FPI) is not well developed in the country. Examine the inhibiting factors and recommend some remedial actions to promote FPIs. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Adoption of millets can provide unique solutions to the problems of nutritional deficiency, ecological degradation, and receding farm incomes; however, the realization of its complete potential is hindered by a slew of factors. Analyse. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Describe how the Gaganyaan mission can help achieve India's broader national objectives. Also, throw light on the key challenges that the mission faces. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Green Hydrogen is necessary for the country to modernize without carbonizing; however, its adoption is beset with several challenges. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Biotechnology, by integrating biological sciences with technological innovations, offers comprehensive solutions to some of the most pressing challenges in food production, waste management and human health. Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Explain the causes and impacts of landslides. Also, discuss the various measures to mitigate their impact, with a special emphasis on National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) guidelines. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"As threats to maritime security evolve, India faces multifaceted challenges that necessitate a comprehensive and proactive approach to safeguard its strategic interests. In light of the statement, throw light on the key maritime security challenges in India. Also, highlight the measures taken by the government to strengthen maritime security in the country. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Bring out the challenges posed by 'hybrid warfare' to the national security and suggest comprehensive countermeasures (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5532,"topper":"Prachi Singhal","air":285,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1yuSU8dCjK8nJ9pd9r5wf7HI9u0Pvbdqd","questions":[]},{"id":5533,"topper":"Prachi Singhal","air":285,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1fIPyjqmVgF-5RL9K7LGytHxWgLLSmpTg","questions":[]},{"id":5534,"topper":"Prachi Singhal","air":285,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/19YbE3Gj4SmXkRMmrUMfV_y0f2BJRseSf","questions":[]},{"id":5535,"topper":"Pradeep Kumar Barnwal","air":601,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"IAS Gyan","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.aptiplus.in/uploads/pdfs/Pradeep_ESSAY.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5536,"topper":"Pradeep Kumar Barnwal","air":601,"year":2022,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"IAS Gyan","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.aptiplus.in/uploads/pdfs/Pradeep_GS_1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5537,"topper":"Pradeep Kumar Barnwal","air":601,"year":2022,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"IAS Gyan","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.aptiplus.in/uploads/pdfs/Pradeep_GS_2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5538,"topper":"Pradeep Kumar Barnwal","air":601,"year":2022,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"IAS Gyan","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.aptiplus.in/uploads/pdfs/Pradeep_GS_3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5539,"topper":"Pradeep Kumar Barnwal","air":601,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"IAS Gyan","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.aptiplus.in/uploads/pdfs/Pradeep_GS_4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5540,"topper":"Pradeep Kumar Dwivedi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d95a0-25483_849_pradeep_kumar_dwivedi_rank_74.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by the term Watershed Management? Discuss with examples the importance and challenges of watershed management in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Two important characteristic features of monsoon rainfall are variability and sudden breaks. Elaborate. Also bring out the critical role played by variability of rainfall in determining the cropping pattern in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"What is the difference between condensation and precipitation? Elaborate upon the various forms of condensation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"What factors are responsible for the origin and modification of ocean currents? Explain with examples how ocean current currents affect the climate of surrounding regions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Elaborate on the characteristic features of vegetation in equatorial regions. Discuss the factors which affect the development of these regions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The National Commission on Agriculture (1976) has classified Social Forestry into Urban forestry, Rural Forestry and Farm Forestry. Briefly explain each. Discuss advantages of Social Forestry in our pursuit towards sustainable development. Why has it not been successful on a large scale?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"What is the difference between tropical and extra-tropical cyclones? Why do tropical cyclones weaken over the land after landfall?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"What are air masses? How are they classified? Discuss their role in frontogenesis.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"What are the factors responsible for location of a large number of Steel Industries in India's Chota Nagpur plateau region? What were reasons for the development of Bhadravati Steel Plant inspite of unavailability of coal in the vicinity of the region?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Himalayas are not only a physical barrier, they are also a climatic, drainage and cultural divide. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Ocean basins are in a way similar to the landforms. Explain all the relief features shown by the basins with illustrations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Discuss the important facts revealed by the mapping of the ocean floor and palaeomagnetic studies for the development of hypothesis of Sea Floor Spreading. How is Plate Tectonics Theory an improvement over Sea Floor Spreading?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"How are tsunami waves formed? Explain why a tsunami is difficult to detect and its impact is less over oceans and more near the coasts.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"What is the Pacific Ring of Fire and what is its significance? Why does the Atlantic Coast have very few active volcanoes in comparison to the Pacific ocean?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"What are the differences between the himalayan and the peninsular river systems? Why are the major delta formations made by east flowing rivers and not the west flowing ones?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Briefly discuss the various factors affecting the salinity of oceans. What are the reasons behind the high salinity of Red Sea, North Sea and Mediterranean Sea?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Explain the different types of earthquake waves and difference in method of their propagation? What do you mean by \"shadow zones\"?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"List the favourable conditions for formation of corals. Discuss their distribution across the Indo-Pacific. Also analyse the impact of global warming on corals.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Differentiate between Geysers and Springs. Which areas are conducive for their development? Give examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"What are the important characteristics of footloose industries? Explain the factors responsible for the location of footloose industries using suitable examples from India.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5541,"topper":"Pradeep Kumar Dwivedi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a4892-25483_853_pradeep_kumar_dwivedi_rank_74.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the issues relating to surrogacy that have been arising in India. To what extent does the Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2016 addresses these issues?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"It has been argued that many civil servants rise to higher levels of incompetence as their career advances. Examine the statement and discuss how far lateral entry and premature retirement can address the inadequacies of the bureaucracy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"What are the different institutional arrangements in India to promote cooperation between the Centre and States? Critically analyse the role of Inter-State Council to enhance cooperative federalism in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"In view of the idea of holding simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies, discuss the advantages that its implementation would lead to and the concerns that it raises.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Proliferaton of Ministries and Departments in the government not only leads to weak coordination and integration but also fragmentation of functions. Comment in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The judiciary has been actively encroaching on the powers of legislative and executive authorities in India and in doing so has been doing a disservice to governance in the country. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Examine the reasons behind the government's decision to dismantle the plan-non-plan classification of expenditure. How will the new classification of schemes into 'core of the core', 'core' and 'optimal' address the shortcomings of the earlier classification?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"The amendment to do away with the domicile requirement for elections to the Rajya Sabha has militated against the very purpose that guided the Constituent Assembly to create the Council of States and reduced it to a mere revising chamber. Critically analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Discuss the significance of the concept of Office of Profit as enshrined in the Indian Constitution. Why has it been embroiled in controversies for a long time? Analyse the role played by judiciary in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"The provisions of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution devolve some essential powers to the lower levels in order to cater to the needs of the tribal community. Discuss, while examining the modern day challenges faced by the institutions set up under the Sixth Schedule.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"The political empowerment of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) has not been accompanied by empowerment in other spheres. Comment. Also examine whether devolving functional autonomy, administrative support and financial resources to the PRIs can help in overcoming the issues related to PRIs.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"While it has been argued that the judiciary should be brought under RTI, a balance also needs to be maintained between independence of the judiciary and the right of people to know. In this context, discuss the pros and cons of bringing the judiciary under the ambit of RTI.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Differentiate between pressure groups and political parties. It is often said that pressure groups are primarily a consequence of inadequacies of the political parties in India. Discuss the above statement in the context of rising environmental protection groups.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Give an account of the factors responsible for the limited success of Lok Adalats. What measures are required to ensure that Lok Adalats function as an effective dispute redressal mechanism?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"What do you understand by Inner Line Permit (ILP)? Critically examine the demand of Manipuri people for the implementation of ILP in the state. What possible measures can be taken to resolve the deadlock over this issue?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Government advertisements have often been viewed as misuse of taxpayer's money for enhancing the image of political parties. Discuss in the light of recent SC rulings. Also enumerate the recommendations made by the Twentieth Law Commission to address the issue of paid news and political advertisements.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"In a paradigmatic shift from the command and control approach of the past, NITI Aayog accommodates diverse points of view in a collaborative, rather than confrontationist setting. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Vast powers have been vested in the office of the Speaker to strengthen the democratic institutions of the parliamentary system, and not to stifle dissent or protest in the House. Comment in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Tenth Schedule of the Constitution and the subsequent amendments have failed at solving the problem of defections and opportunistic politics. Critically analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"It is the Parliamentary system, with its basis on constant accountability, accommodation and inclusion, which can best serve the needs of the country. Examine, keeping in mind the arguments that are periodically put forward for adopting the Presidential system in India.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5542,"topper":"Pradeep Kumar Dwivedi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/516e9-25483_872_pradeep_kumar_dwivedi_rank_74.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The \"Outcome Budget\" reflects the endeavour of the Government to convert \"Outlays\" into \"Outcomes\". Explain. Also, discuss why the potential of outcome budgeting remains untapped in the Indian context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"What is agroforestry? Discuss its potential in making agriculture sustainable and viable. In this context, discuss the salient features of National Agroforestry Policy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Comment on the problem of rising Non Performing Assets (NPAs) in India, with particular reference to public sector banks. Examine the effectiveness of the steps taken by the government in recent times to deal with this problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"To address the issue of unemployment, we need a multipronged approach and not just a focus on growth. Examine the statement in the context of various measures taken by the government in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Nuclear power has a great potential in India to supplement and in the longer term even substitute coal based power as base load. Discuss. Also, mention the steps taken by the Government of India in order to achieve nuclear energy self-sufficiency.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The agriculture sector needs government support but loan waivers are not the solution. Discuss the statement in the light of recent developments in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"What are the objectives of District Mineral Foundation? Discuss the challenges that need to be addressed for this institution to achieve its desired objectives.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"What factors explain India's poor merchandise export performance in recent times? Enumerate some recent measures taken by the government to help boost merchandise exports.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Despite numerous health hazards associated with traditional cooking energy fuels, access to clean cooking in India still continues to be a luxury. Discuss. Also enumerate the steps taken by the government to make it accessible along with the challenges faced in the process.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Taxing agricultural income is an idea whose time has come. Critically discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Dismantling of administered price mechanism for fuels is being deemed as a significant piece of economic reform. Analyse. Also, discuss how the recently introduced dynamic fuel pricing can prove to be beneficial for both the OMCs as well as consumers.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Ensuring that buildings comply with green norms will require much more than current arrangements. Analyse. Also discuss the relevant features of the new building code issued by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Given the worsening of air quality in National Capital Region, discuss the need for Graded Response Action Plan against air pollution and the challenges in its implementation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"A new disease emerging in any part of the world is a global threat. In the context of \"zoonoses\" and \"emerging infectious diseases\", analyse the risks for India. Also, identify the structures in place and measures required to combat these risks.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"There is a growing recognition that efforts should not be limited to post-disaster relief and reconstruction, rather development paradigm should integrate disaster risk reduction strategies. Discuss in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"The emphasis on TRIPS plus by developed countries is contrary to the position and interest of developing countries like India. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Coherently dealing with security threats facing India requires deeper operational synergies among the army, navy and air force. Discuss in the light of the latest Joint Doctrine for Indian Armed forces. Also, delineate the reasons for resistance to the idea of a joint Chief of Defence Staff over the years.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Over the years, laws dealing with money laundering have proved to be less than effective. Briefly discuss the statement in the context of government's proposal to make money laundering a separate criminal offence. Also enumerate the recommendations made by FATF to combat money laundering.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"In the context of recent developments briefly explain the issues involved in the Doklam area. What are the challenges that India faces in the management of border with China? In this context, also identify key steps taken by India over the years.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5543,"topper":"Pradeep Kumar Dwivedi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2cf9d-25483_877_pradeep_kumar_dwivedi_rank_74.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The seeds of patriarchy and gender inequality are sown at home, which manifest as a weed at the societal level. Elucidate. Suggest an ethical framework to systematically address the issue of patriarchy in the Indian society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"What are the factors which drive people to take law in their own hands rather than following the due process of law? Discuss ways to address the problem of mob justice.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"In a democracy, the purpose of the government should be to make it easy for people to do good and difficult to do wrong. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss John Stuart Mill's idea on freedom of thought and expression. Also, give reasons as to why, according to Mill, representative democracy is the best form of government despite its inherent weaknesses.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"It is argued by some that nuclear weapons have acted more as a deterrent than leading to war and mass destruction. In this context, discuss whether it is ethically right to possess nuclear weapons to create nuclear deterrence.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Differentiate between administration and leadership. Highlighting the traits which characterize an effective leader, discuss the importance of leadership in ensuring effective public service delivery in a bureaucratic setup.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Apart from functional knowledge and expertise, the efficacy of a civil servant also depends upon his emotional intelligence. How does emotional intelligence contribute to efficacy? How can civil servants enhance their emotional intelligence?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Enumerate the mechanisms that promote accountability of public officials in discharging their functions and responsibilities in India. Also discuss why ensuring accountability for performance is not a simple task in government service.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) \"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"\"Prejudices are what fools use for reason.\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Ensuring that government decisions are not influenced by public officials' private interests is a growing concern. Discuss in the context of India. Also enumerate the core principles reflected by OECD guidelines for managing conflict of interest in the public sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Discuss, with examples, the significance of principles of public life as recommended by Nolan committee. Why are these principles considered as an essential set of expectations from public servants?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"A peculiar inhuman situation exists for the people fleeing from war zones - they cannot go back to their homeland for fear of being persecuted and no country is ready to bear their burden due to various reasons. Citing contemporary examples, discuss the ethical issues involved in such situations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"As the administrator in-charge of your area, you are witness to the widespread food wastage in lavish parties as well as in restaurants and eateries, on one hand and people starving due to inability to ensure one square-meal a day, on the other. Realizing that it is not the scarcity of resources, but the habit of people that is causing paucity in availability of food, you decide that certain measures are needed to be taken in order to deal with the issue of starvation at the grassroot level. 20 Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) What measures would you take to deal with wastage of food in your area? (c) What explains this co-existence of affluence and hunger in developing countries like India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"The excluded and marginalized section of society are worst hit by globalization. Take the case of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) like Sentinelese of Andaman & Nicobar islands; their population has reduced drastically and they are facing various other problems as well. In this context answer the following questions: (a) What are the challenges faced by PVTGs due to globalisation? (b) If you are posted as a Development Officer in such an area, what will be your priorities to reduce their vulnerabilities and ensure welfare?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Undercover journalism exposes injustices, negligence, corruption and wrongdoing and yet going undercover to expose wrongdoing remains controversial. But, undercover journalists contend that they are fulfilling a fundamental duty of finding truth through their journalism. They argue that public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy and the duty of the journalist is to further those ends by seeking truth and providing a fair and comprehensive account of events and issues. So, there are some supporters of this kind of journalism, which sometimes infringe the privacy of individuals. However, some journalists also urge avoiding surreptitious methods of gathering information except when traditional open methods will not yield information vital to the public. In this context, answer the following questions: 20 (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the practice of undercover journalism? (b) Do you support the practice of undercover investigation by journalists? Give reasons in support of your answer.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5544,"topper":"Pradeep Kumar Dwivedi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4d022-25483_1069_pradeep_kumar_dwivedi_rank_74.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Growing awareness about terminal as well as mental illness has given credence to the idea of \"living wills\". What is a living will? Discuss the ethical issues to be considered from an individual as well as social perspective to formulate and implement it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"In order to improve the bureaucratic work culture and productivity, there is a need to downsize government and privatize some of the services. Critically discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Examine the contemporary relevance of Gandhiji's talisman as a means of resolving ethical dilemmas in day to day life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"\"Intelligence plus character-that is the goal of true education.\" Assess whether such an objective can be achieved within the existing system of education in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"\"A blanket prohibition of criticism of the policies of the Government is invalid and void, and it makes no difference if the person criticizing happens to be a government servant.\" Critically discuss in the context of Civil Service Conduct Rules, 1964.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"\"Man by nature is a political animal\". Explain with reference to Aristotle's idea of the state in life of the society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"What are the factors that have influenced the contemporary attitude of the state and the society towards homosexuality in India? Also, comment on the changing attitude and the factors driving this change.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"With behavioural issues and suicides among children on the rise, teachers and parents need to play an active part in ensuring mental well-being. Discuss. Also, explain the importance of emotional intelligence in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"The policy of Dhamma advocated by Ashoka through his edicts remains relevant in the context of issues in public life even today. Elucidate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Arguably, poverty is not only a matter of statistics. It is a reflection on the kind of society we live in. In this context, discuss the ethical implications for a society that witnesses high incidence of poverty.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Every superstition cannot be removed by the force of law. For that, a mental change is necessary. Comment. Also, explain how educators and public figures can help in eradicating superstition and instilling scientific temper among people.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"There have been reports of repeat instances of mob lynching in different states of India. It has been pointed out that these presumably faceless mobs gather impromptu on the basis of unverified information on issues that affect the collective conscience of the society such as child trafficking, sexual harassment, cow slaughter etc. Most of the people don't even regret their action of violating the law and even get away with committing such a heinous crime. (a) What are the socio-psychological factors that motivate people to join the mob and kill fellow human beings? (b) Identify the implications of increasing crime of lynching on society. (c) Examine the role of social media in recent instances of mob lynching. As a law enforcement officer, how will you prevent such incidents from happening in your district?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are the head of a policy think-tank. There is a proposal to cut down more than 10,000 trees to build a residential colony in the capital of the country. The city has one of the highest homeless population in the country and the settlement will be used for them. This news has generated a lot of public debate. While on the one hand is the need to expand urban infrastructure in order to meet the demands of the growing population, on the other, is the environmental concern. In last ten years, the city has lost more than half of its green cover and has seen increased frequency of extreme climatic events. You are asked to deliver a lecture for the policymakers and concerned citizens, in which you have to specifically deal with the following questions: (a) Why do you think such situations arise in the first place where developmental activities and environmental concerns often come out as antithetical to each other? (b) What should be the short-term and long-term solutions for tackling such situations? (c) What are the potential benefits of inculcating environmental concerns in the policy making and planning process?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5545,"topper":"Praduman Bijalwan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/PRADUMAN_BIJALWAN_SS_GS_2_AIR_501_2025_f2f01d104e.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"'Constitutional morality' is not a natural sentiment in India but has to be cultivated. Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer with relevant examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Supreme Court's recent invocation of Article 142 to confer 'deemed assent' to state bills raises critical questions about the separation of powers. Critically examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The impartiality of the Speaker of Lok Sabha is central to the integrity of the legislative process. Explain with relevant examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"How does the Sixth Schedule balance tribal autonomy with national integration? Evaluate its success and limitations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Explain how Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, while aiming to safeguard privacy, risks weakening the transparency framework established by the Right to Information Act, 2005. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms offer a viable solution to India's overburdened judiciary. Enumerate the types of ADR mechanisms in India and analyze their advantages over conventional litigation. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Examine how Community-based financial institutions promote responsive governance and address structural inequalities, especially for marginalized women. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Despite their intended purpose, Citizen's Charters in India have fallen short in transforming administration into a citizen-centric service system. Do you agree? Justify your answer. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Mauritius remains the 'Star and Key' to the Indian Ocean for India. Analyze the geopolitical significance of Mauritius in India's Indian Ocean strategy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Discuss the constitutional and statutory provisions governing the disqualification of Members of Parliament in India. How effective are they in upholding the integrity of the legislature? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"India's fiscal federalism is heavily vertical, transactional, and tax-centric. In light of this, critically examine the case for institutionalizing \"resource federalism\" to ensure more equitable and autonomous state-level economic development. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"While India has a structured but rarely used process for the removal of judges, the UK emphasizes ministerial responsibility and in house mechanisms. Compare and evaluate these approaches in maintaining judicial accountability. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Despite being part of the Directive Principles, the Uniform Civil Code remains unrealised at the national level. Examine the factors behind the delay and suggest potential measure for its national implementation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Judicial recognition of intra-caste inequality within Scheduled Castes opens new debates in affirmative action policies. Examine the challenges and opportunities this poses for social justice in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"AI-driven education can play a transformative role in achieving the goals of New Education Policy 2020. Discuss the opportunities and challenges in integrating Artificial Intelligence into India's education system. What safeguards are needed to ensure its safe deployment? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Discuss the role of targeted welfare schemes for nomadic communities in achieving inclusive development. What are the implementation bottlenecks and how can they be resolved? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"\"Cultural diplomacy through diaspora outreach has emerged as a soft power tool in India's global engagement strategy.\" Evaluate the strengths and limitations of diaspora-led cultural diplomacy in advancing India's national interest. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"How have the growing tensions between the U.S., Israel, and Iran affected regional stability in West Asia? In this context, evaluate the key considerations for India's foreign policy to safeguard its interests in West Asia. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"With overlapping geographical and strategic interests, ASEAN-BIMSTEC cooperation can enhance Indo-Pacific connectivity and resilience. Analyze the institutional, political, and external challenges that impede this collaboration. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5546,"topper":"Praduman Bijalwan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/PRADUMAN_BIJALWAN_SS_GS_4_AIR_501_2025_21e28d726e.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"\"Integrity in isolation may ensure honesty, but without impartiality and non-partisanship, governance cannot be ethical.\" Evaluate the interdependence of these foundational values in the context of public service. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":5547,"topper":"PRAGATI","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a7613-1547552_2319_pragati_rank_76.pdf","questions":[{"page":10,"question":"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5548,"topper":"PRAGATI","air":76,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2082a-1547552_2321_pragati_rank_76.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5549,"topper":"PRAGATI","air":76,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/76efc-1547552_2320_pragati_rank_76.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5550,"topper":"PRAGATI","air":76,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0d48f-1547552_2085_pragati_rank_76.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5551,"topper":"PRAGATI","air":76,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b8f83-1547552_2086_pragati_rank_76.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5552,"topper":"PRAGATI","air":76,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5204a-1547552_2087_pragati_rank_76.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5553,"topper":"PRAGATI","air":76,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8127d-1547552_2420_pragati_rank_76.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5554,"topper":"PRAGATI","air":76,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6d14a-1547552_2088_pragati_rank_76.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5555,"topper":"Pragati Rani","air":355,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PRAGATI-RANI-UPSC-2023-Rank-355-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5556,"topper":"Pragati Rani","air":355,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PRAGATI-RANI-UPSC-2023-Rank-355-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5557,"topper":"Pragati Rani","air":355,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PRAGATI-RANI-UPSC-2023-Rank-355-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5558,"topper":"Pragati Rani","air":355,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PRAGATI-RANI-UPSC-2023-Rank-355-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5559,"topper":"PRAGATI Rank","air":76,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4626f-1547552_2421_pragati_rank_76.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5560,"topper":"Pragya Saini","air":367,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/u/2/folders/1MkRVsTkaVF9o0vKmOuMxtQcXxr2Q86A-","questions":[]},{"id":5561,"topper":"Pragya Saini","air":367,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Public Administration","optional":true,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/u/2/folders/170jd_U9v1u5H3Gns3UOHGzbQ71iwkrSn","questions":[]},{"id":5562,"topper":"Prajanandan Giri","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/11TSLsd6_X56PNoH_W4KgiYWcDegJSzto/view","questions":[]},{"id":5563,"topper":"Prajit Nair","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1u81oNUU1Hrr-qev0xM8ovqLSDkrUfiNt/view","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"1. (a) It appears that there is \"alarming drop in integrity levels\" among civil service officers, especially in the higher echelon as reported in recent times. It shows that law as deterrence, Supreme Court's judgements and naming and shaming are not very effective. Discuss its causes and consequences on citizen and administration. What innovative measures will be taken to tackle such officers?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"1. (b) Differentiate between the following\ni. Ethical competence and professional competence\nii. Ethical management and ethical leadership\niii. Ethical dilemma and crisis of conscience","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"3. (b) \"Life will be simpler and much more enjoyable if we were all self conscious of our moral responsibility as self-imposed morality is much better than state-imposed laws in every sense\".","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"4. (b) Ethics in Public administration in twenty-first century is likely to be different from that of the twentieth century. Explain the reasons for such changes and also discuss some prominent new values of twenty-first century which are different from twentieth century.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"5. Discuss the following views on the relationship between corruption and salary of civil servants:\n(a) How does low or high salary affects the conduct of civil servants?\n(b) Low salary in public agencies are among important reasons for high level of corruption.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"6. Discuss the relationship between accountability and responsibility. Can we say a responsible government is ethical government? Explain.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"7. Discuss the relationship between ethics and integrity. Can we consider discrimination and sexual harassment; indecent treatment of colleagues or citizens as loss of integrity? Explain with reasons.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"8. Discuss the following terms which are based on popular presumptions and perceptions in civil services\n(a) One can be either 'corrupt and efficient' or 'honest and inefficient'.\n(b) Democratic ethos and bureaucratic ethos are at loggerhead.\n(c) The doctrine of committed bureaucracy undermines the concept of neutrality.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"9. One of the states in India has experienced violent protest by a dominant caste in which there are also reports of gang-rape of women belonging to lower castes that are poor and have not been part of the protest. Even if military has been called still violence has not been controlled although abated. There are rumours that the state government issued order to administration not to take action against protesters as the government was working at political level to find out solution to their demands. The women and their community are feeling horrified and terrified by the incident and they are not speaking up even if the state administration and civil society have appealed to them to come out and file their complaints and their identity will not be disclosed. Such behaviour by them has resulted into some sections in society to question the validity of the incident and media reports. This is increasingly creating a cloud over the incident and the community is fearful of its safety.\n(a) Suppose you are the DM of one such district where the incident has been reported then what steps will be taken by you to imbibe trust in women and families so that they can come forward report to police?\n(b) Are there other ways to enquire about the incident whether it has happened or not? Explain.\n(c) Discuss the role of district police in ensuring safety to the community.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"10. Mr. A is a senior public servant who has worked in two State public service departments over a twenty-year period. In the course of performing his duties, involving primarily monetary and budgeting issues, Mr. A becomes aware that public revenue is being used inappropriately. While he is not directly responsible for this aspect of the budget, he raised his concerns about the channelling of funds from one part of the budget to another to Mr. B, the Head of Division. Mr. A learns that not only is Mr. B aware of this practice, but also that he condones it. Not long after, Mr. A is summoned to talk to Mr. B and to the Director-General about the issue. Due to the politically sensitive nature of the issue, Mr. A is told that the matter is not within his jurisdiction and therefore he should ‘keep his nose out of it’. This advice is based on the fact that the incumbent government will not tolerate questions about how it puts its budget together but that it also faces electoral defeat if the matter were to be made ‘public’. After much soul searching, Mr. A decides to obey his supervisors by leaving the matter alone.\n(a) Discuss the possible reasons behind Mr. A decision.\n(b) Suppose you were Mr. A then what possible options you could have taken? Discuss their merits and demerits and suggest the best course of action, giving reasons.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"(a) As the head of the Department how you will explain the behaviour of the officials?\n(b) Except the two options which are given below, what other options are available for you to address the issues of case study. Evaluate their merits and demerits and choose the best option, giving reasons.\n(a) As the head of the Department how you will explain the behaviour of the officials?\n(b) Except the two options which are given below, what other options are available for you to address the issues of case study. Evaluate their merits and demerits and choose the best option, giving reasons.\n(i) Set up a citizen grievance redressal cell in the office.\n(ii) Install CCTV in the office and fix a limit on how many applications can be accepted.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"12 Water crisis is emerging a new threat for survival of human and peace and harmony in society. Many Indian cities are also facing scarcity of water and one such is Jabalpur which is located in the heart of Madhya Pradesh and lies 15 kilometres from river Narmada. Narmada, rain, groundwater and two reservoirs are the four major sources of water for Jabalpur. Once known as the city of lakes, the water bodies have today lost their lust and it is experiencing an imminent water crisis. Water shortage leads to long queues and street squabbles with people's patience running out. Concrete buildings and waste material, sports and business complexes are being planned in place of the retreating water bodies, without a passing thought to the consequences on environment such as drying of lakes. Scarcity of water has led to the digging of tubewells in every plot of the newly-constructed colonies which has worse effect on groundwater and consequently has further aggravated the problem with the fall of the watertable. Earlier most of the rain that fell recharged groundwater aquifers because of dense green cover which, acted as a barrier for surface runoff. Now, with substantial removal. Unfortunately, there is no official policy to respond to the crisis.\n(a) As a Municipal commissioner of the Jabalpur discuss the feasible solution for reviving lakes, reservoirs and solving the problem of scarcity of water at the same time ensuring the normal life of people should come under so much disruption.\n(b) There can be some possible negative consequences of your solutions. Discuss strategies to overcome them?","marks":"20","words":"200"},{"page":40,"question":"13. Suppose the state government has posted you as DM effective handling of the issues then\n(a) Indentify the major flaws in handling of the above case by the district administration.\n(b) Discuss you strategies to instil confidence among local officials so that the programme can be resumed with the same enthusiasm.\n(c) Suppose you were in place of the outgoing DM then what could have been your correct responses when the scam was exposed which might have averted the pitfalls?","marks":"25","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"14 P worked as an Assistant with a state government run Corporation. She was reporting to M, who was working as an Officer. During the course of work, M used vulgar language and tried to develop proximity with P. At that time, P openly expressed to M she did not appreciate his behaviour. This resulted in M giving more work to P and making her wait in his cabin for prolonged periods. Since the hostile work atmosphere became unbearable for P, she verbally complained to her seniors.\nNothing happened for months. Since M threatened to spoil confidential record of P and destroy her career by falsely entangling her in corruption charges, P complained in writing. CEO of the Corporation handed complaint to the HOD of the department. The written complaint resulted into appointment of an officer to inquire into the complaint which concluded that P's complaint was false and recommended her transfer. As a result, P was transferred to other office.\nP approached a union leader and an NGO for help. At that time P was not aware about the existence of the Vishakha guidelines and the Law on sexual harassment enacted in 2013. Due to their help the administration formed a complaints committee although it didn't adhere the members' criteria of Vishakha guidelines. Though P produced witnesses, committee concluded it could not be said conclusively that P was harassed by M. In addition the committee commented negatively on the nature and work performance of P. The Corporation closed the case after giving warning to M and transferred him to rural posting on promotion.\na) What will be your reaction after reading the above case study?\nb) Analyse the ethical issues in handling of P grievances.\nc) Suppose you are the secretary of the department which has jurisdiction over the corporation and P sends details of her grievances then what are the options available to you? Evaluate them and choose the best option, giving reasons.","marks":"25","words":"250"}]},{"id":5564,"topper":"Prajit Nair","air":87,"year":2016,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1tk8PapR95cQqw1NzrZt2ERR9UyymO7CP","questions":[]},{"id":5565,"topper":"Prajnanandan Giri","air":24,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ac000-615676_2488_prajnanandan_giri_rank_.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5566,"topper":"Prajnanandan Giri","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/424035678350725400_PDF_ORIGINAL.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"1. There is a need to resolve the ambiguity in the disqualification provisions under section 8 of the Representation of People Act 1951. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"2. Constitution is a mere skeleton whereas constitutionalism is the soul of democracy. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"3. \"Electoral bonds are a double-edged sword, providing anonymity to donors while raising concerns about transparency in political funding.\" To what extent have electoral bonds further legitimized opacity in electoral funding ?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"4. The question of gender equality is central to the debate on Uniform Civil Code. In this light what are the challenges in reconciling UCC with gender equality as enshrined in the constitution.?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"5. The Governor's office is neither decorative nor inconsequential, it assumes a constitutional role of profound essence. To what extent does the Governor actively contribute to the governance of a state and reinforce the principles of federalism in the country ?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"6. Recently demand has been rising in a state regarding the enactment of Social Accountability law. How such a law can lead to good governance and boost citizens' participation in decision-making. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"7. There is a need for convergence of 'nutrition-specific' and 'nutrition-sensitive' interventions to effectively tackle child undernutrition in India. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"8. \"MGNREGA, the lynchpin of rural poverty alleviation, has become the victim of fiscal apathy.\" Critically analyze the statement in light of recent developments.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"9. \"India must leverage, if not manage, the global divides.\" How can the current geopolitical churn pave the way for India's rise to the global high table ?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"10. \"Berlin can be India's gateway to the European Union.\" Elaborate with respect to Germany's significance in India's relationship with the EU.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"11. How has the Anti-Defection Law impacted the relationship between political parties and individual legislators in India? In light of the recent incidents also discuss the unintended consequences it has on the functioning of a democracy in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"12. Critics assert that limitless judicial authority rests on the structural ambiguity of the basic structure doctrine. Has the elastic nature of the basic structure doctrine made the judiciary more powerful than the executive?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"13. Fundamental rights are not gifts bestowed upon by the state rather an individual possesses them independently of the state. In this context discuss the desirability of reasonable restrictions on various fundamental rights.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"14. S.R. Bommai v. Union of India signified a paradigm shift in the judicial interpretation of the union's authority to assume control of a state's administration. In this context discuss the significance and impact of the judgement on cementing the federal structure.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"15. The key to effective decentralization, according to is 'Political decentralization should follow finance and functional decentralization.' Discuss in the context of impediments faced by local governance in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"16. Multi-stakeholder partnerships are the key to leveraging collective expertise and networks. How can effective partnership and localized implementation efforts be fostered to accelerate the achievement of sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in India ?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"17. How has the implementation of the POSH Act resulted in limited success in raising awareness about sexual harassment, and what factors have hindered its effective outreach to women employed in the unorganized sector? Propose strategies to bridge this gap and ensure comprehensive protection for women in the unorganized sector against workplace harassment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"3. Factors that have hindered its outreach to women in unorganised sector\n1. Limitation of the law to organised sectors\n2. Women in unorganised sectors comes from poorer section → lacks financial capability to fight a case\n3. Stereotype associated with sexual violence → prefers silence\n4. Limited role of Government to spread the law to unorganised sector.\n5. Limited access to education","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"18. Neo-liberal reforms and globalization have deeply transformed the institutions of the welfare state and set the ground for a new type of civil services. In this context examine the challenges faced in service delivery and suggest adequate reforms.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"19. China views India as its \"Asian Rival\" with an innate ability to counter its hegemonistic goals in Asia. Despite these difficulties in India-China relations, there are also many areas of convergence. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"20. Indo-Pacific region in recent times has emerged as a zone of diverging interests and priorities. Discuss. Do you think the Global Security Initiative will supersede QUAD in the region?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5567,"topper":"Prajnanandan Giri","air":24,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/93393beb2b7e996905ce7ea7f8b78443/105/air-24-prajnanandan-giri_test-1_gs1.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"1. The fabric of Indian philosophical thought owes as much to Northern India as to Southern India. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"2. The Indian society's impulse for social change and reform was a response to its opposition to colonial rule. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"3. What are the factors that led to the Russian revolution and what are the consequences of this revolution? Discuss its influence on the Indian national movement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"4. Discuss the various factors responsible for the uneven temperature distribution on Earth's surface.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"5. The melting of glaciers due to climate change has serious implications for the ecosystem and human society. Discuss the effects of melting glaciers on the environment and the measures that can be taken to address this issue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"6. The white revolution was most successful in the Western part of India. Discuss the factors for this regional success of the White Revolution.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"7. To what extent does seismic investigation contribute to our understanding of the Earth's interior structure? Analyze its significance in detail.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"8. The pace of demographic transition varies across different states of India making population growth a double-edged sword. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"9. The ethnic and cultural diversity in India has always been bound by the thread of unity. Discuss the major factors that have contributed the cultural unity of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"10. The dichotomy in public and private life in Indian society acts as a major barrier to the annihilation of caste. Justify.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"11. India was forced into numerous wars post independence. Highlight the causes and impact of the Indo-Pak and Indo-China wars on our bilateral relationships.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"12. The process of consolidation of Bengal, which started after the Battle of Plassey culminated in the Battle of Buxar. Do you think the Battle of Buxar was more important for the British than Plassey ?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"13. Sanskrit literature in general and particularly in the Guptan age set a high watermark for the literary history of ancient India. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"14. The configuration of the ocean floor provides essential information about the geological processes that have shaped the Earth's surface. Discuss the major features of the ocean floor and their significance in the study of oceanography.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"15. With the growing demand for rare earth elements, their distribution has become a critical aspect of the global economy. Discuss the distribution of rare earth elements across the world, their uses, and the environmental impact of their extraction.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"16. Tourism in the hilly states is threatening to exceed the ecological carrying capacity of the region. Analyze the factors contributing to this trend and evaluate the potential Environmental impacts of this phenomenon. What measures can be taken to ensure sustainable tourism in these states?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"17. The Indian monsoon is a complex phenomenon influenced by various climatic factors. Critically examine the role of oceanic and atmospheric factors in determining the intensity and distribution of monsoon rainfall in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"18. Why do traditions in our society impede change? To what extent can social legislation be instrumental against old customary practices?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"19. Slums are not 'problems' that have to be 'solved', but are indeed a result of lopsided and vested urban policies covering Infrastructure Provision and socio-economic issues. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"20. Communalism gains strength from economic deprivation, and thrives in environments of social exclusion, creating fertile ground for discontent and division. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5568,"topper":"Prajnanandan Giri","air":24,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/27/air-24-prajnanandan-giri_test-1_gs1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5569,"topper":"Prajnanandan Giri","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Prajnanandan-Giri-UPSC-2023-Rank-24-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the role of the 'Fourth Estate' in upholding democratic values and analyse the issues affecting press freedom in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"The electoral process, though inclusionary in theory, has been pointed out to be exclusionary tendencies in practice. Analyse, with special emphasis on role of women in India's representative electoral system.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Assess the effectiveness of Inter-state River Water Disputes Act, 1956 in resolution of river water disputes. Also describe the potential impact of delays in resolution of water disputes.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the significance of the cooperative model of development in addressing the issues of rural growth.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"In order to pass the ultimate test of good governance, welfare state should be close to the people, responsive to their aspirations, and inclusive in its approach. Discuss with special reference to PM PVTG development Mission.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"To what extent collaboration between the state and civil society organizations (CSOs) help in addressing poverty and malnutrition in the country?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Absence of a robust social infrastructure in the country may become one of the most significant challenges in achieving a developed status by 2047. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Though the changing paradigm towards dialogue and diplomacy in West Asia augurs well for India's interests in this otherwise restive region, presence of inimical actors may reverse the gains. Explain.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Water diplomacy can redefine the contours of regional cooperation in South Asia. Discuss with special reference to Indus water treaty 1960.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Despite constitutional backing to the institutions of local governance, the idea of decentralisation has remained hostage to several structural bottlenecks. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"Independent judiciary, as envisaged by the constitution, provides the bedrock for a thriving polity, however, executive encroachment may erode its credibility and affect its efficacy. Evaluate","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Executive agencies, working as the watchdog against impropriety, are vital to act against the corrupt, however, pandering to vested interests may have the effect of turning the idea of rule of law on its head. Comment, with special reference to controversies associated with the Enforcement Directorate (ED).","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"Critically analyse the role of National Commission for Women (NCW) in wake of its mandate to safeguard women's rights and uphold their socio-economic well being.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"Understanding the extent, source, and complexity of deprivations among the multidimensionally poor contributes to more informed policymaking. In this context, analyze the latest National Multidimensional Poverty Index Report by NITI Aayog.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"Though lifeblood of a representative democracy, political parties are beset with challenges of their own, limiting their larger role in democratization of the society. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Safely managed drinking water services as desired by Jal Jeevan Mission, are designated to give multifarious benefits cutting across generations. Discuss. Also, elaborate upon the challenges in ensuring the mission's success.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Legislation like Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989 remains mere legal documents without intense sensitization of public functionaries and the civil society. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"Harbinger of global rebalancing, India-Africa ties are a beacon of inclusive, sustainable, and equitable world. Explain.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"How do ASEAN centrality, rules-based order, and development partnership with Pacific Island States make Indo-Pacific a theatre of opportunity for India? What are the hurdles in realisation of an inclusive Indo-pacific construct?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5570,"topper":"Prajnanandan Giri","air":24,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/30/air-24-prajnanandan-giri_test-2_gs2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5571,"topper":"Prajnanandan Giri","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Prajnanandan-Giri-UPSC-2023-Rank-24-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Foreign trade is an important milestone on the path of becoming a 5 trillion USD economy. In this context, analyse the potential of the recently released Foreign Trade Policy 2023 in revamping India's participation in global trade.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Social protection schemes are an integral aspect of a welfare economy; however the principles of fiscal prudence cannot be ignored. Discuss, with special reference to old pension Scheme (OPS).","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand from AgriStack? To what extent can it become a panacea for the problems plaguing the farm sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"The objective of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to provide a long term and equitable solution to the dilemma between free trade and food security has remained unfulfilled. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Even after five decades of the Stockholm conference, narrowing the gaps between the targets and actions remains one of the biggest challenges towards reversing climate change. Discuss. Also, recommend measures for building a coherent actionable strategy to tackle climate change.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"What are the impediments in management of E-waste in the country? In what ways can the trinity of citizens, businesses, and the government tackle this menace?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"How does nuclear fusion differ from nuclear fission? Assess the relevance of nuclear energy in resolving the global energy security dilemma?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"What are run-off the river hydroelectric projects? How far can run of the river hydroelectric projects balance ecological conservation with socio-economic development?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"A robust border infrastructure is the surest way to counter multifarious threats emanating from inimical actors. Discuss, in light of vibrant village programme.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"How far can a clearly articulated National Security strategy help in tackling challenges to national security?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"What are the factors that influence the inflation trends in the country? Highlighting the impacts, discuss the institutional measures in place to check inflation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"Though a cornerstone of Atmanirbhare Bharat, production linked Incentive(PLI) scheme is not without its own challenges. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"How is internationalisation of rupee different from De-dollarisation? Highlighting the benefits of internationalisation of rupee discuss the challenges associated with the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"What are primary Agricultural Credit Societies? Can the cooperative push alone help in achieving the twin targets of boosting rural economy and mainstreaming small and marginal farmers?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"Farm policies in the country have inadvertently led to undesirable consequence. Do you agree? Giving emphasis on PM PRANAM, discuss ways to enhance soil health and farm productivity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"What do you understand by heat waves? Highlight the reasons and impact of the rising frequency of heat waves across India. Also, recommend some measures to mitigate its impact.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"How is Chandrayaan-3 different from its predecessor, Chandrayaan-2? To what extent can India's presence in Artemis Accords help in furthering the exploration of lunar surface?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Research and Development in the key to unlock the potential of 'knowledge economy'. In this perspective, analyse the role of the National Research Foundation Bill, 2023 in democratizing the research ecosystem in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'Hybrid warfare'. Highlighting its implications for India, recommend measures to develop a comprehensive ecosystem to counter the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"How are internal security challenges related to peace in neighboring countries? Explain with special reference to instability on India's eastern frontier.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5572,"topper":"Prajnanandan Giri","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Prajnanandan-Giri-UPSC-2023-Rank-24-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Ahimsa is not only the negative refusal to do harm, but also the positive doing of good. In this perspective, discuss the significance of 'ahimsa' in modern times.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Which famous personality has influenced you and why? In what ways have you emulated their example in your own life?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Differentiate between the following. (i) Attitude and Opinion. (ii) Emotions and feelings.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"What do you understand by emotional intelligence ? Examine the importance of emotional intelligence in personal and professional life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Political attitude has as much to do with society as with politics. Discuss with suitable illustrations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The influence of ethical principles on shaping socially responsible behavior is widely acknowledged. How do ethical values facilitate individuals in cultivating a proactive and constructive attitude towards fulfilling their social responsibilities ? Can the subjective nature of ethical principles lead to divergent attitudes regarding social responsibility ?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"Through their actions, interactions, and teachings, Schools have the power to mold the moral compass of the next generation. In this perspective, discuss the significance of value-based education in preparing the youth to address the contemporary challenges of society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'situation ethics'? Critically analyze its strengths and weaknesses in making moral judgements.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"6(b) Maintaining traditional bonds and familial relationships in an increasingly globalized world requires personal relationships to be governed by ethical principles. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Naveen and Vinod, final year undergraduate students at ABC college of engineering, are close friends. Naveen has been a meritorious student and got appointed as the secretary of the training and placement cell, which has the mandate to oversee the campus placements of the students. Vinod, on the other hand, spent more time on leisure activities and paid less attention to his academic performance. However, the lackadaisical attitude of Vinod began to reflect on his grades. His poor performance in the majority of subjects meant that he had to complete some courses again, in order to graduate in time. As Vinod struggled to complete his extra courses, he barely had any time left for anything else. The immense fatigue was also evident from his deteriorating physical and psychological health. Around this time the campus placement in the ABC college had started. While all other students were preparing for the recruitment tests, Vinod had barely any time for the same. Vinod's parents, who had taken loan for Vinod's education, are expecting Vinod to get a good job. The guilt of wasting his college years and letting down his poor parents was becoming unbearable for Vinod, as a result of which he had a nervous breakdown. Naveen, who in his capacity as secretary of training and placement cell, was busy organising the recruitment drive, was aware that the chances of Vinod getting recruited were very slim. He also knew that Vinod was repenting in true sense and working very hard to complete his courses, despite his deteriorating emotional health. Naveen was afraid that if Vinod did not get a job, he may take some extreme step. Naveen has in his possession the question paper for the recruitment test to be held next week. Vinod had in the past requested Naveen to help him in any way possible to get a decent job. While Naveen knows that sharing the questions with Vinod may help him get through the exam, it would be ethically incorrect. Now, Naveen is in a dilemma over the course of action he should take. a) What are the ethical dilemmas before Naveen in this case? b) Identify and evaluate the various courses of actions available before Naveen. If you were in Naveen's shoes, which course of action would you choose and why? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":5573,"topper":"Prajnanandan Giri","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Prajnanandan-Giri-UPSC-2023-Rank-24-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper4.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Investment in infrastructure is a precursor to social and economic transformation; however, the focus on economic gains must not marginalise the concerns for safety. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Do you think the low Female Labor Force Participation Rate presents a correct picture about the 'working women' in India's economy? Give reasons in support of your answer.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Outcome budget convert outlays into outcomes. Examine various advantages and disadvantages of outcome budgeting and assess its status in the country.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by inclusive growth ? Is economic growth sufficient to ensure inclusive growth ?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Evaluate the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) in addressing the challenges of Public Private Partnership (PPP) in the country.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Analyse the role of fisheries in nutrition security, livelihood generation, and economic growth. What are the major challenges faced by the fisheries sector?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"In what ways can precision agriculture become a panacea for multi-pronged challenges plaguing the agriculture sector? Discuss. Also, analyse various impediments in widespread adoption of precision farming in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Agriculture subsidy regime in its present form fuels economic inefficiency and creates ecological imbalance. In this perspective, examine various issues related to farm subsidies. Also, recommend measures to rationalise the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Despite their flaws in limiting access to larger market and poor price realization for agriculture produce, APMCs have their utility. Analyse the statement and suggest reforms in agriculture marketing in the country.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Cropping pattern in the country does not concur with the agro-climatic reality, leading to unintended and undesirable consequences. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Labour and export intensive industries are key to problems of jobless growth. In this perspective, analyse the opportunities and challenges associated with the textile sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"What do you understand from Liberalisation, Privatisation and Globalisation (LPG)? Examine the effects of LPG reforms on different sectors of Indian economy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"In the financial year 2021-22, Indian merchandise exports have crossed the 400 billion USD mark. Identify the reasons for this spectacular performance of Indian exports and suggest reforms to further boost the exports.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"Examine the advantages of adopting new computation methodology for calculation of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2015. Also, discuss the limitations of using GDP as a measure of development of a country.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"In an era of interconnected challenges, the emerging global polycrisis poses significant implications for India's macroeconomic stability. Examine and suggest measures to make the Indian economy more resilient to global shocks and challenges.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"What are the reasons for increasing emphasis on the horticulture sector in recent years? Evaluate government measures for the development of the horticulture sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Despite the potential to check the triple whammy of nutritional deficiency, environmental degradation, and receding farm incomes, the adoption of Millets has been abysmally low. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Reforms in Public Distribution System (PDS) and Food Corporation of India (FCI) are two sides of the same coin. Discuss the statement along with suitable reforms in PDS and FCI.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss the rationale behind declaring Minimum Support Price (MSP) and various issues realated to MSP regime in the country. Do you think that providing legal backing to MSP is necessary and sufficient for making farming financially sustainable?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"A link between unorganized farming community and formal industrial sector can play a key role in advancing the rural economy. Evaluate.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5574,"topper":"PRAJNANDAN GIRI","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4feb1-615676_2219_prajnanandan-giri_rank_24.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Fiscal policy can be a key tool to reduce income inequality as well as make the poorest and the downtrodden a part of the country's growth story. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Digitizing land records will go a long way in ensuring land reforms as well as lessening the burden on the Indian Judiciary. Elaborate. Also, state the measures taken in this context. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"It has been pointed out that competitive politics to fund mostly non-merit subsidies is pushing a few states in India to the brink of a deep fiscal crisis. In this context, discuss the need to rationalise the subsidy regime in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Micro-irrigation has tremendous potential in transforming farming into a profitable and sustainable venture. Discuss the given statement in the context of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Given its vast resources and technical expertise, India can play a key role in assisting the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) in dealing with the impact of climate change. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The recent \"Disaster Management Plan of Ministry of Panchayati Raj (DMP-MoPR)\" aims to develop disaster resilience at the grassroots level. In this context, discuss the rationale behind the formulation of the Plan and highlight its key components. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the internal security implications emanating from the use of Emerging And Disruptive Technologies (EDT) by state and non-state actors. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Identify the impediments faced by India in boosting its defence exports. Also, discuss the steps taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the multiple issues associated with space debris. Also, state the initiatives taken in recent times to tackle this menace. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The adoption of Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) in India is expected to make e-commerce more inclusive and accessible for consumers. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While an agreement was recently reached at the WTO on a deal to curb \"harmful\" government fisheries subsidies, certain concerns raised by India suggests that the matter will require further negotiations. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite the advantages that are associated with the hybrid annuity model (HAM) in the road construction sector, the interest in it has moderated due to various reasons. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The existing MSP procurement regime is neither economically nor agro-ecologically sustainable. Elaborate. Also, evaluate the alternative approaches that can be adopted to improve the existing MSP regime. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"It is being argued that India is struggling with overflowing foodgrains in warehouses. Discuss the statement in view of the existing buffer stock policy of India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Recently, the government has asked all ports to prepare a master plan in order to become 'mega ports' by 2047. In light of this, discuss the challenges faced by ports and suggest remedial measures in order to propel India's blue economy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Inequality in income and wealth translates into carbon inequality. In this context, discuss the significance of addressing carbon inequality for India and suggest ways to achieve it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Despite increased and regular occurrences of landslides over the past decade in India, the dominant development paradigm has largely not been modified. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India needs a smart border management system to balance legitimate cross border flows with national security interests. Discuss. Also, highlight the initiatives taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Establishing linkages between globalisation and money laundering, discuss the initiatives taken at the national and international levels to combat it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"There have been arguments that India needs to review some of its past assumptions about the nature of outer space and contribute to the development of new global norms. In this context, analyse India's stand in relation to the Artemis Accords. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5575,"topper":"PRAJNANDAN GIRI","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/f0cd0-615676_2218_prajnanandan-giri_rank_24.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to revisit the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution? Discuss with suitable arguments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Highlighting the advantages of online dispute resolution (ODR) mechanism for justice delivery, discuss the challenges associated with its effective implementation in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Despite the constitutional division of powers, Centre-state disputes have been a perennial feature of Indian democracy. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Do you agree with the view that adopting a framework for lobbying will strengthen participative governance and ease of doing business in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Despite the government encouraging open source instead of proprietary technology for government applications, the true potential of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) and digital platforms remains unrealized. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"As a social safety-valve, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) can be the principal vehicles through which communities voice their concerns. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Despite being lauded for its patient centric approach, the implementation of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, remains sluggish and mired with various issues. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to formulate an Urban Employment Guarantee scheme at the national level? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the relevance of BIMSTEC as a regional organisation to fulfil India's strategic aspirations in the Indian Ocean Region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the relevance of the Gujral Doctrine for India with regard to its relations with its immediate neighbours in the present times. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the pivotal role of the \"Officers of Parliament\" in the Indian Parliamentary system. Also, discuss the constitutional and statutory provisions for their impartial functioning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The Finance Commission plays a crucial role in balancing fiscal federalism in India. In this context, examine the recommendations given by the 15th Finance Commission. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Critically assess whether according statutory backing to the Model Code of Conduct will contribute towards free and fair elections in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The market disruption caused by digital revolution warrants renewed focus and perspective to ensure fair competition in the digital economy. In this light, discuss the need to revamp the Competition Commission of India (CCI). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"There is an urgent need for effective whistle-blowing mechanisms and ensuring that necessary safeguards for the protection of whistle-blowers are established in both public and private spheres in India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"State the reasons behind the poor performance of cooperatives in India. Also, discuss the reforms undertaken by the government to overcome the shortcomings. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Public-Private Partnership model, if harnessed properly, has the potential to bridge the gaps in India's healthcare system. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Although the New Education Policy brings with itself a commendable vision, its success will depend on its ability to effectively integrate with the government's other policy initiatives. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) is born from a collective desire to make the Indo-Pacific region an engine of global economic growth. Comment. Also, discuss India's concerns in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"India needs to identify the priority areas to further its techno-diplomacy amidst the complexities of expanding digital space and New and Emerging Strategic Technologies. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5576,"topper":"PRAJNANDAN GIRI","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2ed89-615676_2424_prajnanandan-giri_rank_24.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What are the different dimensions of food security? Examine India's status in terms of ensuring food security with regard to these dimensions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Modern technologies such as blockchain and ChatGPT are powerful tools with immense potential to transform agriculture into a more efficient and sustainable sector. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What factors have led to the recent acceleration in the trend towards de-dollarization of the global economy? Do you think the dollar will lose its dominance anytime soon? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Despite significant pressure from the developed countries to alter its food subsidy regime, there is merit in India trying to retain its policy support for the poor in the country. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Several initiatives have been taken by the government towards addressing India's water needs, but the issues of water availability and water quality still warrant prioritised intervention. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What are the major drivers of glacial retreat in the Arctic? Describe the potential impact of the retreat of Arctic glaciers on the ecosystem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Space tourism, which was viewed as something straight out of a science fiction movie, is now becoming a reality albeit not without hindrances. What are the challenges associated with space tourism? What measures can be taken to address these challenges? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Global health experts widely believe that the development of CAR-T cell therapy can be a game changer in the treatment of cancer. How can CAR-T cell therapy overcome the limitations of CRISPR-Cas9 technology? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss why the rising deployment of new and emerging technologies by prominent violent extremist organizations demand concerted global efforts. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"With the Line of Actual Control (LAC) remaining tense after the Galwan and Yangste incidents and both India and China ramping up infrastructure in the border areas, discuss the role that ITBP plays in the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Do you think there is a need for a shift from 'land productivity' to 'irrigation water productivity' in India? Justify your answer. What are the challenges in making this shift? Explain. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Examine the role that green hydrogen can play in unlocking the energy security of India. How can the National Green Hydrogen Mission help India in achieving its energy goals? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The government has been weighing a transition from minimum wage to living wage in recent times. What are the benefits and constraints in the adoption of living wage in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The Union Budget affects almost every sector of the Indian economy, yet neither the budgetary processes nor the budget policies come under substantial public scrutiny. Do you agree? Justify your answer. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5577,"topper":"PRAJNANDAN GIRI","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/bf2a1-615676_2423_prajnanandan-giri_rank_24.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With suitable examples, discuss how environmental pressure groups enhance public participation and responsiveness with regard to environmental policies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The recent acknowledgment of sex work as a 'profession' by the Supreme Court is merely the first step in ensuring basic rights and equality for sex workers in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the role played by District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) in providing free legal aid and disseminating legal awareness in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"The collegium system has become a victim of its own success, with the concentration of power in the hands of a few, leading to questions about its legitimacy.\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"Civil services reforms must go beyond recruitment and standardised training to cope with the present day challenges.\" Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Outcome-based finance models such as social impact bonds have the potential to truly catalyse change and deliver socio-economic impact at scale. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The wide gap between the number of females graduating every year and those entering the workspace is an issue of paramount importance that needs to be addressed. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":5578,"topper":"PRAJNANDAN GIRI","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/bdfdb-615676_2422_prajnanandan-giri_rank_24.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The traditional theatre forms of India reflect the ideals and emotions of the society, and an individual's role in the community. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Provide an account of the historical and architectural importance of the Sanchi Stupa. Also, discuss how it inspired the future architecture in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Bhagat Singh made a real breakthrough in terms of revolutionary ideology, the goals of revolution and forms of revolutionary struggle. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Bringing out the factors that led to the Meiji restoration, discuss its significance for Japan. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"It is believed that a nation is an \"imagined community\" held together by common beliefs, history, political aspirations etc. In this context, discuss what the basis of India as a nation is. Also, bring out the threats to the concept of Indian nationhood. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"State the key factors behind the growth of the pharmaceutical industry in India. Additionally, discuss its significance with regard to India's economy and public health.(Answer in 150words)10","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss why the Bay of Bengal is more prone to cyclones than the Arabian Sea. Also, explain the reasons for the decrease in frequency of tropical cyclones during the Southwest monsoon season. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite being destructive in nature, volcanoes are critical for the existence of human life on earth. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The existence of relative deprivation is an important aspect in constructing the argument for regionalism. Explain with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"If India is to realise the goal of 'education for all', the issue of rising cases of bullying and other forms of school violence needs to be addressed immediately. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Bring out the role played by the Ahom Kingdom in shaping the cultural and historical identity of North-East India, and discuss its legacy in contemporary times. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The capitalist class generally remained ambivalent in their support to the Indian National Congress until 1940s. In this context, analyse the varying positions of the Indian capitalists throughout the national movement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Trace the evolution of the press in India. Also, discuss the instrumental impact it had during various stages of the Indian freedom struggle despite the repressive policies of the British. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Mountains are fragile ecosystems vulnerable to the adverse impact of climate change and other anthropogenic interventions. Illustrate with examples. Also, highlight the initiatives taken for their sustainable management. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind unsustainable management of sand resources in India. Highlighting its impact, enumerate the remedial measures taken in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Giving an account of the major lithium-producing countries, discuss the geo-political aspects of lithium production and its environmental implications. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The youth are capable of identifying themselves with a global identity and connecting with events and experiences outside their countries. In this context, discuss the impact of globalization on the various aspects of youth identity. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"As fertility rates decline in India, future demographic concerns center around an ageing population and a weak social security system. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"With a significant proportion of India's population expected to live in urban areas by 2030, the welfare of the urban poor needs to take centre-stage in public policy. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5579,"topper":"PRAJNANDAN GIRI","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ee01e-615676_2425_prajnanandan-giri_rank_24.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"For effective corporate governance to take place in the coming years, why is it important to integrate the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics with the multi-stakeholder approach? What benefits can be accrued by such integration? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In acts of corruption, the focus is often only on the demand side of the equation, on public officials who abuse their office for private gain. Frequently, the supply side is given less attention. Those who pay bribes are sometimes depicted as innocent parties and victims of extortionary practices of wily public servants. Do you agree that 'collusive corruption', in which there is a willing bribe-giver, is a formidable challenge for institutions fighting corruption? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Citizens' Charters initiative was a response to the quest for solving the problems, which a citizen encountered, day in and day out, while dealing with the organisations providing public services. But the introduction and implementation of Citizens' Charters in the government of India has been difficult due to the old bureaucratic set up and the rigid attitudes of the work force. Discuss the major obstacles that have been encountered in implementing the Citizens' Charter initiative. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Quality of public service delivery is a major determinant of the quality of life of vulnerable sections in a highly unequal society divided along the lines of class, caste, religion, etc. In this background, do you think that public service delivery is efficient and sufficient enough to improve the lives of vulnerable groups in India? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own.\" - Lao Tzu (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"If ethics are poor at the top, that behavior is copied down through the organization.\" - Robert Noyce (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"The end of law is not to abolish or restrain, but to preserve and enlarge freedom.\" - John Locke (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Wealthy CEOs and founders of successful businesses around the world are increasingly pledging to give away their wealth in philanthropy. Do you think that such a move is sufficient enough to bring about a positive change in the society? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"As organizations across the globe begin their artificial intelligence (AI) transformation, the leap into the AI era is expected to be more challenging than any technology that businesses have grappled with yet. In this background, discuss the concerns around fairness, transparency, and job security that may arise. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The emphasis of Swami Dayanand Saraswati on education, social equality, and ethical values continues to influence the socio-cultural discourse in contemporary India. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Emotional intelligence may not be singularly associated with emotions or intelligence. It can also include a broad range of personality characteristics that might predict success in professional and everyday life. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Traditional forms of state-led accountability, also characterised as vertical and horizontal channels of accountability, are increasingly found to be inadequate, and a myriad of multi-stakeholder and bottom-up citizen directed approaches have come to the fore, to supplement or supplant them. Discuss with illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":48,"question":"Additionally, companies like BMW, Volvo, Google and Korean battery maker Samsung SDI, vowed in a statement to not buy metals produced from deep-sea mining until the environmental risks of the activity are \"comprehensively understood.\"; In the context of the above-stated information, address the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the given case study? (b) How can the vision of economic development of a nation be achieved without adversely affecting the sustainability of oceans? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5580,"topper":"PRAJWAL CHAURASIA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/2/pttp220258_tc062.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"If you look into someone's face long enough, eventually you feel that you are looking into yourself.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"It is the province of knowledge to speak and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Drop the question what tomorrow may bring, and count as profit every day that fate allows you.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Truth, like a torch, the more it is shook, it shines.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Art is I; science is We.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Only the dead have seen the end of the war.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Act as if it were impossible to fail.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5581,"topper":"PRAJWAL CHAURASIA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/3/pttp220258_tc063.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Little strokes fell great oaks.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Judge a man by his questions rather than his answers.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Great principles,great ideals know no nationality.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"In struggling with misfortune lies the true proof of virtue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"The whole purpose of Education is to turn mirrors into windows.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"To dwell is to garden.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Reality is the shadow of ideas.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"We can not despair of humanity, since we ourselves are human beings.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5582,"topper":"PRAJWAL CHAURASIA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/4/pttp220258_tc064.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Gender Equality is not a \"women's issue\"-it's good for men too.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Is UCC, the unity that we aspire in our diversity?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Problems of 21st century are problems without passport.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"The more we are developing, the more unhealthy we are getting. Where does the real problem lie?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Is Internal Security always an Internal Challenge?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Sports, the toy of humanity","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Is Economy becoming the end rather than the means?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5583,"topper":"PRAJWAL CHAURASIA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/5/pttp220258_tc065.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"You can't serve data on a hungry man's plate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"AI is overcoming our mental limitation but not expanding our mental horizon.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"We are using environment for politics, not politics for environment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"The worst form of inequality is to try to make unequal things equal.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Existence is a science, living is an art.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"If the truth shall kill them, let them die.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"The only way to go beyond things, is to go through them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Dream for the best. Be prepared for the worst. Enjoy life in between.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5584,"topper":"PRAJWAL CHAURASIA","air":694,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/1/pttp220258_tc061.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5585,"topper":"PRAJWAL CHAURASIA","air":694,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/85/pttp220258_tc071-test-01-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5586,"topper":"PRAJWAL CHAURASIA","air":694,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/89/pttp220258_tc075-test-05-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5587,"topper":"PRAJWAL CHAURASIA","air":694,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/86/pttp220258_tc072-test-02-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5588,"topper":"PRAJWAL CHAURASIA","air":694,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/90/pttp220258_tc076-test-06-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5589,"topper":"PRAJWAL CHAURASIA","air":694,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/87/pttp220258_tc073-test-03-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5590,"topper":"PRAJWAL CHAURASIA","air":694,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/91/pttp220258_tc077-test-07-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5591,"topper":"PRAJWAL CHAURASIA","air":694,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/88/pttp220258_tc074-test-04-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5592,"topper":"PRAJWAL CHAURASIA","air":694,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/92/pttp220258_tc078-test-08-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5593,"topper":"PRAJWAL CHAURASIA","air":694,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/77/pttp220258_tc071-test-01-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5594,"topper":"PRAJWAL CHAURASIA","air":694,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/78/pttp220258_tc072-test-02-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5595,"topper":"PRAJWAL CHAURASIA","air":694,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/79/pttp220258_tc073-test-03-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5596,"topper":"PRAJWAL CHAURASIA","air":694,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/80/pttp220258_tc074-test-04-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5597,"topper":"PRAJWAL CHAURASIA","air":694,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/81/pttp220258_tc075-test-05-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5598,"topper":"PRAJWAL CHAURASIA","air":694,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/82/pttp220258_tc076-test-06-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5599,"topper":"PRAJWAL CHAURASIA","air":694,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/83/pttp220258_tc077-test-07-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5600,"topper":"PRAJWAL CHAURASIA","air":694,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/84/pttp220258_tc078-test-08-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5601,"topper":"Prajwal Churasia","air":694,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"IAS Gyan","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://iasgyan.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/pdf/Mr.Prajwal-Chaurasia-AIR-694-GS-12.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5602,"topper":"Prajwal Churasia","air":694,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"IAS Gyan","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://iasgyan.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/pdf/Mr-Prajwal-Chaurasia-AIR-694-GS-34.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5603,"topper":"Prakhar Jain","air":90,"year":2020,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2e2fc-548134_1531_prakhar-jain_rank_90.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5604,"topper":"Prakhar Jain","air":90,"year":2020,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/588cb-548134_1532_prakhar-jain_rank_90.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Discuss Merton's four institutional imperatives of science.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Economics must be made the handmaid of sociology. Critically analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Emile Durkheim had argued that the function of division of labour in society is promotion of social solidarity. Discuss the statement and critically analyse Durkheim's Division of labour theory, with reference to contemporary trends.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Examine how Weber's characterization of capitalism is different from those of Marx.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"What is the importance of Merton's Middle Range Theory in Sociology? Critically discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"Dorothy Smith gives the method of institutional ethnography and stand point theory which suggest to study social institutions from the point of view of the marginalised to understand their condition.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Critically examine the features of 'critical social research'.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Discuss the importance of 'Pilot studies' in sociological research.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"\"In the sociology of deviance, no single theory has emerged as dominant.\" Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Enumerate the characteristics of 'informally organised work' in certain types of societies.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"What do you mean by Ethnocentrism? Discuss its advantages and disadvantages in Sociology.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"Briefly analyse the role of ideology as an essential component of social movement.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5605,"topper":"Prakhar Jain","air":90,"year":2020,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1a885-548134_1533_prakhar-jain_rank_90.pdf","questions":[{"page":12,"question":"Social institutions in India have undergone change owing to modernization but still has streaks of tradition embedded in them. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Explain the evolution of land tenure system and its impact on the agrarian structure.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"Briefly discuss the impact of Buddhism on Indian society","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"Compare the evolution of backward class movement in north and south India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"Discuss Davis and Blake perspective on \"relationship between fertility and social structure.\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"\"A toxic social environment leads to vulnerability and impairs resilience.\" Discuss the statement in context of growing suicide among youth in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"The latest National Health Mission report has flagged the 'uneven burden' women bear in family planning. Discuss the reasons for this imbalance and other socio-cultural barriers for family planning in India.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5606,"topper":"Prakhar Kumar","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PRAKHAR-KUMAR-UPSC-2023-Rank-275-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Is modernism at a crossroads with cultural and civilisational ethos?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Man often enjoys the comfort of opinion without the discomfort for thought.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The rise of populism in democratic societies is a threat to the rule of law and constitutionalism.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"It's time for us to turn to each other, not on each other.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5607,"topper":"Prakhar Kumar","air":92,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ba2eb-1558771_2488_prakhar_kumar_rank_92.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5608,"topper":"Prakhar Kumar","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PRAKHAR-KUMAR-UPSC-2023-Rank-275-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Giving suitable examples, highlight the universal values promoted by ancient Indian scriptures. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"How will you explain that the nationalist response to the partition of Bengal fundamentally altered the course of the Indian Freedom Struggle? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Enumerate the contribution of Adi Shankaracharya in forging Indian Cultural Nationalism. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"How far do you agree that the independence granted to countries of the third world in Asia and Africa were not so much a consequence of their national freedom struggle as it was a consequence of the demise of Britain as a reigning world power in the aftermath of the Second World War? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Examine the implications of Arctic amplification on global and local climate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The increasing incidents of heat waves in the Northern Hemisphere can be attributed to multiple man made and natural factors. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Describe how the geophysical characteristic of the Western Coast differs from the Eastern Coast. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Far from being standalone occurrences, incidents of land subsidence are a result of larger systemic failure. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Trace the evolution of regionalism in India. How does it manifest in modern times? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Explore and evaluate the implications of Artificial Intelligence on society and family. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What explains the success of the British in comparison to the various other European powers that came to India when it comes to colonization of the Indian sub-continent? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"How far is location of semiconductor manufacturing facilities guided by its mining locations? Highlighting the reasons behind recent semiconductor chip shortfall, explain the challenges in domestic chip manufacturing. Also, bring out the steps taken by the government in achieving semiconductor independence. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight the reasons behind increasing cases of extreme precipitation. What factors apart from the above, are responsible for increasing urban floods? Give suitable examples from across the world to substantiate your answer. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Compare the Continental Drift Theory and Plate Tectonic Theory. How does Plate Tectonic Theory explain orogenesis and volcanism? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The measure of a society's progress is how it treats its children, more so in a democracy, as children cannot speak for themselves, and nor do they form a political constituency. Discuss various legal-constitutional steps taken since independence in this regard. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The Indian model of Secularism offers a quintessential solution to fighting religious hate crimes, communalism and promoting cultural-religious tolerance that can be a model for the West. Justify. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the drivers of internal migration in the country? Do you agree that the Covid pandemic and Work from Home models of industrial engagements have checked this phenomenon? Give reasons to justify your answer. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"A natural succession to the demographic dividend is the burden of an ageing population. What are the issues with an ageing population in your opinion? Discuss the several steps taken by the government in this regard, with suitable suggestions. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Caste based discrimination continues in Indian Society acquiring new forms, while retaining the old forms. Discuss. Also explain why casteism has survived in modern India despite a focused approach for its eradication. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5609,"topper":"Prakhar Kumar","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PRAKHAR-KUMAR-UPSC-2023-Rank-275-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Investment in infrastructure is a precursor to social and economic transformation; however, the focus on economic gains must not marginalise the concerns for safety. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Do you think the low Female Labor Force Participation Rate presents a correct picture about the 'working women' in India's economy? Give reasons in support of your answer. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Outcome budgeting: Examine various advantages and disadvantages of outcome budgeting and assess its status in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by inclusive growth? Is economic growth sufficient to ensure inclusive growth? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Evaluate the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) in addressing the challenges of Public Private Partnership (PPP) in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Analyse the role of fisheries in nutrition security, livelihood generation, and economic growth. What are the major challenges faced by the fisheries sector? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In what ways can precision agriculture become a panacea for multipronged challenges plaguing the agriculture sector? Discuss. Also, analyse various impediments in widespread adoption of precision farming in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Agriculture subsidy regime in its present form fuels economic inefficiency and creates ecological imbalance. In this perspective, examine various issues related to farm subsidies. Also, recommend measures to rationalise the same. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Despite their flaws in limiting access to larger market and poor price realization for agricultural produce, APMCs have their utility. Analyse the statement and suggest reforms in agriculture marketing in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Cropping pattern in the country does not concur with the agro-climatic reality, leading to unintended and undesirable consequences. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Labour and export intensive industries are key to problems of jobless growth. In this perspective, analyse the opportunities and challenges associated with the textile sector. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"What do you understand from Liberalisation, Privatisation and Globalisation (LPG)? Examine the effects of LPG reforms on different sectors of Indian economy. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the financial year 2021-22, Indian merchandise exports have crossed the 400 billion USD mark. Identify the reasons for this spectacular performance of Indian exports and suggest reforms to further boost the exports. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Examine the advantages of adopting new computation methodology for calculation of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2015. Also, discuss the limitations of using GDP as a measure of development of a country. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"In an era of interconnected challenges, the emerging global polycrisis poses significant implications for India's macroeconomic stability. Examine and suggest measures to make the Indian economy more resilient to global shocks and challenges. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What are the reasons for increasing emphasis on the horticulture sector in recent years? Evaluate government measures for the development of the horticulture sector. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Despite the potential to check the triple whammy of nutritional deficiency, environmental degradation, and receding farm incomes, the adoption of Millets has been abysmally low. Analyse. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Reforms in Public distribution system (PDS) and Food Corporation of India (FCI) are two sides of the same coin. Discuss the statement along with suitable reforms in PDS and FCI. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss the rationale behind declaring Minimum Support Price (MSP) and various issues related to MSP regime in the country. Do you think that providing legal backing to MSP is necessary and sufficient for making farming financially sustainable? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"A link between unorganized farming community and formal industrial sector, FPI can play a key role in advancing the rural economy. Evaluate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5610,"topper":"Prakhar Kumar","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PRAKHAR-KUMAR-UPSC-2023-Rank-275-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Celebrity endorsements raise pertinent ethical concerns about responsibility that delve into the realm of ethical considerations of social influence that run deeper than mere surface appeal. In this context, suggest measures to tackle the ethical challenges of celebrity brand endorsements. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Embracing a scientific mindset involves setting aside impulsive inclinations in favor of the pursuit of truth. In your view, how does the integration of scientific thinking contribute to address-ing contemporary challenges and promoting societal progress? How can we effectively cultivate a scientific attitude in society? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"In the realm of professional conduct, ethics plays a role that tends to go far beyond fulfilling the roles and responsibilities of the job with diligence and honesty. But some people consider professional competence as the only critical requirement for a job. If faced with a choice, who would you prefer to hire - someone with professional competence or one with strong moral values? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Patriotism can hold different meanings for different people, often shaped by personal experiences and convictions. What does patriotism mean to you? Explain narrating incidents from your life when you exhibited patriotism. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Max Weber's concept of bureaucracy was developed in the early 20th century, but it still influences administrative structures today. In what ways do you see Weberian bureaucracy as relevant in today's rapidly changing world? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Global challenges often test the ethical fiber of nations, urging them to channel narrow pursuit of national-interest into an enlightened self-interest.\" Enumerating the various ethical principles underlying the concept of enlightened national-interest examine its efficacy in helping nations navigate the fine line between pursuing their strategic interests and upholding ethical principles, particularly in times of conflict? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In the realm of governance, a crucial aspect is the art of persuasion. The qualities that make civil servants proficient persuaders empower them to fulfill their responsibilities in an effective manner. Discuss with illustrations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Corruption has multifaceted implications. Some consider it an undeniable vice, while others contend it to be an unavoidable necessity for navigating the bureaucratic complexities. In your opinion, does corruption oil or corrode the gears of development? Substantiate your arguments. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Ethical hacking and malicious hacking stand as divergent paths with distinct intentions and consequences. As technology advances, it becomes imperative to comprehend the nuances that set these practices apart in the cybersecurity landscape. In this perspective, elucidate the principles that differentiate ethical hacking and malicious hacking. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What does each of the following quotation mean to you? a) \"Our greatest ability as humans is not to change the world, but to change ourselves.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":59,"question":"Mr X is travelling by road with his family to attend a marriage ceremony. His grandfather, who is the head of the family is also travelling with him. On the way to their destination, all of them stop at a road side restaurant for lunch. This is a well-known restaurant owned by one of the friends of Mr X. The place is known for its tasty and hygienic food. However, the grandfather notices a picture on the wall of the restaurant and enquires about the religion of the restaurant owner. Mr X's friend belongs to a religion different from the grandfather's religion. The grandfather has a negative attitude towards the religion of Mr X's friend and he insists that he will not eat in that restaurant. He demands that the entire family should leave the restaurant immediately as they are travelling for a happy occasion and eating at this particular restaurant will pollute them. Mr X tries to calm down his grandfather and explain to him that religion has nothing to do with purity or pollution. He also reasons that several travel magazines have rated the restaurant highly, especially for its superior hygiene standards. Also, he points out that there is no restaurant in the way for the next 100 Km and it will be difficult for all to make do without food for that long. However, his arguments fall on deaf years, and which is more his grandfather admonishes him for bringing the family to the restaurant despite being aware about the religion of the owner. Mr X's friend feels insulted and discriminated against due to his religion. Mr X's father is upset but refuses to say anything out of respect for the grandfather. Entire family is embarrassed by the attitude of the grandfather and they are getting ready to leave the restaurant. Mr X is confused regarding how he should act in this situation. a) What are the various ethical issues in the above case study? b) Imagine yourself in the place of Mr X. Evaluate the different courses of actions available with you. What is the most suitable course of action? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":5611,"topper":"Prakhar Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c79f0-1558771_2425_prakhar_kumar_rank_92.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"For effective corporate governance to take place in the coming years, why is it important to integrate the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics with the multi-stakeholder approach? What benefits can be accrued by such integration? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In acts of corruption, the focus is often only on the demand side of the equation, on public officials who abuse their office for private gain. Frequently, the supply side is given less attention. Those who pay bribes are sometimes depicted as innocent parties and victims of extortionary practices of wily public servants. Do you agree that 'collusive corruption', in which there is a willing bribe-giver, is a formidable challenge for institutions fighting corruption? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Citizens' Charters initiative was a response to the quest for solving the problems, which a citizen encountered, day in and day out, while dealing with the organisations providing public services. But the introduction and implementation of Citizens' Charters in the government of India has been difficult due to the old bureaucratic set up and the rigid attitudes of the work force. Discuss the major obstacles that have been encountered in implementing the Citizens' Charter initiative. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Quality of public service delivery is a major determinant of the quality of life of vulnerable sections in a highly unequal society divided along the lines of class, caste, religion, etc. In this background, do you think that public service delivery is efficient and sufficient enough to improve the lives of vulnerable groups in India? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own.\" - Lao Tzu (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"If ethics are poor at the top, that behavior is copied down through the organization.\" - Robert Noyce (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"The end of law is not to abolish or restrain, but to preserve and enlarge freedom.\" - John Locke (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Wealthy CEOs and founders of successful businesses around the world are increasingly pledging to give away their wealth in philanthropy. Do you think that such a move is sufficient enough to bring about a positive change in the society? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"As organizations across the globe begin their artificial intelligence (AI) transformation, the leap into the AI era is expected to be more challenging than any technology that businesses have grappled with yet. In this background, discuss the concerns around fairness, transparency, and job security that may arise. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The emphasis of Swami Dayanand Saraswati on education, social equality, and ethical values continues to influence the socio-cultural discourse in contemporary India. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Emotional intelligence may not be singularly associated with emotions or intelligence. It can also include a broad range of personality characteristics that might predict success in professional and everyday life. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":37,"question":"Rina and her friends from the college were working as interns with a company for the last few months. On completion of their internship, some of them, including Rina, have been offered full-time jobs in the company. Being a reputed company, she and her friends accepted the offer. Rina is enthusiastic about her new job and has even established good relationship with some of her company co-workers during her internship. However, during her tenure as an intern, Rina had begun to notice that one of the Vice-Presidents (VPs) of the company was giving her too much attention. He used to make an extra effort to stop by Rina's cubicle and chat, something he was not doing with any of the other interns. He had even tried to connect with Rina over social networking sites. Some of her co-interns also noticed this and began to make offhand comments to Rina about the extra attention being given by the VP. Now that she was has been hired for a full time position, she is fearful that she might have to work with this VP directly. While he has not done or said anything explicitly inappropriate, the extra attention and the fact that her co-workers noticed it, made her very uncomfortable and undermined her concentration at work. The company encourages an open and friendly atmosphere and when she was hired, it was communicated to her that she should always speak to her Manager whenever faced with any uncomfortable work related issues. However, she is worried about speaking officially about this, as the VP has not done anything explicitly wrong. In the given situation: (a) What dilemmas does Rina face? (b) What options does she have? Provide the merits and demerits of each. (c) Highlight the course of action she should adopt, along with justification for the same. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"You have recently been posted as a Nodal Education Officer in one of the districts, where mass cheating in examinations is a regular phenomenon. Media reports have shown parents and relatives scaling school walls and buildings to pass answer chits to students taking secondary school examinations in the district. Moreover, with the advent of new technological devices, cheating in examinations has become more sophisticated and exam rules are flouted openly. On investigation, it has come to your notice that these rackets are run by many school authorities, including exam invigilators who are mostly teachers, and they are hand in glove for profits. With a shortage of staff, invigilators threaten go on mass strikes if any action is taken. Conducting the exams, cancelling them on account of cheating and having re-exams are a loss of time and money for the government and this vicious cycle goes on. As the Nodal Education Officer of the district, address the following questions: (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (b) How will you resolve the issues in the given case? (c) What long-term strategy needs to be adopted to deal with the menace of cheating in various examinations? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Many proponents of deep-sea drilling argue that tapping into the vast amount of rare earth elements in the Indian Ocean will help shore up national security interests for India, bolster its economy and workforce, and offer a reliable supply of strategic minerals. Keeping this in mind, the government has approved a $540-million programme to study ways of mining nickel, cobalt, manganese and iron hydroxide from the bed of the Indian Ocean 6,000 meters below sea level. The government argues that the project can power India's growth for 100 years. It will also study climate change, explore marine flora and fauna and harness thermal energy. However, a competing point of view alleges that deep ocean drilling poses immense risk to the environment. A comprehensive report on Sustainable Ocean Economy by independent geologists states that “until the need for, and potential consequences of, deep-sea mining are better understood, the concept is conceptually difficult to align with the definition of a sustainable ocean economy and raises various environmental, legal and governance challenges, as well as possible conflicts with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.” It also highlights that the profitability of national mining operations, without governmental support or comparably low taxes, remains questionable. If the operations are profitable, it will Additionally, companies like BMW, Volvo, Google and Korean battery maker Samsung SDI, vowed in a statement to not buy metals produced from deep-sea mining until the environmental risks of the activity are “comprehensively understood.” In the context of the above-stated information, address the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the given case study? (b) How can the vision of economic development of a nation be achieved without adversely affecting the sustainability of oceans? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":58,"question":"That her wedding will not be held as a private ceremony with only close friends and family, but should be publicised in a grand way, as you had promised earlier to her. Given this situation, answer the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the above situation? (b) What are the various options that you have, as a father and an ambitious politician? (c) What will be your course of action? Justify with proper reasoning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5612,"topper":"Prakhar Kumar","air":92,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RqMOZ0E8FeWuMNl02VpoANDbJoAWNg-M","questions":[]},{"id":5613,"topper":"Prakhar Kumar","air":275,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MlCHpD1XQ8Ql5rJoD7RZoEQqVSvDXYv8/view","questions":[]},{"id":5614,"topper":"Prakhar Kumar Singh","air":29,"year":2020,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0b0af-504766_1414_prakhar-kumar-singh_rank_29.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5615,"topper":"Prakhar Kumar Singh","air":29,"year":2020,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9ad0c-504766_1415_prakhar-kumar-singh_rank_29.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5616,"topper":"Prakhar Kumar Singh","air":29,"year":2020,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/195ab-504766_1418_prakhar-kumar-singh_rank_29.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5617,"topper":"Prakhar Kumar Singh","air":29,"year":2020,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a1555-504766_1420_prakhar-kumar-singh_rank_29.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5618,"topper":"Prakhar Kumar Singh","air":29,"year":2020,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6d4d3-504766_1525_prakhar-kumar-singh_rank_29.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5619,"topper":"Prakhya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/PRAKHYA_SS_GS_2_TEST_2_AIR_265_2025_5dc17aec69.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"'Constitutional morality' is not a natural sentiment in India but has to be cultivated. Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer with relevant examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Supreme Court's recent invocation of Article 142 to confer 'deemed assent' to state bills raises critical questions about the separation of powers. Critically examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The impartiality of the Speaker of Lok Sabha is central to the integrity of the legislative process. Explain with relevant examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"How does the Sixth Schedule balance tribal autonomy with national integration? Evaluate its success and limitations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Explain how Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, while aiming to safeguard privacy, risks weakening the transparency framework established by the Right to Information Act, 2005. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms offer a viable solution to India's overburdened judiciary. Enumerate the types of ADR mechanisms in India and analyze their advantages over conventional litigation. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Examine how Community-based financial institutions promote responsive governance and address structural inequalities, especially for marginalized women. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Despite their intended purpose, Citizen's Charters in India have fallen short in transforming administration into a citizen-centric service system. Do you agree? Justify your answer. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Mauritius remains the 'Star and Key' to the Indian Ocean for India. Analyze the geopolitical significance of Mauritius in India's Indian Ocean strategy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Discuss the constitutional and statutory provisions governing the disqualification of Members of Parliament in India. How effective are they in upholding the integrity of the legislature? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"India's fiscal federalism is heavily vertical, transactional, and tax-centric. In light of this, critically examine the case for institutionalizing \"resource federalism\" to ensure more equitable and autonomous state-level economic development. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"While India has a structured but rarely used process for the removal of judges, the UK emphasizes ministerial responsibility and in house mechanisms. Compare and evaluate these approaches in maintaining judicial accountability. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Despite being part of the Directive Principles, the Uniform Civil Code remains unrealised at the national level. Examine the factors behind the delay and suggest potential measure for its national implementation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Judicial recognition of intra-caste inequality within Scheduled Castes opens new debates in affirmative action policies. Examine the challenges and opportunities this poses for social justice in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"AI-driven education can play a transformative role in achieving the goals of New Education Policy 2020. Discuss the opportunities and challenges in integrating Artificial Intelligence into India's education system. What safeguards are needed to ensure its safe deployment? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Discuss the role of targeted welfare schemes for nomadic communities in achieving inclusive development. What are the implementation bottlenecks and how can they be resolved? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"\"Cultural diplomacy through diaspora outreach has emerged as a soft power tool in India's global engagement strategy.\" Evaluate the strengths and limitations of diaspora-led cultural diplomacy in advancing India's national interest. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"How have the growing tensions between the U.S., Israel, and Iran affected regional stability in West Asia? In this context, evaluate the key considerations for India's foreign policy to safeguard its interests in West Asia. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"With overlapping geographical and strategic interests, ASEAN-BIMSTEC cooperation can enhance Indo-Pacific connectivity and resilience. Analyze the institutional, political, and external challenges that impede this collaboration. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5620,"topper":"Prakhya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/07445-1308805_2423_prakhya_rank_265.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With suitable examples, discuss how environmental pressure groups enhance public participation and responsiveness with regard to environmental policies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The recent acknowledgment of sex work as a 'profession' by the Supreme Court is merely the first step in ensuring basic rights and equality for sex workers in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the role played by District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) in providing free legal aid and disseminating legal awareness in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"The collegium system has become a victim of its own success, with the concentration of power in the hands of a few, leading to questions about its legitimacy.\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"Civil services reforms must go beyond recruitment and standardised training to cope with the present day challenges.\" Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Outcome-based finance models such as social impact bonds have the potential to truly catalyse change and deliver socio-economic impact at scale. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The wide gap between the number of females graduating every year and those entering the workspace is an issue of paramount importance that needs to be addressed. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"An up to date and functional Civil Registration System (CRS) is essential to the socio-economic planning in India. Discuss in the light of the recent move of the Central government in revamping the CRS system in the country. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What are the key areas of reform if the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has to align with the current economic realities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In recent years, India's relationship with West Asia has evolved from the confines of geopolitics to expanse of geoeconomics. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The role of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) is significant in furthering healthy competitiveness aimed at inspiring stakeholders to innovate and augment effectiveness. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"\"The menace of paid news often rears its ugly head during elections.\" Discuss the need for making paid news an electoral offence in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the 'Doctrine of Essentiality' referred to by the courts in the context of religious practices in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"As per the recently released report of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), there is an urgent need to limit the size of the government in India. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The Institutions of Eminence (IoE) scheme was conceived to develop 'world-class' centres of higher education in India but six years later, it is yet to become the game changer it was intended to be. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) allows for innovative and convenient public services, help overcome inclusion or accessibility barriers, and increase transparency and accountability with real-time data. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Besides legislation, the full realisation of the 'right to health for all' in India demands plugging of social, financial, and infrastructural gaps. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The 'third gender' has not yet been engendered in the Indian society despite legislative nudge. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Among other factors, strained ties with China and Pakistan make it difficult for India to fulfill its expectations from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"The recently concluded initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) between the United States and India promises a long overdue transformation of their partnership in the field of technology. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5621,"topper":"Prakhya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/PRAKHYA_SS_GS_3_TEST_3_AIR_265_2025_f80c69b4c5.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Explain the concept of the \"Missing Middle\" in India's industrial ecosystem. How does it affect economic growth and employment generation? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Household savings form a crucial pillar of domestic capital formation. In light of their recent decline, elucidate the underlying causes and propose strategies to strengthen savings behavior in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Despite its potential, the corporate bond market in India remains underdeveloped. Examine the structural and regulatory challenges impeding its growth. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"In light of recent Budget 2025 allocations and the push for green infrastructure, analyze how Viability Gap Funding can be leveraged to promote renewable energy projects. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Why is self-sufficiency in pulse production crucial for India? Discuss the policy and technological interventions needed to achieve Aatma Nirbharata in pulses. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Examine how space-based solutions are addressing developmental challenges in rural India. What steps can further enhance their outreach and effectiveness? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Delineate the linkages between urbanization patterns and rising PM 2.5 levels in Tier-II and Tier-III cities of India. What are the various mitigation measures and the government's initiatives to mitigate air pollution in India? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Explain the structural and operational limitations of the Disaster Management Act, 2005. How far does the 2025 Amendment address these deficiencies through a shift towards anticipatory and technology-driven disaster governance? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What do you understand about Artificial Neural Networks? List out its applications across various fields. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"Internal security challenges in India are increasingly shaped by external and transnational dynamics.\" Examine the statement with relevant examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"While tariff rationalization aims to enhance economic efficiency, it may also pose challenges to certain sectors. Critically assess the potential trade-offs involved in the Union Budget 2025-26's approach to tariff reforms. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"A shift from fiscal deficit targeting to debt-to-GDP ratio as the fiscal anchor signals a more holistic approach to fiscal discipline. Do you agree? Give reasons in support of your arguments. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"India's food processing sector is moving towards greater formalization and efficiency. Critically assess how initiatives like the PLI scheme and Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Enterprises (PM-FME) contribute to this transformation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Do you agree that granting a legal guarantee to Minimum Support Price (MSP) may create a fiscally unsustainable and economically inefficient agricultural system? Suggest viable alternatives to ensure fair farmer remuneration without distorting the market. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) can empower developing countries to lead the global climate action narrative. Discuss with suitable examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Analyse the reasons behind the increasing vulnerability of the Himalayan region to landslides. What steps can be taken for their management and control? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Forest fires are yet another symptom of climate change. Analyze the various causes for wildfire in forests. Give two examples of recent wildfires. Mention the policies and frameworks aimed at tackling wildfire in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"One Health approach is key to preventing future pandemics and preserving ecosystems. Analyze how the Biodiversity and Health Global Action Plan adopted at COP 16 aligns with this vision. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"In light of evolving national security threats, how do the New Criminal Laws address modern threats like cybercrime and organized crime? Outline the challenges perceived in its effective implementation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Discuss how integrated border infrastructure and management practices can balance security imperatives with the socio-economic development of frontier communities. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5622,"topper":"Prakhya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/PRAKHYA_GS_4_TEST_2_AIR_265_2025_5ae598620a.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"What is meant by 'Sports ethics'? Why is it important to study? Discuss any one issue from the viewpoint of Sports ethics. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"\"In contemporary societies witnessing erosion of moral values, legalistic and utilitarian ethical systems often fall short in addressing deeper questions of character and moral motivation.\" In this context, can virtue ethics offer a sustainable role of public leadership and responsibility of citizens. foundation for ethical revival? Critically examine with particular reference to the (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Cancel culture has emerged as a powerful tool of social accountability in the digital age, often framed as a form of moral justice against wrongdoing. Critically examine the ethical issues involved in cancel culture. How can society address these ethical issues while balancing the need for accountability? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel embodied the ethical paradox of statecraft — combining moral firmness with administrative realism to unify a fragmented nation.\" Discuss the ethical values demonstrated by Sardar Patel in nation-building and public administration. How can his leadership principles inspire civil servants today in balancing pragmatism with moral responsibility? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"\"In the name of global peace and security, powerful nations often impose economic or political sanctions on weaker states. While such measures are claimed to uphold international norms, they frequently reflect geopolitical interests and result in humanitarian suffering.\" In light of growing concerns over the failure of global governance institutions to ensure fairness and multilateral consensus, critically examine whether it is ethical for dominant nations to unilaterally impose sanctions. How can global governance be reformed to prevent coercive diplomacy and uphold the principles of justice, equity, and sovereign dignity? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"\"Traditional folklore, rituals, and community customs have long played a role in transmitting ethical values to younger generations.\" In the context of weakening family structures and growing digital influences, critically evaluate the effectiveness of these cultural practices in shaping moral behavior among children and youth. Can they be revitalized to address the ethical void in contemporary society? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Given below are two quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context? a. \"Service which is rendered without joy helps neither the servant nor the served.\"- M K Gandhi (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"The Companies Act, 2013, marked a paradigm shift in India's corporate regulatory landscape by institutionalizing ethical imperatives. While these reforms aimed to align business conduct with ethical governance, corporate scandals and symbolic compliance raise questions about their efficacy.\" Critically examine the extent to which the Companies Act, 2013, has been successful in transforming business ethics from a procedural obligation into a moral commitment. Support your analysis with relevant examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"While integrity ensures moral consistency in public service, flexibility is required in responding to complex ground realities.\" Discuss how rigid adherence to ethical codes can sometimes hinder public interest, and how contextual judgment can align with ethical governance. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"\"In disaster management, technical expertise saves lives, but it is emotional intelligence that deepens trust, enhances credibility and builds community resilience.\" Discuss the role of emotional intelligence in enhancing the effectiveness of disaster response and rehabilitation. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"\"While a Code of Conduct prescribes rules of behaviour, a Code of Ethics articulates the moral vision that guides such behaviour. Both are essential, yet insufficient on their own to ensure ethical public service.\" Critically analyze this statement in the context of civil services. How can the synergy between ethical intent and regulatory compliance be fostered within public institutions? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":31,"question":"You are Rajesh, an honest IAS officer posted as the District Magistrate in a prominent district of a state. The State Public Service Commission exam was conducted last week. It is one of the biggest recruitment drives, with over 7 lakh candidates appearing, many from poor and rural backgrounds. Three days after the exam, a leaked question paper, matching the actual one, started circulating on social media. There is public outrage. Protests erupt outside your office. Several coaching institutes allege that a nexus involving a printing press official, a commission clerk, and a politician's aide facilitated the leak. The government is under pressure. You are asked to conduct a preliminary inquiry within 48 hours and submit a factual report. Meanwhile, you receive a phone call from a senior political leader, asking you to \"go slow\" as the accused is \"a well-wisher\" and \"these things happen.\" The candidate who topped this exam is also the son of a senior bureaucrat. Moreover, your nephew has secured 8th rank in the exam in his last attempt, and this news has become viral on social media. There are rumors that the leak was targeted to help specific candidates. A strong inquiry may lead to cancellation of the exam, affecting lakhs of students. On the other hand, going soft may protect your career. (a) What are the options available to you? (b) What course of action would you choose to ensure that justice is done without causing unnecessary hardship to innocent candidates? (c) Are there any safeguards in the current setup to prevent harassment of innocent officers like Rajesh? What further measures need to be taken? (d) \"Even the strongest regulatory mechanisms cannot prevent paper leaks completely\". Do you agree? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"You are posted as the Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district of Manipur that has been severely affected by ongoing ethnic violence between 2 tribal communities. Over the past several months, dozens of people have been killed, hundreds injured, and thousands displaced. Several incidents of mob lynchings, arson, sexual violence, and looting have taken place. Both communities accuse each other of betrayal and violence. The state police and paramilitary forces are deployed, but trust has broken down. Even civil servants and police officers are being viewed with suspicion, based on their ethnic identity. You are ethnically neutral and not from the state, but your district team is diverse and includes officers from both communities. The situation is tense. The Internet is shut down. There is media pressure, social media outrage and conflicting narratives. One night, a violent mob from one community surrounds a refugee camp where families from the other community are sheltered. They are demanding that some \"culprits\" be handed over to them, claiming those people were involved in a previous attack. You receive real-time information that if the mob is not dispersed peacefully, it could lead to a massacre, but if force is used, it could trigger a larger retaliation across districts. You have limited police presence and only one central force unit available on standby. Adding to the pressure, The Chief Minister's office has informally told you to \"avoid escalation\" at all costs. A senior local MLA, from the same community as the mob, is allegedly protecting instigators. A journalist from a national media house has arrived at the camp and is recording live videos, which could go viral. (a) In the context of the case study, discuss the role of declining social capital in disturbing community harmony. (b) What immediate actions would you take to prevent violence without violating law or escalating tensions? (c) Which principles of constitutional morality should guide your action in this situation? How would you ensure their application under intense public, media and political pressure? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"You are the Head of Human Resources in a prestigious IT company known for its high-profile clients and \"innovative\" work culture. The company takes pride in productivity, strict discipline, and fast-paced delivery cycles. However, over the past few months, there has been a surge in anonymous complaints about Verbal humiliation during team meetings, Unreasonable working hours, Hostile treatment of women employees, especially interns and fresh recruits. The center of many complaints is Mr. Rohan Mehta — a brilliant but autocratic team lead. He has a history of delivering projects ahead of schedule and is celebrated by top management as a \"visionary performer.\" His team, however, is showing signs of burnout, absenteeism, and silent resignations. One day, a junior employee, Ms. Arpita Sharma, approaches you in confidence. She alleges that Rohan often yells at team members publicly, calls them \"incompetent,\" A former intern had a mental breakdown and quit the industry entirely after being constantly micromanaged and belittled. Most employees are afraid to speak up because they fear being marked as \"non-performers\" or losing recommendation letters. She does not want to file a formal complaint but wants assurance that someone in the system still cares. Meanwhile, senior leadership is preparing for an upcoming merger, and you are told: \"We cannot afford disruptions right now. Don't investigate our best performer. These are just exaggerated startup-style growing pains.\" The CEO also feels that Rohan's style may be harsh, but this is a high-pressure industry. If people can't handle it, they're not meant for leadership. You are at a moral crossroads. (a) Identify the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) What are the potential long-term consequences of this work culture? (c) As the HR Manager, how would you protect Arpita's identity, ensure justice, and also balance company goals? (d) If you were the CEO, how would you address a culture that normalizes fear and overwork without directly confronting top performers? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"You are posted as the Deputy Commissioner (DC) in a district straddling Haryana and Rajasthan, which has been repeatedly flagged in recent years as a hotspot for cybercrime and online financial fraud. Several nationwide scams involving OTP frauds, fake KYC calls, and online loan apps have been traced to villages in this region. While investigative agencies across states have linked multiple frauds to clusters of young men from the region, the narrative in media and even among law enforcement is becoming increasingly communalized and stigmatizing. Terms like \"Cyber Jihad\", \"Scam Villages\", and \"Digital Jamtara\" are being used casually. On the ground, the situation is complex. The region has suffered from long standing neglect: poor schooling, lack of internet literacy, unemployment, low policing infrastructure, and weak digital awareness. Many innocent villagers, particularly from marginalized communities, are being indiscriminately raided or detained based on flimsy digital footprints or IP mismatches. Local youth feel demonized, even when seeking honest employment, and there's growing mistrust between communities and police. On the other hand, rising cybercrime incidents undermine public trust in digital services, hurt national financial security, and burden law enforcement across India. You are under pressure from state and central agencies to deliver swift arrests and \"crackdown hard.\" Yet, you are also mindful that indiscriminate action may further alienate local communities and deepen socio-religious fault lines. (a) Identify the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) What will be your action as Deputy Commissioner (DC)? (c) What will be your action as District Magistrate (DM)? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"You are the Municipal Commissioner of a rapidly developing metropolitan city that is preparing to host an international summit and a large real estate expo. To beautify the city and create a \"world-class\" image, the state government has launched a fast-track infrastructure drive — flyovers, metro stations, and commercial zones are being developed, especially near airports and central business districts. However, one such development involves the demolition of a 40-year-old slum cluster, home to over 5,000 urban poor — daily-wage workers, waste-pickers, and domestic helps. Most of them do not possess formal land titles but are registered in various government welfare schemes. The land is being cleared to build a high-luxury complex with a government-backed smart transit corridor. Despite court orders requiring proper rehabilitation, the demolition notices were served with just 72 hours' notice, citing \"urgency for public purpose.\" Residents claim they were not consulted, and no alternative housing or transport arrangements have been made. Schools, ration shops, and health centers in the area are now inaccessible. A pregnant woman went into labor while her house was being bulldozed. The video went viral and drew heavy media attention. You are now being asked to oversee the eviction process peacefully and ensure media management. However, after visiting the site personally, you are shaken by the plight of the people. Meanwhile, influential builders, top bureaucrats, and political figures are pushing for \"zero delay.\" Media reports and citizen sentiment have increasingly come to believe that development benefits the rich (investors, builders, foreign guests), while the poor bear the burden. (a) As Municipal Commissioner, what are your ethical and administrative responsibilities in such a situation? (b) How will you act as a bridge between development and justice, ensuring both the project proceeds and people's dignity is preserved? (c) What mechanisms can you propose for inclusive urban planning, in the long term, where even the poor have a voice and stake? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":56,"question":"You are posted as the Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in a rural district where caste-based untouchability still exists in subtle and overt forms. You visit a local school during inspection and notice that Dalit children are being made to sit separately during the mid-day meal. The cooks preparing meals are also selected on caste basis. The punishments to students for the same mistakes also differ in intensity based on the student's position in the social ladder. The headmaster justifies this by saying, \"It's our custom. Mixing them will create problems of impurity in the village.\" Later, you meet a 10-year-old Dalit boy named Ravi, who quietly says, \"Madam, why are my hands dirty even when I wash them?\" This sentence stays with you. You look at numerous other segregated students who seem to have internalized the social customs of discrimination. You, being a morally upright officer, want to take strong action, but the village elders, some of whom are politically powerful, urge you to \"go slow\" and \"not disturb harmony.\" Meanwhile, your own junior staff appear reluctant to intervene, reflecting deeply ingrained prejudice. Moreover, trying to change customs could mean your suspension from the job or fake charges of sexual assault on you. This would also potentially result in breaking your marriage which has been fixed only recently. (a) What ethical responsibilities do you hold as an officer in transforming social attitudes? (b) How do emotional experiences like Ravi's statement impact the moral reasoning of a civil servant? (c) Suggest short-term and long-term strategies to create attitudinal change in this case. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":5623,"topper":"Pranay Mittal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5e2df-638100_1408_pranay_mittal_rank_85.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Rural health care in India faces significant challenges. Elaborate. What can be done to deal with these challenges? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"It has been argued that private sector reduces education to the status of a commodity. In this context, discuss why education should be seen as a necessary public good. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Despite undertaking many initiatives, malnutrition continues to be a matter of concern for India. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Critically discuss the idea that followers of a religion share not only a community of religious interests but also common secular interests. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The constant and aggravated contact with the Western culture has had an erosional impact on the Indian value system. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"A dispersed pattern of urbanisation leads to sprawl with associated problems. In this context, discuss how India should manage the inevitable process of urban growth going into the future. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) are in dire need of focused attention in view of the problems they are facing. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Highlight the challenges associated with the rising number of old age dependents in India. What can be done to deal with these challenges? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Highlight the impact of drug addiction on individuals, families and society. In this context, discuss the approach adopted by National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"A Uniform Civil Code is a much needed step for India to move forward in the 21st century. Critically analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"In India, geography, identity and a sense of deprivation have historically combined to drive regionalism. Elaborate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"According to the WHO, health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well being. In this context, discuss emerging trends in mental health issues in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What are the challenges associated with cultural diversity in India? How has India been able to accommodate and manage this cultural diversity? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The high incidence of poverty combined with multiple deprivations among poor is the most important development challenge for India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Caste in India has maintained its political significance despite dilution of its social character. Discuss with relevant examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"It can be argued that caste like social stratification is a feature present across religious distinctions in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What are some of the problems faced by migrants in urban areas in India? Suggest some policy reforms to address these problems. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Highlight the need and challenges of mainstreaming vocational education in India. What measures have been taken by the government in this regard? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5624,"topper":"Pranay Mittal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0206a-638100_1406_pranay_mittal_rank_85.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Norms of social morality should not be applied to acts of civil servants while they are carrying out their professional roles and responsibilities to further the common good. Critically analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Determination of ethics in state policies and actions is not easy because every policy and action has both positive and negative aspects viewed from different stakeholders' perspectives. Discuss with suitable examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand by global ethics in today's world? Highlight the role that global ethics can play in achieving universally accepted goals. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlight the important teachings of Swami Vivekananda, relevant to the youth of today. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) Courage is the most important of all the virtues because without courage, you can't practice any other virtue consistently. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Can a war ever be justified on moral grounds? Support your answer with suitable arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Do you think that ethical principles are universal in nature? Justify your answer with relevant examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"For civil servants, both professional competence and commitment to ethics are equally important. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Despite changing family structure, it still plays an important role in nurturing core societal values. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Impartiality as a core value of civil services should not become a hurdle in showing compassion towards weaker sections of the society. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":39,"question":"Recently, the four accused in the rape and murder of a veterinary doctor were shot down by the police while they were in police custody. The police claimed that the four accused were taken to the site of the rape in the early hours of the morning. They managed to snatch two pistols from the policemen, fired and injured two cops, and were shot in retaliation. Soon thereafter, a majority of the public welcomed the news of the police shooting the alleged rapists. Why is it that people applaud these actions of the police? Do you share such sentiments? Justify with relevant arguments.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Public policy is being increasingly informed by insights from the behavioural sciences. One such behavioural approach is the Nudge theory. It is mainly concerned with the design of choices, which influences the decisions we make. Nudge theory proposes that the designing of choices should be based on how people actually think and decide, rather than how leaders and authorities traditionally believe people think and decide. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) Giving examples, illustrate the difference between enforced change and 'Nudge' techniques? (b) Identify the ethical concerns associated with the nudge technique. Also, suggest ways for using nudging theory ethically.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5625,"topper":"Pranay Mittal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/849c5-638100_1398_pranay_mittal_rank_85.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Bring out Gandhiji's philosophy of Means and Ends. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Probity is an essential condition of good governance. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand by ethical dilemma? Bring out some examples of ethical dilemma often faced by civil servants. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Why are certain rights considered universal in nature? Explain using examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Explain in brief, what you understand by the following: (a) Beliefs (b) Values (c) Norms (d) Ethics (e) Morals (300 words)","marks":null,"words":"300"},{"page":15,"question":"What do you understand by the terms transparency and accountability in administration? Bring out the relationship between the two. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss whether some restrictions on enjoyment of freedom are necessary in the interest of social harmony. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Analyse the role played by family and educational institutions in development of one's character. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"What do you understand by utilitarianism? Illustrate with examples the grounds on which it has been criticized. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'conflict of interest'? How can conflict of interest in public service be resolved? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Today, homosexuality and queer identities may be acceptable to more Indians than ever before, but within the boundaries of family, home and school, acceptance of their sexuality and freedom to openly express their gender choices still remain a constant struggle for LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer) people. While LGBTQ voices heard through several online and real-world platforms form an important part of LGBTQ activism, these expose only a small part of the diverse challenges faced by the community. In light of this situation: (a) Explain the ways in which discrimination against LGBTQs creates problems for them in different aspects of life. (b) What attitudinal changes are necessary to adopt a more humane approach towards this group for their betterment and assimilation in the society?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"In a metropolitan city a new metro rail project has been sanctioned. The project is expected to reduce traffic congestion, lower the pollution levels in the city and save significant amount of fossil fuel. However, the project requires construction of a car shed for the metro terminus station. The city is already very congested and not much land is available except a patch of green belt within the municipal area. Consequently, the municipal corporation's Tree Authority approved a proposal to cut down about 2700 trees to make way for the metro car shed. The approval enraged environment action and citizens' groups who have organized protest rallies demanding withdrawal of this order and conservation of the green belt. The print and electronic media also took up the cause. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the different stakeholders in the given case. Also; bring out the issues involved from the point of view of different stakeholders. (b) If you are the Municipal Commissioner, what course of action will you adopt keeping in mind the interests of different stakeholders?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"The right to protest is an integral part of democracy. But protests often take a violent turn and lead to destruction of life and property. In such situations, it is the duty of the police force to deal with the violent protests and restore normalcy. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What challenges does the police force face in such situations? (b) As the SP in the capital city of a state where such protests often take place, how would you deal with such a situation when faced with it?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"The founding fathers of the Indian Constitution envisaged a neutral, apolitical civil service. The conduct rules governing the All-India Services explicitly prohibit participation of a member of service in politics. It also limits connection of officers with Press or Radio to matters of public interest. And it also prevents them from criticizing the Government in public. (a) Why is it important for civil servants to be politically neutral? (b) Highlight the challenges faced by politically neutral civil servants in different situations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Recently, the Motor Vehicles Act was amended to hike the fines for violations of various traffic rules. While the intention of the amendments was to deter people from violating the law and strictly follow traffic rules in the interest of road safety, these measures are being opposed as it felt that the fines are too excessive and beyond the reach of common man. (a) In light of this, critically analyse the ethical aspects of the recent amendments. (b) Are legislative measures alone sufficient in bringing about behavioural change?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming economy and society and will almost certainly continue to do so in the coming decades. This transformation will have deep ethical impact, with these powerful new technologies both improving and disrupting human lives. In this context, identify the ethical considerations, if any, of the following issues associated with the use of AI: (a) Privacy (b) AI induced unemployment (c) Potential for misuse","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5626,"topper":"Pranshu Gupta","air":325,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/148/mts_2025_unchecked_mt25flton102_flt2502.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5627,"topper":"Pranshu Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/153/mts_2025_unchecked_mt25flton102_flt2512.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"\"Duty forms the cornerstone of administrative ethics, yet without integration of other ethical perspectives, it risks becoming mechanical compliance.\" Discuss how the interplay of duty, virtue, principle, and consequences can enrich ethical decision-making in public administration. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"The strength of a professional public service lies in its ability to remain non-partisan, even in a deeply political environment.\" Do you agree that partisanship undermines the ethical foundation of public administration? Discuss the risks posed by political bias among civil servants and the safeguards that help uphold neutrality. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"In situations of moral ambiguity, where formal rules fall short, emotional intelligence and conscience become crucial tools. Explain how these internal faculties help public servants navigate ethical grey zones. Support with a suitable example. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"The heart of the ethical dilemma is not the absence of values but the presence of competing responsibilities.\" Discuss how ethical dilemmas in public administration often emerge from the clash of legitimate obligations rather than moral ambiguity. Illustrate with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"The growing layers of oversight, media scrutiny, and public expectations have made accountability a double-edged sword for public servants.\" Do you agree that excessive accountability pressure can sometimes hinder ethical judgment and innovation in the bureaucracy? Explain your perspective with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"Family, society, and education do not merely transmit values they shape the ethical foundation of public life.\" Discuss how these institutions influence value formation in public servants. Why is the role of these institutions critical in strengthening ethical governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"Gandhian ethics emphasize purity of means, truth, and moral courage even when outcomes are uncertain.\" Critically evaluate whether such absolutist ethics are compatible with the demands of modern public administration, where administrative realism and pragmatism are often necessary. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"Procurement decisions are a litmus test of public sector probity, where integrity must resist both institutional pressures and private influence.\" Discuss how the principles of transparency, fairness, and accountability can strengthen ethical conduct in public procurement. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"Attitudes, shaped by personal beliefs and values, influence the ethical behaviour of public servants.\" Explain how moral and political attitudes impact administrative neutrality and integrity in public service. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"\"Foreign aid is often framed as generosity, but its ethical legitimacy depends on fairness, accountability, and respect for sovereignty.\" Explain the ethical concerns associated with conditional foreign aid. How can donor countries uphold recipient autonomy while ensuring transparency and developmental impact? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":34,"question":"What are the ethical considerations involved in this budget allocation decision?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"How can administrators ensure equitable development while maintaining working relationships with elected representatives? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"You are posted as the Deputy Director (Training) at a state administrative academy. Among the current batch of officer trainees is a probationer known for initiative and strong opinions on social justice and governance. Over the past few weeks, the probationer has been posting commentary on current affairs on his public social media account. While not abusive or inflammatory, his posts openly criticise: Certain welfare schemes as \"tokenistic,\" The inaction of state agencies in recent communal incidents, And call for \"civil resistance\" to regressive laws. Screenshots of his posts have circulated in the department. Some senior officers consider the posts politically charged and believe they undermine the principle of neutrality and decorum expected of civil servants. Others argue he is still under training and needs mentorship, not discipline. You are informally asked by the Director General to \"speak to him\" and submit a recommendation on whether formal action is warranted. The probationer, when confronted, says: \"I posted as a citizen, not as a government mouthpiece. I'm entitled to express myself. My views don't affect my professional objectivity.\" There's growing debate in the academy: Where does personal liberty end and institutional responsibility begin? Is there space for moral conviction in service, or must officers conform fully to institutional restraint even in their private lives?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"What are the key ethical and professional concerns in this situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"How can civil servants balance personal expression with the demands of neutrality and public accountability? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"What are the key ethical issues in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"How can civil servants uphold integrity when informal hierarchies and peer pressure discourage ethical action? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"What are the ethical concerns involved in the allocation of CSR funds in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"How would you assess the competing pressures of organizational politics and public interest?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"What decision would you take, and how would you justify it ethically and professionally? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"What are the administrative and ethical issues involved in the case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"How can senior civil servants uphold neutrality and fairness in politically sensitive postings without inviting retaliation or appearing insubordinate? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":59,"question":"What are the core ethical challenges involved in executing the eviction in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":59,"question":"How should a public servant reconcile legal mandates with humanitarian obligations in contexts of informal urban settlements?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5628,"topper":"Prapanj R","air":523,"year":2021,"paper":"Optional — Public Administration","optional":true,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1BOM1BIZg86NFMI56X1Qzp4jQyUjJqXSj","questions":[]},{"id":5629,"topper":"Prashant Raj","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/bac75-453247_1417_prashant-raj_rank-97.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Dadabhai Naoroji left an indelible imprint on the national movement. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Quit India movement marked a new direction in the struggle against the British colonial rule in India. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The end of World War II marked the birth of a new international order. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Simla Agreement (1972) and Lahore Declaration (1999) are two key milestones in the history of the Indian subcontinent. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Social security should not only involve economic empowerment but also social empowerment. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Explain with examples how globalisation is manifested in both local in the global and the global in the local. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In light of persistence of various forms of violence against women in India, discuss the ways in which the issue can be addressed effectively. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What is an urban forest? Highlight its benefits and steps taken by the government to promote urban forestry in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"How has globalization impacted the location of the IT industry? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"How can eco-tourism be used to sustainably harness the potential of tourism industry in India? Discuss the challenges and steps taken by the government in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The advent of Buddhism and Jainism was instrumental in the development of architecture in ancient India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"The reactionary policies of Lord Lytton and the liberal policies of his successor Lord Rippon acted as catalyst in the formation of the Indian National Congress. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Gandhiji changed his methods of struggle against the British from time-to-time to suit the varied circumstances and problems that needed to be tackled Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Bring out the relationship between the industrial revolution and the advent of imperialism in different parts of the world. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"The caste system in India has continued to persist by adapting itself to a variety of changing socio-economic and political conditions in the past few decades. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"It is argued by some that regionalism is a threat to national integrity while others consider it as a highly impactful tool in facilitating political participation. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Describe the process of rift valley formation, with special emphasis on the Great Rift Valley System. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"India's water resources have witnessed rapid depletion due to a mix of economic, geographic, and political factors. Explain and discuss its implications. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"How are plateaus formed? Also, briefly discuss the features of the Deccan plateau and its economic significance. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5630,"topper":"Prashant Raj","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/95588-453247_1523_prashant-raj_rank-97.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Enumerate the issues associated with functioning of the Central Information Commission. How can these issues be addressed? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"In India, Governor's discretionary powers are wider than those of the President. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the objectives that were sought to be achieved through tribunals. How successful have they been in meeting them? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Instead of the government regulating Over-the-top (OTT) platforms, there have been calls for a self-regulating mechanism for such platforms, as in the case of print media. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Bring out the arguments surrounding the issue of some states reserving jobs for locals in the private sector. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Identifying the key elements of Mission Karmayogi, briefly explain how it can lead to holistic development of the human resources and state's capacity. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlighting the role played by ASHA workers in public health system of India, discuss the challenges faced by them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"While internationalisation of higher education has many potential benefits for India, certain challenges will need to be addressed in this regard. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"India needs to adopt a more pragmatic stance in the context of the ongoing intra-Afghan talks. Discuss, in the light of India's engagement with Afghanistan. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In the geo-strategic context of West Asia, the recent efforts to normalise relations between Israel and UAE may open new possibilities for India. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"It is not only the content of election manifestos but also the past performance with respect to promises made in election manifestos that need to be regulated. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"In order to achieve a reduction in the pendency of cases and a return to the Supreme Court's original role as a final appellate court, setting up of a National Court of Appeal is the need of the hour. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The Constitution of India reflects an amalgamation of spirit of Indian freedom struggle and various administrative provisions of different acts of British rule in India. Explain. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Mention the key components of the SVAMITVA scheme. Also, highlight its intended benefits and discuss the potential issues in its implementation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Sharing of information among all stakeholders in government functioning is a leading practice towards good governance. Discuss with examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"India has an oversized and bloated government which acts as a drag on economic efficiency and growth. Critically evaluate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Though the National Digital Health Mission is a step in the right direction for both patients and the healthcare system, concerns around data privacy need to be addressed. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"One Nation One Ration card has the potential to significantly transform the lives of migrant workers in India. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"The World Trade Organization is buffeted by multiple challenges which have eroded the credibility of the organization. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"BIMSTEC is indispensable for India's efforts in promoting regional cooperation and integration in the neighbourhood. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5631,"topper":"Prashant Raj","air":97,"year":2022,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/87c39-453247_1419_prashant-raj_rank-97.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5632,"topper":"Prashant Raj","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1O7B84J29PbNtKahl19Qpniwix7_UjXDr/view","questions":[]},{"id":5633,"topper":"Prashant Raj","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Erl8aBSOWOkE6SqH4Z20YURWEgjYqpuQ/view","questions":[]},{"id":5634,"topper":"Prashant Raj","air":97,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/33af0-453247_1420_prashant-raj_rank-97.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5635,"topper":"Prashant Raj","air":97,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/948e2-453247_1525_prashant-raj_rank-97.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5636,"topper":"Prashant Raj","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EkDXI0S6MggKrSYR_XHTHWa_-iiYx-YC/view","questions":[]},{"id":5637,"topper":"Prashant Raj","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/109mBIQhjMP3Nv3-axTLjDVehQLYzj_SJ/view","questions":[]},{"id":5638,"topper":"Prashant Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/bf89a-291804_2218_prashant-sharma_rank-259.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to revisit the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution? Discuss with suitable arguments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Highlighting the advantages of online dispute resolution (ODR) mechanism for justice delivery, discuss the challenges associated with its effective implementation in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Despite the constitutional division of powers, Centre-state disputes have been a perennial feature of Indian democracy. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Do you agree with the view that adopting a framework for lobbying will strengthen participative governance and ease of doing business in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Despite the government encouraging open source instead of proprietary technology for government applications, the true potential of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) and digital platforms remains unrealized. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"As a social safety-valve, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) can be the principal vehicles through which communities voice their concerns. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Despite being lauded for its patient centric approach, the implementation of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, remains sluggish and mired with various issues. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to formulate an Urban Employment Guarantee scheme at the national level? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the relevance of BIMSTEC as a regional organisation to fulfil India's strategic aspirations in the Indian Ocean Region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the relevance of the Gujral Doctrine for India with regard to its relations with its immediate neighbours in the present times. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":5639,"topper":"Prashant Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7e62c-291804_2219_prashant-sharma_rank-259.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Fiscal policy can be a key tool to reduce income inequality as well as make the poorest and the downtrodden a part of the country's growth story. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Digitizing land records will go a long way in ensuring land reforms as well as lessening the burden on the Indian Judiciary. Elaborate. Also, state the measures taken in this context. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"It has been pointed out that competitive politics to fund mostly non-merit subsidies is pushing a few states in India to the brink of a deep fiscal crisis. In this context, discuss the need to rationalise the subsidy regime in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Micro-irrigation has tremendous potential in transforming farming into a profitable and sustainable venture. Discuss the given statement in the context of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Given its vast resources and technical expertise, India can play a key role in assisting the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) in dealing with the impact of climate change. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The recent \"Disaster Management Plan of Ministry of Panchayati Raj (DMP-MoPR)\" aims to develop disaster resilience at the grassroots level. In this context, discuss the rationale behind the formulation of the Plan and highlight its key components. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the internal security implications emanating from the use of Emerging And Disruptive Technologies (EDT) by state and non-state actors. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Identify the impediments faced by India in boosting its defence exports. Also, discuss the steps taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the multiple issues associated with space debris. Also, state the initiatives taken in recent times to tackle this menace. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The adoption of Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) in India is expected to make e-commerce more inclusive and accessible for consumers. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While an agreement was recently reached at the WTO on a deal to curb \"harmful\" government fisheries subsidies, certain concerns raised by India suggests that the matter will require further negotiations. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite the advantages that are associated with the hybrid annuity model (HAM) in the road construction sector, the interest in it has moderated due to various reasons. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The existing MSP procurement regime is neither economically nor agro-ecologically sustainable. Elaborate. Also, evaluate the alternative approaches that can be adopted to improve the existing MSP regime. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"It is being argued that India is struggling with overflowing foodgrains in warehouses. Discuss the statement in view of the existing buffer stock policy of India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Recently, the government has asked all ports to prepare a master plan in order to become 'mega ports' by 2047. In light of this, discuss the challenges faced by ports and suggest remedial measures in order to propel India's blue economy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Inequality in income and wealth translates into carbon inequality. In this context, discuss the significance of addressing carbon inequality for India and suggest ways to achieve it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Despite increased and regular occurrences of landslides over the past decade in India, the dominant development paradigm has largely not been modified. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)15","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India needs a smart border management system to balance legitimate cross border flows with national security interests. Discuss. Also, highlight the initiatives taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)15","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Establishing linkages between globalisation and money laundering, discuss the initiatives taken at the national and international levels to combat it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"There have been arguments that India needs to review some of its past assumptions about the nature of outer space and contribute to the development of new global norms. In this context, analyse India's stand in relation to the Artemis Accords. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5640,"topper":"Prashant Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/05787-291804_2220_prashant-sharma_rank-259.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The logic of limitless wealth lies in the basic human instinct for furthering self-interest in the form of profit. In this context, do you think there is a possibility of pursuing ethical capitalism? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"If a law is unjust, a man is not only right to disobey it, he is obligated to do so. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The capacity of Citizens' Charter to initiate any transformative process is conditioned upon it being appropriately designed and effectively executed. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The moral fiber and ethical conduct of public officials not only influence the standard of governance but also their own interests and performance. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The ongoing debate on euthanasia poses several ethical questions. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Foreign aid is a form of neo-colonialism, as the economically wealthier countries can exploit the developing countries under the cloak of aid. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Throwing light on the idea of Universal Humanism propounded by Rabindranath Tagore, discuss its contemporary relevance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree with the view that it is nature and not nurture which determines the emotional intelligence of a person? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Values that guide public administrators can often compete with each other, owing to their relative importance to the larger public interest. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Is it justifiable to say that corruption is a social phenomenon? What are the various ways through which administrative corruption can be tackled? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"\"I do believe that, where there is only a choice between cowardice and violence, I would advise violence.\"- Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"You are posted as the Commissioner of Police in a metropolitan city where a visiting foreign signatory, with President-level security cover, is scheduled to visit for an official function. As a part of the security preparedness, it has been decided that no vehicular traffic will be allowed on the route which will be taken by the foreign dignitary to reach the venue of the function in the city. However, just 15 minutes before the scheduled arrival of the dignitary, you are informed that a critically-ill patient is stuck on the way to the hospital in a private car along with his family. In this situation, answer the following: (a) Discuss the issues involved in halting traffic for VIP movement. (b) List the options available to you in this situation with their merits and demerits. (c) What will be your course of action? Justify with proper reasoning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Mr. X is a billionaire businessman who heads a conglomerate engaged in insurance, energy generation and distribution, and manufacturing. Despite being globally known as a great philanthropist, he turned down a shareholder request seeking the disclosure of the conglomerate's actions on issues related to climate change as well as diversity and inclusion. Because of increased attention to climate and diversity issues, many leading firms have committed themselves to incorporate relevant considerations in their business strategies. Therefore, some industry-observors wonder if Mr. X is out of touch with the industry at large and have warned him that failing to address climate change issues puts his businesses under systemic risk. But, Mr. X maintained his vote against the disclosure proposal, while at the same time acknowledged the importance of both climate change and a diverse and inclusive work force. However, Mr. X believes that such ethical issues take secondary importance to maximising shareholder profit. (a) Discuss the importance of including climate change strategies and diversity and inclusion in a business organisation? (b) In your opinion, what matters more for a business organisation - socio-environmental concerns or shareholder profit? (c) How can the two above-mentioned issues be reconciled? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"The Indian education system suffers from many ills. One of the major issues is the focus on ‘rote learning’, which has been the staple of the Indian education system for many years. While many Indians have attained success despite this system, simply being able to recall information is not enough in today’s world when that information is instantly available to anyone on a mobile phone. A survey of 200 Indian and foreign companies found that only 14% of Indian graduates were prepared for the workforce, largely because most graduates were unable to apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the consequences of ‘rote learning’ on the educational development of young students in the country? (b) Suggest measures that can be taken to address this issue. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5641,"topper":"Prashant Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d6c30-613218_3128_prashant_singh_rank_102.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"The world must learn to work together, or finally it will not work at all.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Technology, like art, is a soaring exercise of the human imagination.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"We've begun to raise daughters more like sons, but few have the courage to raise our sons more like our daughters.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"B / SECTION - B 5. It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it. 6. To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment. 7. We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are. 8. A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5642,"topper":"Prashant Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/86b7c-613218_2368_prashant_singh_rank_102.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The evolving interpretation by the courts have led to the expansion of the scope of the Right to Life and Personal Liberty under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. Discuss with the help of relevant case laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Analyse how Section 8A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 preserves the integrity of the electoral process in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"With what objectives was the Ninth Schedule of the Indian Constitution initially introduced? Can the Supreme Court review a legislation that has been placed in the Ninth Schedule? Discuss with the help of case laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Online Dispute Resolution's (ODR) promise of access to just, speedy and effective resolution of disputes is beset with several challenges. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The Right to Information (RTI) Act has fallen into redundancy owing to the issues faced by the Office of the Central Information Commission. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"How has Information and Communication Technology (ICT) transformed the governance landscape at the grassroots level in India? What are the key obstacles in leveraging its full potential? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How does the politicization of the civil services corrode the 'steel frame' of governance in India? What measures can be implemented to counteract this effect? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Gender is an important dimension of ageing. What measures can be taken to solve the problems of elderly women facing social alienation and deprivation in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What role can the Indian diaspora play in fostering political and economic engagement between India and African countries? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"More than a decade after its inception, the benefits of the Belt and Road Initiative have proven to be illusory, especially for developing countries. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss the financial constraints faced by the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in India. What measures can be taken to augment their revenue resources? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Discuss the role of the Election Commission of India (ECI) in ensuring free and fair elections in India. How will the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Act, 2023 impact the independence of the ECI? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 has played a significant role in preventing atrocities and providing protection against discrimination of marginalized communities in India. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the functions of the National Commission for Women (NCW). How does the Commission benefit from having the powers of a civil court in dealing with women's issues? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Critically analyse the effectiveness of the POCSO Act, 2012 in addressing the issue of child sexual abuse in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Critically evaluate the implementation of the Smart Cities Mission in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"While extreme poverty has declined considerably in India, access to healthy food still remains a luxury. Discuss the reasons for poor access to healthy food and suggest measures to overcome the same. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Examine the role of publicly funded health insurance in improving health outcomes in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"To what extent has India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy been successful in enhancing its relations with the neighbouring countries? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Examine the effects of escalating conflicts in West Asia on regional and global stability, highlighting the significant repercussions for India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5643,"topper":"Prashant Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b8ae2-613218_2930_prashant_singh_rank_102.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How is the rapid growth of the food processing industry leading to food safety challenges in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Under the Public Distribution System of India, the Fair Price Shop (FPS) transformation is an evolving process. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"How are agri-tech startups in India helping farmers in enhancing farm productivity and market access? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the role of digitization of land records in the effective implementation of land reforms in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"To fully exploit its demographic dividend and accelerate economic growth, India needs to adopt a manufacturing-led growth model. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can the resilience of Indian coastal communities be strengthened to tackle the growing natural hazards resulting from climate change? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How does the Green Credit Programme extend beyond carbon management to promote a more sustainable environment in India? What are the various concerns about its implementation? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What is the need for NavIC when existing satellite navigation systems are already available? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Cyber-enabled financial crime has emerged as the new frontier of global money laundering. Discuss. How can the government address this issue? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The Indian Army is observing the year 2024 as the 'Year of Technology Absorption'. In light of this, explain why there is a need for technology absorption in the defence sector of India. What challenges can India face in this initiative? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What are the issues faced in the development of trade and industries in the North-Eastern Region (NER) of India? Comment on the measures that have been taken to tackle these issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the era of climate change and growing water scarcity, how can micro-irrigation systems contribute to sustainable agricultural practices in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the factors that have aided India in making impressive strides in the renewable energy sector and establishing itself as a frontrunner in the global renewable energy transition. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"How does agricultural runoff containing fertilizers and pesticides contribute to environmental pollution? What measures can be taken to mitigate the impact of agricultural runoff? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The growing influx of tourists in Himalayan states has breached their ecological carrying capacity, leading to significant man-made disasters. What measures can be implemented to prevent such disasters while promoting sustainable tourism? Discuss with relevant examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"How do superconductors fuel innovation in diverse fields of science and technology? Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"While India has laws covering almost all types of intellectual property rights, numerous enforcement, regulatory and administrative challenges hamper the commercialisation of IPRs in India. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Keeping in view the challenges in creating integrated theatre commands, examine how the theaterisation of commands can lead to greater integration and rationalisation of manpower and resources among the three services. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Treating border villages as first villages not just geographically but also in terms of facilities can be a key strategy for enhancing border security. Discuss. Also, highlight the measures being taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5644,"topper":"Prashant Singh","air":102,"year":2024,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c2eac-613218_2364_prashant_singh_rank_102.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5645,"topper":"Prashant Singh","air":102,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/92469-613218_2906_prashant_singh_rank_102.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5646,"topper":"PRASHANT SURESH DAGALE","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/7/igc21la084_tc062.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"If you look into someone's face long enough, eventually you feel that you are looking into yourself.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"It is the province of knowledge to speak and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Drop the question what tomorrow may bring, and count as profit every day that fate allows you.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Truth, like a torch, the more it is shook, it shines.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Art is I; science is We.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Only the dead have seen the end of the war.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Act as if it were impossible to fail.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5647,"topper":"PRASHANT SURESH DAGALE","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/8/igc21la084_tc063.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Little strokes fell great oaks.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Judge a man by his questions rather than his answers.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Great principles,great ideals know no nationality.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"In struggling with misfortune lies the true proof of virtue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"The whole purpose of Education is to turn mirrors into windows.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"To dwell is to garden.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Reality is the shadow of ideas.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"We can not despair of humanity, since we ourselves are human beings.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5648,"topper":"PRASHANT SURESH DAGALE","air":775,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/6/igc21la084_tc061.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5649,"topper":"PRASHANT SURESH DAGALE","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/95/igc21la084_tc077-test-07-gs-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Elaborate on the difference between Capital Account and Current Account as components of Balance of Payment (BOP). Suggest a few measures to balance the BOP deficit of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The logistics sector is one of the important components of the growth of the manufacturing industry. Discuss. Also, mention various components of the recently announced National Logistics Policy 2022. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What is India's stand on the New Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies under WTO? How is the Fisheries sector significant for India? Enumerate the steps taken by the Government to develop this sector. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Analyze the systemic and institutional constraints that continue to hinder land reform efforts in India and propose pragmatic solutions to ensure equitable distribution of land. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What are the unique features and capabilities of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, and how has it contributed to India's defence capabilities and strategic position in the region? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"In line with the country's efforts to explore the depths of the ocean and harness the resources it holds, the Indian government has proposed a deep-sea exploration mission Samudrayaan. How can this mission contribute to the advancement of ocean science and technology in the country? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What is Global Methane Pledge? Do you think the Global Methane Pledge is a positive step toward mitigating methane emissions? Explain India's stance on this issue. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of disaster management in public health. Discuss the key strategies and challenges for managing pandemics and other infectious disease outbreaks. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"The resource curse of Eastern and Central India has been a crucial driver of LWE\". Elaborate and suggest measures for sustainable and inclusive development of the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In light of the declining trend of violence in the North East and J&K region do you think that AFSPA has lived its utility? Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"International trade is centred on the dominant currency paradigm (DCM). Critically Analyze the importance of Hard currency in International trade and Discuss the potential of rupee acceptance in global trade as an alternative to dollar imperialism. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"A demographic Dividend does not ensure growth; it only generates potential. Discuss the steps made by the government to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the demographic transition. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"'Genome editing holds immense potential for crop improvement, but it also raises ethical and safety concerns'. How far do the new guidelines for the safety assessment of genome-edited plants in India, ensure the safety of genetically modified crops? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the impact of direct and indirect farm subsidies on the agriculture sector in India. How have Minimum Support Prices (MSP) affected the agricultural economy? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a rapidly escalating crisis that poses a grave threat to public health worldwide. What are the major contributing factors to the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance, and what steps can be taken to address this global health threat? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by Disruptive innovations? What are some examples of disruptive innovation in recent times, and how have they changed the way industries operate? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Trace the evolution of the Loss and Damage fund. What are the major development related to loss and damage funds in COP 27?, What are the commitments made by India in this conference? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Disaster management is not just about responding to emergencies but also about building resilient communities. Discuss the key strategies that can be used to build community resilience and reduce the impact of disasters. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The transformation of terrorism through the use of new and emerging technologies like metaverse and virtual assets is a matter of concern. How can we counter the Use of New and Emerging Technologies for Terrorist Purposes and Elucidate the importance of the \"Delhi declaration\" in this regard? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"\"The Agnipath scheme is a bitter pill needed for the resilience and efficacy of our armed forces.\" Critically Analyze the statement with relevant arguments. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5650,"topper":"PRASHANT SURESH DAGALE","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/94/igc21la084_tc077-test-07-gs-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Elaborate on the difference between Capital Account and Current Account as components of Balance of ...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"The logistics sector is one of the important components of the growth of the manufacturing industry...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"What is India's stand on the New Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies under WTO? How is the Fisheries se...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"Analyze the systemic and institutional constraints that continue to hinder land reform efforts in In...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"What are the unique features and capabilities of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, and how has ...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"What is Global Methane Pledge? Do you think the Global Methane Pledge is a positive step toward miti...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of disaster management in public health. Discus...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"\"The resource curse of Eastern and Central India has been a crucial driver of LWE\". Elaborate and su...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"In light of the declining trend of violence in the North East and J&K region do you think that AFSPA has lived its utility? Comment.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5651,"topper":"Prashanth S","air":78,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Prashanth-S-UPSC-2023-Rank-78-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5652,"topper":"Prashanth S","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Prashanth-S-UPSC-2023-Rank-78-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Path to a digital India should traverse through the villages but seems to have bypassed the ideal trajectory. Critically examine. (10M)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Narrow understanding of disability has marginalised people suffering from mental disorder. Elucidate. (10M)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"The Election Commission of India has a vital role in building a robust framework of electoral democracy. Highlighting challenges associated with functioning of ECI, suggest measures to reform the body. (10M)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"Fair competition is the cardinal principle of free market economy. In this context, explain role of Competition Commission of India and compare its position with anti-trust institutions of other countries. (10M)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Securities and Exchange Board of India protects the interest of investors as well as ensures development and regulation of financial markets. Discuss how far SEBI has been successful in performing its envisaged role. (10M)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"Lokpal & Lokayuktas were envisaged to strengthen legal & institutional mechanism to ensure cleanliness in public life. Critically examine their role as anti-corruption watchdogs. (10M)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Subordination of investigative agencies to the executive is fraught with disastrous consequences. Discuss the statement in light of the criticism of CBI as a caged parrot. (10M)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Vocational training needs to be blended with mainstream education in order to bridge the wide skills gap. Highlight the status of vocational training in the country. How does NEP Policy, 2020 promote vocational education? (10M)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Ayushman Bharat-Digital Mission (ABDM) addresses the need for interoperability in health services through a unified health interface. Elaborate its significance in digitising the health care ecosystem (10M)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"Objectives of a welfare government remains incomplete without a progressive ecosystem for the children's development. Discuss with special emphasis to recently passed Juvenile Justice Amendment Act, 2021 (10M)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"What do you understand by the First Past the Post system? Why was FPPS preferred over the Proportional Representation system for elections to the Lok Sabha / Vidhan Sabha? Also, critically examine consequences of this preference (15M)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Examine the role of the Finance Commission in maintaining the Fiscal Equilibrium in the country. Also, compare the recommendation of the 15th Finance Commission with its predecessor & implications of its recommendations (15M)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"A polity perennially in election mode is not well suited for effective governance. In light of the statement, discuss how far simultaneous elections can solve this problem. Also, highlight challenges o/w conducting simultaneous elections? (15M,","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"The Representation of People Act, the bedrock of free & fair elections in the country has failed to keep pace with contemporary challenges. Highlighting the shortcomings in the legislation, suggest reforms to make it more effective. (15M)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"Dr Ambedkar called the Comptroller & Auditor General the most important office under the Constitution. How does the Constitution ensure effective functioning of CAG as the guardian of public purse? What reforms would you suggest to further strengthen the office of CAG? (15M)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"To ensure effective implementation of policies, addressing socio-economic challenges, behavioural changes are as important as government intervention. Comment with relevant illustrations. (15M)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Compromised health infrastructure has led to a situation where the marginalised are \"One illness away\" from falling into poverty. Highlight the issues with country's health infrastructure giving a suitable framework for reforms. (15M)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"How far have Forest Rights Act, 2006 & Panchayat (Extension of Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 been successful in attaining their desired objectives? What needs to be done to improve their implementation on ground? (15M)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Enduring effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have exacerbated existing issues of poverty and hunger. Explain (15M)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Despite the presence of a plethora of development schemes, India lags behind in creating a prosperous society. Is it a design issue or an implementation bottleneck? What suggestions would you make to improve the performance of developmental schemes? (15m)","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5653,"topper":"Prashanth S","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Prashanth-S-UPSC-2023-Rank-78-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Basic structure doctrine has prevented the Parliament, a creature of the constitution, from becoming the master of the constitution. Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"To what extent, in your opinion, Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in India have enabled women led development at the grassroot level? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The power of pressure groups lies not in their size or elaborate organization, but in their ability to mobilize public opinion and create lasting change. With help of relevant examples, discuss how informal pressure groups shape public policy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"\"Bail not Jail\" is the cardinal principle that upholds the sacrosanct ideas of individual's liberty and dignity. Explain the statement with the help of various judicial pronouncements. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Dispute redressal is the most important component of cooperative federalism. How does the Interstate Council facilitate the resolution of disputes related to states in India, and what are the challenges associated with this process? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Anti-defection law has failed to address and resolve the evil of political defection satisfactorily. Discuss various issues surrounding the Anti-defection law and recommend some corrective measures. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Decriminalization of homosexuality by the SC in Navtej Singh Jauhar case remains a task half done, specially without the socio-political sensitisation about the issues faced by LGBTQIA+ community. Elaborate in light of ongoing debates on same sex marriage. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Built upon common democratic values and shared vision of strategic autonomy, India-France bilateral ties exude a promise of stability, growth, and security in a time of geo-political flux and uncertainty. Do you agree? Substantiate your answer. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"As an important attribute of soft power, \"Knowledge diplomacy\" has the potential to further various objectives of foreign policy. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Referring to the case laws through which the collegium system in India evolved, critically assess its functioning. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Considering the non-enforceable nature of fundamental duties and directive principles of state policy, critically examine their impact in socio-political norms. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite its vital role for the smooth functioning of the body politic, constitutional punctuality remains conspicuous by its absence. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Frequent reliance on the ordinance making power by the government, not only dilutes the basic tenets of executive accountability in a parliamentary democracy, but also overlooks the democratic traditions of building consensus. Discuss with relevant examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The critical reason for poor public health indicators in India goes beyond recognition of right to health as fundamental right. Do you think that a statutory framework alone can ameliorate the situation? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Reforming the education infrastructure through digital interventions is a progressive step, but it has its limitations too. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Electoral bond was brought in as a reform that was high on intent but has proved to be low on substance. Do you agree? Justify. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The profound impact of the data revolution and widespread smartphone usage has necessitated the use of digital tools in welfare programmes. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Presidency of G20 is but a reflection of India's quest for a more just and polycentric world order, where the voice of the global south is mainstreamed not muzzled. Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The new cold war between the USA and China may have the effect of casting a long shadow on India's strategic interests from Pacific to Atlantic. Evaluate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5654,"topper":"Prashanth S","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Prashanth-S-UPSC-2023-Rank-78-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by following terms, in the context of public service? (10 marks, 150 words) i) Integrity ii) Impartiality iii) Accountability iv) Objectivity v) Tolerance","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"While successful managers make profit for their organizations, it is leaders who build successful organizations. In light of this statement, differentiate between a manager and a leader. Examine why leadership is considered a foundational value for a civil servant. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Ethical competence of civil servants goes beyond complying with the law, and extends to satisfying their individual conscience. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What does each of the following quotation mean to you? a) \"Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom\"-Thomas Jefferson (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power.\" - Abraham Lincoln. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"\"It is easy to dodge our responsibilities, but we cannot dodge the consequences of our responsibilities.\"- Josiah Stamp (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Where the roots of private virtue are diseased, the fruit of public probity cannot but be corrupt. What do you understand by probity? Discuss ways of inculcating probity in public life. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Evaluate the role of citizen's charter in making governance citizen centric. Also, recommend some measures to make citizen's charters more effective. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"A system where there is no overarching global authority, national interests invariably dominate ethical concerns. Discuss the statement and critically examine the utility of ethical principles in international relations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Right to Information Act, 2005, aims to make the governance process transparent and accountable, however, the sunshine legislation is beset with several challenges. Analyse. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"What do you understand by 'Nishkam Karma'? Discuss the importance of 'Nishkam Karma' in the life of a civil servant. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You are the managing director of an upcoming advertising company which has made a name for itself in the market in a very short time. Varun is a star employee of your company who has consistently given good performance. Some of the most popular advertisements of the company, in recent times, have been an outcome of Varun's creative ideas. Since his joining, Varun has helped in almost doubling the revenues of the company, by bringing new clients and improving the brand equity of the company. You place high value in Varun's professional competence and are in the process of giving him a bigger responsibility in the company. However, you have been hearing rumours from various sections about the attitude of Varun towards his female colleagues. It has come to your notice that Varun is habitual of passing loose and lewd comments on the female employees of the company. Furthermore, Varun regularly sends indecent messages on phone to all the employees, including female workers. One day, Geetanjali, an employee working in Varun's team comes to you visibly disturbed. She complains to you about the repeated misbehaviour of Varun towards her. She informs you that Varun has on many occasions made undesirable physical advances towards her. She also tells that last evening before her shift was about to end, Varun called her in his cabin and tried to touch her inappropriately. She requests you to conduct an enquiry by the internal complaints committee (formed under POSH Act). She also tells you that in case appropriate action is not taken against Varun, she will be forced to resign from her position. You personally know Geetanjali as a dedicated and honest employee of the company. You are aware that she is the sole breadwinner of her family and has to support her teen-age brother and ailing mother. You also understand that unless the situation was really serious, Geetanjali would not have thought of resignation. On the other hand, an enquiry against Varun may affect the financial growth of the company. Also, you know that if Varun is fired for his actions, many big clients may leave the company. a) What are the ethical issues involved in this case study? b) Evaluate the different options available to you. In this situation, which option will you adopt and why? c) What steps will you take to ensure a safer workplace for women in your company? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"You are a Public Information Officer (PIO) at the home ministry. On a daily basis you receive several applications under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005. On gathering the information for a particular query, you find that the information is related to some decisions which were taken by you. You took the decision in good faith, which appeared correct at the time of decision making. The immediate impact of your actions was in line with your expectations. However, in hindsight, the long-term impacts of the decisions were counterproductive, and the decision seems to be made with malafide intentions. There were other employees also who were party to this decision. The disclosure of the solicited information, may lead to disciplinary actions. There is a possibility that you and some of your colleagues, who were involved in the decision-making process, may also be punished. You know that a non-disclosure, delayed disclosure, part-disclosure or a camouflaged disclosure will lead to a lesser punishment or even no punishment at all. You are aware of several cases in your department where non-disclosures have virtually gone unnoticed. Moreover, concealing the information will also save you, your colleagues, and the department itself from huge embarrassment. You know that it is your lawful mandate to disclose complete information in a proper and timely manner. In your years of service, you have been a sincere, dedicated, honest, conscientious officer. However, this time, you are well aware that the complete disclosure of information may cause harm to not only your career but also that of your colleagues. Moreover, your colleagues are pressuring you to withhold the information. Further, you have recently taken a huge education loan to fund the college education of your son. As the sole breadwinner of the family, you shoulder the responsibility of catering to the needs of your elderly parents, which involves their recurring medical costs. In these circumstances, any disciplinary action against you may also negatively affect you and your family's financial well-being. Now, you are in a state of dilemma over your future course of action. a) What are various ethical dilemmas in the above case study? b) Evaluate the merits and demerits of various courses of action available to you. Also, which course of action will you choose and why? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":60,"question":"What are the ethical issues involved in this case study? b) Rohan considers you a wise person and seeks your advice. As a friend of Rohan, what advice will you give him under these circumstances? c) What are the reasons for the acceptance of this kind of corruption? What steps can be taken to tackle the same? (25 marks, 250 words)","marks":"25","words":"250"}]},{"id":5655,"topper":"PRASSANNAKUMAR V","air":100,"year":2021,"paper":"Optional — Medical Science","optional":true,"source":"IAS Delhi Institute","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HMPDPtv3cqbvcSVgzcbAZR0TrYo-XhUK/view?usp=share_link","questions":[]},{"id":5656,"topper":"PRASSANNAKUMAR V","air":100,"year":2021,"paper":"Optional — Medical Science","optional":true,"source":"IAS Delhi Institute","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QGBw4KZtlgQgB-mpyjRvIGYswfIr1pkV/view?usp=share_link","questions":[]},{"id":5657,"topper":"PRASSANNAKUMAR V","air":100,"year":2021,"paper":"Optional — Medical Science","optional":true,"source":"IAS Delhi Institute","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PykZw0vL43RuxlJB9TJx6OYjp5JocYYc/view?usp=share_link","questions":[]},{"id":5658,"topper":"Prastuti Upadhaya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/prastuti-essay-test-1-1745488753930.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Q.4 The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"HOW CHALLENGE AND CONTROVERSY REVEALS A MAN'S TRUE MEASURE","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Q.5 Civilization begins with order, grows with liberty, and dies with chaos.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5659,"topper":"Prastuti Upadhaya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/prastuti-essay-test-2-1745488781476.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Q.1 The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"HOW COOPERATION IS THE TENET OF CIVILIZATION","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Q.5 Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.\nQ.6 The road to success and the road to failure are almost exactly the same.\nQ.7 To be or not to be, that is the question.\nQ.8 Wisdom is to live in tune with the mode of the changing world.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"WHAT IS CHANGE? IS IT ALWAYS GOOD?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"WHY LIVING IN TUNE WITH THE MODE OF THE CHANGING WORLD IS TRUE WISDOM","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5660,"topper":"Prastuti Upadhaya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/bfc96-1275069_3128_prastuti_upadhaya_rank_84.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"The world must learn to work together, or finally it will not work at all.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Technology, like art, is a soaring exercise of the human imagination.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"We've begun to raise daughters more like sons, but few have the courage to raise our sons more like our daughters.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5661,"topper":"Prastuti Upadhaya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/20b30-1275069_2930_prastuti_upadhaya_rank_84.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How is the rapid growth of the food processing industry leading to food safety challenges in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Under the Public Distribution System of India, the Fair Price Shop (FPS) transformation is an evolving process. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"How are agri-tech startups in India helping farmers in enhancing farm productivity and market access? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the role of digitization of land records in the effective implementation of land reforms in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"To fully exploit its demographic dividend and accelerate economic growth, India needs to adopt a manufacturing-led growth model. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can the resilience of Indian coastal communities be strengthened to tackle the growing natural hazards resulting from climate change? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How does the Green Credit Programme extend beyond carbon management to promote a more sustainable environment in India? What are the various concerns about its implementation? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What is the need for NavIC when existing satellite navigation systems are already available? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Cyber-enabled financial crime has emerged as the new frontier of global money laundering. Discuss. How can the government address this issue? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The Indian Army is observing the year 2024 as the 'Year of Technology Absorption'. In light of this, explain why there is a need for technology absorption in the defence sector of India. What challenges can India face in this initiative? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What are the issues faced in the development of trade and industries in the North-Eastern Region (NER) of India? Comment on the measures that have been taken to tackle these issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the era of climate change and growing water scarcity, how can micro-irrigation systems contribute to sustainable agricultural practices in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What strategies can be adopted to overcome the issues pertaining to freight transportation in the Indian Railways and increase its share in the domestic freight? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the factors that have aided India in making impressive strides in the renewable energy sector and establishing itself as a frontrunner in the global renewable energy transition. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"How does agricultural runoff containing fertilizers and pesticides contribute to environmental pollution? What measures can be taken to mitigate the impact of agricultural runoff? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The growing influx of tourists in Himalayan states has breached their ecological carrying capacity, leading to significant man-made disasters. What measures can be implemented to prevent such disasters while promoting sustainable tourism? Discuss with relevant examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"How do superconductors fuel innovation in diverse fields of science and technology? Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Keeping in view the challenges in creating integrated theatre commands, examine how the theaterisation of commands can lead to greater integration and rationalisation of manpower and resources among the three services. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Treating border villages as first villages not just geographically but also in terms of facilities can be a key strategy for enhancing border security. Discuss. Also, highlight the measures being taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5662,"topper":"Prastuti Upadhaya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a55af-1275069_2929_prastuti_upadhaya_rank_84.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Expression of dissent is central to the functioning of the Parliament. In light of this, discuss the role of the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in India's parliamentary system. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"How can the integration of technology into judicial processes enhance accessibility, capability, and efficiency in justice delivery? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Supreme Court of India has upheld unique asymmetry in India's federalism by intricately balancing centralized authority and regional autonomy. Discuss with the help of relevant case laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Evaluate the effectiveness of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes in safeguarding the interests of the Scheduled Castes in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Executive accountability to the legislature through Parliamentary Committees has been the hallmark of the Indian political system. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can India make Citizens' Charter a powerful tool for improving governance and empowering citizens? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How do corporate donors aid NGOs in facilitating holistic development in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite its merits, should the POCSO Act be revisited to correct the existing inadequacies? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"China's acquisition of strategic ports globally has significant implications for international trade routes and economic relations. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"What are the main functions of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)? How will its recent treaty on intellectual property, genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge benefit India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) plays a crucial role in combating corruption, its functioning is often criticized for being partisan and acting against the federal spirit. Discuss with the help of suitable examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Governors in India often overstep their constitutional role and fail to act effectively when needed. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Both India and the USA adhere to democratic principles but their electoral systems exhibit significant differences. What are the key differences in electoral practices between the two countries? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"How far do you agree with the view that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has met its objective of ensuring environmental justice in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Though Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) have become a platform for competitive politics, they have not emerged as an agency of planning and service delivery. Why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by interoperability in e-governance? What steps have been taken by the government to ensure interoperability and integration of various e-governance systems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"When it comes to sexual and reproductive health of women in India, rights-based discourse has largely been bypassed not just by the societal norms but also by the legal norms. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"How effective has India been in enhancing immunization coverage over the years? What challenges continue to affect immunization efforts in the country? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India used its Presidency of the G20 to bring the voice of the Global South to the centre stage. Discuss with special reference to Africa. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"India's relationship with the UAE has witnessed a remarkable expansion across various domains in the last decade. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5663,"topper":"Prastuti Upadhaya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ad389-1275069_2928_prastuti_upadhaya_rank_84.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How does tribal art provide valuable insights into the cultural perspectives and values of Indian tribal communities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What are the key factors that accelerated decolonization post-World War II? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How does human encroachment impact water bodies in urban areas? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How do physical geographical features influence the development and operation of transportation systems? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How are ocean trenches formed? Describe the significant characteristics of these oceanic relief formations. (Answer in 150words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Identify the reasons behind increasing number of extreme rainfall events throughout India in recent times. Assess their socio-economic impact. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"India is expected to have the largest working-age population in the world by 2030 and it cannot afford low participation of women in the workforce anymore. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Do you agree that there has been a progressive secularization of caste in India? Support your view with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Why is inequality increasing in India despite the fall in overall poverty? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"How did the competitive and hostile dynamic between Brahminism and Buddhism over funding, followers, and ideology mark the decline of Buddhism? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"European travellers' accounts in the medieval period have played an important role in shaping our understanding of the empires and people of that period in India. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The British victory in the Battle of Plassey in 1757 not just changed the course of Indian history but also that of the world. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Why was it more difficult to rehabilitate refugees in West Bengal as compared to Punjab after partition? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss the economic and social costs associated with the transition from coal to green energy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Explain the process of formation of volcanic calderas. How do they contribute to the scenic beauty of the region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the reasons behind the increased frequency and intensity of heat waves globally? How will it impact global food security? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India's approach to secularism does not merely challenge inter-religious domination but intra-religious domination as well. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Do you agree with the view that Indian cities are turning into landscapes of stark inequality and social exclusion? What steps can be taken to make urban areas more egalitarian in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5664,"topper":"Prastuti Upadhaya","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/PRASTUTI-UPADHAYA-UPSC-2024-Rank-84-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) The Indian Constitution does not embody a strict separation of powers rather it introduces a system of checks and balances, with overlapping functions and interdependencies among the legislature, executive, and judiciary. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"2) Recently, the Supreme Court has expanded the scope of Articles 14 and 21 to include the \"right against the adverse effects of climate change\". In this context, citing relevant case laws, discuss the role played by Indian judiciary in 'constitutionalization' of environmental issues.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) The Speaker's inclination to cater to party loyalties often undermines the dignity and impartiality of the office, eroding public trust in the legislative process. Analyse with the help of recent examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Assess the effectiveness of SEBI in fulfilling its envisaged role of regulating the securities market, ensuring transparency, and protecting investors' interests.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"2.5 The foundational strength of the Indian Constitution stems from its ability to integrate diverse socio-political perspectives. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"6) Parliamentary committees serve as vital tools for legislative oversight, ensuring accountability and transparency in governance processes. In light of the statement, examine the role of the Public Accounts Committee in establishing financial accountability of the executive.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7 Without addressing the issues that hinder the full and effective participation of persons with disabilities in political and public life, the goal of achieving inclusiveness and their empowerment will remain unattainable. Analyze.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) What roles do community-based interventions play in enhancing access to preventive and promotive healthcare services in India?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) The current composition of the UNSC, with under-representation and un-representation of key regions is detrimental to its legitimacy and effectiveness, underscoring the urgent need for reforms. Elaborate. Also, present a case for India's permanent membership in the UNSC.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 \"The ongoing internal crisis in Myanmar is impeding India's Act East Policy.\" In light of the statement, discuss the measures taken by India to deal with the crisis and associated challenges.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 \"The Basic Structure Doctrine, lauded for safeguarding the core principles of the Constitution against majoritarian impulses, is also criticized for enabling judicial overreach and disturbing the balance of power as envisioned by the Constitution.\" Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) Enumerate the salient features of Representation of People's Act, 1951. In your opinion, what amendments are needed in the Act to further the cause of free and fair elections in light of contemporary challenges.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 The cooperative nature of Indian federalism is being increasingly challenged by emerging differences in Centre-State relations. Discuss. What steps can be taken to strengthen the cooperative spirit of Indian federalism?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) Parliamentary privileges are fundamental for lawmakers to discharge their duties without undue influence. However, ensuring the responsible exercise of these privileges is crucial for fostering public trust and ensuring the accountability of public institutions. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 The Constitution of India provides several rights that empower the individual, yet it balances these freedoms with reasonable restrictions in the larger public interest. Discuss how constitutional restrictions on fundamental rights strike a fine balance between individual interests and societal interests. Also, mention the principles that are considered in evaluating the reasonableness of restrictions with reference case laws.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) Self-Help Groups (SHGs) can play a crucial role in alleviating rural poverty by providing women with access to microfinance, enabling them to start small businesses and improve their livelihoods. Examine.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 Despite the implementation of numerous policies and schemes aimed at combating hunger and malnutrition in the country, their effectiveness remains limited. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18) The true test of good governance is the degree to which it ensures accountability towards citizens and delivers on the promise of sustainable and inclusive human development. Discuss in the context of challenges to good governance in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 As the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) provides a judicial mechanism for the peaceful resolution of international disputes. In this context, throw light on the structure and mandate of ICJ. Also, highlight the challenges it faces in fulfilling its mandate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20) Geopolitical shifts pose challenges to India-Russia relations, yet the relationship remains robust, driven by deep-rooted trust and a shared commitment to sustain a multifaceted strategic partnership. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5665,"topper":"Prastuti Upadhaya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8eb3c-1275069_2931_prastuti_upadhaya_rank_84.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The end cannot justify the means, for the simple and obvious reason that the means employed determine the nature of the ends produced. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss how the relationship between law and ethics is dynamic and continuously shaped by societal changes. Provide examples to illustrate this dynamic relationship. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Differentiate between probity and integrity with suitable examples. How do these values contribute to ethical governance and decision-making in the civil services? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the ethical implications of withholding information in public administration. How can transparency enhance accountability and reduce corruption in government institutions? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"There is no school equal to a decent home and no teacher equal to a virtuous parent.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.\" - Leo Tolstoy (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"To see what is right and not do it is a lack of courage.\" - Confucius (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What factors lead to a positive attitude in a person? How does positive attitude enhance the effectiveness of civil servants in performing their duties? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss how emotional intelligence can influence ethical decision-making in the allocation of scarce public resources. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Various international humanitarian organizations provide emergency aid in conflict zones around the world. Highlight the ethical challenges faced by such organizations. What are the principles that guide international humanitarian work? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Why is persuasion regarded as an important skill for civil servants? What are the key considerations that should guide persuasion in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"What role can ethical leadership play in curbing corruption, especially in public service? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"What were the major teachings of Swami Dayanand Saraswati? Explain their relevance in addressing the current ethical and social challenges in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":33,"question":"Discuss the ethical dilemma Karan faces in deciding whether to report the incident against Mariyam's wishes. (b) Evaluate the options available to Karan. Which of these options should he choose and why? (c) What responsibilities do organizations like XYZ Corp have in preventing and addressing sexual harassment and creating inclusive workplace environments? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"What are the options available to Jay as the Commissioner of the Education Department? Evaluate each of these options. (b) What option should Jay adopt and why? (c) How can civil servants like Jay be better protected when they attempt to uphold ethical standards in their work? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"As the District Magistrate of X city, you are responsible for overseeing the construction of a new metro depot in an urban forest area, which is a critical infrastructure project aimed at improving public transportation and reducing traffic congestion and air pollution. The project, however, requires the clearance of a substantial portion of the forest, which has triggered strong opposition from environmental activists, local residents, and NGOs. This forest is widely regarded as essential for the city's ecological balance, often referred to as the city's \"lungs.\" In addition to the environmental concerns, you are under considerable pressure from politicians at the state-level to expedite the project, given the upcoming elections in two years. The political leadership emphasizes the benefits of the metro project for the city's development and its potential to garner electoral support. The project is expected to significantly reduce travel time for thousands of commuters and potentially decrease overall vehicle emissions in the city. However, it would also lead to the loss of thousands of trees and disrupt local ecosystems. As you prepare to make a decision, you are aware that your choice will have far-reaching consequences for both the city's development and its environment. (a) Identify the ethical dilemmas involved in the above case. (b) Evaluate the options available to you in the above situation. Which of these would you choose and why? (c) Suggest some measures that could be implemented to balance urban development needs with environmental conservation in future projects. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Dr. Mehra is a senior drug developer at a leading pharmaceutical company in India, renowned for producing various medications, including lifesaving drugs critical for treating chronic and rare diseases. Since its inception, the company has emphasized the quality and affordability of its drugs. Recently, under revised government guidelines, pharmaceutical companies are required to market a finished product only after obtaining \"satisfactory results\" from tests on the ingredients. Additionally, they must retain a sufficient quantity of samples of both intermediate and final products to allow repeated testing or verification of a batch. Dr. Mehra's team is in the final stages of developing a new medication for a rare but life-threatening disease. This drug has shown promising results in clinical trials. However, there have been unresolved concerns about the long-term side effects of the drug, observed in a small percentage of trial subjects. Despite this, the company has not released any major drug in the past decade, leading to significant pressure from the board members to expedite the drug's release. (a) Identify the stakeholders in the above case study. (b) Discuss the ethical issues faced by Dr. Mehra. (c) Analyse the options available to Dr. Mehra in the above case. Which of these would you choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"You have been appointed as the Under Secretary in the State Urban Development Department. The Department has been tasked with a prestigious project aimed at revitalizing the infrastructure of a city with deep historical significance. This project, which you are extremely passionate about, involves modernizing public transportation, restoring heritage buildings, and creating green spaces while preserving the city's cultural essence. Excited by the opportunity, you spent weeks researching and drafting a comprehensive proposal. Your plan included innovative ideas for sustainable development, community engagement, and leveraging technology for urban planning. You presented these initial plans in a departmental meeting, hoping to inspire your colleagues and kickstart the project. However, your enthusiasm was met with indifference. Your colleagues showed little interest, Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) How does the above-mentioned work culture affect workplace morale and productivity? (c) What are the options available to you and how would you address the situation? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":58,"question":"In light of the above case, discuss the ethical issues that may arise from the nexus between corporate, political, and bureaucratic interests. (b) As a conscientious civil servant, evaluate the options available to Arun. Which option should he choose and why?(Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5666,"topper":"Prastuti Upadhyay","air":84,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XhKoomF6qnulGPpban-KCxQVLn528Ehs/view","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Comment on the following in about 150 words each: 10x5=50 (a) How has the scope of Sociology broadened in the global times?","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":2,"question":"In what way ‘interpretative’ method is different from ‘positivist’ approach in the study of social phenomena? (20 marks)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":2,"question":"What makes Durkheim’s research on Suicide rate a positivist research. Clarify. (20 marks)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Answer the following in about 150 words each: 10x5=50 (a) Describe the process of “operationalization of variable “with few examples. (b) While economics is about how people make choice, sociology is about they don’t have any choice to make. What do you understand by the given statement?","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":3,"question":"Explain the different types of non-probability sampling techniques. Bring out the conditions of their usage with appropriate examples. (20marks)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the challenges involved in collecting data through Survey (20 marks)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Is Sociology a Science? Give reasons for your answer. (20 marks)","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":5667,"topper":"Prateek Jain","air":86,"year":2017,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/28133_929_Prateek_Rank_86.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5668,"topper":"Prateek Jain","air":86,"year":2017,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/28133_930_Prateek_Rank_86.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5669,"topper":"Prateek Jain","air":86,"year":2017,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/28133_931_Prateek_Rank_86.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5670,"topper":"Prateek Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/28133_870_Prateek_Rank_86.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The Gupta Sculpture while depicting devotion to Vishnu, successfully shows Guptas' exemplary tolerance for both Buddhism and Jainism. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"At all times the work of Indian craftsmen has been admired for its delicacy and skill. In this context, elucidate with examples the artistic achievements of ancient India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"The socio-cultural regeneration in nineteenth century India was occasioned by the colonial presence, but not created by it. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Champaran was the starting point of the strategy that Gandhi was to employ over the next 30 years to galvanise millions into one of history's biggest mass movements against perhaps the greatest imperial power of all time. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Despite many regulations enacted by the British to curb it's freedom, the press in India played a crucial role in strengthening the national movement. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Even after a hundred years of its proclamation the effects of Balfour Declaration continue to resonate in the Arab-Israeli conflict. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Decolonisation was neither an accident nor a product of any grand design, rather it resulted from the confluence of various local and global factors. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"The unification of Germany fundamentally reshaped the balance of power in Europe. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"The positions taken by Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Annie Besant at the beginning of 20th century finally evolved to become positions held by advocates on both sides of the language debate in the country even today. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"C. Rajagoplachari argued that a healthy democracy requires an \"opposition that thinks differently and just does not want more of the same\". In light of the statement assess the historic role played by the Swatantra Party in the initial years of independent India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"The present form of caste as an institution has been shaped both by developments during the colonial period as well as changes witnessed in independent India. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"In the Global Wage Report of International Labour Organisation, India has the worst levels of gender wage disparity. Comment. Enumerate briefly the factors that contribute to the existing gender pay gap in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Statistics show that child sex ratio is declining though there is an increase in overall sex ratio. Discuss the reasons that explain this trend. What measures have been taken by the government to correct this trend?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Jet streams play a significant role in influencing the weather conditions across the world. Discuss with special reference to the Indian Monsoon.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Developing hydropower projects in the north-east will help India fulfil its electricity demand and achieve energy security, however, this potential remains untapped. Why? What steps can be taken to overcome these bottlenecks for effective utilization of this potential?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Account for the distribution of cement industry in India with its factors of location. Also list the challenges which the industry has been facing lately.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Exploring and mining of polymetallic nodules in the Indian Ocean Basin by India, though filled with challenges, will be of immense strategic and commercial value. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Unregulated and nonjudicial usage of groundwater has resulted in declining groundwater levels as well as quality. In this context, discuss the need for a dedicated programme for groundwater conservation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Though Tourism is one of the most important tertiary activity in India, it is facing a number of challenges. Comment. In this context, explain the importance of promoting sustainable tourism in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Highlight the significance of wetland ecosystems, particularly in the urban areas. Also mention the steps that are being taken by the government for integrated management of wetland ecosystems.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5671,"topper":"Prateek Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/28133_875_Prateek_Rank_86.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Centralising recruitment through an All-India Judicial Service (AIJS) will not address the multiple problems in the judiciary and cause new ones instead. Critically evaluate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"The roots of the most pertinent challenges faced by Indian politics today can be traced to the lack of intra-party democracy in candidate selection and internal elections. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"While the idea behind merger of autonomous bodies in India is to curb overlapping work and reduce expenditure, it may end up doing more harm than good. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Well-defined electoral laws and greater powers for the Election Commission of India are required as the existing laws and mechanisms are inadequate to deal with new challenges. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Privileges should be defined and delimited for the free and independent functioning of the legislatures. In this context, discuss whether there is a need to re-examine the balance between fundamental rights and parliamentary privileges in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The principle of accountability is an essential part of the rule of law. In this context, discuss the lacunae in government's approach and judiciary's response to the phenomenon of extrajudicial killings in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Explain the rationale behind enacting the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016. Discuss how it can help in revitalizing consumer confidence in the real estate market. Also highlight the hurdles that remain in implementing it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Moving the subject of water from state list to concurrent list will solve the issues related to governance of water resources. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Give an account of the areas of potential conflict in the relationship between the political executive and civil servants. Also discuss why a healthy working relationship between the two is critical for good governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Despite their location in the non-political domain of civil society, NGOs have ended up playing a key, if indirect, role in India's politics. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Magnitude of India's urbanisation is not unusual but the pattern is. In this context, examine the issues in the governance of cities in India. Also suggest the reforms required to make Indian cities dynamos of competitive sub-federalism.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Social boycott should be treated as a criminal offence, rather than being considered as just another form of social evil plaguing the Indian society. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Human Trafficking in India has emerged as a serious issue, which calls for understanding the complexity of the problem and devising an effective strategy to combat it. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"A weak teacher education system is at the core of India's problems in school education. Evaluate. In this context, also enumerate the recommendations of the High-Powered Commission on Teacher Education constituted by the Supreme Court of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"India's contribution to peacekeeping missions of the United Nations has remained steadfast despite changes in the nature, form and variety of UN peace keeping missions. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"India's partnership with Africa is an amalgam of African development priorities as well as India's development objectives. Discuss. Also highlight the initiatives taken by India in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Comment on the role of International Court of Justice in upholding the values of international law. In this context, also highlight the association of India with the ICJ over the years.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"In view of the focus on trans-regional economic corridors and changing regional geo-politics and geo-economics, critically discuss the idea of an Indo-Pacific Economic Corridor.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5672,"topper":"Prateek Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/28133_877_Prateek_Rank_86.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The seeds of patriarchy and gender inequality are sown at home, which manifest as a weed at the societal level. Elucidate. Suggest an ethical framework to systematically address the issue of patriarchy in the Indian society. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What are the factors which drive people to take law in their own hands rather than following the due process of law? Discuss ways to address the problem of mob justice. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"In a democracy, the purpose of the government should be to make it easy for people to do good and difficult to do wrong. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss John Stuart Mill's idea on freedom of thought and expression. Also, give reasons as to why, according to Mill, representative democracy is the best form of government despite its inherent weaknesses.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"It is argued by some that nuclear weapons have acted more as a deterrent than leading to war and mass destruction. In this context, discuss whether it is ethically right to possess nuclear weapons to create nuclear deterrence.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Differentiate between administration and leadership. Highlighting the traits which characterize an effective leader, discuss the importance of leadership in ensuring effective public service delivery in a bureaucratic setup.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Apart from functional knowledge and expertise, the efficacy of a civil servant also depends upon his emotional intelligence. How does emotional intelligence contribute to efficacy? How can civil servants enhance their emotional intelligence?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Enumerate the mechanisms that promote accountability of public officials in discharging their functions and responsibilities in India. Also discuss why ensuring accountability for performance is not a simple task in government service.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context. 10 (a) \"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"\"Prejudices are what fools use for reason.\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Ensuring that government decisions are not influenced by public officials' private interests is a growing concern. Discuss in the context of India. Also enumerate the core principles reflected by OECD guidelines for managing conflict of interest in the public sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Discuss, with examples, the significance of principles of public life as recommended by Nolan committee. Why are these principles considered as an essential set of expectations from public servants?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"A peculiar inhuman situation exists for the people fleeing from war zones - they cannot go back to their homeland for fear of being persecuted and no country is ready to bear their burden due to various reasons. Citing contemporary examples, discuss the ethical issues involved in such situations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"As the administrator in-charge of your area, you are witness to the widespread food wastage in lavish parties as well as in restaurants and eateries, on one hand and people starving due to inability to ensure one square-meal a day, on the other. Realizing that it is not the scarcity of resources, but the habit of people that is causing paucity in availability of food, you decide that certain measures are needed to be taken in order to deal with the issue of starvation at the grassroot level. 20 Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) What measures would you take to deal with wastage of food in your area? (c) What explains this co-existence of affluence and hunger in developing countries like India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"The excluded and marginalized section of society are worst hit by globalization. Take the case of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) like Sentinelese of Andaman & Nicobar islands; their population has reduced drastically and they are facing various other problems as well. In this context answer the following questions: (a) What are the challenges faced by PVTGs due to globalisation? (b) If you are posted as a Development Officer in such an area, what will be your priorities to reduce their vulnerabilities and ensure welfare?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Undercover journalism exposes injustices, negligence, corruption and wrongdoing and yet going undercover to expose wrongdoing remains controversial. But, undercover journalists contend that they are fulfilling a fundamental duty of finding truth through their journalism. They argue that public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy and the duty of the journalist is to further those ends by seeking truth and providing a fair and comprehensive account of events and issues. So, there are some supporters of this kind of journalism, which sometimes infringe the privacy of individuals. However, some journalists also urge avoiding surreptitious methods of gathering information except when traditional open methods will not yield information vital to the public. In this context, answer the following questions: 20 (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the practice of undercover journalism? (b) Do you support the practice of undercover investigation by journalists? Give reasons in support of your answer.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5673,"topper":"Prateek Joshi","air":196,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/PRATEEK-JOSHI-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-196-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) How does the study of numismatics contribute to the unraveling of India's history? Explain with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Q.8) Even after seven decades of independence, the colonial mindset continues to cast its shadow on Indian society. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.16) Although poor air quality is a perennial problem, it gets intensified during the winter months in Delhi-NCR. Explain. Evaluate the efficacy of existing measures to control air pollution.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":11,"question":"Q3 The colonial zeal of Britishers pushed them towards educational reforms in Indian society in the form of different policies.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Q4 The end of second world war created such an impractical policy order by Imperial powers that led to modern Arab-Israeli conflict.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Q5 With a coastline of around 7500 kms, Indian coasts possess myriad of geographical landforms & socio-cultural identities\n Difference between eastern & Western coasts in geographical characteristics","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"Q15 Earthquakes refers to seismic tremors that occur along a fault zone.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"Q16 The winter months' poor air quality, every year converts Delhi-NCR region into a \"smoke chamber\".\n Reason for intensification during winter","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"Q17 India is the 2nd largest consumer of coal globally, marking its importance in Indian Economy.\n Reason for heavy reliance","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"Q18 The shift of society from collective orientation to individual orientation is leading to changes in family & marriage in contemporary times.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5674,"topper":"Prateek Joshi","air":196,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/PRATEEK-JOSHI-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-196-Sample-MGP-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) The Hoysala period saw the development of a distinctive style of temple architecture renowned for its intricacy and artistic brilliance. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Q.8 What do you understand by the Meiji restoration? Discuss its impact on Japan and the world.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.16 The 'paper partition' of Africa and its prolonged journey to decolonization stand in contrast to colonial experiences elsewhere. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":6,"question":"Q1 Hoysalas grew as a kingdom in 12th & 13th in the Karnataka region & gained prominence for their intricate art, architecture and cultural progress","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"Q3 The culturally vibrant North-east region played an active role in Independence movement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"Q14 Revolutionaries were the unsung heroes of Indian National Movement parallel to moderates & extremists, who primarily relied on collective armed mobilization as an antidote to British Colonialism.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"Q15 Indian National Movement was unique in a way as it was not anti-colonial movement but it was a pro-democracy & pro-reform movement also.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5675,"topper":"Prateek Joshi","air":196,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/PRATEEK-JOSHI-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-196-Sample-MGP-Copy-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) Achieving inclusive growth requires a multidimensional approach that goes beyond economic growth. Discuss in context of India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Q.8 Define Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and mention its various stages. Also, highlight the significance of EIA in balancing developmental needs with environmental conservation in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.15 Discuss the contribution of livestock sector to the rural economy and the empowerment of women. Also, highlight main challenges faced by the livestock sector in the country and suggest strategies to overcome these challenges.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":8,"question":"Q2 Gig workforce refers to a employment type where labour is paid 'per gig' or 'per unit' of work achieved (NITI Aayog)\n Implications of Expansion of Gig workforce","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"EIA's significance in balancing developmental needs with env. conservation","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5676,"topper":"Prateek Joshi","air":196,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/PRATEEK-JOSHI-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-196-Sample-MGP-Copy-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) How far do you agree that a robust domestic demand is the most important driver of India's economic growth? What are other factors that influence the growth trajectory of the country?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Q.6 With recent advances in technology, robots are now equipped to perform more than just conventional and routine tasks, which brings new opportunities as well as risks. In this context, evaluate the future potential of the robotics sector.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.12 Discuss the significance of Multimodal Transport System in achieving last mile connectivity, improving logistics efficiency, and addressing the twin problems of pollution and congestion. What measures can be taken to ensure efficient multimodal transport connectivity in India?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":6,"question":"Q.18 The invisible nature of groundwater is a major obstacle in the path towards achieving the twin objectives of building climate resilience and meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Elucidate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":10,"question":"5 Whether motive is to create sectoral monopolies or to fuse in technology transfers.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Q12 Multimodal Transport systems refer to integrating different transport modes with production systems so as to ensure secure & consistent logistical Network.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Q6 Difference between 5G & its predecessor\n1) High data transfer rates.\n2) Low latency which allows real-time communication possible.\n3) Interoperability across devices leading to IoT systems.\n4) Use MIMO radio antenna technology to improve network antenna.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Q18 India is largest extractor of groundwater in world (25% of global extraction).","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Q19 The recent Kuki-Meitei conflict in Manipur, has being back North-East into blackhole of insurgency.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Q20 The recent terrorist attacks in J&K reflect limitations of developmental initiatives in rooting out militancy.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5677,"topper":"Prateek Misha","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/prateek-mishra-test-1-1747725371160.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Examine the role of numismatic evidence in understanding the political and economic history of ancient India. Provide specific examples.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Assess the impact of women's organizations in mobilizing women across diverse socio-economic and regional backgrounds in pre-independence India.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":8,"question":"How did the policy of non-alignment reflect the aspirations of India and other newly independent nations to maintain their sovereignty and resist colonial pressures?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the processes involved in volcanism. Highlight the major volcanic regions in the world and their associated tectonic settings.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Explain the geological features and ecological importance of the Eastern Ghats.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"Earlier known as coarse cereals the government rebranded millets in 2018 as nutri-cereals. In this context discuss the ecological and nutritional significance of millets","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"What are the potential consequences of Arctic ice melt on biodiversity and ecosystems? How might these changes impact global ecological balance","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Do you think the Uniform Civil Code contradicts the idea of religious pluralism and cultural differences in Indian society?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss the concept of healthy active ageing in the context of demographic shifts in India. How does it contribute to social inclusion?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":22,"question":"How is the transition from 'conscious consumption' to 'compulsive consumption' impacting family structure and dynamics in urban areas?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss with examples the key features of Vijayanagara architecture. How did Indo-Islamic elements manifest in their structures?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Compare and contrast the features of ancient Indian universities like Nalanda and Takshashila with modern state-funded universities in India. What lessons can modern universities learn from ancient ones to improve their effectiveness?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Analyze the ideological differences and similarities between the revolutionary movement(1920-1930s) and the Gandhian non-violent struggle. How did these two ideologies influence each other?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":33,"question":"What are the various types of glacial landforms formed in the Indian Himalayas. How do these features impact local ecosystems and human activities?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Discuss the unique geographical features of the Indian Ocean and their impact on global oceanic circulation patterns. How do these features influence the climate of the Indian subcontinent?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Urban heat islands (UHIs) have become a significant phenomenon in Indian cities, exacerbating the frequency and intensity of heat waves. Analyze the underlying factors contributing to this phenomenon and critically assess the existing mitigation strategies.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Evaluate the primary factors contributing to regional disparities in the sugar industry between North India and Peninsular India. What measures can be undertaken to reduce the surplus sugar production?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":45,"question":"\"Social mobility is essential for achieving true equality within society\". In this context highlight the barriers to intergenerational mobility in Indian society, and examine the role of education on social mobility.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Analyze the influence of globalization on migration patterns in India. What are the economic and social implications of increased internal and international migration?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Discuss how gender-based violence in India is a manifestation of patriarchal values. To what extent has modernisation in law served as an instrument of women's empowerment in this regard?","marks":"15","words":null}]},{"id":5678,"topper":"Prateek Misha","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/prateek-mishra-test-2-1747725392415.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"The rule of law and judicial review are interdependent, as one cannot truly exist without the other. In this context can judicial review be considered the most important aspect among those that constitute the basic structure of the Constitution? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"How does the power and authority of Delhi's lieutenant governor compare to that of the governors of other states, particularly in terms of acting on the aid and advice of the council of ministers? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss the role of the judiciary in navigating the tension between the right to religion and constitutional morality in India in recent times. Refer to relevant case laws. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The principle of 'Separation of Powers' is a key feature of the American Constitution. In this context, compare how the Indian Constitution's functional separation of powers distinguishes itself from the US system. What are the advantages of a check and balance system over a rigid Separation of Powers? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution is more than a legal provision that empowers tribal regions with self-rule. How does the sixth schedule foster development while respecting their traditional governance systems and cultural practices? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How do partnerships between Civil Society Organizations and Government Entities contribute to India's development goals? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss the importance of cultivating a culture of life-long learning among Indian civil servants. How has Mission Karmyogi contributed to this objective? Illustrate with examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Given India's strides in reducing extreme poverty should the country consider redefining its poverty line to better reflect the current socio-economic realities? Discuss the potential benefits and challenges associated with redefinition of the poverty line. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Evaluate the impact of the deepening political divisions with the major Western States on global governance and international cooperation. How should India navigate these divisions to advance its national interests on the global stage? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"How does India's Arctic Policy align with its broader foreign policy objectives? Broadly discuss the collaborations and agreements India is involved in with the Arctic Council. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In what ways are the terms of reference of the 16th Finance Commission different from that of the previous Finance Commissions? Despite increasingly progressive devolution by subsequent Finance Commissions, examine the factors that propel economic disparities across various States. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Compare and contrast the powers and working of the Ethics Committee and the Privileges Committee in addressing cases of 'unethical' conduct and breach of privileges. How do these Committees complement each other in maintaining parliamentary discipline? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"In the context of persistent legislative dysfunction in India, analyze the evolving role of judicial activism in shaping public policy and governance. Using examples from landmark court cases, evaluate the effectiveness of judicial interventions in addressing governance gaps and safeguarding citizens' rights. (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"To what extent does the level of internal democracy within political parties impact the functioning and legitimacy of the Indian party system? What reforms can address the challenges of inadequate intraparty democracy in India? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"\"The NHRC must not only be a watchdog but also a beacon of hope for the marginalized and oppressed.\" In this context discuss the role and mandate of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in India. How does the current composition and functioning of the NHRC affect its independence and effectiveness? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"The persistent health equity challenges in India pose a critical barrier in achieving Universal Health Coverage. In this context discuss the role of the public and private sectors in ensuring adequate health access and outcomes across rural and urban areas. (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals requires consideration of regional context and local situations. In light of this statement examine the role of Panchayats as catalysts for grassroot development and advancing sustainable development. (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"What are the implications of the POCSO Act on the rights and welfare of children in India? Analyze the role of the POCSO Act in transforming India's legal framework for child protection. (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Examine the influence of human rights issues and democratic values on the diplomatic relationship between the U.S. and India. How have these concerns affected bilateral engagements and what can be done to mitigate tensions arising from these issues? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Examine the geopolitical challenges India faces in South Asia, despite its global rise. How can India navigate these challenges to strengthen its regional leadership? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5679,"topper":"PRATEEK MISHRA","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/PRATEEK-MISHRA-UPSC-2024-Rank-234-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Why has there been an increased focus on negotiating, renegotiating and concluding Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) by India in recent years? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"A well-designed fiscal policy can serve as a vital instrument to facilitate the equitable distribution of resources and ensure the welfare of all sections of society. Elaborate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What are the primary factors contributing to India's significant reliance on imported edible oils? What measures do you suggest to increase domestic production and to reduce India's reliance on imported edible oils? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"With the growing water crisis in India, micro irrigation offers a sustainable solution for water conservation; however, its adoption remains skewed and below its potential. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The recurring railway accidents highlight the urgent necessity for addressing the myriad challenges related to safety, undercapacity and lack of modernization within Indian Railways. Analyse. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"How does NISAR mission exemplify international cooperation in space exploration and scientific research? In what ways will it help in climate change monitoring and natural hazard management? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Nuclear technology can play a transformative role in enhancing food security and agricultural sustainability. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Increasing frequency of forest fires in India underscores the urgent need for sustainable forest management practices. In light of the statement, bring out the causes and multidimensional impact of forest fires. Also, suggest measures for their prevention and management. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What reasons can be attributed to the recent surge in terror related violence in Jammu and Kashmir? What strategies would you suggest to counter it? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"The liberalization policies of 1991 significantly enhanced India's economic dynamism, but the evolving global and domestic landscape necessitates 'Reforms 2.0' for sustained economic development and prosperity.\" Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Infrastructure development is essential not just for economic transformation but also for sustainable development and societal well-being. Elaborate with examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Bring out the significance of aquaculture towards nutrition security, livelihood generation, and economic growth. Also, mention various measures taken by the government to promote aquaculture in the country. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The MSP system, though well-intentioned, has led to market distortions and ecological stress, necessitating reforms to make it more inclusive and efficient. Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Biotechnology holds immense potential for achieving sustainable food production, efficient waste management and significant advancements in human health. Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Climate change is leading to significant alterations in ecosystems, resulting in cascading effects on biodiversity, ecosystem services, and human livelihoods, necessitating integrated approaches to conservation and climate adaptation. Analyse. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Urban areas, often referred to as the cradle of civilization and growth engines, are increasingly experiencing various natural and man-made disasters. Discuss in the Indian context. Also, suggest suitable mitigation and management strategies. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"\"India's disaster management framework has made significant progress in the 21st century yet challenges persist in ensuring timely response and effective coordination during crises.\" Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Explain how the symbiotic relationship between organized crime and terrorism further aggravates internal security concerns. What steps can be taken to address this linkage and the threats emerging from it? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Strengthening security apparatus in border areas and forging developmental partnerships with the locals are essential components of a robust and effective border management strategy. Discuss, with initiatives taken by the government in this regard. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5680,"topper":"Prateek Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e386f-1428670_3128_prateek-yadav_rank_208.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"The world must learn to work together, or finally it will not work at all.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Technology, like art, is a soaring exercise of the human imagination.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"We've begun to raise daughters more like sons, but few have the courage to raise our sons more like our daughters.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5681,"topper":"Prateek Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d30f1-1428670_2928_prateek-yadav_rank_208.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How does tribal art provide valuable insights into the cultural perspectives and values of Indian tribal communities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What are the key factors that accelerated decolonization post-World War II? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How does human encroachment impact water bodies in urban areas? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How do physical geographical features influence the development and operation of transportation systems? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How are ocean trenches formed? Describe the significant characteristics of these oceanic relief formations. (Answer in 150words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Identify the reasons behind increasing number of extreme rainfall events throughout India in recent times. Assess their socio-economic impact. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"India is expected to have the largest working-age population in the world by 2030 and it cannot afford low participation of women in the workforce anymore. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Do you agree that there has been a progressive secularization of caste in India? Support your view with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Why is inequality increasing in India despite the fall in overall poverty? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"How did the competitive and hostile dynamic between Brahminism and Buddhism over funding, followers, and ideology mark the decline of Buddhism? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"European travellers' accounts in the medieval period have played an important role in shaping our understanding of the empires and people of that period in India. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The British victory in the Battle of Plassey in 1757 not just changed the course of Indian history but also that of the world. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Why was it more difficult to rehabilitate refugees in West Bengal as compared to Punjab after partition? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss the economic and social costs associated with the transition from coal to green energy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Explain the process of formation of volcanic calderas. How do they contribute to the scenic beauty of the region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the reasons behind the increased frequency and intensity of heat waves globally? How will it impact global food security? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India's approach to secularism does not merely challenge inter-religious domination but intra-religious domination as well. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Do you agree with the view that Indian cities are turning into landscapes of stark inequality and social exclusion? What steps can be taken to make urban areas more egalitarian in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5682,"topper":"Prateek Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9d4f1-1428670_2929_prateek-yadav_rank_208.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Expression of dissent is central to the functioning of the Parliament. In light of this, discuss the role of the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in India's parliamentary system. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"How can the integration of technology into judicial processes enhance accessibility, capability, and efficiency in justice delivery? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Supreme Court of India has upheld unique asymmetry in India's federalism by intricately balancing centralized authority and regional autonomy. Discuss with the help of relevant case laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Evaluate the effectiveness of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes in safeguarding the interests of the Scheduled Castes in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Executive accountability to the legislature through Parliamentary Committees has been the hallmark of the Indian political system. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can India make Citizens' Charter a powerful tool for improving governance and empowering citizens? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How do corporate donors aid NGOs in facilitating holistic development in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite its merits, should the POCSO Act be revisited to correct the existing inadequacies? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"China's acquisition of strategic ports globally has significant implications for international trade routes and economic relations. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"What are the main functions of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)? How will its recent treaty on intellectual property, genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge benefit India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) plays a crucial role in combating corruption, its functioning is often criticized for being partisan and acting against the federal spirit. Discuss with the help of suitable examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Governors in India often overstep their constitutional role and fail to act effectively when needed. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Both India and the USA adhere to democratic principles but their electoral systems exhibit significant differences. What are the key differences in electoral practices between the two countries? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"How far do you agree with the view that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has met its objective of ensuring environmental justice in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Though Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) have become a platform for competitive politics, they have not emerged as an agency of planning and service delivery. Why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by interoperability in e-governance? What steps have been taken by the government to ensure interoperability and integration of various e-governance systems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"When it comes to sexual and reproductive health of women in India, rights-based discourse has largely been bypassed not just by the societal norms but also by the legal norms. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"How effective has India been in enhancing immunization coverage over the years? What challenges continue to affect immunization efforts in the country? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India used its Presidency of the G20 to bring the voice of the Global South to the centre stage. Discuss with special reference to Africa. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"India's relationship with the UAE has witnessed a remarkable expansion across various domains in the last decade. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5683,"topper":"Prateek Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/cc80e7c81f00eaa4f15f78533b4a4ad5/16/mts_2025_unchecked_cava25ecl1484_flt2507.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Even after a decade of Make in India, India's manufacturing sector has remained a weak spot in its growth story. How can India fundamentally reset its manufacturing sector to utilise its potential in GDP growth and job creation? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Indian startups, despite showing great potential, have not scaled up on innovation. Discuss. Suggest measures for Indian startups to go up the value chain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Despite a robust Public Distribution System, (PDS), food security remains a challenge to the Indian population. What are the deficiencies in the current PDS system? Suggest reforms to improve the system. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Discuss the key components of the recently launched Digital Agriculture Mission. How will this mission help in improving farmers' welfare? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What is the Axiom-4 mission? How will India's participation in the Axiom-4 mission help in bolstering India's human space programme? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Introduce the concept of precision medicine. Comment on the role of precision medicine in the treatment of rare and specific diseases. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss how the Biodiversity Act, 2002, and the recently notified Biological Diversity (Access and Benefit Sharing) Regulation, 2025, promote access and benefit sharing while ensuring the growth of traditional industries. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"Preparedness is the first step towards disaster risk reduction\". In this context, assess the role of the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) in strengthening disaster preparedness and early warning systems in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"How does the long maritime border of India present immense internal security challenges? Suggest measures to address these challenges. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Despite decline in terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir, Over Ground Workers (OGWs) and proxy militant groups continue to pose a serious threat to India's internal security. What strategies can be adopted to neutralize these threats? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"\"Infrastructure development is a key driver of accelerated and inclusive economic growth\". Highlighting the importance of infrastructure investment in achieving long-term growth, discuss India's successes and failures in stimulating infrastructure-led growth in the economy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"What are the responsibilities of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC)? How effective has the RBI's monetary policy initiatives been to broaden economic recovery whilst maintaining a sustainable inflation rate? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"What are the opportunities and challenges of the food processing industry in India? Why has the overall private investment remained low in the industry despite immense potential? Suggest measures. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Micro-irrigation systems can revolutionize Indian agriculture, but adoption remains limited. In this context, discuss how micro-irrigation can help in sustainable water management. What are the barriers to its widespread adoption? Suggest measures to overcome them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"\"With the development of advanced chips like Majorana 1 and Willow, quantum computers are no longer a theory but a reality'. What are the principles of quantum computing? How does the National Quantum Mission help in scaling up quantum technologies in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Wetlands play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, yet they face several anthropogenic and climate-related threats. Discuss. What steps have been undertaken by the Government of India to conserve and promote wetlands? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"In spite of being preventable, stampedes due to improper crowd control mechanisms continue to claim lives in India. Discuss the underlying causes of such disasters. What institutional and technological measures can be taken for efficient crowd management? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"With the rapid digitalization of Indian society, cyber crimes like digital arrest have also increased. Highlighting the major elements of cybersecurity Discuss the measures needed to strengthen India's cybersecurity infrastructure. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"Illegal immigration poses a threat to India's democracy, sovereignty, and internal security. In light of this statement, discuss how the recently passed Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, helps in effectively addressing the issue of illegal immigration. What are the constitutional and potential human rights challenges associated with the Act? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5684,"topper":"Prateek Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b6ef0-1428670_2930_prateek-yadav_rank_208.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How is the rapid growth of the food processing industry leading to food safety challenges in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Under the Public Distribution System of India, the Fair Price Shop (FPS) transformation is an evolving process. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"How are agri-tech startups in India helping farmers in enhancing farm productivity and market access? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the role of digitization of land records in the effective implementation of land reforms in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":5685,"topper":"Prateek Yadav","air":208,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/781770142252687b4750b386de5a9f2e/26/mts_2025_unchecked_cava25ecl1484_flt2503.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5686,"topper":"Prateek Yadav","air":208,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/cc80e7c81f00eaa4f15f78533b4a4ad5/13/mts_2025_unchecked_cava25ecl1484_flt2504.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5687,"topper":"Pratham Kaushik","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/17524_740_Pratham_Kaushik_Rank_5.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Legislative Councils in states are expensive and otherwise superfluous legislative appendages. Examine the utility of legislative councils in this context. Also, comment on the procedural aspect of setting up and abolishing them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Ordinances have turned what were supposed to be exceptional powers into a procedural device to outmanoeuvre the Parliament. Discuss. Also, examine whether the existing safeguards are sufficient to check the misuse of ordinances.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"While the British Parliament is a sovereign legislature, the Parliaments of India and USA are non-sovereign legislatures. Explain. Also, compare the organisation and powers of the Indian Lok Sabha with the British House of Commons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Is it possible and practicable to reconcile divergent laws and customs of different communities and formulate a uniform or common code that would be acceptable to all communities? Discuss in the context of debates surrounding the formulation of a uniform civil code in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Several constitutional experts have found the process of appointment and removal of governor to be against the very grain of democratic traditions and constitutional propriety. Do you think that this process warrants a fresh look in context of recent controversies surrounding the post?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Repeated violations of the Model Code of Concuct (MCC) have raised questions on its effectiveness. In this light, discuss the idea of making MCC a part of Representation of Peoples Act, 1951.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"The government cannot condition receipt of public benefits on waiver of fundamental rights. Discuss this statement in context of the recent issues raised in the Aadhaar petitions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Though the institutions protecting human rights and rights of the vulnerable sections are meant to act as watchdogs, they are treated as subordinate departments with scant regard for their autonomy or statutory character. Discuss the issues which these institutions are facing related to appointment, structure and functioning.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Equality of seats among states in Rajya Sabha could not be adopted after independence because of the circumstances prevailing at that time. However, there is a need to take a fresh look at this. Evaluate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"For inclusive and sustainable growth, India needs both cooperative as well as competitive federalism. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Article 311 of the Constitution has been a matter of much debate. Arguments range from its retention in its present form, or even strengthening it, to its total deletion. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"While Public Interest Litigations have provided access to justice for the poor and the marginalized sections of the society but many vested interests have also misused it. In this context, examine the utility of PILs as a tool of social justice.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"What do you understand by alternate dispute redressal mechanism? Discuss the various tools of ADR. In light of the problems faced by the Indian judiciary enumerate the advantages of Lok Adalats.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Bringing political parties under the ambit of RTI will not only usher accountability and transparency in governance but w ll also be a major step towards electoral reforms. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"A generational shift in railway operat ons is required. In light of this, discuss the need for an independent tariff and safety regulatory authority of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"It has been argued that the 'First past the post system fails to represent the will of the majority and encourages vote-bank politics. In this context, examine whether India should adopt Proportional Representation System to reform our electoral process.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Independence of judiciary and separation of powers, both are part of the basic structure of the constitution. In this context, discuss the recent Supreme Court judgment on the constitutional validity of the National Judicial Appointments Commission.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"AMRUT gives state governments the flexibility in designing schemes and eases central monitoring. Explain. How far can it recast the urban landscape of India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"There has been a tendency to resolve specialized cases faster through the means of Tribunals. In light of this, discuss the issue of increasing \"tribunalisation\" of courts in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"While the 73rd and 74th constitutional amendments provided for representation to women in local governance, much work remains to be done to ensure their true participation, given their present socio-economic conditions. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5688,"topper":"Pratham Kaushik","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/17524_860_Pratham_Kaushik_Rank_5.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Marketing has become a crucial link in the success of a business. With suitable examples, discuss the ethical issues involved in marketing of a product or service. How can these issues be resolved?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Value education empowers a person to confront the myriad challenges of contemporary Indian society. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Ethics is the first line of defence against corruption while law enforcement is remedial and reactive. Examine the statement with suitable examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss the influence that parents have on values of their children and the role they can play in transmitting good values and resisting negative influences. Why is it that, at times, the values of children differ from that of their parents?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"What does 'public service' means to you? Describe the various ways in which one can serve the public. Does one necessarily serve the public better by entering the civil services? Justify your stand.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"What do you understand by 'civic virtue' in public life? What are the challenges in practising it in today's time? How can these challenges be overcome?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"The lives of great leaders inspire us in many ways. Which leader has had a lasting impact on you and in what way? Mention one outstanding value that you have imbibed from him/her and its importance to being a civil servant.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Governance is the vital link in our quest for prosperity and equity. What should be the key elements of ethical governance to eliminate corruption and bureaucratic delays? Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Has excessive profit seeking by corporates undermined the trust of public in the private sector? Giving examples, examine the reasons for failure of corporate governance in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Income inequality, resource mismanagement and health hazards are some of the negative consequences of globalization. In this context, what are some of the ethical dilemmas that civil servants face today? How has the approach to handling these undergone a change?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss the role and importance of independent directors for corporate governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Is there a conflict between morality and freedom? Discuss with reference to Kant's views on categorical imperative.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"\"Since at the beginning and end of our lives we are so dependent on other's kindness, how can it be that in the middle we neglect the kindness towards others?\" - The Dalai Lama. Bring out what you understand by this quote and discuss its relevance in the Indian society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"In the following questions, carefully study the cases presented and then answer the questions that follow (in around 250 words): 9. You, a reporter currently working as an intern, accompanied a small group of reporters to a political event organized by the ruling party's state unit. The party was followed by dinner where you were also asked to join. Here, you noticed that alcohol was being served to some members of the ruling party. Consumption of alcohol had been declared illegal in the state a few months ago and the ban is being enforced strictly across the state. The other reporters in your group ignored the issue and asked you to ignore it as well. However, it was clear to you that the law was not being followed. (a) Identify the issues involved in this scenario. (b) What are your duties in such a scenario? (c) What course of action would you follow and why?","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"You are posted as the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in a district. As the SDM it is your responsibility to conduct interviews and select a candidate for the post of an ASHA worker in the district. On the day you are conducting the interviews, you are approached by the MLA of the local constituency who asks you to choose a particular lady for this position by overlooking the other candidates. On checking her documents you find that she is eligible in all respects. The MLA implores that she should be given the post on compassionate grounds as her husband was a soldier who was martyred in a war. Some of the options to handle the situation could be as follows: (a) Ignore the MLA and proceed with the process of selection. (b) Speak to your superior and seek his guidance on the matter. (c) Appoint the lady to the post as it is a compassionate appointment. Also suggest other possible options. Evaluate each of these options and suggest the best course of action, giving reasons for it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"You are officer-in-charge of a very important railway junction, which is an artery of trade and commerce. A peasant disturbance has been brewing in your district for the past few weeks. Their discussions with the political and district leadership has borne no fruit and it has come to the stage that now they are protesting by organizing a sit-in on the railway tracks near the station. They have thereby succeeded in blocking movement of all trains. This disruption is causing significant harassment for the passengers waiting at the platform as well. (a) What will be your course of immediate action? (b) How can emotional intelligence act as a tool in handling this issue? (c) What steps will you take so that such incidents are not repeated in the future?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"You are representing India in an international bidding for oil exploration in a country. Other, richer countries are also bidding for the project. You are sure that your bid of exploration is better as well as cheaper than that of others, and that you will definitely win the bid. A day before the auction, you come to know that other countries are employing every means, including bribing the authorities for being successful. Some of the officials of the home country have also contacted you and made some demands in exchange for assurance of India winning the bid. You are aware of the criticality of this bid in terms of domestic economic and strategic implications. Based on above information, answer the following questions. (a) Specify the ethical dilemma(s) that you face in this situation. (b) Do ethical concerns really matter in international transactions or are they secondary to domestic interests? (c) What will be your course of action in the above situation? Justify with merits and demerits.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"You are the CEO of a film production company, which has not been doing well financially for some time. Your company is now relying on its forthcoming movie, which is about to be released shortly. The movie has a cast of reliable actors and even before its release, trade pundits have predicted that the movie will be a hit. However, you face a conundrum as one of the actors in the movie is a citizen of a neighbouring country with which relations have been disturbed and a war like situation exists. While the political atmosphere was different when the movie was being filmed, now there is a widespread public demand, with a local political party at the forefront, for replacing the actor from the movie or a ban on the release of the movie itself, if the actor is not replaced. While you are aware of the mood of the nation and the public repercussions of releasing the movie in its present form, you also know that it is not feasible to replace him at this stage as he has a substantial role in the movie. There is also a section in the film fraternity that does not want you to compromise in the wake of threat by the local party as it compromises freedom of speech and expression as well as artistic creativity. (a) What are the options available to you? (b) Evaluate each of the options and state their merits and demerits. (c) What course of action would you take and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":59,"question":"Big firms often undertake sub-contracting to complete large infrastructure projects in a timely manner. You recently joined one such firm as a manager responsible for awarding these contracts. Looking at the past records, you find that all contracts for the past few years have been awarded to a particular firm, X. Your superior has asked you to award an upcoming contract to the same firm. Although, not binding, company procedure maintains that sub-contracting work should be offered after competitive bids. This is to ensure that the firm most suitable for the project in terms of operations and finance gets the contract. When you discuss this with your superior, he insists that hiring of the firm X has been done as per legal norms of the company and no official rule has been violated. You decide to contact the owner of the firm X. After doing so, you realize that he is the nephew of your superior, who is also a shareholder in the company. (a) State the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) Does this form of transaction between two private parties constitute a conflict of interest? Justify. (c) Evaluate the possible ways of awarding contracts in such a situation with their merits and demerits. Also state which method would be more suitable in each situation.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5689,"topper":"PRATHAMESH KUMAR","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/23_Prathamesh%20kumar_13402_604_Essay.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"\"Poverty is the worst form of violence\" - MK Gandhi","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5690,"topper":"PRATHAMESH KUMAR","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/23_Prathamesh%20kumar_13402_627_GS.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The National Cyber Security Policy (NCSP-2013) presented an opportunity to understand existing legal limitations before devising a future framework . In this context, enumerate the objectives and strategies of NCSP. Also, discuss the shortcomings and limitations that it has been suffering from","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Transnational security threats posed by non-state actors in the IOR have considerably risen in recent years. What are the threats and challenges posed by them? Explain the need for cooperation between the states and associated maritime agencies.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"While paramilitary forces are often successful in their fight against terrorists, insurgents and Naxalites, it is the fight for dignity and recognition that has left them depressed and demoralized. Analyse the reasons for demoralization of paramilitary forces in India? What steps have been taken by the government in this regard? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Cyber Space, like Outer Space is unbounded and equally accessible to all. In this context, evaluate the merits and demerits of having a body like the United Nations to govern it. Also, comment on the role that India has played so far in reforming Internet governance structures. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"NATGRID has been touted as an idea, which would help a great deal in combating terrorism emerging out of Indian soil. In this context, examine how NATGRID would strengthen India's security architecture.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Any counter-terrorism strategy can succeed only if sources of terrorist funding are blocked by efficient financial regulation. In light of this statement, discuss the need for an efficient legal framework to combat terror financing in India and steps taken Q.7 It has been argued that rather than curbing militancy, AFSPA has further fuelled it. Discuss. Why is AFSPA still in operation in some states despite the growing demand to repeal it?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"It has been argued that rather than curbing militancy, AFSPA has further fuelled it. Discuss. Why is AFSPA still in operation in some states despite the growing demand to repeal it?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"What is 'Bioterrorism'? Why is it more perilous than acts of conventional terrorism? Is India prepared to deal with Bioterrorism? Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"The National Investigation Agency, created to act as the nodal agency for counter-terrorism, has been facing numerous challenges in its effective functioning. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"The formation of the United Liberation Front of Western South East Asia (ULFW) poses a serious threat to the north-east region. In this context, discuss the implications of coming together of various insurgent groups on the security of north-east region. What Q.14 A multi-pronged conflict management and resolution strategy is necessary to deal with left wing extremism in India. In this context, examine the effectiveness of the surrender cum rehabilitation scheme for left wing extremists.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"A multi-pronged conflict management and resolution strategy is necessary to deal with left wing extremism in India. In this context, examine the effectiveness of the surrender cum rehabilitation scheme for left wing extremists.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"While social media is being used increasingly to instigate communal riots and create tensions, any effective strategy to check its misuse must balance security concerns and individual rights. Discuss in the context of recent developments in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"In light of the current cross-border insurgency, should the management of borders be entrusted to the Ministry of Defence? Critically discuss the border management in India and suggest measures for better management of the frontier.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"What are the provisions of the Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets (Imposition of Tax) Act, 2015? How is it different from the earlier laws to deal with black money?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"With the Golden Crescent and the Golden Triangle in India's neighbourhood, drug trafficking pose a great threat to India's security. Analyse. Examine the role of non-state actors in drug trafficking in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"India has put in place stringent rules to tackle money laundering. The growing challenge is compliance to Anti-Money Laundering legislations. What are the various constraints in compliance to legislations?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"The Supreme Court in its judgement on 26/11 slammed the media for its lust for TRPs, which jeopardized the security of the nation. Can the actions of media be justified in the context of right of freedom and speech? Discuss the principles and concerns that the media should have in mind while covering such incidents.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5691,"topper":"PRATHAMESH KUMAR","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/23_Prathamesh%20kumar_13402_623_GS.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Though women empowerment has become an important development goal in policy making, it does not protect women from gender violence. Comment in the context of India. (200 words)","marks":null,"words":"200"},{"page":6,"question":"\"Globalization will end up making all cultures of the world homogeneous\". Critically examine the statement taking examples from socio-cultural and economic life of India. (200 words)","marks":null,"words":"200"},{"page":9,"question":"Urbanization and migration have increased the vulnerability of elderly in India. Comment. Also, discuss the measures which should be taken to address their vulnerabilities. [200 words]","marks":null,"words":"200"},{"page":12,"question":"In what ways do gender stereotypes influence the social position of women in Indian society?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"In post independence India, cities were expected to be a vehicle for social change, but they also became the symbols of contradictions, which had been plaguing the countryside for a long time. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"What are the factors responsible for high infant mortality rate in India? Discuss its implications for Indian women. Suggest steps that have been taken by the government to address the problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"While disability often exacerbates poverty, it is also true that the poor are more prone to disability. In this context, examine the relationship between disability and poverty.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Welfare schemes have been at the heart of the State's poverty eradication agenda in India since 1970s. However, the $21^{\\text{st}}$ century has seen a qualitative shift in the way these welfare programmes have been envisioned and implemented. Illustrate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"What is regionalism? Despite persistent regional inequalities, it is increasingly becoming less important in the Indian scenario. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"How does economic development influence the demography of a society? Discuss in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Internal migration not only affects the migrant but also the source and destination regions. Discuss. Suggest some measures to tackle the issues related to internal migration.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Social determinants of malnutrition in India necessitate a multi-pronged approach to tackle the problem. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"While democratic institutions in India have led to changes in the caste structure, these changes have at best led to only partial redistributive outcomes for the backward castes. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Rapid urban growth in the context of scarce socio-economic and legal support to the poor is an inevitable recipe for mass production of slums. Discuss in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Discuss the achievements and failures of affirmative action in India. How can the existing policy on affirmative action be made more effective in the current scenario.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Discuss the problems faced by the workers in the informal sector in India. What steps have been taken by the government to improve the condition of workers in the informal sector?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"\"Linguistic, regional and tribal identity rather than religion has provided the most important basis for the formation of ethno-national identities in India.\" Explain.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Explain the phenomenon of demographic dividend in the context of India. Do you think that our country has the capacity to take advantage of it?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"In recent times, there has been a clamour for implementing Article 44 of the Constitution. To what extent is such a demand justified, given the socio-cultural diversity of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"\"The model of economic development adopted in India which is based on mega projects, has considerable social costs, because its burden is borne mainly by the marginalised sections\". Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5692,"topper":"PRATHAMESH KUMAR","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/23_Prathamesh%20kumar_13402_622_GS.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"In this age of information and consumerism, the image of women portrayed by mass media greatly influences our social attitudes towards them. Critically evaluate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What is \"social accountability\"? How can it act as a more effective mechanism than the conventional methods of extracting accountability? What steps can a civil servant take to improve the effectiveness of social accountability in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Biometric attendance, punctuality and cleanliness provide only a good start towards the improvement of work culture. A lot more is required to improve the work culture of the Indian bureaucracy and make it more responsive and citizen centric. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Of all government activities, public procurement is amongst the one most vulnerable to fraud and corruption. Explain with examples. Further, what steps would you suggest to maintain probity in public procurement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"\"Those who say religion has nothing to do with politics do not know what religion is\". Explain. Further, examine the role of religion in formation of political attitudes in the Indian context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"\"Emotion can lead to our worst decisions or our best ones: the difference is emotional intelligence.\" In light of the given statement, illustrate how emotional intelligence is critical in our decision making. How can it help a civil servant in taking prudent decisions?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"\"Anyone who doesn't take truth seriously in small matters cannot be trusted in large ones either.\" - Albert Einstein. Bring out what this statement means to you in the present context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Recent incidents of moral policing are symptomatic of the growing intolerance in Indian society. Analyse with examples. Suggest some measures to address this issue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'conflict' of interest? What are the norms prescribed for Civil Services in India to deal with this issue?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Although most public organisations have a code of conduct for their employees, the impact has been less than satisfactory in combating the misuse of office by public servants. Explain. Provide some suggestions to make the code of conduct and accountability mechanisms.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"'Citizen charter' has recently emerged as an innovative tool for reinforcing citizen-centric governance. Explain the statement and analyse the various constraints faced during the implementation of the Citizen Charter in the Indian Administrative System.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"An efficient service delivery is the key to winning the public trust in government. What are the challenges being faced in efficient delivery of public services? Suggest some measures to improve the delivery of public services.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Explain the importance of diligence as a value for a civil servant. How can it be inculcated among civil servants?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"You retired as a finance manager from a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU). After retirement you are offered a job in a private company as its finance head and you have accepted it. The company has a procurement contract with the PSU which you worked for. Now that contract is up for renewal through competitive bidding. You have been asked to lead the team responsible for bidding of this contract. While working in the PSU, you had an opportunity to work on areas relating to financial accounting, procurement, contracts and bids. You are concerned that you might breach the confidentiality if you accept the assignment in the present company. You also suspect that your knowledge and experience of working in the PSU were seen as good reasons for appointing you to the position in the present company. The loss of such a major contract would have a significant effect on the financial performance of Company. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each of the options given below and finally suggest what course of action","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"The District Magistrate should inform about his experience to higher authorities and take the moral responsibility by tendering his resignation as he has not only failed to streamline the public service delivery in the district but also because of him two extremists are free. Suggest any other possible option(s). Evaluate all of them and suggest the best course of action, giving your reasons for it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Developing countries are often very vulnerable to exploitation by multi-national corporations. They support industrialization but lack of infrastructure is a major limiting factor. Further, without suitable laws and regulations, developing nations are ill prepared for such endeavours. In their efforts to attract business, these nations often overlook the health and safety violations by the corporations doing business within their borders. Drawn by low-cost labour, new markets, and lower operation costs, corporations have little incentive to address environmental and human risks once they are entrenched. In this situation there is imminent threat of disaster. Discuss some feasible strategies to balance economic development and safety and security of people at large in developing countries with special emphasis on India.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5693,"topper":"Pratibha","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/183ilsyeqbqBQkvWL_XuYF3_iUF3urggC/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) Self doubt can both help and hinder leadership. Discuss with examples.","marks":"10","words":"not more than 150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) Bring out the significance of probity in public life. What are the requisites for ensuring probity in governance? Pointing out the key concerns in India in this context, suggest certain remedial measures.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) While the corrupt and dishonest should be punished swiftly, honest public servants need to be protected against malicious and motivated complaints to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of an organisation. Discuss. How can the two objectives be reconciled?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) The effective implementation of the Right to Information Act will create an environment of vigilance which will help in functioning of a more participatory democracy. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":11,"question":"3. (a) The bureaucracy technically has been an efficient form of organisation but is seen to have exceeded its administrative powers due to its tendency towards self aggrandisement, permanence in employment, and nearness to the political executive. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) Social media has played a key role in influencing political opinions and social attitudes in India. Comment.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":15,"question":"4. (a) \"Nonviolence is not servile passivity but a powerful moral force which makes for social transformation\". Comment.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":17,"question":"4. (b) It is at the interface of public action and private interest that the need arises for establishing not just a code of ethics but a code of conduct. In this context, highlight the need for drafting a code of ethics as well as a code of conduct.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":19,"question":"5. (a) Income inequality is a matter of grave concern for the Indian society. In this context, examine the relevance of Gandhiji's concepts of 'Sarvodaya' and 'Trusteeship'.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":21,"question":"5. (b) It does not take long for conflict to turn violent when deep seeded prejudices and discriminatory attitudes are not addressed. Discuss in the context of communal and caste-based violence in India. What role should the state play in this context?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":23,"question":"6. Explain with examples how emotional intelligence increases the effectiveness of leadership skills in a civil servant.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":25,"question":"7. A Citizens' Charter sees public services through the eyes of those who use them. In this context, analyze the importance of citizen charter in making public services citizen centric.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":27,"question":"8. Given the effects that cultural attitudes about menstruation have on women, there is need to follow a strategic approach in combating these. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":29,"question":"9. As the District Magistrate you are posted in a district that had been infamous for girl-child marriages. The government introduced a contributory scheme two decades ago, where the government contributed the same amount as the parents, into an account, for their girl child of age 0 to 7 years. The total sum could be withdrawn only when the girl turns eighteen and is unmarried. Due to this scheme, a new pattern has emerged. All girls are married as soon as they turn eighteen and incidents of dowry have increased substantially – because the community customs require paying the sum commensurate to the age of the girl. Further, parents now tend to save money for the scheme instead of investing in girl's education. As the local administration tries to tackle the current situation it looks up to you for ideas and leadership:\n(a) Identify the factors which have led to such outcomes.\n(b) Devise a strategy, keeping in mind the multiple aspects of the situation.","marks":"20","words":"in around 250"},{"page":34,"question":"10. While on the one hand, some state governments have implemented alcohol consumption prohibition laws, it is permitted in other states. Debates around this issue often involves aspects such as individual rights, cultural attitudes and social welfare. As a teacher you need to explain the key issues involved to a young audience. What are these? How would you conclude the lecture?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":39,"question":"11. As a concerned citizen you have been engaged with the issue of persons employed in manual scavenging. You notice that despite laws and strictures from the highest court of the land the practice of employing human labour to clean sewers continues. While the administration has to ensure the cleanliness of the urban localities, those who are employed also have to earn to sustain themselves and their families. The death of few workers recently due to asphyxiation while cleaning a septic tank has caused much consternation in your locality. You would like to engage with the situation by writing to the administration, for which you need to find an answer to the following:\n(a) Identify the stakeholders involved and state their conflicting interests.\n(b) What challenges does the administration face in curbing this social evil?\n(c) Enumerate the steps to deal with the problem.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":44,"question":"12. You are a teacher in the Science department of a reputed college. Your HoD (Head of Department) has been a good mentor to you and has guided your career progress. You get to know from one of your students that the HoD gives private tuitions at his residence, which is disliked by many others in the department. There are also rumours that he might be giving extra marks to the students taking his tuitions. When enquired, his reply is that he is not alone and a few other teachers are giving private tuitions as well. He assures you that it is beneficial for the students as some of them need extra attention. He advises you not to make a fuss about it and indirectly reminds you about the assessment rating, which is due this week. You are aware that a good rating will definitely get you the due promotion. The HoD is due to retire in 4 months.\n(a) What are the dilemmas that you face in this situation?\n(b) Highlight the course of action that you would adopt and give reasons for the same.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":49,"question":"13. While stampedes and mishaps due to overcrowding have led to loss of lives on multiple occasions, it remains an issue discussed only when there is a tragedy. Recently you were assigned the responsibility of conducting a mela around a revered religious place, which attracts millions of devotees. Every year the numbers have been increasing and this year due to certain celestial alignments the crowd is expected to be unprecedented. In the previous year the officer in charge was criticised and transferred over allegations of hurting religious sensitivities by restricting access to the religious place. You have three months to prepare for the mela.\n(a) Identify the key areas you would focus on?\n(b) What are the challenges that you foresee?\n(c) How do you propose to overcome them?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":54,"question":"14. You are a senior official at a government agency that is responsible for collection, storage and protection of biometric data of citizens. Due to the expanse of operations, the agency employs third parties for collection of data. There have been reports of security breach and leakage of data by third parties in exchange of money. A journalist from a prominent newspaper carries a sting operation and releases some data in the public to show the ongoing corruption and highlighting the inability of the agency in protecting public data. You are asked by the chairperson of the agency to file an FIR against the journalist and pursue criminal proceedings against him considering it an act of unauthorized access.\n(a) Do you agree with the action sought by the chairperson against the journalist? Give appropriate reasons for your answer.\n(b) If you disagree, what would be your course of action?\n(c) Do you think the action of the journalist is justified?","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":5694,"topper":"Pratibha V","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1M97WjDu3Y9pgdsTgOMmA0-3tlaMp7CWh/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) Explain the significance of the following in the context of civil service:\n(i) Public trust\n(ii) Objectivity\n(iii) Strength of character\n(iv) Empathy\n(v) Selflessness","marks":"10","words":"not more than 150 words each"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) Do you think nation states owe a responsibility towards asylum seekers? What are the considerations that should, in your opinion, go into the making of a refugee policy? Provide arguments with contemporary examples.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) Why do civil servants have a special obligation to uphold ethical standards? What are the main areas of concerns for implementation of an effective ethical standard in civil services? In this context, suggest measures to remedy these concerns.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) While families are the first socializing agents, which inculcate moral values in a child, the role played by schools in this regard is also indispensable. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":11,"question":"3. (a) What is the significance of morality in day-to-day life? Give an example from your own life where you chose moral action and elaborate the reasons for your choice of that action.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) Analyse the ethical dimensions of using nuclear deterrence as a self-defense strategy.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":15,"question":"4. (a) We make a living by what we do, but we make a life by what we give. 10\n(i) Highlight the importance of value of altruism for a society.\n(ii) Discuss the role of education in imparting such values.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":17,"question":"4. (b) Giving examples, examine the relationship between personal and professional ethics of civil servants.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":19,"question":"5. Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/ philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context.\n(a) If people scrutinize their own faults as they do the faults of others, mankind will be freed of all evil.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":21,"question":"5. (b) Courage is the first of human qualities because it's the quality that guarantees the others.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":23,"question":"6. How do law and conscience act as source of ethical guidance? Explain with examples.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":25,"question":"7. Differentiate between the following using examples:\n(i) Wants and Needs\n(ii) Ethics and Etiquette","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":27,"question":"8. Good corporate governance is not an end in itself. It is a means to support economic efficiency, sustainable growth and financial stability. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":29,"question":"9. A hilly state witnessed torrential rains leading to loss of life and property. Apart from the local inhabitants there were tourists stranded in large numbers. With the supply chains broken and increased demand, it was observed that local shopkeepers started selling essential goods at very high prices. With a very restricted possibility of being evacuated in the coming few days, the stranded people feel helpless. A crumbled governance infrastructure in remote areas has multiplied the extent of their agony. Given this situation, answer the following questions.\n(a) Identify the various stakeholders in the case and give a reasoned account of their interests. Given the administrative, market and ethical perspective of viewing the situation, do you think there is a conflict in the priorities of these stakeholders?\n(b) Suggest ways to harmonize competing interests in order to resolve the issues, provide relief and prevent escalation of conflict.","marks":"20","words":"in around 250"},{"page":35,"question":"10. The steady decline in sex ratio suggests that marked improvement in the economy and literacy rates do not seem to have had any impact on this index. In fact, the availability of new technology and its easy access for the urban, wealthy and educated have worsened the trend and harmed the status of women in Indian society.\n(a) Explain why the phenomenon should not be simply viewed as a medical or legal issue and more attention should be given to the ethical issues involved.\n(b) Give some suggestions to tackle the problem of declining sex ratio.\n(c) Discuss the ethical dilemma involved in Right to abortion vs. Prevention of female foeticide. How can this be resolved?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":41,"question":"11. You are the officer-in-charge responsible for monitoring allotment of foodgrains under the Public Distribution System to BPL families in a given district. A group of BPL families in the district claim that they have been denied ration from fair price shops due to non-linking of Aadhar card with their BPL cards. They remark that the government and officers concerned are not empathising with their situation and stage a silent protest. Further, the incident is also being linked to similar instances in other areas of the country where people were denied access to PDS benefits due to similar reasons. The government receives a lot of criticism for this incident on social media networks. You are now in a conundrum, as you are aware that the BPL families need to get foodgrains on time. However, as a government officer, you also need to follow the prescribed rules. Media scrutiny has further aggravated the situation and you realize you need to tread carefully.\n(a) List the issues in the given situation that the parties involved are facing.\n(b) What step(s) will you take in the situation to ensure that the demands of the aggrieved persons are met without violating the rules?\n(c) In this context, briefly discuss how the poor in the country currently face digital exclusion and its consequence(s).","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":47,"question":"12. You are working as a senior doctor in the oncology department of a super specialty hospital located in Delhi. While accessing the quotations from reputed pharmaceutical companies to hospitals, you unearth a nexus between pharma firms and the hospital administration. You get to know that they are hand-in glove with each other and trying to fleece cancer patients by selling drugs at exorbitant prices, even though low cost alternative drugs are available in the market. Being the head of Alliance of Doctors for Ethical Healthcare, who is working against the arbitrary price regime of life saving drugs, you get a chance to represent your case before the Health Minister of your state. However, certain other doctors of the Alliance have asked you to present a distorted reality in front of the Minister since they are obtaining pecuniary benefits from such a scheme of nexus, which would cease if the nexus gets exposed.\n(a) Identify the main stakeholders and ethical issues involved.\n(b) Analyse the possible solutions for addressing the issues.\n(c) What would be your final course of action and why?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":53,"question":"13. You are working as a Manager who handles critical projects in a private firm. You have recently been issued a notice by the Human Resource department that categorically highlights gender imbalance in your team and instructs you to recruit more females. Realizing the importance of this matter you decide to roll out vacancy requirements on an urgent basis and close it within a week. You receive several applications and start interviewing female candidates. However, you realize that the top four candidates are married and two of them are expecting their child. During the interviews the candidates commit on their priority for the project, till it finishes and show willingness to work from home, afterwards. What is the course of action that you will take? Explain the factors that you will take into account and justify the merits of the course of action.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":59,"question":"14. Mr. A is a senior most member of a highly reputed company with considerable customer interface. In recent months, the business of the company has been going down. On detailed analysis, it was found that some of the functionaries of the company have impulsive nature, which has many a times led to altercations with the customers and even among themselves. This has adversely affected the work culture and sullied the image of the company in the market. He seeks your advice, as you are his friend as well as a person who understands management.\n(a) What are the factors that you would consider in making your advice?\n(b) What steps will you suggest to deal with the situation that the company faces?","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":5695,"topper":"Pratibha Verma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/643e8-37460_1058_pratibha-verma_rank_3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"While on one hand, urbanization is creating potential for social integration and economic opportunity, on the other hand, it is also leading to segregation and exclusion based on socio-economic status. Examine the paradox in context of Indian cities. What steps can be taken to make urban space truly inclusive?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"The achievement of Sustainable Development Goals depends crucially on, among other factors, formulating development strategies that reflect the current and future population dynamics. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Globalization is a double-edged sword, which on one hand ensures economic growth but on the other hand, assaults national sovereignty, erodes local culture and threatens economic and social stability. Critically examine the statement in context of Indian society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Is the Indian notion of secularism, based on uniform respect for all religions by the state and separation of religion from public institutional practices, adequate to ensure a secular state? Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"There is an emerging pattern of a predominantly youthful north and a maturing south and west. Analyze the possible implications of such a demographic divergence on policy-making in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Given the significant increase in urban population, it is important that the nature and extent of urban poverty should be recognised and adequately addressed by public policy in India. Discuss in the context of problems faced by urban poor and the government programmes and initiatives taken to deal with them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"It is assumed that urbanization along with industrialization would induce certain essential changes in the caste-based system of stratification. In this context, discuss how the caste system has continued to persist and exert its influence in urban social life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Decline in child sex ratio, caused by various reasons, is a serious problem with severe socio-economic, demographic and cultural implications. Discuss in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"The surge in urban crimes is a grim reminder of the unplanned & rapid nature of urbanization in India. Discuss. Also, list measures that can be taken to tackle the issue of urban crimes in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Care for the elderly is fast emerging as a critical element of both public and private concern. Discuss in the context of India's increasing population of the elderly.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Rapid urbanization not only requires addressing the deficits in urban areas but also addressing those that are created because of it in rural areas. Comment. Also, evaluate the success of government programmes to reduce the stress on rural population because of urbanization.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"The relegation of women to private sphere of life is the main cause behind gender inequality and exploitation in India. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Education is an important avenue for uplifting the socio-economic status of the Scheduled Tribes. In this context, highlight the challenges faced in providing education to tribes in India. Also, suggest some measures for improvement of tribal education.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Even though millions have been lifted out of poverty in recent decades, the rise in inequality may have dire consequences for the society. Explain in the light of recent studies highlighting this increasing trend.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Growing 'informalization of labour market' is perceived as a barrier to realising economic potential as well as a hindrance to longrun economic development and poverty reduction. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"The focus on risk factors that appear at a young age and timely interventions is the key to preventing child delinquency and its escalation into chronic criminality. Analyse the statement with respect to growing incidences of child delinquency in context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Digital technology can either be a game changer for disadvantaged children or yet another dividing line that prevents children from fulfilling their potential. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"The demand by nativist political parties and movements that employment preferences be given to \"local\" people has raised certain issues. Examine the statement in the context of 'son of soil theory' in India. Also discuss, why such demands develop in some states and cities and not in others.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"The mixing of caste and politics resulting into 'politicization of caste' and 'casteization of politics' in contemporary India has become a grave challenge to our democracy. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Explaining the importance of middle class in the developmental process of a country, discuss the grounds on which the Indian middle class is criticized by some.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5696,"topper":"Pratibha Verma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4fc32-37460_1063_pratibha-verma_rank_3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explaining the significance of RCEP, discuss various aspects of India's engagement in this initiative. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"It has been acknowledged widely that smart power is the best possible way for achieving intended foreign policy outcomes. Examine in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"On the one hand, water has the potential of bringing closer regional integration in South Asia, on the other it has remained symbolic of the trust deficit between the countries in India's neighbourhood. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Despite a strong case for a Broad-based Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA) between India and the European Union (EU), negotiations have been stuck for long owing to multiple factors. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Non-alignment, though much debated, has retained its significance over the years in India's foreign policy engagements. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"India-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship, 1950 forms the bedrock of the India-Nepal relations. However, considering recent changes in the region, revising the treaty would be a prudent step. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Accession to the Ashgabat agreement is valuable for connecting India to its extended neighbourhood. What is the Ashgabat Agreement? Assess its significance for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The peace initiative of the Afghan government has raised some difficulties for India, nonetheless India's engagement with Afghanistan is strong enough to withstand such difficulties. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is a natural choice for India to fulfill key foreign policy priorities. In this context, discuss the issues behind hitherto slow progress and the reasons for reinvigorated optimism regarding BIMSTEC. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Highlighting its mandate, discuss the significance of International Solar Alliance in positioning India to a key global leadership role. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"India's engagement with its extended neighbourhood in West Asia has evolved into a 'Look West' approach in recent times. However, multiple faultlines in this volatile region require a balancing act on the part of India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"While India and Russia have enjoyed good relations since the Soviet era, relying on the past may not be enough to deal with shift in the relationship in light of the rapidly evolving geopolitical realities. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"India-China ties, marked by a broad convergence on transnational issues, on one hand and geostrategic rivalry on the other, have profound implications not only for the two countries but also the current international system. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"For BRICS to remain relevant, its members must make a realistic assessment of the initiative's opportunities and inherent limitations. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Sluggish progress of the Doha round signals that the WTO is proving to be ineffective in promoting free trade. Identifying the factors behind this, comment on the relevance of WTO in present context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The India-France Strategic Partnership launched in 1998 seems to have finally come of age. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Despite the great strides made, India-ASEAN relations have not measured up to expectations. Critically examine in the context of recent commemoration of relations by the two sides through the Delhi Declaration. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"India's expanding interests rather than endorsement by others should be the basis of its engagement with what is being termed as the Indo-Pacific. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"In what ways has the engagement between India and its diaspora evolved over the years? What role can the Indian diaspora play in furthering and shaping India's foreign policy goals? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India-Bangladesh relations have been termed one of fraternal friendship. What have been the key achievements in this context in the last few years? Also, identify steps to further consolidate these relations. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5697,"topper":"Pratibha Verma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2566d-37460_1059_pratibha-verma_rank_3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the issues faced in BOT and EPC models of infrastructure investment, explain how HAM can address these. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The measurement of the extent of formal sector and formal employment is yet an unsettled matter in our economy. Comment. Also, mention the steps which the government has taken to improve its extent. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The investment rate in India has gradually declined after a historic high in the mid 2000s. Examine the reasons behind this trend. Discuss the steps required to revive investment for a sustained growth. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Strengthening the policy and institutional ecosystem supporting inclusive growth needs to be a top policy priority to thrive in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Explaining the role of human capital in economic development of a country, highlight the challenges and opportunities related to human capital formation in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"In the context of major challenges that have restricted industrial growth, there is need for a new industrial policy to enable the industry to fulfill its role as the engine of growth and shoulder the responsibility of adding more value and jobs. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Discussing the reforms that contributed in improving India's ranking in the World Bank's 'Ease of Doing Business' index, identify the challenges that still remain in the overall environment of doing business. Suggest some concrete steps that India can take to further improve its performance on the index. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) are fast becoming an important avenue for channelising funds for projects in infrastructure sector. Explaining the concept of SPVs, highlight some of the benefits and risks associated with them. Also, suggest measures to manage the risks identified. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Providing social security, especially to those working in unorganised sector, is an important requirement to achieve the goal of inclusive growth. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"NBFCs can play a critical role in strengthening our SME ecosystem and contributing to economic development. Comment. Also, discuss the need to build a regulatory framework to address the challenges that NBFCs face. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"In the light of increasing NPAs and frauds, the twin balance sheet problem has grown immensely. Comment on the issue and analyse the potential of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code to be a game changer for Indian economy's health and long-term growth. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Public Sector Enterprises formed the backbone of industrial development after independence, but with changing times, their role has also changed. Discuss. Also, comment on the need to adopt a multi-pronged strategy to deal with the issues that they are facing. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"For a developing country like India, the sectoral allocation of scarce resources is a critical factor determining pace and quality of development. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight the importance of MSME sector in India's economy. Also, identifying the challenges, suggest some policy recommendations to ensure their sustenance and competitive growth. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"In the inclusive development index of World Economic Forum (WEF), India stands very low. Discuss briefly the issues associated with living standard, environmental sustainability and protection of future generations from further indebtedness in India, on which the ranking is done. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Under-employment rather than unemployment is the key problem facing India today. Elaborate. Also, suggest measures to counter this problem. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"A near stagnant tax to gdp ratio for the country since decades reflects not only non-fruition of efforts to increase it but also underlying structural issues with tax regime. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The need to overhaul the current budget making process can be gauged from the fact that it neither undertakes broad-based consultations, nor is adequately transparent nor effective in estimating and allocating the demands of various stakeholders. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Adhering to fiscal discipline is considered as a hallmark of sound financial management by government. Elaborate. To what extent does the Budget 2018 incorporates fiscal discipline vis-a-vis competing targets of the government? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The role of international trade in achieving a quicker pace of economic development is well recognized. What are the benefits of international trade for a developing country like India? Highlight the challenges that India faces in improving its share in world trade. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5698,"topper":"Pratibha Verma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6a43e-37460_1060_pratibha-verma_rank_3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the prospects & challenges in adopting an integrated multimodal transportation system in India with reference to government initiatives in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Contract farming can help in the expansion of organized food processing industry in India by strengthening backward linkages. Comment. What changes are required in the existing regulatory structure to address issues related to contract farming in India? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"In view of the direct link between tenure security and food security, there is need for a conducive legal framework for land rights in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The ultimate goal of farm loan waivers is to lessen the debt burden of distressed and vulnerable farmers and help them qualify for fresh loans. However, this practise suffers from several drawbacks. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Minimum Support Price (MSP) of crops is a short term solution for agricultural distress which creates long term problems. Examine. Suggest measures to overcome the the limitations of the MSP regime. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"With women playing an increasingly significant role in the Indian agriculture sector, gender specific interventions can be the key to improving agricultural productivity. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Enumerating the factors that determine a nation's energy-mix, comment on the need for having a diversified fuel basket for meeting India's future energy demands. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Despite being a water-stressed economy, micro irrigation penetration in India remains sub-optimal. Discuss the reasons behind it. Also list measures taken by the government to provide an impetus to micro irrigation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What are the issues in effective implementation of Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) in India? Do you think direct benefit transfer as an alternative to TPDS is a viable solution to attain food security? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Assigning infrastructure status to the logistics industry is a good first move, but there are several other problems related to this sector that need to be addressed. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Enhancing private infrastructure spending and revival of stalled projects is critical to the success of Bharatmala Pariyojana. Discuss. Also enumerate measures taken by the government to revive stalled projects on National Highways. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Going forward, the allied sectors will play a critical role in increasing the resilience and improving economic returns in agriculture. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Enumerating the features of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana, discuss its potential for the growth of food processing sector in the country. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Enumerate the factors that determine cropping pattern in an agricultural region. Discuss the need for diversification in context of problems being faced by monoculture regions in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discussing the opportunities presented by decentralised energy systems, enumerate their environmental, economic and social benefits along with institutional, technical and financial challenges that they present. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"In context of the critical public service role played by the railways, it is difficult to argue that its problems will be solved by privatisation, rather there is a need to work on other options. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The irony of high consumer prices when farmers do not receive adequate margin for their produce calls for an overhaul of agriculture marketing. Discuss the various steps taken by government in this regard. Also suggest ways to further reduce the gap between consumer prices and farmer realisation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Identifying the key elements under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), briefly explain how it can lead to holistic development of the horticulture sector in India. Also elaborate the factors which act as roadblocks for the efficient supply chain of Fruits and Vegetables sector in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"It is argued that fertilizer subsidies have a negative impact on promoting Organic farming in India. Comment. Also, critically analyse the advantages of replacing direct benefit transfer in fertilizers with direct income support for farmers. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"What do you understand by Seed Replacement Rate? Explaining the concept of breeder, foundation and certified seeds, highlight the major policy initiatives taken in order to address the challenge of quality seed availability to farmers. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5699,"topper":"Pratibha Verma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9b0e1-37460_1050_pratibha-verma_rank_3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Citizens' Charters make administration both accountable and citizen-friendly. However, over time, in a large number of offices, Citizens' Charters have fallen into disuse. Suggest measures that can make these charters effective tools for bringing accountability in public service. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the importance of involving civil society in pre-legislative scrutiny and mention the steps that can be taken by the government to increase public engagement in it. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Poor standards of tertiary education are a drag on India's competitiveness. Elucidate. Also enumerate the initiatives taken by the government in the past few years to improve the quality of higher education in India. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Social audit has a crucial role in effective implementation of social sector programmes. Comment. Also discuss its strengths and limitations. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are the major welfare schemes for elderly in India? Do you think the benefits of such schemes are reaching a wide section of the target segment? Give reasons. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Welfare policies in India have undergone a paradigm shift in recent decades, yet they retain certain elements of continuity. Discuss with examples. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Discuss whether changes recommended by the Law Commission in its 268th report can help in addressing the problems of undertrials languishing in jails in India. What other measures can be taken in this regard? (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"While various government initiatives and policies have created opportunities in the affordable housing segment, there are challenges that still persist. Discuss. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Demographic dividend may become demographic liability in the absence of adequate skill development. In this context, discuss the importance of National Policy for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, 2015. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Highlight the need for whistleblower protection in India. Critically analyze whether the Whistleblower Protection Act provides sufficient protection to the whistleblowers. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What are the factors which have been responsible for slow pace of growth of coverage under the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP). Enumerate the recent steps taken by the government in order to increase this pace to achieve universal coverage swiftly. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the ways in which digital divide perpetuates and manifests itself in India. Discuss the importance of steps taken by the government to bridge this divide. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"What are the objectives of National Health Mission? Why, in your opinion, non-communicable diseases have acquired salience in recent times? What are its implications for health policy in the country? (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Over the years, there has been a growing realisation that undue interference from the State, lack of autonomy and widespread politicisation has severely impaired the functioning of Cooperative sector and there is a need to introduce urgent reforms in the Cooperative sector. Discuss. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"With the current system of health financing in India being largely out-of-pocket payments, examine the need for reforms in healthcare finance. Also discuss the issues associated with reinforcing insurance as the long-term strategy for health financing in this regard. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Explain the significance of the recently launched National Nutritional Strategy in the light of sliding ranking of India along the Global Hunger Index. Also, discuss with examples, the role that local self governments can play in promoting, monitoring and sustaining nutrition initiatives.(250WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The bureaucracy in India is facing a number of serious challenges from diminishing human capital to political interference that, if left unaddressed, will lead to further institutional decline. Discuss. How can these challenges be addressed? (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"While many people have been able to rise above poverty line, India is still home to the largest number of poor. Discuss briefly the underlying factors responsible for the prevalence of poverty in India. What are the areas in which focussed efforts need to be made in order to accelerate poverty eradication in a sustainable manner? (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"In context of the need to strengthen corporate governance, the Kotak panel report has called for a major overhaul in norms for listed companies. Critically discuss the impediments to corporate governance in India and evaluate how the recommendations can help in overcoming them. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Several issues related to adopting new technologies, transforming processes and improving implementation of NeGP need to be addressed. Discuss. Also, enumerate the sets of principles guiding the design and implementation of the e-Kranti Program (NeGP 2.0). (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5700,"topper":"Pratibha Verma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2c673-37460_1068_pratibha-verma_rank_3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"There are many challenges in sustainably scaling up renewable energy in India. Analyse. Also, discuss what can be done to address these challenges. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The policies and indicators introduced by the government, in recent times, to finance urban development in India are key in addressing the existing challenges. Discuss with special reference to municipal bonds. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"With a number of issues continuing to be a roadblock, a large section of India's rural population is still 'financially excluded'. Discuss. Analyse how these issues can be addressed and the measures taken by the government and RBI recently in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'Environmental Accounting'? Discussing the rationale behind introducing environmental accounting, highlight its status in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"While access to irrigation is important, efficiency of water use is equally, if not more, crucial. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"For a holistic approach to disaster risk reduction, there is a need to mainstream indigenous traditional knowledge and link it with modern technologies. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do you understand by food irradiation? Highlighting some of its unique applications, examine its relevance for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Whereas misuse of technology has abetted the spread of fake news, it is with the aid of technology that this menace can be curbed. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Explain the salient features of the recently established Defence Planning Committee. How can it help in credible defence preparedness? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Recent reports of Maoist leaders having amassed huge assets in property and cash underlines the significance of probing the funding network as part of counter-terrorism efforts. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Not only do services MSMEs contribute mightily to the overall GDP growth, they have a powerful, multiplier impact on the local economies as well. Elaborating on the statement, highlight the problems faced by service sector MSMEs. How can the government make it easier for MSMEs to start and grow a business? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Contract Farming has many advantages, however it suffers from market failures. Elaborate. What can the government do to correct problems that lead to contract failures? Also, discuss whether the Model Contract Farming Act, 2018 is a step in the right direction. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Suggest the measures needed to improve the employability of labour force as well as increasing number of employment opportunities in light of structural changes being brought by disruptive technologies. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"India's trade policy in agriculture, marred by ad-hocism and pro-consumer bias, has constrained realization of export potential, and prevented the farmers from reaping the benefits. Examine the statement and discuss ways, including government initiatives, to improve agricultural exports. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Is currency exchange rate a suitable measure of relative economic performance of countries? Despite improving macro-economic fundamentals, trade deficit in India continues to widen. Bring out the factors responsible for this situation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"It will take much more than relief packages to address the problems being faced by the sugar industry in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"NAPCC, almost 10 years old and formulated with lofty objectives, has not served as the best answer to cope with the impacts of climate change. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Proliferation of nuclear weapons and the threat of their use are key concerns for global security nonetheless existing international arrangements seem to be ineffective. Comment. Also, identify the salient features of India's policy in this context and discuss whether India should join the NPT in the current form. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The maritime security domain requires collective multilateral and regional cooperation to combat non traditional threats. Discuss in the context of threats in the Western Indian Ocean and the recent amendments in the Djibouti Code of Conduct. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India's space programme was initiated with the vision of utilising outer space for peaceful purposes, however with changing times it has the potential to play a significant role in strengthening security capabilities of India. Discuss with adequate examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5701,"topper":"Pratibha Verma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c13e3-37460_1057_pratibha-verma_rank_3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Self doubt can both help and hinder leadership. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":4,"question":"Bring out the significance of probity in public life. What are the requisites for ensuring probity in governance? Pointing out the key concerns in India in this context, suggest certain remedial measures.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"While the corrupt and dishonest should be punished swiftly, honest public servants need to be protected against malicious and motivated complaints to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of an organisation. Discuss. How can the two objectives be reconciled?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"The effective implementation of the Right to Information Act will create an environment of vigilance which will help in functioning of a more participatory democracy. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"The bureaucracy technically has been an efficient form of organisation but is seen to have exceeded its administrative powers due to its tendency towards self aggrandisement, permanence in employment, and nearness to the political executive. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Social media has played a key role in influencing political opinions and social attitudes in India. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"\"Nonviolence is not servile passivity but a powerful moral force which makes for social transformation\". Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"It is at the interface of public action and private interest that the need arises for establishing not just a code of ethics but a code of conduct. In this context, highlight the need for drafting a code of ethics as well as a code of conduct.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Income inequality is a matter of grave concern for the Indian society. In this context, examine the relevance of Gandhiji's concepts of 'Sarvodaya' and 'Trusteeship'.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"It does not take long for conflict to turn violent when deep seeded prejudices and discriminatory attitudes are not addressed. Discuss in the context of communal and caste-based violence in India. What role should the state play in this context?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Explain with examples how emotional intelligence increases the effectiveness of leadership skills in a civil servant.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"A Citizens' Charter sees public services through the eyes of those who use them. In this context, analyze the importance of citizen charter in making public services citizen centric.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Given the effects that cultural attitudes about menstruation have on women, there is need to follow a strategic approach in combating these. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"As the District Magistrate you are posted in a district that had been infamous for girl-child marriages. The government introduced a contributory scheme two decades ago, where the government contributed the same amount as the parents, into an account, for their girl child of age 0 to 7 years. The total sum could be withdrawn only when the girl turns eighteen and is unmarried. Due to this scheme, a new pattern has emerged. All girls are married as soon as they turn eighteen and incidents of dowry have increased substantially - because the community customs require paying the sum commensurate to the age of the girl. Further, parents now tend to save money for the scheme instead of investing in girl's education. As the local administration tries to tackle the current situation it looks up to you for ideas and leadership: (a) Identify the factors which have led to such outcomes. (b) Devise a strategy, keeping in mind the multiple aspects of the situation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"While on the one hand, some state governments have implemented alcohol consumption prohibition laws, it is permitted in other states. Debates around this issue often involves aspects such as individual rights, cultural attitudes and social welfare. As a teacher you need to explain the key issues involved to a young audience. What are these? How would you conclude the lecture?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are a teacher in the Science department of a reputed college. Your HoD (Head of Department) has been a good mentor to you and has guided your career progress. You get to know from one of your students that the HoD gives private tuitions at his residence, which is disliked by many others in the department. There are also rumours that he might be giving extra marks to the students taking his tuitions. When enquired, his reply is that he is not alone and a few other teachers are giving private tuitions as well. He assures you that it is beneficial for the students as some of them need extra attention. He advises you not to make a fuss about it and indirectly reminds you about the assessment rating, which is due this week. You are aware that a good rating will definitely get you the due promotion. The HoD is due to retire in 4 months. (a) What are the dilemmas that you face in this situation? (b) Highlight the course of action that you would adopt and give reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5702,"topper":"Pratibha Verma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/57efe-37460_1056_pratibha-verma_rank_3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the significance of the following in the context of civil service: 10 (i) Public trust (ii) Objectivity (iii) Strength of character (iv) Empathy (v) Selflessness","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Do you think nation states owe a responsibility towards asylum seekers? What are the considerations that should, in your opinion, go into the making of a refugee policy? Provide arguments with contemporary examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Why do civil servants have a special obligation to uphold ethical standards? What are the main areas of concerns for implementation of an effective ethical standard in civil services? In this context, suggest measures to remedy these concerns.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"While families are the first socializing agents, which inculcate moral values in a child, the role played by schools in this regard is also indispensable. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"What is the significance of morality in day-to-day life? Give an example from your own life where you chose moral action and elaborate the reasons for your choice of that action.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Analyse the ethical dimensions of using nuclear deterrence as a self-defense strategy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"We make a living by what we do, but we make a life by what we give. 10 (i) Highlight the importance of value of altruism for a society. (ii) Discuss the role of education in imparting such values.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Giving examples, examine the relationship between personal and professional ethics of civil servants.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/ philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) If people scrutinize their own faults as they do the faults of others, mankind will be freed of all evil.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"How do law and conscience act as source of ethical guidance? Explain with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Good corporate governance is not an end in itself. It is a means to support economic efficiency, sustainable growth and financial stability. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"A hilly state witnessed torrential rains leading to loss of life and property. Apart from the local inhabitants there were tourists stranded in large numbers. With the supply chains broken and increased demand, it was observed that local shopkeepers started selling essential goods at very high prices. With a very restricted possibility of being evacuated in the coming few days, the stranded people feel helpless. A crumbled governance infrastructure in remote areas has multiplied the extent of their agony. Given this situation, answer the following questions. 20 (a) Identify the various stakeholders in the case and give a reasoned account of their interests. Given the administrative, market and ethical perspective of viewing the situation, do you think there is a conflict in the priorities of these stakeholders? (b) Suggest ways to harmonize competing interests in order to resolve the issues, provide relief and prevent escalation of conflict.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"The steady decline in sex ratio suggests that marked improvement in the economy and literacy rates do not seem to have had any impact on this index. In fact, the availability of new technology and its easy access for the urban, wealthy and educated have worsened the trend and harmed the status of women in Indian society. (a) Explain why the phenomenon should not be simply viewed as a medical or legal issue and more attention should be given to the ethical issues involved. (b) Give some suggestions to tackle the problem of declining sex ratio. (c) Discuss the ethical dilemma involved in Right to abortion vs. Prevention of female foeticide. How can this be resolved?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"You are the officer-in-charge responsible for monitoring allotment of foodgrains under the Public Distribution System to BPL families in a given district. A group of BPL families in the district claim that they have been denied ration from fair price shops due to non-linking of Aadhar card with their BPL cards. They remark that the government and officers concerned are not empathising with their situation and stage a silent protest. Further, the incident is also being linked to similar instances in other areas of the country where people were denied access to PDS benefits due to similar reasons. The government receives a lot of criticism for this incident on social media networks. You are now in a conundrum, as you are aware that the BPL families need to get foodgrains on time. However, as a government officer, you also need to follow the prescribed rules. Media scrutiny has further aggravated the situation and you realize you need to tread carefully. 20 Based on the information above, answer the following: (a) List the issues in the given situation that the parties involved are facing. (b) What step(s) will you take in the situation to ensure that the demands of the aggrieved persons are met without violating the rules? (c) In this context, briefly discuss how the poor in the country currently face digital exclusion and its consequence(s).","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5703,"topper":"Pratibha Verma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8e457-37460_1069_pratibha-verma_rank_3.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"In order to improve the bureaucratic work culture and productivity, there is a need to downsize government and privatize some of the services. Critically discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"A blanket prohibition of criticism of the policies of the Government is invalid and void, and it makes no difference if the person criticizing happens to be a government servant.\" Critically discuss in the context of Civil Service Conduct Rules, 1964.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Man by nature is a political animal\". Explain with reference to Aristotle's idea of the state in life of the society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"What are the factors that have influenced the contemporary attitude of the state and the society towards homosexuality in India? Also, comment on the changing attitude and the factors driving this change.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Every superstition cannot be removed by the force of law. For that, a mental change is necessary. Comment. Also, explain how educators and public figures can help in eradicating superstition and instilling scientific temper among people.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Many argue that there are times, when war is morally permissible, and even obligatory. Critically discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"It has been argued that traditional approaches to corporate social responsibility (CSR) are inadequate. Discuss. Also, examine the role of Social License to Operate (SLO) in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"There have been reports of repeat instances of mob lynching in different states of India. It has been pointed out that these presumably faceless mobs gather impromptu on the basis of unverified information on issues that affect the collective conscience of the society such as child trafficking, sexual harassment, cow slaughter etc. Most of the people don't even regret their action of violating the law and even get away with committing such a heinous crime. 20 (a) What are the socio-psychological factors that motivate people to join the mob and kill fellow human beings?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You are a young athlete representing India at an international-level competition. During the competition, you witness a few senior athletes injecting something using a syringe, in private. When you approach them, they explain that it is a performance enhancing drug, which is very common in such competitions and you should take the same as well. You are in fear and decide to approach the coach to discuss the event you witnessed. However, you get to know that the athletes are taking the drug at the advice of the coach himself.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5704,"topper":"PRATIK JUIKAR","air":177,"year":2020,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"IAS Delhi Institute","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/17LFNred-u2jEfSS713yn5VBENZ19D9Qa/view?usp=share_link","questions":[]},{"id":5705,"topper":"PRATIK JUIKAR","air":177,"year":2020,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"IAS Delhi Institute","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mGdBTaK8PrwR6iy6pOC3z8qp84pZNLdc/view?usp=share_link","questions":[]},{"id":5706,"topper":"PRATIK JUIKAR","air":177,"year":2020,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"IAS Delhi Institute","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1s61PEDfydpzt3UQwzkZqkfM1RjMvnYbA/view?usp=share_link","questions":[]},{"id":5707,"topper":"PRATIK JUIKAR","air":177,"year":2020,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"IAS Delhi Institute","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Mez2eW3iTewPiXjGdO8tMDbFPjZwEKaW/view?usp=share_link","questions":[]},{"id":5708,"topper":"PRATIK JUIKAR","air":177,"year":2020,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"IAS Delhi Institute","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jmCi4opjgPMIVWXyaQKKufNSid3_QmUB/view?usp=share_link","questions":[]},{"id":5709,"topper":"PRATIK JUIKAR","air":177,"year":2020,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"IAS Delhi Institute","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WAw1eMWvFtmwhfKaeDsZ7yNCSELzXoQF/view?usp=share_link","questions":[]},{"id":5710,"topper":"PRATIK JUIKAR","air":177,"year":2020,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"IAS Delhi Institute","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/18bCkzlzRjK_TYT4qcIX_GPeqXYZVnlOc/view?usp=share_link","questions":[]},{"id":5711,"topper":"Pratik Nand Kishor","air":786,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vQ0z6FO0WOhfqgOhMpNw3VoAUTgL4Zj0/view","questions":[]},{"id":5712,"topper":"Pratishtha Mamgain","air":50,"year":2017,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/37256_930_Pratishtha_Rank_50.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5713,"topper":"Pratishtha Mamgain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/37256_873_Pratishtha_Rank_50.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The more remotely power is exercised from the people, the greater is the distance between authority and accountability. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"\"If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion\". In what ways can a compassionate public official be more useful for realizing public service goals?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"The recent decision by the government to ban use of red beacons is only a symbolic gesture and a lot more needs to be done to end the VIP culture in India. Critically discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"To what extent can financial incentives help shape attitude towards social issues? Discuss with relevant examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"At times, moral behaviour can be constrained by the complexity of legal system. Explain. In this context, explain the purpose of legal protection for good samaritans in the case of road accidents.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Examine the different ethical issues involved in the use of public shaming as a punitive measure. Do you think this is an appropriate measure to address the problem of rising crime rates.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Why did Gunnar Myrdal use the term 'soft state' in the context of South Asia? Do you think such a characterisation is still relevant in the case of India today?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Intolerance can be linked both to prejudices and value judgments. Elaborate with relevant examples. Also discuss how intolerance can be countered in a multicultural society like India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Social attitude towards corruption has become more forgiving with time leading to a view of illegal gains and misappropriation of public assets as a \"rightful\" individual prerogative. Analyse in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"What are the factors which draw people to public service? Suggest measures to keep public servants motivated.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Corporate Governance provides a framework that defines the rights, roles and responsibilities of various groups within an organization. (a) Elaborate the need to incorporate the principles of Corporate Governance to enhance the effectiveness of the public sector enterprises. (b) Identify the challenges specific to the public sector when it comes to the application of good practices of corporate governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Emotions, earlier considered as an irrational factor in decision-making, are now recognised as a critical factor of judgment. In this regard, answer the following questions: (a) How can Emotional Intelligence help in coping with the intense pressure and occupational stress faced by police officers and armed forces in discharge of their duties? (b) What are the some of the concerns in incorporating and assessment of emotional intelligence skills in public service?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"You, a manager in one of the top IT firms in the country, are tasked with hiring new recruits for an upcoming project. You find that the company has given tacit instructions of not hiring female candidates in view of the new maternity law passed by the Government. You find this highly objectionable and lodge a protest with people in the higher management but they are firm as they want to cut down all the unnecessary costs. Based on this information, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the stakeholders and their interests in the situation. (b) What are the dilemmas that a recruiting manager may face in such a scenario? (c) What are the different options available to you? Which one will you pursue and why?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5714,"topper":"Pratyush Pandey","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_-4himN4bdoWs5kvk_PaDOwLnMRy-I5E/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) Indian ethics teach moderation as a moral standard. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) What do you understand by the concept of 'altruistic-hedonism'? Discuss in the context of public ethics.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3 Socratic concept of \"Ethical dying\" is a principled leave-taking from life. Compare and contrast it with the Gandhian concept of Satyagraha and Non-violence.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) \"Great leaders not only possess Interpersonal intelligence but also Intrapersonal intelligence.\" Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) Value conflicts are common in the public sphere of life to everyone and a public servant is not an exception to this. What are the common value conflicts that a public servant faces? How can a public servant overcome those value conflicts?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) Probity is the synthesis of Integrity and fortitude. Examine. Does Integrity imply complete refusal to compromise?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) Social Influence and Persuasion focus on ways in which behaviour of a group or an individual is influenced by outside factors. Explain how it can help in convincing people to work towards collective good?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) The greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change his future by merely changing his attitude. What is the importance of attitude in one's life? What important role does attitude play in one's success? Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 \"In matters of conscience, the law of majority has no place.\" Do you agree? Substantiate with Example.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 \"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.\" Elaborate this Aristotelian ethics with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 \"Civil Service is not about absolute impartiality but is about partiality towards justice.\" Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.12) Discuss the menace of corruption in public life. Also critically examine the measures taken for ensuring probity in governance.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Q.13) What is the present perception of public administration in the view of the general public? How can we reconcile \"public\" and \"administration\"?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.14) Government of India decided to come up with a plan to de-radicalise youths, influenced by extremist groups to join their terror outfits. Under this plan, a separate department was established under Home ministry. You are assigned a senior position in a newly created department. The department, thus created, was responsible for monitoring, counselling and rehabilitation of youths who were apprehended on their way to join terror outfit. Afterwards they were returned to their family members and were given an opportunity to start afresh.\n\nOne such incident comes to your notice where Mr. X who is a doctor by profession and was returned to his family members. He was intercepted and apprehended by security agency in Turkey while on his way to join ISIS in Iraq. However, after his rehabilitation, Mr. X found it difficult to adjust. No one was ready to hire him. He and his family witnessed nearly a social boycott.\n\nYou are the officer designated to monitor the progress of Mr. X. You received a credible intelligence report that owing to lack of social support and promising future prospects, once again he is in touch with terror outfit. You reported the whole matter to your immediate senior who shrugged it off and replied that Mr. X deserves this treatment owing to his misplaced allegiance and mistake. He ordered you to stay quiet and let Mr. X go about his business and, makes a promise that if he makes moves to join terrorist organisation, he will be arrested and put in jail.\na) Would you adhere to your senior's order? Give reason(s) for your choice.\nb) What are the ethical dilemmas before you? How will you resolve these?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Q.15) Government has issued a tender for a mega road project. As a senior official in the Ministry, you are responsible for issuing the notice, examining the prospective tender offers and selecting the final vendor for providing the services. You are an upright officer. One of your relatives owns an infrastructure company and his company have applied for the above mentioned contract. After preliminary examination, you have reached the conclusion that your relative's offer best suits the government requirement. Initially, you had taken enough care that you are not at all instrumental in helping your relative.\nThe Minister in charge of the Ministry wants you to allot the contract to the company of his choice-Company B. The said company has no previous experience in the field of Infrastructure. For contract to be allotted to company B, even the pre-established criteria may have to be changed. Therefore, you suspect the promoters of the company have made generous donations to ruling political party. The Minister is promising you career advancement in lieu of complying with him.\na. Critically examine various conflicts of interest and explain what your responsibilities as a public servant are.\nb. Faced with this situation, what will you do?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Q.16 A social audit was conducted by a reputed national institution for all state funded shelter home for girls in your district. The audit has pointed towards possible sexual abuse of girls living in a particular shelter house located in posh locality near district headquarters. The shelter home is run an influential person who has political connections with big politicians and has a good influence on government officials including district child protection officer. It is in the news that district child protection officer is involved in the case as an accomplice with shelter home owner. Also news is coming of involvement of politicians and government officials in the case. An FIR has also been registered by the auditing institution with the nearest police station.\na. As the district magistrate, what actions will be taken by you in the case? Also provide the objective behind the actions taken by you.\nb. The investigating officer of the case have cited the political pressure on him due to the ongoing investigation of the case. Also as the District magistrate, you are also getting frequent calls from influential persons pertaining to investigation for removing their names from investigation. What measures will be taken by you to ensure free and fair investigation without any influence?\nc. Discuss the safeguards that should be put in place to make sure that such cases do not occur in the future.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 You are the Head of Department in a University. Recently, a clerical staff in your department was terminated from the job as he was found under the influence of alcohol during office hours. In the previous month there were a lot of complaints regarding his poor quality of work, tardiness and some incoherent behaviour. Later you came to know that this change in behaviour was concurrent with the death of his wife after a prolonged illness. It has also made him debt ridden. This may be further compounded by the fact that he has a daughter to marry off soon and a handicapped son to take care of.\n\nHe desperately needs a job. He has applied for a position at a private University and has already given your name as a reference. He pleads you to give him a good recommendation and not mention his drinking, which he assures you are now under control. He also asks you to mention that he voluntarily left the University to address a family medical crisis and that the University was pleased with his work. You like this person and believe that he is a good worker when he is not drinking. But you doubt whether he has really overcome his drinking problem.\n\nValid arguments can be advanced, both, for rejecting his plea with the consequence that his condition may become even worse and for accepting his plea with a noble intention, but keeping the third party in the dark.\na What could those arguments be?\nb Could there be any better way to get out of this dilemma? If so, outline the main elements of this third way, pointing out its merits.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Q.18 You are the Chief of District Transport department, who issues registrations for motor vehicles. The office is plagued with corruption, delays and arbitrariness. Some of the citizens complained that the absence of citizen charter in the office is the reason for all the other issues. You have decided to draw a citizen charter for the office. Your seniors and subordinates are also ready to support you in this regard with capacities, facilities etc.\na. Draw out a citizen charter for your organization and list out its merits.\nb. What are the difficulties you think could occur in implementing the charter?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Q.19) You have been appointed by the Election Commission as a booth level officer to oversee the conduct of elections in a remote and under-developed area. For the preparations of elections, you have been instructed to ensure maximum voter turn-out. For this, you conduct a series of meetings with the people in villages encouraging them to vote in large numbers. However, they confront you with the fact that despite so many previous elections, the promises made by representatives remain unfulfilled. And even the basic necessities of livelihood are not available. As such, they are not forthcoming even to listen to you, let alone giving assurances to participate in voting. Based on this information, answer the following questions:\na. Identify the stakeholders in the situation along with their interests.\nb. How will you convince the people and ensure maximum voter turnout?","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":5715,"topper":"Pratyush Pandey","air":21,"year":2019,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/10wxmYQ3-OvL6fuTCEN3K8hZy27rll1Qg","questions":[]},{"id":5716,"topper":"Pratyush Pandey","air":21,"year":2019,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1UpAYukQuCBPmu8TAYYNfSbc9DRowjuR9","questions":[]},{"id":5717,"topper":"Praveen Kumar","air":7,"year":2020,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1e138-570034_1254_praveen-kumar_rank_7.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5718,"topper":"Praveen Kumar","air":7,"year":2020,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4eaa1-570034_1456_praveen-kumar_rank_7.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5719,"topper":"Praveen Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/47695-570034_1417_praveen-kumar_rank_7.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Dadabhai Naoroji left an indelible imprint on the national movement. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"The Quit India movement marked a new direction in the struggle against the British colonial rule in India. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The end of World War II marked the birth of a new international order. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Simla Agreement (1972) and Lahore Declaration (1999) are two key milestones in the history of the Indian subcontinent. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Social security should not only involve economic empowerment but also social empowerment. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Explain with examples how globalisation is manifested in both local in the global and the global in the local. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"In light of persistence of various forms of violence against women in India, discuss the ways in which the issue can be addressed effectively. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What is an urban forest? Highlight its benefits and steps taken by the government to promote urban forestry in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"How has globalization impacted the location of the IT industry? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"How can eco-tourism be used to sustainably harness the potential of tourism industry in India? Discuss the challenges and steps taken by the government in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The advent of Buddhism and Jainism was instrumental in the development of architecture in ancient India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"The reactionary policies of Lord Lytton and the liberal policies of his successor Lord Rippon acted as catalyst in the formation of the Indian National Congress. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Gandhiji changed his methods of struggle against the British from time-to-time to suit the varied circumstances and problems that needed to be tackled. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Bring out the relationship between the industrial revolution and the advent of imperialism in different parts of the world. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"The caste system in India has continued to persist by adapting itself to a variety of changing socio-economic and political conditions in the past few decades. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"It is argued by some that regionalism is a threat to national integrity while others consider it as a highly impactful tool in facilitating political participation. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Describe the process of rift valley formation, with special emphasis on the Great Rift Valley System. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"India's water resources have witnessed rapid depletion due to a mix of economic, geographic, and political factors. Explain and discuss its implications. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"How are plateaus formed? Also, briefly discuss the features of the Deccan plateau and its economic significance. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5720,"topper":"Praveen Kumar","air":7,"year":2020,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8b4ad-570034_1418_praveen-kumar_rank_7.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5721,"topper":"Praveen Kumar","air":7,"year":2020,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5b8cc-570034_1420_praveen-kumar_rank_7.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5722,"topper":"Praveen Ratnoo","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b2a0a-46120289_4514_praveen_ratnoo_rank_499.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"In matters of conscience, the law of the majority has no place.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"He who opens a school door, closes a prison.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Only in the depths of winter can we truly appreciate the warmth of spring.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Copying is safe; innovation demands courage.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The more we automate, the more human we must become.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5723,"topper":"Praveen Ratnoo","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d6f13-46120289_4510_praveen_ratnoo_rank_499.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Folk music serves as a repository of the cultural identity. Discuss the role of folk music in preserving cultural heritage and promoting social cohesion. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"How does the Vesara style of temple architecture represent a synthesis of the Nagara and Dravida styles? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the role played by Indians living abroad in advancing the cause of India's freedom struggle. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How did the Marshall Plan influence the economic recovery and political stability of post-war Europe? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Discuss the factors responsible for increased cyclonic activity in the Arabian Sea. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can technological interventions help in transforming the textile sector in India? What are the initiatives that the government has taken in this regard? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What is a seiche and how does it form? Discuss the geographical conditions under which seiches are most likely to occur. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"How has rapid urbanisation affected the socio-cultural landscape of peri-urban regions in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Examine the role of historical and socio-political factors in driving communalism in Indian politics. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Globalization has significantly influenced the aspirations, lifestyle, and value systems of Indian youth. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Examine how Chandragupta-II's reign symbolised a golden age of cultural development, laying the foundation for future advancements in Indian art and literature. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Evaluate the intended and unintended consequences of British educational policies for the Indian society in the colonial period. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"India's territorial disputes after independence were not merely about borders, but also encompass issues of national identity, historical grievances, and geopolitical strategies. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the geographical conditions responsible for the development of shola forests in the upper reaches of the Western Ghats. Highlight their ecological significance. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss the potential of natural hydrogen as a fuel to meet growing global energy demands? Why is it still an untapped industry? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Why is there a shift of labour-intensive industries from China to South and Southeast Asia? Discuss the advantages and challenges for India in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Explain the socio-economic transformations resulting from women's migration to metropolitan areas in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The institution of marriage in India is increasingly becoming a site of conspicuous consumption and commodification. Critically examine the impact of this commercialisation on social equity and gender relations. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Analyse how recognizing, reducing, and redistributing care work can foster gender equality and promote inclusive development in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Discuss the changing nature of family structures in urban India. How is it impacting elderly care and socialization of the youth? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5724,"topper":"Praveen Ratnoo","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a0cc6-46120289_4512_praveen_ratnoo_rank_499.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Analyse the factors that have contributed to India's inclusive economic growth in the past decade. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The Reserve Bank of India's surplus transfers offer the government much-needed fiscal space, yet they are not without challenges. Critically examine the implications of the RBI's surplus transfers to the government. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"To what extent was the first National Monetization Pipeline (NMP) able to meet its objectives? What are the objectives of the new Asset Monetization Plan 2025-30 as announced in the recent 2025 Budget? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Examine the major challenges hindering the Indian textile industry from achieving its full potential in the global value chain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Why has India become increasingly import-dependent for edible oils despite being a major agricultural economy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Air accidents are low-frequency but high-impact events. Examine the disaster management protocols in place for aviation-related emergencies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Chemical pollution poses a grave threat to human health and the environment in India. Discuss the key sources contributing to pervasive chemical contamination and evaluate the effectiveness of existing environmental laws in curbing this problem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Missile defence systems are becoming critical for national security in the face of evolving regional threats and advanced weapon technologies. Explain the working principle of missile defence systems. Critically assess India's progress in developing indigenous missile defence capabilities. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Despite multiple resolutions and initiatives undertaken by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), its efforts to counter terrorism have achieved limited success. Discuss the reasons for this limited effectiveness. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"India practices a 'multi-alignment' approach in its cyber diplomacy. How does this posture strengthen India's internal security while maintaining strategic autonomy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While examining the shortcomings of the land reforms in the past, elaborate what land reforms 2.0 should look like. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"As NITI Aayog completes 10 years of its establishment, critically examine its role in the planning and development paradigm of governance in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What are the primary causes of limited formal credit penetration among the rural and unbanked populations in India? Comment on the effectiveness of Small Finance Banks in addressing this gap and advancing inclusive financial growth. To what extent has the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for the food processing industry facilitated value addition, employment generation, and global competitiveness in India's food processing industry? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"To what extent has the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for the food processing industry facilitated value addition, employment generation, and global competitiveness in India's food processing industry? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Waste circularity is emerging as a sustainable solution to India's mounting solid waste crisis. Discuss the key principles of waste circularity and the government's initiative in this regard. How effective have these measures been in fostering a circular economy? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Discuss the importance of integrating traditional ecological knowledge of India's tribal communities with modern disaster management frameworks. Mention two examples where indigenous practices have contributed to disaster resilience. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"CRISPR technology has rapidly advanced in recent years, with new tools and clinical breakthroughs. Highlight the recent developments in CRISPR-based gene editing technology applications. Discuss the opportunities and ethical challenges these advancements present for healthcare and society. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"A credible semiconductor ecosystem is pivotal for India's economic security as much as for national security. Analyse the strategic objectives, incentives, and institutional architecture of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM). Identify the major risks that could derail its timelines. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Intricate inter-play of diverse factors has been the force multipliers for extremism in the North East. Discuss. Suggest a multilayered strategy to tackle the menace of extremism in this region. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Despite recent steps towards inducting women into combat roles, their participation remains low. Examine the key challenges impeding the greater inclusion of women in the Indian armed forces. Also, suggest suitable measures to enhance their participation. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5725,"topper":"Preetam Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/aef51-324683_1509_preetam-kumar_rank_09.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The architecture of Vijayanagara kingdom has a distinctive style comprising of unique features. Elaborate with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Although the tenure of Lord William Bentinck was short, it was marked by enduring reforms. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"While the Indian capitalists were not in favour of protracted mass civil disobedience, many of them also acknowledged the utility, even necessity, of civil disobedience in getting crucial concessions for their class and the nation. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"American Revolution was a constitutional crisis brought on by the irreconcilability of Britain's imperial interests and the colonists' experience in self-government. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Explaining the phenomenon of Western Disturbance, discuss its impact on the Indian weather system. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Arabian Sea, a cyclone shy water body, is converting into a cyclone hotbed. Analyse the reasons behind this trend. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Despite the Peninsular India being a stable land mass and a region of slight seismicity, it has witnessed several earthquakes. Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Despite all the long strides towards women's rights to property and inheritance in India, there still exist challenges that need to be addressed. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"It has been observed in India, while the population has stabilised in southern states, this remains a pipe dream in the case of northern states. Analyse the reasons behind this trend. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Globalisation is affecting the attitudes and aspirations of youth in India in multifarious ways. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Identifying its major forms, broadly trace the evolution of classical dance in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The acceptance of partition by the Indian National Congress was only the last stage of the process of gradual concessions given to the Muslim League. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Over the course of the freedom struggle, especially after the Indian Council's Act of 1892, nationalist leaders in India transformed the Imperial Legislative Council, from a powerless machine functioning as a tool of endorsement of government policies into a forum for ventilating popular grievances. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Despite its advocacy for peaceful resolution of disputes, highlight the factors that prompted India to use force to remove Portuguese colonial rule from its territories after independence. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The roots of the present Israel-Palestine conflict may be traced back to ancient history, however it is the 20th century which has shaped it in its modern form. Explain. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Discuss the problems and prospects of the cotton textile industry in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"As Indian cities are undergoing rapid urbanization with burgeoning population, state policies and actions have proved to be inadequate to address the corresponding challenges. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Nation doesn't negate the concept of region. Discuss the idea in the Indian context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5726,"topper":"Preetam Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5067f-324683_1515_preetam-kumar_rank_09.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the meaning of off-budget borrowings and its role in helping the government raise funds for various expenditures. Also, comment on its desirability. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"It is argued that genetically modified food crops are required to ensure food security of India. Examine in view of concerns regarding introduction of GM crops. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"India's price intervention policies to support its agricultural sector not only create a broken system but also complicate matters related to international trade rules. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"India has an opportunity to become a leading global food supplier provided it has an efficient supply chain and the right marketing strategies. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Land banks are increasingly gaining prominence in India to encourage land-use efficiency and enable economic growth. In this context, discuss the benefits of a land bank and state the concerns associated with it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Desertification has been described as one of the greatest environmental challenges of our time and climate change is making it worse. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In the context of intellectual property rights, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of releasing projects under an 'Open Source' license. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"\"Indian space sector has been dominated by a single umbrella of government and government institutions.\" In light of the statement, discuss the significance of Indian Space Association in providing an impetus to space technology in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Man and machine both have an important role in national security and making urban areas secure. In this context, discuss how technology is a major stakeholder in addressing the internal security challenges of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"National Security Guard (NSG) has emerged as a formidable force equipped to handle various manifestations of terrorism. Discuss the mandate and achievements of this force. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do you understand by asset monetisation? Why is it needed in India? In this context, discuss the issues that need to be addressed for the National Monetisation Pipeline to succeed. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"What is social stock exchange (SSE)? Discuss the need for setting up of SSEs and key challenges in their effective implementation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the context of India, highlight the importance of agriculture extension. What are the challenges faced in provisioning of agriculture extension services? How does the National Mission on Agricultural Extension & Technology (NMAET) address these issues? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Clearly delineate the 'employment problem' that India currently faces. Also, explain the fundamental reasons behind existence of this problem. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Although steps have been taken for integrating the dispersed logistics activities of maritime trade, much more needs to be done to make India a maritime powerhouse. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Accounting for natural capital and ecosystem services is crucial to understand the link between the economy and environment. Discuss with specific references to India's initiatives in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Rapid and unplanned urbanisation accompanied by population growth have increased both the risk and impact of natural disasters. Discuss the statement along with adequate measures to address the relevant concerns in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"National Hydrogen Mission can be a game changer for India's rising energy demands. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Despite geo-strategic instability of its region and a keen awareness of the cyber threat it faces, India has made only 'modest progress' in developing its policy and doctrine for cyberspace security. Critically examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Developmental interventions alone cannot play a defining role in the resolution of existing and protracted internal conflicts in various parts of India within a reasonable time frame. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5727,"topper":"Preetam Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/64279-324683_1514_preetam-kumar_rank_09.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the changes introduced by the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) Amendment Act, 2021, analyse various issues with the amended Act. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Are there valid arguments for continuing with sedition law in 21st century democratic India? Discuss in light of the debate surrounding it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Identify the issues that have contributed to a decline in the performance of Parliamentary Standing Committees. How can these issues be addressed? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Despite being a non-constitutional body, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) has wielded immense decision-making power in India. Discuss the advantages and issues associated with it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the role of data in governance in India. Also, state the various challenges in this regard and suggest remedial measures. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"With specific examples, elaborate upon the conditions that led to the emergence of a new civil society in urban India in the last few decades. Also, highlight its contribution towards effecting governance and policy changes. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The Gati Shakti mission has the potential to not only address the issue of infrastructure bottlenecks but also streamline the governance processes in the country. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Giving an account of the issues faced by workers in the informal sector, discuss whether the recently launched e-Shram portal can help in addressing them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Clarifying the significance of the recent developments on the issue of global minimum tax, discuss its prospects and challenges for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Announcement of the AUKUS security pact heralds a new era of global geo-politics. Comment. Also, discuss how it may affect India's interests. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Effective devolution of finances is an important requirement for Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) to fulfill their objectives. Discuss while also elaborating on the reasons behind lack of financial resources for PRIs in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Judicial activism is a necessary tool to guard against \"legislative adventurism and executive excesses\". Critically discuss in the context of the doctrine of separation of powers as provided in the Constitution of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The electoral bond scheme is part of what appears to be a growing trend away from transparency and accountability in electoral funding. Critically analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The significance of the principle of subsidiarity was well reflected in the management of the COVID-19 pandemic. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Social media has ushered in greater transparency and accountability in governance. But accountability through social media is no alternative to institutional accountability. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Although the State has the right incentives and intentions to deliver public services efficiently, its capacity to do so is questionable. Critically discuss in the context of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The problem of hunger in India does not lie in food production but various other underlying issues. Discuss in the wake of decline in India's ranking in the Global Hunger Index, 2021. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Democratization of primary healthcare is indispensable for fulfilling the objectives of equitable and comprehensive care in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"In the context of the evolving discourse on the Indo-Pacific, analyse the factors driving the global shift towards the region. Also, identify India's interests and challenges in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India's Afghanistan policy must be based on a clear-eyed understanding of important strategic goals in the region amidst the current regional and global strategic environment. Elaborate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5728,"topper":"Preetam Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/60c79-324683_1513_preetam-kumar_rank_09.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"In the context of protection of monuments, explain the role of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Also, comment on the challenges faced by ASI and measures taken to address these. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Tribal art has a huge potential for acting as an economic resource and a tool for socio-economic transformation of tribals in India. Elucidate. Also highlight the challenges in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Though the Government of India Act, 1919 proposed some radical administrative changes, it remained short of fulfilling aspirations of Indians. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Often deemed as the 'forgotten conflict', the Korean War had far-reaching implications. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Explaining the origin of earth's magnetism, discuss its significance with special reference to its interaction with solar particles. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discussing the challenges pertaining to dam safety in India, highlight the potential of Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project to address them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What is understood by Carbon Compensation Depth (CCD)? Discuss the implications of the rise in this depth due to anthropogenic warming as well. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"In view of demographic changes in recent decades, do you think India needs a two-child policy? Discuss in light of various strands of the debate surrounding this issue. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Globalization is incredibly efficient but has so far been incredibly unjust. Examine the statement in the context of developing countries like India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"It would not be completely wrong to state that in India, art is religion and religion is art.\" In light of the statement, discuss the impact of various religions on art in India, citing relevant examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Despite organizational apathy from the Indian National Congress in its initial years, the working class in various parts of the country subsequently participated overwhelmingly in the nationalist movement. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Though some of his early measures restored faith among the Indians in the liberal tradition of England, Lord Ripon's tenure did not bring about significant changes in the conservative mindset of the colonial bureaucracy. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The New Social Movements in post-independence period made an important beginning in awakening the society against injustices and deepened the very notion of democracy in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What are the reasons for recurrent and often catastrophic wildfires in places like Australia and the United States? Are there any lessons to be learnt from these events by India? Explain adequately. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss why India needs a cross border flood management mechanism. Also, state the major issues in cross border flood management and suggest remedial measures in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Depletion of water resources in India is both a geo-climatic phenomenon as well as a result some short-sighted government policies. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the major lithospheric plates? How and why do these plates move? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"There exists a wide gap between the constitutionally professed secularism and its practice in India. Do you agree? Substantiate with relevant arguments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India spends less than one per cent of GDP on care work infrastructure and services. In view of the statement, explain how increased public investment in care economy infrastructure can be instrumental in meeting multiple policy objectives. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5729,"topper":"Preetam Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/11826-324683_1512_preetam-kumar_rank_09.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Persuasion plays an important role in public administration. Discuss. Also highlight the various elements of effective persuasion. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"\"Never do anything against the conscience even if the state demands it.\" In this context, discuss the role of conscience in taking ethical decisions in administration. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Raja Ram Mohan Roy's liberal views on social and religious issues have much relevance in present day India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The moral circle of humanity has been expanding constantly over time. Discuss in this context whether non-human entities should have the same rights as human beings. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"Each individual is capable of transforming his immediate environment by attempting a radical transformation inside him\". - J Krishnamurti (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"An important requisite for ensuring probity in governance is absence of corruption. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The right to information (RTI) and the right to privacy (RTP) complement each other in holding the government accountable to the people, however, in cases of conflict, they can be reconciled keeping public interest in mind. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Explain the ethical issues involved in spending government funds for advertisement campaigns and publicity. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Explaining the concept of political neutrality, discuss its significance in administration. Also, highlight how the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules seek to ensure political neutrality in the civil services. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"In light of the recurring issues, there is a constant need to search for better ethical frameworks and models of corporate governance. Discuss with adequate examples and evidence in support of your arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":51,"question":"You work as a marketing consultant for a multinational company that specializes in various products including nutrient supplements, diet pills etc. The company pays its employees extremely well and provides satisfactory fringe benefits. Your manager has hinted that he will recommend you for overseas company transfer, which will improve your job profile. This has motivated you to work harder and perform better. The company has to advertise and sell a new weight loss pill ‘X’. As per in-company research, it has minimal or no side effects and has no adverse impacts on health, which is its unique selling point (USP). You are given the responsibility of heading the marketing team for advertising pill ‘X’. Due to a well-crafted marketing strategy including endorsement by a renowned celebrity, the product has generated considerable public attention. However, while working on an advertisement campaign for the pill, you find out that the in-company research findings of pill ‘X’ are fabricated. While it indeed has no side-effects, there are no proven benefits of taking the pill as well. It merely acts as a placebo. When you bring up the issue with your manager, he promptly tells you to keep the facts to yourself. He also indirectly brings up the fact that your performance review date is approaching and hints that you will get transferred overseas if you prove your loyalty to the company. Based on the given information, address the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders in this situation. (b) State the ethical issues that arise in this case. (c) Discuss your options in this scenario and mention your next step.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5730,"topper":"Preetam Kumar","air":9,"year":2021,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/bc5da-324683_1516_preetam-kumar_rank_09.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5731,"topper":"Preeti Kumari","air":521,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1a0ZTrXKiwfWhNGMrglJcsUmCw3ibLwkT/view","questions":[]},{"id":5732,"topper":"Preeti Kumari","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/PREETI-KUMARI-UPSC-2024-Rank-301-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Describe briefly what gene therapy is and what advantages it has over other treatments? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"With recent advances in technology, robots are now equipped to perform more than just conventional and routine tasks which brings new opportunities as well as risks. In this context, evaluate the future potential of the robotics sector. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Private participation in propelling India's space journey is widely acknowledged but is yet to be fully tapped. In light of the statement, analyse the hurdles faced by the private sector and also recommend measures to unlock greater private participation in the space economy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Technology plays a multidimensional role in augmenting the disaster management apparatus of the country. Discuss. Also, bring out the measures needed to enhance the usage of such technologies in managing disasters. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Discuss the natural and anthropogenic factors behind incidents of land subsidence. Suggest counter-measures to contain such incidents. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF). Also, discuss GLOF mitigation strategy with special reference to National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) guidelines. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"National security challenges require sufficiently addressing the concerns of human security. Explain and suggest reforms for the same. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Outlining the various cyber threats faced by India, assess the state of the country's preparedness to deal with the same. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Explain how the geographical location of India makes it extremely vulnerable to the menace of drug trafficking. What are the various internal security threats posed by drug trafficking? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Discuss the socio-economic impact of new developments in science and technology in India since independence. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the repercussions on marine ecosystem and economy resulting from the combined effects of ocean acidification, ocean warming, and oxygen loss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The invisible nature of groundwater is a major obstacle in the path towards achieving the twin objectives of building climate resilience and meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Describe the concept of loss and damage and evaluate its relevance in ensuring climate equity. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What role does wetland play in expanding the framework of sustainable development? What are the challenges faced by wetland ecosystem? Discuss the corrective steps required for their effective conservation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Despite various efforts, a lasting solution to the insurgency in the north-eastern region of India remains elusive. Analyse the reasons behind the continuation of insurgency in the region. Also, suggest effective measures to tackle it. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"While developmental initiatives have a significant role to play, they alone cannot root out terrorism/ militancy in Jammu and Kashmir. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"What do you understand by theaterisation of commands? Enumerating the impediments in theaterisation for India's armed forces, discuss the role of Chief of Defence Staff in enhancing the effectiveness of India's external security response. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5733,"topper":"Preeti Suman","air":863,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Drishti IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.drishtiias.com/images/pdf/Preeti%20Suman_Essay.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5734,"topper":"Preeti Suman","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vki445_SvZcWHnmdyyRyUo7fc8vyWLWD/view","questions":[{"page":17,"question":"The measure of intelligence is the ability to change..","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5735,"topper":"Preksha Agrawal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/12e49-630812_1406_preksha-agrawal_rank-30.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Norms of social morality should not be applied to acts of civil servants while they are carrying out their professional roles and responsibilities to further the common good. Critically analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Determination of ethics in state policies and actions is not easy because every policy and action has both positive and negative aspects viewed from different stakeholders' perspectives. Discuss with suitable examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand by global ethics in today's world? Highlight the role that global ethics can play in achieving universally accepted goals. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlight the important teachings of Swami Vivekananda, relevant to the youth of today. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) Courage is the most important of all the virtues because without courage, you can't practice any other virtue consistently. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Can a war ever be justified on moral grounds? Support your answer with suitable arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Do you think that ethical principles are universal in nature? Justify your answer with relevant examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"For civil servants, both professional competence and commitment to ethics are equally important. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Despite changing family structure, it still plays an important role in nurturing core societal values. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Impartiality as a core value of civil services should not become a hurdle in showing compassion towards weaker sections of the society. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Tolerance is not enough, it is the idea of acceptance that accommodates diversities and makes a society inclusive. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Companies adhering to the norms of corporate governance emerge as winners in the long run. Evaluate with the help of suitable examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You are posted as a DCP in the national capital of the country. In a locality which falls under your jurisdiction, protests have been going on for the last one month against a decision taken by the government. While these protests have been non-violent in nature and are being led by women, the protesters have blocked a major road which connects a number of satellite cities. This has led to traffic jams and congestion causing inconvenience to people who use this road for commuting to work causing hardships and a loss to the economy. A number of people filed complaints in this regard and also approached the courts. The High Court has directed the police to keep larger public interest in mind and take appropriate action. In light of the information given above, answer the following questions: (a) While highlighting the significance of right to protest in a democratic setup, discuss the limitations on this right, even if the protests are non-violent, as in this case. (b) What are the options available to you? (c) Evaluate each of these options and choose the option you would adopt, giving reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Public policy is being increasingly informed by insights from the behavioural sciences. One such behavioural approach is the Nudge theory. It is mainly concerned with the design of choices, which influences the decisions we make. Nudge theory proposes that the designing of choices should be based on how people actually think and decide, rather than how leaders and authorities traditionally believe people think and decide. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) Giving examples, illustrate the difference between enforced change and 'Nudge' techniques? (b) Identify the ethical concerns associated with the nudge technique. Also, suggest ways for using nudging theory ethically.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5736,"topper":"Preksha Agrawal","air":30,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/559d4-630812_1420_preksha-agrawal_rank-30.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5737,"topper":"PREM SINGH MEENA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/152f6-113540_1069_prem_singh_meena_rank_929.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Growing awareness about terminal as well as mental illness has given credence to the idea of \"living wills\". What is a living will? Discuss the ethical issues to be considered from an individual as well as social perspective to formulate and implement it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"In order to improve the bureaucratic work culture and productivity, there is a need to downsize government and privatize some of the services. Critically discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Examine the contemporary relevance of Gandhiji's talisman as a means of resolving ethical dilemmas in day to day life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"\"Intelligence plus character-that is the goal of true education.\" Assess whether such an objective can be achieved within the existing system of education in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"\"A blanket prohibition of criticism of the policies of the Government is invalid and void, and it makes no difference if the person criticizing happens to be a government servant.\" Critically discuss in the context of Civil Service Conduct Rules, 1964.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"\"Man by nature is a political animal\". Explain with reference to Aristotle's idea of the state in life of the society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"What are the factors that have influenced the contemporary attitude of the state and the society towards homosexuality in India? Also, comment on the changing attitude and the factors driving this change.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"With behavioural issues and suicides among children on the rise, teachers and parents need to play an active part in ensuring mental well-being. Discuss. Also, explain the importance of emotional intelligence in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"The policy of Dhamma advocated by Ashoka through his edicts remains relevant in the context of issues in public life even today. Elucidate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Arguably, poverty is not only a matter of statistics. It is a reflection on the kind of society we live in. In this context, discuss the ethical implications for a society that witnesses high incidence of poverty.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Every superstition cannot be removed by the force of law. For that, a mental change is necessary. Comment. Also, explain how educators and public figures can help in eradicating superstition and instilling scientific temper among people.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Many argue that there are times, when war is morally permissible, and even obligatory. Critically discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"It has been argued that traditional approaches to corporate social responsibility (CSR) are inadequate. Discuss. Also, examine the role of Social License to Operate (SLO) in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"A renowned and critically acclaimed producer-director has come up with a new movie based on retelling of the freedom movement. The trailer of this project depicts prominent freedom fighters and various aspects of their personalities. It is a project that involves substantial sums of money and has taken collaborative efforts of 3 years. However, certain political and social activists have objected to what they perceived as negative portrayal of some freedom fighters. As such, they have opposed the release of this movie and issued threats with serious consequences. This has come in the context of increase in the number of instances involving many groups issuing threats against one or the other movie. In such a context you have been designated as the head of a special committee with the broad responsibility of reviewing the film certification process in general as well as the checking the historical accuracy of the events depicted in this particular movie. 20 (a) Who are the key stakeholders you would involve as part of the consultation process? (b) What are the principles that you would consider while giving your recommendations to the government? Also, provide an outline of a solution that you deem appropriate in the prevailing context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"What are the socio-psychological factors that motivate people to join the mob and kill fellow human beings?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Examine the role of social media in recent instances of mob lynching. As a law enforcement officer, how will you prevent such incidents from happening in your district?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are the head of a policy think-tank. There is a proposal to cut down more than 10,000 trees to build a residential colony in the capital of the country. The city has one of the highest homeless population in the country and the settlement will be used for them. This news has generated a lot of public debate. While on the one hand is the need to expand urban infrastructure in order to meet the demands of the growing population, on the other, is the environmental concern. In last ten years, the city has lost more than half of its green cover and has seen increased frequency of extreme climatic events. You are asked to deliver a lecture for the policymakers and concerned citizens, in which you have to specifically deal with the following questions: 20 (a) Why do you think such situations arise in the first place where developmental activities and environmental concerns often come out as antithetical to each other? (b) What should be the short-term and long-term solutions for tackling such situations? (c) What are the potential benefits of inculcating environmental concerns in the policy making and planning process?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5738,"topper":"PREM SINGH MEENA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3c507-113540_1837_prem_singh_meena_rank_929.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain why altruism constitutes one of the core values in public life. In this regard, suggest some measures to foster altruistic behaviour in public services. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Certain actions can be right even though they do not maximize good consequences, for the rightness of such actions consists in their representing certain norms. Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"With the help of appropriate examples, discuss the ethical challenges involved in policing in India. Also, highlight the reasons behind corruption in the police force. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"A right combination of spirit and structure is integral to ethical corporate governance. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"It is not only public servants, but also the common citizens who play a key role in institutionalising high standards of ethical conduct and good governance. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Public administration in India suffers from the 'working-in-silos' culture. In this context, discuss the importance of cooperation, coordination and collaboration for efficient governance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"While emotional intelligence is an essential tool for a public servant, it can also be misused to manipulate people to act against their own interests. Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Social influence is an ambivalent concept. It can be a source for good, bad and even for evil. Discuss with the help of relevant examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Effective public service delivery demands a people-centric approach, which is built upon coordination and leverages technology. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Highlight the important teachings of Kautilya that are relevant to public services in 21st century India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.\" Nelson Mandela (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":40,"question":"There is an ongoing ethnic civil war in a neighbouring country. The conflict has caused massive displacement of people from the country. Ironically, the developed countries have closed off their borders to the refugees on account of the COVID-19 pandemic, resource competition, domestic politics etc. With countries sealing off their borders, the refugees are left in a vulnerable situation and many are taking illegal routes to enter your country. As a Senior Official of your country's Ministry of External Affairs, you have been involved in discussions with officials of other nations and are entrusted with the mandate to design a national policy to safely accommodate India bound refugees. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) Discuss the moral issues related to the rights of international refugees, especially those from conflict-torn regions. (b) What recommendations would you suggest given the large influx of refugees in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"You are a young athlete representing India at an international-level competition. To your surprise, during the competition, you witness a few senior athletes injecting something using a syringe in private. When you approach them, they explain that it is a performance enhancing drug, which is very common in such competitions and you should take the same as well. You are aware that if these players get caught in a doping test, it may damage India's reputation. You are confused and afraid of the repercussions and decide to approach the coach to discuss the event you witnessed. However, you get to know that the athletes are taking the drug on the advice of the coach himself. (a) What would you do in this scenario? Discuss the options available to you and chart your course of action. (b) What are the reasons behind the use of performance enhancing drugs in competitive sporting events? How can this practice be minimized?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5739,"topper":"PREMSUKH DELU","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/170_Premsukh_Delu_15301_638_GS.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What is the role of education in bringing about social change? Discuss in the context of India with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Where the roots of private virtues are diseased, the fruits of public probity cannot but be corrupt. Discuss this statement in the context of civil services in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by political attitude? What are the factors that shape the political attitude of a person? Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations provides blanket cover to the activities of diplomats and their family members? What are ethical issues arising out of such a wholesale cover? What would you suggest to address those problems?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Given below are two quotations of great moral thinkers/philosophers. For each of these quotations, bring out what it means to you in the present context: (a) \"Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.\" - Aristotle.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"\"The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, but wiser people so full of doubts.\"- Bertrand Russell.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"\"Persuasion makes society work smoothly while physical coercion grinds it to a halt\". Giving examples, compare the effectiveness of persuasion as an influence tactic vis-a-vis coercion in bringing change in society. In what ways persuasion can be used by civil servants to remove social evils existing in society?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"What do you understand by emotional sensitivity? Elaborate how emotional sensitivity is important for ethical behavior. What measures have you taken to enhance our emotional sensitivity?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"There are no universal moral rules which apply to all persons. Examine by giving relevant examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Some decisions, which are in the best interest of the organisation, require deviation from the existing policies, rules and guidelines. As a civil servant how would you deal with such situations. Illustrate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Developing 'scientific temper' is one of the fundamental duties of Indian citizens under Article 51A of the Constitution. What do you understand by scientific temper? Explain its role in increasing tolerance in the society. What have you done to develop your scientific temper?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"There are only crimes, no criminals. In the light of this statement, examine retributive and reformative forms of punishment from moral perspective.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"What do you understand by 'belief'? How does it shape into value system? Illustrate with examples from your personal life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Ram is an Indian student in Oxford University. His best friend 'Harry' is a Britisher. Recently they both watched the debate where an Indian MP argued that Britain owes an apology and reparations to India for the historical wrongs committed during its rule. Harry objects the idea on these grounds: \"I never exploited any Indian. None of my family members ever worked for British East India Company. I don't know why I should have to pay for someone who exploited Indians, generations before I was born\". Making present-day citizens to pay reparations for the past wrongs, seems to raise some concerns. They both come to you (an Ethics professor) and ask you to decide who among them is correct. Critically analyze their arguments and bring out the ethical issues involved.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"A common sight in India at traffic signals, railway stations and urban markets, is that of a destitute woman, begging, with a child in her arms. At times, out of pity or out of fear, from being cursed by God, or out of irritation, we tend to give them some coins or money and drive them away. In this context, bring out the ethical issues associated with beggary. Indicate the socio-economic reasons behind it. Also, discuss the attitudinal aspects of people towards beggars. What feasible steps can be taken to effectively control this serious problem of our country?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"You are an A.C.P. in New Delhi. There has been a steep rise in incidents of racial discrimination in the area falling under your jurisdiction. Recently, a young boy from North East was beaten badly by a mob in a market area. This has led to protest by students from the North East region. They have gathered outside your office and are demanding strict action against the culprits. (a) What will be your strategy to manage the situation. Bring out a plan to counter such incidents in the future. (b) What is the use of emotional intelligence in such situations? (c) What are the social and attitudinal factors responsible for racial discrimination.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"You are an officer in the Labour department. You went to your brother's wedding and saw that minors were employed by the wedding band company to carry their electric instruments. You know that it is an unlawful activity and it is your responsibility to take action against it. However, since it is a family wedding so they have asked you to look the other way. Some of the options available to you to handle this situat on are as follows: 1. You will not take any action as this could be seen by the others as a deliberate action to spoil the wedding. 2. You will act strictly and remove them from the wedding and file a case against the band company. 3. You will talk to the band personal and give a notice to them that they should not employ any minor children after this marriage. Suggest any other possible option. Evaluate all of them and suggest the best course of action, giving your reason for it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":58,"question":"You are a working as a junior engineer in second year of your job. A senior engineer has been on sick leave, and you are due to go on study leave. You have been told by your manager that, before you go on leave, you must complete some complicated repair and maintenance work. The deadline suggested appears unrealistic, given the complexity of the work. You feel that you are not sufficiently experienced to complete the work alone. You would need additional supervision to complete it to the required standard, and your manager has stated his inability to offer the necessary support. If you try to complete the work within the proposed timeframe but fail to meet the expected quality, you could face repercussions after your return from study leave. You feel slightly intimidated by your manager, and also feel pressure to do what you can for the company and ensure long term job security. Indicate various options that are available with you in this situation. Evaluate all of them and suggest the best course of action, giving your reasons for it.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5740,"topper":"PREMSUKH DELU","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/170_Premsukh_Delu_15301_636_GS.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"While the judiciary should be insulated from political interference, yet the executive should have a say in its appointment in order that flawed choices do not erode its credibility. Examine in context of the decision of the Supreme Court w.r.t. NJAC.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"What do you understand by the concept of 'Equality'? Does it imply the elimination of all differences? How does the ideal of 'Equality' differ from 'Equity'? Discuss in light of affirmative action programs in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"\"Vocational skill is a great tool to usher in inclusive growth and an effective hedge against poverty\". In this regard, evaluate the performance of skill development programmes in India. Discuss the problems that have been withholding their success and suggest remedies with special reference to the report of NSDA panel.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"A demand to make the CAG accountable to the Parliament has been gaining ground recently. How will this step affect the independence of CAG? What steps could be taken to strengthen CAG-PAC relationship?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"The debates related to problems of higher education have been mainly limited to IITs/IIMs. However, the need of the hour is to improve 665 universities where around 30 million students are enrolled. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"While tribunals are responsible for adjudicating cases, which require technical expertise and specialization, they are rot to be understood as a court. Elaborate. Also, discuss whether the recent rulings, such as banning mining or old diesel vehicles, are an example of overreach.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"The 2^{nd} generation reforms vital for the development of the nation are contingent upon the states as most of them fall in the concurrent list. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss, with examples, the role of Civil Society in making governance citizen centric. What are the factors that are hindering their growth in developing countries, like India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"The passing of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2015 marks a significant step towards reforming the mining sector. Discuss its salient features along with highlighting the apprehensions against the act. Further analyse the role of District Mineral Foundation in ensuring equitable benefit for all.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Discuss the role of PESA as an effective tool in ensuring participative democracy and development of the tribal people. Also, examine the reasons for its poor implementation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"What do you mean by lifestyle diseases? What are the factors leading to the increased occurrence of lifestyle diseases in India? Discuss their impact on the economic conditions of the individuals and productivity of the economy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"In a country, where one-third of the population is already economically excluded, prescribing minimum qualifications for elections to the Panchayati Raj will be the final nail in the coffin of a genuine grass-roots democracy. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Ever since the National Commission for Women (NCW) came into existence in 1992, its composition and functioning have been contentious and controversial. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Discuss the importance of mid-career performance appraisal for civil servants. Also evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of compulsorily retiring serving bureaucrats after such a review.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"The Polio eradication programme is a widely acknowledged success story with vital lessons for other immunisation initiatives as well. Highlight the challenges faced by immunisation efforts in India. In this context, what does Mission Indradhanush seek to achieve? Explain the rationale, objectives and strategies for implementation of the mission.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Promulgation of the newest constitution of the region has thrown up new challenges for the oldest constitutional democracy in South Asia. Examine India's role, concerns and dilemmas vis-à-vis the constitutional process in Nepal.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"India continues to host a large population of refugees without being a signatory to either the 1951 United Nations Refugee Convention or its 1967 Protocol. What are the reasons and implications of such a scenario? Is it time for India to reconsider its stand and become a signatory to this convention?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Has India's resistance to CTBT lost relevance? Examine in view of the evolution of India's policy and the changing global scenario.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"\"Despite being set up more than a decade ago, Mekong- Ganga Cooperation has remained a non-starter.\" Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer. Discuss the potential of this cooperation for India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"\"The success of the India Africa Forum Summit as well as the future of India-Africa relations not only depends on India's ability to develop an attractive and sustainable approach to Africa, but also on the willingness of African leaders to look beyond Beijing when partnering up with foreign investors. Discuss.\"]","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5741,"topper":"PREMSUKH DELU","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/170_Premsukh_Delu_15301_634_GS.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Even though women may have equal skills, qualifications and commitment as men, they face much more difficulty in rising up the leadership hierarchy. Discuss the reasons for the same. Also, explain the importance of having gender parity in positions of leadership.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"All correct decisions are honest and all incorrect decisions are dishonest. Do you agree? How should the correctness and incorrectness of a decision be decided?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Should birth control be a voluntary exercise or a government policy in a country? In this regard, examine the ethical dimensions of having a One Child Policy in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"An organisation consists of a variety of individuals with varying values and degrees of motivation. What challenges do leaders face when forging a harmonious work culture in such an organisation? How can leaders engender a sense of inclusion in face of such diversity?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Notwithstanding compassion and morality, it is national interest that ultimately determines a country's decisions in international relations. Discuss this statement in the context of the current refugee crisis.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"What are the ethical issues involved in climate change negotiations? Suggest some strategies to address the divergence in ethical positions of different nations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Why is there a need for Performance Management System in an outcome oriented government? Evaluate the feasibility of peer review in context of Indian civil services.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Discretionary power in the hands of public servants is a necessary evil. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"The landmark judgment by the Supreme Court of India recognized the transgender as a third sex. What attitudes do you notice towards the transgender people in India? Discuss some steps to facilitate a dignified life for the transgender people.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"What key characteristics of a person conveying a message make it more persuasive? When celebrities endorse a product, they do so knowing that their endorsement will persuade people to buy it. What duty do they have towards the consumers?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"It is said that child labor cannot be ethical at all. Do you agree? Discuss with respect to the proposed amendments to the Child Labour Act.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Are emotions an inhibiting factor in effective decision-making? Discuss in the context of public services.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"What do you understand by the Sarvodaya philosophy of Gandhiji? Why is Sarvodaya relevant for civil servants in India?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5742,"topper":"PREMSUKH DELU","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/170_Premsukh_Delu_15301_701_GS.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"\"If instead of insisting on rights everyone does his duty, there will immediately be the rule of order established among mankind.\" - Mahatma Gandhi. Bring out what this statement means to you in the present context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Should circumstances be the sole criterion for judging the morality of human action or the nature of the action and its purpose must also be considered? Justify your stand with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"A person cannot do right in civil service whilst attempting to do wrong in personal life. In context of this statement, examine the relationship between personal and professional ethics. Do civil servants have to be ethical in personal life in order to be professionally ethical? Illustrate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What is social accountability? How can it act as a more effective mechanism than the conventional methods of extracting accountability? What steps can a civil servant take to improve the effectiveness of social accountability in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"It is often said that home is the first school and parents are the first teachers. Explain the role of family in inculcating moral values. Analyze how the changing nature of family has affected this role in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The erosion of civic values from our public life has become a pervasive phenomenon. Discuss the role of value education in tackling this issue in the Indian context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"\"Anyone who doesn't take truth seriously in small matters cannot be trusted in large ones either.\"- Albert Einstein. Bring out what this statement means to you in the present context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"\"One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors\". Explain. Suggest some measures that can be taken to increase political participation in our country. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by aptitude? What kind of aptitude is considered important for civil services? What measures have you taken to make yourself fit for being a civil servant?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"\"Emotion can lead to our worst decisions or our best ones: The difference is emotional intelligence.\" In light of the given statement, illustrate how emotional intelligence is critical in decision making. How can it help a civil servant in taking prudent decisions?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Although most public organizations have a code of conduct for their employees, its impact has been less than satisfactory in combating the misuse of office by public servants. Explain. Provide some suggestions to make the code of conduct a more comprehensive tool in dealing with corruption in public offices.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'Conflict of Interest' in the context of public service? What are the norms prescribed for Civil Services in India to deal with this issue?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"An efficient service delivery is the key to winning the public trust in government. What are the challenges being faced in efficient delivery of public services? Suggest some measures to improve the delivery of public services.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5743,"topper":"Prerna Singh","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PRERNA-SINGH-UPSC-2023-Rank-271-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":15,"question":"Science applied is the engine of humanity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Eyes cannot see what the mind does not know.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Doubt is the origin of wisdom.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"The relation between environment, resources and conflict is same as the connection between Democracy, human rights and peace.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5744,"topper":"Prerna Singh","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PRERNA-SINGH-UPSC-2023-Rank-271-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Discuss the role of the 'Fourth Estate' in upholding democratic values and analyse the issues affecting press freedom in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"The electoral process, though inclusionary in theory, has been pointed out for exclusionary tendencies in practice. Analyse, with special emphasis on role of women in India's representative electoral system. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Assess the effectiveness of Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 in resolution of river-water disputes. Also describe the potential impact of delays in resolution of water disputes. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the significance of the cooperative model of development in addressing the issues of rural growth. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"In order to pass the ultimate test of good governance, welfare state should be close to the people, responsive to their aspirations, and inclusive in its approach. Discuss with special reference to PM PVTG Development Mission. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"To what extent collaboration between the state and civil society organizations (CSOs) help in addressing poverty and malnutrition in the country? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Absence of a robust social infrastructure in the country may become one of the most significant challenges in achieving a developed status by 2047. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Though the changing paradigm towards dialogue and diplomacy in West Asia augurs well for India's interests in this otherwise restive region, presence of inimical actors may reverse the gains. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Water diplomacy can redefine the contours of regional cooperation in South Asia. Discuss with special reference to Indus water treaty 1960. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Despite constitutional backing to the institutions of local governance, the idea of decentralisation has remained hostage to several structural bottlenecks. Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"Independent judiciary, as envisaged by the constitution, provides the bedrock for a thriving polity; however, executive encroachment may erode its credibility and affect its efficacy. Evaluate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Executive agencies, working as the watchdog against impropriety, are vital to act against the corrupt; however, pandering to vested interests may have the effect of turning the idea of rule of law on its head. Comment, with special reference to controversies associated with the Enforcement Directorate (ED). (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Critically analyse the role of National Commission for Women (NCW) in wake of its mandate to safeguard women's rights and uphold their socio-economic wellbeing. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Understanding the extent, source, and complexity of deprivations among the multidimensionally poor contributes to more informed policymaking. In this context, analyze the latest National Multidimensional Poverty Index Report by NITI Aayog. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Safely managed drinking water services, as desired by Jal Jeevan Mission, are designated to give multifarious benefits cutting across generations. Discuss. Also, elaborate upon the challenges in ensuring the mission's success. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Legislation like Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989 remains mere legal documents without intense sensitization of public functionaries and the civil society. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Harbinger of global rebalancing, India-Africa ties are a beacon of inclusive, sustainable, and equitable world. Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"How do ASEAN centrality, rules-based order, and development partnership with Pacific Island states make Indo-Pacific a theatre of opportunity for India? What are the hurdles in realisation of an inclusive Indo-Pacific construct? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5745,"topper":"Prerna Singh","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PRERNA-SINGH-UPSC-2023-Rank-271-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"In many ways, the Spanish civil war was the opening act of WWII. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"How will you explain the different fates of Buddhism and Jainism despite a slew of similarities in the two religions? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Non-Cooperation Movement democratized India's freedom struggle but suffered from inherent limitations. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Critically analyse the efficacy of linguistic reorganization of states in addressing the reasons for linguistic divides in post-independent India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Briefly discuss the role of plate tectonics theory in explaining the location of volcanoes. Also, explain the multifarious impacts of volcanoes on the surrounding regions. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Taking further the success of Aspirational Districts Programme, Aspirational Blocks can help achieve the twin objectives of balanced growth and checking stress migration. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Describe the critical factors for location of defense industries and suggest measures to overcome the challenges. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"To what extent can Socio-Economic-Caste Census (SECC) address the challenges in achieving equitable resource allocation and targeted welfare? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Indian society is premised on some common values that give it a composite texture as well as some diverse practices that deepen its heterogeneity. Elucidate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What are the factors that influence population growth in the country? In this perspective, examine the relevance and need of raising the minimum marriageable age of women for population development. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Bring out the reasons behind the tribal unrest in British India. Also, analyze the reasons for their limited success. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The independence of India was not a result of a forced expulsion of the Empire, as desired by the Quit India Movement; it was rather a confluence of domestic politics and global circumstances. Analyze. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Explain why Sufism, a liberal reform movement in Islam could deepen its roots in the Indi-an sub-continent, despite Islam being a foreign religion? Also, bring out the impacts of Sufism on Indian society. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Enumerate the reasons behind rising intensity and frequency of cyclones in the Arabian Sea in recent years. Giving special reference to NDMA guidelines, recommend measures to check the adverse impacts of cyclones. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Examine the impacts of climate change on the hydrological cycle and suggest suitable mitigation and adaptation strategies to contain the harmful implications. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Defining continental shelf, highlight its resource potential and ecological significance. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Rooted in patriarchal values, gender-based violence, in all its manifestations, is antithetical to societal growth. Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The caste calculus in the Indian society remains predominant and continues to project its shadow on social, political, and economic domains. Do you agree? Substantiate your answer. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss various factors contributing to the water woes faced by Indian cities. Also, explain complexities in implementing a comprehensive water management plan. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Though important elements of group identity, religion and region also run the risk of deepening communal cleavages. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5746,"topper":"Prerna Singh","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PRERNA-SINGH-UPSC-2023-Rank-271-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The influence of ethical principles on shaping socially responsible behavior is widely acknowledged. How do ethical values facilitate individuals in cultivating a proactive and constructive attitude towards fulfilling their social responsibilities? Can the subjective nature of ethical principles lead to divergent attitudes regarding social responsibility? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Through their actions, interactions, and teachings, schools have the power to mold the moral compass of the next generation. In this perspective, discuss the significance of value-based education in preparing the youth to address the contemporary challenges of society. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'situation ethics'? Critically analyze its strengths and weaknesses in making moral judgements. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Maintaining traditional bonds and familial relationships in an increasingly globalized world requires personal relationships to be governed by ethical principles. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Why should a man be moral? Because it strengthens his will.\" - Swami Vivekanand. In this perspective, discuss the significance of morality for bringing efficiency and effectiveness in public administration. Do you think moral rigidity can be a hindrance in good governance? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Civil servants who embody emotional intelligence exhibit a profound understanding of the human aspect of governance, enabling them to cultivate meaningful relationships, foster cooperation, and drive positive change. Examine ways in which Emotional Intelligence can be inculcated in civil servants. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The challenges posed by the corporate sector's impact on climate, environmental sustainability, and living conditions has highlighted the need for responsible and inclusive business practices. In this direction, the contemporary discourse on corporate governance is emphasizing the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. Evaluate the ESG framework in equipping the corporate world with the capabilities to fulfill its social roles and responsibilities. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Uniform Civil Code (UCC) aims to create a set of laws governing personal matters, such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption, irrespective of individuals' religious affiliations. In the context of the ongoing discourse on UCC in India, examine the challenges that arise when attempting to reconcile legal principles with diverse moral considerations. To what extent should the law be influenced by moral/religious principles? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What does each of the following quotation mean to you? a) \"When I do good, I feel good; when I do bad, I feel bad, and that is my religion\" - Abraham Lincoln. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time.\" - Ruth Bader Ginsburg (10 marks; 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"\"Happiness is that state of consciousness which proceeds from the achievement of one's values\" - Ayn Rand. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":5747,"topper":"PRINCE BABU MISHRA","air":505,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/05e79e85886db31c562f8e2fb26b6867/58/psir-9_prince-babu-mishra_-mt23psirb012-ii.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5748,"topper":"PRINCE BABU MISHRA","air":505,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/05e79e85886db31c562f8e2fb26b6867/57/psir-10_prince-babu-mishra_-mt23psirb012-ii.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5749,"topper":"Prince Raj","air":141,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ec6d2-624717_1752_prince_raj_rank_141.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5750,"topper":"Prince Raj","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/81036-624717_1812_prince_raj_rank_141.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"What are the basic functions of a constitution? Illustrate in the context of the Indian Constitution. ?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":4,"question":"Highlighting the functions of National Green Tribunal, discuss its importance and limitations. ,","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Bring out the difference between the First Past the Post (FPTP) and Proportional Representation (PR) systems. Also, explain the merits and demerits of each for a country like India. ( FPTP) (PR) ,","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"The Indian Constitution strikes a balance between flexibility and rigidity. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"What is a pressure group? Describing the functions that it performs, explain how it is different from a political party.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Mentioning the functions that are performed by the UPSC, discuss its working as the 'watchdog of the merit system' in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"What are the various instruments available to the legislature to uphold the accountability of the executive in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the federal and unitary features of the Indian Constitution.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Compare and contrast the Indian Judicial system with the American Judicial system.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Give an account of the functions performed by the National Commission for Backward Classes.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Explain the significance of local bodies in strengthening the democratic spirit in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Highlighting the reasons behind judicial pendency in India, mention the steps, which can be taken to address this problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"The position of Legislative Councils in State Legislatures is much weaker than the Rajya Sabha in Parliament. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Explaining the meaning of Contempt of Court, discuss the arguments that are advanced in its favour as well as against it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"What are the grounds of disqualification of membership of the Parliament and state legislatures, as mentioned in The Representation of People Act 1951?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Explain the procedure through which the Constitution of India can be amended. Also, discuss its limitations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"The Union list prevails over the other lists in terms of distribution of legislative powers in the Indian Constitution. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"The doctrine of Separation of Powers is the bedrock of Indian parliamentary democracy. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"Explaining the power of the President to promulgate ordinances, mention the various limitations that exist in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Despite often being described as \"first among equals\", the position of the Prime Minister vis-a-vis other ministers in the Council of Ministers is one of pre-eminence. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5751,"topper":"Prince Raj","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/16cc8-624717_1494_prince_raj_rank_141.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"What do you understand by probity in governance? Explain, with examples, how it enhances transparency and accountability in the administration. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Differentiating between empathy and compassion, discuss the importance of compassion towards weaker sections of society in the administration. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Ethics may, at times, seem to be in conflict with law and vice-versa. Discuss with suitable examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Explaining the concept of Emotional Intelligence, highlight its role in administration. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Examine the relevance of the following in the context of civil services: (a) Integrity and Honesty (b) Objectivity and Neutrality (c) Impartiality and Non-partisanship (d) Accountability and Responsibility","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"Is it always morally wrong to lie? Justify your stand with relevant examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Bring out the difference between Attitude and Aptitude. What type of attitude is expected of civil servants in India, in your view? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How can one use Gandhiji's talisman for resolving ethical dilemmas in day-to-day life? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"People's attitudes are shaped by their social experience and circumstances. Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Explain the following terms with suitable examples. (a) Beliefs (b) Values (c) Norms (d) Principles","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Though utilitarianism is one of the most influential moral theories, it is criticized on many grounds. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What are the various types of ethical dilemmas faced by a civil servant in India? Highlight the key elements of strategies used to resolve these dilemmas. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":48,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate in your home state. Recently, rumours have started doing rounds in your office regarding your closeness with one of the businessmen in your district who happens to be your close childhood friend. The basis of the rumours is an expensive motorbike that he has gifted to your son on his birthday. Although exchange of gifts has been happening between his family and yours for many years, but this year, it has caught public eye owing to your posting in the same district. In this context, answer the following: (a) Highlight the difference between an acceptable gift and a bribe for a civil servant. (b) Give an account of the ethical issues present in the given case. (c) What would be your 13. It has been argued that ethics in journalism is on a downward spiral. This is most evident in the case of media trials. There are glaring instances of yellow journalism, wherein the media bothers little about authenticity of sources, and sensationalises news to increase TRPs and gain more audience. At times, the electronic media in particular, has been found to be functioning as parallel courts, indulging in direct allegations and public vilification of the accused. In this context: (a) Discuss the various issues associated with yellow journalism. (b) What principles, in your view, need to be followed to make sure that media glare does not turn into a media trial?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"It has been argued that ethics in journalism is on a downward spiral. This is most evident in the case of media trials. There are glaring instances of yellow journalism, wherein the media bothers little about authenticity of sources, and sensationalises news to increase TRPs and gain more audience. At times, the electronic media in particular, has been found to be functioning as parallel courts, indulging in direct allegations and public vilification of the accused. In this context: (a) Discuss the various issues associated with yellow journalism. (b) What principles, in your view, need to be followed to make sure that media glare does not turn into a media trial?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"India is one of the biggest fairness product markets in the world. A number of firms produce, advertise and sell fairness creams, marketed mainly as whitening products in the country. At the same time there have been many debates on this issue, particularly in recent times, with many arguing that such advertisements should be banned altogether. In this context, answer the following: (a) What are the ethical issues involved in advertising of fairness products? (b) Highlight the consequences of preference for light-skinned people in a society like India? (c) Do you think such issues are better tackled at the societal level rather than regulating advertisements through legal and administrative","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5752,"topper":"Prince Raj","air":141,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/u/2/folders/17I0juGYlKkuYB80cqktJJm8MGkF6Qxdf","questions":[]},{"id":5753,"topper":"Prince Raj","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/PRINCE-RAJ-UPSC-2024-Rank-141-MGP-Sample-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Foreign trade is an important milestone on the path of becoming a 5 trillion USD economy. In this context, analyse the potential of the recently released Foreign Trade Policy, 2023 in revamping India's participation in global trade. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Social protection schemes are an integral aspect of a welfare economy; however, the principles of fiscal prudence cannot be ignored. Discuss, with special reference to Old Pension Scheme (OPS). (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand from Agristack? To what extent can it become a panacea for the problems plaguing the farm sector. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The objective of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to provide a long term and equitable solution to the dilemma between free trade and food security has remained unfulfilled. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Even after five decades of the Stockholm conference, narrowing the gaps between the targets and actions remains one of the biggest challenges towards reversing climate change. Discuss. Also, recommend measures for building a coherent actionable strategy to tackle climate change. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What are the impediments in management of E-waste in the country? In what ways can the trinity of citizens, businesses, and the government tackle this menace? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How does nuclear fusion differ from nuclear fission? Assess the relevance of nuclear energy in resolving the global energy security dilemma? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are run of the river hydroelectric projects? How far can run of the river hydroelectric projects balance ecological conservation with socio-economic development? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"A robust border infrastructure is the surest way to counter multifarious threats emanating from inimical actors. Discuss, in light of Vibrant Village Programme. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"How far can a clearly articulated National Security Strategy help in tackling challenges to national security? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What are the factors that influence the inflation trends in the country? Highlighting the impacts, discuss the institutional measures in place to check inflation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Though a cornerstone of Atmanirbhar Bharat, Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme is not without its own challenges. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"How is internationalisation of rupee different from De-Dollarisation? Highlighting the benefits of internationalisation of rupee, discuss the challenges associated with the same. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What are Primary Agricultural Credit Societies? Can the cooperative push alone help in achieving the twin targets of boosting rural economy and mainstreaming small and marginal farmers? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Farm policies in the country have inadvertently led to undesirable consequences. Do you agree? Giving emphasis on PM PRANAM, discuss ways to enhance soil health and farm productivity. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What do you understand by heat waves? Highlight the reasons and impact of the rising frequency of heat waves across India. Also, recommend some measures to mitigate its impact. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"How is Chandrayaan-3 different from its predecessor, Chandrayaan-2? To what extent can India's presence in Artemis Accords help in furthering the exploration of lunar surface? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Research and Development is the key to unlock the potential of 'knowledge economy.' In this perspective, analyse the role of the National Research Foundation Bill, 2023 in democratizing the research ecosystem in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'Hybrid warfare.' Highlighting its implications for India, recommend measures to develop a comprehensive ecosystem to counter the same. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How are internal security challenges related to peace in neighboring countries? Explain with special reference to instability on India's eastern frontier. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5754,"topper":"Prince Sethi","air":313,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/PRINCE_SETHI_SS_GS_1_TEST_1_AIR_313_ca2439f39c.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5755,"topper":"Prince Sethi","air":313,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/PRINCE_SETHI_SS_GS_2_TEST_6_AIR_313_2025_754ec99a86.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5756,"topper":"Prince Sethi","air":313,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/PRINCE_SETHI_SS_GS_3_TEST_8_AIR_313_bfb8feee4e.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5757,"topper":"Prince Sethi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/PRINCE_SETHI_SS_GS_4_TEST_4_AIR_313_70869e4780.pdf","questions":[{"page":19,"question":"\"Corporate do not succeed when society around them fails\" - Quote highlight significance of Moral accountability of corporates to implement Gandhian Trusteeship philosophy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Recent Cambridge Analytica - Facebook scandal highlight issue of \"unethical AI governance\" promoting privacy & data-ethical issues. Inadequacy of Code of Conduct & Code of Ethics.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5758,"topper":"PRITESH SINGH RAJPUT","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9f34f-940595_2488_pritesh_singh_rajput_rank_697.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"A mind all logic is like a knife all blade, it makes the hand bleed that uses it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"History is a cyclic poem written by time upon the memories of man.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The wise man does at once what the fool does finally.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The world is a tragedy to those who feel, but a comedy to those who think.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Perfect clarity would profit the intellect but damage the will.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5759,"topper":"PRITESH SINGH RAJPUT","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c46dd-940595_2424_pritesh_singh_rajput_rank_697.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What are the different dimensions of food security? Examine India's status in terms of ensuring food security with regard to these dimensions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Modern technologies such as blockchain and ChatGPT are powerful tools with immense potential to transform agriculture into a more efficient and sustainable sector. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What factors have led to the recent acceleration in the trend towards de-dollarization of the global economy? Do you think the dollar will lose its dominance anytime soon? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Despite significant pressure from the developed countries to alter its food subsidy regime, there is merit in India trying to retain its policy support for the poor in the country. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Several initiatives have been taken by the government towards addressing India's water needs, but the issues of water availability and water quality still warrant prioritised intervention. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What are the major drivers of glacial retreat in the Arctic? Describe the potential impact of the retreat of Arctic glaciers on the ecosystem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Space tourism, which was viewed as something straight out of a science fiction movie, is now becoming a reality albeit not without hindrances. What are the challenges associated with space tourism? What measures can be taken to address these challenges? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Global health experts widely believe that the development of CAR-T cell therapy can be a game changer in the treatment of cancer. How can CAR-T cell therapy overcome the limitations of CRISPR-Cas9 technology? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss why the rising deployment of new and emerging technologies by prominent violent extremist organizations demand concerted global efforts. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"With the Line of Actual Control (LAC) remaining tense after the Galwan and Yangste incidents and both India and China ramping up infrastructure in the border areas, discuss the role that ITBP plays in the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Do you think there is a need for a shift from 'land productivity' to 'irrigation water productivity' in India? Justify your answer. What are the challenges in making this shift? Explain. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Examine the role that green hydrogen can play in unlocking the energy security of India. How can the National Green Hydrogen Mission help India in achieving its energy goals? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The government has been weighing a transition from minimum wage to living wage in recent times. What are the benefits and constraints in the adoption of living wage in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The Union Budget affects almost every sector of the Indian economy, yet neither the budgetary processes nor the budget policies come under substantial public scrutiny. Do you agree? Justify your answer. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"India has been able to transform itself from a milk deficit country to the world's biggest milk producer, but the productivity of dairy animals in the country remains a concern. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"While climate change is responsible for crop failures, the agricultural sector itself is partly responsible for extreme weather events. Discuss. What strategy has been adopted under National Agriculture Disaster Management Plan to strengthen the resilience of the farming community in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Some regions in India, including Delhi, are highly vulnerable to the impact of earthquakes originating in the Himalayas. Discuss. What institutional measures have been taken to mitigate earthquake losses in India? Do you think there are significant gaps that still exist? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Recently, scientists announced net energy gain in nuclear fusion reaction, which is considered as a major scientific breakthrough for the future of clean energy. What are the advantages of nuclear fusion based power generation? What are the limitations in using it to generate electricity at a commercial scale? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Keeping in view the recent amendment, examine the efficacy of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, in tackling the menace of money laundering in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Discuss the security threats present in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), which have a direct bearing on India's maritime border interests. Suggest a robust strategy to deal with these threats. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5760,"topper":"PRITESH SINGH RAJPUT","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8a042-940595_2425_pritesh_singh_rajput_rank_697.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"For effective corporate governance to take place in the coming years, why is it important to integrate the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics with the multi-stakeholder approach? What benefits can be accrued by such integration? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In acts of corruption, the focus is often only on the demand side of the equation, on public officials who abuse their office for private gain. Frequently, the supply side is given less attention. Those who pay bribes are sometimes depicted as innocent parties and victims of extortionary practices of wily public servants. Do you agree that 'collusive corruption', in which there is a willing bribe-giver, is a formidable challenge for institutions fighting corruption? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Citizens' Charters initiative was a response to the quest for solving the problems, which a citizen encountered, day in and day out, while dealing with the organisations providing public services. But the introduction and implementation of Citizens' Charters in the government of India has been difficult due to the old bureaucratic set up and the rigid attitudes of the work force. Discuss the major obstacles that there have been encountered in implementing the Citizens' Charter initiative. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Quality of public service delivery is a major determinant of the quality of life of vulnerable sections in a highly unequal society divided along the lines of class, caste, religion, etc. In this background, do you think that public service delivery is efficient and sufficient enough to improve the lives of vulnerable groups in India? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? \"The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own.\" - Lao Tzu (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"If ethics are poor at the top, that behavior is copied down through the organization.\" - Robert Noyce (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"The end of law is not to abolish or restrain, but to preserve and enlarge freedom.\" - John Locke (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Wealthy CEOs and founders of successful businesses around the world are increasingly pledging to give away their wealth in philanthropy. Do you think that such a move is sufficient enough to bring about a positive change in the society? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"As organizations across the globe begin their artificial intelligence (AI) transformation, the leap into the AI era is expected to be more challenging than any technology that businesses have grappled with yet. In this background, discuss the concerns around fairness, transparency, and job security that may arise. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The emphasis of Swami Dayanand Saraswati on education, social equality, and ethical values continues to influence the socio-cultural discourse in contemporary India. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Emotional intelligence may not be singly associated with emotions or intelligence. It can also include a broad range of personality characteristics that might predict success in professional and everyday life. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Traditional forms of state-led accountability, also characterised as vertical and horizontal channels of accountability, are increasingly found to be inadequate, and a myriad of multi-stakeholder and bottom-up citizen directed approaches have come to the fore, to supplement or supplant them. Discuss with illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"In a metropolitan city of India, the law enforcement authorities decided to adopt facial recognition technology to improve their crime-fighting capabilities. They implemented a facial recognition system that integrated with existing surveillance cameras across the city, allowing real-time identification and tracking of individuals. The system was intended to assist in identifying known criminals, missing persons, and suspects in ongoing investigations. One evening, a woman reported a mugging incident where the perpetrator wore a hoodie, obscuring most of his face. The victim provided a vague description to the police, and based on that information, the authorities decided to use facial recognition technology to locate potential suspects. The system scanned through hours of surveillance footage from various locations near the crime scene. The facial recognition algorithm generated a list of potential matches, and one individual's image stood out as a close match to the description provided by the victim. The police considered this individual a prime suspect and proceeded with his arrest. Subsequently, it was discovered that the arrested person was innocent. Further investigation revealed that the facial recognition system had misidentified the individual due to the limitations of the technology and the partial description provided by the victim. The police released the arrested individual; still his reputation got tarnished for life. He, along with his family, was evicted from their current place of residence. The psychological impact of the incident has been tremendous owing to which his job is also on the line. With reference to this case study, answer the following: (a) What are the issues involved in this case? (b) What measures can be taken to minimize the negative implications of adopting such technologies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"With reference to this case study, answer the following: (a) What are the issues involved in this case? (b) What measures can be taken to minimize the negative implications of adopting such technologies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"You are a public representative, elected on the ticket of a political party, considered as conservative by many. Your daughter, who has returned years after studying abroad, has conveyed to you her choice of marrying a person from another community. You personally do not consider anything wrong in her choice, and convey your assent to her. You also discuss it with many among your friends and family, and inform them of a grand wedding ceremony you are planning for your daughter. However, a few days after you have shared the news of the forthcoming grand wedding with many, you are informed by your political secretary about an issue being made of the same. He informs you that there are whispers among many people in your constituency about it, and indications of a sense of unease among some prominent citizens. While most of them are enamoured by your plans for a grand wedding ceremony for your daughter, they are unhappy by the bridegroom being from another community. You also get to know through your sources in the party, that your assent to the choice of the bridegroom may lead to a denial of ticket by the high command in the forthcoming elections. You are not only an ambitious politician and a rising star in your political party but also an open-minded, loving and doting father. But howsoever much you love your daughter's freedom and choices, you do not want her decision to adversely affect your political journey. This is more so, when you had been eagerly looking forward to greater responsibilities and a higher stature in the party, given the years of hardwork you have put in, as a politician. Your daughter, on the other hand, is firm with her choice and does not want her impending grand wedding to be affected in any way. She is adamant that her wedding will not be held as a private ceremony with only close friends and family, but should be publicised in a grand way, as you had promised earlier to her. Given this situation, answer the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the above situation? (b) What are the various options that you have, as a father and an ambitious politician? (c) What will be your course of action? Justify with proper reasoning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5761,"topper":"Priya kumari","air":232,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ca8cd-869775_3342_priya_kumari_rank_232.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5762,"topper":"Priya kumari","air":232,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/49ee3-869775_3343_priya_kumari_rank_232.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"\"Common sense is sociological nonsense.\" How far do you agree with the assertion in context of 21st century sociology?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Examine the growth of the gig economy as a new form of informal work. What implications does it have for job security and labor rights?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"\"Modernization does not necessarily lead to development.\" Analyze.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Explain the concept of fictive kinship and its significance in forming social bonds. How does it operate in modern societies?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss how has the information revolution impacted social change in developing societies?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Compare and contrast evolutionary and conflict theories of social change. What does each perspective reveal about societal transformation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Explain the concept of triangulation in research. How does it enhance the validity and reliability of sociological studies?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Analyse the relationship between sociology and welfare economics, with special reference to Indian society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss the concepts of fact, value, and objectivity in sociological research. Can sociology ever be entirely value-free?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Discuss the role of education as an agent of social change, with reference to issues of social mobility, equality, and empowerment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"Examine the impact of automation and artificial intelligence on the future of work. What are its implications for developing economies?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"\"One is not born a woman, but becomes one.\" In this context discuss feminist challenge of traditional kinship and family systems.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Define Ulrich Beck's concept of the 'risk society.' How does the concept of risk influence contemporary social change?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"\"Scientific method can be effectively applied to study social phenomena.\" Do you agree?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"\"Alienation remains a relevant concept in understanding modern workplace dynamics.\" Comment with reference to digital workspaces.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"\"Phenomenology represents the most radical departure from the 'scientific' methodology\". Critically analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"How modernity influenced the intellectual development of sociology or shaped sociology's focus on issues of social order and change?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":61,"question":"Examine the strengths and limitations of ethnography as a research method in sociology.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":63,"question":"Discuss how the integration of qualitative and quantitative approaches (mixed methods) can enhance sociological research. Give examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":67,"question":"With the rise of nuclear modern families, the relevance of kinship studies in the sociological analysis is reducing. Do you agree?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":71,"question":"Analyze the relationship between division of labor and social solidarity in industrial societies.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":73,"question":"Discuss Max Weber's theory of rationalization and its impact on social change in modern society. Provide contemporary examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":77,"question":"Discuss how the traditional functions of marriage are increasingly replaced by contractual and consumer-driven roles.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":81,"question":"Critically analyze the Dependency Theory in understanding social change in developing countries. How does it explain the global inequalities in development?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5763,"topper":"Priya Rani","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Priya-RaniUPSC-2023-Rank-69-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What do you mean by 'public' in public servant? Bring out and discuss three important values in public servants. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Objectivity means absence of biases and not absence of empathy. Discuss the significance of empathy and objectivity in a civil servant. How can these two values be reconciled in case of conflict between them? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Many examples of 'living the values' can be drawn from Swami Vivekananda's life, which are important for any civil servant. Highlight such values and illustrate how they can help in achieving services' objectives. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Foreign aid is seen as an important source for achieving the objectives of socio-economic development, but many of the times it faces opposition from the local population. What are the various ethical issues involved with foreign aid? Suggest measures to resolve such issues? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Differentiate between accountability and responsibility. Do you think responsibility without accountability is meaningful? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Effective public service delivery requires a citizen centric system. Citizen's Charter is seen as an important tool to ensure such a system, but it is not achieving its objectives. Why? Discuss measures to make it more effective? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Civil servants often face a crisis of conscience when fulfilling their official duties. In your opinion, what are the reasons for such crisis? How can they be resolved? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Ethical work culture increases employee job satisfaction and ensures organizational success. Elaborate. In what ways can ethical culture be incorporated in an organization? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Corporate governance is not just for the better management of the corporate but also for creating greater good for the society. Explain with illustrations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What does each of the following quotations mean to you? a) \"Good governance depends on ability to take responsibility by both administration as well as the public.\" (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":34,"question":"The government has intensified infrastructure construction in border regions to carry out development of people living in such areas and for protecting territorial integrity against aggression from neighboring countries. In one such region, the use of heavy machinery is causing damage to houses in the vicinity of the project site, threatening the local environment and increasing risks of geological hazard in an area which is categorized as seismic zone 5. As house owners started protesting against the damage to their property, they were compensated liberally for the losses by the project implementing firm. In the latest incident, 10 construction workers involved in the project died when the building in which they were sleeping crumbleddown. The building had been declared unsafe recently due to its proximity with the project site. The workers have designated living quarters built for them by the construction firm, however the space inside them gets crowded at night. Compensation has been announced by the government as well as the firm for the families of the dead as well as for the injured. The incident is now making headlines. Citing the damage to local buildings and environment, You are a senior bureaucrat who has been made the head of the inquiry commission. Answer the following: a) What are the ethical dilemmas in the case? b) Give your recommendations with justification based on the facts. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":5764,"topper":"Priya Rani","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Priya-RaniUPSC-2023-Rank-69-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Why did Indian rulers fail to defend their kingdoms against foreign invaders during early medieval period? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The Shimla Agreement reads more like a communiqué than a peace agreement. Critically analyze. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Why is regionalism considered a “double-edged sword” for national unity and integration? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Warmer waters of Bay of Bengal are typically more prone to cyclones than the cooler and calmer Arabian Sea, but the trend seems to be changing. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Explain the critical role of different jet streams in Indian monsoon. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How is a flash-flood different from a flood? Highlight the actions that can be taken to manage and minimize the impact flash floods. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Examine the reasons for localization of software services industries in few urban centres of the country. Do you think that there is need to decentralize this industry? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Why has Russian Far East emerged as a region of growing interest for India? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Do you agree that single minded focus on development of solar power in the country has led to neglect and underutilization of other renewable energy sources? Justify. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Accounts given by foreign travelers are as important as the evidence obtained from inscriptions and coins in reconstruction of ancient Indian history. Elaborate with examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Temples of ancient India were not just places of worship but centres of socio-economic life of people. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"How far do you agree that imposition of emergency in 1975 was necessary to preserve security and integrity of the country? What lessons did the emergency offer for the nation? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Globalization offers economic opportunities and benefits, but it comes with substantial social costs and accelerated process of marginalization. Critically evaluate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"With the help of a neat diagram, discuss internal structure of earth. Explain how study of seismic waves helps in better understanding of earth's interior. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Highlight the conditions suitable for formation and development of coral reefs. Also, discuss various natural and anthropogenic factors responsible for their destruction. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"With the help of map given below, highlight the distribution of petroleum and natural gas (P&NG) in India. Also, discuss the implications of scarcity of P&NG resources in the country. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Enumerate the factors that helped 'Bombay' emerge as center of cotton-textile industry. Also, present reasons for the dispersion of cotton textile industries to other parts of the country. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Stubble burning is a seasonal issue that accentuates air pollution problem in Delhi-NCR, however, National Air Quality Index reported just zero, two and five 'good' air quality day in 2018, 2019 and 2020 respectively for Delhi. In this context, discuss various underlying geographical and human factors responsible for this chronic problem and suggest some remedial measures. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5765,"topper":"Priya Rani","air":69,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/93393beb2b7e996905ce7ea7f8b78443/88/air-69-priya-rani_test-4_gs4.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) Public service requires not merely legal but also morally principled action. Public service requires the public servant to place loyalty to the constitution, laws, and ethical principles. Among the three, which do you think must acquire primacy while carrying out official functions? Why? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"(b) What do you understand by \"integrity-based civil disobedience\"? Do you think a challenge to personal integrity can be a justifiable cause for responsible disobedience in civil services? Explain.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) Recent research has shown that emotions significantly impact personal and professional lives. What are the primary emotions that negatively and positively impact workplace productivity? Explain with relevant examples.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":9,"question":"(b) Technical efficiency ensures resource utilization and social efficiency ensures fulfillment of social needs, what does ethical efficiency ensure? Do you think ethical efficiency is more important than technical and social efficiency? Why/Why not?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"3. (a) \"Man cannot do right in one department of life whilst he is occupied in doing wrong in any other department.\" Gandhi.\nDo you think an individual's personal ethics impacts professional life or they both can be compartmentalized? Explain your position with relevant examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"(b) Goodness is the result of internal imperatives to do what is right, not sanctions from moral rules or rewards from expected consequences. Do you agree? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"4. Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance.\n(a) \"To tolerate is purely an act of the mind. That is the essence of virtue. To tolerate is a strength.\" (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"(b) \"It is our first duty to serve society, and after we have done that, we may attend wholly to the salvation of our souls.\" (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"(c) \"Periods of peace are the empty pages in the history books\" (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks\n Why has there been less period of peace?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"5 (a) In the context of civil service, distinguish between moral and non moral values. Identify 5 basic moral values that can serve as foundational values for all services irrespective of the department. Give reasons why those values can be considered foundational.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"(b) Citizens' involvement in decision-making is critical to ethics in governance. Do you agree that effective civic engagement mechanisms can facilitate an ethics-driven administration? What do you think are the mechanisms that citizens can use for ensuring ethics in governance?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"6. (a) Social transformation programs such as \"beti bachao and beti padhao\" believes in using advice, counseling, and persuasion but sometimes a little force is also necessary for getting the desired response. Do you think it is a good idea to mix little force with persuasion by public administrators while implementing social schemes of transformation? Explain with relevant examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"(b) Ultimately foreign policy of every country hinges upon the strength which the nation possesses. Strength may be military or financial and may be also... moral. Do you think ethical strength without military or financial muscle will be respected in today's world? Explain your position.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"7 You are a young officer working with the Municipal Corporation of an industrial city. The city was known for manufacturing ball bearings and auto parts. Most manufacturing units were small-scale units with very little production process automation. The units relied on manual labor, which was in abundance due to the villages close by.\nAs the number of manufacturing units grew, the demand for labor increased, bringing in a steady inflow of laborers into the city. This influx of people into the town led to a mushrooming of slums and encroachments on the sidewalks. Once in a while, the Corporation conducted drives to clear out the slums, but after a time, the slums came back. The illegal slums had become an urban nightmare.\nYou were given the responsibility of clearing out the encroachments and slums with the help of Police authorities. As you started the drive, you realized that the people living by the sidewalks were vulnerable compared to the slum dwellers. Many sidewalk dwellers had recently come to the city after selling their properties in their villages. Now if you drive them out, they have no place to go. Your heart went out to them, and you felt that your departmental action was inhumane, but your official responsibilities demanded stern impartial action. You are desperate to find a way to help the sidewalk dwellers without compromising your official duties.\n(a) What value conflicts do you notice in the above situation?\n(b) Can an administrator compromise the value of impartiality for empathy? Discuss.\n(c) What are the options available in the above situation?\n(d) Suggest viable solutions for tackling illegal slums and encroachments in urban areas.","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":32,"question":"(a) Viable solution for tackling illegal slums and encroachment in urban areas","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"8. A certain State government was running a welfare scheme for promoting safe motherhood among rural landless laborers' families. The scheme involves the transfer of funds to the beneficiaries to enable them to mitigate income loss due to maternal care responsibilities. Since its implementation, the scheme has done reasonably well on maternal health and economic indicators.\nYou are the Director of the Department responsible for implementing and operating the scheme. Recently you have been receiving reports of welfare fraud being committed by families by producing fake bona fide. The families committed the fraud with the help of local officials responsible for scrutinizing the bonafide.\nYou were concerned because the fraud was seriously undermining the scheme's efficiency. You called for a departmental meeting to discuss and find a solution to the problem. In the meeting, it was decided to merge several available government data sets such as Aadhar cards, voter ID cards, marriage certificates, birth certificates, bank details, and other personal assets. By merging all the data sets, the department would be able to develop the beneficiary's economic profile. And this will help the department scrutinize the documents and detect fraud. This was a comprehensive strategy, but it risked violating an individual's data privacy. As a Department head, you wanted to detect and prevent fraud, but at the same time, you were apprehensive about violating the Data privacy of the stakeholders.\n(a) What are the issues involved in the above case?\n(b) Do you think violating data privacy is justified to prevent welfare fraud? Why/ Why not?\n(c) What, according to you, can be the reasons for such welfare frauds happening in the country?\n(d) Are there any ways and means to prevent such fraud? Give your suggestions.","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":39,"question":"9 You are posted in the Department of Mines, and one of your roles is to help your Department Head negotiate mining leases with private contractors.\nRecently, the state government demarcated a new mining zone and planned to invite bids for the mining blocs. You were instructed to oversee the bidding process and speed up the contract negotiations. As planned, the tenders were released, bids came in, and tenders were allocated as per the norms. All this happened at a breakneck speed. You wondered, why the hurry? But it was not your place to think and question; you quietly went about your work.\nAs the contractors were about to start operations, you had to instruct them on environmental concerns to watch out for. And to do that, you read the environmental impact assessment report submitted by a consulting firm hired by the department. To your surprise, the report was shoddy and looked cooked up. You got suspicious and raised the issue with your Head, who politely instructed you to do what you were told, and he reminded you that the Department had revenue targets and was under pressure from the Ministry.\nAfter the meeting you, on your own accord, did some digging and found out that the report was fraudulent and the mining activity that was about to start would lead to a massive environmental disaster which the State could not afford.\n(a) What are the issues and value violations you notice in the above case?\n(b) What are the options available to you?\n(c) Discuss the advantage and disadvantages of each option and identify your chosen course of action.\n(d) Do you think that environmental considerations are sometimes overrated at the cost of development?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":44,"question":"10 (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\n(b) Do you think corporate businesses like GAMA should think about international ethics while promoting their business interests? If yes, why? If no, why not?\n(c) Do you think a corporate's social responsibility extends beyond its immediate community to the international community? If yes, why? If no, why not?\n(d) Do you think sensitive technology defense companies should be regularly regulated by related governments, or should regulation reduce their entrepreneurship and innovation energy? Discuss.\na What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\nb Do you think corporate businesses like GAMA should think about international ethics while promoting their business interests? If yes, why? If no, why not?\nc Do you think a corporate's social responsibility extends beyond its immediate community to the international community? If yes, why? If no, why not?\nd Do you think sensitive technology defense companies should be regularly regulated by related governments, or should regulation reduce their entrepreneurship and innovation energy? Discuss.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"11 (a) इस मामले में कौन–से नैतिक और व्यावसायिक मुद्दे शामिल हैं?\n(b) श्री शर्मा और सीईओ के पास कौन–कौन से विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\n(c) क्या आपको लगता है कि बिक्री कार्यबल को स्वतंत्रता देने की संगठनात्मक संस्कृति के कारण समस्या उत्पन्न हुई या व्यक्ति की भ्रष्ट प्रवृत्ति के कारण समस्या उत्पन्न हुई? चर्चा कीजिए।\n(d) जैसा कि इस मामले में बताया गया है, ऐसे अनैतिक व्यवहार को रोकने के लिए कंपनी कौन–से नैतिक तंत्र और उपाय निर्माण और कार्यान्वित कर सकती है? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":50,"question":"(a) What are the ethical and business issues involved in the case?\n(b) What are the options available to Mr. Sharma and the CEO?\n(c) Do you think the organizational culture of giving freedom to the sales force led to the issue or was the individual's corrupt nature that led to the problem? Discuss.\n(d) What ethics mechanisms and steps can the company create and implement to prevent unethical behavior, as mentioned in the case?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":54,"question":"12 (a) उपरोक्त मामले में कौन-कौन से मुद्दे शामिल हैं?\n(b) आपको क्या लगता है रश्मि को क्या करना चाहिए? क्या रश्मि के लिए स्थानीय प्रशासन को शामिल करना अच्छा विचार होगा? कार्यान्वयन योग्य कार्यवाही का सुझाव दीजिए।\n(c) क्या आपको लगता है कि कंपनियों को उस क्षेत्र की सामाजिक समस्याओं के लिए भी जिम्मेदारी स्वीकार करनी चाहिए जहाँ वे अपना कार्य करती हैं? अगर हाँ तो क्यों, अगर नहीं तो क्यों नहीं?\n(d) श्रमिक संघ की इतनी आक्रामक प्रतिक्रिया के क्या कारण हो सकते हैं? आपके अनुसार रश्मि को कर्मचारी संघ को कैसे संभालना चाहिए? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए) 20 अंक\n\nSingh Garh is a primarily rural district with minimal, relatively insignificant industrial activity, except for one consumer goods manufacturing plant, which was the primary source of employment. Development indicators such as health, literacy, etc., were much below the national average.\n\nAlong with developmental issues, another grave concern was the slow rise in child marriages. Despite the legal sanctions, child marriage continued to rise unabated.","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"(a) What are the issues involved in the above case?\n(b) What do you think Rashmi should do? Would it be a good idea for Rashmi to involve local administration? Suggest an implementable course of action.\n(c) Do you think companies should also accept responsibility for the social problems of the region where they operate? Why/why not?\n(d) What could be the reasons for such an aggressive reaction from the workers union? How do you think Rashmi should handle the workers union? (Answer in 250 words) 20 marks\na) What are the issues involved in the above case?\nb) What do you think Rashmi should do? Would it be a good idea for Rashmi to involve local administration? Suggest an implementable course of action.\nc) Do you think companies should also accept responsibility for the social problems of the region where they operate? Why/why not?\nd) What could be the reasons for such an aggressive reaction from the workers union? How do you think Rashmi should handle the workers union?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":58,"question":"(a) Reasons for aggressive reaction from workers union:\n1 an underdeveloped region -> low employment girl child already a burden & delayed marriage will increase burden.\n2 Traditional morality of marrying off girl early to fulfill their responsibility.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5766,"topper":"Priya Rani","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Priya-RaniUPSC-2023-Rank-69-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Ethical governance is the foundation of a welfare state. Identify essential ethical traits of a welfare state. Discuss ways and means to promote ethics in governance. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"While one group considers abortion as unmitigated evil, the other sees it as morally acceptable. Analyse various ethical concerns related to abortion and give your opinion on the issue. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Conscience keeps ethics from fading when faced with a tough decision. Discuss in context of civil servants. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What are the various conflicts of values that civil servants face while performing their duty? How can such conflicts be resolved? Discuss with illustrations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Emotional intelligence (EI) not only helps in managing stress but also transforms distress into eustress. Elaborate with relevant examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Although attitude and behaviour are interrelated, the former is a predisposition while the latter is an option. Discuss the structure of attitude and explain the relationship between attitude and behaviour. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Civil servants should work for a cause and not for applause. In light of this statement, examine why bureaucratic anonymity is considered a foundational value for a civil servant. How far do you agree that the principle of bureaucratic anonymity has been diluted in the age of social media? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What does each of the following quotation mean to you? a) A man can give up a right, but he may not give up a duty without being guilty of a grave dereliction. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Ethics in international relations is a myth, only national interest determines the foreign policy. How far do you agree with this statement? Discuss with suitable illustrations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"It is not power, but fear that corrupts. Fear of losing power corrupts those who wield it and fear of the scourge of power corrupts those who are subject to it. Examine the statement in context of political corruption. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel. What do you understand by this statement? In your opinion, which five values should Indian education system inculcate in every student? Justify your choice. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Samuel is a famous tennis player. He is at the top of his career and had won three grand slams last year. The first major tournament of this year is scheduled for next week in country A. Samuel is the defending champion and crowd favourite. Organizers of the tournament expect Samuel to be a crowd puller for his matches. Many aspiring tennis players and youth look up to Samuel as their idol. The tournament is being organized amidst the deadly third wave of Covid infection in country A. Country A has declared a public health emergency due to the rising number of Covid cases. Keeping in mind medical exigency, the organizers have mandated that every participating athlete as well as the attending audience should be fully vaccinated with two doses. However, Samuel refused to get vaccinated as he believes that vaccines can negatively impact his performance in the tournament. Samuel also argued that mandatory vaccination is a violation of his right to choose and goes against his individual liberty. The organizers of the tournament knew that if Samuel is denied entry in the tournament, their revenue from ticket sales may go down. They hesitantly allowed Samuel to participate in the tournament even without his compliance with vaccine mandate. To tackle the surging wave of pandemic, country A has prescribed two weeks quarantine for anyone who has visited any other pandemic affected country. Samuel has visited one such country. But such a declaration from Samuel would mean that he would miss the tournament as only one week is left for the start of matches. To avoid quarantine, Samuel lied in his affidavit and claimed that he had not visited any other pandemic affected country. Samuel's popularity became his enemy as people quickly found that he had lied in his affidavit and photos of him vacationing last week in a pandemic affected country went viral on social media. There was a huge outrage against the conduct of Samuel. Samuel was arrested, fined and deported from country A. But there was also a section of the population who wanted to see Samuel in action and was upset that Samuel was forced to leave country A. Based on this case study, answer the following: a) Identify various ethical issues involved in this incident. b) In your opinion, whether vaccine mandates are a violation of individual liberty or a reasonable restriction on personal freedom. Justify. c) Discuss the ethical responsibility of famous personalities while conducting themselves in public. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"You are an IFS officer who heads a diplomatic mission in a European country. You live there with your wife and children. Your parents and few of your relatives are also visiting you for vacation. The country is known for its scenic mountains and it is a popular destination for tourists. In an unexpected turn of events, the country in which you are posted has been attacked by its neighbour due to some unresolved bilateral issues. All the major transportation channels have been adversely impacted by the attack. Flights have been cancelled and airspace above the country has been declared unsafe for commercial aircrafts. You have received an urgent communication from New Delhi asking you to prepare a plan for evacuation of Indians from the besieged country. You have been informed that a friendly neighbouring country of India has sought India's help to evacuate its citizens. Due to war, only a limited number of people can be evacuated in one go and multiple rounds would be required for evacuating everyone. You have identified following groups of people who are to be evacuated: i. You, your wife, children, parents and relatives. ii. Diplomatic staff at the mission. iii. Indian tourists visiting the country. iv. Indian students studying in the country v. A film crew and actors who were shooting a film in the country. These include some of the biggest names of Bollywood. vi. Citizens of the friendly neighbouring country that has requested India's help. As a civil services officer of the state, what would be the order in which you would evacuate these people and why? Give Justifications. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Rashmi is a young IPS officer who is posted as the SP law and order in a district that has a history of communal clashes. During a cultural event, a political leader made certain controversial comments regarding the religion of another community that can potentially harm communal harmony in the district. The representatives of the aggrieved community met Rashmi with their complaint. An FIR was registered in the matter and the police department promptly started an investigation. During questioning, the accused political leader denied the charges. He claimed that he was exercising his right to freedom of expression and had no intention of hurting anyone's feelings. He even offered to tender an apology if his statement had hurt someone's religious feelings. However, the aggrieved community was not satisfied with this apology and demanded strict action against the accused. The next day, a video went viral on social media in which the accused political leader can be seen making derogatory statements against another religious faith. However, Rashmi suspects that the video going viral on the internet is a doctored video and someone has mischievously edited it to make it more vitriolic and inflammatory. The video has ignited communal tensions in the district. The accused political leader belongs to an influential community and his community has put their support behind him. Local intelligence has warned that some anti-social elements are trying to use this opportunity to create communal riot in the district. The entire matter has been politicized and is being covered by the national media. In this situation answer the following: a) What differentiates a hate speech from a free speech? b) Why does social media have a very strong influence over the actions and thoughts of its users? c) What is the most suitable course of action for Rashmi in this situation? Justify. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Ashmita is a respected doctor who runs her own maternity clinic in a small town. She is a mother of two and her husband is also a doctor. Ashmita handles multiple cases of child delivery every day and is known for her compassionate treatment of patients. Her clinic enjoy a good reputation in town. Among other expecting mothers, Shikha, daughter-in-law of an MLA, was admitted to Ashmita's maternity clinic for child birth. The MLA met Ashmita and expressed his confidence in her skills. He requested her to personally take extra care of Shikha, to which Ashmita agreed happily. Shikha unexpectedly went into labour in the early hours the next day. During this time, Ashmita was performing an emergency surgery on another patient, so she could not attend to Shikha. Shikha was taken care of by other qualified doctors and hospital staff. The MLA was visibly unhappy that Ashmita did not attend Shikha herself. Once the emergency surgery was completed, Ashmita joined her staff and attended Shikha. However, Shikha passed away due to excess bleeding from Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) during childbirth. Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is unpredictable heavy bleeding and Ashmita did everything that she could have done to try to save Shikha's life. The MLA blamed Ashmita for Shikha's death. Ashmita was beaten by the MLA and his staff. When her husband tried to save Ashmita, she was dragged out of the hospital and thrashed. A police complaint was also lodged against Ashmita accusing her of murder due to negligence. For many days after the incident, she and her family faced constant harassment by police and supporters of the MLA. Ultimately, Ashmita could not take any more humiliation and committed suicide. The news of suicide by the doctor spread like wildfire. Indian Medical Association took cognizance of the case and warned nationwide strike of doctors if appropriate actions in this case were not taken. The state government has appointed a committee to investigate the matter and recommend suitable actions. You are the Chairperson of this committee. In this scenario, answer the following: a) Why do doctors face violence in the country? b) Identify various moral-ethical and administrative lapses in this case. c) What would you recommend in this case? Give rationale behind those recommendations. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Lithium is emerging as the new gold in the modern world. It is used extensively in making rechargeable batteries that are used across phones, laptops, electric vehicles etc. As the world is transitioning towards clean energy, demand for lithium is rising exponentially. India is dependent on imports for her lithium needs. Recently, a large lithium deposit has been found during a geological survey in Central India. According to initial estimates, the reserve is large enough to not only fulfill domestic requirements but also leave enough surplus for India to export lithium to other countries. The news of this discovery is covered by national media. This reserve can provide much needed impetus to adoption and development of green energy technologies in the country. Many prominent union ministers have expressed their desire for timely development of lithium mines and claimed that this discovery to be an outcome of their far-sighted governance and development model. Amit is a senior government official who has been appointed as project development officer for this mining project. During initial assessment of the project, Amit found that the discovered reserve lies inside a forest inhabited by tribals. This is a pristine forest, hitherto untouched by humans, other than indigenous tribal communities. This forest hosts a wide variety of flora and fauna, many of which are endemic. Further, the lithium reserve lies at the foothill of a hillock. This hillock has a small shrine where the deity worshipped by the tribals is located. Lithium mining in this area would mean destruction of forest, blasting of the mountain where shrine of the tribal deity is located and displacement of tribals. The tribal population is against this mining project. They consider this project as an assault on their way of life and culture. Intelligence report suggests that if these tribals are forcefully displaced and their shrine destroyed, they can become easy targets for the Naxal indoctrination and create a security nightmare for the state. On the other hand, Amit is facing political pressure for execution of this project and has been repeatedly reminded that not only this project is of national importance but also can be a stepping stone for his career. Amit is your colleague and a close friend. He asks you for your advice in this matter. Based on the described situation, help Amit identify various ethical dilemmas in this case. In your opinion, what is the most suitable course of action for Amit? Justify your choice. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":5767,"topper":"Priya Rani","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Priya-RaniUPSC-2023-Rank-69-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Every person has a fundamental right to entertain such religious practices as approved by his conscience. Do you think that 'doctrine of essentiality' restricts this autonomy? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Sedition law, in any form, is a threat to civil liberties and presents an opportunity for its weaponization against dissenters and detractors. Should India do away with the sedition law? Justify your opinion. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss the status of death penalty in the country. Can a governor pardon a death penalty? What are various limitations of pardoning power of governor? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The divergence between intent and impact of the tenth schedule necessitates calling into question its relevance in the present times. Analyze. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Instead of performing a transformative role, traditional bureaucracy has contributed to perpetuation of old order. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Sustainable alliance between Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and the State is critical for social change and development. Highlighting hurdles in this developmental alliance, suggest remedial measures for a more productive partnership. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Subsidies have morphed into a populist tool to achieve electoral objectives rather than developmental goals. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) can be most effective when its tasks are adequately supported by other mechanisms that improve the voice of the tribals. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"India's relation with West Asia has acquired depth and diversity that can navigate geopolitical hurdles. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"India's response to Ukraine crisis is an expression of strategic autonomy and not a reflection of strategic compulsions. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss the role of the judiciary in electoral reforms citing suitable cases. How far do you agree that judiciary induced reforms violate the principle of separation of power? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Why did constitution makers prefer 'union of states' over 'federation of states' to describe India? To what extent this preference is responsible for tensions in centre-state relations? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Political decentralization without devolution of funds and functions to panchayats has resulted in representation but not empowerment. Examine whether devolution of funds and functions alone can transform panchayats into effective institutions of self-governance. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The offence of rape cannot be condoned by marital relationship between victim and culprit. In light of this statement, discuss the issues involved in criminalization of marital rape. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Harnessing public sector data is vital for informed decision making, accelerating socio-economic transformation and democratizing innovation in the country. In this context, highlight the various bottlenecks in public data sharing and suggest strategies for unlocking true value of data. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Why do Indian universities find it difficult to break into the ranks of top global universities? How can Indian institutions of higher education be transformed into global centres of learning? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are an effective model of social entrepreneurship for women empowerment and have multiplier effects on developmental processes in rural areas. Elaborate with suitable examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Success of welfare schemes depends on whether they are built on principles of participation and work within structures of accountability. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"USA-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for prosperity (IPEF) is an economic initiative to complement its existing security partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region. Analyze the significance of and challenges to IPEF in the present scenario. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"BRICS has a potential to lead the path towards reformed multilateralism but suffer from numerous internal contradictions. Discuss in light of recently concluded 14th BRICS summit. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5768,"topper":"Priya Rani","air":69,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/93393beb2b7e996905ce7ea7f8b78443/65/air-69-priya-rani_test-4_gs4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5769,"topper":"Priya Rani","air":69,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1N3JrzH-0EcwCYSzwY2gXw-sCnX3LTVb8","questions":[]},{"id":5770,"topper":"Priyadarshini","air":66,"year":2017,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/18218_760_Priyadarshini_Rank_66.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5771,"topper":"Priyadarshini","air":227,"year":2016,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/18218_814_Priyadarshini_Rank_227.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5772,"topper":"Priyadarshini","air":227,"year":2016,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/18218_815_Priyadarshini_Rank_227.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5773,"topper":"Priyadarshini","air":227,"year":2016,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/18218_817_Priyadarshini_Rank_227.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5774,"topper":"Priyadarshini","air":227,"year":2016,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/18218_818_Priyadarshini_Rank_227.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5775,"topper":"Priyadarshini","air":227,"year":2016,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/18218_819_Priyadarshini_Rank_227.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5776,"topper":"Priyadarshini","air":227,"year":2016,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/18218_820_Priyadarshini_Rank_227.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5777,"topper":"Priyadarshini","air":227,"year":2016,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/18218_821_Priyadarshini_Rank_227.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5778,"topper":"Priyamvada Ashok Mhaddalkar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0713b-1003810_1512_priyamvada-ashok-mhaddalkar_rank_13.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Persuasion plays an important role in public administration. Discuss. Also highlight the various elements of effective persuasion. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"\"Never do anything against the conscience even if the state demands it.\" In this context, discuss the role of conscience in taking ethical decisions in administration. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Raja Ram Mohan Roy's liberal views on social and religious issues have much relevance in present day India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The moral circle of humanity has been expanding constantly over time. Discuss in this context whether non-human entities should have the same rights as human beings. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"Each individual is capable of transforming his immediate environment by attempting a radical transformation inside him\". - J Krishnamurti (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"An important requisite for ensuring probity in governance is absence of corruption. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The right to information (RTI) and the right to privacy (RTP) complement each other in holding the government accountable to the people, however, in cases of conflict, they can be reconciled keeping public interest in mind. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Explain the ethical issues involved in spending government funds for advertisement campaigns and publicity. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Explaining the concept of political neutrality, discuss its significance in administration. Also, highlight how the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules seek to ensure political neutrality in the civil services. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"In light of the recurring issues, there is a constant need to search for better ethical frameworks and models of corporate governance. Discuss with adequate examples and evidence in support of your arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":36,"question":"In a recent survey around social and economic indicators, a certain state in the country was found grossly underperforming. The state is marred with the issues of poverty, hunger, social backwardness, lawlessness and underdevelopment. In about seven decades since gaining independence, this state has continued to perform poorly across various indices. In the past, the Chief Minister had set up a fact finding Committee to report on the chief causes of the backwardness of the State. After years of ground research and surveying, it was found that the one of the main causes of the state's backwardness was its huge population that amplified resource scarcity to unimaginable proportions. Taking a clue from the facts presented in the report, the State Cabinet constitutes a panel of policy makers to consider this question of growing population and suggest suitable revisions to the State's Population Policy. The Panel recommends legislating a Population Control Bill that has a contentious provision in the form of 'One Child' norm. You are the Chief of this Panel and the recommendations of the Panel require your approval to be tabled in the Chief Minister's Office. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the ethical issues related to population control of a compulsory nature that you would consider before approving or rejecting the recommendation? (b) What would be your course of action in the aforementioned case? Suggest reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"You are a District Magistrate of an area which has seen a huge surge in COVID-19 cases during the second wave of pandemic in India. The health infrastructure is already overburdened. Hospitals are overwhelmed, crematoriums and burial sites are regularly running out of space, and covid testing is struggling to meet the demand. Also, the vaccination drive is at the risk of going off-track due to the demand-supply mismatch. During this difficult time, you come to know that there are some people who are engaging in black marketing, hoarding and profiteering by using every trick in the book to cheat, ransom and swindle Covid-19 patients and their kin in the name of scarcity of drugs, oxygen and hospital beds. Black marketing, hoarding and profiteering are a classic case of market failure, which highlights the significance of state intervention in a crisis situation. How can state effectively play the role of a regulator as well as service provider in such cases of market failure?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"You work as a marketing consultant for a multinational company that specializes in various products including nutrient supplements, diet pills etc. The company pays its employees extremely well and provides satisfactory fringe benefits. Your manager has hinted that he will recommend you for overseas company transfer, which will improve your job profile. This has motivated you to work harder and perform better. The company has to advertise and sell a new weight loss pill 'X'. As per in-company research, it has minimal or no side effects and has no adverse impacts on health, which is its unique selling point (USP). You are given the responsibility of heading the marketing team for advertising pill 'X'. Due to a well-crafted marketing strategy including endorsement by a renowned celebrity, the product has generated considerable public attention. However, while working on an advertisement campaign for the pill, you find out that the in-company research findings of pill 'X' are fabricated. While it indeed has no side-effects, there are no proven benefits of taking the pill as well. It merely acts as a placebo. When you bring up the issue with your manager, he promptly tells you to keep the facts to yourself. He also indirectly brings up the fact that your performance review date is approaching and hints that you will get transferred overseas if you prove your loyalty to the company. Based on the given information, address the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders in this situation. (b) State the ethical issues that arise in this case. (c) Discuss your options in this scenario and mention your next step.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":56,"question":"The COVID-19 pandemic has forced universities, schools and other educational institutions around the world to shut down their campuses indefinitely and move their educational activities onto online platforms. These institutions were not prepared for such a transition and their online teaching-learning process evolved gradually. Though students considered online learning advantageous because of flexibility and convenience, there have been reports that the students prefer learning in physical classrooms to online education. The students feel that online education is stressful and affects their health and social life. Moreover, not all students have equal access to, and expertise on, digital technologies. Although these inequalities existed earlier, the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed this digital divide. Considering yourself as the Chairman of a Committee, constituted by the government, to suggest measures to improve the quality and accessibility of online education, answer the following questions: (a) What are the key ethical issues at stake here? (b) Highlight the principles and values that will guide your recommendations to the government. (c) Suggest measures to improve the quality and accessibility of online education in the country.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5779,"topper":"Priyamvada Ashok Mhaddalkar","air":13,"year":2021,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3445f-1003810_1995_priyamvada-ashok-mhaddalkar_rank-13.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5780,"topper":"Priyamvada Ashok Mhaddalkar","air":13,"year":2021,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a5e39-1003810_1996_priyamvada-ashok-mhaddalkar_rank-13.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5781,"topper":"Priyamvada Ashok Mhaddalkar","air":13,"year":2021,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ecfaa-1003810_1997_priyamvada-ashok-mhaddalkar_rank-13.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5782,"topper":"Priyamvada Ashok Mhaddalkar","air":13,"year":2021,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/851ce-1003810_1998_priyamvada-ashok-mhaddalkar_rank-13.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5783,"topper":"Priyamvada Ashok Mhaddalkar","air":13,"year":2021,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5e5db-1003810_1999_priyamvada-ashok-mhaddalkar_rank-13.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5784,"topper":"Priyank Kishore","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/acfa5-95820_1247_priyank-kishore_rank_61.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Mention the structure and functions of NITI Aayog. Also, comment on its contemporary relevance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Critically discuss the practice of setting up Fast Track Courts to reduce pendency of cases in the judiciary. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the challenges faced by lower judiciary in India and suggest measures for enhancing their productivity. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Assess the need to formalise the process of post-legislative scrutiny to improve the effectiveness of laws. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in improving the effectiveness of e-governance in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Despite various reforms in the public grievance redress mechanisms, their effectiveness remain limited. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Explaining the factors that contribute to trafficking of women and children in India, highlight the steps taken in recent times to combat it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"With Vector-Borne Diseases (VBDs) reaching epidemic proportions in India, highlight the factors that have led to their emergence. Also, suggest some measures for their effective control and management. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"After years of neglect, rapidly evolving regional strategic realities are now forcing India and Indonesia to coordinate their policies ever more closely. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Despite several attempts at resetting the ties, various barriers continue to be a cause of concern in the India-Nepal bilateral relations. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Delineate the differences between pressure groups and interest groups. Citing examples, elaborate on the ways in which pressure groups influence government decisions and policy making in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlighting the issues faced by the institutions of local self governance in India, suggest measures that can be taken to improve their effectiveness in the delivery of public goods and services at the grassroot level. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The recent amendment to the Right to Information Act, 2005 will weaken the act and undermine the authority of Information Commissioners. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight the process of delimitation in India. Also, throw light on the debates surrounding the delimitation exercise in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Self Help Groups (SHGs) are vehicles of rural development, which help in the upliftment of marginalized groups. Elucidate. Further, mention the constraints faced by SHGs and how they can be addressed. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"With construction of toilets being only one part of the solution for a clean India, it is time that the Swachh Bharat Mission puts more emphasis on the other facets as well. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Highlight the salient features of Mission Indradhanush. What are the challenges that the mission is facing in its implementation? Suggest measures to address these challenges for progressing towards full immunization coverage. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Assess the importance of skilling in light of changing economic and demographic structure in India. In this regard, how far has the Skill India Mission succeeded in its mandate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What according to you are the reasons that motivated India to create a dedicated Indo-Pacific division in the MEA recently? Also, highlight the challenges for India in the Indo-Pacific region. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"For SCO to become a successful regional grouping, it has to overcome bilateral differences between its members and their respective geopolitical calculations. Comment. Also, discuss the role that SCO can play in enhancing India's interest in the Eurasian region. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5785,"topper":"Priyank Kishore","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3b5a0-95820_1248_priyank-kishore_rank_61.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the significance of Credit Rating Agencies (CRAs) in India and highlight the issues in their working. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What are the issues that have limited the success of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in India? Mention some steps that can be taken to address them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The opportunities for start-ups in India are immense, but so are the challenges. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The term 'Circular Economy' is often seen in news. What are the principles that it is based on? Bring out its relevance for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Assess the performance of Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana in achieving its stated objective of financial inclusion. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"How does pollution in rivers impact the surrounding ecosystem? Explain why such pollution has not shown signs of improvement, despite various government initiatives. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What is project MANAV launched by the Department of Biotechnology? Highlight the significance of this project. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Highlighting the properties and applications of superconductors, discuss the constraints related to their practical use. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind India becoming a major destination as well as a transit hub for drug trafficking in South Asia. How does this effect India's internal security? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The development of border areas is an important element in border management. In this context, discuss how the Border Area Development Programme (BADP) seeks to ameliorate the problems faced in border areas. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Examine whether Fixed Term Employment will be able to achieve the objectives of ease of doing business, achieving labour welfare and job creation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"A growing livestock sector augurs well for the low income households to augment their income and escape poverty. Discuss. Further, suggest some strategies for ensuring sustainable livestock sector growth in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Examine whether the time has come for India to usher in full liberalisation of the Capital Account. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlighting the challenges to agriculture extension in India, discuss how ICT can help in addressing them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Now that it has been two years since introduction of GST in India, do you think the system is on the path to achieve its intended objectives? Support your answer with relevant facts. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Highlight the gender specific challenges faced during disaster management. In this regard, discuss how the disaster management cycle can be made more gender sensitive. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Though there are some notable individual achievements, the overall participation of women in scientific research has been abysmally low. Examine. What steps have been taken by the government in this regard? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss the significance of the recent amendments made in the NIA act and the UAPA Act for countering terrorism. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The national security architecture needs to be robust enough to deal with present and evolving threats. Elaborating on the statement, discuss the recent steps taken for modernisation of the national security architecture. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5786,"topper":"Priyank Kishore","air":61,"year":2019,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/eaf01-95820_1146_priyank-kishore_rank_61.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5787,"topper":"Priyank Kishore","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c6ffa-95820_1245_priyank-kishore_rank_61.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the attributes of leadership, analyse why it is important for a civil servant.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"A civil servant needs to be objective as well as empathetic. What do you understand by objectivity? Discuss its relationship with empathy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"With rapidly increasing use of information technology, what according to you is the role of ethics in cyber space?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Transparency in government organisations is an essential pre-condition for good governance. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but its lowest ones. Nelson Mandela","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"For achieving success, attitude is equally, if not more important than ability. Discuss with the help of examples from your daily life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"The core of high Emotional Intelligence is self-awareness. If you don't understand your own motivations and behaviours, it is nearly impossible to develop an understanding of others. Discuss with the help of appropriate examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by Integrity Pacts? Highlight the role they can play in bringing transparency in allotment of public contracts and ensuring proper utilization of public funds in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"In the context of rapid technological change, discuss the significance of inculcating moral and spiritual values in educational institutions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Explain the main elements of integral humanism as propounded by Deen Dayal Upadhyay and highlight its contemporary relevance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"It is imperative for a country like India, that code of ethics should be implemented for civil servants on social media platforms as well. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Discuss how effective corporate governance can ensure the equitable treatment of all stakeholders.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"You are posted as the Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district of a state where alcohol prohibition has been imposed recently. The District Excise department has conducted many raids and seized liquor in large quantities, for which it has received state-wide public appreciation. A few months later reports surface in the media that in this district, hundreds of seized bottles of illicit liquor are missing from the government malkhanas or stores. As a result, the government is left red-faced. You are asked by the DM, who is the overall in-charge of the district excise setup, to investigate the matter. Upon investigation, you unearth a nexus of politicians and government officials who smuggled seized liquor and sold it through spurious means both inside and outside the state. In this context, evaluate these options:","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Being aware of the seriousness of the matter, discretely put the detailed investigation report in the public domain and expose the nexus. Also, suggest, without restricting yourself to the given options, the final course of action that you would prefer.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate in a district, where many large factories and commercial establishments are located. One such factory is owned by one of your close friends. You visit each other's home frequently and are often seen in public together. Recently, media reported about poor working conditions in your friend's factory. Upon enquiry with the labor office, you come to know that the factory has witnessed frequent labour unrests in the past as well. However, the labour officer told you that he was hesitating to take any action due to your proximity with the owner of the factory. With reference to the facts of the case, answer the following questions: (a) Identifying the stakeholders and public cause, discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) As the District Magistrate, what appropriate course of action will you take? Give reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are a resident of a remote tribal district, where there is high incidence of malnutrition. As a remedial measure, the District Magistrate has initiated a programme to promote millet cultivation, especially on the lands currently lying fallow in the district. However, this well-intentioned move of the officer receives flak from the local tribals as this may not only change their age-old food habits, but also alter their traditional agricultural practices. They further cite lower remunerative prices of millets as another reason for continuing with their existing crop production pattern. As a civil servant aspirant, who has a keen interest in development of tribal areas, answer the following questions: (a) What according to you are the key issues and challenges involved in the above situation? (b) Identify the key stakeholders and their respective interests. (c) Suggest a course of action that the District Magistrate can take keeping in mind the larger tribal interests.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5788,"topper":"Priyanka Choudhary","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b2387-1051591_1835_priyanka_choudhary_rank_79.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. The withdrawal of general consent to the CBI by certain state governments in India threatens the spirit of cooperative federalism in India. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"2. Stating the sources of finance for local self-governments in India, suggest ways to strengthen their financial position.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"3. Cabinet Committees play an important role in reinstating collective responsibility and principle of homogeneity of the Executive in the Indian Parliamentary system. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"4. There is a need to overhaul the public procurement and project management (PPPM) framework of India for faster, efficient and transparent execution of government projects. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"5. Adequate measures are required to overcome the challenges and vulnerabilities associated with undertaking social accountability initiatives and institutionalising them.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"6. In view of the recent Parliamentary Standing Committee report, discuss the issues faced by the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) and suggest measures that can be adopted to strengthen it.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"7. While the Mid-Day Meal scheme was aimed at fulfilling the nutritional needs of students, it is far behind in achieving this objective. Discuss. Also, suggest remedial measures in this context.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"8. Sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) remain critical for the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In this context, discuss the impediments in the fulfilment of SRHR in India. Also, mention the steps that can be taken in this regard.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"9. State the functions of the United Nations Human Rights Council. Also, discuss the issues faced by the Council in the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"10. West Asia is an important strategic region for India with profound geo-political and geo-economic significance. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"11. Disenfranchising prisoners desecrates a cherished value in a democracy i.e. 'right to vote', which should be guarded earnestly. Discuss in the light of The Representation of The People Act, 1951.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"12. There are similarities and interactions between the affirmative action adopted by India and USA owing to similar historical injustices faced by their respective vulnerable groups. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"13. Objections to domicile-based reservation in private sector jobs on the grounds of constitutional equality and freedom are misplaced. Critically discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"14. There have been arguments that sedition law is an attack on the very foundation of India's liberal democratic principles, as enshrined in the Constitution. Do you agree?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"15. Despite Government e-Marketplace facing certain challenges, it has brought about a significant improvement in the procurement of goods and services by various government agencies. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"16. A reformed system of recruitment, training and evaluation needs to be put in place to take forward the development of a highly efficient and accountable civil service. Discuss in the context of India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"17. Despite initiatives taken by the Indian government to achieve critical goals in the education sector, major interventions are required to tackle learning poverty as well as the persisting inequalities. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"18. In light of the burgeoning burden of both communicable and non-communicable diseases, there is a need to revamp the public health surveillance system in India. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"19. The repercussions of the ongoing economic crisis in Sri Lanka extend beyond its borders. Discuss with specific reference to India. Also, mention the steps that India has taken to assist Sri Lanka tide over the crisis.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"20. India is a reliable partner in the Indian Ocean Region and can take on the role of being the net security provider in the region. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5789,"topper":"Priyanka Choudhary","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/90968-1051591_1515_priyanka_choudhary_rank_79.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. Explain the meaning of off-budget borrowings and its role in helping the government raise funds for various expenditures. Also, comment on its desirability.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"2. It is argued that genetically modified food crops are required to ensure food security of India. Examine in view of concerns regarding introduction of GM crops.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"3. India's price intervention policies to support its agricultural sector not only create a broken system but also complicate matters related to international trade rules. Critically discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"4. India has an opportunity to become a leading global food supplier provided it has an efficient supply chain and the right marketing strategies. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"5. Land banks are increasingly gaining prominence in India to encourage land-use efficiency and enable economic growth. In this context, discuss the benefits of a land bank and state the concerns associated with it.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"6. Desertification has been described as one of the greatest environmental challenges of our time and climate change is making it worse. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"7. In the context of intellectual property rights, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of releasing projects under an 'Open Source' license.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"8. \"Indian space sector has been dominated by a single umbrella of government and government institutions.\" In light of the statement, discuss the significance of Indian Space Association in providing an impetus to space technology in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"9. Man and machine both have an important role in national security and making urban areas secure. In this context, discuss how technology is a major stakeholder in addressing the internal security challenges of India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"10. National Security Guard (NSG) has emerged as a formidable force equipped to handle various manifestations of terrorism. Discuss the mandate and achievements of this force.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"11. What do you understand by asset monetisation? Why is it needed in India? In this context, discuss the issues that need to be addressed for the National Monetisation Pipeline to succeed.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"12. What is social stock exchange (SSE)? Discuss the need for setting up of SSEs and key challenges in their effective implementation.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"13. In the context of India, highlight the importance of agriculture extension. What are the challenges faced in provisioning of agriculture extension services? How does the National Mission on Agricultural Extension & Technology (NMAET) address these issues?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"14. Clearly delineate the 'employment problem' that India currently faces. Also, explain the fundamental reasons behind existence of this problem.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"15. Although steps have been taken for integrating the dispersed logistics activities of maritime trade, much more needs to be done to make India a maritime powerhouse. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"16. Accounting for natural capital and ecosystem services is crucial to understand the link between the economy and environment. Discuss with specific references to India's initiatives in this regard.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"17. Rapid and unplanned urbanisation accompanied by population growth have increased both the risk and impact of natural disasters. Discuss the statement along with adequate measures to address the relevant concerns in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"18. National Hydrogen Mission can be a game changer for India's rising energy demands. Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"19. Despite geo-strategic instability of its region and a keen awareness of the cyber threat it faces, India has made only 'modest progress' in developing its policy and doctrine for cyberspace security. Critically examine.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"20. Developmental interventions alone cannot play a defining role in the resolution of existing and protracted internal conflicts in various parts of India within a reasonable time frame. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5790,"topper":"Priyanka Choudhary","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c11de-1051591_1827_priyanka_choudhary_rank_79.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) The ideals of 'Dhamma' by Ashoka present key learnings on public morality. Discuss. Also, state their relevance for public servants.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) There is a need for an effective climate governance structure within the broad framework of corporate governance. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) Family values influence the decisions individuals make both within the family structure and outside of it. Do you agree with the statement? Justify with relevant examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) 'Niti' must be more concerned with 'nyaya' i.e. the elimination of removable injustices rather than defining a perfectly just society. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"3. (a) While it may seem restrictive, anonymity is one of the greatest strengths of the civil services. Comment in the context of growth of social media in recent times.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) Corporate governance and business ethics are key factors influencing investment decisions and determining the flow of capital worldwide. In this context, discuss the inter-relationship between corporate governance and business ethics.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"4. (a) Examine the issue of foreign aid in global politics from an ethical perspective.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"4. (b) Explaining the meaning of media ethics, discuss why it is a prerequisite for democracy.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"5. (a) What do you understand by a situation of 'crisis of conscience'? Also, explain how a public servant can deal with such a situation.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"5. (b) The opportunities and threats created by emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) require leaders across business, government and civil society to understand the importance of values and ethics in technological development. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"6. (a) It is argued that the Indian bureaucracy suffers from indecision and risk aversion. Do you agree? Justify with logical arguments.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"6. (b) Corruption endangers not only the quality of governance but also threatens the very foundation of our society. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"6. (c) Discuss the foundational values of civil services, which are prerequisites in building a responsive public administration. Also, highlight how Mission Karmayogi aspires to make public administration more responsive.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"7. You come across a news report of a state 'X' which has a considerable number of school going children suffering from malnourishment. To overcome this, the state recently rolled out a policy to introduce eggs in mid-day meals in schools. However, some parents, teachers and a few religious groups have protested against the move. The report states that the Minister of Education of state 'X' has assured the public of a reversal in the policy. You are aware that this may be because elections are approaching in the state and the party in power may not want to antagonise a particular religious group, which is its key supporter.\n\nIn light of this, answer the following:\n(a) Highlight the stakeholders in the given case study.\n(b) Examine the options available in the given situation.\n(c) According to you, what is the best course of action and why?","marks":"20","words":"around 250"},{"page":30,"question":"2. Fight against the government and stand up for malnourishment elimination policy of mid day meal","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"3. Persuade government to change eggs with protein rich food as soyabean in mid-day meal to satisfy parents, religious groups.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"8. Recently, the government has proposed a bill to increase the age of marriage for women from 18 to 21 years. It has been argued that it will help women improve their nutritional status, lower maternal mortality rate and improve the overall health status of women. However, some critics have stated that the proposed law would be counterproductive to women's cause and the desired objectives will not be met. In this context, answer the following questions:\n(a) What effect will an increase in the age of marriage have on women in India?\n(b) Can legislation be used as an effective tool for social change?\n(c) Discuss other agents that can be used for social change in this context.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":38,"question":"9. Climate change not only threatens our ecosystems but also undermines the foundation of our fundamental rights, deepens inequalities and creates new forms of injustice.\n(a) Highlight the ethical issues arising out of human-induced climate change.\n(b) What ethical principles should form the basis of global action on climate change?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":39,"question":"(a) Ethical issues in this case\n1. Negligence & denial of environmental ethics and ecological values of - conservation, environment-centric, sustainable development\n2. Disregard to trusteeship or stewardship ethics - considers humans as trustees of nature Earth who acts as guardians - we are rather destroying it","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"10. You are the Chairperson of Staff Selection Commission of a state. Recently, an exam for recruitment to the position of sub-inspectors was conducted by the Commission. But a video of some students using hi-tech devices like spy-mics, and placing \"solvers\" to cheat in the exam by hiding bluetooth devices in wig, has been surfacing on the internet. Also, this is not an isolated incident; many instances of organized cheating scandals have shocked the state in recent years. Students are agitated and demanding cancellation of the exam and there is pressure on you to resign. However, your daughter had also appeared in this exam and is confident of clearing it. There are many other students who had waited for this exam for a long time and are hopeful of clearing it with honest efforts. Whatever decision the Commission takes is bound to affect the career of a large number of candidates who appeared in the exam, including your own daughter.\n(a) Highlight the ethical issues concerned in the case.\n(b) Why is cheating in examinations prevalent in many states across India?\n(c) What measures would you take to make sure that a similar situation does not arise in future?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":48,"question":"11. You are a young officer posted as a Sub-Divisional Magistrate in a backward district. You receive a complaint against the appointment of a Dalit woman in a village school for cooking food under the Mid-Day Meal scheme by parents of some students. The parents are putting immense pressure on the school management to discontinue the services of the woman concerned on the basis of long-standing social norms of caste impurity. They also say that if the management fails to take a favourable decision, keeping in mind the prevailing social customs, they will convene a village assembly and take action against the woman and her family members, including boycotting them socially.\n\nBased on the above information, address the following:\n(a) Identify the issues involved in the given case study.\n(b) Highlighting the reasons behind continuing caste discrimination, discuss the steps which you will take to resolve the present issue.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":53,"question":"12. A bridge is being built by a powerful local contractor in a district. The Public Works Department (PWD) is responsible for issuing the tender, checking the quality of the bridge and giving approval to it. During the construction of the bridge, testing by the quality control lab in the PWD showed its strength to be slightly below the minimum value required for granting approval for its further construction and completion. The local contractor paid hefty bribes to some officials in the PWD to get the contract. These officials are pressurising the quality control lab in the PWD to sign the report and give the required approval to the bridge. The local MLA is also pressuring the concerned lab for the approval, as elections in the state are approaching and the bridge has to be inaugurated. However, the in-charge of the lab is aware that if he grants approval and any mishappening related to the bridge occurs in the future, he may come under scrutiny. In this context, answer the following questions:\n(a) What are the issues involved in this scenario?\n(b) Evaluate the options available to the in-charge of the quality control lab in the given situation.\n(c) What course of action should the lab in-charge take? Justify with logical arguments.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":56,"question":"2 Give results truly according to tests & not allow go ahead","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5791,"topper":"Priyanka Choudhary","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7b7e2-1051591_1830_priyanka_choudhary_rank_79.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"1. (a) According to you, what are the main reasons behind prejudice against certain sections of a society? Discuss with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"1. (b) Discuss how persuasion acts as a functional pillar in attitudinal change and attitude formation with requisite examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"2. (a) A legally enforceable code of ethics for civil servants, which not only prescribes the ethical values they must display in their public life but also provides sanctions for violations of these values, is the need of the hour. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. (b) Although open and transparent governance has gained ground, do you agree with the view that there is merit in withholding some information from people? Justify your arguments with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. (a) Although bribery is illegal and counterproductive, public officials still demand bribes, and executives in the private sector remain tempted to pay up. In this context, discuss ways in which corporations can build a framework to eliminate the practice of offering kickbacks.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"3. (b) Identifying the issues associated with utilization of public funds, discuss the various ethical principles which can help devise strategies for better utilization of public funds in India","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"4. What do each of the following quotations mean to you?\n(a) \"All persons ought to endeavour to follow what is right, and not what is established.\" — Aristotle (150 words) 10","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"4. (b) \"It is compassion, the most gracious of virtues, which moves the world.\" — Tiruvalluvar, Kural","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"4. (c) \"I understand democracy as something that gives the weak the same chance as the strong.\" — Mahatma Gandhi","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"5. (a) \"A well-developed Emotional intelligence is not only an instrumental tool in accomplishing goals; but has a dark side as a weapon for manipulating others by robbing them of their capacity to reason.\" Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"5. (b) What do you understand by conformity, compliance and obedience? Discuss their relevance in the context of civil services in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"6. (a) Though the internal control systems in India are impressive on paper, they have not worked well in curbing the issue of corruption in the administration. Comment. Also, discuss the various reasons for the same.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"6. (b) There is broad consensus that the state has failed to effectively deliver public services to its citizens, particularly the poor. In this context, discuss the need for providing incentives, building state capacity and ensuring transparency for better service delivery.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"7. You are the principal of a college which has a long history of student politics. However, due to your personal belief, you are not in favour of conducting student elections and thus have kept the process of yearly student elections pending without any official announcement. While you are mulling over the decision of not conducting elections, you get representation from some professors as well as students who criticize the activities of student unions as obstructive to the academic environment of the college. Some time later, student leaders also come to talk to you regarding conduct of elections, and you tell them about the representation received by you against allowing student elections. You further tell them that you are contemplating suspending all activities related to student politics in the campus. On hearing this, student leaders become aggressive and start sloganeering and destroying college property. In this context, answer the following questions:\n(a) What are the issues involved in the case above?\n(b) How can you separate your personal ethics from professional ethics?\n(c) How would you deal with this situation?","marks":"20","words":"around 250"},{"page":33,"question":"8. In light of the above debate of capital punishment, answer the following questions:\n(a) What are the arguments in favour of and against having capital punishment in the criminal justice system?\n(b) Do you think capital punishment has a place in modern civilised society? Examine in the context of moral implications involved in awarding it.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":38,"question":"9. An Indian company is active in the telecom sector and is the majority owner of a telecom company based in other geographies across the world. At one of its European headquarters, there emerged whistleblowing allegations that a local executive was bribing local government officials in order to obtain telecom cabling and construction contracts from the local government. The kickbacks were allegedly paid through a third-party consultant. More specifically, there were allegations that the executive, the third party, and a government official had some sort of business interest in common, possibly shareholdings in a limited company or the joint ownership of an undisclosed asset. The company is thought to be particularly close to the ruling dispensation in India and the news has now raised pressure to put its business operations in India under scanner as well. In this context, answer the following questions:\n(a) What are the ethical challenges in the given case?\n(b) Identify the different stakeholders and their interests.\n(c) As the CEO of the firm, how would you respond to the given situation?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":43,"question":"10. Sunil has been posted as a DM in a hilly district which is vulnerable to several natural disasters. The district is known for a pilgrimage site and is frequently visited by tourists from all over India. The major occupation of locals therefore lies in the hospitality business. Unfortunately, after a few days of his joining, the district faced a major earthquake. It has led to high casualties and damages to the essential infrastructure such as roads and bridges. Both locals and tourists are trapped at different routes and locations. An international convoy of dignitaries from a neighboring country which has come to pay their obeisance at the pilgrimage site, is also trapped due to the disaster. Because of this, Sunil has to divert most of the available resources in the rescue operation of the foreign dignitaries. People are emotionally distressed due to the disaster, and delayed response from authorities to their needs has led to a law-and-order situation in the district. People from other states whose families are trapped and need immediate assistance are also getting restless and flooding the emergency helplines with complaints and requests.\n(a) Discuss the issues being faced by Sunil in the given scenario.\n(b) Mention a course of action that Sunil must take to maintain law-and-order as well as to expediate rescue operations of all concerned.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":48,"question":"11. You are posted as a Customs official in one of renowned port cities of India. Your team has recently intercepted a consignment having over 5000 kilograms of red sandalwood. Red Sandalwood, also known as Red Sanders, is a prohibited item for export and is covered under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) list and hence you detained a few individuals for their alleged involvement in trying to smuggle it to another country. However, you later come to know that these people are working for an influential businessman with close ties to the ruling party of the state. Your seniors in the department have verbally instructed you not to register any complaint as yet. You are fearful that a deal will be struck between the businessman and a few corrupt officers of your department and the detained persons will be freed. You are ready to go ahead and file the complaint but at the same time are also fearful of departmental action against you if you disobey your seniors.\n(a) What are the various options available to you in the given case? Evaluate the merits and demerits of each of these.\n(b) Also indicate (without necessarily restricting to the above options) your course of action and the reasons for the same.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":50,"question":"2) Detain the smugglers and file a complaint in accordance to due process of law","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"12. You are the Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district. One of your subordinates informs you that a girl has reached out to him and complained about a potential death threat to her and her boyfriend who belongs to another caste. Both the families are averse to their union. She has also informed that the local police station is neither taking any complaint nor giving her any assurance of protection. The girl belongs to the dominant caste of the region and her father is a prominent local leader of the party which is in power in the state. On further enquiry, you come to know that both the girl and her boyfriend are adults. They have moved out of the house and have started living together. This has further angered both the families and they are accusing each other of abduction. In the given scenario, answer the following questions:\n(a) Bring out the ethical dilemma faced by the you.\n(b) What would be a suitable course of action to resolve the issue?\n(c) At times, such instances lead to violence and may end up in honour killings. Discuss the reasons behind their social acceptance in parts of India despite the legal sanction against them.","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":5792,"topper":"Priyanka Choudhary","air":79,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/PRIYANKA_CHOUDHARY_AIR_79_2025/Test%201,%20PSIR%20Crash%20Course.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5793,"topper":"Priyanka Choudhary","air":79,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/PRIYANKA_CHOUDHARY_AIR_79_2025/Test%202,%20PSIR%20Crash%20Course.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5794,"topper":"Priyanka Goel","air":369,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1QytD2y5xyW4FDroxj_ThjkyR7hjLzAIb","questions":[]},{"id":5795,"topper":"Priyanka Goel","air":369,"year":2022,"paper":"Optional — Public Administration","optional":true,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1d2bjG5j-SkxlHI09pauuI__ngThoT5gA","questions":[]},{"id":5796,"topper":"PRIYANKA PRIYADARSHINI","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/10/pttp220767_tc062.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"If you look into someone's face long enough, eventually you feel that you are looking into yourself.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"It is the province of knowledge to speak and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Drop the question what tomorrow may bring, and count as profit every day that fate allows you.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Truth, like a torch, the more it is shook, it shines.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Art is I; science is We.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Only the dead have seen the end of the war.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Act as if it were impossible to fail.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5797,"topper":"PRIYANKA PRIYADARSHINI","air":387,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/9/pttp220767_tc061.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5798,"topper":"PRIYANKA PRIYADARSHINI","air":387,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/11/pttp220767_tc063.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5799,"topper":"PRIYANKA PRIYADARSHINI","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/163/pttp220767_tc072-test-02-gs-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"There is a need to resolve the ambiguity in the disqualification provisions under section 8 of the Representation of People Act 1951. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Constitution is a mere skeleton whereas constitutionalism is the soul of democracy. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"\"Electoral bonds are a double-edged sword, providing anonymity to donors while raising concerns about transparency in political funding.\" To what extent have electoral bonds further legitimized opacity in electoral funding? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The question of gender equality is central to the debate on Uniform Civil Code. In this light what are the challenges in reconciling UCC with gender equality as enshrined in the constitution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The Governor's office is neither decorative nor inconsequential, it assumes a constitutional role of 'profound essence'. To what extent does the Governor, actively contribute to the governance of a state and reinforce the principles of federalism in the country? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Recently demand has been rising in a state regarding the enactment of Social Accountability Law. How such a law can lead to good governance and boost citizens' participation in decision-making. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"There is a need for convergence of 'nutrition-specific' and 'nutrition-sensitive' interventions to effectively tackle child undernutrition in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"MGNREGA, the lynchpin of rural poverty alleviation, has become the victim of fiscal apathy.\" Critically analyze the statement in light of recent developments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"\"India must leverage, if not manage, the global divides\". How can the current geopolitical churn pave the way for India's rise to the global high table? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"Berlin can be India's gateway to the European Union.\" Elaborate with respect to Germany's significance in India's relationship with the EU. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"How has the Anti-Defection Law impacted the relationship between political parties and individual legislators in India? In light of the recent incidents also discuss the unintended consequences it has on the functioning of democracy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Critics assert that limitless judicial authority rests on the structural ambiguity of the basic structure doctrine. Has the elastic nature of the basic structure doctrine made the judiciary more powerful than the executive? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Fundamental rights are not gifts bestowed upon by the state rather an individual possesses them independently of the state. In this context discuss the desirability of reasonable restrictions on various fundamental rights. (Answer in 250 words) 15 marks,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"S.R. Bommai v. Union of India signified a paradigm shift in the judicial interpretation of the union's authority to assume control of a state's administration. In this context discuss the significance and impact of the judgement on cementing the federal structure. (Answer in 250 words) 15 marks,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"The key to effective decentralization is, 'political decentralization should follow finance and functional decentralization'. Discuss in the context of impediments faced by local governance in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Multi-stakeholder partnerships are the key to leveraging collective expertise and networks. How can effective partnership and localized implementation efforts be fostered to accelerate the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"How has the implementation of the POSH Act resulted in limited success in raising awareness about sexual harassment, and what factors have hindered its effective outreach to women employed in the unorganized sector? Propose strategies to bridge this gap and ensure comprehensive protection for women in the unorganized sector against workplace harassment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Neo-liberal reforms and globalization have deeply transformed the institutions of the welfare state and set the ground for a new type of civil services. In this context examine the challenges faced in service delivery and suggest adequate reforms. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"China views India as its \"Asian Rival\" with an innate ability to counter its hegemonic goals in Asia. Despite these difficulties in India-China relations, there are also many areas of convergence. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Indo-Pacific region in recent times has emerged as a zone of diverging interests and priorities. Discuss. Do you think the Global Security Initiative will supersede QUAD in the region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5800,"topper":"PRIYANKA PRIYADARSHINI","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/3/pttp220767_tc072-test-02-gs-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"There is a need to resolve the ambiguity in the disqualification provisions under section 8 of the Representation of People Act 1951. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"Constitution is a mere skeleton whereas constitutionalism is the soul of democracy. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"The question of gender equality is central to the debate on Uniform Civil Code. In this light what a...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"Recently demand has been rising in a state regarding the enactment of Social Accountability Law. How...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"\"Berlin can be India's gateway to the European Union.\" Elaborate with respect to Germany's significance in India's relationship with the EU.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5801,"topper":"PRIYANKA PRIYADARSHINI","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/141/pttp220767_tc074-test-04-gs-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Public service requires not merely legal but also morally principled action. Public service requires the public servant to place loyalty to the constitution laws and ethical principles. Among the three, which do you think must acquire primacy while carrying out official functions? Why? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand by \"integrity-based civil disobedience\"? Do you think a challenge to personal integrity can be a justifiable cause for responsible disobedience in civil services? Explain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Recent research has shown that emotions significantly impact personal and professional lives. What are the primary emotions that negatively and positively impact workplace productivity? Explain with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Technical efficiency ensures resource utilization and social efficiency ensures fulfillment of social needs, what does ethical efficiency ensure? Do you think ethical efficiency is more important than technical and social efficiency? Why/Why not? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Man cannot do right in one department of life whilst he is occupied in doing wrong in any other department.\" Gandhi. Do you think an individual's personal ethics impacts professional life or they both can be compartmentalized? Explain your position with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Goodness is the result of internal imperatives to do what is right, not sanctions from moral rules or rewards from expected consequences. Do you agree? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance. (a) \"To tolerate is purely an act of the mind. That is the essence of virtue. To tolerate is a strength.\" (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"In the context of civil service, distinguish between moral and nonmoral values. Identify 5 basic moral values that can serve as foundational values for all services irrespective of the department. Give reasons why those values can be considered foundational. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Citizens' involvement in decision-making is critical to ethics in governance. Do you agree that effective civic engagement can facilitate an ethics-driven administration? What do you think are the mechanisms that citizens can use for ensuring ethics in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Social transformation programs such as \"beti bachao and beti padhao\" believes in using advice, counseling, and persuasion but sometimes a little force is also necessary for getting the desired response. Do you think it is a good idea to mix little force with persuasion by public administrators while implementing social schemes of transformation? Explain with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Ultimately foreign policy of every country hinges upon the strength which the nation possesses. Strength may be military or financial and may be also...moral.\" Do you think ethical strength without military or financial muscle will be respected in today's world? Explain your position. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":31,"question":"You are a young officer working with the Municipal Corporation of an industrial city. The city was known for manufacturing ball bearings and auto parts. Most manufacturing units were small-scale units with very little production process automation. The units relied on manual labor, which was in abundance due to the villages close by. As the number of manufacturing units grew, the demand for labor increased, bringing in a steady inflow of laborers into the city. This influx of people into the town led to a mushrooming of slums and encroachments on the sidewalks. Once in a while, the Corporation conducted drives to clear out the slums, but after a time, the slums came back. The illegal slums had become an urban nightmare. You were given the responsibility of clearing out the encroachments and slums with the help of Police authorities. As you started the drive, you realized that the people living by the sidewalks were vulnerable compared to the slum dwellers. Many sidewalk dwellers had recently come to the city after selling their properties in their villages. Now if you drive them out, they have no place to go. Your heart went out to them, and you felt that your departmental action was inhumane, but your official responsibilities demanded stern impartial action. You are desperate to find a way to help the sidewalk dwellers without compromising your official duties. (a) What value conflicts do you notice in the above situation? (b) Can an administrator compromise the value of impartiality for empathy? Discuss. (c) What are the options available in the above situation? (d) Suggest viable solutions for tackling illegal slums and encroachments in urban areas. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"A certain State government was running a welfare scheme for promoting safe motherhood among rural landless laborers' families. The scheme involves the transfer of funds to the beneficiaries to enable them to mitigate income loss due to maternal care responsibilities. Since its implementation, the scheme has done reasonably well on maternal health and economic indicators. You are the Director of the Department responsible for implementing and operating the scheme. Recently you have been receiving reports of welfare fraud being committed by families by producing fake bona fide. The families committed the fraud with the help of local officials responsible for scrutinizing the bonafide. You were concerned because the fraud was seriously undermining the scheme's efficiency. You called for a departmental meeting to discuss and find a solution to the problem. In the meeting, it was decided to merge several available government data sets such as Aadhar cards, voter ID cards, marriage certificates, birth certificates, bank details, and other personal assets. By merging all the data sets, the department would be able to develop the beneficiary's economic profile. And this will help the department scrutinize the documents and detect fraud. This was a comprehensive strategy, but it risked violating an individual's data privacy. As a Department head, you wanted to detect and prevent fraud, but at the same time, you were apprehensive about violating the Data privacy of the stakeholders. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) Do you think violating data privacy is justified to prevent welfare fraud? Why/ Why not? (c) What, according to you, can be the reasons for such welfare frauds happening in the country? (d) Are there any ways and means to prevent such fraud? Give your suggestions. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"You are posted in the Department of Mines, and one of your roles is to help your Department Head negotiate mining leases with private contractors. Recently, the state government demarcated a new mining zone and planned to invite bids for the mining blocs. You were instructed to oversee the bidding process and speed up the contract negotiations. As planned, the tenders were released, bids came in, and tenders were allocated as per the norms. All this happened at a breakneck speed. You wondered, why the hurry? But it was not your place to think and question; you quietly went about your work. As the contractors were about to start operations, you had to instruct them on environmental concerns to watch out for. And to do that, you read the environmental impact assessment report submitted by a consulting firm hired by the department. To your surprise, the report was shoddy and looked cooked up. You got suspicious and raised the issue with your Head, who politely instructed you to do what you were told, and he reminded you that the Department had revenue targets and was under pressure from the Ministry. After the meeting, you, on your own accord, did some digging and found out that the report was fraudulent and the mining activity that was about to start would lead to a massive environmental disaster, which the State could not afford. (a) What are the issues and value violations you notice in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you? (c) Discuss the advantage and disadvantages of each option and identify your chosen course of action. (d) Do you think that environmental considerations are sometimes overrated at the cost of development? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":5802,"topper":"PRIYANKA PRIYADARSHINI","air":387,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/10/pttp220767_tc072-test-04-gs-4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5803,"topper":"Priyansha Garg","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DLzL-tQPxTq34FNtBrBYAAj5tNfgpQj3/view","questions":[]},{"id":5804,"topper":"Priyansha Garg","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PZDfxWrCoAhBmSqeOcB-bUyNKShKrBAW/view","questions":[]},{"id":5805,"topper":"Priyansha Garg","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/677b5-506900_1398_priyansha-garg_rank-31.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Bring out Gandhiji's philosophy of Means and Ends. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Probity is an essential condition of good governance. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand by ethical dilemma? Bring out some examples of ethical dilemma often faced by civil servants. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Why are certain rights considered universal in nature? Explain using examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Explain in brief, what you understand by the following: (a) Beliefs (b) Values (c) Norms (d) Ethics (e) Morals (300 words)","marks":null,"words":"300"},{"page":15,"question":"What do you understand by the terms transparency and accountability in administration? Bring out the relationship between the two. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss whether some restrictions on enjoyment of freedom are necessary in the interest of social harmony. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Analyse the role played by family and educational institutions in development of one's character. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"What do you understand by utilitarianism? Illustrate with examples the grounds on which it has been criticized. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'conflict of interest'? How can conflict of interest in public service be resolved? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Today, homosexuality and queer identities may be acceptable to more Indians than ever before, but within the boundaries of family, home and school, acceptance of their sexuality and freedom to openly express their gender choices still remain a constant struggle for LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer) people. While LGBTQ voices heard through several online and real-world platforms form an important part of LGBTQ activism, these expose only a small part of the diverse challenges faced by the community. In light of this situation: (a) Explain the ways in which discrimination against LGBTQs creates problems for them in different aspects of life. (b) What attitudinal changes are necessary to adopt a more humane approach towards this group for their betterment and assimilation in the society?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"In a metropolitan city a new metro rail project has been sanctioned. The project is expected to reduce traffic congestion, lower the pollution levels in the city and save significant amount of fossil fuel. However, the project requires construction of a car shed for the metro terminus station. The city is already very congested and not much land is available except a patch of green belt within the municipal area. Consequently, the municipal corporation's Tree Authority approved a proposal to cut down about 2700 trees to make way for the metro car shed. The approval enraged environment action and citizens' groups who have organized protest rallies demanding withdrawal of this order and conservation of the green belt. The print and electronic media also took up the cause. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the different stakeholders in the given case. Also, bring out the issues involved from the point of view of different stakeholders. (b) If you are the Municipal Commissioner, what course of action will you adopt keeping in mind the interests of different stakeholders?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"The right to protest is an integral part of democracy. But protests often take a violent turn and lead to destruction of life and property. In such situations, it is the duty of the police force to deal with the violent protests and restore normalcy. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What challenges does the police force face in such situations? (b) As the SP in the capital city of a state where such protests often take place, how would you deal with such a situation when faced with it?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"The founding fathers of the Indian Constitution envisaged a neutral, apolitical civil service. The conduct rules governing the All-India Services explicitly prohibit participation of a member of service in politics. It also limits connection of officers with Press or Radio to matters of public interest. And it also prevents them from criticizing the Government in public. (a) Why is it important for civil servants to be politically neutral? (b) Highlight the challenges faced by politically neutral civil servants in different situations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Recently, the Motor Vehicles Act was amended to hike the fines for violations of various traffic rules. While the intention of the amendments was to deter people from violating the law and strictly follow traffic rules in the interest of road safety, these measures are being opposed as it is felt that the fines are too excessive and beyond the reach of common man. (a) In light of this, critically analyse the ethical aspects of the recent amendments. (b) Are legislative measures alone sufficient in bringing about behavioural change?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming economy and society and will almost certainly continue to do so in the coming decades. This transformation will have deep ethical impact, with these powerful new technologies both improving and disrupting human lives. In this context, identify the ethical considerations, if any, of the following issues associated with the use of AI: (a) Privacy (b) AI induced unemployment (c) Potential for misuse","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5806,"topper":"Priyansha Garg","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/26fd4-506900_1416_priyansha-garg_rank-31.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the significance of ethical work culture, suggest ways by which it can be imbibed in an organization. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Upholding probity in governance is not only contingent on values of an individual but also the processes of the institution. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The nature of a business's operations has a major influence on the ethical issues with which it must contend. Giving examples, discuss how business ethics is crucial in today's world. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"An honest bureaucrat can be put to inconvenience but the dishonest one is more likely to suffer in the long run. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The notion of an ethical foreign policy downplays the realities of international politics. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Conscience can neither be silent nor delayed as a source of ethical guidance. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) To educate a person in the mind but not in morals is to educate a menace to society. - Theodore Roosevelt (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"Children are great imitators, so give them something great to imitate.\" In this context, discuss the importance of role models in inculcating values in children. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The Covid-19 pandemic has brought with itself an environment of uncertainties and hardships. In this context, discuss the significance of emotional intelligence in dealing with the situation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Bring out the role of social media in shaping one's moral and political attitude. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Environmental ethics is about the moral relationship of human beings to, and also the value and moral status of, the environment and its non-human, contents. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"The Citizens' Charter cannot be an end in itself; it is rather a means to an end. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You are the District Magistrate of district, which has recently witnessed rapid transmission of the Covid-19 pandemic. The district has high population density and a sizeable chunk of migrant workers. There has been a shutdown of business activities and the workers are yearning to go back to their native places. The administration has announced a strict lockdown and divided the district into containment zones. There is a severe shortage of people, material and money in the administration and fear and panic is seen to be gripping them. (a) What are the qualities of a civil servant that are revealed in such testing times? (b) What measures would you suggest for: (i) Dealing with the current issue, (ii) Making the district administration more resilient to respond to such a critical situation in the future.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"In recent times, the country witnessed protests based on opposition to some steps taken by the government. Whereas, mostly these were peaceful protests, at a few places these activities turned violent leading to destruction of public property. In some places government arrested few of the protesters and imposed heavy fines on them for the destruction of the property. In case they could not pay, their private property was confiscated by the government to pay for the damage done to the public property. In addition to this, some governments published the photographs, names and addresses of those accused of vandalism during protests at various locations. (a) What are the issues of public importance at stake in this case? (b) Are their any ethical or legal principles at play here which may be conflicting? (c) What should be the principles guiding a democratic state in such circumstances?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"The global toll of the COVID-19 pandemic is enormous: more than a half- million lives lost, hundreds of millions out of work, and trillions of dollars of wealth destroyed. And the disease has by no means run its course. There is tremendous interest in the development of a vaccine, with more than a hundred initiatives under way around the world. Even if one or more vaccines emerge that promise to make people less susceptible to COVID-19, the public-health problem will not be eliminated. But policymakers can avert some foreseeable problems by starting to address key questions about financing and distribution now. In view of the above scenario, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the different stakeholders involved in this scenario. (b) Identify some of the ethical questions and issues that are likely to emerge as the vaccine becomes available. (c) Who, in your opinion, should be amongst the first recipients of the vaccine? Give reasons for your answer.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"You are an Indian Forest Service Officer, posted in a division which falls in the coastal regulation zone and contains multiple wildlife sanctuaries. Recently, the State government has brought up a proposal of a new food processing park in your division. Under the proposal, around 175 square kilometers of forest land will be acquired as per the law. The developers of the project claim the various socio-economic benefits it can provide to the people in the area. Due to this a sizeable chunk of trees will be uprooted. There are studies which suggest that such initiatives have a long-term impact on wildlife and also leads to human-wildlife conflict. Some residents living in the periphery of the forest have supported this move in hope of employment opportunities. However, traditional dwellers of the forests have protested against this move. The government has constituted a committee to frame guidelines for sustainable operation of this project. The committee has asked for your suggestions in this regard. (a) Identify the principles and values that would guide your suggestions in this regard. (b) What course of action should be taken in order to balance the social and environmental needs in this case?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5807,"topper":"Priyansha Garg","air":31,"year":2022,"paper":"Optional — Public Administration","optional":true,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1dMXWbK5wu4E9l2YO6Vo6-aGv-oEzh3fa","questions":[]},{"id":5808,"topper":"Priyanshu Agrawal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d9d81-1053001_3128_priyanshu_agrawal_rank_123.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"The world must learn to work together, or finally it will not work at all.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Technology, like art, is a soaring exercise of the human imagination.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"We've begun to raise daughters more like sons, but few have the courage to raise our sons more like our daughters.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5809,"topper":"Priyanshu Agrawal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/priyanshu-agrawal-test-6-1747467979814.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Highlighting the elements of urbanization discuss how agriculture played a pivotal role in the enduring success and longevity of the Harappan Civilization. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"The Quit India Movement marked the awakening of the nation's soul and brought diverse sections together in a unified vision of Independence. Discuss (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Analyze the impact of World War II in accelerating the process of decolonization in Asia and Africa. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss the various types of sedimentary rocks and their formation processes. What is the economic significance of sedimentary rocks? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What are the characteristics of anticyclonic circulations, and how do they influence weather patterns over the Indian subcontinent? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What is coral bleaching, and what are its main causes? Also, evaluate the role of marine protected areas (MPAs) in the conservation of coral reefs. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":5810,"topper":"Priyanshu Agrawal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0cb94-1053001_2929_priyanshu_agrawal_rank_123.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Expression of dissent is central to the functioning of the Parliament. In light of this, discuss the role of the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in India's parliamentary system. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"How can the integration of technology into judicial processes enhance accessibility, capability, and efficiency in justice delivery? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Supreme Court of India has upheld unique asymmetry in India's federalism by intricately balancing centralized authority and regional autonomy. Discuss with the help of relevant case laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Evaluate the effectiveness of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes in safeguarding the interests of the Scheduled Castes in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Executive accountability to the legislature through Parliamentary Committees has been the hallmark of the Indian political system. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can India make Citizens' Charter a powerful tool for improving governance and empowering citizens? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How do corporate donors aid NGOs in facilitating holistic development in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite its merits, should the POCSO Act be revisited to correct the existing inadequacies? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"China's acquisition of strategic ports globally has significant implications for international trade routes and economic relations. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"What are the main functions of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)? How will its recent treaty on intellectual property, genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge benefit India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) plays a crucial role in combating corruption, its functioning is often criticized for being partisan and acting against the federal spirit. Discuss with the help of suitable examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Governors in India often overstep their constitutional role and fail to act effectively when needed. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Both India and the USA adhere to democratic principles but their electoral systems exhibit significant differences. What are the key differences in electoral practices between the two countries? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"How far do you agree with the view that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has met its objective of ensuring environmental justice in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Though Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) have become a platform for competitive politics, they have not emerged as an agency of planning and service delivery. Why? (Answer in 250 words)15","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by interoperability in e-governance? What steps have been taken by the government to ensure interoperability and integration of various e-governance systems? (Answer in 250 words)15","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"When it comes to sexual and reproductive health of women in India, rights-based discourse has largely been bypassed not just by the societal norms but also by the legal norms. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"How effective has India been in enhancing immunization coverage over the years? What challenges continue to affect immunization efforts in the country? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India used its Presidency of the G20 to bring the voice of the Global South to the centre stage. Discuss with special reference to Africa. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"India's relationship with the UAE has witnessed a remarkable expansion across various domains in the last decade. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5811,"topper":"Priyanshu Agrawal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/23389-1053001_2423_priyanshu_agrawal_rank_123.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With suitable examples, discuss how environmental pressure groups enhance public participation and responsiveness with regard to environmental policies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The recent acknowledgment of sex work as a 'profession' by the Supreme Court is merely the first step in ensuring basic rights and equality for sex workers in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the role played by District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) in providing free legal aid and disseminating legal awareness in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"The collegium system has become a victim of its own success, with the concentration of power in the hands of a few, leading to questions about its legitimacy.\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"Civil services reforms must go beyond recruitment and standardised training to cope with the present day challenges.\" Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Outcome-based finance models such as social impact bonds have the potential to truly catalyse change and deliver socio-economic impact at scale. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The wide gap between the number of females graduating every year and those entering the workspace is an issue of paramount importance that needs to be addressed. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"An up to date and functional Civil Registration System (CRS) is essential to the socio-economic planning in India. Discuss in the light of the recent move of the Central government in revamping the CRS system in the country. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What are the key areas of reform if the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has to align with the current economic realities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In recent years, India's relationship with West Asia has evolved from the confines of geopolitics to expanse of geoeconomics. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The role of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) is significant in furthering healthy competitiveness aimed at inspiring stakeholders to innovate and augment effectiveness. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"\"The menace of paid news often rears its ugly head during elections.\" Discuss the need for making paid news an electoral offence in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the 'Doctrine of Essentiality' referred to by the courts in the context of religious practices in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"As per the recently released report of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), there is an urgent need to limit the size of the government in India. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The Institutions of Eminence (IoE) scheme was conceived to develop 'world-class' centres of higher education in India but six years later, it is yet to become the game changer it was intended to be. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) allows for innovative and convenient public services, help overcome inclusion or accessibility barriers, and increase transparency and accountability with real-time data. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Besides legislation, the full realisation of the 'right to health for all' in India demands plugging of social, financial, and infrastructural gaps. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The 'third gender' has not yet been engendered in the Indian society despite legislative nudge. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Among other factors, strained ties with China and Pakistan make it difficult for India to fulfill its expectations from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"The recently concluded initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) between the United States and India promises a long overdue transformation of their partnership in the field of technology. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5812,"topper":"Priyanshu Agrawal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9dec1-1053001_2422_priyanshu_agrawal_rank_123.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The traditional theatre forms of India reflect the ideals and emotions of the society, and an individual's role in the community. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Provide an account of the historical and architectural importance of the Sanchi Stupa. Also, discuss how it inspired the future architecture in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Bhagat Singh made a real breakthrough in terms of revolutionary ideology, the goals of revolution and forms of revolutionary struggle. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Bringing out the factors that led to the Meiji restoration, discuss its significance for Japan. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"It is believed that a nation is an “imagined community” held together by common beliefs, history, political aspirations etc. In this context, discuss what the basis of India as a nation is. Also, bring out the threats to the concept of Indian nationhood. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"State the key factors behind the growth of the pharmaceutical industry in India. Additionally, discuss its significance with regard to India's economy and public health.(Answer in 150words)10","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss why the Bay of Bengal is more prone to cyclones than the Arabian Sea. Also, explain the reasons for the decrease in frequency of tropical cyclones during the Southwest monsoon season. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite being destructive in nature, volcanoes are critical for the existence of human life on earth. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The existence of relative deprivation is an important aspect in constructing the argument for regionalism. Explain with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"If India is to realise the goal of 'education for all', the issue of rising cases of bullying and other forms of school violence needs to be addressed immediately. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Bring out the role played by the Ahom Kingdom in shaping the cultural and historical identity of North-East India, and discuss its legacy in contemporary times. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The capitalist class generally remained ambivalent in their support to the Indian National Congress until 1940s. In this context, analyse the varying positions of the Indian capitalists throughout the national movement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Trace the evolution of the press in India. Also, discuss the instrumental impact it had during various stages of the Indian freedom struggle despite the repressive policies of the British. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Mountains are fragile ecosystems vulnerable to the adverse impact of climate change and other anthropogenic interventions. Illustrate with examples. Also, highlight the initiatives taken for their sustainable management. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind unsustainable management of sand resources in India. Highlighting its impact, enumerate the remedial measures taken in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Giving an account of the major lithium-producing countries, discuss the geo-political aspects of lithium production and its environmental implications. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The youth are capable of identifying themselves with a global identity and connecting with events and experiences outside their countries. In this context, discuss the impact of globalization on the various aspects of youth identity. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"As fertility rates decline in India, future demographic concerns center around an ageing population and a weak social security system. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"With a significant proportion of India's population expected to live in urban areas by 2030, the welfare of the urban poor needs to take centre-stage in public policy. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5813,"topper":"Priyanshu Agrawal","air":123,"year":2024,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/priyanshu-agrawal-test-2-1747467888782.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5814,"topper":"Priyanshu Agrawal","air":442,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/115/mt23flton014_tc001-test-01-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5815,"topper":"Priyanshu Agrawal","air":442,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/119/mt23flton014_tc005-test-05-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5816,"topper":"Priyanshu Agrawal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/priyanshu-agrawal-test-7-1747467995066.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Federal governance is characterised by institutionalized arrangements for solving problems generated by pluralism based on consultation and mutual consent. How have Zonal Councils evolved from merely advisory bodies to proactive platforms for action? (Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Secularism under the Indian constitution is encapsulated in the broader concept of constitutional commitment to equality. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":5817,"topper":"Priyanshu Agrawal","air":123,"year":2024,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/priyanshu-agrawal-test-3-1747467903777.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5818,"topper":"Priyanshu Agrawal","air":442,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/116/mt23flton014_tc002-test-02-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5819,"topper":"Priyanshu Agrawal","air":442,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/120/mt23flton014_tc006-test-06-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5820,"topper":"Priyanshu Agrawal","air":442,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/123/mt23flton014_tc010-test-10-gs-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5821,"topper":"Priyanshu Agrawal","air":442,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/112/mt23flton014_tc010-test-10-gs-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5822,"topper":"Priyanshu Agrawal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/priyanshu-agrawal-test-8-1747468008486.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Comment on the important changes with respect to the Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG) and Securities Transaction Tax (STT) in the Union Budget 2024-25. Evaluate the impact of such changes on India's savings and investment regime. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"India's welfare scheme has undergone a shift from an input-based approach to outcome-based empowerment with the maxim of \"no person left behind\". In light of the above statement, discuss how this change in the approach of the government has fostered inclusive growth. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"The rainfed nature of India's agriculture makes it more susceptible to climate change. Highlight the importance of quality irrigation in the climate-adaptability of agriculture. What measures can be undertaken to improve the overall efficiency of the available irrigation practices in India? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Considering the importance of livestock in Indian agriculture, analyze how investment in animal husbandry can help in incentivizing Indian agriculture. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The discovery of Indian Laurel Trees in Andhra Pradesh has sparked the interest of scientists in the capacity of trees to store and release water. In this context, explain the science behind the process of water transportation and storage in trees. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The recently conducted global Summit on Responsible Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain (REAIM, 2023) showcased the opportunities, challenges and risks associated with the use of Artificial Intelligence in military applications. In this context, critically analyse the impact of Artificial Intelligence in defence and military applications. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":5823,"topper":"Priyanshu Agrawal","air":123,"year":2024,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/priyanshu-agrawal-test-4-1747467918120.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5824,"topper":"Priyanshu Agrawal","air":442,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/117/mt23flton014_tc003-test-03-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5825,"topper":"Priyanshu Agrawal","air":442,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/121/mt23flton014_tc007-test07-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5826,"topper":"Priyanshu Agrawal","air":442,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/124/mt23flton014_tc011-test-11-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5827,"topper":"Priyanshu Agrawal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/122/mt23flton014_tc008-test-08-gs-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by the concept of \"giving it back\"? Discuss its relevance in guiding civil services in the country. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Public services are accounted for not only bridging gap between government and public, but also take efforts for ethical governance. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":5828,"topper":"Priyanshu Agrawal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/priyanshu-agrawal-test-1-1747467834697.pdf","questions":[{"page":14,"question":"4(a) Ethics and laws are often considered as two sides of the same coin. Discuss the conflict between the two and how a civil servant should resolve such conflicts. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"4(b) Family and educational institutions play a significant role in shaping the ethical values of a civil servant. Discuss the role of these agents and the challenges associated with them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":5829,"topper":"Priyanshu Agrawal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7601d-1053001_2425_priyanshu_agrawal_rank_123.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"In acts of corruption, the focus is often only on the demand side of the equation, on public officials who abuse their office for private gain. Frequently, the supply side is given less attention. Those who pay bribes are sometimes depicted as innocent parties and victims of extortionary practices of wily public servants. Do you agree that 'collusive corruption', in which there is a willing bribe-giver, is a formidable challenge for institutions fighting corruption? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Citizens' Charters initiative was a response to the quest for solving the problems, which a citizen encountered, day in and day out, while dealing with the organisations providing public services. But the introduction and implementation of Citizens' Charters in the government of India has been difficult due to the old bureaucratic set up and the rigid attitudes of the work force. Discuss the major obstacles that have been encountered in implementing the Citizens' Charter initiative. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Quality of public service delivery is a major determinant of the quality of life of vulnerable sections in a highly unequal society divided along the lines of class, caste, religion, etc. In this background, do you think that public service delivery is efficient and sufficient enough to improve the lives of vulnerable groups in India? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own.\" - Lao Tzu (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"If ethics are poor at the top, that behavior is copied down through the organization.\" - Robert Noyce (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"The end of law is not to abolish or restrain, but to preserve and enlarge freedom.\" - John Locke (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Wealthy CEOs and founders of successful businesses around the world are increasingly pledging to give away their wealth in philanthropy. Do you think that such a move is sufficient enough to bring about a positive change in the society? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"As organizations across the globe begin their artificial intelligence (AI) transformation, the leap into the AI era is expected to be more challenging than any technology that businesses have grappled with yet. In this background, discuss the concerns around fairness, transparency, and job security that may arise. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The emphasis of Swami Dayanand Saraswati on education, social equality, and ethical values continues to influence the socio-cultural discourse in contemporary India. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Emotional intelligence may not be singularly associated with emotions or intelligence. It can also include a broad range of personality characteristics that might predict success in professional and everyday life. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":37,"question":"Rina and her friends from the college were working as interns with a company for the last few months. On completion of their internship, some of them, including Rina, have been offered full-time jobs in the company. Being a reputed company, she and her friends accepted the offer. Rina is enthusiastic about her new job and has even established good relationship with some of her company co-workers during her internship. However, during her tenure as an intern, Rina had begun to notice that one of the Vice-Presidents (VPs) of the company was giving her too much attention. He used to make an extra effort to stop by Rina's cubicle and chat, something he was not doing with any of the other interns. He had even tried to connect with Rina over social networking sites. Some of her co-interns also noticed this and began to make offhand comments to Rina about the extra attention being given by the VP. Now that she was has been hired for a full time position, she is fearful that she might have to work with this VP directly. While he has not done or said anything explicitly inappropriate, the extra attention and the fact that her co-workers noticed it, made her very uncomfortable and undermined her concentration at work. The company encourages an open and friendly atmosphere and when she was hired, it was communicated to her that she should always speak to her Manager whenever faced with any In the given situation: (a) What dilemmas does Rina face? (b) What options does she have? Provide the merits and demerits of each. (c) Highlight the course of action she should adopt, along with justification for the same. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"You have recently been posted as a Nodal Education Officer in one of the districts, where mass cheating in examinations is a regular phenomenon. Media reports have shown parents and relatives scaling school walls and buildings to pass answer chits to students taking secondary school examinations in the district. Moreover, with the advent of new technological devices, cheating in examinations has become more sophisticated and exam rules are flouted openly. On investigation, it has come to your notice that these rackets are run by many school authorities, including exam invigilators who are mostly teachers, and they are hand in glove for profits. With a shortage of staff, invigilators threaten go on mass strikes if any action is taken. Conducting the exams, cancelling them on account of cheating and having re-exams are a loss of time and money for the government and this vicious cycle goes on. As the Nodal Education Officer of the district, address the following questions: (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (b) How will you resolve the issues in the given case? (c) What long-term strategy needs to be adopted to deal with the menace of cheating in various examinations? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"You are a public representative, elected on the ticket of a political party, considered as conservative by many. Your daughter, who has returned years after studying abroad, has conveyed to you her choice of marrying a person from another community. You personally do not consider anything wrong in her choice, and convey your assent to her. You also discuss it with many among your friends and family, and inform them of a grand wedding ceremony you are planning for your daughter. However, a few days after you have shared the news of the forthcoming grand wedding with many, you are informed by your political secretary about an issue being made of the same. He informs you that there are whispers among many people in your constituency about it, and indications of a sense of unease among some prominent citizens. While most of them are enamoured by your plans for a grand wedding ceremony for your daughter, they are unhappy about the bridegroom being from another community. You also get to know through your sources in the party, that your assent to the choice of the bridegroom may lead to a denial of ticket by the high command in the forthcoming elections. You are not only an ambitious politician and a rising star in your political party but also an open-minded, loving and doting father. But howsoever much you love your daughter's freedom and choices, you do not want her decision to adversely affect your political journey. This is more so, when you had been eagerly looking forward to greater responsibilities and a higher stature in the party, given the years of that her wedding will not be held as a private ceremony with only close friends and family, but should be publicised in a grand way, as you had promised earlier to her. Given this situation, answer the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the above situation? (b) What are the various options that you have, as a father and an ambitious politician? (c) What will be your course of action? Justify with proper reasoning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5830,"topper":"Priyanshu Agrawal","air":123,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/priyanshu-agrawal-test-5-1747467955423.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5831,"topper":"Priyanshu Agrawal","air":442,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/118/mt23flton014_tc004-test-04-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5832,"topper":"Priyanshu Agrawal","air":442,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/111/mt23flton014_tc008-test-08-gs-4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5833,"topper":"Priyanshu Agrawal","air":442,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/125/mt23flton014_tc012-test-12-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5834,"topper":"Priyanshu Agrawal","air":442,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/104/mt23flton014_tc001-test-01-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5835,"topper":"Priyanshu Agrawal","air":442,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/105/mt23flton014_tc002-test-02-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5836,"topper":"Priyanshu Agrawal","air":442,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/106/mt23flton014_tc003-test-03-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5837,"topper":"Priyanshu Agrawal","air":442,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/107/mt23flton014_tc004-test-04-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5838,"topper":"Priyanshu Agrawal","air":442,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/108/mt23flton014_tc005-test-05-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5839,"topper":"Priyanshu Agrawal","air":442,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/109/mt23flton014_tc006-test-06-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5840,"topper":"Priyanshu Agrawal","air":442,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/110/mt23flton014_tc007-test07-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5841,"topper":"Priyanshu Agrawal","air":442,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/113/mt23flton014_tc011-test-11-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5842,"topper":"Priyanshu Agrawal","air":442,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/114/mt23flton014_tc012-test-12-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5843,"topper":"Priyanshu Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/priyanshu-mishra-test-9-1747467470566.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"How does the integration of traditional Indian art and architecture in the New Parliament Building serve as a testament to India's cultural ethos? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Discuss the representation of women in Sangam literature. What does it reveal about the status and roles of women in ancient South Indian society? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"How did the Moderates' economic critique of British colonial policies contribute to the development of Indian nationalism and the broader independence movement? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"How does the geological structure of the Himalayas make the region particularly prone to landslides? Discuss the natural and human-induced factors involved. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What are the major ocean currents and their associated gyres in the world's oceans? Discuss the significance of ocean currents in shaping the Earth's climate and marine ecosystems. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How have variations in soil types across India contributed to regional disparities in agricultural practices and productivity? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How does island tourism affect the economy of India's islands like the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep? What challenges and opportunities exist to make this tourism sustainable? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How has the shift in the policy from population control to family welfare and women's empowerment impacted population growth in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What are the core principles of Indian secularism, and how have they been challenged in the context of Indian society? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"To what extent does the current primary education system in India address or reinforce social inequalities, and what strategies are needed to create a more inclusive educational environment? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Compare and contrast the nature of peasant movements in India during the pre-Gandhian phase with those in the Gandhian phase. How did Mahatma Gandhi's leadership influence the nature and course of peasant movements in India during the freedom struggle? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Compare and contrast the Hoysala and Nagara styles of temple architecture. How do these differences reflect the cultural, religious, and regional influences of their time? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"How did Lord William Bentinck's policies in India influence the country's cultural and intellectual landscape? Discuss with reference to key reforms. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"With urban flooding becoming a recurrent challenge in Indian cities, analyze the underlying factors contributing to urban flooding in India. What comprehensive measures can be taken to mitigate its impact? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"As the 21st century shifts from battles over oil to competition for critical minerals, assess the potential of India's critical mineral resources in contributing to the global supply chain. What are the strategic implications of these resources for India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Explain the phenomenon of temperature inversion and its impact on weather patterns and microclimates in different regions. Also, discuss its implications for agriculture and human settlements. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Discuss the significance of the Ganga river system on the environment and Indian culture. What are the key challenges in cleaning and rejuvenating this vital river system? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Scientific pursuit in India has historically intersected with culture and religion, often blending scientific inquiry with religious practices. In this context, how do scientific advancements bridge the gap between traditional beliefs and modern thinking in addressing age-old taboos and superstitions? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Highlighting the challenges of social inequalities in the informal sector, discuss how the gig economy can resolve these issues and contribute to greater social empowerment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"What are the reasons behind the resurgence of new-age spiritualism led by religious influencers and spiritual leaders in Indian society? Evaluate the impact of this phenomenon on Indian society. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5844,"topper":"Priyanshu Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/priyanshu-mishra-test-6-1747467435115.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Highlighting the elements of urbanization discuss how agriculture played a pivotal role in the enduring success and longevity of the Harrapan Civilization. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"The Quit India Movement marked the awakening of the nation's soul and brought diverse sections together in a unified vision of Independence. Discuss (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Analyze the impact of World War II in accelerating the process of decolonization in Asia and Africa. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the various types of sedimentary rocks and their formation processes. What is the economic significance of sedimentary rocks? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What are the characteristics of anticyclonic circulations, and how do they influence weather patterns over the Indian subcontinent? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What is coral bleaching, and what are its main causes? Also, evaluate the role of marine protected areas (MPAs) in the conservation of coral reefs. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss the role of economic corridors in fostering regional economic integration and development. How do projects like the Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor (CBIC) align with India's broader economic growth strategies? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What is gender fluid identity, and what are the LGBTQ community's ongoing challenges to full societal inclusion and equal treatment? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"How does the interplay between regional and national identities fuel the emergence of regionalistic sentiments? How can we balance regional identities with broader national identity? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"How do various cultural practices and traditions contribute to the idea of \"Unity in Diversity\"? Provide examples to support your argument. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"What is the significance of Stupa art in the context of Buddhist architecture and culture? Discuss its various elements and symbolism and their role in coveying Buddist beliefs. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"How did the British policies contribute to the de-industrialization of India, and how did this process affect the lives of Indian artisans and the broader economy? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"What are the factors that lead to the formation of local winds? Discuss their impact on the weather and climate in various regions, providing relevant examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"What are the primary drivers of freshwater scarcity in megacities like Bangalore and Hyderabad? Suggest comprehensive solutions that address both supply and demand aspects of urban water management. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"What is the Blue Revolution? What are the significant hurdles in aquaculture development, and what comprehensive strategies can be implemented to address them? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"What are the key factors influencing the establishment of large-scale solar farms in India, and what are their environmental and social impacts? How can India balance the expansion of solar energy with the need to protect biodiversity and local ecosystems? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"In what ways do social media platforms perpetuate and challenge social inequalities and power structures? Provide a critical analysis. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Give a comparative analysis of the tribal and mainstream societies. Is tribal society more progressive than mainstream society? Argue with examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5845,"topper":"Priyanshu Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/priyanshu-mishra-test-2-1747467323348.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Examine the role of numismatic evidence in understanding the political and economic history of ancient India. Provide specific examples.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Assess the impact of women's organizations in mobilizing women across diverse socio-economic and regional backgrounds in pre-independence India.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":8,"question":"How did the policy of non-alignment reflect the aspirations of India and other newly independent nations to maintain their sovereignty and resist colonial pressures?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the processes involved in volcanism. Highlight the major volcanic regions in the world and their associated tectonic settings.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Explain the geological features and ecological importance of the Eastern Ghats.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"Earlier known as coarse cereals the government rebranded millets in 2018 as nutri-cereals. In this context discuss the ecological and nutritional significance of millets","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":16,"question":"What are the potential consequences of Arctic ice melt on biodiversity and ecosystems? How might these changes impact global ecological balance","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Do you think the Uniform Civil Code contradicts the idea of religious pluralism and cultural differences in Indian society?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss the concept of healthy active ageing in the context of demographic shifts in India. How does it contribute to social inclusion?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":22,"question":"How is the transition from 'conscious consumption' to 'compulsive consumption' impacting family structure and dynamics in urban areas?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss with examples the key features of Vijayanagara architecture. How did Indo-Islamic elements manifest in their structures?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Compare and contrast the features of ancient Indian universities like Nalanda and Takshashila with modern state-funded universities in India. What lessons can modern universities learn from ancient ones to improve their effectiveness?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Analyze the ideological differences and similarities between the revolutionary movement(1920-1930s) and the Gandhian non-violent struggle. How did these two ideologies influence each other?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":33,"question":"What are the various types of glacial landforms formed in the Indian Himalayas. How do these features impact local ecosystems and human activities?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Discuss the unique geographical features of the Indian Ocean and their impact on global oceanic circulation patterns. How do these features influence the climate of the Indian subcontinent?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Urban heat islands (UHIs) have become a significant phenomenon in Indian cities, exacerbating the frequency and intensity of heat waves. Analyze the underlying factors contributing to this phenomenon and critically assess the existing mitigation strategies.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Evaluate the primary factors contributing to regional disparities in the sugar industry between North India and Peninsular India. What measures can be undertaken to reduce the surplus sugar production?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":45,"question":"\"Social mobility is essential for achieving true equality within society'. In this context highlight the barriers to intergenerational mobility in Indian society, and examine the role of education on social mobility.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Analyze the influence of globalization on migration patterns in India. What are the economic and social implications of increased internal and international migration?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Discuss how gender-based violence in India is a manifestation of patriarchal values. To what extent has modernisation in law served as an instrument of women's empowerment in this regard?","marks":"15","words":null}]},{"id":5846,"topper":"Priyanshu Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/priyanshu-mishra-test-7-1747467446408.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Federal governance is characterised by institutionalized arrangements for solving problems generated by pluralism based on consultation and mutual consent. How have Zonal Councils evolved from merely advisory bodies to proactive platforms for action? ( Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Secularism under the Indian constitution is encapsulated in the broader concept of constitutional commitment to equality. Discuss. ( Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"There is a need to shift the focus of Section 8 of the Representation of People Act, 1951 from the duration of the sentence to the gravity of the offence.' Comment on how the current classification under Section 8 leads to arbitrary categorisation of offences. Also, mention the remedies available to a person disqualified under this section. ( Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What is the significance of the Leader of Opposition in the Indian parliamentary system? How does the role of the opposition contribute to the checks and balances in a democracy? ( Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"The core ideals of the Preamble — sovereignty, socialism, secularism, and democracy — form the bedrock of India's constitutional framework.\" Elucidate. ( Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Assess the implications of the 103rd Constitutional Amendment, which introduced a ten per cent reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), on the principle of social justice in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The focus of welfare schemes in India is shifting from \"well-being\" towards \"over-dependency\". In light of this, do you agree that welfare schemes have inculcated a \"freebies culture\" in India leading to a divergence of focus from poverty and hunger alleviation? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"E-governance is not just about efficiency; it's about making governance accessible and inclusive for every citizen. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"With the advent of new regional and multilateral agreements like QUAD, AUKUS, I2U2 etc the old world order represented by organizations like NAM, Davos, and G77 is losing its relevance. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The island states and territories from the South Pacific to the African coast have become new nodes in India's changing strategic geography. In this context, highlight the importance of these island states for India and also throw light upon the initiatives taken by India to strengthen ties with these states. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Electoral funding in India is fraught with the double whammy of legal loopholes and political inefficiencies. In this context, discuss the challenges to electoral funding. What lessons can India draw from global best practices in this regard? (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Pressure groups form the social foundation of a democracy. In this context, discuss pressure groups' key contributions in promoting social security measures for workers in India, and how they address the gaps in existing policies. (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"The Constitution envisages the \"principle of federal supremacy\" in the executive space of Indian federal polity. Discuss while referring to the relevant Constitutional provisions and case laws. How are contentious issues regarding the distribution of powers resolved? (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Delimitation of seats is essential to ensure fair representation and uphold the principles of one vote, one value. Highlighting the challenges posed by misrepresentation in constituencies analyse the ramifications of population-based delimitation in creating federal tension. (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"To what extent can the PIL system be held responsible for shifting the focus of the higher Courts from \"constitutional matters\" to day-to-day matters? What role can the trial Courts play in reducing the overall burden on higher Courts? (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"India's higher education system needs significant reforms to align with global standards. How does the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 aim to address these challenges, and what lessons can India learn from international practices to enhance its higher education system? Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"The Right to Information (RTI) Act is hailed for its transformative impact on the quest for transparency and accountability in Indian governance. However, multifaceted challenges and systemic limitations impede its effective implementation. Discuss. Also, suggest measures for its effective implementation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Discuss the unique challenges and opportunities Self Help Groups (SHGs) encounter in urban areas compared to rural ones, and how can microfinance be adapted to tackle urban poverty. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Highlight the significance of the recently envisaged India-Middle East-Europe corridor for India's connectivity with the world, especially the West. Do you think, in recent times, transport and energy initiatives have taken precedence in India's foreign policy? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Despite the recent rise in politically contentious issues, the India-Canada bilateral relationship has remained committed to shared values of democracy, pluralism, expanding economic engagement and long-standing people-to-people ties. Highlighting the significant pillars of the India-Canada relationship, discuss the potential areas of cooperation and collaboration between India and Canada. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5847,"topper":"Priyanshu Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/priyanshu-mishra-test-3-1747467356704.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"The rule of law and judicial review are interdependent, as one cannot truly exist without the other. In this context can judicial review be considered the most important aspect among those that constitute the basic structure of the Constitution? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"How does the power and authority of Delhi's lieutenant governor compare to that of the governors of other states, particularly in terms of acting on the aid and advice of the council of ministers? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss the role of the judiciary in navigating the tension between the right to religion and constitutional morality in India in recent times. Refer to relevant case laws. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The principle of 'Separation of Powers' is a key feature of the American Constitution. In this context, compare how the Indian Constitution's functional separation of powers distinguishes itself from the US system. What are the advantages of a check and balance system over a rigid Separation of Powers? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution is more than a legal provision that empowers tribal regions with self-rule. How does the sixth schedule foster development while respecting their traditional governance systems and cultural practices? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How do partnerships between Civil Society Organizations and Government Entities contribute to India's development goals? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss the importance of cultivating a culture of life-long learning among Indian civil servants. How has Mission Karmyogi contributed to this objective? Illustrate with examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Given India's strides in reducing extreme poverty, should the country consider redefining its poverty line to better reflect the current socio-economic realities? Discuss the potential benefits and challenges associated with redefinition of the poverty line. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Evaluate the impact of the deepening political divisions with the major Western States on global governance and international cooperation. How should India navigate these divisions to advance its national interests on the global stage? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"How does India's Arctic Policy align with its broader foreign policy objectives? Broadly discuss the collaborations and agreements India is involved in with the Arctic Council. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"In what ways are the terms of reference of the 16th Finance Commission different from that of the previous Finance Commissions? Despite increasingly progressive devolution by subsequent Finance Commissions, examine the factors that propel economic disparities across various States. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Compare and contrast the powers and working of the Ethics Committee and the Privileges Committee in addressing cases of 'unethical' conduct and breach of privileges. How do these Committees complement each other in maintaining parliamentary discipline? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"In the context of persistent legislative dysfunction in India, analyze the evolving role of judicial activism in shaping public policy and governance. Using examples from landmark court cases, evaluate the effectiveness of judicial interventions in addressing governance gaps and safeguarding citizens' rights. (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"To what extent does the level of internal democracy within political parties impact the functioning and legitimacy of the Indian party system? What reforms can address the challenges of inadequate intraparty democracy in India? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals requires consideration of regional context and local situations. In light of this statement examine the role of Panchayats as catalysts for grassroot development and advancing sustainable development.(250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What are the implications of the POCSO Act on the rights and welfare of children in India? Analyze the role of the POCSO Act in transforming India's legal framework for child protection. (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Examine the influence of human rights issues and democratic values on the diplomatic relationship between the U.S. and India. How have these concerns affected bilateral engagements and what can be done to mitigate tensions arising from these issues? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5848,"topper":"Priyanshu Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/priyanshu-mishra-test-10-1747467488616.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"\"Parliament is a creature of the constitution, not its master\". Highlighting relevant case laws discuss how judicial intervention has shaped the balance between the Constitution and parliamentary sovereignty. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"\"How do the citizenship laws and policies of India and the United States differ within their constitutional frameworks? Comment on the ongoing debate on citizenship laws and policies in India and the US. (Answer in 150 words) 10 marks\"","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"\"The right to internet access is integral to the realization and exercise of other fundamental rights in India.\" In this context examine how the recognition of internet access as a fundamental right in India reconciles with the state's authority to impose restrictions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"How did the 44th Constitutional Amendment impact the emergency provisions in the Indian Constitution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What are the powers and immunities of the Governor in relation to bills passed by the state legislature? Are these powers unlimited in nature? Discuss in light of relevant judgements. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Do you think that lateral entry can significantly enhance the effectiveness of the Indian bureaucracy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The demand for a caste census and the sub-categorization of castes reflects the failure of neoliberalism to address India's caste problem. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Despite significant advancements, women remain underrepresented in STEM fields. What are the barriers to women's participation in STEM, and what policy interventions can address these challenges to promote gender equity? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Strategically located ports are vital assets in regional and economic integration. In this context discuss the significance of ports like Chabahar and Sittwe in India's strategy to enhance connectivity and their contribution to India's geopolitical objectives. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"The federal character of a nation comprising elective bodies at different levels is best secured through a bicameral legislature. In this context, discuss how a bicameral legislature supports federalism in India. What additional measures can be taken to strengthen the federal structure and ensure effective representation of states in national governance? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"An Independent Parliamentary Secretariat is the backbone of a robust democracy, ensuring non-partisan support to Parliament in carrying out its core functions. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Given the significant role of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in local governance, assess the challenges and opportunities in strengthening their financial autonomy. How can reforms in PRI financing contribute to more effective grassroots governance in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Despite the absence of a constitutional mandate, the National Commission for Women(NCW) has had a significant impact in influencing legal reforms and securing gender justice in India. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"In post-liberalized India, independent regulators were established to ensure fair competition and transparency. To what extent have independent regulators been effective in their mandates and discuss the impact of government influence on their autonomy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"How does the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023 aim to reshape the patriarchal dynamics of Indian politics? Do you think it might encounter similar limitations as those seen in local self-government institutions? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Hunger is both a cause and a consequence of poverty, and addressing it requires a multidimensional approach. Analyze the effectiveness of a multidimensional approach with examples from key government initiatives. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"The African Union's inclusion in the G-20 marks a significant step towards strengthening South-South cooperation.' Discuss the importance of this development for India and its implications for India's relations with Africa. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"What are the key challenges associated with the IMF and World Bank in addressing the needs of developing countries? Also, assess the need for reforms in Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) to address the evolving global challenges. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5849,"topper":"Priyanshu Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/priyanshu-mishra-test-4-1747467373573.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Highlighting the factors contributing to high fiscal deficit in India, discuss the potential consequences of such deficit and suggest measures to ensure fiscal consolidation. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"India's aspiration to be a developed nation by 2047 hinges on significant capital investment. In light of this, discuss the potential of capital investment in achieving this vision. What are the challenges India faces in this regard? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"\"With growing urbanization, peri-urban agriculture is emerging as a significant contributor to fresh farm produce needs\". In this context, discuss the opportunities and challenges associated with promoting peri-urban agriculture in a sustainable manner. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What are the major challenges faced by India's agriculture sector to achieve self-sufficiency in pulses and vegetable oils? Suggest measures to address these challenges. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Evaluate the potential of biomanufacturing and bio-foundry in driving India's future towards a sustainable green economy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What are the principles behind the working of Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV)? Explain the significance and potential benefits of use of RLVs in India's space commerce. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Examine the key features of the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) 2023. Analyze its potential for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"In light of the increased intensity, frequency and duration of heat waves in the last decade, do you think the time has come to include \"heat waves\" as a notified disaster under the Disaster Management Act, 2005? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Recently formulated 'joint doctrine for cyberspace operations' by Indian armed forces will lead to strengthening of the cyber-security posture for both conventional operations as well as gray zone warfare. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the necessity and potential issues surrounding the extension of the Border Security Force's (BSF) territorial jurisdiction in states adjacent to Pakistan and Bangladesh. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"India's economic growth story is often overshadowed by the persistent challenges of unemployment. Analyze the concept of structural unemployment and discuss its relevance in the context of India's current economic situation. Suggest policy measures to promote inclusive job growth. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Discuss the role of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in fostering regional growth in India. How can MSMEs contribute to achieving industrial diversification and technological advancement? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"\"The sole point of MSP is to protect farmers from sudden price shock\". Do you think legalization of MSP can insure farmers from sudden price shocks? What are the other measures which can be taken to make MSP-led procurement effective? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Discuss the role of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) in the Public Distribution System (PDS) to ensure food security in India. Suggest necessary reforms in the functioning of FCI to enhance its efficiency and effectiveness. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Discuss the role of nanotechnology on enhancing agricultural productivity and food security in India. Highlight recent developments and potential benefits and risks of use of nano-fertilizers and nano-pesticides. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"The Nobel Prize in Physics of 2023 was jointly awarded to Ekimov, Brus and Bawendi for the discovery of synthesis of quantum dots. In this context, discuss the applications of quantum dots. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Evaluate the role of protected areas in biodiversity conservation in India. How effective have national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves been in preserving India's biodiversity? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"What the causes of high levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and ozone pollution in India. How effective are the various steps taken by the government to mitigate particulate matter and ozone pollution? (15 marks,","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":48,"question":"The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) Report 2023 highlights a growing menace of drug trafficking in South Asia, with India being a major hub. Analyze the various dimensions of this challenge with respect to India. Also suggest a multi-pronged approach to address it. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5850,"topper":"Priyanshu Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/priyanshu-mishra-test-8-1747467458795.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Comment on the important changes with respect to the Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG) and Securities Transaction Tax (STT) in the Union Budget 2024-25. Evaluate the impact of such changes on India's savings and investment regime. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"India's welfare scheme has undergone a shift from an input-based approach to outcome-based empowerment with the maxim of \"no person left behind\". In light of the above statement, discuss how this change in the approach of the government has fostered inclusive growth. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The rainfed nature of India's agriculture makes it more susceptible to climate change. Highlight the importance of quality irrigation in the climate-adaptability of agriculture. What measures can be undertaken to improve the overall efficiency of the available irrigation practices in India? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Considering the importance of livestock in Indian agriculture, analyze how investment in animal husbandry can help in incentivizing Indian agriculture. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The discovery of Indian Laurel Trees in Andhra Pradesh has sparked the interest of scientists in the capacity of trees to store and release water. In this context, explain the science behind the process of water transportation and storage in trees. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The recently conducted global Summit on Responsible Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain (REAIM, 2023) showcased the opportunities, challenges and risks associated with the use of Artificial Intelligence in military applications. In this context, critically analyse the impact of Artificial Intelligence in defence and military applications. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The Public Accounts Committee has recently flagged concerns about the rising menace of plastic pollution. In this context, highlight the recent initiatives taken by the Government to curb plastic pollution. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Landslides have become more of a human-induced phenomenon rather than a natural phenomenon. Highlighting the reasons for increasing incidences of landslides, suggest measures that can be undertaken to mitigate the disaster. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The threats to national security have gradually transformed from being \"geographic\" to being \"thematic\". In this context, what are the contemporary challenges of internal security and what measures can be undertaken to deal with such challenges? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Evaluate the role of enhanced border surveillance technologies in bolstering India's border security framework and addressing cross-border threats. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"While startups in India have achieved notable success in fostering entrepreneurship and innovation in the economy, there are certain structural issues challenging the sustainability of startups in India. Elucidate upon these challenges faced by startups and recommend practical solutions to the problems. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Critically evaluate the effectiveness of public-private partnerships in the modernization of railway infrastructure in India. Considering safety as one of the major challenges for railways, what measures can be taken to improve the overall safety parameters of Indian Railways? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"\"Farming becomes remunerative if the produce reaches our plates in time\". In this context, highlight the upstream and downstream issues faced by the agriculture marketing and transport sector in India. What initiatives can be undertaken to improve the overall efficiency of the sector? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"India's agriculture export-import policies are tilted more towards the consumers rather than the farmers. In light of the given statement, critically analyze the impact of import and export policies on farmers. What measures can be undertaken to shield farmers from import-export price shocks? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"India's advancement in medical science is reflected in India's success in using CAR-T cell therapy to treat the first cancer patient. Discuss the working and effectiveness of CAR-T cell therapy in treating cancer and related diseases. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"What is the main objective of India's Gaganyaan Mission and Bharatiya Antariksha Station? Which other countries have successfully launched their manned missions into space? What major technologies are required for the successful execution of the Gaganyaan Mission and related Bharatiya Antariksha Station? Also, elucidates the challenges associated with these missions. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"\"India's offshore wind energy has high potential but remains low on implementation\". Discuss the challenges impeding the harnessing of offshore wind energy and suggest possible solutions. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"In addition to being the centres of growth, urban areas are also centres of accumulating disaster risks. Why is disaster management particularly complex in mega-urban cities? What measures can be undertaken to address the problems of disaster management and risk reduction in urban areas? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Discuss the threats posed by social media and networking sites to the internal security of India. How do the fact-check units (FCUs) under Information and Technology Rules, 2021 help in controlling the overall menace of the spread of fake news on social media? What are the concerns of press broadcasters and digital media participants about the Government establishing fact-check units? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"By highlighting the role of Violent Non-State Actors (VNSAs) in inflicting violence in Kashmir valley, discuss how \"OPERATION SADBHAVNA\" by armed forces can tackle the VNSA-OGW (Over Ground Workers) nexus by addressing the aspirations of local youth. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5851,"topper":"Priyanshu Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/priyanshu-mishra-test-5-1747467414809.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"\"It is wrong to assume that ethical decisions are, can or should be purely rational and principled. Human feelings are an inseparable part of our ethical life.\" In what way do feelings impact our ethical decisions? Illustrate with examples. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"What do you understand by ethics management? Can public officials manage ethics in the work place in a manner similar to managing budgets, policies and people? Do you think adopting codes of ethics and conduct is sufficient enough for managing ethics in the workplace or something more is needed? Discuss. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"While traditional ethics has focussed on notions of justice, fair allocation and obligations, ethics of care emphasise maintaining connectedness and promoting care. Which of the above two ethical perspectives is more suitable for guiding ethical decision making in the context of public services. Explain your position with suitable examples. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"What does the term “quality” mean in service delivery. What are the components of service quality and indicate ways and means for ensuring total quality in terms of efficiency, economy and effectiveness? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"In the context of public service, what does public service attitude mean? Discuss the attitude biases that affects a public servants on field decision making? Explain how a public servant can overcome such attitude biases? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"“I am a Moslem; I am a Hindu; I am a Christian; I am a Jew.” Mahatma Gandhi. What did Mahatma Gandhi mean by the above statement? Some philosophers have argued that religion is harmful to the moral life, whereas others have claimed that it is necessary to it. Explain your position on the relationship between religion and morality. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"There is only one responsibility of business, namely to use its resources and engage in activities designed to increase profits.\" Do you think corporations, by indulging in social responsibilities, are compromising their core resource utilisation and production responsibility by diverting resources into unproductive social endeavours? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Do you think values such as \"tyaga,\" (renunciation) \"seva,\" (service) \"daanam,\" (Charity) \"damah,\" (self-control) that are espoused in traditional Indian Wisdom have relevance for modern day public servants? Why? Why not? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"A. Explain the difference between conflict among interests and conflict among various sources of authority. Illustrate with relevant examples. (150 words, 10 marks) B. The domain of governance is ridden with uncertainties, ambiguities and paradoxes and this can at times lead to timidity and withdrawal among public administrators. Discuss the relevance of inner courage for overcoming and coping with ambiguities. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"What are the ethical issues and dilemmas that confronts you in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Discuss the available options along with its merits and demerits.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"What will be your chosen course of action? Why (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What are the administrative and ethical issues involved in the above situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the merits and demerits of each option and explain your chosen course of action along with reasons. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"What are the issues involved in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"Is it ethically justified to be devoted to duty at the cost of the personal safety of the staff? Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"How will you go about doing your election duties without compromising the safety of your staff? Explain. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Case Study 4: A smart city project is underway, and you have been appointed Head of Procurement. Before this assignment, you held a similar role in a major public sector undertaking (PSU), where you earned a reputation for your tender drafting and vendor management skills. Given the smart city project’s scale and significant procurement requirements, you seemed the perfect fit to lead the procurement section. A month ago, your section invited tenders for building supplies. Among the applicants was Mr. Sharma, a supplier you knew from your previous role at the PSU. Mr. Sharma lived in your neighbourhood, and your spouses were friends. Despite this personal connection, you have always maintained strict professional boundaries. Upon scrutinising all the tenders, your section found Mr. Sharma's terms the most competitive, so the tender was awarded to him. However, once the decision was made public, another vendor, Mr Patel, accused you of colluding with Mr Sharma due to your previous relationship. Mr. Patel filed a formal complaint with the Department Seniors, providing evidence of your prior association with Mr. Sharma. As a result, an enquiry was initiated, and you were placed on compulsory leave pending its outcome. This situation left you questioning where you might have gone wrong despite your efforts to maintain professionalism. 1. Do you think the above case involves a conflict of interest or there are more issues? Explain 2. Keeping the above case in perspective, discuss the relevance of impartiality and non-partisanship as professional value. 3. In hindsight, how do you think you could have avoided the above unpleasant situation. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Discuss the administrative and ethical issues involved in the above case.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"Do you think it was morally right on your part to write to the minister? Justify","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"How will you respond to the action initiated against you? Discuss the available options and justify your selected course of action. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":55,"question":"Identify and explain your chosen course of action after evaluating the merits and demerits of each option. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":5852,"topper":"Priyanshu Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/priyanshu-mishra-test-1-1747467280285.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Explain the relationship between Public Service Values and Public Administration Ethics. Do you think public service values are only eloquent statements for glorifying the Department's mission, or do they have any utility for public servants? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"How does the conscientious public servant sort through competing considerations and determine \"the right thing to do?\" When it comes to serving the public, how does one put one's values into practice? Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"What do you understand by good governance in public administration and corporations? How do they differ? Identify and explain three principles that can act as a foundation for good governance in a corporate setting. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"One hallmark of good governance is government departments' adherence to strict ethical standards when procuring goods and services for public programmes. Identify and explain the ethical principles that must be respected to maintain the integrity of the procurement process. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How should public servants ethically balance stakeholder interests, official obligations, and regime values when making administrative decisions, and which of these should be given the most moral weight? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Recent researchers have argued that the government's health and social-based interventions are significantly less effective without the emotional skills of self-awareness and empathy. Do you agree? Justify your answer with relevant examples.. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss with relevant examples how civil servants' political and moral attitudes impact their work ethics and daily administrative decision-making. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"The motive has nothing to do with the morality of the action.\" In light of the above statement, do you think motive is irrelevant in determining the morality of an action? Explain your position with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Explain the contemporary relevance of Jain Tirthankaras' vow-based moral philosophy. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What ethical dilemmas arise from the use of economic sanctions in international relations, and how can policymakers balance these concerns with the need to punish illegal behaviours and compel political change? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"You recently took over as CEO of Beta Technologies, a renowned IT services and consulting firm in India established in 1990. Over the past three decades, the company has grown into a global player with clients in North America, Europe, and Asia. Known for cutting-edge solutions and strong client relationships, Beta Technologies has been a market leader in the IT sector. It has been three weeks since you took over, and one day, the company's legal head came to you with a report that they had discovered discrepancies in the company's financial statement. For five years, the company's financial Officer (CFO), Mr. Rahul Mehta, has manipulated its earnings reports. By inflating revenues and understating expenses, he has created a false image of financial health to boost stock prices and secure more investment. Further, it was found that Mr. Mehta has significant personal investments in some of the company's vendors. These vendors were awarded lucrative contracts, often at inflated prices and with favourable terms detrimental to the company. Mr Mehta's actions have compromised the procurement process and led to financial losses for the company. As CEO, you were confronted with a critical decision. You also had to contend with financial irregularities and a skewed procurement process. As a new CEO: (a) What decision options are available to you? (b) What are the issues involved in the above case? (c) What will be your chosen course of action and Why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"As a District Development Officer (DDO) in a district known for its arid conditions, the past year has been particularly challenging. With rains failing to arrive, the region faced an acute water shortage, leading to a severe agricultural downturn and reported starvation deaths. One of my critical responsibilities includes supervising the mid-day meal scheme, ensuring that it runs smoothly and reaches the intended beneficiaries \\u2013 school children. Amidst the ongoing crisis, I observed an anomaly in the mid-day meal scheme in three specific blocks. The consumption of food grains was significantly higher than the number of students enrolled. This discrepancy had been persistent for about a month, prompting me to initiate a thorough inquiry to uncover the reasons behind the unusual pattern. The investigation revealed a surprising yet heart-wrenching reality. The village schools in these blocks were using the extra food grains to feed starving families in the community. This unauthorised action, while driven by compassion, was officially a punishable offence. The schools were diverting resources intended exclusively for students to provide relief to those suffering from acute hunger. As the situation unravelled, you found yourself in a moral quandary. On one hand, as the DDO, I was bound by regulations that required me to ensure the proper use of government resources. Despite its noble intent, the unauthorised diversion of food grains was a breach of protocol that necessitated disciplinary action, including the suspension of the school officials involved. On the other hand, these school officials' actions were driven by a deep sense of humanity and compassion. They chose to prioritise the immediate needs of their community, recognising the dire circumstances and the urgent need to prevent further starvation deaths. Punishing them for their humane response to the crisis seemed not only harsh but also contrary to the spirit of public service. (a) What are the ethical issues in the above case? (b) As a DDO, what are the options available to you? (c) Explain your chosen course of action, along with your reasons. (d) Given the above case, what would be the best ethical theory for handling human distress situations? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"You were wondering about the course of action, as the deductions were legal, and the agents were technically following instructions. But, in the process, they were exploiting the poor villagers. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you as an SP? (c) Explain your chosen course of an action. (d) If you have to recommend a better way of promoting the bima yojna, what would that be? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Suggest some measures for handling cartels who prey on people's needs.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"AquaTech is a government defence contracting firm specialising in manufacturing robotic systems for police and military use. It is known for producing bomb-defusing robots and working on other classified projects. One critical project involved developing a robot capable of sweeping minefields and detecting hidden explosives. The project had a stringent seven-month deadline to produce a working prototype for a demonstration to top defence ministry officials. The project encountered delays due to staff shortages and other unforeseen issues, resulting in a two-week lag. As the deadline loomed, the project leader pressured the team to work extended hours with minimal rest. Despite these challenges, the team managed to complete the prototype on time for the demonstration. During the demonstration, the robot was deployed in an active minefield to detect mines and mark them with a spray. Initially, the robot performed as expected, identifying mines. However, instead of marking the sites, it triggered explosions, causing fatal injuries to the operating engineer. The demonstration was immediately halted, and an inquiry was launched. The investigation revealed that a software flaw caused the malfunction, leading to the tragic accident. The software development team argued that the operator issued mixed commands, which contributed to the malfunction. Overall, each team kept deflecting responsibility, but somebody or a team had to be made accountable for the fatal errors. (a) If you are the ethics officer of AquaTech enquiring, who will you hold responsible for the fatality? Why? (b) Discuss some common ethical issues that arise while using artificial intelligence. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":56,"question":"What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) With a limited budget at your disposal, you decide to allocate funds to tackle witchcraft-related superstitions. How would you justify your decision to the community and stakeholders? (c) Given that witchcraft-related crimes were not initially reported by the BDOs, how would you address this lack of communication and ensure better reporting and transparency moving forward? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":5853,"topper":"Priyasha Verma","air":324,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fOe8FIdHivofI4RkLHnxC-70fuIETSHA/view","questions":[]},{"id":5854,"topper":"Priyasha Verma","air":324,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wNFxv6be-WpXHR_TzclADOWzU7_wPrfE/view","questions":[]},{"id":5855,"topper":"Prudhvi Tej","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/34271_870_Prudhvi_Tej_Rank_24.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"All the questions are compulsory and carry 12.5 marks each.","marks":"5","words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The Gupta Sculpture while depicting devotion to Vishnu, successfully shows Guptas' exemplary tolerance for both Buddhism and Jainism. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"At all times the work of Indian craftsmen has been admired for its delicacy and skill. In this context, elucidate with examples the artistic achievements of ancient India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"The socio-cultural regeneration in nineteenth century India was occasioned by the colonial presence, but not created by it. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Champaran was the starting point of the strategy that Gandhi was to employ over the next 30 years to galvanise millions into one of history's biggest mass movements against perhaps the greatest imperial power of all time. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Despite many regulations enacted by the British to curb it's freedom, the press in India played a crucial role in strengthening the national movement. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Even after a hundred years of its proclamation the effects of Balfour Declaration continue to resonate in the Arab-Israeli conflict. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Decolonisation was neither an accident nor a product of any grand design, rather it resulted from the confluence of various local and global factors. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"The unification of Germany fundamentally reshaped the balance of power in Europe. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"The positions taken by Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Annie Besant at the beginning of 20th century finally evolved to become positions held by advocates on both sides of the language debate in the country even today. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"C. Rajagoplachari argued that a healthy democracy requires an \"opposition that thinks differently and just does not want more of the same\". In light of the statement assess the historic role played by the Swatantra Party in the initial years of independent India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"The present form of caste as an institution has been shaped both by developments during the colonial period as well as changes witnessed in independent India. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"In the Global Wage Report of International Labour Organisation, India has the worst levels of gender wage disparity. Comment. Enumerate briefly the factors that contribute to the existing gender pay gap in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Statistics show that child sex ratio is declining though there is an increase in overall sex ratio. Discuss the reasons that explain this trend. What measures have been taken by the government to correct this trend?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Jet streams play a significant role in influencing the weather conditions across the world. Discuss with special reference to the Indian Monsoon.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Exploring and mining of polymetallic nodules in the Indian Ocean Basin by India, though filled with challenges, will be of immense strategic and commercial value. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Unregulated and nonjudicial usage of groundwater has resulted in declining groundwater levels as well as quality. In this context, discuss the need for a dedicated programme for groundwater conservation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Though Tourism is one of the most important tertiary activity in India, it is facing a number of challenges. Comment. In this context, explain the importance of promoting sustainable tourism in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Highlight the significance of wetland ecosystems, particularly in the urban areas. Also mention the steps that are being taken by the government for integrated management of wetland ecosystems.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5856,"topper":"Prudhvi Tej","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/34271_871_Prudhvi_Tej_Rank_24.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Criticism about the judiciary should be welcomed, so long as criticisms do not hamper the \"administration of justice\". In this context discuss whether the power of contempt of court given to the higher judiciary limits the freedom granted by Article 19 (a) and whether these two can be reconciled.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Special rights are not privileges but they are granted to make it possible for minorities to preserve their identity, culture and traditions. Elaborate in the context of India with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"A clear delineation of functions of local governments vis-à-vis State Governments will only strengthen the principle of subsidiarity. In this context, discuss the challenges and the reforms required for effective democratic decentralization in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Despite being a welcome step, Inter-State Water Disputes (Amendment) Bill, 2017 fails to resolve the issue of overlapping of jurisdiction between the legislature and judiciary. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Critically discuss the major reforms introduced in the area of electoral funding in Union Budget 2017. Do you think that state funding of elections is a viable idea to check misuse of money power in politics?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The provision of 33% reservation of seats for women in urban local body elections in Nagaland has been in news for various reasons in recent times. Discuss the underlying issues in light of the constitutional provisions at stake and the social realities of the state.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Enumerate the guidelines for police reforms as laid down by the Supreme Court in Prakash Singh case in 2006. In this regard, critically discuss the issues in their implementation by the States.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"While the Competition Commission of India and sector-specific regulators are required to complement each other, overlapping jurisdiction has resulted in regulatory parallelism amongst them. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"There is both spatial and economic inequality with regards to access to healthcare services in India. Elaborate. How does the New Health Policy attempts to address these issues?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Census 2011 observed that there has been a significant increase in urban homeless households in the period between 2001 and 2011. What are homeless households? Highlighting the challenges faced by them, discuss the causes for increase in such households. Suggest various measures to rehabilitate these households.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Recent judgment of the Supreme Court, amending the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 has invoked varied reponses. Highlighting the amendment, critically examine its likely impact on application of the law.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Examine the steps taken by the government over the years to ensure a secure and exploitation-free childhood for its citizens. Further analyse how the recent ratification of the two key ILO conventions will help India's fight against child labour.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"According to the World Bank, while digital technologies have spread rapidly in much of the world, resulting digital dividends have lagged behind. Analyse in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"\"Our country suffers from an excess of old and unnecessary laws which obstruct people and businesses\". In light of the observation elucidate how outdated and impractical laws bring inefficiency in governance. How far is the repealing and cosolidation of statutes a solution to the problem at hand?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Due to increasing consumption and changing consumption patterns, water scarcity is an emerging threat in India and thus it becomes imperative to treat water as a commodity and privatize it. Critically evaluate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Given the mandate of the Organisation and its composition, too much should not be read into India becoming a full time member of SCO. Critically comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"India needs to utilize its technological capacity based diplomacy to strengthen relationships with the neigbours. Discuss. Also examine the significance of South Asia satellite to enhance regional cooperation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Though both India and Bangladesh have been able to resolve various pending bilateral issues, solution to the Teesta Water dispute remains illusive. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Discuss the important provisions and significance of the recent proposal by India for Trade Facilitation in Services (TFS) Agreement under WTO.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"BIMSTEC has the potential to become a distinctive link between South and Southeast Asia. Elaborate. Also discuss the factors hindering the potential of BIMSTEC over the years. Highlight the key initiatives in recent times and further measures required to make the grouping more effective.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5857,"topper":"Prudhvi Tej","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/34271_860_Prudvi_Tej_Rank_24.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Marketing has become a crucial link in the success of a business. With suitable examples, discuss the ethical issues involved in marketing of a product or service. How can these issues be resolved?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Value education empowers a person to confront the myriad challenges of contemporary Indian society. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Ethics is the first line of defence against corruption while law enforcement is remedial and reactive. Examine the statement with suitable examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss the influence that parents have on values of their children and the role they can play in transmitting good values and resisting negative influences. Why is it that, at times, the values of children differ from that of their parents?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"What does 'public service' means to you? Describe the various ways in which one can serve the public. Does one necessarily serve the public better by entering the civil services? Justify your stand.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"What do you understand by 'civic virtue' in public life? What are the challenges in practising it in today's time? How can these challenges be overcome?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"The lives of great leaders inspire us in many ways. Which leader has had a lasting impact on you and in what way? Mention one outstanding value that you have imbibed from him/her and its importance to being a civil servant.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Governance is the vital link in our quest for prosperity and equity. What should be the key elements of ethical governance to eliminate corruption and bureaucratic delays? Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Has excessive profit seeking by corporates undermined the trust of public in the private sector? Giving examples, examine the reasons for failure of corporate governance in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Income inequality, resource mismanagement and health hazards are some of the negative consequences of globalization. In this context, what are some of the ethical dilemmas that civil servants face today? How has the approach to handling these undergone a change?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss the role and importance of independent directors for corporate governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Is there a conflict between morality and freedom? Discuss with reference to Kant's views on categorical imperative.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"\"Since at the beginning and end of our lives we are so dependent on other's kindness, how can it be that in the middle we neglect the kindness towards others?\" - The Dalai Lama. Bring out what you understand by this quote and discuss its relevance in the Indian society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"You, a reporter currently working as an intern, accompanied a small group of reporters to a political event organized by the ruling party's state unit. The party was followed by dinner where you were also asked to join. Here, you noticed that alcohol was being served to some members of the ruling party. Consumption of alcohol had been declared illegal in the state a few months ago and the ban is being enforced strictly across the state. The other reporters in your group ignored the issue and asked you to ignore it as well. However, it was clear to you that the law was not being followed. (a) Identify the issues involved in this scenario. (b) What are your duties in such a scenario? (c) What course of action would you follow and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"You are posted as the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in a district. As the SDM it is your responsibility to conduct interviews and select a candidate for the post of an ASHA worker in the district. On the day you are conducting the interviews, you are approached by the MLA of the local constituency who asks you to choose a particular lady for this position by overlooking the other candidates. On checking her documents you find that she is eligible in all respects. The MLA implores that she should be given the post on compassionate grounds as her husband was a soldier who was martyred in a war. Some of the options to handle the situation could be as follows: (a) Ignore the MLA and proceed with the process of selection. (b) Speak to your superior and seek his guidance on the matter. (c) Appoint the lady to the post as it is a compassionate appointment. Also suggest other possible options. Evaluate each of these options and suggest the best course of action, giving reasons for it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"You are officer-in-charge of a very important railway junction, which is an artery of trade and commerce. A peasant disturbance has been brewing in your district for the past few weeks. Their discussions with the political and district leadership has borne no fruit and it has come to the stage that now they are protesting by organizing a sit-in on the railway tracks near the station. They have thereby succeeded in blocking movement of all trains. This disruption is causing significant harassment for the passengers waiting at the platform as well. (a) What will be your course of immediate action? (b) How can emotional intelligence act as a tool in handling this issue? (c) What steps will you take so that such incidents are not repeated in the future?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"You are representing India in an international bidding for oil exploration in a country. Other, richer countries are also bidding for the project. You are sure that your bid of exploration is better as well as cheaper than that of others, and that you will definitely win the bid. A day before the auction, you come to know that other countries are employing every means, including bribing the authorities for being successful. Some of the officials of the home country have also contacted you and made some demands in exchange for assurance of India winning the bid. You are aware of the criticality of this bid in terms of domestic economic and strategic implications. Based on above information, answer the following questions. (a) Specify the ethical dilemma(s) that you face in this situation. (b) Do ethical concerns really matter in international transactions or are they secondary to domestic interests? (c) What will be your course of action in the above situation? Justify with merits and demerits. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"You are the CEO of a film production company, which has not been doing well financially for some time. Your company is now relying on its forthcomig movie, which is about to be released shortly. The movie has a cast of reliable actors and even before its release, trade pundits have predicted that the movie will be a hit. However, you face a conundrum as one of the actors in the movie is a citizen of a neighbouring country with which relations have been disturbed and a war like situation exists. While the political atmosphere is different when the movie was being filmed, now there is a widespread public demand, with a local political party at the forefront, for replacing the actor from the movie or a ban on the release of the movie itself, if the actor is not replaced. While you are aware of the mood of the nation and the public repercussions of releasing the movie in its present form, you also know that it is not feasible to replace him at this stage as he has a substantial role in the movie. There is also a section in the film fraternity that does not want you to compromise in the wake of threat by the local party as it compromises freedom of speech and expression as well as artistic creativity. (a) What are the options available to you? (b) Evaluate each of the options and state their merits and demerits. (c) What course of action would you take and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":59,"question":"Big firms often undertake sub-contracting to complete large infrastructure projects in a timely manner. You recently joined one such firm as a manager responsible for awarding these contracts. Looking at the past records, you find that all contracts for the past few years have been awarded to a particular firm, X. Your superior has asked you to award an upcoming contract to the same firm. Although, not binding, company procedure maintains that sub-contracting work should be offered after competitive bids. This is to ensure that the firm most suitable for the project in terms of operations and finance gets the contract. When you discuss this with your superior, he insists that hiring of the firm X has been done as per legal norms of the company and no official rule has been violated. You decide to contact the owner of the firm X. After doing so, you realize that he is the nephew of your superior, who is also a shareholder in the company. (a) State the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) Does this form of transaction between two private parties constitute a conflict of interest? Justify. (c) Evaluate the possible ways of awarding contracts in such a situation with their merits and demerits. Also state which method would be more suitable in each situation.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5858,"topper":"Pulkit","air":65,"year":2021,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Ggm3_h7MG3DcwMPbqMkiBaCajOfBRHqa","questions":[]},{"id":5859,"topper":"Pulkit","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/19847-686441_1862_pulkit_rank_65.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Jyotiba Phule was not only a key social reformer but also a patron of literary works. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Cave paintings in India have a long tradition with both religious as well as secular attributes. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The Swadeshi movement started as an anti-partition movement, but became a multi-faceted mass movement after 1905. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Although the National Emergency of 1975 was a temporary blip in independent India's history, it emboldened the spirit and resistance of our democracy. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Examine the relationship between the Walker Circulation and the Indian Monsoon. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Identifying the factors responsible for formation of tides, discuss their geographic and economic significance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What are Rossby waves? Discuss the role played by them in shaping the climate of the earth. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"One of the reasons for increased global interest in Afghanistan is its endowment with key natural resources. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The traditional structure of the caste system has witnessed paradoxical changes over the last few decades in India. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Economic empowerment of women is the key to ensure their social empowerment. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"India has the highest number of endangered languages in the world as per the UNESCO. In this context, discuss the factors that have endangered native languages in India and highlight the steps taken to conserve and protect these languages. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The policy of 'Subsidiary Alliance' helped in establishing British control over internal affairs of Indian states without incurring any direct imperial liability. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"\"Before 1857 the British were effectively working against the traditional grain of Indian society; afterwards they were working with it\". Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Enumerating the revolutionary maxims propounded by Sun Yat-sen, discuss the conditions that led to the revival of Chinese nationalism in the early 20th century. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Based on their geological age, present a brief account of the classification and distribution of coal reserves in India. Also, discuss the ongoing stress in the coal sector in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What is Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC)? Discuss the reasons for recent decline in the AMOC and its associated impact. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Recent reports and National Family Health Surveys have signalled a monumental shift in Indian demographics. Highlighting this shift, discuss the challenges that it will pose. Also, suggest remedial measures. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Looking at all poverty from the rural perspective and applying rural solutions to urban conditions will not yield results. Discuss the statement in the context of differences between urban and rural poverty in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Regional movements are often conservative in orientation, supported by traditional social classes and religious groups and oppose social change imposed by modernity. Critically discuss in the context of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5860,"topper":"Pulkit","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8c987-686441_1515_pulkit_rank_65.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the meaning of off-budget borrowings and its role in helping the government raise funds for various expenditures. Also, comment on its desirability. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"It is argued that genetically modified food crops are required to ensure food security of India. Examine in view of concerns regarding introduction of GM crops. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"India's price intervention policies to support its agricultural sector not only create a broken system but also complicate matters related to international trade rules. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"India has an opportunity to become a leading global food supplier provided it has an efficient supply chain and the right marketing strategies. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Land banks are increasingly gaining prominence in India to encourage land-use efficiency and enable economic growth. In this context, discuss the benefits of a land bank and state the concerns associated with it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Desertification has been described as one of the greatest environmental challenges of our time and climate change is making it worse. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In the context of intellectual property rights, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of releasing projects under an 'Open Source' license. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Indian space sector has been dominated by a single umbrella of government and government institutions. In light of the statement, discuss the significance of Indian Space Association in providing an impetus to space technology in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Man and machine both have an important role in national security and making urban areas secure. In this context, discuss how technology is a major stakeholder in addressing the internal security challenges of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"National Security Guard (NSG) has emerged as a formidable force equipped to handle various manifestations of terrorism. Discuss the mandate and achievements of this force. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do you understand by asset monetisation? Why is it needed in India? In this context, discuss the issues that need to be addressed for the National Monetisation Pipeline to succeed. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"What is social stock exchange (SSE)? Discuss the need for setting up of SSEs and key challenges in their effective implementation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the context of India, highlight the importance of agriculture extension. What are the challenges faced in provisioning of agriculture extension services? How does the National Mission on Agricultural Extension & Technology (NMAET) address these issues? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Clearly delineate the 'employment problem' that India currently faces. Also, explain the fundamental reasons behind existence of this problem. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Although steps have been taken for integrating the dispersed logistics activities of maritime trade, much more needs to be done to make India a maritime powerhouse. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Accounting for natural capital and ecosystem services is crucial to understand the link between the economy and environment. Discuss with specific references to India's initiatives in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Rapid and unplanned urbanisation accompanied by population growth have increased both the risk and impact of natural disasters. Discuss the statement along with adequate measures to address the relevant concerns in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"National Hydrogen Mission can be a game changer for India's rising energy demands. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Despite geo-strategic instability of its region and a keen awareness of the cyber threat it faces, India has made only 'modest progress' in developing its policy and doctrine for cyberspace security. Critically examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Developmental interventions alone cannot play a defining role in the resolution of existing and protracted internal conflicts in various parts of India within a reasonable time frame. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5861,"topper":"Pulkit","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b8303-686441_1514_pulkit_rank_65.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the changes introduced by the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) Amendment Act, 2021, analyse various issues with the amended Act. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Are there valid arguments for continuing with sedition law in 21st century democratic India? Discuss in light of the debate surrounding it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Identify the issues that have contributed to a decline in the performance of Parliamentary Standing Committees. How can these issues be addressed? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Despite being a non-constitutional body, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) has wielded immense decision-making power in India. Discuss the advantages and issues associated with it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the role of data in governance in India. Also, state the various challenges in this regard and suggest remedial measures. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"With specific examples, elaborate upon the conditions that led to the emergence of a new civil society in urban India in the last few decades. Also, highlight its contribution towards effecting governance and policy changes. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The Gati Shakti mission has the potential to not only address the issue of infrastructure bottlenecks but also streamline the governance processes in the country. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Giving an account of the issues faced by workers in the informal sector, discuss whether the recently launched e-Shram portal can help in addressing them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Clarifying the significance of the recent developments on the issue of global minimum tax, discuss its prospects and challenges for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Announcement of the AUKUS security pact heralds a new era of global geo-politics. Comment. Also, discuss how it may affect India's interests. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Effective devolution of finances is an important requirement for Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) to fulfill their objectives. Discuss while also elaborating on the reasons behind lack of financial resources for PRIs in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Judicial activism is a necessary tool to guard against legislative adventurism and executive excesses. Critically discuss in the context of the doctrine of separation of powers as provided in the Constitution of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The electoral bond scheme is part of what appears to be a growing trend away from transparency and accountability in electoral funding. Critically analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The significance of the principle of subsidiarity was well reflected in the management of the COVID-19 pandemic. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Social media has ushered in greater transparency and accountability in governance. But accountability through social media is no alternative to institutional accountability. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Although the State has the right incentives and intentions to deliver public services efficiently, its capacity to do so is questionable. Critically discuss in services efficiently, its capacity to do so is questionable. (250 words) 15 the context of India.","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The problem of hunger in India does not lie in food production but various other underlying issues. Discuss in the wake of decline in India's ranking in the Global Hunger Index, 2021. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Democratization of primary healthcare is indispensable for fulfilling the objectives of equitable and comprehensive care in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"In the context of the evolving discourse on the Indo-Pacific, analyse the factors driving the global shift towards the region. Also, identify India's interests and challenges in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India's Afghanistan policy must be based on a clear-eyed understanding of important strategic goals in the region amidst the current regional and global strategic environment. Elaborate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5862,"topper":"Pulkit","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/95e3c-686441_1512_pulkit_rank_65.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Never do anything against the conscience even if the state demands it.\" In this context, discuss the role of conscience in taking ethical decisions in administration. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Raja Ram Mohan Roy's liberal views on social and religious issues have much relevance in present day India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"Each individual is capable of transforming his immediate environment by attempting a radical transformation inside him\". - J Krishnamurti (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":5863,"topper":"Pulkit","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c78ba-686441_1516_pulkit_rank_65.pdf","questions":[{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or the darkness of destructive selfishness. - Martin Luther King Jr. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":5864,"topper":"PULKIT BAJAJ","air":765,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/12/pttp220817_tc061.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5865,"topper":"PULKIT BAJAJ","air":765,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/13/pttp220817_tc062.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5866,"topper":"PULKIT BAJAJ","air":765,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/14/pttp220817_tc063.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5867,"topper":"PULKIT BAJAJ","air":765,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/131/pttp220817_tc076-test-06-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5868,"topper":"PULKIT BAJAJ","air":765,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/132/pttp220817_tc077-test-07-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5869,"topper":"PULKIT BAJAJ","air":765,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/133/pttp220817_tc078-test-08-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5870,"topper":"PULKIT BAJAJ","air":765,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Medical Science","optional":true,"source":"IAS Delhi Institute","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BSD81qSJmM7nECtROgiKDM2jVe33ta4s/view?usp=drive_link","questions":[]},{"id":5871,"topper":"PULKIT BAJAJ","air":765,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Medical Science","optional":true,"source":"IAS Delhi Institute","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/16bhGoUfEds5eLtWFjc-6FTm27Jesrnyd/view?usp=drive_link","questions":[]},{"id":5872,"topper":"PULKIT BAJAJ","air":765,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/128/pttp220817_tc076-test-06-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5873,"topper":"PULKIT BAJAJ","air":765,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/129/pttp220817_tc077-test-07-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5874,"topper":"PULKIT BAJAJ","air":765,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/130/pttp220817_tc078-test-08-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5875,"topper":"PULKIT GARG","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/27_Pulkit%20Garg_4546_634_GS.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Even though women may have equal skills, qualifications and commitment as men, they face much more difficulty in rising up the leadership hierarchy. Discuss the reasons for the same. Also explain the importance of having gender parity in positions of leadership.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"All correct decisions are honest and all incorrect decisions are dishonest. Do you agree? How should the correctness and incorrectness of a decision be decided?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Should birth control be a voluntary exercise or a government policy in a country? In this regard, examine the ethical dimensions of having a One Child Policy in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"An organisation consists of a variety of individuals with varying values and degrees of motivation. What challenges do leaders face when forging a harmonious work culture in such an organisation? How can leaders engender a sense of inclusion in face of such diversity?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Notwithstanding compassion and morality, it is national interest that ultimately determines a country's decisions in international relations. Discuss this statement in the context of the current refugee crisis.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"What are the ethical issues involved in climate change negotiations? Suggest some strategies to address the divergence in ethical positions of different nations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Why is there a need for Performance Management System in an outcome oriented government? Evaluate the feasibility of peer review in context of Indian civil services.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Discretionary power in the hands of public servants is a necessary evil. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"The landmark judgment by the Supreme Court of India recognized the transgender as a third sex. What attitudes do you notice towards the transgender people in India? Discuss some steps to facilitate a dignified life for the transgender people.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"What key characteristics of a person conveying a message make it more persuasive? When celebrities endorse a product, they do so knowing that their endorsement will persuade people to buy it. What duty do they have towards the consumers?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"It is said that child labor cannot be ethical at all. Do you agree? Discuss with respect to the proposed amendments to the Child Labour Act.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Are emotions an inhibiting factor in effective decision-making? Discuss in the context of public services.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"What do you understand by the Sarvodaya philosophy of Gandhiji? Why is Sarvodaya relevant for civil servants in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are a Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) in an urban district. The forest cover in the district is as low as 11% and it needs to be increased as per government guidelines. By ecological and environmental perspective also it is imperative that more trees should be planted. However, you find out that while there is a grant of Rs. 1.5 crore for your division to plant trees under the Hariyali Scheme, most of this fund is lying unused. Since, it is December and as per government rules all the unused grant should be returned to the government as the financial year closes, it seems you will have to return the money completely. Also, there are strong indications from the ministry that government is mull ng over a budgetary cut on Hariyali mission because most of the funds go unused. There is a strong possibility that if you return the money in this financial year we cant get it in the next financial year and even if you get, it will be a very insignificant amount. Indicate various options that you think are available in this situation.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5876,"topper":"PULKIT GARG","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/27_Pulkit%20Garg_4546_637_GS.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Many experts believe that India is a bright spot in the world economy today. However, indicators like export growth, household savings, non-performing assets, manufacturing growth etc. paint a different picture. Discuss these two contradictory positions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"In context of the recent surge in prices of pulses, explain the reasons for low production of pulses in India and give the reasons behind the price volatility of pulses. Enumerate the measures that need to be taker by Central and State governments to control the prices.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Skill India is a daunting task of keeping sight on the manpower requirements of the industry and the infrastructure needed for achieving the targets of skilling. Discuss. Further examine how the 3I's of skills - Investment, Innovations and Institutions - can help in improving the quality of training, assessment and jobs.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Explaining the Hybrid Annuity Model, discuss how far it can help to revive private participation in large infrastructure projects.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"The rail ministry is ignoring the fundamental change required to transform Indian railways to suit 21st century demands. The way forward is to dismantle the archaic organizational structure set up during the 19th century and establish a more efficient mechanism to operate the 17 zones. Discuss in the context of Bibek Debroy panel committee recommendations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Digital currency represents a decentralized form of money that is more secure, more fungible and more functional than anything we've seen before. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Maritime Transport is critical for the social and economic development of a country. What are the key features of the 'Vision for coastal shipping, tourism and regional development' released by the Ministry of Shipping? What are the challenges in realizing that vision?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"The central government has recently launched KISAN project for crop insurance in agriculture sector that will use geo-informatics system along with high-resolution data from UAV based imaging. How can space, drone, weather and other high-end technologies be used for crop insurance programme? What are the challenges in their implementation? Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"The long-standing demand of merging FMC into SEBI has materialized recently. How is this mcve expected to affect the commodity trading space in India? Explain.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"\"Indradhanush- the seven-pronged strategy for public sector banks announced by the government- lacks measures to tackle NPAs\". Discuss the various internal and external factors responsible for NPAs.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"The heat wave in 2015 was the 5th most deadliest one in the recorded history. Describe the phenomenon of Heat Wave. What are its health impacts? What measures can the government take to avoid casualties from this recurring phenomenon?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Urban waste management is a crucial part of Smart City project. How can scientific treatment be utilized to tackle urban waste? What are the policy measures taken in this regard?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Is there a need for constituting a separate ministry and a National Executive Committee as envisaged under the NDMA, 2005? Discuss in the light of recommendations by 2nd ARC.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Tribal land alienation and socio economic deprivation has been linked to development of extremism. In this regard, discuss the measures suggested by Virginus Xaxa committee for overall development of tribals in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Malabar-2015 and AUSINDEX are part of a broader collective effort to preserve the balance of maritime power in the Indo-Pacific littorals. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"While technological innovation has been given a major thrust in recent times, there are certain impediments in the inculcation of scientific fervour in youth. Elaborate. How can the Rashtriya Avishkar Abhiyan help in fostering an innovative spirit?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Astrosat launched by ISRO has been described as the miniature version of the famous Hubble telescope. What are the objectives of this launch? How would it help in fulfilling the needs of our scientific community?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"While transfer of defence technology to India from the US could give a much needed shot in the arm for modernization of our armed forces, harvesting the same pose some challenges. Elaborate. Also, discuss the issues in the Defence Trade and Technology Initiative (DTTI) of the US Government that have implications for the further growth of defence cooperation between India and the US.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5877,"topper":"PULKIT GARG","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/27_Pulkit%20Garg_4546_636_GS.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"While the judiciary should be insulated from political interference, yet the executive should have a say in its appointment in order that flawed choices do not erode its credibility. Examine in context of the decision of the Supreme Court w.r.t. NJAC.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"What do you understand by the concept of 'Equality'? Does it imply the elimination of all differences? How does the ideal of 'Equality' differ from 'Equity'? Discuss in light of affirmative action programs in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"\"Vocational skill is a great tool to usher in inclusive growth and an effective hedge against poverty\". In this regard, evaluate the performance of skill development programmes in India. Discuss the problems that have been withholding their success and suggest remedies with special reference to the report of NSDA panel.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"A demand to make the CAG accountable to the Parliament has been gaining ground recently. How will this step affect the independence of CAG? What steps could be taken to strengthen CAG-PAC relationship?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"The debates related to problems of higher education have been mainly limited to IITs/IIMs. However, the need of the hour is to improve 665 universities where around 30 million students are enrolled. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"While tribunals are responsible for adjudicating cases, which require technical expertise and specialization, they are not to be understood as a court. Elaborate. Also, discuss whether the recent rulings, such as banning mining or old diesel vehicles, are an example of overreach.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"The 2nd generation reforms vital for the development of the nation are contingent upon the states as most of them fall in the concurrent list. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss, with examples, the role of Civil Society in making governance citizen centric. What are the factors that are hindering their growth in developing countries, like India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"The passing of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2015 marks a significant step towards reforming the mining sector. Discuss its salient features along with highlighting the apprehensions against the act. Further analyse the role of District Mineral Foundation in ensuring equitable benefit for all.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Discuss the role of PESA as an effective tool in ensuring participative democracy and development of the tribal people. Also, examine the reasons for its poor implementation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"What do you mean by lifestyle diseases? What are the factors leading to the increased occurrence of lifestyle diseases in India? Discuss their impact on the economic conditions of the individuals and productivity of the economy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"In a country, where one-third of the population is already economically excluded, prescribing minimum qualifications for elections to the Panchayati Raj will be the final nail in the coffin of a genuine grass-roots democracy. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Ever since the National Commission for Women (NCW) came into existence in 1992, its composition and functioning have been contentious and controversial. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Discuss the importance of mid-career performance appraisal for civil servants. Also evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of compulsorily retiring serving bureaucrats after such a review.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"The Polio eradication programme is a widely acknowledged success story with vital lessons for other immunisation initiatives as well. Highlight the challenges faced by immunisation efforts in India. In this context, what does Mission Indradhanush seek to achieve? Explain the rationale, objectives and strategies for implementation of the mission.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Promulgation of the newest constitution of the region has thrown up new challenges for the oldest constitutional democracy in South Asia. Examine India's role, concerns and dilemmas vis-a-vis the constitutional process in Nepal.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"India continues to host a large population of refugees without being a signatory to either the 1951 United Nations Refugee Convention or its 1967 Protocol. What are the reasons and implications of such a scenario? Is it time for India to reconsider its stand and become a signatory to this convention?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Has India's resistance to CTBT lost relevance? Examine in view of the evolution of India's policy and the changing global scenario.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"\"Despite being set up more than a decade ago, Mekong- Ganga Cooperation has remained a non-starter.\" Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer. Discuss the potential of this cooperation for India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"The success of the India Africa Forum Summit as well as the future of India- Africa relations not only depends on India's ability to develop an attractive and sustainable approach to Africa, but also on the willingness of African leaders to look beyond Beijing when partnering up with foreign investors. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5878,"topper":"Pulkit Jain","air":242,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/84/mts_2024_unchecked_gsmact24a1092_gsmac2401.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5879,"topper":"Pulkit Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/cc80e7c81f00eaa4f15f78533b4a4ad5/21/mts_2024_unchecked_gsmact24a1092_anv2404.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Do you think it is ethically justified for political leaders to violate the deepest constraints of morality in order to achieve great goods or avoid disasters for their communities? Justify your position with suitable examples (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"\"There is growing evidence that when it comes to moral judgment, human beings appear to be best characterised not as intuitive Deontologists or Consequentialists but as intuitive virtue theorists.\" Critically analyse the statement. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"While formal codes of conduct can sometimes be a useful guide, developing those traits of character that are particularly suited to the administrator's role is at the core of professional ethics. Identify five ethical attributes suitable for an administrator and explain how they can be developed. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What do you understand by political responsibility, professional responsibility and personal responsibility? In situations of conflict among the three, what responsibility must the public servant prioritise and why? Illustrate with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"In the context of civil service, what do you understand by \\u201cacts of conscience\\u201d? Illustrate with an example. In your opinion, what can be the basis of acts of conscience? Explain (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Critically examine the role of educational institutions in shaping ethical decision-making skills in future civil servants. How effective are current educational paradigms in instilling ethical behaviour among the youth? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Examine the ethical challenges administrators face while employing persuasion and social influence techniques to promote social and health interventions in rural India. Illustrate with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Critically examine the impact of the Right to Information (RTI) on enhancing ethical accountability in public administration. How effective has RTI been in preventing bureaucratic corruption and improving service delivery? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss the ethical implications of maintaining high-quality service delivery in public administration. How does probity in governance influence the efficiency and responsiveness of public services, particularly in addressing the needs of marginalised communities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Critically assess the role of regulatory frameworks in enforcing ethical standards in corporate governance. How can these frameworks be designed to encourage ethical behaviour without stifling innovation? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss what the following quotes mean to you. (a) \"It is not because men's desires are strong that they act ill; it is because their consciences are weak.\" JS Mill (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"As the Municipal Commissioner of a district with a large public sector manufacturing unit, you find yourself at the centre of a significant ethical and administrative challenge. The manufacturing unit, one of the area's largest employers, has a troubling history of industrial safety violations. Reports of gas leaks and the release of harmful pollutants have been frequent, leading to growing concerns among the local population. Over the years, residents living near the plant have developed severe respiratory and other health-related issues. Recognising the severity of the health problems reported by residents, you initiate a comprehensive health audit. The results confirm the worst fears: a significant portion of the population living near the plant suffers from severe respiratory issues, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other health complications directly linked to long-term exposure to industrial pollutants. The findings of the health audit indicate a clear correlation between the plant's operations and the community's declining health. (a) What are the issues involved in the given case? (b) What are the options available to you and the CMD? (c) Should public health concerns be given priority over potential economic disruptions caused by the relocation of the plant? This decision should be guided by what ethical principles? (250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"You are a senior civil servant working as the Chief Development Officer (CDO) in a district where a major rural development initiative is underway. The project, aimed at improving infrastructure and providing essential services to marginalised communities, is a high-priority program for state and central governments. Your role involves overseeing the project's implementation, ensuring efficient use of public resources, and maintaining adherence to legal and procedural standards. As the project progresses, two senior authorities issue two conflicting directives, placing you in a tough situation. The Chief Secretary of the state government, who is your immediate superior, issues a directive instructing you to expedite the project to ensure its completion before the upcoming elections. The directive urges you to take all necessary measures to meet the deadline, including bypassing standard procurement procedures if needed. The underlying message is clear: the project's success is critical, and delays are unacceptable. Simultaneously, you receive a directive from the Central Government's Anti-Corruption Unit, which has been alerted to potential irregularities in the project's procurement process. This directive instructs you to halt the project and thoroughly audit all contracts awarded for procedural correctness. The directive emphasises the importance of maintaining transparency and accountability in public spending and warns against any shortcuts that could compromise the project's integrity. As the CDO, you are now caught between two conflicting directives, each with its own ethical and professional implications. (a) What ethical issues and dilemmas are involved in the above case? (b) What are the options available to the CDO? What must be the CDO's chosen course of action? (c) How should a civil servant prioritise between conflicting directives from different senior authorities? What ethical principles should guide this decision-making process? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":5880,"topper":"Punit Dwivedi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/347f4-318523_1152_punit-dwivedi_rank_123.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The crucial position accorded to the Speaker in Indian legislatures, makes it imperative to protect them from undue political pressures. Examine. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Examine the significance of Gram Sabhas, as mentioned in Article 243A of the Indian constitution, in the development process with special reference to Fifth Schedule areas. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"On what grounds can a person be denied the right to contest elections to the Parliament in India? Will a lifetime ban on those convicted of heinous crimes address the problem of criminalization of politics? Discuss in light of recent judgments by the Supreme Court. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Departmentally-Related Standing Committees have been referred to as mini-parliaments in India. Highlight their relevance in a democratic polity and discuss, with examples, how they improve the overall effectiveness of the Parliament. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Social audit has a crucial role in effective implementation of social sector programmes. Comment. Also, discuss its strengths and limitations. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discuss the significance of the 268th report of the Law Commission in addressing the problems of undertrials in India. What other measures can be taken in this regard? (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Enumerate the major welfare schemes for the elderly in India. Examine whether their benefits are reaching the targeted population. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Demographic dividend may become demographic liability in the absence of adequate skill development. In this context, discuss the importance of National Policy for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, 2015. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"It has been acknowledged widely that smart power is the best possible way for achieving intended foreign policy outcomes. Examine in the context of India. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Accession to the Ashgabat agreement is valuable for connecting India to its extended neighbourhood. What is the Ashgabat Agreement? Assess its significance for India. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Despite long-term recognition of the problem of pendency of cases in the courts, limited progress has been made in reducing their number. What are the possible reasons for such a scenario? Suggest a framework of measures that can be taken to address this issue. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Despite the phrase 'due process of law' not being mentioned in the Constitution, the Supreme Court, over the years, has adopted the doctrines of 'procedural due process' and 'substantive due process' into Indian constitutional law. Comment. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Mention the constitutional provisions to safeguard and ensure the independent and impartial functioning of the UPSC. Further, assess the limitations of UPSC in effectively performing its role as the 'watchdog of merit system' in India as envisioned by the Constitution. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Faulty regulatory policies can have a severe adverse effect on the efficient interplay of market forces and end up harming public interest. Examine in the context of systemic issues pertaining to regulatory environment in India. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"There is a need to introduce urgent reforms in the Cooperative sector to deal with the challenges that it has been facing. Discuss. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Explain the features and significance of the recently launched National Nutrition Mission. Also, discuss with examples, the role that local self governments can play in promoting, monitoring and sustaining nutrition initiatives. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"While many people have been able to rise above poverty line, India is still home to the largest number of poor. Briefly discuss the factors responsible for the prevalence of poverty in India. What are the areas in which focused efforts need to be made in order to accelerate poverty eradication in a sustainable manner? (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Several issues related to adopting new technologies, transforming processes and improving implementation of NeGP need to be addressed. Discuss. Also, enumerate the set of principles guiding the design and implementation of the e-Kranti Program (NeGP 2.0). (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India-China ties, marked by a broad convergence on transnational issues, on one hand and geostrategic rivalry on the other, have profound implications not only for the two countries but also the current international system. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India's expanding interests rather than endorsement by others should be the basis of its engagement with what is being termed as the Indo-Pacific. Analyse. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5881,"topper":"Punit Dwivedi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3a6e6-318523_1151_punit-dwivedi_rank_123.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Shrenis were very sound and stable institutions, and enjoyed considerable moral and social prestige not only among their own members, but in society at large. In light of the statement, explain the significant aspects of Shrenis or Guilds in ancient India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Marathas failed to fill the political vacuum created by the decline of the Mughal Empire because of a number of reasons. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The East India Company as a political power had long been dead, what the Act of 1858 did was to give its corpse a decent burial. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Spanish Civil War though fought locally, had far reaching and widespread significance. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss how the culture of consumption has played a crucial role in the process of globalisation especially in shaping the growth of cities in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Although it was outlawed 25 years ago, manual scavenging continues to be prevalent in India. Analysing the reasons behind this problem, discuss what can be done to address it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Explain the concept of soil liquefaction. Illustrate how it manifests during seismic events. What preventive steps can be taken to minimise its impact? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Identify the factors that determine density of ocean waters. Discuss the latitudinal distribution of density and explain the seasonal changes that occur, if any. Also, illustrate its relationship with ocean currents. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Explain how the scientific understanding of the earth's interior has improved with analysis of seismic waves. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Highlight the key factors that need to be considered in deciding the location of nuclear power plants. Also, explain the difficulties India faces in utilizing the large reserves of thorium as part of its civil nuclear programme. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Both the Pallavas and the Cholas played a significant role, in the development of structural temples in South India. Explain with examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The views of Gandhi, Nehru and Bose broadly represented the major strands of debate on the question of India's support to British efforts in World War-II. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Even as the British tried to suppress it at every conceivable opportunity, the vernacular press played a crucial role in the freedom movement. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Explain the issues that shaped the Assam Movement. In this context, also comment on the significance of the Assam Accord of 1985. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the diverse processes through which nation-states and nationalism came into being in nineteenth-century Europe. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss why women continue to bear an uneven burden of the terminal methods of family planning in India. What can be done to address this unevenness? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Secularism in India is based on the idea of equal respect for all religions rather than strict separation of state and religion. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are jet streams? How do they influence rainfall in India? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Illustrating the mountain building process that led to the formation of Himalayas, elaborate why they are often referred to as young and restless mountains. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"What do you understand by Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM)? How does National Water Policy, 2012 try to promote IWRM? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5882,"topper":"Punit Dwivedi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/aa610-318523_1068_punit-dwivedi_rank_123.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"There are many challenges in sustainably scaling up renewable energy in India. Analyse. Also, discuss what can be done to address these challenges. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The policies and indicators introduced by the government, in recent times, to finance urban development in India are key in addressing the existing challenges. Discuss with special reference to municipal bonds. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"With a number of issues continuing to be a roadblock, a large section of India's rural population is still 'financially excluded'. Discuss. Analyse how these issues can be addressed and the measures taken by the government and RBI recently in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'Environmental Accounting'? Discuss the rationale behind introducing environmental accounting, highlight its status in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"While access to irrigation is important, efficiency of water use is equally, if not more, crucial. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"For a holistic approach to disaster risk reduction, there is a need to mainstream indigenous traditional knowledge and link it with modern technologies. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do you understand by food irradiation? Highlighting some of its unique applications, examine its relevance for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Whereas misuse of technology has abetted the spread of fake news, it is with the aid of technology that this menace can be curbed. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Explain the salient features of the recently established Defence Planning Committee. How can it help in credible defence preparedness? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Recent reports of Maoist leaders having amassed huge assets in property and cash underlines the significance of probing the funding network as part of counter-terrorism efforts. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Not only do services MSMEs contribute mightily to the overall GDP growth, they have a powerful, multiplier impact on the local economies as well. Elaborating on the statement, highlight the problems faced by service sector MSMEs. How can the government make it easier for MSMEs to start and grow a business? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Contract Farming has many advantages, however it suffers from market failures. Elaborate. What can the government do to correct problems that lead to contract failures? Also, discuss whether the Model Contract Farming Act, 2018 is a step in the right direction. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Suggest the measures needed to improve the employability of labour force as well as increasing number of employment opportunities in light of structural changes being brought by disruptive technologies. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"India's trade policy in agriculture, marred by ad-hocism and pro-consumer bias, has constrained realization of export potential, and prevented the farmers from reaping the benefits. Examine the statement and discuss ways, including government initiatives, to improve agricultural exports. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Is currency exchange rate a suitable measure of relative economic performance of countries? Despite improving macro-economic fundamentals, trade deficit in India continues to widen. Bring out the factors responsible for this situation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"It will take much more than relief packages to address the problems being faced by the sugar industry in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"NAPCC, almost 10 years old and formulated with lofty objectives, has not served as the best answer to cope with the impacts of climate change. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Proliferation of nuclear weapons and the threat of their use are key concerns for global security nonetheless existing international arrangements seem to be ineffective. Comment. Also, identify the salient features of India's policy in this context and discuss whether India should join the NPT in the current form. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The maritime security domain requires collective multilateral and regional cooperation to combat non traditional threats. Discuss in the context of threats in the Western Indian Ocean and the recent amendments in the Djibouti Code of Conduct. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India's space programme was initiated with the vision of utilising outer space for peaceful purposes, however with changing times it has the potential to play a significant role in strengthening security capabilities of India. Discuss with adequate examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5883,"topper":"Punit Dwivedi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6463a-318523_1069_punit-dwivedi_rank_123.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Growing awareness about terminal as well as mental illness has given credence to the idea of \"living wills\". What is a living will? Discuss the ethical issues to be considered from an individual as well as social perspective to formulate and implement it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"In order to improve the bureaucratic work culture and productivity, there is a need to downsize government and privatize some of the services. Critically discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Examine the contemporary relevance of Gandhiji's talisman as a means of resolving ethical dilemmas in day to day life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"\"Intelligence plus character-that is the goal of true education.\" Assess whether such an objective can be achieved within the existing system of education in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"\"A blanket prohibition of criticism of the policies of the Government is invalid and void, and it makes no difference if the person criticizing happens to be a government servant.\" Critically discuss in the context of Civil Service Conduct Rules, 1964.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"\"Man by nature is a political animal\". Explain with reference to Aristotle's idea of the state in life of the society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"What are the factors that have influenced the contemporary attitude of the state and the society towards homosexuality in India? Also, comment on the changing attitude and the factors driving this change.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"With behavioural issues and suicides among children on the rise, teachers and parents need to play an active part in ensuring mental well-being. Discuss. Also, explain the importance of emotional intelligence in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"The policy of Dhamma advocated by Ashoka through his edicts remains relevant in the context of issues in public life even today. Elucidate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Arguably, poverty is not only a matter of statistics. It is a reflection on the kind of society we live in. In this context, discuss the ethical implications for a society that witnesses high incidence of poverty.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Every superstition cannot be removed by the force of law. For that, a mental change is necessary. Comment. Also, explain how educators and public figures can help in eradicating superstition and instilling scientific temper among people.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Many argue that there are times, when war is morally permissible, and even obligatory. Critically discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"It has been argued that traditional approaches to corporate social responsibility (CSR) are inadequate. Discuss. Also, examine the role of Social License to Operate (SLO) in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"A renowned and critically acclaimed producer-director has come up with a new movie based on retelling of the freedom movement. The trailer of this project depicts prominent freedom fighters and various aspects of their personalities. It is a project that involves substantial sums of money and has taken collaborative efforts of 3 years. However, certain political and social activists have objected to what they perceived as negative portrayal of some freedom fighters. As such, they have opposed the release of this movie and issued threats with serious consequences. This has come in the context of increase in the number of instances involving many groups issuing threats against one or the other movie. In such a context you have been designated as the head of a special committee with the broad responsibility of reviewing the film certification process in general as well as the checking the historical accuracy of the events depicted in this particular movie. 20 (a) Who are the key stakeholders you would involve as part of the consultation process? (b) What are the principles that you would consider while giving your recommendations to the government? Also, provide an outline of a solution that you deem appropriate in the prevailing context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"There have been reports of repeat instances of mob lynching in different states of India. It has been pointed out that these presumably faceless mobs gather impromptu on the basis of unverified information on issues that affect the collective conscience of the society such as child trafficking, sexual harassment, cow slaughter etc. Most of the people don't even regret their action of violating the law and even get away with committing such a heinous crime. (a) What are the socio-psychological factors that motivate people to join the mob and kill fellow human beings? (b) Identify the implications of increasing crime of lynching on society. (c) Examine the role of social media in recent instances of mob lynching. As a law enforcement officer, how will you prevent such incidents from happening in your district?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"We live in a time when almost everything can be bought and sold. Over the past few years, markets and market values have come to govern our lives as never before. Today the logic of buying and selling no longer applies to material good alone but increasingly governs the whole of life. However, there is a wide spread realization that markets have become detached from morals and we need to somehow reconnect them. The use of markets to allocate social goods has also been a cause of concern. In this context, answer the following: 20 (a) Is greed wholly a vice or a trait of character that has both positive and negative sides? Could you relate it to the utilitarian philosophy that emphasizes pursuit of self interest by individuals as the basis of economic well being? (b) Are there some things that money shouldn't buy? Illustrate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are the head of a policy think-tank. There is a proposal to cut down more than 10,000 trees to build a residential colony in the capital of the country. The city has one of the highest homeless population in the country and the settlement will be used for them. This news has generated a lot of public debate. While on the one hand is the need to expand urban infrastructure in order to meet the demands of the growing population, on the other, is the environmental concern. In last ten years, the city has lost more than half of its green cover and has seen increased frequency of extreme climatic events. You are asked to deliver a lecture for the policymakers and concerned citizens, in which you have to specifically deal with the following questions: 20 (a) Why do you think such situations arise in the first place where developmental activities and environmental concerns often come out as antithetical to each other? (b) What should be the short-term and long-term solutions for tackling such situations? (c) What are the potential benefits of inculcating environmental concerns in the policy making and planning process?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You are a young athlete representing India at an international-level competition. During the competition, you witness a few senior athletes injecting something using a syringe, in private. When you approach them, they explain that it is a performance enhancing drug, which is very common in such competitions and you should take the same as well. You are in fear and decide to approach the coach to discuss the event you witnessed. However, you get to know that the athletes are taking the drug at the advice of the coach himself. 20 (a) What would you do in this scenario? Discuss the options available to you and chart your course of action. (b) Why do you think use of unfair means to enhance performance is common in competitive sporting event? How can this practice be minimized?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"You have been appointed by Election Commission as a booth level officer to oversee the conduct of elections in a remote and under-developed area. For the preparations of elections, you have been instructed to ensure maximum voter turnout. For this, you conduct a series of meetings with the people in villages encouraging them to vote in large numbers. However, they confront you with the fact that despite so many previous elections, the promises made by representatives remain unfulfilled and even the basic necessities of livelihood are not available. As such, they are ignorant of your appeals and are subsequently not forthcoming even to listen to you, let alone giving assurances to vote. Based on this information, answer the following questions: 20 (a) Identify the stakeholders in the situation along with their interests. (b) What are the factors that you will take into account to convince the people and ensure maximum voter turnout?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5884,"topper":"PURAN PRAKASH","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7a839-73273_1516_puran_prakash_rank_885.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Do laws need to be consistent with the prevalent moral norms? Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"\"People's indifference is the best breeding ground for corruption to grow\". Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"In the context of COVID-19 pandemic, discuss the importance of Emotional Intelligence among healthcare workers. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"It is the 'spirit of service' that motivates a public servant to serve the country's interests and address people's issues. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Ethics does its work in the world by granting and withdrawing legitimacy. Discuss in the context of role of ethics in international relations. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Why has anonymity of civil servants traditionally been seen as an important arrangement? In this context, discuss your opinion on the doctrine of facelessness in civil services. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In the age of social media, influencers have a huge following and have gained prominent marketing roles. In this context, discuss the ethical issues involved in influencer marketing. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or the darkness of destructive selfishness. - Martin Luther King Jr. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":34,"question":"Many states in India have experimented with prohibition of liquor at various times. However, it is common knowledge that many such states have a thriving illegal liquor industry. Moreover, it is ironical that while many political parties have prohibition prominently mentioned in their manifestos, it is politicians who distribute alcohol among voters during their election campaigns. This also gives rise to illicit liquor trade and many people lose their lives to it. (a) What are the socio-economic problems that are widely attributed to alcoholism? (b) Do you think prohibiting liquor creates more problems than it proposes to solve? (c) Short of prohibition, what can be done to tackle the problem of rising alcoholism, particularly among the youth of the country?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5885,"topper":"PURAN PRAKASH","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b6f7c-73273_1512_puran_prakash_rank_885.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Persuasion plays an important role in public administration. Discuss. Also highlight the various elements of effective persuasion. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"\"Never do anything against the conscience even if the state demands it.\" In this context, discuss the role of conscience in taking ethical decisions in administration. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Raja Ram Mohan Roy's liberal views on social and religious issues have much relevance in present day India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The moral circle of humanity has been expanding constantly over time. Discuss in this context whether non-human entities should have the same rights as humans beings. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"Each individual is capable of transforming his immediate environment by attempting a radical transformation inside him\". – J Krishnamurti (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"An important requisite for ensuring probity in governance is absence of corruption. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The right to information (RTI) and the right to privacy (RTP) complement each other in holding the government accountable to the people, however, in cases of conflict, they can be reconciled keeping public interest in mind. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Explain the ethical issues involved in spending government funds for advertisement campaigns and publicity. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Explaining the concept of political neutrality, discuss its significance in administration. Also, highlight how the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules seek to ensure political neutrality in the civil services. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"In light of the recurring issues, there is a constant need to search for better ethical frameworks and models of corporate governance. Discuss with adequate examples and evidence in support of your arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":51,"question":"You work as a marketing consultant for a multinational company that specializes in various products including nutrient supplements, diet pills etc. The company pays its employees extremely well and provides satisfactory fringe benefits. Your manager has hinted that he will recommend you for overseas company transfer, which will improve your job profile. This has motivated you to work harder and perform better. The company has to advertise and sell a new weight loss pill 'X'. As per in-company research, it has minimal or no side effects and has no adverse impacts on health, which is its unique selling point (USP). You are given the responsibility of heading the marketing team for advertising pill 'X'. Due to a well-crafted marketing strategy including endorsement by a renowned celebrity, the product has generated considerable public attention. However, while working on an advertisement campaign for the pill, you find out that the in-company research findings of pill 'X' are fabricated. While it indeed has no side-effects, there are no proven benefits of taking the pill as well. It merely acts as a placebo. When you bring up the issue with your manager, he promptly tells you to keep the facts to yourself. He also indirectly brings up the fact that your performance review date is approaching and hints that you will get transferred overseas if you prove your loyalty to the company. Based on the given information, address the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders in this situation. (b) State the ethical issues that arise in this case. (c) Discuss your options in this scenario and mention your next step.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5886,"topper":"Purna Borah","air":149,"year":2017,"paper":"Optional — Public Administration","optional":true,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1kXlgxwtgU_aWnWswuQUI9WJCW7anPb23","questions":[]},{"id":5887,"topper":"Puru Dubey","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KgnA6O7tCZRmaN4WSFEnODP1wsQwJONK/view","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"\"As biotechnology blurs the lines between healing and enhancement, nature and design, the ethical foundations of science face unprecedented scrutiny.\" Critically examine the role of Bio Ethics in dealing with the ethical challenges posed by advancements in biotechnology. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"\"While economic and human capital are often emphasized in policymaking, it is social capital that sustains democratic institutions and inclusive development.\" Discuss the role of social capital in enhancing ethical governance, community resilience, and citizen participation. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"\"Integrity without objectivity risks moral absolutism: objectivity without integrity risks ethical indifference.\" In the context of public service, critically analyze how the dynamic interplay between integrity and objectivity shapes ethical decision-making. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"\"While Public-Private Partnerships promise efficiency and innovation, they often blur the lines between public interest and private profit.\" Critically examine the ethical issues involved in PPP models of governance. How can transparency, accountability, and equity be ensured in such collaborations, especially in essential sectors like health, education, and infrastructure? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context? a. Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever. – Mahatma Gandhi (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"In a country grappling with resource constraints, the vast surplus funds held by religious institutions raise pressing ethical questions about social responsibility.\" Critically examine the ethical, constitutional, and socio-cultural implications of utilizing surplus funds from religious institutions for public welfare purposes such as education and healthcare? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"\"Persuasion involves deliberate efforts to shape attitudes through reasoned argument, whereas social influence often operates subtly through conformity, peer pressure, or cultural norms. Both play a critical role in decision-making and public behavior.\" How can civil servants ethically employ both to bring about positive behavioural change in society? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"Despite significant investments and administrative reforms, public service delivery in India often remains poor in quality and accessibility. Critically analyze how socio-cultural factors interact with politico-administrative inefficiencies to perpetuate substandard delivery of public services. How can policy design and implementation be made more culturally responsive to address these challenges?\" (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"The rise of hybrid work models has redefined workplace ethics, blurring the boundaries between personal autonomy and professional accountability.\" Critically analyze the ethical challenges emerging from remote and hybrid work arrangements. How can organizations balance flexibility with fairness, trust with transparency, and productivity with employee well-being in the evolving work culture? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"\"Social audits and The Right to Information (RTI) Act are not merely tools of financial accountability, but instruments of participatory ethics that empower citizens to hold power to account.\" Critically examine the effectiveness of both of them in ensuring transparency, accountability, and ethical governance. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"\"While international funding aims to promote development, humanitarian aid, and global cooperation, it often comes embedded with political agendas, conditionalities, and asymmetric power dynamics.\" Critically examine the ethical challenges posed by international funding. How can global financial assistance be restructured to align with ethical principles of equity, dignity, and mutual respect? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"It's the peak summer season. Due to extreme heatwaves, late trains, and repair delays on eastern routes, the station becomes overcrowded beyond its safe capacity. Hundreds of passengers, including women, infants, and elderly, are stranded on platforms for hours, with minimal facilities, water shortage, and ineffective announcements. Suddenly, a fake viral message circulates, claiming that a footbridge has collapsed. Within moments, panic ensues, people rush toward exits, and in the chaos, a stampede breaks out on Platform 12. The casualty count rises quickly. 17 people are declared dead, including 6 children and 3 elderly women. Dozens are critically injured. The majority of the deceased are migrant workers and lower-income passengers from rural underdeveloped states.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Identify and explain the key ethical issues and dilemmas in this situation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"You are asked to submit your incident report to the Railway Board. What guiding values and principles should reflect in your written communication?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Suggest long-term reforms that could prevent such tragedies in overcrowded railway stations in the future. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"You are the Chief Compliance Commissioner at the National Startup Governance Board (NSGB)—a regulatory authority under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, tasked with ensuring ethical practices, board accountability, and investor transparency in India's startup ecosystem. Five years ago, \"EduNow\", an ed-tech startup founded by an alumnus of a premier college of India, was celebrated as a beacon of India's digital future. With a bold mission to democratize learning for rural students, it grew rapidly—partnering with schools, onboarding millions of users, and securing funding from global investors. But today, EduNow is imploding under the weight of governance failure. Auditors have resigned, citing withheld information, inflated revenues, and fabricated subscriber data. Several board members quit silently, without public explanation. Employees allege mass layoffs through WhatsApp, non-payment of dues, and coercion to sign NDAs in exchange for exit compensation. A leaked internal report reveals Personal expenses of the founder were booked as business expenses, Related-party transactions with shell companies owned by family members, Manipulation of user metrics to secure higher valuations in funding rounds. Despite these, the founder retains full operational control and is preparing for a new fundraising round, even considering an IPO. Meanwhile, a 27-year-old EduNow sales executive dies by suicide, allegedly due to unethical sales pressure and denial of salary for six months. His handwritten note, now viral, reads, \"I believed in the dream. But I was punished for asking for my salary. What future does honesty have?\" Public anger is erupting. Parents, students, and employees feel betrayed. Investors are distancing themselves. The media is asking tough questions. You are called for an emergency press conference in 6 hours. (a) As the Chief Compliance Commissioner, list your top five immediate ethical decisions. (b) Suppose the founder be forced to resign, and you are given the charge. What systemic changes that you would introduce? (c) Should companies that deliver public services (like EduRise in education) be subject to stricter governance norms than typical startups? OR Should startups be exempt from the same governance norms as large listed companies to encourage growth? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"You have recently been appointed as the Chairperson & Managing Director (CMD) of Bharatam Alloy Limited (BAL), a large but severely underperforming Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the Ministry of Heavy Industries. Once a symbol of India's industrial self-reliance, BAL is now grappling with Mounting operational losses, Outdated technology, Unmotivated workforce, Delays in salary payments, Poor customer satisfaction, Multiple failed modernization attempts. BAL's biggest plant is in a Tier-II town that heavily depends on the company for employment and local economy. Last week, an accidental furnace blast at BAL's facility injured 18 contract workers, 2 critically. The incident brought the company back into the media spotlight, triggering: Public protests led by injured workers' families demanding justice and permanent jobs, Employees' unions threatening indefinite strike, blaming mismanagement and unsafe conditions, Local politicians accusing you and previous leadership of criminal negligence, National media labeling BAL a \"black hole for taxpayers\" A PIL has been filed in High Court, demanding either privatization or shutdown of the PSU to stop further waste of public money. The Ministry asks you to submit a revival plan within 10 days, but hints at disinvestment if no credible plan emerges. Workers want permanent employment for contract laborers, but BAL has no financial capacity to absorb them all. The Chief Safety Officer, in an internal report, reveals that preventive maintenance was ignored due to budget cuts. A private competitor has offered to acquire BAL, promising better technology and full job security for current employees—but with no guarantee for contract workers. Your spouse, a journalist, is being pressured by her editor to cover \"how you are the new face of PSU corruption\" in an exposé. Your own conscience is shaken after personally meeting the family of one injured worker who asked, \"Would your child work in this furnace if it ran like this?\" (a) Identify the ethical dilemmas. (b) What options are available before you? Write its merits and demerits (c) As CMD, what immediate and long-term steps will you take to address I. The accident and its aftermath II. Public Trust III. Financial viability of the PSU (d) Do you recommend absorbing all contract workers into permanent roles despite financial constraints? What would be your response if this were a private company? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"In recent years, India has witnessed an explosion of self-styled financial influencers or \"finfluencers\" on social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter). These individuals, often without formal financial qualifications, offer stock market tips, mutual fund suggestions, crypto investment advice, and more to millions of followers. However, this unregulated space has now become a serious concern. A recent example involved a well-known finfluencer promoting a newly listed stock as a \"hidden gem.\" Thousands of people invested in it, causing its price to spike artificially. A few weeks later, the stock crashed, revealing that the finfluencer had received undisclosed compensation from the company's promoters to create promotional content — effectively making it a \"pump and dump\" scheme. This led to public uproar, loss of hard-earned money by common people, and an erosion of trust in online financial content. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) initiated an investigation but faced challenges due to loopholes in current digital regulation frameworks. Meanwhile, several other finfluencers continue similar activities unchecked. You are an officer in the Ministry of Finance, asked to look into this growing menace and propose policy and ethical safeguards. (a) Identify and evaluate the key ethical issues involved in this case. (b) What steps would you suggest to ensure that financial influencers act with accountability and integrity? How would you balance the need for regulation with the right to freedom of expression? (c) What role can digital platforms and social media companies play in promoting ethical content? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Slums & Low-Income Areas in Urban Periphery where power is needed for cooling and Women are reporting rising cases of domestic violence and health issues due to heat stress. Infants and elderly are at highest risk. Migrant laborers from these areas serve the city and the industrial belt Farmers' protests are growing. with slogans like \"No power, no food\". A few have threatened suicide. reminiscent of a tragic incident last year. A viral video shows an elderly woman in a rural hamlet fanning her unconscious grandson due to heatstroke, saying, \"The government gave us electricity on election day. Now where is it?\" On the other hand, factory owners have warned of shutdowns and mass layoffs if power is cut for more than two days. The District Civil Surgeon pleads with you to not cut power to the city hospital: \"One failed ventilator could mean ten deaths.\" Political representatives from both rural and urban areas are blaming each other, and you are accused of bias no matter what you decide. The State Power Minister subtly suggests, \"We cannot afford negative media about failing industry. Make a practical choice.\" Your subordinate suggests cutting power to slums, saying \"They have no votes.\" Your own elderly parents live in one of the villages, and are facing the same crisis, but you're told not to show \"personal bias.\" (a) What are the ethical issues and conflicting duties involved in this situation? (b) If you had to rank these three sectors in priority, how would you do it and why? (c) Suppose a local TV channel offers you a platform to explain your decision. How would you communicate your choice ethically and transparently to a divided and emotionally charged public? (d) Suggest 3 long-term reforms to avoid such dilemmas in the future and ensure just distribution of scarce resources. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":5888,"topper":"Puru Dubey","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/PURU_DUBEY_ETHICS_c7f9bc9c89.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"\"As biotechnology blurs the lines between healing and enhancement, nature and design, the ethical foundations of science face unprecedented scrutiny.\" Critically examine the role of Bio Ethics in dealing with the ethical challenges posed by advancements in biotechnology. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"\"While economic and human capital are often emphasized in policymaking, it is social capital that sustains democratic institutions and inclusive development.\" Discuss the role of social capital in enhancing ethical governance, community resilience, and citizen participation. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"\"Integrity without objectivity risks moral absolutism; objectivity without integrity risks ethical indifference.\" In the context of public service, critically analyze how the dynamic interplay between integrity and objectivity shapes ethical decision-making. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"\"While Public-Private Partnerships promise efficiency and innovation, they often blur the lines between public interest and private profit.\" Critically examine the ethical issues involved in PPP models of governance. How can transparency, accountability, and equity be ensured in such collaborations, especially in essential sectors like health, education, and infrastructure? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context? a. Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever. – Mahatma Gandhi (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"In a country grappling with resource constraints, the vast surplus funds held by religious institutions raise pressing ethical questions about social responsibility.\" Critically examine the ethical, constitutional, and socio-cultural implications of utilizing surplus funds from religious institutions for public welfare purposes such as education and healthcare? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"\"Persuasion involves deliberate efforts to shape attitudes through reasoned argument, whereas social influence often operates subtly through conformity, peer pressure, or cultural norms. Both play a critical role in decision-making and public behavior.\" How can civil servants ethically employ both to bring about positive behavioural change in society? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"Despite significant investments and administrative reforms, public service delivery in India often remains poor in quality and accessibility. Critically analyze how socio-cultural factors interact with politico-administrative inefficiencies to perpetuate substandard delivery of public services. How can policy design and implementation be made more culturally responsive to address these challenges?\" (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"The rise of hybrid work models has redefined workplace ethics, blurring the boundaries between personal autonomy and professional accountability.\" Critically analyze the ethical challenges emerging from remote and hybrid work arrangements. How can organizations balance flexibility with fairness, trust with transparency, and productivity with employee well-being in the evolving work culture? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"\"Social audits and The Right to Information (RTI) Act are not merely tools of financial accountability, but instruments of participatory ethics that empower citizens to hold power to account.\" Critically examine the effectiveness of both of them in ensuring transparency, accountability, and ethical governance. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"\"While international funding aims to promote development, humanitarian aid, and global cooperation, it often comes embedded with political agendas, conditionalities, and asymmetric power dynamics.\" Critically examine the ethical challenges posed by international funding. How can global financial assistance be restructured to align with ethical principles of equity, dignity, and mutual respect? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":35,"question":"You are the Chief Compliance Commissioner at the National Startup Governance Board (NSGB)—a regulatory authority under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, tasked with ensuring ethical practices, board accountability, and investor transparency in India's startup ecosystem. Five years ago, \"EduNow\", an ed-tech startup founded by an alumnus of a premier college of India, was celebrated as a beacon of India's digital future. With a bold mission to democratize learning for rural students, it grew rapidly—partnering with schools, onboarding millions of users, and securing funding from global investors. But today, EduNow is imploding under the weight of governance failure. Auditors have resigned, citing withheld information, inflated revenues, and fabricated subscriber data. Several board members quit silently, without public explanation. Employees allege mass layoffs through WhatsApp, non-payment of dues, and coercion to sign NDAs in exchange for exit compensation. A leaked internal report reveals Personal expenses of the founder were booked as business expenses, Related-party transactions with shell companies owned by family members, Manipulation of user metrics to secure higher valuations in funding rounds. Despite these, the founder retains full operational control and is preparing for a new fundraising round, even considering an IPO. Meanwhile, a 27-year-old EduNow sales executive dies by suicide, allegedly due to unethical sales pressure and denial of salary for six months. His handwritten note, now viral, reads, \"I believed in the dream. But I was punished for asking for my salary. What future does honesty have?\" Public anger is erupting. Parents, students, and employees feel betrayed. Investors are distancing themselves. The media is asking tough questions. You are called for an emergency press conference in 6 hours. (a) As the Chief Compliance Commissioner, list your top five immediate ethical decisions. (b) Suppose the founder be forced to resign, and you are given the charge. What systemic changes that you would introduce? (c) Should companies that deliver public services (like EduRise in education) be subject to stricter governance norms than typical startups? OR Should startups be exempt from the same governance norms as large listed companies to encourage growth? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"You have recently been appointed as the Chairperson & Managing Director (CMD) of Bharatam Alloy Limited (BAL), a large but severely underperforming Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the Ministry of Heavy Industries. Once a symbol of India's industrial self-reliance, BAL is now grappling with Mounting operational losses, Outdated technology, Unmotivated workforce, Delays in salary payments, Poor customer satisfaction, Multiple failed modernization attempts. BAL's biggest plant is in a Tier-II town that heavily depends on the company for employment and local economy. Last week, an accidental furnace blast at BAL's facility injured 18 contract workers, 2 critically. The incident brought the company back into the media spotlight, triggering: Public protests led by injured workers' families demanding justice and permanent jobs, Employees' unions threatening indefinite strike, blaming mismanagement and unsafe conditions, Local politicians accusing you and previous leadership of criminal negligence, National media labeling BAL a \"black hole for taxpayers\" A PIL has been filed in High Court, demanding either privatization or shutdown of the PSU to stop further waste of public money. The Ministry asks you to submit a revival plan within 10 days, but hints at disinvestment if no credible plan emerges. Workers want permanent employment for contract laborers, but BAL has no financial capacity to absorb them all. The Chief Safety Officer, in an internal report, reveals that preventive maintenance was ignored due to budget cuts. A private competitor has offered to acquire BAL, promising better technology and full job security for current employees—but with no guarantee for contract workers. Your spouse, a journalist, is being pressured by her editor to cover \"how you are the new face of PSU corruption\" in an exposé. Your own conscience is shaken after personally meeting the family of one injured worker who asked, \"Would your child work in this furnace if it ran like this?\" (a) Identify the ethical dilemmas. (b) What options are available before you? Write its merits and demerits (c) As CMD, what immediate and long-term steps will you take to address I. The accident and its aftermath II. Public Trust III. Financial viability of the PSU (d) Do you recommend absorbing all contract workers into permanent roles despite financial constraints? What would be your response if this were a private company? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"In recent years, India has witnessed an explosion of self-styled financial influencers or \"finfluencers\" on social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter). These individuals, often without formal financial qualifications, offer stock market tips, mutual fund suggestions, crypto investment advice, and more to millions of followers. However, this unregulated space has now become a serious concern. A recent example involved a well-known finfluencer promoting a newly listed stock as a \"hidden gem.\" Thousands of people invested in it, causing its price to spike artificially. A few weeks later, the stock crashed, revealing that the finfluencer had received undisclosed compensation from the company's promoters to create promotional content — effectively making it a \"pump and dump\" scheme. This led to public uproar, loss of hard-earned money by common people, and an erosion of trust in online financial content. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) initiated an investigation but faced challenges due to loopholes in current digital regulation frameworks. Meanwhile, several other finfluencers continue similar activities unchecked. You are an officer in the Ministry of Finance, asked to look into this growing menace and propose policy and ethical safeguards. (a) Identify and evaluate the key ethical issues involved in this case. (b) What steps would you suggest to ensure that financial influencers act with accountability and integrity? How would you balance the need for regulation with the right to freedom of expression? (c) What role can digital platforms and social media companies play in promoting ethical content? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Slums & Low-Income Areas in Urban Periphery where power is needed for cooling and Women are reporting rising cases of domestic violence and health issues due to heat stress. Infants and elderly are at highest risk. Migrant laborers from these areas serve the city and the industrial belt Farmers' protests are growing, with slogans like “No power, no food”. A few have threatened suicide, reminiscent of a tragic incident last year. A viral video shows an elderly woman in a rural hamlet fanning her unconscious grandson due to heatstroke, saying, “The government gave us electricity on election day. Now where is it?” On the other hand, factory owners have warned of shutdowns and mass layoffs if power is cut for more than two days. The District Civil Surgeon pleads with you to not cut power to the city hospital: “One failed ventilator could mean ten deaths.” Political representatives from both rural and urban areas are blaming each other, and you are accused of bias no matter what you decide. The State Power Minister subtly suggests, “We cannot afford negative media about failing industry. Make a practical choice.” Your subordinate suggests cutting power to slums, saying “They have no votes.” Your own elderly parents live in one of the villages, and are facing the same crisis, but you’re told not to show “personal bias.” (a) What are the ethical issues and conflicting duties involved in this situation? (b) If you had to rank these three sectors in priority, how would you do it and why? (c) Suppose a local TV channel offers you a platform to explain your decision. How would you communicate your choice ethically and transparently to a divided and emotionally charged public? (d) Suggest 3 long-term reforms to avoid such dilemmas in the future and ensure just distribution of scarce resources. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":5889,"topper":"Puru Dubey","air":86,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/67d58-46119902_4486_puru_dubey_rankrank_86.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5890,"topper":"Puru Dubey","air":86,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2826c-46119902_4487_puru_dubey_rankrank_86.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5891,"topper":"PURURAJ SINGH SOLANKI","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9c835-1362174_2412_pururaj-singh-solanki_rank_21.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by the \"principle of subsidiarity\"? Discuss its importance in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the role played by the Directorate of Enforcement in the investigation of offence of money laundering and violations of foreign exchange laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"\"The moral value of fundamental duties would not be to smother rights but to establish a democratic balance by making the people conscious of their duties equally as they are conscious of their rights\". Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Seventh Schedule is a relic from the colonial past inherited from the Government of India Act, 1935 which needs to be revisited for improving Centre-state relations. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"While the Election Commission of India (ECI) has the power to register political parties, it cannot de-register parties. Discuss the need to confer the power of de-registering political parties to the ECI. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Fundamental Rights are not only enforceable vertically but also horizontally. Discuss the statement with reference to the recent Supreme Court judgment and its implications. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Despite several social protection initiatives, Universal Social Security in India seems like a far-fetched dream. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"A key factor behind poor governance is a system of thinking and working in silos. Discuss in the context of public services in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The aim of establishing a Citizen's Charter is to provide services to the people in a time-bound manner, redressing their grievances and improving their lives. Discuss in the context of the recently launched Model Panchayat Citizen Charter. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the role that the Public Health Management Cadre (PHMC) can play in addressing the concerns faced by public health systems in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"For good governance and effective public service delivery, it is imperative that the State not only continuously evolves but also has a consistent dialogue with the final recipients of services. Elucidate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Governance of inter-state rivers in India suffers from various issues due to conflictual federalism. Discuss. Also, highlight the mechanisms, which can be utilised to resolve inter-state river water disputes in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Cooperatives in India have witnessed a robust past, but a more vibrant future calls for strengthening them in order to effectively contribute to development. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Even after three decades of constitutional amendments, India is yet to decentralise power to local self-government institutions in the true sense. Discuss. Do you agree with the view that Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyaan will be able to develop the governance capabilities of the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Elaborate on the fundamental aspects in which the Indian Constitution differed from its contemporaries despite being a post-colonial document. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Despite the benefits of wider representation of women in the judiciary, Indian courts have significantly fewer women as compared to men. Discuss. Also, suggest some measures to bridge the gender gap in Indian judiciary. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Simplification of laws is a prerequisite of good governance. In light of this, discuss the impact of ambiguity in laws and suggest some steps that can be taken to reduce this ambiguity. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The Smart Cities Mission, which was launched to change the urban landscape of India has produced mixed results. Discuss. Also, highlight the challenges faced in executing the Mission. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms, though successful in parts, have failed to take off on a larger scale in India. Analyse. Also, suggest measures that can be adopted to strengthen the ADR mechanisms. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"It has been argued that one of the characteristic features of the civil services in India is bureaucratic indecision and risk aversion. Discuss the reasons for the same and suggest remedial measures. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5892,"topper":"PURURAJ SINGH SOLANKI","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7b191-1362174_2414_pururaj-singh-solanki_rank_21.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Illustrate the geographical distribution of polymetallic nodules and discuss their significance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The present drainage system of the Himalayas is, to a great extent, the result of progressive river piracy. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand by archipelagos? Explain the different processes involved in their formation, with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The ecological cost of excessive and indiscriminate sand mining far outweighs its economic benefits. Discuss in context of the importance of sustainable sand mining. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The high wind energy potential in India remains untapped due to various reasons. Discuss and suggest a way forward. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Highlight the significance of international cooperation in disaster risk reduction. Also, state the initiatives taken by India to strengthen regional cooperation for reducing disasters. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In view of extensive waterlogging and flooding of cities in India, it has become increasingly important to shift away from traditional approaches of flood management. Discuss. Also, state some alternative approaches that can be adopted in this context. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"'One Water' approach is the key to combat water and urban-ecological challenges. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"It is predicted that the Arctic could be ice-free in summer by 2040. State its possible impact on oceans. Also, discuss how India will be affected in this scenario. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the environmental and economic impacts of sand and dust storms. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Explain the phenomenon behind the shifting of wind belts. Also, illustrate its impact on the climate of a region. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Giving a brief account of the lakes formed due to Earth's movement, discuss the economic and ecological significance of lakes. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Give a brief account of the state of IT & BPM (Business Process Management) industry in India. Also, discuss the factors that are at play in determining the location of IT hubs in different Indian cities. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Ensuring healthy wetlands is critical for climate mitigation and adaptation as well as sustaining biodiversity and human health. Discuss. What are the mechanisms that exist in India to achieve this? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Explain what you understand by a chemical disaster with examples from the Indian context. Also, mention the challenges to mitigate such disasters and discuss how these challenges can be addressed. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Highlighting the challenges faced by Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in tackling disasters, discuss how the Disaster Management Plan of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj can help in addressing these challenges. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Highlighting the need to create Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) in India, discuss the associated issues. Also, mention the recent developments in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"What do you understand by the idea of climate reparations? Discuss the need to implement this idea in the current context. Also, highlight the challenges you foresee in its implementation. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5893,"topper":"PURURAJ SINGH SOLANKI","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/34da2-1362174_2090_pururaj-singh-solanki_rank_21.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What is the Doctrine of Severability? Discuss with the help of relevant judicial decisions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The office of Governor needs to be transformed to preserve constitutional governance in India. Discuss in the light of recent controversies surrounding the Governors' office. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"\"Disturbing public order or inciting violence cannot be allowed under the garb of the freedom of speech and expression.\" Discuss with help of the recent Supreme Court judgment on hate speech. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss the role of the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) for the effective functioning of democracy in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are the various ways in which emerging technologies can be utilised by civil servants in ensuring efficient public service delivery and affecting change in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"To what extent, in your opinion, has the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana been successful in promoting skill development and employment in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Examine the potential of the Bhu-Aadhaar project in bringing significant benefits to India's land management system. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the different determinants of the occurrence of child labour in India. What measures can be taken to tackle the issue of child labour in the country? (Answer in 150 words) 10,","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Despite certain hiccups, recent developments suggest that continuity still looms large in the Indo-Bhutan relationship. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Critical Information Infrastructure has become a global good that requires global norms for its safeguard. What role can the G20 play to safeguard Critical Information Infrastructure? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The tussle between the legislature and judiciary culminated in the 'basic structure' doctrine in the Kesavananda Bharati case. Discuss. What is the significance of the case in limiting the power of the Parliament to amend the Constitution? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Shreya Singhal Case - Safeguard freedom of speech by removing arbitrary Section 66A of IT Act Indian Constitution is a living force which accomodates the aspirations of all citizens and How can a 'rule of law culture' contribute towards promoting individual liberty and democratic governance in a society like India? What are the challenges in fostering such a culture? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) are not just engaged in charitable work but also involved in political processes for building a just, peaceful, humane, and sustainable future. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Self-help groups (SHGs) have contributed towards rural development and women empowerment, but their uneven geographical impact and rising loan defaults are serious challenges that need to be addressed. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Do you agree with the view that the deep-rooted problems in India's school education system cannot be solved by digital transformation alone? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India has placed soft power as an important pillar of its foreign policy to enhance its global standing and image abroad. Discuss the statement along with the initiatives taken by the government. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5894,"topper":"PURURAJ SINGH SOLANKI","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5bf21-1362174_2089_pururaj-singh-solanki_rank_21.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"With the elephant being a vital part of the Buddhist faith, it was widely represented in its sculptures as well. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"India's war of independence was won by the efforts and sacrifices of different sections of the society. In this context, discuss the contributions made by tribal women in the national freedom struggle. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Bring out the key principles underlying Rabindranath Tagore's vision of nationalism during the Indian freedom struggle. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The combination of internal pulls coupled with external pressure as well as colonial resistance prompted the European powers to relinquish their claim over colonies. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Identifying the growth drivers of aquaculture in India, discuss the associated issues. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"While critical minerals are driving the clean energy transition, they bring new vulnerabilities with regard to energy security. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How does the theory of plate tectonics help in explaining the differences in the formation of the Himalayas and Andes mountains? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Critical issues surrounding the condition of groundwater in India need overarching solutions for a water-secure future. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"A large proportion of India's population is expected to live in cities by 2050. In this context, discuss the need for urban green spaces in creating inclusive, resilient, and sustainable cities in the country. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"India's secular approach has remained that of a 'principled distance' and not of 'equi-distance'. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"A major phase in temple architecture in India is associated with the Hoysala dynasty from the 11th to 14th centuries A.D. Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Accounts of Greek historians provide valuable insights into the social and economic conditions in ancient India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Discuss the role played by the Indian diaspora in the freedom struggle of India, especially during the first half of the 20th century. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind the emergence of environmental movements and their significance in post-independent India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Analyse the possible impact of climate change on the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR). What steps can be taken to mitigate it? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Though land subsidence can happen for a host of reasons, it is imperative to estimate its possible impact and chalk out a sustainable plan to minimise the adverse impact. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Discuss the potential of natural resources in the Arctic region as drivers of economic development, while also considering the environmental and social impacts of their exploitation. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Bring out the impact of globalisation in shaping the dynamics of family size, structure and relationships in the modern Indian society. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Migration is an expression of the human aspiration for dignity, safety and a better future. In light of this, examine the multi-dimensional nature of internal migration in India and discuss its inherent relationship with development. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Workplace gender inclusivity in India is skewed against women due to a range of cultural and gender biases existent in the society. Discuss. Also suggest socio-legal measures to address this issue. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5895,"topper":"PURURAJ SINGH SOLANKI","air":21,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5dafb-1362174_2087_pururaj-singh-solanki_rank_21.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5896,"topper":"PURURAJ SINGH SOLANKI","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0768c-1362174_2092_pururaj-singh-solanki_rank_21.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Direct interactions with social groups, like families and peers, teach people how others expect them to behave. Likewise, a society as a whole reinforces and shapes values through its norms, institutions, media, and collective behaviour. Discuss how a society's formal and informal institutions socialize its population, with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Do you think technology can play a role in establishing a value-centric modern society? Critically evaluate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"\"Drop by drop is the water pot filled. Likewise, the wise man, gathering it little by little, fills himself with good.\" Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"There is an ongoing debate on what constitute the core components necessary to define empathy. However, the three that are most often included in psychologists' definitions are affective understanding, emotional contagion, and cognitive perspective-taking. Explain with suitable illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What does each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"The end-product of education should be a free creative man, who can battle against historical circumstances and adversities of nature.\" Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are the signs that show that an individual ranks on the lower spectrum of emotional intelligence? How far is technology leading to a decline in the emotional intelligence of people, especially the younger generations? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"Action is a catalyst for profound shifts in attitude of an individual.\" How far do you agree with the statement? Give suitable examples to substantiate your answer. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Thirukkural advocates a conscious and a spirit-centered approach to business ethics based on eternal values and moral principles that should govern the conduct of business leaders. What are the ethical issues faced by businesses in contemporary times? How will the teachings of Thirukkural assist in their resolution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Laws promote social control by resolving basic value conflicts, settling individual disputes, and making rules that even our rulers must follow. But, law does not always achieve its purpose and can rather harm society. In this background, discuss the limitations and dysfunctions of law, with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Discuss the ethical issues involved in the spending of public money by the government on advertisements? What measures would you suggest to address these issues? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"In India, there are conduct rules, which govern an officer's behaviour and conduct. These include the Central Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964, All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968 etc. Do you think there is a need for a separate Code of Ethics for civil servants in India? What important values should be part of such a Code of Ethics? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"In a capitalist market, the goal of a business is to sell a product to satisfy demand. In this context, a company's objective is to maximize profits. However, there are industries where the social good should take precedence over profits and the pharmaceutical Industry is an example of such an industry. Recently, an incident of arbitrary pricing by a pharmaceutical company has come to light. After years of research, the concerned company released a medicine for the treatment of a rare disease. It holds the patent for the medicine and has spent considerable R&D resources to produce the medicine. But the extraordinarily high price it has fixed for the medicine has not only dashed the hopes of patients suffering from the rare disease but has also shocked the conscience of the public at large. However, there are also some who are arguing that forcing the company to cap the price of the medicine will disincentivise pharmaceutical firms to conduct research and produce treatments for rare diseases in the future. In this context, answer the following: (a) What are the various issues in the above situation? (b) Do you think a price-cap solves the given problem by creating another one? (c) What are the long-term measures that can be taken to deal with issues arising in such cases? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"What are the various issues in the above situation? (b) Do you think a price-cap solves the given problem by creating another one? (c) What are the long-term measures that can be taken to deal with issues arising in such cases? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"The Indian Railways (IR) has approximately 43,000 hectares of vacant land, which is not required for operational purposes in the foreseeable future. Such plots of land are entrusted to the Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA) by the Railway Board for commercial development. As the Vice-Chairman of the RLDA, you are responsible for identifying the potential of these vacant lands and work out the best mode of commercial development. Meanwhile, the Union government is planning to build India's first intermodal stations. Intermodal Stations (IMS) are terminal infrastructure, which integrate various transportation modes such as rail, road, mass rapid transit system, bus rapid transit, inland waterways, auto-rickshaws, taxis and private vehicles so that people can move from one mode to another seamlessly. The Union Ministry has shortlisted two cities to build IMS. The land identified in one city, which also happens to be the home town of a Union Minister, belongs to the RLDA. You are supposed to clear a final report on this land based on which it will be cleared for building IMS. After going through the land details, you discover that the land contains natural urban forest with more than 40,000 trees that provide diverse ecosystem services to the residents of the cities. Clearing this land for the project will lead to cutting of these trees. Also, the news of this land being under consideration is already out and the environmental civil society groups in the city are protesting against it. They are threatening to go to the court if the trees are cut to proceed with the project. Further, an alternative site has been proposed by an environmental think tank, which could be suitable in terms of sustainable development of the project. On the other hand, there is pressure from the Union Minister to clear the land for the project. A senior member from the Railway Board has also approached you to look into the issue favourably else it might upset the political executive. (a) What are the ethical dilemmas faced by you in the given situation? (b) Under the given conditions, what are the options available to you? (c) Critically evaluate each of the options listed by you. (d) What option would you adopt and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"After going through the land details, you discover that the land contains natural urban forest with more than 40,000 trees that provide diverse ecosystem services to the residents of the cities. Clearing this land for the project will lead to cutting of these trees. Also, the news of this land being under consideration is already out and the environmental civil society groups in the city are protesting against it. They are threatening to go to the court if the trees are cut to proceed with the project. Further, an alternative site has been proposed by an environmental think tank, which could be suitable in terms of sustainable development of the project. On the other hand, there is pressure from the Union Minister to clear the land for the project. A senior member from the Railway Board has also approached you to look into the issue favourably else it might upset the political executive. (a) What are the ethical dilemmas faced by you in the given situation? (b) Under the given conditions, what are the options available to you? (c) Critically evaluate each of the options listed by you. (d) What option would you adopt and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"You are the head of the Human Resources (HR) department of a reputed tech company in India that has several high profile national and international clients. It has recently come to your notice that a few employees of the Software Development Team have become irregular and insincere towards their work in the past few months. In the past, this team has been instrumental in timely executing projects, resulting in massive revenue and profits for the company. When you enquire about the issue in detail, you find that many employees including the senior leaders of the concerned team are juggling between multiple jobs. This phenomenon is popularly known as 'moonlighting'. When you ask the employees, most of whom have been high performers, their argument is that doing multiple jobs makes them more skillful and resourceful in their work. Further, their justification is that they have been doing their gigs beyond the usual working hours of the company. Some of them communicate that they face financial constraints and this is a reason for them to pursue the second gig. Others are of the view that it provides them avenues to learn new things, which is of help in their current roles. Thus, a whole network of freelancing has been flourishing secretly. You also get to know that employees in some other departments, like the Testing team, are envious of the Software Development team and secretly express their wish to pursue a similar path. Owing to no specific guidelines, these employees have got a free hand. It has led to multiple issues of productivity and the work culture of the organization and could set a wrong precedent for the other employees, if allowed to continue. On the other hand, firing such a huge number of high performing employees at once is going to add to the attrition rate of the company and loss of talent. The views amongst your colleagues in the HR department is also divided on the issue. You have been entrusted by the senior management to evaluate the situation and take appropriate steps. In this context: (a) Highlight the ethical issues associated with moonlighting. (b) As the HR head of the company, what are the options available to you? (c) Evaluate each of these options and choose the option, which you would adopt, giving reasons. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"You are the CEO of a highly successful multinational clothing corporation based in a developed country. Your brand is a household name and your products are sold worldwide. In an attempt to manage production costs and maintain competitive pricing, your company outsources its manufacturing operations to a developing nation where labour is inexpensive. However, a grave situation has recently unfolded. An investigative journalist, following up on an anonymous tip, has revealed that one of the companies to which you have outsourced an important part of your production is operating its facility under appalling conditions. The facility, which employs a large number of people, including minors, is nothing short of a \"sweatshop,\" where employees work long hours for abysmally low wages in a hazardous environment. The report has led to widespread international condemnation, inciting potential consumer boycotts, and putting your company's hard-earned reputation in jeopardy. If this was not alarming enough, another serious issue has surfaced. A thorough investigation by your compliance team has uncovered that one of the suppliers to the aforementioned outsourced facility has been engaging in illegal deforestation activities. The supplier has been ruthlessly exploiting the country's natural resources, causing significant harm to the local ecosystem and contributing to climate change. These findings have escalated the reputational crisis facing your company, further complicating the ethical landscape. You find yourself in a challenging position, caught in a triad of ethical, financial, and environmental predicaments. If you decide to shut down the factory or enforce better labour standards, the ensuing rise in production costs could affect your market competitiveness and dent your profit. Conversely, if you choose to continue with the current setup, you risk contravening international labour laws, human rights norms, and environmental regulations, potentially inflicting irreversible damage to your company's reputation. (a) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by you in this context? (b) Discuss the merits and demerits of the options available to you. Which of these will you choose and why? (c) What are the ethical alternatives available to the multinational corporations to balance profitability and ethical labour practices? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"The rise of the gig economy greatly benefits the new generation of employees, as it provides them with new job opportunities and multiple sources of income. It is a common trend for fresh graduates who move out of smaller towns and cities and take up gig works to make ends meet till they land a permanent job. Organizations are also opting for temporary professionals over training their own employees for a specific skill set. The NITI Aayog estimates that India has 7.7 million gig workers, which it expects will swell to 23.5 million by 2029-30. Being a gig worker in a delivery company, Rahul earns around Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 40,000 per month depending upon the number of orders received. Also, the work gives him flexibility in scheduling and structuring his days. However, he faces unprecedented struggles due to long working hours, lack of job security, lack of availability of gigs and mainstream jobs, inhuman treatment by the employers and lack of legal protection or rights. But, he is compelled to work, as he is the sole earning member of his family of 4 members. Finding a sense of identity has become difficult as the frequently asked question 'what do you do for a living?' remains to be one of the toughest to answer. It is very difficult for him to get financial assistance, such as loans and mortgages, as he has no stable income to show nor any business to his name, just a skill which is being used every now and then by some employer. Getting health insurance is yet another pain with no insurance companies extending benefits to him due to the nature of his job. In short, Rahul and his family have almost no recognition in the society even for bare minimum amenities, which are reserved for the 'working class'. The abuse of the gig workers is further aggravated by the venture capitalists who would rather pour their money into organizations which are devoid of the employee liability and do not have the overhead expenses of managing a full-time workforce, making it difficult for the regular employers to compete. (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) What can be done to resolve the problems faced by gig workers like Rahul? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"In the recently announced result of the Civil Services Examination, for the second year in a row, a female candidate has secured the top rank. Overall, of the total of 933 successful candidates, 320 are women. This is the highest percentage of women candidates selected in any year. But these numbers are far less than the proportion of women in the population. Even in the bureaucratic hierarchy, women seldom hold top posts as compared to men. In the medical sector, on an average more women join medical colleges compared to men in India. But at the post-graduation and doctoral levels, the percentage of female doctors is around one-third of the male doctors. It is also observed that positions of leadership in academics and administration are still mostly occupied by men. Additionally, in the field of politics, the representation of women in leadership positions remains relatively low. In the Lok Sabha, women hold only around 14% of the seats. In the State Legislatures, the representation of women varies, with some states showing higher percentages than others. However, there is still a long way to go to achieve gender parity in political representation. In this context, answer the following questions. (a) What are the key barriers and challenges that hinder the path of women in their journey towards leadership roles in their respective fields? (b) How do the social and cultural norms affect women's employment in India? (c) Discuss how gender parity in employment opportunities and career growth be ensured for women in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5897,"topper":"PURURAJ SINGH SOLANKI","air":21,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c012d-1362174_2081_pururaj-singh-solanki_rank_21.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5898,"topper":"PURURAJ SINGH SOLANKI","air":21,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b5886-1362174_2088_pururaj-singh-solanki_rank_21.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5899,"topper":"Purva Garg","air":79,"year":2014,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/80a9a-purva-garg_79_2014_essay_booklet_1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5900,"topper":"Purva Garg","air":79,"year":2014,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/be132-purva-garg_79_2014_sociology_booklet_1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5901,"topper":"Purva Garg","air":79,"year":2014,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e8b80-purva-garg_79_2014_sociology_booklet_2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5902,"topper":"Purva Garg","air":79,"year":2014,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/f1927-purva-garg_79_2014_sociology_booklet_3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5903,"topper":"R Rangamanju","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/584f9-1040615_3128_r_rangamanju_rank_24.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"The world must learn to work together, or finally it will not work at all.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Technology, like art, is a soaring exercise of the human imagination.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"We've begun to raise daughters more like sons, but few have the courage to raise our sons more like our daughters.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5904,"topper":"R Rangamanju","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/eef6c-1040615_2930_r_rangamanju_rank_24.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How is the rapid growth of the food processing industry leading to food safety challenges in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Under the Public Distribution System of India, the Fair Price Shop (FPS) transformation is an evolving process. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"How are agri-tech startups in India helping farmers in enhancing farm productivity and market access? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the role of digitization of land records in the effective implementation of land reforms in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"To fully exploit its demographic dividend and accelerate economic growth, India needs to adopt a manufacturing-led growth model. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can the resilience of Indian coastal communities be strengthened to tackle the growing natural hazards resulting from climate change? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How does the Green Credit Programme extend beyond carbon management to promote a more sustainable environment in India? What are the various concerns about its implementation? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What is the need for NavIC when existing satellite navigation systems are already available? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Cyber-enabled financial crime has emerged as the new frontier of global money laundering. Discuss. How can the government address this issue? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The Indian Army is observing the year 2024 as the 'Year of Technology Absorption'. In light of this, explain why there is a need for technology absorption in the defence sector of India. What challenges can India face in this initiative? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What are the issues faced in the development of trade and industries in the North-Eastern Region (NER) of India? Comment on the measures that have been taken to tackle these issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the era of climate change and growing water scarcity, how can micro-irrigation systems contribute to sustainable agricultural practices in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What strategies can be adopted to overcome the issues pertaining to freight transportation in the Indian Railways and increase its share in the domestic freight? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the factors that have aided India in making impressive strides in the renewable energy sector and establishing itself as a frontrunner in the global renewable energy transition. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"How does agricultural runoff containing fertilizers and pesticides contribute to environmental pollution? What measures can be taken to mitigate the impact of agricultural runoff? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The growing influx of tourists in Himalayan states has breached their ecological carrying capacity, leading to significant man-made disasters. What measures can be implemented to prevent such disasters while promoting sustainable tourism? Discuss with relevant examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"How do superconductors fuel innovation in diverse fields of science and technology? Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"While India has laws covering almost all types of intellectual property rights, numerous enforcement, regulatory and administrative challenges hamper the commercialisation of IPRs in India. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Keeping in view the challenges in creating integrated theatre commands, examine how the theaterisation of commands can lead to greater integration and rationalisation of manpower and resources among the three services. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Treating border villages as first villages not just geographically but also in terms of facilities can be a key strategy for enhancing border security. Discuss. Also, highlight the measures being taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5905,"topper":"R Rangamanju","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/807e2-1040615_2929_r_rangamanju_rank_24.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Expression of dissent is central to the functioning of the Parliament. In light of this, discuss the role of the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in India's parliamentary system. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"How can the integration of technology into judicial processes enhance accessibility, capability, and efficiency in justice delivery? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Supreme Court of India has upheld unique asymmetry in India's federalism by intricately balancing centralized authority and regional autonomy. Discuss with the help of relevant case laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Evaluate the effectiveness of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes in safeguarding the interests of the Scheduled Castes in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Executive accountability to the legislature through Parliamentary Committees has been the hallmark of the Indian political system. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can India make Citizens' Charter a powerful tool for improving governance and empowering citizens? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How do corporate donors aid NGOs in facilitating holistic development in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite its merits, should the POCSO Act be revisited to correct the existing inadequacies? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"China's acquisition of strategic ports globally has significant implications for international trade routes and economic relations. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"What are the main functions of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)? How will its recent treaty on intellectual property, genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge benefit India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) plays a crucial role in combating corruption, its functioning is often criticized for being partisan and acting against the federal spirit. Discuss with the help of suitable examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Governors in India often overstep their constitutional role and fail to act effectively when needed. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Both India and the USA adhere to democratic principles but their electoral systems exhibit significant differences. What are the key differences in electoral practices between the two countries? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"How far do you agree with the view that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has met its objective of ensuring environmental justice in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Though Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) have become a platform for competitive politics, they have not emerged as an agency of planning and service delivery. Why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by interoperability in e-governance? What steps have been taken by the government to ensure interoperability and integration of various e-governance systems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"When it comes to sexual and reproductive health of women in India, rights-based discourse has largely been bypassed not just by the societal norms but also by the legal norms. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"How effective has India been in enhancing immunization coverage over the years? What challenges continue to affect immunization efforts in the country? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India used its Presidency of the G20 to bring the voice of the Global South to the centre stage. Discuss with special reference to Africa. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"India's relationship with the UAE has witnessed a remarkable expansion across various domains in the last decade. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5906,"topper":"R Rangamanju","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3dd7c-1040615_2422_r_rangamanju_rank_24.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The traditional theatre forms of India reflect the ideals and emotions of the society, and an individual's role in the community. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Provide an account of the historical and architectural importance of the Sanchi Stupa. Also, discuss how it inspired the future architecture in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Bhagat Singh made a real breakthrough in terms of revolutionary ideology, the goals of revolution and forms of revolutionary struggle. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Bringing out the factors that led to the Meiji restoration, discuss its significance for Japan. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"It is believed that a nation is an \"imagined community\" held together by common beliefs, history, political aspirations etc. In this context, discuss what the basis of India as a nation is. Also, bring out the threats to the concept of Indian nationhood. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"State the key factors behind the growth of the pharmaceutical industry in India. Additionally, discuss its significance with regard to India's economy and public health.(Answer in 150words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss why the Bay of Bengal is more prone to cyclones than the Arabian Sea. Also, explain the reasons for the decrease in frequency of tropical cyclones during the Southwest monsoon season. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite being destructive in nature, volcanoes are critical for the existence of human life on earth. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The existence of relative deprivation is an important aspect in constructing the argument for regionalism. Explain with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"If India is to realise the goal of 'education for all', the issue of rising cases of bullying and other forms of school violence needs to be addressed immediately. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Bring out the role played by the Ahom Kingdom in shaping the cultural and historical identity of North-East India, and discuss its legacy in contemporary times. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The capitalist class generally remained ambivalent in their support to the Indian National Congress until 1940s. In this context, analyse the varying positions of the Indian capitalists throughout the national movement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Trace the evolution of the press in India. Also, discuss the instrumental impact it had during various stages of the Indian freedom struggle despite the repressive policies of the British. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Mountains are fragile ecosystems vulnerable to the adverse impact of climate change and other anthropogenic interventions. Illustrate with examples. Also, highlight the initiatives taken for their sustainable management. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind unsustainable management of sand resources in India. Highlighting its impact, enumerate the remedial measures taken in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Giving an account of the major lithium-producing countries, discuss the geo-political aspects of lithium production and its environmental implications. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The youth are capable of identifying themselves with a global identity and connecting with events and experiences outside their countries. In this context, discuss the impact of globalization on the various aspects of youth identity. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"As fertility rates decline in India, future demographic concerns center around an ageing population and a weak social security system. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"With a significant proportion of India's population expected to live in urban areas by 2030, the welfare of the urban poor needs to take centre-stage in public policy. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5907,"topper":"R Rangamanju","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/gs-mac-test-1-rangamanju-1745409219906.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Q1 Examine the role of numismatic evidence in understanding the political and economic history of ancient India. Provide specific examples.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Q2. Assess the impact of women's organizations in mobilizing women across diverse socio-economic and regional backgrounds in pre-independence India.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":8,"question":"Q3 How did the policy of non-alignment reflect the aspirations of India and other newly independent nations to maintain their sovereignty and resist colonial pressures?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":10,"question":"Q4 Discuss the processes involved in volcanism. Highlight the major volcanic regions in the world and their associated tectonic settings.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Q5. Explain the geological features and ecological importance of the Eastern Ghats.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":14,"question":"Q6. Earlier known as coarse cereals the government rebranded millets in 2018 as nutri-cereals. In this context discuss the ecological and nutritional significance of millets","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Q7 What are the potential consequences of Arctic ice melt on biodiversity and ecosystems? How might these changes impact global ecological balance","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Q8 Do you think the Uniform Civil Code contradicts the idea of religious pluralism and cultural differences in Indian society?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Q9 Discuss the concept of healthy active ageing in the context of demographic shifts in India. How does it contribute to social inclusion?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":22,"question":"Q10 How is the transition from 'conscious consumption' to 'compulsive consumption' impacting family structure and dynamics in urban areas?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Q11. Discuss with examples the key features of Vijayanagara architecture. How did Indo-Islamic elements manifest in their structures?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Q12 Compare and contrast the features of ancient Indian universities like Nalanda and Takshashila with modern state-funded universities in India. What lessons can modern universities learn from ancient ones to improve their effectiveness?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":28,"question":"What modern institutes concern from past","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Q13 Analyze the ideological differences and similarities between the revolutionary movement (1920-1930s) and the Gandhian non-violent struggle. How did these two ideologies influence each other?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Q14 What are the various types of glacial landforms formed in the Indian Himalayas. How do these features impact local ecosystems and human activities?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Q15 Discuss the unique geographical features of the Indian Ocean and their impact on global oceanic circulation patterns. How do these features influence the climate of the Indian subcontinent?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Q16 Urban heat islands (UHIs) have become a significant phenomenon in Indian cities, exacerbating the frequency and intensity of heat waves. Analyze the underlying factors contributing to this phenomenon and critically assess the existing mitigation strategies.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Q17 Evaluate the primary factors contributing to regional disparities in the sugar industry between North India and Peninsular India. What measures can be undertaken to reduce the surplus sugar production?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Q18 'Social mobility is essential for achieving true equality within society'. In this context highlight the barriers to intergenerational mobility in Indian society, and examine the role of education on social mobility.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Q19 Analyze the influence of globalization on migration patterns in India. What are the economic and social implications of increased internal and international migration?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Q20 Discuss how gender-based violence in India is a manifestation of patriarchal values. To what extent has modernisation in law served as an instrument of women's empowerment in this regard?","marks":"15","words":null}]},{"id":5908,"topper":"R Rangamanju","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/mts-flt-test-2-rangamanju-1745409296366.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Q1 The rule of law and judicial review are interdependent, as one cannot truly exist without the other. In this context can judicial review be considered the most important aspect among those that constitute the basic structure of the Constitution?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Q2. How does the power and authority of Delhi's lieutenant governor compare to that of the governors of other states, particularly in terms of acting on the aid and advice of the council of ministers?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Where LG Delhi is superior","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"Q3. Discuss the role of the judiciary in navigating the tension between the right to religion and constitutional morality in India in recent times. Refer to relevant case laws.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Q4 The principle of 'Separation of Powers' is a key feature of the American Constitution. In this context, compare how the Indian Constitution's functional separation of powers distinguishes itself from the US system. What are the advantages of a check and balance system over a rigid Separation of Powers?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Q5. The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution is more than a legal provision that empowers tribal regions with self-rule. How does the sixth schedule foster development while respecting their traditional governance systems and cultural practices?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Q6 How do partnerships between Civil Society Organizations and Government Entities contribute to India's development goals?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Q7 Discuss the importance of cultivating a culture of life-long learning among Indian civil servants. How has Mission Karmyogi contributed to this objective? Illustrate with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Q8 Given India's strides in reducing extreme poverty, should the country consider redefining its poverty line to better reflect the current socio-economic realities? Discuss the potential benefits and challenges associated with redefinition of the poverty line.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Q9 Evaluate the impact of the deepening political divisions with the major Western States on global governance and international cooperation. How should India navigate these divisions to advance its national interests on the global stage?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Q10 How does India's Arctic Policy align with its broader foreign policy objectives? Broadly discuss the collaborations and agreements India is involved in with the Arctic Council.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Q11. In what ways are the terms of reference of the 16th Finance Commission different from that of the previous Finance Commissions? Despite increasingly progressive devolution by subsequent Finance Commissions, examine the factors that propel economic disparities across various States.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Q12 Compare and contrast the powers and working of the Ethics Committee and the Privileges Committee in addressing cases of ‘unethical’ conduct and breach of privileges. How do these Committees complement each other in maintaining parliamentary discipline?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Q13 In the context of persistent legislative dysfunction in India, analyze the evolving role of judicial activism in shaping public policy and governance. Using examples from landmark court cases, evaluate the effectiveness of judicial interventions in addressing governance gaps and safeguarding citizens' rights.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Q14 To what extent does the level of internal democracy within political parties impact the functioning and legitimacy of the Indian party system? What reforms can address the challenges of inadequate intraparty democracy in India?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Q15 \"The NHRC must not only be a watchdog but also a beacon of hope for the marginalized and oppressed.\" In this context discuss the role and mandate of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in India. How does the current composition and functioning of the NHRC affect its independence and effectiveness?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Q16 The persistent health equity challenges in India pose a critical barrier in achieving Universal Health Coverage. In this context discuss the role of the public and private sectors in ensuring adequate health access and outcomes across rural and urban areas.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Q17 Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals requires consideration of regional context and local situations. In light of this statement examine the role of Panchayats as catalysts for grassroot development and advancing sustainable development.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Q18 What are the implications of the POCSO Act on the rights and welfare of children in India? Analyze the role of the POCSO Act in transforming India's legal framework for child protection.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Q19. Examine the influence of human rights issues and democratic values on the diplomatic relationship between the U.S. and India. How have these concerns affected bilateral engagements and what can be done to mitigate tensions arising from these issues?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Q20 Examine the geopolitical challenges India faces in South Asia despite its global rise. How can India navigate these challenges to strengthen its regional leadership?","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5909,"topper":"R Rangamanju","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/aed37-1040615_2931_r_rangamanju_rank_24.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The end cannot justify the means, for the simple and obvious reason that the means employed determine the nature of the ends produced. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss how the relationship between law and ethics is dynamic and continuously shaped by societal changes. Provide examples to illustrate this dynamic relationship. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Differentiate between probity and integrity with suitable examples. How do these values contribute to ethical governance and decision-making in the civil services? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the ethical implications of withholding information in public administration. How can transparency enhance accountability and reduce corruption in government institutions? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"There is no school equal to a decent home and no teacher equal to a virtuous parent.\"- Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.\" - Leo Tolstoy (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"To see what is right and not do it is a lack of courage.\" - Confucius (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What factors lead to a positive attitude in a person? How does positive attitude enhance the effectiveness of civil servants in performing their duties? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss how emotional intelligence can influence ethical decision-making in the allocation of scarce public resources. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Various international humanitarian organizations provide emergency aid in conflict zones around the world. Highlight the ethical challenges faced by such organizations. What are the principles that guide international humanitarian work? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Why is persuasion regarded as an important skill for civil servants? What are the key considerations that should guide persuasion in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"What role can ethical leadership play in curbing corruption, especially in public service? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"What were the major teachings of Swami Dayanand Saraswati? Explain their relevance in addressing the current ethical and social challenges in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":33,"question":"Discuss the ethical dilemma Karan faces in deciding whether to report the incident against Mariyam's wishes. (b) Evaluate the options available to Karan. Which of these options should he choose and why? (c) What responsibilities do organizations like XYZ Corp have in preventing and addressing sexual harassment and creating inclusive workplace environments? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Jay, a civil servant, was appointed as the Commissioner in the education Department a year ago. In his initial months, he implemented several policies and programmes that were transforming the Education Ministry's operations, gaining a good reputation that could potentially benefit the concerned minister in the upcoming elections. However, Jay now faces a significant challenge. As part of his responsibilities, he must approve the recruitment of new teachers for government schools. He has received a list of 120 candidates recommended for vacant posts, but suspects the recruitment process was unfair. Jay had also received several complaints claiming that the process had not been meritocratic. Upon review, Jay discovers evidence suggesting that many names on the list are the result of political patronage - a prevalent issue in the state where politicians use recruitment to gain political support. Jay believes the Education Minister is engaging in this practice as the election season approaches. This situation reminds Jay of a past incident when, as a junior officer, he refused to entertain an unnecessary procurement request. Consequently, he was transferred within a week, and he and his family faced frivolous anti-corruption complaints as retaliation. His successor approved the procurement at even higher rates. Jay is now concerned that blocking the current recruitment could lead to similar consequences. Moreover, he fears that if he stands against this unfair recruitment process, his initiatives in the Education Ministry could be abruptly terminated. (a) What are the options available to Jay as the Commissioner of the Education Department? Evaluate each of these options. (b) What option should Jay adopt and why? (c) How can civil servants like Jay be better protected when they attempt to uphold ethical standards in their work? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"What are the options available to Jay as the Commissioner of the Education Department? Evaluate each of these options. (b) What option should Jay adopt and why? (c) How can civil servants like Jay be better protected when they attempt to uphold ethical standards in their work? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"As the District Magistrate of X city, you are responsible for overseeing the construction of a new metro depot in an urban forest area, which is a critical infrastructure project aimed at improving public transportation and reducing traffic congestion and air pollution. The project, however, requires the clearance of a substantial portion of the forest, which has triggered strong opposition from environmental activists, local residents, and NGOs. This forest is widely regarded as essential for the city's ecological balance, often referred to as the city's \"lungs.\" In addition to the environmental concerns, you are under considerable pressure from politicians at the state-level to expedite the project, given the upcoming elections in two years. The political leadership emphasizes the benefits of the metro project for the city's development and its potential to garner electoral support. The project is expected to significantly reduce travel time for thousands of commuters and potentially decrease overall vehicle emissions in the city. However, it would also lead to the loss of thousands of trees and disrupt local ecosystems. As you prepare to make a decision, you are aware that your choice will have far-reaching consequences for both the city's development and its environment. (a) Identify the ethical dilemmas involved in the above case. (b) Evaluate the options available to you in the above situation. Which of these would you choose and why? (c) Suggest some measures that could be implemented to balance urban development needs with environmental conservation in future projects. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Dr. Mehra is a senior drug developer at a leading pharmaceutical company in India, renowned for producing various medications, including lifesaving drugs critical for treating chronic and rare diseases. Since its inception, the company has emphasized the quality and affordability of its drugs. Recently, under revised government guidelines, pharmaceutical companies are required to market a finished product only after obtaining \"satisfactory results\" from tests on the ingredients. Additionally, they must retain a sufficient quantity of samples of both intermediate and final products to allow repeated testing or verification of a batch. Dr. Mehra's team is in the final stages of developing a new medication for a rare but life-threatening disease. This drug has shown promising results in clinical trials. However, there have been unresolved concerns about the long-term side effects of the drug, observed in a small percentage of trial subjects. Despite this, the company has not released any major drug in the past decade, leading to significant pressure from the board members to expedite the drug's release. (a) Identify the stakeholders in the above case study. (b) Discuss the ethical issues faced by Dr. Mehra. (c) Analyse the options available to Dr. Mehra in the above case. Which of these would you choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":59,"question":"In light of the above case, discuss the ethical issues that may arise from the nexus between corporate, political, and bureaucratic interests. (b) As a conscientious civil servant, evaluate the options available to Arun. Which option should he choose and why?(Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5910,"topper":"R Rangamanju","air":24,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/u/2/folders/1f3DFE1OZbAPMzXczWc6wzpwUMfk7U83K","questions":[]},{"id":5911,"topper":"R Rangamanju","air":24,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1crFHdar_IFfMqV236mnOj7nec_l8fRXQ/view","questions":[]},{"id":5912,"topper":"R Rangamanju","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/R.-RANGAMANJU-UPSC-2024-Rank-24-MGP-Sample-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Achieving inclusive growth requires a multidimensional approach that goes beyond economic growth. Discuss in context of India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Examine the implications of the expansion of gig workforce on economic growth and employment scenario in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What is precision agriculture? How can precision agriculture help in optimizing crop production and resource management? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"While MSMEs are the backbone of the Indian economy, they encounter various hurdles in their operation and expansion. Discuss. Also, suggest steps to support the growth of the MSME sector. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Explain the significance of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) in transforming India into a knowledge-based and innovation-driven economy. Also, mention various government initiatives aimed at strengthening the protection and enforcement of IPRs in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Gaganyaan mission is a landmark endeavour for India, marking significant advancements in space exploration and contributing to broader national objectives; however, overcoming the associated tech-nical and safety challenges is crucial for its success. Analyse. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What are the challenges in the safe management of e-waste in India? How can collaboration among multiple stakeholders help in sustainable e-waste management? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Define Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and mention its various stages. Also, highlight the significance of EIA in balancing developmental needs with environmental conservation in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Integrated Theatre Commands shall bring jointness in operation, synergy of resources and enable armed forces in carrying out swift, effective, and decisive actions. Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"India's internal security dynamics is inextricably linked with the peace and stability in the neighbourhood. Explain with special reference to instability on the eastern border. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The introduction of Goods and Services Tax (GST) was hailed as a transformative fiscal reform; however, the journey of GST has been a mixed bag of successes and challenges. Analyse. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Discuss the potential of food processing sector in addressing the issues of low value addition, high post-harvest losses and disguised unemployment plaguing Indian agriculture. Also, explain why the sector has underperformed despite its significant potential. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite the government's ambitious targets, rooftop solar installations in India are hindered by multiple factors. Elaborate. How far do you think that PM Surya Ghar Yojana can incentivise the adoption of rooftop solar installations? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Agricultural marketing reforms are imperative for addressing market inefficiencies and boosting farm incomes. Analyse. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the contribution of livestock sector to the rural economy and the empowerment of women. Also, highlight main challenges faced by the livestock sector in the country and suggest strategies to overcome these challenges. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Generative AI holds immense potential to transform various aspects of daily life, offering both benefits and challenges. Elaborate. What policy measures do you suggest to maximize its benefits and mitigate its risks? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Describe the major outcomes of the 28th session of the Conference of Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What were the major engagements of India in this conference? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Explain the causes and impacts of landslides. Also, discuss the various measures to mitigate their impact, with a special emphasis on National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) guidelines. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) is showing a downward trend, but still affects many parts of the country. Highlighting the reasons for the continuance of LWE in certain pockets, suggest strategies to deal with this menace. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Analyse how the adoption of emerging and disruptive technologies for money laundering is adding new layers of complexity to an already intricate issue. Also, highlight the measures taken to tackle the problem of money laundering both at national and international levels. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5913,"topper":"R Sri Rusat","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/R-SRI-RUSAT-UPSC-2024-Rank-52-MGP-Sample-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. When women and girls are equal, everyone is greater.\n2. No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.\n3. Man is still the most extraordinary computer of all.\n4. Time moves slowly, but passes quickly.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"1. Discontent is the first step in the progress of a man or a nation.\n2. The purpose of life is a life of purpose.\n3. Ignorance is the root and stem of every evil.\n4. The pen is mightier than the sword.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5914,"topper":"R Sri Rusat","air":52,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Economics","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/ECO-T02-R-SRI-RUSAT-R52-1750226670263.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5915,"topper":"R Sri Rusat","air":52,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Economics","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/ECO-T1-R-SRI-RUSAT-R52-1750226697320.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5916,"topper":"R Sri Rusat","air":52,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Economics","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/ECO-T3-R-SRI-RUSAT-R52-1750226729617.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5917,"topper":"R Sri Rusat","air":52,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Economics","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/ECO-T4-R-SRI-RUSAT-R52-1750226754181.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5918,"topper":"Rachana Meena","air":907,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/ANTHRO-T2-RACHANA-MEENA-R907-1750226660778.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5919,"topper":"Radhika Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9f319-340797_1242_radhika-gupta_rank_18.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Tribal art in India generally reflects the creative energy found in rural areas that acts as an undercurrent to the craftsmanship. Explain with reference to the Worli and Gond paintings. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Though it had its achievements, the exclusion of Indians from the system was a key feature of judicial reforms introduced by Cornwallis. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Marshall Plan was important in the recovery of the European states from the aftermath of the Second World War. However, it also became a crucial factor in the creation of two Europes i.e. East and West. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Examine the causes behind the existence of bonded labour in contemporary India. Also, discuss the steps that should be taken for its redress. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"State the factors that enhance the risk for initiation or continuation of abuse of drugs by the youth. What measures can be taken to address this issue? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Critically analyze the impact of globalization on culture in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"How do increasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions impact coastal and marine ecosystems? Highlight various measures that can be taken for protection and restoration of such vulnerable ecosystems. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Explain the phenomenon of a Polar Vortex. Also, comment on the reasons as to why tropical areas as south as Florida have been witnessing sub-zero temperatures in recent years. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The most powerful trend of medieval Indian literature is devotional poetry which dominates almost all the major languages of the country. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Discuss the major changes introduced by the Government of India Act, 1919 and its significance as a historical landmark in the Indian freedom struggle. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Multiple factors allowed the British to gain control over India. In this context, highlighting the main developments, trace the course of British conquest of India from 1757 to 1856. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"With India becoming increasingly urban and the urban poor increasing in number, it is imperative that the challenges they face be addressed urgently. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Violations of women's sexual and reproductive health rights are often deeply engrained in societal values and traditions. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by the term Land Degradation Neutrality? Highlight its significance and the steps required to achieve it. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"State the geographical and economic importance of Hindukush-Himalayan region. How are the critical geographical features of this region changing and what possible consequences will it have? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What is the most accepted reasoning behind occurrence of earth's magnetism? Discuss the factors behind its variation temporally and spatially. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Explain Walker Circulation. Discuss how it influences Indian Monsoon. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5920,"topper":"Radhika Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/37981-340797_1436_radhika-gupta_rank_18.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"The BRICS as a grouping seems to have internal contradictions, which makes it difficult for it to emerge as an effective forum in a dynamic multi-polar international order. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Despite India having immense soft power potential, it alone will not be sufficient to achieve India's foreign policy objectives. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Highlighting the role of space technology in border management, enumerate the steps taken so far in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Despite allegations of human rights violations under the AFSPA, it is a functional requirement for the army in disturbed areas. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The use of Internet creates both challenges and opportunities in the fight against terrorism. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain the concept of Chandrasekhar Limit and highlight its significance in the field of astronomy. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Examining the risk posed by space debris, suggest some measures which can be taken for its mitigation and removal. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the challenges confronting higher self-reliance and indigenisation of defence industry in India. What steps can be taken to accelerate its pace? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Comment on the role played by the diaspora in India's development process. Also, discuss the challenges in terms of engaging the Indian diaspora and suggest ways to translate these partnerships into benefits. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the reasons behind proliferation of multilateral preferential trade agreements. Do they violate WTO's MFN principle? Do you think that such trade groupings present an existential threat to WTO? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"India needs to balance its growing water needs and larger security concerns with effective hydro-diplomacy. Highlighting the challenges faced with regard to transboundary rivers, analyze this statement in the context of India's riparian relations with its neighbours. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Commenting on the importance of Central Asia for India, highlight the progress made in the relationship in recent past along with the issues that still remain to further cement the ties. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the significance of India's island territories in its quest to become a net security provider in the Indian Ocean region. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"A fine balance between security and developmental measures needs to be attained for tackling the menace of Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in India. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Illustrate the linkages between drug trafficking, organised crime and terrorism. In this regard, mention the steps that have been taken to arrest the availability of drugs in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Identify the key threats to national security in the wake of climate change. Also, highlight India's stand and rationale on UN's decision to declare climate change as an international security issue. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Explaining the concept of data exclusivity, bring out the arguments for and against incorporating data exclusivity norms in India's IPR regime. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Compare and contrast fifth generation (5G) of wireless telecom technology with 4G technology. What challenges need to be overcome for 5G's pan-India rollout? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5921,"topper":"Radhika Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/076c5-340797_1433_radhika-gupta_rank_18.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Given below are two quotations. For each of these bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) The golden rule of conduct is mutual toleration, seeing that we will never all think alike and we shall always see Truth in fragment and from different points of vision. Mahatma Gandhi.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Impersonal management, a characteristic feature of a Weberian bureaucracy, develops over time into indifference, especially with regard to weaker sections of the society. Critically discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"In pursuit of political power, means are often compromised that leads to competitive reliance on unethical practices resulting in erosion of public trust. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"It takes more than a corporate governance policy to inspire ethical behavior and sustain a truly ethical workplace. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"\"Law should be so succinct that it can be carried in the pocket of the coat and it should be so simple that it can be understood by a peasant.\" Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Ethics in international relations has the potential to cater to the diplomatic challenges of 21st century. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Nolan Committee provides for one of the most comprehensive statements of what constitutes ethical standards for holders of public office. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"The sharper the socio-economic disparities, the greater the incentive towards corruption. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"The moral worth of an action depends not on the consequences that flow from it, but on its motivation. Explain the statement with the help of suitable examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"The universal adoption of common good approach poses the ethical dilemma of putting collective interests over and above the individual interests. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"You are an honest and responsible civil servant. You often observe the following: (a) If one wants to remain effective and powerful to create impact on the lives of people, one should remain loyal to those in power. (b) Following ethical means may not be practical and effective at all times. (c) Petty corruption expedites the service delivery. Examine the above statements with their merits and demerits. 20 : (a) , (b) (c) - -","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Recently, two national level sportspersons who are integral members of their team, made some comments in a talk show which were perceived as being grossly misogynistic and racist. This created a huge controversy and they were temporarily suspended from the team pending an enquiry. In light of these events, answer the following questions: (a) Do you think public figures have an additional responsibility in so far as expressing their views on matters of public importance is concerned? Give reasons. (b) According to you, what are the reasons that some prominent public figures make such misogynistic comments, and even get away without any consequences? (c) As the person in charge to enquire into the conduct, what factors would you consider to examine it and what punishment, if any, would you prescribe in this specific case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"There are large number of leather industries in a major industrial town of India. They provide employment to large number of people and are also a prominent source of revenue for the state. Lately it has been observed that despite following the present emission control rules, the collective ecological footprint of these industries remains quite high affecting the surrounding areas in an adverse manner. The new technologies available for emission control are quite costly and thus acts as a disincentive for the owners of the industries for adopting them. In light of this information, the government is contemplating the following options: (a) Shutting down the industries in the region (b) Relocating the industries to a new region (c) Making the emission control rules stricter (d) Providing incentives to the industry owners for adoption of new technology. Analyse the above options in terms of their merits and demerits. What course of action would you choose and why?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5922,"topper":"Radhika Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/01e3c-340797_1245_radhika-gupta_rank_18.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the attributes of leadership, analyse why it is important for a civil servant.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"A civil servant needs to be objective as well as empathetic. What do you understand by objectivity? Discuss its relationship with empathy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"With rapidly increasing use of information technology, what according to you is the role of ethics in cyber space?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Transparency in government organisations is an essential pre-condition for good governance. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but its lowest ones. Nelson Mandela","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"For achieving success, attitude is equally, if not more important than ability. Discuss with the help of examples from your daily life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"The core of high Emotional Intelligence is self-awareness. If you don't understand your own motivations and behaviours, it is nearly impossible to develop an understanding of others. Discuss with the help of appropriate examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by Integrity Pacts? Highlight the role they can play in bringing transparency in allotment of public contracts and ensuring proper utilization of public funds in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"In the context of rapid technological change, discuss the significance of inculcating moral and spiritual values in educational institutions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Explain the main elements of integral humanism as propounded by Deen Dayal Upadhyay and highlight its contemporary relevance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"It is imperative for a country like India, that code of ethics should be implemented for civil servants on social media platforms as well. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Discuss how effective corporate governance can ensure the equitable treatment of all stakeholders.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"You are posted as the Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district of a state where alcohol prohibition has been imposed recently. The District Excise department has conducted many raids and seized liquor in large quantities, for which it has received state-wide public appreciation. A few months later reports surface in the media that in this district, hundreds of seized bottles of illicit liquor are missing from the government malkhanas or stores. As a result, the government is left red-faced. You are asked by the DM, who is the overall in-charge of the district excise setup, to investigate the matter. Upon investigation, you unearth a nexus of politicians and government officials who smuggled seized liquor and sold it through spurious means both inside and outside the state. In this context, evaluate these options:","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Being aware of the seriousness of the matter, discretely put the detailed investigation report in the public domain and expose the nexus. Also, suggest, without restricting yourself to the given options, the final course of action that you would prefer.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate in a Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected district. The district has witnessed many instances of violence by the naxalites in the past. It has been observed that instances of violence increase as the elections approach. You, as a Returning Officer, are responsible for the smooth conduct of elections. Soon after the announcement of elections, the naxalites gave a call for their boycott and have been threatening people to stay away from them. The people of the district are eager to exercise their voting rights but are scared of the impending acts of violence. Further, with threat to their lives and a low expected turnout, the other electoral officers are also reluctant to go to these areas. In this context, answer the following: (a) Identify the civil service values that are crucial for working in such adversities. (b) Suggest a plan of action to ensure the conduct of free and fair elections in such a situation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate in a district, where many large factories and commercial establishments are located. One such factory is owned by one of your close friends. You visit each other's home frequently and are often seen in public together. Recently, media reported about poor working conditions in your friend's factory. Upon enquiry with the labor office, you come to know that the factory has witnessed frequent labour unrests in the past as well. However, the labour officer told you that he was hesitating to take any action due to your proximity with the owner of the factory. With reference to the facts of the case, answer the following questions: (a) Identifying the stakeholders and public cause, discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) As the District Magistrate, what appropriate course of action will you take? Give reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are a resident of a remote tribal district, where there is high incidence of malnutrition. As a remedial measure, the District Magistrate has initiated a programme to promote millet cultivation, especially on the lands currently lying fallow in the district. However, this well-intentioned move of the officer receives flak from the local tribals as this may not only change their age-old food habits, but also alter their traditional agricultural practices. They further cite lower remunerative prices of millets as another reason for continuing with their existing crop production pattern. As a civil servant aspirant, who has a keen interest in development of tribal areas, answer the following questions: (a) What according to you are the key issues and challenges involved in the above situation? (b) Identify the key stakeholders and their respective interests. (c) Suggest a course of action that the District Magistrate can take keeping in mind the larger tribal interests.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You have recently been posted as a District Labour Officer in a state, which derives a substantial revenue from tourism. You come to know that a big hotel in the area has not been paying wages as per the Minimum Wages Act. The hotel owner is a powerful local leader having contacts with many influential officials of the state. You have the power to take sou-moto cognizance of such violations and accordingly you initiate a preliminary enquiry into the matter. However, no worker is willing to come forward to lodge a formal complaint because they fear loss of employment. Meanwhile, your action has attracted notice of the higher authorities, and you are advised to drop the matter altogether. You are deeply concerned about the situation as it involves not only violation of the Minimum Wages Act but also denial of basic human rights of the worker. (a) Identify the issues involved in the given case. (b) Consider the options given below:","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Serve a notice to the hotel owner and initiate action as per your powers under the Minimum Wages Act. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each of these options and suggest your preferred course of action, giving reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"You are the Chairman of a Committee, constituted by the government, to suggest measures to improve the quality of education in state-run schools. In view of the increasing dropout rate and the widening gap between students' learning ability in state-run and private schools, answer the following questions: (a) Examine the role of government in the education sector, especially providing primary and secondary education through state-run schools. (b) Identify the principles and values that would guide your recommendations in this regard. (c) Suggest some ways in which quality of education in state-run schools can be improved.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5923,"topper":"Raghav Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/09684-262678_1243_raghav-jain_rank_127.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Reservation of seats in legislature is needed to ensure meaningful political participation of women and to make the democratic process truly inclusive. Discuss the statement in the light of 108th Constitution Amendment Bill. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the issue of reservation in promotions for SCs and STs in public employment in the light of various judicial pronouncements and constitutional amendments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the reasons behind underperformance of the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs). How can their performance be improved? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlighting the rationale behind continuance of the Official Secrets Act, critically discuss whether the Right to Information should be given precedence over it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What is the rationale behind having a mandatory 'cooling-off' period for retired civil servants? In light of numerous instances of violation of this provision, do you think there is a need to have a relook at Civil Services Conduct Rules? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlighting the key features of POSHAN Abhiyan, explain how it is an improvement over previous interventions in achieving the goal of malnutrition free India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Give an account of the challenges that the multilateral rule-based trading system is facing. With special focus on WTO, discuss how these challenges can be addressed effectively. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Highlight the major impediments affecting India-US trade relations. What possible consequences can the recent withdrawal of Generalized System of Preference (GSP) have on India-US trade relations? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"In a democratic setup, it is imperative that independence be balanced with accountability. Discuss in the context of judiciary in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Despite various strengths, there are certain weaknesses in the existing structure of departments of the government which render the system slow and cumbersome. Analyze. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the light of criticism surrounding the composition and functioning of Rajya Sabha, do you think it exists merely as a secondary house of the Parliament? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Despite legislative changes with respect to funding of political parties in recent years, many challenges still exist with regards to transparency in electoral funding. Discuss. Can state funding of elections help in addressing these challenges? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Successful and long-lasting urban transformation critically depends on reforming the way our cities are governed. In this context, highlight the challenges plaguing urban governance in India and suggest some strategies to overcome those challenges. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Explain the role that SHGs play in poverty alleviation in India. Highlighting the shortcomings of the SHG-Bank Linkage programme, give some suggestions to improve its performance. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Despite initiatives taken by the government in recent years to address the challenges of the Indian higher education system, many reforms are still required to improve its quality and enhance its relevance. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Giving an account of the progress made under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, mention the challenges that it faces in achieving its target. How can the implementation of the programme be fast-tracked? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Island nations of the Indian Ocean hold immense strategic value in shaping the geopolitical contours of the region and ensuring maritime security of India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Development assistance, a key instrument in India's foreign policy, has seen a considerable expansion in the past few years both in its scope and reach. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5924,"topper":"Raghav Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/60260-262678_1247_raghav-jain_rank_127.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Mention the structure and functions of NITI Aayog. Also, comment on its contemporary relevance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Critically discuss the practice of setting up Fast Track Courts to reduce pendency of cases in the judiciary. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the challenges faced by lower judiciary in India and suggest measures for enhancing their productivity. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Assess the need to formalise the process of post-legislative scrutiny to improve the effectiveness of laws. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in improving the effectiveness of e-governance in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Despite various reforms in the public grievance redressal mechanisms, their effectiveness remain limited. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Explaining the factors that contribute to trafficking of women and children in India, highlight the steps taken in recent times to combat it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"With Vector-Borne Diseases (VBDs) reaching epidemic proportions in India, highlight the factors that have led to their emergence. Also, suggest some measures for their effective control and management. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"After years of neglect, rapidly evolving regional strategic realities are now forcing India and Indonesia to coordinate their policies ever more closely. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Despite several attempts at resetting the ties, various barriers continue to be a cause of concern in the India-Nepal bilateral relations. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Delineate the differences between pressure groups and interest groups. Citing examples, elaborate on the ways in which pressure groups influence government decisions and policy making in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlighting the issues faced by the institutions of local self governance in India, suggest measures that can be taken to improve their effectiveness in the delivery of public goods and services at the grassroot level. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The recent amendment to the Right to Information Act, 2005 will weaken the act and undermine the authority of Information Commissioners. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight the process of delimitation in India. Also, throw light on the debates surrounding the delimitation exercise in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Self Help Groups (SHGs) are vehicles of rural development, which help in the upliftment of marginalized groups. Elucidate. Further, mention the constraints faced by SHGs and how they can be addressed. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"With construction of toilets being only one part of the solution for a clean India, it is time that the Swachh Bharat Mission puts more emphasis on the other facets as well. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Highlight the salient features of Mission Indradhanush. What are the challenges that the mission is facing in its implementation? Suggest measures to address these challenges for progressing towards full immunization coverage. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Assess the importance of skilling in light of changing economic and demographic structure in India. In this regard, how far has the Skill India Mission succeeded in its mandate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What according to you are the reasons that motivated India to create a dedicated Indo-Pacific division in the MEA recently? Also, highlight the challenges for India in the Indo-Pacific region. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"For SCO to become a successful regional grouping, it has to overcome bilateral differences between its members and their respective geopolitical calculations. Comment. Also, discuss the role that SCO can play in enhancing India's interest in the Eurasian region. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5925,"topper":"Raghav Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6ae0c-262678_1248_raghav-jain_rank_127.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the significance of Credit Rating Agencies (CRAs) in India and highlight the issues in their working. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What are the issues that have limited the success of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in India? Mention some steps that can be taken to address them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The opportunities for start-ups in India are immense, but so are the challenges. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The term 'Circular Economy' is often seen in news. What are the principles that it is based on? Bring out its relevance for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Assess the performance of Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana in achieving its stated objective of financial inclusion. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"How does pollution in rivers impact the surrounding ecosystem? Explain why such pollution has not shown signs of improvement, despite various government initiatives. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What is project MANAV launched by the Department of Biotechnology? Highlight the significance of this project. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Highlighting the properties and applications of superconductors, discuss the constraints related to their practical use. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind India becoming a major destination as well as a transit hub for drug trafficking in South Asia. How does this effect India's internal security? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The development of border areas is an important element in border management. In this context, discuss how the Border Area Development Programme (BADP) seeks to ameliorate the problems faced in border areas. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Examine whether Fixed Term Employment will be able to achieve the objectives of ease of doing business, achieving labour welfare and job creation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"A growing livestock sector augurs well for the low income households to augment their income and escape poverty. Discuss. Further, suggest some strategies for ensuring sustainable livestock sector growth in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Examine whether the time has come for India to usher in full liberalisation of the Capital Account. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlighting the challenges to agriculture extension in India, discuss how ICT can help in addressing them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Now that it has been two years since introduction of GST in India, do you think the system is on the path to achieve its intended objectives? Support your answer with relevant facts. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Highlight the gender specific challenges faced during disaster management. In this regard, discuss how the disaster management cycle can be made more gender sensitive. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Though there are some notable individual achievements, the overall participation of women in scientific research has been abysmally low. Examine. What steps have been taken by the government in this regard? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss the significance of the recent amendments made in the NIA act and the UAPA Act for countering terrorism. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The national security architecture needs to be robust enough to deal with present and evolving threats. Elaborating on the statement, discuss the recent steps taken for modernisation of the national security architecture. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5926,"topper":"Raghav Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1b9b1-262678_1249_raghav-jain_rank_127.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by cultural sensitivity? Identify the ways in which individuals and organisations can benefit from cultural sensitivity in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"In the quest for scientific and technological development, ethical values should not be neglected. Discuss in the current context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"In a plural society like India, education should help the individual to celebrate the plurality and visualize the inherent unity of cultures and values. Analyze the statement in the present context with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Elucidate Swami Vivekananda's ideas on nationalism.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. Mahatma Gandhi","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Explaining the concept of moral attitude, discuss how social media is shaping moral attitudes of people.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Analyse the importance of both influence and persuasion for effective leadership.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Analyze the significance of adopting a code of ethics for creating a healthy work culture in an organization.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Ethos, ethics, equity and efficiency are key criteria on the basis of which the competency of civil servants should be judged. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"The mandatory nature of Corporate Social Responsibility goes against the notion of philanthropy. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You have recently been posted as a probationary officer in the District Magistrate's office in a tribal district. During one of the fieldtrips, while interacting with the tribals, you come to know about a private company, established a few years back, which has transformed their lives. The company, using the traditional knowledge of tribals, had launched a series of products and provided numerous livelihood opportunities to the tribals. Upon further enquiry, you come to know that while the lives of tribals had indeed improved, the distribution of profits however, has been quite disproportionate. The company has seen a huge growth in its operations and its owners have amassed huge wealth. It is also planning to file for IPR, which may further hinder the interests of the tribals. You feel that tribals have been left short changed and there has not been an equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the use of their resources. When you tried to approach the Gram Sabha and voice your concerns, the tribals requested you not to intervene as they do not have any alternatives. They also argue that governments in the past have failed to protect their interests. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the different stakeholders and their interests involved in this case. (b) Present a case to convince the District Magistrate for the need of government intervention in the situation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Various studies have found out that cases of depression and mental illness have increased exponentially in the recent past. Also, in the age group of 15-30 years, this problem is further pronounced. Furthermore, the rising trend of suicides in this age group has been attributed to depression. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Present an ethical critique of the prevalent societal attitude towards mental illness. (b) Given the magnitude of the problem among younger generation/young adults, analyse the role of the following: i. Parenting ii. Social Media iii. Video Games","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5927,"topper":"Raghav Jhunjhunwala","air":4,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RAGHAV-JHUNJHUNWALA-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-4-Sample-MGP-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. Institutions reflect the cultural values of the societies in which they are established.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"The road to Heaven: why must it tread the path of Hell?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"1. A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions.\n2. One health approach: a call for ecological equity.\n3. Culture can unite what history and geography has divided.\n4. Social evils have not completely left the ground, instead are changing their form.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5928,"topper":"Raghav Jhunjhunwala","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MaVNUdAMkpH2c3_-GBzZTOY-uDiJHF9p/view","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"The heaviest penalty for declining to rule is to be ruled by someone inferior.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Competition is the law of the jungle, but cooperation is the law of civilization.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"The road to success and the road to failure are almost exactly the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"To be or not to be, that is the question.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Wisdom is to live in tune with the mode of the changing world.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5929,"topper":"Raghav Jhunjhunwala","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/GSMACT24A1055_TC062.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"The heaviest penalty for declining to rule is to be ruled by someone inferior.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Competition is the law of the jungle, but cooperation is the law of civilization.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"The road to success and the road to failure are almost exactly the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"To be or not to be, that is the question.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Wisdom is to live in tune with the mode of the changing world.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5930,"topper":"Raghav Jhunjhunwala","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tzzHPI9ifW-vQkgz2gjtmPAStcdZc9Fh/view","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Do you agree that ethical governance encompasses more than just clean administration, it involves inclusive, participatory, and value-driven governance? Suggest implementable measures to institutionalise ethical governance in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Administrative ethics often involve tension between legality and morality. As a public administrator, how would you handle a situation where legal compliance contradicts moral responsibility? Illustrate with an example. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"In public administration, ethical decision-making is shaped by multiple frameworks. How does a deontological or duty-based ethical approach differ from consequentialist theories such as utilitarianism in administrative practice? Illustrate your answer with an example of a moral dilemma in governance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"With the growing reliance on digital governance and AI systems, concerns about fairness, transparency, and accountability have intensified. Are the foundational values of public service sufficient to address these challenges, or do we require new ethical frameworks for the digital era? Explain with an example. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Emotional intelligence (EI) is increasingly regarded as essential for effective public service. Do you agree that EI enhances ethical decision-making and administrative performance, especially in high-pressure sectors such as policing or disaster response? Support your answer with a relevant example. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Ethical guidance in public administration stems from various sources, laws, rules, regulations, and personal conscience. These sources may not always align. In such cases, what ethical approach should a public servant adopt to resolve the conflict? Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Public servants often operate within environments shaped by political expectations, peer norms, and public opinion. How do moral and political attitudes influence ethical decision-making? How can civil servants maintain independence without becoming socially or politically detached? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Ethical governance is not solely the responsibility of the state, but also of private entities engaged in public functions. Discuss the ethical challenges posed by public-private partnerships (PPPs), and suggest ways to ensure transparency and accountability in such arrangements. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"Governance must be built not only on institutions, but also on ideas.\" In this context, discuss the philosophical foundations that should underpin ethical governance. How do these ideas contribute to ensuring probity in public life? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"In a deeply unequal world, ethical foreign policy is not idealism, it is realism with conscience.\" Do you agree? Discuss the ethical responsibilities of a nation-state in its conduct with other states and international bodies. Use examples from global practice. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context? (a) \"How selfish soever man may be supposed, there are evidently some principles in his nature, which interest him in the fortune of others.\" Adam Smith (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":33,"question":"Reena is an ethics and compliance officer in a government-owned IT firm that has a strong reputation for delivering timely technical solutions. One morning, she receives a formal complaint from a female software engineer alleging repeated verbal harassment and intimidating behavior by the regional operations head. The regional operations head is a senior officer who is widely known for saving two failed national e-governance projects. The complaint includes screenshots of inappropriate messages sent late at night and statements from two interns who witnessed the incident. During her preliminary investigation, Reena finds that some team members consider the senior officer a very demanding person, but deny direct harassment. Others seem unwilling to speak openly. The accused's old colleague, the HR Head, tells Reena privately, \"Do not blow this matter out of proportion. We will fix it quietly. He is very valuable, it is not right to lose him.\" The Managing Director also expresses concern: \"We must protect the company's image, our record has been clean so far.\" There is also pressure to transfer the complainant to another team as a \"practical compromise\". As the ethics and compliance officer, Reena had to take an immediate decision before the situation escalated. 1. Identify the ethical and administrative issues faced by Reena. 2. What are her possible options? Which option is most appropriate and why?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5931,"topper":"Raghav Jhunjhunwala","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JFPu3FrlRIgiD-XmwWTHxyazUaBg4TQL/view","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"The contributions of the founding mothers in the Constituent Assembly and their feminist perspective have shaped India's constitutional discourse. Discuss (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What is a Privilege Motion in the Indian Parliament? How does the Committee of Privileges examine and deal with such motions? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Compare the powers of the head of state in India and the UK. How do their roles reflect the constitutional principles of their respective systems? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"A democracy is only as strong as its Opposition.\" In this light, examine the role of the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and suggest measures to enhance the effectiveness of this institution in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What are the constitutional provisions related to minority educational institutions in India? How have judicial pronouncements shaped the balance between the right to equality and the right to preserve minority identity in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"India is emerging as a global hub for social entrepreneurship. Can social enterprises effectively complement the state in achieving inclusive development? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The SHG-Bank Linkage Programme has been hailed as an indigenous tool for poverty alleviation in India. Examine its impact on improving rural livelihoods and reducing multi-dimensional poverty. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"How far do you think Citizen-led environmental movements have proven to be effective tools of ecological preservation in recent years? Justify with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"Digital governance is emerging as a frontier of the global agenda, and India seeks to lead by example.\" Examine (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Examine India's transboundary water-sharing challenges with Pakistan and Bangladesh in light of recent disputes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"The role of Governors in opposition-ruled States has been a flashpoint in Centre-State relations. Critically discuss how gubernatorial overreach challenges the position of state governments and suggest safeguards to mitigate such conflicts. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"The evolving relationship between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy has been a dynamic feature of India's constitutional journey, often necessitating judicial interventions and constitutional amendments. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"While cooperative federalism is rooted in the design of the Constitution, political considerations have given rise to competitive and confrontational federalism. Examine the role of constitutional and extra-constitutional institutions in reconciling these trends within India's federal structure. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"The growing number of undertrial prisoners in India reflects both systemic and procedural lapses within the criminal justice system. In light of recent Supreme Court directions, discuss the underlying challenges and suggest a multi-pronged approach to address this crisis. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"'The Upper House was envisioned as a reviewing chamber and not a rival to the Lower House.' In light of this statement, do you think the Rajya Sabha continues to fulfil this vision in contemporary Indian polity? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Well-executed government initiatives often fail if operations and maintenance are not integral to the programme design. In the context of the Swachh Bharat Mission in India, discuss how collective action and community ownership can ensure its long-term sustainability. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Freebies in electoral politics have sparked debate over their impact on governance in India. Differentiate between freebies and welfare measures, and examine their impact on governance. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Structural barriers have long impeded the development of a robust research environment, despite the presence of numerous institutions. Discuss how the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) seeks to address these structural challenges. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"India's strategic autonomy remains the guiding principle in navigating relations with the United States and China. In this context, analyse the potential challenges and opportunities for India and how India should navigate this renewed US-China rivalry. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"The launch of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) marks a turning point in India's connectivity diplomacy. Analyse its strategic relevance for India vis-a-vis China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5932,"topper":"Raghav Jhunjhunwala","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iiwYZLfTQxPs-y_IDl80g-E0HUqGB_mg/view","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Comment on the important changes with respect to the Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG) and Securities Transaction Tax (STT) in the Union Budget 2024-25. Evaluate the impact of such changes on India's savings and investment regime. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"India's welfare scheme has undergone a shift from an input-based approach to outcome-based empowerment with the maxim of \"no person left behind\". In light of the above statement, discuss how this change in the approach of the government has fostered inclusive growth. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The rainfed nature of India's agriculture makes it more susceptible to climate change. Highlight the importance of quality irrigation in the climate-adaptability of agriculture. What measures can be undertaken to improve the overall efficiency of the available irrigation practices in India? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Considering the importance of livestock in Indian agriculture, analyze how investment in animal husbandry can help in incentivizing Indian agriculture. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The discovery of Indian Laurel Trees in Andhra Pradesh has sparked the interest of scientists in the capacity of trees to store and release water. In this context, explain the science behind the process of water transportation and storage in trees. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The recently conducted global Summit on Responsible Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain (REAIM, 2023) showcased the opportunities, challenges and risks associated with the use of Artificial Intelligence in military applications. In this context, critically analyse the impact of Artificial Intelligence in defence and military applications. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The Public Accounts Committee has recently flagged concerns about the rising menace of plastic pollution. In this context, highlight the recent initiatives taken by the Government to curb plastic pollution. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Landslides have become more of a human-induced phenomenon rather than a natural phenomenon. Highlighting the reasons for increasing incidences of landslides, suggest measures that can be undertaken to mitigate the disaster. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The threats to national security have gradually transformed from being \"geographic\" to being \"thematic\". In this context, what are the contemporary challenges of internal security and what measures can be undertaken to deal with such challenges? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Evaluate the role of enhanced border surveillance technologies in bolstering India's border security framework and addressing cross-border threats. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"While startups in India have achieved notable success in fostering entrepreneurship and innovation in the economy, there are certain structural issues challenging the sustainability of startups in India. Elucidate upon these challenges faced by startups and recommend practical solutions to the problems. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Critically evaluate the effectiveness of public-private partnerships in the modernization of railway infrastructure in India. Considering safety as one of the major challenges for railways, what measures can be taken to improve the overall safety parameters of Indian Railways? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"\"Farming becomes remunerative if the produce reaches our plates in time\". In this context, highlight the upstream and downstream issues faced by the agriculture marketing and transport sector in India. What initiatives can be undertaken to improve the overall efficiency of the sector? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"India's agriculture export-import policies are tilted more towards the consumers rather than the farmers. In light of the given statement, critically analyze the impact of import and export policies on farmers. What measures can be undertaken to shield farmers from import-export price shocks? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"India's advancement in medical science is reflected in India's success in using CAR-T cell therapy to treat the first cancer patient. Discuss the working and effectiveness of CAR-T cell therapy in treating cancer and related diseases. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"What is the main objective of India's Gaganyaan Mission and Bharatiya Antariksha Station? Which other countries have successfully launched their manned missions into space? What major technologies are required for the successful execution of the Gaganyaan Mission and related Bharatiya Antariksha Station? Also, elucidates the challenges associated with these missions. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"\"India's offshore wind energy has high potential but remains low on implementation. Discuss the challenges impeding the harnessing of offshore wind energy and suggest possible solutions. (15 marks, 250 words)\"","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"In addition to being the centres of growth, urban areas are also centres of accumulating disaster risks. Why is disaster management particularly complex in mega-urban cities? What measures can be undertaken to address the problems of disaster management and risk reduction in urban areas? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Discuss the threats posed by social media and networking sites to the internal security of India. How do the fact-check units (FCUs) under Information and Technology Rules, 2021 help in controlling the overall menace of the spread of fake news on social media? What are the concerns of press broadcasters and digital media participants about the Government establishing fact-check units? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"By highlighting the role of Violent Non-State Actors (VNSAs) in inflicting violence in Kashmir valley, discuss how \"OPERATION SADBHAVNA\" by armed forces can tackle the VNSA-OGW (Over Ground Workers) nexus by addressing the aspirations of local youth. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5933,"topper":"Raghav Jhunjhunwala","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VWeXn99BP4YQ7w2IMuooXFy5Dvnvl4hI/view","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The rule of law and judicial review are interdependent, as one cannot truly exist without the other. In this context can judicial review be considered the most important aspect among those that constitute the basic structure of the Constitution? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"How does the power and authority of Delhi's lieutenant governor compare to that of the governors of other states, particularly in terms of acting on the aid and advice of the council of ministers? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the role of the judiciary in navigating the tension between the right to religion and constitutional morality in India in recent times. Refer to relevant case laws. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The principle of 'Separation of Powers' is a key feature of the American Constitution. In this context, compare how the Indian Constitution's functional separation of powers distinguishes itself from the US system. What are the advantages of a check and balance system over a rigid Separation of Powers? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution is more than a legal provision that empowers tribal regions with self-rule. How does the sixth schedule foster development while respecting their traditional governance systems and cultural practices? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How do partnerships between Civil Society Organizations and Government Entities contribute to India's development goals? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the importance of cultivating a culture of life-long learning among Indian civil servants. How has Mission Karmyogi contributed to this objective? Illustrate with examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Given India's strides in reducing extreme poverty, should the country consider redefining its poverty line to better reflect the current socio-economic realities? Discuss the potential benefits and challenges associated with redefinition of the poverty line. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Evaluate the impact of the deepening political divisions with the major Western States on global governance and international cooperation. How should India navigate these divisions to advance its national interests on the global stage? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"How does India's Arctic Policy align with its broader foreign policy objectives? Broadly discuss the collaborations and agreements India is involved in with the Arctic Council. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"In what ways are the terms of reference of the 16th Finance Commission different from that of the previous Finance Commissions? Despite increasingly progressive devolution by subsequent Finance Commissions, examine the factors that propel economic disparities across various States. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Compare and contrast the powers and working of the Ethics Committee and the Privileges Committee in addressing cases of 'unethical' conduct and breach of privileges. How do these Committees complement each other in maintaining parliamentary discipline? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"In the context of persistent legislative dysfunction in India, analyze the evolving role of judicial activism in shaping public policy and governance. Using examples from landmark court cases, evaluate the effectiveness of judicial interventions in addressing governance gaps and safeguarding citizens' rights. (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"To what extent does the level of internal democracy within political parties impact the functioning and legitimacy of the Indian party system? What reforms can address the challenges of inadequate intraparty democracy in India? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The persistent health equity challenges in India pose a critical barrier in achieving Universal Health Coverage. In this context discuss the role of the public and private sectors in ensuring adequate health access and outcomes across rural and urban areas.(250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals requires consideration of regional context and local situations. In light of this statement examine the role of Panchayats as catalysts for grassroots development and advancing sustainable development. (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What are the implications of the POCSO Act on the rights and welfare of children in India? Analyze the role of the POCSO Act in transforming India's legal framework for child protection. (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Examine the influence of human rights issues and democratic values on the diplomatic relationship between the U.S. and India. How have these concerns affected bilateral engagements and what can be done to mitigate tensions arising from these issues? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Examine the geopolitical challenges India faces in South Asia despite its global rise. How can India navigate these challenges to strengthen its regional leadership? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5934,"topper":"Raghav Jhunjhunwala","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zdGBrUQtvMsjOBqn8nF48SgSmL8s5HBt/view","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Examine the role of numismatic evidence in understanding the political and economic history of ancient India. Provide specific examples.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Assess the impact of women's organizations in mobilizing women across diverse socio-economic and regional backgrounds in pre-independence India.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":8,"question":"How did the policy of non-alignment reflect the aspirations of India and other newly independent nations to maintain their sovereignty and resist colonial pressures?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the processes involved in volcanism. Highlight the major volcanic regions in the world and their associated tectonic settings.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Explain the geological features and ecological importance of the Eastern Ghats.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":14,"question":"Earlier known as coarse cereals the government rebranded millets in 2018 as nutri-cereals. In this context discuss the ecological and nutritional significance of millets","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"What are the potential consequences of Arctic ice melt on biodiversity and ecosystems? How might these changes impact global ecological balance","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Do you think the Uniform Civil Code contradicts the idea of religious pluralism and cultural differences in Indian society?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss the concept of 'healthy active' ageing in the context of demographic shifts in India. How does it contribute to social inclusion?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":22,"question":"How is the transition from 'conscious consumption' to 'compulsive consumption' impacting family structure and dynamics in urban areas?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss with examples the key features of Vijayanagara architecture. How did Indo-Islamic elements manifest in their structures?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Compare and contrast the features of ancient Indian universities like Nalanda and Takshashila with modern state-funded universities in India. What lessons can modern universities learn from ancient ones to improve their effectiveness?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Analyze the ideological differences and similarities between the revolutionary movement(1920-1930s) and the Gandhian non-violent struggle. How did these two ideologies influence each other?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":33,"question":"What are the various types of glacial landforms formed in the Indian Himalayas. How do these features impact local ecosystems and human activities?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Discuss the unique geographical features of the Indian Ocean and their impact on global oceanic circulation patterns. How do these features influence the climate of the Indian subcontinent?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Urban heat islands (UHIs) have become a significant phenomenon in Indian cities, exacerbating the frequency and intensity of heat waves. Analyze the underlying factors contributing to this phenomenon and critically assess the existing mitigation strategies.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Evaluate the primary factors contributing to regional disparities in the sugar industry between North India and Peninsular India. What measures can be undertaken to reduce the surplus sugar production?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Analyze the influence of globalization on migration patterns in India. What are the economic and social implications of increased internal and international migration?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Discuss how gender-based violence in India is a manifestation of patriarchal values. To what extent has modernisation in law served as an instrument of women's empowerment in this regard?","marks":"15","words":null}]},{"id":5935,"topper":"Raghav Jhunjhunwala","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Twiz7IvsX7n1oWdbUuSGVFxaCUOajrMn/view","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Cave paintings are the visual autobiography of a prehistoric man. What can we infer about prehistoric beliefs and social practices from the cave paintings in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"Colonial education policy, intended to create obedient clerks, became a channel for political awakening and national self-assertion.\" Discuss (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Evaluate the extent to which the Gupta economy facilitated cultural and scientific advancements. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"India faces a looming freshwater crisis despite its vast river systems. Discuss the causes and evaluate integrated water resource management strategies for sustainability. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How do the Deccan and Chota Nagpur plateaus differ in their physical characteristics and resource potential? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Compare the characteristics of east-flowing and west-flowing rivers with suitable examples. Why do most rivers in India flow eastward? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The Arctic region is emerging as a new frontier for resource exploration. Discuss the opportunities and challenges for India in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"How are changing family structures and migration trends increasingly leading to the social isolation of the elderly in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In what ways does urbanization challenge traditional notions of social cohesion in Indian society? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Safety and mobility are gendered constraints that significantly influence women's participation in the labour force in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"What do the accounts of Arab and European travellers reveal about the nature of social and economic life in medieval India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"India's linguistic diversity is not a challenge to national integration but a testament to its cultural resilience.' Discuss in the context of contemporary debates on language policy and identity politics in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Examine the role played by reformist organizations like the Brahmo Samaj and Arya Samaj in addressing various social issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"What are rift valleys, and how are they formed? Explain their geomorphological and economic significance. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"What is ‘Blue Revolution’? Discuss the major challenges faced in the development of aquaculture in India. Suggest a set of comprehensive strategies to overcome these challenges. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"With accelerating glacial melt in the Himalayas, GLOFs pose a severe hazard downstream. Analyse the causes, impacts, and mitigation strategies related to GLOFs in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Using suitable examples, discuss the conditions required for the formation of salt pans and mangroves in India. How do these ecosystems support coastal resilience? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Caste in India today operates more as a system of identity assertion than of rigid hierarchy. Discuss this transformation in the context of caste group mobilisation and economic change. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Have regional identities in India evolved from cultural expressions to organised assertions of autonomy? Discuss their implications for national cohesion. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"The rise of the new middle class in India is marked by a culture of consumption. In what ways is the transition from conscious to impulsive consumption affecting family structure and dynamics in urban India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5936,"topper":"Raghav Jhunjhunwala","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Xc8ULyBi0XVj2nEg0sac9Ynn2gqYK5te/view","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Highlighting the factors contributing to high fiscal deficit in India, discuss the potential consequences of such deficit and suggest measures to ensure fiscal consolidation. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"India's aspiration to be a developed nation by 2047 hinges on significant capital investment. In light of this, discuss the potential of capital investment in achieving this vision. What are the challenges India faces in this regard? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"\"With growing urbanization, peri-urban agriculture is emerging as a significant contributor to fresh farm produce needs\". In this context, discuss the opportunities and challenges associated with promoting peri-urban agriculture in a sustainable manner. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What are the major challenges faced by India's agriculture sector to achieve self-sufficiency in pulses and vegetable oils? Suggest measures to address these challenges. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Evaluate the potential of biomanufacturing and bio-foundry in driving India's future towards a sustainable green economy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What are the principles behind the working of Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV)? Explain the significance and potential benefits of use of RLVs in India's space commerce. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Examine the key features of the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) 2023. Analyze its potential for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"In light of the increased intensity, frequency and duration of heat waves in the last decade, do you think the time has come to include \"heat waves\" as a notified disaster under the Disaster Management Act, 2005? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Recently formulated 'joint doctrine for cyberspace operations' by Indian armed forces will lead to strengthening of the cyber-security posture for both conventional operations as well as gray zone warfare. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the necessity and potential issues surrounding the extension of the Border Security Force's (BSF) territorial jurisdiction in states adjacent to Pakistan and Bangladesh. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"India's economic growth story is often overshadowed by the persistent challenges of unemployment. Analyze the concept of structural unemployment and discuss its relevance in the context of India's current economic situation. Suggest policy measures to promote inclusive job growth. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Discuss the role of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in fostering regional growth in India. How can MSMEs contribute to achieving industrial diversification and technological advancement? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"\"The sole point of MSP is to protect farmers from sudden price shock\". Do you think legalization of MSP can insure farmers from sudden price shocks? What are the other measures which can be taken to make MSP-led procurement effective? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Discuss the role of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) in the Public Distribution System (PDS) to ensure food security in India. Suggest necessary reforms in the functioning of FCI to enhance its efficiency and effectiveness. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Discuss the role of nanotechnology on enhancing agricultural productivity and food security in India. Highlight recent developments and potential benefits and risks of use of nano-fertilizers and nano-pesticides. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"The Nobel Prize in Physics of 2023 was jointly awarded to Ekimov, Brus and Bawendi for the discovery of synthesis of quantum dots. In this context, discuss the applications of quantum dots. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Evaluate the role of protected areas in biodiversity conservation in India. How effective have national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves been in preserving India's biodiversity? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"What the causes of high levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and ozone pollution in India. How effective are the various steps taken by the government to mitigate particulate matter and ozone pollution? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) Report 2023 highlights a growing menace of drug trafficking in South Asia, with India being a major hub. Analyze the various dimensions of this challenge with respect to India. Also suggest a multi-pronged approach to address it. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"India's response to left wing extremism needs to integrate soft approaches like socio-economic policies and dialogue along with hard security measures to address the root causes of Naxalism. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5937,"topper":"Raghav Jhunjhunwala","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/14kRob1VPVsqqabzdrBqt6ROtzBPGchV2/view","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"The recent push towards gender budgeting in the Government Budget reflects its importance for women empowerment. What are the recent initiatives towards gender budgeting in India and their importance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Port-led development is seen as a key driver of economic growth and regional integration in India. Discuss how the Sagarmala initiative can promote port-led growth and the coastal economy. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the importance of livestock farming in a non-farm economy. What is the need for the recently proposed livestock census in promoting animal husbandry? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How can minimum support prices help in promoting farmers' income? What are the challenges faced by farmers in accessing the benefits of minimum support prices? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What are artificial neural networks? Discuss their importance in machine learning and artificial intelligence. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the importance of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in the defense sector and modern warfare. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Examine the environmental impacts of oil spills on marine and coastal ecosystems. What are the various methods used for cleaning-up of oil spills? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the vulnerability of northern India to earthquake-related disasters. Highlight India's preparedness in mitigating their impacts. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss how cryptocurrency and other emerging technologies contribute to the menace of money laundering and terror financing. What steps have been undertaken by the Government of India to tackle this issue? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What is hybrid warfare? How is it different from conventional warfare? How can India navigate the challenge of hybrid warfare? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Despite India's push for a robust digital economy, India faces challenges with regard to digital inclusion. Discuss. Suggest measures to ensure equitable access to digital resources. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"As artificial intelligence penetrates into various sectors of the economy, job losses are becoming a reality. Analysing the impacts of AI on employment, suggest measures to navigate this challenge and promote job growth. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"India's post-harvest losses amount to approximately ₹1,52,790 crore annually. To what extent can post-harvest losses in India be attributed to the constraints in the transport and marketing of agricultural products? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"What are the direct and indirect subsidies in Indian agriculture? How have these subsidies impacted the cropping diversity and farm economy of the country? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Discuss the potential of reusable launch vehicles in future space operations and missions. What are India's initiatives towards the development of reusable launch vehicles? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Explain the aims and objectives of the recently launched BioE3 policy. How can the policy help in ensuring \"green growth\" of the economy? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"What were the various market mechanisms under the Kyoto Protocol? What is Article 6 of the Paris Climate Change Agreement? Explain the significance of the global carbon market in achieving net-zero targets. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Climate change and rapid urbanization have intensified the impact and frequency of heat waves in India. Discuss. How can Heat Action Plans (HAPs) improve heatwave management in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"What are the threats posed to India's internal security by external State and non-state actors? Discuss the strategies necessary to tackle these threats. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"Left-wing extremism (LWE) continues to remain a challenge to India's internal security. Discuss the Government of India's approach towards solving the issue of LWE in the country. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5938,"topper":"Raghav Jhunjhunwala","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/GSMACT24A1055_FLT2501.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Cave paintings are the visual autobiography of a prehistoric man. What can we infer about prehistoric beliefs and social practices from the cave paintings in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"Colonial education policy, intended to create obedient clerks, became a channel for political awakening and national self-assertion.\" Discuss (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Evaluate the extent to which the Gupta economy facilitated cultural and scientific advancements. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"India faces a looming freshwater crisis despite its vast river systems. Discuss the causes and evaluate integrated water resource management strategies for sustainability. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How do the Deccan and Chota Nagpur plateaus differ in their physical characteristics and resource potential? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Compare the characteristics of east-flowing and west-flowing rivers with suitable examples. Why do most rivers in India flow eastward? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The Arctic region is emerging as a new frontier for resource exploration. Discuss the opportunities and challenges for India in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"How are changing family structures and migration trends increasingly leading to the social isolation of the elderly in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In what ways does urbanization challenge traditional notions of social cohesion in Indian society? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Safety and mobility are gendered constraints that significantly influence women's participation in the labour force in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"What do the accounts of Arab and European travellers reveal about the nature of social and economic life in medieval India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"India's linguistic diversity is not a challenge to national integration but a testament to its cultural resilience.' Discuss in the context of contemporary debates on language policy and identity politics in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Examine the role played by reformist organizations like the Brahmo Samaj and Arya Samaj in addressing various social issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"What are rift valleys, and how are they formed? Explain their geomorphological and economic significance. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"What is 'Blue Revolution'? Discuss the major challenges faced in the development of aquaculture in India. Suggest a set of comprehensive strategies to overcome these challenges. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"With accelerating glacial melt in the Himalayas, GLOFs pose a severe hazard downstream. Analyse the causes, impacts, and mitigation strategies related to GLOFs in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Using suitable examples, discuss the conditions required for the formation of salt pans and mangroves in India. How do these ecosystems support coastal resilience? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Caste in India today operates more as a system of identity assertion than of rigid hierarchy. Discuss this transformation in the context of caste group mobilisation and economic change. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Have regional identities in India evolved from cultural expressions to organised assertions of autonomy? Discuss their implications for national cohesion. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"The rise of the new middle class in India is marked by a culture of consumption. In what ways is the transition from conscious to impulsive consumption affecting family structure and dynamics in urban India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5939,"topper":"Raghav Jhunjhunwala","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/GSMACT24A1055_GSMAC2401.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Examine the role of numismatic evidence in understanding the political and economic history of ancient India. Provide specific examples.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Assess the impact of women's organizations in mobilizing women across diverse socio-economic and regional backgrounds in pre-independence India.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":8,"question":"How did the policy of non-alignment reflect the aspirations of India and other newly independent nations to maintain their sovereignty and resist colonial pressures?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the processes involved in volcanism. Highlight the major volcanic regions in the world and their associated tectonic settings.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Explain the geological features and ecological importance of the Eastern Ghats.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":14,"question":"Earlier known as coarse cereals the government rebranded millets in 2018 as nutri-cereals. In this context discuss the ecological and nutritional significance of millets","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":16,"question":"What are the potential consequences of Arctic ice melt on biodiversity and ecosystems? How might these changes impact global ecological balance","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Do you think the Uniform Civil Code contradicts the idea of religious pluralism and cultural differences in Indian society?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss the concept of 'healthy active ageing' in the context of demographic shifts in India. How does it contribute to social inclusion?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":22,"question":"How is the transition from 'conscious consumption' to 'compulsive consumption' impacting family structure and dynamics in urban areas?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss with examples the key features of Vijayanagara architecture. How did Indo-Islamic elements manifest in their structures?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Compare and contrast the features of ancient Indian universities like Nalanda and Takshashila with modern state-funded universities in India. What lessons can modern universities learn from ancient ones to improve their effectiveness?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Analyze the ideological differences and similarities between the revolutionary movement(1920-1930s) and the Gandhian non-violent struggle. How did these two ideologies influence each other?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":33,"question":"What are the various types of glacial landforms formed in the Indian Himalayas. How do these features impact local ecosystems and human activities?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Discuss the unique geographical features of the Indian Ocean and their impact on global oceanic circulation patterns. How do these features influence the climate of the Indian subcontinent?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Urban heat islands (UHIs) have become a significant phenomenon in Indian cities, exacerbating the frequency and intensity of heat waves. Analyze the underlying factors contributing to this phenomenon and critically assess the existing mitigation strategies.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Evaluate the primary factors contributing to regional disparities in the sugar industry between North India and Peninsular India. What measures can be undertaken to reduce the surplus sugar production?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Social mobility is essential for achieving true equality within society. In this context highlight the barriers to intergenerational mobility in Indian society, and examine the role of education on social mobility.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Analyze the influence of globalization on migration patterns in India. What are the economic and social implications of increased internal and international migration?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Discuss how gender-based violence in India is a manifestation of patriarchal values. To what extent has modernisation in law served as an instrument of women's empowerment in this regard?","marks":"15","words":null}]},{"id":5940,"topper":"Raghav Jhunjhunwala","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/GSMACT24A1055_GSMAC2402.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The rule of law and judicial review are interdependent, as one cannot truly exist without the other. In this context can judicial review be considered the most important aspect among those that constitute the basic structure of the Constitution? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"How does the power and authority of Delhi's lieutenant governor compare to that of the governors of other states, particularly in terms of acting on the aid and advice of the council of ministers? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the role of the judiciary in navigating the tension between the right to religion and constitutional morality in India in recent times. Refer to relevant case laws. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The principle of 'Separation of Powers' is a key feature of the American Constitution. In this context, compare how the Indian Constitution's functional separation of powers distinguishes itself from the US system. What are the advantages of a check and balance system over a rigid Separation of Powers? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution is more than a legal provision that empowers tribal regions with self-rule. How does the sixth schedule foster development while respecting their traditional governance systems and cultural practices? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How do partnerships between Civil Society Organizations and Government Entities contribute to India's development goals? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the importance of cultivating a culture of life-long learning among Indian civil servants. How has Mission Karmyogi contributed to this objective? Illustrate with examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Given India's strides in reducing extreme poverty, should the country consider redefining its poverty line to better reflect the current socio-economic realities? Discuss the potential benefits and challenges associated with redifinition of the poverty line. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Evaluate the impact of the deepening political divisions with the major Western States on global governance and international cooperation. How should India navigate these divisions to advance its national interests on the global stage? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"How does India's Arctic Policy align with its broader foreign policy objectives? Broadly discuss the collaborations and agreements India is involved in with the Arctic Council. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"In what ways are the terms of reference of the 16th Finance Commission different from that of the previous Finance Commissions? Despite increasingly progressive devolution by subsequent Finance Commissions, examine the factors that propel economic disparities across various States. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Compare and contrast the powers and working of the Ethics Committee and the Privileges Committee in addressing cases of 'unethical' conduct and breach of privileges. How do these Committees complement each other in maintaining parliamentary discipline? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"In the context of persistent legislative dysfunction in India, analyze the evolving role of judicial activism in shaping public policy and governance. Using examples from landmark court cases, evaluate the effectiveness of judicial interventions in addressing governance gaps and safeguarding citizens' rights. (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"To what extent does the level of internal democracy within political parties impact the functioning and legitimacy of the Indian party system? What reforms can address the challenges of inadequate intraparty democracy in India? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"\"The NHRC must not only be a watchdog but also a beacon of hope for the marginalized and oppressed.\" In this context discuss the role and mandate of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in India. How does the current composition and functioning of the NHRC affect its independence and effectiveness? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The persistent health equity challenges in India pose a critical barrier in achieving Universal Health Coverage. In this context discuss the role of the public and private sectors in ensuring adequate health access and outcomes across rural and urban areas. (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals requires consideration of regional context and local situations. In light of this statement examine the role of Panchayats as catalysts for grassroot development and advancing sustainable development.(250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What are the implications of the POCSO Act on the rights and welfare of children in India? Analyze the role of the POCSO Act in transforming India's legal framework for child protection. (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Examine the influence of human rights issues and democratic values on the diplomatic relationship between the U.S. and India. How have these concerns affected bilateral engagements and what can be done to mitigate tensions arising from these issues? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Examine the geopolitical challenges India faces in South Asia despite its global rise. How can India navigate these challenges to strengthen its regional leadership? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5941,"topper":"Raghav Jhunjhunwala","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/GSMACT24A1055_FLT2502.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"The contributions of the founding mothers in the Constituent Assembly and their feminist perspective have shaped India's constitutional discourse. Discuss (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What is a Privilege Motion in the Indian Parliament? How does the Committee of Privileges examine and deal with such motions? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Compare the powers of the head of state in India and the UK. How do their roles reflect the constitutional principles of their respective systems? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"A democracy is only as strong as its Opposition.\" In this light, examine the role of the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and suggest measures to enhance the effectiveness of this institution in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What are the constitutional provisions related to minority educational institutions in India? How have judicial pronouncements shaped the balance between the right to equality and the right to preserve minority identity in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"India is emerging as a global hub for social entrepreneurship. Can social enterprises effectively complement the state in achieving inclusive development? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":5942,"topper":"Raghav Jhunjhunwala","air":4,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RAGHAV-JHUNJHUNWALA-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-4-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) Investment in infrastructure is a precursor to social and economic transformation; however, the focus on economic gains must not marginalise the concerns for safety. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Do you think the low Female Labor Force Participation Rate presents a correct picture about the 'working women' in India's economy? Give reasons in support of your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Outcome budget convert outlays into outcomes. Examine various advantages and disadvantages of outcome budgeting and assess its status in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) What do you understand by inclusive growth? Is economic growth sufficient to ensure inclusive growth?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) Evaluate the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) in addressing the challenges of Public Private Partnership (PPP) in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) Analyse the role of fisheries in nutrition security, livelihood generation, and economic growth. What are the major challenges faced by the fisheries sector?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) In what ways can precision agriculture become a panacea for multipronged challenges plaguing the agriculture sector? Discuss. Also, analyse various impediments in widespread adoption of precision farming in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) Agriculture subsidy regime in its present form fuels economic inefficiency and creates ecological imbalance. In this perspective, examine various issues related to farm subsidies. Also, recommend measures to rationalise the same.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 Despite their flaws in limiting access to larger market and poor price realization for agricultural produce, APMCs have their utility. Analyse the statement and suggest reforms in agriculture marketing in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) Cropping pattern in the country does not concur with the agro-climatic reality, leading to unintended and undesirable consequences. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 Labour and export intensive industries are key to problems of jobless growth. In this perspective, analyse the opportunities and challenges associated with the textile sector.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"What are the pertinent challenges?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) What do you understand from Liberalisation, Privatisation and Globalisation (LPG)? Examine the effects of LPG reforms on different sectors of Indian economy.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13) In the financial year 2021-22, Indian merchandise exports have crossed the 400 billion USD mark. Identify the reasons for this spectacular performance of Indian exports and suggest reforms to further boost the exports.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"* What more reforms are required","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) Examine the advantages of adopting new computation methodology for calculation of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2015. Also, discuss the limitations of using GDP as a measure of development of a country.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"5 What are some better methods","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 In an era of interconnected challenges, the emerging global polycrisis poses significant implications for India's macroeconomic stability. Examine and suggest measures to make the Indian economy more resilient to global shocks and challenges.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) What are the reasons for increasing emphasis on the horticulture sector in recent years? Evaluate government measures for the development of the horticulture sector.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17) Despite the potential to check the triple whammy of nutritional deficiency, environmental degradation and receding farm incomes, the adoption of Millets has been abysmally low. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"3) What can be done further?\n1) Millet-based Food Processing Potential in India - Avenues in Domestic + Abroad\n2) Suitable Govt. policy support - PM-ASHA procurement or atleast Difference payment, Better Public Investment - APMCs, storage, etc.\n3) Awareness Generation\n4) At Fasal-Bima to encourage Production","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 Reforms in Public distribution system (PDS) and Food Corporation of India (FCI) are two sides of the same coin. Discuss the statement along with suitable reforms in PDS and FCI.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Discuss the rationale behind declaring Minimum Support Price (MSP) and various issues related to MSP regime in the country. Do you think that providing legal backing to MSP is necessary and sufficient for making farming financially sustainable?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 A link between unorganized farming community and formal industrial sector, FPI can play a key role in advancing the rural economy. Evaluate.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5943,"topper":"Raghav Jhunjhunwala","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/GSMACT24A1055_GSMAC2407.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Comment on the important changes with respect to the Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG) and Securities Transaction Tax (STT) in the Union Budget 2024-25. Evaluate the impact of such changes on India's savings and investment regime. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"India's welfare scheme has undergone a shift from an input-based approach to outcome-based empowerment with the maxim of \"no person left behind\". In light of the above statement, discuss how this change in the approach of the government has fostered inclusive growth. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The rainfed nature of India's agriculture makes it more susceptible to climate change. Highlight the importance of quality irrigation in the climate-adaptability of agriculture. What measures can be undertaken to improve the overall efficiency of the available irrigation practices in India? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Considering the importance of livestock in Indian agriculture, analyze how investment in animal husbandry can help in incentivizing Indian agriculture. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The discovery of Indian Laurel Trees in Andhra Pradesh has sparked the interest of scientists in the capacity of trees to store and release water. In this context, explain the science behind the process of water transportation and storage in trees. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The recently conducted global Summit on Responsible Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain (REAIM, 2023) showcased the opportunities, challenges and risks associated with the use of Artificial Intelligence in military applications. In this context, critically analyse the impact of Artificial Intelligence in defence and military applications. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The Public Accounts Committee has recently flagged concerns about the rising menace of plastic pollution. In this context, highlight the recent initiatives taken by the Government to curb plastic pollution. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Landslides have become more of a human-induced phenomenon rather than a natural phenomenon. Highlighting the reasons for increasing incidences of landslides, suggest measures that can be undertaken to mitigate the disaster. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The threats to national security have gradually transformed from being \"geographic\" to being \"thematic\". In this context, what are the contemporary challenges of internal security and what measures can be undertaken to deal with such challenges? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Evaluate the role of enhanced border surveillance technologies in bolstering India's border security framework and addressing cross-border threats. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"While startups in India have achieved notable success in fostering entrepreneurship and innovation in the economy, there are certain structural issues challenging the sustainability of startups in India. Elucidate upon these challenges faced by startups and recommend practical solutions to the problems. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Critically evaluate the effectiveness of public-private partnerships in the modernization of railway infrastructure in India. Considering safety as one of the major challenges for railways, what measures can be taken to improve the overall safety parameters of Indian Railways? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"\"Farming becomes remunerative if the produce reaches our plates in time\". In this context, highlight the upstream and downstream issues faced by the agriculture marketing and transport sector in India. What initiatives can be undertaken to improve the overall efficiency of the sector? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"India's agriculture export-import policies are tilted more towards the consumers rather than the farmers. In light of the given statement, critically analyze the impact of import and export policies on farmers. What measures can be undertaken to shield farmers from import-export price shocks? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"India's advancement in medical science is reflected in India's success in using CAR-T cell therapy to treat the first cancer patient. Discuss the working and effectiveness of CAR-T cell therapy in treating cancer and related diseases. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"What is the main objective of India's Gaganyaan Mission and Bharatiya Antariksha Station? Which other countries have successfully launched their manned missions into space? What major technologies are required for the successful execution of the Gaganyaan Mission and related Bharatiya Antariksha Station? Also, elucidates the challenges associated with these missions. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"\"India's offshore wind energy has high potential but remains low on implementation\". Discuss the challenges impeding the harnessing of offshore wind energy and suggest possible solutions. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"In addition to being the centres of growth, urban areas are also centres of accumulating disaster risks. Why is disaster management particularly complex in mega-urban cities? What measures can be undertaken to address the problems of disaster management and risk reduction in urban areas? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Discuss the threats posed by social media and networking sites to the internal security of India. How do the fact-check units (FCUs) under Information and Technology Rules, 2021 help in controlling the overall menace of the spread of fake news on social media? What are the concerns of press broadcasters and digital media participants about the Government establishing fact-check units? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"By highlighting the role of Violent Non-State Actors (VNSAs) in inflicting violence in Kashmir valley, discuss how \"OPERATION SADBHAVNA\" by armed forces can tackle the VNSA-OGW (Over Ground Workers) nexus by addressing the aspirations of local youth. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5944,"topper":"Raghav Jhunjhunwala","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/GSMACT24A1055_GSMAC2403.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Highlighting the factors contributing to high fiscal deficit in India, discuss the potential consequences of such deficit and suggest measures to ensure fiscal consolidation. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"India's aspiration to be a developed nation by 2047 hinges on significant capital investment. In light of this, discuss the potential of capital investment in achieving this vision. What are the challenges India faces in this regard? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What are the major challenges faced by India's agriculture sector to achieve self-sufficiency in pulses and vegetable oils? Suggest measures to address these challenges. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Evaluate the potential of biomanufacturing and bio-foundry in driving India's future towards a sustainable green economy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What are the principles behind the working of Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV)? Explain the significance and potential benefits of use of RLVs in India's space commerce. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Examine the key features of the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) 2023. Analyze its potential for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"In light of the increased intensity, frequency and duration of heat waves in the last decade, do you think the time has come to include \"heat waves\" as a notified disaster under the Disaster Management Act, 2005? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Recently formulated 'joint doctrine for cyberspace operations' by Indian armed forces will lead to strengthening of the cyber-security posture for both conventional operations as well as gray zone warfare. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the necessity and potential issues surrounding the extension of the Border Security Force's (BSF) territorial jurisdiction in states adjacent to Pakistan and Bangladesh. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"India's economic growth story is often overshadowed by the persistent challenges of unemployment. Analyze the concept of structural unemployment and discuss its relevance in the context of India's current economic situation. Suggest policy measures to promote inclusive job growth. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Discuss the role of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in fostering regional growth in India. How can MSMEs contribute to achieving industrial diversification and technological advancement? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"\"The sole point of MSP is to protect farmers from sudden price shock\". Do you think legalization of MSP can insure farmers from sudden price shocks? What are the other measures which can be taken to make MSP-led procurement effective? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Discuss the role of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) in the Public Distribution System (PDS) to ensure food security in India. Suggest necessary reforms in the functioning of FCI to enhance its efficiency and effectiveness. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Discuss the role of nanotechnology on enhancing agricultural productivity and food security in India. Highlight recent developments and potential benefits and risks of use of nano fertilizers and nano-pesticides. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"The Nobel Prize in Physics of 2023 was jointly awarded to Ekimov, Brus and Bawendi for the discovery of synthesis of quantum dots. In this context, discuss the applications of quantum dots. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Evaluate the role of protected areas in biodiversity conservation in India. How effective have national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves been in preserving India's biodiversity? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"What the causes of high levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and ozone pollution in India. How effective are the various steps taken by the government to mitigate particulate matter and ozone pollution? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) Report 2023 highlights a growing menace of drug trafficking in South Asia, with India being a major hub. Analyze the various dimensions of this challenge with respect to India. Also suggest a multi-pronged approach to address it. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"India's response to left wing extremism needs to integrate soft approaches like socio-economic policies and dialogue along with hard security measures to address the root causes of Naxalism. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5945,"topper":"Raghav Jhunjhunwala","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/GSMACT24A1055_FLT2503.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"The recent push towards gender budgeting in the Government Budget reflects its importance for women empowerment. What are the recent initiatives towards gender budgeting in India and their importance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Port-led development is seen as a key driver of economic growth and regional integration in India. Discuss how the Sagarmala initiative can promote port-led growth and the coastal economy. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the importance of livestock farming in a non-farm economy. What is the need for the recently proposed livestock census in promoting animal husbandry? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How can minimum support prices help in promoting farmers' income? What are the challenges faced by farmers in accessing the benefits of minimum support prices? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What are artificial neural networks? Discuss their importance in machine learning and artificial intelligence. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the importance of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in the defense sector and modern warfare. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Examine the environmental impacts of oil spills on marine and coastal ecosystems. What are the various methods used for cleaning-up of oil spills? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the vulnerability of northern India to earthquake-related disasters. Highlight India's preparedness in mitigating their impacts. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss how cryptocurrency and other emerging technologies contribute to the menace of money laundering and terror financing. What steps have been undertaken by the Government of India to tackle this issue? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What is hybrid warfare? How is it different from conventional warfare? How can India navigate the challenge of hybrid warfare? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Despite India's push for a robust digital economy, India faces challenges with regard to digital inclusion. Discuss. Suggest measures to ensure equitable access to digital resources. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"As artificial intelligence penetrates into various sectors of the economy, job losses are becoming a reality. Analysing the impacts of AI on employment, suggest measures to navigate this challenge and promote job growth. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"India's post-harvest losses amount to approximately ₹1,52,790 crore annually. To what extent can post-harvest losses in India be attributed to the constraints in the transport and marketing of agricultural products? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"What are the direct and indirect subsidies in Indian agriculture? How have these subsidies impacted the cropping diversity and farm economy of the country? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Discuss the potential of reusable launch vehicles in future space operations and missions. What are India's initiatives towards the development of reusable launch vehicles? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Explain the aims and objectives of the recently launched BioE3 policy. How can the policy help in ensuring \"green growth\" of the economy? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"What were the various market mechanisms under the Kyoto Protocol? What is Article 6 of the Paris Climate Change Agreement? Explain the significance of the global carbon market in achieving net-zero targets. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Climate change and rapid urbanization have intensified the impact and frequency of heat waves in India. Discuss. How can Heat Action Plans (HAPs) improve heatwave management in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"What are the threats posed to India's internal security by external State and non-state actors? Discuss the strategies necessary to tackle these threats. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"Left-wing extremism (LWE) continues to remain a challenge to India's internal security. Discuss the Government of India's approach towards solving the issue of LWE in the country. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5946,"topper":"Raghav Jhunjhunwala","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iUrqYJsRmsAy3NLTDf-CFfi0XgqxxEeO/view","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Do you think it is ethically justified for political leaders to violate the deepest constraints of morality in order to achieve great goods or avoid disasters for their communities? Justify your position with suitable examples (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"\"There is growing evidence that when it comes to moral judgment, human beings appear to be best characterised not as intuitive Deontologists or Consequentialists but as intuitive virtue theorists.\" Critically analyse the statement. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"While formal codes of conduct can sometimes be a useful guide, developing those traits of character that are particularly suited to the administrator's role is at the core of professional ethics. Identify five ethical attributes suitable for an administrator and explain how they can be developed. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What do you understand by political responsibility, professional responsibility and personal responsibility? In situations of conflict among the three, what responsibility must the public servant prioritise and why? Illustrate with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"In the context of civil service, what do you understand by \"acts of conscience\"? Illustrate with an example. In your opinion, what can be the basis of acts of conscience? Explain (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Critically examine the role of educational institutions in shaping ethical decision-making skills in future civil servants. How effective are current educational paradigms in instilling ethical behaviour among the youth? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Examine the ethical challenges administrators face while employing persuasion and social influence techniques to promote social and health interventions in rural India. Illustrate with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Critically examine the impact of the Right to Information (RTI) on enhancing ethical accountability in public administration. How effective has RTI been in preventing bureaucratic corruption and improving service delivery? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss the ethical implications of maintaining high-quality service delivery in public administration. How does probity in governance influence the efficiency and responsiveness of public services, particularly in addressing the needs of marginalised communities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Critically assess the role of regulatory frameworks in enforcing ethical standards in corporate governance. How can these frameworks be designed to encourage ethical behaviour without stifling innovation? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss what the following quotes mean to you. (a) \"It is not because men's desires are strong that they act ill; it is because their consciences are weak.\" JS Mill (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":37,"question":"Understanding the gravity of the situation, you decide to take the matter directly to the Director of Purchase. The Director, a professional with years of experience, listens to your concerns but advises you to ignore the information. He argues that the allegation is based on verbal communication and lacks concrete evidence. Additionally, he expresses concern that the information might have been planted by a rival supplier to discredit the bidding process or to sabotage a competitor. Despite your reservations, you follow the Director's instructions and take no further action. The bids are opened as scheduled, and contracts are awarded based on official norms. A week later, a national daily published an investigative report detailing the bid-rigging scandal. The report includes substantial evidence, such as recorded conversations, email exchanges, and internal documents, all indicating that several bidders colluded to manipulate the tender process. The publication of this report triggered widespread public outrage, leading to calls for an investigation into the procurement process and the immediate suspension of the contracts awarded. The department, including the Director of Purchase, comes under intense scrutiny. Questions are raised about the integrity of the procurement process and the failure to prevent bid rigging despite prior knowledge of potential misconduct. Your Director is placed under suspension, and the enquiry begins. You are also under scanner as you were working closely with the Director. Meanwhile, your Director requests that you refrain from informing the enquiry committee of the information you received about bid-rigging. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the case? (b) What are the potential ethical and professional consequences of complying with the Director's request to conceal the information about the bid-rigging? Explain (c) In light of the Director's request to withhold information from the enquiry committee, how should you balance your duty to report unethical practices with your loyalty to your superior? What ethical principles should guide your decision in this situation? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"This situation places you in a difficult position. As an Audit Officer, you must decide whether to prioritise strict adherence to rules or to consider the broader context and the potential benefits of the DM's actions. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) How should the Audit Officer balance the need for strict adherence to budgetary allocations with the DM's argument that the school's construction was in the community's best interest? Should the officer prioritise legal and procedural correctness over perceived public benefits? (c) What are the potential consequences of reporting the misallocation of funds? Should the Audit Officer consider the impact of such a report on the DM, the district, and future funding allocations when making the decision? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"As the CDO, you are now caught between two conflicting directives, each with its own ethical and professional implications. (a) What ethical issues and dilemmas are involved in the above case? (b) What are the options available to the CDO? What must be the CDO's chosen course of action? (c) How should a civil servant prioritise between conflicting directives from different senior authorities? What ethical principles should guide this decision-making process? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":58,"question":"What are the business ethics issues present in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":58,"question":"What steps should regulatory bodies take to prevent conflicts of interest among their officials? How should conflicts of interest be managed when they are discovered after a decision has been made?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":58,"question":"In situations where profitability and ethical responsibility appear to conflict, how should companies navigate these challenges?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5947,"topper":"Raghav Jhunjhunwala","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1C3KUzB3TrWy_jh7gOGwCPEdqsX2IMgpl/view","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Explain the relationship between Public Service Values and Public Administration Ethics. Do you think public service values are only eloquent statements for glorifying the Department's mission, or do they have any utility for public servants? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"How does the conscientious public servant sort through competing considerations and determine \"the right thing to do?\" When it comes to serving the public, how does one put one's values into practice? Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"What do you understand by good governance in public administration and corporations? How do they differ? Identify and explain three principles that can act as a foundation for good governance in a corporate setting. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"One hallmark of good governance is government departments' adherence to strict ethical standards when procuring goods and services for public programmes. Identify and explain the ethical principles that must be respected to maintain the integrity of the procurement process. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How should public servants ethically balance stakeholder interests, official obligations, and regime values when making administrative decisions, and which of these should be given the most moral weight? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Recent researchers have argued that the government's health and social-based interventions are significantly less effective without the emotional skills of self-awareness and empathy. Do you agree? Justify your answer with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss with relevant examples how civil servants' political and moral attitudes impact their work ethics and daily administrative decision-making. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"The motive has nothing to do with the morality of the action.\" In light of the above statement, do you think motive is irrelevant in determining the morality of an action? Explain your position with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Explain the contemporary relevance of Jain Tirthankaras' vow-based moral philosophy. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What ethical dilemmas arise from the use of economic sanctions in international relations, and how can policymakers balance these concerns with the need to punish illegal behaviours and compel political change? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"You recently took over as CEO of Beta Technologies, a renowned IT services and consulting firm in India established in 1990. Over the past three decades, the company has grown into a global player with clients in North America, Europe, and Asia. Known for cutting-edge solutions and strong client relationships, Beta Technologies has been a market leader in the IT sector. It has been three weeks since you took over, and one day, the company's legal head came to you with a report that they had discovered discrepancies in the company's financial statement. For five years, the company's financial Officer (CFO), Mr. Rahul Mehta, has manipulated its earnings reports. By inflating revenues and understating expenses, he has created a false image of financial health to boost stock prices and secure more investment. Further, it was found that Mr. Mehta has significant personal investments in some of the company's vendors. These vendors were awarded lucrative contracts, often at inflated prices and with favourable terms detrimental to the company. Mr Mehta's actions have compromised the procurement process and led to financial losses for the company. As CEO, you were confronted with a critical decision. You also had to contend with financial irregularities and a skewed procurement process. As a new CEO: (a) What decision options are available to you? (b) What are the issues involved in the above case? (c) What will be your chosen course of action and Why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"As a District Development Officer (DDO) in a district known for its arid conditions, the past year has been particularly challenging. With rains failing to arrive, the region faced an acute water shortage, leading to a severe agricultural downturn and reported starvation deaths. One of my critical responsibilities includes supervising the mid-day meal scheme, ensuring that it runs smoothly and reaches the intended beneficiaries - schoolchildren. Amidst the ongoing crisis, I observed an anomaly in the mid-day meal scheme in three specific blocks. The consumption of food grains was significantly higher than the number of students enrolled. This discrepancy had been persistent for about a month, prompting me to initiate a thorough inquiry to uncover the reasons behind the unusual pattern. The investigation revealed a surprising yet heart-wrenching reality. The village schools in these blocks were using the extra food grains to feed starving families in the community. This unauthorised action, while driven by compassion, was officially a punishable offence. The schools were diverting resources meant specifically for students to provide relief to those suffering from acute hunger. As the situation unravelled, you found yourself in a moral quandary. On one hand, as the DDO, I was bound by regulations that required me to ensure the proper use of government resources. Despite its noble intent, the unauthorised diversion of food grains was a breach of protocol that necessitated disciplinary action, including the suspension of the school officials involved. On the other hand, these school officials' actions were driven by a deep sense of humanity and compassion. They chose to prioritise the immediate needs of their community, recognising the dire circumstances and the urgent need to prevent further starvation deaths. Punishing them for their humane response to the crisis seemed not only harsh but also contrary to the spirit of public service. (a) What are the ethical issues in the above case? (b) As a DDO, what are the options available to you? (c) Explain your chosen course of action, along with your reasons. (d) Given the above case, what would be the best ethical theory for handling human distress situations? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"As the situation unravelled, you found yourself in a moral quandary. On one hand, as the DDO, I was bound by regulations that required me to ensure the proper use of government resources. Despite its noble intent, the unauthorised diversion of food grains was a breach of protocol that necessitated disciplinary action, including the suspension of the school officials involved. On the other hand, these school officials' actions were driven by a deep sense of humanity and compassion. They chose to prioritise the immediate needs of their community, recognising the dire circumstances and the urgent need to prevent further starvation deaths. Punishing them for their humane response to the crisis seemed not only harsh but also contrary to the spirit of public service. (a) What are the ethical issues in the above case? (b) As a DDO, what are the options available to you? (c) Explain your chosen course of action, along with your reasons. (d) Given the above case, what would be the best ethical theory for handling human distress situations? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"You were wondering about the course of action, as the deductions were legal, and the agents were technically following instructions. But, in the process, they were exploiting the poor villagers. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you as an SP? (c) Explain your chosen course of an action. (d) If you have to recommend a better way of promoting the bima yojna, what would that be? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"As a junior engineer in the Department of Water Supply for the past five years, my responsibilities included ensuring water quality and maintaining supply lines for regular distribution. The zone I was posted in had persistent water shortage issues, particularly exacerbated during the summer when the supply became erratic. Residents had to rely heavily on water tankers, which added to their financial burden and inconvenience. Over the years, I observed that the disruptions in water supply were not merely due to technical issues or natural scarcity. Through careful monitoring and data collection, I uncovered evidence suggesting that a cartel of tanker owners was deliberately creating an artificial shortage. This cartel would tamper with the water supply lines, causing disruptions, and then capitalise on the situation by selling water at inflated prices. The activities of this cartel were not only illegal but also highly unethical, exploiting the residents' basic need for water. With substantial evidence in hand, I decided to take action against the cartel. I met with the district Superintendent of Police (SP) and presented my findings. The SP appeared concerned and promised to initiate action against the culprits. However, two weeks passed without any noticeable action being taken. Frustrated and determined, I scheduled another meeting with the SP to understand the delay. During our meeting, the SP candidly explained the situation. He acknowledged the problem and the validity of my evidence but expressed his inability to act due to the cartel's strong political connections and influence. He feared for the safety of his men and the potential repercussions on his career if he went against such powerful interests. This revelation left me in a difficult position, as I understood the SP's predicament but also felt a deep responsibility to address the issue for the sake of the community. (a) What are the options available to you in the above situation? (b) What will be your chosen course of action? (c) Identify the ethical issues involved in the case (d) Suggest some measures for handling cartels who prey on people's needs. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"AquaTech is a government defence contracting firm specialising in manufacturing robotic systems for police and military use. It is known for producing bomb-defusing robots and working on other classified projects. One critical project involved developing a robot capable of sweeping minefields and detecting hidden explosives. The project had a stringent seven-month deadline to produce a working prototype for a demonstration to top defence ministry officials. The project encountered delays due to staff shortages and other unforeseen issues, resulting in a two-week lag. As the deadline loomed, the project leader pressured the team to work extended hours with minimal rest. Despite these challenges, the team managed to complete the prototype on time for the demonstration. During the demonstration, the robot was deployed in an active minefield to detect mines and mark them with a spray. Initially, the robot performed as expected, identifying mines. However, instead of marking the sites, it triggered explosions, causing fatal injuries to the operating engineer. The demonstration was immediately halted, and an inquiry was launched. The investigation revealed that a software flaw caused the malfunction, leading to the tragic accident. The software development team argued that the operator issued mixed commands, which contributed to the malfunction. Overall, each team kept deflecting responsibility, but somebody or a team had to be made accountable for the fatal errors. (a) If you are the ethics officer of AquaTech enquiring, who will you hold responsible for the fatality? Why? (b) Discuss some common ethical issues that arise while using artificial intelligence. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":5948,"topper":"Raghav Jhunjhunwala","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/GSMACT24A1055_EE2403.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Do you think it is ethically justified for political leaders to violate the deepest constraints of morality in order to achieve great goods or avoid disasters for their communities? Justify your position with suitable examples (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"\"There is growing evidence that when it comes to moral judgment, human beings appear to be best characterised not as intuitive Deontologists or Consequentialists but as intuitive virtue theorists.\" Critically analyse the statement. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"While formal codes of conduct can sometimes be a useful guide, developing those traits of character that are particularly suited to the administrator's role is at the core of professional ethics. Identify five ethical attributes suitable for an administrator and explain how they can be developed. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What do you understand by political responsibility, professional responsibility and personal responsibility? In situations of conflict among the three, what responsibility must the public servant prioritise and why? Illustrate with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"In the context of civil service, what do you understand by \"acts of conscience\"? Illustrate with an example. In your opinion, what can be the basis of acts of conscience? Explain (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Critically examine the role of educational institutions in shaping ethical decision-making skills in future civil servants. How effective are current educational paradigms in instilling ethical behaviour among the youth? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Examine the ethical challenges administrators face while employing persuasion and social influence techniques to promote social and health interventions in rural India. Illustrate with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Critically examine the impact of the Right to Information (RTI) on enhancing ethical accountability in public administration. How effective has RTI been in preventing bureaucratic corruption and improving service delivery? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss the ethical implications of maintaining high-quality service delivery in public administration. How does probity in governance influence the efficiency and responsiveness of public services, particularly in addressing the needs of marginalised communities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Critically assess the role of regulatory frameworks in enforcing ethical standards in corporate governance. How can these frameworks be designed to encourage ethical behaviour without stifling innovation? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss what the following quotes mean to you. (a) \"It is not because men's desires are strong that they act ill; it is because their consciences are weak.\" - J.S. Mill (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"As the Municipal Commissioner of a district with a large public sector manufacturing unit, you find yourself at the centre of a significant ethical and administrative challenge. The manufacturing unit, one of the area's largest employers, has a troubling history of industrial safety violations. Reports of gas leaks and the release of harmful pollutants have been frequent, leading to growing concerns among the local population. Over the years, residents living near the plant have developed severe respiratory and other health-related issues. Recognising the severity of the health problems reported by residents, you initiate a comprehensive health audit. The results confirm the worst fears: a significant portion of the population living near the plant suffers from severe respiratory issues, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other health complications directly linked to long-term exposure to industrial pollutants. The findings of the health audit indicate a clear correlation between the plant's operations and the community's declining health. (a) ? What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (b) . . . ? What are the options available to you and the CMD? (c) ? ? How should you prioritize public health concerns against the potential economic disruptions caused by relocating the plant? By which ethical principles should this decision be guided? 20 (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Armed with this data, you are compelled to take action. You arrange a meeting with the CMD of the public sector unit (PSU) to discuss the health audit findings and explore solutions. The CMD acknowledges the poor industrial safety record but is quick to point out the financial constraints faced by the unit. The plant’s budget is limited, and no funds are allocated for the necessary safety upgrades. However, after much deliberation, both of you agree that the best course of action would be to relocate the plant to a site 30 kilometres away from the current location. This solution would mitigate the health risks for the local population while allowing the plant to continue operations, albeit at a new location. As plans for the relocation begin, the news leaks out, causing immediate unrest among the plant’s workers. The workers, many of whom live near the plant, strongly oppose the relocation. They argue that the new site, 30 kilometres away, would disrupt their lives, increase their commuting time, and add to their expenses. The prospect of losing their jobs or facing hardships travelling to the new site sparks a wave of discontent. The workers organised protests and went on strike, halting production. And the discontent spilled onto the streets. Unknowingly, you had stirred a hornet’s nest. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you and the CMD? (c) How should you prioritise public health concerns against the potential economic disruptions caused by the relocation of the plant? What ethical principles should guide this decision? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Understanding the gravity of the situation, you decide to take the matter directly to the Director of Purchase. The Director, a professional with years of experience, listens to your concerns but advises you to ignore the information. He argues that the allegation is based on verbal communication and lacks concrete evidence. Additionally, he expresses concern that the information might have been planted by a rival supplier to discredit the bidding process or to sabotage a competitor. Despite your reservations, you follow the Director's instructions and take no further action. The bids are opened as scheduled, and contracts are awarded based on official norms. A week later, a national daily published an investigative report detailing the bid-rigging scandal. The report includes substantial evidence, such as recorded conversations, email exchanges, and internal documents, all indicating that several bidders colluded to manipulate the tender process. The publication of this report triggered widespread public outrage, leading to calls for an investigation into the procurement process and the immediate suspension of the contracts awarded. The department, including the Director of Purchase, comes under intense scrutiny. Questions are raised about the integrity of the procurement process and the failure to prevent bid rigging despite prior knowledge of potential misconduct. Your Director is placed under suspension, and the enquiry begins. You are also under scanner as you were working closely with the Director. Meanwhile, your Director requests that you refrain from informing the enquiry committee of the information you received about bid-rigging. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the case? (b) What are the potential ethical and professional consequences of complying with the Director's request to conceal the information about the bid-rigging? Explain (c) In light of the Director's request to withhold information from the enquiry committee, how should you balance your duty to report unethical practices with your loyalty to your superior? What ethical principles should guide your decision in this situation? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":5949,"topper":"Raghav Jhunjhunwala","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/GSMACT24A1055_EE2401.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Explain the relationship between Public Service Values and Public Administration Ethics. Do you think public service values are only eloquent statements for glorifying the Department's mission, or do they have any utility for public servants? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"How does the conscientious public servant sort through competing considerations and determine \"the right thing to do?\" When it comes to serving the public, how does one put one's values into practice? Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"What do you understand by good governance in public administration and corporations? How do they differ? Identify and explain three principles that can act as a foundation for good governance in a corporate setting. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"One hallmark of good governance is government departments' adherence to strict ethical standards when procuring goods and services for public programmes. Identify and explain the ethical principles that must be respected to maintain the integrity of the procurement process. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How should public servants ethically balance stakeholder interests, official obligations, and regime values when making administrative decisions, and which of these should be given the most moral weight? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Recent researchers have argued that the government's health and social-based interventions are significantly less effective without the emotional skills of self-awareness and empathy. Do you agree? Justify your answer with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss with relevant examples how civil servants' political and moral attitudes impact their work ethics and daily administrative decision-making. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"The motive has nothing to do with the morality of the action.\" In light of the above statement, do you think motive is irrelevant in determining the morality of an action? Explain your position with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Explain the contemporary relevance of Jain Tirthankaras' vow-based moral philosophy. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What ethical dilemmas arise from the use of economic sanctions in international relations, and how can policymakers balance these concerns with the need to punish illegal behaviours and compel political change? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss the relevance of the following quotes to the present times. \\\"Wars begin in the minds of men, and in those minds, love and compassion would have built the defences of peace.\\\" (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"You recently took over as CEO of Beta Technologies, a renowned IT services and consulting firm in India established in 1990. Over the past three decades, the company has grown into a global player with clients in North America, Europe, and Asia. Known for cutting-edge solutions and strong client relationships, Beta Technologies has been a market leader in the IT sector. It has been three weeks since you took over, and one day, the company's legal head came to you with a report that they had discovered discrepancies in the company's financial statement. For five years, the company's financial Officer (CFO), Mr. Rahul Mehta, has manipulated its earnings reports. By inflating revenues and understating expenses, he has created a false image of financial health to boost stock prices and secure more investment. Further, it was found that Mr. Mehta has significant personal investments in some of the company's vendors. These vendors were awarded lucrative contracts, often at inflated prices and with favourable terms detrimental to the company. Mr Mehta's actions have compromised the procurement process and led to financial losses for the company. As CEO, you were confronted with a critical decision. You also had to contend with financial irregularities and a skewed procurement process. As a new CEO: (a) What decision options are available to you? (b) What are the issues involved in the above case? (c) What will be your chosen course of action and Why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"As a District Development Officer (DDO) in a district known for its arid conditions, the past year has been particularly challenging. With rains failing to arrive, the region faced an acute water shortage, leading to a severe agricultural downturn and reported starvation deaths. One of my critical responsibilities includes supervising the mid-day meal scheme, ensuring that it runs smoothly and reaches the intended beneficiaries – schoolchildren. Amidst the ongoing crisis, I observed an anomaly in the mid-day meal scheme in three specific blocks. The consumption of food grains was significantly higher than the number of students enrolled. This discrepancy had been persistent for about a month, prompting me to initiate a thorough inquiry to uncover the reasons behind the unusual pattern. The investigation revealed a surprising yet heart-wrenching reality. The village schools in these blocks were using the extra food grains to feed starving families in the community. This unauthorised action, while driven by compassion, was officially a punishable offence. The schools were diverting resources meant especially for students to provide relief to those suffering from acute hunger. As the situation unravelled, you found yourself in a moral quandary. On one hand, as the DDO, I was bound by regulations that required me to ensure the proper use of government resources. Despite its noble intent, the unauthorised diversion of food grains was a breach of protocol that necessitated disciplinary action, including the suspension of the school officials involved. On the other hand, these school officials’ actions were driven by a deep sense of humanity and compassion. They chose to prioritise the immediate needs of their community, recognising the dire circumstances and the urgent need to prevent further starvation deaths. Punishing them for their humane response to the crisis seemed not only harsh but also contrary to the spirit of public service. (a) What are the ethical issues in the above case? (b) As a DDO, what are the options available to you? (c) Explain your chosen course of action, along with your reasons. (d) Given the above case, what would be the best ethical theory for handling human distress situations? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"You were wondering about the course of action, as the deductions were legal, and the agents were technically following instructions. But, in the process, they were exploiting the poor villagers. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you as an SP? (c) Explain your chosen course of action. (d) If you have to recommend a better way of promoting the bima yojna, what would that be? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"AquaTech is a government defence contracting firm specialising in manufacturing robotic systems for police and military use. It is known for producing bomb-defusing robots and working on other classified projects. One critical project involved developing a robot capable of sweeping minefields and detecting hidden explosives. The project had a stringent seven-month deadline to produce a working prototype for a demonstration to top defence ministry officials. The project encountered delays due to staff shortages and other unforeseen issues, resulting in a two-week lag. As the deadline loomed, the project leader pressured the team to work extended hours with minimal rest. Despite these challenges, the team managed to complete the prototype on time for the demonstration. During the demonstration, the robot was deployed in an active minefield to detect mines and mark them with a spray. Initially, the robot performed as expected, identifying mines. However, instead of marking the sites, it triggered explosions, causing fatal injuries to the operating engineer. The demonstration was immediately halted, and an inquiry was launched. The investigation revealed that a software flaw caused the malfunction, leading to the tragic accident. The software development team argued that the operator issued mixed commands, which contributed to the malfunction. Overall, each team kept deflecting responsibility, but somebody or a team had to be made accountable for the fatal errors. (a) If you are the ethics officer of AquaTech enquiring, who will you hold responsible for the fatality? Why? (b) Discuss some common ethical issues that arise while using artificial intelligence. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":56,"question":"What are the issues involved in the above case? With a limited budget at your disposal, you decide to allocate funds to tackle witchcraft-related superstitions. How would you justify your decision to the community and stakeholders? Given that witchcraft-related crimes were not initially reported by the BDOs, how would you address this lack of communication and ensure better reporting and transparency moving forward? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":5950,"topper":"Raghav Jhunjhunwala","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/GSMACT24A1055_FLT2504.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Do you agree that ethical governance encompasses more than just clean administration, it involves inclusive, participatory, and value-driven governance? Suggest implementable measures to institutionalise ethical governance in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Administrative ethics often involve tension between legality and morality. As a public administrator, how would you handle a situation where legal compliance contradicts moral responsibility? Illustrate with an example. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"In public administration, ethical decision-making is shaped by multiple frameworks. How does a deontological or duty-based ethical approach differ from consequentialist theories such as utilitarianism in administrative practice? Illustrate your answer with an example of a moral dilemma in governance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"With the growing reliance on digital governance and AI systems, concerns about fairness, transparency, and accountability have intensified. Are the foundational values of public service sufficient to address these challenges, or do we require new ethical frameworks for the digital era? Explain with an example. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Emotional intelligence (EI) is increasingly regarded as essential for effective public service. Do you agree that EI enhances ethical decision-making and administrative performance, especially in high-pressure sectors such as policing or disaster response? Support your answer with a relevant example. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Ethical guidance in public administration stems from various sources, laws, rules, regulations, and personal conscience. These sources may not always align. In such cases, what ethical approach should a public servant adopt to resolve the conflict? Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.5 (a) \"Governance must be built not only on institutions, but also on ideas.\" In this context, discuss the philosophical foundations that should underpin ethical governance. How do these ideas contribute to ensuring probity in public life? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"In a deeply unequal world, ethical foreign policy is not idealism, it is realism with conscience.\" Do you agree? Discuss the ethical responsibilities of a nation-state in its conduct with other states and international bodies. Use examples from global practice. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"\"How selfish soever man may be supposed, there are evidently some principles in his nature, which interest him in the fortune of others.\" Adam Smith (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":33,"question":"What are her potential options? Which option is most appropriate and why?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5951,"topper":"Rahul","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/89/mts_2023_unchecked_pttp220826_tc071.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"The fabric of Indian philosophical thought owes as much to Northern India as to Southern India. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"The Indian society's impulse for social change and reform was a response to its opposition to colonial rule. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"What are the factors that led to the Russian revolution and what are the consequences of this revolution? Discuss its influence on the Indian national movement. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the various factors responsible for the uneven temperature distribution on Earth's surface. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The melting of glaciers due to climate change has serious implications for the ecosystem and human society. Discuss the effects of melting glaciers on the environment and the measures that can be taken to address this issue. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The White Revolution was most successful in the Western part of India. Discuss the factors for this regional success of the White Revolution. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"To what extent does seismic investigation contribute to our understanding of the Earth's interior structure? Analyze its significance in detail. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The pace of demographic transition varies across different states of India making population growth a double-edged sword. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The ethnic and cultural diversity in India has always been bound by the thread of unity. Discuss the major factors that have contributed to the cultural unity of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The dichotomy in public and private life in Indian society acts as a major barrier to the annihilation of caste. Justify. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"India was forced into numerous wars post Independence. Highlight the causes and impact of the Indo-Pak and Indo-China wars on our bilateral relationships. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"The process of consolidation of Bengal, which started after the Battle of Plassey culminated in the Battle of Buxar. Do you think the Battle of Buxar was more important for the British than Plassey? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Sanskrit literature in general and particularly in the Guptan age set a high watermark for the literary history of ancient India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Why do traditions in our society impede change? To what extent can social legislation be instrumental against old customary practices? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Slums are not 'problems' that have to be 'solved' - but are indeed a result of lopsided and vested urban policies covering infrastructure provision and socio-economic issues. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Communalism gains strength from economic deprivation, and thrives in environments of social exclusion, creating fertile ground for discontent and division. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5952,"topper":"Rahul","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/75/mts_2023_unchecked_pttp220826_tc072.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"There is a need to resolve the ambiguity in the disqualification provisions under section 8 of the Representation of People Act 1951. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Constitution is a mere skeleton whereas constitutionalism is the soul of democracy. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Recently demand has been rising in a state regarding the enactment of Social Accountability Law. How such a law can lead to good governance and boost citizens' participation in decision-making. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"There is a need for convergence of 'nutrition-specific' and 'nutrition-sensitive' interventions to effectively tackle child undernutrition in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"MGNREGA, the lynchpin of rural poverty alleviation, has become the victim of fiscal apathy.\" Critically analyze the statement in light of recent developments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"India must leverage, if not manage, the global divides\". How can the current geopolitical churn pave the way for India's rise to the global high table? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"Berlin can be India's gateway to the European Union.\" Elaborate with respect to Germany's significance in India's relationship with the EU. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"How has the Anti-Defection Law impacted the relationship between political parties and individual legislators in India? In light of the recent incidents also discuss the unintended consequences it has on the functioning of democracy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Critics assert that limitless judicial authority rests on the structural ambiguity of the basic structure doctrine. Has the elastic nature of the basic structure doctrine made the judiciary more powerful than the executive? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Fundamental rights are not gifts bestowed upon by the state rather an individual possesses them independently of the state. In this context discuss the desirability of reasonable restrictions on various fundamental rights. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"'S.R. Bommai v. Union of India signified a paradigm shift in the judicial interpretation of the union's authority to assume control of a state's administration.' In this context discuss the significance and impact of the judgement on cementing the federal structure. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The key to effective decentralization is, 'political decentralization should follow finance and functional decentralization'. Discuss in the context of impediments faced by local governance in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Multi-stakeholder partnerships are the key to leveraging collective expertise and networks. How can effective partnership and localized implementation efforts be fostered to accelerate the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"How has the implementation of the POSH Act resulted in limited success in raising awareness about sexual harassment, and what factors have hindered its effective outreach to women employed in the unorganized sector? Propose strategies to bridge this gap and ensure comprehensive protection for women in the unorganized sector against workplace harassment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Indo-Pacific region in recent times has emerged as a zone of diverging interests and priorities. Discuss. Do you think the Global Security Initiative will supersede QUAD in the region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5953,"topper":"Rahul","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/42/mts_2023_unchecked_pttp220826_tc078.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"\"The State took taxes from the people only to ensure their prosperity in return like the sun takes moisture from the earth only to give it back in thousandfold measure.\" Kalidasa. Explain the Indian concept of \"giving it back\" and its relevance as a guiding value for civil servants. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"As professionals, civil servants are career focused and are also self-interested. At the same time, their service ethos imposes an obligation to serve the public interest selflessly. Is it possible for a civil servant to reconcile career and service obligation? Explain your position. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":5954,"topper":"Rahul","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/51/mts_2025_unchecked_pttp220826_eef2504.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Do you agree that ethical governance encompasses more than just clean administration, it involves inclusive, participatory, and value-driven governance? Suggest implementable measures to institutionalise ethical governance in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Administrative ethics often involve tension between legality and morality. As a public administrator, how would you handle a situation where legal compliance contradicts moral responsibility? Illustrate with an example. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"In public administration, ethical decision-making is shaped by multiple frameworks. How does a deontological or duty-based ethical approach differ from consequentialist theories such as utilitarianism in administrative practice? Illustrate your answer with an example of a moral dilemma in governance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"With the growing reliance on digital governance and AI systems, concerns about fairness, transparency, and accountability have intensified. Are the foundational values of public service sufficient to address these challenges, or do we require new ethical frameworks for the digital era? Explain with an example. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Emotional intelligence (EI) is increasingly regarded as essential for effective public service. Do you agree that EI enhances ethical decision-making and administrative performance, especially in high-pressure sectors such as policing or disaster response? Support your answer with a relevant example. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Ethical guidance in public administration stems from various sources, laws, rules, regulations, and personal conscience. These sources may not always align. In such cases, what ethical approach should a public servant adopt to resolve the conflict? Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Ethical governance is not solely the responsibility of the state, but also of private entities engaged in public functions. Discuss the ethical challenges posed by public-private partnerships (PPPs), and suggest ways to ensure transparency and accountability in such arrangements. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"\"Governance must be built not only on institutions, but also on ideas.\" In this context, discuss the philosophical foundations that should underpin ethical governance. How do these ideas contribute to ensuring probity in public life? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"\"In a deeply unequal world, ethical foreign policy is not idealism, it is realism with conscience.\" Do you agree? Discuss the ethical responsibilities of a nation-state in its conduct with other states and international bodies. Use examples from global practice. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context? (a) \"How selfish soever man may be supposed, there are evidently some principles in his nature, which interest him in the fortune of others.\" Adam Smith (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":36,"question":"What are her possible options? Which is the most appropriate and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Suggest systemic safeguards to address workplace harassment in public institutions. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What are the ethical issues and ethical dilemmas the officer is facing?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Examine the available options and identify which one aligns best with public service values.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"What internal institutional checks can prevent such misuse of financial reporting in government departments? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"What are the ethical issues and administrative risks involved in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"Critically examine the options available to the officer.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"What would be the best course of action to take? Justify","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"Suggest safeguards that should be adopted when using AI-based systems in public welfare schemes. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":56,"question":"You are posted as the Chief Development Officer (CDO) in a district recently selected for implementation of a centrally-sponsored scheme aimed at digitising land records and linking them to Aadhaar. While the central government promotes the initiative as a tool for transparency and ease of ownership, several local farmers' unions have raised objections. They fear the scheme will lead to loss of land rights, exclusion of sharecroppers, and increased dependency on digital systems they don't understand. Protests begin in front of your office. Local elected representatives - including MLAs from opposition parties publicly call the scheme \"anti-poor\" and accuse the administration of blindly following orders. At the same time, you receive a strongly worded letter from the state secretariat directing immediate rollout with weekly progress reports. The district collector reminds you: \"This is policy now. Get it done.\" Your own field teams report widespread confusion and poor turnout in enrollment camps. Some staff suggest quietly fast-tracking token registrations to \"show progress.\" A few revenue officers feel the scheme is useful, but the communication has failed. You believe in the long-term potential of the scheme but are concerned that rushed implementation will damage public trust.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":56,"question":"What ethical and administrative challenges are involved in this situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":56,"question":"How should you approach implementation to balance directive compliance with stakeholder confidence?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":56,"question":"What lessons can be drawn from this case for future implementation of large-scale digital reforms? (Answer in 250 words) 15 ank","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":61,"question":"What are the ethical issues and administrative responsibilities involved in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":61,"question":"How should the DIO respond to this situation in a way that upholds public values and protects institutional credibility?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":61,"question":"Suggest digital communication protocols that can guide public officials in handling hate speech on official platforms. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":5955,"topper":"Rahul Bansal","air":251,"year":2021,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"SuccessClap","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://assets.zyrosite.com/dWxxVpWEZetoMDNk/air251-rahul-bansal-test-copy1-successclap-YBgMVpO54XfBQKol.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5956,"topper":"Rahul Bansal","air":251,"year":2021,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"SuccessClap","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://assets.zyrosite.com/dWxxVpWEZetoMDNk/air251-rahul-bansal-test-copy2-successclap-ALpwvJNroesa91QE.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5957,"topper":"Rahul Bhat","air":68,"year":2017,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/25459_930_Rahul_Bhat_Rank_68.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5958,"topper":"Rahul Bhat","air":68,"year":2017,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/25459_931_Rahul_Bhat_Rank_68.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5959,"topper":"Rahul Bhat","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/25459_1023_Rahul_Bhat_Rank_68.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The evolution of temple-building in India can be attributed to factors such as changing form of worship, improvement in the skills of the craftsmen and the increase in funding provided by kings and rich merchants. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Metal casting in India appears to be one of the oldest sculptural traditions. Discuss the significance of cire-perduor or \"lost wax\" technique in the sculptural tradition of India with examples from different regions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"India's middle ages brought about a very rich tradition of devotional literature of remarkable merit which dispels the assumption of a dark period of India's history. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"The outbreak of World War II in 1939 divided the nationalists over the next course of action in the freedom struggle. Elaborate. In this context, also examine the factors that led to INC launching the Quit India Movement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"How did the Indian industrialists contribute to the freedom struggle? Did the emergence of the socialistic trend during the later period of the struggle deter them from supporting the freedom struggle? Analyze.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The social-religious reform movements of the 19th and 20th century in British India not only tried to purge the Indian society of various social evils but also prepared the ground for the Indian freedom struggle. Analyze.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"The dawn of 19th century was marked by large scale expansion of the British empire into India, especially during the governorship of Wellesley. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"United States entered the Vietnam war incrementally, in a series of steps between 1950 and 1965. Elucidate. Also analyse the reasons for America's failure in the war.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Even though there is much that is wrong with the European Union (EU), its achievements can not be discounted either. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Despite being a failure, 1848 revolutions remain a watershed event in European History. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"The events that led to the American Revolution had causes rooted in the social, economic, political and ideological context of that time. Elaborate. Also, bring out the influence that the American Revolution had on the French Revolution.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"In the context of Punjab crisis it can be argued that language, religion and regionalism combined into a potentially explosive situation which political elites struggled to contain. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"What were the factors that led to the declaration of Emergency in 1975? Why is it considered as the dark period of Indian democracy? In this context, discuss the response to the imposition of emergency among the masses, media and political class.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"The role of women since independence has not been confined to issues of women alone, rather they have played an important role in the issues related to peasants, tribals, farmers, trade unions and environment. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5960,"topper":"Rahul Bhat","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/25459_1024_Rahul_Bhat_Rank_68.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The idea of Universal Basic income has gained appeal in recent months. Enumerating the challenges in its implementation, discuss whether it can be a potent tool to reduce leakages in the system and address inequality in the economy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"A peculiar combination of factors explain India's poor export performance in recent times. Comment. How can the Foreign Trade Policy help in improving India's share in global trade?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"What are Advance Pricing Agreements and how are they related to Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS)? Discuss their relevance for India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"What is meant by public debt? Highlight the objectives of public debt management. Explain why it is considered prudent to disaggregate debt management from monetary policy and take it out of the realm of central bank.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"There is an urgent need for India to get infrastructure financing, however, the current investment model of PPPs is poorly designed and needs restructuring. Discuss the issues plaguing the success of PPPs with respect to stalled projects, risk management, governance & institutional capacity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"What are the reasons behind a low tax base in India? Discuss the issues associated with it and the steps required to widen the tax base.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Even though the construction sector has significant multiplier effect on the economy, in recent years, it has been showing signs of stress. What are the causes for such a state of affairs? In this context, also highlight the steps taken by the government.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"The worsening road safety situation in India is further complicated by an increasing population and proliferation of vehicles on the road. Discuss. Also, highlight the steps that are being taken by the government to address the issue of road safety and reduce the associated fatalities.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Briefly highlight the parameters used by the government to determine the extent of poverty in India. Examine the relationship of economic growth and poverty alleviation in the post-reforms era.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Explain why the government has adopted the HELP in place of the NELP that was existing for almost a decade. Also discuss how HELP has the potential to transform India's E&P activities with special emphasis on non-conventional sources of energy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Successive governments have resorted to disinvestment of sick and loss-making PSUs. What, according to you, are the targets which the government seek to meet from this exercise? Also explain why the disinvestment targets have not been met in the past.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"What is hydroponics? Discuss its relevance in light of limited land availability while ensuring food security.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"It is argued by many that there is an urgent need for states to reform land laws and, in particular, tenancy laws. What are the factors cited for the need of such reforms? Identify the impediments in the way of such reforms and highlight the benefits that would accrue from them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Discuss the potential of horticulture sector in realizing the government's vision of doubling the farm income. Also, highlight the challenges which are needed to be addressed for realizing full potential of this sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Not only does the yield (measured in tonnes/ha.) of a crop but a number of other factors determine the choice of crops that a farmer cultivates. Elaborate with special focus on cropping pattern in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Discuss the significance of food processing industry in the economic development of the country and the challenges which need to be tackled for sustained growth of the industry. Also elaborate on the the salient features of National Mission on Food Processing.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Financial support to farmers through various instruments has been a crucial aspect of agricultural policy of the government. Examine whether the proposal of moving towards direct transfer of benefits and universal crop insurance would alleviate the existing concerns in the current scenario.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Buffer stocking of food grains is seen as a vehicle to deliver strategic food and agricultural domestic support policies, however, there is a growing consensus that the programme has been not just costly but also imprudently wasteful. Critically evaluate.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5961,"topper":"Rahul Bhat","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/25459_875_Rahul_Bhat_Rank_68.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Centralising recruitment through an All-India Judicial Service (AIJS) will not address the multiple problems in the judiciary and cause new ones instead. Critically evaluate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"The roots of the most pertinent challenges faced by Indian politics today can be traced to the lack of intra-party democracy in candidate selection and internal elections. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"While the idea behind merger of autonomous bodies in India is to curb overlapping work and reduce expenditure, it may end up doing more harm than good. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Well-defined electoral laws and greater powers for the Election Commission of India are required as the existing laws and mechanisms are inadequate to deal with new challenges. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Privileges should be defined and delimited for the free and independent functioning of the legislatures. In this context, discuss whether there is a need to re-examine the balance between fundamental rights and parliamentary privileges in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The principle of accountability is an essential part of the rule of law. In this context, discuss the lacunae in government's approach and judiciary's response to the phenomenon of extrajudicial killings in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Explain the rationale behind enacting the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016. Discuss how it can help in revitalizing consumer confidence in the real estate market. Also highlight the hurdles that remain in implementing it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Moving the subject of water from state list to concurrent list will solve the issues related to governance of water resources. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Give an account of the areas of potential conflict in the relationship between the political executive and civil servants. Also discuss why a healthy working relationship between the two is critical for good governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Despite their location in the non-political domain of civil society, NGOs have ended up playing a key, if indirect, role in India's politics. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Magnitude of India's urbanisation is not unusual but the pattern is. In this context, examine the issues in the governance of cities in India. Also suggest the reforms required to make Indian cities dynamos of competitive sub-federalism.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Social boycott should be treated as a criminal offence, rather than being considered as just another form of social evil plaguing the Indian society. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Human Trafficking in India has emerged as a serious issue, which calls for understanding the complexity of the problem and devising an effective strategy to combat it. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"A weak teacher education system is at the core of India's problems in school education. Evaluate. In this context, also enumerate the recommendations of the High-Powered Commission on Teacher Education constituted by the Supreme Court of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"India's contribution to peacekeeping missions of the United Nations has remained steadfast despite changes in the nature, form and variety of UN peace keeping missions. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"India's partnership with Africa is an amalgam of African development priorities as well as India's development objectives. Discuss. Also highlight the initiatives taken by India in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Comment on the role of International Court of Justice in upholding the values of international law. In this context, also highlight the association of India with the ICJ over the years.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"In view of the focus on trans-regional economic corridors and changing regional geo-politics and geo-economics, critically discuss the idea of an Indo-Pacific Economic Corridor.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5962,"topper":"Rahul Bhat","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/25459_861_Rahul_Bhat_Rank_68.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Examine how role models influence ethical behaviour. What actions can leaders take to integrate ethical conduct in their organisations?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"According to Aristotle, for persuasion, not only Ethos (credibility of the speaker) and Logos (logical argument) but Pathos (emotional connection to the audience) is equally important. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"With appropriate examples, discuss various ethical challenges associated with the utilization of public funds in India. Suggest strategies to effectively deal with these challenges.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"With proliferation of social media, people have got the opportunity to express their views anonymously and more freely. (a) What according to you, is its effect on the social and political culture of the country? (b) Discuss the role of social media in changing one's attitude, particularly the youth.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"What are the various components of an organization's work culture? What are key issues that need to be addressed in any organisation to create a more developmental and performance oriented culture?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"There is a difference between what a person has a right to do and what the right thing to do is and often there is a conflict between these two. (a) Illustrate with examples the ethical issues that can arise because of such a conflict. (b) How does this conflict play out if someone wants to protest against injustice?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"It is vain to talk of the interest of the community, without understanding what is the interest of the individual. Discuss the statement in the present context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Vision and intentions are necessary components of political ethics. However, equally important are the process of implementation, tools used and the established system. Elaborate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Swami Vivekanand brought religion to the centre-stage and gave a new meaning to it while stressing the need for harmony among faiths. In this context, discuss the relevance of his teachings in contemporary society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Access to quality basic services plays a critical role in enhancing individual capabilities to participate fully in the growth of the nation. Discuss the statement in the context of vulnerable sections of India. (b) Analyse the challenges with regard to quality service delivery in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Is Emotional Intelligence influenced by cultural moorings? How would you differentiate the applicability of Emotional Intelligence in Indian society from that of Western society?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Evaluate the success of RTI in bringing governance reforms in the country. Examine whether it has served the purpose it was meant for.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Fear of law has deterred officials to conceal information. But it has not fully served the purpose it was meant for. RTI activists' murders. No strong whistleblower protection act. Parties and judiciary not under RTI. Official Secrets Act, 1923 still conceals proactive information. Lack of PIO training leads to apathy. No mass awareness and no education about how to file RTI by youth. Way forward: More awareness and more teeth to RTI will bring governance more closer to democratic 8. The decisive role that money plays in elections creates a vicious cycle of corruption. (a) Elaborate in the context of India. (b) Discuss whether state funding of elections can help in curbing the menace of political corruption in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"You are the officer in charge of development planning of a state whose capital is the technology hub of the country. However, the capital city is overcrowded and marred by traffic congestion. A group of top MNCs have approached you and showed their interest in expanding their operations in the capital provided that the highway connecting the SEZ to airport is widened. This has been cited as an important business requirement. The expansion of MNC operations is expected to create numerous jobs and would bring in huge revenues to the State. At the same time, the road connectivity in rest of the state, especially the rural areas, is abysmal and is in need of urgent attention. Media has been highlighting the incidents of deaths due to delay in hospitalization and other such issues which can be directly attributed to poor condition of roads. As the officer in charge of the development planning you find that the road widening project will entail huge cost and would severely curtail the rural road development programme currently being undertaken by the state. 20 (a) What challenges do you face as the officer in charge, in this situation? (b) State your priorities and discuss how you plan to achieve them in the context of given challenges.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"You are the SP of a district where a large number of followers of a particular sect reside. The district also hosts a large Ashram where regular gathering of the followers take place. The leader of the sect has been under the scanner of the judiciary for his involvement in illegal activities. Now the court has ordered his immediate arrest and an order pronouncing the same has been sent to you. You have been asked to comply with the orders within two days. A large number of followers, which include women and children, have already thronged the Ashram in anticipation of arrest of the leader. Intelligence units have informed about the presence of not only large stock of food and water but also ammunition, inside the Ashram. Your request urging the followers to vacate the site has failed. 20 (a) What could be the reason for people's defiance? (b) List the issues involved in the case. (c) What will be your plan of action?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Ramesh, a very hardworking person, is the sole bread earner in his family. He has worked with an oil company's local affiliate for several years, and has established a strong, trustworthy relationship with Suresh, manager of the local facility. Suresh has recently recommended Ramesh to be recruited as the corporate consulting engineer for the company, which would be a position of greater responsibility along with a stable income. During a casual conversation, Suresh mentions an incident in the 1960s wherein 10,000 gallons of a petrochemical was leaked into the local environment by the company due to negligence, though at the time no damage was found, and no mention of this leak was made to the press. When Ramesh mentions that the state law requires him to report all spills, Suresh reminds him that no harm had been done and reminds him that the company can't have a consulting engineer who does not value loyalty and respect confidentiality. 20 (a) Identify the ethical issues involved in the given case. (b) What are the options available to Ramesh in this situation? Evaluate each of them. (c) Had you been at Ramesh's place, what would have been your course of action? Give reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"You are the CEO of a social media company that has a wide user base. The social network offered by your company has emerged as a platform for people to interact with each other and share news, opinions etc. However, at the same time, women are being repeatedly harassed and cyber bullied through this network. Whenever any instance of harassment is brought to notice of the company, your staff members immediately deactivate the account of the culprit. However, since new accounts can be created easily, such incidents continue to happen. Also, the system to verify one's account details has been deemed lax by public authorities and human rights groups. But in order to increase the user base, you have to ensure that it is easy for a new user to sign up. Increase in the user base leads to more advertisements on your network, which is a source of huge annual turnover for the company. At the same time, in wake of increasing instances of harassment, you also need to tighten the process of creating new accounts and deactivate or delete the ones being misused. 20 (a) Highlight the options available to you in this scenario and evaluate each of them. What course of action will you take and why? (b) Is there a need for having reasonable restrictions on social media for it to remain a platform of healthy and fruitful engagement. Analyse from the viewpoint of different stakeholders.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"You and your friend are living together in a metropolitan city and preparing for civil service examinations. While you manage to meet your daily targets, you sense that your friend is unable to cope up with the pressure of the exam. Fear of not passing the exam and meeting the expectations of his family is stressing him further. You realise that with time your friend is losing interest in everything and often talks about committing suicide if he is unable to meet his goal. He is also missing out on meals and prefers to stay indoors when asked to venture out. When you sought professional help, the doctor diagnosed your friend with clinical depression. Being aware that your friend needs professional counselling and psychiatric care, you reach out to his parents who reside in a rural area. They rebuff you for suggesting counselling and instead reiterate that nothing is wrong with him. They sternly mention that your bringing up the matter will only make people engage in loose talk. They also ignore you when you politely inform them that it is not wise to ignore one's mental health. Your friend's parents see his state as a sign of failure and decide to call him home where he can continue with his preparation. You are aware of the gravity of the situation if your friend goes back to his house. You also know that there is very little awareness about mental health and that the solution is not to ignore it but to take necessary measures to tackle it. (a) As a concerned friend and an aspiring civil servant who can frame policies for the public in the future and has a moral duty towards them, what are the options available to you in such a situation? (b) Evaluate each of these options and choose the option you would adopt, giving reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"You are the Managing Director of a multinational company that prides on hiring people from diverse backgrounds. The company also chooses multiple projects under Corporate Social Responsibility that are geared towards social inclusion and empowerment of vulnerable sections of the society. Miss 'X' who works in your office tells you that she has been diagnosed with HIV. It happened due to malpractice by a medical practitioner who re-used a contaminated syringe that led Miss 'X' to contract the disease. The company has strict policies about toleration and you ensure Miss 'X' that she can continue with her job in the company without facing any form of discrimination. A few days after the revelation, Miss 'X' angrily submits her resignation letter. She states that she has faced discrimination at the workplace everyday after the revelation. Her colleagues are hesitant to eat lunch with her, they make sure they do not drink water from the same source and the females in the office comment on her marital status. She is also asked to sit separately during departmental discussions. She intends to sue the company for mental harassment. If she takes the step, the public image of the company will be maligned and its non-discriminatory policies will be questioned. The following are some suggested options for you to deal with the situation as a Managing Director of the company. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each of the options: (a) You accept her resignation and suggest a compensation package so that she refrains from suing the company. (b) You persuade her not to submit her resignation and transfer her to another department. (c) You ask her to continue with her job and take strict action against the colleagues who discriminated against her Also, state (without necessarily restricting to the above options) your course of action, giving proper reasons.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5963,"topper":"Rahul Dhote","air":209,"year":2016,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Uiiuq_Gte4xlAayPMuq3dOfBB7roWJcD","questions":[]},{"id":5964,"topper":"Rahul Goel","air":168,"year":2019,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9a9d1-122982_1255_rahul-goel_rank_168.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5965,"topper":"Rahul Goel","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/dab0a-122982_1234_rahul-goel_rank_168.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explaining the reasons behind India's lower female labour force participation rates (LFPR), list the steps that have been taken to augment it. What more needs to be done? (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Parliamentary scrutiny over public finance is an important aspect of governmental accountability. In this context, discuss the role, importance and challenges in establishing a Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO) for effective oversight of budgetary process. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the various challenges faced by MSMEs in accessing credit. Also, mention some of the recent steps taken by the government and RBI to address this issue. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"By rebalancing project risks between the public and private sectors, the HAM model has encouraged investments in the road infrastructure sector. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"In view of the growing significance of FinTech innovations, discuss the potential and challenges of mainstreaming FinTech in Indian economy. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"With India striving to achieve its development objectives, examine how blue economy can help in pursuing the objectives of economic development and ecological sustainability. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Despite many advantages associated with Electric Vehicles, there are many technical and commercial challenges for mainstreaming them. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"A rapidly changing economic structure and demography require a comprehensive employment policy to address the multitude of challenges that might arise in future. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Examine the need for a comprehensive policy on e-commerce in view of its domestic expansion as well as safeguarding India's interests globally. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the need for deepening bond markets for Indian economy. Also, identify the reasons behind weak development of bond market in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"In the context of IL&FS crisis, explain the risks that the economy faces due to laxity in the regulation of the Non Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs). (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"What do you understand by Universal Basic Income (UBI)? Discuss the advantages that it presents over the existing social protection schemes in India. Also, identify the criticism associated with the idea of UBI for a country like India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Critically examine the practice of resorting to farm loan waivers as a means to alleviate agricultural distress. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight the factors responsible for rise in the number of start-ups in India in recent years. Analyzing the challenges in the existing start-up ecosystem, suggest some measures to resolve them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the idea of participatory budgeting and its significance for India. Also, identify the challenges in mainstreaming participatory budgeting in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Can the consolidation of banks help in stemming the existing problems in the banking sector? Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"There is a high cost of compliance as well as complexities associated with existing labour laws at centre and state levels. Discuss. What steps have recently been taken by the central government to address these challenges? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Why have Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in India not been able to achieve the desired objectives? In this context, suggest some measures to revive SEZs in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Why has the contribution of manufacturing sector, as a percentage of the GDP, remained stagnant in the recent years? In this context, analyse the achievements of National Manufacturing Policy, 2011 with regards to its intended objectives. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"One of the goals that a developing economy aspires for is to bring down the Incremental Capital-Output Ratio (ICOR). In this context, what are the constraints that underlie the efficient conversion of savings rate to investments in the Indian economy? Also suggest some measures to improve this efficiency. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5966,"topper":"Rahul Goel","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d62c0-122982_1236_rahul-goel_rank_168.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Livestock farming not only contributes to climate change but is also affected by it. Elaborate the statement and discuss some measures that can be taken to make livestock farming more sustainable as well as resilient. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"A developed Inland Waterway Transport (IWT) will not only augment the overall transport capacity of the country, but also help correct the multi-modal transport mix. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the importance of Agricultural Market Intelligence for farmers in India. Identifying the issues in the present system, suggest some measures for improving Agricultural Market Intelligence in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"With water increasingly becoming a scarce resource, large scale adoption of micro irrigation techniques could prove to be a game changer in India. Analyse. Also enumerate various steps taken by the government to promote micro irrigation in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The cropping pattern of a region is influenced by geo-climatic, socio-cultural, economic, historical and political factors. Substantiate with relevant examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Integrating ecology and technology is the way forward towards achieving Evergreen Revolution in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The adoption of agro-based clusters can generate positive spill-over effects on agricultural and rural development. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Reliance on borrowings for capital expenditure in railways reflects a weakening financial position. Comment on the statement and discuss ways in which better resource generation and utilisation can be achieved therein. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":5967,"topper":"Rahul Goel","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/72cf7-122982_1243_rahul-goel_rank_168.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Reservation of seats in legislature is needed to ensure meaningful political participation of women and to make the democratic process truly inclusive. Discuss the statement in the light of 108th Constitution Amendment Bill. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the issue of reservation in promotions for SCs and STs in public employment in the light of various judicial pronouncements and constitutional amendments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the reasons behind underperformance of the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs). How can their performance be improved? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlighting the rationale behind continuance of the Official Secrets Act, critically discuss whether the Right to Information should be given precedence over it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What is the rationale behind having a mandatory 'cooling-off' period for retired civil servants? In light of numerous instances of violation of this provision, do you think there is a need to have a relook at Civil Services Conduct Rules? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlighting the key features of POSHAN Abhiyan, explain how it is an improvement over previous interventions in achieving the goal of malnutrition free India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Give an account of the challenges that the multilateral rule-based trading system is facing. With special focus on WTO, discuss how these challenges can be addressed effectively. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Highlight the major impediments affecting India-US trade relations. What possible consequences can the recent withdrawal of Generalized System of Preference (GSP) have on India-US trade relations? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"In a democratic setup, it is imperative that independence be balanced with accountability. Discuss in the context of judiciary in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Despite various strengths, there are certain weaknesses in the existing structure of departments of the government which render the system slow and cumbersome. Analyze. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the light of criticism surrounding the composition and functioning of Rajya Sabha, do you think it exists merely as a secondary house of the Parliament? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Despite legislative changes with respect to funding of political parties in recent years, many challenges still exist with regards to transparency in electoral funding. Discuss. Can state funding of elections help in addressing these challenges? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Successful and long-lasting urban transformation critically depends on reforming the way our cities are governed. In this context, highlight the challenges plaguing urban governance in India and suggest some strategies to overcome those challenges. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Explain the role that SHGs play in poverty alleviation in India. Highlighting the shortcomings of the SHG-Bank Linkage programme, give some suggestions to improve its performance. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Despite initiatives taken by the government in recent years to address the challenges of the Indian higher education system, many reforms are still required to improve its quality and enhance its relevance. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Giving an account of the progress made under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, mention the challenges that it faces in achieving its target. How can the implementation of the programme be fast-tracked? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Island nations of the Indian Ocean hold immense strategic value in shaping the geopolitical contours of the region and ensuring maritime security of India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Development assistance, a key instrument in India's foreign policy, has seen a considerable expansion in the past few years both in its scope and reach. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5968,"topper":"Rahul Goel","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6675c-122982_1247_rahul-goel_rank_168.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Mention the structure and functions of NITI Aayog. Also, comment on its contemporary relevance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Critically discuss the practice of setting up Fast Track Courts to reduce pendency of cases in the judiciary. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the challenges faced by lower judiciary in India and suggest measures for enhancing their productivity. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Assess the need to formalise the process of post-legislative scrutiny to improve the effectiveness of laws. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in improving the effectiveness of e-governance in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Despite various reforms in the public grievance redressal mechanisms, their effectiveness remain limited. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Explaining the factors that contribute to trafficking of women and children in India, highlight the steps taken in recent times to combat it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"With Vector-Borne Diseases (VBDs) reaching epidemic proportions in India, highlight the factors that have led to their emergence. Also, suggest some measures for their effective control and management. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"After years of neglect, rapidly evolving regional strategic realities are now forcing India and Indonesia to coordinate their policies ever more closely. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Despite several attempts at resetting the ties, various barriers continue to be a cause of concern in the India-Nepal bilateral relations. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Delineate the differences between pressure groups and interest groups. Citing examples, elaborate on the ways in which pressure groups influence government decisions and policy making in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlighting the issues faced by the institutions of local self governance in India, suggest measures that can be taken to improve their effectiveness in the delivery of public goods and services at the grassroot level. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The recent amendment to the Right to Information Act, 2005 will weaken the act and undermine the authority of Information Commissioners. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight the process of delimitation in India. Also, throw light on the debates surrounding the delimitation exercise in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Self Help Groups (SHGs) are vehicles of rural development, which help in the upliftment of marginalized groups. Elucidate. Further, mention the constraints faced by SHGs and how they can be addressed. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"With construction of toilets being only one part of the solution for a clean India, it is time that the Swachh Bharat Mission puts more emphasis on the other facets as well. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Highlight the salient features of Mission Indradhanush. What are the challenges that the mission is facing in its implementation? Suggest measures to address these challenges for progressing towards full immunization coverage. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Assess the importance of skilling in light of changing economic and demographic structure in India. In this regard, how far has the Skill India Mission succeeded in its mandate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What according to you are the reasons that motivated India to create a dedicated Indo-Pacific division in the MEA recently? Also, highlight the challenges for India in the Indo-Pacific region. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"For SCO to become a successful regional grouping, it has to overcome bilateral differences between its members and their respective geopolitical calculations. Comment. Also, discuss the role that SCO can play in enhancing India's interest in the Eurasian region. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":5969,"topper":"RAHUL HIJAM","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/17/gspm23b13025_tc032.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Little strokes fell great oaks.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Judge a man by his questions rather than his answers.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Great principles,great ideals know no nationality.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"In struggling with misfortune lies the true proof of virtue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"The whole purpose of Education is to turn mirrors into windows.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"To dwell is to garden.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"Reality is the shadow of ideas.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"We can not despair of humanity, since we ourselves are human beings.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5970,"topper":"RAHUL HIJAM","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/16/gspm23b13025_tc031.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"If you look into someone's face long enough, eventually you feel that you are looking into yourself.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"It is the province of knowledge to speak and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Drop the question what tomorrow may bring, and count as profit every day that fate allows you.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Truth, like a torch, the more it is shook, it shines.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Art is I; science is We.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Only the dead have seen the end of the war.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Act as if it were impossible to fail.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5971,"topper":"RAHUL HIJAM","air":740,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/15/gspm23b13025_tc030.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5972,"topper":"RAHUL HIJAM","air":740,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/151/gspm23b13025_tc047-test-01-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5973,"topper":"RAHUL HIJAM","air":740,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/152/gspm23b13025_tc048-test-02-gs01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5974,"topper":"RAHUL HIJAM","air":740,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/157/gspm23b13025_tc055-test-09-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5975,"topper":"RAHUL HIJAM","air":740,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/153/gspm23b13025_tc049-test-03-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5976,"topper":"RAHUL HIJAM","air":740,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/158/gspm23b13025_tc056-test-10-gs02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5977,"topper":"RAHUL HIJAM","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/159/gspm23b13025_tc057-test-011-gs-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Differentiate between Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Wholesale Price Index (WPI). Do you think that CPI is a better measure of inflation as compared to WPI? Substantiate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Jobless growth is an inherent feature of India's growth trajectory. What are the major reasons behind the high unemployment rate in India? Suggest remedial measures to improve the overall employment growth rate in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Bringing urea under the NBS Scheme is seen as the panacea for all the issues related to fertiliser subsidies in India as well as for the environmental problems of agriculture. Highlighting the issues related to urea management, suggest reforms are required to improve the usage of urea in a sustainable manner in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"India's food security faces challenges from not just domestic factors but also global factors. Comment. 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(Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Poor building design, flagrant violations of building codes and fire safety norms and overcrowding of spaces are responsible for the rising risk of fires in urban areas. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Ethnic conflicts and cross-border migration along India-Myanmar and India-Bangladesh borders impact India's internal security. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"What are the main challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in investigating and prosecuting cases of money laundering, and how can they be overcome? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Low tax buoyancy often translates into higher deficits and debt. Can a higher direct tax rate improve the overall tax-to-GDP ratio in India? What other steps can be undertaken to revamp the overall tax structure in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Startups are the driving engines of the fast-changing modern economy. Why have Indian startups failed to realise their potential? What steps can be undertaken to improve the profitability and performance of startups in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Import of edible oils forms a major part of India's import bill. In this context, evaluate the importance of the recently launched National Mission on Edible Oils and Oil Palm (NMEO-OP). What are the environmental concerns related to increasing palm oil production in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"A robust livestock economy can act as a parallel source of farmers' income. Highlighting the role of the livestock economy in the agriculture sector in India discuss the challenges faced by the livestock sector in India. Suggest interventions that can strengthen the livestock sector to contribute to the overall well-being of the farmers. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Nuclear fusion has been hailed as the energy source of the future, with the potential to provide clean, safe, and virtually limitless energy. Discuss the scientific principles behind nuclear fusion and the challenges and opportunities in harnessing this technology for practical applications. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What have been the difficulties in the administration of IPRs in India? Suggest measures to improve the administration of IPRs in order to encourage an innovation-led economy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The recent amendments in the Wildlife Protection Act provide a framework to prevent illegal trade in wild animals and plants to ensure that their survival is not threatened. In this regard, mention the implications of illegal wildlife trade in India and analyse the effectiveness of the recent amendments to address the issue. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Analyse the factors that contribute to the increased incidence and severity of floods in urban areas and the measures that can be taken to reduce the risk and enhance the resilience of the population. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Do you think that intelligence and law enforcement agencies in India have the necessary resources and capabilities to effectively tackle the link between organised crime and terrorism? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"India needs to update its Information Technology Act, of 2000 to deal with emerging internal and external communication security and to make the cyber ecosystem more safe and secure. Discuss. 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HIJAM","air":740,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/145/gspm23b13025_tc052-test-06-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5991,"topper":"RAHUL HIJAM","air":740,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/146/gspm23b13025_tc053-test-07-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5992,"topper":"RAHUL HIJAM","air":740,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/147/gspm23b13025_tc055-test-09-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5993,"topper":"RAHUL HIJAM","air":740,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/148/gspm23b13025_tc056-test-10-gs02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5994,"topper":"RAHUL HIJAM","air":740,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/150/gspm23b13025_tc058-test-012-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":5995,"topper":"Rahul Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c87af-24773_848_rahul_jain_rank_21.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Parliamentary control over executive in India exists more in theory than in practice. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Compare and contrast pressure groups with political parties. Describe the different techniques through which pressure groups influence policies in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"What are the constitutional provisions that ensure and safeguard the independence and impartiality of the Election Commission? In this context also identify the flaws that need to be addressed to further strengthen the institution.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"CAG is instrumental in securing accountability of the executive to the Parliament in the sphere of financial administration. Elaborate. Enumerate the provisions made in the Constitution to ensure the independence of the CAG.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Though judicial activism has made the judiciary more people friendly, there is also a negative side to the idea of a pro-active judiciary in the form of judicial overreach. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"What are the provisions under the Tenth Schedule of the Indian Constitution? Does it unduly curb the right of legislators to dissent?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Parliamentary committees perform an important function of maintaining continuous accountability of the Executive. Explain. What are the factors that limit the functioning of these committees?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"The position of Rajya sabha is neither as weak as the British House of Lords nor as strong as the United States Senate. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Fundamental Duties, though significant, have certain limitations. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Compare and contrast First Past the Post system with the system of Proportional Representation. Is India now ready to shift from First Past the Post to Proportional Representation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Elaborate the process of legislation in the Indian Parliament for an ordinary bill. How is a money bill different from an ordinary bill?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Highlight the features of Inter-State Council as defined under Article 263 of the Constitution. Is there a need to establish a permanent Inter-State Council? Discuss with reference to the recommendations of Sarkaria Commission.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Distinguish between the expressions 'Union of India' and 'Territory of India'? What is the Parliamentary procedure with respect to reorganisation of states in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"What are the constitutional provisions governing the financial relations between the Union and the States. Comment on the role of Finance Commission in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Discuss the structure, powers and limitations of National Human Rights Commission.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Discuss how the concept of basic structure, although not specifically defined in the Indian constitution, is an Indian judicial innovation. Tracing the evolution of basic structure doctrine in India highlight its salient features.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Part IV of the Indian Constitution has great value as it provides for social and economic democracy as distinguished from political democracy. In light of the above statement, discuss the importance and limitations of this part of the constitution.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Tracing the evolution of panchayati raj since independence highlight its achievements in facilitating the inclusion of vulnerable sections of society in the political process.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Enumerate the discretionary powers of the Governor mentioned in the Indian Constitution. Why is it said that the post of governor has become highly politicised?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Briefly enlist the constitutional provisions related to tribunals in India. Critically analyze the role of tribunals in the Indian judicial system.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5996,"topper":"Rahul Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c722e-24773_852_rahul_jain_rank_21.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"How does an age structure changing towards a lower 'dependency ratio' creates a demographic advantage or 'dividend'? Explain in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Exclusion, humiliation-subordination and exploitation are all equally important in defining the phenomenon of untouchability. Explain. Give an account of the provisions in the Indian Constitution and the steps taken by the government to compensate for past and present caste discriminations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"How does Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) helps in minimizing the adverse impacts of large infrastructure projects? Examine whether it is an effective management tool to achieve sustainable development. Also, suggest some reforms for its improvement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"The differently abled are turned into 'disabled' because the society is built in a manner that does not cater to their needs. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"What is the purpose behind formulation of National Air Quality Index (AQI)? What information does it convey? Discuss the distribution of AQI across various regions in India. Also suggest some measures to improve it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the impact of globalization on mass media in India. Also examine whether cinema influences society or it is vice-versa.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Green revolution was hailed as a major scientific achievement when it was introduced. However, in the long term, certain negative social as well as environmental consequences came to the fore. Examine. Suggest some safeguards that the government should take while ushering in the second Green Revolution.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"What are wetlands and how are they different from lakes? Why are wetlands considered ecologically important? Critically examine the Draft Wetland Rules 2016.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Degradation of natural resources can occur, not just by the action of pollutants but also by improper resource utilization practices. Explain along with appropriate examples and suggest possible solutions for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"India was one of the first countries to explicitly announce an official population policy in 1952. Critically analyse various aspects of the population policy of the country over the years.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Regionalism in India is not only rooted in India's diversity of languages, cultures, tribes and religions but also fuelled by a sense of regional deprivations. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Inspite of accounting for 4% of world water resources India has been facing an acute water crisis. Discuss. In context of the National Water Policy, 2012 enumerate the steps that can be adopted for sustainable use of water resources.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Global warming would not only result in change in global climate but will also adversely impact biodiversity, global food production, global health and world politics. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Discuss the relevance of sacred groves and forests in protection of biodiversity in India. Also, highlight the various challenges associated with the conservation of sacred groves.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"The Chipko movement not only raised the issue of ecological sustainability but also those related to socio-economic inequalities and political representation. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"What are the causes for the loss of biodiversity? Why is it necessary to conserve biodiversity? Explain the in-situ and ex-situ measures of conservation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Explain the Ozone hole phenomenon and discuss why it is distinctly pronounced over Antarctic as compared to other regions. Examine the success of the Montreal Protocol in combating ozone depletion.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"'Swachh Bharat' cannot succeed unless there is adequate management of solid waste in India. In this context, enumerate the salient features of the new Solid Waste Management Rules (SWM) 2016. Also discuss to what extent they can help in achieving the aims of 'Swachh Bharat'.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Despite numerous efforts by the government, the Child Sex Ratio (CSR) in India has been on the downward trend. Discuss the causes and implications of this trend. Also, suggest some measures required to improve the scenario.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Give an account of the causes of noise pollution and examine its impact on human health. Enumerate the steps taken by the government to deal with noise pollution.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5997,"topper":"Rahul Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/84bc8-24773_859_rahul_jain_rank_21.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Analyse the reasons behind the demand for linguistic provinces and apprehensions among the national leadership on this issue after independence. Also explain how this issue was resolved.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"What were the factors that led to the declaration of Emergency in 1975? Why is it considered as the dark period of Indian democracy? In this context, discuss the response to the imposition of emergency among the masses, media and political class.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Though India was facing several difficult problems, it has been argued that Lal Bahadur Shastri's government did not deal with them in a decisive manner and followed a policy of drift instead. Critically discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Events around the globe at beginning of the last decade of 20th century, influenced multiple changes in India which had long lasting consequences. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"In the context of Punjab crisis it can be argued that language, religion and regionalism combined into a potentially explosive situation which political elites struggled to contain. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The role of women since independence has not been confined to issues of women alone, rather they have played an important role in the issues related to peasants, tribals, farmers, trade unions and environment. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Not only was Japan able to escape imperialist control, it also underwent a process of modernization that enabled her to emerge as a world power. Discuss. Also analyse the reasons for emergence of 'military-fascism' in Japan.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"In what ways did Cuba play a siginificant role in shaping the cold war? Analyse the factors that led to the period of détente between the United States and USSR.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"The events that led to the American Revolution had causes rooted in the social, economic, political and ideological context of that time. Elaborate. Also, bring out the influence that the American Revolution had on the French Revolution.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Examine the root causes behind ethnic assertion and secessionist tendencies by various tribal communities of Northeast India. Also discuss why institutional mechanisms for their accomodation and assimilation have proved to be ineffective.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Discuss the immediate challenges faced by India in the process of nation building and ways in which these were sought to be addressed in the first few decades. Also examine whether some of these challenges still persist.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"The transformation in agriculture was also reflected in social as well as political relations in India. Analyse in the context of green revolution and rise of a new agrarian class.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Examine the factors that resulted in the formation of Non Aligned Movement (NAM). What was the significance of the movement in the international arena? Also assess the relevance of the movement in the contemporary world.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"The disintegration of Soviet Union was followed by a transition in both economic and political spheres. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Even though there is much that is wrong with the European Union (EU), its achievements can not be discounted either. Discuss","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Cooperativization was seen as an important element in the agenda for institutional changes sought to be achieved through land reforms. Discuss. Also explain why the progress made by the cooperative movement in India largely fell far short of the goals set by its early proponents.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Napoleon's conquest of Europe was a source of new wave of modernisation, the legacy of which continues till date. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"United States entered the Vietnam war incrementally, in a series of steps between 1950 and 1965. Elucidate. Also analyse the reasons for America's failure in the war.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Weaknesses inherent in the structure and functions of the League of Nations were a decisive factor in its inability to maintain peace. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Whatever its faults, the China of today is very much the creation of Mao Zedong. In this context, highlight the problems that Mao faced after the communist victory in 1949 and the steps taken by him to deal with these.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5998,"topper":"Rahul Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e12bf-24773_853_rahul_jain_rank_21.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the issues relating to surrogacy that have been arising in India. To what extent does the Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2016 addresses these issues?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"It has been argued that many civil servants rise to higher levels of incompetence as their career advances. Examine the statement and discuss how far lateral entry and premature retirement can address the inadequacies of the bureaucracy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"What are the different institutional arrangements in India to promote cooperation between the Centre and States? Critically analyse the role of Inter-State Council to enhance cooperative federalism in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"In view of the idea of holding simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies, discuss the advantages that its implementation would lead to and the concerns that it raises.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Proliferaton of Ministries and Departments in the government not only leads to weak coordination and integration but also fragmentation of functions. Comment in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The judiciary has been actively encroaching on the powers of legislative and executive authorities in India and in doing so has been doing a disservice to governance in the country. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Examine the reasons behind the government's decision to dismantle the plan-non-plan classification of expenditure. How will the new classification of schemes into 'core of the core', 'core' and 'Optional' address the shortcomings of the earlier classification?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"The amendment to do away with the domicile requirement for elections to the Rajya Sabha has militated against the very purpose that guided the Constituent Assembly to create the Council of States and reduced it to a mere revising chamber. Critically analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Discuss the significance of the concept of Office of Profit as enshrined in the Indian Constitution. Why has it been embroiled in controversies for a long time? Analyse the role played by judiciary in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"The provisions of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution devolve some essential powers to the lower levels in order to cater to the needs of the tribal community. Discuss, while examining the modern day challenges faced by the institutions set up under the Sixth Schedule.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"The political empowerment of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) has not been accompanied by empowerment in other spheres. Comment. Also examine whether devolving functional autonomy, administrative support and financial resources to the PRIs can help in overcoming the issues related to PRIs.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"While it has been argued that the judiciary should be brought under RTI, a balance also needs to be maintained between independence of the judiciary and the right of people to know. In this context, discuss the pros and cons of bringing the judiciary under the ambit of RTI.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Differentiate between pressure groups and political parties. It is often said that pressure groups are primarily a consequence of inadequacies of the political parties in India. Discuss the above statement in the context of rising environmental protection groups.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Give an account of the factors responsible for the limited success of Lok Adalats. What measures are required to ensure that Lok Adalats function as an effective dispute redressal mechanism?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"What do you understand by Inner Line Permit (ILP)? Critically examine the demand of Manipuri people for the implementation of ILP in the state. What possible measures can be taken to resolve the deadlock over this issue?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Government advertisements have often been viewed as misuse of taxpayer's money for enhancing the image of political parties. Discuss in the light of recent SC rulings. Also enumerate the recommendations made by the Twentieth Law Commission to address the issue of paid news and political advertisements.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"In a paradigmatic shift from the command and control approach of the past, NITI Aayog accommodates diverse points of view in a collaborative, rather than confrontationist setting. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Vast powers have been vested in the office of the Speaker to strengthen the democratic institutions of the parliamentary system, and not to stifle dissent or protest in the House. Comment in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Tenth Schedule of the Constitution and the subsequent amendments have failed at solving the problem of defections and opportunistic politics. Critically analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"It is the Parliamentary system, with its basis on constant accountability, accommodation and inclusion, which can best serve the needs of the country. Examine, keeping in mind the arguments that are periodically put forward for adopting the Presidential system in India.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":5999,"topper":"Rahul Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2f3c0-24773_874_rahul_jain_rank_21.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The greatness of the Mughal achievement in the political unification of India was matched by the splendour and beauty of the work of architects, poets, historians, painters and musicians who flourished in the period. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Traditionally, India had developed wide-ranging water harvesting techniques in keeping with the local ecological conditions and their water needs. Substantiate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Imperial rivalries of 18th Century Europe were played out in India as well. Comment in the context of the Carnatic Wars.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"The Lucknow session of 1916 was a watershed event during the freedom struggle of India due to various reasons. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Reforms initiated by the Justice Party became a model for social affirmative action in the country. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"War in the Korean Peninsula proved to be disastrous for Korea, a missed opportunity for the United States and a defining moment for China. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"The Munich Pact brought neither peace nor stability in relations between European countries, rather it turned out to be an act of appeasement that made war inevitable. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Explain how Gandhi's non-violent philosophy influenced Martin Luther King Jr.'s methods. Also discuss the contributions and accomplishments of King to ensure civil rights for all people regardless of race in America.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Apart from the linguistic reorganisation of states, the three language formula was an important part of government policy to address the language question in India. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Enumerate the measures for the welfare of Unorganised Workers in India. In the context of problems being faced by 'domestic helps', discuss the need for additional measures to safeguard their interests.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"The manner in which the mentally ill have been treated in India suggests that policy measures alone may not be sufficient to address the challenges faced by them. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Highlight the characteristics of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) and discuss the challenges faced by them. Also enumerate the measures taken by the government to address these challenges.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"While suburbanisation is a common phenomenon in most urbanising countries, it is occurring at a relatively early stage of India's urban development. Enumerating the reasons behind this development, highlight the challenges it is creating for Indian cities.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Various geographical and anthropogenic factors have rendered Brahmaputra Valley susceptible to recurrent floods. Discuss the causes and suggest suitable measures of mitigation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Give a brief account of Earth's heat budget. Also discuss how increasing concentration of carbon dioxide in Earth's atmosphere effects it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Give an outline of the major geological events that have shaped the present drainage system of Peninsular India. Also, explain why peninsular rivers are unsuitable for navigation but facilitate hydroelectric power generation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Elaborate with examples as to how government policies influence the location of industries. Also, mention the steps taken by the Government of India to stimulate industrial activity in backward regions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Explain, in brief, the process of cloud formation. Also, elucidate how clouds can help in weather forecasting.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"The socio-economic and ecological consequences of soil degradation are far-reaching. Discuss. Suggest measures that can be taken to restore soil fertility and arrest soil degradation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Development of island territories requires a careful balancing of environmental and tribal concerns with exploitation of economic potential. Elaborating on the threats faced by island territories of India, comment on the recent measures proposed by the government regarding their development.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6000,"topper":"Rahul Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/bee72-24773_875_rahul_jain_rank_21.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Centralising recruitment through an All-India Judicial Service (AIJS) will not address the multiple problems in the judiciary and cause new ones instead. Critically evaluate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"The roots of the most pertinent challenges faced by Indian politics today can be traced to the lack of intra-party democracy in candidate selection and internal elections. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"While the idea behind merger of autonomous bodies in India is to curb overlapping work and reduce expenditure, it may end up doing more harm than good. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Well-defined electoral laws and greater powers for the Election Commission of India are required as the existing laws and mechanisms are inadequate to deal with new challenges. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Privileges should be defined and delimited for the free and independent functioning of the legislatures. In this context, discuss whether there is a need to re-examine the balance between fundamental rights and parliamentary privileges in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The principle of accountability is an essential part of the rule of law. In this context, discuss the lacunae in government's approach and judiciary's response to the phenomenon of extrajudicial killings in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Explain the rationale behind enacting the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016. Discuss how it can help in revitalizing consumer confidence in the real estate market. Also highlight the hurdles that remain in implementing it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Moving the subject of water from state list to concurrent list will solve the issues related to governance of water resources. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Give an account of the areas of potential conflict in the relationship between the political executive and civil servants. Also discuss why a healthy working relationship between the two is critical for good governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Despite their location in the non-political domain of civil society, NGOs have ended up playing a key, if indirect, role in India's politics. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Magnitude of India's urbanisation is not unusual but the pattern is. In this context, examine the issues in the governance of cities in India. Also suggest the reforms required to make Indian cities dynamos of competitive sub-federalism.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Social boycott should be treated as a criminal offence, rather than being considered as just another form of social evil plaguing the Indian society. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Human Trafficking in India has emerged as a serious issue, which calls for understanding the complexity of the problem and devising an effective strategy to combat it. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"A weak teacher education system is at the core of India's problems in school education. Evaluate. In this context, also enumerate the recommendations of the High-Powered Commission on Teacher Education constituted by the Supreme Court of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"It has been argued that the recent order of the Supreme Court to prevent the misuse of Section 498A institutionalises the prejudices and rehabilitates the myths, which the women's movement in India has battled over decades. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"As strategic interests between India and US continue to converge, defence has emerged as a major area of cooperation between the two. Discuss the significance and possible implications of this development.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"India's contribution to peacekeeping missions of the United Nations has remained steadfast despite changes in the nature, form and variety of UN peace keeping missions. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"India's partnership with Africa is an amalgam of African development priorities as well as India's development objectives. Discuss. Also highlight the initiatives taken by India in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Comment on the role of International Court of Justice in upholding the values of international law. In this context, also highlight the association of India with the ICJ over the years.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"In view of the focus on trans-regional economic corridors and changing regional geo-politics and geo-economics, critically discuss the idea of an Indo-Pacific Economic Corridor.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6001,"topper":"Rahul Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/89c5a-24773_872_rahul_jain_rank_21.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The \"Outcome Budget\" reflects the endeavour of the Government to convert \"Outlays\" into \"Outcomes\". Explain. Also, diskuss why the potential of outcome budgeting remains untapped in the Indian context. (Answer in 200 words)","marks":null,"words":"200"},{"page":6,"question":"What is agroforestry? Discuss its potential in making agriculture sustainable and viable. In this context, discuss the salient features of National Agroforestry Policy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Comment on the problem of rising Non Performing Assets (NPAs) in India, with particular reference to public sector banks. Examine the effectiveness of the steps taken by the government in recent times to deal with this problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"To address the issue of unemployment, we need a multipronged approach and not just a focus on growth. Examine the statement in the context of various measures taken by the government in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Nuclear power has a great potential in India to supplement and in the longer term even substitute coal based power as base load. Discuss. Also, mention the steps taken by the Government of India in order to achieve nuclear energy self-sufficiency.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The agriculture sector needs government support but loan waivers are not the solution. Discuss the statement in the light of recent developments in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"What are the objectives of District Mineral Foundation? Discuss the challenges that need to be addressed for this institution to achieve its desired objectives.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"What factors explain India's poor merchandise export performance in recent times? Enumerate some recent measures taken by the government to help boost merchandise exports.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Despite numerous health hazards associated with traditional cooking energy fuels, access to clean cooking in India still continues to be a luxury. Discuss. Also enumerate the steps taken by the government to make it accessible along with the challenges faced in the process.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Taxing agricultural income is an idea whose time has come. Critically discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Dismantling of administered price mechanism for fuels is being deemed as a significant piece of economic reform. Analyse. Also, discuss how the recently introduced dynamic fuel pricing can prove to be beneficial for both the OMCs as well as consumers.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Ensuring that buildings comply with green norms will require much more than current arrangements. Analyse. Also discuss the relevant features of the new building code issued by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Given the worsening of air quality in National Capital Region, discuss the need for Graded Response Action Plan against air pollution and the challenges in its implementation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"A new disease emerging in any part of the world is a global threat. In the context of \"zoonoses\" and \"emerging infectious diseases\", analyse the risks for India. Also, identify the structures in place and measures required to combat these risks.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"There is a growing recognition that efforts should not be limited to post-disaster relief and reconstruction, rather development paradigm should integrate disaster risk reduction strategies. Discuss in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"The emphasis on TRIPS plus by developed countries is contrary to the position and interest of developing countries like India. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Coherently dealing with security threats facing India requires deeper operational synergies among the army, navy and air force. Discuss in the light of the latest Joint Doctrine for Indian Armed forces. Also, delineate the reasons for resistance to the idea of a joint Chief of Defence Staff over the years.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Over the years, laws dealing with money laundering have proved to be less than effective. Briefly discuss the statement in the context of government's proposal to make money laundering a separate criminal offence. Also enumerate the recommendations made by FATF to combat money laundering.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"In the context of recent developments briefly explain the issues involved in the Doklam area. What are the challenges that India faces in the management of border with China? In this context, also identify key steps taken by India over the years.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6002,"topper":"Rahul Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7f397-24773_877_rahul_jain_rank_21.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The seeds of patriarchy and gender inequality are sown at home, which manifest as a weed at the societal level. Elucidate. Suggest an ethical framework to systematically address the issue of patriarchy in the Indian society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"What are the factors which drive people to take law in their own hands rather than following the due process of law? Discuss ways to address the problem of mob justice.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"In a democracy, the purpose of the government should be to make it easy for people to do good and difficult to do wrong. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss John Stuart Mill's idea on freedom of thought and expression. Also, give reasons as to why, according to Mill, representative democracy is the best form of government despite its inherent weaknesses.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"It is argued by some that nuclear weapons have acted more as a deterrent than leading to war and mass destruction. In this context, discuss whether it is ethically right to possess nuclear weapons to create nuclear deterrence.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Differentiate between administration and leadership. Highlighting the traits which characterize an effective leader, discuss the importance of leadership in ensuring effective public service delivery in a bureaucratic setup.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Apart from functional knowledge and expertise, the efficacy of a civil servant also depends upon his emotional intelligence. How does emotional intelligence contribute to efficacy? How can civil servants enhance their emotional intelligence?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Enumerate the mechanisms that promote accountability of public officials in discharging their functions and responsibilities in India. Also discuss why ensuring accountability for performance is not a simple task in government service.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) \"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"\"Prejudices are what fools use for reason.\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Ensuring that government decisions are not influenced by public officials' private interests is a growing concern. Discuss in the context of India. Also enumerate the core principles reflected by OECD guidelines for managing conflict of interest in the public sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Discuss, with examples, the significance of principles of public life as recommended by Nolan committee. Why are these principles considered as an essential set of expectations from public servants?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"A peculiar inhuman situation exists for the people fleeing from war zones - they cannot go back to their homeland for fear of being persecuted and no country is ready to bear their burden due to various reasons. Citing contemporary examples, discuss the ethical issues involved in such situations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"As the administrator in-charge of your area, you are witness to the widespread food wastage in lavish parties as well as in restaurants and eateries, on one hand and people starving due to inability to ensure one square-meal a day, on the other. Realizing that it is not the scarcity of resources, but the habit of people that is causing paucity in availability of food, you decide that certain measures are needed to be taken in order to deal with the issue of starvation at the grassroot level. 20 Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) What measures would you take to deal with wastage of food in your area? (c) What explains this co-existence of affluence and hunger in developing countries like India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"The excluded and marginalized section of society are worst hit by globalization. Take the case of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) like Sentinelese of Andaman & Nicobar islands; their population has reduced drastically and they are facing various other problems as well. In this context answer the following questions: 20 (a) What are the challenges faced by PVTGs due to globalisation? (b) If you are posted as a Development Officer in such an area, what will be your priorities to reduce their vulnerabilities and ensure welfare?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6003,"topper":"Rahul Kanwaria","air":350,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/RAHUL-KANWARIA-UPSC-2023-Rank-350-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6004,"topper":"Rahul Kanwaria","air":350,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/RAHUL-KANWARIA-UPSC-2023-Rank-350-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6005,"topper":"Rahul Kanwaria","air":350,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/RAHUL-KANWARIA-UPSC-2023-Rank-350-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6006,"topper":"Rahul Kanwaria","air":350,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/RAHUL-KANWARIA-UPSC-2023-Rank-350-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6007,"topper":"Rahul Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5622e-430778_1256_rahul_kumar_rank_141.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. Achieving Balanced Regional Development in India: Challenges and Strategies","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"5. \"Good government is No Substitute for Self Government\" - M.K. Gandhi","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6008,"topper":"Rahul Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c74df-430778_1416_rahul-kumar_rank_141.pdf","questions":[{"page":30,"question":"3) Preservation of flora and fauna through aim of carbon neutral economy","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6009,"topper":"Rahul Kumar","air":141,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/19625-430778_1525_rahul-kumar_rank_141.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6010,"topper":"Rahul Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/bb6bf-363343_1244_rahul-mishra_rank_202.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the need of an Independent Fiscal Council (IFC) in bringing about transparency and accountability in fiscal processes in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Recognizing the potential of exports in generating employment, a number of steps need to be taken to address India's weakening export competitiveness. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlighting the main features of National Mineral Policy, 2019, discuss how it can help in ensuring sustainable and responsible mining. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlighting the salient features of the PM JI-VAN Yojana, analyze how it can assist in achieving the vision and goals of the National Policy on Biofuels, 2018. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) provides an alternative to capital and chemical intensive agriculture currently being practiced in India. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Marine life is facing 'irreparable damage' from the millions of tonnes of plastic waste which ends up in the oceans each year. In this context, examine the implications of plastic pollution on marine ecosystem and suggest some measures for addressing this problem. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are black holes? Highlight the challenges in imaging a black hole? How were these challenges overcome by the Event Horizon Telescope project? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"While mentioning the objectives of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), discuss the challenges which are hindering the utilization of the ATT to its full potential. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Threats to internal security of India may be posed both through the communication networks and also to the networks. Discuss. Also, highlight the steps taken by the government in making the networks more secure. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlight the importance and challenges related to integration of Variable Renewable Energy (VRE) in India. Mention some steps that can be taken for its smooth integration with the synchronized Indian grid. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"There have been arguments that India could fall into a 'middle income trap'. Explaining the phenomenon, highlight the reasons behind such arguments. How can India avoid it? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Highlighting its importance, discuss the major issues that plague effective monetary policy transmission in India. Also, mention the steps taken by RBI to improve it. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight the constraints faced by rainfed agriculture in India. Discuss some agronomic practices that can be adopted for stabilizing agricultural production in rainfed areas. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite the steps taken by the government in recent years, a number of problems continue to persist in the urea sector in India. Discuss. What reforms should be taken to address the persisting problems? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What is Access and Benefit Sharing? Explain how it aids in sustainable use of biodiversity. Also, mention the different global and national level mechanisms for ensuring Access and Benefit Sharing. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Stating the significance, discuss the challenges in achieving disaster resilience of infrastructure. Suggest some ways for mainstreaming it in the development paradigm. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Highlighting the significance of data localization for India, discuss various challenges associated with data localization. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Money Laundering as a socio economic offence is a menace especially for developing countries like India. Comment. What measures have been taken at the domestic and international levels to deal with this menace? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The primary motive of terrorism differs from that of organised crime but there exists a symbiotic relationship between the two. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6011,"topper":"Rahul Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/46343-363343_1242_rahul-mishra_rank_202.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Tribal art in India generally reflects the creative energy found in rural areas that acts as an undercurrent to the craftsmanship. Explain with reference to the Worli and Gond paintings. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Though it had its achievements, the exclusion of Indians from the system was a key feature of judicial reforms introduced by Cornwallis. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Marshall Plan was important in the recovery of the European states from the aftermath of the Second World War. However, it also became a crucial factor in the creation of two Europes i.e. East and West. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Examine the causes behind the existence of bonded labour in contemporary India. Also, discuss the steps that should be taken for its redress. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"State the factors that enhance the risk for initiation or continuation of abuse of drugs by the youth. What measures can be taken to address this issue? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Critically analyze the impact of globalization on culture in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"How do increasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions impact coastal and marine ecosystems? Highlight various measures that can be taken for protection and restoration of such vulnerable ecosystems. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Explain the phenomenon of a Polar Vortex. Also, comment on the reasons as to why tropical areas as south as Florida have been witnessing sub-zero temperatures in recent years. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The most powerful trend of medieval Indian literature is devotional poetry which dominates almost all the major languages of the country. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Discuss the major changes introduced by the Government of India Act, 1919 and its significance as a historical landmark in the Indian freedom struggle. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Multiple factors allowed the British to gain control over India. In this context, highlighting the main developments, trace the course of British conquest of India from 1757 to 1856. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"With India becoming increasingly urban and the urban poor increasing in number, it is imperative that the challenges they face be addressed urgently. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Violations of women's sexual and reproductive health rights are often deeply engrained in societal values and traditions. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by the term Land Degradation Neutrality? Highlight its significance and the steps required to achieve it. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"State the geographical and economic importance of Hindukush-Himalayan region. How are the critical geographical features of this region changing and what possible consequences will it have? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What is the most accepted reasoning behind occurrence of earth's magnetism? Discuss the factors behind its variation temporally and spatially. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Explain Walker Circulation. Discuss how it influences Indian Monsoon. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6012,"topper":"Rahul Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/25538-363343_1245_rahul-mishra_rank_202.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the attributes of leadership, analyse why it is important for a civil servant.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"A civil servant needs to be objective as well as empathetic. What do you understand by objectivity? Discuss its relationship with empathy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"With rapidly increasing use of information technology, what according to you is the role of ethics in cyber space?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Transparency in government organisations is an essential pre-condition for good governance. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but its lowest ones. Nelson Mandela","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"For achieving success, attitude is equally, if not more important than ability. Discuss with the help of examples from your daily life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"The core of high Emotional Intelligence is self-awareness. If you don't understand your own motivations and behaviours, it is nearly impossible to develop an understanding of others. Discuss with the help of appropriate examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by Integrity Pacts? Highlight the role they can play in bringing transparency in allotment of public contracts and ensuring proper utilization of public funds in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"In the context of rapid technological change, discuss the significance of inculcating moral and spiritual values in educational institutions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Explain the main elements of integral humanism as propounded by Deen Dayal Upadhyay and highlight its contemporary relevance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate in a district, where many large factories and commercial establishments are located. One such factory is owned by one of your close friends. You visit each other's home frequently and are often seen in public together. Recently, media reported about poor working conditions in your friend's factory. Upon enquiry with the labor office, you come to know that the factory has witnessed frequent labour unrests in the past as well. However, the labour officer told you that he was hesitating to take any action due to your proximity with the owner of the factory. With reference to the facts of the case, answer the following questions: (a) Identifying the stakeholders and public cause, discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) As the District Magistrate, what appropriate course of action will you take? Give reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are a resident of a remote tribal district, where there is high incidence of malnutrition. As a remedial measure, the District Magistrate has initiated a programme to promote millet cultivation, especially on the lands currently lying fallow in the district. However, this well-intentioned move of the officer receives flak from the local tribals as this may not only change their age-old food habits, but also alter their traditional agricultural practices. They further cite lower remunerative prices of millets as another reason for continuing with their existing crop production pattern. As a civil servant aspirant, who has a keen interest in development of tribal areas, answer the following questions: (a) What according to you are the key issues and challenges involved in the above situation? (b) Identify the key stakeholders and their respective interests. (c) Suggest a course of action that the District Magistrate can take keeping in mind the larger tribal interests.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6013,"topper":"Rahul Patil","air":224,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RAHUL-J-PATILUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-224-Sample-ESSAY-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. True leadership lies in serving not ruling.\n2. Democracy is not just the right to vote, it is the right to live in dignity.\n3. Growing regional aspirations and demand for greater autonomy: A challenge to Indian federalism.\n4. The ballot is stronger than the bullet.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"1. The great aim of education is not knowledge but action.\n2. The global south must redefine development through cooperation and justice.\n3. There is no health without mental health.\n4. If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6014,"topper":"Rahul Patil","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/526cc-472790_4514_rahul-patil_rank_224.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"In matters of conscience, the law of the majority has no place.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"He who opens a school door, closes a prison. SECTION - A","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"He who opens a school door, closes a prison.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Only in the depths of winter can we truly appreciate the warmth of spring.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6015,"topper":"Rahul Patil","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a5a0f-472790_2488_rahul-patil_rank_224.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"A mind all logic is like a knife all blade, it makes the hand bleed that uses it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"History is a cyclic poem written by time upon the memories of man.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6016,"topper":"Rahul Patil","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/54ca3-472790_4510_rahul-patil_rank_224.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Folk music serves as a repository of the cultural identity. Discuss the role of folk music in preserving cultural heritage and promoting social cohesion. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"How does the Vesara style of temple architecture represent a synthesis of the Nagara and Dravida styles? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the role played by Indians living abroad in advancing the cause of India's freedom struggle. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How did the Marshall Plan influence the economic recovery and political stability of post-war Europe? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Discuss the factors responsible for increased cyclonic activity in the Arabian Sea. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can technological interventions help in transforming the textile sector in India? What are the initiatives that the government has taken in this regard? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What is a seiche and how does it form? Discuss the geographical conditions under which seiches are most likely to occur. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"How has rapid urbanisation affected the socio-cultural landscape of peri-urban regions in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Examine the role of historical and socio-political factors in driving communalism in Indian politics. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Globalization has significantly influenced the aspirations, lifestyle, and value systems of Indian youth. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Examine how Chandragupta-II's reign symbolised a golden age of cultural development, laying the foundation for future advancements in Indian art and literature. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Evaluate the intended and unintended consequences of British educational policies for the Indian society in the colonial period. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"India's territorial disputes after independence were not merely about borders, but also encompass issues of national identity, historical grievances, and geopolitical strategies. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the geographical conditions responsible for the development of shola forests in the upper reaches of the Western Ghats. Highlight their ecological significance. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss the potential of natural hydrogen as a fuel to meet growing global energy demands? Why is it still an untapped industry? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Why is there a shift of labour-intensive industries from China to South and Southeast Asia? Discuss the advantages and challenges for India in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Explain the socio-economic transformations resulting from women's migration to metropolitan areas in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The institution of marriage in India is increasingly becoming a site of conspicuous consumption and commodification. Critically examine the impact of this commercialisation on social equity and gender relations. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Analyse how recognizing, reducing, and redistributing care work can foster gender equality and promote inclusive development in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Discuss the changing nature of family structures in urban India. How is it impacting elderly care and socialization of the youth? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6017,"topper":"Rahul Patil","air":224,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RAHUL-J-PATILUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-224-Sample-MGP-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) To what extent, in your opinion, have the ideals of the Preamble been realised in the country's 75-year constitutional journey?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) The evolution of property rights in India reflects an intricate relationship that exists between individual rights and public welfare. Discuss this statement with the help of relevant constitutional provisions and case laws.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3 Under what conditions can the ‘National’ Emergency be proclaimed by the President of India? What are the consequences when such a proclamation remains in force? When was it last imposed in the country?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) 'Lack of a binding framework for pre-legislative consultations in India limits citizen engagement in the lawmaking.' Propose measures to strengthen the role of public consultation in the legislative process.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 'The recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission have enabled the States to improve their fiscal conditions.' Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6 In what ways do industry and business associations contribute to socio-economic development in the country? Explain with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7 \"India's poverty lies in the eyes of the beholder.\" In light of this statement, examine the need for a credible and periodically updated poverty estimation framework in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 falls short of achieving its intended objectives. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) 'Starved of funds, shackled by geopolitics, WHO is facing a crisis of capacity and credibility.' Discuss the statement in the light of USA's withdrawal and its accusation of the health body of being 'biased towards China and mishandling the COVID-19 pandemic'.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) The world continues to operate in a 'my terrorist' versus 'your terrorist' paradigm. Explain. What strategies would you suggest to develop a unified, comprehensive, and rules-based global approach to tackle the menace of terrorism?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 Briefly explain the procedure laid down in the Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1951 for the registration of political parties with the Election Commission of India (ECI). What are Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs)? What concerns are associated with them? Does the ECI have powers to de-register a political party?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) Assess the role of NITI Aayog over the past decade in promoting cooperative and competitive federalism.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 'The post of Deputy Speaker goes beyond ceremonial significance and is indispensable to Indian parliamentary democracy.' Discuss with relevant constitutional provisions and conventions. Also, examine the implications of the prolonged vacancy of the Deputy Speaker's post.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 Is the growing demand for stricter regulation of online content justified, or does it pose a threat to the right to freedom of speech and expression? Examine in light of recent judicial pronouncements.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Critically examine the 'in-house procedure' adopted by the Apex Court to inquire into allegations of misconduct against judges of constitutional courts in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 Recent controversies over alleged malpractices in the electoral rolls have renewed demands for the mandatory linkage of Aadhaar with Voter ID. What is your opinion? Give reasons in support of your answer.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 Lateral entry into civil services is seen as a reformative step, yet it continues to attract criticism and controversy. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 While rankings aim to benchmark the performance of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), concerns remain about whether current ranking frameworks reflect the broader goals of education. Suggest measures to make the ranking system more objective, inclusive, and aligned with educational and societal outcomes.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19) Examine the factors behind the growing salience of the Arctic region in international politics. Discuss, in this context, strategies for India to recalibrate its Arctic engagement. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 Bangladesh is a key pillar of India's Neighborhood First policy, but recent developments on both sides threaten to disrupt the 'Sonali Adhyay' in bilateral relations. Analyze.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6018,"topper":"Rahul Patil","air":224,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RAHUL-J-PATILUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-224-Sample-MGP-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1 \"Inclusive growth is both a process and an outcome, ensuring that everyone has access to the benefits of economic growth.\" Discuss in Indian context.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Green budgeting integrates environmental considerations into the fiscal framework, ensuring that government budgets contribute to sustainable development. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Discuss the various challenges faced by Indian Railways. To what extent, in your opinion, can privatization help in addressing these challenges?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) What is the significance of Industrial Corridors in India? Identifying industrial corridors, explain their main characteristics.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) Though a critical component of India's growth engine, MSMEs grapple with multitude of challenges. Discuss. Also, suggest measures to support the growth of the MSME sector.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6 A robust and thriving food processing sector can address multiple issues plaguing Indian agriculture. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) Discuss how nuclear technology can be leveraged in enhancing food security and agricultural sustainability.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) \"India's heavy reliance on imported edible oils, stemming from multiple factors, calls for a comprehensive approach to boost domestic production and reduce this dependency.\" Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 What are the reasons for the huge growth of services vis-a-vis industry in the country? Explain the significance of a strong industrial base for self-reliant India ('Atmanirbhar Bharat')?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 Fintech's transformative capacity in fostering financial inclusion is evident but unlocking its full potential demands addressing key challenges. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) Despite being a progressive tax, only a small fraction of the adult population files income tax returns, and an even smaller segment pays taxes. Explore the factors that contribute to low tax compliance in India. Additionally, discuss ways to improve direct tax collection in the country.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) The HAM model, amalgamating attributes of EPC and BOT, emerges as a pragmatic approach for advancing infrastructure development in the country. Explain.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 The economic reforms of 1991 marked a significant leap forward for India's economy, ushering in a new era of liberalization, privatization, and globalization; however, as India marches towards 'Viksit Bharat' (developed India), the need is felt for 'Reforms 2.0'. Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 Explain the significance of agricultural marketing in the country. Outlining the key challenges it faces, suggest reforms to address them.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 India's ambitions for self-reliance in defence sector are commendable, yet the pace of technological indigenization has been sluggish. In light of the statement, discuss the key challenges faced by the country in indigenizing the defence sector. Also, mention the initiatives taken by the government in this regard.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 Effective multimodal transport is key to improving logistics efficiency, reducing transportation costs, and minimizing environmental impacts through decreased congestion and pollution. Elaborate. Also, suggest measures to ensure efficient multi-modal transport in the country.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17) The rationale behind the MSP system is well acknowledged, but it requires comprehensive reforms to mitigate the unintended consequences on the market and environment. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 Farm mechanization can drive rural prosperity and sustainable farming, but its widespread adoption is hindered by various factors. Discuss. Also, mention initiatives taken by the government to promote farm mechanization in the country.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 The transition from the green revolution to an 'evergreen revolution' is essential for sustainable agricultural growth. In this context, examine the impact of green revolution on Indian agriculture. What measures can be taken to usher in evergreen revolution?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20) The textile sector in India offers vast opportunities for growth, but the realization of its true potential is hindered by a multitude of challenges. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6019,"topper":"Rahul Patil","air":224,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RAHUL-J-PATILUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-224-Sample-MGP-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) How can quantum technologies optimize production processes and improve efficiency in the manufacturing sector?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) What is NISAR mission? How will it help in climate change monitoring and natural hazard management?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3 Integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) into our lives can change our world for the better, but it comes with its own set of risks and challenges. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Explain the 'Raman Effect' discovered by Sir C.V. Raman and show how it revolutionized the field of molecular physics.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) Biofuels can play a role in energy security by reducing India's reliance on imported fossil fuels and diversifying its energy mix. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) Define Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and bring out its significance in promoting sustainable development in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) \"Integrating technology at various stages of disaster management can enhance the effectiveness of disaster response strategies.\" Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8 The recent spike in terror-related incidents in Jammu and Kashmir has raised serious concerns within the country's security establishment. Highlighting the reasons for this spike, suggest steps to counter it.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 Examine the role of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in countering various internal security threats faced by the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) While the operational advantages of Integrated Theatre Commands (ITCs) are well-acknowledged, the path to implementation is fraught with challenges. Discuss in context of India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) Biotechnology, by integrating biological sciences with technological innovations, offers comprehensive solutions to some of the most pressing challenges in food production, waste management and human health. Elucidate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) Describe how the Gaganyaan mission can help achieve India's broader national objectives. Also, throw light on the key challenges that the mission faces.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 The recent stampedes in the country highlight the multiple factors responsible for such tragedies. Elaborate. Also, outline the key aspects of NDMA's guidelines on \"Crowd Management\" to prevent such incidents.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 \"Mangroves contribute significantly to the coastal economy and ecology, but they are threatened by numerous factors\". Elaborate. Also, state the measures taken by the government for mangrove conservation and restoration.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Despite notable improvements in India's disaster management framework since 2005, challenges persist in ensuring timely response and effective coordination during crises. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) Alongside the alarming depletion, rising pollution levels of groundwater resources are exacerbating the water crisis in India. In light of the statement, discuss the reasons for groundwater pollution in the country. Suggest remedial measures and mention the initiatives taken by the government in this regard.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17) Describe how the linkage between terrorism and organized crime poses challenges to internal security. What measures would you suggest to tackle this nexus and the threats emerging from it?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18) A range of interventions has led to improvement in the security situation in the North-East region of India, but several impediments to lasting peace still remain. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Examine the reasons for continuation of Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) in certain parts of the country. Also suggest multi-pronged strategy to tackle the menace of LWE.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20) An effective border management strategy hinges on the dual pillars of fortified security infrastructure and the socio-economic development of border communities. Discuss, with initiatives taken by the government in this regard.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6020,"topper":"Rahul Patil","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c9502-472790_4512_rahul-patil_rank_224.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Analyse the factors that have contributed to India's inclusive economic growth in the past decade. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The Reserve Bank of India’s surplus transfers offer the government much-needed fiscal space, yet they are not without challenges. Critically examine the implications of the RBI's surplus transfers to the government. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"To what extent was the first National Monetization Pipeline (NMP) able to meet its objectives? What are the objectives of the new Asset Monetization Plan 2025–30 as announced in the recent 2025 Budget? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Examine the major challenges hindering the Indian textile industry from achieving its full potential in the global value chain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Why has India become increasingly import-dependent for edible oils despite being a major agricultural economy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Air accidents are low-frequency but high-impact events. Examine the disaster management protocols in place for aviation-related emergencies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Chemical pollution poses a grave threat to human health and the environment in India. Discuss the key sources contributing to pervasive chemical contamination and evaluate the effectiveness of existing environmental laws in curbing this problem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Missile defence systems are becoming critical for national security in the face of evolving regional threats and advanced weapon technologies. Explain the working principle of missile defence systems. Critically assess India's progress in developing indigenous missile defence capabilities. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Despite multiple resolutions and initiatives undertaken by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), its efforts to counter terrorism have achieved limited success. Discuss the reasons for this limited effectiveness. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"India practices a 'multi-alignment' approach in its cyber diplomacy. How does this posture strengthen India's internal security while maintaining strategic autonomy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While examining the shortcomings of the land reforms in the past, elaborate what land reforms 2.0 should look like. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"As NITI Aayog completes 10 years of its establishment, critically examine its role in the planning and development paradigm of governance in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What are the primary causes of limited formal credit penetration among the rural and unbanked populations in India? Comment on the effectiveness of Small Finance Banks in addressing this gap and advancing inclusive financial growth.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"To what extent has the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for the food processing industry facilitated value addition, employment generation, and global competitiveness in India's food processing industry? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Waste circularity is emerging as a sustainable solution to India's mounting solid waste crisis. Discuss the key principles of waste circularity and the government's initiative in this regard. How effective have these measures been in fostering a circular economy? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Discuss the importance of integrating traditional ecological knowledge of India's tribal communities with modern disaster management frameworks. Mention two examples where indigenous practices have contributed to disaster resilience. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"CRISPR technology has rapidly advanced in recent years, with new tools and clinical breakthroughs. Highlight the recent developments in CRISPR-based gene editing technology applications. Discuss the opportunities and ethical challenges these advancements present for healthcare and society. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"A credible semiconductor ecosystem is pivotal for India's economic security as much as for national security. Analyse the strategic objectives, incentives, and institutional architecture of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM). Identify the major risks that could derail its timelines. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Intricate inter-play of diverse factors has been the force multipliers for extremism in the North East. Discuss. Suggest a multilayered strategy to tackle the menace of extremism in this region. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Despite recent steps towards inducting women into combat roles, their participation remains low. Examine the key challenges impeding the greater inclusion of women in the Indian armed forces. Also, suggest suitable measures to enhance their participation. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6021,"topper":"Rahul Patil","air":224,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Geography","optional":true,"source":"LotusArise","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GtrordLVfWMtXaXVM_H87MvfI4E-tzl1/view","questions":[]},{"id":6022,"topper":"Rahul Patil","air":224,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Geography","optional":true,"source":"LotusArise","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZVtsqovMAZrkrHrH8sTojp1lBf9oBngk/view","questions":[]},{"id":6023,"topper":"Rahul Patil","air":224,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Geography","optional":true,"source":"LotusArise","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yYFwRpCdEaAgF-qpEx-ZhnavSY2POWXD/view","questions":[]},{"id":6024,"topper":"Rahul Patil","air":224,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Geography","optional":true,"source":"LotusArise","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vrSCUpZtHiz2bHC56Kd-IJ54F-lKQXk2/view","questions":[]},{"id":6025,"topper":"Rahul Sehkhar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8a3fc-1497703_4513_rahul_shekhar_rank_75.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Compassion is the courageous choice to feel another's suffering as one's own, and to act upon it, even when silence is safer and indifference is easier. Examine the significance of compassion as an essential ethical value for civil servants in India. Illustrate your answer with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Marriages in India are transitioning from traditional sacramental unions to more autonomous relationships, reflected in live-in relationships and rising divorce rates. Discuss the ethical dimensions of these changes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"While accountability often necessitates documentation, an overemphasis on bureaucratic procedures and excessive paperwork can inadvertently silence the very voices that public policy intends to empower, particularly at the grassroots. Examine the above statement with suitable illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The principle of impartiality may conflict with the need for compassion towards marginalized communities. Discuss in the context of civil services in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? \"The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home.\" - Confucius (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"Act only according to that maxim through which you can at the same time will that it become a universal law.\"- Immanuel Kant (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"We are not only responsible for what we do, but also for what we fail to do\"- Molière. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Patriotism encourages ethical questioning, while nationalism often suppresses it. Discuss this statement in light of the formation of political attitudes during high-pressure national events. How can individuals develop moral attitudes that balance national interest with ethical reasoning? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss how employee well-being and fairness can be balanced with efficiency and profitability in private organisations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Do you agree that excessive use of social media and emerging AI technologies may lead to a decline in emotional regulation and moral sensitivity among adolescents? Justify your answer. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"In light of the increasing incidents of suicides among students in India, discuss how Emotional Intelligence (EI) can aid in managing stress and emotional challenges. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"In public service, emotional intelligence is not about suppressing emotion, but mastering its purpose — to connect, to de-escalate, and to uplift others with empathy and strength. Do you agree with this view? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"An efficient work culture is built not only on rules, but on shared values. In this context, evaluate the role of leadership and team dynamics in transforming work culture within an organization. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"You are posted as the Joint Secretary in the Department of Information Technology of a state. The government recently implemented several citizen-centric digital services, collecting large volumes of personal data from residents. The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, requires that such data be processed only with explicit and informed consent, and mandates that processing must cease immediately upon withdrawal of consent. During an internal audit, you discover that the department continues to process and analyze personal data of several citizens even after they have formally withdrawn their consent. This data is being used for policy analytics and service improvement, purposes not explicitly disclosed at the time of data collection. When you bring this to the attention of your department head, you are informed that halting the processing will disrupt ongoing digital initiatives and may affect state-level performance metrics. Moreover, you find that the consent withdrawal process is cumbersome, and many citizens are unaware of their rights under the DPDP Act. You also learn that a prominent social activist is planning to file a complaint with the Data Protection Board against involuntary use of personal data, which could attract public scrutiny and legal action against the department. (a) Identify and discuss the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) What are the potential consequences for the department if the issue is not addressed transparently? (c) How would you balance the need for efficient public service delivery with the obligation to protect citizens' data rights? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"You are an IAS officer, currently serving as the Secretary of the Public Works Department in a hill state. Recently, a disturbing incident has come to light involving a senior Cabinet Minister and two engineers of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). During an inspection of a critical highway project, the Minister was allegedly seen on video physically assaulting and verbally abusing the engineers in full public view. The video, recorded by bystanders, went viral on social media and was widely covered by television channels, sparking both outrage and support from different sections of society. The Minister later defended his actions, alleging that the officials were corrupt, unresponsive to local grievances, and responsible for inordinate delays in the project. He insisted that his actions were driven by public frustration and the urgency of delivering infrastructure to a remote region. However, the engineers have filed a police complaint and written to their superiors, claiming they were targeted because they resisted political pressure to award contracts to local contractors associated with the Minister. As the situation escalated, a union of NHAI engineers announced a strike demanding action against the Minister and protection of officer dignity. This has brought several critical infrastructure projects to a standstill, including road connectivity to tribal areas, pre-monsoon repair works, and strategic border roads. You have been directed by the Chief Secretary to prepare a fact-finding report, while also ensuring smooth coordination between state and central agencies. Meanwhile, the Minister's office is informally pressuring you to downplay the incident. The media is sharply divided — some portraying the Minister as a crusader against corruption, others condemning the act as a serious breach of administrative ethics and rule of law. Civil servants across departments have expressed concern about personal safety, dignity, and increasing political interference, while citizens are now growing restless due to halted infrastructure works. (a) What are the key ethical issues involved in this situation? Identify the stakeholders and their conflicting interests. (b) As the Secretary of the PWD, what actions will you take in above situation? (c) How do such incidents affect the morale of civil servants and public trust in governance? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"You are the Secretary in the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Government of India. In recent years, an increasing number of civil servants, particularly younger officers from the IAS, IPS, and IRS, have begun maintaining personal YouTube channels and social media pages. On these platforms, they regularly post videos related to their official work — showcasing innovative projects, public outreach initiatives, inspection drives, and sometimes even day-to-day administrative duties. These videos often receive widespread public attention, and many viewers express admiration, saying such content enhances transparency, motivates aspirants, and humanizes the bureaucracy. However, concerns have also emerged from various quarters. Senior officers argue that such content may blur the boundaries between personal branding and public service, while some citizens and media commentators point to instances where videos feature vulnerable beneficiaries without consent, raise concerns about misuse of official premises, or seem designed more for personal popularity than public accountability. In one instance, a District Magistrate was seen scolding teachers on camera during a surprise inspection of a school — this video was later posted on his personal YouTube channel, which is also monetized. Some people appreciated the strict stance adopted by the officer, while others criticized the public scolding of teachers and the violation of the dignity of service. In another case, a police officer was seen directing a flood relief operation, while his staff filmed it via drone camera, which was later edited into a motivational video for social media. You have been asked to prepare a report with recommendations to maintain a balance between public interest, institutional integrity, and the changing methods of communication. (a) Identify the ethical issues involved in the acts of civil servants publicly showcasing their official work on social media. (b) Do such practices promote awareness and motivation or do they compromise the values of anonymity, neutrality, and collective service spirit? Give your opinion. (c) As the Secretary, what guiding principles and policy recommendations would you suggest to ensure responsible digital engagement of civil servants? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"In one case, a district magistrate was seen filming a surprise school inspection in which teachers were scolded on camera - the video was later posted to his personal YouTube channel that is also monetized. While some praised the officer's strictness, others criticized the public shaming of teachers and the breach of service dignity. In another case, a police officer was seen directing a flood rescue operation while his staff filmed drone footage, later edited into a motivational video for social media. You have been asked to prepare a report with recommendations to balance public interest, institutional integrity, and evolving modes of communication. (a) Identify the ethical issues involved in civil servants publicly showcasing their official work on social media. (b) Do such practices promote awareness and motivation, or do they compromise the values of anonymity, neutrality, and collective service ethos? Give your opinion. (c) As the Secretary, what guiding principles and policy recommendations would you suggest to ensure responsible digital engagement by civil servants? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6026,"topper":"Rahul Shekhar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/rahul-shekhar-test-7-1747726744697.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the elements of urbanization discuss how agriculture played a pivotal role in the enduring success and longevity of the Harappan Civilization. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Quit India Movement marked the awakening of the nation's soul and brought diverse sections together in a unified vision of Independence. Discuss (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Analyze the impact of World War II in accelerating the process of decolonization in Asia and Africa. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss the various types of sedimentary rocks and their formation processes. What is the economic significance of sedimentary rocks? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are the characteristics of anticyclonic circulations, and how do they influence weather patterns over the Indian subcontinent? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What is coral bleaching, and what are its main causes? Also, evaluate the role of marine protected areas (MPAs) in the conservation of coral reefs. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Discuss the role of economic corridors in fostering regional economic integration and development. How do projects like the Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor (CBIC) align with India's broader economic growth strategies? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What is gender fluid identity, and what are the LGBTQ community's ongoing challenges to full societal inclusion and equal treatment? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"How does the interplay between regional and national identities fuel the emergence of regionalistic sentiments? How can we balance regional identities with broader national identity? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"How do various cultural practices and traditions contribute to the idea of \"Unity in Diversity\"? Provide examples to support your argument. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What is the significance of Stupa art in the context of Buddhist architecture and culture? Discuss its various elements and symbolism and their role in coveying Buddist beliefs. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"\"The dual struggle against entrenched social customs and colonial dominance was a prominent feature of socio-religious reform movements in 19th century India.\" How did the socio-religious reform movements of 19th century India respond to colonial cultural and ideological hegemony? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"How did the British policies contribute to the de-industrialization of India, and how did this process affect the lives of Indian artisans and the broader economy? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What are the factors that lead to the formation of local winds? Discuss their impact on the weather and climate in various regions, providing relevant examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What are the primary drivers of freshwater scarcity in megacities like Bangalore and Hyderabad? Suggest comprehensive solutions that address both supply and demand aspects of urban water management. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What is the Blue Revolution? What are the significant hurdles in aquaculture development, and what comprehensive strategies can be implemented to address them? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What are the key factors influencing the establishment of large-scale solar farms in India, and what are their environmental and social impacts? How can India balance the expansion of solar energy with the need to protect biodiversity and local ecosystems? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"In what ways do social media platforms perpetuate and challenge social inequalities and power structures? Provide a critical analysis. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Give a comparative analysis of the tribal and mainstream societies. Is tribal society more progressive than mainstream society? Argue with examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"In what ways does poverty intersect with other social problems like caste, social stratification, and gender inequality? What comprehensive strategies do you suggest to address these interrelated issues? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6027,"topper":"Rahul Shekhar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/rahul-shekhar-test-1-1747726639322.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Examine the role of numismatic evidence in understanding the political and economic history of ancient India. Provide specific examples.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Assess the impact of women's organizations in mobilizing women across diverse socio-economic and regional backgrounds in pre-independence India.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":8,"question":"How did the policy of non-alignment reflect the aspirations of India and other newly independent nations to maintain their sovereignty and resist colonial pressures?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the processes involved in volcanism. Highlight the major volcanic regions in the world and their associated tectonic settings.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Explain the geological features and ecological importance of the Eastern Ghats.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6028,"topper":"Rahul Shekhar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/SS_2024_GS_PAPER_GS_1_RAHUL_SHEKHAR_AIR_242_T_9_c332ccbbf1.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"'Temple architectures in India are important cultural expressions and find great functional relevance in the Indian way of life.' Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"The 1857 Uprising laid the groundwork for the emergence of organised political movements in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Bring out the causes behind the Soviet Union's collapse and its long-term global ramifications. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What are the key factors influencing the location of footloose industries in India? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How did the early concepts of continental drift evolve into the modern theory of plate tectonics? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Examine the causes and consequences of the increasingly erratic monsoon patterns in India over the past decade. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Examine how water scarcity is increasing the cost of living in Indian cities. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Evaluate the impact of menstrual leave policies on women's empowerment in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"How do caste-based violences in India perpetuate the entrenched social disparities? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"How has the shift towards nuclear family structures affected the support systems for the elderly population? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the maritime prowess of the Chola Dynasty and its impact on trade and cultural exchanges with Southeast Asia. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Explain how the Indian freedom struggle, through its diverse movements and ideologies, laid the foundational blueprint for the independent India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"What has been the impact of post-independence strategies on the socio-economic development of tribal communities in Indian society? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Discuss the significance of mineral resources in Antarctica and the challenges associated with their exploration and extraction. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"What are the consequences of climate change on the Himalayan region? How is the rapid melting of Himalayan glacial lakes affecting local communities ? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"What are western disturbances? Examine the impacts of their changing behaviour on the weather conditions in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Explain the formation of volcanoes across the globe. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"How does rapid urbanisation amid soaring population levels reshape urban environments and influence the quality of city life? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Secularism seeks to harmonise diverse religious beliefs by creating a framework for coexistence in a pluralistic society. Elaborate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Live-in relationships challenge traditional norms of marriage and spark debates on their legal recognition in India. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6029,"topper":"Rahul Shekhar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/rahul-shekhar-test-3-1747726679708.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Federal governance is characterised by institutionalized arrangements for solving problems generated by pluralism based on consultation and mutual consent. How have Zonal Councils evolved from merely advisory bodies to proactive platforms for action? (Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Secularism under the Indian constitution is encapsulated in the broader concept of constitutional commitment to equality. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"'There is a need to shift the focus of Section 8 of the Representation of People Act, 1951 from the duration of the sentence to the gravity of the offence.' Comment on how the current classification under Section 8 leads to arbitrary categorisation of offences. Also, mention the remedies available to a person disqualified under this section. (Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What is the significance of the Leader of Opposition in the Indian parliamentary system? How does the role of the opposition contribute to the checks and balances in a democracy? (Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"\"The core ideals of the Preamble - sovereignty, socialism, secularism, and democracy - form the bedrock of India's constitutional framework.\" Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":6030,"topper":"Rahul Shekhar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/rahul-shekhar-test-4-1747726694222.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"The rule of law and judicial review are interdependent, as one cannot truly exist without the other. In this context can judicial review be considered the most important aspect among those that constitute the basic structure of the Constitution? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"How does the power and authority of Delhi's lieutenant governor compare to that of the governors of other states, particularly in terms of acting on the aid and advice of the council of ministers? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":6031,"topper":"Rahul Shekhar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/SS_2024_GS_PAPER_GS_2_RAHUL_SHEKHAR_AIR_242_T_2_5f4b8b04f3.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Discuss the role of the Department Related Standing Committee (DRSC) system in improving parliamentary effectiveness. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Presence of multiple parastatals erodes the autonomy of Urban Local Bodies. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The provisions under Article 360 remain a dead letter even during the worst economic crisis. Analyse. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"'Unique blend of flexibility and rigidity distinguish Indian constitution from that of the US constitution.' Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the role of microfinance institutions (MFI) in rural financial empowerment in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Do you agree that the Aspirational District Programme has emerged as a template for good governance? Substantiate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Rising informality in employment raises the concern for social security. Discuss the statement with reference to platform workers. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Demographic transition demands renewed focus on healthcare intervention patterns. Discuss the statement in the light of geriatric health in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"'Funding remains a major limitation for the effective functioning of multilateral organisations.' Discuss the statement with reference to the functioning of UNESCO. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"How will the BBIN grouping promote regional integration in South Asia? Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"'Financial resources of the centre are elastic and substantial while that of the states are inelastic and inadequate.' Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"\"Supremacy of the constitution requires all ordinary laws to conform to the constitutional law.\" Discuss the statement with reference to judicial review in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"'The delimitation process creates a wedge between representative democracy and federalism.' Examine. Also suggest measures to address the concerns of federal units. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Examine the impact of recent changes to the election commissioners' appointment process on autonomy and independence of the election commission. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"'Without performance targets, the civil service degenerates into a closed priesthood with no accountability.' Discuss the statement with reference to the Mission Karmayogi. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"The Forest Rights Act, 2006 was a historic effort in doing justice to the tribal community.' Evaluate the status of its implementation and suggest measures for improvement. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"What do you understand by India Stack? Discuss its role in good governance and improving ease of living. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"'You can change our friends but not neighbors.' In the light of the statement, examine the relevance of Gujral doctrine in India's Foreign Policy. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Examine the objectives of the Indian Ocean Rim Association. What importance does it hold for India's strategic interest? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"What are the strategic challenges to the global economy in active decoupling from China? How will it benefit India's economic growth prospects? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6032,"topper":"Rahul Shekhar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/rahul-shekhar-test-5-1747726710441.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Highlighting the factors contributing to high fiscal deficit in India, discuss the potential consequences of such deficit and suggest measures to ensure fiscal consolidation. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"India's aspiration to be a developed nation by 2047 hinges on significant capital investment. In light of this, discuss the potential of capital investment in achieving this vision. What are the challenges India faces in this regard? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":6033,"topper":"Rahul Shekhar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/rahul-shekhar-test-6-1747726733298.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Explain the relationship between Public Service Values and Public Administration Ethics. Do you think public service values are only eloquent statements for glorifying the Department's mission, or do they have any utility for public servants? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"How does the conscientious public servant sort through competing considerations and determine \"the right thing to do?\" When it comes to serving the public, how does one put one's values into practice? Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"What do you understand by good governance in public administration and corporations? How do they differ? Identify and explain three principles that can act as a foundation for good governance in a corporate setting. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"One hallmark of good governance is government departments' adherence to strict ethical standards when procuring goods and services for public programmes. Identify and explain the ethical principles that must be respected to maintain the integrity of the procurement process. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How should public servants ethically balance stakeholder interests, official obligations, and regime values when making administrative decisions, and which of these should be given the most moral weight? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Recent researchers have argued that the government's health and social-based interventions are significantly less effective without the emotional skills of self-awareness and empathy. Do you agree? Justify your answer with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss with relevant examples how civil servants' political and moral attitudes impact their work ethics and daily administrative decision-making. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"The motive has nothing to do with the morality of the action.\" In light of the above statement, do you think motive is irrelevant in determining the morality of an action? Explain your position with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Explain the contemporary relevance of Jain Tirthankaras' vow-based moral philosophy. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What ethical dilemmas arise from the use of economic sanctions in international relations, and how can policymakers balance these concerns with the need to punish illegal behaviours and compel political change? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"You recently took over as CEO of Beta Technologies, a renowned IT services and consulting firm in India established in 1990. Over the past three decades, the company has grown into a global player with clients in North America, Europe, and Asia. Known for cutting-edge solutions and strong client relationships, Beta Technologies has been a market leader in the IT sector. It has been three weeks since you took over, and one day, the company's legal head came to you with a report that they had discovered discrepancies in the company's financial statement. For five years, the company's financial Officer (CFO), Mr. Rahul Mehta, has manipulated its earnings reports. By inflating revenues and understating expenses, he has created a false image of financial health to boost stock prices and secure more investment. Further, it was found that Mr. Mehta has significant personal investments in some of the company's vendors. These vendors were awarded lucrative contracts, often at inflated prices and with favourable terms detrimental to the company. Mr Mehta's actions have compromised the procurement process and led to financial losses for the company. As CEO, you were confronted with a critical decision. You also had to contend with financial irregularities and a skewed procurement process. As a new CEO: (a) What decision options are available to you? (b) What are the issues involved in the above case? (c) What will be your chosen course of action and Why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"As the situation unravelled, you found yourself in a moral quandary. On one hand, as the DDO, I was bound by regulations that required me to ensure the proper use of government resources. Despite its noble intent, the unauthorised diversion of food grains was a breach of protocol that necessitated disciplinary action, including the suspension of the school officials involved. On the other hand, these school officials' actions were driven by a deep sense of humanity and compassion. They chose to prioritise the immediate needs of their community, recognising the dire circumstances and the urgent need to prevent further starvation deaths. Punishing them for their humane response to the crisis seemed not only harsh but also contrary to the spirit of public service. (a) What are the ethical issues in the above case? (b) As a DDO, what are the options available to you? (c) Explain your chosen course of action, along with your reasons. (d) Given the above case, what would be the best ethical theory for handling human distress situations? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"As the Superintendent of Police (SP) in a peaceful district, I was accustomed to handling minor crimes such as petty thefts, property encroachments, and small fights. The crime rate was low, and the people generally kept to their business, making it a relatively easy workplace. However, over the past month, my office began receiving a different kind of grievance that indicated a more complex issue brewing in the community. A significant number of complaints were received from villagers who reported losing money from their bank accounts without their knowledge. These grievances were alarming, especially since they came from a demographic that was largely illiterate and unfamiliar with modern banking practices. The villagers were confused and distraught, not understanding how their hard-earned money was disappearing. Upon conducting a preliminary enquiry, we discovered that the money was not exactly being stolen but being deducted as insurance premiums for policies under the State Government's Bima Yojna. The villagers were unaware that they had even signed up for such policies, raising suspicions about the legitimacy of these transactions. A deeper investigation revealed that agents from government banks were aggressively pushing the Bima Yojna. These agents had been instructed to meet government targets for the scheme, leading them to add beneficiaries without proper consent. Most of the villagers were illiterate and had no understanding of the insurance policies they were enrolled in. The deductions were legal, but the methods used to obtain the villagers' consent were highly questionable. You were wondering about the course of action, as the deductions were legal, and the agents were technically following instructions. But, in the process, they were exploiting the poor villagers. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you as an SP? (c) Explain your chosen course of an action. (d) If you have to recommend a better way of promoting the bima yojna, what would that be? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"You were wondering about the course of action, as the deductions were legal, and the agents were technically following instructions. But, in the process, they were exploiting the poor villagers. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you as an SP? (c) Explain your chosen course of an action. (d) If you have to recommend a better way of promoting the bima yojna, what would that be? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"What are the options available to you in the above situation? (b) What will be your chosen course of action? (c) Identify the ethical issues involved in the case (d) Suggest some measures for handling cartels who prey on people's needs. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"AquaTech is a government defence contracting firm specialising in manufacturing robotic systems for police and military use. It is known for producing bomb-defusing robots and working on other classified projects. One critical project involved developing a robot capable of sweeping minefields and detecting hidden explosives. The project had a stringent seven-month deadline to produce a working prototype for a demonstration to top defence ministry officials. The project encountered delays due to staff shortages and other unforeseen issues, resulting in a two-week lag. As the deadline loomed, the project leader pressured the team to work extended hours with minimal rest. Despite these challenges, the team managed to complete the prototype on time for the demonstration. During the demonstration, the robot was deployed in an active minefield to detect mines and mark them with a spray. Initially, the robot performed as expected, identifying mines. However, instead of marking the sites, it triggered explosions, causing fatal injuries to the operating engineer. The demonstration was immediately halted, and an inquiry was launched. The investigation revealed that a software flaw caused the malfunction, leading to the tragic accident. The software development team argued that the operator issued mixed commands, which contributed to the malfunction. Overall, each team kept deflecting responsibility, but somebody or a team had to be made accountable for the fatal errors. (a) If you are the ethics officer of AquaTech enquiring, who will you hold responsible for the fatality? Why? (b) Discuss some common ethical issues that arise while using artificial intelligence. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":56,"question":"What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) With a limited budget at your disposal, you decide to allocate funds to tackle witchcraft-related superstitions. How would you justify your decision to the community and stakeholders? (c) Given that witchcraft-related crimes were not initially reported by the BDOs, how would you address this lack of communication and ensure better reporting and transparency moving forward? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":6034,"topper":"Rahul Shekhar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/rahul-shekhar-test-8-1747726761028.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Besides being public servants, they are also citizens and have personal lives. At times, there is an inherent tension among the roles. How can a public servant effectively navigate the intrinsic tension between personal interests and official duties and between private inclinations and public obligations? Explain (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"\"Ideas are the cornerstone of a strong public service framework globally.\" In the context of this statement, discuss the ideas of a philosopher whose ideas you believe are most pertinent to the civil services in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"\"The challenge of power lies in its responsible application rather than its irresponsible and indulgent use - specifically, how to motivate those in power to serve the public rather than exploit it.\" Analyse the relationship between power and public service. Do you believe that the concept of power conflicts with the ideal of service, or do they complement each other? Substantiate your viewpoint. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Human values emphasise the humane aspects of public servants, whereas public service values focus on the transparency and effectiveness of service delivery. Do you think these value systems conflict with or complement each other? Justify your perspective with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"When good individuals in any society become complacent and cease their vigilance and struggle, malevolent forces prevail.\" Discuss the role and significance of civil society in curbing corruption and official misconduct. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Do you agree with feminist ethicists that women are \"more emotional\" and prioritise relationships over rules, reflecting different yet equally valuable ethical perspectives? Justify your viewpoints with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Ideally, ethics and law should be harmonious in the context of administration, yet conflicts between them can arise. How should an administrator handle conflicts between legal directives and ethical considerations, particularly when directives are illegal and laws are unjust? Discuss (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Critically evaluate the role of family and educational institutions in shaping ethical values among civil servants. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"How can civil servants cultivate a positive attitude towards the weaker sections of society? Suggest some implementable and practical steps. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Business ethicists believe that external and internal regulations are insufficient for curtailing or preventing corporate malpractices; they strongly advocate the presence of whistleblowing mechanisms as a check against corporate misgovernance. Do you think corporate governance is incomplete without whistleblowing? Why/Why not? Explain (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the relevance of the following quotes to the present times. (a) \"Moral actions belong to the jurisdiction of the outward and inward court, both civil and domestic governor; I mean both the magistrate and conscience.\" Locke (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"The maintenance team had not adequately serviced the bus's braking system. These findings highlighted severe lapses in both the human and mechanical aspects of the transport system. Upon concluding the inquiry, you realized the complexity of the situation. There were numerous uncertainties and ambiguities, preventing a straightforward assignment of responsibility or a definitive conclusion. The accident might have been averted if the maintenance team had performed their duties diligently. Similarly, if the bus driver had not been intoxicated, he might have been able to prevent the bus from falling into the ravine. Safety , , , , , (a) (b) ? (c) ' ?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"As the Head of Safety, the conclusions of your report carry significant consequences. Firstly, if the driver is deemed culpable due to his intoxication, his family may lose a substantial amount of post-death benefits because he was under the influence while on duty. Secondly, if you conceal the driver's intoxication and attribute the incident solely to poor maintenance, the maintenance crew would face job termination. This situation required extensive introspection before finalizing the report. (a) Identify the ethical issues and dilemmas in the above case. (b) What are the options available to you in the above case? (c) What do you think is more ethical to focus on the personal responsibility of the driver, who was intoxicated, or on the broader systemic issue of maintenance failures? Justify your answer with relevant ethical theories. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"What are the ethical issues and dilemmas in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you in the above case? (c) Considering the persistent nature of the RTI activist and the public's right to information, how should you navigate the tension between national security concerns and the principles of transparency and accountability? Explain (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"As a dedicated Block Development Officer (BDO), you are highly respected by your staff and appreciated by your superiors for your constructive work. The state government has selected several villages within your jurisdiction to pilot a women's self-employment scheme utilising Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The project is to be implemented by a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), and you have been instructed to provide logistical and other necessary support. The NGO staff commenced their work by meeting and identifying young women who appeared to be suitable candidates for training and skill development. Following identification, these young women were provided with a starter kit, which included a broadband dongle, a 10-inch tablet, and some reading material. The training began in earnest, and the selected young women exhibited great enthusiasm and eagerness to learn. Initially, the project showed promising signs of success. However, one day, village elders approached you with a request to halt the pilot scheme. They expressed concerns that the devices and online learning were corrupting the young women. They believed that the girls were merely watching videos on the tablets instead of learning. The elders suggested that vocational skills training, such as stitching or cooking, would be more beneficial than digital skills. After listening to their concerns, you assured them that you would investigate the matter. Upon inquiring with the NGO staff, they clarified that the videos being viewed were educational, and they were monitoring the trainees' browsing behaviour through backend systems to ensure appropriate usage. The NGO staff also pointed out that some village men felt excluded from the process and were attempting to dissuade the women from participating in the training sessions. As a BDO, you recognize the scheme's importance and potential benefits for the women in the villages. However, you are also aware that if the men's underlying mindset issues are not addressed promptly, the entire skill development effort could be undermined. As a committed public servant, you were determined to take some preventive action as you noticed tensions brewing among the men. (a) What the issues that you notice in the above case? (b) What are actionable options available to you? (c) Considering the feedback from the NGO staff about village men feeling left out and attempting to dissuade women from attending training sessions, what strategies would you implement to ensure their inclusion and support for the program? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":56,"question":"What are the issues and dilemmas that confront Ms. Sharma? (b) What ethical principles should guide Ms. Sharma in addressing the harassment and bullying complaints in her department? (c) What long-term strategies should be implemented to prevent harassment and bullying in government departments? How can these strategies promote a culture of respect and inclusivity? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":6035,"topper":"Rahul Shekhar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/rahul-shekhar-test-2-1747726668358.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"While traditional ethics has focussed on notions of justice, fair allocation and obligations, ethics of care emphasise maintaining connectedness and promoting care. Which of the above two ethical perspectives is more suitable for guiding ethical decision making in the context of public services. Explain your position with suitable examples. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"What does the term \"quality\" mean in service delivery. What are the components of service quality and indicate ways and means for ensuring total quality in terms of efficiency, economy and effectiveness? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"In the context of public service, what does public service attitude mean? Discuss the attitude biases that affects a publics servants on field decision making? Explain how a public servant can overcome such attitude biases? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"\"I am a Moslem; I am a Hindu; I am a Christian; I am a Jew.\" Mahatma Gandhi. What did Mahatma Gandhi mean by the above statement? Some philosophers have argued that religion is harmful to the moral life, whereas others have claimed that it is necessary to it. Explain your position on the relationship between religion and morality. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":6036,"topper":"Rahul Shekhar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/RAHUL_SHEKHAR_GS_4_AIR_75_2025_d5a4a7ce63.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"\"As biotechnology blurs the lines between healing and enhancement, nature and design, the ethical foundations of science face unprecedented scrutiny.\" Critically examine the role of Bio Ethics in dealing with the ethical challenges posed by advancements in biotechnology. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"\"While economic and human capital are often emphasized in policymaking, it is social capital that sustains democratic institutions and inclusive development.\" Discuss the role of social capital in enhancing ethical governance, community resilience, and citizen participation. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"\"Integrity without objectivity risks moral absolutism; objectivity without integrity risks ethical indifference.\" In the context of public service, critically analyze how the dynamic interplay between integrity and objectivity shapes ethical decision-making. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"\"While Public-Private Partnerships promise efficiency and innovation, they often blur the lines between public interest and private profit.\" Critically examine the ethical issues involved in PPP models of governance. How can transparency, accountability, and equity be ensured in such collaborations, especially in essential sectors like health, education, and infrastructure? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context? a. Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever. - Mahatma Gandhi (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"In a country grappling with resource constraints, the vast surplus funds held by religious institutions raise pressing ethical questions about social responsibility.\" Critically examine the ethical, constitutional, and socio-cultural implications of utilizing surplus funds from religious institutions for public welfare purposes such as education and healthcare? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"\"Persuasion involves deliberate efforts to shape attitudes through reasoned argument, whereas social influence often operates subtly through conformity, peer pressure, or cultural norms. Both play a critical role in decision-making and public behavior.\" How can civil servants ethically employ both to bring about positive behavioural change in society? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"Despite significant investments and administrative reforms, public service delivery in India often remains poor in quality and accessibility. Critically analyze how socio-cultural factors interact with politico-administrative inefficiencies to perpetuate substandard delivery of public services. How can policy design and implementation be made more culturally responsive to address these challenges?\" (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"The rise of hybrid work models has redefined workplace ethics, blurring the boundaries between personal autonomy and professional accountability.\" Critically analyze the ethical challenges emerging from remote and hybrid work arrangements. How can organizations balance flexibility with fairness, trust with transparency, and productivity with employee well-being in the evolving work culture? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"\"Social audits and The Right to Information (RTI) Act are not merely tools of financial accountability, but instruments of participatory ethics that empower citizens to hold power to account.\" Critically examine the effectiveness of both of them in ensuring transparency, accountability, and ethical governance. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"\"While international funding aims to promote development, humanitarian aid, and global cooperation, it often comes embedded with political agendas, conditionalities, and asymmetric power dynamics.\" Critically examine the ethical challenges posed by international funding. How can global financial assistance be restructured to align with ethical principles of equity, dignity, and mutual respect? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":36,"question":"You are the Chief Compliance Commissioner at the National Startup Governance Board (NSGB)—a regulatory authority under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, tasked with ensuring ethical practices, board accountability, and investor transparency in India's startup ecosystem. Five years ago, \"EduNow\", an ed-tech startup founded by an alumnus of a premier college of India, was celebrated as a beacon of India's digital future. With a bold mission to democratize learning for rural students, it grew rapidly—partnering with schools, onboarding millions of users, and securing funding from global investors. But today, EduNow is imploding under the weight of governance failure. Auditors have resigned, citing withheld information, inflated revenues, and fabricated subscriber data. Several board members quit silently, without public explanation. Employees allege mass layoffs through WhatsApp, non-payment of dues, and coercion to sign NDAs in exchange for exit compensation. A leaked internal report reveals Personal expenses of the founder were booked as business expenses, Related-party transactions with shell companies owned by family members, Manipulation of user metrics to secure higher valuations in funding rounds. Despite these, the founder retains full operational control and is preparing for a new fundraising round, even considering an IPO. Meanwhile, a 27-year-old EduNow sales executive dies by suicide, allegedly due to unethical sales pressure and denial of salary for six months. His handwritten note, now viral, reads, \"I believed in the dream. But I was punished for asking for my salary. What future does honesty have?\" Public anger is erupting. Parents, students, and employees feel betrayed. Investors are distancing themselves. The media is asking tough questions. You are called for an emergency press conference in 6 hours. (a) As the Chief Compliance Commissioner, list your top five immediate ethical decisions. (b) Suppose the founder be forced to resign, and you are given the charge. What systemic changes that you would introduce? (c) Should companies that deliver public services (like EduRise in education) be subject to stricter governance norms than typical startups? OR Should startups be exempt from the same governance norms as large listed companies to encourage growth? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"You have recently been appointed as the Chairperson & Managing Director (CMD) of Bharatam Alloy Limited (BAL), a large but severely underperforming Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the Ministry of Heavy Industries. Once a symbol of India's industrial self-reliance, BAL is now grappling with Mounting operational losses, Outdated technology, Unmotivated workforce, Delays in salary payments, Poor customer satisfaction, Multiple failed modernization attempts. BAL's biggest plant is in a Tier-II town that heavily depends on the company for employment and local economy. Last week, an accidental furnace blast at BAL's facility injured 18 contract workers, 2 critically. The incident brought the company back into the media spotlight, triggering: Public protests led by injured workers' families demanding justice and permanent jobs. Employees' unions threatening indefinite strike, blaming mismanagement and unsafe conditions. Local politicians accusing you and previous leadership of criminal negligence, National media labeling BAL a \\\"black hole for taxpayers\\\" A PIL has been filed in High Court, demanding either privatization or shutdown of the PSU to stop further waste of public money. The Ministry asks you to submit a revival plan within 10 days, but hints at disinvestment if no credible plan emerges. Workers want permanent employment for contract laborers, but BAL has no financial capacity to absorb them all. The Chief Safety Officer, in an internal report, reveals that preventive maintenance was ignored due to budget cuts. A private competitor has offered to acquire BAL, promising better technology and full job security for current employees-but with no guarantee for contract workers. Your spouse, a journalist, is being pressured by her editor to cover \\\"how you are the new face of PSU corruption\\\" in an exposé. Your own conscience is shaken after personally meeting the family of one injured worker who asked, \\\"Would your child work in this furnace if it ran like this?\\\" (a) Identify the ethical dilemmas. (b) What options are available before you? Write its merits and demerits (c) As CMD, what immediate and long-term steps will you take to address I. The accident and its aftermath II. Public Trust III. Financial viability of the PSU (d) Do you recommend absorbing all contract workers into permanent roles despite financial constraints? What would be your response if this were a private company? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"In recent years, India has witnessed an explosion of self-styled financial influencers or \"finfluencers\" on social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter). These individuals, often without formal financial qualifications, offer stock market tips, mutual fund suggestions, crypto investment advice, and more to millions of followers. However, this unregulated space has now become a serious concern. A recent example involved a well-known finfluencer promoting a newly listed stock as a \"hidden gem.\" Thousands of people invested in it, causing its price to spike artificially. A few weeks later, the stock crashed, revealing that the finfluencer had received undisclosed compensation from the company's promoters to create promotional content — effectively making it a \"pump and dump\" scheme. This led to public uproar, loss of hard-earned money by common people, and an erosion of trust in online financial content. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) initiated an investigation but faced challenges due to loopholes in current digital regulation frameworks. Meanwhile, several other finfluencers continue similar activities unchecked. You are an officer in the Ministry of Finance, asked to look into this growing menace and propose policy and ethical safeguards (a) Identify and evaluate the key ethical issues involved in this case. (b) What steps would you suggest to ensure that financial influencers act with accountability and integrity? How would you balance the need for regulation with the right to freedom of expression? (c) What role can digital platforms and social media companies play in promoting ethical content? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"It is the peak of summer, and your district in a northern state is facing an unprecedented heatwave, with temperatures consistently crossing 48°C. Hospitals are overburdened with heatstroke patients, and multiple deaths have already occurred due to dehydration and sunstroke. You are the District Magistrate. Due to excessive demand on the state power grid, the Energy Department has ordered rotational power cuts across districts to prevent a total blackout. Your district has been given discretion to prioritize which regions or sectors receive continuous electricity during peak hours. You convene your team and are presented with this stark choice: There are three Main Sectors Competing for Limited Electricity: 1 Urban & Industrial Zone which hosts the city's hospitals, including ICU units and maternity wards, has water filtration plants for the city, is home to a growing IT park and 3 major factories employing 8,000 workers & contributes significant state revenue and political visibility. 2. Rural Villages & Agriculture Belt where Power is needed for irrigation pumps, fans, and refrigerators, and Farmers fear crop failure if irrigation is stalled for even a few days. There are cattle deaths and villagers sleeping outdoors due to heat, Village children are preparing for board and competitive exams, some under candlelight. 3. Slums & Low-Income Areas in Urban Periphery where power is needed for cooling and Women are reporting rising cases of domestic violence and health issues due to heat stress. Infants and elderly are at highest risk. Migrant laborers from these areas serve the city and the industrial belt. Farmers' protests are growing, with slogans like \"No power, no food\". A few have threatened suicide, reminiscent of a tragic incident last year. A viral video shows an elderly woman in a rural hamlet fanning her unconscious grandson due to heatstroke, saying, \"The government gave us electricity on election day. Now where is it?\" On the other hand, factory owners have warned of shutdowns and mass layoffs if power is cut for more than two days. The District Civil Surgeon pleads with you to not cut power to the city hospital: \"One failed ventilator could mean ten deaths.\"","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6037,"topper":"Rahul Shekhar","air":242,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/SS_2024_GS_PAPER_4_RAHUL_SHEKHAR_AIR_242_T_8_19472b3e0e.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6038,"topper":"Rahul Shekhar","air":46,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Forest Service (IFS)","optional":true,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/RAHUL_SHEKHAR_UPSC_IFS_2024_AIR_46_GS_2_Vaji_1_compressed_3f0b53e638.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6039,"topper":"Rahul Shekhar","air":46,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Forest Service (IFS)","optional":true,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/RAHUL_SHEKHAR_UPSC_IFS_2024_AIR_46_GS_3_Vaji_2_39f57d413c.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6040,"topper":"Rahul Shekhar","air":46,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Forest Service (IFS)","optional":true,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/RAHUL_SHEKHAR_UPSC_IFS_2024_AIR_46_GS_4_T_12_491cbaba48.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6041,"topper":"Rahul Shinde","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/18507_760_Rahul_Rank_95.pdf","questions":[{"page":13,"question":"What are the various sources through which humans can judge the correctness of their actions? In the context of public life discuss how these sources are important in offering a clear and practical guidance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Competition, it is argued, spurs the best of performance, however, can it also instigate cheating and unethical behaviour? Discuss with adequate examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"What do you mean by 'anonymity in the civil services'? Explain why anonymity and neutrality are considered as important traits for civil servants.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Prescription of dresscode for women not only violates their liberty but also reflects outdated views on gender relations as well as proper conduct. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Evaluate each of these options and choose the option which you would adopt, giving reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"What are the immediate steps which should be taken in such a situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"Suggest some long term measures to ensure that such a situation is not repeated.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"What are the options available to you? Evaluate each of these options and choose the option which you would adopt, giving reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Is it appropriate for Dr. Singh to participate in this study? Justify your position. 2. Is Dr. Singh involved in a conflict of interest? If yes, what is the nature of such conflict? How can it be mitigated? 3. How would the nature of the conflict of interest be different if he did not already own the shares and was offered shares in exchange for conducting the study?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6042,"topper":"Rahul Shrivastava","air":10,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KzHsnFmKmlmLoUQ4QhVkKszh13qu0znL/view","questions":[]},{"id":6043,"topper":"Rahul Srivastava","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1usgJpoaH63EyuCk9wnJmwVmA1I8BKe3C/view","questions":[]},{"id":6044,"topper":"Rahul Srivastava","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/19gWu_AmNRVqstkYdWEHpueA0LTgeYBhN/view","questions":[]},{"id":6045,"topper":"Rahul Srivastava","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uPoY-TNuaJFgBpe7ZMTCzchDN21d5QfV/view","questions":[]},{"id":6046,"topper":"Rahul Srivastava","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1584A05lYQJ11iIBayn-mtLluj5YUgZ0p/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) \"Ethics is not just a contemplative discipline. What we believe to be good or bad has implications on our actions.\" Discuss how different schools of ethics help us in making moral decisions.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) While one group considers abortion as unmitigated evil, the other sees it as morally acceptable. Analyse various ethical concerns related to abortion and give your opinion on the issue.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) What lessons can be learnt from the life of Mahatma Gandhi for promoting social harmony in today's times?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) What is Kant's categorical imperative? How does it compare with the doctrine of Nishkama Karma?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3. a) Emotional intelligence (EI) not only helps in managing stress but also transforms distress into eustress. Elaborate with relevant examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) Differentiate between the following:\ni. Gratitude and Gratification\nii. Moral myopia vs Moral muteness","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.4) a) Although attitude and behaviour are interrelated, the former is a predisposition while the latter is an option. Discuss the structure of attitude and explain the relationship between attitude and behaviour.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"b) Greed is a bottomless pit which is harmful not only for self but for the entire society. Discuss. How can such negative desires be controlled?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.5) What does each of the following quotation mean to you?\na) A man can give up a right but he may not give up a duty without being guilty of a grave dereliction.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What happens if he gives up his duty?\n What happens if he gives up rights?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"b) Justice without force is futile, force without justice is tyrannical.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"6. a) Success may not lead you to happiness, but happiness is definitely the key to success. Discuss this statement based on your understanding of happiness and success.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"b) To delight in war is a merit in the soldier, a dangerous quality in the captain, and a positive crime in the statesman. - George Santayana. Can war be ethically justified? Discuss the moral principles related to war.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Education is the kindling of a flame not the filling of a vessel. What do you understand by this statement? In your opinion, which five values should Indian education system inculcate in every student? Justify your choice.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7) Based on this case study, answer the following:\na) Identify various ethical issues involved in this incident.\nb) In your opinion, whether vaccine mandates are a violation of individual liberty or a reasonable restriction on personal freedom. Justify.\nc) Discuss the ethical responsibility of famous personalities while conducting themselves in public.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"3) Based on case study, identify ethical issues involved in the case.\na) Identify various ethical issues involved in the case.\nb) In your opinion, is vaccine mandate a violation of individual freedom or a justified restriction on individual liberty? Justify.\nc) Discuss the ethical responsibility of public figures while conducting themselves in public.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Q.8 You have recently started working at your dream company. You have hired in the strategies department along with two other new joiners. All of you have just graduated out of college. You have very friendly relations with co-joiners. The three of you have been helping each other at work. The experience of working together has built strong camaraderie between the three of you. Your boss has publicly appreciated the strong team-spirit displayed by you and your colleagues.\nAt the annual review, you have been given a higher pay raise, and a more lucrative job profile. The promotion doesn't come as a surprise to you. You have worked beyond office hours more as a rule rather than as an exception. The project you worked at was adjudged 'the best project of the year in business impact' at the annual corporate awards. One of your co-joiners remarks, in presumably good humor, that you should suggest to your boss to allocate similar high impact projects to your friends as well. You also perceive suggestions towards the shared surname being the reason for special affinity of your boss towards you, indicating at the fact that your boss and you have the same caste. You feel hurt but you also try to think about the remarks with an open mind. You assess that the three of you have indeed worked hard with sincerity. One of your friends, in fact, worked very efficiently despite a personal tragedy at home. There was already a salary differential between you and your colleagues based on the pedigree of your college. The higher pay raise to you has expanded the differential pay structure further. You always considered the initial pay differential to be against the principle of equal pay for equal work. But now you feel your friends may not have been given equal opportunities as well.\na) You are inclined to the belief that efforts and talent of your colleagues have been under-appreciated and you start feeling guilty about your promotion.\nb) Based on the given information, discuss the options that are available to you for addressing the guilt. What are the merits and demerits of those choices? Which option would you choose? Justify.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Q.9) Consider yourself in Kailash's position and answer the following questions:\na) How will you induce behavioral change to nudge people to move towards eco-friendly products?\nb) What factors will you have to consider while inspiring such a change?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"a) आप लोगों को पर्यावरण अनुकूल उत्पादों की ओर बढ़ने हेतु प्रेरित करने के लिए व्यवहार परिवर्तन को कैसे प्रेरित करेंगे?\nb) इस तरह के बदलाव को प्रेरित करते समय आपको किन कारकों पर विचार करना होगा?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.10) Ashmita is a respected doctor who runs her own maternity clinic in a small town. She is a mother of two and her husband is also a doctor. Ashmita handles multiple cases of child delivery every day and is known for her compassionate treatment of patients. Her clinic enjoy a good reputation in town.\nAmong other expecting mothers, Shikha, daughter-in-law of an MLA, was admitted to Ashmita's maternity clinic for child birth. The MLA met Ashmita and expressed his confidence in her skills. He requested her to personally take extra care of Shikha, to which Ashmita agreed happily. Shikha unexpectedly went into labour in the early hours the next day. During this time, Ashmita was performing an emergency surgery on another patient, so she could not attend to Shikha. Shikha was taken care of by other qualified doctors and hospital staff. The MLA was visibly unhappy that Ashmita did not attend Shikha herself. Once the emergency surgery was completed, Ashmita joined her staff and attended Shikha. However, Shikha passed away due to excess bleeding from Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) during childbirth. Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is unpredictable heavy bleeding and Ashmita did everything that she could have done to try to save Shikha's life.\nThe MLA blamed Ashmita for Shikha's death. Ashmita was beaten by the MLA and his staff. When her husband tried to save Ashmita, he was dragged out of the hospital and thrashed. A police complaint was also lodged against Ashmita accusing her of murder due to negligence. For many days after the incident, she and her family faced constant harassment by police and supporters of the MLA. Ultimately, Ashmita could not take any more humiliation and committed suicide. The news of suicide by the doctor spread like wildfire. Indian Medical Association took cognizance of the case and warned nationwide strike of doctors if appropriate actions in this case were not taken.\nThe state government has appointed a committee to investigate the matter and recommend suitable actions. You are the Chairperson of this committee. In this scenario, answer the following:\na) Why do doctors face violence in the country?\nb) Identify various moral-ethical and administrative lapses in this case.\nc) What would you recommend in this case? Give rationale behind giving those recommendations.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"देश में डॉक्टरों को हिंसा का सामना क्यों करना पड़ता है?\na) इस मामले में विभिन्न नैतिक-नीति विषयक और प्रशासनिक खामियों की पहचान करें।\nb) इस मामले में आप क्या सुझाव देंगे? उन सिफारिशों को देने के पीछे तर्क दीजिए।","marks":null,"words":"20 अंक"},{"page":49,"question":"Q.11 On the basis of above case study, answer the following:\na) Identify various ethical dilemmas involved in this case study.\nb) What can be the other options to achieve justice in the given case, apart from demolition of the illegal towers? Evaluate each of these options and suggest the most suitable option.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"Q.12 Universal Sisterhood of Dreams (USD) is an NGO run by Ms. Anuradha Sen, a popular celebrity. The NGO champions the cause of woman and child rights including issues like trafficking of women and children, bonded labor, child labor, underpaid-forced labor etc. USD has won multiple awards for running a shelter and a rehabilitation programme for victims of human trafficking. Due to the good work and direct involvement of a famous personality like Ms. Anuradha, USD receives substantial donations from corporate houses and philanthropists.\n\nMs. Anuradha also owns a clothing brand 'Sensation' and uses the profits from Sensation for funding USD. The manufacturing of the merchandise sold under the brand has been outsourced to a thirdparty vendor located in a country named Taba. Taba is an under-developed country with weak labor protection laws. The textile industry in Taba is infamous for sweatshops. In these sweatshops working conditions are miserable, labors are paid meager wages for long working hours, child labor and bonded labor is rampant and workplace safety is absent resulting in frequent industrial accidents. Recently, there was a huge fire in a textile factory manufacturing goods for Sensation. Seventeen people including nine children were killed in this fire. After the industrial accident, the issue of exploitation of laborers in Taba became a matter of global debate.\n\nSensation is facing heat and bad publicity on social media because of the use of sweatshops for manufacturing of its products. Ms. Anuradha and even her NGO USD are becoming victims of online trolls. This entire fiasco has negatively impacted the image of her NGO. Many former donors and philanthropists have preferred to disassociate themselves from the USD resulting in fund shortage in the NGO.\n\nMs. Anuradha discusses the entire situation with her financial and legal team. Her legal team tells her that all the relevant laws in Taba were followed by her contractor and the wage paid by it was above the minimum wages prescribed by law. Sensation has done nothing illegal and has no legal liability in this case. But Ms. Anuradha decided that she will ensure that her contractors are paying adequate wages and providing good working conditions to their employees. This can help in not only rebuilding her own reputation and image of USD but also re-attract donors. However, her financial team advises her against this move as it will involve substantial cost for the company. This can lead to a profitable brand turning into a loss-making brand. Further, it will also negatively impact the finances for USD which is already facing a resource crunch. Lack of resources can lead to closure of the shelter home and rehabilitation programme run by her NGO. Now, Ms. Anuradha is in a dilemma about her future course of action.\na) Bring out and discuss various ethical dilemmas faced by Ms. Anuradha in this case.\nb) If you were in her position, how would you approach the problem and what would be your course of action? Justify your choices.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"a) Ethical dilemmas faced\n1) Personal Vs professional integrity of Anuradha\n2) Call of duty Vs call of conscience of Anuradha\n3) Conflict of interest in","marks":null,"words":"20 अंक"}]},{"id":6047,"topper":"Rahul Srivastava","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eKXYEKR36b4qk-qyI3PSEtwbg6MCbJJ3/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) Successful people are not those who did not fail, but those who persisted in turbulent times and kept moving after a failure. In light of this statement, examine the importance of adversity quotient in life. How can adversity quotient be developed?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) 'Strength does not come from physical capacity but from an indomitable will' - Gandhi. What does strength mean to you and how far do you agree with the given statement? Discuss with suitable example.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) Differentiate between the following:\ni) Conscientiousness Vs. Conscience\nii) Guilt Vs. Remorse","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) Good governance does not depend on laws, but upon the personal qualities of those who administer the law. Do you agree with this statement? Justify your view.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) a) An active civil service is necessary but not sufficient; India also requires civil service activism for fulfilling the vision of 'justice, liberty and equality for all'. Analyze the statement citing relevant examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) Educational institutions complement the role of the family and the society in shaping our values. Discuss. Can digital education perform this value inculcation function effectively?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.4) a) Gendered attitudes convert differences in sexes into discriminations. Examine the factors responsible for negative attitudes toward women in the Indian society. How can these attitudes be changed?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"b) How are ethical concerns and work culture of public institutions different from those of private institutions? Examine the desirability of adoption of work culture similar to private institutions in public institutions.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.5) a) Besides objectivity, civil servants also need empathy and compassion to effectively resolve various ethical dilemmas they face while discharging their responsibilities. Discuss with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"b) Leadership is essentially a task of persuasion. How does ability to persuade others help civil servants in performing their duty? Identify five qualities that make civil servants effective agents of persuasion. Justify your choices.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.6) a) What does each of the following quotations mean to you? Peace is not mere absence of war; it is presence of justice","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"b) 'The world will not be destroyed by those who do evil, but by those who watch them without doing anything.'","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"c) 'Happiness is a mysterious thing, to be found somewhere between too little and too much.'","marks":"10","words":"10"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7 Sunshine electronics is a domestic mobile manufacturer and you are its CEO. Sunshine electronics has made an affordable 5g phone with over 80% domestically sourced components. It has spent a large amount of money for promotion of the phone. General public is excited about the new phone and the company has already received over 1 lakh pre-launch orders from various online shopping portals. The achievement of the company has also received recognition from the highest political level and has been cited as a successful example of Atma-Nirbhar Bharat. The Central Minister of Electronics and Information Technology is the chief guest in the launch event of the new mobile phone.\nJust a day before the launch of the new phone, you received a call from the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of your company. He informs you that the US has banned Huwu Technologies Pvt. Ltd. from doing business in the USA and a similar ban is expected to be imposed by the EU in the next few days. The ban on Huwu is based on a report claiming that Huwu has been working very closely with the Chinese government and there are technical 'backdoors' in the components made by Huwu that allows it to spy on users of the devices that have these components.\nThe new phone made by your company also uses a chip manufactured by Huwu. To fulfil the pre-orders in the shortest possible time, Sunshine Electronics has also manufactured around fifty thousand devices. Cancelling or postponing the launch event would be embarrassing for political dispensation and financially disastrous for your company. On the other hand, going ahead with the launch would mean potentially risking the privacy and security of your customers.\n1) On the basis of this case, identify the various ethical dilemmas involved.\n2) What principles of corporate ethics would you consider while taking the decision in this case?\n3) Examine various options available with you for handling the issue at hand. What will you do in the given case?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"1) इस मामले के आधार पर, इसमें शामिल विभिन्न नैतिक दुविधाओं की पहचान करें।\n2) इस मामले में निर्णय लेते समय आप कॉर्पोरेट नैतिकता के किन सिद्धांतों पर विचार करेंगे?\n3) समस्या से निपटने के लिए आपके पास उपलब्ध विभिन्न विकल्पों की जांच करें। दिए गए मामले में आप क्या करेंगे?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":34,"question":"Q.8 Asanpur is a beautiful small district in Northern part of India. It used to be the hub of stone mining activity. However, excessive mining led to environmental degradation and rapid soil erosion while cutting of stone created air pollution hazard. Due to various detrimental impacts, NGT has imposed a ban on stone mining in Asanpur. Despite this ban, the mining mafia has been able to operate with connivance of corrupt government officials and politicians. Many officers have tried to stop this illegal mining, but the powerful mafia has either forced them to submit through force or bribed them or got them transferred through their political contacts. Last week, a DSP lost his life when he was trying to stop a truck carrying illegally mined stones.\nYou recently got promoted and made the SP of Asanpur. Upon taking the charge, you quickly realized the gravity of the problem. Illegal mining was run by organized gangs in the district. It was also linked to other crimes in your city ranging from petty crimes like pick pocketing to serious offenses like kidnapping and murders. Illegal mining and related crime have negatively impacted socio-economic development of the district as youth are increasingly getting involved in the illegal activities and businesses are leaving the district due to high crime rates. You created a special task force and started taking stringent actions against the illegal mining in your district. In a short span of a few weeks you seized thirty dumpers carrying illegally mined stones. Public appreciated your stringent actions while the corrupt ecosystem created by illegal miners was rattled.\nOne day, a junior officer approached you and informed you that he has been receiving threats from the illegal stone miners. He also informs you that others in the task force are also facing problems like someone in the task force is being harassed by reopening an old settled case against him while someone else has received a transfer order to a remote district. This has demotivated the taskforce and reminded them of the connections of illegal miners in the district. The same day, when you reach home, your wife tells you that she got a call from an unknown number threatening her of dire consequences if you do not stop your investigation. You fear that the call was from a member of the organized crime syndicate involved in the illegal mining activity. Your wife is worried about the safety of the family and requests you to be lenient in your work. In this situation, answer the following questions:\n1) How will you motivate the task force to work with honesty in this adverse condition?\n2) How would you justify putting your family at risk in line of your duty?\n3) Identify the various dimensions of the crisis. Based on your understanding, suggest measures to deal with the crisis.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"1) इस विपरीत परिस्थिति में आप टास्क फोर्स को ईमानदारी से काम करने के लिए कैसे प्रेरित करेंगे?\n2) आप अपने कर्तव्य के क्रम में अपने परिवार को जोखिम में डालने को कैसे उचित ठहराएंगे?\n3) संकट के विभिन्न आयामों की पहचान करें। अपनी समझ के आधार पर संकट से निपटने के उपाय सुझाएं।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":39,"question":"Q.9 Under the Mid- Day Meal (MDM) scheme, children are served cooked food in their school. It has been revolutionary in not only improving the nutritional status of children but also increasing the retention ratio in schools. However, the quality of food has been a cause of concern.\n\nIn one of the unfortunate incidents, two students lost their lives and over thirty children fell ill after eating the MDM in their school. The district administration was quick in its action and fired the cook (bhojan-mata) of the concerned school. The bhojan-mata, who belongs to a backward caste, is the sole breadwinner in her family after her husband passed away. In an TV interview related to the incident, Bhojan-mata claimed that she is being made a scapegoat and being targeted only because she belongs to a backward caste. This created a political storm in the state. Opposition parties picked up the issue of social discrimination and started state-wide protest demanding justice for the bhojan-mata. The protest found resonance with masses and the ruling party was severely criticized.\n\nTo win back the confidence of the public, the government has constituted a commission to investigate the matter in an impartial manner. You are a joint secretary level officer and have been appointed as a member of the commission. During the investigation, you found that bhojan-mata was indeed not at fault. It was the contractor who was supplying poor quality raw materials to the school that caused the food poisoning in children. You also found that the food contractor was the brother of a powerful cabinet minister. You suspect that the district administration was hand-in-glove with the contractor and they connived to implicate bhojan-mata and exonerate the contractor.\n\nYou brought these findings before the head of the commission. To your surprise, the head of the commission informs you that he was already aware of these facts. He informs you that the minister has asked him to make a report that vindicates the bhojan-mata and reinstates her in order to subdue the opposition led agitations. He asks you to find someone else who can be blamed to ensure that the government is able to save its face as declaring the brother of a sitting cabinet minister responsible would push the government further in trouble. He also tells you that helping the ruling dispensation would ultimately help you, subtly giving hints of getting a 'plum posting' and also warns you that going against the wish of the minister can attract the wrath of the minister that can be disastrous for your career.\n1) What are the various ethical dilemmas that you face in this situation?\n2) What are the different courses of action that you can take? Identify the most suitable course of action and justify your choice.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"1) इस स्थिति में आप किन विभिन्न नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करते हैं?\n2) कार्रवाई के विभिन्न कदम क्या हैं जो आप ले सकते हैं? कार्रवाई के सबसे उपयुक्त कदम की पहचान करें और अपनी पसंद का औचित्य साबित करें।","marks":null,"words":"20 अंक"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.10 Rashmi is a trained nurse and has an experience of over 20 years. She joined as a contractual nurse in a government hospital during the second wave of Covid-19. At the peak of the second wave of Covid, the health system of the country crumbled under the large number of infections. There was a severe shortage of not only items like medicine, oxygen cylinders etc but also of trained staff. To address the bed shortage, many temporary covid camps were established and to cope up with the dearth of trained staff, the government started hiring on contractual basis. Many nurses, computer operators, sweepers and others in support staff were temporarily hired for the covid period in accordance with outsourcing policy for emergency services at government hospitals. Due to their immense contribution in fight against the pandemic, they were recognized as 'corona warriors'. During their hiring, a verbal promise was made to them that, 'corona warriors' would be given preference in other government hirings. Rashmi signed a contract stating the term of her employment as three months, which was subsequently extended for three more months and so on. After a year, as the number of covid infections have declined, the government has closed many of the temporary camps. Vaccination drive has also shown a decelerating trend as the majority of the population has been inoculated with at least one dose. This has reduced the requirement of nurses, computer operators and other supporting staff. Rashmi was served a 15 day notice and her contractual employment was terminated. Government has cited that since covid wave has subsided, contractual human resource would be laid-off and the money saved would be used for augmenting health infrastructure in the country. Rashmi recalls her ordeal while taking care of patients during the second wave of Covid-19. She did continuous night shifts which usually stretched to 12-13 hours. Wearing PPE and 3 layers of masks for the entire period of duty made simple tasks like drinking water or using the washroom very difficult. Dealing with patients, some angry while others grieving, was an emotional drain. Rashmi also played a very important role in the vaccination drive, sometimes vaccinating more than 400 people per day. Many corona warriors contracted disease and died while doing their duty. Corona warriors have put their life on the line to save the country from the pandemic. But after termination of the contract, Rashmi feels that the government has acted with a 'use and throw' attitude. Rashmi and other corona warriors have started protesting near the health ministry, demanding permanent government employment. On the basis of this case, answer the following questions:\n1) What are the various ethical issues involved in this case?\n2) Do you think Rashmi is justified in demanding a permanent government job?\n3) Do you think the government is justified in terminating the contracts of corona warriors?\n4) Consider yourself in the position of Health secretary in the concerned state. What would you do to address the issue at hand?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"स्थायी सरकारी नौकरी की मांग को लेकर रशिम समेत अन्य कोरोना योद्धाओं ने स्वास्थ्य मंत्रालय के पास धरना शुरू कर दिया है। इस मामले के आधार पर निम्नलिखित प्रश्नों के उत्तर दीजिए :\n1) इस मामले में शामिल विभिन्न नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\n2) क्या आपको लगता है कि रशिम का स्थायी सरकारी नौकरी की मांग करना जायज है?\n3) क्या आपको लगता है कि सरकार का कोरोना योद्धाओं के ठेके खत्म करना जायज है?\n4) अपने आप को संबंधित राज्य में स्वास्थ्य सचिव के पद पर विचार करें। मौजूदा मुद्दे को हल करने के लिए आप क्या करेंगे?","marks":null,"words":"20 अंक"},{"page":49,"question":"Q.11 Abha is currently working as the DM of a district. One day, she went to a village for inspecting the progress of a certain village development project. Abha was not satisfied with the pace of the work and wanted to talk with the Sarpanch of the village about the same. Abha went to the panchayat office where she found the Sarpanch standing just outside the office. The Sarpanch greeted Abha and offered her a seat. Abha sat down and started discussing the matter with the Sarpanch. She noticed that Sarpanch was still standing. She thought that Sarpanch was not sitting because of hesitation or out of respect for the officer. She requested him to take a seat but he reluctantly sat on a wooden stool. Abha jokingly asked him if he liked the stool so much that he chose it instead of a chair, to which the Sarpanch replied that he was not allowed to sit on a chair as he belonged to a Dalit community. Abha was taken aback by this response. Abha enquired further about the issue. The sarpanch explained that since the Sarpanch position was reserved for SC community, he won the election. But despite being the official head of the panchayat, he did not have any power. He was neither allowed to enter the panchayat office nor was given access to official documents. A separate water pot was kept for him outside the office and he was not allowed to use the common water pot. He worked as a rubber stamp who merely signed the given document. He went on to tell Abha that last year he was not even allowed to hoist the national flag during the Independence Day celebration. Abha was shocked about hearing the kind of discrimination that the Sarpanch faced. On the basis of this case study answer the following questions:\n1) Why do caste-based discriminations still persist even after 75 years of independence?\n2) Examine the various ethical issues involved in this case.\n3) Identify various stakeholders and their responsibilities for creating an egalitarian society.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"Q.12) Jayant is a hard-working and dedicated IAS officer. He is currently posted in a remote district in North-East India. Jayant is married to Sarita who used to work as a software engineer before her marriage. Sarita is a well-educated and ambitious woman who wants to be known by her name and not only as the wife of IAS officer Jayant. Sarita wants to restart her career and has been searching for a suitable job for some time. She has found a good job in an MNC that pays well, but she will have to move to Bangalore for it. Sarita wants to take up this opportunity but Jayant's mother does not want Sarita to move to Bangalore. Jayant also wants Sarita to stay with him so that they can have kids and start their family. Sarita proposes that Jayant move with him to Bangalore as she will get a salary that is substantially more than Jayant's. Jayant and his mother found this proposal offending. Further, Jayant does not want to leave the job that he has dreamed of since his childhood and for which he has toiled hard. The entire issue has become a reason for daily fights between Sarita and Jayant, and has taken a toll on their married life.\n\nThe issues in personal life of Jayant have creeped into his professional life as well. He is not able to concentrate on his work which has resulted in his poor performance. Just a few days back, Jayant made a blunder and was scolded by his senior for being absent-minded in his work. His behaviour in office has also changed. Now Jayant gets easily irritated and often talks rudely with the staff in the office. This is negatively impacting the motivation level of his subordinates. Jayant is aware of his degrading performance and he thinks that he is failing both in his personal and professional life\n\nYou are a mutual friend of Jayant and Sarita. One day you received a call from a distressed Jayant and he asks you for your advice on this issue.\n1) Help Jayant identify different options available with him to cope with the crisis? Discuss the merits and demerits of each of these options.\n2) As a mutual friend, what advice would you give to Jayant and Sarita in this case so that they can return back to being a happy couple?\n3) How can Jayant develop the qualities that are required to handle such crisis situations in life?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"1) संकट से निपटने के लिए जयंत के पास उपलब्ध विभिन्न विकल्पों की पहचान करने में मदद करें? इनमें से प्रत्येक विकल्प के गुण-दोषों की विवेचना कीजिए।\n2) एक पारस्परिक मित्र के रूप में, आप इस मामले में जयंत और सरिता को क्या सलाह देंगे ताकि वे एक खुशहाल दंपति के रूप में वापस आ सकें?\n3) जयंत जीवन में ऐसी संकट स्थितियों को संभालने के लिए आवश्यक गुणों को कैसे विकसित कर सकता है?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"}]},{"id":6048,"topper":"Rahul Srivastava","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1miBW1OvWoFBPbFIfyNh_32TmeepSC1g9/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1) a) Ethical governance is the foundation of a welfare state. Identify essential ethical traits of a welfare state. Discuss ways and means to promote ethics in governance.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"3 Effective public service delivery requires a citizen centric system. Citizen's Charter is seen as an important tool to ensure such a system, but it is not achieving its objectives. Why? Discuss measures to make it more effective?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.21 a) Conscience keeps ethics from fading when faced with a tough decision. Discuss in context of civil servants.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) a) Differentiate between accountability and responsibility. Do you think responsibility without accountability is meaningful?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Many examples of 'living the values' can be drawn from Swami Vivekananda's life, which are important for any civil servant. Highlight such values and illustrate how they can help in achieving civil services objectives.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"4) a) Civil servants should work for a cause and not for applause. In light of this statement, examine why bureaucratic anonymity is considered a foundational value for a civil servant. How far do you agree that the principle of bureaucratic anonymity has been diluted in the age of social media?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"b) The recent Covid 19 pandemic has reinvigorated the debate about 'compassionate capitalism'. Define the concept and explain its importance in the present times","marks":"10 marks, 150","words":"10"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.5) What does each of the following quotation mean to you?\na) \"Individuals should cultivate noble traits so that socio-political organizations are free from highly despicable men.\" - Thirukkural","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"6) a) Ethics in international relations is a myth, only national interest determines the foreign policy. How far do you agree with this statement? Discuss with suitable illustrations","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"It is not power, but fear that corrupts. Fear of losing power corrupts those who wield it and fear the scourge of power corrupts those who are subject to it. Examine the statement in context of political corruption.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"3) Ethical work culture increases employee satisfaction and ensures organizational success. Elaborate in what ways can ethical culture be incorporated in an organization?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7 As you are a very good friend of Mayank. He discusses the matter with you, as he is trying for transfer from a long time. In this case answer the following:\na) Why such instance of corruption in government programmes are common across the country? How can they be prevented?\nb) Enumerate various interests involved in this case from the perspective of different stakeholders. What advice will you give to Mayank?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"a) Reasons for common instances of corruption?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Q.8) You are an IFS officer who heads a diplomatic mission in a European country. You live there with your wife and children. Your parents and few of your relatives are also visiting you for vacation. The country is known for its scenic mountains and it is a popular destination for tourists. In an unexpected turn of events, the country in which you are posted has been attacked by its neighbour due to some unresolved bilateral issues. All the major transportation channels have been adversely impacted by the attack. Flights have been cancelled and airspace above the country has been declared unsafe for commercial aircrafts. You have received an urgent communication from New Delhi asking you to prepare a plan for evacuation of Indians from the besieged country. You have been informed that a friendly neighbouring country of India has sought India’s help to evacuate its citizens. Due to war, only a limited number of people can be evacuated in one go and multiple rounds would be required for evacuating everyone. You have identified following groups of people who are to be evacuated:\ni. You, your wife, children, parents and relatives.\nii. Diplomatic staff at the mission.\niii. Indian tourists visiting the country.\niv. Indian students studying in the country.\nv. A film crew and actors who were shooting a film in the country. These include some of the biggest names of Bollywood.\nvi. Citizens of the friendly neighbouring country that has requested India’s help.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Q9 Rashmi is a young IPS officer who is posted as the SP law and order in a district that has a history of communal clashes. During a cultural event, a political leader made certain controversial comments regarding the religion of another community that can potentially harm communal harmony in the district. The representatives of the aggrieved community met Rashmi with their complaint. An FIR was registered in the matter and the police department promptly started an investigation. During questioning, the accused political leader denied the charges. He claimed that he was exercising his right to freedom of expression and had no intention of hurting anyone's feelings. He even offered to tender an apology if his statement had hurt someone's religious feelings. However, the aggrieved community was not satisfied with this apology and demanded strict action against the accused.\n\nThe next day, a video went viral on social media in which the accused political leader can be seen making derogatory statements against another religious faith. However, Rashmi suspects that the video going viral on the internet is a doctored video and someone has mischievously edited it to make it more vitriolic and inflammatory. The video has ignited communal tensions in the district. The accused political leader belongs to an influential community and his community has put their support behind him. Local intelligence has warned that some anti-social elements are trying to use this opportunity to create communal riot in the district. The entire matter has been politicized and is being covered by the national media. In this situation answer the following:\na) What differentiates a hate speech from a free speech?\nb) Why does social media have a very strong influence over the actions and thoughts of its users?\nc) What is the most suitable course of action for Rashmi in this situation? Justify.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.10) You are the district magistrate of Kasigunj. The state government is pushing for digital solutions to improve health care delivery in remote areas. Government has introduced a digital patient registration and management system that can record disease history, prescribed treatment regimen, lab reports etc. The system can be accessed and operated through smart phones connected with the internet.\n\nASHA workers form the backbone of health and nutrition interventions in rural areas. To ensure that they can buy smart phones and assess the patient registration and monitoring system, the state government has provided a one-time grant of six thousand to them. Government is also providing 1 GB/day high speed data to ASHA workers. However, the new phone and internet is used more for streaming videos or browsing social network sites and after the lockdown, for attending online classes by their children.\n\nTo ensure that the phone and internet is being used for its intended purpose, the government has made it mandatory for every ASHA worker to download a new mobile application. The new mobile application allows officials to directly manage devices of ground-level public health workers. The application tracks daily work and provides insights on how a person uses the handset. The ASHA workers have gone on strike against this directive. They allege that the application violates the privacy of women and can monitor their personal conversations, access photographs, and record audio or video through remote access.\n\nThe new dispute and strike threaten to derail not only the digitization drive in public health services but also the recruitment of women as ASHA due to misgivings about invasion of privacy and misuse of technology. In this situation, following choices are available to you for resolving the crisis:\na) Abandon the requirement for mandatory downloading of the new application on smartphones.\nb) Stop providing free data to ASHA workers to avoid misuse of government resources.\nc) Take strict action against ASHA workers who are on strike. Suggest any other possible option(s). Evaluate all of them and suggest the best course of action, giving your reasons for it.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Q11 The farmer unions in one of the states has called for mass protest owing to large number of arrears/their dues not being paid by the private sugar factories for the last two years. On the day of mass protest, farmers turned up in huge numbers and at several places the protest turned violent. There were instances of stone pelting, vehicle burning etc. The police were not able to control the violent protesters at some places and had to resort to lathi charge. But at one of the places police resorted to firing in which four farmers were killed. This further aggravated the situation as farmers at other places also resorted to violence to protest against police action.\n\nLooking at the intensity of the situation, under opposition pressure, one of the Minister of the state gave the statement that farmers did not die due to police firing but there were some anti-social elements amongst the protesters who fired in order to create unrest in the state.\n\nThis statement of the Minister instead of calming the protesters further angered them as some eyewitness testified to news channels about the deaths being the result of police firing. All this further projected government in bad light and the police action has come under severe criticism by various sections of intelligentsia. The public sentiment has started to sway in favour of the protesting farmers.\n\nThere is huge pressure on the government to diffuse the tension, address farmers' grievances and take action against the police personnel involved in firing at the protesters since the protesters have started blocking all the major state highways which has crippled the day-to-day routine of the people of the state. Further, there is danger that the situation may get out of control anytime.\n\nSuppose you are the district magistrate where the incident has taken place:\na) You have to address the press conference. What will be your statement to the media if it seeks clarification on whether people died in the police firing as stated by the state minister?\nb) What are the ethical issues involved in the case?\nc) What steps will you take to tackle the post-firing situation effectively?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":54,"question":"Q.12) Lithium is emerging as the new gold in the modern world. It is used extensively in making rechargeable batteries that are used across phones, laptops, electric vehicles etc. As the world is transitioning towards clean energy, demand for lithium is rising exponentially. India is dependent on imports for her lithium needs. Recently, a large lithium deposit has been found during a geological survey in Central India. According to initial estimates, the reserve is large enough to not only fulfill domestic requirements but also leave enough surplus for India to export lithium to other countries. The news of this discovery is covered by national media. This reserve can provide much needed impetus to adoption and development of green energy technologies in the country. Many prominent union ministers have expressed their desire for timely development of lithium mines and claimed that this discovery to be an outcome of their far-sighted governance and development model.\n\nAmit is a senior government official who has been appointed as project development officer for this mining project. During initial assessment of the project, Amit found that the discovered reserve lies inside a forest inhabited by tribals. This is a pristine forest, hitherto untouched by humans, other than indigenous tribal communities. This forest hosts a wide variety of flora and fauna, many of which are endemic. Further, the lithium reserve lies at the foothill of a hillock. This hillock has a small shrine where the deity worshipped by the tribals is located. Lithium mining in this area would mean destruction of forest, blasting of the mountain where shrine of the tribal deity is located and displacement of tribals. The tribal population is against this mining project. They consider this project as an assault on their way of life and culture. Intelligence report suggests that if these tribals are forcefully displaced and their shrine destroyed, they can become easy targets for the Naxal indoctrination and create a security nightmare for the state. On the other hand, Amit is facing political pressure for execution of this project and has been repeatedly reminded that not only this project is of national importance but also can be a stepping stone for his career.\n\nAmit is your colleague and a close friend. He asks you for your advice in this matter. Based on the described situation, help Amit identify various ethical dilemmas in this case. In your opinion, what is the most suitable course of action for Amit? Justify your choice.","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":6049,"topper":"Raj Krishna Jha","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Insights IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.insightsonindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/raj-krishna-jha-upsc-2024-essay-topper-copy-updated.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6050,"topper":"Raj Krishna Jha","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ffxm204koH-JlKJ1PopIO1XQIz0RiDnu/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the recent trends of internal displacement globally. How does development often lead to the displacement of vulnerable communities in India? (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Comment on the intergenerational transmission of poverty. How can policy interventions break this cycle? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Enumerate the major challenges of rapid urbanization leading to slums and squatter settlements in Indian cities. Suggest innovative approaches to improve the living conditions in these communities.\" (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Examine the idea and potential consequences of implementing a two-child policy in India to control population growth? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"\"Rapid population growth contributes to environmental degradation.\" Examine both direct and indirect impacts. How can sustainable development policies mitigate this impact? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":14,"question":"\"India's demographic transition is driven by multiple factors. Analyze these factors and discuss the complex opportunities and challenges this transition poses for India's socio-economic development.\" (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":17,"question":"\"With India's rapidly ageing population, evaluate the socio-economic challenges this demographic shift presents. How can policy frameworks be strengthened to effectively address the needs and rights of the elderly?\" (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6051,"topper":"Raj Krishna Jha","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VjHV_HzUuY3LnYeqqRLHuKJS4L3j-Bh9/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The increasing frequency of natural disasters in India highlights the need for a paradigm shift in disaster management. Comment. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Floods are a recurring disaster in India, exacerbated by both natural and anthropogenic factors. Discuss. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"India's unique geographical location makes it vulnerable to a range of natural hazards. Discuss the factors contributing to this vulnerability. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Analyze the factors contributing to the increasing frequency and intensity of cold waves in India. Discuss their socio-economic impacts. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Landslides pose a significant threat to life and property in hilly regions of India. Analyze the intertwining factors contributing to landslides. Suggest comprehensive measures for alleviating the risk. (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":14,"question":"The 2nd ARC's recommendations on disaster management underscore the importance of capacity building at all levels. Analyze the challenges and suggest measures to translate these recommendations into action. (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":17,"question":"The success of global frameworks for disaster risk reduction depends on their localization. Critically Examine. (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6052,"topper":"Raj Krishna Jha","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Insights IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.insightsonindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/raj-krishna-jha-upsc-2024-gs-1-topper-copy-1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6053,"topper":"Raj Krishna Jha","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Insights IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.insightsonindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/raj-krishna-jha-upsc-2024-gs-2-topper-copy-updated.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6054,"topper":"Raj Krishna Jha","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Insights IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.insightsonindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/raj-krishna-jha-upsc-2024-gs-3-topper-copy-updated.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6055,"topper":"Raj Krishna Jha","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Insights IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.insightsonindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/raj-krishna-jha-upsc-2024-ethics-topper-copy-updated.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6056,"topper":"Raj Kumar Mahto","air":557,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/PSIR-T1-RAJ-KUMAR-MAHTO-R557-1750231901428.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6057,"topper":"Raj Kumar Mahto","air":557,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/PSIR-T2-RAJ-KUMAR-MAHTO-R557-1750231913749.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6058,"topper":"Raj Kumar Mahto","air":557,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/PSIR-T3-RAJ-KUMAR-MAHTO-R557-1750231924569.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6059,"topper":"Raj Kumar Mahto","air":557,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/PSIR-T4-RAJ-KUMAR-MAHTO-R557-1750231934250.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6060,"topper":"Raj Kumar Mahto","air":557,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/PSIR-T5-RAJ-KUMAR-MAHTO-R557-1750231944134.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6061,"topper":"Raj Kumar Mahto","air":557,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/PSIR-T6-RAJ-KUMAR-MAHTO-R557-1750231962572.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6062,"topper":"Raj Kumar Mahto","air":557,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/PSIR-T7-RAJ-KUMAR-MAHTO-R557-1750232001525.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6063,"topper":"Raj Kumar Mahto","air":557,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/PSIR-T8-RAJ-KUMAR-MAHTO-R557-1750232012522.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6064,"topper":"Rajat","air":351,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/ESSAY_PROGRAME_T_2_RAJAT_AIR_351_d1c9ddaeb3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6065,"topper":"Rajat Kumar Rai","air":351,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/ESSAY_PROGRAME_T_1_RAJAT_KUMAR_RAI_AIR_351_29329bd0c5.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6066,"topper":"Rajat Kumar Rai","air":351,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/ETHICS_PROGRAME_2024_RAJAT_KUMAR_RAI_AIR_351_513a2bc667.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6067,"topper":"Rajat Ravindra Ubhaykar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7881c-106474_1450_rajat-ubhaykar_rank_49.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"An effective crop insurance system is crucial in cushioning income losses for farmers. In this context, assess the performance of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Explaining the significance of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), highlight the challenges that need to be addressed for it to achieve its true potential. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the potential of multimodal transport in transforming India's transportation and logistics sector. Mention the measures taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Priyate investment is a key driver that catalyses an economy into a self-sustaining cycle of growth. Explaining the statement, highlight the steps that should be taken to revive private investment in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Comment on the efficacy of waste to energy plants being established in India in order to solve the problem of discarded municipal solid waste. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"In recent decades India has made changes in its IPR regime to make it TRIPS compliant, however there continue to remain fundamental differences on IPR related issues in relation to the developed world. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Chandrayaan-2 has not only been considered as one of the most challenging missions of ISRO but also more technologically advanced than Chandrayaan-1. Elaborate. Further, examine how lunar exploration can benefit humanity in general. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Given the strategic rivalries and growing space capabilities of many countries, militarisation of outer space is considered a threat. In this context, discuss the need for a rule-based order to securely govern outer space. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Money laundering not only threatens the stability of the financial system of India but also its national security. Elucidate. In this context, discuss how far the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 addresses these issues. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Discuss the need for agricultural marketing reforms in India. Also, identify the key aspects of agricultural markets that need to be reformed. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite the government meeting its disinvestment targets in recent years, its efforts towards strategic disinvestment and privatisation remain limited. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"There have been arguments that employment creation and productivity do not grow adequately as firms age in India. In this context, analyse why Indian firms start small and stay small. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Bring out the importance of focussing on energy efficiency for achieving energy security in India. What steps have been taken by the government in this regard? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Despite having a statutory framework for minimum wages since long, many workers continue to remain outside its reach. Examine the reasons and suggest corrective measures in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Highlight the significance of a well-established carbon market in India. In this context, explaining the mechanism of renewable energy certificates (REC), highlight the challenges that the REC market faces. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Discuss the need and challenges in integrating the efforts for disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Given the significance of data in policy making, analyze why its potential remains underutilised. Also, suggest some measures for transforming India's data infrastructure in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The roots of insurgency in the North Eastern region are embedded in a host of factors. Discuss. What measures have been taken to tackle cross-border insurgency in this area? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Highlight the challenges faced by India in countering terror financing. Also, mention the steps taken by India in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6068,"topper":"Rajat Ravindra Ubhaykar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/51f5b-106474_1448_rajat-ubhaykar_rank_49.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"It is argued that mathematics and astronomy were an important part of intellectual development in ancient India. In this context, highlight the major contributions of ancient India to these areas. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In context of the rivalries, which existed between the English and French trading companies in India, highlight the factors, which led to the success of the English East India Company in its struggle against the French. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What were the causes of the Iranian Revolution of 1979? In what ways do the consequences of this revolution remain relevant even today? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Analyze the impact of globalization on indigenous craft, literary traditions and traditional knowledge systems in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Juvenile delinquency has attracted much media attention in recent years. What are the factors that drive the juveniles towards crime? In this context, state the significance of rehabilitative and reformative measures for juvenile delinquents. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Highlighting the health challenges that tribals are facing in India, suggest a roadmap to improve the health indicators of the tribals. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Give an account of the geographical distribution pattern of major agro-based industries in India. Also, explain their multiplier effect on rural economy. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Highlight the reasons and resultant implications of disappearance of urban water bodies in India. Mention some of the steps which can be taken in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Explaining the role that Ocean Iron Fertilization can play in the fight against climate change, discuss the concerns associated with its large-scale adoption. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"In India a vast number of languages are potentially endangered. Discuss the reasons and implications of disappearance of a language. Also, suggest measures to preserve potentially endangered languages. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"While the British established a judicial system based on the rule of law, in practice this system suffered from numerous drawbacks. Analyze keeping in mind the developments between 1793 and 1833. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Trace the evolution of British policy towards the princely states in India. How did the freedom movement impact the people of these princely states? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Give a brief account of the circumstances under which Simla agreement was signed in 1972. Mentioning its important provisions, discuss whether it was a lost opportunity for India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"State the push and pull factors responsible for internal migration in India. Also examine how it is impacting urban transition in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Examine the factors responsible for poor performance of family planning programme in India. Suggest some family planning strategies, which can be adopted for improving reproductive health outcomes and achieving family welfare. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Women experience poverty differently and more acutely as compared to men. In this context, explain the socio-economic factors, which contribute to feminization of poverty in India. How can this problem be tackled? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Giving examples, highlight the reasons behind existence of regional disparities in India. Suggest some strategies to address them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Highlighting different factors affecting Indian monsoon, explain why it is difficult to predict it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6069,"topper":"Rajat Ravindra Ubhaykar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/605bd-106474_1449_rajat-ubhaykar_rank_49.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Bringing higher judiciary under the ambit of RTI has its own merits and demerits. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Tribunals in India have not just replicated some of the problems that our judiciary suffers from but added a few more. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Parliamentary privileges are not always used for the aims they were intended to serve. In this context, discuss the need for codification of these privileges in light of recent developments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"There is a point of view that the office of Governor has outlived its relevance and needs to be abolished. Critically examine in the current context. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Is lateral entry in civil services the panacea to address the challenges, which hamper the effective functioning of bureaucracy in India? Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Highlighting the grievances of states towards Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS), explain how the government has sought to rationalise these schemes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The PM Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) has begun well and holds a lot of promise, however it needs to address multiple challenges to become a success. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Highlighting its key features, examine the need for the passage of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill by the Parliament at the earliest. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"With changing times India's engagement with its diaspora has also undergone a change. Explain in the context of government policies on diaspora. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Despite its immense potential, the challenges associated with RCEP for India cannot be ignored. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Decentralisation in India has been fairly successful at the political level, however on the fiscal and administrative fronts progress is marred by several bottlenecks. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The provisions of the Anti-Defection Law have been repeatedly violated and are routinely misinterpreted. Examine. Also, suggest measures to strengthen the Anti-Defection Law. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The amendment process for the Indian Constitution follows a middle path between rigidity and flexibility. Comment in comparative perspective. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Assess the effectiveness of the institutional architecture of Indian federalism in settling inter-state disputes. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The recent advances in technologies have the potential to make e-governance a very potent tool for ushering in an era of good governance. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"While Indians are donating to charitable causes more than ever, philanthropy in India is still at a formative stage. In this context, highlight the significance of philanthropy and state the factors holding back philanthropy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Highlight the challenges faced in implementation of healthcare schemes in India. Examine how creation of a robust digital health ecosystem can prove to be a game changer in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"For India to emerge as a knowledge superpower, it is imperative to address the challenges of access, equity, quality, affordability and accountability faced by the current education system. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Ties with both USA and Russia are important for India, however, both these relations have their own sets of challenges, and some of these are further accentuated by the friction between these two powers. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6070,"topper":"Rajat Ravindra Ubhaykar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b60e7-106474_1695_rajat-ravindra-ubhaykar_rank_49.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Norms of social morality should not be applied to acts of civil servants while they are carrying out their professional roles and responsibilities to further the common good. Critically analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Determination of ethics in state policies and actions is not easy because every policy and action has both positive and negative aspects viewed from different stakeholders' perspectives. Discuss with suitable examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand by global ethics in today's world? Highlight the role that global ethics can play in achieving universally accepted goals. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlight the important teachings of Swami Vivekananda, relevant to the youth of today. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) Courage is the most important of all the virtues because without courage, you can't practice any other virtue consistently. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Can a war ever be justified on moral grounds? Support your answer with suitable arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Do you think that ethical principles are universal in nature? Justify your answer with relevant examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"For civil servants, both professional competence and commitment to ethics are equally important. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Despite changing family structure, it still plays an important role in nurturing core societal values. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Impartiality as a core value of civil services should not become a hurdle in showing compassion towards weaker sections of the society. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":34,"question":"You are a sportsman who has been recently included in the national team squad for an upcoming international tournament. Many others are fighting for the same position and you would like to cement your place in the team as soon as possible. While you are practicing at a training session for the tournament with your fellow team mates, one amongst them offers you a prohibited substance. He claims that it will help you in improving your performance in the tournament. He also informs you that a lot of other team mates also use performance enhancing drugs or PEDs to improve their performance in tournaments. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the options available to you in the above case? Which amongst these will you choose and why? (b) Discuss the ethical issues involved in doping by sportspersons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Recently, the four accused in the rape and murder of a veterinary doctor were shot down by the police while they were in police custody. The police claimed that the four accused were taken to the site of the rape in the early hours of the morning. They managed to snatch two pistols from the policemen, fired and injured two cops, and were shot in retaliation. Soon thereafter, a majority of the public welcomed the news of the police shooting the alleged rapists. Why is it that people applaud these actions of the police? Do you share such sentiments? Justify with relevant arguments.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Public policy is being increasingly informed by insights from the behavioural sciences. One such behavioural approach is the Nudge theory. It is mainly concerned with the design of choices, which influences the decisions we make. Nudge theory proposes that the designing of choices should be based on how people actually think and decide, rather than how leaders and authorities traditionally believe people think and decide. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) Giving examples, illustrate the difference between enforced change and 'Nudge' techniques? (b) Identify the ethical concerns associated with the nudge technique. Also, suggest ways for using nudging theory ethically.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6071,"topper":"Rajat Ravindra Ubhaykar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6fe76-106474_1451_rajat-ravindra-ubhaykar_rank_49.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"It is morally permissible to perform an action in pursuit of a good end in full knowledge that the action might also bring about bad results. Critically examine the statement with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"An essential element that distinguishes a career in public service from jobs elsewhere is its focus on public service ethos. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The foundational values of efficiency, impartiality, empathy, and incorruptibility are an integral part of civil services. Elaborate with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The foreign policy of nations is primarily guided by national interests. Do you think the pursuit of such exclusive concerns leaves little scope for ethics in international relations? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Corporate Social Responsibility can help in changing the perception of 'business ethics' being an oxymoron. Critically analyze. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) Intolerance is itself a form of violence and an obstacle to the growth of a true democratic spirit. Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Citizens' Charters by themselves cannot achieve the desired results in improving quality of public services. Discuss the statement in light of the Sevottam Model. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"What do you understand by social capital? Explain its relationship with good governance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Emotional Intelligence is an essential ingredient for managing personal and organizational change. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Do you agree that privatization and outsourcing of selected public services will help improve the quality of public service delivery and in particular reduce the incidence of corruption? Substantiate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Discuss the contributions of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar to the idea of social justice in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"You are posted as the District Magistrate in a district, which has been ravaged by floods recently. The severity of floods has not only led to destruction of shelter and livelihood, but also created risks of deadly diseases spreading in the area. Street thugs have taken advantage of the situation and are looting and stocking anything they can get their hands on. There are reports that many shops and homes have been broken into and looted. Some suspect that this is the work of illegal immigrants from a neighbouring country, who have been residing in the district for a long time. The local MLA is objecting to extension of relief and rehabilitation assistance to these illegal immigrants. A number of residents of the district have also joined the MLA and are arguing that citizens have the first right on the country's resources, particularly in the prevailing situation. In this context, answer the following: (a) Do you think that citizens of a country have the first claim on resources of a nation in every situation? Justify your answer with valid arguments. (b) Given this information, chart a course of action based on priorities of the administration. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"You are the Commissioner of a city municipal corporation. Recognizing the state of some of the old buildings, you have categorised these under the list of dilapidated buildings. You have also issued an advisory to residents regarding the status and hazards of living in such buildings and asked them to vacate the premises. However, even after such a notification, residents continue to occupy such buildings and refuse to vacate. These are mostly poor people who have no other alternative available and would be rendered homeless if they vacate the premises. While you are trying to figure a way out for these people, your worst fears come true when one of the four-storeyed buildings on the list collapsed after heavy rains. Following the incident, public outrage led to accusations against the corporation for not getting the building vacated. (a) What challenges do you face as the Commissioner in this situation? Highlight the steps you will take to address these. (b) What measures will you take to prevent reoccurrence of such unfortunate incidents? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"You have been recently posted as a District Education Officer in a district, which is notorious for mass copying. It again witnessed some disturbing incidents during the recent Board examination. In some of the examination centers located in your district, the parents virtually took over the centres to help their wards to copy during the exams. The parents justified their act by arguing that the concerned teachers did not take classes at all during the year. Upon enquiry, you found that invigilators turned a blind eye in this situation and school administrations were also involved in tampering with the CCTV footage of the incidents. You also found that teacher absenteeism has indeed been rampant. Further, concerns regarding this had been repeatedly raised by parents in the past, but no action was taken. In this situation: (a) What course of action would you take in the immediate to short term to deal with the issue at hand? (b) Explaining the ramifications of such incidents for the society at large, highlight some long-term reforms that should be taken to prevent such incidents from re-occurring. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"You are recently posted as District Magistrate in a district, which is a major hub of industrial activities and attracts workers from different places and communities. The workers of these industries often utilize the open spaces on roads for performing their daily prayers, though only for a short period of time. The lack of a place of worship close to the work places, is cited as the reason for continuance of this practice. However, some residents of nearby areas have been objecting to this practice due to the inconvenience caused by congestion on the roads. There have also been complaints of alleged illegal encroachments over public land in garb of this practice. One day, you are informed that a group of locals disrupted the workers at the time of worship. The incident led to clashes between several groups and a law and order problem has arisen in the district. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) What are the options available before you? Evaluate the merits and demerits of each one of them. (b) What course of action would you choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"You are the district magistrate in a district of a hill state. An NRI tycoon is planning to arrange a large wedding ceremony in your district. Given the scale of the ceremony, a feasibility report was prepared. The report has called for adopting a cautious approach and has raised concerns regarding its impact on the environment. Recognizing this, the NRI has offered extra compensation for the prospective environmental damages. Also, the local MLA and some prominent residents are arguing that such a wedding can help in developing the district as a tourist hotspot and turn it into a popular wedding destination, bringing prosperity for the residents. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders in the given situation and their respective interests. (b) Highlight the options available to you and the course of action you will take, giving reasons for the same. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"The challenge of climate change presents the world with several fundamental ethical dilemmas. From a global perspective, it presents the world with a collective action problem: all countries have a collective interest in controlling global carbon emissions. But each individual country also has incentives to over-consume in response to societal demands for economic growth and prosperity. Developing nations faced with these costs may encounter further challenges as the impact of climate change will most likely fall disproportionately on the poor, thus also raising issues of fairness and inequality. As an intergenerational problem, the consequences of actions taken by the current generation will have the greatest impact on future generations. While it is intuitive that the current generation has some ethical responsibility to leave an inhabitable world to future generations, the extent of this obligation is less clear. Answer the following questions in this regard: (a) To what extent do humans have a moral responsibility to future generations that are yet to be born? (b) Do developed countries have a greater responsibility to take action and bear more costs of controlling climate change than developing countries? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6072,"topper":"RAJAT SHARMA","air":236,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/RAJAT-SHARMA-UPSC-2024-Rank-236-EGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6073,"topper":"Rajat Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/89463-390175_3128_rajat_singh_rank_132.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"The world must learn to work together, or finally it will not work at all.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Technology, like art, is a soaring exercise of the human imagination.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"We've begun to raise daughters more like sons, but few have the courage to raise our sons more like our daughters.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6074,"topper":"Rajat Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/rajat-singh-test-1-1747467838876.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Examine the role of numismatic evidence in understanding the political and economic history of ancient India. Provide specific examples.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Assess the impact of women's organizations in mobilizing women across diverse socio-economic and regional backgrounds in pre-independence India.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":8,"question":"How did the policy of non-alignment reflect the aspirations of India and other newly independent nations to maintain their sovereignty and resist colonial pressures?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the processes involved in volcanism. Highlight the major volcanic regions in the world and their associated tectonic settings.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Explain the geological features and ecological importance of the Eastern Ghats.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"Earlier known as coarse cereals the government rebranded millets in 2018 as nutri-cereals. In this context discuss the ecological and nutritional significance of millets","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"What are the potential consequences of Arctic ice melt on biodiversity and ecosystems? How might these changes impact global ecological balance","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Do you think the Uniform Civil Code contradicts the idea of religious pluralism and cultural differences in Indian society?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss the concept of healthy active ageing in the context of demographic shifts in India. How does it contribute to social inclusion?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":22,"question":"How is the transition from 'conscious consumption' to 'compulsive consumption' impacting family structure and dynamics in urban areas?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss with examples the key features of Vijayanagara architecture. How did Indo-Islamic elements manifest in their structures?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":26,"question":"Compare and contrast the features of ancient Indian universities like Nalanda and Takshashila with modern state-funded universities in India. What lessons can modern universities learn from ancient ones to improve their effectiveness?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":28,"question":"Analyze the ideological differences and similarities between the revolutionary movement(1920-1930s) and the Gandhian non-violent struggle. How did these two ideologies influence each other?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":31,"question":"What are the various types of glacial landforms formed in the Indian Himalayas. How do these features impact local ecosystems and human activities?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Discuss the unique geographical features of the Indian Ocean and their impact on global oceanic circulation patterns. How do these features influence the climate of the Indian subcontinent?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Urban heat islands (UHIs) have become a significant phenomenon in Indian cities, exacerbating the frequency and intensity of heat waves. Analyze the underlying factors contributing to this phenomenon and critically assess the existing mitigation strategies.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Evaluate the primary factors contributing to regional disparities in the sugar industry between North India and Peninsular India. What measures can be undertaken to reduce the surplus sugar production?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Analyze the influence of globalization on migration patterns in India. What are the economic and social implications of increased internal and international migration?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Discuss how gender-based violence in India is a manifestation of patriarchal values. To what extent has modernisation in law served as an instrument of women's empowerment in this regard?","marks":"15","words":null}]},{"id":6075,"topper":"Rajat Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/f3e72-390175_2928_rajat_singh_rank_132.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How does tribal art provide valuable insights into the cultural perspectives and values of Indian tribal communities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What are the key factors that accelerated decolonization post-World War II? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How does human encroachment impact water bodies in urban areas? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How do physical geographical features influence the development and operation of transportation systems? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How are ocean trenches formed? Describe the significant characteristics of these oceanic relief formations. (Answer in 150words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Identify the reasons behind increasing number of extreme rainfall events throughout India in recent times. Assess their socio-economic impact. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"India is expected to have the largest working-age population in the world by 2030 and it cannot afford low participation of women in the workforce anymore. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Do you agree that there has been a progressive secularization of caste in India? Support your view with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Why is inequality increasing in India despite the fall in overall poverty? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"How did the competitive and hostile dynamic between Brahminism and Buddhism over funding, followers, and ideology mark the decline of Buddhism? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"European travellers' accounts in the medieval period have played an important role in shaping our understanding of the empires and people of that period in India. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The British victory in the Battle of Plassey in 1757 not just changed the course of Indian history but also that of the world. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Why was it more difficult to rehabilitate refugees in West Bengal as compared to Punjab after partition? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss the economic and social costs associated with the transition from coal to green energy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Explain the process of formation of volcanic calderas. How do they contribute to the scenic beauty of the region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the reasons behind the increased frequency and intensity of heat waves globally? How will it impact global food security? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India's approach to secularism does not merely challenge inter-religious domination but intra-religious domination as well. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Do you agree with the view that Indian cities are turning into landscapes of stark inequality and social exclusion? What steps can be taken to make urban areas more egalitarian in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6076,"topper":"Rajat Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/524ac-390175_2929_rajat_singh_rank_132.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Expression of dissent is central to the functioning of the Parliament. In light of this, discuss the role of the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in India's parliamentary system. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"How can the integration of technology into judicial processes enhance accessibility, capability, and efficiency in justice delivery? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Supreme Court of India has upheld unique asymmetry in India's federalism by intricately balancing centralized authority and regional autonomy. Discuss with the help of relevant case laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Evaluate the effectiveness of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes in safeguarding the interests of the Scheduled Castes in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Executive accountability to the legislature through Parliamentary Committees has been the hallmark of the Indian political system. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can India make Citizens' Charter a powerful tool for improving governance and empowering citizens? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How do corporate donors aid NGOs in facilitating holistic development in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite its merits, should the POCSO Act be revisited to correct the existing inadequacies? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"China's acquisition of strategic ports globally has significant implications for international trade routes and economic relations. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"What are the main functions of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)? How will its recent treaty on intellectual property, genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge benefit India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) plays a crucial role in combating corruption, its functioning is often criticized for being partisan and acting against the federal spirit. Discuss with the help of suitable examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Governors in India often overstep their constitutional role and fail to act effectively when needed. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Both India and the USA adhere to democratic principles but their electoral systems exhibit significant differences. What are the key differences in electoral practices between the two countries? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"How far do you agree with the view that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has met its objective of ensuring environmental justice in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Though Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) have become a platform for competitive politics, they have not emerged as an agency of planning and service delivery. Why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by interoperability in e-governance? What steps have been taken by the government to ensure interoperability and integration of various e-governance systems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"When it comes to sexual and reproductive health of women in India, rights-based discourse has largely been bypassed not just by the societal norms but also by the legal norms. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"How effective has India been in enhancing immunization coverage over the years? What challenges continue to affect immunization efforts in the country? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India used its Presidency of the G20 to bring the voice of the Global South to the centre stage. Discuss with special reference to Africa. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"India's relationship with the UAE has witnessed a remarkable expansion across various domains in the last decade. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6077,"topper":"Rajat Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/bd233-390175_2930_rajat_singh_rank_132.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How is the rapid growth of the food processing industry leading to food safety challenges in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Under the Public Distribution System of India, the Fair Price Shop (FPS) transformation is an evolving process. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"How are agri-tech startups in India helping farmers in enhancing farm productivity and market access? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the role of digitization of land records in the effective implementation of land reforms in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"To fully exploit its demographic dividend and accelerate economic growth, India needs to adopt a manufacturing-led growth model. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can the resilience of Indian coastal communities be strengthened to tackle the growing natural hazards resulting from climate change? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How does the Green Credit Programme extend beyond carbon management to promote a more sustainable environment in India? What are the various concerns about its implementation? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What is the need for NavIC when existing satellite navigation systems are already available? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Cyber-enabled financial crime has emerged as the new frontier of global money laundering. Discuss. How can the government address this issue? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The Indian Army is observing the year 2024 as the 'Year of Technology Absorption'. In light of this, explain why there is a need for technology absorption in the defence sector of India. What challenges can India face in this initiative? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What are the issues faced in the development of trade and industries in the North-Eastern Region (NER) of India? Comment on the measures that have been taken to tackle these issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the era of climate change and growing water scarcity, how can micro-irrigation systems contribute to sustainable agricultural practices in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What strategies can be adopted to overcome the issues pertaining to freight transportation in the Indian Railways and increase its share in the domestic freight? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the factors that have aided India in making impressive strides in the renewable energy sector and establishing itself as a frontrunner in the global renewable energy transition. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"How does agricultural runoff containing fertilizers and pesticides contribute to environmental pollution? What measures can be taken to mitigate the impact of agricultural runoff? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The growing influx of tourists in Himalayan states has breached their ecological carrying capacity, leading to significant man-made disasters. What measures can be implemented to prevent such disasters while promoting sustainable tourism? Discuss with relevant examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"How do superconductors fuel innovation in diverse fields of science and technology? Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"While India has laws covering almost all types of intellectual property rights, numerous enforcement, regulatory and administrative challenges hamper the commercialisation of IPRs in India. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Keeping in view the challenges in creating integrated theatre commands, examine how the theaterisation of commands can lead to greater integration and rationalisation of manpower and resources among the three services. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Treating border villages as first villages not just geographically but also in terms of facilities can be a key strategy for enhancing border security. Discuss. Also, highlight the measures being taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6078,"topper":"Rajat Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/rajat-singh-test-2-1747467883167.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"The rule of law and judicial review are interdependent, as one cannot truly exist without the other. In this context can judicial review be considered the most important aspect among those that constitute the basic structure of the Constitution? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"How does the power and authority of Delhi's lieutenant governor compare to that of the governors of other states, particularly in terms of acting on the aid and advice of the council of ministers? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss the role of the judiciary in navigating the tension between the right to religion and constitutional morality in India in recent times. Refer to relevant case laws. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The principle of 'Separation of Powers' is a key feature of the American Constitution. In this context, compare how the Indian Constitution's functional separation of powers distinguishes itself from the US system. What are the advantages of a check and balance system over a rigid Separation of Powers? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution is more than a legal provision that empowers tribal regions with self-rule. How does the sixth schedule foster development while respecting their traditional governance systems and cultural practices? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How do partnerships between Civil Society Organizations and Government Entities contribute to India's development goals? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss the importance of cultivating a culture of life-long learning among Indian civil servants. How has Mission Karmyogi contributed to this objective? Illustrate with examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Given India's strides in reducing extreme poverty, should the country consider redefining its poverty line to better reflect the current socio-economic realities? Discuss the potential benefits and challenges associated with redefinition of the poverty line. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Evaluate the impact of the deepening political divisions with the major Western States on global governance and international cooperation. How should India navigate these divisions to advance its national interests on the global stage? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"How does India’s Arctic Policy align with its broader foreign policy objectives? Broadly discuss the collaborations and agreements India is involved in with the Arctic Council. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Compare and contrast the powers and working of the Ethics Committee and the Privileges Committee in addressing cases of ‘unethical’ conduct and breach of privileges. How do these Committees complement each other in maintaining parliamentary discipline? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"In the context of persistent legislative dysfunction in India, analyze the evolving role of judicial activism in shaping public policy and governance. Using examples from landmark court cases, evaluate the effectiveness of judicial interventions in addressing governance gaps and safeguarding citizens' rights. (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"To what extent does the level of internal democracy within political parties impact the functioning and legitimacy of the Indian party system? What reforms can address the challenges of inadequate intraparty democracy in India? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"\"The NHRC must not only be a watchdog but also a beacon of hope for the marginalized and oppressed.\" In this context discuss the role and mandate of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in India. How does the current composition and functioning of the NHRC affect its independence and effectiveness? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The persistent health equity challenges in India pose a critical barrier in achieving Universal Health Coverage. In this context discuss the role of the public and private sectors in ensuring adequate health access and outcomes across rural and urban areas.(250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals requires consideration of regional context and local situations. In light of this statement examine the role of Panchayats as catalysts for grassroots development and advancing sustainable development.(250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What are the implications of the POCSO Act on the rights and welfare of children in India? Analyze the role of the POCSO Act in transforming India's legal framework for child protection. (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Examine the influence of human rights issues and democratic values on the diplomatic relationship between the U.S. and India. How have these concerns affected bilateral engagements and what can be done to mitigate tensions arising from these issues? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Examine the geopolitical challenges India faces in South Asia despite its global rise. How can India navigate these challenges to strengthen its regional leadership? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6079,"topper":"Rajat Tripathi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/19/pttp220724_tc062.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"If you look into someone's face long enough, eventually you feel that you are looking into yourself.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"It is the province of knowledge to speak and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Drop the question what tomorrow may bring, and count as profit every day that fate allows you.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6080,"topper":"Rajat Tripathi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/20/pttp220724_tc064.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Gender Equality is not a \"women's issue\"-it's good for men too.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Is UCC, the unity that we aspire in our diversity?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Problems of 21st century are problems without passport.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"The more we are developing, the more unhealthy we are getting. Where does the real problem lie?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Is Internal Security always an Internal Challenge?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Sports, the toy of humanity","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Is Economy becoming the end rather than the means?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6081,"topper":"Rajat Tripathi","air":515,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/18/pttp220724_tc061.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6082,"topper":"Rajat Tripathi","air":515,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/170/pttp220724_tc071-test-01-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6083,"topper":"Rajat Tripathi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/172/pttp220724_tc076-test-06-gs-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"\"Interstate border disputes, if not promptly and impartially settled, can transform into persistent issues that impede development and generate friction\". Highlighting the constitutional and legal framework to resolve interstate disputes, explain why Independent India has failed to resolve inter-state border disputes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Examine the role of the Inter-state Council in promoting vertical (Centre-State) and horizontal (Inter-State) Intergovernmental cooperation and coordination. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss the key function of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). What steps should be taken to revamp the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in order to enhance its effectiveness as a true guardian of public funds? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Recognizing the pivotal role of urbanization as a driver of national economic growth, the Fifteenth Finance Commission has suggested major reforms for Urban Local Bodies. Evaluate the recommendations put forward by the Fifteenth Finance Commission in promoting and revitalizing ULBs in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Highlight the key differences in the scope of Freedom of speech and expression as provided under Parliamentary privileges vis a vis Fundamental rights. Why is it necessary to maintain a balance between parliamentary privilege and fundamental rights? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Civil society organizations, play a pivotal role in fostering \"collective private action for the public good\". What challenges do they face in local resource mobilization (LRM) and corporate funding through corporate social responsibility (CSR)? Also, suggest measures. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The first step to eradicating poverty is reliable poverty assessment for program design, implementation, and monitoring. In this context discuss the methodology and significance of NITI Aayog's National Multidimensional Poverty Index. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"In the context of India, despite the presence of constitutional provisions, legal precedents, and international commitments that establish a robust foundation for a right to health, why has there been a lack of explicit legal recognition of this right? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The collective strength of BRICS nations allows for meaningful cooperation on myriad issues, however, the platform's ability to influence the trajectory of bilateral relationships remains limited. Do you agree? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"In light of the recent demands to amend the Indus Waters Treaty, discuss the possible implications it could have on the water-sharing mechanism between India and Pakistan. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":6084,"topper":"Rajat Tripathi","air":515,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/171/pttp220724_tc072-test-02-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6085,"topper":"Rajat Tripathi","air":515,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/167/pttp220724_tc076-test-06-gs-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6086,"topper":"Rajat Tripathi","air":515,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/173/pttp220724_tc077-test-07-gs3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6087,"topper":"Rajat Tripathi","air":515,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/168/pttp220724_tc077-test-07-gs3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6088,"topper":"Rajat Tripathi","air":515,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/174/pttp220724_tc078-test-08-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6089,"topper":"Rajat Tripathi","air":515,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hSm3CQqsffMgQXzN0sBjOsJRcYpTirHn/view","questions":[]},{"id":6090,"topper":"Rajat Tripathi","air":515,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/165/pttp220724_tc071-test-01-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6091,"topper":"Rajat Tripathi","air":515,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/166/pttp220724_tc072-test-02-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6092,"topper":"Rajat Tripathi","air":515,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/169/pttp220724_tc078-test-08-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6093,"topper":"Rajat Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d63a4-731806_1457_rajat-yadav_rank-111.pdf","questions":[{"page":12,"question":"Is there a Ricardian equivalence?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6094,"topper":"Rajat Yadav","air":111,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/47ff9-731806_1456_rajat-yadav_rank-111.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6095,"topper":"Rajat Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b41dc-731806_1839_rajat-yadav_rank-111.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"An independent umbrella body that brings the various central investigative agencies under one roof holds the key to shoring up their credibility. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the significance of the Doctrines of Pith and Substance and Colourable Legislation with respect to Centre-state relations in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Do you agree with the view that there should be simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and the State Legislative Assemblies in India? Discuss with suitable arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss the need for codification of parliamentary privileges in India, in light of the uncertainty and ambiguity around them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"While the Civil Services Board can be a step forward in making the Indian bureaucracy more effective, it has its own issues which need to be addressed. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Highlight the potential of India Digital Ecosystem Architecture (IndEA) 2.0 in transforming the ecosystem of service delivery in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What is Civil Registration System? Highlight its importance and discuss the measures taken by the government to bring about improvements in it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and Their Rehabilitation Act, 2013, provides an effective mechanism for empowerment of the intended beneficiaries in the society. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the reforms that must be undertaken to strengthen the World Trade Organisation in order to address the vulnerabilities in the present global trading system. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"State the significance of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Also, discuss the need for a legally binding Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Critically assess the role played by the National Human Rights Commission as a watchdog of human rights violations in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Discuss how the integration of information and communications technology (ICT) in the dispute resolution processes will help in overcoming the challenges associated with the functioning of courts and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) forums. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite various provisions concerning disqualification of legislators under The Representation of The People Act, 1951, the issue of criminalization of politics is still unresolved to a large extent in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"It is time for reforms, which recognise that urban local bodies (ULBs) need permanent, buoyant revenue sources to match the growing demands of an increasing urban population. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The role of the civil society organisations (CSOs) in India is changing in contemporary times and has become increasingly more complex. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Though the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) aims to address the inequity in development in India, there are a number of issues which plague the scheme. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Highlighting the factors responsible for the growth of EdTech sector in India in recent times, discuss its benefits. Also, state the concerns associated with it. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Bring out the role of Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers in delivering health services in rural India. Also, suggest the measures that can be taken to overcome the challenges faced by them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss the various concerns that have arisen for India after the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan. Also, suggest the measures that India should take in the given context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Bangladesh is not only a key part of India's \"Neighbourhood First policy\" but also crucial for the \"Act East policy\". In this context, discuss the steps taken by the two countries to strengthen their relationship. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6096,"topper":"Rajat Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/96d23-731806_1838_rajat-yadav_rank-111.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The Chalukyan architecture uniquely epitomises the grandeur and hybrid characteristic style of temple building. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The success or failure of a political movement is not always determined by the achievement of its stated goals. Discuss in light of the Ghadar movement. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss the ways in which Gandhian conceptualisation of Sarvodaya influenced Vinoba Bhave's Bhoodan movement. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Bring out the evidences which led to the Plate Tectonics Theory. Also, discuss how this theory explains the movement of plates. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Give an account of the formation of Abyssal Plains and highlight the relief features found on these plains. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What are the geographical and climatic conditions required for tea cultivation? In this context, discuss the reasons for the introduction of tea cultivation in the Duars region of the Himalayas by the British. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Briefly bring out the distinction between flash droughts and conventional droughts. Also, examine the reasons behind the increasing vulnerability of India to flash droughts. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Though various initiatives have been taken to ensure social security for informal workers in India, there still exist gaps which need to be plugged. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Critically assess the government's move on raising the age of marriage of women in India from 18 to 21 years. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Reservation for locals in private sector has again brought the debate around regionalism into focus. In this context, examine whether regionalism is a threat to national integration. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Explain how agricultural surplus, growth of crafts and trade, and growing population led to the second urbanisation in ancient India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"India of the 18th century failed to make progress economically, culturally and socially at a pace, which would have saved the country from collapse. (250 words) 15 Comment.","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The withdrawal of the Civil Disobedience Movement triggered a two-stage debate on the strategic course of India's freedom struggle. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Throw light on the causes, course and outcomes of the Civil War which followed the Russian Revolution. Also, bring out the reasons behind the Bolshevik victory. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What are Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs)? Highlighting the susceptibility of the Himalayan region to GLOFs, state the measures required to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Highlighting the importance of ice sheets, discuss the likely impact of their melting on the planet with special focus on India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are twin cyclones? Discuss the role of Rossby waves and Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) in their formation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Since independence, planning strategies for women's upliftment has evolved from welfare to development to empowerment. Elucidate. Also, discuss the role played by voluntary organizations in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How far do you agree with the view that globalisation has aggravated the challenges faced by the poor in India? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6097,"topper":"Rajat Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/05129-731806_1840_rajat-yadav_rank-111.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"While fixed-term employment offers an ingenious way to address specific issues faced by both employers and employees, there are also some concerns associated with it. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"An efficient logistics sector with a focus on warehousing is pivotal to the success of the Bharatmala Pariyojana. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'irrigation scheduling'? Bringing out the advantages provided by it, discuss the difficulties faced in applying it on a farm level. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"While the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana was touted as the largest crop insurance scheme globally in terms of farmer participation, various concerns have arisen since its implementation. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The Stockholm Conference commenced the contemporary \"environmental era,\" which brought a paradigm shift in the environmental governance and set a tone for multi-lateral environmental regime. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The world has witnessed a huge surge in climate induced disasters, which are largely driven by anthropogenic factors. In this context, analyse the role of early warning systems in mitigating the impact of the disasters. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Critically examine the implications of leveraging technology in policing. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"How far do you agree with the view that climate change poses a threat to international peace and security? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by a virtual private network (VPN)? Highlight its advantages and discuss the concerns posed by it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The discovery of the Higgs Boson at the Large Hadron Collider in CERN completed 10 years recently. In this context, discuss the role played by CERN in overall scientific development. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlight the factors that affect the cropping pattern in India, discuss the need for modifying it in the context of the emerging agro-ecological concerns. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"While the budgetary reforms undertaken by the Central government in recent years have led to better management of government expenditure, there are some issues that still need redressal. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"For India to create a 'future ready' railway system, it must harness innovation and resource efficiency. Discuss the statement in the context of the measures enlisted in the National Rail Plan 2030. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the significance of technology in the Indian agricultural sector. Also, state the challenges in realising its potential to improve agricultural efficiency and increase the income of the farmers. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite the digital transformation in the Public Distribution System (PDS) in India, several challenges still remain. Elaborate. Also, suggest measures to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6098,"topper":"Rajat Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/bf99e-731806_1837_rajat-yadav_rank-111.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain why altruism constitutes one of the core values in public life. In this regard suggest some measures to foster altruistic behaviour in public services. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Certain actions can be right even though they do not maximize good consequences, for the rightness of such actions consists in their representing certain norms. Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"With the help of appropriate examples, discuss the ethical challenges involved in policing in India. Also, highlight the reasons behind corruption in the police force. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"It is not only public servants, but also the common citizens who play a key role in institutionalising high standards of ethical conduct and good governance. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"While emotional intelligence is an essential tool for a public servant, it can also be misused to manipulate people to act against their own interests. Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.\" Nelson Mandela (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":6099,"topper":"Rajat Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/42521-731806_1841_rajat-yadav_rank-111.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have the right to do and what is right to do. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Bring out the difference between accountability and responsibility. Also, discuss the significance of accountability in ensuring ethical governance in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.\" Marcus Aurelius (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":6100,"topper":"Rajath R","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c7e6f-1433221_2339_rajath-r_rank_169.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by public debt? Why is high public debt considered a matter of concern? Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What do you understand by capital account convertibility? State the merits and demerits of full capital account convertibility for India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand by sterilization? How does the RBI stabilize money supply against external shocks? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What is land pooling? State its benefits and associated challenges. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What is Swiss Challenge Model? Discuss the advantages and problems associated with this model. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"In context of the recently launched National Monetisation Pipeline, elaborate on the concept of asset monetisation. Also, discuss its significance for India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Explain the significance of backward and forward linkages in the Food Processing Industry. Also, discuss the challenges in establishing robust linkages in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the benefits of commercial coal mining in India and challenges associated with it. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The burden of poverty weighs down heavier on women in India than on the opposite sex. In this context, discuss the causes of poverty among women and steps taken to address it. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the potential impact of climate change on Indian agriculture. What steps have been taken by the government in this regard? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"National e-Governance Plan in Agriculture (NeGPA) is a positive move towards digitizing agriculture in India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Explain the concept of Social Impact Assessment and state its significance. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Right to information and transparency in administration are prerequisites for good governance. Elucidate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Highlight the significance of Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana and discuss the issues associated with it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"What are the challenges faced by the transgender community in India? Enumerate the various steps taken to address these challenges. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"The potential of digital education cannot be fully realised unless the challenges of digital divide are overcome. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Although globalisation has created new opportunities for women in India, it has led to some issues as well. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Despite various measures, why does manual scavenging continue to persist in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Discuss the various forms of regionalism that have emerged in India since independence. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6101,"topper":"Rajath R","air":169,"year":2024,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/f2b07-1433221_2085_rajath-r_rank_169.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6102,"topper":"RAJENDRA BISHNOI","air":161,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/134d0-552396_2121_rajendra_bishnoi_rank_161.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6103,"topper":"RAJENDRA BISHNOI","air":161,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/00613-552396_2122_rajendra_bishnoi_rank_161.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6104,"topper":"RAJENDRA BISHNOI","air":161,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/628b6-552396_2125_rajendra_bishnoi_rank_161.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6105,"topper":"Rajesh Ranjan","air":538,"year":2021,"paper":"Optional — Public Administration","optional":true,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/15gto9L2iLhKLSZ-7jgCMCZKmTKQPBRRM","questions":[]},{"id":6106,"topper":"Rajeshwari","air":2,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xtXgxV0U_sc1xpGFvykWJGRUE6EPdirQ/view","questions":[]},{"id":6107,"topper":"Rajeshwari","air":2,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WtZUAkzRyfX97roK1UJEScdcrFKp0Lti/view","questions":[]},{"id":6108,"topper":"Rajeshwari","air":2,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Shankar IAS Parliament","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.shankariasparliament.com/uploads/downloads/RAJESHWARI_SUVE_P1_compressed.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Industrial revolution has important bearings on growth and development of sociology. Discuss. (20) (b) Examine the significance of non - positivist paradigm in social science research. (20) (c) How is skilling an important dimension of social mobility?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":2,"question":"How do you view and assess the use of case studies and biographies in sociological research?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":2,"question":"Qualitative research methods are concerned with opinions, feelings and e xperiences. Comment on their reliability and validity. (20) (b) What do you understand by ethnicity as a dimension of social stratification?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":2,"question":"Write short answers to the following questions in about 150 words each, with a sociological perspective: (10 x 5 = 50) (a) Describe the various characteristics of Weberian bureaucracy. Are they relevant now?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":3,"question":"Examine the impact of secularisation on family and marriage systems. (20) (b) Describe the modernization theory on development. How did the under - development theorists it?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Globalization has accelerated the rise of consumerism, individualism and questioned religion and provided for pluralist societies driven by distinctive religions. Comment. (20) (b) Differentiate between Functionalist and Marxist theories of Stratification. (20) (c) Elaborate on latent and manifest functions of technology?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":12,"question":"How did the advance of capitalism revolutionize family as an institution?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Describe the modernization theory on development. How did the under-development theorists counter it?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":64,"question":"Discuss the types and dynamics of new social movements. (10) [Candidates [Candidates must not write must not write on this margin) on this margin) 59","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":80,"question":"Examine the changing rules of marriage. (20) (Candidates [Candidates must not write must not write on this margin) on this margin) 75","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":6109,"topper":"Rajeshwari","air":2,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Shankar IAS Parliament","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.shankariasparliament.com/uploads/downloads/RAJESHWARI_SUVE_P2_compressed.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Indian modernity has paradoxical features of continuity and change. Elaborate. (20) (b) Differentiate between the ‘Indological’ and ‘Functional’ perspectives on the study of caste system. (20) (c) What is tribe caste continuum?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":2,"question":"Discuss how population policies of India altered the socio - demographic profile of India. (20) (b) Do you think constitutional modernity has led to the minority empowerment?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":2,"question":"Give a sociological analysis of the emerging trends in the role of ethnicity in social movements in India. (20) (b) Critically analyse the impact of the changing trends of urbanization on Indian women. (20) (c) Discuss the changing nature of migration in India. (10) SECTION B","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":2,"question":"Write short answers to the following questions in about 150 words each, with a sociological perspective: (10 x 5 = 50) (a) Examine with suitable examples the recent trends in the marital practices in India. (10 ) (b) Is violence against women and children a manifestation of patriarchy?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":3,"question":"Assess the performance of rural development programmes in rural empowerment and poverty alleviation. (20) (b) Discuss the major challenges related to the environment crisis in India. What measures would you suggest to overcome this crisis?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Describe the changing dynamics of rural conflicts in India . Substantiate with suitable examples. (20) (b) Discuss the nexus between caste, class and power in Indian social scenario. (20) (c) To what extent has land reforms been effective in strengthening democracy in India?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Explain the reasons for the spurt of overt expressions of religiosity in modern India. (20) (b) Examine the nature of rural - urban disparities in the standard of living across different regions of India. (20) (c) Compare and contrast education attainment of various social groups in India.","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":6110,"topper":"Rajeshwari Suve M","air":2,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1kH3-w3tP4qXXDF_xizIRNOYCmBTgcP7Q","questions":[]},{"id":6111,"topper":"Rajiv Agarwal","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Rajiv-Agarwal-UPSC-2023-Rank-103-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Geography may remain the same, history need not.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"One cannot change the world alone but can cast a stone across water to create many ripples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Youth is a blunder, manhood a struggle, old age a regret.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Talent develops in quiet places, character in the full current of human life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Feminism is not just equality but full humanity of women.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Peace cannot exist without justice, justice cannot exist without fairness, fairness cannot exist without development, development cannot exist without democracy, democracy cannot exist without respect for the culture and people.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6112,"topper":"Rajiv Agarwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/22/pttp221407_tc062.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"If you look into someone's face long enough, eventually you feel that you are looking into yourself.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"It is the province of knowledge to speak and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Drop the question what tomorrow may bring, and count as profit every day that fate allows you.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Truth, like a torch, the more it is shook, it shines.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Art is I; science is We.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Only the dead have seen the end of the war.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Act as if it were impossible to fail.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6113,"topper":"Rajiv Agarwal","air":103,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c29d7-364680_2488_rajiv_agarwal_rank_103.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6114,"topper":"Rajiv Agarwal","air":103,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/21/pttp221407_tc061.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6115,"topper":"Rajiv Agarwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/180/pttp221407_tc071-test-01-gs-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The fabric of Indian philosophical thought owes as much to Northern India as to Southern India. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The Indian society's impulse for social change and reform was a response to its opposition to colonial rule. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What are the factors that led to the Russian revolution and what are the consequences of this revolution? Discuss its influence on the Indian national movement. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the various factors responsible for the uneven temperature distribution on Earth's surface. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The melting of glaciers due to climate change has serious implications for the ecosystem and human society. Discuss the effects of melting glaciers on the environment and the measures that can be taken to address this issue. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The White Revolution was most successful in the Western part of India. Discuss the factors for this regional success of the White Revolution. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"To what extent does seismic investigation contribute to our understanding of the Earth's interior structure? Analyze its significance in detail. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The pace of demographic transition varies across different states of India making population growth a double-edged sword. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The ethnic and cultural diversity in India has always been bound by the thread of unity. Discuss the major factors that have contributed to the cultural unity of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The dichotomy in public and private life in Indian society acts as a major barrier to the annihilation of caste. Justify. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"India was forced into numerous wars post Independence. Highlight the causes and impact of the Indo-Pak and Indo-China wars on our bilateral relationships. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The process of consolidation of Bengal, which started after the Battle of Plassey culminated in the Battle of Buxar. Do you think the Battle of Buxar was more important for the British than Plassey? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Sanskrit literature in general and particularly in the Guptan age set a high watermark for the literary history of ancient India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The configuration of the ocean floor provides essential information about the geological processes that have shaped the Earth's surface. Discuss the major features of the ocean floor and their significance in the study of oceanography. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"With the growing demand for rare earth elements, their distribution has become a critical aspect of the global economy. Discuss the distribution of rare earth elements across the world, their uses, and the environmental impact of their extraction. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Tourism in the hilly states is threatening to exceed the ecological carrying capacity of the region. Analyze the factors contributing to this trend and evaluate the potential Environmental impacts of this phenomenon. What measures can be taken to ensure sustainable tourism in these states? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The Indian monsoon is a complex phenomenon influenced by various climatic factors. Critically examine the role of oceanic and atmospheric factors in determining the intensity and distribution of monsoon rainfall in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Why do traditions in our society impede change? To what extent can social legislation be instrumental against old customary practices? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Slums are not 'problems' that have to be 'solved' - but are indeed a result of lopsided and vested urban policies covering infrastructure provision and socio-economic issues. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Communalism gains strength from economic deprivation, and thrives in environments of social exclusion, creating fertile ground for discontent and division. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6116,"topper":"Rajiv Agarwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9e655-364680_2423_rajiv_agarwal-_rank_103.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With suitable examples, discuss how environmental pressure groups enhance public participation and responsiveness with regard to environmental policies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":6117,"topper":"Rajiv Agarwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/622da-364680_2424_rajiv_agarwal-_rank_103.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What are the different dimensions of food security? Examine India's status in terms of ensuring food security with regard to these dimensions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Modern technologies such as blockchain and ChatGPT are powerful tools with immense potential to transform agriculture into a more efficient and sustainable sector. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What factors have led to the recent acceleration in the trend towards de-dollarization of the global economy? Do you think the dollar will lose its dominance anytime soon? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Despite significant pressure from the developed countries to alter its food subsidy regime, there is merit in India trying to retain its policy support for the poor in the country. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Several initiatives have been taken by the government towards addressing India's water needs, but the issues of water availability and water quality still warrant prioritised intervention. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What are the major drivers of glacial retreat in the Arctic? Describe the potential impact of the retreat of Arctic glaciers on the ecosystem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Space tourism, which was viewed as something straight out of a science fiction movie, is now becoming a reality albeit not without hindrances. What are the challenges associated with space tourism? What measures can be taken to address these challenges? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Global health experts widely believe that the development of CAR-T cell therapy can be a game changer in the treatment of cancer. How can CAR-T cell therapy overcome the limitations of CRISPR-Cas9 technology? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss why the rising deployment of new and emerging technologies by prominent violent extremist organizations demand concerted global efforts. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"With the Line of Actual Control (LAC) remaining tense after the Galwan and Yangste incidents and both India and China ramping up infrastructure in the border areas, discuss the role that ITBP plays in the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Do you think there is a need for a shift from 'land productivity' to 'irrigation water productivity' in India? Justify your answer. What are the challenges in making this shift? Explain. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Examine the role that green hydrogen can play in unlocking the energy security of India. How can the National Green Hydrogen Mission help India in achieving its energy goals? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The government has been weighing a transition from minimum wage to living wage in recent times. What are the benefits and constraints in the adoption of living wage in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The Union Budget affects almost every sector of the Indian economy, yet neither the budgetary processes nor the budget policies come under substantial public scrutiny. Do you agree? Justify your answer. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"India has been able to transform itself from a milk deficit country to the world's biggest milk producer, but the productivity of dairy animals in the country remains a concern. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"While climate change is responsible for crop failures, the agricultural sector itself is partly responsible for extreme weather events. Discuss. What strategy has been adopted under National Agriculture Disaster Management Plan to strengthen the resilience of the farming community in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Some regions in India, including Delhi, are highly vulnerable to the impact of earthquakes originating in the Himalayas. Discuss. What institutional measures have been taken to mitigate earthquake losses in India? Do you think there are significant gaps that still exist? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Recently, scientists announced net energy gain in nuclear fusion reaction, which is considered as a major scientific breakthrough for the future of clean energy. What are the advantages of nuclear fusion based power generation? What are the limitations in using it to generate electricity at a commercial scale? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Keeping in view the recent amendment, examine the efficacy of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, in tackling the menace of money laundering in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Discuss the security threats present in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), which have a direct bearing on India's maritime border interests. Suggest a robust strategy to deal with these threats. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6118,"topper":"Rajiv Agarwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9230e-364680_2422_rajiv_agarwal-_rank_103.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The traditional theatre forms of India reflect the ideals and emotions of the society, and an individual's role in the community. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Provide an account of the historical and architectural importance of the Sanchi Stupa. Also, discuss how it inspired the future architecture in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Bhagat Singh made a real breakthrough in terms of revolutionary ideology, the goals of revolution and forms of revolutionary struggle. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Bringing out the factors that led to the Meiji restoration, discuss its significance for Japan. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"It is believed that a nation is an \"imagined community\" held together by common beliefs, history, political aspirations etc. In this context, discuss what the basis of India as a nation is. Also, bring out the threats to the concept of Indian nationhood. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"State the key factors behind the growth of the pharmaceutical industry in India. Additionally, discuss its significance with regard to India's economy and public health.(Answer in 150words)10","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss why the Bay of Bengal is more prone to cyclones than the Arabian Sea. Also, explain the reasons for the decrease in frequency of tropical cyclones during the Southwest monsoon season. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite being destructive in nature, volcanoes are critical for the existence of human life on earth. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The existence of relative deprivation is an important aspect in constructing the argument for regionalism. Explain with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"If India is to realise the goal of 'education for all', the issue of rising cases of bullying and other forms of school violence needs to be addressed immediately. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Bring out the role played by the Ahom Kingdom in shaping the cultural and historical identity of North-East India, and discuss its legacy in contemporary times. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The capitalist class generally remained ambivalent in their support to the Indian National Congress until 1940s. In this context, analyse the varying positions of the Indian capitalists throughout the national movement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Trace the evolution of the press in India. Also, discuss the instrumental impact it had during various stages of the Indian freedom struggle despite the repressive policies of the British. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Mountains are fragile ecosystems vulnerable to the adverse impact of climate change and other anthropogenic interventions. Illustrate with examples. Also, highlight the initiatives taken for their sustainable management. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind unsustainable management of sand resources in India. Highlighting its impact, enumerate the remedial measures taken in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Giving an account of the major lithium-producing countries, discuss the geo-political aspects of lithium production and its environmental implications. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The youth are capable of identifying themselves with a global identity and connecting with events and experiences outside their countries. In this context, discuss the impact of globalization on the various aspects of youth identity. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"As fertility rates decline in India, future demographic concerns center around an ageing population and a weak social security system. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"With a significant proportion of India's population expected to live in urban areas by 2030, the welfare of the urban poor needs to take centre-stage in public policy. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6119,"topper":"Rajiv Agarwal","air":103,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/4/pttp221407_tc071-test-01-gs-1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6120,"topper":"Rajiv Agarwal","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Rajiv-Agarwal-UPSC-2023-Rank-103-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Ahimsa is not only the negative refusal to do harm, but also the positive doing of good. In this perspective, discuss the significance of 'ahimsa' in modern times. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Which famous personality has influenced you and why? In what ways have you emulated their example in your own life? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What does the following quotation mean to you? a) \"The greatest wealth is to live content with little\"-Plato (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"\"Whatever is begun in anger, ends in shame\"-Benjamin Franklin. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"\"Happiness is that state of consciousness which proceeds from the achievement of one's values\" - Ayn Rand. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do you understand by emotional intelligence? Examine the importance of emotional intelligence in personal and professional life. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Political attitude has as much to do with society as with politics. Discuss with suitable illustrations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The influence of ethical principles on shaping socially responsible behavior is widely acknowledged. How do ethical values facilitate individuals in cultivating a proactive and constructive attitude towards fulfilling their social responsibilities? Can the subjective nature of ethical principles lead to divergent attitudes regarding social responsibility? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Through their actions, interactions, and teachings, schools have the power to mold the moral compass of the next generation. In this perspective, discuss the significance of value-based education in preparing the youth to address the contemporary challenges of society. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'situation ethics'? Critically analyze its strengths and weaknesses in making moral judgements. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Maintaining traditional bonds and familial relationships in an increasingly globalized world requires personal relationships to be governed by ethical principles. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"What are the various ethical issues involved in the above case study? b) You are a close friend of Akhilesh. What advice will you give, in this situation, to Akhilesh in order to convince his father to abstain from giving dowry and organising a lavish wedding? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":6121,"topper":"Rajiv Agarwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/78b14-364680_2425_rajiv_agarwal_rank_103.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"For effective corporate governance to take place in the coming years, why is it important to integrate the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics with the multi-stakeholder approach? What benefits can be accrued by such integration? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":6122,"topper":"Rajiv Agarwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/16583-364680_1830_rajiv_agarwal_rank_103.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"According to you, what are the main reasons behind prejudice against certain sections of a society? Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss how persuasion acts as a functional pillar in attitudinal change and attitude formation with requisite examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"A legally enforceable code of ethics for civil servants, which not only prescribes the ethical values they must display in their public life but also provides sanctions for violations of these values, is the need of the hour. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Although open and transparent governance has gained ground, do you agree with the view that there is merit in withholding some information from people? Justify your arguments with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Although bribery is illegal and counterproductive, public officials still demand bribes, and executives in the private sector remain tempted to pay up. In this context, discuss ways in which corporations can build a framework to eliminate the practice of offering kickbacks. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Identifying the issues associated with utilization of public funds, discuss the various ethical principles which can help devise strategies for better utilization of public funds in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"All persons ought to endeavour to follow what is right, and not what is established.\" - Aristotle (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"\"It is compassion, the most gracious of virtues, which moves the world.\" - Tiruvalluvar, Kural (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"I understand democracy as something that gives the weak the same chance as the strong.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"\"A well-developed Emotional intelligence is not only an instrumental tool in accomplishing goals, but has a dark side as a weapon for manipulating others by robbing them of their capacity to reason.\" Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do you understand by conformity, compliance and obedience? Discuss their relevance in the context of civil services in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Though the internal control systems in India are impressive on paper, they have not worked well in curbing the issue of corruption in the administration. Comment. Also, discuss the various reasons for the same. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"There is broad consensus that the state has failed to effectively deliver public services to its citizens, particularly the poor. In this context, discuss the need for providing incentives, building state capacity and ensuring transparency for better service delivery. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You are the principal of a college which has a long history of student politics. However, due to your personal belief, you are not in favour of conducting student elections and thus have kept the process of yearly student elections pending without any official announcement. While you are mulling over the decision of not conducting elections, you get representation from some professors as well as students who criticize the activities of student unions as obstructive to the academic environment of the college. Some time later, student leaders also come to talk to you regarding conduct of elections, and you tell them about the representation received by you against allowing student elections. You further tell them that you are contemplating suspending all activities related to student politics in the campus. On hearing this, student leaders become aggressive and start sloganeering and destroying college property. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the issues involved in the case above? (b) How can you separate your personal ethics from professional ethics? (c) How would you deal with this situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Capital punishment, or \"death penalty,\" is an institutionalized practice designed to result in deliberately executing persons in response to actual or supposed misconduct and following an authorized, rule-governed process to conclude that the person is responsible for violating norms that warrant execution. Punitive executions have historically been imposed by diverse kinds of authorities, for an expansive range of conduct, political or religious beliefs and practices, for a status beyond one's control, or without employing any significant due process procedures. Punitive executions also have been and continue to be carried out more informally, such as by terrorist groups, urban gangs, and mobs. For centuries in Europe and America, discussions have focused on capital punishment as an institutionalized, rule-governed practice of modern states and legal systems governing serious criminal conduct and procedures. In light of the above debate of capital punishment, answer the following questions: (a) What are the arguments in favour of and against having capital punishment in the criminal justice system? (b) Do you think capital punishment has a place in modern civilised society? Examine in the context of moral implications involved in awarding it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"An Indian company is active in the telecom sector and is the majority owner of a telecom company based in other geographies across the world. At one of its European headquarters, there emerged whistleblowing allegations that a local executive was bribing local government officials in order to obtain telecom cabling and construction contracts from the local government. The kickbacks were allegedly paid through a third-party consultant. More specifically, there were allegations that the executive, the third party, and a government official had some sort of business interest in common, possibly shareholdings in a limited company or the joint ownership of an undisclosed asset. The company is thought to be particularly close to the ruling dispensation in India and the news has now raised pressure to put its business operations in India under scanner as well. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the ethical challenges in the given case? (b) Identify the different stakeholders and their interests. (c) As the CEO of the firm, how would you respond to the given situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Sunil has been posted as a DM in a hilly district which is vulnerable to several natural disasters. The district is known for a pilgrimage site and is frequently visited by tourists from all over India. The major occupation of locals therefore lies in the hospitality business. Unfortunately, after a few days of his joining, the district faced a major earthquake. It has led to high casualties and damages to the essential infrastructure such as roads and bridges. Both locals and tourists are trapped at different routes and locations. An international convoy of dignitaries from a neighboring country which has come to pay their obeisance at the pilgrimage site, is also trapped due to the disaster. Because of this, Sunil has to divert most of the available resources in the rescue operation of the foreign dignitaries. People are emotionally distressed due to the disaster, and delayed response from authorities to their needs has led to a law-and-order situation in the district. People from other states whose families are trapped and need immediate assistance are also getting restless and flooding the emergency helplines with complaints and requests. (a) Discuss the issues being faced by Sunil in the given scenario. (b) Mention a course of action that Sunil must take to maintain law-and-order as well as to expediate rescue operations of all concerned.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You are posted as a Customs official in one of renowned port cities of India. Your team has recently intercepted a consignment having over 5000 kilograms of red sandalwood. Red Sandalwood, also known as Red Sanders, is a prohibited item for export and is covered under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) list and hence you detained a few individuals for their alleged involvement in trying to smuggle it to another country. However, you later come to know that these people are working for an influential businessman with close ties to the ruling party of the state. Your seniors in the department have verbally instructed you not to register any compliant as yet. You are fearful that a deal will be struck between the businessman and a few corrupt officers of your department and the detained persons will be freed. You are ready to go ahead and file the complaint but at the same time are also fearful of departmental action against you if you disobey your seniors. (a) What are the various options available to you in the given case? Evaluate the merits and demerits of each of these. (b) Also indicate (without necessarily restricting to the above options) your course of action and the reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"You are the Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district. One of your subordinates informs you that a girl has reached out to him and complained about a potential death threat to her and her boyfriend who belongs to another caste. Both the families are averse to their union. She has also informed that the local police station is neither filing any complaint nor giving her any assurance of protection. The girl belongs to the dominant caste of the region and her father is a prominent local leader of the party which is in power in the state. On further enquiry, you come to know that both the girl and her boyfriend are adults. They have moved out of the house and have started living together. This has further angered both the families and they are accusing each other of abduction. In the given scenario, answer the following questions: (a) Bring out the ethical dilemma faced by the you. (b) What would be a suitable course of action to resolve the issue? (c) At times, such instances lead to violence and may end up in honour killings. Discuss the reasons behind their social acceptance in parts of India despite the legal sanction against them.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6123,"topper":"Rajiv Agarwal","air":103,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/171/pttp221407_tc074-test-04-gs4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6124,"topper":"Rajiv Agarwal","air":103,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/14/pttp221407_tc074-test-04-gs4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6125,"topper":"Rajkesh Meena","air":953,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/cf072-60766_2121_rajkesh_meena_rank_953.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6126,"topper":"Rajkesh Meena","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a2532-60766_2930_rajkesh_meena_rank_953.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How is the rapid growth of the food processing industry leading to food safety challenges in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Under the Public Distribution System of India, the Fair Price Shop (FPS) transformation is an evolving process. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"How are agri-tech startups in India helping farmers in enhancing farm productivity and market access? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the role of digitization of land records in the effective implementation of land reforms in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"To fully exploit its demographic dividend and accelerate economic growth, India needs to adopt a manufacturing-led growth model. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can the resilience of Indian coastal communities be strengthened to tackle the growing natural hazards resulting from climate change? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How does the Green Credit Programme extend beyond carbon management to promote a more sustainable environment in India? What are the various concerns about its implementation? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What is the need for NavIC when existing satellite navigation systems are already available? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Cyber-enabled financial crime has emerged as the new frontier of global money laundering. Discuss. How can the government address this issue? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The Indian Army is observing the year 2024 as the 'Year of Technology Absorption'. In light of this, explain why there is a need for technology absorption in the defence sector of India. What challenges can India face in this initiative? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What are the issues faced in the development of trade and industries in the North-Eastern Region (NER) of India? Comment on the measures that have been taken to tackle these issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the era of climate change and growing water scarcity, how can micro-irrigation systems contribute to sustainable agricultural practices in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What strategies can be adopted to overcome the issues pertaining to freight transportation in the Indian Railways and increase its share in the domestic freight? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the factors that have aided India in making impressive strides in the renewable energy sector and establishing itself as a frontrunner in the global renewable energy transition. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"How does agricultural runoff containing fertilizers and pesticides contribute to environmental pollution? What measures can be taken to mitigate the impact of agricultural runoff? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The growing influx of tourists in Himalayan states has breached their ecological carrying capacity, leading to significant man-made disasters. What measures can be implemented to prevent such disasters while promoting sustainable tourism? Discuss with relevant examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"How do superconductors fuel innovation in diverse fields of science and technology? Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"While India has laws covering almost all types of intellectual property rights, numerous enforcement, regulatory and administrative challenges hamper the commercialisation of IPRs in India. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Keeping in view the challenges in creating integrated theatre commands, examine how the theaterisation of commands can lead to greater integration and rationalisation of manpower and resources among the three services. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Treating border villages as first villages not just geographically but also in terms of facilities can be a key strategy for enhancing border security. Discuss. Also, highlight the measures being taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6127,"topper":"Rajkesh Meena","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/80765-60766_2212_rajkesh_meena_rank_953.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by 'constitutionalism'? Highlight various ways in which the Indian Constitution underscores this principle. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Competition Commission of India (CCI) effectively reflects a shift from the era of Licence Raj to a conducive regulatory ambience for enhancing consumer welfare by encouraging competition in the market. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Mention various initiatives taken for online delivery of judicial services in India. Also, discuss the challenges faced in their implementation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Bring out the similarities and differences in the Bill of Rights in the Constitution of the United States and Fundamental Rights in the Constitution of India. (150 words) 10.","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"It is often argued that the implementation of The Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 has so far been tardy and ineffectual. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Explain the rationale behind the creation of a Social Stock Exchange in India. Do you think this move would boost social impact investing in the country? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The National Digital Health Mission (NDHM) has the potential to bring a new revolution in India's health sector in multiple ways. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"While participation of private sector in the higher education system of India is a necessity, it creates issues that need careful redressal. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Highlighting the significance of Central Asia for India, discuss the challenges in strengthening the Indo-Central Asian relationship. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the role that the Indian diaspora can play in the making of \"Aatmanirbhar Bharat\" (self-reliant India). Also, mention the challenges in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"A critical appraisal of the outcomes of the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act underlines the need for second-generation reforms to strengthen decentralisation of urban local governance in India. Discuss.(250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"It is argued that unchecked and rampant exercise of the power to insert laws in the Ninth Schedule results in undermining of Constitutional supremacy and creation of Parliamentary hegemony. Do you agree? Justify your stand with logical arguments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Asymmetry is an important characteristic of federalism in India, which has helped in the accommodation of diverse demands inherent in our democracy. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"In India, the Finance Commissions are established pursuant to the constitutional mandate. In this context, do you think the State Finance Commissions have been effective in promoting fiscal federalism? Substantiate with arguments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Reduction in the overall size of the bureaucracy has been seen as the underlying idea behind civil services reforms. Is it a good idea to reduce the size of the Indian bureaucracy? Examine in light of the experience of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"There is a need to ensure better ethical standards, accountability and management of temples in India. Discuss in the context of issues associated with state intervention in management of temples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by feminisation of old age? Highlight the issues associated with it in the Indian context. Also, mention the measures taken by the government in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Given its impact on both individual resilience and the resilience of the economy, is there a case for strong universal social protection in India? Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"There have been arguments that with the old global multilateral order failing to manage rising challenges, issue-based coalitions are gaining traction and have become the arenas of functional cooperation. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India intends to achieve a balanced and optimal development of energy infrastructure in the South-Asian region through mutual understanding and cooperation. In light of this statement, discuss the need as well as existing gaps in South Asia's energy cooperation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6128,"topper":"Rajkesh Meena","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e514b-60766_2931_rajkesh_meena_rank_998.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The end cannot justify the means, for the simple and obvious reason that the means employed determine the nature of the ends produced. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss how the relationship between law and ethics is dynamic and continuously shaped by societal changes. Provide examples to illustrate this dynamic relationship. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Differentiate between probity and integrity with suitable examples. How do these values contribute to ethical governance and decision-making in the civil services? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the ethical implications of withholding information in public administration. How can transparency enhance accountability and reduce corruption in government institutions? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) “ - ”- \"There is no school equal to a decent home and no teacher equal to a virtuous parent.\"- Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What factors lead to a positive attitude in a person? How does positive attitude enhance the effectiveness of civil servants in performing their duties? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss how emotional intelligence can influence ethical decision-making in the allocation of scarce public resources. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Various international humanitarian organizations provide emergency aid in conflict zones around the world. Highlight the ethical challenges faced by such organizations. What are the principles that guide international humanitarian work? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Why is persuasion regarded as an important skill for civil servants? What are the key considerations that should guide persuasion in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"What role can ethical leadership play in curbing corruption, especially in public service? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"What were the major teachings of Swami Dayanand Saraswati? Explain their relevance in addressing the current ethical and social challenges in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":33,"question":"Discuss the ethical dilemma Karan faces in deciding whether to report the incident against Mariyam's wishes. (b) Evaluate the options available to Karan. Which of these options should he choose and why? (c) What responsibilities do organizations like XYZ Corp have in preventing and addressing sexual harassment and creating inclusive workplace environments? (Answer in 250 words)20","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"What are the options available to Jay as the Commissioner of the Education Department? Evaluate each of these options. (b) What option should Jay adopt and why? (c) How can civil servants like Jay be better protected when they attempt to uphold ethical standards in their work? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"As the District Magistrate of X city, you are responsible for overseeing the construction of a new metro depot in an urban forest area, which is a critical infrastructure project aimed at improving public transportation and reducing traffic congestion and air pollution. The project, however, requires the clearance of a substantial portion of the forest, which has triggered strong opposition from environmental activists, local residents, and NGOs. This forest is widely regarded as essential for the city's ecological balance, often referred to as the city's \"lungs.\" In addition to the environmental concerns, you are under considerable pressure from politicians at the state-level to expedite the project, given the upcoming elections in two years. The political leadership emphasizes the benefits of the metro project for the city's development and its potential to garner electoral support. The project is expected to significantly reduce travel time for thousands of commuters and potentially decrease overall vehicle emissions in the city. However, it would also lead to the loss of thousands of trees and disrupt local ecosystems. As you prepare to make a decision, you are aware that your choice will have far-reaching consequences for both the city's development and its environment. (a) Identify the ethical dilemmas involved in the above case. (b) Evaluate the options available to you in the above situation. Which of these would you choose and why? (c) Suggest some measures that could be implemented to balance urban development needs with environmental conservation in future projects. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Dr. Mehra is a senior drug developer at a leading pharmaceutical company in India, renowned for producing various medications, including lifesaving drugs critical for treating chronic and rare diseases. Since its inception, the company has emphasized the quality and affordability of its drugs. Recently, under revised government guidelines, pharmaceutical companies are required to market a finished product only after obtaining \"satisfactory results\" from tests on the ingredients. Additionally, they must retain a sufficient quantity of samples of both intermediate and final products to allow repeated testing or verification of a batch. Dr. Mehra's team is in the final stages of developing a new medication for a rare but life-threatening disease. This drug has shown promising results in clinical trials. However, there have been unresolved concerns about the long-term side effects of the drug, observed in a small percentage of trial subjects. Despite this, the company has not released any major drug in the past decade, leading to significant pressure from the board members to expedite the drug's release. (a) Identify the stakeholders in the above case study. (b) Discuss the ethical issues faced by Dr. Mehra. (c) Analyse the options available to Dr. Mehra in the above case. Which of these would you choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"You have been appointed as the Under Secretary in the State Urban Development Department. The Department has been tasked with a prestigious project aimed at revitalizing the infrastructure of a city with deep historical significance. This project, which you are extremely passionate about, involves modernizing public transportation, restoring heritage buildings, and creating green spaces while preserving the city's cultural essence. Excited by the opportunity, you spent weeks researching and drafting a comprehensive proposal. Your plan included innovative ideas for sustainable development, community engagement, and leveraging technology for urban planning. You presented these initial plans in a departmental meeting, hoping to inspire your colleagues and kickstart the project. However, your enthusiasm was met with indifference. Your colleagues showed little interest, failing to contribute ideas or efforts towards the project. Concerned, you reported this lack of enthusiasm to your superior, who is the project authority. Your disappointment was met with equal indifference, as he casually mentioned that he is set to retire in six months and that the project has a long gestation period. Determined to see the project succeed, you took it upon yourself to drive it forward. For the past two months, you have been working more than 12 hours a day, often late into the night, sacrificing time with your family. Your dedication is driven by your belief in the project's potential to transform the lives of the city's residents and preserve its rich heritage for future generations. Two months into the project, a review meeting is called by the Chief Secretary. During the meeting, Department heads from various sectors are present to discuss ongoing and upcoming projects. When it is time to present the urban revitalization project, your boss stands up. To your shock, he presents your draft proposal as his own work, taking all the credit for the innovative ideas and comprehensive planning. As you sit there, listening to your superior claim your hard work as his own, you feel a mix of anger, disappointment, and demoralization. This incident not only undermines your efforts but also leaves you questioning the value of your dedication in a work culture that does not seem to support collaboration or recognize individual contributions. (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) How does the above-mentioned work culture affect workplace morale and productivity? (c) What are the options available to you and how would you address the situation? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":58,"question":"Arun, renowned for his integrity and dedication, has recently assumed the role of Superintendent at a state Pollution Control Board. This posting, his fourth in just one year, includes the responsibility of overseeing Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs). In his new position, Arun becomes aware of a copper smelting plant situated near a crucial wetland that serves as the primary water source for the region. Despite the plant's notorious reputation for heavy pollution, the current EIA, presented to Arun by the Chairperson, indicates no significant impact on the wetland. The next assessment is not scheduled for another two years. One day, Arun receives a letter from a politician affiliated with the opposition party. The letter contains evidence suggesting that the current EIA results are based on falsified lab reports, allegedly approved by the Chairperson. The Chairperson is known to have close ties with the ruling party, which has been receiving substantial donations from the plant's operators. The opposition politician urges Arun to expose the Chairperson from within the department, arguing that this approach could effectively pressurize the government to conduct a new EIA. He promises Arun significant rewards and support once their party comes to power, an outcome suggested by recent opinion polls. While the evidence presented is compelling, Arun remains cautious about the possibility of being exploited as a political pawn. He is acutely aware of the potential consequences of his actions, both for his career and for the environment. (a) In light of the case above, discuss the ethical issues that may arise from the nexus between corporate, political, and bureaucratic interests. (b) As a conscientious civil servant, evaluate the options available to Arun. Which option should he choose and why?(Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":59,"question":"In light of the above case, discuss the ethical issues that may arise from the nexus between corporate, political, and bureaucratic interests. (b) As a conscientious civil servant, evaluate the options available to Arun. Which option should he choose and why?(Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6129,"topper":"Rajkesh Meena","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/01b17-60766_1837_rajkesh_meena_rank_998.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain why altruism constitutes one of the core values in public life. In this regard, suggest some measures to foster altruistic behaviour in public services. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Certain actions can be right even though they do not maximize good consequences, for the rightness of such actions consists in their representing certain norms. Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"With the help of appropriate examples, discuss the ethical challenges involved in policing in India. Also, highlight the reasons behind corruption in the police force. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"A right combination of spirit and structure is integral to ethical corporate governance. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"It is not only public servants, but also the common citizens who play a key role in institutionalising high standards of ethical conduct and good governance. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Public administration in India suffers from the 'working-in-silos' culture. In this context, discuss the importance of cooperation, coordination and collaboration for efficient governance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"While emotional intelligence is an essential tool for a public servant, it can also be misused to manipulate people to act against their own interests. Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Social influence is an ambivalent concept. It can be a source for good, bad and even for evil. Discuss with the help of relevant examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Effective public service delivery demands a people-centric approach, which is built upon coordination and leverages technology. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Highlight the important teachings of Kautilya that are relevant to public services in 21st century India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.\" Nelson Mandela (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You have recently graduated from college and are now preparing for the civil services examination. While reading the newspaper, you come across a news report of a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), working for child rights, challenging a provision of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, in the Supreme Court of India. The said provision provides for the option of Children in Conflict with Law (CCL) to be tried as adults under certain circumstances. The NGO's plea is that children are not able to understand the gravity of crimes. It has also contended that the criminal acts committed by children are a reflection of failure of the society to take care of its children. In the context of this situation, as a young aspirant, answer the following questions: (a) What are the possible factors that can drive a child towards committing heinous crimes? (b) Is it ethical to punish children as adults rather than giving them a chance for reformation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"You are a CEO-founder of an edTech company. You are under tremendous pressure from the investors in your company to increase the profitability of the company and undertake downsizing. After making a few bad acquisitions, the company's finances have taken a huge hit in the last couple of years. The downsizing is suggested with the hope that the company's profitability would rise, as it often does when mass layoff or downsizing decisions are carried out. Moreover, the investors have hinted that such measures would attract further investment from them, which has come as a ray of hope considering the ongoing volatile market conditions and slowdown in big-ticket fundings. Given the situation, rumors of unscrupulous firing have started doing the rounds among employees. It has increased apprehensiveness and reduced cohesiveness among them. You have informed the investors that the cost cutting exercise can affect the output as well as reputation of the company in the long-run. However, they are adamant to pursue the same. (a) Identify the stakeholders and ethical issues involved in the case. (b) You and the HR team have identified some options and are deliberating to put them across to the investors for consideration. Discuss the merits and demerits of each of these: (i) Identifying key high performers and offering them suitable positions before implementing the layoff decision. (ii) Putting the terminated employees on retainer to work part-time. (iii) Executing the lay off order in the same spirit as it was asked by the investors and letting them deal with the long-term consequences. (iv) Improving the perception of fairness among the existing and terminated employees and moving ahead with the layoffs. (c) Without restricting yourself to the above options, discuss the course of action you will take, and provide adequate reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"There is an ongoing ethnic civil war in a neighbouring country. The conflict has caused massive displacement of people from the country. Ironically, the developed countries have closed off their borders to the refugees on account of the COVID-19 pandemic, resource competition, domestic politics etc. With countries sealing off their borders, the refugees are left in a vulnerable situation and many are taking illegal routes to enter your country. As a Senior Official of your country's Ministry of External Affairs, you have been involved in discussions with officials of other nations and are entrusted with the mandate to design a national policy to safely accommodate India bound refugees. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) Discuss the moral issues related to the rights of international refugees, especially those from conflict-torn regions. (b) What recommendations would you suggest given the large influx of refugees in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Social interactions where a person is addressed by their correct name and pronouns, consistent with their gender identity, are widely recognized as a basic and yet critical aspect of gender affirmation. A national university invited speakers for a discussion on rights of sexual minorities in India. The panel included speakers representing a wide variety of opinions and perspectives on the issue. The debates, though largely peaceful, witnessed a controversy. A college association representing sexual minorities took offence against a panellist who cautioned against self-identification by sexual minorities and the liberal use of pronouns. The association reached out to the media and the localised controversy soon turned into a national issue across news networks and social media. The association demanded that the panellist apologise for his views and issue a public statement in this context. The panellist, on the other hand, seemed unmoved by the issue. In the meantime, the University has come under huge pressure to resolve the issue. The Vice Chancellor set up a Committee to look into the matter and its peaceful resolution. You have been appointed as the Chairperson of the Committee. In this regard, answer the following questions: (a) Discuss the various moral issues involved in the case. (b) Keeping the right to freedom of speech and expression in mind, highlight the steps you would take to resolve the issue and list arguments in support.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"You are a young athlete representing India at an international-level competition. To your surprise, during the competition, you witness a few senior athletes injecting something using a syringe in private. When you approach them, they explain that it is a performance enhancing drug, which is very common in such competitions and you should take the same as well. You are aware that if these players get caught in a doping test, it may damage India's reputation. You are confused and afraid of the repercussions and decide to approach the coach to discuss the event you witnessed. However, you get to know that the athletes are taking the drug on the advice of the coach himself. (a) What would you do in this scenario? Discuss the options available to you and chart your course of action. (b) What are the reasons behind the use of performance enhancing drugs in competitive sporting events? How can this practice be minimized?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":55,"question":"You have been newly appointed as the District Magistrate of a district, which is known for its rich mineral deposits. Following the news being circulated in the media about the illegal mining in your district, you have initiated an enquiry into it. When the State's Minister of Mines and Minerals gets to know of the enquiry initiated by you, he directs you to name some junior government employees as being involved in the wrongdoing and make them scapegoats. He also points out that elections to the State Assembly are around the corner and the present government wishes to stay clear of any political corruption. This Minister is a very influential figure in the present regime and there are high chances of the present ruling party being voted back to power. In due course of the enquiry, it has come to your notice that the said Minister has also been involved in illegal mining through his cronies. The findings of the enquiry can affect the outcome of the elections as well as completely derail your career, if the incumbent party wins the elections, which looks very likely as per the polls. Answer the following with reference to this case: (a) Identify the stakeholders and the ethical issues in the given case. (b) Critically evaluate the options in the given scenario and state your course of action, giving reasons.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6130,"topper":"Rajnish Patel","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a265b-984013_3128_rajnish_patel_rank_718.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"The world must learn to work together, or finally it will not work at all.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Technology, like art, is a soaring exercise of the human imagination.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"We've begun to raise daughters more like sons, but few have the courage to raise our sons more like our daughters.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6131,"topper":"Rajnish Patel","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/139b7-984013_1863_rajnish-patel_rank-571.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Parliamentary oversight of administration is not an end in itself rather it acts as a means to strengthen the efficient functioning of the administration. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Tenth Schedule of the Constitution has weakened the democratic credentials of India's representative democracy. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Article 246 of the Indian Constitution is considered as the cornerstone of Centre-state legislative relations. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Although the provision of issuing ordinances amounts to the usurpation of legislative power by the Executive, both Centre and states in India have taken unrestrained course to it. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"There has been a manifold increase in the number of ministries in the central government since independence. Do you agree with the view there is a need to phase out many ministries and amalgamate others in this context? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Evaluate the success of Digital India in fulfilling its vision of transforming India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Examine the issues related to poverty measurement in India. Suggest measures to improve upon the existing methodologies. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"As one of the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, discuss the rationale behind internationalisation of higher education in India and its associated challenges. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Stating the significance of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), examine whether they have been as beneficial as expected for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Though multilateral development banks (MDBs) are crucial for holistic development of developing nations like India, there are certain legitimate concerns about their functioning. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Despite the legal framework to resolve inter-state river water disputes, why do they continue to exist? Also, discuss measures that can be taken to resolve such disputes in an expeditious and agreeable manner. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"While use of technology is a welcome step towards improving the efficiency of the judicial system, it must be understood that technology itself comes with a set of challenges that make justice even more inaccessible. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The current urban planning capacities in India are extremely skeletal and need systemic reforms and a change in mindset. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Reservation for women in the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) has not translated into corresponding increase in women's representation in India's state legislatures. Bringing out the reasons for the same, discuss how under-representation of women in the state legislatures can be corrected. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"For effective public service delivery, there is need to shift from traditional accountability mechanisms to social accountability mechanisms. In this context, discuss the pre-conditions for the success of social accountability efforts and challenges associated with them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) remains one of the most ambitious programmes for public welfare and rural development, but its objectives cannot be achieved without strong and capable Panchayati Raj Institutions. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Despite legal safeguards and international conventions, the State has failed to uphold the rights of persons with disabilities in general and those with psychosocial disabilities in particular. Discuss in the context of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"To what extent has the PM Awas Yojana (Gramin) been successful in solving the problem of rural housing in India? Discuss with adequate arguments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Despite the potential of India's Neighbourhood First policy, there have been several impediments to regional cooperation in South Asia. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"It is argued that China's Belt and Road Initiative has resulted in unsustainable debt-for-infrastructure deals in several countries across continents and it is a part of debt trap diplomacy. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6132,"topper":"Rajnish Patel","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/82d8a-984013_1864_rajnish-patel_rank-571.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Agristack can serve as a foundation to build innovative agri-focused solutions, thus enabling creation of a better ecosystem for agriculture in India. Comment. Also, discuss the concerns associated with it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Despite the advantages of geothermal energy, it has not been adopted on a wide scale in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"While the WTO seeks elimination of subsidies that contribute to IUU (illegal, unreported and unregulated) fishing, there are multiple concerns around it. Discuss while highlighting India's stand on the issue. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"There is a view that the current agricultural policies in India are biased against rainfed agriculture. Comment. Also, identify government initiatives in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Enumerate the major causes behind marine heatwaves. Also, discuss their impact on the ocean ecosystem. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Aseismic structures are touted as a viable solution to combat earthquake destruction. In this context, highlight the need of a National Program on Seismic Retrofitting of Buildings and Structures in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Despite the risks associated with cryptoassets, their underlying advantages should not be overlooked. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality (VR and AR) have massive innovation potential across a wide range of industries and research fields in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the role and functions of Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and examine whether the NDPS Act, 1985 needs to be remodelled. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Recent events have raised concerns around the issue of surveillance in India. Do you think surveillance is a necessary evil to tackle crime and terror? Discuss the various arguments on the issue. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The decision to grow a particular crop by a farmer is affected by various factors other than the yield of a crop. Discuss this statement and assess the need for bringing a change in the cropping pattern in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Identifying the importance of livestock in the Indian agricultural economy, enumerate the steps taken by the government in this regard. Also, discuss the potential impact of climate change on the livestock sector. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"It has been argued by some economists that supply creates its own demand. In this context, discuss the merits and demerits of reliance on investment in infrastructure to boost the Indian economy. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Innovations emerge not just as an opportunity but also as a pre-condition to assure the sustainability of food production. Analyse the statement in context of the food processing sector in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The factors contributing to unemployment in India are not merely a result of the structural issues related to the Indian economy. Discuss. Also, highlight the measures taken to address the problem of unemployment in recent times. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Highlighting the major announcements made by India in the recently concluded COP26, examine India's capabilities in achieving net zero emissions by 2070. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"While geography plays a definite role in the recurring disasters in Western Ghats, it is the human intervention that has exacerbated them. Discuss. Also, suggest measures to protect Western Ghats from these frequent disasters. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The IPR regime in India is mired by inadequate protection and ineffective implementation. In this context, discuss how the IPR regime can be made more robust and effective. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What are the similarities and differences between the activities of terrorists and organized criminal groups? Also, elaborate upon the fact that their linkages occur in both tactical and strategic ways. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"There is a view that the 'civil society is emerging as the new frontier of war', in the 4th generation of warfare. Do you agree with this view? Substantiate with logical arguments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6133,"topper":"Rajnish Patel","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/89353-984013_2218_rajnish-patel_rank-571.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to revisit the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution? Discuss with suitable arguments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Highlighting the advantages of online dispute resolution (ODR) mechanism for justice delivery, discuss the challenges associated with its effective implementation in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Despite the constitutional division of powers, Centre-state disputes have been a perennial feature of Indian democracy. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Do you agree with the view that adopting a framework for lobbying will strengthen participative governance and ease of doing business in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Despite the government encouraging open source instead of proprietary technology for government applications, the true potential of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) and digital platforms remains unrealized. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"As a social safety-valve, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) can be the principal vehicles through which communities voice their concerns. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Despite being lauded for its patient centric approach, the implementation of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, remains sluggish and mired with various issues. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to formulate an Urban Employment Guarantee scheme at the national level? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the relevance of BIMSTEC as a regional organisation to fulfil India's strategic aspirations in the Indian Ocean Region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the relevance of the Gujral Doctrine for India with regard to its relations with its immediate neighbours in the present times. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the pivotal role of the \"Officers of Parliament\" in the Indian Parliamentary system. Also, discuss the constitutional and statutory provisions for their impartial functioning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The Finance Commission plays a crucial role in balancing fiscal federalism in India. In this context, examine the recommendations given by the 15th Finance Commission. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Critically assess whether according statutory backing to the Model Code of Conduct will contribute towards free and fair elections in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The market disruption caused by digital revolution warrants renewed focus and perspective to ensure fair competition in the digital economy. In this light, discuss the need to revamp the Competition Commission of India (CCI). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"There is an urgent need for effective whistle-blowing mechanisms and ensuring that necessary safeguards for the protection of whistle-blowers are established in both public and private spheres in India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"State the reasons behind the poor performance of cooperatives in India. Also, discuss the reforms undertaken by the government to overcome the shortcomings. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Public-Private Partnership model, if harnessed properly, has the potential to bridge the gaps in India's healthcare system. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Although the New Education Policy brings with it a commendable vision, its success will depend on its ability to effectively integrate with the government's other policy initiatives. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) is born from a collective desire to make the Indo-Pacific region an engine of global economic growth. Comment. Also, discuss India's concerns in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"India needs to identify the priority areas to further its techno-diplomacy amidst the complexities of expanding digital space and New and Emerging Strategic Technologies. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6134,"topper":"Rajnish Patel","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0331c-984013_1865_rajnish_patel_rank_856.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"An ethical action is rooted in the temporal and spatial dimensions of societies. Discuss with adequate examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Unstable marriages and families can lead to failures of moral development in children and overall moral decline in the society. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"An ethical work culture is a prerequisite for sustainable growth of an organization. Discuss and suggest some measures to build an ethical work culture in an organization. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Crises, humanitarian or economic, often create the perfect storm for corruption to thrive. Discuss with examples. What measures can be taken to mitigate corruption during a crisis? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the various ethical concerns associated with vaccine passport for international travel. Also, suggest the measures that can be taken to deal with these concerns. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The edifice of good corporate governance is dependent on the efficacy and effectiveness of independent directors. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"Enlightenment is man's emergence from his self-incurred immaturity.\" - Immanuel Kant (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The issue of marital rape is often ignored due to the belief that marriage is a sacred institution. In this context, discuss whether marital rape should be criminalised. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Students should be taught the importance of \"doing what's right\" at a young age. Discuss how the New Education Policy seeks to impart value based education to students of all age groups. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The role of emotional intelligence is crucial for public servants in overcoming adversity. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"What are the important learnings from the life and teachings of Sri Adi Shankaracharya that can help public servants in their personal and professional lives. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Citizen's Charters are tools that help conventional organizations develop socially sensitive and ethically oriented professional conduct. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You are working as the Head of the Human Resources Department in a consultancy firm ABC Corp. A female employee of the firm comes to you complaining about sexual harassment in the company premise at the hands of the CEO of one of your clients, XYZ Corp., when the latter visited your firm for a client interaction. XYZ Corp. happens to be a major source of revenue for your company. Also, the CEO of XYZ Corp. is considered as a very reputed professional and is highly regarded by the senior management of your firm. In the past, you have witnessed members of your senior management praise the professional and no-nonsense attitude of the CEO of XYZ Corp. However, the female employee, who has approached you, is also sure that the CEO knowingly misbehaved with her. In light of the situation: (a) Discuss the issues involved in this case. (b) What are the options available to you and what course of action would you take? Give logical arguments to support your answer.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Records show that there have been numerous cases of custodial deaths in the last 20 years in India. Very few policeman have been convicted so far in such cases. Recently, you come across the case of custodial death of a youth in one of the backward districts of the country. It has been reported that the youth was detained on frivolous grounds of kidnapping a girl from another community. As a young graduate student, preparing for the civil services examination conducted by the UPSC, answer the following: (a) Why is there a frequent violation of the code of conduct and abuse of authority by law enforcement officers at various levels in India? (b) Is the use of violence and show of 'quick justice' by the policemen increasingly becoming acceptable by the society? Justify your stand with relevant arguments. (c) What can be done to comprehensively deal with the issue of torture and custodial deaths in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are a District Magistrate posted in a backward district of the country. You are responsible for getting an Atal Residential School built on the village land in your district. The contract for the construction of the school has been assigned to a popular local leader's son. This land is presently occupied by tribal communities but they cannot produce any ownership records. They claim that they have resided on the land for generations. They also allege that the administration is pressurising them to vacate their land to build the school and have assured that they will be relocated elsewhere. However, they are hesitant to do so as it will uproot them from their homes and will affect their livelihood. One of the prominent tribal leaders has highlighted this issue and it has caught the attention of the mainstream media. In the light of the situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders involved in the case and their respective interests. (b) Discuss the various ethical concerns in the given case. (c) What are the options available to you and which of these options you will choose? Justify.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6135,"topper":"Rajnish Patel","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2b2c3-984013_1865_rajnish_patel_rank_718.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"An ethical action is rooted in the temporal and spatial dimensions of societies. Discuss with adequate examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Unstable marriages and families can lead to failures of moral development in children and overall moral decline in the society. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"An ethical work culture is a prerequisite for sustainable growth of an organization. Discuss and suggest some measures to build an ethical work culture in an organization. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Crises, humanitarian or economic, often create the perfect storm for corruption to thrive. Discuss with examples. What measures can be taken to mitigate corruption during a crisis? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the various ethical concerns associated with vaccine passport for international travel. Also, suggest the measures that can be taken to deal with these concerns. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The edifice of good corporate governance is dependent on the efficacy and effectiveness of independent directors. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"Enlightenment is man's emergence from his self-incurred immaturity.\" - Immanuel Kant (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The issue of marital rape is often ignored due to the belief that marriage is a sacred institution. In this context, discuss whether marital rape should be criminalised. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Students should be taught the importance of \"doing what's right\" at a young age. Discuss how the New Education Policy seeks to impart value based education to students of all age groups. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The role of emotional intelligence is crucial for public servants in overcoming adversity. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"What are the important learnings from the life and teachings of Sri Adi Shankaracharya that can help public servants in their personal and professional lives. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Citizen's Charters are tools that help conventional organizations develop socially sensitive and ethically oriented professional conduct. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You are working as the Head of the Human Resources Department in a consultancy firm ABC Corp. A female employee of the firm comes to you complaining about sexual harassment in the company premise at the hands of the CEO of one of your clients, XYZ Corp., when the latter visited your firm for a client interaction. XYZ Corp. happens to be a major source of revenue for your company. Also, the CEO of XYZ Corp. is considered as a very reputed professional and is highly regarded by the senior management of your firm. In the past, you have witnessed members of your senior management praise the professional and no-nonsense attitude of the CEO of XYZ Corp. However, the female employee, who has approached you, is also sure that the CEO knowingly misbehaved with her. In light of the situation: (a) Discuss the issues involved in this case. (b) What are the options available to you and what course of action would you take? Give logical arguments to support your answer.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Records show that there have been numerous cases of custodial deaths in the last 20 years in India. Very few policeman have been convicted so far in such cases. Recently, you come across the case of custodial death of a youth in one of the backward districts of the country. It has been reported that the youth was detained on frivolous grounds of kidnapping a girl from another community. As a young graduate student, preparing for the civil services examination conducted by the UPSC, answer the following: (a) Why is there a frequent violation of the code of conduct and abuse of authority by law enforcement officers at various levels in India? (b) Is the use of violence and show of 'quick justice' by the policemen increasingly becoming acceptable by the society? Justify your stand with relevant arguments. (c) What can be done to comprehensively deal with the issue of torture and custodial deaths in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Across the world, there is often a taxing demand on correct manners, etiquettes and moral responsibility by celebrities and public figures and there is huge public outrage if they act carelessly. Even for small mistakes, public figures have to apologise, or take an early retirement out of shame. This is often aggravated by the media, which relentlessly reports on the issue and the public who enjoy the voyeurism offered by entertainment - footage of star cars being chased, leaked WhatsApp chats etc. Further, there is hardly any unbiased and civil debate when it comes to celebrities and their social responsibilities. In most cases, the argument does not even centre around the actual issue and gets subsumed by overarching subplots. Messy trolling, often misdirected, is a common feature in all. Even serious issues like suicide and drug use are reduced to parenting problems and witch-hunt is often seen. In this context: (a) Is there any difference between a public figure and private person when it comes to privacy? Should public figures also have some reasonable amount of privacy? (b) Do you think it is fair to expect role models, such as celebrities and public figures, to act more responsibly as compared to ordinary citizens? (c) Discuss the importance of responsible journalism in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"You are the Municipal Commissioner of a large city, which has witnessed unprecedented increase in biomedical waste. Recently, 15 sanitation workers lost their lives and close to 100 have been seriously infected owing to this increase in waste. Apart from biomedical waste, the city is also facing a major problem in management of household waste. There is a view that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the problems of the waste management sector. Despite the fact that the government has notified rules regarding disposal, collection and treatment of waste and has initiated numerous awareness campaigns in the past, still, the problem does not seem to be getting under control. In view of this, answer the questions: (a) Identify the stakeholders and the significance of their involvement in addressing the issue. (b) In your opinion, what are the reasons behind apathy of people towards issues like waste disposal that affect the larger interests of the society? (c) As the Municipal Commissioner, suggest some practical techniques to bring about an attitudinal change among residents of the city towards this issue.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6136,"topper":"Rajnish Patel","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/53d16-984013_2220_rajnish-patel_rank-571.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The logic of limitless wealth lies in the basic human instinct for furthering self-interest in the form of profit. In this context, do you think there is a possibility of pursuing ethical capitalism? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"If a law is unjust, a man is not only right to disobey it, he is obligated to do so. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The capacity of Citizens' Charter to initiate any transformative process is conditioned upon it being appropriately designed and effectively executed. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The moral fiber and ethical conduct of public officials not only influence the standard of governance but also their own interests and performance. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The ongoing debate on euthanasia poses several ethical questions. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Foreign aid is a form of neo-colonialism, as the economically wealthier countries can exploit the developing countries under the cloak of aid. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Throwing light on the idea of Universal Humanism propounded by Rabindranath Tagore, discuss its contemporary relevance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree with the view that it is nature and not nurture which determines the emotional intelligence of a person? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Values that guide public administrators can often compete with each other, owing to their relative importance to the larger public interest. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Is it justifiable to say that corruption is a social phenomenon? What are the various ways through which administrative corruption can be tackled? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"You are posted as the Commissioner of Police in a metropolitan city where a visiting foreign dignitary, with President-level security cover, is scheduled to visit for an official function. As a part of the security preparedness, it has been decided that no vehicular traffic will be allowed on the route which will be taken by the foreign dignitary to reach the venue of the function in the city. However, just 15 minutes before the scheduled arrival of the dignitary, you are informed that a critically-ill patient is stuck on the way to the hospital in a private car along with his family. In this situation, answer the following: (a) Discuss the issues involved in halting traffic for VIP movement. (b) List the options available to you in this situation with their merits and demerits. (c) What will be your course of action? Justify with proper reasoning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"The transgender community has been a part of India's social set up since the very beginning but never recognized as a reputable part of the society. 'Hijra' is a term traditionally used in India for transgender women who were born male. The role and value of this community in accordance with the sacred Hindu texts condenses to the performance of blessings at marriage and birth ceremonies for good fortune. With the advent of the British Raj in the 19th century, the acts of \"cross-dressing\" were registered as a criminal offence and if such offences were committed repeatedly, imprisonment followed. Thus, began the criminalization of hijras. Today, although legally supported and socially empowered as compared to earlier times, hijras are still subject to transphobic discrimination-associated violence, poverty, and segregation. In light of the above, answer the following: (a) Identify the challenges faced by transgenders during the different stages of their life. (b) Discuss the reasons for the continuing discrimination against trangenders in India despite several initiatives for their upliftment in recent times. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"You are an IPS officer posted as the Inspector General of Police in a state. The recent death of a father-son duo in one of the districts in the state, due to custodial violence allegedly in the presence of the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), has sparked anger across the state. This is not an isolated incident, as there have been allegations raised by human rights groups in the past regarding custodial deaths due to physical assault by the police. The High Court of the State, taking suo moto cognizance of the recent incident, has served a notice to the state government, seeking a detailed report on the rising instances of custodial deaths. The state government has constituted a Committee to probe the incident and submit a detailed report about the veracity of facts related to it. You have been asked to head the Committee. You know the Deputy Superintendent of Police of the district to be an honest, hardworking and upright officer. He has privately requested you to absolve him of any wrongdoing as he claims not to be present when the incident occurred. You know that any action against him will be detrimental to his reputation and career. On the other hand, the seniors in the department are pressurising you to put all the blame on the DSP and make him a sacrificial lamb in order to protect the overall image of the police in the state. In the given scenario, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the stakeholders and the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) What steps will you take to ensure that the enquiry is seen to be fair and impartial? (c) Given the challenges that the police forces in India operate under in their day-to-day functioning, suggest some initiatives to address them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Mr. X is a billionaire businessman who heads a conglomerate engaged in insurance, energy generation and distribution, and manufacturing. Despite being globally known as a great philanthropist, he turned down a shareholder request seeking the disclosure of the conglomerate's actions on issues related to climate change as well as diversity and inclusion. Because of increased attention to climate and diversity issues, many leading firms have committed themselves to incorporate relevant considerations in their business strategies. Therefore, some industry-observors wonder if Mr. X is out of touch with the industry at large and have warned him that failing to address climate change issues puts his businesses under systemic risk. But, Mr. X maintained his vote against the disclosure proposal, while at the same time acknowledged the importance of both climate change and a diverse and inclusive work force. However, Mr. X believes that such ethical issues take secondary importance to maximising shareholder profit. (a) Discuss the importance of including climate change strategies and diversity and inclusion in a business organisation? (b) In your opinion, what matters more for a business organisation - socio-environmental concerns or shareholder profit? (c) How can the two above-mentioned issues be reconciled? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"The Indian education system suffers from many ills. One of the major issues is the focus on ‘rote learning’, which has been the staple of the Indian education system for many years. While many Indians have attained success despite this system, simply being able to recall information is not enough in today’s world when that information is instantly available to anyone on a mobile phone. A survey of 200 Indian and foreign companies found that only 14% of Indian graduates were prepared for the workforce, largely because most graduates were unable to apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the consequences of ‘rote learning’ on the educational development of young students in the country? (b) Suggest measures that can be taken to address this issue. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6137,"topper":"Rajnish Patel","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/584ad-984013_2931_rajnish_patel_rank_718.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The end cannot justify the means, for the simple and obvious reason that the means employed determine the nature of the ends produced. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss how the relationship between law and ethics is dynamic and continuously shaped by societal changes. Provide examples to illustrate this dynamic relationship. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Differentiate between probity and integrity with suitable examples. How do these values contribute to ethical governance and decision-making in the civil services? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the ethical implications of withholding information in public administration. How can transparency enhance accountability and reduce corruption in government institutions? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? \"There is no school equal to a decent home and no teacher equal to a virtuous parent.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.\" - Leo Tolstoy (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"To see what is right and not do it is a lack of courage.\" - Confucius (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What factors lead to a positive attitude in a person? How does positive attitude enhance the effectiveness of civil servants in performing their duties? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss how emotional intelligence can influence ethical decision-making in the allocation of scarce public resources. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Various international humanitarian organizations provide emergency aid in conflict zones around the world. Highlight the ethical challenges faced by such organizations. What are the principles that guide international humanitarian work? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Why is persuasion regarded as an important skill for civil servants? What are the key considerations that should guide persuasion in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"What role can ethical leadership play in curbing corruption, especially in public service? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"What were the major teachings of Swami Dayanand Saraswati? Explain their relevance in addressing the current ethical and social challenges in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":38,"question":"Jay, a civil servant, was appointed as the Commissioner of the Education Department a year ago. In his initial months, he implemented several policies and programmes that were transforming the Education Ministry's operations, gaining a good reputation that could potentially benefit the concerned minister in the upcoming elections. However, Jay now faces a significant challenge. As part of his responsibilities, he must approve the recruitment of new teachers for government schools. He has received a list of 120 candidates recommended for vacant posts, but suspects the recruitment process was unfair. Jay had also received several complaints claiming that the process had not been meritocratic. Upon review, Jay discovers evidence suggesting that many names on the list are the result of political patronage - a prevalent issue in the state where politicians use recruitment to gain political support. Jay believes the Education Minister is engaging in this practice as the election season approaches. This situation reminds Jay of a past incident when, as a junior officer, he refused to entertain an unnecessary procurement request. Consequently, he was transferred within a week, and he and his family faced frivolous anti-corruption complaints as retaliation. His successor approved the procurement at even higher rates. Jay is now concerned that blocking the current recruitment could lead to similar consequences. (a) What are the options available to Jay as the Commissioner of the Education Department? Evaluate each of these options. (b) What option should Jay adopt and why? (c) How can civil servants like Jay be better protected when they attempt to uphold ethical standards in their work? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"As the District Magistrate of X city, you are responsible for overseeing the construction of a new metro depot in an urban forest area, which is a critical infrastructure project aimed at improving public transportation and reducing traffic congestion and air pollution. The project, however, requires the clearance of a substantial portion of the forest, which has triggered strong opposition from environmental activists, local residents, and NGOs. This forest is widely regarded as essential for the city's ecological balance, often referred to as the city's \"lungs.\" In addition to the environmental concerns, you are under considerable pressure from politicians at the state-level to expedite the project, given the upcoming elections in two years. The political leadership emphasizes the benefits of the metro project for the city's development and its potential to garner electoral support. The project is expected to significantly reduce travel time for thousands of commuters and potentially decrease overall vehicle emissions in the city. However, it would also lead to the loss of thousands of trees and disrupt local ecosystems. As you prepare to make a decision, you are aware that your choice will have far-reaching consequences for both the city's development and its environment. (a) Identify the ethical dilemmas involved in the above case. (b) Evaluate the options available to you in the above situation. Which of these would you choose and why? (c) Suggest some measures that could be implemented to balance urban development needs with environmental conservation in future projects. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Dr. Mehra is a senior drug developer at a leading pharmaceutical company in India, renowned for producing various medications, including lifesaving drugs critical for treating chronic and rare diseases. Since its inception, the company has emphasized the quality and affordability of its drugs. Recently, under revised government guidelines, pharmaceutical companies are required to market a finished product only after obtaining \"satisfactory results\" from tests on the ingredients. Additionally, they must retain a sufficient quantity of samples of both intermediate and final products to allow repeated testing or verification of a batch. Dr. Mehra's team is in the final stages of developing a new medication for a rare but life-threatening disease. This drug has shown promising results in clinical trials. However, there have been unresolved concerns about the long-term side effects of the drug, observed in a small percentage of trial subjects. Despite this, the company has not released any major drug in the past decade, leading to significant pressure from the board members to expedite the drug's release. (a) Identify the stakeholders in the above case study. (b) Discuss the ethical issues faced by Dr. Mehra. (c) Analyse the options available to Dr. Mehra in the above case. Which of these would you choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":58,"question":"Arun, renowned for his integrity and dedication, has recently assumed the role of Superintendent at a state Pollution Control Board. This posting, his fourth in just one year, includes the responsibility of overseeing Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs). In his new position, Arun becomes aware of a copper smelting plant situated near a crucial wetland that serves as the primary water source for the region. Despite the plant's notorious reputation for heavy pollution, the current EIA, presented to Arun by the Chairperson, indicates no significant impact on the wetland. The next assessment is not scheduled for another two years. One day, Arun receives a letter from a politician affiliated with the opposition party. The letter contains evidence suggesting that the current EIA results are based on falsified lab reports, allegedly approved by the Chairperson. The Chairperson is known to have close ties with the ruling party, which has been receiving substantial donations from the plant's operators. The opposition politician urges Arun to expose the Chairperson from within the department, arguing that this approach could effectively pressurize the government to conduct a new EIA. He promises Arun significant rewards and support once their party comes to power, an outcome suggested by recent opinion polls. While the evidence presented is compelling, Arun remains cautious about the possibility of being exploited as a political pawn. He is acutely aware of the potential consequences of his actions. (a) In light of the above case, discuss the ethical issues that may arise from the nexus between corporate, political, and bureaucratic interests. (b) As a conscientious civil servant, evaluate the options available to Arun. Which option should he choose and why?(Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6138,"topper":"Rajnish Patel","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/bb1bd-984013_2425_rajnish_patel_rank_856.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"For effective corporate governance to take place in the coming years, why is it important to integrate the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics with the multi-stakeholder approach? What benefits can be accrued by such integration? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In acts of corruption, the focus is often only on the demand side of the equation, on public officials who abuse their office for private gain. Frequently, the supply side is given less attention. Those who pay bribes are sometimes depicted as innocent parties and victims of extortionary practices of wily public servants. Do you agree that 'collusive corruption', in which there is a willing bribe-giver, is a formidable challenge for institutions fighting corruption? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Citizens' Charters initiative was a response to the quest for solving the problems, which a citizen encountered, day in and day out, while dealing with the organisations providing public services. But the introduction and implementation of Citizens' Charters in the government of India has been difficult due to the old bureaucratic set up and the rigid attitudes of the work force. Discuss the major obstacles that have been encountered in implementing the Citizens' Charter initiative. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Quality of public service delivery is a major determinant of the quality of life of vulnerable sections in a highly unequal society divided along the lines of class, caste, religion, etc. In this background, do you think that public service delivery is efficient and sufficient enough to improve the lives of vulnerable groups in India? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own.\" - Lao Tzu (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"If ethics are poor at the top, that behavior is copied down through the organization.\" - Robert Noyce (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"The end of law is not to abolish or restrain, but to preserve and enlarge freedom.\" - John Locke (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Wealthy CEOs and founders of successful businesses around the world are increasingly pledging to give away their wealth in philanthropy. Do you think that such a move is sufficient enough to bring about a positive change in the society? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"As organizations across the globe begin their artificial intelligence (AI) transformation, the leap into the AI era is expected to be more challenging than any technology that businesses have grappled with yet. In this background, discuss the concerns around fairness, transparency, and job security that may arise. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The emphasis of Swami Dayanand Saraswati on education, social equality, and ethical values continues to influence the socio-cultural discourse in contemporary India. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Emotional intelligence may not be singularly associated with emotions or intelligence. It can also include a broad range of personality characteristics that might predict success in professional and everyday life. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Traditional forms of state-led accountability, also characterised as vertical and horizontal channels of accountability, are increasingly found to be inadequate, and a myriad of multi-stakeholder and bottom-up citizen directed approaches have come to the fore, to supplement or supplant them. Discuss with illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"In a metropolitan city of India, the law enforcement authorities decided to adopt facial recognition technology to improve their crime-fighting capabilities. They implemented a facial recognition system that integrated with existing surveillance cameras across the city, allowing real-time identification and tracking of individuals. The system was intended to assist in identifying known criminals, missing persons, and suspects in ongoing investigations. One evening, a woman reported a mugging incident where the perpetrator wore a hoodie, obscuring most of his face. The victim provided a vague description to the police, and based on that information, the authorities decided to use facial recognition technology to locate potential suspects. The system scanned through hours of surveillance footage from various locations near the crime scene. The facial recognition algorithm generated a list of potential matches, and one individual's image stood out as a close match to the description provided by the victim. The police considered this individual a prime suspect and proceeded with his arrest. Subsequently, it was discovered that the arrested person was innocent. Further investigation revealed that the facial recognition system had misidentified the innocent individual due to the limitations of the technology and the partial description provided by the victim. The police released the arrested individual; still his reputation got tarnished for life. He, along with his family, was evicted from their current place of residence. The psychological impact of the incident has been tremendous owing to which his job is also on the line. With reference to this case study, answer the following: (a) What are the issues involved in this case? (b) What measures can be taken to minimize the negative implications of adopting such technologies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"With reference to this case study, answer the following: (a) What are the issues involved in this case? (b) What measures can be taken to minimize the negative implications of adopting such technologies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Rina and her friends from the college were working as interns with a company for the last few months. On completion of their internship, some of them, including Rina, have been offered full-time jobs in the company. Being a reputed company, she and her friends accepted the offer. Rina is enthusiastic about her new job and has even established good relationship with some of her company co-workers during her internship. However, during her tenure as an intern, Rina had begun to notice that one of the Vice-Presidents (VPs) of the company was giving her too much attention. He used to make an extra effort to stop by Rina's cubicle and chat, something he was not doing with any of the other interns. He had even tried to connect with Rina over social networking sites. Some of her co-interns also noticed this and began to make offhand comments to Rina about the extra attention being given by the VP. Now that she was has been hired for a full time position, she is fearful that she might have to work with this VP directly. While he has not done or said anything explicitly inappropriate, the extra attention and the fact that her co-workers noticed it, made her very uncomfortable and undermined her concentration at work. The company encourages an open and friendly atmosphere and when she was hired, it was communicated to her that she should always speak to her Manager whenever faced with any uncomfortable work related issues. However, she is concerned to speak about it officially, as the VP has not explicitly done anything wrong. In the given situation: (a) What dilemmas does Rina face? (b) What options does she have? Provide the merits and demerits of each. (c) Highlight the course of action she should adopt, along with justification for the same. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"In the given situation: (a) What dilemmas does Rina face? (b) What options does she have? Provide the merits and demerits of each. (c) Highlight the course of action she should adopt, along with justification for the same. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Additionally, companies like BMW, Volvo, Google and Korean battery maker Samsung SDI, vowed in a statement to not buy metals produced from deep-sea mining until the environmental risks of the activity are \"comprehensively understood.\"] In the context of the above-stated information, address the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the given case study? (b) How can the vision of economic development of a nation be achieved without adversely affecting the sustainability of oceans? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"You are a District Magistrate and the area lies in your jurisdiction. People from both sides have approached you with their grievances. What would you do to reconcile the two points of view? (b) Mention the merits and demerits of the following potential courses of action: Ignore the opposition from the residents of the area and allow the place of religious worship to be built in accordance with the existing regulations. Prohibit the construction, agreeing with the residents while causing distress among the thousands of worshippers counting on the new place of worship. As a compromise, you place additional building regulations on the worship place or insist on modifications to the design. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"You are a public representative, elected on the ticket of a political party, considered as conservative by many. Your daughter, who has returned years after studying abroad, has conveyed to you her choice of marrying a person from another community. You personally do not consider anything wrong in her choice, and convey your assent to her. You also discuss it with many among your friends and family, and inform them of a grand wedding ceremony you are planning for your daughter. However, a few days after you have shared the news of the forthcoming grand wedding with many, you are informed by your political secretary about an issue being made of the same. He informs you that there are whispers among many people in your constituency about it, and indications of a sense of unease among some prominent citizens. While most of them are enamoured by your plans for a grand wedding ceremony for your daughter, they are unhappy about the bridegroom being from another community. You also get to know through your sources in the party, that your assent to the choice of the bridegroom may lead to a denial of ticket by the high command in the forthcoming elections. You are not only an ambitious politician and a rising star in your political party but also an open-minded, loving and doting father. But howsoever much you love your daughter's freedom and choices, you do not want her decision to adversely affect your political journey. This is more so, when you have been eagerly looking forward to greater responsibilities and a higher stature in the party, given the years of hardwork you have put in, as a politician. Your daughter, on the other hand, is firm with her choice and does not want her impending grand wedding to be affected in any way. She is adamant that her wedding will not be held as a private ceremony with only close friends and family, but should be publicised in a grand way, as you had promised earlier to her. Given this situation, answer the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the above situation? (b) What are the various options that you have, as a father and an ambitious politician? (c) What will be your course of action? Justify with proper reasoning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6139,"topper":"Rajnish Patel","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7cff9-984013_2425_rajnish_patel_rank_718.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"For effective corporate governance to take place in the coming years, why is it important to integrate the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics with the multi-stakeholder approach? What benefits can be accrued by such integration? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? \\\"The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own.\\\" - Lao Tzu (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Wealthy CEOs and founders of successful businesses around the world are increasingly pledging to give away their wealth in philanthropy. Do you think that such a move is sufficient enough to bring about a positive change in the society? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"As organizations across the globe begin their artificial intelligence (AI) transformation, the leap into the AI era is expected to be more challenging than any technology that businesses have grappled with yet. In this background, discuss the concerns around fairness, transparency, and job security that may arise. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The emphasis of Swami Dayanand Saraswati on education, social equality, and ethical values continues to influence the socio-cultural discourse in contemporary India. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Emotional intelligence may not be singularly associated with emotions or intelligence. It can also include a broad range of personality characteristics that might predict success in professional and everyday life. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Traditional forms of state-led accountability, also characterised as vertical and horizontal channels of accountability, are increasingly found to be inadequate, and a myriad of multi-stakeholder and bottom-up citizen directed approaches have come to the fore, to supplement or supplant them. Discuss with illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":33,"question":"With reference to this case study, answer the following: (a) What are the issues involved in this case? (b) What measures can be taken to minimize the negative implications of adopting such technologies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"In the given situation: (a) What dilemmas does Rina face? (b) What options does she have? Provide the merits and demerits of each. (c) Highlight the course of action she should adopt, along with justification for the same. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Additionally, companies like BMW, Volvo, Google and Korean battery maker Samsung SDI, vowed in a statement to not buy metals produced from deep-sea mining until the environmental risks of the activity are \"comprehensively understood.\" In the context of the above-stated information, address the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the given case study? (b) How can the vision of economic development of a nation be achieved without adversely affecting the sustainability of oceans? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":58,"question":"That her wedding will not be held as a private ceremony with only close friends and family, but should be publicised in a grand way, as you had promised earlier to her. Given this situation, answer the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the above situation? (b) What are the various options that you have, as a father and an ambitious politician? (c) What will be your course of action? Justify with proper reasoning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6140,"topper":"Rajput Neha","air":51,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pQT6OZSuNoiqo2TeAU-efn7huA9oH_3K/view","questions":[]},{"id":6141,"topper":"Rakesh Kumar Meena","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/28af3-19016_1834_rakesh-kumar-meena_rank-507.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The Sunga dynasty contributed significantly to the cultural and social development in ancient India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the role of foreign nationals in the Indian freedom struggle during the Gandhian phase. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by tsunamigenic zones? Giving an account of their global distribution, explain the propagation of tsunamis. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are atmospheric lakes? Highlight their characteristics. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What are polymetallic nodules? Highlight their geographical distribution and state their significance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What are technical textiles? In view of their significance, discuss the steps taken by the government to promote them in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss the challenges that internal migration creates for urban governance in India. Also, suggest measures to address the same. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the various opportunities and challenges posed by globalization on working women in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss the rationale behind anti-conversion laws in India. Also, state the concerns that have been raised with regard to these laws. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Central Asian contacts had a profound political and cultural impact on India in ancient times. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"Governance, during the British rule, was a means of exploitation of India rather than a vehicle of public welfare. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Discuss how India successfully dealt with the sensitive issue of language, which had the potential of threatening national unity in the post-independence period. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Bring out the factors, which led to decolonisation after the Second World War. Also, discuss the role played by India in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"What are Marine Heat Waves (MHW)? Identify the causes of their formation and discuss their consequences for India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"What are the geo-climatic conditions required for oil palm cultivation? Do you agree with the view that India should promote its large-scale cultivation to reduce import dependency? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"In view of the changes witnessed in the state of Himalayan cryosphere, discuss the implications for India's water security. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Ocean warming, ocean acidification and ocean deoxygenation are often referred to as the 'deadly trio' for marine life. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Tribals in India continue to face myriad challenges with regard to healthcare. Discuss the issues faced by them in this context and suggest remedial measures. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Reservation for women perpetuates a \"proxy culture\" as seen in the phenomenon of \"sarpanch patis\". In this context, discuss whether reservation can address the issue of poor participation of women in Indian politics. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6142,"topper":"Rakesh Kumar Meena","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6cbfd-19016_2212_rakesh-kumar-meena_rank-507.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by 'constitutionalism'? Highlight various ways in which the Indian Constitution underscores this principle. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Competition Commission of India (CCI) effectively reflects a shift from the era of Licence Raj to a conducive regulatory ambience for enhancing consumer welfare by encouraging competition in the market. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Mention various initiatives taken for online delivery of judicial services in India. Also, discuss the challenges faced in their implementation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Bring out the similarities and differences in the Bill of Rights in the Constitution of the United States and Fundamental Rights in the Constitution of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"It is often argued that the implementation of The Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 has so far been tardy and ineffectual. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Explain the rationale behind the creation of a Social Stock Exchange in India. Do you think this move would boost social impact investing in the country? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The National Digital Health Mission (NDHM) has the potential to bring a new revolution in India's health sector in multiple ways. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"While participation of private sector in the higher education system of India is a necessity, it creates issues that need careful redressal. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Highlighting the significance of Central Asia for India, discuss the challenges in strengthening the Indo-Central Asian relationship. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the role that the Indian diaspora can play in the making of \"Aatmanirbhar Bharat\" (self-reliant India). Also, mention the challenges in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"A critical appraisal of the outcomes of the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act underlines the need for second-generation reforms to strengthen decentralisation of urban local governance in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"In India, the Finance Commissions are established pursuant to the constitutional mandate. In this context, do you think the State Finance Commissions have been effective in promoting fiscal federalism? Substantiate with arguments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Reduction in the overall size of the bureaucracy has been seen as the underlying idea behind civil services reforms. Is it a good idea to reduce the size of the Indian bureaucracy? Examine in light of the experience of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"There is a need to ensure better ethical standards, accountability and management of temples in India. Discuss in the context of issues associated with state intervention in management of temples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"What do you understand by feminisation of old age? Highlight the issues associated with it in the Indian context. Also, mention the measures taken by the government in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Given its impact on both individual resilience and the resilience of the economy, is there a case for strong universal social protection in India? Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"There have been arguments that with the old global multilateral order failing to manage rising challenges, issue-based coalitions are gaining traction and have become the arenas of functional cooperation. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"India intends to achieve a balanced and optimal development of energy infrastructure in the South-Asian region through mutual understanding and cooperation. In light of this statement, discuss the need as well as existing gaps in South Asia's energy cooperation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6143,"topper":"Rakesh Kumar Meena","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7fd26-19016_1836_rakesh-kumar-meena_rank-507.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The PM-AASHA scheme is aimed at improving procurement mechanism as well as ensuring remunerative prices for farmers. In this context, highlight the various components of the scheme and discuss the concerns associated with it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Explaining the concept of blended finance, discuss the role it can play in mobilizing capital for infrastructure development in developing countries like India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss the challenges faced in the revival and revamp of dry ports in India and state the measures that can be adopted in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Monoculture is one of the major threats to ensuring food security and sustainability of Indian agriculture. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Aapda Mitra - a force of volunteers from across India trained in disaster response - is becoming a game changer in the field of disaster management in the country. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Why is the rise in lone wolf attacks considered as a serious challenge for security agencies around the world? Highlight the role of the internet in exacerbating such attacks. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The fundamental inefficiencies embedded in our military structures and processes are now being addressed through a slew of defence reforms in the country. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"In light of the recent establishment of the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in India, discuss the advantages and challenges in mainstreaming traditional medicine in the country. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Nano Urea Liquid has the potential to transform farming in India and across the world by improving productivity while reducing environmental pollution and input cost. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss the domino effect of high crude oil prices on the Indian economy. Also, enumerate the measures that India can take in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The consistent high operating ratio of the Indian Railways is indicative of its incapability to generate high operational surplus. Explain the reasons behind this trend. Also, highlight the remedial measures taken by the government in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Micro food processing sector is the key driver of growth in the Indian economy as it encourages food processing innovation. In this context, state the challenges faced by the micro food processing sector and discuss how the recent initiatives taken by the government aim to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Despite efforts by successive governments, equitable growth remains elusive and income inequality continues to persist in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Stating the factors that determine the employment situation of an economy in the long-term, discuss the measures that are needed for India to address its unemployment problem. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Provide an account of the existing carbon trading mechanisms in India. Also, discuss the significance of an efficient carbon trading market in the country and state the challenges that currently exist. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The menace of drug trafficking in India has been on a rise due to a mix of factors, both internal and external. Discuss. Also, state the challenges posed by drug trafficking to India's national security. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The Andaman and Nicobar islands' strategic significance in the Indian Ocean region (IOR) has been underplayed by India's policy of 'masterly inactivity and benign neglect'. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India has recently commissioned the world's first large International Liquid-Mirror Telescope (ILMT). How will the newly commissioned telescope aid in India's astronomical observations and research? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6144,"topper":"Rakesh Kumar Meena","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4e4d9-19016_1841_rakesh-meena_rank-507.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the meaning of self-efficacy, along with its key determinants. Also, discuss the significance of high self-efficacy for a civil servant. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have the right to do and what is right to do. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Dealing with an ethical dilemma not only requires following rules and regulations, but also requires adherence to moral prudence and altruism. Explain in the context of civil services in India, with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Code of Conduct for the civil services in India has merely remained a code; it has not helped promote ethical and moral values in governance. In this context, discuss the need for a National Commission on Integrity and Transparency in Governance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Digital ethics principles are necessary to prevent erosion of public values and deal with the ethical implications of digitizing governance systems. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Despite differences in terms of organizational values guiding the public and private sectors, there remain certain values that are equally important to both. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Bring out the difference between accountability and responsibility. Also, discuss the significance of accountability in ensuring ethical governance in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Though laws and rules can be considered as the principal guide on morality for public administrators, they are not sufficient in themselves. Substantiate with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Transparency is vital to cultivate public trust in government and to prevent, detect and deter corruption effectively. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"'Just-in-time' release of funds heralds a significant reform for the Indian government's payment architecture. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.\"- Marcus Aurelius (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"The forces in a capitalist society, if left unchecked, tend to make the rich richer and the poor poorer.\" - Jawaharlal Nehru (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate in a district, which is witnessing a high caseload of COVID-19 pandemic patients. The physical infrastructure and human resources in the district are stretched much beyond their capacity. At the peak of the pandemic, certain reports emerge that the District Medical Officer has been misusing his position to abuse female employees in his department and coercing them to have sexual relations with him. However, the concerned officer not only has an impeccable academic record but also a profound professional track record. You also need his presence and guidance to deal with the pandemic situation in the district. But, there is pressure from the media and civil society organisations to immediately report the matter to the State authorities for action against the concerned officer. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders and issues involved in the above case. (b) What are the options available to you? Discuss their pros and cons. (c) What will be your final course of action? Justify with reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"You are posted as the Superintendent of Police (SP) of a district, which has witnessed several lynching related crimes in the recent past. One day, a police station in the district got an SOS that in a particular village under their jurisdiction, two women have been accused of witchcraft and are now being paraded naked by the villagers. Given the past record of crimes in the village, it was likely that they would be killed by the villagers. When a police team from the station reached the spot and tried to save the two women from the mob, a scuffle broke out. In the ensuing scuffle, the police were brutally attacked and they had to retaliate by lathicharging in order to save themselves. The incident left three villagers dead. There is anger amongst the villagers, who are also a critical vote bank of the ruling party in the state. As the SP, you have been instructed to institute a quick enquiry and take the strictest action against the police team who lathicharged. You are aware that with elections around the corner, you need to diffuse the situation quickly. Given the situation, answer the following : (a) Identify the stakeholders and the issues involved in the above case. (b) What are the options available to you? Which of these will you choose and why? (c) As an objective and scientfic-tempered administrator, what steps will you suggest in the long-run to deal with mob lynching?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"You are an Airworthiness Officer posted with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, tasked to conduct the safety audit of a major airline of the country. During the recent audit, you find that some of the airplanes belonging to the airline do not fully meet a few of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) safety standards. The issues are minor, mainly pertaining to some incomplete aircraft maintenance logs and safety rules related to training of the crew. The airline belongs to a very influential business conglomerate with close ties to all major national political parties and has a long history of ethical business practises. The point person appointed by the airline to communicate with you has assured that everything will be in order in a couple of months. Your senior in the department has also indicated that it is best not to mention such minor issues in the report, particularly given the image of the business group involved and the trust it enjoys. He also reiterates the assurance given by the airline to address these issues at the earliest in a time-bound manner. However, you are aware that airline safety norms are paramount and every other consideration is secondary to the safety of the crew and passengers. As a public servant appointed to uphold public trust, answer the following: (a) Bring out the dilemmas that you face, elaborating on the competing values in the given situation. (b) What are the options available to you? Discuss the merits and demerits of each. Which of these will you choose and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"With the advent of 24x7 news and prevalence of an array of news sources across the board, the media is omnipresent in nature. In this competitive environment, many media professionals who are overcome by deadlines, bottom-line imperatives, and corporate interests are losing sight of the ethical implications of their work. Further, there have been several cases of irresponsible reporting where the reportage has interfered with court proceedings, compromised delicate security situations or led to the spread of fake or unverified news. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the ethical issues prevalent in the profession of media. (b) How does unethical reporting and sensationalization of news impact the society? (c) What can be done to strengthen the role of ethics in media?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You are the Dean of Academics of a University. It has been brought to your notice that some students have raised a complaint against Mr X, a specially-abled Professor at the University, for not performing his academic duties diligently. The Head of the Department (HoD) tried to have a conversation with him regarding these complaints; however, Mr X feels that he is a victim of internal politics and is being discriminated against on account of him being specially-abled. He also conveyed to the HoD that he will file a complaint of discrimination against the University under The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. As the Dean of Academics, it is your responsibility to uphold the academic standards of the University and take any administrative decision in this regard. In this case, answer the following questions: (a) State the stakeholders and the ethical issues in the given case. (b) What are the options available to you? (c) Evaluate each of these options and state the option which you would choose, citing reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"You have recently been posted as the District Magistrate of a poor district in India where there is a high prevalence of manual scavenging. It has been brought to your notice that manual scavenging has claimed many lives in your district. Upon further enquiry, you found that most of the manual scavengers belong to a particular caste, and majority of them can find employment only by way of scavenging. Even some government departments in your district are employing these people for physical cleaning of sewers/septic tanks without basic safety gear and measures. Despite the rehabilitation programmes for manual scavengers, the administration has been found inefficient in identifying such people in the first place and the efforts to reskill them for employment elsewhere have not yielded desired results. Based on the given information, answer the following: (a) Identify the issues associated with manual scavenging. (b) List the options available to you in the given case. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each. (c) Discuss some feasible steps that you can take to address this serious problem.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6145,"topper":"Rakesh Kumar Meena","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/62172-19016_1837_rakesh-meena_rank-507.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"With the help of appropriate examples, discuss the ethical challenges involved in policing in India. Also, highlight the reasons behind corruption in the police force. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"It is not only public servants, but also the common citizens who play a key role in institutionalising high standards of ethical conduct and good governance. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"While emotional intelligence is an essential tool for a public servant, it can also be misused to manipulate people to act against their own interests. Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.\" Nelson Mandela (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":6146,"topper":"Rakhi","air":65,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0aad2-45942651_3282_rakhi_rank_65.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6147,"topper":"Rakhi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1093d-45942651_4510_rakhi_rank_65.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. Folk music serves as a repository of the cultural identity. Discuss the role of folk music in preserving cultural heritage and promoting social cohesion. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. How does the Vesara style of temple architecture represent a synthesis of the Nagara and Dravida styles? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. Discuss the role played by Indians living abroad in advancing the cause of India's freedom struggle. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. How did the Marshall Plan influence the economic recovery and political stability of post-war Europe? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. Discuss the factors responsible for increased cyclonic activity in the Arabian Sea. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. How can technological interventions help in transforming the textile sector in India? What are the initiatives that the government has taken in this regard? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. What is a seiche and how does it form? Discuss the geographical conditions under which seiches are most likely to occur. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. How has rapid urbanisation affected the socio-cultural landscape of peri-urban regions in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Examine the role of historical and socio-political factors in driving communalism in Indian politics. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. Globalization has significantly influenced the aspirations, lifestyle, and value systems of Indian youth. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. Examine how Chandragupta-II's reign symbolised a golden age of cultural development, laying the foundation for future advancements in Indian art and literature.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. Evaluate the intended and unintended consequences of British educational policies for the Indian society in the colonial period. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. India's territorial disputes after independence were not merely about borders, but also encompass issues of national identity, historical grievances, and geopolitical strategies. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. Discuss the geographical conditions responsible for the development of shola forests in the upper reaches of the Western Ghats. Highlight their ecological significance.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. Discuss the potential of natural hydrogen as a fuel to meet growing global energy demands? Why is it still an untapped industry? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. Why is there a shift of labour-intensive industries from China to South and Southeast Asia? Discuss the advantages and challenges for India in this context.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. Explain the socio-economic transformations resulting from women's migration to metropolitan areas in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. The institution of marriage in India is increasingly becoming a site of conspicuous consumption and commodification. Critically examine the impact of this commercialisation on social equity and gender relations. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. Analyse how recognizing, reducing, and redistributing care work can foster gender equality and promote inclusive development in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. Discuss the changing nature of family structures in urban India. How is it impacting elderly care and socialization of the youth? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6148,"topper":"Rakhi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ea16e-45942651_2714_rakhi_rank_65.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q1. Delegated legislation is a pragmatic response to the limitations of the legislature but poses challenges to the separation of powers in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q2. How does the federal structure of India differ from that of the United States?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q3. The Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Act, 2023 has sparked concerns about the erosion of the Election Commission's autonomy. Critically examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q4 Discuss the key objectives of the e-Courts Project. How does it contribute to enhancing access to justice and improving judicial efficiency in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q5. Discuss the role of digital platforms in empowering SHGs and enhancing their market linkage and credit access. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q6. Analyze the potential of the Institutions of Eminence (IoE) scheme in elevating India's higher education to global standards. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q7. While income poverty has declined, nutritional poverty persists in India. How can the present food security interventions of the government be restructured to address this concern holistically? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q8. Discuss the significance of the SMILE scheme in addressing the vulnerabilities of transgender persons and beggars in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q9 \"जो महासागरों पर नियंत्रण रखता है, वह विश्व पर शासन करता है।\" इस कथन के आलोक में, भारत की समुद्री रणनीति में सागर (SAGAR) से महासागर (MAHASAGAR) तक हुए बदलाव पर चर्चा कीजिए।\nWhoever controls the oceans, runs the world. In this context, discuss the shift in India's maritime strategy from SAGAR to MAHASAGAR. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q10. Evaluate the role of the India-UK FTA in facilitating greater market access and professional mobility. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q11. Examine the role of inter-governmental institutions in facilitating cooperative dialogue and resolving critical governance challenges in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q12. Despite being an important instrument of legislative initiative, Private Member's Bills rarely become laws in India. Examine the factors responsible for this trend. Also, suggest measures to strengthen the role of Private Members in the legislative process.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q13. Discuss the major challenges in effective devolution of funds, functions, and functionaries to the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q14. Lok Adalats and Alternate Dispute Resolution mechanisms have improved access to justice but face limitations in delivering substantive justice. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q15. Critically evaluate the Smart Cities Mission in achieving sustainable urban development and enhancing quality of life in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q16. Assess the effectiveness of the Right to Information Act, 2005 in ensuring transparency and accountability in governance in the last two decades. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q17. Despite progress in healthcare infrastructure and policy reforms, India continues to face critical challenges in the primary healthcare sector. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q18. What are the key objectives of the Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana (PMVDY)? How does the scheme contribute to the economic empowerment of tribal communities in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q19 India-Bangladesh relations, once marked by shared history and cultural proximity, are now shaped by strategic calculus, regional competition, and shifting domestic politics in both countries. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q20. Critically examine the effectiveness of the UNSC in addressing contemporary crises related to international peace and security. What reforms are necessary to enhance its credibility and responsiveness? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6149,"topper":"Rakhi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0123f-45942651_4512_rakhi_rank_65.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. Analyse the factors that have contributed to India's inclusive economic growth in the past decade.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. The Reserve Bank of India's surplus transfers offer the government much-needed fiscal space, yet they are not without challenges. Critically examine the implications of the RBI's surplus transfers to the government. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. To what extent was the first National Monetization Pipeline (NMP) able to meet its objectives? What are the objectives of the new Asset Monetization Plan 2025–30 as announced in the recent 2025 Budget?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. Examine the major challenges hindering the Indian textile industry from achieving its full potential in the global value chain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. Why has India become increasingly import-dependent for edible oils despite being a major agricultural economy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. Air accidents are low-frequency but high-impact events. Examine the disaster management protocols in place for aviation-related emergencies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. Chemical pollution poses a grave threat to human health and the environment in India. Discuss the key sources contributing to pervasive chemical contamination and evaluate the effectiveness of existing environmental laws in curbing this problem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. Missile defence systems are becoming critical for national security in the face of evolving regional threats and advanced weapon technologies. Explain the working principle of missile defence systems. Critically assess India's progress in developing indigenous missile defence capabilities. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Despite multiple resolutions and initiatives undertaken by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), its efforts to counter terrorism have achieved limited success. Discuss the reasons for this limited effectiveness.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. India practices a ‘multi-alignment’ approach in its cyber diplomacy. How does this posture strengthen India’s internal security while maintaining strategic autonomy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. While examining the shortcomings of the land reforms in the past, elaborate what land reforms 2.0 should look like. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. As NITI Aayog completes 10 years of its establishment, critically examine its role in the planning and development paradigm of governance in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. What are the primary causes of limited formal credit penetration among the rural and unbanked populations in India? Comment on the effectiveness of Small Finance Banks in addressing this gap and advancing inclusive financial growth.","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. To what extent has the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for the food processing industry facilitated value addition, employment generation, and global competitiveness in India's food processing industry? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. Waste circularity is emerging as a sustainable solution to India's mounting solid waste crisis. Discuss the key principles of waste circularity and the government's initiative in this regard. How effective have these measures been in fostering a circular economy? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. Discuss the importance of integrating traditional ecological knowledge of India's tribal communities with modern disaster management frameworks. Mention two examples where indigenous practices have contributed to disaster resilience.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. CRISPR technology has rapidly advanced in recent years, with new tools and clinical breakthroughs. Highlight the recent developments in CRISPR-based gene editing technology applications. Discuss the opportunities and ethical challenges these advancements present for healthcare and society.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. A credible semiconductor ecosystem is pivotal for India's economic security as much as for national security. Analyse the strategic objectives, incentives, and institutional architecture of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM). Identify the major risks that could derail its timelines.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. Intricate inter-play of diverse factors has been the force multipliers for extremism in the North East. Discuss. Suggest a multilayered strategy to tackle the menace of extremism in this region.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. Despite recent steps towards inducting women into combat roles, their participation remains low. Examine the key challenges impeding the greater inclusion of women in the Indian armed forces. Also, suggest suitable measures to enhance their participation.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6150,"topper":"Rakhi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8a8d5-45942651_2720_rakhi_rank_65.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) Conscience serves as an immediate and active source of ethical guidance that cannot remain silent or postponed. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) Marital rape is frequently overlooked under the notion of marriage being a sacred institution. In this light, examine whether criminalising marital rape is necessary.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"2.(a) It is often argued that corruption has gained a degree of social acceptance in India. What steps can be taken to transform this social 'acceptance' into widespread 'rejection' of corrupt practices? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) Why has the anonymity of civil servants traditionally been considered a key feature of public administration? In this context, discuss your views on the relevance of the doctrine of facelessness in civil services.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":11,"question":"3 Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context?\n3. (a) \"That which isn't good for the hive, isn't good for the bee\" - Marcus Aurelius (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) \"To educate a person in the mind but not in morals is to educate a menace to society.\" - Theodore Roosevelt (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"3. (c) \"Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or the darkness of destructive selfishness.\" – Martin Luther King Jr. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"4. (a) Upholding human rights and humanitarian values is a collective duty of the global community. Discuss this statement with reference to the responsibilities of States in ensuring the protection of refugees. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"4. (b) India's progress in the 21st century requires overcoming the colonial legacy embedded in its administrative system. Discuss with reference to the prevailing bureaucratic work culture.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"5. (a) Raja Ram Mohan Roy's progressive ideas on social and religious reforms continue to hold significance in contemporary India. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"5. (b) Which business leader do you find most inspiring, and what ethical values or moral lessons have you drawn from their life journey? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"6. (a) A Citizens' Charter is not an end goal but a tool to achieve accountable and transparent governance. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"6. (b) The Right to Information (RTI) and the Right to Privacy (RTP) together enhance government accountability, yet their occasional conflicts can be balanced by prioritising public interest. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"7. In the following questions, carefully study the cases presented and then answer the questions that follow (in around 250 words):\n(a) इस प्रकरण में कौन-कौन से नैतिक मुद्दे शामिल हैं?\n(b) इस स्थिति में प्रमुख हितधारकों और उनके परस्पर विरोधी हितों की पहचान कीजिए।\n(c) जिला मजिस्ट्रेट के रूप में, प्रशासनिक विवेक और राजनीतिक निर्देशों के बीच संतुलन स्थापित करते हुए प्रभावित ग्रामीणों की चिंताओं का समाधान करने के लिए आपके पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\n(d) वर्तमान गतिरोध का नैतिक और वैध तरीके से समाधान करने के लिए आप क्या कदम उठाएंगे? अपने निर्णय का औचित्य सिद्ध कीजिए।","marks":null,"words":"in around 250"},{"page":30,"question":"(a) What are the ethical issues involved in this case.\n(b) Identify the principal stakeholders and the conflicting interests in this situation.\n(c) As the District Magistrate, what options do you have to address the concerns of the affected villagers while balancing administrative prudence and political directions?\n(d) What steps will you take to resolve the current deadlock in an ethical and lawful manner? Justify your decision. (Answer in 250 words)\na) What are the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb) Identify the principal stakeholders and the conflicting interests in this situation.\nc) As the District Magistrate, what options do you have to address the concerns of the affected villagers while balancing administrative prudence and political directions?\nd) What steps will you take to resolve the current deadlock in an ethical and lawful manner? Justify your decision.","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"8 विदेश मंत्री ने आपको एक व्यापक प्रतिक्रिया रणनीति तैयार करने का दायित्व सौंपा है।\n(a) इस स्थिति में आपके सामने कौन-सी नैतिक दुविधाएं विद्यमान हैं?\n(b) इस संकट से निपटने के लिए आपके पास कौन-से संभावित विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\n(c) आप कौन-सा कदम उठाने की सलाह देंगे और क्यों? अपने उत्तर का औचित्य सिद्ध कीजिए।\n(d) विदेश में अपने नागरिकों की बेहतर सुरक्षा और भविष्य में ऐसे राजनीतिक संकटों का अधिक प्रभावी तरीके से प्रबंधन करने के लिए आप कौन-से संस्थागत सुधार या दीर्घकालिक उपाय सुझाएंगे?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"You have been tasked by the Foreign Minister to prepare a comprehensive response strategy.\n(a) What are the ethical dilemmas you face in this situation?\n(b) What are the possible options available to you to manage the crisis?\n(c) Which course of action would you recommend and why? Justify your response.\n(d) What institutional reforms or long-term measures would you suggest to better protect your citizens abroad and manage such diplomatic crises more effectively in the future?","marks":null,"words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":41,"question":"9 In this context, answer the following:\n(a) What are the key challenges faced by transgender individuals at different stages of life.\n(b) Despite several progressive laws and welfare schemes, why does social discrimination against transgender persons persist in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"10. You are the CEO and founder of an edTech company currently facing intense financial pressure following a few poor acquisition decisions. Your investors are demanding significant cost-cutting measures, including mass downsizing, to restore profitability. They have also suggested that such steps would enhance the company's financial appeal and potentially unlock new investment, which is crucial in the current unstable market environment with declining funding opportunities.\n\nHowever, you are aware that abrupt layoffs could negatively impact employee morale, harm productivity, and damage the company's long-term reputation. Already, rumours of indiscriminate job cuts are spreading, creating anxiety and eroding team cohesion. Although you have expressed these concerns to the investors, they remain insistent on proceeding with layoffs.\n\nIn this context:\n(a) Identify the major stakeholders in this situation and outline the key ethical issues.\n(b) Your HR team has suggested four options. Analyse each by discussing its advantages and disadvantages:\n(i) Before implementing layoffs, recognize and retain high-performing employees by securing their positions.\n(ii) Assign transitional roles or provide retraining to laid-off employees.\n(iii) Implement layoffs fully as per investors' instructions and manage the consequences by leaving investors out of the process.\n(iv) Focus on transparent communication during the layoff process to ensure fairness and maintain trust.\n(c) Apart from these options, propose a balanced and ethical course of action that you would adopt.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"(c) Beyond these options, propose a balanced and ethical course of action you would adopt. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"11 You are working as an Airworthiness Officer with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and are responsible for conducting the safety audit of one of the country's leading airlines. During the course of your audit, you observe that a few aircraft operated by the airline fall short of certain International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) safety standards. These lapses are minor but include incomplete aircraft maintenance logs and shortcomings in crew training procedures.\n\nThe airline is owned by a highly influential business group known for its ethical track record and close political connections. The airline's representative assures you that these minor deficiencies will be corrected within a few months. Furthermore, your senior subtly advises you to ignore these small issues in the final report, highlighting the company's good reputation and timely assurance of corrective action.\n\nHowever, you are mindful of the fact that aviation safety protocols are designed to safeguard human life and even minor lapses can lead to serious consequences. You are faced with the duty of upholding professional integrity and public safety while navigating external pressures.\n\nIn this situation, answer the following:\n(a) Discuss the ethical dilemmas you face.\n(b) What are the options available to you? Evaluate the pros and cons of each, and explain which one you would choose and why. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":56,"question":"12 In this context, answer the following questions:\n(a) Why is it important for modern businesses to adopt strategies addressing climate change and promoting diversity and inclusion? Discuss with examples.\n(b) Do you think businesses should prioritise socio-environmental responsibilities over maximising shareholder profits? Present your reasoning.\n(c) How can companies align profit-making goals with ethical and sustainable business practices?","marks":null,"words":"Answer in 250"}]},{"id":6151,"topper":"Rakhi","air":65,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/19049-45942651_4517_rakhi_rank_65.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Comment on the following in about 150 words each:","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How did the behavioural and post-behavioural approaches together contribute to methodological pluralism in political science?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Examine the transformation of the concept of authority from traditional to postmodern societies.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Feminists argue that the State is not gender-neutral; it actually functions as a patriarchal institution. In this context, discuss the feminist critique of the State.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"Examine the evolution of the idea of justice from Plato to Rawls.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Explain the tensions between cultural relativism and the advocacy of universal human rights in global politics.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Distinguish between social equality, political equality, and economic equality. To what extent can they be realised independently?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Do participatory and deliberative democracies offer viable alternatives or necessary complements to liberal constitutional democracy? Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"Gandhism and Marxism converge on a moral critique of industrial capitalism despite their methodological differences. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"For Machiavelli, religion is a tool for political stability. Discuss this utilitarian view of religion and its implications for secular governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"Comment on the following in about 150 words each: The Indian Constitution as an instrument of social revolution.","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":54,"question":"Role of the GST council in Fiscal Federalism.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":56,"question":"How did the nationalist movement reconcile the contradiction between anti-imperialism and the perpetuation of social hierarchies in Indian society?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Articles 2 and 3 of the Indian Constitution grant the Union significant powers over state boundaries, raising questions about the federal spirit. Critically examine this assertion.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":63,"question":"\"Out of the tussle between the judiciary and executive emerged the basic structure doctrine.\" Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":66,"question":"The evolution of Fundamental Rights jurisprudence in India reflects a shift from a textual to a purposive interpretation. Discuss this transformation with reference to landmark Supreme Court judgements.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":70,"question":"How have the changing education and socio-economic background of Indian legislators affected democracy and political participation in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":73,"question":"Critically assess whether the current model of Panchayati Raj in India is compatible with the principle of participatory democracy or has it devolved into a mechanism of mere formal decentralisation? (Answer in 150/250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":76,"question":"The Governor's role in Indian states has often been a contentious issue. Discuss in the context of recent political developments in Indian states.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":80,"question":"Critically examine the impact of economic liberalisation on uneven development among Indian states.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":83,"question":"In post-independence India, caste and politics entered into a dynamic relationship that transformed both. Examine this interplay and its implications for Indian democracy.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6152,"topper":"Rakhi","air":65,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d821c-45942651_4518_rakhi_rank_65.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Discuss the 'Peace by Pieces' Approach to International Relations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"Analyse the historical approach to studying comparative politics.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"How does the weaponization of AI in cyber warfare challenge existing international norms and legal frameworks?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Explain the concept of 'Balance of Power' and discuss its relevance in contemporary international relations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"The New International Economic Order (NIEO) was an unfinished revolution, but its normative claims are making a comeback. Discuss in the context of post-pandemic global governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"In the context of rising global divisions and the decline of multilateralism, the United Nations faces challenges to reclaim its leadership role in global governance. Analyse by using contemporary examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Big Tech may be stateless, but it is not powerless. Keeping this in context, evaluate the impact of transnational digital corporations on the autonomy of post-colonial states.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss the complex relationship between terrorism and human rights. How do counter-insurgency measures, while aiming to combat terrorism, often exacerbate human rights violations?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"While realism focuses on the mechanisms of state behaviour, Marxism focuses on the underlying economic and social forces. Evaluate the statement using examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"How has the advancement of technology reshaped the traditional concepts of 'deterrence' and 'national interest' in the context of contemporary international relations?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Discuss whether an active non-alignment provides a viable foreign policy option for middle powers amid great power rivalries.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"The U.S. has maintained its hegemonic role in global politics, as demonstrated by its influence in the Iran-Israel conflict and India-Pakistan tensions. Discuss critically amid the claims of declining U.S. hegemony in the 21st century.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"Evaluate the effectiveness of the IMF and World Bank in addressing the debt vulnerabilities of low- and middle-income countries.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"How have feminist scholars critiqued traditional security paradigms in International Relations and what alternative perspectives on security have they proposed?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"How do state governments influence foreign policy under cooperative federalism? Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"Examine India's relations with Nepal and Bhutan in the context of historical treaties and aid.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"Discuss India's integration with ASEAN and East Asian economies under the Act East Policy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Examine the evolution of India's role in development diplomacy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":56,"question":"NAM allowed India to maximise its autonomy without maximising confrontation. In light of this, assess India’s balancing behaviour in the contemporary world order.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"It is often argued that despite intense conflicts, nuclear parity has prevented full-scale war between India and Pakistan. Critically assess this claim.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":63,"question":"How do China's increasing ties with South Asian countries affect regionalism, particularly in terms of SAARC and other sub-regional groupings?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":66,"question":"While Indo-US ties have expanded in breadth, they continue to suffer from a lack of strategic depth. Critically evaluate this statement with reference to recent developments.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":70,"question":"Despite shared democratic values and economic complementarities, the India–EU partnership has struggled to acquire strategic traction. Examine the impediments and the recent efforts to recalibrate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":73,"question":"Despite symbolic summits and high-level visits, India's Africa engagement lacks strategic depth. Critically analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":76,"question":"How has India navigated its diplomatic position on the Israel-Palestine conflict since 2020, particularly regarding its stance on terrorism and humanitarian issues in Gaza?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":80,"question":"India's nuclear doctrine is more about political signalling than operational planning. Critically examine this assertion.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":83,"question":"Examine how India's growing ties with the United States and involvement in the QUAD under a broader Indo-Pacific strategy are influencing its traditional strategic relationship with Russia.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6153,"topper":"Rakhi","air":65,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://academy.forumias.com/optional-test-series/slider%20Image/RAKHI.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6154,"topper":"Ram Kishankumar Lakhmanbhai","air":474,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/RAM_KISHANKUMAR_LAKHMANBHAI_ESSAY_RANKER_PROGRAMME_TEST_1_AIR_474_2025_3b41462538.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6155,"topper":"Ram Kishankumar Lakhmanbhai","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/RAM_KISHANKUMAR_LAKHMANBHAI_SS_GS_4_AIR_474_2025_61c32dbd79.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"\"Integrity in isolation may ensure honesty, but without impartiality and non-partisanship, governance cannot be ethical.\" Evaluate the interdependence of these foundational values in the context of public service. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"\"The essence of ethics in human actions involves a balance between individual autonomy and societal norms\". Examine this statement by exploring how ethical frameworks reconcile personal freedom with social responsibility. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Is conscience a universal moral compass, or is it shaped by society and upbringing? Illustrate with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"How can the ethical principles rooted in ancient Indian philosophy serve as a guide for policymakers and administrators in balancing development with ecological sustainability? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context? (a) Cultivation of mind should be the ultimate aim of human existence.—Dr. B. R. Ambedkar (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":6156,"topper":"Ram Niwas Siyag","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4ee94-01324858_2931_ram_niwas_siyag_rank_618.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The end cannot justify the means, for the simple and obvious reason that the means employed determine the nature of the ends produced. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss how the relationship between law and ethics is dynamic and continuously shaped by societal changes. Provide examples to illustrate this dynamic relationship. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Differentiate between probity and integrity with suitable examples. How these values contribute to ethical governance and decision-making in the civil services? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the ethical implications of withholding information in public administration. How can transparency enhance accountability and reduce corruption in government institutions? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"There is no school equal to a decent home and no teacher equal to a virtuous parent.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.\" - Leo Tolstoy (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"To see what is right and not do it is a lack of courage.\" - Confucius (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What factors lead to a positive attitude in a person? How does positive attitude enhance the effectiveness of civil servants in performing their duties? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss how emotional intelligence can influence ethical decision-making in the allocation of scarce public resources. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Various international humanitarian organizations provide emergency aid in conflict zones around the world. Highlight the ethical challenges faced by such organizations. What are the principles that guide international humanitarian work? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Why is persuasion regarded as an important skill for civil servants? What are the key considerations that should guide persuasion in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"What role can ethical leadership play in curbing corruption, especially in public service? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"What were the major teachings of Swami Dayanand Saraswati? Explain their relevance in addressing the current ethical and social challenges in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":33,"question":"Discuss the ethical dilemma Karan faces in deciding whether to report the incident against Mariyam's wishes. (b) Evaluate the options available to Karan. Which of these options should he choose and why? (c) What responsibilities do organizations like XYZ Corp have in preventing and addressing sexual harassment and creating inclusive workplace environments? (Answer in 250 words)20","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Jay, a civil servant, was appointed as the Commissioner in the state's Education Department a year ago. In his initial months, he implemented several policies and programmes that were transforming the Education Ministry's operations, gaining a good reputation that could potentially benefit the concerned minister in the upcoming elections. However, Jay now faces a significant challenge. As part of his responsibilities, he must approve the recruitment of new teachers for government schools. He has received a list of 120 candidates recommended for vacant posts, but suspects the recruitment process was unfair. Jay had also received several complaints claiming that the process had not been meritocratic. Upon review, Jay discovers evidence suggesting that many names on the list are the result of political patronage - a prevalent issue in the state where politicians use recruitment to gain political support. Jay believes the Education Minister is engaging in this practice as the election season approaches. This situation reminds Jay of a past incident when, as a junior officer, he refused to entertain an unnecessary procurement request. Consequently, he was transferred within a week, and he and his family faced frivolous anti-corruption complaints as retaliation. His successor approved the procurement at even higher rates. Jay is now concerned that blocking the current recruitment could lead to similar consequences. Moreover, he fears that the projects he personally initiated in the Education Ministry might be (a) What are the options available to Jay as the Commissioner of the Education Department? Evaluate each of these options. (b) What option should Jay adopt and why? (c) How can civil servants like Jay be better protected when they attempt to uphold ethical standards in their work? (250 words) What are the options available to Jay as the Commissioner of the Education Department? Evaluate each of these options. (b) What option should Jay adopt and why? (c) How can civil servants like Jay be better protected when they attempt to uphold ethical standards in their work? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"As the District Magistrate of X city, you are responsible for overseeing the construction of a new metro depot in an urban forest area, which is a critical infrastructure project aimed at improving public transportation and reducing traffic congestion and air pollution. The project, however, requires the clearance of a substantial portion of the forest, which has triggered strong opposition from environmental activists, local residents, and NGOs. This forest is widely regarded as essential for the city's ecological balance, often referred to as the city's \"lungs.\" In addition to the environmental concerns, you are under considerable pressure from politicians at the state-level to expedite the project, given the upcoming elections in two years. The political leadership emphasizes the benefits of the metro project for the city's development and its potential to garner electoral support. The project is expected to significantly reduce travel time for thousands of commuters and potentially decrease overall vehicle emissions in the city. However, it would also lead to the loss of thousands of trees and disrupt local ecosystems. As you prepare to make a decision, you are aware that your choice will have far-reaching consequences for both the city's development and its environment. (a) Identify the ethical dilemmas involved in the above case. (b) Evaluate the options available to you in the above situation. Which of these would you choose and why? (c) Suggest some measures that could be implemented to balance urban development needs with environmental conservation in future projects. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Dr. Mehra is a senior drug developer at a leading pharmaceutical company in India, renowned for producing various medications, including lifesaving drugs critical for treating chronic and rare diseases. Since its inception, the company has emphasized the quality and affordability of its drugs. Recently, under revised government guidelines, pharmaceutical companies are required to market a finished product only after obtaining \"satisfactory results\" from tests on the ingredients. Additionally, they must retain a sufficient quantity of samples of both intermediate and final products to allow repeated testing or verification of a batch. Dr. Mehra's team is in the final stages of developing a new medication for a rare but life-threatening disease. This drug has shown promising results in clinical trials. However, there have been unresolved concerns about the long-term side effects of the drug, observed in a small percentage of trial subjects. Despite this, the company has not released any major drug in the past decade, leading to significant pressure from the board members to expedite the drug's release. (a) Identify the stakeholders in the above case study. (b) Discuss the ethical issues faced by Dr. Mehra. (c) Analyse the options available to Dr. Mehra in the above case. Which of these would you choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"You have been appointed as the Under Secretary in the State Urban Development Department. The Department has been tasked with a prestigious project aimed at revitalizing the infrastructure of a city with deep historical significance. This project, which you are extremely passionate about, involves modernizing public transportation, restoring heritage buildings, and creating green spaces while preserving the city's cultural essence. Excited by the opportunity, you spent weeks researching and drafting a comprehensive proposal. Your plan included innovative ideas for sustainable development, community engagement, and leveraging technology for urban planning. You presented these initial plans in a departmental meeting, hoping to inspire your colleagues and kickstart the project. However, your enthusiasm was met with indifference. Your colleagues showed little interest, failing to contribute ideas or efforts towards the project. Concerned, you reported this lack of he seemed equally indifferent, casually mentioning that he is set to retire in six months and that the project has a long gestation period. Determined to see the project succeed, you took it upon yourself to drive it forward. For the past two months, you have been working more than 12 hours a day, often late into the night, sacrificing time with your family. Your dedication is driven by your belief in the project's potential to transform the lives of the city's residents and preserve its rich heritage for future generations. Two months into the project, a review meeting is called by the Chief Secretary. During the meeting, Department heads from various sectors are present to discuss ongoing and upcoming projects. When it is time to present the urban revitalization project, your boss stands up. To your shock, he presents your draft proposal as his own work, taking all the credit for the innovative ideas and comprehensive planning. As you sit there, listening to your superior claim your hard work as his own, you feel a mix of anger, disappointment, and demoralization. This incident not only undermines your efforts but also leaves you questioning the value of your dedication in a work culture that does not seem to support collaboration or recognize individual contributions. (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) How does the above-mentioned work culture affect workplace morale and productivity? (c) What are the options available to you and how would you address the situation? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":58,"question":"Arun, renowned for his integrity and dedication, has recently assumed the role of Superintendent at a state Pollution Control Board. This posting, his fourth in just one year, includes the responsibility of overseeing Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs). In his new position, Arun becomes aware of a copper smelting plant situated near a crucial wetland that serves as the primary water source for the region. Despite the plant's notorious reputation for heavy pollution, the current EIA, presented to Arun by the Chairperson, indicates no significant impact on the wetland. The next assessment is not scheduled for another two years. One day, Arun receives a letter from a politician affiliated with the opposition party. The letter contains evidence suggesting that the current EIA results are based on falsified lab reports, allegedly approved by the Chairperson. The Chairperson is known to have close ties with the ruling party, which has been receiving substantial donations from the plant's operators. The opposition politician urges Arun to expose the Chairperson from within the department, arguing that this approach could effectively pressurize the government to conduct a new EIA. He promises Arun significant rewards and support once their party comes to power, an outcome suggested by recent opinion polls. While the evidence presented is compelling, Arun remains cautious about the possibility of being exploited as a political pawn. He is acutely aware of the potential consequences of his actions, both for his career and for the environment. (a) In light of the above case, discuss the ethical issues that may arise from the nexus between corporate, political, and bureaucratic interests. (b) As a conscientious civil servant, evaluate the options available to Arun. Which option should he choose and why?(Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":59,"question":"In light of the above case, discuss the ethical issues that may arise from the nexus between corporate, political, and bureaucratic interests. (b) As a conscientious civil servant, evaluate the options available to Arun. Which option should he choose and why?(Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6157,"topper":"Ram Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/75/mt23macen007_tc061.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Q.1 Reason has always existed, but not always in a reasonable form.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Q.5 International Trade is a good indicator of National Security.\nQ.6 It is not that we use technology, we live technology.\nQ.7 There is more to life than simply increasing its speed.\nQ.8 Nature is neither a servant nor a master, but a necessary partner.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"D If not wealth, what is opposite of Poverty?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6158,"topper":"Ramandeep Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/ramandeep-singh-test-3-1747638289816.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Do you think it is ethically justified for political leaders to violate the deepest constraints of morality in order to achieve great goods or avoid disasters for their communities? Justify your position with suitable examples (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"\"There is growing evidence that when it comes to moral judgment, human beings appear to be best characterised not as intuitive Deontologists or Consequentialists but as intuitive virtue theorists.\" Critically analyse the statement. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"While formal codes of conduct can sometimes be a useful guide, developing those traits of character that are particularly suited to the administrator's role is at the core of professional ethics. Identify five ethical attributes suitable for an administrator and explain how they can be developed. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by political responsibility, professional responsibility and personal responsibility? In situations of conflict among the three, what responsibility must the public servant prioritise and why? Illustrate with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"In the context of civil service, what do you understand by \"acts of conscience\"? Illustrate with an example. In your opinion, what can be the basis of acts of conscience? Explain (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Critically examine the role of educational institutions in shaping ethical decision-making skills in future civil servants. How effective are current educational paradigms in instilling ethical behaviour among the youth? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Examine the ethical challenges administrators face while employing persuasion and social influence techniques to promote social and health interventions in rural India. Illustrate with suitable examples (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Critically examine the impact of the Right to Information (RTI) on enhancing ethical accountability in public administration. How effective has RTI been in preventing bureaucratic corruption and improving service delivery? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the ethical implications of maintaining high-quality service delivery in public administration. How does probity in governance influence the efficiency and responsiveness of public services, particularly in addressing the needs of marginalised communities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Critically assess the role of regulatory frameworks in enforcing ethical standards in corporate governance. How can these frameworks be designed to encourage ethical behaviour without stifling innovation? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss what the following quotes mean to you. (a) \"It is not because men's desires are strong that they act ill; it is because their consciences are weak.\" - J S Mill (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"A just society is that society in which an ascending sense of reverence and descending sense of contempt is dissolved into the creation of a compassionate society.\" - B R Ambedkar (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":6159,"topper":"Ramandeep Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/ramandeep-singh-test-1-1747638269127.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Explain the relationship between Public Service Values and Public Administration Ethics. Do you think public service values are only eloquent statements for glorifying the Department's mission, or do they have any utility for public servants? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"How does the conscientious public servant sort through competing considerations and determine \"the right thing to do?\" When it comes to serving the public, how does one put one's values into practice? Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"What do you understand by good governance in public administration and corporations? How do they differ? Identify and explain three principles that can act as a foundation for good governance in a corporate setting. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"One hallmark of good governance is government departments' adherence to strict ethical standards when procuring goods and services for public programmes. Identify and explain the ethical principles that must be respected to maintain the integrity of the procurement process. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How should public servants ethically balance stakeholder interests, official obligations, and regime values when making administrative decisions, and which of these should be given the most moral weight? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Recent researchers have argued that the government's health and social-based interventions are significantly less effective without the emotional skills of self-awareness and empathy. Do you agree? Justify your answer with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss with relevant examples how civil servants' political and moral attitudes impact their work ethics and daily administrative decision-making. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"The motive has nothing to do with the morality of the action.\" In light of the above statement, do you think motive is irrelevant in determining the morality of an action? Explain your position with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Explain the contemporary relevance of Jain Tirthankaras' vow-based moral philosophy. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What ethical dilemmas arise from the use of economic sanctions in international relations, and how can policymakers balance these concerns with the need to punish illegal behaviours and compel political change? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the relevance of the following quotes to the present times. \"Wars begin in the minds of men, and in those minds, love and compassion would have built the defences of peace.\" (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"You recently took over as CEO of Beta Technologies, a renowned IT services and consulting firm in India established in 1990. Over the past three decades, the company has grown into a global player with clients in North America, Europe, and Asia. Known for cutting-edge solutions and strong client relationships, Beta Technologies has been a market leader in the IT sector. It has been three weeks since you took over, and one day, the company's legal head came to you with a report that they had discovered discrepancies in the company's financial statement. For five years, the company's financial Officer (CFO), Mr. Rahul Mehta, has manipulated its earnings reports. By inflating revenues and understating expenses, he has created a false image of financial health to boost stock prices and secure more investment. Further, it was found that Mr. Mehta has significant personal investments in some of the company's vendors. These vendors were awarded lucrative contracts, often at inflated prices and with favourable terms detrimental to the company. Mr Mehta's actions have compromised the procurement process and led to financial losses for the company. As CEO, you were confronted with a critical decision. You also had to contend with financial irregularities and a skewed procurement process. As a new CEO: (a) What decision options are available to you? (b) What are the issues involved in the above case? (c) What will be your chosen course of action and Why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"As the situation unravelled, you found yourself in a moral quandary. On one hand, as the DDO, I was bound by regulations that required me to ensure the proper use of government resources. Despite its noble intent, the unauthorised diversion of food grains was a breach of protocol that necessitated disciplinary action, including the suspension of the school officials involved. On the other hand, these school officials' actions were driven by a deep sense of humanity and compassion. They chose to prioritise the immediate needs of their community, recognising the dire circumstances and the urgent need to prevent further starvation deaths. Punishing them for their humane response to the crisis seemed not only harsh but also contrary to the spirit of public service. (a) What are the ethical issues in the above case? (b) As a DDO, what are the options available to you? (c) Explain your chosen course of action, along with your reasons. (d) Given the above case, what would be the best ethical theory for handling human distress situations? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"As the Superintendent of Police (SP) in a peaceful district, I was accustomed to handling minor crimes such as petty thefts, property encroachments, and small fights. The crime rate was low, and the people generally kept to their business, making it a relatively easy workplace. However, over the past month, my office began receiving a different kind of grievance that indicated a more complex issue brewing in the community. A significant number of complaints were received from villagers who reported losing money from their bank accounts without their knowledge. These grievances were alarming, especially since they came from a demographic that was largely illiterate and unfamiliar with modern banking practices. The villagers were confused and distraught, not understanding how their hard-earned money was disappearing. Upon conducting a preliminary enquiry, we discovered that the money was not exactly being stolen but was being deducted as insurance premiums for policies under the State Government's Bima Yojna. The villagers were unaware that they had even signed up for such policies, raising suspicions about the legitimacy of these transactions. A deeper investigation revealed that agents from government banks were aggressively pushing the Bima Yojna. These agents had been instructed to meet government targets for the scheme, leading them to add beneficiaries without proper consent. Most of the villagers were illiterate and had no understanding of the insurance policies they were enrolled in. The deductions were legal, but the methods used to obtain the villagers' consent were highly questionable. You were wondering about the course of action, as the deductions were legal, and the agents were technically following instructions. But, in the process, they were exploiting the poor villagers. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you as an SP? (c) Explain your chosen course of an action. (d) If you have to recommend a better way of promoting the bima yojna, what would that be? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"AquaTech is a government defence contracting firm specialising in manufacturing robotic systems for police and military use. It is known for producing bomb-defusing robots and working on other classified projects. One critical project involved developing a robot capable of sweeping minefields and detecting hidden explosives. The project had a stringent seven-month deadline to produce a working prototype for a demonstration to top defence ministry officials. The project encountered delays due to staff shortages and other unforeseen issues, resulting in a two-week lag. As the deadline loomed, the project leader pressured the team to work extended hours with minimal rest. Despite these challenges, the team managed to complete the prototype on time for the demonstration. During the demonstration, the robot was deployed in an active minefield to detect mines and mark them with a spray. Initially, the robot performed as expected, identifying mines. However, instead of marking the sites, it triggered explosions, causing fatal injuries to the operating engineer. The demonstration was immediately halted, and an inquiry was launched. The investigation revealed that a software flaw caused the malfunction, leading to the tragic accident. The software development team argued that the operator issued mixed commands, which contributed to the malfunction. Overall, each team kept deflecting responsibility, but somebody or a team had to be made accountable for the fatal errors. (a) If you are the ethics officer at AquaTech enquiring, who will you hold responsible for the fatality? Why? (b) Discuss some common ethical issues that arise while using artificial intelligence. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":56,"question":"What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) With a limited budget at your disposal, you decide to allocate funds to tackle witchcraft-related superstitions. How would you justify your decision to the community and stakeholders? (c) Given that witchcraft-related crimes were not initially reported by the BDOs, how would you address this lack of communication and ensure better reporting and transparency moving forward? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":6160,"topper":"Ramandeep Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/ramandeep-singh-test-2-1747638279551.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"\"The challenge of power lies in its responsible application rather than its irresponsible and indulgent use - specifically, how to motivate those in power to serve the public rather than exploit it.\" Analyse the relationship between power and public service. Do you believe that the concept of power conflicts with the ideal of service, or do they complement each other? Substantiate your viewpoint. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Human values emphasise the humane aspects of public servants, whereas public service values focus on the transparency and effectiveness of service delivery. Do you think these value systems conflict with or complement each other? Justify your perspective with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"\"When good individuals in any society become complacent and cease their vigilance and struggle, malevolent forces prevail.\" Discuss the role and significance of civil society in curbing corruption and official misconduct. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Do you agree with feminist ethicists that women are \"more emotional\" and prioritise relationships over rules, reflecting different yet equally valuable ethical perspectives? Justify your viewpoints with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Ideally, ethics and law should be harmonious in the context of administration, yet conflicts between them can arise. How should an administrator handle conflicts between legal directives and ethical considerations, particularly when directives are illegal and laws are unjust? Discuss (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Critically evaluate the role of family and educational institutions in shaping ethical values among civil servants. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"How can civil servants cultivate a positive attitude towards the weaker sections of society? Suggest some implementable and practical steps. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Business ethicists believe that external and internal regulations are insufficient for curtailing or preventing corporate malpractices; they strongly advocate the presence of whistleblowing mechanisms as a check against corporate misgovernance. Do you think corporate governance is incomplete without whistleblowing? Why/Why not? Explain (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss the relevance of the following quotes to the present times. (a) \"Moral actions belong to the jurisdiction of the outward and inward court, both civil and domestic governor; I mean both the magistrate and conscience.\" Locke (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"As the Head of Safety, the conclusions of your report carry significant consequences. Firstly, if the driver is deemed culpable due to his intoxication, his family may lose a substantial amount of post-death benefits because he was under the influence while on duty. Secondly, if you conceal the driver's intoxication and attribute the incident solely to poor maintenance, the maintenance crew would face job termination. This situation required extensive introspection before finalizing the report. (a) Identify the ethical issues and dilemmas in the above case. (b) What are the options available to you in the above case? (c) What do you think is more ethical to focus on the personal responsibility of the driver, who was intoxicated, or on the broader systemic issue of maintenance failures? Justify your answer with relevant ethical theories. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"As an officer in the Right to Information (RTI) division of the Defence Ministry, your primary responsibility is to respond to RTI queries by furnishing relevant details. Most of these RTI applications pertain to tender information and procurement contracts. However, occasionally, applications concerning sensitive matters arise, requiring you to seek legal advice and obtain approval from your senior before responding. Recently, an RTI application was received that involved sensitive departmental initiatives. Following protocol, you sought legal advice, and the legal officer cleared the response. However, your senior did not approve the reply and instructed you to be opaque in your response. Respecting the chain of command, you adhered to the senior's directive and provided a vague and non-informative reply. Undeterred by the initial response, the applicant resubmitted the application, demonstrating persistence. Once again, you followed the senior's instructions and kept the response deliberately vague. This cycle continued, with the applicant becoming increasingly relentless. One day, the entire email trail related to this RTI case got leaked and found its way to the media. It was revealed that the persistent applicant was an RTI activist, dedicated to ensuring transparency and accountability within government departments. The media coverage brought significant public attention and scrutiny to the Defence Ministry's handling of RTI requests, particularly those concerning sensitive information. In the aftermath of the media exposure, your senior officer instructed you to take responsibility for the opaque responses. You were left questioning your actions and decisions, pondering where you might have gone wrong. (a) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you in the above case? (c) Considering the persistent nature of the RTI activist and the public's right to information, how should you navigate the tension between national security concerns and the principles of transparency and accountability? Explain (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What are the ethical issues and dilemmas in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you in the above case? (c) Considering the persistent nature of the RTI activist and the public's right to information, how should you navigate the tension between national security concerns and the principles of transparency and accountability? Explain (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"As a dedicated Block Development Officer (BDO), you are highly respected by your staff and appreciated by your superiors for your constructive work. The state government has selected several villages within your jurisdiction to pilot a women's self-employment scheme utilising Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The project is to be implemented by a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), and you have been instructed to provide logistical and other necessary support. The NGO staff commenced their work by meeting and identifying young women who appeared to be suitable candidates for training and skill development. Following identification, these young women were provided with a starter kit, which included a broadband dongle, a 10-inch tablet, and some reading material. The training began in earnest, and the selected young women exhibited great enthusiasm and eagerness to learn. Initially, the project showed promising signs of success. However, one day, village elders approached you with a request to halt the pilot scheme. They expressed concerns that the equipment and online training . , , NGO , , NGO , , , , (a) (b) ? (c) NGO , ?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"Ms. Ananya Rao serves as a District Collector in Maharashtra. The district is embarking on an ambitious infrastructure project, the Rural Connectivity Project, designed to improve road connectivity between remote villages and main towns. This project promises significant benefits, including easier access to markets, healthcare, and education for the rural population. The project, however, is mired in controversy. Environmentalists argue that the construction will cause irreparable damage to local forests and wildlife habitats. Local farming communities are concerned about losing agricultural land due to road expansion. There are also allegations of inadequate compensation and resettlement plans for affected families. As the project progresses, various departments, including the Environment, Agriculture, and Public Works Department (PWD), are involved in the decision-making process. Each department has specific responsibilities. The Environment Department is tasked with assessing environmental impact, the Agriculture Department is responsible for ensuring farmers' rights, and the PWD is responsible for executing construction. Ms. Rao, in her capacity, oversees the coordination among these departments. However, the project faces delays and mounting public criticism due to conflicting priorities and lack of accountability. Environmental assessments are incomplete, farmers' concerns remain unaddressed, and construction deadlines are missed. In a critical meeting, the state Chief Secretary, Mr. Vikram Patel, emphasized the urgency of advancing the project and held Ms. Rao accountable for the delays, lack of progress, and overall non-performance. Ms. Rao left the meeting disappointed and felt holding her accountable for delay was unfair as there were others also involved in the project. (a) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas involved in the above case? (b) What are the options available to Ms. Rao? (c) What course of action would you suggest for Ms. Rao? Why? (d) Do you think holding Ms. Rao accountable for the delays was justified? Why/Why not? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"In a critical meeting, the state Chief Secretary, Mr. Vikram Patel, emphasized the urgency of advancing the project and held Ms. Rao accountable for the delays, lack of progress, and overall non-performance. Ms. Rao left the meeting disappointed and felt holding her accountable for delay was unfair as there were others also involved in the project. (a) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas involved in the above case? (b) What are the options available to Ms. Rao? (c) What course of action would you suggest for Ms. Rao? Why? (d) Do you think holding Ms. Rao accountable for the delays was justified? Why/Why not? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":56,"question":"Ms. Sharma is the Director of the Department of Health and Family Welfare in a large Indian state. The department is responsible for implementing health policies, managing public health facilities, and ensuring the delivery of healthcare services. The workforce comprises a mix of senior officials, mid-level managers, and frontline health workers. Over the past few months, Ms. Sharma has received multiple complaints about Mr. Arvind Gupta, a senior official known for his authoritative management style. Mr. Gupta is a performance driven officer who sometimes publicly berates subordinates and intimidates staff to get work done. One such complaint came from Ms. Anita Verma, a mid-level manager who reported that Mr. Gupta publicly berated her during a departmental meeting, calling her \"incompetent\" and \"useless\" in front of her peers. Ms. Verma stated that this incident severely impacted her mental health and work performance, causing her considerable distress. Other employees shared similar experiences. Mr. Ravi Kumar, a junior officer, recounted an instance where Mr. Gupta threatened to terminate his employment if he failed to complete an unrealistic workload within a tight deadline. He described Mr. Gupta's behaviour as harsh and demeaning, with frequent outbursts of anger and unwarranted criticism that created a climate of fear and anxiety in the workplace. Despite his behaviour, Mr. Gupta is recognized for his exceptional work performance. He has been instrumental in implementing several successful health initiatives, significantly improving healthcare delivery in districts. His expertise and dedication have made him an indispensable asset to the department, complicating the decision to address the complaints against him. Ms. Sharma had a tough decision to make. She knew she had to be strict, but she was also worried about the workflow disruption that action against Mr. Gupta could cause. (a) What are the issues and dilemmas that confront Ms. Sharma? (b) What ethical principles should guide Ms. Sharma in addressing the harassment and bullying complaints in her department? (c) What long-term strategies should be implemented to prevent harassment and bullying in government departments? How can these strategies promote a culture of respect and inclusivity? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":6161,"topper":"Ramandeep Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/ramandeep-singh-test-4-1747638301776.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"A. While traditional ethics has focussed on notions of justice, fair allocation and obligations, ethics of care emphasise maintaining connectedness and promoting care. Which of the above two ethical perspectives is more suitable for guiding ethical decision making in the context of public services. Explain your position with suitable examples. (150 words, 10 marks) B. What does the term \"quality\" mean in service delivery. What are the components of service quality and indicate ways and means for ensuring total quality in terms of efficiency, economy and effectiveness? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"A. In the context of public service, what does public service attitude mean? Discuss the attitude biases that affects a public servants on field decision making? Explain how a public servant can overcome such attitude biases? (150 words, 10 marks) B. \"I am a Moslem; I am a Hindu; I am a Christian; I am a Jew.\" Mahatma Gandhi. What did Mahatma Gandhi mean by the above statement? Some philosophers have argued that religion is harmful to the moral life, whereas others have claimed that it is necessary to it. Explain your position on the relationship between religion and morality. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"There is only one responsibility of business, namely to use its resources and engage in activities designed to increase profits.\" Do you think corporations, by indulging in social responsibilities, are compromising their core resource utilisation and production responsibility by diverting resources into unproductive social endeavours? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Do you think values such as \"tyaga,\" (renunciation) \"seva,\" (service) \"daanam,\" (Charity) \"damah,\" (self-control) that are espoused in traditional Indian Wisdom have relevance for modern day public servants? Why? Why not? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"A. Explain the difference between conflict among interests and conflict among various sources of authority. Illustrate with relevant examples. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"B. The domain of governance is ridden with uncertainties, ambiguities and paradoxes and this can at times lead to timidity and withdrawal among public administrators. Discuss the relevance of inner courage for overcoming and coping with ambiguities. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Given below are three quotations of philosophers. What do each of the quotations convey to you in the present context?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"What are the ethical issues and dilemmas that confronts you in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Discuss the available options along with its merits and demerits.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"What will be your chosen course of action? Why (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Case Study 2: You are the District Collector of a rural district where traditional social customs and religious practices strongly influence daily life. Recently, a case has emerged involving a local temple and its long-standing tradition of excluding women from certain religious rituals and spaces. A group of educated young women from the village, inspired by the increasing national dialogue on gender equality, has petitioned for the right to participate in these religious rituals. They argued that excluding women is discriminatory and violates their constitutional rights. However, the temple authorities and a significant portion of the local community vehemently oppose this change, citing religious texts and long-standing customs. As the District Collector, you face a complex ethical dilemma. Legally, you are obliged to uphold the Indian Constitution, which guarantees equality and prohibits gender-based discrimination. However, enforcing this law could lead to significant unrest in the community, where traditional customs and religious beliefs are deeply entrenched. And you are aware that the district has a history of unrest on religious matters, and local politicians did not mind stoking the unrest for political gains. The moral argument for gender equality clashes with the community's religious sentiments. The temple authorities believe that altering the rituals would desecrate their sacred traditions. Meanwhile, the women demanding entry see this as a moral and legal fight for their rights. You as a district collector was in a precarious dilemma, one on hand being a progressive officer you knew what is the right thing to do but on the other as an administrative professional you didn't want an unrest with religious tone at your hands. 1. What are the administrative and ethical issues involved in the above situation? 2. What are the options available to you in the above situation? 3. Discuss the merits and demerits of each option and explain your chosen course of action along with reasons. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"What are the administrative and ethical issues involved in the above situation? 2. What are the options available to you in the above situation? 3. Discuss the merits and demerits of each option and explain your chosen course of action along with reasons. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Do you think the above case involves a conflict of interest or there are more issues? Explain","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Keeping the above case in perspective, discuss the relevance of impartiality and non-partisanship as professional value.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"Discuss the administrative and ethical issues involved in the above case.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"Do you think it was morally right on your part to write to the minister? Justify","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"How will you respond to the action initiated against you? Discuss the available options and justify your selected course of action. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":55,"question":"Identify and explain your chosen course of action after evaluating the merits and demerits of each option. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":6162,"topper":"Rambhrosh Saran","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/rambhrosh-saran-test-1-1747820775629.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"The rule of law and judicial review are interdependent, as one cannot truly exist without the other. In this context can judicial review be considered the most important aspect among those that constitute the basic structure of the Constitution? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"How does the power and authority of Delhi's lieutenant governor compare to that of the governors of other states, particularly in terms of acting on the aid and advice of the council of ministers? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss the role of the judiciary in navigating the tension between the right to religion and constitutional morality in India in recent times. Refer to relevant case laws. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The principle of 'Separation of Powers' is a key feature of the American Constitution. In this context, compare how the Indian Constitution's functional separation of powers distinguishes itself from the US system. What are the advantages of a check and balance system over a rigid Separation of Powers? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution is more than a legal provision that empowers tribal regions with self-rule. How does the sixth schedule foster development while respecting their traditional governance systems and cultural practices? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How do partnerships between Civil Society Organizations and Government Entities contribute to India's development goals? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss the importance of cultivating a culture of life-long learning among Indian civil servants. How has Mission Karmyogi contributed to this objective? Illustrate with examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Given India's strides in reducing extreme poverty, should the country consider redefining its poverty line to better reflect the current socio-economic realities? Discuss the potential benefits and challenges associated with redefinition of the poverty line. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Evaluate the impact of the deepening political divisions with the major Western States on global governance and international cooperation. How should India navigate these divisions to advance its national interests on the global stage? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"How does India's Arctic Policy align with its broader foreign policy objectives? Broadly discuss the collaborations and agreements India is involved in with the Arctic Council. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In what ways are the terms of reference of the 16th Finance Commission different from that of the previous Finance Commissions? Despite increasingly progressive devolution by subsequent Finance Commissions, examine the factors that propel economic disparities across various States. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Compare and contrast the powers and working of the Ethics Committee and the Privileges Committee in addressing cases of 'unethical' conduct and breach of privileges. How do these Committees complement each other in maintaining parliamentary discipline? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"In the context of persistent legislative dysfunction in India, analyze the evolving role of judicial activism in shaping public policy and governance. Using examples from landmark court cases, evaluate the effectiveness of judicial interventions in addressing governance gaps and safeguarding citizens' rights. (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"To what extent does the level of internal democracy within political parties impact the functioning and legitimacy of the Indian party system? What reforms can address the challenges of inadequate intraparty democracy in India? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"\"The NHRC must not only be a watchdog but also a beacon of hope for the marginalized and oppressed.\" In this context discuss the current composition and functioning of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in India. How does the current composition and functioning of the NHRC affect its independence and effectiveness? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"The persistent health equity challenges in India pose a critical barrier in achieving Universal Health Coverage. In this context discuss the role of the public and private sectors in ensuring adequate health access and outcomes across rural and urban areas. (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals requires consideration of regional context and local situations. In light of this statement examine the role of Panchayats as catalysts for grassroot development and advancing sustainable development. (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"What are the implications of the POCSO Act on the rights and welfare of children in India? Analyze the role of the POCSO Act in transforming India's legal framework for child protection. (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Examine the influence of human rights issues and democratic values on the diplomatic relationship between the U.S. and India. How have these concerns affected bilateral engagements and what can be done to mitigate tensions arising from these issues? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Examine the geopolitical challenges India faces in South Asia despite its global rise. How can India navigate these challenges to strengthen its regional leadership? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6163,"topper":"Rambhrosh Saran","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/rambhrosh-saran-test-2-1747820788970.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"\"With growing urbanization, peri-urban agriculture is emerging as a significant contributor to fresh farm produce needs\". In this context, discuss the opportunities and challenges associated with promoting peri-urban agriculture in a sustainable manner. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What are the major challenges faced by India's agriculture sector to achieve self-sufficiency in pulses and vegetable oils? Suggest measures to address these challenges. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Evaluate the potential of biomanufacturing and bio-foundry in driving India's future towards a sustainable green economy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What are the principles behind the working of Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV)? Explain the significance and potential benefits of use of RLVs in India's space commerce. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Examine the key features of the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) 2023. Analyze its potential for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"In light of the increased intensity, frequency and duration of heat waves in the last decade, do you think the time has come to include \"heat waves\" as a notified disaster under the Disaster Management Act, 2005? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Recently formulated 'joint doctrine for cyberspace operations' by Indian armed forces will lead to strengthening of the cyber-security posture for both conventional operations as well as gray zone warfare. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the necessity and potential issues surrounding the extension of the Border Security Force's (BSF) territorial jurisdiction in states adjacent to Pakistan and Bangladesh. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"India's economic growth story is often overshadowed by the persistent challenges of unemployment. Analyze the concept of structural unemployment and discuss its relevance in the context of India's current economic situation. Suggest policy measures to promote inclusive job growth. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Discuss the role of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in fostering regional growth in India. How can MSMEs contribute to achieving industrial diversification and technological advancement? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"\"The sole point of MSP is to protect farmers from sudden price shock\". Do you think legalization of MSP can insure farmers from sudden price shocks? What are the other measures which can be taken to make MSP-led procurement effective? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Discuss the role of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) in the Public Distribution System (PDS) to ensure food security in India. Suggest necessary reforms in the functioning of FCI (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Discuss the role of nanotechnology on enhancing agricultural productivity and food security in India. Highlight recent developments and potential benefits and risks of use of nano-fertilizers and nano-pesticides. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"The Nobel Prize in Physics of 2023 was jointly awarded to Ekimov, Brus and Bawendi for the discovery of synthesis of quantum dots. In this context, discuss the applications of quantum dots. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Evaluate the role of protected areas in biodiversity conservation in India. How effective have national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves been in preserving India's biodiversity? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"What the causes of high levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and ozone pollution in India. How effective are the various steps taken by the government to mitigate particulate matter and ozone pollution? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) Report 2023 highlights a growing menace of drug trafficking in South Asia, with India being a major hub. Analyze the various dimensions of this challenge with respect to India. Also suggest a multi-pronged approach to address it. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"India's response to left wing extremism needs to integrate soft approaches like socio-economic policies and dialogue along with hard security measures to address the root causes of Naxalism. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6164,"topper":"Rambhrosh Saran","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/rambhrosh-saran-test-3-1747820801707.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"\"It is wrong to assume that ethical decisions are, can or should be purely rational and principled. Human feelings are an inseparable part of our ethical life.\" In what way do feelings impact our ethical decisions? Illustrate with examples. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"What do you understand by ethics management? Can public officials manage ethics in the work place in a manner similar to managing budgets, policies and people? Do you think adopting codes of ethics and conduct is sufficient enough for managing ethics in the workplace or something more is needed? Discuss. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"While traditional ethics has focussed on notions of justice, fair allocation and obligations, ethics of care emphasise maintaining connectedness and promoting care. Which of the above two ethical perspectives is more suitable for guiding ethical decision making in the context of public services. Explain your position with suitable examples. (150 words, 10 marks) B. What does the term “quality” mean in service delivery. What are the components of service quality and indicate ways and means for ensuring total quality in terms of efficiency, economy and effectiveness? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"In the context of public service, what does public service attitude mean? Discuss the attitude biases that affects a public servants on field decision making? Explain how a public servant can overcome such attitude biases? (150 words, 10 marks) B. \"I am a Moslem; I am a Hindu; I am a Christian; I am a Jew.\" Mahatma Gandhi. What did Mahatma Gandhi mean by the above statement? Some philosophers have argued that religion is harmful to the moral life, whereas others have claimed that it is necessary to it. Explain your position on the relationship between religion and morality. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"A. \"There is only one responsibility of business, namely to use its resources and engage in activities designed to increase profits.\" Do you think corporations, by indulging in social responsibilities, are compromising their core resource utilisation and production responsibility by diverting resources into unproductive social endeavours? (150 words, 10 marks) B. Do you think values such as \"tyaga,\" (renunciation) \"seva,\" (service) \"daanam,\" (Charity) \"damah,\" (self-control) that are espoused in traditional Indian Wisdom have relevance for modern day public servants? Why? Why not? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"A. Explain the difference between conflict among interests and conflict among various sources of authority. Illustrate with relevant examples. (150 words, 10 marks) B. The domain of governance is ridden with uncertainties, ambiguities and paradoxes and this can at times lead to timidity and withdrawal among public administrators. Discuss the relevance of inner courage for overcoming and coping with ambiguities. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Given below are three quotations of philosophers. What do each of the quotations convey to you in the present context? A. \"To feel for others, and little for ourselves; to restrain our selfish, and exercise our benevolent affections, constitutes the perfection of human nature.\" Adam Smith (150 words, 10 marks) B. \"Virtue lies in our power, and so does vice; because where it is in our power to act, it is also in our power not to act.\" Aristotle (150 words, 10 marks) C. \"I know that I am intelligent, because I know that I know nothing.\" Socrates (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"What are the ethical issues and dilemmas that confronts you in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Discuss the available options along with its merits and demerits.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"What will be your chosen course of action? Why (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Case Study 2: You are the District Collector of a rural district where traditional social customs and religious practices strongly influence daily life. Recently, a case has emerged involving a local temple and its long-standing tradition of excluding women from certain religious rituals and spaces. A group of educated young women from the village, inspired by the increasing national dialogue on gender equality, has petitioned for the right to participate in these religious rituals. They argued that excluding women is discriminatory and violates their constitutional rights. However, the temple authorities and a significant portion of the local community vehemently oppose this change, citing religious texts and long-standing customs. As the District Collector, you face a complex ethical dilemma. Legally, you are obliged to uphold the Indian Constitution, which guarantees equality and prohibits gender-based discrimination. However, enforcing this law could lead to significant unrest in the community, where traditional customs and religious beliefs are deeply entrenched. And you are aware that the district has a history of unrest on religious matters, and local politicians did not mind stoking the unrest for political gains. The moral argument for gender equality clashes with the community's religious sentiments. The temple authorities believe that altering the rituals would desecrate their sacred traditions. Meanwhile, the women demanding entry see this as a moral and legal fight for their rights. You as a district collector was in a precarious dilemma, one on hand being a progressive officer you knew what is the right thing to do but on the other as an administrative professional you didn't want an unrest with religious tone at your hands. 1. What are the administrative and ethical issues involved in the above situation? 2. What are the options available to you in the above situation? 3. Discuss the merits and demerits of each option and explain your chosen course of action along with reasons. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What are the administrative and ethical issues involved in the above situation? 2. What are the options available to you in the above situation? 3. Discuss the merits and demerits of each option and explain your chosen course of action along with reasons. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"What are the issues involved in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Is it ethically justified to be devoted to duty at the cost of the personal safety of the staff? Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"How will you go about doing your election duties without compromising the safety of your staff? Explain. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Do you think the above case involves a conflict of interest or there are more issues? Explain.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Keeping the above case in perspective, discuss the relevance of impartiality and non-partisanship as professional value.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Case Study 5: You have recently joined the Statistical Department of the State as Deputy Head of Records. Your duties involved supervising the timely inflow of data, scrutinising the data source and ensuring data entry and updating. You had a staff of 32 to manage, and it was a mixed bag; some were young recruits, some were in the department for some time, and some were on the verge of retirement. Overall, the Staff was not very efficient, but somehow they managed their jobs. In one of the meetings, the Head of the Department mentioned outsourcing of jobs of your staff as a cost-cutting measure. But there were no serious deliberations, so you didn't think much of it. But yesterday, you received an official order stating that department tasks will be outsourced and your Staff will be downsized. You had no problems with outsourcing, but you did not favour downsizing, as it would lead to people losing their jobs. You sought a meeting with your Head to discuss the ramifications of the new order, specifically the downsizing part. Your Head was very emphatic about the whole process and seemed to be least concerned with people losing their livelihood. Disappointed, you got back to your office thinking of ways of saving your staff's jobs. In utter desperation, you wrote to the concerned Minister, marking a copy to your Head and the Chief Secretary. The Minister sympathetically received the note, and he assured some positive action. But your Head was not happy about you going above without his consent. He immediately orders your transfer and starts disciplinary proceedings for non-compliance with the office order. 1. Discuss the administrative and ethical issues involved in the above case. 2. Do you think it was morally right on your part to write to the minister? Justify 3. How will you respond to the action initiated against you? Discuss the available options and justify your selected course of action. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"Case Study 6: You are an IAS officer recently appointed as the Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Rural Development. Your responsibilities include overseeing the implementation of various rural development schemes and ensuring their efficient execution. During an audit of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) funds, you discover substantial irregularities. It appears that a significant portion of the funds allocated for rural employment projects has been siphoned off by senior officials within the ministry through fraudulent invoices and fake beneficiary lists. The funds meant for the rural poor have been diverted to personal accounts. You are faced with an ethical dilemma. Reporting this corruption could lead to severe repercussions for you as the implicated senior officials are politically influential and have strong connections. You have also received subtle threats implying that your career progression could be jeopardised if you proceed with the disclosure. On the other hand, ignoring the corruption would mean perpetuating a cycle of exploitation and depriving the rural poor of their rightful benefits. 1. What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? 2. What are the options available to you? 3. Identify and explain your chosen course of action after evaluating the merits and demerits of each option. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":6165,"topper":"Ramendra Prasad","air":181,"year":2021,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1fS8KRBgHrQtZZzigRM4dXM-lo9SdiMoD","questions":[]},{"id":6166,"topper":"RAMESH CHANDRA VERMA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/cf0c6-88616_2214_ramesh_chandra_verma_rank_150.pdf","questions":[{"page":32,"question":"Capital punishment has constitutional status in India and the criteria for awarding death sentence were laid down in Bachan Singh case (1980). (a) Discuss the arguments for and against capital punishment. (b) What are the moral implications of capital punishment? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":36,"question":"Corporates are important members of the society and their actions can have large and far reaching ethical repercussions. (a) What are the ethical challenges faced by corporates in the modern world? (b) How can corporate governance be improved to ensure ethical conduct? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":6167,"topper":"Rameshwar Sudhakar Sabbanwad","air":202,"year":2021,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/19Mff3Jj1fsH_IAaX1crX52XvPfn8Gxu9","questions":[]},{"id":6168,"topper":"Ramteke Sumit Sudhakar","air":358,"year":2021,"paper":"Optional — Public Administration","optional":true,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1onmuihv2-geirMuRVJVW-0f-NnJarPSJ","questions":[]},{"id":6169,"topper":"RAMYA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/910d5-33143_877_ramya_rank_45.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The seeds of patriarchy and gender inequality are sown at home, which manifest as a weed at the societal level. Elucidate. Suggest an ethical framework to systematically address the issue of patriarchy in the Indian society. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What are the factors which drive people to take law in their own hands rather than following the due process of law? Discuss ways to address the problem of mob justice. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"In a democracy, the purpose of the government should be to make it easy for people to do good and difficult to do wrong. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss John Stuart Mill's idea on freedom of thought and expression. Also, give reasons as to why, according to Mill, representative democracy is the best form of government despite its inherent weaknesses.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"It is argued by some that nuclear weapons have acted more as a deterrent than leading to war and mass destruction. In this context, discuss whether it is ethically right to possess nuclear weapons to create nuclear deterrence.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Differentiate between administration and leadership. Highlighting the traits which characterize an effective leader, discuss the importance of leadership in ensuring effective public service delivery in a bureaucratic setup.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Apart from functional knowledge and expertise, the efficacy of a civil servant also depends upon his emotional intelligence. How does emotional intelligence contribute to efficacy? How can civil servants enhance their emotional intelligence?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Enumerate the mechanisms that promote accountability of public officials in discharging their functions and responsibilities in India. Also discuss why ensuring accountability for performance is not a simple task in government service.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context. 10 (a) \"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"\"Prejudices are what fools use for reason.\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Ensuring that government decisions are not influenced by public officials' private interests is a growing concern. Discuss in the context of India. Also enumerate the core principles reflected by OECD guidelines for managing conflict of interest in the public sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Discuss, with examples, the significance of principles of public life as recommended by Nolan committee. Why are these principles considered as an essential set of expectations from public servants?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"A peculiar inhuman situation exists for the people fleeing from war zones - they cannot go back to their homeland for fear of being persecuted and no country is ready to bear their burden due to various reasons. Citing contemporary examples, discuss the ethical issues involved in such situations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"In the following questions, carefully study the cases presented and then answer the questions that follow (in around 250 words): 9. As the administrator in-charge of your area, you are witness to the widespread food wastage in lavish parties as well as in restaurants and eateries, on one hand and people starving due to inability to ensure one square-meal a day, on the other. Realizing that it is not the scarcity of resources, but the habit of people that is causing paucity in availability of food, you decide that certain measures are needed to be taken in order to deal with the issue of starvation at the grassroot level. 20 Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) What measures would you take to deal with wastage of food in your area? (c) What explains this co-existence of affluence and hunger in developing countries like India?","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"The excluded and marginalized section of society are worst hit by globalization. Take the case of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) like Sentinelese of Andaman & Nicobar islands; their population has reduced drastically and they are facing various other problems as well. In this context answer the following questions: (a) What are the challenges faced by PVTGs due to globalisation? (b) If you are posted as a Development Officer in such an area, what will be your priorities to reduce their vulnerabilities and ensure welfare? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Undercover journalism exposes injustices, negligence, corruption and wrongdoing and yet going undercover to expose wrongdoing remains controversial. But, undercover journalists contend that they are fulfilling a fundamental duty of finding truth through their journalism. They argue that public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy and the duty of the journalist is to further those ends by seeking truth and providing a fair and comprehensive account of events and issues. So, there are some supporters of this kind of journalism, which sometimes infringe the privacy of individuals. However, some journalists also urge avoiding surreptitious methods of gathering information except when traditional open methods will not yield information vital to the public. In this context, answer the following questions: 20 (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the practice of undercover journalism? (b) Do you support the practice of undercover investigation by journalists? Give reasons in support of your answer.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6170,"topper":"RAMYA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c4691-33143_860_ramya_rank_45.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Marketing has become a crucial link in the success of a business. With suitable examples, discuss the ethical issues involved in marketing of a product or service. How can these issues be resolved?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Value education empowers a person to confront the myriad challenges of contemporary Indian society. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Ethics is the first line of defence against corruption while law enforcement is remedial and reactive. Examine the statement with suitable examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss the influence that parents have on values of their children and the role they can play in transmitting good values and resisting negative influences. Why is it that, at times, the values of children differ from that of their parents?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"What does 'public service' means to you? Describe the various ways in which one can serve the public. Does one necessarily serve the public better by entering the civil services? Justify your stand.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"What do you understand by 'civic virtue' in public life? What are the challenges in practising it in today's time? How can these challenges be overcome?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"The lives of great leaders inspire us in many ways. Which leader has had a lasting impact on you and in what way? Mention one outstanding value that you have imbibed from him/her and its importance to being a civil servant.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Governance is the vital link in our quest for prosperity and equity. What should be the key elements of ethical governance to eliminate corruption and bureaucratic delays? Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Has excessive profit seeking by corporates undermined the trust of public in the private sector? Giving examples, examine the reasons for failure of corporate governance in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Income inequality, resource mismanagement and health hazards are some of the negative consequences of globalization. In this context, what are some of the ethical dilemmas that civil servants face today? How has the approach to handling these undergone a change?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss the role and importance of independent directors for corporate governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"You are officer-in-charge of a very important railway junction, which is an artery of trade and commerce. A peasant disturbance has been brewing in your district for the past few weeks. Their discussions with the political and district leadership has borne no fruit and it has come to the stage that now they are protesting by organizing a sit-in on the railway tracks near the station. They have thereby succeeded in blocking movement of all trains. This disruption is causing significant harassment for the passengers waiting at the platform as well. (a) What will be your course of immediate action? (b) How can emotional intelligence act as a tool in handling this issue? (c) What steps will you take so that such incidents are not repeated in the future?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"You are representing India in an international bidding for oil exploration in a country. Other, richer countries are also bidding for the project. You are sure that your bid of exploration is better as well as cheaper than that of others, and that you will definitely win the bid. A day before the auction, you come to know that other countries are employing every means, including bribing the authorities for being successful. Some of the officials of the home country have also contacted you and made some demands in exchange for assurance of India winning the bid. You are aware of the criticality of this bid in terms of domestic economic and strategic implications. Based on above information, answer the following questions. (a) Specify the ethical dilemma(s) that you face in this situation. (b) Do ethical concerns really matter in international transactions or are they secondary to domestic interests? (c) What will be your course of action in the above situation? Justify with merits and demerits.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"You are the CEO of a film production company, which has not been doing well financially for some time. Your company is now relying on its forthcoming movie, which is about to be released shortly. The movie has a cast of reliable actors and even before its release, trade pundits have predicted that the movie will be a hit. However, you face a conundrum as one of the actors in the movie is a citizen of a neighbouring country with which relations have been disturbed and a war like situation exists. While the political atmosphere was different when the movie was being filmed, now there is a widespread public demand, with a local political party at the forefront, for replacing the actor from the movie or a ban on the release of the movie itself, if the actor is not replaced. While you are aware of the mood of the nation and the public repercussions of releasing the movie in its present form, you also know that it is not feasible to replace him at this stage as he has a substantial role in the movie. There is also a section in the film fraternity that does not want you to compromise in the wake of threat by the local party as it compromises freedom of speech and expression as well as artistic creativity. (a) What are the options available to you? (b) Evaluate each of the options and state their merits and demerits. (c) What course of action would you take and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Big firms often undertake sub-contracting to complete large infrastructure projects in a timely manner. You recently joined one such firm as a manager responsible for awarding these contracts. Looking at the past records, you find that all contracts for the past few years have been awarded to a particular firm, X. Your superior has asked you to award an upcoming contract to the same firm. Although, not binding, company procedure maintains that sub-contracting work should be offered after competitive bids. This is to ensure that the firm most suitable for the project in terms of operations and finance gets the contract. When you discuss this with your superior, he insists that hiring of the firm X has been done as per legal norms of the company and no official rule has been violated. You decide to contact the owner of the firm X. After doing so, you realize that he is the nephew of your superior, who is also a shareholder in the company. (a) State the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) Does this form of transaction between two private parties constitute a conflict of interest? Justify. (c) Evaluate the possible ways of awarding contracts in such a situation with their merits and demerits. Also state which method would be more suitable in each situation.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6171,"topper":"Ranga Manju","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qC7pArXCDFwMuP20eJyX36v_aU0FdNYk/view","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Irrationally held truths may be more harmful than reasoned errors.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Reputation is what people think of you, character is what you are.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Cultivation of mind should be the ultimate aim of human existence.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"The one who plants trees, knowing that he will never sit in their shade, has at least started to understand the meaning of life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"If we learn anything from the history of economic development, it is that culture makes all the difference.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"The discovery of agriculture was the first big step toward a civilized life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Science knows no country, because knowledge belongs to humanity, and is the torch which illuminates the world.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6172,"topper":"Ranga Manju","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NmBiogjYiG0iEuxUHB_90ZPux7AuwHdm/view","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Compare and contrast the roles of family and educational institutions in value inculcation. How can these two institutions complement each other? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"\"Tolerance is not just about accepting differences; it is about appreciating and celebrating diversity.\" Discuss the importance of tolerance for governance. How can civil servants foster a culture of tolerance and inclusivity in a diverse country like India? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"A person's character is most accurately revealed in their private life, not their public persona.\" Critically examine this statement in the context of public servants and their ethical conduct. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Accountability mechanisms are essential for ethical governance but often lead to bureaucratic delays and inefficiencies.\" Critically examine this statement in the context of Indian administration. Can a balance be struck between accountability and efficiency? Discuss with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What does each of the following quotations convey to you in present context? a) \"Reason is, and ought only to be the slave of the passions, and can never pretend to any other office than to serve and obey them.\"- David Hume (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"The ultimate measure of a person is not where they stand in moments of comfort and convenience, but where they stand at times of challenge and controversy.\"- Martin Luther King Jr. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"In matters of conscience, the law of the majority has no place.\" - Mahatma Gandhi. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"Empathy is seeing with the eyes of another, listening with the ears of another, and feeling with the heart of another.\" How can emotionally intelligent civil servants utilize empathy to improve governance and service delivery? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Analyse the ethical implications of the widening gap between rich and poor nations. Is there a moral obligation for developed countries to assist developing ones? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.\" Discuss the ethical responsibilities of individuals, corporations, and governments in protecting the environment for future generations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"\"Impartiality is not neutrality; it is about treating everyone fairly based on merit and evidence.\" Explain the difference between impartiality and neutrality in the context of civil service. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"The teachings of the Bhagavad Gita offer valuable lessons for ethical conduct in public service. Discuss the relevance of these teachings in navigating the ethical issues of administration in contemporary India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":35,"question":"You are a senior bureaucrat in the Ministry of Rural Development. A flagship program aimed at empowering women in rural areas through self-help groups (SHGs) and micro-enterprise initiatives is being implemented. While the program has seen success in providing financial assistance and skill development, you observe that women's participation in decision-making bodies within these SHGs and village councils remains limited. Despite legal provisions for women's participation in local governance, traditional patriarchal norms often prevail, relegating women to secondary roles. This results in their voices being unheard and their concerns being overlooked in decision-making processes. Further, Years of social conditioning has led to internalization of gender bias, where women themselves underestimate their abilities and hesitate to participate in decision-making. Many rural women are unaware of their rights and the opportunities available to them. Lack of education and information has further hindered their participation in decision-making bodies. Moreover, Male members within the community and even within the SHGs resist women's participation in decision-making. Some men cite traditional gender roles and norms while some question their abilities. They also try to control access to resources and information, limiting women's ability to participate effectively in decision-making processes. Women who attempt to challenge traditional norms face social ostracism or pressure from their families and communities to conform. a) Identify the ethical issues in the given case study. b) How can you engage with male members of the community and SHGs to address their concerns and encourage them to support women's participation? c) What institutional and policy changes can be made to create a more enabling environment for women's participation in decision-making, ensuring that their voices are heard and valued? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"You are a mid-level manager at 'GoodLife Pharma,' a leading pharmaceutical company in India. After years of research and development, the company is on the cusp of launching a revolutionary new drug, 'Revivol,' which promises to significantly improve the lives of patients suffering from a debilitating chronic illness. The drug is projected to be a blockbuster, generating billions in revenue and potentially saving countless lives. You've been an integral part of the Revivol team, and its success could significantly boost your career prospects. However, just weeks before the scheduled launch, you stumble upon disturbing evidence suggesting that Revivol may have serious, potentially fatal, side effects in a small percentage of patients. These side effects were not adequately disclosed in the initial clinical trial reports, and further investigation reveals that some data points indicating adverse reactions were deliberately omitted from the final report submitted to the regulatory authorities. You are deeply troubled by this discovery. You understand that the drug is likely to receive approval based on the existing data, and the company is already heavily invested in its marketing and launch. However, the potential harm to patients weighs heavily on your conscience. To add to the complexity, you discover that your direct superior was aware of the data discrepancies and chose to ignore them. Confronting them directly might lead to retaliation, jeopardizing your job and career. You're also the sole breadwinner for your family, and losing your job would have devastating financial consequences. a) What are the ethical dilemmas faced by the manager in this scenario? b) What will be your course of action and why? c) How could stronger corporate governance mechanisms have prevented or mitigated this situation? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"You are a young, enthusiastic IAS officer recently posted as the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of a rural subdivision. Eager to make a positive impact, you embark on a series of field visits to various government offices under your jurisdiction. However, the sight that greets you in most offices is disheartening. Employees stroll in well past the official start time, and once in, seem to prioritize leisurely tea breaks and idle chatter over their duties. The physical manifestation of this lethargy is evident in the towering stacks of unattended files gathering dust on desks. This backlog translates to agonizing delays in processing applications for essential services and benefits, leaving citizens frustrated and disillusioned. As you interact with the local populace, you hear disturbing accounts of bribery and favoritism plaguing the administrative machinery. It appears that those with influence or willing to pay under-the-table 'fees' can expedite their requests, while the marginalized and less privileged languish in the system's inefficiencies. The most distressing aspect of the situation is the impact on ordinary citizens. You witness firsthand their exasperation as they navigate the labyrinthine bureaucracy, often facing indifference, rudeness, or demands for bribes. a) What are the ethical issues in the prevailing work culture in the subdivision? b) As the SDM, what specific steps would you take to improve the overall work culture and quality of service delivery in your subdivision? c) Discuss the challenges you might encounter in implementing these changes and how you would overcome them. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"You have just been appointed as Additional Director General of Central Public Works Department. The Chief Architect of your division, who is to retire in six months, is passionately working on a very important project, the successful completion of which would earn him a lasting reputation for the rest of his life. A new lady architect, Seema, trained at Manchester School of Architecture, UK joined as Senior Architect in your division. During the briefing about the project, Seema made some suggestions which would not only add value to the project, but would also reduce completion time. This has made the Chief Architect insecure and he is constantly worried that all the credit will go to her. Subsequently, he adopted a passive and aggressive behaviour towards her and has become disrespectful to her. Seema felt it embarrassing as the Chief Architect left no chance of humiliating her. He would very often correct her in front of other colleagues and raise his voice while speaking to her. This continuous harassment has resulted in her losing confidence and self-esteem. She felt perpetually tensed, anxious and stressed. She appeared to be in awe of him since he has had a long tenure in the office and has vast experience in the area of her work. You are aware of her outstanding academic credentials and career record in her previous organisations. However, you fear that this harassment may result in compromising her much needed contribution in this important project and may adversely impact her emotional well-being. You have also come to know from her peers that she is contemplating tendering her resignation. a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? b) What are the options available to you in order to complete the project as well as to retain Seema in the organization? c) What would be your response to Seema's predicament? What measures would you institute to prevent such occurrences from happening in your organization? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":6173,"topper":"Ranga Manju","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TQDrvkutlCTWPjJFVIvaEBfN-tIkuX1s/view","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Compare and contrast the roles of family and educational institutions in value inculcation. How can these two institutions complement each other? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"\"Tolerance is not just about accepting differences; it is about appreciating and celebrating diversity.\" Discuss the importance of tolerance for governance. How can civil servants foster a culture of tolerance and inclusivity in a diverse country like India? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"A person's character is most accurately revealed in their private life, not their public persona.\" Critically examine this statement in the context of public servants and their ethical conduct. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"Accountability mechanisms are essential for ethical governance but often lead to bureaucratic delays and inefficiencies.\" Critically examine this statement in the context of Indian administration. Can a balance be struck between accountability and efficiency? Discuss with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What does each of the following quotations convey to you in present context? a) \\\"Reason is, and ought only to be the slave of the passions, and can never pretend to any other office than to serve and obey them\\\"- David Hume (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"Empathy is seeing with the eyes of another, listening with the ears of another, and feeling with the heart of another.\" How can emotionally intelligent civil servants utilize empathy to improve governance and service delivery? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Analyse the ethical implications of the widening gap between rich and poor nations. Is there a moral obligation for developed countries to assist developing ones? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.\" Discuss the ethical responsibilities of individuals, corporations, and governments in protecting the environment for future generations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"\"Impartiality is not neutrality; it is about treating everyone fairly based on merit and evidence.\" Explain the difference between impartiality and neutrality in the context of civil service. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"The teachings of the Bhagavad Gita offer valuable lessons for ethical conduct in public service. Discuss the relevance of these teachings in navigating the ethical issues of administration in contemporary India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":35,"question":"You are a senior bureaucrat in the Ministry of Rural Development. A flagship program aimed at empowering women in rural areas through self-help groups (SHGs) and micro-enterprise initiatives is being implemented. While the program has seen success in providing financial assistance and skill development, you observe that women's participation in decision-making bodies within these SHGs and village councils remains limited. Despite legal provisions for women's participation in local governance, traditional patriarchal norms often prevail, relegating women to secondary roles. This results in their voices being unheard and their concerns being overlooked in decision-making processes. Further, Years of social conditioning has led to internalization of gender bias, where women themselves underestimate their abilities and hesitate to participate in decision-making. Many rural women are unaware of their rights and the opportunities available to them. Lack of education and information has further hindered their participation in decision-making bodies. Moreover, Male members within the community and even within the SHGs resist women's participation in decision-making. Some men cite traditional gender roles and norms while some question their abilities. They also try to control access to resources and information, limiting women's ability to participate effectively in decision-making processes. Women who attempt to challenge traditional norms face social ostracism or pressure from their families and communities to conform. a) Identify the ethical issues in the given case study. b) How can you engage with male members of the community and SHGs to address their concerns and encourage them to support women's participation? c) What institutional and policy changes can be made to create a more enabling environment for women's participation in decision-making, ensuring that their voices are heard and valued? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"You are a mid-level manager at 'GoodLife Pharma,' a leading pharmaceutical company in India. After years of research and development, the company is on the cusp of launching a revolutionary new drug, 'Revivol,' which promises to significantly improve the lives of patients suffering from a debilitating chronic illness. The drug is projected to be a blockbuster, generating billions in revenue and potentially saving countless lives. You've been an integral part of the Revivol team, and its success could significantly boost your career prospects. However, just weeks before the scheduled launch, you stumble upon disturbing evidence suggesting that Revivol may have serious, potentially fatal, side effects in a small percentage of patients. These side effects were not adequately disclosed in the initial clinical trial reports, and further investigation reveals that some data points indicating adverse reactions were deliberately omitted from the final report submitted to the regulatory authorities. You are deeply troubled by this discovery. You understand that the drug is likely to receive approval based on the existing data, and the company is already heavily invested in its marketing and launch. However, the potential harm to patients weighs heavily on your conscience. To add to the complexity, you discover that your direct superior was aware of the data discrepancies and chose to ignore them. Confronting them directly might lead to retaliation, jeopardizing your job and career. You're also the sole breadwinner for your family, and losing your job would have devastating financial consequences. a) What are the ethical dilemmas faced by the manager in this scenario? b) What will be your course of action and why? c) How could stronger corporate governance mechanisms have prevented or mitigated this situation? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"You are a young, enthusiastic IAS officer recently posted as the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of a rural subdivision. Eager to make a positive impact, you embark on a series of field visits to various government offices under your jurisdiction. However, the sight that greets you in most offices is disheartening. Employees stroll in well past the official start time, and once in, seem to prioritize leisurely tea breaks and idle chatter over their duties. The physical manifestation of this lethargy is evident in the towering stacks of unattended files gathering dust on desks. This backlog translates to agonizing delays in processing applications for essential services and benefits, leaving citizens frustrated and disillusioned. As you interact with the local populace, you hear disturbing accounts of bribery and favoritism plaguing the administrative machinery. It appears that those with influence or willing to pay under-the-table 'fees' can expedite their requests, while the marginalized and less privileged languish in the system's inefficiencies. The most distressing aspect of the situation is the impact on ordinary citizens. You witness firsthand their exasperation as they navigate the labyrinthine bureaucracy, often facing indifference, rudeness, or demands for bribes. a) What are the ethical issues in the prevailing work culture in the subdivision? b) As the SDM, what specific steps would you take to improve the overall work culture and quality of service delivery in your subdivision? c) Discuss the challenges you might encounter in implementing these changes and how you would overcome them. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"You have just been appointed as Additional Director General of Central Public Works Department. The Chief Architect of your division, who is to retire in six months, is passionately working on a very important project, the successful completion of which would earn him a lasting reputation for the rest of his life. A new lady architect, Seema, trained at Manchester School of Architecture, UK joined as Senior Architect in your division. During the briefing about the project, Seema made some suggestions which would not only add value to the project, but would also reduce completion time. This has made the Chief Architect insecure and he is constantly worried that all the credit will go to her. Subsequently, he adopted a passive and aggressive behaviour towards her and has become disrespectful to her. Seema felt it embarrassing as the Chief Architect left no chance of humiliating her. He would very often correct her in front of other colleagues and raise his voice while speaking to her. This continuous harassment has resulted in her losing confidence and self-esteem. She felt perpetually tensed, anxious and stressed. She appeared to be in awe of him since he has had a long tenure in the office and has vast experience in the area of her work. You are aware of her outstanding academic credentials and career record in her previous organisations. However, you fear that this harassment may result in compromising her much needed contribution in this important project and may adversely impact her emotional well-being. You have also come to know from her peers that she is contemplating tendering her resignation. a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? b) What are the options available to you in order to complete the project as well as to retain Seema in the organization? c) What would be your response to Seema's predicament? What measures would you institute to prevent such occurrences from happening in your organization? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":6174,"topper":"Ranga Manju","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dB69EWxNZ96Ibu0b7fHexKbIBlRSd1sU/view","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Compare and contrast the roles of family and educational institutions in value inculcation. How can these two institutions complement each other? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"\"Tolerance is not just about accepting differences; it is about appreciating and celebrating diversity.\" Discuss the importance of tolerance for governance. How can civil servants foster a culture of tolerance and inclusivity in a diverse country like India? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"A person's character is most accurately revealed in their private life, not their public persona.\" Critically examine this statement in the context of public servants and their ethical conduct. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Accountability mechanisms are essential for ethical governance but often lead to bureaucratic delays and inefficiencies.\" Critically examine this statement in the context of Indian administration. Can a balance be struck between accountability and efficiency? Discuss with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What does each of the following quotations convey to you in present context? a) \"Reason is, and ought only to be the slave of the passions, and can never pretend to any other office than to serve and obey them.\"- David Hume (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"The ultimate measure of a person is not where they stand in moments of comfort and convenience, but where they stand at times of challenge and controversy.\"- Martin Luther King Jr. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"In matters of conscience, the law of the majority has no place.\" - Mahatma Gandhi. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"Empathy is seeing with the eyes of another, listening with the ears of another, and feeling with the heart of another.\" How can emotionally intelligent civil servants utilize empathy to improve governance and service delivery? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Analyse the ethical implications of the widening gap between rich and poor nations. Is there a moral obligation for developed countries to assist developing ones? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.\" Discuss the ethical responsibilities of individuals, corporations, and governments in protecting the environment for future generations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"\"Impartiality is not neutrality; it is about treating everyone fairly based on merit and evidence.\" Explain the difference between impartiality and neutrality in the context of civil service. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"The teachings of the Bhagavad Gita offer valuable lessons for ethical conduct in public service. Discuss the relevance of these teachings in navigating the ethical issues of administration in contemporary India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":35,"question":"You are a senior bureaucrat in the Ministry of Rural Development. A flagship program aimed at empowering women in rural areas through self-help groups (SHGs) and micro-enterprise initiatives is being implemented. While the program has seen success in providing financial assistance and skill development, you observe that women's participation in decision-making bodies within these SHGs and village councils remains limited. Despite legal provisions for women's participation in local governance, traditional patriarchal norms often prevail, relegating women to secondary roles. This results in their voices being unheard and their concerns being overlooked in decision-making processes. Further, Years of social conditioning has led to internalization of gender bias, where women themselves underestimate their abilities and hesitate to participate in decision-making. Many rural women are unaware of their rights and the opportunities available to them. Lack of education and information has further hindered their participation in decision-making bodies. Moreover, Male members within the community and even within the SHGs resist women's participation in decision-making. Some men cite traditional gender roles and norms while some question their abilities. They also try to control access to resources and information, limiting women's ability to participate effectively in decision-making processes. Women who attempt to challenge traditional norms face social ostracism or pressure from their families and communities to conform. a) Identify the ethical issues in the given case study. b) How can you engage with male members of the community and SHGs to address their concerns and encourage them to support women's participation? c) What institutional and policy changes can be made to create a more enabling environment for women's participation in decision-making, ensuring that their voices are heard and valued? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"You are a mid-level manager at 'GoodLife Pharma,' a leading pharmaceutical company in India. After years of research and development, the company is on the cusp of launching a revolutionary new drug, 'Revivol,' which promises to significantly improve the lives of patients suffering from a debilitating chronic illness. The drug is projected to be a blockbuster, generating billions in revenue and potentially saving countless lives. You've been an integral part of the Revivol team, and its success could significantly boost your career prospects. However, just weeks before the scheduled launch, you stumble upon disturbing evidence suggesting that Revivol may have serious, potentially fatal, side effects in a small percentage of patients. These side effects were not adequately disclosed in the initial clinical trial reports, and further investigation reveals that some data points indicating adverse reactions were deliberately omitted from the final report submitted to the regulatory authorities. You are deeply troubled by this discovery. You understand that the drug is likely to receive approval based on the existing data, and the company is already heavily invested in its marketing and launch. However, the potential harm to patients weighs heavily on your conscience. To add to the complexity, you discover that your direct superior was aware of the data discrepancies and chose to ignore them. Confronting them directly might lead to retaliation, jeopardizing your job and career. You're also the sole breadwinner for your family, and losing your job would have devastating financial consequences. a) What are the ethical dilemmas faced by the manager in this scenario? b) What will be your course of action and why? c) How could stronger corporate governance mechanisms have prevented or mitigated this situation? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"You are a young, enthusiastic IAS officer recently posted as the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of a rural subdivision. Eager to make a positive impact, you embark on a series of field visits to various government offices under your jurisdiction. However, the sight that greets you in most offices is disheartening. Employees stroll in well past the official start time, and once in, seem to prioritize leisurely tea breaks and idle chatter over their duties. The physical manifestation of this lethargy is evident in the towering stacks of unattended files gathering dust on desks. This backlog translates to agonizing delays in processing applications for essential services and benefits, leaving citizens frustrated and disillusioned. As you interact with the local populace, you hear disturbing accounts of bribery and favoritism plaguing the administrative machinery. It appears that those with influence or willing to pay under-the-table 'fees' can expedite their requests, while the marginalized and less privileged languish in the system's inefficiencies. The most distressing aspect of the situation is the impact on ordinary citizens. You witness firsthand their exasperation as they navigate the labyrinthine bureaucracy, often facing indifference, rudeness, or demands for bribes. a) What are the ethical issues in the prevailing work culture in the subdivision? b) As the SDM, what specific steps would you take to improve the overall work culture and quality of service delivery in your subdivision? c) Discuss the challenges you might encounter in implementing these changes and how you would overcome them. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"You have just been appointed as Additional Director General of Central Public Works Department. The Chief Architect of your division, who is to retire in six months, is passionately working on a very important project, the successful completion of which would earn him a lasting reputation for the rest of his life. A new lady architect, Seema, trained at Manchester School of Architecture, UK joined as Senior Architect in your division. During the briefing about the project, Seema made some suggestions which would not only add value to the project, but would also reduce completion time. This has made the Chief Architect insecure and he is constantly worried that all the credit will go to her. Subsequently, he adopted a passive and aggressive behaviour towards her and has become disrespectful to her. Seema felt it embarrassing as the Chief Architect left no chance of humiliating her. He would very often correct her in front of other colleagues and raise his voice while speaking to her. This continuous harassment has resulted in her losing confidence and self-esteem. She felt perpetually tensed, anxious and stressed. She appeared to be in awe of him since he has had a long tenure in the office and has vast experience in the area of her work. You are aware of her outstanding academic credentials and career record in her previous organisations. However, you fear that this harassment may result in compromising her much needed contribution in this important project and may adversely impact her emotional well-being. You have also come to know from her peers that she is contemplating tendering her resignation. a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? b) What are the options available to you in order to complete the project as well as to retain Seema in the organization? c) What would be your response to Seema's predicament? What measures would you institute to prevent such occurrences from happening in your organization? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":6175,"topper":"Ranga Manju","air":24,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/ETHICS_PROGRAME_RANGA_MANJU_AIR_24_94237bda6b.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6176,"topper":"Rangamanju","air":24,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Insights IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.insightsonindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Rangamanju-Rank-24-Essay-1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6177,"topper":"Rangashree T.K","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d12b6-13309_876_rangashree_t-k_rank_50.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"While India has taken a number of steps in order to substantially improve its ranking in the World Bank's 'Ease of Doing Business' Index, it needs to take further action in this regard. Elaborate. Also analyse the utility of these rankings vis-a-vis India's objective of facilitating a sound entrepreneurial environment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"In wake of the agrarian crisis that the country is witnessing, discuss the need for adopting an income-centric approach in preference to a production-centric one as the basis of agricultural policy. In this context, also highlight the steps that should be taken to achieve the goal of doubling the income of farmers by 2021-22 and the challenges that exist.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"It is argued that India's fiscal centre of gravity has rapidly shifted from the Centre to the States. Analyse the statement in context of the debate on fiscal discipline. Also, enumerate the key recommendations of the N.K. Singh panel on Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Strategic sale of state-run firms is a prudent step to deal with the challenges being faced by the public sector enterprises in India. Comment. Also enumerate other measures that can be taken in light of NITI Aayog's suggestions in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Shell companies in India are neither legally defined nor properly understood. Analyse in the light of recent developments, prevalent understanding and steps required to effectively deal with shell companies.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"If a larger population in India is to be involved in the economy in a big way, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are key. Elaborate. Also discuss the challenges faced by the SME sector in India and give an account of the measures taken by the government to deal with these.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"What are the reasons for the growing informalization of industrial labour in India? Discuss the issues associated 'with the phenomenon and reforms required to deal with them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"A number of far-reaching developments have taken place in the local and global energy space which have to be reflected in our own energy policy framework. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"The Indian IT-BPM (Information Technology-Business Process Management) industry is a global powerhouse today and its impact on India and the world has been unprecedented. Comment. Also, mention the challenges being faced by India's IT-BPM sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"An effective multi-modal logistics and transport sector will make the Indian economy more competitive. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Climate change threatens sustainable development, impairs socio-economic development and reinforces cycles of poverty across the globe. In this context, discuss the utility of climate risk insurance as an instrument within a comprehensive climate risk management system.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Why are women particularly vulnerable to the impact of natural disasters? Also analyse, with adequate examples, how women can play a more effective role in disaster risk management cycle.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"In view of the seriousness of heat waves and its consequences, greater attention is required for dealing with, it as a natural disaster. Analyse in the context of recent developments and the actions taken by relevant government bodies.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"While genome editing offers immense potential benefits in the area of healthcare, there are a lot of apprehensions regarding its use. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Discuss various ways in which supercomputers have benefitted mankind over the years. Also enumerate the objectives of the National Supercomputing Mission and the mechanism for its implementation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Widely seen as a disruption for the traditional banking and financial institutions, cryptocurrencies have gained significant traction lately, at the same time creating a regulatory nightmare for regulators across the globe. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"An internationally-binding agreement to strengthen the Outer Space Treaty of 1960 is both desirable and increasingly a necessity. Analyse in view of the traditional and emerging challenges in this arena.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Even after nearly 60 years in existence, AFSPA remains at the centre of debates with respect to countering violent insurgencies, role of the states and local communities. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Analyse the challenges and opportunities inherent in the push for indigenisation of defence production in India. Also, identify the measures through which indigenous manufacturing of defence equipments is being encouraged by the Government.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"India's ability to puruse a clear-cut strategic vision depends on its ability to improve institutional cooperation and coordination between the armed forces and civilian bureaucracy. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6178,"topper":"Rangashree T.K","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/322a0-13309_1021_rangashree_t-k_rank_50.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Identify the key objectives of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. Also highlight the challenges in its implementation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Discuss how the design of MGNREGA program makes it more successful than other rural development programmes.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Self-employment of the poor has been an important objective of the anti-poverty programmes and SHGs have played a significant role in this. Elucidate with examples. Also discuss the problems which plague the model of SHG micro-finance in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Give an account of the issues that arise due to short tenure of civil servants in India. Critically discuss the move of setting up a Civil Services Board in order to address this problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"India's health system is one of the most privatised in the world, poorly regulated and accessible only to those with income levels well above the average. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Keeping in mind the importance of NGOs in India's development process it is imperative that adequate legal and regulatory mechanisms should be in place. Discuss in the context of recent developments.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"While on one hand, there has been proliferation of use of digital technology, on the other hand, resulting digital dividends have not been forthcoming. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"The public policy requirements of the 21st century demand a bureaucracy less generalist in nature. Analyse in the context of Indian civil services.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"Explain how the National Digital Library (NDL) can bring a fundamental shift in the paradigm of education and research. Also highlight the challenges that need to be addressed to make NDL self-sustainable.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Census 2011 observed that there has been a significant increase in urban homeless households in the period between 2001 and 2011. What are homeless households? Highlighting the challenges faced by them, discuss the causes for increase in such households. Suggest various measures to rehabilitate these households.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"What is the criteria for a village being recognized as electrified? Examine the challenges present in rural electrification in India. Elaborate upon some of the recent initiatives of the government with a special emphasis on Deen Dayal Upadhayaya Gram Jyoti Yojana.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"While the Right to Education (RTE) Act was based on noble intentions, implementation of many of its provisions remain ridden with problems. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"Critically examining the key provisions of The Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill 2016, discuss whether a complete ban on commercial surrogacy is justified.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"It is often strongly suggested that scarce government resources should be redirected in favour of primary education rather than higher education. In this context, analyse whether curtailing public spending in higher education would help in achieving the principle of equity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Accessibility is the key to inclusion and equal access for people with disabilities. Analyse. Also discuss the objectives and components of the Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan with a special emphasis on inclusiveness and accessibility index.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"The Olympic Task Force constituted to prepare an action plan for the next three Olympic Games is a step in the right direction. Comment. Also highlight other initiatives required to augment India's performance in the sporting arena internationally.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"Recent judgment of the Supreme Court, amending the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 has invoked varied reponses. Highlighting the amendment, critically examine its likely impact on the application of the law.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"Inspite of its usefulness as a tool of transparency and accountability, the RTI Act needs to be amended as it is being widely misused, especially to blackmail public functionaries. Critically examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":56,"question":"The transgender community has been among one of the most marginalized communities in India. Discuss. How does the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill 2016 seek to protect transgenders from discrimination and address the problems faced by them?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":59,"question":"Though the Forest Rights Act 2006 tries to undo the historic injustice done to the forest dweller and tribals, it has been argued that it is being misused. Critically analyse.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6179,"topper":"Rangashree T.K","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8fdba-13309_860_rangashree_t-k_rank_50.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Marketing has become a crucial link in the success of a business. With suitable examples, discuss the ethical issues involved in marketing of a product or service. How can these issues be resolved?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Value education empowers a person to confront the myriad challenges of contemporary Indian society. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Ethics is the first line of defence against corruption while law enforcement is remedial and reactive. Examine the statement with suitable examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss the influence that parents have on values of their children and the role they can play in transmitting good values and resisting negative influences. Why is it that, at times, the values of children differ from that of their parents?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"What does 'public service' means to you? Describe the various ways in which one can serve the public. Does one necessarily serve the public better by entering the civil services? Justify your stand.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"What do you understand by 'civic virtue' in public life? What are the challenges in practising it in today's time? How can these challenges be overcome?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"The lives of great leaders inspire us in many ways. Which leader has had a lasting impact on you and in what way? Mention one outstanding value that you have imbibed from him/her and its importance to being a civil servant.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Governance is the vital link in our quest for prosperity and equity. What should be the key elements of ethical governance to eliminate corruption and bureaucratic delays? Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Has excessive profit seeking by corporates undermined the trust of public in the private sector? Giving examples, examine the reasons for failure of corporate governance in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Income inequality, resource mismanagement and health hazards are some of the negative consequences of globalization. In this context, what are some of the ethical dilemmas that civil servants face today? How has the approach to handling these undergone a change?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss the role and importance of independent directors for corporate governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Is there a conflict between morality and freedom? Discuss with reference to Kant's views on categorical imperative.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"\"Since at the beginning and end of our lives we are so dependent on other's kindness, how can it be that in the middle we neglect the kindness towards others?\" - The Dalai Lama. Bring out what you understand by this quote and discuss its relevance in the Indian society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"You, a reporter currently working as an intern, accompanied a small group of reporters to a political event organized by the ruling party's state unit. The party was followed by dinner where you were also asked to join. Here, you noticed that alcohol was being served to some members of the ruling party. Consumption of alcohol had been declared illegal in the state a few months ago and the ban is being enforced strictly across the state. The other reporters in your group ignored the issue and asked you to ignore it as well. However, it was clear to you that the law was not being followed. (a) Identify the issues involved in this scenario. (b) What are your duties in such a scenario? (c) What course of action would you follow and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"You are posted as the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in a district. As the SDM it is your responsibility to conduct interviews and select a candidate for the post of an ASHA worker in the district. On the day you are conducting the interviews, you are approached by the MLA of the local constituency who asks you to choose a particular lady for this position by overlooking the other candidates. On checking her documents you find that she is eligible in all respects. The MLA implores that she should be given the post on compassionate grounds as her husband was a soldier who was martyred in a war. Some of the options to handle the situation could be as follows: (a) Ignore the MLA and proceed with the process of selection. (b) Speak to your superior and seek his guidance on the matter. (c) Appoint the lady to the post as it is a compassionate appointment. Also suggest other possible options. Evaluate each of these options and suggest the best course of action, giving reasons for it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"You are officer-in-charge of a very important railway junction, which is an artery of trade and commerce. A peasant disturbance has been brewing in your district for the past few weeks. Their discussions with the political and district leadership has borne no fruit and it has come to the stage that now they are protesting by organizing a sit-in on the railway tracks near the station. They have thereby succeeded in blocking movement of all trains. This disruption is causing significant harassment for the passengers waiting at the platform as well. (a) What will be your course of immediate action? (b) How can emotional intelligence act as a tool in handling this issue? (c) What steps will you take so that such incidents are not repeated in the future?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"You are representing India in an international bidding for oil exploration in a country. Other, richer countries are also bidding for the project. You are sure that your bid of exploration is better as well as cheaper than that of others, and that you will definitely win the bid. A day before the auction, you come to know that other countries are employing every means, including bribing the authorities for being successful. Some of the officials of the home country have also contacted you and made some demands in exchange for assurance of India winning the bid. You are aware of the criticality of this bid in terms of domestic economic and strategic implications. Based on above information, answer the following questions. (a) Specify the ethical dilemma(s) that you face in this situation. (b) Do ethical concerns really matter in international transactions or are they secondary to domestic interests? (c) What will be your course of action in the above situation? Justify with merits and demerits. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"You are the CEO of a film production company, which has not been doing well financially for some time. Your company is now relying on its forthcoming movie, which is about to be released shortly. The movie has a cast of reliable actors and even before its release, trade pundits have predicted that the movie will be a hit. However, you face a conundrum as one of the actors in the movie is a citizen of a neighbouring country with which relations have been disturbed and a war like situation exists. While the political atmosphere was different when the movie was being filmed, now there is a widespread public demand, with a local political party at the forefront, for replacing the actor from the movie or a ban on the release of the movie itself, if the actor is not replaced. While you are aware of the mood of the nation and the public repercussions of releasing the movie in its present form, you also know that it is not feasible to replace him at this stage as he has a substantial role in the movie. There is also a section in the film fraternity that does not want you to compromise in the wake of threat by the local party as it compromises freedom of speech and expression as well as artistic creativity. (a) What are the options available to you? (b) Evaluate each of the options and state their merits and demerits. (c) What course of action would you take and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":59,"question":"Big firms often undertake sub-contracting to complete large infrastructure projects in a timely manner. You recently joined one such firm as a manager responsible for awarding these contracts. Looking at the past records, you find that all contracts for the past few years have been awarded to a particular firm, X. Your superior has asked you to award an upcoming contract to the same firm. Although, not binding, company procedure maintains that sub-contracting work should be offered after competitive bids. This is to ensure that the firm most suitable for the project in terms of operations and finance gets the contract. When you discuss this with your superior, he insists that hiring of the firm X has been done as per legal norms of the company and no official rule has been violated. You decide to contact the owner of the firm X. After doing so, you realize that he is the nephew of your superior, who is also a shareholder in the company. (a) State the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) Does this form of transaction between two private parties constitute a conflict of interest? Justify. (c) Evaluate the possible ways of awarding contracts in such a situation with their merits and demerits. Also state which method would be more suitable in each situation.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6180,"topper":"Ranveer Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/65ea0-319209_2211_ranveer-singh_rank-732.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The Cholas are inextricably linked with the zenith of Dravidian art and architecture. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Among the major legacies of the Indian freedom movement, civil liberties formed an important one. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The Berlin Conference of 1884-85 in many ways set the ground for the scramble in Africa. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What is a cloudburst and what are its effects? Why are they more frequent in the Himalayan region? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Despite its potential, there are several challenges in the implementation of the Ken-Betwa Link Project. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Identify the issues related to production and supply of coal in India. How can these issues be addressed? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Present the geographical distribution of agro-based industries in India and discuss the challenges faced by them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The caste system continues to be one of the key drivers of poverty and inequality in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the issues faced by domestic workers in India. Also suggest measures that can be taken to empower them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Given the deeply gendered impact of population control measures, examine the need to rethink the current approach of population control measures in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Examine the impact of the Sramana tradition on the Vedic religion and its relation with the emergence of Jainism, Buddhism and Ajivika sects. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Giving a brief overview of the three Carnatic Wars, discuss the factors that led to the success of the British against the French in the struggle for control over India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Provide an account of the issues that led to a crisis in Punjab in the 1980s. Also, discuss the roadmap to peace that was eventually adopted. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Post-drift theories based on ocean floor mapping provided new dimensions to the study of distribution of oceans and continents. Elaborate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Explain the phenomenon of heat waves. Also, enumerate the conditions favourable for the development of heat waves in India and their associated health impacts. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Providing an account of distribution of rainforests across the world, mention their key characteristics. Also highlight the threats that are being faced by tropical rainforests. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Indian cities are not only mimicking the social and cultural structures of inequality and exclusion found in rural areas but are also creating fault lines for future conflicts. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Examine the multi-dimensional impact of globalisation on tribal development in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6181,"topper":"Ranveer Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ecba7-319209_1836_ranveer-singh_rank-732.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The PM-AASHA scheme is aimed at improving procurement mechanism as well as ensuring remunerative prices for farmers. In this context, highlight the various components of the scheme and discuss the concerns associated with it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Explaining the concept of blended finance, discuss the role it can play in mobilizing capital for infrastructure development in developing countries like India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss the challenges faced in the revival and revamp of dry ports in India and state the measures that can be adopted in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Monoculture is one of the major threats to ensuring food security and sustainability of Indian agriculture. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Aapda Mitra - a force of volunteers from across India trained in disaster response - is becoming a game changer in the field of disaster management in the country. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Why is the rise in lone wolf attacks considered as a serious challenge for security agencies around the world? Highlight the role of the internet in exacerbating such attacks. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The fundamental inefficiencies embedded in our military structures and processes are now being addressed through a slew of defence reforms in the country. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"In light of the recent establishment of the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in India, discuss the advantages and challenges in mainstreaming traditional medicine in the country. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Nano Urea Liquid has the potential to transform farming in India and across the world by improving productivity while reducing environmental pollution and input cost. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss the domino effect of high crude oil prices on the Indian economy. Also, enumerate the measures that India can take in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The consistent high operating ratio of the Indian Railways is indicative of its incapability to generate high operational surplus. Explain the reasons behind this trend. Also, highlight the remedial measures taken by the government in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Micro food processing sector is the key driver of growth in the Indian economy as it encourages food processing innovation. In this context, state the challenges faced by the micro food processing sector and discuss how the recent initiatives taken by the government aim to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Despite efforts by successive governments, equitable growth remains elusive and income inequality continues to persist in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Stating the factors that determine the employment situation of an economy in the long-term, discuss the measures that are needed for India to address its unemployment problem. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"In view of the rapidly increasing socio-economic damage caused by disasters, integrating Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) into development planning requires an effective stakeholder engagement mechanism. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Provide an account of the existing carbon trading mechanisms in India. Also, discuss the significance of an efficient carbon trading market in the country and state the challenges that currently exist. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The menace of drug trafficking in India has been on a rise due to a mix of factors, both internal and external. Discuss. Also, state the challenges posed by drug trafficking to India's national security. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The Andaman and Nicobar islands' strategic significance in the Indian Ocean region (IOR) has been underplayed by India's policy of 'masterly inactivity and benign neglect'. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India has recently commissioned the world's first large International Liquid-Mirror Telescope (ILMT). How will the newly commissioned telescope aid in India's astronomical observations and research? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6182,"topper":"Ranveer Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5cc79-319209_2214_ranveer-singh_rank-732.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The ideals of 'Dhamma' by Ashoka present key learnings on public morality. Discuss. Also, state their relevance for public servants. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Although bribery is illegal and counterproductive, public officials still demand bribes, and executives in the private sector remain tempted to pay up. In this context, discuss ways in which corporations can build a framework to eliminate the practice of offering kickbacks. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"It is argued that the Indian bureaucracy suffers from indecision and risk aversion. Do you agree? Justify with logical arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Although open and transparent governance has gained ground, do you agree with the view that there is merit in withholding some information from people? Justify your arguments with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"While it may seem restrictive, anonymity is one of the greatest strengths of the civil services. Comment in the context of growth of social media in recent times. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"A legally enforceable code of ethics for civil servants, which not only prescribes the ethical values they must display in their public life but also provides sanctions for violations of these values, is the need of the hour. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Examine the issue of foreign aid in global politics from an ethical perspective. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"There is a need for an effective climate governance structure within the broad framework of corporate governance. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"A well-developed Emotional intelligence is not only an instrumental tool in accomplishing goals, but has a dark side as a weapon for manipulating others by robbing them of their capacity to reason.\" Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The opportunities and threats created by emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) require leaders across business, government and civil society to understand the importance of values and ethics in technological development. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"All persons ought to endeavour to follow what is right, and not what is established.\" — Aristotle (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":34,"question":"Capital punishment, or \"death penalty,\" is an institutionalized practice designed to result in deliberately executing persons in response to actual or supposed misconduct and following an authorized, rule-governed process to conclude that the person is responsible for violating norms that warrant execution. Punitive executions have historically been imposed by diverse kinds of authorities, for an expansive range of conduct, political or religious beliefs and practices, for a status beyond one's control, or without employing any significant due process procedures. Punitive executions also have and continue to be carried out more informally, such as by terrorist groups, urban gangs, and mobs. For centuries in Europe and America, discussions have focused on capital punishment as an institutionalized, rule-governed practice of modern states and legal systems governing serious criminal conduct and procedures. In light of the above debate of capital punishment, answer the following questions: (a) What are the arguments in favour of and against having capital punishment in the criminal justice system? (b) Do you think capital punishment has a place in modern civilised society? Examine in the context of moral implications involved in awarding it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"An Indian company is active in the telecom sector and is the majority owner of a telecom company based in other geographies across the world. At one of its European headquarters, there emerged whistleblowing allegations that a local executive was bribing local government officials in order to obtain telecom cabling and construction contracts from the local government. The kickbacks were allegedly paid through a third-party consultant. More specifically, there were allegations that the executive, the third party, and a government official had some sort of business interest in common, possibly shareholdings in a limited company or the joint ownership of an undisclosed asset. The company is thought to be particularly close to the ruling dispensation in India and the news has now raised pressure to put its business operations in India under scanner as well. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the ethical challenges in the given case? (b) Identify the different stakeholders and their interests. (c) As the CEO of the firm, how would you respond to the given situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are the Chairperson of Staff Selection Commission of a state. Recently, an exam for recruitment to the position of sub-inspectors was conducted by the Commission. But a video of some students using hi-tech devices like spy-mics, and placing \"solvers\" to cheat in the exam by hiding bluetooth devices in wig, has been surfacing on the internet. Also, this is not an isolated incident; many instances of organized cheating scandals have shocked the state in recent years. Students are agitated and demanding cancellation of the exam and there is pressure on you to resign. However, your daughter had also appeared in this exam and is confident of clearing it. There are many other students who had waited for this exam for long time and are hopeful of clearing it with honest efforts. Whatever decision the Commission takes is bound to affect the career of a large number of candidates who appeared in the exam, including your daughter. (a) Highlight the ethical issues concerned in the case. (b) Why is cheating in examinations prevalent in many states across India? (c) What measures would you take to make sure that a similar situation does not arise in future?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6183,"topper":"Rashmi pradhan","air":319,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/RASHMI-PRADHAN-UPSC-2023-Rank-319-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6184,"topper":"Rashmi pradhan","air":319,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/RASHMI-PRADHAN-UPSC-2023-Rank-319-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6185,"topper":"Rashmi pradhan","air":175,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RASHMI-PRADHAN-UPSC-2024-Rank-175-MGP-Sample-Copy-.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6186,"topper":"Rasneet Kaur","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Visionias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0c8d7-46054445_4514_rasneet_kaur_rank_51.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Write two essays, choosing one topic from each of the Sections A and B, in about 1000-1200 words each :\n1. You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it.\n2. In matters of conscience, the law of the majority has no place.\n3. He who opens a school door, closes a prison.\n4. Only in the depths of winter can we truly appreciate the warmth of spring.\n5. We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.\n6. Copying is safe; innovation demands courage.\n7. The more we automate, the more human we must become.\n8. The pursuit of instant validation is creating a generation of restless minds.","marks":"125 x 2 = 250","words":"1000-1200 words each"},{"page":6,"question":"1. You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"What does the \"winter\" really signify?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"But do we really need validation from others?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6187,"topper":"Rasneet Kaur","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/565c8-46054445_4510_rasneet_kaur_rank_51.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. Folk music serves as a repository of the cultural identity. Discuss the role of folk music in preserving cultural heritage and promoting social cohesion.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. How does the Vesara style of temple architecture represent a synthesis of the Nagara and Dravida styles? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. Discuss the role played by Indians living abroad in advancing the cause of India's freedom struggle. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. How did the Marshall Plan influence the economic recovery and political stability of post-war Europe? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. Discuss the factors responsible for increased cyclonic activity in the Arabian Sea. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. How can technological interventions help in transforming the textile sector in India? What are the initiatives that the government has taken in this regard?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. What is a seiche and how does it form? Discuss the geographical conditions under which seiches are most likely to occur.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. How has rapid urbanisation affected the socio-cultural landscape of peri-urban regions in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Examine the role of historical and socio-political factors in driving communalism in Indian politics. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. Globalization has significantly influenced the aspirations, lifestyle, and value systems of Indian youth. Discuss with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. Examine how Chandragupta-II's reign symbolised a golden age of cultural development, laying the foundation for future advancements in Indian art and literature. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. Evaluate the intended and unintended consequences of British educational policies for the Indian society in the colonial period. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. India's territorial disputes after independence were not merely about borders, but also encompass issues of national identity, historical grievances, and geopolitical strategies. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. Discuss the geographical conditions responsible for the development of shola forests in the upper reaches of the Western Ghats. Highlight their ecological significance.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. Discuss the potential of natural hydrogen as a fuel to meet growing global energy demands? Why is it still an untapped industry? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. Why is there a shift of labour-intensive industries from China to South and Southeast Asia? Discuss the advantages and challenges for India in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. Explain the socio-economic transformations resulting from women's migration to metropolitan areas in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. The institution of marriage in India is increasingly becoming a site of conspicuous consumption and commodification. Critically examine the impact of this commercialisation on social equity and gender relations.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. Analyse how recognizing, reducing, and redistributing care work can foster gender equality and promote inclusive development in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. Discuss the changing nature of family structures in urban India. How is it impacting elderly care and socialization of the youth? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6188,"topper":"Rasneet Kaur","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3dc80-46054445_4511_rasneet_kaur_rank_51.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. How does the Supreme Court's recent decision on Aligarh Muslim University's minority status affect the interpretation of Article 30 of the Indian Constitution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. The Supreme Court, in a recent verdict, prescribed a time period for the Governor's assent to state legislative bills. What are the implications of this judgment for cooperative federalism and legislative accountability in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. Discuss the recent changes and initiatives related to cooperatives that aim to smoothen the tussle between the Centre and States in the cooperative sector. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. In recent years, use of social media and digital mobilisation by civil society has emerged as a powerful form of pressure politics. Examine its impact on policymaking and democratic accountability.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. How is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) emerging as a business-led solution for addressing development challenges in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. Discuss how mechanisms like public consultations and Jan Sunwais in India impact governance outcomes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. How effective have the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) and Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan been in addressing substance abuse in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. Rote learning and neglect of creativity in foundational education setup in India make it less ready for marketplaces that are now driven by Artificial Intelligence. Do you agree with this view? Substantiate your argument.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Analyze the transformation of the G7 from a symbol of Western strategic unity to a forum marked by internal contradictions. How should India navigate this changing dynamic to advance its strategic interests? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. Discuss the role of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in the development of developing countries. What are the key criticisms associated with its approach? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. The 103rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019 has introduced a new dimension to the principle of affirmative action in India. Critically examine its implications for the broader goal of social justice.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. The District Planning Committee (DPC) was envisioned as a key instrument to strengthen grassroots-level planning. How far has it succeeded in achieving this goal? Discuss the challenges faced by DPCs and suggest measures to make them more effective.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. The restrictions imposed under Article 293 of the Constitution on State borrowing powers, though constitutionally valid, may hinder fiscal autonomy of States and disrupt cooperative federalism. Discuss in the light of recent developments. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. Examine the tension between the right to contest elections and the need to uphold electoral ethics under the Representation of the People Act. Should there be a lifetime ban on convicted criminals? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"# TENSION Between Right to Contest and need to Uphold electoral ethics\n1) Money and Muscle power gets promoted if everyone allowed to contest.\n2) criminal and frivolous elements may take advantage over others.\nIn this light ; Two Arguments\n1 LIFETIME BAN ON CONVICTED CRIMINALS :","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"15. To what extent has the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme, launched in 2015, succeeded in addressing the declining child sex ratio and empowering the girl child? Suggest measures to enhance its impact at the grassroots level.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are emerging as vehicles of socio-economic transformation in rural India. Examine the role of government in scaling their reach and effectiveness. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. Despite economic growth, multidimensional poverty continues to persist in India. Analyse the underlying causes and discuss the measures taken by the government to address them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. India faces a paradox of food surplus and nutritional deficit. Analyse the structural reasons behind this paradox and suggest reform strategies. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. India's timely response during the economic crises in Sri Lanka and the Maldives reflects its \"Neighbourhood First\" policy in action. Examine how Indian aid has impacted bilateral ties with these nations. What steps can further be taken to promote sustainable economic cooperation in the Indian Ocean region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"20 Discuss the geostrategic significance of Afghanistan for India in the context of continental connectivity and access to Central Asia. How has the altered political landscape post-2021 affected India's connectivity and energy corridor ambitions?","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6189,"topper":"Rasneet Kaur","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6347f-46054445_4512_rasneet_kaur_rank_51.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. Analyse the factors that have contributed to India's inclusive economic growth in the past decade.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. The Reserve Bank of India’s surplus transfers offer the government much-needed fiscal space, yet they are not without challenges. Critically examine the implications of the RBI's surplus transfers to the government.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. To what extent was the first National Monetization Pipeline (NMP) able to meet its objectives? What are the objectives of the new Asset Monetization Plan 2025-30 as announced in the recent 2025 Budget? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. Examine the major challenges hindering the Indian textile industry from achieving its full potential in the global value chain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. Why has India become increasingly import-dependent for edible oils despite being a major agricultural economy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. Air accidents are low-frequency but high-impact events. Examine the disaster management protocols in place for aviation-related emergencies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. Chemical pollution poses a grave threat to human health and the environment in India. Discuss the key sources contributing to pervasive chemical contamination and evaluate the effectiveness of existing environmental laws in curbing this problem.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. Missile defence systems are becoming critical for national security in the face of evolving regional threats and advanced weapon technologies. Explain the working principle of missile defence systems. Critically assess India's progress in developing indigenous missile defence capabilities.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Despite multiple resolutions and initiatives undertaken by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), its efforts to counter terrorism have achieved limited success. Discuss the reasons for this limited effectiveness.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. India practices a ‘multi-alignment’ approach in its cyber diplomacy. How does this posture strengthen India’s internal security while maintaining strategic autonomy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. While examining the shortcomings of the land reforms in the past, elaborate what land reforms 2.0 should look like. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"LAND REFORMS 2.0 SHOULD LOOK LIKE :-","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"12. As NITI Aayog completes 10 years of its establishment, critically examine its role in the planning and development paradigm of governance in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. What are the primary causes of limited formal credit penetration among the rural and unbanked populations in India? Comment on the effectiveness of Small Finance Banks in addressing this gap and advancing inclusive financial growth.","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. To what extent has the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for the food processing industry facilitated value addition, employment generation, and global competitiveness in India's food processing industry? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. Waste circularity is emerging as a sustainable solution to India's mounting solid waste crisis. Discuss the key principles of waste circularity and the government's initiative in this regard. How effective have these measures been in fostering a circular economy? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"# GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES REGARDING WASTE CIRCULARITY","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"16. Discuss the importance of integrating traditional ecological knowledge of India's tribal communities with modern disaster management frameworks. Mention two examples where indigenous practices have contributed to disaster resilience.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. CRISPR technology has rapidly advanced in recent years, with new tools and clinical breakthroughs. Highlight the recent developments in CRISPR-based gene editing technology applications. Discuss the opportunities and ethical challenges these advancements present for healthcare and society.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. A credible semiconductor ecosystem is pivotal for India's economic security as much as for national security. Analyse the strategic objectives, incentives, and institutional architecture of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM). Identify the major risks that could derail its timelines.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. Intricate inter-play of diverse factors has been the force multipliers for extremism in the North East. Discuss. Suggest a multilayered strategy to tackle the menace of extremism in this region. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. Despite recent steps towards inducting women into combat roles, their participation remains low. Examine the key challenges impeding the greater inclusion of women in the Indian armed forces. Also, suggest suitable measures to enhance their participation.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6190,"topper":"Rasneet Kaur","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/df294-46054445_4513_rasneet_kaur_rank_51.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. (a) Compassion is the courageous choice to feel another's suffering as one's own, and to act upon it, even when silence is safer and indifference is easier. Examine the significance of compassion as an essential ethical value for civil servants in India. Illustrate your answer with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"1. (b) Marriages in India are transitioning from traditional sacramental unions to more autonomous relationships, reflected in live-in relationships and rising divorce rates. Discuss the ethical dimensions of these changes.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"2. (a) While accountability often necessitates documentation, an overemphasis on bureaucratic procedures and excessive paperwork can inadvertently silence the very voices that public policy intends to empower, particularly at the grassroots. Examine the above statement with suitable illustrations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"2. (b) The principle of impartiality may conflict with the need for compassion towards marginalized communities. Discuss in the context of civil services in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"3 (a) What do each of the following quotations mean to you?\n \"The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home.\" - Confucius (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"3. (b) \"Act only according to that maxim through which you can at the same time will that it become a universal law.\"- Immanuel Kant (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"3. (c) “We are not only responsible for what we do, but also for what we fail to do” - Molière. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"4. (a) Patriotism encourages ethical questioning, while nationalism often suppresses it. Discuss this statement in light of the formation of political attitudes during high-pressure national events. How can individuals develop moral attitudes that balance national interest with ethical reasoning?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"4. (b) Discuss how employee well-being and fairness can be balanced with efficiency and profitability in private organisations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"5. (a) Do you agree that excessive use of social media and emerging AI technologies may lead to a decline in emotional regulation and moral sensitivity among adolescents? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"5. (b) In light of the increasing incidents of suicides among students in India, discuss how Emotional Intelligence (EI) can aid in managing stress and emotional challenges.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"6. (a) In public service, emotional intelligence is not about suppressing emotion, but mastering its purpose — to connect, to de-escalate, and to uplift others with empathy and strength. Do you agree with this view? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"6. (b) An efficient work culture is built not only on rules, but on shared values. In this context, evaluate the role of leadership and team dynamics in transforming work culture within an organization.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"7 You are posted as the Joint Secretary in the Department of Information Technology of a state. The government recently implemented several citizen-centric digital services, collecting large volumes of personal data from residents. The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, requires that such data be processed only with explicit and informed consent, and mandates that processing must cease immediately upon withdrawal of consent.\n\nDuring an internal audit, you discover that the department continues to process and analyze personal data of several citizens even after they have formally withdrawn their consent. This data is being used for policy analytics and service improvement, purposes not explicitly disclosed at the time of data collection. When you bring this to the attention of your department head, you are informed that halting the processing will disrupt ongoing digital initiatives and may affect state-level performance metrics. Moreover, you find that the consent withdrawal process is cumbersome, and many citizens are unaware of their rights under the DPDP Act.\n\nYou also learn that a prominent social activist is planning to file a complaint with the Data Protection Board against involuntary use of personal data, which could attract public scrutiny and legal action against the department.\n(a) Identify and discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.\n(b) What are the potential consequences for the department if the issue is not addressed transparently?\n(c) How would you balance the need for efficient public service delivery with the obligation to protect citizens’ data rights? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"8 You are an IAS officer, currently serving as the Secretary of the Public Works Department in a hill state. Recently, a disturbing incident has come to light involving a senior Cabinet Minister and two engineers of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). During an inspection of a critical highway project, the Minister was allegedly seen on video physically assaulting and verbally abusing the engineers in full public view. The video, recorded by bystanders, went viral on social media and was widely covered by television channels, sparking both outrage and support from different sections of society. The Minister later defended his actions, alleging that the officials were corrupt, unresponsive to local grievances, and responsible for inordinate delays in the project. He insisted that his actions were driven by public frustration and the urgency of delivering infrastructure to a remote region.\n\nHowever, the engineers have filed a police complaint and written to their superiors, claiming they were targeted for resisting political pressure to award contracts to specific local contractors linked to the Minister. As the situation escalated, a union of NHAI engineers declared a strike,\n(a) इस प्रकरण में शामिल प्रमुख नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं? हितधारकों और उनके परस्पर विरोधी हितों की पहचान कीजिए।\n(b) लोक निर्माण विभाग के सचिव के रूप में, आप उपयुक्त स्थिति में क्या कार्रवाई करेंगे?\n(c) ऐसी घटनाएं सिविल सेवकों के मनोबल और शासन में जनता के विश्वास को कैसे प्रभावित करती हैं? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"(a) What are the key ethical issues involved in this situation? Identify the stakeholders and their conflicting interests.\n(b) As the Secretary of the PWD, what actions will you take in above situation?\n(c) How do such incidents affect the morale of civil servants and public trust in governance? (Answer in 250 words)\na) What are the key ethical issues involved in this situation? Identify the stakeholders and their conflicting interests.\nb) As the Secretary of the PWD, what actions will you take in above situation?\nc) How do such incidents affect the morale of civil servants and public trust in governance?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"9 You are the Secretary in the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Government of India. In recent years, an increasing number of civil servants, particularly younger officers from the IAS, IPS, and IRS, have begun maintaining personal YouTube channels and social media pages. On these platforms, they regularly post videos related to their official work — showcasing innovative projects, public outreach initiatives, inspection drives, and sometimes even day-to-day administrative duties.\n\nThese videos often receive widespread public attention, and many viewers express admiration, saying such content enhances transparency, motivates aspirants, and humanizes the bureaucracy. However, concerns have also emerged from various quarters. Senior officers argue that such content may blur the boundaries between personal branding and public service, while some citizens and media commentators point to instances where videos feature vulnerable beneficiaries without consent, raise concerns about misuse of official premises, or seem designed more for personal popularity than public accountability.\n(a) लोक सेवकों द्वारा अपने आधिकारिक कार्यों को सोशल मीडिया पर सार्वजनिक रूप से प्रदर्शित करने के कृत्यों में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों की पहचान कीजिए।\n(b) क्या ऐसी प्रवृत्तियां जागरूकता और प्रेरणा को प्रोत्साहित करती हैं या क्या ये अनामिता, तटस्थता और सामूहिक सेवा भावना के मूल्यों से समझौता करती हैं? अपना मत दीजिए।\n(c) सचिव के रूप में, लोक सेवकों की उत्तरदायित्व डिजिटल सहभागिता सुनिश्चित करने के लिए आप कौन-से मार्गदर्शक सिद्धांत और नीतिगत अनुशंसाएं सुझाएंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"You have been asked to prepare a report with recommendations to balance public interest, institutional integrity, and evolving modes of communication.\n(a) Identify the ethical issues involved in civil servants publicly showcasing their official work on social media.\n(b) Do such practices promote awareness and motivation, or do they compromise the values of anonymity, neutrality, and collective service ethos? Give your opinion.\n(c) As the Secretary, what guiding principles and policy recommendations would you suggest to ensure responsible digital engagement by civil servants? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"10 You are the Director of the National Bioethics Commission who is responsible for assessing the ethical feasibility and oversight of a nationwide gene sequencing program. The project named GeneFuture, aims to sequence the DNA of every newborn child and store it in a centralized national database. The objective is to identify genetic predispositions to serious diseases early in life, allowing for preventive treatment and personalized medicine. Over 100,000 babies have already been enrolled in the pilot phase of the program. The government claims that this move is a landmark step in public health advancement.\n\nHowever, collection of newborn genetic data raises significant ethical concerns, particularly around informed consent, which may not fully capture parents' understanding of the long-term risks involved. Once gathered, this sensitive data could be misused for purposes such as surveillance, insurance discrimination, or commercial marketing by third parties. Uncertainty over data ownership—whether it lies with the state, parents, or the individual as they mature—further complicates the issue. The involvement of private tech and pharmaceutical companies heightens fears of commercial exploitation, especially in the absence of clear mechanisms for individuals to withdraw consent or delete their genetic information upon reaching adulthood.\n(a) What are the ethical issues you perceive in the implementation of the GeneFuture program?\n(b) Identify the conflicting interests of different stakeholders in this case.\n(c) What guiding ethical principles would you recommend for implementation of this project? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"c ETHICAL PRINCIPLES THAT CAN HELP GUIDE ME\n1) Treating Newborn not just as a means but as ends (Kantian Deontological Ethics)\n2) Aristotelian Virtue Ethics honesty courage integrity\n3) Immanuel Kant's categorical Imperative - \"Right Means for a Right End\".","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"11 You are a dedicated District Health Officer (DHO) with a strong commitment to evidence-based public health practices, recently assigned to a remote district in India. Your immediate and most critical task is to lead a crucial district-wide Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination drive, aimed at achieving 100% immunization coverage among children aged 9 months to 15 years. The success of this drive is vital for the collective health of thousands of children and for the district's overall health indicators, especially with the impending monsoon season posing additional health challenges.\n\nHowever, in one of the largest and most traditional villages in your district, you encounter formidable resistance. The villagers, deeply influenced by the pronouncements of a revered local\n(a) उपयुक्त प्रकरण में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\n(b) इस विरोध को शांत करने के लिए आपके पास तत्काल क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\n(c) अंधविश्वास के व्यापक प्रभाव को दूर करने और संधारणीय लोक स्वास्थ्य परिणामों हेतु वैज्ञानिक सोच को बढ़ावा देने के लिए आप कौन-सी दीर्घकालिक रणनीतियाँ और प्रणालीगत सुधारों का सुझाव देंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case.\n(b) What are the immediate options available to you to overcome this resistance?\n(c) What long-term strategies and systemic reforms would you suggest to address the pervasive influence of superstition and foster a scientific temperament for sustainable public health outcomes? (Answer in 250 words)\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case.\nb) What are the immediate options available to you to overcome this resistance?\nc) What long-term strategies and systemic reforms would you suggest to address the pervasive influence of superstition and foster a scientific temperament for sustainable public health outcomes?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"12 You are a highly motivated and principle-driven Gram Panchayat Secretary, recently posted in a large and socio-economically diverse village in a remote district. Your immediate and most critical task is the meticulous verification of beneficiaries for the 'Gramin Awas Yojana' – a flagship state housing scheme aimed at providing 'pucca' (brick) houses to the genuinely impoverished and landless households. The scheme is under tight deadlines, with funds ...\n(a) What are the probable administrative and ethical difficulties you face?\n(b) Discuss all the available options for you.\n(c) Which broad course of action will you take while adhering to ethical propriety? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":58,"question":"(a) What are the potential administrative and ethical dilemmas you face?\n(b) Discuss all options available to you.\n(c) What comprehensive course of action would you choose to adopt, providing ethical justification for your decision? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6191,"topper":"Rasneet Kaur","air":51,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/584b6-46054445_4521_rasneet_kaur_rank_51.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6192,"topper":"Rasneet Kaur","air":51,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/44cb8-46054445_4522_rasneet_kaur_rank_51.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6193,"topper":"Raspreet Singh","air":196,"year":2019,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8ab18-375436_1247_raspreet-singh_rank_rank_196.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6194,"topper":"RATHOR LAKHANSING","air":756,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/23/pttp220803_tc061.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6195,"topper":"RATHOR LAKHANSING","air":756,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/24/pttp220803_tc062.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6196,"topper":"RATHOR LAKHANSING","air":756,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/179/pttp220803_tc072-test-02-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6197,"topper":"RATHOR LAKHANSING","air":756,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/180/pttp220803_tc073-test-03-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6198,"topper":"RATHOR LAKHANSING","air":756,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/181/pttp220803_tc074-test-04-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6199,"topper":"RATHOR LAKHANSING","air":756,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/176/pttp220803_tc072-test-02-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6200,"topper":"RATHOR LAKHANSING","air":756,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/177/pttp220803_tc073-test-03-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6201,"topper":"RATHOR LAKHANSING","air":756,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/178/pttp220803_tc074-test-04-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6202,"topper":"Raunak Agarwal","air":13,"year":2019,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/36a3d-206428_1252_raunak-agarwal_rank_13.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6203,"topper":"Raunak Agarwal","air":13,"year":2019,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1f7d8-206428_1256_raunak-agarwal_rank_13.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6204,"topper":"Raunak Agarwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/dbe72-206428_1437_raunak-agarwal_rank_13.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Illustrate how pressure groups have emerged as a strong mechanism for making democracy participatory and responsive.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Highlight the importance of State Finance Commission in strengthening fiscal federalism in India. Do you agree with the view that they have not been provided with the necessary environment to play their rightful role?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Explain the significance and controversies, if any, associated with the Article 35A of the Indian constitution.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"It is of paramount importance to ensure that the Election Commission of India (ECI) be fully insulated from political pressure to maintain the purity of elections. In this context, discuss the need to have a relook at the process of appointment and removal of EC.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"By providing new pools of leadership talent, lateral entry will help in addressing the most crucial challenges that the civil services in India currently face. Critically evaluate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Public service delivery in India has long been marred by various issues leading to poor service delivery outcomes. While discussing the reasons for the same, suggest ways to make public service delivery more efficient.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Q.16: Discuss why the definition of public authorities under RTI Act is a contentious issue. Also explain the rationale behind CIC's directive that national political parties be covered by RTI Act.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Q:17: Universal Health coverage is a worthwhile goal. However, achieving the in India is challenging. Analyze. In the context, discuss the significance of Ayushman Bharat.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Q:18: The strategy of combating poverty in India must rest on both effective implementation of anti-poverty programmes and employment intensive economic growth. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6205,"topper":"Raunak Agarwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/02347-206428_1242_raunak-agarwal_rank_13.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Tribal art in India generally reflects the creative energy found in rural areas that acts as an undercurrent to the craftsmanship. Explain with reference to the Warli and Gond paintings.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Though it had its achievements, the exclusion of Indians from the system was a key feature of Judicial reforms introduced by Cornwallis. Analyze.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Examine the causes behind the existence of bonded labour in contemporary India. Also, discuss the steps that should be taken for its redress.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"State the factors that enhance the risk for initiation or continuation of abuse of drugs by the youth. What measures can be taken to address this issue?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Critically analyze the impact of globalization on culture in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"How do increasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions impact coastal and marine ecosystems? Highlight various measures that can be taken for protection and restoration of such vulnerable ecosystems.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Explain the phenomenon of a Polar Vortex. Also, comment on the reasons as to why tropical areas as south as Florida have been witnessing sub-zero temperatures in recent years.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"The most powerful trend of medieval Indian literature is devotional poetry which dominates almost all the major languages of the country. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"Discuss the major changes introduced by the Government of India Act, 1919 and its significance as a historical landmark in the Indian freedom struggle.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Multiple factors allowed the British to gain control over India. In this context, highlighting the main developments, trace the course of British conquest of India from 1757 to 1856.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"With India becoming increasingly urban and the urban poor increasing in numbers, it is imperative that the challenges they face be addressed urgently. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"Violations of women's sexual and reproductive health rights are often deeply engrained in societal values and traditions. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by the term land Degradation Neutrality? Highlight its significance and the steps required to achieve it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"State the geographical and economic importance of Hindu Kush - Himalayan region. How are the critical geographical features of this region changing and what possible conquences will it have ?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"What is the most accepted reasoning behind occurence of earth's magnetism ? Discuss the factors behind its variation temporarily and spatially.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6206,"topper":"Raunak Agarwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/07a8c-206428_1449_raunak-agarwal_rank_13.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Bringing higher judiciary under the ambit of RTI has its own merits and demerits. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Tribunals in India have not just replicated some of the problems that our judiciary suffers from but added a few more. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Parliamentary privileges are not always used for the aims they were intended to serve. In this context, discuss the need for codification of these privileges in light of recent developments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"There is a point of view that the office of Governor has outlived its relevance and needs to be abolished. Critically examine in the current context. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Is lateral entry in civil services the panacea to address the challenges, which hamper the effective functioning of bureaucracy in India? Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Highlighting the grievances of states towards Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS), explain how the government has sought to rationalise these schemes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The PM Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) has begun well and holds a lot of promise, however it needs to address multiple challenges to become a success. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Highlighting its key features, examine the need for the passage of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill by the Parliament at the earliest. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"With changing times India's engagement with its diaspora has also undergone a change. Explain in the context of government policies on diaspora. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Despite its immense potential, the challenges associated with RCEP for India cannot be ignored. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Decentralisation in India has been fairly successful at the political level, however on the fiscal and administrative fronts progress is marred by several bottlenecks. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The provisions of the Anti-Defection Law have been repeatedly violated and are routinely misinterpreted. Examine. Also, suggest measures to strengthen the Anti-Defection Law. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The amendment process for the Indian Constitution follows a middle path between rigidity and flexibility. Comment in comparative perspective. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Assess the effectiveness of the institutional architecture of Indian federalism in settling inter-state disputes. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The recent advances in technologies have the potential to make e-governance a very potent tool for ushering in an era of good governance. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"While Indians are donating to charitable causes more than ever, philanthropy in India is still at a formative stage. In this context, highlight the significance of philanthropy and state the factors holding back philanthropy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Highlight the challenges faced in implementation of healthcare schemes in India. Examine how creation of a robust digital health ecosystem can prove to be a game changer in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"For India to emerge as a knowledge superpower, it is imperative to address the challenges of access, equity, quality, affordability and accountability faced by the current education system. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Ties with both USA and Russia are important for India, however, both these relations have their own sets of challenges, and some of these are further accentuated by the friction between these two powers. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6207,"topper":"Raunak Agarwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/967c6-206428_1245_raunak-agarwal_rank_13.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"1(a) Highlight the attributes of leadership. Analyse why it is important for a civil servant.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":4,"question":"1(b) A civil servant needs to be objective as well as empathetic. What do we understand by objectivity? Discuss its relation with empathy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"2(a) With rapidly increasing use of IT, what according to you is the role of ethics in cyber space?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"2(b) Transparency in govt organisations is an essential pre-condition for good governance. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"5(b) In the context of rapid technological change, discuss the significance of inculcating moral and spiritual values in educational institutions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"Explain the main elements of Integral Humanism by Deen Dayal Upadhyaya and highlight its contemporary relevance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate in a district, where many large factories and commercial establishments are located. One such factory is owned by one of your close friends. You visit each other's home frequently and are often seen in public together. Recently, media reported about poor working conditions in your friend's factory. Upon enquiry with the labor office, you come to know that the factory has witnessed frequent labour unrests in the past as well. However, the labour officer told you that he was hesitating to take any action due to your proximity with the owner of the factory. With reference to the facts of the case, answer the following questions: (a) Identifying the stakeholders and public cause, discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) As the District Magistrate, what appropriate course of action will you take? Give reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"You are the Chairman of a Committee, constituted by the government, to suggest measures to improve the quality of education in state-run schools. In view of the increasing dropout rate and the widening gap between students' learning ability in state-run and private schools, answer the following questions: (a) Examine the role of government in the education sector, especially providing primary and secondary education through state-run schools. (b) Identify the principles and values that would guide your recommendations in this regard. (c) Suggest some ways in which quality of education in state-run schools can be improved.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6208,"topper":"Raunak Agarwal","air":13,"year":2019,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/56d9c-206428_1439_raunak-agarwal_rank_13.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6209,"topper":"RAUNAK SHARMA","air":659,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Medical Science","optional":true,"source":"IAS Delhi Institute","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NIsGChALN9coIYZILmDaezM45zCknpEl/view?usp=sharing","questions":[]},{"id":6210,"topper":"Ravi Anand","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/13976_747_Ravi_Anand_Rank_79.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"A broad ethical framework as a guiding light for international relations will not only ensure harmonious relations between nations but will also lead to progress of the human race. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"What does inequality mean to you? What are the different kinds of inequality? Is inequality morally wrong?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"One has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws. In light of this statement, examine the relevance of civil disobedience in a modern democratic society. Discuss the duties and responsibilities of a law enforcing officer in such situations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Ensuring accountability in the administration just adds another layer in the bureaucratic process. Examine. Differentiate between accountability and responsibility. Suggest some measures through which administrative accountability can be made more effective in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"\"Morality is based neither on the principle of utility, nor on a law of nature, but on human reason. But human reason can be fallible.\" Comment., What does morality mean to you?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"For effective public service delivery, the need today is to move from traditional accountability mechanisms to social accountability through greater civic engagement. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"What do you mean by social justice? Explain with examples, why it is imperative for a society to promote social justice.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Investigative reporting by media can be a significant source of information on corruption. What are ethical issues involved in investigative journalism? What safeguards can be introduced to prevent its misuse?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"While transplantation of organs represents one of the most spectacular achievements of modern medical science, it has raised many ethical issues as well. Discuss. Also, examine the issues related to organ transplantation in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"There can be honesty without integrity, but no integrity without honesty. Do you agree? Justify your stand with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"\"It is not always the same thing to be a good person and a good citizen.\" Explain the meaning of this statement and analyse its implications for a democratic society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Value of compassion towards the weak extends the limits of operations of a public servant by introducing flexibility but dilutes the principle of objectivity. Discuss. If a conflict arises between the value of compassion and principle of objectivity, how will you deal with it as a public servant?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Which administrator had a lasting impact on your decision to join the civil services and why? Should administrators have increased media presence so that the common man can know more about their efforts and achievements? Justify your stand.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"You are a Secretary in a government department. Your Minister has proposed an unemployment grant, which is expected to cost the public exchequer heavily. Having already taken the decision, he asks you to come up with research to support the scheme. Despite your best efforts, you fail to find socio-economic benefit in it. You approach the Minister with relevant facts and studies and ask him to reconsider his decision. Instead, he asks you to suppress the negative impacts and actively promote the scheme through mass media as the percieved social impacts are more important than economic impacts. Elections are due in a short time and the political party currently in power is expected to win. You are also due for promotion at the same time. You are expected to fully cooperate in the situation and make the scheme a success, however flawed its foundations may be. (a) List the different stakeholders in the above situation and mention their prospective interests. (b) Discuss the ethical dilemma which you face in this situation. (c) Some of the alternatives for you to handle the situation could be: • Do as asked by the Minister.. • Insist on publication of results and let the public decide whether it wants the scheme. • Call a press conference and brief the media about the results and the callous attitude of the Minister. Suggest any other possible option(s). Evaluate all of them and suggest the best course of action, giving reasons for it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"The International Money Bank has granted loan to the government to construct ten dams. The dams would provide water for irrigation of crops, control floods in some parts of your district, and supply drinking water to numerous towns and cities. Seven of these dams are to be constructed in areas of high ecological value occupied by native groups who are challenging the government. The native groups, who oppose the construction of the dams, represent a minority compared to the multiple towns and cities which would benefit from the dams. Nevertheless, it should be taken under consideration that the natives consider the forests as their own. Also, their distinctive life style and culture is intimately related to the existence of these natural areas. It has been noted that the forests also have a very high ecological value. If this project is completed, their land would submerge and the natives would have to be relocated. The International Money Bank is aware of this yet it has granted the loan. You are the District Magistrate of this district. Every day protests and demonstrations are happening in your office. The government has given you the responsibility to manage the situation. What are the various options available to you. Evaluate all of them and suggest the best course of action, giving reasons for it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"You are a doctoral student at a large university in the final months of your research on a potentially revolutionary technology. Meanwhile, you have also applied for post-doctoral research cum teaching positions at various universities. To your pleasant surprise, you get an interview call from your undergraduate alma mater, a prestigious research institution in a city where you would love to live. In the interview, the department chair asks for detailed information about your research. Your group is working on a patent application and its members have agreed not to provide details until a paper currently being prepared is submitted for publication. You explain the situation and tell them that you would be glad to send them an early preprint when it is available. But the Chair pushes harder for this information, remarking that the Department seeks team players, willing to share information with department colleagues. She also appeals to your undergraduate connection with the institution. (a) Enumerate the ethical issues involved in the case in light of your current responsibilities vis-a-vis future expectations. (b) Discuss the possible motivations of the department chair in pressing you for detailed information. (c) What stand will you take in such a situation? Give reasonable justification for your arguments.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"You have recently been appointed as the District Collector of an impoverished district, which has been witnessing drought for the last couple of years. Corruption at lower levels of bureaucracy has further aggravated the situation. The district also faces the problem of diminishing resources of drinking water. Despite, the gravity of the problem, the response from the central and the state government is lackadaisical. Moreover, the media coverage of the problem is also dismal. To make matters worse, the younger members of the community are migrating in search of work to the urban areas without much success, leaving the elders, women, and children behind to fend for themselves. (a) As the District Collector what would be your priorities for solving the problem? (b) How would you tackle the situation? (c) What long term measures would you take to prevent the future recurrence of the problem?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":56,"question":"In a district, in which you are posted as a District Magistrate, a teacher molests a child in a government run school. As the news of this crime spreads, the parents, relatives and locals gather at the school. The culprit teacher has meanwhile fled. The police arrests the Principal of the school and assure the crowd that the culprit would be arrested soon. The crowd, however, has gone berserk and begins to damage the school building. It wants immediate arrest of the culprit and is not ready to budge until he is arrested. (a) Is it correct to take the Principal into custody when he has personally not committed the crime? Support your answer with appropriate reasons. (b) What options do you have in dealing with the crowd? Enumerate the merits and demerits of each and also suggest the best possible option. (c) In the capacity of District Magistrate what would be your long term plan to prevent molestations and rapes in the schools?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6211,"topper":"Ravi Gangwar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9f8e7-121488_1433_ravi_gangwar_rank_616.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"Impersonal management, a characteristic feature of a Weberian bureaucracy, develops over time into indifference, especially with regard to weaker sections of the society. Critically discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"In pursuit of political power, means are often compromised that leads to competitive reliance on unethical practices resulting in erosion of public trust. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"It takes more than a corporate governance policy to inspire ethical behavior and sustain a truly ethical workplace. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"\"Law should be so succinct that it can be carried in the pocket of the coat and it should be so simple that it can be understood by a peasant.\" Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Ethics in international relations has the potential to cater to the diplomatic challenges of 21st century. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Nolan Committee provides for one of the most comprehensive statements of what constitutes ethical standards for holders of public office. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"The sharper the socio-economic disparities, the greater the incentive towards corruption. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"The moral worth of an action depends not on the consequences that flow from it, but on its motivation. Explain the statement with the help of suitable examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"The universal adoption of common good approach poses the ethical dilemma of putting collective interests over and above the individual interests. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"You are an honest and responsible civil servant. You often observe the following: (a) If one wants to remain effective and powerful to create impact on the lives of people, one should remain loyal to those in power. (b) Following ethical means may not be practical and effective at all times. (c) Petty corruption expedites the service delivery. Examine the above statements with their merits and demerits.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Recently, two national level sportspersons who are integral members of their team, made some comments in a talk show which were perceived as being grossly misogynistic and racist. This created a huge controversy and they were temporarily suspended from the team pending an enquiry. In light of these events, answer the following questions: (a) Do you think public figures have an additional responsibility in so far as expressing their views on matters of public importance is concerned? Give reasons. (b) According to you, what are the reasons that some prominent public figures make such misogynistic comments, and even get away without any consequences? (c) As the person in charge to enquire into the conduct, what factors would you consider to examine it and what punishment, if any, would you prescribe in this specific case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"There are large number of leather industries in a major industrial town of India. They provide employment to large number of people and are also a prominent source of revenue for the state. Lately it has been observed that despite following the present emission control rules, the collective ecological footprint of these industries remains quite high affecting the surrounding areas in an adverse manner. The new technologies available for emission control are quite costly and thus acts as a disincentive for the owners of the industries for adopting them. In light of this information, the government is contemplating the following options: (a) Shutting down the industries in the region (b) Relocating the industries to a new region (c) Making the emission control rules stricter (d) Providing incentives to the industry owners for adoption of new technology. Analyse the above options in terms of their merits and demerits. What course of action would you choose and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Many coal mines in a district subject the workers to inhuman working conditions with little safety measures in place. As such, there have been several accidents and many workers have died in the past. In recognition of a recent accident where fifteen workers were trapped and died, the National Green Tribunal has ordered for closure of all such mines. Some of them have shut down, but many still continue to operate by getting an exception from the government, sometimes using the unholy nexus of politicians-miners-bureaucrats. In absence of alternative employment, the locals have no other choice but to work in mines. The mine owners are in-fact inciting the workers to protest to simultaneously put a pressure on the state to completely overturn the ban. As a District Magistrate of this district, you have been asked by the State government to prepare a report on this issue and give recommendations to resolve it. In this regard, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the interests of State and analyse whether there may be a conflict amongst them? (b) Given that economic growth is often achieved with a large human cost, identify the principles and strategies which could be used in the given case to achieve desirable outcomes.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Recently you were posted as a District Magistrate of a predominantly agricultural district, which has been one of the best performers in agriculture since the last decade. In one of your field visits, you find that the large landowners, who are a socially, politically and economically powerful group, employ domestic helps and agriculture labour who are informally tied to them and have been working there since generations. In return, these workers are provided basic amenities like food and shelter apart from some money. However, you do sense a violation of basic human rights in this situation. In light of the above case, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the stakeholders, their interests and ethical issues involved in the case. (b) How does denial of choice amount to violation of human rights? (c) What course of action would you take? Give reasons.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6212,"topper":"Ravi Gangwar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QWVg-269klCuwBvnP1CLeBNpQevrS6h-/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Given below are two quotations. For each of these bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) The golden rule of conduct is mutual toleration, seeing that we will never all think alike and we shall always see Truth in fragment and from different points of vision. Mahatma Gandhi.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Impersonal management, a characteristic feature of a Weberian bureaucracy, develops over time into indifference, especially with regard to weaker sections of the society. Critically discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"In pursuit of political power, means are often compromised that leads to competitive reliance on unethical practices resulting in erosion of public trust. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"It takes more than a corporate governance policy to inspire ethical behavior and sustain a truly ethical workplace. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"\"Law should be so succinct that it can be carried in the pocket of the coat and it should be so simple that it can be understood by a peasant.\" Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Ethics in international relations has the potential to cater to the diplomatic challenges of 21st century. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Nolan Committee provides for one of the most comprehensive statements of what constitutes ethical standards for holders of public office. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"The sharper the socio-economic disparities, the greater the incentive towards corruption. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"The moral worth of an action depends not on the consequences that flow from it, but on its motivation. Explain the statement with the help of suitable examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"The universal adoption of common good approach poses the ethical dilemma of putting collective interests over and above the individual interests. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Compassion should never be considered as weakness, but rather as an essential element for providing a congenial administrative working environment. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Explain what you understand by the following values and discuss their importance for civil services: 10 (a) Professionalism","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"There have been widespread agitations both in favour of and against extending reservation in educational institutions and government jobs to a certain section of the society. You have been appointed as the chairman of a high level committee, constituted by the government to examine the matter and make recommendations. So far, the committee has found no compelling reasons to extend reservation to this section. While the report of the committee is pending finalization, you get an impression through the media that the government is inclined to accept the demand for extending the reservation, regardless of the findings of your committee. Some members of the committee are also inclined to support the government stand. (a) Discuss the dilemma, if any, that you face in this situation. (b) What course of action would you take? Give reasons for the same. (c) Also discuss the ethical issues involved with the policy of affirmative action in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"You are an honest and responsible civil servant. You often observe the following: (a) If one wants to remain effective and powerful to create impact on the lives of people, one should remain loyal to those in power. (b) Following ethical means may not be practical and effective at all times. (c) Petty corruption expedites the service delivery. Examine the above statements with their merits and demerits.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Recently, two national level sportspersons who are integral members of their team, made some comments in a talk show which were perceived as being grossly misogynistic and racist. This created a huge controversy and they were temporarily suspended from the team pending an enquiry. In light of these events, answer the following questions: (a) Do you think public figures have an additional responsibility in so far as expressing their views on matters of public importance is concerned? Give reasons. (b) According to you, what are the reasons that some prominent public figures make such misogynistic comments, and even get away without any consequences? (c) As the person in charge to enquire into the conduct, what factors would you consider to examine it and what punishment, if any, would you prescribe in this specific case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"There are large number of leather industries in a major industrial town of India. They provide employment to large number of people and are also a prominent source of revenue for the state. Lately it has been observed that despite following the present emission control rules, the collective ecological footprint of these industries remains quite high affecting the surrounding areas in an adverse manner. The new technologies available for emission control are quite costly and thus acts as a disincentive for the owners of the industries for adopting them. In light of this information, the government is contemplating the following options: (a) Shutting down the industries in the region (b) Relocating the industries to a new region (c) Making the emission control rules stricter (d) Providing incentives to the industry owners for adoption of new technology. Analyse the above options in terms of their merits and demerits. What course of action would you choose and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Many coal mines in a district subject the workers to inhuman working conditions with little safety measures in place. As such, there have been several accidents and many workers have died in the past. In recognition of a recent accident where fifteen workers were trapped and died, the National Green Tribunal has ordered for closure of all such mines. Some of them have shut down, but many still continue to operate by getting an exception from the government, sometimes using the unholy nexus of politicians-miners-bureaucrats. In absence of alternative employment, the locals have no other choice but to work in mines. The mine owners are in-fact inciting the workers to protest to simultaneously put a pressure on the state to completely overturn the ban. As a District Magistrate of this district, you have been asked by the State government to prepare a report on this issue and give recommendations to resolve it. In this regard, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the interests of State and analyse whether there may be a conflict amongst them? (b) Given that economic growth is often achieved with a large human cost, identify the principles and strategies which could be used in the given case to achieve desirable outcomes.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Recently you were posted as a District Magistrate of a predominantly agricultural district, which has been one of the best performers in agriculture since the last decade. In one of your field visits, you find that the large landowners, who are a socially, politically and economically powerful group, employ domestic helps and agriculture labour who are informally tied to them and have been working there since generations. In return, these workers are provided basic amenities like food and shelter apart from some money. However, you do sense a violation of basic human rights in this situation. In light of the above case, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the stakeholders, their interests and ethical issues involved in the case. (b) How does denial of choice amount to violation of human rights? (c) What course of action would you take? Give reasons.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6213,"topper":"Ravi Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8f8e5-37670_937_ravi-jain_rank_9.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"In India traditional theatre forms incorporate common man's interest as well as regional, local and folk coloring derived from classical elements. Examine with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"The evolution of temple-building in India can be attributed to factors such as changing form of worship, improvement in the skills of the craftsmen and the increase in funding provided by kings and rich merchants. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Trace the roots and evolution of classical music in India. Also identifying the distinguishing features of Carnatic Music, highlight the contribution of M.S. Subbulakshmi to this genre of music.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"How did the spread of new agricultural economy lead to the rise of Buddhism and Jainism? What other factors can be attributed to the spread of these religions? Also explain the causes for their eventual decline.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"In addition to being a network of trade routes, the ancient Silk Road played a massive role in the integration of art and culture in several regions in Asia. Elaborate with special emphasis on architectural techniques and arts in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Metal casting in India appears to be one of the oldest sculptural traditions. Discuss the significance of cire-perduor or \"lost wax\" technique in the sculptural tradition of India with examples from different regions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Sufism has a glorious tradition spread over centuries with unparalleled continuity. Elaborate the statement and also highlight the main features of Sufism. Analyse the challenges faced in contemporary times to preserve the features of Sufi music.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"The growth of communalism after 1857 in India was a result of societal differences, communal politics and divisive British policies. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"The outbreak of World War II in 1939 divided the nationalists over the next course of action in the freedom struggle. Elaborate. In this context, also examine the factors that led to INC launching the Quit India Movement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Gandhiji's struggle in South Africa saw an ideological evolution from 1894 till 1915. The methods developed and the lessons learnt during this phase were then applied to carry out the struggle against the British in India. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Though the land revenue systems introduced by the British differed in some aspects from each other, but in essence they were designed with a singular aim. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"The economic policies followed by the British led to the rapid transformation of India's economy into a colonial economy whose nature and structure were determined by the needs of the British economy. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Jyotiba Phule was not only a remarkable social activist but also a gifted writer. Examine the contribution of Phule in advocating the emancipation of the marginalised sections of Indian society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Elucidate the contributions made by the prominant figures from north eastern part of the country in the struggle for Indian independence.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"The extremist-moderate debate at the beginning of 20th century not only revolved around the goals that they wanted to pursue but also the methods to be employed for their achievement as well as the nature of British rule in India. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Morley's statement of 1909 and that of Montague's in 1917, in their own particular ways, were crucial in shaping the direction of British policy towards India and influenced the political discourse in the years to come. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Though it started as an anti-partition movement in 1903, the Swadeshi movement turned into a multi-faceted mass movement after 1905. Examine. Also, discuss the reasons for its decline and its contribution to the Indian freedom struggle.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"How did the Indian industrialists contribute to the freedom struggle? Did the emergence of the socialistic trend during the later period of the struggle deter them from supporting the freedom struggle? Analyze.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"The social-religious reform movements of the 19th and 20th century in British India not only tried to purge the Indian society of various social evils but also prepared the ground for the Indian freedom struggle. Analyze.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"The non-cooperation movement, which coincided with the end of the First World War, not only saw unprecedented participation from almost all sections of the society but also marked fundamental changes in the approach of the Indian National Congress (INC). Elaborate. Also examine the impact of this phase of mass movement on the future of the Indian freedom struggle.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6214,"topper":"Ravi Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a4e88-37670_928_ravi-jain_rank_9.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Identify the key objectives of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. Also highlight the challenges in its implementation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Discuss how the design of MGNREGA program makes it more successful than other rural development programmes.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Self-employment of the poor has been an important objective of the anti-poverty programmes and SHGs have played a significant role in this. Elucidate with examples. Also discuss the problems which plague the model of SHG micro-finance in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Give an account of the issues that arise due to short tenure of civil servants in India. Critically discuss the move of setting up a civil services board in order to address this problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"India's health system is one of the most privatised in the world, poorly regulated and accessible only to those with income levels well above the average. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Keeping in mind the importance of NGOs in India's development process it is imperative that adequate legal and regulatory mechanisms should be in place. Discuss in the context of recent developments.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"The reasons for failure of e-Governance projects are more than just being technological. Discuss in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"The public policy requirements of the 21st century demand a bureaucracy less generalist in nature. Analyse in the context of Indian civil services.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Explain how the National Digital Library (NDL) can bring a fundamental shift in the paradigm of education and research. Also highlight the challenges that need to be addressed to make NDL self-sustainable.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"What do you understand by JAM trinity? For which areas of the Indian economy would JAM be useful? Would it be able to dislodge the inadequacies of the existing PDS?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"What is the criteria for a village being recognized as electrified? Examine the challenges present in rural electrification in India. Elaborate upon some of the recent initiatives of the government with a special emphasis on Deen Dayal Upadhayaya Gram Jyoti Yojana.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Six years after the Right to Education (RTE) Act set aside 25% of seats in private schools for poor students, implementation of the plan remains patchy. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Critically examining the key provisions of the Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill 2016, discuss whether a complete ban on commercial surrogacy is justified.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"It is often strongly suggested that scarce government resources should be redirected in favour of primary education rather than higher education. In this context, analyse whether curtailing public spending in higher education would help in achieving the principle of equity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Accessibility is the key to inclusion and equal access for people with disabilities. Analyse. Also discuss the objectives and components of the recently launched Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan with a special emphasis on inclusiveness and accessibility index.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"In view of India's performance at the recent Olympics, appointment of a task force by the Prime Minister is a step in the right direction. Comment. Also highlight other initiatives required to augment India's performance in the sporting arena internationally.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"What are Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)? How are they different from de-notified tribes? Critically analyze the initiatives taken by the government to address the problems faced by them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Inspite of its usefulness as a tool of transparency and accountability, the RTI Act needs to be amended as it is being widely misused, especially to blackmail public functionaries. Critically examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"The transgender community has been among one of the most marginalized communities in India. Discuss. How does the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill 2016 seek to protect transgenders from discrimination and address the problems faced by them?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Though the Forest Rights Act 2006 tries to undo the historic injustice done to the forest dweller and tribals, it has been argued that it is being misused. Critically analyse.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6215,"topper":"Ravi Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/f0051-37670_860_ravi-jain_rank_9.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Marketing has become a crucial link in the success of a business. With suitable examples, discuss the ethical issues involved in marketing of a product or service. How can these issues be resolved?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Value education empowers a person to confront the myriad challenges of contemporary Indian society. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Ethics is the first line of defence against corruption while law enforcement is remedial and reactive. Examine the statement with suitable examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss the influence that parents have on values of their children and the role they can play in transmitting good values and resisting negative influences. Why is it that, at times, the values of children differ from that of their parents?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"What does 'public service' means to you? Describe the various ways in which one can serve the public. Does one necessarily serve the public better by entering the civil services? Justify your stand.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"What do you understand by 'civic virtue' in public life? What are the challenges in practising it in today's time? How can these challenges be overcome?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"The lives of great leaders inspire us in many ways. Which leader has had a lasting impact on you and in what way? Mention one outstanding value that you have imbibed from him/her and its importance to being a civil servant.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Governance is the vital link in our quest for prosperity and equity. What should be the key elements of ethical governance to eliminate corruption and bureaucratic delays? Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Has excessive profit seeking by corporates undermined the trust of public in the private sector? Giving examples, examine the reasons for failure of corporate governance in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Income inequality, resource mismanagement and health hazards are some of the negative consequences of globalization. In this context, what are some of the ethical dilemmas that civil servants face today? How has the approach to handling these undergone a change?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss the role and importance of independent directors for corporate governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Is there a conflict between morality and freedom? Discuss with reference to Kant's views on categorical imperative.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"\"Since at the beginning and end of our lives we are so dependent on other's kindness, how can it be that in the middle we neglect the kindness towards others?\" - The Dalai Lama. Bring out what you understand by this quote and discuss its relevance in the Indian society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"You, a reporter currently working as an intern, accompanied a small group of reporters to a political event organized by the ruling party's state unit. The party was followed by dinner where you were also asked to join. Here, you noticed that alcohol was being served to some members of the ruling party. Consumption of alcohol had been declared illegal in the state a few months ago and the ban is being enforced strictly across the state. The other reporters in your group ignored the issue and asked you to ignore it as well. However, it was clear to you that the law was not being followed. (a) Identify the issues involved in this scenario. (b) What are your duties in such a scenario? (c) What course of action would you follow and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"You are posted as the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in a district. As the SDM it is your responsibility to conduct interviews and select a candidate for the post of an ASHA worker in the district. On the day you are conducting the interviews, you are approached by the MLA of the local constituency who asks you to choose a particular lady for this position by overlooking the other candidates. On checking her documents you find that she is eligible in all respects. The MLA implores that she should be given the post on compassionate grounds as her husband was a soldier who was martyred in a war. Some of the options to handle the situation could be as follows: (a) Ignore the MLA and proceed with the process of selection. (b) Speak to your superior and seek his guidance on the matter. (c) Appoint the lady to the post as it is a compassionate appointment. Also suggest other possible options. Evaluate each of these options and suggest the best course of action, giving reasons for it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"You are officer-in-charge of a very important railway junction, which is an artery of trade and commerce. A peasant disturbance has been brewing in your district for the past few weeks. Their discussions with the political and district leadership has borne no fruit and it has come to the stage that now they are protesting by organizing a sit-in on the railway tracks near the station. They have thereby succeeded in blocking movement of all trains. This disruption is causing significant harassment for the passengers waiting at the platform as well. (a) What will be your course of immediate action? (b) How can emotional intelligence act as a tool in handling this issue? (c) What steps will you take so that such incidents are not repeated in the future?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"You are representing India in an international bidding for oil exploration in a country. Other, richer countries are also bidding for the project. You are sure that your bid of exploration is better as well as cheaper than that of others, and that you will definitely win the bid. A day before the auction, you come to know that other countries are employing every means, including bribing the authorities for being successful. Some of the officials of the home country have also contacted you and made some demands in exchange for assurance of India winning the bid. You are aware of the criticality of this bid in terms of domestic economic and strategic implications. Based on above information, answer the following questions. (a) Specify the ethical dilemma(s) that you face in this situation. (b) Do ethical concerns really matter in international transactions or are they secondary to domestic interests? (c) What will be your course of action in the above situation? Justify with merits and demerits.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"You are the CEO of a film production company, which has not been doing well financially for some time. Your company is now relying on its forthcoming movie, which is about to be released shortly. The movie has a cast of reliable actors and even before its release, trade pundits have predicted that the movie will be a hit. However, you face a conundrum as one of the actors in the movie is a citizen of a neighbouring country with which relations have been disturbed and a war like situation exists. While the political atmosphere was different when the movie was being filmed, now there is a widespread public demand, with a local political party at the forefront, for replacing the actor from the movie or a ban on the release of the movie itself, if the actor is not replaced. While you are aware of the mood of the nation and the public repercussions of releasing the movie in its present form, you also know that it is not feasible to replace him at this stage as he has a substantial role in the movie. There is also a section in the film fraternity that does not want you to compromise in the wake of threat by the local party as it compromises freedom of speech and expression as well as artistic creativity. (a) What are the options available to you? (b) Evaluate each of the options and state their merits and demerits. (c) What course of action would you take and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":59,"question":"Big firms often undertake sub-contracting to complete large infrastructure projects in a timely manner. You recently joined one such firm as a manager responsible for awarding these contracts. Looking at the past records, you find that all contracts for the past few years have been awarded to a particular firm, X. Your superior has asked you to award an upcoming contract to the same firm. Although, not binding, company procedure maintains that sub-contracting work should be offered after competitive bids. This is to ensure that the firm most suitable for the project in terms of operations and finance gets the contract. When you discuss this with your superior, he insists that hiring of the firm X has been done as per legal norms of the company and no official rule has been violated. You decide to contact the owner of the firm X. After doing so, you realize that he is the nephew of your superior, who is also a shareholder in the company. (a) State the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) Does this form of transaction between two private parties constitute a conflict of interest? Justify. (c) Evaluate the possible ways of awarding contracts in such a situation with their merits and demerits. Also state which method would be more suitable in each situation.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6216,"topper":"Ravi Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/89240-37670_861_ravi-jain_rank_9.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Examine how role models influence ethical behaviour. What actions can leaders take to integrate ethical conduct in their organisations?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"According to Aristotle, for persuasion, not only Ethos (credibility of the speaker) and Logos (logical argument) but Pathos (emotional connection to the audience) is equally important. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"With appropriate examples, discuss various ethical challenges associated with the utilization of public funds in India. Suggest strategies to effectively deal with these challenges.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"With proliferation of social media, people have got the opportunity to express their views anonymously and more freely. (a) What according to you, is its effect on the social and political culture of the country? (b) Discuss the role of social media in changing one's attitude, particularly the youth.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"What are the various components of an organization's work culture? What are key issues that need to be addressed in any organisation to create a more developmental and performance oriented culture?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"There is a difference between what a person has a right to do and what the right thing to do is and often there is a conflict between these two. (a) Illustrate with examples the ethical issues that can arise because of such a conflict. (b) How does this conflict play out if someone wants to protest against injustice?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"It is vain to talk of the interest of the community, without understanding what is the interest of the individual. Discuss the statement in the present context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Vision and intentions are necessary components of political ethics. However, equally important are the process of implementation, tools used and the established system. Elaborate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Swami Vivekanand brought religion to the centre-stage and gave a new meaning to it while stressing the need for harmony among faiths. In this context, discuss the relevance of his teachings in contemporary society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Access to quality basic services plays a critical role in enhancing individual capabilities to participate fully in the growth of the nation. (a) Discuss the statement in the context of vulnerable sections of India. (b) Analyse the challenges with regard to quality service delivery in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Is Emotional Intelligence influenced by cultural moorings? How would you differentiate the applicability of Emotional Intelligence in Indian society from that of Western society?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Ramesh, a very hardworking person, is the sole bread earner in his family. He has worked with an oil company's local affiliate for several years, and has established a strong, trustworthy relationship with Suresh, manager of the local facility. Suresh has recently recommended Ramesh to be recruited as the corporate consulting engineer for the company, which would be a position of greater responsibility along with a stable income. During a casual conversation, Suresh mentions an incident in the 1960s wherein 10,000 gallons of a petrochemical was leaked into the local environment by the company due to negligence, though at the time no damage was found, and no mention of this leak was made to the press. When Ramesh mentions that the state law requires him to report all spills, Suresh reminds him that no harm had been done and reminds him that the company can't have a consulting engineer who does not value loyalty and respect confidentiality. 20 (a) Identify the ethical issues involved in the given case. (b) What are the options available to Ramesh in this situation? Evaluate each of them. (c) Had you been at Ramesh's place, what would have been your course of action? Give reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6217,"topper":"Ravi Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e1917-168117_1153_ravi_kumar_sihag_rank_337.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the issues faced in BOT and EPC models of infrastructure investment, explain how HAM can address these. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The investment rate in India has gradually declined after a historic high in the mid 2000s. Examine the reasons behind this trend. Discuss the steps required to revive investment for a sustained growth. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The measurement of the extent of formal sector and formal employment is yet an unsettled matter in our economy. Comment. Also, mention the steps which the government has taken to improve its extent.(150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Minimum Support Price (MSP) of crops is a short term solution for agricultural distress which creates long term problems. Examine. Suggest measures to overcome the the limitations of the MSP regime.(150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Enumerating the factors that determine a nation's energy-mix, comment on the need for having a diversified fuel basket for meeting India's future energy demands. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Air quality in Indian households, especially in rural areas, is lethal due to a number of factors. In this context, highlighting the challenges faced in improving indoor air quality, enumerate the measures that can be taken to address them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlight the characteristics and applications of Cyber Physical systems. Also, enumerate the various objectives of the Cyber Physical Systems programme recently launched by the government. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"India needs to collaborate and participate in international scientific projects in order to place itself as a major player in cutting edge research. Discuss in the light of ongoing global mega science projects. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Deployment of central armed forces in states has been a contentious issue. Mention the issues involved and suggest some remedial measures. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In what ways does the physiography of India pose a challenge to its counter-terrorism efforts? What can be done to deal with these challenges? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Enhancing private infrastructure spending and revival of stalled projects is critical to the success of Bharatmala Pariyojana. Discuss. Also enumerate measures taken by the government to revive stalled projects on National Highways. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"In the light of increasing NPAs and frauds, the twin balance sheet problem has grown immensely. Comment on the issue and analyse the potential of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code to be a game changer for Indian economy's health and long-term growth. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Highlight the importance of MSME sector in India's economy. Also, identifying the challenges, suggest some policy recommendations to ensure their sustenance and competitive growth. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Going forward, the allied sectors will play a critical role in increasing the resilience and improving economic returns in agriculture. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What do you understand by Seed Replacement Rate? Explaining the concept of breeder, foundation and certified seeds, highlight the major policy initiatives taken in order to address the challenge of quality seed availability to farmers. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"While overcrowding in public places cannot be wished away in India, what we need are better infrastructure and more effective crowd-control measures. Comment. Also, briefly enumerate NDMA guidelines for crowd management. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Processing and safe disposal of garbage must replace the current model of landfills in order to transform our cities to being 'smart'. Elucidate. In this context, analyse the reasons for failure of waste management policies in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What do you understand by TRIPS plus provisions being advocated by developed countries outside the WTO based TRIPS agreement? Do you think India should show some flexibility and incorporate certain TRIPS plus provisions in its IPR regime? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime) has pitched for the need of an integrated approach in order to address the difficulties in preventing, detecting, investigating and prosecuting Transnational Organised Crimes (TOC). Elaborating on these difficulties, discuss how an integrated approach can help in tackling TOCs. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The Government has adopted a holistic approach built around simultaneous implementation of a security agenda, developmental activities and promotion of good governance to address the Left Wing Extremism in India. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6218,"topper":"Ravi Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d653c-168117_1068_ravi_kumar_sihag_rank_337.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"There are many challenges in sustainably scaling up renewable energy in India. Analyse. Also, discuss what can be done to address these challenges. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The policies and indicators introduced by the government, in recent times, to finance urban development in India are key in addressing the existing challenges. Discuss with special reference to municipal bonds. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"With a number of issues continuing to be a roadblock, a large section of India's rural population is still 'financially excluded'. Discuss. Analyse how these issues can be addressed and the measures taken by the government and RBI recently in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'Environmental Accounting'? Discussing the rationale behind introducing environmental accounting, highlight its status in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"While access to irrigation is important, efficiency of water use is equally, if not more, crucial. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"For a holistic approach to disaster risk reduction, there is a need to mainstream indigenous traditional knowledge and link it with modern technologies. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do you understand by food irradiation? Highlighting some of its unique applications, examine its relevance for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Whereas misuse of technology has abetted the spread of fake news, it is with the aid of technology that this menace can be curbed. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Explain the salient features of the recently established Defence Planning Committee. How can it help in credible defence preparedness? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Recent reports of Maoist leaders having amassed huge assets in property and cash underlines the significance of probing the funding network as part of counter-terrorism efforts. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Not only do services MSMEs contribute mightily to the overall GDP growth, they have a powerful, multiplier impact on the local economies as well. Elaborating on the statement, highlight the problems faced by service sector MSMEs. How can the government make it easier for MSMEs to start and grow a business? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Contract Farming has many advantages, however it suffers from market failures. Elaborate. What can the government do to correct problems that lead to contract failures? Also, discuss whether the Model Contract Farming Act, 2018 is a step in the right direction. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Suggest the measures needed to improve the employability of labour force as well as increasing number of employment opportunities in light of structural changes being brought by disruptive technologies. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"India's trade policy in agriculture, marred by ad-hocism and pro-consumer bias, has constrained realization of export potential, and prevented the farmers from reaping the benefits. Examine the statement and discuss ways, including government initiatives, to improve agricultural exports. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Is currency exchange rate a suitable measure of relative economic performance of countries? Despite improving macro-economic fundamentals, trade deficit in India continues to widen. Bring out the factors responsible for this situation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"It will take much more than relief packages to address the problems being faced by the sugar industry in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"NAPCC, almost 10 years old and formulated with lofty objectives, has not served as the best answer to cope with the impacts of climate change. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Proliferation of nuclear weapons and the threat of their use are key concerns for global security nonetheless existing international arrangements seem to be ineffective. Comment. Also, identify the salient features of India's policy in this context and discuss whether India should join the NPT in the current form. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The maritime security domain requires collective multilateral and regional cooperation to combat non traditional threats. Discuss in the context of threats in the Western Indian Ocean and the recent amendments in the Djibouti Code of Conduct. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India's space programme was initiated with the vision of utilising outer space for peaceful purposes, however with changing times it has the potential to play a significant role in strengthening security capabilities of India. Discuss with adequate examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6219,"topper":"Ravi Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e7f41-168117_1067_ravi_kumar_sihag_rank_337.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What is the role that opposition plays in a democracy like India? In this context, discuss whether our Parliament can benefit from a shadow cabinet. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Where there is a right, there is a remedy. In this context, discuss the nature and significance of writs in India with adequate examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Enumerate the objectives of NITI Aayog. Also, discuss the performance of this body since its inception and suggest measures to make it more effective. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"In view of the political class's inability to develop and maintain conventions relating to the appropriate use of Article 356, the Supreme Court's decision in the Bommai case provided much needed clarity. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Press freedom and good governance are not mutually exclusive. They support each other while promoting a country's economic and human development. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"SHGs have succeeded in delivering financial inclusion, but for them to evolve as viable business enterprise requires a different approach. Analyse in the context of the twin goals of rural growth and promotion of women's entrepreneurship. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The focus of higher education in India has been on a select few Central or autonomous institutions where as the ones in states remain neglected. Commenting on the statement, highlight the significance of Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the role played by PRIs in political empowerment of women. Also, suggest measures to further increase their political participation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What is Strategic Autonomy? Critically examine the elements of such a policy in India's contemporary foreign policy in the context of recent developments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"IBSA and BRICS are both examples of India's quest for multialignment, however there are key differences in their orientation. Discuss in the context of the relevance of these groupings for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What are the various modes of Alternate Dispute Redressal (ADR) mechanisms available in India? Identifying the problems being faced by them, provide suggestions needed to increase their effectiveness. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"While the power to punish for the contempt of court is a much needed tool to protect the administration of justice from being maligned, it is time that it be relooked into. Critically analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Criminalisation of politics remains a key concern for the Indian political system. In this context, analyse the role played by the Supreme Court and Election Commission over the years. Also, in what ways can the media play a positive role? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight, in brief, the mandate of the National Commission for Minorities (NCM). Identify the different challenges that the commission faces and suggest measures to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The recent decision of the government to open up positions at the senior levels in bureaucracy through lateral entry is an important but only small step in the direction of much needed reforms in the higher civil services. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Identifying the broad contours of the 'Transformation of Aspirational Districts' programme, explain how it adopts a novel strategy to address backwardness. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"How did India fare on the Millennium Development Goals related to health? In this regard, identify the relevant Sustainable Development Goals and evaluate India's capacity to meet them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the different rights recognized under the Forest Rights Act, 2006? Highlight the gaps in the implementation of community forest rights and community forest resource rights granted under the Forest Rights Act. Also, suggest measures to address the current scenario. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Progress in India-US ties has been accompanied by equally significant divergences on important issues. Examine in the context of recent developments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Despite bonhomie, the structural differences between Indian and Israeli national security situations, their worldviews and absence of explicitly shared enemies limit stronger strategic rapprochement. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6220,"topper":"Ravi Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5653b-168117_1066_ravi_kumar_sihag_rank_337.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The cave architecture in India not only enlighten us with information of tradition and customs of ancient times but also illustrate considerable accomplishment with regard to structural engineering and artistry. Discuss. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"While the Battle of Plassey laid the foundation of British Empire in India, it was the Battle of Buxar that proved to be the turning point of British fortunes in India. Discuss. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Among many novel methods and themes, the Swadeshi Movement laid great emphasis not only on boycott but also on self-reliance. Discuss. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The idea of linguistic states predated independence, however it took some time even after independence for this idea to be implemented. Discuss. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Dr. B. R. Ambedkar understood that persistent inequalities pose fundamental challenges to the economic and social well-being of the nation and people. In this context, discuss the key contributions of Dr. Ambedkar in the history of modern India. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"It has been pointed out that in recent times, while the proportional share of nuclear households has dipped in urban areas it has risen in rural areas. Analyse the reasons behind this trend. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Separation, and not divorce, is the dominant form of marriage dissolution for most women in India. What could be the possible reasons behind this? Also, discuss why there are striking differences in divorce rates between the different regions in India. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Elaborate on the factors responsible for the evolution of the current drainage system in Indian sub-continent, with special emphasis on the characteristic features of Himalayan and Peninsular rivers. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Enumerate the features of Plantation Agriculture and the problems faced by them. Given the fact that area under cultivation of palm oil has been increasing, discuss the benefits and challenges associated with it. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Bring out the distinctive features of Gandhara, Mathura and Amravati schools of art that flourished towards the first century CE. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The British in India wanted not only territorial conquest and control over revenues; they also felt that they had a cultural mission: to 'civilise the natives', change their customs and values. Critically discuss. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi being close associates, there were significant differences between the two regarding the role of state and the control that it exercised. Comment. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Enumerating the reasons behind Sino-Soviet split in the second half of the 20th century, analyse its impact on the Cold War. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"History has disproved the prediction that democracy would not succeed in India. In this context, critically assess the achievements and challenges of democracy in India since Independence. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Enumerate the key issues faced by working women in contemporary Indian society and the steps taken by the government to address them. Also, critically examine the key features of Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act 2017. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Despite tropical areas being the major emitters of CFCs, the phenomenon of ozone hole formation is largely confined to polar areas and that too over the Antarctic and in early spring. Elaborate. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6221,"topper":"Ravi Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/59981-628078_1701_ravi-kumar_rank_84.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the concept of volcanic winter giving examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Bring out the importance of community-based disaster management in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The concept of ecological footprint is a useful indicator for assessing progress on the sustainable use of resources in a country. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The CRZ Notification, 2018 aims to maintain a balance between economic growth and conservation principles of coastal regions. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Giving example, explain how continental rupture ultimately results in the formation of a new ocean basin. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"COVID-19 has exposed gaps in India's domestic laws to deal effectively with outbreaks of infectious diseases, especially pandemics. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Explain the phenomena of Sudden Stratospheric warming witnessed in recent years. How does it affect the ozone hole formation over Antarctica? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"How does climate change affect the process of desertification? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Discuss the the increasing need of 'disaster resilient infrastructure' in India. Mention the steps taken in this direction with specific reference to the Global Coalition for Disaster-Resilient Infrastructure. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Identify the important mineral belts of India. Highlighting some of the issues plaguing the mining sector in India, discuss how the National Mineral Policy 2019 aims to address these issues. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Not only is the spatial and temporal distribution of freshwater in India very skewed, but also its usage inefficient and wasteful. Discuss in context of the current water crisis. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Examine how resource efficiency can bring about multiple benefits along the three dimensions of sustainable development - economic, social and environmental - in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Highlighting the significance of unconventional hydrocarbons for India, discuss the issues faced in their exploration and extraction. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What is Soil Organic Carbon (SOC)? Identify various factors affecting SOC levels. Also, highlight the beneficial impacts of SOC on soil health and functionality. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Approach to flood control in India should evolve from piecemeal measures to an integrated basin management. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6222,"topper":"Ravi Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/950c0-168117_1072_ravi_kumar_sihag_rank_337.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain why it is important to urgently address the problem of poor land records and infirmity of land titles in India. Also discuss how this problem can be addressed. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What are the special features of the infrastructure sector that make its financing a challenge? What measures have been taken to facilitate adequate amount of finance to this sector? (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The 1988 National Forest Policy (NFP) was visionary in its scope and ambition. However, there is a need for a new forest policy in the current context. Discuss. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How does rapid urbanization increases the vulnerability to major disasters? Explaining with examples, suggest measures to develop disaster-resilient cities. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain DNA profiling and highlight its forensic application. Also discuss the significance of DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2018 in this regard. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What is meant by the term Blue Water Capabilities? In this context, identify the key measures that have been undertaken to enhance the blue water capabilities of the Indian Navy. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Identify the factors that make India vulnerable to drug trafficking? Also discuss the key steps taken to deal with it in our country. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"How do higher global crude oil prices affect the Indian economy? What steps can be taken to gradually insulate India from global oil price volatility in the long term? (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"How do transportation corridors in biodiversity rich areas impact the wildlife? Examine the current policy framework in this regard. Also, suggest measures to minimise the negative effects while balancing the need for development. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The potential of technology to aid farmers in increasing productivity as well reducing susceptibility to climate change remains underutilized. Identify the reasons for the same and suggest measures to improve technological penetration in agriculture. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"What is the link between illegal immigration and national security? In this context, critically discuss the exercise of creating a National Register of Citizens in Assam. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6223,"topper":"Ravi Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/031bb-628078_1699_ravi-kumar_rank_84.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The practice of passing of bills without the scrutiny by the parliamentary standing committees undermines their significance and sets a wrong precedent. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The right to recall is a much-needed step to deepen democracy in India. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Is anti-defection law a restriction on the freedom of choice of legislators? Examine and also highlight the role played by the Speaker in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Inter-state river water disputes have been among the most pressing issues faced by the Indian federal system. In this context, examine the potential of the Inter-State River Water Disputes (Amendment) Bill, 2019 in addressing the issues involved. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The expressions 'equality before the law' and 'equal protection of the laws' may seem to be identical, but, in fact, they mean different things. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Idea of the Civil Services Board has been widely hailed as a key civil services reform, however it is not without its own limitation. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"It is argued that the introduction of compulsory voting in India would strengthen its democratic credentials. Critically analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Setting up of an Open Government Data (OGD) Platform can potentially be a game-changer for transparency and accountability. Analyse. Also, identify the challenges that remain in translating this potential into reality. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"There have been concerns related to foreign funding to NGOs in India. In this context, examine the current framework regulating the same. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Social audit not only increases accountability and transparency but also facilitates good governance. Discuss. Also, highlight the impediments faced in institutionalizing social audits in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlight the Quasi-Judicial and Advisory functions of the Election Commission of India. Do you think the powers of the Election Commission need a relook in context of the challenges it has faced in recent years? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Increase in the number of judges at the Supreme Court is a welcome step, nonetheless efficient functioning of the judiciary requires broader reforms at all levels of judicial hierarchy. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Federal tensions in India highlight the need for reforming the Seventh Schedule through the addition, removal and appropriate placement of entries. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What do you understand by doctrine of eminent domain? How can it be applied to understand the evolution of right to property under the Indian constitution? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Explain the structure and function of the National Commission for Backward Classes. What is the significance of recent changes made in its status? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss each adjective attached to the word 'Justice' in the 'Preamble'. Highlight some constitutional and legal steps taken towards each of them in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What are the challenges in conducting free and fair elections in the era of proliferation of social media? In this context, identifying the steps taken by the ECI, suggest further measures. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Explain how the linkage between banks, NGOs and SHGs helps in facilitating access to microfinance and contributes to the development of rural areas. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Identify the different issues associated with the design and implementation of MGNREGA. What reforms have been taken in recent times to address the above-identified issues? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"A sound legal framework, robust institutional mechanism for establishing rule of law, competent and dedicated workforce and decentralization and delegation are some of the necessary preconditions for good governance. (250 words) 15 Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6224,"topper":"Ravi Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d93e9-628078_1244_ravi-kumar_rank_84.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the need of an Independent Fiscal Council (IFC) in bringing about transparency and accountability in fiscal processes in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Recognizing the potential of exports in generating employment, a number of steps need to be taken to address India's weakening export competitiveness. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlighting the main features of National Mineral Policy, 2019, discuss how it can help in ensuring sustainable and responsible mining. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlighting the salient features of the PM JI-VAN Yojana, analyze how it can assist in achieving the vision and goals of the National Policy on Biofuels, 2018. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) provides an alternative to capital and chemical intensive agriculture currently being practiced in India. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Marine life is facing irreparable damage from the millions of tonnes of plastic waste which ends up in the oceans each year. In this context, examine the implications of plastic pollution on marine ecosystem and suggest some measures for addressing this problem. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are black holes? Highlight the challenges in imaging a black hole? How were these challenges overcome by the Event Horizon Telescope project? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"While mentioning the objectives of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), discuss the challenges which are hindering the utilization of the ATT to its full potential. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Threats to internal security of India may be posed both through the communication networks, and also to the networks. Discuss. Also, highlight the steps taken by the government in making the networks more secure. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlight the importance and challenges related to integration of Variable Renewable Energy (VRE) in India. Mention some steps that can be taken for its smooth integration with the synchronized Indian grid. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"There have been arguments that India could fall into a 'middle income trap'. Explaining the phenomenon, highlight the reasons behind such arguments. How can India avoid it? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Highlighting its importance, discuss the major issues that plague effective monetary policy transmission in India. Also, mention the steps taken by RBI to improve it. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight the constraints faced by rainfed agriculture in India. Discuss some agronomic practices that can be adopted for stabilizing agricultural production in rainfed areas. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite the steps taken by the government in recent years, a number of problems continue to persist in the urea sector in India. Discuss. What reforms should be taken to address the persisting problems? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What is Access and Benefit Sharing? Explain how it aids in sustainable use of biodiversity. Also, mention the different global and national level mechanisms for ensuring Access and Benefit Sharing. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Stating the significance, discuss the challenges in achieving disaster resilience of infrastructure. Suggest some ways for mainstreaming it in the development paradigm. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Highlighting the significance of data localization for India, discuss various challenges associated with data localization. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Money Laundering as a socio economic offence is a menace especially for developing countries like India. Comment. What measures have been taken at the domestic and international levels to deal with this menace? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The primary motive of terrorism differs from that of organised crime but there exists a symbiotic relationship between the two. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6225,"topper":"Ravi Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9faa8-168117_1069_ravi_kumar_sihag_rank_337.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Growing awareness about terminal as well as mental illness has given credence to the idea of \"living wills\". What is a living will? Discuss the ethical issues to be considered from an individual as well as social perspective to formulate and implement it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"In order to improve the bureaucratic work culture and productivity, there is a need to downsize government and privatize some of the services. Critically discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Examine the contemporary relevance of Gandhiji's talisman as a means of resolving ethical dilemmas in day to day life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"\"Intelligence plus character-that is the goal of true education.\" Assess whether such an objective can be achieved within the existing system of education in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"\"A blanket prohibition of criticism of the policies of the Government is invalid and void, and it makes no difference if the person criticizing happens to be a government servant.\" Critically discuss in the context of Civil Service Conduct Rules, 1964.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"\"Man by nature is a political animal\". Explain with reference to Aristotle's idea of the state in life of the society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"What are the factors that have influenced the contemporary attitude of the state and the society towards homosexuality in India? Also, comment on the changing attitude and the factors driving this change.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"With behavioural issues and suicides among children on the rise, teachers and parents need to play an active part in ensuring mental well-being. Discuss. Also, explain the importance of emotional intelligence in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"The policy of Dhamma advocated by Ashoka through his edicts remains relevant in the context of issues in public life even today. Elucidate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Arguably, poverty is not only a matter of statistics. It is a reflection on the kind of society we live in. In this context, discuss the ethical implications for a society that witnesses high incidence of poverty.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Every superstition cannot be removed by the force of law. For that, a mental change is necessary. Comment. Also, explain how educators and public figures can help in eradicating superstition and instilling scientific temper among people.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"There have been reports of repeat instances of mob lynching in different states of India. It has been pointed out that these presumably faceless mobs gather impromptu on the basis of unverified information on issues that affect the collective conscience of the society such as child trafficking, sexual harassment, cow slaughter etc. Most of the people don't even regret their action of violating the law and even get away with committing such a heinous crime. 20 (a) What are the socio-psychological factors that motivate people to join the mob and kill fellow human beings? (b) Identify the implications of increasing crime of lynching on society. (c) Examine the role of social media in recent instances of mob lynching. As a law enforcement officer, how will you prevent such incidents from happening in your district?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"We live in a time when almost everything can be bought and sold. Over the past few years, markets and market values have come to govern our lives as never before. Today the logic of buying and selling no longer applies to material good alone but increasingly governs the whole of life. However, there is a wide spread realization that markets have become detached from morals and we need to somehow reconnect them. The use of markets to allocate social goods has also been a cause of concern. In this context, answer the following: 20 (a) Is greed wholly a vice or a trait of character that has both positive and negative sides? Could you relate it to the utilitarian philosophy that emphasizes pursuit of self interest by individuals as the basis of economic well being? (b) Are there some things that money shouldn't buy? Illustrate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6226,"topper":"Ravi Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3af4d-168117_1154_ravi_kumar_sihag_rank_337.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the significance of the following in the context of civil service: 10 (i) Public trust (ii) Objectivity (iii) Strength of character (iv) Empathy (v) Selflessness","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Do you think nation states owe a responsibility towards asylum seekers? What are the considerations that should, in your opinion, go into the making of a refugee policy? Provide arguments with contemporary examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Why do civil servants have a special obligation to uphold ethical standards? What are the main areas of concerns for implementation of an effective ethical standard in civil services? In this context, suggest measures to remedy these concerns.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Analyse the ethical dimensions of using nuclear deterrence as a self-defense strategy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"We make a living by what we do, but we make a life by what we give. (i) Highlight the importance of value of altruism for a society. (ii) Discuss the role of education in imparting such values.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Giving examples, examine the relationship between personal and professional ethics of civil servants.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Bring out the significance of probity in public life. What are the requisites for ensuring probity in governance? Pointing out the key concerns in India in this context, suggest certain remedial measures.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"While the corrupt and dishonest should be punished swiftly, honest public servants need to be protected against malicious and motivated complaints to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of an organisation. Discuss. How can the two objectives be reconciled?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Explain with examples how emotional intelligence increases the effectiveness of leadership skills in a civil servant.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"A Citizens' Charter sees public services through the eyes of those who use them. In this context, analyze the importance of citizen charter in making public services citizen centric.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Social media has played a key role in influencing political opinions and social attitudes in India. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"\"Nonviolence is not servile passivity but a powerful moral force which makes for social transformation\". Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"Good corporate governance is not an end in itself. It is a means to support economic efficiency, sustainable growth and financial stability. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"The steady decline in sex ratio suggests that marked improvement in the economy and literacy rates do not seem to have had any impact on this index. In fact, the availability of new technology and its easy access for the urban, wealthy and educated have worsened the trend and harmed the status of women in Indian society. 20 (a) Explain why the phenomenon should not be simply viewed as a medical or legal issue and more attention should be given to the ethical issues involved. (b) Give some suggestions to tackle the problem of declining sex ratio. (c) Discuss the ethical dilemma involved in Right to abortion vs. Prevention of female foeticide. How can this be resolved?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"While on the one hand, some state governments have implemented alcohol consumption prohibition laws, it is permitted in other states. Debates around this issue often involves aspects such as individual rights, cultural attitudes and social welfare. As a teacher you need to explain the key issues involved to a young audience. What are these? How would you conclude the lecture?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You are a teacher in the Science department of a reputed college. Your HoD (Head of Department) has been a good mentor to you and has guided your career progress. You get to know from one of your students that the HoD gives private tuitions at his residence, which is disliked by many others in the department. There are also rumours that he might be giving extra marks to the students taking his tuitions. When enquired, his reply is that he is not alone and a few other teachers are giving private tuitions as well. He assures you that it is beneficial for the students as some of them need extra attention. He advises you not to make a fuss about it and indirectly reminds you about the assessment rating, which is due this week. You are aware that a good rating will definitely get you the due promotion. The HoD is due to retire in 4 months. (a) What are the dilemmas that you face in this situation? (b) Highlight the course of action that you would adopt and give reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"While stampedes and mishaps due to overcrowding have led to loss of lives on multiple occasions, it remains an issue discussed only when there is a tragedy. Recently you were assigned the responsibility of conducting a mela around a revered religious place, which attracts millions of devotees. Every year the numbers have been increasing and this year due to certain celestial alignments the crowd is expected to be unprecedented. In the previous year the officer in charge was criticised and transferred over allegations of hurting religious sensitivities by restricting access to the religious place. You have three months to prepare for the mela. (a) Identify the key areas you would focus on? (b) What are the challenges that you foresee? (c) How do you propose to overcome them?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6227,"topper":"Ravi Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b2a91-628078_1703_ravi-kumar_rank_84.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Norms of social morality should not be applied to acts of civil servants while they are carrying out their professional roles and responsibilities to further the common good. Critically analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Determination of ethics in state policies and actions is not easy because every policy and action has both positive and negative aspects viewed from different stakeholders' perspectives. Discuss with suitable examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand by global ethics in today's world? Highlight the role that global ethics can play in achieving universally accepted goals. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlight the important teachings of Swami Vivekananda, relevant to the youth of today. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) Courage is the most important of all the virtues because without courage, you can't practice any other virtue consistently. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Can a war ever be justified on moral grounds? Support your answer with suitable arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Do you think that ethical principles are universal in nature? Justify your answer with relevant examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"For civil servants, both professional competence and commitment to ethics are equally important. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Despite changing family structure, it still plays an important role in nurturing core societal values. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Impartiality as a core value of civil services should not become a hurdle in showing compassion towards weaker sections of the society. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Tolerance is not enough, it is the idea of acceptance that accommodates diversities and makes a society inclusive. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Companies adhering to the norms of corporate governance emerge as winners in the long run. Evaluate with the help of suitable examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You are posted as a DCP in the national capital of the country. In a locality which falls under your jurisdiction, protests have been going on for the last one month against a decision taken by the government. While these protests have been non-violent in nature and are being led by women, the protesters have blocked a major road which connects a number of satellite cities. This has led to traffic jams and congestion causing inconvenience to people who use this road for commuting to work causing hardships and a loss to the economy. A number of people filed complaints in this regard and also approached the courts. The High Court has directed the police to keep larger public interest in mind and take appropriate action. In light of the information given above, answer the following questions: (a) While highlighting the significance of right to protest in a democratic setup, discuss the limitations on this right, even if the protests are non-violent, as in this case. (b) What are the options available to you? (c) Evaluate each of these options and choose the option you would adopt, giving reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Recently, the four accused in the rape and murder of a veterinary doctor were shot down by the police while they were in police custody. The police claimed that the four accused were taken to the site of the rape in the early hours of the morning. They managed to snatch two pistols from the policemen, fired and injured two cops, and were shot in retaliation. Soon thereafter, a majority of the public welcomed the news of the police shooting the alleged rapists. Why is it that people applaud these actions of the police? Do you share such sentiments? Justify with relevant arguments.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Public policy is being increasingly informed by insights from the behavioural sciences. One such behavioural approach is the Nudge theory. It is mainly concerned with the design of choices, which influences the decisions we make. Nudge theory proposes that the designing of choices should be based on how people actually think and decide, rather than how leaders and authorities traditionally believe people think and decide. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) Giving examples, illustrate the difference between enforced change and 'Nudge' techniques? (b) Identify the ethical concerns associated with the nudge technique. Also, suggest ways for using nudging theory ethically.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate in a remote district in India. The district is prone to frequent natural disasters which often lead to breakdown of the administrative machinery. The educational and health institutes in the district suffer the most as the supply of goods is disrupted during any such disaster. You have been given the task to enroll the people in your district for a government program which requires gathering information from people using door to door campaigns. However, people in the district are not forthcoming and are refusing to comply with the directions. Upon interaction with the local leaders, you realize that their trust on local administration has also eroded. (a) What are the administrative challenges that you face in such a situation to restore the credibility of the administration? (b) Given the resources and command of the government, what short-term and long-term measures can be taken to earn back the trust of the people and their willing cooperation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"In contemporary times, disruptions have become an endemic feature of the functioning of Indian Parliament. Though it is not a new phenomenon, disruptions, which were an exception earlier, seem to have become the new normal. The years gone by have seen MPs raise slogans, snatch papers from ministers and indulge in theatrics. Crucial time of the Parliament, which ought to have been spent in debating appropriateness of legislation or other important issues, is getting unnecessarily wasted. In this context, answer the following: (a) Identify the ethical issues involved from the point of view of different stakeholders? (b) What are the reasons behind such a scenario? (c) Is merely having a code of conduct or ethics sufficient to resolve this situation?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6228,"topper":"Ravi Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d42a2-628078_1525_ravi-kumar_rank_84.pdf","questions":[{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter. Martin Luther King Jr. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Identify which essential information should be made available to the public via Citizen's Charter? Also, suggest some steps for successful implementation of the Citizen's Charter. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Respect for human rights and humanitarian principles is a responsibility for all members of the international community. Discuss in the context of roles and responsibilities of States for protection of refugees. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"What is red-tapism? Why is it considered a hurdle in the process of transitioning towards citizen centric governance? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":39,"question":"Problems surrounding air pollution present an urgent challenge for many countries, including India. Among other reasons, this challenge has been exacerbated by the indifferent attitude of people towards it. Various studies have pointed out the harmful effects of air pollution. Despite the government bringing various regulations on activities like stubble burning and bursting fire crackers, people violate them. (a) Discuss the reasons behind such behaviour on part of society towards air pollution. (b) Suggest measures that are required to be undertaken to nudge people towards pro-environment behaviour.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Economic growth has been the primary goal of economic policies, and the principal measure of an economy's success. In the last few decades, economic growth benefitted mankind in multiple ways. But alongside these benefits, it has also generated significant issues and a series of converging challenges. In light of this, answer the following: (a) What was the rationale behind GDP growth being considered the pillar of economic policies the world over in the past few decades? (b) Explain the need to go beyond GDP growth and reassess our measures of development. Identify some of the components that need to be complemented with GDP growth going forward.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"The Covid-19 pandemic is far from over but governments across the world appear to have either relaxed lockdown parameters or will do so soon. Containing Covid and restoring our economies requires not just good policy decisions and medical advice; it also needs continued compliance with the recommended behavioural changes. Daunting as they may seem, the drastic changes in behaviour being called for, can indeed be brought about. Answer the following in this regard: (a) Why is behavioural change seen to be desirable in a country like India, when it is faced with a pandemic of the kind of Covid-19? (b) What role have different stakeholders in India been playing in helping","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6229,"topper":"Ravi Kumar Sihag","air":317,"year":2019,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/91a18-168117_1252_ravi-kumar-sihag_rank_317.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6230,"topper":"Ravi Kumar Sihag","air":317,"year":2019,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5d1db-168117_1253_ravi-kumar-sihag_rank_317.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6231,"topper":"Ravi Kumar Sihag","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/46988-168117_1248_ravi-kumar-sihag_rank_317.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the significance of Credit Rating Agencies (CRAs) in India and highlight the issues in their working. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What are the issues that have limited the success of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in India? Mention some steps that can be taken to address them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The opportunities for start-ups in India are immense, but so are the challenges. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The term 'Circular Economy' is often seen in news. What are the principles that it is based on? Bring out its relevance for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Assess the performance of Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana in achieving its stated objective of financial inclusion. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"How does pollution in rivers impact the surrounding ecosystem? Explain why such pollution has not shown signs of improvement, despite various government initiatives. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What is project MANAV launched by the Department of Biotechnology? Highlight the significance of this project. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Highlighting the properties and applications of superconductors, discuss the constraints related to their practical use. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind India becoming a major destination as well as a transit hub for drug trafficking in South Asia. How does this effect India's internal security? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The development of border areas is an important element in border management. In this context, discuss how the Border Area Development Programme (BADP) seeks to ameliorate the problems faced in border areas. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Examine whether Fixed Term Employment will be able to achieve the objectives of ease of doing business, achieving labour welfare and job creation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"A growing livestock sector augurs well for the low income households to augment their income and escape poverty. Discuss. Further, suggest some strategies for ensuring sustainable livestock sector growth in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Examine whether the time has come for India to usher in full liberalisation of the Capital Account. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlighting the challenges to agriculture extension in India, discuss how ICT can help in addressing them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Now that it has been two years since introduction of GST in India, do you think the system is on the path to achieve its intended objectives? Support your answer with relevant facts. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Highlight the gender specific challenges faced during disaster management. In this regard, discuss how the disaster management cycle can be made more gender sensitive. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Though there are some notable individual achievements, the overall participation of women in scientific research has been abysmally low. Examine. What steps have been taken by the government in this regard? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss the significance of the recent amendments made in the NIA act and the UAPA Act for countering terrorism. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The national security architecture needs to be robust enough to deal with present and evolving threats. Elaborating on the statement, discuss the recent steps taken for modernisation of the national security architecture. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6232,"topper":"Ravi Kumar Sihag","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/89511-168117_1440_ravi-kumar-sihag_rank_317.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Among various modes, trade played an important role in the spread of Indian culture abroad in the ancient period. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was a far-sighted realistic leader with great diplomatic and military skills. Discuss in the context of his contribution to national freedom struggle. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Enumerate the factors responsible for the decline of Mughal empire in India. How did it help in the expansion and consolidation of British power? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Though the conditions in France were vastly different from those in America, many of the driving factors behind the two revolutions were similar. Discuss in the context of French revolution. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Globalization has been a significant force in shaping the contemporary education system in India in both positive and negative ways. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The lack of clarity over what constitutes an urban area encourages haphazard development pattern in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Regionalism need not be regarded as unhealthy unless it takes a militant, aggressive turn and encourages the growth of secessionist tendencies. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Mention the conditions responsible for occurrence of Temperature Inversion in atmosphere. Elaborating on its various types, highlight its effects on the biosphere. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Assess the feasibility of introducing two time zones in India in the wake of recent proposal made by Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discussing the reasons behind disappearance of springs, examine how springshed management can help revive springs, especially in the Himalayan region. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"India has a long civilizational history. In this context, highlight the significant contributions from ancient India in science, mathematics and medicine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Over the years, the nationalist movement successfully created an ideology and culture of democracy and civil liberties that became a source of its strength. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Critically discuss the contribution of the Indian capitalist class in the freedom struggle. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Equitable distribution of land plays an important role in bringing about socio-economic transformation. In this regard, analyse the progress of land reforms measures taken in India since independence. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Examine the contemporary trends and reasons for change in the traditional family structure in India. Discuss the reforms needed in the existing social security protection measures in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Differentiate between eustatic and isostatic type of sea-level changes. Also, discuss the resultant landforms which are likely to be formed as a result of sea-level fluctuations. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the forces that drive the movement of lithospheric plates? In this context, identify the different types of plate boundaries based on their nature of interaction with suitable examples of the characteristic features formed along them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Highlight the factors responsible for location of automobile industries in India. Also, examine the challenges in the wake of transformations taking place in the automotive industry. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Identify the major Uranium reserves in the world and the countries from where India sources it. What measures are required to ensure supply security of fuel for nuclear plants in the country? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6233,"topper":"Ravi Kumar Sihag","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6c6bf-168117_1864_ravi-kumar-sihag_rank_18.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Agristack can serve as a foundation to build innovative agri-focused solutions, thus enabling creation of a better ecosystem for agriculture in India. Comment. Also, discuss the concerns associated with it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Despite the advantages of geothermal energy, it has not been adopted on a wide scale in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"While the WTO seeks elimination of subsidies that contribute to IUU (illegal, unreported and unregulated) fishing, there are multiple concerns around it. Discuss while highlighting India's stand on the issue. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"There is a view that the current agricultural policies in India are biased against rainfed agriculture. Comment. Also, identify government initiatives in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Enumerate the major causes behind marine heatwaves. Also, discuss their impact on the ocean ecosystem. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Aseismic structures are touted as a viable solution to combat earthquake destruction. In this context, highlight the need of a National Program on Seismic Retrofitting of Buildings and Structures in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Despite the risks associated with cryptoassets, their underlying advantages should not be overlooked. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality (VR and AR) have massive innovation potential across a wide range of industries and research fields in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the role and functions of Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and examine whether the NDPS Act, 1985 needs to be remodelled. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Recent events have raised concerns around the issue of surveillance in India. Do you think surveillance is a necessary evil to tackle crime and terror? Discuss the various arguments on the issue. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The decision to grow a particular crop by a farmer is affected by various factors other than the yield of a crop. Discuss this statement and assess the need for bringing a change in the cropping pattern in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Identifying the importance of livestock in the Indian agricultural economy, enumerate the steps taken by the government in this regard. Also, discuss the potential impact of climate change on the livestock sector. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"It has been argued by some economists that supply creates its own demand. In this context, discuss the merits and demerits of reliance on investment in infrastructure to boost the Indian economy. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Innovations emerge not just as an opportunity but also as a pre-condition to assure the sustainability of food production. Analyse the statement in context of the food processing sector in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The factors contributing to unemployment in India are not merely a result of the structural issues related to the Indian economy. Discuss. Also, highlight the measures taken to address the problem of unemployment in recent times. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Highlighting the major announcements made by India in the recently concluded COP26, examine India's capabilities in achieving net zero emissions by 2070. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"While geography plays a definite role in the recurring disasters in Western Ghats, it is the human intervention that has exacerbated them. Discuss. Also, suggest measures to protect Western Ghats from these frequent disasters. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The IPR regime in India is mired by inadequate protection and ineffective implementation. In this context, discuss how the IPR regime can be made more robust and effective. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What are the similarities and differences between the activities of terrorists and organized criminal groups? Also, elaborate upon the fact that their linkages occur in both tactical and strategic ways. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"There is a view that the 'civil society is emerging as the new frontier of war', in the 4th generation of warfare. Do you agree with this view? Substantiate with logical arguments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6234,"topper":"Ravi Kumar Sihag","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/81125-168117_1510_ravi-kumar-sihag_rank_18.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlight the role played by the MPLAD Scheme in creating community assets based on local needs. Also, critically evaluate the recent move to suspend it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Adequately empowering the third tier of Indian federal structure is key to strengthen federalism in India. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"To safeguard and uphold the freedom of speech and expression in India, it is imperative to adequately reform colonial laws that curtail free speech. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlight the role of pressure groups in a democratic country. Also, differentiate between pressure groups in India and developed countries. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The idea that Public Intent Data can play a transformative role in the public sector is not bereft of challenges. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Enumerating the key objectives of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, discuss why the recent amendments in the act are seen as a matter of great concern for the development sector in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The current COVID-19 pandemic has posed a serious threat to the safety and wellbeing of children all over the world. Discuss. Also provide an account of the measures taken by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Various challenges need to be addressed in order to successfully eradicate the menace of bonded labour in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"In the background of the recent military coup in Myanmar, discuss why a stable Myanmar is important for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In the case of Maldives it's not the size but the location that makes it strategically significant. Explain in the context of India's neighbourhood first approach. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"While the judiciary should not be a silent spectator when constitutional rights of citizens are infringed by executive policies, it must also not assume the role of the executive or pass policy prescriptions. Do you agree? Justify your stand with logical arguments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"'Effective legislatures are measured by their outcomes and not by their output.' Analyze the functioning of the Indian Parliament in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Fiscal federalism in India has evolved with time. Discuss in light of the developments in recent years. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is often cited as an example of the rising politicisation of public institutions. In this context, identify the issues associated with the CBI's functioning. What steps can be taken to address these issues? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The principal constraint for India is trying to find solutions to 21st century problems using 19th century government structures. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"How far has the governance in India achieved the twin objectives of transparency and accountability? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Identify the barriers that exist in the enjoyment of reproductive health rights by women in India. Also highlight the interventions that have been adopted to remove these barriers. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"India continues to face the problem of hunger despite adequate food stocks and statutory laws that ensure food security. Discuss and provide solutions to deal with this problem. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The economic rise of Bangladesh is an opportunity for India and hope for South Asia. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Outcome of the Afghan peace process may have serious implications for the wider region. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6235,"topper":"Ravi Kumar Sihag","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/f0ca0-168117_1511_ravi-kumar-sihag_rank_18.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Despite a vast coast line and a number of waterways, why has India not been able to achieve its potential in bringing a significant modal shift from rail and road to waterways? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The move to establish a National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development, to reverse the drag on India's growth potential will have its own set of challenges. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlighting the issues related to the current fertilizer subsidy regime in India, discuss the need for reforms in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Identifying the need for a climate resilient agriculture in India, discuss how it can be achieved. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Mega Food Parks (MFPs) were considered to be a gamechanger for the food processing sector in India, but their progress remains stunted. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do you understand by impact based forecasting in disaster management? How can such forecasting strengthen the disaster management preparedness? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Low Earth Orbit is becoming increasingly crowded as countries race to launch satellites into space. Highlighting the associated issues, discuss international efforts taken in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Enumerating the existing measures to counter bio-terrorism in India, highlight the need for a bio-terrorism law. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the potential of \"Integrated Law Enforcement Centres\" and \"Smart Walls\" on India's border areas to address the prevailing security challenges. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Farm loan waivers are neither adequate nor recommended for promoting sustained agricultural growth. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"A number of initiatives in recent years have focussed on the MSME sector. Why is there a need to focus on this sector? Also, identify the measures taken by the government and further scope of action. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Skilling the Indian population faces a 3E challenge - Education, Employment and Employability. Discuss. Also suggest interventions required to effectively manage this challenge. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Despite its importance, agricultural marketing faces various institutional and infrastructural related issues in India. Elaborate. Also, enlist the measures that have been taken in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Marine litter is not just an environmental issue but poses a socio-economic challenge as well. Discuss. Also, enumerate the initiatives taken by the global community to reduce marine litter. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Assess India's vulnerability to flash floods and suggest measures for better resilience to flash floods. In this context, also briefly highlight the significance of recently launched Flash Flood Guidance System (FFGS) operated by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Hydrogen based energy production can play a key role in a clean, secure and affordable energy future. In this context, identify the potential and opportunities for utilising hydrogen based technologies. What are the challenges that need to be addressed to fullfill the potential? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Despite the huge promise of satellite-based internet connectivity, it hasn't gained traction on a significant commercial scale, especially in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India's attempts at strengthening its intelligence infrastructure and capabilities have historically been reactive and incremental, rather than holistic and sustainable. Discuss. Also, provide a concrete framework in transforming the country's intelligence capabilities. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"In light of the prominent instances of drone attacks by both state and non state actors, assess the challenges and capabilities of India in dealing with such security threats. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6236,"topper":"Ravi Kumar Sihag","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c755f-168117_1509_ravi-kumar-sihag_rank_18.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The architecture of Vijayanagara kingdom has a distinctive style comprising of unique features. Elaborate with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Although the tenure of Lord William Bentinck was short, it was marked by enduring reforms. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"While the Indian capitalists were not in favour of protracted mass civil disobedience, many of them also acknowledged the utility, even necessity, of civil disobedience in getting crucial concessions for their class and the nation. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"American Revolution was a constitutional crisis brought on by the irreconcilability of Britain's imperial interests and the colonists' experience in self-government. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Explaining the phenomenon of Western Disturbance, discuss its impact on the Indian weather system. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Arabian Sea, a cyclone shy water body, is converting into a cyclone hotbed. Analyse the reasons behind this trend. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Despite the Peninsular India being a stable land mass and a region of slight seismicity, it has witnessed several earthquakes. Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Despite all the long strides towards women's rights to property and inheritance in India, there still exist challenges that need to be addressed. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"It has been observed in India, while the population has stabilised in southern states, this remains a pipe dream in the case of northern states. Analyse the reasons behind this trend. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Globalisation is affecting the attitudes and aspirations of youth in India in multifarious ways. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Identifying its major forms, broadly trace the evolution of classical dance in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The acceptance of partition by the Indian National Congress was only the last stage of the process of gradual concessions given to the Muslim League. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Over the course of the freedom struggle, especially after the Indian Council's Act of 1892, nationalist leaders in India transformed the Imperial Legislative Council, from a powerless machine functioning as a tool of endorsement of government policies into a forum for ventilating popular grievances. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Despite its advocacy for peaceful resolution of disputes, highlight the factors that prompted India to use force to remove Portuguese colonial rule from its territories after independence. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The roots of the present Israel-Palestine conflict may be traced back to ancient history, however it is the 20th century which has shaped it in its modern form. Explain. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Discuss the problems and prospects of the cotton textile industry in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"As Indian cities are undergoing rapid urbanization with burgeoning population, state policies and actions have proved to be inadequate to address the corresponding challenges. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Nation doesn't negate the concept of region. Discuss the idea in the Indian context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6237,"topper":"Ravi Kumar Sihag","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/903cc-168117_1247_ravi-kumar-sihag_rank_317.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Mention the structure and functions of NITI Aayog. Also, comment on its contemporary relevance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Critically discuss the practice of setting up Fast Track Courts to reduce pendency of cases in the judiciary. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the challenges faced by lower judiciary in India and suggest measures for enhancing their productivity. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Assess the need to formalise the process of post-legislative scrutiny to improve the effectiveness of laws. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in improving the effectiveness of e-governance in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Despite various reforms in the public grievance redressal mechanisms, their effectiveness remain limited. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Explaining the factors that contribute to trafficking of women and children in India, highlight the steps taken in recent times to combat it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"With Vector-Borne Diseases (VBDs) reaching epidemic proportions in India, highlight the factors that have led to their emergence. Also, suggest some measures for their effective control and management. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":44,"question":"Assess the importance of skilling in light of changing economic and demographic structure in India. In this regard, how far has the Skill India Mission succeeded in its mandate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What according to you are the reasons that motivated India to create a dedicated Indo-Pacific division in the MEA recently? Also, highlight the challenges for India in the Indo-Pacific region. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6238,"topper":"Ravi Kumar Sihag","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7830c-168117_1244_ravi-kumar-sihag_rank_317.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the need of an Independent Fiscal Council (IFC) in bringing about transparency and accountability in fiscal processes in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Recognizing the potential of exports in generating employment, a number of steps need to be taken to address India's weakening export competitiveness. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlighting the main features of National Mineral Policy, 2019, discuss how it can help in ensuring sustainable and responsible mining. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlighting the salient features of the PM JI-VAN Yojana, analyze how it can assist in achieving the vision and goals of the National Policy on Biofuels, 2018. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) provides an alternative to capital and chemical intensive agriculture currently being practiced in India. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"There have been arguments that India could fall into a 'middle income trap'. Explaining the phenomenon, highlight the reasons behind such arguments. How can India avoid it? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Highlighting its importance, discuss the major issues that plague effective monetary policy transmission in India. Also, mention the steps taken by RBI to improve it. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight the constraints faced by rainfed agriculture in India. Discuss some agronomic practices that can be adopted for stabilizing agricultural production in rainfed areas. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite the steps taken by the government in recent years, a number of problems continue to persist in the urea sector in India. Discuss. What reforms should be taken to address the persisting problems? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What is Access and Benefit Sharing? Explain how it aids in sustainable use of biodiversity. Also, mention the different global and national level mechanisms for ensuring Access and Benefit Sharing. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Stating the significance, discuss the challenges in achieving disaster resilience of infrastructure. Suggest some ways for mainstreaming it in the development paradigm. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Highlighting the significance of data localization for India, discuss various challenges associated with data localization. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Money Laundering as a socio economic offence is a menace especially for developing countries like India. Comment. What measures have been taken at the domestic and international levels to deal with this menace? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The primary motive of terrorism differs from that of organised crime but there exists a symbiotic relationship between the two. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6239,"topper":"Ravi Kumar Sihag","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6af85-168117_1514_ravi-kumar-sihag_rank_18.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the changes introduced by the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) Amendment Act, 2021, analyse various issues with the amended Act. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Are there valid arguments for continuing with sedition law in 21st century democratic India? Discuss in light of the debate surrounding it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Identify the issues that have contributed to a decline in the performance of Parliamentary Standing Committees. How can these issues be addressed? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Despite being a non-constitutional body, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) has wielded immense decision-making power in India. Discuss the advantages and issues associated with it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the role of data in governance in India. Also, state the various challenges in this regard and suggest remedial measures. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"With specific examples, elaborate upon the conditions that led to the emergence of a new civil society in urban India in the last few decades. Also, highlight its contribution towards effecting governance and policy changes. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The Gati Shakti mission has the potential to not only address the issue of infrastructure bottlenecks but also streamline the governance processes in the country. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Giving an account of the issues faced by workers in the informal sector, discuss whether the recently launched e-Shram portal can help in addressing them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Clarifying the significance of the recent developments on the issue of global minimum tax, discuss its prospects and challenges for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Announcement of the AUKUS security pact heralds a new era of global geo-politics. Comment. Also, discuss how it may affect India's interests. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Effective devolution of finances is an important requirement for Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) to fulfill their objectives. Discuss while also elaborating on the reasons behind lack of financial resources for PRIs in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Judicial activism is a necessary tool to guard against \"legislative adventurism and executive excesses\". Critically discuss in the context of the doctrine of separation of powers as provided in the Constitution of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The electoral bond scheme is part of what appears to be a growing trend away from transparency and accountability in electoral funding. Critically analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The significance of the principle of subsidiarity was well reflected in the management of the COVID-19 pandemic. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Social media has ushered in greater transparency and accountability in governance. But accountability through social media is no alternative to institutional accountability. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Although the State has the right incentives and intentions to deliver public services efficiently, its capacity to do so is questionable. Critically discuss in the context of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The problem of hunger in India does not lie in food production but various other underlying issues. Discuss in the wake of decline in India's ranking in the Global Hunger Index, 2021. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Democratization of primary healthcare is indispensable for fulfilling the objectives of equitable and comprehensive care in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"In the context of the evolving discourse on the Indo-Pacific, analyse the factors driving the global shift towards the region. Also, identify India's interests and challenges in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India's Afghanistan policy must be based on a clear-eyed understanding of important strategic goals in the region amidst the current regional and global strategic environment. Elaborate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6240,"topper":"Ravi Kumar Sihag","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/09b5d-168117_1515_ravi-kumar-sihag_rank_18.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the meaning of off-budget borrowings and its role in helping the government raise funds for various expenditures. Also, comment on its desirability. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"It is argued that genetically modified food crops are required to ensure food security of India. Examine in view of concerns regarding introduction of GM crops. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"India's price intervention policies to support its agricultural sector not only create a broken system but also complicate matters related to international trade rules. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"India has an opportunity to become a leading global food supplier provided it has an efficient supply chain and the right marketing strategies. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Land banks are increasingly gaining prominence in India to encourage land-use efficiency and enable economic growth. In this context, discuss the benefits of a land bank and state the concerns associated with it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What is social stock exchange (SSE)? Discuss the need for setting up of SSEs and key challenges in their effective implementation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the context of India, highlight the importance of agriculture extension. What are the challenges faced in provisioning of agriculture extension services? How does the National Mission on Agricultural Extension & Technology (NMAET) address these issues? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Clearly delineate the 'employment problem' that India currently faces. Also, explain the fundamental reasons behind existence of this problem. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Although steps have been taken for integrating the dispersed logistics activities of maritime trade, much more needs to be done to make India a maritime powerhouse. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Accounting for natural capital and ecosystem services is crucial to understand the link between the economy and environment. Discuss with specific references to India's initiatives in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Rapid and unplanned urbanisation accompanied by population growth have increased both the risk and impact of natural disasters. Discuss the statement along with adequate measures to address the relevant concerns in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"National Hydrogen Mission can be a game changer for India's rising energy demands. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Despite geo-strategic instability of its region and a keen awareness of the cyber threat it faces, India has made only 'modest progress' in developing its policy and doctrine for cyberspace security. Critically examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Developmental interventions alone cannot play a defining role in the resolution of existing and protracted internal conflicts in various parts of India within a reasonable time frame. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6241,"topper":"Ravi Kumar Sihag","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9e880-168117_1439_ravi-kumar-sihag_rank_317.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Given below are two statements. Bring out what you understand by them and discuss their relevance in the present context. (a) \"I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear\"- Nelson Mandela","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"\"Not everybody can be famous, but everybody can be great because greatness is determined by service\"- Martin Luther King.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Impersonal management, a characteristic feature of a Weberian bureaucracy, develops over time into indifference, especially with regard to weaker sections of the society. Critically discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"In pursuit of political power, means are often compromised that leads to competitive reliance on unethical practices resulting in erosion of public trust. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"What steps should be taken by the government for increasing the effectiveness of grievance redressal mechanism?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Citizen's charters can be both a stimulus and a means for government to raise the standards of Public Service delivery. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Attitude and behaviour are so closely interwoven that a change in one inevitably influences the other. Explain the statement with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Emotional intelligence is an important parameter as one aspires to move up the ladder in a competitive environment. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Ethics in international relations has the potential to cater to the diplomatic challenges of 21st century. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"It takes more than a corporate governance policy to inspire ethical behavior and sustain a truly ethical workplace. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Compassion should never be considered as weakness, but rather as an essential element for providing a congenial administrative working environment. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Do you think there has been a convergence of values between public and private sectors in the wake of increasing role of the private sector in public service delivery?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Rapid growth of information and communication technology, with all its benefits, has associated risks and far-reaching consequences. The government has constituted a committee to frame guidelines for an inclusive and safe cyberspace in India. The committee has solicited public opinion in this regard. As a concerned citizen, you have to give your suggestions on the following themes: (a) Why do you think some people or a set of people are more vulnerable to cyber threats with special emphasis on cyber-bullying. (b) Do you think the experiences and exposure in cyberspace are an important influence in a person's attitude and behaviour? (c) What reasonable restrictions can be applied to make cyberspace more safe and friendly to all citizens?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"There are large number of leather industries in a major industrial town of India. They provide employment to large number of people and are also a prominent source of revenue for the state. Lately it has been observed that despite following the present emission control rules, the collective ecological footprint of these industries remains quite high affecting the surrounding areas in an adverse manner. The new technologies available for emission control are quite costly and thus acts as a disincentive for the owners of the industries for adopting them. In light of this information, the government is contemplating the following options: (a) Shutting down the industries in the region (b) Relocating the industries to a new region (c) Making the emission control rules stricter (d) Providing incentives to the industry owners for adoption of new technology. Analyse the above options in terms of their merits and demerits. What course of action would you choose and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Recently you were posted as a District Magistrate of a predominantly agricultural district, which has been one of the best performers in agriculture since the last decade. In one of your field visits, you find that the large landowners, who are a socially, politically and economically powerful group, employ domestic helps and agriculture labour who are informally tied to them and have been working there since generations. In return, these workers are provided basic amenities like food and shelter apart from some money. However, you do sense a violation of basic human rights in this situation. In light of the above case, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the stakeholders, their interests and ethical issues involved in the case. (b) How does denial of choice amount to violation of human rights? (c) What course of action would you take? Give reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Recently, two national level sportspersons who are integral members of their team, made some comments in a talk show which were perceived as being grossly misogynistic and racist. This created a huge controversy and they were temporarily suspended from the team pending an enquiry. In light of these events, answer the following questions: (a) Do you think public figures have an additional responsibility in so far as expressing their views on matters of public importance is concerned? Give reasons. (b) According to you, what are the reasons that some prominent public figures make such misogynistic comments, and even get away without any consequences? (c) As the person in charge to enquire into the conduct, what factors would you consider to examine it and what punishment, if any, would you prescribe in this specific case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"You are serving as the Public Health Officer in a district that is lagging behind in achieving the Open Defecation Free (ODF) status. Even after ensuring adequate access to water and sanitation services, their usage has not spread and the practice of open defecation continues in the district. Despite serious extension efforts by the government, safe hygienic practices have not been adopted by the people. As a result, various instances of bacteriological contamination and water-borne diseases have surfaced up recently. In such a scenario: (a) Examine the reasons behind low usage and adoption rates of built toilets in India? (b) Highlighting the principles to be kept in mind while preparing an effective Information, Education and Communication (IEC) strategy, design an action plan to address the problem.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6242,"topper":"Ravi Kumar Sihag","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/25a22-168117_1516_ravi-kumar-sihag_rank_18.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Do laws need to be consistent with the prevalent moral norms? Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"\"People's indifference is the best breeding ground for corruption to grow\". Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"In the context of COVID-19 pandemic, discuss the importance of Emotional Intelligence among healthcare workers. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"It is the 'spirit of service' that motivates a public servant to serve the country's interests and address people's issues. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Ethics does its work in the world by granting and withdrawing legitimacy. Discuss in the context of role of ethics in international relations. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Sustainable growth of an organisation can result only by aligning its decisions to the interests of all stakeholders, not merely its shareholders. Do you agree? Justify with logical arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri's life exemplifies value-driven public service of the highest order. What are the values one can learn from his life to be a good citizen and a good administrator? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"There is a view that the institutional mechanisms to ensure accountability of civil servants have weakened over time. In this context, discuss the need of a social accountability law in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Why has anonymity of civil servants traditionally been seen as an important arrangement? In this context, discuss your opinion on the doctrine of facelessness in civil services. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In the age of social media, influencers have a huge following and have gained prominent marketing roles. In this context, discuss the ethical issues involved in influencer marketing. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or the darkness of destructive selfishness. - Martin Luther King Jr. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You are a young officer posted as the Sub Divisional Magistrate in a district which houses factories for making match boxes and fire crackers. It is brought to your notice that a large number of children are working in these hazardous activities. The government had previously released a notification that owners of these manufacturing units need to report on the profiles of their employees annually to prevent child labour. These manufacturing units, abiding by the directives of the government, publish such reports annually and claim to have successfully put an end to employment of child labour. However, there are reports that these units are taking advantage of loopholes in the law. They are using contractors to continue to indirectly hire children without them officially being on the payroll of the units. Families of these child labourers are poor and see this as an essential source of income. An influential local politician also owns some of these manufacturing units and is known to put pressure on the officers involved for not taking any action against child labour. (a) Identify the stakeholders and ethical issues in this case. (b) How would you approach the problem and what would be the main elements of your action? (c) What medium to long-term measures will you propose to tackle the problem of child labour in the district?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Many states in India have experimented with prohibition of liquor at various times. However, it is common knowledge that many such states have a thriving illegal liquor industry. Moreover, it is ironical that while many political parties have prohibition prominently mentioned in their manifestos, it is politicians who distribute alcohol among voters during their election campaigns. This also gives rise to illicit liquor trade and many people lose their lives to it. (a) What are the socio-economic problems that are widely attributed to alcoholism? (b) Do you think prohibiting liquor creates more problems than it proposes to solve? (c) Short of prohibition, what can be done to tackle the problem of rising alcoholism, particularly among the youth of the country?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate (DM) of a district where residents are facing the menace of stray dogs. Instances of dogs chasing two-wheelers, cyclists and attacking pedestrians are on the rise. Elderly persons as well as children are the worst-hit and recently, an 8 year old girl was severely injured by a pack of dogs. The perceived magnanimity of the problem and inaction from government authorities have prompted vigilante groups to cull dogs in mass numbers. However, local NGOs have come out against such a practice of mass culling and are calling for stringent action against those killing stray dogs. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (b) As the DM, suggest short-term and long-term measures to tackle the above issue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"As India's vaccination drive against the COVID-19 pandemic breaches the 100 crore inoculation mark, some of the most backward tribal districts of the country still remain unvaccinated. You are the new District Magistrate (DM) in one such tribal district. The vaccination drive has been unsuccessful in the district so far despite imminent threats of the virus. It is believed that the tribals of the district refuse to get vaccinated due to their personal beliefs regarding immunization. Further, the community doctor who works in geriatrics and has almost daily contact with members of the district, too has refused to be vaccinated based on his personal beliefs. This has made the people more adamant about their decision to remain unvaccinated. Additionally, rumours of a few deaths post-vaccination have spread in the district. There is also a high risk of rising cases in the nearby districts spilling over to your district. There is a dire need for assuaging the fear of people and extreme pressure on the administration to take action and conduct the vaccination drive smoothly. (a) What are the ethical issues in the given case? (b) As the DM in charge, what steps will you take to tackle the issues? (c) Discuss how persuasion can be used to convince people to voluntarily get vaccinated.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"In India, there exists a huge gap between demand for organ transplants and available donors, both living and cadaver. Besides a lack of awareness on organ donation, the rise of non-communicable and lifestyle diseases, such as hypertension and diabetes have led to increased instances of organ failure, in turn putting even more pressure on the demand for vital organs. According to reports, an estimated four lakh people die in India every year waiting for an organ transplant. Other than the legal and administrative issues, there are various ethical issues related to organ donation and transplantation in India. Provide an account of these ethical issues in detail. Also, discuss how the gap between demand and supply of organs in India can be closed.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6243,"topper":"Ravi Kumar Sihag","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/cabc8-168117_1512_ravi-kumar-sihag_rank_18.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Persuasion plays an important role in public administration. Discuss. Also highlight the various elements of effective persuasion. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"\"Never do anything against the conscience even if the state demands it.\" In this context, discuss the role of conscience in taking ethical decisions in administration. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Raja Ram Mohan Roy's liberal views on social and religious issues have much relevance in present day India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The moral circle of humanity has been expanding constantly over time. Discuss in this context whether non-human entities should have the same rights as humans beings. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"Each individual is capable of transforming his immediate environment by attempting a radical transformation inside him\". - J Krishnamurti (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Explain the ethical issues involved in spending government funds for advertisement campaigns and publicity. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Explaining the concept of political neutrality, discuss its significance in administration. Also, highlight how the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules seek to ensure political neutrality in the civil services. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"In light of the recurring issues, there is a constant need to search for better ethical frameworks and models of corporate governance. Discuss with adequate examples and evidence in support of your arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":31,"question":"Identify the most critical issues involved in this case? On the basis of priority, whom will you address?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"What would be your advice to Mr. X and Mr. Y? Also, explain sufficiently the reasons for such advice.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"In a recent survey around social and economic indicators, a certain state in the country was found grossly underperforming. The state is marred with the issues of poverty, hunger, social backwardness, lawlessness and underdevelopment. In about seven decades since gaining independence, this state has continued to perform poorly across various indices. In the past, the Chief Minister had set up a fact finding Committee to report on the chief causes of the backwardness of the State. After years of ground research and surveying, it was found that the one of the main causes of the state's backwardness was its huge population that amplified resource scarcity to unimaginable proportions. Taking a clue from the facts presented in the report, the State Cabinet constitutes a panel of policy makers to consider this question of growing population and suggest suitable revisions to the State's Population Policy. The Panel recommends legislating a Population Control Bill that has a contentious provision in the form of 'One Child' norm. You are the Chief of this Panel and the recommendations of the Panel require your approval to be tabled in the Chief Minister's Office. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the ethical issues related to population control of a compulsory nature that you would consider before approving or rejecting the recommendation? (b) What would be your course of action in the aforementioned case? Suggest reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"You work as a marketing consultant for a multinational company that specializes in various products including nutrient supplements, diet pills etc. The company pays its employees extremely well and provides satisfactory fringe benefits. Your manager has hinted that he will recommend you for overseas company transfer, which will improve your job profile. This has motivated you to work harder and perform better. The company has to advertise and sell a new weight loss pill 'X'. As per in-company research, it has minimal or no side effects and has no adverse impacts on health, which is its unique selling point (USP). You are given the responsibility of heading the marketing team for advertising pill 'X'. Due to a well-crafted marketing strategy including endorsement by a renowned celebrity, the product has generated considerable public attention. However, while working on an advertisement campaign for the pill, you find out that the in-company research findings of pill 'X' are fabricated. While it indeed has no side-effects, there are no proven benefits of taking the pill as well. It merely acts as a placebo. When you bring up the issue with your manager, he promptly tells you to keep the facts to yourself. He also indirectly brings up the fact that your performance review date is approaching and hints that you will get transferred overseas if you prove your loyalty to the company. Based on the given information, address the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders in this situation. (b) State the ethical issues that arise in this case. (c) Discuss your options in this scenario and mention your next step.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":56,"question":"The COVID-19 pandemic has forced universities, schools and other educational institutions around the world to shut down their campuses indefinitely and move their educational activities onto online platforms. These institutions were not prepared for such a transition and their online teaching-learning process evolved gradually. Though students considered online learning advantageous because of flexibility and convenience, there have been reports that the students prefer learning in physical classrooms to online education. The students feel that online education is stressful and affects their health and social life. Moreover, not all students have equal access to, and expertise on, digital technologies. Although these inequalities existed earlier, the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed this digital divide. Considering yourself as the Chairman of a Committee, constituted by the government, to suggest measures to improve the quality and accessibility of online education, answer the following questions: (a) What are the key ethical issues at stake here? (b) Highlight the principles and values that will guide your recommendations to the government. (c) Suggest measures to improve the quality and accessibility of online education in the country.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6244,"topper":"Ravi Kumar Sihag","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/473f2-168117_1249_ravi-kumar-sihag_rank_317.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by cultural sensitivity? Identify the ways in which individuals and organisations can benefit from cultural sensitivity in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"In the quest for scientific and technological development, ethical values should not be neglected. Discuss in the current context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"In a plural society like India, education should help the individual to celebrate the plurality and visualize the inherent unity of cultures and values. Analyze the statement in the present context with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Elucidate Swami Vivekananda's ideas on nationalism.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. Mahatma Gandhi","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Explaining the concept of moral attitude, discuss how social media is shaping moral attitudes of people.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Analyse the importance of both influence and persuasion for effective leadership.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Analyze the significance of adopting a code of ethics for creating a healthy work culture in an organization.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Ethos, ethics, equity and efficiency are key criteria on the basis of which the competency of civil servants should be judged. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"The mandatory nature of Corporate Social Responsibility goes against the notion of philanthropy. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"A private company has proposed a large-scale hydel power project to tap the potential of a fast-flowing river in a state predominantly occupied by indigenous tribal groups. The state is backward and badly needs funds for socio-economic development. The state government is deliberating on the issue and is yet to take a final decision on the matter. While the project is expected to generate substantial revenue and employment, it will submerge the surrounding areas eventually displacing the tribals. Another issue of concern is that the tribal community regards this land and the river as sacred and integral to their cultural heritage. Thus, the tribals are not in favour of going ahead with the project and are already protesting against it. Their leader has threatened to initiate a hunger strike if the government goes ahead with the project. This has caught the attention of the mainstream media and social activists. Based on the information given above, answer the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders involved in the case and their respective interests. (b) Keeping in mind the issues involved, how can differing interests be reconciled for ensuring sustainable development in the area?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"You are posted as Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district, which has a bustling market in the district headquarters with a high footfall. The area has traditionally been occupied by street vendors and hawkers. They form an intrinsic part of the market system in the area and derive their livelihood from it. Recently, you got reports that the policemen posted in the area harass the hawkers and also extort 'hafta' - a weekly bribe - from them despite complying with the laws. It has been brought to your notice that while those who comply with this arrangement are allowed to carry on with their daily operations, those who do not are being evicted from the market area. In the process of eviction, they are even physically assaulted and their saleable items are often confiscated and destroyed. As a result, some street vendors have been staging protests against the local administration in the market and have blocked the normal market passage. They have also threatened to intensify their protest over a period of time. The local police, however, has been in denial of any such wrong doings and argue that they are merely removing illegal encroachments, which were causing traffic jam in the area. In this situation, answer the following: (a) Mention the stakeholders and ethical issues involved in the case. (b) As the Superintendent of Police, what course of action would you adopt for diffusing the tensions in the area? Also, suggest some policy recommendations, which will help resolve the issues in the long-term.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You have recently been posted as a probationary officer in the District Magistrate's office in a tribal district. During one of the fieldtrips, while interacting with the tribals, you come to know about a private company, established a few years back, which has transformed their lives. The company, using the traditional knowledge of tribals, had launched a series of products and provided numerous livelihood opportunities to the tribals. Upon further enquiry, you come to know that while the lives of tribals had indeed improved, the distribution of profits however, has been quite disproportionate. The company has seen a huge growth in its operations and its owners have amassed huge wealth. It is also planning to file for IPR, which may further hinder the interests of the tribals. You feel that tribals have been left short changed and there has not been an equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the use of their resources. When you tried to approach the Gram Sabha and voice your concerns, the tribals requested you not to intervene as they do not have any alternatives. They also argue that governments in the past have failed to protect their interests. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the different stakeholders and their interests involved in this case. (b) Present a case to convince the District Magistrate for the need of government intervention in the situation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Various studies have found out that cases of depression and mental illness have increased exponentially in the recent past. Also, in the age group of 15-30 years, this problem is further pronounced. Furthermore, the rising trend of suicides in this age group has been attributed to depression. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Present an ethical critique of the prevalent societal attitude towards mental illness. (b) Given the magnitude of the problem among younger generation/young adults, analyse the role of the following: i. Parenting ii. Social Media iii. Video Games","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6245,"topper":"RAVI MEENA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/26/mt23macen002_tc014.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"If you look into someone's face long enough, eventually you feel that you are looking into yourself.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"It is the province of knowledge to speak and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Drop the question what tomorrow may bring, and count as profit every day that fate allows you.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Truth, like a torch, the more it is shook, it shines.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Art is I; science is We.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Only the dead have seen the end of the war.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Act as if it were impossible to fail.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6246,"topper":"RAVI MEENA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/25/mt23macen002_tc013.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Reason has always existed, but not always in a reasonable form.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"The opposite of poverty is not wealth.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"To forgive is to set a prisoner free and to discover that the prisoner was you.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"A man who wants to lead the orchestra must turn his back on the crowd.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"International Trade is a good indicator of National Security.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"It is not that we use technology, we live technology.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"There is more to life than simply increasing its speed.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Nature is neither a servant nor a master, but a necessary partner.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6247,"topper":"RAVI MEENA","air":625,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/27/mt23macen002_tc015.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6248,"topper":"RAVI MEENA","air":625,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/192/mt23macen002_tc035-test-01-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6249,"topper":"RAVI MEENA","air":625,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/195/mt23macen002_tc039-test-05-gs01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6250,"topper":"RAVI MEENA","air":625,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/193/mt23macen002_tc037-test-03-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6251,"topper":"RAVI MEENA","air":625,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/196/mt23macen002_tc041-test-07-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6252,"topper":"RAVI MEENA","air":625,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/194/mt23macen002_tc038-test-04-gs4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6253,"topper":"RAVI MEENA","air":625,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/188/mt23macen002_tc038-test-04-gs4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6254,"topper":"RAVI MEENA","air":625,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/197/mt23macen002_tc042-test-08-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6255,"topper":"RAVI MEENA","air":625,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/186/mt23macen002_tc035-test-01-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6256,"topper":"RAVI MEENA","air":625,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/187/mt23macen002_tc037-test-03-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6257,"topper":"RAVI MEENA","air":625,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/189/mt23macen002_tc039-test-05-gs01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6258,"topper":"RAVI MEENA","air":625,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/190/mt23macen002_tc041-test-07-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6259,"topper":"RAVI MEENA","air":625,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/191/mt23macen002_tc042-test-08-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6260,"topper":"RAVI MITTAL","air":61,"year":2015,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/61_Ravi%20Mittal_16253_606_Essay.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6261,"topper":"Ravi Raj","air":20,"year":2025,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"Drishti IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.drishtiias.com/images/pdf/Ravi%20Raj-Copy%201.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6262,"topper":"Ravi Shekhar Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2025_unchecked_GCPM23L5081_FLT2509.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Pillars are not merely architectural marvels, but also serve as crucial sources of ancient Indian history. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"To what extent did early economic nationalists like Dadabhai Naoroji shape the intellectual foundations of the Indian freedom movement? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How did the Indian national movement influence freedom movements across the world? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How does the movement of continental plates help explain the spatial distribution of earthquakes in specific regions of the world? Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"River interlinking is seen as a means to reduce regional water stress. Discuss its advantages and examine the possible environmental and social implications. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the localisation factors for the textile industry in India and examine its economic significance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What are loess deposits, and why do they constitute some of the most agriculturally productive regions of the world? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Screen-based education has improved accessibility but also created new behavioural and social challenges for children. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Why are protectionist and xenophobic trends against Indians rising in the West, despite the global embrace of Indian culture and soft power? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The caste system in India has adapted to the forces of modernisation, urbanisation, and economic liberalisation. Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":31,"question":"Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Jawaharlal Nehru differed in their approach to nation-building, yet their shared vision was instrumental in shaping modern India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"The Swadeshi Movement marked a significant shift in India's freedom struggle from passive resistance to active mass mobilisation. In this context, discuss the strategies, social impact, and limitations of the movement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"The Western Ghats and the Northeastern Hills receive some of the highest rainfall during the southwest monsoon in India. Discuss the mechanisms responsible for heavy rainfall in these regions and analyse the monsoon's influence on human life in these regions. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Differentiate between forest cover, tree cover, and green cover. How do forest ecosystems in India contribute to climate resilience and carbon sequestration? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Account for the salinity variations in the world's oceans. How does this variation impact ocean circulation and marine ecosystems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"How does the polar cryosphere play a pivotal role in regulating the Earth's climate system? Also, enumerate the key factors responsible for rapid warming in the Arctic. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"\"Religious pluralism and secularism are integral to India's social fabric, but their coexistence requires constant negotiation.\" Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Discuss the intersection of class, gender, and geography in determining women's access to opportunities in the Indian service sector. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"\"Despite a strong continuity in traditional family values, Indian society is witnessing rising trends of delayed marriage, increasing divorce rates, and family disruption.\" Discuss the socio-economic and cultural factors contributing to this shift. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6263,"topper":"Ravi Shekhar Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2025_unchecked_GCPM23L5081_FLT2502.pdf","questions":[{"page":13,"question":"SHG Bank linkage programme is a crucial step to financial inclusion and growth in rural India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Ecological preservation is one of the most challenging aspect of today's global citizens.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6264,"topper":"Ravi Shekhar Singh","air":176,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2025_unchecked_GCPM23L5081_FLT2503.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6265,"topper":"Ravi Shekhar Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2025_unchecked_GCPM23L5081_FLT2512.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"\"Duty forms the cornerstone of administrative ethics, yet without integration of other ethical perspectives, it risks becoming mechanical compliance.\" Discuss how the interplay of duty, virtue, principle, and consequences can enrich ethical decision making in public administration. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"The strength of a professional public service lies in its ability to remain non-partisan, even in a deeply political environment.\" Do you agree that partisanship undermines the ethical foundation of public administration? Discuss the risks posed by political bias among civil servants and the safeguards that help uphold neutrality. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"In situations of moral ambiguity, where formal rules fall short, emotional intelligence and conscience become crucial tools. Explain how these internal faculties help public servants navigate ethical grey zones. Support with a suitable example. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"The heart of the ethical dilemma is not the absence of values but the presence of competing responsibilities.\" Discuss how ethical dilemmas in public administration often emerge from the clash of legitimate obligations rather than moral ambiguity. Illustrate with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"The growing layers of oversight, media scrutiny, and public expectations have made accountability a double-edged sword for public servants.\" Do you agree that excessive accountability pressure can sometimes hinder ethical judgment and innovation in the bureaucracy? Explain your perspective with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"Family, society, and education do not merely transmit values they shape the ethical foundation of public life.\" Discuss how these institutions influence value formation in public servants. Why is the role of these institutions critical in strengthening ethical governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"Gandhian ethics emphasize purity of means, truth, and moral courage even when outcomes are uncertain.\" Critically evaluate whether such absolutist ethics are compatible with the demands of modern public administration, where administrative realism and pragmatism are often necessary. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"Procurement decisions are a litmus test of public sector probity, where integrity must resist both institutional pressures and private influence.\" Discuss how the principles of transparency, fairness, and accountability can strengthen ethical conduct in public procurement. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"Attitudes, shaped by personal beliefs and values, influence the ethical behaviour of public servants.\" Explain how moral and political attitudes impact administrative neutrality and integrity in public service. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"\"Foreign aid is often framed as generosity, but its ethical legitimacy depends on fairness, accountability, and respect for sovereignty.\" Explain the ethical concerns associated with conditional foreign aid. How can donor countries uphold recipient autonomy while ensuring transparency and developmental impact? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context? (a) \"Good government...depends...(on) the qualities of the human beings composing the society over which the government is exercised.\" J S Mill (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":34,"question":"What are the ethical considerations involved in this budget allocation decision?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"How can administrators ensure equitable development while maintaining working relationships with elected representatives? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"You are posted as the Deputy Director (Training) at a state administrative academy. Among the current batch of officer trainees is a probationer known for initiative and strong opinions on social justice and governance. Over the past few weeks, the probationer has been posting commentary on current affairs on his public social media account. While not abusive or inflammatory, his posts openly criticise: * Certain welfare schemes as \"tokenistic,\" * The inaction of state agencies in recent communal incidents, * And call for \"civil resistance\" to regressive laws. Screenshots of his posts have circulated in the department. Some senior officers consider the posts politically charged and believe they undermine the principle of neutrality and decorum expected of civil servants. Others argue he is still under training and needs mentorship, not discipline. You are informally asked by the Director General to speak to him and submit a recommendation on whether formal action is warranted. The probationer, when confronted, says: \"I posted as a citizen, not as a government mouthpiece. I'm entitled to express myself. My views don't affect my professional objectivity.\" There's growing debate in the academy: Where does personal liberty end and institutional responsibility begin? Is there space for moral conviction in service, or must officers conform fully to institutional restraint even in their private lives?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"What are the key ethical and professional concerns in this situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"How can civil servants balance personal expression with the demands of neutrality and public accountability? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"What are the key ethical issues in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"How can civil servants uphold integrity when informal hierarchies and peer pressure discourage ethical action? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"What are the ethical concerns involved in the allocation of CSR funds in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"How would you assess the competing pressures of organizational politics and public interest?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"What decision would you take, and how would you justify it ethically and professionally? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"What are the administrative and ethical issues involved in the case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"How can senior civil servants uphold neutrality and fairness in politically sensitive postings without inviting retaliation or appearing insubordinate? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":59,"question":"What are the core ethical challenges involved in executing the eviction in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":59,"question":"How should a public servant reconcile legal mandates with humanitarian obligations in contexts of informal urban settlements?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6266,"topper":"Ravi Shekhar Singh","air":176,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2025_unchecked_GCPM23L5081_FLT2504.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6267,"topper":"Ravindra Kumar Meena","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5eed6-317130_1524_ravindra-kumar-meena_rank_628.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Tenancy reforms are much needed to give a boost to the Indian agricultural sector. Comment. In this context, also discuss the significance of the Model Land Leasing Act, 2016. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"India's march towards inclusive growth and it achieving the Sustainable Development Goals are intricately linked. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlight the need for evolving an appropriate system of Rules Of Origin in regional trading arrangements. What steps have been taken by India recently in this regard? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"MSP regime is a creation of an era of scarcity in the 1960s. Discuss its relevance in the current era of surplus agricultural production. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Examine the link between the recent locust attack and climate change. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlighting the properties of Carbon Nanotubes, discuss its applications. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"India's domestic patent regime privileges public health over pharmaceutical industry's interests. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Bring out the arguments surrounding the idea of employing the principle of 'one border - one force' on Indian borders. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Assess the need to create a new cadre of Indian Frontier Administrative Service to undertake the vital tasks at Indian frontiers. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The main objective of Union Budget 2020-21 is to provide \"Ease of Living\" to all citizens. Analyse the framework proposed in the Budget 2020-21 to achieve this objective. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Several challenges are needed to be addressed to realise the full benefits of the recent agricultural marketing reforms. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Multimodal transport requires multiple integrations across different modes of transportation. Substantiate. What are the challenges and opportunities associated with multimodal transport for India? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Though COVID-19 pandemic exposes the vulnerability of informal sector and associated labor force in India, it also presents an opportunity to rebalance formal-informal economy dynamics in the country. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Highlight the drivers and challenges facing India's ambition to become a gas-based economy. Mention the steps that have been taken by the government recently in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Climate Change and the associated events endanger the marine and coastal ecosystems while increasing the vulnerability of coastal population. (250 words) 15 Examine.","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Using examples, highlight how natural ecosystems perform different hazard mitigation functions. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Explain what genome sequencing is and state the challenges in scaling up genome sequencing projects. Also, throw some light on the recently launched IndiGen Project. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India needs to avert radicalisation and societal dissention, as internal faultlines are a breeding ground for cyber and transnational terrorism. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Given the emerging security challenges, discuss why the establishment of Integrated Theatre Commands is being seen as an important defence reform. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6268,"topper":"Ravindra Kumar Meena","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1fecc-317130_1523_ravindra-kumar-meena_rank_628.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Enumerate the issues associated with functioning of the Central Information Commission. How can these issues be addressed? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"In India, Governor's discretionary powers are wider than those of the President. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the objectives that were sought to be achieved through tribunals. How successful have they been in meeting them? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Instead of the government regulating Over-the-top (OTT) platforms, there have been calls for a self-regulating mechanism for such platforms, as in the case of print media. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Bring out the arguments surrounding the issue of some states reserving jobs for locals in the private sector. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Identifying the key elements of Mission Karmayogi, briefly explain how it can lead to holistic development of the human resources and state's capacity. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlighting the role played by ASHA workers in public health system of India, discuss the challenges faced by them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"While internationalisation of higher education has many potential benefits for India, certain challenges will need to be addressed in this regard. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"India needs to adopt a more pragmatic stance in the context of the ongoing intra-Afghan talks. Discuss, in the light of India's engagement with Afghanistan. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In the geo-strategic context of West Asia, the recent efforts to normalise relations between Israel and UAE may open new possibilities for India. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"It is not only the content of election manifestos but also the past performance with respect to promises made in election manifestos that need to be regulated. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"In order to achieve a reduction in the pendency of cases and a return to the Supreme Court's original role as a final appellate court, setting up of a National Court of Appeal is the need of the hour. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The Constitution of India reflects an amalgamation of spirit of Indian freedom struggle and various administrative provisions of different acts of British rule in India. Explain. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Mention the key components of the SVAMITVA scheme. Also, highlight its intended benefits and discuss the potential issues in its implementation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Sharing of information among all stakeholders in government functioning is a leading practice towards good governance. Discuss with examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"India has an oversized and bloated government which acts as a drag on economic efficiency and growth. Critically evaluate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Though the National Digital Health Mission is a step in the right direction for both patients and the healthcare system, concerns around data privacy need to be addressed. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"One Nation One Ration card has the potential to significantly transform the lives of migrant workers in India. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The World Trade Organization is buffeted by multiple challenges which have eroded the credibility of the organization. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"BIMSTEC is indispensable for India's efforts in promoting regional cooperation and integration in the neighbourhood. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6269,"topper":"Ravindra Kumar Meena","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/65dd6-317130_1417_ravindra-kumar-meena_rank_628.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Dadabhai Naoroji left an indelible imprint on the national movement. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Quit India movement marked a new direction in the struggle against the British colonial rule in India. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The end of World War II marked the birth of a new international order. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Simla Agreement (1972) and Lahore Declaration (1999) are two key milestones in the history of the Indian subcontinent. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Social security should not only involve economic empowerment but also social empowerment. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Explain with examples how globalisation is manifested in both local in the global and the global in the local. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In light of persistence of various forms of violence against women in India, discuss the ways in which the issue can be addressed effectively. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What is an urban forest? Highlight its benefits and steps taken by the government to promote urban forestry in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"How has globalization impacted the location of the IT industry? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"How can eco-tourism be used to sustainably harness the potential of tourism industry in India? Discuss the challenges and steps taken by the government in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The advent of Buddhism and Jainism was instrumental in the development of architecture in ancient India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The reactionary policies of Lord Lytton and the liberal policies of his successor Lord Rippon acted as catalyst in the formation of the Indian National Congress. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Gandhiji changed his methods of struggle against the British from time-to-time to suit the varied circumstances and problems that needed to be tackled. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Bring out the relationship between the industrial revolution and the advent of imperialism in different parts of the world. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The caste system in India has continued to persist by adapting itself to a variety of changing socio-economic and political conditions in the past few decades. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"It is argued by some that regionalism is a threat to national integrity while others consider it as a highly impactful tool in facilitating political participation. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Describe the process of rift valley formation, with special emphasis on the Great Rift Valley System. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India's water resources have witnessed rapid depletion due to a mix of economic, geographic, and political factors. Explain and discuss its implications. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How are plateaus formed? Also, briefly discuss the features of the Deccan plateau and its economic significance. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6270,"topper":"Ravindra Kumar Meena","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b1868-317130_1525_ravindra-kumar-meena_rank_628.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Administration discretion can be a blessing if used correctly, however its misuse can prove to be a curse. Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"There is a view that corrupt practices have been socially accepted in India. How can this 'acceptance' be shifted to 'rejection' towards corruption? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Ethical business practices are key for long-term survival of a company. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Law succeeds in encouraging ethical behaviour in a society only when it is backed by conscience of its individuals. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter. Martin Luther King Jr. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do you understand by Social Intelligence? Discuss its relation with the Emotional Intelligence of an individual. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"While code of conduct presents a structure to organized values, code of ethics gives a foundation to that structure. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"According to Buddhism, for a man to be perfect there are two qualities that he should develop equally: compassion (karuna) on one side, and wisdom (panna) on the other. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The life of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam presents a broad range of lessons and virtues to be learnt by public servants in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Identify which essential information should be made available to the public via Citizen's Charter? Also, suggest some steps for successful implementation of the Citizen's Charter. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Respect for human rights and humanitarian principles is a responsibility for all members of the international community. Discuss in the context of roles and responsibilities of States for protection of refugees. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"What is red-tapism? Why is it considered a hurdle in the process of transitioning towards citizen centric governance? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Given the rising tide of Covid induced fatalities, the government is under extreme pressure to deliver some vaccine to the population. You are the Cabinet Secretary to the Government of India. You are heading the committee to oversee the process of vaccine development and distribution to fight against the Covid outbreak in the country. You have been asked to expedite the process and come up with a solution at the earliest. Some vaccines are available around the globe, but they are in limited supply and also expensive. One of the indigenously developed vaccine has shown initial positive results, but health experts have raised concerns over its safety, efficacy and the methodology being followed for its approval. Other promising vaccines under development, following a rigorous methodology, may take months to enter the market. In this context: (a) What are the critical issues involved in the case? (b) Explain, with relevant reasons, the course of action that you would take.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Literacy levels have been increasing in India over the past few decades, and the literacy rate was found to be 74.04 per cent after the 2011 census. Though this increase in literacy rate seems like a very great accomplishment, it is a matter of concern that still so many people in India cannot even read and write. Children are going to school but not learning much beyond \"floor level tasks\". Moreover, the higher literacy level has not resulted in better human values and this is manifested in the troubled atmosphere in the society at large. This failure of the education system to reform human behavior is troubling for a young democracy, like India. Given this situation, answer the following: (a) What role is education expected to play in reforming human behaviour and inculcating human values? (b) Do you think only the government is responsible for this state of the education system? If not, identify the stakeholders who should press for a change in the education system in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Problems surrounding air pollution present an urgent challenge for many countries, including India. Among other reasons, this challenge has been exacerbated by the indifferent attitude of people towards it. Various studies have pointed out the harmful effects of air pollution. Despite the government bringing various regulations on activities like stubble burning and bursting fire crackers, people violate them. (a) Discuss the reasons behind such behaviour on part of society towards air pollution. (b) Suggest measures that are required to be undertaken to nudge people towards pro-environment behaviour.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"In recent times, social media has emerged as an important platform for all to share their information and opinions. Many civil servants are also quite active on the social media. Given this situation, there have been calls to revise or update the Civil Services Conduct Rules. Suppose you are a senior IAS officer who is heading a panel set up by the government to bring suitable changes in the conduct rules. Elaborate on how you will respond to the following questions: (a) What are the issues with a civil servant expressing his/her views on social media on various matters? (b) Should criticism of government policies on social media by civil servants be allowed? (c) How should civil servants conduct themselves on social media?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Economic growth has been the primary goal of economic policies, and the principal measure of an economy's success. In the last few decades, economic growth benefitted mankind in multiple ways. But alongside these benefits, it has also generated significant issues and a series of converging challenges. In light of this, answer the following: (a) What was the rationale behind GDP growth being considered the pillar of economic policies the world over in the past few decades? (b) Explain the need to go beyond GDP growth and reassess our measures of development. Identify some of the components that need to be complemented with GDP growth going forward.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"The Covid-19 pandemic is far from over but governments across the world appear to have either relaxed lockdown parameters or will do so soon. Containing Covid and restoring our economies requires not just good policy decisions and medical advice; it also needs continued compliance with the recommended behavioural changes. Daunting as they may seem, the drastic changes in behaviour being called for, can indeed be brought about. Answer the following in this regard: (a) Why is behavioural change seen to be desirable in a country like India, when it is faced with a pandemic of the kind of Covid-19? (b) What role have different stakeholders in India been playing in helping communities adhere to the desired behaviour? (c) Discuss the challenges in bringing about behavioural change, particularly in such an environment of anxiety and uncertainties.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6271,"topper":"Ravindra Kumar Meghwal","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/RAVINDRA-KUMAR-MEGHWAL-UPSC-2023-Rank-138-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Institutions reflect the cultural values of the societies in which they are established.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"He who has a 'why' to live for, can bear almost any 'how'.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The power of perception shapes our understanding of reality.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The tree that would grow to heaven must send its roots to hell.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"One health approach: a call for ecological equity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Culture can unite what history and geography has divided.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6272,"topper":"Ravindra Kumar Meghwal","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/RAVINDRA-KUMAR-MEGHWAL-UPSC-2023-Rank-138-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"In many ways, the Spanish civil war was the opening act of WWII. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"How will you explain the different fates of Buddhism and Jainism despite a slew of similarities in the two religions? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Non-Cooperation Movement democratized India's freedom struggle but suffered from inherent limitations. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Critically analyse the efficacy of linguistic reorganization of states in addressing the reasons for linguistic divides in post-independent India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Briefly discuss the role of plate tectonics theory in explaining the location of volcanoes. Also, explain the multifarious impacts of volcanoes on the surrounding regions. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Taking further the success of Aspirational Districts Programme, Aspirational Blocks can help achieve the twin objectives of balanced growth and checking stress migration. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Describe the critical factors for location of defense industries and suggest measures to overcome the challenges. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"To what extent can Socio-Economic-Caste Census (SECC) address the challenges in achieving equitable resource allocation and targeted welfare? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Indian society is premised on some common values that give it a composite texture as well as some diverse practices that deepen its heterogeneity. Elucidate (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What are the factors that influence population growth in the country? In this perspective, examine the relevance and need of raising the minimum marriageable age of women for population development. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Bring out the reasons behind the tribal unrest in British India. Also, analyze the reasons for their limited success. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The independence of India was not a result of a forced expulsion of the Empire, as desired by the Quit India Movement; it was rather a confluence of domestic politics and global circumstances. Analyze. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Explain why Sufism, a liberal reform movement in Islam could deepen its roots in the Indian sub-continent, despite Islam being a foreign religion? Also, bring out the impacts of Sufism on Indian society. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Enumerate the reasons behind rising intensity and frequency of cyclones in the Arabian Sea in recent years. Giving special reference to NDMA guidelines, recommend measures to check the adverse impacts of cyclones. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Examine the impacts of climate change on the hydrological cycle and suggest suitable mitigation and adaptation strategies to contain the harmful implications. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Defining continental shelf, highlight its resource potential and ecological significance. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Rooted in patriarchal values, gender-based violence, in all its manifestations, is antithetical to societal growth. Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The caste calculus in the Indian society remains predominant and continues to project its shadow on social, political, and economic domains. Do you agree? Substantiate your answer. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss various factors contributing to the water woes faced by Indian cities. Also, explain complexities in implementing a comprehensive water management plan. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Though important elements of group identity, religion and region also run the risk of deepening communal cleavages. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6273,"topper":"Ravindra Kumar Meghwal","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/RAVINDRA-KUMAR-MEGHWAL-UPSC-2023-Rank-138-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the role of the 'Fourth Estate' in upholding democratic values and analyse the issues affecting press freedom in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The electoral process, though inclusionary in theory, has been pointed out for exclusionary tendencies in practice. Analyse, with special emphasis on role of women in India's representative electoral system. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Assess the effectiveness of Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 in resolution of river- water disputes. Also describe the potential impact of delays in resolution of water disputes. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the significance of the cooperative model of development in addressing the issues of rural growth. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"In order to pass the ultimate test of good governance, welfare state should be close to the people, responsive to their aspirations, and inclusive in its approach. Discuss with special reference to PM PVTG Development Mission. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"To what extent collaboration between the state and civil society organizations (CSOs) help in addressing poverty and malnutrition in the country? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Absence of a robust social infrastructure in the country may become one of the most significant challenges in achieving a developed status by 2047. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Though the changing paradigm towards dialogue and diplomacy in West Asia augurs well for India's interests in this otherwise restive region, presence of inimical actors may reverse the gains. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Water diplomacy can redefine the contours of regional cooperation in South Asia. Discuss with special reference to Indus water treaty 1960. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Despite constitutional backing to the institutions of local governance, the idea of decentralisation has remained hostage to several structural bottlenecks. Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Independent judiciary, as envisaged by the constitution, provides the bedrock for a thriving polity; however, executive encroachment may erode its credibility and affect its efficacy. Evaluate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Executive agencies, working as the watchdog against impropriety, are vital to act against the corrupt; however, pandering to vested interests may have the effect of turning the idea of rule of law on its head. Comment, with special reference to controversies associated with the Enforcement Directorate (ED). (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Critically analyse the role of National Commission for Women (NCW) in wake of its mandate to safeguard women's rights and uphold their socio-economic wellbeing. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Understanding the extent, source, and complexity of deprivations among the multidimensionally poor contributes to more informed policymaking. In this context, analyze the latest National Multidimensional Poverty Index Report by NITI Aayog. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Safely managed drinking water services, as desired by Jal Jeevan Mission, are designated to give multifarious benefits cutting across generations. Discuss. Also, elaborate upon the challenges in ensuring the mission's success. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Legislation like Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989 remains mere legal documents without intense sensitization of public functionaries and the civil society. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Harbinger of global rebalancing, India-Africa ties are a beacon of inclusive, sustainable, and equitable world. Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How do ASEAN centrality, rules-based order, and development partnership with Pacific Island states make Indo-Pacific a theatre of opportunity for India? What are the hurdles in realisation of an inclusive Indo-Pacific construct? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6274,"topper":"Ravindra Kumar Meghwal","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/RAVINDRA-KUMAR-MEGHWAL-UPSC-2023-Rank-138-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Celebrity endorsements raise pertinent ethical concerns about responsibility that delve into the realm of ethical considerations of social influence that run deeper than mere surface appeal. In this context, suggest measures to tackle the ethical challenges of celebrity brand endorsements. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Embracing a scientific mindset involves setting aside impulsive inclinations in favor of the pursuit of truth. In your view, how does the integration of scientific thinking contribute to addressing contemporary challenges and promoting societal progress? How can we effectively cultivate a scientific attitude in society? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"In the realm of professional conduct, ethics plays a role that tends to go far beyond fulfilling the roles and responsibilities of the job with diligence and honesty. But some people consider professional competence as the only critical requirement for a job. If faced with a choice, who would you prefer to hire - someone with professional competence or one with strong moral values? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Patriotism can hold different meanings for different people, often shaped by personal experiences and convictions. What does patriotism mean to you? Explain narrating incidents from your life when you exhibited patriotism. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Max Weber's concept of bureaucracy was developed in the early 20th century, but it still influences administrative structures today. In what ways do you see Weberian bureaucracy as relevant in today's rapidly changing world? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Global challenges often test the ethical fiber of nations, urging them to channel narrow pursuit of national-interest into an enlightened self-interest. Enumerating the various ethical principles underlying the concept of enlightened national-interest examine its efficacy in helping nations navigate the fine line between pursuing their strategic interests and upholding ethical principles, particularly in times of conflict. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In the realm of governance, a crucial aspect is the art of persuasion. The qualities that make civil servants proficient persuaders empower them to fulfill their responsibilities in an effective manner. Discuss with illustrations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Corruption has multifaceted implications. Some consider it an undeniable vice, while others contend it to be an unavoidable necessity for navigating the bureaucratic complexities. In your opinion, does corruption oil or corrode the gears of development? Substantiate your arguments. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Ethical hacking and malicious hacking stand as divergent paths with distinct intentions and consequences. As technology advances, it becomes imperative to comprehend the nuances that set these practices apart in the cybersecurity landscape. In this perspective, elucidate the principles that differentiate ethical hacking and malicious hacking. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What does each of the following quotation mean to you? a) \"Our greatest ability as humans is not to change the world, but to change ourselves.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":6275,"topper":"Ravish Mittal","air":379,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nMCHERNc4sfMKqi1FON124iMz9YHvmTW/view","questions":[]},{"id":6276,"topper":"Ravish Mittal","air":379,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZcjociW7595J66fUGymUDIQin-e0tnmu/view","questions":[]},{"id":6277,"topper":"Ravish Mittal","air":379,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1u_Nm1w_98waMr7Kib5YD5yaWpi5-AJLf/view","questions":[]},{"id":6278,"topper":"Ravish Mittal","air":379,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Drishti IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.drishtiias.com/images/pdf/Ravish%20Mittal_Essay%20Copy%203.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6279,"topper":"Ravish Mittal","air":379,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Drishti IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.drishtiias.com/images/pdf/Ravish%20Mittal_Essay%20Copy%202.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6280,"topper":"Ravish Mittal","air":379,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Drishti IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.drishtiias.com/images/pdf/Ravish%20Mittal_Essay%20Copy%201.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6281,"topper":"Ravish Mittal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OUwLn3j0FF4ftlDDh4G0_ubjzouA7juY/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"\"Repromulgation of Ordinance is a fraud on the constitution and a subversion of democratic (150 words) 10 legislative process\". Substantiate.","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"\"Doctrine of basic structure is both necessary and desirable.\" Critically analyze the statement. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss the significance of India's diaspora and its role in enhancing India's economic and strategic interests. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"\"National Green Tribunal (NGT) is a unique forum endowed with suo motu powers to take up environmental issues across the country.\" In this context analyse the importance of NGT for environmental governance of the nation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The great contribution of Judicial activism in India has been to provide a safety valve and a hope that justice is not beyond reach. Critically analyze the statement. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"To what extent do you agree with the concept of state financing of elections? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Social Audit is an important mechanism to enforce accountability and provide transparency in the administration. Highlight various legislative supports available for social audit in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The proposed multi-state cooperative societies (Amendment) Bill 2022 seeks to revamp the operation of cooperative societies in India. Discuss the key provisions of the Bill, emphasizing the importance of this amendment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Critically evaluate the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act 1992, that seeks to establish democracy at the grassroots. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Delay in Population census has the potential to affect the efficacy and efficiency of developmental initiatives. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"In light of the changing geopolitical landscape, what are the emerging areas of cooperation and potential challenges in the India-Japan strategic relationship? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Assess the significance of the United Nations in the contemporary world and discuss the need for its reform and revitalization. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Discuss factors and geopolitical interest which shapes India's engagement with central Asia. Also Mention steps which India need to take to enhance its reach in the region. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The founders of the Constitution had \"hoped and expected\" a Uniform Civil Code for India but there has been no attempt at framing one. In this regard discuss the need for a Uniform Civil Code in India and examine the challenges in its implementation. What steps can be taken by the government to overcome these challenges? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"\"The Indian Parliament is not a sovereign legislature; it has vast but not unlimited powers.\" Comment on the statement. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"\"In the era of globalization, the concept of Para diplomacy has become increasingly important in shaping foreign policy, highlighting the growing significance of subnational actors in international relations\". Elaborate in the context of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Discuss the objective, goals and significance of India's National Geospatial policy. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"'Dignity is the essence of human life' and it is the objective of NHRC. Evaluate the performance of NHRC in preserving human rights. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Self Help Groups (SHGs) are the panacea for socio-economic development of the country. Discuss the steps taken by the government to promote these groups. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Assess the strategic significance of Taiwan for the world, and how its position as a major economic power and a potential flashpoint in the Asia-Pacific region affects the geopolitical balance of power in the 21st century. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6282,"topper":"Ravish Mittal","air":379,"year":2024,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Drishti IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.drishtiias.com/images/pdf/Ravish%20Mittal_GS%202.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6283,"topper":"Ravish Mittal","air":379,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Xwyf_yTTcKv27BGqX26wTPH0HuZNCXzc/view","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Comment on the following in about 150 words each: 10x5=50 (a) sociology developed to study social forces causing changes in Europe. Comment. ( b) Discuss how the subject matter of sociology has expanded in the global times. ( c) How does Weber describe the ‘Spirit’ of capitalism?","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":2,"question":"Phenomenological perspective in sociology rejects many of the assumptions of positivism. Comment . (20 marks)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":3,"question":"What is Weberian critique of Marxist notion of social stratification? (20 marks)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Answer the following in about 150 words each: 10x5=50 (a) Discuss the changing nature of kinship relations in the contemporary world. ( b) Critically assess relevance of Marxian and Pareto’s theory of Power. ( c) Describe significance of Parsons’ notion of pattern variables to explain social change in society. Illu strate with suitable examples from Indian society. ( d) Distinguish between sects a","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":3,"question":"What are the new forms of family in developed societies? Discuss . ( 20 marks)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":3,"question":"How does New Education policy help us in addressing inequalities in society? (20 marks)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Describe Weber’s understanding on social action. Are our actions increasingly becoming instrumental in the contemporary societies? Discuss it keeping the growth of artificial Intelligence in perspective. (20 marks)","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":6284,"topper":"Ravish Mittal","air":405,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/128wH7ofevBhQmL8oze3d2ZnOONYkUnOe/view","questions":[]},{"id":6285,"topper":"Ravula Jayasimha Reddy","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1C-HaGLQc2KTVUTku7-1tyfwHy4-QR8EW/view","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Compare and contrast the roles of family and educational institutions in value inculcation. How can these two institutions complement each other? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"\"Tolerance is not just about accepting differences; it is about appreciating and celebrating diversity.\" Discuss the importance of tolerance for governance. How can civil servants foster a culture of tolerance and inclusivity in a diverse country like India? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"A person's character is most accurately revealed in their private life, not their public persona.\" Critically examine this statement in the context of public servants and their ethical conduct. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Accountability mechanisms are essential for ethical governance but often lead to bureaucratic delays and inefficiencies.\" Critically examine this statement in the context of Indian administration. Can a balance be struck between accountability and efficiency? Discuss with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What does each of the following quotations convey to you in present context? a) \"\"Reason is, and ought only to be the slave of the passions, and can never pretend to any other office than to serve and obey them.\"- David Hume (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"The ultimate measure of a person is not where they stand in moments of comfort and convenience, but where they stand at times of challenge and controversy.\"- Martin Luther King Jr. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"In matters of conscience, the law of the majority has no place.\" - Mahatma Gandhi. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"Empathy is seeing with the eyes of another, listening with the ears of another, and feeling with the heart of another.\" How can emotionally intelligent civil servants utilize empathy to improve governance and service delivery? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Analyse the ethical implications of the widening gap between rich and poor nations. Is there a moral obligation for developed countries to assist developing ones? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.\" Discuss the ethical responsibilities of individuals, corporations, and governments in protecting the environment for future generations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"\"Impartiality is not neutrality; it is about treating everyone fairly based on merit and evidence.\" Explain the difference between impartiality and neutrality in the context of civil service. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"The teachings of the Bhagavad Gita offer valuable lessons for ethical conduct in public service. Discuss the relevance of these teachings in navigating the ethical issues of administration in contemporary India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":35,"question":"You are a senior bureaucrat in the Ministry of Rural Development. A flagship program aimed at empowering women in rural areas through self-help groups (SHGs) and micro-enterprise initiatives is being implemented. While the program has seen success in providing financial assistance and skill development, you observe that women's participation in decision-making bodies within these SHGs and village councils remains limited. Despite legal provisions for women's participation in local governance, traditional patriarchal norms often prevail, relegating women to secondary roles. This results in their voices being unheard and their concerns being overlooked in decision-making processes. Further, years of social conditioning has led to the internalization of gender bias, where women themselves underestimate their abilities and hesitate to participate in decision-making. Many rural women are unaware of their rights and the opportunities available to them. Lack of education and information has further hindered their participation in decision-making bodies. Moreover, Male members within the community and even within the SHGs resist women's participation in decision-making. Some men cite traditional gender roles and norms while some question their abilities. They also try to control access to resources and information, limiting women's ability to participate effectively in decision-making processes. Women who attempt to challenge traditional norms face social ostracism or pressure from their families and communities to conform. a) Identify the ethical issues in the given case study. b) How can you engage with male members of the community and SHGs to address their concerns and encourage them to support women's participation? c) What institutional and policy changes can be made to create a more enabling environment for women's participation in decision-making, ensuring that their voices are heard and valued? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"You are a mid-level manager at 'GoodLife Pharma,' a leading pharmaceutical company in India. After years of research and development, the company is on the cusp of launching a revolutionary new drug, 'Revivol,' which promises to significantly improve the lives of patients suffering from a debilitating chronic illness. The drug is projected to be a blockbuster, generating billions in revenue and potentially saving countless lives. You've been an integral part of the Revivol team, and its success could significantly boost your career prospects. However, just weeks before the scheduled launch, you stumble upon disturbing evidence suggesting that Revivol may have serious, potentially fatal, side effects in a small percentage of patients. These side effects were not adequately disclosed in the initial clinical trial reports, and further investigation reveals that some data submitted to the regulatory authorities were deliberately omitted from the final report. You are deeply troubled by this discovery. You understand that the drug is likely to receive approval based on the existing data, and the company is already heavily invested in its marketing and launch. However, the potential harm to patients weighs heavily on your conscience. To add to the complexity, you discover that your direct superior was aware of the data discrepancies and chose to ignore them. Confronting them directly might lead to retaliation, jeopardizing your job and career. You're also the sole breadwinner for your family, and losing your job would have devastating financial consequences. a) What are the ethical dilemmas faced by the manager in this scenario? b) What will be your course of action and why? c) How could stronger corporate governance mechanisms have prevented or mitigated this situation? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"You are a young, enthusiastic IAS officer recently posted as the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of a rural subdivision. Eager to make a positive impact, you embark on a series of field visits to various government offices under your jurisdiction. However, the sight that greets you in most offices is disheartening. Employees stroll in well past the official start time, and once in, seem to prioritize leisurely tea breaks and idle chatter over their duties. The physical manifestation of this lethargy is evident in the towering stacks of unattended files gathering dust on desks. This backlog translates to agonizing delays in processing applications for essential services and benefits, leaving citizens frustrated and disillusioned. As you interact with the local populace, you hear disturbing accounts of bribery and favoritism plaguing the administrative machinery. It appears that those with influence or willing to pay under-the-table 'fees' can expedite their requests, while the marginalized and less privileged languish in the system's inefficiencies. The most distressing aspect of the situation is the impact on ordinary citizens. You witness firsthand their exasperation as they navigate the labyrinthine bureaucracy, often facing indifference, rudeness, or demands for bribes. a) What are the ethical issues in the prevailing work culture in the subdivision? b) As the SDM, what specific steps would you take to improve the overall work culture and quality of service delivery in your subdivision? c) Discuss the challenges you might encounter in implementing these changes and how you would overcome them. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":6286,"topper":"Ravula Jayasimha Reddy","air":46,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3b8a2-714260_1865_ravula-jayasimha-reddy_rank_46.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6287,"topper":"Ravula Jayasimha Reddy","air":46,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/ETHICS_PROGRAME_RAVULA_JAYASIMHA_Reddy_AIR_46_ba46a50c98.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6288,"topper":"Reecha Ratnam","air":274,"year":2019,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a633e-4680_931_reecha-ratnam_rank_274.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6289,"topper":"Reecha Ratnam","air":274,"year":2019,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4b17d-4680_929_reecha-ratnam_rank_274.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6290,"topper":"Reecha Ratnam","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5a780-4680_874_reecha-ratnam_rank_274.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The greatness of the Mughal achievement in the political unification of India was matched by the splendour and beauty of the work of architects, poets, historians, painters and musicians who flourished in the period. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Traditionally, India had developed wide-ranging water harvesting techniques in keeping with the local ecological conditions and their water needs. Substantiate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Imperial rivalries of 18th Century Europe were played out in India as well. Comment in the context of the Carnatic Wars.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"The Lucknow session of 1916 was a watershed event during the freedom struggle of India due to various reasons. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Reforms initiated by the Justice Party became a model for social affirmative action in the country. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"War in the Korean Peninsula proved to be disastrous for Korea, a missed opportunity for the United States and a defining moment for China. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"The Munich Pact brought neither peace nor stability in relations between European countries, rather it turned out to be an act of appeasement that made war inevitable. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Explain how Gandhi's non-violent philosophy influenced Martin Luther King Jr.'s methods. Also discuss the contributions and accomplishments of King to ensure civil rights for all people regardless of race in America.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Apart from the linguistic reorganisation of states, the three language formula was an important part of government policy to address the language question in India. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Enumerate the measures for the welfare of Unorganised Workers in India. In the context of problems being faced by 'domestic helps', discuss the need for additional measures to safeguard their interests.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"The manner in which the mentally ill have been treated in India suggests that policy measures alone may not be sufficient to address the challenges faced by them. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Highlight the characteristics of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) and discuss the challenges faced by them. Also enumerate the measures taken by the government to address these challenges.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"While suburbanisation is a common phenomenon in most urbanising countries, it is occurring at a relatively early stage of India's urban development. Enumerating the reasons behind this development, highlight the challenges it is creating for Indian cities.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Various geographical and anthropogenic factors have rendered Brahmaputra Valley susceptible to recurrent floods. Discuss the causes and suggest suitable measures of mitigation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"Give a brief account of Earth's heat budget. Also discuss how increasing concentration of carbon dioxide in Earth's atmosphere effects it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Give an outline of the major geological events that have shaped the present drainage system of Peninsular India. Also, explain why peninsular rivers are unsuitable for navigation but facilitate hydroelectric power generation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"Elaborate with examples as to how government policies influence the location of industries. Also, mention the steps taken by the Government of India to stimulate industrial activity in backward regions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"Explain, in brief, the process of cloud formation. Also, elucidate how clouds can help in weather forecasting.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"The socio-economic and ecological consequences of soil degradation are far-reaching. Discuss. Suggest measures that can be taken to restore soil fertility and arrest soil degradation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Development of island territories requires a careful balancing of environmental and tribal concerns with exploitation of economic potential. Elaborating on the threats faced by island territories of India, comment on the recent measures proposed by the government regarding their development.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6291,"topper":"Reecha Ratnam","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/87753-4680_766_reecha-ratnam_rank_274.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Legislative Councils in states are expensive and otherwise superfluous legislative appendages. Examine the utility of legislative councils in this context. Also, comment on the procedural aspect of setting up and abolishing them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"While some argue that Article 3 provides usurping powers to the center at the cost of states, according to others it enables the Parliament to maintain and preserve federalism as enshrined in the constitution. Discuss. Is it time to have a relook at Article 3 in the spirit of co-operative federalism?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"While the British Parliament is a sovereign legislature, the Parliaments of India and USA are non-sovereign legislatures. Explain. Also, compare the organisation and powers of the Indian Lok Sabha with the British House of Commons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"While Fundamental Rights are crucial to the survival of a vibrant democracy, Fundamental Duties are equally important. While enumerating the Fundamental Duties, discuss the statement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Several constitutional experts have found the process of appointment and removal of governor to be against the very grain of democratic traditions and constitutional propriety. Do you think that this process warrants a fresh look in context of recent controversies surrounding the post?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Repeated violations of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) have raised questions on its effectiveness. In this light, discuss the idea of making MCC a part of Representation of Peoples Act, 1951.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"The government cannot condition receipt of public benefits on waiver of fundamental rights. Discuss this statement in context of the recent issues raised in the Aadhaar petitions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Though the institutions protecting human rights and rights of the vulnerable sections are meant to act as watchdogs, they are treated as subordinate departments with scant regard for their autonomy or statutory character. Discuss the issues which these institutions are facing related to appointment, structure and functioning.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Equality of seats among states in Rajya Sabha could not be adopted after independence because of the circumstances prevailing at that time. However, there is a need to take a fresh look at this. Evaluate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"It is contended that the implementation of One-Rank-One-Pension (OROP) for the armed forces would create a severe strain on government finances. Explain the principles underlying the OROP and arguments that have been cited in its support as well as opposition.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Article 311 of the Constitution has been a matter of much debate. Arguments range from its retention in its present form, or even strengthening it, to its total deletion. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"While Public Interest Litigations have provided access to justice for the poor and the marginalized sections of the society but many vested interests have also misused it. In this context, examine the utility of PILs as a tool of social justice.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"What do you understand by alternate dispute redressal mechanism? Discuss the various tools of ADR. In light of the problems faced by the Indian judiciary enumerate the advantages of Lok Adalats.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Bringing political parties under the ambit of RTI will not only usher accountability and transparency in governance but will also be a major step towards electoral reforms. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"A generational shift in railway operations is required. In light of this, discuss the need for an independent tariff and safety regulatory authority of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"It has been argued that the 'First past the post' system fails to represent the will of the majority and encourages vote-bank politics. In this context, examine whether India should adopt Proportional Representation System to reform our electoral process.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"Independence of judiciary and separation of powers, both are part of the basic structure of the constitution. In this context, discuss the recent Supreme Court judgment on the constitutional validity of the National Judicial Appointments Commission.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"AMRUT gives state governments the flexibility in designing schemes and eases central monitoring. Explain. How far can it recast the urban landscape of India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":56,"question":"There has been a tendency to resolve specialized cases faster through the means of Tribunals. In light of this, discuss the issue of increasing \"tribunalisation\" of courts in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":59,"question":"While the 73rd and 74th constitutional amendments provided for representation to women in local governance, much work remains to be done to ensure their true participation, given their present socio-economic condition. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6292,"topper":"Reecha Ratnam","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/574f1-4680_876_reecha-ratnam_rank_274.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"While India has taken a number of steps in order to substantially improve its ranking in the World Bank's 'Ease of Doing Business' Index, it needs to take further action in this regard. Elaborate. Also analyse the utility of these rankings vis-a-vis India's objective of facilitating a sound entrepreneurial environment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"In wake of the agrarian crisis that the country is witnessing, discuss the need for adopting an income-centric approach in preference to a production-centric one as the basis of agricultural policy. In this context, also highlight the steps that should be taken to achieve the goal of doubling the income of farmers by 2021-22 and the challenges that exist.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"It is argued that India's fiscal centre of gravity has rapidly shifted from the Centre to the States. Analyse the statement in context of the debate on fiscal discipline. Also, enumerate the key recommendations of the N.K. Singh panel on Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Strategic sale of state-run firms is a prudent step to deal with the challenges being faced by the public sector enterprises in India. Comment. Also enumerate other measures that can be taken in light of NITI Aayog's suggestions in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"What are the reasons for the growing informalization of industrial labour in India? Discuss the issues associated with the phenomenon and reforms required to deal with them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"A number of far-reaching developments have taken place in the local and global energy space which have to be reflected in our own energy policy framework. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Climate change threatens sustainable development, impairs socio-economic development and reinforces cycles of poverty across the globe. In this context, discuss the utility of climate risk insurance as an instrument within a comprehensive climate risk management system.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Why are women particularly vulnerable to the impact of natural disasters? Also analyse, with adequate examples, how women can play a more effective role in disaster risk management cycle.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"In view of the seriousness of heat waves and its consequences, greater attention is required for dealing with it as a natural disaster. Analyse in the context of recent developments and the actions taken by relevant government bodies.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"While genome editing offers immense potential benefits in the area of healthcare, there are a lot of apprehensions regarding its use. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Discuss various ways in which supercomputers have benefitted mankind over the years. Also enumerate the objectives of the National Supercomputing Mission and the mechanism for its implementation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Widely seen as a disruption for the traditional banking and financial institutions, cryptocurrencies have gained significant traction lately, at the same time creating a regulatory nightmare for regulators across the globe. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"An internationally-binding agreement to strengthen the Outer Space Treaty of 1967 is both desirable and increasingly a necessity. Analyse in view of the traditional and emerging challenges in this arena.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Even after nearly 60 years in existence, AFSPA remains at the centre of debates with respect to countering violent insurgencies, role of the states and local communities. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6293,"topper":"Reecha Ratnam","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9181e-4680_873_reecha-ratnam_rank_274.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The more remotely power is exercised from the people, the greater is the distance between authority and accountability. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"\"If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion\". In what ways can a compassionate public official be more useful for realizing public service goals?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"The recent decision by the government to ban use of red beacons is only a symbolic gesture and a lot more needs to be done to end the VIP culture in India. Critically discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"To what extent can financial incentives help shape attitude towards social issues? Discuss with relevant examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"At times, moral behaviour can be constrained by the complexity of legal system. Explain. In this context, explain the purpose of legal protection for good samaritans in the case of road accidents.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Examine the different ethical issues involved in the use of public shaming as a punitive measure. Do you think this is an appropriate measure to address the problem of rising crime rates.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Why did Gunnar Myrdal use the term 'soft state' in the context of South Asia? Do you think such a characterisation is still relevant in the case of India today?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Intolerance can be linked both to prejudices and value judgments. Elaborate with relevant examples. Also discuss how intolerance can be countered in a multicultural society like India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Social attitude towards corruption has become more forgiving with time leading to a view of illegal gains and misappropriation of public assets as a \"rightful\" individual prerogative. Analyse in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"What are the factors which draw people to public service? Suggest measures to keep public servants motivated.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Corporate Governance provides a framework that defines the rights, roles and responsibilities of various groups within an organization. (a) Elaborate the need to incorporate the principles of Corporate Governance to enhance the effectiveness of the public sector enterprises. (b) Identify the challenges specific to the public sector when it comes to the application of good practices of corporate governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Emotions, earlier considered as an irrational factor in decision-making, are now recognised as a critical factor of judgment. In this regard, answer the following questions: (a) How can Emotional Intelligence help in coping with the intense pressure and occupational stress faced by police officers and armed forces in discharge of their duties? (b) What are the some of the concerns in incorporating and assessment of emotional intelligence skills in public service?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"You, a manager in one of the top IT firms in the country, are tasked with hiring new recruits for an upcoming project. You find that the company has given tacit instructions of not hiring female candidates in view of the new maternity law passed by the Government. You find this highly objectionable and lodge a protest with people in the higher management but they are firm as they want to cut down all the unnecessary costs. Based on this information, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the stakeholders and their interests in the situation. (b) What are the dilemmas that a recruiting manager may face in such a scenario? (c) What are the different options available to you? Which one will you pursue and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"Regulation and procedure of human clinical trials vary from nation to nation. Stem cell research, as an emerging biomedical field, requires approval for human trials and encounters multiple challenges. You are the head of a team of scientists who developed a new Tissue Engineering system, which appears to be a promising means of regenerating heart tissue. Trials of the system have already been conducted on animals and yielded good results. Millions of people suffering from critical heart diseases would benefit immensely if this medication is immediately made available to them. However, you need to conduct human clinical trials before it could be commercialised. It is also known that the stringent regulatory environment in the country will mean that human trials and final approval will take many years before it is made commercially available. On the other hand, regulation of clinical trials in many poor countries is weak and quick approval is possible. Many of your competitors also resort to human trials in these countries, often bribing the officials for getting quick approvals. Given this situation, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the ethical issues which arise during clinical trials. (b) Given the above situation, would you prefer to shift human trials to a third country where regulations are lax? Give reasons in support of your choice. (c) Suggest a framework of standard procedure to minimise ethical conflicts and speed-up the approval process of new medicines.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6294,"topper":"REKHA MEENA","air":573,"year":2021,"paper":"Optional — Medical Science","optional":true,"source":"IAS Delhi Institute","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1z6qyGLim0Y-IdWGvSsk_86MgJZ0x2_ur/view?usp=share_link","questions":[{"page":41,"question":"What is intraepithelial neoplasia (CIS)? Classify carcinoma of cervix. Give C. pathology of it. (15 M)","marks":"15","words":null}]},{"id":6295,"topper":"REKHA MEENA","air":573,"year":2021,"paper":"Optional — Medical Science","optional":true,"source":"IAS Delhi Institute","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MaNTcbBOLZkMltH1VoUB-yQtlsOATjKo/view?usp=share_link","questions":[]},{"id":6296,"topper":"REKHA MEENA","air":573,"year":2021,"paper":"Optional — Medical Science","optional":true,"source":"IAS Delhi Institute","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/15P_ASx_JeUGjLhY6vg9g4zyQlxX3RNMw/view?usp=share_link","questions":[{"page":41,"question":"How the iron absorbed, transported & stored in our body? What are the tests to assess status of iron in body? (10 M)","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":50,"question":"Define synapse, enumerate the steps of synaptic transmission. What is the significance of synaptic delay?","marks":"8","words":null}]},{"id":6297,"topper":"REKULWAR SHUBAM","air":790,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/05e79e85886db31c562f8e2fb26b6867/59/psir-2_rekulwar-shubam_-mt23psil1032.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"How can the United States, as a hegemon, strengthen the international world order? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Analyze the factors contributing to nuclear proliferation in the post-Cold War era and the challenges it poses to the international community. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"To what extent did the Bretton Woods system contribute to the postwar economic boom and subsequent transition to neoliberalism? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Assess the criticisms of the IMF's policies and practices and their implications for its effectiveness in promoting global financial stability and growth. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Critically examine the factors responsible for the Cold War and discuss their impact on global politics, citing relevant examples. (15 marks, 200 words)","marks":"15","words":"200"},{"page":16,"question":"Can China replace the USA as a hegemon in the emerging world order? Analyze China's potential to become a regional hegemon in Asia. (15 marks, 200 words)","marks":"15","words":"200"},{"page":19,"question":"How can ASEAN ensure its relevance and centrality in the Indo-Pacific region amidst the emergence of the Quad and the AUKUS? Discuss the factors influencing ASEAN's approach and the potential areas of collaboration. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss the relevance and potential role of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in the contemporary international order. How can NAM act as a soft balancing mechanism against powerful states? (15 marks, 200 words)","marks":"15","words":"200"},{"page":26,"question":"What are the key outcomes of COP27 climate summit? (15 marks, 200 words)","marks":"15","words":"200"},{"page":29,"question":"Explain the evolving security dimension of the Quad and its implications for regional stability in the Indo-Pacific. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Examine the significance of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) in the context of global nuclear arms control and the prevention of proliferation. Discuss the challenges and criticisms associated with the treaty. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":35,"question":"What are the major obstacles to Southeast Asian Integration with reference to ASEAN. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":37,"question":"Discuss the limitations of the European Union (EU) in exerting political influence and its impact on its role as a global actor. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":39,"question":"How has regionalism emerged as a response to globalization in the economic, political, and cultural spheres? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":41,"question":"Elaborate on India's contribution to the United Nations and its role in promoting global peace and development. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":43,"question":"Discuss the politics of financing the United Nations and its implications for the organization's functioning and decision-making process. (15 marks, 200 words)","marks":"15","words":"200"},{"page":46,"question":"How has the role of the United Nations changed in the post-Cold War period, and what new challenges has it faced?. (15 marks, 200 words)","marks":"15","words":"200"},{"page":49,"question":"Assess the rise of multipolarity in the global order and its implications for international politics and security. Provide examples of emerging powers and their role in shaping the new power dynamics (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":6298,"topper":"REKULWAR SHUBAM","air":790,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/05e79e85886db31c562f8e2fb26b6867/60/psir-4_rekulwar-shubam_-mt23psil1032.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6299,"topper":"REKULWAR SHUBAM","air":790,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/05e79e85886db31c562f8e2fb26b6867/61/psir-5_rekulwar-shubam_-mt23psil1032.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6300,"topper":"REKULWAR SHUBAM","air":790,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/05e79e85886db31c562f8e2fb26b6867/62/psir-9-1_rekulwar-shubam_-mt23psil1032.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6301,"topper":"Reshma A L","air":256,"year":2020,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1igK5tMPDW3vR6Ixh6OKz6QU4q1mp9sHe","questions":[]},{"id":6302,"topper":"Reshma Nivetha R","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/RESHMA_NIVETHA_SS_GS_1_AIR_498_2025_1345e7a8ed.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Discuss how the Indus-Saraswati cultural zone simultaneously reflects patterns of similarity and distinctiveness. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Compare and contrast the Mauryan pillars with Achaemenian columns. What do these architectural forms reveal about their respective empires? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The Moderates succeeded in creating a national political platform, but failed in achieving concrete political gains. Do you agree? Substantiate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What is temperature inversion? Discuss conditions which are favourable for its genesis and its implications on urban air quality in Northern India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Differentiate between shield volcanoes and composite volcanoes. What explains the absence of active volcanoes in peninsular India? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Discuss how the geomorphology of India's eastern and western coasts influences the impact and vulnerability to tsunamis. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Explain the reasons behind the spatial shifts and the evolving global patterns of semiconductor manufacturing. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How can gender-sensitive policies contribute to more inclusive and equitable regional development? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite awareness around mental health, stigma continues to hinder emotional well-being in Indian youth. In this context, analyse the causes of deteriorating mental health and suggest measures to address them. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Do you agree that communalism in India today is as much an economic response as a religious one? Argue. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In light of recent discoveries, critically discuss how Sangam literature enriches our understanding of ancient Indian history and offers an alternative perspectives beyond Indo-Aryan traditions. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"How did Gandhiji's methods of protest evolve between Non-Cooperation and Civil Disobedience? Examine the contextual factors influencing this shift. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"India's intervention in the 1971 Bangladesh crisis marked a turning point in its foreign policy from non-alignment to regional assertiveness. Critically analyse. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"The Great Depression not only deepened the economic vulnerability of Indian peasants but also reshaped colonial economic policies and nationalist resistance. Comment (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"What is the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC)? Discuss its role in maintaining global climate stability. What potential effect may it have on the Indian monsoon system? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Discuss the comparative advantages and limitations of traditional weather prediction methods versus AI-enabled forecasting in India. How can Mission Mausam contribute to integrating traditional knowledge with modern techniques? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6303,"topper":"Reshma Nivetha R","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/RESHMA_NIVETHA_SS_GS_2_AIR_498_2025_c7e1113f21.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Ordinary laws and constitutional amendments are subject to different tests of judicial validity. In light of this distinction, examine, whether the Basic Structure doctrine should be applied uniformly to both. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Politicisation of the Vice President's role as Rajya Sabha chair raises concerns over impartiality. Elucidate its implications for parliamentary democracy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Regulating religious endowments without undermining the right to manage religious affairs poses a dilemma. Discuss how regulatory oversight can be balanced with the protection of religious rights. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The New Criminal Laws marks a shift from colonial control to contemporary justice. Discuss how these reforms reflect India's constitutional vision and societal needs in the 21st century. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Urban local bodies have become dependent on grants rather than being fiscally autonomous. Examine the challenges in the fiscal empowerment of ULBs and its impact on urban governance. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Given the prolonged and unresolved nature of Inter-State river water disputes, do you think the current tribunal-based mechanism has outlived its utility? Substantiate your view with relevant examples (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"Operating in the informal grey zone, gig workers are increasingly facing conditions akin to modern bonded labour.\" Examine this statement in the context of evolving employment trends in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Highlight the major challenges India faces in integrating Artificial Intelligence into public service delivery. Suggest a roadmap to address them. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Analyze the role of the US-India COMPACT initiative within the larger Indo-Pacific strategic framework and assess its impact on regional power dynamics.\" (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"Disengaging from regional groupings only creates vacuums for adversarial actors.\" In the context of India's role in the SCO, critically examine this statement. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"In the digital economy, regulatory authorities play a crucial role in curbing abuse of dominance and ensuring fair competition.\" Analyse the effectiveness of statutory regulators like the Competition Commission of India (CCI) in addressing anti-competitive practices in emerging technology markets. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"\"The asymmetry of population growth across states has created a fault line in Indian federalism.\" Discuss the implications of post-2026 delimitation on cooperative federalism and regional political representation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"The Mediation Act, 2023, marks a significant step towards institutionalising alternative dispute resolution in India. Critically analyse its potential to reform India's overburdened justice delivery system. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"The efficacy of Joint Parliamentary Committees (JPCs) in ensuring governmental accountability is often compromised by political considerations and their limited coercive powers, which undermine their ability to affect substantive change. Critically analyse this assertion, considering both institutional constraints and the broader political landscape. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"\"Non-state actors have emerged as indispensable partners in India's governance ecosystem.\" Examine this statement with suitable examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Mission Karmayogi seeks to shift India's civil services from a rule-based to a role-based system. Explain its design and likely challenges in transforming India's conservative bureaucratic culture. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Despite the enactment of the IT Rules, 2021, digital platforms continue to host harmful and misleading content. Analyze the gaps in the current regulatory framework and suggest measures for more effective control over social media and OTT platforms. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6304,"topper":"Reshma Nivetha R","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/RESHMA_NIVETHA_SS_GS_4_AIR_498_2025_e093c4e273.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Ethical intuitionism is a moral theory that argues moral truths are self-evident and known intuitively, without the need for reasoning or empirical evidence. Critically examine the statement with relevant examples from civil services. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"\"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.\" What do you understand by this statement? Illustrate with examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"\"The means justify the ends only when the means are themselves ethical.\" Critically examine this statement with relevant examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Gandhiji considered conscience above law. Discuss the relevance of this view in modern public administration. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Ethical erosion in bureaucracy leads to democratic decay. Describe the ways and means to prevent ethical erosion among public servants. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Many artists argue that censorship stifles creativity. How can policymakers ethically balance artistic freedom with societal standards of decency? Justify your answer. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Critically analyze the ethical dilemmas that public officials may encounter when adhering to codes of ethics and codes of conduct. How can these dilemmas be resolved while upholding principles of integrity and public trust? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"During a humanitarian crisis, donor countries sometimes prioritize aid allocation based on strategic interests rather than need. Is this ethically justifiable under realpolitik considerations, or does it violate global justice principles? Justify your stance. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Rule of law and protection of human dignity often come into conflict in policing environments plagued by excessive force and custodial abuse. How can civil servants resolve such value conflicts while maintaining both ethical governance and public order? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"In a drought-prone district, the government has approved a canal development project to ensure equitable water access, particularly to the Dalit-dominated hamlets that have historically faced exclusion from irrigation schemes. However, as the canal construction progresses through villages dominated by other caste communities, a group of influential villagers begins opposing the project. They block construction vehicles, file frivolous legal objections, and claim the canal alignment encroaches on their community lands, even though surveys show otherwise. Local officials report that these obstructions are rooted in social prejudice and fear of losing control over local water resources if marginalized communities gain access. A few contractors have also withdrawn from the project citing safety concerns due to escalating tensions. The Dalit farmers are growing restless and have submitted a memorandum alleging community-based obstruction of development and state failure. The District Magistrate is now faced with the challenge of ensuring uninterrupted development, maintaining law and order, and upholding constitutional values of social justice and equality. (a) Discuss the ethical dilemmas faced by the District Magistrate. (b) Enumerate all the options available to the District Magistrate in handling this situation effectively. (c) What actions can be taken to ensure inclusive development while preventing social unrest? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"You are posted as the District Collector of a coastal region that is in the direct path of Cyclone Sagar, a Category 5 storm expected to make landfall within 36 hours. The Indian Meteorological Department has issued a red alert, warning of intense winds, storm surges, and potential flooding. You are responsible for leading the evacuation of nearly 2 lakh people from vulnerable areas. However, several fishing hamlets along the coast refuse to leave. They fear losing their boats, nets, and livestock, their only means of livelihood. Memories of a past cyclone, where relief compensation was delayed for years, have made them distrustful of official assurances. The district's relief resources are already stretched. Several cyclone shelters lack basic facilities such as toilets, clean water, or privacy for women and elderly people. Emergency funds allocated by the state have not yet been fully released, hampering procurement of essential supplies. Local NGOs have raised these issues publicly, further influencing people's reluctance to evacuate. Meanwhile, a senior bureaucrat has advised you to prioritize \"visible evacuation zones\" to ensure positive media coverage. On the ground, your team is divided; some officers argue for a coercive approach to save lives, while others caution against alienating the community. (a) What are the core ethical issues involved in this situation? (b) In such trying circumstances, what will be your response? (c) What values and leadership traits are essential for a public servant in such a crisis? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Kirti and Nilesh, childhood friends from a small town in Maharashtra, had always stood by each other through life's ups and downs. Both dreamed of becoming doctors, but their academic journeys diverged. Kirti cleared the NEET exam in her first attempt and joined a reputed medical college in Mumbai. Nilesh, despite being equally capable, had to drop a year due to family responsibilities, and joined the same college a year later. By the time Nilesh reached his final year, Kirti had already begun her internship and was appointed as the student coordinator for the upcoming final-year practical examinations. In this role, she was responsible for coordinating logistics between faculty and students, managing lab schedules, and assisting with administrative preparations, including confidential tasks like photocopying and storing examination materials. Around the same time, Nilesh confided in her that he was on the verge of mental and emotional collapse. His father's prolonged illness had drained the family financially, and he was juggling studies with a part-time job. He admitted that failing the upcoming practicals would not only destroy his morale but also crush his family's hope. Kirti's parents, recalling how Nilesh's family had once helped them during a crisis, gently reminded her that \"this might be the time to return the favour.\" Kirti herself was torn; she felt a deep personal sense of loyalty and gratitude. Yet she was also acutely aware of the ethical responsibilities tied to her role. Any breach of protocol, intentional or otherwise could compromise the fairness of the examination process and damage her integrity. Her mentor had explicitly warned her that even the perception of impropriety could lead to an inquiry and serious consequences. (a) What are the ethical dilemmas before Kirti in this case? (b) Identify and evaluate the various courses of action available before Kirti. (c) If you were in Kirti's shoes, which course of action would you choose and why? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Deepali, a mid-level data scientist at SwiftKart, has always taken pride in the platform's use of cutting-edge technology to enhance customer experience. She joined the company inspired by its promise of digital innovation serving everyday needs. However, during a routine audit of pricing algorithms, Deepali discovered a pattern that unsettled her deeply. Users accessing the app via high-end smartphones were consistently being shown higher prices for fresh fruits and vegetables compared to those using budget devices, even under identical conditions of location, order contents, and delivery address. While technically legal under the company's internal pricing policies, the practice had never been disclosed to users. When deepali raised the issue in internal meetings, the senior management defended it as a form of \"smart demand-based pricing\" designed to maximise profits in a competitive market. She was told that such differential pricing helps balance margins without affecting lower-income users. However, Deepali couldn't shake off the feeling that this amounted to digital profiling and subtle economic discrimination. Matters escalated when the issue attracted public scrutiny following an exposé by a tech blog highlighting the pricing discrepancies. With increasing media coverage and a formal inquiry initiated by the Consumer Protection Authority, Deepali, a conscientious professional, finds herself facing a serious ethical dilemma. The situation becomes more complex when she receives a subtle yet cautionary remark from her reporting manager, advising her to \"avoid activism in public matters,\" indirectly discouraging any further discussion or disclosure of the issue. (a) Discuss the ethical dilemmas faced by Deepali. (b) What are the options available to Deepali to cope with the situation? (c) If you were in Deepali's position, what course of action would you take and why? Justify your decision using ethical principles. (d) Suggest a framework that technology-based platforms can adopt to ensure transparency, fairness, and ethical use of consumer data in algorithm-driven services. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Ms. Rukmani is an upright and highly decorated IPS officer, with a reputation for integrity and effective crisis management, particularly in conflict-ridden areas. She has recently been appointed as the Superintendent of Police (SP) in District 'X' of a frontier state. This district is grappling with a rampant narcotics menace. The drug trade has permeated every facet of life in District 'X'. It has led to severe economic disruption, with widespread poppy cultivation replacing traditional agriculture, creating a parallel economy driven by money laundering. There's a significant increase in arms smuggling and the emergence of well-armed drug cartels, which often result in violent clashes involving sophisticated weaponry. The district is also witnessing profound social decay, evidenced by a devastating impact on public health due to rampant drug addiction, especially among the youth, with rising cases of overdose and associated crimes. The educational system is virtually paralyzed, as schools are being used for drug peddling or children are dropping out to join the drug trade, leading to a lost generation. There are strong, albeit unconfirmed, reports that several powerful local politicians, including a sitting MLA who holds significant sway, and a few senior police officers, some even above your rank in the state cadre, and potentially your direct superiors, are providing direct or indirect patronage to the drug mafia. This entrenched nexus makes effective law enforcement extremely difficult. The morale of the honest police personnel is at an all-time low, with many feeling helpless or intimidated, while public trust in the administration is completely eroded, and cynicism about the rule of law is widespread. (a) Identify the various ethical dilemmas Ms. Rukmani would confront in this complex situation. (b) Outline courses of action available to Ms. Rukmani and evaluate their potential consequences. (c) Recommend the most appropriate comprehensive strategy she should adopt to address the crisis. (d) Beyond law enforcement actions, how can Ms. Rukmani foster sustainable change at the societal level to counter the drug menace? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Journalists and media personnel who are covering the crisis and helping disseminate life-saving information. (a) What are the ethical dilemmas you will face in evacuation? (b) As a civil service officer of the state, what would be the order in which you would evacuate these people and why? Give justifications. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":6305,"topper":"Reshma S","air":181,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Shankar IAS Parliament","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.shankariasparliament.com/uploads/downloads/RESHMA_S_P1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6306,"topper":"Reshma S","air":181,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Shankar IAS Parliament","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.shankariasparliament.com/uploads/downloads/RESHMA_S_P2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6307,"topper":"Reshma S","air":181,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Shankar IAS Parliament","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.shankariasparliament.com/uploads/downloads/RESHMA_S_P3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6308,"topper":"Reshma S","air":181,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Shankar IAS Parliament","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.shankariasparliament.com/uploads/downloads/RESHMA_S_P4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6309,"topper":"Rhythm Kataria","air":370,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Law","optional":true,"source":"De Facto Law","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.defactolaw.in/_files/ugd/9bce74_c32022c79dab4d55a1c54d798027aba8.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6310,"topper":"Rhythm Kataria","air":370,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Law","optional":true,"source":"De Facto Law","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.defactolaw.in/_files/ugd/9bce74_94b56225acc743dfaf946ba0f2a1b43a.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6311,"topper":"Rhythm Kataria","air":370,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Law","optional":true,"source":"De Facto Law","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.defactolaw.in/_files/ugd/9bce74_51baf40309a1463a8df82e38ba43f44d.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6312,"topper":"Rhythm Kataria","air":370,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Law","optional":true,"source":"De Facto Law","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.defactolaw.in/_files/ugd/9bce74_9fdbe3a6cb5e4b158f073e91f0ff6ded.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6313,"topper":"Rhythm Kataria","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/RHYTHM-KATARIA-UPSC-2024-Rank-370-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Why has there been an increased focus on negotiating, renegotiating and concluding Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) by India in recent years? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"A well-designed fiscal policy can serve as a vital instrument to facilitate the equitable distribution of resources and ensure the welfare of all sections of society. Elaborate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What are the primary factors contributing to India's significant reliance on imported edible oils? What measures do you suggest to increase domestic production and to reduce India's reliance on imported edible oils? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"With the growing water crisis in India, micro irrigation offers a sustainable solution for water conservation; however, its adoption remains skewed and below its potential. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The recurring railway accidents highlight the urgent necessity for addressing the myriad challenges related to safety, undercapacity and lack of modernization within Indian Railways. Analyse. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"How does NISAR mission exemplify international cooperation in space exploration and scientific research? In what ways will it help in climate change monitoring and natural hazard management? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Nuclear technology can play a transformative role in enhancing food security and agricultural sustainability. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Increasing frequency of forest fires in India underscores the urgent need for sustainable forest management practices. In light of the statement, bring out the causes and multidimensional impact of forest fires. Also, suggest measures for their prevention and management. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What reasons can be attributed to the recent surge in terror related violence in Jammu and Kashmir? What strategies would you suggest to counter it? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"The liberalization policies of 1991 significantly enhanced India's economic dynamism, but the evolving global and domestic landscape necessitates 'Reforms 2.0' for sustained economic development and prosperity.\" Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Infrastructure development is essential not just for economic transformation but also for sustainable development and societal well-being. Elaborate with examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Bring out the significance of aquaculture towards nutrition security, livelihood generation, and economic growth. Also, mention various measures taken by the government to promote aquaculture in the country. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The MSP system, though well-intentioned, has led to market distortions and ecological stress, necessitating reforms to make it more inclusive and efficient. Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Biotechnology holds immense potential for achieving sustainable food production, efficient waste management and significant advancements in human health. Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Climate change is leading to significant alterations in ecosystems, resulting in cascading effects on biodiversity, ecosystem services, and human livelihoods, necessitating integrated approaches to conservation and climate adaptation. Analyse. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Urban areas, often referred to as the cradle of civilization and growth engines, are increasingly experiencing various natural and man-made disasters. Discuss in the Indian context. Also, suggest suitable mitigation and management strategies. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"\"India's disaster management framework has made significant progress in the 21st century, yet challenges persist in ensuring timely response and effective coordination during crises.\" Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Explain how the symbiotic relationship between organized crime and terrorism further aggravates internal security concerns. What steps can be taken to address this linkage and the threats emerging from it? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Strengthening security apparatus in border areas and forging developmental partnerships with the locals are essential components of a robust and effective border management strategy. Discuss, with initiatives taken by the government in this regard. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6314,"topper":"RIA AGGARWAL","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/28/pttp220074_tc062.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"If you look into someone's face long enough, eventually you feel that you are looking into yourself.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"It is the province of knowledge to speak and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Drop the question what tomorrow may bring, and count as profit every day that fate allows you.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Truth, like a torch, the more it is shook, it shines.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Art is I; science is We.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Only the dead have seen the end of the war.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Act as if it were impossible to fail.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"THE MORE YOU SUPRESS, THE MORE IT SHINES","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6315,"topper":"RIA AGGARWAL","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ff162fc0430025272826e0c794787a7c/27/pttp220074_tc072-test-02-gs-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"There is a need to resolve the ambiguity in the disqualification provisions under section 8 of the Representation of People Act 1951. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Constitution is a mere skeleton whereas constitutionalism is the soul of democracy. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"\"Electoral bonds are a double-edged sword, providing anonymity to donors while raising concerns about transparency in political funding.\" To what extent have electoral bonds further legitimized opacity in electoral funding? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The question of gender equality is central to the debate on Uniform Civil Code. In this light what are the challenges in reconciling UCC with gender equality as enshrined in the constitution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"The Governor's office is neither decorative nor inconsequential, it assumes a constitutional role of profound essence.\" To what extent does the Governor, actively contribute to the governance of a state and reinforce the principles of federalism in the country? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Recently demand has been rising in a state regarding the enactment of Social Accountability Law. How such a law can lead to good governance and boost citizens' participation in decision-making. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"There is a need for convergence of 'nutrition-specific' and 'nutrition-sensitive' interventions to effectively tackle child undernutrition in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"MGNREGA, the lynchpin of rural poverty alleviation, has become the victim of fiscal apathy.\" Critically analyze the statement in light of recent developments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"\"India must leverage, if not manage, the global divides\". How can the current geopolitical churn pave the way for India's rise to the global high table? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"Berlin can be India's gateway to the European Union.\" Elaborate with respect to Germany's significance in India's relationship with the EU. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"How has the Anti-Defection Law impacted the relationship between political parties and individual legislators in India? In light of the recent incidents also discuss the unintended consequences it has on the functioning of democracy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Critics assert that limitless judicial authority rests on the structural ambiguity of the basic structure doctrine. Has the elastic nature of the basic structure doctrine made the judiciary more powerful than the executive? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Fundamental rights are not gifts bestowed upon by the state rather an individual possesses them independently of the state. In this context discuss the desirability of reasonable restrictions on various fundamental rights. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"S.R. Bommai v. Union of India signified a paradigm shift in the judicial interpretation of the union's authority to assume control of a state's administration. In this context discuss the significance and impact of the judgement on cementing the federal structure. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"The key to effective decentralization is, 'political decentralization should follow finance and functional decentralization'. Discuss in the context of impediments faced by local governance in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Multi-stakeholder partnerships are the key to leveraging collective expertise and networks. How can effective partnership and localized implementation efforts be fostered to accelerate the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"How has the implementation of the POSH Act resulted in limited success in raising awareness about sexual harassment, and what factors have hindered its effective outreach to women employed in the unorganized sector? Propose strategies to bridge this gap and ensure comprehensive protection for women in the unorganized sector against workplace harassment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Neo-liberal reforms and globalization have deeply transformed the institutions of the welfare state and set the ground for a new type of civil services. In this context examine the challenges faced in service delivery and suggest adequate reforms. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"China views India as its \"Asian Rival\" with an innate ability to counter its hegemonistic goals in Asia. Despite these difficulties in India-China relations, there are also many areas of convergence. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Indo-Pacific region in recent times has emerged as a zone of diverging interests and priorities. Do you think the Global Security Initiative will supersede QUAD in the region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6316,"topper":"RIA AGGARWAL","air":141,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/132/pttp220074_tc072-test-02-gs-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6317,"topper":"RIA AGGARWAL","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/83810dd59efd30c0b535c81e08a356c1/3/pttp220074_tc074-test-04-gs-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Public service requires not merely legal but also morally principled action. Public service requires the public servant to place loyalty to the constitution, laws, and ethical principles. Among the three, which do you think must acquire primacy while carrying out official functions? Why? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"What do you understand by \"integrity-based civil disobedience\"? Do you think a challenge to personal integrity can be a justifiable cause for responsible disobedience in civil services? Explain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Recent research has shown that emotions significantly impact personal and professional lives. What are the primary emotions that negatively and positively impact workplace productivity? Explain with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Technical efficiency ensures resource utilization and social efficiency ensures fulfillment of social needs, what does ethical efficiency ensure? Do you think ethical efficiency is more important than technical and social efficiency? Why/Why not? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"Man cannot do right in one department of life whilst he is occupied in doing wrong in any other department.\" Gandhi. Do you think an individual's personal ethics impacts professional life or they both can be compartmentalized? Explain your position with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Goodness is the result of internal imperatives to do what is right, not sanctions from moral rules or rewards from expected consequences. Do you agree? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"In the context of civil service, distinguish between moral and nonmoral values. Identify 5 basic moral values that can serve as foundational values for all services irrespective of the department. Give reasons why those values can be considered foundational. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Citizens’ involvement in decision-making is critical to ethics in governance. Do you agree that effective civic engagement mechanisms can facilitate an ethics-driven administration? What do you think are the mechanisms that citizens can use for ensuring ethics in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Social transformation programs such as “beti bachao and beti padhao” believes in using advice, counseling, and persuasion but sometimes a little force is also necessary for getting the desired response. Do you think it is a good idea to mix little force with persuasion by public administrators while implementing social schemes of transformation? Explain with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Ultimately foreign policy of every country hinges upon the strength which the nation possesses. Strength may be military or financial and may be also...moral.\" Do you think ethical strength without military or financial muscle will be respected in today's world? Explain your position. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"You are a young officer working with the Municipal Corporation of an industrial city. The city was known for manufacturing ball bearings and auto parts. Most manufacturing units were small-scale units with very little production process automation. The units relied on manual labor, which was in abundance due to the villages close by. As the number of manufacturing units grew, the demand for labor increased, bringing in a steady inflow of laborers into the city. This influx of people into the town led to a mushrooming of slums and encroachments on the sidewalks. Once in a while, the Corporation conducted drives to clear out the slums, but after a time, the slums came back. The illegal slums had become an urban nightmare. You were given the responsibility of clearing out the encroachments and slums with the help of Police authorities. As you started the drive, you realized that the people living by the sidewalks were vulnerable compared to the slum dwellers. Many sidewalk dwellers had recently come to the city after selling their properties in their villages. Now if you drive them out, they have no place to go. Your heart went out to them, and you felt that your departmental action was inhumane, but your official responsibilities demanded stern impartial action. You are desperate to find a way to help the sidewalk dwellers without compromising your official duties. (a) What value conflicts do you notice in the above situation? (b) Can an administrator compromise the value of impartiality for empathy? Discuss. (c) What are the options available in the above situation? (d) Suggest viable solutions for tackling illegal slums and encroachments in urban areas. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"A certain State government was running a welfare scheme for promoting safe motherhood among rural landless laborers' families. The scheme involves the transfer of funds to the beneficiaries to enable them to mitigate income loss due to maternal care responsibilities. Since its implementation, the scheme has done reasonably well on maternal health and economic indicators. You are the Director of the Department responsible for implementing and operating the scheme. Recently you have been receiving reports of welfare fraud being committed by families by producing fake bona fide. The families committed the fraud with the help of local officials responsible for scrutinizing the bona fide. You were concerned because the fraud was seriously undermining the scheme's efficiency. You called for a departmental meeting to discuss and find a solution to the problem. In the meeting, it was decided to merge several available government data sets such as Aadhar cards, voter ID cards, marriage certificates, birth certificates, bank details, and other personal assets. By merging all the data sets, the department would be able to develop the beneficiary's economic profile. And this will help the department scrutinize the documents and detect fraud. This was a comprehensive strategy, but it risked violating an individual's data privacy. As a Department head, you wanted to detect and prevent fraud, but at the same time, you were apprehensive about violating the Data privacy of the stakeholders. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) Do you think violating data privacy is justified to prevent welfare fraud? Why/ Why not? (c) What, according to you, can be the reasons for such welfare frauds happening in the country? (d) Are there any ways and means to prevent such fraud? Give your suggestions. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"You are posted in the Department of Mines, and one of your roles is to help your Department Head negotiate mining leases with private contractors. Recently, the state government demarcated a new mining zone and planned to invite bids for the mining blocs. You were instructed to oversee the bidding process and speed up the contract negotiations. As planned, the tenders were released, bids came in, and tenders were allocated as per the norms. All this happened at a breakneck speed. You wondered, why the hurry? But it was not your place to think and question; you quietly went about your work. As the contractors were about to start operations, you had to instruct them on environmental concerns to watch out for. And to do that, you read the environmental impact assessment report submitted by a consulting firm hired by the department. To your surprise, the report was shoddy and looked cooked up. You got suspicious and raised the issue with your Head, who politely instructed you to do what you were told, and he reminded you that the Department had revenue targets and was under pressure from the Ministry. After the meeting, you, on your own accord, did some digging and found out that the report was fraudulent and the mining activity that was about to start would lead to a massive environmental disaster which the State could not afford. (a) What are the issues and value violations you notice in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you? (c) Discuss the advantage and disadvantages of each option and identify your chosen course of action. (d) Do you think that environmental considerations are sometimes overrated at the cost of development?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"Do you think corporate businesses such as GAMA must consider international ethics while pursuing business interests? Why/why not? (c) Do you think a corporate's social responsibility extends beyond one's immediate community to the international community? Why/Why not? (d) Do you think the Defence sector companies marketing sensitive technologies must be regulated by their respective governments, or regulation may curtail their entrepreneurial and innovation energy? Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"What are the ethical and business issues involved in the case? (b) What are the options available to Mr. Sharma and the CEO? (c) Do you think the organizational culture of giving freedom to the sales force led to the issue or was the individual's corrupt nature that led to the problem? Discuss. (d) What ethics mechanisms and steps can the company create and implement to prevent unethical behavior, as mentioned in the case? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":6318,"topper":"RIA AGGARWAL","air":141,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/133/pttp220074_tc074-test-04-gs-4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6319,"topper":"Ria Dabi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/26d2d-62420_1460_ria-dabi_rank_15.pdf","questions":[{"page":11,"question":"TACKLING CLIMATE CHANGE : ARE WE ON THE RIGHT PATH ?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6320,"topper":"Ria Dabi","air":15,"year":2020,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5f099-62420_1459_ria-dabi_rank_15.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6321,"topper":"Ria Dabi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5da79-62420_1524_ria-dabi_rank_15.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Tenancy reforms are much needed to give a boost to the Indian agricultural sector. Comment. In this context, also discuss the significance of the Model Land Leasing Act, 2016. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"India's march towards inclusive growth and it achieving the Sustainable Development Goals are intricately linked. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlight the need for evolving an appropriate system of Rules Of Origin in regional trading arrangements. What steps have been taken by India recently in this regard? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"MSP regime is a creation of an era of scarcity in the 1960s. Discuss its relevance in the current era of surplus agricultural production. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Examine the link between the recent locust attack and climate change. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlighting the properties of Carbon Nanotubes, discuss its applications. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"India's domestic patent regime privileges public health over pharmaceutical industry's interests. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Bring out the arguments surrounding the idea of employing the principle of 'one border - one force' on Indian borders. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Assess the need to create a new cadre of Indian Frontier Administrative Service to undertake the vital tasks at Indian frontiers. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The main objective of Union Budget 2020-21 is to provide \"Ease of Living\" to all citizens. Analyse the framework proposed in the Budget 2020-21 to achieve this objective. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Several challenges are needed to be addressed to realise the full benefits of the recent agricultural marketing reforms. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Multimodal transport requires multiple integrations across different modes of transportation. Substantiate. What are the challenges and opportunities associated with multimodal transportation for India? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Though COVID-19 pandemic exposes the vulnerability of Informal sector and associated labor force in India, it also presents an opportunity to rebalance formal-informal economy dynamics in the country. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Highlight the drivers and challenges facing India's ambition to become a gas-based economy. Mention the steps that have been taken by the government recently in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Climate Change and the associated events endanger the marine and coastal ecosystems while increasing the vulnerability of coastal population. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Using examples, highlight how natural ecosystems perform different hazard mitigation functions. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Explain what genome sequencing is and state the challenges in scaling up genome sequencing projects. Also, throw some light on the recently launched IndiGen Project. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India needs to avert radicalisation and societal dissention, as internal faultlines are a breeding ground for cyber and transnational terrorism. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Given the emerging security challenges, discuss why the establishment of Integrated Theatre Commands is being seen as an important defence reform. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6322,"topper":"Ria Dabi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/dd4ff-62420_1419_ria-dabi_rank_15.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the issues associated with power discoms in India, discuss whether privatizing discoms can help in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Harnessing Smart Agriculture can potentially be a game-changer for farm productivity in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Rather than focusing solely on quantity, inclusive growth concerns itself with the quality of growth. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"In the backdrop of Atmanirbhar Bharat, discuss the core areas crucial in export promotion for India to become a manufacturing hub. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Arsenic pollution is becoming a severe environmental issue in India. Enumerating its various sources, discuss the consequences and measures to tackle it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The Green Term Ahead Market (GTAM) can invigorate the renewable energy sector in India. Evaluate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The CRISPR/Cas9 genetic scissors have revolutionized the genome editing technique with applications in various areas. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Bring out the role played by Financial Action Task Force in tackling the menace of money laundering. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the recent reforms that have been undertaken in the National Security Architecture of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Bring out the key hurdles that are being faced in accomplishing land reforms in India. Also, discuss the advantages which can be reaped by accomplishing them in contemporary times. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"India needs to accord more significance to nutritional security than food security. Comment. In this context, suggest a framework that should be adopted by the government to achieve nutritional self-reliance. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Private investments are key for India to move into a high growth trajectory. Discuss. Also highlight the steps taken by the government in recent times to address the fall in private investments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"India's geographical diversity and varied levels of development across regions necessitate a targeted region specific action plan to ensure a minimum acceptable level of prosperity. Elaborate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Empowering the farmers by ensuring barrier-free trade in the agriculture produce is critical in doubling their incomes. Enumerating the existing bottlenecks, discuss how the recent legislations can help in overcoming them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The reasons for recurring floods in the regions of Eastern India such as Bihar and Assam go far beyond their topography. Discuss. Also, suggest measures to control this menace. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"How can 5G technology potentially bring about a digital revolution in India? Identify the challenges in adoption of 5G technology in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Besides computing, quantum technology has potential applications in various areas. Discuss. What are the challenges which lie ahead for effective utilization of quantum technology? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"While most insurgent groups in North-East India have given up violence and are engaged in peace talks with the government, a number of issues could create hurdles in the future. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Identifying the key vulnerabilities in India's cyberspace, discuss the framework which should be adopted in the envisaged new cyber security policy in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6323,"topper":"Ria Dabi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DtUdzZx4Ge6Ajxo1bCoUVZqXp4lPtIQb/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) Man is a product of his environment","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"10. a) The factors hindering collective actions are:\ni) The nations putting their national interest first instead of thinking about global good. Eg: Vaccine nationalism in COVID times.\nii) The tensions between countries bilaterally, lead them to stop cooperation on a global level. Eg: Trade war between US and China has worsened the global economy.\niii) Countries do not want to take responsibility for their actions. Eg: US pulling out of Paris Agreement, despite being the second largest polluter.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"11. a) The above case study presents the ethical challenges of:\ni) sexual exploitation of women\nii) Nexus of police, politicians and criminals\niii) Public demand for swift action\niv) political pressure on the administration","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"13. a) The case study present the following ethical issues:\ni) development vs Environment trade-off\nii) pressure to complete project due to promise made by government\niii) protests by the local community\nb) The following course of actions would be most suitable:\ni) conducting discussion and dialogue with local people and NGO to address their grievances\nii) conducting environmental impact Assessment (EIA) to see if the project will harm","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6324,"topper":"Ria Dabi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/17rhNPXr63xuRgMCWmTXE-kAxEZ5aIduR/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) Man is a product of his environment","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"10. a) The factors hindering collective actions are:\ni) The nations putting their national interest first instead of thinking about global good. Eg: Vaccine nationalism in COVID times.\nii) The tensions between countries bilaterally, lead them to stop cooperation on a global level. Eg: Trade war between US and China has worsened the global economy.\niii) Countries do not want to take responsibility for their actions. Eg: US pulling out of Paris Agreement, despite being the second largest polluter.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"11. a) The above case study presents the ethical challenges of:\ni) sexual exploitation of women\nii) Nexus of police, politicians and criminals\niii) Public demand for swift action\niv) political pressure on the administration","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"13. a) The case study present the following ethical issues:\ni) development vs Environment trade-off\nii) pressure to complete project due to promise made by government\niii) protests by the local community\nb) The following course of actions would be most suitable:\ni) conducting discussion and dialogue with local people and NGO to address their grievances\nii) conducting environmental impact Assessment (EIA) to see if the project will harm","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6325,"topper":"Ria Dabi","air":15,"year":2020,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/bf71a-62420_1420_ria-dabi_rank_15.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6326,"topper":"Ria Kaur","air":89,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vP4W9IPIf6FiDOM0babxLEr8m2J3Wlzp/view","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Comment on the following in about 150 words each: 10x5=50 (a) According to C.W. Mills, ‘Power elite is a Quasi - Hereditary caste’. Clarify. (b) What conditions are responsible for the emergence of ‘ New Religious movements ’ in a society. (c) How does Weber establish the correlation between Power, Domination and legitimacy?","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":2,"question":"What is new about ‘new social movements’? Explain using examples. (20 marks)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":2,"question":"Is social democracy a prerequisite for a political democracy? Critically analyse. (20 marks)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":2,"question":"Durkheim believed that the essence of all world religions could be found by studying its elementary form. Describe his findings on the essence of religion. (20 marks)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Answer the following in about 150 words each: 10x5=50 (a) Describe secularization thesis and its relevance in Indian society. (b) How does Weber establish religion between particular religious values and the rational capitalism?","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":3,"question":"Is religion antithetical to science? Comment. (20 marks)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The term ‘developed’ and ‘underdeveloped’ are western constructions and the world societies are moving towards alternative models of development. Describe the evolution of development discourse. (20 marks)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by institutionalisation of ‘live -in- relationship’? How does it alter existing customs associated with sacred union of two individuals? (20 marks)","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":6327,"topper":"Ria Kaur Sethi","air":89,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b7e10-924617_2121_ria_kaur_sethi_rank_89.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6328,"topper":"Ria Kaur Sethi","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RIA-KAUR-SETHI-UPSC-2024-Rank-89-MGP-Sample-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) The Indian Constitution does not embody a strict separation of powers rather it introduces a system of checks and balances, with overlapping functions and interdependencies among the legislature, executive, and judiciary.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Recently, the Supreme Court has expanded the scope of Articles 14 and 21 to include the “right to be safeguarded from adverse effects of climate change”. In this context, citing relevant case laws, discuss the role played by Indian judiciary in ‘constitutionalization’ of environmental issues.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Analyse with the help of recent examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Assess the effectiveness of SEBI in fulfilling its envisaged role of regulating the securities market, ensuring transparency, and protecting investors' interests.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) The foundational strength of the Indian Constitution stems from its ability to integrate diverse socio-political perspectives. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) Parliamentary committees serve as vital tools for legislative oversight, ensuring accountability and good governance processes. In light of the statement, examine the role of the Public Accounts Committee in establishing financial accountability of the executive.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) Without addressing the issues that hinder the full and effective participation of persons with disabilities in political and public life, the goal of achieving inclusiveness and their empowerment will remain unattainable. Analyze.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) What roles do community-based interventions play in enhancing access to preventive and promotive health services in India?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) The current composition of the UNSC, with under-representation and un-representation of key regions is detrimental to its legitimacy and effectiveness, underscoring the urgent need for reforms. Make a case for India's permanent membership in the UNSC.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) \"The ongoing internal crisis in Myanmar is impeding India's Act East Policy.\" In light of the statement, discuss the measures taken by India to deal with the crisis and associated challenges.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 \"The Basic Structure Doctrine, protecting the core principles of the Constitution against majoritarian impulses, is also criticized for enabling judicial overreach and disturbing the balance of power as envisioned by the Constitution.\" Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 Enumerate the salient features of Representation of People's Act, 1951. In your opinion, what amendments are needed in the Act to further the cause of free and fair elections in light of contemporary challenges.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 The cooperative nature of Indian federalism is being increasingly challenged by emerging differences in Centre-State relations. Discuss. What steps can be taken to strengthen the cooperative spirit of Indian federalism?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 Parliamentary privileges are fundamental for lawmakers to discharge their duties without undue influence. However, ensuring the responsible exercise of these privileges is crucial for fostering public trust and ensuring the accountability of public institutions. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 The Constitution of India provides several rights that empower the individual, yet it balances these freedoms with reasonable restrictions in the larger public interest. Discuss how constitutional restrictions on fundamental rights strike a fine balance between individual interests and societal interests. Also, mention the principles that are considered in evaluating the reasonableness of restrictions with reference case laws.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) Self-Help Groups (SHGs) can play a crucial role in alleviating rural poverty by providing women with access to microfinance, enabling them to start small businesses and improve their livelihoods.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 Despite the implementation of numerous policies and schemes aimed at combating hunger and malnutrition in the country, their effectiveness remains limited. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18) The true test of good governance is the degree to which it ensures accountability towards citizens while living up to the promise of sustainable and inclusive human development. Discuss in the context of challenges to good governance in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 As the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) provides a judicial mechanism for the peaceful resolution of international disputes. In this context, throw light on the structure and mandate of ICJ. Also highlight the challenges it faces in fulfilling its mandate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 Geopolitical shifts pose challenges to India-Russia relations, yet the relationship remains robust, driven by deep-rooted trust and a shared commitment to sustain a multifaceted strategic partnership. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6329,"topper":"Richa Kulkarni","air":54,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1nHldlwnqUZavH-JmtQlZWuVLYbmu65kx","questions":[]},{"id":6330,"topper":"Richa Kulkarni","air":134,"year":2020,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1L-rE9blNQ1o9vl0FiMzKzAHSeo-s7el5","questions":[]},{"id":6331,"topper":"Richa Kulkarni","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9876d-708164_1417_richa-kulkarni_rank-54.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Dadabhai Naoroji left an indelible imprint on the national movement. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Quit India movement marked a new direction in the struggle against the British colonial rule in India. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The end of World War II marked the birth of a new international order. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Simla Agreement (1972) and Lahore Declaration (1999) are two key milestones in the history of the Indian subcontinent. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Social security should not only involve economic empowerment but also social empowerment. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Explain with examples how globalisation is manifested in both local in the global and the global in the local. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In light of persistence of various forms of violence against women in India, discuss the ways in which the issue can be addressed effectively. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What is an urban forest? Highlight its benefits and steps taken by the government to promote urban forestry in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"How has globalization impacted the location of the IT industry? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"How can eco-tourism be used to sustainably harness the potential of tourism industry in India? Discuss the challenges and steps taken by the government in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The advent of Buddhism and Jainism was instrumental in the development of architecture in ancient India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The reactionary policies of Lord Lytton and the liberal policies of his successor Lord Rippon acted as catalyst in the formation of the Indian National Congress. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Gandhiji changed his methods of struggle against the British from time-to-time to suit the varied circumstances and problems that needed to be tackled. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Bring out the relationship between the industrial revolution and the advent of imperialism in different parts of the world. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The caste system in India has continued to persist by adapting itself to a variety of changing socio-economic and political conditions in the past few decades. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"It is argued by some that regionalism is a threat to national integrity while others consider it as a highly impactful tool in facilitating political participation. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Describe the process of rift valley formation, with special emphasis on the Great Rift Valley System. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India's water resources have witnessed rapid depletion due to a mix of economic, geographic, and political factors. Explain and discuss its implications. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How are plateaus formed? Also, briefly discuss the features of the Deccan plateau and its economic significance. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6332,"topper":"Richa Kulkarni","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a2a27-708164_1524_richa-kulkarni_rank-54.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Tenancy reforms are much needed to give a boost to the Indian agricultural sector. Comment. In this context, also discuss the significance of the Model Land Leasing Act, 2016. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"India's march towards inclusive growth and it achieving the Sustainable Development Goals are intricately linked. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlight the need for evolving an appropriate system of Rules Of Origin in regional trading arrangements. What steps have been taken by India recently in this regard? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"MSP regime is a creation of an era of scarcity in the 1960s. Discuss its relevance in the current era of surplus agricultural production. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Examine the link between the recent locust attack and climate change. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlighting the properties of Carbon Nanotubes, discuss its applications. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"India's domestic patent regime privileges public health over pharmaceutical industry's interests. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Bring out the arguments surrounding the idea of employing the principle of 'one border - one force' on Indian borders. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Assess the need to create a new cadre of Indian Frontier Administrative Service to undertake the vital tasks at Indian frontiers. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The main objective of Union Budget 2020-21 is to provide \"Ease of Living\" to all citizens. Analyse the framework proposed in the Budget 2020-21 to achieve this objective. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Several challenges are needed to be addressed to realise the full benefits of the recent agricultural marketing reforms. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Multimodal transport requires multiple integrations across different modes of transportation. Substantiate. What are the challenges and opportunities associated with multimodal transportation for India? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Though COVID-19 pandemic exposes the vulnerability of Informal sector and associated labor force in India, it also presents an opportunity to rebalance formal-informal economy dynamics in the country. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Highlight the drivers and challenges facing India's ambition to become a gas-based economy. Mention the steps that have been taken by the government recently in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Climate Change and the associated events endanger the marine and coastal ecosystems while increasing the vulnerability of coastal population. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Using examples, highlight how natural ecosystems perform different hazard mitigation functions. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Explain what genome sequencing is and state the challenges in scaling up genome sequencing projects. Also, throw some light on the recently launched IndiGen Project. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India needs to avert radicalisation and societal dissention, as internal faultlines are a breeding ground for cyber and transnational terrorism. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Given the emerging security challenges, discuss why the establishment of Integrated Theatre Commands is being seen as an important defence reform. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6333,"topper":"Richa Kulkarni","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/272b8-708164_1523_richa-kulkarni_rank-54.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Enumerate the issues associated with functioning of the Central Information Commission. How can these issues be addressed? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"In India, Governor's discretionary powers are wider than those of the President. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the objectives that were sought to be achieved through tribunals. How successful have they been in meeting them? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Instead of the government regulating Over-the-top (OTT) platforms, there have been calls for a self-regulating mechanism for such platforms, as in the case of print media. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Bring out the arguments surrounding the issue of some states reserving jobs for locals in the private sector. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Identifying the key elements of Mission Karmayogi, briefly explain how it can lead to holistic development of the human resources and state's capacity. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlighting the role played by ASHA workers in public health system of India, discuss the challenges faced by them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"While internationalisation of higher education has many potential benefits for India, certain challenges will need to be addressed in this regard. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"India needs to adopt a more pragmatic stance in the context of the ongoing intra-Afghan talks. Discuss, in the light of India's engagement with Afghanistan. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In the geo-strategic context of West Asia, the recent efforts to normalise relations between Israel and UAE may open new possibilities for India. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"It is not only the content of election manifestos but also the past performance with respect to promises made in election manifestos that need to be regulated. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"In order to achieve a reduction in the pendency of cases and a return to the Supreme Court's original role as a final appellate court, setting up of a National Court of Appeal is the need of the hour. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The Constitution of India reflects an amalgamation of spirit of Indian freedom struggle and various administrative provisions of different acts of British rule in India. Explain. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Mention the key components of the SVAMITVA scheme. Also, highlight its intended benefits and discuss the potential issues in its implementation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Sharing of information among all stakeholders in government functioning is a leading practice towards good governance. Discuss with examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"India has an oversized and bloated government which acts as a drag on economic efficiency and growth. Critically evaluate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Though the National Digital Health Mission is a step in the right direction for both patients and the healthcare system, concerns around data privacy need to be addressed. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"One Nation One Ration card has the potential to significantly transform the lives of migrant workers in India. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The World Trade Organization is buffeted by multiple challenges which have eroded the credibility of the organization. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"BIMSTEC is indispensable for India's efforts in promoting regional cooperation and integration in the neighbourhood. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6334,"topper":"Richa Kulkarni","air":54,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3a395-708164_1525_richa-kulkarni_rank-54.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6335,"topper":"Richa Kulkarni","air":54,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1jlEJR1P52a0ubc87bZLlwWIBSzF9zHa8","questions":[]},{"id":6336,"topper":"Richa Kulkarni","air":134,"year":2020,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1PwkWPQAKMYZXdKivMNueKiclmfdnlqsO","questions":[]},{"id":6337,"topper":"Rickey Agarwal","air":87,"year":2020,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/122ff-15500_1252_rickey-agarwal_rank_87.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6338,"topper":"Rickey Agarwal","air":87,"year":2020,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d323e-15500_1253_rickey-agarwal_rank_87.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6339,"topper":"Rickey Agarwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/f099c-15500_1247_rickey-agarwal_rank_87.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Mention the structure and functions of NITI Aayog. Also, comment on its contemporary relevance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Critically discuss the practice of setting up Fast Track Courts to reduce pendency of cases in the judiciary. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the challenges faced by lower judiciary in India and suggest measures for enhancing their productivity. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Assess the need to formalise the process of post-legislative scrutiny to improve the effectiveness of laws. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in improving the effectiveness of e-governance in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Despite various reforms in the public grievance redressal mechanisms, their effectiveness remain limited. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Explaining the factors that contribute to trafficking of women and children in India, highlight the steps taken in recent times to combat it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"With Vector-Borne Diseases (VBDs) reaching epidemic proportions in India, highlight the factors that have led to their emergence. Also, suggest some measures for their effective control and management. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"After years of neglect, rapidly evolving regional strategic realities are now forcing India and Indonesia to coordinate their policies ever more closely. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Despite several attempts at resetting the ties, various barriers continue to be a cause of concern in the India-Nepal bilateral relations. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Delineate the differences between pressure groups and interest groups. Citing examples, elaborate on the ways in which pressure groups influence government decisions and policy making in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlighting the issues faced by the institutions of local self governance in India, suggest measures that can be taken to improve their effectiveness in the delivery of public goods and services at the grassroot level. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The recent amendment to the Right to Information Act, 2005 will weaken the act and undermine the authority of Information Commissioners. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight the process of delimitation in India. Also, throw light on the debates surrounding the delimitation exercise in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Self Help Groups (SHGs) are vehicles of rural development, which help in the upliftment of marginalized groups. Elucidate. Further, mention the constraints faced by SHGs and how they can be addressed. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"With construction of toilets being only one part of the solution for a clean India, it is time that the Swachh Bharat Mission puts more emphasis on the other facets as well. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Highlight the salient features of Mission Indradhanush. What are the challenges that the mission is facing in its implementation? Suggest measures to address these challenges for progressing towards full immunization coverage. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Assess the importance of skilling in light of changing economic and demographic structure in India. In this regard, how far has the Skill India Mission succeeded in its mandate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What according to you are the reasons that motivated India to create a dedicated Indo-Pacific division in the MEA recently? Also, highlight the challenges for India in the Indo-Pacific region. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"For SCO to become a successful regional grouping, it has to overcome bilateral differences between its members and their respective geopolitical calculations. Comment. Also, discuss the role that SCO can play in enhancing India's interest in the Eurasian region. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6340,"topper":"Rickey Agarwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c3e90-15500_1246_rickey-agarwal_rank_87.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Rock-cut structures were closely associated with various religions and religious activities. Discuss the statement giving relevant examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The legislative and administrative record of the Congress Ministries during their twenty-eight months rule under the Act of 1935 was positive, but the period also witnessed the emergence of serious weaknesses in the Congress. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Kamladevi Chattopadhyay was a multifaceted personality with significant contributions both to pre and post independence India. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The inherent limitations of Napoleon's policy of Continental Blockade ultimately resulted in its failure. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Despite changes in the institution of marriage in recent times, there have been elements of continuity as well. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"There are multiple disabilities that a person experiences in the course of ageing. Elaborate. Also identify key government initiatives taken for addressing them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlight the reasons behind prevalence of low literacy rate among tribals. Also, mention some initiatives taken by the government in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain how Continental Drift Theory describes the changing configuration of the continents. Discuss the prominent evidences given by Alfred Wegener to support his theory. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The variety of landforms on the earth's surface is the result of internal and external forces. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Explaining the concept of Lapse Rate, examine its relationship with atmospheric stability. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The colonial period brought the influence of Western architectural forms to India. In this context, giving examples, highlight the contribution of Europeans to Indian architecture. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The nineteenth century witnessed a struggle against the backward elements of traditional culture. Discuss in the context of socio-religious reform movements. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Explaining the reasons behind partition of Bengal, discuss the successes and limitations of the Swadeshi movement launched in its wake. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The reorganisation of states in India post-independence has been an ongoing process with distinct contributing factors. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The Treaty of Versailles was not a peace agreement based on reconciliation but was 'dictated peace' forced on Germany, which eventually triggered the Second World War. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Legal measures alone are not sufficient for addressing the issue of domestic violence against women, rather it requires intervention at societal level. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"India is undergoing a demographic transition the implications of which are multipronged. Analyze. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Highlight the significance of watershed development in India. Give reasons for the limited success of initiatives directed towards watershed management in India. Also, suggest some measures to improve the design of watershed programs. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Explain the relationship between raw materials and location of industries. How are globalisation and technological advancements changing this relationship? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Explain how natural greenhouse effect helps in maintaining Earth's heat budget. What are the possible implications of rising concentration of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in atmosphere on Earth's heat budget? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6341,"topper":"Rickey Agarwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/880ea-15500_1248_rickey-agarwal_rank_87.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the significance of Credit Rating Agencies (CRAs) in India and highlight the issues in their working. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What are the issues that have limited the success of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in India? Mention some steps that can be taken to address them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The opportunities for start-ups in India are immense, but so are the challenges. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The term 'Circular Economy' is often seen in news. What are the principles that it is based on? Bring out its relevance for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Assess the performance of Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana in achieving its stated objective of financial inclusion. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"How does pollution in rivers impact the surrounding ecosystem? Explain why such pollution has not shown signs of improvement, despite various government initiatives. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What is project MANAV launched by the Department of Biotechnology? Highlight the significance of this project. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Highlighting the properties and applications of superconductors, discuss the constraints related to their practical use. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind India becoming a major destination as well as a transit hub for drug trafficking in South Asia. How does this effect India's internal security? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The development of border areas is an important element in border management. In this context, discuss how the Border Area Development Programme (BADP) seeks to ameliorate the problems faced in border areas. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Examine whether Fixed Term Employment will be able to achieve the objectives of ease of doing business, achieving labour welfare and job creation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"A growing livestock sector augurs well for the low income households to augment their income and escape poverty. Discuss. Further, suggest some strategies for ensuring sustainable livestock sector growth in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Examine whether the time has come for India to usher in full liberalisation of the Capital Account. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlighting the challenges to agriculture extension in India, discuss how ICT can help in addressing them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Now that it has been two years since introduction of GST in India, do you think the system is on the path to achieve its intended objectives? Support your answer with relevant facts. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Highlight the gender specific challenges faced during disaster management. In this regard, discuss how the disaster management cycle can be made more gender sensitive. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Though there are some notable individual achievements, the overall participation of women in scientific research has been abysmally low. Examine. What steps have been taken by the government in this regard? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss the significance of the recent amendments made in the NIA act and the UAPA Act for countering terrorism. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The national security architecture needs to be robust enough to deal with present and evolving threats. Elaborating on the statement, discuss the recent steps taken for modernisation of the national security architecture. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6342,"topper":"Rickey Agarwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b4297-15500_1245_rickey-agarwal_rank_87.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the attributes of leadership, analyse why it is important for a civil servant.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"A civil servant needs to be objective as well as empathetic. What do you understand by objectivity? Discuss its relationship with empathy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"With rapidly increasing use of information technology, what according to you is the role of ethics in cyber space?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Transparency in government organisations is an essential pre-condition for good governance. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but its lowest ones. Nelson Mandela","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"For achieving success, attitude is equally, if not more important than ability. Discuss with the help of examples from your daily life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"The core of high Emotional Intelligence is self-awareness. If you don't understand your own motivations and behaviours, it is nearly impossible to develop an understanding of others. Discuss with the help of appropriate examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by Integrity Pacts? Highlight the role they can play in bringing transparency in allotment of public contracts and ensuring proper utilization of public funds in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"In the context of rapid technological change, discuss the significance of inculcating moral and spiritual values in educational institutions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Explain the main elements of integral humanism as propounded by Deen Dayal Upadhyay and highlight its contemporary relevance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"It is imperative for a country like India, that code of ethics should be implemented for civil servants on social media platforms as well. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Discuss how effective corporate governance can ensure the equitable treatment of all stakeholders.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"You are posted as the Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district of a state where alcohol prohibition has been imposed recently. The District Excise department has conducted many raids and seized liquor in large quantities, for which it has received state-wide public appreciation. A few months later reports surface in the media that in this district, hundreds of seized bottles of illicit liquor are missing from the government malkhanas or stores. As a result, the government is left red-faced. You are asked by the DM, who is the overall in-charge of the district excise setup, to investigate the matter. Upon investigation, you unearth a nexus of politicians and government officials who smuggled seized liquor and sold it through spurious means both inside and outside the state. In this context, evaluate these options:","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Being aware of the seriousness of the matter, discretely put the detailed investigation report in the public domain and expose the nexus. Also, suggest, without restricting yourself to the given options, the final course of action that you would prefer.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate in a Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected district. The district has witnessed many instances of violence by the naxalites in the past. It has been observed that instances of violence increase as the elections approach. You, as a Returning Officer, are responsible for the smooth conduct of elections. Soon after the announcement of elections, the naxalites gave a call for their boycott and have been threatening people to stay away from them. The people of the district are eager to exercise their voting rights but are scared of the impending acts of violence. Further, with threat to their lives and a low expected turnout, the other electoral officers are also reluctant to go to these areas. In this context, answer the following: (a) Identify the civil service values that are crucial for working in such adversities. (b) Suggest a plan of action to ensure the conduct of free and fair elections in such a situation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate in a district, where many large factories and commercial establishments are located. One such factory is owned by one of your close friends. You visit each other's home frequently and are often seen in public together. Recently, media reported about poor working conditions in your friend's factory. Upon enquiry with the labor office, you come to know that the factory has witnessed frequent labour unrests in the past as well. However, the labour officer told you that he was hesitating to take any action due to your proximity with the owner of the factory. With reference to the facts of the case, answer the following questions: (a) Identifying the stakeholders and public cause, discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) As the District Magistrate, what appropriate course of action will you take? Give reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are a resident of a remote tribal district, where there is high incidence of malnutrition. As a remedial measure, the District Magistrate has initiated a programme to promote millet cultivation, especially on the lands currently lying fallow in the district. However, this well-intentioned move of the officer receives flak from the local tribals as this may not only change their age-old food habits, but also alter their traditional agricultural practices. They further cite lower remunerative prices of millets as another reason for continuing with their existing crop production pattern. As a civil servant aspirant, who has a keen interest in development of tribal areas, answer the following questions: (a) What according to you are the key issues and challenges involved in the above situation? (b) Identify the key stakeholders and their respective interests. (c) Suggest a course of action that the District Magistrate can take keeping in mind the larger tribal interests.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You have recently been posted as a District Labour Officer in a state, which derives a substantial revenue from tourism. You come to know that a big hotel in the area has not been paying wages as per the Minimum Wages Act. The hotel owner is a powerful local leader having contacts with many influential officials of the state. You have the power to take sou-moto cognizance of such violations and accordingly you initiate a preliminary enquiry into the matter. However, no worker is willing to come forward to lodge a formal complaint because they fear loss of employment. Meanwhile, your action has attracted notice of the higher authorities, and you are advised to drop the matter altogether. You are deeply concerned about the situation as it involves not only violation of the Minimum Wages Act but also denial of basic human rights of the worker. (a) Identify the issues involved in the given case. (b) Consider the options given below:","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Serve a notice to the hotel owner and initiate action as per your powers under the Minimum Wages Act. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each of these options and suggest your preferred course of action, giving reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"You are the Chairman of a Committee, constituted by the government, to suggest measures to improve the quality of education in state-run schools. In view of the increasing dropout rate and the widening gap between students' learning ability in state-run and private schools, answer the following questions: (a) Examine the role of government in the education sector, especially providing primary and secondary education through state-run schools. (b) Identify the principles and values that would guide your recommendations in this regard. (c) Suggest some ways in which quality of education in state-run schools can be improved.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6343,"topper":"Riddhima Shrivastava","air":74,"year":2019,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4cea3-55401_1256_riddhima-shrivastava_rank_74.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6344,"topper":"Riddhima Shrivastava","air":74,"year":2019,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/89977-55401_1255_riddhima-shrivastava_rank_74.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6345,"topper":"Riddhima Shrivastava","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0eca6-55401_1449_riddhima-shrivastava_rank_74.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Bringing higher judiciary under the ambit of RTI has its own merits and demerits. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Tribunals in India have not just replicated some of the problems that our judiciary suffers from but added a few more. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Parliamentary privileges are not always used for the aims they were intended to serve. In this context, discuss the need for codification of these privileges in light of recent developments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"There is a point of view that the office of Governor has outlived its relevance and needs to be abolished. Critically examine in the current context. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Is lateral entry in civil services the panacea to address the challenges, which hamper the effective functioning of bureaucracy in India? Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Highlighting the grievances of states towards Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS), explain how the government has sought to rationalise these schemes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The PM Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) has begun well and holds a lot of promise, however it needs to address multiple challenges to become a success. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Highlighting its key features, examine the need for the passage of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill by the Parliament at the earliest. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"With changing times India's engagement with its diaspora has also undergone a change. Explain in the context of government policies on diaspora. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Despite its immense potential, the challenges associated with RCEP for India cannot be ignored. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"ASEAN - India FTA, Japan and South Korea have FTAs with India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"Decentralisation in India has been fairly successful at the political level, however on the fiscal and administrative fronts progress is marred by several bottlenecks. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The provisions of the Anti-Defection Law have been repeatedly violated and are routinely misinterpreted. Examine. Also, suggest measures to strengthen the Anti-Defection Law. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The amendment process for the Indian Constitution follows a middle path between rigidity and flexibility. Comment in comparative perspective. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Assess the effectiveness of the institutional architecture of Indian federalism in settling inter-state disputes. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The recent advances in technologies have the potential to make e-governance a very potent tool for ushering in an era of good governance. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"While Indians are donating to charitable causes more than ever, philanthropy in India is still at a formative stage. In this context, highlight the significance of philanthropy and state the factors holding back philanthropy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Highlight the challenges faced in implementation of healthcare schemes in India. Examine how creation of a robust digital health ecosystem can prove to be a game changer in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"For India to emerge as a knowledge superpower, it is imperative to address the challenges of access, equity, quality, affordability and accountability faced by the current education system. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Ties with both USA and Russia are important for India, however, both these relations have their own sets of challenges, and some of these are further accentuated by the friction between these two powers. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6346,"topper":"Riddhima Shrivastava","air":74,"year":2019,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/dea88-55401_1247_riddhima-shrivastava_rank_74.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6347,"topper":"Riddhima Shrivastava","air":74,"year":2019,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/f3c25-55401_1242_riddhima-shrivastava_rank_74.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6348,"topper":"Riddhima Shrivastava","air":74,"year":2019,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3f733-55401_1244_riddhima-shrivastava_rank_74.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6349,"topper":"Riddhima Shrivastava","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d12fb-55401_1245_riddhima-shrivastava_rank_74.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlight the attributes of leadership, analyse why it is important for a civil servant.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"A civil servant needs to be objective as well as empathetic. What do you understand by objectivity? Discuss its relationship with empathy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"With rapidly increasing use of information technology, what according to you is the role of ethics in cyber space?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Transparency in government organisations is an essential pre-condition for good governance. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but its lowest ones. Nelson Mandela","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"For achieving success, attitude is equally, if not more important than ability. Discuss with the help of examples from your daily life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"The core of high Emotional Intelligence is self-awareness. If you don't understand your own motivations and behaviours, it is nearly impossible to develop an understanding of others. Discuss with the help of appropriate examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by Integrity Pacts? Highlight the role they can play in bringing transparency in allotment of public contracts and ensuring proper utilization of public funds in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"In the context of rapid technological change, discuss the significance of inculcating moral and spiritual values in educational institutions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Explain the main elements of integral humanism as propounded by Deen Dayal Upadhyay and highlight its contemporary relevance.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6350,"topper":"Riddhima Shrivastava","air":74,"year":2019,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1z_R8NYIJsuKkzI7Yn-OjZEkBvkwZc97D","questions":[]},{"id":6351,"topper":"Ridhima Jain","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/RIDHIMA-JAIN-UPSC-2023-Rank-123-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Institutions reflect the cultural values of the societies in which they are established.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"He who has a 'why' to live for, can bear almost any 'how'.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The power of perception shapes our understanding of reality.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The tree that would grow to heaven must send its roots to hell.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"One health approach: a call for ecological equity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Culture can unite what history and geography has divided.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Social evils have not completely left the ground","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6352,"topper":"Ridhima Jain","air":123,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/bf776-1210976_2121_ridhima_jain_rank_123.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6353,"topper":"Ridhima Jain","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/RIDHIMA-JAIN-UPSC-2023-Rank-123-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the role of the 'Fourth Estate' in upholding democratic values and analyse the issues affecting press freedom in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The electoral process, though inclusionary in theory, has been pointed out for exclusionary tendencies in practice. Analyse, with special emphasis on role of women in India's representative electoral system. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Assess the effectiveness of Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 in resolution of river-water disputes. Also describe the potential impact of delays in resolution of water disputes. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the significance of the cooperative model of development in addressing the issues of rural growth. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"In order to pass the ultimate test of good governance, welfare state should be close to the people, responsive to their aspirations, and inclusive in its approach. Discuss with special reference to PM PVTG Development Mission. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"To what extent collaboration between the state and civil society organizations (CSOs) help in addressing poverty and malnutrition in the country? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Absence of a robust social infrastructure in the country may become one of the most significant challenges in achieving a developed status by 2047. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Though the changing paradigm towards dialogue and diplomacy in West Asia augurs well for India's interests in this otherwise restive region, presence of inimical actors may reverse the gains. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Water diplomacy can redefine the contours of regional cooperation in South Asia. Discuss with special reference to Indus water treaty 1960. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Despite constitutional backing to the institutions of local governance, the idea of decentralisation has remained hostage to several structural bottlenecks. Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Independent judiciary, as envisaged by the constitution, provides the bedrock for a thriving polity; however, executive encroachment may erode its credibility and affect its efficacy. Evaluate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Executive agencies, working as the watchdog against impropriety, are vital to act against the corrupt; however, pandering to vested interests may have the effect of turning the idea of rule of law on its head. Comment, with special reference to controversies associated with the Enforcement Directorate (ED). (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Critically analyse the role of National Commission for Women (NCW) in wake of its mandate to safeguard women's rights and uphold their socio-economic wellbeing. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Understanding the extent, source, and complexity of deprivations among the multidimensionally poor contributes to more informed policymaking. In this context, analyze the latest National Multidimensional Poverty Index Report by NITI Aayog. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Safely managed drinking water services, as desired by Jal Jeevan Mission, are designated to give multifarious benefits cutting across generations. Discuss. Also, elaborate upon the challenges in ensuring the mission's success. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Legislation like Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989 remains mere legal documents without intense sensitization of public functionaries and the civil society. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Harbinger of global rebalancing, India-Africa ties are a beacon of inclusive, sustainable, and equitable world. Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How do ASEAN centrality, rules-based order, and development partnership with Pacific Island states make Indo-Pacific a theatre of opportunity for India? What are the hurdles in realisation of an inclusive Indo-Pacific construct? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6354,"topper":"Ridhima Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d1ae2-1210976_1832_ridhima_jain_rank_123.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the vulnerability of India's critical infrastructure to cyber attacks, discuss the various steps taken by the government to boost cyber security. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the role that space technology can play in strengthening India's border security. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss the challenges associated with inclusion of women in armed forces, particularly in combat roles in India. How can these challenges be addressed? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by hybrid warfare? Discuss India's preparedness in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the rationale behind delegating policing powers to Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) in border states. Highlight the issues arising from it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discuss the factors that have helped sustain Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in India. What steps has the government taken in recent times to counter LWE? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Highlight the critical role that the National Security Guard (NSG) plays in ensuring internal security of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Do you agree with the view that India needs to establish a dedicated Space Force to address its military needs? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss how cryptocurrencies can become a tool of money laundering in India. Also, highlight the steps taken by the government in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Radicalisation of youth by extremist organisations poses a serious security risk to India. Discuss. Also, suggest measures for de-radicalisation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Recent events have highlighted that nations with weak militaries cannot sustain themselves against technologically advanced adversaries. Discuss. What lessons can India learn from these events? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The dark web can be an ideal platform for several criminal and terrorist activities. Discuss with examples. Also, suggest measures to tackle the misuse of dark web. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What are Integrated Theatre Commands (ITCs)? Discuss the importance of setting up ITCs in India and challenges in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Decoupling organized crime from terrorism requires a holistic approach. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"India faces a number of security threats and challenges that originate from the seas. Discuss. Also, give an account of the initiatives taken to strengthen the coastal security of India in recent times. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Discuss the extent of the problem of narco-terrorism in India. What measures have been taken by the government to counter and control this problem? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"A mix of internal and external factors pose security threats in North-East India. Discuss. What steps has the government taken to maintain peace and stability in this region? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"In light of the increasing security challenges faced by India, state the need for achieving self-reliance in defence manufacturing. Also, discuss the challenges in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Data privacy laws require a balancing act between personal liberty and sovereign security. Discuss in the context of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6355,"topper":"Ridhima Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2e173-1210976_1813_ridhima_jain_rank_123.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the process of sea floor spreading. Also, discuss the various evidences that support it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Highlighting the role of seismic waves in its understanding, describe the different layers of earth's internal structure.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Describe the major types of volcanoes along with their characteristics.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"What are the major factors that influence the location of the fertilizer industry in India? Explain with the help of suitable examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Give an account of the ecological services provided by wetlands and reasons behind their decline. What steps have been taken by the government to protect wetlands?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Highlight the various factors affecting salinity of the oceans. Also, elaborate upon horizontal and vertical distribution of ocean salinity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"State the characteristic features of equatorial climate and vegetation. Discuss, why the equatorial region remains underdeveloped despite having abundance of natural resources.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Bring out the differences between tropical and temperate cyclones.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"What are the conditions that are conducive for formation of tropical and cold water corals? Highlight the anthropogenic factors that have led to their decline.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Explain the processes by which the Earth maintains its heat budget.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Elucidate the link between biodiversity and sustainable development. Also, mention steps taken by India to address the concern of biodiversity loss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"What is meant by High Technology or Hi-Tech industry? Giving examples of some of these industries, highlight their important features.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Give an account of locational factors that have influenced the distribution of jute industry in India. What are the challenges that this industry faces?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"State the conditions that are conducive for the occurrence of temperature inversion. Also, highlight its consequences.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6356,"topper":"Ridhima Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b5bec-1210976_1829_ridhima_jain_rank_123.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The caste system continues to be one of the key drivers of poverty and inequality in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Recognising unpaid work of women is a necessary but challenging task. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The window to realise India's demographic potential is narrowing with time. Discuss in context of factors affecting the employability of Indian youth and their remedial measures. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Given the deeply gendered impact of population control measures, examine the need to rethink the current approach of population control measures in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Indian healthcare system is mired by excessive brain drain of healthworkers. Discuss and suggest measures to address the phenomenon. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Though various women organisations have played a key role in promoting entrepreneurship among women, there continue to exist obstacles that impede women entrepreneurship. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Discuss the issues faced by domestic workers in India. Also suggest measures that can be taken to empower them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"It has been argued by some that raising the minimum age of marriage for females only addresses the symptoms rather than the underlying causes of gender related issues in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Given the socio-economic status of backward castes in India, caste based census is the need of the hour. Do you agree? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"While participation of private sector in the higher education system of India is a necessity, it creates issues that need careful redressal. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Eradication of hunger depends on the adequacy of policy intervention to curb the menace of hunger and starvation. In this context, discuss the concerns raised by recent reports on the hunger situation in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Regionalism in India is a multi-dimensional phenomenon, at once geo-cultural, politico-economic and, above all, psychological. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"By adopting a variation of Western secularism, we invited a condition that gradually weakened the process of secularization in India. Critically analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Given its impact on both individual resilience and the resilience of the economy, is there a case for strong universal social protection in India? Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Examine the multi-dimensional impact of globalisation on tribal development in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What do you understand by feminisation of old age? Highlight the issues associated with it in the Indian context. Also, mention the measures taken by the government in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Strengthening the system of government-run schools is a prerequisite in ensuring social empowerment and inclusive development in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Though unity in diversity has been a mainstay of India as a nation, there exist certain threats in this regard. Discuss. Also, bring out the relevance of civil society in sustaining the diversity of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"In light of the recently released national multi dimensional poverty index (MPI) by India, assess the country's performance on eradicating multi dimensional poverty. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Indian cities are not only mimicking the social and cultural structures of inequality and exclusion found in rural areas but are also creating fault lines for future conflicts. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6357,"topper":"Ridhima Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/RIDHIMA_JAIN_UPSC_2023_Rank_123_MGP_Answer_Copy_GS_Paper_2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Foreign trade is an important milestone on the path of becoming a 5 trillion USD economy. In this context, analyse the potential of the recently released Foreign Trade Policy, 2023 in revamping India's participation in global trade. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Social protection schemes are an integral aspect of a welfare economy; however, the principles of fiscal prudence cannot be ignored. Discuss, with special reference to Old Pension Scheme (OPS). (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand from Agristack? To what extent can it become a panacea for the problems plaguing the farm sector. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The objective of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to provide a long term and equitable solution to the dilemma between free trade and food security has remained unfulfilled. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Even after five decades of the Stockholm conference, narrowing the gaps between the targets and actions remains one of the biggest challenges towards reversing climate change. Discuss. Also, recommend measures for building a coherent actionable strategy to tackle climate change. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What are the impediments in management of E-waste in the country? In what ways can the trinity of citizens, businesses, and the government tackle this menace? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How does nuclear fusion differ from nuclear fission? Assess the relevance of nuclear energy in resolving the global energy security dilemma? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are run of the river hydroelectric projects? How far can run of the river hydroelectric projects balance ecological conservation with socio-economic development? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"A robust border infrastructure is the surest way to counter multifarious threats emanating from inimical actors. Discuss, in light of Vibrant Village Programme. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"How far can a clearly articulated National Security Strategy help in tackling challenges to national security? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What are the factors that influence the inflation trends in the country? Highlighting the impacts, discuss the institutional measures in place to check inflation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Though a cornerstone of Atmanirbhar Bharat, Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme is not without its own challenges. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"How is internationalisation of rupee different from De-Dollarisation? Highlighting the benefits of internationalisation of rupee, discuss the challenges associated with the same. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What are Primary Agricultural Credit Societies? Can the cooperative push alone help in achieving the twin targets of boosting rural economy and mainstreaming small and marginal farmers? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Farm policies in the country have inadvertently led to undesirable consequences. Do you agree? Giving emphasis on PM PRANAM, discuss ways to enhance soil health and farm productivity. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What do you understand by heat waves? Highlight the reasons and impact of the rising frequency of heat waves across India. Also, recommend some measures to mitigate its impact. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"How is Chandrayaan-3 different from its predecessor, Chandrayaan-2? To what extent can India's presence in Artemis Accords help in furthering the exploration of lunar surface? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Research and Development is the key to unlock the potential of knowledge economy. In this perspective, analyse the role of the National Research Foundation Bill, 2023 in democratizing the research ecosystem in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What do you understand by the term Hybrid warfare? Highlighting its implications for India, recommend measures to develop a comprehensive ecosystem to counter the same. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How are internal security challenges related to peace in neighboring countries? Explain with special reference to instability on India's eastern frontier. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6358,"topper":"Ridhima Jain","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/RIDHIMA-JAIN-UPSC-2023-Rank-123-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Celebrity endorsements raise pertinent ethical concerns about responsibility that delve into the realm of ethical considerations of social influence that run deeper than mere surface appeal. In this context, suggest measures to tackle the ethical challenges of celebrity brand endorsements. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Embracing a scientific mindset involves setting aside impulsive inclinations in favor of the pursuit of truth. In your view, how does the integration of scientific thinking contribute to addressing contemporary challenges and promoting societal progress? How can we effectively cultivate a scientific attitude in society? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"In the realm of professional conduct, ethics plays a role that tends to go far beyond fulfilling the roles and responsibilities of the job with diligence and honesty. But some people consider professional competence as the only critical requirement for a job. If faced with a choice, who would you prefer to hire - someone with professional competence or one with strong moral values? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Patriotism can hold different meanings for different people, often shaped by personal experiences and convictions. What does patriotism mean to you? Explain narrating incidents from your life when you exhibited patriotism. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Max Weber's concept of bureaucracy was developed in the early 20th century, but it still influences administrative structures today. In what ways do you see Weberian bureaucracy as relevant in today's rapidly changing world? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Global challenges often test the ethical fiber of nations, urging them to channel narrow pursuit of national-interest into an enlightened self-interest.\" Enumerating the various ethical principles underlying the concept of enlightened national-interest examine its efficacy in helping nations navigate the fine line between pursuing their strategic interests and upholding ethical principles, particularly in times of conflict? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In the realm of governance, a crucial aspect is the art of persuasion. The qualities that make civil servants proficient persuaders empower them to fulfill their responsibilities in an effective manner. Discuss with illustrations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Corruption has multifaceted implications. Some consider it an undeniable vice, while others contend it to be an unavoidable necessity for navigating the bureaucratic complexities. In your opinion, does corruption oil or corrode the gears of development? Substantiate your arguments. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Ethical hacking and malicious hacking stand as divergent paths with distinct intentions and consequences. As technology advances, it becomes imperative to comprehend the nuances that set these practices apart in the cybersecurity landscape. In this perspective, elucidate the principles that differentiate ethical hacking and malicious hacking. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What does each of the following quotation mean to you? a) \"Our greatest ability as humans is not to change the world, but to change ourselves.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":6359,"topper":"Ridhima Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d3efc-1210976_1830_ridhima_jain_rank_123.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"According to you, what are the main reasons behind prejudice against certain sections of a society? Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss how persuasion acts as a functional pillar in attitudinal change and attitude formation with requisite examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"A legally enforceable code of ethics for civil servants, which not only prescribes the ethical values they must display in their public life but also provides sanctions for violations of these values, is the need of the hour. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Although open and transparent governance has gained ground, do you agree with the view that there is merit in withholding some information from people? Justify your arguments with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Although bribery is illegal and counterproductive, public officials still demand bribes, and executives in the private sector remain tempted to pay up. In this context, discuss ways in which corporations can build a framework to eliminate the practice of offering kickbacks. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Identifying the issues associated with utilization of public funds, discuss the various ethical principles which can help devise strategies for better utilization of public funds in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"\"All persons ought to endeavour to follow what is right, and not what is established.\" - Aristotle (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"\"It is compassion, the most gracious of virtues, which moves the world.\" - Tiruvalluvar, Kural (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"I understand democracy as something that gives the weak the same chance as the strong.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"\"A well-developed Emotional intelligence is not only an instrumental tool in accomplishing goals, but has a dark side as a weapon for manipulating others by robbing them of their capacity to reason.\" Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do you understand by conformity, compliance and obedience? Discuss their relevance in the context of civil services in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Though the internal control systems in India are impressive on paper, they have not worked well in curbing the issue of corruption in the administration. Comment. Also, discuss the various reasons for the same. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"There is broad consensus that the state has failed to effectively deliver public services to its citizens, particularly the poor. In this context, discuss the need for providing incentives, building state capacity and ensuring transparency for better service delivery. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You are the principal of a college which has a long history of student politics. However, due to your personal belief, you are not in favour of conducting student elections and thus have kept the process of yearly student elections pending without any official announcement. While you are mulling over the decision of not conducting elections, you get representation from some professors as well as students who criticize the activities of student unions as obstructive to the academic environment of the college. Some time later, student leaders also come to talk to you regarding conduct of elections, and you tell them about the representation received by you against allowing student elections. You further tell them that you are contemplating suspending all activities related to student politics in the campus. On hearing this, student leaders become aggressive and start sloganeering and destroying college property. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the issues involved in the case above? (b) How can you separate your personal ethics from professional ethics? (c) How would you deal with this situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Capital punishment, or \"death penalty,\" is an institutionalized practice designed to result in deliberately executing persons in response to actual or supposed misconduct and following an authorized, rule-governed process to conclude that the person is responsible for violating norms that warrant execution. Punitive executions have historically been imposed by diverse kinds of authorities, for an expansive range of conduct, political or religious beliefs and practices, for a status beyond one's control, or without employing any significant due process procedures. Punitive executions also have been and continue to be carried out more informally, such as by terrorist groups, urban gangs, and mobs. For centuries in Europe and America, discussions have focused on capital punishment as an institutionalized, rule-governed practice of modern states and legal systems governing serious criminal conduct and procedures. In light of the above debate of capital punishment, answer the following questions: (a) What are the arguments in favour of and against having capital punishment in the criminal justice system? (b) Do you think capital punishment has a place in modern civilised society? Examine in the context of moral implications involved in awarding it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"An Indian company is active in the telecom sector and is the majority owner of a telecom company based in other geographies across the world. At one of its European headquarters, there emerged whistleblowing allegations that a local executive was bribing local government officials in order to obtain telecom cabling and construction contracts from the local government. The kickbacks were allegedly paid through a third-party consultant. More specifically, there were allegations that the executive, the third party, and a government official had some sort of business interest in common, possibly shareholdings in a limited company or the joint ownership of an undisclosed asset. The company is thought to be particularly close to the ruling dispensation in India and the news has now raised pressure to put its business operations in India under scanner as well. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the ethical challenges in the given case? (b) Identify the different stakeholders and their interests. (c) As the CEO of the firm, how would you respond to the given situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Sunil has been posted as a DM in a hilly district which is vulnerable to several natural disasters. The district is known for a pilgrimage site and is frequently visited by tourists from all over India. The major occupation of locals therefore lies in the hospitality business. Unfortunately, after a few days of his joining, the district faced a major earthquake. It has led to high casualties and damages to the essential infrastructure such as roads and bridges. Both locals and tourists are trapped at different routes and locations. An international convoy of dignitaries from a neighboring country which has come to pay their obeisance at the pilgrimage site, is also trapped due to the disaster. Because of this, Sunil has divert most of the available resources in the rescue operation of the foreign dignitaries. People are emotionally distressed due to the disaster, and delayed response from authorities to their needs has led to a law-and-order situation in the district. People from other states whose families are trapped and need immediate assistance are also getting restless and flooding the emergency helplines with complaints and requests. (a) Discuss the issues being faced by Sunil in the given scenario. (b) Mention a course of action that Sunil must take to maintain law-and-order as well as to expediate rescue operations of all concerned.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You are posted as a Customs official in one of renowned port cities of India. Your team has recently intercepted a consignment having over 5000 kilograms of red sandalwood. Red Sandalwood, also known as Red Sanders, is a prohibited item for export and is covered under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) list and hence you detained a few individuals for their alleged involvement in trying to smuggle it to another country. However, you later come to know that these people are working for an influential businessman with close ties to the ruling party of the state. Your seniors in the department have verbally instructed you not to register any compliant as yet. You are fearful that a deal will be struck between the businessman and a few corrupt officers of your department and the detained persons will be freed. You are ready to go ahead and file the complaint but at the same time are also fearful of departmental action against you if you disobey your seniors. (a) What are the various options available to you in the given case? Evaluate the merits and demerits of each of these. (b) Also indicate (without necessarily restricting to the above options) your course of action and the reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"You are the Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district. One of your subordinates informs you that a girl has reached out to him and complained about a potential death threat to her and her boyfriend who belongs to another caste. Both the families are averse to their union. She has also informed that the local police station is neither filing any complaint nor giving her any assurance of protection. The girl belongs to the dominant caste of the region and her father is a prominent local leader of the party which is in power in the state. On further enquiry, you come to know that both the girl and her boyfriend are adults. They have moved out of the house and have started living together. This has further angered both the families and they are accusing each other of abduction. In the given scenario, answer the following questions: (a) Bring out the ethical dilemma faced by the you. (b) What would be a suitable course of action to resolve the issue? (c) At times, such instances lead to violence and may end up in honour killings. Discuss the reasons behind their social acceptance in parts of India despite the legal sanction against them.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6360,"topper":"Ridhima Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ad40b-1210976_1827_ridhima_jain_rank_123.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The ideals of 'Dhamma' by Ashoka present key learnings on public morality. Discuss. Also, state their relevance for public servants. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"There is a need for an effective climate governance structure within the broad framework of corporate governance. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Family values influence the decisions individuals make both within the family structure and outside of it. Do you agree with the statement? Justify with relevant examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"'Niti' must be more concerned with 'nyaya' i.e. the elimination of removable injustices rather than defining a perfectly just society. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"While it may seem restrictive, anonymity is one of the greatest strengths of the civil services. Comment in the context of growth of social media in recent times. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Corporate governance and business ethics are key factors influencing investment decisions and determining the flow of capital worldwide. In this context, discuss the inter-relationship between corporate governance and business ethics. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Examine the issue of foreign aid in global politics from an ethical perspective. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explaining the meaning of media ethics, discuss why it is a prerequisite for democracy. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by a situation of 'crisis of conscience'? Also, explain how a public servant can deal with such a situation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The opportunities and threats created by emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) require leaders across business, government and civil society to understand the importance of values and ethics in technological development. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"It is argued that the Indian bureaucracy suffers from indecision and risk aversion. Do you agree? Justify with logical arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Corruption endangers not only the quality of governance but also threatens the very foundation of our society. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Discuss the foundational values of civil services, which are prerequisites in building a responsive public administration. Also, highlight how Mission Karmayogi aspires to make public administration more responsive. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You come across a news report of a state 'X', which has a considerable number of school going children suffering from malnourishment. To overcome this, the state recently rolled out a policy to introduce eggs in mid-day meals in schools. However, some parents, teachers and a few religious groups have protested against the move. The report states that the Minister of Education of state 'X' has assured the public of a reversal in the policy. You are aware that this may be because elections are approaching in the state and the party in power may not want to antagonise a particular religious group, which is its key supporter. In light of this, answer the following: (a) Highlight the stakeholders in the given case study. (b) Examine the options available in the given situation. (c) According to you, what is the best course of action and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Recently, the government has proposed a bill to increase the age of marriage for women from 18 to 21 years. It has been argued that it will help women improve their nutritional status, lower maternal mortality rate and improve the overall health status of women. However, some critics have stated that the proposed law would be counterproductive to women's cause and the desired objectives will not be met. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What effect will an increase in the age of marriage have on women in India? (b) Can legislation be used as an effective tool for social change? (c) Discuss other agents that can be used for social change in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Climate change not only threatens our ecosystems but also undermines the foundation of our fundamental rights, deepens inequalities and creates new forms of injustice. Adapting to climate change and trying to mitigate its impacts are not just a matter of scientific knowledge and political will but also demand a broader view of a complex, inter-related situation. Human induced climate change has brought in several ethical dimensions not just in causing climate change but also in the role and responsibility in mitigating it. (a) Highlight the ethical issues arising out of human-induced climate change. (b) What ethical principles should form the basis of global action on climate change?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are the Chairperson of Staff Selection Commission of a state. Recently, an exam for recruitment to the position of sub-inspectors was conducted by the Commission. But a video of some students using hi-tech devices like spy-mics, and placing \"solvers\" to cheat in the exam by hiding bluetooth devices in wig, has been surfacing on the internet. Also, this is not an isolated incident; many instances of organized cheating scandals have shocked the state in recent years. Students are agitated and demanding cancellation of the exam and there is pressure on you to resign. However, your daughter had also appeared in this exam and is confident of clearing it. There are many other students who had waited for this exam for a long time and are hopeful of clearing it with honest efforts. Whatever decision the Commission takes is bound to affect the career of a large number of candidates who appeared in the exam, including your own daughter. (a) Highlight the ethical issues concerned in the case. (b) Why is cheating in examinations prevalent in many states across India? (c) What measures would you take to make sure that a similar situation does not arise in future?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You are a young officer posted as a Sub-Divisional Magistrate in a backward district. You receive a complaint against the appointment of a Dalit woman in a village school for cooking food under the Mid-Day Meal scheme by parents of some students. The parents are putting immense pressure on the school management to discontinue the services of the woman concerned on the basis of long-standing social norms of caste impurity. They also say that if the management fails to take a favourable decision, keeping in mind the prevailing social customs, they will convene a village assembly and take action against the woman and her family members, including boycotting them socially. Based on the above information, address the following: (a) Identify the issues involved in the given case study. (b) Highlighting the reasons behind continuing caste discrimination, discuss the steps which you will take to resolve the present issue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"A bridge is being built by a powerful local contractor in a district. The Public Works Department (PWD) is responsible for issuing the tender, checking the quality of the bridge and giving approval to it. During the construction of the bridge, testing by the quality control lab in the PWD showed its strength to be slightly below the minimum value required for granting approval for its further construction and completion. The local contractor paid hefty bribes to some officials in the PWD to get the contract. These officials are pressurising the quality control lab in the PWD to sign the report and give the required approval to the bridge. The local MLA is also pressurising the concerned lab for the approval, as elections in the state are approaching and the bridge has to be inaugurated. However, the in-charge of the lab is aware that if he grants approval and any mishappening related to the bridge occurs in the future, he may come under scrutiny. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the issues involved in this scenario? (b) Evaluate the options available to the in-charge of the quality control lab in the given situation. (c) What course of action should the lab in-charge take? Justify with logical arguments.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6361,"topper":"Riju Shrivastava","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/29/igc21la211_tc062.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"WE CAN EASILY FORGIVE A CHILD WHO IS AFRAID OF DARK; THE REAL TRAGEDY OF LIFE IS WHEN MEN ARE AFRAID OF LIGHT","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6362,"topper":"Riju Shrivastava","air":227,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/30/igc21la211_tc065.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6363,"topper":"Riju Shrivastava","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/RIJU-SHRIVASTAVA-UPSC-2023-Rank-227-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Basic structure doctrine has prevented the Parliament, a creature of the constitution, from becoming the master of the constitution. Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"To what extent, in your opinion, Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in India have enabled women led development at the grassroot level? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The power of pressure groups lies not in their size or elaborate organization, but in their ability to mobilize public opinion and create lasting change. With help of relevant examples, discuss how informal pressure groups shape public policy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"\"Bail not Jail\" is the cardinal principle that upholds the sacrosanct ideas of individual's liberty and dignity. Explain the statement with the help of various judicial pronouncements. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Dispute redressal is the most important component of cooperative federalism. How does the Interstate Council facilitate the resolution of disputes related to states in India, and what are the challenges associated with this process? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Anti-defection law has failed to address and resolve the evil of political defection satisfactorily. Discuss various issues surrounding the Anti-defection law and recommend some corrective measures. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Decriminalization of homosexuality by the SC in Navtej Singh Jauhar case remains a task half done, specially without the socio-political sensitisation about the issues faced by LGBTQIA+ community. Elaborate in light of ongoing debates on same sex marriage. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Built upon common democratic values and shared vision of strategic autonomy, India-France bilateral ties exude a promise of stability, growth, and security in a time of geo-political flux and uncertainty. Do you agree? Substantiate your answer. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"As an important attribute of soft power, \"Knowledge diplomacy\" has the potential to further various objectives of foreign policy. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Referring to the case laws through which the collegium system in India evolved, critically assess its functioning. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Considering the non-enforceable nature of fundamental duties and directive principles of state policy, critically examine their impact in socio-political norms. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite its vital role for the smooth functioning of the body politic, constitutional punctuality remains conspicuous by its absence. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Frequent reliance on the ordinance making power by the government, not only dilutes the basic tenets of executive accountability in a parliamentary democracy, but also overlooks the democratic traditions of building consensus. Discuss with relevant examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The critical reason for poor public health indicators in India goes beyond recognition of right to health as fundamental right. Do you think that a statutory framework alone can ameliorate the situation? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Reforming the education infrastructure through digital interventions is a progressive step, but it has its limitations too. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Electoral bond was brought in as a reform that was high on intent but has proved to be low on substance. Do you agree? Justify. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The profound impact of the data revolution and widespread smartphone usage has necessitated the use of digital tools in welfare programmes. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Presidency of G20 is but a reflection of India's quest for a more just and polycentric world order, where the voice of the global south is mainstreamed not muzzled. Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The new cold war between the USA and China may have the effect of casting a long shadow on India's strategic interests from Pacific to Atlantic. Evaluate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6364,"topper":"Riju Shrivastava","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/RIJU-SHRIVASTAVA-UPSC-2023-Rank-227-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Investment in infrastructure is a precursor to social and economic transformation, however, the focus on economic gains must not marginalise the concerns for safety. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What do you understand from Green growth? With special reference to the budget 2023-2024, discuss various government measures to propel green growth in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Project cheetah marks a departure from India's efforts for conservation of various critically endangered species. In this perspective, do you think the reintroduction of major fauna that has gone extinct is justified? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"In what ways can precision agriculture become a panacea for multipronged challenges plaguing the agriculture sector? Discuss Also, analyse various impediments in widespread adoption of precision farming in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are the reasons for increasing emphasis on the horticulture sector in recent years? Evaluate government measures for the development of the horticulture sector. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Unplanned urbanization has made Indian cities vulnerable to fire safety hazards. Discuss and recommend measures for mitigating urban fires, with special reference to national building code, 2016. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"DPI (Digital Public Infrastructure) is indispensable for digitally enabling citizens and businesses; however, the challenges of exclusion, exploitation, and monopolisation cannot be ignored. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Assess the relevance of the NISAR mission in observing and managing climate change and natural hazards. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Defense indigenization remains the Achilles heel of India's security architecture. Examine the importance of startups in defense sector to make India secure and self-reliant. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Edge in modern warfare lies not so much in the capacity to overwhelm the adversary as much as in the ability to nip the threat in the bud. In this context, discuss the role of intelligence in maintaining national security, and also cite challenges associated. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Labour and export intensive industries are key to problems of jobless growth. In this perspective, analyse the opportunities and challenges associated with the textile sector. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"In an era of interconnected challenges, the emerging global polycrisis poses significant implications for India's macroeconomic stability. Examine and suggest measures to make the Indian economy more resilient to global shocks and challenges. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Do you think the low Female Labor Force Participation Rate presents a correct picture about the working women in India's economy? Give reasons in support of your answer. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Across sectors and regions, the most marginalised sections are also the most affected by the impacts of climate change. Explain. Also, present a case for a climate resilient model of development that integrates mitigation and adaptation measures. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite the potential to check the triple whammy of nutritional deficiency, environmental degradation, and receding farm incomes, the adoption of Millets has been abysmally low. Analyse. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"A link between unorganized farming community and formal industrial sector, Food Processing Industries (FPI) can play a key role in advancing the rural economy. Evaluate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What do you understand by generative Artificial Intelligence (AI)? How can policymakers and regulatory bodies effectively address the concerns and challenges posed by generative AI? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Though ethnic fault lines are a major threat, security challenges in the North-East are not confined to the same. Discuss the statement with special reference to Manipur. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Critically examine the role of development initiatives in addressing the root causes of militancy/ terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6365,"topper":"Riju Shrivastava","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/RIJU-SHRIVASTAVA-UPSC-2023-Rank-227-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"It was neither her Coal and Iron reserves, nor the inventions of steam engine and cotton mills, but her democracy and rule of law that made Britain the epicentre of Industrial Revolution. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"In its extent, reach, and revolutionary zeal, Civil Disobedience Movement has a unique place in India's freedom struggle. Elucidate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"How will you explain that Vaishnavism and Shaivism as followed in medieval India represent both local traditions and universal ideals? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What do you understand from land subsidence? Explaining various reasons behind land subsidence, recommend measures to arrest the calamity. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Examining the reasons behind erratic Monsoon, highlight the possible outcomes of the same. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Explore and evaluate the impact of new technologies on Indian society. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Why did Hinduism-which amalgamated and absorbed almost every diverse faith, tradition, belief and practice that arose from within or outside, within its fold- failed to assimilate Islamic cultural beliefs and practices? Give reasons. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Elucidate the differences between Western and Indian model of secularism. To what extent do you agree with the criticism that Indian model of secularism is susceptible to promoting minority appeasement? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"With special reference to India, elucidate how globalisation-a multifaceted phenomenon-has had positive socio-economic outcomes on one hand and widened the gaps between the haves and have nots on the other? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Dravidian temple architecture that came of age during the rule of the Pallavas, could reach its zenith only at the time of the imperial Cholas. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the reasons why pre-independence women movements were led by men. Also analyse the contribution of women-led socio-economic movements in post-independence India in mainstreaming and successfully redressing the concerns of women. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Discuss the causes for salinity ingress along with its various consequences and potential solutions. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The economic and strategic significance of mineral wealth of a country cannot be seen in isolation from the associated socio-ecological impacts of their extraction. Discuss in light of the newfound lithium reserves in Northern India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Explain the mechanism and occurrence of earthquake. With the help of map given below, throw light upon the vulnerability of regions affected by earthquake and earthquake related disasters. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Enumerating different types of tides highlight their significance. Also, explain how tides are different from waves. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"In the contemporary times, the conventional conceptualization of the institution of marriage as well as family is facing evolutionary changes. Do you agree? Justify. To what extent have the state and market played a role in this? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Bring out the reasons and consequences of the spurt in child marriages in recent years. What steps can be taken beyond the legal realms to tackle the menace? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Examine the reasons behind generation of regional sentiments? Do you agree that region-al sentiments and cultural assertiveness may lead to the issue of separatism? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6366,"topper":"Riju Shrivastava","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ff162fc0430025272826e0c794787a7c/83/igc21la211_tc074-test-04-gs-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Public service requires not merely legal but also morally principled action. Public service requires the public servant to place loyalty to the constitution, laws, and ethical principles. Among the three, which do you think must acquire primacy while carrying out official functions? Why? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"What do you understand by \"integrity-based civil disobedience\"? Do you think a challenge to personal integrity can be a justifiable cause for responsible disobedience in civil services? Explain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Recent research has shown that emotions significantly impact personal and professional lives. What are the primary emotions that negatively and positively impact workplace productivity? Explain with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Technical efficiency ensures resource utilization and social efficiency ensures fulfillment of social needs. what does ethical efficiency ensure? Do you think ethical efficiency is more important than technical and social efficiency? Why/Why not? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"Man cannot do right in one department of life whilst he is occupied in doing wrong in any other department.\" - Gandhi. Do you think an individual's personal ethics impacts professional life or they both can be compartmentalized? Explain your position with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance. (a) \"To tolerate is purely an act of the mind. That is the essence of virtue. To tolerate is a strength.\" (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"In the context of civil service, distinguish between moral and nonmoral values. Identify 5 basic moral values that can serve as foundational values for all services irrespective of the department. Give reasons why those values can be considered foundational. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Citizens' involvement in decision-making is critical to ethics in governance. Do you agree that effective civic engagement mechanisms can facilitate an ethics-driven administration? What do you think are the mechanisms that citizens can use for ensuring ethics in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Social transformation programs such as “beti bachao and beti padhao” believes in using advice, counseling and persuasion but sometimes a little force is also necessary for getting the desired response. Do you think it is a good idea to mix little force with persuasion by public administrators while implementing social schemes of transformation? Explain with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Ultimately foreign policy of every country hinges upon the strength which the nation possesses. Strength may be military or financial and may be also...moral.\" Do you think ethical strength without military or financial muscle will be respected in today's world? Explain your position. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"You are a young officer working with the Municipal Corporation of an industrial city. The city was known for manufacturing ball bearings and auto parts. Most manufacturing units were small-scale units with very little production process automation. The units relied on manual labor, which was in abundance due to the villages close by. As the number of manufacturing units grew, the demand for labor increased, bringing in a steady inflow of laborers into the city. This influx of people into the town led to a mushrooming of slums and encroachments on the sidewalks. Once in a while, the Corporation conducted drives to clear out the slums, but after a time, the slums came back. The illegal slums had become an urban nightmare. You were given the responsibility of clearing out the encroachments and slums with the help of Police authorities. As you started the drive, you realized that the people living by the sidewalks were vulnerable compared to the slum dwellers. Many sidewalk dwellers had recently come to the city after selling their properties in their villages. Now if you drive them out, they have no place to go. Your heart went out to them, and you felt that your departmental action was inhumane, but your official responsibilities demanded stern impartial action. You are desperate to find a way to help the sidewalk dwellers without compromising your official duties. (a) What value conflicts do you notice in the above situation? (b) Can an administrator compromise the value of impartiality for empathy? Discuss. (c) What are the options available in the above situation? (d) Suggest viable solutions for tackling illegal slums and encroachments in urban areas. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"A certain State government was running a welfare scheme for promoting safe motherhood among rural landless laborers' families. The scheme involves the transfer of funds to the beneficiaries to enable them to mitigate income loss due to maternal care responsibilities. Since its implementation, the scheme has done reasonably well on maternal health and economic indicators. You are the Director of the Department responsible for implementing and operating the scheme. Recently you have been receiving reports of welfare fraud being committed by families by producing fake bona fide. The families committed the fraud with the help of local officials responsible for scrutinizing the bonafide. You were concerned because the fraud was seriously undermining the scheme's efficiency. You called for a departmental meeting to discuss and find a solution to the problem. In the meeting, it was decided to merge several available government data sets such as Aadhaar cards, voter ID cards, marriage certificates, birth certificates, bank details, and other personal assets. By merging all the data sets, the department would be able to develop the beneficiary's economic profile. And this will help the department scrutinize the documents and detect fraud. This was a comprehensive strategy, but it risked violating an individual's data privacy. As a Department head, you wanted to detect and prevent fraud, but at the same time, you were apprehensive about violating the Data privacy of the stakeholders. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) Do you think violating data privacy is justified to prevent welfare fraud? Why/ Why not? (c) What, according to you, can be the reasons for such welfare frauds happening in the country? (d) Are there any ways and means to prevent such fraud? Give your suggestions. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"You are posted in the Department of Mines, and one of your roles is to help your Department Head negotiate mining leases with private contractors. Recently, the state government demarcated a new mining zone and planned to invite bids for the mining blocs. You were instructed to oversee the bidding process and speed up the contract negotiations. As planned, the tenders were released, bids came in, and tenders were allocated as per the norms. All this happened at a breakneck speed. You wondered, why the hurry? But it was not your place to think and the question; you quietly went about your work. As the contractors were about to start operations, you had to instruct them on environmental concerns to watch out for. And to do that, you read the environmental impact assessment report submitted by a consulting firm hired by the department. To your surprise, the report was shoddy and looked cooked up. You got suspicious and raised the issue with your Head who politely instructed you to do what you were told, and he reminded you that the Department had revenue targets and was under pressure from the Ministry. After the meeting, you, on your own accord, did some digging and found out that the report was fraudulent and the mining activity that was about to start would lead to a massive environmental disaster which the State could not afford. (a) What are the issues and value violations you notice in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you? (c) Discuss the advantage and disadvantages of each option and identify your chosen course of action (d) Do you think that environmental considerations are sometimes overrated at the cost of development? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Mr. Sharma was the All India Sales Head of a pharmaceutical company with a turnover of 400 crores. The company's main markets were small towns and tier 2 cities. Further, the company did a sizeable amount of business with state government hospitals and health centers. Mr. Sharma had given a lot of freedom to field sales agents to strike deals and negotiate prices with clients. This strategy worked well for the company. Recently Mr. Sharma received word that three company employees were selling products to government hospitals and health centers at a higher price than they were selling to other private hospitals and health centers. The employees were with the company for over five years and were good performers. A few sales staff informally raised the issue of the three getting relatively higher commissions because of their inflated deals. And this was creating a sense of unease among the sales staff. A cursory review of the account of the three showed that, in many instances, the government hospitals were paying more than other private institutions. Under procurement rules, the government is supposed to pay a fair price, one that other cost-conscious customers pay. On inquiry, Mr. Sharma found that the three were not alone; government purchase department officials were helping them scam the Department. Mr. Sharma realized that his sales staff and some corrupt government staff had been defrauding the state exchequer for quite some time. Mr. Sharma immediately reported it to his CEO, and the two discussed how to deal with the sales staff and whether to inform the government about the scam and the involvement of their staff. The issue was informing the government means that there was every possibility that they might be blacklisted, thereby losing a lot of business. Mr. Sharma and CEO were caught in a dilemma regarding how to proceed with the case. (a) What are the ethical and business issues involved in the case? (b) What are the options available to Mr. Sharma and the CEO? (c) Do you think the organizational culture of giving freedom to the sales force led to the issue or was the individual's corrupt nature that led to the problem? Discuss. (d) What ethics mechanisms and steps can the company create and implement to prevent unethical behavior, as mentioned in the case? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":6367,"topper":"Riju Shrivastava","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/RIJU-SHRIVASTAVA-UPSC-2023-Rank-227-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":27,"question":"N IWhal ko ou undetstand by 'Nishkam Karma? Discuss the importance of Nishkan Karna in the (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":6368,"topper":"Riju Shrivastava","air":227,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ff162fc0430025272826e0c794787a7c/1/igc21la211_tc074-test-04-gs-4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6369,"topper":"Riju Shrivastava","air":124,"year":2021,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1TsKI4169jScR_upW-uO95L3i-gbJeIVQ","questions":[]},{"id":6370,"topper":"Rishabh","air":132,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RISHABH-YADAVUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-132-Sample-GSAP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Article 21 which provides for the protection of life and personal liberty has an expansive vision, post the Maneka Gandhi judgment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) The nature of fundamental rights under Part 3 of the Constitution differs from the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) [Part 4] yet they are complimentary.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"Hate speech impact the society in following ways:\n1) creates enmity and tension, among the various diverse groups in the society;\n2) dilutes and threatens the composite culture of India [Art. 51A(b)];\n3) restrict the right to life (Art. 21) of individuals against whom hate speech is directed;\n4) brings artificial distinction among the citizens (violate right to equality- article 14, 15)\n5) against the preamble goals of Justice, equality, liberty and fraternity; and the territorial integrity of India;","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6371,"topper":"Rishabh Bhatt","air":363,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/RISHABH-BHATT-UPSC-2023-Rank-363-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6372,"topper":"Rishabh Bhatt","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zm5B2wotFeKKCEh7NdgQJjhNP3U4kGos/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"It was neither her Coal and Iron reserves, nor the inventions of steam engine and cotton mills, but her democracy and rule of law that made Britain the epicentre of Industrial Revolution. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"In its extent, reach, and revolutionary zeal, Civil Disobedience Movement has a unique place in India's freedom struggle. Elucidate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"How will you explain that Vaishnavism and Shaivism as followed in medieval India represent both local traditions and universal ideals? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What do you understand from land subsidence? Explaining various reasons behind land subsidence, recommend measures to arrest the calamity. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Examining the reasons for erratic Monsoon, highlight the possible outcomes of the same. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Explore and evaluate the impact of new technologies on Indian society. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Why did Hinduism-which amalgamated and absorbed almost every diverse faith, tradition, belief and practice that arose from within or outside, within its fold- failed to assimilate Islamic cultural beliefs and practices? Give reasons. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Elucidate the differences between Western and Indian model of secularism. To what extent do you agree with the criticism that Indian model of secularism is susceptible to promoting minority appeasement? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"With special reference to India, elucidate how globalisation-a multifaceted phenomenon-has had positive socio-economic outcomes on one hand and widened the gaps between the haves and have nots on the other? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Dravidian temple architecture that came of age during the rule of the Pallavas, could reach its zenith only at the time of the imperial Cholas. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the reasons why pre-independence women movements were led by men. Also analyse the contribution of women-led socio-economic movements in post-independence India in mainstreaming and successfully redressing the concerns of women. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Discuss the causes for salinity ingress along with its various consequences and potential solutions. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The economic and strategic significance of mineral wealth of a country cannot be seen in isolation from the associated socio-ecological impacts of their extraction. Discuss in light of the newfound lithium reserves in Northern India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Explain the mechanism and occurrence of earthquake. With the help of map given below, throw light upon the vulnerability of regions affected by earthquake and earthquake related disasters. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Enumerating different types of tides, highlight their significance. Also, explain how tides are different from waves. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"In the contemporary times, the conventional conceptualization of the institution of marriage as well as family is facing evolutionary changes. Do you agree? Justify. To what extent have the state and market played a role in this? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Bring out the reasons for the spurt in child marriages in recent years. What steps can be taken beyond the legal realms to tackle the menace? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Examine the reasons behind generation of regional sentiments? Do you agree that regional sentiments and cultural assertiveness may lead to the issue of separatism? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6373,"topper":"Rishabh Bhatt","air":363,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/RISHABH-BHATT-UPSC-2023-Rank-363-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6374,"topper":"Rishabh Bhatt","air":363,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/RISHABH-BHATT-UPSC-2023-Rank-363-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6375,"topper":"Rishabh Bhatt","air":363,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/RISHABH-BHATT-UPSC-2023-Rank-363-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6376,"topper":"Rishabh Choudhary","air":28,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/656d8-1091282_2124_rishabh_choudhary_rank_28.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6377,"topper":"Rishabh Choudhary","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RISHABH-CHOUDHARY-UPSC-2024-Rank-28-MGP-Sample-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) In many ways, the Spanish civil war was the opening act of WWII. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) How will you explain the different fates of Buddhism and Jainism despite a slew of similarities in the two religions?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3 Non-Cooperation Movement democratized India's freedom struggle but suffered from inherent limitations. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Critically analyse the efficacy of linguistic reorganization of states in addressing the reasons for linguistic divides in post-independent India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 Briefly discuss the role of plate tectonics theory in explaining the location of volcanoes. Also, explain the multifarious impacts of volcanoes on the surrounding regions.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) Taking further the success of Aspirational Districts Programme, Aspirational Blocks can help achieve the twin objectives of balanced growth and checking stress migration. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) Describe the critical factors for location of defense industries and suggest measures to overcome the challenges.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8 To what extent can Socio-Economic-Caste Census (SECC) address the challenges in achieving equitable resource allocation and targeted welfare?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 Indian society is premised on some common values that give it a composite texture as well as some diverse practices that deepen its heterogeneity. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 What are the factors that influence population growth in the country? In this perspective, examine the relevance and need of raising the minimum marriageable age of women for population development.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 Bring out the reasons behind the tribal unrest in British India. Also, analyze the reasons for their limited success.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 The independence of India was not a result of a forced expulsion of the Empire, as desired by the Quit India Movement; it was rather a confluence of domestic politics and global circumstances. Analyze.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 Explain why Sufism, a liberal reform movement in Islam could deepen its roots in the Indian sub-continent, despite Islam being a foreign religion? Also, bring out the impacts of Sufism on Indian society.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) Enumerate the reasons behind rising intensity and frequency of cyclones in the Arabian Sea in recent years. Giving special reference to NDMA guidelines, recommend measures to check the adverse impacts of cyclones.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Examine the impacts of climate change on the hydrological cycle and suggest suitable mitigation and adaptation strategies to contain the harmful implications.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) Defining continental shelf, highlight its resource potential and ecological significance.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 Rooted in patriarchal values, gender-based violence, in all its manifestations, is antithetical to societal growth. Explain.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 The caste calculus in the Indian society remains predominant and continues to project its shadow on social, political, and economic domains. Do you agree? Substantiate your answer.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Discuss various factors contributing to the water woes faced by Indian cities. Also, explain complexities in implementing a comprehensive water management plan.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 Though important elements of group identity, religion and region also run the risk of deepening communal cleavages. Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6378,"topper":"Rishabh Choudhary","air":28,"year":2024,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/34e17-1091282_2086_rishabh_choudhary_rank_28.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6379,"topper":"Rishabh Choudhary","air":28,"year":2024,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5d7c7-1091282_2085_rishabh_choudhary_rank_28.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6380,"topper":"Rishabh Choudhary","air":28,"year":2024,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a0353-1091282_2087_rishabh_choudhary_rank_28.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6381,"topper":"Rishabh Choudhary","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6aa13-1091282_2092_rishabh_choudhary_rank_28.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Direct interactions with social groups, like families and peers, teach people how others expect them to behave. Likewise, a society as a whole reinforces and shapes values through its norms, institutions, media, and collective behaviour. Discuss how a society's formal and informal institutions socialize its population, with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Do you think technology can play a role in establishing a value-centric modern society? Critically evaluate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"Action is a catalyst for profound shifts in attitude of an individual.\" How far do you agree with the statement? Give suitable examples to substantiate your answer. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Thirukkural advocates a conscious and a spirit-centered approach to business ethics based on eternal values and moral principles that should govern the conduct of business leaders. What are the ethical issues faced by businesses in contemporary times? How will the teachings of Thirukkural assist in their resolution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Laws promote social control by resolving basic value conflicts, settling individual disputes, and making rules that even our rulers must follow. But, law does not always achieve its purpose and can rather harm society. In this background, discuss the limitations and dysfunctions of law, with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":6382,"topper":"Rishabh Sharma","air":116,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RISHABH-SHARMAUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-116-Sample-Essay-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. The glass ceiling is not invisible, it is just too high for many to see.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"1. Behavior is a function of its consequences.\n2. The age of smart devices and the decline of wise choices.\n3. Judge a man by his question, rather than his answer.\n4. Knowledge without compassion is tyranny of the intellect.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Extinguishing the tyranny we must ponder, why absence of compassion becomes tyrannical? why something as positive as knowledge becomes dangerous when compassion leaves the room?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6383,"topper":"Rishabh Sharma","air":116,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RISHABH-SHARMAUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-116-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) Why has public bathing been a recurring practice across cultures and societies? Discuss with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Estimate the contributions of Chalukyas of Badami to Indian heritage and culture.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar had contrasting philosophies and approaches on caste and social reform. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) What factors can be attributed to the rising incidents of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) in the Himalayan region? Discuss with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 \"Migration is a vital livelihood strategy for rural households in developing countries like India.\" Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) Bring out the interdependence between physical and chemical weathering with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) Discuss how social media is reshaping identity formation and self-worth among adolescents in contemporary Indian society.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) The disproportionate preference for government jobs in certain Indian states is not merely a matter of personal aspiration. Analyze.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 Explain the significance of population education in light of India's status as the world's most populous nation.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) Globalization has infused Indian festivals with commercial elements, while also helping preserve and popularize them in new ways. Do you agree? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 India has a rich tradition of diverse dance forms, encompassing both classical and folk styles. Illustrate how they reflect the country's rich spiritual, cultural, and social life.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 The third decade of the 20th century witnessed the emergence of new forces and ideological currents that influenced the character of the Indian national movement. Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 Analyse the circumstances that led to Simla Agreement in 1972. Discuss the significance of the agreement.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 \"The Vietnam War was a proxy conflict rooted in the ideological rivalry of the Cold War.\" Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Discuss the concept of isostasy and explain its role in shaping Earth's major landforms.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) The Indian Ocean is warming at an alarming rate. How may it affect the food security of India?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 Describing the distribution of sugarcane producing countries, examine the major environmental challenges associated with its cultivation.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 The richness and diversity of Indian society find vivid expression in the unique culture of its tribal communities. Elucidate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Why is it essential to focus on health in the context of urban planning and reforms? How can this be achieved?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"How to achieve good Health in urban Areas","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 Analyze the socio-cultural factors contributing to the high attrition rate among women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers in India. Suggest measures to improve their retention in STEM.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6384,"topper":"Rishabh Sharma","air":116,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2024_unchecked_GSMACT24A1108_GSMAC2405.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6385,"topper":"Rishabh Sharma","air":116,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2024_unchecked_GSMACT24A1108_GSMAC2401.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6386,"topper":"Rishabh Sharma","air":116,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RISHABH-SHARMAUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-116-Sample-MGP-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1 The Union Budget 2025-26 outlines a shift towards the 'debt-to-GDP ratio' as the fiscal anchor starting from FY 2026-27. Discuss the rationale behind this shift.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Why does India need to transition from a 'build to print' to a 'build to design' model in manufacturing? What steps has been taken by the government in this regard?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Explain the concept of a nutrition-sensitive food system and suggest strategies to achieve it in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Give a brief overview of the 'Digital Agriculture Mission'. How can it benefit the agriculture sector?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"5 Use of AI and remote sensing - How can it benefit Agriculture?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) Rare earths are not just elements; they are foundational inputs that act like 'seeds of technology'. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6 Why retrofitting Electrostatic Precipitators (ESPs) in Indian thermal power plants is a more viable and effective option compared to the installation of flue gas desulfurization (FGD) systems?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) 'The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regime in India remains weak and is often reduced to a procedural formality.' In light of this statement, examine the key challenges in EIA implementation and suggest reforms.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) Plastic pollution is emerging as a serious environmental threat in India. Discuss the various mitigation measures to address this problem and also the government's initiatives in this regard.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) Amid evolving threats, there is a need to blend private sector capabilities with India's current internal security architecture. In this context, elaborate on the ways in which the private sector can contribute to strengthening internal security.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"4 Reconnaissance using AI, satellites, border infrastructure requires emerging technological know-how.\nWay Private sector can help in strengthening IS","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 'Radicalisation in Jammu and Kashmir is driven as much by socio-economic factors as by external influences.' Discuss how education and youth engagement can play a role in countering radicalisation in J&K.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Role of Education & Youth engagement in countering Radicalisation in J&K\n1 Making the youth job-ready by educating them.\n2 Skilling of the youth Ex - Udaan Scheme\n3 Spreading nationalism and political awareness through youth engagement Ex - Youth Parliament\n4 Enabling small business in local products among youth Ex - Saffron, dry fruits\n5 Inclusive development of all to curb the perceived neglect.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) Outlining the key characteristics of the care economy, discuss how India can better integrate the value of unpaid and underpaid care work into its economic framework.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 'The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) presents both unprecedented opportunities and significant challenges for India's labour market.' Examine. Also suggest strategies to align AI adoption with inclusive and resilient labour market outcomes.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13) Why does India's agricultural export performance remain weak despite high production levels? What measures would you suggest to improve agri-export competitiveness?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 \"The agricultural subsidy regime in the country needs reforms to address the distortions it causes.\" Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Reforms done by India to address the issues","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 How can biomanufacturing transform today's consumptive manufacturing paradigm to the one based on regenerative principles? Also discuss how BioE3 Policy (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) aims to foster biomanufacturing in the country.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Q.17 Marine oil spills are a form of environmental disaster, with far-reaching consequences for biodiversity and coastal livelihoods; however, India's preparedness to prevent such incidents and mitigate their impact has significant gaps. Analyze.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6387,"topper":"Rishabh Sharma","air":116,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2024_unchecked_GSMACT24A1108_GSMAC2403.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6388,"topper":"Rishabh Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2024_unchecked_GSMACT24A1108_GSMAC2404.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"A. \"It is wrong to assume that ethical decisions are, can or should be purely rational and principled. Human feelings are an inseparable part of our ethical life.\" In what way do feelings impact our ethical decisions? Illustrate with examples. (150 words, 10 marks) B. What do you understand by ethics management? Can public officials manage ethics in the work place in a manner similar to managing budgets, policies and people? Do you think adopting codes of ethics and conduct is sufficient enough for managing ethics in the workplace or something more is needed? Discuss. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"While traditional ethics has focussed on notions of justice, fair allocation and obligations, ethics of care emphasise maintaining connectedness and promoting care. Which of the above two ethical perspectives is more suitable for guiding ethical decision making in the context of public services. Explain your position with suitable examples. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What does the term \"quality\" mean in service delivery. What are the components of service quality and indicate ways and means for ensuring total quality in terms of efficiency, economy and effectiveness? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"In the context of public service, what does public service attitude mean? Discuss the attitude biases that affects a public servants on field decision making? Explain how a public servant can overcome such attitude biases? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"I am a Moslem; I am a Hindu; I am a Christian; I am a Jew.\" Mahatma Gandhi. What did Mahatma Gandhi mean by the above statement? Some philosophers have argued that religion is harmful to the moral life, whereas others have claimed that it is necessary to it. Explain your position on the relationship between religion and morality. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"There is only one responsibility of business, namely to use its resources and engage in activities designed to increase profits.\" Do you think corporations, by indulging in social responsibilities, are compromising their core resource utilisation and production responsibility by diverting resources into unproductive social endeavours? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Do you think values such as \"tyaga,\" (renunciation) \"seva,\" (service) \"daanam,\" (Charity) \"damah,\" (self-control) that are espoused in traditional Indian Wisdom have relevance for modern day public servants? Why? Why not? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Explain the difference between conflict among interests and conflict among various sources of authority. Illustrate with relevant examples. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The domain of governance is ridden with uncertainties, ambiguities and paradoxes and this can at times lead to timidity and withdrawal among public administrators. Discuss the relevance of inner courage for overcoming and coping with ambiguities. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"What are the ethical issues and dilemmas that confronts you in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"Discuss the available options along with its merits and demerits.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"What will be your chosen course of action? Why (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"What are the administrative and ethical issues involved in the above situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Discuss the merits and demerits of each option and explain your chosen course of action along with reasons. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What are the issues involved in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"Is it ethically justified to be devoted to duty at the cost of the personal safety of the staff? Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"How will you go about doing your election duties without compromising the safety of your staff? Explain. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Do you think the above case involves a conflict of interest or there are more issues? Explain","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"Keeping the above case in perspective, discuss the relevance of impartiality and non-partisanship as professional value.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Discuss the administrative and ethical issues involved in the above case.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Do you think it was morally right on your part to write to the minister? Justify","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"How will you respond to the action initiated against you? Discuss the available options and justify your selected course of action. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Case Study 6: You are an IAS officer recently appointed as the Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Rural Development. Your responsibilities include overseeing the implementation of various rural development schemes and ensuring their efficient execution. During an audit of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) funds, you discover substantial irregularities. It appears that a significant portion of the funds allocated for rural employment projects has been siphoned off by senior officials within the ministry through fraudulent invoices and fake beneficiary lists. The funds meant for the rural poor have been diverted to personal accounts. You are faced with an ethical dilemma. Reporting this corruption could lead to severe repercussions for you as the implicated senior officials are politically influential and have strong connections. You have also received subtle threats implying that your career progression could be jeopardised if you proceed with the disclosure. On the other hand, ignoring the corruption would mean perpetuating a cycle of exploitation and depriving the rural poor of their rightful benefits. 1. What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? 2. What are the options available to you? 3. Identify and explain your chosen course of action after evaluating the merits and demerits of each option. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":6389,"topper":"Rishabh Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3cf44-529201_1515_rishabh-singh_rank-294.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the meaning of off-budget borrowings and its role in helping the government raise funds for various expenditures. Also, comment on its desirability. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"It is argued that genetically modified food crops are required to ensure food security of India. Examine in view of concerns regarding introduction of GM crops. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"India's price intervention policies to support its agricultural sector not only create a broken system but also complicate matters related to international trade rules. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"India has an opportunity to become a leading global food supplier provided it has an efficient supply chain and the right marketing strategies. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Land banks are increasingly gaining prominence in India to encourage land-use efficiency and enable economic growth. In this context, discuss the benefits of a land bank and state the concerns associated with it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Desertification has been described as one of the greatest environmental challenges of our time and climate change is making it worse. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In the context of intellectual property rights, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of releasing projects under an 'Open Source' license. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"\"Indian space sector has been dominated by a single umbrella of government and government institutions.\" In light of the statement, discuss the significance of Indian Space Association in providing an impetus to space technology in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Man and machine both have an important role in national security and making urban areas secure. In this context, discuss how technology is a major stakeholder in addressing the internal security challenges of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"National Security Guard (NSG) has emerged as a formidable force equipped to handle various manifestations of terrorism. Discuss the mandate and achievements of this force. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do you understand by asset monetisation? Why is it needed in India? In this context, discuss the issues that need to be addressed for the National Monetisation Pipeline to succeed. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"What is social stock exchange (SSE)? Discuss the need for setting up of SSEs and key challenges in their effective implementation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the context of India, highlight the importance of agriculture extension. What are the challenges faced in provisioning of agriculture extension services? How does the National Mission on Agricultural Extension & Technology (NMAET) address these issues? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Clearly delineate the 'employment problem' that India currently faces. Also, explain the fundamental reasons behind existence of this problem. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Although steps have been taken for integrating the dispersed logistics activities of maritime trade, much more needs to be done to make India a maritime powerhouse. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Accounting for natural capital and ecosystem services is crucial to understand the link between the economy and environment. Discuss with specific references to India's initiatives in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Rapid and unplanned urbanisation accompanied by population growth have increased both the risk and impact of natural disasters. Discuss the statement along with adequate measures to address the relevant concerns in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"National Hydrogen Mission can be a game changer for India's rising energy demands. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Despite geo-strategic instability of its region and a keen awareness of the cyber threat it faces, India has made only 'modest progress' in developing its policy and doctrine for cyberspace security. Critically examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Developmental interventions alone cannot play a defining role in the resolution of existing and protracted internal conflicts in various parts of India within a reasonable time frame. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6390,"topper":"Rishabh Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c2c93-529201_1834_rishabh-singh_rank-294.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The Sunga dynasty contributed significantly to the cultural and social development in ancient India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the role of foreign nationals in the Indian freedom struggle during the Gandhian phase. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by tsunamigenic zones? Giving an account of their global distribution, explain the propagation of tsunamis. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are atmospheric lakes? Highlight their characteristics. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What are polymetallic nodules? Highlight their geographical distribution and state their significance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What are technical textiles? In view of their significance, discuss the steps taken by the government to promote them in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the challenges that internal migration creates for urban governance in India. Also, suggest measures to address the same. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the various opportunities and challenges posed by globalization on working women in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the rationale behind anti-conversion laws in India. Also, state the concerns that have been raised with regard to these laws. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Central Asian contacts had a profound political and cultural impact on India in ancient times. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Governance, during the British rule, was a means of exploitation of India rather than a vehicle of public welfare. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Discuss how India successfully dealt with the sensitive issue of language, which had the potential of threatening national unity in the post-independence period. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Bring out the factors, which led to decolonisation after the Second World War. Also, discuss the role played by India in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What are Marine Heat Waves (MHW)? Identify the causes of their formation and discuss their consequences for India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What are the geo-climatic conditions required for oil palm cultivation? Do you agree with the view that India should promote its large-scale cultivation to reduce import dependency? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"In view of the changes witnessed in the state of Himalayan cryosphere, discuss the implications for India's water security. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Ocean warming, ocean acidification and ocean deoxygenation are often referred to as the 'deadly trio' for marine life. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Tribals in India continue to face myriad challenges with regard to healthcare. Discuss the issues faced by them in this context and suggest remedial measures. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Reservation for women perpetuates a \"proxy culture\" as seen in the phenomenon of \"sarpanch patis\". In this context, discuss whether reservation can address the issue of poor participation of women in Indian politics. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6391,"topper":"Rishabh Singh","air":294,"year":2022,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/04e9c-529201_2211_rishabh-singh_rank-294.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6392,"topper":"Rishabh Singh","air":294,"year":2022,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/94d09-529201_2212_rishabh-singh_rank-294.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6393,"topper":"Rishabh Yadav","air":132,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RISHABH-YADAVUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-132-Sample-MGP-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. Glaciers are the canaries in the coal mine of climate change.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"1. True peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6394,"topper":"Rishabh Yadav","air":132,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RISHABH-YADAVUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-132-Sample-MGP-Copy-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1 \"Bhagavad Gita and Natyashastra are not merely texts; they exemplify the timeless wisdom, richness and diversity of Indian knowledge, traditions.\" Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) The Harappan civilization was a \"technological powerhouse\" that laid the foundation for sophisticated urban living in ancient South Asia. In light of this statement, discuss the key technological breakthroughs and contributions of this Bronze Age culture.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Why is the First World War considered as the first 'total' war in modern history?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Highlight the differences in the approach of Bhagat Singh and Mahatma Gandhi in the struggle for freedom.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) Briefly explain the processes through which the earth-atmosphere system maintains heat balance.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) What characteristics of the monsoon climate play a crucial role in sustaining agriculture in Monsoon Asia?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) Account for the factors influencing the location of semiconductor industries across the world.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) Unemployment is not just an economic challenge, but a social one with far-reaching consequences. In this context, discuss the social impact of unemployment in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) Globalization has facilitated the influx of global brands and multinational corporations into the Indian market, significantly altering the consumer behaviour. Do you agree? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 Discuss how social media is reshaping identity formation and self-worth among adolescents in contemporary Indian society.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 The fusion of Islamic architectural styles with indigenous Indian traditions played a key role in the evolution of Indo-Islamic architecture in the country. Discuss with examples.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) 'Emergency' is one of the most controversial and widely debated events in Indian politics. How far do you agree with the view that it was imposed to fulfil individual political goals rather than serve national interests? Also, discuss the short-term and long-term impacts of the Emergency.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13) What are 'atmospheric rivers'? How do they influence global weather patterns and impact human settlements?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) Despite sharing a similar latitude, why does the Mediterranean climate vary from the China-type climate? How do the differences in climate affect life and economic activities in the region?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15) \"The tropical Indian Ocean is likely to be in a near-permanent heatwave state.\" Discuss the factors responsible for the rapid warming of the Indian Ocean along with its multi-dimensional impacts.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 How can the demographic transition in the southern states, marked by low fertility rates and an aging population, impact the region's economic growth and social welfare policies?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 Incidence of extreme rainfall events and flash floods in recent times has led to devastating consequences for major cities of India. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 \"Air pollution is as much an issue of equity and justice as it is an environmental one.\" Elaborate with examples.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Analyze the socio-cultural factors contributing to the high attrition rate among women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers in India. Suggest measures to improve their retention in STEM.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 \"Caste census is relevant and necessary for any well-designed policy to reduce social inequality\". Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6395,"topper":"Rishabh Yadav","air":132,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RISHABH-YADAVUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-132-Sample-MGP-Copy-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) What is your understanding of corruption? In your opinion, does corruption grease or sand the wheels of growth? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) The balance between laws and conscience is delicate; when synchronized, they promote ethical conduct, but their discord can give rise to significant ethical dilemmas. Illustrate with examples","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) \"The recognition of the horrors of nuclear weapons should compel nations to move towards meaningful disarmament. However, geopolitical interests continue to hinder genuine progress in this direction. What are the ethical considerations of nuclear states to pursue global disarmament, and how can the international community balance security concerns with the moral imperative of a nuclear-free world?\"","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) What does 'accountability' mean in the context of public service? What measures can be adopted to ensure individual and collective accountability of public servants?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) a) \"Probity in governance is an essential and vital requirement for an efficient and effective system of governance and for socio-economic development.\" Discuss the statement with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) Why should public services prioritize impartiality and non-partisanship as core values in the present socio-political context? Illustrate with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.4) a) Distinguish between \"Code of ethics\" and \"Code of conduct\" with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"b) In contemporary times, corporate governance emphasizes accountability and ethical responsibility, yet a lack of adherence to these principles among many corporations highlights a disconnect between theory and practice. In this context, discuss the challenges corporations face in adhering to ethical standards and how these challenges can be mitigated.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.5) a) What do you understand by the term 'public servant'? Reflect on the expected role of public servant.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"b) The ethical basis of a welfare state is central to its legitimacy. What are, in your opinion, the vital ethical traits of a welfare state? Suggest ways to strengthen the ethical foundation of a state.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.6) a) Distinguish between laws and rules. Discuss the role of ethics in formulating them.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"b) Write short notes on the following in 30-50 words each:\ni) Ethical congruence\nii) Conflict of interest\niii) Compassion in public life\niv) Crisis of conscience\nv) Social capital","marks":"10 marks, 150","words":"30-50 words each"},{"page":27,"question":"Q.7) Recently, a disturbing incident involving the sexual assault of two young girls at a nursery school came to light in a 'sleepy' town of a western state in the country. When the parents approached the local police station to lodge an FIR, the police turned them away. However, twelve hours later, the FIR was filed, and a 24-year-old cleaning staff member of the school was arrested as the only suspect in the incident.\nThe news of the assault spread rapidly, igniting widespread outrage and intense media coverage. The public was furious, leading to protests across the town demanding justice for the victims. Locals organized a bandh, vandalized the school, and blocked railway lines while demanding death penalty for the suspect.\nThe state government swung into action, suspending two police personnel for their delayed response and forming a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the case. The principal of the school, along with two staff members, was also suspended. The SIT began its investigation and charged the school principal, secretary, and chairman under sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for failing to report the crime. Meanwhile, the accused's first wife filed a case against him for violent sexual behavior and unnatural sex. As the investigation progressed, tensions in the town continued to simmer. The pressure on the SIT to resolve the case was immense, with political figures, media, and the public all demanding swift action.\nThe following day, while the suspect was being transported to the crime scene (the school) for further investigation, he was killed in what was described as an encounter. According to the SIT's account, the suspect managed to snatch a gun from one of the officers and opened fire, injuring him. In retaliation, the police shot the suspect, who was gravely injured and later succumbed to his wounds in the hospital.\nThe news of the encounter spread quickly. While many praised the SIT for their swift action, others raised serious concerns. The family of the suspect claimed it was a staged encounter. The human rights groups echoed similar sentiments, accusing the police of an extrajudicial killing orchestrated under immense public pressure.\na. What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\nb. Based on the case study, discuss the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in conducting a fair and impartial investigation amidst public and political pressure.\nc. What best practices should be followed to ensure the integrity of investigations in such high-profile cases?","marks":null,"words":"20"},{"page":28,"question":"a. उपरोक्त मामले में नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\nb. केस स्टडी के आधार पर, सार्वजनिक और राजनीतिक दबाव के बीच निष्पक्ष जांच करने में कानून प्रवर्तन एजेंसियों के सामने आने वाली चुनौतियों पर चर्चा करें।\nc. ऐसे हाई-प्रोफाइल मामलों में जांच की सत्यनिष्ठा सुनिश्चित करने के लिए कौन सी सर्वोत्तम प्रथाओं का पालन किया जाना चाहिए?\na उपरोक्त मामले में नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\nb केस स्टडी के आधार पर, सार्वजनिक और राजनीतिक दबाव के बीच निष्पक्ष जांच करने में कानून प्रवर्तन एजेंसियों के सामने आने वाली चुनौतियों पर चर्चा करें।\nc ऐसे हाई-प्रोफाइल मामलों में जांच की सत्यनिष्ठा सुनिश्चित करने के लिए कौन सी सर्वोत्तम प्रथाओं का पालन किया जाना चाहिए?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":33,"question":"Q.8 a. What are the ethical issues involved in re-appropriation of funds from a welfare project to the developmental projects?\nb. Given the need for proper utilization of public funds, discuss the options available to Sowmiya. Which option should she choose?\na What are the ethical issues involved in re-appropriation of funds from a welfare project to the developmental projects?\nb Given the need for proper utilization of public funds, discuss the options available to Sowmiya. Which option should she choose?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"a. कल्याणकारी परियोजना से विकासात्मक परियोजनाओं के लिए वित्त के पुनर्विनियोजन में क्या नैतिक मुद्दे शामिल हैं? b. सार्वजनिक वित्त के उचित उपयोग की आवश्यकता को देखते हुए, सौम्या के पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों पर चर्चा करें। उसे कौन सा विकल्प चुनना चाहिए?\na कल्याणकारी परियोजना से विकासात्मक परियोजनाओं के लिए वित्त के पुनर्विनियोजन में क्या नैतिक मुद्दे शामिल हैं?\nb सार्वजनिक वित्त के उचित उपयोग की आवश्यकता को देखते हुए, सौम्या के पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों पर चर्चा करें। उसे कौन सा विकल्प चुनना चाहिए?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":39,"question":"Q.9) What are the ethical concerns associated with surrogate advertising? Suggest a course of action that addresses the concerns of both the stakeholders involved. Justify your answer.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.10 Sneha is a Senior Manager working for a big reputed hospital chain in a mid-sized city. She has been made in charge of the new super specialty centre that the hospital is building with state-of-the-art equipment and world-class medical facilities. The building has been reconstructed, and she is starting the process of procurement for various equipment and machines. As the head of the committee responsible for procurement, she has invited bids from all the interested reputed vendors dealing in medical equipment. She notices that her brother, who is a well-known supplier in this domain, has also sent his expression of interest. Since the hospital is privately owned, it is not mandatory for her to select only the lower bidder. Also, she is aware that her brother's company has been facing some financial difficulties and a big supply order will help him recover. At the same time, allocating the contract to her brother might bring charges of favoritism against her and tarnish her image. The hospital management trusts her fully and would support any decision of hers.\na What should be Sneha's course of action?\nb How would she justify what she chooses to do?\nc In this case, how is medical ethics compromised with vested personal interest?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Q.11 Utkarsh is a dedicated and experienced Chief Engineer in the Public Works Department (PWD) of a major Indian city. His responsibilities include overseeing the maintenance and construction of the city's infrastructure. One of his critical responsibilities is managing the safety and welfare of the PWD workers. A sudden strike by the workers' union of the PWD erupted over the issue of compensation to a construction worker who died while repairing a major bridge in the city. The case was brought to Utkarsh's attention for resolution.\nThe deceased worker, Shyam Lal, was part of a team tasked with repairing a crucial bridge that connected two busy parts of the city. During the repair, an unfortunate accident occurred where a section of the bridge collapsed. Shyam Lal fell from a significant height, suffering severe injuries. He was immediately rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival. Shyam Lal was 45 years old and the sole breadwinner for his family, which included his wife and three young children. The initial investigation revealed that Shyam Lal had not been wearing the mandatory safety harness at the time of the accident. The management, upon learning of this, is considering not providing extra compensation to Shyam Lal's family, citing negligence on his part.\nThe PWD workers' union was outraged by this decision, arguing that the lack of proper training and supervision were the primary cause of the accident. They demanded full compensation for Shyam Lal's family, like what other workers receive who die in the line of duty, and a job for one family member. With no satisfactory response from the management, the union went on strike, halting all ongoing maintenance and construction projects in the city. The strike has continued for two weeks, causing significant disruption to the city's infrastructure projects and leading to public outcry. Utkarsh is now tasked with finding a resolution to this deadlock.\na) What are the options available to Utkarsh to meet the above situation? Critically examine each of the options identified by him.\nb) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Utkarsh?\nc) What course of action should Utkarsh adopt to diffuse the above situation?","marks":"25","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"a) उपरोक्त स्थिति से निपटने के लिए उत्कर्ष के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं? उनके द्वारा पहचाने गए प्रत्येक विकल्प की आलोचनात्मक जांच कीजिए।\nb) उत्कर्ष के सामने कौन सी नैतिक दुविधाएं हैं?\nc) निपटने के लिए उत्कर्ष को क्या कदम उठाना चाहिए उपरोक्त स्थिति से?\na) उपरोक्त स्थिति से निपटने के लिए उत्कर्ष के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं? उनके द्वारा पहचाने गए प्रत्येक विकल्प की आलोचनात्मक जांच कीजिए।\nb) उत्कर्ष के सामने कौन सी नैतिक दुविधाएं हैं?\nc) निपटने के लिए उत्कर्ष को क्या कदम उठाना चाहिए उपरोक्त स्थिति से?","marks":"25 अंक","words":"25 अंक"},{"page":55,"question":"Q.12 Raman is a senior IPS officer and has recently been posted as D.G. of a state. Among the various issues and problems/challenges which need his immediate attention, the issue relating to recruitment of unemployed youth by an unknown terrorist group was a matter of grave concern. It was noted that unemployment was relatively high in the state. The problem of unemployment amongst graduates and those with higher education was much more grave. Thus, they were vulnerable and soft targets. In the review meeting taken by him with senior officers (DIG range and above), it came to light that a new terrorist group has emerged at the global level. It has launched a massive drive to recruit young unemployed people. Special focus was to pick young people from a particular community. The said organization seemed to have the clear objective of utilizing/using them for carrying out militant activities. It was also gathered that the said (new) group is desperately trying to spread its tentacles in his state. A definite/reliable intelligence tip was received by the State CID and Cyber Cell that a large number of such unemployed youth have already been contacted by the terrorist outfit/group through social media and local organizations and other contacts. The need of the hour was to act swiftly and check these elements/designs before they assume serious proportions. Discreet inquiries made by the police, through the Cyber Cell, revealed that good numbers of unemployed youth are very active on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. On an average, many of them were spending 6-8 hours each day, using electronic devices/internet. It also came to light that such unemployed youth were showing sympathy and endorsing the messages received from certain persons, allegedly the contact persons of the global terrorist group. Their social media accounts revealed their strong affinity to such groups inasmuch as many of them started forwarding anti-national views on their WhatsApp and Facebook. It seemed that they succumbed to their play, and started propagating secessionist ideology. Their posts were hyper-critical of the government's initiatives, policies, and subscribing to extreme beliefs and promoting extremism.\na. What are the options available to Raman to tackle the above situation?\nb. What measures would you suggest for strengthening the existing set-up to ensure that such groups do not succeed in penetrating and vitiating the atmosphere in the state?\nc. In the above scenario, what action plan would you advise for enhancing the intelligence-gathering mechanism of the police force?","marks":"25","words":"250"}]},{"id":6396,"topper":"RISHENDRA SINGH","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d43f6-1295265_2209_rishendra_singh_rank_113.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Caste system continues to be one of the key drivers of poverty and inequality in India. Discuss","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Recognising unpaid work of women is necessary but a challenging task. Discuss","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"The window to realise India's demographic potential is narrowing with time. Discuss in context of factors affecting the employability of Indian youth & their remedial measures.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Given the deeply gendered impact of population-control measures, examine the need to rethink the current approach of population control measures in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"The Indian healthcare system is mired by excessive brain drain of healthworkers. Discuss and suggest measures to address the phenomenon.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Discuss the issues faced by domestic workers in India. Also suggest measures that can be taken to empower them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"It has been argued by some that raising the min. age of marriage for females only addresses the symptoms rather than underlying causes of gender related issues in India. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"There have been arguments that given the socio-economic status of Backward Castes in India, caste based census is the need of the hour. Discuss","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"While participation of private sector in the higher education system in India is a necessity, it creates issues that need careful redressal. Discuss","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Eradication of hunger depends on the adequacy of policy intervention to curb the menace of hunger and starvation. In this context, discuss the concerns raised by recent reports on the hunger situation in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"Regionalism in India is a multi-dimensional phenomenon, at once geo-cultural, politico-economic & above all, psychological. Discuss","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"By adopting a variation of Western Secularism, we invited a condition that gradually weakened the process of secularization in India. Critically analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"Give the impact on both individual resilience and the resilience of economy. Is there a case of strong universal social protection in India? Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"Examine the multi-dimensional impact of globalisation on tribal development in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"What do you understand by feminisation of old age? Highlight the issues associated with it in Indian context. Also mention the measures taken by govt.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Strengthening the system of govt run schools is a pre-requisite in ensuring social empowerment and inclusive development in India. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Though unity & diversity has been a mainstay in India as a nation, there exists certain threats in this regard. Discuss. Also bring out relevance of civil society in sustaining the diversity of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"In light of recently released national Multi Dimensional Poverty Index (MPI) by India, assess the country's performance on eradicating multi dimensional poverty.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"Indian cities are not only mimicking the social & cultural structures of inequality & exclusion found in rural areas but also creating fault lines for future conflicts. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6397,"topper":"RISHENDRA SINGH","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/46ce0-1295265_2424_rishendra_singh_rank_113.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What are the different dimensions of food security? Examine India's status in terms of ensuring food security with regard to these dimensions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Several initiatives have been taken by the government towards addressing India's water needs, but the issues of water availability and water quality still warrant prioritised intervention. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What are the major drivers of glacial retreat in the Arctic? Describe the potential impact of the retreat of Arctic glaciers on the ecosystem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Space tourism, which was viewed as something straight out of a science fiction movie, is now becoming a reality albeit not without hindrances. What are the challenges associated with space tourism? What measures can be taken to address these challenges? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Global health experts widely believe that the development of CAR-T cell therapy can be a game changer in the treatment of cancer. How can CAR-T cell therapy overcome the limitations of CRISPR-Cas9 technology? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss why the rising deployment of new and emerging technologies by prominent violent extremist organizations demand concerted global efforts. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"With the Line of Actual Control (LAC) remaining tense after the Galwan and Yangste incidents and both India and China ramping up infrastructure in the border areas, discuss the role that ITBP plays in the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":6398,"topper":"RISHENDRA SINGH","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/33da3-1295265_2423_rishendra_singh_rank_113.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With suitable examples, discuss how environmental pressure groups enhance public participation and responsiveness with regard to environmental policies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The recent acknowledgment of sex work as a 'profession' by the Supreme Court is merely the first step in ensuring basic rights and equality for sex workers in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the role played by District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) in providing free legal aid and disseminating legal awareness in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"The collegium system has become a victim of its own success, with the concentration of power in the hands of a few, leading to questions about its legitimacy.\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The wide gap between the number of females graduating every year and those entering the workspace is an issue of paramount importance that needs to be addressed. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"An up to date and functional Civil Registration System (CRS) is essential to the socio-economic planning in India. Discuss in the light of the recent move of the Central government in revamping the CRS system in the country. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What are the key areas of reform if the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has to align with the current economic realities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In recent years, India's relationship with West Asia has evolved from the confines of geopolitics to expanse of geoeconomics. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The role of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) is significant in furthering healthy competitiveness aimed at inspiring stakeholders to innovate and augment effectiveness. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"\"The menace of paid news often rears its ugly head during elections.\" Discuss the need for making paid news an electoral offence in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the 'Doctrine of Essentiality' referred to by the courts in the context of religious practices in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"As per the recently released report of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), there is an urgent need to limit the size of the government in India. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Besides legislation, the full realisation of the 'right to health for all' in India demands plugging of social, financial, and infrastructural gaps. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The 'third gender' has not yet been engendered in the Indian society despite legislative nudge. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Among other factors, strained ties with China and Pakistan make it difficult for India to fulfill its expectations from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"The recently concluded initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) between the United States and India promises a long overdue transformation of their partnership in the field of technology. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6399,"topper":"RISHENDRA SINGH","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/917c6-1295265_2425_rishendra_singh_rank_113.pdf","questions":[{"page":14,"question":"\"The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own.\" - Lao Tzu (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"If ethics are poor at the top, that behavior is copied down through the organization.\" - Robert Noyce (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"The end of law is not to abolish or restrain, but to preserve and enlarge freedom.\" - John Locke (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Wealthy CEOs and founders of successful businesses around the world are increasingly pledging to give away their wealth in philanthropy. Do you think that such a move is sufficient enough to bring about a positive change in the society? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"As organizations across the globe begin their artificial intelligence (AI) transformation, the leap into the AI era is expected to be more challenging than any technology that businesses have grappled with yet. In this background, discuss the concerns around fairness, transparency, and job security that may arise. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The emphasis of Swami Dayanand Saraswati on education, social equality, and ethical values continues to influence the socio-cultural discourse in contemporary India. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Emotional intelligence may not be singularly associated with emotions or intelligence. It can also include a broad range of personality characteristics that might predict success in professional and everyday life. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Traditional forms of state-led accountability, also characterised as vertical and horizontal channels of accountability, are increasingly found to be inadequate, and a myriad of multi-stakeholder and bottom-up citizen directed approaches have come to the fore, to supplement or supplant them. Discuss with illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":6400,"topper":"Rishi Anand","air":145,"year":2019,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/98cd4-24844_930_rishi-anand_rank_145.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6401,"topper":"Rishi Anand","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/bf3f8-24844_854_rishi-anand_rank_145.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, was seen as an important legislation in the context of the protection of children, however, many argue that it has remained largely ineffective. Identifying the key objectives of the act, discuss the reasons for its ineffectiveness.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"While discussing the challenges faced in using digital content, explain why the National Digital Library (NDL) is being seen as a platform that can bring a fundamental shift in the paradigm of education and research. Also, highlight the challenges that need to be addressed to make NDL self-sustainable.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Self-employment of the poor has been an important objective of the anti-poverty programmes and SHGs have played a significant role in this. Elucidate with examples. Also discuss the problems which plague the model of SHG micro-finance in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"How does the short tenure of civil servants in India leads to their less effective management? Critically discuss the move of setting up a civil services board in order to address this issue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"India's health system is one of the most privatised in the world, poorly regulated and accessible only to those with income levels well above the average. Comment. Discuss whether the steps taken by the government in recent times address these issues.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Keeping in mind the importance of NGOs in India's development process it is imperative that adequate legal and regulatory mechanisms should be in place. Discuss keeping in mind the recent developments in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"The reasons for failure of e-Governance projects are anything but technological. Discuss in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"The public policy requirements of the 21st century demand a bureaucracy less generalist in nature. Analyse in the context of Indian civil services.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"MGNREGA has been termed as a stellar example for rural development. In this context, discuss how far the design of MGNREGA program makes it more successful than other rural development programmes.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"What do you understand by JAM trinity? For which areas of the Indian economy would JAM be useful? Would it be able to dislodge the inadequacies of the existing PDS?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Inspite of being considered as the backbone of the rural economy hitherto rural electrification hasn't got the importance it deserves. Examine along with challenges present in rural electrification of India. Also, elaborate upon some of the recent initiatives of government in this regard with a special emphasis on Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Six years after the Right to Education (RTE) Act set aside 25% of seats in private schools for poor students, implementation of the plan remains patchy. Critically examine the issues that have raised questions about the efficacy of the Act.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"The Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill 2016 has been described as a 'revolutionary step' towards women's welfare. Critically examining the key provisions of the bill, discuss whether a complete ban on commercial surrogacy is justified.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"It is often strongly suggested that scarce government resources should be redirected in favour of primary education rather than higher education. In this context, analyse whether curtailing public spending in higher education would help in achieving the principle of equity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Accessibility is the key to inclusion and equal access for people with disabilities. Analyse. Also discuss the objectives and components of the recently launched Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan with a special emphasis on inclusiveness and accessibility index.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"In view of India's performance at the recent Olympics, appointment of a task force by the Prime Minister is a step in the right direction. Comment. Also highlight other initiatives required to augment India's performance in the sporting arena internationally.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"What are Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)? How are they different from de-notified tribes? Critically analyze the initiatives taken by the government to address the problems faced by them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Though the RTI Act has initiated the vital task of redistributing power in a democratic framework, it needs to be amended as it is being widely misused, especially to blackmail public functionaries. Critically examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"The transgender community has been among one of the most marginalized communities in India. Discuss. How does the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill 2016 seek to protect transgenders from discrimination and address the problems faced by them?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"The Forest Rights Act 2006 tries to undo the historic injustice done to the forest dweller and tribals. Inspite of its well intended goals the act has failed to achieve the desired success. Critically analyse.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6402,"topper":"Rishikesh Thakre","air":224,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vP08RpBHc1aVMccig06yVYLTKL0TWQ9T/view","questions":[]},{"id":6403,"topper":"Rishita Gupta","air":18,"year":2018,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1BKCaIQcS9QgwuG9wwCB_nNy1Njh4_LrK","questions":[]},{"id":6404,"topper":"Rishul Neema","air":267,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RISHUL-NEEMAUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-267-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1 \"Bhagavad Gita and Natyashastra are not merely texts; they exemplify the timeless wisdom, richness and diversity of Indian knowledge traditions.\" Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) The Harappan civilization was a \"technological powerhouse\" that laid the foundation for sophisticated urban living in ancient South Asia. In light of this statement, discuss the key technological breakthroughs and contributions of this Bronze Age culture.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Why is the First World War considered as the first 'total' war in modern history?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Highlight the differences in the approach of Bhagat Singh and Mahatma Gandhi in the struggle for freedom.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 Briefly explain the processes through which the earth-atmosphere system maintains heat balance.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) What characteristics of the monsoon climate play a crucial role in sustaining agriculture in Monsoon Asia?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7 Account for the factors influencing the location of semiconductor industries across the world.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) Unemployment is not just an economic challenge, but a social one with far-reaching consequences. In this context, discuss the social impact of unemployment in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 Globalization has facilitated the influx of global brands and multinational corporations into the Indian market, significantly altering the consumer behaviour. Do you agree? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 Discuss how social media is reshaping identity formation and self-worth among adolescents in contemporary Indian society.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) The fusion of Islamic architectural styles with indigenous Indian traditions played a key role in the evolution of Indo-Islamic architecture in the country. Discuss with examples.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) 'Emergency' is one of the most controversial and widely debated events in Indian politics. How far do you agree with the view that it was imposed to fulfil individual political goals rather than serve national interests? Also, discuss the short-term and long-term impacts of the Emergency.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13) What are 'atmospheric rivers'? How do they influence global weather patterns and impact human settlements?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Q.14) Despite sharing a similar latitude, why does the Mediterranean climate vary from the China-type climate? How do the differences in climate affect life and economic activities in the region?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Q.15 \"The tropical Indian Ocean is likely to be in a near-permanent heatwave state.\" Discuss the factors responsible for the rapid warming of the Indian Ocean along with its multi-dimensional impacts.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Q.16) How can the demographic transition in the southern states, marked by low fertility rates and an aging population, impact the region's economic growth and social welfare policies?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Q.17 Incidence of extreme rainfall events and flash floods in recent times has led to devastating consequences for major cities of India. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Q.18) \"Air pollution is as much an issue of equity and justice as it is an environmental one.\" Elaborate with examples.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Q.19 Analyze the socio-cultural factors contributing to the high attrition rate among women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers in India. Suggest measures to improve their retention in STEM.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Q.20) \"Caste census is relevant and necessary for any well-designed policy to reduce social inequality\". Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6405,"topper":"Rishul Neema","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0a788-1483290_4510_rishul-neema_rank_267.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Folk music serves as a repository of the cultural identity. Discuss the role of folk music in preserving cultural heritage and promoting social cohesion. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"How does the Vesara style of temple architecture represent a synthesis of the Nagara and Dravida styles? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the role played by Indians living abroad in advancing the cause of India's freedom struggle. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How did the Marshall Plan influence the economic recovery and political stability of post-war Europe? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Discuss the factors responsible for increased cyclonic activity in the Arabian Sea. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can technological interventions help in transforming the textile sector in India? What are the initiatives that the government has taken in this regard? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What is a seiche and how does it form? Discuss the geographical conditions under which seiches are most likely to occur. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"How has rapid urbanisation affected the socio-cultural landscape of peri-urban regions in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Examine the role of historical and socio-political factors in driving communalism in Indian politics. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Globalization has significantly influenced the aspirations, lifestyle, and value systems of Indian youth. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Examine how Chandragupta-II's reign symbolised a golden age of cultural development, laying the foundation for future advancements in Indian art and literature. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Evaluate the intended and unintended consequences of British educational policies for the Indian society in the colonial period. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"India's territorial disputes after independence were not merely about borders, but also encompass issues of national identity, historical grievances, and geopolitical strategies. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the geographical conditions responsible for the development of shola forests in the upper reaches of the Western Ghats. Highlight their ecological significance. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss the potential of natural hydrogen as a fuel to meet growing global energy demands? Why is it still an untapped industry? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Why is there a shift of labour-intensive industries from China to South and Southeast Asia? Discuss the advantages and challenges for India in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Explain the socio-economic transformations resulting from women's migration to metropolitan areas in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The institution of marriage in India is increasingly becoming a site of conspicuous consumption and commodification. Critically examine the impact of this commercialisation on social equity and gender relations. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Analyse how recognizing, reducing, and redistributing care work can foster gender equality and promote inclusive development in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Discuss the changing nature of family structures in urban India. How is it impacting elderly care and socialization of the youth? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6406,"topper":"Rishul Neema","air":267,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/RISHUL_NEEMA_MAINS_TEST_SERIES_GS_1_TEST_6_AIR_267_ec807a6ceb.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6407,"topper":"Rishul Neema","air":267,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RISHUL-NEEMAUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-267-Sample-MGP-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) Examine the scope and significance of the Supreme Court's advisory jurisdiction under Article 143 of the Constitution.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) What is delimitation, and why is it important? What challenges are associated with the delimitation exercise in India?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) How has asymmetric federalism helped India accommodate its diverse regional needs? Discuss with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Explain how the terms ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ in the Preamble embody specific meanings in the Indian context.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) The role of State Finance Commissions in building regional equity and strengthening the federal link has largely been underutilized. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6 How far do you think has the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) been successful in protecting and promoting child rights in India?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7 Outline the salient features of New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 related to school education. What does it state about the medium of instruction in schools?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8 Throw light on the legal frameworks that are in place to ensure women's safety in India. What further steps are needed to enhance their safety and well-being?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 \"A multipolar world order is not merely an option but a necessity\". Elaborate. How can India leverage its position to strengthen multipolarity in the global arena?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 \"ASEAN is the cornerstone of India's Act East Policy and its Indo-Pacific vision.\" Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) Discuss the various administrative challenges faced by local self-governments (LSGs). What measures do you suggest for devolving administrative powers to LSGs, enabling them to function as institutions of genuine self-governance?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 In light of recent developments, the Collegium system and the Supreme Court's decision to strike down the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) Act, 2014 have once again come under scrutiny. Do you think that a NJAC-like body can make judicial appointments more transparent, broad-based, and accountable? Justify your answer.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13) Differentiate between the clemency powers of the Presidents of India and the USA. Also, critically examine the vesting of clemency power in the executive.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) What constitutes corrupt practices under the Representation of the People Act, 1951? Also, discuss the challenges in curbing such malpractices and suggest remedial measures.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Discuss the role of the Vice-President as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. Also describe the procedure for his/her removal from office.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 \"Universal Basic Income (UBI) is a viable solution to eradicate extreme poverty in India.\" Critically discuss the statement.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 What are the key determinants of malnutrition among under-five children in the country? Also, elaborate on the role of nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions in addressing this issue.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 \"Data is the raw material of Artificial Intelligence.\" In this context, discuss the need for transparent and accountable data governance frameworks in India. What steps has the government taken in this regard?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Critically examine the role of International Monetary Fund (IMF) in addressing debt distress in the Global South. How can India use its post-G20 presidency momentum to push IMF reforms?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 \"In a fluid geopolitical arena, engagement without formal endorsement is a pragmatic middle path.\" Do you agree? Explain in the context of India's current approach towards the Taliban regime in Afghanistan.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6408,"topper":"Rishul Neema","air":267,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/RISHUL_NEEMA_MAINS_TEST_SERIES_GS_2_TEST_3_AIR_267_fdb2dad670.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6409,"topper":"Rishul Neema","air":267,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/RISHUL_NEEMA_MAINS_TEST_SERIES_GS_2_TEST_6_AIR_267_c34a42d80d.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6410,"topper":"Ritesh Kumar","air":541,"year":2021,"paper":"Optional — Public Administration","optional":true,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1NRjCFYckYciTQMhifKbrOBZYlA38H7Jm","questions":[]},{"id":6411,"topper":"Ritik Singhvi","air":203,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RITIK-SINGHVI-PUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-203-Sample-ESSAY-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"4. The greatest acts of courage stem from the simplest choices.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"1. A quiet conscience makes one strong.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6412,"topper":"Ritik Singhvi P","air":203,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RITIK-SINGHVI-PUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-203-Sample-ESSAY-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.\n2. The civilisation that doesn't adopt modern technologies becomes extinct.\n3. Data without wisdom and innovation without ethics are dangerous tools.\n4. The doubter is a true man of science.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"1. The empires of the future will be the empires of the mind.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"What is responsibility? Why is it called invisible thread? How it holds freedom together? What if thread broken? How to strengthen invisible thread?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6413,"topper":"Ritik Singhvi P","air":203,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RITIK-SINGHVI-PUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-203-Sample-MGP-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) To what extent, in your opinion, have the ideals of the Preamble been realised in the country's 75-year constitutional journey?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) The evolution of property rights in India reflects an intricate relationship that exists between individual rights and public welfare. Discuss this statement with the help of relevant constitutional provisions and case laws.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3 Under what conditions can the 'National' Emergency be proclaimed by the President of India? What are the consequences when such a proclamation remains in force? When was it last imposed in the country?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4 'Lack of a binding framework for pre-legislative consultations in India limits citizen engagement in the lawmaking.' Propose measures to strengthen the role of public consultation in the legislative process.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 'The recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission have enabled the States to improve their fiscal conditions.' Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) In what ways do industry and business associations contribute to socio-economic development in the country? Explain with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7 \"India's poverty lies in the eyes of the beholder.\" In light of this statement, examine the need for a credible and periodically updated poverty estimation framework in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8 The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 falls short of achieving its intended objectives. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) 'Starved of funds, shackled by geopolitics, WHO is facing a crisis of capacity and credibility.' Discuss the statement in the light of USA's withdrawal and its accusation of the health body of being 'biased towards China and mishandling the COVID-19 pandemic'.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 The world continues to operate in a 'my terrorist' versus 'your terrorist' paradigm. Explain. What strategies would you suggest to develop a unified, comprehensive, and rules-based global approach to tackle the menace of terrorism?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 Briefly explain the procedure laid down in the Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1951 for the registration of political parties with the Election Commission of India (ECI). What are Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs)? What concerns are associated with them? Does the ECI have powers to de-register a political party?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) Assess the role of NITI Aayog over the past decade in promoting cooperative and competitive federalism.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 'The post of Deputy Speaker goes beyond ceremonial significance and is indispensable to Indian parliamentary democracy.' Discuss with relevant constitutional provisions and conventions. Also, examine the implications of the prolonged vacancy of the Deputy Speaker's post.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) Is the growing demand for stricter regulation of online content justified, or does it pose a threat to the right to freedom of speech and expression? Examine in light of recent judicial pronouncements.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Critically examine the 'in-house procedure' adopted by the Apex Court to inquire into allegations of misconduct against judges of constitutional courts in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 Recent controversies over alleged malpractices in the electoral rolls have renewed demands for the mandatory linkage of Aadhaar with Voter ID. What is your opinion? Give reasons in support of your answer.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 Lateral entry into civil services is seen as a reformative step, yet it continues to attract criticism and controversy. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 While rankings aim to benchmark the performance of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), concerns remain about whether current ranking frameworks reflect the broader goals of education. Suggest measures to make the ranking system more objective, inclusive, and aligned with educational and societal outcomes.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Examine the factors behind the growing salience of the Arctic region in international politics. Discuss, in this context, strategies for India to recalibrate its Arctic engagement.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 Bangladesh is a key pillar of India's Neighborhood First policy, but recent developments on both sides threaten to disrupt the 'Sonali Adhyay' in bilateral relations. Analyze.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6414,"topper":"Ritik Singhvi P","air":203,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RITIK-SINGHVI-PUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-203-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) Explain the significance of the recent changes made to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) with respect to labour market data estimation in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Discuss the implications of the rising trend of protectionism and tariff wars in global trade for India's macroeconomic stability.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) \"Genome-edited crops have the potential to strengthen food and nutritional security in the country.\" Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Assess the role of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) in expanding irrigation coverage and improving on-farm water use efficiency.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) Starlink, a satellite internet service provider, has recently been granted a license to operate in India. What is satellite internet? How does it work? What are its advantages and limitations?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) What is a Geographical Indication (GI)? What are the legal frameworks governing it? How does it differ from a trademark? How can GI infringement be tackled?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7 What are the salient features of Mission Mausam launched by the Government of India? Why is such a mission needed? What are the likely challenges in its effective implementation?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) Highlight the key provisions of the Disaster Management (Amendment) Act, 2025. How would the amendment help strengthen the disaster management framework in the country?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 'Operation Sindoor' signals a strategic evolution in India's approach to cross-border terrorism. Analyze.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) 'Cyberspace has emerged as a distinct domain of warfare, posing serious threats to national security.' Discuss this statement and suggest counter-measures.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) What are the key objectives of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016? To what extent has it been successful in achieving them?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) Despite phenomenal growth in recent years, India's startup ecosystem lags in innovation across strategic sectors. Identify the factors responsible for this inadequate focus on deep-tech and suggest strategies to bridge this gap.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13) What is floriculture? How is it helpful in enhancing farm income and boosting agri-exports?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 \"Women play a crucial role in Indian agriculture, yet continue to face systemic exclusion.\" Discuss with reference to land ownership, access to credit, and agri-extension services. What initiatives has the government taken in this regard?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Launched on 25th June 2025, the Axiom-4 (Ax-04) mission has been much in the news since then. What are the key features of the mission? What significance does it hold for the Gaganyaan project and India's long-term space ambitions?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) Energy storage technology is one of the major components of renewable energy integration and decarbonization of world energy systems. Briefly discuss any three such technologies, citing their key merits and demerits.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17) Global Pandemic Agreement (2025) recognizes the 'One Health' approach as critical to pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. Highlight the key features of the agreement, and elaborate on how the One Health approach can help in preventing future pandemics. What steps are needed to integrate this approach into India's environmental and health governance?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18) The frequency and intensity of heatwaves, particularly in urban centres, have increased in recent years. Describe the various causes and effects of heatwaves. What policies and frameworks have been adopted in India towards extreme heat risk management?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Discuss how emerging technologies and globalization contribute to terror financing. Elaborate measures to tackle the menace of terror financing both at national and international levels.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20) Explain the key components of the National Policy and Action Plan (2015) that have contributed to the significant decline of Left-Wing Extremism (LWE). What additional steps would you suggest to eliminate LWE in the near future?","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6415,"topper":"Ritika Chitlangia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/ritika-test-10-1747226197292.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Q.1 to Q.4 Write one Essay, choosing one topic in about 1000-1200 words each:\nQ.1 Hands that rocks the cradle rules the world.\nQ.2 History repeats itself, first as a tragedy, second as a farce.\nQ.3 I know of no better life purpose than to perish in attempting the great and the impossible.\nQ.4 Every man is born as many men and dies as a single one.\" – Martin Heidegger","marks":"125 ×1 = 125","words":"1000-1200"}]},{"id":6416,"topper":"Ritika Chitlangia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/ritika-test-11-1747226220030.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Q1 Write one Essay, choosing one topic in about 1000-1200 words each:\nQ1 The measure of a man is what he does with power\nQ2 Social media is more about psychology than technology\nQ3 Poverty is the parent of revolution and crime\nQ4 Preparation through education is less costly than learning through tragedy","marks":"125 × 1 = 125","words":"1000-1200"},{"page":20,"question":"Q. The measure of a man is what he does with power.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6417,"topper":"Ritika Chitlangia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/ritika-test-12-1747226345419.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Q.1 A sign of intelligence is an awareness of one's own ignorance.","marks":"125 1 = 125","words":"about 1000-1200"},{"page":15,"question":"As we stand at the inflexion of the century, question which persist is, can a society without the morals of inclusivity and plurality continue to flourish?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"How every single drop is not responsible for the flood?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"How every single drop is responsible for the flood?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"Q2 Inclusivity & Plurality are hallmarks of peaceful society.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6418,"topper":"Ritika Chitlangia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/ritika-test-11-1747226220030.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The measure of a man is what he does with power","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Social media is more about psychology than technology","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Poverty is the parent of revolution and crime","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Preparation through education is less costly than learning through tragedy.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6419,"topper":"Ritika Chitlangia","air":55,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/ritika-test-24-1747226548117.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6420,"topper":"Ritika Chitlangia","air":55,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/ritika-test-10-1747226197292.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6421,"topper":"Ritika Chitlangia","air":55,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/ritika-test-12-1747226345419.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6422,"topper":"Ritika Chitlangia","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RITIKA-CHITLANGIA-UPSC-2024-Rank-55-MGP-Sample-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) \"Nalanda is a symbol of India's academic heritage and vibrant cultural exchange\". Elucidate with special references to foreign travelers' accounts.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) The period of Delhi Sultans witnessed the emergence of Indo-Persian culture. Discuss the statement with reference to developments in the fields of literature, art and architecture.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Give a brief account of the contributions of early nationalists to the Indian freedom struggle.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) The Vaikom Satyagraha marked a historic milestone in India's fight against social injustice, demonstrating the power of non-violent resistance in dismantling oppressive caste barriers. Explain.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) The Oslo Accords, once hailed as a landmark diplomatic achievement, failed to address key issues, highlighting the challenges of achieving lasting peace between Israel and Palestine. Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) What are Northern and Southern lights? Explain the phenomenon and discuss their associated impacts on Earth's atmosphere and human activities.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) Identifying the major automobile clusters in India, enumerate the favourable factors for the location of the automobile industry.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) \"India's diversity is her greatest strength.\" In light of the statement, explain how diversity has enriched and strengthened Indian society.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) Critically examine the effects of globalization on the youth in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) The recognition of LGBTQ rights in India marks significant progress, but the journey towards full societal integration and acceptance remains arduous, necessitating a profound socio-cultural shift. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) Throw light upon the importance of seals and sealings in the reconstruction of socio-economic and religious life of the Harappan people. Also, explain why many of the known Harappan settlements are in semi-arid regions.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) Describe the significance of the Dandi March (1930) as the starting point of the Civil Disobedience Movement. Also, discuss the national and international reactions to the Dandi March and the Salt Satyagraha.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13) Give a reasoned account of the distribution of deserts across the earth with the help of relevant examples.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 Discuss the impact of local winds on their associated regions, citing examples from different parts of the world.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15) Rare Earths Elements (REE) are considered as 'Vitamins of Modern Industry'. In this context, bring out the multi-dimensional implications of uneven distribution of REE in the world.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 Describe the various factors that influence ocean currents and discuss their multi-dimensional impact.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 Briefly explain the process of tide formation and differentiate between tides and waves.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 While social media facilitates unprecedented connectivity and self-expression, it can also widen social crevices and fractures. In this context, examine the impact of social media on Indian society.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 \"The regionalism in India is both a response to the failures in addressing regional aspirations and as an assertion of socio-cultural identity in the face of perceived marginalization.\" Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 Explain how traditional gender roles and responsibilities exacerbate the vulnerability of women to extreme heat conditions. Suggest strategies to mitigate these vulnerabilities.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6423,"topper":"Ritika Chitlangia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/ritika-test-15-1747226394362.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. The ethnic and cultural diversity in India has always been bound by the thread of unity. Discuss the major factors that have contributed to the cultural unity of India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. The dichotomy in public and private life in Indian society acts as a major barrier to the annihilation of caste. Justify.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. In the context of cultural diversity in India, can we consider Southern states as distinct cultural units in comparison to the rest of India? Substantiate your view.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. India has a rich heritage in the internationalization of education. In this context how will the recent push for the 'internationalization of education' impact society and foster cultural exchange?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. Examine the uniqueness of tribal knowledge systems when compared with mainstream knowledge and cultural systems.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. Why do traditions in our society impede change? To what extent can social legislation be instrumental against old customary practices?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":19,"question":"7. Do you think that the forces of modernization that catalyzed the eradication of social evils in Indian society have also threatened our cultural values and ethos?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":22,"question":"8. How does Indian society maintain continuity in traditional social values? Enumerate the changes taking place in it.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"9. Analyze the salience of 'sect' in Indian society vis-a-vis caste, region, and religion.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"10. Are tolerance, assimilation, and pluralism the key elements in the making of an Indian form of secularism? Justify your answer.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"}]},{"id":6424,"topper":"Ritika Chitlangia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/ritika-test-16-1747226407397.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. What are the factors that led to the Russian Revolution and what are the consequences of this revolution? Discuss its influence on the Indian national movement.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. 'England's Industrial Revolution not only transformed the economic landscape but also had far-reaching social and cultural impacts'. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. Throw light upon the successes and failures of the United Nations as an organisation responsible for maintaining world peace.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. What problems were germane to the decolonization process in the Malay Peninsula?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. Write a short note on the policy of Perestroika and Glasnost and how they contributed to the ultimate disintegration of the USSR.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. 'The hallmark of post-Independent India has been its remarkable strides in science and technology'. To what extent did scientific development during this period put India on the path of modernity?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. Trace the evolution of the Tribal policy of Independent India with a focus on Tribal Panchsheel.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. Assess the main administrative issues and socio-cultural problems in the integration process of Indian Princely States.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Critically examine the compulsions that prompted India to play a decisive role in the emergence of Bangladesh.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. State the differences and similarities between the ideologies of Nazism and Fascism?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. In what ways did the events of World War I and its immediate aftermath foster the resurgence of nationalism in Africa and Asia?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. The causes of the French Revolution of 1789 included both long-term and structural factors, as well as more immediate events. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. The reign of Napolean not only resulted in the redrawing of the political map of Europe but also in numerous Administrative, political and economic reforms. Comment.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. To what extent can Germany be held responsible for Two world wars?","marks":"15 marks (2015","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. What are the circumstances that led to the disintegration of the USSR and the end of the Cold War? How did the end of the Cold War contribute to the spread of globalization across the world?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. Despite the initial fears about the linguistic reorganization of states post-independence helped strengthen the unity of India. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. The most economically active corridors today overlap with the former green revolution regions in India. In the context of post-independent India how has the Green Revolution in India contributed to agricultural productivity but in hindsight produced a geography of uneven development?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. The JP Movement was flawed in terms of both its composition and actions and also in the philosophy of its leader. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. The political and administrative reorganization of states and territories has been a continuous ongoing process since the mid-nineteenth century. Discuss with examples.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. What does the \"Policy of Appeasement\" mean to you? To what degree did it contribute to the start of World War II?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"}]},{"id":6425,"topper":"Ritika Chitlangia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/ritika-test-21-1747226504882.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. Discuss the causes of tsunamis and their impact on coastal areas. What measures can be taken to mitigate the impact of tsunamis?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. India is endowed with large rivers emerging from the Great Himalayas yet the region faces water shortage. Discuss. Also, give solutions to deal with the problem of water shortage.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. Discuss the different types of soils found in India and their significance for agriculture.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. Differentiate the causes of landslides in the Himalayan region and Western Ghats.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. Major hot deserts in the northern hemisphere are located between 20-30 degrees north and on the western side of the continents. Why?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6 Explain the mechanism of the Indian monsoon. What role do El-Nino and La-Nina play in its development over the Indian subcontinent?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":19,"question":"7. Discuss the ways in which earthquakes can trigger secondary hazards such as landslides, tsunamis, and liquefaction. Assess the relative risks associated with these hazards and the measures that can be taken to mitigate their impact.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":22,"question":"8. How do the melting of the Arctic ice and glaciers of the Antarctic differently affect the weather patterns and human activities on the Earth? Explain.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":25,"question":"9. Explain the origin of Indian islands in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":28,"question":"10. How has global warming impacted the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as cyclones, floods, and droughts, and what are the implications of these changes for vulnerable communities?","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6426,"topper":"Ritika Chitlangia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/ritika-test-22-1747226517151.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. Discuss the various factors responsible for the uneven temperature distribution on Earth's surface.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. To what extent does seismic investigation contribute to our understanding of the Earth's interior structure? Analyse its significance in detail.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. The melting of glaciers due to climate change has serious implications for the ecosystem and human society. Discuss the effects of melting glaciers on the environment and the measures that can be taken to address this issue.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. The White Revolution was most successful in the Western part of India. Discuss the factors for this regional success of the White Revolution.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. How will the structural shift from coal-based power plants to renewable energy generation impact human development in coal-bearing states?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. To what extent temperature and precipitation are the most important factors that determine soil properties?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. Why are severe and intense cyclones becoming a regular phenomenon in the Arabian Sea? Substantiate with examples","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. Numerous foreign travellers have vividly documented their observations of the Vijayanagara Empire over time, offering valuable sources for reconstructing its history. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Do you agree that Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's view of the caste problem was more political than social? Also, highlight his efforts aimed at social reform.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. Discuss the mandate of the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT). To what extent the jurisdictional tussle between CAT and High courts have been resolved by earlier SC verdicts?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. The configuration of the ocean floor provides essential information about the geological processes that have shaped the Earth's surface. Discuss the major features of the ocean floor and their significance in the study of oceanography.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. The Indian monsoon is a complex phenomenon influenced by various climatic factors. Critically examine the role of oceanic and atmospheric factors in determining the intensity and distribution of monsoon rainfall in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. How does temperature inversion affect atmospheric conditions and what are its implications for local weather patterns and air pollution levels?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. With the growing demand for rare earth elements, their distribution has become a critical aspect of the global economy. Discuss the distribution of rare earth elements across the world, their uses, and the environmental impact of their extraction.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. What are the geographical and economic factors that influence the location of the sugar industry, and how do they contribute to the growth of the industry in India and different parts of the world?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. Tourism in the hilly states is threatening to exceed the ecological carrying capacity of the region. Analyze the factors contributing to this trend and evaluate the potential Environmental impacts of this phenomenon. What measures can be taken to ensure sustainable tourism in these states?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. What are the geographical factors responsible for mangrove vegetation in India? How does climate change pose a threat to mangrove vegetation in India?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. Although desert landscapes across the world reflect many similarities, the process of desertification is influenced by local factors. Elaborate with suitable examples.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. How has the 69th Constitutional Amendment led to Delhi's dual governance dilemma? Discuss its impact on cooperative federalism as envisaged in the Constitution.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. How did Mahatma Gandhi's participation in the Khilafat Movement illustrate his ability to connect diverse issues and mobilize different communities towards a common cause? To what extent did the Khilafat movement achieve its objective?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"}]},{"id":6427,"topper":"Ritika Chitlangia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/ritika-test-27-1747226607278.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Q.1 The level of excellence of the administration of the Maurya kingdom was ahead of time and still relevant in present India? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Q.2 The rock-cut architecture represents one of the most important sources of our knowledge of early Indian art and history. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Q.3 Though not very useful from the point of view of a connected political history of South India, the Sangam literature portrays the social and economic conditions of its time with remarkable vividness. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Q.4 The fabric of Indian philosophical thought owes as much to Northern India as to Southern India. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Q.5 How did the ancient trade routes connecting India to foreign countries contribute to the exchange and dissemination of culture?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Q.6 How does the Archeological evidence help in piecing together the life of the Harappan civilization?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.7 How do you explain the decline of Buddhism and Jainism? What was the impact of these philosophies on Indian society?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":22,"question":"Q.8 Discuss the main contributions of the Gupta period and the Chola period to Indian heritage and culture.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.9 Sanskrit literature in general and particularly in the Guptan age set a high watermark for the literary history of ancient India. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Q.10 'Although there were many differences between the Gandhara and Mathura art, they considerably influenced the Amravati school of art.' Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"}]},{"id":6428,"topper":"Ritika Chitlangia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/ritika-test-28-1747307294971.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. How do the foreign accounts help in piecing together the history of Ancient India? Explain with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. Compare and contrast the Nagara and Dravida styles of temple architecture.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. Indian national congress was not the first political organisation but the culmination of a long process of political development in colonial India. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. The revolt of 1857, called the First Indian War of Independence, was neither \"first\" nor a \"war of independence\". Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. Gandhian phase of the national movement brought in a new set of ideas, philosophies and added wind to the sails of the national movement. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. Assess the role of Subash Chandra Bose in India's Struggle for Independence.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. What was Mountbatten Plan? Highlight the contributions of Lord Mountbatten in the final transfer of power and the ultimate independence of India.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. Why was there a sudden spurt in famines in colonial India since the mid-eighteenth century? Give reasons.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. The Quit India movement was a people's movement cutting across the class divides but it was the women's leadership that left a clear mark. Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. Socio-religious reforms of the 19th Century did not just impact the Hindu society but have impacted other religions too. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. Indian Philosophy and tradition played a significant role in conceiving and shaping the monuments and their art in India. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. Discuss the significance of the lion and bull figures in Indian mythology, art and architecture.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. Within the constitutional field, the moderates never visualised a clinical separation from the British empire; what they wanted was only limited self-government within the imperial framework. In light of this statement discuss the contribution of moderates to the National Movement along with their limitations.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. 'The English were unwillingly drawn into the political turmoil created by the Indians themselves and were almost forced to acquire Indian territories'. Critically comment on this colonial view of the British conquest of India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. What were the factors that helped in the development of Revolutionary extremism in the first half of the 20th Century? What was the impact of revolutionary extremists on the national political scene?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. Bring out the constructive programmes of Mahatma Gandhi during Non-Cooperation Movement and Civil Disobedience Movement.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. What are the various ways in which nationalism manifested itself in India during colonial rule?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. To what extent women participated in different phases of freedom struggle? How did this activism and politicisation of women promote a feminist consciousness in colonial India?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. How did British economic policies favour the Western capitalist class at the expense of India's economic interests? What were the factors which facilitated modest Indian industrial development in the starting decades of the 20th century, despite an obstructing colonial presence?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. Highlighting the evolution of British Policy on Princely states, discuss the role played by princely states in the Indian national movement.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6429,"topper":"Ritika Chitlangia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/ritika-test-3-1747228309656.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"1. The rule of law and judicial review are interdependent, as one cannot truly exist without the other. In this context can judicial review be considered the most important aspect among those that constitute the basic structure of the Constitution?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":5,"question":"Importance of Judicial Review vis-a-vis basic structure of constitution","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"2 How does the power and authority of Delhi's lieutenant governor compare to that of the governors of other states, particularly in terms of acting on the aid and advice of the council of ministers?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"3. Discuss the role of the judiciary in navigating the tension between the right to religion and constitutional morality in India in recent times. Refer to relevant case laws.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"4. The principle of 'Separation of Powers' is a key feature of the American Constitution. In this context, compare how the Indian Constitution's functional separation of powers distinguishes itself from the US system. What are the advantages of a check and balance system over a rigid Separation of Powers?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"5. The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution is more than a legal provision that empowers tribal regions with self-rule. How does the sixth schedule foster development while respecting their traditional governance systems and cultural practices?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"6. Federal governance is characterised by institutionalized arrangements for solving problems generated by pluralism based on consultation and mutual consent. How have Zonal Councils evolved from merely advisory bodies to proactive platforms for action?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"7. Secularism under the Indian constitution is encapsulated in the broader concept of constitutional commitment to equality. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"8 There is a need to shift the focus of Section 8 of the Representation of People Act, 1951 from the duration of the sentence to the gravity of the offence. Comment on how the current classification under Section 8 leads to arbitrary categorisation of offences. Also, mention the remedies available to a person disqualified under this section.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"9. What is the significance of the Leader of Opposition in the Indian parliamentary system? How does the role of the opposition contribute to the checks and balances in a democracy?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"10. \"The core ideals of the Preamble – sovereignty, socialism, secularism, and democracy – form the bedrock of India's constitutional framework.\" Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"11. In what ways are the Terms of Reference for the Sixteenth Finance Commission different from the earlier Finance Commissions? Also, examine the factors that propel economic disparities across states, despite the Finance Commission devolution becoming increasingly progressive.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"12. Compare and contrast the powers and working of the Ethics Committee and the Privileges Committee in addressing cases of 'unethical' conduct and breach of privileges. How do these Committees complement each other in maintaining parliamentary discipline?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"13. In the context of persistent legislative dysfunction in India, analyse the evolving role of judicial activism in shaping public policy and governance. Using examples from landmark court cases, evaluate the effectiveness of judicial interventions in addressing governance gaps and safeguarding citizens' rights.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"14. To what extent does the level of internal democracy within political parties impact the functioning and legitimacy of the Indian party system? What reforms can address the challenges of inadequate intraparty democracy in India?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Challenges of Intra-Party Democracy in India","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"15. \"The NHRC must not only be a watchdog but also a beacon of hope for the marginalised and oppressed.\" In this context discuss the role and mandate of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in India. How does the current composition and functioning of the NHRC affect its independence and effectiveness?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"composition of NHRC and its independence and effectiveness\n(a) CM of NCC\n(b) NCST\n(c) NCBC\n(d) Person with Disabilities\n(e) minority linguistic officer\n(f)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"16 Electoral funding in India is fraught with the double whammy of legal loopholes and political inefficiencies. In this context, discuss the challenges to electoral funding. What lessons can India draw from global best practices in this regard?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"17. Pressure groups form the social foundation of a democracy. In this context, discuss pressure groups' key contributions in promoting social security measures for workers in India, and how they address the gaps in existing policies.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":45,"question":"18. The Constitution envisages the \"principle of federal supremacy\" in the executive space of Indian federal polity. Discuss while referring to the relevant Constitutional provisions and case laws. How are contentious issues regarding the distribution of powers resolved?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"19. Delimitation of seats is essential to ensure fair representation and uphold the principles of one vote, one value. Highlighting the challenges posed by misrepresentation in constituencies analyse the ramifications of population-based delimitation in creating federal tension.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"20. To what extent can the PIL system be held responsible for shifting the focus of the higher Courts from \"constitutional matters\" to day-to-day matters? What role can the trial Courts play in reducing the overall burden on higher Courts?","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6430,"topper":"Ritika Chitlangia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/ritika-test-7-1747228468707.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"How did the policy of non-alignment reflect the aspirations of India and other newly independent nations to maintain their sovereignty and resist colonial pressures? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Analyze the impact of World War II in accelerating the process of decolonization in Asia and Africa. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss the various types of sedimentary rocks and their formation processes. What is the economic significance of sedimentary rocks? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What are the characteristics of anticyclonic circulations, and how do they influence weather patterns over the Indian subcontinent? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What is coral bleaching, and what are its main causes? Also, evaluate the role of marine protected areas (MPAs) in the conservation of coral reefs. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Discuss the role of economic corridors in fostering regional economic integration and development. How do projects like the Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor (CBIC) align with India's broader economic growth strategies? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss the processes involved in volcanism. Highlight the major volcanic regions in the world and their associated tectonic settings. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Earlier known as coarse cereals the government rebranded millets in 2018 as nutri-cereals. In this context discuss the ecological and nutritional significance of millets. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Explain the geological features and ecological importance of the Eastern Ghats. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What are the potential consequences of Arctic ice melt on biodiversity and ecosystems? How might these changes impact global ecological balance (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Compare and contrast the factors that led to the French Revolution with the Russian Revolution of 1917. How did the nature and outcomes of these revolutions differ in terms of their impact on global political ideologies? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Analyze the causes and consequences of the imposition of Emergency in India in 1975. How did this period impact the democratic framework and civil liberties in post-independent India? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"What are the factors that lead to the formation of local winds? Discuss their impact on the weather and climate in various regions, providing relevant examples. (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"What are the primary drivers of freshwater scarcity in megacities like Bangalore and Hyderabad? Suggest comprehensive solutions that address both supply and demand aspects of urban water management. (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"What is Blue Revolution? What are the significant hurdles in aquaculture development, and what comprehensive strategies can be implemented to address them? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"What are the key factors influencing the establishment of large-scale solar farms in India, and what are their environmental and social impacts? How can India balance the expansion of solar energy with the need to protect biodiversity and local ecosystems? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"What are the various types of glacial landforms formed in the Indian Himalayas? How do these features impact local ecosystems and human activities? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Discuss the unique geographical features of the Indian Ocean and their impact on global oceanic circulation patterns. How do these features influence the climate of the Indian subcontinent? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Urban heat islands (UHIs) have become a significant phenomenon in Indian cities, exacerbating the frequency and intensity of heat waves. Analyze the underlying factors contributing to this phenomenon and critically assess the existing mitigation strategies. (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Evaluate the primary factors contributing to regional disparities in the sugar industry between North India and Peninsular India. What measures can be undertaken to reduce the surplus sugar production? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6431,"topper":"Ritika Chitlangia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/ritika-test-4-1747228326193.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"How do partnerships between Civil Society Organizations and Government entities contribute to India's development goals? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Discuss the importance of cultivating a culture of life-long learning among Indian civil servants. How has Mission Karmyogi contributed to this objective? Illustrate with examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"E-governance is not just about efficiency; it's about making governance accessible and inclusive for every citizen. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Given India's strides in reducing extreme poverty, should the country consider redefining its poverty line to better reflect the current socio-economic realities? Discuss the potential benefits and challenges associated with redefinition of the poverty line. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Assess the implications of the 103rd Constitutional Amendment, which introduced a ten per cent reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), on the principle of social justice in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The focus of welfare schemes in India is shifting from \"well-being\" towards \"over-dependency\". In light of this, do you agree that welfare schemes have inculcated a \"freebies culture\" in India leading to a divergence of focus from poverty and hunger alleviation? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Evaluate the impact of the deepening political divisions within the major Western States on global governance and international cooperation. How should India navigate these divisions to advance its national interests on the global stage? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How does India's Arctic Policy align with its broader foreign policy objectives? Broadly discuss the collaborations and agreements India is involved in with the Arctic Council. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"With the advent of new regional and multilateral agreements like QUAD, AUKUS, I2U2 etc the old world order represented by organizations like NAM, Davos, and G77 is losing its relevance. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The island states and territories from the South Pacific to the African coast have become new nodes in India's changing strategic geography. In this context, highlight the importance of these island states for India and also throw light upon the initiatives taken by India to strengthen ties with these states. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals requires consideration of regional context and local situations. In light of this statement examine the role of Panchayats as catalysts for grassroot development and advancing sustainable development. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"India's higher education system needs significant reforms to align with global standards. How does the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 aim to address these challenges, and what lessons can India learn from international practices to enhance its higher education system? Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"The Right to Information (RTI) Act is hailed for its transformative impact on the quest for transparency and accountability in Indian governance. However, multifaceted challenges and systemic limitations impede its effective implementation. Discuss. Also, suggest measures for its effective implementation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"The persistent health equity challenges in India pose a critical barrier to achieving Universal Health Coverage. In this context discuss the role of the public and private sectors in ensuring adequate health access and outcomes across rural and urban areas. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"What are the implications of the POCSO Act on the rights and welfare of children in India? Analyze the role of the POCSO Act in transforming India's legal framework for child protection. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Discuss the unique challenges and opportunities Self Help Groups (SHGs) encounter in urban areas compared to rural ones, and how can microfinance be adapted to tackle urban poverty. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Examine the influence of human rights issues and democratic values on the diplomatic relationship between the U.S. and India. How have these concerns affected bilateral engagements and what can be done to mitigate tensions arising from these issues? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Examine the geopolitical challenges India faces in South Asia despite its global rise. How can India navigate these challenges to strengthen its regional leadership? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Highlight the significance of the recently envisaged India-Middle East-Europe corridor for India's connectivity with the world, especially the West. Do you think, in recent times, transport and energy initiatives have taken precedence in India's foreign policy? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Despite the recent rise in politically contentious issues, the India-Canada bilateral relationship has remained committed to shared values of democracy, pluralism, expanding economic engagement and long-standing people-to-people ties. Highlighting the significant pillars of the India-Canada relationship, discuss the potential areas of cooperation and collaboration between India and Canada. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6432,"topper":"Ritika Chitlangia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/ritika-test-2-1747228295989.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Examine the role of numismatic evidence in understanding the political and economic history of ancient India. Provide specific examples. (Marks 10)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Highlighting the elements of urbanization discuss how agriculture played a pivotal role in the enduring success and longevity of the Harapan Civilization. (Marks 10)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"The Quit India Movement marked the awakening of the nation's soul and brought diverse sections together in a unified vision of Independence. Discuss (Marks 10)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"\"The dual struggle against entrenched social customs and colonial dominance was a prominent feature of socio-religious reform movements in 19th century India.\" How did the socio-religious reform movements of 19th century India responded to colonial cultural and ideological hegemony? (Marks 10)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Do you think the Uniform Civil Code contradicts the idea of religious pluralism and cultural differences in Indian society? (Marks 10)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"Discuss the concept of healthy active ageing in the context of demographic shifts in India. How does it contribute to social inclusion? (Marks 10)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"How is the transition from 'conscious consumption' to 'compulsive consumption' impacting family structure and dynamics in urban areas? (Marks 10)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"What is gender fluid identity, and what are the LGBTQ community's ongoing challenges to full societal inclusion and equal treatment? (Marks 10)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"How does the interplay between regional and national identities fuel the emergence of regionalistic sentiments? How can we balance regional identities with broader national identity? (Marks 10)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"How do various cultural practices and traditions contribute to the idea of \"Unity in Diversity\"? Provide examples to support your argument. (Marks 10)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss with examples the key features of Vijayanagara architecture. How did Indo-Islamic elements manifest in their structures? (Marks 15)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Compare and contrast the features of ancient Indian universities like Nalanda and Takshashila with modern state-funded universities in India. What lessons can modern universities learn from ancient ones to improve their effectiveness? (Marks 15)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"How did the British policies contribute to the de-industrialization of India, and how did this process affect the lives of Indian artisans and the broader economy? (Marks 15)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Analyze the ideological differences and similarities between the revolutionary movement (1920-1930s) and the Gandhian non-violent struggle. How did these two ideologies influence each other? (Marks 15)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"'Social mobility is essential for achieving true equality within society'. In this context highlight the barriers to intergenerational mobility in Indian society, and discuss the role of education on social mobility. (Marks 15)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Analyze the influence of globalization on migration patterns in India. What are the economic and social implications of increased internal and international migration? (Marks 15)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Discuss how gender-based violence in India is a manifestation of patriarchal values. To what extent has modernisation in law served as an instrument of women's empowerment in this regard? (Marks 15)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"In what ways do social media platforms perpetuate and challenge social inequalities and power structures? Provide a critical analysis. (Marks 15)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Give a comparative analysis of the tribal and mainstream societies. Is tribal society more progressive than mainstream society? Argue with examples (Marks 15)","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6433,"topper":"Ritika Chitlangia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/ritika-test-1-1747228262606.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"1. \"Parliament is a creature of the constitution, not its master\". Highlighting relevant case laws discuss how judicial intervention has shaped the balance between the Constitution and parliamentary sovereignty.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"2. How do the citizenship laws and policies of India and the United States differ within their constitutional frameworks? Comment on the ongoing debate on citizenship laws and policies in India and the US.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":8,"question":"3. \"The right to internet access is integral to the realization and exercise of other fundamental rights in India.\" In this context examine how the recognition of internet access as a fundamental right in India reconciles with the state's authority to impose restrictions.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"4. How did the 44th Constitutional Amendment impact the emergency provisions in the Indian Constitution?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":12,"question":"5. What are the powers and immunities of the Governor in relation to bills passed by the state legislature? Are these powers unlimited in nature? Discuss in light of relevant judgements.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":14,"question":"6. Do you think that lateral entry can significantly enhance the effectiveness of the Indian bureaucracy?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"7. The demand for a caste census and the sub-categorization of castes reflects the failure of neoliberalism to address India's caste problem. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"8. Despite significant advancements, women remain underrepresented in STEM fields. What are the barriers to women's participation in STEM, and what policy interventions can address these challenges to promote gender equity?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"9. 'The expansion of BRICS signals a shift towards a more multipolar world order.' Discuss how this expanded grouping presents India with opportunities to enhance its global leadership while introducing certain challenges.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":22,"question":"10. Strategically located ports are vital assets in regional and economic integration. In this context discuss the significance of ports like Chabahar and Sittwe in India's strategy to enhance connectivity and their contribution to India's geopolitical objectives.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"11. How does mediation differ from arbitration? In light of the recent enactment of the Mediation Act, of 2023, assess its potential to address the backlog of litigations in Indian courts and foster a culture of voluntary mediation, especially among private players and public-sector undertakings.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"12. The federal character of a nation comprising elective bodies at different levels is best secured through a bicameral legislature. In this context, discuss how a bicameral legislature supports federalism in India. What additional measures can be taken to strengthen the federal structure and ensure effective representation of states in national governance?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"13. An Independent Parliamentary Secretariat is the backbone of a robust democracy, ensuring non-partisan support to Parliament in carrying out its core functions. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"14. Given the significant role of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in local governance, assess the challenges and opportunities in strengthening their financial autonomy. How can reforms in PRI financing contribute to more effective grassroots governance in India?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":36,"question":"15. Despite the absence of a constitutional mandate, the National Commission for Women (NCW) has had a significant impact in influencing legal reforms and securing gender justice in India. Do you agree?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"16. In post-liberalized India, independent regulators were established to ensure fair competition and transparency. To what extent have independent regulators been effective in their mandates and discuss the impact of government influence on their autonomy.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"17. How does the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023 aim to reshape the patriarchal dynamics of Indian politics? Do you think it might encounter similar limitations as those seen in local self-government institutions?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":45,"question":"18. Hunger is both a cause and a consequence of poverty, and addressing it requires a multidimensional approach. Analyze the effectiveness of a multidimensional approach with examples from key government initiatives.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":48,"question":"19. The African Union's inclusion in the G-20 marks a significant step towards strengthening South-South cooperation. Discuss the importance of this development for India and its implications for India's relations with Africa.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"20 What are the key challenges associated with the IMF and World Bank in addressing the needs of developing countries? Also, assess the need for reforms in Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) to address the evolving global challenges.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"}]},{"id":6434,"topper":"Ritika Chitlangia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/ritika-test-10-1747228522461.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"1. (a) Do you think it is ethically justified for political leaders to violate the deepest constraints of morality in order to achieve great goods or avoid disasters for their communities? Justify your position with suitable examples","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"1. (b) There is growing evidence that when it comes to moral judgment, human beings appear to be best characterised not as intuitive Deontologists or Consequentialists but as intuitive virtue theorists. Critically analyse the statement.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. (a) While formal codes of conduct can sometimes be a useful guide, developing those traits of character that are particularly suited to the administrator's role is at the core of professional ethics. Identify five ethical attributes suitable for an administrator and explain how they can be developed.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"2 (b) What do you understand by political responsibility, professional responsibility and personal responsibility? In situations of conflict among the three, what responsibility must the public servant prioritise and why? Illustrate with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"3. (a) In the context of civil service, what do you understand by 'acts of conscience'? Illustrate with an example. In your opinion, what can be the basis of acts of conscience? Explain.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"3. (b) Critically examine the role of educational institutions in shaping ethical decision-making skills in future civil servants. How effective are current educational paradigms in instilling ethical behaviour among the youth?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"4. (a) Examine the ethical challenges administrators face while employing persuasion and social influence techniques to promote social and health interventions in rural India. Illustrate with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"4. (b) Critically examine the impact of the Right to Information (RTI) on enhancing ethical accountability in public administration. How effective has RTI been in preventing bureaucratic corruption and improving service delivery?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"5. (a) Discuss the ethical implications of maintaining high-quality service delivery in public administration. How does probity in governance influence the efficiency and responsiveness of public services, particularly in addressing the needs of marginalised communities?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"5. (b) Critically assess the role of regulatory frameworks in enforcing ethical standards in corporate governance. How can these frameworks be designed to encourage ethical behaviour without stifling innovation?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":24,"question":"6. Discuss what the following quotes mean to you.\n(a) \"It is not because men's desires are strong that they act ill; it is because their consciences are weak.\" J S Mill","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":26,"question":"6. (b) \"A just society is that society in which an ascending sense of reverence and descending sense of contempt is dissolved into the creation of a compassionate society.\" B R Ambedkar","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":28,"question":"6. (c) \"It is unwise to be too sure of one's own wisdom. It is healthy to be reminded that the strongest might weaken and the wisest might err.\" Mahatma Gandhi. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"7 (a) दुर्घटना मामले में कौन से मुद्दे शामिल हैं?\n(b) आपके और सी.एम.डी. के लिए कौन से विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\n(c) संयंत्र के स्थानांतरण के कारण होने वाले संभावित आर्थिक व्यवस्थाओं के विरुद्ध आपको किस प्रकार सार्वजनिक स्वास्थ्य चिंताओं को प्राथमिकता देनी चाहिए? इस निर्णय को किन नैतिक सिद्धांतों द्वारा निर्देशित किया जाना चाहिए? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए) 20 अंक\na) दुर्घटना मामले में कौन से मुद्दे शामिल हैं?\nb) आपके और सी.एम.डी. के लिए कौन से विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nc) संयंत्र के स्थानांतरण के कारण होने वाले संभावित आर्थिक व्यवस्थाओं के विरुद्ध आपको किस प्रकार सार्वजनिक स्वास्थ्य चिंताओं को प्राथमिकता देनी चाहिए? इस निर्णय को किन नैतिक सिद्धांतों द्वारा निर्देशित किया जाना चाहिए?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों"},{"page":31,"question":"(a) What are the issues involved in the above case?\n(b) What are the options available to you and the CMD?\n(c) How should you prioritise public health concerns against the potential economic disruptions caused by the relocation of the plant? What ethical principles should guide this decision?\na) What are the issues involved in the above case?\nb) What are the options available to you and the CMD?\nc) How should you prioritise public health concerns against the potential economic disruptions caused by the relocation of the plant? What ethical principles should guide this decision?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":36,"question":"8 As an Executive Assistant to the Director of Purchase in a governmental department, you play a critical role in managing and overseeing the procurement process. Recently, the department issued a public works tender; as the bids begin to come in, you are confronted with an issue that tests your professional responsibilities and moral judgment.\n\nTwo days before the scheduled opening of the bids, you receive alarming information from a reliable source alleging bid rigging. Bid rigging is a serious offence involving collusion among potential contractors to manipulate the bidding process, often resulting in higher costs and reduced quality of work. This undermines the procurement process's integrity and results in significant financial losses to the public.\n(a) इस मामले में नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\n(b) बोली-धांधली के बारे में जानकारी छिपाने के निदेशक के अनुरोध का अनुपालन करने के संभावित नैतिक और व्यावसायिक परिणाम क्या हैं? वर्णन कीजिए।\n(c) जांच समिति से जानकारी छिपाने के निदेशक के अनुरोध के आलोक में, आपका अपने वरिष्ठ के प्रति अपनी वफादारी के साथ अनैतिक प्रथाओं की रिपोर्ट करने के अपने कर्तव्य को कैसे संतुलित करना चाहिए? इस स्थिति में आपको किन नैतिक सिद्धांतों के आधार पर निर्णय लेना चाहिए? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए) 20 अंक","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"(a) What are the ethical issues involved in the case?\n(b) What are the potential ethical and professional consequences of complying with the Director's request to conceal the information about the bid-rigging? Explain\n(c) In light of the Director's request to withhold information from the enquiry committee, how should you balance your duty to report unethical practices with your loyalty to your superior? What ethical principles should guide your decision in this situation?\na) What are the ethical issues involved in the case?\nb) What are the potential ethical and professional consequences of complying with the Director's request to conceal the information about the bid-rigging? Explain\nc) In light of the Director's request to withhold information from the enquiry committee, how should you balance your duty to report unethical practices with your loyalty to your superior? What ethical principles should guide your decision in this situation?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":42,"question":"9. As an Audit Officer, your primary duty is to ensure that public funds are utilized according to the budgetary allocations and legal mandates set by governing bodies. This role demands a high level of integrity, strict adherence to rules, and a commitment to transparent financial management. During a routine audit of a district's expenditures, you encounter a significant irregularity that challenges your ethical principles and professional responsibilities.\n\nWhile reviewing the district's spending, you discover that the District Magistrate (DM) has diverted funds allocated for road construction and improving village connectivity to construct a new school. The funds were explicitly earmarked for infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing transportation in rural areas. Redirecting these funds to a different project, even one as important as a school, constitutes a violation of the approved budgetary allocations and could be seen as a misallocation of resources.\n\nThe DM acknowledges the diversion of funds but justifies the decision by emphasizing the critical need for educational infrastructure in the district. He explains that the area is severely lacking in schools, with overcrowded classrooms and a growing population of school-age children. According to the DM, while road connectivity is important, the immediate need for a new school was more pressing, and the long-term benefits of investing in education far outweigh the temporary setback in road infrastructure.\n(a) What are the issues involved in the given case?\n(b) How should the Audit Officer balance the need for strict adherence to budgetary allocations with the District Magistrate's approach that prioritizes the community's best interest in constructing the school? Should the officer prioritize legal and procedural integrity over the public benefits?\n(c) What are the possible consequences of reporting the misallocation of funds? Should the Audit Officer consider the impact of such a report on the District Magistrate, the district, and future financial allocations?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"This situation places you in a difficult position. As an Audit Officer, you must decide whether to prioritise strict adherence to rules or to consider the broader context and the potential benefits of the DM's actions.\n(a) What are the issues involved in the above case?\n(b) How should the Audit Officer balance the need for strict adherence to budgetary allocations with the DM's argument that the school's construction was in the community's best interest? Should the officer prioritise legal and procedural correctness over perceived public benefits?\n(c) What are the potential consequences of reporting the misallocation of funds? Should the Audit Officer consider the impact of such a report on the DM, the district, and future funding allocations when making the decision?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":47,"question":"10 As the Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district with a sizable forested area, you face a complex situation that involves the delicate balance between conservation efforts and the rights of indigenous tribal communities. The district is home to a significant tribal population that has historically lived on the edges of the forest, relying on agriculture, goat rearing, and collecting forest produce for their livelihood. However, as the tribal population has grown, so too has their encroachment into the forest, leading to an increase in human-animal conflicts and the illegal killing of protected wildlife. The District Forest Officer (DFO), tasked with protecting the forest and its wildlife, has responded by fencing off forest zones and removing tribal inhabitants from encroached lands. This action has led to rising tensions and law-and-order issues in the district, placing you in a challenging position as the district's senior law enforcement officer.\n(a) Should the Superintendent of Police prioritize immediate law enforcement to restore order or focus on long-term conflict resolution addressing the root causes of unrest? How can the SP ensure that both short-term and long-term objectives are met?\n(b) What are the ethical dilemmas and challenges faced by the Superintendent of Police in this situation?\n(c) Considering the tense and unstable situation, what actions should the Superintendent of Police take? Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"(a) Should the SP prioritise immediate law enforcement to restore order or focus on long-term conflict resolution that addresses the root causes of the unrest? How can the SP ensure that both short-term and long-term goals are met?\n(b) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas that confront the SP?\n(c) Given the tense and volatile situation, what must the SP's course of action be? Discuss","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":52,"question":"11 You are a senior civil servant working as the Chief Development Officer (CDO) in a district where a major rural development initiative is underway. The project, aimed at improving infrastructure and providing essential services to marginalised communities, is a high-priority program for state and central governments. Your role involves overseeing the project's implementation, ensuring efficient use of public resources, and maintaining adherence to legal and procedural standards.\n\nAs the project progresses, two senior authorities issue two conflicting directives, placing you in a tough situation.\n\nThe Chief Secretary of the state government, who is your immediate superior, issues a directive instructing you to expedite the project to ensure its completion before the upcoming elections. The directive urges you to take all necessary measures to meet the deadline, including bypassing standard procurement procedures if needed. The underlying message is clear: the project's success is critical, and delays are unacceptable.\n\nSimultaneously, you receive a directive from the Central Government's Anti-Corruption Unit, which has been alerted to potential irregularities in the project's procurement process. This directive instructs you to halt the project and thoroughly audit all contracts awarded for procedural correctness. The directive emphasises the importance of maintaining transparency and accountability in public spending and warns against any shortcuts that could compromise the project's integrity.\n(a) In the given situation, what are the ethical issues and dilemmas involved?\n(b) What options are available to the CDO? What should be the course of action?\n(c) How should a civil servant prioritize conflicting directives from senior officers? What ethical principles should guide the decision-making process?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"As the CDO, you are now caught between two conflicting directives, each with its own ethical and professional implications.\n(a) What ethical issues and dilemmas are involved in the above case?\n(b) What are the options available to the CDO? What must be the CDO's chosen course of action?\n(c) How should a civil servant prioritise between conflicting directives from different senior authorities? What ethical principles should guide this decision-making process?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":57,"question":"12 (a) उपयुक्त मामले में व्यावसायिक नैतिकता के मुद्दे क्या हैं?\n(b) नियामक निकायों को अपने अधिकारियों के बीच हितों के टकराव को रोकने के लिए क्या कदम उठाने चाहिए? निर्णय लेने के बाद हितों के टकराव का पता चलने पर उसका प्रबंधन किस प्रकार किया जाना चाहिए?\n(c) ऐसी स्थितियों में जहाँ लाभप्रदता और नैतिक उत्तरदायित्व में टकराव दिखाई देता हो वहाँ कंपनियों को इन चुनौतियों से किस प्रकार निपटना चाहिए? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए) 20 अंक\na) उपयुक्त मामले में व्यावसायिक नैतिकता के मुद्दे क्या हैं?\nb) नियामक निकायों को अपने अधिकारियों के बीच हितों के टकराव को रोकने के लिए क्या कदम उठाने चाहिए? निर्णय लेने के बाद हितों के टकराव का पता चलने पर उसका प्रबंधन किस प्रकार किया जाना चाहिए?\nc) ऐसी स्थितियों में जहाँ लाभप्रदता और नैतिक उत्तरदायित्व में टकराव दिखाई देता हो वहाँ कंपनियों को इन चुनौतियों से किस प्रकार निपटना चाहिए?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":58,"question":"(a) What are the business ethics issues present in the above case?\n(b) What steps should regulatory bodies take to prevent conflicts of interest among their officials? How should conflicts of interest be managed when they are discovered after a decision has been made?\n(c) In situations where profitability and ethical responsibility appear to conflict, how should companies navigate these challenges?\na) What are the business ethics issues present in the above case?\nb) What steps should regulatory bodies take to prevent conflicts of interest among their officials? How should conflicts of interest be managed when they are discovered after a decision has been made?\nc) In situations where profitability and ethical responsibility appear to conflict, how should companies navigate these challenges?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"}]},{"id":6435,"topper":"Ritika Chitlangia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/ritika-test-2-1747228295989.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Q.1 Examine the role of numismatic evidence in understanding the political and economic history of ancient India. Provide specific examples.","marks":"Marks 10","words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Q.2 Highlighting the elements of urbanization discuss how agriculture played a pivotal role in the enduring success and longevity of the Harrapan Civilization.","marks":"Marks 10","words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Role Agriculture in success of Harappan civilisation","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"Q.3 The Quit India Movement marked the awakening of the nation's soul and brought diverse sections together in a unified vision of Independence. Discuss","marks":"Marks 10","words":null},{"page":10,"question":"Q.4 \"The dual struggle against entrenched social customs and colonial dominance was a prominent feature of socio-religious reform movements in 19th century India.\" How did the socio-religious reform movements of 19th century India respond to colonial cultural and ideological hegemony?","marks":"Marks 10","words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Q.5 Do you think the Uniform Civil Code contradicts the idea of religious pluralism and cultural differences in Indian society?","marks":"Marks 10","words":null},{"page":14,"question":"Q.6 Discuss the concept of healthy active ageing in the context of demographic shifts in India. How does it contribute to social inclusion?","marks":"Marks 10","words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Q.7 How is the transition from 'conscious consumption' to 'compulsive consumption' impacting family structure and dynamics in urban areas?","marks":"Marks 10","words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Q.8 What is gender fluid identity, and what are the LGBTQ community's ongoing challenges to full societal inclusion and equal treatment?","marks":"Marks 10","words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Q.9 How does the interplay between regional and national identities fuel the emergence of regionalistic sentiments? How can we balance regional identities with broader national identity?","marks":"Marks 10","words":null},{"page":22,"question":"Q.10 How do various cultural practices and traditions contribute to the idea of \"Unity in Diversity\"? Provide examples to support your argument.","marks":"Marks 10","words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Q.11 Discuss with examples the key features of Vijayanagara architecture. How did Indo-Islamic elements manifest in their structures?","marks":"Marks 15","words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Q.12 Compare and contrast the features of ancient Indian universities like Nalanda and Takshashila with modern state-funded universities in India. What lessons can modern universities learn from ancient ones to improve their effectiveness?","marks":"Marks 15","words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Q.13 How did the British policies contribute to the de-industrialization of India, and how did this process affect the lives of Indian artisans and the broader economy?","marks":"Marks 15","words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Q.14 Analyze the ideological differences and similarities between the revolutionary movement (1920-1930s) and the Gandhian non-violent struggle. How did these two ideologies influence each other?","marks":"Marks 15","words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Q.15 'Social mobility is essential for achieving true equality within society'. In this context highlight the barriers to intergenerational mobility in Indian society, and discuss the role of education on social mobility.","marks":"Marks 15","words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Q.16 Analyze the influence of globalization on migration patterns in India. What are the economic and social implications of increased internal and international migration?","marks":"Marks 15","words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Q.17 Discuss how gender-based violence in India is a manifestation of patriarchal values. To what extent has modernisation in law served as an instrument of women's empowerment in this regard?","marks":"Marks 15","words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Q.18 In what ways do social media platforms perpetuate and challenge social inequalities and power structures? Provide a critical analysis.","marks":"Marks 15","words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Q.19 Give a comparative analysis of the tribal and mainstream societies. Is tribal society more progressive than mainstream society? Argue with examples","marks":"Marks 15","words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Q.20 In what ways does poverty intersect with other social problems like caste, social stratification, and gender inequality? What comprehensive strategies do you suggest to address these interrelated issues?","marks":"Marks 15","words":null}]},{"id":6436,"topper":"Ritika Chitlangia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/ritika-test-25-1747226575083.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. Discuss the safeguards available to civil servants against the 'Doctrine of Pleasure' under Article 310 of the Indian constitution.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. Discuss the role of the National Commission for Backward Classes in the wake of its transformation from a statutory body to a constitutional body.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. \"The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has a very vital role to play.\" Explain how this is reflected in the method and terms of his appointment as well as the range of powers he can exercise.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. Recognizing the pivotal role of urbanization as a driver of national economic growth, the Fifteenth Finance Commission has suggested major reforms for Urban Local Bodies. Evaluate the recommendations put forward by the Fifteenth Finance Commission in promoting and revitalizing ULBs in India.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. Cooperative federalism finds its true expression in the mandate and function of the GST council'. Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. \"The Attorney-General is the chief legal adviser and lawyer of the Government of India.\" Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":19,"question":"7. The key to effective decentralization is, 'political decentralization should follow finance and functional decentralization'. Discuss in the context of impediments faced by local governance in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":22,"question":"8. What are the powers and functions of the National Commission for Scheduled Caste (NCSC)? Discuss the performance of NCSC in protecting and promoting the rights of Scheduled Caste.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"9. Highlighting the concerns related to the Terms of Reference (TOR) of the Fifteenth Finance Commission discuss how the commission has balanced conflicting interests.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"10. \"Interstate border disputes, if not promptly and impartially settled, can transform into persistent issues that impede development and generate friction\". Highlighting the constitutional and legal framework to resolve interstate disputes, explain why Independent India has failed to resolve inter-state border disputes.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"}]},{"id":6437,"topper":"Ritika Chitlangia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/ritika-test-26-1747226589083.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Q.1 There is a need to resolve the ambiguity in the disqualification provisions under section 8 of the Representation of People Act 1951. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Q.2 Highlight the key differences in the scope of Freedom of speech and expression as provided under Parliamentary privileges vis a vis Fundamental rights. Why is it necessary to maintain a balance between parliamentary privilege and fundamental rights?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Q.3 \"Electoral bonds are a double-edged sword, providing anonymity to donors while raising concerns about transparency in political funding.\" To what extent have electoral bonds further legitimized opacity in electoral funding?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Q.4 The Indian constitution has not only served as a political blueprint but also provides a social framework. In this context discuss the changing contours of socialism in the last 75 years of the constitution.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Q.5 Discuss the key function of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). What steps should be taken to revamp the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in order to enhance its effectiveness as a true guardian of public funds?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":16,"question":"Q.6 \"The Indian party system is passing through a phase of transition which looks to be full of contradictions and paradoxes.\" Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Q.7 The lack of effective functioning in local bodies partly results from their incapability to generate independent financial resources. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Q.8 \"The harmonious coexistence of Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles lays the foundation for a just and equitable society, where individual liberties and collective welfare complement each other.\" - Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. Discuss the harmonious relationship between Fundamental Rights & Directive Principles in light of Supreme Court judgments.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Q.9 \"In the spirit of unity and efficiency, One Nation, One Election stands as a powerful step towards streamlining our democratic process.\" Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Q.10 Under what circumstances can the Governor use his discretionary powers under Article 200 of the constitution? Discuss its impact on the role and authority of the Governor in the federal setup.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.11 The office of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has faced criticism and challenges, primarily due to concerns about its autonomy, transparency, and susceptibility to external influences. Discuss and suggest reforms to uphold its credibility and effectiveness.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.12 How has the Anti-Defection Law impacted the relationship between political parties and individual legislators in India? In light of recent examples also discuss the unintended consequences it has on the functioning of democracy in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.13 'S.R. Bommai v. Union of India signified a paradigm shift in the judicial interpretation of the union's authority to assume control of a state's administration.' In this context discuss the significance and impact of the judgement on cementing the federal structure.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.14 The doctrine of Parliamentary sovereignty and judicial supremacy has exerted considerable influence in shaping the constitutional frameworks of India and the USA. Citing relevant case laws discuss the role of the judiciary in influencing the constitutions in these countries. Is the scope of judicial review wider in India?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.15 'Delimitation of seats is essential to ensure fair representation and uphold the principles of one vote, one value'. Highlighting the challenges posed by misrepresentation in constituencies analyze the ramifications of population based delimitation in creating federal tension.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.16 Rajya Sabha has been transformed from a 'useless stepney tyre' to the most useful supporting organ in the past few decades. Highlight the factors as well as the areas in which this transformation could be visible.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.17 Though the Human Rights Commissions have contributed immensely to the protection of human rights in India, yet they have failed to assert themselves against the mighty and powerful. Analyzing their structural and practical limitations, suggest remedial measures.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.18 Discuss the role of the Supreme Court of India in strengthening the hands of the Election Commission in the discharge of its constitutional responsibility of conducting free and fair elections in the country.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.19 Discuss the crucial role played by the National Commission of Women in shaping the discourse on gender-sensitive laws in India. To what extent the elevation of the National Commission for Women to a constitutional body would reinforce its authority?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":53,"question":"Q.20 Discuss the role of the Election Commission of India in light of the evolution of the Model Code of Conduct.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6438,"topper":"Ritika Chitlangia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/ritika-test-4-1747228326193.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Q.1 How do partnerships between Civil Society Organizations and Government entities contribute to India's development goals?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Q.2 Discuss the importance of cultivating a culture of life-long learning among Indian civil servants. How has Mission Karmyogi contributed to this objective? Illustrate with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Q.3 E-governance is not just about efficiency; it's about making governance accessible and inclusive for every citizen. Explain.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Q.4 Given India's strides in reducing extreme poverty, should the country consider redefining its poverty line to better reflect the current socio-economic realities? Discuss the potential benefits and challenges associated with redefinition of the poverty line.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Q.5 Assess the implications of the 103rd Constitutional Amendment, which introduced a ten per cent reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), on the principle of social justice in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Q.6 The focus of welfare schemes in India is shifting from \"well-being\" towards \"over-dependency\". In light of this, do you agree that welfare schemes have inculcated a \"freebies culture\" in India leading to a divergence of focus from poverty and hunger alleviation?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Q.7 Evaluate the impact of the deepening political divisions within the major Western States on global governance and international cooperation. How should India navigate these divisions to advance its national interests on the global stage?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Q.8 How does India's Arctic Policy align with its broader foreign policy objectives? Broadly discuss the collaborations and agreements India is involved in with the Arctic Council.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Q.9 With the advent of new regional and multilateral agreements like QUAD, AUKUS, I2U2 etc the old world order represented by organizations like NAM, Davos, and G77 is losing its relevance. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Q.10 The island states and territories from the South Pacific to the African coast have become new nodes in India's changing strategic geography. In this context, highlight the importance of these island states for India and also throw light upon the initiatives taken by India to strengthen ties with these states.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Q.11 Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals requires consideration of regional context and local situations. In light of this statement examine the role of Panchayats as catalysts for grassroot development and advancing sustainable development.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Q.12 India's higher education system needs significant reforms to align with global standards. How does the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 aim to address these challenges, and what lessons can India learn from international practices to enhance its higher education system? Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Q.13 The Right to Information (RTI) Act is hailed for its transformative impact on the quest for transparency and accountability in Indian governance. However, multifaceted challenges and systemic limitations impede its effective implementation. Discuss. Also, suggest measures for its effective implementation.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Q.14 The persistent health equity challenges in India pose a critical barrier to achieving Universal Health Coverage. In this context discuss the role of the public and private sectors in ensuring adequate health access and outcomes across rural and urban areas.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Q.15 What are the implications of the POCSO Act on the rights and welfare of children in India? Analyze the role of the POCSO Act in transforming India's legal framework for child protection.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Q.16 Discuss the unique challenges and opportunities Self Help Groups (SHGs) encounter in urban areas compared to rural ones, and how can microfinance be adapted to tackle urban poverty.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Q.17 Examine the influence of human rights issues and democratic values on the diplomatic relationship between the U.S. and India. How have these concerns affected bilateral engagements and what can be done to mitigate tensions arising from these issues?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Q.18 Examine the geopolitical challenges India faces in South Asia despite its global rise. How can India navigate these challenges to strengthen its regional leadership?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Q.19 Highlight the significance of the recently envisaged India-Middle East-Europe corridor for India's connectivity with the world, especially the West. Do you think, in recent times, transport and energy initiatives have taken precedence in India's foreign policy?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Q.20 Despite the recent rise in politically contentious issues, the India-Canada bilateral relationship has remained committed to shared values of democracy, pluralism, expanding economic engagement and long-standing people-to-people ties. Highlighting the significant pillars of the India-Canada relationship, discuss the potential areas of cooperation and collaboration between India and Canada.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6439,"topper":"Ritika Chitlangia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/ritika-test-5-1747228349207.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Q.1 Highlighting the factors contributing to a high fiscal deficit in India, discuss the potential consequences of such deficit and suggest measures to ensure fiscal consolidation.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Q.2 India's aspiration to be a developed nation by 2047 hinges on significant capital investment. In light of this, discuss the potential of capital investment in achieving this vision. What are the challenges India faces in this regard?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Q.3 Comment on the important changes with respect to the Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG) and Securities Transaction Tax (STT) in the Union Budget 2024-25. Evaluate the impact of such changes on India's savings and investment regime.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Q.4 India's welfare scheme has undergone a shift from an input-based approach to outcome-based empowerment with the maxim of \"no person left behind\". In light of the above statement, discuss how this change in the approach of the government has fostered inclusive growth.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Q.5 \"With growing urbanization, peri-urban agriculture is emerging as a significant contributor to fresh farm produce needs\". In this context, discuss the opportunities and challenges associated with promoting peri-urban agriculture in a sustainable manner.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Q6 What are the major challenges faced by India's agriculture sector to achieve self-sufficiency in pulses and vegetable oils? Suggest measures to address these challenges.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Q.7 The rainfed nature of India's agriculture makes it more susceptible to climate change. Highlight the importance of quality irrigation in the climate-adaptability of agriculture. What measures can be undertaken to improve the overall efficiency of the available irrigation practices in India?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Q.8 Considering the importance of livestock in Indian agriculture, analyze how investment in animal husbandry can help in incentivizing Indian agriculture.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Q.9 Examine the key features of the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) 2023. Analyze its potential for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Q.10 The Public Accounts Committee has recently flagged concerns about the rising menace of plastic pollution. In this context, highlight the recent initiatives taken by the Government to curb plastic pollution.","marks":"10","words":"10"},{"page":24,"question":"Q.11 India's economic growth story is often overshadowed by the persistent challenges of unemployment. Analyze the concept of structural unemployment and discuss its relevance in the context of India's current economic situation. Suggest policy measures to promote inclusive job growth.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Q.12 Discuss the role of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in fostering regional growth in India. How can MSMEs contribute to achieving industrial diversification and technological advancement?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Q.13 While startups in India have achieved notable success in fostering entrepreneurship and innovation in the economy, there are certain structural issues challenging the sustainability of startups in India. Elucidate upon these challenges faced by startups and recommend practical solutions to the problems.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Q.14 Critically evaluate the effectiveness of public-private partnerships in the modernization of railway infrastructure in India. Considering safety as one of the major challenges for railways, what measures can be taken to improve the overall safety parameters of Indian Railways?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Q.15 Discuss the role of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) in the Public Distribution System (PDS) to ensure food security in India. Suggest necessary reforms in the functioning of FCI to enhance its efficiency and effectiveness.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Q.16 Discuss the role of nanotechnology in enhancing agricultural productivity and food security in India. Highlight recent developments and potential benefits and risks of the use of nanofertilizers and nano-pesticides.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Q.17 \"Farming becomes remunerative if the produce reaches our plates in time\". In this context, highlight the upstream and downstream issues faced by the agriculture marketing and transport sector in India. What initiatives can be undertaken to improve the overall efficiency of the sector?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Q.18 India's agriculture export-import policies are tilted more towards the consumers rather than the farmers. In light of the given statement, critically analyze the impact of import and export policies on farmers. What measures can be undertaken to shield farmers from import-export price shocks?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Q.19 Evaluate the role of protected areas in biodiversity conservation in India. How effective have national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves been in preserving India's biodiversity?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Q.20 What are the causes of high levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and ozone pollution in India? How effective are the various steps taken by the government to mitigate particulate matter and ozone pollution?","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6440,"topper":"Ritika Chitlangia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/ritika-test-7-1747228468707.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Q.1 How did the policy of non-alignment reflect the aspirations of India and other newly independent nations to maintain their sovereignty and resist colonial pressures?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Q.2 Analyze the impact of World War II in accelerating the process of decolonization in Asia and Africa.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Q.3 Discuss the various types of sedimentary rocks and their formation processes. What is the economic significance of sedimentary rocks?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Q.4 What are the characteristics of anticyclonic circulations, and how do they influence weather patterns over the Indian subcontinent?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Q.5 What is coral bleaching, and what are its main causes? Also, evaluate the role of marine protected areas (MPAs) in the conservation of coral reefs.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Q.6 Discuss the role of economic corridors in fostering regional economic integration and development. How do projects like the Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor (CBIC) align with India's broader economic growth strategies?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Q.7 Discuss the processes involved in volcanism. Highlight the major volcanic regions in the world and their associated tectonic settings.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Q.8 Earlier known as coarse cereals the government rebranded millets in 2018 as nutri-cereals. In this context discuss the ecological and nutritional significance of millets.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Q.9 Explain the geological features and ecological importance of the Eastern Ghats.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Q.10 What are the potential consequences of Arctic ice melt on biodiversity and ecosystems? How might these changes impact global ecological balance","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Q.11 Compare and contrast the factors that led to the French Revolution with the Russian Revolution of 1917. How did the nature and outcomes of these revolutions differ in terms of their impact on global political ideologies?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Q.12 Analyze the causes and consequences of the imposition of Emergency in India in 1975. How did this period impact the democratic framework and civil liberties in post-independent India?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Q.13 What are the factors that lead to the formation of local winds? Discuss their impact on the weather and climate in various regions, providing relevant examples.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Q.14 What are the primary drivers of freshwater scarcity in megacities like Bangalore and Hyderabad? Suggest comprehensive solutions that address both supply and demand aspects of urban water management.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Q.15 What is Blue Revolution? What are the significant hurdles in aquaculture development, and what comprehensive strategies can be implemented to address them?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Q.16 What are the key factors influencing the establishment of large-scale solar farms in India, and what are their environmental and social impacts? How can India balance the expansion of solar energy with the need to protect biodiversity and local ecosystems?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Q.17 What are the various types of glacial landforms formed in the Indian Himalayas? How do these features impact local ecosystems and human activities?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Q.18 Discuss the unique geographical features of the Indian Ocean and their impact on global oceanic circulation patterns. How do these features influence the climate of the Indian subcontinent?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Q.19 Urban heat islands (UHIs) have become a significant phenomenon in Indian cities, exacerbating the frequency and intensity of heat waves. Analyze the underlying factors contributing to this phenomenon and critically assess the existing mitigation strategies.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Q.20 Evaluate the primary factors contributing to regional disparities in the sugar industry between North India and Peninsular India. What measures can be undertaken to reduce the surplus sugar production?","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6441,"topper":"Ritika Chitlangia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/ritika-test-9-1747228508265.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"1. How do household savings contribute to the growth of the Indian economy? Do you think that the recent fall in household savings rate marks a rise in indebtedness and distress among Indian households?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"2. India's FDI sector is seeing a significant downward trend. What factors are causing apprehensions among the foreign investors to invest in India? Suggest some corrective measures that must be taken by the Government to reverse the falling trend.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"3. How do farm subsidies impact crop diversity, cropping patterns and agricultural sustainability in India?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"4. While discussing the principles of \"precision agriculture\" elaborate on the uses of \"Internet of Things\" in precision agriculture (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"5. What are Small Modular Nuclear Reactors (SMRs)? Why are SMRs considered a safer alternative to conventional Nuclear Power Plants?","marks":"10","words":"in 150"},{"page":14,"question":"6. What factors have contributed to the sudden rise in the incidences of zoonotic diseases across the globe? Highlight the recent examples of pandemics caused by zoonotic pathogens.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"7. Discuss the major challenges of crowd control in large socio-religious gatherings and congregations in India. In the light of NDMA's \"Suggestive Framework for Preparation of Crowd Management Plan for Events Venues of Mass Gathering\", suggest measures to prevent stampede incidents.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"8. 'The UN High Seas Treaty is comparable to the 2015 Paris Agreement's importance and significance.' In the context of this, discuss the importance of the UN High Seas Treaty for the conservation of marine biodiversity and fair and equitable resource-sharing.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"9. What are the new cyber threats posed by the illicit use of Generative AI? In the light of recently signed Bletchley Declaration, how can India beef up its cybersecurity structure against threats raised by AI?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":22,"question":"10. India's border security is under severe pressure due to the rising political crisis in neighbouring countries. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"11. \"A person without skill is not an asset but a liability on the nation's growth\". How infusion of relevant skills contribute to the demographic dividend of India? What recent initiatives have been undertaken by the Government to reduce the skill gap among young Indians?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":27,"question":"12. The Indian aviation sector has immense potential to become the primary mode of transportation in the country. What are the factors propelling growth in India's aviation sector? Highlight the challenges that the sector faces and suggest measures for improvement.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"13. Farmer Producers Organizations (FPOs) are engines of agri-innovation. In this context, discuss the role of FPOs in addressing the issue of fragmentation and lack of modernization in agriculture. Highlight the initiatives the Government took to promote the participation of FPOs in agriculture.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"14. Despite being one of the strongest growth engines of the Indian economy, there are certain upstream and downstream issues ailing the growth of food processing industries in India. Discuss. Suggest measures to strengthen the overall growth of food processing industries in India.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":36,"question":"15. How was India benefitted from the contributions of Dr M.S. Swaminathan and Dr C.R. Rao in the fields of agricultural science and statistics respectively?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":39,"question":"16. How is Artificial Intelligence (AI) challenging the overall intellectual property paradigm? How can AI be balanced with intellectual property to foster innovation and incentivize creations and inventions?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":42,"question":"17. Highlighting the significance of \"Western Ghats\" in preserving and conserving the biodiversity of India, discuss the threats faced by this fragile and ecologically sensitive Region. Elaborate on the measures taken by the Government of India to protect the Western Ghats ecosystem.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"18. Describe the major outcomes of the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the features of the Green Credit Initiative launched by India on the sidelines of COP-28?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":48,"question":"19. How shell companies has contributed to the menace of money laundering in India? Do you think recent amendments to the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2005 will help address the problem of the transactional nature of clients with such shell companies?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":51,"question":"20. Discuss how the crime-insurgency nexus has contributed to the rise in ethnic conflicts and insurgencies in North-East India. What institutional measures can be undertaken to address this challenge?","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6442,"topper":"Ritika Chitlangia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/ritika-test-3-1747228309656.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"The rule of law and judicial review are interdependent, as one cannot truly exist without the other. In this context can judicial review be considered the most important aspect among those that constitute the basic structure of the Constitution? (Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"How does the power and authority of Delhi's lieutenant governor compare to that of the governors of other states, particularly in terms of acting on the aid and advice of the council of ministers? (Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss the role of the judiciary in navigating the tension between the right to religion and constitutional morality in India in recent times. Refer to relevant case laws. (Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The principle of 'Separation of Powers' is a key feature of the American Constitution. In this context, compare how the Indian Constitution's functional separation of powers distinguishes itself from the US system. What are the advantages of a check and balance system over a rigid Separation of Powers? (Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution is more than a legal provision that empowers tribal regions with self-rule. How does the sixth schedule foster development while respecting their traditional governance systems and cultural practices? ( Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Federal governance is characterised by institutionalized arrangements for solving problems generated by pluralism based on consultation and mutual consent. How have Zonal Councils evolved from merely advisory bodies to proactive platforms for action? (Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Secularism under the Indian constitution is encapsulated in the broader concept of constitutional commitment to equality. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"'There is a need to shift the focus of Section 8 of the Representation of People Act, 1951 from the duration of the sentence to the gravity of the offence.' Comment on how the current classification under Section 8 leads to arbitrary categorisation of offences. Also, mention the remedies available to a person disqualified under this section. (Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What is the significance of the Leader of Opposition in the Indian parliamentary system? How does the role of the opposition contribute to the checks and balances in a democracy? (Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"The core ideals of the Preamble — sovereignty, socialism, secularism, and democracy — form the bedrock of India's constitutional framework.\" Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In what ways are the Terms of Reference for the Sixteenth Finance Commission different from the earlier Finance Commissions? Also, examine the factors that propel economic disparities across states, despite the Finance Commission devolution becoming increasingly progressive. (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Compare and contrast the powers and working of the Ethics Committee and the Privileges Committee in addressing cases of 'unethical' conduct and breach of privileges. How do these Committees complement each other in maintaining parliamentary discipline? (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"In the context of persistent legislative dysfunction in India, analyse the evolving role of judicial activism in shaping public policy and governance. Using examples from landmark court cases, evaluate the effectiveness of judicial interventions in addressing governance gaps and safeguarding citizens' rights. (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"To what extent does the level of internal democracy within political parties impact the functioning and legitimacy of the Indian party system? What reforms can address the challenges of inadequate intraparty democracy in India? (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"\"The NHRC must not only be a watchdog but also a beacon of hope for the marginalised and oppressed.\" In this context discuss the role and mandate of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in India. How does the current composition and functioning of the NHRC affect its independence and effectiveness? (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Electoral funding in India is fraught with the double whammy of legal loopholes and political inefficiencies. In this context, discuss the challenges to electoral funding. What lessons can India draw from global best practices in this regard? (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Pressure groups form the social foundation of a democracy. In this context, discuss pressure groups' key contributions in promoting social security measures for workers in India, and how they address the gaps in existing policies. (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"The Constitution envisages the \"principle of federal supremacy\" in the executive space of Indian federal polity. Discuss while referring to the relevant Constitutional provisions and case laws. How are contentious issues regarding the distribution of powers resolved? (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Delimitation of seats is essential to ensure fair representation and uphold the principles of one vote, one value. Highlighting the challenges posed by misrepresentation in constituencies analyse the ramifications of population-based delimitation in creating federal tension. (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"To what extent can the PIL system be held responsible for shifting the focus of the higher Courts from \"constitutional matters\" to day-to-day matters? What role can the trial Courts play in reducing the overall burden on higher Courts? (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6443,"topper":"Ritika Chitlangia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/ritika-test-1-1747228262606.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"\"Parliament is a creature of the constitution, not its master\". Highlighting relevant case laws discuss how judicial intervention has shaped the balance between the Constitution and parliamentary sovereignty. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"How do the citizenship laws and policies of India and the United States differ within their constitutional frameworks? Comment on the ongoing debate on citizenship laws and policies in India and the US. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"\"The right to internet access is integral to the realization and exercise of other fundamental rights in India.\" In this context examine how the recognition of internet access as a fundamental right in India reconciles with the state's authority to impose restrictions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"How did the 44th Constitutional Amendment impact the emergency provisions in the Indian Constitution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What are the powers and immunities of the Governor in relation to bills passed by the state legislature? Are these powers unlimited in nature? Discuss in light of relevant judgements. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Do you think that lateral entry can significantly enhance the effectiveness of the Indian bureaucracy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The demand for a caste census and the sub-categorization of castes reflects the failure of neoliberalism to address India's caste problem. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Despite significant advancements, women remain underrepresented in STEM fields. What are the barriers to women's participation in STEM, and what policy interventions can address these challenges to promote gender equity? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"The expansion of BRICS signals a shift towards a more multipolar world order.\" Discuss how this expanded grouping presents India with opportunities to enhance its global leadership while introducing certain challenges. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Strategically located ports are vital assets in regional and economic integration. In this context discuss the significance of ports like Chabahar and Sittwe in India's strategy to enhance connectivity and their contribution to India's geopolitical objectives. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"How does mediation differ from arbitration? In light of the recent enactment of the Mediation Act, of 2023, assess its potential to address the backlog of litigations in Indian courts and foster a culture of voluntary mediation, especially among private players and public-sector undertakings. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"The federal character of a nation comprising elective bodies at different levels is best secured through a bicameral legislature. In this context, discuss how a bicameral legislature supports federalism in India. What additional measures can be taken to strengthen the federal structure and ensure effective representation of states in national governance? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"An Independent Parliamentary Secretariat is the backbone of a robust democracy, ensuring non-partisan support to Parliament in carrying out its core functions. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Given the significant role of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in local governance, assess the challenges and opportunities in strengthening their financial autonomy. How can reforms in PRT financing contribute to more effective grassroots governance in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Despite the absence of a constitutional mandate, the National Commission for Women(NCW) has had a significant impact in influencing legal reforms and securing gender justice in India. Do you agree?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"In post-liberalized India, independent regulators were established to ensure fair competition and transparency. To what extent have independent regulators been effective in their mandates and discuss the impact of government influence on their autonomy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"How does the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023 aim to reshape the patriarchal dynamics of Indian politics? Do you think it might encounter similar limitations as those seen in local self-government institutions? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Hunger is both a cause and a consequence of poverty, and addressing it requires a multidimensional approach. Analyze the effectiveness of a multidimensional approach with examples from key government initiatives. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"The African Union's inclusion in the G-20 marks a significant step towards strengthening South-South cooperation.' Discuss the importance of this development for India and its implications for India's relations with Africa. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"What are the key challenges associated with the IMF and World Bank in addressing the needs of developing countries? Also, assess the need for reforms in Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) to address the evolving global challenges. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6444,"topper":"Ritika Chitlangia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/ritika-test-17-1747226423981.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. The recent radical trends in Punjab show that the Khalistan issue is still simmering. Discuss the statement with respect to recent developments and suggest measures to handle it.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. The anonymity and ease of drone operation contribute to the challenges of India's border security. Elaborate and give suggestions to tackle the drone problem in border areas.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. The resource curse of Eastern and Central India has been a crucial driver of LWE. Elaborate and suggest measures for sustainable and inclusive development of the region.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 750"},{"page":12,"question":"4. In light of the declining trend of violence in the North East and J&K region do you think that AFSPA has lived its utility? Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. Ethnic conflicts and cross-border migration along India-Myanmar and India-Bangladesh borders impact India's internal security. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. The recent rise in ransomware attacks targeting critical infrastructure and major corporations has highlighted the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity measures and policies. Discussing the key factors contributing to this trend, analyze the impact of these attacks on various sectors.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":19,"question":"7. Analyse the multidimensional challenges posed by external state and non-state actors, to the internal security of India. Also, discuss measures required to be taken to combat these threats.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":22,"question":"8 The transformation of terrorism through the use of new and emerging technologies like metaverse and virtual assets is a matter of concern. How can we counter the Use of New and Emerging Technologies for Terrorist Purposes and Elucidate the importance of the \"Delhi declaration\" in this regard?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":25,"question":"9. India needs to update its Information Technology Act of 2000 to deal with emerging internal and external communication security and to make the cyber ecosystem more safe and secure. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"10. Naxalism is a social, economic and developmental issue manifesting as a violent internal security threat. In this context, discuss the emerging issues and suggest a multilayered strategy to tackle the menace of Naxalism.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6445,"topper":"Ritika Chitlangia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/ritika-test-18-1747226444610.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. \"Green hydrogen can be the silver bullet in our quest to tackle climate change and pollution\". Critically analyse the statement in light of India's National green hydrogen mission.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. What is the Global Methane Pledge? Do you think the Global Methane Pledge is a positive step towards mitigating methane emissions? Explain India's stance on this issue.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. Climate change mitigation and adaptation strategy is not only about reducing future emissions but also involves active removal of already released carbon into the atmosphere. In this context what do you understand by the concept of Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) and discuss the progress of the international community in this regard.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. How does the draft Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2020 differ from the existing EIA Notification, 2006?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. Explain the mechanism and occurrence of cloudburst in the context of the Indian subcontinent. Discuss two recent examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. What are the key lessons for disaster management and environmental conservation in the Himalayan region, in light of the recent disaster in Joshimath, Uttarakhand?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of disaster management in public health. Discuss the key strategies and challenges for managing pandemics and other infectious disease outbreaks.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. Poor building design, flagrant violations of building and fire safety norms and overcrowding of spaces are responsible for the rising risk of fires in urban areas. Discuss","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. How do the Puranas contribute to our understanding of ancient Indian culture and history?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. What were the factors leading to the deindustrialization of India under British colonial rule? Also, discuss the economic and social impact of the decline of India's indigenous industries during this period.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. Explain the purpose of the Mangrove Alliance for Climate launched at the COP27 UN Climate Change Conference in Egypt in November 2022. Elaborate on the importance of mangroves in maintaining the coastal ecology of tropical nations.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. Trace the evolution of the Loss and Damage fund. What are major developments related to loss and damage funds in COP 27? What are the commitments made by India in this conference?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":31,"question":"13. The recent amendments in the Wildlife Protection Act provide a framework to prevent illegal trade in wild animals and plants to ensure that their survival is not threatened. In this regard, mention the implications of illegal wildlife trade in India and analyse the effectiveness of the recent amendments to address the issue.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"14. Elaborate on the reasons behind the rise in human-wildlife conflicts in India. What measures can be undertaken to ensure the peaceful co-existence of humans and wildlife?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"15. The Formation of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure brings more robustness to the Disaster Management approach in India. Comment and justify the need for a new strategy to tackle Disasters in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"16. Disaster management is not just about responding to emergencies but also about building resilient communities. Discuss the key strategies that can be used to build community resilience and reduce the impact of disasters.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"17. Analyze the factors that contribute to the increased incidence and severity of floods in urban areas and the measures that can be taken to reduce the risk and enhance the resilience of the population.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":46,"question":"18. The system of judges appointing judges is a distinctive element of the Indian judicial system. How does the process of judicial appointment in India differ from that of the United Kingdom and the United States?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":49,"question":"19. Highlighting the reasons for the increasing criminalization of politics in India, discuss the need for reforms in various sections of the Representation of People Act, 1951.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"20. Analyse the factors influencing the spatial distribution of population in India, with emphasis on the regional differences in population density distribution. Also, suggest policy measures to tackle the challenges posed by uneven population distribution.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6446,"topper":"Ritika Chitlangia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/ritika-test-19-1747226461965.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. What do you understand by Windfall tax? Do you think that windfall taxes can effectively redistribute wealth and promote greater economic equality?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. Elaborate on the difference between Capital Account and Current Account as components of Balance of Payment (BOP). Suggest a few measures to balance the BOP deficit of India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. Discuss the perceived successes and challenges of implementing inflation targeting under the new Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) regime.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. The logistics sector is one of the important components of the growth of the manufacturing industry. Discuss. Also, mention various components of the recently announced National Logistics Policy 2022.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. Differentiate between the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and the Wholesale Price Index (WPI). Do you think that CPI is a better measure of inflation as compared to WPI? Substantiate.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. Jobless growth is an inherent feature of India's growth trajectory. What are the major reasons behind the high unemployment rate in India? Suggest remedial measures to improve the overall employment growth rate in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. Recently, the Government of India has started evaluating the prospects of developing salt-cavern-based strategic oil reserves to increase India's strategic oil capacity. Critically analyze the importance of strategic oil reserves in order to strengthen India's energy security and its capacity to mitigate supply disruptions in global markets.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. The aviation sector is infamously known as the graveyard of investments. What are the issues in the aviation sector? Suggest reforms to revitalize the aviation sector.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. What is Digital Public Infrastructure? What are the advantages of DPI development in India? What are the impediments to realizing the full potential of DPI in India? Substantiate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. Evaluate the potential of the PLI scheme in fostering innovation and enhancing competitiveness in the targeted sectors, and suggest measures to ensure the sustainability and scalability of the scheme.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. Electricity Amendment Bill, 2022 brings several advantages for consumers, DISCOMs as well as the environment. Elaborate. Also, list out its shortcomings and suggest some measures to overcome them.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) plays an important role in the regulation of the share market and safeguarding the interests of investors. In light of the given statement, highlight the challenges faced by the SEBI and suggest reforms in this regard.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. International trade is centred on the dominant currency paradigm (DCM). Critically Analyze the importance of Hard currency in International trade and Discuss the potential of rupee acceptance in global trade as an alternative to dollar imperialism.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. Demographic Dividend does not ensure growth; it only generates potential. Discuss the steps made by the government to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the demographic transition.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. Low tax buoyancy often translates into higher deficits and debt. Can a higher direct tax rate improve the overall tax-to-GDP ratio in India? What other steps can be undertaken to revamp the overall tax structure in India?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. Startups are the driving engines of the fast-changing modern economy. Why have Indian startups failed to realize their potential? What steps can be undertaken to improve the profitability and performance of startups in India?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. What are the inherent challenges that the Indian telecom sector has faced in the recent time? How far does the draft Indian Telecommunication Bill, 2022 address such issues? Suggest measures to revamp the telecom sector.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. Analyze the advantages and disadvantages of various PPP models, in terms of financing, risk allocation, and service delivery.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. The Indian EV industry is critically dependent on semiconductors for its sustainability. What are the challenges that the Indian semiconductor industry faces? Analyze and suggest measures to strengthen the supply chain of semiconductors in India.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. \"Investment in infrastructure is essential for more rapid and inclusive economic growth. Discuss in the light of India's experience.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"}]},{"id":6447,"topper":"Ritika Chitlangia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/ritika-test-20-1747226493378.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. Assess the potential of millet production in promoting sustainable agriculture and improving food security in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. What is India's stand on the New Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies under WTO? How is the Fisheries sector significant for India? Enumerate the steps taken by the Government to develop this sector.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. Analyze the systemic and institutional constraints that continue to hinder land reform efforts in India and propose pragmatic solutions to ensure equitable distribution of land.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. Bringing urea under the NBS Scheme is seen as the panacea for all the issues related to fertilizer subsidies in India as well as for the environmental problems of agriculture. Highlighting the issues related to urea management, suggest reforms are required to improve the usage of urea in a sustainable manner in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. India's food security faces challenges from not just domestic factors but also global factors. Comment. Discuss some ways to strengthen India's food security.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. Jal Jeevan Mission has the potential to end the regional disparity in the availability and accessibility of drinking water. Highlighting the significance of the mission, discuss the underlying impediments in achieving the desired objectives.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. Numerous foreign travellers have vividly documented their observations of the Vijayanagara Empire over time, offering valuable sources for reconstructing its history. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. Do you agree that Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's view of the caste problem was more political than social? Also, highlight his efforts aimed at social reform.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Why is the world today confronted with a crisis of availability of and access to freshwater resources?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. How are the fjords formed? Why do they constitute some of the most picturesque areas of the world?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Why fjords are picturesque?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"11. Despite being a major contributor to the Indian economy, the agriculture sector is plagued by several constraints that impede its growth and development. Examine the role of technology in overcoming these constraints.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. Evaluate the impact of irrigation on the environment and natural resources and suggest measures to ensure the sustainability and equity of irrigation practices in agriculture.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. 'Genome editing holds immense potential for crop improvement, but it also raises ethical and safety concerns'. How far do the new guidelines for the safety assessment of genome-edited plants in India, ensure the safety of genetically modified crops?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. Discuss the impact of direct and indirect farm subsidies on the agriculture sector in India. How have Minimum Support Prices (MSP) affected the agricultural economy?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. The import of edible oils forms a major part of India's import bill. In this context, evaluate the importance of the recently launched National Mission on Edible Oils and Oil Palm (NMEO-OP). What are the environmental concerns related to increasing palm oil production in India?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. A robust livestock economy can act as a parallel source of farmer's income. Highlighting the role of the livestock economy in the agriculture sector in India, discuss the challenges faced by the livestock sector in India. Suggest interventions that can strengthen the livestock sector to contribute to the overall well-being of the farmers.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. Most of the unemployment in India is structural in nature. Examine the methodology adopted to compute unemployment in the country and suggest improvements.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change(IPCC) has predicted a global sea level rise of about one metre by AD 2100. What would be its impact on India and the other countries in the Indian Ocean region?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"4 Issues of humanitarian aid and climate funding.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"19. Critically examine the procedures through which the Presidents of India and France are elected.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. While the national political parties in India favour centralisation, the regional parties are in favour of State autonomy. Comment.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"}]},{"id":6448,"topper":"Ritika Chitlangia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/ritika-test-23-1747226531493.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. Define the concept of the carrying capacity of an ecosystem as relevant to an environment. Explain how understanding this concept is vital while planning for the sustainable development of a region.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. Critically evaluate the role of ocean thermal energy in improving the overall energy security in India. Why has India failed to capture the potential of ocean thermal energy?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. What are the challenges that rising plastic waste poses to the terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems? Suggest measures to effectively combat the rising menace of plastic pollution globally.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. Invasive alien species are a threat to the ecological sustainability of native species which adversely impacts the biodiversity in India. In this regard, critically evaluate the recent amendments in the Wildlife Protection Act to regulate invasive alien species in India. Provide other measures that can be undertaken to contain the spread of invasive alien species.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. The menace of air pollution remains one of the major environmental concerns of North India. What factors can be responsible for the degrading air quality in North India? Suggest some measures to efficiently tackle this problem.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":16,"question":"6 The recently concluded water bodies census has brought the issue of depleting water bodies in India to the fore. In this context, elaborate on the ecological and environmental challenges faced by natural and artificial water bodies in India. Also, suggest measures to prevent depletion of the water bodies and improve the status of water bodies in India.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":19,"question":"7. MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes) Initiative was recently launched in the Union Budget 2023-24 in order to ensure sustainable growth of the mangroves in India. Elaborate on the features of the MISHTI programme while highlighting the importance and threats to mangroves in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":22,"question":"8. Discuss global warming and mention its effects on the global climate. Explain the control measures to bring down the level of greenhouse gases that cause global warming, in the light of the Kyoto Protocol, 1997.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":25,"question":"9. 'Clean energy is the order of the day.' Describe briefly India's changing policy towards climate change in various international fora in the context of geopolitics.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":28,"question":"10. Geoengineering proposes practical solutions to the problem of climate change. What is geoengineering and how can it help in fixing the issues of climate change? Substantiate with examples.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"}]},{"id":6449,"topper":"Ritika Chitlangia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/ritika-test-9-1747228508265.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"How do household savings contribute to the growth of the Indian economy? Do you think that the recent fall in household savings rate marks a rise in indebtedness and distress among Indian households? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"India's FDI sector is seeing a significant downward trend. What factors are causing apprehensions among the foreign investors to invest in India? Suggest some corrective measures that must be taken by the Government to reverse the falling trend. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"How do farm subsidies impact crop diversity, cropping patterns and agricultural sustainability in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"While discussing the principles of \"precision agriculture\", elaborate on the uses of \"Internet of Things\" in precision agriculture. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What are Small Modular Nuclear Reactors (SMRs)? Why are SMRs considered a safer alternative to conventional Nuclear Power Plants? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What factors have contributed to the sudden rise in the incidences of zoonotic diseases across the globe? Highlight the recent examples of pandemics caused by zoonotic pathogens. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss the major challenges of crowd control in large socio-religious gatherings and congregations in India. In the light of NDMA's \"Suggestive Framework for Preparation of Crowd Management Plan for Events Venues of Mass Gathering\", suggest measures to prevent stampede incidents. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"'The UN High Seas Treaty is comparable to the 2015 Paris Agreement's importance and significance'. In the context of this, discuss the importance of the UN High Seas Treaty for the conservation of marine biodiversity and fair and equitable resource-sharing. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What are the new cyber threats posed by the illicit use of Generative AI? In the light of recently signed Bletchley Declaration, how can India beef up its cybersecurity structure against threats raised by AI? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"India's border security is under severe pressure due to the rising political crisis in neighbouring countries. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"A person without skill is not an asset but a liability on the nation's growth\". How infusion of relevant skills contribute to the demographic dividend of India? What recent initiatives have been undertaken by the Government to reduce the skill gap among young Indians? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"The Indian aviation sector has immense potential to become the primary mode of transportation in the country. What are the factors propelling growth in India's aviation sector? Highlight the challenges that the sector faces and suggest measures for improvement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Farmer Producers' Organizations (FPOs) are engines of agri-innovation. In this context, discuss the role of FPOs in addressing the issue of fragmentation and lack of modernization in agriculture. Highlight the initiatives the Government took to promote the participation of FPOs in agriculture. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Despite being one of the strongest growth engines of the Indian economy, there are certain upstream and downstream issues ailing the growth of food processing industries in India. Discuss. Suggest measures to strengthen the overall growth of food processing industries in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"How was India benefitted from the contributions of Dr M.S. Swaminathan and Dr C.R. Rao in the fields of agricultural science and statistics respectively? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"How is Artificial Intelligence (AI) challenging the overall intellectual property paradigm? How can AI be balanced with intellectual property to foster innovation and incentivize creations and inventions? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Highlighting the significance of \"Western Ghats\" in preserving and conserving the biodiversity of India, discuss the threats faced by this fragile and ecologically sensitive Region. Elaborate on the measures taken by the Government of India to protect the Western Ghats ecosystem. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Describe the major outcomes of the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the features of the Green Credit Initiative launched by India on the sidelines of COP-28? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"How shell companies has contributed to the menace of money laundering in India? Do you think recent amendments to the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2005 will help address the problem of the transactional nature of clients with such shell companies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Discuss how the crime-insurgency nexus has contributed to the rise in ethnic conflicts and insurgencies in North-East India. What institutional measures can be undertaken to address this challenge? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6450,"topper":"Ritika Chitlangia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/ritika-test-5-1747228349207.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Highlighting the factors contributing to a high fiscal deficit in India, discuss the potential consequences of such deficit and suggest measures to ensure fiscal consolidation. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"India's aspiration to be a developed nation by 2047 hinges on significant capital investment. In light of this, discuss the potential of capital investment in achieving this vision. What are the challenges India faces in this regard? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Comment on the important changes with respect to the Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG) and Securities Transaction Tax (STT) in the Union Budget 2024-25. Evaluate the impact of such changes on India's savings and investment regime. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"India's welfare scheme has undergone a shift from an input-based approach to outcome-based empowerment with the maxim of \"no person left behind\". In light of the above statement, discuss how this change in the approach of the government has fostered inclusive growth. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"With growing urbanization, peri-urban agriculture is emerging as a significant contributor to fresh farm produce needs\". In this context, discuss the opportunities and challenges associated with promoting peri-urban agriculture in a sustainable manner. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What are the major challenges faced by India's agriculture sector to achieve self-sufficiency in pulses and vegetable oils? Suggest measures to address these challenges. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The rainfed nature of India's agriculture makes it more susceptible to climate change. Highlight the importance of quality irrigation in the climate-adaptability of agriculture. What measures can be undertaken to improve the overall efficiency of the available irrigation practices in India? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Considering the importance of livestock in Indian agriculture, analyze how investment in animal husbandry can help in incentivizing Indian agriculture. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Examine the key features of the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) 2023. Analyze its potential for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The Public Accounts Committee has recently flagged concerns about the rising menace of plastic pollution. In this context, highlight the recent initiatives taken by the Government to curb plastic pollution. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"India's economic growth story is often overshadowed by the persistent challenges of unemployment. Analyze the concept of structural unemployment and discuss its relevance in the context of India's current economic situation. Suggest policy measures to promote inclusive job growth. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Discuss the role of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in fostering regional growth in India. How can MSMEs contribute to achieving industrial diversification and technological advancement? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"While startups in India have achieved notable success in fostering entrepreneurship and innovation in the economy, there are certain structural issues challenging the sustainability of startups in India. Elucidate upon these challenges faced by startups and recommend practical solutions to the problems. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Critically evaluate the effectiveness of public-private partnerships in the modernization of railway infrastructure in India. Considering safety as one of the major challenges for railways, what measures can be taken to improve the overall safety parameters of Indian Railways? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Discuss the role of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) in the Public Distribution System (PDS) to ensure food security in India. Suggest necessary reforms in the functioning of FCI to enhance its efficiency and effectiveness. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Discuss the role of nanotechnology in enhancing agricultural productivity and food security in India. Highlight recent developments and potential benefits and risks of the use of nanofertilizers and nano-pesticides. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"\"Farming becomes remunerative if the produce reaches our plates in time\". In this context, highlight the upstream and downstream issues faced by the agriculture marketing and transport sector in India. What initiatives can be undertaken to improve the overall efficiency of the sector? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"India's agriculture export-import policies are tilted more towards the consumers rather than the farmers. In light of the given statement, critically analyze the impact of import and export policies on farmers. What measures can be undertaken to shield farmers from import-export price shocks? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Evaluate the role of protected areas in biodiversity conservation in India. How effective have national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves been in preserving India's biodiversity? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"What are the causes of high levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and ozone pollution in India? How effective are the various steps taken by the government to mitigate particulate matter and ozone pollution? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6451,"topper":"Ritika Chitlangia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/ritika-test-11-1747228535045.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"1. (a) Explain the relationship between Public Service Values and Public Administration Ethics. Do you think public service values are only eloquent statements for glorifying the Department's mission, or do they have any utility for public servants? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"1. (b) How does the conscientious public servant sort through competing considerations and determine \"the right thing to do?\" When it comes to serving the public, how does one put one's values into practice? Illustrate with examples.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. (a) What do you understand by good governance in public administration and corporations? How do they differ? Identify and explain three principles that can act as a foundation for good governance in a corporate setting.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"2 (b) One hallmark of good governance is government departments' adherence to strict ethical standards when procuring goods and services for public programmes. Identify and explain the ethical principles that must be respected to maintain the integrity of the procurement process.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"3. (a) How should public servants ethically balance stakeholder interests, official obligations, and regime values when making administrative decisions, and which of these should be given the most moral weight?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"3. (b) Recent researchers have argued that the government's health and social-based interventions are significantly less effective without the emotional skills of self-awareness and empathy. Do you agree? Justify your answer with relevant examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"4. (a) Discuss with relevant examples how civil servants' political and moral attitudes impact their work ethics and daily administrative decision-making.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"4. (b) \"The motive has nothing to do with the morality of the action.\" In light of the above statement, do you think motive is irrelevant in determining the morality of an action? Explain your position with relevant examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"5. (a) Explain the contemporary relevance of Jain Tirthankaras' vow-based moral philosophy.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":22,"question":"5. (b) What ethical dilemmas arise from the use of economic sanctions in international relations, and how can policymakers balance these concerns with the need to punish illegal behaviours and compel political change?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":24,"question":"6. (a) Discuss the relevance of the following quotes to the present times.\n\"Wars begin in the minds of men, and in those minds, love and compassion would have built the defences of peace.\"","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"6. (b) \"May you live your life as if the maxim of your actions were to become universal law.\"","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"6. (c) आचरण का सुनहरा नियम (the golden rule of conduct) पारस्परिक सहिष्णुता (mutual toleration) है, यह देखते हुए कि हम सभी कभी एक जैसा नहीं सोचेंगे और हम हमेशा सत्य को टुकड़ों में देखेंगे और दृष्टि के विभिन्न दृष्टिकोण बनाएंगे। (150 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"7 As a new CEO:\n(a) What decision options are available to you?\n(b) What are the issues involved in the above case?\n(c) What will be your chosen course of action and Why?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":35,"question":"8 (a) उपरोक्त मामले में नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\n(b) एक डीडीओ के रूप में, आपके पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\n(c) अपनी चुनी हुए कार्य-विदि के साथ-साथ अपने कारणों की व्याख्या कीजिए।\n(d) उपरोक्त मामले को देखते हुए, मानवीय संकट को स्थितियों से निपटने के लिए सबसे अच्छा नैतिक सिद्धांत क्या होगा?\na उपरोक्त मामले में नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\nb एक डीडीओ के रूप में, आपके पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nc अपनी चुनी हुए कार्य-विदि के साथ-साथ अपने कारणों की व्याख्या कीजिए।\nd उपरोक्त मामले को देखते हुए, मानवीय संकट को स्थितियों से निपटने के लिए सबसे अच्छा नैतिक सिद्धांत क्या होगा?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए"},{"page":36,"question":"As the situation unravelled, you found yourself in a moral quandary. On one hand, as the DDO, I was bound by regulations that required me to ensure the proper use of government resources. Despite its noble intent, the unauthorised diversion of food grains was a breach of protocol that necessitated disciplinary action, including the suspension of the school officials involved.\nOn the other hand, these school officials' actions were driven by a deep sense of humanity and compassion. They chose to prioritise the immediate needs of their community, recognising the dire circumstances and the urgent need to prevent further starvation deaths. Punishing them for their humane response to the crisis seemed not only harsh but also contrary to the spirit of public service.\n(a) What are the ethical issues in the above case?\n(b) As a DDO, what are the options available to you?\n(c) Explain your chosen course of action, along with your reasons.\n(d) Given the above case, what would be the best ethical theory for handling human distress situations?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":39,"question":"(d) Ethical Theory for handling distress situations","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"9 (a) उपरोक्त मामले में नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\n(b) एक एसपी के रूप में आपके पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\n(c) अपनी चुनी हुई कार्रवाई के तरीकों की व्याख्या कीजिए।\n(d) यदि आपको बीमा योजना को बढ़ावा देने का कोई बेहतर तरीका सुझाना हो, तो वह क्या होगा?\na) उपरोक्त मामले में नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\nb) एक एसपी के रूप में आपके पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nc) अपनी चुनी हुई कार्रवाई के तरीकों की व्याख्या कीजिए।\nd) यदि आपको बीमा योजना को बढ़ावा देने का कोई बेहतर तरीका सुझाना हो, तो वह क्या होगा?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए"},{"page":41,"question":"You were wondering about the course of action, as the deductions were legal, and the agents were technically following instructions. But, in the process, they were exploiting the poor villagers.\n(a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\n(b) What are the options available to you as an SP?\n(c) Explain your chosen course of an action.\n(d) If you have to recommend a better way of promoting the bima yojna, what would that be?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":42,"question":"1) Explain to the villagers of her legal correctness of the procedures and maintain the status quo.\n2) Report the issue of questionable methods of Bima Agents to higher authorities and ask for de-enrolment of beneficiaries who were not willing for the scheme.\n3) Recuse oneself from the position of authority.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"10 (a) उपरोक्त स्थिति में आपके पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं? (b) आप किस तरह की कार्रवाई चुनेंगे? (c) मामले में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों को पहचान कीजिए। (d) लोगों की जरूरतों का फायदा उठाने वाले कार्टेल से निपटने के लिए कुछ उपाय सुझाएं।\na) उपरोक्त स्थिति में आपके पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nb) आप किस तरह की कार्रवाई चुनेंगे?\nc) मामले में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों को पहचान कीजिए।\nd) लोगों की जरूरतों का फायदा उठाने वाले कार्टेल से निपटने के लिए कुछ उपाय सुझाएं।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए"},{"page":46,"question":"(a) What are the options available to you in the above situation?\n(b) What will be your chosen course of action?\n(c) Identify the ethical issues involved in the case\n(d) Suggest some measures for handling cartels who prey on people's needs.","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":48,"question":"(c) Measures for dealing with cartel's behaviour","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"11 (a) If you are the ethics officer of AquaTech enquiring, who will you hold responsible for the fatality? Why?\n(b) Discuss some common ethical issues that arise while using artificial intelligence.\na) If you are the ethics officer of AquaTech enquiring, who will you hold responsible for the fatality? Why?\nb) Discuss some common ethical issues that arise while using artificial intelligence.","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":55,"question":"12 (a) उपरोक्त मामले में क्या मुद्दे शामिल हैं?\n(b) आपके पास सीमित बजट होने के बावजूद, आपने जादू-टोना से संबंधित अंधविश्वासों से निपटने के लिए धन आवंटित करने का फैसला किया। आप समुदाय और हितधारकों के समक्ष अपने निर्णय को कैसे उचित ठहराएंगे?\n(c) यह देखते हुए कि जादू-टोना से संबंधित अपराधों की शुरुआत में बीडीओ द्वारा रिपोर्ट नहीं की गई थी, आप इस संचार की कमी को कैसे दूर करेंगे और कैसे आगे चलकर बेहतर रिपोर्टिंग और पारदर्शिता सुनिश्चित करेंगे?\n\n(250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए) 20 अंक\n\nAfter being posted as the District Development Officer (DDO) in a district dominated by tribal villages, I met with all the Block Development Officers (BDOs) to understand the region's specific problems. The primary issues identified were water scarcity, poor educational infrastructure, irregularities in the midday meal scheme, and non-existent roads. With a limited budget, I began planning solutions for these pressing problems.\n\nA few weeks after the BDOs meeting, I made a courtesy visit to the Superintendent of Police's (SP) office. During our cordial conversation, the SP mentioned witchcraft-related crimes, which surprised me as none of the BDOs had brought it up. My concern grew knowing that most victims of these crimes were women.\n\nA week later, while visiting a block for a routine inspection, I met with school teachers, ASHA workers, and women elders from Self-Help Groups (SHGs). Through discussions, I learned that witchcraft had deep roots in the community. ASHA workers reported incidents almost every month, though none were officially recorded.\n\nRealising the gravity of the situation, I decided to allocate part of the development funds to tackle witchcraft-related superstitions. Local NGOs and SHGs welcomed the initiative, but two weeks later, you received an RTI wanting an explanation for allocating funds for witchcraft-related issues at the cost of critical areas like education, roads, and water supply.\na) उपरोक्त मामले में क्या मुद्दे शामिल हैं?\nb) आपके पास सीमित बजट होने के बावजूद, आपने जादू-टोना से संबंधित अंधविश्वासों से निपटने के लिए धन आवंटित करने का फैसला किया। आप समुदाय और हितधारकों के समक्ष अपने निर्णय को कैसे उचित ठहराएंगे?\nc) यह देखते हुए कि जादू-टोना से संबंधित अपराधों की शुरुआत में बीडीओ द्वारा रिपोर्ट नहीं की गई थी, आप इस संचार की कमी को कैसे दूर करेंगे और कैसे आगे चलकर बेहतर रिपोर्टिंग और पारदर्शिता सुनिश्चित करेंगे?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":56,"question":"(a) What are the issues involved in the above case?\n(b) With a limited budget at your disposal, you decide to allocate funds to tackle witchcraft-related superstitions. How would you justify your decision to the community and stakeholders?\n(c) Given that witchcraft-related crimes were not initially reported by the BDOs, how would you address this lack of communication and ensure better reporting and transparency moving forward?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"}]},{"id":6452,"topper":"Ritika Chitlangia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/ritika-test-13-1747226364895.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. (a) What are the basic principles of public life? Illustrate any three of these with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"1. (b) \"Emotional Intelligence is the ability to make your emotions work for you instead of against you\". Do you agree with this view? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"2. (a) What teachings of Buddha are most relevant today and why? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":12,"question":"2. (b) A positive attitude is considered to be an essential characteristic of a civil servant who is often required to function under extreme stress. What contributes to a positive attitude in a person?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"3. Discuss the meaning of the following quotes\n(a) \"Humility is the most difficult of all virtues to achieve; nothing dies harder than the desire to think well of oneself.\"","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":15,"question":"3 How to cultivate humility?\n1 Correct estimation of one's achievements and aspirations.\n2 Remaining open to corrections and criticisms => remaining open-minded to one's flaws.\n3 Accepting one's mistakes and taking accountability for it.\n4 Giving credit to other people's hardwork.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"3. (1) \"To tolerate is purely an act of the mind. That is the essence of virtue. To tolerate is a strength.\"","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"4. (a) Persuasion performs a number of positive, prosocial functions. However, people often equate persuasion with manipulation and consider it unethical. What are the ethical values a persuader must respect to ensure the ethicality of the act of persuasion? Explain.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"4. (b) \"While competence without compassion can be brutal and inhumane; similarly, compassion without competence can be meaningless for persons seeking help.\" Explain the above with the help of a suitable illustration in the context of public services.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"5. You are a municipal commissioner of a large city, having the reputation of a very honest and upright officer. A huge multipurpose mall is under construction in your city in which a large number of daily wage earners are employed. One night, during monsoons, a big chunk of the roof collapsed causing the instant death of four labourers including two minors. Many more were seriously injured requiring immediate medical attention. The mishap resulted in a big hue and cry, forcing the government to institute an enquiry. Your preliminary enquiry has revealed a series of anomalies. The material used for the construction was of poor quality. Despite the approved building plans permitting only one basement, an additional basement has been constructed. This was overlooked during the periodic inspections by the building inspector. The municipal corporation. In your enquiry, you noticed that the construction of the mall was given the green signal despite encroaching on areas earmarked for a green belt and a slip road in the Zonal Master Plan of the city. The permission to construct the mall was accorded by the previous Municipal Commissioner who is not only your senior and well-known to you professionally, but also a good friend. Prima facie, the case appears to be of a widespread nexus between officials of the Municipal Corporation and the builders. Your colleagues are putting pressure on you to go slow in the enquiry. The builder, who is rich and influential, happens to be a close relative of a powerful minister in the state cabinet. The builder is persuading you to hush up the matter, promising you a fortune to do so. He also hinted that this matter is not resolved at the earliest in his favour there is somebody in his office who is waiting to file a case against you under the POSH Act.\n Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. What are the options available to you in this situation? Explain your selected course of action.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"6. (a) What are the options available to Pawan to cope with the situation?\n(b) What approach Pawan should adopt to bring peace, tranquillity and a congenial environment in the office and home?\n(c) As an outsider, what are your Suggestions for both boss and subordinate to overcome this situation and for improving work performance, and mental and emotional hygiene?\n(d) In the above scenario, what type of training would you suggest for various levels in the government offices? (Answer in 250 words) 25 Marks\na) What are the options available to Pawan to cope with the situation?\nb) What approach Pawan should adopt to bring peace, tranquillity and a congenial environment in the office and home?\nc) As an outsider, what are your Suggestions for both boss and subordinate to overcome this situation and for improving work performance, and mental and emotional hygiene?\nd) In the above scenario, what type of training would you suggest for various levels in the government offices?","marks":"25","words":"250"}]},{"id":6453,"topper":"Ritika Chitlangia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/ritika-test-14-1747226380860.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. (a) Wisdom lies in knowing what to reckon with and what to overlook. An officer being engrossed with the periphery, ignoring the core issues before him, is no rare in the bureaucracy. Do you agree that such preoccupation of an administrator leads to the travesty of justice to the cause of effective service delivery and good governance? Critically evaluate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"1. (b) Apart from intellectual competency and moral qualities, empathy and compassion are some of the other vital attributes that facilitate the civil servants to be more competent in tackling the crucial issues or taking critical decisions. Explain with suitable illustrations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"2. (a) The Rules and Regulations provided to all the civil servants are same, yet there is difference in the performance. Positive-minded officers are able to interpret the Rules and Regulations in favour of the case and achieve success, whereas negative-minded officers are unable to achieve goals by interpreting the same Rules and Regulations against the case. Discuss with illustrations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"2. (b) It is believed that adherence to ethics in human actions would ensure in smooth functioning of an organization/system. If so, what does ethics seek to promote in human life? How do ethical values assist in the resolution of conflicts faced by him in his day-to-day functioning?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"3. (a) The impact of digital technology as a reliable source of input for rational decision-making is a debatable issue. Critically evaluate with a suitable example.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":16,"question":"3. (b) Besides domain knowledge, a public official needs innovativeness and creativity of a high order as well, while resolving ethical dilemmas. Discuss with a suitable example.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"4. (a) \"Refugees should not be turned back to the country where they would face persecution or human right violation.\" Examine the statement with reference to the ethical dimension being violated by the nation claiming to be democratic with an open society.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"4. (b) Should impartial and non-partisan be considered indispensable qualities to make a successful civil servant? Discuss with illustrations.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":22,"question":"5. (a) Most civil servants are neither pure deontologists nor pure utilitarians, but they operate according to a kind of ethical pluralism. Do you agree? Discuss your position with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"5. (b) Explain the difference between codes of ethics, codes of conduct and codes of rules and regulations. Do you think an increase in the number of codes and regulations is an efficient response to the decline of public trust and integrity issues? Why/why not?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"6 (a) Discuss the meaning of the following quotes:\nThe root of happiness is Dharma (righteousness), the root of Dharma is Artha (economy), the root of Artha is right governance.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"6. (b) \"The most important human endeavour is the striving for morality in our actions. Our inner balance and even our existence depend on it. Only morality in our actions can give beauty and dignity to life.\" (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"6. (c) \"Men must have corrupted nature a little, for they were not born wolves, and they have become wolves.\"","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":32,"question":"7. You are the Head of an Agency, a special purpose vehicle, responsible for overseeing the last-mile delivery of essential services and sorting out bottlenecks and grievances of the citizens within your jurisdiction. The essential services included Maternal and infant health care, nutritional support to BPL families, drinking water availability, etc.\n1. What are the issues involved in the above case?\n2. What are the action options available to you?\n3. Examine each of the options and identify your chosen course of action.\n4. What do you understand by dignity? Distinguish between human and social dignity? Identify the common dignity violations that one notices in government departments.","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":37,"question":"8. (a) What are the ethical and business issues involved in the case?\n(b) What are the options available to Mr. Sharma and the CEO?\n(c) Do you think the organizational culture of giving freedom to the sales force led to the issue or was the individual's corrupt nature that led to the problem? Discuss.\n(d) What ethics mechanisms and steps can the company create and implement to prevent unethical behaviour, as mentioned in the case? (Answer in 250 words) 20 Marks\na) What are the ethical and business issues involved in the case?\nb) What are the options available to Mr. Sharma and the CEO?\nc) Do you think the organizational culture of giving freedom to the sales force led to the issue or was the individual's corrupt nature that led to the problem? Discuss.\nd) What ethics mechanisms and steps can the company create and implement to prevent unethical behaviour, as mentioned in the case? (Answer in 250 words) 20 Marks","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"9. You and Ajay were in college together, qualified for the civil services examination, trained, and worked in the same State. Over the years, you and Ajay became good friends and colleagues. Even the families became close to the extent of taking vacations and celebrating festivals together.\nProfessionally, in the last 15 years, both grew, but the paths you and Ajay took differed. You kept your distance from political masters, preferred to be neutral, and refrained from being identified with any group, lobby, or ideology. But Ajay was not discreet about his leanings, and he was well-networked and connected. Because of his networking, Ajay always had postings considered \"plum postings.\" Ajay was posted as CMD of Urban Infrastructure Projects, a high-profile Project with a huge outlay. At the same time, you were working in the State Planning Commission for three years and were awaiting your promotion and new posting.\nWhen new postings were announced, you were surprised to see your transfer to Vigilance Department. Within a month of taking charge, you were ordered by your Departmental Secretary to conduct an inquiry discreetly into land dealings involving a Minister and his family. You were strictly told to keep it discreet and not to share any information about the investigation with anybody besides the Secretary.\nAs you started the inquiry, you realized Ajay was closely involved with the Minister and his deals. As evidence started piling up, you were shocked to notice Ajay's questionable decisions favouring the Minister and friends. Further, you found evidence of Ajay having assets disproportionately much higher than his declared sources of income. When you shared the details with the Secretary, he immediately ordered you to search Ajay's office and home as he believed Ajay was the medium through which they could catch the Minister for shady land deals.\nYou were in a bind as you knew a search operation would tarnish Ajay's reputation and be traumatic for the family.\n1. What are the ethical issues and dilemmas involved in the above case?\n2. What are the options available to you?\n3. Select your chosen course of action after analyzing the options.\n4. What must be your moral motivation in the above case? Should it be duty, care, or consequences?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":47,"question":"10. You are a young police officer undergoing field training along with some of your batchmates. You and Vikas are spending two weeks in a police station learning the nitty gritty and nuances of field-level policing. Every day there was something new to learn.\n\nOne afternoon the Station received a distress call from a beat constable working the wholesale market beat. A quarrel had broken out between two groups of traders and which soon turned violent. He tried intervening with his colleague, but they failed to keep things in control. Some traders turned against the constables and started beating them with iron rods. The call came in when one of the constables had taken severe blows to the head, and he needed emergency attention.\n\nA team rushed to the spot to help and take charge of the situation. By the time the team reached, the miscreants had fled the scene. The injured constable was rushed to the hospital in a very precarious condition. Seeing their colleague severely hurt and struggling for life, the station was enraged and determined to apprehend the culprits.\n\nBy lattheme evening the station team had rounded up a few miscreants, but some were still missing. The rounded-up miscreants were kept in custody for the night and were to be presented in court the following day. That night you and Vikas noticed that a few senior policemen were seriously beating up the miscreants for more information and to teach them a lesson to keep off from policemen. The \"treatment\" continued for a few hours, and by the time it stopped, one of the miscreants was severely shaken that he had a minor stroke because of a prior history of a heart condition. He was rushed to the hospital; fortunately, he survived. When the events of the night reached HQ, an inquiry was instituted.\n\nDuring the inquiry, everyone in the Station was called in for questioning. All of them present played down the beatings as few slaps and nothing more. You and Vikas were also informally requested to play down the incident. Vikas was comfortably underplaying it, but you were uncomfortable and felt it was against your integrity to speak something far from the truth. You were wondering if police are for safety, custody is for protection, and what happened was abuse which was against the service values. You were tensed and weighed the options.\n1. What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\n2. What do you think principle-oriented and rule-abiding police personnel must do in the above case? Why? Justify\n3. What do you think must assume priority in civil service, loyalty to the department, or being impartial and non-partisan in your decisions and service values?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":52,"question":"11. The Supreme Court has banned mining in the Aravalli Hills to stop degradation the forest cover and to maintain ecological balance. However, the stone mining is still prevalent in the border district of the affected State with connivance of certain corrupt forest officials and politicians. Young and dynamic SP who was recently posted in the affected district promised to himself to stop this menace. In one of his surprise checks with his team, he found loaded truck with stone trying to escape the mining area. He tried to stop the truck but the truck driver overrun the police officer, killing him on the spot and thereafter managed to flee. Police filed FIR but no breakthrough was achieved in the case for almost three months. Ashok who was the Investigative Journalist working with leading TV channel, suo moto started investigating the case. Within one month, Ashok got breakthrough by interacting with local people, stone mining mafia and government officials. He prepared his investigative story and presented to the CMD of the TV channel. He exposed in his investigative report the complete nexus of stone mafia working with blessing of corrupt police and civil officials and politicians. The politician who was involved in the mafia was no one else but local MLA who was considered to be very close to the Chief Minister. After going through the investigative report, the CMD advised Ashok to drop the idea of making the story public through electronic media. He informed that the local MLA was not only the relative of the owner of the TV channel but also had unofficially 20 percent share in the channel. The CMD further informed Ashok that his further promotion and hike in pay will be taken care of in addition the soft loan of 10 lakhs which he has taken from the TV channel for his son's chronic disease will be suitably adjusted if he hands over the investigative report to him.\n(a) What are the options available with Ashok to cope up with the situation?\n(b) Critically evaluate/examine each of the options identified by Ashok.\n(c) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Ashok?\n(d) Which of the options, do you think, would be the most appropriate for Ashok to adopt and why?\n(e) In the above scenario, what type of training would you suggest for police officers posted to such districts where stone mining illegal activities are rampant?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":57,"question":"12. You are Vice Principal of a degree college in one of the middle-class towns. Principal has recently retired and management is looking for his replacement. There are also feelers that the management may promote you as Principal. In the meantime, during annual examination the flying squad came from the university caught two students red-handed involving in unfair means. A senior lecturer of the college was personally helping these student in this act. This senior lecturer also happens to be close to the management. One of the students was son of a local politician who was responsible in getting college affiliated to the present reputed university. The second student was son of a local businessman who has donated maximum funds for running of the college. You immealately informed the management regarding this unfortunate incident. The management told you to resolve the issue with flying squad at any cost. They further said that such incident will not only tarnish the image of the college but also the politician and businessman are very important personalities for the functioning of the college. You were also given hint that your further promotion to Principal depends on your capability in resolving this issue with flying squad. In the meantime, you were intimated by your administrative officer that certain members of the student union are protesting outside the college gate against the senior lecturer and the students involved in this incident and demanding strict action against defaulters.\n1. Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\n2. Critically examine the options available with you as Vice Principal. What option will you adopt and why?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"}]},{"id":6454,"topper":"Ritika Chitlangia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/ritika-test-6-1747228451975.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"1. (a) Besides being public servants, they are also citizens and have personal lives. At times, there is an inherent tension among the roles. How can a public servant effectively navigate the intrinsic tension between personal interests and official duties and between private inclinations and public obligations? Explain","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"(b) \"Ideas are the cornerstone of a strong public service framework globally.\" In the context of this statement, discuss the ideas of a philosopher whose ideas you believe are most pertinent to the civil services in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. (a) \"The challenge of power lies in its responsible application rather than its irresponsible and indulgent use - specifically, how to motivate those in power to serve the public rather than exploit it.\" Analyse the relationship between power and public service. Do you believe that the concept of power conflicts with the ideal of service, or do they complement each other? Substantiate your viewpoint.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"(b) Human values emphasise the humane aspects of public servants, whereas public service values focus on the transparency and effectiveness of service delivery. Do you think these value systems conflict with or complement each other? Justify your perspective with relevant examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"3. (a) \"When good individuals in any society become complacent and cease their vigilance and struggle, malevolent forces prevail.\" Discuss the role and significance of civil society in curbing corruption and official misconduct.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"(b) Do you agree with feminist ethicists that women are \"more emotional\" and prioritise relationships over rules, reflecting different yet equally valuable ethical perspectives? Justify your viewpoints with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":16,"question":"4. (a) Ideally, ethics and law should be harmonious in the context of administration, yet conflicts between them can arise. How should an administrator handle conflicts between legal directives and ethical considerations, particularly when directives are illegal and laws are unjust? Discuss","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"(b) Critically evaluate the role of family and educational institutions in shaping ethical values among civil servants.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"5. (a) How can civil servants cultivate a positive attitude towards the weaker sections of society? Suggest some implementable and practical steps.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"(b) Business ethicists believe that external and internal regulations are insufficient for curtailing or preventing corporate malpractices; they strongly advocate the presence of whistleblowing mechanisms as a check against corporate misgovernance. Do you think corporate governance is incomplete without whistleblowing? Why/Why not? Explain (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"6. Discuss the relevance of the following quotes to the present times.\n(a) \"Moral actions belong to the jurisdiction of the outward and inward court, both civil and domestic governor; I mean both the magistrate and conscience.\" Locke (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"(b) \"Good people do not need laws to tell them to act responsibly, while bad people will find a way around the laws.\" Plato (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"(c) \"A sense of duty is useful in work, but offensive in personal relations.\" Russell","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"7 (a) उपयुक्त मामले में निहित नैतिक मुद्दों और दुविधाओं को पहचान कीजिए।\n(b) उपयुक्त मामले में आपके पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\n(c) आपको क्या लगता है कि नशे में धुत ड्राइवर की व्यक्तिगत जिम्मेदारी पर ध्यान केंद्रित करना अधिक नैतिक है या रखरखाव विफलताओं के व्यापक प्रणालीगत मुद्दे पर? प्रासंगिक नैतिक सिद्धांतों के साथ अपने उत्तर को पुष्टि कीजिए। (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए) 20 अंक","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":31,"question":"This situation required extensive introspection before finalizing the report.\n(a) Identify the ethical issues and dilemmas in the above case.\n(b) What are the options available to you in the above case?\n(c) What do you think is more ethical to focus on the personal responsibility of the driver, who was intoxicated, or on the broader systemic issue of maintenance failures? Justify your answer with relevant ethical theories.\na) Identify the ethical issues and dilemmas in the above case.\nb) What are the options available to you in the above case?\nc) What do you think is more ethical to focus on the personal responsibility of the driver, who was intoxicated, or on the broader systemic issue of maintenance failures? Justify your answer with relevant ethical theories.","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":35,"question":"8 As an officer in the Right to Information (RTI) division of the Defence Ministry, your primary responsibility is to respond to RTI queries by furnishing relevant details. Most of these RTI applications pertain to tender information and procurement contracts. However, occasionally, applications concerning sensitive matters arise, requiring you to seek legal advice and obtain approval from your senior before responding. Recently, an RTI application was received that involved sensitive departmental initiatives. Following protocol, you sought legal advice, and the legal officer cleared the response. However, your senior did not approve the reply and instructed you to be opaque in your response. Respecting the chain of command, you adhered to the senior's directive and provided a vague and non-informative reply. Undeterred by the initial response, the applicant resubmitted the application, demonstrating persistence. Once again, you followed the senior's instructions and kept the response deliberately vague. This cycle continued, with the applicant becoming increasingly relentless. One day, the entire email trail related to this RTI case got leaked and found its way to the media. It was revealed that the persistent applicant was an RTI activist, dedicated to ensuring transparency and accountability within government departments. The media coverage brought significant public attention and scrutiny to the Defence Ministry's handling of RTI requests, particularly those concerning sensitive information. In the aftermath of the media exposure, your senior officer instructed you to take responsibility for the opaque responses. You were left questioning your actions and decisions, pondering where you might have gone wrong.\n(a) उपयुक्त मामले में निहित नैतिक मुद्दों और दुविधाओं की पहचान कीजिए।\n(b) उपयुक्त मामले में आपके पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\n(c) आरटीआई कार्यकर्ता की दृढ़ प्रकृति और जनता के सूचना के अधिकार को ध्यान में रखते हुए, आपको राष्ट्रीय सुरक्षा चिंताओं और पारदर्शिता और जवाबदेहिता के सिद्धांतों के बीच तनाव को कैसे दूर करना चाहिए? स्पष्ट कीजिए।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए"},{"page":36,"question":"(a) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas in the above case?\n(b) What are the options available to you in the above case?\n(c) Considering the persistent nature of the RTI activist and the public's right to information, how should you navigate the tension between national security concerns and the principles of transparency and accountability? Explain","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":40,"question":"9 As a dedicated Block Development Officer (BDO), you are highly respected by your staff and appreciated by your superiors for your constructive work. The state government has selected several villages within your jurisdiction to pilot a women's self-employment scheme utilising Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The project is to be implemented by a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), and you have been instructed to provide logistical and other necessary support.\n\nThe NGO staff commenced their work by meeting and identifying young women who appeared to be suitable candidates for training and skill development. Following identification, these young women were provided with a starter kit, which included a broadband dongle, a 10-inch tablet, and some reading material. The training began in earnest, and the selected young women exhibited great enthusiasm and eagerness to learn. Initially, the project showed promising signs of success.\n\nHowever, one day, village elders approached you with a request to halt the pilot scheme. They expressed concerns that the devices and online learning were corrupting the young women. They believed that the girls were merely watching videos on the tablets instead of learning. The elders suggested that vocational\n(a) उपयुक्त मामले में निहित नैतिक मुद्दों और दुविधाओं को पहचान कीजिए।\n(b) उपयुक्त मामले में आपके पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\n(c) एनजीओ कर्मचारियों से प्राप्त फीडबैक पर विचार करते हुए कि गाँव के पुरुष खुद को उपेक्षित महसूस कर रहे हैं और महिलाओं को प्रशिक्षण सत्रों में भाग लेने से रोकने का प्रयास कर रहे हैं, आप कार्यक्रम में उनके समावेशन और समर्थन को सुनिश्चित करने के लिए क्या रणनीतियाँ लागू करेंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए) 20 अंक","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":41,"question":"(a) What the issues that you notice in the above case?\n(b) What are actionable options available to you?\n(c) Considering the feedback from the NGO staff about village men feeling left out and attempting to dissuade women from attending training sessions, what strategies would you implement to ensure their inclusion and support for the program?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":45,"question":"10. (a) उपयुक्त मामले में निहित नैतिक मुद्दों और दुविधाओं को पहचान कीजिए।\n(b) उपभोक्तावादी दृष्टिकोण को ध्यान में रखते हुए, क्या आपको लगता है कि श्री कुमार को झुग्गी-झोपड़ियों के निवासियों की बेहतरी के लिए परियोजना में तेजी लाने के श्री शर्मा के प्रस्ताव को स्वीकार कर लेना चाहिए था? क्यों अथवा क्यों नहीं?\n(c) गुण-नीतिशास्त्र (virtue ethics) के संदर्भ में, श्री कुमार जैसे वरिष्ठ सिविल सेवक के लिए नैतिक चरित्र और सत्यनिष्ठा के महत्व पर चर्चा कीजिए। इस दुविधा को हल करने में इन गुणों को उनके कार्यों का मार्गदर्शन किस प्रकार से करना चाहिए? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)\na) उपयुक्त मामले में निहित नैतिक मुद्दों और दुविधाओं को पहचान कीजिए।\nb) उपभोक्तावादी दृष्टिकोण को ध्यान में रखते हुए, क्या आपको लगता है कि श्री कुमार को झुग्गी-झोपड़ियों के निवासियों की बेहतरी के लिए परियोजना में तेजी लाने के श्री शर्मा के प्रस्ताव को स्वीकार कर लेना चाहिए था? क्यों अथवा क्यों नहीं?\nc) गुण-नीतिशास्त्र (virtue ethics) के संदर्भ में, श्री कुमार जैसे वरिष्ठ सिविल सेवक के लिए नैतिक चरित्र और सत्यनिष्ठा के महत्व पर चर्चा कीजिए। इस दुविधा को हल करने में इन गुणों को उनके कार्यों का मार्गदर्शन किस प्रकार से करना चाहिए? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":46,"question":"(a) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas in the above case?\n(b) Considering the utilitarian perspective, do you think Mr. Kumar should have accepted Mr. Sharma's proposal to expedite the project for the greater good of the slum residents? Why or why not?\n(c) In the context of virtue ethics, discuss the importance of moral character and integrity for a senior civil servant like Mr. Kumar. How should these virtues guide his actions in resolving the dilemma?\na) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas in the above case?\nb) Considering the utilitarian perspective, do you think Mr. Kumar should have accepted Mr. Sharma's proposal to expedite the project for the greater good of the slum residents? Why or why not?\nc) In the context of virtue ethics, discuss the importance of moral character and integrity for a senior civil servant like Mr. Kumar. How should these virtues guide his actions in resolving the dilemma?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":51,"question":"11. Ms. Ananya Rao serves as a District Collector in Maharashtra. The district is embarking on an ambitious infrastructure project, the Rural Connectivity Project, designed to improve road connectivity between remote villages and main towns. This project promises significant benefits, including easier access to markets, healthcare, and education for the rural population.\n\nThe project, however, is mired in controversy. Environmentalists argue that the construction will cause irreparable damage to local forests and wildlife habitats. Local farming communities are concerned about losing agricultural land due to road expansion. There are also allegations of inadequate compensation and resettlement plans for affected families.\n\nAs the project progresses, various departments, including the Environment, Agriculture, and Public Works Department (PWD), are involved in the decision-making process. Each department has specific responsibilities. The Environment Department is tasked with assessing environmental impact, the Agriculture Department is responsible for ensuring farmers' rights, and the PWD is responsible for executing construction.\n\nMs. Rao, in her capacity, oversees the coordination among these departments. However, the project faces delays and mounting public criticism due to conflicting priorities and lack of accountability. Environmental assessments are incomplete, farmers' concerns remain unaddressed, and construction deadlines are missed.\n(a) उपयुक्त मामले में निहित नैतिक मुद्दों और दुविधाओं की पहचान कीजिए।\n(b) सुश्री राव के पास उपलब्ध विकल्प क्या हैं?\n(c) आप सुश्री राव के लिए किस प्रकार की कार्रवाई का सुझाव देंगे? क्यों?\n(d) क्या आपको लगता है कि देरी के लिए सुश्री राव को जवाबदेह ठहराना उचित था? क्यों/क्यों नहीं?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए"},{"page":52,"question":"In a critical meeting, the state Chief Secretary, Mr. Vikram Patel, emphasized the urgency of advancing the project and held Ms. Rao accountable for the delays, lack of progress, and overall non-performance. Ms. Rao left the meeting disappointed and felt holding her accountable for delay was unfair as there were others also involved in the project.\n(a) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas involved in the above case?\n(b) What are the options available to Ms. Rao?\n(c) What course of action would you suggest for Ms. Rao? Why?\n(d) Do you think holding Ms. Rao accountable for the delays was justified? Why/Why not?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":56,"question":"12 (a) सुश्री शर्मा के सामने मौजूद मुद्दे और दुविधाएँ क्या हैं?  \n(b) अपने विभाग में उत्पीड़न और धमकाने की शिकायतों को संबोधित करने में सुश्री शर्मा को किन नैतिक सिद्धांतों द्वारा मार्गदर्शित होना चाहिए?  \n(c) सरकारी विभागों में उत्पीड़न और धमकाने को रोकने के लिए कौन-सी दीर्घकालिक रणनीतियाँ लागू की जानी चाहिए? ये रणनीतियाँ सम्मान और समावेशिता की संस्कृति को कैसे बढ़ावा दे सकती हैं?  \n(250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए) 20 अंक\na) सुश्री शर्मा के सामने मौजूद मुद्दे और दुविधाएँ क्या हैं?\nb) अपने विभाग में उत्पीड़न और धमकाने की शिकायतों को संबोधित करने में सुश्री शर्मा को किन नैतिक सिद्धांतों द्वारा मार्गदर्शित होना चाहिए?\nc) सरकारी विभागों में उत्पीड़न और धमकाने को रोकने के लिए कौन-सी दीर्घकालिक रणनीतियाँ लागू की जानी चाहिए? ये रणनीतियाँ सम्मान और समावेशिता की संस्कृति को कैसे बढ़ावा दे सकती हैं?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":57,"question":"(a) What are the issues and dilemmas that confront Ms. Sharma?\n(b) What ethical principles should guide Ms. Sharma in addressing the harassment and bullying complaints in her department?\n(c) What long-term strategies should be implemented to prevent harassment and bullying in government departments? How can these strategies promote a culture of respect and inclusivity? (Answer in 250 words) 20 marks\na) What are the issues and dilemmas that confront Ms. Sharma?\nb) What ethical principles should guide Ms. Sharma in addressing the harassment and bullying complaints in her department?\nc) What long-term strategies should be implemented to prevent harassment and bullying in government departments? How can these strategies promote a culture of respect and inclusivity?","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":6455,"topper":"Ritika Chitlangia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/ritika-test-10-1747228522461.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Do you think it is ethically justified for political leaders to violate the deepest constraints of morality in order to achieve great goods or avoid disasters for their communities? Justify your position with suitable examples (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"\"There is growing evidence that when it comes to moral judgment, human beings appear to be best characterised not as intuitive Deontologists or Consequentialists but as intuitive virtue theorists.\" Critically analyse the statement. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"While formal codes of conduct can sometimes be a useful guide, developing those traits of character that are particularly suited to the administrator's role is at the core of professional ethics. Identify five ethical attributes suitable for an administrator and explain how they can be developed. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What do you understand by political responsibility, professional responsibility and personal responsibility? In situations of conflict among the three, what responsibility must the public servant prioritise and why? Illustrate with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"In the context of civil service, what do you understand by \"acts of conscience\"? Illustrate with an example. In your opinion, what can be the basis of acts of conscience? Explain (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Critically examine the role of educational institutions in shaping ethical decision-making skills in future civil servants. How effective are current educational paradigms in instilling ethical behaviour among the youth? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Examine the ethical challenges administrators face while employing persuasion and social influence techniques to promote social and health interventions in rural India. Illustrate with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Critically examine the impact of the Right to Information (RTI) on enhancing ethical accountability in public administration. How effective has RTI been in preventing bureaucratic corruption and improving service delivery? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss the ethical implications of maintaining high-quality service delivery in public administration. How does probity in governance influence the efficiency and responsiveness of public services, particularly in addressing the needs of marginalised communities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Critically assess the role of regulatory frameworks in enforcing ethical standards in corporate governance. How can these frameworks be designed to encourage ethical behaviour without stifling innovation? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss what the following quotes mean to you. \"It is not because men's desires are strong that they act ill; it is because their consciences are weak.\" J S Mill (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"As the Municipal Commissioner of a district with a large public sector manufacturing unit, you find yourself at the centre of a significant ethical and administrative challenge. The manufacturing unit, one of the area's largest employers, has a troubling history of industrial safety violations. Reports of gas leaks and the release of harmful pollutants have been frequent, leading to growing concerns among the local population. Over the years, residents living near the plant have developed severe respiratory and other health-related issues. Recognising the severity of the health problems reported by residents, you initiate a comprehensive health audit. The results confirm the worst fears: a significant portion of the population living near the plant suffers from severe respiratory issues, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other health complications directly linked to long-term exposure to industrial pollutants. The findings of the health audit indicate a clear correlation between the plant's operations and the community's declining health. You discuss the health audit findings and seek a resolution with the CMD of the public sector unit (PSU). The CMD acknowledges the poor industrial safety record, but immediately points out the financial constraints facing the plant. The plant's budget is limited, and no funds have been allocated for necessary safety upgrades. However, after much deliberation, you both agree that the best solution would be to relocate the plant to a site 30 kilometres away from its current location. This solution would reduce health risks for the local population while also allowing the plant to continue operating, even if at a new location. Just as the relocation planning begins, news leaks, causing immediate unrest among the plant's workers. The workers, many of whom live near the plant, strongly oppose the relocation. They argue that relocating the new site 30 kilometres away will disrupt their lives, increase their commute time and expenses, and create the potential for job loss or difficulties in moving to the new site, leading to a wave of discontent. The workers organised a protest and went on strike, halting production, and the discontent spilled onto the streets. Unknowingly, you kicked a hornet's nest. (a) What are the key issues involved in this case? (b) What are the options available to you and the CMD? (c) Should you give priority to public health concerns over potential economic disruptions caused by the relocation of the plant? This decision should be guided by which ethical principles? (250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Armed with this data, you are compelled to take action. You arrange a meeting with the CMD of the public sector unit (PSU) to discuss the health audit findings and explore solutions. The CMD acknowledges the poor industrial safety record but is quick to point out the financial constraints faced by the unit. The plant's budget is limited, and no funds are allocated for the necessary safety upgrades. However, after much deliberation, both of you agree that the best course of action would be to relocate the plant to a site 30 kilometres away from the current location. This solution would mitigate the health risks for the local population while allowing the plant to continue operations, albeit at a new location. As plans for the relocation begin, the news leaks out, causing immediate unrest among the plant's workers. The workers, many of whom live near the plant, strongly oppose the relocation. They argue that the new site, 30 kilometres away, would disrupt their lives, increase their commuting time, and add to their expenses. The prospect of losing their jobs or facing hardships travelling to the new site sparks a wave of discontent. The workers organised protests and went on strike, halting production. And the discontent spilled onto the streets. Unknowingly, you had stirred a hornet's nest. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you and the CMD? (c) How should you prioritise public health concerns against the potential economic disruptions caused by the relocation of the plant? What ethical principles should guide this decision? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Understanding the gravity of the situation, you decide to take the matter directly to the Director of Purchase. The Director, a professional with years of experience, listens to your concerns but advises you to ignore the information. He argues that the allegation is based on verbal communication and lacks concrete evidence. Additionally, he expresses concern that the information might have been planted by a rival supplier to discredit the bidding process or to sabotage a competitor. Despite your reservations, you follow the Director's instructions and take no further action. The bids are opened as scheduled, and contracts are awarded based on official norms. A week later, a national daily published an investigative report detailing the bid-rigging scandal. The report includes substantial evidence, such as recorded conversations, email exchanges, and internal documents, all indicating that several bidders colluded to manipulate the tender process. The publication of this report triggered widespread public outrage, leading to calls for an investigation into the procurement process and the immediate suspension of the contracts awarded. The department, including the Director of Purchase, comes under intense scrutiny. Questions are raised about the integrity of the procurement process and the failure to prevent bid rigging despite prior knowledge of potential misconduct. Your Director is placed under suspension, and the enquiry begins. You are also under scanner as you were working closely with the Director. Meanwhile, your Director requests that you refrain from informing the enquiry committee of the information you received about bid-rigging. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the case? (b) What are the potential ethical and professional consequences of complying with the Director's request to conceal the information about the bid-rigging? Explain (c) In light of the Director's request to withhold information from the enquiry committee, how should you balance your duty to report unethical practices with your loyalty to your superior? What ethical principles should guide your decision in this situation? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"As an Audit Officer, your primary duty is to ensure that public funds are utilized according to the budgetary allocations and legal mandates set by governing bodies. This role demands a high level of integrity, strict adherence to rules, and a commitment to transparent financial management. During a routine audit of a district's expenditures, you encounter a significant irregularity that challenges your ethical principles and professional responsibilities. While reviewing the district's spending, you discover that the District Magistrate (DM) has diverted funds allocated for road construction and improving village connectivity to construct a new school. The funds were explicitly earmarked for infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing transportation in rural areas. Redirecting these funds to a different project, even one as important as a school, constitutes a violation of the approved budgetary allocations and could be seen as a misallocation of resources. The DM acknowledges the diversion of funds but justifies the decision by emphasizing the critical need for educational infrastructure in the district. He explains that the area is severely lacking in schools, with overcrowded classrooms and a growing population of school-age children. According to the DM, while road connectivity is important, the immediate need for a new school was more pressing, and the long-term benefits of investing in education far outweigh the temporary setback in road infrastructure. This situation puts you in a difficult position. As an audit officer, you must decide whether to prioritize strict adherence to rules or consider the broader context and potential benefits of the District Magistrate's actions. (a) What are the issues involved in the case? (b) How should an audit officer balance the need for strict adherence to budgetary allocations with the District Magistrate's argument that the school was in the best interest of the community? Should the officer prioritize legal and procedural propriety over the alleged public benefits? (c) What are the potential consequences of reporting the misallocation of funds? Should the audit officer consider the impact of such a report on the District Magistrate, the district, and future budgetary allocations when making the decision? (250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"This situation places you in a difficult position. As an Audit Officer, you must decide whether to prioritise strict adherence to rules or to consider the broader context and the potential benefits of the DM's actions. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) How should the Audit Officer balance the need for strict adherence to budgetary allocations with the DM's argument that the school's construction was in the community's best interest? Should the officer prioritise legal and procedural correctness over perceived public benefits? (c) What are the potential consequences of reporting the misallocation of funds? Should the Audit Officer consider the impact of such a report on the DM, the district, and future funding allocations when making the decision? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"As the CDO, you are now caught between two conflicting directives, each with its own ethical and professional implications. (a) What ethical issues and dilemmas are involved in the above case? (b) What are the options available to the CDO? What must be the CDO's chosen course of action? (c) How should a civil servant prioritise between conflicting directives from different senior authorities? What ethical principles should guide this decision-making process? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":6456,"topper":"Ritika Chitlangia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/ritika-test-6-1747228451975.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Besides being public servants, they are also citizens and have personal lives. At times, there is an inherent tension among the roles. How can a public servant effectively navigate the intrinsic tension between personal interests and official duties and between private inclinations and public obligations? Explain (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"\"Ideas are the cornerstone of a strong public service framework globally.\" In the context of this statement, discuss the ideas of a philosopher whose ideas you believe are most pertinent to the civil services in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"\"The challenge of power lies in its responsible application rather than its irresponsible and indulgent use - specifically, how to motivate those in power to serve the public rather than exploit it. Analyse the relationship between power and public service. Do you believe that the concept of power conflicts with the ideal of service, or do they complement each other? Substantiate your viewpoint. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks\"","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"Human values emphasise the humane aspects of public servants, whereas public service values focus on the transparency and effectiveness of service delivery. Do you think these value systems conflict with or complement each other? Justify your perspective with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks\"","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"When good individuals in any society become complacent and cease their vigilance and struggle, malevolent forces prevail.\" Discuss the role and significance of civil society in curbing corruption and official misconduct. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks\"","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Do you agree with feminist ethicists that women are \"more emotional\" and prioritise relationships over rules, reflecting different yet equally valuable ethical perspectives? Justify your viewpoints with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Ideally, ethics and law should be harmonious in the context of administration, yet conflicts between them can arise. How should an administrator handle conflicts between legal directives and ethical considerations, particularly when directives are illegal and laws are unjust? Discuss (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Critically evaluate the role of family and educational institutions in shaping ethical values among civil servants. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"How can civil servants cultivate a positive attitude towards the weaker sections of society? Suggest some implementable and practical steps. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Business ethicists believe that external and internal regulations are insufficient for curtailing or preventing corporate malpractices; they strongly advocate the presence of whistleblowing mechanisms as a check against corporate misgovernance. Do you think corporate governance is incomplete without whistleblowing? Why/Why not? Explain (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the relevance of the following quotes to the present times. (a) \"Moral actions belong to the jurisdiction of the outward and inward court, both civil and domestic governor; I mean both the magistrate and conscience.\" Locke (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"The maintenance team had not adequately serviced the bus's braking system. These findings highlighted severe lapses in both the human and mechanical aspects of the transport system. Upon concluding the inquiry, you realized the complexity of the situation. There were numerous uncertainties and ambiguities, preventing a straightforward assignment of responsibility or a definitive conclusion. The accident might have been averted if the maintenance team had performed their duties diligently. Similarly, if the bus driver had not been intoxicated, he might have been able to prevent the bus from falling into the ravine. Safety, as the Head of Safety, your report's findings will have significant consequences. First, if the driver is held culpable due to his intoxication, his family stands to lose a large sum of post-mortem benefits because he was under the influence of duty. Second, if you conceal the driver's intoxication and blame only poor maintenance, the maintenance crew will be fired. Therefore, thorough introspection was necessary before finalizing the report. (a) Identify the ethical issues and dilemmas inherent in the above case. (b) What are the options available to you in the above case? (c) Do you think that focusing on the personal responsibility of the inebriated driver is more ethical or the systemic failures of maintenance? Justify your answer with relevant ethical principles. (250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"As the Head of Safety, the conclusions of your report carry significant consequences. Firstly, if the driver is deemed culpable due to his intoxication, his family may lose a substantial amount of post-death benefits because he was under the influence while on duty. Secondly, if you conceal the driver's intoxication and attribute the incident solely to poor maintenance, the maintenance crew would face job termination. This situation required extensive introspection before finalizing the report. (a) Identify the ethical issues and dilemmas in the above case. (b) What are the options available to you in the above case? (c) What do you think is more ethical to focus on the personal responsibility of the driver, who was intoxicated, or on the broader systemic issue of maintenance failures? Justify your answer with relevant ethical theories. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"As an officer in the Right to Information (RTI) division of the Defence Ministry, your primary responsibility is to respond to RTI queries by furnishing relevant details. Most of these RTI applications pertain to tender information and procurement contracts. However, occasionally, applications concerning sensitive matters arise, requiring you to seek legal advice and obtain approval from your senior before responding. Recently, an RTI application was received that involved sensitive departmental initiatives. Following protocol, you sought legal advice, and the legal officer cleared the response. However, your senior did not approve the reply and instructed you to be opaque in your response. Respecting the chain of command, you adhered to the senior's directive and provided a vague and non-informative reply. Undeterred by the initial response, the applicant resubmitted the application, demonstrating persistence. Once again, you followed the senior's instructions and kept the response deliberately vague. This cycle continued, with the applicant becoming increasingly relentless. One day, the entire email trail related to this RTI case got leaked and found its way to the media. It was revealed that the persistent applicant was an RTI activist, dedicated to ensuring transparency and accountability within government departments. The media coverage brought significant public attention and scrutiny to the Defence Ministry's handling of RTI requests, particularly those concerning sensitive information. In the aftermath of the media exposure, your senior officer instructed you to take responsibility for the opaque responses. You were left questioning your actions and decisions, pondering where you might have gone wrong. (a) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you in the above case? (c) Considering the persistent nature of the RTI activist and the public's right to information, how should you navigate the tension between national security concerns and the principles of transparency and accountability? Explain (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"What are the ethical issues and dilemmas in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you in the above case? (c) Considering the persistent nature of the RTI activist and the public's right to information, how should you navigate the tension between national security concerns and the principles of transparency and accountability? Explain (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What the issues that you notice in the above case? (b) What are actionable options available to you? (c) Considering the feedback from the NGO staff about village men feeling left out and attempting to dissuade women from attending training sessions, what strategies would you implement to ensure their inclusion and support for the program? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Mr. Rajesh Kumar, a senior IAS officer, is posted as Principal Secretary of the Department of Urban Development. Mr. Kumar oversees a major infrastructure project to transform a densely populated urban slum into a modern residential area with improved amenities. Mr. Kumar's \"Urban Renewal Initiative\" project involves a multi-phase plan. The first phase focuses on relocating residents to temporary housing while construction begins on new apartment complexes. The project also includes the installation of modern sewage systems, clean drinking water facilities, community healthcare centres, and schools. The overarching goal is to uplift the socio-economic conditions of the slum dwellers, offering them a path to better opportunities and living standards. However, the project faces stiff opposition from a local political leader, Mr. Sharma, who has considerable influence in the area. Mr. Sharma argues that the redevelopment will displace many residents and disrupt their lives. While these concerns are valid, it is also evident that Mr. Sharma's opposition is motivated by his vested interest in maintaining control over the vote bank in the slum. His opposition to the project stems from a fear of losing this power if the residents' living conditions improve and they become less reliant on his patronage. In a private meeting, Mr. Sharma proposes a deal to Mr. Kumar. If the government awards construction contracts to firms controlled by Mr. Sharma's associates and family members, he will withdraw his opposition and support the project. This deal would expedite the project, ensuring the residents receive the promised benefits immediately. However, agreeing to Mr. Sharma's terms would mean compromising on the ethical principles of transparency and fairness in public procurement. Mr. Kumar was in a moral bind. Agreeing to Mr. Sharma's terms would mean engaging in corrupt practices, and rejecting the deal could delay or even derail the project, depriving the slum residents of much-needed improvements to their living conditions. (a) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas in the above case? (b) Considering the utilitarian perspective, do you think Mr. Kumar should have accepted Mr. Sharma's proposal to expedite the project for the greater good of the slum residents? Why or why not? (c) In the context of virtue ethics, discuss the importance of moral character and integrity for a senior civil servant like Mr. Kumar. How should these virtues guide his actions in resolving the dilemma? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"Ms. Sharma is the Director of the Department of Health and Family Welfare in a large Indian state. The department is responsible for implementing health policies, managing public health facilities, and ensuring the delivery of healthcare services. The workforce comprises a mix of senior officials, mid-level managers, and frontline health workers. Over the past few months, Ms. Sharma has received multiple complaints about Mr. Arvind Gupta, a senior official known for his authoritative management style. Mr. Gupta is a performance-driven officer who sometimes publicly berates subordinates and intimidates staff to get work done. One such complaint came from Ms. Anita Verma, a mid-level manager who reported that Mr. Gupta publicly berated her during a departmental meeting, calling her \"incompetent\" and \"useless\" in front of her peers. Ms. Verma stated that this incident severely impacted her mental health and work performance, causing her considerable distress. Other employees shared similar experiences. Mr. Ravi Kumar, a junior officer, recounted an instance where Mr. Gupta threatened to terminate his employment if he failed to complete an unrealistic workload within a tight deadline. He described Mr. Gupta's behaviour as harsh and demeanings, with frequent outbursts of anger and unwarranted criticism that created a climate of fear and anxiety in the workplace. Despite his behaviour, Mr. Gupta is recognized for his exceptional work performance. He has been instrumental in implementing several successful health initiatives, significantly improving healthcare delivery in districts. His expertise and dedication have made him an indispensable asset to the department, complicating the decision to address the complaints against him. Ms. Sharma had a tough decision to make. She knew she had to be strict, but she was also worried about the workflow disruption that action against Mr. Gupta could cause. (a) What are the issues and dilemmas that confront Ms. Sharma? (b) What ethical principles should guide Ms. Sharma in addressing the harassment and bullying complaints in her department? (c) What long-term strategies should be implemented to prevent harassment and bullying in government departments? How can these strategies promote a culture of respect and inclusivity? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":6457,"topper":"Ritika Chitlangia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/ritika-test-11-1747228535045.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Explain the relationship between Public Service Values and Public Administration Ethics. Do you think public service values are only eloquent statements for glorifying the Department's mission, or do they have any utility for public servants? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"How does the conscientious public servant sort through competing considerations and determine \"the right thing to do?\" When it comes to serving the public, how does one put one's values into practice? Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"What do you understand by good governance in public administration and corporations? How do they differ? Identify and explain three principles that can act as a foundation for good governance in a corporate setting. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"One hallmark of good governance is government departments' adherence to strict ethical standards when procuring goods and services for public programmes. Identify and explain the ethical principles that must be respected to maintain the integrity of the procurement process. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How should public servants ethically balance stakeholder interests, official obligations, and regime values when making administrative decisions, and which of these should be given the most moral weight? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Recent researchers have argued that the government's health and social-based interventions are significantly less effective without the emotional skills of self-awareness and empathy. Do you agree? Justify your answer with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss with relevant examples how civil servants' political and moral attitudes impact their work ethics and daily administrative decision-making. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"The motive has nothing to do with the morality of the action.\" In light of the above statement, do you think motive is irrelevant in determining the morality of an action? Explain your position with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Explain the contemporary relevance of Jain Tirthankaras' vow-based moral philosophy. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What ethical dilemmas arise from the use of economic sanctions in international relations, and how can policymakers balance these concerns with the need to punish illegal behaviours and compel political change? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the relevance of the following quotes to the present times. (a) \"Wars begin in the minds of men, and in those minds, love and compassion would have built the defences of peace.\" (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":36,"question":"What are the ethical issues in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Given the above case, what would be the best ethical theory for handling human distress situations?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"You were wondering about the course of action, as the deductions were legal, and the agents were technically following instructions. But, in the process, they were exploiting the poor villagers. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you as an SP? (c) Explain your chosen course of action. (d) If you have to recommend a better way of promoting the bima yojna, what would that be? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"AquaTech is a government defence contracting firm specialising in manufacturing robotic systems for police and military use. It is known for producing bomb-defusing robots and working on other classified projects. One critical project involved developing a robot capable of sweeping minefields and detecting hidden explosives. The project had a stringent seven-month deadline to produce a working prototype for a demonstration to top defence ministry officials. The project encountered delays due to staff shortages and other unforeseen issues, resulting in a two-week lag. As the deadline loomed, the project leader pressured the team to work extended hours with minimal rest. Despite these challenges, the team managed to complete the prototype on time for the demonstration. During the demonstration, the robot was deployed in an active minefield to detect mines and mark them with a spray. Initially, the robot performed as expected, identifying mines. However, instead of marking the sites, it triggered explosions, causing fatal injuries to the operating engineer. The demonstration was immediately halted, and an inquiry was launched. The investigation revealed that a software flaw caused the malfunction, leading to the tragic accident. The software development team argued that the operator issued mixed commands, which contributed to the malfunction. Overall, each team kept deflecting responsibility, but somebody or a team had to be made accountable for the fatal errors. (a) If you are the ethics officer of AquaTech enquiring, who will you hold responsible for the fatality? Why? (b) Discuss some common ethical issues that arise while using artificial intelligence. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":56,"question":"What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) With a limited budget at your disposal, you decide to allocate funds to tackle witchcraft-related superstitions. How would you justify your decision to the community and stakeholders? (c) Given that witchcraft-related crimes were not initially reported by the BDOs, how would you address this lack of communication and ensure better reporting and transparency moving forward? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":6458,"topper":"Ritika Chitlangia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/ritika-test-19-1747226461965.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What do you understand by Windfall tax? Do you think that windfall taxes can effectively redistribute wealth and promote greater economic equality? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Elaborate on the difference between Capital Account and Current Account as components of Balance of Payment (BOP). Suggest a few measures to balance the BOP deficit of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the perceived successes and challenges of implementing inflation targeting under the new Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) regime. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The logistics sector is one of the important components of the growth of the manufacturing industry. Discuss. Also, mention various components of the recently announced National Logistics Policy 2022. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Differentiate between the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and the Wholesale Price Index (WPI). Do you think that CPI is a better measure of inflation as compared to WPI? Substantiate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Jobless growth is an inherent feature of India's growth trajectory. What are the major reasons behind the high unemployment rate in India? Suggest remedial measures to improve the overall employment growth rate in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Recently, the Government of India has started evaluating the prospects of developing salt-cavern-based strategic oil reserves to increase India's strategic oil capacity. Critically analyze the importance of strategic oil reserves in order to strengthen India's energy security and its capacity to mitigate supply disruptions in global markets. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The aviation sector is infamously known as the graveyard of investments. What are the issues in the aviation sector? Suggest reforms to revitalize the aviation sector. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What is Digital Public Infrastructure? What are the advantages of DPI development in India? What are the impediments to realizing the full potential of DPI in India? Substantiate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Evaluate the potential of the PLI scheme in fostering innovation and enhancing competitiveness in the targeted sectors, and suggest measures to ensure the sustainability and scalability of the scheme. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Electricity Amendment Bill, 2022 brings several advantages for consumers, DISCOMs as well as the environment. Elaborate. Also, list out its shortcomings and suggest some measures to overcome them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) plays an important role in the regulation of the share market and safeguarding the interests of investors. In light of the given statement, highlight the challenges faced by the SEBI and suggest reforms in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"International trade is centred on the dominant currency paradigm(DCM). Critically Analyze the importance of Hard currency in International trade and Discuss the potential of rupee acceptance in global trade as an alternative to dollar imperialism. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Demographic Dividend does not ensure growth; it only generates potential. Discuss the steps made by the government to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the demographic transition. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Low tax buoyancy often translates into higher deficits and debt. Can a higher direct tax rate improve the overall tax-to-GDP ratio in India? What other steps can be undertaken to revamp the overall tax structure in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Startups are the driving engines of the fast-changing modern economy. Why have Indian startups failed to realize their potential? What steps can be undertaken to improve the profitability and performance of startups in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the inherent challenges that the Indian telecom sector has faced in the recent time? How far does the draft Indian Telecommunication Bill, 2022 address such issues? Suggest measures to revamp the telecom sector. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Analyze the advantages and disadvantages of various PPP models, in terms of financing, risk allocation, and service delivery. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The Indian EV industry is critically dependent on semiconductors for its sustainability. What are the challenges that the Indian semiconductor industry faces? Analyze and suggest measures to strengthen the supply chain of semiconductors in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"\"Investment in infrastructure is essential for more rapid and inclusive economic growth. Discuss in the light of India's experience. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6459,"topper":"Ritika Chitlangia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/ritika-test-23-1747226531493.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Define the concept of the carrying capacity of an ecosystem as relevant to an environment. Explain how understanding this concept is vital while planning for the sustainable development of a region. (Answer in 150 words) 10 words","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Critically evaluate the role of ocean thermal energy in improving the overall energy security in India. Why has India failed to capture the potential of ocean thermal energy? (Answer in 150 words) 10 words","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What are the challenges that rising plastic waste poses to the terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems? Suggest measures to effectively combat the rising menace of plastic pollution globally. (Answer in 150 words) 10 words","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Invasive alien species are a threat to the ecological sustainability of native species which adversely impacts the biodiversity in India. In this regard, critically evaluate the recent amendments in the Wildlife Protection Act to regulate invasive alien species in India. Provide other measures that can be undertaken to contain the spread of invasive alien species. (Answer in 150 words) 10 words","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The menace of air pollution remains one of the major environmental concerns of North India. What factors can be responsible for the degrading air quality in North India? Suggest some measures to efficiently tackle this problem. (Answer in 150 words) 10 words","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The recently concluded water bodies census has brought the issue of depleting water bodies in India to the fore. In this context, elaborate on the ecological and environmental challenges faced by natural and artificial water bodies in India. Also, suggest measures to prevent depletion of the water bodies and improve the status of water bodies in India. (Answer in 250 words) 15 words","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":19,"question":"MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes) Initiative was recently launched in the Union Budget 2023-24 in order to ensure sustainable growth of the mangroves in India. Elaborate on the features of the MISHTI programme while highlighting the importance and threats to mangroves in India. (Answer in 250 words) 15 words","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss global warming and mention its effects on the global climate. Explain the control measures to bring down the level of greenhouse gases that cause global warming, in the light of the Kyoto Protocol, 1997. (Answer in 250 words) 15 words","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"Clean energy is the order of the day.' Describe briefly India's changing policy towards climate change in various international fora in the context of geopolitics. (Answer in 250 words) 15 words","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Geoengineering proposes practical solutions to the problem of climate change. What is geoengineering and how can it help in fixing the issues of climate change? Substantiate with examples. (Answer in 250 words) 15 words","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6460,"topper":"Ritika Chitlangia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/ritika-test-21-1747226504882.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Discuss the causes of tsunamis and their impact on coastal areas. What measures can be taken to mitigate the impact of tsunamis? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"India is endowed with large rivers emerging from the Great Himalayas yet the region faces water shortage. Discuss. Also, give solutions to deal with the problem of water shortage. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the different types of soils found in India and their significance for agriculture. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Major hot deserts in the northern hemisphere are located between 20-30 degrees north and on the western side of the continents. Why? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Explain the mechanism of the Indian monsoon. What role do El-Nino and La-Nina play in its development over the Indian subcontinent? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the ways in which earthquakes can trigger secondary hazards such as landslides, tsunamis, and liquefaction. Assess the relative risks associated with these hazards and the measures that can be taken to mitigate their impact. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":22,"question":"How do the melting of the Arctic ice and glaciers of the Antarctic differently affect the weather patterns and human activities on the Earth? Explain. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"Explain the origin of Indian islands in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"How has global warming impacted the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as cyclones, floods, and droughts, and what are the implications of these changes for vulnerable communities? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6461,"topper":"Ritika Chitlangia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/ritika-test-15-1747226394362.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The ethnic and cultural diversity in India has always been bound by the thread of unity. Discuss the major factors that have contributed to the cultural unity of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The dichotomy in public and private life in Indian society acts as a major barrier to the annihilation of caste. Justify. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"In the context of cultural diversity in India, can we consider Southern states as distinct cultural units in comparison to the rest of India? Substantiate your view. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"India has a rich heritage in the internationalization of education. In this context how will the recent push for the 'internationalization of education' impact society and foster cultural exchange? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Examine the uniqueness of tribal knowledge systems when compared with mainstream knowledge and cultural systems. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Why do traditions in our society impede change? To what extent can social legislation be instrumental against old customary practices? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":19,"question":"Do you think that the forces of modernization that catalyzed the eradication of social evils in Indian society have also threatened our cultural values and ethos? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":22,"question":"How does Indian society maintain continuity in traditional social values? Enumerate the changes taking place in it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"Analyze the salience of 'sect' in Indian society vis-a-vis caste, region, and religion. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Are tolerance, assimilation, and pluralism the key elements in the making of an Indian form of secularism? Justify your answer. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6462,"topper":"Ritika Chitlangia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/ritika-test-16-1747226407397.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What are the factors that led to the Russian Revolution and what are the consequences of this revolution? Discuss its influence on the Indian national movement. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"'England's Industrial Revolution not only transformed the economic landscape but also had far-reaching social and cultural impacts'. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What problems were riddles with <<CUT>> the decolonization process in the Malay Peninsula? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"The hallmark of post-Independent India has been its remarkable strides in science and technology\". To what extent did scientific development during this period put India on the path of modernity? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Trace the evolution of the Tribal policy of Independent India with a focus on Tribal Panchsheel. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Assess the main administrative issues and socio-cultural problems in the integration process of Indian Princely States. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Critically examine the compulsions that prompted India to play a decisive role in the emergence of Bangladesh. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"State the differences and similarities between the ideologies of Nazism and Fascism? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"In what ways did the events of World War I and its immediate aftermath foster the resurgence of nationalism in Africa and Asia? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The causes of the French Revolution of 1789 included both long-term and structural factors, as well as more immediate events.\" Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The reign of Napolean not only resulted in the redrawing of the political map of Europe but also in numerous Administrative, political and economic reforms. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"To what extent can Germany be held responsible for Two world wars? (Answer in 250 words) 15 marks (2015)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What are the circumstances that led to the disintegration of the USSR and the end of the Cold War? How did the end of the Cold War contribute to the spread of globalization across the world? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Despite the initial fears about the linguistic reorganization of states post-independence helped strengthen the unity of India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"'The most economically active corridors today overlap with the former green revolution regions in India'. In the context of post-independent India how has the Green Revolution in India contributed to agricultural productivity but in hindsight produced a geography of uneven development? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The JP Movement was flawed in terms of both its composition and actions and also in the philosophy of its leader. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The political and administrative reorganization of states and territories has been a continuous ongoing process since the mid-nineteenth century. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"What does the \"Policy of Appeasement\" mean to you? To what degree did it contribute to the start of World War II? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6463,"topper":"Ritika Chitlangia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/ritika-test-28-1747307294971.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How do the foreign accounts help in piecing together the history of Ancient India? Explain with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Indian national congress was not the first political organisation but the culmination of a long process of political development in colonial India. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The revolt of 1857, called the First Indian War of Independence, was neither \"first\" nor a \"war of independence\". Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Gandhian phase of the national movement brought in a new set of ideas, philosophies and added wind to the sails of the national movement. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Assess the role of Subash Chandra Bose in India's Struggle for Independence. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What was Mountbatten Plan? Highlight the contributions of Lord Mountbatten in the final transfer of power and the ultimate independence of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Why was there a sudden spurt in famines in colonial India since the mid-eighteenth century? Give reasons. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The Quit India movement was a people's movement cutting across the class divides but it was the women's leadership that left a clear mark. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Socio-religious reforms of the 19th Century did not just impact the Hindu society but have impacted other religions too. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Indian Philosophy and tradition played a significant role in conceiving and shaping the monuments and their art in India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Discuss the significance of the lion and bull figures in Indian mythology, art and architecture. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Within the constitutional field, the moderates never visualised a clinical separation from the British empire; what they wanted was only limited self-government within the imperial framework. In light of this statement discuss the contribution of moderates to the National Movement along with their limitations. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"'The English were unwillingly drawn into the political turmoil created by the Indians themselves and were almost forced to acquire Indian territories'. Critically comment on this colonial view of the British conquest of India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What were the factors that helped in the development of Revolutionary extremism in the first half of the 20th Century? What was the impact of revolutionary extremists on the national political scene? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Bring out the constructive programmes of Mahatma Gandhi during Non-Cooperation Movement and Civil Disobedience Movement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the various ways in which nationalism manifested itself in India during colonial rule? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"To what extent women participated in different phases of freedom struggle? How did this activism and politicisation of women promote a feminist consciousness in colonial India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How did British economic policies favour the Western capitalist class at the expense of India's economic interests? What were the factors which facilitated modest Indian industrial development in the starting decades of the 20th century, despite an obstructing colonial presence? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Highlighting the evolution of British Policy on Princely states, discuss the role played by princely states in the Indian national movement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6464,"topper":"Ritika Chitlangia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/ritika-test-17-1747226423981.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The recent radical trends in Punjab show that the Khalistan issue is still simmering.\" Discuss the statement with respect to recent developments and suggest measures to handle it. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The anonymity and ease of drone operation contribute to the challenges of India's border security. Elaborate and give suggestions to tackle the drone problem in border areas. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The resource curse of Eastern and Central India has been a crucial driver of LWE\". Elaborate and suggest measures for sustainable and inclusive development of the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"In light of the declining trend of violence in the North East and J&K region do you think that AFSPA has lived its utility? Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Ethnic conflicts and cross-border migration along India-Myanmar and India-Bangladesh borders impact India's internal security. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The recent rise in ransomware attacks targeting critical infrastructure and major corporations has highlighted the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity measures and policies. Discussing the key factors contributing to this trend, analyze the impact of these attacks on various sectors. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":19,"question":"Analyse the multidimensional challenges posed by external state and non-state actors, to the internal security of India. Also, discuss measures required to be taken to combat these threats. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":22,"question":"The transformation of terrorism through the use of new and emerging technologies like metaverse and virtual assets is a matter of concern. How can we counter the Use of New and Emerging Technologies for Terrorist Purposes and Elucidate the importance of the \"Delhi declaration\" in this regard? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"India needs to update its Information Technology Act of 2000 to deal with emerging internal and external communication security and to make the cyber ecosystem more safe and secure. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Naxalism is a social, economic and developmental issue manifesting as a violent internal security threat. In this context, discuss the emerging issues gest a multilayered strategy to tackle the menace of Naxalism. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6465,"topper":"Ritika Chitlangia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/ritika-test-27-1747226607278.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The level of excellence of the administration of the Maurya kingdom was ahead of time and still relevant in present India? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The rock-cut architecture represents one of the most important sources of our knowledge of early Indian art and history. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Though not very useful from the point of view of a connected political history of South India, the Sangam literature portrays the social and economic conditions of its time with remarkable vividness. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The fabric of Indian philosophical thought owes as much to Northern India as to Southern India. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How did the ancient trade routes connecting India to foreign countries contribute to the exchange and dissemination of culture? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How does the Archeological evidence help in piecing together the life of the Harappan civilization? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":19,"question":"How do you explain the decline of Buddhism and Jainism? What was the impact of these philosophies on Indian society? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the main contributions of the Gupta period and the Chola period to Indian heritage and culture. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"Sanskrit literature in general and particularly in the Guptan age set a high watermark for the literary history of ancient India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"'Although there were many differences between the Gandhara and Mathura art, they considerably influenced the Amravati school of art.' Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6466,"topper":"Ritika Chitlangia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/ritika-test-13-1747226364895.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What are the basic principles of public life? Illustrate any three of these with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"\"Emotional Intelligence is the ability to make your emotions work for you instead of against you\". Do you agree with this view? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What teachings of Buddha are most relevant today and why? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"A positive attitude is considered to be an essential characteristic of a civil servant who is often required to function under extreme stress. What contributes to a positive attitude in a person? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Discuss the meaning of the following quotes (a) \"Humility is the most difficult of all virtues to achieve; nothing dies harder than the desire to think well of oneself.\" (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Persuasion performs a number of positive, prosocial functions. However, people often equate persuasion with manipulation and consider it unethical. What are the ethical values a persuader must respect to ensure the ethicality of the act of persuasion? Explain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"While competence without compassion can be brutal and inhumane; similarly, compassion without competence can be meaningless for persons seeking help.\" Explain the above with the help of a suitable illustration in the context of public services. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":6467,"topper":"Ritika Chitlangia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/ritika-test-14-1747226380860.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Wisdom lies in knowing what to reckon with and what to overlook. An officer being engrossed with the periphery, ignoring the core issues before him, is no rare in the bureaucracy. Do you agree that such preoccupation of an administrator leads to the travesty of justice to the cause of effective service delivery and good governance? Critically evaluate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Apart from intellectual competency and moral qualities, empathy and compassion are some of the other vital attributes that facilitate the civil servants to be more competent in tackling the crucial issues or taking critical decisions. Explain with suitable illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Rules and Regulations provided to all the civil servants are same, yet there is difference in the performance. Positive-minded officers are able to interpret the Rules and Regulations in favour of the case and achieve success, whereas negative-minded officers are unable to achieve goals by interpreting the same Rules and Regulations against the case. Discuss with illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"It is believed that adherence to ethics in human actions would ensure in smooth functioning of an organization/system. If so, what does ethics seek to promote in human life? How do ethical values assist in the resolution of conflicts faced by him in his day-to-day functioning? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The impact of digital technology as a reliable source of input for rational decision-making is a debatable issue. Critically evaluate with a suitable example. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Besides domain knowledge, a public official needs innovativeness and creativity of a high order as well, while resolving ethical dilemmas. Discuss with a suitable example. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"Refugees should not be turned back to the country where they would face persecution or human right violation.\" Examine the statement with reference to the ethical dimension being violated by the nation claiming to be democratic with an open society. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Should impartial and non-partisan be considered indispensable qualities to make a successful civil servant? Discuss with illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Most civil servants are neither pure deontologists nor pure utilitarians, but they operate according to a kind of ethical pluralism.\" Do you agree? Discuss your position with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Explain the difference between codes of ethics, codes of conduct and codes of rules and regulations. Do you think an increase in the number of codes and regulations is an efficient response to the decline of public trust and integrity issues? Why/why not? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Discuss the meaning of the following quotes: (a) The root of happiness is Dharma (righteousness), the root of Dharma is Artha (economy), the root of Artha is right governance.\" (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":6468,"topper":"Ritika Chitlangia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/ritika-test-18-1747226444610.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"\"Green hydrogen can be the silver bullet in our quest to tackle climate change and pollution\". Critically analyse the statement in light of India's National green hydrogen mission. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"What is the Global Methane Pledge? Do you think the Global Methane Pledge is a positive step towards mitigating methane emissions? Explain India's stance on this issue. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Climate change mitigation and adaptation strategy is not only about reducing future emissions but also involves active removal of already released carbon into the atmosphere. In this context what do you understand by the concept of Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) and discuss the progress of the international community in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How does the draft Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2020 differ from the existing EIA Notification, 2006? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Explain the mechanism and occurrence of cloudburst in the context of the Indian subcontinent. Discuss two recent examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What are the key lessons for disaster management and environmental conservation in the Himalayan region, in light of the recent disaster in Joshimath, Uttarakhand? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of disaster management in public health. Discuss the key strategies and challenges for managing pandemics and other infectious disease outbreaks. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Poor building design, flagrant violations of building and fire safety norms and overcrowding of spaces are responsible for the rising risk of fires in urban areas. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"How do the Puranas contribute to our understanding of ancient Indian culture and history? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"What were the factors leading to the deindustrialization of India under British colonial rule? Also, discuss the economic and social impact of the decline of India's indigenous industries during this period. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Explain the purpose of the Mangrove Alliance for Climate launched at the COP27 UN Climate Change Conference in Egypt in November 2022. Elaborate on the importance of mangroves in maintaining the coastal ecology of tropical nations. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Trace the evolution of the Loss and Damage fund. What are major developments related to loss and damage funds in COP 27?, What are the commitments made by India in this conference? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"The recent amendments in the Wildlife Protection Act provide a framework to prevent illegal trade in wild animals and plants to ensure that their survival is not threatened. In this regard, mention the implications of illegal wildlife trade in India and analyse the effectiveness of the recent amendments to address the issue. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Elaborate on the reasons behind the rise in human-wildlife conflicts in India. What measures can be undertaken to ensure the peaceful co-existence of humans and wildlife? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"The Formation of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure brings more robustness to the Disaster Management approach in India. Comment and justify the need for a new strategy to tackle Disasters in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Disaster management is not just about responding to emergencies but also about building resilient communities. Discuss the key strategies that can be used to build community resilience and reduce the impact of disasters. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Analyze the factors that contribute to the increased incidence and severity of floods in urban areas and the measures that can be taken to reduce the risk and enhance the resilience of the population. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"'The system of judges appointing judges is a distinctive element of the Indian judicial system'. How does the process of judicial appointment in India differ from that of the United Kingdom and the United States? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Highlighting the reasons for the increasing criminalization of politics in India, discuss the need for reforms in various sections of the Representation of People Act, 1951. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Analyse the factors influencing the spatial distribution of population in India, with emphasis on the regional differences in population density distribution. Also, suggest policy measures to tackle the challenges posed by uneven population distribution. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6469,"topper":"Ritika Chitlangia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/ritika-test-20-1747226493378.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Assess the potential of millet production in promoting sustainable agriculture and improving food security in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"What is India's stand on the New Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies under WTO? How is the Fisheries sector significant for India? Enumerate the steps taken by the Government to develop this sector. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Analyze the systemic and institutional constraints that continue to hinder land reform efforts in India and propose pragmatic solutions to ensure equitable distribution of land. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Bringing urea under the NBS Scheme is seen as the panacea for all the issues related to fertilizer subsidies in India as well as for the environmental problems of agriculture. Highlighting the issues related to urea management, suggest reforms are required to improve the usage of urea in a sustainable manner in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"India's food security faces challenges from not just domestic factors but also global factors. Comment. Discuss some ways to strengthen India's food security. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Jal Jeevan Mission has the potential to end the regional disparity in the availability and accessibility of drinking water. Highlighting the significance of the mission, discuss the underlying impediments in achieving the desired objectives. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Numerous foreign travellers have vividly documented their observations of the Vijayanagara Empire over time, offering valuable sources for reconstructing its history. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree that Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's view of the caste problem was more political than social? Also, highlight his efforts aimed at social reform. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Why is the world today confronted with a crisis of availability of and access to freshwater resources? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"How are the fjords formed? Why do they constitute some of the most picturesque areas of the world? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Despite being a major contributor to the Indian economy, the agriculture sector is plagued by several constraints that impede its growth and development. Examine the role of technology in overcoming these constraints. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Evaluate the impact of irrigation on the environment and natural resources, and suggest measures to ensure the sustainability and equity of irrigation practices in agriculture. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"'Genome editing holds immense potential for crop improvement, but it also raises ethical and safety concerns'. How far do the new guidelines for the safety assessment of genome-edited plants in India, ensure the safety of genetically modified crops? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the impact of direct and indirect farm subsidies on the agriculture sector in India. How have Minimum Support Prices (MSP) affected the agricultural economy? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The import of edible oils forms a major part of India's import bill. In this context, evaluate the importance of the recently launched National Mission on Edible Oils and Oil Palm (NMEO-OP). What are the environmental concerns related to increasing palm oil production in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"A robust livestock economy can act as a parallel source of farmers' income. Highlighting the role of the livestock economy in the agriculture sector in India, discuss the challenges faced by the livestock sector in India. Suggest interventions that can strengthen the livestock sector to contribute to the overall well-being of the farmers. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Most of the unemployment in India is structural in nature. Examine the methodology adopted to compute unemployment in the country and suggest improvements. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has predicted a global sea level rise of about one metre by AD 2100. What would be its impact on India and the other countries in the Indian Ocean region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Critically examine the procedures through which the Presidents of India and France are elected. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"While the national political parties in India favour centralisation, the regional parties are in favour of State autonomy. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6470,"topper":"Ritika Chitlangia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/ritika-test-25-1747226575083.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Discuss the safeguards available to civil servants against the 'Doctrine of Pleasure' under Article 310 of the Indian constitution. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss the role of the National Commission for Backward Classes in the wake of its transformation from a statutory body to a constitutional body. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has a very vital role to play.\" Explain how this is reflected in the method and terms of his appointment as well as the range of powers he can exercise. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Recognizing the pivotal role of urbanization as a driver of national economic growth, the Fifteenth Finance Commission has suggested major reforms for Urban Local Bodies. Evaluate the recommendations put forward by the Fifteenth Finance Commission in promoting and revitalizing ULBs in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Cooperative federalism finds its true expression in the mandate and function of the GST council'. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"The Attorney-General is the chief legal adviser and lawyer of the Government of India.\" Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":19,"question":"The key to effective decentralization is, 'political decentralization should follow finance and functional decentralization'. Discuss in the context of impediments faced by local governance in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":22,"question":"What are the powers and functions of the National Commission for Scheduled Caste (NCSC)? Discuss the performance of NCSC in protecting and promoting the rights of Scheduled Caste. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"Highlighting the concerns related to the Terms of Reference (TOR) of the Fifteenth Finance Commission discuss how the commission has balanced conflicting interests. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"\"Interstate border disputes, if not promptly and impartially settled, can transform into persistent issues that impede development and generate friction\". Highlighting the constitutional and legal framework to resolve interstate disputes, explain why Independent India has failed to resolve inter-state border disputes. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6471,"topper":"Ritika Chitlangia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/ritika-test-26-1747226589083.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"There is a need to resolve the ambiguity in the disqualification provisions under section 8 of the Representation of People Act 1951. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Highlight the key differences in the scope of Freedom of speech and expression as provided under Parliamentary privileges vis a vis Fundamental rights. Why is it necessary to maintain a balance between parliamentary privilege and fundamental rights? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"Electoral bonds are a double-edged sword, providing anonymity to donors while raising concerns about transparency in political funding.\" To what extent have electoral bonds further legitimized opacity in electoral funding? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The Indian constitution has not only served as a political blueprint but also provides a social framework. In this context discuss the changing contours of socialism in the last 75 years of the constitution. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Discuss the key function of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). What steps should be taken to revamp the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in order to enhance its effectiveness as a true guardian of public funds? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"The Indian party system is passing through a phase of transition which looks to be full of contradictions and paradoxes.\" Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The lack of effective functioning in local bodies partly results from their incapability to generate independent financial resources. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"The harmonious coexistence of Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles lays the foundation for a just and equitable society, where individual liberties and collective welfare complement each other.\" - Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. Discuss the harmonious relationship between Fundamental Rights & Directive Principles in light of Supreme Court judgments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"In the spirit of unity and efficiency, One Nation, One Election stands as a powerful step towards streamlining our democratic process.\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Under what circumstances can the Governor use his discretionary powers under Article 200 of the constitution? Discuss its impact on the role and authority of the Governor in the federal setup. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The office of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has faced criticism and challenges, primarily due to concerns about its autonomy, transparency, and susceptibility to external influences. Discuss and suggest reforms to uphold its credibility and effectiveness. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"How has the Anti-Defection Law impacted the relationship between political parties and individual legislators in India? In light of recent examples also discuss the unintended consequences it has on the functioning of democracy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"'S.R. Bommai v. Union of India signified a paradigm shift in the judicial interpretation of the union's authority to assume control of a state's administration.' In this context discuss the significance and impact of the judgement on cementing the federal structure. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The doctrine of Parliamentary sovereignty and judicial supremacy has exerted considerable influence in shaping the constitutional frameworks of India and the USA. Citing relevant case laws discuss the role of the judiciary in influencing the constitutions in these countries. Is the scope of judicial review wider in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"'Delimitation of seats is essential to ensure fair representation and uphold the principles of 'one vote, one value'. Highlighting the challenges posed by misrepresentation in constituencies analyze the ramifications of population based delimitation in creating federal tension. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Rajya Sabha has been transformed from a 'useless stepney tyre' to the most useful supporting organ in the past few decades. Highlight the factors as well as the areas in which this transformation could be visible. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Though the Human Rights Commissions have contributed immensely to the protection of human rights in India, yet they have failed to assert themselves against the mighty and powerful. Analyzing their structural and practical limitations, suggest remedial measures. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss the role of the Supreme Court of India in strengthening the hands of the Election Commission in the discharge of its constitutional responsibility of conducting free and fair elections in the country. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Discuss the crucial role played by the National Commission of Women in shaping the discourse on gender-sensitive laws in India. To what extent the elevation of the National Commission for Women to a constitutional body would reinforce its authority? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Discuss the role of the Election Commission of India in light of the evolution of the Model Code of Conduct. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6472,"topper":"Ritika Chitlangia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/ritika-test-22-1747226517151.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Discuss the various factors responsible for the uneven temperature distribution on Earth's surface. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"\"To what extent does seismic investigation contribute to our understanding of the Earth's interior structure? Analyse its significance in detail. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The melting of glaciers due to climate change has serious implications for the ecosystem and human society. Discuss the effects of melting glaciers on the environment and the measures that can be taken to address this issue. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The White Revolution was most successful in the Western part of India. Discuss the factors for this regional success of the White Revolution. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How will the structural shift from coal-based power plants to renewable energy generation impact human development in coal-bearing states? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"To what extent temperature and precipitation are the most important factors that determine soil properties? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Why are severe and intense cyclones becoming a regular phenomenon in the Arabian Sea? Substantiate with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Numerous foreign travellers have vividly documented their observations of the Vijayanagara Empire over time, offering valuable sources for reconstructing its history. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Do you agree that Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's view of the caste problem was more political than social? Also, highlight his efforts aimed at social reform. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the mandate of the Central Administrative Tribunal(CAT). To what extent the jurisdictional tussle between CAT and High courts have been resolved by earlier SC verdicts? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The configuration of the ocean floor provides essential information about the geological processes that have shaped the Earth's surface. Discuss the major features of the ocean floor and their significance in the study of oceanography. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The Indian monsoon is a complex phenomenon influenced by various climatic factors. Critically examine the role of oceanic and atmospheric factors in determining the intensity and distribution of monsoon rainfall in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"How does temperature inversion affect atmospheric conditions and what are its implications for local weather patterns and air pollution levels? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"With the growing demand for rare earth elements, their distribution has become a critical aspect of the global economy. Discuss the distribution of rare earth elements across the world, their uses, and the environmental impact of their extraction. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What are the geographical and economic factors that influence the location of the sugar industry, and how do they contribute to the growth of the industry in India and different parts of the world? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Tourism in the hilly states is threatening to exceed the ecological carrying capacity of the region. Analyze the factors contributing to this trend and evaluate the potential Environmental impacts of this phenomenon. What measures can be taken to ensure sustainable tourism in these states? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the geographical factors responsible for mangrove vegetation in India? How does climate change pose a threat to mangrove vegetation in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Although desert landscapes across the world reflect many similarities, the process of desertification is influenced by local factors. Elaborate with suitable examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How has the 69th Constitutional Amendment led to Delhi's dual governance dilemma? Discuss its impact on cooperative federalism as envisaged in the Constitution. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"How did Mahatma Gandhi's participation in the Khilafat Movement illustrate his ability to connect diverse issues and mobilize different communities towards a common cause? To what extent did the Khilafat movement achieve its objective? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6473,"topper":"Ritika Pandey","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/57619-976428_2928_ritika-pandey_rank_185.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How does tribal art provide valuable insights into the cultural perspectives and values of Indian tribal communities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What are the key factors that accelerated decolonization post-World War II? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How does human encroachment impact water bodies in urban areas? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How do physical geographical features influence the development and operation of transportation systems? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How are ocean trenches formed? Describe the significant characteristics of these oceanic relief formations. (Answer in 150words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Identify the reasons behind increasing number of extreme rainfall events throughout India in recent times. Assess their socio-economic impact. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"India is expected to have the largest working-age population in the world by 2030 and it cannot afford low participation of women in the workforce anymore. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Do you agree that there has been a progressive secularization of caste in India? Support your view with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Why is inequality increasing in India despite the fall in overall poverty? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"How did the competitive and hostile dynamic between Brahminism and Buddhism over funding, followers, and ideology mark the decline of Buddhism? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"European travellers' accounts in the medieval period have played an important role in shaping our understanding of the empires and people of that period in India. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The British victory in the Battle of Plassey in 1757 not just changed the course of Indian history but also that of the world. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Why was it more difficult to rehabilitate refugees in West Bengal as compared to Punjab after partition? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss the economic and social costs associated with the transition from coal to green energy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Explain the process of formation of volcanic calderas. How do they contribute to the scenic beauty of the region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India's approach to secularism does not merely challenge inter-religious domination but intra-religious domination as well. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Do you agree with the view that Indian cities are turning into landscapes of stark inequality and social exclusion? What steps can be taken to make urban areas more egalitarian in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6474,"topper":"Ritika Pandey","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/669f9-976428_1812_ritika-pandey_rank_185.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"What are the basic functions of a constitution? Illustrate in the context of the Indian Constitution.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the functions of National Green Tribunal, discuss its importance and limitations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Bring out the difference between FPTP and PR systems. Also, explain the merits and demerits of each for a country like India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"The Indian Constitution strikes a balance between flexibility and rigidity. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"What is a pressure group? Describing the function that it performs, explain how it is different from a political party.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Mentioning the functions that are performed by UPSC, discuss its working as the 'watchdog of merit system' in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"What are the various instruments available to the legislature to uphold the accountability of the executive in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the federal and unitary features of the Indian Constitution.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"Give an account of the functions performed by the National Commission for Backward Classes.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Explain the significance of local bodies in strengthening the democratic spirit in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"Highlighting the reasons behind judicial pendency in India, mention the steps, which can be taken to address this problem. 13. The position of legislative councils in state legislatures is much weaker than the Rajya Sabha in Parliament. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"The position of legislative councils in state legislatures is much weaker than the Rajya Sabha in Parliament. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"Explaining the meaning of contempt of Court, discuss the arguments that are advanced in its favor as well as against it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"What are the grounds of disqualification of membership of the Parliament and state legislatures, as mentioned in RPA, 1951?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Explain the procedure through which the Constitution of India can be amended. Also, discuss its limitations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"The union list prevails over the other lists in terms of distribution of legislative powers in the Indian Constitution. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"The doctrine of Separation of Powers is the bedrock of Indian parliamentary democracy. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"Explaining the power of President to promulgate ordinances, mention the various limitations that exist in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":55,"question":"Despite often being described as \"first among equals\", the position of the PM vis-a-vis other ministers in the Council of Ministers is one of pre-eminence. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6475,"topper":"Ritika Pandey","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7889c-976428_2930_ritika-pandey_rank_185.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How is the rapid growth of the food processing industry leading to food safety challenges in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Under the Public Distribution System of India, the Fair Price Shop (FPS) transformation is an evolving process. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"How are agri-tech startups in India helping farmers in enhancing farm productivity and market access? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the role of digitization of land records in the effective implementation of land reforms in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"To fully exploit its demographic dividend and accelerate economic growth, India needs to adopt a manufacturing-led growth model. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can the resilience of Indian coastal communities be strengthened to tackle the growing natural hazards resulting from climate change? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How does the Green Credit Programme extend beyond carbon management to promote a more sustainable environment in India? What are the various concerns about its implementation? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What is the need for NavIC when existing satellite navigation systems are already available? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Cyber-enabled financial crime has emerged as the new frontier of global money laundering. Discuss. How can the government address this issue? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The Indian Army is observing the year 2024 as the 'Year of Technology Absorption'. In light of this, explain why there is a need for technology absorption in the defence sector of India. What challenges can India face in this initiative? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What are the issues faced in the development of trade and industries in the North-Eastern Region (NER) of India? Comment on the measures that have been taken to tackle these issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the era of climate change and growing water scarcity, how can micro-irrigation systems contribute to sustainable agricultural practices in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the factors that have aided India in making impressive strides in the renewable energy sector and establishing itself as a frontrunner in the global renewable energy transition. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"How does agricultural runoff containing fertilizers and pesticides contribute to environmental pollution? What measures can be taken to mitigate the impact of agricultural runoff? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The growing influx of tourists in Himalayan states has breached their ecological carrying capacity, leading to significant man-made disasters. What measures can be implemented to prevent such disasters while promoting sustainable tourism? Discuss with relevant examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"How do superconductors fuel innovation in diverse fields of science and technology? Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"While India has laws covering almost all types of intellectual property rights, numerous enforcement, regulatory and administrative challenges hamper the commercialisation of IPRs in India. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Keeping in view the challenges in creating integrated theatre commands, examine how the theaterisation of commands can lead to greater integration and rationalisation of manpower and resources among the three services. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Treating border villages as first villages not just geographically but also in terms of facilities can be a key strategy for enhancing border security. Discuss. Also, highlight the measures being taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6476,"topper":"Ritika Pandey","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9ed44-976428_2931_ritika-pandey_rank_185.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The end cannot justify the means, for the simple and obvious reason that the means employed determine the nature of the ends produced. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss how the relationship between law and ethics is dynamic and continuously shaped by societal changes. Provide examples to illustrate this dynamic relationship. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Differentiate between probity and integrity with suitable examples. How do these values contribute to ethical governance and decision-making in the civil services? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the ethical implications of withholding information in public administration. How can transparency enhance accountability and reduce corruption in government institutions? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \" - \"- \"There is no school equal to a decent home and no teacher equal to a virtuous parent.\"- Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What factors lead to a positive attitude in a person? How does positive attitude enhance the effectiveness of civil servants in performing their duties? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss how emotional intelligence can influence ethical decision-making in the allocation of scarce public resources. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Various international humanitarian organizations provide emergency aid in conflict zones around the world. Highlight the ethical challenges faced by such organizations. What are the principles that guide international humanitarian work? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Why is persuasion regarded as an important skill for civil servants? What are the key considerations that should guide persuasion in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"What role can ethical leadership play in curbing corruption, especially in public service? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"What were the major teachings of Swami Dayanand Saraswati? Explain their relevance in addressing the current ethical and social challenges in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":33,"question":"Discuss the ethical dilemma Karan faces in deciding whether to report the incident against Mariyam's wishes. (b) Evaluate the options available to Karan. Which of these options should he choose and why? (c) What responsibilities do organizations like XYZ Corp have in preventing and addressing sexual harassment and creating inclusive workplace environments? (Answer in 250 words)20","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Jay, a civil servant, was appointed as the Commissioner in the state's Education Department a year ago. In his initial months, he implemented several policies and programmes that were transforming the Education Ministry's operations, gaining a good reputation that could potentially benefit the concerned minister in the upcoming elections. However, Jay now faces a significant challenge. As part of his responsibilities, he must approve the recruitment of new teachers for government schools. He has received a list of 120 candidates recommended for vacant posts, but suspects the recruitment process was unfair. Jay had also received several complaints claiming that the process had not been meritocratic. Upon review, Jay discovers evidence suggesting that many names on the list are the result of political patronage - a prevalent issue in the state where politicians use recruitment to gain political support. Jay believes the Education Minister is engaging in this practice as the election season approaches. This situation reminds Jay of a past incident when, as a junior officer, he refused to entertain an unnecessary procurement request. Consequently, he was transferred within a week, and he and his family faced frivolous anti-corruption complaints as retaliation. His successor approved the procurement at even higher rates. Jay is now concerned that blocking the current recruitment could lead to similar consequences. (a) What are the options available to Jay as the Commissioner of the Education Department? Evaluate each of these options. (b) What option should Jay adopt and why? (c) How can civil servants like Jay be better protected when they attempt to uphold ethical standards in their work? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"What are the options available to Jay as the Commissioner of the Education Department? Evaluate each of these options. (b) What option should Jay adopt and why? (c) How can civil servants like Jay be better protected when they attempt to uphold ethical standards in their work? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"As the District Magistrate of X city, you are responsible for overseeing the construction of a new metro depot in an urban forest area, which is a critical infrastructure project aimed at improving public transportation and reducing traffic congestion and air pollution. The project, however, requires the clearance of a substantial portion of the forest, which has triggered strong opposition from environmental activists, local residents, and NGOs. This forest is widely regarded as essential for the city's ecological balance, often referred to as the city's \"lungs.\" In addition to the environmental concerns, you are under considerable pressure from politicians at the state-level to expedite the project, given the upcoming elections in two years. The political leadership emphasizes the benefits of the metro project for the city's development and its potential to garner electoral support. The project is expected to significantly reduce travel time for thousands of commuters and potentially decrease overall vehicle emissions in the city. However, it would also lead to the loss of thousands of trees and disrupt local ecosystems. As you prepare to make a decision, you are aware that your choice will have far-reaching consequences for both the city's development and its environment. (a) Identify the ethical dilemmas involved in the above case. (b) Evaluate the options available to you in the above situation. Which of these would you choose and why? (c) Suggest some measures that could be implemented to balance urban development needs with environmental conservation in future projects. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Dr. Mehra is a senior drug developer at a leading pharmaceutical company in India, renowned for producing various medications, including lifesaving drugs critical for treating chronic and rare diseases. Since its inception, the company has emphasized the quality and affordability of its drugs. Recently, under revised government guidelines, pharmaceutical companies are required to market a finished product only after obtaining \"satisfactory results\" from tests on the ingredients. Additionally, they must retain a sufficient quantity of samples of both intermediate and final products to allow repeated testing or verification of a batch. Dr. Mehra's team is in the final stages of developing a new medication for a rare but life-threatening disease. This drug has shown promising results in clinical trials. However, there have been unresolved concerns about the long-term side effects of the drug, observed in a small percentage of trial subjects. Despite this, the company has not released any major drug in the past decade, leading to significant pressure from the board members to expedite the drug's release. (a) Identify the stakeholders in the above case study. (b) Discuss the ethical issues faced by Dr. Mehra. (c) Analyse the options available to Dr. Mehra in the above case. Which of these would you choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":59,"question":"In light of the above case, discuss the ethical issues that may arise from the nexus between corporate, political, and bureaucratic interests. (b) As a conscientious civil servant, evaluate the options available to Arun. Which option should he choose and why?(Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6477,"topper":"Ritika Pandey","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0297a-976428_1827_ritika-pandey_rank_185.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The ideals of 'Dhamma' by Ashoka present key learnings on public morality. Discuss. Also, state their relevance for public servants.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"There is a need for an effective climate governance structure within the broad framework of corporate governance. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Family values influence the decisions individuals make both within the family structure and outside of it. Do you agree with the statement? Justify with relevant examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"While it may seem restrictive, anonymity is one of the greatest strengths of the civil services. Comment in the context of growth of social media in recent times.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Corporate governance and business ethics are key factors influencing investment decisions and determining the flow of capital worldwide. In this context, discuss the inter-relationship between corporate governance and business ethics.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Examine the issue of foreign aid in global politics from an ethical perspective.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"4(b) Explaining the meaning of media ethics, discuss why it is a prerequisite for democracy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"5 (b) The opportunities and threats created by emerging technologies like AI requires leaders across business, government and civil society to understand the importance of values and ethics in technological development. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"You come across a news report of a state 'X', which has a considerable number of school going children suffering from malnourishment. To overcome this, the state recently rolled out a policy to introduce eggs in mid-day meals in schools. However, some parents, teachers and a few religious groups have protested against the move. The report states that the Minister of Education of state 'X' has assured the public of a reversal in the policy. You are aware that this may be because elections are approaching in the state and the party in power may not want to antagonise a particular religious group, which is its key supporter. In light of this, answer the following: (a) Highlight the stakeholders in the given case study. (b) Examine the options available in the given situation. (c) According to you, what is the best course of action and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Recently, the government has proposed a bill to increase the age of marriage for women from 18 to 21 years. It has been argued that it will help women improve their nutritional status, lower maternal mortality rate and improve the overall health status of women. However, some critics have stated that the proposed law would be counterproductive to women's cause and the desired objectives will not be met. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What effect will an increase in the age of marriage have on women in India? (b) Can legislation be used as an effective tool for social change? (c) Discuss other agents that can be used for social change in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Climate change not only threatens our ecosystems but also undermines the foundation of our fundamental rights, deepens inequalities and creates new forms of injustice. Adapting to climate change and trying to mitigate its impacts are not just a matter of scientific knowledge and political will but also demand a broader view of a complex, inter-related situation. Human induced climate change has brought in several ethical dimensions not just in causing climate change but also in the role and responsibility in mitigating it. (a) Highlight the ethical issues arising out of human-induced climate change. (b) What ethical principles should form the basis of global action on climate change?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are the Chairperson of Staff Selection Commission of a state. Recently, an exam for recruitment to the position of sub-inspectors was conducted by the Commission. But a video of some students using hi-tech devices like spy-mics, and placing \"solvers\" to cheat in the exam by hiding bluetooth devices in wig, has been surfacing on the internet. Also, this is not an isolated incident; many instances of organized cheating scandals have shocked the state in recent years. Students are agitated and demanding cancellation of the exam and there is pressure on you to resign. However, your daughter had also appeared in this exam and is confident of clearing it. There are many other students who had waited for this exam for a long time and are hopeful of clearing it with honest efforts. Whatever decision the Commission takes is bound to affect the career of a large number of candidates who appeared in the exam, including your own daughter. (a) Highlight the ethical issues concerned in the case. (b) Why is cheating in examinations prevalent in many states across India? (c) What measures would you take to make sure that a similar situation does not arise in future?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You are a young officer posted as a Sub-Divisional Magistrate in a backward district. You receive a complaint against the appointment of a Dalit woman in a village school for cooking food under the Mid-Day Meal scheme by parents of some students. The parents are putting immense pressure on the school management to discontinue the services of the woman concerned on the basis of long-standing social norms of caste impurity. They also say that if the management fails to take a favourable decision, keeping in mind the prevailing social customs, they will convene a village assembly and take action against the woman and her family members, including boycotting them socially. Based on the above information, address the following: (a) Identify the issues involved in the given case study. (b) Highlighting the reasons behind continuing caste discrimination, discuss the steps which you will take to resolve the present issue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"A bridge is being built by a powerful local contractor in a district. The Public Works Department (PWD) is responsible for issuing the tender, checking the quality of the bridge and giving approval to it. During the construction of the bridge, testing by the quality control lab in the PWD showed its strength to be slightly below the minimum value required for granting approval for its further construction and completion. The local contractor paid hefty bribes to some officials in the PWD to get the contract. These officials are pressurising the quality control lab in the PWD to sign the report and give the required approval to the bridge. The local MLA is also pressuring the concerned lab for the approval, as elections in the state are approaching and the bridge has to be inaugurated. However, the in-charge of the lab is aware that if he grants approval and any mishappening related to the bridge occurs in the future, he may come under scrutiny. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the issues involved in this scenario? (b) Evaluate the options available to the in-charge of the quality control lab in the given situation. (c) What course of action should the lab in-charge take? Justify with logical arguments.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6478,"topper":"Ritika Rath","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5a4fd-1213334_2488_ritika_rath_rank_48.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"A mind all logic is like a knife all blade, it makes the hand bleed that uses it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly. 1. It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"History is a cyclic poem written by time upon the memories of man.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6479,"topper":"Ritika Rath","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RITIKA-RATH-UPSC-2024-Rank-48-MGP-Sample-Copy-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Q.1) In many ways, the Spanish civil war was the opening act of WWII. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Q.2) How will you explain the different fates of Buddhism and Jainism despite a slew of similarities in the two religions?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Q.3 Non-Cooperation Movement democratized India's freedom struggle but suffered from inherent limitations. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Q.4) Critically analyse the efficacy of linguistic reorganization of states in addressing the reasons for linguistic divides in post-independent India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Q.5 Briefly discuss the role of plate tectonics theory in explaining the location of volcanoes. Also, explain the multifarious impacts of volcanoes on the surrounding regions.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Q.6 Taking further the success of Aspirational Districts Programme, Aspirational Blocks can help achieve the twin objectives of balanced growth and checking stress migration. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Q.7) Describe the critical factors for location of defense industries and suggest measures to overcome the challenges.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Q.8 To what extent can Socio-Economic-Caste Census (SECC) address the challenges in achieving equitable resource allocation and targeted welfare?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Q.9 Indian society is premised on some common values that give it a composite texture as well as some diverse practices that deepen its heterogeneity. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Q.10 What are the factors that influence population growth in the country? In this perspective, examine the relevance and need of raising the minimum marriageable age of women for population development.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Q.11 Bring out the reasons behind the tribal unrest in British India. Also, analyze the reasons for their limited success.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.12 The independence of India was not a result of a forced expulsion of the Empire, as desired by the Quit India Movement; it was rather a confluence of domestic politics and global circumstances. Analyze.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Q.13 Explain why Sufism, a liberal reform movement in Islam could deepen its roots in the Indian sub-continent, despite Islam being a foreign religion? Also, bring out the impacts of Sufism on Indian society.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Q.14) Enumerate the reasons behind rising intensity and frequency of cyclones in the Arabian Sea in recent years. Giving special reference to NDMA guidelines, recommend measures to check the adverse impacts of cyclones.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Q.15 Examine the impacts of climate change on the hydrological cycle and suggest suitable mitigation and adaptation strategies to contain the harmful implications.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Q.16) Defining continental shelf, highlight its resource potential and ecological significance.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Q.17 Rooted in patriarchal values, gender-based violence, in all its manifestations, is antithetical to societal growth. Explain.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Q.18 The caste calculus in the Indian society remains predominant and continues to project its shadow on social, political, and economic domains. Do you agree? Substantiate your answer.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Q.19 Discuss various factors contributing to the water woes faced by Indian cities. Also, explain complexities in implementing a comprehensive water management plan.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Q.20) Though important elements of group identity, religion and region also run the risk of deepening communal cleavages. Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6480,"topper":"Ritika Rath","air":48,"year":2024,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/75826-1213334_2085_ritika_rath_rank_48.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6481,"topper":"Ritika Rath","air":48,"year":2024,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c23a0-1213334_2086_ritika_rath_rank_48.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6482,"topper":"Ritika Rath","air":48,"year":2024,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b2567-1213334_2087_ritika_rath_rank_48.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6483,"topper":"Ritika Rath","air":48,"year":2024,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"IAS Gyan","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://iasgyan.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/pdf/Ritika_Rath_answer_copy_02_1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6484,"topper":"Ritika Rath","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7501f-1213334_2931_ritika-rath_rank_48.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The end cannot justify the means, for the simple and obvious reason that the means employed determine the nature of the ends produced. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss how the relationship between law and ethics is dynamic and continuously shaped by societal changes. Provide examples to illustrate this dynamic relationship. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Differentiate between probity and integrity with suitable examples. How do these values contribute to ethical governance and decision-making in the civil services? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the ethical implications of withholding information in public administration. How can transparency enhance accountability and reduce corruption in government institutions? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? \"There is no school equal to a decent home and no teacher equal to a virtuous parent.\"- Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What factors lead to a positive attitude in a person? How does positive attitude enhance the effectiveness of civil servants in performing their duties? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss how emotional intelligence can influence ethical decision-making in the allocation of scarce public resources. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Various international humanitarian organizations provide emergency aid in conflict zones around the world. Highlight the ethical challenges faced by such organizations. What are the principles that guide international humanitarian work? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Why is persuasion regarded as an important skill for civil servants? What are the key considerations that should guide persuasion in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"What role can ethical leadership play in curbing corruption, especially in public service? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"What were the major teachings of Swami Dayanand Saraswati? Explain their relevance in addressing the current ethical and social challenges in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":39,"question":"What are the options available to Jay as the Commissioner of the Education Department? Evaluate each of these options. (b) What option should Jay adopt and why? (c) How can civil servants like Jay be better protected when they attempt to uphold ethical standards in their work? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6485,"topper":"Ritika Rath","air":48,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"IAS Gyan","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://iasgyan.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/pdf/Ritika_Rath_answer_copy_01_1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6486,"topper":"RITIKA VERMA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/11f6e-205231_1692_ritika-verma_rank_25.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"In India, ancient and medieval storage structures such as the step wells, are not only magnificent in their conception, architecture and ornamentation but also hold a lesson for contemporary water concerns. Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Curzon's domestic and foreign policies were motivated by the urge to further strengthen the British position in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The story of India's freedom struggle cannot be complete without recognizing the role that many leaders of North East India played during the time. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The peasant awakening seen in 1930s in India was largely a result of the combination of particular economic and political developments of that period. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"With modern education being introduced in India to meet the interests of the British, its reach was restricted and its character unsatisfactory. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The Sykes-Picot agreement had consequences that can still be seen in West Asia. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Most of the factors responsible for Scramble for Africa had to do with events in Europe. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What was the policy of apartheid prevalent in South Africa? Highlight the role played by prominent African leaders in bringing an end to it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The involvement of local voluntary organizations or Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) has been an important feature of environmental movements in India. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The architecture of Pallava kingdom has a distinctive style comprising of cave temples, monolithic temples and structural temples. Elaborate with examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The subject of Indian folk art paintings is as diverse as the Indian cultural milieu itself. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"A strong tradition of linguistic analysis developed in ancient India and there remained a continuous focus on its preservation and transmission. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Though India as a whole had been ruled by some emperors in the past, it was only in the 19th century that the concept of national identity and national consciousness emerged. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What were the conditions and circumstances that led to the emergence of Socialist Movement in India? Analyse the impact of socialist ideas on the Indian National Movement. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The short sightedness of Congress, Jinnah's ambitions and British amorality all played their part in the partition of India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The Marathas had the potential to develop into a new pan-India empire replacing the Mughals, but that potential was never fully realized because of the nature of the Maratha polity itself. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The failures of February revolution were the primary reasons behind October revolution in Russia. Examine. Also, discuss the consequences of October revolution for Russia and the world. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The League of Nations was only as strong as the determination of its leading members to stand up to fascist regimes. Examine in context of failure of the League of Nations. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"While the roots of Naga insurgency lay in issues of identity and ethnicity, over the course of time it has evolved into a complex problem with political, social and economic ramifications. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6487,"topper":"RITIKA VERMA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ec88a-205231_1515_ritika-verma_rank_25.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the meaning of off-budget borrowings and its role in helping the government raise funds for various expenditures. Also, comment on its desirability. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"It is argued that genetically modified food crops are required to ensure food security of India. Examine in view of concerns regarding introduction of GM crops. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"India's price intervention policies to support its agricultural sector not only create a broken system but also complicate matters related to international trade rules. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"India has an opportunity to become a leading global food supplier provided it has an efficient supply chain and the right marketing strategies. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Land banks are increasingly gaining prominence in India to encourage land-use efficiency and enable economic growth. In this context, discuss the benefits of a land bank and state the concerns associated with it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Desertification has been described as one of the greatest environmental challenges of our time and climate change is making it worse. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In the context of intellectual property rights, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of releasing projects under an 'Open Source' license. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"\"Indian space sector has been dominated by a single umbrella of government and government institutions.\" In light of the statement, discuss the significance of Indian Space Association in providing an impetus to space technology in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Man and machine both have an important role in national security and making urban areas secure. In this context, discuss how technology is a major stakeholder in addressing the internal security challenges of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"National Security Guard (NSG) has emerged as a formidable force equipped to handle various manifestations of terrorism. Discuss the mandate and achievements of this force. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do you understand by asset monetisation? Why is it needed in India? In this context, discuss the issues that need to be addressed for the National Monetisation Pipeline to succeed. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"What is social stock exchange (SSE)? Discuss the need for setting up of SSEs and key challenges in their effective implementation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the context of India, highlight the importance of agriculture extension. What are the challenges faced in provisioning of agriculture extension services? How does the National Mission on Agricultural Extension & Technology (NMAET) address these issues? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Clearly delineate the 'employment problem' that India currently faces. Also, explain the fundamental reasons behind existence of this problem. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Although steps have been taken for integrating the dispersed logistics activities of maritime trade, much more needs to be done to make India a maritime powerhouse. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Accounting for natural capital and ecosystem services is crucial to understand the link between the economy and environment. Discuss with specific references to India's initiatives in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Rapid and unplanned urbanisation accompanied by population growth have increased both the risk and impact of natural disasters. Discuss the statement along with adequate measures to address the relevant concerns in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"National Hydrogen Mission can be a game changer for India's rising energy demands. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Despite geo-strategic instability of its region and a keen awareness of the cyber threat it faces, India has made only 'modest progress' in developing its policy and doctrine for cyberspace security. Critically examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Developmental interventions alone cannot play a defining role in the resolution of existing and protracted internal conflicts in various parts of India within a reasonable time frame. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6488,"topper":"RITIKA VERMA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/14fa6-205231_1513_ritika-verma_rank_25.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"In the context of protection of monuments, explain the role of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Also, comment on the challenges faced by ASI and measures taken to address these. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Tribal art has a huge potential for acting as an economic resource and a tool for socio-economic transformation of tribals in India. Elucidate. Also highlight the challenges in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Though the Government of India Act, 1919 proposed some radical administrative changes, it remained short of fulfilling aspirations of Indians. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Often deemed as the 'forgotten conflict', the Korean War had far-reaching implications. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Explaining the origin of earth's magnetism, discuss its significance with special reference to its interaction with solar particles. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discussing the challenges pertaining to dam safety in India, highlight the potential of Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project to address them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What is understood by Carbon Compensation Depth (CCD)? Discuss the implications of the rise in this depth due to anthropogenic warming as well. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"In view of demographic changes in recent decades, do you think India needs a two-child policy? Discuss in light of various strands of the debate surrounding this issue. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Globalization is incredibly efficient but has so far been incredibly unjust. Examine the statement in the context of developing countries like India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"It would not be completely wrong to state that in India, art is religion and religion is art.\" In light of the statement, discuss the impact of various religions on art in India, citing relevant examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Despite organizational apathy from the Indian National Congress in its initial years, the working class in various parts of the country subsequently participated overwhelmingly in the nationalist movement. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Though some of his early measures restored faith among the Indians in the liberal tradition of England, Lord Ripon's tenure did not bring about significant changes in the conservative mindset of the colonial bureaucracy. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The New Social Movements in post-independence period made an important beginning in awakening the society against injustices and deepened the very notion of democracy in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What are the reasons for recurrent and often catastrophic wildfires in places like Australia and the United States? Are there any lessons to be learnt from these events by India? Explain adequately. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss why India needs a cross border flood management mechanism. Also, state the major issues in cross border flood management and suggest remedial measures in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Depletion of water resources in India is both a geo-climatic phenomenon as well as a result some short-sighted government policies. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the major lithospheric plates? How and why do these plates move? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"There exists a wide gap between the constitutionally professed secularism and its practice in India. Do you agree? Substantiate with relevant arguments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India spends less than one per cent of GDP on care work infrastructure and services. In view of the statement, explain how increased public investment in care economy infrastructure can be instrumental in meeting multiple policy objectives. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6489,"topper":"RITIKA VERMA","air":25,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0652a-205231_1419_ritika-verma_rank_25.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6490,"topper":"RITIKA VERMA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/db5f1-205231_1516_ritika-verma_rank_25.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Do laws need to be consistent with the prevalent moral norms? Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"\"People's indifference is the best breeding ground for corruption to grow\". Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"In the context of COVID-19 pandemic, discuss the importance of Emotional Intelligence among healthcare workers. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"It is the 'spirit of service' that motivates a public servant to serve the country's interests and address people's issues. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Ethics does its work in the world by granting and withdrawing legitimacy. Discuss in the context of role of ethics in international relations. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Sustainable growth of an organisation can result only by aligning its decisions to the interests of all stakeholders, not merely its shareholders. Do you agree? Justify with logical arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri's life exemplifies value-driven public service of the highest order. What are the values one can learn from his life to be a good citizen and a good administrator? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"There is a view that the institutional mechanisms to ensure accountability of civil servants have weakened over time. In this context, discuss the need of a social accountability law in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Why has anonymity of civil servants traditionally been seen as an important arrangement? In this context, discuss your opinion on the doctrine of facelessness in civil services. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In the age of social media, influencers have a huge following and have gained prominent marketing roles. In this context, discuss the ethical issues involved in influencer marketing. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or the darkness of destructive selfishness. - Martin Luther King Jr. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You are a young officer posted as the Sub Divisional Magistrate in a district which houses factories for making match boxes and fire crackers. It is brought to your notice that a large number of children are working in these hazardous activities. The government had previously released a notification that owners of these manufacturing units need to report on the profiles of their employees annually to prevent child labour. These manufacturing units, abiding by the directives of the government, publish such reports annually and claim to have successfully put an end to employment of child labour. However, there are reports that these units are taking advantage of loopholes in the law. They are using contractors to continue to indirectly hire children without them officially being on the payroll of the units. Families of these child labourers are poor and see this as an essential source of income. An influential local politician also owns some of these manufacturing units and is known to put pressure on the officers involved for not taking any action against child labour. (a) Identify the stakeholders and ethical issues in this case. (b) How would you approach the problem and what would be the main elements of your action? (c) What medium to long-term measures will you propose to tackle the problem of child labour in the district?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Many states in India have experimented with prohibition of liquor at various times. However, it is common knowledge that many such states have a thriving illegal liquor industry. Moreover, it is ironical that while many political parties have prohibition prominently mentioned in their manifestos, it is politicians who distribute alcohol among voters during their election campaigns. This also gives rise to illicit liquor trade and many people lose their lives to it. (a) What are the socio-economic problems that are widely attributed to alcoholism? (b) Do you think prohibiting liquor creates more problems than it proposes to solve? (c) Short of prohibition, what can be done to tackle the problem of rising alcoholism, particularly among the youth of the country?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate (DM) of a district where residents are facing the menace of stray dogs. Instances of dogs chasing two-wheelers, cyclists and attacking pedestrians are on the rise. Elderly persons as well as children are the worst-hit and recently, an 8 year old girl was severely injured by a pack of dogs. The perceived magnanimity of the problem and inaction from government authorities have prompted vigilante groups to cull dogs in mass numbers. However, local NGOs have come out against such a practice of mass culling and are calling for stringent action against those killing stray dogs. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (b) As the DM, suggest short-term and long-term measures to tackle the above issue.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6491,"topper":"Ritu Goyal","air":223,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RITU-GOYALUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-223-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) Why has public bathing been a recurring practice across cultures and societies? Discuss with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Estimate the contributions of Chalukyas of Badami to Indian heritage and culture.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3 Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar had contrasting philosophies and approaches on caste and social reform. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) What factors can be attributed to the rising incidents of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) in the Himalayan region? Discuss with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) \"Migration is a vital livelihood strategy for rural households in developing countries like India.\" Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6 Bring out the interdependence between physical and chemical weathering with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) Discuss how social media is reshaping identity formation and self-worth among adolescents in contemporary Indian society.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) The disproportionate preference for government jobs in certain Indian states is not merely a matter of personal aspiration. Analyze.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) Explain the significance of population education in light of India's status as the world's most populous nation.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) Globalization has infused Indian festivals with commercial elements, while also helping preserve and popularize them in new ways. Do you agree? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 India has a rich tradition of diverse dance forms, encompassing both classical and folk styles. Illustrate how they reflect the country's rich spiritual, cultural and social life.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) The third decade of the 20th century witnessed the emergence of new forces and ideological currents that influenced the character of the Indian national movement. Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13) Analyse the circumstances that led to Simla Agreement in 1972. Discuss the significance of the agreement.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 \"The Vietnam War was a proxy conflict rooted in the ideological rivalry of the Cold War.\" Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Discuss the concept of isostasy and explain its role in shaping Earth's major landforms.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Q.16) The Indian Ocean is warming at an alarming rate. How may it affect the food security of India?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Q.17 Describing the distribution of sugarcane producing countries, examine the major environmental challenges associated with its cultivation.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Q.18) The richness and diversity of Indian society find vivid expression in the unique culture of its tribal communities. Elucidate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Q.19) Why is it essential to focus on health in the context of urban planning and reforms? How can this be achieved?","marks":"15","words":"15"},{"page":49,"question":"Q.20) Analyze the socio-cultural factors contributing to the high attrition rate among women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers in India. Suggest measures to improve their retention in STEM.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6492,"topper":"Ritu Goyal","air":223,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RITU-GOYALUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-223-Sample-MGP-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) \"Independence in 1947 brought India not just freedom but also the arduous challenges of nation-building and socio-economic development\". Discuss the changes introduced by the Indian Independence Act 1947 and the consequent challenges.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) The Indian Constitution, as a living document, embodies adaptability and responsiveness to meet evolving social, economic, and political realities. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3 \"The 7th Schedule is vital for demarcation of legislative powers, yet it disproportionately empowers the Union, diluting the federal spirit.\" Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) The Inter-State Council has significant potential for resolving federal disputes, but its potential is yet to be fully realized. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 Explain the method of appointment, duties and functions of the Attorney General of India. Also, mention the limitations placed in the office.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) The burden of inadequate healthcare infrastructure falls heavily on the poor, perpetuating cycles of poverty and poor health outcomes. In this context, discuss the issues with the country's health infrastructure and suggest measures to strengthen it.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7 To what extent, in your opinion, will the 106th Constitutional Amendment Act help in increasing women's representation and empowerment in the Indian political process?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) What do you understand by malnutrition? Discuss the role of various nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions to address the problem of malnutrition in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) Do you think that the G7 has lost its relevance in a world of emerging powers and a changing global order?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) Discuss the contribution of the Indian diaspora to the economies of West Asia and Africa. Also, state the issues faced by them and suggest steps needed to address these issues effectively.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) Discuss the evolution of the doctrine of basic structure with the help of relevant case laws. Also, bring out the significance of basic structure in preserving the basic construct of the constitution.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) Compare and contrast the positions of the Speaker in the Indian Parliament and the British Parliamentary system. Highlighting various issues related to the functioning of the Office of the Speaker in India, suggest remedial measures.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13) The Constitution envisages the use of ordinances only under extraordinary circumstances, yet they are sometimes used to serve political expediency. Describe the rationale behind the inclusion of ordinance-making power in the Constitution and the various safeguards against its misuse. Do you think that the ordinance-making power has outlived its utility?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 Independent judiciary is a vital pillar of a vibrant democracy; however, executive encroachment jeopardizes the efficacy and credibility of the judiciary. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Discuss the various administrative challenges faced by local self-governments (LSGs). What measures do you suggest for devolving administrative powers to LSGs enabling them to function as institutions of genuine self-governance?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) While the NCST has made significant contributions to tribal welfare, a multi-faceted approach is necessary to complement its efforts and ensure the holistic development of tribals. Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17) Discuss the significance of public sector data sharing in promoting inclusive and efficient governance in the country. Outline the challenges faced in the sharing of public data and suggest strategies to overcome these challenges.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18) \"Understanding poverty should not be restricted to economic deprivation; rather, it has multiple connotations.\" Discuss. What steps do you suggest to effectively address the multifaceted nature of poverty?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19) Describe the structure and mandate of the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Also, enumerate the challenges it faces in fulfilling its mandate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20) While the expansion of BRICS offers new opportunities, realizing its full potential will require concerted efforts from member states to address internal contradictions and foster meaningful cooperation. Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6493,"topper":"Ritu Goyal","air":223,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RITU-GOYALUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-223-Sample-MGP-Copy-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) What factors have expedited the digitalization of the economy in the recent past? Explain with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Why has there been an increased focus on negotiating, renegotiating and concluding Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) by India in recent years?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) The horticulture sector offers opportunities to transform the agricultural landscape of the country but is constrained by various factors. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) What is AgriStack? How will it benefit the agricultural sector?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) Explain the concept of Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) technology and discuss its potential applications in diverse fields.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) What do you understand by nanotechnology and how is it helping in environmental remediation?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) While oceans are considered among mankind's best allies in the fight against climate change, they are themselves heavily impacted by the same. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) \"Disasters cannot be managed by a single agency, department, or ministry on its own. It requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.\" Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) 'Grey-zone' warfare challenges traditional notions of sovereignty and conflict. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 Elaborate on the need for a clearly articulated National Security Strategy (NSS) for systematic, consistent and coherent approach toward national security.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) The proliferation of Global Capability Centers (GCCs) across India has earned it the title of \"GCC Capital of the World\". Describe the reasons behind this proliferation and throw light on its impact on the country's economic landscape.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 As the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) completes a decade of its implementation, evaluate its effectiveness in promoting financial inclusion and economic empowerment in the country.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13) Critically examine the role of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACs) in achieving the twin targets of boosting rural economy and mainstreaming small and marginal farmers.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) How will you explain the irony of low millet cultivation and consumption despite their multifarious benefits? Also, suggest measures to curb this anomaly.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 \"India's Space Technology is virtually touching every person's life\". In light of this statement, describe how advancements in space technology have impacted various aspects of daily life in the country.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 How can 'agrivoltaics' benefit India's agriculture and energy sectors? Highlighting the factors hindering its widespread adoption, suggest remedial measures.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17) Project Tiger's 50-year journey is marked by significant achievements, yet persistent socio-economic and ecological challenges related to tiger conservation highlight the need for a more holistic and integrated approach. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 Explain the various causes and the effects of landslides. Also, discuss the measures to mitigate their impact, with a special emphasis on National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) guidelines.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Ethnic fault lines represent a serious security challenge, but they are only one aspect of the broader security concerns in the Northeast. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20) Maritime security challenges are complex, driven by both conventional and non-conventional threats. In this context, discuss the key maritime security challenges in India. Also, highlight the measures taken by the government in this regard.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6494,"topper":"Ritwik Mehta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b8c72-149946_3128_ritwik-_mehta_rank_115.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"The world must learn to work together, or finally it will not work at all.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Technology, like art, is a soaring exercise of the human imagination.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"We've begun to raise daughters more like sons, but few have the courage to raise our sons more like our daughters.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"People's will cannot make injustice into justice.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6495,"topper":"Ritwik Mehta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a45a1-149946_2930_ritwik-_mehta_rank_115.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How is the rapid growth of the food processing industry leading to food safety challenges in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Under the Public Distribution System of India, the Fair Price Shop (FPS) transformation is an evolving process. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"How are agri-tech startups in India helping farmers in enhancing farm productivity and market access? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the role of digitization of land records in the effective implementation of land reforms in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"To fully exploit its demographic dividend and accelerate economic growth, India needs to adopt a manufacturing-led growth model. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can the resilience of Indian coastal communities be strengthened to tackle the growing natural hazards resulting from climate change? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How does the Green Credit Programme extend beyond carbon management to promote a more sustainable environment in India? What are the various concerns about its implementation? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What is the need for NavIC when existing satellite navigation systems are already available? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Cyber-enabled financial crime has emerged as the new frontier of global money laundering. Discuss. How can the government address this issue? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The Indian Army is observing the year 2024 as the 'Year of Technology Absorption'. In light of this, explain why there is a need for technology absorption in the defence sector of India. What challenges can India face in this initiative? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What are the issues faced in the development of trade and industries in the North-Eastern Region (NER) of India? Comment on the measures that have been taken to tackle these issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the era of climate change and growing water scarcity, how can micro-irrigation systems contribute to sustainable agricultural practices in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What strategies can be adopted to overcome the issues pertaining to freight transportation in the Indian Railways and increase its share in the domestic freight? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the factors that have aided India in making impressive strides in the renewable energy sector and establishing itself as a frontrunner in the global renewable energy transition. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"How does agricultural runoff containing fertilizers and pesticides contribute to environmental pollution? What measures can be taken to mitigate the impact of agricultural runoff? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The growing influx of tourists in Himalayan states has breached their ecological carrying capacity, leading to significant man-made disasters. What measures can be implemented to prevent such disasters while promoting sustainable tourism? Discuss with relevant examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"How do superconductors fuel innovation in diverse fields of science and technology? Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"While India has laws covering almost all types of intellectual property rights, numerous enforcement, regulatory and administrative challenges hamper the commercialisation of IPRs in India. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Keeping in view the challenges in creating integrated theatre commands, examine how the theaterisation of commands can lead to greater integration and rationalisation of manpower and resources among the three services. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Treating border villages as first villages not just geographically but also in terms of facilities can be a key strategy for enhancing border security. Discuss. Also, highlight the measures being taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6496,"topper":"Ritwik Mehta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a98c8-149946_2929_ritwik-_mehta_rank_115.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Expression of dissent is central to the functioning of the Parliament. In light of this, discuss the role of the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in India's parliamentary system. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"How can the integration of technology into judicial processes enhance accessibility, capability, and efficiency in justice delivery? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Supreme Court of India has upheld unique asymmetry in India's federalism by intricately balancing centralized authority and regional autonomy. Discuss with the help of relevant case laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Evaluate the effectiveness of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes in safeguarding the interests of the Scheduled Castes in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Executive accountability to the legislature through Parliamentary Committees has been the hallmark of the Indian political system. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can India make Citizens' Charter a powerful tool for improving governance and empowering citizens? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How do corporate donors aid NGOs in facilitating holistic development in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite its merits, should the POCSO Act be revisited to correct the existing inadequacies? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"China's acquisition of strategic ports globally has significant implications for international trade routes and economic relations. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"What are the main functions of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)? How will its recent treaty on intellectual property, genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge benefit India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) plays a crucial role in combating corruption, its functioning is often criticized for being partisan and acting against the federal spirit. Discuss with the help of suitable examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Governors in India often overstep their constitutional role and fail to act effectively when needed. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Both India and the USA adhere to democratic principles but their electoral systems exhibit significant differences. What are the key differences in electoral practices between the two countries? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"How far do you agree with the view that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has met its objective of ensuring environmental justice in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Though Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) have become a platform for competitive politics, they have not emerged as an agency of planning and service delivery. Why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by interoperability in e-governance? What steps have been taken by the government to ensure interoperability and integration of various e-governance systems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"When it comes to sexual and reproductive health of women in India, rights-based discourse has largely been bypassed not just by the societal norms but also by the legal norms. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"How effective has India been in enhancing immunization coverage over the years? What challenges continue to affect immunization efforts in the country? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India used its Presidency of the G20 to bring the voice of the Global South to the centre stage. Discuss with special reference to Africa. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"India's relationship with the UAE has witnessed a remarkable expansion across various domains in the last decade. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6497,"topper":"Ritwik Mehta","air":115,"year":2024,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c776a-149946_2085_ritwik-_mehta_rank_115.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6498,"topper":"Ritwik Mehta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/36542-149946_1830_ritwik_mehta_rank_115.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"According to you, what are the main reasons behind prejudice against certain sections of a society? Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Although open and transparent governance has gained ground, do you agree with the view that there is merit in withholding some information from people? Justify your arguments with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"All persons ought to endeavour to follow what is right, and not what is established.\" - Aristotle (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":6499,"topper":"Riya Saini","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/riya-saini-essay-test-1-1745489583524.pdf","questions":[{"page":19,"question":"A single drop never feels responsible for the flood.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6500,"topper":"Riya Saini","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/29c04-1120816_1826_riya_saini_rank_22.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Given the limitations of trickle-down economics, discuss the relevance of capability approach to development for a country like India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Recently, India marked the fourth anniversary of introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST). Given its envisaged objectives, evaluate whether it has been a successful reform. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Investment in infrastructure is pivotal for accelerated and inclusive socio-economic development of a country. In this context, discuss the significance of the National Monetisation Pipeline. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Skill development through e-learning has gained increased importance and acceptance in view of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"It has been argued that the Industrial Policy of 1991 did not achieve the desired results due to multiple reasons. Discuss in context of India's manufacturing sector. Also, highlight the need for a new industrial policy in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"State the need for circular economy in India and the challenges associated with it. Also, discuss the measures that are required to build a circular economy in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Discuss the need for a National Employment Policy in India. What should be taken into account while formulating such a policy? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"An effective approach to green budgeting is underpinned by strong strategic framework, tools for evidence generation and an enabling budgetary governance framework. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The key to sustaining private investments in infrastructure requires a concerted effort to resolve long-standing issues. Discuss in context of India's PPP framework. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"There is a need for revisiting India's approach to gender responsive budgeting. Discuss in the context of limitations faced in implementing gender budgeting in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The Indian Budget 2021-22 has identified the development of physical & financial capital and infrastructure as one of its key pillars for sustained growth. Highlight the measures taken by the government in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"To capitalize on its demographic dividend, India must create well-paying, high productivity jobs. In view of this, discuss the challenges in creation of such jobs in India. What policy measures can help in addressing these challenges? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The Indian experience provides several lessons of an inclusive digital economy model that enables formal digital governance structure at a low cost and with easier access. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What do you understand by crowdfunding? Discuss the benefits and risks associated with the crowdfunding model to raise capital. Also, highlight the current regulatory scenario related to it in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"An urban employment guarantee programme will need to be tailored to the specific needs and problems of the urban labour market. Discuss while keeping in view the lessons learned from MGNREGA. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"State finances in India present a worrying picture, with debt sustainability being a major concern. Discuss in context of the recent RBI report on state finances. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Do you agree with the view that the mixed results of economic reforms in the last three decades can be attributed to the reforms being half-baked and incomplete? Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"It is argued that Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) has produced both transformational and directional change in financial inclusion in India. Do you agree? Elaborate with logical arguments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Though Special Economic Zones (SEZs) can play a significant role in export promotion in India, they are struggling with multiple challenges. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6501,"topper":"Riya Saini","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8f18f-1120816_1832_riya_saini_rank_22.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the vulnerability of India's critical infrastructure to cyber attacks, discuss the various steps taken by the government to boost cyber security. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the role that space technology can play in strengthening India's border security. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss the challenges associated with inclusion of women in armed forces, particularly in combat roles in India. How can these challenges be addressed? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by hybrid warfare? Discuss India's preparedness in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the rationale behind delegating policing powers to Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) in border states. Highlight the issues arising from it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discuss the factors that have helped sustain Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in India. What steps has the government taken in recent times to counter LWE? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Highlight the critical role that the National Security Guard (NSG) plays in ensuring internal security of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Do you agree with the view that India needs to establish a dedicated Space Force to address its military needs? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss how cryptocurrencies can become a tool of money laundering in India. Also, highlight the steps taken by the government in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Radicalisation of youth by extremist organisations poses a serious security risk to India. Discuss. Also, suggest measures for de-radicalisation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Recent events have highlighted that nations with weak militaries cannot sustain themselves against technologically advanced adversaries. Discuss. What lessons can India learn from these events? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The dark web can be an ideal platform for several criminal and terrorist activities. Discuss with examples. Also, suggest measures to tackle the misuse of dark web. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What are Integrated Theatre Commands (ITCs)? Discuss the importance of setting up ITCs in India and challenges in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Decoupling organized crime from terrorism requires a holistic approach. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"India faces a number of security threats and challenges that originate from the seas. Discuss. Also, give an account of the initiatives taken to strengthen the coastal security of India in recent times. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Discuss the extent of the problem of narco-terrorism in India. What measures have been taken by the government to counter and control this problem? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"A mix of internal and external factors pose security threats in North-East India. Discuss. What steps has the government taken to maintain peace and stability in this region? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"In light of the increasing security challenges faced by India, state the need for achieving self-reliance in defence manufacturing. Also, discuss the challenges in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Data privacy laws require a balancing act between personal liberty and sovereign security. Discuss in the context of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6502,"topper":"Riya Saini","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b5e38-1120816_1829_riya_saini_rank_22.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The caste system continues to be one of the key drivers of poverty and inequality in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Recognising unpaid work of women is a necessary but challenging task. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The window to realise India's demographic potential is narrowing with time. Discuss in context of factors affecting the employability of Indian youth and their remedial measures. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Given the deeply gendered impact of population control measures, examine the need to rethink the current approach of population control measures in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Indian healthcare system is mired by excessive brain drain of healthworkers. Discuss and suggest measures to address the phenomenon. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Though various women organisations have played a key role in promoting entrepreneurship among women, there continue to exist obstacles that impede women entrepreneurship. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Discuss the issues faced by domestic workers in India. Also suggest measures that can be taken to empower them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"It has been argued by some that raising the minimum age of marriage for females only addresses the symptoms rather than the underlying causes of gender related issues in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Given the socio-economic status of backward castes in India, caste based census is the need of the hour. Do you agree? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"While participation of private sector in the higher education system of India is a necessity, it creates issues that need careful redressal. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Eradication of hunger depends on the adequacy of policy intervention to curb the menace of hunger and starvation. In this context, discuss the concerns raised by recent reports on the hunger situation in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Regionalism in India is a multi-dimensional phenomenon, at once geo-cultural, politico-economic and, above all, psychological. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"By adopting a variation of Western secularism, we invited a condition that gradually weakened the process of secularization in India. Critically analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Given its impact on both individual resilience and the resilience of the economy, is there a case for strong universal social protection in India? Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Examine the multi-dimensional impact of globalisation on tribal development in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What do you understand by feminisation of old age? Highlight the issues associated with it in the Indian context. Also, mention the measures taken by the government in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Strengthening the system of government-run schools is a prerequisite in ensuring social empowerment and inclusive development in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Though unity in diversity has been a mainstay of India as a nation, there exist certain threats in this regard. Discuss. Also, bring out the relevance of civil society in sustaining the diversity of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"In light of the recently released national multi dimensional poverty index (MPI) by India, assess the country's performance on eradicating multi dimensional poverty. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Indian cities are not only mimicking the social and cultural structures of inequality and exclusion found in rural areas but are also creating fault lines for future conflicts. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6503,"topper":"Riya Saini","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RIYA-SAINI-UPSC-2024-Rank-22-MGP-Sample-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":35,"question":"Q15 Significance of Multi modal Transport System","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"Q16 Potential of Agristack in providing remedy to existing ills of agriculture","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"8 Challenges with Biotechnology in Agriculture","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6504,"topper":"Riya Saini","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/89076-1120816_1819_riya_saini_rank_22.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the relevance of the following in the context of civil service: (i) Public Trust (ii) Compassion (iii) Objectivity (iv) Integrity (v) Fortitude (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What do you understand by environmental ethics? Highlight the various values it is based upon. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Explain the difference between end-oriented values and means-oriented values. In your opinion, which is more important for a public servant? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Moral quality of an action should be judged by its consequences on human happiness. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The core of Gandhiji's philosophy lies in internal moral power. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"With the help of relevant examples, bring out the difference between the following: (150 words) 10 (i) Vice and Virtue (ii) Horizontal and Vertical Accountability (iii) Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct (iv) Persuasion and Manipulation (v) Belief and Faith","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Civil servants, who are themselves honest, but do nothing to save the institution from corruption, do greater damage to the system. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Explain the relationship between personal and professional ethics of a civil servant. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Explain, with examples, how law and liberty are related with each other. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Ethics is the foundation upon which virtues are built. In this context, discuss how ethics act as an anti-corruption force. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"In context of the relationship between political executive and civil servants in India, highlight the significance of neutrality in the civil service. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"The teachings of Arya Samaj present key ethical lessons for present day India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate in a communally sensitive district of the country. Due to the recent upsurge in the COVID-19 cases, a strict lockdown has been imposed in the district. However, a religious festival is upcoming and a particular community wants to organize a big fair to celebrate the festival despite the lockdown guidelines. People from the other community were also allowed to celebrate their festival a few weeks earlier, though the situation with regard to the pandemic was different then. You have been informed that denial by the administration to allow the fair may anger certain sections of the community and give credibility to allegations of bias against the administration. You have also received confidential reports that such denial may be misused by local politicians to flare up communal tension and the situation may spiral out of control. In this context: (a) What are the various issues involved in this situation? (b) Identify the various options that you have and highlight your course of action.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"The Ken-Betwa link project is expected to provide annual irrigation of 10.62 lakh hectares, drinking water supply to about 62 lakh people and also generate 103 MW of hydropower. At the same time, the ambitious project will lead to a large-scale displacement of the people. A total area of about 9,000 hectares will be submerged due to the proposed dam. Some of the area also lies within the Panna Tiger Reserve, considered to be the core habitat of tigers in the region. People fear losing their livelihoods as well. Due to these issues, there has been an ongoing protest by the local people against the project. You, as the head of the project, are given the responsibility to ensure timely completion of the project and ensure its success, as it spearheads India's ambition of river interlinking. Consider the following questions: (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (b) Discuss the steps that can be taken to address these issues. Also suggest some long term measures for such issues.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"In recent times, we have witnessed large scale displacement of people all over the world. The reasons for this are manifold but it has resulted in a severe challenge in the form of a refugee crisis of large proportions. The recent turmoil in Afghanistan adds another unfortunate chapter to it. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) Examine the ethical issues involved in the refugee crisis being witnessed in the recent decades. (b) Highlight both short-term and long-term measures to deal with it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"You are a well-known social worker who has worked for many social causes like girls' education, campaigns against female foeticide and infanticide, child labour etc. You enjoy popularity and credibility among the local population for the work that you have done. Recently, a couple, who is also your distant relative, meet you to seek your counsel on an issue. They convey that a few months ago, they hired a women to act as a surrogate mother and that now she is pregnant with twins. But as per them, they wanted only one child. So they asked the concerned lady to abort one of the fetuses but she is refusing to do so. Upon meeting the lady, you come to know that she already has two children and her financial condition won't allow her to look after one more child. In fact, her decision to act as a surrogate mother was influenced by the financial incentives she would receive. She can't even take legal recourse as commercial surrogacy has been banned in the country. Both the parties look up to you to find an amicable solution. Given the situation, (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the case? (b) What are the various options that you have? Which one of these will you adopt? Justify your stand with logical arguments.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"An international beverage company has a signature drink that it sells all over the world, with children being its major consumers. In India, the version of the drink complies with Indian food and health regulations, but is less healthy than the one sold in developed countries. Though the company is not in violation of any law in India, but it is selling an inferior, less healthy product in a developing country like India. There is however, a price differential with the drink sold in India being cheaper than the one sold in developed countries. Identify the various stakeholders and discuss the issues that arise in this situation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"The proliferation of social media platforms have empowered the citizens and enabled them to freely share their views, including criticism of the government and its functionaries. However, it has also given rise to serious concerns such as spread of fake news, hate speech, revenge porn etc., which have grown manifold in recent years. Moreover, there are growing issues related to lack of transparency, accountability and rights of users of such social media platforms. In this context, what should be the underlying principles to regulate the social media platforms? Also, suggest a framework to address the associated issues and concerns and make such platforms a safe place for its diverse users.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6505,"topper":"Riya Saini","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4dda0-1120816_1827_riya_saini_rank_22.pdf","questions":[{"page":15,"question":"Examine the issue of foreign aid in global politics from an ethical perspective. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explaining the meaning of media ethics, discuss why it is a prerequisite for democracy. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":33,"question":"Recently, the government has proposed a bill to increase the age of marriage for women from 18 to 21 years. It has been argued that it will help women improve their nutritional status, lower maternal mortality rate and improve the overall health status of women. However, some critics have stated that the proposed law would be counterproductive to women's cause and the desired objectives will not be met. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What effect will an increase in the age of marriage have on women in India? (b) Can legislation be used as an effective tool for social change? (c) Discuss other agents that can be used for social change in this context.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6506,"topper":"Riya Saini","air":22,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1c6DSsZRWutgcWQVi8wD1bNkPVgtmHclh/view","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Comment on the following in about 150 words each: 10x5=50 (a) How has the scope of Sociology broadened in the global times?","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":2,"question":"In what way ‘interpretative’ method is different from ‘positivist’ approach in the study of social phenomena? (20 marks)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":2,"question":"What makes Durkheim’s research on Suicide rate a positivist research. Clarify. (20 marks)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Answer the following in about 150 words each: 10x5=50 (a) Describe the process of “operationalization of variable “with few examples. (b) While economics is about how people make choice, sociology is about they don’t have any choice to make. What do you understand by the given statement?","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":3,"question":"Explain the different types of non-probability sampling techniques. Bring out the conditions of their usage with appropriate examples. (20marks)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the challenges involved in collecting data through Survey (20 marks)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Is Sociology a Science? Give reasons for your answer. (20 marks)","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":6507,"topper":"Rohan Joshi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/142194_877_Rohan_Joshi_Rank_67.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The seeds of patriarchy and gender inequality are sown at home, which manifest as a weed at the societal level. Elucidate. Suggest an ethical framework to systematically address the issue of patriarchy in the Indian society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"What are the factors which drive people to take law in their own hands rather than following the due process of law? Discuss ways to address the problem of mob justice.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"In a democracy, the purpose of the government should be to make it easy for people to do good and difficult to do wrong. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss John Stuart Mill's idea on freedom of thought and expression. Also, give reasons as to why, according to Mill, representative democracy is the best form of government despite its inherent weaknesses.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"It is argued by some that nuclear weapons have acted more as a deterrent than leading to war and mass destruction. In this context, discuss whether it is ethically right to possess nuclear weapons to create nuclear deterrence.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Differentiate between administration and leadership. Highlighting the traits which characterize an effective leader, discuss the importance of leadership in ensuring effective public service delivery in a bureaucratic setup.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Apart from functional knowledge and expertise, the efficacy of a civil servant also depends upon his emotional intelligence. How does emotional intelligence contribute to efficacy? How can civil servants enhance their emotional intelligence?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Enumerate the mechanisms that promote accountability of public officials in discharging their functions and responsibilities in India. Also discuss why ensuring accountability for performance is not a simple task in government service.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context. 10 (a) \"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"\"Prejudices are what fools use for reason.\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Ensuring that government decisions are not influenced by public officials' private interests is a growing concern. Discuss in the context of India. Also enumerate the core principles reflected by OECD guidelines for managing conflict of interest in the public sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Discuss, with examples, the significance of principles of public life as recommended by Nolan committee. Why are these principles considered as an essential set of expectations from public servants?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"A peculiar inhuman situation exists for the people fleeing from war zones - they cannot go back to their homeland for fear of being persecuted and no country is ready to bear their burden due to various reasons. Citing contemporary examples, discuss the ethical issues involved in such situations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"As the administrator in-charge of your area, you are witness to the widespread food wastage in lavish parties as well as in restaurants and eateries, on one hand and people starving due to inability to ensure one square-meal a day, on the other. Realizing that it is not the scarcity of resources, but the habit of people that is causing paucity in availability of food, you decide that certain measures are needed to be taken in order to deal with the issue of starvation at the grassroot level. 20 Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) What measures would you take to deal with wastage of food in your area? (c) What explains this co-existence of affluence and hunger in developing countries like India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"The excluded and marginalized section of society are worst hit by globalization. Take the case of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) like Sentinelese of Andaman & Nicobar islands; their population has reduced drastically and they are facing various other problems as well. In this context answer the following questions: 20 (a) What are the challenges faced by PVTGs due to globalisation? (b) If you are posted as a Development Officer in such an area, what will be your priorities to reduce their vulnerabilities and ensure welfare?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Undercover journalism exposes injustices, negligence, corruption and wrongdoing and yet going undercover to expose wrongdoing remains controversial. But, undercover journalists contend that they are fulfilling a fundamental duty of finding truth through their journalism. They argue that public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy and the duty of the journalist is to further those ends by seeking truth and providing a fair and comprehensive account of events and issues. So, there are some supporters of this kind of journalism, which sometimes infringe the privacy of individuals. However, some journalists also urge avoiding surreptitious methods of gathering information except when traditional open methods will not yield information vital to the public. In this context, answer the following questions: 20 (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the practice of undercover journalism? (b) Do you support the practice of undercover investigation by journalists?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are the chief executive of ABC Ltd., an automotive component manufacturing company. Until recently, all of your production plants were located in City X. However, the cost of production has risen, causing profits to decline. A number of factors have led to an increase in the production costs. First, the union representing the workers in your plant waged a successful strike resulting in increased salary and benefits. A second factor has been imposition of stringent environmental regulations. Shareholders are concerned about the declining fortunes of the company. Many of the competitors have moved their operations to less-developed cities, where the operating costs are less than in City X. ABC Ltd. is a major employer in the city where it is located, and you know that a plant closure will cause economic dislocation in the city. 20 Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) What are the ethical issues involved in this case? (b) How can the interests of different stakeholders be reconciled in this","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6508,"topper":"ROHAN SAGAR","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/ROHAN-SAGAR-UPSC-2024-Rank-476-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Foreign trade is an important milestone on the path of becoming a 5 trillion USD economy. In this context, analyse the potential of the recently released Foreign Trade Policy, 2023 in revamping India's participation in global trade. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Social protection schemes are an integral aspect of a welfare economy; however, the principles of fiscal prudence cannot be ignored. Discuss, with special reference to Old Pension Scheme (OPS). (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand from Agristack? To what extent can it become a panacea for the problems plaguing the farm sector. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The objective of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to provide a long term and equitable solution to the dilemma between free trade and food security has remained unfulfilled. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Even after five decades of the Stockholm conference, narrowing the gaps between the targets and actions remains one of the biggest challenges towards reversing climate change. Discuss. Also, recommend measures for building a coherent actionable strategy to tackle climate change. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What are the impediments in management of E-waste in the country? In what ways can the trinity of citizens, businesses, and the government tackle this menace? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How does nuclear fusion differ from nuclear fission? Assess the relevance of energy security dilemma? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are run of the river hydroelectric projects? How far can run of the river hydroelectric projects balance ecological conservation with socio-economic development? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"A robust border infrastructure is the surest way to counter multifarious threats emanating from inimical actors. Discuss, in light of Vibrant Village Programme. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"How far can a clearly articulated National Security Strategy help in tackling challenges to national security? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What are the factors that influence the inflation trends in the country? Highlighting the impacts, discuss the institutional measures in place to check inflation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Though a cornerstone of Atmanirbhar Bharat, Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme is not without its own challenges. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"How is internationalisation of rupee different from De-Dollarisation? Highlighting the benefits of internationalisation of rupee, discuss the challenges associated with the same. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What are Primary Agricultural Credit Societies? Can the cooperative push alone help in achieving the twin targets of boosting rural economy and mainstreaming small and marginal farmers? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Farm policies in the country have inadvertently led to undesirable consequences. Do you agree? Giving emphasis on PM PRANAM, discuss ways to enhance soil health and farm productivity. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What do you understand by heat waves? Highlight the reasons and impact of the rising frequency of heat waves across India. Also, recommend some measures to mitigate its impact. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"How is Chandrayaan-3 different from its predecessor, Chandrayaan-2? To what extent can India's presence in Artemis Accords help in furthering the exploration of lunar surface? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Research and Development is the key to unlock the potential of 'knowledge economy.' In this perspective, analyse the role of the National Research Foundation Bill, 2023 in democratizing the research ecosystem in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'Hybrid warfare.' Highlighting its implications for India, recommend measures to develop a comprehensive ecosystem to counter the same. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How are internal security challenges related to peace in neighboring countries? Explain with special reference to instability on India's eastern frontier. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6509,"topper":"Rohin Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/400960_833220_1910139147.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) Answer the following questions in 150 words.\na) Explain the geomorphic evolution of the Western Ghats and their significance in biodiversity conservation.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) Examine the factors responsible for the north-eastward shifting of the monsoon trough in recent years.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":7,"question":"c) Discuss the distribution and economic importance of Laterite soils in India.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":9,"question":"d) Assess the implications of Ramsar wetland sites in India's environmental policy.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":11,"question":"e) Evaluate the role of natural vegetation belts in influencing agricultural patterns in India.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Q.2) a) Analyse the causes and impacts of land subsidence in Himalayan towns with special reference to Joshimath.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":17,"question":"b) Examine the role of Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) in modulating rainfall over India.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":20,"question":"c) Explain the locational factors of Bauxite mining in Eastern India.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Q.3) a) Discuss the geomorphic and climatic factors responsible for the formation of Thar Desert.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":27,"question":"b) Analyse the challenges in managing river interlinking projects in India.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":30,"question":"c) Examine the geographical factors responsible for the location of space launch centres in India.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Q.4) a) Examine the regional disparities in the distribution of thermal power plants in India.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":37,"question":"b) Evaluate the success and limitations of the Desert Development Programme (DDP).","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":40,"question":"c) Discuss the role of smart cities mission in shaping India's urban morphology.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":43,"question":"Q.5 Write short notes on the following in 150 words.\na) Discuss the geographical basis of Indian federalism.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":45,"question":"b) Analyse the role of cross-border trade corridors in India's economic growth.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":47,"question":"c) Examine the impact of naxal-affected regions on developmental geography.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":49,"question":"d) Assess the implications of India's Look East Policy from a geographical perspective.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":51,"question":"e) Explain the challenges in floodplain zoning in India.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":53,"question":"Q.6) a) Analyse the causes of coastal erosion along India's eastern seaboard, with recent examples.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":57,"question":"b) Discuss the significance of Andaman & Nicobar Islands in India's maritime strategy.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":60,"question":"c) Examine the impact of urban floods with reference to cities like Chennai and Bengaluru.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":63,"question":"Q.7) a) Critically evaluate the progress of the Inland Waterways of India as an alternative mode of transport.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":67,"question":"b) Analyse the reasons for the uneven development of horticulture in India.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":70,"question":"c) Examine the geopolitical significance of Chabahar Port for India.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":73,"question":"Q.8) a) “Regional consciousness in India has deep geographical roots.” Examine with examples.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":77,"question":"b) Discuss the implications of sea level rise for the coastal plains of India.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":80,"question":"c) Evaluate the success of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in reducing regional imbalances.","marks":"15","words":null}]},{"id":6510,"topper":"Rohin Kumar","air":39,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ROHIN-KUMAR-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-39-Sample-MGP-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) 'Unconscious biases in parenting continue to shape gendered experiences in India.' Do you agree with this view? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) Distinguish between empathy and compassion. Why are they considered as foundational values in public services?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) The current society is witnessing rising levels of intolerance. What are the consequences of this situation for personal well-being and for societal well-being? What can one do at the personal level to become tolerant?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) What are the main components of emotional intelligence and how does it help an individual in taking ethical decisions?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) Given below are the three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context?\na) \"This life is short, the vanities of the world are transient, but they alone live who live for others, the rest are more dead than alive.\" - Swami Vivekanand","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) \"If you cry because the sun has gone out of your life, your tears will prevent you from seeing the stars.\" - Rabindranath Tagore","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"c) \"Two ways of building character – cultivating strength to challenge oppression, and tolerate the resultant hardships that give rise to courage and awareness.\" - Sardar Patel","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.4) a) \"With great power comes great responsibility.\" In the present context, 'Big Tech' headquartered in developed countries wield disproportionate influence over digital infrastructure, personal data, and global narratives—often prioritising profit over ethical considerations. What ethical principles should guide such corporations in building a fair, inclusive, and just global digital framework?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"b) What do you understand by the term 'crisis of conscience'? Describe an incident from your life where you experienced such a crisis. How did you deal with it?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.5) a) \"A politics of confession that encourages politicians and parties to confess and offer regret for their errors can surely be a cathartic experience.\" Examine the statement from the ethical point of view.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"b) What are the key objectives of the Right to Information Act, 2005? Examine the ethical concerns associated with certain provisions of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act in realizing the objectives of the RTI Act.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.6) a) Public spaces serve as arenas of democratic participation and civic expression. Yet in India, they remain deeply gendered, with many women largely confined to the private and domestic sphere. Examine the factors that restrict women's access to public spaces. How can ethical governance help address the issue of gendered spatial control and promote inclusivity in public spaces?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"b) Write short notes on the following in 30 words each:\ni) Ethical fading\nii) Conflict of interest\niii) Persuasion\niv) Work culture\nv) Corporate governance","marks":"10 marks, 150","words":"30 words each"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7 A State Government in the northeastern part of the country has launched a series of anti-encroachment drives across forest areas, wetlands, and revenue lands. Under the directions of the Chief Minister, the administration has intensified efforts to reclaim public land, particularly in areas reserved for ecological protection and critical infrastructure development. Most of the time, these actions have been backed by court orders and have resulted in the recovery of thousands of hectares of land. However, in certain regions, the implementation of such drives is fraught with social and political complexities. In several districts, settlements have existed for decades and are inhabited by marginalized communities with limited access to legal rights or formal rehabilitation measures. These areas are often politically sensitive and influenced by local leaders and pressure groups.\nSimanta is posted as Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) in one such district. Over the past year, the district administration has attempted to align eviction measures with welfare outreach, including the provision of temporary shelters, relocation assistance, and public consultations. Recently, a major operation was scheduled to clear encroachments from over 140 hectares of forest land within a Reserved Forest, primarily to curb rising instances of human-elephant conflict and to restore ecological balance. Anticipating eviction, some residents approached the High Court seeking a stay. However, the court refused to grant it and directed the administration to proceed with the eviction following due process. Notices were served, and a detailed roadmap was prepared to carry out the operation, which was expected to last 2-3 days due to the scale and remote location. On the first day, Simanta led a team comprising forest officials, municipal workers, and police personnel. Demolitions were conducted peacefully and without major resistance. However, on the second day, when the team returned to the site, a large group of agitated residents—primarily women and children—had gathered. They raised slogans and formed human chains to prevent further evictions. The atmosphere grew tense when some individuals began throwing stones, resulting in serious injury to a municipal worker. The crowd grew increasingly volatile and emotionally charged, demanding an immediate halt to the operation. The police contingent present on the ground was outnumbered by the crowd. Faced with this crisis, some team members pleaded with Simanta to call off the operation, fearing threats to their life and the possibility of a violent escalation. Simanta attempted to contact his superior officer (the Deputy Commissioner), but due to poor mobile connectivity in the forested area, communication could not be established. Meanwhile, several local journalists had arrived and begun reporting on the incident. Simanta is in a dilemma as to what to do.\na. Evaluate the options available with Simanta to cope with the situation.\nb. Which of the above options would be the most appropriate for Simanta and why?\nc. What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Simanta?\nd. Examine the qualities of a public servant which will be required to manage such situations.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"a. स्थिति से निपटने के लिए सीमंता के पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nb. सीमंता के लिए सबसे उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?\nc. सीमंता को किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\nd. ऐसी परिस्थितियों का प्रबंधन करने के लिए एक लोक सेवक के गुणों का परीक्षण करें।\na स्थिति से निपटने के लिए सीमंता के पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nb सीमंता के लिए सबसे उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?\nc सीमंता को किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\nd ऐसी परिस्थितियों का प्रबंधन करने के लिए एक लोक सेवक के गुणों का परीक्षण करें।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":34,"question":"Q.8) Megha is a first-year sociology student at a reputed college in the national capital. She is originally from Tadchiroli, a tribal village in a western Indian state. Megha's family migrated to the city when she was seven years old and had not visited their village since. Though Megha has fond memories of her childhood there, she never deeply understood the customs and traditions of the region. One day, Megha expresses her wish to visit Tadchiroli. Her father agrees and asks her to inform Ratan, her paternal uncle, who still lives in the village with his family. Megha informs Ratan and travels to the village during a semester break. Upon arrival, she receives a warm welcome from Ratan and his family. Later, Ratan invites her to attend a local festival. During the event, Megha notices that her cousin Rinki is missing. Curious, she asks Ratan's wife Ratna why Rinki is not at the festival. Ratna explains that Rinki is on her period, and as per tradition, menstruating girls must stay separately in small huts built specifically for the purpose. Locally known as 'kurma ghars', they are generally located on the periphery of the village, near a river or pond. She further adds that these girls are not allowed to enter the main house or participate in any social or religious activities. Megha is taken aback. She asks whether all women follow this practice. Ratna nods and says it has been the custom for generations. Even schoolgirls stay in these huts and miss classes during their periods. Ratna admits that many in the village, including herself, never questioned the practice. The explanation unsettles Megha. She finds it hard to believe that a natural biological function leads to such exclusion. Before returning to the city, Megha observes that even educated family members seem to accept and follow these customs. The experience leaves a deep impact on her. She starts reading more about menstrual taboos and their impact on women's health, dignity, and education. As a sociology student, she recognises how such traditions are linked to patriarchy and social stigma. She begins to reflect on what she can do at her level to improve the current situation, without alienating the community or disrespecting its traditions.\na. Suggest a course of action Megha can take to sensitize her village community without appearing disrespectful or confrontational.\nb. What ethical principles and methods should guide her actions while engaging with the community?\nc. How is menstruation related to human rights?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"a, b, c a. मेघा द्वारा अपने गांव के समुदाय को असम्मानजनक या टकरावपूर्ण व्यवहार किए बिना संवेदनशील बनाने के लिए अपनाई जा सकने वाली कार्यवाही का सुझाव दीजिए।\nb. समुदाय के साथ जुड़ते समय उसके कार्यों को किन नैतिक सिद्धांतों और तरीकों से निर्देशित किया जाना चाहिए?\nc. मासिक धर्म मानव अधिकारों से किस प्रकार संबंधित है?","marks":null,"words":"20 अंक"},{"page":39,"question":"Q.9) Gopal is an 80-year-old man living in a remote and an underdeveloped village in a Central Indian state. He had been residing in a small mud house for years. When he came to know about the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana–Gramin (PMAY-G), he saw a glimmer of hope for a pucca house in the last phase of his life. However, the village sarpanch and panchayat secretary told him that to be eligible under the scheme, he must first demolish his existing house so that during a site inspection, no structure would be visible at the location. Subsequently, Gopal demolished his shelter and began living under a babool tree. For nearly six months, he has been staying in the open, braving harsh weather conditions. During this time, he has repeatedly visited the panchayat office but has been told that his application cannot be processed as he lacks the necessary documents. You are the officer-in-charge of implementing PMAY-G in the district. The case of Gopal reaches you through a prominent newspaper report. You personally visit him to understand the situation on the ground. After meeting him and listening to his account, you feel that he certainly needs support. Your enquiries confirm that he is truly destitute and living in a pitiable condition under the open sky. It is also established that he demolished his house based on a faulty interpretation of the scheme by panchayat officials. However, he has no documents to show that he fulfils the eligibility criteria under the scheme. Now you are in a dilemma. Including him under the scheme without the necessary documents would clearly be a violation of rules. But denying him support would be cruel and inhuman.\na. Can you think of a rational way to resolve this dilemma?\nb. Give your reasons for it.\nc. What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.10) You are working as an Assistant Section Officer in the District Development and Panchayat Office. One day, one of your close colleagues approaches you in deep distress. She tells you that her father is suffering from a severe liver condition, and the doctors have clearly stated that he must undergo liver transplant immediately in order to survive. She shares that she has no health insurance, and the surgery would cost around Rs 15 lakh. You are aware that her husband passed away a few years ago, and that she also has a four-year-old son with special needs. Just a few weeks ago, she also lost all her savings in a digital arrest scam. As a widow from a lower middle-class family, her options are extremely limited. Although you feel deeply empathetic, you are unable to offer financial assistance, as you do not have the resources to help. A few weeks later, you enquire about her father's health. She informs you that the liver transplant surgery was successful and that her father is now recovering steadily. Relieved, you ask how she managed to arrange the funds. Hesitantly, she confides that the District Development and Panchayat Officer (DDPO) helped her. Moved by her situation, the DDPO facilitated the release of Rs 15 lakh from the fund allocated to a rural sanitation scheme. The implementation of this scheme had been put on hold for a year due to technical issues and pending site approvals. She explains that the amount was provided on the assurance of strict confidentiality and with a commitment to repay it at the earliest. She expresses deep gratitude for the DDPO's timely help, which she believes saved her father's life. She has already begun repaying the money and will continue to do so until it is all returned.\na. Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\nb. Examine the behavior of DPDO from an ethical point of view.\nc. How would you react to the situation?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":49,"question":"Q.11) Nithin is the head of the Marketing Department at Pehnava Clothings Ltd., a reputed apparel manufacturing company with a strong global presence. Known for its professionalism and consistent performance, the company had earned a credible name in both domestic and international markets. However, the firm was going through difficult times. For three consecutive quarters, it had witnessed a steep decline in sales. This trend had raised serious concerns among the top management regarding the company's competitiveness, profitability, and long-term stability. To address the situation, the leadership decided to restructure the marketing division and bring in dynamic leadership. A senior marketing executive, Mr. A, was hired after a rigorous selection process. He had an impressive career record and was known for turning around sales performance in other firms and building strong brand identities. With high expectations placed upon him, Mr. A was seen as the key figure to steer the company out of crisis. Mr. A soon began delivering results. Within a year, the company's revenue had almost doubled, and its brand visibility had increased significantly. His bold marketing strategies, proactive outreach, and innovative campaigns received appreciation from various quarters within the company. His performance drew the attention of the top management. There were deliberations about assigning him a larger role within the company, with a focus on long-term business strategy. He was also being considered for an internal award for 'Excellence in Leadership and Innovation'. However, alongside professional success of Mr. A, Nithin began receiving troubling feedback about his conduct in the workplace. Informal reports indicated that he frequently made inappropriate comments about women. In addition, he regularly sent indecent messages via social media apps to all team members, including his female colleagues. Although no formal complaint was lodged initially, Nithin could sense tension within the team, and signs of discomfort were becoming increasingly apparent. Some employees even started avoiding direct interaction with Mr. A. Team morale and interpersonal trust were gradually eroding, but employees remained hesitant to speak openly. The matter escalated one evening when Mrs. X, one of Mr. A's team members approached Nithin. Visibly disturbed and emotionally shaken, she disclosed that Mr. A had repeatedly engaged in inappropriate behavior towards her. She added that Mr. A had been making undesirable advances towards her and had even tried to touch her inappropriately in his cabin. She urged Nithin to take appropriate action in the matter, or else she would have no option but to resign from her position.\na. Bring out the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb. What are the options available to Nithin?\nc. Critically examine each of the options identified by Nithin.\nd. Which of the options, do you think, would be more appropriate for Nithin to adopt and why?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":55,"question":"Q.12 You are appointed as an officer heading the Air Quality Compliance Division of the Environment Pollution Control Board in Delhi-NCR. The region is witnessing alarming levels of air pollution, which typically worsen during the winter months due to various meteorological and anthropogenic factors. The situation has led to severe public health concerns, particularly affecting vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and those with respiratory illnesses. The Supreme Court has also raised serious concern over the deteriorating air quality in Delhi-NCR and has directed the administration to take immediate and effective measures to control pollution, especially during the winter months. Your jurisdiction has a large number of small and medium-scale industries that were granted environmental clearance over the years. These industries form the backbone of the local economy and provide employment to a significant number of migrant workers. However, recent inspections and air quality monitoring reports indicate that a significant number of these units are operating in violation of prescribed air emission norms. As part of targeted measures to curb air pollution, you issued notices to all identified polluting units, directing them to apply for fresh environmental clearance certificates from the competent authority. However, your decision triggered strong opposition from a section of industrial units, labour unions, and local politicians. Industrial owners argued that such action would lead to production shutdowns, financial losses, and shortages of their products in the market. Labour unions and workers also protested, fearing mass unemployment and livelihood insecurity. Local politicians and vested interests accused you of jeopardising the socio-economic stability of the region. You received representations from various quarters urging you to withdraw the notices and not initiate harsh measures, citing the interests of multiple stakeholders. Additionally, you began receiving anonymous threats, aimed at coercing you into reversing your decision. On the other hand, several of your colleagues supported your stance, encouraging you to act in the larger public interest. Several local NGOs and environmental groups rallied behind your actions, demanding the immediate closure of polluting units.\na. Under the given conditions, what are the options available to you?\nb. Critically evaluate each of the options listed by you.\nc. What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by you?","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":6511,"topper":"Rohit Kumar","air":225,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/67c35-972717_1752_rohit-kumar_rank-225.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6512,"topper":"Rohit Kumar","air":225,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/73b30-972717_1754_rohit-kumar_rank-225.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6513,"topper":"Rohit Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e7d58-972717_2219_rohit-kumar_rank-225.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Fiscal policy can be a key tool to reduce income inequality as well as make the poorest and the downtrodden a part of the country's growth story. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Digitizing land records will go a long way in ensuring land reforms as well as lessening the burden on the Indian Judiciary. Elaborate. Also, state the measures taken in this context. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"It has been pointed out that competitive politics to fund mostly non-merit subsidies is pushing a few states in India to the brink of a deep fiscal crisis. In this context, discuss the need to rationalise the subsidy regime in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Micro-irrigation has tremendous potential in transforming farming into a profitable and sustainable venture. Discuss the given statement in the context of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Given its vast resources and technical expertise, India can play a key role in assisting the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) in dealing with the impact of climate change. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The recent \"Disaster Management Plan of Ministry of Panchayati Raj (DMP-MoPR)\" aims to develop disaster resilience at the grassroots level. In this context, discuss the rationale behind the formulation of the Plan and highlight its key components. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the internal security implications emanating from the use of Emerging And Disruptive Technologies (EDT) by state and non-state actors. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Identify the impediments faced by India in boosting its defence exports. Also, discuss the steps taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the multiple issues associated with space debris. Also, state the initiatives taken in recent times to tackle this menace. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The adoption of Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) in India is expected to make e-commerce more inclusive and accessible for consumers. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While an agreement was recently reached at the WTO on a deal to curb \"harmful\" government fisheries subsidies, certain concerns raised by India suggests that the matter will require further negotiations. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite the advantages that are associated with the hybrid annuity model (HAM) in the road construction sector, the interest in it has moderated due to various reasons. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The existing MSP procurement regime is neither economically nor agro-ecologically sustainable. Elaborate. Also, evaluate the alternative approaches that can be adopted to improve the existing MSP regime. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"It is being argued that India is struggling with overflowing foodgrains in warehouses. Discuss the statement in view of the existing buffer stock policy of India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Recently, the government has asked all ports to prepare a master plan in order to become 'mega ports' by 2047. In light of this, discuss the challenges faced by ports and suggest remedial measures in order to propel India's blue economy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Inequality in income and wealth translates into carbon inequality. In this context, discuss the significance of addressing carbon inequality for India and suggest ways to achieve it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Despite increased and regular occurrences of landslides over the past decade in India, the dominant development paradigm has largely not been modified. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India needs a smart border management system to balance legitimate cross border flows with national security interests. Discuss. Also, highlight the initiatives taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Establishing linkages between globalisation and money laundering, discuss the initiatives taken at the national and international levels to combat it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"There have been arguments that India needs to review some of its past assumptions about the nature of outer space and contribute to the development of new global norms. In this context, analyse India's stand in relation to the Artemis Accords. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6514,"topper":"Rohit Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/83184-972717_2218_rohit-kumar_rank-225.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to revisit the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution? Discuss with suitable arguments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Highlighting the advantages of online dispute resolution (ODR) mechanism for justice delivery, discuss the challenges associated with its effective implementation in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Despite the constitutional division of powers, Centre-state disputes have been a perennial feature of Indian democracy. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Do you agree with the view that adopting a framework for lobbying will strengthen participative governance and ease of doing business in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Despite the government encouraging open source instead of proprietary technology for government applications, the true potential of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) and digital platforms remains unrealized. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"As a social safety-valve, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) can be the principal vehicles through which communities voice their concerns. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Despite being lauded for its patient centric approach, the implementation of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, remains sluggish and mired with various issues. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to formulate an Urban Employment Guarantee scheme at the national level? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the relevance of BIMSTEC as a regional organisation to fulfil India's strategic aspirations in the Indian Ocean Region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the relevance of the Gujral Doctrine for India with regard to its relations with its immediate neighbours in the present times. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the pivotal role of the \"Officers of Parliament\" in the Indian Parliamentary system. Also, discuss the constitutional and statutory provisions for their impartial functioning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The Finance Commission plays a crucial role in balancing fiscal federalism in India. In this context, examine the recommendations given by the 15th Finance Commission. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Critically assess whether according statutory backing to the Model Code of Conduct will contribute towards free and fair elections in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The market disruption caused by digital revolution warrants renewed focus and perspective to ensure fair competition in the digital economy. In this light, discuss the need to revamp the Competition Commission of India (CCI). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"There is an urgent need for effective whistle-blowing mechanisms and ensuring that necessary safeguards for the protection of whistle-blowers are established in both public and private spheres in India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"State the reasons behind the poor performance of cooperatives in India. Also, discuss the reforms undertaken by the government to overcome the shortcomings. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Public-Private Partnership model, if harnessed properly, has the potential to bridge the gaps in India's healthcare system. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Although the New Education Policy brings with itself a commendable vision, its success will depend on its ability to effectively integrate with the government's other policy initiatives. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) is born from a collective desire to make the Indo-Pacific region an engine of global economic growth. Comment. Also, discuss India's concerns in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"India needs to identify the priority areas to further its techno-diplomacy amidst the complexities of expanding digital space and New and Emerging Strategic Technologies. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6515,"topper":"Rohit Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/960ce-972717_2217_rohit-kumar_rank-225.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With examples, discuss how the cultural traditions from various regions of India get reflected in regional music. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Highlighting the emergence of the working class movement, discuss its contribution towards India's freedom struggle. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Do you agree with the view that Gandhian politics was, in a sense, a continuation of Tilak's politics? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"It is said that the world's oceans are losing their 'memory' due to human-induced warming. Comment. Also, discuss the consequences of the phenomenon. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What is soil amendment? Evaluate the benefits and concerns associated with it. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"It has been suggested that the next decade may see a boom in hybrid power plants. Stating the advantages that such power plants offer, discuss the associated challenges. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What are Van Allen Radiation Belts? Explaining their formation, discuss why there has been a growing focus on their study. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss whether marital rape should be criminalised in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What is care economy? Highlight the challenges associated with it and mention the steps taken to address them in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Post-pandemic India is staring at the challenge of “learning poverty”. Analyse its implications and discuss a way ahead. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Bring out the evolution of mural traditions in South India. Also, elaborate on their significant characteristics. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Indian nationalism that confronted British imperialism in the 19th century was a product of colonial modernity. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Environmentalism surfaced in the form of many organised movements in post independence India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Do you agree with the view that continental blockade was an ill-conceived strategy by Napoleon to conquer Britain through economic means? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What do you understand by the Arctic Paradox? Highlight the spatial distribution of mineral and energy resources in the Arctic region. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Cryosphere changes have a tendency to bring about a devastating impact on the ecosystem and its people. Discuss. Also, enlist measures to tackle this threat. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The frequent instances of urban flooding pose a severe risk to the urban ecosystem in India. Discuss with special emphasis on its impact on the critical infrastructure. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Sand is not only critical for economic development but also provides crucial ecosystem services. Elaborate. In this context, discuss the importance of sustainable sand mining in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The challenge of unbridled and unbalanced growth of urban spaces in India necessitates reforms in urban planning and capacity. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Feminist movements in India have historically lacked inclusivity, often growing within a limited Western upper-class psyche. Critically discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6516,"topper":"Rohit Kumar","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1z7E-tPFeqTpjRRztp5wGx3s6lbHDrUlL/view","questions":[]},{"id":6517,"topper":"Rohit Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/629e4-972717_2220_rohit-kumar_rank-225.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The logic of limitless wealth lies in the basic human instinct for furthering self-interest in the form of profit. In this context, do you think there is a possibility of pursuing ethical capitalism? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"If a law is unjust, a man is not only right to disobey it, he is obligated to do so. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The capacity of Citizens' Charter to initiate any transformative process is conditioned upon it being appropriately designed and effectively executed. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The moral fiber and ethical conduct of public officials not only influence the standard of governance but also their own interests and performance. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The ongoing debate on euthanasia poses several ethical questions. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Foreign aid is a form of neo-colonialism, as the economically wealthier countries can exploit the developing countries under the cloak of aid. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Throwing light on the idea of Universal Humanism propounded by Rabindranath Tagore, discuss its contemporary relevance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree with the view that it is nature and not nurture which determines the emotional intelligence of a person? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Values that guide public administrators can often compete with each other, owing to their relative importance to the larger public interest. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Is it justifiable to say that corruption is a social phenomenon? What are the various ways through which administrative corruption can be tackled? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"\"I do believe that, where there is only a choice between cowardice and violence, I would advise violence.\"- Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"You are posted as the Commissioner of Police in a metropolitan city where a visiting foreign dignitary, with President-level security cover, is scheduled to visit for an official function. As a part of the security preparedness, it has been decided that no vehicular traffic will be allowed on the route which will be taken by the foreign dignitary to reach the venue of the function in the city. However, just 15 minutes before the scheduled arrival of the dignitary, you are informed that a critically-ill patient is stuck on the way to the hospital in a private car along with his family. In this situation, answer the following: (a) Discuss the issues involved in halting traffic for VIP movement. (b) List the options available to you in this situation with their merits and demerits. (c) What will be your course of action? Justify with proper reasoning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"The transgender community has been a part of India's social set up since the very beginning but never recognized as a reputable part of the society. 'Hijra' is a term traditionally used in India for transgender women who were born male. The role and value of this community in accordance with the sacred Hindu texts conderses to the performance of blessings at marriage and birth ceremonies for good fortune. With the advent of the British Raj in the 19th century, the acts of \"cross-dressing\" were registered as a criminal offence and if such offences were committed repeatedly, imprisonment followed. Thus, began the criminalization of hijras. Today, although legally supported and socially empowered as compared to earlier times, hijras are still subject to transphobic discrimination-associated violence, poverty, and segregation. In light of the above, answer the following: (a) Identify the challenges faced by transgenders during the different stages of their life. (b) Discuss the reasons for the continuing discrimination against trangenders in India despite several initiatives for their upliftment in recent times. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"You are an IPS officer posted as the Inspector General of Police in a state. The recent death of a father-son duo in one of the districts in the state, due to custodial violence allegedly in the presence of the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), has sparked anger across the state. This is not an isolated incident, as there have been allegations raised by human rights groups in the past regarding custodial deaths due to physical assault by the police. The High Court of the State, taking suo moto cognizance of the recent incident, has served a notice to the state government, seeking a detailed report on the rising instances of custodial deaths. The state government has constituted a Committee to probe the incident and submit a detailed report about the veracity of facts related to it. You have been asked to head the Committee. You know the Deputy Superintendent of Police of the district to be an honest, hardworking and upright officer. He has privately requested you to absolve him of any wrongdoing as he claims not to be present when the incident occurred. You know that any action against him will be detrimental to his reputation and career. On the other hand, the seniors in the department are pressurising you to put all the blame on the DSP and make him a sacrificial lamb in order to protect the overall image of the police in the state. In the given scenario, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the stakeholders and the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) What steps will you take to ensure that the enquiry is seen to be fair and impartial? (c) Given the challenges that the police forces in India operate under in their day-to-day functioning, suggest some initiatives to address them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Mr. X is a billionaire businessman who heads a conglomerate engaged in insurance, energy generation and distribution, and manufacturing. Despite being globally known as a great philanthropist, he turned down a shareholder request seeking the disclosure of the conglomerate's actions on issues related to climate change as well as diversity and inclusion. Because of increased attention to climate and diversity issues, many leading firms have committed themselves to incorporate relevant considerations in their business strategies. Therefore, some industry-observors wonder if Mr. X is out of touch with the industry at large and have warned him that failing to address climate change issues puts his businesses under systemic risk. But, Mr. X maintained his vote against the disclosure proposal, while at the same time acknowledged the importance of both climate change and a diverse and inclusive work force. However, Mr. X believes that such ethical issues take secondary importance to maximising shareholder profit. (a) Discuss the importance of including climate change strategies and diversity and inclusion in a business organisation? (b) In your opinion, what matters more for a business organisation - socio-environmental concerns or shareholder profit? (c) How can the two above-mentioned issues be reconciled? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"You are posted as a Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district where people of different religious communities are living together peacefully. The district is also famous for its architectural heritage and is regularly visited by tourists from all around the world. However, there has been an incident in the nearby state where people of two different communities have started fighting over religious issues. This incident has a spillover effect over the whole country. In your own area of jurisdiction, you have come to know from various sources about circulation of some hate speech videos, which have the potential to destabilise the law and order situation. You are also aware that some outsiders with dubious intentions have started pouring in your district. In one locality, a shopkeeper who had earlier filed a complaint regarding threats he received for posting something on the internet, is found murdered in cold blood. This incident has stunned the nation. You are being informed that hundreds of people of the community to which the shopkeeper belonged are planning to stage a massive protest in your district. (a) In the given situation, what are the options available to you to ensure that the law and order situation in the district remains stable. Provide a detailed account of your course of action. (b) Do you think the present legal and institutional mechanisms are sufficient to tackle the menace of hate speech in the society? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"The Indian education system suffers from many ills. One of the major issues is the focus on 'rote learning', which has been the staple of the Indian education system for many years. While many Indians have attained success despite this system, simply being able to recall information is not enough in today's world when that information is instantly available to anyone on a mobile phone. A survey of 200 Indian and foreign companies found that only 14% of Indian graduates were prepared for the workforce, largely because most graduates were unable to apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the consequences of 'rote learning' on the educational development of young students in the country? (b) Suggest measures that can be taken to address this issue. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6518,"topper":"Rohit Kumar","air":225,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/61a54-972717_1865_rohit-kumar_rank-225.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6519,"topper":"Rohit Sattawan","air":997,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_eHTNH1qG70Vb3RIJRI5dH-MT9OJmDzv/view","questions":[]},{"id":6520,"topper":"Rohit Singhal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/cae0c-562816_3128_rohit_singhal_rank_70.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"The world must learn to work together, or finally it will not work at all.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Technology, like art, is a soaring exercise of the human imagination.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"We've begun to raise daughters more like sons, but few have the courage to raise our sons more like our daughters.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"What does it require to discover yourself and unlock achievement?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6521,"topper":"Rohit Singhal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/74d83-562816_2931_rohit_singhal_rank_70.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The end cannot justify the means, for the simple and obvious reason that the means employed determine the nature of the ends produced. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss how the relationship between law and ethics is dynamic and continuously shaped by societal changes. Provide examples to illustrate this dynamic relationship. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Differentiate between probity and integrity with suitable examples. How do these values contribute to ethical governance and decision-making in the civil services? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the ethical implications of withholding information in public administration. How can transparency enhance accountability and reduce corruption in government institutions? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \" - \"- \"There is no school equal to a decent home and no teacher equal to a virtuous parent.\"- Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What factors lead to a positive attitude in a person? How does positive attitude enhance the effectiveness of civil servants in performing their duties? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss how emotional intelligence can influence ethical decision-making in the allocation of scarce public resources. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Various international humanitarian organizations provide emergency aid in conflict zones around the world. Highlight the ethical challenges faced by such organizations. What are the principles that guide international humanitarian work? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Why is persuasion regarded as an important skill for civil servants? What are the key considerations that should guide persuasion in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"What role can ethical leadership play in curbing corruption, especially in public service? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"What were the major teachings of Swami Dayanand Saraswati? Explain their relevance in addressing the current ethical and social challenges in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":33,"question":"Discuss the ethical dilemma Karan faces in deciding whether to report the incident against Mariyam's wishes. (b) Evaluate the options available to Karan. Which of these options should he choose and why? (c) What responsibilities do organizations like XYZ Corp have in preventing and addressing sexual harassment and creating inclusive workplace environments? (Answer in 250 words)20","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What are the options available to Jay as the Commissioner of the Education Department? Evaluate each of these options. (b) What option should Jay adopt and why? (c) How can civil servants like Jay be better protected when they attempt to uphold ethical standards in their work? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"As the District Magistrate of X city, you are responsible for overseeing the construction of a new metro depot in an urban forest area, which is a critical infrastructure project aimed at improving public transportation and reducing traffic congestion and air pollution. The project, however, requires the clearance of a substantial portion of the forest, which has triggered strong opposition from environmental activists, local residents, and NGOs. This forest is widely regarded as essential for the city's ecological balance, often referred to as the city's \"lungs.\" In addition to the environmental concerns, you are under considerable pressure from politicians at the state-level to expedite the project, given the upcoming elections in two years. The political leadership emphasizes the benefits of the metro project for the city's development and its potential to garner electoral support. The project is expected to significantly reduce travel time for thousands of commuters and potentially decrease overall vehicle emissions in the city. However, it would also lead to the loss of thousands of trees and disrupt local ecosystems. As you prepare to make a decision, you are aware that your choice will have far-reaching consequences for both the city's development and its environment. (a) Identify the ethical dilemmas involved in the above case. (b) Evaluate the options available to you in the above situation. Which of these would you choose and why? (c) Suggest some measures that could be implemented to balance urban development needs with environmental conservation in future projects. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Dr. Mehra is a senior drug developer at a leading pharmaceutical company in India, renowned for producing various medications, including lifesaving drugs critical for treating chronic and rare diseases. Since its inception, the company has emphasized the quality and affordability of its drugs. Recently, under revised government guidelines, pharmaceutical companies are required to market a finished product only after obtaining \"satisfactory results\" from tests on the ingredients. Additionally, they must retain a sufficient quantity of samples of both intermediate and final products to allow repeated testing or verification of a batch. Dr. Mehra's team is in the final stages of developing a new medication for a rare but life-threatening disease. This drug has shown promising results in clinical trials. However, there have been unresolved concerns about the long-term side effects of the drug, observed in a small percentage of trial subjects. Despite this, the company has not released any major drug in the past decade, leading to significant pressure from the board members to expedite the drug's release. (a) Identify the stakeholders in the above case study. (b) Discuss the ethical issues faced by Dr. Mehra. (c) Analyse the options available to Dr. Mehra in the above case. Which of these would you choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":59,"question":"In light of the above case, discuss the ethical issues that may arise from the nexus between corporate, political, and bureaucratic interests. (b) As a conscientious civil servant, evaluate the options available to Arun. Which option should he choose and why?(Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6522,"topper":"Rohit Singhal","air":70,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Public Administration","optional":true,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Z-InVJ8mWFhjBck59tEm9ICPUAbOFMH1","questions":[]},{"id":6523,"topper":"Rohit Tyagi","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Rohit-Tyagi-UPSC-2023-Rank-74-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The ultimate renewable energy is the human ingenuity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Human laws and natural laws mutually reinforce each other.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"History should be understood as evolution of society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"If one has seen further than others it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6524,"topper":"Rohit Tyagi","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Rohit-Tyagi-UPSC-2023-Rank-74-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"It was neither her Coal and Iron reserves, nor the inventions of steam engine and cotton mills, but her democracy and rule of law that made Britain the epicentre of Industrial Revolution. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"In its extent, reach, and revolutionary zeal, Civil Disobedience Movement has a unique place in India's freedom struggle. Elucidate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"How will you explain that Vaishnavism and Shaivism as followed in medieval India represent both local traditions and universal ideals? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What do you understand from land subsidence? Explaining various reasons behind land subsidence, recommend measures to arrest the calamity. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":6525,"topper":"Rohit Tyagi","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hr7Gyznpk4Up4z_JREyS09DTTLmWvf1q/view","questions":[]},{"id":6526,"topper":"Rohit Tyagi","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Rohit-Tyagi-UPSC-2023-Rank-74-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the role of the 'Fourth Estate' in upholding democratic values and analyse the issues affecting press freedom in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The electoral process, though inclusionary in theory, has been pointed out for exclusionary tendencies in practice. Analyse, with special emphasis on role of women in India's representative electoral system. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":6527,"topper":"Rohit Tyagi","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Rohit-Tyagi-UPSC-2023-Rank-74-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The influence of ethical principles on shaping socially responsible behavior is widely acknowledged. How do ethical values facilitate individuals in cultivating a proactive and constructive attitude towards fulfilling their social responsibilities? Can the subjective nature of ethical principles lead to divergent attitudes regarding social responsibility? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":6528,"topper":"Romil Dwivedi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b040b-1049612_2218_romil_dwivedi_rank_27.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to revisit the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution? Discuss with suitable arguments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Highlighting the advantages of online dispute resolution (ODR) mechanism for justice delivery, discuss the challenges associated with its effective implementation in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Despite the constitutional division of powers, Centre-state disputes have been a perennial feature of Indian democracy. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Do you agree with the view that adopting a framework for lobbying will strengthen participative governance and ease of doing business in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Despite the government encouraging open source instead of proprietary technology for government applications, the true potential of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) and digital platforms remains unrealized. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"As a social safety-valve, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) can be the principal vehicles through which communities voice their concerns. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Despite being lauded for its patient centric approach, the implementation of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, remains sluggish and mired with various issues. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to formulate an Urban Employment Guarantee scheme at the national level? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the relevance of BIMSTEC as a regional organisation to fulfil India's strategic aspirations in the Indian Ocean Region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the relevance of the Gujral Doctrine for India with regard to its relations with its immediate neighbours in the present times. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the pivotal role of the \"Officers of Parliament\" in the Indian Parliamentary system. Also, discuss the constitutional and statutory provisions for their impartial functioning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The Finance Commission plays a crucial role in balancing fiscal federalism in India. In this context, examine the recommendations given by the 15th Finance Commission. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Critically assess whether according statutory backing to the Model Code of Conduct will contribute towards free and fair elections in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The market disruption caused by digital revolution warrants renewed focus and perspective to ensure fair competition in the digital economy. In this light, discuss the need to revamp the Competition Commission of India (CCI). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"There is an urgent need for effective whistle-blowing mechanisms and ensuring that necessary safeguards for the protection of whistle-blowers are established in both public and private spheres in India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"State the reasons behind the poor performance of cooperatives in India. Also, discuss the reforms undertaken by the government to overcome the shortcomings. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Public-Private Partnership model, if harnessed properly, has the potential to bridge the gaps in India's healthcare system. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Although the New Education Policy brings with itself a commendable vision, its success will depend on its ability to effectively integrate with the government's other policy initiatives. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) is born from a collective desire to make the Indo-Pacific region an engine of global economic growth. Comment. Also, discuss India's concerns in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"India needs to identify the priority areas to further its techno-diplomacy amidst the complexities of expanding digital space and New and Emerging Strategic Technologies. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6529,"topper":"Romil Dwivedi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/99636-1049612_2217_romil_dwivedi_rank_27.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With examples, discuss how the cultural traditions from various regions of India get reflected in regional music. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Highlighting the emergence of the working class movement, discuss its contribution towards India's freedom struggle. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Do you agree with the view that Gandhian politics was, in a sense, a continuation of Tilak's politics? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"It is said that the world's oceans are losing their 'memory' due to human-induced warming. Comment. Also, discuss the consequences of the phenomenon. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What is soil amendment? Evaluate the benefits and concerns associated with it. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"It has been suggested that the next decade may see a boom in hybrid power plants. Stating the advantages that such power plants offer, discuss the associated challenges. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What are Van Allen Radiation Belts? Explaining their formation, discuss why there has been a growing focus on their study. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss whether marital rape should be criminalised in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What is care economy? Highlight the challenges associated with it and mention the steps taken to address them in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Post-pandemic India is staring at the challenge of \"learning poverty\". Analyse its implications and discuss a way ahead. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Bring out the evolution of mural traditions in South India. Also, elaborate on their significant characteristics. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Indian nationalism that confronted British imperialism in the 19th century was a product of colonial modernity. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Environmentalism surfaced in the form of many organised movements in post independence India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Do you agree with the view that continental blockade was an ill-conceived strategy by Napoleon to conquer Britain through economic means? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What do you understand by the Arctic Paradox? Highlight the spatial distribution of mineral and energy resources in the Arctic region. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Cryosphere changes have a tendency to bring about a devastating impact on the ecosystem and its people. Discuss. Also, enlist measures to tackle this threat. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The frequent instances of urban flooding pose a severe risk to the urban ecosystem in India. Discuss with special emphasis on its impact on the critical infrastructure. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Sand is not only critical for economic development but also provides crucial ecosystem services. Elaborate. In this context, discuss the importance of sustainable sand mining in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The challenge of unbridled and unbalanced growth of urban spaces in India necessitates reforms in urban planning and capacity. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Feminist movements in India have historically lacked inclusivity, often growing within a limited Western upper-class psyche. Critically discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6530,"topper":"Romit Bhatt","air":390,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ROMIT-BHATT-UPSC-2023-Rank-390-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6531,"topper":"Romit Bhatt","air":390,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ROMIT-BHATT-UPSC-2023-Rank-390-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6532,"topper":"Romit Bhatt","air":390,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ROMIT-BHATT-UPSC-2023-Rank-390-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6533,"topper":"Romit Bhatt","air":390,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ROMIT-BHATT-UPSC-2023-Rank-390-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6534,"topper":"Roshan Meena","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/df580-4144_1756_roshan-meena_567.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"There is no choice between environment and economy; rather it is a choice between prosperity and ruin. (Answer in 150/250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6535,"topper":"Roshan Meena","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/01ea6-4144_1754_roshan-meena_567.pdf","questions":[{"page":14,"question":"Is cryptocurrency a big beginning?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6536,"topper":"Roshan Meena","air":567,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2d519-4144_1753_roshan-meena_567.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6537,"topper":"Roshan Meena","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/04c79-4144_1418_roshan_meena_rank-567.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the need to strengthen the National Commission for Scheduled Castes to tackle the problems faced by the Scheduled Castes in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Does the Representation of People's Act ensure an effective mechanism against criminalization of politics in India? Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss the challenges that are being faced by Gram Nyayalayas in their effective functioning. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Explain the rationale behind setting up 'Alternative Mechanisms' in ensuring effective decision making in the governance of the country. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The relationship between bureaucracy and democracy is both paradoxical and complementary. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"By transforming the way governments work and reinventing people's participation in the democratic process, e-governance empowers the citizen in multiple ways. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act 2019 dilutes the spirit of Supreme Court's NALSA judgement towards self-determination of gender. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The worthwhile goal of Universal Health Coverage can be achieved by declaring the right to health as a fundamental right. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Indian Diaspora in the Gulf countries is an asset beset with multiple challenges. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Briefly outline the genesis and functioning of World Food Programme (WFP). Also highlight its contribution to India's effort in addressing the issue of hunger and malnutrition. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Action against civil society groups is seen as shrinking space for dissent by some while others point out to the imperatives of merit based action against certain groups. Examine with examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Discuss the implications associated with the Prime Minister's Office acting as the most powerful office due to its formidable influence in policymaking in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"While judiciary's efforts to infuse accountability in the functioning of government institutions and engender human rights jurisprudence demonstrate the importance of judicial governance, it also leads to concerns around judicial overreach. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The power to punish for contempt of court is necessary for the administration of justice. Critically analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What are the legal concerns associated with custodial violence? Discuss the challenges in curbing such incidents. Also, suggest some ways to address this issue. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Civil society interventions, ranging from confrontation to engagement with the government, have played an important role in ushering transparency and accountability in governance in India. Discuss with examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"When it comes to hunger, India faces the paradox of plenty. Discuss. Also suggest ways in which this concern can be addressed. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What is the role of wage employment in alleviating poverty? How is the MGNREGA different from the earlier Wage Employment Programmes in India? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"China's aggressiveness in recent times presents not only challenges to India but also opportunities to strengthen itself internationally and domestically. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Trade and connectivity hold the key for India to better engage its neighbours. Examine the opportunities and challenges in South Asia in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6538,"topper":"Roshan Meena","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6020f-4144_1510_roshan_meena_rank-567.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlight the role played by the MPLAD Scheme in creating community assets based on local needs. Also, critically evaluate the recent move to suspend it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Adequately empowering the third tier of Indian federal structure is key to strengthen federalism in India. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"To safeguard and uphold the freedom of speech and expression in India, it is imperative to adequately reform colonial laws that curtail free speech. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlight the role of pressure groups in a democratic country. Also, differentiate between pressure groups in India and developed countries. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The idea that Public Intent Data can play a transformative role in the public sector is not bereft of challenges. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Enumerating the key objectives of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, discuss why the recent amendments in the act are seen as a matter of great concern for the development sector in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The current COVID-19 pandemic has posed a serious threat to the safety and wellbeing of children all over the world. Discuss. Also provide an account of the measures taken by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Various challenges need to be addressed in order to successfully eradicate the menace of bonded labour in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"In the background of the recent military coup in Myanmar, discuss why a stable Myanmar is important for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In the case of Maldives it's not the size but the location that makes it strategically significant. Explain in the context of India's neighbourhood first approach. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"While the judiciary should not be a silent spectator when constitutional rights of citizens are infringed by executive policies, it must also not assume the role of the executive or pass policy prescriptions. Do you agree? Justify your stand with logical arguments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"'Effective legislatures are measured by their outcomes and not by their output.' Analyze the functioning of the Indian Parliament in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Fiscal federalism in India has evolved with time. Discuss in light of the developments in recent years. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is often cited as an example of the rising politicisation of public institutions. In this context, identify the issues associated with the CBI's functioning. What steps can be taken to address these issues? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The principal constraint for India is trying to find solutions to 21st century problems using 19th century government structures. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"How far has the governance in India achieved the twin objectives of transparency and accountability? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Identify the barriers that exist in the enjoyment of reproductive health rights by women in India. Also highlight the interventions that have been adopted to remove these barriers. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"India continues to face the problem of hunger despite adequate food stocks and statutory laws that ensure food security. Discuss and provide solutions to deal with this problem. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The economic rise of Bangladesh is an opportunity for India and hope for South Asia. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Outcome of the Afghan peace process may have serious implications for the wider region. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6539,"topper":"Roshan Meena","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/110d9-4144_1509_roshan_meena_rank-567.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The architecture of Vijayanagara kingdom has a distinctive style comprising of unique features. Elaborate with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Although the tenure of Lord William Bentinck was short, it was marked by enduring reforms. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"While the Indian capitalists were not in favour of protracted mass civil disobedience, many of them also acknowledged the utility, even necessity, of civil disobedience in getting crucial concessions for their class and the nation. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"American Revolution was a constitutional crisis brought on by the irreconcilability of Britain's imperial interests and the colonists' experience in self-government. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Explaining the phenomenon of Western Disturbance, discuss its impact on the Indian weather system. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Arabian Sea, a cyclone shy water body, is converting into a cyclone hotbed. Analyse the reasons behind this trend. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Despite the Peninsular India being a stable land mass and a region of slight seismicity, it has witnessed several earthquakes. Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Despite all the long strides towards women's rights to property and inheritance in India, there still exist challenges that need to be addressed. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"It has been observed in India, while the population has stabilised in southern states, this remains a pipe dream in the case of northern states. Analyse the reasons behind this trend. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Globalisation is affecting the attitudes and aspirations of youth in India in multifarious ways. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Identifying its major forms, broadly trace the evolution of classical dance in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Despite its advocacy for peaceful resolution of disputes, highlight the factors that prompted India to use force to remove Portuguese colonial rule from its territories after independence. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The roots of the present Israel-Palestine conflict may be traced back to ancient history, however it is the 20th century which has shaped it in its modern form. Explain. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Discuss the problems and prospects of the cotton textile industry in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"As Indian cities are undergoing rapid urbanization with burgeoning population, state policies and actions have proved to be inadequate to address the corresponding challenges. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Nation doesn't negate the concept of region. Discuss the idea in the Indian context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6540,"topper":"Roshan Meena","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3bac6-4144_1511_roshan_meena_rank-567.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Despite a vast coast line and a number of waterways, why has India not been able to achieve its potential in bringing a significant modal shift from rail and road to waterways? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The move to establish a National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development, to reverse the drag on India's growth potential will have its own set of challenges. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlighting the issues related to the current fertilizer subsidy regime in India, discuss the need for reforms in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Identifying the need for a climate resilient agriculture in India, discuss how it can be achieved. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Mega Food Parks (MFPs) were considered to be a gamechanger for the food processing sector in India, but their progress remains stunted. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do you understand by impact based forecasting in disaster management? How can such forecasting strengthen the disaster management preparedness? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Low Earth Orbit is becoming increasingly crowded as countries race to launch satellites into space. Highlighting the associated issues, discuss international efforts taken in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Enumerating the existing measures to counter bio-terrorism in India, highlight the need for a bio-terrorism law. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the potential of \"Integrated Law Enforcement Centres\" and \"Smart Walls\" on India's border areas to address the prevailing security challenges. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Farm loan waivers are neither adequate nor recommended for promoting sustained agricultural growth. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"A number of initiatives in recent years have focussed on the MSME sector. Why is there a need to focus on this sector? Also, identify the measures taken by the government and further scope of action. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Skilling the Indian population faces a 3E challenge - Education, Employment and Employability. Discuss. Also suggest interventions required to effectively manage this challenge. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Despite its importance, agricultural marketing faces various institutional and infrastructural related issues in India. Elaborate. Also, enlist the measures that have been taken in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Marine litter is not just an environmental issue but poses a socio-economic challenge as well. Discuss. Also, enumerate the initiatives taken by the global community to reduce marine litter. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Assess India's vulnerability to flash floods and suggest measures for better resilience to flash floods. In this context, also briefly highlight the significance of recently launched Flash Flood Guidance System (FFGS) operated by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Hydrogen based energy production can play a key role in a clean, secure and affordable energy future. In this context, identify the potential and opportunities for utilising hydrogen based technologies. What are the challenges that need to be addressed to fullfill the potential? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Despite the huge promise of satellite-based internet connectivity, it hasn't gained traction on a significant commercial scale, especially in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India's attempts at strengthening its intelligence infrastructure and capabilities have historically been reactive and incremental, rather than holistic and sustainable. Discuss. Also, provide a concrete framework in transforming the country's intelligence capabilities. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"In light of the prominent instances of drone attacks by both state and non state actors, assess the challenges and capabilities of India in dealing with such security threats. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6541,"topper":"Roshan Meena","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/cffad-4144_1524_roshan_meena_rank-567.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Tenancy reforms are much needed to give a boost to the Indian agricultural sector. Comment. In this context, also discuss the significance of the Model Land Leasing Act, 2016. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"India's march towards inclusive growth and it achieving the Sustainable Development Goals are intricately linked. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlight the need for evolving an appropriate system of Rules Of Origin in regional trading arrangements. What steps have been taken by India recently in this regard? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"MSP regime is a creation of an era of scarcity in the 1960s. Discuss its relevance in the current era of surplus agricultural production. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Examine the link between the recent locust attack and climate change. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlighting the properties of Carbon Nanotubes, discuss its applications. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"India's domestic patent regime privileges public health over pharmaceutical industry's interests. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Bring out the arguments surrounding the idea of employing the principle of 'one border - one force' on Indian borders. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Assess the need to create a new cadre of Indian Frontier Administrative Service to undertake the vital tasks at Indian frontiers. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The main objective of Union Budget 2020-21 is to provide \"Ease of Living\" to all citizens. Analyse the framework proposed in the Budget 2020-21 to achieve this objective. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Several challenges are needed to be addressed to realise the full benefits of the recent agricultural marketing reforms. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Multimodal transport requires multiple integrations across different modes of transportation. Substantiate. What are the challenges and opportunities associated with multimodal transportation for India? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Though COVID-19 pandemic exposes the vulnerability of informal sector and associated labor force in India, it also presents an opportunity to rebalance formal-informal economy dynamics in the country. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Highlight the drivers and challenges facing India's ambition to become a gas-based economy. Mention the steps that have been taken by the government recently in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Climate Change and the associated events endanger the marine and coastal ecosystems while increasing the vulnerability of coastal population. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Using examples, highlight how natural ecosystems perform different hazard mitigation functions. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Explain what genome sequencing is and state the challenges in scaling up genome sequencing projects. Also, throw some light on the recently launched IndiGen Project. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India needs to avert radicalisation and societal dissention, as internal faultlines are a breeding ground for cyber and transnational terrorism. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Given the emerging security challenges, discuss why the establishment of Integrated Theatre Commands is being seen as an important defence reform. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6542,"topper":"Roshan Meena","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b7cd1-4144_1505_roshan-meena_rank-567.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Open Government Data (OGD) can be seen as a step towards greater transparency and accountability in India. In this context, discuss the benefits of OGD and the challenges which lie therein. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"\"While corruption is never good, not all forms of corruption are equally bad for the economy, nor do they cause the same kind of harm.\" Critically analyse the statement in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Probity in governance is an essential and vital requirement for an efficient and effective system of governance and for socio-economic development. Discuss. Also, state ways to enhance probity in governance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlighting the importance of whistle-blowing in an organisation, discuss the systemic factors that determine whether a person would become a whistle-blower. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.\" - Albert Einstein (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Facts are many, but the truth is one.\" - Rabindranath Tagore (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Analyze the significance of appointing ethics officers in the light of strengthening corporate governance in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Transparent governance promises an accountable state but a balance has to be achieved between disclosure requirements and administrative privileges for efficient governance. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Citizen empowerment is a natural outcome of a Citizen Charter. Critically evaluate in the Indian context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discretionary power by itself is not pure evil but gives much room for misuse. Discuss in the context of administration in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Emotional Intelligence is an important trait to imbibe in a highly competitive and achievement-oriented environment. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":34,"question":"You are an IPS officer on your first posting in a very poor and isolated rural area of one of the most backward states of the country. In your office complex, of which you are the charge, there is a frequent sewage related problem, causing inconvenience to the employees in your office complex and severely affecting the efficiency of the workplace. It might also lead to health disorders and diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea etc. To resolve it, the cleaning workers are made to do manual scavenging work without due regards to their safety. Most of these workers are from marginalised castes and are discriminated against socially. You are aware of the laws banning manual scavenging and the loopholes around it. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the issues which you need to address in this situation? (b) Present your course of action to deal with the given situation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"You have recently been posted as a District Development Officer in a traditionally rural area that has seen rapid economic development in the past few years. You notice that there is a huge disparity between the number of male and female children in the area. When you go to the hospital and check the birth registry, you realise that registered new-born babies are mostly males. On further investigation, you notice a similar pattern in the village primary school, which has more male students than females. When you raise the issue with your colleagues, they ignore it and carry on with their work. You suspect that the practice of female foeticide may be entrenched in the area as you had read about the issue in the context of this state while studying for the Civil Services Examination. It seems to you that respected members of the community like doctors, politicians and government officials have chosen to ignore the issue, given the prevalence of patriarchy and mind-set of voters in the area. Thus, despite rapid economic development, preference for male child continues to persist. Based on the information above, answer the following: (a) Do you have any ethical duty in this scenario? Justify your views. (b) What would be your next steps and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Party X has a clear majority in the Lok Sabha. However, because of it falling short of majority in the Rajya Sabha, a large number of its bills are getting stalled in the Upper House. Elections of a key state are around the corner and the party desperately needs to win, for it to secure a majority in the Rajya Sabha. As part of its campaign strategy, the social media head of the party suggests an insidious strategy to make electoral gains. A part of the strategy involves sending out questionnaires online and promoting them using ads. The response filled by people to these online questionnaires will help reveal their key personality traits to the social media team of the party. These behavioral science insights would be important in helping candidates tailor their campaign messages according to the recipient's personality traits. However, because the content of the questionnaire is incendiary and polarizing, the social media team decides to use fake accounts to administer data collection on social media platforms to avoid getting penalised. In addition, the strategy also involves sending out provocative content through online ads and fake news reports. This goes against the spirit of free and fair elections and violates the Election Commission guidelines on multiple levels. As one of the key members of the social media team of the party, you have been entrusted with carrying out this campaign successfully. (a) What are the key ethical issues involved in this case. (b) What is the course of action you would take? Give reasons for your response in a situation like this?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You are posted as the District Magistrate in a district, which has witnessed communal clashes in recent years. The lower court has given a verdict in favour of a person from the minority community who seeks demolition of a religious building situated in his personal property. The district administration has been instructed to fulfil this verdict. Despite the judicial verdict, there is some anger simmering in the people from the majority community regarding this verdict. Some groups have demonstrated protests against the verdict and publicly warned of serious consequences if the verdict is allowed to be implemented. Local politicians are also supporting them and are taking advantage of the situation for political gains. You have three days left to demolish the religious building as per the court's direction. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders in the given situation and their respective interests. (b) Highlight the options available to you and the course of action you will take, giving reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"You are the Superintendent of Police of a city where a large slum has developed in recent decades on the property of Indian Railways. The Indian Railways has prepared a plan for expansion of the city railway station for which they want to get the slums demolished. They have requested the assistance of local police for the same; however, the people residing in those slums have responded angrily to this step and have occupied the railway tracks, resisting any action by the officials. Slum dwellers are asking for a suitable rehabilitation, citing that the city is under the grip of a cold wave as the month of December is in progress. This has not only halted the railway traffic on the route causing immense hardships to railway passengers but also posing risk of violence between slum-dwellers and the police. Given the situation (a) Identify various issues involved in the case along with different stakeholders. (b) What course of action would you follow to end this situation of confrontation and resume normal functioning of the Railways?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6543,"topper":"Roshan V","air":626,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Shankar IAS Parliament","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.shankariasparliament.com/uploads/downloads/ROSHAN_P1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6544,"topper":"Roshan V","air":626,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Shankar IAS Parliament","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.shankariasparliament.com/uploads/downloads/ROSHAN_P2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6545,"topper":"Roshan V","air":626,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Shankar IAS Parliament","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.shankariasparliament.com/uploads/downloads/ROSHAN_P3.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"Examine the contemporary relevance Durkheimian perspective on 'Division of labour’.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Religious fundamentalism is a challenge to the truth of other religions. Examine. (10)","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":47,"question":"Examine the impact of secularisation on family and marriage systems. (20)","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":6546,"topper":"Roshan V","air":626,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Shankar IAS Parliament","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.shankariasparliament.com/uploads/downloads/ROSHAN_P4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6547,"topper":"Ruchi Bindal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e5120-103786_1066_ruchi-bindal_rank_39.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The cave architecture in India not only enlighten us with information of tradition and customs of ancient times but also illustrate considerable accomplishment with regard to structural engineering and artistry. Discuss. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"While the Battle of Plassey laid the foundation of British Empire in India, it was the Battle of Buxar that proved to be the turning point of British fortunes in India. Discuss. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Among many novel methods and themes, the Swadeshi Movement laid great emphasis not only on boycott but also on self-reliance. Discuss. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The idea of linguistic states predated independence, however it took some time even after independence for this idea to be implemented. Discuss. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Dr. B. R. Ambedkar understood that persistent inequalities pose fundamental challenges to the economic and social well-being of the nation and people. In this context, discuss the key contributions of Dr. Ambedkar in the history of modern India. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"It has been pointed out that in recent times, while the proportional share of nuclear households has dipped in urban areas it has risen in rural areas. Analyse the reasons behind this trend. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Separation, and not divorce, is the dominant form of marriage dissolution for most women in India. What could be the possible reasons behind this? Also, discuss why there are striking differences in divorce rates between the different regions in India. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Elaborate on the factors responsible for the evolution of the current drainage system in Indian sub-continent, with special emphasis on the characteristic features of Himalayan and Peninsular rivers. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Enumerate the features of Plantation Agriculture and the problems faced by them. Given the fact that area under cultivation of palm oil has been increasing, discuss the benefits and challenges associated with it. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Bring out the distinctive features of Gandhara, Mathura and Amravati schools of art that flourished towards the first century CE. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"The British in India wanted not only territorial conquest and control over revenues; they also felt that had a cultural mission: to 'civilise the natives', change their customs and values. Critically discuss. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Despite Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi being close associates, there were significant differences between the two regarding the role of state and the control that it exercised. Comment. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"History has disproved the prediction that democracy would not succeed in India. In this context, critically assess the achievements and challenges of democracy in India since Independence. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Enumerate the key issues faced by working women in contemporary Indian society and the steps taken by the government to address them. Also, critically examine the key features of Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act 2017. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Despite tropical areas being the major emitters of CFCs, the phenomenon of ozone hole formation is largely confined to polar areas and that too over the Antarctic and in early spring. Elaborate. (250 WORDS) 15 CFCs ,","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6548,"topper":"Ruchi Bindal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/26f10-103786_1068_ruchi-bindal_rank_39.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"There are many challenges in sustainably scaling up renewable energy in India. Analyse. Also, discuss what can be done to address these challenges. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The policies and indicators introduced by the government, in recent times, to finance urban development in India are key in addressing the existing challenges. Discuss with special reference to municipal bonds. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"With a number of issues continuing to be a roadblock, a large section of India's rural population is still 'financially excluded'. Discuss. Analyse how these issues can be addressed and the measures taken by the government and RBI recently in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'Environmental Accounting'? Discussing the rationale behind introducing environmental accounting, highlight its status in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"While access to irrigation is important, efficiency of water use is equally, if not more, crucial. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"For a holistic approach to disaster risk reduction, there is a need to mainstream indigenous traditional knowledge and link it with modern technologies. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do you understand by food irradiation? Highlighting some of its unique applications, examine its relevance for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Whereas misuse of technology has abetted the spread of fake news, it is with the aid of technology that this menace can be curbed. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Recent reports of Maoist leaders having amassed huge assets in property and cash underlines the significance of probing the funding network as part of counter-terrorism efforts. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Not only do services MSMEs contribute mightily to the overall GDP growth, they have a powerful, multiplier impact on the local economies as well. Elaborating on the statement, highlight the problems faced by service sector MSMEs. How can the government make it easier for MSMEs to start and grow a business? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":24,"question":"Contract Farming has many advantages, however it suffers from market failures. Elaborate. What can the government do to correct problems that lead to contract failures? Also, discuss whether the Model Contract Farming Act, 2018 is a step in the right direction. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Suggest the measures needed to improve the employability of labour force as well as increasing number of employment opportunities in light of structural changes being brought by disruptive technologies. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"India's trade policy in agriculture, marred by ad-hocism and pro-consumer bias, has constrained realization of export potential, and prevented the farmers from reaping the benefits. Examine the statement and discuss ways, including government initiatives, to improve agricultural exports. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Is currency exchange rate a suitable measure of relative economic performance of countries? Despite improving macro-economic fundamentals, trade deficit in India continues to widen. Bring out the factors responsible for this situation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"It will take much more than relief packages to address the problems being faced by the sugar industry in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"NAPCC, almost 10 years old and formulated with lofty objectives, has not served as the best answer to cope with the impacts of climate change. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Proliferation of nuclear weapons and the threat of their use are key concerns for global security nonetheless existing international arrangements seem to be ineffective. Comment. Also, identify the salient features of India's policy in this context and discuss whether India should join the NPT in the current form. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"The maritime security domain requires collective multilateral and regional cooperation to combat non traditional threats. Discuss in the context of threats in the Western Indian Ocean and the recent amendments in the Djibouti Code of Conduct. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"India's space programme was initiated with the vision of utilising outer space for peaceful purposes, however with changing times it has the potential to play a significant role in strengthening security capabilities of India. Discuss with adequate examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6549,"topper":"Ruchi Bindal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/238fa-103786_1067_ruchi-bindal_rank_39.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"What is the role that opposition plays in a democracy like India? In this context, discuss whether our Parliament can benefit from a shadow cabinet. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Where there is a right, there is a remedy. In this context, discuss the nature and significance of writs in India with adequate examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Enumerate the objectives of NITI Aayog. Also, discuss the performance of this body since its inception and suggest measures to make it more effective. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In view of the political class's inability to develop and maintain conventions relating to the appropriate use of Article 356, the Supreme Court's decision in the Bommai case provided much needed clarity. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Press freedom and good governance are not mutually exclusive. They support each other while promoting a country's economic and human development. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"SHGs have succeeded in delivering financial inclusion, but for them to evolve as viable business enterprise requires a different approach. Analyse in the context of the twin goals of rural growth and promotion of women's entrepreneurship. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The focus of higher education in India has been on a select few Central or autonomous institutions where as the ones in states remain neglected. Commenting on the statement, highlight the significance of Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss the role played by PRIs in political empowerment of women. Also, suggest measures to further increase their political participation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What is Strategic Autonomy? Critically examine the elements of such a policy in India's contemporary foreign policy in the context of recent developments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"IBSA and BRICS are both examples of India's quest for multialignment, however there are key differences in their orientation. Discuss in the context of the relevance of these groupings for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What are the various modes of Alternate Dispute Redressal (ADR) mechanisms available in India? Identifying the problems being faced by them, provide suggestions needed to increase their effectiveness. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"While the power to punish for the contempt of court is a much needed tool to protect the administration of justice from being maligned, it is time that it be relooked into. Critically analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Criminalisation of politics remains a key concern for the Indian political system. In this context, analyse the role played by the Supreme Court and Election Commission over the years. Also, in what ways can the media play a positive role? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Highlight, in brief, the mandate of the National Commission for Minorities (NCM). Identify the different challenges that the commission faces and suggest measures to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"The recent decision of the government to open up positions at the senior levels in bureaucracy through lateral entry is an important but only small step in the direction of much needed reforms in the higher civil services. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Identifying the broad contours of the 'Transformation of Aspirational Districts' programme, explain how it adopts a novel strategy to address backwardness. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"How did India fare on the Millennium Development Goals related to health? In this regard, identify the relevant Sustainable Development Goals and evaluate India's capacity to meet them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What are the different rights recognized under the Forest Rights Act, 2006? Highlight the gaps in the implementation of community forest rights and community forest resource rights granted under the Forest Rights Act. Also, suggest measures to address the current scenario. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Progress in India-US ties has been accompanied by equally significant divergences on important issues. Examine in the context of recent developments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Despite bonhomie, the structural differences between Indian and Israeli national security situations, their worldviews and absence of explicitly shared enemies limit stronger strategic rapprochement. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6550,"topper":"Ruchi Bindal","air":39,"year":2019,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1zYtLy6fvRCnqVExj2xN1BZ5L1Ah-dCwV","questions":[]},{"id":6551,"topper":"Ruchi Bindal","air":39,"year":2019,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1hzvDu9ih7bqObFbUt0_I4B2YEVG-pvtK","questions":[]},{"id":6552,"topper":"Ruchi Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/83e83-288173_4514_ruchi-singh_rank_171.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"In matters of conscience, the law of the majority has no place.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"He who opens a school door, closes a prison.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Only in the depths of winter can we truly appreciate the warmth of spring.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Copying is safe; innovation demands courage.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The more we automate, the more human we must become.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The pursuit of instant validation is creating a generation of restless minds.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6553,"topper":"Ruchi Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0597c-288173_1417_ruchi-singh_rank_171.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Dadabhai Naoroji left an indelible imprint on the national movement. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Quit India movement marked a new direction in the struggle against the British colonial rule in India. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The end of World War II marked the birth of a new international order. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Simla Agreement (1972) and Lahore Declaration (1999) are two key milestones in the history of the Indian subcontinent. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Social security should not only involve economic empowerment but also social empowerment. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Explain with examples how globalisation is manifested in both local in the global and the global in the local. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In light of persistence of various forms of violence against women in India, discuss the ways in which the issue can be addressed effectively. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What is an urban forest? Highlight its benefits and steps taken by the government to promote urban forestry in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"How has globalization impacted the location of the IT industry? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"How can eco-tourism be used to sustainably harness the potential of tourism industry in India? Discuss the challenges and steps taken by the government in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The advent of Buddhism and Jainism was instrumental in the development of architecture in ancient India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The reactionary policies of Lord Lytton and the liberal policies of his successor Lord Rippon acted as catalyst in the formation of the Indian National Congress. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Gandhiji changed his methods of struggle against the British from time-to-time to suit the varied circumstances and problems that needed to be tackled. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Bring out the relationship between the industrial revolution and the advent of imperialism in different parts of the world. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The caste system in India has continued to persist by adapting itself to a variety of changing socio-economic and political conditions in the past few decades. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"It is argued by some that regionalism is a threat to national integrity while others consider it as a highly impactful tool in facilitating political participation. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Describe the process of rift valley formation, with special emphasis on the Great Rift Valley System. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"India's water resources have witnessed rapid depletion due to a mix of economic, geographic, and political factors. Explain and discuss its implications. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"How are plateaus formed? Also, briefly discuss the features of the Deccan plateau and its economic significance. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6554,"topper":"Ruchi Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a37ee-288173_2423_ruchi-singh_rank_171.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With suitable examples, discuss how environmental pressure groups enhance public participation and responsiveness with regard to environmental policies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The recent acknowledgment of sex work as a 'profession' by the Supreme Court is merely the first step in ensuring basic rights and equality for sex workers in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the role played by District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) in providing free legal aid and disseminating legal awareness in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"The collegium system has become a victim of its own success, with the concentration of power in the hands of a few, leading to questions about its legitimacy.\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"Civil services reforms must go beyond recruitment and standardised training to cope with the present day challenges.\" Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Outcome-based finance models such as social impact bonds have the potential to truly catalyse change and deliver socio-economic impact at scale. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The wide gap between the number of females graduating every year and those entering the workspace is an issue of paramount importance that needs to be addressed. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"An up to date and functional Civil Registration System (CRS) is essential to the socio-economic planning in India. Discuss in the light of the recent move of the Central government in revamping the CRS system in the country. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What are the key areas of reform if the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has to align with the current economic realities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In recent years, India’s relationship with West Asia has evolved from the confines of geopolitics to expanse of geoeconomics. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The role of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) is significant in furthering healthy competitiveness aimed at inspiring stakeholders to innovate and augment effectiveness. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"\"The menace of paid news often rears its ugly head during elections.\" Discuss the need for making paid news an electoral offence in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the 'Doctrine of Essentiality' referred to by the courts in the context of religious practices in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"As per the recently released report of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), there is an urgent need to limit the size of the government in India. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The Institutions of Eminence (IoE) scheme was conceived to develop 'world-class' centres of higher education in India but six years later, it is yet to become the game changer it was intended to be. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) allows for innovative and convenient public services, help overcome inclusion or accessibility barriers, and increase transparency and accountability with real-time data. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Besides legislation, the the full realisation of the 'right to health for all' in India demands plugging of social, financial, and infrastructural gaps. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The 'third gender' has not yet been engendered in the Indian society despite legislative nudge. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Among other factors, strained ties with China and Pakistan make it difficult for India to fulfill its expectations from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"The recently concluded initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) between the United States and India promises a long overdue transformation of their partnership in the field of technology. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6555,"topper":"Ruchi Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7fdcb-288173_2424_ruchi-singh_rank_171.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What are the different dimensions of food security? Examine India's status in terms of ensuring food security with regard to these dimensions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Modern technologies such as blockchain and ChatGPT are powerful tools with immense potential to transform agriculture into a more efficient and sustainable sector. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What factors have led to the recent acceleration in the trend towards de-dollarization of the global economy? Do you think the dollar will lose its dominance anytime soon? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Despite significant pressure from the developed countries to alter its food subsidy regime, there is merit in India trying to retain its policy support for the poor in the country. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":6556,"topper":"Ruchi Singh","air":171,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/07465-288173_1420_ruchi-singh_rank_171.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6557,"topper":"Ruchi Singh","air":171,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e46ab-288173_1525_ruchi-singh_rank_171.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6558,"topper":"RUCHIR PANDEY","air":52,"year":2015,"paper":"Optional — Public Administration","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/52_Richir%20Pandey_16882_667_PUB%20AD.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6559,"topper":"RUCHIR PANDEY","air":52,"year":2015,"paper":"Optional — Public Administration","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/52_Richir%20Pandey_16882_668_PUB%20AD.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6560,"topper":"RUDRAKSH PRATAP SINGH","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/RUDRAKSH-PRATAP-SINGH-UPSC-2024-Rank-406-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Achieving inclusive growth requires a multidimensional approach that goes beyond economic growth. Discuss in context of India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":2,"question":"Examine the implications of the expansion of gig workforce on economic growth and employment scenario in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":2,"question":"What is precision agriculture? How can precision agriculture help in optimizing crop production and resource management? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":2,"question":"While MSMEs are the backbone of the Indian economy, they encounter various hurdles in their operation and expansion. Discuss. Also, suggest steps to support the growth of the MSME sector. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":2,"question":"Explain the significance of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) in transforming India into a knowledge - based and innovation - driven economy. Also, mention various government initiatives aimed at strengthening the protection and enforcement of IPRs in India. (1 0 marks, 1 50 words)","marks":"0","words":"50"},{"page":2,"question":"Gaganyaan mission is a landmark endeavour for India, marking significant advancements in space exploration and contributing to broader national objectives; however, overcoming the associated technical and safety challenges is crucial for its success. Analyse. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":2,"question":"What are the challenges in the safe management of e - waste in India? How can collaboration among multiple stakeholders help in sustainable e - waste management? (1 0 marks, 1 50 words)","marks":"0","words":"50"},{"page":3,"question":"Define Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and mention its various stages. Also, highlight the significance of EIA in balancing developmental needs with environmental conservation in the country. (1 0 marks, 1 50 words)","marks":"0","words":"50"},{"page":3,"question":"Integrated Theatre Commands shall bring jointness in operation, synergy of resources and enable armed forces in carrying out swift, effective, and decisive actions. Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer. (1 0 marks, 1 50 words)","marks":"0","words":"50"},{"page":3,"question":"India's internal security dynamics is inextricably linked with the peace and stability in the neighborhood. Explain with special reference to instability on the eastern border. (1 0 marks, 1 50 words)","marks":"0","words":"50"},{"page":3,"question":"The introduction of Goods and Services Tax (GST) was hailed as a transformative fiscal reform; however, the journey of GST has been a mixed bag of successes and challenges. Analyse. (1 5 marks, 2 50 words)","marks":"5","words":"50"},{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the potential of food processing sector in addressing the issues of low value addition, high post - harvest losses and disguised unemployment plaguing Indian agriculture. Also, explain why the sector has underperformed despite its significant potential. (1 5 marks, 2 50 words)","marks":"5","words":"50"},{"page":3,"question":"Despite the government's ambitious targets, rooftop solar installations in India are hindered by multiple factors. Elaborate. How far do you think that PM Surya Ghar Yojana can incentivise the adoption of rooftop solar installations? (1 5 marks, 2 50 words)","marks":"5","words":"50"},{"page":3,"question":"Agricultural marketing reforms are imperative for addressing market inefficiencies and boosting farm incomes. Analyse. (1 5 marks, 2 50 words)","marks":"5","words":"50"},{"page":4,"question":"Discuss the contribution of livestock sector to the rural economy and the empowerment of women. Also, highlight main challenges faced by the livestock sector in the country and suggest strategies to overcome these challenges. (1 5 marks, 2 50 words)","marks":"5","words":"50"},{"page":4,"question":"Generative AI holds immense potential to transform various aspects of daily life, offering both benefits and challenges. Elaborate. What policy measures do you suggest to maximize its benefits and mitigate its risks? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":4,"question":"Explain the causes and impacts of landslides. Also, discuss the various measures to mitigate their impact, with a special emphasis on National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) guidelines. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":4,"question":"Left - Wing Extremism (LWE) is showing a downward trend, but still affects many parts of the country. Highlighting the reasons for the continuance of LWE in certain pockets, suggest strategies to deal with this menace. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":4,"question":"Analyse how the adoption of emerging and disruptive technologies for money laundering is adding new layers of complexity to an already intricate issue. Also, highlight the measures taken to tackle the problem of money laundering both at national and international levels. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6561,"topper":"Ruhani","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/63a7c-579225_2488_ruhani_rank_05_.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"A mind all logic is like a knife all blade, it makes the hand bleed that uses it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"History is a cyclic poem written by time upon the memories of man.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6562,"topper":"Ruhani","air":5,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iDnVRPKw6jhSAEM9xvW4DNQpymTd97P-/view","questions":[]},{"id":6563,"topper":"Ruhani","air":5,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/105/air-5-ruhani_test-1_gs1.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Q.1 The fabric of Indian philosophical thought owes as much to Northern India as to Southern India. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":8,"question":"Q.2 The Indian society's impulse for social change and reform was a response to its opposition to colonial rule. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":10,"question":"Q.3 What are the factors that led to the Russian revolution and what are the consequences of this revolution? Discuss its influence on the Indian national movement.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":12,"question":"Q.4 Discuss the various factors responsible for the uneven temperature distribution on Earth's surface.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Q.5 The melting of glaciers due to climate change has serious implications for the ecosystem and human society. Discuss the effects of melting glaciers on the environment and the measures that can be taken to address this issue.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":16,"question":"Q.6 The White Revolution was most successful in the Western part of India. Discuss the factors for this regional success of the White Revolution.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Q.7 To what extent does seismic investigation contribute to our understanding of the Earth's interior structure? Analyze its significance in detail.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Q.8 The pace of demographic transition varies across different states of India making population growth a double-edged sword. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Q.9 The ethnic and cultural diversity in India has always been bound by the thread of unity. Discuss the major factors that have contributed to the cultural unity of India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Q.10 The dichotomy in public and private life in Indian society acts as a major barrier to the annihilation of caste. Justify.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.11 India was forced into numerous wars post Independence. Highlight the causes and impact of the Indo-Pak and Indo-China wars on our bilateral relationships.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.12 The process of consolidation of Bengal, which started after the Battle of Plassey culminated in the Battle of Buxar. Do you think the Battle of Buxar was more important for the British than Plassey?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.13 Sanskrit literature in general and particularly in the Guptan age set a high watermark for the literary history of ancient India. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.14 The configuration of the ocean floor provides essential information about the geological processes that have shaped the Earth's surface. Discuss the major features of the ocean floor and their significance in the study of oceanography.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.15 With the growing demand for rare earth elements, their distribution has become a critical aspect of the global economy. Discuss the distribution of rare earth elements across the world, their uses, and the environmental impact of their extraction.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.16 Tourism in the hilly states is threatening to exceed the ecological carrying capacity of the region. Analyze the factors contributing to this trend and evaluate the potential Environmental impacts of this phenomenon. What measures can be taken to ensure sustainable tourism in these states?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.17 The Indian monsoon is a complex phenomenon influenced by various climatic factors. Critically examine the role of oceanic and atmospheric factors in determining the intensity and distribution of monsoon rainfall in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.18 Why do traditions in our society impede change? To what extent can social legislation be instrumental against old customary practices?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.19 Slums are not 'problems' that have to be 'solved' - but are indeed a result of lopsided and vested urban policies covering infrastructure provision and socio-economic issues. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Q.20 Communalism gains strength from economic deprivation, and thrives in environments of social exclusion, creating fertile ground for discontent and division. Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6564,"topper":"Ruhani","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b1772-579225_2031_ruhani_rank_05.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The Kakatiya dynasty left an indelible mark in the fields of architecture and literature. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Bal Gangadhar Tilak was instrumental in creating a national consciousness and giving political voice to the masses during the course of national movement. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The 1929 Lahore session of Congress shaped the vision for an independent India in many important ways. Explain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Explain, in what ways, different historical experiences led countries like China and Japan on widely divergent paths to building independent and modern nations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What is Madden-Julian Oscillation? How does it differ from El-Nino? Discuss its impact on Indian Monsoon. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What are endogenic forces? Highlight their types and discuss the role played by them in forming various landforms on the earth. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"In context of the significance of the Himalayan mountain system for South Asia, explain the factors responsible for melting of glaciers and its impact on the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The COVID-19 pandemic has not only exposed globalisation as highly vulnerable and fragile but also forced a rethinking on its merits. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"In what ways are caste-based inequities still manifested in urban India? Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Menstruation has always been surrounded by taboos and myths that exclude women from many aspects of socio-cultural life. Discuss in the context of India. Also, suggest some steps to combat these taboos and myths. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Provide an account of the origin and spread of devotional Bhakti in South India and discuss how this popular movement expressed itself in the vernacular literature of the south. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The idea of urban decay in India in early medieval times has been propounded by some but evidences from various parts of the country suggest otherwise. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)15","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The essence of Gandhiji's constructive programme went well beyond the anti-imperialist nationalist struggle. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Though the socio-political complexities of the Indian subcontinent may have made partition inevitable, it was the failure of British leadership that led to a bloodbath. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Identifying the factors affecting the location of semiconductor and electronic chip making industry, discuss the reasons behind their current global shortage. What steps has India taken in recent times to support its electronic manufacturing ecosystem? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Identifying the active and passive factors affecting pedogenesis, explain the processes involved in soil formation. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Pre-monsoon season in India is characterised by thunderstorms, lightning and many such events. In this context, explain how thunderstorms are formed and discuss the impact of pre-monsoonal rainfall in various regions of India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Diversification of energy basket is no longer a choice for India, it has become a necessity. Elucidate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The contemporary Indian society finds itself caught at the intersection of a growing aspiration to mimic the West and a revival of the conservative traditional outlook. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"In view of the visible trends in India's urbanisation, discuss the key considerations for a new urbanisation policy to guide the planning and management of cities in a sustainable manner. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":60,"question":"Discuss how In what ways are caste-based inequities still manifested in urban India? Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":6565,"topper":"Ruhani","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c3102-579225_2032_ruhani_rank_05.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"It has been argued that some parts of Article 22 are not Fundamental Rights but 'Fundamental Dangers' to the citizens of India. Discuss in light of the debate on issues around the preventive detention laws in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":6566,"topper":"Ruhani","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/37025-579225_2217_ruhani_rank_05.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With examples, discuss how the cultural traditions from various regions of India get reflected in regional music. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Highlighting the emergence of the working class movement, discuss its contribution towards India's freedom struggle. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Do you agree with the view that Gandhian politics was, in a sense, a continuation of Tilak's politics? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"It is said that the world's oceans are losing their 'memory' due to human-induced warming. Comment. Also, discuss the consequences of the phenomenon. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What is soil amendment? Evaluate the benefits and concerns associated with it. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"It has been suggested that the next decade may see a boom in hybrid power plants. Stating the advantages that such power plants offer, discuss the associated challenges. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What are Van Allen Radiation Belts? Explaining their formation, discuss why there has been a growing focus on their study. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss whether marital rape should be criminalised in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What is care economy? Highlight the challenges associated with it and mention the steps taken to address them in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Post-pandemic India is staring at the challenge of learning poverty. Analyse its implications and discuss a way ahead. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Bring out the evolution of mural traditions in South India. Also, elaborate on their significant characteristics. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Indian nationalism that confronted British imperialism in the 19th century was a product of colonial modernity. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Environmentalism surfaced in the form of many organised movements in post independence India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Do you agree with the view that continental blockade was an ill-conceived strategy by Napoleon to conquer Britain through economic means? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What do you understand by the Arctic Paradox? Highlight the spatial distribution of mineral and energy resources in the Arctic region. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Cryosphere changes have a tendency to bring about a devastating impact on the ecosystem and its people. Discuss. Also, enlist measures to tackle this threat. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The frequent instances of urban flooding pose a severe risk to the urban ecosystem in India. Discuss with special emphasis on its impact on the critical infrastructure. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Sand is not only critical for economic development but also provides crucial ecosystem services. Elaborate. In this context, discuss the importance of sustainable sand mining in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The challenge of unbridled and unbalanced growth of urban spaces in India necessitates reforms in urban planning and capacity. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Feminist movements in India have historically lacked inclusivity, often growing within a limited Western upper-class psyche. Critically discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6567,"topper":"Ruhani","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/cdf66-579225_2424_ruhani_rank_05.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What are the different dimensions of food security? Examine India's status in terms of ensuring food security with regard to these dimensions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Modern technologies such as blockchain and ChatGPT are powerful tools with immense potential to transform agriculture into a more efficient and sustainable sector. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What factors have led to the recent acceleration in the trend towards de-dollarization of the global economy? Do you think the dollar will lose its dominance anytime soon? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Despite significant pressure from the developed countries to alter its food subsidy regime, there is merit in India trying to retain its policy support for the poor in the country. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Several initiatives have been taken by the government towards addressing India's water needs, but the issues of water availability and water quality still warrant prioritised intervention. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What are the major drivers of glacial retreat in the Arctic? Describe the potential impact of the retreat of Arctic glaciers on the ecosystem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Space tourism, which was viewed as something straight out of a science fiction movie, is now becoming a reality albeit not without hindrances. What are the challenges associated with space tourism? What measures can be taken to address these challenges? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Global health experts widely believe that the development of CAR-T cell therapy can be a game changer in the treatment of cancer. How can CAR-T cell therapy overcome the limitations of CRISPR-Cas9 technology? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss why the rising deployment of new and emerging technologies by prominent violent extremist organizations demand concerted global efforts. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"With the Line of Actual Control (LAC) remaining tense after the Galwan and Yangste incidents and both India and China ramping up infrastructure in the border areas, discuss the role that ITBP plays in the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Do you think there is a need for a shift from 'land productivity' to 'irrigation water productivity' in India? Justify your answer. What are the challenges in making this shift? Explain. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Examine the role that green hydrogen can play in unlocking the energy security of India. How can the National Green Hydrogen Mission help India in achieving its energy goals? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The government has been weighing a transition from minimum wage to living wage in recent times. What are the benefits and constraints in the adoption of living wage in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The Union Budget affects almost every sector of the Indian economy, yet neither the budgetary processes nor the budget policies come under substantial public scrutiny. Do you agree? Justify your answer. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"India has been able to transform itself from a milk deficit country to the world's biggest milk producer, but the productivity of dairy animals in the country remains a concern. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"While climate change is responsible for crop failures, the agricultural sector itself is partly responsible for extreme weather events. Discuss. What strategy has been adopted under National Agriculture Disaster Management Plan to strengthen the resilience of the farming community in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Some regions in India, including Delhi, are highly vulnerable to the impact of earthquakes originating in the Himalayas. Discuss. What institutional measures have been taken to mitigate earthquake losses in India? Do you think there are significant gaps that still exist? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Recently, scientists announced net energy gain in nuclear fusion reaction, which is considered as a major scientific breakthrough for the future of clean energy. What are the advantages of nuclear fusion based power generation? What are the limitations in using it to generate electricity at a commercial scale? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Keeping in view the recent amendment, examine the efficacy of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, in tackling the menace of money laundering in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Discuss the security threats present in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), which have a direct bearing on India's maritime border interests. Suggest a robust strategy to deal with these threats. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6568,"topper":"Ruhani","air":5,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/16p5cgv02HUcgIPwqVWe2sm81jL9d5vSq/view","questions":[]},{"id":6569,"topper":"Ruhani","air":5,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FiLIPSXWB-NrhqF6zB_Ig6zp8RIO4uwB/view","questions":[]},{"id":6570,"topper":"Ruhani","air":5,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/113/air-5-ruhani_test-2_gs2.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Q.1 There is a need to resolve the ambiguity in the disqualification provisions under section 8 of the Representation of People Act 1951. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Q.2 Constitution is a mere skeleton whereas constitutionalism is the soul of democracy. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Q.3 \"Electoral bonds are a double-edged sword, providing anonymity to donors while raising concerns about transparency in political funding.\" To what extent have electoral bonds further legitimized opacity in electoral funding?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":12,"question":"Q.4 The question of gender equality is central to the debate on Uniform Civil Code. In this light what are the challenges in reconciling UCC with gender equality as enshrined in the constitution?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Q.5 The Governor's office is neither decorative nor inconsequential, it assumes a constitutional role of profound essence. To what extent does the Governor, actively contribute to the governance of a state and reinforce the principles of federalism in the country?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":16,"question":"Q.6 Recently demand has been rising in a state regarding the enactment of Social Accountability Law. How such a law can lead to good governance and boost citizens' participation in decision-making. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Q.7 There is a need for convergence of 'nutrition-specific' and 'nutrition-sensitive' interventions to effectively tackle child undernutrition in India. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Q.8 \"MGNREGA, the lynchpin of rural poverty alleviation, has become the victim of fiscal apathy.\" Critically analyze the statement in light of recent developments.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Q.9 \"India must leverage, if not manage, the global divides\". How can the current geopolitical churn pave the way for India's rise to the global high table?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Q.10 \"Berlin can be India's gateway to the European Union.\" Elaborate with respect to Germany's significance in India's relationship with the EU.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.11 How has the Anti-Defection Law impacted the relationship between political parties and individual legislators in India? In light of the recent incidents also discuss the unintended consequences it has on the functioning of democracy in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.12 Critics assert that limitless judicial authority rests on the structural ambiguity of the basic structure doctrine. Has the elastic nature of the basic structure doctrine made the judiciary more powerful than the executive?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.13 Fundamental rights are not gifts bestowed upon by the state rather an individual possesses them independently of the state. In this context discuss the desirability of reasonable restrictions on various fundamental rights.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.14 'S.R. Bommai v. Union of India signified a paradigm shift in the judicial interpretation of the union's authority to assume control of a state's administration.' In this context discuss the significance and impact of the judgement on cementing the federal structure.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.15 The key to effective decentralization is, 'political decentralization should follow finance and functional decentralization'. Discuss in the context of impediments faced by local governance in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.16 Multi-stakeholder partnerships are the key to leveraging collective expertise and networks. How can effective partnership and localized implementation efforts be fostered to accelerate the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in India?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.17 How has the implementation of the POSH Act resulted in limited success in raising awareness about sexual harassment, and what factors have hindered its effective outreach to women employed in the unorganized sector? Propose strategies to bridge this gap and ensure comprehensive protection for women in the unorganized sector against workplace harassment.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.18 'Neo-liberal reforms and globalization have deeply transformed the institutions of the welfare state and set the ground for a new type of civil services.' In this context examine the challenges faced in service delivery and suggest adequate reforms.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.19 China views India as its \"Asian Rival\" with an innate ability to counter its hegemonistic goals in Asia. Despite these difficulties in India-China relations, there are also many areas of convergence. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Q.20 Indo-Pacific region in recent times has emerged as a zone of diverging interests and priorities. Discuss. Do you think the Global Security Initiative will supersede QUAD in the region?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"}]},{"id":6571,"topper":"Ruhani","air":5,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oxPuxdS-0-wKjtsCP54GrujuAZBhMKNB/view","questions":[]},{"id":6572,"topper":"Ruhani","air":5,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/119AWSwBQDGsNGCpA_PynQBBV7UJhG8AC/view","questions":[]},{"id":6573,"topper":"Ruhani","air":5,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/107/air-5-ruhani_test-3_gs3.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Q.1 What do you understand by Windfall tax? Do you think that windfall taxes can effectively redistribute wealth and promote greater economic equality?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Q.2 Discuss the perceived successes and challenges of implementing inflation targeting under the new Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) regime.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":10,"question":"Q.3 Assess the potential of millet production in promoting sustainable agriculture and improving food security in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Q.4 Jal Jeevan Mission has the potential to end the regional disparity in the availability and accessibility of drinking water. Highlighting the significance of the mission, discuss the underlying impediments in achieving the desired objectives.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Q.5 What do you understand by Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)? Discuss its applications and how it can revolutionize the energy program of India.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":16,"question":"Q.6 Discuss in brief developments and challenges in the Gaganyaan mission of ISRO. What are the possible benefits of the mission for the society?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Q.7 \"Green hydrogen can be the silver bullet in our quest to tackle climate change and pollution\". Critically analyze the statement in light of India's National Green Hydrogen mission.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Q.8 What are the key lessons for disaster management and environmental conservation in the Himalayan region, in light of the recent disaster in Joshimath, Uttarakhand?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":22,"question":"Q.9 \"The recent radical trends in Punjab show that the Khalistan issue is still simmering.\" Discuss the statement with respect to recent developments and suggest measures to handle it.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":24,"question":"Q.10 The anonymity and ease of drone operation contribute to the challenges of India's border security. Elaborate and give suggestions to tackle the drone problem in border areas.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.11 Electricity Amendment Bill, 2022 brings several advantages for consumers, DISCOMs as well as the environment. Elaborate. Also, list out its shortcomings and suggest some measures to overcome them.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.12 Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) plays an important role in the regulation of the share market and safeguarding the interests of investors. In the light of given statement, highlight the challenges faced by the SEBI and suggest reforms in this regard.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.13 Despite being a major contributor to the Indian economy, the agriculture sector is plagued by several constraints that impede its growth and development. Discuss the role of technology in overcoming these constraints.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.14 Evaluate the impact of irrigation on the environment and natural resources, and suggest measures to ensure the sustainability and equity of irrigation practices in agriculture.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.15 How India benefitted strategically from the contributions of Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha and Dr. Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai in the fields of atomic energy and space technology respectively?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.16 Generative AI holds the potential to push the boundaries of innovation in the near future, yet its societal impact raises substantial challenges. Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.17 Explain the purpose of the \"Mangrove Alliance for Climate\" launched at the COP27 UN Climate Change Conference in Egypt in November 2022. Elaborate on the importance of mangroves in maintaining the coastal ecology of tropical nations.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.18 The Formation of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure brings more robustness to the Disaster Management approach in India. Comment and justify the need for a new strategy to tackle Disasters in India.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.19 The recent rise in ransomware attacks targeting critical infrastructure and major corporations has highlighted the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity measures and policies. Discussing the key factors contributing to this trend, analyze the impact of these attacks on various sectors.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Q.20 In the context of border security, how can cooperation and coordination between different security agencies be improved to ensure effective and efficient management of coastal and terrestrial borders?","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6574,"topper":"Ruhani","air":5,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/115/air-5-ruhani_test-4_gs4.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. (a) Public service requires not merely legal but also morally principled action. Public service requires the public servant to place loyalty to the constitution, laws, and ethical principles. Among the three, which do you think must acquire primacy while carrying out official functions? Why? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"1. (b) What do you understand by \"integrity-based civil disobedience\"? Do you think a challenge to personal integrity can be a justifiable cause for responsible disobedience in civil services? Explain.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"2. (a) Recent research has shown that emotions significantly impact personal and professional lives. What are the primary emotions that negatively and positively impact workplace productivity? Explain with relevant examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"2 (b) Technical efficiency ensures resource utilization and social efficiency ensures fulfillment of social needs, what does ethical efficiency ensure? Do you think ethical efficiency is more important than technical and social efficiency? Why/Why not?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"3. (a) \"Man cannot do right in one department of life whilst he is occupied in doing wrong in any other department.\" Gandhi.\nDo you think an individual's personal ethics impacts professional life or they both can be compartmentalized? Explain your position with relevant examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"3. (b) Goodness is the result of internal imperatives to do what is right, not sanctions from moral rules or rewards from expected consequences. Do you agree? Discuss (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"4. (a) Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance.\n\n\"To tolerate is purely an act of the mind. That is the essence of virtue. To tolerate is a strength.\"\n\n(Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"4. (b) \"It is our first duty to serve society, and after we have done that, we may attend wholly to the salvation of our souls.\"","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"4. (c) \"Periods of peace are the empty pages in the history books\"","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":24,"question":"5 (a) In the context of civil service, distinguish between moral and nonmoral values. Identify 5 basic moral values that can serve as foundational values for all services irrespective of the department. Give reasons why those values can be considered foundational.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"5. (b) Citizens' involvement in decision-making is critical to ethics in governance. Do you agree that effective civic engagement mechanisms can facilitate an ethics-driven administration? What do you think are the mechanisms that citizens can use for ensuring ethics in governance?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"6. (a) Social transformation programs such as \"beti bachao and beti padhao\" believes in using advice, counseling, and persuasion but sometimes a little force is also necessary for getting the desired response. Do you think it is a good idea to mix little force with persuasion by public administrators while implementing social schemes of transformation? Explain with relevant examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"6. (b) Ultimately foreign policy of every country hinges upon the strength which the nation possesses. Strength may be military or financial and may be also...moral.\" Do you think ethical strength without military or financial muscle will be respected in today's world? Explain your position.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"7 You are a young officer working with the Municipal Corporation of an industrial city. The city was known for manufacturing ball bearings and auto parts. Most manufacturing units were small-scale units with very little production process automation. The units relied on manual labor, which was in abundance due to the villages close by.\nAs the number of manufacturing units grew, the demand for labor increased, bringing in a steady inflow of laborers into the city. This influx of people into the town led to a mushrooming of slums and encroachments on the sidewalks. Once in a while, the Corporation conducted drives to clear out the slums, but after a time, the slums came back. The illegal slums had become an urban nightmare.\nYou were given the responsibility of clearing out the encroachments and slums with the help of Police authorities. As you started the drive, you realized that the people living by the sidewalks were vulnerable compared to the slum dwellers. Many sidewalk dwellers had recently come to the city after selling their properties in their villages. Now if you drive them out, they have no place to go. Your heart went out to them, and you felt that your departmental action was inhumane, but your official responsibilities demanded stern impartial action. You are desperate to find a way to help the sidewalk dwellers without compromising your official duties.\n(a) What value conflicts do you notice in the above situation?\n(b) Can an administrator compromise the value of impartiality for empathy? Discuss.\n(c) What are the options available in the above situation?\n(d) Suggest viable solutions for tackling illegal slums and encroachments in urban areas.","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":37,"question":"8 A certain State government was running a welfare scheme for promoting safe motherhood among rural landless laborers' families. The scheme involves the transfer of funds to the beneficiaries to enable them to mitigate income loss due to maternal care responsibilities. Since its implementation, the scheme has done reasonably well on maternal health and economic indicators.\nYou are the Director of the Department responsible for implementing and operating the scheme. Recently you have been receiving reports of welfare fraud being committed by families by producing fake bona fide. The families committed the fraud with the help of local officials responsible for scrutinizing the bona fide.\nYou were concerned because the fraud was seriously undermining the scheme's efficiency. You called for a departmental meeting to discuss and find a solution to the problem. In the meeting, it was decided to merge several available government data sets such as Aadhar cards, voter ID cards, marriage certificates, birth certificates, bank details, and other personal assets. By merging all the data sets, the department would be able to develop the beneficiary's economic profile. And this will help the department scrutinize the documents and detect fraud. This was a comprehensive strategy, but it risked violating an individual's data privacy. As a Department head, you wanted to detect and prevent fraud, but at the same time, you were apprehensive about violating the Data privacy of the stakeholders.\n(a) What are the issues involved in the above case?\n(b) Do you think violating data privacy is justified to prevent welfare fraud? Why/ Why not?\n(c) What, according to you, can be the reasons for such welfare frauds happening in the country?\n(d) Are there any ways and means to prevent such fraud? Give your suggestions.","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":42,"question":"9 You are posted in the Department of Mines, and one of your roles is to help your Department Head negotiate mining leases with private contractors.\nRecently, the state government demarcated a new mining zone and planned to invite bids for the mining blocs. You were instructed to oversee the bidding process and speed up the contract negotiations. As planned, the tenders were released, bids came in, and tenders were allocated as per the norms. All this happened at a breakneck speed. You wondered, why the hurry? But it was not your place to think and question; you quietly went about your work.\nAs the contractors were about to start operations, you had to instruct them on environmental concerns to watch out for. And to do that, you read the environmental impact assessment report submitted by a consulting firm hired by the department. To your surprise, the report was shoddy and looked cooked up. You got suspicious and raised the issue with your Head, who politely instructed you to do what you were told, and he reminded you that the Department had revenue targets and was under pressure from the Ministry.\nAfter the meeting, you, on your own accord, did some digging and found out that the report was fraudulent and the mining activity that was about to start would lead to a massive environmental disaster which the State could not afford.\n(a) What are the issues and value violations you notice in the above case?\n(b) What are the options available to you?\n(c) Discuss the advantage and disadvantages of each option and identify your chosen course of action.\n(d) Do you think that environmental considerations are sometimes overrated at the cost of development?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":47,"question":"10 (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\n(a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\n(b) Do you think that corporate businesses like GAMA should think about international ethics while promoting their business interests? If yes, why? If no, why not?\n(c) Do you think that a corporate's social responsibility extends beyond its immediate community to the international community? If yes, why? If no, why not?\n(d) Do you think that defense sector companies involved in sensitive technology transfer should be regulated by the concerned governments or should regulation reduce their entrepreneurship and innovation energy? Discuss.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"(b), (c), (d) (b) Do you think corporate businesses such as GAMA must consider international ethics while pursuing business interests? Why/why not?\n(c) Do you think a corporate's social responsibility extends beyond one's immediate community to the international community? Why/Why not?\n(d) Do you think the Defence sector companies marketing sensitive technologies must be regulated by their respective governments, or regulation may curtail their entrepreneurial and innovation energy? Discuss.","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":52,"question":"11 (a) इस मामले में कौन-कौन से नैतिक और व्यावसायिक मुद्दे शामिल हैं?\n(b) श्री शर्मा और सीईओ के पास कौन-कौन से विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\n(c) क्या आपको लगता है कि बिक्री कार्यबल को स्वतंत्रता देने की संगठनात्मक संस्कृति के कारण समस्या उत्पन्न हुई या व्यक्ति की भ्रष्ट प्रवृत्ति के कारण समस्या उत्पन्न हुई? चर्चा कीजिए।\n(d) जैसा कि इस मामले में बताया गया है, ऐसे अनैतिक व्यवहार को रोकने के लिए कंपनी कौन-कौन से नैतिक तंत्र और उपाय निर्माण और कार्यान्वित कर सकती है? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)\na) इस मामले में कौन-कौन से नैतिक और व्यावसायिक मुद्दे शामिल हैं?\nb) श्री शर्मा और सीईओ के पास कौन-कौन से विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nc) क्या आपको लगता है कि बिक्री कार्यबल को स्वतंत्रता देने की संगठनात्मक संस्कृति के कारण समस्या उत्पन्न हुई या व्यक्ति की भ्रष्ट प्रवृत्ति के कारण समस्या उत्पन्न हुई? चर्चा कीजिए।\nd) जैसा कि इस मामले में बताया गया है, ऐसे अनैतिक व्यवहार को रोकने के लिए कंपनी कौन-कौन से नैतिक तंत्र और उपाय निर्माण और कार्यान्वित कर सकती है? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":53,"question":"(a) What are the ethical and business issues involved in the case?\n(b) What are the options available to Mr. Sharma and the CEO?\n(c) Do you think the organizational culture of giving freedom to the sales force led to the issue or was the individual's corrupt nature that led to the problem? Discuss.\n(d) What ethics mechanisms and steps can the company create and implement to prevent unethical behavior, as mentioned in the case? (Answer in 250 words) 20 marks\na) What are the ethical and business issues involved in the case?\nb) What are the options available to Mr. Sharma and the CEO?\nc) Do you think the organizational culture of giving freedom to the sales force led to the issue or was the individual's corrupt nature that led to the problem? Discuss.\nd) What ethics mechanisms and steps can the company create and implement to prevent unethical behavior, as mentioned in the case? (Answer in 250 words) 20 marks","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"12 (a) उपरोक्त मामले में कौन-कौन से मुद्दे शामिल हैं?\n(b) आपको क्या लगता है रश्मि को क्या करना चाहिए? क्या रश्मि के लिए स्थानीय प्रशासन को शामिल करना अच्छा विचार होगा? कार्यान्वयन योग्य कार्यवाही का सुझाव दीजिए।\n(c) क्या आपको लगता है कि कंपनियों को उस क्षेत्र की सामाजिक समस्याओं के लिए भी जिम्मेदारी स्वीकार करनी चाहिए जहाँ वे अपना कार्य करती हैं? अगर हाँ तो क्यों, अगर नहीं तो क्यों नहीं?\n(d) श्रमिक संघ की इतनी आक्रामक प्रतिक्रिया के क्या कारण हो सकते हैं? आपके अनुसार रश्मि को कर्मचारी संघ को कैसे संभालना चाहिए?\na) उपरोक्त मामले में कौन-कौन से मुद्दे शामिल हैं?\nb) आपको क्या लगता है रश्मि को क्या करना चाहिए? क्या रश्मि के लिए स्थानीय प्रशासन को शामिल करना अच्छा विचार होगा? कार्यान्वयन योग्य कार्यवाही का सुझाव दीजिए।\nc) क्या आपको लगता है कि कंपनियों को उस क्षेत्र की सामाजिक समस्याओं के लिए भी जिम्मेदारी स्वीकार करनी चाहिए जहाँ वे अपना कार्य करती हैं? अगर हाँ तो क्यों, अगर नहीं तो क्यों नहीं?\nd) श्रमिक संघ की इतनी आक्रामक प्रतिक्रिया के क्या कारण हो सकते हैं? आपके अनुसार रश्मि को कर्मचारी संघ को कैसे संभालना चाहिए?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए"},{"page":58,"question":"(a) What are the issues involved in the above case?\n(b) What do you think Rashmi should do? Would it be a good idea for Rashmi to involve local administration? Suggest an implementable course of action.\n(c) Do you think companies should also accept responsibility for the social problems of the region where they operate? Why/why not?\n(d) What could be the reasons for such an aggressive reaction from the workers union? How do you think Rashmi should handle the workers union? (Answer in 250 words) 20 marks\na) What are the issues involved in the above case?\nb) What do you think Rashmi should do? Would it be a good idea for Rashmi to involve local administration? Suggest an implementable course of action.\nc) Do you think companies should also accept responsibility for the social problems of the region where they operate? Why/why not?\nd) What could be the reasons for such an aggressive reaction from the workers union? How do you think Rashmi should handle the workers union?","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":6575,"topper":"Ruhani","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/87713-579225_2425_ruhani_rank_05.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"For effective corporate governance to take place in the coming years, why is it important to integrate the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics with the multi-stakeholder approach? What benefits can be accrued by such integration? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In acts of corruption, the focus is often only on the demand side of the equation, on public officials who abuse their office for private gain. Frequently, the supply side is given less attention. Those who pay bribes are sometimes depicted as innocent parties and victims of extortionary practices of wily public servants. Do you agree that 'collusive corruption', in which there is a willing bribe-giver, is a formidable challenge for institutions fighting corruption? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Citizens' Charters initiative was a response to the quest for solving the problems, which a citizen encountered, day in and day out, while dealing with the organisations providing public services. But the introduction and implementation of Citizens' Charters in the government of India has been difficult due to the old bureaucratic set up and the rigid attitudes of the work force. Discuss the major obstacles that have been encountered in implementing the Citizens' Charter initiative. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Quality of public service delivery is a major determinant of the quality of life of vulnerable sections in a highly unequal society divided along the lines of class, caste, religion, etc. In this background, do you think that public service delivery is efficient and sufficient enough to improve the lives of vulnerable groups in India? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Wealthy CEOs and founders of successful businesses around the world are increasingly pledging to give away their wealth in philanthropy. Do you think that such a move is sufficient enough to bring about a positive change in the society? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"As organizations across the globe begin their artificial intelligence (AI) transformation, the leap into the AI era is expected to be more challenging than any technology that businesses have grappled with yet. In this background, discuss the concerns around fairness, transparency, and job security that may arise. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The emphasis of Swami Dayanand Saraswati on education, social equality, and ethical values continues to influence the socio-cultural discourse in contemporary India. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Emotional intelligence may not be singularly associated with emotions or intelligence. It can also include a broad range of personality characteristics that might predict success in professional and everyday life. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Traditional forms of state-led accountability, also characterised as vertical and horizontal channels of accountability, are increasingly found to be inadequate, and a myriad of multi-stakeholder and bottom-up citizen directed approaches have come to the fore, to supplement or supplant them. Discuss with illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":33,"question":"With reference to this case study, answer the following: (a) What are the issues involved in this case? (b) What measures can be taken to minimize the negative implications of adopting such technologies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"In the given situation: (a) What dilemmas does Rina face? (b) What options does she have? Provide the merits and demerits of each. (c) Highlight the course of action she should adopt, along with justification for the same. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Additionally, companies like BMW, Volvo, Google and Korean battery maker Samsung SDI, vowed in a statement to not buy metals produced from deep-sea mining until the environmental risks of the activity are comprehensively understood. In the context of the above-stated information, address the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the given case study? (b) How can the vision of economic development of a nation be achieved without adversely affecting the sustainability of oceans? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6576,"topper":"Ruhani","air":5,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/19UpqtzGAiYeqNIEZMmxtC8JCoOUNlHfx/view","questions":[]},{"id":6577,"topper":"Ruhani","air":5,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Economics","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/fd619ead15e52439bdc0234c571754e8/1/eco_test-1_ruhani_-pttp220870-_02-07-2023-unchecked.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6578,"topper":"Ruhani","air":5,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Economics","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/fd619ead15e52439bdc0234c571754e8/3/eco_test-2_ruhani_-pttp220870-_02-07-2023-unchecked.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6579,"topper":"Ruhani","air":5,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Economics","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/fd619ead15e52439bdc0234c571754e8/2/eco_test-3_ruhani_-pttp220870-_27-7-2023_unchecked.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6580,"topper":"Ruhani","air":5,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Economics","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/fd619ead15e52439bdc0234c571754e8/4/eco_test-4_ruhani_-pttp220870-_4-8-2023_unchecked.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6581,"topper":"Ruhani","air":5,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Economics","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/05e79e85886db31c562f8e2fb26b6867/19/eco-5_ruhani_-pttp220870.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"\"Excess capacity meant different things for different people\", Explain the statement in context of monopolistic competition and imperfect competition.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"\"Rent is the result of indestructible capacity of soil\". Discuss","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"What are the advantages of renewable energy? Examine few steps taken by the Government of India to promote its use.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"\"Gradual Monetarism couldn't explain supply side impact\". Do you agree?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"Explain the impact of positive external shock in case of fixed exchange rate in short run and long run.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"\"Technology can create increasing returns to human capital and it can negate diminishing returns to physical capital\". Analyse the Growth Model on this statement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Explain how tax burden is shifted depending on the elasticity of demand and supply.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"What is meant by Peak load pricing? Do you think it is always efficient?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Explain Equivalent Variation. What is the other method of compensation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Explain the impact of crowding out in the case of Endogenous Money Supply.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Comment on fiscal consolidation with respect to its impact on economic development.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"Examine the impact of emigration in case of Classical Model. How can the policy counter it? Suggest any two measures.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"How is export subsidy a double jeopardy for the imposing country?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"Explain the relation between AVC, ATC and AFC by deriving ATC from AVC and AFC.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"Highlight how Keynes gave a solution to output gap.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"What is trade enhancement and trade diversion created by Customs Union.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"\"Bank failure is not only a result of systemic failure, it can cause systemic failure too\". In the context of above statement explain the steps that should be taken to restrict such a situation from arising.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":64,"question":"Explain Okun's law. Do you think it can explain the recent global situation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":67,"question":"Explain different measures of poverty with their relevance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":70,"question":"What is the importance of MSME in case of economic development of a developing economy? Explain some measures that can be taken for their development.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":74,"question":"Derive and discuss monetary and fiscal multiplier in Neo Keynesian Model.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":77,"question":"Explain the impact of tax in case of monopoly.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":80,"question":"\"BOP crisis is actually a result of macro economic instability and poor economic policies\". Discuss the statement in the light of recent international experience.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6582,"topper":"Ruhani","air":5,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Economics","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/05e79e85886db31c562f8e2fb26b6867/20/test-7_ruhani_-pttp220870.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6583,"topper":"Ruhani","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/154/igp-gs-test-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"What do you understand by 'Integrity-based civil disobedience'? Do you think a challenge to personal...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance. 'To tolera...","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6584,"topper":"Ruhani","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/129/igp-gs-test-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"There is a need to resolve the ambiguity in the disqualification provisions under section 8 of the Representation of People Act 1951. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"Constitution is a mere skeleton whereas constitutionalism is the soul of democracy. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"Q4 The question of gender equality is central to the debate on Uniform Civil Code. In this light what e...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"Q6 Recently demand has been rising in a state regarding the enactment of Social Accountability Law. How...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"'Berlin can be India's gateway to the European Union.' Elaborate with respect to Germany's significance in India's relationship with the EU.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6585,"topper":"Ruhani","air":5,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/128/igp-gs-test-1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6586,"topper":"Ruhani","air":5,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/127/igp-gs-test-3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6587,"topper":"Ruhani Ruhani","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/16984-579225_2031_ruhani-ruhani_rank-159.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The Kakatiya dynasty left an indelible mark in the fields of architecture and literature. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Bal Gangadhar Tilak was instrumental in creating a national consciousness and giving political voice to the masses during the course of national movement. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The 1929 Lahore session of Congress shaped the vision for an independent India in many important ways. Explain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Explain, in what ways, different historical experiences led countries like China and Japan on widely divergent paths to building independent and modern nations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What is Madden-Julian Oscillation? How does it differ from El-Nino? Discuss its impact on Indian Monsoon. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What are endogenic forces? Highlight their types and discuss the role played by them in forming various landforms on the earth. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"In context of the significance of the Himalayan mountain system for South Asia, explain the factors responsible for melting of glaciers and its impact on the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The COVID-19 pandemic has not only exposed globalisation as highly vulnerable and fragile but also forced a rethinking on its merits. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"In what ways are caste-based inequities still manifested in urban India? Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Menstruation has always been surrounded by taboos and myths that exclude women from many aspects of socio-cultural life. Discuss in the context of India. Also, suggest some steps to combat these taboos and myths. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Provide an account of the origin and spread of devotional Bhakti in South India and discuss how this popular movement expressed itself in the vernacular literature of the south. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The idea of urban decay in India in early medieval times has been propounded by some but evidences from various parts of the country suggest otherwise. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)15","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The essence of Gandhiji's constructive programme went well beyond the anti-imperialist nationalist struggle. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Though the socio-political complexities of the Indian subcontinent may have made partition inevitable, it was the failure of British leadership that led to a bloodbath. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Identifying the factors affecting the location of semiconductor and electronic chip making industry, discuss the reasons behind their current global shortage. What steps has India taken in recent times to support its electronic manufacturing ecosystem? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Identifying the active and passive factors affecting pedogenesis, explain the processes involved in soil formation. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Pre-monsoon season in India is characterised by thunderstorms, lightning and many such events. In this context, explain how thunderstorms are formed and discuss the impact of pre-monsoonal rainfall in various regions of India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Diversification of energy basket is no longer a choice for India, it has become a necessity. Elucidate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The contemporary Indian society finds itself caught at the intersection of a growing aspiration to mimic the West and a revival of the conservative traditional outlook. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"In view of the visible trends in India's urbanisation, discuss the key considerations for a new urbanisation policy to guide the planning and management of cities in a sustainable manner. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6588,"topper":"Ruhani Ruhani","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/175bd-579225_2032_ruhani-ruhani_rank-159.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"It has been argued that some parts of Article 22 are not Fundamental Rights but 'Fundamental Dangers' to the citizens of India. Discuss in light of the debate on issues around the preventive detention laws in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The administration of justice is not limited to conviction of the guilty and acquittal of the innocent but also ensuring fair and speedy trial. In view of this, discuss the reasons behind increase in the number of undertrials in India and measures taken to ameliorate the issues faced by them. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Highlighting the significance of cooperatives in India, discuss how the recently created Ministry of Cooperation will give an impetus to them. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The NGT Act gives much leeway to the tribunal to go beyond a mere adjudicatory role and act as a sui generis institution with the capacity to provide redressal for environmental exigencies. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"In the context of demographic changes highlighted by the NFHS-5, do you think population control legislations will be a step in the right direction? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The utility of PMAY-G hinges on its design, which is a marked improvement over the previous rural housing schemes. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The nutritional status of India has been a matter of long standing public threat. Discuss. Also, suggest measures to overcome the problem of nutritional crisis in India. (Answer in 150 words)10","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"To realise the potential of its growing population, India's march towards development will undoubtedly be incomplete without skills and education. In this context, discuss the significance of the recently launched RISE and EQUIP schemes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the centrality of ASEAN bloc in India's Act East policy and SAGAR initiative. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss China's Polar Silk Road initiative in view of the growing interest in the Arctic region and state its implications for India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The doctrine of Separation of Powers is followed in US with a spirit, never followed in UK purely, and India has followed it with large exceptions. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"A robust and fair electoral system in India is hinged upon few key reforms in the Representation of People's Act. Discuss in the context of contemporary issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Even though pressure groups play an important role in governance, there have been issues surrounding transparency in the representativeness of the groups and their funding as well as their relationship with the government. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite reforms by the Central and state governments to overhaul the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), several challenges remain with regard to their efficient functioning. Elucidate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Welfare initiatives embody civil rights, whereas freebies cultivate a patron-client syndrome. Examine in the context of governance in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Even though non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are an integral part of a nation's developmental ethos, the State has legitimate interest, legal authority and constitutional duty to curb the activities of those NGOs, which attempt to hamper national development at the behest of the forces inimical to India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"While there is an urgency to focus on all the three levels of healthcare, it is imperative that the government looks towards improving primary healthcare as a public good. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Despite initiatives to curb child marriage, it continues to persist in India. Explaining the reasons behind this, analyse its impact. What further measures can be taken by the government to eliminate the practice of child marriage in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Despite their significance, India has not been able to strengthen its ties with the Central Asian countries. Bringing out the reasons for the same, discuss how India can deepen its relationship with countries in this region. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Discuss the concerns that have arisen in India-Sri Lanka relations in recent times. How can India ensure a favourable relationship with Sri Lanka given its importance in the Indian Ocean region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6589,"topper":"Ruhani Ruhani","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/db6af-579225_2033_ruhani-ruhani_rank-159.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Stating the issues associated with agricultural extension in India, discuss the role of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in strengthening the national agricultural research extension system. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In India, the food processing sector is emerging as a high-growth and high-profit sector due to its immense potential for value addition. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Explaining the concept of livestock-based Integrated Farming System (IFS), discuss its benefits. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"While Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) are spearheading entrepreneurship across the world, India still has one of the lowest entrepreneurship rates. Discuss. Also, state the policy measures that have been taken to increase the pace of entrepreneurship in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"'Land banks' can play a critical role in boosting the economy and promoting ease of doing business in India. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The proposed amendments to the Forest Conservation Act (FCA) are not only antithetical to the Forest Rights Act (FRA), but are also likely to delay India achieving its commitments on climate change. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The problem of flooding in urban areas is not only due to overflowing rivers, but also the uninformed ways in which our cities are coping with urbanisation. Discuss. In this context, mention the National Disaster Management Authority guidelines on urban floods. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"ISRO is no longer confined only to the launching of satellites, but it has been constantly enlarging its role in development activities over the years. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"State the reasons behind targeting of Critical Information Infrastructure (CII) by state and non-state actors. Also, discuss the steps taken by the Indian government to secure its CII. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Despite the strategic significance of North-East India, the region faces several security threats. Discuss. Also, state the measures taken by the government to ensure peace and stability in the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Indian Railways has suffered from chronic under-investment, which has adversely impacted key areas of its operations. In this context, discuss the challenges faced by the railways in speedy creation of infrastructure. Also, mention the 'steps taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"A disruptive approach to research & development (R&D), with a focus on last mile obligations of the agricultural system is necessary to realize India's objective of doubling farmer's income. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"India's power distribution companies and electrical grids must undergo reforms to transition from fossil fuels to more sustainable forms of renewable energy. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The practice of input-intensive agriculture in India needs a massive overhaul due to its unsustainability and negative consequences. In this context, discuss the significance of Low External Input Sustainable Agriculture (LEISA). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The recently released IPCC Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) – 2021 has been deemed as ‘code red’ for humanity. In this context, discuss the various concerns raised in the report with special focus on India. Also, enlist the remedial measures given by the report. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Multiple chemical disasters from the Bhopal gas tragedy to gas leak in Visakhapatnam have brought into focus the risks posed by hazardous chemicals (HAZCHEM) in India. In view of this, discuss the preparedness as well as gaps in Chemical Disaster Management (CDM) in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The growing demand for liberalisation of public health-related goods and services amidst the pandemic has raised critical issues with regard to the current intellectual property regime. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Highlighting the reasons behind sub-optimal results in indigenization of defence technologies in India, suggest measures which can accelerate the pace of indigenization in the defence sector. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Discuss the factors behind conceptualization of different Central Armed Police Forces for guarding the international borders. Also, highlight the contribution of these forces in ensuring security of India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Discuss the vulnerability of virtual assets in terms of their misuse for money laundering activities. Also, state corrective measures that can be taken to mitigate the risks posed by the use of virtual assets. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6590,"topper":"Ruhani Ruhani","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7918f-579225_2220_ruhani-ruhani_rank-159.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The logic of limitless wealth lies in the basic human instinct for furthering self-interest in the form of profit. In this context, do you think there is a possibility of pursuing ethical capitalism? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"If a law is unjust, a man is not only right to disobey it, he is obligated to do so. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The capacity of Citizens' Charter to initiate any transformative process is conditioned upon it being appropriately designed and effectively executed. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The moral fiber and ethical conduct of public officials not only influence the standard of governance but also their own interests and performance. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":6591,"topper":"Rupal Jaiswal","air":43,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RUPAL-JAISWAL-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-43-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) Explain the significance of the recent changes made to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) with respect to labour market data estimation in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Q.8) Highlight the key provisions of the Disaster Management (Amendment) Act, 2025. How would the amendment help strengthen the disaster management framework in the country?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.15 Launched on 25th June 2025, the Axiom-4 (Ax-04) mission has been much in the news since then. What are the key features of the mission? What significance does it hold for the Gaganyaan project and India’s long-term space ambitions?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"19 As per FATF Report on Terror financing (2023), terrorists have adopted megabyte money to finance their operations.\n Emerging tech and globalization role in terror financing","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6592,"topper":"Rupal Jaiswal","air":43,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RUPAL-JAISWAL-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-43-Sample-MGP-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1 a) ‘Unconscious biases in parenting continue to shape gendered experiences in India.’ Do you agree with this view? Discuss.\nb) Distinguish between empathy and compassion. Why are they considered as foundational values in public services?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Q.4) a) “With great power comes great responsibility.” In the present context, ‘Big Tech’ headquartered in developed countries wield disproportionate influence over digital infrastructure, personal data, and global narratives—often prioritising profit over ethical considerations. What ethical principles should guide such corporations in building a fair, inclusive, and just global digital framework?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.6) a) Public spaces serve as arenas of democratic participation and civic expression. Yet in India, they remain deeply gendered, with many women largely confined to the private and domestic sphere. Examine the factors that restrict women’s access to public spaces. How can ethical governance help address the issue of gendered spatial control and promote inclusivity in public spaces?\nb) Write short notes on the following in 30 words each:\ni) Ethical fading\nii) Conflict of interest\niii) Persuasion\niv) Work culture\nv) Corporate governance","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Q.7) A State Government in the northeastern part of the country has launched a series of anti-encroachment drives across forest areas, wetlands, and revenue lands. Under the directions of the Chief Minister, the administration has intensified efforts to reclaim public land, particularly in areas reserved for ecological protection and critical infrastructure development. Most of the time, these actions have been backed by court orders and have resulted in the recovery of thousands of hectares of land. However, in certain regions, the implementation of such drives is fraught with social and political complexities. In several districts, settlements have existed for decades and are inhabited by marginalized communities with limited access to legal rights or formal rehabilitation measures. These areas are often politically sensitive and influenced by local leaders and pressure groups.\nSimanta is posted as Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) in one such district. Over the past year, the district administration has attempted to align eviction measures with welfare outreach, including the provision of temporary shelters, relocation assistance, and public consultations. Recently, a major operation was scheduled to clear encroachments from over 140 hectares of forest land within a Reserved Forest, primarily to curb rising instances of human-elephant conflict and to restore ecological balance. Anticipating eviction, some residents approached the High Court seeking a stay. However, the court refused to grant it and directed the administration to proceed with the eviction following due process. Notices were served, and a detailed roadmap was prepared to carry out the operation, which was expected to last 2–3 days due to the scale and remote location. On the first day, Simanta led a team comprising forest officials, municipal workers, and police personnel. Demolitions were conducted peacefully and without major resistance. However, on the second day, when the team returned to the site, a large group of agitated residents—primarily women and children—had gathered. They raised slogans and formed human chains to prevent further evictions. The atmosphere grew tense when some individuals began throwing stones, resulting in serious injury to a municipal worker. The crowd grew increasingly volatile and emotionally charged, demanding an immediate halt to the operation. The police contingent present on the ground was outnumbered by the crowd. Faced with this crisis, some team members pleaded with Simanta to call off the operation, fearing threats to their life and the possibility of a violent escalation. Simanta attempted to contact his superior officer (the Deputy Commissioner), but due to poor mobile connectivity in the forested area, communication could not be established. Meanwhile, several local journalists had arrived and begun reporting on the incident. Simanta is in a dilemma as to what to do.\na. Evaluate the options available with Simanta to cope with the situation.\nb. Which of the above options would be the most appropriate for Simanta and why?\nc. What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Simanta?\nd. Examine the qualities of a public servant which will be required to manage such situations.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":7,"question":"a. स्थिति से निपटने के लिए सिमंता के पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nb. सिमंता के लिए सबसे उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?\nc. सिमंता को किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\nd. ऐसी परिस्थितियों का प्रबंधन करने के लिए एक लोक सेवक के गुणों का परीक्षण करें।\na स्थिति से निपटने के लिए सिमंता के पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nb सिमंता के लिए सबसे उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?\nc सिमंता को किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\nd ऐसी परिस्थितियों का प्रबंधन करने के लिए एक लोक सेवक के गुणों का परीक्षण करें।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":8,"question":"a. Suggest a course of action Megha can take to sensitize her village community without appearing disrespectful or confrontational.\nb. What ethical principles and methods should guide her actions while engaging with the community?\nc. How is menstruation related to human rights?\na Suggest a course of action Megha can take to sensitize her village community without appearing disrespectful or confrontational.\nb What ethical principles and methods should guide her actions while engaging with the community?\nc How is menstruation related to human rights?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":9,"question":"a. Can you think of a rational way to resolve this dilemma?\nb. Give your reasons for it.\nc. What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\na Can you think of a rational way to resolve this dilemma?\nb Give your reasons for it.\nc What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":10,"question":"a. Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\nb. Examine the behavior of DPDO from an ethical point of view.\nc. How would you react to the situation?\na Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\nb Examine the behavior of DPDO from an ethical point of view.\nc How would you react to the situation?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":11,"question":"a. Bring out the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb. What are the options available to Nithin?\nc. Critically examine each of the options identified by Nithin.\nd. Which of the options, do you think, would be more appropriate for Nithin to adopt and why?\na Bring out the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb What are the options available to Nithin?\nc Critically examine each of the options identified by Nithin.\nd Which of the options, do you think, would be more appropriate for Nithin to adopt and why?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":12,"question":"Q.12 You are appointed as an officer heading the Air Quality Compliance Division of the Environment Pollution Control Board in Delhi-NCR. The region is witnessing alarming levels of air pollution, which typically worsen during the winter months due to various meteorological and anthropogenic factors. The situation has led to severe public health concerns, particularly affecting vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and those with respiratory illnesses. The Supreme Court has also raised serious concern over the deteriorating air quality in Delhi-NCR and has directed the administration to take immediate and effective measures to control pollution, especially during the winter months. Your jurisdiction has a large number of small and medium-scale industries that were granted environmental clearance over the years. These industries form the backbone of the local economy and provide employment to a significant number of migrant workers. However, recent inspections and air quality monitoring reports indicate that a significant number of these units are operating in violation of prescribed air emission norms. As part of targeted measures to curb air pollution, you issued notices to all identified polluting units, directing them to apply for fresh environmental clearance certificates from the competent authority. However, your decision triggered strong opposition from a section of industrial units, labour unions, and local politicians. Industrial owners argued that such action would lead to production shutdowns, financial losses, and shortages of their products in the market. Labour unions and workers also protested, fearing mass unemployment and livelihood insecurity. Local politicians and vested interests accused you of jeopardising the socio-economic stability of the region. You received representations from various quarters urging you to withdraw the notices and not initiate harsh measures, citing the interests of multiple stakeholders. Additionally, you began receiving anonymous threats, aimed at coercing you into reversing your decision. On the other hand, several of your colleagues supported your stance, encouraging you to act in the larger public interest. Several local NGOs and environmental groups rallied behind your actions, demanding the immediate closure of polluting units.\na. Under the given conditions, what are the options available to you?\nb. Critically evaluate each of the options listed by you.\nc. What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by you?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":21,"question":"How EI helps in ethical decisions?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"6 (a) \"Women are not mere darlings of home; they are the force of soul itself\" - Rabindranath Tagore\n(a) Factors restricting women's access to public space","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6593,"topper":"Rupal Jaiswal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Insights","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/17930-1378810_2487_rupal_jaiswal_rank_43.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"LCb) Reasons for corruption persistence:\n1) Bureaucratic apathy - in enforcement of laws & lokpal refusing complaints not filed in format\n2) Sanskritization of corruption (Kaushik Basu)\n3) Poor whistleblower protection mechanism\n4) 2014 Act not implemented in spirit\n5) Secrecy culture, collusive corruption etc.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"BC b) Is Business ethics oxymoron ?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"(a) Ethical issues in the case?\n1 Eco-centrism v/s anthropocentrism - mining tin at the cost of landslides damaging pristine environment","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6594,"topper":"Rupal Jaiswal","air":512,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Law","optional":true,"source":"De Facto Law","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.defactolaw.in/_files/ugd/9bce74_f5b8eaf0eaaa42a2a4b810f1a74c7281.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6595,"topper":"Rupal Jaiswal","air":512,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Law","optional":true,"source":"De Facto Law","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.defactolaw.in/_files/ugd/9bce74_8947bc73b9ba4e0095d9dbc4847db4f7.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6596,"topper":"Rupal Jaiswal","air":512,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Law","optional":true,"source":"De Facto Law","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.defactolaw.in/_files/ugd/9bce74_11ad46bedd2d4042a7ddfcdd65c8bbae.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6597,"topper":"Rupal Jaiswal","air":512,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Law","optional":true,"source":"De Facto Law","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.defactolaw.in/_files/ugd/9bce74_bbeab2b2eef64f238eea006d81a4d604.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6598,"topper":"Rupal Jaiswal","air":512,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Law","optional":true,"source":"De Facto Law","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.defactolaw.in/_files/ugd/9bce74_fccfe2f67efb4fd7acd44750f6e88552.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6599,"topper":"Rupal Jaiswal","air":512,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Law","optional":true,"source":"De Facto Law","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.defactolaw.in/_files/ugd/9bce74_f04e251bb03c4d3091bb8b80e9a5ad18.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6600,"topper":"Rupal Jaiswal","air":512,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Law","optional":true,"source":"De Facto Law","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.defactolaw.in/_files/ugd/9bce74_be7d5b9d3e5a486b9592af1bd2636752.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6601,"topper":"Rupal Jaiswal","air":512,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Law","optional":true,"source":"De Facto Law","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.defactolaw.in/_files/ugd/9bce74_967a074d11094e56bad5ef02d4701bb7.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6602,"topper":"Rupal Jaiswal","air":512,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Law","optional":true,"source":"De Facto Law","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.defactolaw.in/_files/ugd/9bce74_675af8e11be64318b0998397733fa058.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6603,"topper":"Rupal Rana","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Rupal-Rana-UPSC-2023-Rank-26-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Basic structure doctrine has prevented the Parliament, a creature of the constitution, from becoming the master of the constitution. Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"To what extent, in your opinion, Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in India have enabled women led development at the grassroot level? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The power of pressure groups lies not in their size or elaborate organization, but in their ability to mobilize public opinion and create lasting change. With help of relevant examples, discuss how informal pressure groups shape public policy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"\"Bail not Jail\" is the cardinal principle that upholds the sacrosanct ideas of individual's liberty and dignity. Explain the statement with the help of various judicial pronouncements. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Dispute redressal is the most important component of cooperative federalism. How does the Interstate Council facilitate the resolution of disputes related to states in India, and what are the challenges associated with this process? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Anti-defection law has failed to address and resolve the evil of political defection satisfactorily. Discuss various issues surrounding the Anti-defection law and recommend some corrective measures. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Decriminalization of homosexuality by the SC in Navtej Singh Jauhar case remains a task half done, specially without the socio-political sensitisation about the issues faced by LGBTQIA+ community. Elaborate in light of ongoing debates on same sex marriage. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Built upon common democratic values and shared vision of strategic autonomy, India-France bilateral ties exude a promise of stability, growth, and security in a time of geo-political flux and uncertainty. Do you agree? Substantiate your answer. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"As an important attribute of soft power, \"Knowledge diplomacy\" has the potential to further various objectives of foreign policy. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Referring to the case laws through which the collegium system in India evolved, critically assess its functioning. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Considering the non-enforceable nature of fundamental duties and directive principles of state policy, critically examine their impact in socio-political norms. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite its vital role for the smooth functioning of the body politic, constitutional punctuality remains conspicuous by its absence. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Frequent reliance on the ordinance making power by the government, not only dilutes the basic tenets of executive accountability in a parliamentary democracy, but also overlooks the democratic traditions of building consensus. Discuss with relevant examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The critical reason for poor public health indicators in India goes beyond recognition of right to health as fundamental right. Do you think that a statutory framework alone can ameliorate the situation? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Reforming the education infrastructure through digital interventions is a progressive step, but it has its limitations too. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Electoral bond was brought in as a reform that was high on intent but has proved to be low on substance. Do you agree? Justify. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The profound impact of the data revolution and widespread smartphone usage has necessitated the use of digital tools in welfare programmes. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Presidency of G20 is but a reflection of India's quest for a more just and polycentric world order, where the voice of the global south is mainstreamed not muzzled. Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The new cold war between the USA and China may have the effect of casting a long shadow on India's strategic interests from Pacific to Atlantic. Evaluate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6604,"topper":"Rupal Rana","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3ec83-1029533_2423_rupal_rana_rank_26.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With suitable examples, discuss how environmental pressure groups enhance public participation and responsiveness with regard to environmental policies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The recent acknowledgment of sex work as a 'profession' by the Supreme Court is merely the first step in ensuring basic rights and equality for sex workers in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the role played by District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) in providing free legal aid and disseminating legal awareness in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"The collegium system has become a victim of its own success, with the concentration of power in the hands of a few, leading to questions about its legitimacy.\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"Civil services reforms must go beyond recruitment and standardised training to cope with the present day challenges.\" Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"Outcome-based finance models such as social impact bonds have the potential to truly catalyse change and deliver socio-economic impact at scale. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"The wide gap between the number of females graduating every year and those entering the workspace is an issue of paramount importance that needs to be addressed. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words) 10\"","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"An up to date and functional Civil Registration System (CRS) is essential to the socio-economic planning in India. Discuss in the light of the recent move of the Central government in revamping the CRS system in the country. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What are the key areas of reform if the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has to align with the current economic realities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In recent years, India's relationship with West Asia has evolved from the confines of geopolitics to expanse of geoeconomics. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The role of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) is significant in furthering healthy competitiveness aimed at inspiring stakeholders to innovate and augment effectiveness. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"\"The menace of paid news often rears its ugly head during elections.\" Discuss the need for making paid news an electoral offence in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the 'Doctrine of Essentiality' referred to by the courts in the context of religious practices in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"As per the recently released report of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), there is an urgent need to limit the size of the government in India. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The Institutions of Eminence (IoE) scheme was conceived to develop 'world-class' centres of higher education in India but six years later, it is yet to become the game changer it was intended to be. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) allows for innovative and convenient public services, help overcome inclusion or accessibility barriers, and increase transparency and accountability with real-time data. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Besides legislation, the full realisation of the 'right to health for all' in India demands plugging of social, financial, and infrastructural gaps. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The 'third gender' has not yet been engendered in the Indian society despite legislative nudge. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Among other factors, strained ties with China and Pakistan make it difficult for India to fulfill its expectations from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"The recently concluded initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) between the United States and India promises a long overdue transformation of their partnership in the field of technology. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6605,"topper":"Rupal Rana","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6a32a-1029533_2422_rupal_rana_rank_26.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The traditional theatre forms of India reflect the ideals and emotions of the society, and an individual's role in the community. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Provide an account of the historical and architectural importance of the Sanchi Stupa. Also, discuss how it inspired the future architecture in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Bhagat Singh made a real breakthrough in terms of revolutionary ideology, the goals of revolution and forms of revolutionary struggle. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Bringing out the factors that led to the Meiji restoration, discuss its significance for Japan. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"It is believed that a nation is an \"imagined community\" held together by common beliefs, history, political aspirations etc. In this context, discuss what the basis of India as a nation is. Also, bring out the threats to the concept of Indian nationhood. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"State the key factors behind the growth of the pharmaceutical industry in India. Additionally, discuss its significance with regard to India's economy and public health.(Answer in 150words)10","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss why the Bay of Bengal is more prone to cyclones than the Arabian Sea. Also, explain the reasons for the decrease in frequency of tropical cyclones during the Southwest monsoon season. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite being destructive in nature, volcanoes are critical for the existence of human life on earth. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The existence of relative deprivation is an important aspect in constructing the argument for regionalism. Explain with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"If India is to realise the goal of 'education for all', the issue of rising cases of bullying and other forms of school violence needs to be addressed immediately. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Bring out the role played by the Ahom Kingdom in shaping the cultural and historical identity of North-East India, and discuss its legacy in contemporary times. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The capitalist class generally remained ambivalent in their support to the Indian National Congress until 1940s. In this context, analyse the varying positions of the Indian capitalists throughout the national movement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Trace the evolution of the press in India. Also, discuss the instrumental impact it had during various stages of the Indian freedom struggle despite the repressive policies of the British. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Mountains are fragile ecosystems vulnerable to the adverse impact of climate change and other anthropogenic interventions. Illustrate with examples. Also, highlight the initiatives taken for their sustainable management. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind unsustainable management of sand resources in India. Highlighting its impact, enumerate the remedial measures taken in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Giving an account of the major lithium-producing countries, discuss the geo-political aspects of lithium production and its environmental implications. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The youth are capable of identifying themselves with a global identity and connecting with events and experiences outside their countries. In this context, discuss the impact of globalization on the various aspects of youth identity. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"As fertility rates decline in India, future demographic concerns center around an ageing population and a weak social security system. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"With a significant proportion of India's population expected to live in urban areas by 2030, the welfare of the urban poor needs to take centre-stage in public policy. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6606,"topper":"Rupal Rana","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Rupal-Rana-UPSC-2023-Rank-26-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The influence of ethical principles on shaping socially responsible behavior is widely acknowledged. How do ethical values facilitate individuals in cultivating a proactive and constructive attitude towards fulfilling their social responsibilities? Can the subjective nature of ethical principles lead to divergent attitudes regarding social responsibility? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Through their actions, interactions, and teachings, schools have the power to mold the moral compass of the next generation. In this perspective, discuss the significance of value-based education in preparing the youth to address the contemporary challenges of society. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'situation ethics'? Critically analyze its strengths and weaknesses in making moral judgements. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Maintaining traditional bonds and familial relationships in an increasingly globalized world requires personal relationships to be governed by ethical principles. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Why should a man be moral? Because it strengthens his will.\" - Swami Vivekanand. In this perspective, discuss the significance of morality for bringing efficiency and effectiveness in public administration. Do you think moral rigidity can be a hindrance in good governance? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Civil servants who embody emotional intelligence exhibit a profound understanding of the human aspect of governance, enabling them to cultivate meaningful relationships, foster cooperation, and drive positive change. Examine ways in which Emotional Intelligence can be inculcated in civil servants. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The challenges posed by the corporate sector's impact on climate, environmental sustainability, and living conditions has highlighted the need for responsible and inclusive business practices. In this direction, the contemporary discourse on corporate governance is emphasizing the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. Evaluate the ESG framework in equipping the corporate world with the capabilities to fulfill its social roles and responsibilities. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Uniform Civil Code (UCC) aims to create a common set of laws governing personal matters, such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption, irrespective of individuals' religious affiliations. In the context of the ongoing discourse on UCC in India, examine the challenges that arise when attempting to reconcile legal principles with diverse moral considerations. To what extent should the law be influenced by moral/religious principles? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"When I do good, I feel good; when I do bad, I feel bad, and that is my religion\" - Abraham Lincoln. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time.\" – Ruth Bader Ginsburg. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"\"Happiness is that state of consciousness which proceeds from the achievement of one's values\" – Ayn Rand. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":6607,"topper":"Rupal Rana","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Rupal-Rana-UPSC-2023-Rank-26-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Celebrity endorsements raise pertinent ethical concerns about responsibility that delve into the realm of ethical considerations of social influence that run deeper than mere surface appeal. In this context, suggest measures to tackle the ethical challenges of celebrity brand endorsements. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are the ethical concerns associated with the case study? b) What are the options available with Rajendra? c) If you were at the place of Rajendra, which option would you choose and why? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":23,"question":"What are the key ethical concerns present in the above case study? b) According to you between the twin objectives of development and conservation what should be given more priority and why? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Mr X is travelling by road with his family to attend a marriage ceremony. His grandfather, who is the head of the family is also travelling with him. On the way to their destination, all of them stop at a road side restaurant for lunch. This is a well-known restaurant owned by one of the friends of Mr X. The place is known for its tasty and hygienic food. However, the grandfather notices a picture on the wall of the restaurant and enquires about the religion of the restaurant owner. Mr X's friend belongs to a religion different from the grandfather's religion. The grandfather has a negative attitude towards the religion of Mr X's friend and he insists that he will not eat in that restaurant. He demands that the entire family should leave the restaurant immediately as they are travelling for a happy occasion and eating at this particular restaurant will pollute them. Mr X tries to calm down his grandfather and explain to him that religion has nothing to do with purity or pollution. He also reasons that several travel magazines have rated the restaurant highly, especially for its superior hygiene standards. Also, he points out that there is no restaurant in the way for the next 100 Km and it will be difficult for all to make do without food for that long. However, his arguments fall on deaf years, and which is more his grandfather admonishes him for bringing the family to the restaurant despite being aware about the religion of the owner. Mr X's friend feels insulted and discriminated against due to his religion. Mr X's father is upset but refuses to say anything out of respect for the grandfather. Entire family is embarrassed by the attitude of the grandfather and they are getting ready to leave the restaurant. Mr X is confused regarding how he should act in this situation. a) What are the various ethical issues in the above case study? b) Imagine yourself in the place of Mr X. Evaluate the different courses of actions available with you. What is the most suitable course of action? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":6608,"topper":"Rupal Rana","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/21e71-1029533_2425_rupal_rana_rank_26.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"For effective corporate governance to take place in the coming years, why is it important to integrate the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics with the multi-stakeholder approach? What benefits can be accrued by such integration? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In acts of corruption, the focus is often only on the demand side of the equation, on public officials who abuse their office for private gain. Frequently, the supply side is given less attention. Those who pay bribes are sometimes depicted as innocent parties and victims of extortionary practices of wily public servants. Do you agree that 'collusive corruption', in which there is a willing bribe-giver, is a formidable challenge for institutions fighting corruption? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Citizens' Charters initiative was a response to the quest for solving the problems, which a citizen encountered, day in and day out, while dealing with the organisations providing public services. But the introduction and implementation of Citizens' Charters in the government of India has been difficult due to the old bureaucratic set up and the rigid attitudes of the work force. Discuss the major obstacles that have been encountered in implementing the Citizens' Charter initiative. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Quality of public service delivery is a major determinant of the quality of life of vulnerable sections in a highly unequal society divided along the lines of class, caste, religion, etc. In this background, do you think that public service delivery is efficient and sufficient enough to improve the lives of vulnerable groups in India? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own.\" - Lao Tzu (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"If ethics are poor at the top, that behavior is copied down through the organization.\" - Robert Noyce (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"The end of law is not to abolish or restrain, but to preserve and enlarge freedom.\" - John Locke (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Wealthy CEOs and founders of successful businesses around the world are increasingly pledging to give away their wealth in philanthropy. Do you think that such a move is sufficient enough to bring about a positive change in the society? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"As organizations across the globe begin their artificial intelligence (AI) transformation, the leap into the AI era is expected to be more challenging than any technology that businesses have grappled with yet. In this background, discuss the concerns around fairness, transparency, and job security that may arise. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The emphasis of Swami Dayanand Saraswati on education, social equality, and ethical values continues to influence the socio-cultural discourse in contemporary India. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Emotional intelligence may not be singularly associated with emotions or intelligence. It can also include a broad range of personality characteristics that might predict success in professional and everyday life. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Traditional forms of state-led accountability, also characterised as vertical and horizontal channels of accountability, are increasingly found to be inadequate, and a myriad of multi-stakeholder and bottom-up citizen directed approaches have come to the fore, to supplement or supplant them. Discuss with illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"In a metropolitan city of India, the law enforcement authorities decided to adopt facial recognition technology to improve their crime-fighting capabilities. They implemented a facial recognition system that integrated with existing surveillance cameras across the city, allowing real-time identification and tracking of individuals. The system was intended to assist in identifying known criminals, missing persons, and suspects in ongoing investigations. One evening, a woman reported a mugging incident where the perpetrator wore a hoodie, obscuring most of his face. The victim provided a vague description to the police, and based on that information, the authorities decided to use facial recognition technology to locate potential suspects. The system scanned through hours of surveillance footage from various locations near the crime scene. The facial recognition algorithm generated a list of potential matches, and one individual's image stood out as a close match to the description provided by the victim. The police considered this individual a prime suspect and proceeded with his arrest. Subsequently, it was discovered that the arrested person was innocent. Further investigation revealed that the facial recognition system had misidentified the innocent individual due to the limitations of the technology and the partial description provided by the victim. The police released the arrested individual; still his reputation got tarnished for life. He, along with his family, was evicted from their current place of residence. The psychological impact of the incident has been tremendous owing to which his job is also on the line. With reference to this case study, answer the following: (a) What are the issues involved in this case? (b) What measures can be taken to minimize the negative implications of adopting such technologies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Rina and her friends from the college were working as interns with a company for the last few months. On completion of their internship, some of them, including Rina, have been offered full-time jobs in the company. Being a reputed company, she and her friends accepted the offer. Rina is enthusiastic about her new job and has even established good relationship with some of her company co-workers during her internship. However, during her tenure as an intern, Rina had begun to notice that one of the Vice-Presidents (VPs) of the company was giving her too much attention. He used to make an extra effort to stop by Rina's cubicle and chat, something he was not doing with any of the other interns. He had even tried to connect with Rina over social networking sites. Some of her co-interns also noticed this and began to make offhand comments to Rina about the extra attention being given by the VP. Now that she was has been hired for a full time position, she is fearful that she might have to work with this VP directly. While he has not done or said anything explicitly inappropriate, the extra attention and the fact that her co-workers noticed it, made her very uncomfortable and undermined her concentration at work. The company encourages an open and friendly atmosphere and when she was hired, it was communicated to her that she should always speak to her Manager whenever faced with any uncomfortable work related issues. However, she is concerned to speak about it officially, as the VP has not explicitly done or said anything wrong. She is worried that if she raises the issue, it might create a misunderstanding and impact the VP's reputation, as well as her own career. In the given situation: (a) What dilemmas does Rina face? (b) What options does she have? Provide the merits and demerits of each. (c) Highlight the course of action she should adopt, along with justification for the same. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"In the given situation: (a) What dilemmas does Rina face? (b) What options does she have? Provide the merits and demerits of each. (c) Highlight the course of action she should adopt, along with justification for the same. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"You have recently been posted as a Nodal Education Officer in one of the districts, where mass cheating in examinations is a regular phenomenon. Media reports have shown parents and relatives scaling school walls and buildings to pass answer chits to students taking secondary school examinations in the district. Moreover, with the advent of new technological devices, cheating in examinations has become more sophisticated and exam rules are flouted openly. On investigation, it has come to your notice that these rackets are run by many school authorities, including exam invigilators who are mostly teachers, and they are hand in glove for profits. With a shortage of staff, invigilators threaten go on mass strikes if any action is taken. Conducting the exams, cancelling them on account of cheating and having re-exams are a loss of time and money for the government and this vicious cycle goes on. As the Nodal Education Officer of the district, address the following questions: (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (b) How will you resolve the issues in the given case? (c) What long-term strategy needs to be adopted to deal with the menace of cheating in various examinations? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Many proponents of deep-sea drilling argue that tapping into the vast amount of rare earth elements in the Indian Ocean will help shore up national security interests for India, bolster its economy and workforce, and offer a reliable supply of strategic minerals. Keeping this in mind, the government has approved a $540-million programme to study ways of mining nickel, cobalt, manganese and iron hydroxide from the bed of the Indian Ocean 6,000 meters below sea level. The government argues that the project can power India's growth for 100 years. It will also study climate change, explore marine flora and fauna and harness thermal energy. However, a competing point of view alleges that deep ocean drilling poses immense risk to the environment. A comprehensive report on Sustainable Ocean Economy by independent geologists states that \"until the need for, and potential consequences of, deep-sea mining are better understood, the concept is conceptually difficult to align with the definition of a sustainable ocean economy and raises various environmental, legal and governance challenges, as well as possible conflicts with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.\" It also highlights that the profitability of national mining operations, without governmental support or comparably low taxes, remains questionable. If the operations are profitable, it will also raise questions about the equitable sharing of benefits derived from resources that are the common heritage of mankind. Additionally, companies like BMW, Volvo, Google and Korean battery maker Samsung SDI, vowed in a statement to not buy metals produced from deep-sea mining until the environmental risks of the activity are \"comprehensively understood.\" In the context of the above-stated information, address the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the given case study? (b) How can the vision of economic development of a nation be achieved without adversely affecting the sustainability of oceans? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"You are a public representative, elected on the ticket of a political party, considered as conservative by many. Your daughter, who has returned years after studying abroad, has conveyed to you her choice of marrying a person from another community. You personally do not consider anything wrong in her choice, and convey your assent to her. You also discuss it with many among your friends and family, and inform them of a grand wedding ceremony you are planning for your daughter. However, a few days after you have shared the news of the forthcoming grand wedding with many, you are informed by your political secretary about an issue being made of the same. He informs you that there are whispers among many people in your constituency about it, and indications of a sense of unease among some prominent citizens. While most of them are enamoured by your plans for a grand wedding for your daughter, they are unhappy about the bridegroom being from another community. You also get to know through your sources in the party, that your assent to the choice of the bridegroom may lead to a denial of ticket by the high command in the forthcoming elections. You are not only an ambitious politician and a rising star in your political party but also an open-minded, loving and doting father. But howsoever much you love your daughter's freedom and choices, you do not want her decision to adversely affect your political journey. This is more so, when you had been eagerly looking forward to greater responsibilities and a higher stature in the party, given the years of hard work. On the other hand, your daughter is firm on her choice and does not want her forthcoming grand wedding to be affected in any way. She is adamant that her wedding will not be held as a private ceremony with only close friends and family, but should be publicised in a grand way, as you had promised earlier to her. Given this situation, answer the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the above situation? (b) What are the various options that you have, as a father and an ambitious politician? (c) What will be your course of action? Justify with proper reasoning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6609,"topper":"Rupal Srivastava","air":113,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9783b-255109_1754_rupal-srivastava_rank-113-1-1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6610,"topper":"Rupal Srivastava","air":113,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c3522-255109_1992_rupal-srivastava_rank-113.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6611,"topper":"Rupal Srivastava","air":113,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/cc0cb-255109_2121_rupal-srivastava_rank-113.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6612,"topper":"Rupal Srivastava","air":113,"year":2022,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/60f26-255109_2212_rupal-srivastava_rank-113.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6613,"topper":"Rupal Srivastava","air":113,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d1a98-255109_1516_rupal-srivastava_rank-113.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6614,"topper":"Rupal Srivastava","air":113,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/88504-255109_1865_rupal-srivastava_rank-113.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6615,"topper":"Rupal Srivastava","air":113,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1p9h_SEZq2CVVcobkECGDj-yQhIkSDKhi","questions":[]},{"id":6616,"topper":"Rupam 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Arora","air":384,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Drishti IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.drishtiias.com/images/pdf/GS-III.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6626,"topper":"Rupam Arora","air":384,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Drishti IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.drishtiias.com/images/pdf/GS-IV%20A.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6627,"topper":"Rupam Arora","air":384,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Drishti IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.drishtiias.com/images/pdf/GS-IV%20B.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6628,"topper":"Rupam Arora","air":384,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Drishti IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.drishtiias.com/images/pdf/GS-IV.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6629,"topper":"Rupam Arora","air":384,"year":2025,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"Drishti 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and social development in ancient India. 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Be prepared for the worst. Enjoy life in between.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6636,"topper":"S CHRISTOPHER AIMOL","air":921,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/214/mt23rcapa017_tc707-test-05-gs1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6637,"topper":"S CHRISTOPHER AIMOL","air":921,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/207/mt23rcapa017_tc707-test-05-gs1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6638,"topper":"S CHRISTOPHER AIMOL","air":921,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/211/mt23rcapa017_tc704-test-02-gs2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6639,"topper":"S CHRISTOPHER AIMOL","air":921,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/204/mt23rcapa017_tc704-test-02-gs2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6640,"topper":"S CHRISTOPHER AIMOL","air":921,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/215/mt23rcapa017_tc708-test-06-gs02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6641,"topper":"S CHRISTOPHER AIMOL","air":921,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/212/mt23rcapa017_tc705-test-03-gs3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6642,"topper":"S CHRISTOPHER AIMOL","air":921,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/216/mt23rcapa017_tc709-test-07-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6643,"topper":"S CHRISTOPHER AIMOL","air":921,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/213/mt23rcapa017_tc706-test-04-gs04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6644,"topper":"S CHRISTOPHER AIMOL","air":921,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/217/mt23rcapa017_tc710-test-08-gs04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6645,"topper":"S CHRISTOPHER AIMOL","air":921,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/205/mt23rcapa017_tc705-test-03-gs3.pdfhttps://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/206/mt23rcapa017_tc706-test-04-gs04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6646,"topper":"S CHRISTOPHER AIMOL","air":921,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/206/mt23rcapa017_tc706-test-04-gs04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6647,"topper":"S CHRISTOPHER AIMOL","air":921,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/208/mt23rcapa017_tc708-test-06-gs02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6648,"topper":"S CHRISTOPHER AIMOL","air":921,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/209/mt23rcapa017_tc709-test-07-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6649,"topper":"S CHRISTOPHER AIMOL","air":921,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/210/mt23rcapa017_tc710-test-08-gs04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6650,"topper":"S SAIKIRAN","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/S-SAIKIRAN-UPSC-2024-Rank-298-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Societal apathy towards mental health issues has resulted in the marginalization of individuals dealing with mental disorders. Elaborate and suggest measures to bring mental health concerns from the periphery into the mainstream. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Critically assess the role of microfinance in satisfactorily addressing the interconnected challenges of poverty and unemployment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Though grand in their intent, the legislative measures for protection of vulnerable populations have become handicapped due to implementational bottlenecks. Comment, with special reference to SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What are the reasons behind the limited success of the co-operative movement? How can co-operatives be made more effective in fostering rural development? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Leveraging real-time data in policymaking has become indispensable for achieving good governance. In this context, analyse the role of e-governance in enhancing the effectiveness of developmental policies. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"In civil services, what should matter are - capabilities, merit and talent. In this context, examine the relevance of lateral entry in civil services in face of various apprehensions. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"India must exercise stabilizing influence in its difficult neighborhood to effectively safeguard national interest. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"ASEAN serves the twin purpose of developing India's Northeast and augmenting the country's reach in the Southeast Asian region. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The realization of a successful Asian century is premised upon stable India-China relations. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Do you think NATO as a system of US-led collective security for Europe is relevant in an increasingly multipolar world? Justify your answer. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Increased penetration of mobile network, Internet infrastructure, and smart phones have made m-governance the pivot of the welfare programmes of the government, but it poses challenges of exclusion. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The distinct characteristics of the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and the government create a unique symbiosis in improving the governance and developmental process in the country. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Critically examine the utility of the social audit framework in bringing the governance process closer to the people. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Evaluate the efficacy of digital interventions in transforming the educational infrastructure of the country. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The role of the civil service is not limited to the mere welfare of the people but extends to the realm of upholding the spirit of the constitution. Elaborate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"India has a pride of place among the comity of nations with strong credentials in the arena of soft power. Identifying the key attributes of India's soft power, assess the extent to which it has been leveraged in India's foreign policy matrix. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"BRICS can serve as a platform for shaping a post-Western global order, but the potential of the grouping is held back by internal contradictions. Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Enumerate the factors that make Indo-Pacific a theatre of opportunity for India. What are the impediments in reaping the geo-strategic potential of the Indo-Pacific? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The latent potential of the India-EU strategic partnership is deterred due to a slew of factors. (15 marks, 250 words) Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6651,"topper":"Saad Miya Khan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6941_871_Saad_Miya_Khan_Rank_25.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Criticism about the judiciary should be welcomed, so long as criticisms do not hamper the “administration of justice”. In this context discuss whether the power of contempt of court given to the higher judiciary limits the freedom granted by Article 19 (a) and whether these two can be reconciled.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Special rights are not privileges but they are granted to make it possible for minorities to preserve their identity, culture and traditions. Elaborate in the context of India with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"A clear delineation of functions of local governments vis-à-vis State Governments will only strengthen the principle of subsidiarity. In this context, discuss the challenges and the reforms required for effective democratic decentralization in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Despite being a welcome step, Inter-State Water Disputes (Amendment) Bill, 2017 fails to resolve the issue of overlapping of jurisdiction between the legislature and judiciary. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Critically discuss the major reforms introduced in the area of electoral funding in Union Budget 2017. Do you think that state funding of elections is a viable idea to check misuse of money power in politics?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The provision of 33% reservation of seats for women in urban local body elections in Nagaland has been in news for various reasons in recent times. Discuss the underlying issues in light of the constitutional provisions at stake and the social realities of the state.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Enumerate the guidelines for police reforms as laid down by the Supreme Court in Prakash Singh case in 2006. In this regard, critically discuss the issues in their implementation by the States.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"While the Competition Commission of India and sector-specific regulators are required to complement each other, overlapping jurisdiction has resulted in regulatory parallelism amongst them. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"There is both spatial and economic inequality with regards to access to healthcare services in India. Elaborate. How does the New Health Policy attempts to address these issues?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Census 2011 observed that there has been a significant increase in urban homeless households in the period between 2001 and 2011. What are homeless households? Highlighting the challenges faced by them, discuss the causes for increase in such households. Suggest various measures to rehabilitate these households.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Recent judgment of the Supreme Court, amending the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 has invoked varied reponses. Highlighting the amendment, critically examine its likely impact on application of the law.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Examine the steps taken by the government over the years to ensure a secure and exploitation-free childhood for its citizens. Further analyse how the recent ratification of the two key ILO conventions will help India's fight against child labour.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"According to the World Bank, while digital technologies have spread rapidly in much of the world, resulting digital dividends have lagged behind. Analyse in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"\"Our country suffers from an excess of old and unnecessary laws which obstruct people and businesses\". In light of the observation elucidate how outdated and impractical laws bring inefficiency in governance. How far is the repealing and cosolidation of statutes a solution to the problem at hand?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Due to increasing consumption and changing consumption patterns, water scarcity is an emerging threat in India and thus it becomes imperative to treat water as a commodity and privatize it. Critically evaluate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Given the mandate of the Organisation and its composition, too much should not be read into India becoming a full time member of SCO. Critically comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"India needs to utilize its technological capacity based diplomacy to strengthen relationships with the neigbours. Discuss. Also examine the significance of South Asia satellite to enhance regional cooperation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Though both India and Bangladesh have been able to resolve various pending bilateral issues, solution to the Teesta Water dispute remains illusive. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Discuss the important provisions and significance of the recent proposal by India for Trade Facilitation in Services (TFS) Agreement under WTO.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"BIMSTEC has the potential to become a distinctive link between South and Southeast Asia. Elaborate. Also discuss the factors hindering the potential of BIMSTEC over the years. Highlight the key initiatives in recent times and further measures required to make the grouping more effective.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6652,"topper":"Saad Miya Khan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6941_875_Saad_Miya_Khan_Rank_25.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Centralising recruitment through an All-India Judicial Service (AIJS) will not address the multiple problems in the judiciary and cause new ones instead. Critically evaluate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"The roots of the most pertinent challenges faced by Indian politics today can be traced to the lack of intra-party democracy in candidate selection and internal elections. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"While the idea behind merger of autonomous bodies in India is to curb overlapping work and reduce expenditure, it may end up doing more harm than good. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Well-defined electoral laws and greater powers for the Election Commission of India are required as the existing laws and mechanisms are inadequate to deal with new challenges. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Privileges should be defined and delimited for the free and independent functioning of the legislatures. In this context, discuss whether there is a need to re-examine the balance between fundamental rights and parliamentary privileges in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The principle of accountability is an essential part of the rule of law. In this context, discuss the lacunae in government's approach and judiciary's response to the phenomenon of extrajudicial killings in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Explain the rationale behind enacting the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016. Discuss how it can help in revitalizing consumer confidence in the real estate market. Also highlight the hurdles that remain in implementing it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Moving the subject of water from state list to concurrent list will solve the issues related to governance of water resources. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Give an account of the areas of potential conflict in the relationship between the political executive and civil servants. Also discuss why a healthy working relationship between the two is critical for good governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Despite their location in the non-political domain of civil society, NGOs have ended up playing a key, if indirect, role in India's politics. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Magnitude of India's urbanisation is not unusual but the pattern is. In this context, examine the issues in the governance of cities in India. Also suggest the reforms required to make Indian cities dynamos of competitive sub-federalism.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Social boycott should be treated as a criminal offence, rather than being considered as just another form of social evil plaguing the Indian society. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Human Trafficking in India has emerged as a serious issue, which calls for understanding the complexity of the problem and devising an effective strategy to combat it. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"A weak teacher education system is at the core of India's problems in school education. Evaluate. In this context, also enumerate the recommendations of the High-Powered Commission on Teacher Education constituted by the Supreme Court of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"India's contribution to peacekeeping missions of the United Nations has remained steadfast despite changes in the nature, form and variety of UN peace keeping missions. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"India's partnership with Africa is an amalgam of African development priorities as well as India's development objectives. Discuss. Also highlight the initiatives taken by India in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Comment on the role of International Court of Justice in upholding the values of international law. In this context, also highlight the association of India with the ICJ over the years.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"In view of the focus on trans-regional economic corridors and changing regional geo-politics and geo-economics, critically discuss the idea of an Indo-Pacific Economic Corridor.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6653,"topper":"Saad Miya Khan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6941_873_Saad_Miya_Rank_25.pdf","questions":[{"page":10,"question":"The recent decision by the government to ban use of red beacons is only a symbolic gesture and a lot more needs to be done to end the VIP culture in India. Critically discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Social attitude towards corruption has become more forgiving with time leading to a view of illegal gains and misappropriation of public assets as a \"rightful\" individual prerogative. Analyse in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"What are the factors which draw people to public service? Suggest measures to keep public servants motivated.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"Corporate Governance provides a framework that defines the rights, roles and responsibilities of various groups within an organization. (a) Elaborate the need to incorporate the principles of Corporate Governance to enhance the effectiveness of the public sector enterprises. (b) Identify the challenges specific to the public sector when it comes to the application of good practices of corporate governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Emotions, earlier considered as an irrational factor in decision-making, are now recognised as a critical factor of judgment. In this regard, answer the following questions: (a) How can Emotional Intelligence help in coping with the intense pressure and occupational stress faced by police officers and armed forces in discharge of their duties? (b) What are the some of the concerns in incorporating and assessment of emotional intelligence skills in public service?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6654,"topper":"Saalumarada Thimmakka","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/844233c60d0563afaf56a5f899c17647/4/pttp220996_tc063.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Q.1 Little strokes fell great oaks.\nQ.2 Judge a man by his questions rather than his answers.\nQ.3 Great principles, great ideals know no nationality.\nQ.4 In struggling with misfortune lies the true proof of virtue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"Q4. In struggling with misfortune lies the true proof of virtue","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6655,"topper":"Sabeel Poovakundil","air":470,"year":2020,"paper":"Optional — Public Administration","optional":true,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/13rxn602dZbsJIwN67heDhFsA60m4PJbJ","questions":[]},{"id":6656,"topper":"Sachin","air":41,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/ETHICS_PROGRAME_SACHIN_B_G_AIR_41_ae4e25bab2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6657,"topper":"Sachin B G","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/mts-cse-test-12-sachin-1745489843457.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. FDI, apart from being a driver of economic growth, can also be seen as a non-debt-creating financial resource. In this context, what is the relevance of FDI in the economic growth of India? What are the issues associated with FDI as a source of growth?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. \"India is no country for working women\". In this context, discuss the reasons for the low female participation rate in the labour force while suggesting measures to improve the participation of women in the labour force.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. The overfocus on the GDP growth rate subsides the issues of growing inequality and environmental unsustainability. In this context, highlighting the limitations of GDP suggests alternatives to GDP as a welfare of growth rate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. How has the budgetary process changed since the last decade? Suggest budgetary reforms that can help in better management of government expenditure.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. Inequality has become a major challenge to inclusive growth in India. In this context, elaborate on the reasons for rising economic inequality in India. Also suggests measures required to reduce economic inequality in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. Do you agree that India's growth trajectory in the post-COVID-19 era has been K-shaped? Substantiate your answer with reasons.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":19,"question":"7. Rising NPAs coupled with twin balance sheet issues have been the most pressing problem of India's economy in recent times. What are the factors responsible for rising NPAs? Elaborate on the measures that can be undertaken to address this problem giving special reference to the potential of newly formed NARCL and IDRCL.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":22,"question":"8. India is often criticized for its regulatory cholesterol, which hinders economic growth and innovation. Discuss the concept of regulatory cholesterol and its impact on the Indian economy. Suggest pragmatic measures to streamline the regulatory environment and promote ease of doing business in India.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":25,"question":"9. Public expenditure management is a challenge to the Government of India in the context of budget-making during the post-liberalization period. Clarify it.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"10. Economic growth in the recent past has been led by an increase in labour activity.\" Explain this statement. Suggest the growth pattern that will lead to the creation of more jobs without compromising labour productivity.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"}]},{"id":6658,"topper":"Sachin B G","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/mts-cse-test-17-sachin-1745489890523.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1.(a) \"The State took taxes from the people only to ensure their prosperity in return like the sun takes moisture from the earth only to give it back in thousand fold measure.\" - Kalidasa\nExplain the Indian concept of 'giving it back' and its relevance as a guiding value for civil servants","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"1.(b) Public service takes place in a bureaucratic structure with clear lines of authority, value standardisation, and accountability mechanisms. Working within such a structure, what do you think are the influences that impact the public servant's ethical decision-making?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"2.(a) As professionals, civil servants are career-focused and are also self-interested. At the same time, their service ethos imposes an obligation to serve the public interest selflessly. Is it possible for a civil servant to reconcile career and service obligation? Explain your position.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"2.(b) Public service requires legal and morally principled action. Public service requires the public servant to place loyalty to the constitution, laws, and ethical principles. Among the three, which must acquire primacy while carrying out official functions? Why? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"3.(a) Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance.\nThe senses deceive from time to time, and it is prudent never to trust wholly those who have deceived us even once.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"3.(b) \"The price good men pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men.\"","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"4. A certain State government was running a welfare scheme for promoting safe motherhood among rural landless labourers' families. The scheme involves the transfer of funds to the beneficiaries to enable them to mitigate income loss due to maternal care responsibilities. Since its implementation, the scheme has done reasonably well on maternal health and economic indicators.\n\nYou are the Director of the Department responsible for implementing and operating the scheme. Recently you have been receiving reports of welfare fraud being committed by families by producing fake bona fide. The families committed the fraud with the help of local officials responsible for scrutinizing the bonafide.\n\nYou were concerned because the fraud was seriously undermining the scheme's efficiency. You called for a departmental meeting to discuss and find a solution to the problem. In the meeting, it was decided to merge several available government data sets such as Aadhar cards, voter ID cards, marriage certificates, birth certificates, bank details, and other personal assets. By merging all the data sets, the department would be able to develop the beneficiary's economic profile. This will help the department scrutinize the documents and detect fraud. This was a comprehensive strategy, but it risked violating an individual's data privacy. As a Department head, you wanted to detect and prevent fraud, but at the same time, you were apprehensive about violating the Data privacy of the stakeholders.\n(a) What are the issues involved in the above case?\n(b) Do you think violating data privacy is justified to prevent welfare fraud? Why / Why not?\n(c) What, according to you, can be the reasons for such welfare frauds happening in the country?\n(d) Are there any ways and means to prevent such fraud? Give your suggestions.","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":22,"question":"dy Ways & means to prevent such frauds\n1) Development of positive work culture in government institutions that focuses on dedication to public service over self enhancement\n2) Social awareness about the frauds & implementation of 'targeted beneficiary' approach in welfare scheme implementation\n3) Participatory governance via implementation of good governance principles of world bank\n4) Socio economic development and human resource development at grass root levels\n5) Capability approach of development followed in order to provide beneficiary an opportunity to earn their own livelihood","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"5 You are posted in the Department of Mines and one of your roles is to help your Department Head negotiate mining leases with private contractors. Recently, the state government demarcated a new mining zone and planned to invite bids for the mining blocs. You were instructed to oversee the bidding process and speed up the contract negotiations. As planned, the tenders were released, bids came in, and tenders were allocated as per the norms. All this happened at a breakneck speed. You wondered, why the hurry? But it was not your place to think and question; you quietly went about your work. As the contractors were about to start operations, you had to instruct them on environmental concerns to watch out for. And to do that, you read the environmental impact assessment report submitted by a consulting firm hired by the department. To your surprise, the report was shoddy and looked cooked up. You got suspicious and raised the issue with your Head, who politely instructed you to do what you were told, and he reminded you that the Department had revenue targets and was under pressure from the Ministry. After the meeting, you, on your own accord, did some digging and found out that the report was fraudulent and the mining activity that was about to start would lead to a massive environmental disaster which the State could not afford.\n(a) What are the issues and value violations you notice in the above case?\n(b) What are the options available to you?\n(c) Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each option and identify your chosen course of action.\n(d) Do you think that environmental considerations are sometimes overrated at the cost of development?","marks":"25","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"6 (a) What are the ethical and business issues involved in the case?\n(b) What are the options available to Mr Sharma and the CEO?\n(c) Do you think the organizational culture of giving freedom to the sales force led to the issue or was the individual's corrupt nature that led to the problem? Discuss.\n(d) What ethics mechanisms and steps can the company create and implement to prevent unethical behaviour, as mentioned in the case?\na) What are the ethical and business issues involved in the case?\nb) What are the options available to Mr Sharma and the CEO?\nc) Do you think the organizational culture of giving freedom to the sales force led to the issue or was the individual's corrupt nature that led to the problem? Discuss.\nd) What ethics mechanisms and steps can the company create and implement to prevent unethical behaviour, as mentioned in the case?","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":6659,"topper":"Sachin B G","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/mts-cse-test-24-sachin-1745489938527.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. \"The recent radical trends in Punjab show that the Khalistan issue is still simmering.\" Discuss the statement with respect to recent developments and suggest measures to handle it.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. The anonymity and ease of drone operation contribute to the challenges of India's border security. Elaborate and give suggestions to tackle the drone problem in border areas.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. \"The resource curse of Eastern and Central India has been a crucial driver of LWE\". Elaborate and suggest measures for sustainable and inclusive development of the region.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. In light of the declining trend of violence in the North East and J&K region do you think that AFSPA has lived its utility? Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. Discuss the types of organised crimes. Describe the linkages between terrorists and organised crime that exist at the national and transnational levels.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. The recent rise in ransomware attacks targeting critical infrastructure and major corporations has highlighted the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity measures and policies. Discussing the key factors contributing to this trend, analyze the impact of these attacks on various sectors.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":19,"question":"7 In the context of border security, how can cooperation and coordination between different security agencies be improved to ensure effective and efficient management of coastal and terrestrial borders?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":22,"question":"8. The transformation of terrorism through the use of new and emerging technologies like metaverse and virtual assets is a matter of concern. How can we counter the Use of New and Emerging Technologies for Terrorist Purposes and Elucidate the importance of the \"Delhi declaration\" in this regard?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"9. \"The Agnipath scheme is a bitter pill needed for the resilience and efficacy of our armed forces.\" Critically Analyze the statement with relevant arguments.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"10. Naxalism is a social, economic and developmental issue manifesting as a violent internal security threat. In this context, discuss the emerging issues gest a multilayered strategy to tackle the menace of Naxalism.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6660,"topper":"Sachin B G","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1t-UFDojorkwQ7MO-VlQCr_2chhKaky_m/view","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Compare and contrast the roles of family and educational institutions in value inculcation. How can these two institutions complement each other? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"\"Tolerance is not just about accepting differences; it is about appreciating and celebrating diversity.\" Discuss the importance of tolerance for governance. How can civil servants foster a culture of tolerance and inclusivity in a diverse country like India? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"A person's character is most accurately revealed in their private life, not their public persona.\" Critically examine this statement in the context of public servants and their ethical conduct. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"Accountability mechanisms are essential for ethical governance but often lead to bureaucratic delays and inefficiencies.\" Critically examine this statement in the context of Indian administration. Can a balance be struck between accountability and efficiency? Discuss with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What does each of the following quotations convey to you in present context? a) \"Reason is, and ought only to be the slave of the passions, and can never pretend to any other office than to serve and obey them.\"- David Hume (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"The ultimate measure of a person is not where they stand in moments of comfort and convenience, but where they stand at times of challenge and controversy.\"- Martin Luther King Jr. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"In matters of conscience, the law of the majority has no place.\" - Mahatma Gandhi. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"Empathy is seeing with the eyes of another, listening with the ears of another, and feeling with the heart of another.\" How can emotionally intelligent civil servants utilize empathy to improve governance and service delivery? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Analyse the ethical implications of the widening gap between rich and poor nations. Is there a moral obligation for developed countries to assist developing ones? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.\" Discuss the ethical responsibilities of individuals, corporations, and governments in protecting the environment for future generations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"\"Impartiality is not neutrality; it is about treating everyone fairly based on merit and evidence.\" Explain the difference between impartiality and neutrality in the context of civil service. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"The teachings of the Bhagavad Gita offer valuable lessons for ethical conduct in public service. Discuss the relevance of these teachings in navigating the ethical issues of administration in contemporary India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":35,"question":"You are a senior bureaucrat in the Ministry of Rural Development. A flagship program aimed at empowering women in rural areas through self-help groups (SHGs) and micro-enterprise initiatives is being implemented. While the program has seen success in providing financial assistance and skill development, you observe that women's participation in decision-making bodies within these SHGs and village councils remains limited. Despite legal provisions for women's participation in local governance, traditional patriarchal norms often prevail, relegating women to secondary roles. This results in their voices being unheard and their concerns being overlooked in decision-making processes. Further, Years of social conditioning has led to internalization of gender bias, where women themselves underestimate their abilities and hesitate to participate in decision-making. Many rural women are unaware of their rights and the opportunities available to them. Lack of education and information has further hindered their participation in decision-making bodies. Moreover, Male members within the community and even within the SHGs resist women's participation in decision-making. Some men cite traditional gender roles and norms while some question their abilities. They also try to control access to resources and information, limiting women's ability to participate effectively in decision-making processes. Women who attempt to challenge traditional norms face social ostracism or pressure from their families and communities to conform. a) Identify the ethical issues in the given case study. b) How can you engage with male members of the community and SHGs to address their concerns and encourage them to support women's participation? c) What institutional and policy changes can be made to create a more enabling environment for women's participation in decision-making, ensuring that their voices are heard and valued? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"You are a mid-level manager at 'GoodLife Pharma,' a leading pharmaceutical company in India. After years of research and development, the company is on the cusp of launching a revolutionary new drug, 'Revivol,' which promises to significantly improve the lives of patients suffering from a debilitating chronic illness. The drug is projected to be a blockbuster, generating billions in revenue and potentially saving countless lives. You've been an integral part of the Revivol team, and its success could significantly boost your career prospects. However, just weeks before the scheduled launch, you stumble upon disturbing evidence suggesting that Revivol may have serious, potentially fatal, side effects in a small percentage of patients. These side effects were not adequately disclosed in the initial clinical trial reports, and further investigation reveals that some data points indicating adverse reactions were deliberately omitted from the final report submitted to the regulatory authorities. You are deeply troubled by this discovery. You understand that the drug is likely to receive approval based on the existing data, and the company is already heavily invested in its marketing and launch. However, the potential harm to patients weighs heavily on your conscience. To add to the complexity, you discover that your direct superior was aware of the data discrepancies and chose to ignore them. Confronting them directly might lead to retaliation, jeopardizing your job and career. You're also the sole breadwinner for your family, and losing your job would have devastating financial consequences. a) What are the ethical dilemmas faced by the manager in this scenario? b) What will be your course of action and why? c) How could stronger corporate governance mechanisms have prevented or mitigated this situation? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"You are a young, enthusiastic IAS officer recently posted as the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of a rural subdivision. Eager to make a positive impact, you embark on a series of field visits to various government offices under your jurisdiction. However, the sight that greets you in most offices is disheartening. Employees stroll in well past the official start time, and once in, seem to prioritize leisurely tea breaks and idle chatter over their duties. The physical manifestation of this lethargy is evident in the towering stacks of unattended files gathering dust on desks. This backlog translates to agonizing delays in processing applications for essential services and benefits, leaving citizens frustrated and disillusioned. As you interact with the local populace, you hear disturbing accounts of bribery and favoritism plaguing the administrative machinery. It appears that those with influence or willing to pay under-the-table 'fees' can expedite their requests, while the marginalized and less privileged languish in the system's inefficiencies. The most distressing aspect of the situation is the impact on ordinary citizens. You witness firsthand their exasperation as they navigate the labyrinthine bureaucracy, often facing indifference, rudeness, or demands for bribes. a) What are the ethical issues in the prevailing work culture in the subdivision? b) As the SDM, what specific steps would you take to improve the overall work culture and quality of service delivery in your subdivision? c) Discuss the challenges you might encounter in implementing these changes and how you would overcome them. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"You have just been appointed as Additional Director General of Central Public Works Department. The Chief Architect of your division, who is to retire in six months, is passionately working on a very important project, the successful completion of which would earn him a lasting reputation for the rest of his life. A new lady architect, Seema, trained at Manchester School of Architecture, UK joined as Senior Architect in your division. During the briefing about the project, Seema made some suggestions which would not only add value to the project, but would also reduce completion time. This has made the Chief Architect insecure and he is constantly worried that all the credit will go to her. Subsequently, he adopted a passive and aggressive behaviour towards her and has become disrespectful to her. Seema felt it embarrassing as the Chief Architect left no chance of humiliating her. He would very often correct her in front of other colleagues and raise his voice while speaking to her. This continuous harassment has resulted in her losing confidence and self-esteem. She felt perpetually tensed, anxious and stressed. She appeared to be in awe of him since he has had a long tenure in the office and has vast experience in the area of her work. You are aware of her outstanding academic credentials and career record in her previous organisations. However, you fear that this harassment may result in compromising her much needed contribution in this important project and may adversely impact her emotional well-being. You have also come to know from her peers that she is contemplating tendering her resignation. a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? b) What are the options available to you in order to complete the project as well as to retain Seema in the organization? c) What would be your response to Seema's predicament? What measures would you institute to prevent such occurrences from happening in your organization? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":6661,"topper":"Sachin Basavaraj Guttur","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5a924-721628_2930_sachin_basavaraj_guttur_rank_41.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How is the rapid growth of the food processing industry leading to food safety challenges in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Under the Public Distribution System of India, the Fair Price Shop (FPS) transformation is an evolving process. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"How are agri-tech startups in India helping farmers in enhancing farm productivity and market access? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the role of digitization of land records in the effective implementation of land reforms in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"To fully exploit its demographic dividend and accelerate economic growth, India needs to adopt a manufacturing-led growth model. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can the resilience of Indian coastal communities be strengthened to tackle the growing natural hazards resulting from climate change? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How does the Green Credit Programme extend beyond carbon management to promote a more sustainable environment in India? What are the various concerns about its implementation? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What is the need for NavIC when existing satellite navigation systems are already available? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Cyber-enabled financial crime has emerged as the new frontier of global money laundering. Discuss. How can the government address this issue? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The Indian Army is observing the year 2024 as the 'Year of Technology Absorption'. In light of this, explain why there is a need for technology absorption in the defence sector of India. What challenges can India face in this initiative? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What are the issues faced in the development of trade and industries in the North-Eastern Region (NER) of India? Comment on the measures that have been taken to tackle these issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the era of climate change and growing water scarcity, how can micro-irrigation systems contribute to sustainable agricultural practices in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What strategies can be adopted to overcome the issues pertaining to freight transportation in the Indian Railways and increase its share in the domestic freight? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the factors that have aided India in making impressive strides in the renewable energy sector and establishing itself as a frontrunner in the global renewable energy transition. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"How does agricultural runoff containing fertilizers and pesticides contribute to environmental pollution? What measures can be taken to mitigate the impact of agricultural runoff? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The growing influx of tourists in Himalayan states has breached their ecological carrying capacity, leading to significant man-made disasters. What measures can be implemented to prevent such disasters while promoting sustainable tourism? Discuss with relevant examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"How do superconductors fuel innovation in diverse fields of science and technology? Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"While India has laws covering almost all types of intellectual property rights, numerous enforcement, regulatory and administrative challenges hamper the commercialisation of IPRs in India. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Keeping in view the challenges in creating integrated theatre commands, examine how the theaterisation of commands can lead to greater integration and rationalisation of manpower and resources among the three services. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Treating border villages as first villages not just geographically but also in terms of facilities can be a key strategy for enhancing border security. Discuss. Also, highlight the measures being taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6662,"topper":"Sachin Basavaraj Guttur","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/30546-721628_2929_sachin_basavaraj_guttur_rank_41.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Expression of dissent is central to the functioning of the Parliament. In light of this, discuss the role of the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in India's parliamentary system. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"How can the integration of technology into judicial processes enhance accessibility, capability, and efficiency in justice delivery? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Supreme Court of India has upheld unique asymmetry in India's federalism by intricately balancing centralized authority and regional autonomy. Discuss with the help of relevant case laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Evaluate the effectiveness of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes in safeguarding the interests of the Scheduled Castes in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Executive accountability to the legislature through Parliamentary Committees has been the hallmark of the Indian political system. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can India make Citizens' Charter a powerful tool for improving governance and empowering citizens? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How do corporate donors aid NGOs in facilitating holistic development in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite its merits, should the POCSO Act be revisited to correct the existing inadequacies? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"China's acquisition of strategic ports globally has significant implications for international trade routes and economic relations. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"What are the main functions of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)? How will its recent treaty on intellectual property, genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge benefit India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) plays a crucial role in combating corruption, its functioning is often criticized for being partisan and acting against the federal spirit. Discuss with the help of suitable examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Governors in India often overstep their constitutional role and fail to act effectively when needed. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Both India and the USA adhere to democratic principles but their electoral systems exhibit significant differences. What are the key differences in electoral practices between the two countries? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"How far do you agree with the view that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has met its objective of ensuring environmental justice in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Though Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) have become a platform for competitive politics, they have not emerged as an agency of planning and service delivery. Why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by interoperability in e-governance? What steps have been taken by the government to ensure interoperability and integration of various e-governance systems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"When it comes to sexual and reproductive health of women in India, rights-based discourse has largely been bypassed not just by the societal norms but also by the legal norms. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"How effective has India been in enhancing immunization coverage over the years? What challenges continue to affect immunization efforts in the country? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India used its Presidency of the G20 to bring the voice of the Global South to the centre stage. Discuss with special reference to Africa. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"India's relationship with the UAE has witnessed a remarkable expansion across various domains in the last decade. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6663,"topper":"Sachin Basavaraj Guttur","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/mts-cse-test-10-sachin-1745489826153.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Explain the purpose of the Mangrove Alliance for Climate launched at the COP27 UN Climate Change Conference in Egypt in November 2022. Elaborate on the importance of mangroves in maintaining the coastal ecology of tropical nations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What are the key lessons for disaster management and environmental conservation in the Himalayan region, in light of the recent disaster in Joshimath, Uttarakhand? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of disaster management in public health. Discuss the key strategies and challenges for managing pandemics and other infectious disease outbreaks. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Discuss in detail the photochemical smog emphasizing its formation, effects and mitigation. Explain the 1999 Gothenburg Protocol. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What is the Global Methane Pledge? Do you think the Global Methane Pledge is a positive step toward mitigating methane emissions? Explain India's stance on this issue. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":19,"question":"Trace the evolution of the Loss and Damage fund. What are the major developments related to loss and damage funds in COP 27?, What are the commitments made by India in this conference? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":22,"question":"The Formation of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure brings more robustness to the Disaster Management approach in India. Comment and justify the need for a new strategy to tackle Disasters in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"Disaster management is not just about responding to emergencies but also about building resilient communities. Discuss the key strategies that can be used to build community resilience and reduce the impact of disasters. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Account for the huge flooding of million cities in India including the smart ones like Hyderabad and Pune. Suggest lasting remedial measures. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6664,"topper":"Sachin Basavaraj Guttur","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6ad34-721628_2931_sachin-basavaraj-guttur_rank_41.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The end cannot justify the means, for the simple and obvious reason that the means employed determine the nature of the ends produced. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss how the relationship between law and ethics is dynamic and continuously shaped by societal changes. Provide examples to illustrate this dynamic relationship. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Differentiate between probity and integrity with suitable examples. How do these values contribute to ethical governance and decision-making in the civil services? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the ethical implications of withholding information in public administration. How can transparency enhance accountability and reduce corruption in government institutions? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"There is no school equal to a decent home and no teacher equal to a virtuous parent.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.\" - Leo Tolstoy (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"To see what is right and not do it is a lack of courage.\" - Confucius (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What factors lead to a positive attitude in a person? How does positive attitude enhance the effectiveness of civil servants in performing their duties? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss how emotional intelligence can influence ethical decision-making in the allocation of scarce public resources. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Various international humanitarian organizations provide emergency aid in conflict zones around the world. Highlight the ethical challenges faced by such organizations. What are the principles that guide international humanitarian work? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Why is persuasion regarded as an important skill for civil servants? What are the key considerations that should guide persuasion in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"What role can ethical leadership play in curbing corruption, especially in public service? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"What were the major teachings of Swami Dayanand Saraswati? Explain their relevance in addressing the current ethical and social challenges in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":38,"question":"What are the options available to Jay as the Commissioner of the Education Department? Evaluate each of these options. (b) What option should Jay adopt and why? (c) How can civil servants like Jay be better protected when they attempt to uphold ethical standards in their work? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"As the District Magistrate of X city, you are responsible for overseeing the construction of a new metro depot in an urban forest area, which is a critical infrastructure project aimed at improving public transportation and reducing traffic congestion and air pollution. The project, however, requires the clearance of a substantial portion of the forest, which has triggered strong opposition from environmental activists, local residents, and NGOs. This forest is widely regarded as essential for the city's ecological balance, often referred to as the city's \"lungs.\" In addition to the environmental concerns, you are under considerable pressure from politicians at the state-level to expedite the project, given the upcoming elections in two years. The political leadership emphasizes the benefits of the metro project for the city's development and its potential to garner electoral support. The project is expected to significantly reduce travel time for thousands of commuters and potentially decrease overall vehicle emissions in the city. However, it would also lead to the loss of thousands of trees and disrupt local ecosystems. As you prepare to make a decision, you are aware that your choice will have far-reaching consequences for both the city's development and its environment. (a) Identify the ethical dilemmas involved in the above case. (b) Evaluate the options available to you in the above situation. Which of these would you choose and why? (c) Suggest some measures that could be implemented to balance urban development needs with environmental conservation in future projects. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Dr. Mehra is a senior drug developer at a leading pharmaceutical company in India, renowned for producing various medications, including lifesaving drugs critical for treating chronic and rare diseases. Since its inception, the company has emphasized the quality and affordability of its drugs. Recently, under revised government guidelines, pharmaceutical companies are required to market a finished product only after obtaining \"satisfactory results\" from tests on the ingredients. Additionally, they must retain a sufficient quantity of samples of both intermediate and final products to allow repeated testing or verification of a batch. Dr. Mehra's team is in the final stages of developing a new medication for a rare but life-threatening disease. This drug has shown promising results in clinical trials. However, there have been unresolved concerns about the long-term side effects of the drug, observed in a small percentage of trial subjects. Despite this, the company has not released any major drug in the past decade, leading to significant pressure from the board members to expedite the drug's release. (a) Identify the stakeholders in the above case study. (b) Discuss the ethical issues faced by Dr. Mehra. (c) Analyse the options available to Dr. Mehra in the above case. Which of these would you choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":59,"question":"In light of the above case, discuss the ethical issues that may arise from the nexus between corporate, political, and bureaucratic interests. (b) As a conscientious civil servant, evaluate the options available to Arun. Which option should he choose and why?(Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6665,"topper":"Sachin Basavaraj Guttur","air":41,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/u/2/folders/1tJCLLU4KDI4ekrgXtIhNNl9ZsskIxDnN","questions":[]},{"id":6666,"topper":"Sachin Bg","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/mts-cse-test-14-sachin-1745489861164.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. Constraints in the Agriculture sector in India have been a major hurdle in achieving sustained growth and development. Discuss the various challenges faced by the agriculture sector in India and suggest policy measures to address these challenges.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. Evaluate the impact of irrigation on the environment and natural resources, and suggest measures to ensure the sustainability and equity of irrigation practices in agriculture.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. What is the Silvopasture Agroforestry System? How can it be effectively utilized to improve local climate resilience in India?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. In the light of recent Government push for GM crops like DMH-11, critically analyze the advantages and concerns related to GM crops in India in ensuring food and nutritional security in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. What are the steps taken by the Government to promote the applications of Technology in Agriculture?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. Discuss the different types of irrigation and irrigation systems used in agriculture, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":19,"question":"7. AI and Machine learning have revolutionised a number of industries, how can these technologies be deployed to improve Agricultural production and Productivity?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":22,"question":"8. Analyze the impact of liberalization and globalization on Indian agriculture and the challenges faced by farmers in the globalized economy.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"9. What are the major factors responsible for making the rice-wheat system a success? In spite of this success, how has this system become a bane in India?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":28,"question":"10. Assess the role of the National Horticulture Mission (NHM) in boosting the production, productivity and income of horticulture farms. How far has it succeeded in increasing the income of farmers?","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6667,"topper":"Sachin Bg","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/mts-cse-test-18-sachin-1745489912102.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. (a) Most civil servants are neither pure deontologists nor pure utilitarians, but they operate according to a kind of ethical pluralism. Do you agree? Discuss your position with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":8,"question":"1. (b) The motivation to seek a career in public service and perform public service can be due to attraction to public service, commitment to public values, self-sacrifice and compassion. Among the four, what is the primary public service motivator for you? Explain your motivating factor.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"2. (a) One of the critical areas of governance is developing policies for managing public health emergencies such as COVID. While tackling such health emergencies, the government may take measures that involve the abdication of liberty on the part of the citizens. According to you, what ethical principles should guide the government's public health policymaking?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":12,"question":"2. (b) Identify any four components of emotional intelligence relevant to public services. Explain their role in administrative decision-making.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":14,"question":"3. (a) Values lie at the core of the diverse world of human behaviour and are expressed in every human decision and action. In keeping with the above statement, explain with the help of illustrations how values impact an individual's behaviour.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"3. (b) Explain the difference between codes of ethics, codes of conduct and codes of rules and regulations. Do you think an increase in the number of codes and regulations is an efficient response to the decline of public trust and integrity issues? Why/why not?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":18,"question":"4. Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance.\n(a) The root of happiness is Dharma (righteousness), the root of Dharma is Artha (economy), the root of Artha is right governance.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":20,"question":"4. (b) \"The most important human endeavour is the striving for morality in our actions. Our inner balance and even our existence depend on it. Only morality in our actions can give beauty and dignity to life.\"","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":22,"question":"4. (c) \"Humility is the most difficult of all virtues to achieve; nothing dies harder than the desire to think well of oneself.\"","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":24,"question":"5. (a) Prioritising ethical concerns within public administration and policy has monetary costs in terms of training and other expenses. Do you think the financial cost of actively pursuing ethical standards by the government is justified? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":26,"question":"5. (b) Distinguish between administrative, legal and professional accountability. Despite multiple institutional accountability mechanisms, the government has failed to make a dent in systemic corruption. What do you think are the reasons for the poor performance of accountability mechanisms?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":28,"question":"6. (a) Economists view transparency as a condition for open markets, and political scientists view it as a condition for public participation. What does transparency imply in public administration ethics? Is it only a flow of information or more than that? Explain.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"6. (b) Persuasion performs a number of positive, prosocial functions. However, people often equate persuasion with manipulation and consider it unethical. What are the ethical values a persuader must respect to ensure the ethicality of the act of persuasion? Explain.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":32,"question":"7. You are the VP (Operations) of a company that manufactures and supplies space probes and satellite equipment to Government space agencies. The company has been in the business for over four decades and has built considerable expertise in producing and delivering high-quality products. The business was good.\nAs VP of Operations, it was your responsibility to ensure the completion of projects and deliverables on time. A critical deliverable was running behind schedule due to the non-availability of a specific raw material. The material in question was an environmentally hazardous chemical that the Environmental Ministry banned. But considering the importance of the chemical compound for the space industry, the Environment Ministry was planning to allow controlled use in about three weeks. You and the company management didn't have three weeks waiting time.\nFurther, there was severe pressure from the Department of Space to complete the deliverable on time as a lot was riding politically on the project. After internal discussions, you met the Space Department officials to explain the predicament and request a deadline extension. When the meeting happened, you were shocked by the attitude of the Department officials. They refused to accept any delay and suggested circumventing the environmental ministry's prohibition and procuring and using the chemical. They justified it by saying the ministry would allow controlled use in a few weeks. So, why wait? Besides, they noted that the environment ministry doesn't understand space priorities and their intricacies. They pointed out that everything is justified in the name of national interest.\n1. What are the issues involved in the above case?\n2. What are the options available to you?\n3. Discuss the merits and demerits of each option and select your chosen course of action.\n4. What do you understand by National Interest? Do you think it is ethically justified for a nation to prioritise security and economics over and above social justice and social development priorities?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":37,"question":"8. 1. What are the issues involved in the case?\n2. What are the options available to you?\n3. Select your course of action after analysing all the options\n4. Do you think breaching client confidentiality and trust can be justified in the above case?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":42,"question":"9. 1. What are the issues and ethical dilemmas involved in the above case?\n2. How would you proceed with the case if you were the officer in charge?\n3. Explore relevant options and advise what course of action Rashmi should take.\n4. How would you see the widow as a victim of her husband's crime or an accused? Justify.\n1. What are the issues and ethical dilemmas involved in the above case?\n2. How would you proceed with the case if you were the officer in charge?\n3. Explore relevant options and advise what course of action Rashmi should take.\n4. How would you see the widow as a victim of her husband's crime or an accused? Justify.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"3) Options available for Rashmi\nOption 1 Explain the case to the police from expert counsellor perspective & make understand the hidden causes for crime of drug addiction\nOption 2 Directly appeal at the court & try to seek justice for the death of victim's husband","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"10. You are working as an Assistant Librarian in a State University for ten years. In the last ten years, you had witnessed the growth of the university in all academic and research areas. As the university expanded, it commissioned new departments and research labs, launched new courses and hired new staff. With new academic courses coming in, the library also grew in terms of books, periodicals and online research facilities. The library needed a new team, and it brought in contractual staff. One such contractual library counter staff was Pallavi who was with the library for four years. She was a diligent staff, meticulous in record-keeping and courteous in public dealings. But somehow the Librarian Mr Thakur had taken a personal dislike to her. He never lost an occasion to insult Pallavi even in the presence of students publicly. Pallavi never complained about this harassment as being a widowed single mother she needed the job, and she didn't want to give any reason to Mr Thakur to dismiss her. One day things went a little out of line with Mr Thakur verbally abusing Pallavi in front of the entire staff. You couldn't bear it, and you wanted to intervene, but you didn't. But the next day when you reached the library with your guilty and troubled conscience, you talk to Pallavi and decide to help her.\n1. What are the issues involved in the above case?\n2. What are the options Pallavi has? How should she navigate the issues with Mr Thakur?\n3. What do you think is the problem with Mr Thakur, is it a lack of emotional intelligence or something else?\n4. How do you think you will be able to help Pallavi?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":52,"question":"1. What do you think are the issues involved in the above case?\n2. What options are available to the MP in the above case?\n3. Evaluate the options and suggest a course of action to the MP.\n4. Distinguish between political and bureaucratic corruption. Can bureaucracy play a role in checking political corruption?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":57,"question":"12 1. What are the issues involved in the above case?\n2. What options do you have in the above dilemma?\n3. After evaluating the options, identify which option you would choose.\n4. Do you think whistle-blowing would have been a good option five years back?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"}]},{"id":6668,"topper":"Sachin Bg","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/gs-mac-test-1-sachin-1745489695883.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Q1 Examine the role of numismatic evidence in understanding the political and economic history of ancient India. Provide specific examples.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Q2 Assess the impact of women's organizations in mobilizing women across diverse socio-economic and regional backgrounds in pre-independence India.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":8,"question":"Q3 How did the policy of non-alignment reflect the aspirations of India and other newly independent nations to maintain their sovereignty and resist colonial pressures?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":10,"question":"Q4 Discuss the processes involved in volcanism. Highlight the major volcanic regions in the world and their associated tectonic settings.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Q5 Explain the geological features and ecological importance of the Eastern Ghats.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":14,"question":"Q6 Earlier known as coarse cereals the government rebranded millets in 2018 as nutri-cereals. In this context discuss the ecological and nutritional significance of millets","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Q7. What are the potential consequences of Arctic ice melt on biodiversity and ecosystems? How might these changes impact global ecological balance","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Q8 Do you think the Uniform Civil Code contradicts the idea of religious pluralism and cultural differences in Indian society?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Q9 Discuss the concept of healthy active ageing in the context of demographic shifts in India. How does it contribute to social inclusion?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":22,"question":"Q10 How is the transition from 'conscious consumption' to 'compulsive consumption' impacting family structure and dynamics in urban areas?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Q11. Discuss with examples the key features of Vijayanagara architecture. How did Indo-Islamic elements manifest in their structures?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Q12 Compare and contrast the features of ancient Indian universities like Nalanda and Takshashila with modern state-funded universities in India. What lessons can modern universities learn from ancient ones to improve their effectiveness?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Q13 Analyze the ideological differences and similarities between the revolutionary movement (1920-1930s) and the Gandhian non-violent struggle. How did these two ideologies influence each other?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Q14 What are the various types of glacial landforms formed in the Indian Himalayas. How do these features impact local ecosystems and human activities?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Q15 Discuss the unique geographical features of the Indian Ocean and their impact on global oceanic circulation patterns. How do these features influence the climate of the Indian subcontinent?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Q16 Urban heat islands (UHIs) have become a significant phenomenon in Indian cities, exacerbating the frequency and intensity of heat waves. Analyze the underlying factors contributing to this phenomenon and critically assess the existing mitigation strategies.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Q17 Evaluate the primary factors contributing to regional disparities in the sugar industry between North India and Peninsular India. What measures can be undertaken to reduce the surplus sugar production?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Q18 'Social mobility is essential for achieving true equality within society'. In this context highlight the barriers to intergenerational mobility in Indian society, and examine the role of education on social mobility.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Q19. Analyze the influence of globalization on migration patterns in India. What are the economic and social implications of increased internal and international migration?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Q20 Discuss how gender-based violence in India is a manifestation of patriarchal values. To what extent has modernisation in law served as an instrument of women's empowerment in this regard?","marks":"15","words":null}]},{"id":6669,"topper":"Sachin Bg","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/mts-flt-test-2-sachin-1745489757138.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Q1. The rule of law and judicial review are interdependent as one cannot truly exist without the other. In this context can judicial review be considered the most important aspect among those that constitute the basic structure of the Constitution?","marks":"10","words":"50"},{"page":6,"question":"Q2 How does the power and authority of Delhi's lieutenant governor compare to that of the governors of other states, particularly in terms of acting on the aid and advice of the council of ministers?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Q3. Discuss the role of the judiciary in navigating the tension between the right to religion and constitutional morality in India in recent times. Refer to relevant case laws.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Q4. The principle of 'Separation of Powers' is a key feature of the American Constitution. In this context, compare how the Indian Constitution's functional separation of powers distinguishes itself from the US system. What are the advantages of a check and balance system over a rigid Separation of Powers?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Q5 The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution is more than a legal provision that empowers tribal regions with self-rule. How does the sixth schedule foster development while respecting their traditional governance systems and cultural practices?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Q6 How do partnerships between Civil Society Organizations and Government Entities contribute to India's development goals?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Q7 Discuss the importance of cultivating a culture of life-long learning among Indian civil servants. How has Mission Karmyogi contributed to this objective? Illustrate with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Q8 Given India's strides in reducing extreme poverty, should the country consider redefining its poverty line to better reflect the current socio-economic realities? Discuss the potential benefits and challenges associated with redefinition of the poverty line.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Q9 Evaluate the impact of the deepening political divisions with the major Western States on global governance and international cooperation. How should India navigate these divisions to advance its national interests on the global stage?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Q10 How does India's Arctic Policy align with its broader foreign policy objectives? Broadly discuss the collaborations and agreements India is involved in with the Arctic Council.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Q1. In what ways are the terms of reference of the 16th Finance Commission different from that of the previous Finance Commissions? Despite increasingly progressive devolution by subsequent Finance Commissions, examine the factors that propel economic disparities across various States.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Q12 Compare and contrast the powers and working of the Ethics Committee and the Privileges Committee in addressing cases of 'unethical' conduct and breach of privileges. How do these Committees complement each other in maintaining parliamentary discipline?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Q13 In the context of persistent legislative dysfunction in India, analyze the evolving role of judicial activism in shaping public policy and governance. Using examples from landmark court cases, evaluate the effectiveness of judicial interventions in addressing governance gaps and safeguarding citizens' rights.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Q14 To what extent does the level of internal democracy within political parties impact the functioning and legitimacy of the Indian party system? What reforms can address the challenges of inadequate intraparty democracy in India?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Q15 \"The NHRC must not only be a watchdog but also a beacon of hope for the marginalized and oppressed.\" In this context discuss the role and mandate of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in India. How does the current composition and functioning of the NHRC affect its independence and effectiveness?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Q16 The persistent health equity challenges in India pose a critical barrier in achieving Universal Health Coverage. In this context discuss the role of the public and private sectors in ensuring adequate health access and outcomes across rural and urban areas.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Q17 Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals requires consideration of regional context and local situations. In light of this statement examine the role of Panchayats as catalysts for grassroot development and advancing sustainable development.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Q18 What are the implications of the POCSO Act on the rights and welfare of children in India? Analyze the role of the POCSO Act in transforming India's legal framework for child protection.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Q19 Examine the influence of human rights issues and democratic values on the diplomatic relationship between the U.S. and India. How have these concerns affected bilateral engagements and what can be done to mitigate tensions arising from these issues?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Q20 Examine the geopolitical challenges India faces in South Asia despite its global rise. How can India navigate these challenges to strengthen its regional leadership?","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6670,"topper":"Sachin Bg","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/SACHIN-BASAVARAJ-GUTTUR-UPSC-2024-Rank-41-MGP-Sample-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) Achieving inclusive growth requires a multidimensional approach that goes beyond economic growth. Discuss in context of India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Examine the implications of the expansion of gig workforce on economic growth and employment scenario in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) What is precision agriculture? How can precision agriculture help in optimizing crop production and resource management?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) While MSMEs are the backbone of the Indian economy, they encounter various hurdles in their operation and expansion. Discuss. Also, suggest steps to support the growth of the MSME sector.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) Explain the significance of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) in transforming India into a knowledge-based and innovation-driven economy. Also, mention various government initiatives aimed at strengthening the protection and enforcement of IPRs in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) Gaganyaan mission is a landmark endeavour for India, marking significant advancements in space exploration and contributing to broader national objectives; however, overcoming the associated technical and safety challenges is crucial for its success. Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) What are the challenges in the safe management of e-waste in India? How can collaboration among multiple stakeholders help in sustainable e-waste management?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) Define Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and mention its various stages. Also, highlight the significance of EIA in balancing developmental needs with environmental conservation in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) Integrated Theatre Commands shall bring jointness in operation, synergy of resources and enable armed forces in carrying out swift, effective, and decisive actions. Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) India's internal security dynamics is inextricably linked with the peace and stability in the neighborhood. Explain with special reference to instability on the eastern border.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 The introduction of Goods and Services Tax (GST) was hailed as a transformative fiscal reform; however, the journey of GST has been a mixed bag of successes and challenges. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) Discuss the potential of food processing sector in addressing the issues of low value addition, high post-harvest losses and disguised unemployment plaguing Indian agriculture. Also, explain why the sector has underperformed despite its significant potential.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 Despite the government's ambitious targets, rooftop solar installations in India are hindered by multiple factors. Elaborate. How far do you think that PM Surya Ghar Yojana can incentivise the adoption of rooftop solar installations?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 Agricultural marketing reforms are imperative for addressing market inefficiencies and boosting farm incomes. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Discuss the contribution of livestock sector to the rural economy and the empowerment of women. Also, highlight main challenges faced by the livestock sector in the country and suggest strategies to overcome these challenges.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) Generative AI holds immense potential to transform various aspects of daily life, offering both benefits and challenges. Elaborate. What policy measures do you suggest to maximize its benefits and mitigate its risks?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17) Describe the major outcomes of the 28th session of the Conference of Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What were the major engagements of India in this conference?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 Explain the causes and impacts of landslides. Also, discuss the various measures to mitigate their impact, with a special emphasis on National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) guidelines.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) is showing a downward trend, but still affects many parts of the country. Highlighting the reasons for the continuance of LWE in certain pockets, suggest strategies to deal with this menace.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 Analyse how the adoption of emerging and disruptive technologies for money laundering is adding new layers of complexity to an already intricate issue. Also, highlight the measures taken to tackle the problem of money laundering both at national and international levels.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6671,"topper":"Sachin Bg","air":41,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kU-Ko4yPgKIHoatfUjirLS3atS5Wyz6C/view","questions":[]},{"id":6672,"topper":"Sachin Goel","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SACHIN-GOEL-UPSC-2023-Rank-209-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Institutions reflect the cultural values of the societies in which they are established.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"He who has a 'why' to live for, can bear almost any 'how'.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The power of perception shapes our understanding of reality.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The tree that would grow to heaven must send its roots to hell.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"One health approach: a call for ecological equity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Culture can unite what history and geography has divided.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Social evils have not completely left the ground, instead are changing their form.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6673,"topper":"Sachin Goel","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SACHIN-GOEL-UPSC-2023-Rank-209-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the role of the 'Fourth Estate' in upholding democratic values and analyse the issues affecting press freedom in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The electoral process, though inclusionary in theory, has been pointed out for exclusionary tendencies in practice. Analyse, with special emphasis on role of women in India's representative electoral system. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Assess the effectiveness of Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 in resolution of river-water disputes. Also describe the potential impact of delays in resolution of water disputes. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the significance of the cooperative model of development in addressing the issues of rural growth. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"In order to pass the ultimate test of good governance, welfare state should be close to the people, responsive to their aspirations, and inclusive in its approach. Discuss with special reference to PM PVTG Development Mission. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"To what extent collaboration between the state and civil society organizations (CSOs) help in addressing poverty and malnutrition in the country? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Absence of a robust social infrastructure in the country may become one of the most significant challenges in achieving a developed status by 2047. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Though the changing paradigm towards dialogue and diplomacy in West Asia augurs well for India's interests in this otherwise restive region, presence of inimical actors may reverse the gains. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Water diplomacy can redefine the contours of regional cooperation in South Asia. Discuss with special reference to Indus water treaty 1960. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Despite constitutional backing to the institutions of local governance, the idea of decen- tralisation has remained hostage to several structural bottlenecks. Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Independent judiciary, as envisaged by the constitution, provides the bedrock for a thriving polity; however, executive encroachment may erode its credibility and affect its efficacy. Evaluate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Executive agencies, working as the watchdog against impropriety, are vital to act against the corrupt; however, pandering to vested interests may have the effect of turning the idea of rule of law on its head. Comment, with special reference to controversies associated with the Enforcement Directorate (ED). (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Critically analyse the role of National Commission for Women (NCW) in wake of its mandate to safeguard women's rights and uphold their socio-economic wellbeing. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Understanding the extent, source, and complexity of deprivations among the multidimensionally poor contributes to more informed policymaking. In this context, analyze the latest National Multidimensional Poverty Index Report by NITI Aayog. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Safely managed drinking water services, as desired by Jal Jeevan Mission, are designated to give multifarious benefits cutting across generations. Discuss. Also, elaborate upon the challenges in ensuring the mission's success. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Legislation like Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989 remains mere legal documents without intense sensitization of public functionaries and the civil society. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Harbinger of global rebalancing, India-Africa ties are a beacon of inclusive, sustainable, and equitable world. Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How do ASEAN centrality, rules-based order, and development partnership with Pacific Island states make Indo-Pacific a theatre of opportunity for India? What are the hurdles in realisation of an inclusive Indo-Pacific construct? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6674,"topper":"Sachin Goel","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SACHIN-GOEL-UPSC-2023-Rank-209-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Investment in infrastructure is a precursor to social and economic transformation; however, the focus on economic gains must not marginalise the concerns for safety. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What do you understand from Green growth? With special reference to the budget 2023-2024, discuss various government measures to propel green growth in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Project cheetah marks a departure from India's efforts for conservation of various critically-endangered species. In this perspective, do you think the reintroduction of major fauna that has gone extinct is justified? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"In what ways can precision agriculture become a panacea for multipronged challenges plaguing the agriculture sector? Discuss. Also, analyse various impediments in widespread adoption of precision farming in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are the reasons for increasing emphasis on the horticulture sector in recent years? Evaluate government measures for the development of the horticulture sector. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Unplanned urbanization has made Indian cities vulnerable to fire safety hazards. Discuss and recommend measures for mitigating urban fires, with special reference to national building code, 2016. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"DPI (Digital Public Infrastructure) is indispensable for digitally enabling citizens and businesses; however, the challenges of exclusion, exploitation, and monopolisation cannot be ignored. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Assess the relevance of the NISAR mission in observing and managing climate change and natural hazards. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Defense indigenization remains the Achilles heel of India's security architecture. Examine the importance of startups in defense sector to make India secure and self-reliant. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Edge in modern warfare lies not so much in the capacity to overwhelm the adversary as much in the ability to nip the threat in the bud. In this context, discuss the role of intelligence in maintaining national security, and also cite challenges associated. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Labour and export intensive industries are key to problems of jobless growth. In this perspective, analyse the opportunities and challenges associated with the textile sector. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"In an era of interconnected challenges, the emerging global polycrisis poses significant implications for India's macroeconomic stability. Examine and suggest measures to make the Indian economy more resilient to global shocks and challenges. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Do you think the low Female Labor Force Participation Rate presents a correct picture about the 'working women' in India's economy? Give reasons in support of your answer. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Across sectors and regions, the most marginalised sections are also the most affected by the impacts of climate change. Explain. Also, present a case for a climate resilient model of development that integrates mitigation and adaptation measures. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite the potential to check the triple whammy of nutritional deficiency, environmental degradation, and receding farm incomes, the adoption of Millets has been abysmally low. Analyse. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"A link between unorganized farming community and formal industrial sector, Food Processing Industries (FPI) can play a key role in advancing the rural economy. Evaluate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What do you understand by generative Artificial Intelligence (AI)? How can policymakers and regulatory bodies effectively address the concerns and challenges posed by generative AI? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Though ethnic fault lines are a major threat, security challenges in the North-East are not confined to the same. Discuss the statement with special reference to Manipur. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Critically examine the role of development initiatives in addressing the root causes of militancy/ terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6675,"topper":"Sachin Goel","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SACHIN-GOEL-UPSC-2023-Rank-209-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The influence of ethical principles on shaping socially responsible behavior is widely acknowledged. How do ethical values facilitate individuals in cultivating a proactive and constructive attitude towards fulfilling their social responsibilities? Can the subjective nature of ethical principles lead to divergent attitudes regarding social responsibility? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Through their actions, interactions, and teachings, schools have the power to mold the moral compass of the next generation. In this perspective, discuss the significance of value-based education in preparing the youth to address the contemporary challenges of society. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'situation ethics'? Critically analyze its strengths and weaknesses in making moral judgements. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Maintaining traditional bonds and familial relationships in an increasingly globalized world requires personal relationships to be governed by ethical principles. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Why should a man be moral? Because it strengthens his will.\" - Swami Vivekanand. In this perspective, discuss the significance of morality for bringing efficiency and effectiveness in public administration. Do you think moral rigidity can be a hindrance in good governance? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Civil servants who embody emotional intelligence exhibit a profound understanding of the human aspect of governance, enabling them to cultivate meaningful relationships, foster cooperation, and drive positive change. Examine ways in which Emotional Intelligence can be inculcated in civil servants. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The challenges posed by the corporate sector's impact on climate, environmental sustainability, and living conditions has highlighted the need for responsible and inclusive business practices. In this direction, the contemporary discourse on corporate governance is emphasizing the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. Evaluate the ESG framework in equipping the corporate world with the capabilities to fulfill its social roles and responsibilities. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Uniform Civil Code (UCC) aims to create a common set of laws governing personal matters, such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption, irrespective of individuals' religious affiliations. In the context of the ongoing discourse on UCC in India, examine the challenges that arise when attempting to reconcile legal principles with diverse moral considerations. To what extent should the law be influenced by moral/religious principles? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What does each of the following quotation mean to you? a) \"When I do good, I feel good; when I do bad, I feel bad, and that is my religion\" - Abraham Lincoln. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":6676,"topper":"Sachin Goel","air":209,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Medical Science","optional":true,"source":"IAS Delhi Institute","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Sg1-uDMhJFxNbUjwn89XZ_b7xrPcyl8i/view?usp=sharing","questions":[]},{"id":6677,"topper":"Sachin Goel","air":209,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Medical Science","optional":true,"source":"IAS Delhi Institute","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lYgqTKG2c9c08rDowO_ZqPOICbRAh7lS/view?usp=drive_link","questions":[]},{"id":6678,"topper":"SACHIN GURJAR","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/acf5d-1562165_2422_sachin_gurjar_rank_854.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The traditional theatre forms of India reflect the ideals and emotions of the society, and an individual's role in the community. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Provide an account of the historical and architectural importance of the Sanchi Stupa. Also, discuss how it inspired the future architecture in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Bhagat Singh made a real breakthrough in terms of revolutionary ideology, the goals of revolution and forms of revolutionary struggle. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Bringing out the factors that led to the Meiji restoration, discuss its significance for Japan. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"It is believed that a nation is an “imagined community” held together by common beliefs, history, political aspirations etc. In this context, discuss what the basis of India as a nation is. Also, bring out the threats to the concept of Indian nationhood. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"State the key factors behind the growth of the pharmaceutical industry in India. Additionally, discuss its significance with regard to India's economy and public health.(Answer in 150words)10","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss why the Bay of Bengal is more prone to cyclones than the Arabian Sea. Also, explain the reasons for the decrease in frequency of tropical cyclones during the Southwest monsoon season. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite being destructive in nature, volcanoes are critical for the existence of human life on earth. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The existence of relative deprivation is an important aspect in constructing the argument for regionalism. Explain with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"If India is to realise the goal of 'education for all', the issue of rising cases of bullying and other forms of school violence needs to be addressed immediately. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Bring out the role played by the Ahom Kingdom in shaping the cultural and historical identity of North-East India, and discuss its legacy in contemporary times. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The capitalist class generally remained ambivalent in their support to the Indian National Congress until 1940s. In this context, analyse the varying positions of the Indian capitalists throughout the national movement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Trace the evolution of the press in India. Also, discuss the instrumental impact it had during various stages of the Indian freedom struggle despite the repressive policies of the British. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Mountains are fragile ecosystems vulnerable to the adverse impact of climate change and other anthropogenic interventions. Illustrate with examples. Also, highlight the initiatives taken for their sustainable management. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind unsustainable management of sand resources in India. Highlighting its impact, enumerate the remedial measures taken in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Giving an account of the major lithium-producing countries, discuss the geo-political aspects of lithium production and its environmental implications. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The youth are capable of identifying themselves with a global identity and connecting with events and experiences outside their countries. In this context, discuss the impact of globalization on the various aspects of youth identity. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"As fertility rates decline in India, future demographic concerns center around an ageing population and a weak social security system. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"With a significant proportion of India's population expected to live in urban areas by 2030, the welfare of the urban poor needs to take centre-stage in public policy. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6679,"topper":"SACHIN GURJAR","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8d3a8-1562165_2424_sachin_gurjar_rank_854.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What are the different dimensions of food security? Examine India's status in terms of ensuring food security with regard to these dimensions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Modern technologies such as blockchain and ChatGPT are powerful tools with immense potential to transform agriculture into a more efficient and sustainable sector. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What factors have led to the recent acceleration in the trend towards de-dollarization of the global economy? Do you think the dollar will lose its dominance anytime soon? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Despite significant pressure from the developed countries to alter its food subsidy regime, there is merit in India trying to retain its policy support for the poor in the country. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Several initiatives have been taken by the government towards addressing India's water needs, but the issues of water availability and water quality still warrant prioritised intervention. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What are the major drivers of glacial retreat in the Arctic? Describe the potential impact of the retreat of Arctic glaciers on the ecosystem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Space tourism, which was viewed as something straight out of a science fiction movie, is now becoming a reality albeit not without hindrances. What are the challenges associated with space tourism? What measures can be taken to address these challenges? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Global health experts widely believe that the development of CAR-T cell therapy can be a game changer in the treatment of cancer. How can CAR-T cell therapy overcome the limitations of CRISPR-Cas9 technology? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss why the rising deployment of new and emerging technologies by prominent violent extremist organizations demand concerted global efforts. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"With the Line of Actual Control (LAC) remaining tense after the Galwan and Yangste incidents and both India and China ramping up infrastructure in the border areas, discuss the role that ITBP plays in the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Do you think there is a need for a shift from 'land productivity' to 'irrigation water productivity' in India? Justify your answer. What are the challenges in making this shift? Explain. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Examine the role that green hydrogen can play in unlocking the energy security of India. How can the National Green Hydrogen Mission help India in achieving its energy goals? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The government has been weighing a transition from minimum wage to living wage in recent times. What are the benefits and constraints in the adoption of living wage in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The Union Budget affects almost every sector of the Indian economy, yet neither the budgetary processes nor the budget policies come under substantial public scrutiny. Do you agree? Justify your answer. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"India has been able to transform itself from a milk deficit country to the world's biggest milk producer, but the productivity of dairy animals in the country remains a concern. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"While climate change is responsible for crop failures, the agricultural sector itself is partly responsible for extreme weather events. Discuss. What strategy has been adopted under National Agriculture Disaster Management Plan to strengthen the resilience of the farming community in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Some regions in India, including Delhi, are highly vulnerable to the impact of earthquakes originating in the Himalayas. Discuss. What institutional measures have been taken to mitigate earthquake losses in India? Do you think there are significant gaps that still exist? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Recently, scientists announced net energy gain in nuclear fusion reaction, which is considered as a major scientific breakthrough for the future of clean energy. What are the advantages of nuclear fusion based power generation? What are the limitations in using it to generate electricity at a commercial scale? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Keeping in view the recent amendment, examine the efficacy of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, in tackling the menace of money laundering in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Discuss the security threats present in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), which have a direct bearing on India's maritime border interests. Suggest a robust strategy to deal with these threats. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6680,"topper":"SACHIN GURJAR","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b2209-1562165_2425_sachin_gurjar_rank_854.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"For effective corporate governance to take place in the coming years, why is it important to integrate the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics with the multi-stakeholder approach? What benefits can be accrued by such integration? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In acts of corruption, the focus is often only on the demand side of the equation, on public officials who abuse their office for private gain. Frequently, the supply side is given less attention. Those who pay bribes are sometimes depicted as innocent parties and victims of extortionary practices of wily public servants. Do you agree that 'collusive corruption', in which there is a willing bribe-giver, is a formidable challenge for institutions fighting corruption? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Citizens' Charters initiative was a response to the quest for solving the problems, which a citizen encountered, day in and day out, while dealing with the organisations providing public services. But the introduction and implementation of Citizens' Charters in the government of India has been difficult due to the old bureaucratic set up and the rigid attitudes of the work force. Discuss the major obstacles that have been encountered in implementing the Citizens' Charter initiative. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Quality of public service delivery is a major determinant of the quality of life of vulnerable sections in a highly unequal society divided along the lines of class, caste, religion, etc. In this background, do you think that public service delivery is efficient and sufficient enough to improve the lives of vulnerable groups in India? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \" , \" - \"The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own.\" - Lao Tzu (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Wealthy CEOs and founders of successful businesses around the world are increasingly pledging to give away their wealth in philanthropy. Do you think that such a move is sufficient enough to bring about a positive change in the society? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"As organizations across the globe begin their artificial intelligence (AI) transformation, the leap into the AI era is expected to be more challenging than any technology that businesses have grappled with yet. In this background, discuss the concerns around fairness, transparency, and job security that may arise. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The emphasis of Swami Dayanand Saraswati on education, social equality, and ethical values continues to influence the socio-cultural discourse in contemporary India. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Emotional intelligence may not be singularly associated with emotions or intelligence. It can also include a broad range of personality characteristics that might predict success in professional and everyday life. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Traditional forms of state-led accountability, also characterised as vertical and horizontal channels of accountability, are increasingly found to be inadequate, and a myriad of multi-stakeholder and bottom-up citizen directed approaches have come to the fore, to supplement or supplant them. Discuss with illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":47,"question":"Many proponents of deep-sea drilling argue that tapping into the vast amount of rare earth elements in the Indian Ocean will help shore up national security interests for India, bolster its economy and workforce, and offer a reliable supply of strategic minerals. Keeping this in mind, the government has approved a $540-million programme to study ways of mining nickel, cobalt, manganese and iron hydroxide from the bed of the Indian Ocean 6,000 meters below sea level. The government argues that the project can power India's growth for 100 years. It will also study climate change, explore marine flora and fauna and harness thermal energy. However, a competing point of view alleges that deep ocean drilling poses immense risk to the environment. A comprehensive report on Sustainable Ocean Economy by independent geologists states that \"until the need for, and potential consequences of, deep-sea mining are better understood, the concept is conceptually difficult to align with the definition of a sustainable ocean economy and raises various environmental, legal and governance challenges, as well as possible conflicts with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.\" It also highlights that the profitability of national mining operations, without governmental support or comparably low taxes, remains questionable. If the operations are profitable, it will also raise questions about the equitable sharing of profits derived from a resource taken out of humanity's common heritage. Additionally, companies like BMW, Volvo, Google and Korean battery maker Samsung SDI, vowed in a statement to not buy metals produced from deep-sea mining until the environmental risks of the activity are \"comprehensively understood.\" In the context of the above-stated information, address the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the given case study? (b) How can the vision of economic development of a nation be achieved without adversely affecting the sustainability of oceans? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Additionally, companies like BMW, Volvo, Google and Korean battery maker Samsung SDI, vowed in a statement to not buy metals produced from deep-sea mining until the environmental risks of the activity are \"comprehensively understood.\" In the context of the above-stated information, address the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the given case study? (b) How can the vision of economic development of a nation be achieved without adversely affecting the sustainability of oceans? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6681,"topper":"SACHIN KUMAR","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/69887-336003_2081_sachin_kumar_rank_962.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Too much dependence on data driven technologies can result in data colonisation and digital dictatorship. Discuss the various issues that may arise in this context and suggest remedial measures. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Due to the recent proliferation of social media, influencers have become important agents of change in the society. Discuss with examples. Also, highlight the ethical issues involved. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Prejudice and discrimination when left unaddressed have the potential to turn conflicts into violence. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Non-violence is the highest form of fundamental moral virtue. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Though the 'Me Too Movement' helped in creating some murmur with respect to sexual harassment of women at workplace, it has failed to create a lasting positive impact on the work culture in India. Do you agree? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"India ranks 85th amongst 180 countries in the Corruption Perception Index of 2021. In this context, discuss the various ways to tackle corruption in India, with special reference to Kautilya's Arthashastra. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"An ethical work culture not only drives positive organisational outcomes but also helps employees thrive. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Bring out the ethical principles on which a Citizen's Charter is formulated. Also, discuss its purpose and effectiveness in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Probity in public life is nothing but the reflection of integrity in personal life. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The work culture of the police in India is said to be characterised by indecision, inefficiency and lack of empathy. Discuss. Also, suggest remedial measures in this context. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"It takes something more than intelligence to act intelligently.\" - Fyodor Dostoyevsky. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"A popular government, without popular information, or the means of acquiring it, is but a prologue to a farce or a tragedy; or perhaps both.\"- James Madison (Answer in 150words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"\"Character may almost be called the most effective means of persuasion.\" - Aristotle (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You are a young IAS officer and have recently joined as a Sub-Divisional Magistrate in a district, which has been declared 'open defecation free'. However, you get information that some villages in your sub-division are still continuing the practice of open defecation out of habit despite availability of toilets. Your colleagues in the district administration confirm that the information is true. You call the village headmen of these villages and tell them to persuade their respective villagers to stop open defecation. But, they express their unwillingness and inability to fully stop this practice, as in some cases they themselves consider it healthy to defecate in the open. You discuss this matter with the District Magistrate who forbids you from taking any official action, as this may cause the 'open defecation free' status given to the district to be withdrawn. As a young and dynamic officer, answer the following: (a) Why do people continue to practice open defecation even when they have access to toilets? (b) What are the options available to you as the Sub-Divisional Magistrate in this case? Highlight the merits and demerits of each option. (c) What will be your course of action? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"In this context, answer the following: (a) Identify the relevant stakeholders in this case and the issues affecting them. (b) Evaluate the merits and demerits of ceding to the demands of the protesting groups, in the given context. (c) What course of action will you follow? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"In order to tackle climate change, green energy is touted as one of the best solutions. Countries are now replacing coal with hydroelectric power, fossil fuels with solar energy, petrol and diesel cars with electric vehicles (EVs). EVs are being pitched as a cleaner, greener and sustainable alternative. Electric cars use batteries, and lithium and cobalt are rare metals that make up these batteries. The cobalt in the battery keeps it stable and allows it to operate safely. Cobalt is used in about half of the electric cars, which is about four to 30 kilograms per battery. You are the District Magistrate of a district where cobalt is found in abundance. On a visit to one such cobalt site, you find out that children are employed in the mines and these children flirt with daily. They enter vertical tunnels that are too narrow for adults to enter and dig for cobalt under inhumane conditions in a furnace-like environment. Although, they sometimes use shovels, they typically dig with their bare hands. They are not provided with masks, gloves, work clothes and are only provided with 20 minutes of oxygen at a time. Yet, these young children dig for hours. Upon digging the rock, they crush it, wash it and then take their finds to the market in order to sell them. In this regard, answer the following questions: (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case. (b) Despite the legal and institutional measures, discuss the reasons behind the prevalence of child labour in India. (c) In context of the given situation, what steps will you take to address the issue of child labour in the district? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case. (b) Despite the legal and institutional measures, discuss the reasons behind the prevalence of child labour in India. (c) In context of the given situation, what steps will you take to address the issue of child labour in the district? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6682,"topper":"Sadaf Choudhary","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/60306-257547_1417_sadaf-choudhary_rank_23.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Dadabhai Naoroji left an indelible imprint on the national movement. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Quit India movement marked a new direction in the struggle against the British colonial rule in India. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"[json, [\"3. The end of World War II marked the birth of a new international order. Examine. (150 words) 10\"], [\"NONE\"], [\"4. The Simla Agreement (1972) and Lahore Declaration (1999) are two key milestones in the history of the Indian subcontinent. Discuss. (150 words) 10\"], [\"NONE\"], [\"5. Social security should not only involve economic empowerment but also social empowerment. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words) 10\"], [\"NONE\"] ]","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Explain with examples how globalisation is manifested in both local in the global and the global in the local. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In light of persistence of various forms of violence against women in India, discuss the ways in which the issue can be addressed effectively. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What is an urban forest? Highlight its benefits and steps taken by the government to promote urban forestry in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"How has globalization impacted the location of the IT industry? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"How can eco-tourism be used to sustainably harness the potential of tourism industry in India? Discuss the challenges and steps taken by the government in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The advent of Buddhism and Jainism was instrumental in the development of architecture in ancient India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The reactionary policies of Lord Lytton and the liberal policies of his successor Lord Rippon acted as catalyst in the formation of the Indian National Congress. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Gandhiji changed his methods of struggle against the British from time-to-time to suit the varied circumstances and problems that needed to be tackled. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Bring out the relationship between the industrial revolution and the advent of imperialism in different parts of the world. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The caste system in India has continued to persist by adapting itself to a variety of changing socio-economic and political conditions in the past few decades. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"It is argued by some that regionalism is a threat to national integrity while others consider it as a highly impactful tool in facilitating political (250 words) 15 participation. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Describe the process of rift valley formation, with special emphasis on the Great Rift Valley System. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India's water resources have witnessed rapid depletion due to a mix of economic, geographic, and political factors. Explain and discuss its implications. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How are plateaus formed? Also, briefly discuss the features of the Deccan (250 words) 15 plateau and its economic significance. ? ,","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6683,"topper":"Sadaf Choudhary","air":23,"year":2020,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4477f-257547_1418_sadaf-choudhary_rank_23.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6684,"topper":"Sadaf Choudhary","air":23,"year":2020,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9bb3c-257547_1522_sadaf-choudhary_rank_23.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6685,"topper":"Sadaf Choudhary","air":23,"year":2020,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/eafac-257547_1525_sadaf-choudhary_rank_23.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6686,"topper":"Sadaf Choudhary","air":23,"year":2020,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8d545-257547_1420_sadaf-choudhary_rank_23.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6687,"topper":"SAGAR DATTA MAJUMDAR","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/SAGAR-DATTA-MAJUMDAR-UPSC-2024-Rank-317-AWFG-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"It is often said that politics and ethics belong to different worlds. What is your opinion in this regard? Justify your answer with illustration. Also, highlight the consequences of divergence between politics and ethics. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"\"Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.\" In the context of this statement, bring out the ethical issues involved with creating a surveillance state for the sake of national security. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"\"Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.\" Discuss the importance of emotional intelligence in self-realisation. Do you think emotional intelligence can be learned? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"\"Those who don't know history are destined to repeat it.\" Do you agree? Illustrate with the help of examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"\"Two things define you: Your patience when you have nothing and your attitude when you have everything.\" What roles do attitude and patience play in the personal and professional lives of civil servants? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"In light of incidents of serving civil servants openly criticising the government and some also resigning in protest, discuss whether civil servants should get entangled in the political discussions/ opinions? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do you understand by environmental ethics? Examine the ethical concerns in 'phase-down versus phase out debate' in the use of coal by developing countries. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Define the term \"ethical hacking\". What are the principles that separate ethical hacking from malicious hacking? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"In this hyperconnected and morally interdependent world, the most important thing we can share is trustworthiness.\" Why is trustworthiness important? In what ways can it be imbibed in an individual? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Gendered attitudes convert differences in sexes into discriminations. Examine the factors responsible for negative attitudes toward women in the Indian society. How can these attitudes be changed? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do the following quotations mean to you: a) \"Tolerance implies no lack of commitment to one's own beliefs. Rather it condemns the oppression or persecution of others.\"- John F. Kennedy (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"\"That which is not good for the bee-hive cannot be good for the bees.\"- Marcus Aurelius. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":6688,"topper":"Sagar Kaushik","air":375,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Geography","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/GEO-T1-SAGAR-KAUSHIK-R375-1750227225871.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6689,"topper":"Sagar Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/94447_874_Sagar_Kumar_Rank_13.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The greatness of the Mughal achievement in the political unification of India was matched by the splendour and beauty of the work of architects, poets, historians, painters and musicians who flourished in the period. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Traditionally, India had developed wide-ranging water harvesting techniques in keeping with the local ecological conditions and their water needs. Substantiate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Imperial rivalries of 18th Century Europe were played out in India as well. Comment in the context of the Carnatic Wars.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"The Lucknow session of 1916 was a watershed event during the freedom struggle of India due to various reasons. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Reforms initiated by the Justice Party became a model for social affirmative action in the country. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"War in the Korean Peninsula proved to be disastrous for Korea, a missed opportunity for the United States and a defining moment for China. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"The Munich Pact brought neither peace nor stability in relations between European countries, rather it turned out to be an act of appeasement that made war inevitable. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Explain how Gandhi's non-violent philosophy influenced Martin Luther King Jr.'s methods. Also discuss the contributions and accomplishments of King to ensure civil rights for all people regardless of race in America.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Apart from the linguistic reorganisation of states, the three language formula was an important part of government policy to address the language question in India. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Enumerate the measures for the welfare of Unorganised Workers in India. In the context of problems being faced by 'domestic helps', discuss the need for additional measures to safeguard their interests.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"The manner in which the mentally ill have been treated in India suggests that policy measures alone may not be sufficient to address the challenges faced by them. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Highlight the characteristics of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) and discuss the challenges faced by them. Also enumerate the measures taken by the government to address these challenges.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"While suburbanisation is a common phenomenon in most urbanising countries, it is occurring at a relatively early stage of India's urban development. Enumerating the reasons behind this development, highlight the challenges it is creating for Indian cities.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Various geographical and anthropogenic factors have rendered Brahmaputra Valley susceptible to recurrent floods. Discuss the causes and suggest suitable measures of mitigation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Give a brief account of Earth's heat budget. Also discuss how increasing concentration of carbon dioxide in Earth's atmosphere effects it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Give an outline of the major geological events that have shaped the present drainage system of Peninsular India. Also, explain why peninsular rivers are unsuitable for navigation but facilitate hydroelectric power generation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Elaborate with examples as to how government policies influence the location of industries. Also, mention the steps taken by the Government of India to stimulate industrial activity in backward regions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Explain, in brief, the process of cloud formation. Also, elucidate how clouds can help in weather forecasting.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"The socio-economic and ecological consequences of soil degradation are far-reaching. Discuss. Suggest measures that can be taken to restore soil fertility and arrest soil degradation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Development of island territories requires a careful balancing of environmental and tribal concerns with exploitation of economic potential. Elaborating on the threats faced by island territories of India, comment on the recent measures proposed by the government regarding their development.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6690,"topper":"Sagar Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/94447_876_Sagar_Kumar_Rank_13.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"While India has taken a number of steps in order to substantially improve its ranking in the World Bank's 'Ease of Doing Business' Index, it needs to take further action in this regard. Elaborate. Also analyse the utility of these rankings vis-a-vis India's objective of facilitating a sound entrepreneurial environment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"In wake of the agrarian crisis that the country is witnessing, discuss the need for adopting an income-centric approach in preference to a production-centric one as the basis of agricultural policy. In this context, also highlight the steps that should be taken to achieve the goal of doubling the income of farmers by 2021-22 and the challenges that exist.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"It is argued that India's fiscal centre of gravity has rapidly shifted from the Centre to the States. Analyse the statement in context of the debate on fiscal discipline. Also, enumerate the key recommendations of the N.K. Singh panel on Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Strategic sale of state-run firms is a prudent step to deal with the challenges being faced by the public sector enterprises in India. Comment. Also enumerate other measures that can be taken in light of NITI Aayog's suggestions in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Shell companies in India are neither legally defined nor properly understood. Analyse in the light of recent developments, prevalent understanding and steps required to effectively deal with shell companies.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"If a larger population in India is to be involved in the economy in a big way, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are key. Elaborate. Also discuss the challenges faced by the SME sector in India and give an account of the measures taken by the government to deal with these.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"What are the reasons for the growing informalization of industrial labour in India? Discuss the issues associated with the phenomenon and reforms required to deal with them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"A number of far-reaching developments have taken place in the local and global energy space which have to be reflected in our own energy policy framework. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"The Indian IT-BPM (Information Technology-Business Process Management) industry is a global powerhouse today and its impact on India and the world has been unprecedented. Comment. Also, mention the challenges being faced by India's IT-BPM sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"An effective multi-modal logistics and transport sector will make the Indian economy more competitive. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Climate change threatens sustainable development, impairs socio-economic development and reinforces cycles of poverty across the globe. In this context, discuss the utility of climate risk insurance as an instrument within a comprehensive climate risk management system.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Why are women particularly vulnerable to the impact of natural disasters? Also analyse, with adequate examples, how women can play a more effective role in disaster risk management cycle.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"In view of the seriousness of heat waves and its consequences, greater attention is required for dealing with it as a natural disaster. Analyse in the context of recent developments and the actions taken by relevant government bodies.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"While genome editing offers immense potential benefits in the area of healthcare, there are a lot of apprehensions regarding its use. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Discuss various ways in which supercomputers have benefitted mankind over the years. Also enumerate the objectives of the National Supercomputing Mission and the mechanism for its implementation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Widely seen as a disruption for the traditional banking and financial institutions, cryptocurrencies have gained significant traction lately, at the same time creating a regulatory nightmare for regulators across the globe. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"An internationally-binding agreement to strengthen the Outer Space Treaty of 1967 is both desirable and increasingly a necessity. Analyse in view of the traditional and emerging challenges in this arena.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Even after nearly 60 years in existence, AFSPA remains at the centre of debates with respect to countering violent insurgencies, role of the states and local communities. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Analyse the challenges and opportunities inherent in the push for indigenisation of defence production in India. Also, identify the measures through which indigenous manufacturing of defence equipments is being encouraged by the Government.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"India's ability to puruse a clear-cut strategic vision depends on its ability to improve institutional cooperation and coordination between the armed forces and civilian bureaucracy. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6691,"topper":"Sagar Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/94447_877_Sagar_Kumar_Rank_13.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The seeds of patriarchy and gender inequality are sown at home, which manifest as a weed at the societal level. Elucidate. Suggest an ethical framework to systematically address the issue of patriarchy in the Indian society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"What are the factors which drive people to take law in their own hands rather than following the due process of law? Discuss ways to address the problem of mob justice.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"In a democracy, the purpose of the government should be to make it easy for people to do good and difficult to do wrong. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss John Stuart Mill's idea on freedom of thought and expression. Also, give reasons as to why, according to Mill, representative democracy is the best form of government despite its inherent weaknesses.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"It is argued by some that nuclear weapons have acted more as a deterrent than leading to war and mass destruction. In this context, discuss whether it is ethically right to possess nuclear weapons to create nuclear deterrence.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Differentiate between administration and leadership. Highlighting the traits which characterize an effective leader, discuss the importance of leadership in ensuring effective public service delivery in a bureaucratic setup.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Apart from functional knowledge and expertise, the efficacy of a civil servant also depends upon his emotional intelligence. How does emotional intelligence contribute to efficacy? How can civil servants enhance their emotional intelligence?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Enumerate the mechanisms that promote accountability of public officials in discharging their functions and responsibilities in India. Also discuss why ensuring accountability for performance is not a simple task in government service.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) \"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"\"Prejudices are what fools use for reason.\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Ensuring that government decisions are not influenced by public officials' private interests is a growing concern. Discuss in the context of India. Also enumerate the core principles reflected by OECD guidelines for managing conflict of interest in the public sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Discuss, with examples, the significance of principles of public life as recommended by Nolan committee. Why are these principles considered as an essential set of expectations from public servants?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"A peculiar inhuman situation exists for the people fleeing from war zones - they cannot go back to their homeland for fear of being persecuted and no country is ready to bear their burden due to various reasons. Citing contemporary examples, discuss the ethical issues involved in such situations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"As the administrator in-charge of your area, you are witness to the widespread food wastage in lavish parties as well as in restaurants and eateries, on one hand and people starving due to inability to ensure one square-meal a day, on the other. Realizing that it is not the scarcity of resources, but the habit of people that is causing paucity in availability of food, you decide that certain measures are needed to be taken in order to deal with the issue of starvation at the grassroot level. 20 Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) What measures would you take to deal with wastage of food in your area? (c) What explains this co-existence of affluence and hunger in developing countries like India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"The excluded and marginalized section of society are worst hit by globalization. Take the case of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) like Sentinelese of Andaman & Nicobar islands; their population has reduced drastically and they are facing various other problems as well. In this context answer the following questions: 20 (a) What are the challenges faced by PVTGs due to globalisation? (b) If you are posted as a Development Officer in such an area, what will be your priorities to reduce their vulnerabilities and ensure welfare?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Undercover journalism exposes injustices, negligence, corruption and wrongdoing and yet going undercover to expose wrongdoing remains controversial. But, undercover journalists contend that they are fulfilling a fundamental duty of finding truth through their journalism. They argue that public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy and the duty of the journalist is to further those ends by seeking truth and providing a fair and comprehensive account of events and issues. So, there are some supporters of this kind of journalism, which sometimes infringe the privacy of individuals. However, some journalists also urge avoiding surreptitious methods of gathering information except when traditional open methods will not yield information vital to the public. In this context, answer the following questions: 20 (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the practice of undercover journalism? (b) Do you support the practice of undercover journalism by journalists?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are the chief executive of ABC Ltd., an automotive component manufacturing company. Until recently, all of your production plants were located in City X. However, the cost of production has risen, causing profits to decline. A number of factors have led to an increase in the production costs. First, the union representing the workers in your plant waged a successful strike resulting in increased salary and benefits. A second factor has been imposition of stringent environmental regulations. Shareholders are concerned about the declining fortunes of the company. Many of the competitors have moved their operations to less-developed cities, where the operating costs are less than in City X. ABC Ltd. is a major employer in the city where it is located, and you know that a plant closure will cause economic dislocation in the city. 20 Given the situation, answer the following questions:","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You are posted as a District Education Officer (DEO) in a Maoist affected district. You have been specifically given the responsibility to work on the literacy mission. After reading the education reports and doing field visits, you find that the number of out of school children has increased drastically and the motivation among students and teachers is also low. While certain basic infrastructure is already in place, the major hurdle in attracting students to these schools include the attitude of inhabitants towards education and the security risks involved in sending children to schools. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Analyse the reasons behind such an attitude. (b) As a DEO, what are the steps that you would take in order to increase the school attendance and change the prevalent attitude of inhabitants towards education?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Mr. Pradeep is a senior civil servant in the central government and is involved in the budgeting department. In the course of performing his duties, he comes to know about diversion of funds earmarked for SC/ST sub-plan for other purposes. While he is not directly responsible for this aspect of the budget, he raised his concerns to the department concerned. He also learns that the minister responsible as well as senior most civil servants are aware of the practice and have given tacit approval for it. Soon thereafter, Pradeep was summoned to talk on the issue and was told that since the matter is not within his jurisdiction, he should 'keep his nose out of it'. After much soul searching, Pradeep decided to obey his supervisors by leaving the matter alone. Based on the information given, answer the following questions: 20 (a) Elaborate on the internal dissonance that Pradeep faces in the given","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6692,"topper":"Sahi Darsini","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/G-SAHI-DARSINI-UPSC-2023-Rank-112-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The ultimate renewable energy is the human ingenuity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Human laws and natural laws mutually reinforce each other.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"History should be understood as evolution of society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"If one has seen further than others it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Is modernism at a crossroads with cultural and civilisational ethos?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Man often enjoys the comfort of opinion without the discomfort for thought.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"The rise of populism in democratic societies is a threat to the rule of law and constitutionalism.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6693,"topper":"Sahi Darsini","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/G-SAHI-DARSINI-UPSC-2023-Rank-112-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Basic structure doctrine has prevented the Parliament, a creature of the constitution, from becoming the master of the constitution. Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"To what extent, in your opinion, Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in India have enabled women led development at the grassroot level? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The power of pressure groups lies not in their size or elaborate organization, but in their ability to mobilize public opinion and create lasting change. With help of relevant examples, discuss how informal pressure groups shape public policy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"\"Bail not Jail\" is the cardinal principle that upholds the sacrosanct ideas of individual's liberty and dignity. Explain the statement with the help of various judicial pronouncements. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Dispute redressal is the most important component of cooperative federalism. How does the Interstate Council facilitate the resolution of disputes related to states in India, and what are the challenges associated with this process? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Anti-defection law has failed to address and resolve the evil of political defection satisfactorily. Discuss various issues surrounding the Anti-defection law and recommend some corrective measures. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Decriminalization of homosexuality by the SC in Navtej Singh Jauhar case remains a task half done, specially without the socio-political sensitisation about the issues faced by LGBTQIA+ community. Elaborate in light of ongoing debates on same sex marriage. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Built upon common democratic values and shared vision of strategic autonomy, India-France bilateral ties exude a promise of stability, growth, and security in a time of geo-political flux and uncertainty. Do you agree? Substantiate your answer. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"As an important attribute of soft power, \"Knowledge diplomacy\" has the potential to further various objectives of foreign policy. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Referring to the case laws through which the collegium system in India evolved, critically assess its functioning. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Considering the non-enforceable nature of fundamental duties and directive principles of state policy, critically examine their impact in socio-political norms. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite its vital role for the smooth functioning of the body politic, constitutional punctuality remains conspicuous by its absence: Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Frequent reliance on the ordinance making power by the government, not only dilutes the basic tenets of executive accountability in a parliamentary democracy, but also overlooks the democratic traditions of building consensus. Discuss with relevant examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The critical reason for poor public health indicators in India goes beyond recognition of right to health as fundamental right. Do you think that a statutory framework alone can ameliorate the situation? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Reforming the education infrastructure through digital interventions is a progressive step, but it has its limitations too. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Electoral bond was brought in as a reform that was high on intent but has proved to be low on substance. Do you agree? Justify. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The profound impact of the data revolution and widespread smartphone usage has necessitated the use of digital tools in welfare programmes. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Presidency of G20 is but a reflection of India's quest for a more just and polycentric world order, where the voice of the global south is mainstreamed not muzzled. Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The new cold war between the USA and China may have the effect of casting a long shadow on India's strategic interests from Pacific to Atlantic. Evaluate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6694,"topper":"Sahi Darsini","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/G-SAHI-DARSINI-UPSC-2023-Rank-112-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The influence of ethical principles on shaping socially responsible behavior is widely acknowledged. How do ethical values facilitate individuals in cultivating a proactive and constructive attitude towards fulfilling their social responsibilities? Can the subjective nature of ethical principles lead to divergent attitudes regarding social responsibility? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Through their actions, interactions, and teachings, schools have the power to mold the moral compass of the next generation. In this perspective, discuss the significance of value-based education in preparing the youth to address the contemporary challenges of society. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'situation ethics'? Critically analyze its strengths and weaknesses in making moral judgements. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Maintaining traditional bonds and familial relationships in an increasingly globalized world requires personal relationships to be governed by ethical principles. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Why should a man be moral? Because it strengthens his will.\" - Swami Vivekanand. In this perspective, discuss the significance of morality for bringing efficiency and effectiveness in public administration. Do you think moral rigidity can be a hindrance in good governance? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Civil servants who embody emotional intelligence exhibit a profound understanding of the human aspect of governance, enabling them to cultivate meaningful relationships, foster cooperation, and drive positive change. Examine ways in which Emotional Intelligence can be inculcated in civil servants. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The challenges posed by the corporate sector's impact on climate, environmental sustainability, and living conditions has highlighted the need for responsible and inclusive business practices. In this direction, the contemporary discourse on corporate governance is emphasizing the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. Evaluate the ESG framework in equipping the corporate world with the capabilities to fulfill its social roles and responsibilities. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Uniform Civil Code (UCC) aims to create a common set of laws governing personal matters, such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption, irrespective of individuals' religious affiliations. In the context of the ongoing discourse on UCC in India, examine the challenges that arise when attempting to reconcile legal principles with diverse moral considerations. To what extent should the law be influenced by moral/religious principles? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What does each of the following quotation mean to you? a) \"When I do good, I feel good; when I do bad, I feel bad, and that is my religion\" - Abraham Lincoln. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time.\" - Ruth Bader Ginsburg. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"\"Happiness is that state of consciousness which proceeds from the achievement of one's values\" - Ayn Rand. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":6695,"topper":"Sahil","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/sahil-test-4-1747726946848.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Examine the role of numismatic evidence in understanding the political and economic history of ancient India. Provide specific examples.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Assess the impact of women's organizations in mobilizing women across diverse socio-economic and regional backgrounds in pre-independence India.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":8,"question":"How did the policy of non-alignment reflect the aspirations of India and other newly independent nations to maintain their sovereignty and resist colonial pressures?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the processes involved in volcanism. Highlight the major volcanic regions in the world and their associated tectonic settings.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Explain the geological features and ecological importance of the Eastern Ghats.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"Earlier known as coarse cereals the government rebranded millets in 2018 as nutri-cereals. In this context discuss the ecological and nutritional significance of millets","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"What are the potential consequences of Arctic ice melt on biodiversity and ecosystems? How might these changes impact global ecological balance","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Do you think the Uniform Civil Code contradicts the idea of religious pluralism and cultural differences in Indian society?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss the concept of healthy active ageing in the context of demographic shifts in India. How does it contribute to social inclusion?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":22,"question":"How is the transition from 'conscious consumption' to 'compulsive consumption' impacting family structure and dynamics in urban areas?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss with examples the key features of Vijayanagara architecture. How did Indo-Islamic elements manifest in their structures?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Compare and contrast the features of ancient Indian universities like Nalanda and Takshashila with modern state-funded universities in India. What lessons can modern universities learn from ancient ones to improve their effectiveness?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Analyze the ideological differences and similarities between the revolutionary movement(1920-1930s) and the Gandhian non-violent struggle. How did these two ideologies influence each other?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":33,"question":"What are the various types of glacial landforms formed in the Indian Himalayas. How do these features impact local ecosystems and human activities?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Discuss the unique geographical features of the Indian Ocean and their impact on global oceanic circulation patterns. How do these features influence the climate of the Indian subcontinent?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Urban heat islands (UHIs) have become a significant phenomenon in Indian cities, exacerbating the frequency and intensity of heat waves. Analyze the underlying factors contributing to this phenomenon and critically assess the existing mitigation strategies.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Evaluate the primary factors contributing to regional disparities in the sugar industry between North India and Peninsular India. What measures can be undertaken to reduce the surplus sugar production?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":45,"question":"\"Social mobility is essential for achieving true equality within society.' In this context highlight the barriers to intergenerational mobility in Indian society, and examine the role of education on social mobility.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Analyze the influence of globalization on migration patterns in India. What are the economic and social implications of increased internal and international migration?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Discuss how gender-based violence in India is a manifestation of patriarchal values. To what extent has modernisation in law served as an instrument of women's empowerment in this regard?","marks":"15","words":null}]},{"id":6696,"topper":"Sahil","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/sahil-test-5-1747726966264.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Highlighting the elements of urbanization discuss how agriculture played a pivotal role in the enduring success and longevity of the Harrapan Civilization. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"The Quit India Movement marked the awakening of the nation's soul and brought diverse sections together in a unified vision of Independence. Discuss (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Analyze the impact of World War II in accelerating the process of decolonization in Asia and Africa. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the various types of sedimentary rocks and their formation processes. What is the economic significance of sedimentary rocks? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What are the characteristics of anticyclonic circulations, and how do they influence weather patterns over the Indian subcontinent? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What is coral bleaching, and what are its main causes? Also, evaluate the role of marine protected areas (MPAs) in the conservation of coral reefs. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss the role of economic corridors in fostering regional economic integration and development. How do projects like the Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor (CBIC) align with India's broader economic growth strategies? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What is gender fluid identity, and what are the LGBTQ community's ongoing challenges to full societal inclusion and equal treatment? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"How does the interplay between regional and national identities fuel the emergence of regionalistic sentiments? How can we balance regional identities with broader national identity? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"How do various cultural practices and traditions contribute to the idea of \"Unity in Diversity\"? Provide examples to support your argument. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"What is the significance of Stupa art in the context of Buddhist architecture and culture? Discuss its various elements and symbolism and their role in coveying Buddist beliefs. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"\"The dual struggle against entrenched social customs and colonial dominance was a prominent feature of socio-religious reform movements in 19th century India.\" How did the socio-religious reform movements of 19th century India respond to colonial cultural and ideological hegemony? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"How did the British policies contribute to the de-industrialization of India, and how did this process affect the lives of Indian artisans and the broader economy? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"What are the factors that lead to the formation of local winds? Discuss their impact on the weather and climate in various regions, providing relevant examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"What are the primary drivers of freshwater scarcity in megacities like Bangalore and Hyderabad? Suggest comprehensive solutions that address both supply and demand aspects of urban water management. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"What is the Blue Revolution? What are the significant hurdles in aquaculture development, and what comprehensive strategies can be implemented to address them? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"What are the key factors influencing the establishment of large-scale solar farms in India, and what are their environmental and social impacts? How can India balance the expansion of solar energy with the need to protect biodiversity and local ecosystems? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"In what ways do social media platforms perpetuate and challenge social inequalities and power structures? Provide a critical analysis. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Give a comparative analysis of the tribal and mainstream societies. Is tribal society more progressive than mainstream society? Argue with examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"In what ways does poverty intersect with other social problems like caste, social stratification, and gender inequality? What comprehensive strategies do you suggest to address these interrelated issues? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6697,"topper":"Sahil","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/sahil-test-6-1747726984429.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Federal governance is characterised by institutionalized arrangements for solving problems generated by pluralism based on consultation and mutual consent. How have Zonal Councils evolved from merely advisory bodies to proactive platforms for action? ( Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Secularism under the Indian constitution is encapsulated in the broader concept of constitutional commitment to equality. Discuss. ( Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"There is a need to shift the focus of Section 8 of the Representation of People Act, 1951 from the duration of the sentence to the gravity of the offence.' Comment on how the current classification under Section 8 leads to arbitrary categorisation of offences. Also, mention the remedies available to a person disqualified under this section. ( Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What is the significance of the Leader of Opposition in the Indian parliamentary system? How does the role of the opposition contribute to the checks and balances in a democracy? ( Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"The core ideals of the Preamble — sovereignty, socialism, secularism, and democracy — form the bedrock of India's constitutional framework.\" Elucidate. ( Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Assess the implications of the 103rd Constitutional Amendment, which introduced a ten per cent reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), on the principle of social justice in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The focus of welfare schemes in India is shifting from \"well-being\" towards \"over-dependency\". In light of this, do you agree that welfare schemes have inculcated a \"freebies culture\" in India leading to a divergence of focus from poverty and hunger alleviation? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"E-governance is not just about efficiency; it's about making governance accessible and inclusive for every citizen. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"With the advent of new regional and multilateral agreements like QUAD, AUKUS, I2U2 etc the old world order represented by organizations like NAM, Davos, and G77 is losing its relevance. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The island states and territories from the South Pacific to the African coast have become new nodes in India's changing strategic geography. In this context, highlight the importance of these island states for India and also throw light upon the initiatives taken by India to strengthen ties with these states. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Electoral funding in India is fraught with the double whammy of legal loopholes and political inefficiencies. In this context, discuss the challenges to electoral funding. What lessons can India draw from global best practices in this regard? (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Pressure groups form the social foundation of a democracy. In this context, discuss pressure groups' key contributions in promoting social security measures for workers in India, and how they address the gaps in existing policies. (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"The Constitution envisages the \"principle of federal supremacy\" in the executive space of Indian federal polity. Discuss while referring to the relevant Constitutional provisions and case laws. How are contentious issues regarding the distribution of powers resolved? (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Delimitation of seats is essential to ensure fair representation and uphold the principles of one vote, one value. Highlighting the challenges posed by misrepresentation in constituencies analyse the ramifications of population-based delimitation in creating federal tension. (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"To what extent can the PIL system be held responsible for shifting the focus of the higher Courts from \"constitutional matters\" to day-to-day matters? What role can the trial Courts play in reducing the overall burden on higher Courts? (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"India's higher education system needs significant reforms to align with global standards. How does the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 aim to address these challenges, and what lessons can India learn from international practices to enhance its higher education system? Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"The Right to Information (RTI) Act is hailed for its transformative impact on the quest for transparency and accountability in Indian governance. However, multifaceted challenges and systemic limitations impede its effective implementation. Discuss. Also, suggest measures for its effective implementation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Discuss the unique challenges and opportunities Self Help Groups (SHGs) encounter in urban areas compared to rural ones, and how can microfinance be adapted to tackle urban poverty. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Highlight the significance of the recently envisaged India-Middle East-Europe corridor for India's connectivity with the world, especially the West. Do you think, in recent times, transport and energy initiatives have taken precedence in India's foreign policy? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Despite the recent rise in politically contentious issues, the India-Canada bilateral relationship has remained committed to shared values of democracy, pluralism, expanding economic engagement and long-standing people-to-people ties. Highlighting the significant pillars of the India-Canada relationship, discuss the potential areas of cooperation and collaboration between India and Canada. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6698,"topper":"Sahil","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/sahil-test-1-1747726906281.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"The rule of law and judicial review are interdependent, as one cannot truly exist without the other. In this context can judicial review be considered the most important aspect among those that constitute the basic structure of the Constitution? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"How does the power and authority of Delhi's lieutenant governor compare to that of the governors of other states, particularly in terms of acting on the aid and advice of the council of ministers? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss the role of the judiciary in navigating the tension between the right to religion and constitutional morality in India in recent times. Refer to relevant case laws. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The principle of 'Separation of Powers' is a key feature of the American Constitution. In this context, compare how the Indian Constitution's functional separation of powers distinguishes itself from the US system. What are the advantages of a check and balance system over a rigid Separation of Powers? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution is more than a legal provision that empowers tribal regions with self-rule. How does the sixth schedule foster development while respecting their traditional governance systems and cultural practices? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How do partnerships between Civil Society Organizations and Government Entities contribute to India's development goals? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss the importance of cultivating a culture of life-long learning among Indian civil servants. How has Mission Karmyogi contributed to this objective? Illustrate with examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Given India's strides in reducing extreme poverty, should the country consider redefining its poverty line to better reflect the current socio-economic realities? Discuss the potential benefits and challenges associated with redefinition of the poverty line. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Evaluate the impact of the deepening political divisions with the major Western States on global governance and international cooperation. How should India navigate these divisions to advance its national interests on the global stage? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"How does India's Arctic Policy align with its broader foreign policy objectives? Broadly discuss the collaborations and agreements India is involved in with the Arctic Council. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In what ways are the terms of reference of the 16th Finance Commission different from that of the previous Finance Commissions? Despite increasingly progressive devolution by subsequent Finance Commissions, examine the factors that propel economic disparities across various States. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Compare and contrast the powers and working of the Ethics Committee and the Privileges Committee in addressing cases of 'unethical' conduct and breach of privileges. How do these Committees complement each other in maintaining parliamentary discipline? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"In the context of persistent legislative dysfunction in India, analyze the evolving role of judicial activism in shaping public policy and governance. Using examples from landmark court cases, evaluate the effectiveness of judicial interventions in addressing governance gaps and safeguarding citizens' rights. (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"To what extent does the level of internal democracy within political parties impact the functioning and legitimacy of the Indian party system? What reforms can address the challenges of inadequate intraparty democracy in India? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"\"The NHRC must not only be a watchdog but also a beacon of hope for the marginalized and oppressed.\" In this context discuss the role and mandate of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in India. How does the current composition and functioning of the NHRC affect its independence and effectiveness? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"The persistent health equity challenges in India pose a critical barrier in achieving Universal Health Coverage. In this context discuss the role of the public and private sectors in ensuring adequate health access and outcomes across rural and urban areas.(250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals requires consideration of regional context and local situations. In light of this statement examine the role of Panchayats as catalysts for grassroot development and advancing sustainable development.(250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"What are the implications of the POCSO Act on the rights and welfare of children in India? Analyze the role of the POCSO Act in transforming India's legal framework for child protection. (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Examine the influence of human rights issues and democratic values on the diplomatic relationship between the U.S. and India. How have these concerns affected bilateral engagements and what can be done to mitigate tensions arising from these issues? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Examine the geopolitical challenges India faces in South Asia despite its global rise. How can India navigate these challenges to strengthen its regional leadership? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6699,"topper":"Sahil","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/sahil-test-3-1747726933466.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Comment on the important changes with respect to the Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG) and Securities Transaction Tax (STT) in the Union Budget 2024-25. Evaluate the impact of such changes on India's savings and investment regime. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"India's welfare scheme has undergone a shift from an input-based approach to outcome-based empowerment with the maxim of \"no person left behind\". In light of the above statement, discuss how this change in the approach of the government has fostered inclusive growth. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The rainfed nature of India's agriculture makes it more susceptible to climate change. Highlight the importance of quality irrigation in the climate-adaptability of agriculture. What measures can be undertaken to improve the overall efficiency of the available irrigation practices in India? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Considering the importance of livestock in Indian agriculture, analyze how investment in animal husbandry can help in incentivizing Indian agriculture. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The discovery of Indian Laurel Trees in Andhra Pradesh has sparked the interest of scientists in the capacity of trees to store and release water. In this context, explain the science behind the process of water transportation and storage in trees. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The recently conducted global Summit on Responsible Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain (REAIM, 2023) showcased the opportunities, challenges and risks associated with the use of Artificial Intelligence in military applications. In this context, critically analyse the impact of Artificial Intelligence in defence and military applications. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The Public Accounts Committee has recently flagged concerns about the rising menace of plastic pollution. In this context, highlight the recent initiatives taken by the Government to curb plastic pollution. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Landslides have become more of a human-induced phenomenon rather than a natural phenomenon. Highlighting the reasons for increasing incidences of landslides, suggest measures that can be undertaken to mitigate the disaster. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The threats to national security have gradually transformed from being \"geographic\" to being \"thematic\". In this context, what are the contemporary challenges of internal security and what measures can be undertaken to deal with such challenges? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Evaluate the role of enhanced border surveillance technologies in bolstering India's border security framework and addressing cross-border threats. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"While startups in India have achieved notable success in fostering entrepreneurship and innovation in the economy, there are certain structural issues challenging the sustainability of startups in India. Elucidate upon these challenges faced by startups and recommend practical solutions to the problems. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Critically evaluate the effectiveness of public-private partnerships in the modernization of railway infrastructure in India. Considering safety as one of the major challenges for railways, what measures can be taken to improve the overall safety parameters of Indian Railways? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"\"Farming becomes remunerative if the produce reaches our plates in time\". In this context, highlight the upstream and downstream issues faced by the agriculture marketing and transport sector in India. What initiatives can be undertaken to improve the overall efficiency of the sector? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"India's agriculture export-import policies are tilted more towards the consumers rather than the farmers. In light of the given statement, critically analyze the impact of import and export policies on farmers. What measures can be undertaken to shield farmers from import-export price shocks? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"India's advancement in medical science is reflected in India's success in using CAR-T cell therapy to treat the first cancer patient. Discuss the working and effectiveness of CAR-T cell therapy in treating cancer and related diseases. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"What is the main objective of India's Gaganyaan Mission and Bharatiya Antariksha Station? Which other countries have successfully launched their manned missions into space? What major technologies are required for the successful execution of the Gaganyaan Mission and related Bharatiya Antariksha Station? Also, elucidates the challenges associated with these missions. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"\"India's offshore wind energy has high potential but remains low on implementation\". Discuss the challenges impeding the harnessing of offshore wind energy and suggest possible solutions. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"In addition to being the centres of growth, urban areas are also centres of accumulating disaster risks. Why is disaster management particularly complex in mega-urban cities? What measures can be undertaken to address the problems of disaster management and risk reduction in urban areas? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Discuss the threats posed by social media and networking sites to the internal security of India. How do the fact-check units (FCUs) under Information and Technology Rules, 2021 help in controlling the overall menace of the spread of fake news on social media? What are the concerns of press broadcasters and digital media participants about the Government establishing fact-check units? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"By highlighting the role of Violent Non-State Actors (VNSAs) in inflicting violence in Kashmir valley, discuss how \"OPERATION SADBHAVNA\" by armed forces can tackle the VNSA-OGW (Over Ground Workers) nexus by addressing the aspirations of local youth. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6700,"topper":"Sahil","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/sahil-test-7-1747726999867.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Besides being public servants, they are also citizens and have personal lives. At times, there is an inherent tension among the roles. How can a public servant effectively navigate the intrinsic tension between personal interests and official duties and between private inclinations and public obligations? Explain (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"\"Ideas are the cornerstone of a strong public service framework globally.\" In the context of this statement, discuss the ideas of a philosopher whose ideas you believe are most pertinent to the civil services in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"\"The challenge of power lies in its responsible application rather than its irresponsible and indulgent use – specifically, how to motivate those in power to serve the public rather than exploit it.\" Analyse the relationship between power and public service. Do you believe that the concept of power conflicts with the ideal of service, or do they complement each other? Substantiate your viewpoint. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"Human values emphasise the humane aspects of public servants, whereas public service values focus on the transparency and effectiveness of service delivery. Do you think these value systems conflict with or complement each other? Justify your perspective with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"When good individuals in any society become complacent and cease their vigilance and struggle, malevolent forces prevail.\" Discuss the role and significance of civil society in curbing corruption and official misconduct. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Do you agree with feminist ethicists that women are \"more emotional\" and prioritise relationships over rules, reflecting different yet equally valuable ethical perspectives? Justify your viewpoints with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Ideally, ethics and law should be harmonious in the context of administration, yet conflicts between them can arise. How should an administrator handle conflicts between legal directives and ethical considerations, particularly when directives are illegal and laws are unjust? Discuss (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Critically evaluate the role of family and educational institutions in shaping ethical values among civil servants. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"How can civil servants cultivate a positive attitude towards the weaker sections of society? Suggest some implementable and practical steps. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Business ethicists believe that external and internal regulations are insufficient for curtailing or preventing corporate malpractices; they strongly advocate the presence of whistleblowing mechanisms as a check against corporate misgovernance. Do you think corporate governance is incomplete without whistleblowing? Why/Why not? Explain (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the relevance of the following quotes to the present times. (a) \"Moral actions belong to the jurisdiction of the outward and inward court, both civil and domestic governor; I mean both the magistrate and conscience.\" Locke (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"The maintenance team had not adequately serviced the bus's braking system. These findings highlighted severe lapses in both the human and mechanical aspects of the transport system. Upon concluding the inquiry, you realized the complexity of the situation. There were numerous uncertainties and ambiguities, preventing a straightforward assignment of responsibility or a definitive conclusion. The accident might have been averted if the maintenance team had performed their duties diligently. Similarly, if the bus driver had not been intoxicated, he might have been able to prevent the bus from falling into the ravine. (a) Identify the ethical issues and dilemmas involved in the above case. (b) What are the options available to you in the above case? (c) Do you think it is more ethical to focus on the individual responsibility of the intoxicated driver or the broader systemic issue of maintenance failures? Justify your answer with relevant ethical principles. (250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"As the Head of Safety, the conclusions of your report carry significant consequences. Firstly, if the driver is deemed culpable due to his intoxication, his family may lose a substantial amount of post-death benefits because he was under the influence while on duty. Secondly, if you conceal the driver's intoxication and attribute the incident solely to poor maintenance, the maintenance crew would face job termination. This situation required extensive introspection before finalizing the report. (a) Identify the ethical issues and dilemmas in the above case. (b) What are the options available to you in the above case? (c) What do you think is more ethical to focus on the personal responsibility of the driver, who was intoxicated, or on the broader systemic issue of maintenance failures? Justify your answer with relevant ethical theories. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"What are the ethical issues and dilemmas in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you in the above case? (c) Considering the persistent nature of the RTI activist and the public's right to information, how should you navigate the tension between national security concerns and the principles of transparency and accountability? Explain (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Ms. Ananya Rao serves as a District Collector in Maharashtra. The district is embarking on an ambitious infrastructure project, the Rural Connectivity Project, designed to improve road connectivity between remote villages and main towns. This project promises significant benefits, including easier access to markets, healthcare, and education for the rural population. The project, however, is mired in controversy. Environmentalists argue that the construction will cause irreparable damage to local forests and wildlife habitats. Local farming communities are concerned about losing agricultural land due to road expansion. There are also allegations of inadequate compensation and resettlement plans for affected families. As the project progresses, various departments, including the Environment, Agriculture, and Public Works Department (PWD), are involved in the decision-making process. Each department has specific responsibilities. The Environment Department is tasked with assessing environmental impact, the Agriculture Department is responsible for ensuring farmers' rights, and the PWD is responsible for executing construction. Ms. Rao, in her capacity, oversees the coordination among these departments. However, the project faces delays and mounting public criticism due to conflicting priorities and lack of accountability. Environmental assessments are incomplete, farmers' concerns remain unaddressed, and construction deadlines are missed. In a critical meeting, the state Chief Secretary, Mr. Vikram Patel, emphasized the urgency of advancing the project and held Ms. Rao accountable for the delays, lack of progress, and overall non-performance. Ms. Rao left the meeting disappointed and felt holding her accountable for delay was unfair as there were others also involved in the project. (a) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas involved in the above case? (b) What are the options available to Ms. Rao? (c) What course of action would you suggest for Ms. Rao? Why? (d) Do you think holding Ms. Rao accountable for the delays was justified? Why/Why not? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":56,"question":"Ms. Sharma is the Director of the Department of Health and Family Welfare in a large Indian state. The department is responsible for implementing health policies, managing public health facilities, and ensuring the delivery of healthcare services. The workforce comprises a mix of senior officials, mid-level managers, and frontline health workers. Over the past few months, Ms. Sharma has received multiple complaints about Mr. Arvind Gupta, a senior official known for his authoritative management style. Mr. Gupta is a performance-driven officer who sometimes publicly berates subordinates and intimidates staff to get work done. One such complaint came from Ms. Anita Verma, a mid-level manager who reported that Mr. Gupta publicly berated her during a departmental meeting, calling her \"incompetent\" and \"useless\" in front of her peers. Ms. Verma stated that this incident severely impacted her mental health and work performance, causing her considerable distress. Other employees shared similar experiences. Mr. Ravi Kumar, a junior officer, recounted an instance where Mr. Gupta threatened to terminate his employment if he failed to complete an unrealistic workload within a tight deadline. He described Mr. Gupta's behaviour as harsh and demeaning, with frequent outbursts of anger and unwarranted criticism that created a climate of fear and anxiety in the workplace. Despite his behaviour, Mr. Gupta is recognized for his exceptional work performance. He has been instrumental in implementing several successful health initiatives, significantly improving healthcare delivery in districts. His expertise and dedication have made him an indispensable asset to the department, complicating the decision to address the complaints against him. Ms. Sharma had a tough decision to make. She knew she had to be strict, but she was also worried about the workflow disruption that action against Mr. Gupta could cause. (a) What are the issues and dilemmas that confront Ms. Sharma? (b) What ethical principles should guide Ms. Sharma in addressing the harassment and bullying complaints in her department? (c) What long-term strategies should be implemented to prevent harassment and bullying in government departments? How can these strategies promote a culture of respect and inclusivity? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"What are the issues and dilemmas that confront Ms. Sharma? (b) What ethical principles should guide Ms. Sharma in addressing the harassment and bullying complaints in her department? (c) What long-term strategies should be implemented to prevent harassment and bullying in government departments? How can these strategies promote a culture of respect and inclusivity? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":6701,"topper":"Sahil","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/sahil-test-2-1747726918791.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"\"It is wrong to assume that ethical decisions are, can or should be purely rational and principled. Human feelings are an inseparable part of our ethical life.\" In what way do feelings impact our ethical decisions? Illustrate with examples. (150 words, 10 marks) What do you understand by ethics management? Can public officials manage ethics in the work place in a manner similar to managing budgets, policies and people? Do you think adopting codes of ethics and conduct is sufficient enough for managing ethics in the workplace or something more is needed? Discuss. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"While traditional ethics has focussed on notions of justice, fair allocation and obligations, ethics of care emphasise maintaining connectedness and promoting care. Which of the above two ethical perspectives is more suitable for guiding ethical decision making in the context of public services. Explain your position with suitable examples. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"What does the term \"quality\" mean in service delivery. What are the components of service quality and indicate ways and means for ensuring total quality in terms of efficiency, economy and effectiveness? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"In the context of public service, what does public service attitude mean? Discuss the attitude biases that affects a public servants on field decision making? Explain how a public servant can overcome such attitude biases? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"I am a Moslem; I am a Hindu; I am a Christian; I am a Jew.\" Mahatma Gandhi. What did Mahatma Gandhi mean by the above statement? Some philosophers have argued that religion is harmful to the moral life, whereas others have claimed that it is necessary to it. Explain your position on the relationship between religion and morality. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"A. \"There is only one responsibility of business, namely to use its resources and engage in activities designed to increase profits.\" Do you think corporations, by indulging in social responsibilities, are compromising their core resource utilisation and production responsibility by diverting resources into unproductive social endeavours? (150 words, 10 marks) B. Do you think values such as \"tyaga,\" (renunciation) \"seva,\" (service) \"daanam,\" (Charity) \"damah,\" (self-control) that are espoused in traditional Indian Wisdom have relevance for modern day public servants? Why? Why not? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"A. Explain the difference between conflict among interests and conflict among various sources of authority. Illustrate with relevant examples. (150 words, 10 marks) B. The domain of governance is ridden with uncertainties, ambiguities and paradoxes and this can at times lead to timidity and withdrawal among public administrators. Discuss the relevance of inner courage for overcoming and coping with ambiguities. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Given below are three quotations of philosophers. What do each of the quotations convey to you in the present context? A. \"To feel for others, and little for ourselves; to restrain our selfish, and exercise our benevolent affections, constitutes the perfection of human nature.\" Adam Smith (150 words, 10 marks) B. \"Virtue lies in our power, and so does vice; because where it is in our power to act, it is also in our power not to act.\" Aristotle (150 words, 10 marks) C. \"I know that I am intelligent, because I know that I know nothing.\" Socrates(150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"What are the ethical issues and dilemmas that confronts you in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Discuss the available options along with its merits and demerits.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"What will be your chosen course of action? Why (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Case Study 2: You are the District Collector of a rural district where traditional social customs and religious practices strongly influence daily life. Recently, a case has emerged involving a local temple and its long-standing tradition of excluding women from certain religious rituals and spaces. A group of educated young women from the village, inspired by the increasing national dialogue on gender equality, has petitioned for the right to participate in these religious rituals. They argued that excluding women is discriminatory and violates their constitutional rights. However, the temple authorities and a significant portion of the local community vehemently oppose this change, citing religious texts and long-standing customs. As the District Collector, you face a complex ethical dilemma. Legally, you are obliged to uphold the Indian Constitution, which guarantees equality and prohibits gender-based discrimination. However, enforcing this law could lead to significant unrest in the community, where traditional customs and religious beliefs are deeply entrenched. And you are aware that the district has a history of unrest on religious matters, and local politicians did not mind stoking the unrest for political gains. The moral argument for gender equality clashes with the community's religious sentiments. The temple authorities believe that altering the rituals would desecrate their sacred traditions. Meanwhile, the women demanding entry see this as a moral and legal fight for their rights. You as a district collector was in a precarious dilemma, one on hand being a progressive officer you knew what is the right thing to do but on the other as an administrative professional you didn't want an unrest with religious tone at your hands. 1. What are the administrative and ethical issues involved in the above situation? 2. What are the options available to you in the above situation? 3. Discuss the merits and demerits of each option and explain your chosen course of action along with reasons. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"What are the administrative and ethical issues involved in the above situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Discuss the merits and demerits of each option and explain your chosen course of action along with reasons. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"What are the issues involved in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"Is it ethically justified to be devoted to duty at the cost of the personal safety of the staff? Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"How will you go about doing your election duties without compromising the safety of your staff? Explain. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Do you think the above case involves a conflict of interest or there are more issues? Explain","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Keeping the above case in perspective, discuss the relevance of impartiality and non-partisanship as professional value.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Discuss the administrative and ethical issues involved in the above case.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Do you think it was morally right on your part to write to the minister? Justify","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"How will you respond to the action initiated against you? Discuss the available options and justify your selected course of action. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Identify and explain your chosen course of action after evaluating the merits and demerits of each option. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":6702,"topper":"Sahil","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/SAHIL-UPSC-2024-Rank-245-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the role of the 'Fourth Estate' in upholding democratic values and analyse the issues affecting press freedom in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The electoral process, though inclusionary in theory, has been pointed out for exclusionary tendencies in practice. Analyse, with special emphasis on role of women in India's representative electoral system. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Assess the effectiveness of Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 in resolution of river-water disputes. Also describe the potential impact of delays in resolution of water disputes. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the significance of the cooperative model of development in addressing the issues of rural growth. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"In order to pass the ultimate test of good governance, welfare state should be close to the people, responsive to their aspirations, and inclusive in its approach. Discuss with special reference to PM PVTG Development Mission. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"To what extent collaboration between the state and civil society organizations (CSOs) help in addressing poverty and malnutrition in the country? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Absence of a robust social infrastructure in the country may become one of the most significant challenges in achieving a developed status by 2047. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Though the changing paradigm towards dialogue and diplomacy in West Asia augurs well for India's interests in this otherwise restive region, presence of inimical actors may reverse the gains. Explain (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Water diplomacy can redefine the contours of regional cooperation in South Asia. Discuss with special reference to Indus water treaty 1960. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Despite constitutional backing to the institutions of local governance, the idea of decentralisation has remained hostage to several structural bottlenecks. Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Independent judiciary, as envisaged by the constitution, provides the bedrock for a thriving polity; however, executive encroachment may erode its credibility and affect its efficacy. Evaluate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Executive agencies, working as the watchdog against impropriety, are vital to act against the corrupt; however, pandering to vested interests may have the effect of turning the idea of rule of law on its head. Comment, with special reference to controversies associated with the Enforcement Directorate (ED). (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Critically analyse the role of National Commission for Women (NCW) in wake of its mandate to safeguard women's rights and uphold their socio-economic wellbeing. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Understanding the extent, source, and complexity of deprivations among the multidimensionally poor contributes to more informed policymaking. In this context, analyze the latest National Multidimensional Poverty Index Report by NITI Aayog. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Safely managed drinking water services, as desired by Jal Jeevan Mission, are designated to give multifarious benefits cutting across generations. Discuss. Also, elaborate upon the challenges in ensuring the mission's success. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Legislation like Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989 remains mere legal documents without intense sensitization of public functionaries and the civil society. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"Harbinger of global rebalancing, India-Africa ties are a beacon of inclusive, sustainable, and equitable world. Explain.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"How do ASEAN centrality, rules-based order, and development partnership with Pacific Island states make Indo-Pacific a theatre of opportunity for India? What are the hurdles in realisation of an inclusive Indo-Pacific construct? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6703,"topper":"Sahil Gupta","air":19,"year":2016,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6552_768_Sahil_Rank_19.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6704,"topper":"SAHIL MEENA","air":892,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/32/pttp220809_tc061.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6705,"topper":"SAHIL MEENA","air":892,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/33/pttp220809_tc062.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6706,"topper":"SAHIL MEENA","air":892,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/34/pttp220809_tc063.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6707,"topper":"SAHIL MEENA","air":892,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/222/pttp220809_tc071-test-01-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6708,"topper":"SAHIL MEENA","air":892,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/223/pttp220809_tc072-test-02-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6709,"topper":"SAHIL MEENA","air":892,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/224/pttp220809_tc074-test-04-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6710,"topper":"SAHIL MEENA","air":892,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/219/pttp220809_tc071-test-01-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6711,"topper":"SAHIL MEENA","air":892,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/220/pttp220809_tc072-test-02-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6712,"topper":"SAHIL MEENA","air":892,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/221/pttp220809_tc074-test-04-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6713,"topper":"Sahithya Kasiraju","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2567c-251203_2218_sahithya-kasiraju_rank-243.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to revisit the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution? Discuss with suitable arguments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":6714,"topper":"Sahithya Kasiraju","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ad6be-251203_2217_sahithya-kasiraju_rank-243.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With examples, discuss how the cultural traditions from various regions of India get reflected in regional music. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Do you agree with the view that Gandhian politics was, in a sense, a continuation of Tilak's politics? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What is soil amendment? Evaluate the benefits and concerns associated with it. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"It has been suggested that the next decade may see a boom in hybrid power plants. Stating the advantages that such power plants offer, discuss the associated challenges. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What are Van Allen Radiation Belts? Explaining their formation, discuss why there has been a growing focus on their study. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss whether marital rape should be criminalised in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What is care economy? Highlight the challenges associated with it and mention the steps taken to address them in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Post-pandemic India is staring at the challenge of \"learning poverty\". Analyse its implications and discuss a way ahead. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Bring out the evolution of mural traditions in South India. Also, elaborate on their significant characteristics. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Indian nationalism that confronted British imperialism in the 19th century was a product of colonial modernity. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Environmentalism surfaced in the form of many organised movements in post independence India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Do you agree with the view that continental blockade was an ill-conceived strategy by Napoleon to conquer Britain through economic means? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What do you understand by the Arctic Paradox? Highlight the spatial distribution of mineral and energy resources in the Arctic region. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Cryosphere changes have a tendency to bring about a devastating impact on the ecosystem and its people. Discuss. Also, enlist measures to tackle this threat. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The frequent instances of urban flooding pose a severe risk to the urban ecosystem in India. Discuss with special emphasis on its impact on the critical infrastructure. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The challenge of unbridled and unbalanced growth of urban spaces in India necessitates reforms in urban planning and capacity. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Feminist movements in India have historically lacked inclusivity, often growing within a limited Western upper-class psyche. Critically discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6715,"topper":"Sai Manasa N C","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7bd86-966377_1698_sai-manasa-n-c_rank_48.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What is Blue Dot Network? Assess its significance for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"An engaging feature of the current global situation is the transformation of the Sino-Russian relationship. Examine the potential of this evolving situation for India's foreign policy. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlighting the significance of the Indian diaspora, enumerate the initiatives taken by the government for engaging the Indian Diaspora around the world. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Emerging technologies are increasingly playing a key role in international relations. Discuss in the context of MEA's decision of setting up of a new division on New and Emerging Strategic Technologies (NEST). (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Why are shell companies seen as attractive vehicles for those seeking to launder money or conduct illicit activity? Highlight some steps that have been taken by the government in recent times to curb shell companies in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Non-state actors are significant conduits in many important national security challenges faced by India. Explain with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Data Protection is not just a privacy issue, it is also a national security issue. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Along with other measures, technological interventions are crucial in dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic and its after effects. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Highlighting the significance of genome mapping in India, discuss the associated challenges with the Genome India Project. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Explaining how the 5G mobile communication technology works, discuss its differences with LTE. Discuss the challenges being faced in its rollout. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Why did India decide not to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)? Discuss in the context of domestic interests, India's experience of the free trade agreements and prevailing realities of external trade. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"It has been argued that the ties between India and Bangladesh are currently passing through a golden chapter. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"India has consistently argued for nuclear disarmament yet has not signed some of the most significant global treaties in this context. What are the reasons for the same? Do you think its time to revisit India's stand on the issue? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Given the diverse security challenges as well as external and internal linkages, developing a National Security Strategy for India requires a comprehensive approach. Explain. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"It is widely recognised that India's Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) are in urgent need of overhaul. Discuss in the context of issues associated with personnel, infrastructure and service conditions of these forces. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What do you understand by Critical Information Infrastructure? Highlight the significance of Critical Information Protection and state the measures taken to ensure the same. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Explaining how quantum computers work, discuss the challenges that need to be addressed for the scalable development of this technology. Also, highlight significance of the recently launched National Mission on Quantum Technologies & Applications (NM-QTA). (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Bring out the differences between bacteria and viruses. Also, explaining why antibiotics can work against bacteria but not viruses describe the general working of vaccines designed to attack certain viruses. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6716,"topper":"Sai Manasa N C","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7049f-966377_1417_sai-manasa-n-c_rank_48.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Dadabhai Naoroji left an indelible imprint on the national movement. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Quit India movement marked a new direction in the struggle against the British colonial rule in India. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The end of World War II marked the birth of a new international order. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Simla Agreement (1972) and Lahore Declaration (1999) are two key milestones in the history of the Indian subcontinent. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Social security should not only involve economic empowerment but also social empowerment. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Explain with examples how globalisation is manifested in both local in the global and the global in the local. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In light of persistence of various forms of violence against women in India, discuss the ways in which the issue can be addressed effectively. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What is an urban forest? Highlight its benefits and steps taken by the government to promote urban forestry in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"How has globalization impacted the location of the IT industry? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"How can eco-tourism be used to sustainably harness the potential of tourism industry in India? Discuss the challenges and steps taken by the government in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The advent of Buddhism and Jainism was instrumental in the development of architecture in ancient India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The reactionary policies of Lord Lytton and the liberal policies of his successor Lord Rippon acted as catalyst in the formation of the Indian National Congress. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Gandhiji changed his methods of struggle against the British from time-to-time to suit the varied circumstances and problems that needed to be tackled. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Bring out the relationship between the industrial revolution and the advent of imperialism in different parts of the world. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The caste system in India has continued to persist by adapting itself to a variety of changing socio-economic and political conditions in the past few decades. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"It is argued by some that regionalism is a threat to national integrity while others consider it as a highly impactful tool in facilitating political participation. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Describe the process of rift valley formation, with special emphasis on the Great Rift Valley System. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India's water resources have witnessed rapid depletion due to a mix of economic, geographic, and political factors. Explain and discuss its implications. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How are plateaus formed? Also, briefly discuss the features of the Deccan plateau and its economic significance. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6717,"topper":"Sai Manasa N C","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/22e41-966377_1524_sai-manasa-n-c_rank_48.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Tenancy reforms are much needed to give a boost to the Indian agricultural sector. Comment. In this context, also discuss the significance of the Model Land Leasing Act, 2016. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"India's march towards inclusive growth and it achieving the Sustainable Development Goals are intricately linked. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlight the need for evolving an appropriate system of Rules Of Origin in regional trading arrangements. What steps have been taken by India recently in this regard? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"MSP regime is a creation of an era of scarcity in the 1960s. Discuss its relevance in the current era of surplus agricultural production. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Examine the link between the recent locust attack and climate change. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlighting the properties of Carbon Nanotubes, discuss its applications. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"India's domestic patent regime privileges public health over pharmaceutical industry's interests. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Bring out the arguments surrounding the idea of employing the principle of 'one border - one force' on Indian borders. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Assess the need to create a new cadre of Indian Frontier Administrative Service to undertake the vital tasks at Indian frontiers. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The main objective of Union Budget 2020-21 is to provide \"Ease of Living\" to all citizens. Analyse the framework proposed in the Budget 2020-21 to achieve this objective. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Several challenges are needed to be addressed to realise the full benefits of the recent agricultural marketing reforms. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Multimodal transport requires multiple integrations across different modes of transportation. Substantiate. What are the challenges and opportunities associated with multimodal transportation for India? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Though COVID-19 pandemic exposes the vulnerability of Informal sector and associated labor force in India, it also presents an opportunity to rebalance formal-informal economy dynamics in the country. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Highlight the drivers and challenges facing India's ambition to become a gas-based economy. Mention the steps that have been taken by the government recently in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Climate Change and the associated events endanger the marine and coastal ecosystems while increasing the vulnerability of coastal population. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Using examples, highlight how natural ecosystems perform different hazard mitigation functions. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Explain what genome sequencing is and state the challenges in scaling up genome sequencing projects. Also, throw some light on the recently launched IndiGen Project. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India needs to avert radicalisation and societal dissention, as internal faultlines are a breeding ground for cyber and transnational terrorism. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Given the emerging security challenges, discuss why the establishment of Integrated Theatre Commands is being seen as an important defence reform. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6718,"topper":"Sai Manasa N C","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/dcf5d-966377_1697_sai-mansa-nc_rank_48.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"While the Right to Information Act is considered path breaking in promoting transparency and accountability, discuss why some argue that it has not been able to fully achieve its objectives. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"'The Citizens' Charter sees public services through the eyes of those who use them.' Discuss how emergence of citizens' charters have altered the concept of accountability and improved the delivery of public services. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"How can organizational culture impact public service motivation and sustain values in administration? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"It is imperative that civil servants have leadership skills to bring about meaningful change in the present day India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Digitization of service delivery and online public interface have the potential to transform governance in India. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) To educate a person in the mind but not in morals is to educate a menace to society. - Theodore Roosevelt (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"As interactive technologies such as Artificial Intelligence penetrate peoples' lives, the lack of understanding of their social influence carries a risk of them doing more harm than good. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Examine the role of media in promoting probity in governance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"A civil servant's conduct is expected to be a model of ethical behaviour. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Given the importance of inculcating emotional intelligence from an early age, discuss how schools can play a prominent role in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"The utilisation of public funds in a democracy like India must be based on the principles of transparency, accountability and efficiency. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"A manufacturing company is located in a small town where it is not easy for people to find jobs otherwise. The company has stayed in the town even though it could find cheaper workers elsewhere, because workers are loyal to the company due to the jobs it provides. Over the years, the company has developed a reputation in the town for taking care of its employees and being a responsible corporate citizen, owing to its CSR activities. The manufacturing process used by the company produces a by-product that has been flowing into the town river for some time now. According to some media reports people living near the river have started reporting illnesses off late and there is also damage to aquatic life. People, however, have refused to come forward as their livelihood depends on the company. You being the Sustainability Officer of the company believe it to be your duty to report this to the higher management. You are of the opinion that this matter is associated with the prestige of the company and should be taken seriously. In the meanwhile the new CEO, who has just joined the company, has called you for briefing and understanding the local issues. On the basis of the above case, answer the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders in the case above. (b) What arguments would you put forth to the CEO to convince him to act on this matter?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"A recent phenomenon called as 'Deepfakes' has gained media attention. It has been found to be a powerful technology through which programmers can manipulate a video or audio content and make them look real. While the technique can be used to have some harmless fun, it is rife with possibilities of misuse. From creating fake pornographic videos to making politicians appear to say things they did not, the potential for damage to individuals, organisations and societies is vast. (a) Identify the potential damaging effects of such a technological tool? (b) What steps are required to minimise the impact and adequately deal with the misuse of such technologies?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Disciplining children remains a pertinent challenge for educational institutions across India. Often, it is found that potentially dangerous forms of disciplining are frequently resorted to in India. These include physical and emotional punishment and in some cases, negative reinforcement by the teachers. Although these are old forms of school violence, they have only recently started to be looked upon systematically as a problem. Until now, corporal punishment and negative reinforcement and the forms these take, were frequently dismissed, and ignored in India. However, it is now being realized that their effects are quite concerning. Further, it is also in light of a cultural acceptance of such harmful and ineffective disciplining processes, that issues as serious as bullying, teasing and ragging in schools escape scrutiny and redressal. In the light of the aforementioned observations, discuss the following questions: (a) What are the effects of such processes of disciplining on the growth and development of children? (b) Suggest some alternate ways to ensure disciplining of school children.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You are a member of a High-level Committee that has been formed to monitor discrimination and violence against Scheduled Castes (SCs) and suggest measures to curb them. When you delve deeper into the issue, you come across many recent incidents, which confirm the widely held belief that SCs are consistently humiliated on a daily basis. On the basis of the above information, answer the following: (a) Discuss why there is widespread discrimination and violence against SCs despite enactment of suitable legislations to prevent such instances. (b) As a member of the High-level Committee, suggest legal and administrative measures to prevent atrocities against the SCs. (c) State the role of media and civil society in bringing about behavioural change in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"You are waiting at a red light of a traffic signal while driving a car. A poor teenage boy, who is looking sick and weak, approaches you and starts begging for money. Looking at his situation, you out of compassion take out your wallet and start looking for some money to give it to him. But suddenly the boy, who was standing very near to you, snatches your wallet and starts running. Another man standing next to your car watches this act and catches the boy. He starts beating him badly. Few other people also join him. (a) What are the issues involved in this case? (b) What course of action will you take and why?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6719,"topper":"Sai Manasa N C","air":48,"year":2020,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/140b6-966377_1420_sai-mansa-nc_rank_48.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6720,"topper":"Saichaitanya Jadhav","air":68,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8687e-366934_2488_saichaitanya_jadhav_rank_68.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6721,"topper":"Saichaitanya Jadhav","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/SAICHAITANYA-JADHAV-UPSC-2024-Rank-68-MGP-Sample-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) How does the study of numismatics contribute to the unraveling of India's history? Explain with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Analyse the significance of the Civil Disobedience Movement in India's freedom struggle, considering its extent, reach, and revolutionary zeal.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3 How did the British education policy in colonial India fuel the rise of Indian nationalism instead of achieving its intended purpose of perpetuating Indian subjugation?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4 The Arab-Israeli conflict should be understood as a product of both internal dynamics and the outcome of manipulative strategies employed by imperial powers. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 The eastern coast and the western coast of India differ considerably in their geographical characteristics. Explain.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6 Enumerate the factors behind the proliferation of the IT industry in India. Also, Explain the reasons behind the skewed concentration of the IT industry within the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7 The Aspirational Blocks Programme, built upon the success of the Aspirational Districts Programme, can help in achieving the twin objectives of enabling balanced growth and checking stressed migration. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8 Even after seven decades of independence, the colonial mindset continues to cast its shadow on Indian society. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 Digital technologies can play a significant role in bridging the gender gap in India; however, it is mired in its own set of challenges. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) How will you explain that the values of tolerance and inclusiveness which were deeply embedded in ancient Indian society continue to persist and flourish in the present times?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 Dravidian temple architecture can be seen as a continuum that, though strengthened during the period of the Pallavas, reached its pinnacle during the reign of the Cholas. Discuss","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 Examine the causes that led to tribal unrest during British rule in India. Analyse the reasons for their limited success.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13) While the Emergency of 1975 was touted as seminal for national security and unity by some, the critics paint it as the darkest phase of Post Independent India. Discuss. What insights and lessons did emergency provide for the country?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 Mangroves play a significant role in coastal ecology and economy. Examine. Also, elaborate the reasons behind the accelerated destruction of the mangrove habitat.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Write an explanatory note on the global distribution of earthquakes with the help of the map given below. Also, throw light on the various consequences associated with earthquakes.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) Although poor air quality is a perennial problem, it gets intensified during the winter months in Delhi-NCR. Explain. Evaluate the efficacy of existing measures to control air pollution.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Why it intensifies in winter month","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 Enumerate the major reasons that make the Indian economy heavily reliant on coal. Explain why phasing out coal from our energy basket is difficult.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18) In what ways are the institutions of marriage and family undergoing changes in contemporary times? Elucidate the role of the state and the market in facilitating these changes.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 How do unplanned urbanization and unabated rural-urban migration contribute to the multiple woes faced by Indian metropolises?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20) The forces of globalization have an indelible influence on the traditional cultural values of Indian society. Elaborate. Also, discuss the impact of globalization on diversity and disparity in the country.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6722,"topper":"Saichaitanya Jadhav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4dce6-366934_2930_saichaitanya_jadhav_rank_68.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How is the rapid growth of the food processing industry leading to food safety challenges in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Under the Public Distribution System of India, the Fair Price Shop (FPS) transformation is an evolving process. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"How are agri-tech startups in India helping farmers in enhancing farm productivity and market access? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the role of digitization of land records in the effective implementation of land reforms in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"To fully exploit its demographic dividend and accelerate economic growth, India needs to adopt a manufacturing-led growth model. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can the resilience of Indian coastal communities be strengthened to tackle the growing natural hazards resulting from climate change? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How does the Green Credit Programme extend beyond carbon management to promote a more sustainable environment in India? What are the various concerns about its implementation? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What is the need for NavIC when existing satellite navigation systems are already available? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Cyber-enabled financial crime has emerged as the new frontier of global money laundering. Discuss. How can the government address this issue? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The Indian Army is observing the year 2024 as the 'Year of Technology Absorption'. In light of this, explain why there is a need for technology absorption in the defence sector of India. What challenges can India face in this initiative? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What are the issues faced in the development of trade and industries in the North-Eastern Region (NER) of India? Comment on the measures that have been taken to tackle these issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the era of climate change and growing water scarcity, how can micro-irrigation systems contribute to sustainable agricultural practices in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What strategies can be adopted to overcome the issues pertaining to freight transportation in the Indian Railways and increase its share in the domestic freight? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the factors that have aided India in making impressive strides in the renewable energy sector and establishing itself as a frontrunner in the global renewable energy transition. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"How does agricultural runoff containing fertilizers and pesticides contribute to environmental pollution? What measures can be taken to mitigate the impact of agricultural runoff? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The growing influx of tourists in Himalayan states has breached their ecological carrying capacity, leading to significant man-made disasters. What measures can be implemented to prevent such disasters while promoting sustainable tourism? Discuss with relevant examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"How do superconductors fuel innovation in diverse fields of science and technology? Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"While India has laws covering almost all types of intellectual property rights, numerous enforcement, regulatory and administrative challenges hamper the commercialisation of IPRs in India. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Keeping in view the challenges in creating integrated theatre commands, examine how the theaterisation of commands can lead to greater integration and rationalisation of manpower and resources among the three services. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Treating border villages as first villages not just geographically but also in terms of facilities can be a key strategy for enhancing border security. Discuss. Also, highlight the measures being taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6723,"topper":"Saichaitanya Jadhav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/96f5d-366934_2929_saichaitanya_jadhav_rank_68.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Expression of dissent is central to the functioning of the Parliament. In light of this, discuss the role of the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in India's parliamentary system. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"How can the integration of technology into judicial processes enhance accessibility, capability, and efficiency in justice delivery? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Supreme Court of India has upheld unique asymmetry in India's federalism by intricately balancing centralized authority and regional autonomy. Discuss with the help of relevant case laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Evaluate the effectiveness of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes in safeguarding the interests of the Scheduled Castes in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Executive accountability to the legislature through Parliamentary Committees has been the hallmark of the Indian political system. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can India make Citizens' Charter a powerful tool for improving governance and empowering citizens? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How do corporate donors aid NGOs in facilitating holistic development in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite its merits, should the POCSO Act be revisited to correct the existing inadequacies? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"China's acquisition of strategic ports globally has significant implications for international trade routes and economic relations. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"What are the main functions of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)? How will its recent treaty on intellectual property, genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge benefit India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) plays a crucial role in combating corruption, its functioning is often criticized for being partisan and acting against the federal spirit. Discuss with the help of suitable examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Governors in India often overstep their constitutional role and fail to act effectively when needed. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Though Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) have become a platform for competitive politics, they have not emerged as an agency of planning and service delivery. Why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by interoperability in e-governance? What steps have been taken by the government to ensure interoperability and integration of various e-governance systems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"When it comes to sexual and reproductive health of women in India, rights-based discourse has largely been bypassed not just by the societal norms but also by the legal norms. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"How effective has India been in enhancing immunization coverage over the years? What challenges continue to affect immunization efforts in the country? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India used its Presidency of the G20 to bring the voice of the Global South to the centre stage. Discuss with special reference to Africa. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"India's relationship with the UAE has witnessed a remarkable expansion across various domains in the last decade. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6724,"topper":"Saichaitanya Jadhav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/bb08a-0366934_2422_saichaitanya_jadhav_rank_68.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The traditional theatre forms of India reflect the ideals and emotions of the society, and an individual's role in the community. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Provide an account of the historical and architectural importance of the Sanchi Stupa. Also, discuss how it inspired the future architecture in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Bhagat Singh made a real breakthrough in terms of revolutionary ideology, the goals of revolution and forms of revolutionary struggle. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Bringing out the factors that led to the Meiji restoration, discuss its significance for Japan. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"It is believed that a nation is an “imagined community” held together by common beliefs, history, political aspirations etc. In this context, discuss what the basis of India as a nation is. Also, bring out the threats to the concept of Indian nationhood. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"State the key factors behind the growth of the pharmaceutical industry in India. Additionally, discuss its significance with regard to India's economy and public health.(Answer in 150words)10","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss why the Bay of Bengal is more prone to cyclones than the Arabian Sea. Also, explain the reasons for the decrease in frequency of tropical cyclones during the Southwest monsoon season. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite being destructive in nature, volcanoes are critical for the existence of human life on earth. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The existence of relative deprivation is an important aspect in constructing the argument for regionalism. Explain with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"If India is to realise the goal of 'education for all', the issue of rising cases of bullying and other forms of school violence needs to be addressed immediately. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Bring out the role played by the Ahom Kingdom in shaping the cultural and historical identity of North-East India, and discuss its legacy in contemporary times. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The capitalist class generally remained ambivalent in their support to the Indian National Congress until 1940s. In this context, analyse the varying positions of the Indian capitalists throughout the national movement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Trace the evolution of the press in India. Also, discuss the instrumental impact it had during various stages of the Indian freedom struggle despite the repressive policies of the British. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Mountains are fragile ecosystems vulnerable to the adverse impact of climate change and other anthropogenic interventions. Illustrate with examples. Also, highlight the initiatives taken for their sustainable management. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind unsustainable management of sand resources in India. Highlighting its impact, enumerate the remedial measures taken in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Giving an account of the major lithium-producing countries, discuss the geo-political aspects of lithium production and its environmental implications. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The youth are capable of identifying themselves with a global identity and connecting with events and experiences outside their countries. In this context, discuss the impact of globalization on the various aspects of youth identity. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"As fertility rates decline in India, future demographic concerns center around an ageing population and a weak social security system. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"With a significant proportion of India's population expected to live in urban areas by 2030, the welfare of the urban poor needs to take centre-stage in public policy. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6725,"topper":"Saichaitanya Jadhav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/006a5-366934_2931_saichaitanya_jadhav_rank_68.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The end cannot justify the means, for the simple and obvious reason that the means employed determine the nature of the ends produced. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss how the relationship between law and ethics is dynamic and continuously shaped by societal changes. Provide examples to illustrate this dynamic relationship. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Differentiate between probity and integrity with suitable examples. How do these values contribute to ethical governance and decision-making in the civil services? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the ethical implications of withholding information in public administration. How can transparency enhance accountability and reduce corruption in government institutions? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"There is no school equal to a decent home and no teacher equal to a virtuous parent.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.\" - Leo Tolstoy (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"To see what is right and not do it is a lack of courage.\" - Confucius (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What factors lead to a positive attitude in a person? How does positive attitude enhance the effectiveness of civil servants in performing their duties? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss how emotional intelligence can influence ethical decision-making in the allocation of scarce public resources. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Various international humanitarian organizations provide emergency aid in conflict zones around the world. Highlight the ethical challenges faced by such organizations. What are the principles that guide international humanitarian work? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Why is persuasion regarded as an important skill for civil servants? What are the key considerations that should guide persuasion in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"What role can ethical leadership play in curbing corruption, especially in public service? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"What were the major teachings of Swami Dayanand Saraswati? Explain their relevance in addressing the current ethical and social challenges in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":33,"question":"Discuss the ethical dilemma Karan faces in deciding whether to report the incident against Mariyam's wishes. (b) Evaluate the options available to Karan. Which of these options should he choose and why? (c) What responsibilities do organizations like XYZ Corp have in preventing and addressing sexual harassment and creating inclusive workplace environments? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Jay, a civil servant, was appointed as the Commissioner in the state's Education Department a year ago. In his initial months, he implemented several policies and programmes that were transforming the Education Ministry's operations, gaining a good reputation that could potentially benefit the concerned minister in the upcoming elections. However, Jay now faces a significant challenge. As part of his responsibilities, he must approve the recruitment of new teachers for government schools. He has received a list of 120 candidates recommended for vacant posts, but suspects the recruitment process was unfair. Jay had also received several complaints claiming that the process had not been meritocratic. Upon review, Jay discovers evidence suggesting that many names on the list are the result of political patronage - a prevalent issue in the state where politicians use recruitment to gain political support. Jay believes the Education Minister is engaging in this practice as the election season approaches. This situation reminds Jay of a past incident when, as a junior officer, he refused to entertain an unnecessary procurement request. Consequently, he was transferred within a week, and he and his family faced frivolous anti-corruption complaints as retaliation. His successor approved the procurement at even higher rates. Jay is now concerned that blocking the current recruitment could lead to similar consequences. Moreover, he fears that the projects he personally initiated in the Education Ministry might be What are the options available to Jay as the Commissioner of the Education Department? Evaluate each of these options. (b) What option should Jay adopt and why? (c) How can civil servants like Jay be better protected when they attempt to uphold ethical standards in their work? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"As the District Magistrate of X city, you are responsible for overseeing the construction of a new metro depot in an urban forest area, which is a critical infrastructure project aimed at improving public transportation and reducing traffic congestion and air pollution. The project, however, requires the clearance of a substantial portion of the forest, which has triggered strong opposition from environmental activists, local residents, and NGOs. This forest is widely regarded as essential for the city's ecological balance, often referred to as the city's \"lungs.\" In addition to the environmental concerns, you are under considerable pressure from politicians at the state-level to expedite the project, given the upcoming elections in two years. The political leadership emphasizes the benefits of the metro project for the city's development and its potential to garner electoral support. The project is expected to significantly reduce travel time for thousands of commuters and potentially decrease overall vehicle emissions in the city. However, it would also lead to the loss of thousands of trees and disrupt local ecosystems. As you prepare to make a decision, you are aware that your choice will have far-reaching consequences for both the city's development and its environment. (a) Identify the ethical dilemmas involved in the above case. (b) Evaluate the options available to you in the above situation. Which of these would you choose and why? (c) Suggest some measures that could be implemented to balance urban development needs with environmental conservation in future projects. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Dr. Mehra is a senior drug developer at a leading pharmaceutical company in India, renowned for producing various medications, including lifesaving drugs critical for treating chronic and rare diseases. Since its inception, the company has emphasized the quality and affordability of its drugs. Recently, under revised government guidelines, pharmaceutical companies are required to market a finished product only after obtaining \"satisfactory results\" from tests on the ingredients. Additionally, they must retain a sufficient quantity of samples of both intermediate and final products to allow repeated testing or verification of a batch. Dr. Mehra's team is in the final stages of developing a new medication for a rare but life-threatening disease. This drug has shown promising results in clinical trials. However, there have been unresolved concerns about the long-term side effects of the drug, observed in a small percentage of trial subjects. Despite this, the company has not released any major drug in the past decade, leading to significant pressure from the board members to expedite the drug's release. (a) Identify the stakeholders in the above case study. (b) Discuss the ethical issues faced by Dr. Mehra. (c) Analyse the options available to Dr. Mehra in the above case. Which of these would you choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":58,"question":"Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) How does the above-mentioned work culture affect workplace morale and productivity? (c) What are the options available to you and how would you address the situation? (Answer in 250 words) 20 Arun, renowned for his integrity and dedication, has recently assumed the role of Superintendent at a state Pollution Control Board. This posting, his fourth in just one year, includes the responsibility of overseeing Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs). In his new position, Arun becomes aware of a copper smelting plant situated near a crucial wetland that serves as the primary water source for the region. Despite the plant's notorious reputation for heavy pollution, the current EIA, presented to Arun by the Chairperson, indicates no significant impact on the wetland. The next assessment is not scheduled for another two years. One day, Arun receives a letter from a politician affiliated with the opposition party. The letter contains evidence suggesting that the current EIA results are based on falsified lab reports, allegedly approved by the Chairperson. The Chairperson is known to have close ties with the ruling party, which has been receiving substantial donations from the plant's operators. The opposition politician urges Arun to expose the Chairperson from within the department, arguing that this approach could effectively pressurize the government to conduct a new EIA. He promises Arun significant rewards and support once their party comes to power, an outcome suggested by recent opinion polls. While the evidence presented is compelling, Arun remains cautious about the possibility of being exploited as a political pawn. He is acutely aware of the potential consequences of his actions, both for his career and for the environment. (a) In light of the above case, discuss the ethical issues that may arise from the nexus between corporate, political, and bureaucratic interests. (b) As a conscientious civil servant, evaluate the options available to Arun. Which option should he choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":58,"question":"Arun, renowned for his integrity and dedication, has recently assumed the role of Superintendent at a state Pollution Control Board. This posting, his fourth in just one year, includes the responsibility of overseeing Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs). In his new position, Arun becomes aware of a copper smelting plant situated near a crucial wetland that serves as the primary water source for the region. Despite the plant's notorious reputation for heavy pollution, the current EIA, presented to Arun by the Chairperson, indicates no significant impact on the wetland. The next assessment is not scheduled for another two years. One day, Arun receives a letter from a politician affiliated with the opposition party. The letter contains evidence suggesting that the current EIA results are based on falsified lab reports, allegedly approved by the Chairperson. The Chairperson is known to have close ties with the ruling party, which has been receiving substantial donations from the plant's operators. The opposition politician urges Arun to expose the Chairperson from within the department, arguing that this approach could effectively pressurize the government to conduct a new EIA. He promises Arun significant rewards and support once their party comes to power, an outcome suggested by recent opinion polls. While the evidence presented is compelling, Arun remains cautious about the possibility of being exploited as a political pawn. He is acutely aware of the potential consequences of his actions, both for his career and for the environment. (a) In light of the above case, discuss the ethical issues that may arise from the nexus between corporate, political, and bureaucratic interests. (b) As a conscientious civil servant, evaluate the options available to Arun. Which option should he choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":59,"question":"In light of the above case, discuss the ethical issues that may arise from the nexus between corporate, political, and bureaucratic interests. (b) As a conscientious civil servant, evaluate the options available to Arun. Which option should he choose and why?(Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6726,"topper":"Saichaitanya Jadhav","air":68,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/77f5e-366934_1525_saichaitanya_jadhav_rank_68.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6727,"topper":"SAIKIRAN NANDALA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/47869-1002145_1829_saikiran_nandala_rank_27.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The caste system continues to be one of the key drivers of poverty and inequality in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Recognising unpaid work of women is a necessary but challenging task. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The window to realise India's demographic potential is narrowing with time. Discuss in context of factors affecting the employability of Indian youth and their remedial measures. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Given the deeply gendered impact of population control measures, examine the need to rethink the current approach of population control measures in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Indian healthcare system is mired by excessive brain drain of healthworkers. Discuss and suggest measures to address the phenomenon. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Though various women organisations have played a key role in promoting entrepreneurship among women, there continue to exist obstacles that impede women entrepreneurship. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Discuss the issues faced by domestic workers in India. Also suggest measures that can be taken to empower them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"It has been argued by some that raising the minimum age of marriage for females only addresses the symptoms rather than the underlying causes of gender related issues in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Given the socio-economic status of backward castes in India, caste based census is the need of the hour. Do you agree? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"While participation of private sector in the higher education system of India is a necessity, it creates issues that need careful redressal. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Eradication of hunger depends on the adequacy of policy intervention to curb the menace of hunger and starvation. In this context, discuss the concerns raised by recent reports on the hunger situation in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Regionalism in India is a multi-dimensional phenomenon, at once geo-cultural, politico-economic and, above all, psychological. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"By adopting a variation of Western secularism, we invited a condition that gradually weakened the process of secularization in India. Critically analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Given its impact on both individual resilience and the resilience of the economy, is there a case for strong universal social protection in India? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Examine the multi-dimensional impact of globalisation on tribal development in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What do you understand by feminisation of old age? Highlight the issues associated with it in the Indian context. Also, mention the measures taken by the government in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Strengthening the system of government-run schools is a prerequisite in ensuring social empowerment and inclusive development in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Though unity in diversity has been a mainstay of India as a nation, there exist certain threats in this regard. Discuss. Also, bring out the relevance of civil society in sustaining the diversity of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"In light of the recently released national multi dimensional poverty index (MPI) by India, assess the country's performance on eradicating multi dimensional poverty. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6728,"topper":"SAIKIRAN NANDALA","air":27,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9f36b-1002145_2097_saikiran_nandala_rank_27.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6729,"topper":"SAIKIRAN NANDALA","air":27,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c4efb-1002145_2094_saikiran_nandala_rank_27.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6730,"topper":"SAIKIRAN NANDALA","air":27,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2dbfb-1002145_2093_saikiran_nandala_rank_27.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6731,"topper":"SAIKIRAN NANDALA","air":27,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6e02a-1002145_2093_saikiran-nandala_rank_27.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6732,"topper":"Saksham Bhatia","air":83,"year":2024,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/gs-1-TEST-9-1745404830504.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6733,"topper":"Saksham Bhatia","air":83,"year":2024,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/gs-2-TEST-10-1745404786618.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6734,"topper":"Saksham Bhatia","air":83,"year":2024,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/Saksham-Bhatia-gs-3-TEST-11-1745404723860.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6735,"topper":"Saksham Bhatia","air":83,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/Saksham-Bhatia-gs-TEST-4-1745404670679.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6736,"topper":"Saksham Bhatia","air":83,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/ethics-TEST-pdf-1745404860349.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6737,"topper":"Saksham Bhatia","air":83,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/ethics-TEST-saksham-bhatia-1745478118732.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6738,"topper":"Saksham Goel","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9dec4-694168_1510_saksham-goel_rank_27.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Highlight the role played by the MPLAD Scheme in creating community assets based on local needs. Also, critically evaluate the recent move to suspend it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Adequately empowering the third tier of Indian federal structure is key to strengthen federalism in India. Analyse","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"To safeguard and uphold the freedom of speech and expression in India, it is imperative to adequately reform colonial laws that curtail free speech. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"Highlight the role of pressure grps in a democratic country. Also, differentiate between pressure groups in India and developed countries.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"The idea that Public Intent Data can play a transformative role in the public sector is not bereft with challenges. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"Enumerating the key objectives of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, discuss why the recent amendments in the act are seen as a matter of great concern for the development sector in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"The current COVID-19 pandemic has posed a serious threat to the safety and well being of children all over the world. Discuss. Also, provide an account of measures taken by the NCPCR in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Various challenges need to be addressed in order to successfully eradicate the menace of bonded labour in India. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"In the background of the recent military coup in Myanmar, discuss why stable Myanmar is important for India","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"In the case of Maldives, it's not the size but location that makes it strategically significant. Explain in context of India's neighbourhood first approach","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"While the judiciary should not be silent spectator when constitutional rights of citizens are infringed by executive policies, it must also not assume the role of the executive or pass policy prescriptions. Do you agree? Justify your stand using logical arguments","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"\"Effective legislatures are measured by their outcomes and not by their output\". Analyse the functioning of the Indian Parliament in this context","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Fiscal federalism in India has evolved with time. Discuss in light of the developments in recent years","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"The principal constraint for India is trying to find solutions to 21st century problems using 19th century government structures. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"How far has the governance in India achieved the twin objective of transparency and accountability?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Identify the barriers that exist in the enjoyment of reproductive health rights by women in India. Also highlight the interventions that have been adopted to remove these barriers.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"India continues to face the problem of hunger despite adequate food stocks and statutory laws that ensure food security. Discuss and provide solutions to deal with this problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"The economic rise of Bangladesh is an opportunity for India and hope for South Asia. Examine","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Outcome of the Afghan peace process may have serious implications for the wider region. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6739,"topper":"Saksham Goel","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/68868-694168_1515_saksham-goel_rank_27.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the meaning of off-budget borrowings and its role in helping the government raise funds for various expenditures. Also, comment on its desirability. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"It is argued that genetically modified food crops are required to ensure food security of India. Examine in view of concerns regarding introduction of GM crops. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"India's price intervention policies to support its agricultural sector not only create a broken system but also complicate matters related to international trade rules. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"India has an opportunity to become a leading global food supplier provided it has an efficient supply chain and the right marketing strategies. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Land banks are increasingly gaining prominence in India to encourage land-use efficiency and enable economic growth. In this context, discuss the benefits of a land bank and state the concerns associated with it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Desertification has been described as one of the greatest environmental challenges of our time and climate change is making it worse. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In the context of intellectual property rights, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of releasing projects under an 'Open Source' license. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"\"Indian space sector has been dominated by a single umbrella of government and government institutions.\" In light of the statement, discuss the significance of Indian Space Association in providing an impetus to space technology in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Man and machine both have an important role in national security and making urban areas secure. In this context, discuss how technology is a major stakeholder in addressing the internal security challenges of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"National Security Guard (NSG) has emerged as a formidable force equipped to handle various manifestations of terrorism. Discuss the mandate and achievements of this force. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do you understand by asset monetisation? Why is it needed in India? In this context, discuss the issues that need to be addressed for the National Monetisation Pipeline to succeed. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"What is social stock exchange (SSE)? Discuss the need for setting up of SSEs and key challenges in their effective implementation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the context of India, highlight the importance of agriculture extension. What are the challenges faced in provisioning of agriculture extension services? How does the National Mission on Agricultural Extension & Technology (NMAET) address these issues? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Clearly delineate the 'employment problem' that India currently faces. Also, explain the fundamental reasons behind existence of this problem. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Although steps have been taken for integrating the dispersed logistics activities of maritime trade, much more needs to be done to make India a maritime powerhouse. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Accounting for natural capital and ecosystem services is crucial to understand the link between the economy and environment. Discuss with specific references to India's initiatives in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Rapid and unplanned urbanisation accompanied by population growth have increased both the risk and impact of natural disasters. Discuss the statement along with adequate measures to address the relevant concerns in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"National Hydrogen Mission can be a game changer for India's rising energy demands. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Despite geo-strategic instability of its region and a keen awareness of the cyber threat it faces, India has made only 'modest progress' in developing its policy and doctrine for cyberspace security. Critically examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Developmental interventions alone cannot play a defining role in the resolution of existing and protracted internal conflicts in various parts of India within a reasonable time frame. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6740,"topper":"Saksham Goel","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/FGST_2_30_Saksham_Goel_eval_1_b3f4e81f6b.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6741,"topper":"Saksham Goel","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/GST_4_20_Saksham_Goel_eval_1_fbb1d8354a.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6742,"topper":"Saksham Goel","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/GST_8_13_Saksham_Goel_eval_2_a79aace761.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6743,"topper":"Saksham Goel","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/FGST_3_17_Saksham_Goel_eval_2_1221011d0e.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6744,"topper":"Saksham Goel","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/GST_9_13_Saksham_Goel_eval_1_171dbbcd33.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6745,"topper":"Saksham Goel","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d08bf-694168_1512_saksham-goel_rank_27.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Persuasion plays an important role in public administration. Discuss. Also highlight the various elements of effective persuasion. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"\"Never do anything against the conscience even if the state demands it.\" In this context, discuss the role of conscience in taking ethical decisions in administration. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Raja Ram Mohan Roy's liberal views on social and religious issues have much relevance in present day India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The moral circle of humanity has been expanding constantly over time; Discuss in this context whether non-human entities should have the same rights as humans beings. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"Each individual is capable of transforming his immediate environment by attempting a radical transformation inside him\". - J Krishnamurti (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"An important requisite for ensuring probity in governance is absence of corruption. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The right to information (RTI) and the right to privacy (RTP) complement each other in holding the government accountable to the people, however, in cases of conflict, they can be reconciled keeping public interest in mind. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Explain the ethical issues involved in spending government funds for advertisement campaigns and publicity. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Explaining the concept of political neutrality, discuss its significance in administration. Also, highlight how the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules seek to ensure political neutrality in the civil services. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"In light of the recurring issues, there is a constant need to search for better ethical frameworks and models of corporate governance. Discuss with adequate examples and evidence in support of your arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Gender inequality begins at home and then gets institutionalised at the societal level. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Stakeholder Capitalism is suggested as a way forward in wake of social, economic and environment challenges posed by Shareholder Capitalism. Examine the relevant arguments in this debate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":36,"question":"In a recent survey around social and economic indicators, a certain state in the country was found grossly underperforming. The state is marred with the issues of poverty, hunger, social backwardness, lawlessness and underdevelopment. In about seven decades since gaining independence, this state has continued to perform poorly across various indices. In the past, the Chief Minister had set up a fact finding Committee to report on the chief causes of the backwardness of the State. After years of ground research and surveying, it was found that the one of the main causes of the state's backwardness was its huge population that amplified resource scarcity to unimaginable proportions. Taking a clue from the facts presented in the report, the State Cabinet constitutes a panel of policy makers to consider this question of growing population and suggest suitable revisions to the State's Population Policy. The Panel recommends legislating a Population Control Bill that has a contentious provision in the form of 'One Child' norm. You are the Chief of this Panel and the recommendations of the Panel require your approval to be tabled in the Chief Minister's Office. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the ethical issues related to population control of a compulsory nature that you would consider before approving or rejecting the recommendation? (b) What would be your course of action in the aforementioned case? Suggest reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"You are working as a Divisional Forest Officer in an area which is home to tigers. Recently, there have been reports of a tiger venturing into agricultural fields and also killing livestock of villagers. Unfortunately, 2-3 villagers have been killed by some wild animals in last few weeks. Villagers claim that the tiger has killed their fellow villagers and request you to protect their lives and property by either relocating or killing the man-eater tiger. They also obstructed investigation of forest officials to ascertain whether it was the work of tiger or some other animals. Your attempts to trap the tiger have not been successful. Concerned over the delay in killing or relocating the tiger, villagers hire a private hunter to kill the tiger on their own and argue that they have a right to defend themselves and their property. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the issues involved in this scenario. (b) What steps would you take as the Divisional Forest Officer to ensure villagers' safety along with protection of tigers?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"You are a District Magistrate of an area which has seen a huge surge in COVID-19 cases during the second wave of pandemic in India. The health infrastructure is already overburdened. Hospitals are overwhelmed, crematoriums and burial sites are regularly running out of space, and covid testing is struggling to meet the demand. Also, the vaccination drive is at the risk of going off-track due to the demand-supply mismatch. During this difficult time, you come to know that there are some people who are engaging in black marketing, hoarding and profiteering by using every trick in the book to cheat, ransom and swindle Covid-19 patients and their kin in the name of scarcity of drugs, oxygen and hospital beds. Black marketing, hoarding and profiteering are a classic case of market failure, which highlights the significance of state intervention in a crisis situation. How can state effectively play the role of a regulator as well as service provider in such cases of market failure?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"You work as a marketing consultant for a multinational company that specializes in various products including nutrient supplements, diet pills etc. The company pays its employees extremely well and provides satisfactory fringe benefits. Your manager has hinted that he will recommend you for overseas company transfer, which will improve your job profile. This has motivated you to work harder and perform better. The company has to advertise and sell a new weight loss pill 'X'. As per in-company research, it has minimal or no side effects and has no adverse impacts on health, which is its unique selling point (USP). You are given the responsibility of heading the marketing team for advertising pill 'X'. Due to a well-crafted marketing strategy including endorsement by a renowned celebrity, the product has generated considerable public attention. However, while working on an advertisement campaign for the pill, you find out that the in-company research findings of pill 'X' are fabricated. While it indeed has no side-effects, there are no proven benefits of taking the pill as well. It merely acts as a placebo. When you bring up the issue with your manager, he promptly tells you to keep the facts to yourself. He also indirectly brings up the fact that your performance review date is approaching and hints that you will get transferred overseas if you prove your loyalty to the company. Based on the given information, address the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders in this situation. (b) State the ethical issues that arise in this case. (c) Discuss your options in this scenario and mention your next step.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":56,"question":"The COVID-19 pandemic has forced universities, schools and other educational institutions around the world to shut down their campuses indefinitely and move their educational activities onto online platforms. These institutions were not prepared for such a transition and their online teaching-learning process evolved gradually. Though students considered online learning advantageous because of flexibility and convenience, there have been reports that the students prefer learning in physical classrooms to online education. The students feel that online education is stressful and affects their health and social life. Moreover, not all students have equal access to, and expertise on, digital technologies. Although these inequalities existed earlier, the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed this digital divide. Considering yourself as the Chairman of a Committee, constituted by the government, to suggest measures to improve the quality and accessibility of online education, answer the following questions: (a) What are the key ethical issues at stake here? (b) Highlight the principles and values that will guide your recommendations to the government. (c) Suggest measures to improve the quality and accessibility of online education in the country.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6746,"topper":"Saksham Goel","air":27,"year":2021,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/498c3-694168_1516_saksham-goel_rank_27.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6747,"topper":"Sakshee Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/49e61-889186_2575_sakshee-mishra_rank_214.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"\"What makes the desert beautiful is that somewhere it hides a well\"","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6748,"topper":"Sakshee Mishra","air":214,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5dfbd-889186_2574_sakshee-mishra_rank_214.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6749,"topper":"Sakshee Mishra","air":214,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SAKSHEE-MISHRA-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-214-Sample-MGP-Copy-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) Rising influence of money power in Indian elections poses a serious challenge to transparency, fairness, and democratic accountability. How can ethical electoral funding be ensured to maintain the integrity of democracy?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) Explain the key dimensions of ethics that influence human behaviour. How do these dimensions shape ethical decision-making in private life?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) \"Academic freedom is the bedrock of scholarly inquiry and intellectual progress.\" Examine the ethical issues that arise when educational institutions yield to political, social, or economic pressures and compromise academic freedom.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) Fortitude enables a civil servant to make difficult yet morally right decisions. Explain with reference to real-life examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) Given below are the three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context?\na) \"When learning is purposeful, creativity blossoms. When creativity blossoms, thinking emanates. When thinking emanates, knowledge is fully lit. When knowledge is lit, the economy flourishes.\" - Abdul Kalam.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) \"The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the world's problems.\" - Mahatma Gandhi","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"c) \"Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.\" - Dalai Lama","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.4) a) What do you understand by the term 'probity in governance'? Explain how probity acts as the foundation of ethical public administration.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"b) \"Starvation must not be used as a weapon of war.\" Yet, parties involved in conflicts often resort to the blockade of food and medical aid to civilians in conflict zones, deepening the humanitarian crisis. Powerful nations, despite their capacity to intervene, tend to prioritise strategic interests over humanitarian concerns. What ethical considerations should guide powerful nations in preventing such actions and ensuring unimpeded humanitarian access?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.5) a) What teachings of Mahavira are most relevant today and why? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"b) \"In contemporary times, social media platforms have emerged as powerful agents in shaping individual and societal attitudes.\" Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.6) a) What do you understand by the 'voice of conscience'? In what ways can you prepare yourself to listen to the voice of conscience?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"b) Effective utilisation of public funds is not merely an administrative requirement but a moral responsibility of those entrusted with public office. However, instances of funds allocated to government schemes lying idle or being diverted towards extraneous purposes continue to be reported across the country. Examine the reasons for under-utilization and mis-utilization of public funds and their implications.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7 Under the given conditions, what are the options available to Ramesh as a project manager?\nb) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Ramesh?\nc) What are the professional challenges likely to be faced by Ramesh and his response to overcome such challenges?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":30,"question":"a) दी गई परिस्थितियों में, एक परियोजना प्रबंधक के रूप में रमेश के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?  \nb) रमेश को किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?  \nc) रमेश को किन व्यावसायिक चुनौतियों का सामना करना पड़ सकता है तथा ऐसी चुनौतियों पर नियंत्रण पाने के लिए उसकी क्या प्रतिक्रिया होनी चाहिए?\na) दी गई परिस्थितियों में, एक परियोजना प्रबंधक के रूप में रमेश के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nb) रमेश को किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\nc) रमेश को किन व्यावसायिक चुनौतियों का सामना करना पड़ सकता है तथा ऐसी चुनौतियों पर नियंत्रण पाने के लिए उसकी क्या प्रतिक्रिया होनी चाहिए?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":32,"question":"2. Forward a report to senior \"demanding changes\" to the design citing public interest.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"Q.8 Srushti is a young and dynamic IPS officer, posted as Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in a communally sensitive district. Her husband, Arjun, is an IAS officer and posted as Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in the same district. Both are honest, sincere and deeply committed to their work. They have a daughter who is just four months old, and is looked after by a domestic helper. Srushti resumed duty just two weeks ago after six months of maternity leave.\n\nAt 9 PM on Saturday night, Srushti is in her office reviewing the security arrangements with her team for an upcoming local festival. The situation in the area has been tense throughout the week due to a flare-up between two communities over a petty issue. Around 9:30 PM, she gets a call from the Superintendent of Police. He asks her to prepare a detailed law and order brief for a high-level meeting the next morning.\n\nSrushti reaches home at 10 PM, feeling exhausted. She has not been getting proper sleep during the week due to frequent night patrolling. Arjun also returns around the same time after a long day in the field. Their daughter has been unwell and cried through most of the previous night. Arjun expresses concern about Srushti's heavy workload and the baby's condition. He tells her that she can not keep pushing herself like this and that the child needs more of her attention. Srushti replies that she cannot afford to step back. She adds that people are already judging her and questioning her commitment to work for availing maternity leave. The conversation gradually turns into an argument. Arjun feels Srushti is ignoring her health and family, while Srushti feels judged and unsupported.\n\nLater that night, as Srushti sits at her desk preparing the report, she pauses and reflects on the purpose of her work. She had joined the IPS to serve the people and protect the vulnerable. But now, she wonders if she is being fair to her own child and family. Even as recently as last week, she had to cancel the family dinner as she had to attend an urgent meeting at the SP office. She also feels the weight of expectations. Male officers with children are rarely questioned. But as a new mother, she is constantly under scrutiny. Many in the department believe that women, especially new mothers, are not suitable for field duty.\n\nSrushti starts thinking about her options. She knows that whatever decision she makes will not only impact her own future but also influence the expectations placed on other working mothers in uniform.\na) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\nb) Evaluate the options available to Srushti in the above situation.\nc) What suggestions would you make to help officers like Srushti maintain a healthy work-life balance.","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":36,"question":"a) उपर्युक्त मामले में नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\nb) उपरोक्त स्थिति में सृष्टि के लिए उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nc) सृष्टि जैसे अधिकारियों को स्वस्थ कार्य-जीवन संतुलन बनाए रखने में मदद करने के लिए आप क्या सुझाव देंगे?","marks":null,"words":"20 अंक"},{"page":38,"question":"6 'Trust gap' between 'field officers' and boss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Q.9 A reputed Indian beauty & personal care company developed a herbal skin cream for the international market, claiming anti-ageing and skin-repair properties based on traditional Ayurvedic formulations. After obtaining the necessary approvals and export certifications, the company began exporting the product. The product received widespread positive feedback for its quality and natural formulation, and soon became a huge hit in international markets. Riding on this success, the company announced that the product would soon be made available to domestic consumers, with almost the same quality and health benefits.\n\nSubsequently, it secured approval from the domestic regulatory authority and launched the product in the Indian market. Over time, the brand gained a significant share of the domestic market and earned substantial revenues both nationally and internationally.\n\nHowever, during a random sample check, officials discovered that the cream sold in India differed from the version approved by the competent authority. The product failed to meet the claimed herbal composition and purity standards. Further investigation revealed that the company had often been distributing batches that had failed export quality checks.\n\nThe incident triggered widespread public criticism and regulatory scrutiny, leading to a sharp decline in the company’s reputation and financial performance.\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\nb) What actions should the competent regulatory authority take against the personal care company for violating domestic quality standards and distributing rejected export batches in the Indian market?\nc) What course of action is available to the company to manage the crisis and restore public trust and brand credibility?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Q.10 A forest fire has broken out in a hilly district and is rapidly spreading toward an eco-sensitive area that includes four villages (ESA villages). These villages lie along the forest fringe and are surrounded by difficult terrain. The region is known for its biodiversity and traditional forest-based livelihoods. The inhabitants of these villages are mostly poor tribal communities, dependent on forest resources for their sustenance.\nYou, as the District Magistrate of the area, have rushed to the spot with a medical team, police personnel, NGOs, media, and support staff to oversee the rescue and containment operations. Your disaster response team on the ground is small and poorly equipped. Reinforcements from the district headquarter have been requested, but they may take several hours to arrive due to the remoteness and challenging terrain.\nIn the meantime, a group of trained ex-forest guards and local youth from the villages offer to help. They are experienced and familiar with the area. However, existing government rules do not permit the engagement of unofficial personnel in fire control operations without formal clearance and insurance coverage.\nYour team members are divided on this issue. Some members argue that volunteers should be engaged immediately to prevent the fire from spreading. Others caution that involving them without proper approval and safety cover could be risky and against protocol.\nAs the District Magistrate, you are also the Chairperson of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA). The fire is spreading at a very rapid rate, and immediate action is required to protect lives, property, and the environment. You are now in a dilemma.\na) What are the options available to you?\nb) Critically evaluate each of the options identified by you.\nc) What option would you adopt and why?\nd) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by you?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":47,"question":"a) Options available to DM\ni) Agree to the offer of Youth & former forest guard to augment staff as DDMA's head.\n2) Go ahead with limited staff & keep the different guards & youth in reserve in case of emergency.\n3) Allow effort guard to participate","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Q.11 In one of the government primary schools located in a rural block of a district, the newly appointed headmistress observed an unusual practice. The school had been preparing and serving mid-day meals separately to students belonging to different communities. Although the meals were cooked using a common gas connection, separate utensils, cooking areas, and serving arrangements had been in place for more than two decades. Students from the two communities had their food cooked and served by different cooks and ate in separate classrooms, despite attending classes together.\nAfter taking charge, the headmistress decided to discontinue this practice. She directed that food be prepared and served together for all students, using a common kitchen and utensils. However, the decision triggered backlash. A considerable number of parents across communities vehemently opposed the move and stopped sending their children to school. Consequently, attendance fell by almost 60 percent. This also raised concerns regarding the possible discontinuation of the mid-day meal scheme, withdrawal of teaching staff, and even closure of the school due to falling enrolment.\nThe issue has attracted attention from various political and social groups attempting to further polarise the situation and serve their vested interests.\nMarpi Apang, the District Education Officer (DEO), has been tasked by the Deputy Commissioner's office to amicably resolve the matter at the earliest. She has also been directed to submit a detailed report along with the Action Taken Report within a fortnight.\na) Identify the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb) What course of action should Marpi adopt and why?\nc) What should be the responsibilities of different social segments and agencies to create positive social ambiance for accepting such changes?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":56,"question":"Q.12) You are a Municipal Commissioner of a tier-2 city experiencing rapid urban expansion. Several high-rise residential and commercial buildings are under construction in the city to meet the growing demand for housing. One such luxury residential complex is being built, employing hundreds of daily-wage labourers, many of whom live in temporary settlements at the construction site. Late one night during the monsoon season, a large section of scaffolding and concrete slabs collapses from the upper floors of one of the under-construction buildings. Seven labourers, including two minors, die on the spot. Several others are critically injured and rushed to the hospital. The tragic incident results in public outrage, intense media scrutiny, and protests by a local NGO. The state government orders a formal inquiry and directs you to submit a report within a week. Your preliminary investigation reveals a series of irregularities. The construction material used is substandard and not in accordance with the National Building Code. Although the approved plan permits construction of fifteen floors, the builder has illegally added two extra floors. Moreover, the structure has encroached on land demarcated for a community park and a fire service lane under the city's Zonal Development Plan. These violations are not reported during site inspections conducted by the building inspector of the municipal corporation. The building clearance was granted during the tenure of your predecessor, who is not only your batchmate but also a close friend. Both of you were roommates during your training at LBSNAA. Prima facie, the case appears to involve a widespread nexus between officials of the Municipal Corporation and the builder. Your colleagues are putting pressure on you to go slow in the inquiry. Some of them suggest that holding the builder accountable could damage the city's image among investors and slow down urban development. Meanwhile, you come to know that the builder is the younger brother of a powerful minister in the state cabinet. One evening, his personal aide visits you privately. He suggests that the matter could be “mutually settled” and offers you a premium apartment worth ₹2 crore in the same residential complex. In the same breath, he hints that if the matter is not resolved swiftly in the builder's favour, someone in his office is prepared to file a complaint against you under the SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\nb) What are the options available to you in this situation?\nc) Explain your selected course of action.","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":57,"question":"a) मामले में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा करें।\nb) इस स्थिति में आपके पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nc) अपनी चुनी हुई कार्यवाही का विवरण दीजिए।","marks":null,"words":"20 अंक"}]},{"id":6750,"topper":"Sakshee Mishra","air":214,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SAKSHEE-MISHRA-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-214-Sample-MGP-Copy-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1 \"Extraordinary powers must be exercised with extraordinary care.\" Discuss in the context of Article 142 of the Indian Constitution.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Why are State Legislative Assemblies involved in the election of the President but excluded from the process of impeachment?","marks":"10","words":"10"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3 Private Member's Bills (PMBs) seldom become law in India, yet they are an important aspect of parliamentary democracy. Bring out their significance and suggest steps to strengthen the PMB process.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"5 Increases importance of individual MP.\n1) Expert aid to private members for drafting like in UK, US etc.\n2) Mandatory discussion of certain % of PMBs\n3) Digitalization of process for approval of bills for discussion","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Highlight the key points of convergence and divergence between the judicial systems of India and USA.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) The role of Election Commission of India has evolved beyond conducting elections to becoming a guardian of electoral democracy. Critically evaluate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6 What is the rationale behind the 'three-language formula' in India's education policy? Also highlight the challenges associated with its adoption and implementation across the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7 'Emerging environmental concerns and evolving ecosystem perspectives demand a reimagined approach to rural water governance.' Discuss the key interventions needed to recalibrate rural water policies with special emphasis on the role of communities.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) Identify and discuss the challenges hindering effective implementation of gender-sensitive policies and schemes in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) Effective transboundary water management can act as a catalyst for regional peace and cooperation. In light of this statement, bring out the opportunities and challenges for India in leveraging 'water diplomacy' in its neighbourhood.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) What are the key areas of reform if the World Trade Organization (WTO) has to remain relevant in the present context of rising protectionism and trade wars?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) The basic structure doctrine acts as a constitutional compass in balancing Parliament's legislative authority and constitutional supremacy. Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) are pivotal to inclusive and efficient urban governance, yet they remain fiscally constrained and institutionally weak. Analyze.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13) \"The judiciary has functioned as an institutional corrective, redefining and refining the contours of the Governor's office to prevent its misuse and uphold constitutional principles.\" Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) How is the 'vertical' and 'horizontal' devolution of taxes to the states decided? Highlighting the concerns raised by some states regarding the devolution of taxes, suggest corrective measures.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 What steps are required for the constitutionalization of a Commission? Do you think granting constitutional status to the Central Information Commission (CIC) would strengthen the RTI regime in India? Give reasons.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"2) Give RTI the status of a constitutional right","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 Even as India experiences consistent economic growth and has achieved self-sufficiency in food production, hunger and food insecurity remain pressing concerns. Examine the factors responsible for this paradox and suggest steps to improve the situation.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 The Union Government has recently announced that caste enumeration will be part of the upcoming census. Examine the opportunities and challenges associated with conducting a nationwide 'caste census'. Also, propose a framework for its seamless and effective conduct.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 \"AI integration in governance is no longer a choice but a necessity.\" In light of this statement, discuss how AI can enhance education and healthcare governance.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Providing a brief overview of the aims and objectives of BIMSTEC, explain its significance for India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 India's approach to its relationship with China has evolved into what can be best described as 'competitive coexistence'. Discuss in light of recent developments. What should be the broad contours of India's future China policy?","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6751,"topper":"Sakshee Mishra","air":214,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SAKSHEE-MISHRA-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-214-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) Write the Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) scheme and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme are both designed to boost economic growth, they employ different approaches and focus on distinct outcomes. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) What do you understand by 'Reverse Brain Drain'? Identify the key drivers of the rising trend of this phenomenon in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) The Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) not only enhances logistics efficiency but also represents a pivotal milestone in the country's infrastructure development and economic growth. In this context, describe the significance of the Dedicated Freight Corridor.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"3) Promote urbanization and industrialization along DFCs.\n4) Boost FDI due to low cost of trade in India. (Ease of business)\n5) Enhance domestic supply chain resilience.\n6) Boost employment by attracting more companies.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Define precision agriculture. How can it help in optimizing crop production and resource management?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) Why has rice not seen similar innovation in processed food products compared to wheat, despite being a staple in many regions of the country?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) Explain the working principle of the pumped storage hydropower system. What are the key advantages it offers compared to other power storage technologies?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) Describe the major outcomes of the 29th session of the Conference of Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8 How can emerging solar technologies address the twin challenges of resource scarcity and environmental degradation? Illustrate your answer with recent innovations in the field.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 What is 'research security'? What are the key hurdles in ensuring research security in India?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) is necessary for maintaining peace and stability in the 'disturbed areas'. Critically examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) How has inadequate progress on factor market reforms impacted India's double-digit growth aspirations? What measures has the government taken in this regard?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 What are the factors responsible for the recent depreciation of the Indian Rupee? Discuss its implications for the economy and suggest policy measures to stabilize the currency.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 While Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) can resolve the issues of small farmers and boost agrarian economy, the realization of their potential is hindered by a multitude of factors. Analyze.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 Discuss the significance of aquaculture towards nutrition security, livelihood generation, and economic growth. Also mention various initiatives taken by the government to promote sustainable aquaculture in the country.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15) What is gene therapy? What makes it a better treatment option than the conventional approaches?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) Why are countries keen on developing their own space stations? What obstacles do they face in the process, and how can these be overcome?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17) Climate change is causing profound alterations in ecosystems, triggering cascading impacts on biodiversity, ecosystem services, and human livelihoods, which demands integrated approaches to conservation and climate adaptation. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18) Often referred to as the 'cradle of civilization' and 'growth engines', urban areas are increasingly experiencing various natural and man-made disasters. Discuss in the Indian context. Also, suggest suitable mitigation and management strategies.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 How does India's geographical location heighten its vulnerability to drug trafficking? Also, analyze various internal security risks linked to drug trafficking.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20) The increasing frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks pose a significant threat to national security. Discuss the major challenges in ensuring cybersecurity in the country and enumerate the measures taken by the government in this regard.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6752,"topper":"Sakshee Mishra","air":214,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SAKSHEE-MISHRA-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-214-Sample-MGP-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1 The Union Budget 2025-26 outlines a shift towards the debt-to-GDP ratio as the fiscal anchor starting from FY 2026-27. Discuss the rationale behind this shift.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Why does India need to transition from a 'build to print' to a 'build to design' model in manufacturing? What steps has been taken by the government in this regard?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Explain the concept of a nutrition-sensitive food system and suggest strategies to achieve it in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Give a brief overview of the 'Digital Agriculture Mission'. How can it benefit the agriculture sector?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) Rare earths are not just elements; they are foundational inputs that act like 'seeds of technology'. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) Why retrofitting Electrostatic Precipitators (ESPs) in Indian thermal power plants is a more viable and effective option compared to the installation of flue gas desulfurization (FGD) systems?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) 'The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regime in India remains weak and is often reduced to a procedural formality.' In light of this statement, examine the key challenges in EIA implementation and suggest reforms.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) Plastic pollution is emerging as a serious environmental threat in India. Discuss the various mitigation measures to address this problem and also the government's initiatives in this regard.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"4) Reduce cost of alternatives like jute & bamboo.\n1) Ban on single use plastic upto 50 micron thick.\n2) Promotion of bamboo & jute as alternatives via subsidies.\n3) Push for global convention under UN.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) Amid evolving threats, there is a need to blend private sector capabilities with India's current internal security architecture. In this context, elaborate on the ways in which the private sector can contribute to strengthening internal security.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 'Radicalisation in Jammu and Kashmir is driven as much by socio-economic factors as by external influences.' Discuss how education and youth engagement can play a role in countering radicalisation in J&K.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 Outlining the key characteristics of the care economy, discuss how India can better integrate the value of unpaid and underpaid care work into its economic framework.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) 'The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) presents both unprecedented opportunities and significant challenges for India's labour market.' Examine. Also suggest strategies to align AI adoption with inclusive and resilient labour market outcomes.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13) Why does India's agricultural export performance remain weak despite high production levels? What measures would you suggest to improve agri-export competitiveness?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 \"The agricultural subsidy regime in the country needs reforms to address the distortions causes.\" Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 How can biomanufacturing transform today's consumptive manufacturing paradigm to the one based on regenerative principles? Also discuss how BioE3 Policy (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment) aims to foster biomanufacturing in the country.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) The future of digital innovation depends on self-reliant, domain-specific AI capabilities. In this context, bring out the key considerations in developing indigenous AI models and tools. Suggest measures to build an enabling ecosystem for AI innovation in India. What initiatives have been taken by the government in this regard?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 Marine oil spills are a form of environmental disaster, with far-reaching consequences for biodiversity and coastal livelihoods; however, India's preparedness to prevent such incidents and mitigate their impact has significant gaps. Analyze.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"4. Inadequate enforcement of safety procedures to be followed for preventing such hazard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18) 'The United Nations has declared 2025 as the International Year of Glacier Preservation.' Bring out the ecological and socio-economic significance of glaciers. What are the key challenges in preserving them? What measures have been taken at national and international levels towards preservation of glaciers?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"9 (a) What are the determinants of insurgency in the north eastern region of India? What strategy should the Government of India, civil administration and security forces adopt to counter the threat in the affected areas?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20) Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have become an integral aspect of modern conflict and warfare, employed by both state and non-state actors. Discuss its implications for India's security architecture and state the measures being taken to address them. Also suggest other steps to tackle the threats emanating from UAVs.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6753,"topper":"Sakshee Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8582e-889186_2369_sakshee-mishra_rank_214.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The energy transition of India's transport sector significant to fulfil India's commitment to net-zero emissions by 2070, faces several hurdles. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"WTO's Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies lays out rules for prohibiting certain forms of harmful subsidies. Discuss. What are the implications of the agreement on India's fisheries sector? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Although the PM-KISAN Scheme has provided benefits to numerous farmers, it continues to face several significant challenges. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What role can digital technology play in transforming animal husbandry in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"India's traditional knowledge offers solutions for making agriculture sustainable for environmental conservation. Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Comment on the role of media in disaster management in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How is technology transforming India's pharmaceutical industry in terms of drug development and manufacturing? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"How can agrivoltaics, which combines solar energy with farming, be a game changer for Indian agriculture? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Can jointness of the Central Armed Police forces (CAPFs) help in tackling the major security challenges being faced in various parts of India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"How has the linkage between drugs, internet, and terrorism emerged as a significant threat for India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss the role of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) as an investment model for India's infrastructure development. Why are PPPs not a panacea for all infrastructure-related performance problems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Bring out the role of the 'One Nation-One Ration Card' scheme in ensuring food security for vulnerable sections in India. What obstacles must be overcome to make the scheme a success? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Assess whether a new industrial policy is required given the central role of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the prospects and challenges associated with inland waterways as an alternative mode of transportation in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the role played by agricultural cooperatives in enhancing farmers' income, promoting agricultural exports, and strengthening the rural economy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Comment on the success of 'Project Tiger' in protecting the national animal of the country. What further steps are needed for holistic conservation of tigers under the project? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"While the littoral states of the Bay of Bengal have made significant strides in their disaster preparedness, their efficacy has been limited. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The United Nations proclaimed 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. Which technologies in common use today are based on the understanding of quantum mechanics? What are the steps being taken by India in the field of quantum science and technology? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Key institutional and policy changes have spurred defence indigenisation, domestic capital procurement and defence exports in India. Discuss the measures adopted by the Government in this respect and the issues that still persist. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The vulnerability of India's coasts to unlawful activities poses significant threats to national security. Discuss the current security system in place for coastal security. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6754,"topper":"Sakshi Jamuar","air":89,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c759f-857571_2488_sakshi_jamuar_rank_89.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6755,"topper":"Sakshi Jamuar","air":89,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3f608-857571_1752_sakshi_jamuar_rank_89.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6756,"topper":"Sakshi Jamuar","air":89,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SAKSHI-JAMUAR-UPSC-2023-Rank-89-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6757,"topper":"Sakshi Jamuar","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SAKSHI-JAMUAR-UPSC-2023-Rank-89-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"In many ways, the Spanish civil war was the opening act of WWII. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"How will you explain the different fates of Buddhism and Jainism despite a slew of similarities in the two religions? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Non-Cooperation Movement democratized India's freedom struggle but suffered from inher- ent limitations. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Briefly discuss the role of plate tectonics theory in explaining the location of volcanoes. Al- so, explain the multifarious impacts of volcanoes on the surrounding regions. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Taking further the success of Aspirational Districts Programme, Aspirational Blocks can help achieve the twin objectives of balanced growth and checking stress migration. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Discuss the critical factors for location of defense industries and suggest measures to overcome the challenges. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"To what extent can Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) address the challenges in achieving equitable resource allocation and targeted welfare? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Indian society is premised on some common values that give it a composite texture as well as some diverse practices that deepen its heterogeneity. Elucidate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What are the factors that influence population growth in the country? In this perspective, examine the relevance and need of raising the minimum marriageable age of women for population development. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Bring out the reasons behind the tribal unrest in British India. Also, analyze the reasons for their limited success. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The independence of India was not a result of a forced expulsion of the Empire, as desired by the Quit India Movement; it was rather a confluence of domestic politics and global circumstances. Analyze. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Explain why Sufism, a liberal reform movement in Islam could deepen its roots in the Indian sub-continent, despite Islam being a foreign religion? Also, bring out the impacts of Sufism on Indian society. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Enumerate the reasons behind rising intensity and frequency of cyclones in the Arabian Sea in recent years. Giving special reference to NDMA guidelines, recommend measures to check the adverse impacts of cyclones. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Examine the impacts of climate change on the hydrological cycle and suggest suitable mitigation and adaptation strategies to contain the harmful implications. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Defining continental shelf, highlight its resource potential and ecological significance. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Rooted in patriarchal values, gender-based violence, in all its manifestations, is antithetical to societal growth. Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The caste calculus in the Indian society remains predominant and continues to project its shadow on social, political, and economic domains. Do you agree? Substantiate your answer. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss various factors contributing to the water woes faced by Indian cities. Also, explain complexities in implementing a comprehensive water management plan. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Though important elements of group identity, religion and region also run the risk of deepening communal cleavages. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6758,"topper":"Sakshi Jamuar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/688ea-857571_1487_sakshi-jamuar_89.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlight the significance of 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts. Also, discuss some of their important provisions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Explaining the importance of Parliamentary privileges, discuss the need for their codification.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the significance of the Preamble of Indian Constitution. Can it be amended like any other provision of the Constitution?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Explain the significance and analyze the scope of judicial review in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"What are the foundational principles on which our Constitution is based? Why do you think it was important to codify them in form of a written document? - , ? ?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Explaining the concept of federalism, mention the key features of federalism in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Give an account of the composition, mandate and functioning of the Inter-State Council in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Although the Indian Constitution gives Rajya Sabha some special powers, yet on most matters the Lok Sabha exercises supreme power. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"What is the role of Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India? Mention the constitutional provisions to ensure its independence.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"It is often argued that state legislative council is an ornamental and superfluous body. Do you agree?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Compare the discretionary powers of the Governor of a state and the President of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"The Indian Constitution is a synthesis of the British principle of parliamentary sovereignty and the American principle of judicial supremacy. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Though not justiciable, why are Directive Principles of State Policy considered fundamental in the governance of the country?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Discuss the emergence of the concept of 'Basic Structure' vis-a-vis power of the Parliament to amend the Constitution.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"It is not absolute separation of powers, but a system of checks and balances with regard to the three organs of the state that the Indian Constitution envisages. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Differentiating between pressure groups and political parties, discuss how pressure groups exert influence on politics in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"The legislature in a parliamentary system ensures executive accountability at various stages. Discuss in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Why is the 42nd amendment of the Indian Constitution often referred to as the 'mini-constitution'?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Elucidate the relation between the President and the Council of Ministers as provided for in the Indian Constitution.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6759,"topper":"Sakshi Jamuar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ae940-857571_2424_sakshi-jamuar_89.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What are the different dimensions of food security? Examine India's status in terms of ensuring food security with regard to these dimensions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Modern technologies such as blockchain and ChatGPT are powerful tools with immense potential to transform agriculture into a more efficient and sustainable sector. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What factors have led to the recent acceleration in the trend towards de-dollarization of the global economy? Do you think the dollar will lose its dominance anytime soon? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Despite significant pressure from the developed countries to alter its food subsidy regime, there is merit in India trying to retain its policy support for the poor in the country. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Several initiatives have been taken by the government towards addressing India's water needs, but the issues of water availability and water quality still warrant prioritised intervention. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What are the major drivers of glacial retreat in the Arctic? Describe the potential impact of the retreat of Arctic glaciers on the ecosystem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Space tourism, which was viewed as something straight out of a science fiction movie, is now becoming a reality albeit not without hindrances. What are the challenges associated with space tourism? What measures can be taken to address these challenges? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Global health experts widely believe that the development of CAR-T cell therapy can be a game changer in the treatment of cancer. How can CAR-T cell therapy overcome the limitations of CRISPR-Cas9 technology? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss why the rising deployment of new and emerging technologies by prominent violent extremist organizations demand concerted global efforts. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"With the Line of Actual Control (LAC) remaining tense after the Galwan and Yangste incidents and both India and China ramping up infrastructure in the border areas, discuss the role that ITBP plays in the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Do you think there is a need for a shift from 'land productivity' to 'irrigation water productivity' in India? Justify your answer. What are the challenges in making this shift? Explain. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Examine the role that green hydrogen can play in unlocking the energy security of India. How can the National Green Hydrogen Mission help India in achieving its energy goals? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The government has been weighing a transition from minimum wage to living wage in recent times. What are the benefits and constraints in the adoption of living wage in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The Union Budget affects almost every sector of the Indian economy, yet neither the budgetary processes nor the budget policies come under substantial public scrutiny. Do you agree? Justify your answer. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"India has been able to transform itself from a milk deficit country to the world's biggest milk producer, but the productivity of dairy animals in the country remains a concern. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"While climate change is responsible for crop failures, the agricultural sector itself is partly responsible for extreme weather events. Discuss. What strategy has been adopted under National Agriculture Disaster Management Plan to strengthen the resilience of the farming community in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Some regions in India, including Delhi, are highly vulnerable to the impact of earthquakes originating in the Himalayas. Discuss. What institutional measures have been taken to mitigate earthquake losses in India? Do you think there are significant gaps that still exist? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Recently, scientists announced net energy gain in nuclear fusion reaction, which is considered as a major scientific breakthrough for the future of clean energy. What are the advantages of nuclear fusion based power generation? What are the limitations in using it to generate electricity at a commercial scale? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Keeping in view the recent amendment, examine the efficacy of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, in tackling the menace of money laundering in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Discuss the security threats present in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), which have a direct bearing on India's maritime border interests. Suggest a robust strategy to deal with these threats. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6760,"topper":"Sakshi Jamuar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/06039-857571_2422_sakshi-jamuar_89.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The traditional theatre forms of India reflect the ideals and emotions of the society, and an individual's role in the community. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Provide an account of the historical and architectural importance of the Sanchi Stupa. Also, discuss how it inspired the future architecture in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Bhagat Singh made a real breakthrough in terms of revolutionary ideology, the goals of revolution and forms of revolutionary struggle. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Bringing out the factors that led to the Meiji restoration, discuss its significance for Japan. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"It is believed that a nation is an “imagined community” held together by common beliefs, history, political aspirations etc. In this context, discuss what the basis of India as a nation is. Also, bring out the threats to the concept of Indian nationhood. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"State the key factors behind the growth of the pharmaceutical industry in India. Additionally, discuss its significance with regard to India's economy and public health.(Answer in 150words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss why the Bay of Bengal is more prone to cyclones than the Arabian Sea. Also, explain the reasons for the decrease in frequency of tropical cyclones during the Southwest monsoon season. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite being destructive in nature, volcanoes are critical for the existence of human life on earth. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The existence of relative deprivation is an important aspect in constructing the argument for regionalism. Explain with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"If India is to realise the goal of 'education for all', the issue of rising cases of bullying and other forms of school violence needs to be addressed immediately. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Bring out the role played by the Ahom Kingdom in shaping the cultural and historical identity of North-East India, and discuss its legacy in contemporary times. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The capitalist class generally remained ambivalent in their support to the Indian National Congress until 1940s. In this context, analyse the varying positions of the Indian capitalists throughout the national movement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Trace the evolution of the press in India. Also, discuss the instrumental impact it had during various stages of the Indian freedom struggle despite the repressive policies of the British. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Mountains are fragile ecosystems vulnerable to the adverse impact of climate change and other anthropogenic interventions. Illustrate with examples. Also, highlight the initiatives taken for their sustainable management. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind unsustainable management of sand resources in India. Highlighting its impact, enumerate the remedial measures taken in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Giving an account of the major lithium-producing countries, discuss the geo-political aspects of lithium production and its environmental implications. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The youth are capable of identifying themselves with a global identity and connecting with events and experiences outside their countries. In this context, discuss the impact of globalization on the various aspects of youth identity. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"As fertility rates decline in India, future demographic concerns center around an ageing population and a weak social security system. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"With a significant proportion of India's population expected to live in urban areas by 2030, the welfare of the urban poor needs to take centre-stage in public policy. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6761,"topper":"Sakshi Jamuar","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SAKSHI-JAMUAR-UPSC-2023-Rank-89-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Foreign trade is an important milestone on the path of becoming a 5 trillion USD economy. In this context, analyse the potential of the recently released Foreign Trade Policy, 2023 in revamping India's participation in global trade. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Social protection schemes are an integral aspect of a welfare economy; however, the principles of fiscal prudence cannot be ignored. Discuss, with special reference to Old Pension Scheme (OPS). (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand from Agristack? To what extent can it become a panacea for the problems plaguing the farm sector. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The objective of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to provide a long term and equitable solution to the dilemma between free trade and food security has remained unfulfilled. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Even after five decades of the Stockholm conference, narrowing the gaps between the targets and actions remains one of the biggest challenges towards reversing climate change. Discuss. Also, recommend measures for building a coherent actionable strategy to tackle climate change. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What are the impediments in management of E-waste in the country? In what ways can the trinity of citizens, businesses, and the government tackle this menace? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How does nuclear fusion differ from nuclear fission? Assess the relevance of nuclear energy in resolving the global energy security dilemma? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are run of the river hydroelectric projects? How far can run of the river hydroelectric projects balance ecological conservation with socio-economic development? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"A robust border infrastructure is the surest way to counter multifarious threats emanating from inimical actors. Discuss, in light of Vibrant Village Programme. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"How far can a clearly articulated National Security Strategy help in tackling challenges to national security? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What are the factors that influence the inflation trends in the country? Highlighting the impacts, discuss the institutional measures in place to check inflation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Though a cornerstone of Atmanirbhar Bharat, Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme is not without its own challenges. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"How is internationalisation of rupee different from De-Dollarisation? Highlighting the benefits of internationalisation of rupee, discuss the challenges associated with the same. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What are Primary Agricultural Credit Societies? Can the cooperative push alone help in achieving the twin targets of boosting rural economy and mainstreaming small and marginal farmers? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Farm policies in the country have inadvertently led to undesirable consequences. Do you agree? Giving emphasis on PM PRANAM, discuss ways to enhance soil health and farm productivity. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What do you understand by heat waves? Highlight the reasons and impact of the rising frequency of heat waves across India. Also, recommend some measures to mitigate its impact. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"How is Chandrayaan-3 different from its predecessor, Chandrayaan-2? To what extent can India's presence in Artemis Accords help in furthering the exploration of lunar surface? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Research and Development is the key to unlock the potential of 'knowledge economy.' In this perspective, analyse the role of the National Research Foundation Bill, 2023 in democratizing the research ecosystem in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'Hybrid warfare.' Highlighting its implications for India, recommend measures to develop a comprehensive ecosystem to counter the same. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How are internal security challenges related to peace in neighboring countries? Explain with special reference to instability on India's eastern frontier. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6762,"topper":"Sakshi Jamuar","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SAKSHI-JAMUAR-UPSC-2023-Rank-89-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Celebrity endorsements raise pertinent ethical concerns about responsibility that delve into the realm of ethical considerations of social influence that run deeper than mere surface appeal. In this context, suggest measures to tackle the ethical challenges of celebrity brand endorsements. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Embracing a scientific mindset involves setting aside impulsive inclinations in favor of the pursuit of truth. In your view, how does the integration of scientific thinking contribute to addressing contemporary challenges and promoting societal progress? How can we effectively cultivate a scientific attitude in society? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"In the realm of professional conduct, ethics plays a role that tends to go far beyond fulfilling the roles and responsibilities of the job with diligence and honesty. But some people consider professional competence as the only critical requirement for a job. If faced with a choice, who would you prefer to hire - someone with professional competence or one with strong moral values? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Patriotism can hold different meanings for different people, often shaped by personal experiences and convictions. What does patriotism mean to you? Explain narrating incidents from your life when you exhibited patriotism. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Max Weber's concept of bureaucracy was developed in the early 20th century, but it still influences administrative structures today. In what ways do you see Weberian bureaucracy as relevant in today's rapidly changing world? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Global challenges often test the ethical fiber of nations, urging them to channel narrow pursuit of national-interest into an enlightened self-interest.\" Enumerating the various ethical principles underlying the concept of enlightened national-interest examine its efficacy in helping nations navigate the fine line between pursuing their strategic interests and upholding ethical principles, particularly in times of conflict? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In the realm of governance, a crucial aspect is the art of persuasion. The qualities that make civil servants proficient persuaders empower them to fulfill their responsibilities in an effective manner. Discuss with illustrations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Corruption has multifaceted implications. Some consider it an undeniable vice, while others contend it to be an unavoidable necessity for navigating the bureaucratic complexities. In your opinion, does corruption oil or corrode the gears of development? Substantiate your arguments. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Ethical hacking and malicious hacking stand as divergent paths with distinct intentions and consequences. As technology advances, it becomes imperative to comprehend the nuances that set these practices apart in the cybersecurity landscape. In this perspective, elucidate the principles that differentiate ethical hacking and malicious hacking. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What does each of the following quotation mean to you? a) \"Our greatest ability as humans is not to change the world, but to change ourselves.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"What recommendations should Dharmendra make to create a safe environment for the women? b) What are the factors that have led to victimization of women, especially during conflicts? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":59,"question":"Mr X is travelling by road with his family to attend a marriage ceremony. His grandfather, who is the head of the family is also travelling with him. On the way to their destination, all of them stop at a road side restaurant for lunch. This is a well-known restaurant owned by one of the friends of Mr X. The place is known for its tasty and hygienic food. However, the grandfather notices a picture on the wall of the restaurant and enquires about the religion of the restaurant owner. Mr X's friend belongs to a religion different from the grandfather's religion. The grandfather has a negative attitude towards the religion of Mr X's friend and he insists that he will not eat in that restaurant. He demands that the entire family should leave the restaurant immediately as they are travelling for a happy occasion and eating at this particular restaurant will pollute them. Mr X tries to calm down his grandfather and explain to him that religion has nothing to do with purity or pollution. He also reasons that several travel magazines have rated the restaurant highly, especially for its superior hygiene standards. Also, he points out that there is no restaurant in the way for the next 100 Km and it will be difficult for all to make do without food for that long. However, his arguments fall on deaf years, and which is more his grandfather admonishes him for bringing the family to the restaurant despite being aware about the religion of the owner. Mr X's friend feels insulted and discriminated against due to his religion. Mr X's father is upset but refuses to say anything out of respect for the grandfather. Entire family is embarrassed by the attitude of the grandfather and they are getting ready to leave the restaurant. Mr X is confused regarding how he should act in this situation. a) What are the various ethical issues in the above case study? b) Imagine yourself in the place of Mr X. Evaluate the different courses of actions available with you. What is the most suitable course of action? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":6763,"topper":"Sakshi Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/99c51-322622_1497_sakshi-mishra_rank-299.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Trace the evolution of Pahari paintings along with their prominent features. (150 words) 10 M.","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"On the vast panorama of world literature, Kalidasa is considered as a literary genius, second to none. Discuss in the context of writings of Kalidasa. (150 words) 10 M.","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Tracing the evolution of shaivism in India, discuss the various philosophical schools associated with it. (150 words) 10 M.","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The approach and vision of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose towards the Indian Freedom struggle differed in key aspects from the one adopted by the congress mainstream. Discuss. (150 words) 10 M.","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Despite various shortcomings, the Moderate phase of freedom struggle was key to giving birth to economic nationalism in India. Comment. (150 words) 10 M.","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The huge strides India took towards modernisation under Lord Dalhousie were borne out of necessity rather than their benevolence. Examine. (150 words) 10M","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Indian women, cutting across identities, increasingly participated in the anti-colonial & democratic movements since 1930s. Discuss. (150 words) 10M","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Bring out the differences in the views of Babasaheb Ambedkar & Mahatma Gandhi on the question of upliftment of dalits. (150 words) 10M","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"North-east India through threw up constant challenges to the British hegemony in India. Discuss in the context of anti-colonial struggles in the region. (150 words) 10M.","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Give an account of developments in India and across the world that influenced the Indian trade union movement. (150 words) 10M.","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlighting the unique features of Vesera style, discuss how it symbolizes confluence of Dravida & Nagara temple architectures. (250 words) 10M","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Given its inward-looking approach, the Indian school of philosophies still remains relevant in the 21st century. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"The roots of Indian classical music date back to ancient India. Elucidate. Also, distinguish between Hindustani and Carnatic music. (250 words) 15M.","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The socio-religious reform movements had a deep influence on cultural as well as national consciousness of Indians in the 19th century. Analyze. (250 words) 15M.","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"World War I brought in socio-economic dislocation for nearly all sections of the Indian population, paving way for the necessary social mobilization for an impending mass upsurge. Elaborate. (250 words) 15 M.","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The end of the Civil Disobedience Movement resulted in serious dissension within Congress, in the same way, as it happened after the withdrawal of Non-cooperation movement. Comment. (250 words) 15 M","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The Indian Press not only fought severe censorship imposed during the colonial rule, but also played a critical role in India's struggle for independence. Discuss. (250 words) 15M","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The activities of extremists and the Home Rule Movement is believed to have set the stage for a new era of freedom struggle under the leadership of Gandhi Ji. Comment. (250 words) 15M.","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6764,"topper":"Sakshi Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4de10-322622_1511_sakshi-mishra_rank-299.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Despite a vast coastline and a number of waterways, why has India not been able to achieve its potential in bringing a significant modal shift from rail and road to waterways?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":4,"question":"The move to establish a National Bank for Financing Infra and Development (NaBFID), to reverse the drag on India's growth potential will have its own set of challenges. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Highlighting the issues related to the current fertilizer subsidy regime in India, discuss the need for reforms in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"Give an account of the challenges associated with rapidly increasing biomedical waste in India. Also, state the key features of Bio-Medical Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2018.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"What do you understand by impact based forecasting in disaster management? How can such forecasting strengthen disaster management preparedness?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Lower Earth Orbit is becoming increasingly crowded as countries race to launch satellites into space. Highlighting the associated issues, discuss international efforts taken in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Enumerating the existing measures to counter bio-terrorism in India, highlight the need for a bio-terrorism law.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the potential of 'Integrated law enforcement centres' and 'Smart walls' on India's border areas to address the prevailing security challenges.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Farm loan waivers are neither adequate nor recommended for promoting sustained agriculture growth. Analyze.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"A number of initiatives in recent years have focused on the MSME sector. Why is there a need to focus on this sector? Also, identify the measures taken by 13. Skilling the Indian population faces a 3E challenge - Education, Employment and Employability. Discuss. Also suggest intervention required to effectively manage the challenge. (250 words) (15M)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Skilling the Indian population faces a 3E challenge - Education, Employment and Employability. Discuss. Also suggest intervention required to effectively manage the challenge. (250 words) (15M)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Despite its importance, agricultural marketing faces various institutional and infrastructural issues in India. Elaborate. Also, enlist the measures that have been taken in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"Marine litter is not just an environmental issue but poses a Assess India's vulnerability to flash floods and suggest measures for better resilience to flash floods. In this context, also briefly highlight the significance of recently launched Flash Flood Guidance system operated by the IMD.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"Assess India's vulnerability to flash floods and suggest measures for better resilience to flash floods. In this context, also briefly highlight the significance of recently launched Flash Flood Guidance system operated by the IMD.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"Hydrogen-based energy production can play a key role in a clean, secure and affordable energy future. In this context, identify the potential and opportunities for utilizing hydrogen-based technology. What are the challenges 18. Despite the huge promise of satellite-based internet connectivity, it hasn't gained traction on a significant scale, especially in India. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"Despite the huge promise of satellite-based internet connectivity, it hasn't gained traction on a significant scale, especially in India. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"India's attempts at strengthening its intelligence infrastructure and capabilities have historically been reactive and incremental, rather than holistic and sustainable. Discuss. Also, provide a concrete framework in transforming India's intelligence capabilities.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":55,"question":"In light of the prominent instances of drone attacks by both state and non-state actors, assess the challenges and capabilities of India in dealing with such security threats.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6765,"topper":"Sakshi Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a01ef-322622_1494_sakshi-mishra_rank-299.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by probity in governance? Explain, with examples, how it enhances transparency and accountability in the administration. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Differentiating between empathy and compassion, discuss the importance of compassion towards weaker sections of society in the administration. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Is it always morally wrong to lie? Justify your stand with relevant examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Bring out the difference between Attitude and Aptitude. What type of attitude is expected of civil servants in India, in your view? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"How can one use Gandhiji's talisman for resolving ethical dilemmas in day-to-day life? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"People's attitudes are shaped by their social experience and circumstances. Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Explain the following terms with suitable examples. (a) Beliefs (b) Values (c) Norms (d) Principles (e) Morals","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"It has been argued that ethics in journalism is on a downward spiral. This is most evident in the case of media trials. There are glaring instances of yellow journalism, wherein the media bothers little about authenticity of sources, and sensationalises news to increase TRPs and gain more audience. At times, the electronic media in particular, has been found to be functioning as parallel courts, indulging in direct allegations and public vilification of the accused. In this context: (a) Discuss the various issues associated with yellow journalism. (b) What principles, in your view, need to be followed to make sure that media glare does not turn into a media trial?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"India is one of the biggest fairness product markets in the world. A number of firms produce, advertise and sell fairness creams, marketed mainly as whitening products in the country. At the same time there have been many debates on this issue, particularly in recent times, with many arguing that such advertisements should be banned altogether. In this context, answer the following: (a) What are the ethical issues involved in advertising of fairness products? (b) Highlight the consequences of preference for light-skinned people in a society like India? (c) Do you think such issues are better tackled at the societal level rather than regulating advertisements through legal and administrative measures?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6766,"topper":"Sakshi Sawhney","air":6,"year":2013,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/92b60-sakshi-sawhney_6_2013_gs_booklet_1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6767,"topper":"Saloni Chhabra","air":29,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Saloni-Chhabra-UPSC-2023-Rank-29-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6768,"topper":"Saloni Chhabra","air":29,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Saloni-Chhabra-UPSC-2023-Rank-29-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6769,"topper":"Saloni Chhabra","air":29,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Saloni-Chhabra-UPSC-2023-Rank-29-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6770,"topper":"Saloni Chhabra","air":29,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Saloni-Chhabra-UPSC-2023-Rank-29-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6771,"topper":"Saloni Chhabra","air":29,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SWWjtdb9SYbTOcInGZTv6qu4J9m7RcCc/view","questions":[]},{"id":6772,"topper":"Saloni Gautam","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a0621-1167967_3128_saloni_gautam_rank_127.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"The world must learn to work together, or finally it will not work at all.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Technology, like art, is a soaring exercise of the human imagination.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"We've begun to raise daughters more like sons, but few have the courage to raise our sons more like our daughters.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6773,"topper":"Saloni Gautam","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/80087-1167967_2929_saloni_gautam_rank_127.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Expression of dissent is central to the functioning of the Parliament. In light of this, discuss the role of the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in India's parliamentary system. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"How can the integration of technology into judicial processes enhance accessibility, capability, and efficiency in justice delivery? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Supreme Court of India has upheld unique asymmetry in India's federalism by intricately balancing centralized authority and regional autonomy. Discuss with the help of relevant case laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Evaluate the effectiveness of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes in safeguarding the interests of the Scheduled Castes in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Executive accountability to the legislature through Parliamentary Committees has been the hallmark of the Indian political system. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can India make Citizens' Charter a powerful tool for improving governance and empowering citizens? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How do corporate donors aid NGOs in facilitating holistic development in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite its merits, should the POCSO Act be revisited to correct the existing inadequacies? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"China's acquisition of strategic ports globally has significant implications for international trade routes and economic relations. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"What are the main functions of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)? How will its recent treaty on intellectual property, genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge benefit India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) plays a crucial role in combating corruption, its functioning is often criticized for being partisan and acting against the federal spirit. Discuss with the help of suitable examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Governors in India often overstep their constitutional role and fail to act effectively when needed. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Both India and the USA adhere to democratic principles but their electoral systems exhibit significant differences. What are the key differences in electoral practices between the two countries? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"How far do you agree with the view that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has met its objective of ensuring environmental justice in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Though Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) have become a platform for competitive politics, they have not emerged as an agency of planning and service delivery. Why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by interoperability in e-governance? What steps have been taken by the government to ensure interoperability and integration of various e-governance systems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"When it comes to sexual and reproductive health of women in India, rights-based discourse has largely been bypassed not just by the societal norms but also by the legal norms. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"How effective has India been in enhancing immunization coverage over the years? What challenges continue to affect immunization efforts in the country? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India used its Presidency of the G20 to bring the voice of the Global South to the centre stage. Discuss with special reference to Africa. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"India's relationship with the UAE has witnessed a remarkable expansion across various domains in the last decade. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6774,"topper":"Saloni Gautam","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/af4ce-1167967_2930_saloni_gautam_rank_127.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How is the rapid growth of the food processing industry leading to food safety challenges in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Under the Public Distribution System of India, the Fair Price Shop (FPS) transformation is an evolving process. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"How are agri-tech startups in India helping farmers in enhancing farm productivity and market access? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the role of digitization of land records in the effective implementation of land reforms in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"To fully exploit its demographic dividend and accelerate economic growth, India needs to adopt a manufacturing-led growth model. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can the resilience of Indian coastal communities be strengthened to tackle the growing natural hazards resulting from climate change? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How does the Green Credit Programme extend beyond carbon management to promote a more sustainable environment in India? What are the various concerns about its implementation? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What is the need for NavIC when existing satellite navigation systems are already available? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Cyber-enabled financial crime has emerged as the new frontier of global money laundering. Discuss. How can the government address this issue? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The Indian Army is observing the year 2024 as the 'Year of Technology Absorption'. In light of this, explain why there is a need for technology absorption in the defence sector of India. What challenges can India face in this initiative? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What are the issues faced in the development of trade and industries in the North-Eastern Region (NER) of India? Comment on the measures that have been taken to tackle these issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the era of climate change and growing water scarcity, how can micro-irrigation systems contribute to sustainable agricultural practices in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6775,"topper":"Saloni Gautam","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/922fa-1167967_2424_saloni_gautam_rank_127.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What are the different dimensions of food security? Examine India's status in terms of ensuring food security with regard to these dimensions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Modern technologies such as blockchain and ChatGPT are powerful tools with immense potential to transform agriculture into a more efficient and sustainable sector. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What factors have led to the recent acceleration in the trend towards de-dollarization of the global economy? Do you think the dollar will lose its dominance anytime soon? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Despite significant pressure from the developed countries to alter its food subsidy regime, there is merit in India trying to retain its policy support for the poor in the country. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Several initiatives have been taken by the government towards addressing India's water needs, but the issues of water availability and water quality still warrant prioritised intervention. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What are the major drivers of glacial retreat in the Arctic? Describe the potential impact of the retreat of Arctic glaciers on the ecosystem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Space tourism, which was viewed as something straight out of a science fiction movie, is now becoming a reality albeit not without hindrances. What are the challenges associated with space tourism? What measures can be taken to address these challenges? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Global health experts widely believe that the development of CAR-T cell therapy can be a game changer in the treatment of cancer. How can CAR-T cell therapy overcome the limitations of CRISPR-Cas9 technology? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss why the rising deployment of new and emerging technologies by prominent violent extremist organizations demand concerted global efforts. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"With the Line of Actual Control (LAC) remaining tense after the Galwan and Yangste incidents and both India and China ramping up infrastructure in the border areas, discuss the role that ITBP plays in the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Do you think there is a need for a shift from 'land productivity' to 'irrigation water productivity' in India? Justify your answer. What are the challenges in making this shift? Explain. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Examine the role that green hydrogen can play in unlocking the energy security of India. How can the National Green Hydrogen Mission help India in achieving its energy goals? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6776,"topper":"Saloni Gautam","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d22b1-1167967_2931_saloni_gautam_rank_127.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The end cannot justify the means, for the simple and obvious reason that the means employed determine the nature of the ends produced. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss how the relationship between law and ethics is dynamic and continuously shaped by societal changes. Provide examples to illustrate this dynamic relationship. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Differentiate between probity and integrity with suitable examples. How do these values contribute to ethical governance and decision-making in the civil services? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the ethical implications of withholding information in public administration. How can transparency enhance accountability and reduce corruption in government institutions? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \" - \" - \"There is no school equal to a decent home and no teacher equal to a virtuous parent.\"- Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What factors lead to a positive attitude in a person? How does positive attitude enhance the effectiveness of civil servants in performing their duties? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss how emotional intelligence can influence ethical decision-making in the allocation of scarce public resources. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Various international humanitarian organizations provide emergency aid in conflict zones around the world. Highlight the ethical challenges faced by such organizations. What are the principles that guide international humanitarian work? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Why is persuasion regarded as an important skill for civil servants? What are the key considerations that should guide persuasion in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"What role can ethical leadership play in curbing corruption, especially in public service? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"What were the major teachings of Swami Dayanand Saraswati? Explain their relevance in addressing the current ethical and social challenges in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":43,"question":"What are the options available to Jay as the Commissioner of the Education Department? Evaluate each of these options. (b) What option should Jay adopt and why? (c) How can civil servants like Jay be better protected when they attempt to uphold ethical standards in their work? (Answer in 250 words) As the District Magistrate of X city, you are responsible for overseeing the construction of a new metro depot in an urban forest area, which is a critical infrastructure project aimed at improving public transportation and reducing traffic congestion and air pollution. The project, however, requires the clearance of a substantial portion of the forest, which has triggered strong opposition from environmental activists, local residents, and NGOs. This forest is widely regarded as essential for the city's ecological balance, often referred to as the city's \"lungs.\" In addition to the environmental concerns, you are under considerable pressure from politicians at the state-level to expedite the project, given the upcoming elections in two years. The political leadership emphasizes the benefits of the metro project for the city's development and its potential to garner electoral support. The project is expected to significantly reduce travel time for thousands of commuters and potentially decrease overall vehicle emissions in the city. However, it would also lead to the loss of thousands of trees and disrupt local ecosystems. As you prepare to make a decision, you are aware that your choice will have far-reaching consequences for both the city's development and its environment. (a) Identify the ethical dilemmas involved in the above case. (b) Evaluate the options available to you in the above situation. Which of these would you choose and why? (c) Suggest some measures that could be implemented to balance urban development needs with environmental conservation in future projects. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"As the District Magistrate of X city, you are responsible for overseeing the construction of a new metro depot in an urban forest area, which is a critical infrastructure project aimed at improving public transportation and reducing traffic congestion and air pollution. The project, however, requires the clearance of a substantial portion of the forest, which has triggered strong opposition from environmental activists, local residents, and NGOs. This forest is widely regarded as essential for the city's ecological balance, often referred to as the city's \"lungs.\" In addition to the environmental concerns, you are under considerable pressure from politicians at the state-level to expedite the project, given the upcoming elections in two years. The political leadership emphasizes the benefits of the metro project for the city's development and its potential to garner electoral support. The project is expected to significantly reduce travel time for thousands of commuters and potentially decrease overall vehicle emissions in the city. However, it would also lead to the loss of thousands of trees and disrupt local ecosystems. As you prepare to make a decision, you are aware that your choice will have far-reaching consequences for both the city's development and its environment. (a) Identify the ethical dilemmas involved in the above case. (b) Evaluate the options available to you in the above situation. Which of these would you choose and why? (c) Suggest some measures that could be implemented to balance urban development needs with environmental conservation in future projects. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Dr. Mehra is a senior drug developer at a leading pharmaceutical company in India, renowned for producing various medications, including lifesaving drugs critical for treating chronic and rare diseases. Since its inception, the company has emphasized the quality and affordability of its drugs. Recently, under revised government guidelines, pharmaceutical companies are required to market a finished product only after obtaining \"satisfactory results\" from tests on the ingredients. Additionally, they must retain a sufficient quantity of samples of both intermediate and final products to allow repeated testing or verification of a batch. Dr. Mehra's team is in the final stages of developing a new medication for a rare but life-threatening disease. This drug has shown promising results in clinical trials. However, there have been unresolved concerns about the long-term side effects of the drug, observed in a small percentage of trial subjects. Despite this, the company has not released any major drug in the past decade, leading to significant pressure from the board members to expedite the drug's release. (a) Identify the stakeholders in the above case study. (b) Discuss the ethical issues faced by Dr. Mehra. (c) Analyse the options available to Dr. Mehra in the above case. Which of these would you choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":58,"question":"Arun, renowned for his integrity and dedication, has recently assumed the role of Superintendent at a state Pollution Control Board. This posting, his fourth in just one year, includes the responsibility of overseeing Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs). In his new position, Arun becomes aware of a copper smelting plant situated near a crucial wetland that serves as the primary water source for the region. Despite the plant's notorious reputation for heavy pollution, the current EIA, presented to Arun by the Chairperson, indicates no significant impact on the wetland. The next assessment is not scheduled for another two years. One day, Arun receives a letter from a politician affiliated with the opposition party. The letter contains evidence suggesting that the current EIA results are based on falsified lab reports, allegedly approved by the Chairperson. The Chairperson is known to have close ties with the ruling party, which has been receiving substantial donations from the plant's operators. The opposition politician urges Arun to expose the Chairperson from within the department, arguing that this approach could effectively pressurize the government to conduct a new EIA. He promises Arun significant rewards and support once their party comes to power, an outcome suggested by recent opinion polls. While the evidence presented is compelling, Arun remains cautious about the possibility of being exploited as a political pawn. He is acutely aware of the potential consequences of his actions, (a) In light of the above case, discuss the ethical issues that may arise from the nexus between corporate, political, and bureaucratic interests. (b) As a conscientious civil servant, evaluate the options available to Arun. Which option should he choose and why?(Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":59,"question":"In light of the above case, discuss the ethical issues that may arise from the nexus between corporate, political, and bureaucratic interests. (b) As a conscientious civil servant, evaluate the options available to Arun. Which option should he choose and why?(Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6777,"topper":"Saloni Vats","air":273,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SALONI-VATSUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-273-Sample-MGP-COPY-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1 How does the study of numismatics contribute to the unraveling of India's history? Explain with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Analyse the significance of the Civil Disobedience Movement in India's freedom struggle, considering its extent, reach, and revolutionary zeal.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) How did the British education policy in colonial India fuel the rise of Indian nationalism instead of achieving its intended purpose of perpetuating Indian subjugation?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) The Arab-Israeli conflict should be understood as a product of both internal dynamics and the outcome of manipulative strategies employed by imperial powers. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 The eastern coast and the western coast of India differ considerably in their geographical characteristics. Explain.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) Enumerate the factors behind the proliferation of the IT industry in India. Also, Explain the reasons behind the skewed concentration of the IT industry within the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) The Aspirational Blocks Programme, built upon the success of the Aspirational Districts Programme, can help in achieving the twin objectives of enabling balanced growth and checking stressed migration. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) Even after seven decades of independence, the colonial mindset continues to cast its shadow on Indian society. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 Digital technologies can play a significant role in bridging the gender gap in India; however, it is mired in its own set of challenges. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 How will you explain that the values of tolerance and inclusiveness which were deeply embedded in ancient Indian society continue to persist and flourish in the present times?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 Dravidian temple architecture can be seen as a continuum that, though strengthened during the period of the Pallavas, reached its pinnacle during the reign of the Cholas. Discuss","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) Examine the causes that led to tribal unrest during British rule in India. Analyse the reasons for their limited success.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 While the Emergency of 1975 was touted as seminal for national security and unity by some, the critics paint it as the darkest phase of Post Independent India. Discuss. What insights and lessons did emergency provide for the country?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) Mangroves play a significant role in coastal ecology and economy. Examine. Also, elaborate the reasons behind the accelerated destruction of the mangrove habitat.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15) Write an explanatory note on the global distribution of earthquakes with the help of the map given below. Also, throw light on the various consequences associated with earthquakes.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 Although poor air quality is a perennial problem, it gets intensified during the winter months in Delhi-NCR. Explain. Evaluate the efficacy of existing measures to control air pollution.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 Enumerate the major reasons that make the Indian economy heavily reliant on coal. Explain why phasing out coal from our energy basket is difficult.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 In what ways are the institutions of marriage and family undergoing changes in contemporary times? Elucidate the role of the state and the market in facilitating these changes.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 How do unplanned urbanization and unabated rural-urban migration contribute to the multiple woes faced by Indian metropolises?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 The forces of globalization have an indelible influence on the traditional cultural values of Indian society. Elaborate. Also, discuss the impact of globalization on diversity and disparity in the country.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6778,"topper":"Saloni Vats","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ff162fc0430025272826e0c794787a7c/85/pttp220077_tc071-test-01-gs-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"The fabric of Indian Philosophical thought owes as much to Northern India as to Southern India. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"The Indian Society's impulse for Social Change and reform was a response to its opposition to colonial rule. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"The White Revolution was most successful in the Western Part of India. Discuss factors for this regional success of the White Revolution.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"To what extent does seismic investigation contribute to our understanding of the earth's interior structure ? Analyse its significance in detail.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The pace of demographic transition varies across different states of India making population growth a double-edged sword. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"The ethnic and cultural diversity in India has always been bound by the thread of unity. Discuss the major factors that have contributed to the cultural unity of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"The dichotomy in public and private life in Indian society acts as a major barrier to the annihilation of caste. Justify.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"India was forced into numerous wars post-independence. Highlight causes & impact of Indo-Pak and Indo-China wars on our bilateral relationships.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Tourism in hilly states is threatening to exceed the ecological carrying capacity of the region. Analyze the factors contributing to this trend and evaluate potential environmental impacts of this phenomenon. What measures can be taken for sustainable Tourism?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Indian Monsoon is a complex phenomenon influenced by various climatic factors. Critically examine role of Oceanic and Atmospheric factors in determining intensity and distribution of monsoon rainfall in India .","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Why do traditions in our society impede change? To what extent can social legislation be instrumental against old customary practices?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"Slums are not 'problems that have to be solved' - but are indeed a result of lopsided and vested urban policies covering infrastructure provision and socio-economic issues. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"Communalism gains strength from economic deprivation, and thrives in environments of Social exclusion, creating fertile ground for discontent and division. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6779,"topper":"Saloni Vats","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/35/mts_2023_unchecked_pttp220077_tc071.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"The fabric of Indian Philosophical thought owes as much to Northern India as to Southern India. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"The Indian Society's impulse for Social Change and reform was a response to its opposition to colonial rule. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"What are the factors that led to Russian Revolution and What are the consequences of this revolution? Discuss its influence on the Indian National movement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"Describe various factors responsible for uneven temperature distribution of earth's surface.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"The melting of glaciers due to Climate Change has serious implications for ecosystem and human society. Discuss the effects of melting glaciers on the environment and the measures that can be taken to address this issue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"The White Revolution was most successful in the Western Part of India. Discuss factors for this regional success of the White Revolution.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"To what extent does seismic investigation contribute to our understanding of the earth's interior structure? Analyse its significance in detail.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The pace of demographic transition varies across different states of India making population growth a double-edged sword. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"The ethnic and cultural diversity in India has always been bound by the thread of unity. Discuss the major factors that have contributed to the cultural unity of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"The dichotomy in public and private life in Indian society acts as a major barrier to the annihilation of caste. Justify.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"India was forced into numerous wars post-independence. Highlight causes & impact of Indo-Pak and Indo-China wars on our bilateral relationships.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"The configuration of ocean floor provides essential information about geological processes that have shaped earth's surface. Discuss major features of ocean floor and their significance in the study of oceanography.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"With growing demand for rare earth elements, their distribution has become a critical aspect of global economy. Discuss distribution of Rare Earth Elements across the world, their uses, and environmental impact of their extraction.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Tourism in hilly states is threatening to exceed the ecological carrying capacity of the region. Analyze the factors contributing to this trend and evaluate potential environmental impacts of this phenomenon. What measures can be taken for sustainable Tourism?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Indian Monsoon is a complex phenomenon influenced by various climatic factors. Critically examine role of Oceanic and Atmospheric factors in determining intensity and distribution of monsoon rainfall in India .","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Why do traditions in our society impede change? To what extent can social legislation be instrumental against old customary practices?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"Slums are not 'problems' that have to be solved - but are indeed a result of lopsided and vested urban policies covering infrastructure provision and Socio-economic issues. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"Communalism gains strength from economic deprivation, and thrives in environments of social exclusion, creating fertile ground for discontent and division. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6780,"topper":"Saloni Vats","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4864f-741748_1834_saloni-vats_rank_273.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The Sunga dynasty contributed significantly to the cultural and social development in ancient India. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the role of foreign nationals in the Indian freedom struggle during the Gandhian phase.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Provide an account of the contribution of Ram Manohar Lohia during the Indian freedom struggle and in post-independence India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by tsunamigenic zones? Giving an account of their global distribution, explain the propagation of tsunamis","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"What are atmospheric lakes? Highlight their characteristics.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"What are polymetallic nodules? Highlight their geographical distribution and state their significance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"What are technical textiles? In view of their significance, discuss the steps taken by the government to promote them in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the challenges that internal migration creates for urban governance in India. Also, suggest measures to address the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the various opportunities and challenges posed by globalization on working women in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the rationale behind anti-conversion laws in India. Also, state the concerns that have been raised with regard to these laws.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Central Asian contacts had a profound political and cultural impact on India in ancient times. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"Governance, during the British rule, was a means of exploitation of India rather than a vehicle of public welfare. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Discuss how India successfully dealt with the sensitive issue of language, which had the potential of threatening national unity in the post-independence period.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"Bring out the factors, which led to decolonisation after the Second World War. Also, discuss the role played by India in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"What are Marine Heat Waves (MHW)? Identify the causes of their formation and discuss their consequences for India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"What are geo-climatic conditions required for oil palm cultivation? Do you agree with the view that India should promote its large-scale cultivation to reduce import dependency?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"In view of changes witnessed in Himalayan cryosphere, discuss implications for India's water security.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Ocean Warming, Ocean Acidification and Ocean deoxygenation are often referred to as the 'deadly trio' for marine life. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"Tribals in India continue to face myriad challenges with regard to healthcare. Discuss issues faced by them and suggest remedial measures.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"Reservation for women perpetuates a 'proxy culture' as seen in phenomenon of 'Sarpanch Patis'. In this context, discuss whether reservation can address issue of poor participation of women in Indian Politics.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6781,"topper":"Saloni Vats","air":129,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/126/pttp220077_tc071-test-01-gs-1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6782,"topper":"Saloni Vats","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/de6a3-741748_1835_saloni-vats_rank_273.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The withdrawal of general consent to the CBI by other some state governments in India threatens spirit of cooperative federalism in India. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Stating sources of finance for local self-government in India, suggest ways to strengthen their financial position.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Cabinet committees play an important role in reinstating collective responsibility and principle of homogeneity of Executive in Indian Parliamentary System. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"There is a need to overhaul Public procurement and project management (PPPM) framework for faster, efficient and transparent execution of government projects. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Adequate measures are required to overcome the challenges and vulnerabilities associated with undertaking social accountability initiatives and institutionalizing them. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"In view of recent Parliamentary Standing Committee Report, discuss issues faced by NCST and suggest measures to strengthen it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"While the Mid-Day Meal scheme was aimed at fulfilling nutritional needs of students, it is far behind in achieving this objective. Discuss. Also suggest remedial measures.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Sexual & Repr. health right (SRHR) remain critical for attainment of SDGs. Discuss impediments in fulfillment of SRHR in India. Also, steps that can be taken.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"State functions of UN Human Rights Council. Discuss issues faced in promotion and protection of rights across the globe.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"West Asia is an important strategic region for India with profound geo-political and geo-economic significance. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Disenfranchising prisoners desecrates a cherished value in a democracy i.e. 'Right to Vote', which should be guarded earnestly. Discuss in the light of RPA, 1951.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"There are similarities and interactions between affirmative action adopted by India and USA owing to similar historical injustices faced by their respective vulnerable groups. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Objections to domicile-based reservation in private sector jobs on grounds of constitutional equality and freedom are misplaced. Critically discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"There have been arguments that sedition law is an attack on the very foundation of India's liberal democratic principles, as enshrined in the Constitution. Do you agree?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"Despite government e-Marketplace facing certain challenges, it has brought about a significant improvement in procurement of goods & services by government agencies. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"A reformed system of recruitment, training and evaluation needs to be put in place to take forward the development of a highly efficient and accountable civil service. Discuss in context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"Despite initiatives by government to achieve critical goals in education sector, major interventions are required to tackle learning poverty as well as persisting inequalities. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"In light of burgeoning burden of both communicable & non-communicable diseases, there is a need to revamp public health surveillance system in India. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"The repercussions of ongoing economic crisis in Sri lanka extend beyond its borders. Discuss w.r.t India. Also, mention steps India has taken to assist Sri lanka tide over crisis.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"India is a reliable partner in IOR and take on role of being net security provider. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6783,"topper":"Saloni Vats","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/92b50-741748_2210_saloni-vats_rank_273.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Highlighting significance of Central Asia for India, discuss challenges in strengthening Indo-Central Asia relationship.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the role that Indian diaspora can play in the making of \"Atmanirbhar Bharat\". Also, mention challenges in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Stating significance of trans-boundary river water management for India, discuss emerging issues in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"UN Peacekeeping requires reforms to keep its operations fit-for-purpose. In this context, discuss challenges faced by peacekeeping. Also, suggest reforms to improve its operations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss the role that space technology can play in strengthening India's border security.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"What do you understand by hybrid warfare? Discuss India's preparedness in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Discuss how cryptocurrencies can become a tool of money laundering in India. Also, highlight steps taken by government in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"To display its commitment to achieve net zero emissions, India has incentivised production of green hydrogen. In this context, discuss prospects and challenges of a green hydrogen economy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"S. Chandrasekhar was one of the greatest scientists of 20th century whose prolific contributions spanned across astrophysics, space and mathematics. Elaborate","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"India's lunar missions, besides attesting to the development of space technology in India, have contributed significantly in exploring lunar surface. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"There have been arguments with old global multilateral order failing to manage rising challenges, issue-based coalitions are gaining traction and have become arenas of functional cooperation. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"India intends to achieve a balanced and optimal development of energy infrastructure in South-Asian region through mutual understanding and cooperation. In light of this statement, discuss need as well as existing gaps in South Asia's energy cooperation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Not only is the Indo-French bilateral relationship the key for unlocking the synergies with the European Union but it is also crucial for a sustainable and stable world order. Do you agree?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"A mix of internal and external factors poses security threats in North-East India. Discuss. What steps has the government taken to maintain peace and stability in the region?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Discuss the extent of problem of narco-terrorism in India. What measures have been taken by the government to counter and control this problem?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"In light of the increasing security challenges faced by India, state the need for achieving self-reliance in defence manufacturing. Also, discuss challenges in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"India faces a number of security threats and challenges that originate from the seas. Discuss. Also, give an account of the initiatives taken to strengthen the coastal security of India in recent times.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"What is Gamma Irradiation Technology? Highlight its various applications, with special focus on food preservation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Recently, WHO has declared Anti-Microbial resistance (AMR) as one of the top 10 public health threats facing humanity. Comment. Also, discuss measures taken to counter this threat in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"What are Hypersonic weapons? Highlight their significance and discuss challenges in their adoption and use.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6784,"topper":"Saloni Verma","air":70,"year":2020,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c740c-746224_1418_saloni-verma_rank_70.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6785,"topper":"Saloni Verma","air":70,"year":2020,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7ca25-746224_1419_saloni-verma_rank_70.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6786,"topper":"Saloni Verma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kSS4P8iWeHQtBQyVhyNeBO-iyc-WcKNX/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) Man is not only a product of his environment but can also modify the environment. Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) Though it may seem that accountability and efficiency are antithetical to each other, accountability is a sine qua non for good governance. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) Gandhian ideals can be of immense help in dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic. Evaluate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) While civil servants have the legal right to undertake post-retirement jobs, it raises key ethical issues. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"3. Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context:\n(a) Try not to become a man of success but rather try to become a man of value. Albert Einstein","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) Having knowledge of an unethical act and allowing it to continue can spread a contagion that can affect multiple beings in society. Bertrand Russell","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"4. (a) When people use a common resource without a coordinated plan the result is often a tragedy of the commons in which the resource is depleted. In this context, discuss the various ethical challenges arising out of utilization of Global Commons.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"4. (b) While a code of conduct merely establishes minimal standards of conduct, a better strategy to promote ethical work culture is through internalization of values. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"5. (a) A state that does not have the political will and the discipline to enforce probity in governance, can not get rid of the menace of prolonged corruption. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"5. (b) India cannot march successfully in to the 21st century with the administrative system having a colonial mindset. Discuss in context of the bureaucratic work culture in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"6. Which corporate leader has inspired you the most and what moral lessons have you learnt from their life?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"7. Increasing participation of people in governance and easy access to information is what transforms governance to good governance. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"8. It is sometimes believed that moral scrupulousness in one's private life automatically guarantees high moral stature in professional life. Do you agree? Justify your stand with logical arguments.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"9. You are working as a District Magistrate in an aspirational district where women literacy and sex ratio is one of the lowest in the country. It is brought to your notice that a woman who has been elected as 'Sarpanch' on a seat reserved for women candidates in a panchayat in your district is head 'only on the paper'. All the work related to the panchayat is actually carried out by her husband. Even the flag hoisting ceremony on Independence Day is carried out by her husband. However, her husband happens to be a good administrator as indicated by that panchayat's performance as compared to other panchayats in the district. Also, her husband enjoys the support of the local people. Given the situation, answer the following:\n(a) Identify the stakeholders and issues involved in this case?\n(b) What options are available to you as the District Magistrate in such a scenario? Also, evaluate each option and indicate what option will you choose.","marks":"20","words":"around 250"},{"page":34,"question":"10. The issues confronting humanity are multifaceted - from political conflicts and human rights abuses to pandemics and climate change. They are not contained within national borders, nor do they fit into the silos of separate government agencies or academic specialties. What is required is greater international cooperation, mutual respect, abiding by international laws and participative global decision-making. However, over the last decade, it has been observed that international relations have overshadowed these basic tenets of global governance and now we are at the verge of serious global catastrophic risks. When it comes to the structures of global governance, business as usual, is no longer an option. Not only an improvement in our understanding of risks is required but also taking responsibility to lead collective action for a coordinated global response.\n(a) What do you think are the factors hindering collective actions?\n(b) Provide a case for the moral obligation of the international community to come together and find solutions to the problems we face.\n(c) What should be the principles guiding such international cooperation?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":39,"question":"11. You are posted as Superintendent of Police in a district. A case has come up in which more than 30 girls were allegedly raped and sexually exploited at the city shelter home run by an NGO. The scandal came to light when media flagged complaints of sexual abuse of inmates of the city shelter home. A nexus of police, politicians, administration and criminals have been allegedly responsible for the racket going on for the last few years. In light of this, a lot of protests have erupted across the city. While, on one hand, media glare has meant that people are demanding swift action, you have been asked to go slow in investigating the case by top officers in your department. Elections in the state are due in a few months, so it has become a politically sensitive issue. You are also under immense political pressure from the ruling party to not take strict action and make compromises to cover up the case. Given the situation, answer the following:\n(a) Identify the issues involved in the case.\n(b) What are the options available to you? Which of these options will you choose? Justify your stand with logical arguments.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":44,"question":"12. Being the senior-most IAS officer, you are in line to be promoted as Chief Secretary after the incumbent retires in the next two months. Currently, you are heading the Public Works Department (PWD) and a road construction project worth crores has been opened for tender. A company X belonging to the son-in-law of the incumbent Chief Minister has also applied for the same. The director in charge of the screening process, a young IAS officer, has reported that company Y and the state PSU have submitted the best bids. Both you and the director are facing political pressure to favour the company X. The young IAS officer may be demoralised if you give in to the pressure. But if you don't give in then he may be transferred and your chances of promotion may also suffer. In light of the situation, answer the following:\n(a) Discuss the ethical issues faced by you in the given case.\n(b) What are the options available to you? Which of these options will you choose? Justify your stand with logical arguments.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":49,"question":"13. As the head of the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), you are tasked to complete the construction of a power plant. The project needs to be completed expeditiously to fulfil the promise made by the government to ensure access to power for all. The selected site is in a remote area and is ideal for plant construction. However, the project would require relocation of the people living in the vicinity. Initially, the local community objected to disruption in their lives but were convinced later about the economic benefits that would accrue to the region through this plant. The project had started gathering pace, but recently a local NGO working for environment protection got involved with the local community regarding the issue. And now the local community has started protesting against any developmental activity in the region. As the officer-in-charge for the speedy execution of the project, answer the following:\n(a) What are the issues involved in this case?\n(b) What course of action will you take and why?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":54,"question":"14. Genetic editing has several applications with its potential to edit the genomes of both somatic and germ cells. This allows for the ability to not only cure genetic diseases but to edit the characteristics of future offspring. The last few years have seen the development of several efficient, more precise genetic engineering techniques. However, with growing sophistication, various issues of bioethics have also have come to the forefront.\n(a) Discuss the ethical considerations associated with genome editing.\n(b) In the light of these ethical issues, provide an ethical framework on how this technology can be used for the betterment of humanity.","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":6787,"topper":"Saloni Verma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CbQ4smt_EHACM391nkOiMemByWeT-zSP/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) There is a view that the principal objective of ethics is equitable distribution of resources in a society and behavioural regulation at an individual level. Do you agree?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) A person's ability to make ethical decisions is often restricted because of internal and external pressures. Identify some internal and external pressure that impact ethical decision-making. Have you ever faced such a pressure? Give examples from your life.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) The requirement of a developing country is not a neutral civil service but civil service activism. Do you agree with this statement? Justify your stand with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) What do you mean by intellectual courage? Why is it an important quality in a civil servant?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) a) Differentiate between the following\ni) Emotions and Feelings\nii) Integrity and probity","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"In light of the statement, explain reasons for widespread corruption in India. How can ethical actions be promoted in administration?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"10 Human challenge trials (HCTs) in the development of the COVID-19 vaccine, involves grave ethical concerns. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"b) What do you mean by \"good character\"? Is it a necessary and sufficient condition for moral actions?","marks":"10","words":"10"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.5 Given are two quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. For each of these bring out what it means to you in the present context.\na) In law a man is guilty when he violates the rights of others. In ethics he is guilty if he only thinks of doing so. - Immanuel Kant","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"b) \"Ethics as no-self\" - Swami Vivekananda","marks":"10","words":"10"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.6) a) The recent spate of suicide among seemingly successful people shows us that there is a need for developing both the adversity quotient and emotional quotient. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"b) Why is objectivity considered a foundational value in civil services? Is it possible for a civil servant to always be objective? Justify your answer with an example.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"c) Lack of transparency results in distrust and deep sense of insecurity. Explain how the Right to information has helped in building trust in government. How far do you think have the recent amendments to the Act diluted the very essence of the Act?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7 You are working as a Human Resource Manager in a multinational company. The profit margins of the company have been coming down in recent years. The top management has decided to lay off around 20% of the employees in the light of reducing profits. You have been given the responsibility of identifying employees who can be laid off. You have been told not to discuss this issue with anyone and keep it a secret. Many of the people who will be laid off are your friends. While shortlisting employees you realize that many of the employees are dependent on the company for their survival. You also come to know that people working at the top are getting salary hikes despite company-wide moratorium on salary appraisals. You feel that if such hikes are not given, many jobs can be saved. You are now confused and not happy with the way things are done in the company. When you approach your seniors, you are told to follow the instructions and leave decisions to them.\na) Identify the ethical issues from the viewpoint of different stakeholders.\nb) What will you do in such a situation?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Q.8) Jyoti Kumari is a young girl staying in Gurugram with her father. Due to a nationwide lockdown and cessation of all economic activity, her father loses his job. With no work at hand, and little means to survive in the city, Jyoti and her father decide to go back to home in Bihar. However, no means of transport are available given the lockdown situation.\nJyoti decides to cycle more than 1200 km to bring her sick father from Haryana to their native village in Bihar.\nThe story of Jyoti and her father is not an isolated one in India. 'Lockdown restrictions introduced by the government have forced many migrant workers out of jobs, forcing them to migrate to hometowns and villages. Although the governments at various levels have been trying to ease the movements of migrants, stories of Jyoti and her father hints that more needs to be done.\nThere is also the added issue of bearing the cost of travel of the migrants from their respective states to their home states. Left with no money, due to loss of livelihood, State governments are unwilling to bear the cost of travel of migrant labourers.\nYou have been tasked with drafting a policy for migrant workers affected by the lockdown. How will you approach the problem and what would be the main elements of your suggested policy?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"With an insufficient number of ventilators left in the COVID care unit in your hospital, answer the following questions:\na) What do you understand by Triage Policy? What are the ethical challenges in framing a triage policy?\nb) What would be your priority order for providing intensive health care service to these five patients?\nc) On what ethical criteria, would you base your judgment?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.10) Singham has been posted as Superintendent of Police in a district. In a gruesome incident, a girl was raped and murdered in his district. The news was widely covered by local and national media. The heated media debates and wide media coverage have created strong general public opinion against this incident. Citizen Groups have organized peaceful protests all over the country to show solidarity with the victim and her family. The girl's family is also politically connected.\n\nOne day, Singham had received a phone call from the Home Ministry. He was ordered to solve this case on a priority basis. Singham was also aware that every police personnel working on the case had received feelers from the government to quickly solve the case. The police team assigned to the case acted quickly and suspects were identified and arrested. However, during the transfer of suspects from jail to court, the suspects were killed in an encounter.\n\nAccording to police personnel on duty, the accused snatched the gun of a police officer and fired upon the police, trying to escape. Police retaliated and exchange of fire took place which resulted in death of suspects.\n\nThis action of the on-duty police personnel has been receiving appreciation from all quarters ranging from public to politicians. On the other hand, human rights groups are criticizing this action alleging that it was a deliberate and planned extra-judicial killing. Singham also suspects that foul play may be involved due to political pressure.\na) What are different ethical issues involved in this case?\nb) If you were in Singham's position, what would you do in this situation?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"6 WHAT WOULD I DO as SINGHAM","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Q.11 Stubble burning has been in the news for the last few years as a major reason for pollution in Delhi. You are the District Magistrate of an agricultural district close to NCR which has notorious reputation for stubble burning after the end of kharif season. On investigation you found that farmers burn stubble because it is cheapest and quickest way to clear the field. The large farmers, who are capable of moving on to other methods of stubble disposal, also resort to stubble burning. The government has made it illegal to burn stubble and offered incentive for hiring machines to dispose stubble in an environment friendly manner. However, no farmer has given up the practice of stubble burning in your district.\na) Do you think this attitude is related to only financial considerations or does it have any ethical dimensions also?\nb) How will you ensure that practice of stubble burning is checked in your district?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Q.12) You have been appointed as the panchayat secretary in Phulera, a small village in Ballia district of Uttar Pradesh. You have little interest in working as a panchayat secretary but due to lack of any better job opportunity, you have joined this position. You have always lived in metro cities and have little knowledge of rural ways of life.\n\nWhile posting you were told that Phulera was a reserved constituency for women and the gram pradhan and other block members are women. When you reached Phulera, you were greeted by Mr. Brij Bhusan Dubey. Everyone called Mr Brij Bhusan Dubey \"pradhan ji\". You were surprised to see a man being called pradhan because gram pradhan was supposed to be a woman named Mrs. Lalita Devi. When you inquired, the clerk in the panchayat office told you that the person who is being called pradhan ji is actually the husband of official gram pradhan, Mrs. Lalita Devi. Other people who introduced themselves as block members were also male, whereas official members were supposed to be females.\n\nMr. Brij Bhusan Dubey takes care of official business in the village and Mrs. Lalita Devi, who is the actual gram pradhan is least interested in official business of panchayat. You know that this arrangement is against the spirit of reserving seats for women in panchayats, but you have accepted it.\n\nThe Republic day function is coming in few days and gram pradhan is expected to lead the flag hoisting ceremony and sing the national anthem on the stage at panchayat office. But you come to know that Mr. Brij Bhusan Dubey is planning to hoist the national flag and sing the national anthem instead of Mrs. Lalita Devi. The panchayat clerk tells you that Mr. Brij Bhusan Dubey hoisted the flag and sang the national anthem last year as well. When you ask Mrs. Lalita Devi to perform the official ceremony, she tells you that she does not know the national anthem and insists that it is more convenient for her husband to perform the ceremony. Your conscience is telling you that it will be wrong for someone else to hoist the national flag and sing the national anthem instead of official gram pradhan. Considering the present situation answer the following questions:\na) Why does the culture of \"pradhan pati\" exist in India?\nb) Some of the options for action available to you are listed below. Discuss the merits and demerits of each of the options:\n1. Permit Mr. Brij Bhusan Dubey to hoist the flag and sing the national anthem as happened last year.\n2. Ask Mrs. Lalita Devi to hoist the flag and invite school children to sing the national anthem.\n3. Persuade Mrs. Lalita Devi to perform the ceremony herself.\nc) What will be your course of action?","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":6788,"topper":"Saloni Verma","air":70,"year":2020,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c179f-746224_1420_saloni-verma_rank_70.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6789,"topper":"Saloni Verma","air":70,"year":2020,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/10C5X69-u9HtShNnff9mRNEznI8vlVKk4","questions":[]},{"id":6790,"topper":"Sambhav Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8a255-402880_1066_sambhav-jain_rank_179.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The cave architecture in India not only enlighten us with information of tradition and customs of ancient times but also illustrate considerable accomplishment with regard to structural engineering and artistry. Discuss. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"While the Battle of Plassey laid the foundation of British Empire in India, it was the Battle of Buxar that proved to be the turning point of British fortunes in India. Discuss. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Among many novel methods and themes, the Swadeshi Movement laid great emphasis not only on boycott but also on self-reliance. Discuss. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The idea of linguistic states predated independence, however it took some time even after independence for this idea to be implemented. Discuss. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Dr. B. R. Ambedkar understood that persistent inequalities pose fundamental challenges to the economic and social well-being of the nation and people. In this context, discuss the key contributions of Dr. Ambedkar in the history of modern India. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"It has been pointed out that in recent times, while the proportional share of nuclear households has dipped in urban areas it has risen in rural areas. Analyse the reasons behind this trend. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Separation, and not divorce, is the dominant form of marriage dissolution for most women in India. What could be the possible reasons behind this? Also, discuss why there are striking differences in divorce rates between the different regions in India. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Elaborate on the factors responsible for the evolution of the current drainage system in Indian sub-continent, with special emphasis on the characteristic features of Himalayan and Peninsular rivers. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Enumerate the features of Plantation Agriculture and the problems faced by them. Given the fact that area under cultivation of palm oil has been increasing, discuss the benefits and challenges associated with it. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Bring out the distinctive features of Gandhara, Mathura and Amravati schools of art that flourished towards the first century CE. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The British in India wanted not only territorial conquest and control over revenues; they also felt that they had a cultural mission: to 'civilise the natives', change their customs and values. Critically discuss. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi being close associates, there were significant differences between the two regarding the role of state and the control that it exercised. Comment. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Enumerating the reasons behind Sino-Soviet split in the second half of the 20th century, analyse its impact on the Cold War. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"History has disproved the prediction that democracy would not succeed in India. In this context, critically assess the achievements and challenges of democracy in India since Independence. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Enumerate the key issues faced by working women in contemporary Indian society and the steps taken by the government to address them. Also, critically examine the key features of Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act 2017. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Despite tropical areas being the major emitters of CFCs, the phenomenon of ozone hole formation is largely confined to polar areas and that too over the Antarctic and in early spring. Elaborate. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6791,"topper":"Sambhav Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/00929-402880_1071_sambhav-jain_rank_179.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) is more than just the keeper of our national accounts; it is also a conscience-keeper and a watchdog. Examine the statement in light of making the auditing process more effective. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The concern for transparency in political funding is at odds with the Electoral Bond Scheme notified by the government. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Lobbying in India exists in a perennially grey legal and policy arena. In this context, discuss the need to formally recognize and regulate lobbying in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"More than a decade after it was passed, the implementation of the RTI Act leaves much to be desired. Comment. Also discuss the issues associated with the recent proposals to amend the RTI Act. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Critically discuss the evolving policy on reservation in promotions in India with special focus on its ability to meet the objectives of social justice. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"India produces enough food for its people, but not all people get enough food to eat. Discussing this paradox, highlight some of the major interventions taken in the past few years in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"India sees Indian Ocean as not just a water body, but a global stage for continued economic, social, and cultural dialogue. Elaborate.(150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In the context of India taking greater responsibility in management of the global commons, there has been a shift in India's climate change negotiation stance. In this context, analyze the evolution of India's climate policy. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlighting the constitutional role of the Finance Commission (FC), discuss the issues which are being debated w.r.t. terms of reference (ToR) of the 15th Finance Commission. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The spirit of the constitution of India represents a synthesis of Indian values, democratic and socialist movements in west and our independence movement. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"What is the importance of an independent judiciary in a democracy? Highlight the safeguards in our political-constitutional setup to ensure the independence of judiciary. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Even though Indian federalism has matured quite a bit, with states having far greater control of their economic and political management, serious structural problems still remain. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The recent amendments to the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 strike a balance between enforcement overzealousness and the need for stringent action against corrupt public servants. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Identifying the various issues plaguing the voluntary sector in India, discuss the need for a national accreditation agency to overcome them. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Given the importance of a teacher in affecting the learning outcomes of children, discuss the problems in the present system of teacher training in India. How can these be addressed? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The implementation of a scheme with such scale and benefit as Ayushman Bharat is likely to face many obstacles. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Given the fact that India cannot match China's financial clout, it is seen to be diversifying the ways in which it can enhance cooperation and promote its diplomatic profile in Africa. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Discuss how American sanctions on its adversaries affect India. Taking the example of CAATSA, analyse how India can shield its strategic interests in face of such sanctions. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6792,"topper":"Sambhav Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3a520-402880_1072_sambhav-jain_rank_179.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Explain why it is important to urgently address the problem of poor land records and infirmity of land titles in India. Also discuss how this problem can be addressed. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"What are the special features of the infrastructure sector that make its financing a challenge? What measures have been taken to facilitate adequate amount of finance to this sector? (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Despite favourable circumstances, India's electronics manufacturing has been unable to respond to the rising demand. Discuss. What steps can be taken to address this situation? (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Despite registering a high growth rate in the post-reform era, India continues to witness a high incidence of poverty. Explain this paradox and suggest ways to resolve it. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"In light of the argument that India has entered a regime of \"permanent surpluses\", discuss whether the time has come to remove agricultural commodities completely from Essential Commodities Act. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The 1988 National Forest Policy (NFP) was visionary in its scope and ambition. However, there is a need for a new forest policy in the current context. Discuss. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How does rapid urbanization increases the vulnerability to major disasters? Explaining with examples, suggest measures to develop disaster-resilient cities. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Explain DNA profiling and highlight its forensic application. Also discuss the significance of DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2018 in this regard. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What is meant by the term Blue Water Capabilities? In this context, identify the key measures that have been undertaken to enhance the blue water capabilities of the Indian Navy. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Identify the factors that make India vulnerable to drug trafficking? Also discuss the key steps taken to deal with it in our country. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"How do higher global crude oil prices affect the Indian economy? What steps can be taken to gradually insulate India from global oil price volatility in the long term? (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Explaining the importance, highlight the achievements of dairy sector in India. Examine whether over-production is the reason for the problems being faced by the dairy industry. Give some solutions to address the problems. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"There has been a focus on Textile and Apparels industry in India in recent years. Elaborate the potential of this industry and the challenges that lie in achieving it. What steps have been taken in this regard? (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"How do transportation corridors in biodiversity rich areas impact the wildlife? Examine the current policy framework in this regard. Also, suggest measures to minimise the negative effects while balancing the need for development. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"The potential of technology to aid farmers in increasing productivity as well reducing susceptibility to climate change remains underutilized. Identify the reasons for the same and suggest measures to improve technological penetration in agriculture. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"What is Intelligent Transportation System (ITS)? Explaining the need of ITS in India, identify the challenges in deploying it. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Explain the concept and significance of Data Localisation. Also discuss its limitations in strengthening law enforcement efforts in the context of Srikrishna Committee report and the draft Personal Data Protection Bill, 2018. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"What is the link between illegal immigration and national security? In this context, critically discuss the exercise of creating a National Register of Citizens in Assam. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6793,"topper":"Sambhav Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/dfb7c-402880_1069_sambhav-jain_rank_179.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Growing awareness about terminal as well as mental illness has given credence to the idea of \"living wills\". What is a living will? Discuss the ethical issues to be considered from an individual as well as social perspective to formulate and implement it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"In order to improve the bureaucratic work culture and productivity, there is a need to downsize government and privatize some of the services. Critically discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Examine the contemporary relevance of Gandhiji's talisman as a means of resolving ethical dilemmas in day to day life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"\"Intelligence plus character-that is the goal of true education.\" Assess whether such an objective can be achieved within the existing system of education in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"\"A blanket prohibition of criticism of the policies of the Government is invalid and void, and it makes no difference if the person criticizing happens to be a government servant.\" Critically discuss in the context of Civil Service Conduct Rules, 1964.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"\"Man by nature is a political animal\". Explain with reference to Aristotle's idea of the state in life of the society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"What are the factors that have influenced the contemporary attitude of the state and the society towards homosexuality in India? Also, comment on the changing attitude and the factors driving this change.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"With behavioural issues and suicides among children on the rise, teachers and parents need to play an active part in ensuring mental well-being. Discuss. Also, explain the importance of emotional intelligence in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"The policy of Dhamma advocated by Ashoka through his edicts remains relevant in the context of issues in public life even today. Elucidate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Arguably, poverty is not only a matter of statistics. It is a reflection on the kind of society we live in. In this context, discuss the ethical implications for a society that witnesses high incidence of poverty.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Every superstition cannot be removed by the force of law. For that, a mental change is necessary. Comment. Also, explain how educators and public figures can help in eradicating superstition and instilling scientific temper among people.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Many argue that there are times, when war is morally permissible, and even obligatory. Critically discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"It has been argued that traditional approaches to corporate social responsibility (CSR) are inadequate. Discuss. Also, examine the role of Social License to Operate (SLO) in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"A renowned and critically acclaimed producer-director has come up with a new movie based on retelling of the freedom movement. The trailer of this project depicts prominent freedom fighters and various aspects of their personalities. It is a project that involves substantial sums of money and has taken collaborative efforts of 3 years. However, certain political and social activists have objected to what they perceived as negative portrayal of some freedom fighters. As such, they have opposed the release of this movie and issued threats with serious consequences. This has come in the context of increase in the number of instances involving many groups issuing threats against one or the other movie. In such a context you have been designated as the head of a special committee with the broad responsibility of reviewing the film certification process in general as well as the checking the historical accuracy of the events depicted in this particular movie. 20 (a) Who are the key stakeholders you would involve as part of the consultation process? (b) What are the principles that you would consider while giving your recommendations to the government? Also, provide an outline of a solution that you deem appropriate in the prevailing context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"There have been reports of repeat instances of mob lynching in different states of India. It has been pointed out that these presumably faceless mobs gather impromptu on the basis of unverified information on issues that affect the collective conscience of the society such as child trafficking, sexual harassment, cow slaughter etc. Most of the people don't even regret their action of violating the law and even get away with committing such a heinous crime. 20 (a) What are the socio-psychological factors that motivate people to join the mob and kill fellow human beings? (b) Identify the implications of increasing crime of lynching on society. (c) Examine the role of social media in recent instances of mob lynching. As a law enforcement officer, how will you prevent such incidents from happening in your district?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"We live in a time when almost everything can be bought and sold. Over the past few years, markets and market values have come to govern our lives as never before. Today the logic of buying and selling no longer applies to material good alone but increasingly governs the whole of life. However, there is a wide spread realization that markets have become detached from morals and we need to somehow reconnect them. The use of markets to allocate social goods has also been a cause of concern. In this context, answer the following: 20 (a) Is greed wholly a vice or a trait of character that has both positive and negative sides? Could you relate it to the utilitarian philosophy that emphasizes pursuit of self interest by individuals as the basis of economic well being? (b) Are there some things that money shouldn't buy? Illustrate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6794,"topper":"Sambit Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/28070_1024_Sambit_Mishra_Rank_51.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The idea of Universal Basic income has gained appeal in recent months. Enumerating the challenges in its implementation, discuss whether it can be a potent tool to reduce leakages in the system and address inequality in the economy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"A peculiar combination of factors explain India's poor export performance in recent times. Comment. How can the Foreign Trade Policy help in improving India's share in global trade?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"What are Advance Pricing Agreements and how are they related to Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS)? Discuss their relevance for India. (BEPS) ?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"What is meant by public debt? Highlight the objectives of public debt management. Explain why it is considered prudent to disaggregate debt management from monetary policy and take it out of the realm of central bank. ?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"There is an urgent need for India to get infrastructure financing, however, the current investment model of PPPs is poorly designed and needs restructuring. Discuss the issues plaguing the success of PPPs with respect to stalled projects, risk management, governance & institutional capacity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"What are the reasons behind a low tax base in India? Discuss the issues associated with it and the steps required to widen the tax base.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Even though the construction sector has significant multiplier effect on the economy, in recent years, it has been showing signs of stress. What are the causes for such a state of affairs? In this context, also highlight the steps taken by the government.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"The worsening road safety situation in India is further complicated by an increasing population and proliferation of vehicles on the road. Discuss. Also, highlight the steps that are being taken by the government to address the issue of road safety and reduce the associated fatalities.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Briefly highlight the parameters used by the government to determine the extent of poverty in India. Examine the relationship of economic growth and poverty alleviation in the post-reforms era.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Explain why the government has adopted the HELP in place of the NELP that was existing for almost a decade. Also discuss how HELP has the potential to transform India's E&P activities with special emphasis on non-conventional sources of energy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Successive governments have resorted to disinvestment of sick and loss-making PSUs. What, according to you, are the targets which the government seek to meet from this exercise? Also explain why the disinvestment targets have not been met in the past.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"What is hydroponics? Discuss its relevance in light of limited land availability while ensuring food security.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"It is argued by many that there is an urgent need for states to reform land laws and, in particular, tenancy laws. What are the factors cited for the need of such reforms? Identify the impediments in the way of such reforms and highlight the benefits that would accrue from them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Discuss the potential of horticulture sector in realizing the government's vision of doubling the farm income. Also, highlight the challenges which are needed to be addressed for realizing full potential of this sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Not only does the yield (measured in tonnes/ha.) of a crop but a number of other factors determine the choice of crops that a farmer cultivates. Elaborate with special focus on cropping pattern in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Discuss the significance of food processing industry in the economic development of the country and the challenges which need to be tackled for sustained growth of the industry. Also elaborate on the the salient features of National Mission on Food Processing.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Financial support to farmers through various instruments has been a crucial aspect of agricultural policy of the government. Examine whether the proposal of moving towards direct transfer of benefits and universal crop insurance would alleviate the existing concerns in the current scenario.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Buffer stocking of food grains is seen as a vehicle to deliver strategic food and agricultural domestic support policies, however, there is a growing consensus that the programme has been not just costly but also imprudently wasteful. Critically evaluate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Discuss the lacunae in implementation of Minimum Wages Act in ensuring the welfare of agricultural labour. Also, suggest some other measures to improve the situation of agricultural labourers in the country.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"In spite of having the world's largest livestock population in India, the potential of animal rearing remains underutilized. In this context, discuss the challenges faced by the meat and poultry sector and suggest measures for accelerated and sustained growth for this sector.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6795,"topper":"Sambit Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/28070_875_Sambit_Mishra_Rank_51.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Centralising recruitment through an All-India Judicial Service (AIJS) will not address the multiple problems in the judiciary and cause new ones instead. Critically evaluate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"The roots of the most pertinent challenges faced by Indian politics today can be traced to the lack of intra-party democracy in candidate selection and internal elections. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"While the idea behind merger of autonomous bodies in India is to curb overlapping work and reduce expenditure, it may end up doing more harm than good. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Well-defined electoral laws and greater powers for the Election Commission of India are required as the existing laws and mechanisms are inadequate to deal with new challenges. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Privileges should be defined and delimited for the free and independent functioning of the legislatures. In this context, discuss whether there is a need to re-examine the balance between fundamental rights and parliamentary privileges in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The principle of accountability is an essential part of the rule of law. In this context, discuss the lacunae in government's approach and judiciary's response to the phenomenon of extrajudicial killings in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Explain the rationale behind enacting the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016. Discuss how it can help in revitalizing consumer confidence in the real estate market. Also highlight the hurdles that remain in implementing it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Moving the subject of water from state list to concurrent list will solve the issues related to governance of water resources. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Give an account of the areas of potential conflict in the relationship between the political executive and civil servants. Also discuss why a healthy working relationship between the two is critical for good governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Despite their location in the non-political domain of civil society, NGOs have ended up playing a key, if indirect, role in India's politics. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Magnitude of India's urbanisation is not unusual but the pattern is. In this context, examine the issues in the governance of cities in India. Also suggest the reforms required to make Indian cities dynamos of competitive sub-federalism.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Social boycott should be treated as a criminal offence, rather than being considered as just another form of social evil plaguing the Indian society. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Human Trafficking in India has emerged as a serious issue, which calls for understanding the complexity of the problem and devising an effective strategy to combat it. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"A weak teacher education system is at the core of India's problems in school education. Evaluate. In this context, also enumerate the recommendations of the High-Powered Commission on Teacher Education constituted by the Supreme Court of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"It has been argued that the recent order of the Supreme Court to prevent the misuse of Section 498A institutionalises the prejudices and rehabilitates the myths, which the women's movement in India has battled over decades. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"As strategic interests between India and US continue to converge, defence has emerged as a major area of cooperation between the two. Discuss the significance and possible implications of this development.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"India's contribution to peacekeeping missions of the United Nations has remained steadfast despite changes in the nature, form and variety of UN peace keeping missions. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"India's partnership with Africa is an amalgam of African development priorities as well as India's development objectives. Discuss. Also highlight the initiatives taken by India in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Comment on the role of International Court of Justice in upholding the values of international law. In this context, also highlight the association of India with the ICJ over the years.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"In view of the focus on trans-regional economic corridors and changing regional geo-politics and geo-economics, critically discuss the idea of an Indo-Pacific Economic Corridor.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6796,"topper":"Sambit Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/28070_874_Sambit_Mishra_Rank_51.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The greatness of the Mughal achievement in the political unification of India was matched by the splendour and beauty of the work of architects, poets, historians, painters and musicians who flourished in the period. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Traditionally, India had developed wide-ranging water harvesting techniques in keeping with the local ecological conditions and their water needs. Substantiate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Imperial rivalries of 18th Century Europe were played out in India as well. Comment in the context of the Carnatic Wars.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"The Lucknow session of 1916 was a watershed event during the freedom struggle of India due to various reasons. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Reforms initiated by the Justice Party became a model for social affirmative action in the country. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"War in the Korean Peninsula proved to be disastrous for Korea, a missed opportunity for the United States and a defining moment for China. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"The Munich Pact brought neither peace nor stability in relations between European countries, rather it turned out to be an act of appeasement that made war inevitable. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Explain how Gandhi's non-violent philosophy influenced Martin Luther King Jr.'s methods. Also discuss the contributions and accomplishments of King to ensure civil rights for all people regardless of race in America.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Apart from the linguistic reorganisation of states, the three language formula was an important part of government policy to address the language question in India. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Enumerate the measures for the welfare of Unorganised Workers in India. In the context of problems being faced by 'domestic helps', discuss the need for additional measures to safeguard their interests.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"The manner in which the mentally ill have been treated in India suggests that policy measures alone may not be sufficient to address the challenges faced by them. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Highlight the characteristics of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) and discuss the challenges faced by them. Also enumerate the measures taken by the government to address these challenges.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"While suburbanisation is a common phenomenon in most urbanising countries, it is occurring at a relatively early stage of India's urban development. Enumerating the reasons behind this development, highlight the challenges it is creating for Indian cities.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Various geographical and anthropogenic factors have rendered Brahmaputra Valley susceptible to recurrent floods. Discuss the causes and suggest suitable measures of mitigation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Give a brief account of Earth's heat budget. Also discuss how increasing concentration of carbon dioxide in Earth's atmosphere effects it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Give an outline of the major geological events that have shaped the present drainage system of Peninsular India. Also, explain why peninsular rivers are unsuitable for navigation but facilitate hydroelectric power generation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Elaborate with examples as to how government policies influence the location of industries. Also, mention the steps taken by the Government of India to stimulate industrial activity in backward regions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Explain, in brief, the process of cloud formation. Also, elucidate how clouds can help in weather forecasting.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"The socio-economic and ecological consequences of soil degradation are far-reaching. Discuss. Suggest measures that can be taken to restore soil fertility and arrest soil degradation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Development of island territories requires a careful balancing of environmental and tribal concerns with exploitation of economic potential. Elaborating on the threats faced by island territories of India, comment on the recent measures proposed by the government regarding their development.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6797,"topper":"Sambit Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/28070_877_Sambit_Rank_51.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"What are the factors which drive people to take law in their own hands rather than following the due process of law? Discuss ways to address the problem of mob justice.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"In a democracy, the purpose of the government should be to make it easy for people to do good and difficult to do wrong. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss John Stuart Mill's idea on freedom of thought and expression. Also, give reasons as to why, according to Mill, representative democracy is the best form of government despite its inherent weaknesses.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) \"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Ensuring that government decisions are not influenced by public officials' private interests is a growing concern. Discuss in the context of India. Also enumerate the core principles reflected by OECD guidelines for managing conflict of interest in the public sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Discuss, with examples, the significance of principles of public life as recommended by Nolan committee. Why are these principles considered as an essential set of expectations from public servants?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"A peculiar inhuman situation exists for the people fleeing from war zones - they cannot go back to their homeland for fear of being persecuted and no country is ready to bear their burden due to various reasons. Citing contemporary examples, discuss the ethical issues involved in such situations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"The excluded and marginalized section of society are worst hit by globalization. Take the case of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) like Sentinelese of Andaman & Nicobar islands; their population has reduced drastically and they are facing various other problems as well. In this context answer the following questions: 20 (a) What are the challenges faced by PVTGs due to globalisation? (b) If you are posted as a Development Officer in such an area, what will be your priorities to reduce their vulnerabilities and ensure welfare?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6798,"topper":"Sambit Mishra","air":51,"year":2017,"paper":"Optional — Geography","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/28070_948_Sambit_Mishra_Rank_51.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6799,"topper":"Sambit Mishra","air":51,"year":2017,"paper":"Optional — Geography","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/28070_950_Sambit_Mishra_Rank_51.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6800,"topper":"Sambit Mishra","air":51,"year":2017,"paper":"Optional — Geography","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/28070_953_Sambit_Mishra_Rank_51.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6801,"topper":"Sameer Goel","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/36/pttp220208_tc062.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"If you look into someone's face long enough, eventually you feel that you are looking into yourself.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"It is the province of knowledge to speak and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Drop the question what tomorrow may bring, and count as profit every day that fate allows you.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Truth, like a torch, the more it is shook, it shines.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Art is I; science is We.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Only the dead have seen the end of the war.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Act as if it were impossible to fail.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6802,"topper":"Sameer Goel","air":222,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/35/pttp220208_tc061.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6803,"topper":"Sameer Goel","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SAMEER-GOEL-UPSC-2023-Rank-222-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"In many ways, the Spanish civil war was the opening act of WWII. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"How will you explain the different fates of Buddhism and Jainism despite a slew of similarities in the two religions? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Non-Cooperation Movement democratized India's freedom struggle but suffered from inherent limitations. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Critically analyse the efficacy of linguistic reorganization of states in addressing the reasons for linguistic divides in post-independent India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Briefly discuss the role of plate tectonics theory in explaining the location of volcanoes. Also, explain the multifarious impacts of volcanoes on the surrounding regions. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Taking further the success of Aspirational Districts Programme, Aspirational Blocks can help achieve the twin objectives of balanced growth and checking stress migration. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Describe the critical factors for location of defense industries and suggest measures to overcome the challenges. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"To what extent can Socio-Economic-Caste Census (SECC) address the challenges in achieving equitable resource allocation and targeted welfare? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Indian society is premised on some common values that give it a composite texture as well as some diverse practices that deepen its heterogeneity. Elucidate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What are the factors that influence population growth in the country? In this perspective, examine the relevance and need of raising the minimum marriageable age of women for population development. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Bring out the reasons behind the tribal unrest in British India. Also, analyze the reasons for their limited success. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The independence of India was not a result of a forced expulsion of the Empire, as desired by the Quit India Movement; it was rather a confluence of domestic politics and global circumstances. Analyze. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Explain why Sufism, a liberal reform movement in Islam could deepen its roots in the Indian sub-continent, despite Islam being a foreign religion? Also, bring out the impacts of Sufism on Indian society. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Enumerate the reasons behind rising intensity and frequency of cyclones in the Arabian Sea in recent years. Giving special reference to NDMA guidelines, recommend measures to check the adverse impacts of cyclones. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Examine the impacts of climate change on the hydrological cycle and suggest suitable mitigation and adaptation strategies to contain the harmful implications. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Defining continental shelf, highlight its resource potential and ecological significance. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Rooted in patriarchal values, gender-based violence, in all its manifestations, is antithetical to societal growth. Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The caste calculus in the Indian society remains predominant and continues to project its shadow on social, political, and economic domains. Do you agree? Substantiate your answer. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss various factors contributing to the water woes faced by Indian cities. Also, explain complexities in implementing a comprehensive water management plan. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Though important elements of group identity, religion and region also run the risk of deepening communal cleavages. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6804,"topper":"Sameer Goel","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/183/pttp220208_tc071-test-01-gs-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"The fabric of Indian philosophical thought owes as much to Northern India as to Southern India. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"The Indian society's impulse for social change and reform was a response to its opposition to colonial rule. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"What are the factors that led to the Russian revolution and what are the consequences of this revolution? Discuss its influence on the Indian national movement. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the various factors responsible for the uneven temperature distribution on Earth's surface. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The melting of glaciers due to climate change has serious implications for the ecosystem and human society. Discuss the effects of melting glaciers on the environment and the measures that can be taken to address this issue. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The White Revolution was most successful in the Western part of India. Discuss the factors for this regional success of the White Revolution. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"To what extent does seismic investigation contribute to our understanding of the Earth's interior structure? Analyze its significance in detail. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The pace of demographic transition varies across different states of India making population growth a double-edged sword. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The ethnic and cultural diversity in India has always been bound by the thread of unity. Discuss the major factors that have contributed to the cultural unity of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The dichotomy in public and private life in Indian society acts as a major barrier to the annihilation of caste. Justify. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"India was forced into numerous wars post Independence. Highlight the causes and impact of the Indo-Pak and Indo-China wars on our bilateral relationships. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"The process of consolidation of Bengal, which started after the Battle of Plassey culminated in the Battle of Buxar. Do you think the Battle of Buxar was more important for the British than Plassey? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Sanskrit literature in general and particularly in the Guptan age set a high watermark for the literary history of ancient India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"The configuration of the ocean floor provides essential information about the geological processes that have shaped the Earth's surface. Discuss the major features of the ocean floor and their significance in the study of oceanography. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"With the growing demand for rare earth elements, their distribution has become a critical aspect of the global economy. Discuss the distribution of rare earth elements across the world, their uses, and the environmental impact of their extraction. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Tourism in the hilly states is threatening to exceed the ecological carrying capacity of the region. Analyze the factors contributing to this trend and evaluate the potential Environmental impacts of this phenomenon. What measures can be taken to ensure sustainable tourism in these states? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"The Indian monsoon is a complex phenomenon influenced by various climatic factors. Critically examine the role of oceanic and atmospheric factors in determining the intensity and distribution of monsoon rainfall in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Why do traditions in our society impede change? To what extent can social legislation be instrumental against old customary practices? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Slums are not 'problems' that have to be 'solved' - but are indeed a result of lopsided and vested urban policies covering infrastructure provision and socio-economic issues. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Communalism gains strength from economic deprivation, and thrives in environments of social exclusion, creating fertile ground for discontent and division. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6805,"topper":"Sameer Goel","air":222,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/17/pttp220208_tc071-test-01-gs-1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6806,"topper":"Sameer Goel","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SAMEER-GOEL-UPSC-2023-Rank-222-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"It was neither her Coal and Iron reserves, nor the inventions of steam engine and cotton mills, but her democracy and rule of law that made Britain the epicentre of Industrial Revolution. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":6807,"topper":"Sameer Goel","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/181/pttp220208_tc072-test-02-gs-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"There is a need to resolve the ambiguity in the disqualification provisions under section 8 of the Representation of People Act 1951. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Constitution is a mere skeleton whereas constitutionalism is the soul of democracy. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"\"Electoral bonds are a double-edged sword, providing anonymity to donors while raising concerns about transparency in political funding.\" To what extent have electoral bonds further legitimized opacity in electoral funding? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The question of gender equality is central to the debate on Uniform Civil Code. In this light what are the challenges in reconciling UCC with gender equality as enshrined in the constitution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"'The Governor's office is neither decorative nor inconsequential, it assumes a constitutional role of profound essence' To what extent does the Governor, actively contribute to the governance of a state and reinforce the principles of federalism in the country? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Recently demand has been rising in a state regarding the enactment of Social Accountability Law. How such a law can lead to good governance and boost citizens' participation in decision-making. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"There is a need for convergence of 'nutrition-specific' and 'nutrition-sensitive' interventions to effectively tackle child undernutrition in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"MGNREGA, the lynchpin of rural poverty alleviation, has become the victim of fiscal apathy.\" Critically analyze the statement in light of recent developments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Critics assert that limitless judicial authority rests on the structural ambiguity of the basic structure doctrine. Has the elastic nature of the basic structure doctrine made the judiciary more powerful than the executive? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Fundamental rights are not gifts bestowed upon by the state rather an individual possesses them independently of the state. In this context discuss the desirability of reasonable restrictions on various fundamental rights. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"'S.R. Bommai v. Union of India signified a paradigm shift in the judicial interpretation of the union's authority to assume control of a state's administration.' In this context discuss the significance and impact of the judgement on cementing the federal structure. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"The key to effective decentralization is, 'political decentralization should follow finance and functional decentralization'. Discuss in the context of impediments faced by local governance in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Multi-stakeholder partnerships are the key to leveraging collective expertise and networks. How can effective partnership and localized implementation efforts be fostered to accelerate the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"How has the implementation of the POSH Act resulted in limited success in raising awareness about sexual harassment, and what factors have hindered its effective outreach to women employed in the unorganized sector? Propose strategies to bridge this gap and ensure comprehensive protection for women in the unorganized sector against workplace harassment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Indo-Pacific region in recent times has emerged as a zone of diverging interests and priorities. Discuss. Do you think the Global Security Initiative will supersede QUAD in the region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6808,"topper":"Sameer Goel","air":222,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/15/pttp220208_tc072-test-02-gs-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6809,"topper":"Sameer Goel","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SAMEER-GOEL-UPSC-2023-Rank-222-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Investment in infrastructure is a precursor to social and economic transformation; however, the focus on economic gains must not marginalise the concerns for safety. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What do you understand from Green growth? With special reference to the budget 2023-2024, discuss various government measures to propel green growth in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Project cheetah marks a departure from India's efforts for conservation of various critically-endangered species. In this perspective, do you think the reintroduction of major fauna that has gone extinct is justified? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"In what ways can precision agriculture become a panacea for multipronged challenges plaguing the agriculture sector? Discuss. Also, analyse various impediments in widespread adoption of precision farming in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are the reasons for increasing emphasis on the horticulture sector in recent years? Evaluate government measures for the development of the horticulture sector. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":6810,"topper":"Sameer Goel","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SAMEER-GOEL-UPSC-2023-Rank-222-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Celebrity endorsements raise pertinent ethical concerns about responsibility that delve into the realm of ethical considerations of social influence that run deeper than mere surface appeal. In this context, suggest measures to tackle the ethical challenges of celebrity brand endorsements. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Embracing a scientific mindset involves setting aside impulsive inclinations in favor of the pursuit of truth. In your view, how does the integration of scientific thinking contribute to addressing contemporary challenges and promoting societal progress? How can we effectively cultivate a scientific attitude in society? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"In the realm of professional conduct, ethics plays a role that tends to go far beyond fulfilling the roles and responsibilities of the job with diligence and honesty. But some people consider professional competence as the only critical requirement for a job. If faced with a choice, who would you prefer to hire - someone with professional competence or one with strong moral values? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Patriotism can hold different meanings for different people, often shaped by personal experiences and convictions. What does patriotism mean to you? Explain narrating incidents from your life when you exhibited patriotism. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Max Weber's concept of bureaucracy was developed in the early 20th century, but it still influences administrative structures today. In what ways do you see Weberian bureaucracy as relevant in today's rapidly changing world? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":6811,"topper":"Sameer Goel","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/195/pttp220208_tc074-test-04-gs-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Public service requires not merely legal but also morally principled action. Public service requires the public servant to place loyalty to the constitution, laws, and ethical principles. Among the three, which do you think must acquire primacy while carrying out official functions? Why? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"What do you understand by \"integrity-based civil disobedience\"? Do you think a challenge to personal integrity can be a justifiable cause for responsible disobedience in civil services? Explain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Recent research has shown that emotions significantly impact personal and professional lives. What are the primary emotions that negatively and positively impact workplace productivity? Explain with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Technical efficiency ensures resource utilization and social efficiency ensures fulfillment of social needs, what does ethical efficiency ensure? Do you think ethical efficiency is more important than technical and social efficiency? Why/Why not? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"Man cannot do right in one department of life whilst he is occupied in doing wrong in any other department.\" Gandhi. Do you think an individual's personal ethics impacts professional life or they both can be compartmentalized? Explain your position with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Goodness is the result of internal imperatives to do what is right, not sanctions from moral rules or rewards from expected consequences. Do you agree? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance. (a) \"To tolerate is purely an act of the mind. That is the essence of virtue. To tolerate is a strength.\"(Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"In the context of civil service, distinguish between moral and nonmoral values. Identify 5 basic moral values that can serve as foundational values for all services irrespective of the department. Give reasons why those values can be considered foundational. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Citizens' involvement in decision-making is critical to ethics in governance. Do you agree that effective civic engagement mechanisms can facilitate an ethics-driven administration? What do you think are the mechanisms that citizens can use for ensuring ethics in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Social transformation programs such as \\u201cbeti bachao and beti padhao\\u201d believes in using advice, counseling, and persuasion but sometimes a little force is also necessary for getting the desired response. Do you think it is a good idea to mix little force with persuasion by public administrators while implementing social schemes of transformation? Explain with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Ultimately foreign policy of every country hinges upon the strength which the nation possesses. Strength may be military or financial and may be also...moral.\" Do you think ethical strength without military or financial muscle will be respected in today's world? Explain your position. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"You are a young officer working with the Municipal Corporation of an industrial city. The city was known for manufacturing ball bearings and auto parts. Most manufacturing units were small-scale units with very little production process automation. The units relied on manual labor, which was in abundance due to the villages close by. As the number of manufacturing units grew, the demand for labor increased, bringing in a steady inflow of laborers into the city. This influx of people into the town led to a mushrooming of slums and encroachments on the sidewalks. Once in a while, the Corporation conducted drives to clear out the slums, but after a time, the slums came back. The illegal slums had become an urban nightmare. You were given the responsibility of clearing out the encroachments and slums with the help of Police authorities. As you started the drive, you realized that the people living by the sidewalks were vulnerable compared to the slum dwellers. Many sidewalk dwellers had recently come to the city after selling their properties in their villages. Now if you drive them out, they have no place to go. Your heart went out to them, and you felt that your departmental action was inhumane, but your official responsibilities demanded stern impartial action. You are desperate to find a way to help the sidewalk dwellers without compromising your official duties. (a) What value conflicts do you notice in the above situation? (b) Can an administrator compromise the value of impartiality for empathy? Discuss. (c) What are the options available in the above situation? (d) Suggest viable solutions for tackling illegal slums and encroachments in urban areas. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"A certain State government was running a welfare scheme for promoting safe motherhood among rural landless laborers' families. The scheme involves the transfer of funds to the beneficiaries to enable them to mitigate income loss due to maternal care responsibilities. Since its implementation, the scheme has done reasonably well on maternal health and economic indicators. You are the Director of the Department responsible for implementing and operating the scheme. Recently you have been receiving reports of welfare fraud being committed by families by producing fake bona fide. The families committed the fraud with the help of local officials responsible for scrutinizing the bonafide. You were concerned because the fraud was seriously undermining the scheme's efficiency. You called for a departmental meeting to discuss and find a solution to the problem. In the meeting, it was decided to merge several available government data sets such as Aadhar cards, voter ID cards, marriage certificates, birth certificates, bank details, and other personal assets. By merging all the data sets, the department would be able to develop the beneficiary's economic profile. And this will help the department scrutinize the documents and detect fraud. This was a comprehensive strategy, but it risked violating an individual's data privacy. As a Department head, you wanted to detect and prevent fraud, but at the same time, you were apprehensive about violating the Data privacy of the stakeholders. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) Do you think violating data privacy is justified to prevent welfare fraud? Why/ Why not? (c) What, according to you, can be the reasons for such welfare frauds happening in the country? (d) Are there any ways and means to prevent such fraud? Give your suggestions. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"You are posted in the Department of Mines, and one of your roles is to help your Department Head negotiate mining leases with private contractors. Recently, the state government demarcated a new mining zone and planned to invite bids for the mining blocs. You were instructed to oversee the bidding process and speed up the contract negotiations. As planned, the tenders were released, bids came in, and tenders were allocated as per the norms. All this happened at a breakneck speed. You wondered, why the hurry? But it was not your place to think and question; you quietly went about your work. As the contractors were about to start operations, you had to instruct them on environmental concerns to watch out for. And to do that, you read the environmental impact assessment report submitted by a consulting firm hired by the department. To your surprise, the report was shoddy and looked cooked up. You got suspicious and raised the issue with your Head, who politely instructed you to do what you were told, and he reminded you that the Department had revenue targets and was under pressure from the Ministry. After the meeting, you, on your own accord, did some digging and found out that the report was fraudulent and the mining activity that was about to start would lead to a massive environmental disaster which the State could not afford. (a) What are the issues and value violations you notice in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you? (c) Discuss the advantage and disadvantages of each option and identify your chosen course of action. (d) Do you think that environmental considerations are sometimes overrated at the cost of development? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Mr. Sharma was the All India Sales Head of a pharmaceutical company with a turnover of 400 crores. The company's main markets were small towns and tier 2 cities. Further, the company did a sizeable amount of business with state government hospitals and health centers. Mr. Sharma had given a lot of freedom to field sales agents to strike deals and negotiate prices with clients. This strategy worked well for the company. Recently Mr. Sharma received word that three company employees were selling products to government hospitals and health centers at a higher price than they were selling to other private hospitals and health centers. The employees were with the company for over five years and were good performers. A few sales staff informally raised the issue of the three getting relatively higher commissions because of their inflated deals. And this was creating a sense of unease among the sales staff. A cursory review of the account of the three showed that, in many instances, the government hospitals were paying more than other private institutions. Under procurement rules, the government is supposed to pay a fair price, one that other cost-conscious customers pay. On inquiry, Mr. Sharma found that the three were not alone; government purchase department officials were helping them scam the Department. Mr. Sharma realized that his sales staff and some corrupt government staff had been defrauding the state exchequer for quite some time. Mr. Sharma immediately reported it to his CEO, and the two discussed how to deal with the sales staff and whether to inform the government about the scam and the involvement of their staff. The issue was informing the government means that there was every possibility that they might be blacklisted, thereby losing a lot of business. Mr. Sharma and CEO were caught in a dilemma regarding how to proceed with the case. (a) What are the ethical and business issues involved in the case? (b) What are the options available to Mr. Sharma and the CEO? (c) Do you think the organizational culture of giving freedom to the sales force led to the issue or was the individual's corrupt nature that led to the problem? Discuss. (d) What ethics mechanisms and steps can the company create and implement to prevent unethical behavior, as mentioned in the case? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":56,"question":"What are the issues involved in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":56,"question":"What do you think Rashmi should do? Would it be a good idea for Rashmi to involve local administration? Suggest an implementable course of action.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":56,"question":"Do you think companies should also accept responsibility for the social problems of the region where they operate? Why/why not?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":56,"question":"What could be the reasons for such an aggressive reaction from the workers union? How do you think Rashmi should handle the workers union?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6812,"topper":"Sameer Goel","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/191/pttp220208_tc078-test-08-gs-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"\"The State took taxes from the people only to ensure their prosperity in return like the sun takes moisture from the earth only to give it back in thousandfold measure.\" Kalidasa. Explain the Indian concept of \"giving it back\" and its relevance as a guiding value for civil servants. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Public service takes place in a bureaucratic structure with clear lines of authority, value standardization, and accountability mechanisms. Working within such a structure, what do you think are the influences that impact the public servant's ethical decision-making? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by the terms 'ethics' and 'integrity'? Do you think they are interrelated? Explain with examples the relationship between ethics and integrity in the context of public administration. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What do you understand by the terms 'ethical behavior' and 'emotionally intelligent behavior'? Identify the relevant emotional intelligence components that act as a reliable guide to ethical behavior. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"To achieve a good life, duty is not sufficient; one needs to develop one's sympathetic feelings for others, and neither duty alone nor good will alone are sufficient to be moral.\" Do you agree with the above statement? Justify your position. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Developing a Scientific temper, innovative mindset, and civic-conscious citizens are major objectives of higher educational institutions. Can higher educational institutions be instrumental in promoting integrity education among youth to establish a public culture of integrity and a corruption-free political culture? If yes, how? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance. (a) The senses deceive from time to time, and it is prudent never to trust wholly those who have deceived us even once. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"As professionals, civil servants are career focused and are also self-interested. At the same time, their service ethos imposes an obligation to serve the public interest selflessly. Is it possible for a civil servant to reconcile career and service obligation? Explain your position. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"While competence without compassion can be brutal and inhumane; similarly, compassion without competence can be meaningless for persons seeking help.\" Explain the above with the help of a suitable illustration in the context of public services. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Does the suffering of individuals in one part of the world generate moral demands of assistance on those foreigners who live far away from them? Are these moral demands of assistance justified? Can governments be held morally responsible for failing to help the international community in times of deprivation? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Civil Services ethics has everything to do with management. It is as much a Departmental as a personal issue. Leaders who fail to create systems that facilitate ethical conduct are equally to blame as much as those who indulge in ethical misconduct. Do you think the Departmental culture leads to ethical misconduct or is the individual with weak willpower culpable? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":31,"question":"You are posted as a District Development officer in a district with a low literacy rate and poor health indicators. As you took charge, your Health Secretary had given express instructions that your priority is to improve health indicators by enhancing the delivery of healthcare services. After taking over, you traveled around the district to study and identify ways of improving healthcare services. During your field trip, you discovered that the issue was not the accessibility of services; it was something else. You found the problem was the myths, misconceptions, and malpractices that hindered the uptake of health care services. For instance, people believed that vaccines caused impotence, immunization was equivalent to birth control, using antenatal care was counterproductive to the health of the mother and baby, and so on. You realize that these beliefs were the behavioral barriers that stood in the way of health and nutrition services. And these behavioral barriers made it difficult for front-line workers to reach out. You discussed your observations with the Health Secretary, and he advised you to seek inputs from the neighboring district DDO who was doing some good work. When you met with the neighboring DDO, you learned he was experimenting with using the Faith leader's influence and reach to persuade people. You were unsure about roping in faith leaders to help you overcome the behavioral barriers. As a civil servant, you felt it would be a mistake to involve faith leaders in health service schemes. When you shared your apprehensions with the Secretary, he firmly instructed you to try and innovate. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) What are the advantages and disadvantages of using Faith leaders as influencers and persuaders?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"You are the Head of an Agency, a special purpose vehicle, responsible for overseeing the last-mile delivery of essential services and sorting out bottlenecks and grievances of the citizens within your jurisdiction. The essential services included Maternal and infant health care, nutritional support to BPL families, drinking water availability, etc. Your agency employed a staff of 15 to carry out regular official operations and handle grievances. Since the agency dealt with complaints, there was an enormous amount of public dealing daily. Sometimes the agency officials had to work beyond office hours to finish the regular office work as public dealings took away most of the office hours. The employees were unhappy doing the extra bit as they were not paid any overtime. A few of them informally raised the issue with you, but you were helpless as the agency rules didn't allow any travel or overtime allowances. You tried taking up the matter with HQ but to no avail. The work stress gradually started showing up among the staff, they became irritable with the complainants, and at times they shouted at them. Besides rudeness, the staff's language became abusive, derogatory, and sometimes casteist. You could notice that there were 4 of them in particular who were getting very abusive and discriminatory while handling grievances. As the Head, you warned them, but there was no marked change in their work attitude. To compound your problem, some of the villagers, through their Sarpanch, raised the issue of rude, disrespectful, and discriminatory behavior with your HQ. The HQ immediately instructed you to take action and create a respectful and dignified workspace. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) What are the action options available to you?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"What do you understand by dignity? Distinguish between human and social dignity? Identify the common dignity violations that one notices in government departments. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"You and Ajay were in college together, qualified for the civil services examination, trained, and worked in the same State. Over the years, you and Ajay became good friends and colleagues. Even the families became close to the extent of taking vacations and celebrating festivals together.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"What are the ethical issues and dilemmas involved in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"What must be your moral motivation in the above case? Should it be duty, care, or consequences?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6813,"topper":"Sameer Goel","air":222,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/20/pttp220208_tc074-test-04-gs-4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6814,"topper":"Sameer Goel","air":222,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/5/pttp220208_tc078-test-08-gs-4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6815,"topper":"Sameer Goel","air":222,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/eb265-1038135_2299_sameer_goel_rank_222.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"How is Sociological approach to human actions different from that of psychological approach?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Although the interview method has few technicalities associated with it, the simplicity of the format can be deceptive. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Sociological theories provide us with a framework for explaining the social world around us. Discuss the role of theory in guiding social research.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"To what extent does Marx's theory of historical materialism explain the dynamics of modern capitalism?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Critically examine the concept of pattern variable as a tool in understanding social reality.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"\"Although Durkheim and Weber both recognized the cultural significance of religion, their respective \"theories of religion\" diverge in their perspectives. Critically examine the statement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"\"Merton's middle-range theory provides a useful link between theoretical concepts and empirical data\". Do you agree with the statement? Substantiate your answer with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"\"The union of anthropology and sociology is considered to be desirable and favorable, despite their distinctive areas of specialization\". Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Sociology is a systematic study of society, distinct from philosophical and religious reflections, as well as from our everyday common-sense observations about society. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"Discuss the significance of comparative method in the study of society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Discuss how gender affects access to resources and opportunities in the labour market.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"\"In the sociology of deviance, no single theory has emerged as dominant.\" Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"Despite the acceptance of Weber's understanding of power by many, some believed it is too narrow. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Comment on the trend of increasing numbers of sects and cults particularly in modern societies.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Using Merton's concept of manifest and latent functions, explain the persistence of dowry in Indian Society?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"\"Civil society is the oxygen of democracy, and without it, democracy suffocates.\" Comment.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6816,"topper":"Sameer Goel","air":222,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/64d0b-1038135_2300_sameer_goel_rank_222.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6817,"topper":"Sameer Goel","air":222,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/dd1db-1038135_2301_sameer_goel_rank_222.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6818,"topper":"Sameer Goel","air":222,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/36774-1038135_2302_sameer_goel_rank_222.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6819,"topper":"SAMEER KHODE","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/788fe-1531081_2319_sameer_khode_rank_42.pdf","questions":[{"page":17,"question":"The Economy is a wholly owned subsidiary of environment, not the reverse.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6820,"topper":"SAMEER KHODE","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/29627-1531081_2089_sameer-khode_rank_42.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"With the elephant being a vital part of the Buddhist faith, it was widely represented in its sculptures as well. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"India's war of independence was won by the efforts and sacrifices of different sections of the society. In this context, discuss the contributions made by tribal women in the national freedom struggle. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Bring out the key principles underlying Rabindranath Tagore's vision of nationalism during the Indian freedom struggle. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The combination of internal pulls coupled with external pressure as well as colonial resistance prompted the European powers to relinquish their claim over colonies. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Identifying the growth drivers of aquaculture in India, discuss the associated issues. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"While critical minerals are driving the clean energy transition, they bring new vulnerabilities with regard to energy security. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How does the theory of plate tectonics help in explaining the differences in the formation of the Himalayas and Andes mountains? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Critical issues surrounding the condition of groundwater in India need overarching solutions for a water-secure future. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"A large proportion of India's population is expected to live in cities by 2050. In this context, discuss the need for urban green spaces in creating inclusive, resilient, and sustainable cities in the country. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"India's secular approach has remained that of a 'principled distance' and not of 'equi-distance'. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"A major phase in temple architecture in India is associated with the Hoysala dynasty from the 11th to 14th centuries A.D. Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Accounts of Greek historians provide valuable insights into the social and economic conditions in ancient India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Discuss the role played by the Indian diaspora in the freedom struggle of India, especially during the first half of the 20th century. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind the emergence of environmental movements and their significance in post-independent India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Analyse the possible impact of climate change on the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR). What steps can be taken to mitigate it? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Though land subsidence can happen for a host of reasons, it is imperative to estimate its possible impact and chalk out a sustainable plan to minimise the adverse impact. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Discuss the potential of natural resources in the Arctic region as drivers of economic development, while also considering the environmental and social impacts of their exploitation. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Bring out the impact of globalisation in shaping the dynamics of family size, structure and relationships in the modern Indian society. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Migration is an expression of the human aspiration for dignity, safety and a better future. In light of this, examine the multi-dimensional nature of internal migration in India and discuss its inherent relationship with development. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Workplace gender inclusivity in India is skewed against women due to a range of cultural and gender biases existent in the society. Discuss. Also suggest socio-legal measures to address this issue. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6821,"topper":"SAMEER KHODE","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/61965-1531081_2091_sameer-khode_rank_42.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What are the reasons behind the inefficient use of water in Indian agriculture? Suggest measures to improve water use efficiency. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What are the social, economic and environmental benefits of diversifying the food basket under the Public Distribution System (PDS) in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Can re-energising the livestock sector be the key to sustainable livelihood and increasing the income of Indian farmers? Give reasons in support of your answer. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Do you agree that high economic growth in the post-reform period has not resulted in growth trickling down to the marginalised sections, rendering inclusive growth a major concern? Justify your answer. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Evaluate the outcome of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). How can Mission LiFE reinvigorate the NCAP in addressing the issue of air pollution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discuss the impact of wildfires on the ecosystem. Describe the significance of the UNEP's Fire Ready Formula in dealing with the menace of wildfires. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Recently, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) launched its new rocket called Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV). What are its advantages? How can SSLVs be a game changer for ISRO in the years to come? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Why is biopiracy a cause of great concern to the existing traditional knowledge of the developing world? What steps have been taken by the government of India for protecting the existing traditional Indian knowledge? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What are the challenges faced by the Assam Rifles with regard to border management and tackling of insurgency in North-East India? Discuss how these challenges require a reorientation of the force. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The race to put weapons in space may soon pass the point of no return making space the next theatre of arms struggle. What are the possible reasons behind the weaponization of space? Discuss its implications. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNP) recently became the first 100% Landlord Port of India. What do you understand by the Landlord Port model? What are the different models employed in the management of ports? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Analyse the performance of the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) scheme launched to promote farm mechanization in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Discuss the potential of digitization in harnessing the untapped potential of the food processing sector and resolving the challenges that it faces. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss how the transition towards renewable energy has the potential to transform the lives of women in India and unlock their potential. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"How does climate change exacerbate the challenges that India faces in eliminating hunger and malnutrition? Discuss in the context of India's commitment to achieve zero hunger by 2030. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What do you understand by digital twin technology? What are the benefits and challenges in its adoption? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Terrorism financing continues to remain a major challenge for the international community despite several efforts to curb it. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) will progressively multiply the opportunities as well as challenges from the national security perspective. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6822,"topper":"SAMEER KHODE","air":42,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/960c3-1531081_2086_sameer-khode_rank_42.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6823,"topper":"SAMEER KHODE","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1678a-1531081_2092_sameer-khode_rank_42.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Direct interactions with social groups, like families and peers, teach people how others expect them to behave. Likewise, a society as a whole reinforces and shapes values through its norms, institutions, media, and collective behaviour. Discuss how a society's formal and informal institutions socialize its population, with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Do you think technology can play a role in establishing a value-centric modern society? Critically evaluate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What does each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \" - , \" . 10 \"The end-product of education should be a free creative man, who can battle against historical circumstances and adversities of nature.\" Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are the signs that show that an individual ranks on the lower spectrum of emotional intelligence? How far is technology leading to a decline in the emotional intelligence of people, especially the younger generations? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"Action is a catalyst for profound shifts in attitude of an individual.\" How far do you agree with the statement? Give suitable examples to substantiate your answer. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Thirukkural advocates a conscious and a spirit-centered approach to business ethics based on eternal values and moral principles that should govern the conduct of business leaders. What are the ethical issues faced by businesses in contemporary times? How will the teachings of Thirukkural assist in their resolution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Laws promote social control by resolving basic value conflicts, settling individual disputes, and making rules that even our rulers must follow. But, law does not always achieve its purpose and can rather harm society. In this background, discuss the limitations and dysfunctions of law, with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Discuss the ethical issues involved in the spending of public money by the government on advertisements? What measures would you suggest to address these issues? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"In India, there are conduct rules, which govern an officer's behaviour and conduct. These include the Central Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964, All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968 etc. Do you think there is a need for a separate Code of Ethics for civil servants in India? What important values should be part of such a Code of Ethics? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"In a capitalist market, the goal of a business is to sell a product to satisfy demand. In this context, a company's objective is to maximize profits. However, there are industries where the social good should take precedence over profits and the pharmaceutical industry is an example of such an industry. Recently, an incident of arbitrary pricing by a pharmaceutical company has come to light. After years of research, the concerned company released a medicine for the treatment of a rare disease. It holds the patent for the medicine and has spent considerable R&D resources to produce the medicine. But the extraordinarily high price it has fixed for the medicine has not only dashed the hopes of patients suffering from the rare disease but has also shocked the conscience of the public at large. However, there are also some who are arguing that forcing the company to cap the price of the medicine will disincentivise pharmaceutical firms to conduct research and produce treatments for rare diseases in the future. In this context, answer the following: (a) What are the various issues in the above situation? (b) Do you think a price-cap solves the given problem by creating another one? (c) What are the long-term measures that can be taken to deal with issues arising in such cases? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"The Indian Railways (IR) has approximately 43,000 hectares of vacant land, which is not required for operational purposes in the foreseeable future. Such plots of land are entrusted to the Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA) by the Railway Board for commercial development. As the Vice-Chairman of the RLDA, you are responsible for identifying the potential of these vacant lands and work out the best mode of commercial development. Meanwhile, the Union government is planning to build India's first intermodal stations. Intermodal Stations (IMS) are terminal infrastructure, which integrate various transportation modes such as rail, road, mass rapid transit system, bus rapid transit, inland waterways, auto-rickshaws, taxis and private vehicles so that people can move from one mode to another seamlessly. The Union Ministry has shortlisted two cities to build IMS. The land identified in one city, which also happens to be the home town of a Union Minister, belongs to the RLDA. You are supposed to clear a final report on this land based on which it will be approved for the construction of IMS. After going through the land details, you discover that the land contains natural urban forest with more than 40,000 trees that provide diverse ecosystem services to the residents of the cities. Clearing this land for the project will lead to cutting of these trees. Also, the news of this land being under consideration is already out and the environmental civil society groups in the city are protesting against it. They are threatening to go to the court if the trees are cut to proceed with the project. Further, an alternative site has been proposed by an environmental think tank, which could be suitable in terms of sustainable development of the project. On the other hand, there is pressure from the Union Minister to clear the land for the project. A senior member from the Railway Board has also approached you to look into the issue favourably else it might upset the political executive. (a) What are the ethical dilemmas faced by you in the given situation? (b) Under the given conditions, what are the options available to you? (c) Critically evaluate each of the options listed by you. (d) What option would you adopt and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"You are the CEO of a highly successful multinational clothing corporation based in a developed country. Your brand is a household name and your products are sold worldwide. In an attempt to manage production costs and maintain competitive pricing, your company outsources its manufacturing operations to a developing nation where labour is inexpensive. However, a grave situation has recently unfolded. An investigative journalist, following up on an anonymous tip, has revealed that one of the companies to which you have outsourced an important part of your production is operating its facility under appalling conditions. The facility, which employs a large number of people, including minors, is nothing short of a \"sweatshop,\" where employees work long hours for very low wages in dangerous conditions. This report has triggered widespread international condemnation, inciting potential consumer boycotts, and putting your company's hard-earned reputation in jeopardy. If this was not alarming enough, another serious issue has surfaced. A thorough investigation by your compliance team has uncovered that one of the suppliers to the aforementioned outsourced facility has been engaging in illegal deforestation activities. The supplier has been ruthlessly exploiting the country's natural resources, causing significant harm to the local ecosystem and contributing to climate change. These findings have escalated the reputational crisis facing your company, further complicating the ethical landscape. You find yourself in a challenging position, caught in a triad of ethical, financial, and environmental predicaments. If you decide to shut down the factory or enforce better labour standards, the ensuing rise in production costs could affect your market competitiveness and dent your profit. Conversely, if you choose to continue with the current setup, you risk contravening international labour laws, human rights norms, and environmental regulations, potentially inflicting irreversible damage to your company's reputation. (a) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by you in this context? (b) Discuss the merits and demerits of the options available to you. Which of these will you choose and why? (c) What are the ethical alternatives available to the multinational corporations to balance profitability and ethical labour practices? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The rise of the gig economy greatly benefits the new generation of employees, as it provides them with new job opportunities and multiple sources of income. It is a common trend for fresh graduates who move out of smaller towns and cities and take up gig works to make ends meet till they land a permanent job. Organizations are also opting for temporary professionals over training their own employees for a specific skill set. The NITI Aayog estimates that India has 7.7 million gig workers, which it expects will swell to 23.5 million by 2029-30. Being a gig worker in a delivery company, Rahul earns around Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 40,000 per month depending upon the number of orders received. Also, the work gives him flexibility in scheduling and structuring his days. However, he faces unprecedented struggles due to long working hours, lack of job security, lack of availability of gigs and mainstream jobs, inhuman treatment by the employers and lack of legal protection or rights. But, he is compelled to work, as he is the sole earning member of his family of 4 members. Finding a sense of identity has become difficult as the frequently asked question 'what do you do for a living?' remains to be one of the loans and mortgages as he has no stable income to show nor any business to his name, just a skill which is being used every now and then by some employer. Getting health insurance is yet another pain with no insurance companies extending benefits to him due to the nature of his job. In short, Rahul and his family have almost no recognition in the society even for bare minimum amenities, which are reserved for the 'working class'. The abuse of the gig workers is further aggravated by the venture capitalists who would rather pour their money into organizations which are devoid of the employee liability and do not have the overhead expenses of managing a full-time workforce, making it difficult for the regular employers to compete. (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) What can be done to resolve the problems faced by gig workers like Rahul? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6824,"topper":"SAMEER KHODE","air":42,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ace38-1531081_2421_sameer-khode_rank_42.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6825,"topper":"Sameer Saurabh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/59558-11437_877_sameer_saurabh_rank_32.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The seeds of patriarchy and gender inequality are sown at home, which manifest as a weed at the societal level. Elucidate. Suggest an ethical framework to systematically address the issue of patriarchy in the Indian society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"What are the factors which drive people to take law in their own hands rather than following the due process of law? Discuss ways to address the problem of mob justice.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"In a democracy, the purpose of the government should be to make it easy for people to do good and difficult to do wrong. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss John Stuart Mill's idea on freedom of thought and expression. Also, give reasons as to why, according to Mill, representative democracy is the best form of government despite its inherent weaknesses.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"It is argued by some that nuclear weapons have acted more as a deterrent than leading to war and mass destruction. In this context, discuss whether it is ethically right to possess nuclear weapons to create nuclear deterrence.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Differentiate between administration and leadership. Highlighting the traits which characterize an effective leader, discuss the importance of leadership in ensuring effective public service delivery in a bureaucratic setup.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Apart from functional knowledge and expertise, the efficacy of a civil servant also depends upon his emotional intelligence. How does emotional intelligence contribute to efficacy? How can civil servants enhance their emotional intelligence?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Enumerate the mechanisms that promote accountability of public officials in discharging their functions and responsibilities in India. Also discuss why ensuring accountability for performance is not a simple task in government service.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) \"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"\"Prejudices are what fools use for reason.\" \" \"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Ensuring that government decisions are not influenced by public officials' private interests is a growing concern. Discuss in the context of India. Also enumerate the core principles reflected by OECD guidelines for managing conflict of interest in the public sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Discuss, with examples, the significance of principles of public life as recommended by Nolan committee. Why are these principles considered as an essential set of expectations from public servants?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"A peculiar inhuman situation exists for the people fleeing from war zones - they cannot go back to their homeland for fear of being persecuted and no country is ready to bear their burden due to various reasons. Citing contemporary examples, discuss the ethical issues involved in such situations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"As the administrator in-charge of your area, you are witness to the widespread food wastage in lavish parties as well as in restaurants and eateries, on one hand and people starving due to inability to ensure one square-meal a day, on the other. Realizing that it is not the scarcity of resources, but the habit of people that is causing paucity in availability of food, you decide that certain measures are needed to be taken in order to deal with the issue of starvation at the grassroot level. 20 Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) What measures would you take to deal with wastage of food in your area? (c) What explains this co-existence of affluence and hunger in developing countries like India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"The excluded and marginalized section of society are worst hit by globalization. Take the case of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) like Sentinelese of Andaman & Nicobar islands; their population has reduced drastically and they are facing various other problems as well. In this context answer the following questions: 20 (a) What are the challenges faced by PVTGs due to globalisation? (b) If you are posted as a Development Officer in such an area, what will be your priorities to reduce their vulnerabilities and ensure welfare?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Undercover journalism exposes injustices, negligence, corruption and wrongdoing and yet going undercover to expose wrongdoing remains controversial. But, undercover journalists contend that they are fulfilling a fundamental duty of finding truth through their journalism. They argue that public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy and the duty of the journalist is to further those ends by seeking truth and providing a fair and comprehensive account of events and issues. So, there are some supporters of this kind of journalism, which sometimes infringe the privacy of individuals. However, some journalists also urge avoiding surreptitious methods of gathering information except when traditional open methods will not yield information vital to the public. In this context, answer the following questions: 20 (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the practice of undercover journalism? (b) Do you support the practice of undercover investigation by journalists? Give reasons in support of your answer.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You are posted as a District Education Officer (DEO) in a Maoist affected district. You have been specifically given the responsibility to work on the literacy mission. After reading the education reports and doing field visits, you find that the number of out of school children has increased drastically and the motivation among students and teachers is also low. While certain basic infrastructure is already in place, the major hurdle in attracting students to these schools include the attitude of inhabitants towards education and the security risks involved in sending children to schools. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Analyse the reasons behind such an attitude. 20 (b) As a DEO, what are the steps that you would take in order to increase the school attendance and change the prevalent attitude of inhabitants towards education?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Mr. Pradeep is a senior civil servant in the central government and is involved in the budgeting department. In the course of performing his duties, he comes to know about diversion of funds earmarked for SC/ST sub-plan for other purposes. While he is not directly responsible for this aspect of the budget, he raised his concerns to the department concerned. He also learns that the minister responsible as well as senior most civil servants are aware of the practice and have given tacit approval for it. Soon thereafter, Pradeep was summoned to talk on the issue and was told that since the matter is not within his jurisdiction, he should 'keep his nose out of it'. After much soul searching, Pradeep decided to obey his supervisors by leaving the matter alone. Based on the information given, answer the following questions: 20 (a) Elaborate on the internal dissonance that Pradeep faces in the given situation. (b) On what basis can the decision of Pradeep be justified? (c) Had you been in Pradeep's place, what would have been the course of action chosen by you? Recognise the merits and demerits, if any.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6826,"topper":"Sameer Saurabh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c4374-11437_861_sameer_saurabh_rank_32.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Examine how role models influence ethical behaviour. What actions can leaders take to integrate ethical conduct in their organisations? 10 (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"According to Aristotle, for persuasion, not only Ethos (credibility of the speaker) and Logos (logical argument) but Pathos (emotional connection to the audience) is equally important. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"With appropriate examples, discuss various ethical challenges associated with the utilization of public funds in India. Suggest strategies to effectively deal with these challenges.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"With proliferation of social media, people have got the opportunity to express their views anonymously and more freely. (a) What according to you, is its effect on the social and political culture of the country? (b) Discuss the role of social media in changing one's attitude, particularly the youth.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"What are the various components of an organization's work culture? What are key issues that need to be addressed in any organisation to create a more developmental and performance oriented culture?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"There is a difference between what a person has a right to do and what the right thing to do is and often there is a conflict between these two. (a) Illustrate with examples the ethical issues that can arise because of such a conflict. (b) How does this conflict play out if someone wants to protest against injustice?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"It is vain to talk of the interest of the community, without understanding what is the interest of the individual. Discuss the statement in the present context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Vision and intentions are necessary components of politica ethics. However, equally important are the process of implementation, tools used and the established system. Elaborate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Swami Vivekanand brought religion to the centre-stage and gave a new meaning to it while stressing the need for harmony among faiths. In this context, discuss the relevance of his teachings in contemporary society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Access to quality basic services plays a critical role in enhancing individual capabilities to participate fully in the growth of the nation. (a) Discuss the statement in the context of vulnerable sections of India. (b) Analyse the challenges with regard to quality service delivery in India.10","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Is Emotional Intelligence influenced by cultural moorings? How would you differentiate the applicability of Emotional Intelligence in Indian society from that of Western society?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Evaluate the success of RTI in bringing governance reforms in the country. Examine whether it has served the purpose it was meant for.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"The decisive role that money plays in elections creates a vicious cycle of corruption. (a) Elaborate in the context of India. (b) Discuss whether state funding of elections can help in curbing the menace of political corruption in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"You are the officer in charge of development planning of a state whose capital is the technology hub of the country. However, the capital city is overcrowded and marred by traffic congestion. A group of top MNCs have approached you and showed their interest in expanding their operations in the capital provided that the highway connecting the SEZ to airport is widened. This has been cited as an important business requirement. The expansion of MNC operations is expected to create numerous jobs and would bring in huge revenues to the State. At the same time, the road connectivity in rest of the state, especially the rural areas, is abysmal and is in need of urgent attention. Media has been highlighting the incidents of deaths due to delay in hospitalization and other such issues which can be directly attributed to poor condition of roads. As the officer in charge of the development planning you find that the road widening project will entail huge cost and would severely curtail the rural road development programme currently being undertaken by the state. 20 (a) What challenges do you face as the officer in charge, in this situation? (b) State your priorities and discuss how you plan to achieve them in the context of given challenges.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Ramesh, a very hardworking person, is the sole bread earner in his family. He has worked with an oil company's local affiliate for several years, and has established a strong, trustworthy relationship with Suresh, manager of the local facility. Suresh has recently recommended Ramesh to be recruited as the corporate consulting engineer for the company, which would be a position of greater responsibility along with a stable income. During a casual conversation, Suresh mentions an incident in the 1960s wherein 10,000 gallons of a petrochemical was leaked into the local environment by the company due to negligence, though at the time no damage was found, and no mention of this leak was made to the press. When Ramesh mentions that the state law requires him to report all spills, Suresh reminds him that no harm had been done and reminds him that the company can't have a consulting engineer who does not value loyalty and respect. 20 (a) Identify the ethical issues involved in the given case. (b) What are the options available to Ramesh in this situation? Evaluate each of them. (c) Had you been at Ramesh's place, what would have been your course of action? Give reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"You are the CEO of a social media company that has a wide user base. The social network offered by your company has emerged as a platform for people to interact with each other and share news, opinions etc. However, at the same time, women are being repeatedly harassed and cyber bullied through this network. Whenever any instance of harassment is brought to notice of the company, your staff members immediately deactivate the account of the culprit. However, since new accounts can be created easily, such incidents continue to happen. Also, the system to verify one's account details has been deemed lax by public authorities and human rights groups. But in order to increase the user base, you have to ensure that it is easy for a new user to sign up. Increase in the user base leads to more advertisements on your network, which is a source of huge annual turnover for the company. At the same time, in wake of increasing instances of harassment, you also need to tighten the process of creating new accounts and deactivate or delete the ones being misused. 20 (a) Highlight the options available to you in this scenario and evaluate each of them. What course of action will you take and why? (b) Is there a need for having reasonable restrictions on social media for it to remain a platform of healthy and fruitful engagement. Analyse from the viewpoint of different stakeholders.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"You and your friend are living together in a metropolitan city and preparing for civil service examinations. While you manage to meet your daily targets, you sense that your friend is unable to cope up with the pressure of the exam. Fear of not passing the exam and meeting the expectations of his family is stressing him further. You realise that with time your friend is losing interest in everything and often talks about committing suicide if he is unable to meet his goal. He is also missing out on meals and prefers to stay indoors when asked to venture out. When you sought professional help, the doctor diagnosed your friend with clinical depression. Being aware that your friend needs professional counselling and psychiatric care, you reach out to his parents who reside in a rural area. They rebuff you for suggesting counselling and instead reiterate that nothing is wrong with him. They sternly mention that your bringing up the matter will only make people engage in loose talk. They also ignore you when you politely inform them that it is not wise to ignore one's mental health. Your friend's parents see his state as a sign of failure and decide to call him home where he can continue with his preparation. You are aware of the gravity of the situation if your friend goes back to his house. You also know that there is very little awareness about mental health and that the solution is not to ignore it but to take necessary measures to tackle it. 20 (a) As a concerned friend and an aspiring civil servant who can frame policies for the public in the future and has a moral duty towards them, what are the options available to you in such a situation? (b) Evaluate each of these options and choose the option you would adopt, giving reasons","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"You are the Managing Director of a multinational company that prides on hiring people from diverse backgrounds. The company also chooses multiple projects under Corporate Social Responsibility that are geared towards social inclusion and empowerment of vulnerable sections of the society. Miss 'X' who works in your office tells you that she has been diagnosed with HIV. It happened due to malpractice by a medical practitioner who re-used a contaminated syringe that led Miss 'X' to contract the disease. The company has strict policies about toleration and you ensure Miss 'X' that she can continue with her job in the company without facing any form of discrimination. A few days after the revelation, Miss 'X' angrily submits her resignation letter. She states that she has faced discrimination at the workplace everyday after the revelation. Her colleagues are hesitant to eat lunch with her, they make sure they do not drink water from the same source and the females in the office comment on her marital status. She is also asked to sit separately during departmental discussions. She intends to sue the company for mental harassment. If she takes the step, the public image of the company will be maligned and its non-discriminatory policies will be questioned. The following are some suggested options for you to deal with the situation as a Managing Director of the company. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each of the options: 20 (a) You accept her resignation and suggest a compensation package so that she refrains from suing the company. (b) You persuade her not to submit her resignation and transfer her to another department. (c) You ask her to continue with her job and take strict action against the colleagues who discriminated against her Also, state (without necessarily restricting to the above options) your course of action, giving proper reasons.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6827,"topper":"Sameera","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/165062_870_Sameera_Rank_28.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The Gupta Sculpture while depicting devotion to Vishnu, successfully shows Guptas' exemplary tolerance for both Buddhism and Jainism. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"At all times the work of Indian craftsmen has been admired for its delicacy and skill. In this context, elucidate with examples the artistic achievements of ancient India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"The socio-cultural regeneration in nineteenth century India was occasioned by the colonial presence, but not created by it. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Champaran was the starting point of the strategy that Gandhi was to employ over the next 30 years to galvanise millions into one of history's biggest mass movements against perhaps the greatest imperial power of all time. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Despite many regulations enacted by the British to curb it's freedom, the press in India played a crucial role in strengthening the national movement. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Even after a hundred years of its proclamation the effects of Balfour Declaration continue to resonate in the Arab-Israeli conflict. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Decolonisation was neither an accident nor a product of any grand design, rather it resulted from the confluence of various local and global factors. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"The unification of Germany fundamentally reshaped the balance of power in Europe. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"The positions taken by Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Annie Besant at the beginning of 20th century finally evolved to become positions held by advocates on both sides of the language debate in the country even today. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"C. Rajagoplachari argued that a healthy democracy requires an \"opposition that thinks differently and just does not want more of the same\". In light of that statement assess the historic role played by the Swatantra Party in the initial years of independent India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"The present form of caste as an institution has been shaped both by developments during the colonial period as well as changes witnessed in independent India. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"In the Global Wage Report of International Labour Organisation, India has the worst levels of gender wage disparity. Comment. Enumerate briefly the factors that contribute to the existing gender pay gap in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"Statistics show that child sex ratio is declining though there is an increase in overall sex ratio. Discuss the reasons that explain this trend. What measures have been taken by the government to correct this trend?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Jet streams play a significant role in influencing the weather conditions across the world. Discuss with special reference to the Indian Monsoon.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Developing hydropower projects in the north-east will help India fulfil its electricity demand and achieve energy security, however, this potential remains untapped. Why? What steps can be taken to overcome these bottlenecks for effective utilization of this potential?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"Account for the distribution of cement industry in India with its factors of location. Also list the challenges which the industry has been facing lately.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"Unregulated and nonjudicial usage of groundwater has resulted in declining groundwater levels as well as quality. In this context, discuss the need for a dedicated programme for groundwater conservation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"Exploring and mining of polymetallic nodules in the Indian Ocean Basin by India, though filled with challenges, will be of immense strategic and commercial value. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":56,"question":"Though Tourism is one of the most important tertiary activity in India, it is facing a number of challenges. Comment. In this context, explain the importance of promoting sustainable tourism in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":59,"question":"Highlight the significance of wetland ecosystems, particularly in the urban areas. Also mention the steps that are being taken by the government for integrated management of wetland ecosystems.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6828,"topper":"Sameera","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/165062_871_Sameera_Rank_28.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Criticism about the judiciary should be welcomed, so long as criticisms do not hamper the \"administration of justice\". In this context discuss whether the power of contempt of court given to the higher judiciary limits the freedom granted by Article 19 (a) and whether these two can be reconciled. (12.5X20=250)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Special rights are not privileges but they are granted to make it possible for minorities to preserve their identity, culture and traditions. Elaborate in the context of India with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"A clear delineation of functions of local governments vis-a-vis State Governments will only strengthen the principle of subsidiarity. In this context, discuss the challenges and the reforms required for effective democratic decentralization in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Despite being a welcome step, Inter-State Water Disputes (Amendment) Bill, 2017 fails to resolve the issue of overlapping of jurisdiction between the legislature and judiciary. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Critically discuss the major reforms introduced in the area of electoral funding in Union Budget 2017. Do you think that state funding of elections is a viable idea to check misuse of money power in politics?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The provision of 33% reservation of seats for women in urban local body elections in Nagaland has been in news for various reasons in recent times. Discuss the underlying issues in light of the constitutional provisions at stake and the social realities of the state.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Enumerate the guidelines for police reforms as laid down by the Supreme Court in Prakash Singh case in 2006. In this regard, critically discuss the issues in their implementation by the States.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"While the Competition Commission of India and sector-specific regulators are required to complement each other, overlapping jurisdiction has resulted in regulatory parallelism amongst them. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"There is both spatial and economic inequality with regards to access to healthcare services in India. Elaborate. How does the New Health Policy attempts to address these issues?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Census 2011 observed that there has been a significant increase in urban homeless households in the period between 2001 and 2011. What are homeless households? Highlighting the challenges faced by them, discuss the causes for increase in such households. Suggest various measures to rehabilitate these households.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Recent judgment of the Supreme Court, amending the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 has invoked varied repsonses. Highlighting the amendment, critically examine its likely impact on application of the law.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Examine the steps taken by the government over the years to ensure a secure and exploitation-free childhood for its citizens. Further analyse how the recent ratification of the two key ILO conventions will help India's fight against child labour.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"According to the World Bank, while digital technologies have spread rapidly in much of the world, resulting digital dividends have lagged behind. Analyse in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"\"Our country suffers from an excess of old and unnecessary laws which obstruct people and businesses\". In light of the observation elucidate how outdated and impractical laws bring inefficiency in governance. How far is the repealing and cosolidation of statutes a solution to the problem at hand?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Due to increasing consumption and changing consumption patterns, water scarcity is an emerging threat in India and thus it becomes imperative to treat water as a commodity and privatize it. Critically evaluate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Given the mandate of the Organisation and its composition, too much should not be read into India becoming a full time member of SCO. Critically comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"India needs to utilize its technological capacity based diplomacy to strengthen relationships with the neigbours. Discuss. Also examine the significance of South Asia satellite to enhance regional cooperation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Though both India and Bangladesh have been able to resolve various pending bilateral issues, solution to the Teesta Water dispute remains illusive. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Discuss the important provisions and significance of the recent proposal by India for Trade Facilitation in Services (TFS) Agreement under WTO.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"BIMSTEC has the potential to become a distinctive link between South and Southeast Asia. Elaborate. Also discuss the factors hindering the potential of BIMSTEC over the years. Highlight the key initiatives in recent times and further measures required to make the grouping more effective.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6829,"topper":"Sameera","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/165062_875_Sameera_Rank_28.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Centralising recruitment through an All-India Judicial Service (AIJS) will not address the multiple problems in the judiciary and cause new ones instead. Critically evaluate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"The roots of the most pertinent challenges faced by Indian politics today can be traced to the lack of intra-party democracy in candidate selection and internal elections. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"While the idea behind merger of autonomous bodies in India is to curb overlapping work and reduce expenditure, it may end up doing more harm than good. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Well-defined electoral laws and greater powers for the Election Commission of India are required as the existing laws and mechanisms are inadequate to deal with new challenges. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Privileges should be defined and delimited for the free and independent functioning of the legislatures. In this context, discuss whether there is a need to re-examine the balance between fundamental rights and parliamentary privileges in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The principle of accountability is an essential part of the rule of law. In this context, discuss the lacunae in government's approach and judiciary's response to the phenomenon of extrajudicial killings in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Explain the rationale behind enacting the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016. Discuss how it can help in revitalizing consumer confidence in the real estate market. Also highlight the hurdles that remain in implementing it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Moving the subject of water from state list to concurrent list will solve the issues related to governance of water resources. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Give an account of the areas of potential conflict in the relationship between the political executive and civil servants. Also discuss why a healthy working relationship between the two is critical for good governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Despite their location in the non-political domain of civil society, NGOs have ended up playing a key, if indirect, role in India's politics. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Magnitude of India's urbanisation is not unusual but the pattern is. In this context, examine the issues in the governance of cities in India. Also suggest the reforms required to make Indian cities dynamos of competitive sub-federalism.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Social boycott should be treated as a criminal offence, rather than being considered as just another form of social evil plaguing the Indian society. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Human Trafficking in India has emerged as a serious issue, which calls for understanding the complexity of the problem and devising an effective strategy to combat it. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"A weak teacher education system is at the core of India's problems in school education. Evaluate. In this context, also enumerate the recommendations of the High-Powered Commission on Teacher Education constituted by the Supreme Court of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"India's contribution to peacekeeping missions of the United Nations has remained steadfast despite changes in the nature, form and variety of UN peace keeping missions. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"India's partnership with Africa is an amalgam of African development priorities as well as India's development objectives. Discuss. Also highlight the initiatives taken by India in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":56,"question":"Comment on the role of International Court of Justice in upholding the values of international law. In this context, also highlight the association of India with the ICJ over the years.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":59,"question":"In view of the focus on trans-regional economic corridors and changing regional geo-politics and geo-economics, critically discuss the idea of an Indo-Pacific Economic Corridor.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6830,"topper":"Sameera","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/165062_873_Sameera_Rank_28.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The more remotely power is exercised from the people, the greater is the distance between authority and accountability. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"\"If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion\". In what ways can a compassionate public official be more useful for realizing public service goals?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"The recent decision by the government to ban use of red beacons is only a symbolic gesture and a lot more needs to be done to end the VIP culture in India. Critically discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"To what extent can financial incentives help shape attitude towards social issues? Discuss with relevant examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"At times, moral behaviour can be constrained by the complexity of legal system. Explain. In this context, explain the purpose of legal protection for good samaritans in the case of road accidents.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Examine the different ethical issues involved in the use of public shaming as a punitive measure. Do you think this is an appropriate measure to address the problem of rising crime rates.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Why did Gunnar Myrdal use the term 'soft state' in the context of South Asia? Do you think such a characterisation is still relevant in the case of India today?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Intolerance can be linked both to prejudices and value judgments. Elaborate with relevant examples. Also discuss how intolerance can be countered in a multicultural society like India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Social attitude towards corruption has become more forgiving with time leading to a view of illegal gains and misappropriation of public assets as a \"rightful\" individual prerogative. Analyse in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"What are the factors which draw people to public service? Suggest measures to keep public servants motivated.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Corporate Governance provides a framework that defines the rights, roles and responsibilities of various groups within an organization. (a) Elaborate the need to incorporate the principles of Corporate Governance to enhance the effectiveness of the public sector enterprises. (b) Identify the challenges specific to the public sector when it comes to the application of good practices of corporate governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Emotions, earlier considered as an irrational factor in decision-making, are now recognised as a critical factor of judgment. In this regard, answer the following questions: (a) How can Emotional Intelligence help in coping with the intense pressure and occupational stress faced by police officers and armed forces in discharge of their duties? (b) What are the some of the concerns in incorporating and assessment of emotional intelligence skills in public service?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"You, a manager in one of the top IT firms in the country, are tasked with hiring new recruits for an upcoming project. You find that the company has given tacit instructions of not hiring female candidates in view of the new maternity law passed by the Government. You find this highly objectionable and lodge a protest with people in the higher management but they are firm as they want to cut down all the unnecessary costs. Based on this information, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the stakeholders and their interests in the situation. (b) What are the dilemmas that a recruiting manager may face in such a scenario? (c) What are the different options available to you? Which one will you pursue and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"There has been a perceptible rise in the cost of healthcare services provided by private hospitals. In absence of adequate and quality government hospitals, people are forced to opt for private hospitals, especially for life threatening diseases and injuries. You recently visit one of your friends admitted in a famous private hospital. You found out that the hospital is charging a huge amount of money, which seems to be unreasonable. You confront the staff and ask them to explain the rationale behind such high charges. Their response is that the charges are fair for the kind of services they are providing. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in this situation? (b) Given how other professions price their services, discuss the feasibility of capping the amount of fees charged by doctors and private hospitals. (c) How can the provision of quality services and need for profit be reconciled with society's interests in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"You are the District Magistrate in a district where a significant number of transgenders reside. While discrimination against the community is well known, commuters increasingly complain of harassment at their hands, especially at traffic junctions where transgenders are mostly involved in begging. This, at times, also leads to traffic management issues. You have received a number of complaints in this regard and have to act quickly to resolve it. However, a group of transgender associations argue that begging is their only source of livelihood. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Describe the ethical issues involved in this case. Discuss the attitude of people towards transgenders in general and reasons for the same. (b) What possible courses of action can be undertaken in such situations? Discuss their merits and demerits.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Mr. X is the head of an NGO working in the field of environment conservation and protection. He is in dire need of funds for the NGO's operations and payments to his staff. He is approached by an official of a large infrastructure company, who is ready to provide the required funding for the NGO. But, in a quid pro quo, he asks Mr. X to raise objections over the bypassing of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) norms in an ongoing PPP project through his NGO. This project is being implemented by a rival infrastructure company. Mr. X knows that there have been instances of high level corruption in the process of granting EIA to mega projects and the information provided by the official seems to be authentic. Hence, he accepts the money and agrees to raise the objection. (a) Considering the circumstances of the case, is Mr. X correct in accepting the money? Give appropriate reasons for your answer. (b) If you were in place of Mr. X, what would have been your course of action? Give reasons for it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"You are a civil servant posted in a state where elections were recently held. The newly elected Chief Minister had promised to ban alcohol in several of his election campaigns as well as his election manifesto, which was widely praised and supported by women of the state. Fulfilling his electoral promise, the Chief Minister has ordered a blanket ban on the sale of alcohol in the state. Following the ban, concerns have been raised about the feasibility of the ban and whether the government should interfere in what is considered by many to be a matter of personal choice. (a) Who are the stakeholders in this case and how are they affected by the ban? (b) Is blanket ban on alcohol a feasible action? (c) Identify the issues that may arise while enforcing the ban and the steps you will take to handle them, as a civil servant.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"Regulation and procedure of human clinical trials vary from nation to nation. Stem cell research, as an emerging biomedical field, requires approval for human trials and encounters multiple challenges. You are the head of a team of scientists who developed a new Tissue Engineering system, which appears to be a promising means of regenerating heart tissue. Trials of the system have already been conducted on animals and yielded good results. Millions of people suffering from critical heart diseases would benefit immensely if this medication is immediately available to them. However, you need to conduct human clinical trials before it could be commercialised. It is also known that the stringent regulatory environment in the country will mean that human trials and final approval will take many years before it is made commercially available. On the other hand, regulation of clinical trials in many poor countries is weak and quick approval is possible. Many of your competitors also resort to human trials in these countries, often bribing the officials for getting quick approvals. Given this situation, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the ethical issues which arise during clinical trials. (b) Given the above situation, would you prefer to shift human trials to a third country where regulations are lax? Give reasons in support of your choice. (c) Suggest a framework of standard procedure to minimise ethical conflicts and speed-up the approval process of new medicines.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6831,"topper":"Samiksha Dwivedi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Visionias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5c642-01430179_4514_samiksha_dwivedi_rank_56.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Write two essays, choosing one topic from each of the Sections A and B, in about 1000-1200 words each :\n1. You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it.\n2. In matters of conscience, the law of the majority has no place.\n3. He who opens a school door, closes a prison.\n4. Only in the depths of winter can we truly appreciate the warmth of spring.\n5. We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.\n6. Copying is safe; innovation demands courage.\n7. The more we automate, the more human we must become.\n8. The pursuit of instant validation is creating a generation of restless minds.","marks":"125 x 2 = 250","words":"1000-1200 words each"},{"page":18,"question":"5. We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6832,"topper":"Samiksha Dwivedi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b452f-01430179_4511_samiksha_dwivedi_rank_56.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. How does the Supreme Court's recent decision on Aligarh Muslim University's minority status affect the interpretation of Article 30 of the Indian Constitution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. The Supreme Court, in a recent verdict, prescribed a time period for the Governor's assent to state legislative bills. What are the implications of this judgment for cooperative federalism and legislative accountability in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. Discuss the recent changes and initiatives related to cooperatives that aim to smoothen the tussle between the Centre and States in the cooperative sector. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. In recent years, use of social media and digital mobilisation by civil society has emerged as a powerful form of pressure politics. Examine its impact on policymaking and democratic accountability.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. How is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) emerging as a business-led solution for addressing development challenges in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. Discuss how mechanisms like public consultations and Jan Sunwais in India impact governance outcomes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. How effective have the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) and Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan been in addressing substance abuse in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. Rote learning and neglect of creativity in foundational education setup in India make it less ready for marketplaces that are now driven by Artificial Intelligence. Do you agree with this view? Substantiate your argument.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Analyze the transformation of the G7 from a symbol of Western strategic unity to a forum marked by internal contradictions. How should India navigate this changing dynamic to advance its strategic interests? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. Discuss the role of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in the development of developing countries. What are the key criticisms associated with its approach? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. The 103rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019 has introduced a new dimension to the principle of affirmative action in India. Critically examine its implications for the broader goal of social justice.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. The District Planning Committee (DPC) was envisioned as a key instrument to strengthen grassroots-level planning. How far has it succeeded in achieving this goal? Discuss the challenges faced by DPCs and suggest measures to make them more effective.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. The restrictions imposed under Article 293 of the Constitution on State borrowing powers, though constitutionally valid, may hinder fiscal autonomy of States and disrupt cooperative federalism. Discuss in the light of recent developments.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. Examine the tension between the right to contest elections and the need to uphold electoral ethics under the Representation of the People Act. Should there be a lifetime ban on convicted criminals? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Should criminals have lifetime ban","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"15. To what extent has the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme, launched in 2015, succeeded in addressing the declining child sex ratio and empowering the girl child? Suggest measures to enhance its impact at the grassroots level.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are emerging as vehicles of socio-economic transformation in rural India. Examine the role of government in scaling their reach and effectiveness.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. Despite economic growth, multidimensional poverty continues to persist in India. Analyse the underlying causes and discuss the measures taken by the government to address them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. India faces a paradox of food surplus and nutritional deficit. Analyse the structural reasons behind this paradox and suggest reform strategies. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. India's timely response during the economic crises in Sri Lanka and the Maldives reflects its \"Neighbourhood First\" policy in action. Examine how Indian aid has impacted bilateral ties with these nations. What steps can further be taken to promote sustainable economic cooperation in the Indian Ocean region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. Discuss the geostrategic significance of Afghanistan for India in the context of continental connectivity and access to Central Asia. How has the altered political landscape post-2021 affected India's connectivity and energy corridor ambitions? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6833,"topper":"Samiksha Dwivedi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/05f4a-1430179_2718_samiksha_dwivedi_rank_56.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. Examine the implications of increased judicial legislation on the separation of powers in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"2. Who is a public servant under Article 14 of the Lokpal and Lokayukta Act? Critically examine the case for including constitutional courts (or higher judiciary) under the purview of Lokpal.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"3. How can the financial woes of urban local bodies be tackled through innovative funding?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"4. Examine the constitutional and functional relationship between the President and the Prime Minister. Is the President merely a titular head in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"5. Discuss the role of ICT in improving healthcare delivery through e-governance in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"6. Enumerate the key challenges encountered across various stages of policy formulation in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"7. How does gender inequality contribute to the intensification of poverty? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"8. Malnutrition in India continues to persist despite numerous schemes and interventions over the years. What are the key reasons behind this persistence? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"9. The rupture in the Trans-Atlantic partnership that has defined the Western world order post-World War II opens key opportunities for India. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"10. Assess the mandate and effectiveness of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in curbing global terrorism financing. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"11. Critically assess the effectiveness of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act in empowering Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"12. How does Article 143 of the Indian Constitution facilitate a consultative relationship between the executive and the judiciary? Does this relationship strengthen or undermine the principle of separation of powers? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"13. Discuss the mechanisms through which mutual checks and balances are maintained among the Legislature, Executive and Judiciary in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"14. Critically assess the working of District Planning Committees in integrating rural and urban planning. Why have they remained largely ineffective? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"15. How can civil servants utilize social media to positively shape public perceptions of their integrity and commitment to public service, while ensuring they do not compromise the principles of neutrality and anonymity essential to their role? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"16. Participatory governance is essential for deepening democracy and enhancing service delivery. Discuss the various tools of participatory governance in India and evaluate their effectiveness in promoting transparency and accountability.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"17. With foreign educational institutions establishing campuses in India, what could be the impact on the overall quality and international competitiveness of higher education? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"18. Though legal protections exist for elderly persons in India, their enforcement remains weak. Examine the challenges in implementing laws related to senior citizens. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"19. Evaluate the strategic significance of the India-Sri Lanka Defence Cooperation Agreement 2025 for regional security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"20. China, Bangladesh, and Pakistan recently held their first official trilateral meeting in Kunming, signaling Beijing's growing strategic outreach in South Asia. In this context, to what extent has India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy succeeded in meeting its strategic goals? What steps are needed to re-energize and realign this policy in the face of emerging regional challenges?","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6834,"topper":"Samiksha Dwivedi","air":56,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SAMIKSHA-DWIVEDIUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-56-Sample-MGP-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) Explain the significance of the recent changes made to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) with respect to labour market data estimation in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2 Discuss the implications of the rising trend of protectionism and tariff wars in global trade for India's macroeconomic stability.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3 \"Genome-edited crops have the potential to strengthen food and nutritional security in the country.\" Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Assess the role of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) in expanding irrigation coverage and improving on-farm water use efficiency.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 Starlink, a satellite internet service provider, has recently been granted a license to operate in India. What is satellite internet? How does it work? What are its advantages and limitations?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) What is a Geographical Indication (GI)? What are the legal frameworks governing it? How does it differ from a trademark? How can GI infringement be tackled?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) What are the salient features of Mission Mausam launched by the Government of India? Why is such a mission needed? What are the likely challenges in its effective implementation?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) Highlight the key provisions of the Disaster Management (Amendment) Act, 2025. How would the amendment help strengthen the disaster management framework in the country?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How would it help in improving Disaster Management framework","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 'Operation Sindoor' signals a strategic evolution in India's approach to cross-border terrorism. Analyze.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) 'Cyberspace has emerged as a distinct domain of warfare, posing serious threats to national security.' Discuss this statement and suggest counter-measures.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) What are the key objectives of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016? To what extent has it been successful in achieving them?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) Despite phenomenal growth in recent years, India's startup ecosystem lags in innovation across strategic sectors. Identify the factors responsible for this inadequate focus on deep-tech and suggest strategies to bridge this gap.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 What is floriculture? How is it helpful in enhancing farm income and boosting agri-exports?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) \"Women play a crucial role in Indian agriculture, yet continue to face systemic exclusion.\" Discuss with reference to land ownership, access to credit, and agri-extension services. What initiatives has the government taken in this regard?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15) Launched on 25th June 2025, the Axiom-4 (Ax-04) mission has been much in the news since then. What are the key features of the mission? What significance does it hold for the Gaganyaan project and India's long-term space ambitions?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) Energy storage technology is one of the major components of renewable energy integration and decarbonization of world energy systems. Briefly discuss any three such technologies, citing their key merits and demerits.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17) Global Pandemic Agreement (2025) recognizes the 'One Health' approach as critical to pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. Highlight the key features of the agreement, and elaborate on how the One Health approach can help in preventing future pandemics. What steps are needed to integrate this approach into India's environmental and health governance?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 The frequency and intensity of heatwaves, particularly in urban centres, have increased in recent years. Describe the various causes and effects of heatwaves. What policies and frameworks have been adopted in India towards extreme heat risk management?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Discuss how emerging technologies and globalization contribute to terror financing. Elaborate measures to tackle the menace of terror financing both at national and international levels.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20) Explain the key components of the National Policy and Action Plan (2015) that have contributed to the significant decline of Left-Wing Extremism (LWE). What additional steps would you suggest to eliminate LWE in the near future?","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6835,"topper":"Samiksha Dwivedi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/35fb8-1430179_2701_samiksha_dwivedi_rank_56.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. What were the major advancements made in the field of science and technology in ancient India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"2. Explain how Buddhism underwent profound changes with its spread outside India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"3. How does temple architecture in India reflect the philosophical and cultural aspects of society? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"4. Discuss the contribution of Srimanta Sankardeya to the development of art and culture in 15th-century India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"5. How do the accounts provided by the Greek travellers hold relevance for understanding various aspects of ancient India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"6. Miniature painting flourished in different parts of India between 16th and 19th centuries. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"7. Why is there a need to preserve and revive the dying tribal art forms in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"8. The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand can explain the outbreak of war, but not why it became a world war. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"9. Compare and contrast Italian Fascism and German Nazism that emerged during the inter-war period. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"10. How did the Industrial Revolution shape and influence the era of New Imperialism during the late 19th and early 20th centuries? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"11. The Mughal era, which spanned from the 16th century to the mid-19th century, was a period of flourishing literary activity in India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"12. How did architecture evolve under successive Pallava rulers? What was the contribution of Pallava architecture to the development of the Dravidian architectural style? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"13. What insights into ancient Indian religious and cultural beliefs can be gained from studying rock-cut architecture? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"14. How did India's position at the crossroads of ancient trade routes facilitate cultural exchange with multiple regions of the world? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"15. How did temple architecture evolve under the Vijayanagara empire? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"16. What are the main socio-cultural features of Indus Valley Civilization? Do you believe these elements are still a part of Indian society in modern times? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"17. How did the USSR weld Communist unity in Eastern Europe? What are the factors that led to the collapse of Communism in Eastern Europe (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"18. In what ways did Napoleon Bonaparte's rise to power and subsequent rule transform the socio-political landscape of Europe? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"19 To what extent did the Anglo-French policy of appeasement contribute to the outbreak of the Second World War? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"20. What are the factors that led to the Suez Crisis of 1956? How did it alter the regional balance of power? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6836,"topper":"Samiksha Dwivedi","air":56,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SAMIKSHA-DWIVEDIUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-56-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) 'Unconscious biases in parenting continue to shape gendered experiences in India.' Do you agree with this view? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) Distinguish between empathy and compassion. Why are they considered as foundational values in public services?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) The current society is witnessing rising levels of intolerance. What are the consequences of this situation for personal well-being and for societal well-being? What can one do at the personal level to become tolerant?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) What are the main components of emotional intelligence and how does it help an individual in taking ethical decisions?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) Given below are the three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context?\na) \"This life is short, the vanities of the world are transient, but they alone live who live for others, the rest are more dead than alive.\" - Swami Vivekanand","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) \"If you cry because the sun has gone out of your life, your tears will prevent you from seeing the stars.\" - Rabindranath Tagore","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"c) \"Two ways of building character - cultivating strength to challenge oppression, and tolerate the resultant hardships that give rise to courage and awareness.\" - Sardar Patel","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.4) a) \"With great power comes great responsibility.\" In the present context, 'Big Tech' headquartered in developed countries wield disproportionate influence over digital infrastructure, personal data, and global narratives---often prioritising profit over ethical considerations. What ethical principles should guide such corporations in building a fair, inclusive, and just global digital framework?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"b) What do you understand by the term 'crisis of conscience'? Describe an incident from your life where you experienced such a crisis. How did you deal with it?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.5) a) \"A politics of confession that encourages politicians and parties to confess and offer regret for their errors can surely be a cathartic experience.\" Examine the statement from the ethical point of view.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"b) What are the key objectives of the Right to Information Act, 2005? Examine the ethical concerns associated with certain provisions of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act in realizing the objectives of the RTI Act.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.6) a) Public spaces serve as arenas of democratic participation and civic expression. Yet in India, they remain deeply gendered, with many women largely confined to the private and domestic sphere. Examine the factors that restrict women's access to public spaces. How can ethical governance help address the issue of gendered spatial control and promote inclusivity in public spaces?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"b) Write short notes on the following in 30 words each:\ni) Ethical fading\nii) Conflict of interest\niii) Persuasion\niv) Work culture\nv) Corporate governance","marks":"10 marks, 150","words":"30 words each"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7) A State Government in the northeastern part of the country has launched a series of anti-encroachment drives across forest areas, wetlands, and revenue lands. Under the directions of the Chief Minister, the administration has intensified efforts to reclaim public land, particularly in areas reserved for ecological protection and critical infrastructure development. Most of the time, these actions have been backed by court orders and have resulted in the recovery of thousands of hectares of land. However, in certain regions, the implementation of such drives is fraught with social and political complexities. In several districts, settlements have existed for decades and are inhabited by marginalized communities with limited access to legal rights or formal rehabilitation measures. These areas are often politically sensitive and influenced by local leaders and pressure groups.\nSimanta is posted as Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) in one such district. Over the past year, the district administration has attempted to align eviction measures with welfare outreach, including the provision of temporary shelters, relocation assistance, and public consultations. Recently, a major operation was scheduled to clear encroachments from over 140 hectares of forest land within a Reserved Forest, primarily to curb rising instances of human-elephant conflict and to restore ecological balance. Anticipating eviction, some residents approached the High Court seeking a stay. However, the court refused to grant it and directed the administration to proceed with the eviction following due process. Notices were served, and a detailed roadmap was prepared to carry out the operation, which was expected to last 2-3 days due to the scale and remote location. On the first day, Simanta led a team comprising forest officials, municipal workers, and police personnel. Demolitions were conducted peacefully and without major resistance. However, on the second day, when the team returned to the site, a large group of agitated residents—primarily women and children—had gathered. They raised slogans and formed human chains to prevent further evictions. The atmosphere grew tense when some individuals began throwing stones, resulting in serious injury to a municipal worker. The crowd grew increasingly volatile and emotionally charged, demanding an immediate halt to the operation. The police contingent present on the ground was outnumbered by the crowd. Faced with this crisis, some team members pleaded with Simanta to call off the operation, fearing threats to their life and the possibility of a violent escalation. Simanta attempted to contact his superior officer (the Deputy Commissioner), but due to poor mobile connectivity in the forested area, communication could not be established. Meanwhile, several local journalists had arrived and begun reporting on the incident. Simanta is in a dilemma as to what to do.\na. Evaluate the options available with Simanta to cope with the situation.\nb. Which of the above options would be the most appropriate for Simanta and why?\nc. What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Simanta?\nd. Examine the qualities of a public servant which will be required to manage such situations.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"a. स्थिति से निपटने के लिए सिमंता के पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nb. सिमंता के लिए सबसे उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?\nc. सिमंता को किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\nd. ऐसी परिस्थितियों का प्रबंधन करने के लिए एक लोक सेवक के गुणों का परीक्षण करें।\na स्थिति से निपटने के लिए सिमंता के पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nb सिमंता के लिए सबसे उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?\nc सिमंता को किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\nd ऐसी परिस्थितियों का प्रबंधन करने के लिए एक लोक सेवक के गुणों का परीक्षण करें।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":34,"question":"Q.8) Megha is a first-year sociology student at a reputed college in the national capital. She is originally from Tadchiroli, a tribal village in a western Indian state. Megha's family migrated to the city when she was seven years old and had not visited their village since. Though Megha has fond memories of her childhood there, she never deeply understood the customs and traditions of the region. One day, Megha expresses her wish to visit Tadchiroli. Her father agrees and asks her to inform Ratan, her paternal uncle, who still lives in the village with his family. Megha informs Ratan and travels to the village during a semester break. Upon arrival, she receives a warm welcome from Ratan and his family. Later, Ratan invites her to attend a local festival. During the event, Megha notices that her cousin Rinki is missing. Curious, she asks Ratan's wife Ratna why Rinki is not at the festival. Ratna explains that Rinki is on her period, and as per tradition, menstruating girls must stay separately in small huts built specifically for the purpose. Locally known as 'kurma ghars', they are generally located on the periphery of the village, near a river or pond. She further adds that these girls are not allowed to enter the main house or participate in any social or religious activities. Megha is taken aback. She asks whether all women follow this practice. Ratna nods and says it has been the custom for generations. Even schoolgirls stay in these huts and miss classes during their periods. Ratna admits that many in the village, including herself, never questioned the practice. The explanation unsettles Megha. She finds it hard to believe that a natural biological function leads to such exclusion. Before returning to the city, Megha observes that even educated family members seem to accept and follow these customs. The experience leaves a deep impact on her. She starts reading more about menstrual taboos and their impact on women's health, dignity, and education. As a sociology student, she recognises how such traditions are linked to patriarchy and social stigma. She begins to reflect on what she can do at her level to improve the current situation, without alienating the community or disrespecting its traditions.\na. Suggest a course of action Megha can take to sensitize her village community without appearing disrespectful or confrontational.\nb. What ethical principles and methods should guide her actions while engaging with the community?\nc. How is menstruation related to human rights?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":35,"question":"a. मेघा द्वारा अपने गांव के समुदाय को असम्मानजनक या टकरावपूर्ण व्यवहार किए बिना संवेदनशील बनाने के लिए अपनाई जा सकने वाली कार्यवाही का सुझाव दीजिए।\nb. समुदाय के साथ जुड़ते समय उसके कार्यों को किन नैतिक सिद्धांतों और तरीकों से निर्देशित किया जाना चाहिए?\nc. मासिक धर्म मानव अधिकारों से किस प्रकार संबंधित है?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":39,"question":"Q.9 Gopal is an 80-year-old man living in a remote and an underdeveloped village in a Central Indian state. He had been residing in a small mud house for years. When he came to know about the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G), he saw a glimmer of hope for a pucca house in the last phase of his life. However, the village sarpanch and panchayat secretary told him that to be eligible under the scheme, he must first demolish his existing house so that during a site inspection, no structure would be visible at the location. Subsequently, Gopal demolished his shelter and began living under a babool tree. For nearly six months, he has been staying in the open, braving harsh weather conditions. During this time, he has repeatedly visited the panchayat office but has been told that his application cannot be processed as he lacks the necessary documents.\nYou are the officer-in-charge of implementing PMAY-G in the district. The case of Gopal reaches you through a prominent newspaper report. You personally visit him to understand the situation on the ground. After meeting him and listening to his account, you feel that he certainly needs support. Your enquiries confirm that he is truly destitute and living in a pitiable condition under the open sky. It is also established that he demolished his house based on a faulty interpretation of the scheme by panchayat officials. However, he has no documents to show that he fulfils the eligibility criteria under the scheme.\nNow you are in a dilemma. Including him under the scheme without the necessary documents would clearly be a violation of rules. But denying him support would be cruel and inhuman.\na Can you think of a rational way to resolve this dilemma?\nb Give your reasons for it.\nc What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.10) You are working as an Assistant Section Officer in the District Development and Panchayat Office. One day, one of your close colleagues approaches you in deep distress. She tells you that her father is suffering from a severe liver condition, and the doctors have clearly stated that he must undergo liver transplant immediately in order to survive. She shares that she has no health insurance, and the surgery would cost around Rs 15 lakh. You are aware that her husband passed away a few years ago, and that she also has a four-year-old son with special needs. Just a few weeks ago, she also lost all her savings in a digital arrest scam. As a widow from a lower middle-class family, her options are extremely limited. Although you feel deeply empathetic, you are unable to offer financial assistance, as you do not have the resources to help. A few weeks later, you enquire about her father's health. She informs you that the liver transplant surgery was successful and that her father is now recovering steadily. Relieved, you ask how she managed to arrange the funds. Hesitantly, she confides that the District Development and Panchayat Officer (DDPO) helped her. Moved by her situation, the DDPO facilitated the release of Rs 15 lakh from the fund allocated to a rural sanitation scheme. The implementation of this scheme had been put on hold for a year due to technical issues and pending site approvals. She explains that the amount was provided on the assurance of strict confidentiality and with a commitment to repay it at the earliest. She expresses deep gratitude for the DDPO's timely help, which she believes saved her father's life. She has already begun repaying the money and will continue to do so until it is all returned.\na. Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\nb. Examine the behavior of DPDO from an ethical point of view.\nc. How would you react to the situation?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Q.11) Nithin is the head of the Marketing Department at Pehnava Clothings Ltd., a reputed apparel manufacturing company with a strong global presence. Known for its professionalism and consistent performance, the company had earned a credible name in both domestic and international markets. However, the firm was going through difficult times. For three consecutive quarters, it had witnessed a steep decline in sales. This trend had raised serious concerns among the top management regarding the company's competitiveness, profitability, and long-term stability. To address the situation, the leadership decided to restructure the marketing division and bring in dynamic leadership. A senior marketing executive, Mr. A, was hired after a rigorous selection process. He had an impressive career record and was known for turning around sales performance in other firms and building strong brand identities. With high expectations placed upon him, Mr. A was seen as the key figure to steer the company out of crisis. Mr. A soon began delivering results. Within a year, the company's revenue had almost doubled, and its brand visibility had increased significantly. His bold marketing strategies, proactive outreach, and innovative campaigns received appreciation from various quarters within the company. His performance drew the attention of the top management. There were deliberations about assigning him a larger role within the company, with a focus on long-term business strategy. He was also being considered for an internal award for 'Excellence in Leadership and Innovation'. However, alongside professional success of Mr. A, Nithin began receiving troubling feedback about his conduct in the workplace. Informal reports indicated that he frequently made inappropriate comments about women. In addition, he regularly sent indecent messages via social media apps to all team members, including his female colleagues. Although no formal complaint was lodged initially, Nithin could sense tension within the team, and signs of discomfort were becoming increasingly apparent. Some employees even started avoiding direct interaction with Mr. A. Team morale and interpersonal trust were gradually eroding, but employees remained hesitant to speak openly. The matter escalated one evening when Mrs. X, one of Mr. A's team members approached Nithin. Visibly disturbed and emotionally shaken, she disclosed that Mr. A had repeatedly engaged in inappropriate behavior towards her. She added that Mr. A had been making undesirable advances towards her and had even tried to touch her inappropriately in his cabin. She urged Nithin to take appropriate action in the matter, or else she would have no option but to resign from her position.\na. Bring out the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb. What are the options available to Nithin?\nc. Critically examine each of the options identified by Nithin.\nd. Which of the options, do you think, would be more appropriate for Nithin to adopt and why?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":50,"question":"a. इस मामले में शामिल नैतिक प्रश्नों को स्पष्ट करें।\nb. नितिन के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nc. नितिन द्वारा पहचाने गए प्रत्येक विकल्प का आलोचनात्मक परीक्षण करें।\nd. नितिन के लिए कौन सा विकल्प अपनाना अधिक उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":55,"question":"Q.12) You are appointed as an officer heading the Air Quality Compliance Division of the Environment Pollution Control Board in Delhi-NCR. The region is witnessing alarming levels of air pollution, which typically worsen during the winter months due to various meteorological and anthropogenic factors. The situation has led to severe public health concerns, particularly affecting vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and those with respiratory illnesses. The Supreme Court has also raised serious concern over the deteriorating air quality in Delhi-NCR and has directed the administration to take immediate and effective measures to control pollution, especially during the winter months.\nYour jurisdiction has a large number of small and medium-scale industries that were granted environmental clearance over the years. These industries form the backbone of the local economy and provide employment to a significant number of migrant workers. However, recent inspections and air quality monitoring reports indicate that a significant number of these units are operating in violation of prescribed air emission norms. As part of targeted measures to curb air pollution, you issued notices to all identified polluting units, directing them to apply for fresh environmental clearance certificates from the competent authority.\nHowever, your decision triggered strong opposition from a section of industrial units, labour unions, and local politicians. Industrial owners argued that such action would lead to production shutdowns, financial losses, and shortages of their products in the market. Labour unions and workers also protested, fearing mass unemployment and livelihood insecurity. Local politicians and vested interests accused you of jeopardising the socio-economic stability of the region. You received representations from various quarters urging you to withdraw the notices and not initiate harsh measures, citing the interests of multiple stakeholders. Additionally, you began receiving anonymous threats, aimed at coercing you into reversing your decision. On the other hand, several of your colleagues supported your stance, encouraging you to act in the larger public interest. Several local NGOs and environmental groups rallied behind your actions, demanding the immediate closure of polluting units.\na. Under the given conditions, what are the options available to you?\nb. Critically evaluate each of the options listed by you.\nc. What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by you?","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":6837,"topper":"Samiksha Dwivedi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0deab-01430179_4513_samiksha_dwivedi_rank_56.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. (a) Compassion is the courageous choice to feel another's suffering as one's own, and to act upon it, even when silence is safer and indifference is easier. Examine the significance of compassion as an essential ethical value for civil servants in India. Illustrate your answer with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"1. (b) Marriages in India are transitioning from traditional sacramental unions to more autonomous relationships, reflected in live-in relationships and rising divorce rates. Discuss the ethical dimensions of these changes.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"2. (a) While accountability often necessitates documentation, an overemphasis on bureaucratic procedures and excessive paperwork can inadvertently silence the very voices that public policy intends to empower, particularly at the grassroots. Examine the above statement with suitable illustrations.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":12,"question":"2. (b) The principle of impartiality may conflict with the need for compassion towards marginalized communities. Discuss in the context of civil services in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"3 (a) What do each of the following quotations mean to you?\n(a) \"The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home.\" - Confucius (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"3. (b) \"Act only according to that maxim through which you can at the same time will that it become a universal law.\"- Immanuel Kant (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"3. (c) \"We are not only responsible for what we do, but also for what we fail to do\" - Molière. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"4. (a) Patriotism encourages ethical questioning, while nationalism often suppresses it. Discuss this statement in light of the formation of political attitudes during high-pressure national events. How can individuals develop moral attitudes that balance national interest with ethical reasoning?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"4. (b) Discuss how employee well-being and fairness can be balanced with efficiency and profitability in private organisations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"5. (a) Do you agree that excessive use of social media and emerging AI technologies may lead to a decline in emotional regulation and moral sensitivity among adolescents? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"5. (b) In light of the increasing incidents of suicides among students in India, discuss how Emotional Intelligence (EI) can aid in managing stress and emotional challenges.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"6. (a) In public service, emotional intelligence is not about suppressing emotion, but mastering its purpose — to connect, to de-escalate, and to uplift others with empathy and strength. Do you agree with this view? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"6. (b) An efficient work culture is built not only on rules, but on shared values. In this context, evaluate the role of leadership and team dynamics in transforming work culture within an organization.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"7 You are posted as the Joint Secretary in the Department of Information Technology of a state. The government recently implemented several citizen-centric digital services, collecting large volumes of personal data from residents. The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, requires that such data be processed only with explicit and informed consent, and mandates that processing must cease immediately upon withdrawal of consent.\n\nDuring an internal audit, you discover that the department continues to process and analyze personal data of several citizens even after they have formally withdrawn their consent. This data is being used for policy analytics and service improvement, purposes not explicitly disclosed at the time of data collection. When you bring this to the attention of your department head, you are informed that halting the processing will disrupt ongoing digital initiatives and may affect state-level performance metrics. Moreover, you find that the consent withdrawal process is cumbersome, and many citizens are unaware of their rights under the DPDP Act.\n\nYou also learn that a prominent social activist is planning to file a complaint with the Data Protection Board against involuntary use of personal data, which could attract public scrutiny and legal action against the department.\n(a) Identify and discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.\n(b) What are the potential consequences for the department if the issue is not addressed transparently?\n(c) How would you balance the need for efficient public service delivery with the obligation to protect citizens’ data rights? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"8 You are an IAS officer, currently serving as the Secretary of the Public Works Department in a hill state. Recently, a disturbing incident has come to light involving a senior Cabinet Minister and two engineers of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). During an inspection of a critical highway project, the Minister was allegedly seen on video physically assaulting and verbally abusing the engineers in full public view. The video, recorded by bystanders, went viral on social media and was widely covered by television channels, sparking both outrage and support from different sections of society. The Minister later defended his actions, alleging that the officials were corrupt, unresponsive to local grievances, and responsible for inordinate delays in the project. He insisted that his actions were driven by public frustration and the urgency of delivering infrastructure to a remote region.\n\nHowever, the engineers have filed a police complaint and written to their superiors, claiming they were targeted for resisting political pressure to award contracts to specific local contractors linked to the Minister. As the situation escalated, a union of NHAI engineers declared a strike,\n(a) इस प्रकरण में शामिल प्रमुख नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं? हितधारकों और उनके परस्पर विरोधी हितों की पहचान कीजिए।\n(b) लोक निर्माण विभाग के सचिव के रूप में, आप उपयुक्त स्थिति में क्या कार्रवाई करेंगे?\n(c) ऐसी घटनाएं सिविल सेवकों के मनोबल और शासन में जनता के विश्वास को कैसे प्रभावित करती हैं? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"(a) What are the key ethical issues involved in this situation? Identify the stakeholders and their conflicting interests.\n(b) As the Secretary of the PWD, what actions will you take in above situation?\n(c) How do such incidents affect the morale of civil servants and public trust in governance? (Answer in 250 words)\na) What are the key ethical issues involved in this situation? Identify the stakeholders and their conflicting interests.\nb) As the Secretary of the PWD, what actions will you take in above situation?\nc) How do such incidents affect the morale of civil servants and public trust in governance?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"9 You are the Secretary in the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Government of India. In recent years, an increasing number of civil servants, particularly younger officers from the IAS, IPS, and IRS, have begun maintaining personal YouTube channels and social media pages. On these platforms, they regularly post videos related to their official work — showcasing innovative projects, public outreach initiatives, inspection drives, and sometimes even day-to-day administrative duties.\n\nThese videos often receive widespread public attention, and many viewers express admiration, saying such content enhances transparency, motivates aspirants, and humanizes the bureaucracy. However, concerns have also emerged from various quarters. Senior officers argue that such content may blur the boundaries between personal branding and public service, while some citizens and media commentators point to instances where videos feature vulnerable beneficiaries without consent, raise concerns about misuse of official premises, or seem designed more for personal popularity than public accountability.\n(a) लोक सेवकों द्वारा अपने आधिकारिक कार्यों को सोशल मीडिया पर सार्वजनिक रूप से प्रदर्शित करने के कृत्यों में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों की पहचान कीजिए।\n(b) क्या ऐसी प्रवृत्तियां जागरूकता और प्रेरणा को प्रोत्साहन देती हैं या क्या ये अनामिता, तटस्थता और सामूहिक सेवा भावना के मूल्यों से समझौता करती हैं? अपना मत दीजिए।\n(c) सचिव के रूप में, लोक सेवकों की उत्तरदायित्व डिजिटल सहभागिता सुनिश्चित करने के लिए आप कौन-से मार्गदर्शक सिद्धांत और नीतिगत अनुशासन सुझाएंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"You have been asked to prepare a report with recommendations to balance public interest, institutional integrity, and evolving modes of communication.\n(a) Identify the ethical issues involved in civil servants publicly showcasing their official work on social media.\n(b) Do such practices promote awareness and motivation, or do they compromise the values of anonymity, neutrality, and collective service ethos? Give your opinion.\n(c) As the Secretary, what guiding principles and policy recommendations would you suggest to ensure responsible digital engagement by civil servants? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"10 You are the Director of the National Bioethics Commission who is responsible for assessing the ethical feasibility and oversight of a nationwide gene sequencing program. The project named GeneFuture, aims to sequence the DNA of every newborn child and store it in a centralized national database. The objective is to identify genetic predispositions to serious diseases early in life, allowing for preventive treatment and personalized medicine. Over 100,000 babies have already been enrolled in the pilot phase of the program. The government claims that this move is a landmark step in public health advancement.\n\nHowever, collection of newborn genetic data raises significant ethical concerns, particularly around informed consent, which may not fully capture parents' understanding of the long-term risks involved. Once gathered, this sensitive data could be misused for purposes such as surveillance, insurance discrimination, or commercial marketing by third parties. Uncertainty over data ownership—whether it lies with the state, parents, or the individual as they mature—further complicates the issue. The involvement of private tech and pharmaceutical companies heightens fears of commercial exploitation, especially in the absence of clear mechanisms for individuals to withdraw consent or delete their genetic information upon reaching adulthood.\n(a) What are the ethical issues you perceive in the implementation of the GeneFuture program?\n(b) Identify the conflicting interests of different stakeholders in this case.\n(c) What guiding ethical principles would you recommend for implementation of this project? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"(10) The emerging technology of genome sequencing poses ethical question on data usage of newborn's genetic data\na) Ethical Issues","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"11. You are a dedicated District Health Officer (DHO) with a strong commitment to evidence-based public health practices, recently assigned to a remote district in India. Your immediate and most critical task is to lead a crucial district-wide Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination drive, aimed at achieving 100% immunization coverage among children aged 9 months to 15 years. The success of this drive is vital for the collective health of thousands of children and for the district's overall health indicators, especially with the impending monsoon season posing additional health challenges.\n\nHowever, in one of the largest and most traditional villages in your district, you encounter formidable resistance. The villagers, deeply influenced by the pronouncements of a revered local\n(a) उपयुक्त प्रकरण में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\n(b) इस विरोध को शांत करने के लिए आपके पास तत्काल क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\n(c) अंधविश्वास के व्यापक प्रभाव को दूर करने और संधारणीय लोक स्वास्थ्य परिणामों हेतु वैज्ञानिक सोच को बढ़ावा देने के लिए आप कौन-सी दीर्घकालिक रणनीतियाँ और प्रणालीगत सुधारों का सुझाव देंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case.\n(b) What are the immediate options available to you to overcome this resistance?\n(c) What long-term strategies and systemic reforms would you suggest to address the pervasive influence of superstition and foster a scientific temperament for sustainable public health outcomes? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"12 (a) आपके समक्ष विद्यमान संभावित प्रशासनिक और नैतिक दुविधाएं क्या हैं?\n(b) आपके लिए उपलब्ध सभी विकल्पों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\n(c) आप अपने निर्णय का नैतिक औचित्य सिद्ध करते हुए कौन-सी व्यापक कार्यवाही करेंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)\na) आपके समक्ष विद्यमान संभावित प्रशासनिक और नैतिक दुविधाएं क्या हैं?\nb) आपके लिए उपलब्ध सभी विकल्पों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\nc) आप अपने निर्णय का नैतिक औचित्य सिद्ध करते हुए कौन-सी व्यापक कार्यवाही करेंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":58,"question":"(a) What are the potential administrative and ethical dilemmas you face?\n(b) Discuss all options available to you.\n(c) What comprehensive course of action would you choose to adopt, providing ethical justification for your decision? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6838,"topper":"Samiksha Dwivedi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8f29e-1430179_2716_samiksha_dwivedi_rank_56.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) The consequences of ethical actions are shaped by the intent behind them, but good intentions may lead to unintended harm. Examine this statement with suitable examples. Is it correct to decide rightness or wrongness of an act by looking at the intention of the person who carries it out? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) The persistence of dowry in Indian society reflects deeper issues of lack of sensitivity as well as institutional apathy. Discuss how ethical transformation is more important than mere legal enforcement in such cases.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) Probity in governance is not just about laws, but about ethical leadership. Discuss this statement in the context of challenges faced by public officials in high-stakes situations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) Ethical governance is not merely about avoiding wrongdoing, it is about proactively fostering an environment where ethical conduct is the norm. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"3 (a) Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context?\n(a) \"You may never know what results come of your actions. But if you do nothing, there will be no result.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) \"Man is the master weaver both of the inner garment of character and the outer garment of circumstance.\" - James Allen (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"3. (c) \"The virtuous man is he who chooses the mean between excess and deficiency.\" - Aristotle (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"4. (a) In an age of hyper-digital activity and constant online presence, discuss the need for developing Digital Emotional Intelligence (DEI) among individuals, especially public servants.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"4. (b) In the context of climate change, how can value-based persuasion be more effective than rule-based enforcement in changing public behaviour?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"5. (a) A company is only as ethical as the decisions it makes when it's under pressure. In light of this statement, discuss the ethical dilemmas faced by organizations during economic downturns.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"5. (b) Discuss the ethical implications of war-induced displacement of refugees. How should countries balance national interest with their moral responsibility towards refugees?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"6. (a) What teachings of Vardhaman Mahavira are most relevant today and why? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"6. (b) Dedication to public service forms one of the foundational values for a civil servant. Discuss how it goes beyond professional duty. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"7. In the following questions, carefully study the cases presented and then answer the questions that follow (in around 250 words):\n\nSiddharth, a 13-year-old school student, has been arrested for the fatal stabbing of his classmate Saumya after a series of bullying incidents at school and on social media. Investigations reveal that Siddharth was the target of a sustained cyberbullying campaign, including derogatory remarks and the circulation of his private images without consent.\n\nFurther inquiry reveals that Siddharth was under immense peer pressure and was handed a weapon by his classmates, who believed he would only use it to scare Saumya. Siddharth's emotional distress had gone unnoticed by both his parents and school authorities. The community is now sharply divided. While some blame the school's failure to intervene, others blame the role of digital platforms, and poor parenting.\n\nSiddharth's parents express regret for not noticing signs of emotional breakdown and possible online radicalization. The incident has triggered a wider debate on the ethical responsibilities of schools, parents, digital platforms, and the justice system when dealing with children and social media.\n(a) Discuss the key ethical issues involved in this case.\n(b) Analyze the role of peers in influencing adolescent decision-making.\n(c) Discuss the evolving nature of responsibilities of parents and schools in helping adolescents deal with situations of emotional distress.","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":34,"question":"8. You are the District Collector of Malinar, a coastal district in Kerala. The Government of India has recently implemented a nationwide ban on bottom trawling under the Marine Fisheries (Regulation & Management) Rules, 2024, citing serious ecological damage caused by the practice.\n\nHowever, in Malinar district, a majority of the traditional fishing community has relied solely on bottom trawling for decades. Most fishermen possess only trawling boats and lack the training or resources to transition to alternative practices. The situation has intensified ahead of the upcoming United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) \"Oceans for Tomorrow\" Conference to be hosted in Kochi. The central government wants to showcase strict enforcement and marine conservation achievements. You receive a formal directive from the State Secretariat to take strict legal action, including seizure of boats and arrests, against fishermen found violating the ban.\n\nSimultaneously, a confidential note warns you that any negative media attention or footage of illegal trawling from your district could \"embarrass the state\" and jeopardize national image at the global forum.\n\nLocal tensions rise as environmental NGOs begin posting satellite-based evidence of illegal trawling. Fishermen's cooperatives are protesting, arguing that they have no alternative source of income, and any seizure of boats will push hundreds into destitution. They threaten to block access to the district harbour and dump fish waste outside government offices if strict enforcement continues.\n(a) Who are the principal stakeholders in this case? Analyse their perspectives and conflicting interests.\n(b) As the District Collector, what are the various options available to you to address the situation? Evaluate the merits and demerits of each option.\n(c) What course of action would you take and why? Justify your decision. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"9. You are a senior researcher at a prominent cosmetic company, responsible for overseeing the testing phase of a new anti-aging product. The company proposes using mice to assess the safety and efficacy of the product. However, there is growing public concern over animal testing, particularly from animal rights groups, which argue that using animals for cosmetic testing is both cruel and unnecessary. Further, regulatory bodies have established strict procedures that cosmetic companies must follow to ensure safety for consumers. You, being a proponent of ethical practices, are conflicted between meeting the company's market deadlines and adhering to your personal beliefs regarding animal rights. You are also bound by the stringent procedures established by regulatory bodies. However, the company is facing year-on-year losses due to intense competition. An internal marketing study reveals increasing demand for anti-aging products and test on mice is the fastest method to achieve reliable results. Although the company has guidelines for humane treatment of animals, you feel uneasy about the ethical implications of using animals, especially given the availability of alternative testing methods like in-vitro testing and 3D human skin models.\n(a) What are the key ethical dilemmas you face in using animals for cosmetic research?\n(b) What are the options available to you in this scenario? Which option should you choose and why?\n(c) What measures can you propose to reduce the reliance on animal testing in the company's future research? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"10. Mohit is the Deputy Commissioner of a prominent industrial district in India. The largest industrial unit in this district is a steel making public sector undertaking which was established three decades ago.\n\nDuring the establishment of the PSU, large number of families were displaced and in return they were promised jobs in this unit. Subsequently, a large group of displaced youth was also trained under the PSU's apprenticeship programme.\n\nWhile the PSU had assured them jobs after completing apprenticeship training, most trained individuals remained unemployed, with many now over 45 years old and unable to find jobs elsewhere. For nine years, the unemployed individuals have been demanding permanent employment but to no avail.\n\nFinally, they resorted to protests outside the establishment. The protesters blocked the main gate, obstructing employee movement and disrupting operations. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) resorted to a lathi charge to disperse the crowd, resulting in the death of a 23-year-old protester. The protests escalated, with demonstrators damaging a canal supplying water to the plant.\n\nThe steel plant is a thermo-sensitive facility with highly sensitive gas pipelines, and any leak could pose a serious threat to public safety. Further, with the blockade continuing for over 18 hours, nearly 5,000 employees remain trapped inside without access to food and water, significantly impacting plant operations.\n\nMohit needs to placate the protestors as they are threatening to go on a prolonged protest. At the same time, the plant should be kept operational to prevent any critical industrial and public safety risk.\n(a) What are the ethical dilemmas that Mohit faces?\n(b) Discuss all the options available to Mohit as the Deputy Commissioner.\n(c) What course of action should Mohit take given the critical nature of the situation?","marks":null,"words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":49,"question":"11. You have recently been appointed as the Chief Secretary of a state. Soon after, you receive multiple reports highlighting instances of unprofessional conduct by several civil servants, including officers of the All India Services. These include publicly displaying political allegiance at government functions, engaging in culturally inappropriate gestures such as touching political leaders' feet, and posting controversial or sensitive opinions on social media platforms that could be interpreted as partisan and breach of civil service norms.\n\nThese actions have triggered criticism from the public and media, raising concerns about the erosion of the neutrality, integrity, and discipline expected of public servants. You believe that these actions, if left unchecked, could damage the credibility of the administration and the trust reposed in it by the people.\n\nYou now face the challenge of taking corrective measures to ensure that such incidents are not repeated, while also maintaining morale within the services and avoiding overly harsh or demotivating actions.\n(a) What are the ethical concerns in this case?\n(b) As the Chief Secretary, what steps should you take to address the situation?\n(c) How can a balance be maintained between respecting personal freedom and upholding professional standards of civil servants? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"12. You are the newly appointed Superintendent of Police (SP) of Puri district, Odisha, brought in after a tragic stampede during the recent Rath Yatra festival that claimed three lives and injured over fifty devotees. An official inquiry cited serious lapses in crowd control, poor coordination among police units, and the controversial prioritization of VIP access over the safety of ordinary devotees as contributing factors.\n\nWith three more major rituals of the Rath Yatra scheduled over the next week, and a turnout expected to cross 10 lakh devotees, you are tasked with ensuring foolproof security and achieving zero casualties. As you prepare the revised plan for crowd management, you are faced with a new challenge: a senior cabinet minister's office sends a firm message requesting unrestricted VIP access for several high-profile guests, citing their contributions to temple development. The minister emphasizes that these guests must be given safe, fast-track access to the rituals—particularly during peak hours—for \"security and protocol reasons.\" You are discreetly informed that failure to comply may reflect poorly on your \"team spirit\" and \"coordination.\"\n\nHowever, in coordination meetings, your technical team strongly recommends a complete ban on VIP movement as well as restricted public access during peak hours. Your technical team reiterates that strict movement controls and complete exclusion of VIP corridors during peak hours are essential to prevent another tragedy. Even a group of local journalists and civil society activists approach you to acknowledge institutional lapses earlier and ban all elite access in solidarity with the victims' families, failing which, they threaten to make public compelling evidence that police personnel ignored crowd warnings during the stampede.\n\nMoreover, there is also discomfort among religious leaders of the area regarding heavy restrictions, fearing it may disturb centuries-old ritual sanctity. You must now take a final decision that could either uphold the principle of equity and public safety or preserve traditional hierarchies and personal rapport with the political leadership.\n(a) What are the ethical dilemmas that you face?\n(b) What are the options available to you to cope with this situation?\n(c) Which of the options, do you think, would be the most appropriate for you to adopt and why?\n(d) What systemic reforms would you suggest for the long-term resolution of such challenges in managing large religious gatherings, particularly concerning VIP access as well as public safety? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6839,"topper":"Samiksha Dwivedi","air":56,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — History","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RGucqS__UMUASxOXds0sgm9UJQ_Rwrvu/view","questions":[]},{"id":6840,"topper":"Samiksha Dwivedi","air":56,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — History","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oKbp3JkuTuo1FmqZ6eDA8oq4XBhv9efv/view","questions":[]},{"id":6841,"topper":"Samiksha Dwivedi","air":56,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — History","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1p1FQwSPdfK-qO005D7PUChGX7okOpXMK/view","questions":[]},{"id":6842,"topper":"Samiksha Dwivedi","air":56,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — History","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/156twVBbxqOXmtyG3_vos2-351g3HoPDp/view","questions":[]},{"id":6843,"topper":"Samiksha Dwivedi","air":56,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — History","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3dc9e-01430179_4515_samiksha_dwivedi_rank_56.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6844,"topper":"Samiksha Dwivedi","air":56,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — History","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6dfa1-01430179_4516_samiksha_dwivedi_rank_56.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6845,"topper":"Samiksha Mhetre","air":302,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SAMIKSHA-MHETRE-UPSC-2023-Rank-302-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6846,"topper":"Samiksha Mhetre","air":302,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SAMIKSHA-MHETRE-UPSC-2023-Rank-302-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6847,"topper":"Samiksha Mhetre","air":302,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SAMIKSHA-MHETRE-UPSC-2023-Rank-302-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6848,"topper":"Samiksha Mhetre","air":302,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SAMIKSHA-MHETRE-UPSC-2023-Rank-302-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6849,"topper":"Samiksha Sarwari","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Samiksha-sarwari-UPSC-2023-Rank-124-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Patience, persistence, and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Knowing others is intelligence, knowing oneself is true wisdom.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Humans are irrational creatures gifted with the power of rationality.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Peace is the virtue of civilisation whereas war is its crime.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"The most valuable of all capital is the one invested in human beings.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Massive poverty and obscene inequality are the social evils of contemporary times.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Climate change is just not a political but an intergenerational justice issue.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6850,"topper":"Samiksha Sarwari","air":124,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GqgX--RT67xur4xVg0--XDFnwXFx-6MQ/view","questions":[]},{"id":6851,"topper":"Samiksha Sarwari","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Samiksha-sarwari-UPSC-2023-Rank-124-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Employment problems of rural and urban areas differ in nature, but their solutions are interdependent. Analyze. (10 Marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Why has Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM), which was earlier proposed as a game-changer in Public Private Partnerships (PPP), received lukewarm response from private developers? What are the alternate PPP models that can be pursued for encouraging private investments? (10 Marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Imported inflation is compounding the challenges of post-pandemic recovery for the Indian economy. Discuss. (10 Marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Inclusive growth is both a process and an outcome. Discuss in Indian context. (10 Marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"A very small fraction of the adult population files tax returns and an even smaller portion pays taxes. In light of this observation, examine reasons for poor tax compliance in India. Also, suggest measures to improve income tax code in the country. (10 Marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Evaluate the potential of Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) to meet the goals of the Blue Economy and Neel Kranti mission. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The Horticulture sector, though has potential to transform agriculture landscape of country, is beset with several challenges. Discuss. (10 Marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Food Processing sector must be developed as one of the principal industries in the country for reasons that go beyond agriculture. Elucidate. (10 Marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by natural farming? How can it help in building climate resilient agriculture? (10 Marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In light of National Mission on Edible Oils-Oil Palm (NMEO-OP), critically examine economic and environmental implications of promotion of oil palm cultivation in the country. (10 Marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Achievement of a 400 billion USD merchandise export is a result of concerted and collective efforts towards an Atmanirbhar Bharat. Identify various factors responsible for this feat. What measures will you suggest to place India at the centre of global supply chains? (15 Marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Supporters of the universal basic income present it as a cure for poverty while few opponents call it a worse disease for the economy. Which view do you subscribe to? Explain your stand. (15 Marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The 1991 economic reforms provided a leap forward and lifted millions out of poverty; however, comprehensive structural reforms remain incomplete resulting in sectoral imbalances and heightened inequalities. Comment. Also, discuss the key areas which should be the focus of reform 2.0. (15 Marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Despite a focused approach on manufacturing sector through initiatives such as Make in India, the share of manufacturing sector in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has stayed stagnant. In this context, bring out the reasons for subpar performance of manufacturing sector. Also, suggest reforms that can enable the sector to meet the targets of National Manufacturing Policy 2011. (15 Marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Fintech is facilitating financial inclusions through innovations, but reaping its developmental potential requires overcoming critical hurdles. Analyze. (15 Marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Encouraging livestock through mixed farming can be the answer to the triple burden of low farm income, increasing land fragmentation and plummeting productivity in the agriculture sector. Discuss. (15 Marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Explain the relationship between land reforms and agricultural productivity. Also, discuss various difficulties in designing and implementation agriculture friendly land reforms policies in the country. (15 Marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Community institutions in agriculture offer small farmers an opportunity to increase their productivity, income, and resource efficiencies. In light of this statement, enumerate the various challenges faced by the Farmers Producer Organisations (FPO's) in the country and suggest measures to reform them. (15 Marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The fundamental problem in agriculture is not the availability of resources, but their inefficient use. Comment. (15 Marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Commercialization of agriculture into agribusiness is necessary to uphold the spirit of farming as a profitable venture. Discuss in light of changes needed in agriculture marketing. Analyze the recent govt initiatives in supporting the transformation of agriculture into enterprise. (15 Marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6852,"topper":"Samiksha Sarwari","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Samiksha-sarwari-UPSC-2023-Rank-124-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The consequences flowing from genetically modified organisms are debatable, but the advantages justify the risk. Do you agree? Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"How are fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) different from battery electric vehicle (BEV)? High-lighting advantages of electric vehicles, suggest measures for accelerating e-mobility adoption in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Space based technologies are helpful in not only monitoring development, but also enhancing it. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns for an environmentally conscious world is not possible without fundamental changes in lifestyle. Discuss this statement in light of Lifestyle for the Environment (LiFE) Movement. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Managing risks, rather than impacts, lies at the core of effective disaster management strategy. In light of this statement, describe the flood risk profile of India and evaluate preparedness for effective flood management. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Solar power sector is not only leading the mitigation efforts against climate change, but the innovations in solar power can also accelerate adaptation of agriculture to a new reality of changed climate. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Necessitated by contingent law & order situation in the North-Eastern states in 1958, Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) continues to be applicable even after six decades of its enactment despite widespread criticism. Critically evaluate the utility of AFSPA in light of prevailing security environment in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Why has fake news on the internet emerged as an internal security challenge? How can we identify a fake news? Also, throw light on legal and institutional arrangements to tackle fake news. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the salient features of Agnipath scheme. Underlining the benefits of the scheme, mention ways to overcome associated challenges. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Examine how advancements in technology has allowed organize crime syndicates to not only expand but also diversify their activities. Also recommend suitable measures to tackle the menace of organized crime. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Nanotechnology is an inter-disciplinary and inter-connected science that has revolutionary applications across sectors. In this perspective, discuss the relevance of nanotechnology for socio-economic development in the country. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The increasing demand for stronger Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) protections is motivated by a desire to invigorate a groundswell of innovation, but it is more likely to lead towards IP monopolies. Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Single use plastic (SUP) is a health, economic and environmental scourge, that requires governments to regulate, businesses to innovate and individuals to act. Examine in context of recently introduced ban on SUPs. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Green hydrogen can be the engine of a sustainable economy, but it would require crossing financial and technological barriers. Discuss the reasons for increasing interest in green hydrogen and challenges in its adoption as the fuel of the future. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Making the invisible groundwater visible is critical for building climate resilience and achieving sustainable development goals. Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Despite the presence of a strong institutional framework and clearly stated policy, huge losses in terms of human, financial, environmental and livelihood show that India still struggles in effective management of disasters. Discuss the reasons for the gap between policy and practices related to disaster management in the country. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Present a brief account of various security forces deployed to protect India's terrestrial and maritime borders. Also, bring out various challenges faced by border security forces and suggest easures to effectively address them. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"In what ways management of maritime borders differ from that of territorial borders? Also, analyze various vulnerabilities that arise from a large maritime boundary of the country. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Cyberthreats can wage a dual war on the state and citizens, disrupting the national security as well as social stability. Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6853,"topper":"Samiksha Sarwari","air":124,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1f4C0U00wlAGESDS-fPiUvtzgxbrCgVl0/view","questions":[]},{"id":6854,"topper":"Samiksha Sarwari","air":124,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MQ7tE7UJnajdfbsYn8ZdxjOcGJ5S2C_0/view","questions":[]},{"id":6855,"topper":"Samiksha Sarwari","air":124,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Nd5iXoad0ZjRQN_sK3_E_3UtUtjDdk3D/view","questions":[]},{"id":6856,"topper":"Samiksha Sarwari","air":124,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Samiksha-sarwari-UPSC-2023-Rank-124-MGP-Answer-Copy-AWFG-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6857,"topper":"SAMISKSHA SARWARI","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/65126-943054_2218_samisksha_sarwari_rank_124.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to revisit the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution? Discuss with suitable arguments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Highlighting the advantages of online dispute resolution (ODR) mechanism for justice delivery, discuss the challenges associated with its effective implementation in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Despite the constitutional division of powers, Centre-state disputes have been a perennial feature of Indian democracy. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Do you agree with the view that adopting a framework for lobbying will strengthen participative governance and ease of doing business in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Despite the government encouraging open source instead of proprietary technology for government applications, the true potential of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) and digital platforms remains unrealized. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"As a social safety-valve, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) can be the principal vehicles through which communities voice their concerns. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Despite being lauded for its patient centric approach, the implementation of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, remains sluggish and mired with various issues. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to formulate an Urban Employment Guarantee scheme at the national level? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the relevance of BIMSTEC as a regional organisation to fulfil India's strategic aspirations in the Indian Ocean Region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the relevance of the Gujral Doctrine for India with regard to its relations with its immediate neighbours in the present times. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the pivotal role of the \"Officers of Parliament\" in the Indian Parliamentary system. Also, discuss the constitutional and statutory provisions for their impartial functioning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The Finance Commission plays a crucial role in balancing fiscal federalism in India. In this context, examine the recommendations given by the 15th Finance Commission. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Critically assess whether according statutory backing to the Model Code of Conduct will contribute towards free and fair elections in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The market disruption caused by digital revolution warrants renewed focus and perspective to ensure fair competition in the digital economy. In this light, discuss the need to revamp the Competition Commission of India (CCI). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"There is an urgent need for effective whistle-blowing mechanisms and ensuring that necessary safeguards for the protection of whistle-blowers are established in both public and private spheres in India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"State the reasons behind the poor performance of cooperatives in India. Also, discuss the reforms undertaken by the government to overcome the shortcomings. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Public-Private Partnership model, if harnessed properly, has the potential to bridge the gaps in India's healthcare system. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Although the New Education Policy brings with itself a commendable vision, its success will depend on its ability to effectively integrate with the government's other policy initiatives. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) is born from a collective desire to make the Indo-Pacific region an engine of global economic growth. Comment. Also, discuss India's concerns in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"India needs to identify the priority areas to further its techno-diplomacy amidst the complexities of expanding digital space and New and Emerging Strategic Technologies. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6858,"topper":"Sampada Trivedi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9da1b-341959_1242_sampada_trivedi_rank_79.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Tribal art in India generally reflects the creative energy found in rural areas that acts as an undercurrent to the craftsmanship. Explain with reference to the Worli and Gond paintings. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Though it had its achievements, the exclusion of Indians from the system was a key feature of judicial reforms introduced by Cornwallis. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Marshall Plan was important in the recovery of the European states from the aftermath of the Second World War. However, it also became a crucial factor in the creation of two Europes i.e. East and West. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Examine the causes behind the existence of bonded labour in contemporary India. Also, discuss the steps that should be taken for its redress. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"State the factors that enhance the risk for initiation or continuation of abuse of drugs by the youth. What measures can be taken to address this issue? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Critically analyze the impact of globalization on culture in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"How do increasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions impact coastal and marine ecosystems? Highlight various measures that can be taken for protection and restoration of such vulnerable ecosystems. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Explain the phenomenon of a Polar Vortex. Also, comment on the reasons as to why tropical areas as south as Florida have been witnessing sub-zero temperatures in recent years. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The most powerful trend of medieval Indian literature is devotional poetry which dominates almost all the major languages of the country. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Discuss the major changes introduced by the Government of India Act, 1919 and its significance as a historical landmark in the Indian freedom struggle. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Multiple factors allowed the British to gain control over India. In this context, highlighting the main developments, trace the course of British conquest of India from 1757 to 1856. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"With India becoming increasingly urban and the urban poor increasing in number, it is imperative that the challenges they face be addressed urgently. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Violations of women's sexual and reproductive health rights are often deeply engrained in societal values and traditions. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by the term Land Degradation Neutrality? Highlight its significance and the steps required to achieve it. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"State the geographical and economic importance of Hindukush-Himalayan region. How are the critical geographical features of this region changing and what possible consequences will it have? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What is the most accepted reasoning behind occurrence of earth's magnetism? Discuss the factors behind its variation temporally and spatially. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Explain Walker Circulation. Discuss how it influences Indian Monsoon. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6859,"topper":"Sampada Trivedi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/399d6-341959_1248_sampada_trivedi_rank_79.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Explain the significance of Credit Rating Agencies (CRAs) in India and highlight the issues in their working.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"What are the issues that have limited the success of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in India? Mention some steps that can be taken to address them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"The opportunities for startups in India are immense, but so are the challenges. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"The term 'Circular Economy' is often seen in news. What are the principles that it is based on? Bring out its relevance for India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Assess the performance of \"Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana\" in achieving its stated objective of financial inclusion.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"How does pollution in rivers impact the surrounding ecosystem? Explain why such pollution has not shown signs of improvement, despite various government initiatives.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"What is project MANAV launched by the Department of Biotechnology? Highlight the significance of this project.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Highlighting the properties and applications of superconductors, discuss the constraints related to their practical use.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind India becoming a major destination as well as a transit hub for drug trafficking in South Asia. How does this affect India's internal security?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"The development of border areas is an important element in border management. In this context, discuss how the Border Area Development Programme (BADP) seeks to ameliorate the problems faced in border areas.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Examine whether 'Fixed Term Employment' will be able to achieve the objectives of ease of doing business, achieving labour welfare and job creation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"A growing livestock sector augur well for the low income household augment their income and escape poverty. Discuss. Further suggest some strategies for ensuring sustainable livestock sector growth in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Examine whether the time has come for India to usher in full liberalisation of the Capital Account.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"Highlighting the challenges to agriculture extension in India, discuss how ICT can help in addressing them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"Now that it had been two years since introduction of GST in India, do you think the system is on the path of achieving its initial objectives? Support your answer with relevant facts.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Highlight the gender specific challenges faced during disaster management. In this regard discuss how the disaster management cycle can be made more gender sensitive.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Though there are some notable individual achievements, the overall participation of women in scientific research has been abysmally low. Examine. What steps have been taken by the government in this regard?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss the significance of the recent amendments made in the NIA and UAPA Acts for countering terrorism.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"The national security architecture needs to be robust enough to deal with present and evolving threats. Elaborating on the statement, discuss the recent steps taken for modernisation of the national security architecture.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6860,"topper":"Sampada Trivedi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/dd83e-341959_1245_sampada_trivedi_rank_79.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Highlighting the attributes of leadership, analyse why it is important for civil servants.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"A civil servant needs to be objective as well as empathetic. What do you understand by objectivity? Discuss its relationship with empathy.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6861,"topper":"Samyak S Jain","air":7,"year":2021,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1fb8b-861690_1992_samyak-s-jain_rank-07.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6862,"topper":"Samyak S Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d2757-861690_1510_samyak-s-jain_rank-07.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Highlight the role played by the MPLAD Scheme in creating community assets based on local needs. Also, critically evaluate the recent move to suspend it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Adequately empowering the third tier of Indian federal structure is key to strengthen federalism in India. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"To safeguard and uphold the freedom of speech and expression in India, it is imperative to adequately reform colonial laws that curtail free speech. (150 words) 10 Discuss.","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Highlight the role of pressure groups in a democratic country. Also, differentiate between pressure groups in India and developed countries. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The idea that Public Intent Data can play a transformative role in the public sector is not bereft of challenges. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Enumerating the key objectives of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, discuss why the recent amendments in the act are seen as a matter of great concern for the development sector in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The current COVID-19 pandemic has posed a serious threat to the safety and wellbeing of children all over the world. Discuss. Also provide an account of the measures taken by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Various challenges need to be addressed in eliminating the menace of bonded labour in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"In the background of the recent military coup in Myanmar, discuss why a stable Myanmar is important for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"In the case of Maldives it's not the size but the location that makes it strategically significant. Explain in the context of India's neighbourhood first approach. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"While the judiciary should not be a silent spectator when constitutional rights of citizens are infringed by executive policies, it must also not assume the role of the executive or pass policy prescriptions. Do you agree? Justify your stand with logical arguments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"'Effective legislatures are measured by their outcomes and not by their output.' Analyze the functioning of the Indian Parliament in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Fiscal federalism in India has evolved with time. Discuss in light of the developments in recent years. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is often cited as an example of the rising politicisation of public institutions. In this context, identify the issues associated with the CBI's functioning. What steps can be taken to address these issues? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"The principal constraint for India is trying to find solutions to 21st century problems using 19th century government structures. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"How far has the governance in India achieved transparency and accountability? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Identify the barriers that exist in the enjoyment of reproductive health rights by women in India. Also highlight the interventions that have been adopted to remove these barriers. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"India continues to face the problem of hunger despite adequate food stocks and statutory laws that ensure food security. Discuss and provide solutions to deal with this problem. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Outcome of the Afghan peace process may have serious implications for the wider region. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6863,"topper":"Samyak S Jain","air":7,"year":2021,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/cfa3a-861690_1500_samyak-s-jain_rank-07.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6864,"topper":"Samyak S Jain","air":7,"year":2021,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0a7cd-861690_1501_samyak-s-jain_rank-07.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6865,"topper":"Samyak S Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6b85f-861690_1502_samyak-s-jain_rank_7.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"A public servant has to take several decisions in the course of his duty everyday. His ethics and principles guide him in resolving any dilemmas which arise. Discuss the problems with dichotomy between personal and public ethics. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":6866,"topper":"Samyak S Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9f43d-861690_1505_samyak-s-jain_rank-07.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Open Government Data (OGD) can be seen as a step towards greater transparency and accountability in India. In this context, discuss the benefits of OGD and the challenges which lie therein. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"\"While corruption is never good, not all forms of corruption are equally bad for the economy, nor do they cause the same kind of harm.\" Critically analyse the statement in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Probity in governance is an essential and vital requirement for an efficient and effective system of governance and for socio-economic development. Discuss. Also, state ways to enhance probity in governance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlighting the importance of whistle-blowing in an organisation, discuss the systemic factors that determine whether a person would become a whistle-blower. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.\" - Albert Einstein (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Facts are many, but the truth is one.\" - Rabindranath Tagore (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Analyze the significance of appointing ethics officers in the light of strengthening corporate governance in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Transparent governance promises an accountable state but a balance has to be achieved between disclosure requirements and administrative privileges for efficient governance. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Citizen empowerment is a natural outcome of a Citizen Charter. Critically evaluate in the Indian context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discretionary power by itself is not pure evil but gives much room for misuse. Discuss in the context of administration in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Emotional Intelligence is an important trait to imbibe in a highly competitive and achievement-oriented environment. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":34,"question":"You are an IPS officer on your first posting in a very poor and isolated rural area of one of the most backward states of the country. In your office complex, of which you are the incharge, there is a frequent sewage related problem, causing inconvenience to the employees in your office complex and severely affecting the efficiency of the workplace. It might also lead to health disorders and diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea etc. To resolve it, the cleaning workers are made to do manual scavenging work without due regards to their safety. Most of these workers are from marginalised castes and are discriminated against socially. You are aware of the laws banning manual scavenging and the loopholes around it. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the issues which you need to address in this situation? (b) Present your course of action to deal with the given situation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":56,"question":"You have recently been posted as a District Development Officer in a traditionally rural area that has seen rapid economic development in the past few years. You notice that there is a huge disparity between the number of male and female children in the area. When you go to the hospital and check the birth registry, you realise that registered new-born babies are mostly males. On further investigation, you notice a similar pattern in the village primary school, which has more male students than females. When you raise the issue with your colleagues, they ignore it and carry on with their work. You suspect that the practice of female foeticide may be entrenched in the area as you had read about the issue in the context of this state while studying for the Civil Services Examination. It seems to you that respected members of the community like doctors, politicians and government officials have chosen to ignore the issue, given the prevalence","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6867,"topper":"Sana Azmi","air":764,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7b7c5-1126965_3342_sana_azmi_rank_764.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"\"Bureaucracy is a rational form of organization.\" Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"\"Authority is based on legitimate domination.\" Explain Weber's typology of authority with suitable examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Compare Merton's concept of deviance with Durkheim's idea of anomie. How do they differ in explaining deviant behavior?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"What does Karl Marx mean by 'alienation'? How does alienation impact workers in a capitalist mode of production?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"\"The informal sector serves as both a safety net and a trap in developing economies.\" Critically examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Examine the role of ideology in driving social transformation in a democracy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"How does reference group lead to relative deprivation and eventually criminal behaviour?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"\"A study of power inevitably involves an investigation of social class\". Critically examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss how religious fundamentalism and extremism influence political ideologies and conflict in society?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"\"Social inequality is both a cause and a consequence of social stratification.\" Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"As per Max Weber, differences in prestige and power are as important as differences in economic reward. Discuss how women are systematically disadvantaged in economic terms.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"Analyze the the concept of secularization and discuss how does secularization impact religious institutions and the public sphere?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"What is Social Action? And how is Parsons Social Action different from Weber's Social Action?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6868,"topper":"Sana Azmi","air":764,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/cdbe9-1126965_3345_sana_azmi_rank_764.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"2(a) While demographic dividend is seen as a driver of economic growth, the growing elderly population in India poses potential challenges that could undermine these efforts. Do you agree?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"2(c). How do poverty and economic inequalities persist in India despite various poverty alleviation schemes?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"7(a). Examine the tension between National Integration and the assertion of regional identities in Indian democratic processes.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"7(b). What have been the social and policy outcomes of environmental movements in India, considering both successes and limitations?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"\"Farm laws and their subsequent withdrawal reflect the complex relationship between agriculture and polices.\" Comment","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Discuss how contemporary farmers' movement reflect or diverge from traditional peasant struggles in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"What challenges does the concept of secularism face in the context of Indian diverse religious landscapes?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"1(e). Critically examine the shift from welfare to right-based approach in rural development programs.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"Do traditional structure of caste and kinship play a functional role in urban settlements? Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Platform economy has provided a mode of empowerment to the women working in the informal sector. Critically examine.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6869,"topper":"Sanchit Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/sanchit-sharma-test-2-1747824028710.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the elements of urbanization discuss how agriculture played a pivotal role in the enduring success and longevity of the Harappan Civilization. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Quit India Movement marked the awakening of the nation's soul and brought diverse sections together in a unified vision of Independence. Discuss (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Analyze the impact of World War II in accelerating the process of decolonization in Asia and Africa. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss the various types of sedimentary rocks and their formation processes. What is the economic significance of sedimentary rocks? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are the characteristics of anticyclonic circulations, and how do they influence weather patterns over the Indian subcontinent? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What is coral bleaching, and what are its main causes? Also, evaluate the role of marine protected areas (MPAs) in the conservation of coral reefs. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Discuss the role of economic corridors in fostering regional economic integration and development. How do projects like the Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor (CBIC) align with India's broader economic growth strategies? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What is gender fluid identity, and what are the LGBTQ community's ongoing challenges to full societal inclusion and equal treatment? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"How does the interplay between regional and national identities fuel the emergence of regionalistic sentiments? How can we balance regional identities with broader national identity? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"How do various cultural practices and traditions contribute to the idea of \"Unity in Diversity\"? Provide examples to support your argument. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What is the significance of Stupa art in the context of Buddhist architecture and culture? Discuss its various elements and symbolism and their role in conveying Buddhist beliefs. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"\"The dual struggle against entrenched social customs and colonial dominance was a prominent feature of socio-religious reform movements in 19th century India.\" How did the socio-religious reform movements of 19th century India respond to colonial cultural and ideological hegemony? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"How did the British policies contribute to the de-industrialization of India, and how did this process affect the lives of Indian artisans and the broader economy? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What are the factors that lead to the formation of local winds? Discuss their impact on the weather and climate in various regions, providing relevant examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What are the primary drivers of freshwater scarcity in megacities like Bangalore and Hyderabad? Suggest comprehensive solutions that address both supply and demand aspects of urban water management. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What is the Blue Revolution? What are the significant hurdles in aquaculture development, and what comprehensive strategies can be implemented to address them? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What are the key factors influencing the establishment of large-scale solar farms in India, and what are their environmental and social impacts? How can India balance the expansion of solar energy with the need to protect biodiversity and local ecosystems? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"How to balance expansion of solar energy with biodiversity and local ecosystem","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"In what ways do social media platforms perpetuate and challenge social inequalities and power structures? Provide a critical analysis. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Give a comparative analysis of the tribal and mainstream societies. Is tribal society more progressive than mainstream society? Argue with examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"In what ways does poverty intersect with other social problems like caste, social stratification, and gender inequality? What comprehensive strategies do you suggest to address these interrelated issues? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6870,"topper":"Sanchit Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/sanchit-sharma-test-6-1747824085574.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Examine the role of numismatic evidence in understanding the political and economic history of ancient India. Provide specific examples.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Assess the impact of women's organizations in mobilizing women across diverse socio-economic and regional backgrounds in pre-independence India.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":7,"question":"How did the policy of non-alignment reflect the aspirations of India and other newly independent nations to maintain their sovereignty and resist colonial pressures?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss the processes involved in volcanism. Highlight the major volcanic regions in the world and their associated tectonic settings.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Explain the geological features and ecological importance of the Eastern Ghats.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Earlier known as coarse cereals the government rebranded millets in 2018 as nutri-cereals. In this context discuss the ecological and nutritional significance of millets","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"What are the potential consequences of Arctic ice melt on biodiversity and ecosystems? How might these changes impact global ecological balance?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Do you think the Uniform Civil Code contradicts the idea of religious pluralism and cultural differences in Indian society?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the concept of healthy active ageing in the context of demographic shifts in India. How does it contribute to social inclusion?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":21,"question":"How is the transition from 'conscious consumption' to 'compulsive consumption' impacting family structure and dynamics in urban areas?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss with examples the key features of Vijayanagara architecture. How did Indo-Islamic elements manifest in their structures?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":26,"question":"Compare and contrast the features of ancient Indian universities like Nalanda and Takshashila with modern state-funded universities in India. What lessons can modern universities learn from ancient ones to improve their effectiveness?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Analyze the ideological differences and similarities between the revolutionary movement(1920-1930s) and the Gandhian non-violent struggle. How did these two ideologies influence each other?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":32,"question":"What are the various types of glacial landforms formed in the Indian Himalayas. How do these features impact local ecosystems and human activities?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the unique geographical features of the Indian Ocean and their impact on global oceanic circulation patterns. How do these features influence the climate of the Indian subcontinent?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":38,"question":"Urban heat islands (UHIs) have become a significant phenomenon in Indian cities, exacerbating the frequency and intensity of heat waves. Analyze the underlying factors contributing to this phenomenon and critically assess the existing mitigation strategies.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Evaluate the primary factors contributing to regional disparities in the sugar industry between North India and Peninsular India. What measures can be undertaken to reduce the surplus sugar production?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":44,"question":"\"Social mobility is essential for achieving true equality within society'. In this context highlight the barriers to intergenerational mobility in Indian society, and examine the role of education on social mobility.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":47,"question":"Analyze the influence of globalization on migration patterns in India. What are the economic and social implications of increased internal and international migration?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":50,"question":"Discuss how gender-based violence in India is a manifestation of patriarchal values. To what extent has modernisation in law served as an instrument of women's empowerment in this regard?","marks":"15","words":null}]},{"id":6871,"topper":"Sanchit Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/sanchit-sharma-test-7-1747824098677.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The rule of law and judicial review are interdependent, as one cannot truly exist without the other. In this context can judicial review be considered the most important aspect among those that constitute the basic structure of the Constitution? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"How does the power and authority of Delhi's lieutenant governor compare to that of the governors of other states, particularly in terms of acting on the aid and advice of the council of ministers? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss the role of the judiciary in navigating the tension between the right to religion and constitutional morality in India in recent times. Refer to relevant case laws. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The principle of 'Separation of Powers' is a key feature of the American Constitution. In this context, compare how the Indian Constitution's functional separation of powers distinguishes itself from the US system. What are the advantages of a check and balance system over a rigid Separation of Powers? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution is more than a legal provision that empowers tribal regions with self-rule. How does the sixth schedule foster development while respecting their traditional governance systems and cultural practices? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"How do partnerships between Civil Society Organizations and Government Entities contribute to India's development goals? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Discuss the importance of cultivating a culture of life-long learning among Indian civil servants. How has Mission Karmyogi contributed to this objective? Illustrate with examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Given India's strides in reducing extreme poverty, should the country consider redefining its poverty line to better reflect the current socio-economic realities? Discuss the potential benefits and challenges associated with redefinition of the poverty line. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Evaluate the impact of the deepening political divisions with the major Western States on global governance and international cooperation. How should India navigate these divisions to advance its national interests on the global stage? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"How does India's Arctic Policy align with its broader foreign policy objectives? Broadly discuss the collaborations and agreements India is involved in with the Arctic Council. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"In what ways are the terms of reference of the 16th Finance Commission different from that of the previous Finance Commissions? Despite increasingly progressive devolution by subsequent Finance Commissions, examine the factors that propel economic disparities across various States. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Compare and contrast the powers and working of the Ethics Committee and the Privileges Committee in addressing cases of 'unethical' conduct and breach of privileges. How do these Committees complement each other in maintaining parliamentary discipline? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the context of persistent legislative dysfunction in India, analyze the evolving role of judicial activism in shaping public policy and governance. Using examples from landmark court cases, evaluate the effectiveness of judicial interventions in addressing governance gaps and safeguarding citizens' rights. (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"To what extent does the level of internal democracy within political parties impact the functioning and legitimacy of the Indian party system? What reforms can address the challenges of inadequate intraparty democracy in India? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"\"The NHRC must not only be a watchdog but also a beacon of hope for the marginalized and oppressed.\" In this context discuss the role and mandate of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in India. How does the current composition and functioning of the NHRC affect its independence and effectiveness? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The persistent health equity challenges in India pose a critical barrier in achieving Universal Health Coverage. In this context discuss the role of the public and private sectors in ensuring adequate health access and outcomes across rural and urban areas.(250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals requires consideration of regional context and local situations. In light of this statement examine the role of Panchayats as catalysts for grassroots development and advancing sustainable development.(250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the implications of the POCSO Act on the rights and welfare of children in India? Analyze the role of the POCSO Act in transforming India's legal framework for child protection. (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Examine the influence of human rights issues and democratic values on the diplomatic relationship between the U.S. and India. How have these concerns affected bilateral engagements and what can be done to mitigate tensions arising from these issues? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Examine the geopolitical challenges India faces in South Asia despite its global rise. How can India navigate these challenges to strengthen its regional leadership? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6872,"topper":"Sanchit Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/sanchit-sharma-test-3-1747824042680.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Federal governance is characterised by institutionalized arrangements for solving problems generated by pluralism based on consultation and mutual consent. How have Zonal Councils evolved from merely advisory bodies to proactive platforms for action? ( Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Secularism under the Indian constitution is encapsulated in the broader concept of constitutional commitment to equality. Discuss. ( Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"'There is a need to shift the focus of Section 8 of the Representation of People Act, 1951 from the duration of the sentence to the gravity of the offence.' Comment on how the current classification under Section 8 leads to arbitrary categorisation of offences. Also, mention the remedies available to a person disqualified under this section. ( Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What is the significance of the Leader of Opposition in the Indian parliamentary system? How does the role of the opposition contribute to the checks and balances in a democracy? ( Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"\"The core ideals of the Preamble - sovereignty, socialism, secularism, and democracy - form the bedrock of India's constitutional framework.\" Elucidate. ( Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Assess the implications of the 103rd Constitutional Amendment, which introduced a ten per cent reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), on the principle of social justice in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The focus of welfare schemes in India is shifting from \"well-being\" towards \"over-dependency\". In light of this, do you agree that welfare schemes have inculcated a \"freebies culture\" in India leading to a divergence of focus from poverty and hunger alleviation? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"E-governance is not just about efficiency; it's about making governance accessible and inclusive for every citizen. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"With the advent of new regional and multilateral agreements like QUAD, AUKUS, I2U2 etc the old world order represented by organizations like NAM, Davos, and G77 is losing its relevance. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The island states and territories from the South Pacific to the African coast have become new nodes in India's changing strategic geography. In this context, highlight the importance of these island states for India and also throw light upon the initiatives taken by India to strengthen ties with these states. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Electoral funding in India is fraught with the double whammy of legal loopholes and political inefficiencies. In this context, discuss the challenges to electoral funding. What lessons can India draw from global best practices in this regard? (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Pressure groups form the social foundation of a democracy. In this context, discuss pressure groups' key contributions in promoting social security measures for workers in India, and how they address the gaps in existing policies. (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The Constitution envisages the \"principle of federal supremacy\" in the executive space of Indian federal polity. Discuss while referring to the relevant Constitutional provisions and case laws. How are contentious issues regarding the distribution of powers resolved? (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Delimitation of seats is essential to ensure fair representation and uphold the principles of one vote, one value. Highlighting the challenges posed by misrepresentation in constituencies analyse the ramifications of population-based delimitation in creating federal tension. (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"To what extent can the PIL system be held responsible for shifting the focus of the higher Courts from \"constitutional matters\" to day-to-day matters? What role can the trial Courts play in reducing the overall burden on higher Courts? (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"India's higher education system needs significant reforms to align with global standards. How does the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 aim to address these challenges, and what lessons can India learn from international practices to enhance its higher education system? Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The Right to Information (RTI) Act is hailed for its transformative impact on the quest for transparency and accountability in Indian governance. However, multifaceted challenges and systemic limitations impede its effective implementation. Discuss. Also, suggest measures for its effective implementation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Discuss the unique challenges and opportunities Self Help Groups (SHGs) encounter in urban areas compared to rural ones, and how can microfinance be adapted to tackle urban poverty. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Highlight the significance of the recently envisaged India-Middle East-Europe corridor for India's connectivity with the world, especially the West. Do you think, in recent times, transport and energy initiatives have taken precedence in India's foreign policy? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Despite the recent rise in politically contentious issues, the India-Canada bilateral relationship has remained committed to shared values of democracy, pluralism, expanding economic engagement and long-standing people-to-people ties. Highlighting the significant pillars of the India-Canada relationship, discuss the potential areas of cooperation and collaboration between India and Canada. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6873,"topper":"Sanchit Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/sanchit-sharma-test-9-1747824127091.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Comment on the important changes with respect to the Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG) and Securities Transaction Tax (STT) in the Union Budget 2024-25. Evaluate the impact of such changes on India's savings and investment regime. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"India's welfare scheme has undergone a shift from an input-based approach to outcome-based empowerment with the maxim of \"no person left behind\". In light of the above statement, discuss how this change in the approach of the government has fostered inclusive growth. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The rainfed nature of India's agriculture makes it more susceptible to climate change. Highlight the importance of quality irrigation in the climate-adaptability of agriculture. What measures can be undertaken to improve the overall efficiency of the available irrigation practices in India? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Considering the importance of livestock in Indian agriculture, analyze how investment in animal husbandry can help in incentivizing Indian agriculture. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The discovery of Indian Laurel Trees in Andhra Pradesh has sparked the interest of scientists in the capacity of trees to store and release water. In this context, explain the science behind the process of water transportation and storage in trees. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The recently conducted global Summit on Responsible Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain (REAIM, 2023) showcased the opportunities, challenges and risks associated with the use of Artificial Intelligence in military applications. In this context, critically analyse the impact of Artificial Intelligence in defence and military applications. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The Public Accounts Committee has recently flagged concerns about the rising menace of plastic pollution. In this context, highlight the recent initiatives taken by the Government to curb plastic pollution. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Landslides have become more of a human-induced phenomenon rather than a natural phenomenon. Highlighting the reasons for increasing incidences of landslides, suggest measures that can be undertaken to mitigate the disaster. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The threats to national security have gradually transformed from being \"geographic\" to being \"thematic\". In this context, what are the contemporary challenges of internal security and what measures can be undertaken to deal with such challenges? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Evaluate the role of enhanced border surveillance technologies in bolstering India's border security framework and addressing cross-border threats. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"While startups in India have achieved notable success in fostering entrepreneurship and innovation in the economy, there are certain structural issues challenging the sustainability of startups in India. Elucidate upon these challenges faced by startups and recommend practical solutions to the problems. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Critically evaluate the effectiveness of public-private partnerships in the modernization of railway infrastructure in India. Considering safety as one of the major challenges for railways, what measures can be taken to improve the overall safety parameters of Indian Railways? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"\"Farming becomes remunerative if the produce reaches our plates in time\". In this context, highlight the upstream and downstream issues faced by the agriculture marketing and transport sector in India. What initiatives can be undertaken to improve the overall efficiency of the sector? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"India's agriculture export-import policies are tilted more towards the consumers rather than the farmers. In light of the given statement, critically analyze the impact of import and export policies on farmers. What measures can be undertaken to shield farmers from import-export price shocks? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"India's advancement in medical science is reflected in India's success in using CAR-T cell therapy to treat the first cancer patient. Discuss the working and effectiveness of CAR-T cell therapy in treating cancer and related diseases. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What is the main objective of India's Gaganyaan Mission and Bharatiya Antariksha Station? Which other countries have successfully launched their manned missions into space? What major technologies are required for the successful execution of the Gaganyaan Mission and related Bharatiya Antariksha Station? Also, elucidates the challenges associated with these missions. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"\"India's offshore wind energy has high potential but remains low on implementation\". Discuss the challenges impeding the harnessing of offshore wind energy and suggest possible solutions. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"In addition to being the centres of growth, urban areas are also centres of accumulating disaster risks. Why is disaster management particularly complex in mega-urban cities? What measures can be undertaken to address the problems of disaster management and risk reduction in urban areas? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss the threats posed by social media and networking sites to the internal security of India. How do the fact-check units (FCUs) under Information and Technology Rules, 2021 help in controlling the overall menace of the spread of fake news on social media? What are the concerns of press broadcasters and digital media participants about the Government establishing fact-check units? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"By highlighting the role of Violent Non-State Actors (VNSAs) in inflicting violence in Kashmir valley, discuss how \"OPERATION SADBHAVNA\" by armed forces can tackle the VNSA-OGW (Over Ground Workers) nexus by addressing the aspirations of local youth. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6874,"topper":"Sanchit Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/sanchit-sharma-test-10-1747824142764.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"How do household savings contribute to the growth of the Indian economy? Do you think that the recent fall in household savings rate marks a rise in indebtedness and distress among Indian households? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"India's FDI sector is seeing a significant downward trend. What factors are causing apprehensions among the foreign investors to invest in India? Suggest some corrective measures that must be taken by the Government to reverse the falling trend. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"How do farm subsidies impact crop diversity, cropping patterns and agricultural sustainability in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"While discussing the principles of \"precision agriculture\", elaborate on the uses of \"Internet of Things\" in precision agriculture. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What are Small Modular Nuclear Reactors (SMRs)? Why are SMRs considered a safer alternative to conventional Nuclear Power Plants? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What factors have contributed to the sudden rise in the incidences of zoonotic diseases across the globe? Highlight the recent examples of pandemics caused by zoonotic pathogens. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the major challenges of crowd control in large socio-religious gatherings and congregations in India. In the light of NDMA's \"Suggestive Framework for Preparation of Crowd Management Plan for Events Venues of Mass Gathering\", suggest measures to prevent stampede incidents. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"'The UN High Seas Treaty is comparable to the 2015 Paris Agreement's importance and significance'. In the context of this, discuss the importance of the UN High Seas Treaty for the conservation of marine biodiversity and fair and equitable resource-sharing. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What are the new cyber threats posed by the illicit use of Generative AI? In the light of recently signed Bletchley Declaration, how can India beef up its cybersecurity structure against threats raised by AI? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"India's border security is under severe pressure due to the rising political crisis in neighbouring countries. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"A person without skill is not an asset but a liability on the nation's growth\". How infusion of relevant skills contribute to the demographic dividend of India? What recent initiatives have been undertaken by the Government to reduce the skill gap among young Indians? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"The Indian aviation sector has immense potential to become the primary mode of transportation in the country. What are the factors propelling growth in India's aviation sector? Highlight the challenges that the sector faces and suggest measures for improvement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Farmer Producers' Organizations (FPOs) are engines of agri-innovation. In this context, discuss the role of FPOs in addressing the issue of fragmentation and lack of modernization in agriculture. Highlight the initiatives the Government took to promote the participation of FPOs in agriculture. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Despite being one of the strongest growth engines of the Indian economy, there are certain upstream and downstream issues ailing the growth of food processing industries in India. Discuss. Suggest measures to strengthen the overall growth of food processing industries in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"How was India benefitted from the contributions of Dr M.S. Swaminathan and Dr C.R. Rao in the fields of agricultural science and statistics respectively? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"How is Artificial Intelligence (AI) challenging the overall intellectual property paradigm? How can AI be balanced with intellectual property to foster innovation and incentivize creations and inventions? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Highlighting the significance of \"Western Ghats\" in preserving and conserving the biodiversity of India, discuss the threats faced by this fragile and ecologically sensitive Region. Elaborate on the measures taken by the Government of India to protect the Western Ghats ecosystem. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Describe the major outcomes of the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the features of the Green Credit Initiative launched by India on the sidelines of COP-28? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"How shell companies has contributed to the menace of money laundering in India? Do you think recent amendments to the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2005 will help address the problem of the transactional nature of clients with such shell companies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Discuss how the crime-insurgency nexus has contributed to the rise in ethnic conflicts and insurgencies in North-East India. What institutional measures can be undertaken to address this challenge? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6875,"topper":"Sanchit Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/sanchit-sharma-test-8-1747824114055.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the factors contributing to high fiscal deficit in India, discuss the potential consequences of such deficit and suggest measures to ensure fiscal consolidation. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"India's aspiration to be a developed nation by 2047 hinges on significant capital investment. In light of this, discuss the potential of capital investment in achieving this vision. What are the challenges India faces in this regard? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"\"With growing urbanization, peri-urban agriculture is emerging as a significant contributor to fresh farm produce needs\". In this context, discuss the opportunities and challenges associated with promoting peri-urban agriculture in a sustainable manner. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What are the major challenges faced by India's agriculture sector to achieve self-sufficiency in pulses and vegetable oils? Suggest measures to address these challenges. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Evaluate the potential of biomanufacturing and bio-foundry in driving India's future towards a sustainable green economy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What are the principles behind the working of Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV)? Explain the significance and potential benefits of use of RLVs in India's space commerce. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Examine the key features of the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) 2023. Analyze its potential for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"In light of the increased intensity, frequency and duration of heat waves in the last decade, do you think the time has come to include \"heat waves\" as a notified disaster under the Disaster Management Act, 2005? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Recently formulated 'joint doctrine for cyberspace operations' by Indian armed forces will lead to strengthening of the cyber-security posture for both conventional operations as well as gray zone warfare. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the necessity and potential issues surrounding the extension of the Border Security Force's (BSF) territorial jurisdiction in states adjacent to Pakistan and Bangladesh. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"India's economic growth story is often overshadowed by the persistent challenges of unemployment. Analyze the concept of structural unemployment and discuss its relevance in the context of India's current economic situation. Suggest policy measures to promote inclusive job growth. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Discuss the role of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in fostering regional growth in India. How can MSMEs contribute to achieving industrial diversification and technological advancement? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"\"The sole point of MSP is to protect farmers from sudden price shock\". Do you think legalization of MSP can insure farmers from sudden price shocks? What are the other measures which can be taken to make MSP-led procurement effective? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the role of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) in the Public Distribution System (PDS) to ensure food security in India. Suggest necessary reforms in the functioning of FCI to enhance its efficiency and effectiveness. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the role of nanotechnology on enhancing agricultural productivity and food security in India. Highlight recent developments and potential benefits and risks of use of nano-fertilizers and nano-pesticides. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The Nobel Prize in Physics of 2023 was jointly awarded to Ekimov, Brus and Bawendi for the discovery of synthesis of quantum dots. In this context, discuss the applications of quantum dots. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Evaluate the role of protected areas in biodiversity conservation in India. How effective have national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves been in preserving India's biodiversity? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What the causes of high levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and ozone pollution in India. How effective are the various steps taken by the government to mitigate particulate matter and ozone pollution? (15 marks,","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":47,"question":"The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) Report 2023 highlights a growing menace of drug trafficking in South Asia, with India being a major hub. Analyze the various dimensions of this challenge with respect to India. Also suggest a multi-pronged approach to address it. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India's response to left wing extremism needs to integrate soft approaches like socio-economic policies and dialogue along with hard security measures to address the root causes of Naxalism. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6876,"topper":"Sanchit Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/sanchit-sharma-test-5-1747824069799.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Do you think it is ethically justified for political leaders to violate the deepest constraints of morality in order to achieve great goods or avoid disasters for their communities? Justify your position with suitable examples (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"\"There is growing evidence that when it comes to moral judgment, human beings appear to be best characterised not as intuitive Deontologists or Consequentialists but as intuitive virtue theorists.\" Critically analyse the statement. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"While formal codes of conduct can sometimes be a useful guide, developing those traits of character that are particularly suited to the administrator's role is at the core of professional ethics. Identify five ethical attributes suitable for an administrator and explain how they can be developed. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by political responsibility, professional responsibility and personal responsibility? In situations of conflict among the three, what responsibility must the public servant prioritise and why? Illustrate with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"In the context of civil service, what do you understand by \"acts of conscience\"? Illustrate with an example. In your opinion, what can be the basis of acts of conscience? Explain (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Critically examine the role of educational institutions in shaping ethical decision-making skills in future civil servants. How effective are current educational paradigms in instilling ethical behaviour among the youth? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Examine the ethical challenges administrators face while employing persuasion and social influence techniques to promote social and health interventions in rural India. Illustrate with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Critically examine the impact of the Right to Information (RTI) on enhancing ethical accountability in public administration. How effective has RTI been in preventing bureaucratic corruption and improving service delivery? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the ethical implications of maintaining high-quality service delivery in public administration. How does probity in governance influence the efficiency and responsiveness of public services, particularly in addressing the needs of marginalised communities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Critically assess the role of regulatory frameworks in enforcing ethical standards in corporate governance. How can these frameworks be designed to encourage ethical behaviour without stifling innovation? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss what the following quotes mean to you. (a) \"It is not because men's desires are strong that they act ill; it is because their consciences are weak.\" JS Mill (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":51,"question":"You are a senior civil servant working as the Chief Development Officer (CDO) in a district where a major rural development initiative is underway. The project, aimed at improving infrastructure and providing essential services to marginalised communities, is a high-priority program for state and central governments. Your role involves overseeing the project's implementation, ensuring efficient use of public resources, and maintaining adherence to legal and procedural standards. As the project progresses, two senior authorities issue two conflicting directives, placing you in a tough situation. The Chief Secretary of the state government, who is your immediate superior, issues a directive instructing you to expedite the project to ensure its completion before the upcoming elections. The directive urges you to take all necessary measures to meet the deadline, including bypassing standard procurement procedures if needed. The underlying message is clear: the project's success is critical, and delays are unacceptable. Simultaneously, you receive a directive from the Central Government's Anti-Corruption Unit, which has been alerted to potential irregularities in the project's procurement process. This directive instructs you to halt the project and thoroughly audit all contracts awarded for procedural correctness. The directive emphasises the importance of maintaining transparency and accountability in public spending and warns against any shortcuts that could compromise the project's integrity. As the CDO, you are now caught between two conflicting directives, each with its own ethical and professional implications. (a) What ethical issues and dilemmas are involved in the above case? (b) What are the options available to the CDO? What must be the CDO's chosen course of action? (c) How should a civil servant prioritise between conflicting directives from different senior authorities? What ethical principles should guide this decision-making process? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":56,"question":"A prominent FMCG company recently launched a new line of eco-friendly products, including organic food items for children, positioning itself as a leader in sustainability. The products quickly gained popularity due to rising consumer interest in health and environmental consciousness. However, the company's environmental credentials come under scrutiny when a third-party non-profit organisation conducts laboratory tests on the products. The tests reveal significant discrepancies between the company's claims and the actual environmental impact of their production processes. The non-profit organisation publishes its findings, presenting substantial data to support the accusation of greenwashing. (a) What are the business ethics issues present in the above case? (b) What steps should regulatory bodies take to prevent conflicts of interest among their officials? How should conflicts of interest be managed when they are discovered after a decision has been made? (c) In situations where profitability and ethical responsibility appear to conflict, how should companies navigate these challenges? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":6877,"topper":"Sanchit Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/sanchit-sharma-test-1-1747824011171.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"A. \"It is wrong to assume that ethical decisions are, can or should be purely rational and principled. Human feelings are an inseparable part of our ethical life.\" In what way do feelings impact our ethical decisions? Illustrate with examples. (150 words, 10 marks) B. What do you understand by ethics management? Can public officials manage ethics in the work place in a manner similar to managing budgets, policies and people? Do you think adopting codes of ethics and conduct is sufficient enough for managing ethics in the workplace or something more is needed? Discuss. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"While traditional ethics has focussed on notions of justice, fair allocation and obligations, ethics of care emphasise maintaining connectedness and promoting care. Which of the above two ethical perspectives is more suitable for guiding ethical decision making in the context of public services. Explain your position with suitable examples. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What does the term \"quality\" mean in service delivery. What are the components of service quality and indicate ways and means for ensuring total quality in terms of efficiency, economy and effectiveness? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"In the context of public service, what does public service attitude mean? Discuss the attitude biases that affects a public servants on field decision making? Explain how a public servant can overcome such attitude biases? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"I am a Moslem; I am a Hindu; I am a Christian; I am a Jew.\" Mahatma Gandhi. What did Mahatma Gandhi mean by the above statement? Some philosophers have argued that religion is harmful to the moral life, whereas others have claimed that it is necessary to it. Explain your position on the relationship between religion and morality. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"A. \"There is only one responsibility of business, namely to use its resources and engage in activities designed to increase profits.\" Do you think corporations, by indulging in social responsibilities, are compromising their core resource utilisation and production responsibility by diverting resources into unproductive social endeavours? (150 words, 10 marks) B. Do you think values such as \"tyaga,\" (renunciation) \"seva,\" (service) \"daanam,\" (Charity) \"damah,\" (self-control) that are espoused in traditional Indian Wisdom have relevance for modern day public servants? Why? Why not? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"A. Explain the difference between conflict among interests and conflict among various sources of authority. Illustrate with relevant examples. (150 words, 10 marks) B. The domain of governance is ridden with uncertainties, ambiguities and paradoxes and this can at times lead to timidity and withdrawal among public administrators. Discuss the relevance of inner courage for overcoming and coping with ambiguities. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Given below are three quotations of philosophers. What do each of the quotations convey to you in the present context? A. \"To feel for others, and little for ourselves; to restrain our selfish, and exercise our benevolent affections, constitutes the perfection of human nature.\" Adam Smith (150 words, 10 marks) B. \"Virtue lies in our power, and so does vice; because where it is in our power to act, it is also in our power not to act.\" Aristotle (150 words, 10 marks) C. \"I know that I am intelligent, because I know that I know nothing.\" Socrates (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"What are the ethical issues and dilemmas that confronts you in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"Discuss the available options along with its merits and demerits.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"What will be your chosen course of action? Why (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"What are the administrative and ethical issues involved in the above situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Discuss the merits and demerits of each option and explain your chosen course of action along with reasons. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What are the issues involved in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"Is it ethically justified to be devoted to duty at the cost of the personal safety of the staff? Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"How will you go about doing your election duties without compromising the safety of your staff? Explain. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Do you think the above case involves a conflict of interest or there are more issues? Explain","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"Keeping the above case in perspective, discuss the relevance of impartiality and non-partisanship as professional value.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Discuss the administrative and ethical issues involved in the above case.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Do you think it was morally right on your part to write to the minister? Justify","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"How will you respond to the action initiated against you? Discuss the available options and justify your selected course of action. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Case Study 6: You are an IAS officer recently appointed as the Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Rural Development. Your responsibilities include overseeing the implementation of various rural development schemes and ensuring their efficient execution. During an audit of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) funds, you discover substantial irregularities. It appears that a significant portion of the funds allocated for rural employment projects has been siphoned off by senior officials within the ministry through fraudulent invoices and fake beneficiary lists. The funds meant for the rural poor have been diverted to personal accounts. You are faced with an ethical dilemma. Reporting this corruption could lead to severe repercussions for you as the implicated senior officials are politically influential and have strong connections. You have also received subtle threats implying that your career progression could be jeopardised if you proceed with the disclosure. On the other hand, ignoring the corruption would mean perpetuating a cycle of exploitation and depriving the rural poor of their rightful benefits. 1. What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? 2. What are the options available to you? 3. Identify and explain your chosen course of action after evaluating the merits and demerits of each option. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":6878,"topper":"Sanchit Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/sanchit-sharma-test-4-1747824055687.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Besides being public servants, they are also citizens and have personal lives. At times, there is an inherent tension among the roles. How can a public servant effectively navigate the intrinsic tension between personal interests and official duties and between private inclinations and public obligations? Explain (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"\"Ideas are the cornerstone of a strong public service framework globally.\" In the context of this statement, discuss the ideas of a philosopher whose ideas you believe are most pertinent to the civil services in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"\"The challenge of power lies in its responsible application rather than its irresponsible and indulgent use - specifically, how to motivate those in power to serve the public rather than exploit it.\" Analyse the relationship between power and public service. Do you believe that the concept of power conflicts with the ideal of service, or do they complement each other? Substantiate your viewpoint. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Human values emphasise the humane aspects of public servants, whereas public service values focus on the transparency and effectiveness of service delivery. Do you think these value systems conflict with or complement each other? Justify your perspective with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"\"When good individuals in any society become complacent and cease their vigilance and struggle, malevolent forces prevail.\" Discuss the role and significance of civil society in curbing corruption and official misconduct. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Do you agree with feminist ethicists that women are \"more emotional\" and prioritise relationships over rules, reflecting different yet equally valuable ethical perspectives? Justify your view points with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Ideally, ethics and law should be harmonious in the context of administration, yet conflicts between them can arise. How should an administrator handle conflicts between legal directives and ethical considerations, particularly when directives are illegal and laws are unjust? Discuss (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Critically evaluate the role of family and educational institutions in shaping ethical values among civil servants. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"How can civil servants cultivate a positive attitude towards the weaker sections of society? Suggest some implementable and practical steps. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Business ethicists believe that external and internal regulations are insufficient for curtailing or preventing corporate malpractices; they strongly advocate the presence of whistleblowing mechanisms as a check against corporate misgovernance. Do you think corporate governance is incomplete without whistleblowing? Why/Why not? Explain (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"The maintenance team had not adequately serviced the bus's braking system. These findings highlighted severe lapses in both the human and mechanical aspects of the transport system. Upon concluding the inquiry, you realized the complexity of the situation. There were numerous uncertainties and ambiguities, preventing a straightforward assignment of responsibility or a definitive conclusion. The accident might have been averted if the maintenance team had performed their duties diligently. Similarly, if the bus driver had not been intoxicated, he might have been able to prevent the bus from falling into the ravine. As the Head of Safety, the conclusions of your report carry significant consequences. Firstly, if the driver is deemed culpable due to his intoxication, his family may lose a substantial amount of post-death benefits because he was under the influence while on duty. Secondly, if you conceal the driver's intoxication and attribute the incident solely to poor maintenance, the maintenance crew would face job termination. This situation required extensive introspection before finalizing the report. (a) Identify the ethical issues and dilemmas in the above case. (b) What are the options available to you in the above case? (c) What do you think is more ethical to focus on the personal responsibility of the driver, who was intoxicated, or on the broader systemic issue of maintenance failures? Justify your answer with relevant ethical theories. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"What are the ethical issues and dilemmas in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you in the above case? (c) Considering the persistent nature of the RTI activist and the public's right to information, how should you navigate the tension between national security concerns and the principles of transparency and accountability? Explain (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"As a dedicated Block Development Officer (BDO), you are highly respected by your staff and appreciated by your superiors for your constructive work. The state government has selected several villages within your jurisdiction to pilot a women's self-employment scheme utilising Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The project is to be implemented by a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), and you have been instructed to provide logistical and other necessary support. The NGO staff commenced their work by meeting and identifying young women who appeared to be suitable candidates for training and skill development. Following identification, these young women were provided with a starter kit, which included a broadband dongle, a 10-inch tablet, and some reading material. The training began in earnest, and the selected young women exhibited great enthusiasm and eagerness to learn. Initially, the project showed promising signs of success. However, one day, village elders approached you with a request to halt the pilot scheme. They expressed concerns that the devices and online learning were corrupting the young women. They believed that the girls were merely watching videos on the tablets instead of learning. The elders suggested that vocational skills training, such as stitching or cooking, would be more beneficial than digital skills. After listening to their concerns, you assured them that you would investigate the matter. Upon inquiring with the NGO staff, they clarified that the videos being viewed were educational, and they were monitoring the trainees' browsing behaviour through backend systems to ensure appropriate usage. The NGO staff also pointed out that some village men felt excluded from the process and were attempting to dissuade the women from participating in the training sessions. As a BDO, you recognize the scheme's importance and potential benefits for the women in the villages. However, you are also aware that if the men's underlying mindset issues are not addressed promptly, the entire skill development effort could be undermined. As a committed public servant, you were determined to take some preventive action as you noticed tensions brewing among the men. (a) What the issues that you notice in the above case? (b) What are actionable options available to you? (c) Considering the feedback from the NGO staff about village men feeling left out and attempting to dissuade women from attending training sessions, what strategies would you implement to ensure their inclusion and support for the program? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Ms. Ananya Rao serves as a District Collector in Maharashtra. The district is embarking on an ambitious infrastructure project, the Rural Connectivity Project, designed to improve road connectivity between remote villages and main towns. This project promises significant benefits, including easier access to markets, healthcare, and education for the rural population. The project, however, is mired in controversy. Environmentalists argue that the construction will cause irreparable damage to local forests and wildlife habitats. Local farming communities are concerned about losing agricultural land due to road expansion. There are also allegations of inadequate compensation and resettlement plans for affected families. As the project progresses, various departments, including the Environment, Agriculture, and Public Works Department (PWD), are involved in the decision-making process. Each department has specific responsibilities. The Environment Department is tasked with assessing environmental impact, the Agriculture Department is responsible for ensuring farmers' rights, and the PWD is responsible for executing construction. Ms. Rao, in her capacity, oversees the coordination among these departments. However, due to conflicting priorities and a lack of accountability, this project in is delayed and is being met with public criticism. Environmental impact assessment is incomplete, farmers' concerns have not been addressed, and construction deadlines have expired. In a critical meeting, the state Chief Secretary, Mr. Vikram Patel, emphasized the urgency of advancing the project and held Ms. Rao accountable for the delays, lack of progress, and overall non-performance. Ms. Rao left the meeting disappointed and felt holding her accountable for delay was unfair as there were others also involved in the project. (a) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas involved in the above case? (b) What are the options available to Ms. Rao? (c) What course of action would you suggest for Ms. Rao? Why? (d) Do you think holding Ms. Rao accountable for the delays was justified? Why/Why not? (250 words in utter)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"In a critical meeting, the state Chief Secretary, Mr. Vikram Patel, emphasized the urgency of advancing the project and held Ms. Rao accountable for the delays, lack of progress, and overall non-performance. Ms. Rao left the meeting disappointed and felt holding her accountable for delay was unfair as there were others also involved in the project. (a) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas involved in the above case? (b) What are the options available to Ms. Rao? (c) What course of action would you suggest for Ms. Rao? Why? (d) Do you think holding Ms. Rao accountable for the delays was justified? Why/Why not? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":56,"question":"Despite his behaviour, Mr. Gupta is recognized for his exceptional work performance. He has been instrumental in implementing several successful health initiatives, significantly improving healthcare delivery in districts. His expertise and dedication have made him an indispensable asset to the department, complicating the decision to address the complaints against him. Ms. Sharma had a tough decision to make. She knew she had to be strict, but she was also worried about the workflow disruption that action against Mr. Gupta could cause. (a) What are the issues and dilemmas that confront Ms. Sharma? (b) What ethical principles should guide Ms. Sharma in addressing the harassment and bullying complaints in her department? (c) What long-term strategies should be implemented to prevent harassment and bullying in government departments? How can these strategies promote a culture of respect and inclusivity? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":6879,"topper":"Sandeep Badad","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/SANDEEP_BADAD_GS_1_AIR_82_2025_6b6347a3c2.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"The evolution of temple architecture in India illustrates the synthesis of art, religion, and polity. Illustrate with suitable examples from South India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The rise and development of the new religious ideas in the 6th B.C. India have brought significant changes to contemporary social life. Do you agree? Justify using examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Under colonialism, India's traditional economic structure was reoriented to fit into the economic needs of industrial Britain. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are Western disturbances? Explain their role in influencing the weather patterns of northern India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discuss the non-conventional energy potential of peninsular India with relevant examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Why are most of India's iron and steel plants concentrated in the eastern and central parts of the country? Illustrate with examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"In contemporary India, marriage is increasingly perceived as a personal choice rather than a societal obligation. Enumerate the socio-economic forces behind this transformation and assess its potential impact on family structure. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Analyse to what extent does regionalism contributes to the deepening of decentralization in India? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the potential socio-political implications of implementing a nationwide caste census. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The Lucknow Pact of 1916 was both a high point of Hindu-Muslim unity and a harbinger of future communal divisions. Comment (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"While the Bhakti and Sufi movements emerged from different religious milieus, their convergence lay in the realm of devotion and dissent.\" Examine the socio-religious significance of their interaction in medieval India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Contrast the approaches of Sardar Patel and Jawaharlal Nehru in handling princely states and regional integration. How did their differing visions shape the evolution of the Indian Union? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"The American Civil War was not just a political conflict but a clash of two divergent economic systems. Substantiate (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"What are marine heatwaves? Examine the causes of the increasing frequency of marine heatwaves. How do they influence the onset of the summer monsoon in India? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Assess the effectiveness of tribal development programmes in India. Why do tribal areas continue to experience developmental setbacks, and what are the challenges? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"\"As the world's water towers melt, the risk of water stress increases.\" Discuss how the Himalayan glaciers' retreat could redefine freshwater availability and regional hydropolitics in South Asia. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Despite increasing participation of women in the professional workforce, their presence in top leadership remains minimal. Examine the interplay of societal norms and workplace structures in perpetuating this gender gap. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"The phenomenon of 'livability atrophy' in Indian cities reflects the widening gap between urban expansion and quality of life. Examine the causes and consequences of this trend, and suggest measures to make urban growth more humane and sustainable. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Define transnationalism and examine the factors that have led to the increasing global interconnectedness of diaspora communities. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Communalism in India, rooted in historical legacies and socio-economic inequalities, continues to undermine social cohesion and national integration. Discuss with examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6880,"topper":"Sandeep Badad","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MK8EUpdYKN3gqnBt1MSmQh1SlriMPuAM/view","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"The evolution of temple architecture in India illustrates the synthesis of art, religion, and polity. Illustrate with suitable examples from South India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The rise and development of the new religious ideas in the 6th B.C. India have brought significant changes to contemporary social life. Do you agree? Justify using examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Under colonialism, India's traditional economic structure was reoriented to fit into the economic needs of industrial Britain. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are Western disturbances? Explain their role in influencing the weather patterns of northern India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discuss the non-conventional energy potential of peninsular India with relevant examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Why are most of India's iron and steel plants concentrated in the eastern and central parts of the country? Illustrate with examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"In contemporary India, marriage is increasingly perceived as a personal choice rather than a societal obligation. Enumerate the socio-economic forces behind this transformation and assess its potential impact on family structure. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Analyse to what extent does regionalism contributes to the deepening of decentralization in India? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the potential socio-political implications of implementing a nationwide caste census. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The Lucknow Pact of 1916 was both a high point of Hindu-Muslim unity and a harbinger of future communal divisions. Comment (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"While the Bhakti and Sufi movements emerged from different religious milieus, their convergence lay in the realm of devotion and dissent.\" Examine the socio-religious significance of their interaction in medieval India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Contrast the approaches of Sardar Patel and Jawaharlal Nehru in handling princely states and regional integration. How did their differing visions shape the evolution of the Indian Union? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"The American Civil War was not just a political conflict but a clash of two divergent economic systems. Substantiate (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"What are marine heatwaves? Examine the causes of the increasing frequency of marine heatwaves. How do they influence the onset of the summer monsoon in India? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Assess the effectiveness of tribal development programmes in India. Why do tribal areas continue to experience developmental setbacks, and what are the challenges? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"\"As the world's water towers melt, the risk of water stress increases.\" Discuss how the Himalayan glaciers' retreat could redefine freshwater availability and regional hydropolitics in South Asia. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Despite increasing participation of women in the professional workforce, their presence in top leadership remains minimal. Examine the interplay of societal norms and workplace structures in perpetuating this gender gap. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"The phenomenon of 'livability atrophy' in Indian cities reflects the widening gap between urban expansion and quality of life. Examine the causes and consequences of this trend, and suggest measures to make urban growth more humane and sustainable. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Define transnationalism and examine the factors that have led to the increasing global interconnectedness of diaspora communities. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Communalism in India, rooted in historical legacies and socio-economic inequalities, continues to undermine social cohesion and national integration. Discuss with examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6881,"topper":"Sandeep Badad","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/SANDEEP_BADAD_GS_2_AIR_82_2025_73e8241478.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"'Constitutional morality' is not a natural sentiment in India but has to be cultivated. Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer with relevant examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Supreme Court's recent invocation of Article 142 to confer 'deemed assent' to state bills raises critical questions about the separation of powers. Critically examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The impartiality of the Speaker of Lok Sabha is central to the integrity of the legislative process. Explain with relevant examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"How does the Sixth Schedule balance tribal autonomy with national integration? Evaluate its success and limitations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Explain how Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, while aiming to safeguard privacy, risks weakening the transparency framework established by the Right to Information Act, 2005. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms offer a viable solution to India's overburdened judiciary. Enumerate the types of ADR mechanisms in India and analyze their advantages over conventional litigation. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Examine how Community-based financial institutions promote responsive governance and address structural inequalities, especially for marginalized women. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Despite their intended purpose, Citizen's Charters in India have fallen short in transforming administration into a citizen-centric service system. Do you agree? Justify your answer. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Mauritius remains the 'Star and Key' to the Indian Ocean for India. Analyze the geopolitical significance of Mauritius in India's Indian Ocean strategy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Discuss the constitutional and statutory provisions governing the disqualification of Members of Parliament in India. How effective are they in upholding the integrity of the legislature? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"India's fiscal federalism is heavily vertical, transactional, and tax-centric. In light of this, critically examine the case for institutionalizing \"resource federalism\" to ensure more equitable and autonomous state-level economic development. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"While India has a structured but rarely used process for the removal of judges, the UK emphasizes ministerial responsibility and in house mechanisms . Compare and evaluate these approaches in maintaining judicial accountability. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Despite being part of the Directive Principles, the Uniform Civil Code remains unrealised at the national level. Examine the factors behind the delay and suggest potential measure for its national implementation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Judicial recognition of intra-caste inequality within Scheduled Castes opens new debates in affirmative action policies. Examine the challenges and opportunities this poses for social justice in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"AI-driven education can play a transformative role in achieving the goals of New Education Policy 2020. Discuss the opportunities and challenges in integrating Artificial Intelligence into India's education system. What safeguards are needed to ensure its safe deployment? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Discuss the role of targeted welfare schemes for nomadic communities in achieving inclusive development. What are the implementation bottlenecks and how can they be resolved? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"\"Cultural diplomacy through diaspora outreach has emerged as a soft power tool in India's global engagement strategy.\" Evaluate the strengths and limitations of diaspora-led cultural diplomacy in advancing India's national interest. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"How have the growing tensions between the U.S., Israel, and Iran affected regional stability in West Asia? In this context, evaluate the key considerations for India's foreign policy to safeguard its interests in West Asia. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"With overlapping geographical and strategic interests, ASEAN-BIMSTEC cooperation can enhance Indo-Pacific connectivity and resilience. Analyze the institutional, political, and external challenges that impede this collaboration. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6882,"topper":"Sandeep Badad","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Cwd0q0PFgZJDmR7fQLK9x8Pc-d33mSFE/view","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"'Constitutional morality' is not a natural sentiment in India but has to be cultivated. Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer with relevant examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Supreme Court's recent invocation of Article 142 to confer 'deemed assent' to state bills raises critical questions about the separation of powers. Critically examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The impartiality of the Speaker of Lok Sabha is central to the integrity of the legislative process. Explain with relevant examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"How does the Sixth Schedule balance tribal autonomy with national integration? Evaluate its success and limitations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Explain how Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, while aiming to safeguard privacy, risks weakening the transparency framework established by the Right to Information Act, 2005. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms offer a viable solution to India's overburdened judiciary. Enumerate the types of ADR mechanisms in India and analyze their advantages over conventional litigation. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Examine how Community-based financial institutions promote responsive governance and address structural inequalities, especially for marginalized women. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Despite their intended purpose, Citizen's Charters in India have fallen short in transforming administration into a citizen-centric service system. Do you agree? Justify your answer. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Mauritius remains the 'Star and Key' to the Indian Ocean for India. Analyze the geopolitical significance of Mauritius in India's Indian Ocean strategy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Discuss the constitutional and statutory provisions governing the disqualification of Members of Parliament in India. How effective are they in upholding the integrity of the legislature? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"India's fiscal federalism is heavily vertical, transactional, and tax-centric. In light of this, critically examine the case for institutionalizing \"resource federalism\" to ensure more equitable and autonomous state-level economic development. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"While India has a structured but rarely used process for the removal of judges, the UK emphasizes ministerial responsibility and in house mechanisms. Compare and evaluate these approaches in maintaining judicial accountability. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Despite being part of the Directive Principles, the Uniform Civil Code remains unrealised at the national level. Examine the factors behind the delay and suggest potential measure for its national implementation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Judicial recognition of intra-caste inequality within Scheduled Castes opens new debates in affirmative action policies. Examine the challenges and opportunities this poses for social justice in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"AI-driven education can play a transformative role in achieving the goals of New Education Policy 2020. Discuss the opportunities and challenges in integrating Artificial Intelligence into India's education system. What safeguards are needed to ensure its safe deployment? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Discuss the role of targeted welfare schemes for nomadic communities in achieving inclusive development. What are the implementation bottlenecks and how can they be resolved? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"\"Cultural diplomacy through diaspora outreach has emerged as a soft power tool in India's global engagement strategy.\" Evaluate the strengths and limitations of diaspora-led cultural diplomacy in advancing India's national interest. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"How have the growing tensions between the U.S., Israel, and Iran affected regional stability in West Asia? In this context, evaluate the key considerations for India's foreign policy to safeguard its interests in West Asia. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"With overlapping geographical and strategic interests, ASEAN-BIMSTEC cooperation can enhance Indo-Pacific connectivity and resilience. Analyze the institutional, political, and external challenges that impede this collaboration. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6883,"topper":"Sandeep Badad","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/SANDEEP_BADAD_GS_3_AIR_82_2025_3ac495eaf2.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Explain the concept of the \"Missing Middle\" in India's industrial ecosystem. How does it affect economic growth and employment generation? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Household savings form a crucial pillar of domestic capital formation. In light of their recent decline, elucidate the underlying causes and propose strategies to strengthen savings behavior in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Despite its potential, the corporate bond market in India remains underdeveloped. Examine the structural and regulatory challenges impeding its growth. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"In light of recent Budget 2025 allocations and the push for green infrastructure, analyze how Viability Gap Funding can be leveraged to promote renewable energy projects. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Why is self-sufficiency in pulse production crucial for India? Discuss the policy and technological interventions needed to achieve Aatma Nirbharata in pulses. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Examine how space-based solutions are addressing developmental challenges in rural India. What steps can further enhance their outreach and effectiveness? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Delineate the linkages between urbanization patterns and rising PM 2.5 levels in Tier-II and Tier-III cities of India. What are the various mitigation measures and the government's initiatives to mitigate air pollution in India? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Explain the structural and operational limitations of the Disaster Management Act, 2005. How far does the 2025 Amendment address these deficiencies through a shift towards anticipatory and technology-driven disaster governance? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What do you understand by Artificial Neural Networks? List out its applications across various fields. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"Internal security challenges in India are increasingly shaped by external and transnational dynamics.\" Examine the statement with relevant examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"While tariff rationalization aims to enhance economic efficiency, it may also pose challenges to certain sectors. Critically assess the potential trade-offs involved in the Union Budget 2025-26's approach to tariff reforms. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"A shift from fiscal deficit targeting to debt-to-GDP ratio as the fiscal anchor signals a more holistic approach to fiscal discipline. Do you agree? Give reasons in support of your arguments. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"India's food processing sector is moving towards greater formalization and efficiency. Critically assess how initiatives like the PLI scheme and Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Enterprises (PM-FME) contribute to this transformation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Do you agree that granting a legal guarantee to Minimum Support Price (MSP) may create a fiscally unsustainable and economically inefficient agricultural system? Suggest viable alternatives to ensure fair farmer remuneration without distorting the market. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) can empower developing countries to lead the global climate action narrative. Discuss with suitable examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Analyse the reasons behind the increasing vulnerability of the Himalayan region to landslides. What steps can be taken for their management and control? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Forest fires are yet another symptom of climate change. Analyze the various causes for wildfire in forests. Give two examples of recent wildfires. Mention the policies and frameworks aimed at tackling wildfire in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"One Health approach is key to preventing future pandemics and preserving ecosystems. Analyze how the Biodiversity and Health Global Action Plan adopted at COP 16 aligns with this vision. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"In light of evolving national security threats, how do the New Criminal Laws address modern threats like cybercrime and organized crime? Outline the challenges perceived in its effective implementation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Discuss how integrated border infrastructure and management practices can balance security imperatives with the socio-economic development of frontier communities. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6884,"topper":"Sandeep Badad","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1we_FDgHPAkX5G8_q9jwC-maiii9_uoDG/view","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Ethics is not morality, nor is it religion, law, or values, but it overlaps with all of them. Explain with relevant examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"\"Moral principles are often challenged by evolving technological and societal changes. How should ethical decision-makers adapt to new realities while ensuring justice and integrity?\" (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The family is often the first school of values, but it may also become a breeding ground for biases, stereotypes and hierarchical attitudes. Critically evaluate the dual role of family in value inculcation in a society. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Some argue that promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) may come at the cost of meritocracy and objectivity. How can public institutions balance these ethical considerations? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What does the quote mean to you? (a) \"Glory lies in the attempt to reach one's goal and not in reaching it.\"-Gandhi. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"\"No man should tolerate injustice, whether it be against himself or against another.\" - Jyotiba Phule (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"How does the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 seek to restore the ethical and holistic purpose of education beyond mere employability? Reflect on the ethical significance of this shift. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Punitive vigilance deters corruption, preventive vigilance reduces opportunities for corruption while participative vigilance fosters a culture of transparency and accountability, eliminating the root cause of corruption. Critically examine this statement with relevant examples (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"The separation of private and public ethics is not only difficult but may also be counterproductive.\" Do you agree with this view? Justify your stance with logical arguments and examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Ethical competence is as essential as technical competence in public service. Examine the statement with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"A well-developed conscience is the foundation of ethical governance.\" Discuss with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Is it ethically defensible to pursue global prestige through space missions while everyday injustices like hunger or women's safety remain unresolved? Discuss the role of ethical governance in managing such trade-offs. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":31,"question":"Priya, an assistant accounts manager at a city-based private educational trust that runs several low-fee schools for underprivileged children, has always been known for her integrity and diligence. One day, she learns that her close colleague and friend, Arjun, a sincere employee and a widower struggling to raise his two young daughters alone, has been facing a harrowing situation. Arjun's younger child was diagnosed with a severe brain condition requiring urgent surgery costing nearly Rs. 70 lakh. With no health insurance, little savings, and no family support to fall back on, Arjun was on the verge of losing hope. Priya wanted to help, but her own financial situation, with elderly dependent parents and modest savings, left her helpless and burdened with guilt for not being able to stand by her friend in his time of dire need. A few weeks later, when Priya visits Arjun to check on his situation, she is relieved to see his child recovering well. In a quiet conversation, Arjun reveals that their senior administrator, Mr. Kulkarni, known for his kind but discreet ways, had quietly arranged Rs. 70 lakh from an old scholarship fund that had been lying unused for years. He did so on the condition that Arjun would repay the sum slowly through deductions from his salary, without anyone else finding out. Grateful but uneasy, Arjun confides that Mr. Kulkarni has helped other staff members in similar personal emergencies in the past, using small dormant funds without formal approvals, to prevent suffering and distress among the staff who often have no safety net. A few days later, while finalizing quarterly accounts, Priya overhears a conversation in the accounts office that an external audit of all scholarship and welfare funds is scheduled for next month. She realizes that this means the unauthorized diversions might come to light. Priya deeply sympathizes with Arjun's situation and admires Mr. Kulkarni's humane intentions, but she also knows that misusing designated funds, however noble the cause, violates trust, policy, and legal norms. If discovered, it could lead to severe consequences for Mr. Kulkarni, jeopardize the trust's reputation, and even risk the schools' funding. (a) Identify the key ethical dilemmas faced by Priya in this situation. (b) Discuss the ethical dimensions of Mr. Kulkarni's actions. Do you think his conduct can be justified? Give reasons for your answer. (b) What are the options available to Priya at this point? Analyze the merits and demerits of each option. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Rajesh is a dedicated and upright IAS officer who has recently been posted as the Commissioner of a major city's Municipal Corporation after serving diligently in various assignments for over a decade. This is his fifth transfer in four years, mostly due to his refusal to bend rules for influential people. His colleagues admire his integrity, discipline, and commitment to public service. The mayor of the city, a senior leader of the ruling party, holds significant power over the corporation's functioning. Rajesh soon learns about several dubious tenders and large-scale irregularities in awarding contracts for the city's solid waste management project. He notices that payments have been hastily cleared to companies with questionable credentials, despite glaring deficiencies in their work. One day, a senior councillor belonging to a rival political party approaches Rajesh and shares a set of audio recordings and internal emails that purportedly show the mayor asking for kickbacks from contractors in exchange for lucrative garbage collection contracts. Rajesh also recalls the same contractors' payments being pushed through under the mayor's orders, bypassing due process. When Rajesh asks the Councillor why he doesn't bring this evidence to the media or the anti-corruption bureau himself, the Councillor shrugs it off, hinting that his hands are tied politically but Rajesh can \"earn a hero's image\" by blowing the whistle. He subtly promises that if his party comes to power in the upcoming municipal elections, Rajesh's loyalty will be rewarded with an important posting and career security. Meanwhile, local media has started sniffing around the irregularities, and Rajesh's silence could make him appear complicit. His own staff is divided; some urge him to maintain the status quo for personal safety, while a few junior officers privately want him to act boldly and clean up the system. Adding to his dilemma, Rajesh's elderly parents are dependent on him, and another sudden transfer could make their care difficult. (a) Identify the key ethical dilemmas faced by Rajesh in this situation. (b) What are the options available to Rajesh to deal with the situation? Evaluate each option with its merits and demerits. (c) In the context of this case, discuss the ethical challenges of whistleblowing for public servants in India. (d) What institutional reforms can strengthen ethical conduct and protect honest officers? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"After an unexpected breach in a major dam upstream, the district of Neelgram has been hit by sudden flooding, which not only damaged standing crops but also contaminated most local water sources with silt and debris. Ananya, a young Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) recently transferred to Neelgram, has ordered emergency measures to ration and purify the remaining potable water and clamp down on illegal extraction of groundwater to ensure enough safe water for drinking and health camps. However, when her enforcement teams start sealing unauthorized borewells on farmland to prevent further depletion, a large group of distressed farmers storms her office, accusing her of double standards for ignoring the big bottled water companies and luxury housing societies on the town's outskirts that continue tapping deep aquifers around the clock under old permits allegedly renewed through bribes. The farmers claim they are being pushed to ruin just to keep swimming pools full and bottled water businesses profitable. Meanwhile, local hotels warn that shutting their supply will lead to layoffs of hundreds of daily-wage workers already reeling from the flood damage. Political leaders privately pressurize Ananya to avoid any action that might anger influential industrialists and real estate developers. To complicate matters further, she discovers some lower-rung officials have been pocketing hush money to overlook illegal borewells. With rural families queuing up for clean water tankers and local schools forced to close due to unsafe drinking water, Ananya must now grapple with the ethical dilemma of conserving critical water reserves, enforcing rules impartially, protecting poor farmers' livelihoods, resisting powerful vested interests, ensuring continued employment for daily-wage workers, and upholding public trust in the administration during a fragile recovery phase. (a) Identify and discuss the major ethical dilemmas faced by Ananya. (b) Briefly describe major laws or policies enacted by the Government of India to ensure sustainable water management. (c) Suggest a balanced course of action that Ananya can adopt to ensure equitable water distribution, prevent misuse of groundwater, protect vulnerable livelihoods, and restore public trust. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":56,"question":"Ritika Verma, the director of a reputed heritage conservation NGO that has spent over a decade protecting ancient monuments and ecologically sensitive cultural landscapes in the semi-arid region of Rajasthan. Recently, the state government has unveiled a major Solar Energy Park Project spanning nearly 5,000 hectares of largely barren but historically significant desert land dotted with ancient stepwells (Baolis), medieval Caravanserai ruins, and sacred groves that are home to several endangered desert flora and fauna. The project is expected to make the state a leader in renewable energy, reduce carbon emissions significantly, and provide green electricity to millions, aligning with India's national renewable energy goals and global climate commitments. It will also create thousands of direct and indirect jobs for local villagers, many of whom struggle with seasonal migration and poverty. However, the proposed solar farm will require flattening sand dunes, restricting grazing land for pastoral communities, and potentially disturbing fragile micro-habitats that support unique desert biodiversity. Local communities are divided, some want the project for jobs and development, while others fear it will disrupt their traditional livelihoods, cultural heritage sites, and spiritual groves that hold deep cultural significance. Adding to Ritika's dilemma, her NGO recently received significant donations from an international renewable energy foundation, the same foundation that has invested heavily in the Solar Park project. Her board expects her to balance environmental stewardship with a progressive stance on green energy. Meanwhile, local activists accuse the NGO of hypocrisy if it supports the project and betrayal if it opposes clean energy goals. (a) Identify and briefly discuss the key ethical issues involved in this case. (b) What options are available to Ritika? Critically analyze each option. (c) Suggest a course of action that Ritika should take in this situation. Justify your answer with suitable ethical principles and values. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":6885,"topper":"Sandeep Badad","air":82,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/UNCK_SSTS_FLT_2025_T8_SANDEEP_BADAD_1_6d18b7623c.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6886,"topper":"Sandeep Bhagia","air":30,"year":2017,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/29350_760_Sandeep_Bhagia_Rank_30.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6887,"topper":"Sandeep Kumar","air":24,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1aM-TQSNimdbd0UWWOBedSSsqw6e-eOlA","questions":[]},{"id":6888,"topper":"Sandeep Kumar","air":24,"year":2022,"paper":"Optional — Public Administration","optional":true,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1bJFinQ4UbpkF6AxTb7UtFzaqQmFPsy3i","questions":[]},{"id":6889,"topper":"SANDEEP KUMAR MEENA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a4a19-473817_1457_sandeep_kumar_meena_rank_952.pdf","questions":[{"page":15,"question":"Institutional autonomy is as important as accountability.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6890,"topper":"SANDEEP KUMAR MEENA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5e38d-473817_2488_sandeep_kumar_meena_rank_952.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"A mind all logic is like a knife all blade, it makes the hand bleed that uses it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"History is a cyclic poem written by time upon the memories of man.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The wise man does at once what the fool does finally.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The world is a tragedy to those who feel, but a comedy to those who think.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Perfect clarity would profit the intellect but damage the will.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6891,"topper":"SANDEEP KUMAR MEENA","air":952,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/bae44-473817_1458_sandeep_kumar_meena_rank_952.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6892,"topper":"SANDEEP KUMAR MEENA","air":952,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a0833-473817_1456_sandeep_kumar_meena_rank_952.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6893,"topper":"SANDEEP KUMAR MEENA","air":952,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5cf2c-473817_1252_sandeep_kumar_meena_rank_952.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6894,"topper":"SANDEEP KUMAR MEENA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/14ba5-473817_1415_sandeep_kumar_meena_rank_952.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"There have been arguments that direct benefit cash transfers should replace the supply of food through the public distribution system. Do you agree with such arguments? Give reasons in support of your answer. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'participatory budgeting'? Identify the challenges associated with participatory budgeting in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Inclusive growth in an economy itself negates the need for a Universal Basic Income. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"E-commerce holds the potential to revamp agriculture marketing in India in multiple ways. Discuss with suitable examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"While digital financial services can expand financial inclusion in India, there are various challenges that need to be addressed in this regard. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"COVID-19 has exposed gaps in India's domestic laws to deal effectively with outbreaks of infectious diseases, especially pandemics. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlight the need for increasing private sector participation in space sector in India. Enumerate the steps taken by the government recently in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What do you mean by herd immunity? Also discuss the problems with primarily relying on this approach to stop the spread of infectious diseases. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Despite the acknowledgement of terrorism as a global concern, the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism is yet to be adopted. What are the reasons and implications of this impasse? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Though privatization is considered as a prominent component of economic reforms, India has been ambivalent on the subject even in the post reform period. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlighting the potential of micro and small enterprises in the food processing sector, enumerate the challenges that they face. In this regard, discuss the importance of the Scheme for Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (FME). (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Discuss the significance of micro-irrigation in a situation of water crisis in India. Also, mention the challenges with regard to adoption of micro-irrigation systems in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss how the idea of Aatmanirbhar Bharat goes beyond the traditional view of self-reliance. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The increased frequency and intensity of climate extremes in the Indian subcontinent can have grave implications. Comment. Also, suggest some measures that can be taken towards building climate-resilience in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Approach to flood control in India should evolve from piecemeal measures to an integrated basin management. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What do you understand by Convalescent Plasma Therapy? Enumerate the potential uses and concerns in its application. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Given the diverse security challenges as well as external and internal linkages, developing a National Security Strategy for India requires a comprehensive approach. Explain. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"What do you understand by Critical Information Infrastructure? Highlight the significance of Critical Information Protection and state the measures taken to ensure the same. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6895,"topper":"SANDEEP KUMAR MEENA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5ff2f-473817_2423_sandeep_kumar_meena_rank_952.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With suitable examples, discuss how environmental pressure groups enhance public participation and responsiveness with regard to environmental policies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The recent acknowledgment of sex work as a 'profession' by the Supreme Court is merely the first step in ensuring basic rights and equality for sex workers in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the role played by District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) in providing free legal aid and disseminating legal awareness in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"The collegium system has become a victim of its own success, with the concentration of power in the hands of a few, leading to questions about its legitimacy.\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"Civil services reforms must go beyond recruitment and standardised training to cope with the present day challenges.\" Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"Outcome-based finance models such as social impact bonds have the potential to truly catalyse change and deliver socio-economic impact at scale. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)\"","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"The wide gap between the number of females graduating every year and those entering the workspace is an issue of paramount importance that needs to be addressed. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)\"","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"An up to date and functional Civil Registration System (CRS) is essential to the socio-economic planning in India. Discuss in the light of the recent move of the Central government in revamping the CRS system in the country. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What are the key areas of reform if the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has to align with the current economic realities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In recent years, India's relationship with West Asia has evolved from the confines of geopolitics to expanse of geoeconomics. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The role of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) is significant in furthering healthy competitiveness aimed at inspiring stakeholders to innovate and augment effectiveness. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"\"The menace of paid news often rears its ugly head during elections.\" Discuss the need for making paid news an electoral offence in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the \"Doctrine of Essentiality\" referred to by the courts in the context of religious practices in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"As per the recently released report of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), there is an urgent need to limit the size of the government in India. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The Institutions of Eminence (IoE) scheme was conceived to develop 'world-class' centres of higher education in India but six years later, it is yet to become the game changer it was intended to be. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) allows for innovative and convenient public services, help overcome inclusion or accessibility barriers, and increase transparency and accountability with real-time data. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Besides legislation, the full realisation of the 'right to health for all' in India demands plugging of social, financial, and infrastructural gaps. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The 'third gender' has not yet been engendered in the Indian society despite legislative nudge. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Among other factors, strained ties with China and Pakistan make it difficult for India to fulfill its expectations from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"The recently concluded initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) between the United States and India promises a long overdue transformation of their partnership in the field of technology. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6896,"topper":"SANDEEP KUMAR MEENA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2e326-473817_1419_sandeep_kumar_meena_rank_952.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the issues associated with power discoms in India, discuss whether privatizing discoms can help in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Harnessing Smart Agriculture can potentially be a game-changer for farm productivity in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Rather than focusing solely on quantity, inclusive growth concerns itself with the quality of growth. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"In the backdrop of Atmanirbhar Bharat, discuss the core areas crucial in export promotion for India to become a manufacturing hub. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Arsenic pollution is becoming a severe environmental issue in India. Enumerating its various sources, discuss the consequences and measures to tackle it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The Green Term Ahead Market (GTAM) can invigorate the renewable energy sector in India. Evaluate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The CRISPR/Cas9 genetic scissors have revolutionized the genome editing technique with applications in various areas. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Bring out the role played by Financial Action Task Force in tackling the menace of money laundering. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the recent reforms that have been undertaken in the National Security Architecture of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Bring out the key hurdles that are being faced in accomplishing land reforms in India. Also, discuss the advantages which can be reaped by accomplishing them in contemporary times. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"India needs to accord more significance to nutritional security than food security. Comment. In this context, suggest a framework that should be adopted by the government to achieve nutritional self-reliance. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Private investments are key for India to move into a high growth trajectory. Discuss. Also highlight the steps taken by the government in recent times to address the fall in private investments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"India's geographical diversity and varied levels of development across regions necessitate a targeted region specific action plan to ensure a minimum acceptable level of prosperity. Elaborate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Empowering the farmers by ensuring barrier-free trade in the agriculture produce is critical in doubling their incomes. Enumerating the existing bottlenecks, discuss how the recent legislations can help in overcoming them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The reasons for recurring floods in the regions of Eastern India such as Bihar and Assam go far beyond their topography. Discuss. Also, suggest measures to control this menace. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"How can 5G technology potentially bring about a digital revolution in India? Identify the challenges in adoption of 5G technology in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Besides computing, quantum technology has potential applications in various areas. Discuss. What are the challenges which lie ahead for effective utilization of quantum technology? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"While most insurgent groups in North-East India have given up violence and are engaged in peace talks with the government, a number of issues could create hurdles in the future. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Identifying the key vulnerabilities in India's cyberspace, discuss the framework which should be adopted in the envisaged new cyber security policy in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6897,"topper":"SANDEEP KUMAR MEENA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0f0a3-473817_1416_sandeep_kumar_meena_rank_952.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the significance of ethical work culture, suggest ways by which it can be imbibed in an organization. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Upholding probity in governance is not only contingent on values of an individual but also the processes of the institution. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The nature of a business's operations has a major influence on the ethical issues with which it must contend. Giving examples, discuss how business ethics is crucial in today's world. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"An honest bureaucrat can be put to inconvenience but the dishonest one is more likely to suffer in the long run. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The notion of an ethical foreign policy downplays the realities of international politics. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Conscience can neither be silent nor delayed as a source of ethical guidance. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) To educate a person in the mind but not in morals is to educate a menace to society. - Theodore Roosevelt (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"Children are great imitators, so give them something great to imitate.\" In this context, discuss the importance of role models in inculcating values in children. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The Covid-19 pandemic has brought with itself an environment of uncertainties and hardships. In this context, discuss the significance of emotional intelligence in dealing with the situation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Bring out the role of social media in shaping one's moral and political attitude. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":34,"question":"In recent times, the country witnessed protests based on opposition to some steps taken by the government. Whereas, mostly these were peaceful protests, at a few places these activities turned violent leading to destruction of public property. In some places government arrested few of the protesters and imposed heavy fines on them for the destruction of the property. In case they could not pay, their private property was confiscated by the government to pay for the damage done to the public property. In addition to this, some governments published the photographs, names and addresses of those accused of vandalism during protests at various locations. (a) What are the issues of public importance at stake in this case? (b) Are their any ethical or legal principles at play here which may be conflicting? (c) What should be the principles guiding a democratic state in such circumstances?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"The global toll of the COVID-19 pandemic is enormous: more than a half-million lives lost, hundreds of millions out of work, and trillions of dollars of wealth destroyed. And the disease has by no means run its course. There is tremendous interest in the development of a vaccine, with more than a hundred initiatives under way around the world. Even if one or more vaccines emerge that promise to make people less susceptible to COVID-19, the public-health problem will not be eliminated. But policymakers can avert some foreseeable problems by starting to address key questions about financing and distribution now. In view of the above scenario, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the different stakeholders involved in this scenario. (b) Identify some of the ethical questions and issues that are likely to emerge as the vaccine becomes available. (c) Who, in your opinion, should be amongst the first recipients of the vaccine? Give reasons for your answer.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are the head of a PSU, which has recently been entrusted with construction of a new airport in a metropolitan city. However, the area in the immediate neighbourhood of the proposed airport runways have large tracts of land occupied by dense slum settlements. If the airport is to be constructed, approximately 75,000 slum families will have to be humanly rehabilitated. The sheer scale of this rehabilitation, almost similar to an urban renewal, has thrown up many challenges. Foremost among these is identifying an appropriate location for rehabilitation of slum dwellers. You are faced with the following options in this regard, each of which have their own merits and demerits: (a) There is no reasonably priced land in close vicinity of the present slums. A vacant parcel of land that you have identified close-by will have to be developed afresh along with all civic amenities, and this will entail huge cost for the PSU. (b) There is another location, which is very far-off where a factory once stood. All the required civic amenities are in place here and the factory can be converted into appropriate houses at little cost to the PSU. However, there will be loss of livelihood on relocation to this area because of its distance from the current slum location. (c) There is yet another site, which can be used for rehabilitation at reasonable cost. Neither is it too far nor will it entail huge monetary cost, but exercising this option involves cutting a large number of trees, which may adversely affect the ecology of the area. This is likely to face resistance from environmental groups. Given the above options and the associated challenges, which of these sites will you choose for rehabilitation of slum dwellers? Provide adequate justification for your choice.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"The RTI Act, which became operational in 2005 empowers the Indian citizens to seek information from public authorities. This, in effect, makes the Government and its functionaries more accountable and responsible. However, it has faced resistance because of the entrenched bureaucratic culture and it is taking time to change the mindset of the people in the government to new realities in wake of the act. This has led to implementation issues and questions have also been raised against the effectiveness of the act in achieving its desired objectives. Apart from this, certain issues related to the information seeker have also been raised from time to time. In view of the innumerable challenges answer the following: (a) Explain the importance of a transparent government system in a democracy, like India. (b) Elaborate on the challenges that the implementation of RTI has faced, in the context of information seeker (demand-side) as well as those entrusted to give information (supply-side). (c) Discuss the role that such a legislation can be expected to play given the ground realities in our country. How can it be ensured that such legislations are effective in achieving their envisaged objectives?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6898,"topper":"SANDEEP KUMAR MEENA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/06bad-473817_2425_sandeep_kumar_meena_rank_952.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"For effective corporate governance to take place in the coming years, why is it important to integrate the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics with the multi-stakeholder approach? What benefits can be accrued by such integration? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In acts of corruption, the focus is often only on the demand side of the equation, on public officials who abuse their office for private gain. Frequently, the supply side is given less attention. Those who pay bribes are sometimes depicted as innocent parties and victims of extortionary practices of wily public servants. Do you agree that 'collusive corruption', in which there is a willing bribe-giver, is a formidable challenge for institutions fighting corruption? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Citizens' Charters initiative was a response to the quest for solving the problems, which a citizen encountered, day in and day out, while dealing with the organisations providing public services. But the introduction and implementation of Citizens' Charters in the government of India has been difficult due to the old bureaucratic set up and the rigid attitudes of the work force. Discuss the major obstacles that have been encountered in implementing the Citizens' Charter initiative. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Quality of public service delivery is a major determinant of the quality of life of vulnerable sections in a highly unequal society divided along the lines of class, caste, religion, etc. In this background, do you think that public service delivery is efficient and sufficient enough to improve the lives of vulnerable groups in India? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own.\" - Lao Tzu (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"If ethics are poor at the top, that behavior is copied down through the organization.\" - Robert Noyce (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"The end of law is not to abolish or restrain, but to preserve and enlarge freedom.\" - John Locke (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Wealthy CEOs and founders of successful businesses around the world are increasingly pledging to give away their wealth in philanthropy. Do you think that such a move is sufficient enough to bring about a positive change in the society? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"As organizations across the globe begin their artificial intelligence (AI) transformation, the leap into the AI era is expected to be more challenging than any technology that businesses have grappled with yet. In this background, discuss the concerns around fairness, transparency, and job security that may arise. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The emphasis of Swami Dayanand Saraswati on education, social equality, and ethical values continues to influence the socio-cultural discourse in contemporary India. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Emotional intelligence may not be singularly associated with emotions or intelligence. It can also include a broad range of personality characteristics that might predict success in professional and everyday life. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Traditional forms of state-led accountability, also characterised as vertical and horizontal channels of accountability, are increasingly found to be inadequate, and a myriad of multi-stakeholder and bottom-up citizen directed approaches have come to the fore, to supplement or supplant them. Discuss with illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"With reference to this case study, answer the following: (a) What are the issues involved in this case? (b) What measures can be taken to minimize the negative implications of adopting such technologies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Many proponents of deep-sea drilling argue that tapping into the vast amount of rare earth elements in the Indian Ocean will help shore up national security interests for India, bolster its economy and workforce, and offer a reliable supply of strategic minerals. Keeping this in mind, the government has approved a $540-million programme to study ways of mining nickel, cobalt, manganese and iron hydroxide from the bed of the Indian Ocean 6,000 meters below sea level. The government argues that the project can power India's growth for 100 years. It will also study climate change, explore marine flora and fauna and harness thermal energy. However, a competing point of view alleges that deep ocean drilling poses immense risk to the environment. A comprehensive report on Sustainable Ocean Economy by independent geologists states that “until the need for, and potential consequences of, deep-sea mining are better understood, the concept is conceptually difficult to align with the definition of a sustainable ocean economy and raises various environmental, legal and governance challenges, as well as possible conflicts with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.” It also highlights that the profitability of national mining operations, without governmental support or comparably low taxes, remains questionable. If the operations are profitable, it will also raise questions about the equitable sharing of profits derived from a resource taken out of Additionally, companies like BMW, Volvo, Google and Korean battery maker Samsung SDI, vowed in a statement to not buy metals produced from deep-sea mining until the environmental risks of the activity are “comprehensively understood.” In the context of the above-stated information, address the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the given case study? (b) How can the vision of economic development of a nation be achieved without adversely affecting the sustainability of oceans? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6899,"topper":"Sandeep Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/a4911661fb63cf32bd7e1d24c76e3051/39/pttp220517_tc063.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Q.1 Little strokes fell great oaks.\nQ.2 Judge a man by his questions rather than his answers.\nQ.3 Great principles, great ideals know no nationality.\nQ.4 In struggling with misfortune lies the true proof of virtue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"Given these reasons, how can one then continue to struggle with misfortunes without giving up?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Q.5 The whole purpose of Education is to turn mirrors into windows.\nQ.6 To dwell is to garden.\nQ.7 Reality is the shadow of ideas.\nQ.8 We can not despair of humanity, since we ourselves are human beings.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"What must we do to restore trust back on humanity?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6900,"topper":"Sandeep Singh Shekhawat","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SANDEEP-SINGH-SHEKHAWATUPSC_IAS_2025_Toppers_AIR_369_Sample_ESSAY_COPY_1.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Write two essays, choosing one topic from each of the following Section A and B in about 1000 - 1200 words each. 125*2 = 250 Marks\nSECTION - A 1. True leadership lies in serving not ruling.\n2. Democracy is not just the right to vote, it is the right to live in dignity.\n3. Growing regional aspirations and demand for greater autonomy: A challenge to Indian federalism.\n4. The ballot is stronger than the bullet.\nSECTION - B 1. The great aim of education is not knowledge but action.\n2. The global south must redefine development through cooperation and justice.\n3. There is no health without mental health.\n4. If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.","marks":"125*2 = 250","words":"about 1000 - 1200 words each"},{"page":12,"question":"How to ensure dignity in a democratic setup? What are supplementary things to the right to vote?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"How can this be tackled?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"How those interventions are to be made?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6901,"topper":"Sandeep Singh Shekhawat","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SANDEEP-SINGH-SHEKHAWATUPSC_IAS_2025_Toppers_AIR_369_Sample_MGP_COPY_3.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Q.1 Foreign trade is an important milestone on the path of becoming a 5 trillion USD economy. In this context, analyse the potential of the recently released Foreign Trade Policy, 2023 in revamping India's participation in global trade.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":3,"question":"Q.6 What are the impediments in management of E-waste in the country? In what ways can the trinity of citizens, businesses, and the government tackle this menace?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Q.13 How is internationalisation of rupee different from De-Dollarisation? Highlighting the benefits of internationalisation of rupee, discuss the challenges associated with the same.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.19 What do you understand by the term 'Hybrid warfare.' Highlighting its implications for India, recommend measures to develop a comprehensive ecosystem to counter the same.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":6,"question":"Q.1 Recently, New Foreign Trade policy of India was unveiled by ministry of commerce.\n(1) Boost exports of India\n(2) Latest technologies and developments\n(3) Spur FDI in India","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 PACS (Primary Agricultural Credit Societies) are the 3rd tier decentralized institutions of Cooperative credit disbursal in rural India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"What more can be done?\n1 Rationalization of Urea subsidy\n2 Promote inhibiting enzymes like Nitase that slow down urea absorption\n3 Nutrient Based subsidy for Urea\n4 Use of digital technologies","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Q.19 Hybrid warfare refers to the multidimensional, multi-theatre attack on any country, involving both hard and hidden weapons and enemies.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6902,"topper":"Sandesh Jain","air":161,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b4a4c-45876992_3342_sandesh_jain_rank_161.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6903,"topper":"Sandesh Jain","air":161,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b0c0a-45876992_3343_sandesh_jain_rank_161.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6904,"topper":"Sandesh Jain","air":161,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/250c0-45876992_3345_sandesh_jain_rank_161.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6905,"topper":"Sandesh Jain","air":161,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e4953-45876992_3346_sandesh_jain_rank_161.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6906,"topper":"Sangh Priy","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/34126_877_Sangh_Priy_Rank_92.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The seeds of patriarchy and gender inequality are sown at home, which manifest as a weed at the societal level. Elucidate. Suggest an ethical framework to systematically address the issue of patriarchy in the Indian society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"What are the factors which drive people to take law in their own hands rather than following the due process of law? Discuss ways to address the problem of mob justice.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"In a democracy, the purpose of the government should be to make it easy for people to do good and difficult to do wrong. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss John Stuart Mill's idea on freedom of thought and expression. Also, give reasons as to why, according to Mill, representative democracy is the best form of government despite its inherent weaknesses. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"It is argued by some that nuclear weapons have acted more as a deterrent than leading to war and mass destruction. In this context, discuss whether it is ethically right to possess nuclear weapons to create nuclear deterrence. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Differentiate between administration and leadership. Highlighting the traits which characterize an effective leader, discuss the importance of leadership in ensuring effective public service delivery in a bureaucratic setup.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Apart from functional knowledge and expertise, the efficacy of a civil servant also depends upon his emotional intelligence. How does emotional intelligence contribute to efficacy? How can civil servants enhance their emotional intelligence?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Enumerate the mechanisms that promote accountability of public officials in discharging their functions and responsibilities in India. Also discuss why ensuring accountability for performance is not a simple task in government service.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) \"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"\"Prejudices are what fools use for reason.\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Ensuring that government decisions are not influenced by public officials' private interests is a growing concern. Discuss in the context of India. Also enumerate the core principles reflected by OECD guidelines for managing conflict of interest in the public sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Discuss, with examples, the significance of principles of public life as recommended by Nolan committee. Why are these principles considered as an essential set of expectations from public servants?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"A peculiar inhuman situation exists for the people fleeing from war zones - they cannot go back to their homeland for fear of being persecuted and no country is ready to bear their burden due to various reasons. Citing contemporary examples, discuss the ethical issues involved in such situations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"As the administrator in-charge of your area, you are witness to the widespread food wastage in lavish parties as well as in restaurants and eateries, on one hand and people starving due to inability to ensure one square-meal a day, on the other. Realizing that it is not the scarcity of resources, but the habit of people that is causing paucity in availability of food, you decide that certain measures are needed to be taken in order to deal with the issue of starvation at the grassroot level. 20 Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) What measures would you take to deal with wastage of food in your area? (c) What explains this co-existence of affluence and hunger in developing countries like India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"The excluded and marginalized section of society are worst hit by globalization. Take the case of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) like Sentinelese of Andaman & Nicobar islands; their population has reduced drastically and they are facing various other problems as well. In this context answer the following questions: 20 (a) What are the challenges faced by PVTGs due to globalisation? (b) If you are posted as a Development Officer in such an area, what will be your priorities to reduce their vulnerabilities and ensure welfare?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Undercover journalism exposes injustices, negligence, corruption and wrongdoing and yet going undercover to expose wrongdoing remains controversial. But, undercover journalists contend that they are fulfilling a fundamental duty of finding truth through their journalism. They argue that public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy and the duty of the journalist is to further those ends by seeking truth and providing a fair and comprehensive account of events and issues. So, there are some supporters of this kind of journalism, which sometimes infringe the privacy of individuals. However, some journalists also urge avoiding surreptitious methods of gathering information except when traditional open methods will not yield information vital to the public. In this context, answer the following questions: 20 (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the practice of undercover journalism? (b) Do you support the practice of undercover investigation by journalists? Give reasons in support of your answer.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You are posted as a District Education Officer (DEO) in a Maoist affected district. You have been specifically given the responsibility to work on the literacy mission. After reading the education reports and doing field visits, you find that the number of out of school children has increased drastically and the motivation among students and teachers is also low. While certain basic infrastructure is already in place, the major hurdle in attracting students to these schools include the attitude of inhabitants towards education and the security risks involved in sending children to schools. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Analyse the reasons behind such an attitude. (b) As a DEO, what are the steps that you would take in order to increase the school attendance and change the prevalent attitude of inhabitants towards education?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Mr. Pradeep is a senior civil servant in the central government and is involved in the budgeting department. In the course of performing his duties, he comes to know about diversion of funds earmarked for SC/ST sub-plan for other purposes. While he is not directly responsible for this aspect of the budget, he raised his concerns to the department concerned. He also learns that the minister responsible as well as senior most civil servants are aware of the practice and have given tacit approval for it. Soon thereafter, Pradeep was summoned to talk on the issue and was told that since the matter is not within his jurisdiction, he should 'keep his nose out of it'. After much soul searching, Pradeep decided to obey his supervisors by leaving the matter alone. Based on the information given, answer the following questions: (a) Elaborate on the internal dissonance that Pradeep faces in the given situation. (b) On what basis can the decision of Pradeep be justified? (c) Had you been in Pradeep's place, what would have been the course of action chosen by you? Recognise the merits and demerits, if any.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6907,"topper":"Sania Seervi","air":171,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qwE32TIeED50AwFlaJWfUpgFuF0Ynx1g/view","questions":[]},{"id":6908,"topper":"Sanidhya Meena","air":480,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GXTI80rSCoD0PcC_vFz_sa9lrg5HwR6T/view","questions":[]},{"id":6909,"topper":"Sanish Kumar Singh","air":8,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Forest Service (IFS)","optional":true,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/SANISH_KUMAR_SINGH_UPSC_IFS_2024_AIR_8_GS_2_T_6_GS_2_Sanish_3a9dd317fb.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6910,"topper":"Sanish Kumar Singh","air":8,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Forest Service (IFS)","optional":true,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/SANISH_KUMAR_SINGH_UPSC_IFS_2024_AIR_8_GS_3_T_7_b407f6707d.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6911,"topper":"Sanjay Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/SANJAY_KUMAR_SS_GS_1_AIR_502_a51a46fef6.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"'Cave paintings are the window into the aesthetic sensitivity and creativeness of ancient humans.' Discuss the statement with reference to ancient Indian cave paintings. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Evaluate the role of subsidiary alliance policy in turning 'the British Empire in India' into 'the British Empire of India'. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Mass nationalism was a watershed in the Indian freedom struggle towards independence. How did the Indian Business community react to it? Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Do you agree that non-alignment adopted after independence formed the bed-rock of Indian Foreign policy. Substantiate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Colonial legacy is the primary source of political instability in the African Continent. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Sustainable urban development needs mindful reassessment of land use patterns. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Socio-cultural factors more than economic factors influence women migration patterns in India. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the significance of the IT industries in promoting regional development in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"'Partition was a necessary evil to get rid of British rule and prevent a complete breakdown of law and order.' Analyse. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"To what extent urbanisation has influenced the social hierarchy in Indian society? Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Globalisation expanded the market opportunities for goods and services beyond domestic territories. Discuss the effects of globalisation on the Indian craft industry with examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Rise of communalism in secular India threatens the social fabric and public order. Discuss the measures to contain the spread of communalism. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Describe the distribution of major palm oil producing countries. Also, indicate the major environmental issues faced by them. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Discuss the importance of water as the chief architect of the earth surface. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"'Tropical rainforests of the ocean are under serious threat of existence.' Discuss. Also suggest measures to rejuvenate these critical ecosystems. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Explain the reasons for geographical concentration of ozone holes. What are the remedial measures to ozone depletion? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"'Global warming increasingly contributes to extreme weather events.' Examine the statement with special focus on recent events of natural hazards in the Indian subcontinent. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6912,"topper":"Sanjay Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/SANJAY_KUMAR_SS_GS_2_AIR_502_95c68dc2f3.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Discuss the role of the Department Related Standing Committee (DRSC) system in improving parliamentary effectiveness. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Presence of multiple parastatals erodes the autonomy of Urban Local Bodies. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The provisions under Article 360 remain a dead letter even during the worst economic crisis. Analyse. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"'Unique blend of flexibility and rigidity distinguish Indian constitution from that of the US constitution.' Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the role of microfinance institutions (MFI) in rural financial empowerment in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Do you agree that the Aspirational District Programme has emerged as a template for good governance? Substantiate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Rising informality in employment raises the concern for social security. Discuss the statement with reference to platform workers. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Demographic transition demands renewed focus on healthcare intervention patterns. Discuss the statement in the light of geriatric health in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"'Funding remains a major limitation for the effective functioning of multilateral organisations.' Discuss the statement with reference to the functioning of UNESCO. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"How will the BBIN grouping promote regional integration in South Asia? Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"'Financial resources of the centre are elastic and substantial while that of the states are inelastic and inadequate.' Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"\"Supremacy of the constitution requires all ordinary laws to conform to the constitutional law.\" Discuss the statement with reference to judicial review in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"\"The delimitation process creates a wedge between representative democracy and federalism.' Examine. Also suggest measures to address the concerns of federal units. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Examine the impact of recent changes to the election commissioners' appointment process on autonomy and independence of the election commission. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"\"Without performance targets, the civil service degenerates into a closed priesthood with no accountability.\" Discuss the statement with reference to the Mission Karmayogi. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"The Forest Rights Act, 2006 was a historic effort in doing justice to the tribal community. Evaluate the status of its implementation and suggest measures for improvement. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"What do you understand by India Stack? Discuss its role in good governance and improving ease of living. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"'You can change our friends but not neighbors.' In the light of the statement, examine the relevance of Gujral doctrine in India's Foreign Policy. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Examine the objectives of the Indian Ocean Rim Association. What importance does it hold for India's strategic interest? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"What are the strategic challenges to the global economy in active decoupling from China? How will it benefit India's economic growth prospects? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6913,"topper":"Sanjay Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/SANJAY_KUMAR_SS_GS_3_AIR_502_4e12ca1f86.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What are the factors influencing imported inflation in India? Suggest measures to mitigate its impact on the domestic economy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the potential of impact investments in improving the social sector outcomes in India? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"'Unfinished agenda of land reforms sustains the socio-economic disparities in rural India.' Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Analyze the importance of food processing industries in promoting millets cultivation and consumption in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"'NISAR' is a flagship partnership between India and the USA. Elaborate its role in studying climate change and efficient resource management. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Traditional system of medicine provides great opportunities for medical and wellness tourism in India. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Damage to critical infrastructures amplifies the impact of natural disasters. Discuss the significance of building disaster resilient infrastructure in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are the environmental and health impacts of metal mining pollution? Suggest measures to mitigate the same. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"'Dark net and crypto currency have emerged as a major internal security challenge to India'. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In light of recent attacks on merchant vessels in the Arabian Sea, examine the vulnerabilities in India's maritime security framework. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss the impact of disinvestment programmes on improving the efficiency of the Indian economy with suitable examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Demand-driven and future-ready skill development is essential to leverage the demographic dividend. Discuss the statement in the context of the skill development initiatives announced in the Budget 2024-25. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Examine the influence of socio-economic factors on cropping patterns across different regions. Discuss the potential trade off between economic viability and ecological sustainability in crop selection. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Agri-startups have huge potential for socio-economic transformation in rural India. Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Quantum computers provide great technical breakthroughs in the field of computing while opening new security threats.' Assess the preparedness of India for the quantum era. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Deepfakes blur the line between reality and illusion, transforming pixels into convincing lies that challenge our perception of truth. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Legacy landfills need immediate attention to mitigate the multiple environmental hazards in Urban spaces. Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Do you agree that our understanding of wastelands is limited? Substantiate your opinion with reference to the solar parks in the habitat of Great Indian Bustard. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The CRPF performs a variety of duties to uphold our national security. Comment on the diverse challenges that CRPF has to navigate while performing its duties. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The presence of extremism and insurgency goes beyond the reason of under development. Analyze the statement with reference to North East states of India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6914,"topper":"SANJAY YADAV","air":811,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/230/mt23fltra009_tc001-test-01-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6915,"topper":"SANJAY YADAV","air":811,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/231/mt23fltra009_tc003-tets03-gs3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6916,"topper":"SANJAY YADAV","air":811,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/228/mt23fltra009_tc003-tets03-gs3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6917,"topper":"SANJAY YADAV","air":811,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/232/mt23fltra009_tc004-test-04-gs4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6918,"topper":"SANJAY YADAV","air":811,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/229/mt23fltra009_tc004-test-04-gs4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6919,"topper":"SANJAY YADAV","air":811,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/227/mt23fltra009_tc001-test-01-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6920,"topper":"Sanjeev Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/SANJEEV_GUPTA_MAINS_TEST_SERIES_SS_GS_1_AIR_495_fe8c528368.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Describe the evolution of temple architecture in Southern part of India with special reference to Pallavas architecture. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Sangam literature portrays the social and economic conditions of its time with remarkable vividness. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"'The reforms of 1909 afforded no answer and could afford no answer to Indian problems.' Elucidate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What do you understand by paleomagnetism? How does paleomagnetism support the theory of plate tectonics? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The transition to clean energy means a shift from a fuel-intensive to a material-intensive system. Explain this statement with reference to the growing importance of critical minerals in energy systems. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The ozone layer plays a pivotal role in protecting life on Earth by shielding it from harmful ultraviolet radiation. Discuss the major threats to the ozone layer and suggest measures to mitigate these threats. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Electric vehicles are a constructive disruption in the automobile industry. How will the adoption of electric vehicles result in multifaceted benefits? What are the factors of location for setting up manufacturing units of electric vehicles in India? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Family as a social institution has undergone change in its structure and functions. Analyze the impact of this change on the Indian society. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Sub-urbanisation is the New Order of the Future of Cities. In this context, trace the trend of sub-urbanisation in the Indian cities and discuss the challenges related to it. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"Raising the legal age for women to marry is a giant step towards attaining gender equality in India.\" Do you agree? Justify your view. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Describe how the rise of socialist ideas in the 1930s marked the beginning of a new phase in India's struggle for Independence. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"The contact of the new Indian middle class with the West proved to be a catalyst for social reforms. In this context, examine the social and religious movements launched by Raja Ram Mohan Roy and Iswar Chandra Vidyasagar. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"The Khalistan movement has seen an upsurge in recent times. In this context, give a brief background of the movement and discuss its impact on the unity and integrity of India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Bring out the objectives of Chandrayaan-3 mission. Also mention why is the moon's South Pole getting a lot more attention than its North Pole? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Joshimath has recently witnessed a devastating land subsidence event. What do you understand by \"land subsidence\" and how does it differ from \"landslides\"? What steps can be taken to address such a situation? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"The Indian coasts hold diverse geomorphological features that shelter unique ecosystems. However, significant sections of the coastline are vulnerable due to both natural and anthropogenic factors. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Atmospheric aerosols from human activity influence climate. In this context, highlight the significance and the associated challenges due to the rising aerosol content in the atmosphere. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Digital divide is negatively impacting women in India. In what ways can online learning help in promoting women's education in India? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Redistribution is highlighted as a solution to India's poverty. Critically assess this view and suggest strategies to reduce poverty in the country. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"\"Globalisation will make our societies prosperous but also vulnerable\". In this context, critically analyze the impact of globalisation on vulnerable sections in India. Also, suggest measures to navigate the challenges posed by globalization while harnessing its benefits to improve the lives of vulnerable sections. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6921,"topper":"Sanjeev Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/SANJEEV_GUPTA_SS_GS_3_AIR_495_d91b195381.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Explain the concept of the \"Missing Middle\" in India's industrial ecosystem. How does it affect economic growth and employment generation? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Household savings form a crucial pillar of domestic capital formation. In light of their recent decline, elucidate the underlying causes and propose strategies to strengthen savings behavior in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Despite its potential, the corporate bond market in India remains underdeveloped. Examine the structural and regulatory challenges impeding its growth. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"In light of recent Budget 2025 allocations and the push for green infrastructure, analyze how Viability Gap Funding can be leveraged to promote renewable energy projects. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Why is self-sufficiency in pulse production crucial for India? Discuss the policy and technological interventions needed to achieve Aatma Nirbharata in pulses. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Examine how space-based solutions are addressing developmental challenges in rural India. What steps can further enhance their outreach and effectiveness? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Delineate the linkages between urbanization patterns and rising PM 2.5 levels in Tier-II and Tier-III cities of India. What are the various mitigation measures and the government's initiatives to mitigate air pollution in India? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Explain the structural and operational limitations of the Disaster Management Act, 2005. How far does the 2025 Amendment address these deficiencies through a shift towards anticipatory and technology-driven disaster governance? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What do you understand by Artificial Neural Networks? List out its applications across various fields. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"Internal security challenges in India are increasingly shaped by external and transnational dynamics.\" Examine the statement with relevant examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"While tariff rationalization aims to enhance economic efficiency, it may also pose challenges to certain sectors. Critically assess the potential trade-offs involved in the Union Budget 2025-26's approach to tariff reforms. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"A shift from fiscal deficit targeting to debt-to-GDP ratio as the fiscal anchor signals a more holistic approach to fiscal discipline. Do you agree? Give reasons in support of your arguments. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"India's food processing sector is moving towards greater formalization and efficiency. Critically assess how initiatives like the PLI scheme and Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Enterprises (PM-FME) contribute to this transformation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Do you agree that granting a legal guarantee to Minimum Support Price (MSP) may create a fiscally unsustainable and economically inefficient agricultural system? Suggest viable alternatives to ensure fair farmer remuneration without distorting the market. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) can empower developing countries to lead the global climate action narrative. Discuss with suitable examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Analyse the reasons behind the increasing vulnerability of the Himalayan region to landslides. What steps can be taken for their management and control? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Forest fires are yet another symptom of climate change. Analyze the various causes for wildfire in forests. Give two examples of recent wildfires. Mention the policies and frameworks aimed at tackling wildfire in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"One Health approach is key to preventing future pandemics and preserving ecosystems. Analyze how the Biodiversity and Health Global Action Plan adopted at COP 16 aligns with this vision. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"In light of evolving national security threats, how do the New Criminal Laws address modern threats like cybercrime and organized crime? Outline the challenges perceived in its effective implementation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Discuss how integrated border infrastructure and management practices can balance security imperatives with the socio-economic development of frontier communities. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6922,"topper":"Sanjeev Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/SANJEEV_GUPTA_SS_MAINS_TEST_SERIES_GS_3_AIR_495_a73c550aad.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"The demographic dividend is seen as a window of opportunity for accelerating economic growth but this is not automatic, and it may or may not be realized in practice. It fully depends on the capitalization of opportunities and the implementation of effective policies. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Mention the policy reforms implemented by the government so far to attract and regulate Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in India. Also, analyze the impact of these measures on the inflow of FDI. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Farmer Producer Organizations (FPO) can significantly contribute to increasing the farmer's income. However, they need adequate support and a proper ecosystem for their success. Elaborate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Agro-based industries, especially food processing units, can alter the fate of rural India. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Bring out a detailed analysis of land reforms carried out in the first couple of decades post Independence. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"Discuss the potential of gene editing technology in improving agricultural productivity and food security in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What is Mission LiFE introduced at the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP26) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) held in Glasgow? Discuss how Mission LiFE introduced by India, will contribute towards the achievement of the SDG 2030 agenda. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What are the causes of crowd disasters? Explain by giving recent examples. What are the NDMA guidelines for crowd management? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Under the garb of advocating human and environmental rights, foreign funding NGOs have been adding fuel to India's internal security problems. Comment. Mention the steps taken by the government in this regard. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the implications of emerging technologies, such as the dark web, cryptocurrency, and encrypted communication, for the nexus between terrorism and organized crime. Suggest measures to counter the use of these technologies by terrorist organizations and organized crime syndicates. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Due to rising economic inequality and its effects on human well-being and prosperity, the concept of \"inclusive growth\" has become central to economic development. Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"The Vision for 'Amrit Kaal' articulated in the Union Budget for FY 2023-24 is centered around the seven priorities, termed Saptarishi. Highlighting these pillars, discuss the steps taken by the government to realize the idea of Amrit Kaal. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"The engine of manufacturing in India has run at far less than its full potential. Discuss the reasons behind the dismal performance of the manufacturing sector and mention important policy measures taken by the government in recent years to revive it. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Monetization is different from privatization, and it signifies 'structured partnerships' with the private sector under certain contractual frameworks. In this context, highlight the key characteristics of the National Monetization Pipeline and explain how it will overcome the challenges faced in privatization and PPP models. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Research and development are the hallmarks of a knowledge economy. In this regard, discuss the issues in India's research ecosystem. Suggest some measures for the establishment of a sound research ecosystem in India (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Analyze the potential of a circular economy approach in addressing the challenges of waste management and pollution in India. Discuss the challenges in transitioning towards a circular economy, and suggest policy measures to strengthen the circular economy in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Drought in India is no longer merely a result of scarcity or a lack of rainfall but also stems from inefficient water resource management. Elaborate on the causes and consequences of droughts resulting from poor water management. Also, discuss the measures that India should take to prepare for and mitigate drought, particularly in regions that are becoming increasingly prone to drought. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"The insurgency in the North-Eastern part of India has continued to remain a major internal security threat. Elucidate the factors responsible for insurgency in this part of India. What are the major agreements signed to bring peace and prosperity to North-Eastern India? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"What is money laundering, and how is it a lifeline to organized crime operations around the world? Analyze the new provisions introduced in the Prevention of Money Laundering (Maintenance of Records) Amendment Rules, 2023. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6923,"topper":"Sanjeev Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/SANJEEV_GUPTA_SS_GS_4_AIR_495_4603eeb2b7.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"Is conscience a universal moral compass, or is it shaped by society and upbringing? Illustrate with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"How can the ethical principles rooted in ancient Indian philosophy serve as a guide for policymakers and administrators in balancing development with ecological sustainability? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context? (a) Cultivation of mind should be the ultimate aim of human existence.—Dr. B. R. Ambedkar (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":6924,"topper":"Sanjeev Gupta","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/SANJEEV-GUPTA-UPSC-2024-Rank-465-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Why has there been an increased focus on negotiating, renegotiating and concluding Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) by India in recent years? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"A well-designed fiscal policy can serve as a vital instrument to facilitate the equitable distribution of resources and ensure the welfare of all sections of society. Elaborate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What are the primary factors contributing to India's significant reliance on imported edible oils? What measures do you suggest to increase domestic production and to reduce India's reliance on imported edible oils? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"With the growing water crisis in India, micro irrigation offers a sustainable solution for water conservation; however, its adoption remains skewed and below its potential. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The recurring railway accidents highlight the urgent necessity for addressing the myriad challenges related to safety, undercapacity and lack of modernization within Indian Railways. Analyse. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"How does NISAR mission exemplify international cooperation in space exploration and scientific research? In what ways will it help in climate change monitoring and natural hazard management? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Nuclear technology can play a transformative role in enhancing food security and agricultural sustainability. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Increasing frequency of forest fires in India underscores the urgent need for sustainable forest management practices. In light of the statement, bring out the causes and multidimensional impact of forest fires. Also, suggest measures for their prevention and management. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What reasons can be attributed to the recent surge in terror related violence in Jammu and Kashmir? What strategies would you suggest to counter it? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The liberalization policies of 1991 significantly enhanced India's economic dynamism, but the evolving global and domestic landscape necessitates 'Reforms 2.0' for sustained economic development and prosperity.\" Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Infrastructure development is essential not just for economic transformation but also for sustainable development and societal well-being. Elaborate with examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Bring out the significance of aquaculture towards nutrition security, livelihood generation, and economic growth. Also, mention various measures taken by the government to promote aquaculture in the country. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The MSP system, though well-intentioned, has led to market distortions and ecological stress, necessitating reforms to make it more inclusive and efficient. Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Biotechnology holds immense potential for achieving sustainable food production, efficient waste management and significant advancements in human health. Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Climate change is leading to significant alterations in ecosystems, resulting in cascading effects on biodiversity, ecosystem services, and human livelihoods, necessitating integrated approaches to conservation and climate adaptation. Analyse. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Urban areas, often referred to as the cradle of civilization and growth engines, are increasingly experiencing various natural and man-made disasters. Discuss in the Indian context. Also, suggest suitable mitigation and management strategies. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"\"India's disaster management framework has made significant progress in the 21st century, yet challenges persist in ensuring timely response and effective coordination during crises.\" Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Explain how the symbiotic relationship between organized crime and terrorism further aggravates internal security concerns. What steps can be taken to address this linkage and the threats emerging from it? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Strengthening security apparatus in border areas and forging developmental partnerships with the locals are essential components of a robust and effective border management strategy. Discuss, with initiatives taken by the government in this regard. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6925,"topper":"Sanjeev Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/84fab-1360854_3128_sanjeev-kumar_rank_290.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The world must learn to work together, or finally it will not work at all.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Technology, like art, is a soaring exercise of the human imagination.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"We've begun to raise daughters more like sons, but few have the courage to raise our sons more like our daughters. 1. The world must learn to work together, or finally it will not work at all.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6926,"topper":"Sanjeev Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e92e4-01360854_2928_sanjeev-kumar_rank_290.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How does tribal art provide valuable insights into the cultural perspectives and values of Indian tribal communities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What are the key factors that accelerated decolonization post-World War II? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How does human encroachment impact water bodies in urban areas? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How do physical geographical features influence the development and operation of transportation systems? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How are ocean trenches formed? Describe the significant characteristics of these oceanic relief formations. (Answer in 150words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Identify the reasons behind increasing number of extreme rainfall events throughout India in recent times. Assess their socio-economic impact. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"India is expected to have the largest working-age population in the world by 2030 and it cannot afford low participation of women in the workforce anymore. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Do you agree that there has been a progressive secularization of caste in India? Support your view with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Why is inequality increasing in India despite the fall in overall poverty? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"How did the competitive and hostile dynamic between Brahminism and Buddhism over funding, followers, and ideology mark the decline of Buddhism? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"European travellers' accounts in the medieval period have played an important role in shaping our understanding of the empires and people of that period in India. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The British victory in the Battle of Plassey in 1757 not just changed the course of Indian history but also that of the world. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Why was it more difficult to rehabilitate refugees in West Bengal as compared to Punjab after partition? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss the economic and social costs associated with the transition from coal to green energy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Explain the process of formation of volcanic calderas. How do they contribute to the scenic beauty of the region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the reasons behind the increased frequency and intensity of heat waves globally? How will it impact global food security? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India's approach to secularism does not merely challenge inter-religious domination but intra-religious domination as well. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Do you agree with the view that Indian cities are turning into landscapes of stark inequality and social exclusion? What steps can be taken to make urban areas more egalitarian in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6927,"topper":"Sanjeev Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6564d-1360854_2929_sanjeev-kumar_rank_290.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Expression of dissent is central to the functioning of the Parliament. In light of this, discuss the role of the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in India's parliamentary system. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"How can the integration of technology into judicial processes enhance accessibility, capability, and efficiency in justice delivery? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Supreme Court of India has upheld unique asymmetry in India's federalism by intricately balancing centralized authority and regional autonomy. Discuss with the help of relevant case laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Evaluate the effectiveness of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes in safeguarding the interests of the Scheduled Castes in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Executive accountability to the legislature through Parliamentary Committees has been the hallmark of the Indian political system. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can India make Citizens' Charter a powerful tool for improving governance and empowering citizens? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How do corporate donors aid NGOs in facilitating holistic development in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite its merits, should the POCSO Act be revisited to correct the existing inadequacies? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"China's acquisition of strategic ports globally has significant implications for international trade routes and economic relations. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"What are the main functions of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)? How will its recent treaty on intellectual property, genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge benefit India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) plays a crucial role in combating corruption, its functioning is often criticized for being partisan and acting against the federal spirit. Discuss with the help of suitable examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Governors in India often overstep their constitutional role and fail to act effectively when needed. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Both India and the USA adhere to democratic principles but their electoral systems exhibit significant differences. What are the key differences in electoral practices between the two countries? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"How far do you agree with the view that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has met its objective of ensuring environmental justice in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Though Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) have become a platform for competitive politics, they have not emerged as an agency of planning and service delivery. Why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by interoperability in e-governance? What steps have been taken by the government to ensure interoperability and integration of various e-governance systems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"When it comes to sexual and reproductive health of women in India, rights-based discourse has largely been bypassed not just by the societal norms but also by the legal norms. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"How effective has India been in enhancing immunization coverage over the years? What challenges continue to affect immunization efforts in the country? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India used its Presidency of the G20 to bring the voice of the Global South to the centre stage. Discuss with special reference to Africa. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"India's relationship with the UAE has witnessed a remarkable expansion across various domains in the last decade. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6928,"topper":"Sanjeev Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e4a39-1360854_2930_sanjeev-kumar_rank_290.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How is the rapid growth of the food processing industry leading to food safety challenges in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Under the Public Distribution System of India, the Fair Price Shop (FPS) transformation is an evolving process. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"How are agri-tech startups in India helping farmers in enhancing farm productivity and market access? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the role of digitization of land records in the effective implementation of land reforms in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"To fully exploit its demographic dividend and accelerate economic growth, India needs to adopt a manufacturing-led growth model. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can the resilience of Indian coastal communities be strengthened to tackle the growing natural hazards resulting from climate change? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How does the Green Credit Programme extend beyond carbon management to promote a more sustainable environment in India? What are the various concerns about its implementation? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What is the need for NavIC when existing satellite navigation systems are already available? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Cyber-enabled financial crime has emerged as the new frontier of global money laundering. Discuss. How can the government address this issue? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The Indian Army is observing the year 2024 as the 'Year of Technology Absorption'. In light of this, explain why there is a need for technology absorption in the defence sector of India. What challenges can India face in this initiative? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What are the issues faced in the development of trade and industries in the North-Eastern Region (NER) of India? Comment on the measures that have been taken to tackle these issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the era of climate change and growing water scarcity, how can micro-irrigation systems contribute to sustainable agricultural practices in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What strategies can be adopted to overcome the issues pertaining to freight transportation in the Indian Railways and increase its share in the domestic freight? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the factors that have aided India in making impressive strides in the renewable energy sector and establishing itself as a frontrunner in the global renewable energy transition. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"How does agricultural runoff containing fertilizers and pesticides contribute to environmental pollution? What measures can be taken to mitigate the impact of agricultural runoff? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The growing influx of tourists in Himalayan states has breached their ecological carrying capacity, leading to significant man-made disasters. What measures can be implemented to prevent such disasters while promoting sustainable tourism? Discuss with relevant examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"How do superconductors fuel innovation in diverse fields of science and technology? Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"While India has laws covering almost all types of intellectual property rights, numerous enforcement, regulatory and administrative challenges hamper the commercialisation of IPRs in India. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Keeping in view the challenges in creating integrated theatre commands, examine how the theaterisation of commands can lead to greater integration and rationalisation of manpower and resources among the three services. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Treating border villages as first villages not just geographically but also in terms of facilities can be a key strategy for enhancing border security. Discuss. Also, highlight the measures being taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6929,"topper":"Sanjeev Kumar","air":583,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/PSIR-T1-SANJEEV-KUMAR-R583-1750232227357.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6930,"topper":"Sanjeev Kumar","air":583,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/PSIR-T10-I-SANJEEV-KUMAR-R583-1750232241658.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6931,"topper":"Sanjeev Kumar","air":583,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/PSIR-T10-II-SANJEEV-KUMAR-R583-1750232253836.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6932,"topper":"Sanjeev Kumar","air":583,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/PSIR-T2-SANJEEV-KUMAR-R583-1750232267625.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6933,"topper":"Sanjeev Kumar","air":583,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/PSIR-T3-SANJEEV-KUMAR-R583-1750232283433.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6934,"topper":"Sanjeev Kumar","air":583,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/PSIR-T4-SANJEEV-KUMAR-R583-1750232305961.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6935,"topper":"Sanjeev Kumar","air":583,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/PSIR-T5-SANJEEV-KUMAR-R583-1750232326918.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6936,"topper":"Sanjeev Kumar","air":583,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/PSIR-T6-SANJEEV-KUMAR-R583-1750232340512.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6937,"topper":"Sanjeev Kumar","air":583,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/PSIR-T7-SANJEEV-KUMAR-R583-1750232355224.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6938,"topper":"Sanjeev Kumar","air":583,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/PSIR-T8-SANJEEV-KUMAR-R583-1750232369967.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6939,"topper":"Sanjeev Kumar","air":583,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/PSIR-T9-I-SANJEEV-KUMAR-R583-1750232389693.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6940,"topper":"Sanjeev Kumar","air":583,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/PSIR-T9-II-SANJEEV-KUMAR-R583-1750232404045.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6941,"topper":"Sanjeev Kumar Maurya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/23061_748_Sanjeev_Rank_89.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The crux of ethical behavior lies not only in standards, but in their adoption in action and issuing sanctions against their violation. Illustrate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Ethical qualities of a civil servant come handy in times of a crisis. Elucidate using the example of a natural disaster.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"The bailout package offered to large financial corporations in response to global financial crisis raised important ethical questions. Discuss the ethical issues involved in giving bailout packages to financial corporations using taxpayers' money","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"There is an entrenched perception in our country that the police is biased against the minority community. Why does such a perception exist? Suggest steps to bridge the police community gap.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"India's abysmal record in sex ratio and gender violence reflects the general attitude of the society towards women. Discuss. In this context, how could an attitudinal change be brought about?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"In the parlance of governance, probity is often used in conjunction with integrity. How do you differentiate between the two? What is their importance in public life? What measures can help promote these values in governance?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"How does the use of social media influence political participation and civic engagement? Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"What are the objectives behind the creation of Citizens' Charter? How does a Citizens' Charter ensure transparency and accountability in governance? What are the impediments in its effective implementation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"RTI is termed as a master key to good governance. Highlight the role of RTI in making the administration and governance of our country more ethical and responsive.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Differentiate between persuasion and social influence. How can persuasion be made effective to bring about an attitudinal change? Give two examples where you brought about a positive attitudinal change through persuasion.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"In spite of the existence of a Code of Conduct for public servants, its implementation has been tardy and of limited success. Discuss. Further, suggest steps which could be taken to improve the efficacy of the Code of Conduct. What role can Code of Ethics play in reinforcing the Code of Conduct in public life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Given below is a quotation. Bring out what it means to you in present context. \"The intellect has sharp eye for methods and tools, but is blind to ends and values.\" -Einstein.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Your 16 year old cousin, Leena, loves to play basketball but her peers mock her short height, so much so that Leena has developed a negative attitude towards all sports. As a responsible elder cousin, how will you convince Leena to take up sports once again?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"You are the dean of an engineering college. You have received a complaint regarding prejudice against students from lower castes by some senior professors. These professors have contributed a lot academically to the university. However, this particular instance has disturbed peace and harmony in the campus. (a) Discuss the immediate steps you would take to contain growing discontent among some students. (b) Discuss the action to be taken if the professors are found to be guilty and also evaluate the steps if it comes out to be a false case against the professors. (c) What should be the responsibilities of professors and students to create positive social ambience in the campus?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"You have beer recently posted as Superintendent of Pclice of a district which has a famous temple. Shortly thereafter you found that there is considerable tension in your district on the issue of allowing entry of women in the temple. The women were trying to break the allegedly 400-year-old tradition of the temple, which banned women from entering ts inner sanctum. Recently a 350-strong group of women was stopped by the the temple administration from entering the temple. This led to a scuffle wherein few women participating in the protest were manhandled. There is a pressure on you from local politicians who want you to prevent any such forced entry as elections are approaching. (a) Do you think there is a dichotomy between progressive values guaranteed to women by the Constitution and regressive traditions which continue in the garb of religion? How can this dichotomy be resolved? (b) How would you manage the law and order situation created by the forced entry? (c) How would you manage and mould patriarchal attitude of the temple administrators and male elders to ensure harmony.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"You are a manager in a sales firm. Mr. A and Mr. B are two juniors working under you. Mr. A is a hardworking person who completes his work before time and hardly takes a leave. His work is meticulous and you have never received any complaint about his work. However, in your personal meetings with Mr. A, you realized that he kept to himself and spoke only when required. You received similar feedbacks from his colleagues as well. Mr. B is not as hard working and completes his work at the very last moment. You also come to know that using his rapport with his colleagues he gets his work done by them. In your meetings with him, he comes across as a confident person but lacking in sincerity. Both are expecting promotion this year, but you can promote only one of them as you have only one vacant position. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) Discuss the merits and demerits of choosing one amongst the two for promotion. (b) Based on your evaluation, whom will you choose for the job? (c) What steps will you take to keep all the employees motivated who did not get promotion on expected lines?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":62,"question":"Mr. A is an honest senior bureaucrat who retired some time back. He has worked across many positions and wields immense influence in the corridors of power. His wife was working in a consulting firm. She has now quit her job and started her own consulting firm that will bid for government contracts also. Mr. A himself intends to contribute his experience and insider knowledge about the government operations to prepare for the bid. When prodded about any conflict of interest, Mrs. A argued that she always wanted to own her own consulting firm and bid for government projects so that she could improve the quality of government operations through her services. But earlier she could not since her husband was a bureaucrat in the same city and various government rules prevented her from doing so. As she has now retired she can take up this job. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in this case? (b) What are steps that can be taken by Mr. A to resolve these ethical issues? (c) What is the best option for Mr. A? Support your answer with appropriate reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":67,"question":"You are an undergraduate student in a leading Law University. You go with your college friend Surender to his village to attend his sister's marriage. Surender's parents are farmers and are financially very poor. They have somehow managed to send him to the university by selling their land. After interaction with the family relatives attending the marriage, you find out that the bride is not of marriagable age, which makes it a case of child marraige. The family wants early marriage of the daughter to avoid huge demands of dowry in the future. You are well aware that child marriage is illegal in India. So, you discuss the issue with your friend who says that he is helpless and can't do anything. Your friend feels that his family is already coing too much for him and he cannot argue and change his parents' decision. In this situation, what are the possible actions you can take? Evaluate the merits and demerits of each of them.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6942,"topper":"Sanjita Mahapatra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c3ee8-60279_1237_sanjita-mohapatra_rank_10.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"There is need for a more effective implementation of the existing provisions, as well as strengthening the current legal and institutional frameworks for addressing issues related to sexual harassment at workplace. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Despite existing mechanisms and laws, crimes against children have been rising in India. Discuss the reasons behind this trend. What more can be done in this context to address the prevalent situation? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Democratic processes and practices in India have refashioned caste in multiple ways. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Globalization has been a significant force in shaping the contemporary education system in India in both positive and negative ways. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The lack of clarity over what constitutes an urban area encourages haphazard development pattern in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The changing employment landscape across the globe makes it imperative that vocational education be integrated with the school curriculum in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Communalism in India is fuelled by socio-economic disparities and politicization of identities. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are the factors due to which Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) remain one of the most backward groups in India? Highlight the steps taken by the government for their upliftment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Examine the reasons behind prevalence of child labour in India. What steps have been taken by the Indian government for addressing the menace of child labour? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Regionalism need not be regarded as unhealthy unless it takes a militant, aggressive turn and encourages the growth of secessionist tendencies. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Universal Health Coverage is a worthwhile goal, however achieving this in a country like India is a challenging task. Analyse. In this context, discuss the significance of the Ayushman Bharat Scheme. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Given the scale of internal migration in India, highlight the challenges faced by migrants. In this context, discuss the need for a National Policy on Migration. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Examine the contemporary trends and reasons for change in the traditional family structure in India. Discuss the reforms needed in the existing social security protection measures in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What are the various challenges that persons with disabilities face in living a dignified life? Suggest some measures for ensuring their effective participation in society. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"India is currently facing \"triple burden\" of undernutrition, overnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies. Examine the reasons and suggest some measures for combating them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The strategy for combating poverty in India must rest on both effective implementation of anti-poverty programmes and employment intensive economic growth. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Critically examine the impact of globalization on rural society in India. Also delineate some strategies for tapping the opportunities offered by globalization. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Patriarchy is not mere economic dependence but also operates in cultural habits and dominates the minds of males and females equally. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Indian society in ancient, medieval and modern times always exhibited an underlying unity that created a composite culture, which is decisively pan-Indian in nature. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6943,"topper":"Sanjita Mahapatra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/aea53-60279_1236_sanjita-mohapatra_rank_10.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Livestock farming not only contributes to climate change but is also affected by it. Elaborate the statement and discuss some measures that can be taken to make livestock farming more sustainable as well as resilient. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"A developed Inland Waterway Transport (IWT) will not only augment the overall transport capacity of the country, but also help correct the multi-modal transport mix. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the importance of Agricultural Market Intelligence for farmers in India. Identifying the issues in the present system, suggest some measures for improving Agricultural Market Intelligence in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"With water increasingly becoming a scarce resource, large scale adoption of micro irrigation techniques could prove to be a game changer in India. Analyse. Also enumerate various steps taken by the government to promote micro irrigation in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The cropping pattern of a region is influenced by geo-climatic, socio-cultural, economic, historical and political factors. Substantiate with relevant examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Despite comprehensive government support to agriculture, why is it that farming in India remains unremunerative? Do you agree that direct income support under Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) is a much needed measure to make agriculture a viable source of livelihood? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Elaborate the strategic and operational elements of the Agriculture Export Policy, 2018 and discuss the role it can play to achieve the target of doubling farmers' income by 2022. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight the reasons behind inconclusive land ownership titles in India. Discuss its repercussions and suggest measures for moving towards conclusive land titling system in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite measures taken by the government for promoting investment in the infrastructure sector in the last few years, there are multiple challenges that still exist. Discuss. What further steps can be taken in this regard? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Development of food processing industry will help in achieving the twin goals of inclusive growth and food security. Discuss. Also, account for the competitive advantages enjoyed by India in the food processing sector. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Despite existence of a large market, the real estate sector is facing many challenges in India. Elaborate. Also, discuss the measures taken by the government to address them. Can Housing for All by 2022 be a game-changer in this regard? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Identify the maladies affecting the proper functioning of the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS). Comment on the feasibility of alternatives available to TPDS. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6944,"topper":"Sanjita Mahapatra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e8af1-60279_1247_sanjita-mohapatra_rank_10.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Mention the structure and functions of NITI Aayog. Also, comment on its contemporary relevance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Critically discuss the practice of setting up Fast Track Courts to reduce pendency of cases in the judiciary. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the challenges faced by lower judiciary in India and suggest measures for enhancing their productivity. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Assess the need to formalise the process of post-legislative scrutiny to improve the effectiveness of laws. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in improving the effectiveness of e-governance in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Despite various reforms in the public grievance redressal mechanisms, their effectiveness remain limited. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Explaining the factors that contribute to trafficking of women and children in India, highlight the steps taken in recent times to combat it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"With Vector-Borne Diseases (VBDs) reaching epidemic proportions in India, highlight the factors that have led to their emergence. Also, suggest some measures for their effective control and management. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"After years of neglect, rapidly evolving regional strategic realities are now forcing India and Indonesia to coordinate their policies ever more closely. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Despite several attempts at resetting the ties, various barriers continue to be a cause of concern in the India-Nepal bilateral relations. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Delineate the differences between pressure groups and interest groups. Citing examples, elaborate on the ways in which pressure groups influence government decisions and policy making in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlighting the issues faced by the institutions of local self governance in India, suggest measures that can be taken to improve their effectiveness in the delivery of public goods and services at the grassroot level. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The recent amendment to the Right to Information Act, 2005 will weaken the act and undermine the authority of Information Commissioners. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight the process of delimitation in India. Also, throw light on the debates surrounding the delimitation exercise in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Self Help Groups (SHGs) are vehicles of rural development, which help in the upliftment of marginalized groups. Elucidate. Further, mention the constraints faced by SHGs and how they can be addressed. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"With construction of toilets being only one part of the solution for a clean India, it is time that the Swachh Bharat Mission puts more emphasis on the other facets as well. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Highlight the salient features of Mission Indradhanush. What are the challenges that the mission is facing in its implementation? Suggest measures to address these challenges for progressing towards full immunization coverage. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Assess the importance of skilling in light of changing economic and demographic structure in India. In this regard, how far has the Skill India Mission succeeded in its mandate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What according to you are the reasons that motivated India to create a dedicated Indo-Pacific division in the MEA recently? Also, highlight the challenges for India in the Indo-Pacific region. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"For SCO to become a successful regional grouping, it has to overcome bilateral differences between its members and their respective geopolitical calculations. Comment. Also, discuss the role that SCO can play in enhancing India's interest in the Eurasian region. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6945,"topper":"Sanjita Mahapatra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/f2693-60279_1242_sanjita-mohapatra_rank_10.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Tribal art in India generally reflects the creative energy found in rural areas that acts as an undercurrent to the craftsmanship. Explain with reference to the Worli and Gond paintings. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Though it had its achievements, the exclusion of Indians from the system was a key feature of judicial reforms introduced by Cornwallis. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Marshall Plan was important in the recovery of the European states from the aftermath of the Second World War. However, it also became a crucial factor in the creation of two Europes i.e. East and West. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Examine the causes behind the existence of bonded labour in contemporary India. Also, discuss the steps that should be taken for its redress. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"State the factors that enhance the risk for initiation or continuation of abuse of drugs by the youth. What measures can be taken to address this issue? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Critically analyze the impact of globalization on culture in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"How do increasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions impact coastal and marine ecosystems? Highlight various measures that can be taken for protection and restoration of such vulnerable ecosystems. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Explain the phenomenon of a Polar Vortex. Also, comment on the reasons as to why tropical areas as south as Florida have been witnessing sub-zero temperatures in recent years. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The most powerful trend of medieval Indian literature is devotional poetry which dominates almost all the major languages of the country. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Discuss the major changes introduced by the Government of India Act, 1919 and its significance as a historical landmark in the Indian freedom struggle. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Multiple factors allowed the British to gain control over India. In this context, highlighting the main developments, trace the course of British conquest of India from 1757 to 1856. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"With India becoming increasingly urban and the urban poor increasing in number, it is imperative that the challenges they face be addressed urgently. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Violations of women's sexual and reproductive health rights are often deeply engrained in societal values and traditions. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by the term Land Degradation Neutrality? Highlight its significance and the steps required to achieve it. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"State the geographical and economic importance of Hindukush-Himalayan region. How are the critical geographical features of this region changing and what possible consequences will it have? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What is the most accepted reasoning behind occurrence of earth's magnetism? Discuss the factors behind its variation temporally and spatially. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6946,"topper":"Sanjita Mahapatra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6e07a-60279_1235_sanjita-mohapatra_rank_10.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Given below are two quotations. For each of these bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) The golden rule of conduct is mutual toleration, seeing that we will never all think alike and we shall always see Truth in fragment and from different points of vision. Mahatma Gandhi.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Impersonal management, a characteristic feature of a Weberian bureaucracy, develops over time into indifference, especially with regard to weaker sections of the society. Critically discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"In pursuit of political power, means are often compromised that leads to competitive reliance on unethical practices resulting in erosion of public trust. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"It takes more than a corporate governance policy to inspire ethical behavior and sustain a truly ethical workplace. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"\"Law should be so succinct that it can be carried in the pocket of the coat and it should be so simple that it can be understood by a peasant.\" Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Ethics in international relations has the potential to cater to the diplomatic challenges of 21st century. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Nolan Committee provides for one of the most comprehensive statements of what constitutes ethical standards for holders of public office. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"The sharper the socio-economic disparities, the greater the incentive towards corruption. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"The moral worth of an action depends not on the consequences that flow from it, but on its motivation. Explain the statement with the help of suitable examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"The universal adoption of common good approach poses the ethical dilemma of putting collective interests over and above the individual interests. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"You are an honest and responsible civil servant. You often observe the following: (a) If one wants to remain effective and powerful to create impact on the lives of people, one should remain loyal to those in power. (b) Following ethical means may not be practical and effective at all times. (c) Petty corruption expedites the service delivery. Examine the above statements with their merits and demerits.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Recently, two national level sportspersons who are integral members of their team, made some comments in a talk show which were perceived as being grossly misogynistic and racist. This created a huge controversy and they were temporarily suspended from the team pending an enquiry. In light of these events, answer the following questions: (a) Do you think public figures have an additional responsibility in so far as expressing their views on matters of public importance is concerned? Give reasons. (b) According to you, what are the reasons that some prominent public figures make such misogynistic comments, and even get away without any consequences? (c) As the person in charge to enquire into the conduct, what factors would you consider to examine it and what punishment, if any, would you prescribe in this specific case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"There are large number of leather industries in a major industrial town of India. They provide employment to large number of people and are also a prominent source of revenue for the state. Lately it has been observed that despite following the present emission control rules, the collective ecological footprint of these industries remains quite high affecting the surrounding areas in an adverse manner. The new technologies available for emission control are quite costly and thus acts as a disincentive for the owners of the industries for adopting them. In light of this information, the government is contemplating the following options: (a) Shutting down the industries in the region (b) Relocating the industries to a new region (c) Making the emission control rules stricter (d) Providing incentives to the industry owners for adoption of new technology. Analyse the above options in terms of their merits and demerits. What course of action would you choose and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Many coal mines in a district subject the workers to inhuman working conditions with little safety measures in place. As such, there have been several accidents and many workers have died in the past. In recognition of a recent accident where fifteen workers were trapped and died, the National Green Tribunal has ordered for closure of all such mines. Some of them have shut down, but many still continue to operate by getting an exception from the government, sometimes using the unholy nexus of politicians-miners-bureaucrats. In absence of alternative employment, the locals have no other choice but to work in mines. The mine owners are in-fact inciting the workers to protest to simultaneously put a pressure on the state to completely overturn the ban. As a District Magistrate of this district, you have been asked by the State government to prepare a report on this issue and give recommendations to resolve it. In this regard, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the interests of State and analyse whether there may be a conflict amongst them? (b) Given that economic growth is often achieved with a large human cost, identify the principles and strategies which could be used in the given case to achieve desirable outcomes.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Recently you were posted as a District Magistrate of a predominantly agricultural district, which has been one of the best performers in agriculture since the last decade. In one of your field visits, you find that the large landowners, who are a socially, politically and economically powerful group, employ domestic helps and agriculture labour who are informally tied to them and have been working there since generations. In return, these workers are provided basic amenities like food and shelter apart from some money. However, you do sense a violation of basic human rights in this situation. In light of the above case, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the stakeholders, their interests and ethical issues involved in the case. (b) How does denial of choice amount to violation of human rights? (c) What course of action would you take? Give reasons.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6947,"topper":"Sanjita Mahapatra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/878e2-60279_1245_sanjita-mohapatra_rank_10.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the attributes of leadership, analyse why it is important for a civil servant.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"A civil servant needs to be objective as well as empathetic. What do you understand by objectivity? Discuss its relationship with empathy.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6948,"topper":"Sanjita Mahapatra","air":10,"year":2019,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/bfefd-60279_1238_sanjita-mohapatra_rank_10.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6949,"topper":"Sanjita Mohapatra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1P_8X-Rw0F-hpvQP6J1moB4fKw8fnwKTK/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) What does 'publicness' of public sector indicate? Comment on the blurring of lines between public and private sector in the wake of increasing role of private sector to deliver services to the public.","marks":"10","words":"not more than 150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) Giving examples of some social ills plaguing the society, discuss how social persuasion can be an effective technique to overcome them.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":7,"question":"2. The grievance redressal mechanism is the gauge to measure efficiency and effectiveness as it provides important feedback on the working of the administration. In this context, answer the following questions:\n(a) Identify the issues which have created barriers for a responsive redressal mechanism.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) What steps should be taken by the government for establishing an effective grievance redressal mechanism?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) \"Not everybody can be famous, but everybody can be great because greatness is determined by service\"- Martin Luther King.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":15,"question":"4. (a) Explain why superstitious beliefs and practices abound in India. In this context, discuss the importance of inculcating scientific temper to remove superstitions.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":17,"question":"4. (b) Simply labelling people as liberal or conservative is to miss the point that an individual can have divergent views on different issues. Explain with examples.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":19,"question":"5 (a) Anti-corruption measures need focus on both demand as well as supply side of corruption. Discuss in the light of prevalence of 'collusive corruption' in India.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":21,"question":"5. (b) Identify the various traits of work culture associated with government organisations in India. Also, suggest ways in which a healthy work culture can be created to meet the objectives of good-governance.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":23,"question":"6. Citizen's charters can be both a stimulus and a means for government to raise the standards of Public Service delivery. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":25,"question":"7. Attitude and behaviour are so closely interwoven that a change in one inevitably influences the other. Explain the statement with examples.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":27,"question":"8. Emotional intelligence is an important parameter as one aspires to move up the ladder in a competitive environment. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":29,"question":"9. Rapid growth of information and communication technology, with all its benefits, has associated risks and far-reaching consequences. The government has constituted a committee to frame guidelines for an inclusive and safe cyberspace in India. The committee has solicited public opinion in this regard. As a concerned citizen, you have to give your suggestions on the following themes:\n(a) Why do you think some people or a set of people are more vulnerable to cyber threats with special emphasis on cyber-bullying.\n(b) Do you think the experiences and exposure in cyberspace are an important influence in a person's attitude and behaviour?\n(c) What reasonable restrictions can be applied to make cyberspace more safe and friendly to all citizens?","marks":"20","words":"around 250"},{"page":34,"question":"10. You are serving as the Public Health Officer in a district that is lagging behind in achieving the Open Defecation Free (ODF) status. Even after ensuring adequate access to water and sanitation services, their usage has not spread and the practice of open defecation continues in the district. Despite serious extension efforts by the government, safe hygienic practices have not been adopted by the people. As a result, various instances of bacteriological contamination and water-borne diseases have surfaced up recently. In such a scenario:\n(a) Examine the reasons behind low usage and adoption rates of built toilets in India?\n(b) Highlighting the principles to be kept in mind while preparing an effective Information, Education and Communication (IEC) strategy, design an action plan to address the problem.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":35,"question":"a) Reasons behind low usage and adoption rates of built toilets:\ni) Religious belief - which considers the waste out of human body as a pollution, hence building toilets inside the house premises, naturally pollutes the environment.\nii) Financial constraint - to build toilets. Even though government has provided sum for building toilets, it is at times either inadequate or delayed which demotivates the people.\niii) Water availability constraint is the biggest impediment faced by people in the remote area.\niv) The safe disposal of sewerage without adequate supporting infrastructure e.g complete sewerage connection.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"11. You are the District Magistrate of a district that is known for making combustible substances such as match boxes and fire crackers. As per the The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016, employment of children in such hazardous activities is prohibited. In this regard, government has also released a notification that owners of these manufacturing units need to report on the profiles of their employees annually as child labour has been prevalent in these industries. These manufacturing units, abiding by the directives of the government, publish such reports annually and claim to have successfully put an end to employment of child labour. However, it has been brought to your notice that these companies are taking advantage of a loopholes in the law. They have been outsourcing their hiring to independent contractors who engage families in the business. The families have been continuing to use child labour to supplement their income and also keep the cost of labour competitive so as to bag more such contracts and since they are not officially on the payroll of the companies, they are absolved of the legal liabilities.\n(a) Identify the ethical issues in this case.\n(b) How would you approach the problem and what would be the main elements of your action?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":44,"question":"12. You are working as a Block Development Officer (BDO) in a state and the Lok Sabha elections are around the corner. Two months prior to the elections, a grand rally of a leader from the political party ruling the state is being organized in the neighboring district. All BDOs have received an oral order from the Chief Development Officer directing them to arrange five buses each full of people, who are also beneficiaries of a government's flagship scheme, from their development block to be sent to the rally. The BDOs have to bear the cost of the buses out of the government fund earmarked for development purposes and motivate the people to participate in the rally, so that maximum possible participation level can be ensured. In this context, answer the following:\n(a) As a civil servant, what values should guide your response in such a situation?\n(b) Identify the various options that are available to you?\n(c) What course of action would you choose and why?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":49,"question":"13 You are serving as a District Magistrate in a district which is prone to recurrent droughts. The issue of scarcity of water is aggravating year by year. Even during the years of surplus rainfall, the district has witnessed droughts, mainly due to cultivation of water guzzling crops. It is evident that water scarcity is one of the main reasons for backwardness of the district. Recognising this, the state government decided to withdraw some incentives given for cultivation of such crops and incentivise a cropping pattern more suitable to the agro-climatic conditions of this region. However, anticipating worsening of their economic condition in such times, the farmers have taken to protesting on the streets. Despite such a well intentioned move by the government, the farmers feel that response of the state administration has been anti-farmer and cruel. Given the situation, answer the following questions:\n(a) Do you think there is a real conflict between interests of the farmers and the state?\n(b) What immediate steps can be taken by the government in pursuance of public interest as identified above?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":54,"question":"14. Many Indian cities are facing a major problem of management of household waste. Huge volume of wastes have meant that landfill sites are facing the problem of overcapacity. On the other hand, the waste-to-energy plants constructed to solve the problem are also facing flak due to their inefficiency and release of poisonous pollutants. The manner of waste disposal by people is identified as one of the main reasons behind this problem. The government has notified rules regarding disposal, collection and treatment of waste and has initiated numerous awareness campaigns in the past. Still, the problem does not seem to be getting under control. Given such a situation, answer the following questions:\n(a) What do you think is the reason behind the apathy of people towards issues like waste disposal that affect the larger interests of society in general?\n(b) Identify the stakeholders and the significance of their involvement in addressing the issue.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":55,"question":"a) Reason behind the apathy of people towards waste disposal","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6950,"topper":"Sanjita Mohapatra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aKgMBVSTIiX-S-nHNer_cpx74xFBClHL/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. Given below are two quotations. For each of these bring out what it means to you in the present context.\n(a) The golden rule of conduct is mutual toleration, seeing that we will never all think alike and we shall always see Truth in fragment and from different points of vision. Mahatma Gandhi.","marks":"10","words":"not more than 150 words each"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) The mind of the superior man is conversant with righteousness; the mind of the mean man is conversant with gain. Confucius.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) Impersonal management, a characteristic feature of a Weberian bureaucracy, develops over time into indifference, especially with regard to weaker sections of the society. Critically discuss.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) In pursuit of political power, means are often compromised that leads to competitive reliance on unethical practices resulting in erosion of public trust. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":11,"question":"3. (a) It takes more than a corporate governance policy to inspire ethical behavior and sustain a truly ethical workplace. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) \"Law should be so succinct that it can be carried in the pocket of the coat and it should be so simple that it can be understood by a peasant.\" Discuss.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":15,"question":"4. (a) Ethics in international relations has the potential to cater to the diplomatic challenges of 21st century. Examine.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":17,"question":"4. (b) Nolan Committee provides for one of the most comprehensive statements of what constitutes ethical standards for holders of public office. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":19,"question":"5. (a) The sharper the socio-economic disparities, the greater the incentive towards corruption. Analyse.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":21,"question":"5. (b) The moral worth of an action depends not on the consequences that flow from it, but on its motivation. Explain the statement with the help of suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":23,"question":"6. The universal adoption of common good approach poses the ethical dilemma of putting collective interests over and above the individual interests. Discuss with examples.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":25,"question":"7. Compassion should never be considered as weakness, but rather as an essential element for providing a congenial administrative working environment. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":27,"question":"8. Explain what you understand by the following values and discuss their importance for civil services:\n(a) Professionalism","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":29,"question":"9. There have been widespread protests both in favour of and against advancing reservation in educational institutions and government jobs to a certain section of the society. You are the chairman of a high level commission that was constituted to look into the matter. The commission has found no compelling reasons to provide reservation to this section and is about to submit its final report to the government. Meanwhile, the government takes the decision to extend reservation to the section, turning the commission's findings inconsequential. You have also been requested to ensure that the final report supports the government's decision.\n(a) Discuss the dilemma that you face in this situation?\n(b) What course of action would you adopt and why?\n(c) Also discuss the ethical issues involved with the policy of affirmative action in India.","marks":"20","words":"in around 250"},{"page":34,"question":"10. You are an honest and responsible civil servant. You often observe the following:\n(a) If one wants to remain effective and powerful to create impact on the lives of people, one should remain loyal to those in power.\n(b) Following ethical means may not be practical and effective at all times.\n(c) Petty corruption expedites the service delivery.\nExamine the above statements with their merits and demerits.\na) If one wants to remain effective and powerful to create impact on the lives of people, one should remain loyal to those in power.\nb) Following ethical means may not be practical and effective at all times.\nc) Petty corruption expedites the service delivery.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":39,"question":"11. Recently, two national level sportspersons who are integral members of their team, made some comments in a talk show which were perceived as being grossly misogynistic and racist. This created a huge controversy and they were temporarily suspended from the team pending an enquiry. In light of these events, answer the following questions:\n(a) Do you think public figures have an additional responsibility in so far as expressing their views on matters of public importance is concerned? Give reasons.\n(b) According to you, what are the reasons that some prominent public figures make such misogynistic comments, and even get away without any consequences?\n(c) As the person in charge to enquire into the conduct, what factors would you consider to examine it and what punishment, if any, would you prescribe in this specific case?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":44,"question":"12. There are large number of leather industries in a major industrial town of India. They provide employment to large number of people and are also a prominent source of revenue for the state. Lately it has been observed that despite following the present emission control rules, the collective ecological footprint of these industries remains quite high affecting the surrounding areas in an adverse manner. The new technologies available for emission control are quite costly and thus acts as a disincentive for the owners of the industries for adopting them.\nIn light of this information, the government is contemplating the following options:\n(a) Shutting down the industries in the region\n(b) Relocating the industries to a new region\n(c) Making the emission control rules stricter\n(d) Providing incentives to the industry owners for adoption of new technology.\nAnalyse the above options in terms of their merits and demerits. What course of action would you choose and why?\na) Shutting down the industries in the region\nb) Relocating the industries to a new region\nc) Making the emission control rules stricter\nd) Providing incentives to the industry owners for adoption of new technology.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":49,"question":"13. Many coal mines in a district subject the workers to inhuman working conditions with little safety measures in place. As such, there have been several accidents and many workers have died in the past. In recognition of a recent accident where fifteen workers were trapped and died, the National Green Tribunal has ordered for closure of all such mines. Some of them have shut down, but many still continue to operate by getting an exception from the government, sometimes using the unholy nexus of politicians-miners-bureaucrats. In absence of alternative employment, the locals have no other choice but to work in mines. The mine owners are in-fact inciting the workers to protest to simultaneously put a pressure on the state to completely overturn the ban. As a District Magistrate of this district, you have been asked by the State government to prepare a report on this issue and give recommendations to resolve it. In this regard, answer the following questions:\n(a) Identify the interests of State and analyse whether there may be a conflict amongst them?\n(b) Given that economic growth is often achieved with a large human cost, identify the principles and strategies which could be used in the given case to achieve desirable outcomes.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":54,"question":"14. Recently you were posted as a District Magistrate of a predominantly agricultural district, which has been one of the best performers in agriculture since the last decade. In one of your field visits, you find that the large landowners, who are a socially, politically and economically powerful group, employ domestic helps and agriculture labour who are informally tied to them and have been working there since generations. In return, these workers are provided basic amenities like food and shelter apart from some money. However, you do sense a violation of basic human rights in this situation.\nIn light of the above case, answer the following questions:\n(a) Identify the stakeholders, their interests and ethical issues involved in the case.\n(b) How does denial of choice amount to violation of human rights?\n(c) What course of action would you take? Give reasons.","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":6951,"topper":"Sanjita Mohapatra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dwOyPeC2TWP8eSCNSIieOurg5nsHGuuR/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) Highlighting the attributes of leadership, analyse why it is important for a civil servant.","marks":"10","words":"not more than 150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) A civil servant needs to be objective as well as empathetic. What do you understand by objectivity? Discuss its relationship with empathy.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) With rapidly increasing use of information technology, what according to you is the role of ethics in cyber space?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) Transparency in government organisations is an essential pre-condition for good governance. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":11,"question":"3. Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context:\n(a) A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but its lowest ones. Nelson Mandela","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) The highest education is that which does not merely give us information but makes our life in harmony with all existence. Rabindranath Tagore","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":15,"question":"4. (a) For achieving success, attitude is equally, if not more important than ability. Discuss with the help of examples from your daily life.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":17,"question":"4. (b) The core of high Emotional Intelligence is self-awareness. If you don't understand your own motivations and behaviours, it is nearly impossible to develop an understanding of others. Discuss with the help of appropriate examples.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":19,"question":"5. (a) What do you understand by Integrity Pacts? Highlight the role they can play in bringing transparency in allotment of public contracts and ensuring proper utilization of public funds in India.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":21,"question":"5. (b) In the context of rapid technological change, discuss the significance of inculcating moral and spiritual values in educational institutions.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":23,"question":"6. Explain the main elements of integral humanism as propounded by Deen Dayal Upadhyay and highlight its contemporary relevance.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":25,"question":"7. It is imperative for a country like India, that code of ethics should be implemented for civil servants on social media platforms as well. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":27,"question":"8. Discuss how effective corporate governance can ensure the equitable treatment of all stakeholders.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":29,"question":"9. You are posted as the Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district of a state where alcohol prohibition has been imposed recently. The District Excise department has conducted many raids and seized liquor in large quantities, for which it has received state-wide public appreciation. A few months later reports surface in the media that in this district, hundreds of seized bottles of illicit liquor are missing from the government malkhanas or stores. As a result, the government is left red-faced. You are asked by the DM, who is the overall in-charge of the district excise setup, to investigate the matter. Upon investigation, you unearth a nexus of politicians and government officials who smuggled seized liquor and sold it through spurious means both inside and outside the state.\nIn this context, evaluate these options:\n1. Report your findings to the DM and seek instructions for further actions, stating clearly the criminal offences committed prima facie.\n2. Charge all accused under legal provisions and let the law take its own course.\n3. Being aware of the seriousness of the matter, discretely put the detailed investigation report in the public domain and expose the nexus.","marks":"20","words":"around 250"},{"page":34,"question":"10. You are posted as a District Magistrate in a Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected district. The district has witnessed many instances of violence by the naxalites in the past. It has been observed that instances of violence increase as the elections approach. You, as a Returning Officer, are responsible for the smooth conduct of elections. Soon after the announcement of elections, the naxalites gave a call for their boycott and have been threatening people to stay away from them. The people of the district are eager to exercise their voting rights but are scared of the impending acts of violence. Further, with threat to their lives and a low expected turnout, the other electoral officers are also reluctant to go to these areas.\nIn this context, answer the following:\n(a) Identify the civil service values that are crucial for working in such adversities.\n(b) Suggest a plan of action to ensure the conduct of free and fair elections in such a situation.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":39,"question":"11. You are posted as a District Magistrate in a district, where many large factories and commercial establishments are located. One such factory is owned by one of your close friends. You visit each other's home frequently and are often seen in public together. Recently, media reported about poor working conditions in your friend's factory. Upon enquiry with the labor office, you come to know that the factory has witnessed frequent labour unrests in the past as well. However, the labour officer told you that he was hesitating to take any action due to your proximity with the owner of the factory. With reference to the facts of the case, answer the following questions:\n(a) Identifying the stakeholders and public cause, discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\n(b) As the District Magistrate, what appropriate course of action will you take? Give reasons for the same.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":44,"question":"12. You are a resident of a remote tribal district, where there is high incidence of malnutrition. As a remedial measure, the District Magistrate has initiated a programme to promote millet cultivation, especially on the lands currently lying fallow in the district. However, this well-intentioned move of the officer receives flak from the local tribals as this may not only change their age-old food habits, but also alter their traditional agricultural practices. They further cite lower remunerative prices of millets as another reason for continuing with their existing crop production pattern. As a civil servant aspirant, who has a keen interest in development of tribal areas, answer the following questions:\n(a) What according to you are the key issues and challenges involved in the above situation?\n(b) Identify the key stakeholders and their respective interests.\n(c) Suggest a course of action that the District Magistrate can take keeping in mind the larger tribal interests.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":49,"question":"13. You have recently been posted as a District Labour Officer in a state, which derives a substantial revenue from tourism. You come to know that a big hotel in the area has not been paying wages as per the Minimum Wages Act. The hotel owner is a powerful local leader having contacts with many influential officials of the state. You have the power to take sou-moto cognizance of such violations and accordingly you initiate a preliminary enquiry into the matter. However, no worker is willing to come forward to lodge a formal complaint because they fear loss of employment. Meanwhile, your action has attracted notice of the higher authorities, and you are advised to drop the matter altogether. You are deeply concerned about the situation as it involves not only violation of the Minimum Wages Act but also denial of basic human rights of the worker.\n(a) Identify the issues involved in the given case.\n(b) Consider the options given below:\n1. Follow the informal advise of the higher authorities.\n2. Convince the owner of the hotel to take note of these violations and take appropriate remedial measures.\n3. Submit a detailed report on the matter highlighting violations of workers' rights and seek formal directions from the competent authority.\n4. Serve a notice to the hotel owner and initiate action as per your powers under the Minimum Wages Act.\n\nEvaluate the merits and demerits of each of these options and suggest your preferred course of action, giving reasons.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":51,"question":"2) Convince the owner of hotel to take note of violations and take appropriate remedial measures :","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"4) Serve a notice to hotel owner and initial action.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"14. You are the Chairman of a Committee, constituted by the government, to suggest measures to improve the quality of education in state-run schools. In view of the increasing dropout rate and the widening gap between students' learning ability in state-run and private schools, answer the following questions:\n(a) Examine the role of government in the education sector, especially providing primary and secondary education through state-run schools.\n(b) Identify the principles and values that would guide your recommendations in this regard.\n(c) Suggest some ways in which quality of education in state-run schools can be improved.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":56,"question":"c) Ways to enhance quality of education in State run - schools:","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6952,"topper":"Sanjita Mohapatra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-WIj6Bnjr09G4QVQMC9RpHUNKwk77duq/view","questions":[{"page":19,"question":"Q.5) a) Emotional Intelligence as defined as David Goleman consists of the following 5 characteristics:  i) Self awareness  ii) Self Regulation  iii) Motivation  iv) Empathy  v) Social skill","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Q.6) a) Ethical challenges faced by civil servants in performance of their duty:\ni) doing the best for the people even at times disobeying the instructions of seniors if the need arises\nii) manifest or latent conflict of interest\niii) political pressure while performance of","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Q.8) Protest by doctors' offlate has become a glaring problem severely affecting the provision of essential services to people especially the ones who direly need it. Doctors are regarded next to God since they save lives. Their absence jeopardizes the lives of many.\na) The doctors and hospitals may be blamed for loss due to death in case of gross negligence displayed by them which has resulted in the death. In case the doctors/hospitals did not provide the necessary treatment or medicines to alleviate the suffering of the patient or to save his life, then they may be blamed.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Q.11) a) Ethical dilemma faced by me in this situation is:\ni) duty to protect my people in the district from the cyclone vs duty to protect them from the prolonged Naxalite menace\nii) look after arrangements in the district for proper response vs attending the important security meeting\niii) performing my obligations towards the public vs obeying the senior","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6953,"topper":"Sanket Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/38/pttp221347_tc062.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"If you look into someone's face long enough, eventually you feel that you are looking into yourself.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"It is the province of knowledge to speak and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Drop the question what tomorrow may bring, and count as profit every day that fate allows you.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Truth, like a torch, the more it is shook, it shines.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Art is I; science is We.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Only the dead have seen the end of the war.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Act as if it were impossible to fail.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"\"Half naked man has defeated the giant mighty British Empire\".","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6954,"topper":"Sanket Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/39/pttp221347_tc063.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Little strokes fell great oaks.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Judge a man by his questions rather than his answers.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Great principles, great ideals know no nationality.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"In struggling with misfortune lies the true proof of virtue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"The whole purpose of Education is to turn mirrors into windows.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"To dwell is to garden.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Reality is the shadow of ideas.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"We can not despair of humanity, since we ourselves are human beings.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6955,"topper":"Sanket Kumar","air":186,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/37/pttp221347_tc061.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6956,"topper":"Sanket Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ff162fc0430025272826e0c794787a7c/74/pttp221347_tc072-test-02-gs-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"There is a need to resolve the ambiguity in the disqualification provisions under section 8 of the Representation of People Act 1951. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Constitution is a mere skeleton whereas constitutionalism is the soul of democracy. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"Electoral bonds are a double-edged sword, providing anonymity to donors while raising concerns about transparency in political funding.\" To what extent have electoral bonds further legitimized opacity in electoral funding? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The question of gender equality is central to the debate on Uniform Civil Code. In this light what are the challenges in reconciling UCC with gender equality as enshrined in the constitution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The Governor's office is neither decorative nor inconsequential, it assumes a constitutional role of profound essence. To what extent does the Governor, actively contribute to the governance of a state and reinforce the principles of federalism in the country? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Recently demand has been rising in a state regarding the enactment of Social Accountability Law. How such a law can lead to good governance and boost citizens' participation in decision-making. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"There is a need for convergence of nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions to effectively tackle child undernutrition in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"MGNREGA, the lynchpin of rural poverty alleviation, has become the victim of fiscal apathy.\" Critically analyze the statement in light of recent developments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"India must leverage, if not manage, the global divides\". How can the current geopolitical churn pave the way for India's rise to the global high table? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"Berlin can be India's gateway to the European Union.\" Elaborate with respect to Germany's significance in India's relationship with the EU. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"How has the Anti-Defection Law impacted the relationship between political parties and individual legislators in India? In light of the recent incidents also discuss the unintended consequences it has on the functioning of democracy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Critics assert that limitless judicial authority rests on the structural ambiguity of the basic structure doctrine. Has the elastic nature of the basic structure doctrine made the judiciary more powerful than the executive? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Fundamental rights are not gifts bestowed upon by the state rather an individual possesses them independently of the state. In this context discuss the desirability of reasonable restrictions on various fundamental rights. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"'S.R. Bommai v. Union of India signified a paradigm shift in the judicial interpretation of the union's authority to assume control of a state's administration.' In this context discuss the significance and impact of the judgement on cementing the federal structure. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The key to effective decentralization is, 'political decentralization should follow finance and functional decentralization'. Discuss in the context of impediments faced by local governance in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"How has the implementation of the POSH Act resulted in limited success in raising awareness about sexual harassment, and what factors have hindered its effective outreach to women employed in the unorganized sector? Propose strategies to bridge this gap and ensure comprehensive protection for women in the unorganized sector against workplace harassment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"'Neo-liberal reforms and globalization have deeply transformed the institutions of the welfare state and set the ground for a new type of civil services.' In this context examine the challenges faced in service delivery and suggest adequate reforms. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"China views India as its \"Asian Rival\" with an innate ability to counter its hegemonic goals in Asia. Despite these difficulties in India-China relations, there are also many areas of convergence. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Indo -Pacific region in recent times has emerged as a zone of diverging interests and priorities. Discuss. Do you think the Global Security Initiative will supersede QUAD in the region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6957,"topper":"Sanket Kumar","air":186,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/120/pttp221347_tc072-test-02-gs-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6958,"topper":"Sanket Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ff162fc0430025272826e0c794787a7c/75/pttp221347_tc073-test-03-gs-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What do you understand by Windfall tax? Do you think that windfall taxes can effectively redistribute wealth and promote greater economic equality? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss the perceived successes and challenges of implementing inflation targeting under the new Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) regime. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Assess the potential of millet production in promoting sustainable agriculture and improving food security in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Jal Jeevan Mission has the potential to end the regional disparity in the availability and accessibility of drinking water. Highlighting the significance of the mission, discuss the underlying impediments in achieving the desired objectives. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do you understand by Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)? Discuss its applications and how it can revolutionize the energy program of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss in brief developments and challenges in the Gaganyaan mission of ISRO. What are the possible benefits of the mission for the society? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"Green hydrogen can be the silver bullet in our quest to tackle climate change and pollution\". Critically analyze the statement in light of India's National Green Hydrogen mission. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What are the key lessons for disaster management and environmental conservation in the Himalayan region, in light of the recent disaster in Joshimath, Uttarakhand? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"The recent radical trends in Punjab show that the Khalistan issue is still simmering.\" Discuss the statement with respect to recent developments and suggest measures to handle it. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The anonymity and ease of drone operation contribute to the challenges of India's border security. Elaborate and give suggestions to tackle the drone problem in border areas. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Electricity Amendment Bill, 2022 brings several advantages for consumers, DISCOMs as well as the environment. Elaborate. Also, list out its shortcomings and suggest some measures to overcome them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) plays an important role in the regulation of the share market and safeguarding the interests of investors. In the light of given statement, highlight the challenges faced by the SEBI and suggest reforms in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"How India benefitted strategically from the contributions of Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha and Dr. Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai in the fields of atomic energy and space technology respectively? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Genreative AI holds the potential to push the boundaries of innovation in the near future, yet its societal impact raises substantial challenges. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Explain the purpose of the \"Mangrove Alliance for Climate\" launched at the COP27 UN Climate Change Conference in Egypt in November 2022. Elaborate on the importance of mangroves in maintaining the coastal ecology of tropical nations. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The Formation of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure brings more robustness to the Disaster Management approach in India. Comment and justify the need for a new strategy to tackle Disasters in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The recent rise in ransomware attacks targeting critical infrastructure and major corporations has highlighted the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity measures and policies. Discussing the key factors contributing to this trend, analyze the impact of these attacks on various sectors. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"In the context of border security, how can cooperation and coordination between different security agencies be improved to ensure effective and efficient management of coastal and terrestrial borders? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6959,"topper":"Sanket Kumar","air":186,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/125/pttp221347_tc073-test-03-gs-3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6960,"topper":"Sanket Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ff162fc0430025272826e0c794787a7c/73/pttp221347_tc074-test-04-gs-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Public service requires not merely legal but also morally principled action. Public service requires the public servant to place loyalty to the constitution, laws, and ethical principles. Among the three, which do you think must acquire primacy while carrying out official functions? Why? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"What do you understand by \"integrity-based civil disobedience\"? Do you think a challenge to personal integrity can be a justifiable cause for responsible disobedience in civil services? Explain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Recent research has shown that emotions significantly impact personal and professional lives. What are the primary emotions that negatively and positively impact workplace productivity? Explain with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Technical efficiency ensures resource utilization and social efficiency ensures fulfillment of social needs, what does ethical efficiency ensure? Do you think ethical efficiency is more important than technical and social efficiency? Why/Why not? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"Man cannot do right in one department of life whilst he is occupied in doing wrong in any other department.\" Gandhi. Do you think an individual's personal ethics impacts professional life or they both can be compartmentalized? Explain your position with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Goodness is the result of internal imperatives to do what is right, not sanctions from moral rules or rewards from expected consequences. Do you agree? Discuss.(Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In the context of civil service, distinguish between moral and nonmoral values. Identify 5 basic moral values that can serve as foundational values for all services irrespective of the department. Give reasons why those values can be considered foundational. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Citizens' involvement in decision-making is critical to ethics in governance. Do you agree that effective civic engagement mechanisms can facilitate an ethics-driven administration? What do you think are the mechanisms that citizens can use for ensuring ethics in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Social transformation programs such as \"beti bachao and beti padhao\" believes in using advice, counseling, and persuasion but sometimes a little force is also necessary for getting the desired response. Do you think it is a good idea to mix little force with persuasion by public administrators while implementing social schemes of transformation? Explain with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Ultimately foreign policy of every country hinges upon the strength which the nation possesses. Strength may be military or financial and may be also...moral.\" Do you think ethical strength without military or financial muscle will be respected in today's world? Explain your position. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"You are a young officer working with the Municipal Corporation of an industrial city. The city was known for manufacturing ball bearings and auto parts. Most manufacturing units were small-scale units with very little production process automation. The units relied on manual labor, which was in abundance due to the villages close by. As the number of manufacturing units grew, the demand for labor increased, bringing in a steady inflow of laborers into the city. This influx of people into the town led to a mushrooming of slums and encroachments on the sidewalks. Once in a while, the Corporation conducted drives to clear out the slums, but after a time, the slums came back. The illegal slums had become an urban nightmare. You were given the responsibility of clearing out the encroachments and slums with the help of Police authorities. As you started the drive, you realized that the people living by the sidewalks were vulnerable compared to the slum dwellers. Many sidewalk dwellers had recently come to the city after selling their properties in their villages. Now if you drive them out, they have no place to go. Your heart went out to them, and you felt that your departmental action was inhumane, but your official responsibilities demanded stern impartial action. You are desperate to find a way to help the sidewalk dwellers without compromising your official duties. (a) What value conflicts do you notice in the above situation? (b) Can an administrator compromise the value of impartiality for empathy? Discuss. (c) What are the options available in the above situation? (d) Suggest viable solutions for tackling illegal slums and encroachments in urban areas. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"A certain State government was running a welfare scheme for promoting safe motherhood among rural landless laborers' families. The scheme involves the transfer of funds to the beneficiaries to enable them to mitigate income loss due to maternal care responsibilities. Since its implementation, the scheme has done reasonably well on maternal health and economic indicators. You are the Director of the Department responsible for implementing and operating the scheme. Recently you have been receiving reports of welfare fraud being committed by families by producing fake bona fide. The families committed the fraud with the help of local officials responsible for scrutinizing the bonafide. You were concerned because the fraud was seriously undermining the scheme's efficiency. You called for a departmental meeting to discuss and find a solution to the problem. In the meeting, it was decided to merge several available government data sets such as Aadhaar cards, voter ID cards, marriage certificates, birth certificates, bank details, and other personal assets. By merging all the data sets, the department would be able to develop the beneficiary's economic profile. And this will help the department scrutinize the documents and detect fraud. This was a comprehensive strategy, but it risked violating an individual's data privacy. As a Department head, you wanted to detect and prevent fraud, but at the same time, you were apprehensive about violating the Data privacy of the stakeholders. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) Do you think violating data privacy is justified to prevent welfare fraud? Why/ Why not? (c) What, according to you, can be the reasons for such welfare frauds happening in the country? (d) Are there any ways and means to prevent such fraud? Give your suggestions. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"You are posted in the Department of Mines, and one of your roles is to help your Department Head negotiate mining leases with private contractors. Recently, the state government demarcated a new mining zone and planned to invite bids for the mining blocs. You were instructed to oversee the bidding process and speed up the contract negotiations. As planned, the tenders were released, bids came in, and tenders were allocated as per the norms. All this happened at a breakneck speed. You wondered, why the hurry? But it was not your place to think and question; you quietly went about your work. As the contractors were about to start operations, you had to instruct them on environmental concerns to watch out for. And to do that, you read the environmental impact assessment report submitted by a consulting firm hired by the department. To your surprise, the report was shoddy and looked cooked up. You got suspicious and raised the issue with your Head, who politely instructed you to do what you were told, and he reminded you that the Department had revenue targets and was under pressure from the Ministry. After the meeting, you, on your own accord, did some digging and found out that the report was fraudulent and the mining activity that was about to begin, was, will be, a big, be large scale environmental disaster which the State could not afford. (a) What are the issues and value violations you notice in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you? (c) Discuss the advantage and disadvantages of each option and identify your chosen course of action. (d) Do you think that environmental considerations are sometimes overrated at the cost of development? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Mr. Sharma was the All India Sales Head of a pharmaceutical company with a turnover of 400 crores. The company's main markets were small towns and tier 2 cities. Further, the company did a sizeable amount of business with state government hospitals and health centers. Mr. Sharma had given a lot of freedom to field sales agents to strike deals and negotiate prices with clients. This strategy worked well for the company. Recently Mr. Sharma received word that three company employees were selling products to government hospitals and health centers at a higher price than they were selling to other private hospitals and health centers. The employees were with the company for over five years and were good performers. A few sales staff informally raised the issue of the three getting relatively higher commissions because of their inflated deals. And this was creating a sense of unease among the sales staff. A cursory review of the account of the three showed that, in many instances, the government hospitals were paying more than other private institutions. Under procurement rules, the government is supposed to pay a fair price, one that other cost-conscious customers pay. On inquiry, Mr. Sharma found that the three were not alone; government purchase department officials were helping them scam the Department. Mr. Sharma realized that his sales staff and some corrupt government staff had been defrauding the state exchequer for quite some time. Mr. Sharma immediately reported it to his CEO, and the two discussed how to deal with the sales staff and whether to inform the government about the scam and the involvement of their staff. The issue was informing the government means that there was every possibility that they might be blacklisted, thereby losing a lot of business. Mr. Sharma and CEO were caught in a dilemma regarding how to proceed with the case. (a) What are the ethical and business issues involved in the case? (b) What are the options available to Mr. Sharma and the CEO? (c) Do you think the organizational culture of giving freedom to the sales force led to the issue or was the individual's corrupt nature that led to the problem? Discuss. (d) What ethics mechanisms and steps can the company create and implement to prevent unethical behavior, as mentioned in the case? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":6961,"topper":"Sanket Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/123/pttp221347_tc074-test-04-gs-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by \"integrity-based civil disobedience\"? Do you think a challenge to personal...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance. \"To tolera...","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6962,"topper":"Sanket Kumar","air":128,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RT4FFtR4pzfqT9XwKRnSK6WQRD4Vnpkl","questions":[]},{"id":6963,"topper":"Sankhe Kashmira Kishor","air":25,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/da31a-1356950_2121_kashmira-sankhe_rank-25.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6964,"topper":"Sankhe Kashmira Kishor","air":25,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/232b5-1356950_2122_kashmira-sankhe_rank-25.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6965,"topper":"Sankhe Kashmira Kishor","air":25,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/181bb-1356950_2123_kashmira-sankhe_rank-25.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6966,"topper":"Sankhe Kashmira Kishor","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ec9c5-1356950_2208_kashmira-sankhe_rank-25.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"An effective approach to green budgeting is underpinned by strong strategic framework, tools for evidence generation and an enabling budgetary governance framework. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"State the need for circular economy in India and the challenges associated with it. Also, discuss the measures that are required to build a circular economy in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The Major Port Authorities Act, 2021, seeks to grant greater autonomy and flexibility to the major ports and professionalise their governance. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Increasing the share of rail freight in the overall modal mix could present a golden opportunity for India to shift to an efficient freight paradigm. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Investment in infrastructure is pivotal for accelerated and inclusive socio-economic development of a country. In this context, discuss the significance of the National Monetisation Pipeline. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discuss the need for a national employment policy. What issues should be kept in mind while formulating it?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Planning for the potential long-term impacts of climate change on agriculture needs to be prioritised to mitigate threats it poses to India's food security. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"In light of the various problems being faced, discuss the need for a revamped PDS in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Analyse the need for shifting from presumptive land titling to conclusive land titling system in India. Also, highlight the hurdles in its implementation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What do you understand by methanol economy? Critically discuss its role in achieving India's energy security and economic prosperity. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"State finances in India present a worrying picture, with debt sustainability being a major concern. Discuss in context of the recent RBI report on state finances. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The Indian experience provides several lessons of an inclusive digital economy model that enables formal digital governance structure at a low cost and with easier access. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"To capitalize on its demographic dividend, India must create well-paying, high productivity jobs. In view of this, discuss the challenges in creation of such jobs in India. What policy measures can help in addressing these challenges? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Though Special Economic Zones (SEZs) can play a significant role in export promotion in India, they are struggling with multiple challenges. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Do you agree with the view that the mixed results of economic reforms in the last three decades can be attributed to the reforms being half-baked and incomplete? Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Dairying is a viable livelihood option for a large section of the population. In this context, discuss the significance, challenges faced and associated government initiatives for the dairy sector in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The imperative to increase farmers' income must shift to creating value chains and must not be reliant on the MSP regime and subsidy bias prevalent in the current Indian agricultural system. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Availability of adequate storage infrastructure has a direct bearing on agricultural yield and farmer's income. Comment. In this context, discuss the measures that can be undertaken to enhance India's agriculture storage capacity. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Owing to rapid depletion of water resources, there is an urgent need to increase water use efficiency. In this context, discuss the status of irrigation in India and challenges faced. Also, suggest suitable measures to address the challenges. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6967,"topper":"Sankhe Kashmira Kishor","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1096d-1356950_2209_kashmira-sankhe_rank-25.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The caste system continues to be one of the key drivers of poverty and inequality in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Recognising unpaid work of women is a necessary but challenging task. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The window to realise India's demographic potential is narrowing with time. Discuss in context of factors affecting the employability of Indian youth and their remedial measures. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Given the deeply gendered impact of population control measures, examine the need to rethink the current approach of population control measures in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The Indian healthcare system is mired by excessive brain drain of healthworkers. Discuss and suggest measures to address the phenomenon. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Though various women organisations have played a key role in promoting entrepreneurship among women, there continue to exist obstacles that impede women entrepreneurship. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Discuss the issues faced by domestic workers in India. Also suggest measures that can be taken to empower them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"It has been argued by some that raising the minimum age of marriage for females only addresses the symptoms rather than the underlying causes of gender related issues in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"There have been arguments that given the socio-economic status of backward castes in India, caste based census is the need of the hour. Do you agree? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"While participation of private sector in the higher education system of India is a necessity, it creates issues that need careful redressal. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Eradication of hunger depends on the adequacy of policy intervention to curb the menace of hunger and starvation. In this context, discuss the concerns raised by recent reports on the hunger situation in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Regionalism in India is a multi-dimensional phenomenon, at once geo-cultural, politico-economic and, above all, psychological. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"By adopting a variation of Western secularism, we invited a condition that gradually weakened the process of secularization in India. Critically analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Given its impact on both individual resilience and the resilience of the economy, is there a case for strong universal social protection in India? Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Examine the multi-dimensional impact of globalisation on tribal development in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What do you understand by feminisation of old age? Highlight the issues associated with it in the Indian context. Also, mention the measures taken by the government in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Strengthening the system of government-run schools is a prerequisite in ensuring social empowerment and inclusive development in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Though unity in diversity has been a mainstay of India as a nation, there exist certain threats in this regard. Discuss. Also, bring out the relevance of civil society in sustaining the diversity of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"In light of the recently released national multi dimensional poverty index (MPI) by India, assess the country's performance on eradicating multi dimensional poverty. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Indian cities are not only mimicking the social and cultural structures of inequality and exclusion found in rural areas but are also creating fault lines for future conflicts. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6968,"topper":"Sankhe Kashmira Kishor","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9c19f-1356950_1834_kashmira-sankhe_rank-25.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The Sunga dynasty contributed significantly to the cultural and social development in ancient India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the role of foreign nationals in the Indian freedom struggle during the Gandhian phase. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by tsunamigenic zones? Giving an account of their global distribution, explain the propagation of tsunamis. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are atmospheric lakes? Highlight their characteristics. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What are polymetallic nodules? Highlight their geographical distribution and state their significance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What are technical textiles? In view of their significance, discuss the steps taken by the government to promote them in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the challenges that internal migration creates for urban governance in India. Also, suggest measures to address the same. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the various opportunities and challenges posed by globalization on working women in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the rationale behind anti-conversion laws in India. Also, state the concerns that have been raised with regard to these laws. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Central Asian contacts had a profound political and cultural impact on India in ancient times. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Governance, during the British rule, was a means of exploitation of India rather than a vehicle of public welfare. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Discuss how India successfully dealt with the sensitive issue of language, which had the potential of threatening national unity in the post-independence period. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Bring out the factors, which led to decolonisation after the Second World War. Also, discuss the role played by India in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What are Marine Heat Waves (MHW)? Identify the causes of their formation and discuss their consequences for India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What are the geo-climatic conditions required for oil palm cultivation? Do you agree with the view that India should promote its large-scale cultivation to reduce import dependency? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"In view of the changes witnessed in the state of Himalayan cryosphere, discuss the implications for India's water security. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Ocean warming, ocean acidification and ocean deoxygenation are often referred to as the 'deadly trio' for marine life. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Tribals in India continue to face myriad challenges with regard to healthcare. Discuss the issues faced by them in this context and suggest remedial measures. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Reservation for women perpetuates a \"proxy culture\" as seen in the phenomenon of \"sarpanch patis\". In this context, discuss whether reservation can address the issue of poor participation of women in Indian politics. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6969,"topper":"Sankhe Kashmira Kishor","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/19902-1356950_1830_kashmira-sankhe_rank-25.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"According to you, what are the main reasons behind prejudice against certain sections of a society? Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss how persuasion acts as a functional pillar in attitudinal change and attitude formation with requisite examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"A legally enforceable code of ethics for civil servants, which not only prescribes the ethical values they must display in their public life but also provides sanctions for violations of these values, is the need of the hour. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Although open and transparent governance has gained ground, do you agree with the view that there is merit in withholding some information from people? Justify your arguments with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Although bribery is illegal and counterproductive, public officials still demand bribes, and executives in the private sector remain tempted to pay up. In this context, discuss ways in which corporations can build a framework to eliminate the practice of offering kickbacks. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Identifying the issues associated with utilization of public funds, discuss the various ethical principles which can help devise strategies for better utilization of public funds in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"All persons ought to endeavour to follow what is right, and not what is established.\" - Aristotle (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"\"It is compassion, the most gracious of virtues, which moves the world.\" - Tiruvalluvar, Kural (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"I understand democracy as something that gives the weak the same chance as the strong.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"\"A well-developed Emotional intelligence is not only an instrumental tool in accomplishing goals, but has a dark side as a weapon for manipulating others by robbing them of their capacity to reason.\" Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do you understand by conformity, compliance and obedience? Discuss their relevance in the context of civil services in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Though the internal control systems in India are impressive on paper, they have not worked well in curbing the issue of corruption in the administration. Comment. Also, discuss the various reasons for the same. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"There is broad consensus that the state has failed to effectively deliver public services to its citizens, particularly the poor. In this context, discuss the need for providing incentives, building state capacity and ensuring transparency for better service delivery. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You are the principal of a college which has a long history of student politics. However, due to your personal belief, you are not in favour of conducting student elections and thus have kept the process of yearly student elections pending without any official announcement. While you are mulling over the decision of not conducting elections, you get representation from some professors as well as students who criticize the activities of student unions as obstructive to the academic environment of the college. Some time later, student leaders also come to talk to you regarding conduct of elections, and you tell them about the representation received by you against allowing student elections. You further tell them that you are contemplating suspending all activities related to student politics in the campus. On hearing this, student leaders become aggressive and start sloganeering and destroying college property. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the issues involved in the case above? (b) How can you separate your personal ethics from professional ethics? (c) How would you deal with this situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Capital punishment, or \"death penalty,\" is an institutionalized practice designed to result in deliberately executing persons in response to actual or supposed misconduct and following an authorized, rule-governed process to conclude that the person is responsible for violating norms that warrant execution. Punitive executions have historically been imposed by diverse kinds of authorities, for an expansive range of conduct, political or religious beliefs and practices, for a status beyond one's control, or without employing any significant due process procedures. Punitive executions also have been and continue to be carried out more informally, such as by terrorist groups, urban gangs, and mobs. For centuries in Europe and America, discussions have focused on capital punishment as an institutionalized, rule-governed practice of modern states and legal systems governing serious criminal conduct and procedures. In light of the above debate of capital punishment, answer the following questions: (a) What are the arguments in favour of and against having capital punishment in the criminal justice system? (b) Do you think capital punishment has a place in modern civilised society? Examine in the context of moral implications involved in awarding it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"An Indian company is active in the telecom sector and is the majority owner of a telecom company based in other geographies across the world. At one of its European headquarters, there emerged whistleblowing allegations that a local executive was bribing local government officials in order to obtain telecom cabling and construction contracts from the local government. The kickbacks were allegedly paid through a third-party consultant. More specifically, there were allegations that the executive, the third party, and a government official had some sort of business interest in common, possibly shareholdings in a limited company or the joint ownership of an undisclosed asset. The company is thought to be particularly close to the ruling dispensation in India and the news has now raised pressure to put its business operations in India under scanner as well. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the ethical challenges in the given case? (b) Identify the different stakeholders and their interests. (c) As the CEO of the firm, how would you respond to the given situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Sunil has been posted as a DM in a hilly district which is vulnerable to several natural disasters. The district is known for a pilgrimage site and is frequently visited by tourists from all over India. The major occupation of locals therefore lies in the hospitality business. Unfortunately, after a few days of his joining, the district faced a major earthquake. It has led to high casualties and damages to the essential infrastructure such as roads and bridges. Both locals and tourists are trapped at different routes and locations. An international convoy of dignitaries from a neighboring country which has come to pay their obeisance at the pilgrimage site, is also trapped due to the disaster. Because of this Sunil has to divert most of the available resources in the rescue operation of the foreign dignitaries. People are emotionally distressed due to the disaster, and delayed response from authorities to their needs has led to a law-and-order situation in the district. People from other states whose families are trapped and need immediate assistance are also getting restless and flooding the emergency helplines with complaints and requests. (a) Discuss the issues being faced by Sunil in the given scenario. (b) Mention a course of action that Sunil must take to maintain law-and-order as well as to expediate rescue operations of all concerned.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You are posted as a Customs official in one of renowned port cities of India. Your team has recently intercepted a consignment having over 5000 kilograms of red sandalwood. Red Sandalwood, also known as Red Sanders, is a prohibited item for export and is covered under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) list and hence you detained a few individuals for their alleged involvement in trying to smuggle it to another country. However, you later come to know that these people are working for an influential businessman with close ties to the ruling party of the state. Your seniors in the department have verbally instructed you not to register any compliant as yet. You are fearful that a deal will be struck between the businessman and a few corrupt officers of your department and the detained persons will be freed. You are ready to go ahead and file the complaint but at the same time are also fearful of departmental action against you if you disobey your seniors. (a) What are the various options available to you in the given case? Evaluate the merits and demerits of each of these. (b) Also indicate (without necessarily restricting to the above options) your course of action and the reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"You are the Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district. One of your subordinates informs you that a girl has reached out to him and complained about a potential death threat to her and her boyfriend who belongs to another caste. Both the families are averse to their union. She has also informed that the local police station is neither filing any complaint nor giving her any assurance of protection. The girl belongs to the dominant caste of the region and her father is a prominent local leader of the party which is in power in the state. On further enquiry, you come to know that both the girl and her boyfriend are adults. They have moved out of the house and have started living together. This has further angered both the families and they are accusing each other of abduction. In the given scenario, answer the following questions: (a) Bring out the ethical dilemma faced by you. (b) What would be a suitable course of action to resolve the issue? (c) At times, such instances lead to violence and may end up in honour killings. Discuss the reasons behind their social acceptance in parts of India despite the legal sanction against them.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6970,"topper":"Sankhe Kashmira Kishor","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/980cc-1356950_1827_kashmira-sankhe_rank-25.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The ideals of 'Dhamma' by Ashoka present key learnings on public morality. Discuss. Also, state their relevance for public servants. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"There is a need for an effective climate governance structure within the broad framework of corporate governance. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Family values influence the decisions individuals make both within the family structure and outside of it. Do you agree with the statement? Justify with relevant examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"'Niti' must be more concerned with 'nyaya' i.e. the elimination of removable injustices rather than defining a perfectly just society. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"While it may seem restrictive, anonymity is one of the greatest strengths of the civil services. Comment in the context of growth of social media in recent times. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Corporate governance and business ethics are key factors influencing investment decisions and determining the flow of capital worldwide. In this context, discuss the inter-relationship between corporate governance and business ethics. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Examine the issue of foreign aid in global politics from an ethical perspective. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explaining the meaning of media ethics, discuss why it is a prerequisite for democracy. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by a situation of 'crisis of conscience'? Also, explain how a public servant can deal with such a situation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The opportunities and threats created by emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) require leaders across business, government and civil society to understand the importance of values and ethics in technological development. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"It is argued that the Indian bureaucracy suffers from indecision and risk aversion. Do you agree? Justify with logical arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":34,"question":"Recently, the government has proposed a bill to increase the age of marriage for women from 18 to 21 years. It has been argued that it will help women improve their nutritional status, lower maternal mortality rate and improve the overall health status of women. However, some critics have stated that the proposed law would be counterproductive to women's cause and the desired objectives will not be met. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What effect will an increase in the age of marriage have on women in India? (b) Can legislation be used as an effective tool for social change? (c) Discuss other agents that can be used for social change in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Climate change not only threatens our ecosystems but also undermines the foundation of our fundamental rights, deepens inequalities and creates new forms of injustice. Adapting to climate change and trying to mitigate its impacts are not just a matter of scientific knowledge and political will but also demand a broader view of complex, inter-related situation. Human induced climate change has brought in several ethical dimensions not just in causing climate change but also in the role and responsibility in mitigating it. (a) Highlight the ethical issues arising out of human-induced climate change. (b) What ethical principles should form the basis of global action on climate change?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6971,"topper":"Sankhe Kashmira Kishor","air":25,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/12bdd-1356950_1837_kashmira-sankhe_rank-25.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6972,"topper":"Sanskriti Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/64d79-sanskriti-jain_5_2014_gs_booklet_3.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"295 VISION IAS (a) Does it need amendment?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the problems that SHGs are facing and provide some suggestions for their revival. Also comment on the support provided by government agencies to SHGs.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Though the 52nd Amendment to the Constitution of India was intended to strengthen parliamentary democracy, it has failed to curb unethical political defections. Critically evaluate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"\"With the emerging political undertones over the sharing of Transboundary Rivers, negotiations and engagement over water resources is likely to find a prominent place in Indian diplomacy.\" In the context of this statement, examine India's water diplomacy in the sub-continent.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Settlement of cases by mutual compromise is much better than seeking adjudication in the adversary system. With reference to this statement discuss various ADR mechanisms available in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Discuss the roles and functions played by the Zonal Council and Interstate Council in promoting cooperative federalism in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"What does NSA PRISM Program mean to India? As a nation affected by it what should we do now?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Critically evaluate UNICEF's policy of preferring that children stay in orphanages in their countries of birth rather than being adopted by foreign parents.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"'Citizen report cards' provide a simple and widely replicable tool for improving transparency and public accountability. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"Discuss the provisions of the Securities Law (Amendment) Bill, 2013 and its likely impact on the powers of SEBI.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"What role did the nationalist movement play in determining the fundamental principles of the Indian Constitution?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"Analyse the role of NGOs as active watchdogs in the Indian society.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6973,"topper":"Sanskriti Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4ab43-sanskriti-jain_5_2014_gs_booklet_2.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"\"The basic problem with administrative ethics is: how can officials be granted scope for dissent without undermining the capacity of the organization to accomplish its goals\". Evaluate this statement and suggest measures in the context of Indian administration.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"What are the obstacles and common biases that influence our decision-making process and result in unethical conclusions?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"The more direct challenge to administrative ethics comes from those who admit that morality is perfectly possible in private life but deny that it is possible in organizational life.\" Evaluate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Merely announcing Citizen's Charter will not change the way we function. It is important to create conditions for generating a responsive climate\". Discuss the statement in the context of Indian administration.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Should values and ethics be imparted through education or is it a task that is best left to the family alone?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the recommendations of Narayana Murthy Committee on Corporate Governance?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"Which Indian administrator has inspired you the most and what moral lessons have you learned from his/her life?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"Jayendra is furious. They have deliberately disobeyed his orders. The rule says they should be suspended for one full week. If he follows the rule, Bishan and Mohan will not play in the semifinals. But the whole team is depending on them. What should he do?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6974,"topper":"Sanskriti Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2ae10-sanskriti-jain_5_2014_gs_booklet_5.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"\"The basic problem with administrative ethics is: how can officials be granted scope for dissent without undermining the capacity of the organization to accomplish its goals\". Evaluate this statement and suggest measures in the context of Indian administration.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"What are the obstacles and common biases that influence our decision-making process and result in unethical conclusions?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"The more direct challenge to administrative ethics comes from those who admit that morality is perfectly possible in private life but deny that it is possible in organizational life.\" Evaluate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Merely announcing Citizen's Charter will not change the way we function. It is important to create conditions for generating a responsive climate\". Discuss the statement in the context of Indian administration.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Should values and ethics be imparted through education or is it a task that is best left to the family alone?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the recommendations of Narayana Murthy Committee on Corporate Governance?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"Which Indian administrator has inspired you the most and what moral lessons have you learned from his/her life?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6975,"topper":"Sanskriti Jain","air":11,"year":2014,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a749c-sanskriti-jain_5_2014_gs_booklet_1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6976,"topper":"Sanskriti Jain","air":11,"year":2014,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/181ff-sanskriti-jain_5_2014_gs_booklet_6.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6977,"topper":"Sanskriti Jain","air":11,"year":2014,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9f40c-sanskriti-jain_5_2014_gs_booklet_7.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6978,"topper":"Sanskriti Jain","air":11,"year":2014,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/52c35-sanskriti-jain_5_2014_gs_booklet_8.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6979,"topper":"Sanskriti Jain","air":11,"year":2014,"paper":"Optional — Philosophy","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/de098-sanskriti-jain_5_2014_philosophy_booklet_1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6980,"topper":"Sanskriti Jain","air":11,"year":2014,"paper":"Optional — Philosophy","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/af2ab-sanskriti-jain_5_2014_philosophy_booklet_2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6981,"topper":"Sanskriti Jain","air":11,"year":2014,"paper":"Optional — Philosophy","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c7430-sanskriti-jain_5_2014_philosophy_booklet_3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6982,"topper":"Sanskriti Jain","air":11,"year":2014,"paper":"Optional — Philosophy","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d1e33-sanskriti-jain_5_2014_philosophy_booklet_4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6983,"topper":"Sanskriti Jain","air":11,"year":2014,"paper":"Optional — Philosophy","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c0250-sanskriti-jain_5_2014_philosophy_booklet_5.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6984,"topper":"Sanskriti Jain","air":11,"year":2014,"paper":"Optional — Philosophy","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/70b8d-sanskriti-jain_5_2014_philosophy_booklet_6.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6985,"topper":"Sanskriti Singh","air":165,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SANSKRITI-SINGH-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-165-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Q.1) a) Rising influence of money power in Indian elections poses a serious challenge to transparency, fairness, and democratic accountability. How can ethical electoral funding be ensured to maintain the integrity of democracy?\nb) Explain the key dimensions of ethics that influence human behaviour. How do these dimensions shape ethical decision-making in private life?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":3,"question":"Q.4) a) What do you understand by the term ‘probity in governance’? Explain how probity acts as the foundation of ethical public administration.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Q.6) a) What do you understand by the ‘voice of conscience’? In what ways can you prepare yourself to listen to the voice of conscience?\nb) Effective utilisation of public funds is not merely an administrative requirement but a moral responsibility of those entrusted with public office. However, instances of funds allocated to government schemes lying idle or being diverted towards extraneous purposes continue to be reported across the country. Examine the reasons for under-utilization and mis-utilization of public funds and their implications.","marks":"10 marks, 150","words":"10"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.7) A rail overbridge (ROB) is being planned in the capital city of a central Indian state. The project aims to reduce traffic congestion and ease delays at railway crossings, which affect thousands of daily commuters. It had been a long-standing demand of local residents, and the government approved it to address persistent traffic bottlenecks in the area. The project is to be executed by the State Public Works Department (PWD), with a strict completion deadline of one year i.e. 31st July 2026. The PWD Minister, who is also the local MLA, is scheduled to inaugurate the project in the third week of August 2026. This is planned to take place shortly before the expected announcement of state elections. Ramesh has been selected as the project manager of this prestigious assignment on the basis of his professional competence and experience. While reviewing the approved design plans in preparation for execution, Ramesh identifies a serious flaw. The proposed alignment includes a sharp 90-degree turn, incorporated due to spatial constraints between an electrified railway line on one side and ongoing metro construction on the other. From a technical standpoint, Ramesh believes the design is unsafe. It increases the risk of vehicular accidents, especially for heavy vehicles, and may lead to long-term inconvenience for road users. Ramesh promptly raises the issue with the Chief Engineer. However, the Chief Engineer overrules the concern. He states that the General Arrangement Drawing (GAD) has already been approved by the Bridge Engineering Department, in coordination with Indian Railways. He points out that revisiting the design at this stage shall result in project delays, increased expenditure, and unwanted political attention. Subsequently, Ramesh comes to know that the contractor awarded the tender to execute the project is a close relative of the PWD Minister. He also receives unofficial communication suggesting that his promotion to Additional Chief Engineer is under active consideration, but could be jeopardised if he creates “unnecessary hurdles” in the project’s timely completion. The incumbent state government is eager to complete the overbridge before the elections and present it as a major developmental achievement. This adds to the pressure on Ramesh to expedite project execution without raising further objections. Nonetheless, he remains convinced that the current design is flawed and could have grave implications for public safety if left unaddressed. Meanwhile, the bridge design has also attracted widespread public attention after being published in a leading local newspaper. Images of the sharp 90-degree turn went viral on social media, drawing criticism and ridicule. Several engineering experts have publicly flagged the alignment as a potential safety hazard, reinforcing Ramesh’s concerns.\na) Under the given conditions, what are the options available to Ramesh as a project manager?\nb) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Ramesh?\nc) What are the professional challenges likely to be faced by Ramesh and his response to overcome such challenges?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":6,"question":"a), b), c) a) दी गई परिस्थितियों में, एक परियोजना प्रबंधक के रूप में रमेश के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nb) रमेश को किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\nc) रमेश को किन व्यावसायिक चुनौतियों का सामना करना पड़ सकता है तथा ऐसी चुनौतियों पर नियंत्रण पाने के लिए उसकी क्या प्रतिक्रिया होनी चाहिए?\na) दी गई परिस्थितियों में, एक परियोजना प्रबंधक के रूप में रमेश के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nb) रमेश को किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\nc) रमेश को किन व्यावसायिक चुनौतियों का सामना करना पड़ सकता है तथा ऐसी चुनौतियों पर नियंत्रण पाने के लिए उसकी क्या प्रतिक्रिया होनी चाहिए?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":7,"question":"a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\nb) Evaluate the options available to Srushti in the above situation.\nc) What suggestions would you make to help officers like Srushti maintain a healthy work-life balance.\na) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\nb) Evaluate the options available to Srushti in the above situation.\nc) What suggestions would you make to help officers like Srushti maintain a healthy work-life balance.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":8,"question":"Q.9 A reputed Indian beauty & personal care company developed a herbal skin cream for the international market, claiming anti-ageing and skin-repair properties based on traditional Ayurvedic formulations. After obtaining the necessary approvals and export certifications, the company began exporting the product. The product received widespread positive feedback for its quality and natural formulation, and soon became a huge hit in international markets. Riding on this success, the company announced that the product would soon be made available to domestic consumers, with almost the same quality and health benefits. Subsequently, it secured approval from the domestic regulatory authority and launched the product in the Indian market. Over time, the brand gained a significant share of the domestic market and earned substantial revenues both nationally and internationally. However, during a random sample check, officials discovered that the cream sold in India differed from the version approved by the competent authority. The product failed to meet the claimed herbal composition and purity standards. Further investigation revealed that the company had often been distributing batches that had failed export quality checks. The incident triggered widespread public criticism and regulatory scrutiny, leading to a sharp decline in the company’s reputation and financial performance.\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\nb) What actions should the competent regulatory authority take against the personal care company for violating domestic quality standards and distributing rejected export batches in the Indian market?\nc) What course of action is available to the company to manage the crisis and restore public trust and brand credibility?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.10 A forest fire has broken out in a hilly district and is rapidly spreading toward an eco-sensitive area that includes four villages (ESA villages). These villages lie along the forest fringe and are surrounded by difficult terrain. The region is known for its biodiversity and traditional forest-based livelihoods. The inhabitants of these villages are mostly poor tribal communities, dependent on forest resources for their sustenance.\nYou, as the District Magistrate of the area, have rushed to the spot with a medical team, police personnel, NGOs, media, and support staff to oversee the rescue and containment operations. Your disaster response team on the ground is small and poorly equipped. Reinforcements from the district headquarter have been requested, but they may take several hours to arrive due to the remoteness and challenging terrain.\nIn the meantime, a group of trained ex-forest guards and local youth from the villages offer to help. They are experienced and familiar with the area. However, existing government rules do not permit the engagement of unofficial personnel in fire control operations without formal clearance and insurance coverage.\nYour team members are divided on this issue. Some members argue that volunteers should be engaged immediately to prevent the fire from spreading. Others caution that involving them without proper approval and safety cover could be risky and against protocol.\nAs the District Magistrate, you are also the Chairperson of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA). The fire is spreading at a very rapid rate, and immediate action is required to protect lives, property, and the environment. You are now in a dilemma.\na) What are the options available to you?\nb) Critically evaluate each of the options identified by you.\nc) What option would you adopt and why?\nd) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by you?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":10,"question":"Q.11 In one of the government primary schools located in a rural block of a district, the newly appointed headmistress observed an unusual practice. The school had been preparing and serving mid-day meals separately to students belonging to different communities. Although the meals were cooked using a common gas connection, separate utensils, cooking areas, and serving arrangements had been in place for more than two decades. Students from the two communities had their food cooked and served by different cooks and ate in separate classrooms, despite attending classes together. After taking charge, the headmistress decided to discontinue this practice. She directed that food be prepared and served together for all students, using a common kitchen and utensils. However, the decision triggered backlash. A considerable number of parents across communities vehemently opposed the move and stopped sending their children to school. Consequently, attendance fell by almost 60 percent. This also raised concerns regarding the possible discontinuation of the mid-day meal scheme, withdrawal of teaching staff, and even closure of the school due to falling enrolment. The issue has attracted attention from various political and social groups attempting to further polarise the situation and serve their vested interests.\nMarpi Apang, the District Education Officer (DEO), has been tasked by the Deputy Commissioner’s office to amicably resolve the matter at the earliest. She has also been directed to submit a detailed report along with the Action Taken Report within a fortnight.\na) Identify the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb) What course of action should Marpi adopt and why?\nc) What should be the responsibilities of different social segments and agencies to create positive social ambiance for accepting such changes?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.12 You are a Municipal Commissioner of a tier-2 city experiencing rapid urban expansion. Several high-rise residential and commercial buildings are under construction in the city to meet the growing demand for housing. One such luxury residential complex is being built, employing hundreds of daily-wage labourers, many of whom live in temporary settlements at the construction site. Late one night during the monsoon season, a large section of scaffolding and concrete slabs collapses from the upper floors of one of the under-construction buildings. Seven labourers, including two minors, die on the spot. Several others are critically injured and rushed to the hospital. The tragic incident results in public outrage, intense media scrutiny, and protests by a local NGO. The state government orders a formal inquiry and directs you to submit a report within a week. Your preliminary investigation reveals a series of irregularities. The construction material used is substandard and not in accordance with the National Building Code. Although the approved plan permits construction of fifteen floors, the builder has illegally added two extra floors. Moreover, the structure has encroached on land demarcated for a community park and a fire service lane under the city’s Zonal Development Plan. These violations are not reported during site inspections conducted by the building inspector of the municipal corporation. The building clearance was granted during the tenure of your predecessor, who is not only your batchmate but also a close friend. Both of you were roommates during your training at LBSNAA. Prima facie, the case appears to involve a widespread nexus between officials of the Municipal Corporation and the builder. Your colleagues are putting pressure on you to go slow in the inquiry. Some of them suggest that holding the builder accountable could damage the city's image among investors and slow down urban development. Meanwhile, you come to know that the builder is the younger brother of a powerful minister in the state cabinet. One evening, his personal aide visits you privately. He suggests that the matter could be “mutually settled” and offers you a premium apartment worth ₹2 crore in the same residential complex. In the same breath, he hints that if the matter is not resolved swiftly in the builder’s favour, someone in his office is prepared to file a complaint against you under the SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\nb) What are the options available to you in this situation?\nc) Explain your selected course of action.","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":12,"question":"a) मामले में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा करें।\nb) इस स्थिति में आपके पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nc) अपनी चुनी हुई कार्यवाही का विवरण दीजिए।\na) मामले में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा करें।\nb) इस स्थिति में आपके पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nc) अपनी चुनी हुई कार्यवाही का विवरण दीजिए।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":23,"question":"3b Difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"46 In ongoing Israel-Palestine war, which started in October 2023, starvation has been used as a weapon of war. Ethical considerations guiding powerful nations in preventing such actions","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6986,"topper":"Sanskriti Somani","air":49,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1iEtbZ4KRbOEftBkIJ1QeQWf-Js9VHPll","questions":[]},{"id":6987,"topper":"Sanskriti Trivedy","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/067a3-1146808_3128_sanskriti_trivedy_rank_17.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"The world must learn to work together, or finally it will not work at all.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Technology, like art, is a soaring exercise of the human imagination.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"We've begun to raise daughters more like sons, but few have the courage to raise our sons more like our daughters.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":6988,"topper":"Sanskriti Trivedy","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9f6c1-1146808_2928_sanskriti_trivedy_rank_17.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. How does tribal art provide valuable insights into the cultural perspectives and values of Indian tribal communities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. Compare and contrast the approach of Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru towards the Indian freedom struggle. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. What are the key factors that accelerated decolonization post-World War II? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. How does human encroachment impact water bodies in urban areas? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. How do physical geographical features influence the development and operation of transportation systems? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. How are ocean trenches formed? Describe the significant characteristics of these oceanic relief formations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. Identify the reasons behind increasing number of extreme rainfall events throughout India in recent times. Assess their socio-economic impact.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. India is expected to have the largest working-age population in the world by 2030 and it cannot afford low participation of women in the workforce anymore. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Do you agree that there has been a progressive secularization of caste in India? Support your view with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. Why is inequality increasing in India despite the fall in overall poverty? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. How did the competitive and hostile dynamic between Brahminism and Buddhism over funding, followers, and ideology mark the decline of Buddhism? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. European travellers' accounts in the medieval period have played an important role in shaping our understanding of the empires and people of that period in India. Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"2) Write about extremely divided society and its yvame system leading to Asian Despotism work by K. Marx","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"13. The British victory in the Battle of Plassey in 1757 not just changed the course of Indian history but also that of the world. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. Why was it more difficult to rehabilitate refugees in West Bengal as compared to Punjab after partition? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. Discuss the economic and social costs associated with the transition from coal to green energy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. Explain the process of formation of volcanic calderas. How do they contribute to the scenic beauty of the region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. What are the reasons behind the increased frequency and intensity of heat waves globally? How will it impact global food security? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. Identifying the characteristics of the grassland biome, mention the threats posed to Banni grasslands in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. India's approach to secularism does not merely challenge inter-religious domination but intra-religious domination as well. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. Do you agree with the view that Indian cities are turning into landscapes of stark inequality and social exclusion? What steps can be taken to make urban areas more egalitarian in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":6989,"topper":"Sanskriti Trivedy","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9ab84-1146808_2930_sanskriti_trivedy_rank_17.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How is the rapid growth of the food processing industry leading to food safety challenges in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":6990,"topper":"Sanskriti Trivedy","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/f1cbf-1146808_2929_sanskriti_trivedy_rank_17.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. Expression of dissent is central to the functioning of the Parliament. In light of this, discuss the role of the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in India's parliamentary system. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. How can the integration of technology into judicial processes enhance accessibility, capability, and efficiency in justice delivery? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. The Supreme Court of India has upheld unique asymmetry in India's federalism by intricately balancing centralized authority and regional autonomy. Discuss with the help of relevant case laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. Evaluate the effectiveness of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes in safeguarding the interests of the Scheduled Castes in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. Executive accountability to the legislature through Parliamentary Committees has been the hallmark of the Indian political system. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. How can India make Citizens' Charter a powerful tool for improving governance and empowering citizens? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. How do corporate donors aid NGOs in facilitating holistic development in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. Despite its merits, should the POCSO Act be revisited to correct the existing inadequacies? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. China's acquisition of strategic ports globally has significant implications for international trade routes and economic relations. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. What are the main functions of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)? How will its recent treaty on intellectual property, genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge benefit India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. While the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) plays a crucial role in combating corruption, its functioning is often criticized for being partisan and acting against the federal spirit. Discuss with the help of suitable examples.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. Governors in India often overstep their constitutional role and fail to act effectively when needed. Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. Both India and the USA adhere to democratic principles but their electoral systems exhibit significant differences. What are the key differences in electoral practices between the two countries? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. How far do you agree with the view that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has met its objective of ensuring environmental justice in India?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. Though Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) have become a platform for competitive politics, they have not emerged as an agency of planning and service delivery. Why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. What do you understand by interoperability in e-governance? What steps have been taken by the government to ensure interoperability and integration of various e-governance systems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. When it comes to sexual and reproductive health of women in India, rights-based discourse has largely been bypassed not just by the societal norms but also by the legal norms. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. How effective has India been in enhancing immunization coverage over the years? What challenges continue to affect immunization efforts in the country?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. India used its Presidency of the G20 to bring the voice of the Global South to the centre stage. Discuss with special reference to Africa.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. India's relationship with the UAE has witnessed a remarkable expansion across various domains in the last decade. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"}]},{"id":6991,"topper":"Sanskriti Trivedy","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ecfd2-1146808_2931_sanskriti_trivedy_rank_17.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The end cannot justify the means, for the simple and obvious reason that the means employed determine the nature of the ends produced. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss how the relationship between law and ethics is dynamic and continuously shaped by societal changes. Provide examples to illustrate this dynamic relationship. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Differentiate between probity and integrity with suitable examples. How do these values contribute to ethical governance and decision-making in the civil services? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the ethical implications of withholding information in public administration. How can transparency enhance accountability and reduce corruption in government institutions? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? \"There is no school equal to a decent home and no teacher equal to a virtuous parent.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.\" - Leo Tolstoy (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"To see what is right and not do it is a lack of courage.\" - Confucius (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What factors lead to a positive attitude in a person? How does positive attitude enhance the effectiveness of civil servants in performing their duties? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss how emotional intelligence can influence ethical decision-making in the allocation of scarce public resources. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Various international humanitarian organizations provide emergency aid in conflict zones around the world. Highlight the ethical challenges faced by such organizations. What are the principles that guide international humanitarian work? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Why is persuasion regarded as an important skill for civil servants? What are the key considerations that should guide persuasion in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"What role can ethical leadership play in curbing corruption, especially in public service? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"What were the major teachings of Swami Dayanand Saraswati? Explain their relevance in addressing the current ethical and social challenges in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":39,"question":"What are the options available to Jay as the Commissioner of the Education Department? Evaluate each of these options. (b) What option should Jay adopt and why? (c) How can civil servants like Jay be better protected when they attempt to uphold ethical standards in their work? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"As the District Magistrate of X city, you are responsible for overseeing the construction of a new metro depot in an urban forest area, which is a critical infrastructure project aimed at improving public transportation and reducing traffic congestion and air pollution. The project, however, requires the clearance of a substantial portion of the forest, which has triggered strong opposition from environmental activists, local residents, and NGOs. This forest is widely regarded as essential for the city's ecological balance, often referred to as the city's \\\"lungs.\\\" In addition to the environmental concerns, you are under considerable pressure from politicians at the state-level to expedite the project, given the upcoming elections in two years. The political leadership emphasizes the benefits of the metro project for the city's development and its potential to garner electoral support. The project is expected to significantly reduce travel time for thousands of commuters and potentially decrease overall vehicle emissions in the city. However, it would also lead to the loss of thousands of trees and disrupt local ecosystems. As you prepare to make a decision, you are aware that your choice will have far-reaching consequences for both the city's development and its environment. (a) Identify the ethical dilemmas involved in the above case. (b) Evaluate the options available to you in the above situation. Which of these would you choose and why? (c) Suggest some measures that could be implemented to balance urban development needs with environmental conservation in future projects. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Dr. Mehra is a senior drug developer at a leading pharmaceutical company in India, renowned for producing various medications, including lifesaving drugs critical for treating chronic and rare diseases. Since its inception, the company has emphasized the quality and affordability of its drugs. Recently, under revised government guidelines, pharmaceutical companies are required to market a finished product only after obtaining \\\"satisfactory results\\\" from tests on the ingredients. Additionally, they must retain a sufficient quantity of samples of both intermediate and final products to allow repeated testing or verification of a batch. Dr. Mehra's team is in the final stages of developing a new medication for a rare but life-threatening disease. This drug has shown promising results in clinical trials. However, there have been unresolved concerns about the long-term side effects of the drug, observed in a small percentage of trial subjects. Despite this, the company has not released any major drug in the past decade, leading to significant pressure from the board members to expedite the drug's release. (a) Identify the stakeholders in the above case study. (b) Discuss the ethical issues faced by Dr. Mehra. (c) Analyse the options available to Dr. Mehra in the above case. Which of these would you choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":6992,"topper":"Sanskriti Trivedy","air":17,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/SANSKRITI-TRIVEDY-UPSC-2024-Rank-17-MGP-Sample-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6993,"topper":"SANTOSH S SHIRADON","air":641,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/239/pttp221173_tc071-test-01-gs01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6994,"topper":"SANTOSH S SHIRADON","air":641,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/240/pttp221173_tc073-test-03-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6995,"topper":"SANTOSH S SHIRADON","air":641,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/241/pttp221173_tc074-test-04-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6996,"topper":"SANTOSH S SHIRADON","air":641,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/236/pttp221173_tc071-test-01-gs01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6997,"topper":"SANTOSH S SHIRADON","air":641,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/237/pttp221173_tc073-test-03-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6998,"topper":"SANTOSH S SHIRADON","air":641,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/238/pttp221173_tc074-test-04-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":6999,"topper":"Sanya Chhabra","air":84,"year":2018,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d6f21-399525_1210_sanya_chhabra_rank_84.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7000,"topper":"Sanya Chhabra","air":84,"year":2018,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/01eb0-399525_1209_sanya_chhabra_rank_84.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7001,"topper":"Sapna Chandel","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SAPNA-CHANDELUPSC_IAS_2025_Toppers_AIR_356_Sample_MGP_COPY_1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) What are the main features of Vedic society and religion? Do you think some of the features are still prevailing in Indian society?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) The synthesis of Islamic architectural styles with elements from local Indian traditions contributed to the development of Indo-Islamic architecture in India. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) What were the reasons behind the relative peace and lack of major international conflicts during the 1920s?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Discuss the significance of the 1998 Pokhran nuclear tests as a transformative moment in India's post-independence history.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) What were the reasons that the British emerged as the preeminent power after succeeding against other European powers in the Indian subcontinent?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6 \"The very policy that was meant to further subjugate Indians catalyzed free thought and questioned the notion of British superiority.\" Discuss in the context of British education policy in colonial India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) How far do you agree with the view that Stalinism was just a continuation of Leninism?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) The revolt of 1857 was far more than a mutiny, yet much less than the first war of independence. Do you agree? Substantiate your views.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 Unemployment is not just an economic challenge, but a social one with far-reaching consequences. In this context, discuss the social impact of unemployment in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.1) What are the main features of Vedic society and religion? Do you think some of the features are still prevailing in Indian society?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.2) The synthesis of Islamic architectural styles with elements from local Indian traditions contributed to the development of Indo-Islamic architecture in India. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Q.3) What were the reasons behind the relative peace and lack of major international conflicts during the 1920s?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.4) Discuss the significance of the 1998 Pokhran nuclear tests as a transformative moment in India's post-independence history.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":31,"question":"Q.5) What were the reasons that the British emerged as the preeminent power after succeeding against other European powers in the Indian subcontinent?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":33,"question":"Q.6) \"The very policy that was meant to further subjugate Indians catalyzed free thought and questioned the notion of British superiority.\" Discuss in the context of British education policy in colonial India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.7) How far do you agree with the view that Stalinism was just a continuation of Leninism?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":37,"question":"Q.8 The revolt of 1857 was far more than a mutiny, yet much less than the first war of independence. Do you agree? Substantiate your views.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":39,"question":"Q.9 Unemployment is not just an economic challenge, but a social one with far-reaching consequences. In this context, discuss the social impact of unemployment in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.10 \"The socio-cultural consequences of the contact between tribal and non-tribal populations are complex and multifaceted.\" Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":43,"question":"Q.11) Differentiate between the Nagara and Dravida styles of temple architecture. Explain how the Vesara architectural style creatively amalgamated architectural elements of both, while introducing innovative elements of its own.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Q.12 Identify the key reasons behind British colonial intervention in Malaya in the 19th century. How did Malaya react to British colonial rule?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Q.13) The integration of the Princely States into the Indian Union after partition involved overcoming significant administrative and socio-cultural hurdles. Discuss the statement with special emphasis on the integration of Hyderabad. Also, throw light on the role of Sardar Patel in the integration process.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Q.14 Non-Cooperation-Khilafat Movement was a watershed event in the Indian freedom struggle, but it suffered from inherent limitations. Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"Q.15 The Bhakti movement, emphasizing 'personal connection' to the divine, had a profound impact on various aspects of Indian society. Highlighting the main features of the Bhakti movement, discuss its contribution towards the development of vernacular languages across the country.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":58,"question":"Q.16 Discuss the developments in the field of art and architecture during the Mauryan period.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":61,"question":"Q.17 The German unification was achieved more by 'coal and iron' than by 'blood and iron'. Examine.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":64,"question":"Q.18 How do conventional gender roles and responsibilities make women more susceptible to the impacts of extreme heat conditions? What measures would you suggest reducing these vulnerabilities?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":67,"question":"Q.19 \"The changing nature of revolutionary extremism in the Indian national movement reflects a broader shift in political consciousness.\" Substantiate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":70,"question":"Q.20 While there are extensive policies focused on equity and social justice, yet the underprivileged sections are deprived of full benefits of affirmative action guaranteed by the Constitution. Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7002,"topper":"Sapna Chandel","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SAPNA-CHANDELUPSC_IAS_2025_Toppers_AIR_356_Sample_MGP_COPY_2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) Why does the Constitution not provide for a conclusive say to the State Legislative Assemblies in the creation, bifurcation, or dissolution of a State?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2 Article 21 of the Indian Constitution broadly interprets the right to life and liberty. Elucidate with the help of relevant case laws.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) The 44th Amendment Act of 1978 served as a remedy to the draconian measures undertaken through the 42nd Amendment Act of 1976 during the 'Emergency'. Critically examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) The Election Commission is one of the three institutions whose independence is critical for the functioning of democracy. Discuss the evolution of office of the Election Commission of India (ECI) since its inception.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) To what extent have farmer associations been successful in influencing public policies and governance in the country?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) The Presidents of India and USA differ not just the manner in which they are elected but also with respect to their powers. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) Strengthening the subordinate judiciary is vital for revitalizing the entire edifice of the Indian judicial system. Discuss. Also, examine the role of 'All India Judicial Services' (AIJS) in enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of the Indian judiciary.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8 The office of the Speaker is not only a referee, but also an active player in the politics of government formation and survival, leading to controversies and criticisms. In this context, examine the need to bring reforms in the office of the speaker.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 What do you understand by delimitation? Underlining the significance of delimitation exercise, throw light on the associated challenges.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Two advantages to a family avoiding gerry mandring","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 'Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) is an independent body responsible only to the Parliament.' What are the provisions that ensure independence of CVC? Also, discuss the issues that limit its effectiveness in tackling corruption in the country's public administration.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 Governor is neither a saboteur nor a sage; he is a constitutional functionary who needs to be solely loyal to the Constitution. Critically examine the statement in the light of recent events.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) Critically examine the functioning of National Human Rights Commission of India (NHRC) as an apex institution entrusted with the protection of human rights in the country.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 The Representation of the People Acts, which serve as the foundation for clean electoral democracy, require relevant amendments to address contemporary challenges. Discuss with the help of relevant case laws.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) How does the inability of local bodies to generate their own funds affect their ability to function effectively? Suggest necessary measures to empower local governments in generating independent revenue streams.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Throw light on the various mechanisms for the settlement of disputes related to the equitable sharing of river water among states. Also, evaluate the effectiveness of these mechanisms in the resolution of inter-state river water disputes in the country.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 \"Parliamentary democracy would be incomplete without Parliamentary committees.\" In light of the statement, examine the role of the Public Accounts Committee in establishing financial accountability of the executive.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17) What do you understand by Alternate Dispute Redressal (ADR) mechanisms? What are the reasons for their low adoption as the primary mode of dispute resolution in the country? Suggest measures for improvement.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 Although upholding the spirit of the Constitution through judicial activism is noble in its intent, in practice it runs the risk of undermining the delicate balance of power that the Constitution sought to achieve. Critically examine.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19) What circumstances led to the formation of the National Green Tribunal? Evaluate if it has met its stated objectives in more than a decade of its existence.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 Examine the scope of partnership between the State and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) towards improving public service delivery to benefit the common citizen.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7003,"topper":"Sapna Chandel","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SAPNA-CHANDELUPSC_IAS_2025_Toppers_AIR_356_Sample_MGP_COPY_3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) \"Besides being a moral imperative of a Welfare State, primary health structure is a necessary pre-condition for sustainable development.\" Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) University Grants Commission (UGC) has recently announced regulations for establishment and operation of campuses by foreign universities in India. In this context, discuss the benefits and challenges associated with the entry and operation of foreign higher educational institutions in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3 The promotion of e-governance is critical for the realization of good governance in the country. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Bring out the potential opportunities of telemedicine in India. Also, elaborate on the challenges in this regard.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 \"What was hailed as sunshine legislation, has been overshadowed by dark clouds\". Critically examine the statement in the context of implementation of Right to information Act in almost two decades, since its enactment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6 The objective of foreign policy is not only to build cordial international relations, but also to ensure national security and help citizens in pursuit of their aspirations. Discuss in context of India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) Elaborate on the reasons for growing importance of Africa in India's foreign policy framework. Also, underline the contemporary areas of their bilateral engagement.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) Indo-US relations are more robust than ever, but the deepening of the relationship is not without challenges. Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) Immediate neighbours are \"the first circle of priority\" in India's relation with the world. In this context, highlight the salient features of 'Neighbourhood First' policy. Also, mention the associated challenges.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 In respect of India-Sri Lanka relations, discuss how domestic factors influence foreign policy.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 \"Digital interventions can significantly bridge the learning gaps and improve outcomes in the educational system of the country, but it comes with its own set of challenges\". Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 The various developmental initiatives by the government have fallen short of achieving their intended objectives. Is it a design issue or an implementation bottleneck? Suggest measures to improve the effectiveness of developmental schemes.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 \"The fight against poverty is at the core of the Sustainable Development Goals\". In this context, highlight the interlinkages between poverty alleviation and various SDGs. Also, assess the effectiveness of the measures taken by the government for achieving the same.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 Assess the performance of MGNREGA in generation of sustainable employment and creation of durable assets in rural India. Do you agree with the view that there is need to replicate this model in urban areas in form of an Urban Employment Guarantee scheme?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 An archaic and obsolete edifice of civil services does not augur well for a welfare state. Examine the various issues surrounding the civil services in the country. What suggestions would you make for their reform?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 \"Non-alignment remains a guiding principle, yet the national foreign policy also reflects traits that contrast with it\". Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 The shifting geopolitical dynamics cast a shadow on the India-Russia relationship, but it remains resilient, rooted in trust and shared interests. Examine.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 \"The inability of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to address critical conflicts and maintain international peace and security underscores the urgent need for reforms.\" Examine the statement and present a case for India's permanent membership in the UNSC.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19) SCO is seen as a major coordinating and balancing force in the region; however, its position is increasingly challenged by internal contradictions and divergences. In this context, critically evaluate the relevance of SCO in advancing India's interests.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20) Explain the factors that make Indo-Pacific a region of significance for India. What are the impediments in reaping the geo-strategic potential of the Indo-Pacific?","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7004,"topper":"Saransh Mahajan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ca845-258711_1153_saransh-mahajan_rank_224.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the issues faced in BOT and EPC models of infrastructure investment, explain how HAM can address these. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The investment rate in India has gradually declined after a historic high in the mid 2000s. Examine the reasons behind this trend. Discuss the steps required to revive investment for a sustained growth. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The measurement of the extent of formal sector and formal employment is yet an unsettled matter in our economy. Comment. Also, mention the steps which the government has taken to improve its extent.(150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Minimum Support Price (MSP) of crops is a short term solution for agricultural distress which creates long term problems. Examine. Suggest measures to overcome the the limitations of the MSP regime.(150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Enumerating the factors that determine a nation's energy-mix, comment on the need for having a diversified fuel basket for meeting India's future energy demands. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Air quality in Indian households, especially in rural areas, is lethal due to a number of factors. In this context, highlighting the challenges faced in improving indoor air quality, enumerate the measures that can be taken to address them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlight the characteristics and applications of Cyber Physical systems. Also, enumerate the various objectives of the Cyber Physical Systems programme recently launched by the government. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"India needs to collaborate and participate in international scientific projects in order to place itself as a major player in cutting edge research. Discuss in the light of ongoing global mega science projects. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Deployment of central armed forces in states has been a contentious issue. Mention the issues involved and suggest some remedial measures. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In what ways does the physiography of India pose a challenge to its counter-terrorism efforts? What can be done to deal with these challenges? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Enhancing private infrastructure spending and revival of stalled projects is critical to the success of Bharatmala Pariyojana. Discuss. Also enumerate measures taken by the government to revive stalled projects on National Highways. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"In the light of increasing NPAs and frauds, the twin balance sheet problem has grown immensely. Comment on the issue and analyse the potential of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code to be a game changer for Indian economy's health and long-term growth. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Highlight the importance of MSME sector in India's economy. Also, identifying the challenges, suggest some policy recommendations to ensure their sustenance and competitive growth. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Going forward, the allied sectors will play a critical role in increasing the resilience and improving economic returns in agriculture. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What do you understand by Seed Replacement Rate? Explaining the concept of breeder, foundation and certified seeds, highlight the major policy initiatives taken in order to address the challenge of quality seed availability to farmers. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"While overcrowding in public places cannot be wished away in India, what we need are better infrastructure and more effective crowd-control measures. Comment. Also, briefly enumerate NDMA guidelines for crowd management. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Processing and safe disposal of garbage must replace the current model of landfills in order to transform our cities to being smart. Elucidate. In this context, analyse the reasons for failure of waste management policies in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What do you understand by TRIPS plus provisions being advocated by developed countries outside the WTO based TRIPS agreement? Do you think India should show some flexibility and incorporate certain TRIPS plus provisions in its IPR regime? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime) has pitched for the need of an integrated approach in order to address the difficulties in preventing, detecting, investigating and prosecuting Transnational Organised Crimes (TOC). Elaborating on these difficulties, discuss how an integrated approach can help in tackling TOCs. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The Government has adopted a holistic approach built around simultaneous implementation of a security agenda, developmental activities and promotion of good governance to address the Left Wing Extremism in India. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7005,"topper":"Saransh Mahajan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/079b2-258711_1067_saransh-mahajan_rank_224.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What is the role that opposition plays in a democracy like India? In this context, discuss whether our Parliament can benefit from a shadow cabinet. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Where there is a right, there is a remedy. In this context, discuss the nature and significance of writs in India with adequate examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Enumerate the objectives of NITI Aayog. Also, discuss the performance of this body since its inception and suggest measures to make it more effective. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"In view of the political class's inability to develop and maintain conventions relating to the appropriate use of Article 356, the Supreme Court's decision in the Bommai case provided much needed clarity. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Press freedom and good governance are not mutually exclusive. They support each other while promoting a country's economic and human development. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What is Strategic Autonomy? Critically examine the elements of such a policy in India's contemporary foreign policy in the context of recent developments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"IBSA and BRICS are both examples of India's quest for multialignment, however there are key differences in their orientation. Discuss in the context of the relevance of these groupings for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What are the various modes of Alternate Dispute Redressal (ADR) mechanisms available in India? Identifying the problems being faced by them, provide suggestions needed to increase their effectiveness. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"While the power to punish for the contempt of court is a much needed too to protect the administration of justice from being maligned, it is time that it be relooked into. Critically analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Criminalisation of politics remains a key concern for the Indian political system. In this context, analyse the role played by the Supreme Court and Election Commission over the years. Also, in what ways can the media play a positive role? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight, in brief, the mandate of the National Commission for Minorities (NCM). Identify the different challenges that the commission faces and suggest measures to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The recent decision of the government to open up positions at the senior levels in bureaucracy through lateral entry is an important but only small step in the direction of much needed reforms in the higher civil services. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Identifying the broad contours of the 'Transformation of Aspirational Districts' programme, explain how it adopts a novel strategy to address backwardness. (250 words) 15 ' ' ,","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"How did India fare on the Millennium Development Goals related to health? In this regard, identify the relevant Sustainable Development Goals and evaluate India's capacity to meet them. (250 words) 15 ? ,","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the different rights recognized under the Forest Rights Act, 2006? Highlight the gaps in the implementation of community forest rights and community forest resource rights granted under the Forest Rights Act. Also, suggest measures to address the current scenario. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Progress in India-US ties has been accompanied by equally significant divergences on important issues. Examine in the context of recent developments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7006,"topper":"Saransh Mahajan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/55104-258711_1073_saransh-mahajan_rank_224.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the ethical issues involved in the recent refugee crisis and immigration as a global phenomenon from a broad perspective of globalisation and rights of citizens and aliens.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Corruption distorts not only functioning of the Government in India but business and corporate activities as well. Explain and discuss how the state can effectively deal with deficit of ethics in the private sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/ philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) \"Silence becomes cowardice when occasion demands speaking out the whole truth and acting accordingly\" - Mahatma Gandhi.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"\"We must not only tolerate others, but positively embrace them\" - Swami Vivekananda.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Emotional Intelligence is part nature and part nurture. Explaining the statement, discuss how emotional intelligence of civil servants can be enhanced.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"What do you understand by Probity in Governance? Examine whether the recent amendments to Prevention of Corruption Act and the proposed ones in Whistleblower Protection Act undermine it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Ensuring that civil service values are recognised during the recruitment process and ensured through a code of ethics after appointment is a necessary condition of making the civil services an effective instrument of citizen centric governance. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"What do you understand by cognitive dissonance? Giving examples, discuss how it influences one's behavior and attitude.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by Amartya Sen's 'capability approach'? Analyse its significance in understanding social realities and in making a pro poor development strategy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"While in principle most nations claim commitment to universal values, in practice these values are honoured more in breach than in the observance. In context of this statement, comment on the relevance of values in foreign policy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"While some ethical approaches consider an action to be ethical based on results, other focus on means. Taking the example of Indian bureaucracy compare and examine how these approaches have played out for the benefit of citizens.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"What are the ethical principles that should form the basis of the system permitting organ donation and allocation? Also discuss the importance of regulation for the success of any organ transplant program.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Where as some argue that leaks constitute an affront to democracy, others are of the opinion that leaks are a part of democracy. Examine the merits of both the arguments in the context of information attributed to leaks from government offices and whistleblowers.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"You are a young recruit to the IAS. Upon the completion of your training you have been posted in a subdivision of a district where industrial development has been lagging. The area has large reserves of minerals and a significant tribal population. The government has identified the area for a large thermal power plant and also adequate expansion of mining. This announcement has seen a rise in land prices in the area as well as unrest among the local population about possible land acquisition. As part of routine examination of records you observe large land purchases in recent years that are linked with the family of the local politician, who is also a member of the state cabinet. You also recognise that much of this land is around the site of the proposed industrial area. Further, one of your staff members also informs you that the family has been buying in the name of drivers, cleaners as well as domestic helps. You feel that having been aware of the policy decision, the politician has played a role in these purchases. Incidentally your relations with the politician have been cordial and he is a popular figure in the area. (a) As the official responsible for acquisition of land and payment of compensation for the land acquired, what are the ethical issues that you face in the given situation? (b) What will be your response to a suggestion that in view of these benami land transfers a freeze on land sale in the area should be enforced? (c) What is the course of action that you would take? Justify with reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"According to the WHO suicide is the second leading cause of death in the age group of 15-29 years globally. In India also, instances of young people committing suicide have been reported widely in recent times. It is all the more disturbing that such a phenomenon is increasingly visible in urban and prosperous areas. (a) What are the reasons that render people vulnerable to taking such drastic steps as suicide? (b) Also, discuss the role that you as an individual, the society and the government can play in addressing this issue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate of a primarily rural district. Excess agricultural production has led to a continuous fall in market prices of crops in the last three years. With elections approaching soon, the opposition has decided to make this a political issue, and has mobilised farmers to protest against falling prices. The protests turned violent at some point and police had to fire in self-defence, killing two people. Violence has increased since then and you yourself were attacked when you tried to pacify the protestors. The protestors have also blocked the main roads as well as railways to prevent movement of goods and people. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the key concerns that need to be addressed on a priority basis. (b) What steps will you take to address them?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"You have recently been promoted as a Branch Manager in a Public Sector Bank. The bank is battling high NPAs and mounting losses. You have been assigned a very high target of loans by the higher management for the current quarter. Your career prospects also depend on your performance in critical times. Few days back you rejected a loan application for a huge sum based on detailed analysis. Today you got a call from the Regional Manager to approve the loan quickly. On your reluctance to approve, he hints that the loan is sought by a person well connected in the finance ministry and that a refusal will have consequences for everyone in the approval chain. You are now in a tough spot. Based on the given information, answer the following questions: (a) Bring out the ethical issues in the case above. (b) What are the consequences of agreeing to the demands of the senior in the given case. Assess which of them are meritorious and which are not. (c) Suggest institutional reforms that can result in non-punishment of honest feedback.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"You, the chairperson of a State Public Service Commission (SPSC), come to know that there were instances of alleged cheating in a competitive exam conducted recently by the SPSC. Your daughter, who also appeared in this exam and is confident of clearing it, participates the same. However, she denies engaging in any such activity. SPSC: Whatever decision the Commission takes is bound to affect the career of a large number of candidates who appeared in the exam, including your own daughter. (a) Identify the different stakeholders and their interests in the case above. (b) Enumerate the options you have to handle the current situation. What will be your choice and why? (c) Suggest measures that you would take to make sure that a similar situation does not arise in future.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7007,"topper":"Saranya S","air":125,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/u/2/folders/1oOU1hlRBcvhRsJXYY7lVsUXGDd2VG9oV","questions":[]},{"id":7008,"topper":"Sarla Jakher","air":593,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — History","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1twBfAUUbdcwSRmuSSKrX_xCxfYdhAN89/view","questions":[]},{"id":7009,"topper":"Sarla Jakher","air":593,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — History","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/10peJDKwHm_98lazfSusLsmLdY5F7SeK-/view","questions":[]},{"id":7010,"topper":"SARNEET KAUR","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/39_Sarneet%20Kaur_4268_619_GS.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Business groups in colonial India were guided by a pragmatic approach to issues and this explained why they maintained a policy of equidistance from both the government and the Congress. Discuss. (Answer in 200 words)","marks":null,"words":"200"},{"page":6,"question":"\"The Maratha state could not become an alternative to Mughal Empire because of its own structure\". Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"'The difference between moderates and extremists was one of degree rather than of kind'. In light of the above statement discuss the goals and methods of moderates and extremists during the Independence movement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"\"A new style of architecture, entirely different in character from Muslim architecture in other countries, gradually evolved, incorporating the best of both Hindu and Muslim styles\". Discuss the above statement in the context of Indo-Islamic style of architecture.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Discuss the influence of East India Companies (British, French, Dutch and Portuguese) on the architecture of the Indian subcontinent from mid-17th century onwards.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The Ghadar Movement not only underestimated the armed and organizational might of the British, but the ideological foundations of their rule as well. It has been argued that they fought in vain. Critically evaluate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Though the Khilafat movement petered out but the religious emotions which it had articulated continued to persist long after its demise. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"The Ashokan period marked the real beginning of stone architecture in India. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"\"The Mughal paintings represent an assimilation of Indian, Persian and European elements\". Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Sarnath, is perhaps one of the most celebrated pilgrimage sites in India. In this context, analyse the historical and cultural significance of Sarnath in the tradition of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"The foreign policy of the colonial government in India was directed towards protecting the larger British Imperialist interests. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"The Treaty of Bassein proved to be a watershed event in the history of British supremacy in India. Explain.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"The Swadeshi Movement of 1905 not only laid the foundation of Gandhian techniques of protest but also used other innovative methods. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"\"Pali and Prakrit literature played an important role in ancient India\". Explain.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Elaborate on the role of Kamala Devi Chattopadhyay, a socialist, feminist and a critical sympathiser of the Indian national movement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"\"The Mathura school was primarily a centre of indigenous art, though it later came under the influence of the Gandhara art.\" Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"The Gupta period is termed as the Golden age of Indian art and culture. What developments took place during this period in the field of literature, art and architecture?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"\"The introduction of printing press in India was an event of revolutionary significance in the life of Indian people.\" In this context discuss the contribution of press in the Indian national movement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Indian Dancing has changed little with the centuries, and till date the art form is practiced according to the rules of the Bharata Natyasastra. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"'The emergence of new social classes during British India was a direct consequence of the establishment of new socio-economic and political system'. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7011,"topper":"SARNEET KAUR","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/39_Sarneet_Kaur_4268_615_GS.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"There has been a great deal of soul-searching in India over the fact that none of its universities make it to the top 200 of the World University Rankings. What can be the reason behind such performance by Indian universities on the global level? Is it justified to evaluate Indian universities on the basis of parameters involved in such rankings? What changes are required to improve their performance in the context of global rankings?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"Bureaucracy has a love-hate relationship with democracy. As a servant it is invaluable but as a master it can ruin us. Discuss in light of relationship between democracy and bureaucracy in India since independence. Also, examine the ways in which the democratic credentials of the bureaucracy can be strengthened.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Digital India programme has the potential to not only transform the citizen service delivery, but also provide the much needed impetus for key social and industrial sectors. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"Citizens' participation in governance embodies a shift in the development paradigm from citizens as passive recipients to active participants in the development process. What are the different mechanisms for citizens' participation in the development process? Illustrate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"Critically comment on some of the important provisions of the proposed Road Transport and Safety Bill, 2014. Do you think imposing hefty penalties on traffic rule violations can ensure road safety? Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"\"There is an urgent need to institutionalize social audit for major welfare schemes as a large part of the government's budget is spent on them\". What are the benefits of social audit? Citing relevant examples, bring out the loopholes in its implementation. Also, suggest some measures for its improvement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"\"Though e-governance has facilitated the collection of taxes it has not provided any control over how the tax money is utilized\". In this context, discuss if the problem in India is not of e-governance deficit but of governance deficit.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"The dream of making India a global manufacturing hub in a highly competitive world economy cannot be realized in the absence of a sustainable skill pool. Examine the structural and functional constraints w.r.t. skill development programme in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"Hitherto, healthcare policy in india has turned a blind eye towards neo-natals. In light of the above statement, examine the constraints faced and the steps taken to tackle the problem of neo-natal mortality in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":55,"question":"The four main priorities for education policy have been Access, Equity, Quality and Governance. New education policies should continue to prioritise these four areas, however, there must be greater emphasis on improving learning outcomes at all levels. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":61,"question":"What are the key concerns raised by the recent casualties at sterilization camps in Chhattisgarh? Identify the changes that can be instituted to make the family planning initiatives in India both safe and effective.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7012,"topper":"Sarthak Agrawal","air":17,"year":2020,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b1b16-937212_1458_sarthak-agrawal_rank_17.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7013,"topper":"Sarthak Agrawal","air":17,"year":2020,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/cdb94-937212_1456_sarthak-agrawal_rank_17.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7014,"topper":"Sarthak Agrawal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e1112-937212_1417_sarthak-agrawal_rank_17.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Dadabhai Naoroji left an indelible imprint on the national movement. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Quit India movement marked a new direction in the struggle against the British colonial rule in India. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The end of World War II marked the birth of a new international order. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Simla Agreement (1972) and Lahore Declaration (1999) are two key milestones in the history of the Indian subcontinent. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Social security should not only involve economic empowerment but also social empowerment. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Explain with examples how globalisation is manifested in both local in the global and the global in the local. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In light of persistence of various forms of violence against women in India, discuss the ways in which the issue can be addressed effectively. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What is an urban forest? Highlight its benefits and steps taken by the government to promote urban forestry in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"How has globalization impacted the location of the IT industry? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"How can eco-tourism be used to sustainably harness the potential of tourism industry in India? Discuss the challenges and steps taken by the government in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The advent of Buddhism and Jainism was instrumental in the development of architecture in ancient India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The reactionary policies of Lord Lytton and the liberal policies of his successor Lord Rippon acted as catalyst in the formation of the Indian National Congress. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Gandhiji changed his methods of struggle against the British from time-to-time to suit the varied circumstances and problems that needed to be tackled. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Bring out the relationship between the industrial revolution and the advent of imperialism in different parts of the world. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The caste system in India has continued to persist by adapting itself to a variety of changing socio-economic and political conditions in the past few decades. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"It is argued by some that regionalism is a threat to national integrity while others consider it as a highly impactful tool in facilitating political participation. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Describe the process of rift valley formation, with special emphasis on the Great Rift Valley System. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India's water resources have witnessed rapid depletion due to a mix of economic, geographic, and political factors. Explain and discuss its implications. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How are plateaus formed? Also, briefly discuss the features of the Deccan plateau and its economic significance. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7015,"topper":"Sarthak Agrawal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/74019-937212_1523_sarthak-agrawal_rank_17.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Enumerate the issues associated with functioning of the Central Information Commission. How can these issues be addressed? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"In India, Governor's discretionary powers are wider than those of the President. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the objectives that were sought to be achieved through tribunals. How successful have they been in meeting them? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Instead of the government regulating Over-the-top (OTT) platforms, there have been calls for a self-regulating mechanism for such platforms, as in the case of print media. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Bring out the arguments surrounding the issue of some states reserving jobs for locals in the private sector. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Identifying the key elements of Mission Karmayogi, briefly explain how it can lead to holistic development of the human resources and state's capacity. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlighting the role played by ASHA workers in public health system of India, discuss the challenges faced by them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"While internationalisation of higher education has many potential benefits for India, certain challenges will need to be addressed in this regard. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"India needs to adopt a more pragmatic stance in the context of the ongoing intra-Afghan talks. Discuss, in the light of India's engagement with Afghanistan. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In the geo-strategic context of West Asia, the recent efforts to normalise relations between Israel and UAE may open new possibilities for India. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"It is not only the content of election manifestos but also the past performance with respect to promises made in election manifestos that need to be regulated. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7016,"topper":"Sarthak Agrawal","air":17,"year":2020,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/070ed-937212_1525_sarthak-agrawal_rank_17.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7017,"topper":"Sarwapriya Sinha","air":127,"year":2021,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1R5W43u89QGbpfXl7yoA7waz3csjvUVAl","questions":[]},{"id":7018,"topper":"Sattwik Satyakam Devta","air":100,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SATTWIK-SATYAKAM-DEVTAUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-100-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Q.1 \"India’s democratic roots are deeply embedded in its ancient civilizational ethos.\" Discuss in the context of India being referred to as the ‘Mother of Democracy’.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":3,"question":"Q.8 The alienation of modern lifestyles from nature has contributed to the ongoing environmental crisis in India. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Q.16 Bring out the major features of the Indian monsoon and elaborate upon its causative factors.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":11,"question":"4 How it strengthened foundations of another\n1) British lost USA, but strengthened the foundation on India\n2) It helped British concentrate military resources in India to fight off other colonial powers like French\n3) Deprivation of American empire freed up administrative costs, while Indian empire was source of new riches due to plunder & drain of wealth & Home charges","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"How it has led to environmental crisis?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"10 How it has redefined idea of community?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"How it has redefined ideas of kinship?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"19. Reasons for exclusion from decision-making\n1) Lower representation of women in Parliament & State legislatures of only 13.67% in 18th Lok Sabha\n2) Tokenistic presence in panchayats & urban local bodies Eg Panchayat-pati syndrome\n3) Co-optation of women-led movements by dominant narratives Eg issue of women farmers not raised during Farm Laws protests\n4) Violence & discrimination leads to exclusion Eg sexual violence at workplaces","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"How are women challenging these norms?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7019,"topper":"Sattwik Satyakam Devta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Visionias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2fe3f-475600_2218_sattwik_satyakam_devta_rank_100.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. Do you agree with the view that time has come to revisit the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution? Discuss with suitable arguments.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. Highlighting the advantages of online dispute resolution (ODR) mechanism for justice delivery, discuss the challenges associated with its effective implementation in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. Despite the constitutional division of powers, Centre-state disputes have been a perennial feature of Indian democracy. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. Do you agree with the view that adopting a framework for lobbying will strengthen participative governance and ease of doing business in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. Despite the government encouraging open source instead of proprietary technology for government applications, the true potential of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) and digital platforms remains unrealized. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. As a social safety-valve, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) can be the principal vehicles through which communities voice their concerns. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. Despite being lauded for its patient centric approach, the implementation of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, remains sluggish and mired with various issues. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. Do you agree with the view that time has come to formulate an Urban Employment Guarantee scheme at the national level? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Discuss the relevance of BIMSTEC as a regional organisation to fulfil India's strategic aspirations in the Indian Ocean Region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. Discuss the relevance of the Gujral Doctrine for India with regard to its relations with its immediate neighbours in the present times. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. Highlight the pivotal role of the \"Officers of Parliament\" in the Indian Parliamentary system. Also, discuss the constitutional and statutory provisions for their impartial functioning.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. The Finance Commission plays a crucial role in balancing fiscal federalism in India. In this context, examine the recommendations given by the 15th Finance Commission. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. Critically assess whether according statutory backing to the Model Code of Conduct will contribute towards free and fair elections in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. The market disruption caused by digital revolution warrants renewed focus and perspective to ensure fair competition in the digital economy. In this light, discuss the need to revamp the Competition Commission of India (CCI).","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. There is an urgent need for effective whistle-blowing mechanisms and ensuring that necessary safeguards for the protection of whistle-blowers are established in both public and private spheres in India. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Why existing safeguards for Whistle-blowers protection needed?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"16. State the reasons behind the poor performance of cooperatives in India. Also, discuss the reforms undertaken by the government to overcome the shortcomings. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. Public-Private Partnership model, if harnessed properly, has the potential to bridge the gaps in India's healthcare system. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. Although the New Education Policy brings with itself a commendable vision, its success will depend on its ability to effectively integrate with the government's other policy initiatives. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) is born from a collective desire to make the Indo-Pacific region an engine of global economic growth. Comment. Also, discuss India's concerns in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. India needs to identify the priority areas to further its techno-diplomacy amidst the complexities of expanding digital space and New and Emerging Strategic Technologies. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7020,"topper":"Sattwik Satyakam Devta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b0044-475600_2219_sattwik_satyakam_devta_rank_100.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. Fiscal policy can be a key tool to reduce income inequality as well as make the poorest and the downtrodden a part of the country's growth story. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. Digitizing land records will go a long way in ensuring land reforms as well as lessening the burden on the Indian Judiciary. Elaborate. Also, state the measures taken in this context. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. It has been pointed out that competitive politics to fund mostly non-merit subsidies is pushing a few states in India to the brink of a deep fiscal crisis. In this context, discuss the need to rationalise the subsidy regime in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. Micro-irrigation has tremendous potential in transforming farming into a profitable and sustainable venture. Discuss the given statement in the context of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. Given its vast resources and technical expertise, India can play a key role in assisting the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) in dealing with the impact of climate change. Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. The recent “Disaster Management Plan of Ministry of Panchayati Raj (DMP–MoPR)” aims to develop disaster resilience at the grassroots level. In this context, discuss the rationale behind the formulation of the Plan and highlight its key components.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. Discuss the internal security implications emanating from the use of Emerging And Disruptive Technologies (EDT) by state and non-state actors.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. Identify the impediments faced by India in boosting its defence exports. Also, discuss the steps taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Discuss the multiple issues associated with space debris. Also, state the initiatives taken in recent times to tackle this menace.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. The adoption of Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) in India is expected to make e-commerce more inclusive and accessible for consumers. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. While an agreement was recently reached at the WTO on a deal to curb \"harmful\" government fisheries subsidies, certain concerns raised by India suggests that the matter will require further negotiations. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":27,"question":"4 Prevent modernisation of fisheries sector in developing countries - which largely depend on unmechanized trawlers. What should be done?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"12. Despite the advantages that are associated with the hybrid annuity model (HAM) in the road construction sector, the interest in it has moderated due to various reasons. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. The existing MSP procurement regime is neither economically nor agro-ecologically sustainable. Elaborate. Also, evaluate the alternative approaches that can be adopted to improve the existing MSP regime. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. It is being argued that India is struggling with overflowing foodgrains in warehouses. Discuss the statement in view of the existing buffer stock policy of India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Why FCI struggling with overflowing food grains","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"15. Recently, the government has asked all ports to prepare a master plan in order to become 'mega ports' by 2047. In light of this, discuss the challenges faced by ports and suggest remedial measures in order to propel India's blue economy.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. Inequality in income and wealth translates into carbon inequality. In this context, discuss the significance of addressing carbon inequality for India and suggest ways to achieve it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. Despite increased and regular occurrences of landslides over the past decade in India, the dominant development paradigm has largely not been modified. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. India needs a smart border management system to balance legitimate cross border flows with national security interests. Discuss. Also, highlight the initiatives taken by the government in this regard.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. Establishing linkages between globalisation and money laundering, discuss the initiatives taken at the national and international levels to combat it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. There have been arguments that India needs to review some of its past assumptions about the nature of outer space and contribute to the development of new global norms. In this context, analyse India's stand in relation to the Artemis Accords. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"Why new Global norms needed?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7021,"topper":"Sattwik Satyakam Devta","air":100,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SATTWIK-SATYAKAM-DEVTAUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-100-Sample-MGP-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Q.1) \na) What is your understanding of corruption? In your opinion, does corruption grease or sand the wheels of growth? Justify your answer. (10 marks, 150 words)\nb) The balance between laws and conscience is delicate; when synchronized, they promote ethical conduct, but their discord can give rise to significant ethical dilemmas. Illustrate with examples (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Q.4) a) “The growing reach and influence of social media present both opportunities and challenges for ethical governance.” Examine the statement with suitable examples.\nb) “Probity in governance is an essential and vital requirement for an efficient and effective system of governance and for socio-economic development.” Discuss the statement with examples.","marks":"10","words":"10"},{"page":4,"question":"b) Write short notes on the following in 30-50 words each:\ni) Ethical congruence\nii) Conflict of interest\niii) Compassion in public life\niv) Crisis of conscience\nv) Social capital","marks":"10 marks, 150","words":"30-50 words each"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.7 Recently, a disturbing incident involving the sexual assault of two young girls at a nursery school came to light in a ‘sleepy’ town of a western state in the country. When the parents approached the local police station to lodge an FIR, the police turned them away. However, twelve hours later, the FIR was filed, and a 24-year-old cleaning staff member of the school was arrested as the only suspect in the incident.\nThe news of the assault spread rapidly, igniting widespread outrage and intense media coverage. The public was furious, leading to protests across the town demanding justice for the victims. Locals organized a bandh, vandalized the school, and blocked railway lines while demanding death penalty for the suspect.\nThe state government swung into action, suspending two police personnel for their delayed response and forming a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the case. The principal of the school, along with two staff members, was also suspended. The SIT began its investigation and charged the school principal, secretary, and chairman under sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for failing to report the crime. Meanwhile, the accused’s first wife filed a case against him for violent sexual behavior and unnatural sex. As the investigation progressed, tensions in the town continued to simmer. The pressure on the SIT to resolve the case was immense, with political figures, media, and the public all demanding swift action.\nThe following day, while the suspect was being transported to the crime scene (the school) for further investigation, he was killed in what was described as an encounter. According to the SIT's account, the suspect managed to snatch a gun from one of the officers and opened fire, injuring him. In retaliation, the police shot the suspect, who was gravely injured and later succumbed to his wounds in the hospital.\nThe news of the encounter spread quickly. While many praised the SIT for their swift action, others raised serious concerns. The family of the suspect claimed it was a staged encounter. The human rights groups echoed similar sentiments, accusing the police of an extrajudicial killing orchestrated under immense public pressure.\na What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\nb Based on the case study, discuss the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in conducting a fair and impartial investigation amidst public and political pressure.\nc What best practices should be followed to ensure the integrity of investigations in such high-profile cases?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":6,"question":"Q.8 Sowmiya is a senior public servant renowned for her integrity and transparency. Currently serving as the Head of the Budget Division in the Finance Ministry, she is responsible for managing budgetary allocations critical to the government's developmental initiatives. Her department is currently organizing financial support to the states, three of which are due to go to the polls within the financial year.\nIn this year's annual budget, the government allocated ₹9,300 crores to the National Electricity Mission (NEM), a centrally sponsored scheme aimed at providing electricity to every remaining household in the country. As of June, ₹1,775 crores had already been disbursed for this initiative. The NEM is pivotal for improving living standards and aligns with the government's broader goal of universal access to electricity.\nThe Ministry of Commerce has been advocating for the establishment of a semiconductor fabrication unit in a southern state. This project is essential for enhancing domestic manufacturing capabilities and reducing dependency on imported semiconductors. After extensive discussions spanning nearly three years among relevant stakeholders, the Union Cabinet approved the establishment of the unit, and the process for acquiring the necessary land has commenced.\nIn alignment with the government's policy toward a green transition, a leading Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) is actively working on establishing a green hydrogen plant in a northeastern state. This initiative is crucial for promoting sustainable energy solutions and achieving the 'panchamrit' targets. The CPSE has already acquired the necessary land for the project. Following three rounds of global bidding, the project was awarded to an MNC, M/s XYZ Hydrocarbons, with the first tranche of payment scheduled for December.\nThe Finance Ministry was asked for an additional allocation of ₹7,000 crores to support the semiconductor fabrication unit and the green hydrogen plant. It was decided to recommend re-appropriating this entire amount from the NEM allocation. The file was forwarded to the Budget Department for their comments and further processing. Upon reviewing the case file, Sowmiya recognized the potential consequences of such a reallocation. Diverting funds from the NEM could significantly delay its implementation, undermining a project that holds political significance and is frequently highlighted in political rallies.\nAdditionally, failing to secure timely funding for the semiconductor unit and the green hydrogen plant could jeopardize these projects and lead to cost overruns. Delayed payment in an international project could send the wrong signals to MNCs about India's commitment to honoring international","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"a. What are the ethical issues involved in re-appropriation of funds from a welfare project to the developmental projects?\nb. Given the need for proper utilization of public funds, discuss the options available to Sowmiya. Which option should she choose?\na What are the ethical issues involved in re-appropriation of funds from a welfare project to the developmental projects?\nb Given the need for proper utilization of public funds, discuss the options available to Sowmiya. Which option should she choose?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":8,"question":"Q.9 Surrogate advertising — a marketing technique that promotes a product or service restricted or banned from direct advertising, such as alcohol and tobacco, by advertising a legal product like soda, water, or music CDs from the same brand — has been around for a long time. While the practice has faced criticism in the past, it has recently gained fresh attention as several famous film stars have begun endorsing these surrogate products.\nPublic health advocates and certain sections of society are worried about this trend. They argue that when celebrities get involved, the ads become much more influential, especially among the younger audiences. These critics believe that even if the ads don’t directly promote harmful products, they still make them seem more acceptable. As a result, there is a fear that such advertising could indirectly lead to higher consumption of those items, which could bring more health problems, especially among the youth.\nOn the flip side, companies and the celebrities they work with claim they are not doing anything wrong. They point out that they are only endorsing legal products, and they have every right to advertise them. For them, this type of advertising is about keeping the brand alive and competing in a market with tight regulations. They also argue that restricting these ads could harm businesses, affecting jobs and overall economic growth.\nThe debate continues, with each side presenting its own set of compelling arguments.\na What are the ethical concerns associated with surrogate advertising?\nb Suggest a course of action that addresses the concerns of both the stakeholders involved. Justify your answer.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.10 You are the Operations Manager at a fast-growing technology startup, NexGen Solutions, known for its innovative projects and timely delivery. The startup’s environment is fast-paced, with tight deadlines and high expectations from clients and investors. Your current project, creating a cutting-edge AI based application, is critical for securing upcoming funding and partnerships. Your small, capable team includes four software developers and two project coordinators, with an equal number of men and women.\nRecently, the team has encountered major challenges. Priya, one of the female developers, has requested leave to care for her ailing mother. Meanwhile, another team member, Ayesha, is struggling to manage her workload along with caring for her infant child. As a result, other team members have taken on extra tasks, impacting their work-life balance and causing heightened stress. With the project deadline looming, tensions in the team have become visible. During a crucial project meeting, Karan, a senior developer, voices his frustration, saying, “Perhaps it’s not ideal to have team members who can’t fully commit during critical stages.”\nKaran’s remark triggers an immediate reaction. Neha, a project coordinator, finds his comment offensive and reports it to the Human Resources (HR) Department. She also hints that she might bring the issue to social media, which could harm the startup’s image. The HR Department, located at the company’s headquarters, investigates and recommends disciplinary action against Karan, emphasizing the importance of a respectful, inclusive workplace. Their recommendation puts you in a difficult situation. The project is already delayed, and losing a senior developer like Karan could jeopardize its timely completion.\nYou are now faced with a complex dilemma. On one hand, it’s vital to address the inappropriate comment and ensure a respectful work culture. On the other hand, you must keep the project on track without further demotivating your team.\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb) As the Operations Manager, how would you deal with the given situation?\nc) Based on the case study, discuss the challenges faced by women at workplace. How can such challenges be addressed?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":10,"question":"Q.11 Utkarsh is a dedicated and experienced Chief Engineer in the Public Works Department (PWD) of a major Indian city. His responsibilities include overseeing the maintenance and construction of the city's infrastructure. One of his critical responsibilities is managing the safety and welfare of the PWD workers. A sudden strike by the workers' union of the PWD erupted over the issue of compensation to a construction worker who died while repairing a major bridge in the city. The case was brought to Utkarsh's attention for resolution.\nThe deceased worker, Shyam Lal, was part of a team tasked with repairing a crucial bridge that connected two busy parts of the city. During the repair, an unfortunate accident occurred where a section of the bridge collapsed. Shyam Lal fell from a significant height, suffering severe injuries. He was immediately rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival. Shyam Lal was 45 years old and the sole breadwinner for his family, which included his wife and three young children. The initial investigation revealed that Shyam Lal had not been wearing the mandatory safety harness at the time of the accident. The management, upon learning of this, is considering not providing extra compensation to Shyam Lal's family, citing negligence on his part.\nThe PWD workers' union was outraged by this decision, arguing that the lack of proper training and supervision were the primary cause of the accident. They demanded full compensation for Shyam Lal’s family, like what other workers receive who die in the line of duty, and a job for one family member. With no satisfactory response from the management, the union went on strike, halting all ongoing maintenance and construction projects in the city. The strike has continued for two weeks, causing significant disruption to the city's infrastructure projects and leading to public outcry.\nUtkarsh is now tasked with finding a resolution to this deadlock.\na) What are the options available to Utkarsh to meet the above situation? Critically examine each of the options identified by him.\nb) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Utkarsh?\nc) What course of action should Utkarsh adopt to diffuse the above situation?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.12 Arijit, a recent graduate from a top marketing institute, has joined a prominent multinational corporation (MNC) in the “personal care and wellness” sector. The MNC is globally known for its commitment to eco-friendly, natural, and sustainable products, which was a major reason for Arijit being drawn to the job. He sees this as a chance to work on campaigns that promote health-conscious and environmentally sustainable choices worldwide.\nArijit enjoys the organization’s work culture and the nature of his new job. Within just a month, his creativity and fresh approach have earned him praise from his manager. Soon, he is assigned a high-stakes project to design an international campaign for the MNC’s new skincare product—a role typically reserved for more experienced team members. Excited, Arijit begins researching for the campaign but soon discovers an uncomfortable truth. Despite its “100% natural” branding, the product contains a significant percentage of synthetic ingredients, some of which are known to harm the environment and may also pose risks to human health. Arijit feels this contradicts the brand’s supposed commitment to environmental and health standards.\nWhen Arijit raises these concerns, his manager rebukes him and sternly instructs him to follow the company’s approved messaging. The manager emphasizes that the product meets all regulatory standards and that similar claims are widely used by other competitors in the market. Arijit is told to focus on his marketing responsibilities and avoid scrutinizing the product’s formulation. However, he still feels this is a manipulative practice that could mislead environmentally and health-conscious consumers into believing they are choosing a completely natural product.\nArijit worries that pressing the issue further could harm his career prospects, especially since he is still on probation. As the sole breadwinner with a large education loan to repay, he can’t afford to lose his job. He tries to reason that this might simply be “how business is done” and considers dropping the matter. However, his conscience continues to urge him to take action.\na. Analyze the conduct of the MNC from an ethical point of view.\nb. What are the options available to Arijit under the given situation? Evaluate each of the options and suggest the best course of action.","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":12,"question":"a. नैतिक दृष्टिकोण से बहुराष्ट्रीय कंपनी के आचरण का विश्लेषण करें।\nb. दी गई परिस्थिति में अरिजीत के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं? प्रत्येक विकल्प का मूल्यांकन करें और सबसे अच्छा उपाय सुझाएँ।\na नैतिक दृष्टिकोण से बहुराष्ट्रीय कंपनी के आचरण का विश्लेषण करें।\nb दी गई परिस्थिति में अरिजीत के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं? प्रत्येक विकल्प का मूल्यांकन करें और सबसे अच्छा उपाय सुझाएँ।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":13,"question":"Q1 (a) How Corruption greases wheels of growth?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"(1) Why synchronization promotes ethical conduct?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"2(G) As per SIPRI, globally countries have increased their nuclear warheads over the past decade, showing nuclearisation phenomena.\n Ethical Consideration to pursue disarmament","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"(c) Gandhiji showed how ahimsa (non-violence) can shake on greatest powers like the British Raj during nationalist movement.\n Why is it greater force?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"4 How to impart ahimsa spirit?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"9 The role of celebrities has often come under scrutiny as they have abused their persuasion skills to promote unethical products & services.\n(a) Ethical Concerns in Surrogate Ads","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7022,"topper":"Sattwik Satyakam Devta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7090f-475600_1227_sattwik_satyakam_devta_rank_100.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) Test of morality goes beyond doing a simple cost benefit analysis. Discuss with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"not more than 150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) Explaining what an ethical dilemma is, discuss how it reflects not merely a choice between competing interests and values but also a test of strength of one's character.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) Discuss Vivekananda's views on nationalism. Do you think nationalism has become more a divisive force in the world today than one that integrates?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) What is the relationship between Ethics and Law? Explain with examples.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":11,"question":"3. (a) What do you understand by Emotional Intelligence? Highlight its importance for civil servants.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) Explain the importance of probity in governance. What measures have been undertaken for ensuring probity in governance in India?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":15,"question":"4. (a) What do you understand by corporate ethics? Explain its significance for socio-economic development.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":17,"question":"4. (b) Ethics plays an important role in sports. In this context, explain the importance of the virtues of fairness, integrity, responsibility and respect for sportspersons.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":19,"question":"5. (a) Discuss the importance of being a role model for achieving success as a leader. In this context, what do you think are the qualities that separate a leader from a manager?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":21,"question":"5. (b) Explain the meaning and importance of the following civil services values with appropriate examples:\ni. Selflessness\nii. Objectivity\niii. Accountability\niv. Fortitude\nv. Integrity","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":23,"question":"6. What are the problems arising out of declining ethical standards among public servants? Suggest certain strategies to address the same.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":25,"question":"7. Differentiate between the following:\n(a) Horizontal and Vertical Accountability","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":27,"question":"8. Write short notes on the following:\n(a) Relation between public and private ethics","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":28,"question":"8. (b) Role of family in inculcating values","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"9. A woman employee has leveled allegations of sexual misconduct on social media against the Head of Operations in the company where you are in-charge of human resources department. This has been in the context of the recent phenomenon of women coming out against powerful men who have sexually harassed them in the past. Given the frenzy around the issue, your company is under immense pressure to act quickly against this person. You have the following options before you:\n(a) Accept the statement of allegations and take departmental and legal action quickly.\n(b) Investigate the matter through an internal complaints committee and take action after it submits its findings.\n Analyse the given options and argue which course of action would you choose? Also suggest what measures would you take to prevent occurrences of such instances in your company in future.","marks":"20","words":"in around 250"},{"page":34,"question":"10. A state has been notorious for high rate of crimes and illicit activities. An understaffed police force along with sheer volume of criminal instances makes it difficult for police to duly investigate and pursue all cases till their logical end. The criminal justice system is also burdened and it takes years to deliver justice. Given the nexus between criminals and politicians, it is difficult to conduct investigation without external influences. A sense of lawlessness has prevailed in the society. In this backdrop, it has been observed that police has been resorting to increasing number of encounters of alleged criminals rather than catching them and follow due process. Popular public sentiment is also supportive of this method and the result has been a general declining trend in crime. Given this scenario, answer the following questions:\n(a) Analyse the issue from different ethical perspectives.\n(b) What could be the effects on the police administration and the society of such a strategy?\n(c) As an advisor to the Chief Minister of the State, what advice would you give to improve the law and order situation?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":39,"question":"11. Tobacco is one of the major commercial crops cultivated in a district, where you have been posted as the District Magistrate. But being a signatory to the UN Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, it is obligatory upon India to phase out tobacco cultivation by 2020. The state government had constituted a committee, which has recently submitted a report to gradually phase out its cultivation and rehabilitate farmers who shift to alternative crops. However, fearing loss of livelihood, farmers have blocked the railway lines, causing disruption at various places. They are demanding written assurance from the state government that tobacco cultivation will be allowed to continue.\n(a) What are the ethical and administrative issues involved in this matter?\n(b) What are the options available to you as the District Magistrate?\n(c) Evaluate each of these options and choose the option, which you would adopt, giving reasons.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":44,"question":"12. An international soft drink company has a signature soft drink that it sells all over the world. In India, the version of the soft drink complies with Indian food and health regulations, but is less healthy and less safe than the drink sold in the European market where the law is stricter. A recent study in a respected health journal has indicated that this product can lead to severe public health issues in the years to come. The government has appointed a committee under your chairmanship to look into the issue and submit a report on the matter. What are the factors that you would consider in making your suggestions? In particular, identify the various stakeholders and examine the various socio-economic and ethical issues involved in this case.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":49,"question":"13. You are appointed as the principal of a school, which is located in a backward district. A colleague brings to your attention that a group of boys indulge in smoking during school hours within the vicinity of the school. The same group has also repeatedly been caught consuming alcohol in the school premises. No form of punishment seems to be effective while dealing with this particular group. Upon investigation, you find that the boys belong to low-income families and have picked up the habits from elders at home and neighbours. The teachers are concerned about the effect it will have on other students. You also realise that this problem has to be addressed as quickly as possible. In this context, answer the following questions:\n(a) Identify the factors that make young people take up such harmful habits? What is the role of educational institutions in inculcating right habits among the students?\n(b) How would you address the immediate issue? Analyse the options available to you in this regard.\n(c) How will you bring about a behavioural change among students in this case?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":54,"question":"14. In your personal life you are a religious person and strongly believe in the preservation of socio-cultural beliefs. Your recent posting as an IPS officer has brought you to a district with a widely revered shrine. Shortly after you take charge, you find considerable tension building up in the district on the question of women's entry in the shrine. In this backdrop, the Supreme Court has ruled in favour of women being allowed to enter the shrine. You are aware that there is considerable resentment against the decision. Additionally, several political parties, religious bodies and groups have launched a campaign to defend the tradition. In few weeks the traditional annual pilgrimage to the shrine is going to commence. You suspect that if the situation is not diffused it might lead to law and order problems.\n(a) What are the key issues at stake here?\n(b) Do you see any dilemmas in the unfolding situation?\n(c) In this context, what steps would you take to discharge your duties?","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":7023,"topper":"Sattwik Satyakam Devta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/57ed9-475600_1420_sattwik_satyakam_devta_rank_100.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) Man is not only a product of his environment but can also modify the environment. Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) Though it may seem that accountability and efficiency are antithetical to each other, accountability is a sine qua non for good governance. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) Gandhian ideals can be of immense help in dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic. Evaluate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) While civil servants have the legal right to undertake post-retirement jobs, it raises key ethical issues. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"3. Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context:\n(a) Try not to become a man of success but rather try to become a man of value. Albert Einstein","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) Having knowledge of an unethical act and allowing it to continue can spread a contagion that can affect multiple beings in society. Bertrand Russell","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"4. (a) When people use a common resource without a coordinated plan the result is often a tragedy of the commons in which the resource is depleted. In this context, discuss the various ethical challenges arising out of utilization of Global Commons.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"4. (b) While a code of conduct merely establishes minimal standards of conduct, a better strategy to promote ethical work culture is through internalization of values. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How to ensure internalization of values?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"5. (a) A state that does not have the political will and the discipline to enforce probity in governance, can not get rid of the menace of prolonged corruption. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"5. (b) India cannot march successfully in to the 21st century with the administrative system having a colonial mindset. Discuss in context of the bureaucratic work culture in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"6. Which corporate leader has inspired you the most and what moral lessons have you learnt from their life?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"7. Increasing participation of people in governance and easy access to information is what transforms governance to good governance. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"8. It is sometimes believed that moral scrupulousness in one's private life automatically guarantees high moral stature in professional life. Do you agree? Justify your stand with logical arguments.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"9. You are working as a District Magistrate in an aspirational district where women literacy and sex ratio is one of the lowest in the country. It is brought to your notice that a woman who has been elected as 'Sarpanch' on a seat reserved for women candidates in a panchayat in your district is head 'only on the paper'. All the work related to the panchayat is actually carried out by her husband. Even the flag hoisting ceremony on Independence Day is carried out by her husband. However, her husband happens to be a good administrator as indicated by that panchayat's performance on various developmental parameters as compared to other panchayats in the district. Also, her husband enjoys the support of the local people. Given the situation, answer the following:\n(a) Identify the stakeholders and issues involved in this case?\n(b) What options are available to you as the District Magistrate in such a scenario? Also, evaluate each option and indicate what option will you choose.","marks":"20","words":"in around 250"},{"page":34,"question":"10. The issues confronting humanity are multifaceted - from political conflicts and human rights abuses to pandemics and climate change. They are not contained within national borders, nor do they fit into the silos of separate government agencies or academic specialties. What is required is greater international cooperation, mutual respect, abiding by international laws and participative global decision-making. However, over the last decade, it has been observed that international relations have overshadowed these basic tenets of global governance and now we are at the verge of serious global catastrophic risks. When it comes to the structures of global governance, business as usual, is no longer an option. Not only an improvement in our understanding of risks is required but also taking responsibility to lead collective action for a coordinated global response.\n(a) What do you think are the factors hindering collective actions?\n(b) Provide a case for the moral obligation of the international community to come together and find solutions to the problems we face.\n(c) What should be the principles guiding such international cooperation?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":36,"question":"(b) Why International Community should come together?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"11. You are posted as Superintendent of Police in a district. A case has come up in which more than 30 girls were allegedly raped and sexually exploited at the city shelter home run by an NGO. The scandal came to light when media flagged complaints of sexual abuse of inmates of the city shelter home. A nexus of police, politicians, administration and criminals have been allegedly responsible for the racket going on for the last few years. In light of this, a lot of protests have erupted across the city. While, on one hand, media glare has meant that people are demanding swift action, you have been asked to go slow in investigating the case by top officers in your department. Elections in the state are due in a few months, so it has become a politically sensitive issue. You are also under immense political pressure from the ruling party to not take strict action and make compromises to cover up the case. Given the situation, answer the following:\n(a) Identify the issues involved in the case.\n(b) What are the options available to you? Which of these options will you choose? Justify your stand with logical arguments.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":44,"question":"12. Being the senior-most IAS officer, you are in line to be promoted as Chief Secretary after the incumbent retires in the next two months. Currently, you are heading the Public Works Department (PWD) and a road construction project worth crores has been opened for tender. A company X belonging to the son-in-law of the incumbent Chief Minister has also applied for the same. The director in charge of the screening process, a young IAS officer, has reported that company Y and the state PSU have submitted the best bids. Both you and the director are facing political pressure to favour the company X. The young IAS officer may be demoralised if you give in to the pressure. But if you don't give in then he may be transferred and your chances of promotion may also suffer. In light of the situation, answer the following:\n(a) Discuss the ethical issues faced by you in the given case.\n(b) What are the options available to you? Which of these options will you choose? Justify your stand with logical arguments.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":46,"question":"1 Favour the CM's son and grant tender to company X","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"2 Take neutral stand and choose between Company Y or PSU","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"13. As the head of the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), you are tasked to complete the construction of a power plant. The project needs to be completed expeditiously to fulfil the promise made by the government to ensure access to power for all. The selected site is in a remote area and is ideal for plant construction. However, the project would require relocation of the people living in the vicinity. Initially, the local community objected to disruption in their lives but were convinced later about the economic benefits that would accrue to the region through this plant. The project had started gathering pace, but recently a local NGO working for environment protection got involved with the local community regarding the issue. And now the local community has started protesting against any developmental activity in the region. As the officer-in-charge for the speedy execution of the project, answer the following:\n(a) What are the issues involved in this case?\n(b) What course of action will you take and why?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":54,"question":"14. Genetic editing has several applications with its potential to edit the genomes of both somatic and germ cells. This allows for the ability to not only cure genetic diseases but to edit the characteristics of future offspring. The last few years have seen the development of several efficient, more precise genetic engineering techniques. However, with growing sophistication, various issues of bioethics have also have come to the forefront.\n(a) Discuss the ethical considerations associated with genome editing.\n(b) In the light of these ethical issues, provide an ethical framework on how this technology can be used for the betterment of humanity.","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":7024,"topper":"Satvik Sharma","air":327,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SATVIK-SHARMAUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-327-Sample-ESSAY-COPY-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":16,"question":"Serious questions rare like - what is it to \"be yourself\"? , why the world is constantly trying to make you \"something else\"? & what constitutes \"our life's greatest accomplishments\"?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Why & How the world forces you to be \"something else\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"But, have \"being yourself\" lead to great accomplishments?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7025,"topper":"Satvik Sharma","air":327,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RC9uWMZsOaMx4F2pd1KkfiKa3NWGfOzC","questions":[]},{"id":7026,"topper":"Satvik Sharma","air":327,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SATVIK-SHARMAUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-327-Sample-MGP-COPY-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) The Hoysala period saw the development of a distinctive style of temple architecture renowned for its intricacy and artistic brilliance. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) British colonial rule had a profound impact on Indian agriculture, fundamentally altering the traditional agrarian economy which led to severe peasant resistance. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) The history of India's independence would remain incomplete without acknowledging the significant contributions from the Northeast region. Substantiate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) The diversity of landforms across the Earth's surface reflects the unique signatures left by different geomorphic agents. In this context, describe the various erosional and depositional landforms created by glacial action.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 Explain the factors contributing to the variability of the Indian monsoon. Also, discuss its multi-dimensional impact.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"5 Impact of Mozambique current from East\n6 La-Nina & El Nina tempering intensity\n7 Bursts & Breaks due to local pressure","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6 Describing the distribution of palm oil producing countries, throw light on the major environmental issues faced by them.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) At the time of her independence, India was beset with multiple challenges. Enumerating those challenges, analyze how far India has been able to address them.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) What do you understand by the Meiji restoration? Discuss its impact on Japan and the world.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) Discuss the reasons for the rise in prevalence of substance abuse in India. Also, examine its impact on family and society.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) Do you think that a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is essential in a multi-cultural and diverse country like India? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"6 Promote feeling of brotherhood & Nationalism culturally.\n7 Demoralise separatist forces & secessionist tendencies by linking the civil life of all people through one code.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 Discuss how the Bhakti movement, along with questioning the established social order, also made substantial contributions to the development of devotional literature.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 The Marathas posed a formidable challenge to British expansion but could not consolidate their power into a centralized authority capable of rivaling British dominance in India. Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13) The political reorganization of states and territories has been an ongoing process in the post-independence era. Discuss with examples. How successful has it been in accommodating diverse regional aspirations?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) Highlighting the contributions of revolutionaries to the Indian freedom movement, discuss the factors that limited their efforts.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 \"The aspirations of the Indian national movement extended to securing social justice and economic regeneration, in addition to political freedom.\" Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 The 'paper partition' of Africa and its prolonged journey to decolonization stand in contrast to colonial experiences elsewhere. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 \"India faces a grave water crisis due to soaring demand, pollution, and climate change, which necessitates urgent measures to ensure water security for all.\" Examine.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 Provide a reasoned account of the global distribution of volcanoes with the help of a world map. Also, discuss the various consequences of volcanoes.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 \"A seemingly casteless upper caste and an apparently caste-defined lower caste is one of the central aspects of the institution of caste in contemporary times\". Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 Tolerance and harmony are engrained in societal ethos of India, but communal discord remains a significant threat to the nation's pluralistic fabric. Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7027,"topper":"Satvik Sharma","air":327,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SATVIK-SHARMAUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-327-Sample-MGP-COPY-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) As the soul of the Constitution, the preamble is not only a majestic expression of philosophy and principles but also declares the purpose of the constitution. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Article 21 of the Constitution has been interpreted expansively to encompass various facets of personal freedom and dignity. Elucidate with the help of relevant case laws.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Explain how the Presidents of India and the USA differ in their election processes and the extent of their powers.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4 Critically examine the functioning of National Human Rights Commission of India (NHRC) as an apex institution entrusted with the protection of human rights in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 The 106th Constitutional Amendment Act (Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023) is regarded as a landmark step towards women's empowerment and representation, making women-led development a tangible reality. How far do you think this will help in making the Indian political process more gender-inclusive?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) India's growing elderly population is faced with a multitude of challenges necessitating development of a comprehensive policy framework to manage this demographic transition. Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7 Discuss the benefits and challenges associated with the entry and operation of foreign higher educational institutions for internationalization of Indian higher education, in the light of recently released UGC guidelines regarding the same.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) How far do you think that farmers association has been successful as a Pressure Group?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) The peaceful and co-operative relationship between India and Bhutan provides a unique model of bilateral ties in South Asia. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) While the Gulf region offers lucrative job opportunities, the Indian diaspora often finds itself grappling with severe challenges. Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) Recent years have witnessed a concerning decline in Parliament's functioning, marked by frequent disruptions and reduced debate on crucial national issues. Analyze the reasons for the decline in Parliament's functioning in the country and suggest remedial measures.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 To what extent, in your opinion, has the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act been successful in laying a foundation for participatory and inclusive governance at the grassroot level?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 Describe the various mechanisms available for the resolution of disputes concerning the use, distribution, or control of inter-state rivers. Also, state the reasons for their limited success.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 The Election Commission of India (ECI) stands as a sentinel of democracy, ensuring that the world's largest electoral exercise is conducted with integrity and efficiency. In light of the statement, discuss the role of ECI in conducting free and fair elections. Also, state the associated challenges and suggest remedial measures.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 While e-governance offers immense potential to revolutionize governance and service delivery, its successful implementation requires addressing multifaceted challenges. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) Assess the performance of various schemes and policies undertaken to improve the socio-economic conditions of vulnerable sections of society. What measures do you suggest to enhance their performance?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17) What are the common challenges faced by NGOs when working with the government? How can these challenges be mitigated to ensure a productive partnership between NGOs and the government?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Ways to Mitigate the Challenges to ensure effective & productive partnership of NGO & Government:","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 \"Poverty is a complex phenomenon that goes beyond material deprivation, necessitating comprehensive strategies that address the multifaceted nature of deprivation.\" Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 The expansion of BRICS presents new prospects for the organization, but their realization depends on the member states' ability to address internal challenges and enhance cooperation. Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 \"A multipolar world order is not merely an option but a necessity\". Elaborate. How can India leverage its position to strengthen multipolarity in the global arena?","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7028,"topper":"Satvik Sharma","air":327,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SATVIK-SHARMAUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-327-Sample-MGP-COPY-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":35,"question":"Contribution of Livestock Sector to rural Economy\n1) Provide hedge against poor monsoon.\n2) Additional source of income.\n3) Improves livelihood security by augmenting income of farmers.\n4) Promote cyclic economy as livestock waste could be used in manures.\n5) Livestock also help in farm mechanisation.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7029,"topper":"Satvik Sharma","air":327,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Public Administration","optional":true,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1xCUBZcllxD0F-2XPawjOsNE7mzsTWRX5","questions":[]},{"id":7030,"topper":"Satyam","air":218,"year":2016,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1536_814_Satyam_Rank_218.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7031,"topper":"Satyam","air":218,"year":2016,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1536_815_Satyam_Rank_218.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7032,"topper":"Satyam","air":218,"year":2016,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1536_817_Satyam_Rank_218.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7033,"topper":"Satyam","air":218,"year":2016,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1536_818_Satyam_Rank_218.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7034,"topper":"Satyam","air":218,"year":2016,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1536_820_Satyam_Rank_218.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7035,"topper":"Satyam","air":218,"year":2016,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1536_821_Satyam_Rank_218.pdf","questions":[{"page":9,"question":"Traditions and modernity are misplaced polarities in the study of social change in India.\" Elucidate","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Critically analyze to what extent 'structural-functional perspective' is suitable for the study of Indian Society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Andre Beteille's view on Indian caste system is regarded as approximating social reality. Critically examine","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Critically examine D.N. Dhanagare's views on agrarian movements in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"\"India needs modernization and not westernization\". Is one possible without the other? Comment","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"\"Communalism is a political doctrine which makes use of religious and cultural differences to achieve political ends\". Discuss along with adequate substantiation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"\"Citizenship in the globalized world\". Critically discuss","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"To what extent Reservation policy in India has been able to restructure the social fabric of Indian society. Discuss","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"\"The resurgence of regionalism in various parts of the country has emerged as a threat to unity and integrity of the nation.\" In the light of this statement, critically analyze the reasons for its emergence and how such divisive tendencies needs to be addressed.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Critically discuss the role of education in the process of nation-building with particular reference to India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"Briefly discuss the role of backward class movement in strengthening the process of social mobility among lower caste.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"\"Reservation of women in the legislature is must for ensuring more participative, inclusive and egalitarian society\". Comment","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"What is the relationship between fertility and social structure as viewed by Davis and Blake.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"Critically discuss the challenges faced by 'persons with disability' in accessing the Indian labor market.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"\"The prime victim of economic liberalization has been environmental sustainability.\" In the context of this statement, discuss the past and present of Indian Environmentalism.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":56,"question":"Briefly analyze the interplay between the economic status, gender, and social status in influencing the use of and access to maternal and reproductive health care in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":58,"question":"Extensive urbanization has led to dysfunctional consequences in context of India. Discuss","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7036,"topper":"Satyam","air":218,"year":2016,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1536_823_Satyam_Rank_218.pdf","questions":[{"page":25,"question":"Discuss the \"Agrarian class structure\" in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"\"Indian village is an 'idyllic' social reality, with 'Varna' system of caste hierarchy and complete functional integration between the different occupational groups.\" Comment","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"The social problem of untouchability has been understood through different perspectives. Examine","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"Critically analyze the \"evolution of national population policy\" in India and reasons for its failure to check the population growth.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"Define women empowerment. To what extent political and economic empowerment of women is sufficient condition for improving social status of women in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"\"Slum is the lifeline of Urbanity\". Comment","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7037,"topper":"Satyam","air":218,"year":2016,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1536_822_Satyam_Rank_218.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7038,"topper":"Satyam Gandhi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/aa130-803048_1457_satyam-gandhi_rank_10.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A GLOBAL CITIZEN?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"Why women like Sudha face problems such as dowry and harassment? Who all are responsible for ignoring issues of women safety? What needs to be done, other than making laws, to prevent another Sudha from committing suicide? These are the questions on which we will ponder upon in this essay.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"With the dawn of twenty first century and growing interconnectivity in the world, globalisation has opened several new opportunities for women in economic sphere such as in IT companies. Having said that, women's safety has taken new forms in shape of harassment at workplace, unpaid","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Another key thing to remember here is that even when the culprits get strictest punishment possible, as evident in Nirbhaya case, there has been no significant positive impact on women's safety. While, at the other end of spectrum, the failure of legislative mechanisms to ensure women's","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7039,"topper":"Satyam Gandhi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/62a27-803048_1696_satyam-gandhi_rank_10.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Rural health care in India faces significant challenges. Elaborate. What can be done to deal with these challenges? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"It has been argued that private sector reduces education to the status of a commodity. In this context, discuss why education should be seen as a necessary public good. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Despite undertaking many initiatives, malnutrition continues to be a matter of concern for India. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Critically discuss the idea that followers of a religion share not only a community of religious interests but also common secular interests. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The constant and aggravated contact with the Western culture has had an erosional impact on the Indian value system. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"A dispersed pattern of urbanisation leads to sprawl with associated problems. In this context, discuss how India should manage the inevitable process of urban growth going into the future. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Though both caste and race are manifestations of closed systems of stratification, there are important differences between the two. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Highlight the challenges associated with the rising number of old age dependents in India. What can be done to deal with these challenges? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Highlight the impact of drug addiction on individuals, families and society. In this context, discuss the approach adopted by National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"A Uniform Civil Code is a much needed step for India to move forward in the 21st century. Critically analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"In India, geography, identity and a sense of deprivation have historically combined to drive regionalism. Elaborate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"According to the WHO, health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well being. In this context, discuss emerging trends in mental health issues in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What are the challenges associated with cultural diversity in India? How has India been able to accommodate and manage this cultural diversity? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The high incidence of poverty combined with multiple deprivations among poor is the most important development challenge for India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The story of contemporary India is a story of migration. In this context, explain how migration has shaped India socially and economically. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"It can be argued that caste like social stratification is a feature present across religious distinctions in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Domestic servants are one unique group of workers in modern India, which is ubiquitous but remains invisible. Indicate the challenges faced by this section of workers. Also, discuss the factors that contribute to these challenges and suggest measures to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Highlight the need and challenges of mainstreaming vocational education in India. What measures have been taken by the government in this regard? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7040,"topper":"Satyam Gandhi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6e779-803048_1694_satyam-gandhi_rank_10.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"In light of the renewed focus on strategic disinvestment in recent times, examine the rationale behind it and also discuss the concerns raised against it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"For minimising distribution losses in the power sector, public private partnership (PPP) and input-based distribution franchisee models can provide the solution. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"It is imperative that the present system is re-engineered and a transition towards Outcome Budgeting is made for effective Public Finance Management in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The recent Union Budget has proposed corporatizing at least one major port. In this context, highlight the benefits of a corporatized port, as compared to ports run by public authorities. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss why land pooling is being seen as an effective and dependable tool that can replace the traditional land acquisition mechanism. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Identify the challenges faced by the railways in India. In this context, also discuss the ways in which the Railways can be transformed into an efficient public service provider as well as commercially viable entity. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Give an account of the benefits that can accrue from the One Nation One Ration Card scheme. In this context, also discuss the challenges that need to be addressed for the scheme to become a success. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Highlighting the need for Participatory Irrigation Management (PIM) in India, discuss the constraints in implementing PIM. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Inclusive growth in an economy itself negates the need for a Universal Basic Income. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"E-commerce holds the potential to revamp agriculture marketing in India in multiple ways. Discuss with suitable examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"While some associate increased penetration of technology and industrialization with increase in inequality in India, the reasons for the same lie somewhere else. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs) in India are in need of urgent reforms addressing their regulatory, structural and operational issues. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Why is participation in Global Value Chains (GVCs) important for India? Highlighting some of the concerns associated with GVCs, suggest some measures for India to reap benefits from participating in them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"National Infrastructure Pipeline is an ambitious step in the direction of achieving multiple development goals. In this context, discuss its features and significance. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The government should prioritize capital investments over subsidies to improve the economic situation of farmers. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Highlighting the potential of micro and small enterprises in the food processing sector, enumerate the challenges that they face. In this regard, discuss the importance of the Scheme for Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (FME). (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss how the idea of Aatmanirbhar Bharat goes beyond the traditional view of self-reliance. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The cropping pattern in India is highly skewed towards crops that are water-intensive. In this context, discuss the need to shift the focus from land productivity to irrigation water productivity. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7041,"topper":"Satyam Gandhi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/021f7-803048_1691_satyam-gandhi_rank_10.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The practice of passing of bills without the scrutiny by the parliamentary standing committees undermines their significance and sets a wrong precedent. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The right to recall is a much-needed step to deepen democracy in India. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Is anti-defection law a restriction on the freedom of choice of legislators? Examine and also highlight the role played by the Speaker in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Inter-state river water disputes have been among the most pressing issues faced by the Indian federal system. In this context, examine the potential of the Inter-State River Water Disputes (Amendment) Bill, 2019 in addressing the issues involved. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The expressions 'equality before the law' and 'equal protection of the laws' may seem to be identical, but, in fact, they mean different things. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Idea of the Civil Services Board has been widely hailed as a key civil services reform, however it is not without its own limitation. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"It is argued that the introduction of compulsory voting in India would strengthen its democratic credentials. Critically analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Setting up of an Open Government Data (OGD) Platform can potentially be a game-changer for transparency and accountability. Analyse. Also, identify the challenges that remain in translating this potential into reality. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"There have been concerns related to foreign funding to NGOs in India. In this context, examine the current framework regulating the same. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Social audit not only increases accountability and transparency but also facilitates good governance. Discuss. Also, highlight the impediments faced in institutionalizing social audits in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlight the Quasi-Judicial and Advisory functions of the Election Commission of India. Do you think the powers of the Election Commission need a relook in context of the challenges it has faced in recent years? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Increase in the number of judges at the Supreme Court is a welcome step, nonetheless efficient functioning of the judiciary requires broader reforms at all levels of judicial hierarchy. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Federal tensions in India highlight the need for reforming the Seventh Schedule through the addition, removal and appropriate placement of entries. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What do you understand by doctrine of eminent domain? How can it be applied to understand the evolution of right to property under the Indian constitution? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Explain the structure and function of the National Commission for Backward Classes. What is the significance of recent changes made in its status? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss each adjective attached to the word 'Justice' in the 'Preamble'. Highlight some constitutional and legal steps taken towards each of them in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What are the challenges in conducting free and fair elections in the era of proliferation of social media? In this context, identifying the steps taken by the ECI, suggest further measures. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Explain how the linkage between banks, NGOs and SHGs helps in facilitating access to microfinance and contributes to the development of rural areas. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Identify the different issues associated with the design and implementation of MGNREGA. What reforms have been taken in recent times to address the above-identified issues? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"A sound legal framework, robust institutional mechanism for establishing rule of law, competent and dedicated workforce and decentralization and delegation are some of the necessary preconditions for good governance. Elaborate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7042,"topper":"Satyam Gandhi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1h8jdfltz_Oppo_TyUg_1GWd-zxM6KYU-/view","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Q1. (a) What constitutes conflict of interest for a civil servant and how it can be avoided? Explain with appropriate examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Q1 (b) Discuss the potential and limitations of corporate governance in promotion of ethics in business.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Q2. (a) \"Corruption greases the wheel of the system, remarked by Kant\". Is it true for Indian bureaucracy? Give argument.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Q2. (b) It is the complacent and indifferent work culture in bureaucracy which is responsible for poor quality of service in India. Do you agree? Explain and suggest measures to improve work culture in Indian bureaucracy.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Q3. (a) Comment on the following important values for civil servants\na) Open accountability\nb) Exemplary behaviour\nc) Public service spirit\nd) Loyalty and allegiance to Constitution","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Q3. (b) Explain how human conscience works as source of ethical guidance? To what extent it is relevant for civil servants who are more guided by their conduct rules?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Q4. (a) Explain the conditions of ethical dilemma faced by civil servants in India. What are the general principles which should guide them in dilemma like situations?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Q4. (b) \"In the happiness of his subjects lies his happiness; in their welfare his welfare. He shall not consider as good only that which pleases him but treat as beneficial to him whatever pleases his subjects.\" Kautilya. Comment in the light of its recent relevance.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Q5. (a) Examine the Max Weber's idea of bureaucracy and its relevance in the era of good governance.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Q5. (b) Explain how law/rules/regulations help ethical conduct in society? Should fear be the basis for enforcement of law? Justify your view.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Q6. (a) Why accountability is considered very important value for administration? Apart from law, discuss some other important ways for promoting accountability in administration.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Q6. (b) Which factors play important role in efficient fund utilisation - a good legal and institutional system or probity and integrity? Argue the statement and give your view. (150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Q6. (c) Explain Amartya Sen's Human Capability approach to development and justice and why it is considered relevant in present scenario of promotion of equity and equality in society?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Q7. Miss A had a friendly relation with Mr B. Both are in their teen-age. They developed a bond and trust and have had consensual sex. But one day, the boy sent their private images to her friends. Since then the girl feels shattered and depressed. She feels suddenly loss of reputation and betrayal.\nTo her shock, the boy denied any involvement. The girl doesn’t want a police case rather she wants acknowledgement of wrongdoing and admission of guilt by the boy. There are many similar incidents happening in different part of the country. The increment in such incidents is also due to social media and befriending through this platform and deserting later.\na) In this case, suppose the parents of the girl approach a Police Station for intervention without FIR and you are in-charge of the Station then discuss your courses of action.\nb) What legal, social and psychological challenges will be faced by you? Discuss also remedies to the challenges.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Q8 After the judgement of the honourable Supreme Court on LGBT which de-criminalises Section 377 of IPC, the Indian Military is facing dilemma whether to make it permissible or not. The Army Chief has expressed that the military will not allow homosexuality. He says, \"Army is conservative, we are not westernised nor modernised\". Usually, for gay sex in defence forces or a report of any such acts, court martial is done and the said officer is sacked. Suppose you are a senior officer in the military then what will be your response to the view expressed by the army chief.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q9. Suppose you are the head of the District Executive Committee who happens to be the District Magistrate then discuss how you will ensure proper implementation of the plan and take steps for minimising stubble burning and its effects on environment?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Q10. Suppose you are the head of the team who has search operation then what will be your courses of action in case of Mr A? Also give reasons for justification of your actions.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Q11. The PDS suffers from nearly 61% error of exclusion and 25% inclusion of beneficiaries, i.e. the misclassification of the poor as non-poor and vice-versa, according to a recent study conducted in one state.\nAccording to the report, this misclassification is due to nexus at local level between Gram Pradhan, BDO and local MLA. Merely paying some bribes is adequate enough for inclusion or exclusion from the list.\nSuppose you are a trainee-IAS officer and have been given an independent charge as SDM in one such district of the state, wherein you have jurisdiction over 205 villages having rampant misclassification of list of beneficiaries then how will you address the misclassifications?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q12 Mrs A has been the head of a private bank for more than a decade. She is highly renowned and has remained one of the best women corporate leaders in India. Recently, there is exposure by media of some financial irregularities between the private bank she heads and the company in which her husband is at senior position. The allegation is that due to her husband, the private bank gave financial favour which is against banking regulation norms and rules and therefore, there is immense pressure on Mrs A to resign. The allegation has been vociferously denied by Mrs A and her husband. Suppose you were at Mrs A place then what could have been your courses of action in such situation? Also give reasons for your actions.","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":7043,"topper":"Satyam Gandhi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NvkfoknrYZl65zstvV15L__guc1zSJe_/view","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Q1. (a) Lack of an orientation to take and own responsibility as moral development is the main cause of poor work ethics in governments' offices. Do you agree with the statement? Give justification.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Q1. (b) The role of discretion is essential for competent decisions by civil servants but it is also among the main reasons for misuse of power. In the light of this statement, discuss how the human conscience can work as a guide for appropriate application of discretion?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Q2. (a) The world has not responded responsibly to international refugees' crisis. Does it show failure of ethics in international relations? Give justification to your view.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Q2. (b) Differentiate the following conflictual values with examples:\na) Ethical Egoism Vs. Psychological Egoism\nb) Libertarianism Vs. Egalitarianism\nc) Moral Relativism Vs. Ethical Absolutism","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Q3. (a) Explain the concept of corporate governance. Does it have potential to address the problems of conflict of interest in business sector? Give your view with recent examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Q3. (b) Accountability in administration and government is more adhered in terms of letter and not spirit. Can inculcation of professionalism eliminate this anomaly? Explain.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Q4. (a) \"As human beings, our greatness lies not so much in being able to remake the world - that is the myth of the atomic age - as in being able to remake ourselves\" - Mahatma Gandhi. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Q4. (b) Law is nevertheless an indispensable part of the picture. It is a necessary complement to both morality and ethics. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Q5. (a) What do you understand by 'global ethics'? How it is related to the concept of 'Global Village' or 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'? Explain.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Q5. (b) Social media will not survive without social media ethics. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"How will social media ethics help","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Q6. (a) Should the philosophy of Kautilya as sama, dana, danda and bheda be applied in politics and administration to achieve desirable objectives? How it will affect morality of people? Explain.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Q6. (b) The greatest intoxication is that of the ego. The worst madness is that of anger. The person who is free from arrogance and anger finds goodness and beauty wherever he goes! When we think we know everything, we lose the battle of life. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"5) Talk about wisdom in the end - reference to Socrates.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"Q6. (c) Trust in government is increasingly an issue of concern everywhere. Analyse the statement. Also suggest some measures so that public institutions can be more trust- worthy for citizens.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Q7. Suppose you are the head of regional medical council and the matter has been referred to you then\na) What are the ethical dilemmas in the above case?\nb) What will be your course of action, justify with substantial reasons.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Q8. You are a civil servant come across a situation of child labour in your department. \"Son of a Group D employee, who is seriously ill and is unable to do his job, is performing the duty of his father. In this way he is taking care of his family, his father is bed ridden and can't do any work. He also doesn't want to retire at this stage. The other employees in the office don't have any problem. Rather they are supportive to the boy. You are faced with two choices: either fight against the child labour or make sure the son is not allowed to work or turn a blind eye towards the issue. In this situation, what will your response to the practice of child labour?\"","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q9. An Indian NGO ship plying in Bay of Bengal blocked a Coastguard ship of Bangladesh. By doing so this ship saved the life of around 100 Rohingya migrant who were fleeing Myanmar. As Bangladesh didn't want to take them, as they have already huge burden of refugees, they were forcing them to return, but in the absence of any support, these refugees were destined to die. In this condition, the above NGO ship created blockade in such a way that the refugees entered into Bangladesh. However, in doing so the NGO ship directly disobeyed the orders of Bangladeshi coastguard. Now the captain of the NGO ship is being tried in Bangladesh. However, the captain of the ship is being appreciated by some countries and the international bodies for her valour.\n Identify the ethical issues in this case. Suppose you were the judge in the country where she is being tried then what would be your judgement? Give adequate justification.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Q10. Identify the ethical issues in above situation. As a DM magistrate of the concerned district, identify the course of action. What innovative steps you will take to solve this problem?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Q11. To maintain order, stability and security, after scrapping of article 370, the government has put restrictions on the movement of people and shut down mobile phones, internet and other telecommunications.\nDue to lockdown, a leading global business services provider of customer experience management decides to close its Srinagar BPO and retrenching all 70 employees citing reduction in business in the state.\nIf the company closes the business then it can make the task of the government more difficult in bringing the situation to normal as other businesses will also suffer which will create unemployment and trust deficit among people.\nSuppose you are a senior civil servant heading the administration in the region the company operates then in what way you will intervene, so that, in this extra-ordinary situation, a new problem is not added to the woes of people? Give also justification.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q12 Last two years have seen a unique movement by women across the world as well as in India i.e. #MeToo movement. Women working in many fields including film industry, journalism, politics, etc have come forward and alleged how they were sexually exploited and harassed by men.\nThe allegations are also against very popular actors, artists, filmmaker, producer and politicians. Though the some incidents happened many years back but the women have suffered from trauma and other problems for years.\nOne thing that has been observed is common among all accusations that those who have been accused have completely rejected the allegations. Some even went on to file back cases against women.\nSuppose the government wants you to look into this matter with an aim to take some measures, so that, in future, such things are minimised and there is a mechanism to try such cases and punish those who are responsible. The government asks you to respond to following as term of references:\na) Discuss the ethical issues\nb) Find out causes why men don't feel remorseful\nc) Recommend measures for ensuring gender justice","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":7044,"topper":"Satyam Gandhi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/18IR9eo-DpKRiluwkcMqMr8ZrazX4MmTZ/view","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Q1. (a) Explain with help of examples, differences and similarity between values, morality and ethics?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Q1. (b) Discuss why character for human is considered as the most important virtue and in your view, which values are important for civil servants for building a good character?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Q2. (a) What do you understand by 'moral duty' as a philosophy propagated by Immanuel Kant? Explain its relevance in present society.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Q2. (b) What do you understand by human values? Discuss the role and significance of family and school in propagation of such values in children.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Q3. (a) Differentiate the following values considered relevant for civil services:\na) Accountability and responsibility\nb) Responsiveness and resoluteness\nc) Efficiency and effectiveness\nd) Honesty and integrity","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Q3. (b) \"Next time someone complains that you have made a mistake, tell him that may be a good thing. Because without imperfection, neither you nor I would exist.\" - Stephen Hawking. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Q4. (a) Aptitude and attitude are the two sides of the same coin which determine the quality of human personality. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Q4. (b) Discuss why emotional intelligence has become an important part of behavioural competence for human? How it enhances competence of civil servants and why it has become essential part of human resource development?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Q5. (a) When it comes to attitude held by people in India then one often faces stereo-type, prejudices, complacent but hostile and conflictual attitudes. Do you agree? Give arguments.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Q5. (b) What do you understand by constitutional and social morality? Do they have conflictual relations? Explain with appropriate examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Q6. (a) \"Capital punishment can be legally justified but not morally.\" Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Q6. (b) \"The equals should be treated equally and unequals should be treated unequally.\" (Aristotle) Comment in the light of relevance of the statement in the present context.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Q6. (c) The utilitarian philosophy of \"the greatest good to the greatest number of people\" though very popular but seems to have been losing its relevance. Do you agree? Give arguments.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Q7 A woman having HIV positive has died in a village by committing suicide. She did it by jumping into a nearby pond. The village is dependent on pond water for sundry purposes including washing clothes and taking baths. Once the news spreads in the village then the people get panicked and stop using pond water as they fear that those who will touch water will get HIV/AIDS and therefore, people demand for evacuating water, sterilising it and then filling it with fresh water. Suppose you are the Gram Pradhan of the village then what will be your response to the demands of villagers?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Q8 Recently on the occasion of Dusehra in Amritser, over 40 people were maimed by two trains running in opposite direction as people were standing on tracks and were not able to hear coming of trains. The panickness also resulted into more casualties. It is said that the place where Ravana's effigy was burned, could occupy only 2000 people but there were over 20,000 people and due to over-crowd, people spread to railway tracks and when trains came nearby, they started running here and there. It was not first time that on a particular occasion, incident happened and people died rather it can be found often in different parts of the country stampedes and casualties.\na) Suppose you were one such spectator present there then what could have been done by you?\nb) After the incident, how you will analyse the role of organiser, Indian railways and local administration?\nc) In your view, what measures should be taken to tackle such types of incidents happening throughout the country?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q9. In one such district, the number of crimes has increased and also corruption. Murder, killing, stealing/snatching, smugglings, corruption in government schemes/projects etc, are on all time high. The criminals roam free and often threaten local administration. Since they have political connections, generally local administration goes slow against them or even if they are arrested, they get bails.\nAt the same time, the local administration is also to be blamed as they in day to day life are also corrupt which is often justified by some government employees. They say that due to lack of infrastructure and support from superiors, they are forced to become corrupt.\nSuppose you are the newly appointed District Magistrate then discuss your courses of action to tackle the problems in the case study?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Q.10. Mr A, is an ordinary Indian citizen. He runs a celebrated food outlet outside a glitzy building located in a commercial complex in a mega city where corporate offices of many MNCs are housed. The stall feeds scores of people working in the corporations based in the building and the area and hundreds of visitors every day.\nJust like almost every other ordinary Indian, corruption is inevitably attached to his life as well. The number of palms Mr. A has to grease regularly is bewildering. There are local beat constables who take free lunches. The police officials take as much as Rs 10,000 a month for allowing Mr. A to keep the stall open till late night.\nAdd to this the officials from various local authorities who receive regular payments - around Rs 3000-4000 a month - to ensure that health, safety and hygiene inspections go smoothly.\nSuppose you are a vigilance officer, happen to have lunch at Mr A food outlet and he narrates the above experiences to you then\na) What will be your reaction after hearing his experiences?\nb) What you will advice to Mr A and why?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Q11. Mr A had hip-implant five years ago but now he finds that it is defective. The company which manufactures this implant has come to know from different sources that the hip-implants are defective and hence, it has issued order for withdrawal of such implants from the markets of different countries. Like Mr A there are hundreds of other people in India who now find that their hip-implant is also defective. Therefore, such people start demanding compensation and actions against doctors, hospitals and the company. Since company belongs to the US and hence, there are regulatory challenges in India. The company has paid compensation in US and the issue has been settled over there, but in India, the company is trying to avoid its responsibility.\na) Suppose you are Mr A then in such situation, what should be your courses of action?\nb) Discuss the ethical issues in the case study.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q12 There is report of cow slaughter in one such area which results into spread of rumour due to which there is building up of strong protest by people demanding immediate action. Over 400 hundred people gather which outnumber police and even threaten police.\na) Suppose you are a police officer facing a violent mob similar to the incident like Bulandshaher recently, then in such situation what should be your courses of action.\nb) What measures you will suggest so that in future such types of incidents are stopped?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"(a) Course of action of police officer","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7045,"topper":"Satyam Gandhi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaanias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1a7szKv7UAZDsJYv_PGlZ8K6O84n2KplK/view","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"1 (a) Explain the significance of ethics in improving personal and societal well-being. (150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"1. (b) Religion and ethics both aim for improving conduct but in different ways. Explain with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. (a) Whether means are more important than ends or ends are more important than means? Explain in the context of a civil servant role in society.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"2. (b) Which great personality has motivated you the most in your ethical development? Give a brief account of his/his teachings. Giving specific examples describe how you have been able to apply these teachings for your own ethical development.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"3. (a) In which way, our attitude is shaped and guided by the family and social surroundings in which we grow up? Explain the manifestations of such attitude of people in society.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"3. (b) \"Anyone can be angry - that is easy. But to be angry with the right person, to the right degree, at the right time, for the right purpose, and in the right way - that is not easy.\" - Aristotle.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"4. (a) \"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power.\" — Abraham Lincoln. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"4. (b) How ethics in private relationships affects ethics in public relationships?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"5. (a) What do you understand by scientific temper and spirit of enquiry? As a responsible citizen of the country how would you fulfill your fundamental duty to develop the scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform? (150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"5. (b) How far do you agree that prayers should be allowed in schools? To what extent they are effective in inculcation of ethical values among the children?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"6. (a) How could social influence and persuasion contribute to change the prejudiced attitudes in society? Explain with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"6. (b) \"Seeking forgiveness for own mistakes is a trait of strong and not weak person.\" Mahatma Gandhi. In the light of the statement, discuss why forgiveness should be perused in present society as a strong value?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"6. (c) \"What really matters for success, character, happiness and life long achievements is a definite set of emotional skills - not just purely cognitive abilities.\" - Daniel Goleman. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":31,"question":"6. (c) \"What really matters for success, character, happiness and life-long achievements is a definite set of emotional skills — not just purely cognitive abilities.\" — Daniel Goleman. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":33,"question":"7. Mr. A is an employee of a reputed Multi National Company (MNC). The company has very good image in the society. The Company is also known for its transparent work culture and promoting corporate governance practices. While working on particular project, Mr. A come across the certain information where he comes to know that CEO of the company has followed unethical practices to boost short term revenue and profits of the Company. Mr. A knows that it is against the foundational values of the organization as well as societal interest. In such situation, following are the option with Mr A\na) He should share it with any senior and seek advice what to do?\nb) He should directly talk to the CEO of the company and reason out for the behaviour.\nc) He should complain to the appropriate department in the company.\nd) He should write a letter to the concerned department of the Government to blow whistle.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"1. What are the ethical dilemmas faced by you in this situation?\n2. Discuss the values that should guide you in writing an article in given situation and give reasons why they are important.","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"9. You are a Sarpanch of a Panchayat. There is a primary school run by the government in your area. There is societal convention emerged that students will wear the caste bands of different colours. The students of lower caste are identified on the basis of colour of the band and they are mistreated by fellow students as well as teachers. The school management is aware of the practices but did not take any action.\nWhen Block education officer came to know about the practice, he issued notice to school administration to end the practice and take action against those promoting it. In few days the attendance rate dropped suddenly as half of the children belonging to higher castes were not allowed to go in the school by their parents. This could result in the possibility of subsequent closing down the school.\nDiscuss your strategies to effectively address the problems in the case study. Also identify the values which are under threat due to discriminatory behavior.","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"10. The students of a reputed central university are protesting against fee hike by the university administration. The university needs to sustain its finances as funds from the government found to be insufficient. At the same time, the students from poor and rural sections of the society may not be able to get opportunity to receive education from the university. Generally, the fee so far remained very nominal which helped students from poor background.\nSuppose you are a senior official working in the administration of the university and vice-chancellor of the university appoints you to solve the issue amicably. Discuss your courses of action with reasons.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"11. You are District Collector and in your district there is a village which was awarded a national award for 100% coverage in Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (for LPG connection). Recently a group of social researchers visit this village. They started interviewing the villagers on the pattern of uses of LPG. The research covered all villagers irrespective of their economic and social backgrounds. Around 90% of the respondents claimed that they use solid fuels in their daily cooking. Those who were affluent, they hired labourers to cut wood for cooking purposes. And in poor household women walk several kilometers for forest wood as deforestation decreased the nearby forest. Sometimes they spend the entire day in forest collecting the forest wood. Upon asking why they are not using the LPG, they give different reasons such as food cooked on a chulha is healthier and tastier as compared to the rotis cooked on gas cause indigestion. Some claims that smoke from chulha is good for eyes as it causes tears. However, few women had their own story to tell, they say that they are more comfortable in using LPG. They admit that initially they were so happy that they thought that LPG would end their misery. They would not have to make cow dung cakes or cover a long forest route which is dangerous for them. But their excitements soon fade away when the first cylinder became due for refill. As it was not only costly for them to get it refilled but the supply was also erratic. You come to know about this research which will be published shortly in prominent newspapers then what will be your courses of action to tackle the challenges faced by the villagers?","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"12 Suppose you are District Collector of that district then\na) What are the ethical issues involved in this case and who should be held responsible for the death of the woman?\nb) How such type of problems can be avoided in the future? Explain with reasons.(250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":7046,"topper":"Satyam Gandhi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hi8pZMzozVzMVUaarhnUTggYZC6ugjTC/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) Norms of social morality should not be applied to acts of civil servants while they are carrying out their professional roles and responsibilities to further the common good. Critically analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) Determination of ethics in state policies and actions is not easy because every policy and action has both positive and negative aspects viewed from different stakeholders' perspectives. Discuss with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) What do you understand by global ethics in today's world? Highlight the role that global ethics can play in achieving universally accepted goals.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) Highlight the important teachings of Swami Vivekananda, relevant to the youth of today.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"3 (a) Courage is the most important of all the virtues because without courage, you can't practice any other virtue consistently.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) One has not only a legal but also a moral responsibility to obey just laws. Conversely, one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"4. (a) Can a war ever be justified on moral grounds? Support your answer with suitable arguments.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"4. (b) Do you think that ethical principles are universal in nature? Justify your answer with relevant examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"5. (a) For civil servants, both professional competence and commitment to ethics are equally important. Analyze.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"5. (b) Despite changing family structure, it still plays an important role in nurturing core societal values. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"6. Impartiality as a core value of civil services should not become a hurdle in showing compassion towards weaker sections of the society. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"7. Tolerance is not enough, it is the idea of acceptance that accommodates diversities and makes a society inclusive. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"8. Companies adhering to the norms of corporate governance emerge as winners in the long run. Evaluate with the help of suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"9. You are posted as a DCP in the national capital of the country. In a locality which falls under your jurisdiction, protests have been going on for the last one month against a decision taken by the government. While these protests have been non-violent in nature and are being led by women, the protesters have blocked a major road which connects a number of satellite cities. This has led to traffic jams and congestion causing inconvenience to people who use this road for commuting to work causing hardships and a loss to the economy. A number of people filed complaints in this regard and also approached the courts. The High Court has directed the police to keep larger public interest in mind and take appropriate action.\n\nIn light of the information given above, answer the following questions:\n(a) While highlighting the significance of right to protest in a democratic setup, discuss the limitations on this right, even if the protests are non-violent, as in this case.\n(b) What are the options available to you?\n(c) Evaluate each of these options and choose the option you would adopt, giving reasons.","marks":"20","words":"around 250"},{"page":34,"question":"10. You are a sportsman who has been recently included in the national team squad for an upcoming international tournament. Many others are fighting for the same position and you would like to cement your place in the team as soon as possible. While you are practicing at a training session for the tournament with your fellow team mates, one amongst them offers you a prohibited substance. He claims that it will help you in improving your performance in the tournament. He also informs you that a lot of other team mates also use performance enhancing drugs or PEDs to improve their performance in tournaments.\nIn this context, answer the following questions:\n(a) What are the options available to you in the above case? Which amongst these will you choose and why?\n(b) Discuss the ethical issues involved in doping by sportspersons.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":39,"question":"11. Recently, the four accused in the rape and murder of a veterinary doctor were shot down by the police while they were in police custody. The police claimed that the four accused were taken to the site of the rape in the early hours of the morning. They managed to snatch two pistols from the policemen, fired and injured two cops, and were shot in retaliation. Soon thereafter, a majority of the public welcomed the news of the police shooting the alleged rapists.\nWhy is it that people applaud these actions of the police? Do you share such sentiments? Justify with relevant arguments.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":44,"question":"12. Public policy is being increasingly informed by insights from the behavioural sciences. One such behavioural approach is the Nudge theory. It is mainly concerned with the design of choices, which influences the decisions we make. Nudge theory proposes that the designing of choices should be based on how people actually think and decide, rather than how leaders and authorities traditionally believe people think and decide.\nIn this context, answer the following questions:\n(a) Giving examples, illustrate the difference between enforced change and 'Nudge' techniques?\n(b) Identify the ethical concerns associated with the nudge technique. Also, suggest ways for using nudging theory ethically.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":49,"question":"13. You are posted as a District Magistrate in a remote district in India. The district is prone to frequent natural disasters which often lead to breakdown of the administrative machinery. The educational and health institutes in the district suffer the most as the supply of goods is disrupted during any such disaster. You have been given the task to enroll the people in your district for a government program which requires gathering information from people using door to door campaigns. However, people in the district are not forthcoming and are refusing to comply with the directions. Upon interaction with the local leaders, you realize that their trust on local administration has also eroded.\n(a) What are the administrative challenges that you face in such a situation to restore the credibility of the administration?\n(b) Given the resources and command of the government, what short-term and long-term measures can be taken to earn back the trust of the people and their willing cooperation?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":54,"question":"14. In contemporary times, disruptions have become an endemic feature of the functioning of Indian Parliament. Though it is not a new phenomenon, disruptions, which were an exception earlier, seem to have become the new normal. The years gone by have seen MPs raise slogans, snatch papers from ministers and indulge in theatrics. Crucial time of the Parliament, which ought to have been spent in debating appropriateness of legislation or other important issues, is getting unnecessarily wasted.\nIn this context, answer the following:\n(a) Identify the ethical issues involved from the point of view of different stakeholders?\n(b) What are the reasons behind such a scenario?\n(c) Is merely having a code of conduct or ethics sufficient to resolve this situation?","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":7047,"topper":"Satyam Gandhi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaanias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZEafxqPW9ghKtiDGmg-2OPRQuwonG36A/view","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"1. (a) Ethics is derived from social norms but all social norms are not ethical. Explain with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"1. (b) \"Good people don't need law but bad people will always find their ways around law.\" (Plato). Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. (a) What are the determinants of moral values of a society? How they influence adherence of ethics in such society? Explain with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"2. (b) Why some values are considered as human values? What the relevance they have for society?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"3. (a) Discuss how the attitude of people influences their conduct? Enumerate positive and negative attributes of attitude held by people in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"3. (b) Define emotional intelligence and explain its major components.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"4. (a) For effective functioning of civil services, what should be the main characteristics of aptitude? Explain with justification.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"4. (b) Should civil servants merely follow the orders of superiors without questioning them? Give justification to your view.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"5. (a) Should civil servants be concerned about the decisions of the government even if they are not directly linked to them and raise their voice if they are not in the letter and spirit of the constitution?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"5. (b) \"Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.\" Comment with appropriate examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"6. (a) Which philosophy should in your view work as golden rule for people- deontology or teleology? Give justification to your view.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"6. (b) State reasons why war is not considered as the first option rather is taken as the last resort?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"6. (c) Discuss why people continuously try to make life safe and secure? Does this endeavour make them selfish and force them for wrongful conduct? Argue your view.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"7. A judge of the supreme court has been part of a judgement. Now the matter has been referred to a five judge bench in which he is also a member. The judge is known for his honesty and integrity. But there is immense pressure on him to recuse himself as his presence brings potential conflict of interest. But he refuses to do so.\nIn your view, what should be the most appropriate conduct in this situation? Give adequate reasons for the justification of your view.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"8. In the wake of scrapping of Article 370, two civil servants have resigned from the service as IAS. They are of the view that the building blocks of the democracy are at threat and they cannot be the part of the system. It has become difficult to work with the government.\nAs an IAS, they were highly meritorious and had earned the government acclaim. Their resignation has resulted into a debate that should civil servants be given more autonomy especially freedom of expression?\n\nSuppose you are also a civil servant then how would you respond to the resignations of the two civil servants? Give justification to your view?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"9. Government is about to announce a project for which you have been given task to prepare details. It is proposed to be announced within few months. You have discussed some aspects of the project with your wife to take her opinion. She also shares this with her colleagues in her office which is a private company. Eventually, there seems to be leakage of information on the project which can give undue benefits to the private company as it is an expected applicant.\nThe government sets up a inquiry for disciplinary proceeding. What will be your response before the committee?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"10. Suppose you the newly appointed district magistrate then what will be your course of action. Also give justification to your actions.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"11. You are a senior level officer in the government responsible for utilisation of a corpus of Rs. 800 crore fund for some welfare activities. You have been told by a minister of the state to divert the fund for flood relief in the state. Although you have power to do so but any diversion of the fund needs proper justification in the annual financial report and if found any lacuna then it can be the case of financial impropriety. Will you divert the fund? Give your view.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Briefly mention about importance of prudent utilisation of public funds.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"12. You have been appointed as the SP of a district and you come to notice corrupt practices by the police. On further inquiry you find that the police infrastructure is very poor. It also doesn't have adequate funds to meet its day to day requirements. Hence, a culture has emerged that police collect money from vehicles, shops, etc. to meet its expenditure. Even the police has the support of some senior officers and they also receive the benefits of bribe culture. You hold a meeting and try to convince them that their practices are unlawful and unbecoming of police as an institution but they are not convinced. Suppose you are the SP then what should be your courses of actions and why?","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":7048,"topper":"Satyam Gandhi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4b1e8-803048_1695_satyam-gandhi_rank_10.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Norms of social morality should not be applied to acts of civil servants while they are carrying out their professional roles and responsibilities to further the common good. Critically analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Determination of ethics in state policies and actions is not easy because every policy and action has both positive and negative aspects viewed from different stakeholders' perspectives. Discuss with suitable examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand by global ethics in today's world? Highlight the role that global ethics can play in achieving universally accepted goals. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlight the important teachings of Swami Vivekananda, relevant to the youth of today. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) Courage is the most important of all the virtues because without courage, you can't practice any other virtue consistently. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Can a war ever be justified on moral grounds? Support your answer with suitable arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Do you think that ethical principles are universal in nature? Justify your answer with relevant examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"For civil servants, both professional competence and commitment to ethics are equally important. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Despite changing family structure, it still plays an important role in nurturing core societal values. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Impartiality as a core value of civil services should not become a hurdle in showing compassion towards weaker sections of the society. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":34,"question":"You are a sportsman who has been recently included in the national team squad for an upcoming international tournament. Many others are fighting for the same position and you would like to cement your place in the team as soon as possible. While you are practicing at a training session for the tournament with your fellow team mates, one amongst them offers you a prohibited substance. He claims that it will help you in improving your performance in the tournament. He also informs you that a lot of other team mates also use performance enhancing drugs or PEDs to improve their performance in tournaments. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the options available to you in the above case? Which amongst these will you choose and why? (b) Discuss the ethical issues involved in doping by sportspersons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Recently, the four accused in the rape and murder of a veterinary doctor were shot down by the police while they were in police custody. The police claimed that the four accused were taken to the site of the rape in the early hours of the morning. They managed to snatch two pistols from the policemen, fired and injured two cops, and were shot in retaliation. Soon thereafter, a majority of the public welcomed the news of the police shooting the alleged rapists. Why is it that people applaud these actions of the police? Do you share such sentiments? Justify with relevant arguments.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate in a remote district in India. The district is prone to frequent natural disasters which often lead to breakdown of the administrative machinery. The educational and health institutes in the district suffer the most as the supply of goods is disrupted during any such disaster. You have been given the task to enroll the people in your district for a government program which requires gathering information from people using door to door campaigns. However, people in the district are not forthcoming and are refusing to comply with the directions. Upon interaction with the local leaders, you realize that their trust on local administration has also eroded. (a) What are the administrative challenges that you face in such a situation to restore the credibility of the administration? (b) Given the resources and command of the government, what short-term and long-term measures can be taken to earn back the trust of the people and their willing cooperation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"In contemporary times, disruptions have become an endemic feature of the functioning of Indian Parliament. Though it is not a new phenomenon, disruptions, which were an exception earlier, seem to have become the new normal. The years gone by have seen MPs raise slogans, snatch papers from ministers and indulge in theatrics. Crucial time of the Parliament, which ought to have been spent in debating appropriateness of legislation or other important issues, is getting unnecessarily wasted. In this context, answer the following: (a) Identify the ethical issues involved from the point of view of different stakeholders? (b) What are the reasons behind such a scenario? (c) Is merely having a code of conduct or ethics sufficient to resolve this situation?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7049,"topper":"Satyam Gandhi","air":10,"year":2020,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/11138a2pskACXalYdOrSJpNZf9gwK-LPP","questions":[]},{"id":7050,"topper":"Saumya Mehra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/SAUMYA_MEHRA_SS_GS_1_AIR_883_2025_138432fee9.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"The evolution of temple architecture in India illustrates the synthesis of art, religion, and polity. Illustrate with suitable examples from South India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The rise and development of the new religious ideas in the 6th B.C. India have brought significant changes to contemporary social life. Do you agree? Justify using examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Under colonialism, India's traditional economic structure was reoriented to fit into the economic needs of industrial Britain. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are Western disturbances? Explain their role in influencing the weather patterns of northern India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discuss the non-conventional energy potential of peninsular India with relevant examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Why are most of India's iron and steel plants concentrated in the eastern and central parts of the country? Illustrate with examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"In contemporary India, marriage is increasingly perceived as a personal choice rather than a societal obligation. Enumerate the socio-economic forces behind this transformation and assess its potential impact on family structure. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Analyse to what extent does regionalism contributes to the deepening of decentralization in India? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the potential socio-political implications of implementing a nationwide caste census. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The Lucknow Pact of 1916 was both a high point of Hindu-Muslim unity and a harbinger of future communal divisions. Comment (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"While the Bhakti and Sufi movements emerged from different religious milieus, their convergence lay in the realm of devotion and dissent.\" Examine the socio-religious significance of their interaction in medieval India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Contrast the approaches of Sardar Patel and Jawaharlal Nehru in handling princely states and regional integration. How did their differing visions shape the evolution of the Indian Union? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"The American Civil War was not just a political conflict but a clash of two divergent economic systems. Substantiate (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"What are marine heatwaves? Examine the causes of the increasing frequency of marine heatwaves. How do they influence the onset of the summer monsoon in India? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Assess the effectiveness of tribal development programmes in India. Why do tribal areas continue to experience developmental setbacks, and what are the challenges? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"\"As the world's water towers melt, the risk of water stress increases.\" Discuss how the Himalayan glaciers' retreat could redefine freshwater availability and regional hydropolitics in South Asia. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Despite increasing participation of women in the professional workforce, their presence in top leadership remains minimal. Examine the interplay of societal norms and workplace structures in perpetuating this gender gap. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"The phenomenon of 'livability atrophy' in Indian cities reflects the widening gap between urban expansion and quality of life. Examine the causes and consequences of this trend, and suggest measures to make urban growth more humane and sustainable. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Define transnationalism and examine the factors that have led to the increasing global interconnectedness of diaspora communities. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Communalism in India, rooted in historical legacies and socio-economic inequalities, continues to undermine social cohesion and national integration. Discuss with examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7051,"topper":"Saumya Mehra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/SAUMYA_MEHRA_SS_GS_2_AIR_883_2025_1a53a05ec2.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"\"The Indian Constitution is not merely a borrowed document but a blend of global ideas and Indian realities.\" Discuss this statement, in light of the criticisms directed at the Constitution. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"How does judicial reasoning around Article 21 reconcile the tension between individual liberty and the state's interest in security and order? Substantiate with relevant case laws. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Peri-urban areas often fall into a governance vacuum between rural and urban administrative structures. Analyze the implications of this for local development and service delivery. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Article 143 acts as a bridge between legal uncertainty and constitutional clarity. Evaluate the significance and limitations of advisory opinions by the Supreme Court under it, with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Despite being a statutory body with a broad mandate, the NHRC lacks both teeth and independence. Examine the structural reforms needed to make it more effective. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Compare and contrast the Electoral College system of the United States with India's indirect presidential election. What do these differences reveal about the nature of federalism and democracy in the two countries? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The First-Past-the-Post (FPTP) system, while simple and stable, fails to reflect the true diversity of voter preferences in India's electoral outcomes. In light of this statement, discuss the implications of shifting from a First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) system to Proportional Representation (PR). (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"Justice delayed is justice denied\" is a common adage. Explain how the Black Coat Syndrome challenges this principle and how Lok Adalats can restore faith in the justice delivery system. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"India's strategic autonomy faces a litmus test as NATO increasingly pivots to the Indo-Pacific. Examine how India can balance its historical non-alignment with emerging partnerships with NATO member-states. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"Corridor-based diplomacy marks a new phase in global connectivity politics.\" Examine the strategic implications of India's participation in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). How will it transform India's position in global politics ? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"The ambiguous nature of the Governor's discretionary powers contributes to the perception of the office as a 'super-constitutional' entity. Examine the statement and suggest if there should be clearer constitutional limitations? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"\"Personal liberty, dissent, and justice are not merely abstract ideals but operational pillars of Indian democracy.\" In this reference, discuss the implications of Section 152 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) on free speech and democratic dissent. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"The success of cooperative federalism in India depends on the effective functioning of constitutional and non-constitutional bodies. Do you agree? Discuss with examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"India's immigration framework has long lacked a comprehensive and modern legal foundation. In this context, critically assess the significance of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"\"A judiciary that is immune from accountability risks becoming opaque and unresponsive.\" Critically analyze this statement in the context of recent developments concerning the Indian judiciary. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Discuss how the concept of 'asymmetric federalism' has been employed in the Indian Constitution to address regional disparities and identity concerns. Critically evaluate its implications for cooperative governance. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"The Election Commission of India has stood as a resilient institution for over 75 years, yet recently India was classified as a \"flawed democracy.\" In this context, critically analyze the role and limitations of the ECI and suggest key reforms to enhance its credibility and effectiveness. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"\"India's China policy today reflects a model of competitive coexistence rather than confrontation or appeasement.\" Critically evaluate this approach in light of India's strategic autonomy and regional interests. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Despite advocating a 'Neighbourhood First' policy, India continues to face challenges in maintaining harmonious relations with its immediate neighbours. Analyze the reasons behind this gap and propose steps to enhance the effectiveness of India's neighbourhood diplomacy. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Evaluate the strategic rationale and challenges for India in promoting a unified regional security architecture in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), in light of the multiple competing forums. How can India overcome this institutional fragmentation? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7052,"topper":"Saumya Mehra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/SAUMYA_MEHRA_SS_GS_3_AIR_883_2025_eb5f68f0e5.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"What is carbon farming? Explain its role in sustainable agriculture and climate change mitigation. Discuss the key practices involved. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss several ways in which biotechnology can help in ensuring food security in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Examine the role of community-led conservation efforts in protecting endangered species in India. Mention the features of two such efforts taken in recent years. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the significance of the Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) in achieving the goals of India's Nuclear Energy Program. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"As India advances towards net-zero by 2070, discuss the significance of Green hydrogen towards India's climate goals and energy transition. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What are the environmental and health impacts of metal mining pollution? Suggest measures to mitigate the same. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Define deep-sea mining and briefly explain how it can result in long-lasting changes to the seabed ecosystem. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Deepfakes blur the line between reality and illusion, transforming pixels into convincing lies that challenge our perception of truth. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Tropical rainforests of the ocean are under serious threat of existence. Discuss. Also, suggest measures to rejuvenate these critical ecosystems. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Damage to critical infrastructures amplifies the impact of natural disasters. Discuss the significance of building disaster resilient infrastructure in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"What is cloud computing? How is it used in smart homes for automation and device control? Discuss the benefits and challenges of using cloud computing in such systems. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"\"India's research and development ecosystem lacks the scale, coordination, and investment needed to drive innovation-led growth.\" In this context, examine the major challenges facing R&D in India and suggest key reforms to make it globally competitive. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Discuss the primary objectives of India's Gaganyaan mission. Analyse its potential impacts on India's space exploration and scientific capabilities. What are the key challenges associated with this mission? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Marine plastic pollution poses a significant threat to biodiversity and coastal ecosystems. Discuss the various mitigation measures to deal with this problem, and also international initiatives in this regard. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Urban air pollution in India is increasingly becoming a critical environmental and public health concern. Examine the causes and consequences of urban air pollution and suggest suitable measures to mitigate its adverse impacts. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"\"India's disaster risk management strategies need to be reoriented in the wake of increasing urbanisation and climate-induced hazards.\" Discuss how India's Smart Cities Mission can be leveraged to mainstream climate resilience and disaster risk reduction. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Heatwaves have emerged as “silent disasters” in India. In this context, discuss the significance of Heat Action Plans (HAPs) in India. Also, suggest other actionable interventions to mitigate heatwave-related fatalities. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Evaluate India’s institutional mechanisms for responding to nuclear emergencies. Propose a strategic framework for disaster risk reduction, incorporating global best practices and IAEA guidelines. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Discuss how wearable technology is reshaping the future of personalised medicine. What are the challenges in integrating such technologies in India's public health infrastructure? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"The BioE3 Policy aims to make India a global hub for sustainable biomanufacturing. Examine its key features and how it aligns with the goals of 3 trillion economy and sustainability. Highlight the major implementation challenges. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7053,"topper":"Saumya Mehra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/SAUMYA_MEHRA_SS_GS_3_AIR_883_2025_f2cce043f3.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"What do you understand by the term green taxonomy? Discuss its relevance in India's transition to a sustainable and climate-resilient economy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"GDP estimation in India faces concerns over outdated methods and data gaps. Examine the methodology adopted to compute GDP in the country and suggest improvements. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss how the Digital Agriculture Mission 2024 intends to leverage Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to improve productivity and service delivery in the farm sector. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"To what extent has Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) enabled a transition toward a more inclusive and resilient financial system in India? Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Assess the role of Minimum Support Price (MSP) in ensuring food and economic security for farmers. What reforms are needed to make MSP more effective? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Discuss how Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), has transformed the entrepreneurial ecosystem while highlighting the reforms needed to make it more startup-friendly. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are being hailed as game-changers in the global energy transition. Examine how India's SMR initiative aligns with its climate goals and energy security. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"FTAs are double-edged instruments\". Discuss in the context of India's ongoing FTA negotiations and its implications for India's agricultural and allied sectors. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What are the key functions of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), and how does it contribute to the protection of critical infrastructure in India? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Cybersecurity has emerged as a crucial component of internal security in India. Discuss the role of CERT-IN in safeguarding the nation's digital ecosystem. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Define the 'orange economy' and give its significance in socio-economic growth. How can India leverage its cultural heritage and creative industries to become a global leader in this sector? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"What are the structural causes and macroeconomic implications of the persistent depreciation of the Indian rupee? Suggest measures to ensure exchange rate stability without compromising economic growth. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"The future of food security in India depends on recognising and integrating women farmers into formal agri-value chains. Discuss how gender-responsive budgeting and SHGs help mainstream women farmers into India's agri-value chains. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Examine the role of Multi-Modal Logistics Parks in transforming India's supply chain infrastructure and reducing logistics costs. What are the key challenges in their implementation? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"India has a strong agricultural base, yet the share of processed food exports remains low. Analyse the bottlenecks in the food processing sector and suggest policy interventions. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"The pseudonymous and decentralised nature of crypto-assets raises serious concerns about money laundering and terrorism financing. Examine the adequacy of India's current legal framework, especially the The Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), in tackling these risks. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"With the rise of trade wars and tariff impositions, assess the relevance of the WTO in addressing these global trade issues. Suggest the key areas of reform, keeping in mind India's interests. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"What do you understand about GPS/GNSS spoofing? Discuss its implications on critical infrastructure and civilian security in India. Suggest robust policy and technological measures to mitigate its impact. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"How do the ideological underpinnings of Naxalism in urban spaces differ from its rural manifestations? Discuss how this duality complicates a development-focused response. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"\"The emergence of 'hybrid militants' and self-radicalised actors has transformed the nature of terrorism in India\". Enumerate the challenges posed by this shift and suggest reforms to deal with it. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7054,"topper":"Saumya Mehra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/SAUMYA_MEHRA_SS_GS_4_AIR_883_2025_57b03c4d5e.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"“Anekantvad as a philosophical principle reinforces ethical pluralism in public life.” Enumerate the challenges of this philosophy to ethical decision-making in a multicultural society. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"When media becomes both the messenger and the manipulated, ethical journalism faces an existential crisis. In light of recent war jingoism, explain how sensationalism and partisanship have undermined the media's role as a moral compass. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Why is empathy considered a foundational value for public administrators? How can it be balanced with administrative efficiency? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Can utilitarianism guide welfare decisions without compromising minority rights? Critically evaluate with Indian examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What does each of the following quotations mean to you in the present context? (a) The mind is no match with the heart in persuasion; constitutionality is no match with compassion.- Everett Dirksen (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Caste-based practices are often perpetuated through language and behavior within families. What role does socialization play in perpetuating or challenging caste based stereotypes? Suggest measures to reduce such stereotypes in Indian society. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Ethical ambiguity in policymaking often triggers a crisis of conscience when outcomes involve trade-offs between equity and efficiency. How can Emotional Intelligence (EI) address this dilemma? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"A political attitude grounded in ideological rigidity may lead to a disregard for constitutional values and democratic pluralism. Do you agree? Justify your answer with suitable illustrations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam represents a progressive leap in legislative reform by promising greater political representation for women. However, the persistence of hate speech and misogyny in political discourse reveals that societal attitudes have not kept pace. Critically analyse this contradiction between constitutional empowerment and social realities. How can this gap between legislative reform and social transformation be bridged? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Self-awareness in an emotionally intelligent being is a double-edged sword; it can either resolve a crisis of conscience by clarifying ethical priorities or paralyse decision-making through over-analysis.\" Discuss this ethical paradox with examples from public administration. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation are increasingly influencing human behavior and attitudes. Evaluate the ethical implications of AI in governance, particularly in maintaining objectivity, impartiality, and non-partisanship. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":31,"question":"A 3,000-acre private wildlife facility has been established by a leading industrial conglomerate with the stated objective of rescuing, rehabilitating, and conserving wildlife. The facility houses thousands of animals across a range of species and employs a large workforce of veterinarians, caretakers, and conservation experts. It claims to follow global best practices and partners with reputed international organizations. While the initiative has been praised for mobilizing substantial private capital for animal welfare, it has also drawn criticism from environmentalists and conservation professionals. The facility is located within the green belt of a major petroleum refinery complex, raising concerns about the long-term ecological and health risks posed by industrial proximity. Animal acquisition practices, including controversial exchanges with state zoos, have come under scrutiny for a lack of transparency, raising questions about whether proper ethical and legal standards are being upheld. Further, critics argue that the initiative reflects an emerging trend of “conservation capitalism,” where natural ecosystems are supplanted by curated enclosures, and wildlife is managed in a way that may prioritize optics and influence over ecological integrity. The absence of clear plans for rewilding or long-term integration of animals into natural habitats has added to these concerns. Local communities have also reported exclusion from decision-making and loss of traditional access to surrounding land. As an officer in the Ministry of Environment, you are assigned the task of assessing this private-led conservation model. (a) Identify the key ethical issues emerging from the intersection of private funding, wildlife management, and ecological justice in this case. (b) What ethical values and institutional safeguards should guide animal acquisition and conservation programmes by private entities? (c) Propose a policy approach that balances innovation in conservation and long-term ecological sustainability. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"You have been appointed as an Education Officer tasked with conducting a routine survey on institutional practices at a reputed higher education institution. During your investigation, you uncover systemic caste-based discrimination in the institution's recruitment and hiring processes. The data reveals a significant underrepresentation of marginalised caste groups. Further inquiries reveal that a powerful political figure, with considerable influence over the institution, has been exerting undue pressure to appoint candidates primarily from his group. This political interference is accompanied by corrupt practices, with officials soliciting bribes from prospective candidates or their families to secure appointments or silence dissent about unfair recruitment. When you attempt to raise these issues with senior administrators, you face strong resistance, political pressure, and explicit threats to your job security. You are warned that exposing these malpractices could damage the institution's reputation, invite political backlash, and potentially end your career. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you? Evaluate each of these options and choose the option which you would adopt, giving reasons. (c) Suggest a comprehensive and practical strategy to promote transparency, inclusivity, and meritocracy in recruitment processes amid political and institutional pressures. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"You are a senior civil servant holding a high-profile administrative position in a state government. Owing to your efficient handling of several welfare schemes and disaster responses, you have gained significant popularity, both in the media and on social platforms. Your personal social media account, followed by lakhs, is widely regarded for its candid tone and frequent updates on government work. Recently, however, your public statements have begun attracting criticism. In an emotional response to a social issue, you publicly expressed strong opinions that many viewed as politically biased. You also reshared posts from a political party that praised your department's work, leading to allegations of partisanship. Opposition leaders accused you of overstepping the boundaries of bureaucratic neutrality. Simultaneously, you have been seen attending a private function hosted by a prominent business group that recently won a major government contract. Though you did not speak at the event, your presence led to speculation about conflict of interest and undue proximity. A few days later, the Chief Secretary informally advises you to limit your media appearances and maintain greater restraint, as your conduct might be eroding public trust in the impartiality of the civil service. Some of your juniors see you as an inspiration, while others feel your actions are setting a problematic precedent. (a). What are the ethical principles involved in the public conduct of civil servants, especially in the use of personal platforms like social media? (b). How should civil servants balance transparency, responsiveness to the public, and the principle of political neutrality? (c). What course of action would you take in this situation to maintain both public trust and professional integrity? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"You have recently assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of a prestigious multinational corporation renowned for its adherence to ethical business conduct. The company and its previous CEO have won numerous awards for their work in the social sphere through CSR initiatives, highlighting their commitment to corporate responsibility. Soon after taking charge, you, uncover troubling inconsistencies in the company's financial records. Upon deeper scrutiny, it is found that a technical glitch in the payroll software resulted in 45 employees receiving bonus payments significantly higher than what they were entitled to. While the initial impression suggests a technical oversight, informal discussions and anonymous tips hint at a deeper malaise and possible collusion within the finance department to exploit the system for personal gain. Moreover, there are rumours that your predecessor, a powerful former CEO with extensive connections and influence, deliberately overlooked such irregularities for reasons unknown. He continues to wield substantial influence within the board and investor circles and has publicly lauded your appointment as a symbol of continuity. You have ordered an internal investigation and formed a task force. However, taking firm action, particularly if it implicates the former CEO, may endanger the company's reputation and endanger your leadership position. You receive anonymously leaked information suggesting that if you pursue the matter, a coordinated smear campaign about your past decisions in a previous organization might be launched by loyalists of the former CEO. Moreover, a section of the employees believes this investigation is selectively targeting a few, while the real power players remain untouched, raising concerns about fairness. A prominent media outlet is preparing an exposé on \"window-dressed ethics\" in corporate India, with your company as the focus. In the above scenario, (a) Highlight the ethical dilemmas you will face. (b) Suggest the options available to you. Discuss the merits and demerits of each. (c) Which option will you choose and why? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"You are the District Magistrate of a flood-prone district that has recently been devastated by heavy monsoon rains and the breach of an upstream dam. The resultant flooding has submerged several low-lying villages, displaced thousands of residents, and damaged crops, livestock, public infrastructure, and homes. Relief operations are underway, but the situation on the ground is chaotic. Many areas remain inaccessible due to collapsed bridges and damaged roads, while others face shortages of food, clean water, and medical care. While coordinating rescue and rehabilitation, you face pressure from political leader of the ruling party to prioritise his constituencies for relief material and rescue operations. Despite these areas being less affected than some neglected villages populated by marginalised communities, the leader threatens you with consequences if the demand is not met. A local industrial group offers substantial donations for relief efforts, but with the condition that aid is distributed only in areas where their business interests lie and that their branding be prominently displayed. Compounding the situation, there are credible reports from your field staff that a politically connected contractor is supplying substandard materials for food and temporary shelters. Despite multiple complaints, the contractor continues to receive orders due to their influence. Meanwhile, a senior cabinet minister urges you to restore a road leading to a private resort he owns, rather than focusing on restoring connectivity to marooned villages where emergency medical aid is urgently required. You are mentally and physically exhausted after days of continuous work. The media has begun to question your leadership, alleging favoritism and administrative failure. At the same time, panic is spreading among residents due to viral messages claiming that another dam upstream may overflow, although you are yet to receive official confirmation. (a). As a DM, what are the ethical dilemmas you will face? (b). State the order in which you would take actions to ameliorate the situation. Give justifications. (c). In this high-stakes environment, how would you ensure impartial and needs-based relief distribution? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"Mrs. A is traveling with her family, including her elderly grandfather, to attend a family reunion in a nearby town. To make the journey more pleasant, they take a scenic route, stopping at various local attractions along the way. At one such stop, they visit a cozy countryside café known for its organic food and welcoming atmosphere. As they enter, Mrs. A's grandfather notices a framed photograph on the wall showing the café owner receiving an award for community service. Curious, he asks the waitress about the owner's background. The waitress shares that the café owner openly identifies as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Mrs. A's grandfather, who holds deeply traditional views shaped by his generation's conservative values, feels uneasy. He struggles to accept lifestyles that differ from the norms he grew up with and expresses discomfort at supporting a business run by someone openly LGBTQ+. Mrs. A attempts to reassure her grandfather, emphasizing the importance of respect, inclusivity, and the owner's positive contributions to society. However, her grandfather remains firm in his decision to leave the café. Mrs. A finds herself caught between respecting her grandfather's traditional beliefs and standing against discrimination. Meanwhile, Mrs. A's children notice the tension and ask why they are leaving abruptly. Mrs. A must navigate the challenge of teaching her children empathy and acceptance while also acknowledging her grandfather's perspectives rooted in tradition. (a). What are the ethical dilemma faced by Mrs. A. (b). Evaluate the different options available with Mrs. A and suggest the most suitable one. (c). In the given case, how can Mrs. A effectively educate her children about empathy and acceptance while respecting her grandfather's emotional perspective? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":7055,"topper":"Saumya Mehra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/SAUMYA_MEHRA_SS_GS_4_AIR_883_2025_30ada10c8c.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"\"When rules become ends in themselves, they risk perpetuating systemic inequity.\" Examine the ethical implications of this statement for public policy implementation. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Gautam Buddha's \"Middle Path\" emphasizes moderation and compassion. How can these principles resolve contemporary ethical dilemmas in governance? Provide specific instances. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Analyze the interplay of personal conscience and duty when ethical boundaries are blurred. To what extent should personal conscience guide actions when duty conflicts with moral convictions? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"2(b) The Corruption Perception Index and criminalization statistics point toward a structural ethical crisis in India's polity. Discuss how public institutions can cultivate ethical resilience in such an environment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What does each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"The death of human empathy is one of the earliest and most telling signs of a culture about to fall into barbarism.\"- Hannah Arendt (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"\"In the moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing. The worst thing you can do is nothing.\" - Swami Vivekananda (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"With the rise of artificial intelligence and algorithmic decision-making in governance, traditional codes of conduct and code of ethics may prove inadequate. State how should ethical frameworks evolve to address emerging ethical challenges in public service? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Doctrine of 'Just War' aims to introduce moral reasoning into acts of war. Discuss the relevance and limitations of such ethical frameworks in the context of modern warfare. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"\"Privacy and transparency are not conflicting values, but complementary pillars of a democratic society.\" In the context of the RTI and Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, analyse the ethical dilemma in balancing individual privacy with public accountability. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":31,"question":"You are an IAS officer posted as the District Magistrate (DM) of a rapidly developing Tier 2 city. Recently, Urban Mobility Corridor Project (UMCP), a major infrastructure initiative aimed at improving connectivity and reducing congestion was announced in your district. The project requires significant land acquisition, impacting residential, commercial, and agricultural properties. The government has set forth standardized compensation and rehabilitation guidelines to ensure fair treatment of affected individuals. Among the affected landowners is your father-in-law, who owns a large commercial property that will be partially demolished under the project. His property houses multiple businesses, including retail outlets and offices, and is valued significantly higher than surrounding properties. The official compensation rates have been determined based on circle rates, recent sale transactions, and government norms, but business owners in the area claim these rates do not reflect the real market value of their assets. As the head of the district administration, you are responsible for ensuring fair compensation and rehabilitation of displaced individuals. However, soon after the project details are made public, local media outlets and opposition parties accuse you of conflict of interest, alleging that you deliberately altered compensation rates to benefit your father-in-law's business. The controversy gains momentum, with social media branding you as a corrupt officer who misused public office for private gain. Mean while, you also receive a call from your spouse, urging you to ensure that your father-in-law gets a \"fair deal.\" The situation becomes even more complicated when your father-in-law privately tells you that other landowners are willing to \"adjust\" compensation figures if they receive favorable settlements. You are aware of the importance of development in the region, for which fair land acquisition according to rule of law must be done. However, you fear that not paying heed to your spouse's demands may adversely impact your personal relations. (a) Identify and discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) What are the options available to you to cope with the situation? Discuss their pros and cons. (c) What course of action will you take and why? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"As a well-known animal rights activist, you have been actively involved in rescuing, feeding, and vaccinating stray dogs in your locality. Collaborating with local NGOs, you ensure sterilization drives and medical treatment for street animals, leading to a visible reduction in animal suffering and increased awareness about human-animal coexistence. However, some residents of your housing society have lodged a formal complaint against you, claiming that your activities are increasing the stray dog population and making the area unsafe, particularly for children and the elderly. They argue that the number of stray dogs near society entrances has risen, leading to fear among residents, Additionally, incidents of barking, chasing, and alleged biting cases have become more frequent, making people feel unsafe. The residents also complain that stray dogs gather around feeding spots, causing littering and hygiene concerns, and that feeding attracts more dogs from nearby areas, worsening the problem rather than resolving it. In response, the society's Resident Welfare Association (RWA) has passed a resolution banning feeding within society premises and has submitted a formal complaint to municipal authorities, demanding the removal of stray dogs. A local media outlet has picked up the story, further polarizing public opinion. You are now faced with a critical choice of how to ensure the safety and well-being of both the residents and the stray dogs while preventing a complete breakdown of community harmony. (a). Discuss the ethical dilemmas involved in this case. (b). In this situation, how will you apply the principles of empathy, conflict resolution, and ethical leadership to arrive at a balanced solution? Illustrate with examples. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Raman is a newly recruited civil servant who got posted as a Sub-District Magistrate in a district of his own state. His posting as a SDM in a district near his home district made his family members and relatives happy and proud. Raman has got the service by getting a top rank in civil services examination. He has become an icon for the youth in his district and they want to be like him. Raman has been doing his job diligently and honestly. One day he is approached by one of his relatives, Mr. Amar, to get favours in terms of securing a contract for building a road in his district. The road project contract is a new project which is to be awarded by Raman, but no one except him and his office colleagues know about the contract yet. As per the plans, the contract is to be awarded by an online competitive bidding process. When Raman reached his home in the evening, his parents discussed the same thing with him. They asked him to award the contract to Amar as he keeps on visiting them and is of helping nature to them. They also told him that a few years back when his father lost the job, Amar helped them financially and even paid the expenses of his studies. (a) Discuss the ethical dilemmas faced by Raman in the above situation. (b) Evaluate the options available to Raman in the above situation. (c) What principles should a civil servant follow to resolve the conflict of interest situation while awarding a government contract? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"You are the Superintendent of Police (SP) of the Prayagraj district where a large congregation of people is taking place to take bath in holy river. Crores of devotees from every nook and corner of the country are travelling and reaching the ghats every day, due to their faith and belief to cleanse their sins and achieve spiritual liberation. During one night, considered auspicious by the devotees, crores of them reached the ghats on a single day. Thousands of the sadhus (Saints) from the Akhada Parishad, a religious body, were ready to take spiritual baths in the morning. While you were on duty, you heard that a stampede took place on one of the ghats. When you reached the scene, you found the barricades, which you got erected to manage the crowd, were broken and many devotees were run over in stampedes, lying on ground injured or dead. There was hue and cry throughout the area and a sense of fear in the devotees. Many devotees were leaving the ghats without the bath due to fear of stampede. The news of the stampede spread like a wildfire and news reporters started demanding reasons for stampede, casualties and other answers from you. Many politicians blamed the VIP culture and mismanagement in the mela for the stampede. They also accused you of being responsible for the mismanagement leading to stampede and demanded your resignation from the post. You are getting calls from the current political leadership to remain silent on the issue and avoid any statement to the media. (a) Evaluate the options available to you in the above situation. (b) What is the course of action you will take in such a situation and why? (c) Every year a number of festivals take place throughout India. What are the qualities, according to you, needed in a public servant put on duty for event management in such a situation? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"You are the Village Secretary in a village in an underdeveloped and poor district. The district is backward in terms of socio-economic indicators with low literacy, prevalence of patriarchy and high poverty. Their lower literacy is the reason behind the couples having more number of children per family which is increasing the population of the district exponentially as per the latest survey figures. The government of your state, being concerned about the increasing population of the state, started a number of programmes to limit the population of the district. These programmes covered awareness generation, medical procedures and increasing availability of contraceptives. The state also passed a law to debar people with more than two children from being a candidate in panchayat elections. The interventions bore fruits and started showing success. However your district particularly did not show any improvement. You were called by the district magistrate of the district for a meeting with other stakeholders where the lack of awareness about the programmes was pointed as the most pressing concern. The DM then instructed all the public functionaries including you to take steps to enhance awareness about the family planning programmes. You consulted with the village sarpanch, local NGOs and village people and started an awareness campaign for family planning in the village. On your request the district administration has also arranged for a visit by the brand ambassador for the programme hired by the state government. The visit is scheduled 2 days later and you are busy with the arrangements. However, Mr. ABC from the village started opposition to the awareness programme. He along with other locals started protesting regarding the language of a slogan used in the awareness programme. They argued that the language used in the slogan is derogatory. They also contest that children and women should not be exposed to such things. They demand suspension of the family planning programme arguing that it is the private matter of the family and hurts the dignity of the people. You know that Mr. ABC stood up in elections in opposition to the current sarpanch. Also your preparation for the visit of the brand ambassador is incomplete and further getting hampered by these oppositions. (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) Evaluate the options available to you in the above situation. (c) Discuss the measures that can be taken by the government to persuade the people in rural areas towards family planning? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":56,"question":"You are Inspector General of Prisons (IG Prisons) in your state. One day, a staff member of a central prison under your authority came with an information that the VIPs inside the prison are getting preferential treatment by the prison authorities. Banned items such as mobile phones, alcohol, cigarettes etc are being provided to them inside the prison, in violation of the prison rules. He had already raised the matter to The Superintendent and The Chief Superintendent of the prison but no action was taken. Consequently, he had no other choice but to come to you. While you were getting the details of the matter, a picture and a video of some VIPs in the same prison started circulating on social media. The pictures clearly showed them using mobiles, having cigarettes and alcohol in a lawn inside the prison. This led to social media backlash criticizing the prison system in the state. The Director General of Police (DGP Prisons), took cognisance of the social media posts and formed a single member committee headed by you to investigate the matter. He also ordered you to take appropriate action after conducting the investigation. (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) What course of action would you take to address the situation? (c) What measures would you suggest to eliminate the VIP culture inside the prisons? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":7056,"topper":"Saumya Mishra","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Saumya-Mishra-UPSC-2024-Rank-18-MGP-Sample-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Q.1) How far do you agree that a robust domestic demand is the most important driver of India's economic growth? What are other factors that influence the growth trajectory of the country?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Q.2) Macroeconomic stability is not solely dependent on the quantity of foreign exchange reserves, but also on the strategy and sources on which they are built. Discuss in an Indian context.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Q.3) DPI (Digital Public Infrastructure) is a critical enabler of digital transformation for both businesses and citizens; however, it comes with its own set of challenges. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Q.4) The skewed emphasis on certain crops has distorted the cropping pattern in India, which has led to grave socio-economic and environmental consequences. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Q.5 Private participation in propelling India's space journey is widely acknowledged but is yet to be fully tapped. In light of the statement, analyse the hurdles faced by the private sector and also recommend measures to unlock greater private participation in the space economy.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Q.6) With recent advances in technology, robots are now equipped to perform more than just conventional and routine tasks, which brings new opportunities as well as risks. In this context, evaluate the future potential of the robotics sector.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Q.7) Write an explanatory note on the causes and impacts of avalanches. Also, highlight the various strategies to mitigate its impact, with a special emphasis on NDMA guidelines.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Q.8) Technology plays an important role in augmenting the disaster management apparatus of the country. Discuss. Also, explain the measures needed to enhance the usage of such technologies in managing disasters.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Q.9 Outlining the various cyber threats faced by India, assess the state of the country's preparedness to deal with the same.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Q.10) Explain how the geographical location of India makes it extremely vulnerable to the menace of drug trafficking. What are the various ways in which India is affected by drug trafficking?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":43,"question":"Q.18 The invisible nature of groundwater is a major obstacle in the path towards achieving the twin objectives of building climate resilience and meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Elucidate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.19 Despite various efforts, a lasting solution to the insurgency in the north-eastern region of India remains elusive. Analyse the reasons behind the continuation of insurgency in the region. Also, suggest effective measures to tackle it.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.20) While developmental initiatives have a significant role to play, they alone cannot root out terrorism/militancy in Jammu and Kashmir. Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7057,"topper":"Saumya Pandey","air":4,"year":2016,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/25381_767_Saumya_Rank_4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7058,"topper":"Saumya Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/95371_929_Saumya_Rank_9.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Environment Sustainability and Economic Development : Mutually Exclusive or Concordant Objectives ?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7059,"topper":"Saumya Sharma","air":9,"year":2017,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/95371_932_Saumya_Rank_9.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7060,"topper":"Saumya Sharma","air":9,"year":2017,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/95371_933_Saumya_Rank_9.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7061,"topper":"Saumya Sharma","air":9,"year":2017,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/95371_930_Saumya_Rank_9.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7062,"topper":"Saumya Sharma","air":9,"year":2017,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/95371_931_Saumya_Rank_9.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7063,"topper":"Saumya Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/95371_1025_Saumya_Rank_9.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The dual use nature of space technology enables its utilisation for civilian as well as military purposes. In this context, examine the need for a Space Security Policy in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"What are the issues associated with coastal security in India? In this context, discuss whether a Central Marine Police Force can help in addressing these issues.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Cyber terrorism holds serious potential to paralyze economic and financial institutions in India. What are the issues and challenges w.r.t. India's cyber security? What initiatives has the GoI taken to address the same?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Critically examine the feasibility of fencing the Indo-Myanmar border as a strategy to contain insurgency given the existing Free Movement Regime (FMR) between the two countries.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"What do you understand by 'lone wolf attacks'? In the wake of increasing lone wolf attacks across the globe, assess India's vulnerability to such attacks. Also, suggest measures that can prevent such attacks.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"What are the factors that lead to generation of black money in India? Discuss the role played by India both domestically and internationally to neutralise the menace of money laundering and black money.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"The national security of the country cannot be strengthened until we focus on intelligence sharing and ensure greater coordination among agencies. Elaborate. Also, highlight the steps being taken by the government to strengthen its intelligence network.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"In what ways is the approach of \"Act East\" Policy different from \"Look East\" Policy? Suggest certain priority areas on which India should focus upon to fulfill its ambitious geostrategic and economic goals in the region.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"In recent years there has been an increasing convergence between Russia and China on several global issues. What are its implications for India? What steps should be taken by India to protect its national interests?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"After remaining peripheral to India's foreign policy priorities, the Indian Ocean has recieved some attention in recent years. Nonetheless, given the significance it holds, involvement of actors with diverse interests and existing challenges, it is imperative that India redoubles its efforts in shaping the future of the region. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"The recent breakthrough in the Civil Nuclear field is a sign of India-Japan relations moving beyond the calculations of complementarities and cooperation. Analyse in view of the multiple factors shaping India-Japan relations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"The Commonwealth grouping has been accused of talking about ideals that it does not uphold and wasting the resources of governments. Critically analyse the statement and comment on the relevance of the Commonwealth grouping in present times.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"ISRO has successfully flight tested the Reusable Launch Vehicle-Technology Demonstrator (RLV-TD). Discuss the significance of RLV and bring out the differences between RLVs and conventional Launch Vehicles (LVs). What are the challenges in successful execution of RLVs?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Women constitute just 14% of science researchers in India, though they are no longer a minority within higher education when it comes to STEM. Analyse the reasons for this state of affairs and discuss how it can be addressed.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"What do you understand by Internet Governance? Has the recent development of ICANN becoming free from the US government solved the issues of Internet Governance? What should be the way forward?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Increase in the cases of nosocomial infections has emerged as a major concern in India. What are nosocomial infections? What are its causes and why is it a major concern in India? Identify the measures required to combat these infections.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"There is a growing concern that robots, automation and AI will transform the labour markets and lead to massive job loss across the world. Comment. Also mention the steps that can be taken to mitigate the impact of increased automation and AI.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"The importance of IPRs as a marketable financial asset and economic tool needs to be recognised. Elaborate. In this context, analyse how the National Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Policy intends to lay the future roadmap for intellectual property in India.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7064,"topper":"Saumya Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/95371_1021_Saumya_Rank_9.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Identify the key objectives of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. Also highlight the challenges in its implementation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Discuss how the design of MGNREGA program makes it more successful than other rural development programmes.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Self-employment of the poor has been an important objective of the anti-poverty programmes and SHGs have played a significant role in this. Elucidate with examples. Also discuss the problems which plague the model of SHG micro-finance in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Give an account of the issues that arise due to short tenure of civil servants in India. Critically discuss the move of setting up a Civil Services Board in order to address this problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"India's health system is one of the most privatised in the world, poorly regulated and accessible only to those with income levels well above the average. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Keeping in mind the importance of NGOs in India's development process it is imperative that adequate legal and regulatory mechanisms should be in place. Discuss in the context of recent developments.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"While on one hand, there has been proliferation of use of digital technology, on the other hand, resulting digital dividends have not been forthcoming. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"The public policy requirements of the 21st century demand a bureaucracy less generalist in nature. Analyse in the context of Indian civil services.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Explain how the National Digital Library (NDL) can bring a fundamental shift in the paradigm of education and research. Also highlight the challenges that need to be addressed to make NDL self-sustainable.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Census 2011 observed that there has been a significant increase in urban homeless households in the period between 2001 and 2011. What are homeless households? Highlighting the challenges faced by them, discuss the causes for increase in such households. Suggest various measures to rehabilitate these households.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"What is the criteria for a village being recognized as electrified? Examine the challenges present in rural electrification in India. Elaborate upon some of the recent initiatives of the government with a special emphasis on Deen Dayal Upadhayaya Gram Jyoti Yojana.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"While the Right to Education (RTE) Act was based on noble intentions, implementation of many of its provisions remain ridden with problems. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Critically examining the key provisions of The Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill 2016, discuss whether a complete ban on commercial surrogacy is justified.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"It is often strongly suggested that scarce government resources should be redirected in favour of primary education rather than higher education. In this context, analyse whether curtailing public spending in higher education would help in achieving the principle of equity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Accessibility is the key to inclusion and equal access for people with disabilities. Analyse. Also discuss the objectives and components of the Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan with a special emphasis on inclusiveness and accessibility index.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"The Olympic Task Force constituted to prepare an action plan for the next three Olympic Games is a step in the right direction. Comment. Also highlight other initiatives required to augment India's performance in the sporting arena internationally.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Recent judgment of the Supreme Court, amending the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 has invoked varied reponses. Highlighting the amendment, critically examine its likely impact on the application of the law.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Inspite of its usefulness as a tool of transparency and accountability, the RTI Act needs to be amended as it is being widely misused, especially to blackmail public functionaries. Critically examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"The transgender community has been among one of the most marginalized communities in India. Discuss. How does the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill 2016 seek to protect transgenders from discrimination and address the problems faced by them?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Though the Forest Rights Act 2006 tries to undo the historic injustice done to the forest dweller and tribals, it has been argued that it is being misused. Critically analyse.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7065,"topper":"Saumya Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/95371_1022_Saumya_Rank_9.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by seasonal shifting of pressure belts? What impact does it have on the formation of various climatic regions across the globe? Discuss its socio-economic significance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Explain the reasons for the formation of Sargasso Sea. Also, examine the factors for it being a region with one of the highest ocean salinity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Why are river deltas important? Discuss the existing threats to river deltas and the measures needed to overcome these threats.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Give an account of the different types of earthquakes based on their zone of occurrence. Identify the earthquake prone regions of the world with special reference to India. Also explain the reasons for the occurrence of earthquakes in geologically inactive regions like Peninsular India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Explain the reasons for the following: (a) Erosional forms dominate in the west coast while depositional forms dominate in the east coast of India. (b) Western Ghats in Karnataka receive more monsoon rainfall than Maharashtra and Kerala.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"With increasing urbanisation in India, the land usage pattern is undergoing major changes. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"How is the coal bearing strata of India classified in geological terms? Why does coal remain the most important source of energy in India and what are its implications?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Forest fires have become a regular feature during summers in the Western Himalayas. What are the causes behind this phenomenon? Critically examine the efforts made by authorities in countering this problem. Do periodic forest fires have any benefits associated with them?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"What are sunrise industries? Elaborate on the potential of these industries in India with a special focus on the food processing industry.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Scientific and technological advancements have removed the constraints posed by geographical factors which determine the location of industries. Comment. Giving examples, discuss the new factors that have come into play as a result.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Give a brief distribution of major grasslands of the world. Discuss the reasons behind the temperate grasslands becoming the grain baskets of the world. Also compare their performance vis-a-vis tropical grasslands in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Weather and climate information plays a significant role in increasing agricultural productivity as well as minimising crop losses. Comment. Also examine the ways in which forecasting system can be made more effective and inclusive.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"The Paris Climate agreement sets ambitious goals but does not go far enough in mechanisms to achieve the aims. Comment. Also highlight the challenges which a developing country like India faces to achieve the targets it has set for itself.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Describe the factors responsible for increase in marine pollution in the past few decades. What impact does marine pollution have on the ocean ecosystem? Discuss the measures taken by the international community to deal with it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Discuss the environmental impact of electronic waste and the best practices for its handling in the context of the E-waste (Management) Rules, 2016. Also suggest some ways to incentivise consumers to utilise and dispose-off the e-waste properly.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"An emissions-reduction approach to fighting global warming is not enough. Alternative solutions involving climate engineering might have to be deployed sooner than we think. Defining climate engineering, critically examine the statement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Discuss how drought is more of a man-made disaster than a mere deficiency of rainfall. Elaborate on the consequences of desertification that drought prone regions face. Also, bring out the preventive steps to be taken in light of targets to curb desertification as mentioned under the SDGs.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"India's first National Disaster Management Plan may fulfill the legal requirement of having a plan but it may not be very effective in achieving its objective of building resilience. Critically analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"A better prepared community is key to effective disaster risk reduction. Citing specific examples, examine the importance of the role of local government and community in dealing with disasters.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"What is the role of NDRF in managing disasters in the country? Highlighting the challenges that NDRF has been facing, discuss why it is still the armed forces which end up being the most visible force at hand during disasters.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7066,"topper":"Saumya Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/95371_1023_Saumya_Rank_9.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The evolution of temple-building in India can be attributed to factors such as changing form of worship, improvement in the skills of the craftsmen and the increase in funding provided by kings and rich merchants. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Metal casting in India appears to be one of the oldest sculptural traditions. Discuss the significance of cire-perduor or \"lost wax\" technique in the sculptural tradition of India with examples from different regions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"India's middle ages brought about a very rich tradition of devotional literature of remarkable merit which dispels the assumption of a dark period of India's history. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"The outbreak of World War II in 1939 divided the nationalists over the next course of action in the freedom struggle. Elaborate. In this context, also examine the factors that led to INC launching the Quit India Movement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"How did the Indian industrialists contribute to the freedom struggle? Did the emergence of the socialistic trend during the later period of the struggle deter them from supporting the freedom struggle? Analyze.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The social-religious reform movements of the 19th and 20th century in British India not only tried to purge the Indian society of various social evils but also prepared the ground for the Indian freedom struggle. Analyze.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"The dawn of 19th century was marked by large scale expansion of the British empire into India, especially during the governorship of Wellesley. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"United States entered the Vietnam war incrementally, in a series of steps between 1950 and 1965. Elucidate. Also analyse the reasons for America's failure in the war.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Even though there is much that is wrong with the European Union (EU), its achievements can not be discounted either. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Despite being a failure, 1848 revolutions remain a watershed event in European History. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"The events that led to the American Revolution had causes rooted in the social, economic, political and ideological context of that time. Elaborate. Also, bring out the influence that the American Revolution had on the French Revolution.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"In the context of Punjab crisis it can be argued that language, religion and regionalism combined into a potentially explosive situation which political elites struggled to contain. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"What were the factors that led to the declaration of Emergency in 1975? Why is it considered as the dark period of Indian democracy? In this context, discuss the response to the imposition of emergency among the masses, media and political class.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"The role of women since independence has not been confined to issues of women alone, rather they have played an important role in the issues related to peasants, tribals, farmers, trade unions and environment. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Critically examine the point of view that cultural diversity in India has been a hindrance to the process of nation building.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Equality of opportunity requires not only open competition for advantaged positions but also fair access to qualifications required for those positions. Discuss in the Indian context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Portrayal of stereotypical sensational images of women not only reduces their identity to a mere object of desire but also reinforces the patriarchal structure of the society. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Explain the concept of planned obsolescence with examples and discuss its impact for an economy. In this context, comment on Indian society's move towards throwaway culture.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Employment is a vital factor in empowerment of persons with disabilities. Analyse. Enumerate the steps taken by the government to increase employment of persons with disabilities.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"While many see globalisation as synonymous with westernisation, evidence suggests that the process of globalisation has not been a one way street. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7067,"topper":"Saumya Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/95371_874_Saumya_Rank_9.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The greatness of the Mughal achievement in the political unification of India was matched by the splendour and beauty of the work of architects, poets, historians, painters and musicians who flourished in the period. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Traditionally, India had developed wide-ranging water harvesting techniques in keeping with the local ecological conditions and their water needs. Substantiate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Imperial rivalries of 18th Century Europe were played out in India as well. Comment in the context of the Carnatic Wars.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"The Lucknow session of 1916 was a watershed event during the freedom struggle of India due to various reasons. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Reforms initiated by the Justice Party became a model for social affirmative action in the country. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"War in the Korean Peninsula proved to be disastrous for Korea, a missed opportunity for the United States and a defining moment for China. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"The Munich Pact brought neither peace nor stability in relations between European countries, rather it turned out to be an act of appeasement that made war inevitable. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Explain how Gandhi's non-violent philosophy influenced Martin Luther King Jr.'s methods. Also discuss the contributions and accomplishments of King to ensure civil rights for all people regardless of race in America.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Apart from the linguistic reorganisation of states, the three language formula was an important part of government policy to address the language question in India. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Enumerate the measures for the welfare of Unorganised Workers in India. In the context of problems being faced by 'domestic helps', discuss the need for additional measures to safeguard their interests.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"The manner in which the mentally ill have been treated in India suggests that policy measures alone may not be sufficient to address the challenges faced by them. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Highlight the characteristics of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) and discuss the challenges faced by them. Also enumerate the measures taken by the government to address these challenges.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"While suburbanisation is a common phenomenon in most urbanising countries, it is occurring at a relatively early stage of India's urban development. Enumerating the reasons behind this development, highlight the challenges it is creating for Indian cities.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Various geographical and anthropogenic factors have rendered Brahmaputra Valley susceptible to recurrent floods. Discuss the causes and suggest suitable measures of mitigation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Give a brief account of Earth's heat budget. Also discuss how increasing concentration of carbon dioxide in Earth's atmosphere effects it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Give an outline of the major geological events that have shaped the present drainage system of Peninsular India. Also, explain why peninsular rivers are unsuitable for navigation but facilitate hydroelectric power generation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Elaborate with examples as to how government policies influence the location of industries. Also, mention the steps taken by the Government of India to stimulate industrial activity in backward regions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Explain, in brief, the process of cloud formation. Also, elucidate how clouds can help in weather forecasting.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"The socio-economic and ecological consequences of soil degradation are far-reaching. Discuss. Suggest measures that can be taken to restore soil fertility and arrest soil degradation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Development of island territories requires a careful balancing of environmental and tribal concerns with exploitation of economic potential. Elaborating on the threats faced by island territories of India, comment on the recent measures proposed by the government regarding their development.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7068,"topper":"Saumya Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/95371_876_Saumya_Rank_9.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"While India has taken a number of steps in order to substantially improve its ranking in the World Bank's 'Ease of Doing Business' Index, it needs to take further action in this regard. Elaborate. Also analyse the utility of these rankings vis-a-vis India's objective of facilitating a sound entrepreneurial environment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"In wake of the agrarian crisis that the country is witnessing, discuss the need for adopting an income-centric approach in preference to a production-centric one as the basis of agricultural policy. In this context, also highlight the steps that should be taken to achieve the goal of doubling the income of farmers by 2021-22 and the challenges that exist.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"It is argued that India's fiscal centre of gravity has rapidly shifted from the Centre to the States. Analyse the statement in context of the debate on fiscal discipline. Also, enumerate the key recommendations of the N.K. Singh panel on Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Strategic sale of state-run firms is a prudent step to deal with the challenges being faced by the public sector enterprises in India. Comment. Also enumerate other measures that can be taken in light of NITI Aayog's suggestions in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Shell companies in India are neither legally defined nor properly understood. Analyse in the light of recent developments, prevalent understanding and steps required to effectively deal with shell companies.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"If a larger population in India is to be involved in the economy in a big way, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are key. Elaborate. Also discuss the challenges faced by the SME sector in India and give an account of the measures taken by the government to deal with these.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"What are the reasons for the growing informalization of industrial labour in India? Discuss the issues associated with the phenomenon and reforms required to deal with them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"A number of far-reaching developments have taken place in the local and global energy space which have to be reflected in our own energy policy framework. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"The Indian IT-BPM (Information Technology-Business Process Management) industry is a global powerhouse today and its impact on India and the world has been unprecedented. Comment. Also, mention the challenges being faced by India's IT-BPM sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"An effective multi-modal logistics and transport sector will make the Indian economy more competitive. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Climate change threatens sustainable development, impairs socio-economic development and reinforces cycles of poverty across the globe. In this context, discuss the utility of climate risk insurance as an instrument within a comprehensive climate risk management system.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Why are women particularly vulnerable to the impact of natural disasters? Also analyse, with adequate examples, how women can play a more effective role in disaster risk management cycle.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"In view of the seriousness of heat waves and its consequences, greater attention is required for dealing with it as a natural disaster. Analyse in the context of recent developments and the actions taken by relevant government bodies.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"While genome editing offers immense potential benefits in the area of healthcare, there are a lot of apprehensions regarding its use. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Discuss various ways in which supercomputers have benefitted mankind over the years. Also enumerate the objectives of the National Supercomputing Mission and the mechanism for its implementation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Widely seen as a disruption for the traditional banking and financial institutions, cryptocurrencies have gained significant traction lately, at the same time creating a regulatory nightmare for regulators across the globe. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"An internationally-binding agreement to strengthen the Outer Space Treaty of 1967 is both desirable and increasingly a necessity. Analyse in view of the traditional and emerging challenges in this arena.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"Even after nearly 60 years in existence, AFSPA remains at the centre of debates with respect to countering violent insurgencies, role of the states and local communities. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":56,"question":"Analyse the challenges and opportunities inherent in the push for indigenisation of defence production in India. Also, identify the measures through which indigenous manufacturing of defence equipments is being encouraged by the Government.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":59,"question":"India's ability to puruse a clear-cut strategic vision depends on its ability to improve institutional cooperation and coordination between the armed forces and civilian bureaucracy. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7069,"topper":"Saumya Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/95371_875_Saumya_Rank_9.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Centralising recruitment through an All-India Judicial Service (AIJS) will not address the multiple problems in the judiciary and cause new ones instead. Critically evaluate. 12.5X20=250","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"The roots of the most pertinent challenges faced by Indian politics today can be traced to the lack of intra-party democracy in candidate selection and internal elections. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"While the idea behind merger of autonomous bodies in India is to curb overlapping work and reduce expenditure, it may end up doing more harm than good. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Well-defined electoral laws and greater powers for the Election Commission of India are required as the existing laws and mechanisms are inadequate to deal with new challenges. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Privileges should be defined and delimited for the free and independent functioning of the legislatures. In this context, discuss whether there is a need to re-examine the balance between fundamental rights and parliamentary privileges in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The principle of accountability is an essential part of the rule of law. In this context, discuss the lacunae in government's approach and judiciary's response to the phenomenon of extrajudicial killings in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Explain the rationale behind enacting the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016. Discuss how it can help in revitalizing consumer confidence in the real estate market. Also highlight the hurdles that remain in implementing it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Moving the subject of water from state list to concurrent list will solve the issues related to governance of water resources. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Give an account of the areas of potential conflict in the relationship between the political executive and civil servants. Also discuss why a healthy working relationship between the two is critical for good governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Despite their location in the non-political domain of civil society, NGOs have ended up playing a key, if indirect, role in India's politics. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Magnitude of India's urbanisation is not unusual but the pattern is. In this context, examine the issues in the governance of cities in India. Also suggest the reforms required to make Indian cities dynamos of competitive sub-federalism.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Social boycott should be treated as a criminal offence, rather than being considered as just another form of social evil plaguing the Indian society. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Human Trafficking in India has emerged as a serious issue, which calls for understanding the complexity of the problem and devising an effective strategy to combat it. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"A weak teacher education system is at the core of India's problems in school education. Evaluate. In this context, also enumerate the recommendations of the High-Powered Commission on Teacher Education constituted by the Supreme Court of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"India's contribution to peacekeeping missions of the United Nations has remained steadfast despite changes in the nature, form and variety of UN peace keeping missions. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"India's partnership with Africa is an amalgam of African development priorities as well as India's development objectives. Discuss. Also highlight the initiatives taken by India in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Comment on the role of International Court of Justice in upholding the values of international law. In this context, also highlight the association of India with the ICJ over the years.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"In view of the focus on trans-regional economic corridors and changing regional geo-politics and geo-economics, critically discuss the idea of an Indo-Pacific Economic Corridor.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7070,"topper":"Saumya Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/15TF2Jh0AKcyopTTBGjaeaLf3ULYBYRvZ/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) Examine how role models influence ethical behaviour. What actions can leaders take to integrate ethical conduct in their organisations?","marks":"10","words":"not more than 150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) According to Aristotle, for persuasion, not only Ethos (credibility of the speaker) and Logos (logical argument) but Pathos (emotional connection to the audience) is equally important. Comment.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) With appropriate examples, discuss various ethical challenges associated with the utilization of public funds in India. Suggest strategies to effectively deal with these challenges.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) With proliferation of social media, people have got the opportunity to express their views anonymously and more freely. (a) What according to you, is its effect on the social and political culture of the country? (b) Discuss the role of social media in changing one's attitude, particularly the youth.\n(a) What according to you, is its effect on the social and political culture of the country?\n(b) Discuss the role of social media in changing one's attitude, particularly the youth.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":11,"question":"3. (a) What are the various components of an organization's work culture? What are key issues that need to be addressed in any organisation to create a more developmental and performance oriented culture?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) There is a difference between what a person has a right to do and what the right thing to do is and often there is a conflict between these two. (a) Illustrate with examples the ethical issues that can arise because of such a conflict. (b) How does this conflict play out if someone wants to protest against injustice?\n(a) Illustrate with examples the ethical issues that can arise because of such a conflict.\n(b) How does this conflict play out if someone wants to protest against injustice?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":15,"question":"4. (a) It is vain to talk of the interest of the community, without understanding what is the interest of the individual. Discuss the statement in the present context.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":17,"question":"4. (b) Vision and intentions are necessary components of political ethics. However, equally important are the process of implementation, tools used and the established system. Elaborate with examples.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":19,"question":"5. (a) Swami Vivekanand brought religion to the centre-stage and gave a new meaning to it while stressing the need for harmony among faiths. In this context, discuss the relevance of his teachings in contemporary society.","marks":null,"words":"10"},{"page":21,"question":"5. (b) Access to quality basic services plays a critical role in enhancing individual capabilities to participate fully in the growth of the nation. (a) Discuss the statement in the context of vulnerable sections of India. (b) Analyse the challenges with regard to quality service delivery in India.\na Discuss the statement in the context of vulnerable sections of India.\nb Analyse the challenges with regard to quality service delivery in India.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":23,"question":"6. Is Emotional Intelligence influenced by cultural moorings? How would you differentiate the applicability of Emotional Intelligence in Indian society from that of Western society?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":25,"question":"7. Evaluate the success of RTI in bringing governance reforms in the country. Examine whether it has served the purpose it was meant for.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":27,"question":"8. The decisive role that money plays in elections creates a vicious cycle of corruption. (a) Elaborate in the context of India. (b) Discuss whether state funding of elections can help in curbing the menace of political corruption in India.\na) Elaborate in the context of India.\nb) Discuss whether state funding of elections can help in curbing the menace of political corruption in India.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":29,"question":"9. You are the officer in charge of development planning of a state whose capital is the technology hub of the country. However, the capital city is overcrowded and marred by traffic congestion. A group of top MNCs have approached you and showed their interest in expanding their operations in the capital provided that the highway connecting the SEZ to airport is widened. This has been cited as an important business requirement. The expansion of MNC operations is expected to create numerous jobs and would bring in huge revenues to the State. At the same time, the road connectivity in rest of the state, especially the rural areas, is abysmal and is in need of urgent attention. Media has been highlighting the incidents of deaths due to delay in hospitalization and other such issues which can be directly attributed to poor condition of roads. As the officer in charge of the development planning you find that the road widening project will entail huge cost and would severely curtail the rural road development programme currently being undertaken by the state.\n(a) What challenges do you face as the officer in charge, in this situation?\n(b) State your priorities and discuss how you plan to achieve them in the context of given challenges.","marks":null,"words":"in around 250"},{"page":35,"question":"10. You are the SP of a district where a large number of followers of a particular sect reside. The district also hosts a large Ashram where regular gathering of the followers take place. The leader of the sect has been under the scanner of the judiciary for his involvement in illegal activities. Now the court has ordered his immediate arrest and an order pronouncing the same has been sent to you. You have been asked to comply with the orders within two days. A large number of followers, which include women and children, have already thronged the Ashram in anticipation of arrest of the leader. Intelligence units have informed about the presence of not only large stock of food and water but also ammunition, inside the Ashram. Your request urging the followers to vacate the site has failed.\n(a) What could be the reason for people's defiance?\n(b) List the issues involved in the case.\n(c) What will be your plan of action?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":41,"question":"11. Ramesh, a very hardworking person, is the sole bread earner in his family. He has worked with an oil company's local affiliate for several years, and has established a strong, trustworthy relationship with Suresh, manager of the local facility. Suresh has recently recommended Ramesh to be recruited as the corporate consulting engineer for the company, which would be a position of greater responsibility along with a stable income. During a casual conversation, Suresh mentions an incident in the 1960s wherein 10,000 gallons of a petrochemical was leaked into the local environment by the company due to negligence, though at the time no damage was found, and no mention of this leak was made to the press. When Ramesh mentions that the state law requires him to report all spills, Suresh reminds him that no harm had been done and reminds him that the company can't have a consulting engineer who does not value loyalty and respect confidentiality.\n(a) Identify the ethical issues involved in the given case.\n(b) What are the options available to Ramesh in this situation? Evaluate each of them.\n(c) Had you been at Ramesh's place, what would have been your course of action? Give reasons for the same.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":47,"question":"12. You are the CEO of a social media company that has a wide user base. The social network offered by your company has emerged as a platform for people to interact with each other and share news, opinions etc. However, at the same time, women are being repeatedly harassed and cyber bullied through this network. Whenever any instance of harassment is brought to notice of the company, your staff members immediately deactivate the account of the culprit. However, since new accounts can be created easily, such incidents continue to happen. Also, the system to verify one's account details has been deemed lax by public authorities and human rights groups. But in order to increase the user base, you have to ensure that it is easy for a new user to sign up. Increase in the user base leads to more advertisements on your network, which is a source of huge annual turnover for the company. At the same time, in wake of increasing instances of harassment, you also need to tighten the process of creating new accounts and deactivate or delete the ones being misused.\n(a) Highlight the options available to you in this scenario and evaluate each of them. What course of action will you take and why?\n(b) Is there a need for having reasonable restrictions on social media for it to remain a platform of healthy and fruitful engagement. Analyse from the viewpoint of different stakeholders.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":53,"question":"13. You and your friend are living together in a metropolitan city and preparing for civil service examinations. While you manage to meet your daily targets, you sense that your friend is unable to cope up with the pressure of the exam. Fear of not passing the exam and meeting the expectations of his family is stressing him further. You realise that with time your friend is losing interest in everything and often talks about committing suicide if he is unable to meet his goal. He is also missing out on meals and prefers to stay indoors when asked to venture out. When you sought professional help, the doctor diagnosed your friend with clinical depression. Being aware that your friend needs professional counselling and psychiatric care, you reach out to his parents who reside in a rural area. They rebuff you for suggesting counselling and instead reiterate that nothing is wrong with him. They sternly mention that your bringing up the matter will only make people engage in loose talk. They also ignore you when you politely inform them that it is not wise to ignore one's mental health. Your friend's parents see his state as a sign of failure and decide to call him home where he can continue with his preparation. You are aware of the gravity of the situation if your friend goes back to his house. You also know that there is very little awareness about mental health and that the solution is not to ignore it but to take necessary measures to tackle it.\n(a) As a concerned friend and an aspiring civil servant who can frame policies for the public in the future and has a moral duty towards them, what are the options available to you in such a situation?\n(b) Evaluate each of these options and choose the option you would adopt, giving reasons","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":54,"question":"(a) मित्र के कल्याण के लिए चिंतित एवं सिविल सेवक बनने की आकांक्षा रखने वाले व्यक्ति के रूप में, जो भविष्य में जनता के लिए नीतियों की रूपरेखा तय कर सकता है और जिसकी उनके प्रति नैतिक जिम्मेदारी होती है; ऐसी स्थिति में आपके पास कौन-से विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?  \n(b) इनमें से प्रत्येक विकल्प का मूल्यांकन कीजिए और कारण बताते हुए वह विकल्प चुनिए जो आप अपनाएँगे।\na) मित्र के कल्याण के लिए चिंतित एवं सिविल सेवक बनने की आकांक्षा रखने वाले व्यक्ति के रूप में, जो भविष्य में जनता के लिए नीतियों की रूपरेखा तय कर सकता है और जिसकी उनके प्रति नैतिक जिम्मेदारी होती है; ऐसी स्थिति में आपके पास कौन-से विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nb) इनमें से प्रत्येक विकल्प का मूल्यांकन कीजिए और कारण बताते हुए वह विकल्प चुनिए जो आप अपनाएँगे।","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"14. You are the Managing Director of a multinational company that prides on hiring people from diverse backgrounds. The company also chooses multiple projects under Corporate Social Responsibility that are geared towards social inclusion and empowerment of vulnerable sections of the society. Miss 'X' who works in your office tells you that she has been diagnosed with HIV. It happened due to malpractice by a medical practitioner who re-used a contaminated syringe that led Miss 'X' to contract the disease. The company has strict policies about toleration and you ensure Miss 'X' that she can continue with her job in the company without facing any form of discrimination. A few days after the revelation, Miss 'X' angrily submits her resignation letter. She states that she has faced discrimination at the workplace everyday after the revelation. Her colleagues are hesitant to eat lunch with her, they make sure they do not drink water from the same source and the females in the office comment on her marital status. She is also asked to sit separately during departmental discussions. She intends to sue the company for mental harassment. If she takes the step, the public image of the company will be maligned and its non-discriminatory policies will be questioned. The following are some suggested options for you to deal with the situation as a Managing Director of the company. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each of the options:\n(a) You accept her resignation and suggest a compensation package so that she refrains from suing the company.\n(b) You persuade her not to submit her resignation and transfer her to another department.\n(c) You ask her to continue with her job and take strict action against the colleagues who discriminated against her Also, state (without necessarily restricting to the above options) your course of action, giving proper reasons.","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":7071,"topper":"Saumya Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/95371_861_Saumya_Rank_9.pdf","questions":[{"page":11,"question":"What are the various components of an organization's work culture? What are key issues that need to be addressed in any organisation to create a more developmental and performance oriented culture?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"It is vain to talk of the interest of the community, without understanding what is the interest of the individual. Discuss the statement in the present context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Is Emotional Intelligence influenced by cultural moorings? How would you differentiate the applicability of Emotional Intelligence in Indian society from that of Western society?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Evaluate the success of RTI in bringing governance reforms in the country. Examine whether it has served the purpose it was meant for.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"The decisive role that money plays in elections creates a vicious cycle of corruption. (a) Elaborate in the context of India. (b) Discuss whether state funding of elections can help in curbing the menace of political corruption in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"As a person concerned for the welfare of your friend and aspiring to be a civil servant who can shape policies for the public in future and has a moral responsibility towards them; what are the options available to you in such a situation?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7072,"topper":"Saumya Sharma","air":9,"year":2017,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1aghHsFC7BL9cptbYEXRhzuvHwRL2Pioj","questions":[]},{"id":7073,"topper":"Saurabh Sharma","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Saurabh-Sharma-UPSC-2023-Rank-23-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Institutions reflect the cultural values of the societies in which they are established.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"He who has a 'why' to live for, can bear almost any 'how'.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The power of perception shapes our understanding of reality.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The tree that would grow to heaven must send its roots to hell.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"One health approach: a call for ecological equity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Culture can unite what history and geography has divided.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7074,"topper":"Saurabh Sharma","air":23,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ddd7f-1040829_2488_saurabh_sharma_rank_23.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7075,"topper":"Saurabh Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0099b-01068271_4510_saurabh-sharma_rank_146.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. Folk music serves as a repository of the cultural identity. Discuss the role of folk music in preserving cultural heritage and promoting social cohesion.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. How does the Vesara style of temple architecture represent a synthesis of the Nagara and Dravida styles? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. Discuss the role played by Indians living abroad in advancing the cause of India's freedom struggle. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. How did the Marshall Plan influence the economic recovery and political stability of post-war Europe? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. Discuss the factors responsible for increased cyclonic activity in the Arabian Sea. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. How can technological interventions help in transforming the textile sector in India? What are the initiatives that the government has taken in this regard? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. What is a seiche and how does it form? Discuss the geographical conditions under which seiches are most likely to occur. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. How has rapid urbanisation affected the socio-cultural landscape of peri-urban regions in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Examine the role of historical and socio-political factors in driving communalism in Indian politics. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. Globalization has significantly influenced the aspirations, lifestyle, and value systems of Indian youth. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. Examine how Chandragupta-II's reign symbolised a golden age of cultural development, laying the foundation for future advancements in Indian art and literature. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. Evaluate the intended and unintended consequences of British educational policies for the Indian society in the colonial period. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. India's territorial disputes after independence were not merely about borders, but also encompassed issues of national identity, historical grievances, and geopolitical strategies. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. Discuss the geographical conditions responsible for the development of shola forests in the upper reaches of the Western Ghats. Highlight their ecological significance.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. Discuss the potential of natural hydrogen as a fuel to meet growing global energy demands? Why is it still an untapped industry? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. Why is there a shift of labour-intensive industries from China to South and Southeast Asia? Discuss the advantages and challenges for India in this context.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. Explain the socio-economic transformations resulting from women's migration to metropolitan areas in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. The institution of marriage in India is increasingly becoming a site of conspicuous consumption and commodification. Critically examine the impact of this commercialisation on social equity and gender relations. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. Analyse how recognizing, reducing, and redistributing care work can foster gender equality and promote inclusive development in India.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. Discuss the changing nature of family structures in urban India. How is it impacting elderly care and socialization of the youth? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7076,"topper":"Saurabh Sharma","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Saurabh-Sharma-UPSC-2023-Rank-23-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Basic structure doctrine has prevented the Parliament, a creature of the constitution, from becoming the master of the constitution. Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"To what extent, in your opinion, Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in India have enabled women led development at the grassroot level? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The power of pressure groups lies not in their size or elaborate organization, but in their ability to mobilize public opinion and create lasting change. With help of relevant examples, discuss how informal pressure groups shape public policy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"\"Bail not Jail\" is the cardinal principle that upholds the sacrosanct ideas of individual's liberty and dignity. Explain the statement with the help of various judicial pronouncements. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Dispute redressal is the most important component of cooperative federalism. How does the Interstate Council facilitate the resolution of disputes related to states in India, and what are the challenges associated with this process? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Anti-defection law has failed to address and resolve the evil of political defection satisfactorily. Discuss various issues surrounding the Anti-defection law and recommend some corrective measures. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Decriminalization of homosexuality by the SC in Navtej Singh Jauhar case remains a task half done, specially without the socio-political sensitisation about the issues faced by LGBTQIA+ community. Elaborate in light of ongoing debates on same sex marriage. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Built upon common democratic values and shared vision of strategic autonomy, India-France bilateral ties exude a promise of stability, growth, and security in a time of geo-political flux and uncertainty. Do you agree? Substantiate your answer. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"As an important attribute of soft power, \"Knowledge diplomacy\" has the potential to further various objectives of foreign policy. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Referring to the case laws through which the collegium system in India evolved, critically assess its functioning. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Considering the non-enforceable nature of fundamental duties and directive principles of state policy, critically examine their impact in socio-political norms. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite its vital role for the smooth functioning of the body politic, constitutional punctuality remains conspicuous by its absence. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Frequent reliance on the ordinance making power by the government, not only dilutes the basic tenets of executive accountability in a parliamentary democracy, but also overlooks the democratic traditions of building consensus. Discuss with relevant examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"The critical reason for poor public health indicators in India goes beyond recognition of right to health as fundamental right. Do you think that a statutory framework alone can ameliorate the situation? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Reforming the education infrastructure through digital interventions is a progressive step, but it has its limitations too. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Electoral bond was brought in as a reform that was high on intent but has proved to be low on substance. Do you agree? Justify. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"The profound impact of the data revolution and widespread smartphone usage has necessitated the use of digital tools in welfare programmes. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Presidency of G20 is but a reflection of India's quest for a more just and polycentric world order, where the voice of the global south is mainstreamed not muzzled. Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"The new cold war between the USA and China may have the effect of casting a long shadow on India's strategic interests from Pacific to Atlantic. Evaluate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7077,"topper":"Saurabh Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/aa972-1040829_2423_saurabh-sharma_rank_23.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With suitable examples, discuss how environmental pressure groups enhance public participation and responsiveness with regard to environmental policies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The recent acknowledgment of sex work as a 'profession' by the Supreme Court is merely the first step in ensuring basic rights and equality for sex workers in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the role played by District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) in providing free legal aid and disseminating legal awareness in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"The collegium system has become a victim of its own success, with the concentration of power in the hands of a few, leading to questions about its legitimacy.\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"Civil services reforms must go beyond recruitment and standardised training to cope with the present day challenges.\" Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Outcome-based finance models such as social impact bonds have the potential to truly catalyse change and deliver socio-economic impact at scale. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The wide gap between the number of females graduating every year and those entering the workspace is an issue of paramount importance that needs to be addressed. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"An up to date and functional Civil Registration System (CRS) is essential to the socio-economic planning in India. Discuss in the light of the recent move of the Central government in revamping the CRS system in the country. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What are the key areas of reform if the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has to align with the current economic realities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In recent years, India's relationship with West Asia has evolved from the confines of geopolitics to expanse of geoeconomics. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The role of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) is significant in furthering healthy competitiveness aimed at inspiring stakeholders to innovate and augment effectiveness. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"\"The menace of paid news often rears its ugly head during elections.\" Discuss the need for making paid news an electoral offence in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the 'Doctrine of Essentiality' referred to by the courts in the context of religious practices in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"As per the recently released report of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), there is an urgent need to limit the size of the government in India. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The Institutions of Eminence (IoE) scheme was conceived to develop 'world-class' centres of higher education in India but six years later, it is yet to become the game changer it was intended to be. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) allows for innovative and convenient public services, help overcome inclusion or accessibility barriers, and increase transparency and accountability with real-time data. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Besides legislation, the full realisation of the 'right to health for all' in India demands plugging of social, financial, and infrastructural gaps. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The 'third gender' has not yet been engendered in the Indian society despite legislative nudge. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Among other factors, strained ties with China and Pakistan make it difficult for India to fulfill its expectations from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"The recently concluded initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) between the United States and India promises a long overdue transformation of their partnership in the field of technology. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7078,"topper":"Saurabh Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b0dcc-01068271_4511_saurabh-sharma_rank_146.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. How does the Supreme Court’s recent decision on Aligarh Muslim University’s minority status affect the interpretation of Article 30 of the Indian Constitution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. The Supreme Court, in a recent verdict, prescribed a time period for the Governor's assent to state legislative bills. What are the implications of this judgment for cooperative federalism and legislative accountability in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. Discuss the recent changes and initiatives related to cooperatives that aim to smoothen the tussle between the Centre and States in the cooperative sector.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. In recent years, use of social media and digital mobilisation by civil society has emerged as a powerful form of pressure politics. Examine its impact on policymaking and democratic accountability.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. How is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) emerging as a business-led solution for addressing development challenges in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. Discuss how mechanisms like public consultations and Jan Sunwais in India impact governance outcomes.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. How effective have the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) and Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan been in addressing substance abuse in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. Rote learning and neglect of creativity in foundational education setup in India make it less ready for marketplaces that are now driven by Artificial Intelligence. Do you agree with this view? Substantiate your argument.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"3) Rote learning hinders cognitive development","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"9. Analyze the transformation of the G7 from a symbol of Western strategic unity to a forum marked by internal contradictions. How should India navigate this changing dynamic to advance its strategic interests?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. Discuss the role of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in the development of developing countries. What are the key criticisms associated with its approach? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. The 103rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019 has introduced a new dimension to the principle of affirmative action in India. Critically examine its implications for the broader goal of social justice.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. The District Planning Committee (DPC) was envisioned as a key instrument to strengthen grassroots-level planning. How far has it succeeded in achieving this goal? Discuss the challenges faced by DPCs and suggest measures to make them more effective.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. The restrictions imposed under Article 293 of the Constitution on State borrowing powers, though constitutionally valid, may hinder fiscal autonomy of States and disrupt cooperative federalism. Discuss in the light of recent developments. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. Examine the tension between the right to contest elections and the need to uphold electoral ethics under the Representation of the People Act. Should there be a lifetime ban on convicted criminals? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. To what extent has the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme, launched in 2015, succeeded in addressing the declining child sex ratio and empowering the girl child? Suggest measures to enhance its impact at the grassroots level.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are emerging as vehicles of socio-economic transformation in rural India. Examine the role of government in scaling their reach and effectiveness. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. Despite economic growth, multidimensional poverty continues to persist in India. Analyse the underlying causes and discuss the measures taken by the government to address them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. India faces a paradox of food surplus and nutritional deficit. Analyse the structural reasons behind this paradox and suggest reform strategies. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. India's timely response during the economic crises in Sri Lanka and the Maldives reflects its \"Neighbourhood First\" policy in action. Examine how Indian aid has impacted bilateral ties with these nations. What steps can further be taken to promote sustainable economic cooperation in the Indian Ocean region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. Discuss the geostrategic significance of Afghanistan for India in the context of continental connectivity and access to Central Asia. How has the altered political landscape post-2021 affected India's connectivity and energy corridor ambitions? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7079,"topper":"Saurabh Sharma","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Saurabh-Sharma-UPSC-2023-Rank-23-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the role of the 'Fourth Estate' in upholding democratic values and analyse the issues affecting press freedom in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The electoral process, though inclusionary in theory, has been pointed out for exclusionary tendencies in practice. Analyse, with special emphasis on role of women in India's representative electoral system. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Assess the effectiveness of Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 in resolution of river water disputes. Also describe the potential impact of delays in resolution of water disputes. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the significance of the cooperative model of development in addressing the issues of rural growth. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"In order to pass the ultimate test of good governance, welfare state should be close to the people, responsive to their aspirations, and inclusive in its approach. Discuss with special reference to PM PVTG Development Mission. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"To what extent collaboration between the state and civil society organizations (CSOs) help in addressing poverty and malnutrition in the country? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Absence of a robust social infrastructure in the country may become one of the most significant challenges in achieving a developed status by 2047. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Though the changing paradigm towards dialogue and diplomacy in West Asia augurs well for India's interests in this otherwise restive region, presence of inimical actors may reverse the gains. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Water diplomacy can redefine the contours of regional cooperation in South Asia. Discuss with special reference to Indus water treaty 1960. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Despite constitutional backing to the institutions of local governance, the idea of decentralisation has remained hostage to several structural bottlenecks. Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Independent judiciary as envisaged by the constitution, provides the bedrock for a thriving polity, however, executive encroachment may erode its credibility and affect its efficacy. Evaluate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Executive agencies, working as the watchdog against impropriety, are vital to act against the corrupt, however, pandering to vested interests may have the effect of turning the idea of rule of law on its head. Comment, with special reference to controversies associated with the Enforcement Directorate (ED). (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Critically analyse the role of National Commission for Women (NCW) in wake of its mandate to safeguard women's rights and uphold their socio-economic wellbeing. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Understanding the extent, source, and complexity of deprivations among the multidimensionally poor contributes to more informed policymaking. In this context, analyze the latest National Multidimensional Poverty Index Report by NITI Aayog. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Safely managed drinking water services, as desired by Jal Jeevan Mission, are designated to give multifarious benefits cutting across generations. Discuss. Also elaborate upon the challenges in ensuring the mission's success. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Legislation like Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989 remains mere legal documents without intense sensitization of public functionaries and the civil society. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Harbinger of global rebalancing, India-Africa ties are a beacon of inclusive, sustainable, and equitable world. Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"How do ASEAN centrality, rules based order, and development partnership with Pacific Island states make Indo-Pacific a theatre of opportunity for India? What are the hurdles in realisation of an inclusive Indo-Pacific construct? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7080,"topper":"Saurabh Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d5764-1068271_2081_saurabh-sharma_rank_146.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"1. (a) Too much dependence on data driven technologies can result in data colonisation and digital dictatorship. Discuss the various issues that may arise in this context and suggest remedial measures.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":3,"question":"1. (b) Due to the recent proliferation of social media, influencers have become important agents of change in the society. Discuss with examples. Also, highlight the ethical issues involved. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"2. (a) Prejudice and discrimination when left unaddressed have the potential to turn conflicts into violence. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"2. (b) Non-violence is the highest form of fundamental moral virtue. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"3. (a) Though the ‘Me Too Movement’ helped in creating some murmur with respect to sexual harassment of women at workplace, it has failed to create a lasting positive impact on the work culture in India. Do you agree? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"3. (b) India ranks 85th amongst 180 countries in the Corruption Perception Index of 2021. In this context, discuss the various ways to tackle corruption in India, with special reference to Kautilya's Arthashastra.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"4. (a) An ethical work culture not only drives positive organisational outcomes but also helps employees thrive. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"4. (b) Bring out the ethical principles on which a Citizen's Charter is formulated. Also, discuss its purpose and effectiveness in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"5. (a) Probity in public life is nothing but the reflection of integrity in personal life. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"5. (b) The work culture of the police in India is said to be characterised by indecision, inefficiency and lack of empathy. Discuss. Also, suggest remedial measures in this context.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"6 What does each of the following quotations mean to you?\n(a) \"It takes something more than intelligence to act intelligently.\" – Fyodor Dostoyevsky. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"6. (b) \"A popular government, without popular information, or the means of acquiring it, is but a prologue to a farce or a tragedy; or perhaps both.\" - James Madison (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"6. (c) \"Character may almost be called the most effective means of persuasion.\" - Aristotle (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"7 You are a young IAS officer and have recently joined as a Sub-Divisional Magistrate in a district, which has been declared 'open defecation free'. However, you get information that some villages in your sub-division are still continuing the practice of open defecation out of habit despite availability of toilets. Your colleagues in the district administration confirm that the information is true. You call the village headmen of these villages and tell them to persuade their respective villagers to stop open defecation. But, they express their unwillingness and inability to fully stop this practice, as in some cases they themselves consider it healthy to defecate in the open. You discuss this matter with the District Magistrate who forbids you from taking any official action, as this may cause the 'open defecation free' status given to the district to be withdrawn. As a young and dynamic officer, answer the following:\n(a) Why do people continue to practice open defecation even when they have access to toilets?\n(b) What are the options available to you as the Sub-Divisional Magistrate in this case? Highlight the merits and demerits of each option.\n(c) What will be your course of action? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"(A) Reason for continuation of open defecation despite Toilets:-\n(i) Entrenched ageold practices\n(ii) Lack of Awareness about the pitfalls of open defecation\n(iii) Convenience preferred over health","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"8. You are the District Magistrate of a district, which is the hub of coaching centres for engineering as well as medical entrance exams. Recently, around 5 students have committed suicide owing to academic and social pressure. Students in the age group 15-18 years from across the country come to the district with the dream of getting admission into prestigious institutions like the IITs and AIIMS. However, the coaching institutes are business-minded and want to have toppers from their institute so that they can attract more students. They create a lot of pressure on students to perform, with differential treatment like forming different category of batches depending on students' performance. These students live as Paying Guests and in hostels away from their families and many cannot tackle the huge burden of competition and the associated mental stress.\nThe recent spate of suicide by 5 students has been highlighted by the national media and you have been asked by the Chief Minister to present a report of the situation and take steps on the matter. The Chief Minister has also asked you to keep the matter away from limelight so that the coaching centres continue with their business and generate revenue for themselves as well as the state. Upon investigation, you find out that 2-3 of the most famous coaching institutions are run by political leaders of the ruling party.\n(a) इसमें शामिल हितधारकों का उल्लेख कीजिए और दिए गए प्रकरण से जुड़े नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\n(b) दी गई स्थिति में, आप क्या कार्रवाई करेंगे?\n(c) छात्रों के बीच आत्महत्या के मामलों में वृद्धि के विभिन्न कारणों पर चर्चा करते हुए, इस मुद्दे के दीर्घकालिक समाधान के लिए उपाय सुझाइए। (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दें)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Given the situation:\n(a) Highlight the stakeholders involved and discuss the associated ethical issues in the given case.\n(b) Given the situation, what will be your course of action?\n(c) Discussing the various reasons for increased cases of suicides among students, suggest measures to address the issue in the long-run. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"9. You are appointed as the Project Director in a large infrastructure company of the country. The company has won the rights to develop a port and its hinterland in a state. The project has economic and strategic significance for the country as it would develop a leading transshipment hub in the region and would lead to higher exports and earnings through its operation, flourishing of new businesses and also create employment opportunities. Also, the successful completion and operationalization of the project is important for the company as some of its previous projects were halted due to protests by the local communities and not only the reputation of the company but also significant investments are at stake. The land acquisition for the project has been completed as per the laid down rules and regulations. The Environmental Impact Assessment has been carried out and the project has received the go ahead from the concerned authorities. Also, rehabilitation and alternative livelihood opportunities are made available to the affected people as per the laid-down norms. However, once the construction started, some farmer groups started agitating on the grounds that they have not been adequately compensated and that the project will negatively impact their livelihoods. They are demanding that either the project be halted or the compensation provided to them be increased substantially by way of money and assured jobs.\n(a) इस प्रकरण में प्रासंगिक हितधारकों और उन्हें प्रभावित करने वाले मुद्दों की पहचान कीजिए।\n(b) दिए गए संदर्भ में, विरोध करने वाले समूहों की मांगों को मानने के गुणों और दोषों का मूल्यांकन कीजिए।\n(c) आप कौन-सी कार्रवाई का अनुसरण करेंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दें)","marks":null,"words":"250 शब्दों में उत्तर दें"},{"page":39,"question":"In this context, answer the following:\n(a) Identify the relevant stakeholders in this case and the issues affecting them.\n(b) Evaluate the merits and demerits of ceding to the demands of the protesting groups, in the given context.\n(c) What course of action will you follow? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"B Evaluation of merits/demerits of ceding to demands of farmers","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"(c) Course of Action\n(i) Explain to farmers the value of project and its benefits to larger economy.\n(ii) Agreeing to more compensation in phases, as the development starts.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"10. In order to tackle climate change, green energy is touted as one of the best solutions. Countries are now replacing coal with hydroelectric power, fossil fuels with solar energy, petrol and diesel cars with electric vehicles (EVs). EVs are being pitched as a cleaner, greener and sustainable alternative. Electric cars use batteries, and lithium and cobalt are rare metals that make up these batteries. The cobalt in the battery keeps it stable and allows it to operate safely. Cobalt is used in about half of the electric cars, which is about four to 30 kilograms per battery.\nYou are the District Magistrate of a district where cobalt is found in abundance. On a visit to one such cobalt site, you find out that children are employed in the mines and these children flirt with death daily. They enter vertical tunnels that are too narrow for adults to enter and dig for cobalt under inhumane conditions in a furnace-like environment. Although, they sometimes use shovels, they typically dig with their bare hands. They are not provided with masks, gloves, work clothes and are only provided with 20 minutes of oxygen at a time. Yet, these young children dig for hours. Upon digging the rock, they crush it, wash it and then take their finds to the market in order to sell them.\n(a) उपयुक्त प्रकरण में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\n(b) कानूनी और संस्थागत उपायों के बावजूद, भारत में बाल श्रम के जारी रहने के कारणों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\n(c) दी गई स्थिति के संदर्भ में, जिले में बाल श्रम की समस्या के समाधान के लिए आप क्या कदम उठाएंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दें)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"In this regard, answer the following questions:\n(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case.\n(b) Despite the legal and institutional measures, discuss the reasons behind the prevalence of child labour in India.\n(c) In context of the given situation, what steps will you take to address the issue of child labour in the district? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"11 You are one of the producers of a television reality show. The show is very popular in the country and has a wide viewership among all sections of the society and across various regions. However, a controversy has emerged wherein in the latest season of the show, a contestant from the film industry who has been accused of sexual harassment by many of his co-workers has been accepted as a participant. Several media houses have reported it and have criticized the show for giving a national platform to one of the country's most high-profile alleged perpetrators of female harassment. They term it as a denigration of those women who had bravely spoken up about their harassment.\nIn a personal capacity, you also feel the same and are of the view that such a controversial person should not have been invited to the show. However, when you talk to other producers about it, they opine that the controversy is good for the show, as it generates free publicity. Also, they say that a person is not guilty unless the court of law declares so and the career of a person should not be sabotaged due to media trial. Moreover, the person in question is very close to the host of the show, who is an extremely popular public figure in the country. The show commands a huge fandom and success of the show is also contingent on him. None of the producers want to antagonize the host.\n(a) इस प्रकरण में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दे कौन-से हैं?\n(b) आपके समक्ष कौन-से विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं और आप क्या कार्रवाई करेंगे?\n(c) ऐसे प्रकरणों में मीडिया द्वारा ट्रायल के सकारात्मक और नकारात्मक प्रभावों पर चर्चा कीजिए। (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दें)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"In the given situation, answer the following questions:\n(a) What are the ethical issues involved in the case?\n(b) What are the options available to you and what will be your course of action?\n(c) Discuss the positive and negative impacts of trial by media in such cases. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":56,"question":"12 You have recently joined as the Chief Executive Officer of the Water Supply and Sewerage Board in a metropolitan city of India. Recently, there was an incident where two poor people died while undertaking hazardous cleaning of sewers in a posh neighbourhood, housing top corporate honchos of the city. The preliminary report found that a few residents in the said neighbourhood employed private workers to clean the sewers without the knowledge of the local city administration. A complaint for causing death by negligence has been registered against the concerned residents as well as the private contractor through whom these poor people were employed to carry out the task. The complaint has come as a shock to the residents of the neighbourhood, most of whom never had a brush with the law before. During the investigation, the residents of the neighbourhood complained that the local administration has not been cleaning sewers for a long time, forcing them to hire private workers. You also come to know that there has been a confusion over the maintenance works in the city administration,\n(a) संबंधित मुद्दों के साथ प्रकरण में शामिल हितधारकों की पहचान कीजिए।\n(b) दिए गए प्रकरण में आपके समक्ष उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन कीजिए। आप इनमें से कौन-सा विकल्प चुनेंगे और क्यों?\n(c) भविष्य में ऐसी घटनाओं को रोकने के लिए आप कौन-से दीर्घकालीन उपाय करेंगे? (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में दें)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"In light of the above situation, answer the following questions:\n(a) Identify the stakeholders involved in the case along with the associated issues.\n(b) Evaluate the options that are available to you in the given case. Which of these options will you choose and why?\n(c) What will be the long-term measures you will take to prevent such an incident from occurring in the future?(Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":7081,"topper":"Saurabh Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/dc354-1068271_2088_saurabh-sharma_rank_146.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1.(a) The principle of double effect is based on the idea that if a person's behaviour or conduct is intended to achieve a goal which is morally good, however, as a result, there is a morally bad side-effect, then it is still acceptable to adopt that particular behaviour or conduct. How far can this principle aid in resolving difficult moral situations? Discuss with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"1.(b) The Indian Republic chose Ashoka's Lion Capital at Sarnath as its state emblem to reflect the same harmony achieved by him and effect a continuity with his humane policies towards the people of the modern Indian nation. In this background, discuss the ethical teachings that find resonance in Ashoka's life.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"2.(a) Compassion and tolerance are necessities and not luxuries, as without them, humanity cannot survive. How do the values of compassion and tolerance assist in the day-to-day functioning of a civil servant? Explain using suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"2.(b) Transparency is a necessary condition for accountability, but it does not automatically guarantee accountability. Discuss. Under what conditions does transparency lead to accountability?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"3 What does each of the following quotations mean to you?\n(a) \"A great man is different from an eminent one in that he is ready to be the servant of the society.\" B.R. Ambedkar (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"3.(b) \"We may have different religions, different languages, different colored skin, but we all belong to one human race.\" Kofi Annan (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"3.(c) \"The aim of education is the knowledge, not of facts, but of values.\" William Ralph Inge (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"4.(a) The concept of ethical corporate governance works on the principle of balance of equity, which seeks to balance the interests of the company, customers, suppliers, financers, government and shareholders on the one hand and the community at large on the other hand. Which values play a central role in ensuring ethical corporate governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"4.(b) Toxic work environment and overwork are social problems, which require the government, labour unions, health officials and corporates to formulate appropriate policies. What are the ethical issues that should be considered while formulating appropriate policies in this regard? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"5.(a) For leaders, having emotional intelligence is vital for success as it helps them to read and regulate their own emotions while intuitively grasping how others feel and gauging their emotional state. But effective leadership in today's interconnected world necessitates going beyond emotional intelligence and cultivating cultural intelligence. Discuss with illustrations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"5.(b) Probity is confirmed integrity, which is usually regarded as being incorruptible. What is the significance of probity in governance? How important is the role of leadership in fostering probity and ethical governance in public service? Explain using suitable illustrations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"6.(a) Analyse the role of moral attitude in shaping the perception and response to marital rape in India. Explain the ethical considerations in criminalising marital rape in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Ethical considerations in criminalising marital rape","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"6.(b) Apart from consciousness, one needs to possess conscience in order to make ethical decisions. Explain with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"7. Even if the LGBTQIA+ couples live together, legally, they are on a slippery slope. They do not enjoy the rights that married couples do. For example, the LGBTQIA+ couples cannot adopt children or have a child by surrogacy, they do not have automatic rights to inheritance, maintenance and tax benefits, and after a partner passes away, they cannot avail benefits like pension or compensation. Most of all, since marriage is a social institution that is created by and highly regulated by law, without this social sanction, same-sex couples struggle to make a life together.\nA number of petitions have been filed in recent years in courts for the legal recognition of same-sex marriages. Gender rights campaigners believe that recognizing same-sex marriages is the next logical step after the decriminalization of homosexuality.\nHowever, the other point of view is that the concept of marriage ought not to be disturbed or diluted by judicial interpretation. It is argued that a middle path could be for the government to set up a panel to look into the pleas of same sex couples and recommend a way out.\n\nAs a conscious individual who understands the various dimensions of this issue, answer the following:\n(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.\n(b) Do you think that same-sex marriage should be legally recognized by the state in India?\n(c) Critically examine whether the law can be effective in bringing social change.","marks":null,"words":"approximately 250"},{"page":30,"question":"As an aware individual, who understands various dimensions of this issue, answer the following:\n(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\n(b) Do you think same-sex marriage should be recognised by the State in India?\n(c) Critically examine whether law can be effective in bringing about social change.","marks":null,"words":"20"},{"page":34,"question":"8. (a) इस स्थिति से निपटने के लिए लॉयड के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\n(b) प्रत्येक विकल्प का आलोचनात्मक मूल्यांकन कीजिए और लॉयड द्वारा अपनाने योग्य सबसे उपयुक्त विकल्प की पहचान कीजिए।\n(c) पुलिस हिरासत में होने वाली मौतों को रोकने के लिए आप क्या उपाय सुझाएंगे?\na) इस स्थिति से निपटने के लिए लॉयड के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nb) प्रत्येक विकल्प का आलोचनात्मक मूल्यांकन कीजिए और लॉयड द्वारा अपनाने योग्य सबसे उपयुक्त विकल्प की पहचान कीजिए।\nc) पुलिस हिरासत में होने वाली मौतों को रोकने के लिए आप क्या उपाय सुझाएंगे?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"(a) What are the options available with Lloyd to deal with the situation?\n(b) Critically evaluate each of the options and identify the most appropriate one for Lloyd to adopt.\n(c) What measures would you suggest to prevent deaths in police custody","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":36,"question":"(11) Persuading and Convincing senior officials about the human stakes involved due to graft and collusion of Politicians","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"9 (a) इस प्रकरण से जुड़े नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\n(b) उपयुक्त परिस्थितियों में, राज के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\n(c) इनमें से प्रत्येक विकल्प का आलोचनात्मक मूल्यांकन कीजिए।\n(d) राज को कौन-सी कार्रवाई अपनानी चाहिए? वैध कारणों के माध्यम से पुष्टि कीजिए।\na) इस प्रकरण से जुड़े नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\nb) उपयुक्त परिस्थितियों में, राज के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nc) इनमें से प्रत्येक विकल्प का आलोचनात्मक मूल्यांकन कीजिए।\nd) राज को कौन-सी कार्रवाई अपनानी चाहिए? वैध कारणों के माध्यम से पुष्टि कीजिए।","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"After going into some details, he realized that the sales team of his company was indulging in malpractices to lure poor parents to buy courses for their children. He informed this to the head of his department but the head did not seem concerned. Some of his colleagues informed him that this is a normal practice in the ed-tech industry to achieve sales targets. Further, he was also informed that due to the recent funding crunch in start-ups, the company is under severe pressure to show profits, else there will be mass layoffs.\n(a) Identify the ethical issues associated with the case above.\n(b) Under the given conditions, what are the options available to Raj?\n(c) Critically evaluate each of these options.\n(d) What course of action should Raj adopt? Justify with valid reasons.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":45,"question":"10 As the Head of the Municipal Corporation, you are faced with a challenging situation wherein two groups of concerned citizens have approached you. One, expressing their frustrations and concerns regarding the menace caused by street dogs in the city and other, taking steps towards encouraging compassion and humane treatment to these silent beings.\n(a) What are the ethical dilemmas involved in the case?\n(b) Evaluate the implications of favouring one plea over the other.\n(c) What course of action would resolve the situation in the immediate as well as long term?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":50,"question":"11. You are young upright person who has been newly appointed in the Anti-Corruption Bureau of your district. After joining, your office receives a tip-off from an anonymous person that an engineer working with the Municipal Corporation of the city has amassed wealth much beyond his known sources of income and is hand in gloves in corrupt activities. Because the law is clear that anonymous complaints cannot be acted upon, you ignore the complaint. But in the next few weeks, you receive a few more anonymous complaints against the concerned engineer. You begin to make enquiries against the engineer and find that he is indeed a very corrupt officer. Some\n(a) इस प्रकरण में शामिल विभिन्न हितधारकों एवं मुद्दों की पहचान कीजिए।\n(b) प्रदत्त स्थिति में आपके पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\n(c) इनमें से प्रत्येक विकल्प के गुण और दोषों का विश्लेषण कीजिए।\n(d) औचित्य सिद्ध करते हुए अपनी कार्रवाई पर चर्चा कीजिए।","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Based on the above scenario, answer the following:\n(a) Identify the various stakeholders and the issues involved in the case.\n(b) What options do you have in the given situation?\n(c) Analyse the merits and demerits of each of these options.\n(d) Discuss your course of action, with proper justification.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":56,"question":"12. You have been appointed as the Chief Secretary in a state. Recently, a complex issue has surfaced involving two civil servants from your state. Both the officers who are known for their excellence in their respective roles have found themselves embroiled in an intense public feud on social media.\n(a) इस प्रकरण में कौन-से नैतिक मुद्दे शामिल हैं?\n(b) मुख्य सचिव के रूप में आपके पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\n(c) आप कौन-सा विकल्प चुनेंगे और क्यों?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"(a) What are ethical issues involved in this situation?\n(b) What are the options available to you as the Chief Secretary?\n(c) Which option would you choose and why?\na) What are ethical issues involved in this situation?\nb) What are the options available to you as the Chief Secretary?\nc) Which option would you choose and why?","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":7082,"topper":"Saurabh Sharma","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Saurabh-Sharma-UPSC-2023-Rank-23-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The influence of ethical principles on shaping socially responsible behavior is widely acknowledged. How do ethical values facilitate individuals in cultivating a proactive and constructive attitude towards fulfilling their social responsibilities? Can the subjective nature of ethical principles lead to divergent attitudes regarding social responsibility? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Through their actions, interactions, and teachings, schools have the power to mold the moral compass of the next generation. In this perspective, discuss the significance of value-based education in preparing the youth to address the contemporary challenges of society. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'situation ethics'? Critically analyze its strengths and weaknesses in making moral judgements. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Maintaining traditional bonds and familial relationships in an increasingly globalized world requires personal relationships to be governed by ethical principles. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Why should a man be moral? Because it strengthens his will.\" - Swami Vivekanand. In this perspective, discuss the significance of morality for bringing efficiency and effectiveness in public administration. Do you think moral rigidity can be a hindrance in good governance? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Civil servants who embody emotional intelligence exhibit a profound understanding of the human aspect of governance, enabling them to cultivate meaningful relationships, foster cooperation, and drive positive change. Examine ways in which Emotional Intelligence can be inculcated in civil servants. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The challenges posed by the corporate sector's impact on climate, environmental sustainability, and living conditions has highlighted the need for responsible and inclusive business practices. In this direction, the contemporary discourse on corporate governance is emphasizing the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. Evaluate the ESG framework in equipping the corporate world with the capabilities to fulfill its social roles and responsibilities. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Uniform Civil Code (UCC) aims to create a common set of laws governing personal matters, such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption, irrespective of individuals' religious affiliations. In the context of the ongoing discourse on UCC in India, examine the challenges that arise when attempting to reconcile legal principles with diverse moral considerations. To what extent should the law be influenced by moral/religious principles? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What does each of the following quotation mean to you? a) “When I do good, I feel good; when I do bad, I feel bad, and that is my religion” – Abraham Lincoln. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time.\" - Ruth Bader Ginsburg. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"\"Happiness is that state of consciousness which proceeds from the achievement of one's values\" - Ayn Rand. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Discuss the role of various stakeholders in checking such biases and building an egalitarian order. b) Why do such discriminatory practices continue in the society? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":7083,"topper":"Saurabh Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2bb96-1040829_2425_saurabh_rank_23.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"For effective corporate governance to take place in the coming years, why is it important to integrate the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics with the multi-stakeholder approach? What benefits can be accrued by such integration? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In acts of corruption, the focus is often only on the demand side of the equation, on public officials who abuse their office for private gain. Frequently, the supply side is given less attention. Those who pay bribes are sometimes depicted as innocent parties and victims of extortionary practices of wily public servants. Do you agree that 'collusive corruption', in which there is a willing bribe-giver, is a formidable challenge for institutions fighting corruption? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Citizens' Charters initiative was a response to the quest for solving the problems, which a citizen encountered, day in and day out, while dealing with the organisations providing public services. But the introduction and implementation of Citizens' Charters in the government of India has been difficult due to the old bureaucratic set up and the rigid attitudes of the work force. Discuss the major obstacles that have been encountered in implementing the Citizens' Charter initiative. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Quality of public service delivery is a major determinant of the quality of life of vulnerable sections in a highly unequal society divided along the lines of class, caste, religion, etc. In this background, do you think that public service delivery is efficient and sufficient enough to improve the lives of vulnerable groups in India? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? \\\"The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own.\\\" - Lao Tzu (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Wealthy CEOs and founders of successful businesses around the world are increasingly pledging to give away their wealth in philanthropy. Do you think that such a move is sufficient enough to bring about a positive change in the society? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"As organizations across the globe begin their artificial intelligence (AI) transformation, the leap into the AI era is expected to be more challenging than any technology that businesses have grappled with yet. In this background, discuss the concerns around fairness, transparency, and job security that may arise. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The emphasis of Swami Dayanand Saraswati on education, social equality, and ethical values continues to influence the socio-cultural discourse in contemporary India. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Emotional intelligence may not be singularly associated with emotions or intelligence. It can also include a broad range of personality characteristics that might predict success in professional and everyday life. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Traditional forms of state-led accountability, also characterised as vertical and horizontal channels of accountability, are increasingly found to be inadequate, and a myriad of multi-stakeholder and bottom-up citizen directed approaches have come to the fore, to supplement or supplant them. Discuss with illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":33,"question":"With reference to this case study, answer the following: (a) What are the issues involved in this case? (b) What measures can be taken to minimize the negative implications of adopting such technologies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Additionally, companies like BMW, Volvo, Google and Korean battery maker Samsung SDI, vowed in a statement to not buy metals produced from deep-sea mining until the environmental risks of the activity are \"comprehensively understood.\" In the context of the above-stated information, address the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the given case study? (b) How can the vision of economic development of a nation be achieved without adversely affecting the sustainability of oceans? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7084,"topper":"Saurabh Sharma","air":23,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1T6oS81viTNU4RVy18YoCrNw_kTbnLDLo","questions":[]},{"id":7085,"topper":"Saurabh Sharma","air":23,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a13da-1040829_2295_saurabh_sharma_rank_23.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7086,"topper":"Saurabh Sharma","air":23,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/39471-1040829_2297_saurabh_sharma_rank_23.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7087,"topper":"Saurabh Sharma","air":23,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/94f9a-1040829_2301_saurabh_sharma_rank_23.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7088,"topper":"Saurabh Suman Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d8028-14092_758_saurabh_suman_yadav_rank_55.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What role has the constitution envisaged for the Governor with respect to administration of Scheduled and Tribal Areas? Critically evaluate the success of provisions of Fifth and Sixth schedules in achieving their objectives.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"In view of the argument that governance is caught in a logjam of far too many checks and not enough balances, has the time arrived to have a relook at the powers of Rajya Sabha? Discuss keeping in mind the constitutional rationale and the role performed by Rajya Sabha over the years.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"The constitutional provisions relating to office of profit have been violated over the years in spirit, even as they have been adhered to in letter. Discuss in light of various judgment(s) of the Apex Court in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"While holding simultaneous elections to the Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies offers various advantages, it brings its own set of complexities. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"The right to live with dignity under Article 21 includes the right to die with dignity. Discuss in light of various judicial pronouncements by the Apex Court on this matter. Also, critically examine the various issues associated with the Medical Treatment of Terminally III Patients Bill 2016.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Inspite of 15 years of being in existence, it is often argued that MPLADS has failed to meet its objectives. Critically analyse along with reforms required to improve its implementation. Also discuss if this scheme should be discontinued in light of 73rd and 74th amendments to the constitution.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Mentioning the positions taken by the Supreme Court and the Government of India, examine the rationale behind the idea of National Court of Appeal (NCA).","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"In light of frequent droughts experienced in the country, efficient water management is the need of the hour. How far can Draft National Water Framework Bill, 2016 help in achieving this? Analyse its utility in tackling the issues of inter-state water disputes.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"It is often said that the Right to Information act is necessary, but not sufficient to improve governance. Do you agree? Also, examine the various structural, procedural and logistical issues with the act.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"While the Right to Education is based on the idea that every child should have an equal right to quality education, it has been facing challenges on various fronts. Comment. Can privatising education provide a solution to the problems being faced?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Enumerate the key rights being guaranteed by the Mental Health Care Bill, 2013 passed by the Rajya Sabha recently. Also examine the challenges in its implementation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Absence of a powerful and politically accountable leadership in the cities is considered as one of the primary reasons for urban woes. Do you think that direct election of mayor can help in overcoming this issue? What other alternatives can be explored for improving the working of urban local bodies?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"It is more difficult to escape the shadow of social discrimination than it is to break the shackles of economic backwardness. Discuss the statement in the context of Dalit capitalism and give an account of the problems that Dalit entrepreneurs have been facing. Also highlight the steps taken by the government in recent times to encourage Dalit empowerment via the market.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"South Asia, with India at its centre, is the fastest growing region for human trafficking in the world. In this context, examine the reasons for human trafficking in India. How does the Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2016 seek to address this issue?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Though India's performance in Olympics has improved over the years, our sports ecosystem continues to suffer from many deficiencies. Analyze. Enumerate the steps that can be taken to improve India's performance in multi-national sports events.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Though economic relations remain the backbone of the India-GCC relationship, both sides have been looking for new areas of cooperation to strengthen their political and strategic ties. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Whereas, on the one hand, multilateral institutions such as the United Nations and WTO are increasingly beset by logjam, on the other, regional and bilateral initiatives such as the TPP are gaining ground. Do you think India needs to review reliance on multilateralism in favour of bilateral and regional engagements?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Even though India has been steadfast in its commitment to non-proliferation, its relationship with the export control regimes has not been without challenges. Discuss. Also, evaluate the importance of India joining export control regimes.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Even though SAARC has remained a key aspect of India's neighbourhood policy, the efficacy of this regional grouping has been questioned in recent times. Discuss. Also critically examine the options available to India in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"The Indian diaspora is more prosperous than before and its involvement in India's development is increasing. How has India's engagement with its diaspora evolved over the years? Highlighting the initiatives taken by the government to fruitfully engage with the diaspora, comment on the emerging challenges in this context.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7089,"topper":"Saurabh Suman Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/092ea-14092_757_saurabh_suman_yadav_rank_55.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Trace the evolution of cave architecture in India with special reference to their design, nature and wall paintings.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"With the help of examples, explain how Folk Paintings as an art form represent an array of human beliefs and cultural diversity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"\"The response to the Partition of Bengal was not a mere expression of Bengali sub-nationalism, but a resistance that carried in it the seeds of a coherent nationalist struggle for India's independence.\" Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"The economic interpretation of British Colonialism by Indian intelligentsia during 1870-1905 brought forward unpleasant facts about the foreign rule. Analyse this statement and assess the impact of these interpretations on the National Movement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"The role of women in Indian nationalism is well acknowledged, however, women who took part in armed struggle against the British are less known. In this context, examine the role played by Indian women in national movement with particular reference to revolutionary struggle.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"It has been argued that unlike the wars in 1962 and 1971, the war in 1965 was indecisive and brought neither victory nor peace to India. Critically analyse the proposition and also highlight how the experience of 1965 was helpful in the war of 1971.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss whether the agrarian movements which emerged from the late 1970's should be referred to as 'New' Farmers' Movements. In light of the problems faced by poor farmers and agricultural labourers, critically evaluate these movements.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Though both Bismarck and Sardar Patel played an important role in unifying their respective countries, yet given the different historical circumstances, the challenges faced by both and the strategies they adopted were different, Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Enumerate the reforms undertaken during the Gorbachev era and explain the reasons for undertaking these. To what extent could these reforms be held responsible for the breakup of the Soviet Union?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"While the impact of French Revolution was largely limited to the European countries, the Russian Revolution had a much wider impact across the globe. Critically analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Give an account of the factors which influence gender equality in basic education. What can be done to bridge the existing gender gap in this context?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"While state action alone cannot ensure social change, no social group howsoever weak or oppressed is only a victim. Examine the statement in the context of organised action for justice and dignity for manual scavengers in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Give an account of the factors driving people to migrate from the countryside to urban areas even if it entails living in slums. Highlight some important facts about slums unique to India. Also discuss some strategies which can be adopted for transforming India's slums.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Define flood plains and explain their significance. Also, examine how anthropogenic activities have contributed to recent instances of urban flooding.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Why do forest fires occur frequently in certain regions of India? Examine the ecological significance of forest fires and identify the measures to tackle the phenomenon.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"What are the different types of rainfall? Give an account of the world distribution of rainfall.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"The prevailing water crisis in the country is not about the unavailability of water rather the mismanagement of available resources. Do you agree? Discuss the short-term and long-term socio-economic impacts of the water crisis on India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Enlist the major fishing zones of the world along with the reasons for their distribution. Does India's deep sea fishing policy warrant a fresh look? Examine in context of the recommendations of the Meena Kumari committee on the matter.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7090,"topper":"Saurabh Suman Yadav","air":55,"year":2018,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/56aa0-14092_760_saurabh_suman_yadav_rank_55.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7091,"topper":"Saurav Pandey","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/f34c2-11805_1247_saurav-pandey_rank_66.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Mention the structure and functions of NITI Aayog. Also, comment on its contemporary relevance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Critically discuss the practice of setting up Fast Track Courts to reduce pendency of cases in the judiciary. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the challenges faced by lower judiciary in India and suggest measures for enhancing their productivity. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Assess the need to formalise the process of post-legislative scrutiny to improve the effectiveness of laws. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in improving the effectiveness of e-governance in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Despite various reforms in the public grievance redressal mechanisms, their effectiveness remain limited. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Explaining the factors that contribute to trafficking of women and children in India, highlight the steps taken in recent times to combat it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"With Vector-Borne Diseases (VBDs) reaching epidemic proportions in India, highlight the factors that have led to their emergence. Also, suggest some measures for their effective control and management. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"After years of neglect, rapidly evolving regional strategic realities are now forcing India and Indonesia to coordinate their policies ever more closely. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Despite several attempts at resetting the ties, various barriers continue to be a cause of concern in the India-Nepal bilateral relations. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Delineate the differences between pressure groups and interest groups. Citing examples, elaborate on the ways in which pressure groups influence government decisions and policy making in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlighting the issues faced by the institutions of local self governance in India, suggest measures that can be taken to improve their effectiveness in the delivery of public goods and services at the grassroot level. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The recent amendment to the Right to Information Act, 2005 will weaken the act and undermine the authority of Information Commissioners. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight the process of delimitation in India. Also, throw light on the debates surrounding the delimitation exercise in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Self Help Groups (SHGs) are vehicles of rural development, which help in the upliftment of marginalized groups. Elucidate. Further, mention the constraints faced by SHGs and how they can be addressed. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"With construction of toilets being only one part of the solution for a clean India, it is time that the Swachh Bharat Mission puts more emphasis on the other facets as well. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Highlight the salient features of Mission Indradhanush. What are the challenges that the mission is facing in its implementation? Suggest measures to address these challenges for progressing towards full immunization coverage. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Assess the importance of skilling in light of changing economic and demographic structure in India. In this regard, how far has the Skill India Mission succeeded in its mandate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What according to you are the reasons that motivated India to create a dedicated Indo-Pacific division in the MEA recently? Also, highlight the challenges for India in the Indo-Pacific region. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"For SCO to become a successful regional grouping, it has to overcome bilateral differences between its members and their respective geopolitical calculations. Comment. Also, discuss the role that SCO can play in enhancing India's interest in the Eurasian region. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7092,"topper":"Saurav Pandey","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e4b75-11805_1246_saurav-pandey_rank_66.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Rock-cut structures were closely associated with various religions and religious activities. Discuss the statement giving relevant examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The legislative and administrative record of the Congress Ministries during their twenty-eight months rule under the Act of 1935 was positive, but the period also witnessed the emergence of serious weaknesses in the Congress. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Kamladevi Chattopadhyay was a multifaceted personality with significant contributions both to pre and post independence India. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The inherent limitations of Napoleon's policy of Continental Blockade ultimately resulted in its failure. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Despite changes in the institution of marriage in recent times, there have been elements of continuity as well. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"There are multiple disabilities that a person experiences in the course of ageing. Elaborate. Also identify key government initiatives taken for addressing them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlight the reasons behind prevalence of low literacy rate among tribals. Also, mention some initiatives taken by the government in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain how Continental Drift Theory describes the changing configuration of the continents. Discuss the prominent evidences given by Alfred Wegener to support his theory. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The variety of landforms on the earth's surface is the result of internal and external forces. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Explaining the concept of Lapse Rate, examine its relationship with atmospheric stability. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The colonial period brought the influence of Western architectural forms to India. In this context, giving examples, highlight the contribution of Europeans to Indian architecture. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The nineteenth century witnessed a struggle against the backward elements of traditional culture. Discuss in the context of socio-religious reform movements. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Explaining the reasons behind partition of Bengal, discuss the successes and limitations of the Swadeshi movement launched in its wake. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The reorganisation of states in India post-independence has been an ongoing process with distinct contributing factors. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The Treaty of Versailles was not a peace agreement based on reconciliation but was 'dictated peace' forced on Germany, which eventually triggered the Second World War. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Legal measures alone are not sufficient for addressing the issue of domestic violence against women, rather it requires intervention at societal level. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"India is undergoing a demographic transition the implications of which are multipronged. Analyze. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Highlight the significance of watershed development in India. Give reasons for the limited success of initiatives directed towards watershed management in India. Also, suggest some measures to improve the design of watershed programs. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Explain the relationship between raw materials and location of industries. How are globalisation and technological advancements changing this relationship? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Explain how natural greenhouse effect helps in maintaining Earth's heat budget. What are the possible implications of rising concentration of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in atmosphere on Earth's heat budget? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7093,"topper":"Saurav Pandey","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a8ff2-11805_1248_saurav-pandey_rank_66.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the significance of Credit Rating Agencies (CRAs) in India and highlight the issues in their working. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What are the issues that have limited the success of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in India? Mention some steps that can be taken to address them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The opportunities for start-ups in India are immense, but so are the challenges. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The term 'Circular Economy' is often seen in news. What are the principles that it is based on? Bring out its relevance for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Assess the performance of Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana in achieving its stated objective of financial inclusion. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"How does pollution in rivers impact the surrounding ecosystem? Explain why such pollution has not shown signs of improvement, despite various government initiatives. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What is project MANAV launched by the Department of Biotechnology? Highlight the significance of this project. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Highlighting the properties and applications of superconductors, discuss the constraints related to their practical use. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind India becoming a major destination as well as a transit hub for drug trafficking in South Asia. How does this effect India's internal security? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The development of border areas is an important element in border management. In this context, discuss how the Border Area Development Programme (BADP) seeks to ameliorate the problems faced in border areas. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Examine whether Fixed Term Employment will be able to achieve the objectives of ease of doing business, achieving labour welfare and job creation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"A growing livestock sector augurs well for the low income households to augment their income and escape poverty. Discuss. Further, suggest some strategies for ensuring sustainable livestock sector growth in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Examine whether the time has come for India to usher in full liberalisation of the Capital Account. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlighting the challenges to agriculture extension in India, discuss how ICT can help in addressing them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Now that it has been two years since introduction of GST in India, do you think the system is on the path to achieve its intended objectives? Support your answer with relevant facts. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Highlight the gender specific challenges faced during disaster management. In this regard, discuss how the disaster management cycle can be made more gender sensitive. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Though there are some notable individual achievements, the overall participation of women in scientific research has been abysmally low. Examine. What steps have been taken by the government in this regard? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss the significance of the recent amendments made in the NIA act and the UAPA Act for countering terrorism. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The national security architecture needs to be robust enough to deal with present and evolving threats. Elaborating on the statement, discuss the recent steps taken for modernisation of the national security architecture. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7094,"topper":"Saurav Pandey","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/06b02-11805_1249_saurav-pandey_rank_66.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by cultural sensitivity? Identify the ways in which individuals and organisations can benefit from cultural sensitivity in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"In the quest for scientific and technological development, ethical values should not be neglected. Discuss in the current context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"In a plural society like India, education should help the individual to celebrate the plurality and visualize the inherent unity of cultures and values. Analyze the statement in the present context with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Elucidate Swami Vivekananda's ideas on nationalism.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. Mahatma Gandhi","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Explaining the concept of moral attitude, discuss how social media is shaping moral attitudes of people.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Analyse the importance of both influence and persuasion for effective leadership.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Analyze the significance of adopting a code of ethics for creating a healthy work culture in an organization.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Ethos, ethics, equity and efficiency are key criteria on the basis of which the competency of civil servants should be judged. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"The mandatory nature of Corporate Social Responsibility goes against the notion of philanthropy. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"There have been arguments that rich countries owe an obligation to people living in poor countries. In this context, discuss the issues associated with foreign aid.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"It is essential that people have access to information if they are to have the capacity to exercise other rights. Discuss the statement with focus on importance of RTI in governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"You have been recently appointed as the head of tourism department of a state in India that has many places of great historical importance. In the past few years, the state has witnessed a decrease in tourist inflow. Upon enquiry, you come to know that this decrease is largely attributed to the influence of touts and harassment of tourists, including unwanted advances and grossly overcharging them for various services. You also did a quick search about your state on leading travel advisory websites and found that it has earned a dubious reputation for being particularly unsafe for women tourists. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) Do you think that such a state of affairs can be attributed to insensitivity prevailing in the society? How can the community be made more sensitive towards tourists? (b) Suggest some measures to make a quick turnaround in terms of reputation, employment generation and rebuild the reputation of the state as a safe haven for tourists.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"A private company has proposed a large-scale hydel power project to tap the potential of a fast-flowing river in a state predominantly occupied by indigenous tribal groups. The state is backward and badly needs funds for socio-economic development. The state government is deliberating on the issue and is yet to take a final decision on the matter. While the project is expected to generate substantial revenue and employment, it will submerge the surrounding areas eventually displacing the tribals. Another issue of concern is that the tribal community regards this land and the river as sacred and integral to their cultural heritage. Thus, the tribals are not in favour of going ahead with the project and are already protesting against it. Their leader has threatened to initiate a hunger strike if the government goes ahead with the project. This has caught the attention of the mainstream media and social activists. Based on the information given above, answer the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders involved in the case and their respective interests. (b) Keeping in mind the issues involved, how can differing interests be reconciled for ensuring sustainable development in the area?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"You are posted as Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district, which has a bustling market in the district headquarters with a high footfall. The area has traditionally been occupied by street vendors and hawkers. They form an intrinsic part of the market system in the area and derive their livelihood from it. Recently, you got reports that the policemen posted in the area harass the hawkers and also extort 'hafta' - a weekly bribe - from them despite complying with the laws. It has been brought to your notice that while those who comply with this arrangement are allowed to carry on with their daily operations, those who do not are being evicted from the market area. In the process of eviction, they are even physically assaulted and their saleable items are often confiscated and destroyed. As a result, some street vendors have been staging protests against the local administration in the market and have blocked the normal market passage. They have also threatened to intensify their protest over a period of time. The local police, however, has been in denial of any such wrong doings and argue that they are merely removing illegal encroachments, which were causing traffic jam in the area. In this situation, answer the following: (a) Mention the stakeholders and ethical issues involved in the case. (b) As the Superintendent of Police, what course of action would you adopt for diffusing the tensions in the area? Also, suggest some policy recommendations, which will help resolve the issues in the long-term.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"A mid level manager in a food and beverages firm has been assigned the responsibility to deal with tensions arising in a rural area between the firm and the local farmers. These farmers supply the company with bananas, which are used exclusively by the company in its niche products. The banana plantations are growing a variety developed by the firm. The core issue revolves around the perceived violation of company's IPR as many of the farmers in the neighbouring areas have also started growing the same variety of banana. It is suspected that the farmers with whom the company had a contract have shared the breed with others in the region. The legal department of the firm is of the opinion that a legal complaint against the farmers is the only way to protect the IPR of the company. It would also set a precedent for the future. However, many in the firm also believe that such a step would escalate the matter. In such a scenario, identify the key issues to be addressed. What measures would you suggest to deal with these issues?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You have recently been posted as a probationary officer in the District Magistrate's office in a tribal district. During one of the fieldtrips, while interacting with the tribals, you come to know about a private company, established a few years back, which has transformed their lives. The company, using the traditional knowledge of tribals, had launched a series of products and provided numerous livelihood opportunities to the tribals. Upon further enquiry, you come to know that while the lives of tribals had indeed improved, the distribution of profits however, has been quite disproportionate. The company has seen a huge growth in its operations and its owners have amassed huge wealth. It is also planning to file for IPR, which may further hinder the interests of the tribals. You feel that tribals have been left short changed and there has not been an equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the use of their resources. When you tried to approach the Gram Sabha and voice your concerns, the tribals requested you not to intervene as they do not have any alternatives. They also argue that governments in the past have failed to protect their interests. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the different stakeholders and their interests involved in this case. (b) Present a case to convince the District Magistrate for the need of government intervention in the situation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Various studies have found out that cases of depression and mental illness have increased exponentially in the recent past. Also, in the age group of 15-30 years, this problem is further pronounced. Furthermore, the rising trend of suicides in this age group has been attributed to depression. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Present an ethical critique of the prevalent societal attitude towards mental illness. (b) Given the magnitude of the problem among younger generation/young adults, analyse the role of the following: i. Parenting ii. Social Media iii. Video Games","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7095,"topper":"SAURAVH SHARMA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/474c0-1040829_2422_saurabh-sharma_rank_23.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The traditional theatre forms of India reflect the ideals and emotions of the society, and an individual's role in the community. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Provide an account of the historical and architectural importance of the Sanchi Stupa. Also, discuss how it inspired the future architecture in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Bhagat Singh made a real breakthrough in terms of revolutionary ideology, the goals of revolution and forms of revolutionary struggle. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Bringing out the factors that led to the Meiji restoration, discuss its significance for Japan. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"It is believed that a nation is an “imagined community” held together by common beliefs, history, political aspirations etc. In this context, discuss what the basis of India as a nation is. Also, bring out the threats to the concept of Indian nationhood. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"State the key factors behind the growth of the pharmaceutical industry in India. Additionally, discuss its significance with regard to India's economy and public health.(Answer in 150words)10","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss why the Bay of Bengal is more prone to cyclones than the Arabian Sea. Also, explain the reasons for the decrease in frequency of tropical cyclones during the Southwest monsoon season. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite being destructive in nature, volcanoes are critical for the existence of human life on earth. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The existence of relative deprivation is an important aspect in constructing the argument for regionalism. Explain with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"If India is to realise the goal of 'education for all', the issue of rising cases of bullying and other forms of school violence needs to be addressed immediately. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Bring out the role played by the Ahom Kingdom in shaping the cultural and historical identity of North-East India, and discuss its legacy in contemporary times. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The capitalist class generally remained ambivalent in their support to the Indian National Congress until 1940s. In this context, analyse the varying positions of the Indian capitalists throughout the national movement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Trace the evolution of the press in India. Also, discuss the instrumental impact it had during various stages of the Indian freedom struggle despite the repressive policies of the British. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Mountains are fragile ecosystems vulnerable to the adverse impact of climate change and other anthropogenic interventions. Illustrate with examples. Also, highlight the initiatives taken for their sustainable management. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind unsustainable management of sand resources in India. Highlighting its impact, enumerate the remedial measures taken in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Giving an account of the major lithium-producing countries, discuss the geo-political aspects of lithium production and its environmental implications. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The youth are capable of identifying themselves with a global identity and connecting with events and experiences outside their countries. In this context, discuss the impact of globalization on the various aspects of youth identity. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"As fertility rates decline in India, future demographic concerns center around an ageing population and a weak social security system. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"With a significant proportion of India's population expected to live in urban areas by 2030, the welfare of the urban poor needs to take centre-stage in public policy. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7096,"topper":"SAURAVH SHARMA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d2560-1040829_2424_saurabh-sharma_rank_23.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What are the different dimensions of food security? Examine India's status in terms of ensuring food security with regard to these dimensions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Modern technologies such as blockchain and ChatGPT are powerful tools with immense potential to transform agriculture into a more efficient and sustainable sector. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What factors have led to the recent acceleration in the trend towards de-dollarization of the global economy? Do you think the dollar will lose its dominance anytime soon? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Despite significant pressure from the developed countries to alter its food subsidy regime, there is merit in India trying to retain its policy support for the poor in the country. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Several initiatives have been taken by the government towards addressing India's water needs, but the issues of water availability and water quality still warrant prioritised intervention. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What are the major drivers of glacial retreat in the Arctic? Describe the potential impact of the retreat of Arctic glaciers on the ecosystem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Space tourism, which was viewed as something straight out of a science fiction movie, is now becoming a reality albeit not without hindrances. What are the challenges associated with space tourism? What measures can be taken to address these challenges? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Global health experts widely believe that the development of CAR-T cell therapy can be a game changer in the treatment of cancer. How can CAR-T cell therapy overcome the limitations of CRISPR-Cas9 technology? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss why the rising deployment of new and emerging technologies by prominent violent extremist organizations demand concerted global efforts. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"With the Line of Actual Control (LAC) remaining tense after the Galwan and Yangste incidents and both India and China ramping up infrastructure in the border areas, discuss the role that ITBP plays in the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"The government has been weighing a transition from minimum wage to living wage in recent times. What are the benefits and constraints in the adoption of living wage in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The Union Budget affects almost every sector of the Indian economy, yet neither the budgetary processes nor the budget policies come under substantial public scrutiny. Do you agree? Justify your answer. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"India has been able to transform itself from a milk deficit country to the world's biggest milk producer, but the productivity of dairy animals in the country remains a concern. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"While climate change is responsible for crop failures, the agricultural sector itself is partly responsible for extreme weather events. Discuss. What strategy has been adopted under National Agriculture Disaster Management Plan to strengthen the resilience of the farming community in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Some regions in India, including Delhi, are highly vulnerable to the impact of earthquakes originating in the Himalayas. Discuss. What institutional measures have been taken to mitigate earthquake losses in India? Do you think there are significant gaps that still exist? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Recently, scientists announced net energy gain in nuclear fusion reaction, which is considered as a major scientific breakthrough for the future of clean energy. What are the advantages of nuclear fusion based power generation? What are the limitations in using it to generate electricity at a commercial scale? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Keeping in view the recent amendment, examine the efficacy of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, in tackling the menace of money laundering in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Discuss the security threats present in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), which have a direct bearing on India's maritime border interests. Suggest a robust strategy to deal with these threats. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7097,"topper":"Sayali Bhika Pagar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/02f36-934203_2346_sayali_bhika_pagar_rank_87.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. Mangroves play a critical role in the well-being of coastal communities and biodiversity. Elaborate. Also, discuss the recently launched MISHTI scheme in this context.","marks":"12.5X20=250","words":"NOT MORE THAN 200"},{"page":6,"question":"2. According to a recent scientific assessment, the ozone hole, once considered to be the gravest danger to planetary life, is now expected to be repaired by 2066. In this context, discuss the various measures taken for ozone hole recovery.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"3. Recently, there has been a surge in the incidence of heatwaves in India. Discuss the reasons behind this and state the various mitigation measures in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"4. What do you understand by Nature-based Solutions (NBS)? Explain how NBS can help in adaptation with regard to various hazards.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"5. The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is one of the cornerstones in ensuring that the ecological costs of infrastructure development are minimal. In this context, discuss the concerns associated with the star rating system introduced in the EIA.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"5. The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is one of the cornerstones in ensuring that the ecological costs of infrastructure development are minimal. In this context, discuss the concerns associated with the star rating system introduced in the EIA.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"6. What do you understand by community-based disaster preparedness? Explain the process and preparation strategy of community-based disaster management plans for resilience.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"7. What are the impediments in disposing the huge quantity of e-waste being generated in India? Bring out ways to ensure timely and safe recycling of e-waste.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"8. India is vulnerable to a large number of natural disasters on account of its unique geo-climatic conditions. Elaborate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"9. Discuss the major challenges faced by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) in performing its functions and propose measures to enhance its effectiveness.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"10. Local bodies are the key to disaster risk mitigation in India. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"11. Bring out the impact of noise pollution on human health and the environment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"12. Evaluating India's preparedness in handling disasters caused by cyclones, discuss the measures taken to improve cyclone disaster management capabilities in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"13. Highlighting the reasons behind widespread soil degradation in India, discuss the various steps undertaken to address the problem of soil pollution.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"14. State the reasons for the increasing instances of urban floods in India. Also, discuss the steps taken by the government to mitigate the urban flood risk in the country.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"15. Identify the reasons for increasing human-wildlife conflict in India. What are the major steps taken by the government to mitigate this conflict?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"16. Assess the environmental impact of agricultural subsidies in India. Additionally suggest measures to reduce this impact.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"17. Explain the process involved in the formation of cloudbursts and state their impact. Also, suggest measures to reduce the impact of cloudbursts.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":55,"question":"18. What are the key causes of marine pollution? Discuss its overall impact on the environment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":58,"question":"19. There is a lack of significant improvement in the quality of river water in India despite multiple efforts by different stakeholders. Elaborate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":61,"question":"20. How do you differentiate natural disasters from natural hazards? Discuss the stages involved in disaster mitigation and management.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7098,"topper":"Sayem Raza","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3a780-1122829_2488_sayem_raza_rank_188.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"A mind all logic is like a knife all blade, it makes the hand bleed that uses it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"History is a cyclic poem written by time upon the memories of man.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The wise man does at once what the fool does finally.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The world is a tragedy to those who feel, but a comedy to those who think.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Perfect clarity would profit the intellect but damage the will.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7099,"topper":"Sayem Raza","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SAYEM-RAZA-UPSC-2023-Rank-188-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Foreign trade is an important milestone on the path of becoming a 5 trillion USD economy. In this context, analyse the potential of the recently released Foreign Trade Policy, 2023 in revamping India's participation in global trade. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Social protection schemes are an integral aspect of a welfare economy; however, the principles of fiscal prudence cannot be ignored. Discuss, with special reference to Old Pension Scheme (OPS). (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand from Agristack? To what extent can it become a panacea for the problems plaguing the farm sector. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The objective of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to provide a long term and equitable solution to the dilemma between free trade and food security has remained unfulfilled. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Even after five decades of the Stockholm conference, narrowing the gaps between the targets and actions remains one of the biggest challenges towards reversing climate change. Discuss. Also, recommend measures for building a coherent actionable strategy to tackle climate change. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What are the impediments in management of E-waste in the country? In what ways can the trinity of citizens, businesses, and the government tackle this menace? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How does nuclear fusion differ from nuclear fission? Assess the relevance of nuclear energy in resolving the global energy security dilemma? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are run of the river hydroelectric projects? How far can run of the river hydroelectric projects balance ecological conservation with socio-economic development? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"A robust border infrastructure is the surest way to counter multifarious threats emanating from inimical actors. Discuss, in light of Vibrant Village Programme. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"How far can a clearly articulated National Security Strategy help in tackling challenges to national security? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What are the factors that influence the inflation trends in the country? Highlighting the impacts, discuss the institutional measures in place to check inflation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Though a cornerstone of Atmanirbhar Bharat, Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme is not without its own challenges. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"How is internationalisation of rupee different from De-Dollarisation? Highlighting the benefits of internationalisation of rupee, discuss the challenges associated with the same. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What are Primary Agricultural Credit Societies? Can the cooperative push alone help in achieving the twin targets of boosting rural economy and mainstreaming small and marginal farmers? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Farm policies in the country have inadvertently led to undesirable consequences. Do you agree? Giving emphasis on PM PRANAM, discuss ways to enhance soil health and farm productivity. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What do you understand by heat waves? Highlight the reasons and impact of the rising frequency of heat waves across India. Also, recommend some measures to mitigate its impact. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"How is Chandrayaan-3 different from its predecessor, Chandrayaan-2? To what extent can India's presence in Artemis Accords help in furthering the exploration of lunar surface? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Research and Development is the key to unlock the potential of 'knowledge economy.' In this perspective, analyse the role of the National Research Foundation Bill, 2023 in democratizing the research ecosystem in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'Hybrid warfare.' Highlighting its implications for India, recommend measures to develop a comprehensive ecosystem to counter the same. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How are internal security challenges related to peace in neighboring countries? Explain with special reference to instability on India's eastern frontier. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7100,"topper":"Sayem Raza","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e05b8-1122829_2206_sayem_raza_rank_188.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The arts of Indus Valley Civilisation were free from religious influences both aesthetically and functionally. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The cave paintings epitomize the artistry and grandeur of the Indian classical painting tradition. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The Cholas are inextricably linked with the zenith of Dravidian art and architecture. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Among the major legacies of the Indian freedom movement, civil liberties formed an important one. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The Berlin Conference of 1884-85 in many ways set the ground for the Scramble in Africa. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"In the context of Indian freedom struggle, a discernible trend was seen where large national level movements were usually succeeded by periods of revolutionary activities. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Describing the Congress attitude towards the Second World War, discuss the failure of the Cripps Mission and its consequences. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the factors responsible for the growth of communal consciousness during the Indian freedom struggle and state its consequences.(150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the factors behind the survival of Communism in China and its failure in the USSR. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Do you agree with the view that policy makers made a mistake by overemphasising the role of the State while restricting that of the private sector in the Indian economy? Discuss with reference to the economic model adopted by India in the years after independence. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"While most of the early literary traditions were religious writings in some form or the other, Sangam Literature did not follow the same trend. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Examine the impact of the Sramana tradition on the Vedic religion and its relation with the emergence of Jainism, Buddhism and Ajivika sect. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the context of Indian subcontinent, Sanskrit is perhaps the only language that transcended not only academic disciplines but also the barriers of regions and boundaries. Elaborate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Giving a brief overview of the three Carnatic Wars, discuss the factors that led to the success of the British against the French in the struggle for control over India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"It can be argued that the peasant movements of the 20th century, when compared to those in the 19th century, were more organised and nationalistic in nature. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"In the context of socio-cultural milieu of the 19th century, the contribution made by Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar in the fields of education and women's rights is immeasurable. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Provide an account of the issues that led to a crisis in Punjab in the 1980s. Also, discuss the roadmap to peace that was eventually adopted. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The emergence of the Cold War and the Suez Crisis of 1956 were pivotal in ushering in a new era for West Asia. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"\"The conduct of foreign affairs is an outcome of a two-way interaction between domestic compulsions and prevailing international climate\". Discuss the statement in the context of India's external relations in the 1960s. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7101,"topper":"Sayem Raza","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/567e9-1122829_2422_sayem_raza_rank_188.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The traditional theatre forms of India reflect the ideals and emotions of the society, and an individual's role in the community. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Provide an account of the historical and architectural importance of the Sanchi Stupa. Also, discuss how it inspired the future architecture in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Bhagat Singh made a real breakthrough in terms of revolutionary ideology, the goals of revolution and forms of revolutionary struggle. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Bringing out the factors that led to the Meiji restoration, discuss its significance for Japan. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"It is believed that a nation is an “imagined community” held together by common beliefs, history, political aspirations etc. In this context, discuss what the basis of India as a nation is. Also, bring out the threats to the concept of Indian nationhood. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"State the key factors behind the growth of the pharmaceutical industry in India. Additionally, discuss its significance with regard to India's economy and public health.(Answer in 150words)10","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss why the Bay of Bengal is more prone to cyclones than the Arabian Sea. Also, explain the reasons for the decrease in frequency of tropical cyclones during the Southwest monsoon season. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite being destructive in nature, volcanoes are critical for the existence of human life on earth. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The existence of relative deprivation is an important aspect in constructing the argument for regionalism. Explain with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"If India is to realise the goal of 'education for all', the issue of rising cases of bullying and other forms of school violence needs to be addressed immediately. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Bring out the role played by the Ahom Kingdom in shaping the cultural and historical identity of North-East India, and discuss its legacy in contemporary times. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The capitalist class generally remained ambivalent in their support to the Indian National Congress until 1940s. In this context, analyse the varying positions of the Indian capitalists throughout the national movement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Trace the evolution of the press in India. Also, discuss the instrumental impact it had during various stages of the Indian freedom struggle despite the repressive policies of the British. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Mountains are fragile ecosystems vulnerable to the adverse impact of climate change and other anthropogenic interventions. Illustrate with examples. Also, highlight the initiatives taken for their sustainable management. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind unsustainable management of sand resources in India. Highlighting its impact, enumerate the remedial measures taken in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Giving an account of the major lithium-producing countries, discuss the geo-political aspects of lithium production and its environmental implications. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The youth are capable of identifying themselves with a global identity and connecting with events and experiences outside their countries. In this context, discuss the impact of globalization on the various aspects of youth identity. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"As fertility rates decline in India, future demographic concerns center around an ageing population and a weak social security system. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"With a significant proportion of India's population expected to live in urban areas by 2030, the welfare of the urban poor needs to take centre-stage in public policy. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7102,"topper":"Sayem Raza","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6edc5-1122829_2424_sayem_raza_rank_188.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What are the different dimensions of food security? Examine India's status in terms of ensuring food security with regard to these dimensions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Modern technologies such as blockchain and ChatGPT are powerful tools with immense potential to transform agriculture into a more efficient and sustainable sector. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What factors have led to the recent acceleration in the trend towards de-dollarization of the global economy? Do you think the dollar will lose its dominance anytime soon? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Despite significant pressure from the developed countries to alter its food subsidy regime, there is merit in India trying to retain its policy support for the poor in the country. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Several initiatives have been taken by the government towards addressing India's water needs, but the issues of water availability and water quality still warrant prioritised intervention. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What are the major drivers of glacial retreat in the Arctic? Describe the potential impact of the retreat of Arctic glaciers on the ecosystem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Space tourism, which was viewed as something straight out of a science fiction movie, is now becoming a reality albeit not without hindrances. What are the challenges associated with space tourism? What measures can be taken to address these challenges? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Global health experts widely believe that the development of CAR-T cell therapy can be a game changer in the treatment of cancer. How can CAR-T cell therapy overcome the limitations of CRISPR-Cas9 technology? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss why the rising deployment of new and emerging technologies by prominent violent extremist organizations demand concerted global efforts. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"With the Line of Actual Control (LAC) remaining tense after the Galwan and Yangste incidents and both India and China ramping up infrastructure in the border areas, discuss the role that ITBP plays in the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Do you think there is a need for a shift from 'land productivity' to 'irrigation water productivity' in India? Justify your answer. What are the challenges in making this shift? Explain. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Examine the role that green hydrogen can play in unlocking the energy security of India. How can the National Green Hydrogen Mission help India in achieving its energy goals? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The government has been weighing a transition from minimum wage to living wage in recent times. What are the benefits and constraints in the adoption of living wage in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The Union Budget affects almost every sector of the Indian economy, yet neither the budgetary processes nor the budget policies come under substantial public scrutiny. Do you agree? Justify your answer. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"India has been able to transform itself from a milk deficit country to the world's biggest milk producer, but the productivity of dairy animals in the country remains a concern. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"While climate change is responsible for crop failures, the agricultural sector itself is partly responsible for extreme weather events. Discuss. What strategy has been adopted under National Agriculture Disaster Management Plan to strengthen the resilience of the farming community in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Some regions in India, including Delhi, are highly vulnerable to the impact of earthquakes originating in the Himalayas. Discuss. What institutional measures have been taken to mitigate earthquake losses in India? Do you think there are significant gaps that still exist? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Recently, scientists announced net energy gain in nuclear fusion reaction, which is considered as a major scientific breakthrough for the future of clean energy. What are the advantages of nuclear fusion based power generation? What are the limitations in using it to generate electricity at a commercial scale? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Keeping in view the recent amendment, examine the efficacy of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, in tackling the menace of money laundering in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Discuss the security threats present in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), which have a direct bearing on India's maritime border interests. Suggest a robust strategy to deal with these threats. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7103,"topper":"Sayem Raza","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/46f6b-1122829_1836_sayem_raza_rank_188.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The PM-AASHA scheme is aimed at improving procurement mechanism as well as ensuring remunerative prices for farmers. In this context, highlight the various components of the scheme and discuss the concerns associated with it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Explaining the concept of blended finance, discuss the role it can play in mobilizing capital for infrastructure development in developing countries like India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss the challenges faced in the revival and revamp of dry ports in India and state the measures that can be adopted in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Monoculture is one of the major threats to ensuring food security and sustainability of Indian agriculture. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Aapda Mitra - a force of volunteers from across India trained in disaster response - is becoming a game changer in the field of disaster management in the country. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Why is the rise in lone wolf attacks considered as a serious challenge for security agencies around the world? Highlight the role of the internet in exacerbating such attacks. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The fundamental inefficiencies embedded in our military structures and processes are now being addressed through a slew of defence reforms in the country. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"In light of the recent establishment of the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in India, discuss the advantages and challenges in mainstreaming traditional medicine in the country. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Nano Urea Liquid has the potential to transform farming in India and across the world by improving productivity while reducing environmental pollution and input cost. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss the domino effect of high crude oil prices on the Indian economy. Also, enumerate the measures that India can take in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The consistent high operating ratio of the Indian Railways is indicative of its incapability to generate high operational surplus. Explain the reasons behind this trend. Also, highlight the remedial measures taken by the government in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Micro food processing sector is the key driver of growth in the Indian economy as it encourages food processing innovation. In this context, state the challenges faced by the micro food processing sector and discuss how the recent initiatives taken by the government aim to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Despite efforts by successive governments, equitable growth remains elusive and income inequality continues to persist in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Stating the factors that determine the employment situation of an economy in the long-term, discuss the measures that are needed for India to address its unemployment problem. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"In view of the rapidly increasing socio-economic damage caused by disasters, integrating Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) into development planning requires an effective stakeholder engagement mechanism. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Provide an account of the existing carbon trading mechanisms in India. Also, discuss the significance of an efficient carbon trading market in the country and state the challenges that currently exist. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The menace of drug trafficking in India has been on a rise due to a mix of factors, both internal and external. Discuss. Also, state the challenges posed by drug trafficking to India's national security. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The Andaman and Nicobar islands' strategic significance in the Indian Ocean region (IOR) has been underplayed by India's policy of 'masterly inactivity and benign neglect'. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India has recently commissioned the world's first large International Liquid-Mirror Telescope (ILMT). How will the newly commissioned telescope aid in India's astronomical observations and research? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7104,"topper":"Sayem Raza","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SAYEM-RAZA-UPSC-2023-Rank-188-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"In many ways, the Spanish civil war was the opening act of WWII. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"How will you explain the different fates of Buddhism and Jainism despite a slew of similarities in the two religions? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Non-Cooperation Movement democratized India's freedom struggle but suffered from inherent limitations. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Critically analyse the efficacy of linguistic reorganization of states in addressing the reasons for linguistic divides in post-independent India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Briefly discuss the role of plate tectonics theory in explaining the location of volcanoes. Also, explain the multifarious impacts of volcanoes on the surrounding regions. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Taking further the success of Aspirational Districts Programme, Aspirational Blocks can help achieve the twin objectives of balanced growth and checking stress migration. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Describe the critical factors for location of defense industries and suggest measures to overcome the challenges. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"To what extent can Socio-Economic-Caste Census (SECC) address the challenges in achieving equitable resource allocation and targeted welfare? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Indian society is premised on some common values that give it a composite texture as well as some diverse practices that deepen its heterogeneity. Elucidate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What are the factors that influence population growth in the country? In this perspective, examine the relevance and need of raising the minimum marriageable age of women for population development. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Bring out the reasons behind the tribal unrest in British India. Also, analyze the reasons for their limited success. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The independence of India was not a result of a forced expulsion of the Empire, as desired by the Quit India Movement; it was rather a confluence of domestic politics and global circumstances. Analyze. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Explain why Sufism, a liberal reform movement in Islam could deepen its roots in the Indian sub-continent, despite Islam being a foreign religion? Also, bring out the impacts of Sufism on Indian society. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Enumerate the reasons behind rising intensity and frequency of cyclones in the Arabian Sea in recent years. Giving special reference to NDMA guidelines, recommend measures to check the adverse impacts of cyclones. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Examine the impacts of climate change on the hydrological cycle and suggest suitable mitigation and adaptation strategies to contain the harmful implications. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Defining continental shelf, highlight its resource potential and ecological significance. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Rooted in patriarchal values, gender-based violence, in all its manifestations, is antithetical to societal growth. Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The caste calculus in the Indian society remains predominant and continues to project its shadow on social, political, and economic domains. Do you agree? Substantiate your answer. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss various factors contributing to the water woes faced by Indian cities. Also, explain complexities in implementing a comprehensive water management plan. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Though important elements of group identity, religion and region also run the risk of deepening communal cleavages. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7105,"topper":"Sayem Raza","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SAYEM-RAZA-UPSC-2023-Rank-188-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the role of the 'Fourth Estate' in upholding democratic values and analyse the issues affecting press freedom in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The electoral process, though inclusionary in theory, has been pointed out for exclusionary tendencies in practice. Analyse, with special emphasis on role of women in India's representative electoral system. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Assess the effectiveness of Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 in resolution of river-water disputes. Also describe the potential impact of delays in resolution of water disputes. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the significance of the cooperative model of development in addressing the issues of rural growth. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"In order to pass the ultimate test of good governance, welfare state should be close to the people, responsive to their aspirations, and inclusive in its approach. Discuss with special reference to PM PVTG Development Mission. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"To what extent collaboration between the state and civil society organizations (CSOs) help in addressing poverty and malnutrition in the country? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Absence of a robust social infrastructure in the country may become one of the most significant challenges in achieving a developed status by 2047. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Though the changing paradigm towards dialogue and diplomacy in West Asia augurs well for India's interests in this otherwise restive region, presence of inimical actors may reverse the gains. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Water diplomacy can redefine the contours of regional cooperation in South Asia. Discuss with special reference to Indus water treaty 1960. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Despite constitutional backing to the institutions of local governance, the idea of decentralisation has remained hostage to several structural bottlenecks. Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Independent judiciary, as envisaged by the constitution, provides the bedrock for a thriving polity; however, executive encroachment may erode its credibility and affect its efficacy. Evaluate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Executive agencies, working as the watchdog against impropriety, are vital to act against the corrupt; however, pandering to vested interests may have the effect of turning the idea of rule of law on its head. Comment, with special reference to controversies associated with the Enforcement Directorate (ED). (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Critically analyse the role of National Commission for Women (NCW) in wake of its mandate to safeguard women's rights and uphold their socio-economic wellbeing. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Understanding the extent, source, and complexity of deprivations among the multidimensionally poor contributes to more informed policymaking. In this context, analyze the latest National Multidimensional Poverty Index Report by NITI Aayog. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Safely managed drinking water services, as desired by Jal Jeevan Mission, are designated to give multifarious benefits cutting across generations. Discuss. Also, elaborate upon the challenges in ensuring the mission's success. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Legislation like Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989 remains mere legal documents without intense sensitization of public functionaries and the civil society. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Harbinger of global rebalancing, India-Africa ties are a beacon of inclusive, sustainable, and equitable world. Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How do ASEAN centrality, rules-based order, and development partnership with Pacific Island states make Indo-Pacific a theatre of opportunity for India? What are the hurdles in realisation of an inclusive Indo-Pacific construct? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7106,"topper":"Sayem Raza","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SAYEM-RAZA-UPSC-2023-Rank-188-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Where the roots of private virtue are diseased, the fruit of public probity cannot but be corrupt. What do you understand by probity? Discuss ways of inculcating probity in public life. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Evaluate the role of citizen's charter in making governance citizen centric. Also, recommend some measures to make citizen's charters more effective. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"While successful managers make profit for their organizations, it is leaders who build successful organizations. In light of this statement, differentiate between a manager and a leader. Examine why leadership is considered a foundational value for a civil servant. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Right to Information Act, 2005, aims to make the governance process transparent and accountable, however, the sunshine legislation is beset with several challenges. Analyse. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Uniform Civil Code (UCC) aims to create a common set of laws governing personal matters, such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption, irrespective of individuals' religious affiliations. In the context of the ongoing discourse on UCC in India, examine the challenges that arise when attempting to reconcile legal principles with diverse moral considerations. To what extent should the law be influenced by moral/religious principles? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"\"Why should a man be moral? Because it strengthens his will,\" - Swami Vivekanand. In this perspective, discuss the significance of morality for bringing efficiency and effectiveness in public administration. Do you think moral rigidity can be a hindrance in good governance? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Civil servants who embody emotional intelligence exhibit a profound understanding of the human aspect of governance, enabling them to cultivate meaningful relationships, foster cooperation, and drive positive change. Examine ways in which Emotional Intelligence can be inculcated in civil servants. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The challenges posed by the corporate sector's impact on climate, environmental sustainability, and living conditions has highlighted the need for responsible and inclusive business practices. In this direction, the contemporary discourse on corporate governance is emphasizing the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. Evaluate the ESG framework in equipping the corporate world with the capabilities to fulfill its social roles and responsibilities. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What does each of the following quotation mean to you? a) \"Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom\"-Thomas Jefferson (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"When I do good, I feel good; when I do bad, I feel bad, and that is my religion\" - Abraham Lincoln. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"\"Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time.\" - Ruth Bader Ginsburg. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":58,"question":"You are the managing director of an upcoming advertising company which has made a name for itself in the market in a very short time. Varun is a star employee of your company who has consistently given good performance. Some of the most popular advertisements of the company, in recent times, have been an outcome of Varun's creative ideas. Since his joining, Varun has helped in almost doubling the revenues of the company, by bringing new clients and improving the brand equity of the company. You place high value in Varun's professional competence and are in the process of giving him a bigger responsibility in the company. However, you have been hearing rumours from various sections about the attitude of Varun towards his female colleagues. It has come to your notice that Varun is habitual of passing loose and lewd comments on the female employees of the company. Furthermore, Varun regularly sends indecent messages on phone to all the employees, including female workers. One day, Geetanjali, an employee working in Varun's team comes to you visibly disturbed. She complains to you about the repeated misbehaviour of Varun towards her. She informs you that Varun has on many occasions made undesirable physical advances towards her. She also tells that last evening before her shift was about to end, Varun called her in his cabin and tried to touch her inappropriately. She requests you to conduct an enquiry by the internal complaints committee (formed under POSH Act). She also tells you that in case appropriate action is not taken against Varun, she will be forced to resign from her position. You personally know Geetanjali as a dedicated and honest employee of the company. You are aware that she is the sole breadwinner of her family and has to support her teen-age brother and ailing mother. You also understand that unless the situation was really serious, Geetanjali would not have thought of resignation. On the other hand, an enquiry against Varun may affect the financial growth of the company. Also, you know that if Varun is fired for his actions, many big clients may leave the company. a) What are the ethical issues involved in this case study? b) Evaluate the different options available to you. In this situation, which option will you adopt and why? c) What steps will you take to ensure a safer workplace for women in your company? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":59,"question":"What are the ethical issues involved in this case study? b) Evaluate the different options available to you. In this situation, which option will you adopt and why? c) What steps will you take to ensure a safer workplace for women in your company? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":7107,"topper":"Sayem Raza","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/48192-1122829_2425_sayem_raza_rank_188.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"For effective corporate governance to take place in the coming years, why is it important to integrate the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics with the multi-stakeholder approach? What benefits can be accrued by such integration? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In acts of corruption, the focus is often only on the demand side of the equation, on public officials who abuse their office for private gain. Frequently, the supply side is given less attention. Those who pay bribes are sometimes depicted as innocent parties and victims of extortionary practices of wily public servants. Do you agree that 'collusive corruption', in which there is a willing bribe-giver, is a formidable challenge for institutions fighting corruption? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Citizens' Charters initiative was a response to the quest for solving the problems, which a citizen encountered, day in and day out, while dealing with the organisations providing public services. But the introduction and implementation of Citizens' Charters in the government of India has been difficult due to the old bureaucratic set up and the rigid attitudes of the work force. Discuss the major obstacles that have been encountered in implementing the Citizens' Charter initiative. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Quality of public service delivery is a major determinant of the quality of life of vulnerable sections in a highly unequal society divided along the lines of class, caste, religion, etc. In this background, do you think that public service delivery is efficient and sufficient enough to improve the lives of vulnerable groups in India? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own.\" - Lao Tzu (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"If ethics are poor at the top, that behavior is copied down through the organization.\" - Robert Noyce (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"The end of law is not to abolish or restrain, but to preserve and enlarge freedom.\" - John Locke (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Wealthy CEOs and founders of successful businesses around the world are increasingly pledging to give away their wealth in philanthropy. Do you think that such a move is sufficient enough to bring about a positive change in the society? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"As organizations across the globe begin their artificial intelligence (AI) transformation, the leap into the AI era is expected to be more challenging than any technology that businesses have grappled with yet. In this background, discuss the concerns around fairness, transparency, and job security that may arise. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The emphasis of Swami Dayanand Saraswati on education, social equality, and ethical values continues to influence the socio-cultural discourse in contemporary India. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Emotional intelligence may not be singularly associated with emotions or intelligence. It can also include a broad range of personality characteristics that might predict success in professional and everyday life. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Traditional forms of state-led accountability, also characterised as vertical and horizontal channels of accountability, are increasingly found to be inadequate, and a myriad of multi-stakeholder and bottom-up citizen directed approaches have come to the fore, to supplement or supplant them. Discuss with illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"In a metropolitan city of India, the law enforcement authorities decided to adopt facial recognition technology to improve their crime-fighting capabilities. They implemented a facial recognition system that integrated with existing surveillance cameras across the city, allowing real-time identification and tracking of individuals. The system was intended to assist in identifying known criminals, missing persons, and suspects in ongoing investigations. One evening, a woman reported a mugging incident where the perpetrator wore a hoodie, obscuring most of his face. The victim provided a vague description to the police, and based on that information, the authorities decided to use facial recognition technology to locate potential suspects. The system scanned through hours of surveillance footage from various locations near the crime scene. The facial recognition algorithm generated a list of potential matches, and one individual's image stood out as a close match to the description provided by the victim. The police considered this individual a prime suspect and proceeded with his arrest. Subsequently, it was discovered that the arrested person was innocent. Further investigation revealed that the facial recognition system had misidentified the innocent individual due to the limitations of the technology and the partial description provided by the victim. The police released the arrested individual; still his reputation got tarnished for life. He, along with his family, was evicted from their current place of residence. The psychological impact of the incident has been tremendous owing to which his job is also on the line. With reference to this case study, answer the following: (a) What are the issues involved in this case? (b) What measures can be taken to minimize the negative implications of adopting such technologies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"With reference to this case study, answer the following: (a) What are the issues involved in this case? (b) What measures can be taken to minimize the negative implications of adopting such technologies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Rina and her friends from the college were working as interns with a company for the last few months. On completion of their internship, some of them, including Rina, have been offered full-time jobs in the company. Being a reputed company, she and her friends accepted the offer. Rina is enthusiastic about her new job and has even established good relationship with some of her company co-workers during her internship. However, during her tenure as an intern, Rina had begun to notice that one of the Vice-Presidents (VPs) of the company was giving her too much attention. He used to make an extra effort to stop by Rina's cubicle and chat, something he was not doing with any of the other interns. He had even tried to connect with Rina over social networking sites. Some of her co-interns also noticed this and began to make offhand comments to Rina about the extra attention being given by the VP. Now that she was been hired for a full time position, she is fearful that she might have to work with this VP directly. While he has not done or said anything explicitly inappropriate, the extra attention and the fact that her co-workers noticed it, made her very uncomfortable and undermined her concentration at work. The company encourages an open and friendly atmosphere and when she was hired, it was communicated to her that she should always speak to her Manager whenever faced with any uncomfortable work related issues. However, she is concerned to speak about it officially, as the VP has not explicitly done anything wrong. In the given situation: (a) What dilemmas does Rina face? (b) What options does she have? Provide the merits and demerits of each. (c) Highlight the course of action she should adopt, along with justification for the same. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"In the given situation: (a) What dilemmas does Rina face? (b) What options does she have? Provide the merits and demerits of each. (c) Highlight the course of action she should adopt, along with justification for the same. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"You have recently been posted as a Nodal Education Officer in one of the districts, where mass cheating in examinations is a regular phenomenon. Media reports have shown parents and relatives scaling school walls and buildings to pass answer chits to students taking secondary school examinations in the district. Moreover, with the advent of new technological devices, cheating in examinations has become more sophisticated and exam rules are flouted openly. On investigation, it has come to your notice that these rackets are run by many school authorities, including exam invigilators who are mostly teachers, and they are hand in glove for profits. With a shortage of staff, invigilators threaten go on mass strikes if any action is taken. Conducting the exams, cancelling them on account of cheating and having re-exams are a loss of time and money for the government and this vicious cycle goes on. As the Nodal Education Officer of the district, address the following questions: (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (b) How will you resolve the issues in the given case? (c) What long-term strategy needs to be adopted to deal with the menace of cheating in various examinations? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Many proponents of deep-sea drilling argue that tapping into the vast amount of rare earth elements in the Indian Ocean will help shore up national security interests for India, bolster its economy and workforce, and offer a reliable supply of strategic minerals. Keeping this in mind, the government has approved a $540-million programme to study ways of mining nickel, cobalt, manganese and iron hydroxide from the bed of the Indian Ocean 6,000 meters below sea level. The government argues that the project can power India's growth for 100 years. It will also study climate change, explore marine flora and fauna and harness thermal energy. However, a competing point of view alleges that deep ocean drilling poses immense risk to the environment. A comprehensive report on Sustainable Ocean Economy by independent geologists states that \"until the need for, and potential consequences of, deep-sea mining are better understood, the concept is conceptually difficult to align with the definition of a sustainable ocean economy and raises various environmental, legal and governance challenges, as well as possible conflicts with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.\" It also highlights that the profitability of national mining operations, without governmental support or comparably low taxes, remains questionable. If the operations are profitable, it will also raise questions about the equitable sharing of profits derived from a resource taken out of Additionally, companies like BMW, Volvo, Google and Korean battery maker Samsung SDI, vowed in a statement to not buy metals produced from deep-sea mining until the environmental risks of the activity are \"comprehensively understood.\" In the context of the above-stated information, address the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the given case study? (b) How can the vision of economic development of a nation be achieved without adversely affecting the sustainability of oceans? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"You are a public representative, elected on the ticket of a political party, considered as conservative by many. Your daughter, who has returned years after studying abroad, has conveyed to you her choice of marrying a person from another community. You personally do not consider anything wrong in her choice, and convey your assent to her. You also discuss it with many among your friends and family, and inform them of a grand wedding ceremony you are planning for your daughter. However, a few days after you have shared the news of the forthcoming grand wedding with many, you are informed by your political secretary about an issue being made of the same. He informs you that there are whispers among many people in your constituency about it, and indications of a sense of unease among some prominent citizens. While most of them are enamoured by your plans for a grand wedding ceremony for your daughter, they are unhappy about the bridegroom being from another community. You also get to know through your sources in the party, that your assent to the choice of the bridegroom may lead to a denial of ticket by the high command in the forthcoming elections. You are not only an ambitious politician and a rising star in your political party but also an open-minded, loving and doting father. But howsoever much you love your daughter's freedom and choices, you do not want her decision to adversely affect your political journey. This is more so, when you have been eagerly looking forward to greater responsibilities and a higher stature in the party, given the years of hardwork you have put in, as a politician. Your daughter, on the other hand, is firm with her choice and does not want her impending grand wedding to be affected in any way. She is adamant that her wedding will not be held as a private ceremony with only close friends and family, but should be publicised in a grand way, as you had promised earlier to her. Given this situation, answer the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the above situation? (b) What are the various options that you have, as a father and an ambitious politician? (c) What will be your course of action? Justify with proper reasoning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":58,"question":"Given this situation, answer the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the above situation? (b) What are the various options that you have, as a father and an ambitious politician? (c) What will be your course of action? Justify with proper reasoning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7108,"topper":"Seshan M S","air":197,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ZJ541FoK0NUSTW21iBbtREObgeBBsDtP","questions":[]},{"id":7109,"topper":"Seshan M S","air":197,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2024_unchecked_MT24FLTON018_GSMAC2401.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7110,"topper":"Seshan M S","air":197,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2024_unchecked_MT24FLTON018_FLT001.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7111,"topper":"Seshan M S","air":197,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2024_unchecked_MT24FLTON018_FLT002.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7112,"topper":"Seshan M S","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2024_unchecked_MT24FLTON018_FLT004.pdf","questions":[{"page":14,"question":"The notion of profit driven business have changed in the era of planet, people & profit approach. Do you think that corporates are compromising their core values for profit? Justify your answer. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The traditional Vedic cultures teaches the values of \"tyaga\", \"seva\", \"daanam\", \"damah\" to Indian wisdom which still has its application in public services. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":7113,"topper":"Seshan M S","air":197,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/911f2-1344647_2078_seshan-m-s_rank_197.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7114,"topper":"Seshan M S","air":197,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/50e6d-1344647_2356_seshan-m-s_rank_197.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7115,"topper":"Seshan M S","air":197,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Geography","optional":true,"source":"LotusArise","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Quv-TOf7O-I4nRdXHU1KCwiGZ5Wb-GdC/view","questions":[]},{"id":7116,"topper":"Seshan M S","air":197,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Geography","optional":true,"source":"LotusArise","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LJEIw4evdvqQgJfxQJwxl1M9PO_2-8mu/view","questions":[]},{"id":7117,"topper":"Seshan M S","air":197,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Geography","optional":true,"source":"LotusArise","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XJ5RqSnI77LgS7FfOfpiaTHCeqayJ0o5/view","questions":[]},{"id":7118,"topper":"Shagun Kaushal","air":145,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ESlDba8Zhc-HjAk2HL9RIqvIOBUp9HTU/view","questions":[]},{"id":7119,"topper":"Shagun Kaushal","air":145,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/Essay_1_28b36bd37d.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7120,"topper":"Shagun Kaushal","air":145,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LwjxzZVpgf2mSfwoAPCetno0SF75aM26/view","questions":[]},{"id":7121,"topper":"Shagun Kaushal","air":145,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/SHAGUN_KAUSHAL_SS_GS_1_AIR_145_5c7672227c.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7122,"topper":"Shagun Kumar","air":100,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1eqGP_zG314vViHHUnryaCW5o9VUzIqzi","questions":[]},{"id":7123,"topper":"Shagun Kumar","air":100,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/16fmAU6IX9qaYdz34xyfRCNiI8TKUpSQR/view","questions":[]},{"id":7124,"topper":"Shah Margi Chirag","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4496e-141788_1834_shah_margi_chirag_rank_04.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The Sunga dynasty contributed significantly to the cultural and social development in ancient India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the role of foreign nationals in the Indian freedom struggle during the Gandhian phase. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by tsunamigenic zones? Giving an account of their global distribution, explain the propagation of tsunamis. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are atmospheric lakes? Highlight their characteristics. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What are polymetallic nodules? Highlight their geographical distribution and state their significance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What are technical textiles? In view of their significance, discuss the steps taken by the government to promote them in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the challenges that internal migration creates for urban governance in India. Also, suggest measures to address the same. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the various opportunities and challenges posed by globalization on working women in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the rationale behind anti-conversion laws in India. Also, state the concerns that have been raised with regard to these laws. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Central Asian contacts had a profound political and cultural impact on India in ancient times. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Governance, during the British rule, was a means of exploitation of India rather than a vehicle of public welfare. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Discuss how India successfully dealt with the sensitive issue of language, which had the potential of threatening national unity in the post-independence period. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Bring out the factors, which led to decolonisation after the Second World War. Also, discuss the role played by India in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What are Marine Heat Waves (MHW)? Identify the causes of their formation and discuss their consequences for India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What are the geo-climatic conditions required for oil palm cultivation? Do you agree with the view that India should promote its large-scale cultivation to reduce import dependency? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"In view of the changes witnessed in the state of Himalayan cryosphere, discuss the implications for India's water security. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Ocean warming, ocean acidification and ocean deoxygenation are often referred to as the 'deadly trio' for marine life. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Tribals in India continue to face myriad challenges with regard to healthcare. Discuss the issues faced by them in this context and suggest remedial measures. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Reservation for women perpetuates a \"proxy culture\" as seen in the phenomenon of \"sarpanch patis\". In this context, discuss whether reservation can address the issue of poor participation of women in Indian politics. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7125,"topper":"Shah Margi Chirag","air":4,"year":2024,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/736cd-141788_2213_shah_margi_chirag_rank_04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7126,"topper":"Shah Margi Chirag","air":4,"year":2024,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/09f99-141788_2211_shah_margi_chirag_rank_04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7127,"topper":"Shah Margi Chirag","air":4,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8ee6b-141788_1837_shah_margi_chirag_rank_04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7128,"topper":"Shahida Begum","air":323,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SHAHIDA-BEGUM-S-UPSC-2023-Rank-323-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7129,"topper":"Shahida Begum","air":323,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SHAHIDA-BEGUM-S-UPSC-2023-Rank-323-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7130,"topper":"Shahida Begum","air":323,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SHAHIDA-BEGUM-S-UPSC-2023-Rank-323-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-3-1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7131,"topper":"Shahida Begum","air":323,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SHAHIDA-BEGUM-S-UPSC-2023-Rank-323-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7132,"topper":"Shailendra Singh Indoliya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7441_843_Shailendra_Singh_Rank_38.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the need for adhering to the road map for fiscal consolidation by fixing the fiscal deficit. Has the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, 2003 served the purpose for which it was envisaged?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Public investment in railways has a multiplier effect for the larger economy. Elaborate. What factors have held back the railways despite having a separate budget and considerable resources? In this context, enumerate the relevant recommendations of Bibek Debroy committee?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Mention the salient features of the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) proposed by the government to reinvigorate private investment in infrastructure sector. How is it an improvement over the EPC model?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Even within the multilateral format of WTO the FTA route has served India well. Comment. How can India effectively deal with the challenges posed by the new mega regional agreements such as TPP?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Cashless economy is a global trend now. What are the challenges of achieving a cashless economy in the case of India? How can these challenges be overcome?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Abysmal level of formally skilled workers in Indian economy, as indicated by the Labour Bureau Report 2014, is a cause of concern. What are the factors responsible for such a scenario? Also, examine the measures taken by the government in recent years to address the relevant concerns.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"In the 10 years of its existence MGNREGA has won laurels as well as attracted criticism. Comment. What changes are required for the scheme to be relevant in the current scenario.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Power sector reforms, crucial as they are, have remained elusive. Discuss the reasons for their failure. How far can the UDAY scheme address the issues concerning DISCOMS and improve the entire power sector value chain?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Market volatility and vulnerability to weather are the major issues facing Indian agriculture. Elaborate. In this regard, critically examine the importance of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana vis-a-vis earlier insurance schemes in addressing the problems of Indian agriculture.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"The Hydrocarbon Exploration Licensing Policy (HELP) is a step forward from the New Exploration Licensing Policy (NELP). Compare the two policies and elaborate how HELP can encourage investment in the hydrocarbon sector as well as curtail India's export dependence?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Although equal land ownership rights are essential for the economic empowerment of women, these rights are often overlooked. Discuss. What steps have been taken by the government to ensure land rights for women?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"It has been argued that the Nutrient based subsidy (NBS) scheme launched in 2010 has created more problems than it intended to solve. Examine. What measures are required to address concerns arising out of the fertilizer subsidy policy in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"The success of \"Operation Flood\" proves that thoughtful intervention in the livestock sector has the potential of acting as a growth engine for the agriculture sector and rural economy. In light of this, examine the potential of the livestock sector and the challenges it faces. Also enumerate the steps taken by the government in recent years to leverage the potential of this sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"What are the twin objectives of government food procurement policy in India? Discuss the instruments of this policy. Do you think there is an urgent need for rationalization of MSP policy in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Discuss the potential of Food Processing Industry with regards to employment generation in India. What are the key impediments which need to be overcome before the sector can become internationally competitive and achieve high growth?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Mixed farming for the resource poor farmer is mostly a poverty induced option. Comment. What role can the government play to help farmers realise the potential from mixed farming.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"What do you understand by cropping pattern? What are the factors that influence the cropping pattern in India? Is there a need to change the cropping pattern in the country keeping the agro-ecological concerns in mind?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7133,"topper":"Shailendra Singh Indoliya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7441_766_Shailendra_Singh_Rank_38.pdf","questions":[{"page":9,"question":"While the British Parliament is a sovereign legislature, the Parliaments of India and USA are non-sovereign legislatures. Explain. Also, compare the organisation and powers of the Indian Lok Sabha with the British House of Commons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"While Fundamental Rights are crucial to the survival of a vibrant democracy, Fundamental Duties are equally important. While enumerating the Fundamental Duties, discuss the statement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Several constitutional experts have found the process of appointment and removal of governor to be against the very grain of democratic traditions and constitutional propriety. Do you think that this process warrants a fresh look in context of recent controversies surrounding the post?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Repeated violations of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) have raised questions on its effectiveness. In this light, discuss the idea of making MCC a part of Representation of Peoples Act, 1951.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Article 311 of the Constitution has been a matter of much debate. Arguments range from its retention in its present form, or even strengthening it, to its total deletion. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"While Public Interest Litigations have provided access to justice for the poor and the marginalized sections of the society but many vested interests have also misused it. In this context, examine the utility of PILs as a tool of social justice.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"What do you understand by alternate dispute redressal mechanism? Discuss the various tools of ADR. In light of the problems faced by the Indian judiciary enumerate the advantages of Lok Adalats.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Bringing political parties under the ambit of RTI will not only usher accountability and transparency in governance but will also be a major step towards electoral reforms. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"A generational shift in railway operations is required. In light of this, discuss the need for an independent tariff and safety regulatory authority of India. ,","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"It has been argued that the 'First past the post' system fails to represent the will of the majority and encourages vote-bank politics. In this context, examine whether India should adopt Proportional Representation System to reform our electoral process. ' ' , ?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"There has been a tendency to resolve specialized cases faster through the means of Tribunals. In light of this, discuss the issue of increasing \"tribunalisation\" of courts in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"While the 73rd and 74th constitutional amendments provided for representation to women in local governance, much work remains to be done to ensure their true participation, given their present socio-economic conditions. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7134,"topper":"Shailendra Singh Indoliya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7441_845_Shailendra_Singh_Rank_38.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Soil management in Northeast India is critical for a viable agriculture economy. In this context, discuss the problems of soils in Northeast India. Suggest some steps that can be taken to counter this problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"How does the plate tectonics theory help explain the formation of Himalayas and Deccan Traps?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Inspite being one of the largest producer of fish, there is still considerable scope of improvement in the fishery sector. In light of the above statement, discuss the problems and prospects of Fishery industry in India with respect to both inland and marine fisheries.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Vegetation in deserts and saline areas have highly specialized means of adapting themselves to the environment. Explain.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Give an account of the distribution of cement industry in India and the factors that affect its location. Also trace the growth of cement industry in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Despite the enormous demand of electronics, the manufacturing of electronic goods has not been a feature of the Indian industry. Enumerate the reasons for the same. Suggest measures which are required to acheive the target of Net Zero Import by 2020.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Agroforestry is seen as a solution to meet the challenges of food, nutrition, energy, employment and environment security. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Explain the phenomenon of Tsunami formation and highlight reasons for India's vulnerability to Tsunamis. List some measures to mitigate the impact of Tsunamis.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Explain the role of Himalayas in influencing the climate of South Asia. Enumerate the changes observed recently in the Himalayan region with respect to climate and geomorphology. What are the possible anthropogenic causes behind them?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Explain the different types of earthquake waves and the concept of shadow zone. What inferences can we draw from shadow zones regarding the interior of the Earth?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Explain the difference between chemical weathering and physical weathering. What is the ecological and economic significance of weathering?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Tropical regions are not only the most resource rich but also one of the most underdeveloped regions of the world. What are the factors responsible for this? How have some of the tropical countries turned their natural limitations to their advantage? Illustrate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Coral reefs are the most biologically diverse and economically valuable ecosystems on earth. Elaborate. Discuss the factors responsible for the decline of coral reefs across the world. Also, list some measures that have been taken for their preservation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Despite EIA being a useful policy tool for sustainable development, deficiencies in its design and implementation have prevented it from realising its potential. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"According to the Indian Fertiliser Scenario 2014, the use of urea in India has increased by more than 50 per cent since 2000. How does human intervention turn nitrogen from a nutrient to a pollutant? Discuss the impacts of nitrogen pollution on environment and human health. Also, explain how nitrogen pollution can be managed.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Temperate grasslands are called 'Granaries of the world'. Elucidate. How have the farming practices adopted in these regions impacted the environment?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Enumerate the global targets and priorities for action of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. Discuss the positive features and limitations of the framework.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"What is a heat wave? Discuss the health impacts of heat wave in India. Analyse the reasons behind high incidence of mortality rates due to heat wave in India. Suggest measures to tackle the above problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"\"Rising accidents involving merchant ships leading to oil spills in Indian waters is a growing concern that needs to be addressed.\" Discuss the impact of oil spills on marine environment. Also, suggest measures to prevent such disasters.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Forest fire pose a threat not only to the forest wealth but also to the entire regime of flora and fauna. What are the causes of forest fire? Discuss the ecological, economic and social impacts of forest fires.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7135,"topper":"Shailendra Singh Indoliya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7441_844_Shailendra_Singh_Rank_38.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"It has been assessed that radicalisation is a security threat to India. Explain the basis of such an assessment with examples. What are the key pillars of the counter radicalisation strategy of the government?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Arguments on Siachen issue often move around the idea of demilitarisation. Examining the key attributes of the Siachen issue explain the basis of arguments regarding its demilitarisation? Also highlight the arguments against such an idea.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Money laundering and terrorism have strong inter linkages. Illustrate. In this context, how far do the steps taken by the government confirm with the international commitments?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Longstanding issue of insurgency in the Northeast highlights the linkage, between violence, remoteness, underdevelopment and alienation. Elaborate. Also, suggest some corrective measures for a lasting resolution of the conflicts in this region.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"While on the one hand China's One Road One Belt initiative poses security concerns and challenges for India, on the other, it can help improve India's connectivity to major markets and resource supplies. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"NATGRID was an ambitious step involving intelligence reforms, however, it remained a non-starter. Explain. In the context of recent initiatives to revive the NATGRID and the challenges it faced previously what steps are required to make it effective?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"India's national security architecture faces a difficult task in detecting digital intrusion in cyberspace. What are the challenges India faces w.r.t. Digital Intrusion? How can these challenges be overcome?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Relations with Iran hold a lot of potential for India's ambitions for West Asia and beyond, however, realising this potential also involves certain global and regional challenges. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"The internal crisis in Nepal over the past few years has given concrete shape to the fears of China gaining upper hand vis-a-vis a traditionally influential India. Elaborate. What can India do to further strengthen its ties with the Himalayan nation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"The Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement (TPP), touted as the world's biggest trade deal to date, has danger of bending the WTO rules. In this context, discuss the impact TPP can have on India's foreign trade. What are the options that India has to deal with the issues arising out of the TPP?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Legal proceedings initiated by the Marshall Islands against India, Pakistan and Britain over nuclear weapons in the International Court of Justice highlights the issues of jurisidiction of the court. What is India's position vis-a-vis the jurisdiction of the ICJ? Also differentiate between binding and advisory pronunciations of the court with suitable examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Even though the refugee crisis in Europe does not affect India directly, it presents an opportunity for India to showcase its commitment and capability to take greater responsibility in dealing with global issues. Comment in light of India's strengths, experience and international commitments regarding refugees.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"India is endowed with an amazing variety and wealth of soft power resources. Providing examples, illustrate the utilisation of soft power in diplomatic initiatives of the recent past. What are the limitations of the soft power approach in diplomacy in case of a developing country such as India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Highlight the features of NAVIC and bring out its significance for India. How is it different from GAGAN? Examine whether NAVIC can be a replacement of GPS for India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"What are Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) and how are they an improvement over carbon fibres? Highlight the various unique properties of CNTs which makes them suitable to the manufacturing industry.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Explain the significance of gravitational waves recently detected by LIGO. What are the objectives of the recently envisaged LIGO-India project and what benefits will India accrue from it?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"What are the criteria employed for a pandemic to be declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the WHO? In the wake of recent Ebola and Zika virus outbreaks examine the efficacy of the prevalent architecture of global health governance. Also, assess India's preparedness in handling such global epidemics.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Give a brief explanation of CRISPR - gene editing technology. Also discuss its signif cance in modern biology and agriculture.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Even though large infrastructure projects like High Speed Rail (HSR) facilitate greater technological development, they come with their own set of challenges. Examine in the context of proposed HSR projects in India. Suggest some measures on how HSR can truly be 'Made in India'.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"What do you understand by Big-data? Using SDGs as an example, discuss its role n effective implementation of public policy. Also mention challenges faced in using Big-Data and measures to overcome them.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7136,"topper":"Shailendra Singh Indoliya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7441_824_Shailendra_Singh_Rank_38.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Rights-based approach to social policy, which has rippled through India over the past decade and a half, reorients governance from ideas of patronage towards duty of the state and justified claims of citizens. Discuss with examples. Also, explain how the rights-based approach helps in improving public service delivery.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Despite high enrolment in Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY), out-of-pocket expenditure on health has steadily increased over the years. In this context, highlight the achievements and shortcomings of RSBY. Also, discuss the challenges faced in its implementation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Unhealthy competition between Self Help Groups (SHGs) and Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) reduces the effectiveness of both. Discuss. How can creating a synergy between the two help in addressing development challenges at the sub-district level?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"With an expected increase in old age population in the near future, there is a need to increase the ambit and reach of social safety net for their welfare. Discuss the challenges which policymakers face in design, development and execution of welfare measures for the elderly. How far do the recent measures taken by the government address these?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Civil Society Organizations and Corporates share a symbiotic relationship, which can be leveraged to meet the developmental needs of India. Analyze. Also enumerate the CSR provisions under Companies Act, 2013.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"According to a recent WHO report, India sees the largest number of suicides globally. In this context, enumerate the objectives and approach of India's new National Mental Health Policy. Also, explain what is Mental Health Action Plan 365.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Urban sanitation has not received adequate attention at the national level in the past and few initiatives have been taken to tackle deficiencies in urban sanitation. In light of this, examine whether the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan can help in solving the urban sanitation problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"There is a need to move away from debates of 'public' versus 'private' provision of education towards models of education provision with public funding and private management. Discuss. Can such a move impact the quality and learning outcomes in elementary education?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) bill recently passed by the Parliament is a regressive step towards protecting child rights in India. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"\"In a nation of one billion cell phones, M-governance or mobile governance has the potential to make development a truly inclusive and comprehensive mass movement\". Illustrate how M-government can bring in more transparency and accountability in government functioning. Also, discuss the challenges in implementing M-government.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"The Rights of the Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2014 fails to adopt United Nation Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability (UNCRPD) in its true spirit. Examine. Also, highlight the recent suggestions made by the Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"An empowered Gram Sabha is the bedrock of successful local governance. In this context, analyse the role of Gram Sabha as a pillar of development. What steps can be taken to strengthen their functioning?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"The recent amendments to Child Labour Act seek to strike a balance between the need for education of a child and the reality of the socio-economic conditions. Critically evaluate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Give an account of the features of ‘Housing for All by 2022’ mission. Also, discuss the challenges that lie ahead in its implementation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Enumerate the directives laid down by the Supreme Court for police reforms in the Prakash Singh case. Discuss the challenges faced in implementing these reforms.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"What is E-Kranti? How is it an improvement over National e-Governance Plan? Discuss the challenges foreseen in the implementation of E-kranti.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Some provisions of Official Secrets Act, 1923 go against the spirit of Right to Information. Explain. In this context, examine whether this necessitates repealing of the Official Secrets Act.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Despite increasing awareness of beneficiaries, social audits have not played a significant role in reducing malpractices and detecting irregularities. Discuss. How can social audits be made more effective?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Nutrition status is linked to non-nutrition factors. In light of this statement, examine why despite a fast growing economy and the largest anti-malnutrition programme, India has the world's worst level of child malnutrition. What steps has the Government taken to to tackle the malnutrition problem in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) based on the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India are described as 'State in miniature'. Elaborate. Also, critically evaluate the functioning of ADCs over the years.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7137,"topper":"Shailja Pandey","air":61,"year":2020,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/66cca-93637_1458_shailja-pandey_rank_61.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7138,"topper":"Shailja Pandey","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6c664-93637_1417_shailja-pandey_rank_61.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Dadabhai Naoroji left an indelible imprint on the national movement. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Quit India movement marked a new direction in the struggle against the British colonial rule in India. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The end of World War II marked the birth of a new international order. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Simla Agreement (1972) and Lahore Declaration (1999) are two key milestones in the history of the Indian subcontinent. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Social security should not only involve economic empowerment but also social empowerment. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Explain with examples how globalisation is manifested in both local in the global and the global in the local. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In light of persistence of various forms of violence against women in India, discuss the ways in which the issue can be addressed effectively. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What is an urban forest? Highlight its benefits and steps taken by the government to promote urban forestry in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"How has globalization impacted the location of the IT industry? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"How can eco-tourism be used to sustainably harness the potential of tourism industry in India? Discuss the challenges and steps taken by the government in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The advent of Buddhism and Jainism was instrumental in the development of architecture in ancient India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The reactionary policies of Lord Lytton and the liberal policies of his successor Lord Rippon acted as catalyst in the formation of the Indian National Congress. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Gandhiji changed his methods of struggle against the British from time-to-time to suit the varied circumstances and problems that needed to be tackled. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Bring out the relationship between the industrial revolution and the advent of imperialism in different parts of the world. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The caste system in India has continued to persist by adapting itself to a variety of changing socio-economic and political conditions in the past few decades. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"It is argued by some that regionalism is a threat to national integrity while others consider it as a highly impactful tool in facilitating political participation. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Describe the process of rift valley formation, with special emphasis on the Great Rift Valley System. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India's water resources have witnessed rapid depletion due to a mix of economic, geographic, and political factors. Explain and discuss its implications. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How are plateaus formed? Also, briefly discuss the features of the Deccan plateau and its economic significance. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7139,"topper":"Shailja Pandey","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c7d50-93637_1523_shailja-pandey_rank_61.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Enumerate the issues associated with functioning of the Central Information Commission. How can these issues be addressed? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"In india, Governor's discretionary powers are wider than those of the President. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the objectives that were sought to be achieved through tribunals. How successful have they been in meeting them? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Instead of the government regulating Over-the-top (OTT) platforms, there have been calls for a self-regulating mechanism for such platforms, as in the case of print media. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Bring out the arguments surrounding the issue of some states reserving jobs for locals in the private sector. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Identifying the key elements of Mission Karmayogi, briefly explain how it can lead to holistic development of the human resources and state's capacity. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Highlighting the role played by ASHA workers in public health system of India, discuss the challenges faced by them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"While internationalisation of higher education has many potential benefits for India, certain challenges will need to be addressed in this regard. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"India needs to adopt a more pragmatic stance in the context of the ongoing intra-Afghan talks. Discuss, in the light of India's engagement with Afghanistan. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"In the geo-strategic context of West Asia, the recent efforts to normalise relations between Israel and UAE may open new possibilities for India. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"It is not only the content of election manifestos but also the past performance with respect to promises made in election manifestos that need to be regulated. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"In order to achieve a reduction in the pendency of cases and a return to the Supreme Court's original role as a final appellate court, setting up of a National Court of Appeal is the need of the hour. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"The Constitution of India reflects an amalgamation of spirit of Indian freedom struggle and various administrative provisions of different acts of British rule in India. Explain. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Mention the key components of the SVAMITVA scheme. Also, highlight its intended benefits and discuss the potential issues in its implementation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Sharing of information among all stakeholders in government functioning is a leading practice towards good governance. Discuss with examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Though the National Digital Health Mission is a step in the right direction for both patients and the healthcare system, concerns around data privacy need to be addressed. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"One Nation One Ration card has the potential to significantly transform the lives of migrant workers in India. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"The World Trade Organization is buffeted by multiple challenges which have eroded the credibility of the organization. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"BIMSTEC is indispensable for India's efforts in promoting regional cooperation and integration in the neighbourhood. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7140,"topper":"Shailja Pandey","air":61,"year":2020,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/90030-93637_1525_shailja-pandey_rank_61.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7141,"topper":"Shailja Pandey","air":61,"year":2020,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d2abb-93637_1420_shailja-pandey_rank_61.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7142,"topper":"Shailputri","air":315,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XCnBbNvkWfH5uwkvZ9rQRiYoqxCwFyfX/view","questions":[]},{"id":7143,"topper":"Shailputri","air":315,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SHAILPUTRI-UPSC-2023-Rank-315-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7144,"topper":"Shailputri","air":315,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pL9EzjrRSon6oK1VWP214XUQQ4dIExAy/view","questions":[]},{"id":7145,"topper":"Shailputri","air":315,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SHAILPUTRI-UPSC-2023-Rank-315-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7146,"topper":"Shailputri","air":315,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DpV9x5WOMHicQ6DV4_xonP2hWteBhssc/view","questions":[]},{"id":7147,"topper":"Shailputri","air":315,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SHAILPUTRI-UPSC-2023-Rank-315-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7148,"topper":"Shailputri","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PwU6iqKPGcJWzuw466-U61eWqAv_M0Ww/view","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Define probity and describe its significance in civil services. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"What is a Citizen Charter? How can it be made more effective in making governance citizen-centric? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":7149,"topper":"Shailputri","air":315,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SHAILPUTRI-UPSC-2023-Rank-315-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7150,"topper":"Shakti Dubey","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/shakti-dubey-essay-1-booklet-1745331781333.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"Q.1 If it costs you your peace, it is too expensive.\nQ.2 In the flood of data, the thirst still remains.\nQ.3 A star has to burn to give light to others but that's what stars are meant for.\nQ.4 The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Q.5 Civilization begins with order, grows with liberty, and dies with chaos.\nQ.6 A single drop never feels responsible for the flood.\nQ.7 Never does nature say one thing and wisdom another.\nQ.8 Present demonstrates the lessons of history, albeit the hard way.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7151,"topper":"Shakti Dubey","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/shakti-dubey-essay-2-booklet-1745331832894.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"Q.1 The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically.\nQ.2 Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans.\nQ.3 The heaviest penalty for declining to rule is to be ruled by someone inferior.\nQ.4 Competition is the law of the jungle, but cooperation is the law of civilization.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Q.5 Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.\nQ.6 The road to success and the road to failure are almost exactly the same.\nQ.7 To be or not to be, that is the question.\nQ.8 Wisdom is to live in tune with the mode of the changing world.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Q8 Wisdom is to live in tune with the changing world.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"IS CHANGE ALWAYS DESIRABLE?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7152,"topper":"Shakti Dubey","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/shakti-dubey-essay-3-booklet-1745331859182.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"Q.1 The art of progress is to preserve order amid change and to preserve change amid order.\nQ.2 The world is a gymnasium where we come to make ourselves strong.\nQ.3 The greatest risk is to risk nothing at all.\nQ.4 The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of home.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"Q.5 Geopolitics affects every country, whether at war or at peace.\nQ.6 It is time for moving towards gender equality in climate change.\nQ.7 Migration continues to be part of the solution in a rapidly changing world, but challenges remain.\nQ.8 Employment is the crucial link between growth and prosperity.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7153,"topper":"Shakti Dubey","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/shakti-dubey-essay-4-booklet-1745331911052.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"Q.1 Environmental pollution is an incurable disease, it can only be prevented.\n\nQ.2 The law has no compassion and justice is administered without compassion.\n\nQ.3 The love of one's country is a splendid thing but why should love stop at the border?\n\nQ.4 He profits most who serves best.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Q.5 Imagination is more important than knowledge.\nQ.6 The best way to predict your future is to create it.\nQ.7 What you learn from a life in science is the vastness of our ignorance.\nQ.8 Social media is more about psychology than technology.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7154,"topper":"Shakti Dubey","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/shakti-dubey-essay-5-booklet-1745331879543.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"Q.1 Procrastination is like taking a loan, enjoy it only till you have to pay the bill.\nQ.2 The India way, especially now, would be more of a shaper or decider rather than just be an abstainer.\nQ.3 Space, the fascination, the lure and the challenges.\nQ.4 We may brave human laws but can not resist natural laws.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"Q.5 Truth is a trek of faith.\nQ.6 Darkness is nothing, but only absence of light.\nQ.7 An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind.\nQ.8 Life is not about finding yourself, it is about creating yourself.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7155,"topper":"Shakti Dubey","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/Sure_Shot_2024_GS_PAPER_GS_1_T_01_SHAKTI_DUBEY_AIR_01_9e6e373cbd.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"'Cave paintings are the window into the aesthetic sensitivity and creativeness of ancient humans.' Discuss the statement with reference to ancient Indian cave paintings. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Evaluate the role of subsidiary alliance policy in turning 'the British Empire in India' into 'the British Empire of India'. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Mass nationalism was a watershed in the Indian freedom struggle towards independence. How did the Indian Business community react to it? Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Do you agree that non-alignment adopted after independence formed the bed-rock of Indian Foreign policy. Substantiate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Colonial legacy is the primary source of political instability in the African Continent. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Sustainable urban development needs mindful reassessment of land use patterns. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Socio-cultural factors more than economic factors influence women migration patterns in India. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the significance of the IT industries in promoting regional development in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Explain the formation of islands in the Indian Ocean Region with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Mention the global occurrences of major tropical cyclones in 2023 and 2024. Also, explain their impacts on local communities. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Mahatma Gandhi described himself as a 'true disciple' of Balgangadhar Tilak despite having political differences. In this context, analyse the similarities and differences between Gandhian methods and extremism. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"'Partition was a necessary evil to get rid of British rule and prevent a complete breakdown of law and order.' Analyse. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"To what extent urbanisation has influenced the social hierarchy in Indian society? Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Globalisation expanded the market opportunities for goods and services beyond domestic territories. Discuss the effects of globalisation on the Indian craft industry with examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Rise of communalism in secular India threatens the social fabric and public order. Discuss the measures to contain the spread of communalism. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Describe the distribution of major palm oil producing countries. Also, indicate the major environmental issues faced by them. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Discuss the importance of water as the chief architect of the earth surface. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"'Tropical rainforests of the ocean are under serious threat of existence.' Discuss. Also, suggest measures to rejuvenate these critical ecosystems. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Explain the reasons for geographical concentration of ozone holes. What are the remedial measures to ozone depletion? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"'Global warming increasingly contributes to extreme weather events.' Examine the statement with special focus on recent events of natural hazards in the Indian subcontinent. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7156,"topper":"Shakti Dubey","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/Sure_Shot_2024_GS_PAPER_GS_1_T_05_SHAKTI_DUBEY_AIR_01_36db95f9ec.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Religious philosophies had a profound impact on the development of Mauryan Architecture. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"The fall of the Maratha Empire removed the last hurdle on the path to British paramountcy in India. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The Home Rule Movement created a transition from ‘prayer’ and ‘petition’ to ‘demand’ and ‘agitation’. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"‘The war to end all wars failed to enshrine peace and stability in the world.’ Discuss the statement in the context of the First World War. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"The Indo-Gangetic plains are highly prone to heatwaves.\" Discuss the causes and suggest suitable measures for management. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How does geomorphology influence the soil character? Discuss with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Evaluate the status of India's mangrove ecosystem and its function as a bioshield with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Stress on the Himalayan geo-resources threatens the lifeline of a billion population. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Caste as social capital is deployed more for parochial interests than for social unity. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Assess the impact of women organizations in bridging the gender divide in Indian society. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Educational and Socio-Cultural initiatives of the British regenerated the sense of reasoning in Indian society. Critically examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Constitutional developments in British India were reactive rather than genuine efforts for good governance. Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Ocean currents moderates the thermal extremities along the coastal regions. Discuss the statement with suitable examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Global warming opens a new world of opportunities in the arctic region. Critically examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Competing demand for land as a resource limits the development of mega solar parks in India.' In the light of the statement, evaluate the potential of rooftop solar in meeting renewable energy targets for India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Give an account on the distribution of rare earth elements (REE). Discuss their importance for the fourth industrial revolution. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"India's improvement over the multidimensional poverty index juxtaposes performance in global hunger index. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Mention the challenges faced by Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG). Discuss the significance of PM-JANMAN in empowering the tribal community. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"The patriarchal interpretation of religious beliefs shaped the contemporary socio-economic status of women in India. Discuss with suitable examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7157,"topper":"Shakti Dubey","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/11pnkbby3LT_mK1328SabYDDDheI4G3P0/view","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"'Cave paintings are the window into the aesthetic sensitivity and creativeness of ancient humans.' Discuss the statement with reference to ancient Indian cave paintings. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Evaluate the role of subsidiary alliance policy in turning 'the British Empire in India' into 'the British Empire of India'. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Mass nationalism was a watershed in the Indian freedom struggle towards independence. How did the Indian Business community react to it? Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Do you agree that non-alignment adopted after independence formed the bed-rock of Indian Foreign policy. Substantiate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Colonial legacy is the primary source of political instability in the African Continent. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Sustainable urban development needs mindful reassessment of land use patterns. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Socio-cultural factors more than economic factors influence women migration patterns in India. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the significance of the IT industries in promoting regional development in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Explain the formation of islands in the Indian Ocean Region with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Mention the global occurrences of major tropical cyclones in 2023 and 2024. Also, explain their impacts on local communities. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Mahatma Gandhi described himself as a 'true disciple' of Balgangadhar Tilak despite having political differences. In this context, analyse the similarities and differences between Gandhian methods and extremism. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"'Partition was a necessary evil to get rid of British rule and prevent a complete breakdown of law and order.' Analyse. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"To what extent urbanisation has influenced the social hierarchy in Indian society? Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Globalisation expanded the market opportunities for goods and services beyond domestic territories. Discuss the effects of globalisation on the Indian craft industry with examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Rise of communalism in secular India threatens the social fabric and public order. Discuss the measures to contain the spread of communalism. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Describe the distribution of major palm oil producing countries. Also, indicate the major environmental issues faced by them. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Discuss the importance of water as the chief architect of the earth surface. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"'Tropical rainforests of the ocean are under serious threat of existence.' Discuss. Also, suggest measures to rejuvenate these critical ecosystems. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Explain the reasons for geographical concentration of ozone holes. What are the remedial measures to ozone depletion? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"'Global warming increasingly contributes to extreme weather events.' Examine the statement with special focus on recent events of natural hazards in the Indian subcontinent. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7158,"topper":"Shakti Dubey","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KrqxCteXBw--zAIQL1pnfKZUKdGTDJHh/view","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Religious philosophies had a profound impact on the development of Mauryan Architecture. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"The fall of the Maratha Empire removed the last hurdle on the path to British paramountcy in India. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The Home Rule Movement created a transition from 'prayer' and 'petition' to 'demand' and 'agitation'. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"'The war to end all wars failed to enshrine peace and stability in the world.' Discuss the statement in the context of the First World War. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"The Indo-Gangetic plains are highly prone to heatwaves.\" Discuss the causes and suggest suitable measures for management. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How does geomorphology influence the soil character? Discuss with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Evaluate the status of India's mangrove ecosystem and its function as a bioshield with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Stress on the Himalayan geo-resources threatens the lifeline of a billion population. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Caste as social capital is deployed more for parochial interests than for social unity. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Assess the impact of women organizations in bridging the gender divide in Indian society. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Educational and Socio-Cultural initiatives of the British regenerated the sense of reasoning in Indian society. Critically examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Constitutional developments in British India were reactive rather than genuine efforts for good governance. Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Ocean currents moderates the thermal extremities along the coastal regions. Discuss the statement with suitable examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Global warming opens a new world of opportunities in the arctic region. Critically examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Competing demand for land as a resource limits the development of mega solar parks in India.' In the light of the statement, evaluate the potential of rooftop solar power in meeting renewable energy targets for India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Give an account on the distribution of rare earth elements (REE). Discuss their importance for the fourth industrial revolution. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"India's improvement over the multidimensional poverty index juxtaposes performance in global hunger index. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Mention the challenges faced by Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG). Discuss the significance of PM-JANMAN in empowering the tribal community. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"The patriarchal interpretation of religious beliefs shaped the contemporary socio-economic status of women in India. Discuss with suitable examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7159,"topper":"Shakti Dubey","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c00c4-553877_2071_shakti_dubey_rank_01.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"There are arguments that bills of national importance should be placed before the Inter-State Council prior to their introduction in the Parliament. Discuss in light of the issues that have been observed in the passage of bills in the Parliament in recent times. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the role played by the Directorate of Enforcement in the investigation of offence of money laundering and violations of foreign exchange laws. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The Indian Constitution has been successful in providing a framework for liberal democracy to flourish in India. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Central Information Commission plays a key role in empowering people through information. In this context, discuss the issues faced by it and suggest measures that are required to strengthen the institution. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What do you understand by the \"principle of subsidiarity\"? Discuss its importance in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Bringing out the differences between political parties and pressure groups, discuss how pressure groups play an important role in improving governance and democratic processes in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The practice of separation of powers in the Constitutional scheme of India and USA is distinct in its own way. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"\"The moral value of fundamental duties would not be to smother rights but to establish a democratic balance by making the people conscious of their duties equally as they are conscious of their rights\". Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the impact of the proclamation of National Emergency on Fundamental Rights in India. Also, highlight the various Supreme Court judgments in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The Seventh Schedule is a relic from the colonial past inherited from the Government of India Act, 1935 which needs to be revisited for improving Centre-state relations. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Technology has the potential to bring drastic changes in the field of law and transform the court system. In this context, discuss the need for digitization of Indian judiciary and challenges faced in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Even after three decades of constitutional amendments, India is yet to decentralise power to local self-government institutions in the true sense. Discuss. Do you agree with the view that Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyaan will be able to develop the governance capabilities of the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"With 98% coverage in rural India, cooperatives are the mainstay of rural economy ensuring sustainable livelihoods and income for people. Discuss. Also, state the recent initiatives taken by the government to improve the functioning of cooperative societies and make them more effective. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Governance of inter-state rivers in India suffers from various issues due to conflictual federalism. Discuss. Also, highlight the mechanisms which can be utilised to resolve inter-state river water disputes in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"A dysfunctional criminal justice system, absence of well-considered legislation and need for domain expertise, are being seen as the new challenges for the Indian judiciary. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"To what extent has the anti-defection law been able to address the issue of political instability in India? Discuss with suitable arguments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Though the Indian Constitution provides a clear division of legislative powers between the Union and states with each being supreme within the spheres allotted to them, this division is tilted towards the Union. In this context, discuss the powers of the Parliament to legislate on subjects in the State List. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Despite the benefits of wider representation of women in the judiciary, Indian courts have significantly fewer women as compared to men. Discuss. Also, suggest some measures to bridge the gender gap in Indian judiciary. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Elaborate on the fundamental aspects in which the Indian Constitution differed from its contemporaries despite being a post-colonial document. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"The tribunalisation of justice though considered to be an effective step is fraught with several challenges. Discuss in light of the Law Commission of India's report on the working of tribunals in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7160,"topper":"Shakti Dubey","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/30638-553877_2090_shakti_dubey_rank_01.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What is the Doctrine of Severability? Discuss with the help of relevant judicial decisions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The office of Governor needs to be transformed to preserve constitutional governance in India. Discuss in the light of recent controversies surrounding the Governors' office. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"\"Disturbing public order or inciting violence cannot be allowed under the garb of the freedom of speech and expression.\" Discuss with help of the recent Supreme Court judgment on hate speech. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss the role of the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) for the effective functioning of democracy in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are the various ways in which emerging technologies can be utilised by civil servants in ensuring efficient public service delivery and affecting change in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"To what extent, in your opinion, has the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana been successful in promoting skill development and employment in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Examine the potential of the Bhu-Aadhaar project in bringing significant benefits to India's land management system. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the different determinants of the occurrence of child labour in India. What measures can be taken to tackle the issue of child labour in the country? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Despite certain hiccups, recent developments suggest that continuity still looms large in the Indo-Bhutan relationship. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Critical Information Infrastructure has become a global good that requires global norms for its safeguard. What role can the G20 play to safeguard Critical Information Infrastructure? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The tussle between the legislature and judiciary culminated in the 'basic structure' doctrine in the Kesavananda Bharati case. Discuss. What is the significance of the case in limiting the power of the Parliament to amend the Constitution? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The limited revenue generation capacity of municipal corporations has increased their dependence on taxes and grants from the states. What are the issues associated with this trend? What measures are required to improve the finances of the municipal corporations in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"\"The purpose of having a Constitution is to transform the society for the better and this objective is the fundamental pillar of transformative constitutionalism.\" Discuss with the help of recent case laws. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"How can a 'rule of law culture' contribute towards promoting individual liberty and democratic governance in a society like India? What are the challenges in fostering such a culture? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) are not just engaged in charitable work but also involved in political processes for building a just, peaceful, humane, and sustainable future. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Self-help groups (SHGs) have contributed towards rural development and women empowerment, but their uneven geographical impact and rising loan defaults are serious challenges that need to be addressed. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Do you agree with the view that the deep-rooted problems in India's school education system cannot be solved by digital transformation alone? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Examine the impact of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) on the effectiveness and transparency of welfare schemes for the vulnerable sections in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The deepening China-Russia strategic relationship has been described by some as the 'most consequential undeclared alliance in the world.' How can this alliance impact India's national interest? What strategies should India adopt to protect her interests? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India has placed soft power as an important pillar of its foreign policy to enhance its global standing and image abroad. Discuss the statement along with the initiatives taken by the government. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7161,"topper":"Shakti Dubey","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b6219-553877_2089_shakti_dubey_rank_01.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"With the elephant being a vital part of the Buddhist faith, it was widely represented in its sculptures as well. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"India's war of independence was won by the efforts and sacrifices of different sections of the society. In this context, discuss the contributions made by tribal women in the national freedom struggle. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Bring out the key principles underlying Rabindranath Tagore's vision of nationalism during the Indian freedom struggle. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The combination of internal pulls coupled with external pressure as well as colonial resistance prompted the European powers to relinquish their claim over colonies. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Identifying the growth drivers of aquaculture in India, discuss the associated issues. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"While critical minerals are driving the clean energy transition, they bring new vulnerabilities with regard to energy security. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How does the theory of plate tectonics help in explaining the differences in the formation of the Himalayas and Andes mountains? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Critical issues surrounding the condition of groundwater in India need overarching solutions for a water-secure future. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"A large proportion of India's population is expected to live in cities by 2050. In this context, discuss the need for urban green spaces in creating inclusive, resilient, and sustainable cities in the country. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"India's secular approach has remained that of a 'principled distance' and not of 'equi-distance'. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"A major phase in temple architecture in India is associated with the Hoysala dynasty from the 11th to 14th centuries A.D. Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Accounts of Greek historians provide valuable insights into the social and economic conditions in ancient India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Discuss the role played by the Indian diaspora in the freedom struggle of India, especially during the first half of the 20th century. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind the emergence of environmental movements and their significance in post-independent India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Analyse the possible impact of climate change on the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR). What steps can be taken to mitigate it? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Though land subsidence can happen for a host of reasons, it is imperative to estimate its possible impact and chalk out a sustainable plan to minimise the adverse impact. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Discuss the potential of natural resources in the Arctic region as drivers of economic development, while also considering the environmental and social impacts of their exploitation. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Bring out the impact of globalisation in shaping the dynamics of family size, structure and relationships in the modern Indian society. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Migration is an expression of the human aspiration for dignity, safety and a better future. In light of this, examine the multi-dimensional nature of internal migration in India and discuss its inherent relationship with development. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Workplace gender inclusivity in India is skewed against women due to a range of cultural and gender biases existent in the society. Discuss. Also suggest socio-legal measures to address this issue. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7162,"topper":"Shakti Dubey","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e1c84-553877_2091_shakti_dubey_rank_01.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What are the reasons behind the inefficient use of water in Indian agriculture? Suggest measures to improve water use efficiency. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What are the social, economic and environmental benefits of diversifying the food basket under the Public Distribution System (PDS) in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Can re-energising the livestock sector be the key to sustainable livelihood and increasing the income of Indian farmers? Give reasons in support of your answer. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Do you agree that high economic growth in the post-reform period has not resulted in growth trickling down to the marginalised sections, rendering inclusive growth a major concern? Justify your answer. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Evaluate the outcome of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). How can Mission LiFE reinvigorate the NCAP in addressing the issue of air pollution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discuss the impact of wildfires on the ecosystem. Describe the significance of the UNEP's Fire Ready Formula in dealing with the menace of wildfires. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Recently, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) launched its new rocket called Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV). What are its advantages? How can SSLVs be a game changer for ISRO in the years to come? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Why is biopiracy a cause of great concern to the existing traditional knowledge of the developing world? What steps have been taken by the government of India for protecting the existing traditional Indian knowledge? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What are the challenges faced by the Assam Rifles with regard to border management and tackling of insurgency in North-East India? Discuss how these challenges require a reorientation of the force. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The race to put weapons in space may soon pass the point of no return making space the next theatre of arms struggle. What are the possible reasons behind the weaponization of space? Discuss its implications. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNP) recently became the first 100% Landlord Port of India. What do you understand by the Landlord Port model? What are the different models employed in the management of ports? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Analyse the performance of the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) scheme launched to promote farm mechanization in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Discuss the potential of digitization in harnessing the untapped potential of the food processing sector and resolving the challenges that it faces. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What is the significance of land record modernization in India? In this light, state the features of the National Generic Document Registration System (NGDRS). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The use of technology has played a key role in the success of the 'Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana' since its inception. Discuss. What further changes can be incorporated to make the scheme more farmer-friendly? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss how the transition towards renewable energy has the potential to transform the lives of women in India and unlock their potential. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"How does climate change exacerbate the challenges that India faces in eliminating hunger and malnutrition? Discuss in the context of India's commitment to achieve zero hunger by 2030. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What do you understand by digital twin technology? What are the benefits and challenges in its adoption? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Terrorism financing continues to remain a major challenge for the international community despite several efforts to curb it. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) will progressively multiply the opportunities as well as challenges from the national security perspective. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7163,"topper":"Shakti Dubey","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CzGB7QQwMz2zHt9NgcUQgbpIpkJ43aJR/view","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Discuss the role of the Department Related Standing Committee (DRSC) system in improving parliamentary effectiveness. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Presence of multiple parastatals erodes the autonomy of Urban Local Bodies. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The provisions under Article 360 remain a dead letter even during the worst economic crisis. Analyse. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"'Unique blend of flexibility and rigidity distinguish Indian constitution from that of the US constitution.' Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the role of microfinance institutions (MFI) in rural financial empowerment in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Do you agree that the Aspirational District Programme has emerged as a template for good governance? Substantiate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Rising informality in employment raises the concern for social security. Discuss the statement with reference to platform workers. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Demographic transition demands renewed focus on healthcare intervention patterns. Discuss the statement in the light of geriatric health in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"'Funding remains a major limitation for the effective functioning of multilateral organisations.' Discuss the statement with reference to the functioning of UNESCO. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"How will the BBIN grouping promote regional integration in South Asia? Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"'Financial resources of the centre are elastic and substantial while that of the states are inelastic and inadequate.' Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"\"Supremacy of the constitution requires all ordinary laws to conform to the constitutional law.\" Discuss the statement with reference to judicial review in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"'The delimitation process creates a wedge between representative democracy and federalism.' Examine. Also suggest measures to address the concerns of federal units. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Examine the impact of recent changes to the election commissioners' appointment process on autonomy and independence of the election commission. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The Forest Rights Act, 2006 was a historic effort in doing justice to the tribal community.' Evaluate the status of its implementation and suggest measures for improvement. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by India Stack? Discuss its role in good governance and improving ease of living. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"‘You can change our friends but not neighbors.’ In the light of the statement, examine the relevance of Gujral doctrine in India's Foreign Policy. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Examine the objectives of the Indian Ocean Rim Association. What importance does it hold for India's strategic interest? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"What are the strategic challenges to the global economy in active decoupling from China? How will it benefit India's economic growth prospects? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7164,"topper":"Shakti Dubey","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vbDVBLuTzRGqnENHtPhd3sGsoJLthiaL/view","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Alternate dispute redressal in India provides a streamlined and efficient approach to resolve conflicts outside the traditional court system. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Discuss the role of State Finance Commissions in ensuring fiscal autonomy for the local bodies. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Special Category Status acts as a lifeline for India's most vulnerable states, bridging unique challenges with the promise of equitable growth. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"To what extent, in your opinion, does the value of justice in the Preamble to the Indian Constitution manifest in current policies of the government? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The accreditation process ensures that higher educational institutions consistently meet and maintain educational quality standards. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Discuss the role of training and continuous learning for civil servants in navigating modern administrative challenges. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Explain how India can effectively accelerate its progress towards the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Despite all the progress, LGBTQIA+ citizens still face challenges to their rights and dignity. Discuss with special reference to the measures taken in India in this regard. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"A China-Taiwan conflict can severely jeopardize India’s security and economic interests, making it a situation India cannot afford to overlook. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The importance of Central Asia for India is not merely cultural and historical. In the light of this statement, describe the strategic importance of Central Asia for India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"How far do you agree with the view that the first-past-the-post (FPTP) system has polarized Indian politics? Assess the need of bringing Proportional Representation System in India’s Lok Sabha elections. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"How does the principle of \"bail as the rule, jail as the exception\" uphold the right to life and personal liberty under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution? Refer to the recent judgements. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Do you agree that coalition politics in contemporary India are the result of political expediency more than an ideological synergy? Substantiate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"The amendment to the Citizenship Act reshapes the path to Indian citizenship, intensifying the debate over secularism in India. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Explain how the Supreme Court's recent judgement on SC/ST sub-categorization affects the fairness of reservation benefits. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"How far do you agree with the view that India has nearly eradicated extreme poverty? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Addressing drug abuse in India demands a multi-faceted approach that tackles the root causes of this menace. Analyse. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Soft power is \"a means to success in world politics\" for those that know how to leverage it. Describe the significance of soft power for India to achieve its foreign policy goals. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Amid Bangladesh's internal crisis, India and Bangladesh face a critical test in redefining their enduring partnership. Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7165,"topper":"Shakti Dubey","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/Sure_Shot_2024_GS_PAPER_GS_2_T_02_SHAKTI_DUBEY_AIR_01_7a7739aae9.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Discuss the role of the Department Related Standing Committee (DRSC) system in improving parliamentary effectiveness. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Presence of multiple parastatals erodes the autonomy of Urban Local Bodies. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The provisions under Article 360 remain a dead letter even during the worst economic crisis. Analyse. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"'Unique blend of flexibility and rigidity distinguish Indian constitution from that of the US constitution.' Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the role of microfinance institutions (MFI) in rural financial empowerment in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Do you agree that the Aspirational District Programme has emerged as a template for good governance? Substantiate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Rising informality in employment raises the concern for social security. Discuss the statement with reference to platform workers. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Demographic transition demands renewed focus on healthcare intervention patterns. Discuss the statement in the light of geriatric health in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"'Funding remains a major limitation for the effective functioning of multilateral organisations.' Discuss the statement with reference to the functioning of UNESCO. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"How will the BBIN grouping promote regional integration in South Asia? Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"'Financial resources of the centre are elastic and substantial while that of the states are inelastic and inadequate.' Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"\"Supremacy of the constitution requires all ordinary laws to conform to the constitutional law.\" Discuss the statement with reference to judicial review in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"'The delimitation process creates a wedge between representative democracy and federalism.' Examine. Also suggest measures to address the concerns of federal units. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Examine the impact of recent changes to the election commissioners' appointment process on autonomy and independence of the election commission. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"'Without performance targets, the civil service degenerates into a closed priesthood with no accountability.' Discuss the statement with reference to the Mission Karmayogi. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The Forest Rights Act, 2006 was a historic effort in doing justice to the tribal community.' Evaluate the status of its implementation and suggest measures for improvement. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by India Stack? Discuss its role in good governance and improving ease of living. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"‘You can change our friends but not neighbors.’ In the light of the statement, examine the relevance of Gujral doctrine in India’s Foreign Policy. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Examine the objectives of the Indian Ocean Rim Association. What importance does it hold for India’s strategic interest? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"What are the strategic challenges to the global economy in active decoupling from China? How will it benefit India's economic growth prospects? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7166,"topper":"Shakti Dubey","air":1,"year":2024,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/Sure_Shot_2024_GS_PAPER_2_T_10_SHAKTI_DUBEY_AIR_01_f49f437f48.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7167,"topper":"Shakti Dubey","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Shakti-Dubey-UPSC-2024-Rank-1-MGP-Sample-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":9,"question":"4 Recently the Budget 2023-24 has provided for increased budget outlay for its Green hydrogen Mission.\n Advantage of Green Hydrogen","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"8 What makes it difficult to detect?\n1) They lack mass, ex and hence do not deflect light\n2) They have high gravitational pull\n3) The present level of technology cannot decipher its realities\n4) The space remains yet the most unexplored area, thus we do not have much idea about the properties of dark matter making it even more hard to detect","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"14 Role of Agri-tech in penetration of technology","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7168,"topper":"Shakti Dubey","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TbROpB178vDUw61E1l3KRFrSpcdYEaLb/view","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Internationalisation of the rupee seeks to elevate India's role in global finance by encouraging its use in international trade and investment. Comment on the present policies of the Government in this regard. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"The FinTech sector has emerged as a disruptive force, reshaping traditional banking and financial services in India. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"How do Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) function as Knowledge and Resource Centres of agriculture technology? Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the need for a new export-import policy for Indian agriculture. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What Artificial Intelligence (AI) is to software and quantum computing is to computers, graphene is to materials. What are the properties of graphene that make it a unique material? Discuss its potential applications. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Analyse the various causes of landslides in India. What strategies can be implemented to enhance disaster resilience against them? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss the potential of carbon farming as a sustainable agricultural practice in mitigating climate change. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The nexus between separatism and organised crime poses a significant threat to India's national security. Analyse. Discuss the measures to be taken to tackle this threat. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Developing a joint culture within the armed forces is often seen as essential for operational effectiveness. In this context, discuss the significance of creating theatre commands for enhancing the joint culture within Indian armed forces. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Analyse the potential economic and social impacts of replacing the minimum wage with a living wage in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"The extent of India's integration into the global value chain depends on harnessing the various opportunities and addressing the associated challenges. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Inland fisheries play a crucial role in India's economy and food security. Discuss the challenges faced by the sector and suggest measures to enhance its productivity and sustainability. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Lease farming is an economic necessity that can help the Indian farmers to escape the cycle of poverty. Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Discuss the role of Deep Tech in addressing key challenges in sectors of healthcare, agriculture, and defense. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"India's ambition to build its own space station holds a great significance in its space exploration journey. Highlight the benefits and challenges associated with it. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Project Tiger, a monumental initiative, highlights India's one of the successful conservation efforts and serves as a model for global wildlife protection. Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Blue Economy 2.0, focusing on coastal restoration and sustainable development, also needs to address the challenges to economic advancements in the coastal regions. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"India's enduring struggle with insurgencies since independence reflects a complex interplay of historical grievances and contemporary challenges. Analyse. Also discuss the measures required to be taken to combat these internal security threats. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Grey zone warfare, characterized by a blend of conventional and unconventional tactics, has increasingly influenced geopolitical conflicts. In this context, discuss the challenges posed by it on India's security interests. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7169,"topper":"Shakti Dubey","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kYQO0DPcUO0IEL3Bjpkf2uJUxNaxDZJ8/view","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"What do you mean by off-budget borrowings? Discuss the various issues associated with them. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Do you agree that the agriculture sector in India needs a separate budget for its transformation? Substantiate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Growth of e-commerce has huge potential in revolutionizing the agriculture products supply chains. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"'Water use efficiency is the keystone in the sustainable development of the Indian agriculture sector.' Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Robust economic growth requires a complementation between the public and private investment. Examine the statement with reference to falling private investments in the Indian economy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Discuss several ways in which biotechnology can help in ensuring food security in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Explain the significance of the Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) in achieving the goals of India's Nuclear energy program. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Public awareness is primary in inculcating environmental consciousness. How does the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) promote environmental awareness? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Overexploitation strains the quality as well as the quantity of our groundwater resources. Analyze. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"'Employment opportunities in India are experiencing a rapid transformation.' In the light of the statement, discuss the preparedness of the Indian labor force to adapt to this transformation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Liberalized Indian economy expanded rapidly at the cost of social equity. Elaborate. Also, suggest measures for promoting inclusive economic growth. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Livestocks play a key role in improving the socio-economic conditions of the rural masses. In this light, discuss the potential opportunities for the livestock farmers in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"What are the objectives of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme? Analyze its role in the growth of indigenous semiconductor industry. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Delays in infrastructure projects create massive cost overruns. Elaborate the major causes of delays and potential solutions for timely project execution. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"The Indian Space sector exhibits huge growth potential. Analyze the opportunities for the private sector in the Indian space industry. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Plastic waste has become near ubiquitous, threatening ecological stability. Explain. Also, discuss various measures taken by the government to contain further environmental degradation by plastic wastes. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Elaborate the disaster vulnerability of Indian coastal cities with examples. Examine the relevance of Sendai Framework in disaster management of coastal regions. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Alarming rising trend in cyber attacks endangers national security. Explain with examples. Elaborate the need for establishing a dedicated cyber security force to deal with the issue. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Socio-economic functions across the Indian border makes its management more complex. Discuss with suitable examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7170,"topper":"Shakti Dubey","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/Sure_Shot_2024_GS_PAPER_GS_3_T_03_SHAKTI_DUBEY_AIR_01_a550150e9f.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"What do you mean by off-budget borrowings? Discuss the various issues associated with them. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Do you agree that the agriculture sector in India needs a separate budget for its transformation? Substantiate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Growth of e-commerce has huge potential in revolutionizing the agriculture products supply chains. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"'Water use efficiency is the keystone in the sustainable development of the Indian agriculture sector.' Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Robust economic growth requires a complementation between the public and private investment. Examine the statement with reference to falling private investments in the Indian economy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Discuss several ways in which biotechnology can help in ensuring food security in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Explain the significance of the Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) in achieving the goals of India's Nuclear energy program. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Public awareness is primary in inculcating environmental consciousness. How does the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) promote environmental awareness? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Overexploitation strains the quality as well as the quantity of our groundwater resources. Analyze. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"'Employment opportunities in India are experiencing a rapid transformation.' In the light of the statement, discuss the preparedness of the Indian labor force to adapt to this transformation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Liberalized Indian economy expanded rapidly at the cost of social equity. Elaborate. Also, suggest measures for promoting inclusive economic growth. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Livestocks play a key role in improving the socio-economic conditions of the rural masses. In this light, discuss the potential opportunities for the livestock farmers in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"What are the objectives of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme? Analyze its role in the growth of indigenous semiconductor industry. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Delays in infrastructure projects create massive cost overruns. Elaborate the major causes of delays and potential solutions for timely project execution. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"The Indian Space sector exhibits huge growth potential. Analyze the opportunities for the private sector in the Indian space industry. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Plastic waste has become near ubiquitous, threatening ecological stability. Explain. Also, discuss various measures taken by the government to contain further environmental degradation by plastic wastes. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Elaborate the disaster vulnerability of Indian coastal cities with examples. Examine the relevance of Sendai Framework in disaster management of coastal regions. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Alarming rising trend in cyber attacks endangers national security. Explain with examples. Elaborate the need for establishing a dedicated cyber security force to deal with the issue. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Socio-economic functions across the Indian border makes its management more complex. Discuss with suitable examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7171,"topper":"Shakti Dubey","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/MGP-2023-Open-Test-GS-Paper-3-QP.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"To what extent can the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act 2023 help enhance trust - based governance for ease of living and doing business? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":1,"question":"Fluctuations in the price of TOP (tomato, onion, potato) crops impact all strata of societies. Highlighting the reasons and implications of such fluctuations, evaluate the effectiveness of Operations Greens in stabilizing the otherwise restive horticulture sector. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":1,"question":"A focused and sustained promotion and pursuit of blue economy help meet the challenges of food security, national security, and climate security . Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":1,"question":"What advantages does Green Hydrogen and a hydrogen economy offer in addressing national and global concerns? Discuss the impediments in its adoption. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":1,"question":"In what ways do plastics harm human, animal, and ocean health? Bring out the various domestic and international efforts that have been put in this regard in recent times? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":1,"question":"Though spatially distributed across the length and breath of the country, incidents of cloud burst disproportionately impact the mountaneous regions . Comment (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":2,"question":"As the emerging technologies enhance their reach and extent, the amalgamation of real and virtual will become inevitable. In this perspective, discuss how metaverse will alter the lives of common man. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":2,"question":"What makes dark matter difficult to detect? Also, analyse how the search for the elusive dark matter has influenced the trailing of modern pursuits in science. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":2,"question":"While AFSPA has been criticised for promoting excesses by the security forces, its profound utility to upkeep the sec urity situation cannot be overstated. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":2,"question":"Its not only the heft but also the agility, efficiency, and swiftness which will define the warfare in the contemporary times. In this context, discuss the relevance of the Agnipath scheme. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":2,"question":"The path towards an Atmanirbhar Bharat travers es through an overhaul of industrial policies. Comment, with special reference to the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":2,"question":"Infrastructure investments are crucial for socio - economic development, as they have a multiplier effect on economy , however, concerns for safety must not be ignored. Discuss in the light of recent events. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":2,"question":"How will you explain the irony of poor adoption of millet crops despite their multifarious advantages? Also, recomm end measures to curb this anomaly. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":3,"question":"Analyze the role Agri - tech can play in penetration of technology in agriculture. In what ways can Agristack help address the crisis in the farm sector. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":3,"question":"The objective of an inclusive clean energy transition will remain incomplete without leveraging the potential of the biofuels. Enumerating the seminal provisions of the National Biofuel Policy, analyze the possible challenges in its smooth implementation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":3,"question":"Despite having a robust legal architecture in the form of Disaster Management Act, 2005, a coordinated on ground response to disaster remains in a state of want. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":3,"question":"Trace the evolution of Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) from its humble beginnings as the space agency of the government to becoming a technology behemoth, spearheading innovations with respect to satellites, launch vehicles, and planetary explora tions. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":3,"question":"In what ways has Drug trafficking taken new forms and new routes in recent years. Elucidate the steps taken by the govt in this regard, with special reference to Operation Samudra gupta. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":3,"question":"Why does the North East remain a hotbed of insurgency? With special emphasis on government measures, discuss the steps to ameliorate the situation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7172,"topper":"Shakti Dubey","air":1,"year":2024,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/Sure_Shot_2024_GS_PAPER_3_T_11_SHAKTI_DUBEY_AIR_01_2d890a7415.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7173,"topper":"Shakti Dubey","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HBv8X2YBsIOCFRroRMwTL1yTgUh6NoOm/view","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Educational institutions are pivotal in instilling ethical values in students by integrating moral education with academic learning. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss the importance of quality of service delivery in public hospitals. In your opinion, what measures can be taken to improve the service quality in public institutions? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Ethical principles are the integration of discrete individual moral values. Illustrate with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What does each of the following quotations mean to you in the present context? a) A nation's greatness is measured by how it treats its weakest members- Mahatma Gandhi (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"In the context of public administration, discuss the importance of effective persuasion to achieve the goals of administration? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Examine the impact of political attitude on ethical governance. How can a balanced political attitude ensure good governance? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Global power politics makes it difficult for nations to strictly adhere to values they profess. Critically discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"A Code of Ethics governs decision-making, and a Code of Conduct governs actions. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The Right to Information transforms the veil of government secrecy into a window of transparency. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Emotional intelligence empowers public servants to skillfully manage interpersonal dynamics, hence fostering a cohesive work culture. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"You are an employee of an MNC. Your finances are in precarious condition with your mother admitted in a hospital and two school going children. One day, you read media reports that your friend Ramesh, cleared the Civil services and was allotted IAS service. You remembered that many years back when you were at work, Ramesh called in distress to meet you. Upon meeting he told you that his attempts at UPSC Civil services preparation were over and he was tense because of that. Being amazed by the news, you tried to figure out how Ramesh was able to clear the exam despite exhausting his attempts. For this, you investigated at your own level. After some research you came to know that he forged his identity papers, address proofs and other documents to take OBC reservation and made a false PwBD certificate from a doctor known to him. You, being close to Ramesh, also know that he is neither an OBC nor a disabled person. You called Ramesh and asked him to be truthful and declare his wrongdoings. On this Ramesh offered you a well furnished flat in one of the reputed colonies of Pune along with the hospital bills of your mother being covered, if you do not disclose the case to any one. a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. b) Evaluate the options available to you in the above situation. c) Which of the above will be most appropriate for you to take and why? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"You have recently been appointed as an Additional Director of the Public Health Department. The Department is implementing a scheme of providing piped drinking water in mission mode. One day a man approaches you with a complaint that his house has not received the drinking water connection, despite work in his village being 100% completed on the papers. You called the village secretary to investigate the case and report to you. He reported that the work has really not been completed. You then investigated the other works of the same contractor and found out many discrepancies such as use of fake bills, supplying of stolen goods and fake completion letters of the works. You were amazed by the fact that even the experience letter of the contractor was fake and the clearances for his every work were only from the same two Engineers of your department. You prepared a detailed report and presented it to the Director. He advised you not to put the report on record as the contractor is a close aide of the Health Minister. If you withdraw the report, then after his retirement you will be promoted to the post of Director, otherwise you may be transferred to a remote place. a) Under the given conditions, what are the options available to you? b) Evaluate each of the options listed by you. c) What are the Ethical dilemmas faced by you while exercising your options? d) What mechanisms would you suggest for early detection and prevention of corruption in the public offices? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"You are the Superintendent of Police (SP) of a district. Recently an incident of rape and murder of a doctor occurred in your district leading to huge public outrage. There were protests organised by the doctors' fraternity in order to demand justice for the victim. You were trying to ensure the law and order remain intact in the district. In the meantime media reports mentioned the perpetrator of the crime to be a civil volunteer of your department. This led to social media allegations against your department accusing the Police of favouring the accused. Also, there were other rumours on social media like involvement of trainee doctors in the crime, renovation of the hospital to remove the evidence etc. To add fuel to the entire scenario, reports of circulation of the pictures of the victim also came. All this led to mob violence in the city. The mob disrupted the peaceful protest of doctors and also broke the hospital equipment and beds etc. You received a call from the Commissioner of Police to take necessary action as the progress in resolving the case is being reported to the Chief Minister directly. a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. b) What course of action would you take to maintain law and order? c) What steps have been taken by the government to ensure safety of women at the workplace? Suggest some additional steps that can be taken. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"You are the District Magistrate (DM) of a district in the state of Uttarakhand. Ganga river flows through that district. Though the river is considered sacred by millions, it has started facing some ecological challenges. For example, in your district, the pollution of the river by dumping of untreated sewage, industrial and domestic waste etc. is rampant, leading to turning the river's colour black. The banks of the river are used by the people of districts for idol immersion and last rites of the departed, which add to the pollution load in the river. Many environmentalists have raised the concerns that its biodiversity has reduced considerably due to high pollution. Meanwhile, the banks have been encroached on by the poor people of the district as well as migrants. This has led to building of domestic establishments on the river floodplains. Migrant workers demand lower salaries, so the factories with high labour demand have also relocated near the floodplains of the river. Recently the High court of the state has declared the river as a living entity and given it legal rights. It has also ordered you to clear all the encroachments on the bank of the river in your district. Also, the environmental degradation taking place along the river is gaining national attention due to widespread coverage in the media. a) What are the Ethical dilemmas faced by you while following the court order? b) What course of action will you take to follow the order? c) What steps can be taken in the long run to maintain ecological sustainability of this river ecosystem by the district administration? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"You are the principal of a school located in a tier 2 city. One day the parents of a child approached you complaining that their 4 year old girl has been sexually assaulted by one of the attendants in the school washroom. Considering it a very serious matter, you promptly raised the issue to the management. However they paid no heed to it considering it as a fabricated case to destroy the reputation of the school. Two days later, the parents of another girl along with a local politician came with a similar complaint. While you were trying to get details of the matter, the news of the assault spread throughout the city. This led to widespread protests by the locals. To add fire to the scenario, the political parties also declared a bandh throughout the state. You decided to raise the matter again to the management, but again they asked you to remain silent as the reputation of the school was at stake. You requested them to constitute a committee to carry out a detailed enquiry into the whole matter, but to your surprise they straightaway denied it and instead asked to cover up the whole issue. They also offered to promote you to the management board and raise your salary, provided you handle the matter effectively. a) What are the Ethical dilemmas faced by you in the above scenario? b) Evaluate the options available to you in the given scenario. c) What are the measures taken by the Government to prevent sexual offences against children? What additional steps can be taken to make the school environment safer for children? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":7174,"topper":"Shakti Dubey","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dSAFrKyhvNbjGcJK0__OYYaMdM6tW5D7/view","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Analyse the ethical implications of using generative artificial intelligence in creative industries. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"How can implementing citizen charters enhance transparency and combat corruption in public institutions? Support your answer with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What are the key teachings of Thiruvalluvar, and how are they relevant in today's world? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What does each of the following quotations mean to you in the present context? a) \"In a conflict between the heart and the brain, follow your heart\"- Swami Vivekananda (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Attitude shapes our perceptions and intentions, but behaviour is the tangible expression of these internal states in real-world actions. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"How does emotional intelligence contribute to overcoming challenges and achieving success in high-stress environments? Discuss its impact on resilience and decision-making. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What are the ethical concerns surrounding developed nations setting climate targets for developing countries without providing adequate financial support? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Misusing of benefits intended for the weaker sections of society leads to various moral consequences. Discuss. How can such misuse be prevented to ensure equitable distribution of resources? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"How should individuals address ethical dilemmas where adherence to organisational policies conflicts with personal moral principles? Illustrate with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":40,"question":"You are a renowned financial influencer with a substantial online following, celebrated for your astute investment advice. One day, Digital PayTech, a leading company in the digital payments sector, reaches out to you. They hope to leverage your influence to attract more investors and strengthen their position as a market leader. Enthusiastic about the promising growth potential in digital payments and eager to present what seems like an excellent investment opportunity, you agree to endorse Digitalpaytech stocks. Digital PayTech, a publicly traded entity, has made a name for itself by developing secure and user-friendly digital payment solutions. Their innovative approach has garnered industry acclaim, and they are recognized as pioneers in transforming the payment landscape. Eager about the partnership, you create engaging content endorsing Digital PayTech's stocks, highlighting their cutting-edge technology and the surging demand for digital payment solutions. Trusting your expertise, your followers invest in Digital PayTech's stocks. However, unexpected challenges soon arise. New compliance requirements bring in stringent rules on financial reporting and data protection, creating operational hurdles. Changes in licensing and authorization severely impact Digital PayTech's market presence and service offerings. Additionally, heightened security standards necessitate significant investments in cybersecurity. -Sudden alterations in fee structures and pricing regulations adversely affect the company's revenue models and profitability. Amidst these challenges, financial mismanagement within Digital PayTech comes to light, casting doubt on the accuracy of their reported financial statements. These cumulative issues lead to a sharp decline in Digital PayTech's stock value, resulting in financial losses for your followers who had invested based on your recommendation. The financial influencer now faces the challenge of addressing the repercussions of the failed endorsement. Followers express disappointment and frustration, questioning the due diligence process and decision-making behind the recommendation. Legal inquiries and regulatory investigations intensify, adding to the complexity of the situation. a) List the moral values that will guide you. b) What are the ethical issues involved in the given case? c) What are the options available to you? Evaluate each of these options and choose the option you would adopt giving reasons. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"The government has proposed a phased strategic disinvestment of the State Public Sector Bank, allowing private companies to acquire stakes and manage various banking operations. This decision has sparked widespread outrage among the bank employees, leading to a strike. As the head of the workers' union, you attended a crucial meeting with state officials, where they outlined issues such as inefficiency, corruption, and deteriorating service quality. The officials presented data showing that the bank has been operating at a significant loss for several years, with mounting non-performing assets (NPAs), outdated technology, and increasing customer complaints about poor service. In response, you presented the workers' perspective, emphasising their long-standing grievances. The employees are concerned about job security, fearing that privatisation will lead to mass layoffs, reduced benefits, and a loss of the job stability traditionally associated with public sector employment. There are also concerns about the potential for increased fees and reduced access to banking services for lower-income customers. Meanwhile, the state public sector bank is in a dire state. Branches are frequently understaffed, leading to long queues and delays, and customers are facing issues with accessing basic banking services, leading to a massive public outcry. The media has picked up the story, with reports highlighting the plight of the employees and the inconvenience to the public. The situation is tense, with public protests growing louder and the strike showing no signs of abating. The deadlock between the two parties has intensified, with neither side willing to compromise. Amidst this standoff, state officials have approached you with an offer of a substantial bribe and other perks to secure your compliance with the privatisation plan. They argue that this phased approach is necessary to modernize the banking sector, attract investment, and ensure sustainable operations. a) What are the ethical issues involved in the given case? b) What are the options available to you? Evaluate each of these options and choose the option you would adopt giving reasons. c) Based on the given case study, mention steps taken to improve the banking sector in India. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Anil Gupta, founder of ABC industries, decided to appoint his son Rohan Gupta as the new CEO of the company despite his distaste for family business. This decision side-lined several experienced and talented executives who had been with the company for decades. With Rohan Gupta at the helm, many senior executives found their roles diminished. Mr. Suresh Mehta, the former head of operations with over 25 years of experience, was moved to a less influential position. Similarly, Ms. Anjali Desai, a renowned marketing strategist, saw her projects shelved in favour of initiatives proposed by Rohan's close associates. This resulted in a significant portion of the company's top talent sitting idle, leading to frustration and a decline in morale. Rohan's tenure was marked by a series of poor strategic decisions. His decision to delve into unrelated sectors such as real estate and retail without adequate research or planning, just based on his friend's suggestion. These ventures drained the company's resources and failed to generate expected returns. The side-lining of experienced executives and the influx of Rohan's inexperienced associates led to significant internal conflicts. Disagreements on strategic directions and management practices became common, creating a toxic work environment. The board of directors was often split, with one faction supporting Rohan and the other backing the side-lined senior executives. This infighting made it difficult to implement cohesive strategies, weakening the company's market position. Soon, ABC Industries had lost a significant portion of its market share to competitors. The company's financial health deteriorated, and it was forced to lay off a substantial part of its workforce. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in this case? (b) What action should Anil Gupta take for the resurgence of the company? (c) What steps have been taken by the government to improve corporate governance in India? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"Ms. Radhika, a dedicated civil servant tasked with overseeing the Right to Education (RTE) implementation in her state, is jolted by the tragic death of Rani, a Dalit student, who succumbed to injuries inflicted by a teacher's violent assault. The incident rapidly gains media attention, sparking intense demands for accountability and justice from the opposition. Reflecting on her past visits to schools, Ms. Radhika remembers Rani as a promising and eager learner, whose enthusiasm was marred by the harsh reality of social exclusion. Rani's caste marked her for isolation, both from peers and teachers. She recalls the evident disparity in her treatment—fewer opportunities, less attention, and unfair bias directly linked to her caste identity. Upon deeper scrutiny, Ms. Radhika uncovers systemic flaws within the urban education framework. Complaints about caste discrimination during school admissions surfaced, revealing a failure to uphold RTE's core tenets. Admission policies and classroom environments perpetuated caste biases, with students from marginalised backgrounds facing segregation and unfair treatment. Educational materials often reinforced caste prejudices, while parents from lower-caste communities struggled to engage in their children's schooling due to systemic barriers. The situation deteriorates further when local politicians, motivated by caste biases, attempt to suppress the incident, thus obstructing justice for Rani. Political pressure influences the administration to downplay the issue, risking the concealment of the deeper, systemic inequalities in urban education. Ms. Radhika faces a daunting challenge: addressing these injustices while navigating potential backlash from influential communities and safeguarding her own career amidst the turmoil. a) What are the ethical issues involved in the given case for Ms. Radhika? b) List the moral values that will guide her. c) How can Ms. Radhika ethically navigate the entrenched nature of caste-based discrimination within the urban education system? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":7175,"topper":"Shakti Dubey","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/Sure_Shot_2024_GS_PAPER_GS_4_T_08_SHAKTI_DUBEY_AIR_01_aeb5119b93.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Analyse the ethical implications of using generative artificial intelligence in creative industries. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"How can implementing citizen charters enhance transparency and combat corruption in public institutions? Support your answer with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What are the key teachings of Thiruvalluvar, and how are they relevant in today's world? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What does each of the following quotations mean to you in the present context? a) \"In a conflict between the heart and the brain, follow your heart\"- Swami Vivekananda (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Attitude shapes our perceptions and intentions, but behaviour is the tangible expression of these internal states in real-world actions. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"How does emotional intelligence contribute to overcoming challenges and achieving success in high-stress environments? Discuss its impact on resilience and decision-making. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What are the ethical concerns surrounding developed nations setting climate targets for developing countries without providing adequate financial support? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Misusing of benefits intended for the weaker sections of society leads to various moral consequences. Discuss. How can such misuse be prevented to ensure equitable distribution of resources? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"How should individuals address ethical dilemmas where adherence to organisational policies conflicts with personal moral principles? Illustrate with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":40,"question":"You are a renowned financial influencer with a substantial online following, celebrated for your astute investment advice. One day, Digital PayTech, a leading company in the digital payments sector, reaches out to you. They hope to leverage your influence to attract more investors and strengthen their position as a market leader. Enthusiastic about the promising growth potential in digital payments and eager to present what seems like an excellent investment opportunity, you agree to endorse Digitalpaytech stocks. Digital PayTech, a publicly traded entity, has made a name for itself by developing secure and user-friendly digital payment solutions. Their innovative approach has garnered industry acclaim, and they are recognized as pioneers in transforming the payment landscape. Eager about the partnership, you create engaging content endorsing Digital PayTech's stocks, highlighting their cutting-edge technology and the surging demand for digital payment solutions. Trusting your expertise, your followers invest in Digital PayTech's stocks. However, unexpected challenges soon arise. New compliance requirements bring in stringent rules on financial reporting and data protection, creating operational hurdles. Changes in licensing and authorization severely impact Digital PayTech's market presence and service offerings. Additionally, heightened security standards necessitate significant investments in cybersecurity. -Sudden alterations in fee structures and pricing regulations adversely affect the company's revenue models and profitability. Amidst these challenges, financial mismanagement within Digital PayTech comes to light, casting doubt on the accuracy of their reported financial statements. These cumulative issues lead to a sharp decline in Digital PayTech's stock value, resulting in financial losses for your followers who had invested based on your recommendation. The financial influencer now faces the challenge of addressing the repercussions of the failed endorsement. Followers express disappointment and frustration, questioning the due diligence process and decision-making behind the recommendation. Legal inquiries and regulatory investigations intensify, adding to the complexity of the situation. a) List the moral values that will guide you. b) What are the ethical issues involved in the given case? c) What are the options available to you? Evaluate each of these options and choose the option you would adopt giving reasons. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"The government has proposed a phased strategic disinvestment of the State Public Sector Bank, allowing private companies to acquire stakes and manage various banking operations. This decision has sparked widespread outrage among the bank employees, leading to a strike. As the head of the workers' union, you attended a crucial meeting with state officials, where they outlined issues such as inefficiency, corruption, and deteriorating service quality. The officials presented data showing that the bank has been operating at a significant loss for several years, with mounting non-performing assets (NPAs), outdated technology, and increasing customer complaints about poor service. In response, you presented the workers' perspective, emphasising their longstanding grievances. The employees are concerned about job security, fearing that privatisation will lead to mass layoffs, reduced benefits, and a loss of the job stability traditionally associated with public sector employment. There are also concerns about the potential for increased fees and reduced access to banking services for lower-income customers. Meanwhile, the state public sector bank is in a dire state. Branches are frequently understaffed, leading to long queues and delays, and customers are facing issues with accessing basic banking services, leading to a massive public outcry. The media has picked up the story, with reports highlighting the plight of the employees and the inconvenience to the public. The situation is tense, with public protests growing louder and the strike showing no signs of abating. The deadlock between the two parties has intensified, with neither side willing to compromise. Amidst this standoff, state officials have approached you with an offer of a substantial bribe and other perks to secure your compliance with the privatisation plan. They argue that this phased approach is necessary to modernize the banking sector, attract investment, and ensure sustainable operations. a) What are the ethical issues involved in the given case? b) What are the options available to you? Evaluate each of these options and choose the option you would adopt giving reasons. c) Based on the given case study, mention steps taken to improve the banking sector in India. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Anil Gupta, founder of ABC industries, decided to appoint his son Rohan Gupta as the new CEO of the company despite his distaste for family business. This decision side-lined several experienced and talented executives who had been with the company for decades. With Rohan Gupta at the helm, many senior executives found their roles diminished. Mr. Suresh Mehta, the former head of operations with over 25 years of experience, was moved to a less influential position. Similarly, Ms. Anjali Desai, a renowned marketing strategist, saw her projects shelved in favour of initiatives proposed by Rohan's close associates. This resulted in a significant portion of the company's top talent sitting idle, leading to frustration and a decline in morale. Rohan's tenure was marked by a series of poor strategic decisions. His decision to delve into unrelated sectors such as real estate and retail without adequate research or planning, just based on his friend's suggestion. These ventures drained the company's resources and failed to generate expected returns. The side-lining of experienced executives and the influx of Rohan's inexperienced associates led to significant internal conflicts. Disagreements on strategic directions and management practices became common, creating a toxic work environment. The board of directors was often split, with one faction supporting Rohan and the other backing the side-lined senior executives. This infighting made it difficult to implement cohesive strategies, weakening the company's market position. Soon, ABC Industries had lost a significant portion of its market share to competitors. The company's financial health deteriorated, and it was forced to lay off a substantial part of its workforce. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in this case? (b) What action should Anil Gupta take for the resurgence of the company? (c) What steps have been taken by the government to improve corporate governance in India? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"Ms. Radhika, a dedicated civil servant tasked with overseeing the Right to Education (RTE) implementation in her state, is jolted by the tragic death of Rani, a Dalit student, who succumbed to injuries inflicted by a teacher's violent assault. The incident rapidly gains media attention, sparking intense demands for accountability and justice from the opposition. Reflecting on her past visits to schools, Ms. Radhika remembers Rani as a promising and eager learner, whose enthusiasm was marred by the harsh reality of social exclusion. Rani's caste marked her for isolation, both from peers and teachers. She recalls the evident disparity in her treatment—fewer opportunities, less attention, and unfair bias directly linked to her caste identity. Upon deeper scrutiny, Ms. Radhika uncovers systemic flaws within the urban education framework. Complaints about caste discrimination during school admissions surfaced, revealing a failure to uphold RTE's core tenets. Admission policies and classroom environments perpetuated caste biases, with students from marginalised backgrounds facing segregation and unfair treatment. Educational materials often reinforced caste prejudices, while parents from lower-caste communities struggled to engage in their children's schooling due to systemic barriers. The situation deteriorates further when local politicians, motivated by caste biases, attempt to suppress the incident, thus obstructing justice for Rani. Political pressure influences the administration to downplay the issue, risking the concealment of the deeper, systemic inequalities in urban education. Ms. Radhika faces a daunting challenge: addressing these injustices while navigating potential backlash from influential communities and safeguarding her own career amidst the turmoil. a) What are the ethical issues involved in the given case for Ms. Radhika? b) List the moral values that will guide her. c) How can Ms. Radhika ethically navigate the entrenched nature of caste-based discrimination within the urban education system? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":7176,"topper":"Shakti Dubey","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b54f0-553877_2092_shakti_dubey_rank_01.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Direct interactions with social groups, like families and peers, teach people how others expect them to behave. Likewise, a society as a whole reinforces and shapes values through its norms, institutions, media, and collective behaviour. Discuss how a society's formal and informal institutions socialize its population, with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Do you think technology can play a role in establishing a value-centric modern society? Critically evaluate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What does each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \" - , \" . 10 \"The end-product of education should be a free creative man, who can battle against historical circumstances and adversities of nature.\" Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What are the signs that show that an individual ranks on the lower spectrum of emotional intelligence? How far is technology leading to a decline in the emotional intelligence of people, especially the younger generations? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"Action is a catalyst for profound shifts in attitude of an individual.\" How far do you agree with the statement? Give suitable examples to substantiate your answer. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Thirukkural advocates a conscious and a spirit-centered approach to business ethics based on eternal values and moral principles that should govern the conduct of business leaders. What are the ethical issues faced by businesses in contemporary times? How will the teachings of Thirukkural assist in their resolution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Laws promote social control by resolving basic value conflicts, settling individual disputes, and making rules that even our rulers must follow. But, law does not always achieve its purpose and can rather harm society. In this background, discuss the limitations and dysfunctions of law, with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Discuss the ethical issues involved in the spending of public money by the government on advertisements? What measures would you suggest to address these issues? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"In India, there are conduct rules, which govern an officer's behaviour and conduct. These include the Central Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964, All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968 etc. Do you think there is a need for a separate Code of Ethics for civil servants in India? What important values should be part of such a Code of Ethics? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"In a capitalist market, the goal of a business is to sell a product to satisfy demand. In this context, a company's objective is to maximize profits. However, there are industries where the social good should take precedence over profits and the pharmaceutical Industry is an example of such an industry. Recently, an incident of arbitrary pricing by a pharmaceutical company has come to light. After years of research, the concerned company released a medicine for the treatment of a rare disease. It holds the patent for the medicine and has spent considerable R&D resources to produce the medicine. But the extraordinarily high price it has fixed for the medicine has not only dashed the hopes of patients suffering from the rare disease but has also shocked the conscience of the public at large. However, there are also some who are arguing that forcing the company to cap the price of the medicine will disincentivise pharmaceutical firms to conduct (a) What are the various issues in the above situation? (b) Do you think a price-cap solves the given problem by creating another one? (c) What are the long-term measures that can be taken to deal with issues arising in such cases? (Answer in 250 words) 20 What are the various issues in the above situation? (b) Do you think a price-cap solves the given problem by creating another one? (c) What are the long-term measures that can be taken to deal with issues arising in such cases? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"You are the head of the Human Resources (HR) department of a reputed tech company in India that has several high profile national and international clients. It has recently come to your notice that a few employees of the Software Development Team have become irregular and insincere towards their work in the past few months. In the past, this team has been instrumental in timely executing projects, resulting in massive revenue and profits for the company. When you enquire about the issue in detail, you find that many employees including the senior leaders of the concerned team are juggling between multiple jobs. This phenomenon is popularly known as 'moonlighting'. When you ask the employees, most of whom have been high performers, their argument is that doing multiple jobs makes them more Further, their justification is that they have been doing their gigs beyond the usual working hours of the company. Some of them communicate that they face financial constraints and this is a reason for them to pursue the second gig. Others are of the view that it provides them avenues to learn new things, which is of help in their current roles. Thus, a whole network of freelancing has been flourishing secretly. You also get to know that employees in some other departments, like the Testing team, are envious of the Software Development team and secretly express their wish to pursue a similar path. Owing to no specific guidelines, these employees have got a free hand. It has led to multiple issues of productivity and the work culture of the organization and could set a wrong precedent for the other employees, if allowed to continue. On the other other hand, firing such a huge number of high performing employees at once is going to add to the attrition rate of the company and loss of talent. The views amongst your colleagues in the HR department is also divided on the issue. You have been entrusted by the senior management to evaluate the situation and take appropriate steps. In this context: (a) Highlight the ethical issues associated with moonlighting. (b) As the HR head of the company, what are the options available to you? (c) Evaluate each of these options and choose the option, which you would adopt, giving reasons. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"In this context: (a) Highlight the ethical issues associated with moonlighting. (b) As the HR head of the company, what are the options available to you? (c) Evaluate each of these options and choose the option, which you would adopt, giving reasons. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7177,"topper":"Shakti Dubey","air":1,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/877fe-553877_2088_shakti_dubey_rank_01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7178,"topper":"Shakti Dubey","air":1,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/Sure_Shot_2024_GS_PAPER_4_T_12_SHAKTI_DUBEY_AIR_01_a4856b93ff.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7179,"topper":"Shalini Singh","air":564,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hec4ItpW07CuBIkIuVd-M8jZvWTIKz3Z/view","questions":[]},{"id":7180,"topper":"SHARANYA ARI","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/visionias_7406_627_Sharanya.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"All the questions are compulsory and carry 12.5 marks each. NOT MORE THAN 200 WORDS.","marks":"5","words":"200"},{"page":3,"question":"The National Cyber Security Policy (NCSP), 2013 presented an opportunity to understand existing legal limitations before devsising a future framework. In this context, enumerate the objectives and strategies of NCSP. Also, discuss the shortcomings and limitations that it has been suffering from.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Transnational security threats posed by non-state actors in the IOR have considerably risen in recent years. What are the threats and challenges posed by them? Explain the need for cooperation between the States and associated maritime agencies.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"While Paramilitary forces are often successful in their fight against terrorists, insurgents and naxalites, it is the fight for dignity and recognition that has left them depressed and demoralised. Analyse the reasons for demoralization of Paramilitary forces in India. What steps have been taken by the government in order to address the issue?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Cyberspace, like outer space, is unbounded and equally accessible to all. In this context, evaluate the merits and demerits of having a body like the United Nations to govern it. Also, comment on the role that India has played so far in reforming internet governance structures.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"NATGRID has been touted as an idea, which would help a great deal in combating terrorism emerging out of Indian soil. In this context, examine how NATGRID would strengthen India's security architecture.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Any counter-terrorism strategy can succeed only if sources of terrorist funding are blocked by efficient financial regulation. In light of the statement discuss the need for an efficient legal framework to combat terror financing in India and steps taken by the government in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"It has been argued that rather than curbing militancy, AFSPA has further fuelled it. Discuss. Why is ASFPA still in operation in some states despite the growing demand to repeal it?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"What is Bio-Terrorism? Why is it more perilous than acts of conventional terrorism? Is India prepared to deal with bio-terrorism? Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"The National Investigation Agency, created to act as the nodal agency for counter terrorism, has been facing numerous challenges in its effective functioning. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"The formation of the United Liberation Front of Western South East Asia (UNLFW) poses a serious threat to the North-East region. In this context, discuss the implications of coming together of various insurgent groups on the security of North-East region. What strategies should be adopted to counter this threat?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Often, counter terrorist-financing efforts are directed towards disrupting the operations of terrorist organisations and their support structures. In this regard, comment on the challenges faced by investigating agencies in identifying the links between terrorist organizations and their financers.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Although insurgency groups are present in both Kashmir and the North-east, their nature and model of sustenance are entirely different. Analyse. Also, compare the linkages between organised crime and terrorism in both these areas.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"In the context of increasing need for integration of defence forces, there is a growing demand for appointment of a single chief for the three arms of defence services. In light of the above statement examine the desirability of such an appointment as recommended by various committees.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"A multi-pronged conflict management and resolution strategy is necessary to deal with left wing extremism in India. In this context, examine the effectiveness of the surrender cum rehabilitation scheme for left wing extremists.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"While social media is being increasingly used to instigate communal riots and create social tensions, any effective strategy to check its misuse must balance security concerns and individual rights. Discuss in the context of recent developments in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"In light of the current cross-border insurgency, should the management of the borders be entrusted to the Ministry of Defence? Critically discuss the border management in India and suggest measures for better management of the frontiers.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"What are the provisions of The Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets (Imposition of Tax) Act, 2015? How is it different from the earlier laws to deal with black money?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"With the Golden Crescent and the Golden Triangle in India's neighbourhood, drug trafficking poses a great threat to India's security. Analyse. Examine the role of non-state actors in drug trafficking in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"India has put in place stringent rules to tackle money laundering. The growing challenge is compliance to the Anti-Money Laundering legislations. What are the various constraints in compliance to legislations?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"The Supreme Court in its judgment on 26/11 slammed the media for its lust for TRPs, which jeopardized the security of the nation. Can the actions of media be justified in the context of right to freedom and speech? Discuss the principles and concerns that the media should keep in mind while covering such incidents.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7181,"topper":"Sharda Gajanan Madyaswar","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SHARDA-GAJANAN-MADYASWAR-UPSC-2023-Rank-285-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Shelving hard decisions is the least ethical course.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"All things come into being by conflict of opposites.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The arc of the moral universe is long but it bends towards justice.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Disinterested intellectual curiosity is the lifeblood of civilisation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Women's freedom is the sign of social freedom.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"If humankind poisoned nature, nature in turn poison humankind","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"History Doesn't Repeat Itself, but it often rhymes.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"The century advances but every individual begins anew.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7182,"topper":"Sharda Gajanan Madyaswar","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SHARDA-GAJANAN-MADYASWAR-UPSC-2023-Rank-285-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"To what extent can the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act 2023 help enhance trust-based governance for ease of living and doing business? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Fluctuations in the price of TOP (tomato, onion, potato) crops impact all strata of societies. Highlighting the reasons and implications of such fluctuations, evaluate the effectiveness of Operations Greens in stabilizing the otherwise restive horticulture sector. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"A focused and sustained promotion and pursuit of blue economy help meet the challenges of food security, national security, and climate security. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What advantages does Green Hydrogen and a hydrogen economy offer in addressing national and global concerns? Discuss the impediments in its adoption. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"In what ways do plastics harm human, animal, and ocean health? Bring out the various domestic and international efforts that have been put in this regard in recent times? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Though spatially distributed across the length and breath of the country, incidents of cloud burst disproportionately impact the mountaneous regions. Comment (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"As the emerging technologies enhance their reach and extent, the amalgamation of real and virtual will become inevitable. In this perspective, discuss how metaverse will alter the lives of common man. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What makes dark matter difficult to detect? Also, analyse how the search for the elusive dark matter has influenced the trailing of modern pursuits in science. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"While AFSPA has been criticised for promoting excesses by the security forces, its profound utility to upkeep the security situation cannot be overstated. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Its not only the heft but also the agility, efficiency, and swiftness which will define the warfare in the contemporary times. In this context, discuss the relevance of the Agnipath scheme. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The path towards an Atmanirbhar Bharat traverses through an overhaul of industrial policies. Comment, with special reference to the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Infrastructure investments are crucial for socio-economic development, as they have a multiplier effect on economy, however, concerns for safety must not be ignored. Discuss in the light of recent events. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"How will you explain the irony of poor adoption of millet crops despite their multifarious advantages? Also, recommend measures to curb this anomaly. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Analyze the role Agri-tech can play in penetration of technology in agriculture. In what ways can Agristack help address the crisis in the farm sector. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The objective of an inclusive clean energy transition will remain incomplete without leveraging the potential of the biofuels. Enumerating the seminal provisions of the National Biofuel Policy, analyze the possible challenges in its smooth implementation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Despite having a robust legal architecture in the form of Disaster Management Act, 2005, a coordinated on ground response to disaster remains in a state of want. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Trace the evolution of Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) from its humble beginnings as the space agency of the government to becoming a technology behemoth, spearheading innovations with respect to satellites, launch vehicles, and planetary explorations. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"In what ways has Drug trafficking taken new forms and new routes in recent years. Elucidate the steps taken by the govt in this regard, with special reference to Operation Samudragupta. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Why does the North East remain a hotbed of insurgency? With special emphasis on government measures, discuss the steps to ameliorate the situation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7183,"topper":"Sharda Gajanan Madyaswar","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SHARDA-GAJANAN-MADYASWAR-UPSC-2023-Rank-285-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Giving suitable examples, highlight the universal values promoted by ancient Indian scriptures. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"How will you explain that the nationalist response to the partition of Bengal fundamentally altered the course of the Indian Freedom Struggle? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Enumerate the contribution of Adi Shankaracharya in forging Indian Cultural Nationalism. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"How far do you agree that the independence granted to countries of the third world in Asia and Africa were not so much a consequence of their national freedom struggle as it was a consequence of the demise of Britain as a reigning world power in the aftermath of the Second World War? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Examine the implications of Arctic amplification on global and local climate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The increasing incidents of heat waves in the Northern Hemisphere can be attributed to multiple man made and natural factors. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Describe how the geophysical characteristic of the Western Coast differs from the Eastern Coast. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Far from being standalone occurrences, incidents of land subsidence are a result of larger systemic failure. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Trace the evolution of regionalism in India. How does it manifest in modern times? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Explore and evaluate the implications of Artificial Intelligence on society and family. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What explains the success of the British in comparison to the various other European powers that came to India when it comes to colonization of the Indian sub-continent? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"How far is location of semiconductor manufacturing facilities guided by its mining locations? Highlighting the reasons behind recent semiconductor chip shortfall, explain the challenges in domestic chip manufacturing. Also, bring out the steps taken by the government in achieving semiconductor independence. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight the reasons behind increasing cases of extreme precipitation. What factors apart from the above, are responsible for increasing urban floods? Give suitable examples from across the world to substantiate your answer. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Compare the Continental Drift Theory and Plate Tectonic Theory. How does Plate Tectonic Theory explain orogenesis and volcanism? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The measure of a society's progress is how it treats its children, more so in a democracy, as children cannot speak for themselves, and nor do they form a political constituency. Discuss various legal-constitutional steps taken since independence in this regard. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The Indian model of Secularism offers a quintessential solution to fighting religious hate crimes, communalism and promoting cultural-religious tolerance that can be a model for the West. Justify. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the drivers of internal migration in the country? Do you agree that the Covid pandemic and Work from Home models of industrial engagements have checked this phenomenon? Give reasons to justify your answer. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"A natural succession to the demographic dividend is the burden of an ageing population. What are the issues with an ageing population in your opinion? Discuss the several steps taken by the government in this regard, with suitable suggestions. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Caste based discrimination continues in Indian Society acquiring new forms, while retaining the old forms. Discuss. Also explain why casteism has survived in modern India despite a focused approach for its eradication. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7184,"topper":"Sharda Gajanan Madyaswar","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SHARDA-GAJANAN-MADYASWAR-UPSC-2023-Rank-285-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"While knowledge and skills are crucial, they should be accompanied by a strong foundation of ethics. In this context, discuss the importance of ethics in education and the role of educational institutions in imparting ethical values. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Mahatma Gandhi considered ahimsa is the highest duty. He express that even if we cannot practice it in full, we must try to understand its spirit and refrain as far as is humanly possible from violence. Do you think, this articulated profoundness of Ahimsa is still relevant? Justify your answer. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The debate of ends versus means is a never ending one. While teleologists stress the need for the right ends, deontologists argue that the ends, no matter how valuable, cannot justify the means. What are the pitfalls in justifying right ends over right means? Also analyze the implications of always adhering to the right means. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"How does Emotional Intelligence (EI) help in balancing personal as well as professional life? Discuss with examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What does each of the following quotations mean to you? a) \"Experience is the only teacher we have. We may talk and reason all our lives, but we shall not understand a word of truth, until we experience it ourselves\" - Swami Vivekananda (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Individuals should cultivate noble traits so that socio-political organizations are free from highly despicable men.\" - Thirukkural (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"\"Happiness is a mysterious thing, to be found somewhere between too little and too much.\" - Ruskin Bond (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"I would rather try to persuade a man to go along, because once I have persuaded him, he will stick. If I scare him, he will stay just as long as he is scared, and then he is gone. Persuasion can often achieve what coercion cannot. In this context, evaluate the significance of persuasion for heralding social transformations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Examine the relevance of following in the context of civil services: (10 marks, 150 words) i. Neutrality ii. Intellectual Courage iii. Diligence iv. Selflessness","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Why is leadership is considered a foundational value for civil services and a fundamental attribute to be a civil servant? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"There are certain standards that society expects from those who are elected or appointed to public office to observe and maintain in the conduct of the public affairs to which they have been entrusted. Those in positions of power can use these positions to take decisions that are solely in the public interest or they can use them to benefit themselves. Where the roots of private virtue are diseased, the fruit of public probity cannot but be corrupt. What do you understand by probity and discuss how probity in public life can be inculcated? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Ethical quandary lies in exploring the complex interplay between absoluteness and relativity in ethical considerations. Can ethical principles be regarded as universally absolute, or does the notion of relativity, often associated with physics, also apply to ethics? Share your perspective and provide supporting arguments. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Since its enactment, Right to Information (RTI) Act has helped in improving the levels of transparency and accountability in public institutions. However, many argue that the quality of public service delivery in India is still far from satisfactory. In this background, do you find RTI Act efficient enough to improve the public service delivery for Indian citizens. Critically discuss the need for a Right to Public Service Act (RSPA) to make Indian governance more ethical and efficient. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Suman is a young IPS officer who is posted as the SP law and order in a district that has a history of communal clashes. During a cultural event, a political leader made certain controversial comments regarding the religion of another community that can potentially harm communal harmony in the district. The representatives of the aggrieved community met Suman with their complaint. An FIR was registered in the matter and the police department promptly started an investigation. During questioning, the accused political leader denied the charges. He claimed that he was exercising his right to freedom of expression and had no intention of hurting anyone's feelings. . He even offered to tender an apology if his statement had hurt someone's religious feelings. However, the aggrieved community was not satisfied with this apology and demanded strict action against the accused. The next day, a video went viral on social media in which the accused political leader can be seen making derogatory statements against another religious faith. However, Suman suspects that the video going viral on the internet is a doctored video and someone has mischievously edited it to make it more vitriolic and inflammatory. The video has ignited communal tensions in the district. The accused political leader belongs to an influential community and his community has put their support behind him. Local intelligence has warned that some anti-social elements are trying to use this opportunity to create communal riot in the district. The entire matter has been politicised and is being covered by the national media. In this situation answer the following: a) What differentiates a hate speech from a free speech? b) Why does social media have a very strong influence over the actions and thoughts of its users? c) What is the most suitable course of action for Suman in this situation? Justify. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Satish , Satish , Satish Satish Satish , Satish , , Satish Satish Satish , , , Satish : a) - ? b) ?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7185,"topper":"SHASHANK CHAUHAN","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/aa346-763948_2488_shashank_chauhan_rank_642.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"A mind all logic is like a knife all blade, it makes the hand bleed that uses it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"History is a cyclic poem written by time upon the memories of man.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The wise man does at once what the fool does finally.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The world is a tragedy to those who feel, but a comedy to those who think.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Perfect clarity would profit the intellect but damage the will.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7186,"topper":"SHASHANK CHAUHAN","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/84eaf-763948_2423_shashank_chauhan_rank_642.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With suitable examples, discuss how environmental pressure groups enhance public participation and responsiveness with regard to environmental policies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The recent acknowledgment of sex work as a 'profession' by the Supreme Court is merely the first step in ensuring basic rights and equality for sex workers in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the role played by District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) in providing free legal aid and disseminating legal awareness in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"The collegium system has become a victim of its own success, with the concentration of power in the hands of a few, leading to questions about its legitimacy.\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"Civil services reforms must go beyond recruitment and standardised training to cope with the present day challenges.\" Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Outcome-based finance models such as social impact bonds have the potential to truly catalyse change and deliver socio-economic impact at scale. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The wide gap between the number of females graduating every year and those entering the workspace is an issue of paramount importance that needs to be addressed. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"An up to date and functional Civil Registration System (CRS) is essential to the socio-economic planning in India. Discuss in the light of the recent move of the Central government in revamping the CRS system in the country. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What are the key areas of reform if the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has to align with the current economic realities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In recent years, India's relationship with West Asia has evolved from the confines of geopolitics to expanse of geoeconomics. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The role of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) is significant in furthering healthy competitiveness aimed at inspiring stakeholders to innovate and augment effectiveness. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"\"The menace of paid news often rears its ugly head during elections.\" Discuss the need for making paid news an electoral offence in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the 'Doctrine of Essentiality' referred to by the courts in the context of religious practices in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"As per the recently released report of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), there is an urgent need to limit the size of the government in India. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The Institutions of Eminence (IoE) scheme was conceived to develop 'world-class' centres of higher education in India but six years later, it is yet to become the game changer it was intended to be. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) allows for innovative and convenient public services, help overcome inclusion or accessibility barriers, and increase transparency and accountability with real-time data. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Besides legislation, the full realisation of the 'right to health for all' in India demands plugging of social, financial, and infrastructural gaps. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The 'third gender' has not yet been engendered in the Indian society despite legislative nudge. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Among other factors, strained ties with China and Pakistan make it difficult for India to fulfill its expectations from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"The recently concluded initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) between the United States and India promises a long overdue transformation of their partnership in the field of technology. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7187,"topper":"SHASHANK CHAUHAN","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b6f9f-763948_2424_shashank_chauhan_rank_642.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What are the different dimensions of food security? Examine India's status in terms of ensuring food security with regard to these dimensions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Modern technologies such as blockchain and ChatGPT are powerful tools with immense potential to transform agriculture into a more efficient and sustainable sector. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What factors have led to the recent acceleration in the trend towards de-dollarization of the global economy? Do you think the dollar will lose its dominance anytime soon? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Despite significant pressure from the developed countries to alter its food subsidy regime, there is merit in India trying to retain its policy support for the poor in the country. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Several initiatives have been taken by the government towards addressing India's water needs, but the issues of water availability and water quality still warrant prioritised intervention. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What are the major drivers of glacial retreat in the Arctic? Describe the potential impact of the retreat of Arctic glaciers on the ecosystem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Space tourism, which was viewed as something straight out of a science fiction movie, is now becoming a reality albeit not without hindrances. What are the challenges associated with space tourism? What measures can be taken to address these challenges? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Global health experts widely believe that the development of CAR-T cell therapy can be a game changer in the treatment of cancer. How can CAR-T cell therapy overcome the limitations of CRISPR-Cas9 technology? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss why the rising deployment of new and emerging technologies by prominent violent extremist organizations demand concerted global efforts. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"With the Line of Actual Control (LAC) remaining tense after the Galwan and Yangste incidents and both India and China ramping up infrastructure in the border areas, discuss the role that ITBP plays in the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Do you think there is a need for a shift from 'land productivity' to 'irrigation water productivity' in India? Justify your answer. What are the challenges in making this shift? Explain. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Examine the role that green hydrogen can play in unlocking the energy security of India. How can the National Green Hydrogen Mission help India in achieving its energy goals? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The government has been weighing a transition from minimum wage to living wage in recent times. What are the benefits and constraints in the adoption of living wage in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The Union Budget affects almost every sector of the Indian economy, yet neither the budgetary processes nor the budget policies come under substantial public scrutiny. Do you agree? Justify your answer. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"India has been able to transform itself from a milk deficit country to the world's biggest milk producer, but the productivity of dairy animals in the country remains a concern. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"While climate change is responsible for crop failures, the agricultural sector itself is partly responsible for extreme weather events. Discuss. What strategy has been adopted under National Agriculture Disaster Management Plan to strengthen the resilience of the farming community in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Some regions in India, including Delhi, are highly vulnerable to the impact of earthquakes originating in the Himalayas. Discuss. What institutional measures have been taken to mitigate earthquake losses in India? Do you think there are significant gaps that still exist? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Recently, scientists announced net energy gain in nuclear fusion reaction, which is considered as a major scientific breakthrough for the future of clean energy. What are the advantages of nuclear fusion based power generation? What are the limitations in using it to generate electricity at a commercial scale? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Keeping in view the recent amendment, examine the efficacy of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, in tackling the menace of money laundering in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Discuss the security threats present in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), which have a direct bearing on India's maritime border interests. Suggest a robust strategy to deal with these threats. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7188,"topper":"SHASHANK CHAUHAN","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ef9a2-763948_2425_shashank_chauhan_rank_642.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"For effective corporate governance to take place in the coming years, why is it important to integrate the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics with the multi-stakeholder approach? What benefits can be accrued by such integration? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In acts of corruption, the focus is often only on the demand side of the equation, on public officials who abuse their office for private gain. Frequently, the supply side is given less attention. Those who pay bribes are sometimes depicted as innocent parties and victims of extortionary practices of wily public servants. Do you agree that 'collusive corruption', in which there is a willing bribe-giver, is a formidable challenge for institutions fighting corruption? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Citizens' Charters initiative was a response to the quest for solving the problems, which a citizen encountered, day in and day out, while dealing with the organisations providing public services. But the introduction and implementation of Citizens' Charters in the government of India has been difficult due to the old bureaucratic set up and the rigid attitudes of the work force. Discuss the major obstacles that have been encountered in implementing the Citizens' Charter initiative. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Quality of public service delivery is a major determinant of the quality of life of vulnerable sections in a highly unequal society divided along the lines of class, caste, religion, etc. In this background, do you think that public service delivery is efficient and sufficient enough to improve the lives of vulnerable groups in India? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own.\" - Lao Tzu (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"If ethics are poor at the top, that behavior is copied down through the organization.\" - Robert Noyce (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"The end of law is not to abolish or restrain, but to preserve and enlarge freedom.\" - John Locke (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Wealthy CEOs and founders of successful businesses around the world are increasingly pledging to give away their wealth in philanthropy. Do you think that such a move is sufficient enough to bring about a positive change in the society? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"As organizations across the globe begin their artificial intelligence (AI) transformation, the leap into the AI era is expected to be more challenging than any technology that businesses have grappled with yet. In this background, discuss the concerns around fairness, transparency, and job security that may arise. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The emphasis of Swami Dayanand Saraswati on education, social equality, and ethical values continues to influence the socio-cultural discourse in contemporary India. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Emotional intelligence may not be singularly associated with emotions or intelligence. It can also include a broad range of personality characteristics that might predict success in professional and everyday life. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"In a metropolitan city of India, the law enforcement authorities decided to adopt facial recognition technology to improve their crime-fighting capabilities. They implemented a facial recognition system that integrated with existing surveillance cameras across the city, allowing real-time identification and tracking of individuals. The system was intended to assist in identifying known criminals, missing persons, and suspects in ongoing investigations. One evening, a woman reported a mugging incident where the perpetrator wore a hoodie, obscuring most of his face. The victim provided a vague description to the police, and based on that information, the authorities decided to use facial recognition technology to locate potential suspects. The system scanned through hours of surveillance footage from various locations near the crime scene. The facial recognition algorithm generated a list of potential matches, and one individual's image stood out as a close match to the description provided by the victim. The police considered this individual a prime suspect and proceeded with his arrest. Subsequently, it was discovered that the arrested person was innocent. Further investigation revealed that the facial recognition system had misidentified the innocent individual due to the limitations of the technology and the partial description provided by the victim. The police released the arrested individual; still his reputation got tarnished for life. He, along with his family, was evicted from their current place of residence. The psychological impact of the incident has been tremendous owing to which his job is also on the line. With reference to this case study, answer the following: (a) What are the issues involved in this case? (b) What measures can be taken to minimize the negative implications of adopting such technologies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"With reference to this case study, answer the following: (a) What are the issues involved in this case? (b) What measures can be taken to minimize the negative implications of adopting such technologies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Rina and her friends from the college were working as interns with a company for the last few months. On completion of their internship, some of them, including Rina, have been offered full-time jobs in the company. Being a reputed company, she and her friends accepted the offer. Rina is enthusiastic about her new job and has even established good relationship with some of her company co-workers during her internship. However, during her tenure as an intern, Rina had begun to notice that one of the Vice-Presidents (VPs) of the company was giving her too much attention. He used to make an extra effort to stop by Rina's cubicle and chat, something he was not doing with any of the other interns. He had even tried to connect with Rina over social networking sites. Some of her co-interns also noticed this and began to make offhand comments to Rina about the extra attention being given by the VP. Now that she was been hired for a full time position, she is fearful that she might have to work with this VP directly. While he has not done or said anything explicitly inappropriate, the extra attention and the fact that her co-workers noticed it, made her very uncomfortable and undermined her concentration at work. The company encourages an open and friendly atmosphere and when she was hired, it was communicated to her that she should always speak to her Manager whenever faced with any In the given situation: (a) What dilemmas does Rina face? (b) What options does she have? Provide the merits and demerits of each. (c) Highlight the course of action she should adopt, along with justification for the same. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"You have recently been posted as a Nodal Education Officer in one of the districts, where mass cheating in examinations is a regular phenomenon. Media reports have shown parents and relatives scaling school walls and buildings to pass answer chits to students taking secondary school examinations in the district. Moreover, with the advent of new technological devices, cheating in examinations has become more sophisticated and exam rules are flouted openly. On investigation, it has come to your notice that these rackets are run by many school authorities, including exam invigilators who are mostly teachers, and they are hand in glove for profits. With a shortage of staff, invigilators threaten go on mass strikes if any action is taken. Conducting the exams, cancelling them on account of cheating and having re-exams are a loss of time and money for the government and this vicious cycle goes on. As the Nodal Education Officer of the district, address the following questions: (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (b) How will you resolve the issues in the given case? (c) What long-term strategy needs to be adopted to deal with the menace of cheating in various examinations? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Many proponents of deep-sea drilling argue that tapping into the vast amount of rare earth elements in the Indian Ocean will help shore up national security interests for India, bolster its economy and workforce, and offer a reliable supply of strategic minerals. Keeping this in mind, the government has approved a $540-million programme to study ways of mining nickel, cobalt, manganese and iron hydroxide from the bed of the Indian Ocean 6,000 meters below sea level. The government argues that the project can power India's growth for 100 years. It will also study climate change, explore marine flora and fauna and harness thermal energy. However, a competing point of view alleges that deep ocean drilling poses immense risk to the environment. A comprehensive report on Sustainable Ocean Economy by independent geologists states that \"until the need for, and potential consequences of, deep-sea mining are better understood, the concept is conceptually difficult to align with the definition of a sustainable ocean economy and raises various environmental, legal and governance challenges, as well as possible conflicts with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.\" It also highlights that the profitability of national mining operations, without governmental support or comparably low taxes, remains questionable. If the operations are profitable, it will Additionally, companies like BMW, Volvo, Google and Korean battery maker Samsung SDI, vowed in a statement to not buy metals produced from deep-sea mining until the environmental risks of the activity are \"comprehensively understood.\" In the context of the above-stated information, address the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the given case study? (b) How can the vision of economic development of a nation be achieved without adversely affecting the sustainability of oceans? (Answer in 250 words) Additionally, companies like BMW, Volvo, Google and Korean battery maker Samsung SDI, vowed in a statement to not buy metals produced from deep-sea mining until the environmental risks of the activity are \"comprehensively understood.\" In the context of the above-stated information, address the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the given case study? (b) How can the vision of economic development of a nation be achieved without adversely affecting the sustainability of oceans? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"You are a public representative, elected on the ticket of a political party, considered as conservative by many. Your daughter, who has returned years after studying abroad, has conveyed to you her choice of marrying a person from another community. You personally do not consider anything wrong in her choice, and convey your assent to her. You also discuss it with many among your friends and family, and inform them of a grand wedding ceremony you are planning for your daughter. However, a few days after you have shared the news of the forthcoming grand wedding with many, you are informed by your political secretary about an issue being made of the same. He informs you that there are whispers among many people in your constituency about it, and indications of a sense of unease among some prominent citizens. While most of them are enamoured by your plans for a grand wedding ceremony for your daughter, they are unhappy about the bridegroom being from another community. You also get to know through your sources in the party, that your assent to the choice of the bridegroom may lead to a denial of ticket by the high command in the forthcoming elections. You are not only an ambitious politician and a rising star in your political party but also an open-minded, loving and doting father. But howsoever much you love your daughter's freedom and choices, you do not want her decision to adversely affect your political journey. This is more so, when you had been eagerly looking forward to greater responsibilities and a higher stature in the party, given the years of that her wedding will not be held as a private ceremony with only close friends and family, but should be publicised in a grand way, as you had promised earlier to her. Given this situation, answer the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the above situation? (b) What are the various options that you have, as a father and an ambitious politician? (c) What will be your course of action? Justify with proper reasoning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7189,"topper":"Shashank Kumar","air":727,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1JIb1klOuJqIv6LhqG7lPRDIVfKKhT3R8","questions":[]},{"id":7190,"topper":"Shashank Kumar","air":727,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/12PZe1rmf64o7jcXLXkkh-Ett9I418Anw","questions":[]},{"id":7191,"topper":"Shashank Shekhar Singh","air":208,"year":2019,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/edfb3-292569_1253_shashank-shekhar-singh_rank_208.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7192,"topper":"Shashank Shekhar Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a78b6-292569_1246_shashank-shekhar-singh_rank_208.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Rock-cut structures were closely associated with various religions and religious activities. Discuss the statement giving relevant examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The legislative and administrative record of the Congress Ministries during their twenty-eight months rule under the Act of 1935 was positive, but the period also witnessed the emergence of serious weaknesses in the Congress. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay was a multifaceted personality with significant contributions both to pre and post independence India. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The inherent limitations of Napoleon's policy of Continental Blockade ultimately resulted in its failure. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Despite changes in the institution of marriage in recent times, there have been elements of continuity as well. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"There are multiple disabilities that a person experiences in the course of ageing. Elaborate. Also identify key government initiatives taken for addressing them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlight the reasons behind prevalence of low literacy rate among tribals. Also, mention some initiatives taken by the government in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain how Continental Drift Theory describes the changing configuration of the continents. Discuss the prominent evidences given by Alfred Wegener to support his theory. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The variety of landforms on the earth's surface is the result of internal and external forces. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Explaining the concept of Lapse Rate, examine its relationship with atmospheric stability. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The colonial period brought the influence of Western architectural forms to India. In this context, giving examples, highlight the contribution of Europeans to Indian architecture. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The nineteenth century witnessed a struggle against the backward elements of traditional culture. Discuss in the context of socio-religious reform movements. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Explaining the reasons behind partition of Bengal, discuss the successes and limitations of the Swadeshi movement launched in its wake. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The reorganisation of states in India post-independence has been an ongoing process with distinct contributing factors. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The Treaty of Versailles was not a peace agreement based on reconciliation but was 'dictated peace' forced on Germany, which eventually triggered the Second World War. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Legal measures alone are not sufficient for addressing the issue of domestic violence against women, rather it requires intervention at societal level. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"India is undergoing a demographic transition the implications of which are multipronged. Analyze. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Highlight the significance of watershed development in India. Give reasons for the limited success of initiatives directed towards watershed management in India. Also, suggest some measures to improve the design of watershed programs. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Explain the relationship between raw materials and location of industries. How are globalisation and technological advancements changing this relationship? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Explain how natural greenhouse effect helps in maintaining Earth's heat budget. What are the possible implications of rising concentration of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in atmosphere on Earth's heat budget? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7193,"topper":"Shashank Shekhar Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/21e7d-292569_1243_shashank-shekhar-singh_rank_208.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Reservation of seats in legislature is needed to ensure meaningful political participation of women and to make the democratic process truly inclusive. Discuss the statement in the light of 108th Constitution Amendment Bill. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the issue of reservation in promotions for SCs and STs in public employment in the light of various judicial pronouncements and constitutional amendments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the reasons behind underperformance of the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs). How can their performance be improved? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlighting the rationale behind continuance of the Official Secrets Act, critically discuss whether the Right to Information should be given precedence over it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Give an account of the challenges that the multilateral rule-based trading system is facing. With special focus on WTO, discuss how these challenges can be addressed effectively. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Highlight the major impediments affecting India-US trade relations. What possible consequences can the recent withdrawal of Generalized System of Preference (GSP) have on India-US trade relations? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"In a democratic setup, it is imperative that independence be balanced with accountability. Discuss in the context of judiciary in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Despite various strengths, there are certain weaknesses in the existing structure of departments of the government which render the system slow and cumbersome. Analyze. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the light of criticism surrounding the composition and functioning of Rajya Sabha, do you think it exists merely as a secondary house of the Parliament? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Explain the role that SHGs play in poverty alleviation in India. Highlighting the shortcomings of the SHG-Bank Linkage programme, give some suggestions to improve its performance. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Despite initiatives taken by the government in recent years to address the challenges of the Indian higher education system, many reforms are still required to improve its quality and enhance its relevance. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Giving an account of the progress made under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, mention the challenges that it faces in achieving its target. How can the implementation of the programme be fast-tracked? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Island nations of the Indian Ocean hold immense strategic value in shaping the geopolitical contours of the region and ensuring maritime security of India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Development assistance, a key instrument in India's foreign policy, has seen a considerable expansion in the past few years both in its scope and reach. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7194,"topper":"Shashank Shekhar Singh","air":208,"year":2019,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2d7f4-292569_1247_shashank-shekhar-singh_rank_208.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7195,"topper":"Shashank Shekhar Singh","air":208,"year":2019,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/672b7-292569_1244_shashank-shekhar-singh_rank_208.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7196,"topper":"SHASHANK TRIPATHI","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/visionias_16813_605_Shashank.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Is Universal Health Coverage the right approach to address healthcare concerns in India ?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7197,"topper":"SHASHANK TRIPATHI","air":5,"year":2015,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/visionias_16813_606_Shashank.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7198,"topper":"Shashi Shekhar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/574f9-742438_1832_shishi-shekhar_rank-240.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the vulnerability of India's critical infrastructure to cyber attacks, discuss the various steps taken by the government to boost cyber security. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the role that space technology can play in strengthening India's border security. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss the challenges associated with inclusion of women in armed forces, particularly in combat roles in India. How can these challenges be addressed? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by hybrid warfare? Discuss India's preparedness in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the rationale behind delegating policing powers to Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) in border states. Highlight the issues arising from it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discuss the factors that have helped sustain Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in India. What steps has the government taken in recent times to counter LWE? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Highlight the critical role that the National Security Guard (NSG) plays in ensuring internal security of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Do you agree with the view that India needs to establish a dedicated Space Force to address its military needs? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss how cryptocurrencies can become a tool of money laundering in India. Also, highlight the steps taken by the government in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Radicalisation of youth by extremist organisations poses a serious security risk to India. Discuss. Also, suggest measures for de-radicalisation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Recent events have highlighted that nations with weak militaries cannot sustain themselves against technologically advanced adversaries. Discuss. What lessons can India learn from these events? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The dark web can be an ideal platform for several criminal and terrorist activities. Discuss with examples. Also, suggest measures to tackle the misuse of dark web. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What are Integrated Theatre Commands (ITCs)? Discuss the importance of setting up ITCs in India and challenges in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Decoupling organized crime from terrorism requires a holistic approach. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"India faces a number of security threats and challenges that originate from the seas. Discuss. Also, give an account of the initiatives taken to strengthen the coastal security of India in recent times. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Discuss the extent of the problem of narco-terrorism in India. What measures have been taken by the government to counter and control this problem? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"A mix of internal and external factors pose security threats in North-East India. Discuss. What steps has the government taken to maintain peace and stability in this region? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"In light of the increasing security challenges faced by India, state the need for achieving self-reliance in defence manufacturing. Also, discuss the challenges in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Data privacy laws require a balancing act between personal liberty and sovereign security. Discuss in the context of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7199,"topper":"Shashi Shekhar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8e956-742438_1840_shishi-shekhar_rank-240.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"While fixed-term employment offers an ingenious way to address specific issues faced by both employers and employees, there are also some concerns associated with it. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"An efficient logistics sector with a focus on warehousing is pivotal to the success of the Bharatmala Pariyojana. Discuss (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'irrigation scheduling'? Bringing out the advantages provided by it, discuss the difficulties faced in applying it on a farm level. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"While the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana was touted as the largest crop insurance scheme globally in terms of farmer participation, various concerns have arisen since its implementation. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The Stockholm Conference commenced the contemporary \"environmental era\", which brought a paradigm shift in the environmental governance and set a tone for multi-lateral environmental regime. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The world has witnessed a huge surge in climate-induced disasters, which are largely driven by anthropogenic factors. In this context, analyse the role of early warning systems in mitigating the impact of the disasters. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Critically examine the implications of leveraging technology in policing. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"How far do you agree with the view that climate change poses a threat to international peace and security? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by a virtual private network (VPN)? Highlight its advantages and discuss the concerns posed by it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The discovery of the Higgs Boson at the Large Hadron Collider in CERN completed 10 years recently. In this context, discuss the role played by CERN in overall scientific development. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlighting the factors that affect the cropping pattern in India, discuss the need for modifying it in the context of the emerging agro-ecological concerns. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"While the budgetary reforms undertaken by the Central government in recent years have led to better management of government expenditure, there are some issues that still need redressal. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"For India to create a 'future ready' railway system, it must harness innovation and resource efficiency. Discuss the statement in the context of the measures enlisted in the National Rail Plan 2030. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the significance of technology in the Indian agricultural sector. Also, state the challenges in realising its potential to improve agricultural efficiency and increase the income of the farmers. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite the digital transformation in the Public Distribution System (PDS) in India, several challenges still remain. Elaborate. Also, suggest measures to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss the various concerns that exist with regard to fuel efficiency regulations for vehicles in India. Also, suggest the measures that can be taken in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Urban fire is becoming a serious cause of concern in Indian cities. In this context, highlight the major causes behind urban fires in India. What steps can be taken to build robust fire resilience in Indian cities? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Drones in border areas present a serious threat for border management in India. Elaborate. Also, discuss the different measures taken to regulate the use of drones in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Despite a global framework to prevent weaponization of space, it has been increasing in the recent times. Discuss. Also, give an account of the implications of space weaponization. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"What do you understand by a bio-economy? Highlight the role that the National Biotechnology Development Strategy 2021-2025 can play in creating a robust bio-economy in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7200,"topper":"Shashi Shekhar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/23d4b-742438_1838_shishi-shekhar_rank-240.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The Chalukyan architecture uniquely epitomises the grandeur and hybrid characteristic style of temple building. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The success or failure of a political movement is not always determined by the achievement of its stated goals. Discuss in light of the Ghadar movement. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss the ways in which Gandhian conceptualisation of Sarvodaya influenced Vinoba Bhave's Bhoodan movement. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Bring out the evidences, which led to the Plate Tectonics Theory. Also, discuss how this theory explains the movement of plates. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Give an account of the formation of Abyssal Plains and highlight the relief features found on these plains. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What are the geographical and climatic conditions required for tea cultivation? In this context, discuss the reasons for the introduction of tea cultivation in the Duars region of the Himalayas by the British. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Briefly bring out the distinction between flash droughts and conventional droughts. Also, examine the reasons behind the increasing vulnerability of India to flash droughts. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Though various initiatives have been taken to ensure social security for informal workers in India, there still exist gaps which need to be plugged. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Critically assess the government's move on raising the age of marriage of women in India from 18 to 21 years. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Reservation for locals in private sector has again brought the debate around regionalism into focus. In this context, examine whether regionalism is a threat to national integration. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Explain how agricultural surplus, growth of crafts and trade, and growing population led to the second urbanisation in ancient India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7201,"topper":"Shashi Shekhar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/f18b8-742438_1830_shashi-shekhar_rank-240.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"According to you, what are the main reasons behind prejudice against certain sections of a society? Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss how persuasion acts as a functional pillar in attitudinal change and attitude formation with requisite examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"A legally enforceable code of ethics for civil servants, which not only prescribes the ethical values they must display in their public life but also, provides sanctions for violations of these values, is the need of the hour. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Although open and transparent governance has gained ground, do you agree with the view that there is merit in withholding some information from people? Justify your arguments with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Although bribery is illegal and counterproductive, public officials still demand bribes, and executives in the private sector remain tempted to pay up. In this context, discuss ways in which corporations can build a framework to eliminate the practice of offering kickbacks. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Identifying the issues associated with utilization of public funds, discuss the various ethical principles which can help devise strategies for better utilization of public funds in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"All persons ought to endeavour to follow what is right, and not what is established.\" — Aristotle (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"\"It is compassion, the most gracious of virtues, which moves the world.\" — Tiruvalluvar, Kural — (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"\"A well-developed Emotional intelligence is not only an instrumental tool in accomplishing goals, but has a dark side as a weapon for manipulating others by robbing them of their capacity to reason.\" Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do you understand by conformity, compliance and obedience? Discuss their relevance in the context of civil services in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Though the internal control systems in India are impressive on paper, they have not worked well in curbing the issue of corruption in the administration. Comment. Also, discuss the various reasons for the same. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"There is broad consensus that the state has failed to effectively deliver public services to its citizens, particularly the poor. In this context, discuss the need for providing incentives, building state capacity and ensuring transparency for better service delivery. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You are the principal of a college which has a long history of student politics. However, due to your personal belief, you are not in favour of conducting student elections and thus have kept the process of yearly student elections pending without any official announcement. While you are mulling over the decision of not conducting elections, you get representation from some professors as well as students who criticize the activities of student unions as obstructive to the academic environment of the college. Some time later, student leaders also come to talk to you regarding conduct of elections, and you tell them about the representation received by you against allowing student elections. You further tell them that you are contemplating suspending all activities related to student politics in the campus. On hearing this, student leaders become aggressive and start sloganeering and destroying college property.. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the issues involved in the case above? (b) How can you separate your personal ethics from professional ethics? (c) How would you deal with this situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Capital punishment, or \"death penalty,\" is an institutionalized practice designed to result in deliberately executing persons in response to actual or supposed misconduct and following an authorized, rule-governed process to conclude that the person is responsible for violating norms that warrant execution. Punitive executions have historically been imposed by diverse kinds of authorities, for an expansive range of conduct, political or religious beliefs and practices, for a status beyond one's control, or without employing any significant due process procedures. Punitive executions also have been and continue to be carried out more informally, such as by terrorist groups, urban gangs, and mobs. For centuries in Europe and America, discussions have focused on capital punishment as an institutionalized, rule-governed practice of modern states and legal systems governing serious criminal conduct and procedures. In light of the above debate of capital punishment, answer the following questions: (a) What are the arguments in favour of and against having capital punishment in the criminal justice system? (b) Do you think capital punishment has a place in modern civilised society? Examine in the context of moral implications involved in awarding it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"An Indian company is active in the telecom sector and is the majority owner of a telecom company based in other geographies across the world. At one of its European headquarters, there emerged whistleblowing allegations that a local executive was bribing local government officials in order to obtain telecom cabling and construction contracts from the local government. The kickbacks were allegedly paid through a third-party consultant. More specifically, there were allegations that the executive, the third party, and a government official had some sort of business interest in common, possibly shareholdings in a limited company or the joint ownership of an undisclosed asset. The company is thought to be particularly close to the ruling dispensation in India and the news has now raised pressure to put its business operations in India under scanner as well. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the ethical challenges in the given case? (b) Identify the different stakeholders and their interests. (c) As the CEO of the firm, how would you respond to the given situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You are posted as a Customs official in one of renowned port cities of India. Your team has recently intercepted a consignment having over 5000 kilograms of red sandalwood. Red Sandalwood, also known as Red Sanders, is a prohibited item for export and is covered under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) list and hence you detained a few individuals for their alleged involvement in trying to smuggle it to another country. However, you later come to know that these people are working for an influential businessman with close ties to the ruling party of the state. Your seniors in the department have verbally instructed you not to register any compliant as yet. You are fearful that a deal will be struck between the businessman and a few corrupt officers of your department and the detained persons will be freed. You are ready to go ahead and file the complaint but at the same time are also fearful of departmental action against you if you disobey your seniors. (a) What are the various options available to you in the given case? Evaluate the merits and demerits of each of these. (b) Also indicate (without necessarily restricting to the above options) your course of action and the reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"You are the Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district. One of your subordinates informs you that a girl has reached out to him and complained about a potential death threat to her and her boyfriend who belongs to another caste. Both the families are averse to their union. She has also informed that the local police station is neither filing any complaint nor giving her any assurance of protection. The girl belongs to the dominant caste of the region and her father is a prominent local leader of the party which is in power in the state. On further enquiry, you come to know that both the girl and her boyfriend are adults. They have moved out of the house and have started living together. This has further angered both the families and they are accusing each other of abduction. In the given scenario, answer the following questions: (a) Bring out the ethical dilemma faced by the you. (b) What would be a suitable course of action to resolve the issue? (c) At times, such instances lead to violence and may end up in honour killings. Discuss the reasons behind their social acceptance in parts of India despite the legal sanction against them.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7202,"topper":"Shashi Shekhar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/df4ff-742438_1841_shashi-shekhar_rank-240.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the meaning of self-efficacy, along with its key determinants. Also, discuss the significance of high self-efficacy for a civil servant. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have the right to do and what is right to do. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Dealing with an ethical dilemma not only requires following rules and regulations, but also requires adherence to moral prudence and altruism. Explain in the context of civil services in India, with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Code of Conduct for the civil services in India has merely remained a code; it has not helped promote ethical and moral values in governance. In this context, discuss the need for a National Commission on Integrity and Transparency in Governance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Digital ethics principles are necessary to prevent erosion of public values and deal with the ethical implications of digitizing governance systems. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Despite differences in terms of organizational values guiding the public and private sectors, there remain certain values that are equally important to both. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Bring out the difference between accountability and responsibility. Also, discuss the significance of accountability in ensuring ethical governance in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Though laws and rules can be considered as the principal guide on morality for public administrators, they are not sufficient in themselves. Substantiate with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Transparency is vital to cultivate public trust in government and to prevent, detect and deter corruption effectively. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"'Just-in-time' release of funds heralds a significant reform for the Indian government's payment architecture. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.\"- Marcus Aurelius (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":7203,"topper":"Shashi Shekhar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/601af-742438_1841_shashi-shekhar_rank-240.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the meaning of self-efficacy along with its key determinants. Also, discuss the significance of high self-efficacy for a civil servant. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have the right to do and what is right to do. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Dealing with an ethical dilemma not only requires following rules and regulations, but also requires adherence to moral prudence and altruism. Explain in the context of civil services in India, with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Code of Conduct for the civil services in India has merely remained a code; it has not helped promote ethical and moral values in governance. In this context, discuss the need for a National Commission on Integrity and Transparency in Governance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Digital ethics principles are necessary to prevent erosion of public values and deal with the ethical implications of digitizing governance systems. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Despite differences in terms of organizational values guiding the public and private sectors, there remain certain values that are equally important to both. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Bring out the difference between accountability and responsibility. Also, discuss the significance of accountability in ensuring ethical governance in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Though laws and rules can be considered as the principal guide on morality for public administrators, they are not sufficient in themselves. Substantiate with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Transparency is vital to cultivate public trust in government and to prevent, detect and deter corruption effectively. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"'Just-in-time' release of funds heralds a significant reform for the Indian government's payment architecture. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.\"- Marcus Aurelius (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":7204,"topper":"Shashi Shekhar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2829a-742438_1837_shashi-shekhar_rank-240.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain why altruism constitutes one of the core values in public life. In this regard, suggest some measures to foster altruistic behaviour in public services. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Certain actions can be right even though they do not maximize good consequences, for the rightness of such actions consists in their representing certain norms. Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"With the help of appropriate examples, discuss the ethical challenges involved in policing in India. Also, highlight the reasons behind corruption in the police force. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"A right combination of spirit and structure is integral to ethical corporate governance. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"It is not only public servants, but also the common citizens who play a key role in institutionalising high standards of ethical conduct and good governance. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Public administration in India suffers from the 'working-in-silos' culture. In this context, discuss the importance of cooperation, coordination and collaboration for efficient governance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"While emotional intelligence is an essential tool for a public servant, it can also be misused to manipulate people to act against their own interests. Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Social influence is an ambivalent concept. It can be a source for good, bad and even for evil. Discuss with the help of relevant examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Effective public service delivery demands a people-centric approach, which is built upon coordination and leverages technology. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Highlight the important teachings of Kautilya that are relevant to public services in 21st century India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.\" Nelson Mandela (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":34,"question":"You are a CEO-founder of an edTech company. You are under tremendous pressure from the investors in your company to increase the profitability of the company and undertake downsizing. After making a few bad acquisitions, the company's finances have taken a huge hit in the last couple of years. The downsizing is suggested with the hope that the company's profitability would rise, as it often does when mass layoff or downsizing decisions are carried out. Moreover, the investors have hinted that such measures would attract further investment from them, which has come as a ray of hope considering the ongoing volatile market conditions and slowdown in big-ticket fundings. Given the situation, rumors of unscrupulous firing have started doing the rounds among employees. It has increased apprehensiveness and reduced cohesiveness among them. You have informed the investors that the cost cutting exercise can affect the output as well as reputation of the company in the long-run. However, they are adamant to pursue the same. (a) Identify the stakeholders and ethical issues involved in the case. (b) You and the HR team have identified some options and are deliberating to put them across to the investors for consideration. Discuss the merits and demerits of each of these: (i) Identifying key high performers and offering them suitable positions before implementing the layoff decision. (ii) Putting the terminated employees on retainer to work part-time. (iii) Executing the lay off order in the same spirit as it was asked by the investors and letting them deal with the long-term consequences. (iv) Improving the perception of fairness among the existing and terminated employees and moving ahead with the layoffs. (c) Without restricting yourself to the above options, discuss the course of action you will take, and provide adequate reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"Identify the stakeholders and ethical issues involved in the case. (b) You and the HR team have identified some options and are deliberating to put them across to the investors for consideration. Discuss the merits and demerits of each of these: (i) Identifying key high performers and offering them suitable positions before implementing the layoff decision. (ii) Putting the terminated employees on retainer to work part-time. (iii) Executing the lay off order in the same spirit as it was asked by the investors and letting them deal with the long-term consequences. (iv) Improving the perception of fairness among the existing and terminated employees and moving ahead with the layoffs. (c) Without restricting yourself to the above options, discuss the course of action you will take, and provide adequate reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"There is an ongoing ethnic civil war in a neighbouring country. The conflict has caused massive displacement of people from the country. Ironically, the developed countries have closed off their borders to the refugees on account of the COVID-19 pandemic, resource competition, domestic politics etc. With countries sealing off their borders, the refugees are left in a vulnerable situation and many are taking illegal routes to enter your country. As a Senior Official of your country's Ministry of External Affairs, you have been involved in discussions with officials of other nations and are entrusted with the mandate to design a national policy to safely accommodate India bound refugees. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) Discuss the moral issues related to the rights of international refugees, especially those from conflict-torn regions. (b) What recommendations would you suggest given the large influx of refugees in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"You are a young athlete representing India at an international-level competition. To your surprise, during the competition, you witness a few senior athletes injecting something using a syringe in private. When you approach them, they explain that it is a performance enhancing drug, which is very common in such competitions and you should take the same as well. You are aware that if these players get caught in a doping test, it may damage India's reputation. You are confused and afraid of the repercussions and decide to approach the coach to discuss the event you witnessed. However, you get to know that the athletes are taking the drug on the advice of the coach himself. (a) What would you do in this scenario? Discuss the options available to you and chart your course of action. (b) What are the reasons behind the use of performance enhancing drugs in competitive sporting events? How can this practice be minimized?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":55,"question":"You have been newly appointed as the District Magistrate of a district, which is known for its rich mineral deposits. Following the news being circulated in the media about the illegal mining in your district, you have initiated an enquiry into it. When the State's Minister of Mines and Minerals gets to know of the enquiry initiated by you, he directs you to name some junior government employees as being involved in the wrongdoing and make them scapegoats. He also points out that elections to the State Assembly are around the corner and the present government wishes to stay clear of any political corruption. This Minister is a very influential figure in the present regime and there are high chances of the present ruling party being voted back to power. In due course of the enquiry, it has come to your notice that the said Minister has also been involved in illegal mining through his cronies. The findings of the enquiry can affect the outcome of the elections as well as completely derail your career, if the incumbent party wins the elections, which looks very likely as per the polls. Answer the following with reference to this case: (a) Identify the stakeholders and the ethical issues in the given case. (b) Critically evaluate the options in the given scenario and state your course of action, giving reasons.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7205,"topper":"SHASHIKANT NARWADE","air":493,"year":2022,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"IAS Delhi Institute","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1etk35n_d_LITxnwE1eo9u-d68R8ElayX/view?usp=sharing","questions":[]},{"id":7206,"topper":"Shashvat Sangwan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/01245-154283_1051_shashvat-sangwan_rank_34.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The mapping of ocean floor reveals complex and varied features, which rival the relief features on land. Discuss the reasons for the formation of main relief features of ocean along with their significance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What is inversion of temperature? Discuss the various mechanisms of occurence of this phenomenon along with its climatic and economic significance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"With rapid industrialization, the threat of industrial disasters has increased. Explain the meaning of industrial disaster with adequate examples. Also, highlight the legal and institutional framework to reduce the risk during such events. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What are 'dead zones'? Mention the reasons for their formation. Explain, in brief, the impact of such dead zones. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Stating the differences between deltas and alluvial fans, highlight the factors responsible for their formation. Also, briefly bring out the economic importance of these two depositional landform types. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What do you understand by Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)? Discuss the annual fluctuations and shifting of ITCZ belt and its significance for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What is weathering? Discuss the ecological and economic significance of the process. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain the concept of Sun-spot cycle. In view of the approaching Solar minimum, highlight the changes that it brings on sun's surface and the effects that it has on earth. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What is Pacific Ocean Garbage Patch? Provide an account for the factors responsible for its development and location. Also, discuss its impacts and suggest measures for mitigation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Explain the formation of mid-oceanic ridges in different oceanic basins of the world. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss the spatial and temporal variation of rainfall in India. Has this pattern been changing in recent years? Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Technology has provided important tools for making disaster management more effective. Elaborate with special focus on the role of technology in reducing disaster risk. Also highlight the challenges in application of technological solutions in disaster affected areas. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"While overcrowding in public places cannot be wished away in India, what we need are better infrastructure and more effective crowd-control measures. Comment. Also, briefly enumerate NDMA guidelines for crowd management. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"State the conditions that are conducive for the formation of coral reefs. Mention the anthropogenic factors that have resulted in their decline. Also highlight its consequences. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"In combining the sea floor spreading theory with continental drift and information on global seismicity, the theory of Plate Tectonics provides a coherent explanation for crustal movements. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Provide an appraisal of the vulnerability of the agriculture sector to natural disasters. What can be done to strengthen the resilience of the sector in order to reduce the impact of such disasters? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Explain what a drought is and describe its different types. Discussing the environmental and societal impacts of droughts, enumerate the factors that aggravate these. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Assess the vulnerability of Indian coastal regions to cyclones. Also, mention the objectives and approach adopted by the National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Program (NCRMP) in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What role have volcanoes played in formation of earth's atmosphere in the past? Elaborate on the impact of volcanic activity on climate change in contemporary times. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"A need has been felt to demarcate aquifer systems in the country so as to provide critical information to plan for their sustainability. Analyse. Also, mention the steps taken by the Government of India in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7207,"topper":"Shashvat Sangwan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/f0107-154283_2032_shashvat-sangwan_rank_34.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"It has been argued that some parts of Article 22 are not Fundamental Rights but 'Fundamental Dangers' to the citizens of India. Discuss in light of the debate on issues around the preventive detention laws in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The administration of justice is not limited to conviction of the guilty and acquittal of the innocent but also ensuring fair and speedy trial. In view of this, discuss the reasons behind increase in the number of undertrials in India and measures taken to ameliorate the issues faced by them. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Highlighting the significance of cooperatives in India, discuss how the recently created Ministry of Cooperation will give an impetus to them. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The NGT Act gives much leeway to the tribunal to go beyond a mere adjudicatory role and act as a sui generis institution with the capacity to provide redressal for environmental exigencies. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"In the context of demographic changes highlighted by the NFHS-5, do you think population control legislations will be a step in the right direction? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The utility of PMAY-G hinges on its design, which is a marked improvement over the previous rural housing schemes. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The nutritional status of India has been a matter of long standing public threat. Discuss. Also, suggest measures to overcome the problem of nutritional crisis in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"To realise the potential of its growing population, India's march towards development will undoubtedly be incomplete without skills and education. In this context, discuss the significance of the recently launched RISE and EQUIP schemes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the centrality of ASEAN bloc in India's Act East policy and SAGAR initiative. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss China's Polar Silk Road initiative in view of the growing interest in the Arctic region and state its implications for India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The doctrine of Separation of Powers is followed in US with a spirit, never followed in UK purely, and India has followed it with large exceptions. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"A robust and fair electoral system in India is hinged upon few key reforms in the Representation of People's Act. Discuss in the context of contemporary issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Even though pressure groups play an important role in governance, there have been issues surrounding transparency in the representativeness of the groups and their funding as well as their relationship with the government. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite reforms by the Central and state governments to overhaul the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), several challenges remain with regard to their efficient functioning. Elucidate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Welfare initiatives embody civil rights, whereas freebies cultivate a patron-client syndrome. Examine in the context of governance in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Even though non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are an integral part of a nation's developmental ethos, the State has legitimate interest, legal authority and constitutional duty to curb the activities of those NGOs, which attempt to hamper national development at the behest of the forces inimical to India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"While there is an urgency to focus on all the three levels of healthcare, it is imperative that the government looks towards improving primary healthcare as a public good. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Despite initiatives to curb child marriage, it continues to persist in India. Explaining the reasons behind this, analyse its impact. What further measures can be taken by the government to eliminate the practice of child marriage in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Despite their significance, India has not been able to strengthen its ties with the Central Asian countries. Bringing out the reasons for the same, discuss how India can deepen its relationship with countries in this region. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Discuss the concerns that have arisen in India-Sri Lanka relations in recent times. How can India ensure a favourable relationship with Sri Lanka given its importance in the Indian Ocean region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7208,"topper":"Shashvat Sangwan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/bbf28-154283_2033_shashvat-sangwan_rank_34.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Stating the issues associated with agricultural extension in India, discuss the role of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in strengthening the national agricultural research extension system. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In India, the food processing sector is emerging as a high-growth and high-profit sector due to its immense potential for value addition. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Explaining the concept of livestock-based Integrated Farming System (IFS), discuss its benefits. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"While Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) are spearheading entrepreneurship across the world, India still has one of the lowest entrepreneurship rates. Discuss. Also, state the policy measures that have been taken to increase the pace of entrepreneurship in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"'Land banks' can play a critical role in boosting the economy and promoting ease of doing business in India. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The proposed amendments to the Forest Conservation Act (FCA) are not only antithetical to the Forest Rights Act (FRA), but are also likely to delay India achieving its commitments on climate change. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The problem of flooding in urban areas is not only due to overflowing rivers, but also the uninformed ways in which our cities are coping with urbanisation. Discuss. In this context, mention the National Disaster Management Authority guidelines on urban floods. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"ISRO is no longer confined only to the launching of satellites, but it has been constantly enlarging its role in development activities over the years. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"State the reasons behind targeting of Critical Information Infrastructure (CII) by state and non-state actors. Also, discuss the steps taken by the Indian government to secure its CII. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Despite the strategic significance of North-East India, the region faces several security threats. Discuss. Also, state the measures taken by the government to ensure peace and stability in the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Indian Railways has suffered from chronic under-investment which has adversely impacted key areas of its operations. In this context, discuss the challenges faced by the railways in speedy creation of infrastructure. Also, mention the steps taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"A disruptive approach to research & development (R&D), with a focus on last mile obligations of the agricultural system is necessary to realize India's objective of doubling farmer's income. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"India's power distribution companies and electrical grids must undergo reforms to transition from fossil fuels to more sustainable forms of renewable energy. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The practice of input-intensive agriculture in India needs a massive overhaul due to its unsustainability and negative consequences. In this context, discuss the significance of Low External Input Sustainable Agriculture (LEISA). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The recently released IPCC Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) – 2021 has been deemed as ‘code red’ for humanity. In this context, discuss the various concerns raised in the report with special focus on India. Also, enlist the remedial measures given by the report. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Multiple chemical disasters from the Bhopal gas tragedy to gas leak in Visakhapatnam have brought into focus the risks posed by hazardous chemicals (HAZCHEM) in India. In view of this, discuss the preparedness as well as gaps in Chemical Disaster Management (CDM) in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The growing demand for liberalisation of public health-related goods and services amidst the pandemic has raised critical issues with regard to the current intellectual property regime. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Highlighting the reasons behind sub-optimal results in indigenization of defence technologies in India, suggest measures which can accelerate the pace of indigenization in the defence sector. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Discuss the factors behind conceptualization of different Central Armed Police Forces for guarding the international borders. Also, highlight the contribution of these forces in ensuring security of India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Discuss the vulnerability of virtual assets in terms of their misuse for money laundering activities. Also, state corrective measures that can be taken to mitigate the risks posed by the use of virtual assets. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7209,"topper":"Shashvat Sangwan","air":34,"year":2021,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/251a1-154283_1419_shashvat-sangwan_rank_34.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7210,"topper":"Shashvat Sangwan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/636d5-154283_2034_shashvat-sangwan_rank_34.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Explain the concept of Sarvodaya with the help of examples from the lives of prominent personalities. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The life and teachings of Guru Nanak presents a template for leading a life within the corridors of ethics and values. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"There is no 'invisible hand' channeling self-interest into some social optimum. In this context, the State has an integral role to play in making available essential public goods and services, despite the increasing pace of privatization. Do you agree? Justify with examples from India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Even though the state actors who make rules and implement them have an important role to play in the fight against corruption, the battle is not likely to succeed without the active efforts of various segments of society. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do you understand by Social Intelligence? Discuss its various components and explain how it is different from Emotional Intelligence. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Ethical behaviour is the best not merely in the context of morality, but it is also the best in the context of one's own career prospects. Discuss in the context of civil services in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The press is an important agent in ensuring the citizen's right to receive and impart information as a measure of probity in governance. In this context, do you think that the press in India discharges its duty honestly? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The failure to deliver on its promises by Citizen's Charters in the last two decades has shown that there are some complex set of factors underlying this seemingly simple task. What are they? Identify and provide their resolution. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Medical ethics is particularly relevant in decisions regarding involuntary treatment and involuntary commitment. In view of this, highlighting the importance of medical ethics, discuss the issues in its implementation. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The fundamental principle in a democracy is that all public functionaries are trustees of the people and this trusteeship relationship requires that the authority entrusted to the functionaries be exercised in 'public interest'. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \" , \" - \"If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.\" - Desmond Tutu (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"You are a Superintendent of Police tasked with conducting an internal departmental inquiry into an alleged case of custodial torture and subsequent disappearance of three tribal persons. The case of the police force is that these persons were habitual offenders who had committed theft. The police had nabbed them for interrogation but they escaped from the police custody and are absconding. Family members of these persons, on the other hand, maintain that they were falsely framed in the case and were not in a condition to flee due to custodial torture. They are alleging foul play on the part of the police and suspect that the police is behind their disappearance. Prima facie, you find many lacunae in the police investigation. The policemen did not produce these persons before the Magistrate nor did they get them medically examined, as required by the law. One of your seniors, without referring to the case, informally talks to you about the adverse working conditions of the police force and insinuates that all police personnel should help each other. He also says that all serving officers need to be mindful of the fact that they are part of the police force and should not do anything which may tarnish the reputation of the police department. (a) Identify the stakeholders and various issues involved in the case. (b) How will you conduct a fair and impartial inquiry that ensures that public perception regarding cover-up in such cases does not gain ground? (c) Highlight the reasons for the continuing impunity of custodial deaths in India, and recommend steps that authorities should take to resolve it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Industry professionals are increasingly being hired by the government for their private sector experience and their influence in industries that the government is attempting to regulate or do business with. Similarly, the industry is also looking to attract people from the public sector with high-paying employment offers to get access within the government departments, seek favourable legislations and regulations as well as government contracts. Such inside knowledge of the system, including any loopholes that might exist give private businesses a competitive advantage. Both industry professionals and government officials stand to gain from such associations. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the direct recruitment of industry professionals in important government positions? (b) Do you think a longer mandatory cooling off period for government officials before they join private firms can help in addressing some of the issues? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"You are working as the Head of Ethics and Compliance in a big mobile manufacturing company that is known for its innovation and quality products. Both the customers and the shareholders are pleased with the performance of the company as they get value for their money and high returns on their investments respectively. Tin is a major component in the products manufactured by your company. It was recently brought to your attention that workers - many of them children - are working in unsafe conditions, digging tin out by hand in mines prone to landslides that could bury them alive. About 70% of the tin used in smartphones manufactured by the company comes from these more dangerous, small-scale mines. The company defends its practices by saying it only has so much control over monitoring and regulating its component sources. The justification advanced of its sourcing practices is that it is a complex process, with tens of thousands of miners selling tin, many of them through middle-men or third-party contractors. Based on the above case, answer the following questions: (a) What are the ethical issues in the above case? (b) Can customers of the company be expected to take into account such practices before buying any product of the company? (c) If the management were to seek your opinion on the matter, what course of action will you suggest? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"The education sector in India is embedded in a restrictive regulatory environment and is considered a public good. Although private participation is allowed in the education sector, but at all levels, these institutions have to function on a not-for-profit basis. The Supreme Court had ruled that educational institutions are permitted a 'reasonable surplus to meet the cost of expansion and augmentation of facilities' but they are prohibited from charging a capitation fee or profiteering. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the ethical concerns in allowing the operation of educational institutions on a profit motivation? (b) Is the most important role of education preparing people for gainful employment or should education and knowledge be appreciated for their own sake? (c) Discuss various ways in which value-based education can be instilled. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7211,"topper":"Shashvat Sangwan","air":34,"year":2021,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/34ce4-154283_1420_shashvat-sangwan_rank_34.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7212,"topper":"Shashwat Agrawal","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SHASHWAT-AGRAWAL-UPSC-2023-Rank-121-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"In many ways, the Spanish civil war was the opening act of WWII. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"How will you explain the different fates of Buddhism and Jainism despite a slew of similarities in the two religions? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Non-Cooperation Movement democratized India's freedom struggle but suffered from inherent limitations. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Critically analyse the efficacy of linguistic reorganization of states in addressing the reasons for linguistic divides in post-independent India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Briefly discuss the role of plate tectonics theory in explaining the location of volcanoes. Also, explain the multifarious impacts of volcanoes on the surrounding regions. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Taking further the success of Aspirational Districts Programme, Aspirational Blocks can help achieve the twin objectives of balanced growth and checking stress migration. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Describe the critical factors for location of defense industries and suggest measures to overcome the challenges. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"To what extent can Socio-Economic-Caste Census (SECC) address the challenges in achieving equitable resource allocation and targeted welfare? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Indian society is premised on some common values that give it a composite texture as well as some diverse practices that deepen its heterogeneity. Elucidate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What are the factors that influence population growth in the country? In this perspective, examine the relevance and need of raising the minimum marriageable age of women for population development. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Bring out the reasons behind the tribal unrest in British India. Also, analyze the reasons for their limited success. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The independence of India was not a result of a forced expulsion of the Empire, as desired by the Quit India Movement: it was rather a confluence of domestic politics and global circumstances. Analyze. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Explain why Sufism, a liberal reform movement in Islam could deepen its roots in the Indi-an sub-continent, despite Islam being a foreign religion? Also, bring out the impacts of Sufism on Indian society. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Enumerate the reasons behind rising intensity and frequency of cyclones in the Arabian Sea in recent years. Giving special reference to NDMA guidelines, recommend measures to check the adverse impacts of cyclones. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Examine the impacts of climate change on the hydrological cycle and suggest suitable mitigation and adaptation strategies to contain the harmful implications. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Defining continental shelf, highlight its resource potential and ecological significance. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Rooted in patriarchal values, gender-based violence, in all its manifestations, is antithetical to societal growth. Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The caste calculus in the Indian society remains predominant and continues to project its shadow on social, political, and economic domains. Do you agree? Substantiate your answer. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss various factors contributing to the water woes faced by Indian cities. Also, explain complexities in implementing a comprehensive water management plan. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Though important elements of group identity, religion and region also run the risk of deepening communal cleavages. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7213,"topper":"Shashwat Agrawal","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SHASHWAT-AGRAWAL-UPSC-2023-Rank-121-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference. In what ways does attitude influence one's thoughts and behaviors? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand by emotional intelligence? Examine the importance of emotional intelligence in personal and professional life. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Persuasion can often achieve what coercion cannot. In this context, evaluate the significance of persuasion for heralding social transformations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Political attitude has as much to do with society as with politics. Discuss with suitable illustrations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The ends, no matter how valuable, cannot justify the means. Analyse. In your opinion, what is more important, adherence to means or to focus on ends? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Education without values works rather to make man a cleverer devil. In this context, discuss the importance of ethics in education. Also, throw light upon the role of educational institutions in imparting ethical values. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Differentiate between the following: (10 marks, 150 words) i) Ethics and morality ii) Ethics in private relationships and ethics in public life.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Ahimsa is not only the negative refusal to do harm, but also the positive doing of good. In this perspective, discuss the significance of 'ahimsa' in modern times. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Which famous personality has influenced you and why? In what ways have you emulated their example in your own life? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What does each of the following quotation mean to you? a) 'The greatest wealth is to live content with little' - Plato (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":34,"question":"Anil is an UPSC aspirant living in Rajendra Nagar, New Delhi. Rajendra Nagar is famous for be-ing the hub for the preparation of civil services examination conducted by the UPSC. The place is abreast with aspirants preparing for the civil services examination, coaching institutes, hostels, and various paying guest facilities. Anil noticed that Rajendra Nagar was ideal not only for UPSC aspir-ants but also for the many business owners residing in the place. However, owing to increasing at-traction of civil services examination and more students opting for coaching institutes for their preparation, Rajender Nagar had become very crowded. Among other menaces like congested roads, high rents, sound pollution etc., Anil noticed that Raj-inder Nagar was also facing a pressing problem associated with stray dogs. He had often heard his friends talking about how they had to face a pack of aggressive stray dogs while returning from the library or the metro station, late at night. Anil had often observed that a group of people tended to the stray dogs by feeding them food, providing them with blankets, etc. At one instance, Anil was surprised to see a boy bandaging a dog. Upon enquiring, Anil was told that some people near the Sindhi park had attacked the dogs with sticks and stones. Anil suddenly remembered that while re-turning from his evening walk, a few days back, he too had witnessed some people pelting stones at a dog. Anil was surprised to see that while one group was very hostile towards the dogs, the other group was exceedingly sympathetic. One day while studying in his room, Anil heard a commotion outside. He went out to see that a boy had been bitten by a stray dog. On further enquiring, he found that the boy was bitten by a stray dog while delivering tiffin boxes to a nearby hostel. Anil also noticed that two groups of people were arguing in loud voices. While one group was of the opinion that feeding and tending of stray dogs has attracted more dogs in the locality and aggravated the menace of stray dogs attacking people, the other group said that the dogs have become aggressive as a result of some people beat-ing and throwing stones at stray dogs. Though Anil too had faced difficulties due to the aggressive stray dogs of Rajinder Nagar, he was at a loss of locating the reason for the problem. a) What can be the reason behind the diametrically opposite attitude of two groups of people living in the same locality? b) According to you, who and to what extent can be held responsible for the problem of stray dogs attacking people? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What are the various ethical issues involved in the above case study? b) You are a close friend of Akhilesh. What advice will you give, in this situation, to Akhilesh in order to convince his father to abstain from giving dowry and organising a lavish wedding? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Naveen and Vinod, final year undergraduate students at ABC college of engineering, are close friends. Naveen has been a meritorious student and got appointed as the secretary of the training and placement cell, which has the mandate to oversee the campus placements of the students. Vinod, on the other hand, spent more time on leisure activities and paid less attention to his academic performance. However, the lackadaisical attitude of Vinod began to reflect on his grades. His poor performance in the majority of subjects meant that he had to complete some courses again, in order to graduate in time. As Vinod struggled to complete his extra courses, he barely had any time left for anything else. The immense fatigue was also evident from his deteriorating physical and psychological health. Around this time the campus placement in the ABC college had started. While all other students were preparing for the recruitment tests, Vinod had barely any time for the same. Vinod's parents, who had taken loan for Vinod's education, are expecting Vinod to get a good job. The guilt of wasting his college years and letting down his poor parents was becoming unbearable for Vinod, as a result of which he had a nervous breakdown. Naveen, who in his capacity as secretary of training and placement cell, was busy organising the recruitment drive, was aware that the chances of Vinod getting recruited were very slim. He also knew that Vinod was repenting in true sense and working very hard to complete his courses, despite his deteriorating emotional health. Naveen was afraid that if Vinod did not get a job, he may take some extreme step. Naveen has in his possession the question paper for the recruitment test to be held next week. Vinod had in the past requested Naveen to help him in any way possible to get a decent job. While Naveen knows that sharing the questions with Vinod may help him get through the exam, it would be ethically incorrect. Now, Naveen is in a dilemma over the course of action he should take. a) What are the ethical dilemmas before Naveen in this case? b) Identify and evaluate the various courses of actions available before Naveen. If you were in Naveen's shoes, which course of action would you choose and why? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":7214,"topper":"Shashwat Agrawal","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SHASHWAT-AGRAWAL-UPSC-2023-Rank-121-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The influence of ethical principles on shaping socially responsible behavior is widely acknowledged. How do ethical values facilitate individuals in cultivating a proactive and constructive attitude towards fulfilling their social responsibilities? Can the subjective nature of ethical principles lead to divergent attitudes regarding social responsibility? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Through their actions, interactions, and teachings, schools have the power to mold the moral compass of the next generation. In this perspective, discuss the significance of value-based education in preparing the youth to address the contemporary challenges of society. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'situation ethics'? Critically analyze its strengths and weaknesses in making moral judgements. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Maintaining traditional bonds and familial relationships in an increasingly globalized world requires personal relationships to be governed by ethical principles. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Why should a man be moral? Because it strengthens his will.\" - Swami Vivekanand. In this perspective discuss the significance of morality for bringing efficiency and effectiveness in public administration. Do you think moral rigidity can be a hindrance in good governance? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Civil servants who embody emotional intelligence exhibit a profound understanding of the human aspect of governance, enabling them to cultivate meaningful relationships, foster cooperation, and drive positive change. Examine ways in which Emotional Intelligence can be inculcated in civil servants. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":7215,"topper":"Shashwat Agrawal","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SHASHWAT-AGRAWAL-UPSC-2023-Rank-121-MGP-Answer-Copy-Optional-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Comment on the following in not more than 150 words. (10*5 = 50 Marks) a) Constituent elements of state (kautilya).","marks":"50","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Where there is no law there is no liberty.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the idea of freedom in Aurbindo's thought.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"\"Nature has placed mankind under governance of two sovereign masters, pain and pleasure.\" It is for them alone to point out what we ought to do and what we shall do\". (Bentham). Comment.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Why Locke is considered as one of the ideologue of market economy and also as a representative of \"spirit of capitalism\"?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Plato's theory of education is inextricably linked with his idea of justice. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss the distinct features of Gandhian mass movements. How Mahatma Gandhi transformed political and non-political movements into a unified nationalist movement?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Comment on the following in not more than 150 words. (10 * 5 = 50 Marks) a) Action as the differentia specifica of human beings.","marks":"50","words":"150"},{"page":35,"question":"Dalit perspective on Indian national movement.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Syed Ahmed Khan as a reformer.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":43,"question":"Compare and contrast the 'State of nature' in Hobbes and Locke, how they differ in prescribing about the nature of contract to come out of the state of nature?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":44,"question":"For interest of others as they also possess reason.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"Evaluate Mahatma Gandhi's economic ideas with special reference to concept of 'trusteeship'. Is trusteeship practical in today's world. Provide reasons.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":50,"question":"Highlight the major differences in the strategies and goals between the moderates and extremist groups within the nationalist movement.","marks":"15","words":null}]},{"id":7216,"topper":"Shashwat Pandit","air":481,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://academy.forumias.com/optional-test-series/slider%20Image/SHASHWAT.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7217,"topper":"Shatakshi Sinha","air":204,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/u/2/folders/1dg8YG6Y10LXpGiELMpluYFYwxm6weYdf","questions":[]},{"id":7218,"topper":"Shatakshi Sinha","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/SHATAKSHI-SINHA-UPSC-2024-Rank-204-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Why has there been an increased focus on negotiating, renegotiating and concluding Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) by India in recent years? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"A well-designed fiscal policy can serve as a vital instrument to facilitate the equitable distribution of resources and ensure the welfare of all sections of society. Elaborate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What are the primary factors contributing to India's significant reliance on imported edible oils? What measures do you suggest to increase domestic production and to reduce India's reliance on imported edible oils? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"With the growing water crisis in India, micro irrigation offers a sustainable solution for water conservation; however, its adoption remains skewed and below its potential. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The recurring railway accidents highlight the urgent necessity for addressing the myriad challenges related to safety, undercapacity and lack of modernization within Indian Railways. Analyse. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q. How does NISAR mission exemplify international cooperation in space exploration and scientific research? In what ways will it help in climate change monitoring and natural hazard management? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Nuclear technology can play a transformative role in enhancing food security and agricultural sustainability. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Increasing frequency of forest fires in India underscores the urgent need for sustainable forest management practices. In light of the statement, bring out the causes and multidimensional impact of forest fires. Also, suggest measures for their prevention and management. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What reasons can be attributed to the recent surge in terror related violence in Jammu and Kashmir? What strategies would you suggest to counter it? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"The liberalization policies of 1991 significantly enhanced India's economic dynamism, but the evolving global and domestic landscape necessitates 'Reforms 2.0' for sustained economic development and prosperity.\" Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Infrastructure development is essential not just for economic transformation but also for sustainable development and societal well-being. Elaborate with examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Bring out the significance of aquaculture towards nutrition security, livelihood generation, and economic growth. Also, mention various measures taken by the government to promote aquaculture in the country. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The MSP system, though well-intentioned, has led to market distortions and ecological stress, necessitating reforms to make it more inclusive and efficient. Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Biotechnology holds immense potential for achieving sustainable food production, efficient waste management and significant advancements in human health. Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Climate change is leading to significant alterations in ecosystems, resulting in cascading effects on biodiversity, ecosystem services, and human livelihoods, necessitating integrated approaches to conservation and climate adaptation. Analyse. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Urban areas, often referred to as the cradle of civilization and growth engines, are increasingly experiencing various natural and man-made disasters Discuss in the Indian context. Also, suggest suitable mitigation and management strategies. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"\"India's disaster management framework has made significant progress in the 21st century, yet challenges persist in ensuring timely response and effective coordination during crises.\" Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Explain how the symbiotic relationship between organized crime and terrorism further aggravates internal security concerns. What steps can be taken to address this linkage and the threats emerging from it? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Strengthening security apparatus in border areas and forging developmental partnerships with the locals are essential components of a robust and effective border management strategy. Discuss, with initiatives taken by the government in this regard. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7219,"topper":"Shaurya Arora","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Shaurya-Arora-UPSC-2023-Rank-14-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Poverty is not just lack of money; it is not having the capability to realize one's full potential as a human being.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in healthcare is the most shocking and inhumane.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"There are no facts, only interpretations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Peace is the natural effect of trade.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7220,"topper":"Shaurya Arora","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Shaurya-Arora-UPSC-2023-Rank-14-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Investment in infrastructure is a precursor to social and economic transformation; however, the focus on economic gains must not marginalise the concerns for safety. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What do you understand from Green growth? With special reference to the budget 2023-2024, discuss various government measures to propel green growth in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Project cheetah marks a departure from India's efforts for conservation of various critically-endangered species. In this perspective, do you think the reintroduction of major fauna that has gone extinct is justified? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"In what ways can precision agriculture become a panacea for multipronged challenges plaguing the agriculture sector? Discuss. Also, analyse various impediments in widespread adoption of precision farming in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are the reasons for increasing emphasis on the horticulture sector in recent years? Evaluate government measures for the development of the horticulture sector. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Unplanned urbanization has made Indian cities vulnerable to fire safety hazards. Discuss and recommend measures for mitigating urban fires, with special reference to national building code, 2016. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"DPI (Digital Public Infrastructure) is indispensable for digitally enabling citizens and businesses; however, the challenges of exclusion, exploitation, and monopolisation cannot be ignored. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Assess the relevance of the NISAR mission in observing and managing climate change and natural hazards. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Defense indigenization remains the Achilles heel of India's security architecture. Examine the importance of startups in defense sector to make India secure and self-reliant. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Edge in modern warfare lies not so much in the capacity to overwhelm the adversary as much in the ability to nip the threat in the bud. In this context, discuss the role of intelligence in maintaining national security, and also cite challenges associated. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Labour and export intensive industries are key to problems of jobless growth. In this perspective, analyse the opportunities and challenges associated with the textile sector. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"In an era of interconnected challenges, the emerging global polycrisis poses significant implications for India's macroeconomic stability. Examine and suggest measures to make the Indian economy more resilient to global shocks and challenges. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Do you think the low Female Labor Force Participation Rate presents a correct picture about the 'working women' in India's economy? Give reasons in support of your answer. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Across sectors and regions, the most marginalised sections are also the most affected by the impacts of climate change. Explain. Also, present a case for a climate resilient model of development that integrates mitigation and adaptation measures. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite the potential to check the triple whammy of nutritional deficiency, environmental degradation, and receding farm incomes, the adoption of Millets has been abysmally low. Analyse. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"A link between unorganized farming community and formal industrial sector, Food Processing Industries (FPI) can play a key role in advancing the rural economy. Evaluate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What do you understand by generative Artificial Intelligence (AI)? How can policymakers and regulatory bodies effectively address the concerns and challenges posed by generative AI? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Though ethnic fault lines are a major threat, security challenges in the North-East are not confined to the same. Discuss the statement with special reference to Manipur. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Critically examine the role of development initiatives in addressing the root causes of militancy/ terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7221,"topper":"Shaurya Arora","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Shaurya-Arora-UPSC-2023-Rank-14-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Celebrity endorsements raise pertinent ethical concerns about responsibility that delve into the realm of ethical considerations of social influence that run deeper than mere surface appeal. In this context, suggest measures to tackle the ethical challenges of celebrity brand endorsements. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Embracing a scientific mindset involves setting aside impulsive inclinations in favor of the pursuit of truth. In your view, how does the integration of scientific thinking contribute to addressing contemporary challenges and promoting societal progress? How can we effectively cultivate a scientific attitude in society? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"In the realm of professional conduct, ethics plays a role that tends to go far beyond fulfilling the roles and responsibilities of the job with diligence and honesty. But some people consider professional competence as the only critical requirement for a job. If faced with a choice, who would you prefer to hire - someone with professional competence or one with strong moral values? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Patriotism can hold different meanings for different people, often shaped by personal experiences and convictions. What does patriotism mean to you? Explain narrating incidents from your life when you exhibited patriotism. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Max Weber's concept of bureaucracy was developed in the early 20th century, but it still influences administrative structures today. In what ways do you see Weberian bureaucracy as relevant in today's rapidly changing world? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Global challenges often test the ethical fiber of nations, urging them to channel narrow pursuit of national-interest into an enlightened self-interest.\" Enumerating the various ethical principles underlying the concept of enlightened national-interest examinc its efficacy in helping nations navigate the fine line between pursuing their strategic interests and upholding ethical principles, particularly in times of conflict? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In the realm of governance, a crucial aspect is the art of persuasion. The qualities that make civil servants proficient persuaders empower them to fulfill their responsibilities in an effective manner. Discuss with illustrations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Corruption has multifaceted implications. Some consider it an undeniable vice, while others contend it to be an unavoidable necessity for navigating the bureaucratic complexities. In your opinion, does corruption oil or corrode the gears of development? Substantiate your arguments. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Ethical hacking and malicious hacking stand as divergent paths with distinct intentions and consequences. As technology advances, it becomes imperative to comprehend the nuances that set these practices apart in the cybersecurity landscape. In this perspective, elucidate the principles that differentiate ethical hacking and malicious hacking. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What does each of the following quotation mean to you? a) \"Our greatest ability as humans is not to change the world, but to change ourselves.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"What recommendations should Dharmendra make to create a safe environment for the women? b) What are the factors that have led to victimization of women, especially during conflicts? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Manoj's parents lack which qualities? b) What qualities in a person can prevent him/her from taking the extreme step of committing suicide? c) What are the various ethical issues with the education system as depicted in the case study? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":59,"question":"Mr X is travelling by road with his family to attend a marriage ceremony. His grandfather, who is the head of the family is also travelling with him. On the way to their destination, all of them stop at a road side restaurant for lunch. This is a well-known restaurant owned by one of the friends of $M r X$. The place is known for its tasty and hygienic food. However, the grandfather notices a picture on the wall of the restaurant and enquires about the religion of the restaurant owner. $M r X$'s friend belongs to a religion different from the grandfather's religion. The grandfather has a negative attitude towards the religion of $M r X$'s friend and he insists that he will not eat in that restaurant. He demands that the entire family should leave the restaurant immediately as they are travelling for a happy occasion and eating at this particular restaurant will pollute them. $M r X$ tries to calm down his grandfather and explain to him that religion has nothing to do with purity or pollution. He also reasons that several travel magazines have rated the restaurant highly, especially for its superior hygiene standards. Also, he points out that there is no restaurant in the way for the next $100 \\text{ Km}$ and it will be difficult for all to make do without food for that long. However, his arguments fall on deaf years, and which is more his grandfather admonishes him for bringing the family to the restaurant despite being aware about the religion of the owner. $M r X$'s friend feels insulted and discriminated against due to his religion. $M r X$'s father is upset but refuses to say anything out of respect for the grandfather. Entire family is embarrassed by the attitude of the grandfather and they are getting ready to leave the restaurant. $M r X$ is confused regarding how he should act in this situation. a) What are the various ethical issues in the above case study? b) Imagine yourself in the place of $M r X$. Evaluate the different courses of actions available with you. What is the most suitable course of action? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":7222,"topper":"Shaurya Arora","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Shaurya-Arora-UPSC-2023-Rank-14-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The influence of ethical principles on shaping socially responsible behavior is widely acknowledged. How do ethical values facilitate individuals in cultivating a proactive and constructive attitude towards fulfilling their social responsibilities? Can the subjective nature of ethical principles lead to divergent attitudes regarding social responsibility? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Through their actions, interactions, and teachings, schools have the power to mold the moral compass of the next generation. In this perspective, discuss the significance of value-based education in preparing the youth to address the contemporary challenges of society. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by the term ‘situation ethics’? Critically analyze its strengths and weaknesses in making moral judgements. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Maintaining traditional bonds and familial relationships in an increasingly globalized world requires personal relationships to be governed by ethical principles. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Why should a man be moral? Because it strengthens his will.\" - Swami Vivekanand. In this perspective, discuss the significance of morality for bringing efficiency and effectiveness in public administration. Do you think moral rigidity can be a hindrance in good governance? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Civil servants who embody emotional intelligence exhibit a profound understanding of the human aspect of governance, enabling them to cultivate meaningful relationships, foster cooperation, and drive positive change. Examine ways in which Emotional Intelligence can be inculcated in civil servants. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The challenges posed by the corporate sector's impact on climate, environmental sustainability, and living conditions has highlighted the need for responsible and inclusive business practices. In this direction, the contemporary discourse on corporate governance is emphasizing the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. Evaluate the ESG framework in equipping the corporate world with the capabilities to fulfill its social roles and responsibilities. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Uniform Civil Code (UCC) aims to create a common set of laws governing personal matters, such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption, irrespective of individuals' religious affiliations. In the context of the ongoing discourse on UCC in India, examine the challenges that arise when attempting to reconcile legal principles with diverse moral considerations. To what extent should the law be influenced by moral/religious principles? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What does each of the following quotation mean to you? a) \"When I do good, I feel good; when I do bad, I feel bad, and that is my religion\" - Abraham Lincoln. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time.\" – Ruth Bader Ginsburg. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"\"Happiness is that state of consciousness which proceeds from the achievement of one's values\" - Ayn Rand. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":53,"question":"Kamlesh b) Kamlesh ? c) d) Kamlesh ?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7223,"topper":"Sheetal Chauhan","air":405,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/SHEETAL_CHAUHAN_ESSAY_PROGRAMME_AIR_405_794b131fa1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7224,"topper":"Sheetal Chauhan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/SHEETAL_CHAUHAN_SS_GS_3_AIR_405_0ab1cb5a62.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Explain the concept of the \"Missing Middle\" in India's industrial ecosystem. How does it affect economic growth and employment generation? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Household savings form a crucial pillar of domestic capital formation. In light of their recent decline, elucidate the underlying causes and propose strategies to strengthen savings behavior in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Despite its potential, the corporate bond market in India remains underdeveloped. Examine the structural and regulatory challenges impeding its growth. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":7225,"topper":"Sheik Mohammed Nishanth","air":497,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Shankar IAS Parliament","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.shankariasparliament.com/uploads/downloads/SHEIK_MOHAMMED_NISHANTH_P2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7226,"topper":"Shikhar Choudhary","air":97,"year":2019,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/771f3-413063_1254_shikhar-choudhary_rank_97.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7227,"topper":"Shikhar Choudhary","air":97,"year":2019,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3e91b-413063_1253_shikhar-choudhary_rank_97.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7228,"topper":"Shikhar Choudhary","air":263,"year":2020,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1QLdak395E2CzJBE5WnLps09V8asP-wXA","questions":[]},{"id":7229,"topper":"Shikhar Choudhary","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e4eb8-413063_1244_shikhar-choudhary_rank_97.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the need of an Independent Fiscal Council (IFC) in bringing about transparency and accountability in fiscal processes in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Recognizing the potential of exports in generating employment, a number of steps need to be taken to address India's weakening export competitiveness. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlighting the main features of National Mineral Policy, 2019, discuss how it can help in ensuring sustainable and responsible mining. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlighting the salient features of the PM JI-VAN Yojana, analyze how it can assist in achieving the vision and goals of the National Policy on Biofuels, 2018. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) provides an alternative to capital and chemical intensive agriculture currently being practiced in India. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"There have been arguments that India could fall into a 'middle income trap'. Explaining the phenomenon, highlight the reasons behind such arguments. How can India avoid it? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Highlighting its importance, discuss the major issues that plague effective monetary policy transmission in India. Also, mention the steps taken by RBI to improve it. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What is Access and Benefit Sharing? Explain how it aids in sustainable use of biodiversity. Also, mention the different global and national level mechanisms for ensuring Access and Benefit Sharing. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Stating the significance, discuss the challenges in achieving disaster resilience of infrastructure. Suggest some ways for mainstreaming it in the development paradigm. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Highlighting the significance of data localization for India, discuss various challenges associated with data localization. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Money Laundering as a socio economic offence is a menace especially for developing countries like India. Comment. What measures have been taken at the domestic and international levels to deal with this menace? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The primary motive of terrorism differs from that of organised crime but there exists a symbiotic relationship between the two. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7230,"topper":"Shikhar Choudhary","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3b289-413063_1247_shikhar-choudhary_rank_97.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Mention the structure and functions of NITI Aayog. Also, comment on its contemporary relevance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Critically discuss the practice of setting up Fast Track Courts to reduce pendency of cases in the judiciary. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the challenges faced by lower judiciary in India and suggest measures for enhancing their productivity. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Assess the need to formalise the process of post-legislative scrutiny to improve the effectiveness of laws. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in improving the effectiveness of e-governance in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Despite various reforms in the public grievance redressal mechanisms, their effectiveness remain limited. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Explaining the factors that contribute to trafficking of women and children in India, highlight the steps taken in recent times to combat it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"With Vector-Borne Diseases (VBDs) reaching epidemic proportions in India, highlight the factors that have led to their emergence. Also, suggest some measures for their effective control and management. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"After years of neglect, rapidly evolving regional strategic realities are now forcing India and Indonesia to coordinate their policies ever more closely. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Despite several attempts at resetting the ties, various barriers continue to be a cause of concern in the India-Nepal bilateral relations. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Delineate the differences between pressure groups and interest groups. Citing examples, elaborate on the ways in which pressure groups influence government decisions and policy making in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlighting the issues faced by the institutions of local self governance in India, suggest measures that can be taken to improve their effectiveness in the delivery of public goods and services at the grassroot level. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The recent amendment to the Right to Information Act, 2005 will weaken the act and undermine the authority of Information Commissioners. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight the process of delimitation in India. Also, throw light on the debates surrounding the delimitation exercise in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Self Help Groups (SHGs) are vehicles of rural development, which help in the upliftment of marginalized groups. Elucidate. Further, mention the constraints faced by SHGs and how they can be addressed. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"With construction of toilets being only one part of the solution for a clean India, it is time that the Swachh Bharat Mission puts more emphasis on the other facets as well. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Highlight the salient features of Mission Indradhanush. What are the challenges that the mission is facing in its implementation? Suggest measures to address these challenges for progressing towards full immunization coverage. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Assess the importance of skilling in light of changing economic and demographic structure in India. In this regard, how far has the Skill India Mission succeeded in its mandate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What according to you are the reasons that motivated India to create a dedicated Indo-Pacific division in the MEA recently? Also, highlight the challenges for India in the Indo-Pacific region. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"For SCO to become a successful regional grouping, it has to overcome bilateral differences between its members and their respective geopolitical calculations. Comment. Also, discuss the role that SCO can play in enhancing India's interest in the Eurasian region. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7231,"topper":"Shikhar Choudhary","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/75596-413063_1246_shikhar-choudhary_rank_97.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Rock-cut structures were closely associated with various religions and religious activities. Discuss the statement giving relevant examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The legislative and administrative record of the Congress Ministries during their twenty-eight months rule under the Act of 1935 was positive, but the period also 'witnessed the emergence of serious weaknesses in the Congress. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Kamladevi Chattopadhyay was a multifaceted personality with significant contributions both to pre and post independence India. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The inherent limitations of Napoleon's policy of Continental Blockade ultimately resulted in its failure. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Despite changes in the institution of marriage in recent times, there have been elements of continuity as well. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"There are multiple disabilities that a person experiences in the course of ageing. Elaborate. Also identify key government initiatives taken for addressing them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlight the reasons behind prevalence of low literacy rate among tribals. Also, mention some initiatives taken by the government in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain how Continental Drift Theory describes the changing configuration of the continents. Discuss the prominent evidences given by Alfred Wegener to support his theory. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The variety of landforms on the earth's surface is the result of internal and external forces. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Explaining the concept of Lapse Rate, examine its relationship with atmospheric stability. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The colonial period brought the influence of Western architectural forms to India. In this context, giving examples, highlight the contribution of Europeans to Indian architecture. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The nineteenth century witnessed a struggle against the backward elements of traditional culture. Discuss in the context of socio-religious reform movements. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Explaining the reasons behind partition of Bengal, discuss the successes and limitations of the Swadeshi movement launched in its wake. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The reorganisation of states in India post-independence has been an ongoing process with distinct contributing factors. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The Treaty of Versailles was not a peace agreement based on reconciliation but was 'dictated peace' forced on Germany, which eventually triggered the Second World War. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Legal measures alone are not sufficient for addressing the issue of domestic violence against women, rather it requires intervention at societal level. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"India is undergoing a demographic transition the implications of which are multipronged. Analyze. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Highlight the significance of watershed development in India. Give reasons for the limited success of initiatives directed towards watershed management in India. Also, suggest some measures to improve the design of watershed programs. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Explain the relationship between raw materials and location of industries. How are globalisation and technological advancements changing this relationship? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Explain how natural greenhouse effect helps in maintaining Earth's heat budget. What are the possible implications of rising concentration of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in atmosphere on Earth's heat budget? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7232,"topper":"Shikhar Choudhary","air":263,"year":2020,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Cpzl1L33SXcW6D56dJbfRt04lSE867Pf","questions":[]},{"id":7233,"topper":"Shikhar Mogha","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/shikhar-mogha-1747639143658.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"The rule of law and judicial review are interdependent, as one cannot truly exist without the other. In this context can judicial review be considered the most important aspect among those that constitute the basic structure of the Constitution? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"How does the power and authority of Delhi's lieutenant governor compare to that of the governors of other states, particularly in terms of acting on the aid and advice of the council of ministers? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss the role of the judiciary in navigating the tension between the right to religion and constitutional morality in India in recent times. Refer to relevant case laws. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The principle of 'Separation of Powers' is a key feature of the American Constitution. In this context, compare how the Indian Constitution's functional separation of powers distinguishes itself from the US system. What are the advantages of a check and balance system over a rigid Separation of Powers? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution is more than a legal provision that empowers tribal regions with self-rule. How does the sixth schedule foster development while respecting their traditional governance systems and cultural practices? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How do partnerships between Civil Society Organizations and Government Entities contribute to India's development goals? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss the importance of cultivating a culture of life-long learning among Indian civil servants. How has Mission Karmyogi contributed to this objective? Illustrate with examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Given India's strides in reducing extreme poverty, should the country consider redefining its poverty line to better reflect the current socio-economic realities? Discuss the potential benefits and challenges associated with redefinition of the poverty line. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Evaluate the impact of the deepening political divisions with the major Western States on global governance and international cooperation. How should India navigate these divisions to advance its national interests on the global stage? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"How does India's Arctic Policy align with its broader foreign policy objectives? Broadly discuss the collaborations and agreements India is involved in with the Arctic Council. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In what ways are the terms of reference of the 16th Finance Commission different from that of the previous Finance Commissions? Despite increasingly progressive devolution by subsequent Finance Commissions, examine the factors that propel economic disparities across various States. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Compare and contrast the powers and working of the Ethics Committee and the Privileges Committee in addressing cases of 'unethical' conduct and breach of privileges. How do these Committees complement each other in maintaining parliamentary discipline? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"In the context of persistent legislative dysfunction in India, analyze the evolving role of judicial activism in shaping public policy and governance. Using examples from landmark court cases, evaluate the effectiveness of judicial interventions in addressing governance gaps and safeguarding citizens' rights. (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"To what extent does the level of internal democracy within political parties impact the functioning and legitimacy of the Indian party system? What reforms can address the challenges of inadequate intraparty democracy in India? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"\"The NHRC must not only be a watchdog but also a beacon of hope for the marginalized and oppressed.\" In this context discuss the role and mandate of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in India. How does the current composition and functioning of the NHRC affect its independence and effectiveness? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"The persistent health equity challenges in India pose a critical barrier in achieving Universal Health Coverage. In this context discuss the role of the public and private sectors in ensuring adequate health access and outcomes across rural and urban areas. (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals requires consideration of regional context and local situations. In light of this statement examine the role of Panchayats as catalysts for grassroot development and advancing sustainable development. (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"What are the implications of the POCSO Act on the rights and welfare of children in India? Analyze the role of the POCSO Act in transforming India's legal framework for child protection. (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Examine the influence of human rights issues and democratic values on the diplomatic relationship between the U.S. and India. How have these concerns affected bilateral engagements and what can be done to mitigate tensions arising from these issues? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7234,"topper":"Shikhar Nautiyal","air":371,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SHIKHAR-NAUTIYAL-UPSC-2023-Rank-371-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7235,"topper":"Shikhar Nautiyal","air":371,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SHIKHAR-NAUTIYAL-UPSC-2023-Rank-371-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7236,"topper":"Shikhar Nautiyal","air":371,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SHIKHAR-NAUTIYAL-UPSC-2023-Rank-371-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7237,"topper":"Shikhar Nautiyal","air":371,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SHIKHAR-NAUTIYAL-UPSC-2023-Rank-371-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7238,"topper":"Shiksha Pathak","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/SHIKSHA_PATHAK_SS_GS_1_AIR_453_2025_03ed613dac.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Ancient rock-cut caves are great examples of religious harmony. Illustrate using examples from Southern and Western India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The Gupta period marked a shift in the position of women in Indian society when compared to earlier times. Evaluate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"To what extent can the Swadeshi Movement be seen as a precursor to Gandhian mass mobilization techniques? Analyse critically. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Analyse how the Japanese occupation of Southeast Asia during WWII shaped Indian independence movement. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Describe artesian aquifers and state the geological and environmental conditions necessary for their formation. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Enumerate the factors that have led to the concentration of the pharmaceutical industry in the western region of India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are shallow-focus earthquakes? Discuss the factors responsible for their frequent occurrence in the Indo-Gangetic plain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Explain how health outcomes are shaped by the interplay of physical environment, cultural factors, and ecological connections. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss how migration is emerging as a more significant factor than fertility in shaping population trends in developed nations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Examine how poor urban planning in India limits the full economic potential of urbanization. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"India's pre-modern kingdoms evolved sustainable water management systems suited to regional ecological conditions.\" Examine with reference to the contributions of the Cholas and the Vijayanagara Empire. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"The French Revolution was not merely a reaction to recent events but also the outcome of prolonged structural imbalances and social discontent. Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Arab nationalism was both a unifying ideology and a source of fragmentation in West Asia. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"The Eastern Himalayan and Northeastern region of India holds immense strategic and ecological value. Comment on its resource potential and highlight the constraints affecting its effective utilisation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"What are anticyclones? Illustrate their characteristics and associated climatic conditions with suitable examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Explain the regional variation in desertification trends across India. What impact does it have on food security? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"The sub-categorisation of Scheduled Castes seeks to address intra-group inequities, but may risk conflating caste-based exclusion with class-based deprivation. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Do you agree that the assertion of cultural and tribal identity lies at the core of regional movements in India? Substantiate your view with relevant examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Explain the relationship between gender equity and human development. What are the key areas where gender equity significantly impacts development outcomes? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Gig work is often seen as a tool for women's economic inclusion but in practice, it has created a new frontier of feminised and informalised labour. Substantiate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7239,"topper":"Shiksha Pathak","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/SHIKSHA_PATHAK_SS_GS_2_AIR_453_2025_e1d16e541d.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Discuss how the tussle between various organs of the state reflects tensions between the doctrine of separation of powers and the need for checks and balances in Indian democracy. Illustrate with case laws. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"\"The anti-defection law was envisaged to curb unethical political defection but has ended up centralising power within party leadership\". Examine the implications of this trend on federalism and intra-party democracy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"\"The right to property, although not a fundamental right, its deprivation must still follow due process of law.\" Discuss the statement in light of the recent Supreme Court’s directions on demolition protocols and the principles of natural justice. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Despite its transformative intent, the implementation of the provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 ( PESA) has remained uneven and inconsistent across states. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How can India reconcile the need for gender sensitivity with the demand for gender neutrality in its legal system to achieve true substantive equality? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"\"The one-size-fits-all approach to policymaking often ignores India's regional heterogeneity\". Discuss the implications of centralized governance on state-level autonomy and inclusive development. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) seeks to integrate fragmented pension systems across sectors. Critically evaluate its potential to ensure inclusivity and social security. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The growing focus on multipolarity has kept BRICS relevant in an evolving world order. Examine the strategic significance of BRICS for India and the Global South. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Analyze how the recent crisis in Bangladesh impacts India-Bangladesh relations and India's Neighbourhood First Policy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"The constitutional status of State Election Commissions (SECs) has not translated into real functional independence. Discuss the impact of this institutional weakness on the functioning of local self-governments in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Explain the concept of 'cohabitation' in the French semi-presidential system. Analyse why India's parliamentary system structurally prevents such an arrangement. What lessons, if any, can India draw from the French experience? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"\"Absence of timelines for granting assent under Article 200 enables constitutional subversion.\" Do you agree? Justify your answer. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Evaluate the role of the Legal Services Authority in ensuring equal access to legal aid for underprivileged sections of society. What are the key reforms required to enhance its effectiveness? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"While the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is often seen as the conscience-keeper of Parliament, it faces structural and political constraints. Critically assess the committee's effectiveness in ensuring transparency and accountability in public financial management. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Digital health is not just a technological solution but a governance imperative.\" In light of India's initiatives like Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) and CoWIN, examine how digital infrastructure can strengthen universal health coverage. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Does the lateral entry reform in civil services strike the right balance between efficiency and accountability? Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Informal pressure groups often act as early warning systems in democratic societies. Assess their role in safeguarding public interest. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"The India-Russia relationship is rooted in Cold War solidarity but faces strategic inertia in a fast-changing multipolar world. Examine whether this bilateral relationship needs a pragmatic reset. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"The evolving \"Great Game\" in the Arctic has opened new frontiers of strategic competition. Discuss its implications for India's energy security, scientific diplomacy, and multilateral engagement. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7240,"topper":"Shiksha Pathak","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/SHIKSHA_PATHAK_SS_GS_4_AIR_453_2025_2c4a971348.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"\"Moral principles are often challenged by evolving technological and societal changes. How should ethical decision-makers adapt to new realities while ensuring justice and integrity?\" (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The family is often the first school of values, but it may also become a breeding ground for biases, stereotypes and hierarchical attitudes. Critically evaluate the dual role of family in value inculcation in a society. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Some argue that promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) may come at the cost of meritocracy and objectivity. How can public institutions balance these ethical considerations? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What does the quote mean to you? (a) \"Glory lies in the attempt to reach one's goal and not in reaching it.\"-Gandhi. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"\"No man should tolerate injustice, whether it be against himself or against another.\" - Jyotiba Phule (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"How does the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 seek to restore the ethical and holistic purpose of education beyond mere employability? Reflect on the ethical significance of this shift. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Punitive vigilance deters corruption, preventive vigilance reduces opportunities for corruption while participative vigilance fosters a culture of transparency and accountability, eliminating the root cause of corruption. Critically examine this statement with relevant examples (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"The separation of private and public ethics is not only difficult but may also be counterproductive.\" Do you agree with this view? Justify your stance with logical arguments and examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Ethical competence is as essential as technical competence in public service. Examine the statement with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"A well-developed conscience is the foundation of ethical governance.\" Discuss with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Is it ethically defensible to pursue global prestige through space missions while everyday injustices like hunger or women's safety remain unresolved? Discuss the role of ethical governance in managing such trade-offs. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":31,"question":"Priya, an assistant accounts manager at a city-based private educational trust that runs several low-fee schools for underprivileged children, has always been known for her integrity and diligence. One day, she learns that her close colleague and friend, Arjun, a sincere employee and a widower struggling to raise his two young daughters alone, has been facing a harrowing situation. Arjun's younger child was diagnosed with a severe brain condition requiring urgent surgery costing nearly Rs. 70 lakh. With no health insurance, little savings, and no family support to fall back on, Arjun was on the verge of losing hope. Priya wanted to help, but her own financial situation, with elderly dependent parents and modest savings, left her helpless and burdened with guilt for not being able to stand by her friend in his time of dire need. A few weeks later, when Priya visits Arjun to check on his situation, she is relieved to see his child recovering well. In a quiet conversation, Arjun reveals that their senior administrator, Mr. Kulkarni, known for his kind but discreet ways, had quietly arranged Rs. 70 lakh from an old scholarship fund that had been lying unused for years. He did so on the condition that Arjun would repay the sum slowly through deductions from his salary, without anyone else finding out. Grateful but uneasy, Arjun confides that Mr. Kulkarni has helped other staff members in similar personal emergencies in the past, using small dormant funds without formal approvals, to prevent suffering and distress among the staff who often have no safety net. A few days later, while finalizing quarterly accounts, Priya overhears a conversation in the accounts office that an external audit of all scholarship and welfare funds is scheduled for next month. She realizes that this means the unauthorized diversions might come to light. Priya deeply sympathizes with Arjun's situation and admires Mr. Kulkarni's humane intentions, but she also knows that misusing designated funds, however noble the cause, violates trust, policy, and legal norms. If discovered, it could lead to severe consequences for Mr. Kulkarni, jeopardize the trust's reputation, and even risk the schools' funding. (a) Identify the key ethical dilemmas faced by Priya in this situation. (b) Discuss the ethical dimensions of Mr. Kulkarni's actions. Do you think his conduct can be justified? Give reasons for your answer. (b) What are the options available to Priya at this point? Analyze the merits and demerits of each option. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Rajesh is a dedicated and upright IAS officer who has recently been posted as the Commissioner of a major city's Municipal Corporation after serving diligently in various assignments for over a decade. This is his fifth transfer in four years, mostly due to his refusal to bend rules for influential people. His colleagues admire his integrity, discipline, and commitment to public service. The mayor of the city, a senior leader of the ruling party, holds significant power over the corporation's functioning. Rajesh soon learns about several dubious tenders and large-scale irregularities in awarding contracts for the city's solid waste management project. He notices that payments have been hastily cleared to companies with questionable credentials, despite glaring deficiencies in their work. One day, a senior councillor belonging to a rival political party approaches Rajesh and shares a set of audio recordings and internal emails that purportedly show the mayor asking for kickbacks from contractors in exchange for lucrative garbage collection contracts. Rajesh also recalls the same contractors' payments being pushed through under the mayor's orders, bypassing due process. When Rajesh asks the Councillor why he doesn't bring this evidence to the media or the anti-corruption bureau himself, the Councillor shrugs it off, hinting that his hands are tied politically but Rajesh can \"earn a hero's image\" by blowing the whistle. He subtly promises that if his party comes to power in the upcoming municipal elections, Rajesh's loyalty will be rewarded with an important posting and career security. Meanwhile, local media has started sniffing around the irregularities, and Rajesh's silence could make him appear complicit. His own staff is divided; some urge him to maintain the status quo for personal safety, while a few junior officers privately want him to act boldly and clean up the system. Adding to his dilemma, Rajesh's elderly parents are dependent on him, and another sudden transfer could make their care difficult. (a) Identify the key ethical dilemmas faced by Rajesh in this situation. (b) What are the options available to Rajesh to deal with the situation? Evaluate each option with its merits and demerits. (c) In the context of this case, discuss the ethical challenges of whistleblowing for public servants in India. (d) What institutional reforms can strengthen ethical conduct and protect honest officers? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"After an unexpected breach in a major dam upstream, the district of Neelgram has been hit by sudden flooding, which not only damaged standing crops but also contaminated most local water sources with silt and debris. Ananya, a young Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) recently transferred to Neelgram, has ordered emergency measures to ration and purify the remaining potable water and clamp down on illegal extraction of groundwater to ensure enough safe water for drinking and health camps. However, when her enforcement teams start sealing unauthorized borewells on farmland to prevent further depletion, a large group of distressed farmers storms her office, accusing her of double standards for ignoring the big bottled water companies and luxury housing societies on the town's outskirts that continue tapping deep aquifers around the clock under old permits allegedly renewed through bribes. The farmers claim they are being pushed to ruin just to keep swimming pools full and bottled water businesses profitable. Meanwhile, local hotels warn that shutting their supply will lead to layoffs of hundreds of daily-wage workers already reeling from the flood damage. Political leaders privately pressurize Ananya to avoid any action that might anger influential industrialists and real estate developers. To complicate further, she discovers some lower-rung officials have been pocketing hush money to overlook illegal borewells. With rural families queuing up for clean water tankers and local schools forced to close due to unsafe drinking water, Ananya must now grapple with the ethical dilemma of conserving critical water reserves, enforcing rules impartially, protecting poor farmers' livelihoods, resisting powerful vested interests, ensuring continued employment for daily-wage workers, and upholding public trust in the administration during a fragile recovery phase. (a) Identify and discuss the major ethical dilemmas faced by Ananya. (b) Briefly describe major laws or policies enacted by the Government of India to ensure sustainable water management. (c) Suggest a balanced course of action that Ananya can adopt to ensure equitable water distribution, prevent misuse of groundwater, protect vulnerable livelihoods, and restore public trust. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":7241,"topper":"Shiksha Pathak","air":453,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://academy.forumias.com/optional-test-series/slider%20Image/shiksha.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7242,"topper":"Shilpa Chauhan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1b303-1003945_3128_shilpa_chauhan_rank_188.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"The world must learn to work together, or finally it will not work at all.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Technology, like art, is a soaring exercise of the human imagination.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"We've begun to raise daughters more like sons, but few have the courage to raise our sons more like daughters.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"People's will cannot make injustice justice.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"People's will cannot make injustice justice. 5. It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7243,"topper":"Shilpa Chauhan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/74415-1003945_2930_shilpa_chauhan_rank_188.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How is the rapid growth of the food processing industry leading to food safety challenges in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Under the Public Distribution System of India, the Fair Price Shop (FPS) transformation is an evolving process. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"How are agri-tech startups in India helping farmers in enhancing farm productivity and market access? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the role of digitization of land records in the effective implementation of land reforms in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"To fully exploit its demographic dividend and accelerate economic growth, India needs to adopt a manufacturing-led growth model. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can the resilience of Indian coastal communities be strengthened to tackle the growing natural hazards resulting from climate change? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How does the Green Credit Programme extend beyond carbon management to promote a more sustainable environment in India? What are the various concerns about its implementation? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What are the issues faced in the development of trade and industries in the North-Eastern Region (NER) of India? Comment on the measures that have been taken to tackle these issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the era of climate change and growing water scarcity, how can micro-irrigation systems contribute to sustainable agricultural practices in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What strategies can be adopted to overcome the issues pertaining to freight transportation in the Indian Railways and increase its share in the domestic freight? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the factors that have aided India in making impressive strides in the renewable energy sector and establishing itself as a frontrunner in the global renewable energy transition. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"How does agricultural runoff containing fertilizers and pesticides contribute to environmental pollution? What measures can be taken to mitigate the impact of agricultural runoff? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The growing influx of tourists in Himalayan states has breached their ecological carrying capacity, leading to significant man-made disasters. What measures can be implemented to prevent such disasters while promoting sustainable tourism? Discuss with relevant examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"How do superconductors fuel innovation in diverse fields of science and technology? Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"While India has laws covering almost all types of intellectual property rights, numerous enforcement, regulatory and administrative challenges hamper the commercialisation of IPRs in India. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Keeping in view the challenges in creating integrated theatre commands, examine how the theaterisation of commands can lead to greater integration and rationalisation of manpower and resources among the three services. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Treating border villages as first villages not just geographically but also in facilities can be a key strategy for enhancing border security. Discuss. Also, highlight the measures being taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7244,"topper":"Shilpa Chauhan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3e325-1003945_2929_shilpa_chauhan_rank_188.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Expression of dissent is central to the functioning of the Parliament. In light of this, discuss the role of the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in India's parliamentary system. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"How can the integration of technology into judicial processes enhance accessibility, capability, and efficiency in justice delivery? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Supreme Court of India has upheld unique asymmetry in India's federalism by intricately balancing centralized authority and regional autonomy. Discuss with the help of relevant case laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Evaluate the effectiveness of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes in safeguarding the interests of the Scheduled Castes in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Executive accountability to the legislature through Parliamentary Committees has been the hallmark of the Indian political system. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can India make Citizens' Charter a powerful tool for improving governance and empowering citizens? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How do corporate donors aid NGOs in facilitating holistic development in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite its merits, should the POCSO Act be revisited to correct the existing inadequacies? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"China's acquisition of strategic ports globally has significant implications for international trade routes and economic relations. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"What are the main functions of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)? How will its recent treaty on intellectual property, genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge benefit India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) plays a crucial role in combating corruption, its functioning is often criticized for being partisan and acting against the federal spirit. Discuss with the help of suitable examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Governors in India often overstep their constitutional role and fail to act effectively when needed. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Both India and the USA adhere to democratic principles but their electoral systems exhibit significant differences. What are the key differences in electoral practices between the two countries? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"How far do you agree with the view that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has met its objective of ensuring environmental justice in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Though Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) have become a platform for competitive politics, they have not emerged as an agency of planning and service delivery. Why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by interoperability in e-governance? What steps have been taken by the government to ensure interoperability and integration of various e-governance systems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"When it comes to sexual and reproductive health of women in India, rights-based discourse has largely been bypassed not just by the societal norms but also by the legal norms. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"How effective has India been in enhancing immunization coverage over the years? What challenges continue to affect immunization efforts in the country? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India used its Presidency of the G20 to bring the voice of the Global South to the centre stage. Discuss with special reference to Africa. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"India's relationship with the UAE has witnessed a remarkable expansion across various domains in the last decade. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7245,"topper":"Shilpa Chauhan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/08051-1003945_2928_shilpa_chauhan_rank_188.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How does tribal art provide valuable insights into the cultural perspectives and values of Indian tribal communities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What are the key factors that accelerated decolonization post-World War II? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How does human encroachment impact water bodies in urban areas? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How do physical geographical features influence the development and operation of transportation systems? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How are ocean trenches formed? Describe the significant characteristics of these oceanic relief formations. (Answer in 150words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Identify the reasons behind increasing number of extreme rainfall events throughout India in recent times. Assess their socio-economic impact. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"India is expected to have the largest working-age population in the world by 2030 and it cannot afford low participation of women in the workforce anymore. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Do you agree that there has been a progressive secularization of caste in India? Support your view with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Why is inequality increasing in India despite the fall in overall poverty? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"How did the competitive and hostile dynamic between Brahminism and Buddhism over funding, followers, and ideology mark the decline of Buddhism? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"European travellers' accounts in the medieval period have played an important role in shaping our understanding of the empires and people of that period in India. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The British victory in the Battle of Plassey in 1757 not just changed the course of Indian history but also that of the world. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Why was it more difficult to rehabilitate refugees in West Bengal as compared to Punjab after partition? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss the economic and social costs associated with the transition from coal to green energy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Explain the process of formation of volcanic calderas. How do they contribute to the scenic beauty of the region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the reasons behind the increased frequency and intensity of heat waves globally? How will it impact global food security? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India's approach to secularism does not merely challenge inter-religious domination but intra-religious domination as well. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Do you agree with the view that Indian cities are turning into landscapes of stark inequality and social exclusion? What steps can be taken to make urban areas more egalitarian in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7246,"topper":"Shilpa Chauhan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9b7cc-1003945_2931_shilpa_chauhan_rank_188.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The end cannot justify the means, for the simple and obvious reason that the means employed determine the nature of the ends produced. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss how the relationship between law and ethics is dynamic and continuously shaped by societal changes. Provide examples to illustrate this dynamic relationship. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Differentiate between probity and integrity with suitable examples. How do these values contribute to ethical governance and decision-making in the civil services? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the ethical implications of withholding information in public administration. How can transparency enhance accountability and reduce corruption in government institutions? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What factors lead to a positive attitude in a person? How does positive attitude enhance the effectiveness of civil servants in performing their duties? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss how emotional intelligence can influence ethical decision-making in the allocation of scarce public resources. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Various international humanitarian organizations provide emergency aid in conflict zones around the world. Highlight the ethical challenges faced by such organizations. What are the principles that guide international humanitarian work? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Why is persuasion regarded as an important skill for civil servants? What are the key considerations that should guide persuasion in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"What role can ethical leadership play in curbing corruption, especially in public service? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"What were the major teachings of Swami Dayanand Saraswati? Explain their relevance in addressing the current ethical and social challenges in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":38,"question":"Jay, a civil servant, was appointed as the Commissioner in the state's Education Department a year ago. In his initial months, he implemented several policies and programmes that were transforming the Education Ministry's operations, gaining a good reputation that could potentially benefit the concerned minister in the upcoming elections. However, Jay now faces a significant challenge. As part of his responsibilities, he must approve the recruitment of new teachers for government schools. He has received a list of 120 candidates recommended for vacant posts, but suspects the recruitment process was unfair. Jay had also received several complaints claiming that the process had not been meritocratic. Upon review, Jay discovers evidence suggesting that many names on the list are the result of political patronage - a prevalent issue in the state where politicians use recruitment to gain political support. Jay believes the Education Minister is engaging in this practice as the election season approaches. This situation reminds Jay of a past incident when, as a junior officer, he refused to entertain an unnecessary procurement request. Consequently, he was transferred within a week, and he and his family faced frivolous anti-corruption complaints as retaliation. His successor approved the procurement at even higher rates. Jay is now concerned that blocking the current recruitment could lead to similar consequences. Moreover, he fears that the projects he personally initiated in the Education Ministry might be abandoned if he takes a stand against this unfair recruitment process. (a) What are the options available to Jay as the Commissioner of the Education Department? Evaluate each of these options. (b) What option should Jay adopt and why? (c) How can civil servants like Jay be better protected when they attempt to uphold ethical standards in their work? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"What are the options available to Jay as the Commissioner of the Education Department? Evaluate each of these options. (b) What option should Jay adopt and why? (c) How can civil servants like Jay be better protected when they attempt to uphold ethical standards in their work? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"As the District Magistrate of X city, you are responsible for overseeing the construction of a new metro depot in an urban forest area, which is a critical infrastructure project aimed at improving public transportation and reducing traffic congestion and air pollution. The project, however, requires the clearance of a substantial portion of the forest, which has triggered strong opposition from environmental activists, local residents, and NGOs. This forest is widely regarded as essential for the city's ecological balance, often referred to as the city's \"lungs.\" In addition to the environmental concerns, you are under considerable pressure from politicians at the state-level to expedite the project, given the upcoming elections in two years. The political leadership emphasizes the benefits of the metro project for the city's development and its potential to garner electoral support. The project is expected to significantly reduce travel time for thousands of commuters and potentially decrease overall vehicle emissions in the city. However, it would also lead to the loss of thousands of trees and disrupt local ecosystems. As you prepare to make a decision, you are aware that your choice will have far-reaching consequences for both the city's development and its environment. (a) Identify the ethical dilemmas involved in the above case. (b) Evaluate the options available to you in the above situation. Which of these would you choose and why? (c) Suggest some measures that could be implemented to balance urban development needs with environmental conservation in future projects. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Dr. Mehra is a senior drug developer at a leading pharmaceutical company in India, renowned for producing various medications, including lifesaving drugs critical for treating chronic and rare diseases. Since its inception, the company has emphasized the quality and affordability of its drugs. Recently, under revised government guidelines, pharmaceutical companies are required to market a finished product only after obtaining \"satisfactory results\" from tests on the ingredients. Additionally, they must retain a sufficient quantity of samples of both intermediate and final products to allow repeated testing or verification of a batch. Dr. Mehra's team is in the final stages of developing a new medication for a rare but life-threatening disease. This drug has shown promising results in clinical trials. However, there have been unresolved concerns about the long-term side effects of the drug, observed in a small percentage of trial subjects. Despite this, the company has not released any major drug in the past decade, leading to significant pressure from the board members to expedite the drug's release. (a) Identify the stakeholders in the above case study. (b) Discuss the ethical issues faced by Dr. Mehra. (c) Analyse the options available to Dr. Mehra in the above case. Which of these would you choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"You have been appointed as the Under Secretary in the State Urban Development Department. The Department has been tasked with a prestigious project aimed at revitalizing the infrastructure of a city with deep historical significance. This project, which you are extremely passionate about, involves modernizing public transportation, restoring heritage buildings, and creating green spaces while preserving the city's cultural essence. Excited by the opportunity, you spent weeks researching and drafting a comprehensive proposal. Your plan included innovative ideas for sustainable development, community engagement, and leveraging technology for urban planning. You presented these initial plans in a departmental meeting, hoping to inspire your colleagues and kickstart the project. However, your enthusiasm was met with indifference. Your colleagues showed little interest, failing to contribute ideas or efforts towards the project. Concerned, you reported this lack of enthusiasm to your immediate superior, who is also the authority for this project. To your dismay, Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) How does the above-mentioned work culture affect workplace morale and productivity? (c) What are the options available to you and how would you address the situation? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":58,"question":"Arun, renowned for his integrity and dedication, has recently assumed the role of Superintendent at a state Pollution Control Board. This posting, his fourth in just one year, includes the responsibility of overseeing Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs). In his new position, Arun becomes aware of a copper smelting plant situated near a crucial wetland that serves as the primary water source for the region. Despite the plant's notorious reputation for heavy pollution, the current EIA, presented to Arun by the Chairperson, indicates no significant impact on the wetland. The next assessment is not scheduled for another two years. One day, Arun receives a letter from a politician affiliated with the opposition party. The letter contains evidence suggesting that the current EIA results are based on falsified lab reports, allegedly approved by the Chairperson. The Chairperson is known to have close ties with the ruling party, which has been receiving substantial donations from the plant's operators. The opposition politician urges Arun to expose the Chairperson from within the department, arguing that this approach could effectively pressurize the government to conduct a new EIA. He promises Arun significant rewards and support once their party comes to power, an outcome suggested by recent opinion polls. While the evidence presented is compelling, Arun remains cautious about the possibility of being exploited as a political pawn. He is acutely aware of the potential consequences of his actions, both for his career and for the environment. (a) In light of the above case, discuss the ethical issues that may arise from the nexus between corporate, political, and bureaucratic interests. (b) As a conscientious civil servant, evaluate the options available to Arun. Which option should he choose and why?(Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":59,"question":"In light of the above case, discuss the ethical issues that may arise from the nexus between corporate, political, and bureaucratic interests. (b) As a conscientious civil servant, evaluate the options available to Arun. Which option should he choose and why?(Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7247,"topper":"Shilpa Chauhan","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/SHILPA-CHAUHAN-UPSC-2024-Rank-188-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the role of the 'Fourth Estate' in upholding democratic values and analyse the issues affecting press freedom in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The electoral process, though inclusionary in theory, has been pointed out for exclusionary tendencies in practice. Analyse, with special emphasis on role of women in India's representative electoral system. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Assess the effectiveness of Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 in resolution of river-water disputes. Also describe the potential impact of delays in resolution of water disputes. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the significance of the cooperative model of development in addressing the issues of rural growth. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"In order to pass the ultimate test of good governance, welfare state should be close to the people, responsive to their aspirations, and inclusive in its approach. Discuss with special reference to PM PVTG Development Mission. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"To what extent collaboration between the state and civil society organizations (CSOs) help in addressing poverty and malnutrition in the country? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Absence of a robust social infrastructure in the country may become one of the most significant challenges in achieving a developed status by 2047. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Though the changing paradigm towards dialogue and diplomacy in West Asia augurs well for India's interests in this otherwise restive region, presence of inimical actors may reverse the gains. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Water diplomacy can redefine the contours of regional cooperation in South Asia. Discuss with special reference to Indus water treaty 1960. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Despite constitutional backing to the institutions of local governance, the idea of decentralisation has remained hostage to several structural bottlenecks. Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Independent judiciary, as envisaged by the constitution, provides the bedrock for a thriving polity; however, executive encroachment may erode its credibility and affect its efficacy. Evaluate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Executive agencies, working as the watchdog against impropriety, are vital to act against the corrupt; however, pandering to vested interests may have the effect of turning the idea of rule of law on its head. Comment, with special reference to controversies associated with the Enforcement Directorate (ED). (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Critically analyse the role of National Commission for Women (NCW) in wake of its mandate to safeguard women's rights and uphold their socio-economic wellbeing. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Understanding the extent, source, and complexity of deprivations among the multidimensionally poor contributes to more informed policymaking. In this context, analyze the latest National Multidimensional Poverty Index Report by NITI Aayog. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Safely managed drinking water services, as desired by Jal Jeevan Mission, are designated to give multifarious benefits cutting across generations. Discuss. Also, elaborate upon the challenges in ensuring the mission's success. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Legislation like Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989 remains mere legal documents without intense sensitization of public functionaries and the civil society. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Harbinger of global rebalancing, India-Africa ties are a beacon of inclusive, sustainable, and equitable world. Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How do ASEAN centrality, rules-based order, and development partnership with Pacific Island states make Indo-Pacific a theatre of opportunity for India? What are the hurdles in realisation of an inclusive Indo-Pacific construct? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7248,"topper":"Shinde Rameshwar Mahadu","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/SHINDE_RAMESHWAR_MAHADU_SS_GS_1_AIR_705_2025_f733216d4a.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"The evolution of temple architecture in India illustrates the synthesis of art, religion and polity. Illustrate with suitable examples from South India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The rise and development of the new religious ideas in the 6th B.C. India have brought significant changes to contemporary social life. Do you agree? Justify using examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Under colonialism India's traditional economic structure was reoriented to fit into the economic needs of industrial Britain. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are Western disturbances? Explain their role in influencing the weather patterns of northern India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discuss the non-conventional energy potential of peninsular India with relevant examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Why are most of India's iron and steel plants concentrated in the eastern and central parts of the country? Illustrate with examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"In contemporary India, marriage is increasingly perceived as a personal choice rather than a societal obligation. Enumerate the socio-economic forces behind this transformation and assess its potential impact on family structure. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Analyse to what extent does regionalism contributes to the deepening of decentralization in India? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the potential socio-political implications of implementing a nationwide caste census. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The Lucknow Pact of 1916 was both a high point of Hindu-Muslim unity and a harbinger of future communal divisions. Comment (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"While the Bhakti and Sufi movements emerged from different religious milieus, their convergence lay in the realm of devotion and dissent.\" Examine the socio-religious significance of their interaction in medieval India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Contrast the approaches of Sardar Patel and Jawaharlal Nehru in handling princely states and regional integration. How did their differing visions shape the evolution of the Indian Union? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"The American Civil War was not just a political conflict, but a clash of two divergent economic systems. Substantiate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"What are marine heatwaves? Examine the causes of the increasing frequency of marine heatwaves. How do they influence the onset of the summer monsoon in India? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Assess the effectiveness of tribal development programmes in India. Why do tribal areas continue to experience developmental setbacks, and what are the challenges? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"\"As the world's water towers melt, the risk of water stress increases.\" Discuss how the Himalayan glaciers' retreat could redefine freshwater availability and regional hydropolitics in South Asia. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Despite increasing participation of women in the professional workforce, their presence in top leadership remains minimal. Examine the interplay of societal norms and workplace structures in perpetuating this gender gap. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"The phenomenon of \"livability atrophy\" in Indian cities reflects the widening gap between urban expansion and quality of life. Examine the causes and consequences of this trend, and suggest measures to make urban growth more humane and sustainable. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Define transnationalism and examine the factors that have led to the increasing global interconnectedness of diaspora communities. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Communalism in India, rooted in historical legacies and socio-economic inequalities, continues to undermine social cohesion and national integration. Discuss with examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7249,"topper":"Shinde Rameshwar Mahadu","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/SHINDE_RAMESHWAR_MAHADU_SS_GS_2_TEST_2_AIR_705_2025_31e1cbc295.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"'Constitutional morality is not a natural sentiment in India but has to be cultivated. Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer with relevant examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Supreme Court's recent invocation of Article 142 to confer 'deemed assent' to state bills raises critical questions about the separation of powers. Critically examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The impartiality of the Speaker of Lok Sabha is central to the integrity of the legislative process. Explain with relevant examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"How does the Sixth Schedule balance tribal autonomy with national integration? Evaluate its success and limitations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Explain how Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, while aiming to safeguard privacy, risks weakening the transparency framework established by the Right to Information Act, 2005. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms offer a viable solution to India's overburdened judiciary. Enumerate the types of ADR mechanisms in India and analyze their advantages over conventional litigation. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Examine how Community-based financial institutions promote responsive governance and address structural inequalities, especially for marginalized women. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Despite their intended purpose, Citizen's Charters in India have fallen short in transforming administration into a citizen-centric service system. Do you agree? Justify your answer. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Mauritius remains the 'Star and Key' to the Indian Ocean for India. Analyze the geopolitical significance of Mauritius in India's Indian Ocean strategy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Discuss the constitutional and statutory provisions governing the disqualification of Members of Parliament in India. How effective are they in upholding the integrity of the legislature? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"India's fiscal federalism is heavily vertical, transactional, and tax-centric. In light of this, critically examine the case for institutionalizing \"resource federalism\" to ensure more equitable and autonomous state-level economic development. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"While India has a structured but rarely used process for the removal of judges, the UK emphasizes ministerial responsibility and in house mechanisms. Compare and evaluate these approaches in maintaining judicial accountability. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Despite being part of the Directive Principles, the Uniform Civil Code remains unrealised at the national level. Examine the factors behind the delay and suggest potential measure for its national implementation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Judicial recognition of intra-caste inequality within Scheduled Castes opens new debates in affirmative action policies. Examine the challenges and opportunities this poses for social justice in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"AI-driven education can play a transformative role in achieving the goals of New Education Policy 2020. Discuss the opportunities and challenges in integrating Artificial Intelligence into India's education system. What safeguards are needed to ensure its safe deployment? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Discuss the role of targeted welfare schemes for nomadic communities in achieving inclusive development. What are the implementation bottlenecks and how can they be resolved? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"\"Cultural diplomacy through diaspora outreach has emerged as a soft power tool in India's global engagement strategy.\" Evaluate the strengths and limitations of diaspora-led cultural diplomacy in advancing India's national interest. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"How have the growing tensions between the U.S., Israel, and Iran affected regional stability in West Asia? In this context, evaluate the key considerations for India's foreign policy to safeguard its interests in West Asia. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"With overlapping geographical and strategic interests, ASEAN-BIMSTEC cooperation can enhance Indo-Pacific connectivity and resilience. Analyze the institutional, political, and external challenges that impede this collaboration. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7250,"topper":"Shinde Rameshwar Mahadu","air":705,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/RAMESWAR_SHINDE_SS_GS_4_AIR_705_2025_b5760c48b2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7251,"topper":"Shishir Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TIn6iiVTCpmY2c7zoRP3-JD-8O4lia3N/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What is virtue ethics? How can a civil servant apply it to tackle day to day problems in public life? (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Compare and contrast Ethical egoism and Ethical Altruism. Substantiate your answer with relevant examples. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"To be effective, leaders must have a comprehensive understanding of how their emotions and actions affect the people around them. Justify. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by the empathy? Is it always in congruence with rationality and objectivity? Examine. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"You don't teach morals, ethics, empathy and kindness in the schools. You teach that at home, children learn by example. Discuss the statement with suitable examples. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Critically analyse whether it makes a case for privatization of public undertakings? (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"A man must become dependent in order to become independent.\" Discuss in the context of personal morality. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":7252,"topper":"Shishir Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mylc3wrWxmF1gqss7qUMC8h1Ua58hvDE/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"\"The recent judgement of the Supreme Court on Section 377 of IPC presented a new vision of equality that is truer and more faithful to the Constitution's transformative character.\" Comment. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"\"Gender justice, as a value, seems to have become vulnerable to pragmatic politics.\" In light of the recent controversy, critically evaluate the statement. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Special provisions given to various states and region in our constitution signifies the principle of federalism which is unique to India. Discuss. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Reservations has become a mere tool for employment generation and power-sharing rather than a means of social justice as envisaged in the Constitution. Discuss with reference to reservation policy in India. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Do you agree that exposure to media especially social media has affected voting behaviour and political preferences in India? (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"[ \"Q.6) A special emphasis has been given to the private sector in the major health programs in India. Examine the role of the private sector in achieving the goal of a healthy India. What are the steps taken by the government in this regard? (10 Marks, 150 Words)\"]","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Shanghai Cooperation Organisation with China and Russia as dominant powers have different views on defining terrorism, views about India - Pakistan bilateral issue and engagement with western countries. In this context, discuss how India can use SCO as an effective platform to address her needs. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":7253,"topper":"Shishir Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YHqq5wEa2tdaK7Kv0EvnUwugU3dbDb-M/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The Anti-Defection law is against the principles of representative democracy and needs to be reformed. Evaluate. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Do you agree that democracy and development do not go hand in hand? Substantiate your answer with relevant examples. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Political theatre, similar to \"surgical strikes\" are more important and effective response to Pakistan asymmetrical warfare. Discuss. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Local self-governance in India is suffering from \"AID CURSE\". Examine. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Explain the concept of charter city. How it can help in tackling the problem of over-urbanization. Also highlight the challenges associated with it. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discuss with examples of how open data can improve transparency and accountability in governance? (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"India's stand towards Afghan Peace process has no takers among the Quad Grouping. Elaborate. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Strength of a democracy can be judged, not by the strength of the government, but by the strength of the opposition. Elaborate. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"For maintaining social stability and public tranquility, governance has to go beyond the daily dose of crisis management and administration has to rise above merely a \"holding the fort\". Elaborate. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":7254,"topper":"Shishir Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/14AuumacHTraZ2YpVmYKXvnS5mNQ3_CWt/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"India needs an effective minimum wage policy that targets the vulnerable bottom rung of wage earners to help in driving up aggregate demand and building and strengthening the middle class, and thus spur a phase of sustainable and inclusive growth. Discuss. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Improved efficiency of livestock, with its various commodities and service products, is crucial to achieving sustainable agricultural development and food security. Discuss. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The Make in India, stuck in the judicious mix of economic prudence and administrative reforms, is yet to take off. Analyse. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss the 10-point vision presented in Union Budget 2019 - 20. Why it is important for Ease of living? (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"\"India needs a clear intellectual property rights regulation to attract foreign investment.\" Discuss. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The anti-satellite mission has put India in a minimum league of nation that possesses the technique. Explain anti-satellite technology and India's Mission Shakti test. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Blockchain is a global, shared, incorruptible and hence trusted ledger of economic transactions. Elaborate in context of its application in governance. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"India has moved ahead from disaster mitigation to risk reduction in disaster management. Analyze . (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"There is an urgent need for climate-smart agriculture due to global environment and climate change situation. Comment. Also, discuss how climate-smart agriculture can be made affordable to farmers in India. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":7255,"topper":"Shivakshi Dixit","air":64,"year":2020,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/99ec8-759932_1460_shivakshi-dixit_rank_64.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7256,"topper":"Shivakshi Dixit","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c557a-759932_1699_shivakshi-dixit_rank_64.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The practice of passing of bills without the scrutiny by the parliamentary standing committees undermines their significance and sets a wrong precedent. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The right to recall is a much-needed step to deepen democracy in India. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Is anti-defection law a restriction on the freedom of choice of legislators? Examine and also highlight the role played by the Speaker in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Inter-state river water disputes have been among the most pressing issues faced by the Indian federal system. In this context, examine the potential of the Inter-State River Water Disputes (Amendment) Bill, 2019 in addressing the issues involved. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The expressions 'equality before the law' and 'equal protection of laws' may seem to be identical, but, in fact, they mean different things. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Idea of the Civil Services Board has been widely hailed as a key reform, however it is not without its own limitation. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"It is argued that the introduction of compulsory voting in India can strengthen its democratic credentials. Critically analyze. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Setting up of an Open Government Data (OGD) Platform can potentially prove to be a game-changer for transparency and accountability. Analyse. Also discuss the challenges that remain in translating this potential into reality. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"There have been concerns related to foreign funding to NGOs in India. In this context, examine the current framework regulating the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Social audit not only increases accountability and transparency but also facilitates good governance. Discuss. Also, highlight the impediments faced in institutionalizing social audits in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlight the Quasi-Judicial and Advisory functions of the Election Commission of India. Do you think the powers of the Election Commission need a relook in context of the challenges it has faced in recent years? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Increase in the number of judges at the Supreme Court is a welcome step, nonetheless efficient functioning of the judiciary requires broader reforms at all levels of judicial hierarchy. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Federal tensions in India highlight the need for reforming the Seventh Schedule through the addition, removal and appropriate placement of entries. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What do you understand by doctrine of eminent domain? How can it be applied to understand the evolution of right to property under the Indian constitution? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Explain the structure and function of the National Commission for Backward Classes. What is the significance of recent changes made in its status? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss each adjective attached to the word 'Justice' in the 'Preamble'. Highlight some constitutional and legal steps taken towards each of them in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What are the challenges in conducting free and fair elections in the era of proliferation of social media? In this context, identifying the steps taken by the ECI, suggest further measures. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Explain how the linkage between banks, NGOs and SHGs helps in facilitating access to microfinance and contributes to the development of rural areas. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Identify the different issues associated with the design and implementation of MGNREGA. What reforms have been taken in recent times to address the above-identified issues? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"A sound legal framework, robust institutional mechanism for establishing rule of law, competent and dedicated workforce and decentralization and delegation are some of the necessary preconditions for good governance. Elaborate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7257,"topper":"Shivakshi Dixit","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9cc27-759932_1523_shivakshi-dixit_rank_64.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Enumerate the issues associated with functioning of the Central Information Commission. How can these issues be addressed? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"In India, Governor's discretionary powers are wider than those of the President. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the objectives that were sought to be achieved through tribunals. How successful have they been in meeting them? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Instead of the government regulating Over-the-top (OTT) platforms, there have been calls for a self-regulating mechanism for such platforms, as in the case of print media. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Bring out the arguments surrounding the issue of some states reserving jobs for locals in the private sector. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Identifying the key elements of Mission Karmayogi, briefly explain how it can lead to holistic development of the human resources and state's capacity. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlighting the role played by ASHA workers in public health system of India, discuss the challenges faced by them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"While internationalisation of higher education has many potential benefits for India, certain challenges will need to be addressed in this regard. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"India needs to adopt a more pragmatic stance in the context of the ongoing intra-Afghan talks. Discuss, in the light of India's engagement with Afghanistan. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In the geo-strategic context of West Asia, the recent efforts to normalise relations between Israel and UAE may open new possibilities for India. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"It is not only the content of election manifestos but also the past performance with respect to promises made in election manifestos that need to be regulated. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"In order to achieve a reduction in the pendency of cases and a return to the Supreme Court's original role as a final appellate court, setting up of a National Court of Appeal is the need of the hour. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The Constitution of India reflects an amalgamation of spirit of Indian freedom struggle and various administrative provisions of different acts of British rule in India. Explain. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7258,"topper":"Shivakshi Dixit","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7eb6a-759932_1705_shivakshi-dixit_rank_64.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"While the Right to Information Act is considered path breaking in promoting transparency and accountability, discuss why some argue that it has not been able to fully achieve its objectives. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":3,"question":"'The Citizens' Charter sees public services through the eyes of those who use them.' Discuss how emergence of citizens' charters have altered the concept of accountability and improved the delivery of public services. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"How can organizational culture impact public service motivation and sustain values in administration? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"It is imperative that civil servants have leadership skills to bring about meaningful change in the present day India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Digitization of service delivery and online public interface have the potential to transform governance in India. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Examine the role of media in promoting probity in governance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"A civil servant's conduct is expected to be a model of ethical behaviour. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Given the importance of inculcating emotional intelligence from an early age, discuss how schools can play a prominent role in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The utilisation of public funds in a democracy like India must be based on the principles of transparency, accountability and efficiency. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"A manufacturing company is located in a small town where it is not easy for people to find jobs otherwise. The company has stayed in the town even though it could find cheaper workers elsewhere, because workers are loyal to the company due to the jobs it provides. Over the years, the company has developed a reputation in the town for taking care of its employees and being a responsible corporate citizen, owing to its CSR activities. The manufacturing process used by the company produces a by-product that has been flowing into the town river for some time now. According to some media reports people living near the river have started reporting illnesses off late and there is also damage to aquatic life. People, however, have refused to come forward as their livelihood depends on the company. You being the Sustainability Officer of the company believe it to be your duty to report this to the higher management. You are of the opinion that this matter is associated with the prestige of the company and should be taken seriously. In the meanwhile the new CEO, who has just joined the company, has called you for briefing and understanding the local issues. On the basis of the above case, answer the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders in the case above. (b) What arguments would you put forth to the CEO to convince him to act on this matter?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"You come across a report in the newspaper wherein during the drive undertaken by a Municipality to demolish dilapidated buildings one of the government servants has been assaulted publicly by the local MLA. The MLA belongs to the ruling party in the state. The MLA has blamed the official for taking bribes to illegally demolish houses, which are in good condition in the pretext of the drive to demolish dilapidated buildings. The MLA has claimed that few families were living in the houses and that the demolition drive was at the behest of some vested interests to grab the land. (a) What are the issues involved in the case in your opinion? (b) What are the options available in your view with the relevant actors to redress their concerns?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7259,"topper":"Shivakshi Dixit","air":64,"year":2020,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/24756-759932_1525_shivakshi-dixit_rank_64.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7260,"topper":"SHIVAM","air":457,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/251/pttp221000_tc071-test-01-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7261,"topper":"SHIVAM","air":457,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/253/pttp221000_tc075-test-05-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7262,"topper":"SHIVAM","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/254/pttp221000_tc076-test-06-gs02.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"\"Interstate border disputes, if not promptly and impartially settled, can transform into persistent issues that impede development and generate friction\". Highlighting the constitutional and legal framework to resolve interstate disputes explain why Independent India has failed to resolve inter-state border disputes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Examine the role of the Inter-state Council in promoting vertical (Centre-State) and horizontal (Inter-State) Intergovernmental cooperation and coordination. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss the key function of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). What steps should be taken to revamp the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in order to enhance its effectiveness as a true guardian of public funds? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Recognizing the pivotal role of urbanization as a driver of national economic growth, the Fifteenth Finance Commission has suggested major reforms for Urban Local Bodies. Evaluate the recommendations put forward by the Fifteenth Finance Commission in promoting and revitalizing ULBs in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Highlight the key differences in the scope of Freedom of speech and expression as provided under Parliamentary privileges vis a vis Fundamental rights. Why is it necessary to maintain a balance between parliamentary privilege and fundamental rights? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Civil society organizations play a pivotal role in fostering \"collective private action for the public good\". What challenge do they face in local resource mobilization (LRM) and corporate funding through corporate social responsibility (CSR)? Also, suggest measures. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The first step to eradicating poverty is reliable poverty assessment for program design, implementation, and monitoring. In this context discuss the methodology and significance of NITI Aayog's National Multidimensional Poverty Index. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"In the context of India, despite the presence of constitutional provisions, legal precedents, and international commitments that establish a robust foundation for a right to health, why has there been a lack of explicit legal recognition of this right? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The collective strength of BRICS nations allows for meaningful cooperation on myriad issues, however, the platform's ability to influence the trajectory of bilateral relationships remains limited. Do you agree? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"In light of the recent demands to amend the Indus Waters Treaty discuss the possible implications it could have on the water-sharing mechanism between India and Pakistan. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"The doctrine of Parliamentary sovereignty and judicial supremacy has exerted considerable influence in shaping the constitutional frameworks of India and the USA. Citing relevant case laws discuss the role of the judiciary in influencing the constitutions in these countries. Is the scope of judicial review wider in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Delimitation of seats is essential to ensure fair representation and uphold the principles of 'one vote, one value'. Highlighting the challenges posed by misrepresentation in constituencies analyze the ramifications of population-based delimitation in creating federal tension. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Discuss the role of the Supreme Court of India in strengthening the hands of the Election Commission in the discharge of its constitutional responsibility of conducting free and fair elections in the country. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"The declining role of Parliament undermines the fundamental principle of separation of powers, as it diminishes the legislature's ability to serve as a check on the executive branch and ensure a balanced exercise of power.' Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Discuss the crucial role played by the National Commission of Women in shaping the discourse on gender-sensitive laws in India. To what extent the elevation of the National Commission for Women to a constitutional body would reinforce its authority? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"'Satisfactory and timely redressal of grievances is the cornerstone of 'minimum government, maximum governance.' In this context discuss the challenges associated with current grievance redress mechanisms and suggest measures to strengthen the process. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"'Corruption corrodes the fabric of governance, eroding the public's faith in democratic institutions.' Examine the potential for harmonizing the Right to Information (RTI) Act, the Whistleblower Protection Act (WBPA), and the Lokpal & Lokayukta Act, 2013, to enhance the effectiveness of the anticorruption regime. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Analyze the potential challenges and benefits involved in leveraging SHGs as platforms for skill development, entrepreneurship, and income generation among marginalized communities to effectively counter poverty. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"'India is uniquely positioned on the world map for its rich culture.' In this context discuss the role of culture, diaspora, and democracy as instruments of India's soft power diplomacy. To what extent India has been able to position itself as a 'smart power'? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The synergy of shared values and vibrant people-to-people connections between India and Australia creates a fertile ground for fostering long-lasting trade relations and strategic collaboration between the two nations Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7263,"topper":"SHIVAM","air":457,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/252/pttp221000_tc072-test-02-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7264,"topper":"SHIVAM","air":457,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/255/pttp221000_tc077-test-07-gs03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7265,"topper":"SHIVAM","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/256/pttp221000_tc078-test-08-gs04.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"The State took taxes from the people only to ensure their prosperity in return like the sun takes moisture from the earth only to give it back in thousandfold measure. Kalidasa. Explain the Indian concept of 'giving it back' and its relevance as a guiding value for civil servants. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Public service takes place in a bureaucratic structure with clear lines of authority, value standardization, and accountability mechanisms. Working within such a structure, what do you think are the influences that impact the public servant's ethical decision-making? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"What do you understand by the terms ethics and integrity? Do you think they are interrelated? Explain with examples the relationship between ethics and integrity in the context of public administration. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What do you understand by the terms ethical behavior and emotionally intelligent behavior? Identify the relevant emotional intelligence components that act as a reliable guide to ethical behavior. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"To achieve a good life duty is not sufficient; one needs to develop one's sympathetic feelings for others, and neither duty alone nor good will alone are sufficient to be moral. Do you agree with the above statement? Justify your position. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Can higher educational institutions be instrumental in promoting integrity education among youth to establish a public culture of integrity and a corruption-free political culture? If yes, how? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance. (a) The senses deceive from time to time, and it is prudent never to trust wholly those who have deceived us even once. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"As professionals, civil servants are career focused and are also self-interested. At the same time, their service ethos imposes an obligation to serve the public interest selflessly Is it possible for a civil servant to reconcile career and service obligation? Explain your position. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"While competence without compassion can be brutal and inhumane; similarly, compassion without competence can be meaningless for persons seeking help. Explain the above with the help of a suitable illustration in the context of public services. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Does the suffering of individuals in one part of the world generate moral demands of assistance on those foreigners who live far away from them? Are these moral demands of assistance justified? Can governments be held morally responsible for failing to help the international community in times of deprivation? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Civil Services ethics has everything to do with management. It is as much a Departmental as a personal issue. Leaders who fail to create systems that facilitate ethical conduct are equally to blame as much as those who indulge in ethical misconduct. Do you think the Departmental culture leads to ethical misconduct or is the individual with weak willpower culpable? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":7266,"topper":"SHIVAM","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/248/pttp221000_tc076-test-06-gs02.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Examine the role of the Interstate Council in promoting vertical (Centre-State) and horizontal (Int...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the key function of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). What steps should be taken to revam...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Recognizing the pivotal role of urbanization as a driver of national economic growth, the Fifteenth...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Highlight the key differences in the scope of Freedom of speech and expression as provided under Par...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"In light of the recent demands to amend the Indus Waters Treaty, discuss the possible implications i... Interstate border disputes, if not promptly and impartially settled, can transform into persistent ...","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7267,"topper":"SHIVAM","air":457,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/245/pttp221000_tc071-test-01-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7268,"topper":"SHIVAM","air":457,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/246/pttp221000_tc072-test-02-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7269,"topper":"SHIVAM","air":457,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/247/pttp221000_tc075-test-05-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7270,"topper":"SHIVAM","air":457,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/249/pttp221000_tc077-test-07-gs03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7271,"topper":"SHIVAM","air":457,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/250/pttp221000_tc078-test-08-gs04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7272,"topper":"SHIVAM AGARWAL","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ea253-1082039_2089_shivam_agarwal_rank_541.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"With the elephant being a vital part of the Buddhist faith, it was widely represented in its sculptures as well. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"India's war of independence was won by the efforts and sacrifices of different sections of the society. In this context, discuss the contributions made by tribal women in the national freedom struggle. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Bring out the key principles underlying Rabindranath Tagore's vision of nationalism during the Indian freedom struggle. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The combination of internal pulls coupled with external pressure as well as colonial resistance prompted the European powers to relinquish their claim over colonies. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Identifying the growth drivers of aquaculture in India, discuss the associated issues. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"While critical minerals are driving the clean energy transition, they bring new vulnerabilities with regard to energy security. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How does the theory of plate tectonics help in explaining the differences in the formation of the Himalayas and Andes mountains? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Critical issues surrounding the condition of groundwater in India need overarching solutions for a water-secure future. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"A large proportion of India's population is expected to live in cities by 2050. In this context, discuss the need for urban green spaces in creating inclusive, resilient, and sustainable cities in the country. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"India's secular approach has remained that of a 'principled distance' and not of 'equi-distance'. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"A major phase in temple architecture in India is associated with the Hoysala dynasty from the 11th to 14th centuries A.D. Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Accounts of Greek historians provide valuable insights into the social and economic conditions in ancient India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Discuss the role played by the Indian diaspora in the freedom struggle of India, especially during the first half of the 20th century. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind the emergence of environmental movements and their significance in post-independent India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Analyse the possible impact of climate change on the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR). What steps can be taken to mitigate it? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Though land subsidence can happen for a host of reasons, it is imperative to estimate its possible impact and chalk out a sustainable plan to minimise the adverse impact. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Discuss the potential of natural resources in the Arctic region as drivers of economic development, while also considering the environmental and social impacts of their exploitation. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Bring out the impact of globalisation in shaping the dynamics of family size, structure and relationships in the modern Indian society. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Migration is an expression of the human aspiration for dignity, safety and a better future. In light of this, examine the multi-dimensional nature of internal migration in India and discuss its inherent relationship with development. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Workplace gender inclusivity in India is skewed against women due to a range of cultural and gender biases existent in the society. Discuss. Also suggest socio-legal measures to address this issue. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7273,"topper":"SHIVAM AGARWAL","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/144d6-1082039_2091_shivam_agarwal_rank_541.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What are the reasons behind the inefficient use of water in Indian agriculture? Suggest measures to improve water use efficiency. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What are the social, economic and environmental benefits of diversifying the food basket under the Public Distribution System (PDS) in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Can re-energising the livestock sector be the key to sustainable livelihood and increasing the income of Indian farmers? Give reasons in support of your answer. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Do you agree that high economic growth in the post-reform period has not resulted in growth trickling down to the marginalised sections, rendering inclusive growth a major concern? Justify your answer. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Evaluate the outcome of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). How can Mission LiFE reinvigorate the NCAP in addressing the issue of air pollution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discuss the impact of wildfires on the ecosystem. Describe the significance of the UNEP's Fire Ready Formula in dealing with the menace of wildfires. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Recently, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) launched its new rocket called Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV). What are its advantages? How can SSLVs be a game changer for ISRO in the years to come? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Why is biopiracy a cause of great concern to the existing traditional knowledge of the developing world? What steps have been taken by the government of India for protecting the existing traditional Indian knowledge? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What are the challenges faced by the Assam Rifles with regard to border management and tackling of insurgency in North-East India? Discuss how these challenges require a reorientation of the force. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The race to put weapons in space may soon pass the point of no return making space the next theatre of arms struggle. What are the possible reasons behind the weaponization of space? Discuss its implications. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNP) recently became the first 100% Landlord Port of India. What do you understand by the Landlord Port model? What are the different models employed in the management of ports? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Analyse the performance of the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) scheme launched to promote farm mechanization in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Discuss the potential of digitization in harnessing the untapped potential of the food processing sector and resolving the challenges that it faces. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What is the significance of land record modernization in India? In this light, state the features of the National Generic Document Registration System (NGDRS). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The use of technology has played a key role in the success of the 'Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana' since its inception. Discuss. What further changes can be incorporated to make the scheme more farmer-friendly? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss how the transition towards renewable energy has the potential to transform the lives of women in India and unlock their potential. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"How does climate change exacerbate the challenges that India faces in eliminating hunger and malnutrition? Discuss in the context of India's commitment to achieve zero hunger by 2030. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What do you understand by digital twin technology? What are the benefits and challenges in its adoption? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Terrorism financing continues to remain a major challenge for the international community despite several efforts to curb it. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) will progressively multiply the opportunities as well as challenges from the national security perspective. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7274,"topper":"SHIVAM AGARWAL","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7ed1f-1082039_2085_shivam-agarwal_rank_541.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The Pala Empire is known for a distinctive form of Buddhist art. In this context, discuss the contributions made by the Pala dynasty towards art. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"It was Adi Sankaracharya's genius that reinvented Hinduism and re-established the Vedic tradition with excellent commentaries. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The colonial forest policies were driven by the needs of the British Empire with no concern for the well-being of the locals and the environment. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The principles of Panchsheel and Non-Alignment aided India in maneuvering the Cold War era. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"One of the major features of the 19th century Europe was the struggle for national unification. Discuss in the context of Germany. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What is the triple dip La Niña phenomenon? Discuss its likely impact on different regions of the world. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Hydropower is a major source of low-carbon energy supply across the world but its share in India's total electricity generation remains low. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain the concept of seismic gap in the context of the recent earthquake in Turkey. Also, enlist the reasons behind the severity of the earthquake. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Highlighting the recent trends in marriages in India, explain why the legal backing of same-sex marriage is being termed as an issue of seminal importance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Considering the multiplicity of factors affecting the mental well-being in an inter-connected world, discuss the various challenges in achieving sound mental healthcare. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Elaborate upon the major numismatic stages in India from the ancient to modern times. Also, discuss how the study of coins helps in understanding history. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Despite being celebrated as the champion of Dalit rights, the contributions of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar went far beyond that and encompassed a wide range of issues. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The Civil Disobedience Movement of 1930-34 was marked by a unique character, regional spatial patterns and employment of new mobilization techniques. Elucidate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"In view of the important role played by soil for the ecosystem, discuss the significance of sustainable soil management in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Jet streams play an important role in altering the climate of India and the world. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Highlighting the factors responsible for the formation and proliferation of slums in India, discuss the need to revamp the In-Situ Slum Redevelopment (ISSR) scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Bring out the relationship between poverty and environmental degradation in India. How can poverty reduction efforts play an important role in promoting sustainable development and safeguarding the environment? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The relationship between globalisation and religion has been a complex one with new possibilities and challenges emerging as a result of the interaction between the two. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7275,"topper":"SHIVAM AGARWAL","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/288e2-1082039_2424_shivam_agarwal_rank_541.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What are the different dimensions of food security? Examine India's status in terms of ensuring food security with regard to these dimensions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Modern technologies such as blockchain and ChatGPT are powerful tools with immense potential to transform agriculture into a more efficient and sustainable sector. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What factors have led to the recent acceleration in the trend towards de-dollarization of the global economy? Do you think the dollar will lose its dominance anytime soon? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Despite significant pressure from the developed countries to alter its food subsidy regime, there is merit in India trying to retain its policy support for the poor in the country. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Several initiatives have been taken by the government towards addressing India's water needs, but the issues of water availability and water quality still warrant prioritised intervention. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What are the major drivers of glacial retreat in the Arctic? Describe the potential impact of the retreat of Arctic glaciers on the ecosystem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Space tourism, which was viewed as something straight out of a science fiction movie, is now becoming a reality albeit not without hindrances. What are the challenges associated with space tourism? What measures can be taken to address these challenges? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Global health experts widely believe that the development of CAR-T cell therapy can be a game changer in the treatment of cancer. How can CAR-T cell therapy overcome the limitations of CRISPR-Cas9 technology? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss why the rising deployment of new and emerging technologies by prominent violent extremist organizations demand concerted global efforts. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"With the Line of Actual Control (LAC) remaining tense after the Galwan and Yangste incidents and both India and China ramping up infrastructure in the border areas, discuss the role that ITBP plays in the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Do you think there is a need for a shift from 'land productivity' to 'irrigation water productivity' in India? Justify your answer. What are the challenges in making this shift? Explain. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Examine the role that green hydrogen can play in unlocking the energy security of India. How can the National Green Hydrogen Mission help India in achieving its energy goals? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The government has been weighing a transition from minimum wage to living wage in recent times. What are the benefits and constraints in the adoption of living wage in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The Union Budget affects almost every sector of the Indian economy, yet neither the budgetary processes nor the budget policies come under substantial public scrutiny. Do you agree? Justify your answer. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"India has been able to transform itself from a milk deficit country to the world's biggest milk producer, but the productivity of dairy animals in the country remains a concern. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"While climate change is responsible for crop failures, the agricultural sector itself is partly responsible for extreme weather events. Discuss. What strategy has been adopted under National Agriculture Disaster Management Plan to strengthen the resilience of the farming community in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Some regions in India, including Delhi, are highly vulnerable to the impact of earthquakes originating in the Himalayas. Discuss. What institutional measures have been taken to mitigate earthquake losses in India? Do you think there are significant gaps that still exist? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Recently, scientists announced net energy gain in nuclear fusion reaction, which is considered as a major scientific breakthrough for the future of clean energy. What are the advantages of nuclear fusion based power generation? What are the limitations in using it to generate electricity at a commercial scale? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Keeping in view the recent amendment, examine the efficacy of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, in tackling the menace of money laundering in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Discuss the security threats present in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), which have a direct bearing on India's maritime border interests. Suggest a robust strategy to deal with these threats. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7276,"topper":"SHIVAM AGARWAL","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5f1ab-1082039_2078_shivam_agarwal_rank_541.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Leaders with fortitude are known by everyone and they are the people to turn to when crisis arises. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"In the wake of changing social landscape in the country, value education is as important as technical education for the youth to become not only skilled but also morally strong professionals. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"While impartiality has been identified as one of the key ethical values for public service, it should not be seen as precluding compassion in public services. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The power, which administrators wield, can bring the nation great dividends if rightly used, but can bring harm and disrepute if abused. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Analyse the ethical implications of commercial space exploration, especially with the entry of private sector in recent times. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"While Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to radically transform and disrupt our world, the right ethical choices can make AI a force of good for humanity. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'social accountability'? Explain its significance and discuss critical factors responsible for the success of any social accountability initiative. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Corruption is a challenge to democracy and citizens' estimations of corruption are one of the main criteria for its wideness and harmfulness. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Work from home culture has led to many ethical concerns in private organizations. In light of this, do you think it is ethical for an employee to practice moonlighting? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Do you agree with the view that environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations for a corporation create immense value for the business? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"While there are multiple institutions to ensure fairness in international relations, states often put aside moral values and the directions of these institutions for their own interests. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":34,"question":"Rupa, a young civil servant, rejoined work soon after giving birth to her child and without availing her full maternity leave. However, she began to bring her child in the office and started attended meetings with her child in arms. Some of her photographs were also uploaded on social media. While some are hailing her as a young independent working mother, she is also being criticized by others on account of trivialising her official work and of trying to paint a heroic picture by fulfilling both her personal and professional duties. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) Do you think the act of the officer was justified? Should there be an overlap between personal and professional duties of a civil servant? (b) Does the work culture in India hinder working mothers from fulfilling their dual role? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7277,"topper":"SHIVAM AGARWAL","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a843f-1082039_2088_shivam_agarwal_rank_541.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The principle of double effect is based on the idea that if a person's behaviour or conduct is intended to achieve a goal which is morally good, however, as a result, there is a morally bad side-effect, then it is still acceptable to adopt that particular behaviour or conduct. How far can this principle aid in resolving difficult moral situations? Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Indian Republic chose Ashoka's Lion Capital at Sarnath as its state emblem to reflect the same harmony achieved by him and effect a continuity with his humane policies towards the people of the modern Indian nation. In this background, discuss the ethical teachings that find resonance in Ashoka's life. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":34,"question":"Lloyd is an honest and upright officer working as the Superintendent of Police in a state, which is notorious for gang culture and criminal activities. Based on his impeccable track record, he was transferred to the state capital four months ago. His wife and daughter are also happy as the capital city is comparatively safer compared to all his previous postings. Recently, a criminal who was under trial and facing charges in a number of serious cases, was killed by some people in the capital city while he was being taken to the court. Due to the poor record of the state police in terms of death of criminals in police custody, various human rights organizations are demanding a fair enquiry in the case. They have approached the courts in this matter and subsequently a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed by the state government to look into this issue. Since the police officers escorting the criminal during this incident are from the police station that comes under Lloyd's jurisdiction, he will be required to depose before the SIT with all the details. While investigating, he came across details, which clearly establish a nexus between a prominent politician and the criminal. He prepared a report and was planning to share it with the SIT. On the basis of his findings, the nexus of the concerned criminal with the politician would be exposed and the politician may also face charges. Lloyd's senior asks him about the findings of the report and advises him to drop the information implicating the politician from the report. He informs that the politician mentioned in the report is a very prominent figure in public life, and shares good relations with all the major political parties in the state. His senior further informs that this will bring him in the good books of those in positions of power. Further, this will also help him remain posted in the capital city, which ensures the safety of his wife and daughter. (a) What are the options available with Lloyd to deal with the situation? (b) Critically evaluate each of the options and identify the most appropriate one for Lloyd to adopt. (c) What measures would you suggest to prevent deaths in police custody","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"After going into some details, he realized that the sales team of his company was indulging in malpractices to lure poor parents to buy courses for their children. He informed this to the head of his department but the head did not seem concerned. Some of his colleagues informed him that this is a normal practice in the ed-tech industry to achieve sales targets. Further, he was also informed that due to the recent funding crunch in start-ups, the company is under severe pressure to show profits, else there will be mass layoffs. (a) Identify the ethical issues associated with the case above. (b) Under the given conditions, what are the options available to Raj? (c) Critically evaluate each of these options. (d) What course of action should Raj adopt? Justify with valid reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"As the Head of the Municipal Corporation, you are faced with a challenging situation wherein two groups of concerned citizens have approached you. One, expressing their frustrations and concerns regarding the menace caused by street dogs in the city and other, taking steps towards encouraging compassion and humane treatment to these silent beings. The first plea highlights the rising incidents of stray dogs' attacking or killing the vulnerable members of society especially children. They point to inadequate sterilisation and vaccination of dogs as exacerbating the situation. They demand the immediate removal of street dogs and their relocation elsewhere. The second plea however points to ineffective animal healthcare and control, illegal breeding centres, pet owners abandoning their pets on the streets as root of the problem. They argue that the system or the people responsible for the situation should be punished, not the animals. Furthermore, India has laws in place that make it illegal to remove a dog from the streets. This means that once a dog is on the streets, it has a \"right\" to stay there unless adopted. Balancing the animals' right to life with human safety concerns is proving to be a difficult task. (a) What are the ethical dilemmas involved in the case? (b) Evaluate the implications of favouring one plea over the other. (c) What course of action would resolve the situation in the immediate as well as long term?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"You are young upright person who has been newly appointed in the Anti-Corruption Bureau of your district. After joining, your office receives a tip-off from an anonymous person that an engineer working with the Municipal Corporation of the city has amassed wealth much beyond his known sources of income and is hand in gloves in corrupt activities. Because the law is clear that anonymous complaints cannot be acted upon, you ignore the complaint. But in the next few weeks, you receive a few more anonymous complaints against the concerned engineer. You begin to make enquiries against the engineer and find that he is indeed a very corrupt officer. Some time later, you make up your mind to conduct raids on his office and house, even though you have not received any official complaint in the prescribed format against him till date. What you unearth during the raids is shocking for you and your staff. You find not only vast amounts of unaccounted currency, much beyond the means of the engineer, but also gold, travel tickets to visits made abroad, reservations in five-star hotels, and a whole bunch of clinching evidence against influential politicians and bureaucrats - appointed in the past as well as present ones - in the district. However, soon after conducting the raid, you start receiving subtle messages from your superiors to drop the investigation in the interest of your own long-term career and the safety and security of your loved ones. They also point out that you had not followed the rules stipulated for conducting the raid, and if the matter were to reach the courts, it would be disposed off in no time due to procedural lapses on your part. Since, you are an upright officer, you ignore these warnings and continue with your investigation. However, soon after you are put on administrative leave on the ground of flouting the rules. You also come to know that a few of your juniors have filed a complaint against you for being involved in corruption. They have also complained that you instructed them to extort money from not only the concerned engineer but also the politicians and bureaucrats against whom you unearthed evidence, to put a halt to the investigation. Based on the above scenario, answer the following: (a) Identify the various stakeholders and the issues involved in the case. (b) What options do you have in the given situation? (c) Analyse the merits and demerits of each of these options. (d) Discuss your course of action, with proper justification.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":56,"question":"You have been appointed as the Chief Secretary in a state. Recently, a complex issue has surfaced involving two civil servants from your state. Both the officers who are known for their excellence in their respective roles have found themselves embroiled in an intense public feud on social media. Officer A initiated the dispute by posting a series of images and statements on social media, indirectly implying that Officer B has been utilizing personal relationships and networking for gaining undue advantages in job postings and promotions. This action, while unproven, has stirred up a storm of rumors, leading to severe reputational damage to Officer B. In response, Officer B defended herself on the same platform, accusing Officer A of unethical practices and breach of confidentiality. She went a step further by revealing his internal departmental issues, which Officer A was supposedly involved in. These allegations have not only escalated the conflict but also exposed sensitive information to the public. Officer A's social media posts have been prominently picked up and publicised by a local news outlet further escalating the situation. The issue has now gone beyond the realms of the state administration, leading to intense public speculation and media scrutiny. All these events have unfolded on a public platform and have tarnished the image of the civil services and created a disruption in the working of the state administration. The Central Government is closely monitoring the situation and has exerted pressure for appropriate disciplinary action against the officers involved. (a) What are ethical issues involved in this situation? (b) What are the options available to you as the Chief Secretary? (c) Which option would you choose and why?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7278,"topper":"SHIVAM AGARWAL","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/93a03-1082039_2425_shivam_agarwal_rank_541.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"For effective corporate governance to take place in the coming years, why is it important to integrate the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics with the multi-stakeholder approach? What benefits can be accrued by such integration? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In acts of corruption, the focus is often only on the demand side of the equation, on public officials who abuse their office for private gain. Frequently, the supply side is given less attention. Those who pay bribes are sometimes depicted as innocent parties and victims of extortionary practices of wily public servants. Do you agree that 'collusive corruption', in which there is a willing bribe-giver, is a formidable challenge for institutions fighting corruption? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Citizens' Charters initiative was a response to the quest for solving the problems, which a citizen encountered, day in and day out, while dealing with the organisations providing public services. But the introduction and implementation of Citizens' Charters in the government of India has been difficult due to the old bureaucratic set up and the rigid attitudes of the work force. Discuss the major obstacles that have been encountered in implementing the Citizens' Charter initiative. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Quality of public service delivery is a major determinant of the quality of life of vulnerable sections in a highly unequal society divided along the lines of class, caste, religion, etc. In this background, do you think that public service delivery is efficient and sufficient enough to improve the lives of vulnerable groups in India? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own.\" - Lao Tzu (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"If ethics are poor at the top, that behavior is copied down through the organization.\" - Robert Noyce (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"The end of law is not to abolish or restrain, but to preserve and enlarge freedom.\" - John Locke (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Wealthy CEOs and founders of successful businesses around the world are increasingly pledging to give away their wealth in philanthropy. Do you think that such a move is sufficient enough to bring about a positive change in the society? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"As organizations across the globe begin their artificial intelligence (AI) transformation, the leap into the AI era is expected to be more challenging than any technology that businesses have grappled with yet. In this background, discuss the concerns around fairness, transparency, and job security that may arise. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The emphasis of Swami Dayanand Saraswati on education, social equality, and ethical values continues to influence the socio-cultural discourse in contemporary India. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Emotional intelligence may not be singularly associated with emotions or intelligence. It can also include a broad range of personality characteristics that might predict success in professional and everyday life. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Traditional forms of state-led accountability, also characterised as vertical and horizontal channels of accountability, are increasingly found to be inadequate, and a myriad of multi-stakeholder and bottom-up citizen directed approaches have come to the fore, to supplement or supplant them. Discuss with illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"In a metropolitan city of India, the law enforcement authorities decided to adopt facial recognition technology to improve their crime-fighting capabilities. They implemented a facial recognition system that integrated with existing surveillance cameras across the city, allowing real-time identification and tracking of individuals. The system was intended to assist in identifying known criminals, missing persons, and suspects in ongoing investigations. One evening, a woman reported a mugging incident where the perpetrator wore a hoodie, obscuring most of his face. The victim provided a vague description to the police, and based on that information, the authorities decided to use facial recognition technology to locate potential suspects. The system scanned through hours of surveillance footage from various locations near the crime scene. The facial recognition algorithm generated a list of potential matches, and one individual's image stood out as a close match to the description provided by the victim. The police considered this individual a prime suspect and proceeded with their arrest. Subsequently, it was discovered that the arrested person was innocent. Further investigation revealed that the facial recognition system had misidentified the innocent individual due to the limitations of the technology and the partial description provided by the victim. The police released the arrested individual; still his reputation got tarnished for life. He, along with his family, was evicted from their current place of residence. The psychological impact of the incident has been tremendous owing to which his job is also on the line. With reference to this case study, answer the following: (a) What are the issues involved in this case? (b) What measures can be taken to minimize the negative implications of adopting such technologies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"In the given situation: (a) What dilemmas does Rina face? (b) What options does she have? Provide the merits and demerits of each. (c) Highlight the course of action she should adopt, along with justification for the same. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"You have recently been posted as a Nodal Education Officer in one of the districts, where mass cheating in examinations is a regular phenomenon. Media reports have shown parents and relatives scaling school walls and buildings to pass answer chits to students taking secondary school examinations in the district. Moreover, with the advent of new technological devices, cheating in examinations has become more sophisticated and exam rules are flouted openly. On investigation, it has come to your notice that these rackets are run by many school authorities, including exam invigilators who are mostly teachers, and they are hand in glove for profits. With a shortage of staff, invigilators threaten go on mass strikes if any action is taken. Conducting the exams, cancelling them on account of cheating and having re-exams are a loss of time and money for the government and this vicious cycle goes on. As the Nodal Education Officer of the district, address the following questions: (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (b) How will you resolve the issues in the given case? (c) What long-term strategy needs to be adopted to deal with the menace of cheating in various examinations? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Many proponents of deep-sea drilling argue that tapping into the vast amount of rare earth elements in the Indian Ocean will help shore up national security interests for India, bolster its economy and workforce, and offer a reliable supply of strategic minerals. Keeping this in mind, the government has approved a $540-million programme to study ways of mining nickel, cobalt, manganese and iron hydroxide from the bed of the Indian Ocean 6,000 meters below sea level. The government argues that the project can power India's growth for 100 years. It will also study climate change, explore marine flora and fauna and harness thermal energy. However, a competing point of view alleges that deep ocean drilling poses immense risk to the environment. A comprehensive report on Sustainable Ocean Economy by independent geologists states that \"until the need for, and potential consequences of, deep-sea mining are better understood, the concept is conceptually difficult to align with the definition of a sustainable ocean economy and raises various environmental, legal and governance challenges, as well as possible conflicts with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.\" It also highlights that the profitability of national mining operations, without governmental support or comparably low taxes, remains questionable. If the operations are profitable, it will also raise questions about the equitable sharing of profits derived from a resource taken out of humanity's common heritage. Additionally, companies like BMW, Volvo, Google and Korean battery maker Samsung SDI, vowed in a statement to not buy metals produced from deep-sea mining until the environmental risks of the activity are \"comprehensively understood.\" In the context of the above-stated information, address the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the given case study? (b) How can the vision of economic development of a nation be achieved without adversely affecting the sustainability of oceans? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"You are a public representative, elected on the ticket of a political party, considered as conservative by many. Your daughter, who has returned years after studying abroad, has conveyed to you her choice of marrying a person from another community. You personally do not consider anything wrong in her choice, and convey your assent to her. You also discuss it with many among your friends and family, and inform them of a grand wedding ceremony you are planning for your daughter. However, a few days after you have shared the news of the forthcoming grand wedding with many, you are informed by your political secretary about an issue being made of the same. He informs you that there are whispers among many people in your constituency about it, and indications of a sense of unease among some prominent citizens. While most of them are enamoured by your plans for a grand wedding ceremony for your daughter, they are unhappy about the bridegroom being from another community. You also get to know through your sources in the party, that your assent to the choice of the bridegroom may lead to a denial of ticket by the high command in the forthcoming elections. You are not only an ambitious politician and a rising star in your political party but also an open-minded, loving and doting father. But howsoever much you love your daughter's freedom and choices, you do not want her decision to adversely affect your political journey. This is more so, when you had been eagerly looking forward to greater responsibilities and a higher stature in the party, given the years of hardwork you have put in, as a politician. Your daughter, on the other hand, is firm with her choice and does not want her impending grand wedding to be affected in any way. She is adamant that her wedding will not be held as a private ceremony with only close friends and family, but should be publicised in a grand way, as you had promised earlier to her. Given this situation, answer the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the above situation? (b) What are the various options that you have, as a father and an ambitious politician? (c) What will be your course of action? Justify with proper reasoning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7279,"topper":"Shivam Ashutosh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8e6bd-32354_771_shivam-ashutosh_rank_220.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"India is an over legislated, but under governed country. Do you agree?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7280,"topper":"Shivam Ashutosh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3d594-32354_872_shivam-ashutosh_rank_220.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The \\u201cOutcome Budget\\u201d reflects the endeavour of the Government to convert \\u201coutlays\\u201d into \\u201cOutcomes\\u201d. Explain. Also, discuss why the potential of outcome budgeting remains untapped in the Indian context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"What is agroforestry? Discuss its potential in making agriculture sustainable and viable. In this context, discuss the salient features of National Agroforestry Policy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Comment on the problem of rising Non Performing Assets (NPAs) in India, with particular reference to public sector banks. Examine the effectiveness of the steps taken by the government in recent times to deal with this problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"To address the issue of unemployment, we need a multipronged approach and not just a focus on growth. Examine the statement in the context of various measures taken by the government in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Nuclear power has a great potential in India to supplement and in the longer term even substitute coal based power as base load. Discuss. Also, mention the steps taken by the Government of India in order to achieve nuclear energy self-sufficiency.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The agriculture sector needs government support but loan waivers are not the solution. Discuss the statement in the light of recent developments in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"What are the objectives of District Mineral Foundation? Discuss the challenges that need to be addressed for this institution to achieve its desired objectives.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"What factors explain India's poor merchandise export performance in recent times? Enumerate some recent measures taken by the government to help boost merchandise exports.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Despite numerous health hazards associated with traditional cooking energy fuels, access to clean cooking in India still continues to be a luxury. Discuss. Also enumerate the steps taken by the government to make it accessible along with the challenges faced in the process.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Taxing agricultural income is an idea whose time has come. Critically discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Dismantling of administered price mechanism for fuels is being deemed as a significant piece of economic reform. Analyse. Also, discuss how the recently introduced dynamic fuel pricing can prove to be beneficial for both the OMCs as well as consumers.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Ensuring that buildings comply with green norms will require much more than current arrangements. Analyse. Also discuss the relevant features of the new building code issued by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Given the worsening of air quality in National Capital Region, discuss the need for Graded Response Action Plan against air pollution and the challenges in its implementation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"A new disease emerging in any part of the world is a global threat. In the context of \"zoonoses\" and \"emerging infectious diseases\", analyse the risks for India. Also, identify the structures in place and measures required to combat these risks.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"There is a growing recognition that efforts should not be limited to post-disaster relief and reconstruction, rather development paradigm should integrate disaster risk reduction strategies. Discuss in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"The emphasis on TRIPS plus by developed countries is contrary to the position and interest of developing countries like India. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Coherently dealing with security threats facing India requires deeper operational synergies among the army, navy and air force. Discuss in the light of the latest Joint Doctrine for Indian Armed forces. Also, delineate the reasons for resistance to the idea of a joint Chief of Defence Staff over the years.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Over the years, laws dealing with money laundering have proved to be less than effective. Briefly discuss the statement in the context of government's proposal to make money laundering a separate criminal offence. Also enumerate the recommendations made by FATF to combat money laundering.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"In the context of recent developments briefly explain the issues involved in the Doklam area. What are the challenges that India faces in the management of border with China? In this context, also identify key steps taken by India over the years.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7281,"topper":"Shivam Ashutosh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2db28-32354_1243_shivam-ashutosh_rank_220.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Reservation of seats in legislature is needed to ensure meaningful political participation of women and to make the democratic process truly inclusive. Discuss the statement in the light of 108th Constitution Amendment Bill. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the issue of reservation in promotions for SCs and STs in public employment in the light of various judicial pronouncements and constitutional amendments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the reasons behind underperformance of the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs). How can their performance be improved? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlighting the rationale behind continuance of the Official Secrets Act, critically discuss whether the Right to Information should be given precedence over it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What is the rationale behind having a mandatory 'cooling-off' period for retired civil servants? In light of numerous instances of violation of this provision, do you think there is a need to have a relook at Civil Services Conduct Rules? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlighting the key features of POSHAN Abhiyan, explain how it is an improvement over previous interventions in achieving the goal of malnutrition free India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Give an account of the challenges that the multilateral rule-based trading system is facing. With special focus on WTO, discuss how these challenges can be addressed effectively. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Highlight the major impediments affecting India-US trade relations. What possible consequences can the recent withdrawal of Generalized System of Preference (GSP) have on India-US trade relations? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"In a democratic setup, it is imperative that independence be balanced with accountability. Discuss in the context of judiciary in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Despite various strengths, there are certain weaknesses in the existing structure of departments of the government which render the system slow and cumbersome. Analyze. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the light of criticism surrounding the composition and functioning of Rajya Sabha, do you think it exists merely as a secondary house of the Parliament? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Despite legislative changes with respect to funding of political parties in recent years, many challenges still exist with regards to transparency in electoral funding. Discuss. Can state funding of elections help in addressing these challenges? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Successful and long-lasting urban transformation critically depends on reforming the way our cities are governed. In this context, highlight the challenges plaguing urban governance in India and suggest some strategies to overcome those challenges. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Explain the role that SHGs play in poverty alleviation in India. Highlighting the shortcomings of the SHG-Bank Linkage programme, give some suggestions to improve its performance. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Despite initiatives taken by the government in recent years to address the challenges of the Indian higher education system, many reforms are still required to improve its quality and enhance its relevance. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Giving an account of the progress made under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, mention the challenges that it faces in achieving its target. How can the implementation of the programme be fast-tracked? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Island nations of the Indian Ocean hold immense strategic value in shaping the geopolitical contours of the region and ensuring maritime security of India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Development assistance, a key instrument in India's foreign policy, has seen a considerable expansion in the past few years both in its scope and reach. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7282,"topper":"Shivam Kumar","air":19,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b2494-1304965_2488_shivam_kumar_-rank_19.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7283,"topper":"Shivam Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c5dd7-1304965_2218_shivam_kumar_-rank_19.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to revisit the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution? Discuss with suitable arguments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Highlighting the advantages of online dispute resolution (ODR) mechanism for justice delivery, discuss the challenges associated with its effective implementation in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Despite the constitutional division of powers, Centre-state disputes have been a perennial feature of Indian democracy. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Do you agree with the view that adopting a framework for lobbying will strengthen participative governance and ease of doing business in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Despite the government encouraging open source instead of proprietary technology for government applications, the true potential of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) and digital platforms remains unrealized. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"As a social safety-valve, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) can be the principal vehicles through which communities voice their concerns. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Despite being lauded for its patient centric approach, the implementation of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, remains sluggish and mired with various issues. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to formulate an Urban Employment Guarantee scheme at the national level? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the relevance of BIMSTEC as a regional organisation to fulfil India's strategic aspirations in the Indian Ocean Region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the relevance of the Gujral Doctrine for India with regard to its relations with its immediate neighbours in the present times. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the pivotal role of the \"Officers of Parliament\" in the Indian Parliamentary system. Also, discuss the constitutional and statutory provisions for their impartial functioning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The Finance Commission plays a crucial role in balancing fiscal federalism in India. In this context, examine the recommendations given by the 15th Finance Commission. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Critically assess whether according statutory backing to the Model Code of Conduct will contribute towards free and fair elections in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The market disruption caused by digital revolution warrants renewed focus and perspective to ensure fair competition in the digital economy. In this light, discuss the need to revamp the Competition Commission of India (CCI). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"There is an urgent need for effective whistle-blowing mechanisms and ensuring that necessary safeguards for the protection of whistle-blowers are established in both public and private spheres in India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"State the reasons behind the poor performance of cooperatives in India. Also, discuss the reforms undertaken by the government to overcome the shortcomings. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Public-Private Partnership model, if harnessed properly, has the potential to bridge the gaps in India's healthcare system. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Although the New Education Policy brings with itself a commendable vision, its success will depend on its ability to effectively integrate with the government's other policy initiatives. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) is born from a collective desire to make the Indo-Pacific region an engine of global economic growth. Comment. Also, discuss India's concerns in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"India needs to identify the priority areas to further its techno-diplomacy amidst the complexities of expanding digital space and New and Emerging Strategic Technologies. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7284,"topper":"Shivam Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8ddea-1304965_2217_shivam_kumar_-rank_19.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With examples, discuss how the cultural traditions from various regions of India get reflected in regional music. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Highlighting the emergence of the working class movement, discuss its contribution towards India's freedom struggle. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Do you agree with the view that Gandhian politics was, in a sense, a continuation of Tilak's politics? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"It is said that the world's oceans are losing their 'memory' due to human-induced warming. Comment. Also, discuss the consequences of the phenomenon. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What is soil amendment? Evaluate the benefits and concerns associated with it. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"It has been suggested that the next decade may see a boom in hybrid power plants. Stating the advantages that such power plants offer, discuss the associated challenges. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What are Van Allen Radiation Belts? Explaining their formation, discuss why there has been a growing focus on their study. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss whether marital rape should be criminalised in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What is care economy? Highlight the challenges associated with it and mention the steps taken to address them in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Post-pandemic India is staring at the challenge of \"learning poverty\". Analyse its implications and discuss a way ahead. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Bring out the evolution of mural traditions in South India. Also, elaborate on their significant characteristics. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Indian nationalism that confronted British imperialism in the 19th century was a product of colonial modernity. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Environmentalism surfaced in the form of many organised movements in post independence India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Do you agree with the view that continental blockade was an ill-conceived strategy by Napoleon to conquer Britain through economic means? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What do you understand by the Arctic Paradox? Highlight the spatial distribution of mineral and energy resources in the Arctic region. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Cryosphere changes have a tendency to bring about a devastating impact on the ecosystem and its people. Discuss. Also, enlist measures to tackle this threat. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The frequent instances of urban flooding pose a severe risk to the urban ecosystem in India. Discuss with special emphasis on its impact on the critical infrastructure. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Sand is not only critical for economic development but also provides crucial ecosystem services. Elaborate. In this context, discuss the importance of sustainable sand mining in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The challenge of unbridled and unbalanced growth of urban spaces in India necessitates reforms in urban planning and capacity. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Feminist movements in India have historically lacked inclusivity, often growing within a limited Western upper-class psyche. Critically discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7285,"topper":"Shivam Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/33f7b-1304965_2423_shivam_kumar_-rank_19.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With suitable examples, discuss how environmental pressure groups enhance public participation and responsiveness with regard to environmental policies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The recent acknowledgment of sex work as a 'profession' by the Supreme Court is merely the first step in ensuring basic rights and equality for sex workers in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the role played by District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) in providing free legal aid and disseminating legal awareness in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"The collegium system has become a victim of its own success, with the concentration of power in the hands of a few, leading to questions about its legitimacy.\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"Civil services reforms must go beyond recruitment and standardised training to cope with the present day challenges.\" Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Outcome-based finance models such as social impact bonds have the potential to truly catalyse change and deliver socio-economic impact at scale. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The wide gap between the number of females graduating every year and those entering the workspace is an issue of paramount importance that needs to be addressed. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"An up to date and functional Civil Registration System (CRS) is essential to the socio-economic planning in India. Discuss in the light of the recent move of the Central government in revamping the CRS system in the country. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What are the key areas of reform if the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has to align with the current economic realities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In recent years, India's relationship with West Asia has evolved from the confines of geopolitics to expanse of geoeconomics. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The role of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) is significant in furthering healthy competitiveness aimed at inspiring stakeholders to innovate and augment effectiveness. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"\"The menace of paid news often rears its ugly head during elections.\" Discuss the need for making paid news an electoral offence in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the 'Doctrine of Essentiality' referred to by the courts in the context of religious practices in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"As per the recently released report of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), there is an urgent need to limit the size of the government in India. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The Institutions of Eminence (IoE) scheme was conceived to develop 'world-class' centres of higher education in India but six years later, it is yet to become the game changer it was intended to be. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) allows for innovative and convenient public services, help overcome inclusion or accessibility barriers, and increase transparency and accountability with real-time data. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Besides legislation, the full realisation of the 'right to health for all' in India demands plugging of social, financial, and infrastructural gaps. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The 'third gender' has not yet been engendered in the Indian society despite legislative nudge. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Among other factors, strained ties with China and Pakistan make it difficult for India to fulfill its expectations from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"The recently concluded initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) between the United States and India promises a long overdue transformation of their partnership in the field of technology. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7286,"topper":"Shivam Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9bbae-1304965_2422_shivam_kumar_-rank_19.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The traditional theatre forms of India reflect the ideals and emotions of the society, and an individual's role in the community. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Provide an account of the historical and architectural importance of the Sanchi Stupa. Also, discuss how it inspired the future architecture in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Bhagat Singh made a real breakthrough in terms of revolutionary ideology, the goals of revolution and forms of revolutionary struggle. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Bringing out the factors that led to the Meiji restoration, discuss its significance for Japan. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"It is believed that a nation is an \"imagined community\" held together by common beliefs, history, political aspirations etc. In this context, discuss what the basis of India as a nation is. Also, bring out the threats to the concept of Indian nationhood. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"State the key factors behind the growth of the pharmaceutical industry in India. Additionally, discuss its significance with regard to India's economy and public health.(Answer in 150words)10","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss why the Bay of Bengal is more prone to cyclones than the Arabian Sea. Also, explain the reasons for the decrease in frequency of tropical cyclones during the Southwest monsoon season. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite being destructive in nature, volcanoes are critical for the existence of human life on earth. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The existence of relative deprivation is an important aspect in constructing the argument for regionalism. Explain with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"If India is to realise the goal of 'education for all', the issue of rising cases of bullying and other forms of school violence needs to be addressed immediately. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Bring out the role played by the Ahom Kingdom in shaping the cultural and historical identity of North-East India, and discuss its legacy in contemporary times. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The capitalist class generally remained ambivalent in their support to the Indian National Congress until 1940s. In this context, analyse the varying positions of the Indian capitalists throughout the national movement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Trace the evolution of the press in India. Also, discuss the instrumental impact it had during various stages of the Indian freedom struggle despite the repressive policies of the British. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Mountains are fragile ecosystems vulnerable to the adverse impact of climate change and other anthropogenic interventions. Illustrate with examples. Also, highlight the initiatives taken for their sustainable management. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind unsustainable management of sand resources in India. Highlighting its impact, enumerate the remedial measures taken in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Giving an account of the major lithium-producing countries, discuss the geo-political aspects of lithium production and its environmental implications. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The youth are capable of identifying themselves with a global identity and connecting with events and experiences outside their countries. In this context, discuss the impact of globalization on the various aspects of youth identity. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"As fertility rates decline in India, future demographic concerns center around an ageing population and a weak social security system. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"With a significant proportion of India's population expected to live in urban areas by 2030, the welfare of the urban poor needs to take centre-stage in public policy. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7287,"topper":"Shivam Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ef7ac-1304965_2424_shivam_kumar_-rank_19.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What are the different dimensions of food security? Examine India's status in terms of ensuring food security with regard to these dimensions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Modern technologies such as blockchain and ChatGPT are powerful tools with immense potential to transform agriculture into a more efficient and sustainable sector. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What factors have led to the recent acceleration in the trend towards de-dollarization of the global economy? Do you think the dollar will lose its dominance anytime soon? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Despite significant pressure from the developed countries to alter its food subsidy regime, there is merit in India trying to retain its policy support for the poor in the country. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":7288,"topper":"Shivam Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e63d5-1304965_2220_shivam_kumar_-rank_19.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The logic of limitless wealth lies in the basic human instinct for furthering self-interest in the form of profit. In this context, do you think there is a possibility of pursuing ethical capitalism? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"If a law is unjust, a man is not only right to disobey it, he is obligated to do so. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The capacity of Citizens' Charter to initiate any transformative process is conditioned upon it being appropriately designed and effectively executed. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The moral fiber and ethical conduct of public officials not only influence the standard of governance but also their own interests and performance. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The ongoing debate on euthanasia poses several ethical questions. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Foreign aid is a form of neo-colonialism, as the economically wealthier countries can exploit the developing countries under the cloak of aid. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Throwing light on the idea of Universal Humanism propounded by Rabindranath Tagore, discuss its contemporary relevance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree with the view that it is nature and not nurture which determines the emotional intelligence of a person? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Values that guide public administrators can often compete with each other, owing to their relative importance to the larger public interest. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Is it justifiable to say that corruption is a social phenomenon? What are the various ways through which administrative corruption can be tackled? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? \" ; \" \"Overcoming poverty is not a task of charity; it is an act of justice.\" Nelson Mandela (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"You are posted as the Commissioner of Police in a metropolitan city where a visiting foreign dignitary, with President-level security cover, is scheduled to visit for an official function. As a part of the security preparedness, it has been decided that no vehicular traffic will be allowed on the route which will be taken by the foreign dignitary to reach the venue of the function in the city. However, just 15 minutes before the scheduled arrival of the dignitary, you are informed that a critically-ill patient is stuck on the way to the hospital in a private car along with his family. In this situation, answer the following: (a) Discuss the issues involved in halting traffic for VIP movement. (b) List the options available to you in this situation with their merits and demerits. (c) What will be your course of action? Justify with proper reasoning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Mr. X is a billionaire businessman who heads a conglomerate engaged in insurance energy generation and distribution, and manufacturing. Despite being globally known as a great philanthropist, he turned down a shareholder request seeking the disclosure of the conglomerate's actions on issues related to climate change as well as diversity and inclusion. Because of increased attention to climate and diversity issues, many leading firms have committed themselves to incorporate relevant considerations in their business strategies. Therefore, some industry-observors wonder if Mr. X is out of touch with the industry at large and have warned him that failure to address climate change issues puts his businesses under systemic risk. But, Mr. X maintained his vote against the disclosure proposal, while at the same time acknowledged the importance of both climate change and a diverse and inclusive work force. However, Mr. X believes that such ethical issues take secondary importance to maximising shareholder profit. (a) Discuss the importance of including climate change strategies and diversity and inclusion in a business organisation? (b) In your opinion, what matters more for a business organisation - socio-environmental concerns or shareholder profit? (c) How can the two above-mentioned issues be reconciled? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"The Indian education system suffers from many ills. One of the major issues is the focus on ‘rote learning’, which has been the staple of the Indian education system for many years. While many Indians have attained success despite this system, simply being able to recall information is not enough in today’s world when that information is instantly available to anyone on a mobile phone. A survey of 200 Indian and foreign companies found that only 14% of Indian graduates were prepared for the workforce, largely because most graduates were unable to apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the consequences of ‘rote learning’ on the educational development of young students in the country? (b) Suggest measures that can be taken to address this issue. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7289,"topper":"Shivam Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/bae11-1304965_2425_shivam_kumar_-rank_19.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"For effective corporate governance to take place in the coming years, why is it important to integrate the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics with the multi-stakeholder approach? What benefits can be accrued by such integration? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In acts of corruption, the focus is often only on the demand side of the equation, on public officials who abuse their office for private gain. Frequently, the supply side is given less attention. Those who pay bribes are sometimes depicted as innocent parties and victims of extortionary practices of wily public servants. Do you agree that 'collusive corruption', in which there is a willing bribe-giver, is a formidable challenge for institutions fighting corruption? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Citizens' Charters initiative was a response to the quest for solving the problems, which a citizen encountered, day in and day out, while dealing with the organisations providing public services. But the introduction and implementation of Citizens' Charters in the government of India has been difficult due to the old bureaucratic set up and the rigid attitudes of the work force. Discuss the major obstacles that have been encountered in implementing the Citizens' Charter initiative. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Quality of public service delivery is a major determinant of the quality of life of vulnerable sections in a highly unequal society divided along the lines of class, caste, religion, etc. In this background, do you think that public service delivery is efficient and sufficient enough to improve the lives of vulnerable groups in India? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? \"The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own.\" - Lao Tzu (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"If ethics are poor at the top, that behavior is copied down through the organization.\" - Robert Noyce (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"The end of law is not to abolish or restrain, but to preserve and enlarge freedom.\" - John Locke (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Wealthy CEOs and founders of successful businesses around the world are increasingly pledging to give away their wealth in philanthropy. Do you think that such a move is sufficient enough to bring about a positive change in the society? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"As organizations across the globe begin their artificial intelligence (AI) transformation, the leap into the AI era is expected to be more challenging than any technology that businesses have grappled with yet. In this background, discuss the concerns around fairness, transparency, and job security that may arise. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The emphasis of Swami Dayanand Saraswati on education, social equality, and ethical values continues to influence the socio-cultural discourse in contemporary India. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Emotional intelligence may not be singularly associated with emotions or intelligence. It can also include a broad range of personality characteristics that might predict success in professional and everyday life. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Traditional forms of state-led accountability, also characterised as vertical and horizontal channels of accountability, are increasingly found to be inadequate, and a myriad of multi-stakeholder and bottom-up citizen directed approaches have come to the fore, to supplement or supplant them. Discuss with illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"In a metropolitan city of India, the law enforcement authorities decided to adopt facial recognition technology to improve their crime-fighting capabilities. They implemented a facial recognition system that integrated with existing surveillance cameras across the city, allowing real-time identification and tracking of individuals. The system was intended to assist in identifying known criminals, missing persons, and suspects in ongoing investigations. One evening, a woman reported a mugging incident where the perpetrator wore a hoodie, obscuring most of his face. The victim provided a vague description to the police, and based on that information, the authorities decided to use facial recognition technology to locate potential suspects. The system scanned through hours of surveillance footage from various locations near the crime scene. The facial recognition algorithm generated a list of potential matches, and one individual's image stood out as a close match to the description provided by the victim. The police considered this individual a prime suspect and proceeded with his arrest. Subsequently, it was discovered that the arrested person was innocent. Further investigation revealed that the facial recognition system had misidentified the innocent individual due to the limitations of the technology and the partial description provided by the victim. The police released the arrested individual; still his reputation got tarnished for life. He, along with his family, was evicted from their current place of residence. The psychological impact of the incident has been tremendous owing to which his job is also on the line. With reference to this case study, answer the following: (a) What are the issues involved in this case? (b) What measures can be taken to minimize the negative implications of adopting such technologies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"With reference to this case study, answer the following: (a) What are the issues involved in this case? (b) What measures can be taken to minimize the negative implications of adopting such technologies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Rina and her friends from the college were working as interns with a company for the last few months. On completion of their internship, some of them, including Rina, have been offered full-time jobs in the company. Being a reputed company, she and her friends accepted the offer. Rina is enthusiastic about her new job and has even established good relationship with some of her company co-workers during her internship. However, during her tenure as an intern, Rina had begun to notice that one of the Vice-Presidents (VPs) of the company was giving her too much attention. He used to make an extra effort to stop by Rina's cubicle and chat, something she was not doing with any of the other interns. He had even tried to connect with Rina over social networking sites. Some of her co-interns also noticed this and began to make offhand comments to Rina about the extra attention being given by the VP. Now that she was has been hired for a full time position, she is fearful that she might have to work with this VP directly. While he has not done or said anything explicitly inappropriate, the extra attention and the fact that her co-workers noticed it, made her very uncomfortable and undermined her concentration at work. The company encourages an open and friendly atmosphere and when she was hired, it was communicated to her that she should always speak to her Manager whenever faced with any In the given situation: (a) What dilemmas does Rina face? (b) What options does she have? Provide the merits and demerits of each. (c) Highlight the course of action she should adopt, along with justification for the same. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"You have recently been posted as a Nodal Education Officer in one of the districts, where mass cheating in examinations is a regular phenomenon. Media reports have shown parents and relatives scaling school walls and buildings to pass answer chits to students taking secondary school examinations in the district. Moreover, with the advent of new technological devices, cheating in examinations has become more sophisticated and exam rules are flouted openly. On investigation, it has come to your notice that these rackets are run by many school authorities, including exam invigilators who are mostly teachers, and they are hand in glove for profits. With a shortage of staff, invigilators threaten go on mass strikes if any action is taken. Conducting the exams, cancelling them on account of cheating and having re-exams are a loss of time and money for the government and this vicious cycle goes on. As the Nodal Education Officer of the district, address the following questions: (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (b) How will you resolve the issues in the given case? (c) What long-term strategy needs to be adopted to deal with the menace of cheating in various examinations? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Many proponents of deep-sea drilling argue that tapping into the vast amount of rare earth elements in the Indian Ocean will help shore up national security interests for India, bolster its economy and workforce, and offer a reliable supply of strategic minerals. Keeping this in mind, the government has approved a $540-million programme to study ways of mining nickel, cobalt, manganese and iron hydroxide from the bed of the Indian Ocean 6,000 meters below sea level. The government argues that the project can power India’s growth for 100 years. It will also study climate change, explore marine flora and fauna and harness thermal energy. However, a competing point of view alleges that deep ocean drilling poses immense risk to the environment. A comprehensive report on Sustainable Ocean Economy by independent geologists states that “until the need for, and potential consequences of, deep-sea mining are better understood, the concept is conceptually difficult to align with the definition of a sustainable ocean economy and raises various environmental, legal and governance challenges, as well as possible conflicts with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.” It also highlights that the profitability of national mining operations, without governmental support or comparably low taxes, remains questionable. If the operations are profitable, it will raise questions about the equitable distribution of benefits from resources that are the common heritage of mankind. Additionally, companies like BMW, Volvo, Google and Korean battery maker Samsung SDI, vowed in a statement to not buy metals produced from deep-sea mining until the environmental risks of the activity are “comprehensively understood.” In the context of the above-stated information, address the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the given case study? (b) How can the vision of economic development of a nation be achieved without adversely affecting the sustainability of oceans? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"You are a public representative, elected on the ticket of a political party, considered as conservative by many. Your daughter, who has returned years after studying abroad, has conveyed to you her choice of marrying a person from another community. You personally do not consider anything wrong in her choice, and convey your assent to her. You also discuss it with many among your friends and family, and inform them of a grand wedding ceremony you are planning for your daughter. However, a few days after you have shared the news of the forthcoming grand wedding with many, you are informed by your political secretary about an issue being made of the same. He informs you that there are whispers among many people in your constituency about it, and indications of a sense of unease among some prominent citizens. While most of them are enamoured by your plans for a grand wedding ceremony for your daughter, they are unhappy about the bridegroom being from another community. You also get to know through your sources in the party, that your assent to the choice of the bridegroom may lead to a denial of ticket by the high command in the forthcoming elections. You are not only an ambitious politician and a rising star in your political party but also an open-minded, loving and doting father. But howsoever much you love your daughter's freedom and choices, you do not want her decision to adversely affect your political journey. This is more so, when you had been eager looking forward to greater responsibilities and a higher stature in the party, given the years of that her wedding will not be held as a private ceremony with only close friends and family, but should be publicised in a grand way, as you had promised earlier to her. Given this situation, answer the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the above situation? (b) What are the various options that you have, as a father and an ambitious politician? (c) What will be your course of action? Justify with proper reasoning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7290,"topper":"Shivam Kumar","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_ZFPe4FVDkkfNxF3oKpEcnGOTR6tTAMT/view","questions":[]},{"id":7291,"topper":"Shivam Kumar","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hwriI13GRgrwpzoQtKn6O70yLQ_HsmLh/view","questions":[]},{"id":7292,"topper":"Shivam Kumar","air":19,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"SuccessClap","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"http://successclap.in/wp-content/uploads/Shivam-Kumar-AIR-19-Calculus-SuccessClap.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7293,"topper":"Shivam Kumar","air":19,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"SuccessClap","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"http://successclap.in/wp-content/uploads/Shivam-Kumar-AIR-19-Real-Analysis-SuccessClap.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7294,"topper":"Shivam Kumar","air":19,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"SuccessClap","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"http://successclap.in/wp-content/uploads/Shivam-Kumar-AIR-19-Linear-Algebra-SuccessClap.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7295,"topper":"Shivam Kumar","air":19,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"SuccessClap","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"http://successclap.in/wp-content/uploads/Shivam-Kumar-AIR-19-ODE-SuccessClap.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7296,"topper":"Shivam Kumar","air":19,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"SuccessClap","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"http://successclap.in/wp-content/uploads/Shivam-Kumar-AIR-19-FLT1-SuccessClap.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7297,"topper":"Shivam Kumar","air":19,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"SuccessClap","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"http://successclap.in/wp-content/uploads/Shivam-Kumar-AIR-19-FLT2-SuccessClap.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7298,"topper":"Shivam Kumar","air":19,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"SuccessClap","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"http://successclap.in/wp-content/uploads/Shivam-Kumar-AIR-19-FLT5-SuccessClap.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7299,"topper":"Shivam Kumar","air":19,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"SuccessClap","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"http://successclap.in/wp-content/uploads/Shivam-Kumar-AIR-19-FLT6-SuccessClap.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7300,"topper":"Shivam Kumar","air":19,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"SuccessClap","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"http://successclap.in/wp-content/uploads/Shivam-Kumar-AIR-19-FLT7-SuccessClap.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7301,"topper":"Shivam Kumar","air":19,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"SuccessClap","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"http://successclap.in/wp-content/uploads/Shivam-Kumar-AIR-19-FLT8-SuccessClap.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7302,"topper":"Shivam Kumar","air":19,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"SuccessClap","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"http://successclap.in/wp-content/uploads/Shivam-Kumar-AIR-19-FLT9-SuccessClap.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7303,"topper":"Shivam Singh","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/SHIVAM-SINGH-UPSC-2024-Rank-73-MGP-Sample-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) A key attribute of the Indian Constitution lies in its capacity to harmonize diverse socio-political perspectives. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) To what extent, in your opinion, will the 106th Constitutional Amendment Act help in increasing women's representation and empowerment in the Indian political process?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) \"The constitutionalization of environmental issues by the Supreme Court is among the most transformative developments in contemporary Indian jurisprudence.\" Discuss the statement with the help of relevant case laws.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) How is Indian judicial system different from that of the USA? Should India move towards a more federal judicial system?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) Examine the role of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) in ensuring corporate governance and addressing insolvency issues in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) \"The anti-defection law has fallen short of achieving its intended objective.\" Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) The promotion of e-governance is critical for the realization of good governance in the country. Elucidate, with the steps taken by the government in this regard.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) How can community-based interventions enhance access to preventive and promotive healthcare services in the country?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) \"A multipolar world order is not merely an option but a necessity\". In light of the statement, discuss how India can leverage its position to strengthen multipolarity in the global arena.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"How India can leverage its position to strengthen multipolarity.\n1. Becoming voice of the Global South\n2. carrying out reforms in global groupings like G20.\n3. Advocating for reform in UN and other institutions.\n4. Protecting the rights of pacific island nations vulnerable to climate change.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 Throw light on the reasons for growing salience of Africa in India's foreign policy framework. Also, mention the contemporary areas of engagement between India and Africa.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 How do Centrally Sponsored Schemes differ from Central Sector Schemes? Highlighting the concerns raised by some states regarding Centrally Sponsored Schemes, suggest remedial measures.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) Why is a robust and efficient subordinate judiciary crucial for the effective functioning of the entire judicial system? Also, examine the role of 'All India Judicial Services' (AIJS) in enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of the Indian judiciary.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13) Discuss the rationale behind the introduction and implementation of three new criminal laws. Highlight key features of the laws, and also state the associated concerns.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) While the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) has played a crucial role in regulating electoral conduct, discussions regarding its legal backing have surfaced over the years. Do you agree with the perspective that providing statutory backing to the MCC will give the Election Commission the much-needed legal teeth in conduct of free and fair election?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"2.15 Bring out the various administrative challenges faced by local self-governments (LSGs). What measures do you suggest for devolving administrative powers to LSGs, enabling them to function as institutions of genuine self-governance?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 Elaborate on the challenges that limit co-operatives from realizing their potential. Suggest measures to unlock the potential of co-operatives for rural development.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"1) Challenges that limit cooperatives from realizing their potential.\n1) Lack of representation: many of the cooperatives that are functioning in rural development do not include people from marginalized community.\n2) Regional imbalances: mostly located in urban and well-to-do areas.\n3) Lack of training to the cooperatives inhibits growth of them and limits their potential.\n4) Lack of bureaucratic support; also acts as a hurdle, as small cooperatives require handholding from agencies to function.\n5) Financial crunch - access to finance is a issue.\n6) Poor financial management.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"1. Measures to unlock the potential of cooperatives for rural development.\n1. Formulation of cooperatives by regulating them on platforms. Eg. Scheme for formalisation of micro food processing enterprises.\n2. Access to funds. Eg. NABARD bank linkage and credit enablement programmes.\n3. Financial Management. Eg. Priyadarshinee scheme to help in managing the account books.\n4. Higher participation of women through their capacity building.\n5. Cooperatives for diversification of agriculture. Eg. promoting poultry, beekeeping, etc.\n6. Micro finance institutions for credit to farmers.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 \"The fight against poverty is at the core of the Sustainable Development Goals\". In this context, highlight the interlinkages between poverty alleviation and various SDGs. Also, assess the effectiveness of the measures taken by the government for achieving the same.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18) The various developmental initiatives by the government have fallen short of achieving their intended objectives. Is it a design issue or an implementation bottleneck? Suggest measures to improve the effectiveness of developmental schemes.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 While the expansion of BRICS offers new opportunities, realizing its full potential will require concerted efforts from member states to address internal contradictions and foster meaningful cooperation. Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 Describe the structure and mandate of the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Also, enumerate the challenges it faces in fulfilling its mandate.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7304,"topper":"SHIVANG SRIVASTAVA","air":102,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/47ea4-962608_2322_shivang_srivastava_rank_102.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7305,"topper":"SHIVANG SRIVASTAVA","air":102,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a071a-962608_2323_shivang_srivastava_rank_102.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7306,"topper":"SHIVANG SRIVASTAVA","air":102,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4fcda-962608_2488_shivang_srivastava_rank_102.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7307,"topper":"SHIVANG SRIVASTAVA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b811f-962608_2219_shivang_srivastava_rank_102.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Fiscal policy can be a key tool to reduce income inequality as well as make the poorest and the downtrodden a part of the country's growth story. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Digitizing land records will go a long way in ensuring land reforms as well as lessening the burden on the Indian Judiciary. Elaborate. Also, state the measures taken in this context. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"It has been pointed out that competitive politics to fund mostly non-merit subsidies is pushing a few states in India to the brink of a deep fiscal crisis. In this context, discuss the need to rationalise the subsidy regime in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Micro-irrigation has tremendous potential in transforming farming into a profitable and sustainable venture. Discuss the given statement in the context of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Given its vast resources and technical expertise, India can play a key role in assisting the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) in dealing with the impact of climate change. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The recent \"Disaster Management Plan of Ministry of Panchayati Raj (DMP-MoPR)\" aims to develop disaster resilience at the grassroots level. In this context, discuss the rationale behind the formulation of the Plan and highlight its key components. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the internal security implications emanating from the use of Emerging And Disruptive Technologies (EDT) by state and non-state actors. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Identify the impediments faced by India in boosting its defence exports. Also, discuss the steps taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the multiple issues associated with space debris. Also, state the initiatives taken in recent times to tackle this menace. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The adoption of Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) in India is expected to make e-commerce more inclusive and accessible for consumers. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While an agreement was recently reached at the WTO on a deal to curb \"harmful\" government fisheries subsidies, certain concerns raised by India suggests that the matter will require further negotiations. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite the advantages that are associated with the hybrid annuity model (HAM) in the road construction sector, the interest in it has moderated due to various reasons. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The existing MSP procurement regime is neither economically nor agro-ecologically sustainable. Elaborate. Also, evaluate the alternative approaches that can be adopted to improve the existing MSP regime. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"It is being argued that India is struggling with overflowing foodgrains in warehouses. Discuss the statement in view of the existing buffer stock policy of India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Recently, the government has asked all ports to prepare a master plan in order to become 'mega ports' by 2047. In light of this, discuss the challenges faced by ports and suggest remedial measures in order to propel India's blue economy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Inequality in income and wealth translates into carbon inequality. In this context, discuss the significance of addressing carbon inequality for India and suggest ways to achieve it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Despite increased and regular occurrences of landslides over the past decade in India, the dominant development paradigm has largely not been modified. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India needs a smart border management system to balance legitimate cross border flows with national security interests. Discuss. Also, highlight the initiatives taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Establishing linkages between globalisation and money laundering, discuss the initiatives taken at the national and international levels to combat it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"There have been arguments that India needs to review some of its past assumptions about the nature of outer space and contribute to the development of new global norms. In this context, analyse India's stand in relation to the Artemis Accords. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7308,"topper":"SHIVANG SRIVASTAVA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e754a-962608_2424_shivang_srivastava_rank_102.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What are the different dimensions of food security? Examine India's status in terms of ensuring food security with regard to these dimensions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Modern technologies such as blockchain and ChatGPT are powerful tools with immense potential to transform agriculture into a more efficient and sustainable sector. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What factors have led to the recent acceleration in the trend towards de-dollarization of the global economy? Do you think the dollar will lose its dominance anytime soon? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Despite significant pressure from the developed countries to alter its food subsidy regime, there is merit in India trying to retain its policy support for the poor in the country. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Several initiatives have been taken by the government towards addressing India's water needs, but the issues of water availability and water quality still warrant prioritised intervention. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What are the major drivers of glacial retreat in the Arctic? Describe the potential impact of the retreat of Arctic glaciers on the ecosystem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Space tourism, which was viewed as something straight out of a science fiction movie, is now becoming a reality albeit not without hindrances. What are the challenges associated with space tourism? What measures can be taken to address these challenges? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Global health experts widely believe that the development of CAR-T cell therapy can be a game changer in the treatment of cancer. How can CAR-T cell therapy overcome the limitations of CRISPR-Cas9 technology? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss why the rising deployment of new and emerging technologies by prominent violent extremist organizations demand concerted global efforts. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"With the Line of Actual Control (LAC) remaining tense after the Galwan and Yangste incidents and both India and China ramping up infrastructure in the border areas, discuss the role that ITBP plays in the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Do you think there is a need for a shift from 'land productivity' to 'irrigation water productivity' in India? Justify your answer. What are the challenges in making this shift? Explain. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Examine the role that green hydrogen can play in unlocking the energy security of India. How can the National Green Hydrogen Mission help India in achieving its energy goals? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The government has been weighing a transition from minimum wage to living wage in recent times. What are the benefits and constraints in the adoption of living wage in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The Union Budget affects almost every sector of the Indian economy, yet neither the budgetary processes nor the budget policies come under substantial public scrutiny. Do you agree? Justify your answer. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"India has been able to transform itself from a milk deficit country to the world's biggest milk producer, but the productivity of dairy animals in the country remains a concern. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"While climate change is responsible for crop failures, the agricultural sector itself is partly responsible for extreme weather events. Discuss. What strategy has been adopted under National Agriculture Disaster Management Plan to strengthen the resilience of the farming community in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Some regions in India, including Delhi, are highly vulnerable to the impact of earthquakes originating in the Himalayas. Discuss. What institutional measures have been taken to mitigate earthquake losses in India? Do you think there are significant gaps that still exist? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Recently, scientists announced net energy gain in nuclear fusion reaction, which is considered as a major scientific breakthrough for the future of clean energy. What are the advantages of nuclear fusion based power generation? What are the limitations in using it to generate electricity at a commercial scale? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Keeping in view the recent amendment, examine the efficacy of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, in tackling the menace of money laundering in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Discuss the security threats present in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), which have a direct bearing on India's maritime border interests. Suggest a robust strategy to deal with these threats. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7309,"topper":"SHIVANG SRIVASTAVA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ecda6-962608_2218_shivang_srivastava_rank_102.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to revisit the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution? Discuss with suitable arguments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Highlighting the advantages of online dispute resolution (ODR) mechanism for justice delivery, discuss the challenges associated with its effective implementation in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Despite the constitutional division of powers, Centre-state disputes have been a perennial feature of Indian democracy. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Do you agree with the view that adopting a framework for lobbying will strengthen participative governance and ease of doing business in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Despite the government encouraging open source instead of proprietary technology for government applications, the true potential of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) and digital platforms remains unrealized. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"As a social safety-valve, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) can be the principal vehicles through which communities voice their concerns. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Despite being lauded for its patient centric approach, the implementation of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, remains sluggish and mired with various issues. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to formulate an Urban Employment Guarantee scheme at the national level? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the relevance of BIMSTEC as a regional organisation to fulfil India's strategic aspirations in the Indian Ocean Region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the relevance of the Gujral Doctrine for India with regard to its relations with its immediate neighbours in the present times. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the pivotal role of the \"Officers of Parliament\" in the Indian Parliamentary system. Also, discuss the constitutional and statutory provisions for their impartial functioning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The Finance Commission plays a crucial role in balancing fiscal federalism in India. In this context, examine the recommendations given by the 15th Finance Commission. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Critically assess whether according statutory backing to the Model Code of Conduct will contribute towards free and fair elections in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The market disruption caused by digital revolution warrants renewed focus and perspective to ensure fair competition in the digital economy. In this light, discuss the need to revamp the Competition Commission of India (CCI). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"There is an urgent need for effective whistle-blowing mechanisms and ensuring that necessary safeguards for the protection of whistle-blowers are established in both public and private spheres in India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"State the reasons behind the poor performance of cooperatives in India. Also, discuss the reforms undertaken by the government to overcome the shortcomings. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Public-Private Partnership model, if harnessed properly, has the potential to bridge the gaps in India's healthcare system. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Although the New Education Policy brings with it a commendable vision, its success will depend on its ability to effectively integrate with the government's other policy initiatives. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) is born from a collective desire to make the Indo-Pacific region an engine of global economic growth. Comment. Also, discuss India's concerns in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"India needs to identify the priority areas to further its techno-diplomacy amidst the complexities of expanding digital space and New and Emerging Strategic Technologies. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7310,"topper":"SHIVANG SRIVASTAVA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7d984-962608_2423_shivang_srivastava_rank_102.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With suitable examples, discuss how environmental pressure groups enhance public participation and responsiveness with regard to environmental policies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The recent acknowledgment of sex work as a 'profession' by the Supreme Court is merely the first step in ensuring basic rights and equality for sex workers in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the role played by District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) in providing free legal aid and disseminating legal awareness in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"The collegium system has become a victim of its own success, with the concentration of power in the hands of a few, leading to questions about its legitimacy.\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"Civil services reforms must go beyond recruitment and standardised training to cope with the present day challenges.\" Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Outcome-based finance models such as social impact bonds have the potential to truly catalyse change and deliver socio-economic impact at scale. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The wide gap between the number of females graduating every year and those entering the workspace is an issue of paramount importance that needs to be addressed. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"An up to date and functional Civil Registration System (CRS) is essential to the socio-economic planning in India. Discuss in the light of the recent move of the Central government in revamping the CRS system in the country. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What are the key areas of reform if the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has to align with the current economic realities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In recent years, India's relationship with West Asia has evolved from the confines of geopolitics to expanse of geoeconomics. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The role of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) is significant in furthering healthy competitiveness aimed at inspiring stakeholders to innovate and augment effectiveness. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"\"The menace of paid news often rears its ugly head during elections.\" Discuss the need for making paid news an electoral offence in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the 'Doctrine of Essentiality' referred to by the courts in the context of religious practices in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"As per the recently released report of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), there is an urgent need to limit the size of the government in India. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The Institutions of Eminence (IoE) scheme was conceived to develop 'world-class' centres of higher education in India but six years later, it is yet to become the game changer it was intended to be. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) allows for innovative and convenient public services, help overcome inclusion or accessibility barriers, and increase transparency and accountability with real-time data. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Besides legislation, the full realisation of the 'right to health for all' in India demands plugging of social, financial, and infrastructural gaps. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The 'third gender' has not yet been engendered in the Indian society despite legislative nudge. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Among other factors, strained ties with China and Pakistan make it difficult for India to fulfill its expectations from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"The recently concluded initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) between the United States and India promises a long overdue transformation of their partnership in the field of technology. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7311,"topper":"SHIVANG SRIVASTAVA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5c9a5-962608_2422_shivang_srivastava_rank_102.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The traditional theatre forms of India reflect the ideals and emotions of the society, and an individual's role in the community. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":7312,"topper":"SHIVANG SRIVASTAVA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1c4a8-962608_2217_shivang_srivastava_rank_102.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With examples, discuss how the cultural traditions from various regions of India get reflected in regional music. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Highlighting the emergence of the working class movement, discuss its contribution towards India's freedom struggle. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Do you agree with the view that Gandhian politics was, in a sense, a continuation of Tilak's politics? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"It is said that the world's oceans are losing their 'memory' due to human-induced warming. Comment. Also, discuss the consequences of the phenomenon. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What is soil amendment? Evaluate the benefits and concerns associated with it. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"It has been suggested that the next decade may see a boom in hybrid power plants. Stating the advantages that such power plants offer, discuss the associated challenges. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What are Van Allen Radiation Belts? Explaining their formation, discuss why there has been a growing focus on their study. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss whether marital rape should be criminalised in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What is care economy? Highlight the challenges associated with it and mention the steps taken to address them in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Post-pandemic India is staring at the challenge of \"learning poverty\". Analyse its implications and discuss a way ahead. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Bring out the evolution of mural traditions in South India. Also, elaborate on their significant characteristics. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Indian nationalism that confronted British imperialism in the 19th century was a product of colonial modernity. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Environmentalism surfaced in the form of many organised movements in post independence India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Do you agree with the view that continental blockade was an ill-conceived strategy by Napoleon to conquer Britain through economic means? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What do you understand by the Arctic Paradox? Highlight the spatial distribution of mineral and energy resources in the Arctic region. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Cryosphere changes have a tendency to bring about a devastating impact on the ecosystem and its people. Discuss. Also, enlist measures to tackle this threat. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The frequent instances of urban flooding pose a severe risk to the urban ecosystem in India. Discuss with special emphasis on its impact on the critical infrastructure. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Sand is not only critical for economic development but also provides crucial ecosystem services. Elaborate. In this context, discuss the importance of sustainable sand mining in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The challenge of unbridled and unbalanced growth of urban spaces in India necessitates reforms in urban planning and capacity. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Feminist movements in India have historically lacked inclusivity, often growing within a limited Western upper-class psyche. Critically discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7313,"topper":"SHIVANG SRIVASTAVA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ae4d3-962608_2425_shivang_srivastava_rank_102.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"For effective corporate governance to take place in the coming years, why is it important to integrate the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics with the multi-stakeholder approach? What benefits can be accrued by such integration? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":7314,"topper":"SHIVANG SRIVASTAVA","air":102,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/db752-962608_2421_shivang_srivastava_rank_102.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7315,"topper":"Shivani","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Mgp","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/SHIVANI-MOHAN-UPSC-2024-Rank-71-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 Recent train accidents - Balasore, Kanchanjunga train, etc have highlighted the need to improve rail safety.\n1 development and maintenance of infrastructure - eg. tracks, etc\n2 Over capacity utilization\n3 Rail area unmanned level crossings\n4 Violations of standard operating procedure\n5 Unmarked rail staff - eg. loco pilots\n6 Lack of training and communication","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6 Indian space agency ISRO and US's agency NASA recently collaborated in launching NISAR\n1 NISAR jointly build by NASA and ISRO\n2 while NASA has provided with S-band radars, ISRO provided L-band showcasing jointness in operations and scientific research","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Q8 Report by FSR - 2019 shows that over 13% of Indian forests is vulnerable to forest fires. Recent incidents of forest fire in Kerala and Nainital highlight vulnerability.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 India introduced Liberalisation, Privatisation and Globalisation reforms in 1991 pushing economy on higher growth path.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"8.12. Recent budget 2024-25 has increased capex to 3.5% of GDP at ₹111,111,11 crore - highlighting importance of infrastructure development for Economic transformation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Q13 India is the second largest aquaculture nation after China and third largest producer of fish in the world. Significance of aquaculture -\nI Nutrition security - Products like shrimp, fish, etc contain vitamins help in addressing nutritional gaps\nII Livelihood generation - allow farmers to diversify income sources eg. rice-fish farming Major income source for coastal fishing communities","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Biotechnology means use of technology in enhancing productivity or efficiency of biological systems for food production\n1 Use of genetically modified GM crops to increase yields eg GM Binnjal\n2 Develop capacity to address disease and pest attack eg GM Cotton\n3 Develop resistance to adverse weather patterns eg drought\n4 Increase nutritional value of food eg Golden rice with Vitamin A\n5 Increase carbon capture capacity reducing agriculture emission","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7316,"topper":"Shivani Goyal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/30302_1020_Shivani_Rank_15.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Enumerate the discretionary powers of the Governor mentioned in the Indian Constitution. Why is it said that the post of governor has become highly politicised?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"CAG is instrumental in securing accountability of the executive to the Parliament in the sphere of financial administration. Elaborate. Enumerate the provisions made in the Constitution to ensure the independence of the CAG.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"What are the different institutional arrangements in India to promote cooperation between the Centre and States? Critically analyse the role of Inter-State Council to enhance cooperative federalism in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"In view of the idea of holding simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies, discuss the advantages that its implementation would lead to and the concerns that it raises.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"While the Competition Commission of India and sector-specific regulators are required to complement each other, overlapping jurisdiction has resulted in regulatory parallelism amongst them. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Criticism about the judiciary should be welcomed, so long as criticisms do not hamper the \"administration of justice\". In this context discuss whether the power of contempt of court given to the higher judiciary limits the freedom granted by Article 19 (a) and whether these two can be reconciled.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Despite being a welcome step, Inter-State Water Disputes (Amendment) Bill, 2017 fails to resolve the issue of overlapping of jurisdiction between the legislature and judiciary. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Critically discuss the major reforms introduced in the area of electoral funding in Union Budget 2017. Do you think that state funding of elections is a viable idea to check misuse of money power in politics?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Discuss the significance of the concept of Office of Profit as enshrined in the Indian Constitution. Why has it been embroiled in controversies for a long time? Analyse the role played by judiciary in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"The provisions of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution devolve some essential powers to the lower levels in order to cater to the needs of the tribal community. Discuss, while examining the modern day challenges faced by the institutions set up under the Sixth Schedule.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Special rights are not privileges but they are granted to make it possible for minorities to preserve their identity, culture and traditions. Elaborate in the context of India with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"While it has been argued that the judiciary should be brought under RTI, a balance also needs to be maintained between independence of the judiciary and the right of people to know. In this context, discuss the pros and cons of bringing the judiciary under the ambit of RTI.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Differentiate between pressure groups and political parties. It is often said that pressure groups are primarily a consequence of inadequacies of the political parties in India. Discuss the above statement in the context of rising environmental protection groups.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Give an account of the factors responsible for the limited success of Lok Adalats. What measures are required to ensure that Lok Adalats function as an effective dispute redressal mechanism?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"The provision of 33% reservation of seats for women in urban local body elections in Nagaland has been in news for various reasons in recent times. Discuss the underlying issues in light of the constitutional provisions at stake and the social realities of the state.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Government advertisements have often been viewed as misuse of taxpayer's money for enhancing the image of political parties. Discuss in the light of relevant SC rulings. Also enumerate the recommendations made by the Twentieth Law Commission to address the issue of paid news and political advertisements.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"A clear delineation of functions of local governments vis-à-vis State Governments will only strengthen the principle of subsidiarity. In this context, discuss the challenges and the reforms required for effective democratic decentralization in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Vast powers have been vested in the office of the Speaker to strengthen the democratic institutions of the parliamentary system, and not to stifle dissent or protest in the House. Comment in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Tenth Schedule of the Constitution and the subsequent amendments have failed at solving the problem of defections and opportunistic politics. Critically analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"It is the Parliamentary system, with its basis on constant accountability, accommodation and inclusion, which can best serve the needs of the country. Examine, keeping in mind the arguments that are periodically put forward for adopting the Presidential system in India.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7317,"topper":"Shivani Goyal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/30302_876_Shivani_Rank_15.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"While India has taken a number of steps in order to substantially improve its ranking in the World Bank's 'Ease of Doing Business' Index, it needs to take further action in this regard. Elaborate. Also analyse the utility of these rankings vis-a-vis India's objective of facilitating a sound entrepreneurial environment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"In wake of the agrarian crisis that the country is witnessing, discuss the need for adopting an income-centric approach in preference to a production-centric one as the basis of agricultural policy. In this context, also highlight the steps that should be taken to achieve the goal of doubling the income of farmers by 2021-22 and the challenges that exist.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"It is argued that India's fiscal centre of gravity has rapidly shifted from the Centre to the States. Analyse the statement in context of the debate on fiscal discipline. Also, enumerate the key recommendations of the N.K. Singh panel on Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Strategic sale of state-run firms is a prudent step to deal with the challenges being faced by the public sector enterprises in India. Comment. Also enumerate other measures that can be taken in light of NITI Aayog's suggestions in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Shell companies in India are neither legally defined nor properly understood. Analyse in the light of recent developments, prevalent understanding and steps required to effectively deal with shell companies.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"If a larger population in India is to be involved in the economy in a big way, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are key. Elaborate. Also discuss the challenges faced by the SME sector in India and give an account of the measures taken by the government to deal with these.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"What are the reasons for the growing informalization of industrial labour in India? Discuss the issues associated with the phenomenon and reforms required to deal with them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"A number of far-reaching developments have taken place in the local and global energy space which have to be reflected in our own energy policy framework. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"The Indian IT-BPM (Information Technology-Business Process Management) industry is a global powerhouse today and its impact on India and the world has been unprecedented. Comment. Also, mention the challenges being faced by India's IT-BPM sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"An effective multi-modal logistics and transport sector will make the Indian economy more competitive. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Climate change threatens sustainable development, impairs socio-economic development and reinforces cycles of poverty across the globe. In this context, discuss the utility of climate risk insurance as an instrument within a comprehensive climate risk management system.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Why are women particularly vulnerable to the impact of natural disasters? Also analyse, with adequate examples, how women can play a more effective role in disaster risk management cycle.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"In view of the seriousness of heat waves and its consequences, greater attention is required for dealing with it as a natural disaster. Analyse in the context of recent developments and the actions taken by relevant government bodies.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"While genome editing offers immense potential benefits in the area of healthcare, there are a lot of apprehensions regarding its use. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Discuss various ways in which supercomputers have benefitted mankind over the years. Also enumerate the objectives of the National Supercomputing Mission and the mechanism for its implementation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Widely seen as a disruption for the traditional banking and financial institutions, cryptocurrencies have gained significant traction lately, at the same time creating a regulatory nightmare for regulators across the globe. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"An internationally-binding agreement to strengthen the Outer Space Treaty of 1967 is both desirable and increasingly a necessity. Analyse in view of the traditional and emerging challenges in this arena.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Even after nearly 60 years in existence, AFSPA remains at the centre of debates with respect to countering violent insurgencies, role of the states and local communities. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Analyse the challenges and opportunities inherent in the push for indigenisation of defence production in India. Also, identify the measures through which indigenous manufacturing of defence equipments is being encouraged by the Government.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"India's ability to puruse a clear-cut strategic vision depends on its ability to improve institutional cooperation and coordination between the armed forces and civilian bureaucracy. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7318,"topper":"Shivani Goyal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/30302_877_Shivani_Rank_15.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The seeds of patriarchy and gender inequality are sown at home, which manifest as a weed at the societal level. Elucidate. Suggest an ethical framework to systematically address the issue of patriarchy in the Indian society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"What are the factors which drive people to take law in their own hands rather than following the due process of law? Discuss ways to address the problem of mob justice.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"In a democracy, the purpose of the government should be to make it easy for people to do good and difficult to do wrong. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss John Stuart Mill's idea on freedom of thought and expression. Also, give reasons as to why, according to Mill, representative democracy is the best form of government despite its inherent weaknesses.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"It is argued by some that nuclear weapons have acted more as a deterrent than leading to war and mass destruction. In this context, discuss whether it is ethically right to possess nuclear weapons to create nuclear deterrence.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Differentiate between administration and leadership. Highlighting the traits which characterize an effective leader, discuss the importance of leadership in ensuring effective public service delivery in a bureaucratic setup.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Apart from functional knowledge and expertise, the efficacy of a civil servant also depends upon his emotional intelligence. How does emotional intelligence contribute to efficacy? How can civil servants enhance their emotional intelligence?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Enumerate the mechanisms that promote accountability of public officials in discharging their functions and responsibilities in India. Also discuss why ensuring accountability for performance is not a simple task in government service.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) \"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"\"Prejudices are what fools use for reason.\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Ensuring that government decisions are not influenced by public officials' private interests is a growing concern. Discuss in the context of India. Also enumerate the core principles reflected by OECD guidelines for managing conflict of interest in the public sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Discuss, with examples, the significance of principles of public life as recommended by Nolan committee. Why are these principles considered as an essential set of expectations from public servants?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"A peculiar inhuman situation exists for the people fleeing from war zones - they cannot go back to their homeland for fear of being persecuted and no country is ready to bear their burden due to various reasons. Citing contemporary examples, discuss the ethical issues involved in such situations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"As the administrator in-charge of your area, you are witness to the widespread food wastage in lavish parties as well as in restaurants and eateries, on one hand and people starving due to inability to ensure one square-meal a day, on the other. Realizing that it is not the scarcity of resources, but the habit of people that is causing paucity in availability of food, you decide that certain measures are needed to be taken in order to deal with the issue of starvation at the grassroot level. 20 Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) What measures would you take to deal with wastage of food in your area? (c) What explains this co-existence of affluence and hunger in developing countries like India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"The excluded and marginalized section of society are worst hit by globalization, Take the case of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) like Sentinelese of Andaman & Nicobar islands; their population has reduced drastically and they are facing various other problems as well. In this context answer the following questions: 20 (a) What are the challenges faced by PVTGs due to globalisation? (b) If you are posted as a Development Officer in such an area, what will be your priorities to reduce their vulnerabilities and ensure welfare?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Undercover journalism exposes injustices, negligence, corruption and wrongdoing and yet going undercover to expose wrongdoing remains controversial. But, undercover journalists contend that they are fulfilling a fundamental duty of finding truth through their journalism. They argue that public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy and the duty of the journalist is to further those ends by seeking truth and providing a fair and comprehensive account of events and issues. So, there are some supporters of this kind of journalism, which sometimes infringe the privacy of individuals. However, some journalists also urge avoiding surreptitious methods of gathering information except when traditional open methods will not yield information vital to the public. In this context, answer the following questions: 20 (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the practice of undercover journalism? (b) Do you support the practice of undercover investigation by journalists? Give reasons in support of your answer.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are the chief executive of ABC Ltd., an automotive component manufacturing company. Until recently, all of your production plants were located in City X. However, the cost of production has risen, causing profits to decline. A number of factors have led to an increase in the production costs. First, the union representing the workers in your plant waged a successful strike resulting in increased salary and benefits. A second factor has been imposition of stringent environmental regulations. Shareholders are concerned about the declining fortunes of the company. Many of the competitors have moved their operations to less-developed cities, where the operating costs are less than in City X. ABC Ltd. is a major employer in the city where it is located, and you know that a plant closure will cause economic dislocation in the city. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) What are the ethical issues involved in this case? (b) How can the interests of different stakeholders be reconciled in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You are posted as a District Education Officer (DEO) in a Maoist affected district. You have been specifically given the responsibility to work on the literacy mission. After reading the education reports and doing field visits, you find that the number of out of school children has increased drastically and the motivation among students and teachers is also low. While certain basic infrastructure is already in place, the major hurdle in attracting students to these schools include the attitude of inhabitants towards education and the security risks involved in sending children to schools. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Analyse the reasons behind such an attitude. (b) As a DEO, what are the steps that you would take in order to increase the school attendance and change the prevalent attitude of inhabitants towards education?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Mr. Pradeep is a senior civil servant in the central government and is involved in the budgeting department. In the course of performing his duties, he comes to know about diversion of funds earmarked for SC/ST sub-plan for other purposes. While he is not directly responsible for this aspect of the budget, he raised his concerns to the department concerned. He also learns that the minister responsible as well as senior most civil servants are aware of the practice and have given tacit approval for it. Soon thereafter, Pradeep was summoned to talk on the issue and was told that since the matter is not within his jurisdiction, he should 'keep his nose out of it'. After much soul searching, Pradeep decided to obey his supervisors by leaving the matter alone. Based on the information given, answer the following questions: (a) Elaborate on the internal dissonance that Pradeep faces in the given situation. (b) On what basis can the decision of Pradeep be justified? (c) Had you been in Pradeep's place, what would have been the course of action chosen by you? Recognise the merits and demerits, if any.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7319,"topper":"Shivani Panchal","air":53,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d27ce-716902_2526_shivani_panchal_rank_53.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7320,"topper":"Shivani Panchal","air":53,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/42d82-716902_2527_shivani_panchal_rank_53.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7321,"topper":"Shivani Panchal","air":53,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/61e44-716902_2528_shivani_panchal_rank_53.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7322,"topper":"Shivani Panchal","air":53,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2e441-716902_2529_shivani_panchal_rank_53.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7323,"topper":"Shivani Panchal","air":53,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/26f09-716902_2530_shivani_panchal_rank_53.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7324,"topper":"Shivani Panchal","air":53,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0e286-716902_2531_shivani_panchal_rank_53.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7325,"topper":"Shivani Panchal","air":53,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5e865-716902_2532_shivani_panchal_rank_53.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7326,"topper":"Shivansh Awasthi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7ddc2-110468_1153_shivansh_awasthi_rank_77.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the issues faced in BOT and EPC models of infrastructure investment, explain how HAM can address these. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The investment rate in India has gradually declined after a historic high in the mid 2000s. Examine the reasons behind this trend. Discuss the steps required to revive investment for a sustained growth. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The measurement of the extent of formal sector and formal employment is yet an unsettled matter in our economy. Comment. Also, mention the steps which the government has taken to improve its extent.(150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Minimum Support Price (MSP) of crops is a short term solution for agricultural distress which creates long term problems. Examine. Suggest measures to overcome the the limitations of the MSP regime.(150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Enumerating the factors that determine a nation's energy-mix, comment on the need for having a diversified fuel basket for meeting India's future energy demands. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"In the light of increasing NPAs and frauds, the twin balance sheet problem has grown immensely. Comment on the issue and analyse the potential of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code to be a game changer for Indian economy’s health and long-term growth. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Highlight the importance of MSME sector in India's economy. Also, identifying the challenges, suggest some policy recommendations to ensure their sustenance and competitive growth. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Going forward, the allied sectors will play a critical role in increasing the resilience and improving economic returns in agriculture. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"What do you understand by Seed Replacement Rate? Explaining the concept of breeder, foundation and certified seeds, highlight the major policy initiatives taken in order to address the challenge of quality seed availability to farmers. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7327,"topper":"Shivansh Awasthi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d45c5-110468_1067_shivansh_awasthi_rank_77.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What is the role that opposition plays in a democracy like India? In this context, discuss whether our Parliament can benefit from a shadow cabinet. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Where there is a right, there is a remedy. In this context, discuss the nature and significance of writs in India with adequate examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Enumerate the objectives of NITI Aayog. Also, discuss the performance of this body since its inception and suggest measures to make it more effective. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"In view of the political class's inability to develop and maintain conventions relating to the appropriate use of Article 356, the Supreme Court's decision in the Bommai case provided much needed clarity. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Press freedom and good governance are not mutually exclusive. They support each other while promoting a country's economic and human development. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"SHGs have succeeded in delivering financial inclusion, but for them to evolve as viable business enterprise requires a different approach. Analyse in the context of the twin goals of rural growth and promotion of women's entrepreneurship. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The focus of higher education in India has been on a select few Central or autonomous institutions where as the ones in states remain neglected. Commenting on the statement, highlight the significance of Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the role played by PRIs in political empowerment of women. Also, suggest measures to further increase their political participation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What is Strategic Autonomy? Critically examine the elements of such a policy in India's contemporary foreign policy in the context of recent developments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What are the various modes of Alternate Dispute Redressal (ADR) mechanisms available in India? Identifying the problems being faced by them, provide suggestions needed to increase their effectiveness. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":24,"question":"While the power to punish for the contempt of court is a much needed tool to protect the administration of justice from being maligned, it is time that it be relooked into. Critically analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Criminalisation of politics remains a key concern for the Indian political system. In this context, analyse the role played by the Supreme Court and Election Commission over the years. Also, in what ways can the media play a positive role? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"The recent decision of the government to open up positions at the senior levels in bureaucracy through lateral entry is an important but only small step in the direction of much needed reforms in the higher civil services. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Identifying the broad contours of the 'Transformation of Aspirational Districts' programme, explain how it adopts a novel strategy to address backwardness. (250 words) ' ' ,","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"How did India fare on the Millennium Development Goals related to health? In this regard, identify the relevant Sustainable Development Goals and evaluate India's capacity to meet them. (250 words) ? ,","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"What are the different rights recognized under the Forest Rights Act, 2006? Highlight the gaps in the implementation of community forest rights and community forest resource rights granted under the Forest Rights Act. Also, suggest measures to address the current scenario. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Progress in India-US ties has been accompanied by equally significant divergences on important issues. Examine in the context of recent developments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Despite bonhomie, the structural differences between Indian and Israeli national security situations, their worldviews and absence of explicitly shared enemies limit stronger strategic rapprochement. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7328,"topper":"Shivansh Awasthi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d9235-110468_1068_shivansh_awasthi_rank_77.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"There are many challenges in sustainably scaling up renewable energy in India. Analyse. Also, discuss what can be done to address these challenges. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The policies and indicators introduced by the government, in recent times, to finance urban development in India are key in addressing the existing challenges. Discuss with special reference to municipal bonds. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"With a number of issues continuing to be a roadblock, a large section of India's rural population is still 'financially excluded'. Discuss. Analyse how these issues can be addressed and the measures taken by the government and RBI recently in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'Environmental Accounting'? Discussing the rationale behind introducing environmental accounting, highlight its status in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"While access to irrigation is important, efficiency of water use is equally, if not more, crucial. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"For a holistic approach to disaster risk reduction, there is a need to mainstream indigenous traditional knowledge and link it with modern technologies. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do you understand by food irradiation? Highlighting some of its unique applications, examine its relevance for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Whereas misuse of technology has abetted the spread of fake news, it is with the aid of technology that this menace can be curbed. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Contract Farming has many advantages, however it suffers from market failures. Elaborate. What can the government do to correct problems that lead to contract failures? Also, discuss whether the Model Contract Farming Act, 2018 is a step in the right direction. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":22,"question":"Suggest the measures needed to improve the employability of labour force as well as increasing number of employment opportunities in light of structural changes being brought by disruptive technologies. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"India's trade policy in agriculture, marred by ad-hocism and pro-consumer bias, has constrained realization of export potential, and prevented the farmers from reaping the benefits. Examine the statement and discuss ways, including government initiatives, to improve agricultural exports. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Is currency exchange rate a suitable measure of relative economic performance of countries? Despite improving macro-economic fundamentals, trade deficit in India continues to widen. Bring out the factors responsible for this situation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"It will take much more than relief packages to address the problems being faced by the sugar industry in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"NAPCC, almost 10 years old and formulated with lofty objectives, has not served as the best answer to cope with the impacts of climate change. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Proliferation of nuclear weapons and the threat of their use are key concerns for global security nonetheless existing international arrangements seem to be ineffective. Comment. Also, identify the salient features of India's policy in this context and discuss whether India should join the NPT in the current form. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"The maritime security domain requires collective multilateral and regional cooperation to combat non traditional threats. Discuss in the context of threats in the Western Indian Ocean and the recent amendments in the Djibouti Code of Conduct. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"India's space programme was initiated with the vision of utilising outer space for peaceful purposes, however with changing times it has the potential to play a significant role in strengthening security capabilities of India. Discuss with adequate examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7329,"topper":"Shivansh Awasthi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/91ea4-110468_1072_shivansh_awasthi_rank_77.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain why it is important to urgently address the problem of poor land records and infirmity of land titles in India. Also discuss how this problem can be addressed. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What are the special features of the infrastructure sector that make its financing a challenge? What measures have been taken to facilitate adequate amount of finance to this sector? (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Despite favourable circumstances, India's electronics manufacturing has been unable to respond to the rising demand. Discuss. What steps can be taken to address this situation? (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Despite registering a high growth rate in the post-reform era, India continues to witness a high incidence of poverty. Explain this paradox and suggest ways to resolve it. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"In light of the argument that India has entered a regime of \"permanent surpluses\", discuss whether the time has come to remove agricultural commodities completely from Essential Commodities Act. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The 1988 National Forest Policy (NFP) was visionary in its scope and ambition. However, there is a need for a new forest policy in the current context. Discuss. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How does rapid urbanization increases the vulnerability to major disasters? Explaining with examples, suggest measures to develop disaster-resilient cities. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Identify the factors that make India vulnerable to drug trafficking? Also discuss the key steps taken to deal with it in our country. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"How do higher global crude oil prices affect the Indian economy? What steps can be taken to gradually insulate India from global oil price volatility in the long term? (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":22,"question":"Critically discuss the role of private sector in skill development in India in recent years. In this context, what are the measures required to improve oversight as well as financing in the skill development sector? (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"The e-commerce sector has been booming in India for the last few years. Examine the need for its regulation in light of the recently proposed draft e-commerce policy. Further, identify the challenges that the sector is currently facing. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Explaining the importance, highlight the achievements of dairy sector in India. Examine whether over-production is the reason for the problems being faced by the dairy industry. Give some solutions to address the problems. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"There has been a focus on Textile and Apparels industry in India in recent years. Elaborate the potential of this industry and the challenges that lie in achieving it. What steps have been taken in this regard? (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"How do transportation corridors in biodiversity rich areas impact the wildlife? Examine the current policy framework in this regard. Also, suggest measures to minimise the negative effects while balancing the need for development. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"The potential of technology to aid farmers in increasing productivity as well as reducing susceptibility to climate change remains underutilized. Identify the reasons for the same and suggest measures to improve technological penetration in agriculture. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"What is Intelligent Transportation System (ITS)? Explaining the need of ITS in India, identify the challenges in deploying it. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Explain the concept and significance of Data Localisation. Also discuss its limitations in strengthening law enforcement efforts in the context of Srikrishna Committee report and the draft Personal Data Protection Bill, 2018. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"What is the link between illegal immigration and national security? In this context, critically discuss the exercise of creating a National Register of Citizens in Assam. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7330,"topper":"Shivansh Awasthi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/cea43-110468_1154_shivansh_awasthi_rank_77.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the significance of the following in the context of civil service: 10 (i) Public trust (ii) Objectivity (iii) Strength of character (iv) Empathy (v) Selflessness","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Do you think nation states owe a responsibility towards asylum seekers? What are the considerations that should, in your opinion, go into the making of a refugee policy? Provide arguments with contemporary examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Why do civil servants have a special obligation to uphold ethical standards? What are the main areas of concerns for implementation of an effective ethical standard in civil services? In this context, suggest measures to remedy these concerns.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Analyse the ethical dimensions of using nuclear deterrence as a self- defense strategy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"We make a living by what we do, but we make a life by what we give. (i) Highlight the importance of value of altruism for a society. (ii) Discuss the role of education in imparting such values.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Giving examples, examine the relationship between personal and professional ethics of civil servants.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Bring out the significance of probity in public life. What are the requisites for ensuring probity in governance? Pointing out the key concerns in India in this context, suggest certain remedial measures.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"While the corrupt and dishonest should be punished swiftly, honest public servants need to be protected against malicious and motivated complaints to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of an organisation. Discuss. How can the two objectives be reconciled?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Explain with examples how emotional intelligence increases the effectiveness of leadership skills in a civil servant.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"A Citizens' Charter sees public services through the eyes of those who use them. In this context, analyze the importance of citizen charter in making public services citizen centric.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"\"Nonviolence is not servile passivity but a powerful moral force which makes for social transformation\". Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"The steady decline in sex ratio suggests that marked improvement in the economy and literacy rates do not seem to have had any impact on this index. In fact, the availability of new technology and its easy access for the urban, wealthy and educated have worsened the trend and harmed the status of women in Indian society. 20 (a) Explain why the phenomenon should not be simply viewed as a medical or legal issue and more attention should be given to the ethical issues involved. (b) Give some suggestions to tackle the problem of declining sex ratio. (c) Discuss the ethical dilemma involved in Right to abortion vs. Prevention of female foeticide. How can this be resolved?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"You are working as a senior doctor in the oncology department of a super specialty hospital located in Delhi. While accessing the quotations from reputed pharmaceutical companies to hospitals, you unearth a nexus between pharma firms and the hospital administration. You get to know that they are hand-in glove with each other and trying to fleece cancer patients by selling drugs at exorbitant prices, even though low cost alternative drugs are available in the market. Being the head of Alliance of Doctors for Ethical Healthcare, who is working against the arbitrary price regime of life saving drugs, you get a chance to represent your case before the Health Minister of your state. However, certain other doctors of the Alliance have asked you to present a distorted reality in front of the Minister since they are obtaining pecuniary benefits from such a scheme of nexus, which would cease if the nexus gets exposed. 20 (a) Identify the main stakeholders and ethical issues involved. (b) Analyse the possible solutions for addressing the issues. (c) What would be your final course of action and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"Mr. A is a senior most member of a highly reputed company with considerable customer interface. In recent months, the business of the company has been going down. On detailed analysis, it was found that some of the functionaries of the company have impulsive nature, which has many a times led to altercations with the customers and even among themselves. This has adversely affected the work culture and sullied the image of the company in the market. He seeks your advice, as you are his friend as well as a person who understands management. (a) What are the factors that you would consider in making your advice? (b) What steps will you suggest to deal with the situation that the company faces?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7331,"topper":"Shivansh Awasthi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/66643-110468_1069_shivansh_awasthi_rank_77.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Growing awareness about terminal as well as mental illness has given credence to the idea of \"living wills\". What is a living will? Discuss the ethical issues to be considered from an individual as well as social perspective to formulate and implement it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"In order to improve the bureaucratic work culture and productivity, there is a need to downsize government and privatize some of the services. Critically discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Examine the contemporary relevance of Gandhiji's talisman as a means of resolving ethical dilemmas in day to day life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"\"Intelligence plus character-that is the goal of true education.\" Assess whether such an objective can be achieved within the existing system of education in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"\"A blanket prohibition of criticism of the policies of the Government is invalid and void, and it makes no difference if the person criticizing happens to be a government servant.\" Critically discuss in the context of Civil Service Conduct Rules, 1964.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"What are the factors that have influenced the contemporary attitude of the state and the society towards homosexuality in India? Also, comment on the changing attitude and the factors driving this change.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"With behavioural issues and suicides among children on the rise, teachers and parents need to play an active part in ensuring mental well-being. Discuss. Also, explain the importance of emotional intelligence in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"The policy of Dhamma advocated by Ashoka through his edicts remains relevant in the context of issues in public life even today. Elucidate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Arguably, poverty is not only a matter of statistics. It is a reflection on the kind of society we live in. In this context, discuss the ethical implications for a society that witnesses high incidence of poverty.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Every superstition cannot be removed by the force of law. For that, a mental change is necessary. Comment. Also, explain how educators and public figures can help in eradicating superstition and instilling scientific temper among people.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Many argue that there are times, when war is morally permissible, and even obligatory. Critically discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"We live in a time when almost everything can be bought and sold. Over the past few years, markets and market values have come to govern our lives as never before. Today the logic of buying and selling no longer applies to material good alone but increasingly governs the whole of life. However, there is a wide spread realization that markets have become detached from morals and we need to somehow reconnect them. The use of markets to allocate social goods has also been a cause of concern. In this context, answer the following: 20 (a) Is greed wholly a vice or a trait of character that has both positive and negative sides? Could you relate it to the utilitarian philosophy that emphasizes pursuit of self interest by individuals as the basis of economic well being? (b) Are there some things that money shouldn't buy? Illustate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"You are a young athlete representing India at an international-level competition. During the competition, you witness a few senior athletes injecting something using a syringe, in private. When you approach them, they explain that it is a performance enhancing drug, which is very common in such competitions and you should take the same as well. You are in fear and decide to approach the coach to discuss the event you witnessed. However, you get to know that the athletes are taking the drug at the advice of the coach himself. (a) What would you do in this scenario? Discuss the options available to you and chart your course of action. (b) Why do you think use of unfair means to enhance performance is common in competitive sporting event? How can this practice be minimized?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7332,"topper":"Shivansh Rathee","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Shivansh-Rathee-UPSC-2023-Rank-63-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Investment in infrastructure is a precursor to social and economic transformation; however, the focus on economic gains must not marginalise the concerns for safety. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What do you understand from Green growth? With special reference to the budget 2023-2024, discuss various government measures to propel green growth in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Project cheetah marks a departure from India's efforts for conservation of various critically-endangered species. In this perspective, do you think the reintroduction of major fauna that has gone extinct is justified? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"In what ways can precision agriculture become a panacea for multipronged challenges plaguing the agriculture sector? Discuss. Also, analyse various impediments in widespread adoption of precision farming in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are the reasons for increasing emphasis on the horticulture sector in recent years? Evaluate government measures for the development of the horticulture sector. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Unplanned urbanization has made Indian cities vulnerable to fire safety hazards. Discuss and recommend measures for mitigating urban fires, with special reference to national building code, 2016. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"DPI (Digital Public Infrastructure) is indispensable for digitally enabling citizens and businesses; however, the challenges of exclusion, exploitation, and monopolisation cannot be ignored. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Assess the relevance of the NISAR mission in observing and managing climate change and natural hazards. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Defense indigenization remains the Achilles heel of India's security architecture. Examine the importance of startups in defense sector to make India secure and self-reliant. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Edge in modern warfare lies not so much in the capacity to overwhelm the adversary as much in the ability to nip the threat in the bud. In this context, discuss the role of intelligence in maintaining national security, and also cite challenges associated. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Labour and export intensive industries are key to problems of jobless growth. In this perspective, analyse the opportunities and challenges associated with the textile sector. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"In an era of interconnected challenges, the emerging global polycrisis poses significant implications for India's macroeconomic stability. Examine and suggest measures to make the Indian economy more resilient to global shocks and challenges. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Do you think the low Female Labor Force Participation Rate presents a correct picture about the 'working women' in India's economy? Give reasons in support of your answer. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Across sectors and regions, the most marginalised sections are also the most affected by the impacts of climate change. Explain. Also, present a case for a climate resilient model of development that integrates mitigation and adaptation measures. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite the potential to check the triple whammy of nutritional deficiency, environmental degradation, and receding farm incomes, the adoption of Millets has been abysmally low. Analyse. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"A link between unorganized farming community and formal industrial sector, Food Processing Industries (FPI) can play a key role in advancing the rural economy. Evaluate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What do you understand by generative Artificial Intelligence (AI)? How can policymakers and regulatory bodies effectively address the concerns and challenges posed by generative AI? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Though ethnic fault lines are a major threat, security challenges in the North-East are not confined to the same. Discuss the statement with special reference to Manipur. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Critically examine the role of development initiatives in addressing the root causes of militancy/ terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7333,"topper":"Shivansh Rathee","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Shivansh-Rathee-UPSC-2023-Rank-63-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the role of the 'Fourth Estate' in upholding democratic values and analyse the issues affecting press freedom in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The electoral process, though inclusionary in theory, has been pointed out for exclusionary tendencies in practice. Analyse, with special emphasis on role of women in India's representative electoral system. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Assess the effectiveness of Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 in resolution of river-water disputes. Also describe the potential impact of delays in resolution of water disputes. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the significance of the cooperative model of development in addressing the issues of rural growth. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"In order to pass the ultimate test of good governance, welfare state should be close to the people, responsive to their aspirations, and inclusive in its approach. Discuss with special reference to PM PVTG Development Mission. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"To what extent collaboration between the state and civil society organizations (CSOs) help in addressing poverty and malnutrition in the country? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Absence of a robust social infrastructure in the country may become one of the most significant challenges in achieving a developed status by 2047. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Though the changing paradigm towards dialogue and diplomacy in West Asia augurs well for India's interests in this otherwise restive region, presence of inimical actors may reverse the gains. (10 marks, 150 words) Explain.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Water diplomacy can redefine the contours of regional cooperation in South Asia. Discuss with special reference to Indus water treaty 1960. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Despite constitutional backing to the institutions of local governance, the idea of decentralisation has remained hostage to several structural bottlenecks. Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Independent judiciary, as envisaged by the constitution, provides the bedrock for a thriving polity; however, executive encroachment may erode its credibility and affect its efficacy. Evaluate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Executive agencies, working as the watchdog against impropriety, are vital to act against the corrupt; however, pandering to vested interests may have the effect of turning the idea of rule of law on its head. Comment, with special reference to controversies associated with the Enforcement Directorate (ED). (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Critically analyse the role of National Commission for Women (NCW) in wake of its mandate to safeguard women's rights and uphold their socio-economic wellbeing. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Understanding the extent, source, and complexity of deprivations among the multidimensionally poor contributes to more informed policymaking. In this context, analyze the latest National Multidimensional Poverty Index Report by NITI Aayog. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Safely managed drinking water services, as desired by Jal Jeevan Mission, are designated to give multifarious benefits cutting across generations. Discuss. Also, elaborate upon the challenges in ensuring the mission's success. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Legislation like Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989 remains mere legal documents without intense sensitization of public functionaries and the civil society. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Harbinger of global rebalancing, India-Africa ties are a beacon of inclusive, sustainable, and equitable world. Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How do ASEAN centrality, rules-based order, and development partnership with Pacific Island states make Indo-Pacific a theatre of opportunity for India? What are the hurdles in realisation of an inclusive Indo-Pacific construct? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7334,"topper":"Shivansh Rathee","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Shivansh-Rathee-UPSC-2023-Rank-63-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Celebrity endorsements raise pertinent ethical concerns about responsibility that delve into the realm of ethical considerations of social influence that run deeper than mere surface appeal. In this context, suggest measures to tackle the ethical challenges of celebrity brand endorsements. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Embracing a scientific mindset involves setting aside impulsive inclinations in favor of the pursuit of truth. In your view, how does the integration of scientific thinking contribute to addressing contemporary challenges and promoting societal progress? How can we effectively cultivate a scientific attitude in society? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"In the realm of professional conduct, ethics plays a role that tends to go far beyond fulfilling the roles and responsibilities of the job with diligence and honesty. But some people consider professional competence as the only critical requirement for a job. If faced with a choice, who would you prefer to hire - someone with professional competence or one with strong moral values? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Patriotism can hold different meanings for different people, often shaped by personal experiences and convictions. What does patriotism mean to you? Explain narrating incidents from your life when you exhibited patriotism. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Max Weber's concept of bureaucracy was developed in the early 20th century, but it still influences administrative structures today. In what ways do you see Weberian bureaucracy as relevant in today's rapidly changing world? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Global challenges often test the ethical fiber of nations, urging them to channel narrow pursuit of national-interest into an enlightened self-interest.\" Enumerating the various ethical principles underlying the concept of enlightened national-interest examine its efficacy in helping nations navigate the fine line between pursuing their strategic interests and upholding ethical principles, particularly in times of conflict? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In the realm of governance, a crucial aspect is the art of persuasion. The qualities that make civil servants proficient persuaders empower them to fulfill their responsibilities in an effective manner. Discuss with illustrations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Corruption has multifaceted implications. Some consider it an undeniable vice, while others contend it to be an unavoidable necessity for navigating the bureaucratic complexities. In your opinion, does corruption oil or corrode the gears of development? Substantiate your arguments. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Ethical hacking and malicious hacking stand as divergent paths with distinct intentions and consequences. As technology advances, it becomes imperative to comprehend the nuances that set these practices apart in the cybersecurity landscape. In this perspective, elucidate the principles that differentiate ethical hacking and malicious hacking. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What does each of the following quotation mean to you? a) \"Our greatest ability as humans is not to change the world, but to change ourselves.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":59,"question":"Mr X is travelling by road with his family to attend a marriage ceremony. His grandfather, who is the head of the family is also travelling with him. On the way to their destination, all of them stop at a road side restaurant for lunch. This is a well-known restaurant owned by one of the friends of Mr X. The place is known for its tasty and hygienic food. However, the grandfather notices a picture on the wall of the restaurant and enquires about the religion of the restaurant owner. Mr X's friend belongs to a religion different from the grandfather's religion. The grandfather has a negative attitude towards the religion of Mr X's friend and he insists that he will not eat in that restaurant. He demands that the entire family should leave the restaurant immediately as they are travelling for a happy occasion and eating at this particular restaurant will pollute them. Mr X tries to calm down his grandfather and explain to him that religion has nothing to do with purity or pollution. He also reasons that several travel magazines have rated the restaurant highly, especially for its superior hygiene standards. Also, he points out that there is no restaurant in the way for the next 100 Km and it will be difficult for all to make do without food for that long. However, his arguments fall on deaf years, and which is more his grandfather admonishes him for bringing the family to the restaurant despite being aware about the religion of the owner. Mr X's friend feels insulted and discriminated against due to his religion. Mr X's father is upset but refuses to say anything out of respect for the grandfather. Entire family is embarrassed by the attitude of the grandfather and they are getting ready to leave the restaurant. Mr X is confused regarding how he should act in this situation. a) What are the various ethical issues in the above case study? b) Imagine yourself in the place of Mr X. Evaluate the different courses of actions available with you. What is the most suitable course of action? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":7335,"topper":"Shivansh Rathee","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1u29bXxcpP27f_ifxyKe65-_GziyxFzpJ/view","questions":[]},{"id":7336,"topper":"Shivansh Rathee","air":63,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Shivansh-Rathee-UPSC-2023-Rank-63-MGP-Answer-Copy-Awfg-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7337,"topper":"SHIVANSH SINGH","air":164,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c7393-1153563_2086_shivansh_singh_rank_164.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7338,"topper":"SHIVANSH SINGH","air":164,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/75b98-1153563_2420_shivansh_singh_rank_164.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7339,"topper":"Shivansh Subhash Jagade","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/SHIVANSH-SUBHASH-JAGADE-UPSC-2024-Rank-26-MGP-Sample-Copy-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) How does the study of numismatics contribute to the unraveling of India's history? Explain with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Analyse the significance of the Civil Disobedience Movement in India's freedom struggle, considering its extent, reach, and revolutionary zeal.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) How did the British education policy in colonial India fuel the rise of Indian nationalism instead of achieving its intended purpose of perpetuating Indian subjugation?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) The Arab-Israeli conflict should be understood as a product of both internal dynamics and the outcome of manipulative strategies employed by imperial powers. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) The eastern coast and the western coast of India differ considerably in their geographical characteristics. Explain.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) Enumerate the factors behind the proliferation of the IT industry in India. Also, Explain the reasons behind the skewed concentration of the IT industry within the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) The Aspirational Blocks Programme, built upon the success of the Aspirational Districts Programme, can help in achieving the twin objectives of enabling balanced growth and checking stressed migration. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) Even after seven decades of independence, the colonial mindset continues to cast its shadow on Indian society. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 Digital technologies can play a significant role in bridging the gender gap in India; however, it is mired in its own set of challenges. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 How will you explain that the values of tolerance and inclusiveness which were deeply embedded in ancient Indian society continue to persist and flourish in the present times?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 Dravidian temple architecture can be seen as a continuum that, though strengthened during the period of the Pallavas, reached its pinnacle during the reign of the Cholas. Discuss","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) Examine the causes that led to tribal unrest during British rule in India. Analyse the reasons for their limited success.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"1) Why they didn't succeed?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 While the Emergency of 1975 was touted as seminal for national security and unity by some, the critics paint it as the darkest phase of Post Independent India. Discuss. What insights and lessons did emergency provide for the country?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 Mangroves play a significant role in coastal ecology and economy. Examine. Also, elaborate the reasons behind the accelerated destruction of the mangrove habitat.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Write an explanatory note on the global distribution of earthquakes with the help of the map given below. Also, throw light on the various consequences associated with earthquakes.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 Although poor air quality is a perennial problem, it gets intensified during the winter months in Delhi-NCR. Explain. Evaluate the efficacy of existing measures to control air pollution.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 Enumerate the major reasons that make the Indian economy heavily reliant on coal. Explain why phasing out coal from our energy basket is difficult.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18) In what ways are the institutions of marriage and family undergoing changes in contemporary times? Elucidate the role of the state and the market in facilitating these changes.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 How do unplanned urbanization and unabated rural-urban migration contribute to the multiple woes faced by Indian metropolises?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20) The forces of globalization have an indelible influence on the traditional cultural values of Indian society. Elaborate. Also, discuss the impact of globalization on diversity and disparity in the country.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7340,"topper":"Shivansh Tripathi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/SHIVANSH_TIRPATHI_GS_4_AIR_293_2025_cd51164bef.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Compare and contrast the roles of family and educational institutions in value inculcation. How can these two institutions complement each other? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"\"Tolerance is not just about accepting differences; it is about appreciating and celebrating diversity.\" Discuss the importance of tolerance for governance. How can civil servants foster a culture of tolerance and inclusivity in a diverse country like India? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"A person's character is most accurately revealed in their private life, not their public persona.\" Critically examine this statement in the context of public servants and their ethical conduct. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Accountability mechanisms are essential for ethical governance but often lead to bureaucratic delays and inefficiencies.\" Critically examine this statement in the context of Indian administration. Can a balance be struck between accountability and efficiency? Discuss with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What does each of the following quotations convey to you in present context? a) \"Reason is, and ought only to be the slave of the passions, and can never pretend to any other office than to serve and obey them.\"- David Hume (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"In matters of conscience, the law of the majority has no place.\" - Mahatma Gandhi. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"Empathy is seeing with the eyes of another, listening with the ears of another, and feeling with the heart of another.\" How can emotionally intelligent civil servants utilize empathy to improve governance and service delivery? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Analyse the ethical implications of the widening gap between rich and poor nations. Is there a moral obligation for developed countries to assist developing ones? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.\" Discuss the ethical responsibilities of individuals, corporations, and governments in protecting the environment for future generations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"\"Impartiality is not neutrality; it is about treating everyone fairly based on merit and evidence.\" Explain the difference between impartiality and neutrality in the context of civil service. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"The teachings of the Bhagavad Gita offer valuable lessons for ethical conduct in public service. Discuss the relevance of these teachings in navigating the ethical issues of administration in contemporary India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":35,"question":"You are a senior bureaucrat in the Ministry of Rural Development. A flagship program aimed at empowering women in rural areas through self-help groups (SHGs) and micro-enterprise initiatives is being implemented. While the program has seen success in providing financial assistance and skill development, you observe that women's participation in decision-making bodies within these SHGs and village councils remains limited. Despite legal provisions for women's participation in local governance, traditional patriarchal norms often prevail, relegating women to secondary roles. This results in their voices being unheard and their concerns being overlooked in decision-making processes. Further, Years of social conditioning has led to internalization of gender bias, where women themselves underestimate their abilities and hesitate to participate in decision-making. Many rural women are unaware of their rights and the opportunities available to them. Lack of education and information has further hindered their participation in decision-making bodies. Moreover, Male members within the community and even within the SHGs resist women's participation in decision-making. Some men cite traditional gender roles and norms while some question their abilities, They also try to control access to resources and information, limiting women's ability to participate effectively in decision-making processes. Women who attempt to challenge traditional norms face social ostracism or pressure from their families and communities to conform. a) Identify the ethical issues in the given case study. b) How can you engage with male members of the community and SHGs to address their concerns and encourage them to support women's participation? c) What institutional and policy changes can be made to create a more enabling environment for women's participation in decision-making, ensuring that their voices are heard and valued? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"You are a mid-level manager at 'GoodLife Pharma,' a leading pharmaceutical company in India. After years of research and development, the company is on the cusp of launching a revolutionary new drug 'Revivol,' which promises to significantly improve the lives of patients suffering from a debilitating chronic illness. The drug is projected to be a blockbuster, generating billions in revenue and potentially saving countless lives. You've been an integral part of the Revivol team, and its success could significantly boost your career prospects. However, just weeks before the scheduled launch, you stumble upon disturbing evidence suggesting that Revivol may have serious, potentially fatal, side effects in a small percentage of patients. These side effects were not adequately disclosed in the initial clinical trial reports, and further investigation reveals that some data points indicating adverse reactions were deliberately omitted from the final report submitted to the regulatory authorities. You are deeply troubled by this discovery. You understand that the drug is likely to receive approval based on the existing data, and the company is already heavily invested in its marketing and launch. However, the potential harm to patients weighs heavily on your conscience. To add to the complexity, you discover that your direct superior was aware of the data discrepancies and chose to ignore them. Confronting them directly might lead to retaliation, jeopardizing your job and career. You're also the sole breadwinner for your family, and losing your job would have devastating financial consequences. a) What are the ethical dilemmas faced by the manager in this scenario? b) What will be your course of action and why? c) How could stronger corporate governance mechanisms have prevented or mitigated this situation? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"You are a young, enthusiastic IAS officer recently posted as the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of a rural subdivision. Eager to make a positive impact, you embark on a series of field visits to various government offices under your jurisdiction. However, the sight that greets you in most offices is disheartening. Employees stroll in well past the official start time, and once in, seem to prioritize leisurely tea breaks and idle chatter over their duties. The physical manifestation of this lethargy is evident in the towering stacks of unattended files gathering dust on desks. This backlog translates to agonizing delays in processing applications for essential services and benefits, leaving citizens frustrated and disillusioned. As you interact with the local populace, you hear disturbing accounts of bribery and favoritism plaguing the administrative machinery. It appears that those with influence or willing to pay under-the-table 'fees' can expedite their requests, while the marginalized and less privileged languish in the system's inefficiencies. The most distressing aspect of the situation is the impact on ordinary citizens. You witness firsthand their exasperation as they navigate the labyrinthine bureaucracy, often facing indifference, rudeness, or demands for bribes. a) What are the ethical issues in the prevailing work culture in the subdivision? b) As the SDM, what specific steps would you take to improve the overall work culture and quality of service delivery in your subdivision? c) Discuss the challenges you might encounter in implementing these changes and how you would overcome them. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"You have just been appointed as Additional Director General of Central Public Works Department. The Chief Architect of your division, who is to retire in six months, is passionately working on a very important project, the successful completion of which would earn him a lasting reputation for the rest of his life. A new lady architect, Seema, trained at Manchester School of Architecture, UK joined as Senior Architect in your division. During the briefing about the project, Seema made some suggestions which would not only add value to the project, but would also reduce completion time. This has made the Chief Architect insecure and he is constantly worried that all the credit will go to her. Subsequently, he adopted a passive and aggressive behaviour towards her and has become disrespectful to her. Seema felt it embarrassing as the Chief Architect left no chance of humiliating her. He would very often correct her in front of other colleagues, and raise his voice while speaking to her. This continuous harassment has resulted in her losing confidence and self-esteem. She felt perpetually tensed, anxious and stressed. She appeared to be in awe of him since he has had a long tenure in the office and has vast experience in the area of her work. You are aware of her outstanding academic credentials and career record in her previous organisations. However, you fear that this harassment may result in compromising her much needed contribution in this important project and may adversely impact her emotional well-being. You have also come to know from her peers that she is contemplating tendering her resignation. a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? b) What are the options available to you in order to complete the project as well as to retain Seema in the organization? c) What would be your response to Seema's predicament? What measures would you institute to prevent such occurrences from happening in your organization? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":7341,"topper":"Shivansh Tripathi","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/SHIVANSH-TRIPATHI-UPSC-2024-Rank-284-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":21,"question":"Do you think that a Uniform Cvil Code (Ucc) is essential in a multi-cultural and diverse country (ike India ?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss how the Bhakti movement, along with questioning the established social order, also made substantial contributions to the development of devotional (iterature. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7342,"topper":"Shivendra Pandey","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SHIVENDRA-PANDEYUPSC_IAS_2025_Toppers_AIR_110_Sample_ESSAY_TEST_1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. True leadership lies in serving not ruling.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"1. The great aim of education is not knowledge but action.\n2. The global south must redefine development through cooperation and justice.\n3. There is no health without mental health.\n4. If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7343,"topper":"Shivendra Pandey","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SHIVENDRA-PANDEYUPSC_IAS_2025_Toppers_AIR_110_Sample_MG_TEST_3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) How far do you agree that a robust domestic demand is the most important driver of India's economic growth? What are other factors that influence the growth trajectory of the country?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Macroeconomic stability is not solely dependent on the quantity of foreign exchange reserves, but also on the strategy and sources on which they are built. Discuss in an Indian context.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3 DPI (Digital Public Infrastructure) is a critical enabler of digital transformation for both businesses and citizens; however, it comes with its own set of challenges. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) The skewed emphasis on certain crops has distorted the cropping pattern in India, which has led to grave socio-economic and environmental consequences. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) Private participation in propelling India's space journey is widely acknowledged but is yet to be fully tapped. In light of the statement, analyse the hurdles faced by the private sector and also recommend measures to unlock greater private participation in the space economy.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) With recent advances in technology, robots are now equipped to perform more than just conventional and routine tasks, which brings new opportunities as well as risks. In this context, evaluate the future potential of the robotics sector.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) Write an explanatory note on the causes and impacts of avalanches. Also, highlight the various strategies to mitigate its impact, with a special emphasis on NDMA guidelines.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) Technology plays a multidimensional role in augmenting the disaster management apparatus of the country. Discuss. Also, bring out the measures needed to enhance the usage of such technologies in managing disasters.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) Outlining the various cyber threats faced by India, assess the state of the country's preparedness to deal with the same.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 Explain how the geographical location of India makes it extremely vulnerable to the menace of drug trafficking. What are the various internal security threats posed by drug trafficking?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) Inclusive growth is a roadmap to intergenerational equity, redistribution of wealth, and employment generation. Explain. Also, discuss the steps taken by the government towards achieving inclusive growth.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 Discuss the significance of Multimodal Transport System in achieving last mile connectivity, improving logistics efficiency, and addressing the twin problems of pollution and congestion. What measures can be taken to ensure efficient multimodal transport connectivity in India?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13) Highlighting the rationale behind declaring MSP, discuss various issues related to the MSP regime in the country. Also, critically analyse the efficacy of legalizing MSP towards ensuring financial sustainability in farming.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) Food Processing Industries (FPIs) can act as a bridge between the informal farming community and the formal industrial sector, which can help boost the rural economy. Examine.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Discuss the role of biotechnology in enhancing agricultural productivity. Also, highlight the concerns regarding the application of biotechnology in agriculture.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) 5G technology is a breakthrough that finds applications across diverse sectors. Elaborate. How is 5G technology different from its predecessor? Also, list the various challenges associated with its effective rollout.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17) Discuss the repercussions on marine ecosystem and economy resulting from the combined effects of ocean acidification, ocean warming, and oxygen loss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 The invisible nature of groundwater is a major obstacle in the path towards achieving the twin objectives of building climate resilience and meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Elucidate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Despite various efforts, a lasting solution to the insurgency in the north-eastern region of India remains elusive. Analyse the reasons behind the continuation of insurgency in the region. Also, suggest effective measures to tackle it.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Q.20 While developmental initiatives have a significant role to play, they alone cannot root out terrorism/militancy in Jammu and Kashmir. Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7344,"topper":"Shivendra Pandey","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SHIVENDRA-PANDEYUPSC_IAS_2025_Toppers_AIR_110_Sample_MG_TEST_4.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) The multiheaded hydra of inequity is reinforced by the skewed concentration of wealth. How far can Universal Basic Income (UBI) check the growth of economic inequity? Substantiate your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Trace the evolution of Industrial policy in India post-independence. Assess the success of these policies in fulfilling their desired objectives.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) World Trade Organisation (WTO) was formed with the objective of imparting a long term and equitable solution to the dichotomy between free trade and food security; however, the objective has been marred by several factors. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) The utility of APMCs is not lost despite a plethora of limitations. Discuss and recommend corrective measures for overhauling the APMCs.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) Discuss the natural and anthropogenic factors behind incidents of land subsidence. Suggest counter-measures to contain such incidents.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6 Explain Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF). Also, discuss GLOF mitigation strategy with special reference to National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) guidelines.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7 Aditya L1 mission is an important milestone as India's first space based solar observatory. Enlist the major scientific objectives and the challenges of the mission.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) Describe briefly what gene therapy is and what advantages it has over other treatments?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 National security challenges require sufficiently addressing the concerns of human security. Explain and suggest reforms for the same.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) Do you think the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) is necessary for bringing peace in disturbed areas? Critically Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) To what extent does the Female Labor Force Participation paint a true picture of the participation of women in the Indian economy? Justify with suitable examples.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) Enumerate the limitations associated with the operation of Special Economic Zones (SEZs). Assess the potential of the Domestic Enterprise and Services Hub (DESH) bill, 2022 in enhancing the effectiveness of the SEZs.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13) How will you explain the potential of Agristack in providing a lasting remedy to various ills afflicting the farm sector?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) What do you understand by Farmers Producer Organisations (FPO's)? Throwing light upon the various challenges faced by the FPOs, suggest measures to ameliorate the same.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 What role does wetland play in expanding the framework of sustainable development? What are the challenges faced by wetland ecosystem? Discuss the corrective steps required for their effective conservation.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) Describe the concept of loss and damage and evaluate its relevance in ensuring climate equity.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 The 2023 Nobel Award in Chemistry was awarded for the discovery and synthesis of Quantum dots. How have the developments of quantum dots affected the various sectors over the years?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 Discuss the socio-economic impact of new developments in science and technology in India since independence.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 With the help of the map given below, describe the major internal security threats faced by the country. Suggest a comprehensive security framework to minimize these threats.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Q.20 What do you understand by theaterisation of commands? Enumerating the impediments in theaterisation for India's armed forces, discuss the role of Chief of Defence Staff in enhancing the effectiveness of India's external security response.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7345,"topper":"Shivendra Pandey","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SHIVENDRA-PANDEYUPSC_IAS_2025_Toppers_AIR_110_Sample_MG_TEST_1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) Family plays a prominent role in the value development of an individual. Elucidate. Also, examine the impact of the changing nature of families on children's moral development.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) Different individuals have different conceptions of patriotism. What does patriotism mean to you? Narrate in brief any two real-life incidents when you displayed patriotism.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) Moral behaviour is not only good for the community in which one is a part but also for the individuals who profess it. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) Discuss the important teachings of Swami Vivekananda. Bring out their relevance in the contemporary world.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) a) While laws, rules, and regulations tend to dictate from above, attitudinal change within communities can bring effective and lasting solutions to many problems. Explain with the help of examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) The crux of ethical conduct does not lie in bold words and expressions, but in their adoption into action, in sanctions against their violations, and in promoting a culture of integrity. In this context, evaluate the measures taken to promote ethical governance in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.4) a) Transparency is more than mere information sharing. Elaborating on the statement, assess the success of the RTI Act, 2005, in promoting transparency in administration.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"b) Ethics stand as the cornerstone of corporate success in an ever-evolving landscape of business. In light of the above statement, discuss the role of ethics in corporate governance with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.5) a) Foreign aid, although championed as a vital tool for socio-economic development, often runs into stiff opposition from the intended beneficiaries. Elaborate on the various ethical concerns associated with foreign aid. Suggest measures to address the challenges related to foreign aid.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"b) Our probity is not less at the mercy of fortune than our property. What do you mean by probity in governance? Discuss ways of inculcating probity in public life.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.6) What does each of the following quotation mean to you?\na) \"Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.\" - Mahatma Gandhi. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"b) \"The price good men pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men.\" - Plato.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"c) \"Whatever is begun in anger, ends in shame\" - Benjamin Franklin.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7 Mr. A is travelling by road with his family to attend a marriage ceremony. His grandfather, who is the head of the family, is also travelling with him. On the way to their destination, all of them stop at a roadside restaurant for lunch. This is a well-known restaurant owned by one of the friends of Mr. A. The place is known for its tasty and hygienic food.\nHowever, the grandfather notices a picture on the wall of the restaurant and enquires about the religion of the restaurant owner. Mr. A's friend belongs to a religion different from his grandfather's religion. The grandfather has a negative attitude towards the religion of Mr. A's friend, and he insists that he will not eat in that restaurant. He demands that the entire family leave the restaurant immediately, as they are travelling for a happy occasion and eating at this particular restaurant will pollute them. Mr. A tries to calm down his grandfather and explain to him that religion has nothing to do with purity or pollution. He also reasons that several travel magazines have rated the restaurant highly, especially for its superior hygiene standards. Also, he points out that there is no restaurant in the way for the next 100 km, and it will be difficult for all to make do without food for that long. However, his arguments fall on deaf ears, and more specifically, his grandfather admonishes him for bringing the family to the restaurant despite being aware of the religion of the owner. Mr. A's friend feels insulted and discriminated against due to his religion. Mr. A's father is upset but refuses to say anything out of respect for the grandfather. The entire family is embarrassed by the attitude of the grandfather, and they are getting ready to leave the restaurant. Mr. A is confused regarding how he should act in this situation.\na) What are the various ethical issues in the above case study?\nb) Imagine yourself in the place of Mr. A. Evaluate the different courses of action available to you. What is the most suitable course of action?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Q.8) On a cold and foggy night in December, Arun and Seema, both unknown to each other, boarded a train for Lucknow at the Delhi junction. Both were going to their home town on the weekend. It was supposed to be a routine train journey of 7-8 hours. Arun, a first-year graduate from a reputed institute in Delhi, aspires to join DRDO and make a career in the R&D field. Seema, a national-level volleyball player, had dreams of joining the paramilitary forces. Both checked their tickets and got comfortable in their respective seats in the coach S7.\nThe train gave the final horn and slowly started leaving the station. Amidst the chugging of the engine and the train wheels clacking on the tracks, both Arun and Seema fall asleep. But as fate would have it that night, a routine train journey turned out to be a nightmare for the passengers of coach S7, including Arun and Seema. The train was on its scheduled two-minute halt at an outskirt station when suddenly 4-5 robbers entered the coach S7. They asked all the passengers to hand over their valuables without any fuss. None of the passengers could gather the courage to confront them, as they had country-made pistols and sharp-edged weapons. But somehow, Arun and Seema mustered the courage and resisted the robbers. The robbers threatened them with dire consequences and asked them to comply with their command. But both remained adamant and even refused to hand over their valuables to the robbers. To teach them a lesson and set an example for the other passengers, both Arun and Seema were thrown out of the moving train. At that very moment, another train was approaching on the parallel track, and both were hit by it; Arun lost his right arm, Seema lost her left leg, and she had multiple fractures in the spinal cord.\nBoth met somewhat similar fates that night, but both faced the 'tragedy' that unfolded with them in a completely different manner. In spite of full support from his family, Arun lost all hope and got disenchanted with life. He couldn't accept the new reality and went into depression. Also, the thoughts of committing suicide would often come into his mind. Seema, on the other hand, after completing her treatment, decided to pursue her dreams. She was also encouraged by his family and friends to start a new life. She started training with a prosthetic leg and resumed playing volleyball. Not only this, she decided to push boundaries and chose mountaineering. And around two years later, she became the world's first female amputee to scale Mount Everest.\nThe stories of Arun and Seema highlight the importance of the adversity quotient. But it is also evident that different people possess different levels of adversity quotient. Based on your understanding of the above case study, answer the following:\na) Examine the importance of the adversity quotient in life, citing examples. How can the adversity quotient be developed?\nb) As a friend of Arun, what suggestions would you give to him to overcome the aftermath of the tragedy?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Q.9 Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, Purabkashi is a town located on the way to major pilgrimage destinations. The town is traversed by a section of the Panch-Dham Road Project, whose objective is to improve connectivity to the five major pilgrimage centers in the region. The project aims to develop and widen nearly 900 km of national highways in the Himalayas, making journeys to these centers safer, faster, and more convenient. The project is being constructed at a very high cost and is expected to boost tourism in the region and reduce road accidents occurring in the hilly region. The project is also important from a security point of view, as these roads can act as strategic feeder roads that connect the border with the Army camps in the nearby areas. The roads may facilitate quicker movement of troops and supplies and can serve as a strategic asset in connecting the border regions.\nHowever, from the conception stage of the project itself, various NGOs have raised several fault lines regarding its environmental sustainability. It has been noted that the project may destroy about 690 hectares of forests, and an estimated 20 million cubic meters of soil need to be removed. Experts raise concern that such a high-impact activity may aggravate erosion and destabilize the slopes. Large-scale uprooting of vegetation can prove to be perilous for biodiversity and regional ecology. Indiscriminate blasting during road construction creates cracks in soil and rocks that may enhance the possibility of landslides and associated disasters in the future. In 2018, the project was challenged in the Supreme Court by an NGO for its potential impact on the Himalayan ecology due to felling trees, cutting hills, and dumping excavated material. The Supreme Court then constituted a high-powered committee that warned against widening the road by 12 meters. It had suggested that the widening stay between 5.5 and 7 meters. However, this recommendation by independent experts was opposed by government officials and ultimately sidelined. The worst fears of the local and scientific communities came true when about 40 workers got trapped inside a tunnel after the under-construction tunnel structure collapsed in Purabkashi. Overnight, Purabkashi became the talk of the country.\nThe project was awarded to the contractor, PQR Enterprises. Mr. Vinay Kumar, who has experience completing many such projects in the past, was appointed as Project Director, overseeing the smooth completion of the project and monitoring the contractor's work. Mr. Vinay is known for his honesty and dedication. Prior to the mishap, he had successfully overseen this project to meet its timeline. But after the mishap, the higher authorities are privately requesting the project director, Mr. Vinay, to take responsibility for the mishap. To manage the growing resentment in the locality and nationwide, he is being asked to step down as project director. But Mr. Vinay feels that he is being unfairly blamed. To alleviate the pressure from the public, he is being scapegoated. The project had issues right from the conception stage, given the ecological fragility of the region.\nVarious ecological experts and geological scientists think that the incident has exposed not only the project's vulnerabilities but also the lapses in the safe tunnel construction mechanisms carried out, like the failure to construct an escape tunnel. Several experts have pointed out this incident as a warning for future disasters, as now questions have been raised about the fragility of the Himalayas in sustaining massive infrastructure projects like the Panch-Dham project. The government, despite many voices against the project, is treating the incident as an isolated incident and moving on with the further construction of the project. There is a protest happening in the state with a demand by the people to consider the project's environmental consequences and also the operations of the contractor, PQR Enterprises, in the particular project.\na) What are the various ethical issues involved in the above case study?\nb) As the head of the Panch-Dham Project, what are the options available to Mr. Vinay? Analyze the advantages and disadvantages of each.\nc) In your opinion, between the twin objectives of development and conservation, what should be given more priority and why?","marks":null,"words":"20"},{"page":40,"question":"a) उपर्युक्त मामले के अध्ययन में शामिल विभिन्न नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\nb) पंच-धाम परियोजना के प्रमुख के रूप में, श्री विनय के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं? प्रत्येक के लाभ एवं हानियों का विश्लेषण कीजिए।\nc) आपकी राय में, विकास और संरक्षण, के दोहरे उद्देश्यों में से किसे अधिक प्राथमिकता दी जानी चाहिए और क्यों?\na) उपर्युक्त मामले के अध्ययन में शामिल विभिन्न नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\nb) पंच-धाम परियोजना के प्रमुख के रूप में, श्री विनय के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं? प्रत्येक के लाभ एवं हानियों का विश्लेषण कीजिए।\nc) आपकी राय में, विकास और संरक्षण, के दोहरे उद्देश्यों में से किसे अधिक प्राथमिकता दी जानी चाहिए और क्यों?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":41,"question":"a) Ethical Issue involved\ni) Balancing development v/s conservation\nii) Ignoring environmental concerns\niii) Violation of provisions of Environment impact assessment (EIA)\niv) Violation of rights of locals for promoting tourism\nv) Environmental destruction leading","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Q.10 You are posted as the District Magistrate (DM) of a district in the Nav Pradesh state of the country. Ramesh, a newly joined SDM in your district, actively engages with the public and is also known for his fitness-related activities. He has a strong presence on social media platforms, where he frequently posts about his work life and fitness endeavors on his personal account. Furthermore, he encourages the public to report issues within the district through his personal social media accounts, and he responds to their concerns, ensuring prompt actions are taken to address these issues. His active presence on social media has garnered him a massive following, not only in the district but also beyond. Also, direct communication with the public has led to a perception of greater transparency and accessibility of district administration in the eyes of the public.\nWhile Ramesh receives praise for his work in enhancing the trust and credibility of the administration, Ramesh's social media activities have also raised concerns among some of his colleagues and superiors. They argue that his posts often go beyond mere updates and venture into self-promotion, potentially blurring the lines between his personal life and his professional responsibilities. They express apprehensions that Ramesh might be seeking personal attention or recognition rather than focusing on his core duties as an SDM. Some of his juniors lamented working with him, as he often scolds them in public, and that too in the presence of cameras.\nOne day, a local MLA arrives at your office regarding a complaint that some of the posts by Ramesh are self-promoting in nature and expresses deep concern over the matter. He alleges that wherever the SDM goes, the normal functioning of the institution is hampered, and one of his official inspections near the highway resulted in heavy traffic congestion, leading to discomfort for commuters. He also says that while doing public work, Ramesh is perversely taking center stage and doesn't give enough credit to others. He expresses his apprehension that Ramesh might capitalize on this goodwill and may soon enter politics in the near future. He further said that in one of his posts, he seemingly divulged some classified information regarding the security apparatus of a high-level dignitary, which could have seriously jeopardized the dignitary's security arrangements.\nOn enquiring Ramesh, he argues that it is the duty of a civil servant to convey all the important information to the public about different schemes of the department. It would also improve the image of the administration among the public. Being in touch with the public would also help him better understand and address grassroots issues. Also, his fitness-related activities are to create awareness about healthy lifestyles, especially among the youth. He argues that his center-stage appearances at functions are because of requests from the organizing authorities of the functions. He also asserts that there is no hidden agenda in his actions.\nSome of your senior authorities have also expressed reservations about the active participation of civil servants on social media. They argue that Ramesh's activities are merely part of his regular work and should not be glorified. They assert that public money should not be used to promote oneself. They argue that bureaucrats should prioritize public service without seeking personal branding, and such self-promotion can create an impression of self-aggrandizement and detract from the selfless nature of public service.\nUsing fancy photos and highlighting official cars, residences, etc. as clickbait goes against the dignity that is expected of a public servant. By the very nature of the job, it is expected that bureaucracy should work behind a fine veil. Bureaucratic anonymity is a foundational value expected from a civil servant to ensure that a civil servant does not develop the negative externalities associated with the personality cult. Such social media posturing also runs the risk of civil servants playing to the gallery as every action comes under popular scrutiny. The point of reference becomes their social media viewership rather than the constitutional mandate.\na) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case study?\nb) Critically assess the role of social media in administration.\nc) What are the various possible choices available to you and which course of action would you choose? Justify your choice.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"a) उपरोक्त केस स्टडी में कौन से नैतिक मुद्दे शामिल हैं?\nb) प्रशासन में सोशल मीडिया की भूमिका का आलोचनात्मक मूल्यांकन कीजिए।\nc) आपके लिए विभिन्न संभावित विकल्प क्या उपलब्ध हैं और आप कौन सी कार्रवाई का रास्ता चुनेंगे? अपनी पसंद का औचित्य सिद्ध कीजिए।\na) उपरोक्त केस स्टडी में कौन से नैतिक मुद्दे शामिल हैं?\nb) प्रशासन में सोशल मीडिया की भूमिका का आलोचनात्मक मूल्यांकन कीजिए।\nc) आपके लिए विभिन्न संभावित विकल्प क्या उपलब्ध हैं और आप कौन सी कार्रवाई का रास्ता चुनेंगे? अपनी पसंद का औचित्य सिद्ध कीजिए।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":51,"question":"Q.11 Nisrael, a country in West Asia, recently faced an unprecedented attack on its soil, in which more than 1500 people were brutally massacred. Thousands were injured, and around 200 people were taken hostage. The coordinated attack from land, air, and sea was carried out by an organization named Tamas, which many countries, including Nisrael have designated as a terrorist organization. On the other hand, Tamas argues that it represents the cause of the people of Salestine, whose land is under the illegal occupation of Nisrael. Tamas justified its actions as armed resistance against Nisrael for freedom and self-determination.\nThe attack has sent shockwaves across Nisrael and around the world. Serious questions are being raised by citizens over the intelligence failure of Nisrael's Kossad, one of the most renowned intelligence agencies in the world. However, for the time being, Nisraelis have rallied behind their government and want a befitting response to such an audacious attack. Consequently, the PM of Nisrael has declared war on the Tamas and vowed to eliminate every member of the Tamas. Nisrael has responded by conducting aerial bombings of the Daza strip, which is governed by Tamas. The Daza Strip is a densely populated region, and aerial strikes by Nisrael have led to the killing of many innocent civilians. It is reported that more than 10,000 people have lost their lives in Daza, including some of the hostages as well. There is an acute shortage of food, fuel, and essential items in Daza. The United Nations has warned that the situation in Daza may turn into a grave humanitarian crisis.\nMeanwhile, the international community seems to be divided over the issue. While some countries are defending Nisrael's actions as an act of self-defense, others are blaming Nisrael's illegal occupation of Salestinian territory as the root cause of the conflict and supporting the Tamas. Some nations are pursuing a diplomatic tightrope walk by condemning the ghastly attack on Nisrael and raising concerns over the humanitarian crisis in the Daza strip. Experts fear that if a ceasefire is not declared immediately between the warring parties, the conflict may spiral to other countries in the restive West Asia and may assume catastrophic consequences.\nDharmat, a country in Asia, has good relations with both Nisrael and Salestine. While it has historic ties with Salestine, its relations with Nisrael have grown by leaps and bounds in recent times. Dharmat and Nisrael are strategic partners and are actively cooperating in different sectors like agriculture, wastewater management, counter-terrorism, etc. Also, Nisrael is one of the largest suppliers of cutting-edge defense equipment to Dharmat. Both Nisrael and Salestine have reached out to Dharmat to garner support for their respective positions. In Dharmat, there have been rallies and marches in support of both Nisrael and Salestine by different groups.\nThe Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of Dharmat is exploring an official response to the whole situation. You are the secretary in MEA, tasked with drafting a response regarding the same.\na) What are the various ethical issues involved in the case study?\nb) List various factors that you would consider while drafting the response.","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":52,"question":"a) केस स्टडी में शामिल विभिन्न नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\nb) उन विभिन्न कारकों की सूची बनाएं जिन पर आप प्रतिक्रिया का मसौदा तैयार करते समय विचार करेंगे।\na) केस स्टडी में शामिल विभिन्न नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\nb) उन विभिन्न कारकों की सूची बनाएं जिन पर आप प्रतिक्रिया का मसौदा तैयार करते समय विचार करेंगे।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":57,"question":"Q.12 Mohan was a new intern at ABC Infotech, a company that deals in the assembly and sales of desktops. ABC Infotech is a leading company in its field, and it was a dream come true for Mohan to get an opportunity to intern at the company. Mohan is an ethical and upright person who does his duty with the utmost sincerity and dedication. Mohan's hard work at ABC Infotech was well recognized, and his superiors were satisfied with his performance. One day, Avinash, Mohan's team leader, gave him a file and instructed him to deliver it to Mr. Manoj, the General Manager of XYZ Chemicals, a Public Sector Unit (PSU). Avinash told Mohan that the contents of the file were confidential as they contained the company's quotation for a tender of 100 computers required by XYZ Chemicals. Mohan felt encouraged that Avinash had chosen him for this important task. As instructed, Mohan reached the office of XYZ Chemicals on time. While waiting for his turn to meet the General Manager, Mohan noticed the citizen's charter of the XYZ chemicals on the wall. Apart from explicit provisions for transparency and checking corruption, there was a dedicated section for grievance redressal in the citizen's charter. Mohan mentally appreciated the initiative of having a citizen's charter at public offices. On his turn, Mohan greeted Mr. Manoj and presented him with his company's quotations. Mr. Manoj looked visibly satisfied with the quotations; however, he asked Mohan as to what incentives were there for him personally for approving the quotations. Mohan was shocked by this question, and before he could say anything, Mr. Manoj himself hinted that he expects 10% of the quotation value to be delivered to him as a token of gratitude for approving the quotation of ABC Infotech over the quotations of other companies. A man of scruples, Mohan was offended at the proposition of Mr. Manoj, who was directly demanding a bribe for doing his stipulated duty. He requested that Mr. Manoj consider the quotations on their competitive merit and not embarrass him by demanding a bribe. Mr. Manoj asked Mohan to leave and also told him that his attitude may become a problem for him and his company in the future. Mohan felt harassed by the threats from Mr. Manoj. While leaving XYZ Chemicals, Mohan remembered the grievance redressal section in the citizen's charter. He wrote a detailed application of complaint against Mr. Manoj on the letterhead of ABC Infotech and submitted it with the grievance redressal authority of XYZ Chemicals. On returning to his office, he informed Avinash about all that transpired at XYZ Chemicals. Mohan expected his company to initiate an official complaint against Mr. Manoj. However, he was shocked by the response from his company. Avinash blamed Mohan for spoiling the relations of the company with a long-time client. He also questioned Mohan's authority for writing a complaint on the company's letterhead without consulting his superior. He further belittled Mohan's actions by telling him that Mr. Manoj has always ensured that ABC Infotech gets preferential treatment over its competitors. Furthermore, Avinash asked Mohan to apologise to Mr. Manoj and take back his complaint. He also hinted that if he refused to comply, his internship with the company would end with immediate effect.\na) What are the ethical issues involved in this case study?\nb) Mohan considers you a wise person and seeks your advice. As a friend of Mohan, what advice will you give him under these circumstances?\nc) What are the reasons for the acceptance of this kind of corruption? What steps can be taken to tackle the same?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":58,"question":"a) इस केस स्टडी में कौन से नैतिक मुद्दे शामिल हैं?\nb) मोहन आपको बुद्धिमान व्यक्ति मानता है और आपसे सलाह चाहता है। मोहन के मित्र के रूप में आप उसे इन परिस्थितियों में क्या सलाह देंगे?\nc) इस प्रकार के भ्रष्टाचार को स्वीकार करने के क्या कारण हैं? इससे निपटने के लिए क्या कदम उठाए जा सकते हैं?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"}]},{"id":7346,"topper":"Shivendra Pandey","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SHIVENDRA-PANDEYUPSC_IAS_2025_Toppers_AIR_110_Sample_MG_TEST_2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) It is often said that politics and ethics belong to different worlds. What is your opinion in this regard? Justify your answer with illustration. Also, highlight the consequences of divergence between politics and ethics.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) \"Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.\" In the context of this statement, bring out the ethical issues involved with creating a surveillance state for the sake of national security.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) \"Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.\" Discuss the importance of emotional intelligence in self-realisation. Do you think emotional intelligence can be learned?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) \"Those who don't know history are destined to repeat it.\" Do you agree? Illustrate with the help of examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) a) \"Two things define you: Your patience when you have nothing and your attitude when you have everything.\" What roles do attitude and patience play in the personal and professional lives of civil servants?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) In light of incidents of serving civil servants openly criticising the government and some also resigning in protest, discuss whether civil servants should get entangled in the political discussions/opinions?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.4) a) What do you understand by environmental ethics? Examine the ethical concerns in 'phase-down versus phase out debate' in the use of coal by developing countries.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"b) Define the term \"ethical hacking\". What are the principles that separate ethical hacking from malicious hacking?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.5) a) \"In this hyperconnected and morally interdependent world, the most important thing we can share is trustworthiness.\" Why is trustworthiness important? In what ways can it be imbibed in an individual?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"b) Gendered attitudes convert differences in sexes into discriminations. Examine the factors responsible for negative attitudes toward women in the Indian society. How can these attitudes be changed?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.6) What do the following quotations mean to you:\na) \"Tolerance implies no lack of commitment to one's own beliefs. Rather it condemns the oppression or persecution of others.\" - John F. Kennedy (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"b) A man can give up a right, but he may not give up a duty without being guilty of a grave dereliction.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"c) \"That which is not good for the bee-hive cannot be good for the bees.\" - Marcus Aurelius.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7) You are working as Director (Human Resource) in a software company. Various factors such as economic slowdown in some of the major trade partners of India and disruptive technological changes like generative Artificial Intelligence require rapid adaptive measures from businesses to survive. The marketing department has reported that there is lack of demand for the services provided by your company in the market and business-as-usual scenario could spell doom for the company. Your company has decided to take a slew of measures to tread through a tough phase of the business which include technological rejuvenation of the company and streamlining the workforce. A significant number of employees in your organization are above fifty years of age and are finding it difficult to adapt to the new working conditions and the rapid upskilling required by the company. After proper training, the employees were subjected to a test, and a list was prepared of those who are above fifty years of age and who did not do well in the test. You have been told by the board of directors that they have plans to lay off approximately 25% of the employees. This is essential for the efficiency and survival of the company. You have been given a list of employees who are to be laid off and you have been told to communicate to them the decision of the company to terminate them.\nIn the above list, there is an employee who has been working in the company for twenty years. He is known for his discipline, integrity, and loyalty to the company. His financial situation is not good at present as he applied for personal loan a few months ago in order to meet the expenses of his ailing father who was hospitalized. He is sole breadwinner of the family and has two dependent daughters. Marriage of one of the daughters is scheduled for next month.\na) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\nb) As the head of the HR department, what ethical dilemma do you face?\nc) Do you think that the company's decision is appropriate? According to you what should have been the ideal course of action in the given scenario?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Q.8) Farmer unions have called for mass protest against the private sugar factories for pending arrear that are due for the last two years. On the day of mass protest, large number of farmers turned up at several places and the protests turned violent. There were instances of stone pelting, vehicle burning, and clashes with police, who were not able to control the violent protesters at some places. The resort to lathi charge only aggravated the agitated protestors. At one of the protest sites, police resorted to firing and four farmers were killed. This further fuelled the protests as farmers at other places also resorted to violence to protest against police action. Looking at the intensity of the situation, under opposition pressure, one of the Minister of the state government gave the statement that farmers did not die due to police firing but there were some anti-social elements amongst the protesters who fired in order to create unrest in the state. This statement of the Minister instead of calming the protesters further angered them as some eyewitness testified to news channels about the deaths being the result of police firing. All this further projected government in bad light and the police action has come under severe criticism by various sections of intelligentsia. The public sentiment has started to sway in favour of the protesting farmers. The protesters have started blocking all the major state highways which has crippled the day-to-day routine of the people of the state. Further, there is a danger that the situation might get out of control anytime. There is huge pressure on the state government to diffuse the situation. Suppose you are the district magistrate where the incident has taken place:\na) You are to address the press conference. What will be your statement to the media if it seeks clarification on whether people died in the police firing?\nb) What are the ethical issues involved in the case?\nc) What steps will you take to tackle the post-firing situation effectively?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Q.9 A gaming website dedicated to chess has gained popularity in recent times due to its online lessons and tips for improving skills in the game. You have recently started playing chess at the platform. The platform provides you analysis of your games and suggests areas of improvement. The online lessons have helped you improve your game a lot over a very short time. You are amazed at the ability of competing with players of all levels of skills from across the world. While testing and improving your chess skills on the platform, you have made friendship and acquaintances with many competitive chess players from different parts of the world. Recently, you have been encountering racial, religious and stereotypical remarks during the games from the other players. Initially you ignored such things as childish tactics by an opponent to distract you from your gameplay. Later you would try to engage with such people to dispel stereotypes. But increasingly such experiences are making you sad and bitter. Now you block such people as you encounter them. What started as a fun and stimulating experience for you has become a source of negativity in your life. In your discussions with other people, you come to realize that they have also experienced similar racial and religious slurs, and many people have left the platform to avoid the abusive experience. You also sense that this is not an issue specific to this gaming website but is part of the generally seen behaviour on social media. You used to consider online trolling as harmless puns that could not create actual harm, but after experiencing its dark side as a victim you are realizing its negative impact. Given this information, what are your thoughts on the following:\na) How should one deal with the issues of on-line abuse such as in the case above? What options are available to you?\nb) What values should guide online behaviour? Do these values differ from values governing offline conduct?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.10) Jajantara, one of the districts in Eastern India has emerged as a hotspot of voice phishing activity. Voice phishing, also known as 'vishing', is the use of fraudulent phone calls to trick people into giving money or revealing personal information. Vishing fraudsters often use modern VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) features such as caller ID spoofing and automated systems (IVR) to impede detection by law enforcement agencies. Vishing is typically used to steal credit card numbers, banking details or other information for identity theft and related crimes. The promise of earning huge amount of money in shorter span of time is used to lure unemployed and educated youth into this scam. The entire vishing racket is being run like an organised crime. The networks that run these scams have also started feeding other crimes like arms smuggling, money laundering, and gang wars. The system is on the verge of collapse and the common people are losing faith in the capability of administration to improve law and order in the district. The situation has been further worsened by unconfirmed reports that local politicians as well as some senior police officers are providing surreptitious patronage to the phishing mafia. The poor reputation of the district has started to reflect in international headlines. The youth from the area are stigmatised and face hurdles in gaining employment due to the negative perceptions about the district. You are a police officer who is appointed as superintendent of police to bring the situation to normalcy. Identify the various dimensions of the crisis. Based on your understanding, suggest measures to deal with the same.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"1) Identification of various dimension of crisis\na) Lack of unemployment opportunity\nb) Nexus between politician, police officials & dereliction of duty of policial official in controlling crime is biggest reason for continuation & corruption, rent-seeking etc is used to extract money from criminals to give safe passage\nc) Internal security challenges due to arm smuggling, organised crime & proximity to naxal corridor poses a significant challenge for India","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Q.11 Prahlad is a climate conscious and responsible citizen, who left his well-paying job as a senior manager in a multinational company to start a small firm that would manufacture eco-friendly products. The motto of his company is \"no waste, all green\". His firm makes bio-degradable polymer which can be used as an alternative to plastic bags, bottles, plates etc. Prahlad thinks that this will promote a healthier environment and will have a positive impact on people's health. It will also help address the problem of climate change by reducing one's carbon footprint. For this to be achieved, he believes that not just products, but the process too should be less polluting. This is why, he invested heavily in non-polluting machinery. These machines are certified as \"green machines\". In fact, some of them were even imported from other countries. All of this has gained him a good reputation in the eyes of critics and environmentalists. But as the technology used in manufacturing these products is new, imported and expensive, the products made by Prahlad's firm is costlier than conventional plastic products. Prahlad has proved that his product is environmentally benign, but he was unable to scale up production because of he ran out of funds. Prahlad knows that if he could start manufacturing the polymer at a large scale and leverage economies of scale his product would become more price competitive to conventional plastics. Prahlad used last of his funds to publicize his product. Prahlad thought that with this publicity, raising funds from the market would be easy. Prahlad reached out to many investors, and they showed great interest in Prahlad's product. But none of them were willing to invest money in this product. They feared that this new product, being much expensive, would not be able to compete with the conventional plastic products. Prahlad's firm is also losing his existing customer who complain about very high cost of his products. Both Prahlad's prospective investors and past customers know that this technology is less polluting and environmentally benign and has a positive attitude towards it. But consumer concern and attitude about the environment does not readily translate into the purchase of environmentally friendly products. Academic research has also identified this gap between purchase intentions and behaviors. Prahlad knows that if he changes the production procedure, things can look better for the company on the financial front, but that can take away his reputation and will also be against his own beliefs. The only possible hope is to expand his consumer base, sell his products at full capacity and convince investors to invest in his eco-friendly venture to keep his green industry running. Consider yourself in Prahlad's position and answer the following questions:\na) How will you induce behavioral change to nudge people to move towards eco-friendly products?\nb) What factors will you have to consider while inspiring such a change?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"Q.12 As you are a very good friend of Sundar. He discusses the matter with you. Answer the following questions:\na) Why such instance of corruption in government programmes are common across the country? How can they be prevented?\nb) Enumerate various interests involved in this case from the perspective of different stakeholders. What advice will you give to Sundar?","marks":"20","words":"20"}]},{"id":7347,"topper":"Shivika Hans","air":300,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SHIVIKA-HANS-UPSC-2023-Rank-300-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7348,"topper":"Shivika Hans","air":300,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SHIVIKA-HANS-UPSC-2023-Rank-300-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7349,"topper":"Shivika Hans","air":300,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SHIVIKA-HANS-UPSC-2023-Rank-300-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7350,"topper":"Shivika Hans","air":300,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SHIVIKA-HANS-UPSC-2023-Rank-300-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7351,"topper":"Shivika Hans","air":300,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/170mB8s-kbbUgHpj9hn4yAxABtKDTU3m8/view","questions":[]},{"id":7352,"topper":"Shivin Chaudhary","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KigC42wnNZHGD85UKxyOpIFCsQqbH4c8/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) Successful people are not those who did not fail, but those who persisted in turbulent times and kept moving after a failure. In light of this statement, examine the importance of adversity quotient in life. How can adversity quotient be developed? (10 marks, 150 words)\nb) ‘Strength does not come from physical capacity but from an indomitable will.’ – Gandhi. What does strength mean to you and how far do you agree with the given statement? Discuss with suitable example. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Q.4 \na) Gendered attitudes convert differences in sexes into discriminations. Examine the factors responsible for negative attitudes toward women in the Indian society. How can these attitudes be changed? (10 marks, 150 words)\nb) How are ethical concerns and work culture of public institutions different from those of private institutions? Examine the desirability of adoption of work culture similar to private institutions in public institutions. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Q.7) Sunshine electronics is a domestic mobile manufacturer and you are its CEO. Sunshine electronics has made an affordable 5g phone with over 80% domestically sourced components. It has spent a large amount of money for promotion of the phone. General public is excited about the new phone and the company has already received over 1 lakh pre-launch orders from various online shopping portals. The achievement of the company has also received recognition from the highest political level and has been cited as a successful example of Atma-Nirbhar Bharat. The Central Minister of Electronics and Information Technology is the chief guest in the launch event of the new mobile phone.\nJust a day before the launch of the new phone, you received a call from the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of your company. He informs you that the US has banned Huwu Technologies Pvt. Ltd. from doing business in the USA and a similar ban is expected to be imposed by the EU in the next few days. The ban on Huwu is based on a report claiming that Huwu has been working very closely with the Chinese government and there are technical ‘backdoors’ in the components made by Huwu that allows it to spy on users of the devices that have these components.\nThe new phone made by your company also uses a chip manufactured by Huwu. To fulfil the pre-orders in the shortest possible time, Sunshine Electronics has also manufactured around fifty thousand devices. Cancelling or postponing the launch event would be embarrassing for political dispensation and financially disastrous for your company. On the other hand, going ahead with the launch would mean potentially risking the privacy and security of your customers.\n1) On the basis of this case, identify the various ethical dilemmas involved.\n2) What principles of corporate ethics would you consider while taking the decision in this case?\n3) Examine various options available with you for handling the issue at hand. What will you do in the given case?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":6,"question":"Q.8 Asanpur is a beautiful small district in Northern part of India. It used to be the hub of stone mining activity. However, excessive mining led to environmental degradation and rapid soil erosion while cutting of stone created air pollution hazard. Due to various detrimental impacts, NGT has imposed a ban on stone mining in Asanpur. Despite this ban, the mining mafia has been able to operate with connivance of corrupt government officials and politicians. Many officers hve tried to stop this illegal mining, but the powerful mafia has either forced them to submit through force or bribed them or got them transferred through their political contacts. Last week, a DSP lost his life when he was trying to stop a truck carrying illegally mined stones.\nYou recently got promoted and made the SP of Asanpur. Upon taking the charge, you quickly realized the gravity of the problem. Illegal mining was run by organized gangs in the district. It was also linked to other crimes in your city ranging from petty crimes like pick pocketing to serious offenses like kidnapping and murders. Illegal mining and related crime have negatively impacted socio-economic development of the district as youth are increasingly getting involved in the illegal activities and businesses are leaving the district due to high crime rates.\nOne day, a junior officer approached you and informed you that he has been receiving threats from the illegal stone miners. He also informs you that others in the task force are also facing problems like someone in the task force is being harassed by reopening an old settled case against him while someone else has received a transfer order to a remote district. This has demotivated the taskforce and reminded them of the connections of illegal miners in the district. The same day, when you reach home, your wife tells you that she got a call from an unknown number threatening her of dire consequences if you do not stop your investigation. You fear that the call was from a member of the organized crime syndicate involved in the illegal mining activity. Your wife is worried about the safety of the family and requests you to be lenient in your work. In this situation, answer the following questions:\n1) How will you motivate the task force to work with honesty in this adverse condition?\n2) How would you justify putting your family at risk in line of your duty?\n3) Identify the various dimensions of the crisis. Based on your understanding, suggest measures to deal with the crisis.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.9) Under the Mid-Day Meal (MDM) scheme, children are served cooked food in their school. It has been revolutionary in not only improving the nutritional status of children but also increasing the retention ratio in schools. However, the quality of food has been a cause of concern.\nIn one of the unfortunate incidents, two students lost their lives and over thirty children fell ill after eating the MDM in their school. The district administration was quick in its action and fired the cook (bhojan-mata) of the concerned school. The bhojan-mata, who belongs to a backward caste, is the sole breadwinner in her family after her husband passed away. In an TV interview related to the incident, Bhojan-mata claimed that she is being made a scapegoat and being targeted only because she belongs to a backward caste. This created a political storm in the state. Opposition parties picked up the issue of social discrimination and started state-wide protest demanding justice for the bhojan-mata. The protest found resonance with masses and the ruling party was severely criticized.\nTo win back the confidence of the public, the government has constituted a commission to investigate the matter in an impartial manner. You are a joint secretary level officer and have been appointed as a member of the commission. During the investigation, you found that bhojan-mata was indeed not at fault. It was the contractor who was supplying poor quality raw materials to the school that caused the food poisoning in children. You also found that the food contractor was the brother of a powerful cabinet minister. You suspect that the district administration was hand-in-glove with the contractor and they connived to implicate bhojan-mata and exonerate the contractor.\nYou brought these findings before the head of the commission. To your surprise, the head of the commission informs you that he was already aware of these facts. He informs you that the minister has asked him to make a report that vindicates the bhojan-mata and reinstates her in order to subdue the opposition led agitations. He asks you to find someone else who can be blamed to ensure that the government is able to save its face as declaring the brother of a sitting cabinet minister responsible would push the government further in trouble. He also tells you that helping the ruling dispensation would ultimately help you, subtly giving hints of getting a ‘plum posting’ and also warns you that going against the wish of the minister can attract the wrath of the minister that can be disastrous for your career.\n1) What are the various ethical dilemmas that you face in this situation?\n2) What are the different courses of action that you can take? Identify the most suitable course of action and justify your choice.","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":8,"question":"Q.10 Rashmi is a trained nurse and has an experience of over 20 years. She joined as a contractual nurse in a government hospital during the second wave of Covid-19. At the peak of the second wave of Covid, the health system of the country crumbled under the large number of infections. There was a severe shortage of not only items like medicine, oxygen cylinders etc but also of trained staff. To address the bed shortage, many temporary covid camps were established and to cope up with the dearth of trained staff, the government started hiring on contractual basis. Many nurses, computer operators, sweepers and others in support staff were temporarily hired for the covid period in accordance with outsourcing policy for emergency services at government hospitals. Due to their immense contribution in fight against the pandemic, they were recognized as ‘corona warriors’. During their hiring, a verbal promise was made to them that, ‘corona warriors’ would be given preference in other government hirings. Rashmi signed a contract stating the term of her employment as three months, which was subsequently extended for three more months and so on. After a year, as the number of covid infections have declined, the government has closed many of the temporary camps. Vaccination drive has also shown a decelerating trend as the majority of the population has been inoculated with at least one dose. This has reduced the requirement of nurses, computer operators and other supporting staff. Rashmi was served a 15 day notice and her contractual employment was terminated. Government has cited that since covid wave has subsided, contractual human resource would be laid-off and the money saved would be used for augmenting health infrastructure in the country. Rashmi recalls her ordeal while taking care of patients during the second wave of Covid-19. She did continuous night shifts which usually stretched to 12-13 hours. Wearing PPE and 3 layers of masks for\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case.\nb) What are the ethical duties of the government towards contractual employees like Rashmi?\nc) Suggest measures to address the ethical issues involved in the above case.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":9,"question":"On the basis of this case, answer the following questions:\n1) What are the various ethical issues involved in this case?\n2) Do you think Rashmi is justified in demanding a permanent government job?\n3) Do you think the government is justified in terminating the contracts of corona warriors?\n4) Consider yourself in the position of Health secretary in the concerned state. What would you do to address the issue at hand?","marks":null,"words":"20"},{"page":10,"question":"Q.12 Jayant is a hard-working and dedicated IAS officer. He is currently posted in a remote district in North-East India. Jayant is married to Sarita who used to work as a software engineer before her marriage. Sarita is a well-educated and ambitious woman who wants to be known by her name and not only as the wife of IAS officer Jayant. Sarita wants to restart her career and has been searching for a suitable job for some time. She has found a good job in an MNC that pays well, but she will have to move to Bangalore for it. Sarita wants to take up this opportunity but Jayant’s mother does not want Sarita to move to Bangalore. Jayant also wants Sarita to stay with him so that they can have kids and start their family. Sarita proposes that Jayant move with him to Bangalore as she will get a salary that is substantially more than Jayant’s. Jayant and his mother found this proposal offending. Further,","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"1) Help Jayant identify different options available with him to cope with the crisis? Discuss the merits and demerits of each of these options.\n2) As a mutual friend, what advice would you give to Jayant and Sarita in this case so that they can return back to being a happy couple?\n3) How can Jayant develop the qualities that are required to handle such crisis situations in life?","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":7353,"topper":"SHIVRAJ GANGAWAL","air":788,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Medical Science","optional":true,"source":"IAS Delhi Institute","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1x2j0wCOZA48AtSigGBcz5XhVtUzQBqYH/view?usp=sharing","questions":[]},{"id":7354,"topper":"SHIVRAJ GANGAWAL","air":788,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Medical Science","optional":true,"source":"IAS Delhi Institute","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eBdGvWlOcJce7Ix7U3OLzIsbDElaeFt3/view?usp=sharing","questions":[]},{"id":7355,"topper":"Shiwani Kumari","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/SHIWANI_KUMARI_SS_GS_2_AIR_578_e372e4ae55.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Discuss how the tussle between various organs of the state reflects tensions between the doctrine of separation of powers and the need for checks and balances in Indian democracy. Illustrate with case laws. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"\"The anti-defection law was envisaged to curb unethical political defection but has ended up centralising power within party leadership\". Examine the implications of this trend on federalism and intra-party democracy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"\"The right to property, although not a fundamental right, its deprivation must still follow due process of law.\" Discuss the statement in light of the recent Supreme Court's directions on demolition protocols and the principles of natural justice. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Despite its transformative intent, the implementation of the provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 ( PESA) has remained uneven and inconsistent across states. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How can India reconcile the need for gender sensitivity with the demand for gender neutrality in its legal system to achieve true substantive equality? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"\"The one-size-fits-all approach to policymaking often ignores India's regional heterogeneity\". Discuss the implications of centralized governance on state-level autonomy and inclusive development. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) seeks to integrate fragmented pension systems across sectors. Critically evaluate its potential to ensure inclusivity and social security. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The growing focus on multipolarity has kept BRICS relevant in an evolving world order. Examine the strategic significance of BRICS for India and the Global South. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Analyze how the recent crisis in Bangladesh impacts India-Bangladesh relations and India's Neighbourhood First Policy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"The constitutional status of State Election Commissions (SECs) has not translated into real functional independence. Discuss the impact of this institutional weakness on the functioning of local self-governments in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Explain the concept of 'cohabitation' in the French semi-presidential system. Analyse why India's parliamentary system structurally prevents such an arrangement. What lessons, if any, can India draw from the French experience? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"\"Absence of timelines for granting assent under Article 200 enables constitutional subversion.\" Do you agree? Justify your answer. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Evaluate the role of the Legal Services Authority in ensuring equal access to legal aid for underprivileged sections of society. What are the key reforms required to enhance its effectiveness? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"While the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is often seen as the conscience-keeper of Parliament, it faces structural and political constraints. Critically assess the committee's effectiveness in ensuring transparency and accountability in public financial management. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Digital health is not just a technological solution but a governance imperative.\" In light of India's initiatives like Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) and CoWIN, examine how digital infrastructure can strengthen universal health coverage. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Does the lateral entry reform in civil services strike the right balance between efficiency and accountability? Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Informal pressure groups often act as early warning systems in democratic societies. Assess their role in safeguarding public interest. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"The India-Russia relationship is rooted in Cold War solidarity but faces strategic inertia in a fast-changing multipolar world. Examine whether this bilateral relationship needs a pragmatic reset. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"The evolving \"Great Game\" in the Arctic has opened new frontiers of strategic competition. Discuss its implications for India's energy security, scientific diplomacy, and multilateral engagement. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7356,"topper":"Shiwani Kumari","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/SHIWANI_KUMARI_SS_GS_3_AIR_578_426d8c13f6.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Explain the concept of the \"Missing Middle\" in India's industrial ecosystem. How does it affect economic growth and employment generation? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Household savings form a crucial pillar of domestic capital formation. In light of their recent decline, elucidate the underlying causes and propose strategies to strengthen savings behavior in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Despite its potential, the corporate bond market in India remains underdeveloped. Examine the structural and regulatory challenges impeding its growth. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"In light of recent Budget 2023 allocations and the push for green infrastructure, analyze how Viability Gap Funding can be leveraged to promote renewable energy projects. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Why is self-sufficiency in pulse production crucial for India? Discuss the policy and technological interventions needed to achieve Aatma Nirbharata in pulses. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Examine how space-based solutions are addressing developmental challenges in rural India. What steps can further enhance their outreach and effectiveness? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Delineate the linkages between urbanization patterns and rising PM 2.5 levels in Tier-II and Tier-III cities of India. What are the various mitigation measures and the government's initiatives to mitigate air pollution in India? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Explain the structural and operational limitations of the Disaster Management Act, 2005. How far does the 2025 Amendment address these deficiencies through a shift towards anticipatory and technology-driven disaster governance? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What do you understand about Artificial Neural Networks? List out its applications across various fields. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"Internal security challenges in India are increasingly shaped by external and transnational dynamics.\" Examine the statement with relevant examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"While tariff rationalization aims to enhance economic efficiency, it may also pose challenges to certain sectors. Critically assess the potential trade-offs involved in the Union Budget 2025-26's approach to tariff reforms. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"A shift from fiscal deficit targeting to debt-to-GDP ratio as the fiscal anchor signals a more holistic approach to fiscal discipline. Do you agree? Give reasons in support of your arguments. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"India's food processing sector is moving towards greater formalization and efficiency. Critically assess how initiatives like the PLI scheme and Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Enterprises (PM-FME) contribute to this transformation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Do you agree that granting a legal guarantee to Minimum Support Price (MSP) may create a fiscally unsustainable and economically inefficient agricultural system? Suggest viable alternatives to ensure fair farmer remuneration without distorting the market. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) can empower developing countries to lead the global climate action narrative. Discuss with suitable examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Analyse the reasons behind the increasing vulnerability of the Himalayan region to landslides. What steps can be taken for their management and control? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Forest fires are yet another symptom of climate change. Analyze the various causes for wildfire in forests. Give two examples of recent wildfires. Mention the policies and frameworks aimed at tackling wildfire in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"The Health approach is key to preventing future pandemics and preserving ecosystems. Analyze how the Biodiversity and Health Global Action Plan adopted at COP 16 aligns with this vision. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"In light of evolving national security threats, how do the New Criminal Laws address modern threats like cybercrime and organized crime? Outline the challenges perceived in its effective implementation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Discuss how integrated border infrastructure and management practices can balance security imperatives with the socio-economic development of frontier communities. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7357,"topper":"Shiwani Kumari","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/SHIWANI_KUMARI_SS_GS_4_AIR_578_edb7c7dc9a.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"\"Integrity in isolation may ensure honesty, but without impartiality and non-partisanship, governance cannot be ethical.\" Evaluate the interdependence of these foundational values in the context of public service. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":7358,"topper":"Shlok Waikar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7b837-883913_2575_shlok_waikar_rank_159.pdf","questions":[{"page":20,"question":"The art of Progress is to preserve order amid change and to preserve change amid order.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7359,"topper":"Shlok Waikar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/da4cd-883913_1399_shlok_waikar_rank_159.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the significance of Fast Track Courts (FTCs) in India, discuss the issues plaguing their functioning. Also, suggest some measures to improve their functioning. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Inter-state river water disputes have been among the most pressing issues faced by the Indian federal system. In this context, examine the potential of the Inter-State River Water Disputes (Amendment) Bill, 2019 in addressing the issues involved. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What is lobbying? Discuss the need to regulate lobbying in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What is the legal sanction behind the establishment of Foreigners' Tribunals? Comment on the need of strict judicial supervision given the context in which they function. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The practice of passing of bills without the scrutiny by the parliamentary standing committees undermines their significance and sets a wrong precedent. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Bring out the key functions of the Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities and its contemporary relevance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Article 22 of the Indian Constitution is a necessary evil. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"A unified nation does not necessarily need to have 'uniformity'. In this context, discuss the merits and demerits of the idea of Uniform Civil Code. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The expressions 'equality before the law' and 'equal protection of the laws' may seem to be identical, but, in fact, they mean different things. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlight the Quasi-Judicial and Advisory functions of the Election Commission of India. Do you think the powers of the Election Commission need a relook in context of the challenges it has faced in recent years? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"District Planning Committees (DPCs) have been envisaged as a vital link in the process of bottom-up planning. In this context, highlight the factors that are hampering the bottom up planning process through DPCs. What measures can be taken to strengthen the DPCs? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Functions of the State Finance Commission as mandated by the constitution are important for achieving fiscal decentralisation, however they face multiple hurdles in fulfilling their role. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Increase in the number of judges at the Supreme Court is a welcome step, nonetheless efficient functioning of the judiciary requires broader reforms at all levels of judicial hierarchy. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Asymmetry as an important characteristic of the Indian federalism has helped cater to the specific needs and requirements of some sub-units. Explain. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"How is structure and electoral process of Rajya Sabha different from Lok Sabha? Do you think Rajya Sabha has been able to perform its envisaged role in recent times? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Explain the structure and function of the National Commission for Backward Classes. What is the significance of recent changes made in its status? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The philosophical underpinnings of the Indian constitution can be best understood through its preamble inspired by the Objectives Resolution in the constituent assembly. Elaborate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Managing water related issues in India requires convergence in policy making, implementation and monitoring. In this context, comment on the significance of the creation of Ministry of Jal Shakti. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"What do you understand by doctrine of eminent domain? How can it be applied to understand the evolution of right to property under the Indian constitution? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7360,"topper":"Shlok Waikar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/412c9-883913_2211_shlok_waikar_rank_159.pdf","questions":[{"page":39,"question":"Heat waves are a major cause of concern in India. Discuss the reasons for their occurrence and suggest measures to mitigate their impact. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":42,"question":"Why are rainforests called the 'lungs of the Earth'? Discuss their importance and the reasons for their degradation. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":45,"question":"India has witnessed urbanization of massive scale since 1991 LPG reforms. It is changing the social structure of cities.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7361,"topper":"Shlok Waikar","air":159,"year":2024,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9fc56-883913_2364_shlok_waikar_rank_159.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7362,"topper":"Shlok Waikar","air":159,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4d61e-883913_1420_shlok_waikar_rank_159.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7363,"topper":"Shlok Waikar","air":159,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/19A8euJ_Rd_eDl9aCu-K6nPL1Q8oQMlJo","questions":[]},{"id":7364,"topper":"Shobhika","air":37,"year":2024,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/SURE_SHORT_2024_SHOBHIKA_GS_PAPER_1_AIR_37_4d16515771.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7365,"topper":"Shobhika","air":37,"year":2024,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/SURE_SHORT_2024_SHOBHIKA_GS_PAPER_3_AIR_37_a493676fff.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7366,"topper":"Shobhika","air":37,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/SURE_SHORT_2024_SHOBHIKA_GS_PAPER_4_AIR_37_92c4e59331.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7367,"topper":"Shobhika Pathak","air":37,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1I--KQHlGfLvJXQ6QewT7TW6GDNqdjtN8/view","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Comment on the following in about 150 words each: 10x5=50 (a) How has the scope of Sociology broadened in the global times?","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":2,"question":"In what way ‘interpretative’ method is different from ‘positivist’ approach in the study of social phenomena? (20 marks)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":2,"question":"What makes Durkheim’s research on Suicide rate a positivist research. Clarify. (20 marks)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Answer the following in about 150 words each: 10x5=50 (a) Describe the process of “operationalization of variable “with few examples. (b) While economics is about how people make choice, sociology is about they don’t have any choice to make. What do you understand by the given statement?","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":3,"question":"Explain the different types of non-probability sampling techniques. Bring out the conditions of their usage with appropriate examples. (20marks)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the challenges involved in collecting data through Survey (20 marks)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Is Sociology a Science? Give reasons for your answer. (20 marks)","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":7368,"topper":"Shoham Teberiwal","air":77,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/479e1-995991_2125_shoham_teberiwal_rank_77.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7369,"topper":"Shoham Teberiwal","air":77,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6ddc3-995991_2123_shoham_teberiwal_rank_77.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7370,"topper":"Shoham Teberiwal","air":77,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ce7a3-995991_2122_shoham_teberiwal_rank_77.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7371,"topper":"Shoham Teberiwal","air":77,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/93393beb2b7e996905ce7ea7f8b78443/86/air-77-shoham-teberiwal_test-5_gs1.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"1. How did the ancient trade routes connecting India to foreign countries contribute to the exchange and dissemination of culture? (Answer in 150 words) 10 marks.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"2. The Quit India movement was a people's movement cutting across the class divides but it was the women's leadership that left a clear mark. Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":9,"question":"3. The hallmark of post-Independent India has been its remarkable strides in science and technology. To what extent did scientific development during this period put India on the path of modernity?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"4. Discuss the feasibility of Interlinking rivers to resolve the issue of water stress in other regions.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"5. How will the structural shift from coal-based power plants to renewable energy generation impact human development in coal-bearing states?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"6. To what extent temperature and precipitation are the most important factors that determine soil properties?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":17,"question":"7. Why are severe and intense cyclones becoming a regular phenomenon in the Arabian Sea? Substantiate with examples.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":19,"question":"8. In the context of cultural diversity in India, can we consider Southern states as distinct cultural units in comparison to the rest of India? Substantiate your view.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"9. Poverty and population growth are locked in a vicious cycle, where poverty restricts individuals' ability to break free from the cycle, while population growth strains resources. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"10. India has a rich heritage in the internationalization of education. In this context how will the recent push for the 'internationalization of education' impact society and foster cultural exchange?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"11. 'Although there were many differences between the Gandhara and Mathura art, they considerably influenced the Amravati school of art.' Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":28,"question":"'England's Industrial Revolution not only transformed the economic landscape but also had far-reaching social and cultural impacts'. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"3. How did the social reform and ideological struggle against the backward traditional elements and hegemony of colonial culture in the nineteenth century influence the emergence of a distinct cultural identity and national consciousness?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"How does temperature inversion affect atmospheric conditions and what are its implications for local weather patterns and air pollution levels?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":37,"question":"15. What are the geographical factors responsible for mangrove vegetation in India? How does climate change pose a threat to mangrove vegetation in India?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":40,"question":"What are the geographical and economic factors that influence the location of the sugar industry, and how do they contribute to the growth of the industry in India and different parts of the world?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":43,"question":"17. What are the key strategies used in dryland farming to overcome water scarcity and maximize agricultural productivity in arid and semi-arid regions? Also, discuss the need to promote dryland farming in India.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":46,"question":"How has the contemporary women's movement encompassed diverse approaches beyond traditional methods? Also, highlight the unique contribution and challenges of the contemporary women's movement.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"19. Do you think that the forces of modernization that catalyzed the eradication of social evils in Indian society have also threatened our cultural values and ethos?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":52,"question":"In the context of states in India evaluate the relationship between regional disparity and sentiments of regionalism. Is regionalism antagonistic to the idea of nationalism?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 150"}]},{"id":7372,"topper":"Shoham Teberiwal","air":77,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/93393beb2b7e996905ce7ea7f8b78443/87/air-77-shoham-teberiwal_test-1_gs1.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Q.1 The fabric of Indian philosophical thought owes as much to Northern India as to Southern India. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Q.2 The Indian society's impulse for social change and reform was a response to its opposition to colonial rule. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Q.3 What are the factors that led to the Russian revolution and what are the consequences of this revolution? Discuss its influence on the Indian national movement.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Q.4 Discuss the various factors responsible for the uneven temperature distribution on Earth's surface.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Q.5 The melting of glaciers due to climate change has serious implications for the ecosystem and human society. Discuss the effects of melting glaciers on the environment and the measures that can be taken to address this issue.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Q.6 The White Revolution was most successful in the Western part of India. Discuss the factors for this regional success of the White Revolution.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Q.7 To what extent does seismic investigation contribute to our understanding of the Earth's interior structure? Analyze its significance in detail.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":18,"question":"Q.8 The pace of demographic transition varies across different states of India making population growth a double-edged sword. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Q.9 The ethnic and cultural diversity in India has always been bound by the thread of unity. Discuss the major factors that have contributed to the cultural unity of India.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":22,"question":"Q.10 The dichotomy in public and private life in Indian society acts as a major barrier to the annihilation of caste. Justify.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Q.11 India was forced into numerous wars post Independence. Highlight the causes and impact of the Indo-Pak and Indo-China wars on our bilateral relationships.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":27,"question":"1.12 The process of consolidation of Bengal, which started after the Battle of Plassey culminated in the Battle of Buxar. Do you think the Battle of Buxar was more important for the British than Plassey?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":30,"question":"Q.13 Sanskrit literature in general and particularly in the Guptan age set a high watermark for the literary history of ancient India. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"14 The configuration of the ocean floor provides essential information about the geological processes that have shaped the Earth's surface. Discuss the major features of the ocean floor and their significance in the study of oceanography.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Q.15 With the growing demand for rare earth elements, their distribution has become a critical aspect of the global economy. Discuss the distribution of rare earth elements across the world, their uses, and the environmental impact of their extraction.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Tourism in the hilly states is threatening to exceed the ecological carrying capacity of the region. Analyze the factors contributing to this trend and evaluate the potential Environmental impacts of this phenomenon. What measures can be taken to ensure sustainable tourism in these states?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Q.17 The Indian monsoon is a complex phenomenon influenced by various climatic factors. Critically examine the role of oceanic and atmospheric factors in determining the intensity and distribution of monsoon rainfall in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"18 Why do traditions in our society impede change? To what extent can social legislation be instrumental against old customary practices?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Q.19 Slums are not 'problems' that have to be 'solved' - but are indeed a result of lopsided and vested urban policies covering infrastructure provision and socio-economic issues. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":51,"question":"20 Communalism gains strength from economic deprivation, and thrives in environments of social exclusion, creating fertile ground for discontent and division. Comment.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"}]},{"id":7373,"topper":"Shoham Teberiwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/af63c-995991_2071_shoham-teberiwal_rank_77.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"There are arguments that bills of national importance should be placed before the Inter-State Council prior to their introduction in the Parliament. Discuss in light of the issues that have been observed in the passage of bills in the Parliament in recent times. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the role played by the Directorate of Enforcement in the investigation of offence of money laundering and violations of foreign exchange laws. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":7374,"topper":"Shoham Teberiwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/57298-995991_2089_shoham-teberiwal_rank_77.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"With the elephant being a vital part of the Buddhist faith, it was widely represented in its sculptures as well. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"India's war of independence was won by the efforts and sacrifices of different sections of the society. In this context, discuss the contributions made by tribal women in the national freedom struggle. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Bring out the key principles underlying Rabindranath Tagore's vision of nationalism during the Indian freedom struggle. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The combination of internal pulls coupled with external pressure as well as colonial resistance prompted the European powers to relinquish their claim over colonies. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Identifying the growth drivers of aquaculture in India, discuss the associated issues. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"While critical minerals are driving the clean energy transition, they bring new vulnerabilities with regard to energy security. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How does the theory of plate tectonics help in explaining the differences in the formation of the Himalayas and Andes mountains? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Critical issues surrounding the condition of groundwater in India need overarching solutions for a water-secure future. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"A large proportion of India's population is expected to live in cities by 2050. In this context, discuss the need for urban green spaces in creating inclusive, resilient, and sustainable cities in the country. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"India's secular approach has remained that of a 'principled distance' and not of 'equi-distance'. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"A major phase in temple architecture in India is associated with the Hoysala dynasty from the 11th to 14th centuries A.D. Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Accounts of Greek historians provide valuable insights into the social and economic conditions in ancient India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Discuss the role played by the Indian diaspora in the freedom struggle of India, especially during the first half of the 20th century. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind the emergence of environmental movements and their significance in post-independent India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Analyse the possible impact of climate change on the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR). What steps can be taken to mitigate it? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Though land subsidence can happen for a host of reasons, it is imperative to estimate its possible impact and chalk out a sustainable plan to minimise the adverse impact. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Discuss the potential of natural resources in the Arctic region as drivers of economic development, while also considering the environmental and social impacts of their exploitation. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Bring out the impact of globalisation in shaping the dynamics of family size, structure and relationships in the modern Indian society. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Migration is an expression of the human aspiration for dignity, safety and a better future. In light of this, examine the multi-dimensional nature of internal migration in India and discuss its inherent relationship with development. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Workplace gender inclusivity in India is skewed against women due to a range of cultural and gender biases existent in the society. Discuss. Also suggest socio-legal measures to address this issue. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7375,"topper":"Shoham Teberiwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4bdbb-995991_2091_shoham-teberiwal_rank_77.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What are the reasons behind the inefficient use of water in Indian agriculture? Suggest measures to improve water use efficiency. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What are the social, economic and environmental benefits of diversifying the food basket under the Public Distribution System (PDS) in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Can re-energising the livestock sector be the key to sustainable livelihood and increasing the income of Indian farmers? Give reasons in support of your answer. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Do you agree that high economic growth in the post-reform period has not resulted in growth trickling down to the marginalised sections, rendering inclusive growth a major concern? Justify your answer. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Evaluate the outcome of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). How can Mission LiFE reinvigorate the NCAP in addressing the issue of air pollution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discuss the impact of wildfires on the ecosystem. Describe the significance of the UNEP's Fire Ready Formula in dealing with the menace of wildfires. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Recently, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) launched its new rocket called Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV). What are its advantages? How can SSLVs be a game changer for ISRO in the years to come? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Why is biopiracy a cause of great concern to the existing traditional knowledge of the developing world? What steps have been taken by the government of India for protecting the existing traditional Indian knowledge? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What are the challenges faced by the Assam Rifles with regard to border management and tackling of insurgency in North-East India? Discuss how these challenges require a reorientation of the force. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The race to put weapons in space may soon pass the point of no return making space the next theatre of arms struggle. What are the possible reasons behind the weaponization of space? Discuss its implications. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNP) recently became the first 100% Landlord Port of India. What do you understand by the Landlord Port model? What are the different models employed in the management of ports? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Discuss the potential of digitization in harnessing the untapped potential of the food processing sector and resolving the challenges that it faces. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What is the significance of land record modernization in India? In this light, state the features of the National Generic Document Registration System (NGDRS). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The use of technology has played a key role in the success of the 'Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana' since its inception. Discuss. What further changes can be incorporated to make the scheme more farmer-friendly? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss how the transition towards renewable energy has the potential to transform the lives of women in India and unlock their potential. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"How does climate change exacerbate the challenges that India faces in eliminating hunger and malnutrition? Discuss in the context of India's commitment to achieve zero hunger by 2030. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What do you understand by digital twin technology? What are the benefits and challenges in its adoption? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Terrorism financing continues to remain a major challenge for the international community despite several efforts to curb it. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) will progressively multiply the opportunities as well as challenges from the national security perspective. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7376,"topper":"Shoham Teberiwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/021b4-995991_2090_shoham-teberiwal_rank_77.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What is the Doctrine of Severability? Discuss with the help of relevant judicial decisions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The office of Governor needs to be transformed to preserve constitutional governance in India. Discuss in the light of recent controversies surrounding the Governors' office. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"\"Disturbing public order or inciting violence cannot be allowed under the garb of the freedom of speech and expression.\" Discuss with help of the recent Supreme Court judgment on hate speech. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss the role of the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) for the effective functioning of democracy in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are the various ways in which emerging technologies can be utilised by civil servants in ensuring efficient public service delivery and affecting change in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"To what extent, in your opinion, has the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana been successful in promoting skill development and employment in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Examine the potential of the Bhu-Aadhaar project in bringing significant benefits to India's land management system. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the different determinants of the occurrence of child labour in India. What measures can be taken to tackle the issue of child labour in the country? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Despite certain hiccups, recent developments suggest that continuity still looms large in the Indo-Bhutan relationship. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Critical Information Infrastructure has become a global good that requires global norms for its safeguard. What role can the G20 play to safeguard Critical Information Infrastructure? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The tussle between the legislature and judiciary culminated in the 'basic structure' doctrine in the Kesavananda Bharati case. Discuss. What is the significance of the case in limiting the power of the Parliament to amend the Constitution? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The limited revenue generation capacity of municipal corporations has increased their dependence on taxes and grants from the states. What are the issues associated with this trend? What measures are required to improve the finances of the municipal corporations in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"\"The purpose of having a Constitution is to transform the society for the better and this objective is the fundamental pillar of transformative constitutionalism.\" Discuss with the help of recent case laws. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"How can a 'rule of law culture' contribute towards promoting individual liberty and democratic governance in a society like India? What are the challenges in fostering such a culture? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) are not just engaged in charitable work but also involved in political processes for building a just, peaceful, humane, and sustainable future. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Self-help groups (SHGs) have contributed towards rural development and women empowerment, but their uneven geographical impact and rising loan defaults are serious challenges that need to be addressed. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Do you agree with the view that the deep-rooted problems in India's school education system cannot be solved by digital transformation alone? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Examine the impact of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) on the effectiveness and transparency of welfare schemes for the vulnerable sections in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The deepening China-Russia strategic relationship has been described by some as the 'most consequential undeclared alliance in the world.' How can this alliance impact India's national interest? What strategies should India adopt to protect her interests? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India has placed soft power as an important pillar of its foreign policy to enhance its global standing and image abroad. Discuss the statement along with the initiatives taken by the government. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7377,"topper":"Shoham Teberiwal","air":77,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5ae41-995991_2085_shoham-teberiwal_rank_77.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7378,"topper":"Shoham Teberiwal","air":77,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1cdb2-995991_2087_shoham-teberiwal_rank_77.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7379,"topper":"Shoham Teberiwal","air":77,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/155/air-77-shoham-teberiwal_test-1_gs1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7380,"topper":"Shoham Teberiwal","air":77,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/151/air-77-shoham-teberiwal_test-5_gs1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7381,"topper":"Shoham Teberiwal","air":77,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/93393beb2b7e996905ce7ea7f8b78443/83/air-77-shoham-teberiwal_test-6_gs2.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"1. \"Interstate border disputes, if not promptly and impartially settled, can transform into persistent issues that impede development and generate friction\". Highlighting the constitutional and legal framework to resolve interstate disputes, explain why Independent India has failed to resolve inter-state border disputes.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"2. Examine the role of the Inter-state Council in promoting vertical (Centre-State) and horizontal (Inter-State) Intergovernmental cooperation and coordination.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":9,"question":"3. Discuss the key function of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). What steps should be taken to revamp the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in order to enhance its effectiveness as a true guardian of public funds?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"4. Recognizing the pivotal role of urbanization as a driver of national economic growth, the Fifteenth Finance Commission has suggested major reforms for Urban Local Bodies. Evaluate the recommendations put forward by the Fifteenth Finance Commission in promoting and revitalizing ULBs in India.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":13,"question":"5. Highlight the key differences in the scope of Freedom of speech and expression as provided under Parliamentary privileges vis a vis Fundamental rights. Why is it necessary to maintain a balance between parliamentary privilege and fundamental rights?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":15,"question":"6. Civil society organizations, play a pivotal role in fostering \"collective private action for the public good\". What challenges do they face in local resource mobilization (LRM) and corporate funding through corporate social responsibility (CSR)? Also, suggest measures.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"7. The first step to eradicating poverty is reliable poverty assessment for program design, implementation, and monitoring. In this context discuss the methodology and significance of NITI Aayog's National Multidimensional Poverty Index.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"8. In the context of India, despite the presence of constitutional provisions, legal precedents, and international commitments that establish a robust foundation for a right to health, why has there been a lack of explicit legal recognition of this right?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"9. The collective strength of BRICS nations allows for meaningful cooperation on myriad issues, however, the platform's ability to influence the trajectory of bilateral relationships remains limited. Do you agree?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"10. In light of the recent demands to amend the Indus Waters Treaty, discuss the possible implications it could have on the water-sharing mechanism between India and Pakistan.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"11. The doctrine of Parliamentary sovereignty and judicial supremacy has exerted considerable influence in shaping the constitutional frameworks of India and the USA. Citing relevant case laws discuss the role of the judiciary in influencing the constitutions in these countries. Is the scope of judicial review wider in India?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Delimitation of seats is essential to ensure fair representation and uphold the principles of one vote, one value. Highlighting the challenges posed by misrepresentation in constituencies, analyze the ramifications of population-based delimitation in creating federal tension.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"13. Discuss the role of the Supreme Court of India in strengthening the hands of the Election Commission in the discharge of its constitutional responsibility of conducting free and fair elections in the country.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"'The declining role of Parliament undermines the fundamental principle of separation of powers, as it diminishes the legislature's ability to serve as a check on the executive branch and ensure a balanced exercise of power.' Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"15. Discuss the crucial role played by the National Commission of Women in shaping the discourse on gender-sensitive laws in India. To what extent the elevation of the National Commission for Women to a constitutional body would reinforce its authority?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"'Satisfactory and timely redressal of grievances is the cornerstone of 'minimum government, maximum governance.' In this context discuss the challenges associated with current grievance redress mechanisms and suggest measures to strengthen the process.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"17. 'Corruption corrodes the fabric of governance, eroding the public's faith in democratic institutions.' Examine the potential for harmonizing the Right to Information (RTI) Act, the Whistleblower Protection Act (WBPA), and the Lokpal & Lokayukta Act, 2013, to enhance the effectiveness of the anticorruption regime.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Analyze the potential challenges and benefits involved in leveraging SHGs as platforms for skill development, entrepreneurship, and income generation among marginalized communities to effectively counter poverty.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"19 'India is uniquely positioned on the world map for its rich culture.' In this context discuss the role of culture, diaspora, and democracy as instruments of India's soft power diplomacy. To what extent India has been able to position itself as a 'smart power'?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"The synergy of shared values and vibrant people-to-people connections between India and Australia creates a fertile ground for fostering long-lasting trade relations and strategic collaboration between the two nations. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7382,"topper":"Shoham Teberiwal","air":77,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/93393beb2b7e996905ce7ea7f8b78443/85/air-77-shoham-teberiwal_test-2_gs2.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Q.1 There is a need to resolve the ambiguity in the disqualification provisions under section 8 of the Representation of People Act 1951. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Q.2 Constitution is a mere skeleton whereas constitutionalism is the soul of democracy. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Q.3 \"Electoral bonds are a double-edged sword, providing anonymity to donors while raising concerns about transparency in political funding.\" To what extent have electoral bonds further legitimized opacity in electoral funding?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":10,"question":"Q.4 The question of gender equality is central to the debate on Uniform Civil Code. In this light what are the challenges in reconciling UCC with gender equality as enshrined in the constitution?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Q.5 'The Governor's office is neither decorative nor inconsequential, it assumes a constitutional role of profound essence' To what extent does the Governor, actively contribute to the governance of a state and reinforce the principles of federalism in the country?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Q.6 Recently demand has been rising in a state regarding the enactment of Social Accountability Law. How such a law can lead to good governance and boost citizens' participation in decision-making. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Q.7 There is a need for convergence of 'nutrition-specific' and 'nutrition-sensitive' interventions to effectively tackle child undernutrition in India. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":18,"question":"Q.8 \"MGNREGA, the lynchpin of rural poverty alleviation, has become the victim of fiscal apathy.\" Critically analyze the statement in light of recent developments.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Q.9 \"India must leverage, if not manage, the global divides\". How can the current geopolitical churn pave the way for India's rise to the global high table?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":22,"question":"Q.10 \"Berlin can be India's gateway to the European Union.\" Elaborate with respect to Germany's significance in India's relationship with the EU.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Q.11 How has the Anti-Defection Law impacted the relationship between political parties and individual legislators in India? In light of the recent incidents also discuss the unintended consequences it has on the functioning of democracy in India.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":27,"question":"Critics assert that limitless judicial authority rests on the structural ambiguity of the basic structure doctrine. Has the elastic nature of the basic structure doctrine made the judiciary more powerful than the executive?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":30,"question":"Q.13 Fundamental rights are not gifts bestowed upon by the state rather an individual possesses them independently of the state. In this context discuss the desirability of reasonable restrictions on various fundamental rights.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"'S.R. Bommai v. Union of India signified a paradigm shift in the judicial interpretation of the union's authority to assume control of a state's administration.' In this context discuss the significance and impact of the judgement on cementing the federal structure.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":36,"question":"Q.15 The key to effective decentralization is, 'political decentralization should follow finance and functional decentralization'. Discuss in the context of impediments faced by local governance in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Multi-stakeholder partnerships are the key to leveraging collective expertise and networks. How can effective partnership and localized implementation efforts be fostered to accelerate the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in India?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":42,"question":"Q.17 How has the implementation of the POSH Act resulted in limited success in raising awareness about sexual harassment, and what factors have hindered its effective outreach to women employed in the unorganized sector? Propose strategies to bridge this gap and ensure comprehensive protection for women in the unorganized sector against workplace harassment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"18 'Neo-liberal reforms and globalization have deeply transformed the institutions of the welfare state and set the ground for a new type of civil services.' In this context examine the challenges faced in service delivery and suggest adequate reforms.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Q.19 China views India as its \"Asian Rival\" with an innate ability to counter its hegemonistic goals in Asia. Despite these difficulties in India-China relations, there are also many areas of convergence. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Indo-Pacific region in recent times has emerged as a zone of diverging interests and priorities. Discuss. Do you think the Global Security Initiative will supersede QUAD in the region?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"}]},{"id":7383,"topper":"Shoham Teberiwal","air":77,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/152/air-77-shoham-teberiwal_test-2_gs2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7384,"topper":"Shoham Teberiwal","air":77,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/93393beb2b7e996905ce7ea7f8b78443/94/air-77-shoham-teberiwal_test-6_gs2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7385,"topper":"Shoham Teberiwal","air":77,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/93393beb2b7e996905ce7ea7f8b78443/81/air-77-shoham-teberiwal_test-3_gs3.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Q.1 What do you understand by Windfall tax? Do you think that windfall taxes can effectively redistribute wealth and promote greater economic equality?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q2 Discuss the perceived successes and challenges of implementing inflation targeting under the new Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) regime.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.3 Assess the potential of millet production in promoting sustainable agriculture and improving food security in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.4 Jal Jeevan Mission has the potential to end the regional disparity in the availability and accessibility of drinking water. Highlighting the significance of the mission, discuss the underlying impediments in achieving the desired objectives.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.5 What do you understand by Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)? Discuss its applications and how it can revolutionize the energy program of India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.6 Discuss in brief developments and challenges in the Gaganyaan mission of ISRO. What are the possible benefits of the mission for the society?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.7 \"Green hydrogen can be the silver bullet in our quest to tackle climate change and pollution\". Critically analyze the statement in light of India's National Green Hydrogen mission.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.8 What are the key lessons for disaster management and environmental conservation in the Himalayan region, in light of the recent disaster in Joshimath, Uttarakhand?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.9 \"The recent radical trends in Punjab show that the Khalistan issue is still simmering.\" Discuss the statement with respect to recent developments and suggest measures to handle it.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.10 The anonymity and ease of drone operation contribute to the challenges of India's border security. Elaborate and give suggestions to tackle the drone problem in border areas.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.11 Electricity Amendment Bill, 2022 brings several advantages for consumers, DISCOMs as well as the environment. Elaborate. Also, list out its shortcomings and suggest some measures to overcome them.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":28,"question":"Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) plays an important role in the regulation of the share market and safeguarding the interests of investors. In the light of given statement, highlight the challenges faced by the SEBI and suggest reforms in this regard.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":31,"question":"Q.13 Despite being a major contributor to the Indian economy, the agriculture sector is plagued by several constraints that impede its growth and development. Discuss the role of technology in overcoming these constraints.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Evaluate the impact of irrigation on the environment and natural resources, and suggest measures to ensure the sustainability and equity of irrigation practices in agriculture.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Q.15 How India benefitted strategically from the contributions of Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha and Dr. Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai in the fields of atomic energy and space technology respectively?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Generative AI holds the potential to push the boundaries of innovation in the near future, yet its societal impact raises substantial challenges. Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":43,"question":"Q.17 Explain the purpose of the \"Mangrove Alliance for Climate\" launched at the COP27 UN Climate Change Conference in Egypt in November 2022. Elaborate on the importance of mangroves in maintaining the coastal ecology of tropical nations.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":46,"question":"8 The Formation of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure brings more robustness to the Disaster Management approach in India. Comment and justify the need for a new strategy to tackle Disasters in India.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":49,"question":"Q.19 The recent rise in ransomware attacks targeting critical infrastructure and major corporations has highlighted the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity measures and policies. Discussing the key factors contributing to this trend, analyze the impact of these attacks on various sectors.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":52,"question":"In the context of border security, how can cooperation and coordination between different security agencies be improved to ensure effective and efficient management of coastal and terrestrial borders?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"}]},{"id":7386,"topper":"Shoham Teberiwal","air":77,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/93393beb2b7e996905ce7ea7f8b78443/82/air-77-shoham-teberiwal_test-7_gs3.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"1. Elaborate on the difference between Capital Account and Current Account as components of Balance of Payment (BOP). Suggest a few measures to balance the BOP deficit of India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"2. The logistics sector is one of the important components of the growth of the manufacturing industry. Discuss. Also, mention various components of the recently announced National Logistics Policy 2022.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"3. What is India's stand on the New Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies under WTO? How is the Fisheries sector significant for India? Enumerate the steps taken by the Government to develop this sector.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":11,"question":"4. Analyze the systemic and institutional constraints that continue to hinder land reform efforts in India and propose pragmatic solutions to ensure equitable distribution of land.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"5. What are the unique features and capabilities of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, and how has it contributed to India's defence capabilities and strategic position in the region?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":15,"question":"6. In line with the country's efforts to explore the depths of the ocean and harness the resources it holds, the Indian government has proposed a deep-sea exploration mission Samudrayaan. How can this mission contribute to the advancement of ocean science and technology in the country?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":17,"question":"7. What is Global Methane Pledge? Do you think the Global Methane Pledge is a positive step toward mitigating methane emissions? Explain India's stance on this issue.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"8. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of disaster management in public health. Discuss the key strategies and challenges for managing pandemics and other infectious disease outbreaks.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"9. \"The resource curse of Eastern and Central India has been a crucial driver of LWE\". Elaborate and suggest measures for sustainable and inclusive development of the region.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"10. In light of the declining trend of violence in the North East and J&K region do you think that AFSPA has lived its utility? Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"11. International trade is centred on the dominant currency paradigm (DCM). Critically Analyze the importance of Hard currency in International trade and Discuss the potential of rupee acceptance in global trade as an alternative to dollar imperialism.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"A demographic Dividend does not ensure growth; it only generates potential. Discuss the steps made by the government to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the demographic transition.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"13. 'Genome editing holds immense potential for crop improvement, but it also raises ethical and safety concerns'. How far do the new guidelines for the safety assessment of genome-edited plants in India, ensure the safety of genetically modified crops?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":34,"question":"Discuss the impact of direct and indirect farm subsidies on the agriculture sector in India. How have Minimum Support Prices (MSP) affected the agricultural economy?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":37,"question":"15. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a rapidly escalating crisis that poses a grave threat to public health worldwide. What are the major contributing factors to the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance, and what steps can be taken to address this global health threat?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"What do you understand by Disruptive innovations? What are some examples of disruptive innovation in recent times, and how have they changed the way industries operate?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":43,"question":"17. Trace the evolution of the Loss and Damage fund. What are the major development related to loss and damage funds in COP 27?, What are the commitments made by India in this conference?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":44,"question":"4. In COP 27 at Egypt, the countries agreed to work to create a framework to be discussed & adopted in UAE's COP 28","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"18. Disaster management is not just about responding to emergencies but also about building resilient communities. Discuss the key strategies that can be used to build community resilience and reduce the impact of disasters.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"19. The transformation of terrorism through the use of new and emerging technologies like metaverse and virtual assets is a matter of concern. How can we counter the Use of New and Emerging Technologies for Terrorist Purposes and Elucidate the importance of the \"Delhi declaration\" in this regard?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"20. The Agnipath scheme is a bitter pill needed for the resilience and efficacy of our armed forces. Critically Analyze the statement with relevant arguments.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"}]},{"id":7387,"topper":"Shoham Teberiwal","air":77,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/93393beb2b7e996905ce7ea7f8b78443/95/air-77-shoham-teberiwal_test-3_gs3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7388,"topper":"Shoham Teberiwal","air":77,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/93393beb2b7e996905ce7ea7f8b78443/91/air-77-shoham-teberiwal_test-7_gs3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7389,"topper":"Shoham Teberiwal","air":77,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/93393beb2b7e996905ce7ea7f8b78443/80/air-77-shoham-teberiwal_test-8_gs4.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"1. (a) \"The State took taxes from the people only to ensure their prosperity in return like the sun takes moisture from the earth only to give it back in thousandfold measure.\" Kalidasa.\n\nExplain the Indian concept of \"giving it back\" and its relevance as a guiding value for civil servants.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"(b) Public service takes place in a bureaucratic structure with clear lines of authority, value standardization, and accountability mechanisms. Working within such a structure, what do you think are the influences that impact the public servant's ethical decision-making?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"2. (a) What do you understand by the terms' ethics' and 'integrity'? Do you think they are interrelated? Explain with examples the relationship between ethics and integrity in the context of public administration.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"(b) What do you understand by the terms ethical behavior and emotionally intelligent behavior? Identify the relevant emotional intelligence components that act as a reliable guide to ethical behavior.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"3 (a) \"To achieve a good life, duty is not sufficient; one needs to develop one's sympathetic feelings for others, and neither duty alone nor good will alone are sufficient to be moral.\" Do you agree with the above statement? Justify your position.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"(b) Developing a Scientific temper, innovative mindset, and civic-conscious citizens are major objectives of higher educational institutions. Can higher educational institutions be instrumental in promoting integrity education among youth to establish a public culture of integrity and a corruption-free political culture? If yes, how?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"4. Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance.\n(a) The senses deceive from time to time, and it is prudent never to trust wholly those who have deceived us even once.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":19,"question":"(b) \"The price good men pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men.\" (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"(c) \"Men must have corrupted nature a little, for they were not born wolves, and they have become wolves.\" (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"5. (a) As professionals, civil servants are career focused and are also self-interested. At the same time, their service ethos imposes an obligation to serve the public interest selflessly. Is it possible for a civil servant to reconcile career and service obligation? Explain your position.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"(b) \"While competence without compassion can be brutal and inhumane; similarly, compassion without competence can be meaningless for persons seeking help.\" Explain the above with the help of a suitable illustration in the context of public services.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"6. (a) Does the suffering of individuals in one part of the world generate moral demands of assistance on those foreigners who live far away from them? Are these moral demands of assistance justified? Can governments be held morally responsible for failing to help the international community in times of deprivation? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"(b) Civil Services ethics has everything to do with management. It is as much a Departmental as a personal issue. Leaders who fail to create systems that facilitate ethical conduct are equally to blame as much as those who indulge in ethical misconduct. Do you think the Departmental culture leads to ethical misconduct or is the individual with weak willpower culpable? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":31,"question":"7 (a) उपरोक्त मामले में कौन-कौन से मुद्दे शामिल हैं?\n(b) आश्वासन नेताओं को प्रभावशाली और प्रेरक के रूप में उपयोग करने के क्या फायदे और नुकसान हैं?\n(c) यदि आश्वासन नेता नहीं है, तो व्यवहार संबंधी बाधाओं को तोड़ने के लिए आपके पास अन्य विकल्प क्या हैं?\n(d) क्या आपको लगता है कि एक सिविल सेवक के लिए सरकारी योजनाओं को बढ़ावा देने में आश्वासन नेताओं को शामिल करना नैतिक रूप से सही है? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए) 20 अंक\n\n(a) What are the issues involved in the above case?\n(b) What are the advantages and disadvantages of using Faith leaders as influencers and persuaders?\na) उपरोक्त मामले में कौन-कौन से मुद्दे शामिल हैं?\nb) आश्वासन नेताओं को प्रभावशाली और प्रेरक के रूप में उपयोग करने के क्या फायदे और नुकसान हैं?\nc) यदि आश्वासन नेता नहीं है, तो व्यवहार संबंधी बाधाओं को तोड़ने के लिए आपके पास अन्य विकल्प क्या हैं?\nd) क्या आपको लगता है कि एक सिविल सेवक के लिए सरकारी योजनाओं को बढ़ावा देने में आश्वासन नेताओं को शामिल करना नैतिक रूप से सही है?\na) What are the issues involved in the above case?\nb) What are the advantages and disadvantages of using Faith leaders as influencers and persuaders?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"(d) Do you think it is ethically right for a civil servant to involve faith leaders in promoting government schemes?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":36,"question":"(a) What are the issues involved in the above case?\n(b) What are the action options available to you?\na) What are the issues involved in the above case?\nb) What are the action options available to you?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"9 (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (50 words) 5 marks\n(b) Ethically analyze the company's position on paying damages and justify why/ why not the company should be liable for damages. (120 words) 10 marks.\n(c) What do you understand by the term moral responsibility? When do you think a person or an entity becomes morally responsible for actions committed or omitted? (80 words) 5 marks\na) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (50 words) 5 marks\nb) Ethically analyze the company's position on paying damages and justify why/ why not the company should be liable for damages. (120 words) 10 marks.\nc) What do you understand by the term moral responsibility? When do you think a person or an entity becomes morally responsible for actions committed or omitted? (80 words) 5 marks","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"(a) उपरोक्‍त मामले में कौन से नैतिक मुद्दे और दुविधाएं शामिल हैं?\n(b) आपके पास कौन से विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\n(c) विकल्पों का विश्लेषण करने के बाद अपनी चुनी हुई कार्रवाई का चयन करें।\n(d) उपरोक्‍त मामले में आपकी नैतिक प्रेरणा क्या होनी चाहिए? क्या यह कर्तव्य, दायित्व या परिणाम होना चाहिए?\na) उपरोक्‍त मामले में कौन से नैतिक मुद्दे और दुविधाएं शामिल हैं?\nb) आपके पास कौन से विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nc) विकल्पों का विश्लेषण करने के बाद अपनी चुनी हुई कार्रवाई का चयन करें।\nd) उपरोक्‍त मामले में आपकी नैतिक प्रेरणा क्या होनी चाहिए? क्या यह कर्तव्य, दायित्व या परिणाम होना चाहिए?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए"},{"page":47,"question":"You were in a bind as you knew a search operation would tarnish Ajay's reputation and be traumatic for the family.\n(a) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas involved in the above case?\n(b) What are the options available to you?\n(c) Select your chosen course of action after analyzing the options.\n(d) What must be your moral motivation in the above case? Should it be duty, care, or consequences?\na) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas involved in the above case?\nb) What are the options available to you?\nc) Select your chosen course of action after analyzing the options.\nd) What must be your moral motivation in the above case? Should it be duty, care, or consequences?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":51,"question":"11 (a) उपरोक्त मामले में कौन से नैतिक मुद्दे शामिल हैं?\n(b) आपके अनुसार उपरोक्त मामले में सिद्धांत-अनुसूय और नियम-पालन करने वाले पुलिस कर्मियों को क्या करना चाहिए और क्यों? तर्क दीजिए।\n(c) आपके अनुसार सिविल सेवा में किसे प्राथमिकता दी जानी चाहिए, विभाग के प्रति निष्ठा, या अपने निर्णयों और सेवा मूल्यों में निष्पक्ष और गैर-पक्षपातपूर्ण होना? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)\na) उपरोक्त मामले में कौन से नैतिक मुद्दे शामिल हैं?\nb) आपके अनुसार उपरोक्त मामले में सिद्धांत-अनुसूय और नियम-पालन करने वाले पुलिस कर्मियों को क्या करना चाहिए और क्यों? तर्क दीजिए।\nc) आपके अनुसार सिविल सेवा में किसे प्राथमिकता दी जानी चाहिए, विभाग के प्रति निष्ठा, या अपने निर्णयों और सेवा मूल्यों में निष्पक्ष और गैर-पक्षपातपूर्ण होना?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":52,"question":"(a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\n(b) What do you think principle-oriented and rule-abiding police personnel must do in the above case? Why? Justify\n(c) What do you think must assume priority in civil service, loyalty to the department, or being impartial and non-partisan in your decisions and service values?\na) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\nb) What do you think principle-oriented and rule-abiding police personnel must do in the above case? Why? Justify\nc) What do you think must assume priority in civil service, loyalty to the department, or being impartial and non-partisan in your decisions and service values?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":56,"question":"12 (a) उपरोक्त मामले में कौन-कौन से मुद्दे शामिल हैं ?\n(b) क्या आप प्रवासी भारतीयों की मदद के बजाय अर्थनीति को प्राथमिकता देने के राजदूत के रुख से सहमत हैं? अगर हाँ तो क्यों, अगर नहीं तो क्यों नहीं ?\n(c) दायित्व, परिणामवाद और कर्तव्य के बीच, आपके अनुसार भारतीय विदेश नीति का मार्गदर्शन करने के लिए उपयुक्त परिप्रेक्ष्य क्या है? तर्क दीजिए। (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए) 20 अंक\na) उपरोक्त मामले में कौन-कौन से मुद्दे शामिल हैं ?\nb) क्या आप प्रवासी भारतीयों की मदद के बजाय अर्थनीति को प्राथमिकता देने के राजदूत के रुख से सहमत हैं? अगर हाँ तो क्यों, अगर नहीं तो क्यों नहीं ?\nc) दायित्व, परिणामवाद और कर्तव्य के बीच, आपके अनुसार भारतीय विदेश नीति का मार्गदर्शन करने के लिए उपयुक्त परिप्रेक्ष्य क्या है? तर्क दीजिए। (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए) 20 अंक","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":57,"question":"(a) What are the issues involved in the above case?\n(b) Do you agree with the Ambassador's position of prioritizing economics over helping the diaspora? Why/why not?\n(c) Among Care, Consequentialism, and Duty, what do you think is the appropriate perspective to guide Indian Foreign policy? Justify.\na) What are the issues involved in the above case?\nb) Do you agree with the Ambassador's position of prioritizing economics over helping the diaspora? Why/why not?\nc) Among Care, Consequentialism, and Duty, what do you think is the appropriate perspective to guide Indian Foreign policy? Justify.","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"}]},{"id":7390,"topper":"Shoham Teberiwal","air":77,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/93393beb2b7e996905ce7ea7f8b78443/89/air-77-shoham-teberiwal_test-8_gs4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7391,"topper":"Shoham Teberiwal","air":77,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/05e79e85886db31c562f8e2fb26b6867/39/mathematics_test_1_shoham-teberiwal-2023-uc.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7392,"topper":"Shoham Teberiwal","air":77,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/05e79e85886db31c562f8e2fb26b6867/40/mathematics_test_2_shoham-teberiwal-2023-uc.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7393,"topper":"Shoham Teberiwal","air":77,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/05e79e85886db31c562f8e2fb26b6867/41/mathematics_test_3_shoham-teberiwal-2023-uc.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7394,"topper":"Shoham Teberiwal","air":77,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/05e79e85886db31c562f8e2fb26b6867/42/mathematics_test_4_shoham-teberiwal-2023-uc.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7395,"topper":"Shoham Teberiwal","air":77,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/05e79e85886db31c562f8e2fb26b6867/43/mathematics_test_5_shoham-teberiwal-2023-uc.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7396,"topper":"Shoham Teberiwal","air":77,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/05e79e85886db31c562f8e2fb26b6867/44/mathematics_test_6_shoham-teberiwal-2023-uc.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7397,"topper":"Shoham Teberiwal","air":77,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/05e79e85886db31c562f8e2fb26b6867/45/mathematics_test_7_shoham-teberiwal-2023-uc.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7398,"topper":"Shoham Teberiwal","air":77,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/05e79e85886db31c562f8e2fb26b6867/46/mathematics_test_8_shoham-teberiwal-2023-uc.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7399,"topper":"SHOHAM TEBRIWAL","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/30acf-995991_1830_shoham-teberiwal_rank_77.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"According to you, what are the main reasons behind prejudice against certain sections of a society? Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss how persuasion acts as a functional pillar in attitudinal change and attitude formation with requisite examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"A legally enforceable code of ethics for civil servants, which not only prescribes the ethical values they must display in their public life but also provides sanctions for violations of these values, is the need of the hour. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Although open and transparent governance has gained ground, do you agree with the view that there is merit in withholding some information from people? Justify your arguments with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Although bribery is illegal and counterproductive, public officials still demand bribes, and executives in the private sector remain tempted to pay up. In this context, discuss ways in which corporations can build a framework to eliminate the practice of offering kickbacks. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Identifying the issues associated with utilization of public funds, discuss the various ethical principles which can help devise strategies for better utilization of public funds in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"All persons ought to endeavour to follow what is right, and not what is established.\" - Aristotle (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"\"It is compassion, the most gracious of virtues, which moves the world.\" - Thiruvalluvar, Kural (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"I understand democracy as something that gives the weak the same chance as the strong.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"\"A well-developed Emotional intelligence is not only an instrumental tool in accomplishing goals, but has a dark side as a weapon for manipulating others by robbing them of their capacity to reason.\" Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do you understand by conformity, compliance and obedience? Discuss their relevance in the context of civil services in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Though the internal control systems in India are impressive on paper, they have not worked well in curbing the issue of corruption in the administration. Comment. Also, discuss the various reasons for the same. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"There is broad consensus that the state has failed to effectively deliver public services to its citizens, particularly the poor. In this context, discuss the need for providing incentives, building state capacity and ensuring transparency for better service delivery. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You are the principal of a college which has a long history of student politics. However, due to your personal belief, you are not in favour of conducting student elections and thus have kept the process of yearly student elections pending without any official announcement. While you are mulling over the decision of not conducting elections, you get representation from some professors as well as students who criticize the activities of student unions as obstructive to the academic environment of the college. Some time later, student leaders also come to talk to you regarding conduct of elections, and you tell them about the representation received by you against allowing student elections. You further tell them that you are contemplating suspending all activities related to student politics in the campus. On hearing this, student leaders become aggressive and start sloganeering and destroying college property. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the issues involved in the case above? (b) How can you separate your personal ethics from professional ethics? (c) How would you deal with this situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Capital punishment, or \"death penalty,\" is an institutionalized practice designed to result in deliberately executing persons in response to actual or supposed misconduct and following an authorized, rule-governed process to conclude that the person is responsible for violating norms that warrant execution. Punitive executions have historically been imposed by diverse kinds of authorities, for an expansive range of conduct, political or religious beliefs and practices, for a status beyond one's control, or without employing any significant due process procedures. Punitive executions also have been and continue to be carried out more informally, such as by terrorist groups, urban gangs, and mobs. For centuries in Europe and America, discussions have focused on capital punishment as an institutionalized, rule-governed practice of modern states and legal systems governing serious criminal conduct and procedures. In light of the above debate of capital punishment, answer the following questions: (a) What are the arguments in favour of and against having capital punishment in the criminal justice system? (b) Do you think capital punishment has a place in modern civilised society? Examine in the context of moral implications involved in awarding it.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7400,"topper":"SHOHAM TEBRIWAL","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c92c1-995991_1841_shoham-teberiwal_rank_77.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the meaning of self-efficacy, along with its key determinants. Also, discuss the significance of high self-efficacy for a civil servant. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have the right to do and what is right to do. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Dealing with an ethical dilemma not only requires following rules and regulations, but also requires adherence to moral prudence and altruism. Explain in the context of civil services in India, with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Code of Conduct for the civil services in India has merely remained a code; it has not helped promote ethical and moral values in governance. In this context, discuss the need for a National Commission on Integrity and Transparency in Governance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Digital ethics principles are necessary to prevent erosion of public values and deal with the ethical implications of digitizing governance systems. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Despite differences in terms of organizational values guiding the public and private sectors, there remain certain values that are equally important to both. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Bring out the difference between accountability and responsibility. Also, discuss the significance of accountability in ensuring ethical governance in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Transparency is vital to cultivate public trust in government and to prevent, detect and deter corruption effectively. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"'Just-in-time' release of funds heralds a significant reform for the Indian government's payment architecture. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.\"- Marcus Aurelius (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"The forces in a capitalist society, if left unchecked, tend to make the rich richer and the poor poorer.\" — Jawaharlal Nehru (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate in a district, which is witnessing a high caseload of COVID-19 pandemic patients. The physical infrastructure and human resources in the district are stretched much beyond their capacity. At the peak of the pandemic, certain reports emerge that the District Medical Officer has been misusing his position to abuse female employees in his department and coercing them to have sexual relations with him. However, the concerned officer not only has an impeccable academic record but also a profound professional track record. You also heed his presence and guidance to deal with the pandemic situation in the district. But, there is pressure from the media and civil society organisations to immediately report the matter to the State authorities for action against the concerned officer. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders and issues involved in the above case. (b) What are the options available to you? Discuss their pros and cons. (c) What will be your final course of action? Justify with reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"You are posted as the Superintendent of Police (SP) of a district, which has witnessed several lynching related crimes in the recent past. One day, a police station in the district got an SOS that in a particular village under their jurisdiction, two women have been accused of witchcraft and are now being paraded naked by the villagers. Given the past record of crimes in the village, it was likely that they would be killed by the villagers. When a police team from the station reached the spot and tried to save the two women from the mob, a scuffle broke out. In the ensuing scuffle, the police were brutally attacked and they had to retaliate by lathicharging in order to save themselves. The incident left three villagers dead. There is anger amongst the villagers, who are also a critical vote bank of the ruling party in the state. As the SP, you have been instructed to institute a quick enquiry and take the strictest action against the police team who lathicharged. You are aware that with elections around the corner, you need to diffuse the situation quickly. Given the situation, answer the following : (a) Identify the stakeholders and the issues involved in the above case. (b) What are the options available to you? Which of these will you choose and why? (c) As an objective and scientific-tempered administrator, what steps will you long-run to deal with mob lynching?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"You are an Airworthiness Officer posted with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, tasked to conduct the safety audit of a major airline of the country. During the recent audit, you find that some of the airplanes belonging to the airline do not fully meet a few of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) safety standards. The issues are minor, mainly pertaining to some incomplete aircraft-maintenance logs and safety rules related to training of the crew. The airline belongs to a very influential business conglomerate with close ties to all major national political parties and has a long history of ethical business practises. The point person appointed by the airline to communicate with you has assured that everything will be in order in a couple of months. Your senior in the department has also indicated that it is best not to mention such minor issues in the report, particularly given the image of the business group involved and the trust it enjoys. He also reiterates the assurance given by the airline to address these issues at the earliest in a time-bound manner. However, you are aware that airline safety norms are paramount and every other consideration is secondary to the safety of the crew and passengers. As a public servant appointed to uphold public trust, answer the following: (a) Bring out the dilemmas that you face, elaborating on the competing values in the given situation. (b) What are the options available to you? Discuss the merits and demerits of each. Which of these will you choose and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You are the Dean of Academics of a University. It has been brought to your notice that some students have raised a complaint against Mr X, a specially-abled Professor at the University, for not performing his academic duties diligently. The Head of the Department (HoD) tried to have a conversation with him regarding these complaints; however, Mr X feels that he is a victim of internal politics and is being discriminated against on account of him being specially-abled. He also conveyed to the HoD that he will file a complaint of discrimination against the University under The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. As the Dean of Academics, it is your responsibility to uphold the academic standards of the University and take any administrative decision in this regard. In this case, answer the following questions: (a) State the stakeholders and the ethical issues in the given case. (b) What are the options available to you? (c) Evaluate each of these options and state the option which you would choose, citing reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"You have recently been posted as the District Magistrate of a poor district in India where there is a high prevalence of manual scavenging. It has been brought to your notice that manual scavenging has claimed many lives in your district. Upon further enquiry, you found that most of the manual scavengers belong to a particular caste, and majority of them can find employment only by way of scavenging. Even some government departments in your district are employing these people for physical cleaning of sewers/septic tanks without basic safety gear and measures. Despite the rehabilitation programmes for manual scavengers, the administration has been found inefficient in identifying such people in the first place and the efforts to reskill them for employment elsewhere have not yielded desired results. Based on the given information, answer the following: (a) Identify the issues associated with manual scavenging. (b) List the options available to you in the given case. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each. (c) Discuss some feasible steps that you can take to address this serious problem.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7401,"topper":"SHOHAM TEBRIWAL","air":77,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6e5d4-995991_2088_shoham-teberiwal_rank_77.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7402,"topper":"Shoiab","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/44/pttp221500_tc064.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Gender Equality is not a \"women's issue\"-it's good for men too.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Is UCC, the unity that we aspire in our diversity?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Problems of 21st century are problems without passport.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"The more we are developing, the more unhealthy we are getting. Where does the real problem lie?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Is Internal Security always an Internal Challenge?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Sports, the toy of humanity","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Is Economy becoming the end rather than the means?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7403,"topper":"Shoiab","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/59/mts_2023_unchecked_pttp221500_tc062.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"The candidate should read the under-mentioned instructions carefully. Violation of any of the following instructions may entail penalty in the form of deduction of marks, cancellation of candidature, debarment from further Examinations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Do not write in the QCA Booklet anything other than the actual answers of the questions such as couplet, obscene or abusive expression, etc., nor put any sign/mark having no relevance to the Q.1 If you look into someone's face long enough, eventually you feel that you are looking into yourself.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"It is the province of knowledge to speak and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Drop the question what tomorrow may bring, and count as profit every day that fate allows","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Truth, like a torch, the more it is shook, it shines.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Art is I; science is We.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Only the dead have seen the end of the war.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Act as if it were impossible to fail.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7404,"topper":"Shoiab","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/71/mts_2023_unchecked_pttp221500_tc061.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"Reason has always existed, but not always in a reasonable form.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"The opposite of poverty is not wealth.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"To forgive is to set a prisoner free and to discover that the prisoner was you.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"A man who wants to lead the orchestra must turn his back on the crowd.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"International Trade is a good indicator of National Security.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"It is not that we use technology, we live technology.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"There is more to life than simply increasing its speed.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Nature is neither a servant nor a master, but a necessary partner.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7405,"topper":"Shoiab","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/36/mts_2023_unchecked_pttp221500_tc064.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"Gender Equality is not a \"women's issue\"-it's good for men too.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Is UCC, the unity that we aspire in our diversity?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Problems of 21st century are problems without passport.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"The more we are developing, the more unhealthy we are getting. Where does the real problem lie?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Is Internal Security always an Internal Challenge?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Sports, the toy of humanity","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Is Economy becoming the end rather than the means?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7406,"topper":"Shoiab","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/56/mts_2023_unchecked_pttp221500_tc063.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"Little strokes fell great oaks.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Judge a man by his questions rather than his answers.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Great principles,great ideals know no nationality.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"In struggling with misfortune lies the true proof of virtue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"The whole purpose of Education is to turn mirrors into windows.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"To dwell is to garden.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Reality is the shadow of ideas.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"We can not despair of humanity, since we ourselves are human beings.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7407,"topper":"Shoiab","air":730,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/41/pttp221500_tc061.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7408,"topper":"Shoiab","air":730,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/42/pttp221500_tc062.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7409,"topper":"Shoiab","air":730,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/43/pttp221500_tc063.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7410,"topper":"Shoiab","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/70/mts_2023_unchecked_pttp221500_tc075.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How did the ancient trade routes connecting India to foreign countries contribute to the exchange and dissemination of culture? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The Quit India movement was a people's movement cutting across the class divides but it was the women's leadership that left a clear mark. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"'The hallmark of post-Independent India has been its remarkable strides in science and technology'. To what extent did scientific development during this period put India on the path of modernity? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the feasibility of Interlinking rivers to resolve the issue of water stress in other regions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How will the structural shift from coal-based power plants to renewable energy generation impact human development in coal-bearing states? ( Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"To what extent temperature and precipitation are the most important factors that determine soil properties? ( Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Why are severe and intense cyclones becoming a regular phenomenon in the Arabian Sea? Substantiate with examples. ( Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"In the context of cultural diversity in India, can we consider Southern states as distinct cultural units in comparison to the rest of India? Substantiate your view. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Poverty and population growth are locked in a vicious cycle, where poverty restricts individuals' ability to break free from the cycle, while population growth strains resources. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"India has a rich heritage in the internationalization of education. In this context how will the recent push for the 'internationalization of education' impact society and foster cultural exchange? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Although there were many differences between the Gandhara and Mathura art, they considerably influenced the Amravati school of art. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"'England's Industrial Revolution not only transformed the economic landscape but also had far-reaching social and cultural impacts'. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"How did the social reform and ideological struggle against the backward traditional elements and hegemony of colonial culture in the nineteenth century influence the emergence of a distinct cultural identity and national consciousness? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"How does temperature inversion affect atmospheric conditions and what are its implications for local weather patterns and air pollution levels? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What are the geographical factors responsible for mangrove vegetation in India? How does climate change pose a threat to mangrove vegetation in India? ( Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What are the geographical and economic factors that influence the location of the sugar industry, and how do they contribute to the growth of the industry in India and different parts of the world? ( Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the key strategies used in dryland farming to overcome water scarcity and maximize agricultural productivity in arid and semi-arid regions? Also, discuss the need to promote dryland farming in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"How has the contemporary women's movement encompassed diverse approaches beyond traditional methods? Also, highlight the unique contribution and challenges of the contemporary women's movement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Do you think that the forces of modernization that catalyzed the eradication of social evils in Indian society have also threatened our cultural values and ethos? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"15","words":"150"},{"page":53,"question":"In the context of states in India evaluate the relationship between regional disparity and sentiments of regionalism. Is regionalism antagonistic to the idea of nationalism? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"15","words":"150"}]},{"id":7411,"topper":"Shoiab","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/25/mts_2023_unchecked_pttp221500_tc071.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The fabric of Indian philosophical thought owes as much to Northern India as to Southern India. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The Indian society's impulse for social change and reform was a response to its opposition to colonial rule. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What are the factors that led to the Russian revolution and what are the consequences of this revolution? Discuss its influence on the Indian national movement. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the various factors responsible for the uneven temperature distribution on Earth's surface. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The pace of demographic transition varies across different states of India making population growth a double-edged sword. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The ethnic and cultural diversity in India has always been bound by the thread of unity. Discuss the major factors that have contributed to the cultural unity of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The dichotomy in public and private life in Indian society acts as a major barrier to the annihilation of caste. Justify. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":50,"question":"Slums are not 'problems' that have to be 'solved' - but are indeed a result of lopsided and vested urban policies covering infrastructure provision and socio-economic issues. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Communalism gains strength from economic deprivation, and thrives in environments of social exclusion, creating fertile ground for discontent and division. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7412,"topper":"Shoiab","air":730,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/269/pttp221500_tc071-test-01-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7413,"topper":"Shoiab","air":730,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/273/pttp221500_tc075-test-05-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7414,"topper":"Shoiab","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/60/mts_2023_unchecked_pttp221500_tc076.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Examine the role of the Inter-state Council in promoting vertical (Centre-State) and horizontal (Inter-State) Intergovernmental cooperation and coordination. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the key function of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). What steps should be taken to revamp the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in order to enhance its effectiveness as a true guardian of public funds? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Recognizing the pivotal role of urbanization as a driver of national economic growth, the Fifteenth Finance Commission has suggested major reforms for Urban Local Bodies. Evaluate the recommendations put forward by the Fifteenth Finance Commission in promoting and revitalizing ULBs in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Highlight the key differences in the scope of Freedom of speech and expression as provided under Parliamentary privileges vis a vis Fundamental rights. Why is it necessary to maintain a balance between parliamentary privilege and fundamental rights? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Civil society organizations, play a pivotal role in fostering \"collective private action for the public good\". What challenges do they face in local resource mobilization (LRM) and corporate funding through corporate social responsibility (CSR)? Also, suggest measures. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The first step to eradicating poverty is reliable poverty assessment for program design, implementation and monitoring. In this context discuss the methodology and significance of NITI Aayog's National Multidimensional Poverty Index. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"In the context of India, despite the presence of constitutional provisions, legal precedents, and international commitments that establish a robust foundation for a right to health, why has there been a lack of explicit legal recognition of this right? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The collective strength of BRICS nations allows for meaningful cooperation on myriad issues, however, the platform's ability to influence the trajectory of bilateral relationships remains limited. Do you agree? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In light of the recent demands to amend the Indus Waters Treaty, discuss the possible implications it could have on the water-sharing mechanism between India and Pakistan. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The doctrine of Parliamentary sovereignty and judicial supremacy has exerted considerable influence in shaping the constitutional frameworks of India and the USA. Citing relevant case laws discuss the role of the judiciary in influencing the constitutions in these countries. Is the scope of judicial review wider in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Delimitation of seats is essential to ensure fair representation and uphold the principles of 'one vote, one value'. Highlighting the challenges posed by misrepresentation in constituencies analyze the ramifications of population-based delimitation in creating federal tension. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the role of the Supreme Court of India in strengthening the hands of the Election Commission in the discharge of its constitutional responsibility of conducting free and fair elections in the country. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"'The declining role of Parliament undermines the fundamental principle of separation of powers, as it diminishes the legislature's ability to serve as a check on the executive branch and ensure a balanced exercise of power.' Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss the crucial role played by the National Commission of Women in shaping the discourse on gender-sensitive laws in India. To what extent the elevation of the National Commission for Women to a constitutional body would reinforce its authority? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"'Satisfactory and timely redressal of grievances is the cornerstone of 'minimum government, maximum governance.' In this context discuss the challenges associated with current grievance redress mechanisms and suggest measures to strengthen the process. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"'Corruption corrodes the fabric of governance, eroding the public's faith in democratic institutions.' Examine the potential for harmonizing the Right to Information (RTI) Act, the Whistleblower Protection Act (WBPA), and the Lokpal & Lokayukta Act, 2013, to enhance the effectiveness of the anticorruption regime. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Analyze the potential challenges and benefits involved in leveraging SHGs as platforms for skill development, entrepreneurship, and income generation among marginalized communities to effectively counter poverty. Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7415,"topper":"Shoiab","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/39/mts_2023_unchecked_pttp221500_tc072.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"There is a need to resolve the ambiguity in the disqualification provisions under section 8 of the Representation of People Act 1951. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Constitution is a mere skeleton whereas constitutionalism is the soul of democracy. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"Electoral bonds are a double-edged sword, providing anonymity to donors while raising concerns about transparency in political funding.\" To what extent have electoral bonds further legitimized opacity in electoral funding? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The question of gender equality is central to the debate on Uniform Civil Code. In this light what are the challenges in reconciling UCC with gender equality as enshrined in the constitution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"MGNREGA, the lynchpin of rural poverty alleviation, has become the victim of fiscal apathy.\" Critically analyze the statement in light of recent developments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"India must leverage, if not manage, the global divides\". How can the current geopolitical churn pave the way for India's rise to the global high table? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"Berlin can be India's gateway to the European Union.\" Elaborate with respect to Germany's significance in India's relationship with the EU. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"Fundamental rights are not gifts bestowed upon by the state rather an individual possesses them independently of the state. In this context discuss the desirability of reasonable restrictions on various fundamental rights. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"'S.R. Bommai v. Union of India signified a paradigm shift in the judicial interpretation of the union's authority to assume control of a state's administration.' In this context discuss the significance and impact of the judgement on cementing the federal structure. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7416,"topper":"Shoiab","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/274/pttp221500_tc076-test-06-gs02.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"\"Interstate border disputes, if not promptly and impartially settled, can transform into persistent issues that impede development and generate friction\". Highlighting the constitutional and legal framework to resolve interstate disputes, explain why Independent India has failed to resolve inter-state border disputes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Examine the role of the Inter-state Council in promoting vertical (Centre-State) and horizontal (Inter-State) Intergovernmental cooperation and coordination. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the key function of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). What steps should be taken to revamp the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in order to enhance its effectiveness as a true guardian of public funds? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Recognizing the pivotal role of urbanization as a driver of national economic growth, the Fifteenth Finance Commission has suggested major reforms for Urban Local Bodies. Evaluate the recommendations put forward by the Fifteenth Finance Commission in promoting and revitalizing ULBs in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Highlight the key differences in the scope of Freedom of speech and expression as provided under Parliamentary privileges vis a vis Fundamental rights. Why is it necessary to maintain a balance between parliamentary privilege and fundamental rights? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Civil society organizations, play a pivotal role in fostering \"collective private action for the public good\". What challenges do they face in local resource mobilization (LRM) and corporate funding through corporate social responsibility (CSR)? Also, suggest measures. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The first step to eradicating poverty is reliable poverty assessment for program design, implementation, and monitoring. In this context discuss the methodology and significance of NITI Aayog's National Multidimensional Poverty Index. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"In the context of India, despite the presence of constitutional provisions, legal precedents, and international commitments that establish a robust foundation for a right to health, why has there been a lack of explicit legal recognition of this right? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The collective strength of BRICS nations allows for meaningful cooperation on myriad issues, however, the platform's ability to influence the trajectory of bilateral relationships remains limited. Do you agree? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In light of the recent demands to amend the Indus Waters Treaty, discuss the possible implications it could have on the water-sharing mechanism between India and Pakistan. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The doctrine of Parliamentary sovereignty and judicial supremacy has exerted considerable influence in shaping the constitutional frameworks of India and the USA. Citing relevant case laws discuss the role of the judiciary in influencing the constitutions in these countries. Is the scope of judicial review wider in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Delimitation of seats is essential to ensure fair representation and uphold the principles of one vote, one value'. Highlighting the challenges posed by misrepresentation in constituencies analyze the ramifications of population-based delimitation in creating federal tension. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the role of the Supreme Court of India in strengthening the hands of the Election Commission in the discharge of its constitutional responsibility of conducting free and fair elections in the country. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss the crucial role played by the National Commission of Women in shaping the discourse on gender-sensitive laws in India. To what extent the elevation of the National Commission for Women to a constitutional body would reinforce its authority? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"'Satisfactory and timely redressal of grievances is the cornerstone of 'minimum government, maximum governance.' In this context discuss the challenges associated with current grievance redress mechanisms and suggest measures to strengthen the process. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"'Corruption corrodes the fabric of governance, eroding the public's faith in democratic institutions.' Examine the potential for harmonizing the Right to Information (RTI) Act, the Whistleblower Protection Act (WBPA), and the Lokpal & Lokayukta Act, 2013, to enhance the effectiveness of the anticorruption regime. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Analyze the potential challenges and benefits involved in leveraging SHGs as platforms for skill development, entrepreneurship, and income generation among marginalized communities to effectively counter poverty. Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"'India is uniquely positioned on the world map for its rich culture.' In this context discuss the role of culture, diaspora, and democracy as instruments of India's soft power diplomacy. To what extent India has been able to position itself as a 'smart power'? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"The synergy of shared values and vibrant people-to-people connections between India and Australia creates a fertile ground for fostering long-lasting trade relations and strategic collaboration between the two nations. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7417,"topper":"Shoiab","air":730,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/270/pttp221500_tc072-test-02-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7418,"topper":"Shoiab","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/55/mts_2023_unchecked_pttp221500_tc077.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Elaborate on the difference between Capital Account and Current Account as components of Balance of Payment (BOP). Suggest a few measures to balance the BOP deficit of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The logistics sector is one of the important components of the growth of the manufacturing industry. Discuss. Also, mention various components of the recently announced National Logistics Policy 2022. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What is India's stand on the New Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies under WTO? How is the Fisheries sector significant for India? Enumerate the steps taken by the Government to develop this sector. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Analyze the systemic and institutional constraints that continue to hinder land reform efforts in India and propose pragmatic solutions to ensure equitable distribution of land. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What are the unique features and capabilities of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, and how has it contributed to India's defence capabilities and strategic position in the region? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"In line with the country's efforts to explore the depths of the ocean and harness the resources it holds, the Indian government has proposed a deep-sea exploration mission Samudrayaan. How can this mission contribute to the advancement of ocean science and technology in the country? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What is Global Methane Pledge? Do you think the Global Methane Pledge is a positive step toward mitigating methane emissions? Explain India's stance on this issue. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of disaster management in public health. Discuss the key strategies and challenges for managing pandemics and other infectious disease outbreaks. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"The resource curse of Eastern and Central India has been a crucial driver of LWE\". Elaborate and suggest measures for sustainable and inclusive development of the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In light of the declining trend of violence in the North East and J&K region do you think that AFSPA has lived its utility? Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":7419,"topper":"Shoiab","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/50/mts_2023_unchecked_pttp221500_tc073.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What do you understand by Windfall tax? Do you think that windfall taxes can effectively redistribute wealth and promote greater economic equality? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do you understand by Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)? Discuss its applications and how it can revolutionize the energy program of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss in brief developments and challenges in the Gaganyaan mission of ISRO. What are the possible benefits of the mission for the society? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"Green hydrogen can be the silver bullet in our quest to tackle climate change and pollution\". Critically analyze the statement in light of India's National Green Hydrogen mission. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":38,"question":"How India benefitted strategically from the contributions of Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha and Dr. Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai in the fields of atomic energy and space technology respectively? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Genreative AI holds the potential to push the boundaries of innovation in the near future, yet its societal impact raises substantial challenges. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7420,"topper":"Shoiab","air":730,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/271/pttp221500_tc073-test-03-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7421,"topper":"Shoiab","air":730,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/275/pttp221500_tc077-test-07-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7422,"topper":"Shoiab","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/74/mts_2023_unchecked_pttp221500_tc078.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Public service takes place in a bureaucratic structure with clear lines of authority, value standardization, and accountability mechanisms. Working within such a structure, what do you think are the influences that impact the public servant's ethical decision-making? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What do you understand by the terms 'ethics' and 'integrity'? Do you think they are interrelated? Explain with examples the relationship between ethics and integrity in the context of public administration. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What do you understand by the terms ethical behavior' and 'emotionally intelligent behavior'? Identify the relevant emotional intelligence components that act as a reliable guide to ethical behavior. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"To achieve a good life, duty is not sufficient; one needs to develop one's sympathetic feelings for others, and neither duty alone nor good will alone are sufficient to be moral.\" Do you agree with the above statement? Justify your position. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Developing a Scientific temper, innovative mindset, and civic-conscious citizens are major objectives of higher educational institutions. Can higher educational institutions be instrumental in promoting integrity education among youth to establish a public culture of integrity and a corruption-free political culture? If yes, how? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance. (a) The senses deceive from time to time, and it is prudent never to trust wholly those who have deceived us even once. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":7423,"topper":"Shoiab","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/64/mts_2023_unchecked_pttp221500_tc074.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Public service requires not merely legal but also morally principled action. Public service requires the public servant to place loyalty to the constitution, laws, and ethical principles. Among the three, which do you think must acquire primacy while carrying out official functions? Why? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"What do you understand by “integrity-based civil disobedience”? Do you think a challenge to personal integrity can be a justifiable cause for responsible disobedience in civil services? Explain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Recent research has shown that emotions significantly impact personal and professional lives. What are the primary emotions that negatively and positively impact workplace productivity? Explain with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Technical efficiency ensures resource utilization and social efficiency ensures fulfillment of social needs, what does ethical efficiency ensure? Do you think ethical efficiency is more important than technical and social efficiency? Why/Why not? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"Man cannot do right in one department of life whilst he is occupied in doing wrong in any other department.\" Gandhi. Do you think an individual's personal ethics impacts professional life or they both can be compartmentalized? Explain your position with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Goodness is the result of internal imperatives to do what is right, not sanctions from moral rules or rewards from expected consequences. Do you agree? Discuss.(Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In the context of civil service, distinguish between moral and nonmoral values. Identify 5 basic moral values that can serve as foundational values for all services irrespective of the department. Give reasons why those values can be considered foundational. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Citizens' involvement in decision-making is critical to ethics in governance. Do you agree that effective civic engagement mechanisms can facilitate an ethics-driven administration? What do you think are the mechanisms that citizens can use for ensuring ethics in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Social transformation programs such as \"beti bachao and beti padhao\" believes in using advice, counseling, and persuasion but sometimes a little force is also necessary for getting the desired response. Do you think it is a good idea to mix little force with persuasion by public administrators while implementing social schemes of transformation? Explain with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Ultimately foreign policy of every country hinges upon the strength which the nation possesses. Strength may be military or financial and may be also...moral.\" Do you think ethical strength without military or financial muscle will be respected in today's world? Explain your position. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"You are a young officer working with the Municipal Corporation of an industrial city. The city was known for manufacturing ball bearings and auto parts. Most manufacturing units were small-scale units with very little production process automation. The units relied on manual labor, which was in abundance due to the villages close by. As the number of manufacturing units grew, the demand for labor increased, bringing in a steady inflow of laborers into the city. This influx of people into the town led to a mushrooming of slums and encroachments on the sidewalks. Once in a while, the Corporation conducted drives to clear out the slums, but after a time, the slums came back. The illegal slums had become an urban nightmare. You were given the responsibility of clearing out the encroachments and slums with the help of Police authorities. As you started the drive, you realized that the people living by the sidewalks were vulnerable compared to the slum dwellers. Many sidewalk dwellers had recently come to the city after selling their properties in their villages. Now if you drive them out, they have no place to go. Your heart went out to them, and you felt that your departmental action was inhumane, but your official responsibilities demanded stern impartial action. You are desperate to find a way to help the sidewalk dwellers without compromising your official duties. (a) What value conflicts do you notice in the above situation? (b) Can an administrator compromise the value of impartiality for empathy? Discuss. (c) What are the options available in the above situation? (d) Suggest viable solutions for tackling illegal slums and encroachments in urban areas. (250 \\u0936\\u092c\\u094d\\u0926\\u094b\\u0902 \\u092e\\u0947\\u0902 \\u0909\\u0924\\u094d\\u0924\\u0930 \\u0926\\u0940\\u091c\\u093f\\u090f) 20 \\u0905\\u0902\\u0915","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"A certain State government was running a welfare scheme for promoting safe motherhood among rural landless laborers' families. The scheme involves the transfer of funds to the beneficiaries to enable them to mitigate income loss due to maternal care responsibilities. Since its implementation, the scheme has done reasonably well on maternal health and economic indicators. You are the Director of the Department responsible for implementing and operating the scheme. Recently you have been receiving reports of welfare fraud being committed by families by producing fake bona fide. The families committed the fraud with the help of local officials responsible for scrutinizing the bonafide. You were concerned because the fraud was seriously undermining the scheme's efficiency. You called for a departmental meeting to discuss and find a solution to the problem. In the meeting, it was decided to merge several available government data sets such as Aadhar cards, voter ID cards, marriage certificates, birth certificates, bank details, and other personal assets. By merging all the data sets, the department would be able to develop the beneficiary's economic profile. And this will help the department scrutinize the documents and detect fraud. This was a comprehensive strategy, but it risked violating an individual's data privacy. As a Department head, you wanted to detect and prevent fraud, but at the same time, you were apprehensive about violating the Data privacy of the stakeholders. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) Do you think violating data privacy is justified to prevent welfare fraud? Why/ Why not? (c) What, according to you, can be the reasons for such welfare frauds happening in the country? (d) Are there any ways and means to prevent such fraud? Give your suggestions. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"You are posted in the Department of Mines, and one of your roles is to help your Department Head negotiate mining leases with private contractors. Recently, the state government demarcated a new mining zone and planned to invite bids for the mining blocs. You were instructed to oversee the bidding process and speed up the contract negotiations. As planned, the tenders were released, bids came in, and tenders were allocated as per the norms. All this happened at a breakneck speed. You wondered, why the hurry? But it was not your place to think and question; you quietly went about your work. As the contractors were about to start operations, you had to instruct them on environmental concerns to watch out for. And to do that, you read the environmental impact assessment report submitted by a consulting firm hired by the department. To your surprise, the report was shoddy and looked cooked up. You got suspicious and raised the issue with your Head, who politely instructed you to do what you were told, and he reminded you that the Department had revenue targets and was under pressure from the Ministry. After the meeting, you, on your own accord, did some digging and found out that the report was fraudulent and the mining activity that was about to start would lead to a massive environmental disaster which the State could not afford. (a) What are the issues and value violations you notice in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you? (c) Discuss the advantage and disadvantages of each option and identify your chosen course of action. (d) Do you think that environmental considerations are sometimes overrated at the cost of development? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Do you think corporate businesses such as GAMA must consider international ethics while pursuing business interests? Why/why not? (c) Do you think a corporate's social responsibility extends beyond one's immediate community to the international community? Why/Why not? (d) Do you think the Defence sector companies marketing sensitive technologies must be regulated by their respective governments, or regulation may curtail their entrepreneurial and innovation energy? Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Mr. Sharma was the All India Sales Head of a pharmaceutical company with a turnover of 400 crores. The company's main markets were small towns and tier 2 cities. Further, the company did a sizeable amount of business with state government hospitals and health centers. Mr. Sharma had given a lot of freedom to field sales agents to strike deals and negotiate prices with clients. This strategy worked well for the company. Recently Mr. Sharma received word that three company employees were selling products to government hospitals and health centers at a higher price than they were selling to other private hospitals and health centers. The employees were with the company for over five years and were good performers. A few sales staff informally raised the issue of the three getting relatively higher commissions because of their inflated deals. And this was creating a sense of unease among the sales staff. A cursory review of the account of the three showed that, in many instances, the government hospitals were paying more than other private institutions. Under procurement rules, the government is supposed to pay a fair price, one that other cost-conscious customers pay. On inquiry, Mr. Sharma found that this work in we three not alone; this scam in government purchase department of officials were helping them scam the Department. Mr. Sharma realized that his sales staff and some corrupt government staff had been defrauding the state exchequer for quite some time. Mr. Sharma immediately reported it to his CEO, and the two discussed how to deal with the sales staff and whether to inform the government about the scam and the involvement of their staff. The issue was informing the government means that there was every possibility that they might be blacklisted, thereby losing a lot of business. Mr. Sharma and CEO were caught in a dilemma regarding how to proceed with the case. (a) What are the ethical and business issues involved in the case? (b) What are the options available to Mr. Sharma and the CEO? (c) Do you think the organizational culture of giving freedom to the sales force led to the issue or was the individual's corrupt nature that led to the problem? Discuss. (d) What ethics mechanisms and steps can the company create and implement to prevent unethical behavior, as mentioned in the case? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":7424,"topper":"Shoiab","air":730,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/272/pttp221500_tc074-test-04-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7425,"topper":"Shoiab","air":730,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/276/pttp221500_tc078-test-08-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7426,"topper":"Shoiab","air":730,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/261/pttp221500_tc071-test-01-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7427,"topper":"Shoiab","air":730,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/262/pttp221500_tc072-test-02-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7428,"topper":"Shoiab","air":730,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/263/pttp221500_tc073-test-03-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7429,"topper":"Shoiab","air":730,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/264/pttp221500_tc074-test-04-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7430,"topper":"Shoiab","air":730,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/265/pttp221500_tc075-test-05-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7431,"topper":"Shoiab","air":730,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/266/pttp221500_tc076-test-06-gs02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7432,"topper":"Shoiab","air":730,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/267/pttp221500_tc077-test-07-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7433,"topper":"Shoiab","air":730,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/268/pttp221500_tc078-test-08-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7434,"topper":"Shraddha Gome","air":60,"year":2021,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b3272-833853_1752_shraddha-gome_rank_60.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7435,"topper":"Shraddha Gome","air":60,"year":2021,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/bca80-833853_1753_shraddha-gome_rank_60.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7436,"topper":"Shraddha Gome","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/45074-833853_1491_shraddha-gome_rank_60.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by disinvestment? Highlight some of the merits and demerits of disinvestment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"The New Industrial Policy, 1991 signaled a marked shift from the features of pre-1991 policies. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Highlight the reasons for poor road safety in India. Also mention the measures taken by the government to address this issue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Enumerate the constraints faced by the civil aviation sector in India. What steps have been taken by the government to address these constraints?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"The railway sector in India is plagued by issues related to safety, inadequate infrastructure and insufficient financing. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"State the objectives and limitations of the Public Distribution System (PDS) in India. What steps have been taken by the Government to deal with these limitations?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Explaining the concept of inclusive growth, examine its significance for overall development in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Highlight the potential, significance and challenges facing the food processing sector in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"What is unemployment? Highlight the various types of unemployment that exist in a developing country like India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Why is infrastructure considered as a key determinant of economic development of a nation? Discuss the issues faced in infrastructure financing in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Examine why investment in human capital formation is considered critical for India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Discuss the issues faced by the agricultural marketing system in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Explain the need for promoting energy efficiency in India. Mention some of the government measures taken in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Highlight the various issues faced by the informal sector in India. Also, mention the various measures taken by the government towards addressing the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Analyze how the port led development envisaged under Sagarmala Project would be beneficial for India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"What are farmer producer organizations (FPOs)? Explain how setting up of FPOs will help the Indian farmers.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Even though prevalence of poverty has reduced in India, inequality remains a cause of concern. Analyze.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"What are the domestic support measures available to WTO member countries under the Agreement on Agriculture? Analyse the provision of 'peace clause' in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Enumerate the issues associated with storage and management of food grains in India. Also mention the steps taken by the government to address these.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7437,"topper":"Shraddha Gome","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/238e3-833853_1495_shraddha-gome_rank_60.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The right institutional design ensures that post-retirement appointments do not create perverse incentives in judicial decision-making. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What do you understand by the 'doctrine of neutrality'? Explain its significance for constitutional offices in the Indian context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Pressure groups are seen to play a constructive, positive role in deepening democracy and enhancing our liberties, but they have also been criticized on many counts. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"While powers and privileges are indispensable for the due discharge of duties of the legislature, it is necessary to maintain a balance between legislative privileges and fundamental rights. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Rather than being a constitutional head of the state, the Governor usually acts more as 'an agent of the centre'. Critically analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Cabinet committees can play a crucial role in accelerating the government's decision-making and reforms. Critically evaluate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlight the significance of Gram Nyayalayas in providing inexpensive and speedy justice to people in rural areas. Also mention the issues being faced by them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Analyse the merits and demerits of the Presidential system for a country like India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Highlighting the issue of political defections in India, discuss the significance of Kihoto Hollohan judgment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Examine the challenges associated with the implementation of the Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 and suggest measures to ensure its implementation in both letter and spirit. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"It is not only institutional challenges faced by Election Commission but also the twin threats of money and muscle in Indian electoral politics that need to be addressed for free and fair elections in India to continue. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Local bodies have the constitutional status of being a third tier of the government, but are simultaneously subordinate to the State Government in several key functions and aspects. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"While the federal principle is one of the basic features of our Constitution, unlike other model federal Constitutions of the world, Indian federalism leans in favour of a strong Centre. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Tribunals have not only failed to meet their envisaged objectives but also given rise to multiple challenges in the administration of justice in India. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Critically examine the relevance of the 103rd Constitutional Amendment Act in evolving the reservations policy as tool to meet the objectives of social justice in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"To what extent and in what ways should a judiciary be accountable to the society, while remaining mindful of the constitutional organisation of the government? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by Constitutionalism? Do you think a written constitution is a necessary condition to ensure Constitutionalism? Also, analyse various provision of the Indian constitution that ensures Constitutionalism. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Highlight the systemic issues pertaining to functioning of regulatory bodies in India. How can these be addressed? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"On one hand, the government cites paucity of resources for development and on the other, funds lie unutilised in several government departments. What are the possible reasons for such a scenario? Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The Preamble to the Indian Constitution cannot be regarded as a source of any prohibition or limitation. Discuss in the context of various judgments of the Supreme Court. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7438,"topper":"Shraddha Gome","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/857f0-833853_1505_shraddha-gome_rank_60.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Open Government Data (OGD) can be seen as a step towards greater transparency and accountability in India. In this context, discuss the benefits of OGD and the challenges which lie therein. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"\"While corruption is never good, not all forms of corruption are equally bad for the economy, nor do they cause the same kind of harm.\" Critically analyse the statement in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Probity in governance is an essential and vital requirement for an efficient and effective system of governance and for socio-economic development. Discuss. Also, state ways to enhance probity in governance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlighting the importance of whistle-blowing in an organisation, discuss the systemic factors that determine whether a person would become a whistle-blower. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.\" - Albert Einstein (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Facts are many, but the truth is one.\" - Rabindranath Tagore (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Analyze the significance of appointing ethics officers in the light of strengthening corporate governance in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Transparent governance promises an accountable state but a balance has to be achieved between disclosure requirements and administrative privileges for efficient governance. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Citizen empowerment is a natural outcome of a Citizen Charter. Critically evaluate in the Indian context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discretionary power by itself is not pure evil but gives much room for misuse. Discuss in the context of administration in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Emotional Intelligence is an important trait to imbibe in a highly competitive and achievement-oriented environment. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":34,"question":"You are an IPS officer on your first posting in a very poor and isolated rural area of one of the most backward states of the country. In your office complex, of which you are the incharge, there is a frequent sewage related problem, causing inconvenience to the employees in your office complex and severely affecting the efficiency of the workplace. It might also lead to health disorders and diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea etc. To resolve it, the cleaning workers are made to do manual scavenging work without due regards to their safety. Most of these workers are from marginalised castes and are discriminated against socially. You are aware of the laws banning manual scavenging and the loopholes around it. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the issues which you need to address in this situation? (b) Present your course of action to deal with the given situation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"You are posted as the District Magistrate in a district, which has witnessed communal clashes in recent years. The lower court has given a verdict in favour of a person from the minority community who seeks demolition of a religious building situated in his personal property. The district administration has been instructed to fulfil this verdict. Despite the judicial verdict, there is some anger simmering in the people from the majority community regarding this verdict. Some groups have demonstrated protests against the verdict and publicly warned of serious consequences if the verdict is allowed to be implemented. Local politicians are also supporting them and are taking advantage of the situation for political gains. You have three days left to demolish the religious building as per the court's direction. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders in the given situation and their respective interests. (b) Highlight the options available to you and the course of action you will take, giving reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"You are the Superintendent of Police of a city where a large slum has developed in recent decades on the property of Indian Railways. The Indian Railways has prepared a plan for expansion of the city railway station for which they want to get the slums demolished. They have requested the assistance of local police for the same, however, the people residing in those slums have responded angrily to this step and have occupied the railway tracks, resisting any action by the officials. Slum dwellers are asking for a suitable rehabilitation, citing that the city is under the grip of a cold wave as the month of December is in progress. This has not only halted the railway traffic on the route causing immense hardships to railway passengers but also posing risk of violence between slum-dwellers and the police. Given the situation (a) Identify various issues involved in the case along with different stakeholders. (b) What course of action would you follow to end this situation of","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7439,"topper":"Shraddha Gome","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/bcea3-833853_1512_shraddha-gome_rank_60.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Persuasion plays an important role in public administration. Discuss. Also highlight the various elements of effective persuasion. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"\"Never do anything against the conscience even if the state demands it.\" In this context, discuss the role of conscience in taking ethical decisions in administration. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Raja Ram Mohan Roy's liberal views on social and religious issues have much relevance in present day India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The moral circle of humanity has been expanding constantly over time. Discuss in this context whether non-human entities should have the same rights as humans beings. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"Each individual is capable of transforming his immediate environment by attempting a radical transformation inside him\". - J Krishnamurti (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"An important requisite for ensuring probity in governance is absence of corruption. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The right to information (RTI) and the right to privacy (RTP) complement each other in holding the government accountable to the people, however, in cases of conflict, they can be reconciled keeping public interest in mind. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Explain the ethical issues involved in spending government funds for advertisement campaigns and publicity. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Explaining the concept of political neutrality, discuss its significance in administration. Also, highlight how the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules seek to ensure political neutrality in the civil services. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"In light of the recurring issues, there is a constant need to search for better ethical frameworks and models of corporate governance. Discuss with adequate examples and evidence in support of your arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Gender inequality begins at home and then gets institutionalised at the societal level. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Stakeholder Capitalism is suggested as a way forward in wake of social, economic and environment challenges posed by Shareholder Capitalism. Examine the relevant arguments in this debate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":31,"question":"In a recent survey around social and economic indicators, a certain state in the country was found grossly underperforming. The state is marred with the issues of poverty, hunger, social backwardness, lawlessness and underdevelopment. In about seven decades since gaining independence, this state has continued to perform poorly across various indices. In the past, the Chief Minister had set up a fact finding Committee to report on the chief causes of the backwardness of the State. After years of ground research and surveying, it was found that the one of the main causes of the state's backwardness was its huge population that amplified resource scarcity to unimaginable proportions. Taking a clue from the facts presented in the report, the State Cabinet constitutes a panel of policy makers to consider this question of growing population and suggest suitable revisions to the State's Population Policy. The Panel recommends legislating a Population Control Bill that has a contentious provision in the form of 'One Child' norm. You are the Chief of this Panel and the recommendations of the Panel require your approval to be tabled in the Chief Minister's Office. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the ethical issues related to population control of a compulsory nature that you would consider before approving or rejecting the recommendation? (b) What would be your course of action in the aforementioned case? Suggest reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"You are working as a Divisional Forest Officer in an area which is home to tigers. Recently, there have been reports of a tiger venturing into agricultural fields and also killing livestock of villagers. Unfortunately, 2-3 villagers have been killed by some wild animals in last few weeks. Villagers claim that the tiger has killed their fellow villagers and request you to protect their lives and property by either relocating or killing the man-eater tiger. They also obstructed investigation of forest officials to ascertain whether it was the work of tiger or some other animals. Your attempts to trap the tiger have not been successful. Concerned over the delay in killing or relocating the tiger, villagers hire a private hunter to kill the tiger on their own and argue that they have a right to defend themselves and their property. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the issues involved in this scenario. (b) What steps would you take as the Divisional Forest Officer to ensure villagers' safety along with protection of tigers?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"You work as a marketing consultant for a multinational company that specializes in various products including nutrient supplements, diet pills etc. The company pays its employees extremely well and provides satisfactory fringe benefits. Your manager has hinted that he will recommend you for overseas company transfer, which will improve your job profile. This has motivated you to work harder and perform better. The company has to advertise and sell a new weight loss pill 'X'. As per in-company research, it has minimal or no side effects and has no adverse impacts on health, which is its unique selling point (USP). You are given the marketing team for advertising pill 'X'. Due to a well-crafted marketing strategy including endorsement by a renowned celebrity, the product has generated considerable public attention. However, while working on an advertisement campaign for the pill, you find out that the in-company research findings of pill 'X' are fabricated. While it indeed has no side-effects, there are no proven benefits of taking the pill as well. It merely acts as a placebo. When you bring up the issue with your manager, he promptly tells you to keep the facts to yourself. He also indirectly brings up the fact that your performance review date is approaching and hints that you will get transferred overseas if you prove your loyalty to the company. Based on the given information, address the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders in this situation. (b) State the ethical issues that arise in this case. (c) Discuss your options in this scenario and mention your next step.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7440,"topper":"Shradha Shukla","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/560e3-104719_2031_shradha-shukla_rank_45.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The Kakatiya dynasty left an indelible mark in the fields of architecture and literature. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Bal Gangadhar Tilak was instrumental in creating a national consciousness and giving political voice to the masses during the course of national movement. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The 1929 Lahore session of Congress shaped the vision for an independent India in many important ways. Explain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Explain, in what ways, different historical experiences led countries like China and Japan on widely divergent paths to building independent and modern nations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What is Madden-Julian Oscillation? How does it differ from El-Nino? Discuss its impact on Indian Monsoon. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What are endogenic forces? Highlight their types and discuss the role played by them in forming various landforms on the earth. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"In context of the significance of the Himalayan mountain system for South Asia, explain the factors responsible for melting of glaciers and its impact on the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The COVID-19 pandemic has not only exposed globalisation as highly vulnerable and fragile but also forced a rethinking on its merits. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"In what ways are caste-based inequities still manifested in urban India? Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Menstruation has always been surrounded by taboos and myths that exclude women from many aspects of socio-cultural life. Discuss in the context of India. Also, suggest some steps to combat these taboos and myths. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Provide an account of the origin and spread of devotional Bhakti in South India and discuss how this popular movement expressed itself in the vernacular literature of the south. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The idea of urban decay in India in early medieval times has been propounded by some but evidences from various parts of the country suggest otherwise. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The essence of Gandhiji's constructive programme went well beyond the anti-imperialist nationalist struggle. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Though the socio-political complexities of the Indian subcontinent may have made partition inevitable, it was the failure of British leadership that led to a bloodbath. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Identifying the factors affecting the location of semiconductor and electronic chip making industry, discuss the reasons behind their current global shortage. What steps has India taken in recent times to support its electronic manufacturing ecosystem? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Identifying the active and passive factors affecting pedogenesis, explain the processes involved in soil formation. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Pre-monsoon season in India is characterised by thunderstorms, lightning and many such events. In this context, explain how thunderstorms are formed and discuss the impact of pre-monsoonal rainfall in various regions of India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Diversification of energy basket is no longer a choice for India, it has become a necessity. Elucidate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The contemporary Indian society finds itself caught at the intersection of a growing aspiration to mimic the West and a revival of the conservative traditional outlook. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"In view of the visible trends in India's urbanisation, discuss the key considerations for a new urbanisation policy to guide the planning and management of cities in a sustainable manner. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":60,"question":"9. In what ways are caste-based inequities still manifested in urban India? Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":7441,"topper":"Shradha Shukla","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d7945-104719_2032_shradha-shukla_rank_45.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"It has been argued that some parts of Article 22 are not Fundamental Rights but 'Fundamental Dangers' to the citizens of India. Discuss in light of the debate on issues around the preventive detention laws in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The administration of justice is not limited to conviction of the guilty and acquittal of the innocent but also ensuring fair and speedy trial. In view of this, discuss the reasons behind increase in the number of undertrials in India and measures taken to ameliorate the issues faced by them. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Highlighting the significance of cooperatives in India, discuss how the recently created Ministry of Cooperation will give an impetus to them. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The NGT Act gives much leeway to the tribunal to go beyond a mere adjudicatory role and act as a sui generis institution with the capacity to provide redressal for environmental exigencies. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"In the context of demographic changes highlighted by the NFHS-5, do you think population control legislations will be a step in the right direction? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The utility of PMAY-G hinges on its design, which is a marked improvement over the previous rural housing schemes. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The nutritional status of India has been a matter of long standing public threat. Discuss. Also, suggest measures to overcome the problem of nutritional crisis in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"To realise the potential of its growing population, India's march towards development will undoubtedly be incomplete without skills and education. In this context, discuss the significance of the recently launched RISE and EQUIP schemes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the centrality of ASEAN bloc in India's Act East policy and SAGAR initiative. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss China's Polar Silk Road initiative in view of the growing interest in the Arctic region and state its implications for India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The doctrine of Separation of Powers is followed in US with a spirit, never followed in UK purely, and India has followed it with large exceptions. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"A robust and fair electoral system in India is hinged upon few key reforms in the Representation of People's Act. Discuss in the context of contemporary issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Even though pressure groups play an important role in governance, there have been issues surrounding transparency in the representativeness of the groups and their funding as well as their relationship with the government. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite reforms by the Central and state governments to overhaul the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), several challenges remain with regard to their efficient functioning. Elucidate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Welfare initiatives embody civil rights, whereas freebies cultivate a patron-client syndrome. Examine in the context of governance in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Even though non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are an integral part of a nation's developmental ethos, the State has legitimate interest, legal authority and constitutional duty to curb the activities of those NGOs, which attempt to hamper national development at the behest of the forces inimical to India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"While there is an urgency to focus on all the three levels of healthcare, it is imperative that the government looks towards improving primary healthcare as a public good. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Despite initiatives to curb child marriage; it continues to persist in India. Explaining the reasons behind this, analyse its impact. What further measures can be taken by the government to eliminate the practice of child marriage in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Despite their significance, India has not been able to strengthen its ties with the Central Asian countries. Bringing out the reasons for the same, discuss how India can deepen its relationship with countries in this region. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Discuss the concerns that have arisen in India-Sri Lanka relations in recent times. How can India ensure a favourable relationship with Sri Lanka given its importance in the Indian Ocean region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7442,"topper":"Shradha Shukla","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4ae6e-104719_2033_shradha-shukla_rank_45.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Stating the issues associated with agricultural extension in India, discuss the role of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in strengthening the national agricultural research extension system. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In India, the food processing sector is emerging as a high-growth and high-profit sector due to its immense potential for value addition. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Explaining the concept of livestock-based Integrated Farming System (IFS), discuss its benefits. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"While Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) are spearheading entrepreneurship across the world, India still has one of the lowest entrepreneurship rates. Discuss. Also, state the policy measures that have been taken to increase the pace of entrepreneurship in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"'Land banks' can play a critical role in boosting the economy and promoting ease of doing business in India. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The proposed amendments to the Forest Conservation Act (FCA) are not only antithetical to the Forest Rights Act (FRA), but are also likely to delay India achieving its commitments on climate change. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The problem of flooding in urban areas is not only due to overflowing rivers, but also the uninformed ways in which our cities are coping with urbanisation. Discuss. In this context, mention the National Disaster Management Authority guidelines on urban floods. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"ISRO is no longer confined only to the launching of satellites, but it has been constantly enlarging its role in development activities over the years. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"State the reasons behind targeting of Critical Information Infrastructure (CII) by state and non-state actors. Also, discuss the steps taken by the Indian government to secure its CII. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Despite the strategic significance of North-East India, the region faces several security threats. Discuss. Also, state the measures taken by the government to ensure peace and stability in the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Indian Railways has suffered from chronic under-investment, which has adversely impacted key areas of its operations. In this context, discuss the challenges faced by the railways in speedy creation of infrastructure. Also, mention the steps taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"A disruptive approach to research & development (R&D), with a focus on last mile obligations of the agricultural system is necessary to realize India's objective of doubling farmer's income. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"India's power distribution companies and electrical grids must undergo reforms to transition from fossil fuels to more sustainable forms of renewable energy. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The practice of input-intensive agriculture in India needs a massive overhaul due to its unsustainability and negative consequences. In this context, discuss the significance of Low External Input Sustainable Agriculture (LEISA). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The recently released IPCC Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) – 2021 has been deemed as ‘code red’ for humanity. In this context, discuss the various concerns raised in the report with special focus on India. Also, enlist the remedial measures given by the report. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Multiple chemical disasters from the Bhopal gas tragedy to gas leak in Visakhapatnam have brought into focus the risks posed by hazardous chemicals (HAZCHEM) in India. In view of this, discuss the preparedness as well as gaps in Chemical Disaster Management (CDM) in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The growing demand for liberalisation of public health-related goods and services amidst the pandemic has raised critical issues with regard to the current intellectual property regime. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Highlighting the reasons behind suboptimal results in indigenization of defence technologies in India, suggest measures which can accelerate the pace of indigenization in the defence sector. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Discuss the factors behind conceptualization of different Central Armed Police Forces for guarding the international borders. Also, highlight the contribution of these forces in ensuring security of India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Discuss the vulnerability of virtual assets in terms of their misuse for money laundering activities. Also, state corrective measures that can be taken to mitigate the risks posed by the use of virtual assets. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7443,"topper":"Shradha Shukla","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8fe19-104719_2034_shradha-shukla_rank_45.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Explain the concept of Sarvodaya with the help of examples from the lives of prominent personalities. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The life and teachings of Guru Nanak presents a template for leading a life within the corridors of ethics and values. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"There is no 'invisible hand' channeling self-interest into some social optimum. In this context, the State has an integral role to play in making available essential public goods and services, despite the increasing pace of privatization. Do you agree? Justify with examples from India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Even though the state actors who make rules and implement them have an important role to play in the fight against corruption, the battle is not likely to succeed without the active efforts of various segments of society. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do you understand by Social Intelligence? Discuss its various components and explain how it is different from Emotional Intelligence. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Ethical behaviour is the best not merely in the context of morality, but it is also the best in the context of one's own career prospects. Discuss in the context of civil services in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The press is an important agent in ensuring the citizen's right to receive and impart information as a measure of probity in governance. In this context, do you think that the press in India discharges its duty honestly? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The failure to deliver on its promises by Citizen's Charters in the last two decades has shown that there are some complex set of factors underlying this seemingly simple task. What are they? Identify and provide their resolution. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Medical ethics is particularly relevant in decisions regarding involuntary treatment and involuntary commitment. In view of this, highlighting the importance of medical ethics, discuss the issues in its implementation. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The fundamental principle in a democracy is that all public functionaries are trustees of the people and this trusteeship relationship requires that the authority entrusted to the functionaries be exercised in 'public interest'. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":52,"question":"The education sector in India is embedded in a restrictive regulatory environment and is considered a public good. Although private participation is allowed in the education sector, but at all levels, these institutions have to function on a not-for-profit basis. The Supreme Court had ruled that educational institutions are permitted a 'reasonable surplus to meet the cost of expansion and augmentation of facilities' but they are prohibited from charging a capitation fee or profiteering. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the ethical concerns in allowing the operation of educational institutions on a profit motivation? (b) Is the most important role of education preparing people for gainful employment or should education and knowledge be appreciated for their own sake? (c) Discuss various ways in which value-based education can be instilled. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"Beggars are a common sight at traffic junctions and places of worship across cities in India. They are labelled as nuisance makers who often harass commuters and devotees by relentlessly pestering for money. Recently, an appeal was made in the Supreme Court to end this practice by putting a ban on begging in the national capital. However, human rights groups have advocated that banning begging is not the ideal way to end it, as the underlying socio-economic issues that lead to begging remain unresolved. In this context: (a) Bring out the moral and ethical concerns pertaining to begging in India. (b) Discuss the factors that pushes an individual to opt for begging. (c) If you pass by a beggar, what will you do - give your money to a beggar or ignore the beggar and give your spare money instead to charities that assist the most needy? Give logical reasons in support of your answer. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7444,"topper":"Shreshth","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/37996_877_Shreshth_Rank_73.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The seeds of patriarchy and gender inequality are sown at home, which manifest as a weed at the societal level. Elucidate. Suggest an ethical framework to systematically address the issue of patriarchy in the Indian society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"What are the factors which drive people to take law in their own hands rather than following the due process of law? Discuss ways to address the problem of mob justice.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"In a democracy, the purpose of the government should be to make it easy for people to do good and difficult to do wrong. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss John Stuart Mill's idea on freedom of thought and expression. Also, give reasons as to why, according to Mill, representative democracy is the best form of government despite its inherent weaknesses.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"It is argued by some that nuclear weapons have acted more as a deterrent than leading to war and mass destruction. In this context, discuss whether it is ethically right to possess nuclear weapons to create nuclear deterrence.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Differentiate between administration and leadership. Highlighting the traits which characterize an effective leader, discuss the importance of leadership in ensuring effective public service delivery in a bureaucratic setup.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Apart from functional knowledge and expertise, the efficacy of a civil servant also depends upon his emotional intelligence. How does emotional intelligence contribute to efficacy? How can civil servants enhance their emotional intelligence?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Enumerate the mechanisms that promote accountability of public officials in discharging their functions and responsibilities in India. Also discuss why ensuring accountability for performance is not a simple task in government service.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context. 10 (a) \"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"\"Prejudices are what fools use for reason.\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Ensuring that government decisions are not influenced by public officials' private interests is a growing concern. Discuss in the context of India. Also enumerate the core principles reflected by OECD guidelines for managing conflict of interest in the public sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Discuss, with examples, the significance of principles of public life as recommended by Nolan committee. Why are these principles considered as an essential set of expectations from public servants?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"A peculiar inhuman situation exists for the people fleeing from war zones - they cannot go back to their homeland for fear of being persecuted and no country is ready to bear their burden due to various reasons. Citing contemporary examples, discuss the ethical issues involved in such situations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"As the administrator in-charge of your area, you are witness to the widespread food wastage in lavish parties as well as in restaurants and eateries, on one hand and people starving due to inability to ensure one square-meal a day, on the other. Realizing that it is not the scarcity of resources, but the habit of people that is causing paucity in availability of food, you decide that certain measures are needed to be taken in order to deal with the issue of starvation at the grassroot level. 20 Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) What measures would you take to deal with wastage of food in your area? (c) What explains this co-existence of affluence and hunger in developing countries like India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"The excluded and marginalized section of society are worst hit by globalization. Take the case of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) like Sentinelese of Andaman & Nicobar islands; their population has reduced drastically and they are facing various other problems as well. In this context answer the following questions: (a) What are the challenges faced by PVTGs due to globalisation? (b) If you are posted as a Development Officer in such an area, what will be your priorities to reduce their vulnerabilities and ensure welfare?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Undercover journalism exposes injustices, negligence, corruption and wrongdoing and yet going undercover to expose wrongdoing remains controversial. But, undercover journalists contend that they are fulfilling a fundamental duty of finding truth through their journalism. They argue that public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy and the duty of the journalist is to further those ends by seeking truth and providing a fair and comprehensive account of events and issues. So, there are some supporters of this kind of journalism, which sometimes infringe the privacy of individuals. However, some journalists also urge avoiding surreptitious methods of gathering information except when traditional open methods will not yield information vital to the public. In this context, answer the following questions: 20 (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the practice of undercover journalism? (b) Do you support the practice of undercover investigation by journalists? Give reasons in support of your answer.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7445,"topper":"Shrestha Anupam","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1f3bc-57549_1063_shrestha-anupam_rank_19.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explaining the significance of RCEP, discuss various aspects of India's engagement in this initiative. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"It has been acknowledged widely that smart power is the best possible way for achieving intended foreign policy outcomes. Examine in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"On the one hand, water has the potential of bringing closer regional integration in South Asia, on the other it has remained symbolic of the trust deficit between the countries in India's neighbourhood. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Despite a strong case for a Broad-based Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA) between India and the European Union (EU), negotiations have been stuck for long owing to multiple factors. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Non-alignment, though much debated, has retained its significance over the years in India's foreign policy engagements. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"India-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship, 1950 forms the bedrock of the India-Nepal relations. However, considering recent changes in the region, revising the treaty would be a prudent step. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Accession to the Ashgabat agreement is valuable for connecting India to its extended neighbourhood. What is the Ashgabat Agreement? Assess its significance for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The peace initiative of the Afghan government has raised some difficulties for India, nonetheless India's engagement with Afghanistan is strong enough to withstand such difficulties. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is a natural choice for India to fulfill key foreign policy priorities. In this context, discuss the issues behind hitherto slow progress and the reasons for reinvigorated optimism regarding BIMSTEC. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Highlighting its mandate, discuss the significance of International Solar Alliance in positioning India to a key global leadership role. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"India's engagement with its extended neighbourhood in West Asia has evolved into a 'Look West' approach in recent times. However, multiple faultlines in this volatile region require a balancing act on the part of India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"While India and Russia have enjoyed good relations since the Soviet era, relying on the past may not be enough to deal with shift in the relationship in light of the rapidly evolving geopolitical realities. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"India-China ties, marked by a broad convergence on transnational issues, on one hand and geostrategic rivalry on the other, have profound implications not only for the two countries but also the current international system. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"For BRICS to remain relevant, its members must make a realistic assessment of the initiative's opportunities and inherent limitations. (250 words) 15 Discuss.","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Sluggish progress of the Doha round signals that the WTO is proving to be ineffective in promoting free trade. Identifying the factors behind this, comment on the relevance of WTO in present context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"The India-France Strategic Partnership launched in 1998 seems to have finally come of age. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Despite the great strides made, India-ASEAN relations have not measured up to expectations. Critically examine in the context of recent commemoration of relations by the two sides through the Delhi Declaration. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"India's expanding interests rather than endorsement by others should be the basis of its engagement with what is being termed as the Indo-Pacific. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"In what ways has the engagement between India and its diaspora evolved over the years? What role can the Indian diaspora play in furthering and shaping India's foreign policy goals? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India Bangladesh relations have been termed one of fraternal friendship. What have been the key achievements in this context in the last few years? Also, identify steps to further consolidate these relations. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7446,"topper":"Shrestha Anupam","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5b0bf-57549_1059_shrestha-anupam_rank_19.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the issues faced in BOT and EPC models of infrastructure investment, explain how HAM can address these. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The measurement of the extent of formal sector and formal employment is yet an unsettled matter in our economy. Comment. Also, mention the steps which the government has taken to improve its extent. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The investment rate in India has gradually declined after a historic high in the mid 2000s. Examine the reasons behind this trend. Discuss the steps required to revive investment for a sustained growth. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Strengthening the policy and institutional ecosystem supporting inclusive growth needs to be a top policy priority to thrive in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Explaining the role of human capital in economic development of a country, highlight the challenges and opportunities related to human capital formation in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"In the context of major challenges that have restricted industrial growth, there is need for a new industrial policy to enable the industry to fulfill its role as the engine of growth and shoulder the responsibility of adding more value and jobs. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Discussing the reforms that contributed in improving India's ranking in the World Bank's 'Ease of Doing Business' index, identify the challenges that still remain in the overall environment of doing business. Suggest some concrete steps that India can take to further improve its performance on the index. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) are fast becoming an important avenue for channelising funds for projects in infrastructure sector. Explaining the concept of SPVs, highlight some of the benefits and risks associated with them. Also, suggest measures to manage the risks identified. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Providing social security, especially to those working in unorganised sector, is an important requirement to achieve the goal of inclusive growth. (150 words) 10 Discuss.","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"NBFCs can play a critical role in strengthening our SME ecosystem and contributing to economic development. Comment. Also, discuss the need to build a regulatory framework to address the challenges that NBFCs face. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"In the light of increasing NPAs and frauds, the twin balance sheet problem has grown immensely. Comment on the issue and analyse the potential of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code to be a game changer for Indian economy's health and long-term growth. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Public Sector Enterprises formed the backbone of industrial development after independence, but with changing times, their role has also changed. Discuss. Also, comment on the need to adopt a multi-pronged strategy to deal with the issues that they are facing. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"For a developing country like India, the sectoral allocation of scarce resources is a critical factor determining pace and quality of development. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Under-employment rather than unemployment is the key problem facing India today. Elaborate. Also, suggest measures to counter this problem. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"A near stagnant tax to gdp ratio for the country since decades reflects not only non-fruition of efforts to increase it but also underlying structural issues with tax regime. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7447,"topper":"Shrestha Anupam","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/cbeab-57549_1062_shrestha-anupam_rank_19.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Technical solutions are necessary to augment the traditional methods of guarding the border. In this context, while mentioning the different components of Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS), discuss how it can help to address the gaps in the present system of border security. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"To deal with myriad challenges of 'Behavioural Microtargeting' and 'Psychographic Messaging', analyse the need for having a robust data protection framework in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"In comparison to conventional warfare, the possibility of successful deterrence against cyber warfare is both limited and complicated. Discuss. Also, elaborate upon India's preparedness in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Given India's complex security challenges, UAVs have the potential to aid the Indian armed forces on multiple fronts. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Although open borders facilitate cultural continuity & greater interaction, their security implications cannot be undermined. Discuss the statement in context of India's open border policy with Nepal & Bhutan. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What is the role played by Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in border management? Also, elaborating on the problems of infrastructural deficiencies and poor personnel management faced by CAPF, suggest remedies to tackle these issues. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Analyse the impact that the instability in the wider South Asian region has on India's internal security. What steps can be taken to minimise such impact? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Deployment of central armed forces in states has been a contentious issue. Mention the issues involved and suggest some remedial measures. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"In what ways does the physiography of India pose a challenge to its counter-terrorism efforts? What can be done to deal with these challenges? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What are the components of India's Ballistic Missile Defence System? Also, discuss how a Ballistic Missile Defence System enhances India's strategic options. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Giving examples, elaborate how India's approach to becoming a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region is taking shape. What are the challenges and opportunities associated with this approach? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime) has pitched for the need of an integrated approach in order to address the difficulties in preventing, detecting, investigating and prosecuting Transnational Organised Crimes (TOC). Elaborating on these difficulties, discuss how an integrated approach can help in tackling TOCs. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"With changes in technology, financial frauds are taking the shape and modalities of organized crime. Discuss the implications of such a trend and suggest a holistic approach to develop a sound fraud management system in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"While nuclear weapons and traditional military capability remain the options of last resort, dealing with subconventional and proxy warfare requires enhanced measures given the nature of persistent threat. Discuss (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The Government has adopted a holistic approach built around simultaneous implementation of a security agenda, developmental activities and promotion of good governance to address the Left Wing Extremism in India. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"National security challenges, which are less traditional war threats but more diffused and ambiguous, can no longer be dealt with in silos. In this context, examine the need for having a National Security Strategy and also, highlight the challenges that the government faces in spelling out such a strategy. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Highlighting the need for SMART policing in India, suggest some administrative, legislative and technological reforms in order to realize this vision. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind private sector playing a merely peripheral role in defence manufacturing in India. Also, explain how the Draft Defence Production Policy, 2018 seeks to augment private sector participation in defence manufacturing in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Discuss the implications of insufficient allocation of funds on capacity building, modernisation & operational preparedness of the defence forces in India. Also, suggest necessary steps to maintain & augment defence capabilities in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7448,"topper":"Shrestha Anupam","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3e2c5-57549_1056_shrestha-anupam_rank_19.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the significance of the following in the context of civil service: 10 (i) Public trust (ii) Objectivity (iii) Strength of character (iv) Empathy (v) Selflessness","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Do you think nation states owe a responsibility towards asylum seekers? What are the considerations that should, in your opinion, go into the making of a refugee policy? Provide arguments with contemporary examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Why do civil servants have a special obligation to uphold ethical standards? What are the main areas of concerns for implementation of an effective ethical standard in civil services? In this context, suggest measures to remedy these concerns.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"While families are the first socializing agents, which inculcate moral values in a child, the role played by schools in this regard is also indispensable. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"What is the significance of morality in day-to-day life? Give an example from your own life where you chose moral action and elaborate the reasons for your choice of that action.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Analyse the ethical dimensions of using nuclear deterrence as a self- defense strategy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"We make a living by what we do, but we make a life by what we give.10 (i) Highlight the importance of value of altruism for a society. (ii) Discuss the role of education in imparting such values.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Giving examples, examine the relationship between personal and professional ethics of civil servants.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/ philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) If people scrutinize their own faults as they do the faults of others, mankind will be freed of all evil.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"How do law and conscience act as source of ethical guidance? Explain with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"The steady decline in sex ratio suggests that marked improvement in the economy and literacy rates do not seem to have had any impact on this index. In fact, the availability of new technology and its easy access for the urban, wealthy and educated have worsened the trend and harmed the status of women in Indian society. 20 (a) Explain why the phenomenon should not be simply viewed as a medical or legal issue and more attention should be given to the ethical issues involved. (b) Give some suggestions to tackle the problem of declining sex ratio. (c) Discuss the ethical dilemma involved in Right to abortion vs. Prevention of female foeticide. How can this be resolved?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"You are working as a senior doctor in the oncology department of a super specialty hospital located in Delhi. While accessing the quotations from reputed pharmaceutical companies to hospitals, you unearth a nexus between pharma firms and the hospital administration. You get to know that they are hand-in-glove with each other and trying to fleece cancer patients by selling drugs at exorbitant prices, even though low cost alternative drugs are available in the market. Being the head of Alliance of Doctors for Ethical Healthcare, who is working against the arbitrary price regime of life saving drugs, you get a chance to represent your case before the Health Minister of your state. However, certain other doctors of the Alliance have asked you to present a distorted reality in front of the Minister since they are obtaining pecuniary benefits from such a scheme of nexus, which would cease if the nexus gets exposed. (a) Identify the main stakeholders and ethical issues involved. (b) Analyse the possible solutions for addressing the issues. (c) What would be your final course of action and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"You are working as a Manager who handles critical projects in a private firm. You have recently been issued a notice by the Human Resource department that categorically highlights gender imbalance in your team and instructs you to recruit more females. Realizing the importance of this matter you decide to roll out vacancy requirements on an urgent basis and close it within a week. You receive several applications and start interviewing female candidates. However, you realize that the top four candidates are married and two of them are expecting their child. During the interviews the candidates commit on their priority for the project, till it finishes and show willingness to work from home, afterwards. What is the course of action that you will take? Explain the factors that you will take into account and justify the merits of the course of action.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":59,"question":"Mr. A is a senior most member of a highly reputed company with considerable customer interface. In recent months, the business of the company has been going down. On detailed analysis, it was found that some of the functionaries of the company have impulsive nature, which has many a times led to altercations with the customers and even among themselves. This has adversely affected the work culture and sullied the image of the company in the market. He seeks your advice, as you are his friend as well as a person who understands management. 20 (a) What are the factors that you would consider in making your advice? (b) What steps will you suggest to deal with the situation that the company faces?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7449,"topper":"SHREY SHASHANK","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/SHREY-SHASHANK-UPSC-2024-Rank-270-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Why has there been an increased focus on negotiating, renegotiating and concluding Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) by India in recent years? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":2,"question":"A well - designed fiscal policy can serve as a vital instrument to facilitate the equitable distribution of resources and ensure the welfare of all sections of society. Elaborate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":2,"question":"What are the primary factors contributing to India's significant reliance on imported edible oils? What measures do you suggest to increase domestic production and to reduce India's reliance on impor ted edible oils? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":2,"question":"With the growing water crisis in India, micro irrigation offers a sustainable solution for water conservation; however, its adoption remains skewed and below its potential. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":2,"question":"The recurring railway accidents highlight the urgent necessity for addressing the myriad challenges related to safety, undercapacity and lack of modernization within Indian Railways. Analyse. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":2,"question":"How does NISAR mission exemplify international cooperation in space exploration and scientific research? In what ways will it help in climate change monitoring and natural hazard management? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":3,"question":"Nuclear technology can play a transformative role in enhancing food security and agricultural sustainability. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":3,"question":"Increasing frequency of forest fires in India underscores the urgent need for sustainable forest management practices. In light of the statement, bring out the causes and multidimensional impact of forest fires. Also, suggest measures for their prevention and management. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":3,"question":"What reasons can be attributed to the recent surge in terror related violence in Jammu and Kashmir? What stra tegies would you suggest to counter it? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":3,"question":"“The liberalization policies of 1991 significantly enhanced India's economic dynamism, but the evolving global and domestic landscape necessitates 'Reforms 2.0' for sustained economic development and prosperity.” Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":3,"question":"Infrastructure development is essential not just for economic transformation but also for sustainable development and societal well - being. Elaborate with examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":3,"question":"Bring out the significance of aquaculture towards nutrition security, livelihood generation, and economic growth. Also, mention various measures taken by the government to promote aquaculture in the country. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":3,"question":"The MSP system, though well - intentioned, has led to market distortions and ecological stress, necessitating reforms to make it more inclusive and efficient. Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":4,"question":"Biotechnology holds immense potential for achieving sustainable food production, efficient waste management and significant advancements in human health. Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":4,"question":"Climate change is leading to significant alterations in ecosystems, resulting in cascading effects on biodiversity, ecosystem services, and human livelihoods, necessitating integrated approaches to conservation and climate adaptation. Analyse. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":4,"question":"Urban areas, often referred to as the cradle of civilization and growth engines, are increasingly experiencing various natural and man - made disasters. Discuss in the Indian context. Also, suggest suitable mitigation and management strategies. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":4,"question":"“India's disaster management framework has made significant progress in the 21st century, yet challenges persist in ensuring timely response and effective coordination during crises. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":4,"question":"Explain how the symbiotic relationship between organized crime and terrorism further aggravates internal security concerns. What steps can be taken to address this linkage and the threats emerging from it? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":4,"question":"Strengthening security apparatus in border areas and forging developmental partnerships with the locals are essential components of a robust and effective border management strategy. Discuss, with initiatives taken by the government in this regard. (15 marks, 2 50 words)","marks":"15","words":"50"}]},{"id":7450,"topper":"Shreya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/PRIYADARSHI-SHREYA-DILIPKUMARUPSC_IAS_2025_Toppers_AIR_387_Sample_MGP_1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) The Union Budget 2025-26 outlines a shift towards the 'debt-to-GDP ratio' as the fiscal anchor starting from FY 2026-27. Discuss the rationale behind this shift.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Why does India need to transition from a 'build to print' to a 'build to design' model in manufacturing? What steps has been taken by the government in this regard?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Explain the concept of a nutrition-sensitive food system and suggest strategies to achieve it in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Give a brief overview of the 'Digital Agriculture Mission'. How can it benefit the agriculture sector?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) Rare earths are not just elements; they are foundational inputs that act like ‘seeds of technology’. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) Why retrofitting Electrostatic Precipitators (ESPs) in Indian thermal power plants is a more viable and effective option compared to the installation of flue gas desulfurization (FGD) systems?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7 'The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regime in India remains weak and is often reduced to a procedural formality. In light of this statement, examine the key challenges in EIA implementation and suggest reforms.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) Plastic pollution is emerging as a serious environmental threat in India. Discuss the various mitigation measures to address this problem and also the government's initiatives in this regard.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) Amid evolving threats, there is a need to blend private sector capabilities with India's current internal security architecture. In this context, elaborate on the ways in which the private sector can contribute to strengthening internal security.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 'Radicalisation in Jammu and Kashmir is driven as much by socio-economic factors as by external influences.' Discuss how education and youth engagement can play a role in countering radicalisation in J&K.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) Outlining the key characteristics of the care economy, discuss how India can better integrate the value of unpaid and underpaid care work into its economic framework.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 ‘The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) presents both unprecedented opportunities and significant challenges for India’s labour market.’ Examine. Also suggest strategies to align AI adoption with inclusive and resilient labour market outcomes.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13) Why does India's agricultural export performance remain weak despite high production levels? What measures would you suggest to improve agri-export competitiveness?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 \"The agricultural subsidy regime in the country needs reforms to address the distortions it causes.\" Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 How can biomanufacturing transform today's consumptive manufacturing paradigm to the one based on regenerative principles? Also discuss how BioE3 Policy (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment) aims to foster biomanufacturing in the country.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) The future of digital innovation depends on self-reliant, domain-specific AI capabilities. In this context, bring out the key considerations in developing indigenous AI models and tools. Suggest measures to build an enabling ecosystem for AI innovation in India. What initiatives have been taken by the government in this regard?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 Marine oil spills are a form of environmental disaster, with far-reaching consequences for biodiversity and coastal livelihoods; however, India's preparedness to prevent such incidents and mitigate their impact has significant gaps. Analyze.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 'The United Nations has declared 2025 as the International Year of Glacier Preservation.' Bring out the ecological and socio-economic significance of glaciers. What are the key challenges in preserving them? What measures have been taken at national and international levels towards preservation of glaciers?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 What are the determinants of insurgency in the north-eastern region of India? What strategy should the Government of India, civil administration and security forces adopt to counter the threat in the affected areas?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20) Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have become an integral aspect of modern conflict and warfare, employed by both state and non-state actors. Discuss its implications for India's security architecture and state the measures being taken to address them. Also suggest other steps to tackle the threats emanating from UAVs.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7451,"topper":"Shreya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/PRIYADARSHI-SHREYA-DILIPKUMARUPSC_IAS_2025_Toppers_AIR_387_Sample_MGP_2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) Explain the significance of the recent changes made to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) with respect to labour market data estimation in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Discuss the implications of the rising trend of protectionism and tariff wars in global trade for India's macroeconomic stability.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) \"Genome-edited crops have the potential to strengthen food and nutritional security in the country.\" Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Assess the role of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) in expanding irrigation coverage and improving on-farm water use efficiency.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) Starlink, a satellite internet service provider, has recently been granted a license to operate in India. What is satellite internet? How does it work? What are its advantages and limitations?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) What is a Geographical Indication (GI)? What are the legal frameworks governing it? How does it differ from a trademark? How can GI infringement be tackled?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) What are the salient features of Mission Mausam launched by the Government of India? Why is such a mission needed? What are the likely challenges in its effective implementation?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) Highlight the key provisions of the Disaster Management (Amendment) Act, 2025. How would the amendment help strengthen the disaster management framework in the country?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) 'Operation Sindoor' signals a strategic evolution in India's approach to cross-border terrorism. Analyze.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 'Cyberspace has emerged as a distinct domain of warfare, posing serious threats to national security.' Discuss this statement and suggest counter-measures.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) What are the key objectives of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016? To what extent has it been successful in achieving them?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) Despite phenomenal growth in recent years, India's startup ecosystem lags in innovation across strategic sectors. Identify the factors responsible for this inadequate focus on deep-tech and suggest strategies to bridge this gap.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13) What is floriculture? How is it helpful in enhancing farm income and boosting agri-exports?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 \"Women play a crucial role in Indian agriculture, yet continue to face systemic exclusion.\" Discuss with reference to land ownership, access to credit, and agri-extension services. What initiatives has the government taken in this regard?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Launched on 25th June 2025, the Axiom-4 (Ax-04) mission has been much in the news since then. What are the key features of the mission? What significance does it hold for the Gaganyaan project and India's long-term space ambitions?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) Energy storage technology is one of the major components of renewable energy integration and decarbonization of world energy systems. Briefly discuss any three such technologies, citing their key merits and demerits.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 Global Pandemic Agreement (2025) recognizes the 'One Health' approach as critical to pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. Highlight the key features of the agreement, and elaborate on how the One Health approach can help in preventing future pandemics. What steps are needed to integrate this approach into India's environmental and health governance?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18) The frequency and intensity of heatwaves, particularly in urban centres, have increased in recent years. Describe the various causes and effects of heatwaves. What policies and frameworks have been adopted in India towards extreme heat risk management?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Discuss how emerging technologies and globalization contribute to terror financing. Elaborate measures to tackle the menace of terror financing both at national and international levels.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20) Explain the key components of the National Policy and Action Plan (2015) that have contributed to the significant decline of Left-Wing Extremism (LWE). What additional steps would you suggest to eliminate LWE in the near future?","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7452,"topper":"Shreya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/PRIYADARSHI-SHREYA-DILIPKUMARUPSC_IAS_2025_Toppers_AIR_387_Sample_MGP_3.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Q.1) a) 'Unconscious biases in parenting continue to shape gendered experiences in India.' Do you agree with this view? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"b) Distinguish between empathy and compassion. Why are they considered as foundational values in public services?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Q.2) a) The current society is witnessing rising levels of intolerance. What are the consequences of this situation for personal well-being and for societal well-being? What can one do at the personal level to become tolerant?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"b) What are the main components of emotional intelligence and how does it help an individual in taking ethical decisions?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Q.3) Given below are the three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context?\na) \"This life is short, the vanities of the world are transient, but they alone live who live for others, the rest are more dead than alive.\" - Swami Vivekanand","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"b) \"If you cry because the sun has gone out of your life your tears will prevent you from seeing the stars.\" - Rabindranath Tagore","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"c) \"Two ways of building character - cultivating strength to challenge oppression, and tolerate the resultant hardships that give rise to courage and awareness.\" - Sardar Patel","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Q.4) a) \"With great power comes great responsibility.\" In the present context, 'Big Tech' headquartered in developed countries wield disproportionate influence over digital infrastructure, personal data, and global narratives — often prioritising profit over ethical considerations. What ethical principles should guide such corporations in building a fair, inclusive, and just global digital framework?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"b) What do you understand by the term 'crisis of conscience'? Describe an incident from your life where you experienced such a crisis. How did you deal with it?","marks":"10","words":"10"},{"page":20,"question":"Q.5) a) \"A politics of confession that encourages politicians and parties to confess and offer regret for their errors can surely be a cathartic experience.\" Examine the statement from the ethical point of view.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"b) What are the key objectives of the Right to Information Act, 2005? Examine the ethical concerns associated with certain provisions of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act in realizing the objectives of the RTI Act.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.6) a) Public spaces serve as arenas of democratic participation and civic expression. Yet in India, they remain deeply gendered, with many women largely confined to the private and domestic sphere. Examine the factors that restrict women's access to public spaces. How can ethical governance help address the issue of gendered spatial control and promote inclusivity in public spaces?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"b) Write short notes on the following in 30 words each:\ni) Ethical fading\nii) Conflict of interest\niii) Persuasion\niv) Work culture\nv) Corporate governance","marks":"10 marks, 150","words":"30 words each"},{"page":27,"question":"Q.7 A State Government in the northeastern part of the country has launched a series of anti-encroachment drives across forest areas, wetlands, and revenue lands. Under the directions of the Chief Minister, the administration has intensified efforts to reclaim public land, particularly in areas reserved for ecological protection and critical infrastructure development. Most of the time, these actions have been backed by court orders and have resulted in the recovery of thousands of hectares of land. However, in certain regions, the implementation of such drives is fraught with social and political complexities. In several districts, settlements have existed for decades and are inhabited by marginalised communities with limited access to legal rights or formal rehabilitation measures. These areas are often politically sensitive and influenced by local leaders and pressure groups. Simanta is posted as Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) in one such district. Over the past year, the district administration has attempted to align eviction measures with welfare outreach, including the provision of temporary shelters, relocation assistance and public consultations. Recently, a major operation was scheduled to clear encroachments from over 140 hectares of forest land within a Reserved Forest, primarily to curb rising instances of human-elephant conflict and to restore ecological balance. Anticipating eviction, some residents approached the High Court seeking a stay. However, the court refused to grant it and directed the administration to proceed with the eviction following due process. Notices were served, and a detailed roadmap was prepared to carry out the operation, which was expected to last 2-3 days due to the scale and remote location. On the first day, Simanta led a team comprising forest officials, municipal workers, and police personnel. Demolitions were conducted peacefully and without major resistance. However, on the second day, when the team returned to the site, a large group of agitated residents - primarily women and children - had gathered. They raised slogans and formed human chains to prevent further evictions. The atmosphere grew tense when some individuals began throwing stones, resulting in serious injury to a municipal worker. The crowd grew increasingly volatile and emotionally charged, demanding an immediate halt to the operation. The police contingent present on the ground was outnumbered by the crowd. Faced with this crisis, some team members pleaded with Simanta to call off the operation, fearing threats to their life and the possibility of a violent escalation. Simanta attempted to contact his superior officer (the Deputy Commissioner), but due to poor mobile connectivity in the forested area, communication could not be established. Meanwhile, several local journalists had arrived and begun reporting on the incident. Simanta is in a dilemma as to what to do.\na. Evaluate the options available with Simanta to cope with the situation.\nb. Which of the above options would be the most appropriate for Simanta and why?\nc. What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Simanta?\nd. Examine the qualities of a public servant which will be required to manage such situations.","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":28,"question":"a. स्थिति से निपटने के लिए सिमंता के पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nb. सिमंता के लिए सबसे उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?\nc. सिमंता को किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\nd. ऐसी परिस्थितियों का प्रबंधन करने के लिए एक लोक सेवक के गुणों का परीक्षण करें।\na स्थिति से निपटने के लिए सिमंता के पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nb सिमंता के लिए सबसे उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?\nc सिमंता को किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\nd ऐसी परिस्थितियों का प्रबंधन करने के लिए एक लोक सेवक के गुणों का परीक्षण करें।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.8 Megha is a first-year sociology student at a reputed college in the national capital. She is originally from Tadchiroli, a tribal village in a western Indian state. Megha's family migrated to the city when she was seven years old and had not visited their village since. Though Megha has fond memories of her childhood there, she never deeply understood the customs and traditions of the region. One day, Megha expresses her wish to visit Tadchiroli. Her father agrees and asks her to inform Ratan, her paternal uncle, who still lives in the village with his family. Megha informs Ratan and travels to the village during a semester break. Upon arrival, she receives a warm welcome from Ratan and his family. Later, Ratan invites her to attend a local festival. During the event, Megha notices that her cousin Rinki is missing. Curious, she asks Ratan's wife Ratna why Rinki is not at the festival. Ratna explains that Rinki is on her period, and as per tradition, menstruating girls must stay separately in small huts built specifically for the purpose. Locally known as 'kurma ghars', they are generally located on the periphery of the village, near a river or pond. She further adds that these girls are not allowed to enter the main house or participate in any social or religious activities. Megha is taken aback. She asks whether all women follow this practice. Ratna nods and says it has been the custom for generations. Even schoolgirls stay in these huts and miss classes during their periods. Ratna admits that many in the village, including herself, never questioned the practice. The explanation unsettles Megha. She finds it hard to believe that a natural biological function leads to such exclusion. Before returning to the city, Megha observes that even educated family members seem to accept and follow these customs. The experience leaves a deep impact on her. She starts reading more about menstrual taboos and their impact on women's health, dignity, and education. As a sociology student, she recognises how such traditions are linked to patriarchy and social stigma. She begins to reflect on what she can do at her level to improve the current situation, without alienating the community or disrespecting its traditions.\na. Suggest a course of action Megha can take to sensitize her village community without appearing disrespectful or confrontational.\nb. What ethical principles and methods should guide her actions while engaging with the community?\nc. How is menstruation related to human rights?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"a. मेघा द्वारा अपने गांव के समुदाय को असम्मानजनक या टकरावपूर्ण व्यवहार किए बिना संवेदनशील बनाने के लिए अपनाई जाने वाली कार्यवाही का सुझाव दीजिए।\nb. समुदाय के साथ जुड़े समय उसके कार्यों को किन नैतिक सिद्धांतों और तरीकों से निर्देशित किया जाना चाहिए?\nc. मासिक धर्म मानव अधिकारों से किस प्रकार संबंधित है? (20 अंक, 250 शब्द)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"8 Can you think of a rational way to resolve this dilemma?\nb Give your reasons for it.\nc What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Q.10) You are working as an Assistant Section Officer in the District Development and Panchayat Office. One day, one of your close colleagues approaches you in deep distress. She tells you that her father is suffering from a severe liver condition, and the doctors have clearly stated that he must undergo liver transplant immediately in order to survive. She shares that she has no health insurance, and the surgery would cost around Rs 15 lakh. You are aware that her husband passed away a few years ago, and that she also has a four-year-old son with special needs. Just a few weeks ago, she also lost all her savings in a digital arrest scam. As a widow from a lower middle-class family, her options are extremely limited. Although you feel deeply empathetic, you are unable to offer financial assistance, as you do not have the resources to help. A few weeks later, you enquire about her father's health. She informs you that the liver transplant surgery was successful and that her father is now recovering steadily. Relieved, you ask how she managed to arrange the funds. Hesitantly, she confides that the District Development and Panchayat Officer (DDPO) helped her. Moved by her situation, the DDPO facilitated the release of Rs 15 lakh from the fund allocated to a rural sanitation scheme. The implementation of this scheme had been put on hold for a year due to technical issues and pending site approvals. She explains that the amount was provided on the assurance of strict confidentiality and with a commitment to repay it at the earliest. She expresses deep gratitude for the DDPO's timely help, which she believes saved her father's life. She has already begun repaying the money and will continue to do so until it is all returned.\na. Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\nb. Examine the behavior of DPDO from an ethical point of view.\nc. How would you react to the situation?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.11 Nithin is the head of the Marketing Department at Pehnava Clothings Ltd., a reputed apparel manufacturing company with a strong global presence. Known for its professionalism and consistent performance, the company had earned a credible name in both domestic and international markets. However, the firm was going through difficult times. For three consecutive quarters, it had witnessed a steep decline in sales. This trend had raised serious concerns among the top management regarding the company's competitiveness, profitability, and long-term stability. To address the situation, the leadership decided to restructure the marketing division and bring in dynamic leadership. A senior marketing executive, Mr. A, was hired after a rigorous selection process. He had an impressive career record and was known for turning around sales performance in other firms and building strong brand identities. With high expectations placed upon him, Mr. A was seen as the key figure to steer the company out of crisis. Mr. A soon began delivering results. Within a year, the company's revenue had almost doubled, and its brand visibility had increased significantly. His bold marketing strategies, proactive outreach, and innovative campaigns received appreciation from various quarters within the company. His performance drew the attention of the top management. There were deliberations about assigning him a larger role within the company, with a focus on long-term business strategy. He was also being considered for an internal award for 'Excellence in Leadership and Innovation'. However, alongside professional success of Mr. A, Nithin began receiving troubling feedback about his conduct in the workplace. Informal reports indicated that he frequently made inappropriate comments about women. In addition, he regularly sent indecent messages via social media apps to all team members, including his female colleagues. Although no formal complaint was lodged initially, Nithin could sense tension within the team, and signs of discomfort were becoming increasingly apparent. Some employees even started avoiding direct interaction with Mr. A. Team morale and interpersonal trust were gradually eroding, but employees remained hesitant to speak openly. The matter escalated one evening when Mrs. X, one of Mr. A's team members approached Nithin. Visibly disturbed and emotionally shaken, she disclosed that Mr. A had repeatedly engaged in inappropriate behavior towards her. She added that Mr. A had been making undesirable advances towards her and had even tried to touch her inappropriately in his cabin. She urged Nithin to take appropriate action in the matter, or else she would have no option but to resign from her position.\na. Bring out the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb. What are the options available to Nithin?\nc. Critically examine each of the options identified by Nithin.\nd. Which of the options, do you think, would be more appropriate for Nithin to adopt and why?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":48,"question":"a. इस मामले में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों को स्पष्ट करें।\nb. नितिन के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nc. नितिन द्वारा पहचाने गए प्रत्येक विकल्प का आलोचनात्मक परीक्षण करें।\nd. नितिन के लिए कौन सा विकल्प अपनाना अधिक उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?\na इस मामले में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों को स्पष्ट करें।\nb नितिन के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nc नितिन द्वारा पहचाने गए प्रत्येक विकल्प का आलोचनात्मक परीक्षण करें।\nd नितिन के लिए कौन सा विकल्प अपनाना अधिक उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":53,"question":"Q.12) You are appointed as an officer heading the Air Quality Compliance Division of the Environment Pollution Control Board in Delhi-NCR. The region is witnessing alarming levels of air pollution, which typically worsen during the winter months due to various meteorological and anthropogenic factors. The situation has led to severe public health concerns, particularly affecting vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and those with respiratory illnesses. The Supreme Court has also raised serious concern over the deteriorating air quality in Delhi-NCR and has directed the administration to take immediate and effective measures to control pollution, especially during the winter months. Your jurisdiction has a large number of small and medium-scale industries that were granted environmental clearance over the years. These industries form the backbone of the local economy and provide employment to a significant number of migrant workers. However, recent inspections and air quality monitoring reports indicate that a significant number of these units are operating in violation of prescribed air emission norms. As part of targeted measures to curb air pollution, you issued notices to all identified polluting units, directing them to apply for fresh environmental clearance certificates from the competent authority. However, your decision triggered strong opposition from a section of industrial units, labour unions, and local politicians. Industrial owners argued that such action would lead to production shutdowns, financial losses, and shortages of their products in the market. Labour unions and workers also protested, fearing mass unemployment and livelihood insecurity. Local politicians and vested interests accused you of jeopardising the socio-economic stability of the region. You received representations from various quarters urging you to withdraw the notices and not initiate harsh measures, citing the interests of multiple stakeholders. Additionally, you began receiving anonymous threats, aimed at coercing you into reversing your decision. On the other hand, several of your colleagues supported your stance, encouraging you to act in the larger public interest. Several local NGOs and environmental groups rallied behind your actions, demanding the immediate closure of polluting units.\na. Under the given conditions, what are the options available to you?\nb. Critically evaluate each of the options listed by you.\nc. What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by you?","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":7453,"topper":"Shreya Priyadarshi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/PRIYADARSHI-SHREYA-DILIPKUMARUPSC_IAS_2025_Toppers_AIR_387_Sample_ESSAY_1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. The glass ceiling is not invisible, it is just too high for many to see.\n2. Social justice is not charity, it is structural rebalancing.\n3. A nation's greatness is measured by how it treats its weakest members, and that includes its children.\n4. When we speak of 'Inclusive India', we must ask: Inclusive for whom?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7454,"topper":"Shreya Shree","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2966f-850984_1488_shreya-shree_rank_71.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by the phenomenon of El-Nino? How does it influence the Indian Monsoon?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Illustrating the heat budget of earth, explain the mechanisms through which redistribution of heat takes place across latitudes on earth.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Giving a brief account of temp dist of ocean water, highlight the factors responsible for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Highlight the characteristic features of equatorial vegetation, explain why these regions remain largely underdeveloped.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Define the phenomenon of temp inversion. What are the factors for it to take place? Also, enumerate its prominent effects.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Explain the formation of tropical cyclones. Also, illustrate the global distn of these cyclones.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"What are geomorphic processes? Briefly describe different types of geomorphic processes.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"With the help of a diagram, explain the formation of land breeze & sea breeze in coastal areas.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"How does the plate tectonics process theory help in understanding the mountain building process?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"The ocean floor is not just a vast plain but it is full of relief. Describe the various relief features of the ocean basins.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"What are footloose industries? Identify the factors that influence the location of these industries, with the help of examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Explain the propagation of different types of seismic waves. Also, illustrate the formation of P & S shadow zones.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"Explain the process of precipitation. Also, elaborate on how rainfall can be classified on the basis of origin","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"With examples of erosional & depositional landforms formed during its lifecycle, explain the role of glaciers as a geomorphic agent .","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7455,"topper":"Shreya Shree","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/bd0bd-850984_1489_shreya-shree_rank_71.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Give an account of achievements in S&T in ancient India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"How did the Bhakti & Sufi movements impact society in medieval India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Elucidate the prominent features of IVC that reveal the artistic expressions of the people of that era.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Give an account of the development & key features of the Mughal paintings.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"What were the causes of the revolt of 1857? Discuss the factors which led to its failure.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"India's partition is seen as a culmination of communal politics that started developing in the early decades of the twentieth century. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"How did the socio-religious reform movements during the colonial period contribute to the emancipation of women?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the role played by the following figures in India's struggle for independence: (a) Dadabhai Naoroji (b) V D Savarkar","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Highlight the key features of the different land revenue systems introduced by the Britishers in the 18th and early 19th C.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Trace the origins of the demands for the formation of linguistic states during India's struggle for independence.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Explaining why Gandhiji chose salt as a symbol of protest, highlight the importance of Salt satyagraha in the struggle against the British.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Discuss the factors responsible for the growth of militant nationalism in the Indian freedom struggle.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"Bring out the transformative role of Mahatma Gandhi in the Indian national movement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Discuss the key factors that led to the 'Surat split' in the INC at the beginning of the 20th C.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"What were the key factors responsible for the advent of Industrial revolution in England? Also, highlight the socio-economic changes ushered in by the IR in that country","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Examine the role of Treaty of Versailles as a catalyst for the Second World War.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Discuss the factors that contributed to the Great Depression of 1929. Also, highlight the importance of New Deal in this context","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7456,"topper":"Shreya Shree","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b0eeb-850984_1494_shreya-shree_rank_71.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1(a). What do you understand by probity in governance? How does it enhance transparency and accountability in the administration? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"1(b). Compassion is the basis of all morality. In the context of administration, explain the importance of compassion towards the weaker sections of society. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"2(a). Ethics and law are two systems of rules that govern human behaviour. Discuss the points of convergence and divergence between the two. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":7457,"topper":"Shreya Tyagi","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/SHREYA-TYAGI-UPSC-2024-Rank-31-MGP-Sample-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) How does the study of numismatics contribute to the unraveling of India's history? Explain with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Q.8 Even after seven decades of independence, the colonial mindset continues to cast its shadow on Indian society. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.16 Although poor air quality is a perennial problem, it gets intensified during the winter months in Delhi-NCR. Explain. Evaluate the efficacy of existing measures to control air pollution.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17) At the recent COP-28 summit various countries have taken the pledge to phase out coal. India is not one of them.\n Reasons for India's reliance","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7458,"topper":"Shreya Tyagi","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/Shreya-Tyagi-gs-mains-advanced-course-2024-1745411127288.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Examine the role of numismatic evidence in understanding the political and economic history of ancient India. Provide specific examples.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Assess the impact of women's organizations in mobilizing women across diverse socio-economic and regional backgrounds in pre-independence India.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":8,"question":"How did the policy of non-alignment reflect the aspirations of India and other newly independent nations to maintain their sovereignty and resist colonial pressures?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the processes involved in volcanism. Highlight the major volcanic regions in the world and their associated tectonic settings.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Explain the geological features and ecological importance of the Eastern Ghats.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"Earlier known as coarse cereals the government rebranded millets in 2018 as nutri-cereals. In this context discuss the ecological and nutritional significance of millets","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"What are the potential consequences of Arctic ice melt on biodiversity and ecosystems? How might these changes impact global ecological balance","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Do you think the Uniform Civil Code contradicts the idea of religious pluralism and cultural differences in Indian society?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss the concept of healthy active ageing in the context of demographic shifts in India. How does it contribute to social inclusion?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":22,"question":"How is the transition from 'conscious consumption' to 'compulsive consumption' impacting family structure and dynamics in urban areas?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Discuss with examples the key features of Vijayanagara architecture. How did Indo-Islamic elements manifest in their structures?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":28,"question":"Compare and contrast the features of ancient Indian universities like Nalanda and Takshashila with modern state-funded universities in India. What lessons can modern universities learn from ancient ones to improve their effectiveness?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":31,"question":"Analyze the ideological differences and similarities between the revolutionary movement(1920-1930s) and the Gandhian non-violent struggle. How did these two ideologies influence each other?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":34,"question":"What are the various types of glacial landforms formed in the Indian Himalayas. How do these features impact local ecosystems and human activities?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":37,"question":"Discuss the unique geographical features of the Indian Ocean and their impact on global oceanic circulation patterns. How do these features influence the climate of the Indian subcontinent?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":40,"question":"Urban heat islands (UHIs) have become a significant phenomenon in Indian cities, exacerbating the frequency and intensity of heat waves. Analyze the underlying factors contributing to this phenomenon and critically assess the existing mitigation strategies.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":43,"question":"Evaluate the primary factors contributing to regional disparities in the sugar industry between North India and Peninsular India. What measures can be undertaken to reduce the surplus sugar production?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":46,"question":"\"Social mobility is essential for achieving true equality within society'. In this context highlight the barriers to intergenerational mobility in Indian society, and examine the role of education on social mobility.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Analyze the influence of globalization on migration patterns in India. What are the economic and social implications of increased internal and international migration?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":52,"question":"Discuss how gender-based violence in India is a manifestation of patriarchal values. To what extent has modernisation in law served as an instrument of women's empowerment in this regard?","marks":"15","words":null}]},{"id":7459,"topper":"Shreya Tyagi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3af08-202561_1150_shreya-tyagi_rank_31.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Technical solutions are necessary to augment the traditional methods of guarding the border. In this context, while mentioning the different components of Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS), discuss how it can help to address the gaps in the present system of border security. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"In comparison to conventional warfare, the possibility of successful deterrence against cyber warfare is both limited and complicated. Discuss. Also, elaborate upon India's preparedness in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Analyse the impact that the instability in the wider South Asian region has on India's internal security. What steps can be taken to minimise such impact? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlighting its mandate, discuss the significance of International Solar Alliance in positioning India to a key global leadership role. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Despite a strong case for a Broad-based Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA) between India and the European Union (EU), negotiations have been stuck for long owing to multiple factors. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Accession to the Ashgabat agreement is valuable for connecting India to its extended neighbourhood. What is the Ashgabat Agreement? Assess its significance for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is a natural choice for India to fulfill key foreign policy priorities. In this context, discuss the issues behind hitherto slow progress and the reasons for reinvigorated optimism regarding BIMSTEC. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What do you understand by Free Space Optical Communication (FSOC) Technology? Critically explain its potential in connecting rural and remote areas in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What are Orphan Drugs? Examine the significance of putting in place a policy framework for such drugs in a developing country such as India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the obstacles in women's access to science education in India and also suggest remedial measures to overcome these obstacles. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Giving examples, elaborate how India's approach to becoming a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region is taking shape. What are the challenges and opportunities associated with this approach? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime) has pitched for the need of an integrated approach in order to address the difficulties in preventing, detecting, investigating and prosecuting Transnational Organised Crimes (TOC). Elaborating on these difficulties, discuss how an integrated approach can help in tackling TOCs. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Highlighting the need for SMART policing in India, suggest some administrative, legislative and technological reforms in order to realize this vision. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind private sector playing a merely peripheral role in defence manufacturing in India. Also, explain how the Draft Defence Production Policy, 2018 seeks to augment private sector participation in defence manufacturing in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"While India and Russia have enjoyed good relations since the Soviet era, relying on the past may not be enough to deal with shift in the relationship in light of the rapidly evolving geopolitical realities. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"In what ways has the engagement between India and its diaspora evolved over the years? What role can the Indian diaspora play in furthering and shaping India's foreign policy goals? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Sluggish progress of the Doha round signals that the WTO is proving to be ineffective in promoting free trade. Identifying the factors behind this, comment on the relevance of WTO in present context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"India's engagement with its extended neighbourhood in West Asia has evolved into a 'Look West' approach in recent times. However, multiple faultlines in this volatile region require a balancing act on the part of India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The rapid diffusion of Artificial Intelligence begets unique opportunities and challenges for India. Discuss. What can be done to address these challenges? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Water shortage in India has been sought to be addressed through various policy and technological interventions. Explain. Also, examine the benefits of desalination technology and the costs associated with it. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7460,"topper":"Shreya Tyagi","air":31,"year":2024,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b4db3-202561_1146_shreya-tyagi_rank_31.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7461,"topper":"Shreya Tyagi","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/Shreya-Tyagi-gs-mains-advanced-course-2024-test-4-1745411352524.pdf","questions":[{"page":39,"question":"1. What are the issues involved in the above case?\n2. Is it ethically justified to be devoted to duty at the cost of the personal safety of the staff? Discuss.\n3. How will you go about doing your election duties without compromising the safety of your staff? Explain.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Case Study 4 Do you think the above case involves a conflict of interest or there are more issues? Explain\n2. Keeping the above case in perspective, discuss the relevance of impartiality and non-partisanship as professional value.\n3. In hindsight, how do you think you could have avoided the above unpleasant situation.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"3) How could this situation be avoided?\na) Probity requires the highest levels of integrity\nb) Integrity would see honesty in action, speech & thought\nc) The situation should have not only be analysed after the action but before as well.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"1. Discuss the administrative and ethical issues involved in the above case.\n2. Do you think it was morally right on your part to write to the minister? Justify\n3. How will you respond to the action initiated against you? Discuss the available options and justify your selected course of action.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"Case Study 6 You are an IAS officer recently appointed as the Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Rural Development. Your responsibilities include overseeing the implementation of various rural development schemes and ensuring their efficient execution.\n\nDuring an audit of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) funds, you discover substantial irregularities. It appears that a significant portion of the funds allocated for rural employment projects has been siphoned off by senior officials within the ministry through fraudulent invoices and fake beneficiary lists. The funds meant for the rural poor have been diverted to personal accounts.\n\nYou are faced with an ethical dilemma. Reporting this corruption could lead to severe repercussions for you as the implicated senior officials are politically influential and have strong connections. You have also received subtle threats implying that your career progression could be jeopardised if you proceed with the disclosure. On the other hand, ignoring the corruption would mean perpetuating a cycle of exploitation and depriving the rural poor of their rightful benefits.\n1 What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\n2 What are the options available to you?\n3 Identify and explain your chosen course of action after evaluating the merits and demerits of each option.","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":7462,"topper":"Shreya Tyagi","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/Shreya-Tyagi-gs-mains-advanced-course-2024-test-2-1745411281156.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"The rule of law and judicial review are interdependent, as one cannot truly exist without the other. In this context can judicial review be considered the most important aspect among those that constitute the basic structure of the Constitution? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"How does the power and authority of Delhi's lieutenant governor compare to that of the governors of other states, particularly in terms of acting on the aid and advice of the council of ministers? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss the role of the judiciary in navigating the tension between the right to religion and constitutional morality in India in recent times. Refer to relevant case laws. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The principle of 'Separation of Powers' is a key feature of the American Constitution. In this context, compare how the Indian Constitution's functional separation of powers distinguishes itself from the US system. What are the advantages of a check and balance system over a rigid Separation of Powers? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution is more than a legal provision that empowers tribal regions with self-rule. How does the sixth schedule foster development while respecting their traditional governance systems and cultural practices? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How do partnerships between Civil Society Organizations and Government Entities contribute to India's development goals? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss the importance of cultivating a culture of life-long learning among Indian civil servants. How has Mission Karmyogi contributed to this objective? Illustrate with examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Given India's strides in reducing extreme poverty, should the country consider redefining its poverty line to better reflect the current socio-economic realities? Discuss the potential benefits and challenges associated with redefinition of the poverty line. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Evaluate the impact of the deepening political divisions with the major Western States on global governance and international cooperation. How should India navigate these divisions to advance its national interests on the global stage? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"How does India's Arctic Policy align with its broader foreign policy objectives? Broadly discuss the collaborations and agreements India is involved in with the Arctic Council. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In what ways are the terms of reference of the 16th Finance Commission different from that of the previous Finance Commissions? Despite increasingly progressive devolution by subsequent Finance Commissions, examine the factors that propel economic disparities across various States. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Compare and contrast the powers and working of the Ethics Committee and the Privileges Committee in addressing cases of 'unethical' conduct and breach of privileges. How do these Committees complement each other in maintaining parliamentary discipline? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"In the context of persistent legislative dysfunction in India, analyze the evolving role of judicial activism in shaping public policy and governance. Using examples from landmark court cases, evaluate the effectiveness of judicial interventions in addressing governance gaps and safeguarding citizens' rights. (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"To what extent does the level of internal democracy within political parties impact the functioning and legitimacy of the Indian party system? What reforms can address the challenges of inadequate intraparty democracy in India? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"\"The NHRC must not only be a watchdog but also a beacon of hope for the marginalized and oppressed.\" In this context discuss the role and mandate of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in India. How does the current composition and functioning of the NHRC affect its independence and effectiveness? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"The persistent health equity challenges in India pose a critical barrier in achieving Universal Health Coverage. In this context discuss the role of the public and private sectors in ensuring adequate health access and outcomes across rural and urban areas.(250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals requires consideration of regional context and local situations. In light of this statement examine the role of Panchayats as catalysts for grassroots development and advancing sustainable development.(250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"What are the implications of the POCSO Act on the rights and welfare of children in India? Analyze the role of the POCSO Act in transforming India's legal framework for child protection. (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Examine the influence of human rights issues and democratic values on the diplomatic relationship between the U.S. and India. How have these concerns affected bilateral engagements and what can be done to mitigate tensions arising from these issues? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Examine the geopolitical challenges India faces in South Asia despite its global rise. How can India navigate these challenges to strengthen its regional leadership? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7463,"topper":"Shreya Tyagi","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/Shreya-Tyagi-gs-mains-advanced-course-2024-test-3-1745411223522.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the factors contributing to high fiscal deficit in India, discuss the potential consequences of such deficit and suggest measures to ensure fiscal consolidation. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"India's aspiration to be a developed nation by 2047 hinges on significant capital investment. In light of this, discuss the potential of capital investment in achieving this vision. What are the challenges India faces in this regard? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"\"With growing urbanization, peri-urban agriculture is emerging as a significant contributor to fresh farm produce needs\". In this context, discuss the opportunities and challenges associated with promoting peri-urban agriculture in a sustainable manner. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What are the major challenges faced by India's agriculture sector to achieve self-sufficiency in pulses and vegetable oils? Suggest measures to address these challenges. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Evaluate the potential of biomanufacturing and bio-foundry in driving India's future towards a sustainable green economy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What are the principles behind the working of Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV)? Explain the significance and potential benefits of use of RLVs in India's space commerce. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Examine the key features of the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) 2023. Analyze its potential for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"In light of the increased intensity, frequency and duration of heat waves in the last decade, do you think the time has come to include \"heat waves\" as a notified disaster under the Disaster Management Act, 2005? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Recently formulated 'joint doctrine for cyberspace operations' by Indian armed forces will lead to strengthening of the cyber-security posture for both conventional operations as well as gray zone warfare. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the necessity and potential issues surrounding the extension of the Border Security Force's (BSF) territorial jurisdiction in states adjacent to Pakistan and Bangladesh. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"India's economic growth story is often overshadowed by the persistent challenges of unemployment. Analyze the concept of structural unemployment and discuss its relevance in the context of India's current economic situation. Suggest policy measures to promote inclusive job growth. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Discuss the role of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in fostering regional growth in India. How can MSMEs contribute to achieving industrial diversification and technological advancement? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"\"The sole point of MSP is to protect farmers from sudden price shock\". Do you think legalization of MSP can insure farmers from sudden price shocks? What are the other measures which can be taken to make MSP-led procurement effective? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the role of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) in the Public Distribution System (PDS) to ensure food security in India. Suggest necessary reforms in the functioning of FCI to enhance its efficiency and effectiveness. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the role of nanotechnology on enhancing agricultural productivity and food security in India. Highlight recent developments and potential benefits and risks of use of nano-fertilizers and nano-pesticides. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The Nobel Prize in Physics of 2023 was jointly awarded to Ekimov, Brus and Bawendi for the discovery of synthesis of quantum dots. In this context, discuss the applications of quantum dots. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Evaluate the role of protected areas in biodiversity conservation in India. How effective have national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves been in preserving India's biodiversity? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"What the causes of high levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and ozone pollution in India. How effective are the various steps taken by the government to mitigate particulate matter and ozone pollution? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) Report 2023 highlights a growing menace of drug trafficking in South Asia, with India being a major hub. Analyze the various dimensions of this challenge with respect to India. Also suggest a multi-pronged approach to address it. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"India's response to left wing extremism needs to integrate soft approaches like socio-economic policies and dialogue along with hard security measures to address the root causes of Naxalism. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7464,"topper":"Shreya Tyagi","air":31,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1DM-npz0pcMdjc_jUk1d4jE45Hxio1T8u","questions":[]},{"id":7465,"topper":"Shreya Tyagi","air":123,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1vC9F72O8zz54-2B61NLNbFKQCpN-Jy9r","questions":[]},{"id":7466,"topper":"Shreyansh Surana","air":413,"year":2022,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/SHREYANSH_SURANA_2022_IAS_Exam_Rank_413_VTS_4_Mains_1_Redacted_fe48071067.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7467,"topper":"Shreyansh Surana","air":413,"year":2022,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/SHREYANSH_SURANA_2022_IAS_Exam_Rank_413_VTS_4_Mains_2_Redacted_1942f3e9db.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7468,"topper":"Shreyansh Surana","air":413,"year":2022,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/SHREYANSH_SURANA_2022_IAS_Exam_Rank_413_VTS_4_Mains_3_Redacted_f01ee7374d.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7469,"topper":"Shreyansh Surana","air":413,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/SHREYANSH_SURANA_2022_IAS_Exam_Rank_413_VTS_4_Mains_4_Redacted_cee121d423.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7470,"topper":"Shruti Ola","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/781770142252687b4750b386de5a9f2e/28/mts_2025_unchecked_gspm24a12040_flt2509.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Pillars are not merely architectural marvels, but also serve as crucial sources of ancient Indian history. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"To what extent did early economic nationalists like Dadabhai Naoroji shape the intellectual foundations of the Indian freedom movement? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How did the Indian national movement influence freedom movements across the world? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How does the movement of continental plates help explain the spatial distribution of earthquakes in specific regions of the world? Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"River interlinking is seen as a means to reduce regional water stress. Discuss its advantages and examine the possible environmental and social implications. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the localisation factors for the textile industry in India and examine its economic significance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What are loess deposits, and why do they constitute some of the most agriculturally productive regions of the world? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Screen-based education has improved accessibility but also created new behavioural and social challenges for children. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Why are protectionist and xenophobic trends against Indians rising in the West, despite the global embrace of Indian culture and soft power? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The caste system in India has adapted to the forces of modernisation, urbanisation, and economic liberalisation. Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":31,"question":"Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Jawaharlal Nehru differed in their approach to nation-building, yet their shared vision was instrumental in shaping modern India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"The Swadeshi Movement marked a significant shift in India's freedom struggle from passive resistance to active mass mobilisation. In this context, discuss the strategies, social impact, and limitations of the movement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"The Western Ghats and the Northeastern Hills receive some of the highest rainfall during the southwest monsoon in India. Discuss the mechanisms responsible for heavy rainfall in these regions and analyse the monsoon's influence on human life in these regions. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Differentiate between forest cover, tree cover, and green cover. How do forest ecosystems in India contribute to climate resilience and carbon sequestration? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Account for the salinity variations in the world's oceans. How does this variation impact ocean circulation and marine ecosystems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"How does the polar cryosphere play a pivotal role in regulating the Earth's climate system? Also, enumerate the key factors responsible for rapid warming in the Arctic. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"\"Religious pluralism and secularism are integral to India's social fabric, but their coexistence requires constant negotiation.\" Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Discuss the intersection of class, gender, and geography in determining women's access to opportunities in the Indian service sector. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"\"Despite a strong continuity in traditional family values, Indian society is witnessing rising trends of delayed marriage, increasing divorce rates, and family disruption.\" Discuss the socio-economic and cultural factors contributing to this shift. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7471,"topper":"Shruti Ola","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/781770142252687b4750b386de5a9f2e/30/mts_2025_unchecked_gspm24a12040_flt2510.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Socialistic ideals and secularism are core features of the Basic Structure doctrine in India. In this context, discuss how judicial decisions have cemented these principles as the cornerstone of constitutional identity. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"There is a need to expand the scope of ‘corrupt practices’ under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, to address emerging forms of electoral malpractices.\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Analyse the distinguishing perspectives on equality as reflected in the constitutional frameworks of India and France. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The shrinking effective share of States in the Union's gross tax revenues, coupled with equity-heavy criteria in horizontal devolution, raises critical concerns for fiscal federalism in India. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"Citizenship is the legal foundation of constitutional rights and responsibilities.\" Discuss how India's approach to citizenship reflects its commitment to constitutional values. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Declining fertility rates, coupled with rising life expectancy, require a shift from fertility-focused interventions to human capital investments. Examine in the light of recent population trends. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"The quality of governance is critically linked to the extent and nature of citizen participation in democratic processes.\" Discuss using examples in the Indian context. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"Low alignment between educational outcomes and market needs can widen social and economic inequalities.\" Examine this statement in the context of India's skills ecosystem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"The weakening commitment of major powers to international health frameworks poses serious challenges to equitable global cooperation.\" Discuss in light of the U.S. withdrawal from the WHO and its implications for India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The ongoing conflict in West Asia has exposed the vulnerabilities of regional diplomacy. In this light, discuss the implications of the West Asian conflict for India's strategic autonomy and regional engagement. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"\"Department-related Standing Committees serve as the institutional backbone of legislative scrutiny, yet their potential remains underutilised.\" Critically analyse the challenges faced by Parliamentary Committees in ensuring executive accountability in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"\"President's Rule is a constitutional mechanism to deal with governance failure, not political convenience.\" Under what circumstances can President's Rule be imposed in a State? Discuss the constitutional safeguards and judicial verdicts associated with it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"The recently released Devolution Index reveals wide variation in the performance of States in empowering Panchayati Raj Institutions. While explaining the reasons behind this variation, discuss the role of capacity-building initiatives in enabling PRIs to fulfil their constitutional mandate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"\"In the evolving constitutional and political landscape, the effectiveness of statutory commissions depends on their structural autonomy and independence.\" Discuss in the context of the growing demand for constitutional status for statutory commissions like the National Commission for Women (NCW) and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"\"An independent judiciary is essential for upholding constitutional values, but it must also remain accountable to preserve public trust.\" Discuss in the context of recent issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Institutional autonomy of sectoral regulators is critical for ensuring credibility, transparency, and fair competition. In light of recent incidents, examine the issues pertaining to the independence and autonomy of regulatory bodies in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"How far do you think a caste census is a necessary step toward realising the goals of social justice and equitable development, despite the administrative challenges it poses? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"\"The complexity of modern governance demands adaptive and dynamic administrative reforms.\" Evaluate the role of administrative reforms in improving efficiency, transparency, and responsiveness in Indian governance. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"The trajectory of India-China relations in the last 75 years reflects a balance between pragmatic cooperation and unresolved strategic tensions. Discuss the contours of this evolving policy and highlight the measures India should take to counterbalance asymmetries with China. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"The evolution of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) from a maritime security grouping to a multidimensional partnership reflects changing strategic realities in the Indo-Pacific. In this context, examine the opportunities and challenges that QUAD presents for India's regional aspirations and strategic autonomy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7472,"topper":"Shruti Ola","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/781770142252687b4750b386de5a9f2e/31/mts_2025_unchecked_gspm24a12040_flt2511.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"How far do you think the recent proposals to reform India's tax structure will help in improving India's tax buoyancy and base? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"How do the rising trends of economic nationalism and protectionism affect India's global trade competitiveness? What recent measures has India taken to navigate these challenges? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Examine the role of Integrated Farming System (IFM) in improving agricultural productivity and minimizing the environmental impact of agriculture. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"In recent years, Indian agriculture has been witnessing a transformation towards better productivity and improved farmer incomes. What institutional and structural reforms have been undertaken by the Government to make agriculture more rewarding and sustainable? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How do Air Defence systems work? What are the various air-defense systems that India currently possesses? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the potential of RNA editing in treating genetic disorders. What are its advantages over DNA editing? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Urban areas are more vulnerable to disasters due to unplanned growth and infrastructure collapses. Discuss. What strategies do you recommend to enhance urban resilience to such disasters? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Despite its criticality for the success of the Swachha Bharat Mission, solid waste management in India remains at a sub-optimal level. In this context, suggest long-term technological and institutional solutions towards effective solid-waste management. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"Social media has emerged as a new frontier in modern warfare, shaping narratives, influencing perceptions, and impacting national security\". In this context, analyse the role of social media in contemporary conflicts. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The Border Security Force (BSF) has evolved significantly in its jurisdiction as well as its strategic importance in border management and the internal security framework. Explain the role and mandate of BSF. What are the issues BSF faces while operating in the border States? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"India's growth story is marred by persistent challenges of inequality and the middle-income-trap. Discuss. Highlight the approaches India should follow to escape the middle-income trap and ensure inclusive and sustainable economic growth. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"MSMEs are central to the success of the Make in India initiative, yet they face challenges in scaling up and integrating into formal supply chains. Discuss. Suggest structural reforms needed to make MSMEs more resilient and competitive. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"\"The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) aims to achieve 'more crop per drop', yet irrigation efficiency in India remains suboptimal.\" Critically analyse. What reforms are needed to strengthen its implementation? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"The rising import of oilseeds and pulses has made their cultivation unremunerative. In the light of this statement, elucidate the steps needed to promote the production and consumption of oilseeds and pulses in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Explain the scientific principles behind cloud seeding. Highlighting its role in alleviating air pollution and global warming, discuss its potential limitations. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Give an account of the evolution of India's 3-Stage Nuclear Power Programme. What are the advantages and strategic imperatives of realising the thorium-based third stage? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Recent studies indicate that the 2014-2024 decade is the warmest decade and 2024 is the warmest year on record. In the light of rapid global warming, what are the impacts of climate change on biodiversity? Discuss the measures needed to ensure ecological resilience and conservation of species diversity. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Forest fires in India are increasing in frequency and intensity, posing severe ecological and economic challenges. Describe the various causes of forest fires. What measures are followed to prevent and manage forest fires in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"What are organized crimes? Discuss the linkages between organized crime and terrorism. How do such linkages pose internal security challenges to India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"India's north-eastern region is fraught with contentious issues and security challenges. Examine the various security challenges currently prevailing in the region. Discuss the steps to counter these challenges. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7473,"topper":"Shruti Ola","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/cc80e7c81f00eaa4f15f78533b4a4ad5/17/mts_2025_unchecked_gspm24a12040_flt2512.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"\"Duty forms the cornerstone of administrative ethics, yet without integration of other ethical perspectives, it risks becoming mechanical compliance.\" Discuss how the interplay of duty, virtue, principle, and consequences can enrich ethical decision-making in public administration. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"The strength of a professional public service lies in its ability to remain non-partisan, even in a deeply political environment.\" Do you agree that partisanship undermines the ethical foundation of public administration? Discuss the risks posed by political bias among civil servants and the safeguards that help uphold neutrality. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"In situations of moral ambiguity, where formal rules fall short, emotional intelligence and conscience become crucial tools. Explain how these internal faculties help public servants navigate ethical grey zones. Support with a suitable example. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"The heart of the ethical dilemma is not the absence of values but the presence of competing responsibilities.\" Discuss how ethical dilemmas in public administration often emerge from the clash of legitimate obligations rather than moral ambiguity. Illustrate with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"The growing layers of oversight, media scrutiny, and public expectations have made accountability a double-edged sword for public servants.\" Do you agree that excessive accountability pressure can sometimes hinder ethical judgment and innovation in the bureaucracy? Explain your perspective with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"Family, society, and education do not merely transmit values they shape the ethical foundation of public life.\" Discuss how these institutions influence value formation in public servants. Why is the role of these institutions critical in strengthening ethical governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"Gandhian ethics emphasize purity of means, truth, and moral courage even when outcomes are uncertain.\" Critically evaluate whether such absolutist ethics are compatible with the demands of modern public administration, where administrative realism and pragmatism are often necessary. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"Procurement decisions are a litmus test of public sector probity, where integrity must resist both institutional pressures and private influence.\" Discuss how the principles of transparency, fairness, and accountability can strengthen ethical conduct in public procurement. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"Attitudes, shaped by personal beliefs and values, influence the ethical behaviour of public servants.\" Explain how moral and political attitudes impact administrative neutrality and integrity in public service. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"\"Foreign aid is often framed as generosity, but its ethical legitimacy depends on fairness, accountability, and respect for sovereignty.\" Explain the ethical concerns associated with conditional foreign aid. How can donor countries uphold recipient autonomy while ensuring transparency and developmental impact? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"\"Good government...depends...(on) the qualities of the human beings composing the society over which the government is exercised.\" J S Mill Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":34,"question":"What are the ethical considerations involved in this budget allocation decision?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"How can administrators ensure equitable development while maintaining working relationships with elected representatives? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"What are the key ethical and professional concerns in this situation? 2. As his mentor, what are your options in addressing the issue? 3. What would be your recommended course of action, and why? 4. How can civil servants balance personal expression with the demands of neutrality and public accountability? (Answer in 250 words) 20 Marks You are posted as the Deputy Director (Training) at a state administrative academy. Among the current batch of officer trainees is a probationer known for initiative and strong opinions on social justice and governance. Over the past few weeks, the probationer has been posting commentary on current affairs on his public social media account. While not abusive or inflammatory, his posts openly criticise: \\u2022 Certain welfare schemes as \\u201ctokenistic,\\u201d \\u2022 The inaction of state agencies in recent communal incidents, \\u2022 And call for \\u201ccivil resistance\\u201d to regressive laws. Screenshots of his posts have circulated in the department. Some senior officers consider the posts politically charged and believe they undermine the principle of neutrality and decorum expected of civil servants. Others argue he is still under training and needs mentorship, not discipline. You are informally asked by the Director General to \\u201cspeak to him\\u201d and submit a recommendation on whether formal action is warranted. The probationer, when confronted, says: \\u201cI posted as a citizen, not as a government mouthpiece. I\\u2019m entitled to express myself. My views don\\u2019t affect my professional objectivity.\\u201d There\\u2019s growing debate in the academy: Where does personal liberty end and institutional responsibility begin? Is there space for moral conviction in service, or must officers conform fully to institutional restraint even in their private lives?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the key ethical issues in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"How can civil servants uphold integrity when informal hierarchies and peer pressure discourage ethical action? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"What are the ethical concerns involved in the allocation of CSR funds in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"How would you assess the competing pressures of organizational politics and public interest?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"What decision would you take, and how would you justify it ethically and professionally? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"What are the administrative and ethical issues involved in the case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"How can senior civil servants uphold neutrality and fairness in politically sensitive postings without inviting retaliation or appearing insubordinate? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":60,"question":"Several NGOs and urban policy experts point out that the land had remained vacant for decades, with no alternative use pursued or development plan executed until the recent PIL. They also raise concerns that no rehabilitation policy has been activated, despite a clear state commitment under its urban housing scheme. The situation is tense: • A local MLA supports immediate clearance, citing \"respect for the rule of law and infrastructure development.\" • Media and civil society are sharply divided; some demand swift implementation, others condemn the potential humanitarian fallout. • Your team awaits instruction. Some suggest delaying until an in-principle rehabilitation commitment is secured. Others urge immediate compliance to \"avoid contempt.\" You are now faced with a critical choice: obeying the court order as is, or seeking space to align legal compliance with ethical obligations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"What are the core ethical challenges involved in executing the eviction in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"How should a public servant reconcile legal mandates with humanitarian obligations in contexts of informal urban settlements?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7474,"topper":"Shruti Rajlakshmi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/07272-483769_1509_shruti-rajlakshmi_rank_25.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The architecture of Vijayanagara kingdom has a distinctive style comprising of unique features. Elaborate with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Although the tenure of Lord William Bentinck was short, it was marked by enduring reforms. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"While the Indian capitalists were not in favour of protracted mass civil disobedience, many of them also acknowledged the utility, even necessity, of civil disobedience in getting crucial concessions for their class and the nation. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"American Revolution was a constitutional crisis brought on by the irreconcilability of Britain's imperial interests and the colonists' experience in self-government. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Explaining the phenomenon of Western Disturbance, discuss its impact on the Indian weather system. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Arabian Sea, a cyclone shy water body, is converting into a cyclone hotbed. Analyse the reasons behind this trend. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Despite the Peninsular India being a stable land mass and a region of slight seismicity, it has witnessed several earthquakes. Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Despite all the long strides towards women's rights to property and inheritance in India, there still exist challenges that need to be addressed. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"It has been observed in India, while the population has stabilised in southern states, this remains a pipe dream in the case of northern states. Analyse the reasons behind this trend. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Globalisation is affecting the attitudes and aspirations of youth in India in multifarious ways. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Identifying its major forms, broadly trace the evolution of classical dance in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Despite its advocacy for peaceful resolution of disputes, highlight the factors that prompted India to use force to remove Portuguese colonial rule from its territories after independence. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The roots of the present Israel-Palestine conflict may be traced back to ancient history, however it is the 20th century which has shaped it in its modern form. Explain. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Discuss the problems and prospects of the cotton textile industry in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"As Indian cities are undergoing rapid urbanization with burgeoning population, state policies and actions have proved to be inadequate to address the corresponding challenges. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Nation doesn't negate the concept of region. Discuss the idea in the Indian context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7475,"topper":"Shruti Rajlakshmi","air":25,"year":2021,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d3c6c-483769_1514_shruti-rajlakshmi_rank_25.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7476,"topper":"Shruti Rajlakshmi","air":25,"year":2021,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/42974-483769_1864_shruti-rajlakshmi_rank_25.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7477,"topper":"Shruti Rajlakshmi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_lfocikJbP7uS31kTSBw3N5Bfcl7C60l/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) Persuasion plays an important role in public administration. Discuss. Also highlight the various elements of effective persuasion.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) \"Never do anything against the conscience even if the state demands it.\" In this context, discuss the role of conscience in taking ethical decisions in administration.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) Raja Ram Mohan Roy's liberal views on social and religious issues have much relevance in present day India. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) The moral circle of humanity has been expanding constantly over time. Discuss in this context whether non-human entities should have the same rights as humans beings.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"3. What do each of the following quotations mean to you?\n(a) \"Each individual is capable of transforming his immediate environment by attempting a radical transformation inside him\". – J Krishnamurti","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) \"True compassion means not only feeling another's pain but also being moved to help relieve it\". - Daniel Goleman","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"4. (a) An important requisite for ensuring probity in governance is absence of corruption. Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"4. (b) The right to information (RTI) and the right to privacy (RTP) complement each other in holding the government accountable to the people, however, in cases of conflict, they can be reconciled keeping public interest in mind. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"5. (a) Explain the ethical issues involved in spending government funds for advertisement campaigns and publicity.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"5. (b) Explaining the concept of political neutrality, discuss its significance in administration. Also, highlight how the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules seek to ensure political neutrality in the civil services.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"6. (a) In light of the recurring issues, there is a constant need to search for better ethical frameworks and models of corporate governance. Discuss with adequate examples and evidence in support of your arguments.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"6. (b) Gender inequality begins at home and then gets institutionalised at the societal level. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"6. (c) Stakeholder Capitalism is suggested as a way forward in wake of social, economic and environment challenges posed by Shareholder Capitalism. Examine the relevant arguments in this debate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"7. Mr. X is a renowned Architect. He receives a contract of Rs. 500 crores to design and lead a building project that would not only be an architectural landmark but also involves engineering challenges the solutions for which would change the industry. The building would house the headquarters of a successful company Fictitious Corp. Its chairman, Mr. Y is renowned for his acumen as well as temper. After spending time on the drawing board, Mr. X comes up with an innovative design which in itself is a masterpiece. His office had to lay out the plan and then coordinate with the engineering firms to execute it to perfection. The building is constructed in record time and is praised for its ingenuity and the experts also look at it as an engineering milestone.\n\nAfter six months of its construction, Ms. Z, a doctoral student of mathematics, visits the building for her work on structural engineering calculations. She has immense respect for Mr. X's work. However, she finds that her calculations do not satisfy the requirements of structural integrity for which the building has been widely hailed. She realizes that the building's structure has a deficiency based on the bolted beams used for structural support; this was inadequate if the impact of vertical winds on the building is taken into account. It not only created a threat for the building and its occupants but also the buildings and people nearby.","marks":null,"words":"around 250"},{"page":30,"question":"(a) Identify the most pressing issues? Which ones would you address on priority?\n(b) What would be your advice to Mr. X and Mr. Y.? Also, sufficiently clarify the reasons for such an advice.\na) Identify the most pressing issues? Which ones would you address on priority?\nb) What would be your advice to Mr. X and Mr. Y.? Also, sufficiently clarify the reasons for such an advice.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":31,"question":"(a) इस प्रकरण में सम्मिलित सर्वाधिक अहम मुद्दों की पहचान कीजिए? आप प्राथमिकता के आधार पर किसे संबोधित करेंगे?\n(b) श्री X और श्री Y को आपकी क्या सलाह होगी? साथ ही, प्रयास रूप से इस तरह की सलाह के कारणों को स्पष्ट कीजिए।","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"8. In a recent survey around social and economic indicators, a certain state in the country was found grossly underperforming. The state is marred with the issues of poverty, hunger, social backwardness, lawlessness and underdevelopment. In about seven decades since gaining independence, this state has continued to perform poorly across various indices. In the past, the Chief Minister had set up a fact finding Committee to report on the chief causes of the backwardness of the State. After years of ground research and surveying, it was found that the one of the main causes of the state's backwardness was its huge population that amplified resource scarcity to unimaginable proportions. Taking a clue from the facts presented in the report, the State Cabinet constitutes a panel of policy makers to consider this question of growing population and suggest suitable revisions to the State's Population Policy. The Panel recommends legislating a Population Control Bill that has a contentious provision in the form of 'One Child' norm. You are the Chief of this Panel and the recommendations of the Panel require your approval to be tabled in the Chief Minister's Office.\nIn this context, answer the following questions:\n(a) What are the ethical issues related to population control of a compulsory nature that you would consider before approving or rejecting the recommendation?\n(b) What would be your course of action in the aforementioned case? Suggest reasons for the same.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":41,"question":"9 You are working as a Divisional Forest Officer in an area which is home to tigers. Recently, there have been reports of a tiger venturing into agricultural fields and also killing livestock of villagers. Unfortunately, 2-3 villagers have been killed by some wild animals in last few weeks. Villagers claim that the tiger has killed their fellow villagers and request you to protect their lives and property by either relocating or killing the man-eater tiger. They also obstructed investigation of forest officials to ascertain whether it was the work of tiger or some other animals. Your attempts to trap the tiger have not been successful. Concerned over the delay in killing or relocating the tiger, villagers hire a private hunter to kill the tiger on their own and argue that they have a right to defend themselves and their property. In this context, answer the following questions:\n(a) Identify the issues involved in this scenario.\n(b) What steps would you take as the Divisional Forest Officer to ensure villagers' safety along with protection of tigers?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":46,"question":"10. You are a District Magistrate of an area which has seen a huge surge in COVID-19 cases during the second wave of pandemic in India. The health infrastructure is already overburdened. Hospitals are overwhelmed, crematoriums and burial sites are regularly running out of space, and covid testing is struggling to meet the demand. Also, the vaccination drive is at the risk of going off-track due to the demand-supply mismatch. During this difficult time, you come to know that there are some people who are engaging in black marketing, hoarding and profiteering by using every trick in the book to cheat, ransom and swindle Covid-19 patients and their kin in the name of scarcity of drugs, oxygen and hospital beds.\n\nBlack marketing, hoarding and profiteering are a classic case of market failure, which highlights the significance of state intervention in a crisis situation. How can state effectively play the role of a regulator as well as service provider in such cases of market failure?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":47,"question":"How can state be a regulator and service provider in such cases?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"11. You work as a marketing consultant for a multinational company that specializes in various products including nutrient supplements, diet pills etc. The company pays its employees extremely well and provides satisfactory fringe benefits. Your manager has hinted that he will recommend you for overseas company transfer, which will improve your job profile. This has motivated you to work harder and perform better.\n\nThe company has to advertise and sell a new weight loss pill 'X'. As per in-company research, it has minimal or no side effects and has no adverse impacts on health, which is its unique selling point (USP). You are given the responsibility of heading the marketing team for advertising pill 'X'. Due to a well-crafted marketing strategy including endorsement by a renowned celebrity, the product has generated considerable public attention. However, while working on an advertisement campaign for the pill, you find out that the in-company research findings of pill 'X' are fabricated. While it indeed has no side-effects, there are no proven benefits of taking the pill as well. It merely acts as a placebo.\n\nWhen you bring up the issue with your manager, he promptly tells you to keep the facts to yourself. He also indirectly brings up the fact that your performance review date is approaching and hints that you will get transferred overseas if you prove your loyalty to the company.\n\nBased on the given information, address the following:\n(a) Identify the stakeholders in this situation.\n(b) State the ethical issues that arise in this case.\n(c) Discuss your options in this scenario and mention your next step.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":56,"question":"12. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced universities, schools and other educational institutions around the world to shut down their campuses indefinitely and move their educational activities onto online platforms. These institutions were not prepared for such a transition and their online teaching-learning process evolved gradually. Though students considered online learning advantageous because of flexibility and convenience, there have been reports that the students prefer learning in physical classrooms to online education. The students feel that online education is stressful and affects their health and social life. Moreover, not all students have equal access to, and expertise on, digital technologies. Although these inequalities existed earlier, the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed this digital divide. Considering yourself as the Chairman of a Committee, constituted by the government, to suggest measures to improve the quality and accessibility of online education, answer the following questions:\n(a) What are the key ethical issues at stake here?\n(b) Highlight the principles and values that will guide your recommendations to the government.\n(c) Suggest measures to improve the quality and accessibility of online education in the country.","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":7478,"topper":"Shruti Rajlakshmi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fU3LHFpvZTJpU3wyVbHYNW_kZhtb6iBW/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) An ethical action is rooted in the temporal and spatial dimensions of societies. Discuss with adequate examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) Unstable marriages and families can lead to failures of moral development in children and overall moral decline in the society. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) An ethical work culture is a prerequisite for sustainable growth of an organization. Discuss and suggest some measures to build an ethical work culture in an organization.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) Crises, humanitarian or economic, often create the perfect storm for corruption to thrive. Discuss with examples. What measures can be taken to mitigate corruption during a crisis?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"3. (a) Discuss the various ethical concerns associated with vaccine passport for international travel. Also, suggest the measures that can be taken to deal with these concerns.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) The edifice of good corporate governance is dependent on the efficacy and effectiveness of independent directors. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"4. What do each of the following quotations mean to you?\n(a) \"Enlightenment is man's emergence from his self-incurred immaturity.\" - Immanuel Kant","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"4. (b) 'Knowledge gives us power, love gives us fullness.' - Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"5. (a) The issue of marital rape is often ignored due to the belief that marriage is a sacred institution. In this context, discuss whether marital rape should be criminalised.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"5. (b) Students should be taught the importance of \"doing what's right\" at a young age. Discuss how the New Education Policy seeks to impart value based education to students of all age groups.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"6. (a) The role of emotional intelligence is crucial for public servants in overcoming adversity. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"6. (b) What are the important learnings from the life and teachings of Sri Adi Shankaracharya that can help public servants in their personal and professional lives.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"6. (c) Citizen's Charters are tools that help conventional organizations develop socially sensitive and ethically oriented professional conduct. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"7. You are working as the Head of the Human Resources Department in a consultancy firm ABC Corp. A female employee of the firm comes to you complaining about sexual harassment in the company premise at the hands of the CEO of one of your clients, XYZ Corp., when the latter visited your firm for a client interaction. XYZ Corp. happens to be a major source of revenue for your company. Also, the CEO of XYZ Corp. is considered as a very reputed professional and is highly regarded by the senior management of your firm. In the past, you have witnessed members of your senior management praise the professional and no-nonsense attitude of the CEO of XYZ Corp. However, the female employee, who has approached you, is also sure that the CEO knowingly misbehaved with her. In light of the situation:\n(a) Discuss the issues involved in this case.\n(b) What are the options available to you and what course of action would you take? Give logical arguments to support your answer.","marks":"20","words":"in around 250"},{"page":34,"question":"8. Records show that there have been numerous cases of custodial deaths in the last 20 years in India. Very few policeman have been convicted so far in such cases. Recently, you come across the case of custodial death of a youth in one of the backward districts of the country. It has been reported that the youth was detained on frivolous grounds of kidnapping a girl from another community. As a young graduate student, preparing for the civil services examination conducted by the UPSC, answer the following:\n(a) Why is there a frequent violation of the code of conduct and abuse of authority by law enforcement officers at various levels in India?\n(b) Is the use of violence and show of 'quick justice' by the policemen increasingly becoming acceptable by the society? Justify your stand with relevant arguments.\n(c) What can be done to comprehensively deal with the issue of torture and custodial deaths in India?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":35,"question":"(A) Reason for frequent violation of code of conduct and abuse of authority by law enforcement officers\n(1) Lack of awareness, training in the code of conduct by officers\n(2) Over-work causes frustration in the officers\n(3) Need to uphold the \"machoist\" and \"paternalistic\" attitude of police force to ensure order\n(4) Delays in the judicial system frustrates an officer who himself/herself becomes a justice-giver\n(5) Lack of an accountability framework for police","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"9. A prominent stand-up comedian from your country has recently delivered a performance at an event in another country. Owing to the fame and hype associated with this event, the performance has been broadcast across the globe to millions of viewers. In the performance, the comedian brings up the dichotomy and paradoxes associated with the society and culture of your country. He brings up issues like status of women, violence against women, caste, politics etc. in his monologue. The performance touches upon such sensitive issues that it has polarised the audience. A vast section of people are affected by this and have organized huge demonstrations and have appealed the government to direct the broadcasting platform to remove this content from their platform. They are also pushing the government to take action against the comedian. An FIR too has been filed against him. On the other hand, there is also a significant outpour of support for the comedian.\n(a) What are the core ethical issues arising from this case?\n(b) The recent spate of FIRs against show creators, artists etc. highlight the need of regulation of content that is circulated online. Should such a step be taken by the government? Substantiate with reasons.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":44,"question":"10. You are a District Magistrate posted in a backward district of the country. You are responsible for getting an Atal Residential School built on the village land in your district. The contract for the construction of the school has been assigned to a popular local leader's son. This land is presently occupied by tribal communities but they cannot produce any ownership records. They claim that they have resided on the land for generations. They also allege that the administration is pressurising them to vacate their land to build the school and have assured that they will be relocated elsewhere. However, they are hesitant to do so as it will uproot them from their homes and will affect their livelihood. One of the prominent tribal leaders has highlighted this issue and it has caught the attention of the mainstream media. In the light of the situation, answer the following:\n(a) Identify the stakeholders involved in the case and their respective interests.\n(b) Discuss the various ethical concerns in the given case.\n(c) What are the options available to you and which of these options you will choose? Justify.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":49,"question":"11. Across the world, there is often a taxing demand on correct manners, etiquettes and moral responsibility by celebrities and public figures and there is huge public outrage if they act carelessly. Even for small mistakes, public figures have to apologise, or take an early retirement out of shame. This is often aggravated by the media, which relentlessly reports on the issue and the public who enjoy the voyeurism offered by entertainment – footage of star cars being chased, leaked WhatsApp chats etc. Further, there is hardly any unbiased and civil debate when it comes to celebrities and their social responsibilities. In most cases, the argument does not even centre around the actual issue and gets subsumed by overarching subplots. Messy trolling, often misdirected, is a common feature in all. Even serious issues like suicide and drug use are reduced to parenting problems and witch-hunt is often seen. In this context:\n(a) Is there any difference between a public figure and private person when it comes to privacy? Should public figures also have some reasonable amount of privacy?\n(b) Do you think it is fair to expect role models, such as celebrities and public figures, to act more responsibly as compared to ordinary citizens?\n(c) Discuss the importance of responsible journalism in this context.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":54,"question":"12. You are the Municipal Commissioner of a large city, which has witnessed unprecedented increase in biomedical waste. Recently, 15 sanitation workers lost their lives and close to 100 have been seriously infected owing to this increase in waste. Apart from biomedical waste, the city is also facing a major problem in management of household waste. There is a view that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the problems of the waste management sector. Despite the fact that the government has notified rules regarding disposal, collection and treatment of waste and has initiated numerous awareness campaigns in the past, still, the problem does not seem to be getting under control. In view of this, answer the following questions:\n(a) Identify the stakeholders and the significance of their involvement in addressing the issue.\n(b) In your opinion, what are the reasons behind apathy of people towards issues like waste disposal that affect the larger interests of the society?\n(c) As the Municipal Commissioner, suggest some practical techniques to bring about an attitudinal change among residents of the city towards this issue.","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":7479,"topper":"Shruti Rajlakshmi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4c1c0-483769_1512_shruti-rajlakshmi_rank_25.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Persuasion plays an important role in public administration. Discuss. Also highlight the various elements of effective persuasion. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"\"Never do anything against the conscience even if the state demands it.\" In this context, discuss the role of conscience in taking ethical decisions in administration. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Raja Ram Mohan Roy's liberal views on social and religious issues have much relevance in present day India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The moral circle of humanity has been expanding constantly over time. Discuss in this context whether non-human entities should have the same rights as humans beings. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"Each individual is capable of transforming his immediate environment by attempting a radical transformation inside him\". - J Krishnamurti (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"An important requisite for ensuring probity in governance is absence of corruption. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The right to information (RTI) and the right to privacy (RTP) complement each other in holding the government accountable to the people, however, in cases of conflict, they can be reconciled keeping public interest in mind. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Explain the ethical issues involved in spending government funds for advertisement campaigns and publicity. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Explaining the concept of political neutrality, discuss its significance in administration. Also, highlight how the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules seek to ensure political neutrality in the civil services. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"In light of the recurring issues, there is a constant need to search for better ethical frameworks and models of corporate governance. Discuss with adequate examples and evidence in support of your arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":36,"question":"In a recent survey around social and economic indicators, a certain state in the country was found grossly underperforming. The state is marred with the issues of poverty, hunger, social backwardness, lawlessness and underdevelopment. In about seven decades since gaining independence, this state has continued to perform poorly across various indices. In the past, the Chief Minister had set up a fact finding Committee to report on the chief causes of the backwardness of the State. After years of ground research and surveying, it was found that the one of the main causes of the state's backwardness was its huge population that amplified resource scarcity to unimaginable proportions. Taking a clue from the facts presented in the report, the State Cabinet constitutes a panel of policy makers to consider this question of growing population and suggest suitable revisions to the State's Population Policy. The-Panel recommends legislating a Population Control Bill that has a contentious provision in the form of 'One Child' norm. You are the Chief of this Panel and the recommendations of the Panel require your approval to be tabled in the Chief Minister's Office. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the ethical issues related to population control of a compulsory nature that you would consider before approving or rejecting the recommendation? (b) What would be your course of action in the aforementioned case? Suggest reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"You are working as a Divisional Forest Officer in an area which is home to tigers. Recently, there have been reports of a tiger venturing into agricultural fields and also killing livestock of villagers. Unfortunately, 2-3 villagers have been killed by some wild animals in last few weeks. Villagers claim that the tiger has killed their fellow villagers and request you to protect their lives and property by either relocating or killing the man-eater tiger. They also obstructed investigation of forest officials to ascertain whether it was the work of tiger or some other animals. Your attempts to trap the tiger have not been successful. Concerned over the delay in killing or relocating the tiger, villagers hire a private hunter to kill the tiger on their own and argue that they have a right to defend themselves and their property. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the issues involved in this scenario. (b) What steps would you take as the Divisional Forest Officer to ensure villagers' safety along with protection of tigers?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"You work as a marketing consultant for a multinational company that specializes in various products including nutrient supplements, diet pills etc. The company pays its employees extremely well and provides satisfactory fringe benefits. Your manager has hinted that he will recommend you for overseas company transfer, which will improve your job profile. This has motivated you to work harder and perform better. The company has to advertise and sell a new weight loss pill 'X'. As per in-company research, it has minimal or no side effects and has no adverse impacts on health, which is its unique selling point (USP). You are given the responsibility of heading the marketing team for advertising pill 'X'. Due to a well-crafted marketing strategy including endorsement by a renowned celebrity, the product has generated considerable public attention. However, while working on an advertisement campaign for the pill, you find out that the in-company research findings of pill 'X' are fabricated. While it indeed has no side-effects, there are no proven benefits of taking the pill as well. It merely acts as a placebo. When you bring up the issue with your manager, he promptly tells you to keep the facts to yourself. He also indirectly brings up the fact that your performance review date is approaching and hints that you will get transferred overseas if you prove your loyalty to the company. Based on the given information, address the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders in this situation. (b) State the ethical issues that arise in this case. (c) Discuss your options in this scenario and mention your next step.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7480,"topper":"Shruti Rajlakshmi","air":25,"year":2021,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/25078-483769_1865_shruti-rajlakshmi_rank_25.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7481,"topper":"Shruti Rajlakshmi","air":25,"year":2021,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/817c7-483769_1516_shruti-rajlakshmi_rank_25.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7482,"topper":"Shruti Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MYpQ8SJN3I2pjKS19sKMoy4FBW0ggVPQ/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Ancient India shows a distinct development of a rich regional variety of water structures. Illustrate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Buddhism has inherent tenets to be accepted across cultures, which is primarily the reason for its international expansion. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Elaborate on the multi-dimensional role and contribution of Madan Mohan Malviya to the cause of Indian freedom. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The identity of the Indian National Congress was its firm opposition to imperialism and a progressive plan for social and economic reform. Do you agree? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Identify the main volcanic belts of the world. What are the positive effects of volcanic eruptions? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What are the major reasons for the rising instances of avalanches in the Himalayas? Suggest mitigation measures to tackle them. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Does climate change have an impact on the monsoonal pattern in India? Comment with examples and empirical evidence. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Do you agree that Caste System, though predominantly associated with Hindu society, is present in various forms across many other religious communities in India? Substantiate with examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Covid-19 pandemic has further emphasized the significance of Secularism in India. Critically examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":7483,"topper":"Shruti Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Xl-wv4xM36lg7C9QVNh6g_p4rOnHYG2R/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by the following terms in the context of public service? (a) Ethical dilemma (b) Conscience (c) Conflict of interest (d) Trustworthiness (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What do you understand by environmental ethics? How are laws and ethics different from each other? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Do you think the utilitarian approach can be the foundation of morals and legislation? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Education is much beyond acquiring information and skills. It goes deep into the domain of ingraining values. Discuss with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Closure of schools due to the pandemic has not only hampered the academic development of the students but also impacted the moral development of the pupils. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Explain briefly the contribution of Acharya Vinoba Bhave in establishing a society with justice and setting the tone for a better India for tomorrow. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What is the difference between prejudices and discrimination? Are there ways to overcome prejudices? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What is the application of Emotional intelligence to administration? How can emotional intelligence be enhanced? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":7484,"topper":"Shruti Sharma","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/Shruti_Sharma_GS_Test1_ff1a46db74.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7485,"topper":"Shruti Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ER257NUCPihtWSOte_aYpnJse3k6b89q/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. What do you understand by the following terms in the context of public service? (10 marks, 150 words)\n(a) Ethical dilemma\n(b) Conscience\n(c) Conflict of interest\n(d) Trustworthiness","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"2. (a) What do you understand by environmental ethics? How are laws and ethics different from each other?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"(b) Do you think the utilitarian approach can be the foundation of morals and legislation?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"3. (a) Education is much beyond acquiring information and skills. It goes deep into the domain of ingraining values. Discuss with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"(b) Closure of schools due to the pandemic has not only hampered the academic development of the students but also impacted the moral development of the pupils. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"4. Explain briefly the contribution of Acharya Vinoba Bhave in establishing a society with justice and setting the tone for a better India for tomorrow.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"5. (a) What is the difference between prejudices and discrimination? Are there ways to overcome prejudices?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"(b) What is the application of Emotional intelligence to administration? How can emotional intelligence be enhanced?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"6.(a) \"Civil servants are the custodian of public resources.\" In the context of this statement, state the importance of holistic competence for civil servants in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":7486,"topper":"Shruti Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yXI30Ci95pwKHymauTdPUTr9PSwNJj4E/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) Some people feel that religion is a source of peace and virtue, while others believe that it is the root cause of violence and chaos. Give your perception in this regard with due justification.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) Fear is a powerful, primitive, undesirable emotion, but like all other emotions it has its utility. Explain with examples from your life. How can fear be managed and controlled?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) Discuss the role of ethics and values in turning India into a 5 trillion-dollar economy.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) Highlighting the three components of attitude, explain what should be the attitude of a civil servant while dealing with the issues related to integrity and probity in public life.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) a) \"Non-violence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man\" - Mahatma Gandhi. Does this view still hold true in the contemporary world? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) Differentiate between the following:\n1. Organizational ethics and organizational culture","marks":"5","words":"100"},{"page":14,"question":"2. Intellectual integrity vs moral integrity","marks":"5","words":"100"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.4) a) Individual liberty is an ideal of democracy, yet states frame laws and policies that restrict personal freedoms. Do you think it is ethical for a democratic government to limit individual liberties of their citizen?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"b) \"Beware of false knowledge, it is more dangerous than ignorance\". Discuss in context of social media.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.5) What does each of the following quotation mean to you?\na) \"The only thing necessary for triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.\" (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"b) \"No morality can be founded on authority, even if the authority were divine.\"","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.6) a) Nations must incorporate morality in their climate action for just and equitable distribution of global carbon space. In this light, bring out and discuss ethical dimensions in India's climate action plans and commitments.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"b) Objectivity and compassion both are considered foundational values for a civil servant. Why is it important for a civil servant to balance these values? Explain with help of two examples where (i) objectivity was practiced without compassion (ii) objectivity and compassion were blended together.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"c) What do you understand by the term \"participatory governance\"? Based on your understanding of the term, discuss why is it important for ensuring ethical governance.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7 Policing in India is often seen as employing harsh and inhumane methods on citizens while dealing with civic issues. This can be seen in the following three incidents: A State government ordered a ban on selling of firecrackers on Diwali. Raids were carried out across the state to apprehend illegal sale of firecrackers. During one such raid, a roadside vendor was arrested in front of his young daughter who was seen to be pleading the police to let go of her father. The police were seen to upturn the small cache of firecrackers displayed for sale on a cot. In another incident, police were seen to upturn a cart of vegetables while enforcing restrictions against opening of shops in a lock-down imposed to control a pandemic. In another lockdown related incident, police personnel canned a young man roaming outside his house, and when his father intervened, both were arrested. All three incidents were caught on camera and the videos went viral on social media sites. As Superintendent of Police, you intend to impart a more humane face to the police in your district and bridge the trust deficit that exist between common citizens and police personals. You find out that the police personals are overworked and many vacancies have been lying pending for years. The police personals are forced to work for long hours without breaks, away from families, including on days of festivals. You also have good reasons to believe the existence of an extortion network involving police in your district with apparent political patronage. The government has invited suggestions from the police heads for overhauling the working of the police and making the police the ideal employer attracting best of the talent to fill pending vacancies. Based on these details, answer:\na) How could the three instances of apparent high handedness by police as described be dealt differently?\nb) Analyze the difference between police service and police force.\nc) What would be your suggestions to the government? How would you strengthen the moral values among the police personals in your district?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Q.8 Saraswathi has been recently appointed as a Labor Enforcement Officer (LEO). Saraswathi has always lived with her family in a metropolitan area. Due to her new posting, she has shifted to a sub-urban area and this is the first time that she is living away from her family. Though Saraswathi is enjoying her work, some cultural difference, especially related to gender discrimination, has come as a rude shock to her.\n\nOne day, Saraswathi was inspecting a construction site as part of her official duty of protecting the rights of laborer and ensuring a safe work environment. Upon her arrival on the project site, she was greeted by Jagat, the chief contractor of the project. Jagat showed her around the project site and everything appeared sound at first. However, when she was about to leave, she saw an injured woman, Shanti. Saraswathi initially assumed that shanti was injured in some work-related accident. She asked Shanti about her injury and what shanti revealed to Saraswathi shook her.\n\nShanti told Saraswathi that she was a 17-year-old girl belonging to a tribal community and the contractor had brought her to the construction site with a promise of a decent working wage. While the male laborers were paid 25 rupees/day, Ajith paid Shanti just 15 rupees/day for her back breaking manual labor. Shanti approached Ajith and demanded an increase in her daily wage to 20 rupees/day or she would go back to her village. Shanti was accompanied by some other women laborer. Not only Ajith refused to accept her demand but also thrashed her with a steel rod to set an example for the other laborers. Further, Shanti was forced to work on the construction site and not allowed to go back to her village, so that she can serve as a constant reminder of terrible repercussions for defying the contractor.\n\nSaraswathi, who has never witnessed such barbarism in her sheltered urban life, was overwhelmed by emotions. Saraswathi was furious with the contractor Ajith and demanded an explanation on the incident. Ajith brazenly replied that he pays to his employees what they deserve implying to gender and caste status of the employees. Saraswathi decided to initiate legal action against Ajith. However, her subordinates advised her against taking any action as Ajith is a local strongman and politically well-connected with the ruling dispensation. Ajith also threatened Saraswathi, who lives all by herself in a small town, of dire consequences for her activism. Considering this case, answer the following questions:\na) What explains the widespread gender-based pay gap in jobs across sectors?\nb) Highlighting ethical issues involved in this case, evaluate different courses of actions available to Saraswathi.\nc) If you were in Saraswathi's position, what would you have done? Justify.","marks":null,"words":"20"},{"page":35,"question":"a) सभी क्षेत्रों में नौकरियों में व्यापक लैंगिक-आधारित वेतन अंतराल क्या बताता है?\nb) इस मामले में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर प्रकाश डालते हुए, सरस्वती के लिए उपलब्ध विभिन्न कार्यवाही के साधनों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nc) अगर आप सरस्वती की जगह होते तो क्या करते? उस कार्यवाही का औचित्य सिद्ध कीजिए।\na) सभी क्षेत्रों में नौकरियों में व्यापक लैंगिक-आधारित वेतन अंतराल क्या बताता है?\nb) इस मामले में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर प्रकाश डालते हुए, सरस्वती के लिए उपलब्ध विभिन्न कार्यवाही के साधनों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nc) अगर आप सरस्वती की जगह होते तो क्या करते? उस कार्यवाही का औचित्य सिद्ध कीजिए।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":39,"question":"Q.9 India has been trying to develop deeper bonds with its neighbors through its neighborhood first policy. The policy has started bearing fruits. In recent years the relationship with country X, one of the India's neighbors, has been improving. This is visible as the government of X has been supportive of Indian government's efforts to reign in the militant groups that find shelter in the dense forests along the border with X. Successful joint operations of Indian army and X's military have helped reduce militancy in the Indian bordering states.\nLast month, the military of X carried out a coup d'etat and took over the democratically elected government. The entire political leadership was put under house arrest and the head of the government was arrested on the charge of electoral frauds. The citizens of the nation protested against the coup. The military responded with violent suppression of the protesters. A section of police officers, sympathetic to the cause of the protesters, refused to follow orders of their superiors to open fire upon unarmed protestors and even sided with the protestors. This act of defiance created a fear of persecution in these officers by the military.\nSome of these police officers and their families crossed over to India through porous borders. Inflow of refugees through porous borders has been a continuous source of tension between India and X. In past few years, due to ethnic and religious persecution, a large number of people have come to India illegally. This number is expected to rise in future because of military rule in the country. India is concerned about the inflow of illegal immigrants as well as removal of democratically elected government in X.\nIndia has been invited by X to participate in latter's Armed Forces Day parade. Many countries have refused the invitation in wake of the violence seen during handling of protests by the police and armed forces. The permanent representative of X at United Nations has called on the countries of the world to not engage with the military regime of X. Most western countries have announced sanctions against X's military-related individuals and businesses and have called for restoration of democracy. India has been reluctant to comment on the matter and it is still contemplating about future course of action. As a senior bureaucrat in the Ministry of External Affairs, you have been asked by the government to device a professional response to the current crisis, answer the following questions:\na) What are the available options and what course of action would you suggest?\nb) List five ethical factors that would influence your suggestion to the government.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"a) उपलब्ध विकल्प क्या हैं और आप किस प्रकार की कार्रवाई का सुझाव देंगे?\nb) सरकार को आपके सुझाव को प्रभावित करने वाले पाँच नैतिक कारकों की सूची बनाइए।\na) उपलब्ध विकल्प क्या हैं और आप किस प्रकार की कार्रवाई का सुझाव देंगे?\nb) सरकार को आपके सुझाव को प्रभावित करने वाले पाँच नैतिक कारकों की सूची बनाइए।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.10 Based on the given information, answer the following:\na) Examine the relevance of functional specialization in the developmental roles of public administrators.\nb) Is Dr Surendra Tarun an example of an ideal administrator? Justify your answer.","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":45,"question":"a) लोक प्रशासकों की विकासात्मक भूमिकाओं में कार्यात्मक विशेषता की प्रासंगिकता का परीक्षण कीजिए।\nb) क्या डॉ सुरेंद्र तरुण एक आदर्श प्रशासक के उदाहरण हैं? अपने जवाब का औचित्य सिद्ध करें।\na) लोक प्रशासकों की विकासात्मक भूमिकाओं में कार्यात्मक विशेषता की प्रासंगिकता का परीक्षण कीजिए।\nb) क्या डॉ सुरेंद्र तरुण एक आदर्श प्रशासक के उदाहरण हैं? अपने जवाब का औचित्य सिद्ध करें।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":49,"question":"Q.11 In context of this case, answer the following:\na) What are the various ethical issues involved in the case?\nb) Consider yourself in position of investigating officer of this case, what would be the best course of action to handle the case? Justify your action.","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":50,"question":"a) मामले में शामिल विभिन्न नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\nb) इस मामले के जांच अधिकारी की स्थिति में खुद पर विचार करते हुए, मामले को संभालने के लिए सबसे अच्छा तरीका क्या होगा? अपनी कार्रवाई का औचित्य साबित करें।\na) मामले में शामिल विभिन्न नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\nb) इस मामले के जांच अधिकारी की स्थिति में खुद पर विचार करते हुए, मामले को संभालने के लिए सबसे अच्छा तरीका क्या होगा? अपनी कार्रवाई का औचित्य साबित करें।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":54,"question":"Q.12) Considering the whole situation, do you agree that Apple's action was justified? Why or why not? Make an argument by weighing the competing values in this case.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"पूरी स्थिति को ध्यान में रखते हुए, क्या आप सहमत हैं कि ऐप्पल की कार्रवाई उचित थी? क्यों या क्यों नहीं? इस मामले में प्रतिस्पर्धी मूल्यों को तौलकर तर्क दें।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"}]},{"id":7487,"topper":"Shruti Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/17G-qE7hAYGzD2IfLKFpckIRNh8Cf7Obz/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. What do you understand by the following terms in the context of public service? (10 marks, 150 words)\n(a) Ethical dilemma\n(b) Conscience\n(c) Conflict of interest\n(d) Trustworthiness","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"2. (a) What do you understand by environmental ethics? How are laws and ethics different from each other?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"(b) Do you think the utilitarian approach can be the foundation of morals and legislation?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"3. (a) Education is much beyond acquiring information and skills. It goes deep into the domain of ingraining values. Discuss with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"(b) Closure of schools due to the pandemic has not only hampered the academic development of the students but also impacted the moral development of the pupils. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"4. Explain briefly the contribution of Acharya Vinoba Bhave in establishing a society with justice and setting the tone for a better India for tomorrow.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"1 Role in Better India for Tomorrow:\n1) Laid the foundation for India's space and nuclear programme along with Homi Bhabha\n2) Role in setting up ISRO and BARC\n3) Emphasised need for self-sufficiency in defence and other sectors and non dependence on dominant nations\nB) Development of art and culture, leading role in establishing institutions for theatre, layplays and drama in Gujarat and Rest of India","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"5. (a) What is the difference between prejudices and discrimination? Are there ways to overcome prejudices?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"(b) What is the application of Emotional intelligence to administration? How can emotional intelligence be enhanced?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"6.(a) \"Civil servants are the custodian of public resources.\" In the context of this statement, state the importance of holistic competence for civil servants in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":7488,"topper":"Shruti Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vRTYs4z0wIIRN2v3cEFS0GtxMzJKkrPV/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) Some people feel that religion is a source of peace and virtue, while others believe that it is the root cause of violence and chaos. Give your perception in this regard with due justification.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) Fear is a powerful, primitive, undesirable emotion, but like all other emotions it has its utility. Explain with examples from your life. How can fear be managed and controlled?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) Discuss the role of ethics and values in turning India into a 5 trillion-dollar economy.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) Highlighting the three components of attitude, explain what should be the attitude of a civil servant while dealing with the issues related to integrity and probity in public life.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) a) \"Non-violence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man\" - Mahatma Gandhi. Does this view still hold true in the contemporary world? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) Differentiate between the following:\n1. Organizational ethics and organizational culture\nmarks/word_limit (5 marks, 100 words)","marks":"5","words":"100"},{"page":14,"question":"2. Intellectual integrity vs moral integrity","marks":"5","words":"100"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.4) a) Individual liberty is an ideal of democracy, yet states frame laws and policies that restrict personal freedoms. Do you think it is ethical for a democratic government to limit individual liberties of their citizen?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"b) \"Beware of false knowledge, it is more dangerous than ignorance\". Discuss in context of social media.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.5) What does each of the following quotation mean to you?\na) \"The only thing necessary for triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.\" (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"b) \"No morality can be founded on authority, even if the authority were divine.\"","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.6) a) Nations must incorporate morality in their climate action for just and equitable distribution of global carbon space. In this light, bring out and discuss ethical dimensions in India's climate action plans and commitments.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"b) Objectivity and compassion both are considered foundational values for a civil servant. Why is it important for a civil servant to balance these values? Explain with help of two examples where (i) objectivity was practiced without compassion (ii) objectivity and compassion were blended together.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"c) What do you understand by the term \"participatory governance\"? Based on your understanding of the term, discuss why is it important for ensuring ethical governance.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7 Policing in India is often seen as employing harsh and inhumane methods on citizens while dealing with civic issues. This can be seen in the following three incidents: A State government ordered a ban on selling of firecrackers on Diwali. Raids were carried out across the state to apprehend illegal sale of firecrackers. During one such raid, a roadside vendor was arrested in front of his young daughter who was seen to be pleading the police to let go of her father. The police were seen to upturn the small cache of firecrackers displayed for sale on a cot. In another incident, police were seen to upturn a cart of vegetables while enforcing restrictions against opening of shops in a lock-down imposed to control a pandemic. In another lockdown related incident, police personnel canned a young man roaming outside his house, and when his father intervened, both were arrested. All three incidents were caught on camera and the videos went viral on social media sites. As Superintendent of Police, you intend to impart a more humane face to the police in your district and bridge the trust deficit that exist between common citizens and police personals. You find out that the police personals are overworked and many vacancies have been lying pending for years. The police personals are forced to work for long hours without breaks, away from families, including on days of festivals. You also have good reasons to believe the existence of an extortion network involving police in your district with apparent political patronage. The government has invited suggestions from the police heads for overhauling the working of the police and making the police the ideal employer attracting best of the talent to fill pending vacancies. Based on these details, answer:\na) How could the three instances of apparent high handedness by police as described be dealt differently?\nb) Analyze the difference between police service and police force.\nc) What would be your suggestions to the government? How would you strengthen the moral values among the police personals in your district?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Q.8 Saraswathi has been recently appointed as a Labor Enforcement Officer (LEO). Saraswathi has always lived with her family in a metropolitan area. Due to her new posting, she has shifted to a sub-urban area and this is the first time that she is living away from her family. Though Saraswathi is enjoying her work, some cultural difference, especially related to gender discrimination, has come as a rude shock to her.\n\nOne day, Saraswathi was inspecting a construction site as part of her official duty of protecting the rights of laborer and ensuring a safe work environment. Upon her arrival on the project site, she was greeted by Jagat, the chief contractor of the project. Jagat showed her around the project site and everything appeared sound at first. However, when she was about to leave, she saw an injured woman, Shanti. Saraswathi initially assumed that shanti was injured in some work-related accident. She asked Shanti about her injury and what shanti revealed to Saraswathi shook her.\n\nShanti told Saraswathi that she was a 17-year-old girl belonging to a tribal community and the contractor had brought her to the construction site with a promise of a decent working wage. While the male laborers were paid 25 rupees/day, Ajith paid Shanti just 15 rupees/day for her back breaking manual labor. Shanti approached Ajith and demanded an increase in her daily wage to 20 rupees/ day or she would go back to her village. Shanti was accompanied by some other women laborer. Not only Ajith refused to accept her demand but also thrashed her with a steel rod to set an example for the other laborers. Further, Shanti was forced to work on the construction site and not allowed to go back to her village, so that she can serve as a constant reminder of terrible repercussions for defying the contractor.\n\nSaraswathi, who has never witnessed such barbarism in her sheltered urban life, was overwhelmed by emotions. Saraswathi was furious with the contractor Ajith and demanded an explanation on the incident. Ajith brazenly replied that he pays to his employees what they deserve implying to gender and caste status of the employees. Saraswathi decided to initiate legal action against Ajith. However, her subordinates advised her against taking any action as Ajith is a local strongman and politically well-connected with the ruling dispensation. Ajith also threatened Saraswathi, who lives all by herself in a small town, of dire consequences for her activism. Considering this case, answer the following questions:\na) What explains the widespread gender-based pay gap in jobs across sectors?\nb) Highlighting ethical issues involved in this case, evaluate different courses of actions available to Saraswathi.\nc) If you were in Saraswathi's position, what would you have done? Justify.","marks":null,"words":"20"},{"page":35,"question":"a) सभी क्षेत्रों में नौकरियों में व्यापक लैंगिक-आधारित वेतन अंतराल क्या बताता है?\nb) इस मामले में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर प्रकाश डालते हुए, सरस्वती के लिए उपलब्ध विभिन्न कार्यवाही के साधनों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nc) अगर आप सरस्वती की जगह होते तो क्या करते? उस कार्यवाही का औचित्य सिद्ध कीजिए।\na) सभी क्षेत्रों में नौकरियों में व्यापक लैंगिक-आधारित वेतन अंतराल क्या बताता है?\nb) इस मामले में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर प्रकाश डालते हुए, सरस्वती के लिए उपलब्ध विभिन्न कार्यवाही के साधनों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nc) अगर आप सरस्वती की जगह होते तो क्या करते? उस कार्यवाही का औचित्य सिद्ध कीजिए।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":39,"question":"Q.9 India has been trying to develop deeper bonds with its neighbors through its neighborhood first policy. The policy has started bearing fruits. In recent years the relationship with country X, one of the India's neighbors, has been improving. This is visible as the government of X has been supportive of Indian government's efforts to reign in the militant groups that find shelter in the dense forests along the border with X. Successful joint operations of Indian army and X's military have helped reduce militancy in the Indian bordering states.\nLast month, the military of X carried out a coup d'etat and took over the democratically elected government. The entire political leadership was put under house arrest and the head of the government was arrested on the charge of electoral frauds. The citizens of the nation protested against the coup. The military responded with violent suppression of the protesters. A section of police officers, sympathetic to the cause of the protesters, refused to follow orders of their superiors to open fire upon unarmed protestors and even sided with the protestors. This act of defiance created a fear of persecution in these officers by the military.\nSome of these police officers and their families crossed over to India through porous borders. Inflow of refugees through porous borders has been a continuous source of tension between India and X. In past few years, due to ethnic and religious persecution, a large number of people have come to India illegally. This number is expected to rise in future because of military rule in the country. India is concerned about the inflow of illegal immigrants as well as removal of democratically elected government in X.\nIndia has been invited by X to participate in latter's Armed Forces Day parade. Many countries have refused the invitation in wake of the violence seen during handling of protests by the police and armed forces. The permanent representative of X at United Nations has called on the countries of the world to not engage with the military regime of X. Most western countries have announced sanctions against X's military-related individuals and businesses and have called for restoration of democracy. India has been reluctant to comment on the matter and it is still contemplating about future course of action. As a senior bureaucrat in the Ministry of External Affairs, you have been asked by the government to device a professional response to the current crisis, answer the following questions:\na) What are the available options and what course of action would you suggest?\nb) List five ethical factors that would influence your suggestion to the government.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"a) उपलब्ध विकल्प क्या हैं और आप किस प्रकार की कार्रवाई का सुझाव देंगे?\nb) सरकार को आपके सुझाव को प्रभावित करने वाले पाँच नैतिक कारकों की सूची बनाइए।\na) उपलब्ध विकल्प क्या हैं और आप किस प्रकार की कार्रवाई का सुझाव देंगे?\nb) सरकार को आपके सुझाव को प्रभावित करने वाले पाँच नैतिक कारकों की सूची बनाइए।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.10 Based on the given information, answer the following:\na) Examine the relevance of functional specialization in the developmental roles of public administrators.\nb) Is Dr Surendra Tarun an example of an ideal administrator? Justify your answer.","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":45,"question":"a) लोक प्रशासकों की विकासात्मक भूमिकाओं में कार्यात्मक विशेषता की प्रासंगिकता का परीक्षण कीजिए।\nb) क्या डॉ सुरेंद्र तरुण एक आदर्श प्रशासक के उदाहरण हैं? अपने जवाब का औचित्य सिद्ध करें।\na) लोक प्रशासकों की विकासात्मक भूमिकाओं में कार्यात्मक विशेषता की प्रासंगिकता का परीक्षण कीजिए।\nb) क्या डॉ सुरेंद्र तरुण एक आदर्श प्रशासक के उदाहरण हैं? अपने जवाब का औचित्य सिद्ध करें।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":49,"question":"Q.11 In context of this case, answer the following:\na) What are the various ethical issues involved in the case?\nb) Consider yourself in position of investigating officer of this case, what would be the best course of action to handle the case? Justify your action.","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":50,"question":"a) मामले में शामिल विभिन्न नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\nb) इस मामले के जांच अधिकारी की स्थिति में खुद पर विचार करते हुए, मामले को संभालने के लिए सबसे अच्छा तरीका क्या होगा? अपनी कार्रवाई का औचित्य साबित करें।\na) मामले में शामिल विभिन्न नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\nb) इस मामले के जांच अधिकारी की स्थिति में खुद पर विचार करते हुए, मामले को संभालने के लिए सबसे अच्छा तरीका क्या होगा? अपनी कार्रवाई का औचित्य साबित करें।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":54,"question":"Q.12 Considering the whole situation, do you agree that Apple's action was justified? Why or why not? Make an argument by weighing the competing values in this case.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"पूरी स्थिति को ध्यान में रखते हुए, क्या आप सहमत हैं कि ऐप्पल की कार्रवाई उचित थी? क्यों या क्यों नहीं? इस मामले में प्रतिस्पर्धी मूल्यों को तौलकर तर्क दें।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"}]},{"id":7489,"topper":"Shruti Sharma","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/FGS_JT_4_46_Shruti_Sharma_eval_page_0001_e9f42c4aaf.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7490,"topper":"Shruti Srivastava","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/63264-30591_1228_shruti-srivastava_rank_82.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Explain the importance of departmentally related standing committees in improving the overall effectiveness of Parliament. Also, discuss the issues that they currently face. (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Illustrate how pressure groups have emerged as a strong mechanism for making democracy participatory and responsive. (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Explain the structure and functions of the National Human Rights Commission. In view of its functioning since its inception, suggest measures for further improvement. (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Highlight the ordinance-making powers of the Governor. Also enumerate the range of steps open to him when a Bill is presented after its passage by the state legislature. (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the issue of 'office of profit' as it has featured in the recent practices and debates in Indian polity. (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Highlight the importance of State Finance Commission in strengthening fiscal federalism in India. Do you agree with the view that they have not been provided with the necessary environment to play their rightful role? (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Explain the significance and controversies, if any, associated with the Article 35A of the Indian constitution. (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Independent India adopted a modified version of the Westminster model of government. In this context discuss the commonalities and differences between the political system of India and UK. (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"List the parliamentary mechanisms available for the scrutiny of regulators. Also, discuss major steps through which parliamentary oversight of regulators can be strengthened. (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Political parties are an integral part of the democratic set up of India. In the context, discuss the need for strengthening the process of institutionalization of intra-party democracy in political parties in India. (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Explain why it is argued that India is a sui generis case of federalism. (250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"Indian Constitution displays multiple features adopted from the practices around the world. Explain. How did the Government of India Act 1935 influence the constitution of independent India? (250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Highlighting different Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms available in India, explain their importance. Also, mention different measures that have been adopted to further improve the framework of ADR in India. (250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Right to freedom of religion cannot be allowed to deny right to equality and individual dignity. Discuss in the light of constitutional provisions and recent judicial pronouncements. (250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Identify the key areas of reforms required in the judicial system in India. In this context, examine the significance of the idea of putting in place an All-India Judicial Service. (250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"On the recent World Press Freedom Index (WPFI) India ranks 138. Elucidate the significance of media in a democracy like India. Identify the issues affecting the media in contemporary times. In this context, enumerate the measures to address these issues. (250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"What are the issues plaguing tribunals in India? Examine whether an independent autonomous body such as a National Tribunals Commission (NTC) can help in remedying these issues. (250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"What are the different rights available to the consumers under the Consumer Protection Act, 1986? Explaining the three layered quasi-judicial mechanism put in place under the Act, mention the measures that can be taken to improve the functioning of these forums. (250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Success of the institutions of local self-governance depends largely on the attitude of state governments. Discuss in the context of constitutional provisions and recent experience of the working of these institutions in India. (250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7491,"topper":"Shruti Srivastava","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7c7b5-30591_1236_shruti-srivastava_rank_82.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Livestock farming not only contributes to climate change but is also affected by it. Elaborate the statement and discuss some measures that can be taken to make livestock farming more sustainable as well as resilient. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"A developed Inland Waterway Transport (IWT) will not only augment the overall transport capacity of the country, but also help correct the multi-modal transport mix. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Highlight the importance of Agricultural Market Intelligence for farmers in India. Identifying the issues in the present system, suggest some measures for improving Agricultural Market Intelligence in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"With water increasingly becoming a scarce resource, large scale adoption of micro irrigation techniques could prove to be a game changer in India. Analyse. Also enumerate various steps taken by the government to promote micro irrigation in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The cropping pattern of a region is influenced by geo-climatic, socio-cultural, economic, historical and political factors. Substantiate with relevant examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Integrating ecology and technology is the way forward towards achieving Evergreen Revolution in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The adoption of agro-based clusters can generate positive spill-over effects on agricultural and rural development. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Reliance on borrowings for capital expenditure in railways reflects a weakening financial position. Comment on the statement and discuss ways in which better resource generation and utilisation can be achieved therein. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Why does achieving road safety in India remain a challenging task? Keeping different stakeholders in mind, suggest some measures which can be adopted for reducing road accidents in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Despite initiatives taken in recent times to support the logistics sector, it continues to face multiple challenges. Discuss. What further steps can be taken to address these challenges? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The contribution of coal based power generation is not expected to substantially go down in the next few decades, despite growing importance of renewables. Comment on the statement in light of increasing demand for power in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":24,"question":"Despite comprehensive government support to agriculture, why is it that farming in India remains unremunerative? Do you agree that direct income support under Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) is a much needed measure to make agriculture a viable source of livelihood? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Elaborate the strategic and operational elements of the Agriculture Export Policy, 2018 and discuss the role it can play to achieve the target of doubling farmers' income by 2022. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Highlight the reasons behind inconclusive land ownership titles in India. Discuss its repercussions and suggest measures for moving towards conclusive land titling system in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Despite measures taken by the government for promoting investment in the infrastructure sector in the last few years, there are multiple challenges that still exist. Discuss. What further steps can be taken in this regard? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Identify the problems faced by Indian agriculture as a consequence of changing land holding pattern as witnessed in the findings of Agriculture census, 2015-16. In light of these problems, suggest suitable ways to resolve such structural issues in agriculture. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Development of food processing industry will help in achieving the twin goals of inclusive growth and food security. Discuss. Also, account for the competitive advantages enjoyed by India in the food processing sector. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Despite existence of a large market, the real estate sector is facing many challenges in India. Elaborate. Also, discuss the measures taken by the government to address them. Can Housing for All by 2022 be a game-changer in this regard? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Identify the maladies affecting the proper functioning of the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS). Comment on the feasibility of alternatives available to TPDS. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7492,"topper":"Shruti Srivastava","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/64b10-30591_1329_shruti-srivastava_rank_82.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Numismatics and epigraphy have played a significant role in reconstruction of ancient Indian history. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Among various modes, trade played an important role in the spread of Indian culture abroad in the ancient period. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Various internal and external factors shaped the national movement in India. Assess the significance of the period of the first world war in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was a far-sighted realistic leader with great diplomatic and military skills. Discuss in the context of his contribution to national freedom struggle. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the emergence, significance and decline of the Home Rule League movement during the freedom struggle of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Enumerate the factors responsible for the decline of Mughal empire in India. How did it help in the expansion and consolidation of British power? (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What challenges did independent India face in integration of princely states? In this context, throw light on the role played by Sardar Patel. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Give an account of the the Iranian Revolution of 1979 and discuss its impact on the politics of West Asia. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The cultural revolution in China was an example of the cult of personality leading to widespread destruction. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Critically discuss the successes and failures of League of Nations in removing the major obstacles to peace after the First World War. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Like the Bhakti saints who were engaged in breaking down the barriers within Hinduism, the Sufis too infused a new liberal outlook within Islam. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"Provide an account of inscription and monuments that are chief sources of information about the Vijayanagara Empire. In this context, also highlight the key features of the Vijayanagara temple architecture. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"What were the expectations behind the introduction of permanent settlement by the British in Bengal? Why did the Zamindars default on payments under this system initially? Also provide reasons for the system not being extended much beyond Bengal. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Critically discuss the contribution of the Indian capitalist class in the freedom struggle. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Why is it argued that Non-Cooperation movement and Khilafat agitation represented a new stage in the growth of Indian national movement? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Over the years, the nationalist movement successfully created an ideology and culture of democracy and civil liberties that became a source of its strength. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Even though the leading Indian Nationalists had long been sensible of the power of the mother tongue to rouse and move, linguistic reorganisation of states after independence took some time to become a reality. Explain. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Critically evaluate the role of caste based mobilisations and movements in improving the socio-economic and political status of scheduled castes and backward classes in post-independence India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Discuss whether the Second World War was a conflict of ideologies or an inevitable international conflict resulting from pursuit of imperial interests. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Comparing the process of decolonisation in Africa and Asia, explain why did it take longer for African countries to gain independence. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7493,"topper":"Shruti Srivastava","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/f3b28-30591_1229_shruti-srivastava_rank_82.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"It is of paramount importance to ensure that the Election Commission of India (ECI) be fully insulated from political pressure to maintain the purity of elections. In this context, discuss the need to have a relook at the process of appointment and removal of election commissioners to the ECI. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Public service delivery in India has long been marred by various issues leading to poor service delivery outcomes. While discussing the reasons for the same, suggest ways to make public service delivery more efficient. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss the need for an effective and functional working relationship between Gram Panchayats and SHGs. How can an efficient synergy between the two be achieved? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"In post-liberalised India, it is imperative that the role of state be that of a facilitator, and not one of a regulator. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"By providing new pools of leadership talent, lateral entry will help in addressing the most crucial challenges that the civil services in India currently face. Critically evaluate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The ambiguity surrounding lobbying in India is further exacerbated by the country's endemic corruption. In this context, critically examine the case for legalising lobbying in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"There are many challenges that need to be addressed for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to become an effective tool in supplementing the government's efforts in addressing India's developmental concerns. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain the need for transparency in political funding in India. Do you think electoral bonds can help solve the problem pertaining to lack of transparency in political funding? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the issues plaguing public policy formulation in India. Also suggest measures to strengthen the policy formulation process. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"An important aspect of curtailing corruption is to minimize the discretionary powers available to government officers. Analyze. Also, suggest ways in which this can be achieved. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"While there are existing laws for the same, substantial efforts still need to be undertaken to prohibit people with criminal antecedents from entering into politics. Discuss in context of the problem of criminalization of politics in India and resulting issues. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Focusing on technology without realizing that e-Governance is basically about ushering reforms in governance has meant that the potential of e-governance has not been realized. Discussing the statement, suggest what should be done to address this situation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Highlighting the importance of citizen charter, discuss the reasons behind its limited success. In this context, suggest measures to make citizen charters effective tools of accountability in public service. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What are the challenges posed by paid news and political advertising in conducting free and fair elections? Discuss, in brief, the need to amend the Representation of People's Act to regulate this issue. What other steps can be taken to address it? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Explain why the doctrine of separation of powers is considered as an indispensable part of a democratic setup. Also, discussing this doctrine in the context of India, explain the principle of 'checks and balances'. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Explaining the importance of microcredit, highlight the issues related to microfinance institutions in India. How can these issues be addressed? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"In the context of recent concerns related to functioning of NGOs in India, discuss the need for self-regulatory guidelines and transparency mechanisms to restore the credibility of voluntary organisations. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Highlight the potential areas of conflict in the relationship between the political executive and the permanent civil services. Also, discuss, in brief, the need for a more clear division of responsibility between the two. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Government schemes in India have long suffered from monitoring and implementation challenges. What steps have been taken by the government recently in this regard? Also discuss the potential of social audit in addressing these challenges. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss briefly why the definition of 'public authorities' under the Right to Information Act, 2005 has been a contentious issue. Also, explain the rationale behind Central Information Commission's directive that national political parties be covered under the purview of RTI Act. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7494,"topper":"Shruti Srivastava","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0c748-30591_1244_shruti-srivastava_rank_82.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the need of an Independent Fiscal Council (IFC) in bringing about transparency and accountability in fiscal processes in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Recognizing the potential of exports in generating employment, a number of steps need to be taken to address India's weakening export competitiveness. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlighting the main features of National Mineral Policy, 2019, discuss how it can help in ensuring sustainable and responsible mining. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlighting the salient features of the PM JI-VAN Yojana, analyze how it can assist in achieving the vision and goals of the National Policy on Biofuels, 2018. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) provides an alternative to capital and chemical intensive agriculture currently being practiced in India. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Marine life is facing 'irreparable damage' from the millions of tonnes of plastic waste which ends up in the oceans each year. In this context, examine the implications of plastic pollution on marine ecosystem and suggest some measures for addressing this problem. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are black holes? Highlight the challenges in imaging a black hole? How were these challenges overcome by the Event Horizon Telescope project? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"While mentioning the objectives of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), discuss the challenges which are hindering the utilization of the ATT to its full potential. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Threats to internal security of India may be posed both through the communication networks and also to the networks. Discuss. Also, highlight the steps taken by the government in making the networks more secure. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlight the importance and challenges related to integration of Variable Renewable Energy (VRE) in India. Mention some steps that can be taken for its smooth integration with the synchronized Indian grid. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"There have been arguments that India could fall into a 'middle income trap'. Explaining the phenomenon, highlight the reasons behind such arguments. How can India avoid it? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Highlighting its importance, discuss the major issues that plague effective monetary policy transmission in India. Also, mention the steps taken by RBI to improve it. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight the constraints faced by rainfed agriculture in India. Discuss some agronomic practices that can be adopted for stabilizing agricultural production in rainfed areas. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite the steps taken by the government in recent years, a number of problems continue to persist in the urea sector in India. Discuss. What reforms should be taken to address the persisting problems? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What is Access and Benefit Sharing? Explain how it aids in sustainable use of biodiversity. Also, mention the different global and national level mechanisms for ensuring Access and Benefit Sharing. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Stating the significance, discuss the challenges in achieving disaster resilience of infrastructure. Suggest some ways for mainstreaming it in the development paradigm. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Highlighting the significance of data localization for India, discuss various challenges associated with data localization. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Money Laundering as a socio economic offence is a menace especially for developing countries like India. Comment. What measures have been taken at the domestic and international levels to deal with this menace? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The primary motive of terrorism differs from that of organised crime but there exists a symbiotic relationship between the two. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7495,"topper":"Shruti Srivastava","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/25133-30591_1248_shruti-srivastava_rank_82.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the significance of Credit Rating Agencies (CRAs) in India and highlight the issues in their working. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What are the issues that have limited the success of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in India? Mention some steps that can be taken to address them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The opportunities for start-ups in India are immense, but so are the challenges. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The term 'Circular Economy' is often seen in news. What are the principles that it is based on? Bring out its relevance for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Assess the performance of Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana in achieving its stated objective of financial inclusion. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"How does pollution in rivers impact the surrounding ecosystem? Explain why such pollution has not shown signs of improvement, despite various government initiatives. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What is project MANAV launched by the Department of Biotechnology? Highlight the significance of this project. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Highlighting the properties and applications of superconductors, discuss the constraints related to their practical use. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind India becoming a major destination as well as a transit hub for drug trafficking in South Asia. How does this effect India's internal security? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The development of border areas is an important element in border management. In this context, discuss how the Border Area Development Programme (BADP) seeks to ameliorate the problems faced in border areas. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Examine whether Fixed Term Employment will be able to achieve the objectives of ease of doing business, achieving labour welfare and job creation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"A growing livestock sector augurs well for the low income households to augment their income and escape poverty. Discuss. Further, suggest some strategies for ensuring sustainable livestock sector growth in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Examine whether the time has come for India to usher in full liberalisation of the Capital Account. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlighting the challenges to agriculture extension in India, discuss how ICT can help in addressing them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Now that it has been two years since introduction of GST in India, do you think the system is on the path to achieve its intended objectives? Support your answer with relevant facts. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Though there are some notable individual achievements, the overall participation of women in scientific research has been abysmally low. Examine. What steps have been taken by the government in this regard? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss the significance of the recent amendments made in the NIA act and the UAPA Act for countering terrorism. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The national security architecture needs to be robust enough to deal with present and evolving threats. Elaborating on the statement, discuss the recent steps taken for modernisation of the national security architecture. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7496,"topper":"Shruti Srivastava","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/f2297-30591_1235_shruti-srivastava_rank_82.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Given below are two quotations. For each of these bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) The golden rule of conduct is mutual toleration, seeing that we will never all think alike and we shall always see Truth in fragment and from different points of vision. Mahatma Gandhi.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Impersonal management, a characteristic feature of a Weberian bureaucracy, develops over time into indifference, especially with regard to weaker sections of the society. Critically discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"In pursuit of political power, means are often compromised that leads to competitive reliance on unethical practices resulting in erosion of public trust. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"It takes more than a corporate governance policy to inspire ethical behavior and sustain a truly ethical workplace. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"\"Law should be so succinct that it can be carried in the pocket of the coat and it should be so simple that it can be understood by a peasant.\" Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Ethics in international relations has the potential to cater to the diplomatic challenges of 21st century. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Nolan Committee provides for one of the most comprehensive statements of what constitutes ethical standards for holders of public office. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"The sharper the socio-economic disparities, the greater the incentive towards corruption. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"The moral worth of an action depends not on the consequences that flow from it, but on its motivation. Explain the statement with the help of suitable examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"The universal adoption of common good approach poses the ethical dilemma of putting collective interests over and above the individual interests. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"You are an honest and responsible civil servant. You often observe the following: (a) If one wants to remain effective and powerful to create impact on the lives of people, one should remain loyal to those in power. (b) Following ethical means may not be practical and effective at all times. (c) Petty corruption expedites the service delivery. Examine the above statements with their merits and demerits.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Recently, two national level sportspersons who are integral members of their team, made some comments in a talk show which were perceived as being grossly misogynistic and racist. This created a huge controversy and they were temporarily suspended from the team pending an enquiry. In light of these events, answer the following questions: (a) Do you think public figures have an additional responsibility in so far as expressing their views on matters of public importance is concerned? Give reasons. (b) According to you, what are the reasons that some prominent public figures make such misogynistic comments, and even get away without any consequences? (c) As the person in charge to enquire into the conduct, what factors would you consider to examine it and what punishment, if any, would you prescribe in this specific case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"There are large number of leather industries in a major industrial town of India. They provide employment to large number of people and are also a prominent source of revenue for the state. Lately it has been observed that despite following the present emission control rules, the collective ecological footprint of these industries remains quite high affecting the surrounding areas in an adverse manner. The new technologies available for emission control are quite costly and thus acts as a disincentive for the owners of the industries for adopting them. In light of this information, the government is contemplating the following options: (a) Shutting down the industries in the region (b) Relocating the industries to a new region (c) Making the emission control rules stricter (d) Providing incentives to the industry owners for adoption of new technology Analyse the above options in terms of their merits and demerits. What course of action would you choose and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Many coal mines in a district subject the workers to inhuman working conditions with little safety measures in place. As such, there have been several accidents and many workers have died in the past. In recognition of a recent accident where fifteen workers were trapped and died, the National Green Tribunal has ordered for closure of all such mines. Some of them have shut down, but many still continue to operate by getting an exception from the government, sometimes using the unholy nexus of politicians-miners-bureaucrats. In absence of alternative employment, the locals have no other choice but to work in mines. The mine owners are in-fact inciting the workers to protest to simultaneously put a pressure on the state to completely overturn the ban. As a District Magistrate of this district, you have been asked by the State government to prepare a report on this issue and give recommendations to resolve it. In this regard, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the interests of State and analyse whether there may be a conflict amongst them? (b) Given that economic growth is often achieved with a large human cost, identify the principles and strategies which could be used in the given case to achieve desirable outcomes.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Recently you were posted as a District Magistrate of a predominantly agricultural district, which has been one of the best performers in agriculture since the last decade. In one of your field visits, you find that the large landowners, who are a socially, politically and economically powerful group, employ domestic helps and agriculture labour who are informally tied to them and have been working there since generations. In return, these workers are provided basic amenities like food and shelter apart from some money. However, you do sense a violation of basic human rights in this situation. In light of the above case, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the stakeholders, their interests and ethical issues involved in the case. (b) How does denial of choice amount to violation of human rights? (c) What course of action would you take? Give reasons.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7497,"topper":"Shruti Srivastava","air":82,"year":2019,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/85a30-30591_1238_shruti-srivastava_rank_82.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7498,"topper":"Shruti Uttam Shrote","air":981,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Sleepy Classes","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://sleepyclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Social-media-is-inherently-a-selfish-medium_compressed.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7499,"topper":"Shruti Uttam Shrote","air":981,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Sleepy Classes","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://sleepyclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/fulfillment-of-new-woman_compressed.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7500,"topper":"Shruti Uttam Shrote","air":981,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Sleepy Classes","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://sleepyclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Destiny-of-a-nation-is-shaped-in-its-classrooms._compressed.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7501,"topper":"Shruti Uttam Shrote","air":981,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Sleepy Classes","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://sleepyclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Yash-Vishen-Full-Length-Test-1-.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7502,"topper":"Shruti Uttam Shrote","air":981,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Sleepy Classes","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://sleepyclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Nivedita-Das-Sociology-Test-FLT2_Week-8.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7503,"topper":"Shruti Uttam Shrote","air":981,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Sleepy Classes","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://sleepyclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Yash-Vishen-Full-Length-Test-4-.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7504,"topper":"Shruti Uttam Shrote","air":981,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Sleepy Classes","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://sleepyclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Yash-Vishen-Full-Length-Test-6.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"The colonial rule caused both cultural and structural changes in India. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"In manifest terms, practice of untouchability is checked but in latent terms, it is still opin. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Discuss between tribe and caste. How has this affected the policies designed for tribal people?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the characteristic features of middle class in India.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7505,"topper":"Shruti Uttam Shrote","air":981,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Sleepy Classes","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://sleepyclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Komal-Aggarwal-Full-Length-Test-1-Paper-1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7506,"topper":"Shruti Uttam Shrote","air":981,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Sleepy Classes","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://sleepyclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/gs1test-Harshit-Kumar_compressed.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7507,"topper":"Shruti Uttam Shrote","air":981,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Sleepy Classes","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://sleepyclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Prashant-Sharma-GS-I_compressed.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7508,"topper":"Shruti Uttam Shrote","air":981,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Sleepy Classes","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://sleepyclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Prashant-GSII_compressed.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7509,"topper":"Shruti Uttam Shrote","air":981,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Sleepy Classes","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://sleepyclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Prashant-GS-III_compressed.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7510,"topper":"Shruti Uttam Shrote","air":981,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Sleepy Classes","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://sleepyclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Prashant-GS-IV_compressed.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7511,"topper":"Shruti Uttam Shrote","air":981,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Sleepy Classes","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://sleepyclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Shruti-Shrote_HLT1.pdf-1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7512,"topper":"Shruti Uttam Shrote","air":981,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Sleepy Classes","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://sleepyclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Yash-Vishen-Sectional-Test-2-Chapters-4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7513,"topper":"Shruti Uttam Shrote","air":981,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Sleepy Classes","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://sleepyclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Jatin-Jain_Mains-Test-2-1.pdf-1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7514,"topper":"Shruti Uttam Shrote","air":981,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Sleepy Classes","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://sleepyclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Komal-Aggarwal-Sectional-Test-1-Chapters-1-to-3-.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7515,"topper":"Shruti Uttam Shrote","air":981,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Sleepy Classes","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://sleepyclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Yash-Vishen-Sectional-Test-1-Chapters-1-to-3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7516,"topper":"Shruti Uttam Shrote","air":981,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Sleepy Classes","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://sleepyclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Nivedita-Das_Mains-Test-2.pdf.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Discuss with examples how Marx is cited as one of the principal architects of modern social science","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":4,"question":"Elaborate the efforts made by Durkheim for the acceptance of sociology as a legitimate science. How far do you think he succeeded in his endeavours","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"How Weber and Marx seem to be in contrast when they consider the interplay of between Religion & Capitalism","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"What are unanticipated consequences? How are they different from Latent functions? Explain using examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"Since GH Mead focusses on the developement of the self for an individual, a very subjective phenomenon, does it signify there cannot be any objectivity in studying the social world? Elaborate your answer.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7517,"topper":"Shruti Uttam Shrote","air":981,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Sleepy Classes","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://sleepyclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Jatin-Jain_Mains-Test-1.pdf.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Question 1. Broadly explain G.H. Mead's ideas and their shortcomings. How can Mead's ideas be applied to Indian society? (10 Marks) Question 2. How is the understanding of social action of Parsons and Weber different? (10 Marks) Question 3. Merton has defined bureaucrats to be 'ritualistic' while in today's scenario, we require bureaucrats who are 'rebel'. Examine. (10 Marks) Question 4. How does Marx view social conflict as an essential element in social change? (10 Marks) Question 5. Farmer suicides is a major issue facing Indian agricultural society. Evaluate the same using Durkheim's theory of suicide and offer ways out of this issue. (10 Marks) (All the Questions shall be answered in not more than 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Question 2. How is the understanding of social action of Parsons and Weber different?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Question 3. Merton has defined bureaucrats to be 'ritualistic' while in today's scenario, we require bureaucrats who are 'rebel'. Examine.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Question 4. How does Marx view social conflict as an essential element in social change?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Question 5. Farmer suicides is a major issue facing Indian agricultural society. Evaluate the same using Durkheim's theory of suicide and offer ways out of this issue.","marks":"10","words":null}]},{"id":7518,"topper":"Shruti Uttam Shrote","air":981,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Sleepy Classes","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://sleepyclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Komal-Aggarwal-Sectional-Test-2-Chapter-4-.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7519,"topper":"Shruti Uttam Shrote","air":981,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Sleepy Classes","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://sleepyclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Komal-Aggarwal-Sectional-Test-3-Chapter-5-6-And-10-.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7520,"topper":"Shruti Uttam Shrote","air":981,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Sleepy Classes","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://sleepyclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Nivedita-Das_Mains-Test-3.pdf.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"As covid hit the world, what impact do you think the lockdown had on people with respect to dimensions like Caste, Class and Gender? Support your answer with suitable examples","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":4,"question":"Discuss the Sociology of Social Distancing. Elaborate your answer in context of India","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Domestic worker are a form of informal worker. Discuss the unregulated nature of the work, the problems faced by them and how successful have been the labour laws in protecting them?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"What do you mean by 'Deschooling Soceity'? Critically discuss how the rise of edtechs in addition to highlighting the glaring digital divide in India, has also led to commodification of education (10M)","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7521,"topper":"Shruti Uttam Shrote","air":981,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Sleepy Classes","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://sleepyclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Komal-Aggarwal-Sectional-Test-4-Chapter-78-and-9-.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7522,"topper":"Shruti Uttam Shrote","air":981,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Sleepy Classes","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://sleepyclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Yash-Vishen-Sectional-Test-4-Chapters-78-and-9.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7523,"topper":"Shruti Uttam Shrote","air":981,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Sleepy Classes","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://sleepyclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Nivedita-Das_Mains-Test-4.pdf.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"What is Uniform Civil Code? Can it become a reality in India? If so, What Implications will it have on women & religious minorities?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":4,"question":"Define the concept of 'Foster Families'. How is it different from Adoption ? Has India truly accepted the concept?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"How has the pandemic led to the increase in child sexual abuse online? What can be possible prevention strategies or measures that can help curb the menace?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"Does social media still qualify as an agent of free speech? What impact does it continue to have on democracy?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"While the constitution explicitly gives its citizens liberty to choose their religion, it's the states, today, that are changing course & making it harder to make that choice. Critically discuss the issue of anti-conversion laws in India.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7524,"topper":"Shruti Uttam Shrote","air":981,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Sleepy Classes","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://sleepyclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Komal-Aggarwal-Sectional-Test-5-Paper-2-Part-A1-A2-B1-B2-.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7525,"topper":"Shruti Uttam Shrote","air":981,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Sleepy Classes","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://sleepyclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Yash-Vishen-Sectional-Test-5-Paper-2-Part-A1-A2-B1-B2.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Discuss Marxist approach to Indian Nationalism.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"Examine sociological dynamics of Swadeshi Movement (1905) in colonial India.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7526,"topper":"Shruti Uttam Shrote","air":981,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Sleepy Classes","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://sleepyclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Komal-Aggarwal-Sectional-Test-6-Paper-2-Part-B3-B4-B5-B6.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7527,"topper":"Shruti Uttam Shrote","air":981,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Sleepy Classes","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://sleepyclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Komal-Aggarwal-Sectional-Test-7-Paper-2-Part-C1-C2-C3-C4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7528,"topper":"Shruti Uttam Shrote","air":981,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Sleepy Classes","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://sleepyclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Komal-Aggarwal-Sectional-Test-8-Paper-2-Part-C5-C6-C7.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7529,"topper":"Shruti Uttam Shrote","air":981,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Sleepy Classes","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://sleepyclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Nivedita-Das-Sociology-Test-8_Week-8.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Explain the interface between population, ecology and environment in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Discuss some of the striking zones of development induced imbalances that need urgent attention.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"Explain the issues relating to ethnicity and sub-ethnicity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"Evaluate the nature and scope of anthropogenic influence on climate in India and also analyze the eco-environmental Movements arising out of it.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7530,"topper":"Shubham","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SHUBHAM-UPSC-2023-Rank-223-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Institutions reflect the cultural values of the societies in which they are established.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"He who has a 'why' to live for, can bear almost any 'how'.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The power of perception shapes our understanding of reality.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The tree that would grow to heaven must send its roots to hell.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"One health approach: a call for ecological equity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Culture can unite what history and geography has divided.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7531,"topper":"Shubham","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/de13d-218920_2122_shubham_rank-41.pdf","questions":[{"page":15,"question":"No man's knowledge can go beyond his experience.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7532,"topper":"Shubham","air":41,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/eca9a-218920_2123_shubham_rank-41.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7533,"topper":"Shubham","air":41,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0beda-218920_2251_shubham_rank-41.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7534,"topper":"Shubham","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SHUBHAM-UPSC-2023-Rank-223-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the role of the 'Fourth Estate' in upholding democratic values and analyse the issues affecting press freedom in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The electoral process, though inclusionary in theory, has been pointed out for exclusionary tendencies in practice. Analyse, with special emphasis on role of women in India's representative electoral system. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Assess the effectiveness of Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 in resolution of river-water disputes. Also describe the potential impact of delays in resolution of water disputes. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the significance of the cooperative model of development in addressing the issues of rural growth. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"In order to pass the ultimate test of good governance, welfare state should be close to the people, responsive to their aspirations, and inclusive in its approach. Discuss with special reference to PM PVTG Development Mission. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"To what extent collaboration between the state and civil society organizations (CSOs) help in addressing poverty and malnutrition in the country? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Absence of a robust social infrastructure in the country may become one of the most significant challenges in achieving a developed status by 2047. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Though the changing paradigm towards dialogue and diplomacy in West Asia augurs well for India's interests in this otherwise restive region, presence of inimical actors may reverse the gains. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Water diplomacy can redefine the contours of regional cooperation in South Asia. Discuss with special reference to Indus water treaty 1960. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Despite constitutional backing to the institutions of local governance, the idea of decentralisation has remained hostage to several structural bottlenecks. Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Independent judiciary, as envisaged by the constitution, provides the bedrock for a thriving polity; however, executive encroachment may erode its credibility and affect its efficacy. Evaluate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Executive agencies, working as the watchdog against impropriety, are vital to act against the corrupt; however, pandering to vested interests may have the effect of turning the idea of rule of law on its head. Comment, with special reference to controversies associated with the Enforcement Directorate (ED). (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Critically analyse the role of National Commission for Women (NCW) in wake of its mandate to safeguard women's rights and uphold their socio-economic wellbeing. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Understanding the extent, source, and complexity of deprivations among the multidimensionally poor contributes to more informed policymaking. In this context, analyze the latest National Multidimensional Poverty Index Report by NITI Aayog. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Safely managed drinking water services, as desired by Jal Jeevan Mission, are designated to give multifarious benefits cutting across generations. Discuss. Also, elaborate upon the challenges in ensuring the mission's success. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Legislation like Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989 remains mere legal documents without intense sensitization of public functionaries and the civil society. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Harbinger of global rebalancing, India-Africa ties are a beacon of inclusive, sustainable, and equitable world. Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How do ASEAN centrality, rules-based order, and development partnership with Pacific Island states make Indo-Pacific a theatre of opportunity for India? What are the hurdles in realisation of an inclusive Indo-Pacific construct? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7535,"topper":"Shubham","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7fe18-218920_2217_shubham_rank-41.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With examples, discuss how the cultural traditions from various regions of India get reflected in regional music. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Highlighting the emergence of the working class movement, discuss its contribution towards India's freedom struggle. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Do you agree with the view that Gandhian politics was, in a sense, a continuation of Tilak's politics? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"It is said that the world's oceans are losing their 'memory' due to human-induced warming. Comment. Also, discuss the consequences of the phenomenon. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What is soil amendment? Evaluate the benefits and concerns associated with it. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"It has been suggested that the next decade may see a boom in hybrid power plants. Stating the advantages that such power plants offer, discuss the associated challenges. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What are Van Allen Radiation Belts? Explaining their formation, discuss why there has been a growing focus on their study. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss whether marital rape should be criminalised in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What is care economy? Highlight the challenges associated with it and mention the steps taken to address them in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Post-pandemic India is staring at the challenge of \"learning poverty\". Analyse its implications and discuss a way ahead. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Bring out the evolution of mural traditions in South India. Also, elaborate on their significant characteristics. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Indian nationalism that confronted British imperialism in the 19th century was a product of colonial modernity. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Environmentalism surfaced in the form of many organised movements in post independence India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Do you agree with the view that continental blockade was an ill-conceived strategy by Napoleon to conquer Britain through economic means? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What do you understand by the Arctic Paradox? Highlight the spatial distribution of mineral and energy resources in the Arctic region. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Cryosphere changes have a tendency to bring about a devastating impact on the ecosystem and its people. Discuss. Also, enlist measures to tackle this threat. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The frequent instances of urban flooding pose a severe risk to the urban ecosystem in India. Discuss with special emphasis on its impact on the critical infrastructure. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Sand is not only critical for economic development but also provides crucial ecosystem services. Elaborate. In this context, discuss the importance of sustainable sand mining in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The challenge of unbridled and unbalanced growth of urban spaces in India necessitates reforms in urban planning and capacity. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Feminist movements in India have historically lacked inclusivity, often growing within a limited Western upper-class psyche. Critically discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7536,"topper":"Shubham","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e85b2-218920_2219_shubham_rank-41.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Fiscal policy can be a key tool to reduce income inequality as well as make the poorest and the downtrodden a part of the country's growth story. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Digitizing land records will go a long way in ensuring land reforms as well as lessening the burden on the Indian Judiciary. Elaborate. Also, state the measures taken in this context. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"It has been pointed out that competitive politics to fund mostly non-merit subsidies is pushing a few states in India to the brink of a deep fiscal crisis. In this context, discuss the need to rationalise the subsidy regime in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Micro-irrigation has tremendous potential in transforming farming into a profitable and sustainable venture. Discuss the given statement in the context of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Given its vast resources and technical expertise, India can play a key role in assisting the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) in dealing with the impact of climate change. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The recent Disaster Management Plan of Ministry of Panchayati Raj (DMP-MoPR) aims to develop disaster resilience at the grassroots level. In this context, discuss the rationale behind the formulation of the Plan and highlight its key components. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the internal security implications emanating from the use of Emerging And Disruptive Technologies (EDT) by state and non-state actors. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Identify the impediments faced by India in boosting its defence exports. Also, discuss the steps taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the multiple issues associated with space debris. Also, state the initiatives taken in recent times to tackle this menace. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The adoption of Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) in India is expected to make e-commerce more inclusive and accessible for consumers. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While an agreement was recently reached at the WTO on a deal to curb “harmful” government fisheries subsidies, certain concerns raised by India suggests that the matter will require further negotiations. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite the advantages that are associated with the hybrid annuity model (HAM) in the road construction sector, the interest in it has moderated due to various reasons. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The existing MSP procurement regime is neither economically nor agro-ecologically sustainable. Elaborate. Also, evaluate the alternative approaches that can be adopted to improve the existing MSP regime. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"It is being argued that India is struggling with overflowing foodgrains in warehouses. Discuss the statement in view of the existing buffer stock policy of India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Recently, the government has asked all ports to prepare a master plan in order to become 'mega ports' by 2047. In light of this, discuss the challenges faced by ports and suggest remedial measures in order to propel India's blue economy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Inequality in income and wealth translates into carbon inequality. In this context, discuss the significance of addressing carbon inequality for India and suggest ways to achieve it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Despite increased and regular occurrences of landslides over the past decade in India, the dominant development paradigm has largely not been modified. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India needs a smart border management system to balance legitimate cross border flows with national security interests. Discuss. Also, highlight the initiatives taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Establishing linkages between globalisation and money laundering, discuss the initiatives taken at the national and international levels to combat it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"There have been arguments that India needs to review some of its past assumptions about the nature of outer space and contribute to the development of new global norms. In this context, analyse India's stand in relation to the Artemis Accords. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7537,"topper":"Shubham","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4c90e-218920_2218_shubham_rank-41.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to revisit the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution? Discuss with suitable arguments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Highlighting the advantages of online dispute resolution (ODR) mechanism for justice delivery, discuss the challenges associated with its effective implementation in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Despite the constitutional division of powers, Centre-state disputes have been a perennial feature of Indian democracy. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Do you agree with the view that adopting a framework for lobbying will strengthen participative governance and ease of doing business in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Despite the government encouraging open source instead of proprietary technology for government applications, the true potential of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) and digital platforms remains unrealized. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"As a social safety-valve, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) can be the principal vehicles through which communities voice their concerns. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Despite being lauded for its patient centric approach, the implementation of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, remains sluggish and mired with various issues. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to formulate an Urban Employment Guarantee scheme at the national level? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the relevance of BIMSTEC as a regional organisation to fulfil India's strategic aspirations in the Indian Ocean Region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the relevance of the Gujral Doctrine for India with regard to its relations with its immediate neighbours in the present times. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the pivotal role of the Officers of Parliament in the Indian Parliamentary system. Also, discuss the constitutional and statutory provisions for their impartial functioning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The Finance Commission plays a crucial role in balancing fiscal federalism in India. In this context, examine the recommendations given by the 15th Finance Commission. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Critically assess whether according statutory backing to the Model Code of Conduct will contribute towards free and fair elections in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The market disruption caused by digital revolution warrants renewed focus and perspective to ensure fair competition in the digital economy. In this light, discuss the need to revamp the Competition Commission of India (CCI). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"There is an urgent need for effective whistle-blowing mechanisms and ensuring that necessary safeguards for the protection of whistle-blowers are established in both public and private spheres in India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"State the reasons behind the poor performance of cooperatives in India. Also, discuss the reforms undertaken by the government to overcome the shortcomings. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Public-Private Partnership model, if harnessed properly, has the potential to bridge the gaps in India's healthcare system. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Although the New Education Policy brings with itself a commendable vision, its success will depend on its ability to effectively integrate with the government's other policy initiatives. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) is born from a collective desire to make the Indo-Pacific region an engine of global economic growth. Comment. Also, discuss India's concerns in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"India needs to identify the priority areas to further its techno-diplomacy amidst the complexities of expanding digital space and New and Emerging Strategic Technologies. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7538,"topper":"Shubham","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SHUBHAM-UPSC-2023-Rank-223-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"In many ways, the Spanish civil war was the opening act of WWII. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"How will you explain the different fates of Buddhism and Jainism despite a slew of similarities in the two religions? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":7539,"topper":"Shubham","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SHUBHAM-UPSC-2023-Rank-223-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The influence of ethical principles on shaping socially responsible behavior is widely acknowledged. How do ethical values facilitate individuals in cultivating a proactive and construc-tive attitude towards fulfilling their social responsibilities? Can the subjective nature of ethical prin-ciples lead to divergent attitudes regarding social responsibility? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Through their actions, interactions, and teachings, schools have the power to mold the moral compass of the next generation. In this perspective, discuss the significance of value-based education in preparing the youth to address the contemporary challenges of society. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'situation ethics'? Critically analyze its strengths and weaknesses in making moral judgements. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Maintaining traditional bonds and familial relationships in an increasingly globalized world requires personal relationships to be governed by ethical principles. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Why should a man be moral? Because it strengthens his will. - Swami Vivekanand. In this perspective, discuss the significance of morality for bringing efficiency and effectiveness in public administration. Do you think moral rigidity can be a hindrance in good governance? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Civil servants who embody emotional intelligence exhibit a profound understanding of the human aspect of governance, enabling them to cultivate meaningful relationships, foster cooperation, and drive positive change. Examine ways in which Emotional Intelligence can be inculcated in civil servants. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The challenges posed by the corporate sector's impact on climate, environmental sustainability, and living conditions has highlighted the need for responsible and inclusive business practices. In this direction, the contemporary discourse on corporate governance is emphasizing the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. Evaluate the ESG framework in equipping the corporate world with the capabilities to fulfill its social roles and responsibilities. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Uniform Civil Code (UCC) aims to create a common set of laws governing personal matters, such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption, irrespective of individuals' religious affiliations. In the context of the ongoing discourse on UCC in India, examine the challenges that arise when attempting to reconcile legal principles with diverse moral considerations. To what extent should the law be influenced by moral/religious principles? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What does each of the following quotation mean to you? a) \"When I do good, I feel good; when I do bad, I feel bad, and that is my religion\" - Abraham Lincoln. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"\"Happiness is that state of consciousness which proceeds from the achievement of one's values\" - Ayn Rand. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"Improve information in rural area using her moral modern, political science education. (d) Reporting to Civil Society to ask for action. (e) Reporting to state administration. (iii) Role of SHG/Civil society (a) Create awareness -> sensitization in society. (b) Women groups can tackle both patriarchy and caste system together. (c) Provide better educational facilities, employment opportunity. (iv) Role of State Administration (a) Implementation of various laws and influx constitutional rights. (b) Democratization in society -> Use of PRI to give political representation.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7540,"topper":"Shubham","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1d1bf-218920_2220_shubham_rank-41.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"If a law is unjust, a man is not only right to disobey it, he is obligated to do so. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The capacity of Citizens' Charter to initiate any transformative process is conditioned upon it being appropriately designed and effectively executed. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The moral fiber and ethical conduct of public officials not only influence the standard of governance but also their own interests and performance. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The ongoing debate on euthanasia poses several ethical questions. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Foreign aid is a form of neo-colonialism, as the economically wealthier countries can exploit the developing countries under the cloak of aid. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Throwing light on the idea of Universal Humanism propounded by Rabindranath Tagore, discuss its contemporary relevance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree with the view that it is nature and not nurture which determines the emotional intelligence of a person? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Values that guide public administrators can often compete with each other, owing to their relative importance to the larger public interest. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Is it justifiable to say that corruption is a social phenomenon? What are the various ways through which administrative corruption can be tackled? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? \\Overcoming poverty is not a task of charity; it is an act of justice.\\ Nelson Mandela (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":7541,"topper":"Shubham","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0a1d8-218920_1841_shubham_rank-41.pdf","questions":[{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.- Marcus Aurelius (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":7542,"topper":"Shubham","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/49950-218920_1837_shubham_rank-41.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7543,"topper":"Shubham","air":223,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8a9ae-1039940_2100_shubham_rank_223.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Give a sociological account of the ideas of Sociology of India and sociology in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":4,"question":"Patriarchy is the least notiched yet the most significant structure of social inequality. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Child malnutrition is a chronic problem and a longstanding challenge for India. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"The practice of untouchability, though declining, still persists in India. Discuss its manifestation and reasons for persistence.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"Comment on the notion of social change from a cognitive historical viewpoint as postulated by Dumont.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"India has completed 75 years since Independence, but modernisation of Indian tradition is still an unfinished task. Do you agree?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"A two-way relationship is observed between folk-society and the urban society which is coming in contact with each other and inheriting as well as losing some of its their traits. Discuss w.r.t little tradition and Great tradition theory.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"\"Tribal conflicts based on ethnic differences often camouflage a struggle for political and economic advantage.\" Substantiate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"Growth of modern industries has macro as well as micro implication on Indian society. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"To what extent decentralization of power has been effective and equitable in case of India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"Discuss the crisis of development and need for sustainable development in contemporary times.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"Give a sociological analysis of Youth Unrest and Student Movement in recent times in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Gender equality is a threat to the institution of \"family\". Critically discuss the statement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Distinguish between social unrest and social protest and social movements? Examine their sociological significance to explain social change.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"Gender equality and environmental justice should go hand in hard. Discuss Eco-feminism in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"India's educational landscape is extremely unequal and the inequalities manifests themselves in the form of differences based on caste, class and, in some cases, gender. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"The dominant castes notion has been used to deny the validity of reservation for BCs and played a role in determining certain political strategies. In this context explain the decay of dominant caste today.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"Recently Supreme Court said that sex work is a profession whose practitioners are entitled to dignity and equal protection under law. In this context, discuss exclusion and marginalisation faced by sex workers in India.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7544,"topper":"Shubham","air":223,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/83eef-1039940_2215_shubham_rank_223.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"It is argued that the scope of sociology has evolved through the epoch of time. Discuss the change in scope of sociology with specific reference to pandemic time.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":4,"question":"Absolute objectivity is an idea which is regarded as obsolete in sociology research. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Though all valid data is reliable, but reliability alone does not ensure the validity of an experiment. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"One of Mead's most significant contributions to social psychology is his distinction between \"I\" and the \"me\". Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"\"No Society can be absolutely open or absolutely closed.\" Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Though they take very different approaches to study society, both 'micro' and 'macro' sociology aid our ability to understand the social world. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"\"To Marx capitalism is rooted in irrationality but for Weber it is a reflection of rationality.\" Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"What can be the best research method for determining the impact of Covid-19 on our society? Discuss with example.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"Do you think the feminisation of work has led to gender equality? Justify your answer with logical arguments.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Protests and agitation are symptomatic of skewed development in society. Discuss in context of India along with relevant examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"What are the major dimensions of secularisation in the modern world? Discuss the factors inhibiting the growth of secularisation in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 and The Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021 reinforce the idea of family as a patriarchal, heterosexual and casteist institution and fail to account for other models of chosen families. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7545,"topper":"Shubham","air":223,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/64938-1039940_2216_shubham_rank_223.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Sanstritition Sanscritization involves 'positional change' in caste system without any 'structural' change. Analyze.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":4,"question":"Explain the Interactional approach to study of caste in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Discuss various sociology sociological perspective on tribal integration and autonomy in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Within the informal workforce, there is persistent gender-based occupational segregation. In this context, analyze the feminization of informal labour.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"The idea of Indian villages as simple, static and self-sufficient provided by colonial administrators has been criticised by many scholars. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"G.S. Ghurye liberated the study of Indian society from the colonial biases and laid the true foundation of the discipline of sociology in India. Substantiate this statement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"Tribes are said to have accepted ethos of caste structures and absorbed within it. Critically analyse the changing dynamics between caste and tribe.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"Poverty in India has been socially generated and perpetuated. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"\"Slum is the lifeline of urbanity.\" Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight the difference between secularism and secularisation, discuss the nature of secularism in Indian context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Analyse M.S.A Rao's views on factors relating to the origins of social movements.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Critically examine the approaches to understand the concept of 'ethnicity'.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"It is argued that industrialisation and urbanisation has diminished caste distinction and made class dimensions more powerful in India. How far do you agree with this view?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Elite accomodation has often been a features of modern political societies. Critically discuss in context of India.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7546,"topper":"Shubham Behere","air":226,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/BEHERE-SHUBHAM-SHARAD-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-226-Sample-MGP-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) In many ways, the Spanish civil war was the opening act of WWII. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) How will you explain the different fates of Buddhism and Jainism despite a slew of similarities in the two religions?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3 Non-Cooperation Movement democratized India's freedom struggle but suffered from inherent limitations. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4 Critically analyse the efficacy of linguistic reorganization of states in addressing the reasons for linguistic divides in post-independent India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 Briefly discuss the role of plate tectonics theory in explaining the location of volcanoes. Also, explain the multifarious impacts of volcanoes on the surrounding regions.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) Taking further the success of Aspirational Districts Programme, Aspirational Blocks can help achieve the twin objectives of balanced growth and checking stress migration. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7 Describe the critical factors for location of defense industries and suggest measures to overcome the challenges.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) To what extent can Socio-Economic-Caste Census (SECC) address the challenges in achieving equitable resource allocation and targeted welfare?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) Indian society is premised on some common values that give it a composite texture as well as some diverse practices that deepen its heterogeneity. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) What are the factors that influence population growth in the country? In this perspective, examine the relevance and need of raising the minimum marriageable age of women for population development.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 Bring out the reasons behind the tribal unrest in British India. Also, analyze the reasons for their limited success.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 The independence of India was not a result of a forced expulsion of the Empire, as desired by the Quit India Movement; it was rather a confluence of domestic politics and global circumstances. Analyze.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13) Explain why Sufism, a liberal reform movement in Islam could deepen its roots in the Indian sub-continent, despite Islam being a foreign religion? Also, bring out the impacts of Sufism on Indian society.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) Enumerate the reasons behind rising intensity and frequency of cyclones in the Arabian Sea in recent years. Giving special reference to NDMA guidelines, recommend measures to check the adverse impacts of cyclones.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Measures to check adverse impact of cyclones as per NDMA\n1 Local planning - Local administration is encouraged to develop a evacuation and response plans in the event of cyclones as per the recommendation of NDMA and suitable to local needs.\n2 Early warning system to be made robust with the use of IT & communication to make people aware of the cyclones to facilitate evolutionary evacuation.\n3 Coordination amongst different prevention and response agencies at both local and national level to optimise the response to cyclone.\n4 Use of GIS, satellite imagery to track the path and intensity of cyclones.\n5 Capacity building of local people and administration for the rescue and rehabilitation after cyclone.\n6 Disaster resilient infrastructure to be promoted in cyclone prone areas.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Examine the impacts of climate change on the hydrological cycle and suggest suitable mitigation and adaptation strategies to contain the harmful implications.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) Defining continental shelf, highlight its resource potential and ecological significance.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 Rooted in patriarchal values, gender-based violence, in all its manifestations, is antithetical to societal growth. Explain.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18) The caste calculus in the Indian society remains predominant and continues to project its shadow on social, political, and economic domains. Do you agree? Substantiate your answer.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Discuss various factors contributing to the water woes faced by Indian cities. Also, explain complexities in implementing a comprehensive water management plan.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20) Though important elements of group identity, religion and region also run the risk of deepening communal cleavages. Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7547,"topper":"Shubham Behere","air":226,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/BEHERE-SHUBHAM-SHARAD-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-226-Sample-MGP-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) Discuss the role of the 'Fourth Estate' in upholding democratic values and analyse the issues affecting press freedom in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) The electoral process, though inclusionary in theory, has been pointed out for exclusionary tendencies in practice. Analyse, with special emphasis on role of women in India's representative electoral system.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Human dignity, stemming from right to life, does not end with death penalty. In this context, throw light on various controversies surrounding capital punishment in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Assess the effectiveness of Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 in resolution of river-water disputes. Also describe the potential impact of delays in resolution of water disputes.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 Discuss the significance of the cooperative model of development in addressing the issues of rural growth.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) In order to pass the ultimate test of good governance, welfare state should be close to the people, responsive to their aspirations, and inclusive in its approach. Discuss with special reference to PM PVTG Development Mission.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7 To what extent collaboration between the state and civil society organizations (CSOs) help in addressing poverty and malnutrition in the country?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) Absence of a robust social infrastructure in the country may become one of the most significant challenges in achieving a developed status by 2047. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 Though the changing paradigm towards dialogue and diplomacy in West Asia augurs well for India's interests in this otherwise restive region, presence of inimical actors may reverse the gains. Explain.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) Water diplomacy can redefine the contours of regional cooperation in South Asia. Discuss with special reference to Indus water treaty 1960.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 Despite constitutional backing to the institutions of local governance, the idea of decentralisation has remained hostage to several structural bottlenecks. Elucidate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 Independent judiciary, as envisaged by the constitution, provides the bedrock for a thriving polity; however, executive encroachment may erode its credibility and affect its efficacy. Evaluate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 Executive agencies, working as the watchdog against impropriety, are vital to act against the corrupt; however, pandering to vested interests may have the effect of turning the idea of rule of law on its head. Comment, with special reference to controversies associated with the Enforcement Directorate (ED).","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 Critically analyse the role of National Commission for Women (NCW) in wake of its mandate to safeguard women's rights and uphold their socio-economic wellbeing.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15) Understanding the extent, source, and complexity of deprivations among the multidimensionally poor contributes to more informed policymaking. In this context, analyze the latest National Multidimensional Poverty Index Report by NITI Aayog.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 Though lifeblood of a representative democracy, political parties are beset with challenges of their own, limiting their larger role in democratization of the society.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17) Safely managed drinking water services, as desired by Jal Jeevan Mission, are designated to give multifarious benefits cutting across generations. Discuss. Also, elaborate upon the challenges in ensuring the mission's success.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 Legislation like Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989 remains mere legal documents without intense sensitization of public functionaries and the civil society. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Harbinger of global rebalancing, India-Africa ties are a beacon of inclusive, sustainable, and equitable world. Explain.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20) How do ASEAN centrality, rules-based order, and development partnership with Pacific Island states make Indo-Pacific a theatre of opportunity for India? What are the hurdles in realisation of an inclusive Indo-Pacific construct?","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7548,"topper":"Shubham Behere","air":226,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/BEHERE-SHUBHAM-SHARAD-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-226-Sample-MGP-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) Celebrity endorsements raise pertinent ethical concerns about responsibility that delve into the realm of ethical considerations of social influence that run deeper than mere surface appeal. In this context, suggest measures to tackle the ethical challenges of celebrity brand endorsements.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) Embracing a scientific mindset involves setting aside impulsive inclinations in favor of the pursuit of truth. In your view, how does the integration of scientific thinking contribute to addressing contemporary challenges and promoting societal progress? How can we effectively cultivate a scientific attitude in society?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) In the realm of professional conduct, ethics plays a role that tends to go far beyond fulfilling the roles and responsibilities of the job with diligence and honesty. But some people consider professional competence as the only critical requirement for a job. If faced with a choice, who would you prefer to hire - someone with professional competence or one with strong moral values?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) Patriotism can hold different meanings for different people, often shaped by personal experiences and convictions. What does patriotism mean to you? Explain narrating incidents from your life when you exhibited patriotism.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) a) Max Weber's concept of bureaucracy was developed in the early 20th century, but it still influences administrative structures today. In what ways do you see Weberian bureaucracy as relevant in today's rapidly changing world?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) \"Global challenges often test the ethical fiber of nations, urging them to channel narrow pursuit of national-interest into an enlightened self-interest.\" Enumerating the various ethical principles underlying the concept of enlightened national-interest examine its efficacy in helping nations navigate the fine line between pursuing their strategic interests and upholding ethical principles, particularly in times of conflict?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.4) a) In the realm of governance, a crucial aspect is the art of persuasion. The qualities that make civil servants proficient persuaders empower them to fulfill their responsibilities in an effective manner. Discuss with illustrations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"b) Differentiate between the following:\ni. Conscientiousness and Conscience\nii. Gratitude and Gratification","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.5) a) Corruption has multifaceted implications. Some consider it an undeniable vice, while others contend it to be an unavoidable necessity for navigating the bureaucratic complexities. In your opinion, does corruption oil or corrode the gears of development? Substantiate your arguments.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"b) Ethical hacking and malicious hacking stand as divergent paths with distinct intentions and consequences. As technology advances, it becomes imperative to comprehend the nuances that set these practices apart in the cybersecurity landscape. In this perspective, elucidate the principles that differentiate ethical hacking and malicious hacking.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.6 What does each of the following quotation mean to you?\na) \"Our greatest ability as humans is not to change the world, but to change ourselves.\" - Mahatma Gandhi","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"b) 'People know what they do; frequently they know why they do what they do; but what they don't know is what what they do does.' Michel Foucault","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"c) \"I slept and dreamt that life was a joy. I awoke and saw that life was service.\" Rabindra Nath Tagore","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7 Even though the incidents of wars are detrimental to all, it is the women who have been the worst sufferers of all forms of human conflicts. Historical evidences from throughout the globe have highlighted the skewed vulnerability of women to violence in all its manifestations. In the medieval period, the situation of women remained particularly vulnerable; treated as second class citizens in comparison to men, their condition became particularly deplorable during wartime excesses. Invariably, women were considered as part of the plunder, leading to their sexual and psychological exploitation. Similarly, during the second world war, the then Imperial Japanese Army exploited women, pushing them into sexual slavery. These women were euphemistically termed as comfort women. The objectification of women as a commodity for comfort made their exploitation complete and absolute. Issue of comfort women, one of the largest incidents of human trafficking, continues to be a diplomatic flash point between South Korea and Japan. In contemporary times too, we get to see the manifestation of various social crimes against women. Dharmendra, a young District Magistrate, posted in Khainom, capital of Ranipur recently became witness to such an incident. Ranipur is one of the North Eastern states of India. Ranipur has a rich ethnic diversity consisting of both tribal and non-tribal population. Issues such as access and ownership over resources, settling of outsiders (non-tribals) in tribal areas, dominance/influence over government appointments etc., have remained the bone of contention between the tribal and non-tribal people. However, the matters came to a head when the demands from the non-tribal community for being recognized as tribals started gaining force. These demands were fiercely opposed by the tribals fearing that it will reinforce the positions of non-tribals; allow them to buy land in tribal areas and therefore will marginalize the already backward tribal community in the state. Within no time the situation took a communal turn. Khainom was particularly worst hit. In addition to the incidents of plunder and loot, Khainom gained global attention when a video of a tribal girl being sexually assaulted by non-tribal men surfaced in the social media. The video clearly depicted a group of 20-25 men molesting a tribal girl in front of entire village. A police car, and few police personnel were also visible in the video. The passivity of armed police personnel towards safeguarding the women was being severely criticised across all quarters. Even though this particular incident came into public domain, it was by no measure an isolated happening. Many such occurrences of targeting women from both the communities were reported throughout Ranipur. The political leadership of the state has taken cognizance of the events in Khainom. Dharmendra has been instructed to prepare a holistic plan to avoid such incidents in the future.\na) What recommendations should Dharmendra make to create a safe environment for the women?\nb) What are the factors that have led to victimization of women, especially during conflicts?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":30,"question":"a) महिलाओं के लिए सुरक्षित वातावरण बनाने के लिए धर्मेंद्र को क्या सिफारिशें करनी चाहिए?\nb) वे कौन से कारक हैं जिनके कारण महिलाओं को उत्पीड़न का सामना करना पड़ा, विशेषकर संघर्षों के दौरान?\na) महिलाओं के लिए सुरक्षित वातावरण बनाने के लिए धर्मेंद्र को क्या सिफारिशें करनी चाहिए?\nb) वे कौन से कारक हैं जिनके कारण महिलाओं को उत्पीड़न का सामना करना पड़ा, विशेषकर संघर्षों के दौरान?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.8 Manoj is a young boy studying in class tenth of Nav Bharti school. Even though Manoj is pursuing science stream, as desired by his parents, he has always been more inclined towards arts. His skills in various performing arts viz. music, dance etc., has always received high praises from his friends, teachers and relatives alike. It was his desire to make a name for himself in this field. However, when Manoj informed his parents about his dream, their reaction though disappointing, did not come as a surprise. His parents who have always desired to see him as an engineer, were vehemently against his wish to pursue performing arts as a career option. His father explained him that by being an engineer he can lead a financially rewarding life, which they themselves could never afford. Further, his father also belittled his dream by saying that music and dance did not constitute an honourable profession. Manoj's father also pointed out to Manoj that Praveen, Manoj's cousin, had settled with a high paying job after completing his engineering degree form a renowned university. Though Manoj never enjoyed studying mathematics and science, he did not want to go against his parent's wishes. Therefore, after completing his board exams, Manoj was sent to Pota. Over the years the reputation of Pota as the coaching hub for entrance examinations had grown far and wide. The determination of Manoj's parents to make their son an engineer was undeterred despite the high fees of the coaching centres in Pota. Therefore, in order to pay the high fees of the coaching institute, Manoj's parents mortgaged their only asset, the ancestral family land. Manoj tried to convince his father against it, but to no avail. In order to fulfil his parent's aspiration, Manoj started working hard and giving his best. However, despite his consistent and honest hard work, his performance in mock tests remained sub-par and could neither meet the expectations of the teachers in Pota nor that of his parents at home. In addition, due to the alienation from the environment of school, friends, and family Manoj started remaining depressed. Further, in Pota he did not get anytime for pursuing his hobbies in performing arts. He started keeping to himself and even avoided talking to his parents on phone. Even after two years of gruelling coaching regime, Manoj's condition remained unchanged. The situation came to such a pass that Manoj used to be in a constant fear of failure in the annual Engineering Entrance Examination (EEE). He was aware about the high financial stakes that the exam bore for his family. It was under this pressure that Manoj gave the EEE. Finally, the results were out, and Manoj was unable to make it to any prestigious engineering college. Even though the result was on the expected lines for Manoj, the realisation that he has failed in the examination crushed him mentally. What made the matters worse was the disappointment that Manoj noticed in his parent's voice over the phone. Manoj felt like a criminal in his mind who had squandered the scarce family resources. Unable to bear the pressure, Manoj took a fatal jump off the building of his hostel. He left behind a note apologising to his parents for being unable to fulfil their aspirations.\na) What are the qualities lacked by Manoj's parents?\nb) What qualities in a person can prevent him/her from taking the extreme step of committing suicide?\nc) What are the various ethical issues with the education system as depicted in the case study?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"a) मनोज के माता-पिता में किन गुणों की कमी है?\nb) किसी व्यक्ति के कौन से गुण उसे आत्महत्या जैसा चरम कदम उठाने से रोक सकते हैं?\nc) केस स्टडी में दर्शाए अनुसार शिक्षा प्रणाली के साथ विभिन्न नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\na) मनोज के माता-पिता में किन गुणों की कमी है?\nb) किसी व्यक्ति के कौन से गुण उसे आत्महत्या जैसा चरम कदम उठाने से रोक सकते हैं?\nc) केस स्टडी में दर्शाए अनुसार शिक्षा प्रणाली के साथ विभिन्न नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.9 Rajendra has been appointed as the General Manager of South Eastern Zone of the Indian Railways. After taking charge of his new posting, one of the first major shortcomings that Rajendra found in his jurisdiction was the gross shortage of staff, especially at operational level. Given the sensitive nature and importance of railways, Rajendra immediately apprised his seniors in the ministry about this issue. In his report, Rajendra pointed out that shortages at various positions are leading to an over-stretched workforce, which may become detrimental for the security of the freight and the passengers. However, Rajendra's report fell on deaf ears and no action was taken by Railways in this regard.\nAs fate would have it, a devastating train accident took place at Salasore, which fell under Rajendra's jurisdiction. Around 300 lives were lost and more than 1000 passengers were injured. The accident sent shock waves across the country and serious questions were being raised on railway safety. Given the seriousness of the incident, immediately an internal fact-finding committee was constituted under Rajendra.\nThe internal committee completed its enquiry and prima facie found \"human error in signaling\" as the cause of the accident. The accident, as per the committee, happened when two trains which erroneously, due to faulty signaling, were on the same track; the collision between the two trains derailed some bogies; the derailed bogies collided with yet another train that was running on the parallel track. The fact-finding team also highlighted that Anand, who was in charge of signaling, was working continuously for more than 16 hours, instead of his regular 8 hours shift. The report concluded \"lack of adequate staff\" as one of the major reasons behind the accident.\nThe very next day Rajendra was summoned by his superior in the ministry. Rajendra's superior congratulated him on the good and timely work on the report. However, he also asked him to modify the report by removing \"lack of adequate staff\" as one of the causes of the accident, as it showed Railways in a poor light. His superior further hinted that a lenient approach from Rajendra will bode well for his career. He also promised that Rajendra's cooperation in the matter will have a positive bearing on his request for a study leave. Moreover, the superior also reasoned with Rajendra that a rigid attitude may not bode well for him and he might get ostracized within the rank and file. Further, to make things 'easy' for Rajendra, his superior advised him to report Anand's negligence as the cause of the accident. However, Rajendra is aware that Anand is a very sincere and hard-working employee. He came out of the Chairman's office, dejected and undecided on his next course of action.\na) What are the ethical concerns associated with the case study?\nb) What are the options available with Rajendra?\nc) If you were at the place of Rajendra, which option would you choose and why?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":42,"question":"a) केस स्टडी से जुड़ी नैतिक चिंताएं क्या हैं?\nb) राजेंद्र के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nc) यदि आप राजेंद्र के स्थान पर होते, तो आप कौन सा विकल्प चुनते और क्यों?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.10 Grander Neobar Island is one of the world's most important biodiversity hotspots. Covered by thriving rainforest, the Island hosts a vast diversity of flora and fauna, many of which are endemic in nature. The Island is also known for being home to some of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). For years, the region has been preserved for its ecological and cultural importance. Besides its environmental richness, the Grander Neobar is also particularly unique for its geo-strategic importance. The position of the Island in the Indian Ocean makes it ideal for gaining strategic leverage over the country's adversaries in the region. Grander Neobar Development Project (GNDP) is a security and infrastructure project proposed for the southern tip of the island. The project is important for economic benefits such as logistics, commerce, industry, and coastal tourism. GNDP includes an international container transhipment terminal, a greenfield international airport, township development, and a gas- and solar-based power plant together occupying over a large area in the island. Though touted as vital for country's economic growth and strategic presence in the region, some NGOs have been protesting against the project for its high environmental cost. The NGOs claim that the project would require cutting down of more than 900,000 trees of the rainforest biome, which are a prime source of carbon sequestration. Further, the loss of tree cover will not only affect the flora and fauna on the island, but it will also lead to increased runoff and sediment deposits in the ocean, impacting the coral reefs in the area. Also, the influx of outside population is expected to impose a significant ecological pressure on the island and its surroundings. The PVTGs residing in the Island for centuries may lose their traditional rights over land, and may also face undue interference in their culture and practices. As per some experts, as PVTGs are secluded from mainland since time immemorial, a sudden contact with outside population may pose grave health risks in forms of various infections. It is also being highlighted that the project is in contradiction to the government's vision to promote a sustainable world and a climate friendly lifestyle. However, the supporters of the project firmly believe that the project is essential, given its strategic importance for the country. The supporters of the project reason that since other countries also host several military bases in the region, India cannot afford to remain absent from this strategic backyard. Further, as per the advocates of the project, presence of a robust security infrastructure can check the oft-occurring incidents of piracy, cementing the country's role as the net security provider in the region. Moreover, the proponents of the development project argue that Grander Neobar is located close to one of the busiest choke points in the global trade route, and neglecting its development may run counter to country's trade and security interests. Also, as per a government think tank's report, the proposed port will allow Grander Neobar to participate in the regional and global maritime economy by becoming a major player in cargo transhipment and a delay in the same may have the effect of losing the competitive advantage.\na) What are the key ethical concerns present in the above case study?\nb) According to you between the twin objectives of development and conservation what should be given more priority and why?","marks":null,"words":"20"},{"page":48,"question":"a) उपरोक्त मामले के अध्ययन में मौजूद प्रमुख नैतिक चिंताएँ क्या हैं?\nb) आपके अनुसार विकास और संरक्षण के दोहरे उद्देश्यों में से किसे अधिक प्राथमिकता दी जानी चाहिए और क्यों? (20 अंक, 250 शब्द)\na) उपरोक्त मामले के अध्ययन में मौजूद प्रमुख नैतिक चिंताएँ क्या हैं?\nb) आपके अनुसार विकास और संरक्षण के दोहरे उद्देश्यों में से किसे अधिक प्राथमिकता दी जानी चाहिए और क्यों?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":53,"question":"Q.11 Mr. Gopal Mahto is the sitting Chief Minister of one of the most populous states in India. He is a young and dynamic leader, popular not just in his state but across the country. Many political analysts opine that he has the potential to become Prime Minister of India in future. One day, the CM was taking a review meeting of law-and-order situation in the state, with senior officials in the state capital. Suddenly he felt a light pain in his abdomen. The CM had been feeling such bouts of pain since a long time, but like always he neglected it this time too, and continued with the meeting. However, in the next few weeks, the intensity of pain increased and the CM was forced to see a doctor. After initial examination, the doctor gave some medicines and prescribed few tests. After few days, the report came and it showed that the CM is suffering from 'Liver Cirrhosis.' It was in the advanced stage and posed a threat to the life of Mr. Mahto. The doctor told that the only option was the liver transplant without any further delay. In apprehension that it may create chaos among the general public, particularly the supporters of the CM and his party, it was decided to not make the news public. Only very few senior functionaries at the centre and state along with medical staff were aware of the situation. Meanwhile, the Health Minister of the State directed the State's Health Secretary to take necessary actions, coordinate with medical staff and arrange for liver transplant for the CM. The next day, the Health Secretary called the State Director General (DG), Health, who is the competent authority, dealing with the matters related to organ transplantation in the state. The DG, Renuka was informed of the situation and directed to make immediate arrangement for liver transplant. However, Renuka told the Secretary that there is a laid down Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) regarding organ transplantation. She informed him that there is already a patient named Sunil at first position in the waiting list, who also requires urgent liver transplant. The health secretary is also informed that Sunil is left with a very short time window for a successful transplantation. Sunil is 35 years old, a father of two, and the sole bread winner of the family of six that also includes his wife and aging parents. Sunil's family is of limited means and often found it rather difficult to cater even for their needs. Also, various medical costs associated with Sunil's conditions have further worsened the financial condition of the family. Renuka further informs the secretary, as per SOP, the CM would be at the second position in the waiting list. As a matter of chance, Renuka receives a phone call from one of her subordinates. She informs Renuka that a liver has been donated by family of an old person, who died his natural death. After relevant tests, it was found that the available liver is fit for Sunil. Incidentally, the liver also fits the medical profile of the CM. Renuka immediately intimates the secretary about this development. Even though all the facts with regard to the SOP are explicitly clear, the secretary still tries to persuade Renuka for bending the rule in favor of Mr. Gopal Mahto. He explains that if anything untoward happens to the CM, it may lead to chaos and instability in the State. It may also require fresh elections which will be a drain on state exchequer and a drag on the governance process. He also hinted that if Renuka 'bent' the rule, this will be favorable for her career growth in the future. Further, to ease Renuka's conscience, the health secretary assured her that her actions are in larger interest of the state as well as the country. He also reasoned that if Sunil fails to receive a healthy liver in time, he will personally ensure that Sunil's family is well taken care of, and an eligible member of his family is accorded with a government job. Meanwhile, the time is running out for both Sunil and the CM.\na) What are the ethical concerns associated with the above case study?\nb) What are the options available with Renuka? Analyse the merits and demerits of the options?\nc) If you were at the place of Renuka, which option would you choose and why?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"a) चपरोक मामले के अध्ययन से जुड़ी नैतिक चिंताएं क्या हैं?\nb) रेणुका के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं? विकल्पों के गुण और दोषों का विश्लेषण कीजिए?\nc) यदि आप रेणुका के स्थान पर होते, तो आप कौन सा विकल्प चुनते और क्यों?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":55,"question":"0 Ethical concerns involved in the case study","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":59,"question":"Q.12 Mr X is travelling by road with his family to attend a marriage ceremony. His grandfather, who is the head of the family is also travelling with him. On the way to their destination, all of them stop at a road side restaurant for lunch. This is a well-known restaurant owned by one of the friends of Mr X. The place is known for its tasty and hygienic food. However, the grandfather notices a picture on the wall of the restaurant and enquires about the religion of the restaurant owner. Mr X's friend belongs to a religion different from the grandfather's religion. The grandfather has a negative attitude towards the religion of Mr X's friend and he insists that he will not eat in that restaurant. He demands that the entire family should leave the restaurant immediately as they are travelling for a happy occasion and eating at this particular restaurant will pollute them. Mr X tries to calm down his grandfather and explain to him that religion has nothing to do with purity or pollution. He also reasons that several travel magazines have rated the restaurant highly, especially for its superior hygiene standards. Also, he points out that there is no restaurant in the way for the next 100 Km and it will be difficult for all to make do without food for that long. However, his arguments fall on deaf years, and which is more his grandfather admonishes him for bringing the family to the restaurant despite being aware about the religion of the owner. Mr X's friend feels insulted and discriminated against due to his religion. Mr X's father is upset but refuses to say anything out of respect for the grandfather. Entire family is embarrassed by the attitude of the grandfather and they are getting ready to leave the restaurant. Mr X is confused regarding how he should act in this situation.\na) What are the various ethical issues in the above case study?\nb) Imagine yourself in the place of Mr X. Evaluate the different courses of actions available with you. What is the most suitable course of action?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":60,"question":"a) Ethical issues in the case study\n1 Respect for elders which is a culture of society. v/s taking a stand and protect the dignity of friend\n2 Generational difference in the ethical norms of what is right or wrong. child grandfather considers it right to discriminate against the friend for his religion, Mr. X being progressive does not differentiate on the basis of religion.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7549,"topper":"Shubham Behere","air":226,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/BEHERE-SHUBHAM-SHARAD-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-226-Sample-MGP-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) Where the roots of private virtue are diseased, the fruit of public probity cannot but be corrupt. What do you understand by probity? Discuss ways of inculcating probity in public life.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) Evaluate the role of citizen's charter in making governance citizen centric. Also, recommend some measures to make citizen's charters more effective.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) Differentiate between the following:\n(i) code of conduct and code of ethics\n(ii) Accountability and responsibility","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) While successful managers make profit for their organizations, it is leaders who build successful organizations. In light of this statement, differentiate between a manager and a leader. Examine why leadership is considered a foundational value for a civil servant.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) a) Right to Information Act, 2005, aims to make the governance process transparent and accountable, however, the sunshine legislation is beset with several challenges. Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) Uniform Civil Code (UCC) aims to create a common set of laws governing personal matters, such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption, irrespective of individuals' religious affiliations. In the context of the ongoing discourse on UCC in India, examine the challenges that arise when attempting to reconcile legal principles with diverse moral considerations. To what extent should the law be influenced by moral/religious principles?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.4) a) \"Why should a man be moral? Because it strengthens his will.\" - Swami Vivekanand. In this perspective, discuss the significance of morality for bringing efficiency and effectiveness in public administration. Do you think moral rigidity can be a hindrance in good governance?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"b) Various practices and policies are implemented to uphold transparency, fairness, and accountability within administrative systems, encompassing both advantageous and disadvantageous aspects for the stakeholders involved and the overall administrative framework. Explore the ethical considerations that arise from the design and implementation of these administrative practices aiming to foster effective governance.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.5) a) Civil servants who embody emotional intelligence exhibit a profound understanding of the human aspect of governance, enabling them to cultivate meaningful relationships, foster cooperation, and drive positive change. Examine ways in which Emotional Intelligence can be inculcated in civil servants.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"b) The challenges posed by the corporate sector's impact on climate, environmental sustainability, and living conditions has highlighted the need for responsible and inclusive business practices. In this direction, the contemporary discourse on corporate governance is emphasizing the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. Evaluate the ESG framework in equipping the corporate world with the capabilities to fulfill its social roles and responsibilities.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.6) What does each of the following quotation mean to you?\na) \"Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom\" - Thomas Jefferson","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"b) \"When I do good, I feel good; when I do bad, I feel bad, and that is my religion\" - Abraham Lincoln.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"c) \"Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time.\" – Ruth Bader Ginsburg.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7 Prachinmath is a pilgrim town nestled in the laps of Himalayas. The town is part of one of the border states of the country. It serves as the base for a highly revered and well-known pilgrimage undertaken by millions of people every year. The people of Prachinmath, who are largely from a close-knit community of Pahadi tribe, have lived in the area for several generations. The Pahadi people, since many generations, have developed a lifestyle which is integral to the ecosystem of Prachinmath. The traditional knowledge of the tribe passed from one generation to other have helped the people in living with the environment in a sustainable manner. The people of Prachinmath worshipped the local deity, and believed it to be their destiny to live in the region in a peaceful and harmonious way.\nHowever, the increasing pace of unplanned development, uncontrolled religious tourism, creation of strategic infrastructure etc., in the contemporary times have fundamentally altered the minimalistic nature of relationship that the people of Prachinmath had with the local/fragile environment. Prachinmath Bachao Committee (PBC), a civil society organization of Pahadi tribals, has consistently opposed the unbridled and brazen exploitation of the resources of Prachinmath. They have through petitions, jan sabhas, nukkad nataks etc., highlighted the grave consequences of the unsustainable development model that the state and the Union governments were adopting for Prachinmath. However, their petitions had fallen on deaf ears. Moreover, the government justified the infrastructure creation in Prachinmath in order to cater to its strategic and religious significance.\nThe problems came to a head when the government decided to construct a tunnel in Prachinmath, in order to generate hydroelectricity. The PBC as well as prominent geologists of the country vehemently opposed the idea citing its negative impact upon the region. The scientific community was of the opinion that as Prachinmath sits on geological fault lines and is built on a debris of a landslide, any large-scale construction may cause irreparable damage to the environment. Nevertheless, the government went ahead with the project, constructing the tunnel in a record time, citing its necessity for the energy security of the country. Even many economists were of the opinion that increased energy capacity will help India curtail its import bill. Such steps were hailed by the government as the stepping stone of the country towards strategic autonomy.\nThe worst fears of the local and scientific communities came true when the houses in Prachinmath started showing large cracks. The reason for the crack, as found out after a detailed study, was attributed to the subsidence of land in Prachinmath. The sinking of the land, development of large cracks, collapsing of the buildings etc., caught the attention of social, electronic, and print media alike. Overnight, Prachinmath became the talk of the country. Even the international media highlighted the episode, and the existential threat that it posed to the local communities as well as the environment. The state and Union governments swung into action and formed an expert committee, comprising of scientists, bureaucrats, NDRF/SDRF personnel etc., to look into the matter. The committee advised the government to evacuate Prachinmath completely, as the sinking of the land was continuing. Working on the recommendations of the committee, government prepared a detailed resettlement and rehabilitation plan for the people of Prachinmath.\nThe Pahadi people, who squarely blamed the government for the crisis, felt cheated by the actions of the government and refused to evacuate from Prachinmath, the place of their ancestors.\na) What are the various conflicting interests in the above case study.\nb) As a DM of the district in which Prachinmath falls, how will you convince the people to evacuate from the area?\nc) What can we do to avoid such situations in the future.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"a) उपरोक्त केस स्टडी में विभिन्न परस्पर विरोधी हित क्या हैं?\nb) जिस जिले में प्राचीनमठ पड़ता है, वहां के डीएम के रूप में आप लोगों को इलाका खाली करने के लिए कैसे मनाएंगे?\nc) भविष्य में ऐसी स्थितियों से बचने के लिए हम क्या कर सकते हैं?\na) उपरोक्त केस स्टडी में विभिन्न परस्पर विरोधी हित क्या हैं?\nb) जिस जिले में प्राचीनमठ पड़ता है, वहां के डीएम के रूप में आप लोगों को इलाका खाली करने के लिए कैसे मनाएंगे?\nc) भविष्य में ऐसी स्थितियों से बचने के लिए हम क्या कर सकते हैं?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.8 Vihar is a state in the Northern part of the country. Prohibition laws in the state completely ban the storage, possession, sale, and consumption of liquor in any form. Despite the ban, the liquor mafia in the state has succeeded in supplying spurious liquor through various illegal dens. The activities of liquor mafia flourish under the nose of both the civil administration and the police department. Many Civil Society Organizations, women organizations etc., on numerous occasions complained to the authorities about the illegal production, sale, and consumption of liquor, but their complaints have fallen on deaf ears, and no substantial action was taken by the government to curb the menace.\nAs fate would have it, one day there was an unfortunate incident when a large group of fifty construction labourers died after consuming spurious liquor from an illegal den being operated by the mafia. Many of the victims were sole bread winners of their families. While the state was clear on its position that consuming liquor in the state was an illegal activity that warrants no sympathy or compensation (for the next of kin) from the government, families of the victims and also many CSOs were demanding compensation for the families of the deceased construction laborers.\nThe incident got both national and international coverage in print, electronic, as well as the social media. The pressure on the state government was mounting to amicably resolve the issue.\nAnjali is posted as the Joint Secretary in the Secretariat. The CM has asked her to create a detailed report on how should the state government handle this crisis.\na) Under the given circumstances, what measures should Anjali recommend to handle the above crisis.\nb) Critically evaluate the decision of state government to not compensate the victims of spurious liquor.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Q.9) Kamlesh is a civil servant who has been recently posted as Additional Chief Secretary in the education department of the state. Kamlesh has a meticulous service record and is well known for his honesty, and a no-nonsense attitude. After joining the new department, the first major task before Kamlesh was to conduct the recruitments for the post of lecturers in government schools. The posts were lying vacant for a long time, and the government wanted to fill up the vacancies without further delay as it was one of the poll promises made by the present government. The recruitment process took place successfully under the supervision of Kamlesh. The concerned minister congratulated Kamlesh and informed him that the appointment letters will be allocated to the successful candidates in a ceremony which will be presided by the CM himself. Kamlesh was happy that his work was getting recognition at the highest level. One day, Kamlesh was sitting in his office when his secretary brought him a letter from a leading investigative journalist of the state. The letter dealt with the recently conducted recruitment of the lecturers. Kamlesh was shocked at the content of the letter. The investigative journalist had alleged that the question paper of the exam was leaked to a few successful candidates, who had also forged their documents to appear in the exam. The letter also highlighted a nexus of middlemen, politicians, and civil servants who facilitate such illicit practices. Moreover, the investigative journalist had also attached credible proofs. Kamlesh corroborated the facts of the letters from his own sources and found the allegations to be true prima facie. Since the matter was serious and warranted immediate action, Kamlesh brought the matter to the notice of his minister. To his surprise, the minister asked him to sit over the matter for some time. Minister reasoned that bringing out this matter will bring ignominy not only to the department but also to the government. Further, the minister reasoned that cancelling the whole recruitment process will be detrimental for the education department, schools etc; also, the sincere and honest candidates who have invested a lot of time and money for preparation may also get affected negatively. He also reminded Kamlesh that the participation of the CM has already been announced. After leaving the minister's office, Kamlesh got a phone call from Minister's Personal Secretary (PS). The PS hinted to Kamlesh that the concerned candidates were closely connected to the ruling political party, and going against them may create professional troubles for Kamlesh. On the other hand, his cooperation in this matter, the PS assured, will not go unnoticed and will be handsomely rewarded. Kamlesh had just settled in his new posting. He knows that going against the wish of the Minister may cause him his present posting. What was more, Kamlesh's father is undergoing treatment in a local hospital. A shunting out from the district would mean that his father would have to be left alone to fend for himself. Further, Kamlesh's wife Priya, also a bureaucrat, is posted in the Chief Minister's Office (CMO). Kamlesh realises that his actions will also have a bearing on her career as well.\na) Bring out various ethical dilemmas faced by Kamlesh.\nb) Consider yourself in Kamlesh's position. What are the various options available to you?\nc) Critically evaluate each of the option listed by you.\nd) Which of the above option should Kamlesh adopt and why?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":41,"question":"a) कमलेश द्वारा सामना की गई विभिन्न नैतिक दुविधाओं को उजागर करें।\nb) अपने आप को कमलेश की स्थिति में समझें। आपके लिए विभिन्न विकल्प क्या उपलब्ध हैं?\nc) आपके द्वारा सूचीबद्ध प्रत्येक विकल्प का आलोचनात्मक मूल्यांकन करें।\nd) कमलेश को उपरोक्त में से कौन सा विकल्प अपनाना चाहिए और क्यों?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":46,"question":"Q.10 XYZ is a premiere coaching institute located in Chatterjee Nagar locality of Himnagar. XYZ specialises in the coaching for medical and engineering entrance examination. The main office of the coaching, where the daily classes are conducted, is located in a congested locality, from where several other coaching institutes also operate.\nOne day, while classes were in session in the top floor of the building and some 200 odd students were in attendance, a fire broke out in the premises of XYZ coaching. The fire incident created a commotion among those present in the building. Everyone, in a state of confusion, started running helter-skelter. Some students rushed to the very narrow stairs. Many stumbled and fell, hurting themselves. The emergency exit plan of the building was not suitable to cater to the large number of students and staff. In order to save themselves from asphyxiation, some students broke the window of the classroom. However, in absence of a fire stairs they had to climb down using the balcony ledge. In the process, many students had a free fall and hurt themselves badly.\nWhile two boys lost their life due to stampede caused while exiting the building, one girl got fatally injured while climbing down the ledge. The civil administration immediately started an audit of the building. Joseph is posted as the Municipal Commissioner of Himnagar. Chatarjee Nagar falls under his jurisdiction. Joseph has ordered an enquiry into the whole incident.\nCoincidentally, Joseph's younger brother, Frank, is also a student of XYZ coaching. He was not present in the coaching during the fateful day. The owner of the XYZ coaching approaches Joseph and requests him to be lenient in the enquiry report. They propose that looking at the good track record of Frank they are willing to give him a scholarship to fund not only his coaching fees but also his graduation from any college in the country. They also promise that since Frank is a sincere student, they will dedicate their top faculty to ensure that Frank comes out with flying colours in the coming under graduate entrance examination.\nJoseph knows that his brother has repeatedly failed in the entrance examinations earlier and a special focus will help him immensely. Also, Joseph himself was under student debt, which he was still paying in small instalments from his own salary. Recently married, and having risen from a poor family, Joseph has always worried about funding his brother's education.\na) Identify various ethical concerns in the case study.\nb) You are a friend of Joseph. Joseph turns to you for advice. What advice will you give to Joseph and why?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":47,"question":"a) मामले के अध्ययन में विभिन्न नैतिक चिंताओं की पहचान करें।\nb) आप जोसेफ के मित्र हैं। जोसेफ सलाह के लिए आपके पास आता है। आप जोसेफ को क्या सलाह देंगे और क्यों?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":52,"question":"Q.11 Kamal is an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer. He has been recently transferred as the Municipal commissioner of the Kartavya Nagar Municipality. Kamal is an honest and no nonsense officer. He has been known for having a tough stance against corruption, lethargy, and indiscipline at the workplace. In his new responsibility as the Municipal commissioner, Kamal finds that the day-to-day functioning of the municipal office is in a very sorry state. The inefficiency and ineffectiveness have brought matters to such a pass that even the basic responsibilities like cleanliness of the city, upkeep of public places, redressal of grievances etc., are not fulfilled. Upon enquiring, Kamal finds that the reason for rampant indiscipline and corruption in the municipal office is primarily a group of errant employees. While they do not work themselves, they also create nuisance in the office, thereby disrupting the work of other sincere employees. Moreover, it also comes to Kamal's knowledge that these employees indulge in corrupt practices by demanding bribes from people for petty tasks. Further, Kamal has noticed that the undisciplined employees come to office late, leave early and also remain absent from work without permission. Kamal gets to know that the ringleader of these employees is a close relative of a local MLA. In order to improve the working condition of the municipal office, Kamal warns the mischievous employees to mend their troublesome ways or to face strict disciplinary actions. However, Kamal's warning has little effect on the thick-skinned employees, who continue to work in their wayward ways. Finally, Kamal issues a show cause notice to all the troublesome employees for their various acts of indiscipline. As a retaliatory measure, a woman employee amongst these troublemakers' files a complaint of sexual harassment against Kamal with the Women's commission. The commission has asked for Kamal's explanation in this matter. Also, this fabricated matter is publicised in the media to embarrass Kamal further. Moreover, the MLA begins pressuring Kamal to go soft on these employees. Some of the options before Kamal to handle this situation could be as follows:\ni) Give his explanation to the Commission and go soft on the disciplinary action.\nii) Ignore the commission and proceed firmly with the disciplinary action.\niii) Brief his higher-ups, seek directions from them and act accordingly\na) Evaluate all the above courses of action and suggest the best course of action, giving your reasons for it.\nb) What according to you are the reasons behind poor work culture in public offices? Also, recommend measures to improve the same.","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":53,"question":"i) आयोग को अपना स्पष्टीकरण दें और अनुशासनात्मक कार्रवाई पर नरम हो जाएं।\nii) आयोग की उपेक्षा करें और अनुशासनात्मक कार्रवाई के साथ दृढ़ता से आगे बढ़ें।\niii) अपने उच्च अधिकारियों को सूचित करें, उनसे निर्देश प्राप्त करें और तदनुसार कार्य करें।\na) कार्यवाही के उपरोक्त सभी प्रारूपों का मूल्यांकन करें और इसके लिए अपने कारण बताते हुए कार्यवाही का सबसे अच्छा विकल्प सुझाएं।\nb) आपके अनुसार सार्वजनिक कार्यालयों में खराब कार्य संस्कृति के क्या कारण हैं? साथ ही इसमें सुधार के उपाय सुझाएं। (20 अंक, 250 शब्द)","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":58,"question":"Q.12 You are the managing director of an upcoming advertising company which has made a name for itself in the market in a very short time. Varun is a star employee of your company who has consistently given good performance. Some of the most popular advertisements of the company, in recent times, have been an outcome of Varun's creative ideas. Since his joining, Varun has helped in almost doubling the revenues of the company, by bringing new clients and improving the brand equity of the company. You place high value in Varun's professional competence and are in the process of giving him a bigger responsibility in the company. However, you have been hearing rumours from various sections about the attitude of Varun towards his female colleagues. It has come to your notice that Varun is habitual of passing loose and lewd comments on the female employees of the company. Furthermore, Varun regularly sends indecent messages on phone to all the employees, including female workers. One day, Geetanjali, an employee working in Varun's team comes to you visibly disturbed. She complains to you about the repeated misbehaviour of Varun towards her. She informs you that Varun has on many occasions made undesirable physical advances towards her. She also tells that last evening before her shift was about to end, Varun called her in his cabin and tried to touch her inappropriately. She requests you to conduct an enquiry by the internal complaints committee (formed under POSH Act). She also tells you that in case appropriate action is not taken against Varun, she will be forced to resign from her position. You personally know Geetanjali as a dedicated and honest employee of the company. You are aware that she is the sole breadwinner of her family and has to support her teen-age brother and ailing mother. You also understand that unless the situation was really serious, Geetanjali would not have thought of resignation. On the other hand, an enquiry against Varun may affect the financial growth of the company. Also, you know that if Varun is fired for his actions, many big clients may leave the company.\na) What are the ethical issues involved in this case study?\nb) Evaluate the different options available to you. In this situation, which option will you adopt and why?\nc) What steps will you take to ensure a safer workplace for women in your company?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":59,"question":"a) इस केस अध्ययन में कौन से नैतिक मुद्दे शामिल हैं?\nb) आपके पास उपलब्ध विभिन्न विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें। ऐसी स्थिति में आप कौन सा विकल्प अपनाएंगे और क्यों?\nc) आपकी कंपनी में महिलाओं के लिए सुरक्षित कार्यस्थल सुनिश्चित करने के लिए आप क्या कदम उठाएंगे? (20 अंक, 250 शब्द)","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250"}]},{"id":7550,"topper":"Shubham Bhardwaj","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SHUBHAM-BHARDWAJ-UPSC-2023-Rank-265-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":16,"question":"Women's freedom is the sign of social freedom.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"If humankind poisoned nature, nature in turn poison humankind","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"History Doesn't Repeat Itself, but it often rhymes.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"The century advances but every individual begins anew.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7551,"topper":"Shubham Bhardwaj","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SHUBHAM-BHARDWAJ-UPSC-2023-Rank-265-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"To what extent can the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act 2023 help enhance trust-based governance for ease of living and doing business? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Fluctuations in the price of TOP (tomato, onion, potato) crops impact all strata of societies. Highlighting the reasons and implications of such fluctuations, evaluate the effectiveness of Operations Greens in stabilizing the otherwise restive horticulture sector. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"A focused and sustained promotion and pursuit of blue economy help meet the challenges of food security, national security, and climate security. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What advantages does Green Hydrogen and a hydrogen economy offer in addressing national and global concerns? Discuss the impediments in its adoption. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"In what ways do plastics harm human, animal, and ocean health? Bring out the various domestic and international efforts that have been put in this regard in recent times? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Though spatially distributed across the length and breath of the country, incidents of cloud burst disproportionately impact the mountainous regions. Comment (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"As the emerging technologies enhance their reach and extent, the amalgamation of real and virtual will become inevitable. In this perspective, discuss how metaverse will alter the lives of common man. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What makes dark matter difficult to detect? Also, analyse how the search for the elusive dark matter has influenced the trailing of modern pursuits in science. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"While AFSPA has been criticised for promoting excesses by the security forces, its profound utility to upkeep the security situation cannot be overstated. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Its not only the heft but also the agility, efficiency, and swiftness which will define the warfare in the contemporary times. In this context, discuss the relevance of the Agnipath scheme. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The path towards an Atmanirbhar Bharat traverses through an overhaul of industrial policies. Comment, with special reference to the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Infrastructure investments are crucial for socio-economic development, as they have a multiplier effect on economy, however, concerns for safety must not be ignored. Discuss in the light of recent events. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"How will you explain the irony of poor adoption of millet crops despite their multifarious advantages? Also, recommend measures to curb this anomaly. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Analyze the role Agri-tech can play in penetration of technology in agriculture. In what ways can Agristack help address the crisis in the farm sector. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The objective of an inclusive clean energy transition will remain incomplete without leveraging the potential of the biofuels. Enumerating the seminal provisions of the National Biofuel Policy, analyze the possible challenges in its smooth implementation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Despite having a robust legal architecture in the form of Disaster Management Act, 2005, a coordinated on ground response to disaster remains in a state of want, Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Trace the evolution of Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) from its humble beginnings as the space agency of the government to becoming a technology behemoth, spearheading innovations with respect to satellites, launch vehicles, and planetary explorations. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"In what ways has Drug trafficking taken new forms and new routes in recent years. Elucidate the steps taken by the govt in this regard, with special reference to Operation Samudragupta. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Why does the North East remain a hotbed of insurgency? With special emphasis on government measures, discuss the steps to ameliorate the situation. (15 marks. 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7552,"topper":"Shubham Bhardwaj","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SHUBHAM-BHARDWAJ-UPSC-2023-Rank-265-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Critically evaluate the significance of the Basic Structure Doctrine in the five decades since its judicial pronouncement. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Though defamation law is vital to protect one's reputation and dignity in society, weaponization of the same to curb dissent and free speech is antithetical in a constitutional democracy. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Explore the legal-constitutional basis for the conflicts between the elected government and the institution of the Lieutenant Governor over the governance process in the Union Territory of Delhi. Analyse the role that the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 2023, can play in resolving it. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The objective of the Mediation Bill, 2023 is to have a mediation first approach to civil and commercial disputes resolution, with the purpose of reducing the burden of litigation on Courts, providing alternate means of disputes resolution, and enhancing the country's reputation as an investor friendly destination. Comment, with special emphasis on the salient features of the bill. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"A middle point between socialism and capitalism, cooperatives bring the best of the both worlds. Assess the utility of the cooperative model in effecting rural prosperity. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Evaluate the efficacy of Forest Rights Act, 2006 (FRA) and Panchayat (Extension of the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA) in attaining their mandate. Also, recommend measures to make these legislations more effective in attaining their desired objectives. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Differentiate between the legal and illegal means adopted by advocacy networks to advance their interests. What are the factors that limit their effectiveness as a pressure group? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the steps taken by the government in empowering Self Help Groups as a development partner in poverty alleviation. Also highlight the challenges in the working of SHGs. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Changing strategic realities come with their own constraints and possibilities. Describe briefly India's defense diplomacy in the context of contemporary geopolitics. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Explain the significance and implications of the China-brokered diplomatic accord between Iran and Saudi Arabia. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"A key pillar of Constitutional morality is constitutional punctuality. Illustrate with suitable examples, how a lack of constitutional punctuality not only hinders democratic functioning of the State, but also goes against the spirit of the Constitution. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Free and fair elections are the lifeblood of a democracy, and electoral reforms are at the core of political reforms. In this context, highlighting the challenges to functioning of the Election Commission, suggest the necessary reforms needed, with special reference to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Other Election Commissioners ECs (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The overhaul of India's criminal justice system is not only a long due reform, it is also imperative for decolonizing India's penal system. Elucidate in the light of recently proposed trinity of Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill, 2023, Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita Bill, 2023 and Bharatiya Sakshya Bill, 2023. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What ails institutions of Higher education? Bring out the possibilities and challenges that come with the entry and operation of foreign educational institutions seeking to impart higher education. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Partnership between the State and CSOs for delivering development, while promising at face value, is fraught with challenges. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Critically analyse the working of the POCSO Act, 2012 in addressing the menace of child sex abuse in society in the 10 years since its enactment. How far has the National Commission for protection of child rights been successful in fulfilling its mandate? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Discuss the challenges that keep India multi-dimensionally poor with special reference to NITI Ayog's National Multidimensional Poverty Index Report. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"BRICS can serve as a platform for shaping a post-Western global order, but the potential of the grouping is held back by internal contradictions. Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"\"WTO is dead! Long live WTO!\" In the context of this statement, account for the reasons behind why the WTO is dysfunctional. In your opinion, what reforms are needed to promote resilient, sustainable, and inclusive world trade. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7553,"topper":"Shubham Bhardwaj","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SHUBHAM-BHARDWAJ-UPSC-2023-Rank-265-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"While knowledge and skills are crucial, they should be accompanied by a strong foundation of ethics. In this context, discuss the importance of ethics in education and the role of educational institutions in imparting ethical values. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Mahatma Gandhi considered ahimsa is the highest duty. He express that even if we cannot practice it in full, we must try to understand its spirit and refrain as far as is humanly possible from violence. Do you think, this articulated profoundness of Ahimsa is still relevant? Justify your answer. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The debate of ends versus means is a never ending one. While teleologists stress the need for the right ends, deontologists argue that the ends, no matter how valuable, cannot justify the means. What are the pitfalls in justifying right ends over right means? Also analyze the implications of always adhering to the right means. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"How does Emotional Intelligence (EI) help in balancing personal as well as professional life? Discuss with examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What does each of the following quotations mean to you? a) \"Experience is the only teacher we have. We may talk and reason all our lives, but we shall not understand a word of truth, until we experience it ourselves\" - Swami Vivekananda (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Individuals should cultivate noble traits so that socio-political organizations are free from highly despicable men.\" - Thirukkural (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"\"Happiness is a mysterious thing, to be found somewhere between too little and too much.\" - Ruskin Bond (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"I would rather try to persuade a man to go along, because once I have persuaded him, he will stick. If I scare him, he will stay just as long as he is scared, and then he is gone. Persuasion can often achieve what coercion cannot. In this context, evaluate the significance of persuasion for heralding social transformations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Examine the relevance of following in the context of civil services: (10 marks, 150 words) i. Neutrality ii. Intellectual Courage iii Diligence iv. Selflessness","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Why is leadership is considered a foundational value for civil services and a fundamental attribute to be a civil servant? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"There are certain standards that society expects from those who are elected or appointed to public office to observe and maintain in the conduct of the public affairs to which they have been entrusted. Those in positions of power can use these positions to take decisions that are solely in the public interest or they can use them to benefit themselves. Where the roots of private virtue are diseased, the fruit of public probity cannot be corrupt. What do you understand by probity and discuss how probity in public life can be inculcated? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Ethical quandary lies in exploring the complex interplay between absoluteness and relativity in ethical considerations. Can ethical principles be regarded as universally absolute, or does the notion of relativity, often associated with physics, also apply to ethics? Share your perspective and provide supporting arguments. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Since its enactment, Right to Information (RTI) Act has helped in improving the levels of transparency and accountability in public institutions. However, many argue that the quality of public service delivery in India is still far from satisfactory. In this background, do you find RTI Act efficient enough to improve the public service delivery for Indian citizens. Critically discuss the need for a Right to Public Service Act (RSPA) to make Indian governance more ethical and efficient. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Suman is a young IPS officer who is posted as the SP law and order in a district that has a history of communal clashes. During a cultural event, a political leader made certain controversial comments regarding the religion of another community that can potentially harm communal harmony in the district. The representatives of the aggrieved community met Suman with their complaint. An FIR was registered in the matter and the police department promptly started an investigation. During questioning, the accused political leader denied the charges. He claimed that he was exercising his right to freedom of expression and had no intention of hurting anyone's feelings. He even offered to tender an apology if his statement had hurt someone's religious feelings. However, the aggrieved community was not satisfied with this apology and demanded strict action against the accused. The next day, a video went viral on social media in which the accused political leader can be seen making derogatory statements against another religious faith. However, Suman suspects that the video going viral on the internet is a doctored video and someone has mischievously edited it to make it more vitriolic and inflammatory. The video has ignited communal tensions in the district. The accused political leader belongs to an influential community and his community has put their support behind him. Local intelligence has warned that some anti-social elements are trying to use this opportunity to create communal riot in the district. The entire matter has been politicized and is being covered by the national media. In this situation answer the following: a) What differentiates a hate speech from a free speech? b) Why does social media have a very strong influence over the actions and thoughts of its users? c) What is the most suitable course of action for Suman in this situation? Justify. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"You have recently started working at your dream company. You have hired in the strategies department along with two other new joiners. All of you have just graduated out of college. You have very friendly relations with co-joiners. The three of you have been helping each other at work. The experience of working together has built strong camaraderie between the three of you. Your boss has publicly appreciated the strong team-spirit displayed by you and your colleagues. At the annual review, you have been given a higher pay raise, and a more lucrative job profile. The promotion doesn't come as a surprise to you. You have worked beyond office hours more as a rule rather than as an exception. The project you worked at was adjudged 'the best project of the year in business impact' at the annual corporate awards. One of your co-joiners remarks, in presumably good humor, that you should suggest to your boss to allocate similar high impact projects to your friends as well. You also perceive suggestions towards the shared surname being the reason for special affinity of your boss towards you, indicating at the fact that your boss and you have the same caste. You feel hurt but you also try to think about the remarks with an open mind. You assess that the three of you have indeed worked hard with sincerity. One of your friends, in fact, worked very efficiently despite a personal tragedy at home. There was already a salary differential between you and your colleagues based on the pedigree of your college. The higher pay raise to you has expanded the differential pay structure further. You always considered the initial pay differential to be against the principle of equal pay for equal work. But now you feel your friends may not have been given equal opportunities as well. You are inclined to the belief that efforts and talent of your colleagues have been under-appreciated and you start feeling guilty about your promotion. Based on the given information, discuss the options that are available to you for addressing the guilt. What are the merits and demerits of those choices? Which option would you choose? Justify. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"Harish is a senior officer in a government think tank. He is responsible for analysing the demands for funds from various ministries and state governments, and making recommendations to the government for prioritising the budget expenditure. Harish's department is currently busy in analysing the demands for funds from five different ministries. The first demand is from the Ministry of Defence for 500 crore rupees. The Ministry of Defence has solicited funds for the acquisition of state-of-the-art night vision goggles and assault weapons for the armed force personnel posted in terrorism infested areas of Jammu and Kashmir. The second demand is from the Ministry of Heavy Industries. The Ministry of Heavy Industries has demanded 300 crore rupees for the purchase of electric scooters. Distribution of electric scooters was one of the election promises of the incumbent union government in order to reduce pollution levels in the country. Further, as two states are set to go to poll next year, there is an additional pressure from a senior cabinet minister to prioritise this demand. The third demand is for 200 crore rupees from the Ministry of Road Transport. The Ministry of Road Transport has proposed to build robust road connectivity in left wing affected (LWE) areas and also in the hilly states. It is reasoned that while road connectivity will have a multiplier impact on the economy, it will also ease the movement of troops, improving the overall security situation in LWE areas. The fourth demand is from the Ministry of Health for 200 crore rupees. The Ministry of Health has targeted to increase the insurance penetration in the country. It is argued that increased insurance penetration will boost public health and reduce out-of-pocket expenditure. The fifth demand is for 300 crore rupees from the Ministry of Women and Child Development. The MoWCD aims to expand its nutrition programme in the country to effectively tackle the high levels of stunting and wasting in the children. While each of the government schemes is important, related to national security, economic development and public welfare; the fiscal space available with the exchequer is limited. Harish has an elbow space to accommodate schemes worth 1000 crore rupees. Now, it is incumbent upon Harish to allocate the available money in the most prudent fashion. a) What principles should guide Harish in the allocation of money? b) Imagine yourself in the position of Harish. In what order will you prioritise the available funds and why? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":7554,"topper":"Shubham Gautam","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/SHUBHAM_GAUTAM_SS_GS_1_AIR_802_2025_75d64fffd4.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"The evolution of temple architecture in India illustrates the synthesis of art, religion, and polity. Illustrate with suitable examples from South India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The rise and development of the new religious ideas in the 6th B.C. India have brought significant changes to contemporary social life. Do you agree? Justify using examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Under colonialism, India's traditional economic structure was reoriented to fit into the economic needs of industrial Britain. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are Western disturbances? Explain their role in influencing the weather patterns of northern India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discuss the non-conventional energy potential of peninsular India with relevant examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Why are most of India's iron and steel plants concentrated in the eastern and central parts of the country? Illustrate with examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"In contemporary India, marriage is increasingly perceived as a personal choice rather than a societal obligation. Enumerate the socio-economic forces behind this transformation and assess its potential impact on family structure. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Analyse to what extent does regionalism contributes to the deepening of decentralization in India? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the potential socio-political implications of implementing a nationwide caste census. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The Lucknow Pact of 1916 was both a high point of Hindu-Muslim unity and a harbinger of future communal divisions. Comment (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"While the Bhakti and Sufi movements emerged from different religious milieus, their convergence lay in the realm of devotion and dissent.\" Examine the socio-religious significance of their interaction in medieval India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Contrast the approaches of Sardar Patel and Jawaharlal Nehru in handling princely states and regional integration. How did their differing visions shape the evolution of the Indian Union? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"The American Civil War was not just a political conflict but a clash of two divergent economic systems. Substantiate (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"What are marine heatwaves? Examine the causes of the increasing frequency of marine heatwaves. How do they influence the onset of the summer monsoon in India? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Assess the effectiveness of tribal development programmes in India. Why do tribal areas continue to experience developmental setbacks, and what are the challenges? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"\"As the world's water towers melt, the risk of water stress increases.\" Discuss how the Himalayan glaciers' retreat could redefine freshwater availability and regional hydropolitics in South Asia. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Despite increasing participation of women in the professional workforce, their presence in top leadership remains minimal. Examine the interplay of societal norms and workplace structures in perpetuating this gender gap. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"The phenomenon of 'livability atrophy' in Indian cities reflects the widening gap between urban expansion and quality of life. Examine the causes and consequences of this trend, and suggest measures to make urban growth more humane and sustainable. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Define transnationalism and examine the factors that have led to the increasing global interconnectedness of diaspora communities. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Communalism in India, rooted in historical legacies and socio-economic inequalities, continues to undermine social cohesion and national integration. Discuss with examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7555,"topper":"Shubham Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/12KpbppXwmNUfSLi8v4jr7pbiXeTKoV3O/view","questions":[{"page":17,"question":"An army of principles can penetrate where an army of soldiers cannot","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7556,"topper":"Shubham Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1swicyD29-rfjrhXfQZWmn7GkDCk5u4X9/view","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Digital Infrastructure is key for future ready Governance","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"There are some things you learn best in calm, and some in storm.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7557,"topper":"Shubham Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e852f-225253_1457_shubham-kumar_rank_1.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Digital Infrastructure is key for future ready Governance","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"There are some things you learn best in calm, and some in storm.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7558,"topper":"Shubham Kumar","air":1,"year":2020,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/88a89-225253_1456_shubham-kumar_rank_1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7559,"topper":"Shubham Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1cd3c-225253_1233_shubham-kumar_rank_1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discussing the reasons behind disappearance of springs, examine how springshed management can help revive springs, especially in the Himalayan region. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Highlight the importance of iron and steel industry as the basic building block of the economy. In this context, discuss the key features of the National Steel Policy, 2017. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Giving a brief account of rising nitrogen emissions in India, discuss why it is a matter of concern. What steps can be taken to limit such emissions? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What is Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)? Draw a comparison between Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and SEA. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Montreal Protocol is often considered as the most successful international environmental treaty. Highlighting the achievements of the protocol, discuss the reasons for its success. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Analyse the phenomenon of 'Resource Curse', by giving adequate examples from around the world as well as India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind increased instances of human-wildlife conflict and suggest some mitigation measures to address them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Elaborate on the concept of rat-hole mining. In the context of North-Eastern India, highlight its ecological consequences. Also, explain why it still persists despite the ban imposed by National Green Tribunal (NGT)? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the factors responsible for location of high-tech industries in the vicinity of major metropolitan regions. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Analyse how far the 'Katowice Climate Package' goes in achieving the objectives of the Paris Climate agreement amid the concerns of developing countries like India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the factors responsible for location of automobile industries in India. Also, examine the challenges in the wake of transformations taking place in the automotive industry. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Examine the factors responsible for causing soil pollution in India. Discussing its impact on various ecosystem services, suggest some remedial measures to restore polluted soil. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What is Conservation Agriculture? Highlight the prospects and challenges of adopting Conservation Agriculture in India. Also, mention some important policy considerations for its promotion. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Delineate various regions which have high potential for hydro-electricity generation in India. Discuss the impact of hydroelectric projects on the environment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Elaborate the concept, objectives and distribution of Petroleum, Chemicals and Petrochemical Investment Regions (PCPIRs) in India. Also, examine why the PCPIRs have failed to achieve the desired success. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What is seabed mining and why is it important for India? Highlight the environmental challenges associated with seabed mining and discuss how these can be addressed. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"National Policy on Biofuels 2018 primarily tries to address supply-side issues that have discouraged the production of biofuels within the country. Elaborate. What other benefits are expected from the policy?(250 words)15","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Explain how the Indian Forests Act, 1927 forms the backbone of governance framework of forests in India. Examine the need for its comprehensive amendment in light of rights based approach to governance. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Identify the major Uranium reserves in the world and the countries from where India sources it. What measures are required to ensure supply security of fuel for nuclear plants in the country? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7560,"topper":"Shubham Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1S6GHDkv9HzFSdIu0fmHhAupwREf-8mx1/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Citizens' Charters make administration both accountable and citizen-friendly. However, over time, in a large number of offices, Citizens' Charters have fallen into disuse. Suggest measures that can make these charters effective tools for bringing accountability in public service. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the importance of involving civil society in pre-legislative scrutiny and mention the steps that can be taken by the government to increase public engagement in it. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Poor standards of tertiary education are a drag on India's competitiveness. Elucidate. Also enumerate the initiatives taken by the government in the past few years to improve the quality of higher education in India. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Social audit has a crucial role in effective implementation of social sector programmes. Comment. Also discuss its strengths and limitations. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are the major welfare schemes for elderly in India? Do you think the benefits of such schemes are reaching a wide section of the target segment? Give reasons. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Welfare policies in India have undergone a paradigm shift in recent decades, yet they retain certain elements of continuity. Discuss with examples. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Discuss whether changes recommended by the Law Commission in its 268th report can help in addressing the problems of undertrials languishing in jails in India. What other measures can be taken in this regard? (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"While various government initiatives and policies have created opportunities in the affordable housing segment, there are challenges that still persist. Discuss. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Demographic dividend may become demographic liability in the absence of adequate skill development. In this context, discuss the importance of National Policy for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, 2015. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Highlight the need for whistleblower protection in India. Critically analyze whether the Whistleblower Protection Act provides sufficient protection to the whistleblowers. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What are the factors which have been responsible for slow pace of growth of coverage under the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP). Enumerate the recent steps taken by the government in order to increase this pace to achieve universal coverage swiftly. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the ways in which digital divide perpetuates and manifests itself in India. Discuss the importance of steps taken by the government to bridge this divide. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"What are the objectives of National Health Mission? Why, in your opinion, non-communicable diseases have acquired salience in recent times? What are its implications for health policy in the country? (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Over the years, there has been a growing realisation that undue interference from the State, lack of autonomy and widespread politicisation has severely impaired the functioning of Cooperative sector and there is a need to introduce urgent reforms in the Cooperative sector. Discuss. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"With the current system of health financing in India being largely out-of-pocket payments, examine the need for reforms in healthcare finance. Also discuss the issues associated with reinforcing insurance as the long-term strategy for health financing in this regard. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Explain the significance of the recently launched National Nutritional Strategy in the light of sliding ranking of India along the Global Hunger Index. Also, discuss with examples, the role that local self governments can play in promoting, monitoring and sustaining nutrition initiatives.(250WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The bureaucracy in India is facing a number of serious challenges from diminishing human capital to political interference that, if left unaddressed, will lead to further institutional decline. Discuss. How can these challenges be addressed? (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Several issues related to adopting new technologies, transforming processes and improving implementation of NeGP need to be addressed. Discuss. Also, enumerate the sets of principles guiding the design and implementation of the e-Kranti Program (NeGP 2.0). (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7561,"topper":"Shubham Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QzCiMp7I-3fSQMGAovXo-Ry_sPMcZb5n/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discussing the reasons behind disappearance of springs, examine how springshed management can help revive springs, especially in the Himalayan region. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Highlight the importance of iron and steel industry as the basic building block of the economy. In this context, discuss the key features of the National Steel Policy, 2017. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Giving a brief account of rising nitrogen emissions in India, discuss why it is a matter of concern. What steps can be taken to limit such emissions? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What is Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)? Draw a comparison between Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and SEA. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Montreal Protocol is often considered as the most successful international environmental treaty. Highlighting the achievements of the protocol, discuss the reasons for its success. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Analyse the phenomenon of 'Resource Curse', by giving adequate examples from around the world as well as India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind increased instances of human-wildlife conflict and suggest some mitigation measures to address them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Elaborate on the concept of rat-hole mining. In the context of North-Eastern India, highlight its ecological consequences. Also, explain why it still persists despite the ban imposed by National Green Tribunal (NGT)? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the factors responsible for location of high-tech industries in the vicinity of major metropolitan regions. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Analyse how far the 'Katowice Climate Package' goes in achieving the objectives of the Paris Climate agreement amid the concerns of developing countries like India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the factors responsible for location of automobile industries in India. Also, examine the challenges in the wake of transformations taking place in the automotive industry. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Examine the factors responsible for causing soil pollution in India. Discussing its impact on various ecosystem services, suggest some remedial measures to restore polluted soil. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What is Conservation Agriculture? Highlight the prospects and challenges of adopting Conservation Agriculture in India. Also, mention some important policy considerations for its promotion. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Delineate various regions which have high potential for hydro-electricity generation in India. Discuss the impact of hydroelectric projects on the environment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Elaborate the concept, objectives and distribution of Petroleum, Chemicals and Petrochemical Investment Regions (PCPIRs) in India. Also, examine why the PCPIRs have failed to achieve the desired success. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What is seabed mining and why is it important for India? Highlight the environmental challenges associated with seabed mining and discuss how these can be addressed. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"National Policy on Biofuels 2018 primarily tries to address supply-side issues that have discouraged the production of biofuels within the country. Elaborate. What other benefits are expected from the policy?(250 words)15","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Explain how the Indian Forests Act, 1927 forms the backbone of governance framework of forests in India. Examine the need for its comprehensive amendment in light of rights based approach to governance. (250 words)15","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Identify the major Uranium reserves in the world and the countries from where India sources it. What measures are required to ensure supply security of fuel for nuclear plants in the country? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7562,"topper":"Shubham Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/11osBWxH4EywaQB0_WkNW-F8nFy8ZHZwj/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Given the growing ecological and geopolitical significance, Arctic region offers immense opportunities for serving India's long-term interests. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the challenges that India may face in the eventuality of withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan. What options does India have to safeguard its interests in the context of the changing situation? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The BRICS as a grouping seems to have internal contradictions, which makes it difficult for it to emerge as an effective forum in a dynamic multi-polar international order. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Despite India having immense soft power potential, it alone will not be sufficient to achieve India's foreign policy objectives. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Highlighting the role of space technology in border management, enumerate the steps taken so far in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Despite allegations of human rights violations under the AFSPA, it is a functional requirement for the army in disturbed areas. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The use of Internet creates both challenges and opportunities in the fight against terrorism. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain the concept of Chandrasekhar Limit and highlight its significance in the field of astronomy. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Examining the risk posed by space debris, suggest some measures which can be taken for its mitigation and removal. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the challenges confronting higher self-reliance and indigenisation of defence industry in India. What steps can be taken to accelerate its pace? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Comment on the role played by the diaspora in India's development process. Also, discuss the challenges in terms of engaging the Indian diaspora and suggest ways to translate these partnerships into benefits. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the reasons behind proliferation of multilateral preferential trade agreements. Do they violate WTO's MFN principle? Do you think that such trade groupings present an existential threat to WTO? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"India needs to balance its growing water needs and larger security concerns with effective hydro-diplomacy. Highlighting the challenges faced with regard to transboundary rivers, analyze this statement in the context of India's riparian relations with its neighbours. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Commenting on the importance of Central Asia for India, highlight the progress made in the relationship in recent past along with the issues that still remain to further cement the ties. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the significance of India's island territories in its quest to become a net security provider in the Indian Ocean region. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"A fine balance between security and developmental measures needs to be attained for tackling the menace of Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in India. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Illustrate the linkages between drug trafficking, organised crime and terrorism. In this regard, mention the steps that have been taken to arrest the availability of drugs in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Identify the key threats to national security in the wake of climate change. Also, highlight India's stand and rationale on UN's decision to declare climate change as an international security issue. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Explaining the concept of data exclusivity, bring out the arguments for and against incorporating data exclusivity norms in India's IPR regime. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Compare and contrast fifth generation (5G) of wireless telecom technology with 4G technology. What challenges need to be overcome for 5G's pan-India rollout? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7563,"topper":"Shubham Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1j9LyHlXVBohovU3iE1I-YW_gXcDHQAiY/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Livestock farming not only contributes to climate change but is also affected by it. Elaborate the statement and discuss some measures that can be taken to make livestock farming more sustainable as well as resilient. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"A developed Inland Waterway Transport (IWT) will not only augment the overall transport capacity of the country, but also help correct the multi-modal transport mix. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the importance of Agricultural Market Intelligence for farmers in India. Identifying the issues in the present system, suggest some measures for improving Agricultural Market Intelligence in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"With water increasingly becoming a scarce resource, large scale adoption of micro irrigation techniques could prove to be a game changer in India. Analyse. Also enumerate various steps taken by the government to promote micro irrigation in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The cropping pattern of a region is influenced by geo-climatic, socio-cultural, economic, historical and political factors. Substantiate with relevant examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Despite comprehensive government support to agriculture, why is it that farming in India remains unremunerative? Do you agree that direct income support under Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) is a much needed measure to make agriculture a viable source of livelihood? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Elaborate the strategic and operational elements of the Agriculture Export Policy, 2018 and discuss the role it can play to achieve the target of doubling farmers' income by 2022. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight the reasons behind inconclusive land ownership titles in India. Discuss its repercussions and suggest measures for moving towards conclusive land titling system in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite measures taken by the government for promoting investment in the infrastructure sector in the last few years, there are multiple challenges that still exist. Discuss. What further steps can be taken in this regard? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Identify the maladies affecting the proper functioning of the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS). Comment on the feasibility of alternatives available to TPDS. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7564,"topper":"Shubham Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mRQESn4HjiQQ6IpBhMcLuKee0JnXRxPn/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the attributes of leadership, analyse why it is important for a civil servant.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"A civil servant needs to be objective as well as empathetic. What do you understand by objectivity? Discuss its relationship with empathy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"With rapidly increasing use of information technology, what according to you is the role of ethics in cyber space?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Transparency in government organisations is an essential pre-condition for good governance. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but its lowest ones. Nelson Mandela.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"For achieving success, attitude is equally, if not more important than ability. Discuss with the help of examples from your daily life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"The core of high Emotional Intelligence is self-awareness. If you don't understand your own motivations and behaviours, it is nearly impossible to develop an understanding of others. Discuss with the help of appropriate examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by Integrity Pacts? Highlight the role they can play in bringing transparency in allotment of public contracts and ensuring proper utilization of public funds in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"In the context of rapid technological change, discuss the significance of inculcating moral and spiritual values in educational institutions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Explain the main elements of integral humanism as propounded by Deen Dayal Upadhyay and highlight its contemporary relevance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"It is imperative for a country like India, that code of ethics should be implemented for civil servants on social media platforms as well. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Discuss how effective corporate governance can ensure the equitable treatment of all stakeholders.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7565,"topper":"Shubham Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/369f7-225253_1236_shubham-kumar_rank_1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Livestock farming not only contributes to climate change but is also affected by it. Elaborate the statement and discuss some measures that can be taken to make livestock farming more sustainable as well as resilient. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"A developed Inland Waterway Transport (IWT) will not only augment the overall transport capacity of the country, but also help correct the multi-modal transport mix. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the importance of Agricultural Market Intelligence for farmers in India. Identifying the issues in the present system, suggest some measures for improving Agricultural Market Intelligence in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"With water increasingly becoming a scarce resource, large scale adoption of micro irrigation techniques could prove to be a game changer in India. Analyse. Also enumerate various steps taken by the government to promote micro irrigation in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The cropping pattern of a region is influenced by geo-climatic, socio-cultural, economic, historical and political factors. Substantiate with relevant examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Integrating ecology and technology is the way forward towards achieving Evergreen Revolution in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The adoption of agro-based clusters can generate positive spill-over effects on agricultural and rural development. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Reliance on borrowings for capital expenditure in railways reflects a weakening financial position. Comment on the statement and discuss ways in which better resource generation and utilisation can be achieved therein. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Why does achieving road safety in India remain a challenging task? Keeping different stakeholders in mind, suggest some measures which can be adopted for reducing road accidents in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Despite initiatives taken in recent times to support the logistics sector, it continues to face multiple challenges. Discuss. What further steps can be taken to address these challenges? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The contribution of coal based power generation is not expected to substantially go down in the next few decades, despite growing importance of renewables. Comment on the statement in light of increasing demand for power in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Despite comprehensive government support to agriculture, why is it that farming in India remains unremunerative? Do you agree that direct income support under Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) is a much needed measure to make agriculture a viable source of livelihood? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Elaborate the strategic and operational elements of the Agriculture Export Policy, 2018 and discuss the role it can play to achieve the target of doubling farmers' income by 2022. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight the reasons behind inconclusive land ownership titles in India. Discuss its repercussions and suggest measures for moving towards conclusive land titling system in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite measures taken by the government for promoting investment in the infrastructure sector in the last few years, there are multiple challenges that still exist. Discuss. What further steps can be taken in this regard? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Identify the problems faced by Indian agriculture as a consequence of changing land holding pattern as witnessed in the findings of Agriculture census, 2015-16. In light of these problems, suggest suitable ways to resolve such structural issues in agriculture. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Development of food processing industry will help in achieving the twin goals of inclusive growth and food security. Discuss. Also, account for the competitive advantages enjoyed by India in the food processing sector. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Despite existence of a large market, the real estate sector is facing many challenges in India. Elaborate. Also, discuss the measures taken by the government to address them. Can Housing for All by 2022 be a game-changer in this regard? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Identify the maladies affecting the proper functioning of the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS). Comment on the feasibility of alternatives available to TPDS. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7566,"topper":"Shubham Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/dd3e7-225253_1326_shubham-kumar_rank_1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Given the growing ecological and geopolitical significance, Arctic region offers immense opportunities for serving India's long-term interests. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the challenges that India may face in the eventuality of withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan. What options does India have to safeguard its interests in the context of the changing situation? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The BRICS as a grouping seems to have internal contradictions, which makes it difficult for it to emerge as an effective forum in a dynamic multi-polar international order. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Despite India having immense soft power potential, it alone will not be sufficient to achieve India's foreign policy objectives. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Highlighting the role of space technology in border management, enumerate the steps taken so far in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Despite allegations of human rights violations under the AFSPA, it is a functional requirement for the army in disturbed areas. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The use of Internet creates both challenges and opportunities in the fight against terrorism. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain the concept of Chandrasekhar Limit and highlight its significance in the field of astronomy. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Examining the risk posed by space debris, suggest some measures which can be taken for its mitigation and removal. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the challenges confronting higher self-reliance and indigenisation of defence industry in India. What steps can be taken to accelerate its pace? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Comment on the role played by the diaspora in India's development process. Also, discuss the challenges in terms of engaging the Indian diaspora and suggest ways to translate these partnerships into benefits. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the reasons behind proliferation of multilateral preferential trade agreements. Do they violate WTO's MFN principle? Do you think that such trade groupings present an existential threat to WTO? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"India needs to balance its growing water needs and larger security concerns with effective hydro-diplomacy. Highlighting the challenges faced with regard to transboundary rivers, analyze this statement in the context of India's riparian relations with its neighbours. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Commenting on the importance of Central Asia for India, highlight the progress made in the relationship in recent past along with the issues that still remain to further cement the ties. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the significance of India's island territories in its quest to become a net security provider in the Indian Ocean region. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"A fine balance between security and developmental measures needs to be attained for tackling the menace of Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in India. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Illustrate the linkages between drug trafficking, organised crime and terrorism. In this regard, mention the steps that have been taken to arrest the availability of drugs in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Identify the key threats to national security in the wake of climate change. Also, highlight India's stand and rationale on UN's decision to declare climate change as an international security issue. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Explaining the concept of data exclusivity, bring out the arguments for and against incorporating data exclusivity norms in India's IPR regime. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Compare and contrast fifth generation (5G) of wireless telecom technology with 4G technology. What challenges need to be overcome for 5G's pan-India rollout? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7567,"topper":"Shubham Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4ba36-225253_1050_shubham-kumar_rank_1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Citizens' Charters make administration both accountable and citizen-friendly. However, over time, in a large number of offices, Citizens' Charters have fallen into disuse. Suggest measures that can make these charters effective tools for bringing accountability in public service. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the importance of involving civil society in pre-legislative scrutiny and mention the steps that can be taken by the government to increase public engagement in it. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Poor standards of tertiary education are a drag on India's competitiveness. Elucidate. Also enumerate the initiatives taken by the government in the past few years to improve the quality of higher education in India. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Social audit has a crucial role in effective implementation of social sector programmes. Comment. Also discuss its strengths and limitations. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are the major welfare schemes for elderly in India? Do you think the benefits of such schemes are reaching a wide section of the target segment? Give reasons. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Welfare policies in India have undergone a paradigm shift in recent decades, yet they retain certain elements of continuity. Discuss with examples. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Discuss whether changes recommended by the Law Commission in its 268th report can help in addressing the problems of undertrials languishing in jails in India. What other measures can be taken in this regard? (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"While various government initiatives and policies have created opportunities in the affordable housing segment, there are challenges that still persist. Discuss. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Demographic dividend may become demographic liability in the absence of adequate skill development. In this context, discuss the importance of National Policy for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, 2015. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Highlight the need for whistleblower protection in India. Critically analyze whether the Whistleblower Protection Act provides sufficient protection to the whistleblowers. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What are the factors which have been responsible for slow pace of growth of coverage under the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP). Enumerate the recent steps taken by the government in order to increase this pace to achieve universal coverage swiftly. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the ways in which digital divide perpetuates and manifests itself in India. Discuss the importance of steps taken by the government to bridge this divide. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"What are the objectives of National Health Mission? Why, in your opinion, non-communicable diseases have acquired salience in recent times? What are its implications for health policy in the country? (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Over the years, there has been a growing realisation that undue interference from the State, lack of autonomy and widespread politicisation has severely impaired the functioning of Cooperative sector and there is a need to introduce urgent reforms in the Cooperative sector. Discuss. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"With the current system of health financing in India being largely out-of-pocket payments, examine the need for reforms in healthcare finance. Also discuss the issues associated with reinforcing insurance as the long-term strategy for health financing in this regard. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Explain the significance of the recently launched National Nutritional Strategy in the light of sliding ranking of India along the Global Hunger Index. Also, discuss with examples, the role that local self governments can play in promoting, monitoring and sustaining nutrition initiatives.(250WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The bureaucracy in India is facing a number of serious challenges from diminishing human capital to political interference that, if left unaddressed, will lead to further institutional decline. Discuss. How can these challenges be addressed? (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"While many people have been able to rise above poverty line, India is still home to the largest number of poor. Discuss briefly the underlying factors responsible for the prevalence of poverty in India. What are the areas in which focussed efforts need to be made in order to accelerate poverty eradication in a sustainable manner? (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"In context of the need to strengthen corporate governance, the Kotak papel report has called for a major overhaul in norms for listed companies. Critically discuss the impediments to corporate governance in India and evaluate how the recommendations can help in overcoming them. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Several issues related to adopting new technologies, transforming processes and improving implementation of NeGP need to be addressed. Discuss. Also, enumerate the sets of principles guiding the design and implementation of the e-Kranti Program (NeGP 2.0). (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7568,"topper":"Shubham Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/f07b2-225253_1417_shubham-kumar_rank_1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Dadabhai Naoroji left an indelible imprint on the national movement. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Quit India movement marked a new direction in the struggle against the British colonial rule in India. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The end of World War II marked the birth of a new international order. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Simla Agreement (1972) and Lahore Declaration (1999) are two key milestones in the history of the Indian subcontinent. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Social security should not only involve economic empowerment but also social empowerment. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Explain with examples how globalisation is manifested in both local in the global and the global in the local. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In light of persistence of various forms of violence against women in India, discuss the ways in which the issue can be addressed effectively. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What is an urban forest? Highlight its benefits and steps taken by the government to promote urban forestry in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"How has globalization impacted the location of the IT industry? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"How can eco-tourism be used to sustainably harness the potential of tourism industry in India? Discuss the challenges and steps taken by the government in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The advent of Buddhism and Jainism was instrumental in the development of architecture in ancient India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The reactionary policies of Lord Lytton and the liberal policies of his successor Lord Rippon acted as catalyst in the formation of the Indian National Congress. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Gandhiji changed his methods of struggle against the British from time-to-time to suit the varied circumstances and problems that needed to be tackled. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Bring out the relationship between the industrial revolution and the advent of imperialism in different parts of the world. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The caste system in India has continued to persist by adapting itself to a variety of changing socio-economic and political conditions in the past few decades. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"It is argued by some that regionalism is a threat to national integrity while others consider it as a highly impactful tool in facilitating political participation. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Describe the process of rift valley formation, with special emphasis on the Great Rift Valley System. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India's water resources have witnessed rapid depletion due to a mix of economic, geographic, and political factors. Explain and discuss its implications. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How are plateaus formed? Also, briefly discuss the features of the Deccan plateau and its economic significance. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7569,"topper":"Shubham Kumar","air":1,"year":2020,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/61300-225253_1418_shubham-kumar_rank_1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7570,"topper":"Shubham Kumar","air":1,"year":2020,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2ee65-225253_1419_shubham-kumar_rank_1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7571,"topper":"Shubham Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gCh80iKxKWSdD_bqQ4a0aibkSmcmjOQd/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) Highlighting the attributes of leadership, analyse why it is important for a civil servant.","marks":"10","words":"not more than 150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) A civil servant needs to be objective as well as empathetic. What do you understand by objectivity? Discuss its relationship with empathy.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) With rapidly increasing use of information technology, what according to you is the role of ethics in cyber space?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) Transparency in government organisations is an essential pre-condition for good governance. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":11,"question":"3. Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context:\n(a) A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but its lowest ones. Nelson Mandela.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) The highest education is that which does not merely give us information but makes our life in harmony with all existence. Rabindranath Tagore (10)","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":15,"question":"4. (a) For achieving success, attitude is equally, if not more important than ability. Discuss with the help of examples from your daily life.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":17,"question":"4. (b) The core of high Emotional Intelligence is self-awareness. If you don't understand your own motivations and behaviours, it is nearly impossible to develop an understanding of others. Discuss with the help of appropriate examples.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":19,"question":"5. (a) What do you understand by Integrity Pacts? Highlight the role they can play in bringing transparency in allotment of public contracts and ensuring proper utilization of public funds in India.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":21,"question":"5. (b) In the context of rapid technological change, discuss the significance of inculcating moral and spiritual values in educational institutions.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":23,"question":"6. Explain the main elements of integral humanism as propounded by Deen Dayal Upadhyay and highlight its contemporary relevance.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":25,"question":"7. It is imperative for a country like India, that code of ethics should be implemented for civil servants on social media platforms as well. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":27,"question":"8. Discuss how effective corporate governance can ensure the equitable treatment of all stakeholders.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":29,"question":"9. You are posted as the Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district of a state where alcohol prohibition has been imposed recently. The District Excise department has conducted many raids and seized liquor in large quantities, for which it has received state-wide public appreciation. A few months later reports surface in the media that in this district, hundreds of seized bottles of illicit liquor are missing from the government malkhanas or stores. As a result, the government is left red-faced. You are asked by the DM, who is the overall in-charge of the district excise setup, to investigate the matter. Upon investigation, you unearth a nexus of politicians and government officials who smuggled seized liquor and sold it through spurious means both inside and outside the state. In this context, evaluate these options:\n1. Report your findings to the DM and seek instructions for further actions, stating clearly the criminal offences committed prima facie.\n2. Charge all accused under legal provisions and let the law take its own course.\n3. Being aware of the seriousness of the matter, discretely put the detailed investigation report in the public domain and expose the nexus.\n4. Also, suggest, without restricting yourself to the given options, the final course of action that you would prefer.","marks":"20","words":"in around 250"},{"page":34,"question":"10. You are posted as a District Magistrate in a Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected district. The district has witnessed many instances of violence by the naxalites in the past. It has been observed that instances of violence increase as the elections approach. You, as a Returning Officer, are responsible for the smooth conduct of elections. Soon after the announcement of elections, the naxalites gave a call for their boycott and have been threatening people to stay away from them. The people of the district are eager to exercise their voting rights but are scared of the impending acts of violence. Further, with threat to their lives and a low expected turnout, the other electoral officers are also reluctant to go to these areas.\nIn this context, answer the following:\n(a) Identify the civil service values that are crucial for working in such adversities.\n(b) Suggest a plan of action to ensure the conduct of free and fair elections in such a situation.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":39,"question":"11. You are posted as a District Magistrate in a district, where many large factories and commercial establishments are located. One such factory is owned by one of your close friends. You visit each other's home frequently and are often seen in public together. Recently, media reported about poor working conditions in your friend's factory. Upon enquiry with the labor office, you come to know that the factory has witnessed frequent labour unrests in the past as well. However, the labour officer told you that he was hesitating to take any action due to your proximity with the owner of the factory. With reference to the facts of the case, answer the following questions:\n(a) Identifying the stakeholders and public cause, discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\n(b) As the District Magistrate, what appropriate course of action will you take? Give reasons for the same.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":44,"question":"12. You are a resident of a remote tribal district, where there is high incidence of malnutrition. As a remedial measure, the District Magistrate has initiated a programme to promote millet cultivation, especially on the lands currently lying fallow in the district. However, this well-intentioned move of the officer receives flak from the local tribals as this may not only change their age-old food habits, but also alter their traditional agricultural practices. They further cite lower remunerative prices of millets as another reason for continuing with their existing crop production pattern. As a civil servant aspirant, who has a keen interest in development of tribal areas, answer the following questions:\n(a) What according to you are the key issues and challenges involved in the above situation?\n(b) Identify the key stakeholders and their respective interests.\n(c) Suggest a course of action that the District Magistrate can take keeping in mind the larger tribal interests.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":49,"question":"13. You have recently been posted as a District Labour Officer in a state, which derives a substantial revenue from tourism. You come to know that a big hotel in the area has not been paying wages as per the Minimum Wages Act. The hotel owner is a powerful local leader having contacts with many influential officials of the state. You have the power to take sou-moto cognizance of such violations and accordingly you initiate a preliminary enquiry into the matter. However, no worker is willing to come forward to lodge a formal complaint because they fear loss of employment. Meanwhile, your action has attracted notice of the higher authorities, and you are advised to drop the matter altogether. You are deeply concerned about the situation as it involves not only violation of the Minimum Wages Act but also denial of basic human rights of the worker.\n(a) Identify the issues involved in the given case.\n(b) Consider the options given below:\n1. Follow the informal advise of the higher authorities.\n2. Convince the owner of the hotel to take note of these violations and take appropriate remedial measures.\n3. Submit a detailed report on the matter highlighting violations of workers' rights and seek formal directions from the competent authority.\n4. Serve a notice to the hotel owner and initiate action as per your powers under the Minimum Wages Act.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":54,"question":"14. You are the Chairman of a Committee, constituted by the government, to suggest measures to improve the quality of education in state-run schools. In view of the increasing dropout rate and the widening gap between students' learning ability in state-run and private schools, answer the following questions:\n(a) Examine the role of government in the education sector, especially providing primary and secondary education through state-run schools.\n(b) Identify the principles and values that would guide your recommendations in this regard.\n(c) Suggest some ways in which quality of education in state-run schools can be improved.","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":7572,"topper":"Shubham Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dSRwsPMFZKS7ehMm7jBWt9cbbdjv91Mo/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) Man is not only a product of his environment but can also modify the environment. Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) Though it may seem that accountability and efficiency are antithetical to each other, accountability is a sine qua non for good governance. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) Gandhian ideals can be of immense help in dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic. Evaluate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) While civil servants have the legal right to undertake post-retirement jobs, it raises key ethical issues. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"3. Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context:\n(a) Try not to become a man of success but rather try to become a man of value. Albert Einstein","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) Having knowledge of an unethical act and allowing it to continue can spread a contagion that can affect multiple beings in society. Bertrand Russell","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"4. (a) When people use a common resource without a coordinated plan the result is often a tragedy of the commons in which the resource is depleted. In this context, discuss the various ethical challenges arising out of utilization of Global Commons.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"4. (b) While a code of conduct merely establishes minimal standards of conduct, a better strategy to promote ethical work culture is through internalization of values. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"5. (a) A state that does not have the political will and the discipline to enforce probity in governance, can not get rid of the menace of prolonged corruption. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"5. (b) India cannot march successfully in to the 21st century with the administrative system having a colonial mindset. Discuss in context of the bureaucratic work culture in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"6. Which corporate leader has inspired you the most and what moral lessons have you learnt from their life?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"7. Increasing participation of people in governance and easy access to information is what transforms governance to good governance. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"8. It is sometimes believed that moral scrupulousness in one's private life automatically guarantees high moral stature in professional life. Do you agree? Justify your stand with logical arguments.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"9 You are working as a District Magistrate in an aspirational district where women literacy and sex ratio is one of the lowest in the country. It is brought to your notice that a woman who has been elected as 'Sarpanch' on a seat reserved for women candidates in a panchayat in your district is head 'only on the paper'. All the work related to the panchayat is actually carried out by her husband. Even the flag hoisting ceremony on Independence Day is carried out by her husband. However, her husband happens to be a good administrator as indicated by that panchayat's performance on various developmental parameters as compared to other panchayats in the district. Also, her husband enjoys the support of the local people. Given the situation, answer the following:\n(a) Identify the stakeholders and issues involved in this case?\n(b) What options are available to you as the District Magistrate in such a scenario? Also, evaluate each option and indicate what option will you choose.","marks":"20","words":"around 250"},{"page":34,"question":"10. The issues confronting humanity are multifaceted - from political conflicts and human rights abuses to pandemics and climate change. They are not contained within national borders, nor do they fit into the silos of separate government agencies or academic specialties. What is required is greater international cooperation, mutual respect, abiding by international laws and participative global decision-making. However, over the last decade, it has been observed that international relations have overshadowed these basic tenets of global governance and now we are at the verge of serious global catastrophic risks. When it comes to the structures of global governance, business as usual, is no longer an option. Not only an improvement in our understanding of risks is required but also taking responsibility to lead collective action for a coordinated global response.\n(a) What do you think are the factors hindering collective actions?\n(b) Provide a case for the moral obligation of the international community to come together and find solutions to the problems we face.\n(c) What should be the principles guiding such international cooperation?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":39,"question":"11. You are posted as Superintendent of Police in a district. A case has come up in which more than 30 girls were allegedly raped and sexually exploited at the city shelter home run by an NGO. The scandal came to light when media flagged complaints of sexual abuse of inmates of the city shelter home. A nexus of police, politicians, administration and criminals have been allegedly responsible for the racket going on for the last few years. In light of this, a lot of protests have erupted across the city. While, on one hand, media glare has meant that people are demanding swift action, you have been asked to go slow in investigating the case by top officers in your department. Elections in the state are due in a few months, so it has become a politically sensitive issue. You are also under immense political pressure from the ruling party to not take strict action and make compromises to cover up the case. Given the situation, answer the following:\n(a) Identify the issues involved in the case.\n(b) What are the options available to you? Which of these options will you choose? Justify your stand with logical arguments.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":44,"question":"12. Being the senior-most IAS officer, you are in line to be promoted as Chief Secretary after the incumbent retires in the next two months. Currently, you are heading the Public Works Department (PWD) and a road construction project worth crores has been opened for tender. A company X belonging to the son-in-law of the incumbent Chief Minister has also applied for the same. The director in charge of the screening process, a young IAS officer, has reported that company Y and the state PSU have submitted the best bids. Both you and the director are facing political pressure to favour the company X. The young IAS officer may be demoralised if you give in to the pressure. But if you don't give in then he may be transferred and your chances of promotion may also suffer. In light of the situation, answer the following:\n(a) Discuss the ethical issues faced by you in the given case.\n(b) What are the options available to you? Which of these options will you choose? Justify your stand with logical arguments.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":49,"question":"13. As the head of the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), you are tasked to complete the construction of a power plant. The project needs to be completed expeditiously to fulfil the promise made by the government to ensure access to power for all. The selected site is in a remote area and is ideal for plant construction. However, the project would require relocation of the people living in the vicinity. Initially, the local community objected to disruption in their lives but were convinced later about the economic benefits that would accrue to the region through this plant. The project had started gathering pace, but recently a local NGO working for environment protection got involved with the local community regarding the issue. And now the local community has started protesting against any developmental activity in the region. As the officer-in-charge for the speedy execution of the project, answer the following:\n(a) What are the issues involved in this case?\n(b) What course of action will you take and why?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":54,"question":"14. Genetic editing has several applications with its potential to edit the genomes of both somatic and germ cells. This allows for the ability to not only cure genetic diseases but to edit the characteristics of future offspring. The last few years have seen the development of several efficient, more precise genetic engineering techniques. However, with growing sophistication, various issues of bioethics have also have come to the forefront.\n(a) Discuss the ethical considerations associated with genome editing.\n(b) In the light of these ethical issues, provide an ethical framework on how this technology can be used for the betterment of humanity.","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":7573,"topper":"Shubham Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pelxtCWFu8kAcP8WQxWbAsLJqumNBRs3/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) Man is not only a product of his environment but can also modify the environment. Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) Though it may seem that accountability and efficiency are antithetical to each other, accountability is a sine qua non for good governance. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) Gandhian ideals can be of immense help in dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic. Evaluate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) While civil servants have the legal right to undertake post-retirement jobs, it raises key ethical issues. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"3. Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context:\n(a) Try not to become a man of success but rather try to become a man of value. Albert Einstein","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) Having knowledge of an unethical act and allowing it to continue can spread a contagion that can affect multiple beings in society. Bertrand Russell","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"4. (a) When people use a common resource without a coordinated plan the result is often a tragedy of the commons in which the resource is depleted. In this context, discuss the various ethical challenges arising out of utilization of Global Commons.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"4. (b) While a code of conduct merely establishes minimal standards of conduct, a better strategy to promote ethical work culture is through internalization of values. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"5. (a) A state that does not have the political will and the discipline to enforce probity in governance, can not get rid of the menace of prolonged corruption. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"5. (b) India cannot march successfully in to the 21st century with the administrative system having a colonial mindset. Discuss in context of the bureaucratic work culture in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"6. Which corporate leader has inspired you the most and what moral lessons have you learnt from their life?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"7. Increasing participation of people in governance and easy access to information is what transforms governance to good governance. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"8. It is sometimes believed that moral scrupulousness in one's private life automatically guarantees high moral stature in professional life. Do you agree? Justify your stand with logical arguments.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"9 You are working as a District Magistrate in an aspirational district where women literacy and sex ratio is one of the lowest in the country. It is brought to your notice that a woman who has been elected as 'Sarpanch' on a seat reserved for women candidates in a panchayat in your district is head 'only on the paper'. All the work related to the panchayat is actually carried out by her husband. Even the flag hoisting ceremony on Independence Day is carried out by her husband. However, her husband happens to be a good administrator as indicated by that panchayat's performance on various developmental parameters as compared to other panchayats in the district. Also, her husband enjoys the support of the local people. Given the situation, answer the following:\n(a) Identify the stakeholders and issues involved in this case?\n(b) What options are available to you as the District Magistrate in such a scenario? Also, evaluate each option and indicate what option will you choose.","marks":"20","words":"around 250"},{"page":34,"question":"10. The issues confronting humanity are multifaceted - from political conflicts and human rights abuses to pandemics and climate change. They are not contained within national borders, nor do they fit into the silos of separate government agencies or academic specialties. What is required is greater international cooperation, mutual respect, abiding by international laws and participative global decision-making. However, over the last decade, it has been observed that international relations have overshadowed these basic tenets of global governance and now we are at the verge of serious global catastrophic risks. When it comes to the structures of global governance, business as usual, is no longer an option. Not only an improvement in our understanding of risks is required but also taking responsibility to lead collective action for a coordinated global response.\n(a) What do you think are the factors hindering collective actions?\n(b) Provide a case for the moral obligation of the international community to come together and find solutions to the problems we face.\n(c) What should be the principles guiding such international cooperation?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":39,"question":"11. You are posted as Superintendent of Police in a district. A case has come up in which more than 30 girls were allegedly raped and sexually exploited at the city shelter home run by an NGO. The scandal came to light when media flagged complaints of sexual abuse of inmates of the city shelter home. A nexus of police, politicians, administration and criminals have been allegedly responsible for the racket going on for the last few years. In light of this, a lot of protests have erupted across the city. While, on one hand, media glare has meant that people are demanding swift action, you have been asked to go slow in investigating the case by top officers in your department. Elections in the state are due in a few months, so it has become a politically sensitive issue. You are also under immense political pressure from the ruling party to not take strict action and make compromises to cover up the case. Given the situation, answer the following:\n(a) Identify the issues involved in the case.\n(b) What are the options available to you? Which of these options will you choose? Justify your stand with logical arguments.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":44,"question":"12. Being the senior-most IAS officer, you are in line to be promoted as Chief Secretary after the incumbent retires in the next two months. Currently, you are heading the Public Works Department (PWD) and a road construction project worth crores has been opened for tender. A company X belonging to the son-in-law of the incumbent Chief Minister has also applied for the same. The director in charge of the screening process, a young IAS officer, has reported that company Y and the state PSU have submitted the best bids. Both you and the director are facing political pressure to favour the company X. The young IAS officer may be demoralised if you give in to the pressure. But if you don't give in then he may be transferred and your chances of promotion may also suffer. In light of the situation, answer the following:\n(a) Discuss the ethical issues faced by you in the given case.\n(b) What are the options available to you? Which of these options will you choose? Justify your stand with logical arguments.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":49,"question":"13. As the head of the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), you are tasked to complete the construction of a power plant. The project needs to be completed expeditiously to fulfil the promise made by the government to ensure access to power for all. The selected site is in a remote area and is ideal for plant construction. However, the project would require relocation of the people living in the vicinity. Initially, the local community objected to disruption in their lives but were convinced later about the economic benefits that would accrue to the region through this plant. The project had started gathering pace, but recently a local NGO working for environment protection got involved with the local community regarding the issue. And now the local community has started protesting against any developmental activity in the region. As the officer-in-charge for the speedy execution of the project, answer the following:\n(a) What are the issues involved in this case?\n(b) What course of action will you take and why?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":54,"question":"14. Genetic editing has several applications with its potential to edit the genomes of both somatic and germ cells. This allows for the ability to not only cure genetic diseases but to edit the characteristics of future offspring. The last few years have seen the development of several efficient, more precise genetic engineering techniques. However, with growing sophistication, various issues of bioethics have also have come to the forefront.\n(a) Discuss the ethical considerations associated with genome editing.\n(b) In the light of these ethical issues, provide an ethical framework on how this technology can be used for the betterment of humanity.","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":7574,"topper":"Shubham Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VQEzHn-hwQU9tv9R_iaXRr3VF19hQ4GD/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Man is not only a product of his environment but can also modify the environment. Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer with suitable examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Though it may seem that accountability and efficiency are antithetical to each other, accountability is a sine qua non for good governance. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Gandhian ideals can be of immense help in dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic. Evaluate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"While civil servants have the legal right to undertake post-retirement jobs, it raises key ethical issues. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) Try not to become a man of success but rather try to become a man of value. Albert Einstein (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"When people use a common resource without a coordinated plan the result is often a tragedy of the commons in which the resource is depleted. In this context, discuss the various ethical challenges arising out of utilization of Global Commons. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"While a code of conduct merely establishes minimal standards of conduct, a better strategy to promote ethical work culture is through internalization of values. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"A state that does not have the political will and the discipline to enforce probity in governance, can not get rid of the menace of prolonged corruption. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"India cannot march successfully in to the 21st century with the administrative system having a colonial mindset. Discuss in context of the bureaucratic work culture in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Which corporate leader has inspired you the most and what moral lessons have you learnt from their life? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Increasing participation of people in governance and easy access to information is what transforms governance to good governance. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"It is sometimes believed that moral scrupulousness in one's private life automatically guarantees high moral stature in professional life. Do you agree? Justify your stand with logical arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You are working as a District Magistrate in an aspirational district where women literacy and sex ratio is one of the lowest in the country. It is brought to your notice that a woman who has been elected as 'Sarpanch' on a seat reserved for women candidates in a panchayat in your district is head 'only on the paper'. All the work related to the panchayat is actually carried out by her husband. Even the flag hoisting ceremony on Independence Day is carried out by her husband. However, her husband happens to be a good administrator as indicated by that panchayat's performance on various developmental parameters as compared to other panchayats in the district. Also, her husband enjoys the support of the local people. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders and issues involved in this case? (b) What options are available to you as the District Magistrate in such a scenario? Also, evaluate each option and indicate what option will you choose.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"The issues confronting humanity are multifaceted - from political conflicts and human rights abuses to pandemics and climate change. They are not contained within national borders, nor do they fit into the silos of separate government agencies or academic specialties. What is required is greater international cooperation, mutual respect, abiding by international laws and participative global decision-making. However, over the last decade, it has been observed that international relations have overshadowed these basic tenets of global governance and now we are at the verge of serious global catastrophic risks. When it comes to the structures of global governance, business as usual, is no longer an option. Not only an improvement in our understanding of risks is required but also taking responsibility to lead collective action for a coordinated global response. (a) What do you think are the factors hindering collective actions? (b) Provide a case for the moral obligation of the international community to come together and find solutions to the problems we face. (c) What should be the principles guiding such international cooperation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"You are posted as Superintendent of Police in a district. A case has come up in which more than 30 girls were allegedly raped and sexually exploited at the city shelter home run by an NGO. The scandal came to light when media flagged complaints of sexual abuse of inmates of the city shelter home. A nexus of police, politicians, administration and criminals have been allegedly responsible for the racket going on for the last few years. In light of this, a lot of protests have erupted across the city. While, on one hand, media glare has meant that people are demanding swift action, you have been asked to go slow in investigating the case by top officers in your department. Elections in the state are due in a few months, so it has become a politically sensitive issue. You are also under immense political pressure from the ruling party to not take strict action and make compromises to cover up the case. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the issues involved in the case. (b) What are the options available to you? Which of these options will you choose? Justify your stand with logical arguments.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"As the head of the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), you are tasked to complete the construction of a power plant. The project needs to be completed expeditiously to fulfil the promise made by the government to ensure access to power for all. The selected site is in a remote area and is ideal for plant construction. However, the project would require relocation of the people living in the vicinity. Initially, the local community objected to disruption in their lives but were convinced later about the economic benefits that would accrue to the region through this plant. The project had started gathering pace, but recently a local NGO working for environment protection got involved with the local community regarding the issue. And now the local community has started protesting against any developmental activity in the region. As the officer-in-charge for the speedy execution of the project, answer the following: (a) What are the issues involved in this case? (b) What course of action will you take and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Genetic editing has several applications with its potential to edit the genomes of both somatic and germ cells. This allows for the ability not only cure genetic diseases but to edit the characteristics of future offspring. The last few years have seen the development of several efficient, more precise genetic engineering techniques. However, with growing sophistication, various issues of bioethics have also have come to the forefront. (a) Discuss the ethical considerations associated with genome editing. (b) In the light of these ethical issues, provide an ethical framework on how this technology can be used for the betterment of humanity.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7575,"topper":"Shubham Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8ba0d-225253_1245_shubham-kumar_rank_1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the attributes of leadership, analyse why it is important for a civil servant.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"A civil servant needs to be objective as well as empathetic. What do you understand by objectivity? Discuss its relationship with empathy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"With rapidly increasing use of information technology, what according to you is the role of ethics in cyber space?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Transparency in government organisations is an essential pre-condition for good governance. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but its lowest ones. Nelson Mandela.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"For achieving success, attitude is equally, if not more important than ability. Discuss with the help of examples from your daily life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"The core of high Emotional Intelligence is self-awareness. If you don't understand your own motivations and behaviours, it is nearly impossible to develop an understanding of others. Discuss with the help of appropriate examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by Integrity Pacts? Highlight the role they can play in bringing transparency in allotment of public contracts and ensuring proper utilization of public funds in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"In the context of rapid technological change, discuss the significance of inculcating moral and spiritual values in educational institutions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Explain the main elements of integral humanism as propounded by Deen Dayal Upadhyay and highlight its contemporary relevance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate in a district, where many large factories and commercial establishments are located. One such factory is owned by one of your close friends. You visit each other's home frequently and are often seen in public together. Recently, media reported about poor working conditions in your friend's factory. Upon enquiry with the labor office, you come to know that the factory has witnessed frequent labour unrests in the past as well. However, the labour officer told you that he was hesitating to take any action due to your proximity with the owner of the factory. With reference to the facts of the case, answer the following questions: (a) Identifying the stakeholders and public cause, discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) As the District Magistrate, what appropriate course of action will you take? Give reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are a resident of a remote tribal district, where there is high incidence of malnutrition. As a remedial measure, the District Magistrate has initiated a programme to promote millet cultivation, especially on the lands currently lying fallow in the district. However, this well-intentioned move of the officer receives flak from the local tribals as this may not only change their age-old food habits, but also alter their traditional agricultural practices. They further cite lower remunerative prices of millets as another reason for continuing with their existing crop production pattern. As a civil servant aspirant, who has a keen interest in development of tribal areas, answer the following questions: (a) What according to you are the key issues and challenges involved in the above situation? (b) Identify the key stakeholders and their respective interests. (c) Suggest a course of action that the District Magistrate can take keeping in mind the larger tribal interests.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You have recently been posted as a District Labour Officer in a state, which derives a substantial revenue from tourism. You come to know that a big hotel in the area has not been paying wages as per the Minimum Wages Act. The hotel owner is a powerful local leader having contacts with many influential officials of the state. You have the power to take sou-moto cognizance of such violations and accordingly you initiate a preliminary enquiry into the matter. However, no worker is willing to come forward to lodge a formal complaint because they fear loss of employment. Meanwhile, your action has attracted notice of the higher authorities, and you are advised to drop the matter altogether. You are deeply concerned about the situation as it involves not only violation of the Minimum Wages Act but also denial of basic human rights of the worker. (a) Identify the issues involved in the given case. (b) Consider the options given below:","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Serve a notice to the hotel owner and initiate action as per your powers under the Minimum Wages Act. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each of these options and suggest your preferred course of action, giving reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"You are the Chairman of a Committee, constituted by the government, to suggest measures to improve the quality of education in state-run schools. In view of the increasing dropout rate and the widening gap between students' learning ability in state-run and private schools, answer the following questions: (a) Examine the role of government in the education sector, especially providing primary and secondary education through state-run schools. (b) Identify the principles and values that would guide your recommendations in this regard. (c) Suggest some ways in which quality of education in state-run schools can be improved.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7576,"topper":"Shubham Kumar","air":1,"year":2020,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2f342-225253_1420_shubham-kumar_rank_1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7577,"topper":"Shubham Kumar Mahato","air":142,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2024_unchecked_GSMACT24A1155_GSMAC2401.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7578,"topper":"Shubham Kumar Mahato","air":142,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2024_unchecked_GSMACT24A1155_GSMAC2402.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7579,"topper":"Shubham Kumar Mahato","air":142,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2024_unchecked_GSMACT24A1155_GSMAC2403.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7580,"topper":"Shubham Kumar Mahato","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2024_unchecked_GSMACT24A1155_GSMAC2404.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"A. \"It is wrong to assume that ethical decisions are, can or should be purely rational and principled. Human feelings are an inseparable part of our ethical life.\" In what way do feelings impact our ethical decisions? Illustrate with examples. (150 words, 10 marks) B. What do you understand by ethics management? Can public officials manage ethics in the work place in a manner similar to managing budgets, policies and people? Do you think adopting codes of ethics and conduct is sufficient enough for managing ethics in the workplace or something more is needed? Discuss. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"A. While traditional ethics has focussed on notions of justice, fair allocation and obligations, ethics of care emphasise maintaining connectedness and promoting care. Which of the above two ethical perspectives is more suitable for guiding ethical decision making in the context of public services. Explain your position with suitable examples. (150 words, 10 marks) B. What does the term \"quality\" mean in service delivery. What are the components of service quality and indicate ways and means for ensuring total quality in terms of efficiency, economy and effectiveness? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"A. In the context of public service, what does public service attitude mean? Discuss the attitude biases that affects a public servants on field decision making? Explain how a public servant can overcome such attitude biases? (150 words, 10 marks) B. \"I am a Moslem; I am a Hindu; I am a Christian; I am a Jew.\" Mahatma Gandhi. What did Mahatma Gandhi mean by the above statement? Some philosophers have argued that religion is harmful to the moral life, whereas others have claimed that it is necessary to it. Explain your position on the relationship between religion and morality. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"A. \"There is only one responsibility of business, namely to use its resources and engage in activities designed to increase profits.\" Do you think corporations, by indulging in social responsibilities, are compromising their core resource utilisation and production responsibility by diverting resources into unproductive social endeavours? (150 words, 10 marks) B. Do you think values such as \"tyaga,\" (renunciation) \"sewa,\" (service) \"daanam,\" (Charity) \"damah,\" (self-control) that are espoused in traditional Indian Wisdom have relevance for modern day public servants? Why? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"A. Explain the difference between conflict among interests and conflict among various sources of authority. Illustrate with relevant examples. (150 words, 10 marks) B. The domain of governance is ridden with uncertainties, ambiguities and paradoxes and this can at times lead to timidity and withdrawal among public administrators. Discuss the relevance of inner courage for overcoming and coping with ambiguities. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Given below are three quotations of philosophers. What do each of the quotations convey to you in the present context? A. \"To feel for others, and little for ourselves; to restrain our selfish, and exercise our benevolent affections, constitutes the perfection of human nature.\" Adam Smith (150 words, 10 marks) B. \"Virtue lies in our power, and so does vice; because where it is in our power to act, it is also in our power not to act.\" Aristotle (150 words, 10 marks) C. \"I know that I am intelligent, because I know that I know nothing.\" Socrates (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":31,"question":"What are the ethical issues and dilemmas that confronts you in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"Discuss the available options along with its merits and demerits.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"What will be your chosen course of action? Why? (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Discuss the merits and demerits of each option and explain your chosen course of action along with reasons. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What are the issues involved in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Is it ethically justified to be devoted to duty at the cost of the personal safety of the staff? Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"How will you go about doing your election duties without compromising the safety of your staff? Explain. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Do you think the above case involves a conflict of interest or there are more issues? Explain","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"Keeping the above case in perspective, discuss the relevance of impartiality and non-partisanship as professional value.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Discuss the administrative and ethical issues involved in the above case.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Do you think it was morally right on your part to write to the minister? Justify.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"How will you respond to the action initiated against you? Discuss the available options and justify your selected course of action (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":56,"question":"What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":56,"question":"Identify and explain your chosen course of action after evaluating the merits and demerits of each option. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":7581,"topper":"Shubham Meena","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/SHUBHAM_MEENA_SS_GS_1_AIR_929_08f4371635.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"'Cave paintings are the window into the aesthetic sensitivity and creativeness of ancient humans.' Discuss the statement with reference to ancient Indian cave paintings. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Evaluate the role of subsidiary alliance policy in turning 'the British Empire in India' into 'the British Empire of India'. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Mass nationalism was a watershed in the Indian freedom struggle towards independence. How did the Indian Business community react to it? Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Do you agree that non-alignment adopted after independence formed the bed-rock of Indian Foreign policy. Substantiate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Colonial legacy is the primary source of political instability in the African Continent. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Sustainable urban development needs mindful reassessment of land use patterns. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Socio-cultural factors more than economic factors influence women migration patterns in India. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the significance of the IT industries in promoting regional development in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"'Partition was a necessary evil to get rid of British rule and prevent a complete breakdown of law and order.' Analyse. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"To what extent urbanisation has influenced the social hierarchy in Indian society? Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Globalisation expanded the market opportunities for goods and services beyond domestic territories. Discuss the effects of globalisation on the Indian craft industry with examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Rise of communalism in secular India threatens the social fabric and public order. Discuss the measures to contain the spread of communalism. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Describe the distribution of major palm oil producing countries. Also, indicate the major environmental issues faced by them. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Discuss the importance of water as the chief architect of the earth surface. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"'Tropical rainforests of the ocean are under serious threat of existence.' Discuss. Also, suggest measures to rejuvenate these critical ecosystems. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Explain the reasons for geographical concentration of ozone holes. What are the remedial measures to ozone depletion? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"'Global warming increasingly contributes to extreme weather events.' Examine the statement with special focus on recent events of natural hazards in the Indian subcontinent. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7582,"topper":"Shubham Meena","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/SHUBHAM_MEENA_SS_GS_3_AIR_929_2025_e03344b4fa.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"What do you mean by off-budget borrowings? Discuss the various issues associated with them. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Do you agree that the agriculture sector in India needs a separate budget for its transformation? Substantiate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Growth of e-commerce has huge potential in revolutionizing the agriculture products supply chains. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"'Water use efficiency is the keystone in the sustainable development of the Indian agriculture sector.' Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Robust economic growth requires a complementation between the public and private investment. Examine the statement with reference to falling private investments in the Indian economy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Discuss several ways in which biotechnology can help in ensuring food security in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Explain the significance of the Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) in achieving the goals of India's Nuclear energy program. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Public awareness is primary in inculcating environmental consciousness. How does the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) promote environmental awareness? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Overexploitation strains the quality as well as the quantity of our groundwater resources. Analyze. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"'Employment opportunities in India are experiencing a rapid transformation.' In the light of the statement, discuss the preparedness of the Indian labor force to adapt to this transformation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Liberalized Indian economy expanded rapidly at the cost of social equity. Elaborate. Also, suggest measures for promoting inclusive economic growth. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Livestocks play a key role in improving the socio-economic conditions of the rural masses. In this light, discuss the potential opportunities for the livestock farmers in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"What are the objectives of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme? Analyze its role in the growth of indigenous semiconductor industry. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Delays in infrastructure projects create massive cost overruns. Elaborate the major causes of delays and potential solutions for timely project execution. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"The Indian Space sector exhibits huge growth potential. Analyze the opportunities for the private sector in the Indian space industry. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Plastic waste has become near ubiquitous, threatening ecological stability. Explain. Also, discuss various measures taken by the government to contain further environmental degradation by plastic wastes. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Elaborate the disaster vulnerability of Indian coastal cities with examples. Examine the relevance of Sendai Framework in disaster management of coastal regions. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Alarming rising trend in cyber attacks endangers national security. Explain with examples. Elaborate the need for establishing a dedicated cyber security force to deal with the issue. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Socio-economic functions across the Indian border makes its management more complex. Discuss with suitable examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7583,"topper":"Shubham Raghuvanshi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/11b6f-52321_1451_shubham_raghuvanshi_rank_556.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"It is morally permissible to perform an action in pursuit of a good end in full knowledge that the action might also bring about bad results. Critically examine the statement with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"An essential element that distinguishes a career in public service from jobs elsewhere is its focus on public service ethos. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The foundational values of efficiency, impartiality, empathy, and incorruptibility are an integral part of civil services. Elaborate with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The foreign policy of nations is primarily guided by national interests. Do you think the pursuit of such exclusive concerns leaves little scope for ethics in international relations? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Corporate Social Responsibility can help in changing the perception of 'business ethics' being an oxymoron. Critically analyze. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: Intolerance is itself a form of violence and an obstacle to the growth of a true democratic spirit. Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Citizens' Charters by themselves cannot achieve the desired results in improving quality of public services. Discuss the statement in light of the Sevottam Model. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"What do you understand by social capital? Explain its relationship with good governance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Emotional Intelligence is an essential ingredient for managing personal and organizational change. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Do you agree that privatization and outsourcing of selected public services will help improve the quality of public service delivery and in particular reduce the incidence of corruption? Substantiate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Discuss the contributions of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar to the idea of social justice in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"You are posted as the District Magistrate in a district, which has been ravaged by floods recently. The severity of floods has not only led to destruction of shelter and livelihood, but also created risks of deadly diseases spreading in the area. Street thugs have taken advantage of the situation and are looting and stocking anything they can get their hands on. There are reports that many shops and homes have been broken into and looted. Some suspect that this is the work of illegal immigrants from a neighbouring country, who have been residing in the district for a long time. The local MLA is objecting to extension of relief and rehabilitation assistance to these illegal immigrants. A number of residents of the district have also joined the MLA and are arguing that citizens have the first right on the country's resources, particularly in the prevailing situation. In this context, answer the following: (a) Do you think that citizens of a country have the first claim on resources of a nation in every situation? Justify your answer with valid arguments. (b) Given this information, chart a course of action based on priorities of the administration. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"You are the Commissioner of a city municipal corporation. Recognizing the state of some of the old buildings, you have categorised these under the list of dilapidated buildings. You have also issued an advisory to residents regarding the status and hazards of living in such buildings and asked them to vacate the premises. However, even after such a notification, residents continue to occupy such buildings and refuse to vacate. These are mostly poor people who have no other alternative available and would be rendered homeless if they vacate the premises. While you are trying to figure a way out for these people, your worst fears come true when one of the four-storeyed buildings on the list collapsed after heavy rains. Following the incident, public outrage led to accusations against the corporation for not getting the building vacated. (a) What challenges do you face as the Commissioner in this situation? Highlight the steps you will take to address these. (b) What measures will you take to prevent reoccurrence of such unfortunate incidents? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"You have been recently posted as a District Education Officer in a district, which is notorious for mass copying. It again witnessed some disturbing incidents during the recent Board examination. In some of the examination centers located in your district, the parents virtually took over the centres to help their wards to copy during the exams. The parents justified their act by arguing that the concerned teachers did not take classes at all during the year. Upon enquiry, you found that invigilators turned a blind eye in this situation and school administrations were also involved in tampering with the CCTV footage of the incidents. You also found that teacher absenteeism has indeed been rampant. Further, concerns regarding this had been repeatedly raised by parents in the past, but no action was taken. In this situation: (a) What course of action would you take in the immediate to short term to deal with the issue at hand? (b) Explaining the ramifications of such incidents for the society at large, highlight some long-term reforms that should be taken to prevent such incidents from re-occurring. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"You are recently posted as District Magistrate in a district, which is a major hub of industrial activities and attracts workers from different places and communities. The workers of these industries often utilize the open spaces on roads for performing their daily prayers, though only for a short period of time. The lack of a place of worship close to the work places, is cited as the reason for continuance of this practice. However, some residents of nearby areas have been objecting to this practice due to the inconvenience caused by congestion on the roads. There have also been complaints of alleged illegal encroachments over public land in garb of this practice. One day, you are informed that a group of locals disrupted the workers at the time of worship. The incident led to clashes between several groups and a law and order problem has arisen in the district. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) What are the options available before you? Evaluate the merits and demerits of each one of them. (b) What course of action would you choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"You are the district magistrate in a district of a hill state. An NRI tycoon is planning to arrange a large wedding ceremony in your district. Given the scale of the ceremony, a feasibility report was prepared. The report has called for adopting a cautious approach and has raised concerns regarding its impact on the environment. Recognizing this, the NRI has offered extra compensation for the prospective environmental damages. Also, the local MLA and some prominent residents are arguing that such a wedding can help in developing the district as a tourist hotspot and turn it into a popular wedding destination, bringing prosperity for the residents. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders in the given situation and their respective interests. (b) Highlight the options available to you and the course of action you will take, giving reasons for the same. (Answer in 250 words)\\t20","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"The challenge of climate change presents the world with several fundamental ethical dilemmas. From a global perspective, it presents the world with a collective action problem: all countries have a collective interest in controlling global carbon emissions. But each individual country also has incentives to over-consume in response to societal demands for economic growth and prosperity. Developing nations faced with these costs may encounter further challenges as the impact of climate change will most likely fall disproportionately on the poor, thus also raising issues of fairness and inequality. As an intergenerational problem, the consequences of actions taken by the current generation will have the greatest impact on future generations. While it is intuitive that the current generation has some ethical responsibility to leave an inhabitable world to future generations, the extent of this obligation is less clear. Answer the following questions in this regard: (a) To what extent do humans have a moral responsibility to future generations that are yet to be born? (b) Do developed countries have a greater responsibility to take action and bear more costs of controlling climate change than developing countries? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7584,"topper":"Shubham Raghuvanshi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KDE3PKW7FJXlW2fEht1wI5De28B-c7fU/view","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"It is morally permissible to perform an action in pursuit of a good end in full knowledge that the action might also bring about bad results. Critically examine the statement with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"An essential element that distinguishes a career in public service from jobs elsewhere is its focus on public service ethos. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The foundational values of efficiency, impartiality, empathy, and incorruptibility are an integral part of civil services. Elaborate with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The foreign policy of nations is primarily guided by national interests. Do you think the pursuit of such exclusive concerns leaves little scope for ethics in international relations? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Corporate Social Responsibility can help in changing the perception of 'business ethics' being an oxymoron. Critically analyze. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: Intolerance is itself a form of violence and an obstacle to the growth of a true democratic spirit. Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Citizens' Charters by themselves cannot achieve the desired results in improving quality of public services. Discuss the statement in light of the Sevottam Model. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"What do you understand by social capital? Explain its relationship with good governance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Emotional Intelligence is an essential ingredient for managing personal and organizational change. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Do you agree that privatization and outsourcing of selected public services will help improve the quality of public service delivery and in particular reduce the incidence of corruption? Substantiate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Discuss the contributions of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar to the idea of social justice in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"You are posted as the District Magistrate in a district, which has been ravaged by floods recently. The severity of floods has not only led to destruction of shelter and livelihood, but also created risks of deadly diseases spreading in the area. Street thugs have taken advantage of the situation and are looting and stocking anything they can get their hands on. There are reports that many shops and homes have been broken into and looted. Some suspect that this is the work of illegal immigrants from a neighbouring country, who have been residing in the district for a long time. The local MLA is objecting to extension of relief and rehabilitation assistance to these illegal immigrants. A number of residents of the district have also joined the MLA and are arguing that citizens have the first right on the country's resources, particularly in the prevailing situation. In this context, answer the following: (a) Do you think that citizens of a country have the first claim on resources of a nation in every situation? Justify your answer with valid arguments. (b) Given this information, chart a course of action based on priorities of the administration. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"You are the Commissioner of a city municipal corporation. Recognizing the state of some of the old buildings, you have categorised these under the list of dilapidated buildings. You have also issued an advisory to residents regarding the status and hazards of living in such buildings and asked them to vacate the premises. However, even after such a notification, residents continue to occupy such buildings and refuse to vacate. These are mostly poor people who have no other alternative available and would be rendered homeless if they vacate the premises. While you are trying to figure a way out for these people, your worst fears come true when one of the four-storeyed buildings on the list collapsed after heavy rains. Following the incident, public outrage led to accusations against the corporation for not getting the building vacated. (a) What challenges do you face as the Commissioner in this situation? Highlight the steps you will take to address these. (b) What measures will you take to prevent reoccurrence of such unfortunate incidents? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"You have been recently posted as a District Education Officer in a district, which is notorious for mass copying. It again witnessed some disturbing incidents during the recent Board examination. In some of the examination centers located in your district, the parents virtually took over the centres to help their wards to copy during the exams. The parents justified their act by arguing that the concerned teachers did not take classes at all during the year. Upon enquiry, you found that invigilators turned a blind eye in this situation and school administrations were also involved in tampering with the CCTV footage of the incidents. You also found that teacher absenteeism has indeed been rampant. Further, concerns regarding this had been repeatedly raised by parents in the past, but no action was taken. In this situation: (a) What course of action would you take in the immediate to short term to deal with the issue at hand? (b) Explaining the ramifications of such incidents for the society at large, highlight some long-term reforms that should be taken to prevent such incidents from re-occurring. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"You are recently posted as District Magistrate in a district, which is a major hub of industrial activities and attracts workers from different places and communities. The workers of these industries often utilize the open spaces on roads for performing their daily prayers, though only for a short period of time. The lack of a place of worship close to the work places, is cited as the reason for continuance of this practice. However, some residents of nearby areas have been objecting to this practice due to the inconvenience caused by congestion on the roads. There have also been complaints of alleged illegal encroachments over public land in garb of this practice. One day, you are informed that a group of locals disrupted the workers at the time of worship. The incident led to clashes between several groups and a law and order problem has arisen in the district. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) What are the options available before you? Evaluate the merits and demerits of each one of them. (b) What course of action would you choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"You are the district magistrate in a district of a hill state. An NRI tycoon is planning to arrange a large wedding ceremony in your district. Given the scale of the ceremony, a feasibility report was prepared. The report has called for adopting a cautious approach and has raised concerns regarding its impact on the environment. Recognizing this, the NRI has offered extra compensation for the prospective environmental damages. Also, the local MLA and some prominent residents are arguing that such a wedding can help in developing the district as a tourist hotspot and turn it into a popular wedding destination, bringing prosperity for the residents. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders in the given situation and their respective interests. (b) Highlight the options available to you and the course of action you will take, giving reasons for the same. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"The challenge of climate change presents the world with several fundamental ethical dilemmas. From a global perspective, it presents the world with a collective action problem: all countries have a collective interest in controlling global carbon emissions. But each individual country also has incentives to over-consume in response to societal demands for economic growth and prosperity. Developing nations faced with these costs may encounter further challenges as the impact of climate change will most likely fall disproportionately on the poor, thus also raising issues of fairness and inequality. As an intergenerational problem, the consequences of actions taken by the current generation will have the greatest impact on future generations. While it is intuitive that the current generation has some ethical responsibility to leave an inhabitable world to future generations, the extent of this obligation is less clear. Answer the following questions in this regard: (a) To what extent do humans have a moral responsibility to future generations that are yet to be born? (b) Do developed countries have a greater responsibility to take action and bear more costs of controlling climate change than developing countries? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7585,"topper":"SHUBHAM SATYAM","air":497,"year":2021,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"IAS Delhi Institute","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xHoHRrySWW5vpaOojVltZvDcn-sPipje/view?usp=share_link","questions":[]},{"id":7586,"topper":"SHUBHAM SATYAM","air":497,"year":2021,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"IAS Delhi Institute","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ys2NovowSIN6PMzdN0bD3rc4VBRtFDmk/view?usp=share_link","questions":[]},{"id":7587,"topper":"SHUBHAM SATYAM","air":497,"year":2021,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"IAS Delhi Institute","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/13wkmxnpfZCHz2S-du-bMvtmGqN0ra6it/view?usp=share_link","questions":[]},{"id":7588,"topper":"SHUBHAM SATYAM","air":497,"year":2021,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"IAS Delhi Institute","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SQSTh5TaAAw_bl2Cyhm9CXYzX4KYBRN1/view?usp=share_link","questions":[]},{"id":7589,"topper":"SHUBHAM SATYAM","air":497,"year":2021,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"IAS Delhi Institute","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1W5ENtjSUwv9s4w5pxSRFkg4XW_MsuvhM/view?usp=share_link","questions":[]},{"id":7590,"topper":"SHUBHAM SATYAM","air":497,"year":2021,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"IAS Delhi Institute","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rPHPTFp8t8nnwdGRPRfDFlhhiYPoOqzZ/view?usp=share_link","questions":[]},{"id":7591,"topper":"Shubham Shukla","air":43,"year":2021,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"IAS Gyan","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.iasgyan.in/ig-uploads/pdf/paper_1_apti-1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7592,"topper":"Shubham Shukla","air":43,"year":2021,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"IAS Gyan","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.iasgyan.in/ig-uploads/pdf/paper_2_apti-1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7593,"topper":"Shubham Shukla","air":43,"year":2021,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"IAS Gyan","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.iasgyan.in/ig-uploads/pdf/ilovepdf_merged_compressed-compressed.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7594,"topper":"Shubham Shukla","air":43,"year":2021,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"IAS Gyan","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.iasgyan.in/ig-uploads/pdf/paper_4_apti-1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7595,"topper":"Shubham Singh","air":21,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/c4e79303c48f91abba2d44d6bdc66684/7/gsmact24a1746_m25gat01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7596,"topper":"Shubham Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/c4e79303c48f91abba2d44d6bdc66684/1/gsmact24a1746_gatb02-2501.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"India's aspiration to be a developed nation by 2047 hinges on massive investments in infrastructure. In light of this, discuss the challenges India faces in developing infrastructure and various initiatives taken by the government to address these challenges. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"What do you understand by job loss growth? In this context discuss the need for internship to ensure Indian youth is gainfully employed. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Discuss the various types of cyber scams that have evolved recently with special emphasis on Digital arrest. How can we combat such cyber crimes? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"What is Hybrid Warfare? Highlighting its features discuss India's preparedness for hybrid warfare. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"While unemployment in India is taking different forms and emerging forms of employment are reshaping the labour market, how is the government measuring and tracking employment-related data in the country? What improvements can be made to these methodologies to adequately capture the employment data? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":13,"question":"What is the role of frontal organizations and Maoist sympathizers in the spread of left-wing extremism in urban areas? Also, suggest a way forward to address such internal security challenges. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":16,"question":"The logistics sector is one of the important components in ensuring the growth of the Indian economy. In light of this, discuss various issues with the Indian logistics sector and how the National Logistics Policy 2022 will help address these issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the significance of the Supreme Court's recent judgement upholding Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, 1955, in the context of the Assam Accord. What is its larger implication for the region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":22,"question":"Demographic Dividend do not ensure growth, it only generates potential. Discuss the steps made by the government to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the demographic bulge. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7597,"topper":"Shubham Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/c4e79303c48f91abba2d44d6bdc66684/5/gsmact24a1746_m25gat03.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Aditya-L1 marks a significant milestone in India's space programme. Discuss its scientific objectives and the broader significance of the mission for India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What is the Internet of Things (IoT)? Discuss its transformative potential for India's information infrastructure and evaluate its role in enhancing agricultural productivity. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Reusable launch vehicles (RLVs) present both technological promise and challenges. Discuss the hurdles in developing RLVs and outline India's progress in this field. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What is Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)? Examine how DPI can accelerate India's development and evaluate the initiatives taken to build a digital stack for the agriculture sector. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"India's proposed mission to Venus poses multiple challenges. Discuss the scientific and technological difficulties associated with exploring Venus. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Operation Sindoor highlighted the decisive role of technology in modern warfare. In this context, examine the technological advancements that contributed to its operational success. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":16,"question":"Human spaceflight poses unique safety challenges. Discuss the major risks involved in human space missions and outline the steps taken under the Gaganyaan mission to address them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":19,"question":"India has made notable progress in nuclear energy. Discuss the technological advancements in this domain and evaluate their contribution to India's developmental goals. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":22,"question":"What are mRNA vaccines? Explain how they function and highlight how they differ from DNA-based vaccines. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"What is fifth-generation warfare? Examine the emerging challenges associated with it and suggest measures India should adopt to strengthen its preparedness. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7598,"topper":"Shubham Singh","air":21,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/c4e79303c48f91abba2d44d6bdc66684/6/gsmact24a1746_m25gat02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7599,"topper":"Shubham Singla","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/46/pttp220310_tc062.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"If you look into someone's face long enough, eventually you feel that you are looking into yourself. ,","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light. ;","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"It is the province of knowledge to speak and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Drop the question what tomorrow may bring, and count as profit every day that fate allows you. ,","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Truth, like a torch, the more it is shook, it shines.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Art is I; science is We.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Only the dead have seen the end of the war.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Act as if it were impossible to fail.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7600,"topper":"Shubham Singla","air":420,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/45/pttp220310_tc061.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7601,"topper":"Shubham Singla","air":420,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/47/pttp220310_tc063.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7602,"topper":"Shubham Singla","air":420,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/48/pttp220310_tc065.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7603,"topper":"Shubham Singla","air":420,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/288/pttp220310_tc075-test-05-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7604,"topper":"Shubham Singla","air":420,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/SHUBHAM-SINGLA-UPSC-2023-Rank-420-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7605,"topper":"Shubham Singla","air":420,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/285/pttp220310_tc072-test-02-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7606,"topper":"Shubham Singla","air":420,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/SHUBHAM-SINGLA-UPSC-2023-Rank-420-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7607,"topper":"Shubham Singla","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/286/pttp220310_tc073-test-03-gs03.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by Windfall tax? Do you think that windfall taxes can effectively redistribute wealth and promote greater economic equality? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the perceived successes and challenges of implementing inflation targeting under the new Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) regime. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Assess the potential of millet production in promoting sustainable agriculture and improving food security in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Jal Jeevan Mission has the potential to end the regional disparity in the availability and accessibility of drinking water. Highlighting the significance of the mission, discuss the underlying impediments in achieving the desired objectives. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What do you understand by Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)? Discuss its applications and how it can revolutionize the energy program of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discuss in brief developments and challenges in the Gaganyaan mission of ISRO. What are the possible benefits of the mission for the society? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"\"Green hydrogen can be the silver bullet in our quest to tackle climate change and pollution\". Critically analyze the statement in light of India's National Green Hydrogen mission. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are the key lessons for disaster management and environmental conservation in the Himalayan region, in light of the recent disaster in Joshimath, Uttarakhand? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"The recent radical trends in Punjab show that the Khalistan issue is still simmering.\" Discuss the statement with respect to recent developments and suggest measures to handle it. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The anonymity and ease of drone operation contribute to the challenges of India's border security. Elaborate and give suggestions to tackle the drone problem in border areas. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Electricity Amendment Bill, 2022 brings several advantages for consumers, DISCOMs as well as the environment. Elaborate. Also, list out its shortcomings and suggest some measures to overcome them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) plays an important role in the regulation of the share market and safeguarding the interests of investors. In the light of given statement, highlight the challenges faced by the SEBI and suggest reforms in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite being a major contributor to the Indian economy, the agriculture sector is plagued by several constraints that impede its growth and development. Discuss the role of technology in overcoming these constraints. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Evaluate the impact of irrigation on the environment and natural resources, and suggest measures to ensure the sustainability and equity of irrigation practices in agriculture. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"How India benefitted strategically from the contributions of Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha and Dr. Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai in the fields of atomic energy and space technology respectively? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Genreative AI holds the potential to push the boundaries of innovation in the near future, yet its societal impact raises substantial challenges. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Explain the purpose of the \"Mangrove Alliance for Climate\" launched at the COP27 UN Climate Change Conference in Egypt in November 2022. Elaborate on the importance of mangroves in maintaining the coastal ecology of tropical nations. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The Formation of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure brings more robustness to the Disaster Management approach in India. Comment and justify the need for a new strategy to tackle Disasters in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The recent rise in ransomware attacks targeting critical infrastructure and major corporations has highlighted the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity measures and policies. Discussing the key factors contributing to this trend, analyze the impact of these attacks on various sectors. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"In the context of border security, how can cooperation and coordination between different security agencies be improved to ensure effective and efficient management of coastal and terrestrial borders? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7608,"topper":"Shubham Singla","air":420,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/SHUBHAM-SINGLA-UPSC-2023-Rank-420-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7609,"topper":"Shubham Singla","air":420,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/287/pttp220310_tc074-test-04-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7610,"topper":"Shubham Singla","air":420,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/SHUBHAM-SINGLA-UPSC-2023-Rank-420-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7611,"topper":"Shubham Singla","air":420,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/281/pttp220310_tc072-test-02-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7612,"topper":"Shubham Singla","air":420,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/282/pttp220310_tc073-test-03-gs03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7613,"topper":"Shubham Singla","air":420,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/283/pttp220310_tc074-test-04-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7614,"topper":"Shubham Singla","air":420,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/284/pttp220310_tc075-test-05-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7615,"topper":"Shubham Verma","air":862,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/SHUBHAM_VERMA_SS_GS_1_AIR_862_2025_6346c7ef66.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7616,"topper":"Shubham Verma","air":862,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/SHUBHAM_VERMA_SS_GS_1_AIR_862_2025_c839147fd9.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7617,"topper":"Shubham Verma","air":862,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/SHUBHAM_VERMA_SS_GS_2_AIR_862_2025_d436c85760.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7618,"topper":"Shubham Verma","air":862,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/SHUBHAM_VERMA_SS_GS_3_AIR_862_2025_cfc7f8a018.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7619,"topper":"Shubham Verma","air":862,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/SHUBHAM_VERMA_SS_GS_4_AIR_862_2025_fd7239f65a.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7620,"topper":"Shubhank Mishra","air":85,"year":2019,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7f12e-40764_1074_shubhank-mishra_rank_85.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7621,"topper":"Shubhank Mishra","air":85,"year":2019,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/97117-40764_1075_shubhank-mishra_rank_85.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7622,"topper":"Shubhank Mishra","air":85,"year":2019,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/66a1a-40764_1078_shubhank-mishra_rank_85.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7623,"topper":"Shubhank Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b4856-40764_1066_shubhank-mishra_rank_85.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The cave architecture in India not only enlighten us with information of tradition and customs of ancient times but also illustrate considerable accomplishment with regard to structural engineering and artistry. Discuss. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"While the Battle of Plassey laid the foundation of British Empire in India, it was the Battle of Buxar that proved to be the turning point of British fortunes in India. Discuss. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Among many novel methods and themes, the Swadeshi Movement laid great emphasis not only on boycott but also on self-reliance. Discuss. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The idea of linguistic states predated independence, however it took some time even after independence for this idea to be implemented. Discuss. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Dr. B. R. Ambedkar understood that persistent inequalities pose fundamental challenges to the economic and social well-being of the nation and people. In this context, discuss the key contributions of Dr. Ambedkar in the history of modern India. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"It has been pointed out that in recent times, while the proportional share of nuclear households has dipped in urban areas it has risen in rural areas. Analyse the reasons behind this trend. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Separation, and not divorce, is the dominant form of marriage dissolution for most women in India. What could be the possible reasons behind this? Also, discuss why there are striking differences in divorce rates between the different regions in India. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Elaborate on the factors responsible for the evolution of the current drainage system in Indian sub-continent, with special emphasis on the characteristic features of Himalayan and Peninsular rivers. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Enumerate the features of Plantation Agriculture and the problems faced by them. Given the fact that area under cultivation of palm oil has been increasing, discuss the benefits and challenges associated with it. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Bring out the distinctive features of Gandhara, Mathura and Amravati schools of art that flourished towards the first century CE. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Despite Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi being close associates, there were significant differences between the two regarding the role of state and the control that it exercised. Comment. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Enumerating the reasons behind Sino-Soviet split in the second half of the 20th century, analyse its impact on the Cold War. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"History has disproved the prediction that democracy would not succeed in India. In this context, critically assess the achievements and challenges of democracy in India since Independence. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Enumerate the key issues faced by working women in contemporary Indian society and the steps taken by the government to address them. Also, critically examine the key features of Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Despite tropical areas being the major emitters of CFCs, the phenomenon of ozone hole formation is largely confined to polar areas and that too over the Antarctic and in early spring. Elaborate. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7624,"topper":"Shubhank Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8fbf0-40764_1072_shubhank-mishra_rank_85.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain why it is important to urgently address the problem of poor land records and infirmity of land titles in India. Also discuss how this problem can be addressed. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What are the special features of the infrastructure sector that make its financing a challenge? What measures have been taken to facilitate adequate amount of finance to this sector? (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Despite favourable circumstances, India's electronics manufacturing has been unable to respond to the rising demand. Discuss. What steps can be taken to address this situation? (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Despite registering a high growth rate in the post-reform era, India continues to witness a high incidence of poverty. Explain this paradox and suggest ways to resolve it. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"In light of the argument that India has entered a regime of \"permanent surpluses\", discuss whether the time has come to remove agricultural commodities completely from Essential Commodities Act. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The 1988 National Forest Policy (NFP) was visionary in its scope and ambition. However, there is a need for a new forest policy in the current context. Discuss. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How does rapid urbanization increases the vulnerability to major disasters? Explaining with examples, suggest measures to develop disaster-resilient cities. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain DNA profiling and highlight its forensic application. Also discuss the significance of DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2018 in this regard. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What is meant by the term Blue Water Capabilities? In this context, identify the key measures that have been undertaken to enhance the blue water capabilities of the Indian Navy. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Identify the factors that make India vulnerable to drug trafficking? Also discuss the key steps taken to deal with it in our country. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"How do higher global crude oil prices affect the Indian economy? What steps can be taken to gradually insulate India from global oil price volatility in the long term? (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Explaining the importance, highlight the achievements of dairy sector in India. Examine whether over-production is the reason for the problems being faced by the dairy industry. Give some solutions to address the problems. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"There has been a focus on Textile and Apparels industry in India in recent years. Elaborate the potential of this industry and the challenges that lie in achieving it. What steps have been taken in this regard? (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"How do transportation corridors in biodiversity rich areas impact the wildlife? Examine the current policy framework in this regard. Also, suggest measures to minimise the negative effects while balancing the need for development. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The potential of technology to aid farmers in increasing productivity as well reducing susceptibility to climate change remains underutilized. Identify the reasons for the same and suggest measures to improve technological penetration in agriculture. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What is Intelligent Transportation System (ITS)? Explaining the need of ITS in India, identify the challenges in deploying it. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Explain the concept and significance of Data Localisation. Also discuss its limitations in strengthening law enforcement efforts in the context of Srikrishna Committee report and the draft Personal Data Protection Bill, 2018. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"What is the link between illegal immigration and national security? In this context, critically discuss the exercise of creating a National Register of Citizens in Assam. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7625,"topper":"Shubhank Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/246a2-40764_1071_shubhank-mishra_rank_85.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) is more than just the keeper of our national accounts; it is also a conscience-keeper and a watchdog. Examine the statement in light of making the auditing process more effective. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The concern for transparency in political funding is at odds with the Electoral Bond Scheme notified by the government. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Lobbying in India exists in a perennially grey legal and policy arena. In this context, discuss the need to formally recognize and regulate lobbying in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"More than a decade after it was passed, the implementation of the RTI Act leaves much to be desired. Comment. Also discuss the issues associated with the recent proposals to amend the RTI Act. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Critically discuss the evolving policy on reservation in promotions in India with special focus on its ability to meet the objectives of social justice. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"India produces enough food for its people, but not all people get enough food to eat. Discussing this paradox, highlight some of the major interventions taken in the past few years in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"India sees Indian Ocean as not just a water body, but a global stage for continued economic, social, and cultural dialogue. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In the context of India taking greater responsibility in management of the global commons, there has been a shift in India's climate change negotiation stance. In this context, analyze the evolution of India's climate policy. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlighting the constitutional role of the Finance Commission (FC), discuss the issues which are being debated w.r.t. terms of reference (ToR) of the 15th Finance Commission. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The spirit of the constitution of India represents a synthesis of Indian values, democratic and socialist movements in west and our independence movement. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"What is the importance of an independent judiciary in a democracy? Highlight the safeguards in our political-constitutional setup to ensure the independence of judiciary. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Even though Indian federalism has matured quite a bit, with states having far greater control of their economic and political management, serious structural problems still remain. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The recent amendments to the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 strike a balance between enforcement overzealousness and the need for stringent action against corrupt public servants. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Identifying the various issues plaguing the voluntary sector in India, discuss the need for a national accreditation agency to overcome them. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Given the importance of a teacher in affecting the learning outcomes of children, discuss the problems in the present system of teacher training in India. How can these be addressed? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The implementation of a scheme with such scale and benefit as Ayushman Bharat is likely to face many obstacles. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Given the fact that India cannot match China's financial clout, it is seen to be diversifying the ways in which it can enhance cooperation and promote its diplomatic profile in Africa. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Discuss how American sanctions on its adversaries affect India. Taking the example of CAATSA, analyse how India can shield its strategic interests in face of such sanctions. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7626,"topper":"Shubhank Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/337cf-40764_1069_shubhank-mishra_rank_85.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Growing awareness about terminal as well as mental illness has given credence to the idea of \"living wills\". What is a living will? Discuss the ethical issues to be considered from an individual as well as social perspective to formulate and implement it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"In order to improve the bureaucratic work culture and productivity, there is a need to downsize government and privatize some of the services. Critically discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Examine the contemporary relevance of Gandhiji's talisman as a means of resolving ethical dilemmas in day to day life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"\"Intelligence plus character–that is the goal of true education.\" Assess whether such an objective can be achieved within the existing system of education in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"\"A blanket prohibition of criticism of the policies of the Government is invalid and void, and it makes no difference if the person criticizing happens to be a government servant.\" Critically discuss in the context of Civil Service Conduct Rules, 1964.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"\"Man by nature is a political animal\". Explain with reference to Aristotle's idea of the state in life of the society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"What are the factors that have influenced the contemporary attitude of the state and the society towards homosexuality in India? Also, comment on the changing attitude and the factors driving this change.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"With behavioural issues and suicides among children on the rise, teachers and parents need to play an active part in ensuring mental well-being. Discuss. Also, explain the importance of emotional intelligence in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"The policy of Dhamma advocated by Ashoka through his edicts remains relevant in the context of issues in public life even today. Elucidate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Arguably, poverty is not only a matter of statistics. It is a reflection on the kind of society we live in. In this context, discuss the ethical implications for a society that witnesses high incidence of poverty.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Every superstition cannot be removed by the force of law. For that, a mental change is necessary. Comment. Also, explain how educators and public figures can help in eradicating superstition and instilling scientific temper among people.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Many argue that there are times, when war is morally permissible, and even obligatory. Critically discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"It has been argued that traditional approaches to corporate social responsibility (CSR) are inadequate. Discuss. Also, examine the role of Social License to Operate (SLO) in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"A renowned and critically acclaimed producer-director has come up with a new movie based on retelling of the freedom movement. The trailer of this project depicts prominent freedom fighters and various aspects of their personalities. It is a project that involves substantial sums of money and has taken collaborative efforts of 3 years. However, certain political and social activists have objected to what they perceived as negative portrayal of some freedom fighters. As such, they have opposed the release of this movie and issued threats with serious consequences. This has come in the context of increase in the number of instances involving many groups issuing threats against one or the other movie. In such a context you have been designated as the head of a special committee with the broad responsibility of reviewing the film certification process in general as well as the checking the historical accuracy of the events depicted in this particular movie. 20 (a) Who are the key stakeholders you would involve as part of the consultation process? (b) What are the principles that you would consider while giving your recommendations to the government? Also, provide an outline of a solution that you deem appropriate in the prevailing context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"There have been reports of repeat instances of mob lynching in different states of India. It has been pointed out that these presumably faceless mobs gather impromptu on the basis of unverified information on issues that affect the collective conscience of the society such as child trafficking, sexual harassment, cow slaughter etc. Most of the people don't even regret their action of violating the law and even get away with committing such a heinous crime. 20 (a) What are the socio-psychological factors that motivate people to join the mob and kill fellow human beings? (b) Identify the implications of increasing crime of lynching on society. (c) Examine the role of social media in recent instances of mob lynching. As a law enforcement officer, how will you prevent such incidents from happening in your district?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"We live in a time when almost everything can be bought and sold. Over the past few years, markets and market values have come to govern our lives as never before. Today the logic of buying and selling no longer applies to material good alone but increasingly governs the whole of life. However, there is a wide spread realization that markets have become detached from morals and we need to somehow reconnect them. The use of markets to allocate social goods has also been a cause of concern. In this context, answer the following: 20 (a) Is greed wholly a vice or a trait of character that has both positive and negative sides? Could you relate it to the utilitarian philosophy that emphasizes pursuit of self interest by individuals as the basis of economic well being? (b) Are there some things that money shouldn't buy? Illustrate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are the head of a policy think-tank. There is a proposal to cut down more than 10,000 trees to build a residential colony in the capital of the country. The city has one of the highest homeless population in the country and the settlement will be used for them. This news has generated a lot of public debate. While on the one hand is the need to expand urban infrastructure in order to meet the demands of the growing population, on the other, is the environmental concern. In last ten years, the city has lost more than half of its green cover and has seen increased frequency of extreme climatic events. You are asked to deliver a lecture for the policymakers and concerned citizens, in which you have to specifically deal with the following questions: (a) Why do you think such situations arise in the first place where developmental activities and environmental concerns often come out as antithetical to each other? (b) What should be the short-term and long-term solutions for tackling such situations? (c) What are the potential benefits of inculcating environmental concerns in the policy making and planning process?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You are a young athlete representing India at an international-level competition. During the competition, you witness a few senior athletes injecting something using a syringe, in private. When you approach them, they explain that it is a performance enhancing drug, which is very common in such competitions and you should take the same as well. You are in fear and decide to approach the coach to discuss the event you witnessed. However, you get to know that the athletes are taking the drug at the advice of the coach himself. 20 (a) What would you do in this scenario? Discuss the options available to you and chart your course of action. (b) Why do you think use of unfair means to enhance performance is common in competitive sporting event? How can this practice be minimized?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"You have been appointed by Election Commission as a booth level officer to oversee the conduct of elections in a remote and under-developed area. For the preparations of elections, you have been instructed to ensure maximum voter turnout. For this, you conduct a series of meetings with the people in villages encouraging them to vote in large numbers. However, they confront you with the fact that despite so many previous elections, the promises made by representatives remain unfulfilled and even the basic necessities of livelihood are not available. As such, they are ignorant of your appeals and are subsequently not forthcoming even to listen to you, let alone giving assurances to vote. Based on this information, answer the following questions: 20 (a) Identify the stakeholders in the situation along with their interests. (b) What are the factors that you will take into account to convince the people and ensure maximum voter turnout?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7627,"topper":"Shubhank Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e0644-40764_1073_shubhank-mishra_rank_85.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the ethical issues involved in the recent refugee crisis and immigration as a global phenomenon from a broad perspective of globalisation and rights of citizens and aliens.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Corruption distorts not only functioning of the Government in India but business and corporate activities as well. Explain and discuss how the state can effectively deal with deficit of ethics in the private sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/ philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) \"Silence becomes cowardice when occasion demands speaking out the whole truth and acting accordingly\" - Mahatma Gandhi.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"\"We must not only tolerate others, but positively embrace them\" - Swami Vivekananda.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Emotional Intelligence is part nature and part nurture. Explaining the statement, discuss how emotional intelligence of civil servants can be enhanced.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"What do you understand by Probity in Governance? Examine whether the recent amendments to Prevention of Corruption Act and the proposed ones in Whistleblower Protection Act undermine it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Ensuring that civil service values are recognised during the recruitment process and ensured through a code of ethics after appointment is a necessary condition of making the civil services an effective instrument of citizen centric governance. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"What do you understand by cognitive dissonance? Giving examples, discuss how it influences one's behavior and attitude.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by Amartya Sen's 'capability approach'? Analyse its significance in understanding social realities and in making a pro poor development strategy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"While in principle most nations claim commitment to universal values, in practice these values are honoured more in breach than in the observance. In context of this statement, comment on the relevance of values in foreign policy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"While some ethical approaches consider an action to be ethical based on results, other focus on means. Taking the example of Indian bureaucracy compare and examine how these approaches have played out for the benefit of citizens.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"What are the ethical principles that should form the basis of the system permitting organ donation and allocation? Also discuss the importance of regulation for the success of any organ transplant program.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Where as some argue that leaks constitute an affront to democracy, others are of the opinion that leaks are a part of democracy. Examine the merits of both the arguments in the context of information attributed to leaks from government offices and whistleblowers.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"You are a young recruit to the IAS. Upon the completion of your training you have been posted in a subdivision of a district where industrial development has been lagging. The area has large reserves of minerals and a significant tribal population. The government has identified the area for a large thermal power plant and also adequate expansion of mining. This announcement has seen a rise in land prices in the area as well as unrest among the local population about possible land acquisition. As part of routine examination of records you observe large land purchases in recent years that are linked with the family of the local politician, who is also a member of the state cabinet. You also recognise that much of this land is around the site of the proposed industrial area. Further, one of your staff members also informs you that the family has been buying in the name of drivers, cleaners as well as domestic helps. You feel that having been aware of the policy decision the politician has played a role in these purchases. Incidentally your relations with the politician have been cordial and he is a popular figure in the area. (a) As the official responsible for acquisition of land and payment of compensation for the land acquired, what are the ethical issues that you face in the given situation? (b) What will be your response to a suggestion that in view of these benami land transfers a freeze on land sale in the area should be enforced? (c) What is the course of action that you would take? Justify with reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"According to the WHO suicide is the second leading cause of death in the age group of 15-29 years globally. In India also, instances of young people committing suicide have been reported widely in recent times. It is all the more disturbing that such a phenomenon is increasingly visible in urban and prosperous areas. (a) What are the reasons that render people vulnerable to taking such drastic steps as suicide? (b) Also, discuss the role that you as an individual, the society and the government can play in addressing this issue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate of a primarily rural district. Excess agricultural production has led to a continuous fall in market prices of crops in the last three years. With elections approaching soon, the opposition has decided to make this a political issue and has mobilised farmers to protest against falling prices. The protests turned violent at some point and police had to fire in self-defence, killing two people. Violence has increased since then and you yourself were attacked when you tried to pacify the protestors. The protestors have also blocked the main roads as well as railways to prevent movement of goods and people. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the key concerns that need to be addressed on a priority basis. (b) What steps will you take to address them?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You have recently been promoted as a Branch Manager in a Public Sector Bank. The bank is battling high NPAs and mounting losses. You have been assigned a very high target of loans by the higher management for the current quarter. Your career prospects also depend on your performance in critical times. Few days back you rejected a loan application for a huge sum based on detailed analysis. Today you got a call from the Regional Manager to approve the loan quickly. On your reluctance to approve, he hints that the loan is sought by a person well connected in the finance ministry and that a refusal will have consequences for everyone in the approval chain. You are now in a tough spot. Based on the given information, answer the following questions: (a) Bring out the ethical issues in the case above. (b) What are the consequences of agreeing to the demands of the senior in the given case. Assess which of them are meritorious and which are not. (c) Suggest institutional reforms that can result in non-punishment of honest feedback.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You, the chairperson of a State Public Service Commission (SPSC), come to know that there were instances of rampant cheating in a competitive exam conducted recently by the SPSC. Your daughter, who also appeared in this exam and is confident of clearing it corroborates the same. However, she denies engaging in any such activity herself. Whatever decision the Commission takes is bound to affect the career of a large number of candidates who appeared in the exam, including your daughter. (a) Identify the different stakeholders and their interests in the case above. (b) Enumerate the options you have to handle the current situation. What will be your choice and why? (c) Suggest measures that you would take to make sure that a similar situation does not arise in future.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"You are waiting in your car for your turn at a toll tax booth. You suddenly witness some men heckling and manhandling the toll booth operator and vandalising the property at the toll booth. They are accompanying a local politician who was passing through. Disgruntled with the fact that they were asked to pay the toll, they began to argue that the toll is too high and the public is being exploited by charging an unreasonable toll fee. At the same time they are also warning others against paying the toll fee. However, the other people around you are keeping with themselves, without anyone coming forward to intervene. While you also felt that the toll was quite high, you believe that this is not the right thing to do. (a) Bring out the ethical issues in the case above. (b) What accounts for such an overt display of hooliganism in our country. (c) What is the course of action that you would take? Justify with appropriate reasons.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7628,"topper":"Shubhankar Pathak","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Raus","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DnYdB7Uo1rWdRyT8xprDhlyYEorRJ5nf/view","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"1.(a) Why do people engage in unethical acts? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"1.(b) Explain the relevance of 'Sarva Dharma Sama Bhava' philosophy in the present time. (150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2.(a) Nobody gets to be good at something without effort, no matter what your aptitude is. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"2.(b) \"A person cannot do right in one department, whilst attempting to do wrong in another department. Life is one indivisible whole.\" In this context, give the concept of integrity. (150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"3.(a) \"Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.\" - Aristotle.\nExplain this idea in the context of moral education. (150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"3.(b) Which is more important for success - vision or action? Explain.","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"4.(a) Do you think adversity is the mirror that reflects a man's character? Discuss.","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"4.(b) Perform all the actions with the mind concentrated on the divine, renouncing attachment, and looking upon success and failure with an equal eye. Discuss in the context of public services in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"5.(a) What are the ethical aspects concerning the Right to Internet Access? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"5.(b) What are the ethical issues involved in the marketing practices adopted by the private sector while selling different goods and services in India? Illustrate with the help of examples. How can these issues be resolved? (150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"6.(a) What does each of the following quotations mean to you in the present context?\n \"When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty.\" - Thomas Jefferson. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"6.(b) What does each of the following quotations mean to you in the present context?\n \"It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you'll do things differently.\" - Warren Buffett.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"6.(c) What does each of the following quotations mean to you in the present context?\n \"The secret of happiness you see does not lie in seeking more, but in developing the capacity to enjoy less.\" - Socrates. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"7. Monika is a District Collector (DC) of a coastal region in southern India. An NGO has approached her regarding a complaint of illegal construction near a famous lake lying under her area of jurisdiction. When she enquired into the case, she found that high-rise apartments have been constructed eight years back, but they are in violation of the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms. The owners had bought the highly expensive apartments after obtaining all permissions and licenses from the administration at that time. Thus, it may appear wrong to punish them for the possible mistakes committed by the builders and others, but not taking action may also set a wrong precedent.\n\nAny action or inaction on part of the district administration can have serious repercussions on the ecosystem, especially in the wake of the back-to-back floods that have ravaged the whole state over the last two years, triggering landslides leading to massive loss of life and property. Evaluate different options available with Monika and explain what shall be her action plan.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"8. Delhi witnessed an unprecedented clash between the police personnel and the lawyers, following an argument over parking at the Tis Hazari Court complex. In the aftermath, the blockade of the Delhi Police Headquarters by its personnel and the disruption of the courts almost led to a governance breakdown in the national capital. It also led to violence in which people from both sides were injured and public property was damaged. Such kind of ego clashes and emotional bursts is usually not expected from the professionals. What, in your opinion, are the major causes behind this incident? Suppose you are the Commissioner of Delhi Police. What steps can you take so that such incident is not repeated?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"9. Divorce rates have spiked recently in India. Though, they are still low in comparison to many other countries, yet they have become a matter of concern for the Indian society. Divorce petitions have gone up manifold and most are being sought over spur-of-the-moment emotional outbursts and in some cases over trivial issues. Reasons for divorce have also changed from the past. Such negative developments are deteriorating the basic fibre of the social institution of marriage.\n\nAnalyze this problem in detail from different perspectives and indicate various social, psychological and economic factors responsible for this problem. Also, distinctly bring out - (250 words)\n(a) Why divorce rates are high, especially in the urban areas, when compared to the rural areas?\n(b) Why divorce rate is high even in the cases of love marriages?\n(c) What steps can be taken to stop the couples from taking such strong decisions?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"10. Mr. Raghav is working under the Ministry of External Affairs as an Officer on Special Duty (OSD) for the South Asia region. A case has been referred to him regarding a business tycoon Mr. Raman of a neighboring country, who is presently residing in India.\nMr. Raman is a big businessman from Sri Lanka and has businesses in many countries, including India. He has invested a lot in India, creating infrastructure and jobs for the youth. Also, he has donated a lot in charity, whenever problem had been there in India.\nHowever, the Sri Lankan Government has requested India seeking the deportation of Mr. Raman, against whom a non-bailable warrant has been issued in a money-laundering investigation. Mr. Raman has been declared as a proclaimed offender by many public sector banks for non-payment of loans. He is also accused of cheating thousands of people and tax evasion by the Enforcement Directorate. His passport has been revoked by the Sri Lankan government, but his Indian visa is still valid.\nThe Indian government has asked Mr. Raghav to resolve the situation. Analyze the situation and explain what action shall be taken by Mr. Raghav to resolve the situation. The following are some suggested options. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each of the options.\n(i) Mr. Raghav should advice the government not to take any action against Mr. Raman.\n(ii) He should ask the Sri Lankan Government to initiate extradition process, which will take a lot of time.\n(iii) He should ask the Sri Lankan Government to provide evidence to prove Mr. Raman guilty.\n(iv) He should ask the government to help Sri Lanka to deport Mr. Raman.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"6 भारत सरकार ने श्री राघव से स्थिति का समाधान करने को कहा है। स्थिति का विश्लेषण कीजिए और बताइए कि श्री राघव के द्वारा स्थिति को हल करने के लिए क्या कार्रवाई की जाएगी। निम्नलिखित कुछ सुझाए गए विकल्प हैं। प्रत्येक विकल्प के गुणों और दोषों का मूल्यांकन कीजिए। (250 शब्द)\n(i) श्री राघव सरकार को श्री रमन के विरुद्ध कोई कार्रवाई न करने की सलाह देनी चाहिए।\n(ii) उन्हें श्री लंका सरकार से प्रत्यर्पण प्रक्रिया आरंभ करने के लिए कहना चाहिए जिसमें काफी समय लगेगा।\n(iii) उन्हें श्री रमन को दोषी सिद्ध करने के लिए श्री लंका सरकार से साक्ष्य/प्रमाण देने के लिए कहना चाहिए।\n(iv) उन्हें सरकार से श्री रमन को निर्वासित करने में श्री लंका की सहायता करने के लिए कहना चाहिए।","marks":null,"words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":46,"question":"11. What are the ethical issues involved in the case? Write your stand on the same and also suggest measures to tackle the menace. (250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"12. You have been appointed as the District Magistrate (DM) of a region in the eastern part of India. Being a DM, you have the authority to issue arms license (or deny it) to those who apply for it. In the last few days, your office is receiving many applications from doctors and businessmen for issuing a license for gun. When you enquired into the matter, you found that most of these people are victims of extortion and protection money demanded by the local goons. If not paid, these people are beaten up or sometimes even shot. Police is also not doing its part to control the situation.\n\nExplain, what can be the various repercussions of issuing or not issuing the gun license to these people. Also analyze the various repercussions such crimes have on the society and the economy. What steps can you take as a DM to control the situation? (250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":7629,"topper":"Shubhankar Patilak","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Raus","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1izhTHmA0IBatmB_L9tkVldQTTabfIsUQ/view","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"1.(a) What do you understand by public life? What are its guiding principles?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"1.(b) Effective utilization of public funds is a critical determinant of good governance. What are the reasons for under-utilization and mis-utilization of public funds and their implications? (150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2.(a) Do you consider non-performance of duty by a public servant as corruption? Justify your answer. (150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"2.(b) What is meant by the term \"Constitutional Morality\"? How does one uphold Constitutional Morality?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"3.(a) Citizen's Charter has introduced the principles of ethical governance but certain concerns still persist. In light of the above provide certain solution to rectify these challenges/ (150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"3.(b) What is the concept 'probity' in governance? Suggest innovative measures for ensuring probity in government. (150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"4.(a) Discuss how emotional intelligence helps in making one's emotions work in one's interest. (150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"4.(b) What is meant by public interest? What are the principles and procedures to be followed by the civil servants in public interest?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"5.(a) How can you resolve ethical dilemma in Public Administration? Explain using ethical principles.","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"5.(b) \"Peacefulness in the face of a grave wrong that could only be stopped by violence would be a sin.\" - Saint Augustine. Bring out the relevance of the above-mentioned quote in the present context.","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"6. Truthfulness is considered as an important value. Do you think it is an absolute value? Or falsehood can take the place of truth when it results in unblemished common good? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"8. \"Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.\" - Martin Luther King Jr. Bring out the relevance of the above-mentioned quote in the present context.","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"9. Mr. Sanjiv has been asked to prepare a report in this regard and suggest measures that can be taken by the Election Commission to enforce the MCC. In this context: (250 words)\n(a) Discuss the challenges violation of MCC brings about?\n(b) What steps can be taken to ensure that all political parties follow the MCC in word and spirit?","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"10. You are a third-year student in Delhi University. You are a very honest and sensitive person, who enjoys the trust and credibility of the teachers. Last year, a case of ragging brought lot of bad publicity to your college. It also led to the death of a first year Dalit student, who committed suicide after getting humiliated by his seniors. So, this year, the college is very serious to tackle this problem. Any act of ragging will lead to expulsion from the college and even jail term for a student. You have been appointed as one of the supervisors of the anti-ragging campaign.\n\nIn the second week of the new session, a first-year student approaches you and complains about ragging by some seniors. He tells you that the seniors humiliated him because of his caste. When you enquired deep, you found that it is your best friend who is involved in ragging. You know that your friend is good in studies and a bright future awaits him.\n\nWill you be a mute spectator and allow your friend to do ragging or will help the first-year student to get justice? Give reasons for your choice of action.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"11. You are a responsible district level officer in Maharashtra, who is known for his efficiency and innovations in resolving issues at the district level. Region under you is a drought prone area, where the major occupation of the people is agriculture. The Central Water Commission (CWC) has recently issued drought advisory for your district. It has asked for judicious use of water, as the water level available in the nearby reservoirs is reducing at a very fast rate.\n\nIn fact, this problem is re-occurring, and you want to have some long-term solution for it. Monsoon will take at least 50 days to reach your district and replenish the water reservoirs. What strategy can be adopted by you to redress the immediate problem and the steps that can be taken in the long-term to redress the issue permanently? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"12. Aditya is a famous Bollywood actor, who is very popular among the masses for the positive roles he plays in his movies. He has a clean image, which increases his credibility among the viewers. He is also an honest person, who always maintains his integrity. However, due to some unintentional technical glitches on his part, certain cases have been registered against him by the income tax department. The cases may lead to huge fine, as well as a small jail term, depending on the discretion of the judge.\nIn this context, the ruling political party has approached him for political campaigning in the upcoming elections. It also wants Aditya to openly support the party on different social media platforms. In return, the party is ensuring a large sum of money to Aditya, as well as diluting the ITR cases against him. Aditya himself is apolitical in nature, as he does not have much understanding of politics. How should Aditya respond to the situation?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"13. You are the CEO of a leading automobile company in India. Your company has launched a new car, which is the first of its kind in design and features and thus, has become an instant hit among the buyers. Your company has already sold two lakh cars and one lakh more have been booked in advance.\n\nHowever, within the first two months of the launch, the head of the technical department approaches you with the complaint about the airbags, which inflate up during the time of accident and save the passenger from getting injured. He told you that the airbags are over inflating due to some technical glitch and thus, are getting exploded. This explosion will hurt the passenger more, rather than saving him from the jerk of the accident.\n\nHowever, this problem will be difficult to get identified, as at the time of accident, everything happens very quickly and the passenger will not be able to observe the problem with the airbag. The company has also not received any complaint in this regard. The glitch can be removed, but it will cost huge money and recall of all the cars. The glitch can be removed from the upcoming cars and the probability is very low that it will get caught in the already sold cars.\n\nThe situation has put you in a dilemma, as calling back cars will have huge repercussions. What action you will take to resolve the situation? Justify your action.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"14. You are the administrative head of the Public Works Department of Delhi Government. The capital has always been the centre of government activities, which lead to huge influx of government employees on continuous basis, from different parts of India. Problems regarding their accommodation always persist for the department. In this context, a new project has come up in which redevelopment of the government colonies will be done. Redevelopment will lead to more judicious use of land and the replacement of old complexes, which are very old and thus, not safe. They also need lots of maintenance to remain in habitable condition.\nHowever, the project will lead to cutting of more than 11,000 trees in the area. The news of this has created a lot of public furor and the people are strongly objecting to the cutting of the trees. You have been assigned the task of completing the project in an amicable manner. In this context: (250 words)\n(a) What are the ethical issues involved in this situation?\n(b) How will you resolve them?","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":7630,"topper":"Shubhanshi Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SHUBHANSHI-SINGHUPSC_IAS_2025_Toppers_AIR_381_Sample_ESSAY_1.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"SECTION - A\n1. Institutions reflect the cultural values of the societies in which they are established.\n2. He who has a 'why' to live for, can bear almost any 'how'.\n3. The power of perception shapes our understanding of reality.\n4. The tree that would grow to heaven must send its roots to hell.\n\nSECTION - B\n1. A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions.\n2. One health approach: a call for ecological equity.\n3. Culture can unite what history and geography has divided.\n4. Social evils have not completely left the ground, instead are changing their form.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"3. The power of perception shapes our understanding of reality","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7631,"topper":"Shubhanshi Singh","air":298,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SHUBHANSHI-SINGH-UPSC-2023-Rank-298-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7632,"topper":"Shubhanshi Singh","air":298,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SHUBHANSHI-SINGH-UPSC-2023-Rank-298-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7633,"topper":"Shubhanshi Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SHUBHANSHI-SINGHUPSC_IAS_2025_Toppers_AIR_381_Sample_MGP_2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) Investment in infrastructure is a precursor to social and economic transformation; however, the focus on economic gains must not marginalise the concerns for safety. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) What do you understand from Green growth? With special reference to the budget 2023-2024, discuss various government measures to propel green growth in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Project cheetal marks a departure from India's efforts for conservation of various critically-endangered species. In this perspective, do you think the reintroduction of major fauna that has gone extinct is justified?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) In what ways can precision agriculture become a panacea for multipronged challenges plaguing the agriculture sector? Discuss. Also, analyse various impediments in widespread adoption of precision farming in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) What are the reasons for increasing emphasis on the horticulture sector in recent years? Evaluate government measures for the development of the horticulture sector.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6 Unplanned urbanization has made Indian cities vulnerable to fire safety hazards. Discuss and recommend measures for mitigating urban fires, with special reference to national building code, 2016.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7 DPI (Digital Public Infrastructure) is indispensable for digitally enabling citizens and businesses; however, the challenges of exclusion, exploitation, and monopolisation cannot be ignored. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) Assess the relevance of the NISAR mission in observing and managing climate change and natural hazards.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) Defense indigenization remains the Achilles heel of India's security architecture. Examine the importance of startups in defense sector to make India secure and self-reliant.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 Edge in modern warfare lies not so much in the capacity to overwhelm the adversary as much in the ability to nip the threat in the bud. In this context, discuss the role of intelligence in maintaining national security, and also cite challenges associated.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q11 Labour and export intensive industries are key to problems of jobless growth. In this perspective, analyse the opportunities and challenges associated with the textile sector.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 In an era of interconnected challenges, the emerging global polycrisis poses significant implications for India's macroeconomic stability. Examine and suggest measures to make the Indian economy more resilient to global shocks and challenges.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 Do you think the low Female Labor Force Participation Rate presents a correct picture about the 'working women' in India's economy? Give reasons in support of your answer.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) Across sectors and regions, the most marginalised sections are also the most affected by the impacts of climate change. Explain. Also, present a case for a climate resilient model of development that integrates mitigation and adaptation measures.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.49 Despite the potential to check the triple whammy of nutritional deficiency, environmental degradation, and receding farm incomes, the adoption of Millets has been abysmally low. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 A link between unorganized farming community and formal industrial sector, Food Processing Industries (FPI) can play a key role in advancing the rural economy. Evaluate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 A multi-sectoral and multi-tiered process, Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) is beset with a plethora of constraints. Identifying these constrains, recommend measures for building a robust DRR strategy.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 What do you understand by generative Artificial Intelligence (AI)? How can policymakers and regulatory bodies effectively address the concerns and challenges posed by generative AI?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Though ethnic fault lines are a major threat, security challenges in the North-East are not confined to the same. Discuss the statement with special reference to Manipur.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 Critically examine the role of development initiatives in addressing the root causes of militancy/terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7634,"topper":"Shubhanshi Singh","air":298,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SHUBHANSHI-SINGH-UPSC-2023-Rank-298-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7635,"topper":"Shubhanshi Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SHUBHANSHI-SINGHUPSC_IAS_2025_Toppers_AIR_381_Sample_MGP_1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) Celebrity endorsements raise pertinent ethical concerns about responsibility that delve into the realm of ethical considerations of social influence that run deeper than mere surface appeal. In this context, suggest measures to tackle the ethical challenges of celebrity brand endorsements.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) Embracing a scientific mindset involves setting aside impulsive inclinations in favor of the pursuit of truth. In your view, how does the integration of scientific thinking contribute to addressing contemporary challenges and promoting societal progress? How can we effectively cultivate a scientific attitude in society?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) In the realm of professional conduct, ethics plays a role that tends to go far beyond fulfilling the roles and responsibilities of the job with diligence and honesty. But some people consider professional competence as the only critical requirement for a job. If faced with a choice, who would you prefer to hire - someone with professional competence or one with strong moral values?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) Patriotism can hold different meanings for different people, often shaped by personal experiences and convictions. What does patriotism mean to you? Explain narrating incidents from your life when you exhibited patriotism.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) a) Max Weber's concept of bureaucracy was developed in the early 20th century, but it still influences administrative structures today. In what ways do you see Weberian bureaucracy as relevant in today's rapidly changing world?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.4) a) In the realm of governance, a crucial aspect is the art of persuasion. The qualities that make civil servants proficient persuaders empower them to fulfill their responsibilities in an effective manner. Discuss with illustrations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"b) \"Global challenges often test the ethical fiber of nations, urging them to channel narrow pursuit of national-interest into an enlightened self-interest.\" Enumerating the various ethical principles underlying the concept of enlightened national-interest examine its efficacy in helping nations navigate the fine line between pursuing their strategic interests and upholding ethical principles, particularly in times of conflict?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"b) Differentiate between the following:\ni Conscientiousness and Conscience\nii Gratitude and Gratification","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.5) a) Corruption has multifaceted implications. Some consider it an undeniable vice, while others contend it to be an unavoidable necessity for navigating the bureaucratic complexities. In your opinion, does corruption oil or corrode the gears of development? Substantiate your arguments.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"b) Ethical hacking and malicious hacking stand as divergent paths with distinct motives, risk and consequences. As technology advances, it becomes imperative to comprehend the nuances that set these practices apart in the cybersecurity landscape. In this perspective, elucidate the principles that differentiate ethical hacking and malicious hacking.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.6) What does each of the following quotation mean to you?\na) \"Our greatest ability as humans is not to change the world, but to change ourselves.\" - Mahatma Gandhi","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"b) 'People know what they do; frequently they know why they do what they do; but what they don't know is what what they do does.' Michel Foucault","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"c) \"I slept and dreamt that life was a joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was a joy.\" Rabindra Nath Tagore","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7 Even though the incidents of wars are detrimental to all, it is the women who have been the worst sufferers of all forms of human conflicts. Historical evidences from throughout the globe have highlighted the skewed vulnerability of women to violence in all its manifestations. In the medieval period, the situation of women remained particularly vulnerable; treated as second class citizens in comparison to men, their condition became particularly deplorable during wartime excesses. Invariably, women were considered as part of the plunder, leading to their sexual and psychological exploitation. Similarly, during the second world war, the then Imperial Japanese Army exploited women, pushing them into sexual slavery. These women were euphemistically termed as comfort women. The objectification of women as a commodity for comfort made their exploitation complete and absolute. Issue of comfort women, one of the largest incidents of human trafficking, continues to be a diplomatic flash point between South Korea and Japan. In contemporary times too, we get to see the manifestation of various social crimes against women. Dharmendra, a young District Magistrate, posted in Khainom, capital of Ranipur recently became witness to such an incident. Ranipur is one of the North Eastern states of India. Ranipur has a rich ethnic diversity consisting of both tribal and non-tribal population. Issues such as access and ownership over resources, settling of outsiders (non-tribals) in tribal areas, dominance/influence over government appointments etc., have remained the bone of contention between the tribal and non-tribal people. However, the matters came to a head when the demands from the non-tribal community for being recognized as tribals started gaining force. These demands were fiercely opposed by the tribals fearing that it will reinforce the positions of non-tribals; allow them to buy land in tribal areas and therefore will marginalize the already backward tribal community in the state. Within no time the situation took a communal turn. Khainom was particularly worst hit. In addition to the incidents of plunder and loot, Khainom gained global attention when a video of a tribal girl being sexually assaulted by non-tribal men surfaced in the social media. The video clearly depicted a group of 20-25 men molesting a tribal girl in front of entire village. A police car, and few police personnel were also visible in the video. The passivity of armed police personnel towards safeguarding the women was being severely criticised across all quarters. Even though this particular incident came into public domain, it was by no measure an isolated happening. Many such occurrences of targeting women from both the communities were reported throughout Ranipur. The political leadership of the state has taken cognizance of the events in Khainom. Dharmendra has been instructed to prepare a holistic plan to avoid such incidents in the future.\na) What recommendations should Dharmendra make to create a safe environment for the women?\nb) What are the factors that have led to victimization of women, especially during conflicts?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":30,"question":"a) महिलाओं के लिए सुरक्षित वातावरण बनाने के लिए धर्मेंद्र को क्या सिफारिशें करनी चाहिए?\nb) ये कौन से कारक हैं जिनके कारण महिलाओं को उत्पीड़न का सामना करना पड़ा। विशेषकर संघर्ष के दौरान?\na) महिलाओं के लिए सुरक्षित वातावरण बनाने के लिए धर्मेंद्र को क्या सिफारिशें करनी चाहिए?\nb) ये कौन से कारक हैं जिनके कारण महिलाओं को उत्पीड़न का सामना करना पड़ा। विशेषकर संघर्ष के दौरान?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.8) Manoj is a young boy studying in class tenth of Nav Bharti school. Even though Manoj is pursuing science stream, as desired by his parents, he has always been more inclined towards arts. His skills in various performing arts viz. music, dance etc., has always received high praises from his friends, teachers and relatives alike. It was his desire to make a name for himself in this field. However, when Manoj informed his parents about his dream, their reaction though disappointing, did not come as a surprise. His parents who have always desired to see him as an engineer, were vehemently against his wish to pursue performing arts as a career option. His father explained him that by being an engineer he can lead a financially rewarding life, which they themselves could never afford. Further, his father also belittled his dream by saying that music and dance did not constitute an honourable profession. Manoj's father also pointed out to Manoj that Praveen, Manoj's cousin, had settled with a high paying job after completing his engineering degree form a renowned university. Though Manoj never enjoyed studying mathematics and science, he did not want to go against his parent's wishes. Therefore, after completing his board exams, Manoj was sent to Pota. Over the years the reputation of Pota as the coaching hub for entrance examinations had grown far and wide. The determination of Manoj's parents to make their son an engineer was undeterred despite the high fees of the coaching centres in Pota. Therefore, in order to pay the high fees of the coaching institute, Manoj's parents mortgaged their only asset, the ancestral family land. Manoj tried to convince his father against it, but to no avail. In order to fulfil his parent's aspiration, Manoj started working hard and giving his best. However, despite his consistent and honest hard work, his performance in mock tests remained sub-par and could neither meet the expectations of the teachers in Pota nor that of his parents at home. In addition, due to the alienation from the environment of school, friends, and family Manoj started remaining depressed. Further, in Pota he did not get anytime for pursuing his hobbies in performing arts. He started keeping to himself and even avoided talking to his parents on phone. Even after two years of gruelling coaching regime, Manoj's condition remained unchanged. The situation came to such a pass that Manoj used to be in a constant fear of failure in the annual Engineering Entrance Examination (EEE). He was aware about the high financial stakes that the exam bore for his family. It was under this pressure that Manoj gave the EEE. Finally, the results were out, and Manoj was unable to make it to any prestigious engineering college. Even though the result was on the expected lines for Manoj, the realisation that he has failed in the examination crushed him mentally. What made the matters worse was the disappointment that Manoj noticed in his parent's voice over the phone. Manoj felt like a criminal in his mind who had squandered the scarce family resources. Unable to bear the pressure, Manoj took a fatal jump off the building of his hostel. He left behind a note apologising to his parents for being unable to fulfil their aspirations.\na) What are the qualities lacked by Manoj's parents?\nb) What qualities in a person can prevent him/her from taking the extreme step of committing suicide?\nc) What are the various ethical issues with the education system as depicted in the case study?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":36,"question":"a) मनोज के माता-पिता में किन गुणों की कमी है?\nb) किसी व्यक्ति के कौन से गुण उसे आत्महत्या जैसा चरम कदम उठाने से रोक सकते हैं?\nc) केस स्टडी में दर्शाए अनुसार शिक्षा प्रणाली के साथ विभिन्न नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?","marks":null,"words":"20 अंक"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.9) Rajendra has been appointed as the General Manager of South Eastern Zone of the Indian Railways. After taking charge of his new posting, one of the first major shortcomings that Rajendra found in his jurisdiction was the gross shortage of staff, especially at operational level. Given the sensitive nature and importance of railways, Rajendra immediately apprised his seniors in the ministry about this issue. In his report, Rajendra pointed out that shortages at various positions are leading to an over-stretched workforce, which may become detrimental for the security of the freight and the passengers. However, Rajendra's report fell on deaf ears and no action was taken by Railways in this regard.\nAs fate would have it, a devastating train accident took place at Salasore, which fell under Rajendra's jurisdiction. Around 300 lives were lost and more than 1000 passengers were injured. The accident sent shock waves across the country and serious questions were being raised on railway safety. Given the seriousness of the incident, immediately an internal fact-finding committee was constituted under Rajendra.\nThe internal committee completed its enquiry and prima facie found \"human error in signaling\" as the cause of the accident. The accident, as per the committee, happened when two trains which erroneously, due to faulty signaling, were on the same track; the collision between the two trains derailed some bogies; the derailed bogies collided with yet another train that was running on the parallel track. The fact-finding team also highlighted that Anand, who was in charge of signaling, was working continuously for more than 16 hours, instead of his regular 8 hours shift. The report concluded \"lack of adequate staff\" as one of the major reasons behind the accident.\nThe very next day Rajendra was summoned by his superior in the ministry. Rajendra's superior congratulated him on the good and timely work on the report. However, he also asked him to modify the report by removing \"lack of adequate staff\" as one of the causes of the accident, as it showed Railways in a poor light. His superior further hinted that a lenient approach from Rajendra will bode well for his career. He also promised that Rajendra's cooperation in the matter will have a positive bearing on his request for a study leave. Moreover, the superior also reasoned with Rajendra that a rigid attitude may not bode well for him and he might get ostracized within the rank and file. Further, to make things 'easy' for Rajendra, his superior advised him to report Anand's negligence as the cause of the accident. However, Rajendra is aware that Anand is a very sincere and hard-working employee. He came out of the Chairman's office, dejected and undecided on his next course of action.\na) What are the ethical concerns associated with the case study?\nb) What are the options available with Rajendra?\nc) If you were at the place of Rajendra, which option would you choose and why?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"a) केस स्टडी से जुड़ी नैतिक चिंताएँ क्या हैं?\nb) राजेंद्र के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nc) यदि आप राजेंद्र के स्थान पर होते, तो आप कौन सा विकल्प चुनते और क्यों?\na) केस स्टडी से जुड़ी नैतिक चिंताएँ क्या हैं?\nb) राजेंद्र के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nc) यदि आप राजेंद्र के स्थान पर होते, तो आप कौन सा विकल्प चुनते और क्यों?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.10) Grander Neobar Island is one of the world's most important biodiversity hotspots. Covered by thriving rainforest, the Island hosts a vast diversity of flora and fauna, many of which are endemic in nature. The Island is also known for being home to some of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). For years, the region has been preserved for its ecological and cultural importance. Besides its environmental richness, the Grander Neobar is also particularly unique for its geo-strategic importance. The position of the Island in the Indian Ocean makes it ideal for gaining strategic leverage over the country's adversaries in the region.\nGrander Neobar Development Project (GNDP) is a security and infrastructure project proposed for the southern tip of the island. The project is important for economic benefits such as logistics, commerce, industry, and coastal tourism. GNDP includes an international container transhipment terminal, a greenfield international airport, township development, and a gas- and solar-based power plant together occupying over a large area in the island.\nThough touted as vital for country's economic growth and strategic presence in the region, some NGOs have been protesting against the project for its high environmental cost. The NGOs claim that the project would require cutting down of more than 900,000 trees of the rainforest biome, which are a prime source of carbon sequestration. Further, the loss of tree cover will not only affect the flora and fauna on the island, but it will also lead to increased runoff and sediment deposits in the ocean, impacting the coral reefs in the area. Also, the influx of outside population is expected to impose a significant ecological pressure on the island and its surroundings. The PVTGs residing in the Island for centuries may lose their traditional rights over land, and may also face undue interference in their culture and practices. As per some experts, as PVTGs are secluded from mainland since time immemorial, a sudden contact with outside population may pose grave health risks in forms of various infections. It is also being highlighted that the project is in contradiction to the government's vision to promote a sustainable world and a climate friendly lifestyle.\nHowever, the supporters of the project firmly believe that the project is essential, given its strategic importance for the country. The supporters of the project reason that since other countries also host several military bases in the region, India cannot afford to remain absent from this strategic backyard. Further, as per the advocates of the project, presence of a robust security infrastructure can check the oft-occurring incidents of piracy, cementing the country's role as the net security provider in the region. Moreover, the proponents of the development project argue that Grander Neobar is located close to one of the busiest choke points in the global trade route, and neglecting its development may run counter to country's trade and security interests. Also, as per a government think tank's report, the proposed port will allow Grander Neobar to participate in the regional and global maritime economy by becoming a major player in cargo transhipment and a delay in the same may have the effect of losing the competitive advantage.\na) What are the key ethical concerns present in the above case study?\nb) According to you between the twin objectives of development and conservation what should be given more priority and why?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":48,"question":"a) उपरोक्त मामले के अध्ययन में मौजूद प्रमुख नैतिक चिंताएँ क्या हैं?\nb) आपके अनुसार विकास और संरक्षण के दोहरे उद्देश्यों में से किसे अधिक प्राथमिकता दी जानी चाहिए और क्यों?\na) उपरोक्त मामले के अध्ययन में मौजूद प्रमुख नैतिक चिंताएँ क्या हैं?\nb) आपके अनुसार विकास और संरक्षण के दोहरे उद्देश्यों में से किसे अधिक प्राथमिकता दी जानी चाहिए और क्यों?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":53,"question":"Q.11) Mr. Gopal Mahto is the sitting Chief Minister of one of the most populous states in India. He is a young and dynamic leader, popular not just in his state but across the country. Many political analysts opine that he has the potential to become Prime Minister of India in future. One day, the CM was taking a review meeting of law-and-order situation in the state, with senior officials in the state capital. Suddenly he felt a light pain in his abdomen. The CM had been feeling such bouts of pain since a long time, but like always he neglected it this time too, and continued with the meeting. However, in the next few weeks, the intensity of pain increased and the CM was forced to see a doctor. After initial examination, the doctor gave some medicines and prescribed few tests. After few days, the report came and it showed that the CM is suffering from 'Liver Cirrhosis.' It was in the advanced stage and posed a threat to the life of Mr. Mahto. The doctor told that the only option was the liver transplant without any further delay. In apprehension that it may create chaos among the general public, particularly the supporters of the CM and his party, it was decided to not make the news public. Only very few senior functionaries at the centre and state along with medical staff were aware of the situation. Meanwhile, the Health Minister of the State directed the State's Health Secretary to take necessary actions, coordinate with medical staff and arrange for liver transplant for the CM. The next day, the Health Secretary called the State Director General (DG), Health, who is the competent authority, dealing with the matters related to organ transplantation in the state. The DG, Renuka was informed of the situation and directed to make immediate arrangement for liver transplant. However, Renuka told the Secretary that there is a laid down Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) regarding organ transplantation. She informed him that there is already a patient named Sunil at first position in the waiting list, who also requires urgent liver transplant. The health secretary is also informed that Sunil is left with a very short time window for a successful transplantation. Sunil is 35 years old, a father of two, and the sole bread winner of the family of six that also includes his wife and aging parents. Sunil's family is of limited means and often found it rather difficult to cater even for their needs. Also, various medical costs associated with Sunil's conditions have further worsened the financial condition of the family. Renuka further informs the secretary, as per SOP, the CM would be at the second position in the waiting list. As a matter of chance, Renuka receives a phone call from one of her subordinates. She informs Renuka that a liver has been donated by family of an old person, who died his natural death. After relevant tests, it was found that the available liver is fit for Sunil. Incidentally, the liver also fits the medical profile of the CM. Renuka immediately intimates the secretary about this development. Even though all the facts with regard to the SOP are explicitly clear, the secretary still tries to persuade Renuka for bending the rule in favor of Mr. Gopal Mahto. He explains that if anything untoward happens to the CM, it may lead to chaos and instability in the State. It may also require fresh elections which will be a drain on state exchequer and a drag on the governance process. He also hinted that if Renuka 'bent' the rule, this will be favorable for her career growth in the future. Further, to ease Renuka's conscience, the health secretary assured her that her actions are in larger interest of the state as well as the country. He also reasoned that if Sunil fails to receive a healthy liver in time, he will personally ensure that Sunil's family is well taken care of, and an eligible member of his family is accorded with a government job. Meanwhile, the time is running out for both Sunil and the CM.\na) What are the ethical concerns associated with the above case study?\nb) What are the options available with Renuka? Analyse the merits and demerits of the options?\nc) If you were at the place of Renuka, which option would you choose and why?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":54,"question":"a) उपरोक्त मामले के अध्ययन से जुड़ी नैतिक चिंताएँ क्या हैं?\nb) रेणुका के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं? विकल्पों के गुण और दोषों का विश्लेषण कीजिए।\nc) यदि आप रेणुका के स्थान पर होते, तो आप कौन सा विकल्प चुनते और क्यों?\na) उपरोक्त मामले के अध्ययन से जुड़ी नैतिक चिंताएँ क्या हैं?\nb) रेणुका के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं? विकल्पों के गुण और दोषों का विश्लेषण कीजिए।\nc) यदि आप रेणुका के स्थान पर होते, तो आप कौन सा विकल्प चुनते और क्यों?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":59,"question":"Q.12 Mr X is travelling by road with his family to attend a marriage ceremony. His grandfather, who is the head of the family is also travelling with him. On the way to their destination, all of them stop at a road side restaurant for lunch. This is a well-known restaurant owned by one of the friends of Mr X. The place is known for its tasty and hygienic food. However, the grandfather notices a picture on the wall of the restaurant and enquires about the religion of the restaurant owner. Mr X's friend belongs to a religion different from the grandfather's religion. The grandfather has a negative attitude towards the religion of Mr X's friend and he insists that he will not eat in that restaurant. He demands that the entire family should leave the restaurant immediately as they are travelling for a happy occasion and eating at this particular restaurant will pollute them. Mr X tries to calm down his grandfather and explain to him that religion has nothing to do with purity or pollution. He also reasons that several travel magazines have rated the restaurant highly, especially for its superior hygiene standards. Also, he points out that there is no restaurant in the way for the next 100 Km and it will be difficult for all to make do without food for that long. However, his arguments fall on deaf years, and which is more his grandfather admonishes him for bringing the family to the restaurant despite being aware about the religion of the owner. Mr X's friend feels insulted and discriminated against due to his religion. Mr X's father is upset but refuses to say anything out of respect for the grandfather. Entire family is embarrassed by the attitude of the grandfather and they are getting ready to leave the restaurant. Mr X is confused regarding how he should act in this situation.\na) What are the various ethical issues in the above case study?\nb) Imagine yourself in the place of Mr X. Evaluate the different courses of actions available with you. What is the most suitable course of action?","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":7636,"topper":"Shubhanshi Singh","air":298,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SHUBHANSHI-SINGH-UPSC-2023-Rank-298-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7637,"topper":"Shubhanshu Katiyar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Shubhansu-Katiyar-UPSC-2023Rank-70MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"It was neither her Coal and Iron reserves, nor the inventions of steam engine and cotton mills, but her democracy and rule of law that made Britain the epicentre of Industrial Revolution. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"In its extent, reach, and revolutionary zeal, Civil Disobedience Movement has a unique place in India's freedom struggle. Elucidate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"How will you explain that Vaishnavism and Shaivism as followed in medieval India represent both local traditions and universal ideals? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What do you understand from land subsidence? Explaining various reasons behind land subsidence, recommend measures to arrest the calamity. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Examining the reasons behind erratic Monsoon, highlight the possible outcomes of the same. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Explore and evaluate the impact of new technologies on Indian society. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Why did Hinduism-which amalgamated and absorbed almost every diverse faith, tradition, belief and practice that arose from within or outside, within its fold- failed to assimilate Islamic cultural beliefs and practices? Give reasons. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Elucidate the differences between Western and Indian model of secularism. To what extent do you agree with the criticism that Indian model of secularism is susceptible to promoting minori-ty appeasement? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"With special reference to India, elucidate how globalisation-a multifaceted phenomenon-has had positive socio-economic outcomes on one hand and widened the gaps between the haves and have nots on the other? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Dravidian temple architecture that came of age during the rule of the Pallavas, could reach its zenith only at the time of the imperial Cholas. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the reasons why pre-independence women movements were led by men. Also analyse the contribution of women-led socio-economic movements in post-independence India in mainstreaming and successfully redressing the concerns of women. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Discuss the causes for salinity ingress along with its various consequences and potential solutions. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The economic and strategic significance of mineral wealth of a country cannot be seen in isolation from the associated socio-ecological impacts of their extraction. Discuss in light of the newfound lithium reserves in Northern India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Explain the mechanism and occurrence of earthquake. With the help of map given below, throw light upon the vulnerability of regions affected by earthquake and earthquake related disas- ters. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Enumerating different types of tides highlight their significance. Also, explain how tides are different from waves. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"In the contemporary times, the conventional conceptualization of the institution of marriage as well as family is facing evolutionary changes. Do you agree? Justify. To what extent have the state and market played a role in this? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Bring out the reasons and consequences of the spurt in child marriages in recent years. What steps can be taken beyond the legal realms to tackle the menace? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Examine the reasons behind generation of regional sentiments? Do you agree that regional sentiments and cultural assertiveness may lead to the issue of separatism? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7638,"topper":"Shubhanshu Katiyar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Shubhansu-Katiyar-UPSC-2023Rank-70MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the role of the 'Fourth Estate' in upholding democratic values and analyse the issues affecting press freedom in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The electoral process, though inclusionary in theory, has been pointed out for exclusionary tendencies in practice. Analyse, with special emphasis on role of women in India's representative electoral system. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Assess the effectiveness of Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 in resolution of river-water disputes. Also describe the potential impact of delays in resolution of water disputes. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the significance of the cooperative model of development in addressing the issues of rural growth. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"In order to pass the ultimate test of good governance, welfare state should be close to the people, responsive to their aspirations, and inclusive in its approach. Discuss with special reference to PM PVTG Development Mission. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"To what extent collaboration between the state and civil society organizations (CSOs) help in addressing poverty and malnutrition in the country? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Absence of a robust social infrastructure in the country may become one of the most significant challenges in achieving a developed status by 2047. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Though the changing paradigm towards dialogue and diplomacy in West Asia augurs well for India's interests in this otherwise restive region, presence of inimical actors may reverse the gains. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Water diplomacy can redefine the contours of regional cooperation in South Asia. Discuss with special reference to Indus water treaty 1960. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Despite constitutional backing to the institutions of local governance, the idea of decentralisation has remained hostage to several structural bottlenecks. Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Independent judiciary, as envisaged by the constitution, provides the bedrock for a thriving polity; however, executive encroachment may erode its credibility and affect its efficacy. Evaluate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Executive agencies, working as the watchdog against impropriety, are vital to act against the corrupt; however, pandering to vested interests may have the effect of turning the idea of rule of law on its head. Comment, with special reference to controversies associated with the Enforcement Directorate (ED). (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Critically analyse the role of National Commission for Women (NCW) in wake of its mandate to safeguard women's rights and uphold their socio-economic wellbeing. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Understanding the extent, source, and complexity of deprivations among the multidimensionally poor contributes to more informed policymaking. In this context, analyze the latest National Multidimensional Poverty Index Report by NITI Aayog. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Safely managed drinking water services, as desired by Jal Jeevan Mission, are designated to give multifarious benefits cutting across generations. Discuss. Also, elaborate upon the challenges in ensuring the mission's success. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Legislation like Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989 remains mere legal documents without intense sensitization of public functionaries and the civil society. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Harbinger of global rebalancing, India-Africa ties are a beacon of inclusive, sustainable, and equitable world. Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"How do ASEAN centrality, rules-based order, and development partnership with Pacific Island states make Indo-Pacific a theatre of opportunity for India? What are the hurdles in realisation of an inclusive Indo-Pacific construct? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7639,"topper":"Shubhanshu Katiyar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Shubhansu-Katiyar-UPSC-2023Rank-70MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"In many ways, the Spanish civil war was the opening act of WWII. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"How will you explain the different fates of Buddhism and Jainism despite a slew of similarities in the two religions? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Non-Cooperation Movement democratized India's freedom struggle but suffered from inherent limitations. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Critically analyse the efficacy of linguistic reorganization of states in addressing the reasons for linguistic divides in post-independent India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Briefly discuss the role of plate tectonics theory in explaining the location of volcanoes. Al-so, explain the multifarious impacts of volcanoes on the surrounding regions. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Taking further the success of Aspirational Districts Programme, Aspirational Blocks can help achieve the twin objectives of balanced growth and checking stress migration. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Describe the critical factors for location of defense industries and suggest measures to overcome the challenges. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"To what extent can Socio-Economic-Caste Census (SECC) address the challenges in achieving equitable resource allocation and targeted welfare? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Indian society is premised on some common values that give it a composite texture as well as some diverse practices that deepen its heterogeneity. Elucidate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What are the factors that influence population growth in the country? In this perspective, examine the relevance and need of raising the minimum marriageable age of women for population development. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Bring out the reasons behind the tribal unrest in British India. Also, analyze the reasons for their limited success. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"The independence of India was not a result of a forced expulsion of the Empire, as desired by the Quit India Movement; it was rather a confluence of domestic politics and global circumstances. Analyze. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Explain why Sufism, a liberal reform movement in Islam could deepen its roots in the Indian sub-continent, despite Islam being a foreign religion? Also, bring out the impacts of Sufism on Indian society. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Enumerate the reasons behind rising intensity and frequency of cyclones in the Arabian Sea in recent years. Giving special reference to NDMA guidelines, recommend measures to check the adverse impacts of cyclones. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Examine the impacts of climate change on the hydrological cycle and suggest suitable mitigation and adaptation strategies to contain the harmful implications. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Defining continental shelf, highlight its resource potential and ecological significance. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Rooted in patriarchal values, gender-based violence, in all its manifestations, is antithetical to societal growth. Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"The caste calculus in the Indian society remains predominant and continues to project its shadow on social, political, and economic domains. Do you agree? Substantiate your answer. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Discuss various factors contributing to the water woes faced by Indian cities. Also, explain complexities in implementing a comprehensive water management plan. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Though important elements of group identity, religion and region also run the risk of deepening communal cleavages. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7640,"topper":"Shubhanshu Katiyar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Shubhansu-Katiyar-UPSC-2023Rank-70MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Celebrity endorsements raise pertinent ethical concerns about responsibility that delve into the realm of ethical considerations of social influence that run deeper than mere surface appeal. In this context, suggest measures to tackle the ethical challenges of celebrity brand endorsements. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Embracing a scientific mindset involves setting aside impulsive inclinations in favor of the pursuit of truth. In your view, how does the integration of scientific thinking contribute to addressing contemporary challenges and promoting societal progress? How can we effectively cultivate a scientific attitude in society? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"In the realm of professional ethics, integrity plays a role that tends to go far beyond fulfilling the roles and responsibilities of the job with diligence and honesty. But some people consider professional competence as the only critical requirement for a job. If faced with a choice, who would you prefer to hire - someone with professional competence or one with strong moral values? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Patriotism can hold different meanings for different people, often shaped by personal experiences and convictions. What does patriotism mean to you? Explain narrating incidents from your life when you exhibited patriotism. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Max Weber's concept of bureaucracy was developed in the early 20th century, but it still influences administrative structures today. In what ways do you see Weberian bureaucracy as relevant in today's rapidly changing world? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Global challenges often test the ethical fiber of nations, urging them to channel narrow pursuit of national-interest into an enlightened self-interest.\" Enumerating the various ethical principles underlying the concept of enlightened national-interest examine its efficacy in helping nations navigate the fine line between pursuing their strategic interests and upholding ethical principles, particularly in times of conflict? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In the realm of governance, a crucial aspect is the art of persuasion. The qualities that make civil servants proficient persuaders empower them to fulfill their responsibilities in an effective manner. Discuss with illustrations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Corruption has multifaceted implications. Some consider it an undeniable vice, while others contend it to be an unavoidable necessity for navigating the bureaucratic complexities. In your opinion, does corruption oil or corrode the gears of development? Substantiate your arguments. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Ethical hacking and malicious hacking stand as divergent paths with distinct intentions and consequences. As technology advances, it becomes imperative to comprehend the nuances that set these practices apart in the cybersecurity landscape. In this perspective, elucidate the principles that differentiate ethical hacking and malicious hacking. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What does each of the following quotation mean to you? a) \"Our greatest ability as humans is not to change the world, but to change ourselves.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":42,"question":"What are the ethical concerns associated with the case study? b) What are the options available with Rajendra? c) If you were at the place of Rajendra, which option would you choose and why? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":7641,"topper":"Shubhra Panda","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SHUBHRA-PANDA-UPSC-2023-Rank-204-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Shelving hard decisions is the least ethical course.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"All things come into being by conflict of opposites.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The arc of the moral universe is long but it bends towards justice.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Disinterested intellectual curiosity is the lifeblood of civilisation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Women's freedom is the sign of social freedom.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"If humankind poisoned nature, nature in turn poison humankind","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"History Doesn't Repeat Itself, but it often rhymes.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"The century advances but every individual begins anew.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"If woman's freedom is the only way to maximise social freedom.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7642,"topper":"Shubhra Panda","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SHUBHRA-PANDA-UPSC-2023-Rank-204-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Critically evaluate the significance of the Basic Structure Doctrine in the five decades since its judicial pronouncement. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Though defamation law is vital to protect one's reputation and dignity in society, weaponization of the same to curb dissent and free speech is antithetical in a constitutional democracy. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Explore the legal-constitutional basis for the conflicts between the elected government and the institution of the Lieutenant Governor over the governance process in the Union Territory of Delhi. Analyse the role that the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 2023, can play in resolving it. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The objective of the Mediation Bill, 2023 is to have a mediation first approach to civil and commercial disputes resolution, with the purpose of reducing the burden of litigation on Courts, providing alternate means of disputes resolution, and enhancing the country's reputation as an investor friendly destination. Comment, with special emphasis on the salient features of the bill. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"A middle point between socialism and capitalism, cooperatives bring the best of the both worlds. Assess the utility of the cooperative model in effecting rural prosperity. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Evaluate the efficacy of Forest Rights Act, 2006 (FRA) and Panchayat (Extension of the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA) in attaining their mandate. Also, recommend measures to make these legislations more effective in attaining their desired objectives. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Differentiate between the legal and illegal means adopted by advocacy networks to advance their interests. What are the factors that limit their effectiveness as a pressure group? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the steps taken by the government in empowering Self Help Groups as a development partner in poverty alleviation. Also highlight the challenges in the working of SHGs. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Changing strategic realities come with their own constraints and possibilities. Describe briefly India's defense diplomacy in the context of contemporary geopolitics. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Explain the significance and implications of the China-brokered diplomatic accord between Iran and Saudi Arabia. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"A key pillar of Constitutional morality is constitutional punctuality. Illustrate with suitable examples, how a lack of constitutional punctuality not only hinders democratic functioning of the State, but also goes against the spirit of the Constitution. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Free and fair elections are the lifeblood of a democracy, and electoral reforms are at the core of political reforms. In this context, highlighting the challenges to functioning of the Election Commission, suggest the necessary reforms needed, with special reference to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Other Election Commissioners ECs (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The overhaul of India's criminal justice system is not only a long due reform, it is also imperative for decolonizing India's penal system. Elucidate in the light of recently proposed trinity of Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill, 2023, Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita Bill, 2023 and Bharatiya Sakshya Bill, 2023. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What ails institutions of Higher education? Bring out the possibilities and challenges that come with the entry and operation of foreign educational institutions seeking to impart higher education. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Partnership between the State and CSOs for delivering development, while promising at face value, is fraught with challenges. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Critically analyse the working of the POCSO Act, 2012 in addressing the menace of child sex abuse in society in the 10 years since its enactment. How far has the National Commission for protection of child rights been successful in fulfilling its mandate? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Discuss the challenges that keep India multi-dimensionally poor with special reference to NITI Ayog's National Multidimensional Poverty Index Report. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"BRICS can serve as a platform for shaping a post-Western global order, but the potential of the grouping is held back by internal contradictions. Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"\"WTO is dead! Long live WTO!\" In the context of this statement, account for the reasons behind why the WTO is dysfunctional. In your opinion, what reforms are needed to promote resilient, sustainable, and inclusive world trade. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7643,"topper":"Shubhra Panda","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SHUBHRA-PANDA-UPSC-2023-Rank-204-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Giving suitable examples, highlight the universal values promoted by ancient Indian scriptures. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"How will you explain that the nationalist response to the partition of Bengal fundamentally altered the course of the Indian Freedom Struggle? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Enumerate the contribution of Adi Shankaracharya in forging Indian Cultural Nationalism. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"How far do you agree that the independence granted to countries of the third world in Asia and Africa were not so much a consequence of their national freedom struggle as it was a consequence of the demise of Britain as a reigning world power in the aftermath of the Second World War? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Examine the implications of Arctic amplification on global and local climate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The increasing incidents of heat waves in the Northern Hemisphere can be attributed to multiple man made and natural factors. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Describe how the geophysical characteristic of the Western Coast differs from the Eastern Coast. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Far from being standalone occurrences, incidents of land subsidence are a result of larger systemic failure. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Trace the evolution of regionalism in India. How does it manifest in modern times? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Explore and evaluate the implications of Artificial Intelligence on society and family. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What explains the success of the British in comparison to the various other European powers that came to India when it comes to colonization of the Indian sub-continent? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"How far is location of semiconductor manufacturing facilities guided by its mining locations? Highlighting the reasons behind recent semiconductor chip shortfall, explain the challenges in domestic chip manufacturing. Also, bring out the steps taken by the government in achieving semiconductor independence. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight the reasons behind increasing cases of extreme precipitation. What factors apart from the above, are responsible for increasing urban floods? Give suitable examples from across the world to substantiate your answer. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Compare the Continental Drift Theory and Plate Tectonic Theory. How does Plate Tectonic Theory explain orogenesis and volcanism? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The measure of a society's progress is how it treats its children, more so in a democracy, as children cannot speak for themselves, and nor do they form a political constituency. Discuss various legal-constitutional steps taken since independence in this regard. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The Indian model of Secularism offers a quintessential solution to fighting religious hate crimes, communalism and promoting cultural-religious tolerance that can be a model for the West. Justify. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the drivers of internal migration in the country? Do you agree that the Covid pandemic and Work from Home models of industrial engagements have checked this phenomenon? Give reasons to justify your answer. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"A natural succession to the demographic dividend is the burden of an ageing population. What are the issues with an ageing population in your opinion? Discuss the several steps taken by the government in this regard, with suitable suggestions. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Caste based discrimination continues in Indian Society acquiring new forms, while retaining the old forms. Discuss. Also explain why casteism has survived in modern India despite a focused approach for its eradication. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7644,"topper":"Shubhra Panda","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SHUBHRA-PANDA-UPSC-2023-Rank-204-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"While knowledge and skills are crucial, they should be accompanied by a strong foundation of ethics. In this context, discuss the importance of ethics in education and the role of educational institutions in imparting ethical values. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Mahatma Gandhi considered ahimsa is the highest duty. He express that even if we cannot practice it in full, we must try to understand its spirit and refrain as far as is humanly possible from violence. Do you think, this articulated profoundness of Ahimsa is still relevant? Justify your answer. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The debate of ends versus means is a never ending one. While teleologists stress the need for the right ends, deontologists argue that the ends, no matter how valuable, cannot justify the means. What are the pitfalls in justifying right ends over right means? Also analyze the implications of always adhering to the right means. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"How does Emotional Intelligence (EI) help in balancing personal as well as professional life? Discuss with examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What does each of the following quotations mean to you? a) \"Experience is the only teacher we have. We may talk and reason all our lives, but we shall not understand a word of truth, until we experience it ourselves\" - Swami Vivekananda (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Individuals should cultivate noble traits so that socio-political organizations are free from highly despicable men.\" - Thirukkural (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"\"Happiness is a mysterious thing, to be found somewhere between too little and too much.\" - Ruskin Bond (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"I would rather try to persuade a man to go along, because once I have persuaded him, he will stick. If I scare him, he will stay just as long as he is scared, and then he is gone. Persuasion can often achieve what coercion cannot. In this context, evaluate the significance of persuasion for heralding social transformations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Examine the relevance of following in the context of civil services: (10 marks, 150 words) i. Neutrality ii. Intellectual Courage iii. Diligence iv. Selflessness","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Why is leadership is considered a foundational value for civil services and a fundamental attribute to be a civil servant? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"There are certain standards that society expects from those who are elected or appointed to public office to observe and maintain in the conduct of the public affairs to which they have been entrusted. Those in positions of power can use these positions to take decisions that are solely in the public interest or they can use them to benefit themselves. Where the roots of private virtue are diseased, the fruit of public probity cannot but be corrupt. What do you understand by Probity and discuss how probity in public life can be inculcated? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Ethical quandary lies in exploring the complex interplay between absoluteness and relativity in ethical considerations. Can ethical principles be regarded as universally absolute, or does the notion of relativity, often associated with physics, also apply to ethics? Share your perspective and provide supporting arguments. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Since its enactment, Right to Information (RTI) Act has helped in improving the levels of transparency and accountability in public institutions. However, many argue that the quality of public service delivery in India is still far from satisfactory. In this background, do you find RTI Act efficient enough to improve the public service delivery for Indian citizens. Critically discuss the need for a Right to Public Service Act (RSPA) to make Indian governance more ethical and efficient. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Suman is a young IPS officer who is posted as the SP law and order in a district that has a history of communal clashes. During a cultural event, a political leader made certain controversial comments regarding the religion of another community that can potentially harm communal harmony in the district. The representatives of the aggrieved community met Suman with their complaint. An FIR was registered in the matter and the police department promptly started an investigation. During questioning, the accused political leader denied the charges. He claimed that he was exercising his right to freedom of expression and had no intention of hurting anyone's feelings. . He even offered to tender an apology if his statement had hurt someone's religious feelings. However, the aggrieved community was not satisfied with this apology and demanded strict action against the accused. The next day, a video went viral on social media in which the accused political leader can be seen making derogatory statements against another religious faith. However, Suman suspects that the video going viral on the internet is a doctored video and someone has mischievously edited it to make it more vitriolic and inflammatory. The video has ignited communal tensions in the district. The accused political leader belongs to an influential community and his community has put their support behind him. Local intelligence has warned that some anti-social elements are trying to use this opportunity to create communal riot in the district. The entire matter has been politicized and is being covered by the national media. In this situation answer the following: a) What differentiates a hate speech from a free speech? b) Why does social media have a very strong influence over the actions and thoughts of its users? c) What is the most suitable course of action for Suman in this situation? Justify. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"You have recently started working at your dream company. You have hired in the strategies department along with two other new joiners. All of you have just graduated out of college. You have very friendly relations with co-joiners. The three of you have been helping each other at work. The experience of working together has built strong camaraderie between the three of you. Your boss has publicly appreciated the strong team-spirit displayed by you and your colleagues. At the annual review, you have been given a higher pay raise, and a more lucrative job profile. The promotion doesn't come as a surprise to you. You have worked beyond office hours more as a rule rather than as an exception. The project you worked at was adjudged 'the best project of the year in business impact' at the annual corporate awards. One of your co-joiners remarks, in presumably good humor, that you should suggest to your boss to allocate similar high impact projects to your friends as well. You also perceive suggestions towards the shared surname being the reason for special affinity of your boss towards you, indicating at the fact that your boss and you have the same caste. You feel hurt but you also try to think about the remarks with an open mind. You assess that the three of you have indeed worked hard with sincerity. One of your friends, in fact, worked very efficiently despite a personal tragedy at home. There was already a salary differential between you and your colleagues based on the pedigree of your college. The higher pay raise to you has expanded the differential pay structure further. You always considered the initial pay differential to be against the principle of equal pay for equal work. But now you feel your friends may not have been given equal opportunities as well. You are inclined to the belief that efforts and talent of your colleagues have been under-appreciated and you start feeling guilty about your promotion. Based on the given information, discuss the options that are available to you for addressing the guilt. What are the merits and demerits of those choices? Which option would you choose? Justify. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"Harish is a senior officer in a government think tank. He is responsible for analysing the demands for funds from various ministries and state governments, and making recommendations to the government for prioritising the budget expenditure. Harish's department is currently busy in analysing the demands for funds from five different ministries. The first demand is from the (Ministry of Defence) for 500 crore rupees. The Ministry of Defence has solicited funds for the acquisition of state-of-the-art night vision goggles and assault weapons for the armed force personnel posted in terrorism infested areas of Jammu and Kashmir. The second demand is from the Ministry of Heavy Industries. The (Ministry of Heavy Industries) has demanded 300 crore rupees for the purchase of electric scooters. Distribution of electric scooters was one of the election promises of the incumbent union government in order to reduce pollution levels in the country. Further, as two states are set to go to poll next year, there is an additional pressure from a senior cabinet minister to prioritise this demand. The third demand is for 200 crore rupees from the (Ministry of Road Transport). The Ministry of Road Transport has proposed to build robust road connectivity in left wing affected (LWE) areas, and also in the hilly states. It is reasoned that while road connectivity will have a multiplier impact on the economy, it will also ease the movement of troops, improving the overall security situation in LWE areas. The fourth demand is from the (Ministry of Health) for 200 crore rupees. The Ministry of Health has targeted to increase the (insurance penetration) in the country. It is argued that increased insurance penetration will boost public health and reduce out-of-pocket expenditure. The fifth demand is for 300 crore rupees from the (Ministry of Women and Child Development). The MoWCD aims to expand its (nutrition) programme in the country to effectively tackle the high levels of stunting and wasting in the children. While each of the government schemes is important, related to national security, economic development and public welfare; the fiscal space available with the exchequer is limited. Harish has an elbow space to accommodate schemes worth 1000 crore rupees. Now, it is incumbent upon Harish to allocate the available money in the most prudent fashion. a) What principles should guide Harish in the allocation of money? b) Imagine yourself in the position of Harish. In what order will you prioritise the available funds and why? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":7645,"topper":"Shubhra Roy","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9ab70-896282_2488_shubhra_roy_rank_147.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Write two essays, choosing one topic from each of the Sections A and B, in about 1000-1200 words each :\n1. It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.\n2. A mind all logic is like a knife all blade, it makes the hand bleed that uses it.\n3. Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly.\n4. History is a cyclic poem written by time upon the memories of man.\n5. The wise man does at once what the fool does finally.\n6. The world is a tragedy to those who feel, but a comedy to those who think.\n7. Perfect clarity would profit the intellect but damage the will.\n8. Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow.","marks":"125 x 2 = 250","words":"1000-1200 words each"},{"page":6,"question":"1. It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.\n\n2. A mind all logic is like a knife all blade, it makes the hand bleed that uses it.\n\n3. Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly.\n\n4. History is a cyclic poem written by time upon the memories of man.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"5. The wise man does at once what the fool does finally.\n6. The world is a tragedy to those who feel, but a comedy to those who think.\n7. Perfect clarity would profit the intellect but damage the will.\n8. Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"2 What does keeping your face to sunshine mean?","marks":"2","words":null}]},{"id":7646,"topper":"Shubhra Roy","air":147,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SHUBHRA-ROYUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-147-Sample-MGP-Copy-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Q.1) Employment problems of rural and urban areas differ in nature, but their solutions are interdependent and interrelated. Analyze.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Q.2) Why has Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM), which was earlier proposed as a game-changer in Public Private Partnerships (PPP), received lukewarm response from private developers? What are the alternate PPP models that can be pursued for encouraging private investments?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Q.3 Imported inflation is compounding the challenges of post-pandemic recovery for the Indian economy. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Q.4) Inclusive growth is both a process and an outcome. Discuss in Indian context.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Q5 A very small fraction of the adult population files tax returns and an even smaller portion pays taxes. In light of this observation, examine reasons for poor tax compliance in India. Also, suggest measures to improve income tax code in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Q.6) Evaluate the potential of Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojna (PMMSY) to meet the goals of the Blue Economy and Neel Kranti mission.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Q.7) The Horticulture sector, though has potential to transform agriculture landscape of country, is beset with several challenges. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Q.8) Food Processing sector must be developed as one of the principal industries in the country for reasons that go beyond agriculture. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Q.9) What do you understand by natural farming? How can it help in building climate resilient agriculture?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Q.10) In light of National Mission on Edible Oils-Oil Palm (NMEO-OP), critically examine economic and environmental implications of promotion of oil palm cultivation in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Q.11 Achievement of a 400 billion USD merchandise export is a result of concerted and collective efforts towards Atmanirbhar Bharat. Identify various factors responsible for this feat. What measures will you suggest to place India at the centre of global supply chains?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.12 Supporters of the universal basic income present it as a cure for poverty while few opponents call it a worse disease for the economy. Which view do you subscribe to? Explain your stand.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Q.139 The 1991 economic reforms provided a long forecast and lifted millions out of poverty. However, comprehensive structural reforms have not been implemented resulting in several imbalances and heightened inequalities. Comment. Also, discuss the key areas which should be the focus of reform.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Q.14 Despite a focused approach on manufacturing sector through initiatives such as Make in India, the share of manufacturing sector in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has stayed stagnant. In this context, bring out the reasons for subpar performance of manufacturing sector. Also, suggest reforms that can enable the sector to meet the targets of National Manufacturing Policy 2011.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Q.15 Fintech is facilitating financial inclusion through innovations but reaping its developmental potential requires overcoming critical hurdles. Analyze.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Q.16 Encouraging livestock through mixed farming can be the answer to the triple burden of low farm income, increasing land fragmentation and plummeting productivity in the agriculture sector. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Q.17 Explain the relationship between land reforms and agricultural productivity. Also, discuss various difficulties in designing and implementation agriculture friendly land reforms policies in the country.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Q.18 Community institutions in agriculture offer small farmers an opportunity to increase their productivity, income, and resource efficiencies. In light of this statement, enumerate the various challenges faced by the Farmers Producer Organisations (FPO's) in the country and suggest measures to reform them.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Q.19) The fundamental problem in agriculture is not the availability of resources, but their inefficient use. Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Q.20 Commercialization of agriculture into agribusiness is necessary to uphold the spirit of farming as a profitable venture. Discuss in light of changes needed in agriculture marketing. Analyze the recent govt initiatives in supporting the transformation of agriculture into enterprise.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7647,"topper":"Shweta Chauhan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/26262_843_Shweta_Rank_8.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"All the questions are compulsory and carry 12.5 marks each.","marks":"5","words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the need for adhering to the road map for fiscal consolidation by fixing the fiscal deficit. Has the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, 2003 served the purpose for which it was envisaged?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Public investment in railways has a multiplier effect for the larger economy. Elaborate. What factors have held back the railways despite having a separate budget and considerable resources? In this context, enumerate the relevant recommendations of Bibek Debroy committee?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"\"There is a myth that small firms create the most jobs in an economy. The fact is that small firms that grow big create the jobs\". In context of the Indian economy what are the factors that prevent firms that start small from growing bigger. What progress has India made in this respect and what other measures are required?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Enumerate the reasons why problem of NPAs is more pronounced in the public sector banks as compared to the private sector. Discuss the implications of having high NPAs in an economy. Also list the measures which the government has taken in order to address them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Mention the salient features of the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) proposed by the government to reinvigorate private investment in infrastructure sector. How is it an improvement over the EPC model?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Even within the multilateral format of WTO the FTA route has served India well. Comment. How can India effectively deal with the challenges posed by the new mega regional agreements such as TPP?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Cashless economy is a global trend now. What are the challenges of achieving a cashless economy in the case of India? How can these challenges be overcome?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Abysmal level of formally skilled workers in Indian economy, as indicated by the Labour Bureau Report 2014, is a cause of concern. What are the factors responsible for such a scenario? Also, examine the measures taken by the government in recent years to address the relevant concerns.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"In the 10 years of its existence MGNREGA has won laurels as well as attracted criticism. Comment. What changes are required for the scheme to be relevant in the current scenario. 10 ?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Power sector reforms, crucial as they are, have remained elusive. Discuss the reasons for their failure. How far can the UDAY scheme address the issues concerning DISCOMS and improve the entire power sector value chain? (UDAY) (DISCOMS) (power sector value chain) ?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Market volatility and vulnerability to weather are the major issues facing Indian agriculture. Elaborate. In this regard, critically examine the importance of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana vis-a-vis earlier insurance schemes in addressing the problems of Indian agriculture.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"The Hydrocarbon Exploration Licensing Policy (HELP) is a step forward from the New Exploration Licensing Policy (NELP). Compare the two policies and elaborate how HELP can encourage investment in the hydrocarbon sector as well as curtail India's export dependence?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Although equal land ownership rights are essential for the economic empowerment of women, these rights are often overlooked. Discuss. What steps have been taken by the government to ensure land rights for women?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"It has been argued that the Nutrient based subsidy (NBS) scheme launched in 2010 has created more problems than it intended to solve. Examine. What measures are required to address concerns arising out of the fertilizer subsidy policy in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"The success of \"Operation Flood\" proves that thoughtful intervention in the livestock sector has the potential of acting as a growth engine for the agriculture sector and rural economy. In light of this, examine the potential of the livestock sector and the challenges it faces. Also enumerate the steps taken by the government in recent years to leverage the potential of this sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"What are the twin objectives of government food procurement policy in India? Discuss the instruments of this policy. Do you think there is an urgent need for rationalization of MSP policy in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Discuss the potential of Food Processing Industry with regards to employment generation in India. What are the key impediments which need to be overcome before the sector can become internationally competitive and achieve high growth?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Mixed farming for the resource poor farmer is mostly a poverty induced option. Comment. What role can the government play to help farmers realise the potential from mixed farming.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"What do you understand by cropping pattern? What are the factors that influence the cropping pattern in India? Is there a need to change the cropping pattern in the country keeping the agro-ecological concerns in mind?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7648,"topper":"Shweta Chauhan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/26262_844_Shweta_Rank_8.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"It has been assessed that radicalisation is a security threat to India. Explain the basis of such an assessment with examples. What are the key pillars of the counter radicalisation strategy of the government?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Arguments on Siachen issue often move around the idea of demilitarisation. Examining the key attributes of the Siachen issue explain the basis of arguments regarding its demilitarisation? Also highlight the arguments against such an idea.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Money laundering and terrorism have strong inter linkages. Illustrate. In this context, how far do the steps taken by the government confirm with the international commitments?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Longstanding issue of insurgency in the Northeast highlights the linkage between violence, remoteness, underdevelopment and alienation. Elaborate. Also, suggest some corrective measures for a lasting resolution of the conflicts in this region.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"While on the one hand China's One Road One Belt initiative poses security concerns and challenges for India, on the other, it can help improve India's connectivity to major markets and resource supplies. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"NATGRID was an ambitious step involving intelligence reforms, however, it remained a non-starter. Explain. In the context of recent initiatives to revive the NATGRID and the challenges it faced previously what steps are required to make it effective?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"India's national security architecture faces a difficult task in detecting digital intrusion in cyberspace. What are the challenges India faces w.r.t. Digital Intrusion? How can these challenges be overcome?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Relations with Iran hold a lot of potential for India's ambitions for West Asia and beyond, however, realising this potential also involves certain global and regional challenges. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"The internal crisis in Nepal over the past few years has given concrete shape to the fears of China gaining upper hand vis-a-vis a traditionally influential India. Elaborate. What can India do to further strengthen its ties with the Himalayan nation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"The Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement (TPP), touted as the world's biggest trade deal to date, has danger of bending the WTO rules. In this context, discuss the impact TPP can have on India's foreign trade. What are the options that India has to deal with the issues arising out of the TPP?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Legal proceedings initiated by the Marshall Islands against India, Pakistan and Britain over nuclear weapons in the International Court of Justice highlights the issues of jurisidiction of the court. What is India's position vis-a-vis the jurisdiction of the ICJ? Also differentiate between binding and advisory pronunciations of the court with suitable examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Even though the refugee crisis in Europe does not affect India directly, it presents an opportunity for India to showcase its commitment and capability to take greater responsibility in dealing with global issues. Comment in light of India's strengths, experience and international commitments regarding refugees.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"India is endowed with an amazing variety and wealth of soft power resources. Providing examples, illustrate the utilisation of soft power in diplomatic initiatives of the recent past. What are the limitations of the soft power approach in diplomacy in case of a developing country such as India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Highlight the features of NAVIC and bring out its significance for India. How is it different from GAGAN? Examine whether NAVIC can be a replacement of GPS for India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"What are Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) and how are they an improvement over carbon fibres? Highlight the various unique properties of CNTs which makes them suitable to the manufacturing industry.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Explain the significance of gravitational waves recently detected by LIGO. What are the objectives of the recently envisaged LIGO-India project and what benefits will India accrue from it?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"What are the criteria employed for a pandemic to be declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the WHO? In the wake of recent Ebola and Zika virus outbreaks examine the efficacy of the prevalent architecture of global health governance. Also, assess India's preparedness in handling such global epidemics.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Give a brief explanation of CRISPR - gene editing technology. Also discuss its significance in modern biology and agriculture.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Even though large infrastructure projects like High Speed Rail (HSR) facilitate greater technological development, they come with their own set of challenges. Examine in the context of proposed HSR projects in India. Suggest some measures on how HSR can truly be 'Made in India'.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"What do you understand by Big-data? Using SDGs as an example, discuss its role in effective implementation of public policy. Also mention challenges faced in using Big-Data and measures to overcome them.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7649,"topper":"Shweta Chauhan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/26262_757_Shweta_Rank_8.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Trace the evolution of cave architecture in India with special reference to their design, nature and wall paintings.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"With the help of examples, explain how Folk Paintings as an art form represent an array of human beliefs and cultural diversity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"\"The response to the Partition of Bengal was not a mere expression of Bengali sub-nationalism, but a resistance that carried in it the seeds of a coherent nationalist struggle for India's independence.\" Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"The economic interpretation of British Colonialism by Indian intelligentsia during 1870-1905 brought forward unpleasant facts about the foreign rule. Analyse this statement and assess the impact of these interpretations on the National Movement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"The role of women in Indian nationalism is well acknowledged, however, women who took part in armed struggle against the British are less known. In this context, examine the role played by Indian women in national movement with particular reference to revolutionary struggle.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"It has been argued that unlike the wars in 1962 and 1971, the war in 1965 was indecisive and brought neither victory nor peace to India. Critically analyse the proposition and also highlight how the experience of 1965 was helpful in the war of 1971.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss whether the agrarian movements which emerged from the late 1970's should be referred to as 'New' Farmers' Movements. In light of the problems faced by poor farmers and agricultural labourers, critically evaluate these movements.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Though both Bismarck and Sardar Patel played an important role in unifying their respective countries, yet given the different historical circumstances, the challenges faced by both and the strategies they adopted were different. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Enumerate the reforms undertaken during the Gorbachev era and explain the reasons for undertaking these. To what extent could these reforms be held responsible for the breakup of the Soviet Union?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"While the impact of French Revolution was largely limited to the European countries, the Russian Revolution had a much wider impact across the globe. Critically analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Give an account of the factors which influence gender equality in basic education. What can be done to bridge the existing gender gap in this context?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"While state action alone cannot ensure social change, no social group howsoever weak or oppressed is only a victim. Examine the statement in the context of organised action for justice and dignity for manual scavengers in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Give an account of the factors driving people to migrate from the countryside to urban areas even if it entails living in slums. Highlight some important facts about slums unique to India. Also discuss some strategies which can be adopted for transforming India's slums.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Define flood plains and explain their significance. Also, examine how anthropogenic activities have contributed to recent instances of urban flooding.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Why do forest fires occur frequently in certain regions of India? Examine the ecological significance of forest fires and identify the measures to tackle the phenomenon.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"What are the different types of rainfall? Give an account of the world distribution of rainfall.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"The prevailing water crisis in the country is not about the unavailability of water rather the mismanagement of available resources. Do you agree? Discuss the short-term and long-term socio-economic impacts of the water crisis on India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Enlist the major fishing zones of the world along with the reasons for their distribution. Does India's deep sea fishing policy warrant a fresh look? Examine in context of the recommendations of the Meena Kumari committee on the matter.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"It has been observed that deltas formed by Indian rivers have been shrinking for the past few years. Discuss reasons for the same in context of different rates of shrinking of deltas of major rivers.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Why does the Arabian Sea experience fewer tropical cyclones as compared to the Bay of Bengal? Explain why tropical cyclones do not occur during the south west monsoon season.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7650,"topper":"Shweta Chauhan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/26262_747_Shweta_Rank_8.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"A broad ethical framework as a guiding light for international relations will not only ensure harmonious relations between nations but will also lead to progress of the human race. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"What does inequality mean to you? What are the different kinds of inequality? Is inequality morally wrong?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"One has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws. In light of this statement, examine the relevance of civil disobedience in a modern democratic society. Discuss the duties and responsibilities of a law enforcing officer in such situations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Ensuring accountability in the administration just adds another layer in the bureaucratic process. Examine. Differentiate between accountability and responsibility. Suggest some measures through which administrative accountability can be made more effective in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"\"Morality is based neither on the principle of utility, nor on a law of nature, but on human reason. But human reason can be fallible.\" Comment., What does morality mean to you?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"For effective public service delivery, the need today is to move from traditional accountability mechanisms to social accountability through greater civic engagement. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"What do you mean by social justice? Explain with examples, why it is imperative for a society to promote social justice.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Investigative reporting by media can be a significant source of information on corruption. What are ethical issues involved in investigative journalism? What safeguards can be introduced to prevent its misuse?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"While transplantation of organs represents one of the most spectacular achievements of modern medical science, it has raised many ethical issues as well. Discuss. Also, examine the issues related to organ transplantation in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"There can be honesty without integrity, but no integrity without honesty. Do you agree? Justify your stand with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"\"It is not always the same thing to be a good person and a good citizen.\" Explain the meaning of this statement and analyse its implications for a democratic society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Value of compassion towards the weak extends the limits of operations of a public servant by introducing flexibility but dilutes the principle of objectivity. Discuss. If a conflict arises between the value of compassion and principle of objectivity, how will you deal with it as a public servant?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Which administrator had a lasting impact on your decision to join the civil services and why? Should administrators have increased media presence so that the common man can know more about their efforts and achievements? Justify your stand.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"You are a Secretary in a government department. Your Minister has proposed an unemployment grant, which is expected to cost the public exchequer heavily. Having already taken the decision, he asks you to come up with research to support the scheme. Despite your best efforts, you fail to find socio-economic benefit in it. You approach the Minister with relevant facts and studies and ask him to reconsider his decision. Instead, he asks you to suppress the negative impacts and actively promote the scheme through mass media as the percieved social impacts are more important than economic impacts. Elections are due in a short time and the political party currently in power is expected to win. You are also due for promotion at the same time. You are expected to fully cooperate in the situation and make the scheme a success, however flawed its foundations may be. (a) List the different stakeholders in the above situation and mention their prospective interests. (b) Discuss the ethical dilemma which you face in this situation. (c) Some of the alternatives for you to handle the situation could be: • Do as asked by the Minister.. • Insist on publication of results and let the public decide whether it wants the scheme. • Call a press conference and brief the media about the results and the callous attitude of the Minister. Suggest any other possible option(s). Evaluate all of them and suggest the best course of action, giving reasons for it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"The International Money Bank has granted loan to the government to construct ten dams. The dams would provide water for irrigation of crops, control floods in some parts of your district, and supply drinking water to numerous towns and cities. Seven of these dams are to be constructed in areas of high ecological value occupied by native groups who are challenging the government. The native groups, who oppose the construction of the dams, represent a minority compared to the multiple towns and cities which would benefit from the dams. Nevertheless, it should be taken under consideration that the natives consider the forests as their own. Also, their distinctive life style and culture is intimately related to the existence of these natural areas. It has been noted that the forests also have a very high ecological value. If this project is completed, their land would submerge and the natives would have to be relocated. The International Money Bank is aware of this yet it has granted the loan. You are the District Magistrate of this district. Every day protests and demonstrations are happening in your office. The government has given you the responsibility to manage the situation. What are the various options available to you. Evaluate all of them and suggest the best course of action, giving reasons for it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"You recently joined the civil administration as a young District Commissioner. As a part of fulfilling their electoral promise, the new government in the state announced total prohibition on production, sale and purchase of liquor. This has not only led to smuggling of liquor from neighbouring states but also production of illicit liquor in the state, known as hooch. Women of the area decide to go on a protest against the recent hooch tragedy wherein several people lost their lives owing to consumption of illicit liquor. The political authorities scapegoat you for mismanagement. (a) What are the issues involved in this case? (b) What are the various options available to you. Evaluate all of them and suggest the best course of action, giving reasons for it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"You are a doctoral student at a large university in the final months of your research on a potentially revolutionary technology. Meanwhile, you have also applied for post-doctoral research cum teaching positions at various universities. To your pleasant surprise, you get an interview call from your undergraduate alma mater, a prestigious research institution in a city where you would love to live. In the interview, the department chair asks for detailed information about your research. Your group is working on a patent application and its members have agreed not to provide details until a paper currently being prepared is submitted for publication. You explain the situation and tell them that you would be glad to send them an early preprint when it is available. But the Chair pushes harder for this information, remarking that the Department seeks team players, willing to share information with department colleagues. She also appeals to your undergraduate connection with the institution. (a) Enumerate the ethical issues involved in the case in light of your current responsibilities vis-a-vis future expectations. (b) Discuss the possible motivations of the department chair in pressing you for detailed information. (c) What stand will you take in such a situation? Give reasonable justification for your arguments.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"You have recently been appointed as the District Collector of an impoverished district, which has been witnessing drought for the last couple of years. Corruption at lower levels of bureaucracy has further aggravated the situation. The district also faces the problem of diminishing resources of drinking water. Despite, the gravity of the problem, the response from the central and the state government is lackadaisical. Moreover, the media coverage of the problem is also dismal. To make matters worse, the younger members of the community are migrating in search of work to the urban areas without much success, leaving the elders, women, and children behind to fend for themselves. (a) As the District Collector what would be your priorities for solving the problem? (b) How would you tackle the situation? (c) What long term measures would you take to prevent the future recurrence of the problem?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":56,"question":"In a district, in which you are posted as a District Magistrate, a teacher molests a child in a government run school. As the news of this crime spreads, the parents, relatives and locals gather at the school. The culprit teacher has meanwhile fled. The police arrests the Principal of the school and assure the crowd that the culprit would be arrested soon. The crowd, however, has gone berserk and begins to damage the school building. It wants immediate arrest of the culprit and is not ready to budge until he is arrested. (a) Is it correct to take the Principal into custody when he has personally not committed the crime? Support your answer with appropriate reasons. (b) What options do you have in dealing with the crowd? Enumerate the merits and demerits of each and also suggest the best possible option. (c) In the capacity of District Magistrate what would be your long term plan to prevent molestations and rapes in the schools?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7651,"topper":"Shyamala T","air":695,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nPQ9JclVIjldVRTST-7MnakEHUf93fRF/view","questions":[]},{"id":7652,"topper":"SIBI ADHITHYA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/72_Sibi%20Adhithya_8502_615_GS.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"There has been a great deal of soul-searching in India over the fact that none of its universities make it to the top 200 of the World University Rankings. What can be the reason behind such performance by Indian universities on the global level? Is it justified to evaluate Indian universities on the basis of parameters involved in such rankings? What changes are required to improve their performance in the context of global rankings?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"While difference in opinions exist between the State agencies and the Voluntary Organizations, the State recognizes the need to preserve, protect and nurture an enabling environment for the development of the Voluntary sector. Explain in context of the National Policy on the Voluntary sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"\"Healthcare is a right, not a privilege\". Should the right to healthcare be made a fundamental right in India? How far can the private sector help in achieving this aim? Comment in the light of debate on the Draft National Health Policy 2015.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Charities and CSR are methodologies through which the rich and the big corporates \"give back\" to the society, rising above their sole profit motive. In this context, critically analyse the effectiveness of the CSR measures in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Policies should work not only towards reducing the number of people below the poverty line but also ensuring that people do not suffer from multiple deprivations. Critically examine the above statement in the light of methodology adopted to measure poverty in independent India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"\"If district and regional councils are keys, then Governor is the master key\". Critically analyse in the context of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"The developmental model in India should include rural development schemes that are \"demand driven\" rather than \"programme driven\". Examine with respect to the design of various social sector schemes.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"The Government recently approved the National AYUSH Mission. What are the key benefits that India can derive from it? Discuss along with challenges that are anticipated in its implementation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Though the latest Global Hunger Index report of the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) shows considerable improvement in India's hunger index and this is a source of encouragement, yet a large number of people in India remain hungry. In this context discuss if there is need for a National Authority on Hunger Elimination with adequate financial and administrative powers in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Bureaucracy has a love-hate relationship with democracy. As a servant it is invaluable but as a master it can ruin us. Discuss in light of relationship between democracy and bureaucracy in India since independence. Also, examine the ways in which the democratic credentials of the bureaucracy can be strengthened.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Digital India programme has the potential to not only transform the citizen service delivery, but also provide the much needed impetus for key social and industrial sectors. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Citizens' participation in governance embodies a shift in the development paradigm from citizens as passive recipients to active participants in the development process. What are the different mechanisms for citizens' participation in the development process? Illustrate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Critically comment on some of the important provisions of the proposed Road Transport and Safety Bill, 2014. Do you think imposing hefty penalties on traffic rule violations can ensure road safety? Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"\"There is an urgent need to institutionalize social audit for major welfare schemes as a large part of the government's budget is spent on them\". What are the benefits of social audit? Citing relevant examples, bring out the loopholes in its implementation. Also, suggest some measures for its improvement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"\"Though e-governance has facilitated the collection of taxes it has not provided any control over how the tax money is utilized\". In this context, discuss if the problem in India is not of e-governance deficit but of governance deficit.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"The dream of making India a global manufacturing hub in a highly competitive world economy cannot be realized in the absence of a sustainable skill pool. Examine the structural and functional constraints w.r.t. skill development programme in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Hitherto, healthcare policy in india has turned a blind eye towards neo-natals. In light of the above statement, examine the constraints faced and the steps taken to tackle the problem of neo-natal mortality in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"The four main priorities for education policy have been Access, Equity, Quality and Governance. New education policies should continue to prioritise these four areas, however, there must be greater emphasis on improving learning outcomes at all levels. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"What are the key concerns raised by the recent casualties at sterilization camps in Chhattisgarh? Identify the changes that can be instituted to make the family planning initiatives in India both safe and effective.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7653,"topper":"SIBI ADHITHYA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/72_Sibi%20Adhithya_8502_616_GS.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Even though the equatorial regions have great potential in timber resources, the lumbering industry has not developed properly in these regions. What could be the possible reasons behind this? Discuss the suitability of the equatorial regions for plantation agriculture.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Lakshadweep has been facing a drastic decline in coral cover in recent years. Discuss various environmental and anthropogenic factors behind this phenomenon. How can El Nino be disastrous for the world's coral reefs? Illustrate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Transport linkages and government policies are the two most important factors influencing the establishment of Footloose industries. What are the other factors which influence the location of these industries? Discuss in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"What are the key factors responsible for the development of industrial clusters in India. Discuss with specific examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Municipal Solid waste management is fast becoming a nightmare for citizens and local authorities in cities across India. Enumerate the steps taken by various municipal bodies to tackle this enornmous problem in India. Can WtE (Waste to Energy) be a feasible solution to this fast growing problem?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"India is the 3rd largest producer of coal in the world but commercial production of Coal Bed Methane has not yet started. What are the environmental and economic constraints associated with the production of coal bed methane in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"What are Rare Earth Elements? What are their uses? How is India positioned in the global distribution of these resources?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Hydroflurocarbons have emerged as contentious issue in climate talks. Discuss whether HFCs should be dealt with under Montreal or Kyoto Protocol.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"It has been observed that the ozone hole develops over Antarctica, and not over manufacturing centers where chlorofluorocarbons are released prodigiously. How can you explain this phenomenon? Examine the possible health and environmental impacts of ozone depletion.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Though the clamour for cleaner rivers has gained momentum in recent times, the task of reducing the pollution load of River Ganga is daunting. What are the major obstacles with respect to river cleaning projects in India? Critically examine the steps taken by the government in cleaning the Ganga.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"\"The potential of Inland Water transport (IWT) to encourage and support increased economic and social development is enormous\". Discuss the factors responsible for the slow growth of IWT in India with special emphasis on geographical limitations. Enumerate some steps taken by the government in order to make this form of transportation competitive with respect to rail and road.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Noise pollution is one of the emerging environmental concerns in India. Bring out the underlying factors and list the legislative measures adopted to tackle the issue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Jute, \"The Golden Fibre\" enjoys significant ecological and economic advantages over other fibres yet it has been struggling to survive. In this context, discuss the problems associated with the Jute Industry in India. To what extent can the Jute Technology Mission address the same?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Account for the change in spatial pattern of the Pharmaceutical industry in India. Elaborate on prospects of this industry in the country.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Illustrate the socio-economic significance of local winds across the world with special emphasis on India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"How do global pressure belts explain the formation of climatic regions across the world?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"The recent oil spill in Sunderbans has been termed as an ecological catastrophe by environmentalists. In light of the above fact explain the impact of oil spill on marine ecosystem. Further, suggest some measures required to deal with this environmental risk.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"TSR Subramanian report on environmental laws emphasized that the problem with respect to environment in India is not of legislative deficit but of Institutional and implementation deficit. Discuss and suggest measures to overcome the above problem.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7654,"topper":"Sidaq Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/baad4-160702_1408_sidaq_singh_rank_157.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Rural health care in India faces significant challenges. Elaborate. What can be done to deal with these challenges? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"It has been argued that private sector reduces education to the status of a commodity. In this context, discuss why education should be seen as a necessary public good. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Despite undertaking many initiatives, malnutrition continues to be a matter of concern for India. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Critically discuss the idea that followers of a religion share not only a community of religious interests but also common secular interests. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The constant and aggravated contact with the Western culture has had an erosional impact on the Indian value system. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"A dispersed pattern of urbanisation leads to sprawl with associated problems. In this context, discuss how India should manage the inevitable process of urban growth going into the future. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) are in dire need of focused attention in view of the problems they are facing. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Highlight the challenges associated with the rising number of old age dependents in India. What can be done to deal with these challenges? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Highlight the impact of drug addiction on individuals, families and society. In this context, discuss the approach adopted by National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"A Uniform Civil Code is a much needed step for India to move forward in the 21st century. Critically analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"In India, geography, identity and a sense of deprivation have historically combined to drive regionalism. Elaborate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"According to the WHO, health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well being. In this context, discuss emerging trends in mental health issues in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What are the challenges associated with cultural diversity in India? How has India been able to accommodate and manage this cultural diversity? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The high incidence of poverty combined with multiple deprivations among poor is the most important development challenge for India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Caste in India has maintained its political significance despite dilution of its social character. Discuss with relevant examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"It can be argued that caste like social stratification is a feature present across religious distinctions in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What are some of the problems faced by migrants in urban areas in India? Suggest some policy reforms to address these problems. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Highlight the need and challenges of mainstreaming vocational education in India. What measures have been taken by the government in this regard? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7655,"topper":"Sidaq Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/eab9b-160702_1391_sidaq_singh_rank_157.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Enumerate important privileges enjoyed by each House of Parliament collectively and its members individually and also discuss their significance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Give an account of the composition and functions of the Finance Commission as mentioned in the Constitution of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Preamble shows the general purposes behind several provisions in the Constitution, and is a key to the minds of the makers of the Constitution. Explain. Also, comment on the amendability of the Preamble.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Explain the principle of subsidiarity, its importance and discuss how the 73rd constitutional amendment act tries to achieve it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Explaining the importance of an independent judiciary, highlight the relevant Constitutional provisions that safeguard and ensure the independent and impartial functioning of the Supreme Court.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Mention the six freedoms as guaranteed under Article 19 of the Indian Constitution. Also, comment on the way in which the constitution has attempted to strike a balance between individual liberty and interests of society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"With examples, discuss the significance of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in light of costly and time-consuming litigation process in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Explain why the Indian Constitution has been argued to have created a 'federation with a centralising tendency'.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"The parliamentary control over government and administration in India is more theoretical than practical. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Why did the Constituent Assembly replace the original plan to have elected governors in favour of appointment by the President? Also, bring out the arguments that are raised against the current form of appointment of Governors.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Explaining the concept of judicial activism, discuss why it is important for courts not to take over the functions of the legislature or the executive.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Compare the constitutional position of Rajya Sabha with the Lok Sabha in terms of legislative powers. Also bring out special powers given to Rajya Sabha in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Comment upon the distribution of legislative subjects between the Centre and states. Under what circumstances does the Parliament make laws on matters enumerated in the State list?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Explain the significance of the concept of 'separation of powers' in a democracy. What can be the reasons for India not following the doctrine in the strict sense?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Explain the grounds on which a National Emergency can be declared and highlight its effects on Centre-state relations and Fundamental Rights.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Analyze how the CAG ensures financial accountability of the Executive to the Legislature while working as an independent Constitutional body.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Highlight the veto powers of the President of India. How does the veto powers of the Governor differ from that of the President?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Even though the parliamentary system of government in India is largely based on the British parliamentary model it never became a replica of the British system. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"A number of judicial pronouncements and constitutional amendments have altered the balance between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of Sate Policy since the commencement of the constitution. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Highlight the powers and functions of the Election Commission of India (ECI). Also, discuss the issues regarding the independence and impartiality of the ECI.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7656,"topper":"Sidaq Singh","air":157,"year":2024,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c2d29-160702_1407_sidaq_singh_rank_157.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7657,"topper":"Sidaq Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/sidaq-singh-test-4-1747638522168.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Federal governance is characterised by institutionalized arrangements for solving problems generated by pluralism based on consultation and mutual consent. How have Zonal Councils evolved from more advisory bodies to proactive platforms for action? (Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Secularism under the Indian constitution is encapsulated in the broader concept of constitutional commitment to equality. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"'There is a need to shift the focus of Section 8 of the Representation of People Act, 1951 from the duration of the sentence to the gravity of the offence.' Comment on how the current classification under Section 8 leads to arbitrary categorisation of offences. Also, mention the remedies available to a person disqualified under this section. ( Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What is the significance of the Leader of Opposition in the Indian parliamentary system? How does the role of the opposition contribute to the checks and balances in a democracy? ( Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"\"The core ideals of the Preamble - sovereignty, socialism, secularism, and democracy - form the bedrock of India's constitutional framework.\" Elucidate. ( Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"With the advent of new regional and multilateral agreements like QUAD, AUKUS, I2U2 etc the old world order represented by organizations like NAM, Davos, and G77 is losing its relevance. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The island states and territories from the South Pacific to the African coast have become new nodes in India's changing strategic geography. In this context, highlight the importance of these island states for India and also throw light upon the initiatives taken by India to strengthen ties with these states. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Electoral funding in India is fraught with the double whammy of legal loopholes and political inefficiencies. In this context, discuss the challenges to electoral funding. What lessons can India draw from global best practices in this regard? (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Pressure groups form the social foundation of a democracy. In this context, discuss pressure groups' key contributions in promoting social security measures for workers in India, and how they address the gaps in existing policies. (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The Constitution envisages the \"principle of federal supremacy\" in the executive space of Indian federal polity. Discuss while referring to the relevant Constitutional provisions and case laws. How are contentious issues regarding the distribution of powers resolved? (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"India's higher education system needs significant reforms to align with global standards. How does the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 aim to address these challenges, and what lessons can India learn from international practices to enhance its higher education system? Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7658,"topper":"Sidaq Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/sidaq-singh-test-2-1747638483571.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"The rule of law and judicial review are interdependent, as one cannot truly exist without the other. In this context can judicial review be considered the most important aspect among those that constitute the basic structure of the Constitution? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"How does the power and authority of Delhi's lieutenant governor compare to that of the governors of other states, particularly in terms of acting on the aid and advice of the council of ministers? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss the role of the judiciary in navigating the tension between the right to religion and constitutional morality in India in recent times. Refer to relevant case laws. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The principle of 'Separation of Powers' is a key feature of the American Constitution. In this context, compare how the Indian Constitution's functional separation of powers distinguishes itself from the US system. What are the advantages of a check and balance system over a rigid Separation of Powers? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution is more than a legal provision that empowers tribal regions with self-rule. How does the sixth schedule foster development while respecting their traditional governance systems and cultural practices? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How do partnerships between Civil Society Organizations and Government Entities contribute to India's development goals? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss the importance of cultivating a culture of life-long learning among Indian civil servants. How has Mission Karmyogi contributed to this objective? Illustrate with examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Given India's strides in reducing extreme poverty, should the country consider redefining its poverty line to better reflect the current socio-economic realities? Discuss the potential benefits and challenges associated with redefinition of the poverty line. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Evaluate the impact of the deepening political divisions with the major Western States on global governance and international cooperation. How should India navigate these divisions to advance its national interests on the global stage? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"How does India's Arctic Policy align with its broader foreign policy objectives? Broadly discuss the collaborations and agreements India is involved in with the Arctic Council. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In what ways are the terms of reference of the 16th Finance Commission different from that of the previous Finance Commissions? Despite increasingly progressive devolution by subsequent Finance Commissions, examine the factors that propel economic disparities across various States. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Compare and contrast the powers and working of the Ethics Committee and the Privileges Committee in addressing cases of 'unethical' conduct and breach of privileges? How do these Committees complement each other in maintaining parliamentary discipline? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"In the context of persistent legislative dysfunction in India, analyze the evolving role of judicial activism in shaping public policy and governance. Using examples from landmark court cases, evaluate the effectiveness of judicial interventions in addressing governance gaps and safeguarding citizens' rights. (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"To what extent does the level of internal democracy within political parties impact the functioning and legitimacy of the Indian party system? What reforms can address the challenges of inadequate intraparty democracy in India? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"\"The NHRC must not only be a watchdog but also a beacon of hope for the marginalized and oppressed.\" In this context discuss the role and mandate of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in India. How does the current composition and functioning of the NHRC affect its independence and effectiveness? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"The persistent health equity challenges in India pose a critical barrier in achieving Universal Health Coverage. In this context discuss the role of the public and private sectors in ensuring adequate health access and outcomes across rural and urban areas.(250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals requires consideration of regional context and local situations. In light of this statement examine the role of Panchayats as catalysts for grassroots development and advancing sustainable development.(250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Examine the influence of human rights issues and democratic values on the diplomatic relationship between the U.S. and India. How have these concerns affected bilateral engagements and what can be done to mitigate tensions arising from these issues? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7659,"topper":"Sidaq Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/sidaq-singh-test-3-1747638499423.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"A. \"It is wrong to assume that ethical decisions are, can or should be purely rational and principled. Human feelings are an inseparable part of our ethical life.\" In what way do feelings impact our ethical decisions? Illustrate with examples. (150 words, 10 marks) B. What do you understand by ethics management? Can public officials manage ethics in the work place in a manner similar to managing budgets, policies and people? Do you think adopting codes of ethics and conduct is sufficient enough for managing ethics in the workplace or something more is needed? Discuss. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"While traditional ethics has focussed on notions of justice, fair allocation and obligations, ethics of care emphasise maintaining connectedness and promoting care. Which of the above two ethical perspectives is more suitable for guiding ethical decision making in the context of public services. Explain your position with suitable examples. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"What does the term “quality” mean in service delivery. What are the components of service quality and indicate ways and means for ensuring total quality in terms of efficiency, economy and effectiveness? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"In the context of public service, what does public service attitude mean? Discuss the attitude biases that affects a public servants on field decision making? Explain how a public servant can overcome such attitude biases? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"I am a Moslem; I am a Hindu; I am a Christian; I am a Jew.\" Mahatma Gandhi. What did Mahatma Gandhi mean by the above statement? Some philosophers have argued that religion is harmful to the moral life, whereas others have claimed that it is necessary to it. Explain your position on the relationship between religion and morality. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Do you think values such as \\\"tyaga,\\\" (renunciation) \\\"seva,\\\" (service) \\\"daanam,\\\" (Charity) \\\"damah,\\\" (self-control) that are espoused in traditional Indian Wisdom have relevance for modern day public servants? Why? Why not? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Explain the difference between conflict among interests and conflict among various sources of authority. Illustrate with relevant examples. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The domain of governance is ridden with uncertainties, ambiguities and paradoxes and this can at times lead to timidity and withdrawal among public administrators. Discuss the relevance of inner courage for overcoming and coping with ambiguities. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Given below are three quotations of philosophers. What do each of the quotations convey to you in the present context?\\ A. \"To feel for others, and little for ourselves; to restrain our selfish, and exercise our benevolent affections, constitutes the perfection of human nature.\" Adam Smith (150 words, 10 marks)\\ B. \"Virtue lies in our power, and so does vice; because where it is in our power to act, it is also in our power not to act.\" Aristotle (150 words, 10 marks)\\ C. \"I know that I am intelligent, because I know that I know nothing.\" Socrates(150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"What are the ethical issues and dilemmas that confronts you in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Discuss the available options along with its merits and demerits.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"What will be your chosen course of action? Why (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What are the administrative and ethical issues involved in the above situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the merits and demerits of each option and explain your chosen course of action along with reasons. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"What are the issues involved in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"Is it ethically justified to be devoted to duty at the cost of the personal safety of the staff? Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"How will you go about doing your election duties without compromising the safety of your staff? Explain. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Case Study 4: A smart city project is underway, and you have been appointed Head of Procurement. Before this assignment, you held a similar role in a major public sector undertaking (PSU), where you earned a reputation for your tender drafting and vendor management skills. Given the smart city project's scale and significant procurement requirements, you seemed the perfect fit to lead the procurement section. A month ago, your section invited tenders for building supplies. Among the applicants was Mr. Sharma, a supplier you knew from your previous role at the PSU. Mr. Sharma lived in your neighbourhood, and your spouses were friends. Despite this personal connection, you have always maintained strict professional boundaries. Upon scrutinising all the tenders, your section found Mr. Sharma's terms the most competitive, so the tender was awarded to him. However, once the decision was made public, another vendor, Mr Patel, accused you of colluding with Mr Sharma due to your previous relationship. Mr. Patel filed a formal complaint with the Department Seniors, providing evidence of your prior association with Mr. Sharma. As a result, an enquiry was initiated, and you were placed on compulsory leave pending its outcome. This situation left you questioning where you might have gone wrong despite your efforts to maintain professionalism. 1. Do you think the above case involves a conflict of interest or there are more issues? Explain 2. Keeping the above case in perspective, discuss the relevance of impartiality and non-partisanship as professional value. 3. In hindsight, how do you think you could have avoided the above unpleasant situation. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Discuss the administrative and ethical issues involved in the above case.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"Do you think it was morally right on your part to write to the minister? Justify","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"How will you respond to the action initiated against you? Discuss the available options and justify your selected course of action. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":55,"question":"Identify and explain your chosen course of action after evaluating the merits and demerits of each option. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":7660,"topper":"Sidaq Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/sidaq-singh-test-1-1747638462207.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Besides being public servants, they are also citizens and have personal lives. At times, there is an inherent tension among the roles. How can a public servant effectively navigate the intrinsic tension between personal interests and official duties and between private inclinations and public obligations? Explain (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"\"Ideas are the cornerstone of a strong public service framework globally.\" In the context of this statement, discuss the ideas of a philosopher whose ideas you believe are most pertinent to the civil services in India. (b) (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"\"The challenge of power lies in its responsible application rather than its irresponsible and indulgent use-specifically, how to motivate those in power to serve the public rather than exploit it.\" Analyse the relationship between power and public service. Do you believe that the concept of power conflicts with the ideal of service, or do they complement each other? Substantiate your viewpoint. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Human values emphasise the humane aspects of public servants, whereas public service values focus on the transparency and effectiveness of service delivery. Do you think these value systems conflict with or complement each other? Justify your perspective with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"\"When good individuals in any society become complacent and cease their vigilance and struggle, malevolent forces prevail.\" Discuss the role and significance of civil society in curbing corruption and official misconduct. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Do you agree with feminist ethicists that women are \"more emotional\" and prioritise relationships over rules, reflecting different yet equally valuable ethical perspectives? Justify your viewpoints with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Ideally, ethics and law should be harmonious in the context of administration, yet conflicts between them can arise. How should an administrator handle conflicts between legal directives and ethical considerations, particularly when directives are illegal and laws are unjust? Discuss (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Critically evaluate the role of family and educational institutions in shaping ethical values among civil servants. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"How can civil servants cultivate a positive attitude towards the weaker sections of society? Suggest some implementable and practical steps. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Business ethicists believe that external and internal regulations are insufficient for curtailing or preventing corporate malpractices; they strongly advocate the presence of whistleblowing mechanisms as a check against corporate misgovernance. Do you think corporate governance is incomplete without whistleblowing? Why/Why not? Explain (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss the relevance of the following quotes to the present times. (a) \"Moral actions belong to the jurisdiction of the outward and inward court, both civil and domestic governor; I mean both the magistrate and conscience.\" Locke (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"The maintenance team had not adequately serviced the bus's braking system. These findings highlighted severe lapses in both the human and mechanical aspects of the transport system. Upon concluding the inquiry, you realized the complexity of the situation. There were numerous uncertainties and ambiguities, preventing a straightforward assignment of responsibility or a definitive conclusion. The accident might have been averted if the maintenance team had performed their duties diligently. Similarly, if the bus driver had not been intoxicated, he might have been able to prevent the bus from falling into the ravine. As the Head of Safety, the conclusions of your report carry significant consequences. Firstly, if the driver is deemed culpable due to his intoxication, his family may lose a substantial amount of post-death benefits because he was under the influence while on duty. Secondly, if you conceal the driver's intoxication and attribute the incident solely to poor maintenance, the maintenance crew would face job termination. This situation required extensive introspection before finalizing the report. (a) Identify the ethical issues and dilemmas in the above case. (b) What are the options available to you in the above case? (c) What do you think is more ethical to focus on the personal responsibility of the driver, who was intoxicated, or on the broader systemic issue of maintenance failures? Justify your answer with relevant ethical theories. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"As the Head of Safety, the conclusions of your report carry significant consequences. Firstly, if the driver is deemed culpable due to his intoxication, his family may lose a substantial amount of post-death benefits because he was under the influence while on duty. Secondly, if you conceal the driver's intoxication and attribute the incident solely to poor maintenance, the maintenance crew would face job termination. This situation required extensive introspection before finalizing the report. (a) Identify the ethical issues and dilemmas in the above case. (b) What are the options available to you in the above case? (c) What do you think is more ethical to focus on the personal responsibility of the driver, who was intoxicated, or on the broader systemic issue of maintenance failures? Justify your answer with relevant ethical theories. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"As an officer in the Right to Information (RTI) division of the Defence Ministry, your primary responsibility is to respond to RTI queries by furnishing relevant details. Most of these RTI applications pertain to tender information and procurement contracts. However, occasionally, applications concerning sensitive matters arise, requiring you to seek legal advice and obtain approval from your senior before responding. Recently, an RTI application was received that involved sensitive departmental initiatives. Following protocol, you sought legal advice, and the legal officer cleared the response. However, your senior did not approve the reply and instructed you to be opaque in your response. Respecting the chain of command, you adhered to the senior's directive and provided a vague and non-informative reply. Undeterred by the initial response, the applicant resubmitted the application, demonstrating persistence. Once again, you followed the senior's instructions and kept the response deliberately vague. This cycle continued, with the applicant becoming increasingly relentless. One day, the entire email trail related to this RTI case got leaked and found its way to the media. It was revealed that the persistent applicant was an RTI activist, dedicated to ensuring transparency and accountability within government departments. The media coverage brought significant public attention and scrutiny to the Defence Ministry's handling of RTI requests, particularly those concerning sensitive information. In the aftermath of the media exposure, your senior officer instructed you to take responsibility for the opaque responses. You were left questioning your actions and decisions, pondering where you might have gone wrong. (a) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you in the above case? (c) Considering the persistent nature of the RTI activist and the public's right to information, how should you navigate the tension between national security concerns and the principles of transparency and accountability? Explain (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What are the ethical issues and dilemmas in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you in the above case? (c) Considering the persistent nature of the RTI activist and the public's right to information, how should you navigate the tension between national security concerns and the principles of transparency and accountability? Explain (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"In a critical meeting, the state Chief Secretary, Mr. Vikram Patel, emphasized the urgency of advancing the project and held Ms. Rao accountable for the delays, lack of progress, and overall non-performance. Ms. Rao left the meeting disappointed and felt holding her accountable for delay was unfair as there were others also involved in the project. (a) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas involved in the above case? (b) What are the options available to Ms. Rao? (c) What course of action would you suggest for Ms. Rao? Why? (d) Do you think holding Ms. Rao accountable for the delays was justified? Why/Why not? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"Ms. Sharma is the Director of the Department of Health and Family Welfare in a large Indian state. The department is responsible for implementing health policies, managing public health facilities, and ensuring the delivery of healthcare services. The workforce comprises a mix of senior officials, mid-level managers, and frontline health workers. Over the past few months, Ms. Sharma has received multiple complaints about Mr. Arvind Gupta, a senior official known for his authoritative management style. Mr. Gupta is a performance-driven officer who sometimes publicly berates subordinates and intimidates staff to get work done. One such complaint came from Ms. Anita Verma, a mid-level manager who reported that Mr. Gupta publicly berated her during a departmental meeting, calling her “incompetent” and “useless” in front of her peers. Ms. Verma stated that this incident severely impacted her mental health and work performance, causing her considerable distress. Other employees shared similar experiences. Mr. Ravi Kumar, a junior officer, recounted an instance where Mr. Gupta threatened to terminate his employment if he failed to complete an unrealistic workload within a tight deadline. He described Mr. Gupta’s behaviour as harsh and demeaning, with frequent outbursts of anger and unwarranted criticism that created a climate of fear and anxiety in the workplace. Despite his behaviour, Mr. Gupta is recognized for his exceptional work performance. He has been instrumental in implementing several successful health initiatives, significantly improving healthcare delivery in districts. His expertise and dedication have made him an indispensable asset to the department, complicating the decision to address the complaints against him. Ms. Sharma had a tough decision to make. She knew she had to be strict, but she was also worried about the workflow disruption that action against Mr. Gupta could cause. (a) What are the issues and dilemmas that confront Ms. Sharma? (b) What ethical principles should guide Ms. Sharma in addressing the harassment and bullying complaints in her department? (c) What long-term strategies should be implemented to prevent harassment and bullying in government departments? How can these strategies promote a culture of respect and inclusivity? ((Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":7661,"topper":"Sidaq Singh","air":157,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/003c1-160702_1420_sidaq_singh_rank_157.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7662,"topper":"Sidaq Singh","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/SIDAQ-SINGH-UPSC-2024-Rank-157-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"How will you explain the mutually reinforcing relationship between the twin threats of terrorism and organized crime? What steps can be taken to break this unholy alliance? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Drug trafficking has broken the traditional mould and taken new forms and routes in the contemporary times. Explain. Also, with special reference to Operation Samudragupta, discuss the steps taken by the government in this regard. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Enumerate the various cyberthreats faced by the country. Discuss the measures taken by the government to enhance the cybersecurity framework. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"How does the global nature of money laundering create challenges for governments and enforcement agencies? Suggest measures to address the issue effectively. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the importance of tackling cross-border threats for effective border management. To what extent can the people living in India's border regions help in enhancing border security? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What are the reasons for the persistence of Naxalism in certain areas of the country? What measures can be taken to control it? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":16,"question":"Highlighting the impacts of fake news on the internal security of the country, suggest measures to tackle the same. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":19,"question":"Elucidate the challenges posed by hybrid warfare to the national security and suggest comprehensive counter-measures. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":22,"question":"Backbone of country's security paradigm, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) are beset with challenges of their own. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"The internal security of a nation is intricately tied to peace and prosperity in the neighbouring countries. Discuss with special reference to India's north-east region. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7663,"topper":"SIDDHARTH BARWAL","air":823,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/49/pttp220361_tc061.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7664,"topper":"SIDDHARTH BARWAL","air":823,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/50/pttp220361_tc062.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7665,"topper":"SIDDHARTH BARWAL","air":823,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/51/pttp220361_tc063.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7666,"topper":"SIDDHARTH BARWAL","air":823,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/52/pttp220361_tc064.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7667,"topper":"SIDDHARTH BARWAL","air":823,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/53/pttp220361_tc065.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7668,"topper":"SIDDHARTH BARWAL","air":823,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/300/pttp220361_tc071-test-01-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7669,"topper":"SIDDHARTH BARWAL","air":823,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/304/pttp220361_tc075-test-05-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7670,"topper":"SIDDHARTH BARWAL","air":823,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/301/pttp220361_tc072-test-02-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7671,"topper":"SIDDHARTH BARWAL","air":823,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/302/pttp220361_tc073-test-03-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7672,"topper":"SIDDHARTH BARWAL","air":823,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/305/pttp220361_tc077-test-07-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7673,"topper":"SIDDHARTH BARWAL","air":823,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/303/pttp220361_tc074-test-04-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7674,"topper":"SIDDHARTH BARWAL","air":823,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/306/pttp220361_tc078-test-08-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7675,"topper":"SIDDHARTH BARWAL","air":823,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/293/pttp220361_tc071-test-01-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7676,"topper":"SIDDHARTH BARWAL","air":823,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/294/pttp220361_tc072-test-02-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7677,"topper":"SIDDHARTH BARWAL","air":823,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/295/pttp220361_tc073-test-03-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7678,"topper":"SIDDHARTH BARWAL","air":823,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/296/pttp220361_tc074-test-04-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7679,"topper":"SIDDHARTH BARWAL","air":823,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/297/pttp220361_tc075-test-05-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7680,"topper":"SIDDHARTH BARWAL","air":823,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/298/pttp220361_tc077-test-07-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7681,"topper":"SIDDHARTH BARWAL","air":823,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/299/pttp220361_tc078-test-08-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7682,"topper":"SIDDHARTH JAIN","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/13_Siddharth_Jain_3167_691_GS.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"\"India lacks an independent nuclear regulatory mechanism with the mandate to ensure high standards of safety and security at civilian nuclear facilities.\" In the light of the above statement examine the prevalent nuclear regulatory mechanism in India. How far can an independent body like Nuclear Safety Regulatory Authority address this issue?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"RTI Act has been considered by many as the second most important legal document after the Constitution. In the light of the above statement describe the importance of Information Commissions at the center and state levels. Discuss the challenges that they have been facing in fulfilling their mandate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Promulgation of ordinances by the Central and State government reduces the legislative process to a private affair. It then becomes imperative that the ordinance-making power be suitably restrained to create a balance of power between the executive and the legislature.\" Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Article 326 of the constitution gives the right to vote to every citizen of India. However, the constituency based electoral system does not adequately facilitate the exercise of these rights for sections such as internal migrants, service personnel and NRIs. Discuss the issues involved and the measures proposed to address the issue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"The possibility of friction or conflict, as a result of the functioning of multiple regulators overseeing the different segments of financial sector, does not make a convincing case for a single all-powerful super-regulator. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"\"Even though India represents a sui-generis case of a compromise between Parliamentary Supremacy and Judicial Supremacy, Parliament still remains the dominant partner.\" Critically analyze.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"There has been a constant attempt towards making Panchayati Raj Institutions more egalitarian to do away with the wrongs created by the caste system, gender inequality and economic disparities. In this context discuss the challenges in effective implementation of inclusive governance through Panchayati Raj Institutions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"What are the issues associated with the recent ordinance passed by the Rajasthan government stipulating a minimum educational qualification for contesting local elections? Is this a setback to the constitutional mandate of ensuring gender equality in Panchayati governance?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Budget making in India is the sole prerogative of the Ministry of Finance. However, diverse opinions go into the process leading up to the presentation of Annual Budget. Provide a succinct illustration of the role of pressure groups in the budget making process in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"The recent judgment of the Supreme Court on the National Tax Tribunal Act aims to restore the balance in separation of powers. However, the judgment would go against the idea of Tribunals under the constitution. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"\"Lobbying and bribing are often equated to be similar terms in general parlance.\" Is lobbying the same as bribing? Should lobbying be legalised in India? Discuss providing examples from other countries.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"In comparison with the American constitutional arrangement, where there is strict separation of executive and legislature, the Indian Constitution provides for a fused structure. Do you think this system has worked for India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"The Indian electoral system aims at ensuring equitable representation to the vulnerable sections. In this context, discuss the issue of womens' representation at different levels of governance in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"It has often been argued that the MPLAD Scheme is inconsistent with the spirit of the Constitution and an anti-thesis to decentralization. In this context, examine whether the time has arrived to scrap the MPLAD Scheme.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Should the CAG be allowed to comment on issues of extravagance and efficiency, apart from the legality of a particular expenditure? Analyse. Also examine if the mandate of the CAG audit be extended to the private bodies involved in public projects.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"The Upper Chamber of Parliaments across the world are generally considered less powerful vis-à-vis their Lower Chamber. However, they are also vested with certain functions and powers, which enables them to play a decisive role. Critically analyse with special emphasis on India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Should the Section 8 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 be amended to disqualify candidates accused of an offence punishable by imprisonment of 5 years or more even when trial is pending, given that the Court has framed charges against the person? Discuss in the light of the SC judgment on the issue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"There are three justifications for regulatory interventions: prevention of market failure, checking anti-competitive practices and promoting public interest. In context of the above statement, critically examine the functioning of regulatory bodies in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"\"The power of the Union Government to enter into international treaties cannot be absolute or unchartered in view of the federal structure of legislative and executive powers.\" In context of the above statement examine the need for greater involvement of states in the foreign policy making process.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7683,"topper":"SIDDHARTH JAIN","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/13_Siddharth_Jain_3167_615_GS.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"There has been a great deal of soul-searching in India over the fact that none of its universities make it to the top 200 of the World University Rankings. What can be the reason behind such performance by Indian universities on the global level? Is it justified to evaluate Indian universities on the basis of parameters involved in such rankings? What changes are required to improve their performance in the context of global rankings?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"Bureaucracy has a love-hate relationship with democracy. As a servant it is invaluable but as a master it can ruin us. Discuss in light of relationship between democracy and bureaucracy in India since independence. Also, examine the ways in which the democratic credentials of the bureaucracy can be strengthened.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Digital India programme has the potential to not only transform the citizen service delivery, but also provide the much needed impetus for key social and industrial sectors. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"Citizens' participation in governance embodies a shift in the development paradigm from citizens as passive recipients to active participants in the development process. What are the different mechanisms for citizens' participation in the development process? Illustrate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"Critically comment on some of the important provisions of the proposed Road Transport and Safety Bill, 2014. Do you think imposing hefty penalties on traffic rule violations can ensure road safety? Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"\"There is an urgent need to institutionalize social audit for major welfare schemes as a large part of the government's budget is spent on them\". What are the benefits of social audit? Citing relevant examples, bring out the loopholes in its implementation. Also, suggest some measures for its improvement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"\"Though e-governance has facilitated the collection of taxes it has not provided any control over how the tax money is utilized\". In this context, discuss if the problem in India is not of e-governance deficit but of governance deficit.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"The dream of making India a global manufacturing hub in a highly competitive world economy cannot be realized in the absence of a sustainable skill pool. Examine the structural and functional constraints w.r.t. skill development programme in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"Hitherto, healthcare policy in india has turned a blind eye towards neo-natals. In light of the above statement, examine the constraints faced and the steps taken to tackle the problem of neo-natal mortality in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":55,"question":"The four main priorities for education policy have been Access, Equity, Quality and Governance. New education policies should continue to prioritise these four areas, however, there must be greater emphasis on improving learning outcomes at all levels. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":61,"question":"What are the key concerns raised by the recent casualties at sterilization camps in Chhattisgarh? Identify the changes that can be instituted to make the family planning initiatives in India both safe and effective.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7684,"topper":"SIDDHARTH JAIN","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/13_Siddharth_Jain_3167_637_GS.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Many experts believe that India is a bright spot in the world economy today. However, indicators like export growth, household savings, non-performing assets, manufacturing growth etc. paint a different picture. Discuss these two contradictory positions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"In context of the recent surge in prices of pulses, explain the reasons for low production of pulses in India and give the reasons behind the price volatility of pulses. Enumerate the measures that need to be taken by Central and State governments to control the prices.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Skill India is a daunting task of keeping sight on the manpower requirements of the industry and the infrastructure needed for achieving the targets of skilling. Discuss. Further examine how the 3I's of skills - Investment, Innovations and Institutions - can help in improving the quality of training, assessment and jobs.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Explaining the Hybrid Annuity Model, discuss how far it can help to revive private participation in large infrastructure projects.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"The rail ministry is ignoring the fundamental change required to transform Indian railways to suit 21st century demands. The way forward is to dismantle the archaic organizational structure set up during the 19th century and establish a more efficient mechanism to operate the 17 zones. Discuss in the context of Bibek Debroy panel committee recommendations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Digital currency represents a decentralized form of money that is more secure, more fungible and more functional than anything we've seen before. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Maritime Transport is critical for the social and economic development of a country. What are the key features of the 'Vision for coastal shipping, tourism and regional development' released by the Ministry of Shipping? What are the challenges in realizing that vision?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"The central government has recently launched KISAN project for crop insurance in agriculture sector that will use geo-informatics system along with high-resolution data from UAV based imaging. How can space, drone, weather and other high-end technologies be used for crop insurance programme? What are the challenges in their implementation? Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"The long-standing demand of merging FMC into SEBI has materialized recently. How is this move expected to affect the commodity trading space in India? Explain.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"\"Indradhanush- the seven-pronged strategy for public sector banks announced by the government- lacks measures to tackle NPAs\". Discuss the various internal and external factors responsible for NPAs.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"The heat wave in 2015 was the 5th most deadliest one in the recorded history. Describe the phenomenon of Heat Wave. What are its health impacts? What measures can the government take to avoid casualties from this recurring phenomenon?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Urban waste management is a crucial part of Smart City project. How can scientific treatment be utilized to tackle urban waste? What are the policy measures taken in this regard?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Is there a need for constituting a separate ministry and a National Executive Committee as envisaged under the NDMA, 2005? Discuss in the light of recommendations by 2nd ARC.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Tribal land alienation and socio economic deprivation has been linked to development of extremism. In this regard, discuss the measures suggested by Virginus Xaxa committee for overall development of tribals in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Malabar-2015 and AUSINDEX are part of a broader collective effort to preserve the balance of maritime power in the Indo-Pacific littorals. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"While technological innovation has been given a major thrust in recent times, there are certain impediments in the inculcation of scientific fervour in youth. Elaborate. How can the Rashtriya Avishkar Abhiyan help in fostering an innovative spirit?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Astrosat launched by ISRO has been described as the miniature version of the famous Hubble telescope. What are the objectives of this launch? How would it help in fulfilling the needs of our scientific community?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"While transfer of defence technology to India from the US could give a much needed shot in the arm for modernization of our armed forces, harvesting the same pose some challenges. Elaborate. Also, discuss the issues in the Defence Trade and Technology Initiative (DTTI) of the US Government that have implications for the further growth of defence cooperation between India and the US.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7685,"topper":"Siddharth K Misra","air":106,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1lVUGVXh-d83qdWyVIiEt9XynZYtc3UKt","questions":[]},{"id":7686,"topper":"Siddharth K Misra","air":255,"year":2021,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1heOVaXzfyuyEophe3SRiJ3fQa5aeWJLT","questions":[]},{"id":7687,"topper":"Siddharth K Misra","air":106,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1q1rpEAvEbw3djU0pIzXdGPvtvPYwuihk","questions":[]},{"id":7688,"topper":"Siddharth K Misra","air":255,"year":2021,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1EVnReKFPhngw-9gmbAll4PU9FsbLJnGN","questions":[]},{"id":7689,"topper":"Siddharth K Misra","air":255,"year":2021,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1BEh2qn_xQLz3iNXHQuO1MuxFseYHyfcJ","questions":[]},{"id":7690,"topper":"Siddharth Kumar Meena","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0878c-74007_2364_siddharth_kumar_meena_rabk_873.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the criticisms faced by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in fulfilling its mandate of investigating offences of money laundering and violations of foreign exchange laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Why are the Departmentally Related Standing Committees (DRSCs), also known as 'Mini Parliament', not effective in carrying out their functions? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What are the similarities and differences with regard to the separation of powers in India, USA, and UK? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Though measures adopted by the Central government have impacted state finances, the state governments themselves are mainly responsible for the financial challenges they face. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The Supreme Court of India recently recognised that the right against the adverse impacts of climate change is intertwined with the right to life and equality. Discuss the role played by the judiciary in constitutionalization of environmental issues. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"SHG federations have emerged as an important institutional innovation to sustain SHGs in India. Discuss. What inadequacies hamper their functioning? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Frequent transfers are a pervasive problem among the higher civil service in India. Discuss the drawbacks associated with frequent transfers of civil servants and suggest reforms to overcome this issue. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Despite being a major food producer and implementing extensive nutrition programmes, why does India continue to struggle with the malnutrition crisis? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"India's close engagements with Iran would continue even if it may cause discomfort with the West.\" In the light of the above statement, explain why maintaining a relationship with Iran is significant for India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the role of the India-China Border Peace and Tranquility Agreement (BPTA) in effectively diffusing border tensions between India and China. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"To what extent, in your opinion, can holding simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies augment overall governance in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The Indian Constitution is a living document that has evolved with time to reflect the changing needs and aspirations of the society. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"How do the deficiencies in the Indian criminal justice system impact the human rights of undertrial prisoners? What reforms are necessary to address these deficiencies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Why has the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) not been able to effectively carry out its role as the watchdog of human rights in India? What are the reasons that have prevented it from getting accreditation from the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI)? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the background and key provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. List the implementation challenges that the Act faces. What measures can improve its effectiveness? Refer to Supreme Court judgments in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"With issues of prejudice and partisanship associated with Speakers of State Legislative Assemblies, should the powers under the anti-defection law be taken away from their hands? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Recently, the UGC released regulations for establishment and operation of campuses by foreign universities in India. Discuss the reasons for allowing the entry of Foreign Higher Educational Institutions (FHEIs) in India. What are the major obstacles in ensuring their smooth entry? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"To what extent has the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) achieved its core objectives? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"\"Changing geopolitical realities make the strategic location of the Bay of Bengal crucial to the wider concept of the Indo-Pacific.\" In the light of the above statement, discuss the role of the BIMSTEC in enhancing regional cooperation and promoting stability. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Discuss how India's expanding defence diplomacy strengthens its influence in the neighbourhood. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7691,"topper":"Siddharth Kumar Meena","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/30120-74007_2368_siddharth_kumar_meena_rabk_873.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The evolving interpretation by the courts have led to the expansion of the scope of the Right to Life and Personal Liberty under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. Discuss with the help of relevant case laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Analyse how Section 8A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 preserves the integrity of the electoral process in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"With what objectives was the Ninth Schedule of the Indian Constitution initially introduced? Can the Supreme Court review a legislation that has been placed in the Ninth Schedule? Discuss with the help of case laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Online Dispute Resolution's (ODR) promise of access to just, speedy and effective resolution of disputes is beset with several challenges. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The Right to Information (RTI) Act has fallen into redundancy owing to the issues faced by the Office of the Central Information Commission. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"How has Information and Communication Technology (ICT) transformed the governance landscape at the grassroots level in India? What are the key obstacles in leveraging its full potential? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How does the politicization of the civil services corrode the 'steel frame' of governance in India? What measures can be implemented to counteract this effect? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Gender is an important dimension of ageing. What measures can be taken to solve the problems of elderly women facing social alienation and deprivation in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What role can the Indian diaspora play in fostering political and economic engagement between India and African countries? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"More than a decade after its inception, the benefits of the Belt and Road Initiative have proven to be illusory, especially for developing countries. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss the financial constraints faced by the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in India. What measures can be taken to augment their revenue resources? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Discuss the role of the Election Commission of India (ECI) in ensuring free and fair elections in India. How will the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Act, 2023 impact the independence of the ECI? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 has played a significant role in preventing atrocities and providing protection against discrimination of marginalized communities in India. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the functions of the National Commission for Women (NCW). How does the Commission benefit from having the powers of a civil court in dealing with women's issues? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Critically analyse the effectiveness of the POCSO Act, 2012 in addressing the issue of child sexual abuse in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Critically evaluate the implementation of the Smart Cities Mission in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"While extreme poverty has declined considerably in India, access to healthy food still remains a luxury. Discuss the reasons for poor access to healthy food and suggest measures to overcome the same. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Examine the role of publicly funded health insurance in improving health outcomes in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"To what extent has India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy been successful in enhancing its relations with the neighbouring countries? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Examine the effects of escalating conflicts in West Asia on regional and global stability, highlighting the significant repercussions for India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7692,"topper":"Siddharth Kumar Meena","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/849fb-74007_2366_siddharth_kumar_meena_rabk_873.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"How can the family effectively transmit core moral principles in an era dominated by digital influences? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Though conscience generally serves as a crucial guide in ethical decision-making, it is sometimes fraught with limitations. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What ethical principles should govern the utilization of public funds? Discuss the moral implications of using taxpayer money to bail out large corporations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Probity means more than just the avoidance of corrupt or dishonest conduct. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What does the following quotation convey to you in the present context. (a) \"To educate a man in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society.\" - Theodore Roosevelt (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.\" - Henry Ford (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"\"Laws are silent in times of war.\" - Cicero (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Good corporate governance is about intellectual honesty and not just sticking to rules and regulations. Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"In general, the higher a position in an organization, the more emotional intelligence matters. Do you agree with this view? Give reasons in support of your answer. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In addition to neutrality and non-partisanship, tolerance and inclusion are other important values that facilitate the civil servants to be more competent in a diverse country like India. Explain with suitable illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What are the key principles of public service delivery? Discuss the challenges associated with providing effective public service delivery in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"When it comes to attitudinal change towards sustainable development, behavioural nudges are the way forward. Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"What lessons can be learnt from the life of Mother Teresa? Discuss their relevance in the contemporary world. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You are the Superintendent of Police in a city hosting a major religious festival at a temple. The event is expected to attract over a million pilgrims, far exceeding the temple's infrastructure capacity. Despite extensive planning and precautionary measures, a sudden crowd surge near the main shrine entrance has resulted in a stampede, causing multiple casualties and numerous injuries. The situation has escalated, with panic spreading among the devotees present at the temple. Adding to the complexity, instances of fake news are rapidly circulating through WhatsApp groups and social media platforms, falsely attributing the stampede to communal clashes. This misinformation is causing widespread panic among the general public and threatens to ignite communal riots in the district. As the Superintendent of Police, you find yourself at the center of this crisis, faced with the dual challenge of managing the immediate aftermath of the stampede and countering the spread of potentially dangerous misinformation. (a) Identify the key stakeholders involved in this case. (b) Explain the measures you, as the Superintendent of Police, will take to address the stampede situation and curb the spread of fake news through social media. (c) Discuss the ethical considerations you must keep in mind while implementing these measures, particularly in balancing public safety with individual rights and religious sentiments. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Identify the key stakeholders involved in this case. (b) Explain the measures you, as the Superintendent of Police, will take to address the stampede situation and curb the spread of fake news through social media. (c) Discuss the ethical considerations you must keep in mind while implementing these measures, particularly in balancing public safety with individual rights and religious sentiments. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the broader implications of celebrity endorsements and their influence on public health and consumer behaviour. (c) How can public figures like Ravi use their influence to promote ethical business practices in the advertising industry? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"You are posted as the District Magistrate in a predominantly agricultural district. Recently, the region has been hit by unseasonal rainfall, causing severe crop damage and pushing the farming community to the brink of crisis. The situation is further exacerbated by widespread corruption in the food grain procurement system. You have received reports about rampant malpractices in the warehouses responsible for procuring food grains from farmers. These corrupt practices include deliberate delays in the procurement process, manipulation of weighing scales, arbitrary quality rejections, and demands for bribes from desperate farmers. As a result, farmers are facing significant financial losses, with many unable to recover even their input costs. Many farmers are unable to sell their produce, while others are forced to sell at prices far below the Minimum Support Price (MSP). This has led to financial distress for the farming community. Adding to the complexity, you have received reports suggesting that some local politicians and influential businessmen are involved in these corrupt practices, benefiting from the farmers' misery. There are also rumors of potential farmer protests and agitations if immediate action is not taken. As the District Magistrate, you are faced with the challenge of addressing both the immediate crisis and the systemic issues that have led to this situation. (a) Identify the key stakeholders involved in this case and their respective interests. (b) Discuss the immediate measures you will take to provide relief to the affected farming community. (c) Discuss the ethical dilemmas you might face while implementing your chosen course of action and how you would navigate them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"As the District Magistrate, you are faced with the challenge of addressing both the immediate crisis and the systemic issues that have led to this situation. (a) Identify the key stakeholders involved in this case and their respective interests. (b) Discuss the immediate measures you will take to provide relief to the affected farming community. (c) Discuss the ethical dilemmas you might face while implementing your chosen course of action and how you would navigate them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Mr. V, recently appointed as the head of Aztack's India division, faces a significant ethical dilemma regarding the company's baby food products. Recently, it has come to public attention that Aztack's baby products in India contain nearly 3 grams of sugar per serving, while similar products in wealthier nations like Germany and the UK have no added sugar. Aztack defends this practice, stating that the sugar levels comply with local regulations. However, the nutritional information on these products omits details about added sugars. This revelation has sparked backlash from civil society, NGOs, and health experts, who argue that added sugar in baby products is dangerous and unnecessary. The criticism is growing, putting Aztack's reputation and market position at risk. Mr. V faces a serious challenge. Removing these baby products from the market could result in significant financial losses for the company, potentially leading to employee layoffs and even the possibility of the company shutting down, given its already precarious financial state. The senior management is pressuring him to resolve the issue without making drastic changes that could affect the company's profit. (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) Evaluate the options available to Mr. V in the above situation. (c) Which of the above would be the most appropriate option for Mr.V and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Sagar Mehta, a 42-year-old professional with an impeccable track record in the corporate world, had recently accepted the position of CEO at Infratech Solutions, one of India's largest infrastructure companies. Known for its expertise in designing and constructing roads and bridges, Infratech had built a strong reputation over the past three decades, primarily working on projects for state public works departments and occasionally securing contracts with national agencies. For Sagar, this role was the culmination of 15 years of hard work and dedication. He had climbed the corporate ladder through sheer talent and integrity, always adhering to ethical business practices. His appointment as CEO of Infratech was seen as a breath of fresh air in an industry often marred by controversies. Eight months into his new role, Sagar was feeling confident about the direction in which he was steering the company. He had implemented new technologies, streamlined processes, and was pushing for more sustainable practices in their projects. One evening, while reviewing some financial documents, Sagar noticed a pattern of large outflows to various obscure entities just before major contract announcements. Intrigued and slightly concerned, he decided to dig deeper. He found out that Infratech had been making substantial political donations to the election campaigns of ruling party members in states where they were bidding for contracts. These donations were carefully timed and strategically distributed to maximize the company's chances of securing lucrative government projects. Sagar had always prided himself on running clean operations. Determined to address this issue, Sagar raised the matter at the next Board meeting. To his shock and dismay, the Board of Directors not only acknowledged the practice but also strongly defended it. The message was clear - the Board expected Sagar to continue this practice, and any deviation could jeopardize not just the company's stability but also his position as CEO. As Sagar left the meeting, he felt the weight of this ethical dilemma bearing down on him. On the one hand, he was responsible for the company's success and the livelihoods of thousands of employees who depended on Infratech. On the other hand, he was now complicit in a practice that he found ethically questionable and potentially illegal. (a) State the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) Evaluate the options available to Sagar. (c) What should be his course of action? Give reasons to support your answer. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"As you stand there, torn between your professional duty and your love for your daughter, you realize the weight of the decision before you. The integrity of the entire examination system hangs in the balance, as does the future of millions of students - including your own child. (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) As a person responsible for ensuring exam protocols, what are the options available to you? What course of action will you follow and why?(Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7693,"topper":"Siddharth Kumar Meena","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e8d38-74007_2370_siddharth_kumar_meena_rabk_873.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Does moral conscience always complement laws, rules, and regulations in ethical decision-making? Support your answer with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Compassion towards weaker sections of society is essential and non-negotiable in a country like India. Examine with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Corruption exists and thrives in Indian society because it is socially accepted and even seen as aspirational. Do you agree with this view? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Social accountability is increasingly recognized as a means of enhancing democratic governance and improving service delivery. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What does the following quotation convey to you in the present context. (a) \"The human voice can never reach the distance that is covered by the still small voice of conscience.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Fortitude is the marshal of thought, the armor of the will, and the fort of reason.\" - Francis Bacon. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"\"Character is repeated habits, and repeated habits alone can reform character.\" - Swami Vivekananda (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"How can organizations balance healthy competition while preventing undue pressure on employees? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Formation of attitudes is a crucial aspect of the socialization process. Discuss the various factors that contribute to the development of attitudes in individuals. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Conflicts are inevitable in any workplace, and administrative roles are no exception. In light of this, discuss the role of emotional intelligence in conflict management. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Discuss how attitude plays a crucial role in shaping our perceptions and interactions with the world. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Recent studies indicate that Generation Z is experiencing higher levels of loneliness than the previous generations. What are the possible reasons for this trend? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"What role does leadership play in fostering an ethical work culture? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"You are the Director of a Public Sector Unit (PSU) that specializes in the manufacturing of critical defense products for the country and exports it all over the world. Your unit is renowned for its expertise and efficiency, as it consistently delivers vital products on time. Your unit has recently received a crucial order to manufacture specific products as part of a high-priority defense project with a tight deadline. However, you face a daunting challenge. With rising raw material costs and budget constraints, the unit has almost exhausted its funds for the year. Hiring additional manpower, a crucial need to meet the fast-approaching deadline for a critical defense project, is out of the question until the next budgetary allocation which is going to happen in months. Meanwhile, your existing workforce, already putting in grueling 10-11 hour shifts, six days a week, is visibly demotivated and showing signs of fatigue. You presented the issue to the senior management, highlighting the unsustainable work schedule and potential burnout risks. The management acknowledged the situation but, constrained by the funding deficit, urged you to find internal solutions. The suggestion was to further distribute the workload, thereby implying more overtime for the existing employees. (a) Highlight the ethical issues involved in the above case. (b) Evaluate the options available to you. What course of action you will take to address the above issue? (c) Burn out is a critical factor resulting in demotivation of employees. What steps should the private companies and government take in this regard? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Evaluate the options available to you. What course of action you will take to address the above issue? (c) Burn out is a critical factor resulting in demotivation of employees. What steps should the private companies and government take in this regard? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"As a research and development analyst in a leading nutraceutical company, you have been actively involved in the development of a nutrient-rich biomass that improves skin and bone health. The research outcomes are promising, and your team is enthusiastic about the upcoming product launch. During routine inter-team meetings, you accidentally come across research trials and documents related to another product of your company. This product claims to reduce weight and enhance immunity, but upon closer inspection, you discover that the trials were falsely conducted, and the research outcomes were generalized, however, there were no side-effects of the product. The product works on the placebo effect only. The team responsible for this product seems to have overlooked taking these documents along with them after the inter-team meeting. As per company's policy, going through the research trials of other teams is strictly prohibited. The false claims associated with this product contribute significantly to its high sales within the company. If the information regarding the false claims is revealed, it could potentially harm the company, leading to severe consequences such as closure, and jeopardize the years of hard work you have invested in your product, which has genuine and significant results for preventive healthcare. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (b) Evaluate the options available to you. (c) What will be your course of action? Justify. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Anmol, the Chief Development Officer of a remote and aspirational district in India, faces a complex ethical dilemma. The district benefitted from the government's recent development initiatives, but it still struggles in the fields of health and education. Partnering with a national NGO, Anmol has seen significant improvements in these areas, especially during natural disasters when the NGO's role in delivering lifesaving medicines was critical. During one such disaster, the NGO played a significant role in providing critical life-saving medicines to people and prevented the loss of lives and spread of communicable diseases. Anmol's as well as the NGO's work during this time was recognised widely and even rewarded by the state and Central governments. However, Anmol later learned that the NGO has been involved in bribing local officials to operate effectively. This practice, although illegal, is seemingly widespread in the district. Anmol is now at a crossroads, having to decide how to address this issue without jeopardizing the essential services provided by the NGO, as they complement the government's efforts and there are no viable alternatives in the region. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in this case? (b) List the options available to Anmol and evaluate their merits and demerits. (c) Which option should Anmol choose and why? Justify with arguments. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Ravish, hailing from a modest background, worked diligently to gain admission to a prestigious university. After graduating with commendable academic credentials, he secured a well-paying job at a leading multinational company. Driven by ambition, he left the job after gaining a few years of experience to launch his own startup. Thanks to the startup boom in the country, Ravish was able to secure significant capital from investors with relative ease. His hard work and dedication fueled the rapid growth and success of his startup. However, as the company flourished, Ravish's extravagant lifestyle began to attract public attention. As the founder and CEO, he drew a substantial salary, believing it to be justified given his efforts in building the company from scratch. A few years later, an economic downturn put Ravish's startup under financial strain. Investors, now focused on profitability, withdrew their support, leaving Ravish under immense pressure to cut costs in order to sustain the business. Consequently, he decided to downsize the workforce and communicated this decision through a personalized video message to his employees. Within hours of the video's release, it went viral on social media, accompanied by images from Ravish's lavish wedding that had taken place just two months prior. The public criticized Ravish for his opulent lifestyle while simultaneously laying off a significant number of employees. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the given case? (b) In light of the above case, discuss the ethical considerations regarding disparities in remuneration between top-level leaders and their subordinates in corporate organizations. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Within hours of the video's release, it went viral on social media, accompanied by images from Ravish's lavish wedding that had taken place just two months prior. The public criticized Ravish for his opulent lifestyle while simultaneously laying off a significant number of employees. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the given case? (b) In light of the above case, discuss the ethical considerations regarding disparities in remuneration between top-level leaders and their subordinates in corporate organizations. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"Vikram, a senior data scientist, is leading a team to develop an Artificial Intelligence (AI) system for a e-commerce platform. He has to enhance customer experience by providing personalized recommendations based on user behaviour. The success of this project is critical not only for the company's growth but also for Vikram's team, which has been underperforming in the recent months. The stakes are high, and the team is at risk of suspension if it fails to deliver on this project. To improve the accuracy of the AI algorithms, Vikram's team considers incorporating sensitive personal information, including users' purchasing history, location data, health records and social media activities. While this could significantly enhance the system's effectiveness, it raises concerns about privacy and the potential misuse of sensitive data. Also, a data breach has occurred earlier on the e-commerce platform, and personal information of thousands of users was exposed to unauthorized entities. The incident became widely publicized, leading to regulatory scrutiny and potential legal action against the company. Vikram faces pressure from the company's marketing department to prioritize revenue generation over user privacy. The marketing team suggests implementing tactics that subtly encourage users to make more purchases, even if it means manipulating their preferences or creating a sense of urgency. (a) Identify the ethical issues faced by Vikram in developing the AI system. (b) What are the options available to Vikram in addressing this case? (c) How can ethics be an integral component of AI systems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":56,"question":"Identify the ethical issues faced by Vikram in developing the AI system. (b) What are the options available to Vikram in addressing this case? (c) How can ethics be an integral component of AI systems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7694,"topper":"SIDDHARTH POKHARNA","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/SIDDHARTH-POKHARNA-UPSC-2024-Rank-216-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Foreign trade is an important milestone on the path of becoming a 5 trillion USD economy. In this context, analyse the potential of the recently released Foreign Trade Policy, 2023 in revamping India's participation in global trade. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Social protection schemes are an integral aspect of a welfare economy; however, the principles of fiscal prudence cannot be ignored. Discuss, with special reference to Old Pension Scheme (OPS). (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand from Agristack? To what extent can it become a panacea for the problems plaguing the farm sector. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The objective of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to provide a long term and equitable solution to the dilemma between free trade and food security has remained unfulfilled. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Even after five decades of the Stockholm conference, narrowing the gaps between the targets and actions remains one of the biggest challenges towards reversing climate change. Discuss. Also, recommend measures for building a coherent actionable strategy to tackle climate change. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What are the impediments in management of E-waste in the country? In what ways can the trinity of citizens, businesses, and the government tackle this menace? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How does nuclear fusion differ from nuclear fission? Assess the relevance of nuclear energy in resolving the global energy security dilemma? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are run of the river hydroelectric projects? How far can run of the river hydroelectric projects balance ecological conservation with socio-economic development? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"A robust border infrastructure is the surest way to counter multifarious threats emanating from inimical actors. Discuss, in light of Vibrant Village Programme. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"How far can a clearly articulated National Security Strategy help in tackling challenges to national security? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What are the factors that influence the inflation trends in the country? Highlighting the impacts, discuss the institutional measures in place to check inflation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Though a cornerstone of Atmanirbhar Bharat, Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme is not without its own challenges. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"How is internationalisation of rupee different from De-Dollarisation? Highlighting the benefits of internationalisation of rupee, discuss the challenges associated with the same. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What are Primary Agricultural Credit Societies? Can the cooperative push alone help in achieving the twin targets of boosting rural economy and mainstreaming small and marginal farmers? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Farm policies in the country have inadvertently led to undesirable consequences. Do you agree? Giving emphasis on PM PRANAM, discuss ways to enhance soil health and farm productivity. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What do you understand by heat waves? Highlight the reasons and impact of the rising frequency of heat waves across India. Also, recommend some measures to mitigate its impact. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"How is Chandrayaan-3 different from its predecessor, Chandrayaan-2? To what extent can India's presence in Artemis Accords help in furthering the exploration of lunar surface? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Research and Development is the key to unlock the potential of 'knowledge economy.' In this perspective, analyse the role of the National Research Foundation Bill, 2023 in democratizing the research ecosystem in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'Hybrid warfare.' Highlighting its implications for India, recommend measures to develop a comprehensive ecosystem to counter the same. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How are internal security challenges related to peace in neighboring countries? Explain with special reference to instability on India's eastern frontier. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7695,"topper":"Siddharth Shukla","air":18,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b7798-632803_2125_siddharth-shukla_rank-18.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7696,"topper":"Siddharth Shukla","air":18,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/de842-632803_2122_siddharth-shukla_rank-18.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7697,"topper":"Siddharth Shukla","air":18,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5f86f-632803_2121_siddharth-shukla_rank-18.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7698,"topper":"Siddharth Shukla","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/af542-632803_1839_siddharth-shukla_rank-18.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"An independent umbrella body that brings the various central investigative agencies under one roof holds the key to shoring up their credibility. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the significance of the Doctrines of Pith and Substance and Colourable Legislation with respect to Centre-state relations in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Do you agree with the view that there should be simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and the State Legislative Assemblies in India? Discuss with suitable arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss the need for codification of parliamentary privileges in India, in light of the uncertainty and ambiguity around them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"While the Civil Services Board can be a step forward in making the Indian bureaucracy more effective, it has its own issues which need to be addressed. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Highlight the potential of India Digital Ecosystem Architecture (IndEA) 2.0 in transforming the ecosystem of service delivery in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What is Civil Registration System? Highlight its importance and discuss the measures taken by the government to bring about improvements in it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and Their Rehabilitation Act, 2013, provides an effective mechanism for empowerment of the intended beneficiaries in the society. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the reforms that must be undertaken to strengthen the World Trade Organisation in order to address the vulnerabilities in the present global trading system. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"State the significance of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Also, discuss the need for a legally binding Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Critically assess the role played by the National Human Rights Commission as a watchdog of human rights violations in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"It is time for reforms, which recognise that urban local bodies (ULBs) need permanent, buoyant revenue sources to match the growing demands of an increasing urban population. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The role of the civil society organisations (CSOs) in India is changing in contemporary times and has become increasingly more complex. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Though the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) aims to address the inequity in development in India, there are a number of issues which plague the scheme. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Highlighting the factors responsible for the growth of EdTech sector in India in recent times, discuss its benefits. Also, state the concerns associated with it. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Bring out the role of Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers in delivering health services in rural India. Also, suggest the measures that can be taken to overcome the challenges faced by them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss the various concerns that have arisen for India after the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan. Also, suggest the measures that India should take in the given context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Bangladesh is not only a key part of India's \"Neighbourhood First policy\" but also crucial for the \"Act East policy\". In this context, discuss the steps taken by the two countries to strengthen their relationship. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7699,"topper":"Siddharth Shukla","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c46d1-632803_2031_siddharth-shukla_rank-18.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The Kakatiya dynasty left an indelible mark in the fields of architecture and literature. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Bal Gangadhar Tilak was instrumental in creating a national consciousness and giving political voice to the masses during the course of national movement. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The 1929 Lahore session of Congress shaped the vision for an independent India in many important ways. Explain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Explain, in what ways, different historical experiences led countries like China and Japan on widely divergent paths to building independent and modern nations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What is Madden-Julian Oscillation? How does it differ from El-Nino? Discuss its impact on Indian Monsoon. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What are endogenic forces? Highlight their types and discuss the role played by them in forming various landforms on the earth. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"In context of the significance of the Himalayan mountain system for South Asia, explain the factors responsible for melting of glaciers and its impact on the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The COVID-19 pandemic has not only exposed globalisation as highly vulnerable and fragile but also forced a rethinking on its merits. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"In what ways are caste-based inequities still manifested in urban India? Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Menstruation has always been surrounded by taboos and myths that exclude women from many aspects of socio-cultural life. Discuss in the context of India. Also, suggest some steps to combat these taboos and myths. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Provide an account of the origin and spread of devotional Bhakti in South India and discuss how this popular movement expressed itself in the vernacular literature of the south. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The idea of urban decay in India in early medieval times has been propounded by some but evidences from various parts of the country suggest otherwise. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The essence of Gandhiji's constructive programme went well beyond the anti-imperialist nationalist struggle. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Though the socio-political complexities of the Indian subcontinent may have made partition inevitable, it was the failure of British leadership that led to a bloodbath. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Identifying the factors affecting the location of semiconductor and electronic chip making industry, discuss the reasons behind their current global shortage. What steps has India taken in recent times to support its electronic manufacturing ecosystem? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Identifying the active and passive factors affecting pedogenesis, explain the processes involved in soil formation. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Pre-monsoon season in India is characterised by thunderstorms, lightning and many such events. In this context, explain how thunderstorms are formed and discuss the impact of pre-monsoonal rainfall in various regions of India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Diversification of energy basket is no longer a choice for India, it has become a necessity. Elucidate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7700,"topper":"Siddharth Shukla","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ac4d0-632803_2032_siddharth-shukla_rank-18.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"It has been argued that some parts of Article 22 are not Fundamental Rights but 'Fundamental Dangers' to the citizens of India. Discuss in light of the debate on issues around the preventive detention laws in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The administration of justice is not limited to conviction of the guilty and acquittal of the innocent but also ensuring fair and speedy trial. In view of this, discuss the reasons behind increase in the number of undertrials in India and measures taken to ameliorate the issues faced by them. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Highlighting the significance of cooperatives in India, discuss how the recently created Ministry of Cooperation will give an impetus to them. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The NGT Act gives much leeway to the tribunal to go beyond a mere adjudicatory role and act as a sui generis institution with the capacity to provide redressal for environmental exigencies. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"In the context of demographic changes highlighted by the NFHS-5, do you think population control legislations will be a step in the right direction? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The utility of PMAY-G hinges on its design, which is a marked improvement over the previous rural housing schemes. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The nutritional status of India has been a matter of long standing public threat. Discuss. Also, suggest measures to overcome the problem of nutritional crisis in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"To realise the potential of its growing population, India's march towards development will undoubtedly be incomplete without skills and education. In this context, discuss the significance of the recently launched RISE and EQUIP schemes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the centrality of ASEAN bloc in India's Act East policy and SAGAR initiative. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss China's Polar Silk Road initiative in view of the growing interest in the Arctic region and state its implications for India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The doctrine of Separation of Powers is followed in US with a spirit, never followed in UK purely, and India has followed it with large exceptions. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"A robust and fair electoral system in India is hinged upon few key reforms in the Representation of People's Act. Discuss in the context of contemporary issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Even though pressure groups play an important role in governance, there have been issues surrounding transparency in the representativeness of the groups and their funding as well as their relationship with the government. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite reforms by the Central and state governments to overhaul the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), several challenges remain with regard to their efficient functioning. Elucidate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Welfare initiatives embody civil rights, whereas freebies cultivate a patron-client syndrome. Examine in the context of governance in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Even though non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are an integral part of a nation's developmental ethos, the State has legitimate interest, legal authority and constitutional duty to curb the activities of those NGOs, which attempt to hamper national development at the behest of the forces inimical to India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"While there is an urgency to focus on all the three levels of healthcare, it is imperative that the government looks towards improving primary healthcare as a public good. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Despite initiatives to curb child marriage, it continues to persist in India. Explaining the reasons behind this, analyse its impact. What further measures can be taken by the government to eliminate the practice of child marriage in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Despite their significance, India has not been able to strengthen its ties with the Central Asian countries. Bringing out the reasons for the same, discuss how India can deepen its relationship with countries in this region. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Discuss the concerns that have arisen in India-Sri Lanka relations in recent times. How can India ensure a favourable relationship with Sri Lanka given its importance in the Indian Ocean region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7701,"topper":"Siddharth Shukla","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d4ef4-632803_2033_siddharth-shukla_rank-18.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Stating the issues associated with agricultural extension in India, discuss the role of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in strengthening the national agricultural research extension system. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In India, the food processing sector is emerging as a high-growth and high-profit sector due to its immense potential for value addition. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Explaining the concept of livestock-based Integrated Farming System (IFS), discuss its benefits. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"While Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) are spearheading entrepreneurship across the world, India still has one of the lowest entrepreneurship rates. Discuss. Also, state the policy measures that have been taken to increase the pace of entrepreneurship in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"'Land banks' can play a critical role in boosting the economy and promoting ease of doing business in India. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The proposed amendments to the Forest Conservation Act (FCA) are not only antithetical to the Forest Rights Act (FRA), but are also likely to delay India achieving its commitments on climate change. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The problem of flooding in urban areas is not only due to overflowing rivers, but also the uninformed ways in which our cities are coping with urbanisation. Discuss. In this context, mention the National Disaster Management Authority guidelines on urban floods. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"ISRO is no longer confined only to the launching of satellites, but it has been constantly enlarging its role in development activities over the years. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"State the reasons behind targeting of Critical Information Infrastructure (CII) by state and non-state actors. Also, discuss the steps taken by the Indian government to secure its CII. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Despite the strategic significance of North-East India, the region faces several security threats. Discuss. Also, state the measures taken by the government to ensure peace and stability in the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Indian Railways has suffered from chronic under-investment, which has adversely impacted key areas of its operations. In this context, discuss the challenges faced by the railways in speedy creation of infrastructure. Also, mention the steps taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"A disruptive approach to research & development (R&D), with a focus on last mile obligations of the agricultural system is necessary to realize India's objective of doubling farmer's income. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"India's power distribution companies and electrical grids must undergo reforms to transition from fossil fuels to more sustainable forms of renewable energy. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The practice of input-intensive agriculture in India needs a massive overhaul due to its unsustainability and negative consequences. In this context, discuss the significance of Low External Input Sustainable Agriculture (LEISA). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The recently released IPCC Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) - 2021 has been deemed as 'code red' for humanity. In this context, discuss the various concerns raised in the report with special focus on India. Also, enlist the remedial measures given by the report. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Multiple chemical disasters from the Bhopal gas tragedy to gas leak in Visakhapatnam have brought into focus the risks posed by hazardous chemicals (HAZCHEM) in India. In view of this, discuss the preparedness as well as gaps in Chemical Disaster Management (CDM) in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The growing demand for liberalisation of public health-related goods and services amidst the pandemic has raised critical issues with regard to the current intellectual property regime. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Highlighting the reasons behind suboptimal results in indigenization of defence technologies in India, suggest measures which can accelerate the pace of indigenization in the defence sector. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Discuss the factors behind conceptualization of different Central Armed Police Forces for guarding the international borders. Also, highlight the contribution of these forces in ensuring security of India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Discuss the vulnerability of virtual assets in terms of their misuse for money laundering activities. Also, state corrective measures that can be taken to mitigate the risks posed by the use of virtual assets. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7702,"topper":"Siddharth Shukla","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0752d-632803_1834_siddharth-shukla_rank-18.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The Sunga dynasty contributed significantly to the cultural and social development in ancient India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the role of foreign nationals in the Indian freedom struggle during the Gandhian phase. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by tsunamigenic zones? Giving an account of their global distribution, explain the propagation of tsunamis. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are atmospheric lakes? Highlight their characteristics. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What are polymetallic nodules? Highlight their geographical distribution and state their significance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What are technical textiles? In view of their significance, discuss the steps taken by the government to promote them in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the challenges that internal migration creates for urban governance in India. Also, suggest measures to address the same. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the various opportunities and challenges posed by globalization on working women in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the rationale behind anti-conversion laws in India. Also, state the concerns that have been raised with regard to these laws. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Central Asian contacts had a profound political and cultural impact on India in ancient times. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Governance, during the British rule, was a means of exploitation of India rather than a vehicle of public welfare. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Discuss how India successfully dealt with the sensitive issue of language, which had the potential of threatening national unity in the post-independence period. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Bring out the factors, which led to decolonisation after the Second World War. Also, discuss the role played by India in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What are Marine Heat Waves (MHW)? Identify the causes of their formation and discuss their consequences for India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What are the geo-climatic conditions required for oil palm cultivation? Do you agree with the view that India should promote its large-scale cultivation to reduce import dependency? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"In view of the changes witnessed in the state of Himalayan cryosphere, discuss the implications for India's water security. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Ocean warming, ocean acidification and ocean deoxygenation are often referred to as the 'deadly trio' for marine life. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Tribals in India continue to face myriad challenges with regard to healthcare. Discuss the issues faced by them in this context and suggest remedial measures. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Reservation for women perpetuates a \"proxy culture\" as seen in the phenomenon of \"sarpanch patis\". In this context, discuss whether reservation can address the issue of poor participation of women in Indian politics. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7703,"topper":"Siddharth Shukla","air":18,"year":2022,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/53a59-632803_2213_siddharth-shukla_rank-18.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7704,"topper":"Siddharth Shukla","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1H0HHubbhN5DxbRD-JbxrLeaxKyj8VpDc/view","questions":[]},{"id":7705,"topper":"Siddharth Shukla","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EkoAnqvpYgX92doaMkY8UBHhfbtHm9Ci/view","questions":[]},{"id":7706,"topper":"Siddharth Shukla","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1k9vtg3YXBiYK8cDWSJe-QzUNFn9X0okr/view","questions":[]},{"id":7707,"topper":"Siddharth Shukla","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d859c-632803_1841_siddharth-shukla_rank-18.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the meaning of self-efficacy, along with its key determinants. Also, discuss the significance of high self-efficacy for a civil servant. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have the right to do and what is right to do. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Dealing with an ethical dilemma not only requires following rules and regulations, but also requires adherence to moral prudence and altruism. Explain in the context of civil services in India, with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Code of Conduct for the civil services in India has merely remained a code; it has not helped promote ethical and moral values in governance. In this context, discuss the need for a National Commission on Integrity and Transparency in Governance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Digital ethics principles are necessary to prevent erosion of public values and deal with the ethical implications of digitizing governance systems. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Despite differences in terms of organizational values guiding the public and private sectors, there remain certain values that are equally important to both. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Bring out the difference between accountability and responsibility. Also, discuss the significance of accountability in ensuring ethical governance in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Though laws and rules can be considered as the principal guide on morality for public administrators, they are not sufficient in themselves. Substantiate with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Transparency is vital to cultivate public trust in government and to prevent, detect and deter corruption effectively. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"'Just-in-time' release of funds heralds a significant reform for the Indian government's payment architecture. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.\"- Marcus Aurelius (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":7708,"topper":"Siddharth Shukla","air":18,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d055f-632803_1837_siddharth-shukla_rank-18.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7709,"topper":"Siddharth Shukla","air":18,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/029c1-632803_1865_siddharth-shukla_rank-18.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7710,"topper":"Siddharth Singh","air":143,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1L--o4CTomf0z9b9JhWwMljdV1_88gvg2/view","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Comment on the following in about 150 words each: 10x5=50 (a) How has the scope of Sociology broadened in the global times?","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":2,"question":"In what way ‘interpretative’ method is different from ‘positivist’ approach in the study of social phenomena? (20 marks)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":2,"question":"What makes Durkheim’s research on Suicide rate a positivist research. Clarify. (20 marks)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Answer the following in about 150 words each: 10x5=50 (a) Describe the process of “operationalization of variable “with few examples. (b) While economics is about how people make choice, sociology is about they don’t have any choice to make. What do you understand by the given statement?","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":3,"question":"Explain the different types of non-probability sampling techniques. Bring out the conditions of their usage with appropriate examples. (20marks)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the challenges involved in collecting data through Survey (20 marks)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Is Sociology a Science? Give reasons for your answer. (20 marks)","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":7711,"topper":"Siddharth Singh Dangi","air":230,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5846c-22835_769_siddharth-singh-dangi_rank-230.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7712,"topper":"Siddharth Singh Dangi","air":230,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/37ab2-22835_932_siddharth-singh-dangi_rank-230.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7713,"topper":"Siddharth Singh Dangi","air":230,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7b2fe-22835_931_siddharth-singh-dangi_rank-230.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7714,"topper":"Siddharth Singh Dangi","air":230,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ceffd-22835_770_siddharth-singh-dangi_rank-230.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7715,"topper":"Siddharth Singh Dangi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4db5c-22835_2219_siddharth-singh-dangi_rank-230.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Fiscal policy can be a key tool to reduce income inequality as well as make the poorest and the downtrodden a part of the country's growth story. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":7716,"topper":"Siddharth Singh Dangi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/14533-22835_2218_siddharth-singh-dangi_rank-230.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to revisit the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution? Discuss with suitable arguments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Highlighting the advantages of online dispute resolution (ODR) mechanism for justice delivery, discuss the challenges associated with its effective implementation in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Despite the constitutional division of powers, Centre-state disputes have been a perennial feature of Indian democracy. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Do you agree with the view that adopting a framework for lobbying will strengthen participative governance and ease of doing business in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Despite the government encouraging open source instead of proprietary technology for government applications, the true potential of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) and digital platforms remains unrealized. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"As a social safety-valve, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) can be the principal vehicles through which communities voice their concerns. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Despite being lauded for its patient centric approach, the implementation of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, remains sluggish and mired with various issues. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to formulate an Urban Employment Guarantee scheme at the national level? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the relevance of BIMSTEC as a regional organisation to fulfil India's strategic aspirations in the Indian Ocean Region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the relevance of the Gujral Doctrine for India with regard to its relations with its immediate neighbours in the present times. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the pivotal role of the \"Officers of Parliament\" in the Indian Parliamentary system. Also, discuss the constitutional and statutory provisions for their impartial functioning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The Finance Commission plays a crucial role in balancing fiscal federalism in India. In this context, examine the recommendations given by the 15th Finance Commission. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Critically assess whether according statutory backing to the Model Code of Conduct will contribute towards free and fair elections in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The market disruption caused by digital revolution warrants renewed focus and perspective to ensure fair competition in the digital economy. In this light, discuss the need to revamp the Competition Commission of India (CCI). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"There is an urgent need for effective whistle-blowing mechanisms and ensuring that necessary safeguards for the protection of whistle-blowers are established in both public and private spheres in India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"State the reasons behind the poor performance of cooperatives in India. Also, discuss the reforms undertaken by the government to overcome the shortcomings. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Public-Private Partnership model, if harnessed properly, has the potential to bridge the gaps in India's healthcare system. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Although the New Education Policy brings with itself a commendable vision, its success will depend on its ability to effectively integrate with the government's other policy initiatives. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) is born from a collective desire to make the Indo-Pacific region an engine of global economic growth. Comment. Also, discuss India's concerns in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"India needs to identify the priority areas to further its techno-diplomacy amidst the complexities of expanding digital space and New and Emerging Strategic Technologies. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7717,"topper":"Siddharth Singh Dangi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/99352-22835_2217_siddharth-singh-dangi_rank-230.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With examples, discuss how the cultural traditions from various regions of India get reflected in regional music. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Highlighting the emergence of the working class movement, discuss its contribution towards India's freedom struggle. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Do you agree with the view that Gandhian politics was, in a sense, a continuation of Tilak's politics? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"It is said that the world's oceans are losing their 'memory' due to human-induced warming. Comment. Also, discuss the consequences of the phenomenon. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What is soil amendment? Evaluate the benefits and concerns associated with it. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"It has been suggested that the next decade may see a boom in hybrid power plants. Stating the advantages that such power plants offer, discuss the associated challenges. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What are Van Allen Radiation Belts? Explaining their formation, discuss why there has been a growing focus on their study. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss whether marital rape should be criminalised in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What is care economy? Highlight the challenges associated with it and mention the steps taken to address them in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Post-pandemic India is staring at the challenge of \"learning poverty\". Analyse its implications and discuss a way ahead. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Bring out the evolution of mural traditions in South India. Also, elaborate on their significant characteristics. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Indian nationalism that confronted British imperialism in the 19th century was a product of colonial modernity. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Environmentalism surfaced in the form of many organised movements in post independence India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Do you agree with the view that continental blockade was an ill-conceived strategy by Napoleon to conquer Britain through economic means? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What do you understand by the Arctic Paradox? Highlight the spatial distribution of mineral and energy resources in the Arctic region. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Cryosphere changes have a tendency to bring about a devastating impact on the ecosystem and its people. Discuss. Also, enlist measures to tackle this threat. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The frequent instances of urban flooding pose a severe risk to the urban ecosystem in India. Discuss with special emphasis on its impact on the critical infrastructure. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Sand is not only critical for economic development but also provides crucial ecosystem services. Elaborate. In this context, discuss the importance of sustainable sand mining in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The challenge of unbridled and unbalanced growth of urban spaces in India necessitates reforms in urban planning and capacity. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7718,"topper":"Siddharth Singh Dangi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6f665-22835_1050_siddharth-singh-dangi_rank-230.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Citizens' Charters make administration both accountable and citizen friendly. However, over time, in a large number of offices, Citizens' Charters have fallen into disuse. Suggest measures that can make these charters effective tools for bringing accountability in public service. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the importance of involving civil society in pre-legislative scrutiny and mention the steps that can be taken by the government to increase public engagement in it. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Poor standards of tertiary education are a drag on India's competitiveness. Elucidate. Also enumerate the initiatives taken by the government in the past few years to improve the quality of higher education in India. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Social audit has a crucial role in effective implementation of social sector programmes. Comment. Also discuss its strengths and limitations. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are the major welfare schemes for elderly in India? Do you think the benefits of such schemes are reaching a wide section of the target segment? Give reasons. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Welfare policies in India have undergone a paradigm shift in recent decades, yet they retain certain elements of continuity. Discuss with examples. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Discuss whether changes recommended by the Law Commission in its 268th report can help in addressing the problems of undertrials languishing in jails in India. What other measures can be taken in this regard? (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"While various government initiatives and policies have created opportunities in the affordable housing segment, there are challenges that still persist. Discuss. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Demographic dividend may become demographic liability in the absence of adequate skill development. In this context, discuss the importance of National Policy for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, 2015. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Highlight the need for whistleblower protection in India. Critically analyze whether the Whistleblower Protection Act provides sufficient protection to the whistleblowers. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What are the factors which have been responsible for slow pace of growth of coverage under the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP)? Enumerate the recent steps taken by the government in order to increase this pace to achieve universal coverage swiftly (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the ways in which digital divide perpetuates and manifests itself in India. Discuss the importance of steps taken by the government to bridge this divide. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"What are the objectives of National Health Mission? Why, in your opinion, non-communicable diseases have acquired salience in recent times? What are its implications for health policy in the country? (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Over the years, there has been a growing realisation that undue interference from the State, lack of autonomy and widespread politicisation has severely impaired the functioning of cooperative sector and there is a need to introduce urgent reforms in the Cooperative sector. Discuss. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"With the current system of health financing in India being largely out-of-pocket payments, examine the need for reforms in healthcare finance. Also discuss the issues associated with reinforcing insurance as the long-term strategy for health financing in this regard. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Explain the significance of the recently launched National Nutritional Strategy in the light of sliding ranking of India along the Global Hunger Index. Also, discuss with examples, the role that local self governments can play in promoting, monitoring and sustaining nutrition initiatives.(250WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The bureaucracy in India is facing a number of serious challenges from diminishing human capital to political interference that, if left unaddressed, will lead to further institutional decline. Discuss. How can these challenges be addressed? (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"While many people have been able to rise above poverty line, India is still home to the largest number of poor. Discuss briefly the underlying factors responsible for the prevalence of poverty in India. What are the areas in which focussed efforts need to be made in order to accelerate poverty eradication in a sustainable manner? (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"In context of the need to strengthen corporate governance, the Kotak panel report has called for a major overhaul in norms for listed companies. Critically discuss the impediments to corporate governance in India and evaluate how the recommendations can help in overcoming them. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Several issues related to adopting new technologies, transforming processes and improving implementation of NeGP need to be addressed. Discuss. Also, enumerate the sets of principles guiding the design and implementation of the e-Kranti Program (NeGP 2.0). (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7719,"topper":"Siddharth Singh Dangi","air":230,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7a28d-22835_1238_siddharth-singh-dangi_rank-230.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7720,"topper":"Siddharth Singh Dangi","air":230,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0f415-22835_760_siddharth-singh-dangi_rank-230.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7721,"topper":"Siddharth Srivastava","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/54/pttp220196_tc062.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"If you look into someone's face long enough, eventually you feel that you are looking into yourself.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"It is the province of knowledge to speak and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Drop the question what tomorrow may bring, and count as profit every day that fate allows you.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Truth, like a torch, the more it is shook, it shines.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Art is I; science is We.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Only the dead have seen the end of the war.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Act as if it were impossible to fail.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7722,"topper":"Siddharth Srivastava","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/55/pttp220196_tc063.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Little strokes fell great oaks.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Judge a man by his questions rather than his answers.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Great principles,great ideals know no nationality.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"In struggling with misfortune lies the true proof of virtue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"The whole purpose of Education is to turn mirrors into windows.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"To dwell is to garden.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Reality is the shadow of ideas.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"We can not despair of humanity, since we ourselves are human beings.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7723,"topper":"Siddharth Srivastava","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/46/pttp220196_tc071-test-01-gs-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"The fabric of Indian philosophical thought owes as much to Northern India as to Southern India. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"The Indian society's impulse for social change and reform was a response to its opposition to colonial rule. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"What are the factors that led to the Russian revolution and what are the consequences of this revolu...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"Discuss the various factors responsible for the uneven temperature distribution on Earth's surface.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"The White Revolution was most successful in the Western part of India. Discuss the factors for this regional success of the White Revolution.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"To what extent does seismic investigation contribute to our understanding of the Earth's interior structure? Analyze its significance in detail.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"The pace of demographic transition varies across different states of India making population growth a double-edged sword. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"The ethnic and cultural diversity in India has always been bound by the thread of unity. Discuss the...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"The dichotomy in public and private life in Indian society acts as a major barrier to the annihilation of caste. Justify.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7724,"topper":"Siddharth Srivastava","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/184/pttp220196_tc071-test-01-gs-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"The fabric of Indian philosophical thought owes as much to Northern India as to Southern India. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"The Indian society's impulse for social change and reform was a response to its opposition to colonial rule. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"What are the factors that led to the Russian revolution and what are the consequences of this revolution? Discuss its influence on the Indian national movement. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the various factors responsible for the uneven temperature distribution on Earth's surface. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The melting of glaciers due to climate change has serious implications for the ecosystem and human society. Discuss the effects of melting glaciers on the environment and the measures that can be taken to address this issue. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The White Revolution was most successful in the Western part of India. Discuss the factors for this regional success of the White Revolution. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"To what extent does seismic investigation contribute to our understanding of the Earth's interior structure? Analyze its significance in detail. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The pace of demographic transition varies across different states of India making population growth a double-edged sword. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The ethnic and cultural diversity in India has always been bound by the thread of unity. Discuss the major factors that have contributed to the cultural unity of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The dichotomy in public and private life in Indian society acts as a major barrier to the annihilation of caste. Justify. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"India was forced into numerous wars post Independence. Highlight the causes and impact of the Indo-Pak and Indo-China wars on our bilateral relationships. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"The process of consolidation of Bengal, which started after the Battle of Plassey culminated in the Battle of Buxar. Do you think the Battle of Buxar was more important for the British than Plassey? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Sanskrit literature in general and particularly in the Guptan age set a high watermark for the literary history of ancient India/Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"The configuration of the ocean floor provides essential information about the geological processes that have shaped the Earth's surface. Discuss the major features of the ocean floor and their significance in the study of oceanography. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"With the growing demand for rare earth elements, their distribution has become a critical aspect of the global economy. Discuss the distribution of rare earth elements across the world, their uses, and the environmental impact of their extraction. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Tourism in the hilly states is threatening to exceed the ecological carrying capacity of the region. Analyze the factors contributing to this trend and evaluate the potential Environmental impacts of this phenomenon. What measures can be taken to ensure sustainable tourism in these states? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"The Indian monsoon is a complex phenomenon influenced by various climatic factors. Critically examine the role of oceanic and atmospheric factors in determining the intensity and distribution of monsoon rainfall in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Why do traditions in our society impede change? To what extent can social legislation be instrumental against old customary practices? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Slums are not 'problems' that have to be 'solved' - but are indeed a result of lopsided and vested urban policies covering infrastructure provision and socio-economic issues. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Communalism gains strength from economic deprivation, and thrives in environments of social exclusion, creating fertile ground for discontent and division. Comment (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7725,"topper":"Siddharth Srivastava","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/53447-137728_1417_siddharth_srivastava_rank_118.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Dadabhai Naoroji left an indelible imprint on the national movement. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Quit India movement marked a new direction in the struggle against the British colonial rule in India. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The end of World War II marked the birth of a new international order. (150 words) 10 Examine.","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Simla Agreement (1972) and Lahore Declaration (1999) are two key milestones in the history of the Indian subcontinent. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Social security should not only involve economic empowerment but also social empowerment. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Explain with examples how globalisation is manifested in both local in the global and the global in the local. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In light of persistence of various forms of violence against women in India, discuss the ways in which the issue can be addressed effectively. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What is an urban forest? Highlight its benefits and steps taken by the government to promote urban forestry in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"How has globalization impacted the location of the IT industry? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"How can eco-tourism be used to sustainably harness the potential of the tourism industry in India? Discuss the challenges and steps taken by the government in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The advent of Buddhism and Jainism was instrumental in the development of architecture in ancient India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The reactionary policies of Lord Lytton and the liberal policies of his successor Lord Rippon acted as catalyst in the formation of the Indian National Congress. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Gandhiji changed his methods of struggle against the British from time-to-time to suit the varied circumstances and problems that needed to be tackled. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Bring out the relationship between the industrial revolution and the advent of imperialism in different parts of the world. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The caste system in India has continued to persist by adapting itself to a variety of changing socio-economic and political conditions in the past few decades. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"It is argued by some that regionalism is a threat to national integrity while others consider it as a highly impactful tool in facilitating political participation. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Describe the process of rift valley formation, with special emphasis on the Great Rift Valley System. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India's water resources have witnessed rapid depletion due to a mix of economic, geographic, and political factors. Explain and discuss its implications. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How are plateaus formed? Also, briefly discuss the features of the Deccan plateau and its economic significance. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7726,"topper":"Siddharth Srivastava","air":118,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/73589-137728_1418_siddharth_srivastava_rank_118.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7727,"topper":"Siddharth Srivastava","air":118,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/196/pttp220196_tc075-test-05-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7728,"topper":"Siddharth Srivastava","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/204/pttp220196_tc072-test-02-gs-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"There is a need to resolve the ambiguity in the disqualification provisions under section 8 of the Representation of People Act 1951. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Constitution is a mere skeleton whereas constitutionalism is the soul of democracy. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"Electoral bonds are a double-edged sword, providing anonymity to donors while raising concerns about transparency in political funding.\" To what extent have electoral bonds further legitimized opacity in electoral funding? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The question of gender equality is central to the debate on Uniform Civil Code. In this light what are the challenges in reconciling UCC with gender equality as enshrined in the constitution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Recently demand has been rising in a state regarding the enactment of Social Accountability Law. How such a law can lead to good governance and boost citizens' participation in decision-making. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"MGNREGA, the lynchpin of rural poverty alleviation, has become the victim of fiscal apathy.\" Critically analyze the statement in light of recent developments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"India must leverage, if not manage, the global divides\". How can the current geopolitical churn pave the way for India's rise to the global high table? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"Berlin can be India's gateway to the European Union.\" Elaborate with respect to Germany's significance in India's relationship with the EU. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"How has the Anti-Defection Law impacted the relationship between political parties and individual legislators in India? In light of the recent incidents also discuss the unintended consequences it has on the functioning of democracy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Critics assert that limitless judicial authority rests on the structural ambiguity of the basic structure doctrine. Has the elastic nature of the basic structure doctrine made the judiciary more powerful than the executive? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Fundamental rights are not gifts bestowed upon by the state rather an individual possesses them independently of the state. In this context discuss the desirability of reasonable restrictions on various fundamental rights. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"S.R. Bommai v. Union of India signified a paradigm shift in the judicial interpretation of the union's authority to assume control of a state's administration. In this context discuss the significance and impact of the judgement on cementing the federal structure. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The key to effective decentralization is, 'political decentralization should follow finance and functional decentralization'. Discuss in the context of impediments faced by local governance in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"How has the implementation of the POSH Act resulted in limited success in raising awareness about sexual harassment, and what factors have hindered its effective outreach to women employed in the unorganized sector? Propose strategies to bridge this gap and ensure comprehensive protection for women in the unorganized sector against workplace harassment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"'Neo-liberal reforms and globalization have deeply transformed the institutions of the welfare state and set the ground for a new type of civil services.' In this context examine the challenges faced in service delivery and suggest adequate reforms. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"China views India as its \"Asian Rival\" with an innate ability to counter its hegemonic goals in Asia. Despite these difficulties in India-China relations, there are also many areas of convergence. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Indo-Pacific region in recent times has emerged as a zone of diverging interests and priorities. Discuss. Do you think the Global Security Initiative will supersede QUAD in the region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7729,"topper":"Siddharth Srivastava","air":118,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/51/pttp220196_tc072-test-02-gs-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7730,"topper":"Siddharth Srivastava","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/194/pttp220196_tc077-test-07-gs-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Elaborate on the difference between Capital Account and Current Account as components of Balance of Payment (BOP). Suggest a few measures to balance the BOP deficit of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The logistics sector is one of the important components of the growth of the manufacturing industry. Discuss. Also, mention various components of the recently announced National Logistics Policy 2022. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What is India's stand on the New Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies under WTO? How is the Fisheries sector significant for India? Enumerate the steps taken by the Government to develop this sector. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Analyze the systemic and institutional constraints that continue to hinder land reform efforts in India and propose pragmatic solutions to ensure equitable distribution of land. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What are the unique features and capabilities of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, and how has it contributed to India's defence capabilities and strategic position in the region? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"In line with the country's efforts to explore the depths of the ocean and harness the resources it holds, the Indian government has proposed a deep-sea exploration mission Samudrayaan. How can this mission contribute to the advancement of ocean science and technology in the country? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What is Global Methane Pledge? Do you think the Global Methane Pledge is a positive step toward mitigating methane emissions? Explain India's stance on this issue. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of disaster management in public health. Discuss the key strategies and challenges for managing pandemics and other infectious disease outbreaks. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"The resource curse of Eastern and Central India has been a crucial driver of LWE\". Elaborate and suggest measures for sustainable and inclusive development of the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In light of the declining trend of violence in the North East and J&K region do you think that AFSPA has lived its utility? Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"International trade is centred on the dominant currency paradigm (DCM). Critically Analyze the importance of Hard currency in International trade and Discuss the potential of rupee acceptance in global trade as an alternative to dollar imperialism. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"A demographic Dividend does not ensure growth; it only generates potential. Discuss the steps made by the government to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the demographic transition. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Genome editing holds immense potential for crop improvement, but it also raises ethical and safety concerns. How far do the new guidelines for the safety assessment of genome-edited plants in India, ensure the safety of genetically modified crops? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the impact of direct and indirect farm subsidies on the agriculture sector in India. How have Minimum Support Prices (MSP) affected the agricultural economy? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a rapidly escalating crisis that poses a grave threat to public health worldwide. What are the major contributing factors to the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance, and what steps can be taken to address this global health threat? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by Disruptive innovations? What are some examples of disruptive innovation in recent times, and how have they changed the way industries operate? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Trace the evolution of the Loss and Damage fund. What are the major development related to loss and damage funds in COP 27?, What are the commitments made by India in this conference? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Disaster management is not just about responding to emergencies but also about building resilient communities. Discuss the key strategies that can be used to build community resilience and reduce the impact of disasters. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"The transformation of terrorism through the use of new and emerging technologies like metaverse and virtual assets is a matter of concern. How can we counter the Use of New and Emerging Technologies for Terrorist Purposes and Elucidate the importance of the “Delhi declaration” in this regard? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"\"The Agnipath scheme is a bitter pill needed for the resilience and efficacy of our armed forces.\" Critically Analyze the statement with relevant arguments. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7731,"topper":"Siddharth Srivastava","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/193/pttp220196_tc073-test-03-gs-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"What do you understand by Windfall tax? Do you think that windfall taxes can effectively redistribute wealth and promote greater economic equality? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Discuss the perceived successes and challenges of implementing inflation targeting under the new Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) regime. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Assess the potential of millet production in promoting sustainable agriculture and improving food security in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Jal Jeevan Mission has the potential to end the regional disparity in the availability and accessibility of drinking water. Highlighting the significance of the mission, discuss the underlying impediments in achieving the desired objectives. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What do you understand by Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)? Discuss its applications and how it can revolutionize the energy program of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss in brief developments and challenges in the Gaganyaan mission of ISRO. What are the possible benefits of the mission for the society? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"Green hydrogen can be the silver bullet in our quest to tackle climate change and pollution.\" Critically analyze the statement in light of India's National Green Hydrogen mission. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What are the key lessons for disaster management and environmental conservation in the Himalayan region, in light of the recent disaster in Joshimath, Uttarakhand? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"The recent radical trends in Punjab show that the Khalistan issue is still simmering.\" Discuss the statement with respect to recent developments and suggest measures to handle it. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The anonymity and ease of drone operation contribute to the challenges of India's border security. Elaborate and give suggestions to tackle the drone problem in border areas. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Electricity Amendment Bill, 2022 brings several advantages for consumers, DISCOMs as well as the environment. Elaborate. Also, list out its shortcomings and suggest some measures to overcome them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) plays an important role in the regulation of the share market and safeguarding the interests of investors. In the light of given statement, highlight the challenges faced by the SEBI and suggest reforms in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Despite being a major contributor to the Indian economy, the agriculture sector is plagued by several constraints that impede its growth and development. Discuss the role of technology in overcoming these constraints. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Evaluate the impact of irrigation on the environment and natural resources, and suggest measures to ensure the sustainability and equity of irrigation practices in agriculture. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"How India benefitted strategically from the contributions of Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha and Dr. Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai in the fields of atomic energy and space technology respectively? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Genreative AI holds the potential to push the boundaries of innovation in the near future, yet its societal impact raises substantial challenges. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Explain the purpose of the \"Mangrove Alliance for Climate\" launched at the COP27 UN Climate Change Conference in Egypt in November 2022. Elaborate on the importance of mangroves in maintaining the coastal ecology of tropical nations. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"The Formation of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure brings more robustness to the Disaster Management approach in India. Comment and justify the need for a new strategy to tackle Disasters in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"The recent rise in ransomware attacks targeting critical infrastructure and major corporations has highlighted the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity measures and policies. Discussing the key factors contributing to this trend, analyze the impact of these attacks on various sectors. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"In the context of border security, how can cooperation and coordination between different security agencies be improved to ensure effective and efficient management of coastal and terrestrial borders? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7732,"topper":"Siddharth Srivastava","air":118,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/40/pttp220196_tc073-test-03-gs-3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7733,"topper":"Siddharth Srivastava","air":118,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/49/pttp220196_tc077-test-07-gs-3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7734,"topper":"Siddharth Srivastava","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Siddharth-Srivastava-UPSC-2023-Rank-118-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by foundational values of Civil Services? Why are they said to be foundational in nature? Which two values of Civil Services in your opinion are of paramount importance? Explain with examples. (10 Marks/150 Words) b) What do you understand by “good” in good governance? Is good governance always ethical governance? Analyse. (10 Marks/150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Analyze the doctrine of “Niti” and “Nyaya” as given by Amarta Sen, in the Indian context. (10 Marks/150 Words) b) How can we use “Social Influence” and “persuasion to contribute to the success of “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Abhiyan”? (10 Marks/150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"\"Man needs his difficulties because they are necessary to enjoy success.\". Comment. (10 Marks/150 Words) b) What do you understand by the term \"positive attitude\". What are the identify-ing traits of persons with positive attitude? How can we inculcate such attitudes? (10 Marks/150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the contribution of Immanuel Kant to the field of ethics. What are the limitations to his approach? (10 Marks/150 Words) b) \"Corruption is a cancer: a cancer that eats away at a citizen's faith in democracy, diminishes the instinct for innovation and creativity\". Analyse the social, moral and economic imperatives for eradicating corruption. (10 Marks/150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Envy is a negative emotion that eats a man from within. An envious person is filled with bitterness and revenge. a) How does envy differs from jealousy? Also discuss how it impacts one's behaviour and handling interpersonal relations. (10 Marks/150 Words) b) How can negative feelings such as envy be managed and controlled? (10 Marks/150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"List any two women personalities who have inspired you. What qualities do you admire in them? How have you tried to imbibe those qualities in yourself? (10 Marks/150 Words) b) How is Attitude formed? Discuss how we can change the attitude of society towards women. (10 Marks/150 Words) c) It is often believed that business and ethics do not go together and are incompatible. Give your opinion on this. How can we make business more ethical? (10 Marks/150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"As a senior member of the advisory committee to the government, you have access to important policy decisions and upcoming big announcements such as high-speed rail network projects before they are notified in the public domain. The government is about to announce a mega rail project for which the drawings are already in place. A significant part of this project will pass through a protected zone that has been hitherto untouched by developmental activities. This protected zone is an important part of the city ecology. If damaged, it can aggravate the recurring flood disaster scenario in the region. This zone is also known for its highly endangered bird species which happens to be your state bird too. When you brought this matter to the notice of the chairman of the committee, he advised you that in his opinion it is not a very serious lapse and may be ignored. He advised for further expediting the project for completion in time. However, you are convinced that this was a serious matter which might affect public safety and should not be left unaddressed. Your chairman and political leadership in the state is adamant about providing a clearance without any hurdles. a) Critically examine various issues in development vs environment debate. b) Analyse various conflicts of interest in this case and how are you going to address them? (20 Marks/250 Words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Dr. C is an honest and upright professional working in a Government hospital. He notices that his staff is habitually late. They do not seem to be very motivated or committed to their work. When he sought a meeting with them to ascertain the reasons for their attitude, they said that their salaries are barely sufficient to meet their needs. Hence they are forced to work as part time employees in private clinics. Some of them are thinking of resigning from their jobs and plan to work as full time private employees instead. a) In your opinion what are the reasons behind low motivation in government services? b) What measures can Dr. C take in the given circumstances to boost the motivation and morale of his staff? (20 Marks/250 Words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"You have the following options before you. a) Accept the resignation letter and relieve the candidate of their trauma. b) Reject the resignation letter and ask the candidate to adjust. Discuss the merits and demerits of these options. Can you suggest any other option with proper justification?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Suggest measures to be taken to reform the workplace culture to make it more inclusive. (20 Marks/250 Words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"You are a senior professor of a department in a Central University. Over the years you have worked with and supervised candidates from a variety of backgrounds. In fact, candidates are eager to work under you because of your inclusive and compassionate way of handling things. Mr. X is a blind candidate and is pursuing his Ph.D. under your supervision for the last 3 years. You have seen him working consistently very hard and sincerely. He belongs to an economically deprived background and has already exhausted all his resources in this pursuit. You want Mr. X to complete his Ph.D. on time and help him find a good job. He has recently submitted his final thesis after 3 years of course work. You are known to be strict as far as the rules of the University and quality of research work is concerned. While reviewing the thesis you notice that a significant part of the final thesis has been plagiarized, well above the permissible limit. This is against the policies and rules of the University. If the external evaluators recognise the duplication in thesis with any other existing body of work, then it can also affect your reputation. 1. Indicate the values at conflict in this case. 2. Consider these options. a) Considering that rules and regulation in the submission of thesis do not give any relaxation in the quality of the work to a disabled candidate, you become compassionate and overlook the breach. b) Pursue the matter strictly and reject the thesis as any level of plagiarism cannot be tolerated. Evaluate each of these options and suggest how you would respond to this situation giving reasons\\t(20 Marks/250 Words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What are the responsibility of social media platforms and users towards the society in the context of rising incidents of cyber bullying? (20 Marks/250 Words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"You are a Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture. Your Minister has proposed a fixed annual grant to farmers which is expected to cost the public exchequer heavily. Having already taken the decision, he asks you to come up with a research to support the scheme. After a lot of effort, you find that socio-economic benefit of the scheme is reaching only large farmers due to many intricacies in the selection of beneficiaries. You approach the Minister with relevant facts and ask him to plug the gaps in the proposed scheme, so that small and marginal farmers can benefit from this decision. However, he asks you to suppress the drawbacks, and actively promote the scheme through mass media as the electoral benefits are more important than socio-economic impacts. Elections are due in less than 3 months and the political party currently in power is expected to return back with a majority. Your promotion is also due around the same time. As a secretary you are expected to fully support and cooperate in the ministers' decision, and make the scheme a success, despite all the drawbacks in the scheme. a) Mention the different stakeholders in the above situation and also highlight their prospective interests. b) What are the ethical dilemmas faced by you in this situation? c) Some of the alternatives for you to handle the situation could be: • Follow the commands of the Minister. • Insist on the publication of results and let the public decide whether it wants the scheme. • Call a press conference and brief the media about the results and the callous attitude of the Minister. Suggest any other possible option(s). Evaluate all of them and suggest the best course of action, giving reasons for it. (20 Marks/250 Words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":7735,"topper":"Siddharth Srivastava","air":118,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/bb681-137728_1420_siddharth_srivastava_rank_118.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7736,"topper":"Siddharth Srivastava","air":118,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/49fcd-137728_1525_siddharth_srivastava_rank_118.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7737,"topper":"Siddharth Srivastava","air":118,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/199/pttp220196_tc074-test-04-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7738,"topper":"Siddharth Srivastava","air":118,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/56/pttp220196_tc074-test-04-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7739,"topper":"Siddharth Srivastava","air":118,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/57/pttp220196_tc075-test-05-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7740,"topper":"Sidharth B.","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9359_748_Sidharth_Rank_15.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The crux of ethical behavior lies not only in standards, but in their adoption in action and issuing sanctions against their violation. Illustrate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Ethical qualities of a civil servant come handy in times of a crisis. Elucidate using the example of a natural disaster.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"The bailout package offered to large financial corporations in response to global financial crisis raised important ethical questions. Discuss the ethical issues involved in giving bailout packages to financial corporations using taxpayers' money.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"There is an entrenched perception in our country that the police is biased against the minority community. Why does such a perception exist? Suggest steps to bridge the police community gap. 10 ?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"India's abysmal record in sex ratio and gender violence reflects the general attitude of the society towards women. Discuss. In this context, how could an attitudinal change be brought about?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"In the parlance of governance, probity is often used in conjunction with integrity. How do you differentiate between the two? What is their importance in public life? What measures can help promote these values in governance?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"How does the use of social media influence political participation and civic engagement? Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"What are the objectives behind the creation of Citizens' Charter? How does a Citizens' Charter ensure transparency and accountability in governance? What are the impediments in its effective implementation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"RTI is termed as a master key to good governance. Highlight the role of RTI in making the administration and governance of our country more ethical and responsive.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Differentiate between persuasion and social influence. How can persuasion be made effective to bring about an attitudinal change? Give two examples where you brought about a positive attitudinal change through persuasion.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"In spite of the existence of a Code of Conduct for public servants, its implementation has been tardy and of limited success. Discuss. Further, suggest steps which could be taken to improve the efficacy of the Code of Conduct. What role can Code of Ethics play in reinforcing the Code of Conduct in public life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Given below is a quotation. Bring out what it means to you in present context. \"The intellect has sharp eye for methods and tools, but is blind to ends and values.\" -Einstein.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Your 16 year old cousin, Leena, loves to play basketball but her peers mock her short height, so much that Leena has developed a negative attitude towards all sports. As a responsible elder cousin, how will you convince Leena to take up sports once again?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"You are the dean of an engineering college. You have received a complaint regarding prejudice against students from lower castes by some senior professors. These professors have contributed a lot academically to the university. However, this particular instance has disturbed peace and harmony in the campus. (a) Discuss the immediate steps you would take to contain growing discontent among some students. (b) Discuss the action to be taken if the professors are found to be guilty and also evaluate the steps if it comes out to be a false case against the professors. (c) What should be the responsibilities of professors and students to create positive social ambience in the campus?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7741,"topper":"Sidharth B.","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9359_760_Sidharth_Rank_15.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Celebrities are paid huge amounts by companies for endorsing products that at times turn out to be harmful for the consumers. Examine the ethical dimensions involved in such instances.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Lack of cleanliness in urban areas despite schemes such as the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan point to difficulties faced in bringing about attitudinal and behavioural changes. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Issues around economic inclusion are not just about income gaps, there are many dimensions of moral and ethical choices as well. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Socially and economically marginalized women are used to make a profit, often at the cost of their own health and reproductive autonomy, in the name of commercial surrogacy. Discuss the ethical issues associated with commercial surrogacy in India. Should commercial surrogacy be completely banned?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"While discussing the ethical issues that journalists face on a regular basis, examine the causes of increased sensationalism in news media in recent times.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"What are the various sources through which humans can judge the correctness of their actions? In the context of public life discuss how these sources are important in offering a clear and practical guidance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Should a person resort to leaking of information in case of wrongs done in the organization ? Does it cause a conflict of interest between the personal, organizational and societal spheres? Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Competition, it is argued, spurs the best of performance, however, can it also instigate cheating and unethical behaviour? Discuss with adequate examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"\"A person may cause evil to others not only by his actions but by his inaction, and in either case he is justly accountable to them for the injury\". Explain the statement giving one example each from personal and public life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"\"A people that values its privileges above its principles soon loses both.\" What does this quotation mean to you? Explain with an example.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"Instances of atrocities against dalits despite stringent legal measures point to the fact that the problem is not one of legality only but a matter of entrenched social prejudices and attitude. In this context suggest some effective measures to address the issue holistically.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"What do you mean by 'anonymity in the civil services'? Explain why anonymity and neutrality are considered as important traits for civil servants.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"Prescription of dresscode for women not only violates their liberty but also reflects outdated views on gender relations as well as proper conduct. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"List the options available to you in the given case. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"Discuss some feasible steps that you can take to control this serious problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"You are SP of a district where the use of drugs is prevalent, especially among the youth. The neighbouring districts are also suffering from the same problem. There is a huge hue and cry in the national media about the drug issue and the government and political parties are pressurising the police and district administration to act on the issue. A big deal of drugs is busted by the police in your area and all the culprits have been arrested. However, even before you reach your office, a minister from the ruling party of the state calls and asks you to release few of the culprits. You have long suspected the role of many senior leaders in this drug menace of the state. You have also been informed by your juniors that a few officers who dared to act against people involved in drug dealings were transferred or suspended on wrong charges earlier. 1. Identify the options available to you. 2. Evaluate the pros and cons of each of your options.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"Is Dr. Singh's participation in this study appropriate? Justify your position.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"Does Dr. Singh have a conflict of interest? If so, what is the nature of the conflict? How could it be mitigated.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"How would the nature of the conflict of interest be different had he not already owned stock, but instead had been offered stock as a form of compensation for conducting the study?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7742,"topper":"Sidharth B.","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9359_747_Sidharth_Rank_15.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"A broad ethical framework as a guiding light for international relations will not only ensure harmonious relations between nations but will also lead to progress of the human race. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What does inequality mean to you? What are the different kinds of inequality? Is inequality morally wrong? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"One has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws. In light of this statement, examine the relevance of civil disobedience in a modern democratic society. Discuss the duties and responsibilities of a law enforcing officer in such situations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Ensuring accountability in the administration just adds another layer in the bureaucratic process. Examine. Differentiate between accountability and responsibility. Suggest some measures through which administrative accountability can be made more effective in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"\"Morality is based neither on the principle of utility, nor on a law of nature, but on human reason. But human reason can be fallible.\" Comment., What does morality mean to you?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"For effective public service delivery, the need today is to move from traditional accountability mechanisms to social accountability through greater civic engagement. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"What do you mean by social justice? Explain with examples, why it is imperative for a society to promote social justice.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Investigative reporting by media can be a significant source of information on corruption. What are ethical issues involved in investigative journalism? What safeguards can be introduced to prevent its misuse?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"While transplantation of organs represents one of the most spectacular achievements of modern medical science, it has raised many ethical issues as well. Discuss. Also, examine the issues related to organ transplantation in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"There can be honesty without integrity, but no integrity without honesty. Do you agree? Justify your stand with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"\"It is not always the same thing to be a good person and a good citizen.\" Explain the meaning of this statement and analyse its implications for a democratic society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Value of compassion towards the weak extends the limits of operations of a public servant by introducing flexibility but dilutes the principle of objectivity. Discuss. If a conflict arises between the value of compassion and principle of objectivity, how will you deal with it as a public servant?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Which administrator had a lasting impact on your decision to join the civil services and why? Should administrators have increased media presence so that the common man can know more about their efforts and achievements? Justify your stand.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"You are a Secretary in a government department. Your Minister has proposed an unemployment grant, which is expected to cost the public exchequer heavily. Having already taken the decision, he asks you to come up with research to support the scheme. Despite your best efforts, you fail to find socio-economic benefit in it. You approach the Minister with relevant facts and studies and ask him to reconsider his decision. Instead, he asks you to suppress the negative impacts and actively promote the scheme through mass media as the percieved social impacts are more important than economic impacts. Elections are due in a short time and the political party currently in power is expected to win. You are also due for promotion at the same time. You are expected to fully cooperate in the situation and make the scheme a success, however flawed its foundations may be. (a) List the different stakeholders in the above situation and mention their prospective interests. (b) Discuss the ethical dilemma which you face in this situation. (c) Some of the alternatives for you to handle the situation could be: • Do as asked by the Minister.. • Insist on publication of results and let the public decide whether it wants the scheme. • Call a press conference and brief the media about the results and the callous attitude of the Minister. Suggest any other possible option(s). Evaluate all of them and suggest the best course of action, giving reasons for it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"The International Money Bank has granted loan to the government to construct ten dams. The dams would provide water for irrigation of crops, control floods in some parts of your district, and supply drinking water to numerous towns and cities. Seven of these dams are to be constructed in areas of high ecological value occupied by native groups who are challenging the government. The native groups, who oppose the construction of the dams, represent a minority compared to the multiple towns and cities which would benefit from the dams. Nevertheless, it should be taken under consideration that the natives consider the forests as their own. Also, their distinctive life style and culture is intimately related to the existence of these natural areas. It has been noted that the forests also have a very high ecological value. If this project is completed, their land would submerge and the natives would have to be relocated. The International Money Bank is aware of this yet it has granted the loan. You are the District Magistrate of this district. Every day protests and demonstrations are happening in your office. The government has given you the responsibility to manage the situation. What are the various options available to you. Evaluate all of them and suggest the best course of action, giving reasons for it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"You recently joined the civil administration as a young District Commissioner. As a part of fulfilling their electoral promise, the new government in the state announced total prohibition on production, sale and purchase of liquor. This has not only led to smuggling of liquor from neighbouring states but also production of illicit liquor in the state, known as hooch. Women of the area decide to go on a protest against the recent hooch tragedy wherein several people lost their lives owing to consumption of illicit liquor. The political authorities scapegoat you for mismanagement. (a) What are the issues involved in this case? (b) What are the various options available to you. Evaluate all of them and suggest the best course of action, giving reasons for it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"You are a doctoral student at a large university in the final months of your research on a potentially revolutionary technology. Meanwhile, you have also applied for post-doctoral research cum teaching positions at various universities. To your pleasant surprise, you get an interview call from your undergraduate alma mater, a prestigious research institution in a city where you would live. In the interview, the department chair asks for detailed information about your research. Your group is working on a patent application and its members have agreed not to provide details until a paper currently being prepared is submitted for publication. You explain the situation and tell them that you would be glad to send them an early preprint when it is available. But the Chair pushes harder for this information, remarking that the Department seeks team players, willing to share information with department colleagues. She also appeals to your undergraduate connection with the institution. (a) Enumerate the ethical issues involved in the case in light of your current responsibilities vis-a-vis future expectations. (b) Discuss the possible motivations of the department chair in pressing you for detailed information. (c) What stand will you take in such a situation? Give reasonable justification for your arguments.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"Enumerate the ethical issues involved in the case in light of your current responsibilities vis-a-vis future expectations. (b) Discuss the possible motivations of the department chair in pressing you for detailed information. (c) What stand will you take in such a situation? Give reasonable justification for your arguments.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"You have recently been appointed as the District Collector of an impoverished district, which has been witnessing drought for the last couple of years. Corruption at lower levels of bureaucracy has further aggravated the situation. The district also faces the problem of diminishing resources of drinking water. Despite, the gravity of the problem, the response from the central and the state government is lackadaisical. Moreover, the media coverage of the problem is also dismal. To make matters worse, the younger members of the community are migrating in search of work to the urban areas without much success, leaving the elders, women, and children behind to fend for themselves. (a) As the District Collector what would be your priorities for solving the problem? (b) How would you tackle the situation? (c) What long term measures would you take to prevent the future recurrence of the problem?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":55,"question":"In a district, in which you are posted as a District Magistrate, a teacher molests a child in a government run school. As the news of this crime spreads, the parents, relatives and locals gather at the school. The culprit teacher has meanwhile fled. The police arrests the Principal of the school and assure the crowd that the culprit would be arrested soon. The crowd, however, has gone berserk and begins to damage the school building. It wants immediate arrest of the culprit and is not ready to budge until he is arrested. (a) Is it correct to take the Principal into custody when he has personally not committed the crime? Support your answer with appropriate reasons. (b) What options do you have in dealing with the crowd? Enumerate the merits and demerits of each and also suggest the best possible option. (c) In the capacity of District Magistrate what would be your long term plan to prevent molestations and rapes in the schools?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7743,"topper":"Sidhartha Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/139f9-3452_1450_sidhartha-gupta_rank_102.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"An effective crop insurance system is crucial in cushioning income losses for farmers. In this context, assess the performance of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Explaining the significance of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), highlight the challenges that need to be addressed for it to achieve its true potential. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the potential of multimodal transport in transforming India's transportation and logistics sector. Mention the measures taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Private investment is a key driver that catalyses an economy into a self-sustaining cycle of growth. Explaining the statement, highlight the steps that should be taken to revive private investment in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Comment on the efficacy of waste to energy plants being established in India in order to solve the problem of discarded municipal solid waste. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"In recent decades India has made changes in its IPR regime to make it TRIPS compliant, however there continue to remain fundamental differences on IPR related issues in relation to the developed world. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Chandrayaan-2 has not only been considered as one of the most challenging missions of ISRO but also more technologically advanced than Chandrayaan-1. Elaborate. Further, examine how lunar exploration can benefit humanity in general. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Given the strategic rivalries and growing space capabilities of many countries, militarisation of outer space is considered a threat. In this context, discuss the need for a rule-based order to securely govern outer space. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Money laundering not only threatens the stability of the financial system of India but also its national security. Elucidate. In this context, discuss how far the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 addresses these issues. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Discuss the need for agricultural marketing reforms in India. Also, identify the key aspects of agricultural markets that need to be reformed. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite the government meeting its disinvestment targets in recent years, its efforts towards strategic disinvestment and privatisation remain limited. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"There have been arguments that employment creation and productivity do not grow adequately as firms age in India. In this context, analyse why Indian firms start small and stay small. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Bring out the importance of focussing on energy efficiency for achieving energy security in India. What steps have been taken by the government in this regard? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Despite having a statutory framework for minimum wages since long, many workers continue to remain outside its reach. Examine the reasons and suggest corrective measures in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Highlight the significance of a well-established carbon market in India. In this context, explaining the mechanism of renewable energy certificates (REC), highlight the challenges that the REC market faces. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Discuss the need and challenges in integrating the efforts for disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Given the significance of data in policy making, analyze why its potential remains underutilised. Also, suggest some measures for transforming India's data infrastructure in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The roots of insurgency in the North Eastern region are embedded in a host of factors. Discuss. What measures have been taken to tackle cross-border insurgency in this area? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Highlight the challenges faced by India in countering terror financing. Also, mention the steps taken by India in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7744,"topper":"Sidhartha Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0dc87-3452_1448_sidhartha-gupta_rank_102.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"It is argued that mathematics and astronomy were an important part of intellectual development in ancient India. In this context, highlight the major contributions of ancient India to these areas. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Analyze the impact of globalization on indigenous craft, literary traditions and traditional knowledge systems in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Juvenile delinquency has attracted much media attention in recent years. What are the factors that drive the juveniles towards crime? In this context, state the significance of rehabilitative and reformative measures for juvenile delinquents. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Highlighting the health challenges that tribals are facing in India, suggest a roadmap to improve the health indicators of the tribals. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Give an account of the geographical distribution pattern of major agro-based industries in India. Also, explain their multiplier effect on rural economy. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Highlight the reasons and resultant implications of disappearance of urban water bodies in India. Mention some of the steps which can be taken in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Explaining the role that Ocean Iron Fertilization can play in the fight against climate change, discuss the concerns associated with its large-scale adoption. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"In India a vast number of languages are potentially endangered. Discuss the reasons and implications of disappearance of a language. Also, suggest measures to preserve potentially endangered languages. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"While the British established a judicial system based on the rule of law, in practice this system suffered from numerous drawbacks. Analyze keeping in mind the developments between 1793 and 1833. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Trace the evolution of British policy towards the princely states in India. How did the freedom movement impact the people of these princely states? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Give a brief account of the circumstances under which Simla agreement was signed in 1972. Mentioning its important provisions, discuss whether it was a lost opportunity for India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"State the push and pull factors responsible for internal migration in India. Also examine how it is impacting urban transition in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Examine the factors responsible for poor performance of family planning programme in India. Suggest some family planning strategies, which can be adopted for improving reproductive health outcomes and achieving family welfare. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Women experience poverty differently and more acutely as compared to men. In this context, explain the socio-economic factors, which contribute to feminization of poverty in India. How can this problem be tackled? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Giving examples, highlight the reasons behind existence of regional disparities in India. Suggest some strategies to address them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Highlighting different factors affecting Indian monsoon, explain why it is difficult to predict it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7745,"topper":"Sidhartha Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/cb979-3452_1449_sidhartha-gupta_rank_102.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Bringing higher judiciary under the ambit of RTI has its own merits and demerits. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Tribunals in India have not just replicated some of the problems that our judiciary suffers from but added a few more. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Parliamentary privileges are not always used for the aims they were intended to serve. In this context, discuss the need for codification of these privileges in light of recent developments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"There is a point of view that the office of Governor has outlived its relevance and needs to be abolished. Critically examine in the current context. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Is lateral entry in civil services the panacea to address the challenges, which hamper the effective functioning of bureaucracy in India? Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Highlighting the grievances of states towards Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS), explain how the government has sought to rationalise these schemes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The PM Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) has begun well and holds a lot of promise, however it needs to address multiple challenges to become a success. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Highlighting its key features, examine the need for the passage of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill by the Parliament at the earliest. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"With changing times India's engagement with its diaspora has also undergone a change. Explain in the context of government policies on diaspora. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Despite its immense potential, the challenges associated with RCEP for India cannot be ignored. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Decentralisation in India has been fairly successful at the political level, however on the fiscal and administrative fronts progress is marred by several bottlenecks. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The provisions of the Anti-Defection Law have been repeatedly violated and are routinely misinterpreted. Examine. Also, suggest measures to strengthen the Anti-Defection Law. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The amendment process for the Indian Constitution follows a middle path between rigidity and flexibility. Comment in comparative perspective. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Assess the effectiveness of the institutional architecture of Indian federalism in settling inter-state disputes. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The recent advances in technologies have the potential to make e-governance a very potent tool for ushering in an era of good governance. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"While Indians are donating to charitable causes more than ever, philanthropy in India is still at a formative stage. In this context, highlight the significance of philanthropy and state the factors holding back philanthropy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Highlight the challenges faced in implementation of healthcare schemes in India. Examine how creation of a robust digital health ecosystem can prove to be a game changer in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"For India to emerge as a knowledge superpower, it is imperative to address the challenges of access, equity, quality, affordability and accountability faced by the current education system. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Ties with both USA and Russia are important for India, however, both these relations have their own sets of challenges, and some of these are further accentuated by the friction between these two powers. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7746,"topper":"Sikha Surendran","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/103737_1023_Sikha_Rank_16.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The evolution of temple-building in India can be attributed to factors such as changing form of worship, improvement in the skills of the craftsmen and the increase in funding provided by kings and rich merchants. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Metal casting in India appears to be one of the oldest sculptural traditions. Discuss the significance of cire-perduor or \"lost wax\" technique in the sculptural tradition of India with examples from different regions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"India's middle ages brought about a very rich tradition of devotional literature of remarkable merit which dispels the assumption of a dark period of India's history. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"The outbreak of World War II in 1939 divided the nationalists over the next course of action in the freedom struggle. Elaborate. In this context, also examine the factors that led to INC launching the Quit India Movement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"How did the Indian industrialists contribute to the freedom struggle? Did the emergence of the socialistic trend during the later period of the struggle deter them from supporting the freedom struggle? Analyze.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"The social-religious reform movements of the 19th and 20th century in British India not only tried to purge the Indian society of various social evils but also prepared the ground for the Indian freedom struggle. Analyze.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"The dawn of 19th century was marked by large scale expansion of the British empire into India, especially during the governorship of Wellesley. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"United States entered the Vietnam war incrementally, in a series of steps between 1950 and 1965. Elucidate. Also analyse the reasons for America's failure in the war.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"Even though there is much that is wrong with the European Union (EU), its achievements can not be discounted either. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"Despite being a failure, 1848 revolutions remain a watershed event in European History. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"The events that led to the American Revolution had causes rooted in the social, economic, political and ideological context of that time. Elaborate. Also, bring out the influence that the American Revolution had on the French Revolution.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"In the context of Punjab crisis it can be argued that language, religion and regionalism combined into a potentially explosive situation which political elites struggled to contain. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"What were the factors that led to the declaration of Emergency in 1975? Why is it considered as the dark period of Indian democracy? In this context, discuss the response to the imposition of emergency among the masses, media and political class.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"The role of women since independence has not been confined to issues of women alone, rather they have played an important role in the issues related to peasants, tribals, farmers, trade unions and environment. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"Critically examine the point of view that cultural diversity in India has been a hindrance to the process of nation building.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Equality of opportunity requires not only open competition for advantaged positions but also fair access to qualifications required for those positions. Discuss in the Indian context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"Portrayal of stereotypical sensational images of women not only reduces their identity to a mere object of desire but also reinforces the patriarchal structure of the society. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":55,"question":"Explain the concept of planned obsolescence with examples and discuss its impact for an economy. In this context, comment on Indian society's move towards throwaway culture.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":58,"question":"Employment is a vital factor in empowerment of persons with disabilities. Analyse. Enumerate the steps taken by the government to increase employment of persons with disabilities.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":61,"question":"While many see globalisation as synonymous with westernisation, evidence suggests that the process of globalisation has not been a one way street. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7747,"topper":"Sikha Surendran","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/103737_875_Sikha_Rank_16.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Centralising recruitment through an All-India Judicial Service (AIJS) will not address the multiple problems in the judiciary and cause new ones instead. Critically evaluate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"The roots of the most pertinent challenges faced by Indian politics today can be traced to the lack of intra-party democracy in candidate selection and internal elections. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"While the idea behind merger of autonomous bodies in India is to curb overlapping work and reduce expenditure, it may end up doing more harm than good. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Well-defined electoral laws and greater powers for the Election Commission of India are required as the existing laws and mechanisms are inadequate to deal with new challenges. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Privileges should be defined and delimited for the free and independent functioning of the legislatures. In this context, discuss whether there is a need to re-examine the balance between fundamental rights and parliamentary privileges in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The principle of accountability is an essential part of the rule of law. In this context, discuss the lacunae in government's approach and judiciary's response to the phenomenon of extrajudicial killings in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Explain the rationale behind enacting the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016. Discuss how it can help in revitalizing consumer confidence in the real estate market. Also highlight the hurdles that remain in implementing it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Moving the subject of water from state list to concurrent list will solve the issues related to governance of water resources. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Give an account of the areas of potential conflict in the relationship between the political executive and civil servants. Also discuss why a healthy working relationship between the two is critical for good governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Despite their location in the non-political domain of civil society, NGOs have ended up playing a key, if indirect, role in India's politics. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Magnitude of India's urbanisation is not unusual but the pattern is. In this context, examine the issues in the governance of cities in India. Also suggest the reforms required to make Indian cities dynamos of competitive sub-federalism.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Social boycott should be treated as a criminal offence, rather than being considered as just another form of social evil plaguing the Indian society. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Human Trafficking in India has emerged as a serious issue, which calls for understanding the complexity of the problem and devising an effective strategy to combat it. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"A weak teacher education system is at the core of India's problems in school education. Evaluate. In this context, also enumerate the recommendations of the High-Powered Commission on Teacher Education constituted by the Supreme Court of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"India's contribution to peacekeeping missions of the United Nations has remained steadfast despite changes in the nature, form and variety of UN peace keeping missions. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"India's partnership with Africa is an amalgam of African development priorities as well as India's development objectives. Discuss. Also highlight the initiatives taken by India in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Comment on the role of International Court of Justice in upholding the values of international law. In this context, also highlight the association of India with the ICJ over the years.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"In view of the focus on trans-regional economic corridors and changing regional geo-politics and geo-economics, critically discuss the idea of an Indo-Pacific Economic Corridor.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7748,"topper":"Sikha Surendran","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/103737_860_Sikha_Rank_16.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Marketing has become a crucial link in the success of a business. With suitable examples, discuss the ethical issues involved in marketing of a product or service. How can these issues be resolved?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Value education empowers a person to confront the myriad challenges of contemporary Indian society. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Ethics is the first line of defence against corruption while law enforcement is remedial and reactive. Examine the statement with suitable examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss the influence that parents have on values of their children and the role they can play in transmitting good values and resisting negative influences. Why is it that, at times, the values of children differ from that of their parents?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"What does 'public service' means to you? Describe the various ways in which one can serve the public. Does one necessarily serve the public better by entering the civil services? Justify your stand.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"What do you understand by 'civic virtue' in public life? What are the challenges in practising it in today's time? How can these challenges be overcome?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"The lives of great leaders inspire us in many ways. Which leader has had a lasting impact on you and in what way? Mention one outstanding value that you have imbibed from him/her and its importance to being a civil servant.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Governance is the vital link in our quest for prosperity and equity. What should be the key elements of ethical governance to eliminate corruption and bureaucratic delays? Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Has excessive profit seeking by corporates undermined the trust of public in the private sector? Giving examples, examine the reasons for failure of corporate governance in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Income inequality, resource mismanagement and health hazards are some of the negative consequences of globalization. In this context, what are some of the ethical dilemmas that civil servants face today? How has the approach to handling these undergone a change?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss the role and importance of independent directors for corporate governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Is there a conflict between morality and freedom? Discuss with reference to Kant's views on categorical imperative.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"\"Since at the beginning and end of our lives we are so dependent on other's kindness, how can it be that in the middle we neglect the kindness towards others?\" - The Dalai Lama. Bring out what you understand by this quote and discuss its relevance in the Indian society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"In the following questions, carefully study the cases presented and then answer the questions that follow (in around 250 words): 9. You, a reporter currently working as an intern, accompanied a small group of reporters to a political event organized by the ruling party's state unit. The party was followed by dinner where you were also asked to join. Here, you noticed that alcohol was being served to some members of the ruling party. Consumption of alcohol had been declared illegal in the state a few months ago and the ban is being enforced strictly across the state. The other reporters in your group ignored the issue and asked you to ignore it as well. However, it was clear to you that the law was not being followed. (a) Identify the issues involved in this scenario. (b) What are your duties in such a scenario? (c) What course of action would you follow and why?","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"You are posted as the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in a district. As the SDM it is your responsibility to conduct interviews and select a candidate for the post of an ASHA worker in the district. On the day you are conducting the interviews, you are approached by the MLA of the local constituency who asks you to choose a particular lady for this position by overlooking the other candidates. On checking her documents you find that she is eligible in all respects. The MLA implores that she should be given the post on compassionate grounds as her husband was a soldier who was martyred in a war. Some of the options to handle the situation could be as follows: (a) Ignore the MLA and proceed with the process of selection. (b) Speak to your superior and seek his guidance on the matter. (c) Appoint the lady to the post as it is a compassionate appointment. Also suggest other possible options. Evaluate each of these options and suggest the best course of action, giving reasons for it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"You are officer-in-charge of a very important railway junction, which is an artery of trade and commerce. A peasant disturbance has been brewing in your district for the past few weeks. Their discussions with the political and district leadership has borne no fruit and it has come to the stage that now they are protesting by organizing a sit-in on the railway tracks near the station. They have thereby succeeded in blocking movement of all trains. This disruption is causing significant harassment for the passengers waiting at the platform as well. (a) What will be your course of immediate action? (b) How can emotional intelligence act as a tool in handling this issue? (c) What steps will you take so that such incidents are not repeated in the future?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"You are representing India in an international bidding for oil exploration in a country. Other, richer countries are also bidding for the project. You are sure that your bid of exploration is better as well as cheaper than that of others, and that you will definitely win the bid. A day before the auction, you come to know that other countries are employing every means, including bribing the authorities for being successful. Some of the officials of the home country have also contacted you and made some demands in exchange for assurance of India winning the bid. You are aware of the criticality of this bid in terms of domestic economic and strategic implications. Based on above information, answer the following questions. (a) Specify the ethical dilemma(s) that you face in this situation. (b) Do ethical concerns really matter in international transactions or are they secondary to domestic interests? (c) What will be your course of action in the above situation? Justify with merits and demerits.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"You are the CEO of a film production company, which has not been doing well financially for some time. Your company is now relying on its forthcoming movie, which is about to be released shortly. The movie has a cast of reliable actors and even before its release, trade pundits have predicted that the movie will be a hit. However, you face a conundrum as one of the actors in the movie is a citizen of a neighbouring country with which relations have been disturbed and a war like situation exists. While the political atmosphere was different when the movie was being filmed, now there is a widespread public demand, with a local political party at the forefront, for replacing the actor from the movie or a ban on the release of the movie itself, if the actor is not replaced. While you are aware of the mood of the nation and the public repercussions of releasing the movie in its present form, you also know that it is not feasible to replace him at this stage as he has a substantial role in the movie. There is also a section in the film fraternity that does not want you to compromise in the wake of threat by the local party as it compromises freedom of speech and expression as well as artistic creativity. (a) What are the options available to you? (b) Evaluate each of the options and state their merits and demerits. (c) What course of action would you take and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Big firms often undertake sub-contracting to complete large infrastructure projects in a timely manner. You recently joined one such firm as a manager responsible for awarding these contracts. Looking at the past records, you find that all contracts for the past few years have been awarded to a particular firm, X. Your superior has asked you to award an upcoming contract to the same firm. Although, not binding, company procedure maintains that sub-contracting work should be offered after competitive bids. This is to ensure that the firm most suitable for the project in terms of operations and finance gets the contract. When you discuss this with your superior, he insists that hiring of the firm X has been done as per legal norms of the company and no official rule has been violated. You decide to contact the owner of the firm X. After doing so, you realize that he is the nephew of your superior, who is also a shareholder in the company. (a) State the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) Does this form of transaction between two private parties constitute a conflict of interest? Justify. (c) Evaluate the possible ways of awarding contracts in such a situation with their merits and demerits. Also state which method would be more suitable in each situation.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7749,"topper":"Simi Karan","air":31,"year":2019,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3a6ed-577826_1252_simi-karan_rank_31.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7750,"topper":"Simi Karan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6741c-577826_1244_simi-karan_rank_31.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the need of an Independent Fiscal Council (IFC) in bringing about transparency and accountability in fiscal processes in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Recognizing the potential of exports in generating employment, a number of steps need to be taken to address India's weakening export competitiveness. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlighting the main features of National Mineral Policy, 2019, discuss how it can help in ensuring sustainable and responsible mining. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlighting the salient features of the PM JI-VAN Yojana, analyze how it can assist in achieving the vision and goals of the National Policy on Biofuels, 2018. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) provides an alternative to capital and chemical intensive agriculture currently being practiced in India. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Marine life is facing 'irreparable damage' from the millions of tonnes of plastic waste which ends up in the oceans each year. In this context, examine the implications of plastic pollution on marine ecosystem and suggest some measures for addressing this problem. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are black holes? Highlight the challenges in imaging a black hole? How were these challenges overcome by the Event Horizon Telescope project? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"While mentioning the objectives of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), discuss the challenges which are hindering the utilization of the ATT to its full potential. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Threats to internal security of India may be posed both through the communication networks and also to the networks. Discuss. Also, highlight the steps taken by the government in making the networks more secure. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlight the importance and challenges related to integration of Variable Renewable Energy (VRE) in India. Mention some steps that can be taken for its smooth integration with the synchronized Indian grid. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"There have been arguments that India could fall into a 'middle income trap'. Explaining the phenomenon, highlight the reasons behind such arguments. How can India avoid it? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Highlighting its importance, discuss the major issues that plague effective monetary policy transmission in India. Also, mention the steps taken by RBI to improve it. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight the constraints faced by rainfed agriculture in India. Discuss some agronomic practices that can be adopted for stabilizing agricultural production in rainfed areas. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite the steps taken by the government in recent years, a number of problems continue to persist in the urea sector in India. Discuss. What reforms should be taken to address the persisting problems? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What is Access and Benefit Sharing? Explain how it aids in sustainable use of biodiversity. Also, mention the different global and national level mechanisms for ensuring Access and Benefit Sharing. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Stating the significance, discuss the challenges in achieving disaster resilience of infrastructure. Suggest some ways for mainstreaming it in the development paradigm. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Highlighting the significance of data localization for India, discuss various challenges associated with data localization. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Money Laundering as a socio economic offence is a menace especially for developing countries like India. Comment. What measures have been taken at the domestic and international levels to deal with this menace? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The primary motive of terrorism differs from that of organised crime but there exists a symbiotic relationship between the two. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7751,"topper":"Simi Karan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8be4e-577826_1243_simi-karan_rank_31.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Reservation of seats in legislature is needed to ensure meaningful political participation of women and to make the democratic process truly inclusive. Discuss the statement in the light of 108th Constitution Amendment Bill. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the issue of reservation in promotions for SCs and STs in public employment in the light of various judicial pronouncements and constitutional amendments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the reasons behind underperformance of the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs). How can their performance be improved? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlighting the rationale behind continuance of the Official Secrets Act, critically discuss whether the Right to Information should be given precedence over it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What is the rationale behind having a mandatory 'cooling-off' period for retired civil servants? In light of numerous instances of violation of this provision, do you think there is a need to have a relook at Civil Services Conduct Rules? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlighting the key features of POSHAN Abhiyan, explain how it is an improvement over previous interventions in achieving the goal of malnutrition free India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Give an account of the challenges that the multilateral rule-based trading system is facing. With special focus on WTO, discuss how these challenges can be addressed effectively. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Highlight the major impediments affecting India-US trade relations. What possible consequences can the recent withdrawal of Generalized System of Preference (GSP) have on India-US trade relations? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"In a democratic setup, it is imperative that independence be balanced with accountability. Discuss in the context of judiciary in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Despite various strengths, there are certain weaknesses in the existing structure of departments of the government which render the system slow and cumbersome. Analyze. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the light of criticism surrounding the composition and functioning of Rajya Sabha, do you think it exists merely as a secondary house of the Parliament? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Despite legislative changes with respect to funding of political parties in recent years, many challenges still exist with regards to transparency in electoral funding. Discuss. Can state funding of elections help in addressing these challenges? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Successful and long-lasting urban transformation critically depends on reforming the way our cities are governed. In this context, highlight the challenges plaguing urban governance in India and suggest some strategies to overcome those challenges. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Explain the role that SHGs play in poverty alleviation in India. Highlighting the shortcomings of the SHG-Bank Linkage programme, give some suggestions to improve its performance. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Despite initiatives taken by the government in recent years to address the challenges of the Indian higher education system, many reforms are still required to improve its quality and enhance its relevance. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Giving an account of the progress made under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, mention the challenges that it faces in achieving its target. How can the implementation of the programme be fast-tracked? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Island nations of the Indian Ocean hold immense strategic value in shaping the geopolitical contours of the region and ensuring maritime security of India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Development assistance, a key instrument in India's foreign policy, has seen a considerable expansion in the past few years both in its scope and reach. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7752,"topper":"Simi Karan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a1538-577826_1242_simi-karan_rank_31.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Tribal art in India generally reflects the creative energy found in rural areas that acts as an undercurrent to the craftsmanship. Explain with reference to the Worli and Gond paintings. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Though it had its achievements, the exclusion of Indians from the system was a key feature of judicial reforms introduced by Cornwallis. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Marshall Plan was important in the recovery of the European states from the aftermath of the Second World War. However, it also became a crucial factor in the creation of two Europes i.e. East and West. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Examine the causes behind the existence of bonded labour in contemporary India. Also, discuss the steps that should be taken for its redress. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"State the factors that enhance the risk for initiation or continuation of abuse of drugs by the youth. What measures can be taken to address this issue? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Critically analyze the impact of globalization on culture in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"How do increasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions impact coastal and marine ecosystems? Highlight various measures that can be taken for protection and restoration of such vulnerable ecosystems. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Explain the phenomenon of a Polar Vortex. Also, comment on the reasons as to why tropical areas as south as Florida have been witnessing sub-zero temperatures in recent years. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The most powerful trend of medieval Indian literature is devotional poetry which dominates almost all the major languages of the country. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Discuss the major changes introduced by the Government of India Act, 1919 and its significance as a historical landmark in the Indian freedom struggle. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Multiple factors allowed the British to gain control over India. In this context, highlighting the main developments, trace the course of British conquest of India from 1757 to 1856. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"With India becoming increasingly urban and the urban poor increasing in number, it is imperative that the challenges they face be addressed urgently. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Violations of women's sexual and reproductive health rights are often deeply engrained in societal values and traditions. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by the term Land Degradation Neutrality? Highlight its significance and the steps required to achieve it. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"State the geographical and economic importance of Hindukush-Himalayan region. How are the critical geographical features of this region changing and what possible consequences will it have? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What is the most accepted reasoning behind occurrence of earth's magnetism? Discuss the factors behind its variation temporally and spatially. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Explain Walker Circulation. Discuss how it influences Indian Monsoon. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7753,"topper":"Simran Meena","air":889,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JN04kIkDR8Xj75YTmPHhm9TRPfLtJnl_/view","questions":[]},{"id":7754,"topper":"Simrandeep Kaur","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/001f4-1158734_4514_simrandeep_kaur_rank_14.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Write two essays, choosing one topic from each of the Sections A and B, in about 1000-1200 words each :\n1. You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it.\n2. In matters of conscience, the law of the majority has no place.\n3. He who opens a school door, closes a prison.\n4. Only in the depths of winter can we truly appreciate the warmth of spring.\n5. We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.\n6. Copying is safe; innovation demands courage.\n7. The more we automate, the more human we must become.\n8. The pursuit of instant validation is creating a generation of restless minds.","marks":"125 x 2 = 250","words":"1000-1200 words each"},{"page":6,"question":"4. Only in the depths of winter can we truly appreciate the warmth of spring.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7755,"topper":"Simrandeep Kaur","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/32f43-1158734_4511_simrandeep_kaur_rank_14.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. How does the Supreme Court’s recent decision on Aligarh Muslim University’s minority status affect the interpretation of Article 30 of the Indian Constitution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. The Supreme Court, in a recent verdict, prescribed a time period for the Governor's assent to state legislative bills. What are the implications of this judgment for cooperative federalism and legislative accountability in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. Discuss the recent changes and initiatives related to cooperatives that aim to smoothen the tussle between the Centre and States in the cooperative sector.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. In recent years, use of social media and digital mobilisation by civil society has emerged as a powerful form of pressure politics. Examine its impact on policymaking and democratic accountability.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. How is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) emerging as a business-led solution for addressing development challenges in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. Discuss how mechanisms like public consultations and Jan Sunwais in India impact governance outcomes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. How effective have the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) and Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan been in addressing substance abuse in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. Rote learning and neglect of creativity in foundational education setup in India make it less ready for marketplaces that are now driven by Artificial Intelligence. Do you agree with this view? Substantiate your argument.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Analyze the transformation of the G7 from a symbol of Western strategic unity to a forum marked by internal contradictions. How should India navigate this changing dynamic to advance its strategic interests? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. Discuss the role of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in the development of developing countries. What are the key criticisms associated with its approach? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. The 103rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019 has introduced a new dimension to the principle of affirmative action in India. Critically examine its implications for the broader goal of social justice.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. The District Planning Committee (DPC) was envisioned as a key instrument to strengthen grassroots-level planning. How far has it succeeded in achieving this goal? Discuss the challenges faced by DPCs and suggest measures to make them more effective.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. The restrictions imposed under Article 293 of the Constitution on State borrowing powers, though constitutionally valid, may hinder fiscal autonomy of States and disrupt cooperative federalism. Discuss in the light of recent developments.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. Examine the tension between the right to contest elections and the need to uphold electoral ethics under the Representation of the People Act. Should there be a lifetime ban on convicted criminals? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. To what extent has the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme, launched in 2015, succeeded in addressing the declining child sex ratio and empowering the girl child? Suggest measures to enhance its impact at the grassroots level.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are emerging as vehicles of socio-economic transformation in rural India. Examine the role of government in scaling their reach and effectiveness. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. Despite economic growth, multidimensional poverty continues to persist in India. Analyse the underlying causes and discuss the measures taken by the government to address them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. India faces a paradox of food surplus and nutritional deficit. Analyse the structural reasons behind this paradox and suggest reform strategies. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. India's timely response during the economic crises in Sri Lanka and the Maldives reflects its \"Neighbourhood First\" policy in action. Examine how Indian aid has impacted bilateral ties with these nations. What steps can further be taken to promote sustainable economic cooperation in the Indian Ocean region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. Discuss the geostrategic significance of Afghanistan for India in the context of continental connectivity and access to Central Asia. How has the altered political landscape post-2021 affected India's connectivity and energy corridor ambitions? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7756,"topper":"Simrandeep Kaur","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/cbb47-1158734_2930_simrandeep_kaur_rank_14.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. How is the rapid growth of the food processing industry leading to food safety challenges in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. Under the Public Distribution System of India, the Fair Price Shop (FPS) transformation is an evolving process. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. How are agri-tech startups in India helping farmers in enhancing farm productivity and market access? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. Discuss the role of digitization of land records in the effective implementation of land reforms in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. To fully exploit its demographic dividend and accelerate economic growth, India needs to adopt a manufacturing-led growth model. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. How can the resilience of Indian coastal communities be strengthened to tackle the growing natural hazards resulting from climate change? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. How does the Green Credit Programme extend beyond carbon management to promote a more sustainable environment in India? What are the various concerns about its implementation?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. What is the need for NavIC when existing satellite navigation systems are already available? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Cyber-enabled financial crime has emerged as the new frontier of global money laundering. Discuss. How can the government address this issue? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. The Indian Army is observing the year 2024 as the 'Year of Technology Absorption'. In light of this, explain why there is a need for technology absorption in the defence sector of India. What challenges can India face in this initiative? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. What are the issues faced in the development of trade and industries in the North-Eastern Region (NER) of India? Comment on the measures that have been taken to tackle these issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. In the era of climate change and growing water scarcity, how can micro-irrigation systems contribute to sustainable agricultural practices in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. What strategies can be adopted to overcome the issues pertaining to freight transportation in the Indian Railways and increase its share in the domestic freight? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. Discuss the factors that have aided India in making impressive strides in the renewable energy sector and establishing itself as a frontrunner in the global renewable energy transition.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. How does agricultural runoff containing fertilizers and pesticides contribute to environmental pollution? What measures can be taken to mitigate the impact of agricultural runoff?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. The growing influx of tourists in Himalayan states has breached their ecological carrying capacity, leading to significant man-made disasters. What measures can be implemented to prevent such disasters while promoting sustainable tourism? Discuss with relevant examples.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. How do superconductors fuel innovation in diverse fields of science and technology? Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. While India has laws covering almost all types of intellectual property rights, numerous enforcement, regulatory and administrative challenges hamper the commercialisation of IPRs in India. Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. Keeping in view the challenges in creating integrated theatre commands, examine how the theaterisation of commands can lead to greater integration and rationalisation of manpower and resources among the three services.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. Treating border villages as first villages not just geographically but also in terms of facilities can be a key strategy for enhancing border security. Discuss. Also, highlight the measures being taken by the government in this regard.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"}]},{"id":7757,"topper":"Simrandeep Kaur","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3f1e7-1158734_4512_simrandeep_kaur_rank_14.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. Analyse the factors that have contributed to India's inclusive economic growth in the past decade. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. The Reserve Bank of India's surplus transfers offer the government much-needed fiscal space, yet they are not without challenges. Critically examine the implications of the RBI's surplus transfers to the government.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. To what extent was the first National Monetization Pipeline (NMP) able to meet its objectives? What are the objectives of the new Asset Monetization Plan 2025–30 as announced in the recent 2025 Budget? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. Examine the major challenges hindering the Indian textile industry from achieving its full potential in the global value chain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Measures taken to overcome these challenges :-\n1. PLI for technical textiles -> demand in defence, space industries.\n2. PM Mitra Parks :- Farm -> fibre -> fashion -> foreign supply chain strengthening.\n3. SFRUTI scheme for traditional handicrafts.\n4. Credit penetration through PM Mudra.\n5. Labour skill upgradation (PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana).\n6. Labour insurance & safety Net (ILO) against sweatshops in Bangladesh.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"5. Why has India become increasingly import-dependent for edible oils despite being a major agricultural economy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. Air accidents are low-frequency but high-impact events. Examine the disaster management protocols in place for aviation-related emergencies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. Chemical pollution poses a grave threat to human health and the environment in India. Discuss the key sources contributing to pervasive chemical contamination and evaluate the effectiveness of existing environmental laws in curbing this problem.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. Missile defence systems are becoming critical for national security in the face of evolving regional threats and advanced weapon technologies. Explain the working principle of missile defence systems. Critically assess India's progress in developing indigenous missile defence capabilities.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Despite multiple resolutions and initiatives undertaken by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), its efforts to counter terrorism have achieved limited success. Discuss the reasons for this limited effectiveness.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. India practices a ‘multi-alignment’ approach in its cyber diplomacy. How does this posture strengthen India’s internal security while maintaining strategic autonomy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. While examining the shortcomings of the land reforms in the past, elaborate what land reforms 2.0 should look like. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. As NITI Aayog completes 10 years of its establishment, critically examine its role in the planning and development paradigm of governance in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. What are the primary causes of limited formal credit penetration among the rural and unbanked populations in India? Comment on the effectiveness of Small Finance Banks in addressing this gap and advancing inclusive financial growth.","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. To what extent has the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for the food processing industry facilitated value addition, employment generation, and global competitiveness in India's food processing industry? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. Waste circularity is emerging as a sustainable solution to India's mounting solid waste crisis. Discuss the key principles of waste circularity and the government's initiative in this regard. How effective have these measures been in fostering a circular economy? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. Discuss the importance of integrating traditional ecological knowledge of India's tribal communities with modern disaster management frameworks. Mention two examples where indigenous practices have contributed to disaster resilience. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. CRISPR technology has rapidly advanced in recent years, with new tools and clinical breakthroughs. Highlight the recent developments in CRISPR-based gene editing technology applications. Discuss the opportunities and ethical challenges these advancements present for healthcare and society.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. A credible semiconductor ecosystem is pivotal for India's economic security as much as for national security. Analyse the strategic objectives, incentives, and institutional architecture of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM). Identify the major risks that could derail its timelines.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. Intricate inter-play of diverse factors has been the force multipliers for extremism in the North East. Discuss. Suggest a multilayered strategy to tackle the menace of extremism in this region. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. Despite recent steps towards inducting women into combat roles, their participation remains low. Examine the key challenges impeding the greater inclusion of women in the Indian armed forces. Also, suggest suitable measures to enhance their participation. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7758,"topper":"Simrandeep Kaur","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a7a9a-1158734_2931_simrandeep_kaur_rank_14.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. (a) The end cannot justify the means, for the simple and obvious reason that the means employed determine the nature of the ends produced. Discuss with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"1. (b) Discuss how the relationship between law and ethics is dynamic and continuously shaped by societal changes. Provide examples to illustrate this dynamic relationship.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"2. (a) Differentiate between probity and integrity with suitable examples. How do these values contribute to ethical governance and decision-making in the civil services? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"2. (b) Discuss the ethical implications of withholding information in public administration. How can transparency enhance accountability and reduce corruption in government institutions? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"3 (a) What do each of the following quotations mean to you?\n(a) \"There is no school equal to a decent home and no teacher equal to a virtuous parent.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"3. (b) \"Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.\" - Leo Tolstoy (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"3. (c) \"To see what is right and not do it is a lack of courage.\" – Confucius (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"4. (a) What factors lead to a positive attitude in a person? How does positive attitude enhance the effectiveness of civil servants in performing their duties?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":22,"question":"4. (b) Discuss how emotional intelligence can influence ethical decision-making in the allocation of scarce public resources.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"5. (a) Various international humanitarian organizations provide emergency aid in conflict zones around the world. Highlight the ethical challenges faced by such organizations. What are the principles that guide international humanitarian work? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"5. (b) Why is persuasion regarded as an important skill for civil servants? What are the key considerations that should guide persuasion in governance?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":28,"question":"6. (a) What role can ethical leadership play in curbing corruption, especially in public service? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"6. (b) What were the major teachings of Swami Dayanand Saraswati? Explain their relevance in addressing the current ethical and social challenges in India.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":33,"question":"(a) Discuss the ethical dilemma Karan faces in deciding whether to report the incident against Mariyam's wishes.\n(b) Evaluate the options available to Karan. Which of these options should he choose and why?\n(c) What responsibilities do organizations like XYZ Corp have in preventing and addressing sexual harassment and creating inclusive workplace environments? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"8 (a) शिक्षा विभाग के आयुक्त के रूप में जय के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं? इनमें से प्रत्येक विकल्प का मूल्यांकन कीजिए।\n(b) जय को कौन-सा विकल्प अपनाना चाहिए और क्यों?\n(c) जय जैसे सिविल सेवकों को अपने दायित्वों के निर्वहन में नैतिक मानकों को बनाए रखने के प्रयास के दौरान बेहतर सुरक्षा कैसे प्रदान की जा सकती है? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)\na) शिक्षा विभाग के आयुक्त के रूप में जय के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं? इनमें से प्रत्येक विकल्प का मूल्यांकन कीजिए।\nb) जय को कौन-सा विकल्प अपनाना चाहिए और क्यों?\nc) जय जैसे सिविल सेवकों को अपने दायित्वों के निर्वहन में नैतिक मानकों को बनाए रखने के प्रयास के दौरान बेहतर सुरक्षा कैसे प्रदान की जा सकती है? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":39,"question":"(a) What are the options available to Jay as the Commissioner of the Education Department? Evaluate each of these options.\n(b) What option should Jay adopt and why?\n(c) How can civil servants like Jay be better protected when they attempt to uphold ethical standards in their work? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"9 As the District Magistrate of X city, you are responsible for overseeing the construction of a new metro depot in an urban forest area, which is a critical infrastructure project aimed at improving public transportation and reducing traffic congestion and air pollution. The project, however, requires the clearance of a substantial portion of the forest, which has triggered strong opposition from environmental activists, local residents, and NGOs. This forest is widely regarded as essential for the city's ecological balance, often referred to as the city's \"lungs.\" In addition to the environmental concerns, you are under considerable pressure from politicians at the state-level to expedite the project, given the upcoming elections in two years. The political leadership emphasizes the benefits of the metro project for the city's development and its potential to garner electoral support. The project is expected to significantly reduce travel time for thousands of commuters and potentially decrease overall vehicle emissions in the city. However, it would also lead to the loss of thousands of trees and disrupt local ecosystems. As you prepare to make a decision, you are aware that your choice will have far-reaching consequences for both the city's development and its environment.\n(a) Identify the ethical dilemmas involved in the above case.\n(b) Evaluate the options available to you in the above situation. Which of these would you choose and why?\n(c) Suggest some measures that could be implemented to balance urban development needs with environmental conservation in future projects. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Green cities or Smart Cities? or both??","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"10 Dr. Mehra is a senior drug developer at a leading pharmaceutical company in India, renowned for producing various medications, including lifesaving drugs critical for treating chronic and rare diseases. Since its inception, the company has emphasized the quality and affordability of its drugs.\n\nRecently, under revised government guidelines, pharmaceutical companies are required to market a finished product only after obtaining \"satisfactory results\" from tests on the ingredients. Additionally, they must retain a sufficient quantity of samples of both intermediate and final products to allow repeated testing or verification of a batch.\n\nDr. Mehra's team is in the final stages of developing a new medication for a rare but life-threatening disease. This drug has shown promising results in clinical trials. However, there have been unresolved concerns about the long-term side effects of the drug, observed in a small percentage of trial subjects. Despite this, the company has not released any major drug in the past decade, leading to significant pressure from the board members to expedite the drug's release.\n(a) Identify the stakeholders in the above case study.\n(b) Discuss the ethical issues faced by Dr. Mehra.\n(c) Analyse the options available to Dr. Mehra in the above case. Which of these would you choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"3) Release the drug (opaquely)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"11 You have been appointed as the Under Secretary in the State Urban Development Department. The Department has been tasked with a prestigious project aimed at revitalizing the infrastructure of a city with deep historical significance. This project, which you are extremely passionate about, involves modernizing public transportation, restoring heritage buildings, and creating green spaces while preserving the city's cultural essence.\n\nExcited by the opportunity, you spent weeks researching and drafting a comprehensive proposal. Your plan included innovative ideas for sustainable development, community engagement, and leveraging technology for urban planning. You presented these initial plans in a departmental meeting, hoping to inspire your colleagues and kickstart the project.\n\nHowever, your enthusiasm was met with indifference. Your colleagues showed little interest, failing to contribute ideas or efforts towards the project. Concerned, you reported this lack of enthusiasm to your immediate superior, who is also the authority for this project. To your dismay,\n(a) इस प्रकरण में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\n(b) उपयुक्त कार्य संस्कृति कार्यस्थल पर मनोबल और उत्पादकता को किस प्रकार प्रभावित करती है?\n(c) आपके पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं और आप इस स्थिति का समाधान किस प्रकार करेंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.\n(b) How does the above-mentioned work culture affect workplace morale and productivity?\n(c) What are the options available to you and how would you address the situation? (Answer in 250 words)\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb) How does the above-mentioned work culture affect workplace morale and productivity?\nc) What are the options available to you and how would you address the situation? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":58,"question":"12 (a) उपयुक्त प्रकरण के आलोक में, कॉर्पोरेट, राजनीतिक और नौकरशाही के हितों के बीच गठजोड़ से उत्पन्न होने वाले नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\n(b) एक कर्तव्यनिष्ठ सिविल सेवक के रूप में, अरुण के पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन कीजिए। उसे कौन-सा विकल्प चुनना चाहिए और क्यों? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)\na) उपयुक्त प्रकरण के आलोक में, कॉर्पोरेट, राजनीतिक और नौकरशाही के हितों के बीच गठजोड़ से उत्पन्न होने वाले नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\nb) एक कर्तव्यनिष्ठ सिविल सेवक के रूप में, अरुण के पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन कीजिए। उसे कौन-सा विकल्प चुनना चाहिए और क्यों? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":59,"question":"(a) In light of the above case, discuss the ethical issues that may arise from the nexus between corporate, political, and bureaucratic interests.\n(b) As a conscientious civil servant, evaluate the options available to Arun. Which option should he choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":7759,"topper":"Simrandeep Kaur","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/afc4b-1158734_4513_simrandeep_kaur_rank_14.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. (a) Compassion is the courageous choice to feel another's suffering as one's own, and to act upon it, even when silence is safer and indifference is easier. Examine the significance of compassion as an essential ethical value for civil servants in India. Illustrate your answer with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"1. (b) Marriages in India are transitioning from traditional sacramental unions to more autonomous relationships, reflected in live-in relationships and rising divorce rates. Discuss the ethical dimensions of these changes.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"2. (a) While accountability often necessitates documentation, an overemphasis on bureaucratic procedures and excessive paperwork can inadvertently silence the very voices that public policy intends to empower, particularly at the grassroots. Examine the above statement with suitable illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"2. (b) The principle of impartiality may conflict with the need for compassion towards marginalized communities. Discuss in the context of civil services in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"3 (a) What do each of the following quotations mean to you?\n “The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home.” - Confucius (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"3. (b) \"Act only according to that maxim through which you can at the same time will that it become a universal law.\" - Immanuel Kant (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"3. (c) \"We are not only responsible for what we do, but also for what we fail to do\" - Molière. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"4. (a) Patriotism encourages ethical questioning, while nationalism often suppresses it. Discuss this statement in light of the formation of political attitudes during high-pressure national events. How can individuals develop moral attitudes that balance national interest with ethical reasoning?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"4. (b) Discuss how employee well-being and fairness can be balanced with efficiency and profitability in private organisations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"5. (a) Do you agree that excessive use of social media and emerging AI technologies may lead to a decline in emotional regulation and moral sensitivity among adolescents? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"5. (b) In light of the increasing incidents of suicides among students in India, discuss how Emotional Intelligence (EI) can aid in managing stress and emotional challenges.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"6. (a) In public service, emotional intelligence is not about suppressing emotion, but mastering its purpose — to connect, to de-escalate, and to uplift others with empathy and strength. Do you agree with this view? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"6. (b) An efficient work culture is built not only on rules, but on shared values. In this context, evaluate the role of leadership and team dynamics in transforming work culture within an organization.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"7 You are posted as the Joint Secretary in the Department of Information Technology of a state. The government recently implemented several citizen-centric digital services, collecting large volumes of personal data from residents. The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, requires that such data be processed only with explicit and informed consent, and mandates that processing must cease immediately upon withdrawal of consent.\n\nDuring an internal audit, you discover that the department continues to process and analyze personal data of several citizens even after they have formally withdrawn their consent. This data is being used for policy analytics and service improvement, purposes not explicitly disclosed at the time of data collection. When you bring this to the attention of your department head, you are informed that halting the processing will disrupt ongoing digital initiatives and may affect state-level performance metrics. Moreover, you find that the consent withdrawal process is cumbersome, and many citizens are unaware of their rights under the DPDP Act.\n\nYou also learn that a prominent social activist is planning to file a complaint with the Data Protection Board against involuntary use of personal data, which could attract public scrutiny and legal action against the department.\n(a) Identify and discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.\n(b) What are the potential consequences for the department if the issue is not addressed transparently?\n(c) How would you balance the need for efficient public service delivery with the obligation to protect citizens’ data rights? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"8 You are an IAS officer, currently serving as the Secretary of the Public Works Department in a hill state. Recently, a disturbing incident has come to light involving a senior Cabinet Minister and two engineers of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). During an inspection of a critical highway project, the Minister was allegedly seen on video physically assaulting and verbally abusing the engineers in full public view. The video, recorded by bystanders, went viral on social media and was widely covered by television channels, sparking both outrage and support from different sections of society. The Minister later defended his actions, alleging that the officials were corrupt, unresponsive to local grievances, and responsible for inordinate delays in the project. He insisted that his actions were driven by public frustration and the urgency of delivering infrastructure to a remote region.\n\nHowever, the engineers have filed a police complaint and written to their superiors, claiming they were targeted for resisting political pressure to award contracts to specific local contractors linked to the Minister. As the situation escalated, a union of NHAI engineers declared a strike,\n(a) इस प्रकरण में शामिल प्रमुख नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं? हितधारकों और उनके परस्पर विरोधी हितों की पहचान कीजिए।\n(b) लोक निर्माण विभाग के सचिव के रूप में, आप उपयुक्त स्थिति में क्या कार्रवाई करेंगे?\n(c) ऐसी घटनाएं सिविल सेवकों के मनोबल और शासन में जनता के विश्वास को कैसे प्रभावित करती हैं? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"(a) What are the key ethical issues involved in this situation? Identify the stakeholders and their conflicting interests.\n(b) As the Secretary of the PWD, what actions will you take in above situation?\n(c) How do such incidents affect the morale of civil servants and public trust in governance? (Answer in 250 words)\na) What are the key ethical issues involved in this situation? Identify the stakeholders and their conflicting interests.\nb) As the Secretary of the PWD, what actions will you take in above situation?\nc) How do such incidents affect the morale of civil servants and public trust in governance?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"9 You are the Secretary in the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Government of India. In recent years, an increasing number of civil servants, particularly younger officers from the IAS, IPS, and IRS, have begun maintaining personal YouTube channels and social media pages. On these platforms, they regularly post videos related to their official work — showcasing innovative projects, public outreach initiatives, inspection drives, and sometimes even day-to-day administrative duties.\n\nThese videos often receive widespread public attention, and many viewers express admiration, saying such content enhances transparency, motivates aspirants, and humanizes the bureaucracy. However, concerns have also emerged from various quarters. Senior officers argue that such content may blur the boundaries between personal branding and public service, while some citizens and media commentators point to instances where videos feature vulnerable beneficiaries without consent, raise concerns about misuse of official premises, or seem designed more for personal popularity than public accountability.\n(a) Identify the ethical issues involved in civil servants publicly showcasing their official work on social media platforms.\n(b) Do such practices promote awareness and motivation, or do they compromise anonymity, neutrality, and collective service values? Give your opinion.\n(c) As a Secretary, which guiding principles and policy measures would you suggest to ensure responsible digital participation by civil servants? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"In one case, a district magistrate was seen filming a surprise school inspection in which teachers were scolded on camera — the video was later posted to his personal YouTube channel that is also monetized. While some praised the officer's strictness, others criticized the public shaming of teachers and the breach of service dignity. In another case, a police officer was seen directing a flood rescue operation while his staff filmed drone footage, later edited into a motivational video for social media. You have been asked to prepare a report with recommendations to balance public interest, institutional integrity, and evolving modes of communication.\n(a) Identify the ethical issues involved in civil servants publicly showcasing their official work on social media.\n(b) Do such practices promote awareness and motivation, or do they compromise the values of anonymity, neutrality, and collective service ethos? Give your opinion.\n(c) As the Secretary, what guiding principles and policy recommendations would you suggest to ensure responsible digital engagement by civil servants? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"10 You are the Director of the National Bioethics Commission who is responsible for assessing the ethical feasibility and oversight of a nationwide gene sequencing program. The project named GeneFuture, aims to sequence the DNA of every newborn child and store it in a centralized national database. The objective is to identify genetic predispositions to serious diseases early in life, allowing for preventive treatment and personalized medicine. Over 100,000 babies have already been enrolled in the pilot phase of the program. The government claims that this move is a landmark step in public health advancement.\n\nHowever, collection of newborn genetic data raises significant ethical concerns, particularly around informed consent, which may not fully capture parents' understanding of the long-term risks involved. Once gathered, this sensitive data could be misused for purposes such as surveillance, insurance discrimination, or commercial marketing by third parties. Uncertainty over data ownership—whether it lies with the state, parents, or the individual as they mature—further complicates the issue. The involvement of private tech and pharmaceutical companies heightens fears of commercial exploitation, especially in the absence of clear mechanisms for individuals to withdraw consent or delete their genetic information upon reaching adulthood.\n(a) What are the ethical issues you perceive in the implementation of the GeneFuture program?\n(b) Identify the conflicting interests of different stakeholders in this case.\n(c) What guiding ethical principles would you recommend for implementation of this project? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"11 You are a dedicated District Health Officer (DHO) with a strong commitment to evidence-based public health practices, recently assigned to a remote district in India. Your immediate and most critical task is to lead a crucial district-wide Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination drive, aimed at achieving 100% immunization coverage among children aged 9 months to 15 years. The success of this drive is vital for the collective health of thousands of children and for the district's overall health indicators, especially with the impending monsoon season posing additional health challenges.\n\nHowever, in one of the largest and most traditional villages in your district, you encounter formidable resistance. The villagers, deeply influenced by the pronouncements of a revered local\n(a) उपयुक्त प्रकरण में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\n(b) इस विरोध को शांत करने के लिए आपके पास तत्काल क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\n(c) अंधविश्वास के व्यापक प्रभाव को दूर करने और संधारणीय लोक स्वास्थ्य परिणामों हेतु वैज्ञानिक सोच को बढ़ावा देने के लिए आप कौन-सी दीर्घकालिक रणनीतियाँ और प्रणालीगत सुधारों का सुझाव देंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case.\n(b) What are the immediate options available to you to overcome this resistance?\n(c) What long-term strategies and systemic reforms would you suggest to address the pervasive influence of superstition and foster a scientific temperament for sustainable public health outcomes? (Answer in 250 words)\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case.\nb) What are the immediate options available to you to overcome this resistance?\nc) What long-term strategies and systemic reforms would you suggest to address the pervasive influence of superstition and foster a scientific temperament for sustainable public health outcomes?","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"12 (a) आपके समक्ष विद्यमान संभावित प्रशासनिक और नैतिक दुविधाएं क्या हैं?\n(b) आपके लिए उपलब्ध सभी विकल्पों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\n(c) आप अपने निर्णय का नैतिक औचित्य सिद्ध करते हुए कौन-सी व्यापक कार्यवाही करेंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)\na) आपके समक्ष विद्यमान संभावित प्रशासनिक और नैतिक दुविधाएं क्या हैं?\nb) आपके लिए उपलब्ध सभी विकल्पों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\nc) आप अपने निर्णय का नैतिक औचित्य सिद्ध करते हुए कौन-सी व्यापक कार्यवाही करेंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":58,"question":"(a) What are the potential administrative and ethical dilemmas you face?\n(b) Discuss all options available to you.\n(c) What comprehensive course of action would you choose to adopt, providing ethical justification for your decision? (Answer in 250 words)\na) What are the potential administrative and ethical dilemmas you face?\nb) Discuss all options available to you.\nc) What comprehensive course of action would you choose to adopt, providing ethical justification for your decision? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7760,"topper":"Simrandeep Kaur","air":15,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8ce73-1158734_4517_simrandeep_kaur_rank_15.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7761,"topper":"Simrandeep Kaur","air":15,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/37c9a-1158734_4518_simrandeep_kaur_rank_15.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7762,"topper":"Simrandeep Singh","air":34,"year":2020,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9bc61-633402_1456_simrandeep-singh_rank_34.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7763,"topper":"Simrandeep Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/977c7-633402_1701_simrandeep-singh_rank_34.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the concept of volcanic winter giving examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Bring out the importance of community based disaster management in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"The concept of ecological footprint is a useful indicator for assessing progress on the sustainable use of resources in a country. Explain.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"The CRZ Notification, 2018 aims to maintain a balance between economic growth and conservation principles of coastal regions. Discuss","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Fertilizers have been one of the key inputs in the agricultural sector since Green revolution in India. In this context, give an account of distribution of fertilizer industry in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Giving example, explain how continental rupture ultimately results in formation of a new ocean basin.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"COVID-19 has exposed gaps in India's domestic laws to deal effectively with outbreaks of infectious diseases, especially pandemics. Discuss","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Explain the phenomenon of sudden stratospheric warming witnessed in recent years. How does it affect the ozone hole formation over Antarctica.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"How does climate change affect the process of desertification?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"Discuss the increasing need of disaster resilient infrastructure in India. Mention the steps taken in this direction with specific reference to the Global Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Identify the important mineral belts of India. Highlighting some of the issues plaguing the mining sector in India, discuss how the National Mineral Policy, 2019 aims to address these issues.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"Not only is the spatial and temporal distribution of freshwater in India very skewed, but also it's usage inefficient and wasteful. Discuss in context of the current water crisis.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"Examine how resource efficiency can bring about multiple benefits along the three dimensions of sustainable development - economic, social and environmental - in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"Highlighting the significance of unconventional hydrocarbons, discuss the issues faced in their exploration and extraction.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"What is Soil Organic Carbon (SOC)? Identify various factors affecting SOC levels. Also, highlight the beneficial impacts of SOC on soil health and functionality.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"Approach to flood control in India should evolve from piecemeal measures to an integrated basin management. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7764,"topper":"Simrandeep Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4fb5a-633402_1523_simrandeep-singh_rank_34.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Enumerate the issues associated with functioning of the Central Information Commission. How can these issues be addressed? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"In India, Governor's discretionary powers are wider than those of the President. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the objectives that were sought to be achieved through tribunals. How successful have they been in meeting them? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Instead of the government regulating Over-the-top (OTT) platforms, there have been calls for a self-regulating mechanism for such platforms, as in the case of print media. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Bring out the arguments surrounding the issue of some states reserving jobs for locals in the private sector. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Identifying the key elements of Mission Karmayogi, briefly explain how it can lead to holistic development of the human resources and state's capacity. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlighting the role played by ASHA workers in public health system of India, discuss the challenges faced by them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"While internationalisation of higher education has many potential benefits for India, certain challenges will need to be addressed in this regard. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"India needs to adopt a more pragmatic stance in the context of the ongoing intra-Afghan talks. Discuss, in the light of India's engagement with Afghanistan. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In the geo-strategic context of West Asia, the recent efforts to normalise relations between Israel and UAE may open new possibilities for India. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"It is not only the content of election manifestos but also the past performance with respect to promises made in election manifestos that need to be regulated. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"In order to achieve a reduction in the pendency of cases and a return to the Supreme Court's original role as a final appellate court, setting up of a National Court of Appeal is the need of the hour. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The Constitution of India reflects an amalgamation of spirit of Indian freedom struggle and various administrative provisions of different acts of British rule in India. Explain. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Mention the key components of the SVAMITVA scheme. Also, highlight its intended benefits and discuss the potential issues in its implementation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Sharing of information among all stakeholders in government functioning is a leading practice towards good governance. Discuss with examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"India has an oversized and bloated government which acts as a drag on economic efficiency and growth. Critically evaluate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Though the National Digital Health Mission is a step in the right direction for both patients and the healthcare system, concerns around data privacy need to be addressed. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"One Nation One Ration card has the potential to significantly transform the lives of migrant workers in India. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The World Trade Organization is buffeted by multiple challenges which have eroded the credibility of the organization. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"BIMSTEC is indispensable for India's efforts in promoting regional cooperation and integration in the neighbourhood. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7765,"topper":"Simrandeep Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/dc473-633402_1433_simrandeep-singh_rank_34.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Given below are two quotations. For each of these bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) The golden rule of conduct is mutual toleration, seeing that we will never all think alike and we shall always see Truth in fragment and from different points of vision. Mahatma Gandhi.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Impersonal management, a characteristic feature of a Weberian bureaucracy, develops over time into indifference, especially with regard to weaker sections of the society. Critically discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"In pursuit of political power, means are often compromised that leads to competitive reliance on unethical practices resulting in erosion of public trust. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"It takes more than a corporate governance policy to inspire ethical behavior and sustain a truly ethical workplace. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"\"Law should be so succinct that it can be carried in the pocket of the coat and it should be so simple that it can be understood by a peasant.\" Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Ethics in international relations has the potential to cater to the diplomatic challenges of 21st century. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Nolan Committee provides for one of the most comprehensive statements of what constitutes ethical standards for holders of public office. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"The sharper the socio-economic disparities, the greater the incentive towards corruption. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"The moral worth of an action depends not on the consequences that flow from it, but on its motivation. Explain the statement with the help of suitable examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"The universal adoption of common good approach poses the ethical dilemma of putting collective interests over and above the individual interests. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Compassion should never be considered as weakness, but rather as an essential element for providing a congenial administrative working environment. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Explain what you understand by the following values and discuss their importance for civil services: 10 (a) Professionalism","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"There have been widespread agitations both in favour of and against extending reservation in educational institutions and government jobs to a certain section of the society. You have been appointed as the chairman of a high level committee, constituted by the government to examine the matter and make recommendations. So far, the committee has found no compelling reasons to extend reservation to this section. While the report of the committee is pending finalization, you get an impression through the media that the government is inclined to accept the demand for extending the reservation, regardless of the findings of your committee. Some members of the committee are also inclined to support the government stand. (a) Discuss the dilemma, if any, that you face in this situation. (b) What course of action would you take? Give reasons for the same. (c) Also discuss the ethical issues involved with the policy of affirmative action in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"You are an honest and responsible civil servant. You often observe the following: (a) If one wants to remain effective and powerful to create impact on the lives of people, one should remain loyal to those in power. (b) Following ethical means may not be practical and effective at all times. (c) Petty corruption expedites the service delivery. Examine the above statements with their merits and demerits.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Recently, two national level sportspersons who are integral members of their team, made some comments in a talk show which were perceived as being grossly misogynistic and racist. This created a huge controversy and they were temporarily suspended from the team pending an enquiry. In light of these events, answer the following questions: (a) Do you think public figures have an additional responsibility in so far as expressing their views on matters of public importance is concerned? Give reasons. (b) According to you, what are the reasons that some prominent public figures make such misogynistic comments, and even get away without any consequences? (c) As the person in charge to enquire into the conduct, what factors would you consider to examine it and what punishment, if any, would you prescribe in this specific case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"There are large number of leather industries in a major industrial town of India. They provide employment to large number of people and are also a prominent source of revenue for the state. Lately it has been observed that despite following the present emission control rules, the collective ecological footprint of these industries remains quite high affecting the surrounding areas in an adverse manner. The new technologies available for emission control are quite costly and thus acts as a disincentive for the owners of the industries for adopting them. In light of this information, the government is contemplating the following options: (a) Shutting down the industries in the region (b) Relocating the industries to a new region (c) Making the emission control rules stricter (d) Providing incentives to the industry owners for adoption of new technology. Analyse the above options in terms of their merits and demerits. What course of action would you choose and why?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7766,"topper":"Simrandeep Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e90cc-633402_1703_simrandeep-singh_rank_34.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Norms of social morality should not be applied to acts of civil servants while they are carrying out their professional roles and responsibilities to further the common good. Critically analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Determination of ethics in state policies and actions is not easy because every policy and action has both positive and negative aspects viewed from different stakeholders' perspectives. Discuss with suitable examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand by global ethics in today's world? Highlight the role that global ethics can play in achieving universally accepted goals. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlight the important teachings of Swami Vivekananda, relevant to the youth of today. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) Courage is the most important of all the virtues because without courage, you can't practice any other virtue consistently. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Can a war ever be justified on moral grounds? Support your answer with suitable arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Do you think that ethical principles are universal in nature? Justify your answer with relevant examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"For civil servants, both professional competence and commitment to ethics are equally important. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Despite changing family structure, it still plays an important role in nurturing core societal values. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Impartiality as a core value of civil services should not become a hurdle in showing compassion towards weaker sections of the society. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Tolerance is not enough, it is the idea of acceptance that accommodates diversities and makes a society inclusive. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Companies adhering to the norms of corporate governance emerge as winners in the long run. Evaluate with the help of suitable examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You are posted as a DCP in the national capital of the country. In a locality which falls under your jurisdiction, protests have been going on for the last one month against a decision taken by the government. While these protests have been non-violent in nature and are being led by women, the protesters have blocked a major road which connects a number of satellite cities. This has led to traffic jams and congestion causing inconvenience to people who use this road for commuting to work causing hardships and a loss to the economy. A number of people filed complaints in this regard and also approached the courts. The High Court has directed the police to keep larger public interest in mind and take appropriate action. In light of the information given above, answer the following questions: (a) While highlighting the significance of right to protest in a democratic setup, discuss the limitations on this right, even if the protests are non-violent, as in this case. (b) What are the options available to you? (c) Evaluate each of these options and choose the option you would adopt, giving reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Public policy is being increasingly informed by insights from the behavioural sciences. One such behavioural approach is the Nudge theory. It is mainly concerned with the design of choices, which influences the decisions we make. Nudge theory proposes that the designing of choices should be based on how people actually think and decide, rather than how leaders and authorities traditionally believe people think and decide. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) Giving examples, illustrate the difference between enforced change and 'Nudge' techniques? (b) Identify the ethical concerns associated with the nudge technique. Also, suggest ways for using nudging theory ethically.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7767,"topper":"Singa Reddy Rushikesh Reddy","air":95,"year":2019,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/78d84-9596_1252_singa-reddy-rushikesh-reddy_rank_95.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7768,"topper":"Singa Reddy Rushikesh Reddy","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d48bb-9596_871_singa-reddy-rushikesh-reddy_rank_95.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Criticism about the judiciary should be welcomed, so long as criticisms do not hamper the \"administration of justice\". In this context discuss whether the power of contempt of court given to the higher judiciary limits the freedom granted by Article 19 (a) and whether these two can be reconciled. \" \" , 19 (a) ?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Special rights are not privileges but they are granted to make it possible for minorities to preserve their identity, culture and traditions. Elaborate in the context of India with examples. , ,","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"A clear delineation of functions of local governments vis-à-vis State Governments will only strengthen the principle of subsidiarity. In this context, discuss the challenges and the reforms required for effective democratic decentralization in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Despite being a welcome step, Inter-State Water Disputes (Amendment) Bill, 2017 fails to resolve the issue of overlapping of jurisdiction between the legislature and judiciary. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Critically discuss the major reforms introduced in the area of electoral funding in Union Budget 2017. Do you think that state funding of elections is a viable idea to check misuse of money power in politics?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The provision of 33% reservation of seats for women in urban local body elections in Nagaland has been in news for various reasons in recent times. Discuss the underlying issues in light of the constitutional provisions at stake and the social realities of the state.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Enumerate the guidelines for police reforms as laid down by the Supreme Court in Prakash Singh case in 2006. In this regard, critically discuss the issues in their implementation by the States.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"While the Competition Commission of India and sector-specific regulators are required to complement each other, overlapping jurisdiction has resulted in regulatory parallelism amongst them. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"There is both spatial and economic inequality with regards to access to healthcare services in India. Elaborate. How does the New Health Policy attempts to address these issues?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Census 2011 observed that there has been a significant increase in urban homeless households in the period between 2001 and 2011. What are homeless households? Highlighting the challenges faced by them, discuss the causes for increase in such households. Suggest various measures to rehabilitate these households.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Recent judgment of the Supreme Court, amending the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 has invoked varied reponses. Highlighting the amendment, critically examine its likely impact on application of the law.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Examine the steps taken by the government over the years to ensure a secure and exploitation-free childhood for its citizens. Further analyse how the recent ratification of the two key ILO conventions will help India's fight against child labour.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"According to the World Bank, while digital technologies have spread rapidly in much of the world, resulting digital dividends have lagged behind. Analyse in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"\"Our country suffers from an excess of old and unnecessary laws which obstruct people and businesses\". In light of the observation elucidate how outdated and impractical laws bring inefficiency in governance. How far is the repealing and cosolidation of statutes a solution to the problem at hand?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Due to increasing consumption and changing consumption patterns, water scarcity is an emerging threat in India and thus it becomes imperative to treat water as a commodity and privatize it. Critically evaluate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Given the mandate of the Organisation and its composition, too much should not be read into India becoming a full time member of SCO. Critically comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"India needs to utilize its technological capacity based diplomacy to strengthen relationships with the neigbours. Discuss. Also examine the significance of South Asia satellite to enhance regional cooperation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Though both India and Bangladesh have been able to resolve various pending bilateral issues, solution to the Teesta Water dispute remains illusive. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Discuss the important provisions and significance of the recent proposal by India for Trade Facilitation in Services (TFS) Agreement under WTO.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"BIMSTEC has the potential to become a distinctive link between South and Southeast Asia. Elaborate. Also discuss the factors hindering the potential of BIMSTEC over the years. Highlight the key initiatives in recent times and further measures required to make the grouping more effective.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7769,"topper":"Singa Reddy Rushikesh Reddy","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/26cf7-9596_1432_singa-reddy-rushikesh-reddy_rank_95.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explaining the reasons behind India's lower female labour force participation rates (LFPR), list the steps that have been taken to augment it. What more needs to be done? (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"By rebalancing project risks between the public and private sectors, the HAM model has encouraged investments in the road infrastructure sector. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Examine the need for a comprehensive policy on e-commerce in view of its domestic expansion as well as safeguarding India's interests globally. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"In view of the growing significance of FinTech innovations, discuss the potential and challenges of mainstreaming FinTech in Indian economy. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"With India striving to achieve its development objectives, examine how blue economy can help in pursuing the objectives of economic development and ecological sustainability. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Reliance on borrowings for capital expenditure in railways reflects a weakening financial position. Comment on the statement and discuss ways in which better resource generation and utilisation can be achieved therein. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"With water increasingly becoming a scarce resource, large scale adoption of micro irrigation techniques could prove to be a game changer in India. Analyse. Also enumerate various steps taken by the government to promote micro irrigation in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Livestock farming not only contributes to climate change but is also affected by it. Elaborate the statement and discuss some measures that can be taken to make livestock farming more sustainable as well as resilient. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The cropping pattern of a region is influenced by geo-climatic, socio-cultural, economic, historical and political factors. Substantiate with relevant examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"A developed Inland Waterway Transport (IWT) will not only augment the overall transport capacity of the country, but also help correct the multi-modal transport mix. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Can the consolidation of banks help in stemming the existing problems in the banking sector? Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Why has the contribution of manufacturing sector, as a percentage of the GDP, remained stagnant in the recent years? In this context, analyse the achievements of National Manufacturing Policy, 2011 with regards to its intended objectives. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"One of the goals that a developing economy aspires for is to bring down the Incremental Capital-Output Ratio (ICOR). In this context, what are the constraints that underlie the efficient conversion of savings rate to investments in the Indian economy? Also suggest some measures to improve this efficiency. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight the factors responsible for rise in the number of start-ups in India in recent years. Analyzing the challenges in the existing start-up ecosystem, suggest some measures to resolve them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"There is a high cost of compliance as well as complexities associated with existing labour laws at centre and state levels. Discuss. What steps have recently been taken by the central government to address these challenges? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The contribution of coal based power generation is not expected to substantially go down in the next few decades, despite growing importance of renewables. Comment on the statement in light of increasing demand for power in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Elaborate the strategic and operational elements of the Agriculture Export Policy, 2018 and discuss the role it can play to achieve the target of doubling farmers' income by 2022. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Development of food processing industry will help in achieving the twin goals of inclusive growth and food security. Discuss. Also, account for the competitive advantages enjoyed by India in the food processing sector. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Identify the problems faced by Indian agriculture as a consequence of changing land holding pattern as witnessed in the findings of Agriculture census, 2015-16. In light of these problems, suggest suitable ways to resolve such structural issues in agriculture. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7770,"topper":"Singa Reddy Rushikesh Reddy","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ce377-9596_1243_singa-reddy-rushikesh-reddy_rank_95.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Reservation of seats in legislature is needed to ensure meaningful political participation of women and to make the democratic process truly inclusive. Discuss the statement in the light of 108th Constitution Amendment Bill. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the issue of reservation in promotions for SCs and STs in public employment in the light of various judicial pronouncements and constitutional amendments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the reasons behind underperformance of the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs). How can their performance be improved? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlighting the rationale behind continuance of the Official Secrets Act, critically discuss whether the Right to Information should be given precedence over it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What is the rationale behind having a mandatory 'cooling-off' period for retired civil servants? In light of numerous instances of violation of this provision, do you think there is a need to have a relook at Civil Services Conduct Rules? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlighting the key features of POSHAN Abhiyan, explain how it is an improvement over previous interventions in achieving the goal of malnutrition free India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Give an account of the challenges that the multilateral rule-based trading system is facing. With special focus on WTO, discuss how these challenges can be addressed effectively. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Highlight the major impediments affecting India-US trade relations. What possible consequences can the recent withdrawal of Generalized System of Preference (GSP) have on India-US trade relations? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"In a democratic setup, it is imperative that independence be balanced with accountability. Discuss in the context of judiciary in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Despite various strengths, there are certain weaknesses in the existing structure of departments of the government which render the system slow and cumbersome. Analyze. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the light of criticism surrounding the composition and functioning of Rajya Sabha, do you think it exists merely as a secondary house of the Parliament? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Despite legislative changes with respect to funding of political parties in recent years, many challenges still exist with regards to transparency in electoral funding. Discuss. Can state funding of elections help in addressing these challenges? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Successful and long-lasting urban transformation critically depends on reforming the way our cities are governed. In this context, highlight the challenges plaguing urban governance in India and suggest some strategies to overcome those challenges. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Explain the role that SHGs play in poverty alleviation in India. Highlighting the shortcomings of the SHG-Bank Linkage programme, give some suggestions to improve its performance. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Despite initiatives taken by the government in recent years to address the challenges of the Indian higher education system, many reforms are still required to improve its quality and enhance its relevance. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Giving an account of the progress made under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, mention the challenges that it faces in achieving its target. How can the implementation of the programme be fast-tracked? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Island nations of the Indian Ocean hold immense strategic value in shaping the geopolitical contours of the region and ensuring maritime security of India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Development assistance, a key instrument in India's foreign policy, has seen a considerable expansion in the past few years both in its scope and reach. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7771,"topper":"Singa Reddy Rushikesh Reddy","air":95,"year":2019,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/344cc-9596_1244_singa-reddy-rushikesh-reddy_rank_95.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7772,"topper":"Sivachandran B","air":23,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e4754-1184529_2121_sivachandran_b_rank_23.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7773,"topper":"SIVASAKTHIVEL C","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/56/mt23macen208_tc013.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Reason has always existed, but not always in a reasonable form. Q.2 The opposite of poverty is not wealth. Q.3 To forgive is to set a prisoner free and to discover that the prisoner was you. Q.4 A man who wants to lead the orchestra must turn his back on the crowd.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"International Trade is a good indicator of National Security.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"It is not that we use technology, we live technology.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"There is more to life than simply increasing its speed.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Nature is neither a servant nor a master, but a necessary partner.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7774,"topper":"SIVASAKTHIVEL C","air":349,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/57/mt23macen208_tc015.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7775,"topper":"SIVASAKTHIVEL C","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/83810dd59efd30c0b535c81e08a356c1/26/mt23macen208_tc039-test-05-gs-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"How did the ancient trade routes connecting India to foreign countries contribute to the exchange and dissemination of culture? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"The Quit India movement was a people's movement cutting across the class divides but it was the women's leadership that left a clear mark. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"'The hallmark of post-Independent India has been its remarkable strides in science and technology'. To what extent did scientific development during this period put India on the path of modernity? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the feasibility of Interlinking rivers to resolve the issue of water stress in other regions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How will the structural shift from coal-based power plants to renewable energy generation impact human development in coal-bearing states? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"To what extent temperature and precipitation are the most important factors that determine soil properties? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Why are severe and intense cyclones becoming a regular phenomenon in the Arabian Sea? Substantiate with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"In the context of cultural diversity in India, can we consider Southern states as distinct cultural units in comparison to the rest of India? Substantiate your view. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Poverty and population growth are locked in a vicious cycle, where poverty restricts individuals' ability to break free from the cycle, while population growth strains resources. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"India has a rich heritage in the internationalization of education. In this context how will the recent push for the 'internationalization of education' impact society and foster cultural exchange? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"'England's Industrial Revolution not only transformed the economic landscape but also had far-reaching social and cultural impacts.' Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"How did the social reform and ideological struggle against the backward traditional elements and hegemony of colonial culture in the nineteenth century influence the emergence of a distinct cultural identity and national consciousness? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"How does temperature inversion affect atmospheric conditions and what are its implications for local weather patterns and air pollution levels? ( Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"What are the geographical factors responsible for mangrove vegetation in India? How does climate change pose a threat to mangrove vegetation in India? ( Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"What are the geographical and economic factors that influence the location of the sugar industry, and how do they contribute to the growth of the industry in India and different parts of the world? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"What are the key strategies used in dryland farming to overcome water scarcity and maximize agricultural productivity in arid and semi-arid regions? Also, discuss the need to promote dryland farming in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"How has the contemporary women's movement encompassed diverse approaches beyond traditional methods? Also, highlight the unique contribution and challenges of the contemporary women's movement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Do you think that the forces of modernization that catalyzed the eradication of social evils in Indian society have also threatened our cultural values and ethos? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"15","words":"150"},{"page":51,"question":"In the context of states in India evaluate the relationship between regional disparity and sentiments of regionalism. Is regionalism antagonistic to the idea of nationalism? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"15","words":"150"}]},{"id":7776,"topper":"SIVASAKTHIVEL C","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/83810dd59efd30c0b535c81e08a356c1/18/mt23macen208_tc035-test-01-gs-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"The fabric of Indian philosophical thought owes as much to Northern India as to Southern India. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"The Indian society's impulse for social change and reform was a response to its opposition to colonial rule. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"What are the factors that led to the Russian revolution and what are the consequences of this revolution? Discuss its influence on the Indian national movement. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the various factors responsible for the uneven temperature distribution on Earth's surface. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The melting of glaciers due to climate change has serious implications for the ecosystem and human society. Discuss the effects of melting glaciers on the environment and the measures that can be taken to address this issue. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The White Revolution was most successful in the Western part of India. Discuss the factors for this regional success of the White Revolution. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"To what extent does seismic investigation contribute to our understanding of the Earth's interior structure? Analyze its significance in detail. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The ethnic and cultural diversity in India has always been bound by the thread of unity. Discuss the major factors that have contributed to the cultural unity of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The dichotomy in public and private life in Indian society acts as a major barrier to the annihilation of caste. Justify. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"India was forced into numerous wars post Independence. Highlight the causes and impact of the Indo-Pak and Indo-China wars on our bilateral relationships. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The process of consolidation of Bengal, which started after the Battle of Plassey culminated in the Battle of Buxar. Do you think the Battle of Buxar was more important for the British than Plassey? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Sanskrit literature in general and particularly in the Guptan age set a high watermark for the literary history of ancient India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The configuration of the ocean floor provides essential information about the geological processes that have shaped the Earth's surface. Discuss the major features of the ocean floor and their significance in the study of oceanography. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"With the growing demand for rare earth elements, their distribution has become a critical aspect of the global economy. Discuss the distribution of rare earth elements across the world, their uses, and the environmental impact of their extraction. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Tourism in the hilly states is threatening to exceed the ecological carrying capacity of the region. Analyze the factors contributing to this trend and evaluate the potential Environmental impacts of this phenomenon. What measures can be taken to ensure sustainable tourism in these states? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The Indian monsoon is a complex phenomenon influenced by various climatic factors. Critically examine the role of oceanic and atmospheric factors in determining the intensity and distribution of monsoon rainfall in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Why do traditions in our society impede change? To what extent can social legislation be instrumental against old customary practices? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Slums are not 'problems' that have to be 'solved' - but are indeed a result of lopsided and vested urban policies covering infrastructure provision and socio-economic issues. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Communalism gains strength from economic deprivation, and thrives in environments of social exclusion, creating fertile ground for discontent and division. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7777,"topper":"SIVASAKTHIVEL C","air":349,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/134/mt23macen208_tc035-test-01-gs-1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7778,"topper":"SIVASAKTHIVEL C","air":349,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/150/mt23macen208_tc039-test-05-gs-1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7779,"topper":"SIVASAKTHIVEL C","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/83810dd59efd30c0b535c81e08a356c1/19/mt23macen208_tc036-test-02-gs-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"There is a need to resolve the ambiguity in the disqualification provisions under section 8 of the Representation of People Act 1951. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Constitution is a mere skeleton whereas constitutionalism is the soul of democracy. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Electoral bonds are a double-edged sword, providing anonymity to donors while raising concerns about transparency in political funding. To what extent have electoral bonds further legitimized opacity in electoral funding? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The question of gender equality is central to the debate on Uniform Civil Code. In this light what are the challenges in reconciling UCC with gender equality as enshrined in the constitution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The Governor's office is neither decorative nor inconsequential, it assumes a constitutional role of profound essence. To what extent does the Governor, actively contribute to the governance of a state and reinforce the principles of federalism in the country? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Recently demand has been rising in a state regarding the enactment of Social Accountability Law. How such a law can lead to good governance and boost citizens' participation in decision-making. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"There is a need for convergence of 'nutrition-specific' and 'nutrition-sensitive' interventions to effectively tackle child undernutrition in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"MGNREGA, the lynchpin of rural poverty alleviation, has become the victim of fiscal apathy.\" Critically analyze the statement in light of recent developments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"India must leverage, if not manage, the global divides\". How can the current geopolitical churn pave the way for India's rise to the global high table? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"Berlin can be India's gateway to the European Union.\" Elaborate with respect to Germany's significance in India's relationship with the EU. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"How has the Anti-Defection Law impacted the relationship between political parties and individual legislators in India? In light of the recent incidents also discuss the unintended consequences it has on the functioning of democracy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Critics assert that limitless judicial authority rests on the structural ambiguity of the basic structure doctrine. Has the elastic nature of the basic structure doctrine made the judiciary more powerful than the executive? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Fundamental rights are not gifts bestowed upon by the state rather an individual possesses them independently of the state. In this context discuss the desirability of reasonable restrictions on various fundamental rights. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"S.R. Bommai v. Union of India signified a paradigm shift in the judicial interpretation of the union's authority to assume control of a state's administration.' In this context discuss the significance and impact of the judgement on cementing the federal structure. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"The key to effective decentralization is, 'political decentralization should follow finance and functional decentralization'. Discuss in the context of impediments faced by local governance in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Multi-stakeholder partnerships are the key to leveraging collective expertise and networks. How can effective partnership and localized implementation efforts be fostered to accelerate the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"How has the implementation of the POSH Act resulted in limited success in raising awareness about sexual harassment, and what factors have hindered its effective outreach to women employed in the unorganized sector? Propose strategies to bridge this gap and ensure comprehensive protection for women in the unorganized sector against workplace harassment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Neo-liberal reforms and globalization have deeply transformed the institutions of the welfare state and set the ground for a new type of civil services.' In this context examine the challenges faced in service delivery and suggest adequate reforms. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"China views India as its 'Asian Rival' with an innate ability to counter its hegemonic goals in Asia. Despite these difficulties in India-China relations, there are also many areas of convergence. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Indo-Pacific region in recent times has emerged as a zone of diverging interests and priorities. Discuss. Do you think the Global Security Initiative will supersede QUAD in the region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7780,"topper":"SIVASAKTHIVEL C","air":349,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/143/mt23macen208_tc036-test-02-gs-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7781,"topper":"SIVASAKTHIVEL C","air":349,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/83810dd59efd30c0b535c81e08a356c1/21/mt23macen208_tc041-test-07-gs3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7782,"topper":"SIVASAKTHIVEL C","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/83810dd59efd30c0b535c81e08a356c1/28/mt23macen208_tc038-test-4-gs-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Public service requires not merely legal but also morally principled action. Public service requires the public servant to place loyalty to the constitution, laws, and ethical principles. Among the three, which do you think must acquire primacy while carrying out official functions? Why? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"What do you understand by \"integrity-based civil disobedience\"? Do you think a challenge to personal integrity can be a justifiable cause for responsible disobedience in civil services? Explain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Recent research has shown that emotions significantly impact personal and professional lives. What are the primary emotions that negatively and positively impact workplace productivity? Explain with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Technical efficiency ensures resource utilization and social efficiency ensures fulfillment of social needs, what does ethical efficiency ensure? Do you think ethical efficiency is more important than technical and social efficiency? Why/Why not? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"Man cannot do right in one department of life whilst he is occupied in doing wrong in any other department.\" Gandhi. Do you think an individual's personal ethics impacts professional life or they both can be compartmentalized? Explain your position with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Goodness is the result of internal imperatives to do what is right, not sanctions from moral rules or rewards from expected consequences. Do you agree? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance. (a) \"To tolerate is purely an act of the mind. That is the essence of virtue. To tolerate is a strength.\" (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"In the context of civil service, distinguish between moral and nonmoral values. Identify 5 basic moral values that can serve as foundational values for all services irrespective of the department. Give reasons why those values can be considered foundational. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Citizens' involvement in decision-making is critical to ethics in governance. Do you agree that effective civic engagement mechanisms can facilitate ethics-driven administration? What do you think are the mechanisms that citizens can use for ensuring ethics in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Social transformation programs such as \"beti bachao and beti padhao\" believes in using advice, counseling and persuasion but sometimes a little force is also necessary for getting the desired response. Do you think it is a good idea to mix little force with persuasion by public administrators while implementing social schemes of transformation? Explain with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Ultimately foreign policy of every country hinges upon the strength which the nation possesses. Strength may be military or financial and may be also moral. Do you think ethical strength without military or financial muscle will be respected in today's world? Explain your position. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"You are a young officer working with the Municipal Corporation of an industrial city. The city was known for manufacturing ball bearings and auto parts. Most manufacturing units were small-scale units with very little production process automation. The units relied on manual labor, which was in abundance due to the villages close by. As the number of manufacturing units grew, the demand for labor increased, bringing in a steady inflow of laborers into the city. This influx of people into the town led to a mushrooming of slums and encroachments on the sidewalks. Once in a while, the Corporation conducted drives to clear out the slums, but after a time, the slums came back. The illegal slums had become an urban nightmare. You were given the responsibility of clearing out the encroachments and slums with the help of Police authorities. As you started the drive, you realized that the people living by the sidewalks were vulnerable compared to the slum dwellers. Many sidewalk dwellers had recently come to the city after selling their properties in their villages. Now if you drive them out, they have no place to go. Your heart went out to them, and you felt that your departmental action was inhumane, but your official responsibilities demanded stern impartial action. You are desperate to find a way to help the sidewalk dwellers without compromising your official duties. (a) What value conflicts do you notice in the above situation? (b) Can an administrator compromise the value of impartiality for empathy? Discuss. (c) What are the options available in the above situation? (d) Suggest viable solutions for tackling illegal slums and encroachments in urban areas. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"A certain State government was running a welfare scheme for promoting safe motherhood among rural landless laborers' families. The scheme involves the transfer of funds to the beneficiaries to enable them to mitigate income loss due to maternal care responsibilities. Since its implementation, the scheme has done reasonably well on maternal health and economic indicators. You are the Director of the Department responsible for implementing and operating the scheme. Recently you have been receiving reports of welfare fraud being committed by families by producing fake bona fide. The families committed the fraud with the help of local officials responsible for scrutinizing the bonafide. You were concerned because the fraud was seriously undermining the scheme's efficiency. You called for a departmental meeting to discuss and find a solution to the problem. In the meeting, it was decided to merge several available government data sets such as Aadhar cards, voter ID cards, marriage certificates, birth certificates, bank details, and other personal assets. By merging all the data sets, the department would be able to develop the beneficiary's economic profile. And this will help the department scrutinize the documents and detect fraud. This was a comprehensive strategy, but it risked violating an individual's data privacy. As a Department head, you wanted to detect and prevent fraud, but at the same time, you were apprehensive about violating the Data privacy of the stakeholders. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) Do you think violating data privacy is justified to prevent welfare fraud? Why/ Why not? (c) What, according to you, can be the reasons for such welfare frauds happening in the country? (d) Are there any ways and means to prevent such fraud? Give your suggestions. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"You are posted in the Department of Mines, and one of your roles is to help your Department Head negotiate mining leases with private contractors. Recently, the state government demarcated a new mining zone and planned to invite bids for the mining blocs. You were instructed to oversee the bidding process and speed up the contract negotiations. As planned, the tenders were released, bids came in, and tenders were allocated as per the norms. All this happened at a breakneck speed. You wondered, why the hurry? But it was not your place to think and question; you quietly went about your work. As the contractors were about to start operations, you had to instruct them on environmental concerns to watch out for. And to do that, you read the environmental impact assessment report submitted by a consulting firm hired by the department. To your surprise, the report was shoddy and looked cooked up. You got suspicious and raised the issue with your Head, who politely instructed you to do what you were told, and he reminded you that the Department had revenue targets and was under pressure from the Ministry. After the meeting, you, on your own accord, did some digging and found out that the report was fraudulent and the mining activity that was about to start would lead to a massive environmental disaster which the State could not afford. (a) What are the issues and value violations you notice in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you? (c) Discuss the advantage and disadvantages of each option and identify your chosen course of action. (d) Do you think that environmental considerations are sometimes overrated at the cost of development? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Mr. Sharma was the All India Sales Head of a pharmaceutical company with a turnover of 400 crores. The company's main markets were small towns and tier 2 cities. Further, the company did a sizeable amount of business with state government hospitals and health centers. Mr. Sharma had given a lot of freedom to field sales agents to strike deals and negotiate prices with clients. This strategy worked well for the company. Recently Mr. Sharma received word that three company employees were selling products to government hospitals and health centers at a higher price than they were selling to other private hospitals and health centers. The employees were with the company for over five years and were good performers. A few sales staff informally raised the issue of the three getting relatively higher commissions because of their inflated deals. And this was creating a sense of unease among the sales staff. A cursory review of the account of the three showed that, in many instances, the government hospitals were paying more than other private institutions. Under procurement rules, the government is supposed to pay a fair price, one that other cost-conscious customers pay. On inquiry, Mr. Sharma found that the three were not alone; government purchase department officials were helping them scam the Department. Mr. Sharma realized that his sales staff and some corrupt government staff had been defrauding the state exchequer for quite some time. Mr. Sharma immediately reported it to his CEO, and the two discussed how to deal with the sales staff and whether to inform the government about the scam and the involvement of their staff. The issue was informing the government means that there was every possibility that they might be blacklisted, thereby losing a lot of business. Mr. Sharma and CEO were caught in a dilemma regarding how to proceed with the case. (a) What are the ethical and business issues involved in the case? (b) What are the options available to Mr. Sharma and the CEO? (c) Do you think the organizational culture of giving freedom to the sales force led to the issue or was the individual's corrupt nature that led to the problem? Discuss. (d) What ethics mechanisms and steps can the company create and implement to prevent unethical behavior, as mentioned in the case? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":7783,"topper":"SIVASAKTHIVEL C","air":349,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/144/mt23macen208_tc038-test-4-gs-4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7784,"topper":"SIVASAKTHIVEL C","air":349,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/299952629706892000_PDF_ORIGINAL.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7785,"topper":"Smriti Mishra","air":4,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1q_3TzpJwdxnckN4HJXmRW8Mwa9EHzLHu/view","questions":[]},{"id":7786,"topper":"Smriti Mishra","air":4,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1c9_uNTkOke26EI5OFuuomXXiFUFAeiJG/view","questions":[]},{"id":7787,"topper":"Smriti Mishra","air":4,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RMdiWHKtlseONXeUmMqeMb9wW5h7hENr/view","questions":[]},{"id":7788,"topper":"Smriti Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WOiQBObiT3iqr7XyH7gGcYxIC-ou0kXc/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) Ethical governance is the foundation of a welfare state. Identify essential ethical traits of a welfare state. Discuss ways and means to promote ethics in governance.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) Effective public service delivery requires a citizen centric system. Citizen's Charter is seen as an important tool to ensure such a system, but it is not achieving its objectives. Why? Discuss measures to make it more effective?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) Conscience keeps ethics from fading when faced with a tough decision. Discuss in context of civil servants.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) What are the various conflicts of values that civil servants face while performing their duty? How can such conflicts be resolved? Discuss with illustrations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"How can value conflicts be resolved?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) a) Differentiate between accountability and responsibility. Do you think responsibility without accountability is meaningful?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) Many examples of 'living the values' can be drawn from Swami Vivekananda's life, which are important for any civil servant. Highlight such values and illustrate how they can help in achieving civil services' objectives.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.4) a) Civil servants should work for a cause and not for applause. In light of this statement, examine why bureaucratic anonymity is considered a foundational value for a civil servant. How far do you agree that the principle of bureaucratic anonymity has been diluted in the age of social media?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Has social media diluted principle of anonymity?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"b) The recent Covid 19 pandemic has reinvigorated the debate about 'compassionate capitalism'. Define the concept and explain its importance in the present times.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.5) What does each of the following quotation mean to you?\na) \"Individuals should cultivate noble traits so that socio-political organizations are free from highly despicable men.\" - Thirukkural","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"b) \"Integrity is the choice between what is convenient and what is right.\"","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.6) a) Ethics in international relations is a myth, only national interest determines the foreign policy. How far do you agree with this statement? Discuss with suitable illustrations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"b) It is not power, but fear that corrupts. Fear of losing power corrupts those who wield it and fear of the scourge of power corrupts those who are subject to it. Examine the statement in context of political corruption.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"c) Ethical work culture increases employee job satisfaction and ensures organizational success. Elaborate. In what ways can ethical culture be incorporated in an organization?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"How can ethical work culture be incorporated?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7) Mayank, a young government servant, joined the office with great enthusiasm and desire to serve the public. Soon after getting a government job, Mayank got married with Sunita. Sunita is also a government servant who works as a junior engineer in electricity department. But both of them have different postings and work from two different cities, living separately. Mayank has applied for his transfer at times, but, in vain.\n\nMayank, with his work, is making a great image of himself and is getting appreciation from his peers and seniors. Because of his great performance, he got an important task of auditing the performance of \"Housing for all\" scheme. The scheme aims to provide affordable housing to the urban poor population. However, his study and research led to some shocking results. He found out that most of the houses are being acquired by relatives of local politicians and government servants.\n\nThe deserving urban poor population is still deprived of shelter and this has been the case from past few years. With further investigation, he realized that there is a massive scam involved in it and the poor are being lured and looted. The government is not allotting the completed houses to the beneficiaries. Mayank prepared a file of all the required documents and evidence and went to discuss it with the SDM.\n\nThe SDM, a relative of the central government minister, was fully involved in the corruption. Now, to save himself, SDM offers Mayank a deal that if he does not reveal the details of study, Mayank will get a job at the same location as his wife. He is also offered a house from the scheme itself. On the other hand, he was warned that refusal to accept this proposal may entail retaliatory action by SDM against him.\n\nAs you are a very good friend of Mayank. He discusses the matter with you, as he is trying for transfer from a long time. In this case answer the following:\na) Why such instance of corruption in government programmes are common across the country? How can they be prevented?\nb) Enumerate various interests involved in this case from the perspective of different stakeholders. What advice will you give to Mayank?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"(a) सरकारी कार्यक्रमों में भ्रष्टाचार के ऐसे उदाहरण पूरे देश में आम क्यों हैं? उन्हें कैसे रोका जा सकता है?\n(b) विभिन्न हितधारकों के दृष्टिकोण से इस मामले में शामिल विभिन्न हितों की गणना कीजिये। साथ ही, आप मयंक को क्या सलाह देंगे?\na) सरकारी कार्यक्रमों में भ्रष्टाचार के ऐसे उदाहरण पूरे देश में आम क्यों हैं? उन्हें कैसे रोका जा सकता है?\nb) विभिन्न हितधारकों के दृष्टिकोण से इस मामले में शामिल विभिन्न हितों की गणना कीजिये। साथ ही, आप मयंक को क्या सलाह देंगे?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":32,"question":"How can corruption be prevented?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Q.8) You are an IFS officer who heads a diplomatic mission in a European country. You live there with your wife and children. Your parents and few of your relatives are also visiting you for vacation. The country is known for its scenic mountains and it is a popular destination for tourists. In an unexpected turn of events, the country in which you are posted has been attacked by its neighbour due to some unresolved bilateral issues. All the major transportation channels have been adversely impacted by the attack. Flights have been cancelled and airspace above the country has been declared unsafe for commercial aircrafts. You have received an urgent communication from New Delhi asking you to prepare a plan for evacuation of Indians from the besieged country. You have been informed that a friendly neighbouring country of India has sought India's help to evacuate its citizens. Due to war, only a limited number of people can be evacuated in one go and multiple rounds would be required for evacuating everyone. You have identified following groups of people who are to be evacuated:\ni You, your wife, children, parents and relatives.\nii Diplomatic staff at the mission.\niii Indian tourists visiting the country.\niv Indian students studying in the country.\nv A film crew and actors who were shooting a film in the country. These include some of the biggest names of Bollywood.\nvi Citizens of the friendly neighbouring country that has requested India's help.\nmain As a civil services officer of the state, what would be the order in which you would evacuate these people and why? Give Justifications.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Q.9) Rashmi is a young IPS officer who is posted as the SP law and order in a district that has a history of communal clashes. During a cultural event, a political leader made certain controversial comments regarding the religion of another community that can potentially harm communal harmony in the district. The representatives of the aggrieved community met Rashmi with their complaint. An FIR was registered in the matter and the police department promptly started an investigation. During questioning, the accused political leader denied the charges. He claimed that he was exercising his right to freedom of expression and had no intention of hurting anyone's feelings. He even offered to tender an apology if his statement had hurt someone's religious feelings. However, the aggrieved community was not satisfied with this apology and demanded strict action against the accused.\n\nThe next day, a video went viral on social media in which the accused political leader can be seen making derogatory statements against another religious faith. However, Rashmi suspects that the video going viral on the internet is a doctored video and someone has mischievously edited it to make it more vitriolic and inflammatory. The video has ignited communal tensions in the district. The accused political leader belongs to an influential community and his community has put their support behind him. Local intelligence has warned that some anti-social elements are trying to use this opportunity to create communal riot in the district. The entire matter has been politicized and is being covered by the national media. In this situation answer the following:\na) What differentiates a hate speech from a free speech?\nb) Why does social media have a very strong influence over the actions and thoughts of its users?\nc) What is the most suitable course of action for Rashmi in this situation? Justify.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"(a) Difference between free speech and hate speech","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"(c) Suitable course of action for Rashmi","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Q.10) You are the district magistrate of Kasigunj. The state government is pushing for digital solutions to improve health care delivery in remote areas. Government has introduced a digital patient registration and management system that can record disease history, prescribed treatment regimen, lab reports etc. The system can be accessed and operated through smart phones connected with the internet.\na) Abandon the requirement for mandatory downloading of the new application on smartphones.\nb) Stop providing free data to ASHA workers to avoid misuse of government resources.\nc) Take strict action against ASHA workers who are on strike. Suggest any other possible option(s). Evaluate all of them and suggest the best course of action, giving your reasons for it.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"इस स्थिति में, संकट के समाधान के लिए आपके पास निम्नलिखित विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं :\na) स्मार्टफोन पर नए एप्लीकेशन को अनिवार्य रूप से डाउनलोड करने की आवश्यकता को छोड़ दें।\nb) सरकारी संसाधनों के दुरुपयोग से बचने के लिए आशा कार्यकर्ताओं को मुफ्त डेटा देना बंद करें।\nc) हड़ताल पर रहने वाली आशा कार्यकर्ताओं के खिलाफ सख्त कार्रवाई करें।\nकोई अन्य संभावित विकल्प सुझाएं। इन सभी विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें और अपने कारण बताते हुए सर्वोत्तम कार्रवाई का सुझाव दें। (20 अंक, 250 शब्द)","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":47,"question":"(1) Strict action against ASHA workers on strike","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Q.11 The farmer unions in one of the states has called for mass protest owing to large number of arrears/their dues not being paid by the private sugar factories for the last two years. On the day of mass protest, farmers turned up in huge numbers and at several places the protest turned violent. There were instances of stone pelting, vehicle burning etc. The police were not able to control the violent protesters at some places and had to resort to lathi charge. But at one of the places, police resorted to firing in which four farmers were killed. This further aggravated the situation as farmers at other places also resorted to violence to protest against police action.\n\nLooking at the intensity of the situation, under opposition pressure, one of the Minister of the state gave the statement that farmers did not die due to police firing but there were some anti-social elements amongst the protesters who fired in order to create unrest in the state.\n\nThis statement of the Minister instead of calming the protesters further angered them as some eyewitness testified to news channels about the deaths being the result of police firing. All this further projected government in bad light and the police action has come under severe criticism by various sections of intelligentsia. The public sentiment has started to sway in favour of the protesting farmers.\n\nThere is huge pressure on the government to diffuse the tension, address farmers' grievances and take action against the police personnel involved in firing at the protesters since the protesters have started blocking all the major state highways which has crippled the day-to-day routine of the people of the state. Further, there is danger that the situation may get out of control anytime.\n\nSuppose you are the district magistrate where the incident has taken place:\na) You have to address the press conference. What will be your statement to the media if it seeks clarification on whether people died in the police firing as stated by the state minister?\nb) What are the ethical issues involved in the case?\nc) What steps will you take to tackle the post-firing situation effectively?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"a) आपको प्रेस कॉन्फ्रेंस को संबोधित करना है। मीडिया के लिए आपका क्या बयान होगा यदि यह इस थारे में स्पष्टीकरण मांगते हैं कि क्या पुलिस फायरिंग में लोग मारे गए थे ; जैसा कि राज्य के मंत्री ने कहा था? b) मामले में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं? c) फायरिंग के बाद की स्थिति से प्रभावी दंग से निपटने के लिए आप क्या कदम उठाएंगे?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":54,"question":"Q.12) Lithium is emerging as the new gold in the modern world. It is used extensively in making rechargeable batteries that are used across phones, laptops, electric vehicles etc. As the world is transitioning towards clean energy, demand for lithium is rising exponentially. India is dependent on imports for her lithium needs. Recently, a large lithium deposit has been found during a geological survey in Central India. According to initial estimates, the reserve is large enough to not only fulfill domestic requirements but also leave enough surplus for India to export lithium to other countries. The news of this discovery is covered by national media. This reserve can provide much needed impetus to adoption and development of green energy technologies in the country. Many prominent union ministers have expressed their desire for timely development of lithium mines and claimed that this discovery to be an outcome of their far-sighted governance and development model.\n\nAmit is a senior government official who has been appointed as project development officer for this mining project. During initial assessment of the project, Amit found that the discovered reserve lies inside a forest inhabited by tribals. This is a pristine forest, hitherto untouched by humans, other than indigenous tribal communities. This forest hosts a wide variety of flora and fauna, many of which are endemic. Further, the lithium reserve lies at the foothill of a hillock. This hillock has a small shrine where the deity worshipped by the tribals is located. Lithium mining in this area would mean destruction of forest, blasting of the mountain where shrine of the tribal deity is located and displacement of tribals. The tribal population is against this mining project. They consider this project as an assault on their way of life and culture. Intelligence report suggests that if these tribals are forcefully displaced and their shrine destroyed, they can become easy targets for the Naxal indoctrination and create a security nightmare for the state. On the other hand, Amit is facing political pressure for execution of this project and has been repeatedly reminded that not only this project is of national importance but also can be a stepping stone for his career.\n\nAmit is your colleague and a close friend. He asks you for your advice in this matter. Based on the described situation, help Amit identify various ethical dilemmas in this case. In your opinion, what is the most suitable course of action for Amit? Justify your choice.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"अमित आपके सहयोगी और करीबी दोस्त हैं। वह आपसे इस मामले में आपकी सलाह मांगते हैं। वर्णित स्थिति के आधार पर, अमित को इस मामले में विभिन्न नैतिक दुविधाओं की पहचान करने में मदद करें। आपकी राय में, अमित के लिए कार्रवाई का सबसे उपयुक्त तरीका क्या है? अपने विकल्प का औचित्य सिद्ध करें।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250"}]},{"id":7789,"topper":"Smriti Singh","air":671,"year":2020,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1jzlA1UaWPQBOmASToTJDQZUdPDClabjb","questions":[]},{"id":7790,"topper":"Smriti Singh","air":671,"year":2020,"paper":"Optional — Public Administration","optional":true,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1NN4ZprvWQDu3sVrwmGMC95m40zj_T4v6","questions":[]},{"id":7791,"topper":"Smrutiranjan Mohanty","air":87,"year":2014,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1505e-smrutiranjan_87_2014_sociology_booklet_1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7792,"topper":"Smrutiranjan Mohanty","air":87,"year":2014,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e88e0-smrutiranjan_87_2014_sociology_booklet_2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7793,"topper":"Smrutiranjan Mohanty","air":87,"year":2014,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2f3a7-smrutiranjan_87_2014_sociology_booklet_3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7794,"topper":"Smrutiranjan Mohanty","air":87,"year":2014,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7af71-smrutiranjan_87_2014_sociology_booklet_4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7795,"topper":"Smrutiranjan Mohanty","air":87,"year":2014,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5d4a5-smrutiranjan_87_2014_sociology_booklet_5.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7796,"topper":"Snehith","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6ad20-1370255_1841_snehith__rank_94.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have the right to do and what is right to do. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Bring out the difference between accountability and responsibility. Also, discuss the significance of accountability in ensuring ethical governance in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":7797,"topper":"Snehith Chakka","air":139,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/CHAKKA-SNEHITHUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-139-Sample-MGP-Copy-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Q.1) Aditya L1 mission is an important milestone as India's first space based solar observatory. Enlist the major scientific objectives and the challenges of the mission.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Q.2) Describe briefly what gene therapy is and what advantages it has over other treatments?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Q.3) With recent advances in technology, robots are now equipped to perform more than just conventional and routine tasks, which brings new opportunities as well as risks. In this context, evaluate the future potential of the robotics sector.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Q.4) Private participation in propelling India's space journey is widely acknowledged but is yet to be fully tapped. In light of the statement, analyse the hurdles faced by the private sector and also recommend measures to unlock greater private participation in the space economy.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Q.5) Write an explanatory note on the causes and impacts of avalanches. Also, highlight the various strategies to mitigate its impact, with a special emphasis on NDMA guidelines.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Q.6) Technology plays a multidimensional role in augmenting the disaster management apparatus of the country. Discuss. Also, bring out the measures needed to enhance the usage of such technologies in managing disasters.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Q.7 Discuss the natural and anthropogenic factors behind incidents of land subsidence. Suggest counter-measures to contain such incidents.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Q.8) Explain Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF). Also, discuss GLOF mitigation strategy with special reference to National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) guidelines.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Q.9) National security challenges require sufficiently addressing the concerns of human security. Explain and suggest reforms for the same.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Q.10 Outlining the various cyber threats faced by India, assess the state of the country's preparedness to deal with the same.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Q.11 Explain how the geographical location of India makes it extremely vulnerable to the menace of drug trafficking. What are the various internal security threats posed by drug trafficking?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Q.12) Discuss the socio-economic impact of new developments in science and technology in India since independence.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Q.13) 5G technology is a breakthrough that finds applications across diverse sectors. Elaborate. How is 5G technology different from its predecessor? Also, list the various challenges associated with its effective rollout.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Q.14 Discuss the repercussions on marine ecosystem and economy resulting from the combined effects of ocean acidification, ocean warming, and oxygen loss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Q.15) The invisible nature of groundwater is a major obstacle in the path towards achieving the twin objectives of building climate resilience and meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Elucidate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Q.16 Describe the concept of loss and damage and evaluate its relevance in ensuring climate equity.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Q.17 What role does wetland play in expanding the framework of sustainable development? What are the challenges faced by wetland ecosystem? Discuss the corrective steps required for their effective conservation.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Q.18 Despite various efforts, a lasting solution to the insurgency in the north-eastern region of India remains elusive. Analyse the reasons behind the continuation of insurgency in the region. Also, suggest effective measures to tackle it.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Q.19 While developmental initiatives have a significant role to play, they alone cannot root out terrorism/militancy in Jammu and Kashmir. Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Q.20 What do you understand by theaterisation of commands? Enumerating the impediments in theaterisation for India's armed forces, discuss the role of Chief of Defence Staff in enhancing the effectiveness of India's external security response.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7798,"topper":"Snehith Chakka","air":139,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/CHAKKA-SNEHITHUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-139-Sample-MGP-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) Societal apathy towards mental health issues has resulted in the marginalization of individuals dealing with mental disorders. Elaborate and suggest measures to bring mental health concerns from the periphery into the mainstream.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Critically assess the role of microfinance in satisfactorily addressing the interconnected challenges of poverty and unemployment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Though grand in their intent, the legislative measures for protection of vulnerable populations have become handicapped due to implementational bottlenecks. Comment, with special reference to SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) What are the reasons behind the limited success of the co-operative movement? How can co-operatives be made more effective in fostering rural development?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 Leveraging real-time data in policymaking has become indispensable for achieving good governance. In this context, analyse the role of e-governance in enhancing the effectiveness of developmental policies.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6 In civil services, what should matter are - capabilities, merit and talent. In this context, examine the relevance of lateral entry in civil services in face of various apprehensions.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) India must exercise stabilizing influence in its difficult neighborhood to effectively safeguard national interest. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) ASEAN serves the twin purpose of developing India's Northeast and augmenting the country's reach in the Southeast Asian region. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) The realization of a successful Asian century is premised upon stable India-China relations. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 Do you think NATO as a system of US-led collective security for Europe is relevant in an increasingly multipolar world? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) Increased penetration of mobile network, internet infrastructure, and smart phones have made m-governance the pivot of the welfare programmes of the government, but it poses challenges of exclusion. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) The distinct characteristics of the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and the government create a unique symbiosis in improving the governance and developmental process in the country. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 Critically examine the utility of the social audit framework in bringing the governance process closer to the people.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 Eradication of chronic malnutrition calls for an all-encompassing approach. In this context, throw light on the importance of nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive approaches for achieving the goal of Zero Hunger.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15) Evaluate the efficacy of digital interventions in transforming the educational infrastructure of the country.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) The role of the civil service is not limited to the mere welfare of the people but extends to the realm of upholding the spirit of the constitution. Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 India has a pride of place among the comity of nations with strong credentials in the arena of soft power. Identifying the key attributes of India's soft power, assess the extent to which it has been leveraged in India's foreign policy matrix.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18) BRICS can serve as a platform for shaping a post-Western global order, but the potential of the grouping is held back by internal contradictions. Examine.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Enumerate the factors that make Indo-Pacific a theatre of opportunity for India. What are the impediments in reaping the geo-strategic potential of the Indo-Pacific?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 The latent potential of the India-EU strategic partnership is deterred due to a slew of factors. Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7799,"topper":"Snehith Chakka","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/CHAKKA-SNEHITH-UPSC-2024-Rank-94-MGP-Sample-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) Enumerate the differences between rules, regulations and laws. In the pursuit of justice, should the objectivity of rules be complicated by the subjectivity of conscience?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) In light of incidents of serving civil servants openly criticising the government and some also resigning in protest, discuss whether civil servants should get entangled in the political discussions/opinions?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) Good governance is based on the rule of law which itself is situated on a strong ethical foundation. In this light, discuss the importance of ethics for good governance.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) Highlighting the difference between the work culture of public and private institutions, analyze the extent to which the work culture in private institutions should inform the working of public offices.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) a) The wedge between national interest and ethical conduct invariably widens in the absence of a global authority. Discuss and also assess the relevance of ethical principles in conducting international relations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) Differentiate between the following:\n(i) Code of conduct and Code of Ethics\n(ii) Accountability and responsibility","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.4) a) Transparency is more than mere information sharing. Elaborating on the statement, assess the success of the RTI Act, 2005, in promoting transparency in administration.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"b) Ethics stand as the cornerstone of corporate success in an ever-evolving landscape of business. In light of the above statement, discuss the role of ethics in corporate governance with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.5) a) Foreign aid, although championed as a vital tool for socio-economic development, often runs into stiff opposition from the intended beneficiaries. Elaborate on the various ethical concerns associated with foreign aid. Suggest measures to address the challenges related to foreign aid.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"b) Our probity is not less at the mercy of fortune than our property. What do you mean by probity in governance? Discuss ways of inculcating probity in public life.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.6) What do the following quotations mean to you:\na) It is not power, but fear that corrupts. Fear of losing power corrupts those who wield it and fear of the scourge of power corrupts those who are subject to it. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"b) Peace is not mere absence of war; it is presence of justice.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"c) \"Tolerance implies no lack of commitment to one's own beliefs. Rather it condemns the oppression or persecution of others.\" - John F. Kennedy","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case study?\nb) Critically assess the role of social media in administration.\nc) What are the various possible choices available to you and which course of action would you choose? Justify your choice.\na) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case study?\nb) Critically assess the role of social media in administration.\nc) What are the various possible choices available to you and which course of action would you choose? Justify your choice.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"a) उपरोक्त केस स्टडी में नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\nb) प्रशासन में सोशल मीडिया की भूमिका का आलोचनात्मक मूल्यांकन कीजिए।\nc) आपके पास उपलब्ध विभिन्न संभावित विकल्प क्या हैं और आप कौन सा कार्य चुनेंगे? अपने विकल्प का औचित्य सिद्ध कीजिए।\na) उपरोक्त केस स्टडी में नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\nb) प्रशासन में सोशल मीडिया की भूमिका का आलोचनात्मक मूल्यांकन कीजिए।\nc) आपके पास उपलब्ध विभिन्न संभावित विकल्प क्या हैं और आप कौन सा कार्य चुनेंगे? अपने विकल्प का औचित्य सिद्ध कीजिए।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":36,"question":"Q.8 Farmer unions have called for mass protest against the private sugar factories for pending arrear that are due for the last two years. On the day of mass protest, large number of farmers turned up at several places and the protests turned violent. There were instances of stone pelting, vehicle burning, and clashes with police, who were not able to control the violent protesters at some places. The resort to lathi charge only aggravated the agitated protestors. At one of the protest sites, police resorted to firing and four farmers were killed. This further fuelled the protests as farmers at other places also resorted to violence to protest against police action.\nLooking at the intensity of the situation, under opposition pressure, one of the Minister of the state government gave the statement that farmers did not die due to police firing but there were some anti-social elements amongst the protesters who fired in order to create unrest in the state.\nThis statement of the Minister instead of calming the protesters further angered them as some eyewitness testified to news channels about the deaths being the result of police firing. All this further projected government in bad light and the police action has come under severe criticism by various sections of intelligentsia. The public sentiment has started to sway in favour of the protesting farmers.\nThe protesters have started blocking all the major state highways which has crippled the day-to-day routine of the people of the state. Further, there is a danger that the situation might get out of control anytime. There is huge pressure on the state government to diffuse the situation.\nSuppose you are the district magistrate where the incident has taken place:\na) You are to address the press conference. What will be your statement to the media if it seeks clarification on whether people died in the police firing?\nb) What are the ethical issues involved in the case?\nc) What steps will you take to tackle the post-firing situation effectively?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"मान लीजिए कि आप उस जिला मजिस्ट्रेट हैं जहाँ यह घटना हुई है:\na) आपको प्रेस कॉन्फ्रेंस को संबोधित करना है। यदि मीडिया इस बात पर स्पष्टीकरण मांगता है कि पुलिस की गोलीबारी में लोग मारे गए या नहीं, तो आप क्या बयान देंगे?\nb) केस अध्ययन में नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\nc) गोलीबारी के बाद की स्थिति से प्रभावी दंगा से निपटने के लिए आप क्या कदम उठाएँगे? (20 अंक, 250 शब्द)","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":42,"question":"Q.9 Shailesh has just passed out from a prestigious management college. He was among the top of his batch and landed a good job with a handsome salary at a food and beverage multinational corporation (MNC). This company has a brand reputation for promoting healthy snacks and beverages that have no sugar and low trans-fat content. This was one of the major reasons for Shailesh to apply for this job. Shailesh thinks that through his work, he may be able to contribute something towards a healthy society and fit India.\nShailesh found an instant liking for the working environment of the organization as well as the nature of his new job. In just a few weeks, Shailesh's out-of-the-box approach and innovative thinking has put him into the good books of his manager. One day, Shailesh was called in a meeting by his manager and was given the responsibility of designing a campaign for a new product. This was a big deal for Shailesh because such tasks are given only to experienced employees and he was a fresh recruit within first year of his job. While working on his assignment, Shailesh noticed that most of the new products had a considerable amount of sweeteners in them. Although sugar was avoided, it was replaced with other products like maple syrup, corn syrup, fructose etc. This particular product has very high fructose content. High fructose content negatively impacts metabolic health and may contribute to insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, heart disease, and type-2 diabetes.\nShailesh tries to discuss the matter with his manager but his manager sternly tells him to do as he is told. His manager tells him that the company is claiming that there is no sugar in their product, which is true and everything they are doing is legal. Further, similar practices are followed by all other competitors in the market. Shailesh still feels that this is a manipulative practice where consumers are deceived into buying unhealthy food products. He is afraid that taking up this matter with his manager can be counter-productive for his career and he could even be dismissed as he was still on probation. Shailesh is the sole breadwinner for his family and has an education loan to pay off. At first, he thinks that this is how business is done and he should drop this matter but his conscience keeps on pricking him to do something.\na) Analyze the conduct of the MNC from an ethical perspective.\nb) What are different options for Shailesh in this situation? Evaluate each of the options and suggest the most suitable course of action.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"a) नैतिक दृष्टिकोण से MNC के आचरण का विश्लेषण कीजिए।\nb) अलग विकल्प क्या हैं-इस स्थिति में शैलेश के लिए अलग? प्रत्येक विकल्प का मूल्यांकन कीजिए और सबसे उपयुक्त कार्रवाई का सुझाव दीजिए।","marks":null,"words":"20 अंक"},{"page":48,"question":"Q.10) Jajantara, one of the districts in Eastern India has emerged as a hotspot of voice phishing activity. Voice phishing, also known as 'vishing', is the use of fraudulent phone calls to trick people into giving money or revealing personal information. Vishing fraudsters often use modern VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) features such as caller ID spoofing and automated systems (IVR) to impede detection by law enforcement agencies. Vishing is typically used to steal credit card numbers, banking details or other information for identity theft and related crimes.\nThe promise of earning huge amount of money in shorter span of time is used to lure unemployed and educated youth into this scam. The entire vishing racket is being run like an organised crime. The networks that run these scams have also started feeding other crimes like arms smuggling, money laundering, and gang wars. The system is on the verge of collapse and the common people are losing faith in the capability of administration to improve law and order in the district. The situation has been further worsened by unconfirmed reports that local politicians as well as some senior police officers are providing surreptitious patronage to the phishing mafia. The poor reputation of the district has started to reflect in international headlines. The youth from the area are stigmatised and face hurdles in gaining employment due to the negative perceptions about the district.\nYou are a police officer who is appointed as superintendent of police to bring the situation to normalcy. Identify the various dimensions of the crisis. Based on your understanding, suggest measures to deal with the same.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Q.11 Nisrael, a country in West Asia, recently faced an unprecedented attack on its soil, in which more than 1500 people were brutally massacred. Thousands were injured, and around 200 people were taken hostage. The coordinated attack from land, air, and sea was carried out by an organization named Tamas, which many countries, including Nisrael have designated as a terrorist organization. On the other hand, Tamas argues that it represents the cause of the people of Salestine, whose land is under the illegal occupation of Nisrael. Tamas justified its actions as armed resistance against Nisrael for freedom and self-determination.\nThe attack has sent shockwaves across Nisrael and around the world. Serious questions are being raised by citizens over the intelligence failure of Nisrael's Kossad, one of the most renowned intelligence agencies in the world. However, for the time being, Nisraelis have rallied behind their government and want a befitting response to such an audacious attack. Consequently, the PM of Nisrael has declared war on the Tamas and vowed to eliminate every member of the Tamas. Nisrael has responded by conducting aerial bombings of the Daza strip, which is governed by Tamas. The Daza Strip is a densely populated region, and aerial strikes by Nisrael have led to the killing of many innocent civilians. It is reported that more than 10,000 people have lost their lives in Daza, including some of the hostages as well. There is an acute shortage of food, fuel, and essential items in Daza. The United Nations has warned that the situation in Daza may turn into a grave humanitarian crisis.\nMeanwhile, the international community seems to be divided over the issue. While some countries are defending Nisrael's actions as an act of self-defense, others are blaming Nisrael's illegal occupation of Salestinian territory as the root cause of the conflict and supporting the Tamas. Some nations are pursuing a diplomatic tightrope walk by condemning the ghastly attack on Nisrael and raising concerns over the humanitarian crisis in the Daza strip. Experts fear that if a ceasefire is not declared immediately between the warring parties, the conflict may spiral to other countries in the restive West Asia and may assume catastrophic consequences.\nDharmat, a country in Asia, has good relations with both Nisrael and Salestine. While it has historic ties with Salestine, its relations with Nisrael have grown by leaps and bounds in recent times. Dharmat and Nisrael are strategic partners and are actively cooperating in different sectors like agriculture, wastewater management, counter-terrorism, etc. Also, Nisrael is one of the largest suppliers of cutting-edge defense equipment to Dharmat. Both Nisrael and Salestine have reached out to Dharmat to garner support for their respective positions. In Dharmat, there have been rallies and marches in support of both Nisrael and Salestine by different groups.\nThe Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of Dharmat is exploring an official response to the whole situation. You are the secretary in MEA, tasked with drafting a response regarding the same.\na) What are the various ethical issues involved in the case study?\nb) List various factors that you would consider while drafting the response.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"a) What are the various ethical issues involved in the case study?\nb) While preparing the response, consider the various factors and make a list of them.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":59,"question":"Q.12 Sundar, a young government servant, joined the office with great enthusiasm and desire to serve the public. Soon after getting a government job, Sundar got married with Sarita who is also a government servant working as a junior engineer in electricity department. But both of them have different postings. They work from two different cities and live separately. Sundar has applied for his transfer many times, but in vain.\nWith his dedication to work, Sundar is making a great image of himself and is getting appreciation from his peers and seniors. Because of his great performance, he got an important task of auditing the performance of “Housing for all” scheme. The scheme aims to provide affordable housing to the urban poor population. However, his study and research led to some shocking results. He found out that most of the houses are being acquired by relatives of local politicians and government servants.\nThe deserving urban poor population is still deprived of shelter and this has been the case from past few years. With further investigation, he realized that there is a massive ongoing scam. While the government is not allotting the completed houses to the beneficiaries, the poor are being lured and looted of their hard-earned money with the promised dream of a house of their own. Sundar prepared a file with all the details and evidence and presented it to the SDM.\nThe SDM, a relative of the central government minister, was fully involved in the corruption. Now, to save himself, SDM offers Sundar a deal that if he does not reveal the details of study, he will get a job at the same location as his wife. He is also offered a house from the scheme itself. On the other hand, he was warned that refusal to accept this proposal may entail retaliatory action by SDM against him.\nAs you are a very good friend of Sundar, He discusses the matter with you. Answer the following questions:\na) Why such instance of corruption in government programmes are common across the country? How can they be prevented?\nb) Enumerate various interests involved in this case from the perspective of different stakeholders. What advice will you give to Sundar?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":60,"question":"a) सरकारी कार्यक्रमों में भ्रष्टाचार के ऐसे उदाहरण पूरे देश में आम क्यों हैं? उन्हें कैसे रोका जा सकता है?\nb) विभिन्न हितधारकों के दृष्टिकोण से इस केस अध्ययन में शामिल विभिन्न हितों को गिनाएं। आप सुंदर को क्या सलाह देंगे?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"}]},{"id":7800,"topper":"Snehith Chakka","air":139,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/CHAKKA-SNEHITHUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-139-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) How will you explain that the values of tolerance and inclusiveness which were deeply embedded in ancient Indian society continue to persist and flourish in the present times?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Digital technologies can play a significant role in bridging the gender gap in India; however, it is mired in its own set of challenges. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3 Castelessness is a privilege that only a few can afford whose caste privilege has already translated into social, political, and economic capital. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Even after seven decades of independence, the colonial mindset continues to cast its shadow on Indian society. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 Globalization involves a complex exchange of cultural influences, where local identities are transformed by global forces, while global culture in turn is shaped by local identities. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) Enumerate the factors behind the proliferation of the IT industry in India. Also, Explain the reasons behind the skewed concentration of the IT industry within the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) The eastern coast and the western coast of India differ considerably in their geographical characteristics. Explain.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) Discuss the factors behind distribution of global palm oil production. Why does India depend on palm oil imports despite having conditions suitable for its cultivation?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 Why is Mediterranean climate different from China-type climate despite being on a similar latitude? Also explain how the differences in climate affect life and economic activities in the region.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 Describe the various types of fronts and their role in formation of extra-tropical cyclones.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) Cities are the engines of economic growth, but they can also be the black holes of the environment. What are some of the key environmental challenges facing urban areas in the 21st century? How should modern cities address these challenges?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 To what extent do traditional Indian family values align with the principles of constitutional morality? How can the Indian society resolve the tension between preserving traditional values and embracing social change?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 Why does communalism still persist in the country, despite it being widely recognized as a threat? Do you think that Indian model of secularism has failed to build an inclusive and integrated society? Justify.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 What do you understand by footloose industries? Discuss their significance and provide a suitable strategy for the growth of footloose industries in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Enumerate the major reasons that make the Indian economy heavily reliant on coal. Explain why phasing out coal from our energy basket is difficult.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) With help of a neat diagram, describe the general atmospheric circulation. Highlight the factors that affect the movement of winds on earth?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17) Describe the role of geography in shaping patterns of international trade and globalization. To what extent can geopolitical shifts overpower the logic of geography?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 Mangroves play a significant role in coastal ecology and economy. Examine. Also, elaborate the reasons behind the accelerated destruction of the mangrove habitat.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Write an explanatory note on the global distribution of earthquakes with the help of map. Also, throw light on the various consequences associated with earthquakes.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 Although poor air quality is a perennial problem, it gets intensified during the winter months in Delhi-NCR. Explain. Evaluate the efficacy of existing measures to control air pollution.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7801,"topper":"Sohan Lal","air":201,"year":2019,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0582a-35133_930_sohan-lal_rank_201.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7802,"topper":"Sohan Lal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3f349-35133_1392_sohan-lal_rank_201.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Illustrate the vertical and latitudinal distribution of temperature in ocean waters along with factors responsible for such a distribution.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Explain how earthquake waves are used as an indirect source for understanding the structure of the interior of the earth.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"What were the major geological events that have shaped the present day drainage system of Peninsular India? What role has been played by geographical factors in the peninsular drainage pattern?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Highlight the reasons behind high concentration of Jute mills in West Bengal. Also give an account of the problems that the jute industry of India is confronted with.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Explain the mechanism behind formation of fold mountains. Why are they mostly found along the margins of continents?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"Briefly explain the world distribution of pressure belts and general circulation pattern in the atmosphere.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"What is inter-tropical convergence zone? How does it influence the Indian monsoon?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"What do you understand by social forestry? Highlight its socio-economic significance for India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Giving examples, highlight the importance of location as a factor of desert formation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"What are the primary forces that initiate movement of water in oceans as currents? Also, giving examples, highlight the effects that ocean currents have on human activities.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"Give a brief account of locational factors that have influenced the distribution of iron and steel industry in India. What are the challenges that this industry faces?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"Why are Himalayan regions vulnerable to landslides? What steps can be taken to check frequent landslides in the region?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Highlight the significance of corals in marine ecosystem. Also, throw a light on the phenomena of coral bleaching.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Giving an account of various soil forming factors, explain the process of pedogenesis.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"Explain the different methods of mining. Highlight the factors affecting mining activity in India. Also, discuss the concerns associated with mining activity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Bringing out evidences in support of continental drift theory, highlight the forces behind it.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7803,"topper":"Sohan Lal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/00eab-35133_1391_sohan-lal_rank_201.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Enumerate important privileges enjoyed by each House of Parliament collectively and its members individually and also discuss their significance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Give an account of the composition and functions of the Finance Commission as mentioned in the Constitution of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"Preamble shows the general purposes behind several provisions in the Constitution, and is a key to the minds of the makers of the Constitution. Explain. Also, comment on the amendability of the Preamble.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Explain the principle of subsidiarity, its importance and discuss how the 73rd constitutional amendment act tries to achieve it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"Explaining the importance of an independent judiciary, highlight the relevant Constitutional provisions that safeguard and ensure the independent and impartial functioning of the Supreme Court.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Mention the six freedoms as guaranteed under Article 19 of the Indian Constitution. Also, comment on the way in which the constitution has attempted to strike a balance between individual liberty and interests of society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"With examples, discuss the significance of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in light of costly and time-consuming litigation process in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Explain why the Indian Constitution has been argued to have created a 'federation with a centralising tendency'.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"The parliamentary control over government and administration in India is more theoretical than practical. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Why did the Constituent Assembly replace the original plan to have elected governors in favour of appointment by the President? Also, bring out the arguments that are raised against the current form of appointment of Governors.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"Explaining the concept of judicial activism, discuss why it is important for courts not to take over the functions of the legislature or the executive.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"Compare the constitutional position of Rajya Sabha with the Lok Sabha in terms of legislative powers. Also bring out special powers given to Rajya Sabha in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"Comment upon the distribution of legislative subjects between the Centre and states. Under what circumstances does the Parliament make laws on matters enumerated in the State list?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Explain the significance of the concept of 'separation of powers' in a democracy. What can be the reasons for India not following the doctrine in the strict sense?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Explain the grounds on which a National Emergency can be declared and highlight its effects on Centre-state relations and Fundamental Rights.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"Analyze how the CAG ensures financial accountability of the Executive to the Legislature while working as an independent Constitutional body.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"Highlight the powers and functions of the Election Commission of India (ECI). Also, discuss the issues regarding the independence and impartiality of the ECI.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"A number of judicial pronouncements and constitutional amendments have altered the balance between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of Sate Policy since the commencement of the constitution. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Highlight the veto powers of the President of India. How does the veto powers of the Governor differ from that of the President?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":56,"question":"Even though the parliamentary system of government in India is largely based on the British parliamentary model it never became a replica of the British system. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7804,"topper":"Somya Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/86/mts_2024_unchecked_mt24flton072_anv2401.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"How does the integration of traditional Indian art and architecture in the New Parliament Building serve as a testament to India's cultural ethos? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Discuss the representation of women in Sangam literature. What does it reveal about the status and roles of women in ancient South Indian society? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"How did the Moderates' economic critique of British colonial policies contribute to the development of Indian nationalism and the broader independence movement? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"How does the geological structure of the Himalayas make the region particularly prone to landslides? Discuss the natural and human-induced factors involved. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What are the major ocean currents and their associated gyres in the world's oceans? Discuss the significance of ocean currents in shaping the Earth's climate and marine ecosystems. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How have variations in soil types across India contributed to regional disparities in agricultural practices and productivity? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How does island tourism affect the economy of India's islands like the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep? What challenges and opportunities exist to make this tourism sustainable? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How has the shift in the policy from population control to family welfare and women's empowerment impacted population growth in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What are the core principles of Indian secularism, and how have they been challenged in the context of Indian society? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"To what extent does the current primary education system in India address or reinforce social inequalities, and what strategies are needed to create a more inclusive educational environment? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Compare and contrast the nature of peasant movements in India during the pre-Gandhian phase with those in the Gandhian phase. How did Mahatma Gandhi's leadership influence the nature and course of peasant movements in India during the freedom struggle? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Compare and contrast the Hoysala and Nagara styles of temple architecture. How do these differences reflect the cultural, religious, and regional influences of their time? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"How did Lord William Bentinck's policies in India influence the country's cultural and intellectual landscape? Discuss with reference to key reforms. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"With urban flooding becoming a recurrent challenge in Indian cities, analyze the underlying factors contributing to urban flooding in India. What comprehensive measures can be taken to mitigate its impact? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"As the 21st century shifts from battles over oil to competition for critical minerals, assess the potential of India's critical mineral resources in contributing to the global supply chain. What are the strategic implications of these resources for India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Explain the phenomenon of temperature inversion and its impact on weather patterns and microclimates in different regions. Also, discuss its implications for agriculture and human settlements. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Discuss the significance of the Ganga river system on the environment and Indian culture. What are the key challenges in cleaning and rejuvenating this vital river system? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Scientific pursuit in India has historically intersected with culture and religion, often blending scientific inquiry with religious practices. In this context, how do scientific advancements bridge the gap between traditional beliefs and modern thinking in addressing age-old taboos and superstitions? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Highlighting the challenges of social inequalities in the informal sector, discuss how the gig economy can resolve these issues and contribute to greater social empowerment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"What are the reasons behind the resurgence of new-age spiritualism led by religious influencers and spiritual leaders in Indian society? Evaluate the impact of this phenomenon on Indian society. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7805,"topper":"Somya Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/103/mts_2024_unchecked_mt24flton072_anv2402.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"\"Parliament is a creature of the constitution, not its master\". Highlighting relevant case laws discuss how judicial intervention has shaped the balance between the Constitution and parliamentary sovereignty. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"How do the citizenship laws and policies of India and the United States differ within their constitutional frameworks? Comment on the ongoing debate on citizenship laws and policies in India and the US. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The right to internet access is integral to the realization and exercise of other fundamental rights in India. In this context examine how the recognition of internet access as a fundamental right in India reconciles with the state's authority to impose restrictions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"How did the 44th Constitutional Amendment impact the emergency provisions in the Indian Constitution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What are the powers and immunities of the Governor in relation to bills passed by the state legislature? Are these powers unlimited in nature? Discuss in light of relevant judgements. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Do you think that lateral entry can significantly enhance the effectiveness of the Indian bureaucracy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The demand for a caste census and the sub-categorization of castes reflects the failure of neoliberalism to address India's caste problem. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Despite significant advancements, women remain underrepresented in STEM fields. What are the barriers to women's participation in STEM, and what policy interventions can address these challenges to promote gender equity? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The expansion of BRICS signals a shift towards a more multipolar world order. Discuss how this expanded grouping presents India with opportunities to enhance its global leadership while introducing certain challenges. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Strategically located ports are vital assets in regional and economic integration. In this context discuss the significance of ports like Chabahar and Sittwe in India's strategy to enhance connectivity and their contribution to India's geopolitical objectives. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"How does mediation differ from arbitration? In light of the recent enactment of the Mediation Act, of 2023, assess its potential to address the backlog of litigations in Indian courts and foster a culture of voluntary mediation, especially among private players and public-sector undertakings. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"The federal character of a nation comprising elective bodies at different levels is best secured through a bicameral legislature. In this context, discuss how a bicameral legislature supports federalism in India. What additional measures can be taken to strengthen the federal structure and ensure effective representation of states in national governance? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"An Independent Parliamentary Secretariat is the backbone of a robust democracy, ensuring non-partisan support to Parliament in carrying out its core functions. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Given the significant role of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in local governance, assess the challenges and opportunities in strengthening their financial autonomy. How can reforms in PRI financing contribute to more effective grassroots governance in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Despite the absence of a constitutional mandate, the National Commission for Women(NCW) has had a significant impact in influencing legal reforms and securing gender justice in India. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"In post-liberalized India, independent regulators were established to ensure fair competition and transparency. To what extent have independent regulators been effective in their mandates and discuss the impact of government influence on their autonomy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"How does the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023 aim to reshape the patriarchal dynamics of Indian politics? Do you think it might encounter similar limitations as those seen in local self-government institutions? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Hunger is both a cause and a consequence of poverty, and addressing it requires a multidimensional approach. Analyze the effectiveness of a multidimensional approach with examples from key government initiatives. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"The African Union's inclusion in the G-20 marks a significant step towards strengthening South-South cooperation.' Discuss the importance of this development for India and its implications for India's relations with Africa. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"What are the key challenges associated with the IMF and World Bank in addressing the needs of developing countries? Also, assess the need for reforms in Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) to address the evolving global challenges. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7806,"topper":"Somya Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/88/mts_2024_unchecked_mt24flton072_anv2403.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"How do household savings contribute to the growth of the Indian economy? Do you think that the recent fall in household savings rate marks a rise in indebtedness and distress among Indian households? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"India's FDI sector is seeing a significant downward trend. What factors are causing apprehensions among the foreign investors to invest in India? Suggest some corrective measures that must be taken by the Government to reverse the falling trend. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"How do farm subsidies impact crop diversity, cropping patterns and agricultural sustainability in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"While discussing the principles of \"precision agriculture\", elaborate on the uses of \"Internet of Things\" in precision agriculture. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What are Small Modular Nuclear Reactors (SMRs)? Why are SMRs considered a safer alternative to conventional Nuclear Power Plants? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What factors have contributed to the sudden rise in the incidences of zoonotic diseases across the globe? Highlight the recent examples of pandemics caused by zoonotic pathogens. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss the major challenges of crowd control in large socio-religious gatherings and congregations in India. In the light of NDMA's \"Suggestive Framework for Preparation of Crowd Management Plan for Events Venues of Mass Gathering\", suggest measures to prevent stampede incidents. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"'The UN High Seas Treaty is comparable to the 2015 Paris Agreement's importance and significance'. In the context of this, discuss the importance of the UN High Seas Treaty for the conservation of marine biodiversity and fair and equitable resource-sharing. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What are the new cyber threats posed by the illicit use of Generative AI? In the light of recently signed Bletchley Declaration, how can India beef up its cybersecurity structure against threats raised by AI? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"India's border security is under severe pressure due to the rising political crisis in neighbouring countries. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"A person without skill is not an asset but a liability on the nation's growth\". How infusion of relevant skills contribute to the demographic dividend of India? What recent initiatives have been undertaken by the Government to reduce the skill gap among young Indians? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"The Indian aviation sector has immense potential to become the primary mode of transportation in the country. What are the factors propelling growth in India's aviation sector? Highlight the challenges that the sector faces and suggest measures for improvement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Farmer Producers' Organizations (FPOs) are engines of agri-innovation. In this context, discuss the role of FPOs in addressing the issue of fragmentation and lack of modernization in agriculture. Highlight the initiatives the Government took to promote the participation of FPOs in agriculture. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Despite being one of the strongest growth engines of the Indian economy, there are certain upstream and downstream issues ailing the growth of food processing industries in India. Discuss. Suggest measures to strengthen the overall growth of food processing industries in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"How was India benefitted from the contributions of Dr M.S. Swaminathan and Dr C.R. Rao in the fields of agricultural science and statistics respectively? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"How is Artificial Intelligence (AI) challenging the overall intellectual property paradigm? How can AI be balanced with intellectual property to foster innovation and incentivize creations and inventions? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Highlighting the significance of \"Western Ghats\" in preserving and conserving the biodiversity of India, discuss the threats faced by this fragile and ecologically sensitive Region. Elaborate on the measures taken by the Government of India to protect the Western Ghats ecosystem. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Describe the major outcomes of the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the features of the Green Credit Initiative launched by India on the sidelines of COP-28? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"How shell companies has contributed to the menace of money laundering in India? Do you think recent amendments to the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2005 will help address the problem of the transactional nature of clients with such shell companies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Discuss how the crime-insurgency nexus has contributed to the rise in ethnic conflicts and insurgencies in North-East India. What institutional measures can be undertaken to address this challenge? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7807,"topper":"Somya Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/140/mts_2024_unchecked_mt24flton072_anv2404.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Do you think it is ethically justified for political leaders to violate the deepest constraints of morality in order to achieve great goods or avoid disasters for their communities? Justify your position with suitable examples (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"\"There is growing evidence that when it comes to moral judgment, human beings appear to be best characterised not as intuitive Deontologists or Consequentialists but as intuitive virtue theorists.\" Critically analyse the statement. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"While formal codes of conduct can sometimes be a useful guide, developing those traits of character that are particularly suited to the administrator's role is at the core of professional ethics. Identify five ethical attributes suitable for an administrator and explain how they can be developed. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What do you understand by political responsibility, professional responsibility and personal responsibility? In situations of conflict among the three, what responsibility must the public servant prioritise and why? Illustrate with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"In the context of civil service, what do you understand by \"acts of conscience\"? Illustrate with an example. In your opinion, what can be the basis of acts of conscience? Explain (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Critically examine the role of educational institutions in shaping ethical decision-making skills in future civil servants. How effective are current educational paradigms in instilling ethical behaviour among the youth? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Examine the ethical challenges administrators face while employing persuasion and social influence techniques to promote social and health interventions in rural India. Illustrate with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Critically examine the impact of the Right to Information (RTI) on enhancing ethical accountability in public administration. How effective has RTI been in preventing bureaucratic corruption and improving service delivery? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss the ethical implications of maintaining high-quality service delivery in public administration. How does probity in governance influence the efficiency and responsiveness of public services, particularly in addressing the needs of marginalised communities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Critically assess the role of regulatory frameworks in enforcing ethical standards in corporate governance. How can these frameworks be designed to encourage ethical behaviour without stifling innovation? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss what the following quotes mean to you. (a) \"It is not because men's desires are strong that they act ill; it is because their consciences are weak.\" J S Mill (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":52,"question":"As the CDO, you are now caught between two conflicting directives, each with its own ethical and professional implications. (a) What ethical issues and dilemmas are involved in the above case? (b) What are the options available to the CDO? What must be the CDO's chosen course of action? (c) How should a civil servant prioritise between conflicting directives from different senior authorities? What ethical principles should guide this decision-making process? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":7808,"topper":"Sonakshi Saxena","air":189,"year":2019,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/96575-39215_1252_sonakshi-saxena_rank_189.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7809,"topper":"Sonakshi Saxena","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/19ecf-39215_1437_sonakshi-saxena_rank_189.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Illustrate how pressure groups have emerged as a strong mechanism for making democracy participatory and responsive. (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Highlight the importance of State Finance Commission in strengthening fiscal federalism in India. Do you agree with the view that they have not been provided with the necessary environment to play their rightful role? (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Explain the significance and controversies, if any, associated with the Article 35A of the Indian constitution. (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"It is of paramount importance to ensure that the Election Commission of India (ECI) be fully insulated from political pressure to maintain the purity of elections. In this context, discuss the need to have a relook at the process of appointment and removal of election commissioners to the ECI. (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"By providing new pools of leadership talent, lateral entry will help in addressing the most crucial challenges that the civil services in India currently face. Critically evaluate. (150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Public service delivery in India has long been marred by various issues leading to poor service delivery outcomes. While discussing the reasons for the same, suggest ways to make public service delivery more efficient. (150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The changing employment landscape across the globe makes it imperative that vocational education be integrated with the school curriculum in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"There is need for a more effective implementation of the existing provisions, as well as strengthening the current legal and institutional frameworks for addressing issues related to sexual harassment at workplace. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the challenges that India may face in the eventuality of withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan. What options does India have to safeguard its interests in the context of the changing situation? (150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Highlight the role and significance of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the peaceful settlement of international disputes. Also, discuss some limitations with regard to functioning of ICJ. (150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Indian Constitution displays multiple features adopted from the practices around the world. Explain. How did the Government of India Act 1935 influence the constitution of independent India? (250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlighting different Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms available in India, explain their importance. Also, mention different measures that have been adopted to further improve the framework of ADR in India. (250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Success of the institutions of local self-governance depends largely on the attitude of state governments. Discuss in the context of constitutional provisions and recent experience of the working of these institutions in India. (250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Explain why the doctrine of separation of powers is considered as an indispensable part of a democratic setup. Also, discussing this doctrine in the context of India, explain the principle of 'checks and balances'. (250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Focusing on technology without realizing that e-Governance is basically about ushering reforms in governance has meant that the potential of e-governance has not been realized. Discussing the statement, suggest what should be done to address this situation. (250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss briefly why the definition of 'public authorities' under the Right to Information Act, 2005 has been a contentious issue. Also, explain the rationale behind Central Information Commission's directive that national political parties be covered under the purview of RTI Act. (250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Universal Health Coverage is a worthwhile goal, however achieving this in a country like India is a challenging task. Analyse. In this context, discuss the significance of the Ayushman Bharat Scheme. (250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The strategy for combating poverty in India must rest on both effective implementation of anti-poverty programmes and employment intensive economic growth. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Critically assess the performance of SAARC as a regional grouping. Examine whether India needs to shift its focus towards BIMSTEC as an alternative to SAARC. (250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Highlight the reasons behind proliferation of multilateral preferential trade agreements. Do they violate WTO's MFN principle? Do you think that such trade groupings present an existential threat to WTO? (250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7810,"topper":"Sonakshi Saxena","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e6f83-39215_1440_sonakshi-saxena_rank_189.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Among various modes, trade played an important role in the spread of Indian culture abroad in the ancient period. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was a far-sighted realistic leader with great diplomatic and military skills. Discuss in the context of his contribution to national freedom struggle. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Enumerate the factors responsible for the decline of Mughal empire in India. How did it help in the expansion and consolidation of British power? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Though the conditions in France were vastly different from those in America, many of the driving factors behind the two revolutions were similar. Discuss in the context of French revolution. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Globalization has been a significant force in shaping the contemporary education system in India in both positive and negative ways. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The lack of clarity over what constitutes an urban area encourages haphazard development pattern in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Regionalism need not be regarded as unhealthy unless it takes a militant, aggressive turn and encourages the growth of secessionist tendencies. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Mention the conditions responsible for occurrence of Temperature Inversion in atmosphere. Elaborating on its various types, highlight its effects on the biosphere. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Assess the feasibility of introducing two time zones in India in the wake of recent proposal made by Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discussing the reasons behind disappearance of springs, examine how springshed management can help revive springs, especially in the Himalayan region. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"India has a long civilizational history. In this context, highlight the significant contributions from ancient India in science, mathematics and medicine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Over the years, the nationalist movement successfully created an ideology and culture of democracy and civil liberties that became a source of its strength. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Critically discuss the contribution of the Indian capitalist class in the freedom struggle. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Equitable distribution of land plays an important role in bringing about socio-economic transformation. In this regard, analyse the progress of land reforms measures taken in India since independence. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Examine the contemporary trends and reasons for change in the traditional family structure in India. Discuss the reforms needed in the existing social security protection measures in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Differentiate between eustatic and isostatic type of sea-level changes. Also, discuss the resultant landforms which are likely to be formed as a result of sea-level fluctuations. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the forces that drive the movement of lithospheric plates? In this context, identify the different types of plate boundaries based on their nature of interaction with suitable examples of the characteristic features formed along them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Highlight the factors responsible for location of automobile industries in India. Also, examine the challenges in the wake of transformations taking place in the automotive industry. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Identify the major Uranium reserves in the world and the countries from where India sources it. What measures are required to ensure supply security of fuel for nuclear plants in the country? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7811,"topper":"Sonakshi Saxena","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7d3c7-39215_1242_sonakshi-saxena_rank_189.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Tribal art in India generally reflects the creative energy found in rural areas that acts as an undercurrent to the craftsmanship. Explain with reference to the Worli and Gond paintings. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Though it had its achievements, the exclusion of Indians from the system was a key feature of judicial reforms introduced by Cornwallis. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Marshall Plan was important in the recovery of the European states from the aftermath of the Second World War. However, it also became a crucial factor in the creation of two Europes i.e. East and West. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Examine the causes behind the existence of bonded labour in contemporary India. Also, discuss the steps that should be taken for its redress. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"State the factors that enhance the risk for initiation or continuation of abuse of drugs by the youth. What measures can be taken to address this issue? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Critically analyze the impact of globalization on culture in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"How do increasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions impact coastal and marine ecosystems? Highlight various measures that can be taken for protection and restoration of such vulnerable ecosystems. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Explain the phenomenon of a Polar Vortex. Also, comment on the reasons as to why tropical areas as south as Florida have been witnessing sub-zero temperatures in recent years. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The most powerful trend of medieval Indian literature is devotional poetry which dominates almost all the major languages of the country. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Discuss the major changes introduced by the Government of India Act, 1919 and its significance as a historical landmark in the Indian freedom struggle. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Multiple factors allowed the British to gain control over India. In this context, highlighting the main developments, trace the course of British conquest of India from 1757 to 1856. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"With India becoming increasingly urban and the urban poor increasing in number, it is imperative that the challenges they face be addressed urgently. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Violations of women's sexual and reproductive health rights are often deeply engrained in societal values and traditions. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by the term Land Degradation Neutrality? Highlight its significance and the steps required to achieve it. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"State the geographical and economic importance of Hindukush-Himalayan region. How are the critical geographical features of this region changing and what possible consequences will it have? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What is the most accepted reasoning behind occurrence of earth's magnetism? Discuss the factors behind its variation temporally and spatially. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Explain Walker Circulation. Discuss how it influences Indian Monsoon. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7812,"topper":"Sonakshi Saxena","air":189,"year":2019,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/71a81-39215_1439_sonakshi-saxena_rank_189.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7813,"topper":"Sonali Dev","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7ee7f-331271_1510_sonali-dev_rank_41.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlight the role played by the MPLAD Scheme in creating community assets based on local needs. Also, critically evaluate the recent move to suspend it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Adequately empowering the third tier of Indian federal structure is key to strengthen federalism in India. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"To safeguard and uphold the freedom of speech and expression in India, it is imperative to adequately reform colonial laws that curtail free speech. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlight the role of pressure groups in a democratic country. Also, differentiate between pressure groups in India and developed countries. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The idea that Public Intent Data can play a transformative role in the public sector is not bereft of challenges. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Enumerating the key objectives of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, discuss why the recent amendments in the act are seen as a matter of great concern for the development sector in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The current COVID-19 pandemic has posed a serious threat to the safety and wellbeing of children all over the world. Discuss. Also provide an account of the measures taken by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Various challenges need to be addressed in order to successfully eradicate the menace of bonded labour in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"In the background of the recent military coup in Myanmar, discuss why a stable Myanmar is important for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In the case of Maldives it's not the size but the location that makes it strategically significant. Explain in the context of India's neighbourhood first approach. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"While the judiciary should not be a silent spectator when constitutional rights of citizens are infringed by executive policies, it must also not assume the role of the executive or pass policy prescriptions. Do you agree? Justify your stand with logical arguments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Effective legislatures are measured by their outcomes and not by their output. Analyze the functioning of the Indian Parliament in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Fiscal federalism in India has evolved with time. Discuss in light of the developments in recent years. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is often cited as an example of the rising politicisation of public institutions. In this context, identify the issues associated with the CBI's functioning. What steps can be taken to address these issues? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The principal constraint for India is trying to find solutions to 21st century problems using 19th century government structures. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"How far has the governance in India achieved the twin objectives of transparency and accountability? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Identify the barriers that exist in the enjoyment of reproductive health rights by women in India. Also highlight the interventions that have been adopted to remove these barriers. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"India continues to face the problem of hunger despite adequate food stocks and statutory laws that ensure food security. Discuss and provide solutions to deal with this problem. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The economic rise of Bangladesh is an opportunity for India and hope for South Asia. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Outcome of the Afghan peace process may have serious implications for the wider region. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7814,"topper":"Sonali Dev","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/211ae-331271_1511_sonali-dev_rank_41.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Despite a vast coast line and a number of waterways, why has India not been able to achieve its potential in bringing a significant modal shift from rail and road to waterways? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The move to establish a National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development, to reverse the drag on India's growth potential will have its own set of challenges. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlighting the issues related to the current fertilizer subsidy regime in India, discuss the need for reforms in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Identifying the need for a climate resilient agriculture in India, discuss how it can be achieved. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Mega Food Parks (MFPs) were considered to be a gamechanger for the food processing sector in India, but their progress remains stunted. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do you understand by impact based forecasting in disaster management? How can such forecasting strengthen the disaster management preparedness? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Low Earth Orbit is becoming increasingly crowded as countries race to launch satellites into space. Highlighting the associated issues, discuss international efforts taken in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Enumerating the existing measures to counter bio-terrorism in India, highlight the need for a bio-terrorism law. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the potential of \"Integrated Law Enforcement Centres\" and \"Smart Walls\" on India's border areas to address the prevailing security challenges. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Farm loan waivers are neither adequate nor recommended for promoting sustained agricultural growth. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"A number of initiatives in recent years have focussed on the MSME sector. Why is there a need to focus on this sector? Also, identify the measures taken by the government and further scope of action. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Skilling the Indian population faces a 3E challenge - Education, Employment and Employability. Discuss. Also suggest interventions required to effectively manage this challenge. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Despite its importance, agricultural marketing faces various institutional and infrastructural related issues in India. Elaborate. Also, enlist the measures that have been taken in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Marine litter is not just an environmental issue but poses a socio-economic challenge as well. Discuss. Also, enumerate the initiatives taken by the global community to reduce marine litter. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Assess India's vulnerability to flash floods and suggest measures for better resilience to flash floods. In this context, also briefly highlight the significance of recently launched Flash Flood Guidance System (FFGS) operated by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Hydrogen based energy production can play a key role in a clean, secure and affordable energy future. In this context, identify the potential and opportunities for utilising hydrogen based technologies. What are the challenges that need to be addressed to fullfill the potential? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Despite the huge promise of satellite-based internet connectivity, it hasn't gained traction on a significant commercial scale, especially in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India's attempts at strengthening its intelligence infrastructure and capabilities have historically been reactive and incremental, rather than holistic and sustainable. Discuss. Also, provide a concrete framework in transforming the country's intelligence capabilities. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"In light of the prominent instances of drone attacks by both state and non state actors, assess the challenges and capabilities of India in dealing with such security threats. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7815,"topper":"Sonali Dev","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/53a8b-331271_1513_sonali-dev_rank_41.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"In the context of protection of monuments, explain the role of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Also, comment on the challenges faced by ASI and measures taken to address these. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Tribal art has a huge potential for acting as an economic resource and a tool for socio-economic transformation of tribals in India. Elucidate. Also highlight the challenges in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Though the Government of India Act, 1919 proposed some radical administrative changes, it remained short of fulfilling aspirations of Indians. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Often deemed as the 'forgotten conflict', the Korean War had far-reaching implications. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Explaining the origin of earth's magnetism, discuss its significance with special reference to its interaction with solar particles. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discussing the challenges pertaining to dam safety in India, highlight the potential of Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project to address them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What is understood by Carbon Compensation Depth (CCD)? Discuss the implications of the rise in this depth due to anthropogenic warming as well. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"In view of demographic changes in recent decades, do you think India needs a two-child policy? Discuss in light of various strands of the debate surrounding this issue. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Globalization is incredibly efficient but has so far been incredibly unjust. Examine the statement in the context of developing countries like India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"It would not be completely wrong to state that in India, art is religion and religion is art.\" In light of the statement, discuss the impact of various religions on art in India, citing relevant examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Despite organizational apathy from the Indian National Congress in its initial years, the working class in various parts of the country subsequently participated overwhelmingly in the nationalist movement. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Though some of his early measures restored faith among the Indians in the liberal tradition of England, Lord Ripon's tenure did not bring about significant changes in the conservative mindset of the colonial bureaucracy. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The New Social Movements in post-independence period made an important beginning in awakening the society against injustices and deepened the very notion of democracy in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What are the reasons for recurrent and often catastrophic wildfires in places like Australia and the United States? Are there any lessons to be learnt from these events by India? Explain adequately. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss why India needs a cross border flood management mechanism. Also, state the major issues in cross border flood management and suggest remedial measures in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Depletion of water resources in India is both a geo-climatic phenomenon as well as a result some short-sighted government policies. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the major lithospheric plates? How and why do these plates move? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"There exists a wide gap between the constitutionally professed secularism and its practice in India. Do you agree? Substantiate with relevant arguments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India spends less than one per cent of GDP on care work infrastructure and services. In view of the statement, explain how increased public investment in care economy infrastructure can be instrumental in meeting multiple policy objectives. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7816,"topper":"Sonali Dev","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/909be-331271_1514_sonali-dev_rank_41.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the changes introduced by the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) Amendment Act, 2021, analyse various issues with the amended Act. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Are there valid arguments for continuing with sedition law in 21st century democratic India? Discuss in light of the debate surrounding it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Identify the issues that have contributed to a decline in the performance of Parliamentary Standing Committees. How can these issues be addressed? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Despite being a non-constitutional body, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) has wielded immense decision-making power in India. Discuss the advantages and issues associated with it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the role of data in governance in India. Also, state the various challenges in this regard and suggest remedial measures. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"With specific examples, elaborate upon the conditions that led to the emergence of a new civil society in urban India in the last few decades. Also, highlight its contribution towards effecting governance and policy changes. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The Gati Shakti mission has the potential to not only address the issue of infrastructure bottlenecks but also streamline the governance processes in the country. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Giving an account of the issues faced by workers in the informal sector, discuss whether the recently launched e-Shram portal can help in addressing them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Clarifying the significance of the recent developments on the issue of global minimum tax, discuss its prospects and challenges for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Announcement of the AUKUS security pact heralds a new era of global geo-politics. Comment. Also, discuss how it may affect India's interests. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Effective devolution of finances is an important requirement for Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) to fulfill their objectives. Discuss while also elaborating on the reasons behind lack of financial resources for PRIs in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Judicial activism is a necessary tool to guard against \"legislative adventurism and executive excesses\". Critically discuss in the context of the doctrine of separation of powers as provided in the Constitution of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The electoral bond scheme is part of what appears to be a growing trend away from transparency and accountability in electoral funding. Critically analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The significance of the principle of subsidiarity was well reflected in the management of the COVID-19 pandemic. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Social media has ushered in greater transparency and accountability in governance. But accountability through social media is no alternative to institutional accountability. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Although the State has the right incentives and intentions to deliver public services efficiently, its capacity to do so is questionable. Critically discuss in the context of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The problem of hunger in India does not lie in food production but various other underlying issues. Discuss in the wake of decline in India's ranking in the Global Hunger Index, 2021. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Democratization of primary healthcare is indispensable for fulfilling the objectives of equitable and comprehensive care in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"In the context of the evolving discourse on the Indo-Pacific, analyse the factors driving the global shift towards the region. Also, identify India's interests and challenges in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India's Afghanistan policy must be based on a clear-eyed understanding of important strategic goals in the region amidst the current regional and global strategic environment. Elaborate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7817,"topper":"Sonali Dev","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d566c-331271_1516_sonali-dev_rank_41.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"People's indifference is the best breeding ground for corruption to grow\". Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"In the context of COVID-19 pandemic, discuss the importance of Emotional Intelligence among healthcare workers. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Ethics does its work in the world by granting and withdrawing legitimacy. Discuss in the context of role of ethics in international relations. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or the darkness of destructive selfishness. - Martin Luther King Jr. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":7818,"topper":"Sonali Dev","air":41,"year":2021,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1sj0yUzqiswAoI1_8x-NgpSQ0U3A6B-2q","questions":[]},{"id":7819,"topper":"Sonali Jha","air":89,"year":2025,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"Drishti IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.drishtiias.com/images/pdf/Sonali-jha-rank-89.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7820,"topper":"Sonali Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2df92-18322_2219_sonali-mishra_rank-140.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Fiscal policy can be a key tool to reduce income inequality as well as make the poorest and the downtrodden a part of the country's growth story. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Digitizing land records will go a long way in ensuring land reforms as well as lessening the burden on the Indian Judiciary. Elaborate. Also, state the measures taken in this context. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"It has been pointed out that competitive politics to fund mostly non-merit subsidies is pushing a few states in India to the brink of a deep fiscal crisis. In this context, discuss the need to rationalise the subsidy regime in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Micro-irrigation has tremendous potential in transforming farming into a profitable and sustainable venture. Discuss the given statement in the context of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Given its vast resources and technical expertise, India can play a key role in assisting the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) in dealing with the impact of climate change. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The recent \"Disaster Management Plan of Ministry of Panchayati Raj (DMP-MoPR)\" aims to develop disaster resilience at the grassroots level. In this context, discuss the rationale behind the formulation of the Plan and highlight its key components. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the internal security implications emanating from the use of Emerging And Disruptive Technologies (EDT) by state and non-state actors. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Identify the impediments faced by India in boosting its defence exports. Also, discuss the steps taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the multiple issues associated with space debris. Also, state the initiatives taken in recent times to tackle this menace. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The adoption of Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) in India is expected to make e-commerce more inclusive and accessible for consumers. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While an agreement was recently reached at the WTO on a deal to curb \"harmful\" government fisheries subsidies, certain concerns raised by India suggests that the matter will require further negotiations. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite the advantages that are associated with the hybrid annuity model (HAM) in the road construction sector, the interest in it has moderated due to various reasons. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The existing MSP procurement regime is neither economically nor agro-ecologically sustainable. Elaborate. Also, evaluate the alternative approaches that can be adopted to improve the existing MSP regime. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"It is being argued that India is struggling with overflowing foodgrains in warehouses. Discuss the statement in view of the existing buffer stock policy of India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Recently, the government has asked all ports to prepare a master plan in order to become 'mega ports' by 2047. In light of this, discuss the challenges faced by ports and suggest remedial measures in order to propel India's blue economy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Inequality in income and wealth translates into carbon inequality. In this context, discuss the significance of addressing carbon inequality for India and suggest ways to achieve it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Despite increased and regular occurrences of landslides over the past decade in India, the dominant development paradigm has largely not been modified. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)15","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India needs a smart border management system to balance legitimate cross border flows with national security interests. Discuss. Also, highlight the initiatives taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Establishing linkages between globalisation and money laundering, discuss the initiatives taken at the national and international levels to combat it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"There have been arguments that India needs to review some of its past assumptions about the nature of outer space and contribute to the development of new global norms. In this context, analyse India's stand in relation to the Artemis Accords. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7821,"topper":"Sonali Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/666dc-18322_2218_sonali-mishra_rank-140.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to revisit the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution? Discuss with suitable arguments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Highlighting the advantages of online dispute resolution (ODR) mechanism for justice delivery, discuss the challenges associated with its effective implementation in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Despite the constitutional division of powers, Centre-state disputes have been a perennial feature of Indian democracy. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Do you agree with the view that adopting a framework for lobbying will strengthen participative governance and ease of doing business in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Despite the government encouraging open source instead of proprietary technology for government applications, the true potential of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) and digital platforms remains unrealized. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"As a social safety-valve, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) can be the principal vehicles through which communities voice their concerns. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Despite being lauded for its patient centric approach, the implementation of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, remains sluggish and mired with various issues. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to formulate an Urban Employment Guarantee scheme at the national level? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the relevance of BIMSTEC as a regional organisation to fulfil India's strategic aspirations in the Indian Ocean Region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the relevance of the Gujral Doctrine for India with regard to its relations with its immediate neighbours in the present times. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the pivotal role of the \"Officers of Parliament\" in the Indian Parliamentary system. Also, discuss the constitutional and statutory provisions for their impartial functioning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The Finance Commission plays a crucial role in balancing fiscal federalism in India. In this context, examine the recommendations given by the 15th Finance Commission. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Critically assess whether according statutory backing to the Model Code of Conduct will contribute towards free and fair elections in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The market disruption caused by digital revolution warrants renewed focus and perspective to ensure fair competition in the digital economy. In this light, discuss the need to revamp the Competition Commission of India (CCI). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"There is an urgent need for effective whistle-blowing mechanisms and ensuring that necessary safeguards for the protection of whistle-blowers are established in both public and private spheres in India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"State the reasons behind the poor performance of cooperatives in India. Also, discuss the reforms undertaken by the government to overcome the shortcomings. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Public-Private Partnership model, if harnessed properly, has the potential to bridge the gaps in India's healthcare system. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Although the New Education Policy brings with itself a commendable vision, its success will depend on its ability to effectively integrate with the government's other policy initiatives. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) is born from a collective desire to make the Indo-Pacific region an engine of global economic growth. Comment. Also, discuss India's concerns in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"India needs to identify the priority areas to further its techno-diplomacy amidst the complexities of expanding digital space and New and Emerging Strategic Technologies. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7822,"topper":"Sonali Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7c143-18322_2217_sonali-mishra_rank-140.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With examples, discuss how the cultural traditions from various regions of India get reflected in regional music. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Highlighting the emergence of the working class movement, discuss its contribution towards India's freedom struggle. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Do you agree with the view that Gandhian politics was, in a sense, a continuation of Tilak's politics? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"It is said that the world's oceans are losing their 'memory' due to human-induced warming. Comment. Also, discuss the consequences of the phenomenon. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What is soil amendment? Evaluate the benefits and concerns associated with it. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"It has been suggested that the next decade may see a boom in hybrid power plants. Stating the advantages that such power plants offer, discuss the associated challenges. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What are Van Allen Radiation Belts? Explaining their formation, discuss why there has been a growing focus on their study. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss whether marital rape should be criminalised in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What is care economy? Highlight the challenges associated with it and mention the steps taken to address them in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Post-pandemic India is staring at the challenge of \"learning poverty\". Analyse its implications and discuss a way ahead. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Bring out the evolution of mural traditions in South India. Also, elaborate on their significant characteristics. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Indian nationalism that confronted British imperialism in the 19th century was a product of colonial modernity. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Environmentalism surfaced in the form of many organised movements in post independence India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Do you agree with the view that continental blockade was an ill-conceived strategy by Napoleon to conquer Britain through economic means? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What do you understand by the Arctic Paradox? Highlight the spatial distribution of mineral and energy resources in the Arctic region. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Cryosphere changes have a tendency to bring about a devastating impact on the ecosystem and its people. Discuss. Also, enlist measures to tackle this threat. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The frequent instances of urban flooding pose a severe risk to the urban ecosystem in India. Discuss with special emphasis on its impact on the critical infrastructure. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Sand is not only critical for economic development but also provides crucial ecosystem services. Elaborate. In this context, discuss the importance of sustainable sand mining in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The challenge of unbridled and unbalanced growth of urban spaces in India necessitates reforms in urban planning and capacity. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Feminist movements in India have historically lacked inclusivity, often growing within a limited Western upper-class psyche. Critically discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7823,"topper":"Sonali Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d4855-18322_2220_sonali-mishra_rank-140.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The logic of limitless wealth lies in the basic human instinct for furthering self-interest in the form of profit. In this context, do you think there is a possibility of pursuing ethical capitalism? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"If a law is unjust, a man is not only right to disobey it, he is obligated to do so. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The capacity of Citizens' Charter to initiate any transformative process is conditioned upon it being appropriately designed and effectively executed. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The moral fiber and ethical conduct of public officials not only influence the standard of governance but also their own interests and performance. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The ongoing debate on euthanasia poses several ethical questions. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Foreign aid is a form of neo-colonialism, as the economically wealthier countries can exploit the developing countries under the cloak of aid. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Throwing light on the idea of Universal Humanism propounded by Rabindranath Tagore, discuss its contemporary relevance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"Overcoming poverty is not a task of charity; it is an act of justice.\" Nelson Mandela (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"\"I do believe that, where there is only a choice between cowardice and violence, I would advise violence.\"- Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"You are posted as the Commissioner of Police in a metropolitan city where a visiting foreign dignitary, with President-level security cover, is scheduled to visit for an official function. As a part of the security preparedness, it has been decided that no vehicular traffic will be allowed on the route which will be taken by the foreign dignitary to reach the venue of the function in the city. However, just 15 minutes before the scheduled arrival of the dignitary, you are informed that a critically-ill patient is stuck on the way to the hospital in a private car along with his family. In this situation, answer the following: (a) Discuss the issues involved in halting traffic for VIP movement. (b) List the options available to you in this situation with their merits and demerits. (c) What will be your course of action? Justify with proper reasoning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"What are the consequences of 'rote learning' on the educational development of young students in the country?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Suggest measures that can be taken to address this issue. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7824,"topper":"Sonali Vats","air":273,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/970ba-741748_2234_saloni-vats_rank_273.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7825,"topper":"Sonam","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6e2d2-95658_2211_sonam_rank-237.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The Cholas are inextricably linked with the zenith of Dravidian art and architecture. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Among the major legacies of the Indian freedom movement, civil liberties formed an important one. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The Berlin Conference of 1884-85 in many ways set the ground for the scramble in Africa. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What is a cloudburst and what are its effects? Why are they more frequent in the Himalayan region? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Despite its potential, there are several challenges in the implementation of the Ken-Betwa Link Project. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Identify the issues related to production and supply of coal in India. How can these issues be addressed? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Present the geographical distribution of agro-based industries in India and discuss the challenges faced by them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The caste system continues to be one of the key drivers of poverty and inequality in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the issues faced by domestic workers in India. Also suggest measures that can be taken to empower them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Given the deeply gendered impact of population control measures, examine the need to rethink the current approach of population control measures in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Examine the impact of the Sramana tradition on the Vedic religion and its relation with the emergence of Jainism, Buddhism and Ajivika sects. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Giving a brief overview of the three Carnatic Wars, discuss the factors that led to the success of the British against the French in the struggle for control over India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Provide an account of the issues that led to a crisis in Punjab in the 1980s. Also, discuss the roadmap to peace that was eventually adopted. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Post-drift theories based on ocean floor mapping provided new dimensions to the study of distribution of oceans and continents. Elaborate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Explain the phenomenon of heat waves. Also, enumerate the conditions favourable for the development of heat waves in India and their associated health impacts. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Providing an account of distribution of rainforests across the world, mention their key characteristics. Also highlight the threats that are being faced by tropical rainforests. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Indian cities are not only mimicking the social and cultural structures of inequality and exclusion found in rural areas but are also creating fault lines for future conflicts. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Examine the multi-dimensional impact of globalisation on tribal development in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7826,"topper":"Sonam","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/462c1-95658_2214_sonam_rank-237.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7827,"topper":"SONAWANE VIVEK VISHWANATH","air":126,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c9597-389741_1457_sonawane_vivek_vishwanath_rank_126.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7828,"topper":"SONAWANE VIVEK VISHWANATH","air":126,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ca264-389741_1460_sonawane_vivek_vishwanath_rank_126.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7829,"topper":"SONAWANE VIVEK VISHWANATH","air":126,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b22c0-389741_1992_sonawane_vivek_vishwanath_rank_126.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7830,"topper":"SONAWANE VIVEK VISHWANATH","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/71106-389741_2424_sonawane_vivek_vishwanath_rank_126.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What are the different dimensions of food security? Examine India's status in terms of ensuring food security with regard to these dimensions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Modern technologies such as blockchain and ChatGPT are powerful tools with immense potential to transform agriculture into a more efficient and sustainable sector. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What factors have led to the recent acceleration in the trend towards de-dollarization of the global economy? Do you think the dollar will lose its dominance anytime soon? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Despite significant pressure from the developed countries to alter its food subsidy regime, there is merit in India trying to retain its policy support for the poor in the country. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Several initiatives have been taken by the government towards addressing India's water needs, but the issues of water availability and water quality still warrant prioritised intervention. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What are the major drivers of glacial retreat in the Arctic? Describe the potential impact of the retreat of Arctic glaciers on the ecosystem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Space tourism, which was viewed as something straight out of a science fiction movie, is now becoming a reality albeit not without hindrances. What are the challenges associated with space tourism? What measures can be taken to address these challenges? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Global health experts widely believe that the development of CAR-T cell therapy can be a game changer in the treatment of cancer. How can CAR-T cell therapy overcome the limitations of CRISPR-Cas9 technology? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss why the rising deployment of new and emerging technologies by prominent violent extremist organizations demand concerted global efforts. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"With the Line of Actual Control (LAC) remaining tense after the Galwan and Yangste incidents and both India and China ramping up infrastructure in the border areas, discuss the role that ITBP plays in the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"The government has been weighing a transition from minimum wage to living wage in recent times. What are the benefits and constraints in the adoption of living wage in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The Union Budget affects almost every sector of the Indian economy, yet neither the budgetary processes nor the budget policies come under substantial public scrutiny. Do you agree? Justify your answer. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"India has been able to transform itself from a milk deficit country to the world's biggest milk producer, but the productivity of dairy animals in the country remains a concern. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"While climate change is responsible for crop failures, the agricultural sector itself is partly responsible for extreme weather events Discuss. What strategy has been adopted under National Agriculture Disaster Management Plan to strengthen the resilience of the farming community in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Some regions in India, including Delhi, are highly vulnerable to the impact of earthquakes originating in the Himalayas. Discuss. What institutional measures have been taken to mitigate earthquake losses in India? Do you think there are significant gaps that still exist? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Recently, scientists announced net energy gain in nuclear fusion reaction, which is considered as a major scientific breakthrough for the future of clean energy. What are the advantages of nuclear fusion based power generation? What are the limitations in using it to generate electricity at a commercial scale? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Keeping in view the recent amendment, examine the efficacy of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, in tackling the menace of money laundering in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Discuss the security threats present in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), which have a direct bearing on India's maritime border interests. Suggest a robust strategy to deal with these threats. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7831,"topper":"SONAWANE VIVEK VISHWANATH","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/dc5f5-0389741_2423_sonawane_vivek_vishwanath_rank_126.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With suitable examples, discuss how environmental pressure groups enhance public participation and responsiveness with regard to environmental policies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The recent acknowledgment of sex work as a 'profession' by the Supreme Court is merely the first step in ensuring basic rights and equality for sex workers in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the role played by District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) in providing free legal aid and disseminating legal awareness in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"The collegium system has become a victim of its own success, with the concentration of power in the hands of a few, leading to questions about its legitimacy.\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The wide gap between the number of females graduating every year and those entering the workspace is an issue of paramount importance that needs to be addressed. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"An up to date and functional Civil Registration System (CRS) is essential to the socio-economic planning in India. Discuss in the light of the recent move of the Central government in revamping the CRS system in the country. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What are the key areas of reform if the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has to align with the current economic realities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In recent years, India's relationship with West Asia has evolved from the confines of geopolitics to expanse of geoeconomics. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"\"The menace of paid news often rears its ugly head during elections.\" Discuss the need for making paid news an electoral offence in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Discuss the 'Doctrine of Essentiality' referred to by the courts in the context of religious practices in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) allows for innovative and convenient public services, help overcome inclusion or accessibility barriers, and increase transparency and accountability with real-time data. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Besides legislation, the full realisation of the 'right to health for all' in India demands plugging of social, financial, and infrastructural gaps. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"The 'third gender' has not yet been engendered in the Indian society despite legislative nudge. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Among other factors, strained ties with China and Pakistan make it difficult for India to fulfill its expectations from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"The recently concluded initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) between the United States and India promises a long overdue transformation of their partnership in the field of technology. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7832,"topper":"SONAWANE VIVEK VISHWANATH","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8c858-389741_2422_sonawane_vivek_vishwanath_rank_126.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The traditional theatre forms of India reflect the ideals and emotions of the society, and an individual's role in the community. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Provide an account of the historical and architectural importance of the Sanchi Stupa. Also, discuss how it inspired the future architecture in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Bhagat Singh made a real breakthrough in terms of revolutionary ideology, the goals of revolution and forms of revolutionary struggle. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Bringing out the factors that led to the Meiji restoration, discuss its significance for Japan. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"It is believed that a nation is an \"imagined community\" held together by common beliefs, history, political aspirations etc. In this context, discuss what the basis of India as a nation is. Also, bring out the threats to the concept of Indian nationhood. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"State the key factors behind the growth of the pharmaceutical industry in India. Additionally, discuss its significance with regard to India's economy and public health. (Answer in 150words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss why the Bay of Bengal is more prone to cyclones than the Arabian Sea. Also, explain the reasons for the decrease in frequency of tropical cyclones during the Southwest monsoon season. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite being destructive in nature, volcanoes are critical for the existence of human life on earth. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The existence of relative deprivation is an important aspect in constructing the argument for regionalism. Explain with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"If India is to realise the goal of 'education for all', the issue of rising cases of bullying and other forms of school violence needs to be addressed immediately. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Bring out the role played by the Ahom Kingdom in shaping the cultural and historical identity of North-East India, and discuss its legacy in contemporary times. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The capitalist class generally remained ambivalent in their support to the Indian National Congress until 1940s. In this context, analyse the varying positions of the Indian capitalists throughout the national movement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Trace the evolution of the press in India. Also, discuss the instrumental impact it had during various stages of the Indian freedom struggle despite the repressive policies of the British. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Mountains are fragile ecosystems vulnerable to the adverse impact of climate change and other anthropogenic interventions. Illustrate with examples. Also, highlight the initiatives taken for their sustainable management. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind unsustainable management of sand resources in India. Highlighting its impact, enumerate the remedial measures taken in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Giving an account of the major lithium-producing countries, discuss the geo-political aspects of lithium production and its environmental implications. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The youth are capable of identifying themselves with a global identity and connecting with events and experiences outside their countries. In this context, discuss the impact of globalization on the various aspects of youth identity. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"As fertility rates decline in India, future demographic concerns center around an ageing population and a weak social security system. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"With a significant proportion of India's population expected to live in urban areas by 2030, the welfare of the urban poor needs to take centre-stage in public policy. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7833,"topper":"SONAWANE VIVEK VISHWANATH","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/80f2a-389741_2425_sonawane_vivek_vishwanath_rank_126.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"For effective corporate governance to take place in the coming years, why is it important to integrate the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics with the multi-stakeholder approach? What benefits can be accrued by such integration? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In acts of corruption, the focus is often only on the demand side of the equation, on public officials who abuse their office for private gain. Frequently, the supply side is given less attention. Those who pay bribes are sometimes depicted as innocent parties and victims of extortionary practices of wily public servants. Do you agree that 'collusive corruption' in which there is a willing bribe-giver, is a formidable challenge for institutions fighting corruption? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Citizens' Charters initiative was a response to the quest for solving the problems, which a citizen encountered, day in and day out, while dealing with the organisations providing public services. But the introduction and implementation of Citizens' Charters in the government of India has been difficult due to the old bureaucratic set up and the rigid attitudes of the work force. Discuss the major obstacles that have been encountered in implementing the Citizens' Charter initiative. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Quality of public service delivery is a major determinant of the quality of life of vulnerable sections, in a highly unequal society divided along the lines of class, caste, religion, etc. In this background, do you think that public service delivery is, efficient and sufficient enough, to improve the lives of vulnerable groups in India? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own.\" - Lao Tzu (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"If ethics are poor at the top, that behavior is copied down through the organization.\" - Robert Noyce (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"The end of law is not to abolish or restrain, but to preserve and enlarge freedom.\" - John Locke (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Wealthy CEOs and founders of successful businesses around the world are increasingly pledging to give away their wealth in philanthropy. Do you think that such a move is sufficient enough to bring about a positive change in the society? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"As organizations across the globe begin their artificial intelligence (AI) transformation, the leap into the AI era is expected to be more challenging than any technology that businesses have grappled with yet. In this background, discuss the concerns around fairness, transparency, and job security that may arise. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The emphasis of Swami Dayanand Saraswati on education, social equality, and ethical values continues to influence the socio-cultural discourse in contemporary India. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Emotional intelligence may not be singularly associated with emotions or intelligence. It can also include a broad range of personality characteristics that might predict success in professional and everyday life. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"With reference to this case study, answer the following: (a) What are the issues involved in this case? (b) What measures can be taken to minimize the negative implications of adopting such technologies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Additionally, companies like BMW, Volvo, Google and Korean battery maker Samsung SDI, vowed in a statement to not buy metals produced from deep-sea mining until the environmental risks of the activity are \"comprehensively understood.\" In the context of the above-stated information, address the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the given case study? (b) How can the vision of economic development of a nation be achieved without adversely affecting the sustainability of oceans? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7834,"topper":"Sonu Bhatt","air":99,"year":2020,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/bedda-2660_1253_sonu-bhatt_rank_99.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7835,"topper":"Sonu Bhatt","air":99,"year":2020,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5d75d-2660_1418_sonu-bhatt_rank_99.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7836,"topper":"Sonu Bhatt","air":99,"year":2020,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/f1e76-2660_1419_sonu-bhatt_rank_99.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7837,"topper":"Sonu Bhatt","air":99,"year":2020,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ae783-2660_1522_sonu-bhatt_rank_99.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7838,"topper":"Sonu Bhatt","air":99,"year":2020,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/62528-2660_1420_sonu-bhatt_rank_99.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7839,"topper":"Sooraj KL","air":713,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DhWZFiO3g-IxlmWzaOLskeuOYAh4AUec/view","questions":[]},{"id":7840,"topper":"Sophia Siddiqui","air":253,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/SOPHIA_SIDDIQUI_SS_GS_1_AIR_253_2025_3502395857.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7841,"topper":"Sophia Siddiqui","air":253,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/117/mts_2025_unchecked_mt25flton054_flt2506.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7842,"topper":"Sophia Siddiqui","air":253,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/Sophia_Siddiqui_SS_GS_4_AIR_253_2025_303e0da3e7.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7843,"topper":"Sophia Siddiqui","air":253,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/124/mts_2025_unchecked_mt25flton054_flt2504.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7844,"topper":"Soumya Ranjan Dash","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e8bff-999178_1862_soumya-ranjan-dash_rank-136.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Jyotiba Phule was not only a key social reformer but also a patron of literary works. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Cave paintings in India have a long tradition with both religious as well as secular attributes. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The Swadeshi movement started as an anti-partition movement, but became a multi-faceted mass movement after 1905. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Although the National Emergency of 1975 was a temporary blip in independent India's history, it emboldened the spirit and resistance of our democracy. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Examine the relationship between the Walker Circulation and the Indian Monsoon. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Identifying the factors responsible for formation of tides, discuss their geographic and economic significance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What are Rossby waves? Discuss the role played by them in shaping the climate of the earth. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"One of the reasons for increased global interest in Afghanistan is its endowment with key natural resources. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The traditional structure of the caste system has witnessed paradoxical changes over the last few decades in India. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Economic empowerment of women is the key to ensure their social empowerment. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"India has the highest number of endangered languages in the world as per the UNESCO. In this context, discuss the factors that have endangered native languages in India and highlight the steps taken to conserve and protect these languages. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The policy of 'Subsidiary Alliance' helped in establishing British control over internal affairs of Indian states without incurring any direct imperial liability. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"\"Before 1857 the British were effectively working against the traditional grain of Indian society; afterwards they were working with it\". Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Enumerating the revolutionary maxims propounded by Sun Yat-sen, discuss the conditions that led to the revival of Chinese nationalism in the early 20th century. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Based on their geological age, present a brief account of the classification and distribution of coal reserves in India. Also, discuss the ongoing stress in the coal sector in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What is Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC)? Discuss the reasons for recent decline in the AMOC and its associated impact. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Recent reports and National Family Health Surveys have signalled a monumental shift in Indian demographics. Highlighting this shift, discuss the challenges that it will pose. Also, suggest remedial measures. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Looking at all poverty from the rural perspective and applying rural solutions to urban conditions will not yield results. Discuss the statement in context of differences between urban and rural poverty in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Regional movements are often conservative in orientation, supported by traditional social classes and religious groups and oppose social change imposed by modernity. Critically discuss in the context of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7845,"topper":"Soumya Ranjan Dash","air":136,"year":2022,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/88639-999178_1514_soumya-ranjan-dash_rank-136.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7846,"topper":"Soumya Ranjan Dash","air":136,"year":2022,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ef8e5-999178_1864_soumya-ranjan-dash_rank-136.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7847,"topper":"Soumya Ranjan Dash","air":136,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7b446-999178_1865_soumya-ranjan-dash_rank-136.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7848,"topper":"Soumya Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/82a21-111387_2928_soumya-sharma_rank_168.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How does tribal art provide valuable insights into the cultural perspectives and values of Indian tribal communities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What are the key factors that accelerated decolonization post-World War II? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How does human encroachment impact water bodies in urban areas? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How do physical geographical features influence the development and operation of transportation systems? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How are ocean trenches formed? Describe the significant characteristics of these oceanic relief formations. (Answer in 150words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Identify the reasons behind increasing number of extreme rainfall events throughout India in recent times. Assess their socio-economic impact. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"India is expected to have the largest working-age population in the world by 2030 and it cannot afford low participation of women in the workforce anymore. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Do you agree that there has been a progressive secularization of caste in India? Support your view with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Why is inequality increasing in India despite the fall in overall poverty? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"How did the competitive and hostile dynamic between Brahminism and Buddhism over funding, followers, and ideology mark the decline of Buddhism? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"European travellers' accounts in the medieval period have played an important role in shaping our understanding of the empires and people of that period in India. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The British victory in the Battle of Plassey in 1757 not just changed the course of Indian history but also that of the world. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Why was it more difficult to rehabilitate refugees in West Bengal as compared to Punjab after partition? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss the economic and social costs associated with the transition from coal to green energy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Explain the process of formation of volcanic calderas. How do they contribute to the scenic beauty of the region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the reasons behind the increased frequency and intensity of heat waves globally? How will it impact global food security? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India's approach to secularism does not merely challenge inter-religious domination but intra-religious domination as well. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Do you agree with the view that Indian cities are turning into landscapes of stark inequality and social exclusion? What steps can be taken to make urban areas more egalitarian in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7849,"topper":"Soumya Sharma","air":168,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2024_unchecked_GSMACT24A1283_GSMAC2401.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7850,"topper":"Soumya Sharma","air":218,"year":2024,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/soumya-sharma-test-3-1747724572275.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7851,"topper":"Soumya Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c18c8-111387_2929_soumya-sharma_rank_168.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Expression of dissent is central to the functioning of the Parliament. In light of this, discuss the role of the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in India's parliamentary system. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"How can the integration of technology into judicial processes enhance accessibility, capability, and efficiency in justice delivery? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Supreme Court of India has upheld unique asymmetry in India's federalism by intricately balancing centralized authority and regional autonomy. Discuss with the help of relevant case laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Evaluate the effectiveness of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes in safeguarding the interests of the Scheduled Castes in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Executive accountability to the legislature through Parliamentary Committees has been the hallmark of the Indian political system. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can India make Citizens' Charter a powerful tool for improving governance and empowering citizens? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How do corporate donors aid NGOs in facilitating holistic development in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite its merits, should the POCSO Act be revisited to correct the existing inadequacies? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"China's acquisition of strategic ports globally has significant implications for international trade routes and economic relations. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"What are the main functions of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)? How will its recent treaty on intellectual property, genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge benefit India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) plays a crucial role in combating corruption, its functioning is often criticized for being partisan and acting against the federal spirit. Discuss with the help of suitable examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Governors in India often overstep their constitutional role and fail to act effectively when needed. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Both India and the USA adhere to democratic principles but their electoral systems exhibit significant differences. What are the key differences in electoral practices between the two countries? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"How far do you agree with the view that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has met its objective of ensuring environmental justice in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Though Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) have become a platform for competitive politics, they have not emerged as an agency of planning and service delivery. Why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by interoperability in e-governance? What steps have been taken by the government to ensure interoperability and integration of various e-governance systems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"When it comes to sexual and reproductive health of women in India, rights-based discourse has largely been bypassed not just by the societal norms but also by the legal norms. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"How effective has India been in enhancing immunization coverage over the years? What challenges continue to affect immunization efforts in the country? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India used its Presidency of the G20 to bring the voice of the Global South to the centre stage. Discuss with special reference to Africa. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"India's relationship with the UAE has witnessed a remarkable expansion across various domains in the last decade. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7852,"topper":"Soumya Sharma","air":218,"year":2024,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/soumya-sharma-test-1-1747728657511.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7853,"topper":"Soumya Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7dac8-111387_2930_soumya-sharma_rank_168.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How is the rapid growth of the food processing industry leading to food safety challenges in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Under the Public Distribution System of India, the Fair Price Shop (FPS) transformation is an evolving process. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"How are agri-tech startups in India helping farmers in enhancing farm productivity and market access? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the role of digitization of land records in the effective implementation of land reforms in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"To fully exploit its demographic dividend and accelerate economic growth, India needs to adopt a manufacturing-led growth model. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can the resilience of Indian coastal communities be strengthened to tackle the growing natural hazards resulting from climate change? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How does the Green Credit Programme extend beyond carbon management to promote a more sustainable environment in India? What are the various concerns about its implementation? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What is the need for NavIC when existing satellite navigation systems are already available? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Cyber-enabled financial crime has emerged as the new frontier of global money laundering. Discuss. How can the government address this issue? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The Indian Army is observing the year 2024 as the 'Year of Technology Absorption'. In light of this, explain why there is a need for technology absorption in the defence sector of India. What challenges can India face in this initiative? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What are the issues faced in the development of trade and industries in the North-Eastern Region (NER) of India? Comment on the measures that have been taken to tackle these issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the era of climate change and growing water scarcity, how can micro-irrigation systems contribute to sustainable agricultural practices in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What strategies can be adopted to overcome the issues pertaining to freight transportation in the Indian Railways and increase its share in the domestic freight? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the factors that have aided India in making impressive strides in the renewable energy sector and establishing itself as a frontrunner in the global renewable energy transition. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"How does agricultural runoff containing fertilizers and pesticides contribute to environmental pollution? What measures can be taken to mitigate the impact of agricultural runoff? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The growing influx of tourists in Himalayan states has breached their ecological carrying capacity, leading to significant man-made disasters. What measures can be implemented to prevent such disasters while promoting sustainable tourism? Discuss with relevant examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"How do superconductors fuel innovation in diverse fields of science and technology? Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"While India has laws covering almost all types of intellectual property rights, numerous enforcement, regulatory and administrative challenges hamper the commercialisation of IPRs in India. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Keeping in view the challenges in creating integrated theatre commands, examine how the theaterisation of commands can lead to greater integration and rationalisation of manpower and resources among the three services. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Treating border villages as first villages not just geographically but also in terms of facilities can be a key strategy for enhancing border security. Discuss. Also, highlight the measures being taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7854,"topper":"Soumya Sharma","air":168,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2024_unchecked_GSMACT24A1283_GSMAC2403.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7855,"topper":"Soumya Sharma","air":218,"year":2024,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/soumya-sharma-test-4-1747724628604.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7856,"topper":"Soumya Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2024_unchecked_GSMACT24A1283_EE2403.pdf","questions":[{"page":15,"question":"RTI act 2005 was brought in to ensure more openness and transparency in governance.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7857,"topper":"Soumya Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d37dd-111387_2931_soumya-sharma_rank_168.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The end cannot justify the means, for the simple and obvious reason that the means employed determine the nature of the ends produced. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss how the relationship between law and ethics is dynamic and continuously shaped by societal changes. Provide examples to illustrate this dynamic relationship. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Differentiate between probity and integrity with suitable examples. How do these values contribute to ethical governance and decision-making in the civil services? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the ethical implications of withholding information in public administration. How can transparency enhance accountability and reduce corruption in government institutions? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"There is no school equal to a decent home and no teacher equal to a virtuous parent.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.\" - Leo Tolstoy (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"To see what is right and not do it is a lack of courage.\" - Confucius (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What factors lead to a positive attitude in a person? How does positive attitude enhance the effectiveness of civil servants in performing their duties? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss how emotional intelligence can influence ethical decision-making in the allocation of scarce public resources. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Various international humanitarian organizations provide emergency aid in conflict zones around the world. Highlight the ethical challenges faced by such organizations. What are the principles that guide international humanitarian work? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Why is persuasion regarded as an important skill for civil servants? What are the key considerations that should guide persuasion in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"What role can ethical leadership play in curbing corruption, especially in public service? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"What were the major teachings of Swami Dayanand Saraswati? Explain their relevance in addressing the current ethical and social challenges in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":33,"question":"Discuss the ethical dilemma Karan faces in deciding whether to report the incident against Mariyam's wishes. (b) Evaluate the options available to Karan. Which of these options should he choose and why? (c) What responsibilities do organizations like XYZ Corp have in preventing and addressing sexual harassment and creating inclusive workplace environments? (Answer in 250 words)20","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"What are the options available to Jay as the Commissioner of the Education Department? Evaluate each of these options. (b) What option should Jay adopt and why? (c) How can civil servants like Jay be better protected when they attempt to uphold ethical standards in their work? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"As the District Magistrate of X city, you are responsible for overseeing the construction of a new metro depot in an urban forest area, which is a critical infrastructure project aimed at improving public transportation and reducing traffic congestion and air pollution. The project, however, requires the clearance of a substantial portion of the forest, which has triggered strong opposition from environmental activists, local residents, and NGOs. This forest is widely regarded as essential for the city's ecological balance, often referred to as the city's \"lungs.\" In addition to the environmental concerns, you are under considerable pressure from politicians at the state-level to expedite the project, given the upcoming elections in two years. The political leadership emphasizes the benefits of the metro project for the city's development and its potential to garner electoral support. The project is expected to significantly reduce travel time for thousands of commuters and potentially decrease overall vehicle emissions in the city. However, it would also lead to the loss of thousands of trees and disrupt local ecosystems. As you prepare to make a decision, you are aware that your choice will have far-reaching consequences for both the city's development and its environment. (a) Identify the ethical dilemmas involved in the above case. (b) Evaluate the options available to you in the above situation. Which of these would you choose and why? (c) Suggest some measures that could be implemented to balance urban development needs with environmental conservation in future projects. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Dr. Mehra is a senior drug developer at a leading pharmaceutical company in India, renowned for producing various medications, including lifesaving drugs critical for treating chronic and rare diseases. Since its inception, the company has emphasized the quality and affordability of its drugs. Recently, under revised government guidelines, pharmaceutical companies are required to market a finished product only after obtaining \"satisfactory results\" from tests on the ingredients. Additionally, they must retain a sufficient quantity of samples of both intermediate and final products to allow repeated testing or verification of a batch. Dr. Mehra's team is in the final stages of developing a new medication for a rare but life-threatening disease. This drug has shown promising results in clinical trials. However, there have been unresolved concerns about the long-term side effects of the drug, observed in a small percentage of trial subjects. Despite this, the company has not released any major drug in the past decade, leading to significant pressure from the board members to expedite the drug's release. (a) Identify the stakeholders in the above case study. (b) Discuss the ethical issues faced by Dr. Mehra. (c) Analyse the options available to Dr. Mehra in the above case. Which of these would you choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"You have been appointed as the Under Secretary in the State Urban Development Department. The Department has been tasked with a prestigious project aimed at revitalizing the infrastructure of a city with deep historical significance. This project, which you are extremely passionate about, involves modernizing public transportation, restoring heritage buildings, and creating green spaces while preserving the city's cultural essence. Excited by the opportunity, you spent weeks researching and drafting a comprehensive proposal. Your plan included innovative ideas for sustainable development, community engagement, and leveraging technology for urban planning. You presented these initial plans in a departmental meeting, hoping to inspire your colleagues and kickstart the project. However, your enthusiasm was met with indifference. Your colleagues showed little interest, failing to contribute ideas or efforts towards the project. Concerned, you reported this lack of interest to your superior, who is also the project authority. To your disappointment, he seemed equally indifferent, casually mentioning that he is set to retire in six months and that the project has a long gestation period. Determined to see the project succeed, you took it upon yourself to drive it forward. For the past two months, you have been working more than 12 hours a day, often late into the night, sacrificing time with your family. Your dedication is driven by your belief in the project's potential to transform the lives of the city's residents and preserve its rich heritage for future generations. Two months into the project, a review meeting is called by the Chief Secretary. During the meeting, Department heads from various sectors are present to discuss ongoing and upcoming projects. When it is time to present the urban revitalization project, your boss stands up. To your shock, he presents your draft proposal as his own work, taking all the credit for the innovative ideas and comprehensive planning. As you sit there, listening to your superior claim your hard work as his own, you feel a mix of anger, disappointment, and demoralization. This incident not only undermines your efforts but also leaves you questioning the value of your dedication in a work culture that does not seem to support collaboration or recognize individual contributions. (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) How does the above-mentioned work culture affect workplace morale and productivity? (c) What are the options available to you and how would you address the situation? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":59,"question":"In light of the above case, discuss the ethical issues that may arise from the nexus between corporate, political, and bureaucratic interests. (b) As a conscientious civil servant, evaluate the options available to Arun. Which option should he choose and why?(Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7858,"topper":"Soumya Sharma","air":218,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/soumya-sharma-test-2-1747724447500.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7859,"topper":"Soumya Sharma","air":218,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/SOUMYA-SHARMA-UPSC-2024-Rank-218-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7860,"topper":"Sourab Das","air":815,"year":2022,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"IAS Gyan","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://aptiplus.in/uploads/pdfs/SOURAB%20DAS%20AIR%20815%20GS%20I%20COPY.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7861,"topper":"Sourab Das","air":815,"year":2022,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"IAS Gyan","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://aptiplus.in/uploads/pdfs/SOURAB%20DAS%20AIR%20815%20GS%20II%20COPY.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7862,"topper":"Sourab Das","air":815,"year":2022,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"IAS Gyan","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://aptiplus.in/uploads/pdfs/SOURAB%20DAS%20AIR%20815%20GS%20III%20COPY.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7863,"topper":"Sourab Das","air":815,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"IAS Gyan","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://aptiplus.in/uploads/pdfs/SOURAB%20DAS%20AIR%20815%20GS%20IV%20COPY.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7864,"topper":"Sourabh Kumar","air":260,"year":2024,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/Sure_Shot_2024_Sourabh_Kumar_GS_PAPER_1_T_01_AIR_260_b30bc36666.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7865,"topper":"Sourabh Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/Sure_Shot_2024_Sourabh_Kumar_GS_PAPER_GS_3_T_03_AIR_260_be51b9de6f.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"What do you mean by off-budget borrowings? Discuss the various issues associated with them. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Do you agree that the agriculture sector in India needs a separate budget for its transformation? Substantiate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Growth of e-commerce has huge potential in revolutionizing the agriculture products supply chains. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"'Water use efficiency is the keystone in the sustainable development of the Indian agriculture sector.' Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Robust economic growth requires a complementation between the public and private investment. Examine the statement with reference to falling private investments in the Indian economy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Discuss several ways in which biotechnology can help in ensuring food security in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Explain the significance of the Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) in achieving the goals of India's Nuclear energy program. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Public awareness is primary in inculcating environmental consciousness. How does the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) promote environmental awareness? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Overexploitation strains the quality as well as the quantity of our groundwater resources. Analyze. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"‘Employment opportunities in India are experiencing a rapid transformation.’ In the light of the statement, discuss the preparedness of the Indian labor force to adapt to this transformation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Liberalized Indian economy expanded rapidly at the cost of social equity. Elaborate. Also, suggest measures for promoting inclusive economic growth. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Livestocks play a key role in improving the socio-economic conditions of the rural masses. In this light, discuss the potential opportunities for the livestock farmers in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"What are the objectives of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme? Analyze its role in the growth of indigenous semiconductor industry. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Delays in infrastructure projects create massive cost overruns. Elaborate the major causes of delays and potential solutions for timely project execution. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"The Indian Space sector exhibits huge growth potential. Analyze the opportunities for the private sector in the Indian space industry. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Plastic waste has become near ubiquitous, threatening ecological stability. Explain. Also, discuss various measures taken by the government to contain further environmental degradation by plastic wastes. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Elaborate the disaster vulnerability of Indian coastal cities with examples. Examine the relevance of Sendai Framework in disaster management of coastal regions. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Alarming rising trend in cyber attacks endangers national security. Explain with examples. Elaborate the need for establishing a dedicated cyber security force to deal with the issue. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Socio-economic functions across the Indian border makes its management more complex. Discuss with suitable examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7866,"topper":"Sourabh Kumar","air":260,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/Sure_Shot_2024_SOURABH_KUMAR_GS_PAPER_T_04_AIR_260_77a337746a.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7867,"topper":"SOURABH RAJENDU","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/SOURABH-RAJENDU-UPSC-2024-Rank-199-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the characteristics of water masses and their role in thermohaline circulation. Why are thermohaline circulations of the Pacific Ocean not as developed as in the Atlantic Ocean? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Describe the various types of delta. Why does India's eastern coast has more deltas than its western coast? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"With the help of an annotated diagram, discuss the various landforms of karst region. Why is 'underground scenery' very well developed in karst region? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by the Inter-tropical convergence zone (ITCZ)? Discuss the climatic impact of its seasonal shift. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Explain the process of tide formation and distinguish between tides and waves. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Describe the structure of a tropical cyclone and the conditions that are suitable for its formation. Also discuss the impact of tropical cyclones on human populations and the natural environment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":16,"question":"To what extent does the theory of plate tectonics explain the major geological features of the Earth's surface? Discuss with suitable examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":19,"question":"Account for the differences in ocean water density across the globe and its diverse implications. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":22,"question":"Explain the origin and evolution of the Himalayan Mountain range. What impact do Himalayas have on the climate and geography of the Indian subcontinent? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"Describe the factors that influence the monsoon rainfall in India. What do you mean by 'normal monsoon'? Why do some regions suffer drought even in a year of 'normal monsoon'? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7868,"topper":"Sourav Sinha","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/sourav-essay-test-1-1745489444157.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Competition is the law of the jungle, but Cooperation is the law of the civilization","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7869,"topper":"Sourav Sinha","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d1b19-458407_2212_sourav_sinha_rank_49.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by 'constitutionalism'? Highlight various ways in which the Indian Constitution underscores this principle. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Competition Commission of India (CCI) effectively reflects a shift from the era of Licence Raj to a conducive regulatory ambience for enhancing consumer welfare by encouraging competition in the market. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Mention various initiatives taken for online delivery of judicial services in India. Also, discuss the challenges faced in their implementation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Bring out the similarities and differences in the Bill of Rights in the Constitution of the United States and Fundamental Rights in the Constitution of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"It is often argued that the implementation of The Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 has so far been tardy and ineffectual. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Explain the rationale behind the creation of a Social Stock Exchange in India. Do you think this move would boost social impact investing in the country? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The National Digital Health Mission (NDHM) has the potential to bring a new revolution in India's health sector in multiple ways. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"While participation of private sector in the higher education system of India is a necessity, it creates issues that need careful redressal. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Highlighting the significance of Central Asia for India, discuss the challenges in strengthening the Indo-Central Asian relationship. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the role that the Indian diaspora can play in the making of \"Aatmanirbhar Bharat\" (self-reliant India). Also, mention the challenges in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"A critical appraisal of the outcomes of the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act underlines the need for second-generation reforms to strengthen decentralisation of urban local governance in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"It is argued that unchecked and rampant exercise of the power to insert laws in the Ninth Schedule results in undermining of Constitutional supremacy and creation of Parliamentary hegemony. Do you agree? Justify your stand with logical arguments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Asymmetry is an important characteristic of federalism in India, which has helped in the accommodation of diverse demands inherent in our democracy. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Part - IX of the Constitution (Panchayats) apply with modifications to tribal areas through PESA Act.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"In India, the Finance Commissions are established pursuant to the constitutional mandate. In this context, do you think the State Finance Commissions have been effective in promoting fiscal federalism? Substantiate with arguments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Reduction in the overall size of the bureaucracy has been seen as the underlying idea behind civil services reforms. Is it a good idea to reduce the size of the Indian bureaucracy? Examine in light of the experience of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"There is a need to ensure better ethical standards, accountability and management of temples in India. Discuss in the context of issues associated with state intervention in management of temples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"What do you understand by feminisation of old age? Highlight the issues associated with it in the Indian context. Also, mention the measures taken by the government in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Given its impact on both individual resilience and the resilience of the economy, is there a case for strong universal social protection in India? Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"There have been arguments that with the old global multilateral order failing to manage rising challenges, issue-based coalitions are gaining traction and have become the arenas of functional cooperation. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"India intends to achieve a balanced and optimal development of energy infrastructure in the South-Asian region through mutual understanding and cooperation. In light of this statement, discuss the need as well as existing gaps in South Asia's energy cooperation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7870,"topper":"Sourav Sinha","air":49,"year":2024,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/45ec2-458407_1419_sourav_sinha_rank_49.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7871,"topper":"Sourav Sinha","air":49,"year":2024,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/32a72-458407_1418_sourav_sinha_rank_49.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7872,"topper":"Sparsh Yadav","air":51,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d0707-1085439_2121_sparsh_rank-51.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7873,"topper":"Sparsh Yadav","air":51,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1PY0wP1Mft7937rjfNjOPqakyrL1qmBT8","questions":[]},{"id":7874,"topper":"Srajit Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/GSMACT24A1558_TC001.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"War is merely the continuation of politics by other means.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Ecology is the permanent economy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"History is not the study of the past but the study of change.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Strategic thinking is the bridge between dreams and achievement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Life is a long lesson in humility.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Empathy is the antidote to shame.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Don't let someone else's opinion of you become your reality.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Information is the building block of reality.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7875,"topper":"Srajit Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/GSMACT24A1558_TC002.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"Q.3 Justice is the first virtue of social institutions, as truth is of systems of thought.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7876,"topper":"Srajit Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/GSMACT24A1558_TC004.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"Q.3 The Voice of the Gobal South needs to set its own tone.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Q.4 But man is a part of nature, and his war against nature is inevitability a war against himself.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Q.5 Love the life you live. Live the life you Love.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Q.6 A Great man is always willing to be Little.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7877,"topper":"Srajit Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/GSMACT24A1558_TC003.pdf","questions":[{"page":18,"question":"Q.5 People travel by road or rail, economy travels on infrastructure.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Q.6 As you start to walk on the way, the way appears.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Q.8 Everything that life teaches can be summed up in three words: it goes on.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7878,"topper":"Srajit Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/GSMACT24A1558_TC064.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"Environmental pollution is an incurable disease, it can only be prevented.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"The law has no compassion and justice is administered without compassion.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"The love of one's country is a splendid thing but why should love stop at the border?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"He profits most who serves best.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Imagination is more important than knowledge.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"The best way to predict your future is to create it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"What you learn from a life in science is the vastness of our ignorance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Social media is more about psychology than technology.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7879,"topper":"Srajit Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/GSMACT24A1558_TC061.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"If it costs you your peace, it is too expensive.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"In the flood of data, the thirst still remains.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"A star has to burn to give light to others but that's what stars are meant for.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"A measure of character : but a faulty one?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Different scales - a longer perspective","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Civilization begins with order, grows with liberty, and dies with chaos.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"A single drop never feels responsible for the flood.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Never does nature say one thing and wisdom another.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Present demonstrates the lessons of history, albeit the hard way.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7880,"topper":"Srajit Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/GSMACT24A1558_TC062.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"The heaviest penalty for declining to rule is to be ruled by someone inferior.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Competition is the law of the jungle, but cooperation is the law of civilization.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"The road to success and the road to failure are almost exactly the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"To be or not to be, that is the question.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Wisdom is to live in tune with the mode of the changing world.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7881,"topper":"Srajit 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challenges remain.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Employment is the crucial link between growth and prosperity.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7882,"topper":"Srajit Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/c4e79303c48f91abba2d44d6bdc66684/14/aim25gcl1001_amt2501.pdf","questions":[{"page":46,"question":"India's 31% population lives in cities (Census 2011), which is expected to reach 40% by 2030.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7883,"topper":"Srajit Kumar","air":84,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/c4e79303c48f91abba2d44d6bdc66684/9/gsmact24a1558_gsmac2401.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7884,"topper":"Srajit 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Kumar","air":277,"year":2024,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/srajit-kumar-test-6-1747821031242.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7891,"topper":"Srajit Kumar","air":84,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/c4e79303c48f91abba2d44d6bdc66684/2/gsmact24a1558_ee2401.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7892,"topper":"Srajit Kumar","air":84,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/c4e79303c48f91abba2d44d6bdc66684/3/gsmact24a1558_ee2402.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7893,"topper":"Srajit Kumar","air":84,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/c4e79303c48f91abba2d44d6bdc66684/4/gsmact24a1558_ee2403.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7894,"topper":"Srajit Kumar","air":84,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/c4e79303c48f91abba2d44d6bdc66684/8/gsmact24a1558_eef2505.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7895,"topper":"Srajit Kumar","air":277,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/srajit-kumar-test-1-1747820963956.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7896,"topper":"Srajit Kumar","air":277,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/srajit-kumar-test-2-1747820977347.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7897,"topper":"Srajit Kumar","air":277,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/srajit-kumar-test-4-1747821007850.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7898,"topper":"Sreekumar Ravindra Kumar","air":192,"year":2021,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1KNVtRtcGhpD7vv44nuny-0zz6-6QfovK","questions":[]},{"id":7899,"topper":"Sri Sai Ashrith Shakhamuri","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/61087-1237341_2217_sri-sai-ashrith-shakhamuri_40.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With examples, discuss how the cultural traditions from various regions of India get reflected in regional music. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Highlighting the emergence of the working class movement, discuss its contribution towards India's freedom struggle. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Do you agree with the view that Gandhian politics was, in a sense, a continuation of Tilak's politics? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"It is said that the world's oceans are losing their 'memory' due to human-induced warming. Comment. Also, discuss the consequences of the phenomenon. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What is soil amendment? Evaluate the benefits and concerns associated with it. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"It has been suggested that the next decade may see a boom in hybrid power plants. Stating the advantages that such power plants offer, discuss the associated challenges. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What are Van Allen Radiation Belts? Explaining their formation, discuss why there has been a growing focus on their study. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss whether marital rape should be criminalised in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What is care economy? Highlight the challenges associated with it and mention the steps taken to address them in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Post-pandemic India is staring at the challenge of \"learning poverty\". Analyse its implications and discuss a way ahead. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Bring out the evolution of mural traditions in South India. Also, elaborate on their significant characteristics. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Indian nationalism that confronted British imperialism in the 19th century was a product of colonial modernity. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Environmentalism surfaced in the form of many organised movements in post independence India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Do you agree with the view that continental blockade was an ill-conceived strategy by Napoleon to conquer Britain through economic means? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What do you understand by the Arctic Paradox? Highlight the spatial distribution of mineral and energy resources in the Arctic region. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Cryosphere changes have a tendency to bring about a devastating impact on the ecosystem and its people. Discuss. Also, enlist measures to tackle this threat. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The frequent instances of urban flooding pose a severe risk to the urban ecosystem in India. Discuss with special emphasis on its impact on the critical infrastructure. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Sand is not only critical for economic development but also provides crucial ecosystem services. Elaborate. In this context, discuss the importance of sustainable sand mining in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The challenge of unbridled and unbalanced growth of urban spaces in India necessitates reforms in urban planning and capacity. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Feminist movements in India have historically lacked inclusivity, often growing within a limited Western upper-class psyche. Critically discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7900,"topper":"Sri Sai Ashrith Shakhamuri","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1d61f-1237341_2219_sri-sai-ashrith-shakhamuri_40.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Fiscal policy can be a key tool to reduce income inequality as well as make the poorest and the downtrodden a part of the country's growth story. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Digitizing land records will go a long way in ensuring land reforms as well as lessening the burden on the Indian Judiciary. Elaborate. Also, state the measures taken in this context. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"It has been pointed out that competitive politics to fund mostly non-merit subsidies is pushing a few states in India to the brink of a deep fiscal crisis. In this context, discuss the need to rationalise the subsidy regime in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Micro-irrigation has tremendous potential in transforming farming into a profitable and sustainable venture. Discuss the given statement in the context of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Given its vast resources and technical expertise, India can play a key role in assisting the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) in dealing with the impact of climate change. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The recent \"Disaster Management Plan of Ministry of Panchayati Raj (DMP-MoPR)\" aims to develop disaster resilience at the grassroots level. In this context, discuss the rationale behind the formulation of the Plan and highlight its key components. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the internal security implications emanating from the use of Emerging And Disruptive Technologies (EDT) by state and non-state actors. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Identify the impediments faced by India in boosting its defence exports. Also, discuss the steps taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the multiple issues associated with space debris. Also, state the initiatives taken in recent times to tackle this menace. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The adoption of Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) in India is expected to make e-commerce more inclusive and accessible for consumers. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While an agreement was recently reached at the WTO on a deal to curb \"harmful\" government fisheries subsidies, certain concerns raised by India suggests that the matter will require further negotiations. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite the advantages that are associated with the hybrid annuity model (HAM) in the road construction sector, the interest in it has moderated due to various reasons. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The existing MSP procurement regime is neither economically nor agro-ecologically sustainable. Elaborate. Also, evaluate the alternative approaches that can be adopted to improve the existing MSP regime. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"It is being argued that India is struggling with overflowing foodgrains in warehouses. Discuss the statement in view of the existing buffer stock policy of India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Recently, the government has asked all ports to prepare a master plan in order to become 'mega ports' by 2047. In light of this, discuss the challenges faced by ports and suggest remedial measures in order to propel India's blue economy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Inequality in income and wealth translates into carbon inequality. In this context, discuss the significance of addressing carbon inequality for India and suggest ways to achieve it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Despite increased and regular occurrences of landslides over the past decade in India, the dominant development paradigm has largely not been modified. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)15","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India needs a smart border management system to balance legitimate cross border flows with national security interests. Discuss. Also, highlight the initiatives taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Establishing linkages between globalisation and money laundering, discuss the initiatives taken at the national and international levels to combat it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"There have been arguments that India needs to review some of its past assumptions about the nature of outer space and contribute to the development of new global norms. In this context, analyse India's stand in relation to the Artemis Accords. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7901,"topper":"Sri Sai Ashrith Shakhamuri","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0af52-1237341_2218_sri-sai-ashrith-shakhamuri_40.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to revisit the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution? Discuss with suitable arguments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":7902,"topper":"Srigiriraju V P S Sai Krishna","air":125,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SRIGIRIRAJU-V-P-S-SAI-KRISHNAUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-125-Sample-ESSAY-Copy-5.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. Patience, persistence, and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"SECTION - B\n1. The most valuable of all capital is the one invested in human beings.\n2. Massive poverty and obscene inequality are the social evils of contemporary times.\n3. Climate change is just not a political but an intergenerational justice issue.\n4. Globalisation needs a new Asian champion.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7903,"topper":"Srigiriraju V P S Sai Krishna","air":125,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SRIGIRIRAJU-V-P-S-SAI-KRISHNAUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-125-Sample-MGP-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":47,"question":"Q. 19 The inactivity of SAARC as a regional body has thrown concerns on its sustenance amidst disturbed Indo-Pakistan relationships.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7904,"topper":"Srigiriraju V P S Sai Krishna","air":125,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SRIGIRIRAJU-V-P-S-SAI-KRISHNAUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-125-Sample-MGP-Copy-3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7905,"topper":"Srigiriraju V P S Sai Krishna","air":125,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SRIGIRIRAJU-V-P-S-SAI-KRISHNAUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-125-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1 (a) Essential ethical traits for ethical governance","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7906,"topper":"Srinath T","air":847,"year":2022,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1G-nn8IgAiHLgr5iKqL5d_CXq1Tc-BREk","questions":[]},{"id":7907,"topper":"Srinath T","air":847,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1S0yUVrsPCsYUPqs83b3Os96JbQ9q6GyX","questions":[]},{"id":7908,"topper":"Srinjay Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/SRINJAY_KUMAR_SS_GS_1_TEST_5_AIR_616_2025_5e02453976.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Ancient rock-cut caves are great examples of religious harmony. Illustrate using examples from Southern and Western India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The Gupta period marked a shift in the position of women in Indian society when compared to earlier times. Evaluate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"To what extent can the Swadeshi Movement be seen as a precursor to Gandhian mass mobilization techniques? Analyse critically. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Analyse how the Japanese occupation of Southeast Asia during WWII shaped Indian independence movement. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Describe artesian aquifers and state the geological and environmental conditions necessary for their formation. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Enumerate the factors that have led to the concentration of the pharmaceutical industry in the western region of India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are shallow-focus earthquakes? Discuss the factors responsible for their frequent occurrence in the Indo-Gangetic plain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Explain how health outcomes are shaped by the interplay of physical environment, cultural factors, and ecological connections. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss how migration is emerging as a more significant factor than fertility in shaping population trends in developed nations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Examine how poor urban planning in India limits the full economic potential of urbanization. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"India's pre-modern kingdoms evolved sustainable water management systems suited to regional ecological conditions.\" Examine with reference to the contributions of the Cholas and the Vijayanagara Empire. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"The French Revolution was not merely a reaction to recent events but also the outcome of prolonged structural imbalances and social discontent. Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Arab nationalism was both a unifying ideology and a source of fragmentation in West Asia. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"The Eastern Himalayan and Northeastern region of India holds immense strategic and ecological value. Comment on its resource potential and highlight the constraints affecting its effective utilisation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"What are anticyclones? Illustrate their characteristics and associated climatic conditions with suitable examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Explain the regional variation in desertification trends across India. What impact does it have on food security? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"The sub-categorisation of Scheduled Castes seeks to address intra-group inequities, but may risk conflating caste-based exclusion with class-based deprivation. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Do you agree that the assertion of cultural and tribal identity lies at the core of regional movements in India? Substantiate your view with relevant examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Explain the relationship between gender equity and human development. What are the key areas where gender equity significantly impacts development outcomes? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Gig work is often seen as a tool for women's economic inclusion but in practice, it has created a new frontier of feminised and informalised labour. Substantiate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7909,"topper":"Srinjay Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/SRINJAY_KUMAR_SS_GS_1_TEST_1_AIR_616_2025_c4f6ab6b36.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"The evolution of temple architecture in India illustrates the synthesis of art, religion, and polity. Illustrate with suitable examples from South India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The rise and development of the new religious ideas in the 6th B.C. India have brought significant changes to contemporary social life. Do you agree? Justify using examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Under colonialism, India's traditional economic structure was reoriented to fit into the economic needs of industrial Britain. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are Western disturbances? Explain their role in influencing the weather patterns of northern India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discuss the non-conventional energy potential of peninsular India with relevant examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Why are most of India's iron and steel plants concentrated in the eastern and central parts of the country? Illustrate with examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"In contemporary India, marriage is increasingly perceived as a personal choice rather than a societal obligation. Enumerate the socio-economic forces behind this transformation and assess its potential impact on family structure. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Analyse to what extent does regionalism contributes to the deepening of decentralization in India? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the potential socio-political implications of implementing a nationwide caste census. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The Lucknow Pact of 1916 was both a high point of Hindu-Muslim unity and a harbinger of future communal divisions. Comment (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"While the Bhakti and Sufi movements emerged from different religious milieus, their convergence lay in the realm of devotion and dissent.\" Examine the socio-religious significance of their interaction in medieval India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Contrast the approaches of Sardar Patel and Jawaharlal Nehru in handling princely states and regional integration. How did their differing visions shape the evolution of the Indian Union? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"The American Civil War was not just a political conflict but a clash of two divergent economic systems. Substantiate (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"What are marine heatwaves? Examine the causes of the increasing frequency of marine heatwaves. How do they influence the onset of the summer monsoon in India? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Assess the effectiveness of tribal development programmes in India. Why do tribal areas continue to experience developmental setbacks, and what are the challenges? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"\"As the world's water towers melt, the risk of water stress increases.\" Discuss how the Himalayan glaciers' retreat could redefine freshwater availability and regional hydropolitics in South Asia. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Despite increasing participation of women in the professional workforce, their presence in top leadership remains minimal. Examine the interplay of societal norms and workplace structures in perpetuating this gender gap. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"The phenomenon of 'livability atrophy' in Indian cities reflects the widening gap between urban expansion and quality of life. Examine the causes and consequences of this trend, and suggest measures to make urban growth more humane and sustainable. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Define transnationalism and examine the factors that have led to the increasing global interconnectedness of diaspora communities. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Communalism in India, rooted in historical legacies and socio-economic inequalities, continues to undermine social cohesion and national integration. Discuss with examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7910,"topper":"Srinjay Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/SRINJAY_KUMAR_SS_GS_2_TEST_2_AIR_616_2025_d948369e93.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"'Constitutional morality' is not a natural sentiment in India but has to be cultivated. Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer with relevant examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Supreme Court's recent invocation of Article 142 to confer 'deemed assent' to state bills raises critical questions about the separation of powers. Critically examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The impartiality of the Speaker of Lok Sabha is central to the integrity of the legislative process. Explain with relevant examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"How does the Sixth Schedule balance tribal autonomy with national integration? Evaluate its success and limitations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Explain how Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, while aiming to safeguard privacy, risks weakening the transparency framework established by the Right to Information Act, 2005. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms offer a viable solution to India's overburdened judiciary. Enumerate the types of ADR mechanisms in India and analyze their advantages over conventional litigation. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Examine how Community-based financial institutions promote responsive governance and address structural inequalities, especially for marginalized women. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Despite their intended purpose, Citizen's Charters in India have fallen short in transforming administration into a citizen-centric service system. Do you agree? Justify your answer. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Mauritius remains the 'Star and Key' to the Indian Ocean for India. Analyze the geopolitical significance of Mauritius in India's Indian Ocean strategy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Discuss the constitutional and statutory provisions governing the disqualification of Members of Parliament in India. How effective are they in upholding the integrity of the legislature? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"India's fiscal federalism is heavily vertical, transactional and tax-centric. In light of this, critically examine the case for institutionalizing \"resource federalism\" to ensure more equitable and autonomous state-level economic development. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"While India has a structured but rarely used process for the removal of judges, the UK emphasizes ministerial responsibility and in house mechanisms. Compare and evaluate these approaches in maintaining judicial accountability. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Despite being part of the Directive Principles, the Uniform Civil Code remains unrealised at the national level. Examine the factors behind the delay and suggest potential measure for its national implementation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Judicial recognition of intra-caste inequality within Scheduled Castes opens new debates in affirmative action policies. Examine the challenges and opportunities this poses for social justice in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"AI-driven education can play a transformative role in achieving the goals of New Education Policy 2020. Discuss the opportunities and challenges in integrating Artificial Intelligence into India's education system. What safeguards are needed to ensure its safe deployment? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Discuss the role of targeted welfare schemes for nomadic communities in achieving inclusive development. What are the implementation bottlenecks and how can they be resolved? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"\"Cultural diplomacy through diaspora outreach has emerged as a soft power tool in India's global engagement strategy.\" Evaluate the strengths and limitations of diaspora-led cultural diplomacy in advancing India's national interest. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"How have the growing tensions between the U.S., Israel, and Iran affected regional stability in West Asia? In this context, evaluate the key considerations for India's foreign policy to safeguard its interests in West Asia. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"With overlapping geographical and strategic interests, ASEAN-BIMSTEC cooperation can enhance Indo-Pacific connectivity and resilience. Analyze the institutional, political, and external challenges that impede this collaboration. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7911,"topper":"Srinjay Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/SRINJAY_KUMAR_SS_GS_3_TEST_7_AIR_616_2025_a2d08edf4a.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Despite the multidimensional nature of poverty in India, consumption expenditure continues to dominate its official measurement. Discuss the limitations of this approach and suggest alternative frameworks for designing inclusive welfare policies. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The 2025 Economic Survey has highlighted deregulation as a tool for financial deepening. In this context, enumerate the potential benefits and risks of deregulation in the financial services sector. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Assess the impact of the revised MSME definitions on the growth and formalisation of micro and small enterprises. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Evaluate the merits and demerits of maintaining rigid Priority Sector Lending (PSL) quotas versus adopting market-driven credit allocation mechanisms to achieve inclusive growth. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Analyse the regional shifts in the cropping patterns of India. Discuss the long-term implications of this shift on nutritional security and water sustainability. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Despite diversification, rural India faces economic stagnation. Discuss how value chain integration through food processing can revitalise the rural economy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What is ground-level ozone pollution? How is it formed, and what are its effects on human health and the environment? In what way is it becoming a serious concern for Indian cities? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Nanotechnology represents a paradigm shift from 'bigger is better' to 'smaller is smarter.' In this context, examine the transformative potential of nanotechnology in the fulfilment of India's environmental goals. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What is 'Indirect Prompt Injection' in the context of AI chatbots? Examine its potential impact on the reliability of digital assistants and the privacy of end users. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Analyse the major reasons for the spread and survival of Naxalism. What solutions do you suggest to curb it? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"Non-tariff measures have become a key instrument of economic diplomacy and protectionism in the post-globalisation era.\" Evaluate how India can balance compliance with global trade rules while safeguarding its economic interests. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Discuss the macroeconomic risks posed by unregulated Virtual Digital Assets. How can India reconcile its financial stability objectives with the opportunities offered by blockchain innovation? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Despite progressive measures, gender budgeting in India has not translated into substantial gender equity.\" Discuss the major bottlenecks in its implementation and suggest government measures to make it more impactful. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"What is a Regenerative Blue Economy? How does it differ from conventional blue growth models? Highlight the role of the Regenerative Blue Economy in mitigating climate change and halting biodiversity loss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Do you think India's ethanol blending programme can significantly enhance energy security in the coming decade? Justify your answer. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"The coexistence of physical and economic water scarcity in Indian agriculture reflects a deeper crisis in water governance. Examine the factors contributing to this and suggest reforms to make irrigation more equitable and sustainable. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"The absolute monopoly of Indian Railways has constrained its capacity for modernisation and efficiency. In this context, do you agree that privatisation is a viable solution? Substantiate your answer. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"What is Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, and how is it enabling tap-to-pay transactions? Highlight its benefits and limitations? Does it carry any potential risks? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Discuss how the shift from cash-based transactions to digital financial networks in drug trafficking and money laundering poses new challenges for enforcement agencies. What countermeasures should be taken to prevent the same? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"The retreat of Himalayan glaciers, driven by global warming, has increased the frequency and intensity of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods. Discuss the underlying causes of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods and recommend adaptive strategies to manage such disasters effectively. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7912,"topper":"Srishti","air":145,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/ESSAY_PROGRAME_SRISHTI_T_1_AIR_145_907df4c7b4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7913,"topper":"Srishti","air":145,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/ESSAY_PROGRAME_SRISHTI_T_2_AIR_145_e15bb11a38.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7914,"topper":"Srishti","air":145,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/ESSAY_PROGRAME_SRISHTI_T_3_AIR_145_bbc4c62dfd.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7915,"topper":"Srishti","air":400,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/SRISHTI_GS_4_AIR_400_2025_ff717f55bc.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7916,"topper":"Srishti","air":145,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/ETHICS_PROGRAMNE_SRISHTI_AIR_145_9d81f2d4c5.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7917,"topper":"Srishti Bhatt","air":138,"year":2022,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6f718-325249_1528_srishti-bhatt_rank-138.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7918,"topper":"Srishti Bhatt","air":138,"year":2022,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/40229-325249_1529_srishti-bhatt_rank-138.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7919,"topper":"Srishti Dabas","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0bf15-1103916_2488_srishti-dabas_06.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"A mind all logic is like a knife all blade, it makes the hand bleed that uses it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"History is a cyclic poem written by time upon the memories of man.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The wise man does at once what the fool does finally.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The world is a tragedy to those who feel, but a comedy to those who think.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Perfect clarity would profit the intellect but damage the will.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"The Multiple faces of Sunshine and Shadow","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7920,"topper":"Srishti Dabas","air":6,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Srishti-Dabas-MGP-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7921,"topper":"Srishti Dabas","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Srishti-Dabas-MGP-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"What do you understand from land subsidence? Explaining various reasons behind land subsidence, recommend measures to arrest the calamity. (10m)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":4,"question":"Despite being rich in forest resources, why do tropical regions have limited growth of lumbering industry in comparison to temperate regions? (10m)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"What are the suitable conditions for formation of tropical cyclone? Also, bring out differences between a tropical & an extra tropical cyclone. (10m)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"Elucidate differences between western and Indian model of secularism. To what extent do you agree with criticism that Indian model of secularism is susceptible to promoting minority appeasement? (10m)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the multi-dimensional implications of uneven distribution of semiconductor industry in the world. (10m)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Examining the reasons behind erratic monsoon, highlight the possible outcomes of the same. (10m)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"Why is Antarctic becoming an area of renewed human interest? Examine the significance of Antarctic Bill 2022 in protecting India's interest in the region. (10m)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"How does the Eastern coast of India differ in its geographical features from the Western coast? (10m)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Explain meaning of colour coded weather warnings for a) Rainstorms b) Thunderstorms c) Duststorms (10m)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"How has globalization and urbanization impacted the Indian family system? (10 m)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"Coral reefs are considered to be at the epicentre of marine ecology, however their existence is threatened due to a plethora of anthropogenic & natural causes. Comment. (15 m)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Discuss the causes for salinity ingress along with its various consequences and potential solutions. (15m)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"The economic & strategic significance of mineral wealth of a country cannot be seen in isolation from associated socio-ecological impacts of their extraction. Discuss in light of new found lithium reserves in Northern India. (15m)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Examine the reasons behind generation of regional sentiments? Do you agree that regional sentiments & cultural assertiveness may lead to the issue of separatism? (15m)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"Explain the mechanism & occurence of earthquake. Throw light upon vulnerability of regions affected by earthquake & earthquake related disasters. (15m)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"Enumerating different types of tides highlight their significance. Also, explain how tides are different from waves. (15m)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"With special reference to India, elucidate how globalization - a multifaceted phenomenon - has had positive socio-economic outcomes on one hand & widened gaps between haves & have nots on the other? (15m)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"What makes India one of the most vulnerable regions to climate change? Discuss the role of governments, citizens and businesses in building climate resilience. (15m)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"All deserts are rain deficit, but are formed due to different reasons. Discuss. Also, analyse various adaptations in flora & fauna to survive water deficit conditions. (15m)","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7922,"topper":"Srishti Dabas","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/28751-1103916_2424_srishti-dabas_06.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What are the different dimensions of food security? Examine India's status in terms of ensuring food security with regard to these dimensions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Modern technologies such as blockchain and ChatGPT are powerful tools with immense potential to transform agriculture into a more efficient and sustainable sector. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What factors have led to the recent acceleration in the trend towards de-dollarization of the global economy? Do you think the dollar will lose its dominance anytime soon? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Despite significant pressure from the developed countries to alter its food subsidy regime, there is merit in India trying to retain its policy support for the poor in the country. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Several initiatives have been taken by the government towards addressing India's water needs, but the issues of water availability and water quality still warrant prioritised intervention. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What are the major drivers of glacial retreat in the Arctic? Describe the potential impact of the retreat of Arctic glaciers on the ecosystem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Space tourism, which was viewed as something straight out of a science fiction movie, is now becoming a reality albeit not without hindrances. What are the challenges associated with space tourism? What measures can be taken to address these challenges? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Global health experts widely believe that the development of CAR-T cell therapy can be a game changer in the treatment of cancer. How can CAR-T cell therapy overcome the limitations of CRISPR-Cas9 technology? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss why the rising deployment of new and emerging technologies by prominent violent extremist organizations demand concerted global efforts. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"With the Line of Actual Control (LAC) remaining tense after the Galwan and Yangste incidents and both India and China ramping up infrastructure in the border areas, discuss the role that ITBP plays in the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Do you think there is a need for a shift from land productivity to irrigation water productivity in India? Justify your answer. What are the challenges in making this shift? Explain. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Examine the role that green hydrogen can play in unlocking the energy security of India. How can the National Green Hydrogen Mission help India in achieving its energy goals? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The government has been weighing a transition from minimum wage to living wage in recent times. What are the benefits and constraints in the adoption of living wage in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The Union Budget affects almost every sector of the Indian economy, yet neither the budgetary processes nor the budget policies come under substantial public scrutiny. Do you agree? Justify your answer. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"India has been able to transform itself from a milk deficit country to the world's biggest milk producer, but the productivity of dairy animals in the country remains a concern. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"While climate change is responsible for crop failures, the agricultural sector itself is partly responsible for extreme weather events. Discuss. What strategy has been adopted under National Agriculture Disaster Management Plan to strengthen the resilience of the farming community in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Some regions in India, including Delhi, are highly vulnerable to the impact of earthquakes originating in the Himalayas. Discuss. What institutional measures have been taken to mitigate earthquake losses in India? Do you think there are significant gaps that still exist? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Recently, scientists announced net energy gain in nuclear fusion reaction, which is considered as a major scientific breakthrough for the future of clean energy. What are the advantages of nuclear fusion based power generation? What are the limitations in using it to generate electricity at a commercial scale? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Keeping in view the recent amendment, examine the efficacy of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, in tackling the menace of money laundering in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Discuss the security threats present in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), which have a direct bearing on India's maritime border interests. Suggest a robust strategy to deal with these threats. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7923,"topper":"Srishti Dabas","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/00ebf-1103916_2422_srishti-dabas_06.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The traditional theatre forms of India reflect the ideals and emotions of the society, and an individual's role in the community. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Provide an account of the historical and architectural importance of the Sanchi Stupa. Also, discuss how it inspired the future architecture in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Bhagat Singh made a real breakthrough in terms of revolutionary ideology, the goals of revolution and forms of revolutionary struggle. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Bringing out the factors that led to the Meiji restoration, discuss its significance for Japan. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"It is believed that a nation is an \"imagined community\" held together by common beliefs, history, political aspirations etc. In this context, discuss what the basis of India as a nation is. Also, bring out the threats to the concept of Indian nationhood. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"State the key factors behind the growth of the pharmaceutical industry in India. Additionally, discuss its significance with regard to India's economy and public health. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss why the Bay of Bengal is more prone to cyclones than the Arabian Sea. Also, explain the reasons for the decrease in frequency of tropical cyclones during the Southwest monsoon season. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite being destructive in nature, volcanoes are critical for the existence of human life on earth. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The existence of relative deprivation is an important aspect in constructing the argument for regionalism. Explain with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"If India is to realise the goal of 'education for all', the issue of rising cases of bullying and other forms of school violence needs to be addressed immediately. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Bring out the role played by the Ahom Kingdom in shaping the cultural and historical identity of North-East India, and discuss its legacy in contemporary times. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The capitalist class generally remained ambivalent in their support to the Indian National Congress until 1940s. In this context, analyse the varying positions of the Indian capitalists throughout the national movement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Trace the evolution of the press in India. Also, discuss the instrumental impact it had during various stages of the Indian freedom struggle despite the repressive policies of the British. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Mountains are fragile ecosystems vulnerable to the adverse impact of climate change and other anthropogenic interventions. Illustrate with examples. Also, highlight the initiatives taken for their sustainable management. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind unsustainable management of sand resources in India. Highlighting its impact, enumerate the remedial measures taken in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Giving an account of the major lithium-producing countries, discuss the geo-political aspects of lithium production and its environmental implications. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The youth are capable of identifying themselves with a global identity and connecting with events and experiences outside their countries. In this context, discuss the impact of globalization on the various aspects of youth identity. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"As fertility rates decline in India, future demographic concerns center around an ageing population and a weak social security system. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"With a significant proportion of India's population expected to live in urban areas by 2030, the welfare of the urban poor needs to take centre-stage in public policy. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7924,"topper":"Srishti Dabas","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Srishti-Dabas-MGP-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"To what extent, in your opinion, Self Help Groups (SHGs) in India have enabled women led development at grassroot level? (10m)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":4,"question":"Narrow understanding of disability has marginalised people suffering from mental disorders. Elucidate. (10m)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) addresses the need for interoperability in health services through a unified health interface. Elaborate its significance in digitising healthcare ecosystem. (10m)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"Assess the relevance of lateral entry in civil services in making the governance structure more effective, efficient & people oriented. (10m)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"Objectives of a welfare government remain incomplete without a progressive ecosystem for children's development. Discuss with special emphasis to recently passed Juvenile Justice Amendment Act, 2021. (10m)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Decriminalisation of homosexuality by SC in Navtej Singh Jauhar case remains task half done, specially without socio-political sensitisation about issues faced by LGBTQIA+. Elaborate in light of ongoing debates on same sex marriage. (10m)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"India's \"Balancing act\" in the ongoing Ukraine crisis is borne out of mature strategic thinking rather than mere necessities. Explain. (10m)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"What do you understand by Non Aligned Movement (NAM)? Is India's foreign policy still guided by principles of non-alignment ? Justify. (10m)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Built upon common democratic values & shared vision of strategic autonomy, India-France bilateral ties exude a promise of stability, growth & security in time of geopolitical flux & uncertainty. Do you agree? (10m)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"As an important attribute of soft power 'knowledge diplomacy' has the potential to further various objectives of foreign policy. Explain. (10m)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"The profound impact of data revolution & widespread smartphone usage has necessitated the use of digital tools in welfare programmes. Discuss. (15m)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"The critical reason for poor public health indicators in India goes beyond recognition of right to health as fundamental right. Do you think that a statutory framework alone can ameliorate situation? (15m)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"Reforming the education infrastructure through digital interventions is a progressive step, but it has its limitations too. Comment. (15m)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"The unique attributes & strengths of NGOs & government make them complimentary to one another in governance & developmental process. Comment. Evaluate the need for effective & progressive regulation of NGOs. (15m)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"How far have Forest Rights Act 2006 & PESA Act, 1996 been successful in attaining their desired objectives? What needs to be done to improve implementation on ground. (15m)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"Enduring efforts of Covid 19 pandemic have exacerbated existing issues of poverty and hunger. Explain.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"Instability in its neighbourhood combined with displacement & humanitarian crisis don't auger well for India's interest in the region. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"The new cold war between the USA and China may have the effect of casting a long shadow on India's strategic interests from Pacific to Atlantic. Evaluate. (15m)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"For creation of a stable, peaceful & prosperous multipolar order, UNSC reforms are an urgent imperative. Examine the statement & present a case for India's permanent membership in UNSC. (15m)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Presidency of G20 is but a reflection of India's quest for a more just & polycentric world order, where the voice of global South is mainstreamed not muzzled. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7925,"topper":"Srishti Dabas","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DYrTjMxLqQnJpm8DkBKbY-minIici0DA/view","questions":[]},{"id":7926,"topper":"Srishti Dabas","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Srishti-Dabas-MGP-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Ahimsa is not only the negative refusal to do harm, but also the positive doing of good. In this perspective, discuss the significance of 'ahimsa' in modern times. (10 m)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":4,"question":"Which famous personality has influenced you and why? In what ways have you emulated their example in your own life? (10 m)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"What does the following quotation mean to you? \"The greatest wealth is to live content with little.\" - Plato. (10 m)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"What do you understand by Emotional Intelligence? Examine the importance of Emotional Intelligence in personal and professional life. (10m)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Political attitude has as much to do with society as with politics. Discuss with suitable illustrations. (10m)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The influence of ethical principles on shaping socially responsible behaviour is widely acknowledged. How do ethical values facilitate individuals in cultivating a proactive & constructive attitude towards fulfilling their social responsibilities? Can the subjective nature of ethical principles lead to divergent attitudes regarding social responsibilities? (10m)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"Through their actions, interactions & teachings, schools have the power to mold the moral compass of next generation. In this perspective, discuss the significance of value based education in preparing the youth to address contemporary challenges of society. (10 m)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'Situation Ethics'? Critically analyze its strengths & weaknesses in making moral judgements. (10 m)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"Maintaining traditional bonds and familial relationships in an increasingly globalised world requires personal relationships to be governed by ethical principles. Discuss. (10 m)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Naveen and Vinod, final year undergraduate students at ABC college of engineering, are close friends. Naveen has been a meritorious student and got appointed as the secretary of the training and placement cell, which has the mandate to oversee the campus placements of the students. Vinod, on the other hand, spent more time on leisure activities and paid less attention to his academic performance. However, the lackadaisical attitude of Vinod began to reflect on his grades. His poor performance in the majority of subjects meant that he had to complete some courses again, in order to graduate in time. As Vinod struggled to complete his extra courses, he barely had any time left for anything else. The immense fatigue was also evident from his deteriorating physical and psychological health. Around this time the campus placement in the ABC college had started. While all other students were preparing for the recruitment tests, Vinod had barely any time for the same. Vinod's parents, who had taken loan for Vinod's education, are expecting Vinod to get a good job. The guilt of wasting his college years and letting down his poor parents was becoming unbearable for Vinod, as a result of which he had a nervous breakdown. Naveen, who in his capacity as secretary of training and placement cell, was busy organising the recruitment drive, was aware that the chances of Vinod getting recruited were very slim. He also knew that Vinod was repenting in true sense and working very hard to complete his courses, despite his deteriorating emotional health. Naveen was afraid that if Vinod did not get a job, he may take some extreme step. Naveen has in his possession the question paper for the recruitment test to be held next week. Vinod had in the past requested Naveen to help him in any way possible to get a decent job. While Naveen knows that sharing the questions with Vinod may help him get through the exam, it would be ethically incorrect. Now, Naveen is in a dilemma over the course of action he should take. a) What are the ethical dilemmas before Naveen in this case? b) Identify and evaluate the various courses of actions available before Naveen. If you were in Naveen's shoes, which course of action would you choose and why? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":7927,"topper":"Srishti Dabas","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/afc72-1103916_2425_srishti-dabas_06.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"For effective corporate governance to take place in the coming years, why is it important to integrate the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics with the multi-stakeholder approach? What benefits can be accrued by such integration? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In acts of corruption, the focus is often only on the demand side of the equation, on public officials who abuse their office for private gain. Frequently, the supply side is given less attention. Those who pay bribes are sometimes depicted as innocent parties and victims of extortionary practices of wily public servants. Do you agree that 'collusive corruption', in which there is a willing bribe-giver, is a formidable challenge for institutions fighting corruption? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Citizens' Charters initiative was a response to the quest for solving the problems, which a citizen encountered, day in and day out, while dealing with the organisations providing public services. But the introduction and implementation of Citizens' Charters in the government of India has been difficult due to the old bureaucratic set up and the rigid attitudes of the work force. Discuss the major obstacles that have been encountered in implementing the Citizens' Charter initiative. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Quality of public service delivery is a major determinant of the quality of life of vulnerable sections in a highly unequal society divided along the lines of class, caste, religion, etc. In this background, do you think that public service delivery is efficient and sufficient enough to improve the lives of vulnerable groups in India? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":33,"question":"With reference to this case study, answer the following: (a) What are the issues involved in this case? (b) What measures can be taken to minimize the negative implications of adopting such technologies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"In the given situation: (a) What dilemmas does Rina face? (b) What options does she have? Provide the merits and demerits of each. (c) Highlight the course of action she should adopt, along with justification for the same. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Additionally, companies like BMW, Volvo, Google and Korean battery maker Samsung SDI, vowed in a statement to not buy metals produced from deep-sea mining until the environmental risks of the activity are \"comprehensively understood.\" In the context of the above-stated information, address the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the given case study? (b) How can the vision of economic development of a nation be achieved without adversely affecting the sustainability of oceans? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"That her wedding will not be held as a private ceremony with only close friends and family, but should be publicised in a grand way, as you had promised earlier to her. Given this situation, answer the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the above situation? (b) What are the various options that you have, as a father and an ambitious politician? (c) What will be your course of action? Justify with proper reasoning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7928,"topper":"Srishti Goyal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e7c1e-1064896_3128_srishti-goyal_rank_160.pdf","questions":[{"page":18,"question":"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7929,"topper":"Srishti Goyal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4a1e5-1064896_4514_srishti-goyal_rank_160.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"In matters of conscience, the law of the majority has no place.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"He who opens a school door, closes a prison.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Only in the depths of winter can we truly appreciate the warmth of spring.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Copying is safe; innovation demands courage.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The more we automate, the more human we must become.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The pursuit of instant validation is creating a generation of restless minds.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7930,"topper":"Srishti Goyal","air":160,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1EdTrmuT0Fpzej8qPjtHIYZcz-11hL9ft","questions":[]},{"id":7931,"topper":"Srishti Goyal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/bf7b0-1064896_1513_srishti-goyal_rank_160.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"In the context of protection of monuments, explain the role of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Also, comment on the challenges faced by ASI and measures taken to address these. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Tribal art has a huge potential for acting as an economic resource and a tool for socio-economic transformation of tribals in India. Elucidate. Also highlight the challenges in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Though the Government of India Act, 1919 proposed some radical administrative changes, it remained short of fulfilling aspirations of Indians. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Often deemed as the 'forgotten conflict', the Korean War had far-reaching implications. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Explaining the origin of earth's magnetism, discuss its significance with special reference to its interaction with solar particles. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discussing the challenges pertaining to dam safety in India, highlight the potential of Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project to address them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What is understood by Carbon Compensation Depth (CCD)? Discuss the implications of the rise in this depth due to anthropogenic warming as well. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"In view of demographic changes in recent decades, do you think India needs a two-child policy? Discuss in light of various strands of the debate surrounding this issue. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Globalization is incredibly efficient but has so far been incredibly unjust. Examine the statement in the context of developing countries like India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"It would not be completely wrong to state that in India, art is religion and religion is art.\" In light of the statement, discuss the impact of various religions on art in India, citing relevant examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"Despite organizational apathy from the Indian National Congress in its initial years, the working class in various parts of the country subsequently participated overwhelmingly in the nationalist movement. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Though some of his early measures restored faith among the Indians in the liberal tradition of England, Lord Ripon's tenure did not bring about significant changes in the conservative mindset of the colonial bureaucracy. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"The New Social Movements in post-independence period made an important beginning in awakening the society against injustices and deepened the very notion of democracy in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"What are the reasons for recurrent and often catastrophic wildfires in places like Australia and the United States? Are there any lessons to be learnt from these events by India? Explain adequately. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Discuss why India needs a cross border flood management mechanism. Also, state the major issues in cross border flood management and suggest remedial measures in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Depletion of water resources in India is both a geo-climatic phenomenon as well as a result some short-sighted government policies. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"What are the major lithospheric plates? How and why do these plates move? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"There exists a wide gap between the constitutionally professed secularism and its practice in India. Do you agree? Substantiate with relevant arguments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"India spends less than one per cent of GDP on care work infrastructure and services. In view of the statement, explain how increased public investment in care economy infrastructure can be instrumental in meeting multiple policy objectives. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7932,"topper":"Srishti Goyal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/68762-1064896_4512_srishti-goyal_rank_160.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Analyse the factors that have contributed to India's inclusive economic growth in the past decade. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The Reserve Bank of India’s surplus transfers offer the government much-needed fiscal space, yet they are not without challenges. Critically examine the implications of the RBI’s surplus transfers to the government. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"To what extent was the first National Monetization Pipeline (NMP) able to meet its objectives? What are the objectives of the new Asset Monetization Plan 2025–30 as announced in the recent 2025 Budget? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Examine the major challenges hindering the Indian textile industry from achieving its full potential in the global value chain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Why has India become increasingly import-dependent for edible oils despite being a major agricultural economy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Air accidents are low-frequency but high-impact events. Examine the disaster management protocols in place for aviation-related emergencies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Chemical pollution poses a grave threat to human health and the environment in India. Discuss the key sources contributing to pervasive chemical contamination and evaluate the effectiveness of existing environmental laws in curbing this problem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Missile defence systems are becoming critical for national security in the face of evolving regional threats and advanced weapon technologies. Explain the working principle of missile defence systems. Critically assess India’s progress in developing indigenous missile defence capabilities. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Despite multiple resolutions and initiatives undertaken by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), its efforts to counter terrorism have achieved limited success. Discuss the reasons for this limited effectiveness. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"India practices a 'multi-alignment' approach in its cyber diplomacy. How does this posture strengthen India’s internal security while maintaining strategic autonomy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While examining the shortcomings of the land reforms in the past, elaborate what land reforms 2.0 should look like. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"As NITI Aayog completes 10 years of its establishment, critically examine its role in the planning and development paradigm of governance in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What are the primary causes of limited formal credit penetration among the rural and unbanked populations in India? Comment on the effectiveness of Small Finance Banks in addressing this gap and advancing inclusive financial growth. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"To what extent has the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for the food processing industry facilitated value addition, employment generation, and global competitiveness in India's food processing industry? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Waste circularity is emerging as a sustainable solution to India's mounting solid waste crisis. Discuss the key principles of waste circularity and the government's initiative in this regard. How effective have these measures been in fostering a circular economy? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Discuss the importance of integrating traditional ecological knowledge of India's tribal communities with modern disaster management frameworks. Mention two examples where indigenous practices have contributed to disaster resilience. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"CRISPR technology has rapidly advanced in recent years, with new tools and clinical breakthroughs. Highlight the recent developments in CRISPR-based gene editing technology applications. Discuss the opportunities and ethical challenges these advancements present for healthcare and society. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"A credible semiconductor ecosystem is pivotal for India's economic security as much as for national security. Analyse the strategic objectives, incentives, and institutional architecture of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM). Identify the major risks that could derail its timelines. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Intricate inter-play of diverse factors has been the force multipliers for extremism in the North East. Discuss. Suggest a multilayered strategy to tackle the menace of extremism in this region. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Despite recent steps towards inducting women into combat roles, their participation remains low. Examine the key challenges impeding the greater inclusion of women in the Indian armed forces. Also, suggest suitable measures to enhance their participation. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7933,"topper":"Srishti Mishra","air":95,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/58/ecfc23l1020_tc030.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7934,"topper":"Srishti Mishra","air":95,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/93393beb2b7e996905ce7ea7f8b78443/11/air-95-srishti-mishra_test-9_gs1.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. Numerous foreign travellers have vividly documented their observations of the Vijayanagara Empire over time, offering valuable sources for reconstructing its history. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. 'Adi Shankaracharya had a profound role in uniting seemingly irreconcilable worldviews of thought'. In this context discuss his philosophical thought and its lasting impact on Indian philosophy.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. Do you agree that Dr BR Ambedkar's view of the caste problem was more political than social? Also highlight his efforts aimed at social reform.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. How does oceanic salinity vary across different regions of the world's oceans, and what factors contribute to these variations?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. Explain the origin of Indian islands in the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. Examine the factors contributing to India's groundwater crisis, and its implications for agriculture and water security in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. What are critical minerals, and how do they influence technological advancement and national security?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. How does fostering pluralism within Indian society contribute to the endeavour of nation-building?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Discuss the changing nature of problems the working class is facing due to the emerging gig economy.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. Homogenisation tendencies as a result of globalisation have in fact preserved and promoted the local cultures of India. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. What are the circumstances that led to the disintegration of the USSR and the end of the Cold War? How did the end of the cold war contribute to the spread of Globalization across the world?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. How did the enduring legacy of the Harappan Civilization leave a mark on the evolution of Indian culture even after its sudden decline?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. How did Mahatma Gandhi's participation in the Khilafat Movement illustrate his ability to connect diverse issues and mobilize different communities towards a common cause? To what extent did the Khilafat movement achieve its objective?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. How is Transit Oriented Development (TOD) linked to the concept of a sustainable urban transportation system? Discuss its impact on overall enhanced quality of life for citizens.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. Although desert landscapes across the world reflect many similarities the process of desertification is influenced by local factors. Elaborate with suitable examples.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. Explain the various stages of the formation of The Great Himalayas. How Eastern Himalayas is different from Western Himalayas?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. Describe the significance of eco-sensitive zones in environmental conservation and provide examples of how they are designated and managed in different geographical regions?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. How has the pandemic reshaped the landscape of education, and what long-term effects might these changes have on teaching methods and learning outcomes?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. Analyze the factors behind the upsurge of ethnic identity struggle in the context of India, and discuss their implications for the country's social fabric.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. How does patriarchy differently impact the dynamics of the workplace vis a vis the household?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"}]},{"id":7935,"topper":"Srishti Mishra","air":95,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/93393beb2b7e996905ce7ea7f8b78443/15/air-95-srishti-mishra_test-1_gs1.pdf","questions":[{"page":12,"question":"Q6 Write Resolution who the milk and cooperative resolution of India that drastically increased not just milk production but also farmers' supplementary income.\n(i) It was initiated in a small village of Gujarat (Amul) so the momentum was greatest in the region.\n(ii) Government support through regional focus, only later it was expanded to the country.\n(iii) Greater willingness to cooperate amongst the farmers.\n(iv) Fewer land rivalries due to effective implementation of land reforms in Gujarat in early 1950s and 1960s.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7936,"topper":"Srishti Mishra","air":95,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4df32-1003319_2085_srishti-mishra_rank_95.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7937,"topper":"Srishti Mishra","air":95,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e2d28-1003319_2086_srishti-mishra_rank_95.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7938,"topper":"Srishti Mishra","air":95,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/148/air-95-srishti-mishra_test-1_gs1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7939,"topper":"Srishti Mishra","air":95,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/93393beb2b7e996905ce7ea7f8b78443/18/air-95-srishti-mishra_test-2_gs1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7940,"topper":"Srishti Mishra","air":95,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/93393beb2b7e996905ce7ea7f8b78443/35/air-95-srishti-mishra_test-2_gs1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7941,"topper":"Srishti Mishra","air":95,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/144/air-95-srishti-mishra_test-9_gs1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7942,"topper":"Srishti Mishra","air":95,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/93393beb2b7e996905ce7ea7f8b78443/12/air-95-srishti-mishra_test-10_gs2.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. The recent Supreme Court judgments on human rights issues mark a remarkable shift in using International law and treaties not just as a source of inspiration but as a source of law. Examine with reference to relevant case laws.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. The United States and India have their own distinctive jurisprudence on freedom of speech and expression despite the similarities in constitutional provisions. Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. Fundamental Duties are a reminder that citizenship is not merely a passive status but an active engagement. Discuss. What are the challenges in their legal enforcement?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. Discuss the mandate of the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT). To what extent earlier SC verdicts have resolved the jurisdictional tussle between CAT and High courts? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. 'Equality under the Indian constitution is not merely about formal equality, it also incorporates the idea of substantive equality'. Discuss this statement in light of constitutional provisions and relevant Supreme Court judgments.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. Pressure groups and political parties are inherently similar in their objective to democratise the political process, however, more and more pressure groups today aspire to transform into political parties. Elaborate and highlight the factors that are encouraging this transformation.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. \"Can the infusion of foreign educational institutions be a transformative step in enhancing the global competitiveness of higher education in India and addressing the prevailing quality challenges?\" Justify with reason.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. To address the limitations of the public health system, how can the private sector contribute effectively to bridging the gap to ensure equitable and accessible healthcare for all? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. There is an urgent need for global cooperation to eradicate poverty and hunger. In this context analyse how international cooperation can impact efforts to address the challenges of poverty and hunger.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. The changing global dynamics require prompt effective and meaningful reforms within the World Trade Organization (WTO), to ensure its relevance and capacity to address modern trade complexities. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. How has the 69th Constitutional amendment led to Delhi's dual governance dilemma? Discuss its impact on cooperative federalism as envisaged in the Constitution.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. \"Constitution envisages an independent judiciary, not insulated judiciary\"; In the light of the given statement, discuss the issues associated with the appointment of judges in the higher judiciary and explore alternatives to the current system.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. The National Commission for Scheduled Tribe (NCST) has largely been confined to a monitoring and advisory role. What are the impediments in the functioning of NCST despite the constitutional status, also suggests reforms.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. Under what circumstances can the Governor reserve a state bill for the consideration of the President and why is the provision controversial? Also, discuss the reforms suggested by Punchhi Commission in this regard.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. The Ninth Schedule fabricated a constitutional paradox to safeguard laws related to socio-economic justice from being challenged under the fundamental right to property. Does the ninth schedule have any relevance in present times? How did the IR Coelho judgment resolve this paradox?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. \"Central Information Commission stands as the guardian of democracy, with an unwavering relevance to good governance.\" Justify the context in terms of the mandate of the CIC. Has the statutory status limited the effectiveness of the commission in recent times?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. Discuss the significance of the POCSO Act in ensuring the safety and protection of children against sexual offences. What changes would you suggest to the present Act to enhance its effective implementation?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. Technology serves as the catalyst for reshaping the traditional contours of bureaucracy, propelling it to become more efficient, transparent and citizen-centric. Explain and also explore how the integration of technology can expedite governmental efforts aimed at modernizing the civil service.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. India and US have had an oscillating relationship in the past, to what extent has the relationship acquired depth in recent times? How should New Delhi navigate its relationship with the US after its sharp divergence with Washington on the issue of the Russia-Ukraine war?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. How has the India-ASEAN partnership evolved since the implementation of the 'Look East Policy'? In what ways can India leverage the increasing strength of its economy alongside geopolitical realities as opportunities to foster closer India and ASEAN relations?","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7943,"topper":"Srishti Mishra","air":95,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/93393beb2b7e996905ce7ea7f8b78443/25/air-95-srishti-mishra_test-3_gs2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7944,"topper":"Srishti Mishra","air":95,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/149/air-95-srishti-mishra_test-3_gs2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7945,"topper":"Srishti Mishra","air":95,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/93393beb2b7e996905ce7ea7f8b78443/21/air-95-srishti-mishra_test-04_gs2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7946,"topper":"Srishti Mishra","air":95,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/147/air-95-srishti-mishra_test-04_gs2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7947,"topper":"Srishti Mishra","air":95,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/142/air-95-srishti-mishra_test-10_gs2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7948,"topper":"Srishti Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/05e79e85886db31c562f8e2fb26b6867/27/eco-3_srishti-mishra_-ecfc23l1020.pdf","questions":[{"page":35,"question":"How could these issues have been avoided?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"2 Trend in growth of Industry :-\n(a) Was this trend responsible for diversified industrialization?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7949,"topper":"Srishti Mishra","air":95,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/93393beb2b7e996905ce7ea7f8b78443/8/air-95-srishti-mishra_test-11_gs3.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. Differentiate between Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Wholesale Price Index (WPI). Do you think that CPI is a better measure of inflation as compared to WPI? Substantiate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. Jobless growth is an inherent feature of India's growth trajectory. What are the major reasons behind the high unemployment rate in India? Suggest remedial measures to improve the overall employment growth rate in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. Bringing urea under the NBS scheme is seen as the panacea for all the issues related to fertiliser subsidies in India as well as for the environmental problems of agriculture. Highlighting the issues related to urea management, suggest reforms are required to improve the usage of urea in a sustainable manner in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. India's food security faces challenges from not just domestic factors but also global factors. Comment. Discuss some ways to strengthen India's food security.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. Recently, India became the 27th signatory to the Artemis Accord led by NASA. Critically analyse its implications for the space exploration programmes in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. How does the decomposition of organic matter in the soil contribute to the carbon cycle, and what are the key factors that influence this process?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. Climate change mitigation and adaptation strategy is not only about reducing future emissions but also involves active removal of already released carbon into the atmosphere. In this context what do you understand by the concept of Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) and discuss the progress of the international community in this regard.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. Poor building design, flagrant violations of building codes and fire safety norms and overcrowding of spaces are responsible for the rising risk of fires in urban areas. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Ethnic conflicts and cross-border migration along India-Myanmar and India-Bangladesh borders impact India's internal security. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. What are the main challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in investigating and prosecuting cases of money laundering, and how can they be overcome?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. Low tax buoyancy often translates into higher deficits and debt. Can a higher direct tax rate improve the overall tax-to-GDP ratio in India? What other steps can be undertaken to revamp the overall tax structure in India?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. Startups are the driving engines of the fast-changing modern economy. Why have Indian startups failed to realise their potential? What steps can be undertaken to improve the profitability and performance of startups in India?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. Import of edible oils forms a major part of India's import bill. In this context, evaluate the importance of the recently launched National Mission on Edible Oils and Oil Palm (NMEO-OP). What are the environmental concerns related to increasing palm oil production in India?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. A robust livestock economy can act as a parallel source of farmers' income. Highlighting the role of the livestock economy in the agriculture sector in India, discuss the challenges faced by the livestock sector in India. Suggest interventions that can strengthen the livestock sector to contribute to the overall well-being of the farmers.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. Nuclear fusion has been hailed as the energy source of the future, with the potential to provide clean, safe, and virtually limitless energy. Discuss the scientific principles behind nuclear fusion and the challenges and opportunities in harnessing this technology for practical applications.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. What have been the difficulties in the administration of IPRs in India? Suggest measures to improve the administration of IPRs in order to encourage an innovation-led economy in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. The recent amendments in the Wildlife Protection Act provide a framework to prevent illegal trade in wild animals and plants to ensure that their survival is not threatened. In this regard, mention the implications of illegal wildlife trade in India and analyse the effectiveness of the recent amendments to address the issue.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. Analyse the factors that contribute to the increased incidence and severity of floods in urban areas and the measures that can be taken to reduce the risk and enhance the resilience of the population.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. Do you think that intelligence and law enforcement agencies in India have the necessary resources and capabilities to effectively tackle the link between organised crime and terrorism?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. India needs to update its Information Technology Act, of 2000 to deal with emerging internal and external communication security and to make the cyber ecosystem more safe and secure. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"}]},{"id":7950,"topper":"Srishti Mishra","air":95,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/93393beb2b7e996905ce7ea7f8b78443/20/air-95-srishti-mishra_test-6_gs3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7951,"topper":"Srishti Mishra","air":95,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/145/air-95-srishti-mishra_test-6_gs3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7952,"topper":"Srishti Mishra","air":95,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/141/air-95-srishti-mishra_test-11_gs3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7953,"topper":"Srishti Mishra","air":95,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/93393beb2b7e996905ce7ea7f8b78443/10/air-95-srishti-mishra_test-12_gs4.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. (a) Most civil servants are neither pure deontologists nor pure utilitarians, but they operate according to a kind of ethical pluralism.\" Do you agree? Discuss your position with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"1. (b) The motivation to seek a career in public service and perform public service can be due to attraction to public service, commitment to public values, self-sacrifice and compassion. Among the four, what is the primary public service motivator for you? Explain your motivating factor.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"2. (a) One of the critical areas of governance is developing policies for managing public health emergencies such as COVID. While tackling such health emergencies, the government may take measures that involve the abdication of liberty on the part of the citizens. According to you, what ethical principles should guide the government's public health policymaking?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"2 (b) Identify any four components of emotional intelligence relevant to public services. Explain their role in administrative decision-making.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"3. (a) Values lie at the core of the diverse world of human behaviour and are expressed in every human decision and action. In keeping with the above statement, explain with the help of illustrations how values impact an individual's behaviour.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"3. (b) Explain the difference between codes of ethics, codes of conduct and codes of rules and regulations. Do you think an increase in the number of codes and regulations is an efficient response to the decline of public trust and integrity issues? Why/why not?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"4. Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance.\n(a) The root of happiness is Dharma (righteousness), the root of Dharma is Artha (economy), the root of Artha is right governance.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"4. (b) \"The most important human endeavour is the striving for morality in our actions. Our inner balance and even our existence depend on it. Only morality in our actions can give beauty and dignity to life.\" (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"4. (c) \"Humility is the most difficult of all virtues to achieve; nothing dies harder than the desire to think well of oneself.\" (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"5. (a) Prioritising ethical concerns within public administration and policy has monetary costs in terms of training and other expenses. Do you think the financial cost of actively pursuing ethical standards by the government is justified? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"5 (b) Distinguish between administrative, legal and professional accountability. Despite multiple institutional accountability mechanisms, the government has failed to make a dent in systemic corruption. What do you think are the reasons for the poor performance of accountability mechanisms?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"6. (a) Economists view transparency as a condition for open markets and political scientists view it as a condition for public participation. What does transparency imply in public administration ethics? Is it only a flow of information or more than that? Explain.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"6. (b) Persuasion performs a number of positive, prosocial functions. However, people often equate persuasion with manipulation and consider it unethical. What are the ethical values a persuader must respect to ensure the ethicality of the act of persuasion? Explain.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"You are the VP (Operations) of a company that manufactures and supplies space probes and satellite equipment to Government space agencies. The company has been in the business for over four decades and has built considerable expertise in producing and delivering high-quality products. The business was good.\nAs VP of Operations, it was your responsibility to ensure the completion of projects and deliverables on time. A critical deliverable was running behind schedule due to the non-availability of a specific raw material. The material in question was an environmentally hazardous chemical that the Environmental Ministry banned. But considering the importance of the chemical compound for the space industry, the Environment Ministry was planning to allow controlled use in about three weeks. You and the company management didn’t have three week waiting time.\nFurther, there was severe pressure from the Department of Space to complete the deliverable on time as a lot was riding politically on the project. After internal discussions, you met the Space Department officials to explain the predicament and request a deadline extension. When the meeting happened, you were shocked by the attitude of the Department officials. They refused to accept any delay and suggested circumventing the environmental ministry’s prohibition and procuring and using the chemical. They justified it by saying the ministry would allow controlled use in a few weeks. So, why wait? Besides, they noted that the environment ministry doesn’t understand space priorities and their intricacies. They pointed out that everything is justified in the name of national interest.\n1. What are the issues involved in the above case?\n2. What are the options available to you?\n3. Discuss the merits and demerits of each option and select your chosen course of action.\n4. What do you understand by National Interest? Do you think it is ethically justified for a nation to prioritise security and economics over and above social justice and social development priorities?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"8 (a) इस मामले से जुड़े नैतिक मुद्दे कौन-कौन से हैं?\n(b) आपके पास कौन-कौन से विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\n(c) सभी विकल्पों का विश्लेषण कीजिए और अपने द्वारा चुने हुए विकल्प को स्पष्ट कीजिए।\n(d) क्या आपको लगता है कि उपरोक्त मामले में ग्राहक की गोपनीयता और विश्वास के उल्लंघन को उचित ठहराया जा सकता है?\n(250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए) [20 अंक]\na) इस मामले से जुड़े नैतिक मुद्दे कौन-कौन से हैं?\nb) आपके पास कौन-कौन से विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nc) सभी विकल्पों का विश्लेषण कीजिए और अपने द्वारा चुने हुए विकल्प को स्पष्ट कीजिए।\nd) क्या आपको लगता है कि उपरोक्त मामले में ग्राहक की गोपनीयता और विश्वास के उल्लंघन को उचित ठहराया जा सकता है?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":38,"question":"1. What are the issues involved in the case?\n2. What are the options available to you?\n3. Select your course of action after analysing all the options\n4. Do you think breaching client confidentiality and trust can be justified in the above case?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":42,"question":"9 (a) उपरोक्त मामले में कौन से मुद्दे और नैतिक दुविधाएं शामिल हैं?  \n(b) यदि आप प्रभारी अधिकारी होते तो आप मामले को कैसे आगे बढ़ाते?  \n(c) प्रशासनिक विकल्पों का पता लगाएं और सलाह दें कि रश्मी को क्या कदम उठाना चाहिए।  \n(d) आप विधवा को कैसे देखेंगे- उसके पति के अपराध की शिकार या आरोपी के रूप में? अधिकारी सिद्ध कीजिए।\na) उपरोक्त मामले में कौन से मुद्दे और नैतिक दुविधाएं शामिल हैं?\nb) यदि आप प्रभारी अधिकारी होते तो आप मामले को कैसे आगे बढ़ाते?\nc) प्रशासनिक विकल्पों का पता लगाएं और सलाह दें कि रश्मी को क्या कदम उठाना चाहिए।\nd) आप विधवा को कैसे देखेंगे- उसके पति के अपराध की शिकार या आरोपी के रूप में? अधिकारी सिद्ध कीजिए।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए"},{"page":43,"question":"1. What are the issues and ethical dilemmas involved in the above case?\n2. How would you proceed with the case if you were the officer in charge?\n3. Explore relevant options and advise what course of action Rashmi should take.\n4. How would you see the widow as a victim of her husband's crime or an accused? Justify.","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":47,"question":"10 You are working as an Assistant Librarian in a State University for ten years. In the last ten years, you had witnessed the growth of the university in all academic and research areas. As the university expanded, it commissioned new departments and research labs, launched new courses and hired new staff. With new academic courses coming in, the library also grew in terms of books, periodicals and online research facilities. The library needed a new team and it brought in contractual staff. One such contractual library counter staff was Pallavi, who was with the library for four years. She was a diligent staff, meticulous in record-keeping and courteous in public dealings. But somehow the Librarian Mr Thakur had taken a personal dislike to her. He never lost an occasion to insult Pallavi even in the presence of students publicly. Pallavi never complained about this harassment as being a widowed single mother she needed the job, and she didn't want to give any reason to Mr Thakur to dismiss her. One day things went a little out of line with Mr Thakur verbally abusing Pallavi in front of the entire staff. You couldn't bear it, and you wanted to intervene, but you didn't. But the next day when you reached the library with your guilty and troubled conscience, you talk to Pallavi and decide to help her.\n1. What are the issues involved in the above case?\n2. What are the options Pallavi has? How should she navigate the issues with Mr Thakur?\n3. What do you think is the problem with Mr Thakur, is it a lack of emotional intelligence or something else?\n4. How do you think you will be able to help Pallavi?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":52,"question":"11 An influential politician, a third-time MP, was known in his State for his infrastructure development works, especially roads and irrigation canals. Acknowledging his developmental work and goodwill, the Party appointed him the State Party President. Since his Party is also the ruling Party in the State, the MP has started working closely with the Chief Minister. After six months of becoming the Party President, the MP learned that a sizable amount of development funds were diverted to party promotional activities. Further, a few mega-development projects were allocated to the relatives of the CM and a few of his close ministers. The MP was neither impressed nor happy with how the State government managed the development funds because the Party had won the last elections promising development and clean administration. There was a lot of financial corruption in the State ministries; some of the ministers used the State machinery for personal purposes. He knew if the Party continued to function the way it is now, it would be an electoral disaster in the next elections. The MP was a politician with a conscience. His dilemma was that, as a Party President, he had to ensure his Party won the next elections. To do that, he had to clean up the State administration, which meant locking horns with the CM, an extremely powerful figure well-supported by the Party's senior members. And importantly, the MP was unwilling to risk his political career, which he had built after years of hard work.\n1. What do you think are the issues involved in the above case?\n2. What options are available to the MP in the above case?\n3. Evaluate the options and suggest a course of action to the MP.\n4. Distinguish between political and bureaucratic corruption. Can bureaucracy play a role in checking political corruption?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":57,"question":"12 You are a senior engineer working for S & P Constructions, a prominent government contractor. You are working at a construction site building a nuclear reactor facility. Along with other responsibilities at the site, you were also the safety in charge. One day as you did your weekly safety audit, you noticed that the welders had not followed procedures and used the wrong materials in some sections. The situation was hazardous since some defective welds appeared on the water pipes carrying coolant to the reactor core. The rupture of the pipes could cause disaster if safety backups failed simultaneously. You called a meeting of the welding supervisors to instruct them to rectify the faulty weldings. But even after two weeks, the welds were not fixed, and when asked, the supervisors said they had instructions from the superiors to go ahead with the way it is. You were shocked at this compromise of safety. You travelled to the HQ to discuss this with the senior management. Instead of taking corrective action, the senior management transferred you to a different site and warned you about discussing the safety practices of the nuclear site. You needed the job, so you returned to your new workplace quietly. After five years, the nuclear reactor was in the news for pipe bursts, killing ten engineers and due to the fallout, the neighbouring villages had to be evacuated. You could see your fears coming true. The nuclear facility was shut down, and an inquiry was instituted. You were also summoned for questioning as you handled safety during the construction. You were in a dilemma; tell the truth of safety compromise or hide it and keep the job. Further, your conscience was troubling you that you could have done something five years back instead of quickly taking the transfer.\n1. What are the issues involved in the above case?\n2. What options do you have in the above dilemma?\n3. After evaluating the options, identify which option you would choose.\n4. Do you think whistle-blowing could have been a good option five years back?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"}]},{"id":7954,"topper":"Srishti Mishra","air":95,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7d8d6-1003319_2421_srishti_mishra_rank_95.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7955,"topper":"Srishti Mishra","air":95,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6d4dc-1003319_2088_srishti_mishra_rank_95.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7956,"topper":"Srishti Mishra","air":95,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/93393beb2b7e996905ce7ea7f8b78443/14/air-95-srishti-mishra_test-7_gs4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7957,"topper":"Srishti Mishra","air":95,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/146/air-95-srishti-mishra_test-7_gs4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7958,"topper":"Srishti Mishra","air":95,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/143/air-95-srishti-mishra_test-12_gs4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7959,"topper":"Srishti Mishra","air":95,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Economics","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/05e79e85886db31c562f8e2fb26b6867/28/eco-6_srishti-mishra_-ecfc23l1020.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7960,"topper":"Srishti Mishra","air":95,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Economics","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/05e79e85886db31c562f8e2fb26b6867/26/eco-2_srishti-mishra_-ecfc23l1020.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7961,"topper":"Srishti Singh","air":78,"year":2020,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/95d41-665492_1456_srishti-singh_rank_78.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7962,"topper":"Srishti Singh","air":78,"year":2020,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b2d3e-665492_1457_srishti-singh_rank_78.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7963,"topper":"Srishti Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3c034-665492_1403_srishti-singh_rank_78.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain how the theory of Plate Tectonics helps in understanding the mechanism of volcanism. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss how technology can help India cope with disasters. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Bring out the importance of community-based disaster management in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What is ice-albedo feedback and how is it related to climate change? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Why has there been an increase in the frequency of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods across the world? Highlight the measures, which can be taken to tackle these floods. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Explain the phenomena of Sudden Stratospheric warming witnessed in recent years. How does it affect the ozone hole formation over Antarctica? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain the concept of volcanic winter giving examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Bring out the prominent evidences that have been put forward in support of sea-floor spreading. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Explaining the origin and mechanism of Indian monsoon account for the uneven distribution of monsoonal rainfall in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"How does climate change affect the process of desertification? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"India is vulnerable to a large number of natural as well as man made disasters on account of its geo-climatic and socio-economic conditions. Elaborate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the need for mainstreaming disability perspective in the efforts towards disaster risk reduction. Also, suggest some measures that can be taken towards Disability-inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Explain the causes and consequences of sea level rise. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Highlight the factors responsible for occurrence of heat waves and its effects on life and economy. In the light of recent guidelines given by NDMA, describe measures to reduce the negative impact of heat waves. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Discuss the increasing need of 'disaster resilient infrastructure' in India. Mention the steps taken in this direction with specific reference to the Global Coalition for Disaster-Resilient Infrastructure. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"What is the global ocean conveyor belt? Discuss its significance for marine ecosystem. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7964,"topper":"Srishti Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b9d01-1070617_2368_srishti_singh_rank_145.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The evolving interpretation by the courts have led to the expansion of the scope of the Right to Life and Personal Liberty under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. Discuss with the help of relevant case laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Analyse how Section 8A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 preserves the integrity of the electoral process in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"With what objectives was the Ninth Schedule of the Indian Constitution initially introduced? Can the Supreme Court review a legislation that has been placed in the Ninth Schedule? Discuss with the help of case laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Online Dispute Resolution's (ODR) promise of access to just, speedy and effective resolution of disputes is beset with several challenges. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The Right to Information (RTI) Act has fallen into redundancy owing to the issues faced by the Office of the Central Information Commission. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"How has Information and Communication Technology (ICT) transformed the governance landscape at the grassroots level in India? What are the key obstacles in leveraging its full potential? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How does the politicization of the civil services corrode the 'steel frame' of governance in India? What measures can be implemented to counteract this effect? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Gender is an important dimension of ageing. What measures can be taken to solve the problems of elderly women facing social alienation and deprivation in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What role can the Indian diaspora play in fostering political and economic engagement between India and African countries? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"More than a decade after its inception, the benefits of the Belt and Road Initiative have proven to be illusory, especially for developing countries. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss the financial constraints faced by the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in India. What measures can be taken to augment their revenue resources? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Discuss the role of the Election Commission of India (ECI) in ensuring free and fair elections in India. How will the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Act, 2023 impact the independence of the ECI? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 has played a significant role in preventing atrocities and providing protection against discrimination of marginalized communities in India. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the functions of the National Commission for Women (NCW). How does the Commission benefit from having the powers of a civil court in dealing with women's issues? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Critically analyse the effectiveness of the POCSO Act, 2012 in addressing the issue of child sexual abuse in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Critically evaluate the implementation of the Smart Cities Mission in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"While extreme poverty has declined considerably in India, access to healthy food still remains a luxury. Discuss the reasons for poor access to healthy food and suggest measures to overcome the same. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Examine the role of publicly funded health insurance in improving health outcomes in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"To what extent has India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy been successful in enhancing its relations with the neighbouring countries? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Examine the effects of escalating conflicts in West Asia on regional and global stability, highlighting the significant repercussions for India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7965,"topper":"Srishti Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4bc15-1070617_2369_srishti_singh_rank_145.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The energy transition of India's transport sector, significant to fulfil India's commitment to net-zero emissions by 2070, faces several hurdles. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"WTO's Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies lays out rules for prohibiting certain forms of harmful subsidies. Discuss. What are the implications of the agreement on India's fisheries sector? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Although the PM-KISAAN Scheme has provided benefits to numerous farmers, it continues to face several significant challenges. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What role can digital technology play in transforming animal husbandry in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"India's traditional knowledge offers solutions for making agriculture sustainable for environmental conservation. Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Comment on the role of media in disaster management in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How is technology transforming India's pharmaceutical industry in terms of drug development and manufacturing? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"How can agrivoltaics, which combines solar energy with farming, be a game changer for Indian agriculture? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Can jointness of the Central Armed Police forces (CAPFs) help in tackling the major security challenges being faced in various parts of India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"How has the linkage between drugs, internet, and terrorism emerged as a significant threat for India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss the role of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) as an investment model for India's infrastructure development. Why are PPPs not a panacea for all infrastructure-related performance problems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Bring out the role of the 'One Nation-One Ration Card' scheme in ensuring food security for vulnerable sections in India. What obstacles must be overcome to make the scheme a success? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Assess whether a new industrial policy is required given the central role of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the prospects and challenges associated with inland waterways as an alternative mode of transportation in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the role played by agricultural cooperatives in enhancing farmers' income, promoting agricultural exports, and strengthening the rural economy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Comment on the success of 'Project Tiger' in protecting the national animal of the country. What further steps are needed for holistic conservation of tigers under the project? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"While the littoral states of the Bay of Bengal have made significant strides in their disaster preparedness, their efficacy has been limited. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The United Nations proclaimed 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. Which technologies in common use today are based on the understanding of quantum mechanics? What are the steps being taken by India in the field of quantum science and technology? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Key institutional and policy changes have spurred defence indigenisation, domestic capital procurement and defence exports in India. Discuss the measures adopted by the Government in this respect and the issues that still persist. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The vulnerability of India's coasts to unlawful activities poses significant threats to national security. Discuss the current security system in place for coastal security. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7966,"topper":"Srishti Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/bf33e-665492_1411_srishti-singh_rank_78.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Why are shell companies seen as attractive vehicles for those seeking to launder money or conduct illicit activity? Highlight some steps that have been taken by the government in recent times to curb shell companies in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What is SMART policing? Highlight the reforms required in the current system to realize this vision. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Giving a brief account of the Bodoland dispute, discuss the key aspects of the third Bodo Peace Accord. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What is 'dark net'? How does it pose a security challenge for India? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Given the duties and functions of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), discuss why its establishment is being seen as an important defence reform. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Data Protection is not just a privacy issue, it is also a national security issue. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlighting the role of the National Security Guard in India, discuss the issues associated with this force. What are the reforms required in this regard? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Highlighting the key changes made by the National Investigation Agency (Amendment) Act, 2019, discuss the objections that have been raised against these. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Subsequent to the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, the coastal security arrangement has been thoroughly reviewed by the Government of India. Comment (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Non-state actors are significant conduits in many important national security challenges faced by India. Explain with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"With increasing incidents of cyber attacks, it is imperative that India takes urgent steps to address the cyber security challenges that it currently faces. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Identify the various issues related to Indo-Bangladesh border and challenges faced in managing this border. What measures has the government taken in this regard? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"In context of challenges faced by India due to terrorism, it is important to identify and address terror-organized crime nexus, and it's financing through drug trafficking. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What are the social, economic and political costs of money laundering? Highlighting the necessity of trans-national cooperation for its prevention, enumerate various initiatives taken by the international community. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Despite its obvious advantages, doubts have been raised regarding the ability of Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS) to secure India's key borders. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Why is radicalisation seen as a significant security challenge for India? Suggest ways to tackle it. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7967,"topper":"Srishti Singh","air":145,"year":2024,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ce7a2-1070617_2087_srishti-singh_rank_145.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7968,"topper":"Srishti Singh","air":145,"year":2024,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/082e8-1070617_2364_srishti_singh_rank_145.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7969,"topper":"Srishti Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/cd632-665492_1398_srishti-singh_rank_78.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Bring out Gandhiji's philosophy of Means and Ends. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Probity is an essential condition of good governance. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand by ethical dilemma? Bring out some examples of ethical dilemma often faced by civil servants. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Why are certain rights considered universal in nature? Explain using examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Explain in brief, what you understand by the following: (a) Beliefs (b) Values (c) Norms (d) Ethics (e) Morals (300 words)","marks":null,"words":"300"},{"page":15,"question":"What do you understand by the terms transparency and accountability in administration? Bring out the relationship between the two. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss whether some restrictions on enjoyment of freedom are necessary in the interest of social harmony. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Analyse the role played by family and educational institutions in development of one's character. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"What do you understand by utilitarianism? Illustrate with examples the grounds on which it has been criticized. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'conflict of interest'? How can conflict of interest in public service be resolved? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Today, homosexuality and queer identities may be acceptable to more Indians than ever before, but within the boundaries of family, home and school, acceptance of their sexuality and freedom to openly express their gender choices still remain a constant struggle for LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer) people. While LGBTQ voices heard through several online and real-world platforms form an important part of LGBTQ activism, these expose only a small part of the diverse challenges faced by the community. In light of this situation: (a) Explain the ways in which discrimination against LGBTQs creates problems for them in different aspects of life. (b) What attitudinal changes are necessary to adopt a more humane approach towards this group for their betterment and assimilation in the society?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"The right to protest is an integral part of democracy. But protests often take a violent turn and lead to destruction of life and property. In such situations, it is the duty of the police force to deal with the violent protests and restore normalcy. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What challenges does the police force face in such situations? (b) As the SP in the capital city of a state where such protests often take place, how would you deal with such a situation when faced with it?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"The founding fathers of the Indian Constitution envisaged a neutral, apolitical civil service. The conduct rules governing the All-India Services explicitly prohibit participation of a member of service in politics. It also limits connection of officers with Press or Radio to matters of public interest. And it also prevents them from criticizing the Government in public. (a) Why is it important for civil servants to be politically neutral? (b) Highlight the challenges faced by politically neutral civil servants in different situations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming economy and society and will almost certainly continue to do so in the coming decades. This transformation will have deep ethical impact, with these powerful new technologies both improving and disrupting human lives. In this context, identify the ethical considerations, if any, of the following issues associated with the use of AI: (a) Privacy (b) AI induced unemployment (c) Potential for misuse","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7970,"topper":"Srishti Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a5d4c-1070617_2370_srishti_singh_rank_145.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Does moral conscience always complement laws, rules, and regulations in ethical decision-making? Support your answer with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Compassion towards weaker sections of society is essential and non-negotiable in a country like India. Examine with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Corruption exists and thrives in Indian society because it is socially accepted and even seen as aspirational. Do you agree with this view? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Social accountability is increasingly recognized as a means of enhancing democratic governance and improving service delivery. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What does the following quotation convey to you in the present context. (a) \"The human voice can never reach the distance that is covered by the still small voice of conscience.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Fortitude is the marshal of thought, the armor of the will, and the fort of reason.\" - Francis Bacon. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"\"Character is repeated habits, and repeated habits alone can reform character.\" - Swami Vivekananda (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"How can organizations balance healthy competition while preventing undue pressure on employees? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Formation of attitudes is a crucial aspect of the socialization process. Discuss the various factors that contribute to the development of attitudes in individuals. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Conflicts are inevitable in any workplace, and administrative roles are no exception. In light of this, discuss the role of emotional intelligence in conflict management. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Discuss how attitude plays a crucial role in shaping our perceptions and interactions with the world. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Recent studies indicate that Generation Z is experiencing higher levels of loneliness than the previous generations. What are the possible reasons for this trend? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":51,"question":"Within hours of the video's release, it went viral on social media, accompanied by images from Ravish's lavish wedding that had taken place just two months prior. The public criticized Ravish for his opulent lifestyle while simultaneously laying off a significant number of employees. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the given case? (b) In light of the above case, discuss the ethical considerations regarding disparities in remuneration between top-level leaders and their subordinates in corporate organizations. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"Vikram, a senior data scientist, is leading a team to develop an Artificial Intelligence (AI) system for a e-commerce platform. He has to enhance customer experience by providing personalized recommendations based on user behaviour. The success of this project is critical not only for the company's growth but also for Vikram's team, which has been underperforming in the recent months. The stakes are high, and the team is at risk of suspension if it fails to deliver on this project. To improve the accuracy of the AI algorithms, Vikram's team considers incorporating sensitive personal information, including users' purchasing history, location data, health records and social media activities. While this could significantly enhance the system's effectiveness, it raises concerns about privacy and the potential misuse of sensitive data. Also, a data breach has occurred earlier on the e-commerce platform, and personal information of thousands of users was exposed to unauthorized entities. The incident became widely publicized, leading to regulatory scrutiny and potential legal action against the company. Vikram faces pressure from the company's marketing department to prioritize revenue generation over user privacy. The marketing team suggests implementing tactics that subtly encourage users to make more purchases, even if it means manipulating their preferences or creating a sense of urgency. (a) Identify the ethical issues faced by Vikram in developing the AI system. (b) What are the options available to Vikram in addressing this case? (c) How can ethics be an integral component of AI systems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":56,"question":"Identify the ethical issues faced by Vikram in developing the AI system. (b) What are the options available to Vikram in addressing this case? (c) How can ethics be an integral component of AI systems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":7971,"topper":"Srishti Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/389e7-665492_1416_srishti-singh_rank_78.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the significance of ethical work culture, suggest ways by which it can be imbibed in an organization. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Upholding probity in governance is not only contingent on values of an individual but also the processes of the institution. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The nature of a business's operations has a major influence on the ethical issues with which it must contend. Giving examples, discuss how business ethics is crucial in today's world. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"An honest bureaucrat can be put to inconvenience but the dishonest one is more likely to suffer in the long run. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The notion of an ethical foreign policy downplays the realities of international politics. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Conscience can neither be silent nor delayed as a source of ethical guidance. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) To educate a person in the mind but not in morals is to educate a menace to society. — Theodore Roosevelt (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"Children are great imitators, so give them something great to imitate.\" In this context, discuss the importance of role models in inculcating values in children. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The Covid-19 pandemic has brought with itself an environment of uncertainties and hardships. In this context, discuss the significance of emotional intelligence in dealing with the situation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Bring out the role of social media in shaping one's moral and political attitude. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":34,"question":"In recent times, the country witnessed protests based on opposition to some steps taken by the government. Whereas, mostly these were peaceful protests, at a few places these activities turned violent leading to destruction of public property. In some places government arrested few of the protesters and imposed heavy fines on them for the destruction of the property. In case they could not pay, their private property was confiscated by the government to pay for the damage done to the public property. In addition to this, some governments published the photographs, names and addresses of those accused of vandalism during protests at various locations. (a) What are the issues of public importance at stake in this case? (b) Are there any ethical or legal principles at play here which may be conflicting? (c) What should be the principles guiding a democratic state in such circumstances?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"The global toll of the COVID-19 pandemic is enormous: more than a half-million lives lost, hundreds of millions out of work, and trillions of dollars of wealth destroyed. And the disease has by no means run its course. There is tremendous interest in the development of a vaccine, with more than a hundred initiatives under way around the world. Even if one or more vaccines emerge that promise to make people less susceptible to COVID-19, the public-health problem will not be eliminated. But policymakers can avert some foreseeable problems by starting to address key questions about financing and distribution now. In view of the above scenario, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the different stakeholders involved in this scenario. (b) Identify some of the ethical questions and issues that are likely to emerge as the vaccine becomes available. (c) Who, in your opinion, should be amongst the first recipients of the vaccine? Give reasons for your answer.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7972,"topper":"Srujana Gudelli","air":55,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/116TlU7qBeH01ro1pLKuG9NXPFy4oLyjU/view","questions":[]},{"id":7973,"topper":"Srushti Deshmukh","air":5,"year":2018,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4bdcf-106714_1074_srushti_deshmukh_rank_5.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7974,"topper":"Srushti Deshmukh","air":5,"year":2018,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a4c3a-106714_1078_srushti_deshmukh_rank_5.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7975,"topper":"Srushti Deshmukh","air":5,"year":2018,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6e3e6-106714_1208_srushti_deshmukh_rank_5.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7976,"topper":"Srushti Deshmukh","air":5,"year":2018,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/cfa3d-106714_1209_srushti_deshmukh_rank_5.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7977,"topper":"Srushti Deshmukh","air":5,"year":2018,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b22da-106714_1210_srushti_deshmukh_rank_5.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7978,"topper":"Srushti Deshmukh","air":5,"year":2018,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d2b2c-106714_1211_srushti_deshmukh_rank_5.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7979,"topper":"Srushti Deshmukh","air":5,"year":2018,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e4790-106714_1213_srushti_deshmukh_rank_5.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7980,"topper":"Srushti Deshmukh","air":5,"year":2018,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"IAS Exam Portal","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/visionresources/toppersanswerbooklet/6e3e6-106714_1208_srushti_deshmukh_rank_5.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7981,"topper":"Srushti Deshmukh","air":5,"year":2018,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"IAS Exam Portal","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/visionresources/toppersanswerbooklet/cfa3d-106714_1209_srushti_deshmukh_rank_5.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7982,"topper":"Srushti Deshmukh","air":5,"year":2018,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"IAS Exam Portal","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/visionresources/toppersanswerbooklet/e4790-106714_1213_srushti_deshmukh_rank_5.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7983,"topper":"Srushti Deshmukh","air":5,"year":2018,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"IAS Exam Portal","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/visionresources/toppersanswerbooklet/d2b2c-106714_1211_srushti_deshmukh_rank_5.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7984,"topper":"Srushti Deshmukh","air":5,"year":2018,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"IAS Exam Portal","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/visionresources/toppersanswerbooklet/b22da-106714_1210_srushti_deshmukh_rank_5.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7985,"topper":"Srushti Deshmukh","air":5,"year":2018,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"IAS Exam Portal","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/visionresources/toppersanswerbooklet/a4c3a-106714_1078_srushti_deshmukh_rank_5.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7986,"topper":"Srushti Deshmukh","air":5,"year":2018,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"IAS Exam Portal","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/visionresources/toppersanswerbooklet/4bdcf-106714_1074_srushti_deshmukh_rank_5.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":7987,"topper":"Srushti Jayant Deshmukh","air":5,"year":2018,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kx_S7bmKlm1wukBuOGwrMGgwBxXu6cIE/view","questions":[]},{"id":7988,"topper":"Srushti Jayant Deshmukh","air":5,"year":2018,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vm3q4Q3pjcFdp183INEegoImslj8fQnT/view","questions":[]},{"id":7989,"topper":"Srushti Jayant Deshmukh","air":5,"year":2018,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HsuDBldrJ3cjQl8h4LkRW80NH3SM-IJZ/view","questions":[]},{"id":7990,"topper":"Sruthi R","air":18,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Shankar IAS Parliament","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.shankariasparliament.com/uploads/downloads/SRUTHI_R_P1.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Industrial revolution has important bearings on growth and development of sociology. Discuss. (20) (b) Examine the significance of non-positivist paradigm in social science research. (20) (c) How is skilling an important dimension of social mobility?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":2,"question":"How do you view and assess the use of case studies and biographies in sociological research?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":2,"question":"Qualitative research methods are concerned with opinions, feelings and experiences. Comment on their reliability and validity. (20) (b) What do you understand by ethnicity as a dimension of social stratification?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":2,"question":"Write short answers to the following questions in about 150 words each, with a sociological perspective: (10 x 5 = 50) (a) Describe the various characteristics of Weberian bureaucracy. Are they relevant now?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":3,"question":"Examine the impact of secularisation on family and marriage systems. (20) (b) Describe the modernization theory on development. How did the under- development theorists it?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Globalization has accelerated the rise of consumerism, individualism and questioned religion and provided for pluralist societies driven by distinctive religions. Comment. (20) (b) Differentiate between Functionalist and Marxist theories of Stratification. (20) (c) Elaborate on latent and manifest functions of technology?","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":7991,"topper":"Sruthi R","air":18,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Shankar IAS Parliament","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.shankariasparliament.com/uploads/downloads/SRUTHI_R_P3.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Describe various characteristics of a ‘social fact’. How is rate of suicide a social fact according to Durkheim? (10M)","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":1,"question":"With suitable examples, explain how conformity and deviance coexist in a society as propounded by R.K. Merton. (10M)","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":1,"question":"What are informal organisations? Are NGOs informal organisations? (10M)","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Explain the Cybernetic theory of hierarchy of Talcott Parsons? (10M)","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Describe the main idea of Max Weber’s book, ‘The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism’ as a critique of Marxism. (20M)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":1,"question":"How does Marx view social conflict as an essential element in social change? (20M)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":1,"question":"How has the idea of Work From Home' forced us to redefine the formal and informal organisation of work? (20M)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Analyse the causes and impact of gendered division of labour on social organization of work .(20M)","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":7992,"topper":"Sruthi R","air":18,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Shankar IAS Parliament","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.shankariasparliament.com/uploads/downloads/SRUTHI_R_P4.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Critically examine the concept of sanskritisation with suitable illustrations. (10m)","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Do you agree with the view of Andre Beteille that india’s villages are representative of Indian society’s basic civilizational values? Present a sociological overview. (10m)","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Discuss the role of technology in agrarian change in India. (10m)","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Examine the features and relevance of Indological studies of Ghurye and Dumont. (20m)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Evaluate the efficiency of land reforms in India. Can the lacunae be addressed in Land Reforms 2.0? (20m)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Discuss the challenges during village studies in India. (20m)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Examine the factors responsible for the rural unrest in contemporary India. (20m)","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":7993,"topper":"Sruthi R","air":18,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Shankar IAS Parliament","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.shankariasparliament.com/uploads/downloads/SRUTHI_R_P41.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Critically examine the concept of sanskritisation with suitable illustrations. (10m)","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Do you agree with the view of Andre Beteille that india’s villages are representative of Indian society’s basic civilizational values? Present a sociological overview. (10m)","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Discuss the role of technology in agrarian change in India. (10m)","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Examine the features and relevance of Indological studies of Ghurye and Dumont. (20m)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Evaluate the efficiency of land reforms in India. Can the lacunae be addressed in Land Reforms 2.0? (20m)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Discuss the challenges during village studies in India. (20m)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Examine the factors responsible for the rural unrest in contemporary India. (20m)","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":7994,"topper":"Sruthii R","air":18,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SRUTHII-R-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-18-Sample-AWFG-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Q.1) Read the article given below and summarize it in your own words.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Q.2 Discuss the roles and impacts of ANY TWO of the below personalities on the Indian National Struggle.\na. Mahatma Gandhi\nb. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar\nc. Subhas Chandra Bose","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"3 'The Best summary of the Philosophy of Indian Constitution can be found in preamble'","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7995,"topper":"Sruthii R","air":18,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/u/2/folders/1hU1GTjfMrWKumSxzIJ0oLXzVbNlPzErX","questions":[]},{"id":7996,"topper":"Subhadharshini M","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Subhadharshini-M-UPSC-2023-Rank-83-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The impact of Jainism on the composite culture of Indian Society can be seen in ideals of national Movement and constitution-making. Illustrate with examples. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"\"Gupta sculpture is the logical succession of the early classical sculpture of Amaravati and Mathura.\" Substantiate. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss the art and culture heritage associated with the rise of Vaishnavism and Shaivism in India. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Comment. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"\"Every account of history is from a human perspective. This stands true for 1857 sepoy revolt also.\" Discuss. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"The people of India were affected by the foreign policy of British Rule, but it was the ryots /farmers whose lives were affected the most.\" Assess the statement in the context of the American civil war. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Many Indians carried out the economic analysis of British rule in India with a different understanding and different interpretations of colonialism. Discuss. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Indian Industrialist played an important part in the Indian freedom struggle. Explain. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"\"Every art form has its own cultural significance.\" Examine the statement in the context of various puppet forms prevalent in India and throw some light on puppet forms practised in Southern India. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"History is the insights of our soul as monuments represent our history, we should holistically protect and preserve them. Examine the statement highlighting the deteriorating condition of monuments in India. (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Music is one of the most important limbs of many other performing arts like dance, folk drama and theatre etc. Elaborate. (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Indian School of philosophies is inward-looking and aims to help human beings deal with ups and downs of life with the goal of self-realization. Critically elaborate. (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Substantiate with suitable examples of how the 1930s marked the development of new strands in the Indian political landscape. (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The 1907 Surat Split of Indian National Congress brought an end to moderates role in the Indian freedom struggle. Critically analyse the methods adopted by the moderates and the outcome of the same. Do you agree that Moderates would have remained relevant had they compromised and cooperated with the Extremists? (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What were the main features of the Non-Cooperation movement? How it was different from the earlier forms of movements? Also, discuss key takeaways from the failure of the movement which helps organized future movements. (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Examine how Press started by prominent Indians both in English and vernacular languages influenced the freedom struggle. Also, discuss the British reaction to this new form of Indian expression. (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"British colonization of India changed Indian Society in an irreversible way, but this change also formed the basis of nationalism. Analyze. (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7997,"topper":"Subhadharshini M","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Subhadharshini-M-UPSC-2023-Rank-83-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The recent decision to dissociate from the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), is not merely a geo-political call. Critically examine. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Different sectors of our border pose different sets of challenges and complexities that cannot be resolved by a one size fits all policy. Highlight some effective measures required to tackle the challenges faced by the security forces deployed in the border areas. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Do you think that the recent amendments to the Prevention of Money Laundering Act proposed by the Government will help in reducing the instances of money laundering in India? Discuss. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"How far do you think the rise of Bangladesh in the economic hierarchy of South Asia has had an impact on India? Critically examine. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Rising instances of cyber attacks exposes India's vulnerability in terms of its capacity in dealing with cyber security. Examine the statement in the context of recent events. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The growing distance in relationship between Nepal and India could prove counterproductive to the interests of both the countries Examine. (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":16,"question":"USA has time and again criticised the World Trade Organisation (WTO) for allowing developing countries to engage in unfair trade practices. What is the future of WTO in the present context of growing 'trade disputes' between developed and developing countries? (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":19,"question":"Some of the assumptions which governed India's foreign policy engagements have been fundamentally challenged in recent times. Elucidate with suitable examples how India's foreign policy has evolved in an environment of changing global order. (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":21,"question":"While it may be undeniable that the Maoists still have the strength to make their presence felt in certain regions, it would be grossly untenable to say that they continue to pose an existential threat to the Indian state as they did earlier. Examine. (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":24,"question":"Use of social media for carrying out mass demonstrations, propaganda and rumor mongering is a major security concern. Suggest effective measures to curb the above threat. (15 Marks, 250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":7998,"topper":"Subhadharshini M","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Subhadharshini-M-UPSC-2023-Rank-83-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"\"Formation of linguistic states and their movement have changed the nature of democratic politics & leadership in basic ways in India\". Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss the causes of Russian revolution. What impact did it have in India's freedom struggle?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":7999,"topper":"Subhankar Bala","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e1887-677006_1413_subhankar-bala_rank_79.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"In India, ancient and medieval storage structures such as the step wells, are not only magnificent in their conception, architecture and ornamentation but also hold a lesson for contemporary water concerns. Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"In the period after 1919-20, the influence of Indian capitalist class over the nationalist movement progressively increased due to various reasons. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"With modern education being introduced in India to meet the interests of the British, its reach was restricted and its character unsatisfactory. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Throw light on the reasons of poverty in the third world countries and enumerate the key ideas suggested in the Brandt report of 1980 to help them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Though both caste and race are manifestations of closed systems of stratification, there are important differences between the two. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What are peri-urban areas? Highlight the problems of peri-urban areas in India and also suggest corrective measures. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Studying the cosmos for over a quarter century, the Hubble Space Telescope has changed our fundamental understanding of the universe. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Giving example, explain how continental rupture ultimately results in the formation of a new ocean basin. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"A strong tradition of linguistic analysis developed in ancient India and there remained a continuous focus on its preservation and transmission. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Explain, using examples, how the nature of peasant movements changed during the colonial period. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"What were the conditions and circumstances that led to the emergence of Socialist Movement in India? Analyse the impact of socialist ideas on the Indian National Movement. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The Truman doctrine was part humanitarian and part strategic in its objectives and impact. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Almost all the major 'divisive' problems of today have been there ever since Independence, or even earlier. But in spite of them India has not only survived as a nation but also become stronger. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Domestic servants are one unique group of workers in modern India, which is ubiquitous but remains invisible. Indicate the challenges faced by this section of workers. Also, discuss the factors that contribute to these challenges and suggest measures to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The story of contemporary India is a story of migration. In this context, explain how migration has shaped India socially and economically. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Briefly describe the process of ozone hole formation. Also, explain why ozone hole over Antarctic is greater in size than the one over Arctic. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Watershed management can ensure effective use of both natural and social capitals. In this context, discuss how the concept of integrated watershed management can help meet the sustainable development goals in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8000,"topper":"Subhankar Bala","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2d52d-677006_1524_subhankar-bala_rank_79.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Tenancy reforms are much needed to give a boost to the Indian agricultural sector. Comment. In this context, also discuss the significance of the Model Land Leasing Act, 2016. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"India's march towards inclusive growth and it achieving the Sustainable Development Goals are intricately linked. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlight the need for evolving an appropriate system of Rules Of Origin in regional trading arrangements. What steps have been taken by India recently in this regard? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"MSP regime is a creation of an era of scarcity in the 1960s. Discuss its relevance in the current era of surplus agricultural production. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Examine the link between the recent locust attack and climate change. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlighting the properties of Carbon Nanotubes, discuss its applications. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"India's domestic patent regime privileges public health over pharmaceutical industry's interests. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Bring out the arguments surrounding the idea of employing the principle of 'one border - one force' on Indian borders. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Assess the need to create a new cadre of Indian Frontier Administrative Service to undertake the vital tasks at Indian frontiers. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The main objective of Union Budget 2020-21 is to provide \"Ease of Living\" to all citizens. Analyse the framework proposed in the Budget 2020-21 to achieve this objective. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Several challenges are needed to be addressed to realise the full benefits of the recent agricultural marketing reforms. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Multimodal transport requires multiple integrations across different modes of transportation. Substantiate. What are the challenges and opportunities associated with multimodal transportation for India? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Though COVID-19 pandemic exposes the vulnerability of Informal sector and associated labor force in India, it also presents an opportunity to rebalance formal-informal economy dynamics in the country. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Highlight the drivers and challenges facing India's ambition to become a gas-based economy. Mention the steps that have been taken by the government recently in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Climate Change and the associated events endanger the marine and coastal ecosystems while increasing the vulnerability of coastal population. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Using examples, highlight how natural ecosystems perform different hazard mitigation functions. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Explain what genome sequencing is and state the challenges in scaling up genome sequencing projects. Also, throw some light on the recently launched IndiGen Project. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India needs to avert radicalisation and societal dissention, as internal faultlines are a breeding ground for cyber and transnational terrorism. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Given the emerging security challenges, discuss why the establishment of Integrated Theatre Commands is being seen as an important defence reform. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8001,"topper":"Subhankar Bala","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0684e-677006_1523_subhankar-bala_rank_79.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Enumerate the issues associated with functioning of the Central Information Commission. How can these issues be addressed? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"In India, Governor's discretionary powers are wider than those of the President. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the objectives that were sought to be achieved through tribunals. How successful have they been in meeting them? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Instead of the government regulating Over-the-top (OTT) platforms, there have been calls for a self-regulating mechanism for such platforms, as in the case of print media. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Bring out the arguments surrounding the issue of some states reserving jobs for locals in the private sector. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Identifying the key elements of Mission Karmayogi, briefly explain how it can lead to holistic development of the human resources and state's capacity. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlighting the role played by ASHA workers in public health system of India, discuss the challenges faced by them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"While internationalisation of higher education has many potential benefits for India, certain challenges will need to be addressed in this regard. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"India needs to adopt a more pragmatic stance in the context of the ongoing intra-Afghan talks. Discuss, in the light of India's engagement with Afghanistan. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In the geo-strategic context of West Asia, the recent efforts to normalise relations between Israel and UAE may open new possibilities for India. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"It is not only the content of election manifestos but also the past performance with respect to promises made in election manifestos that need to be regulated. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"In order to achieve a reduction in the pendency of cases and a return to the Supreme Court's original role as a final appellate court, setting up of a National Court of Appeal is the need of the hour. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The Constitution of India reflects an amalgamation of spirit of Indian freedom struggle and various administrative provisions of different acts of British rule in India. Explain. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Mention the key components of the SVAMITVA scheme. Also, highlight its intended benefits and discuss the potential issues in its implementation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Sharing of information among all stakeholders in government functioning is a leading practice towards good governance. Discuss with examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"India has an oversized and bloated government which acts as a drag on economic efficiency and growth. Critically evaluate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Though the National Digital Health Mission is a step in the right direction for both patients and the healthcare system, concerns around data privacy need to be addressed. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"One Nation One Ration card has the potential to significantly transform the lives of migrant workers in India. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The World Trade Organization is buffeted by multiple challenges which have eroded the credibility of the organization. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"BIMSTEC is indispensable for India's efforts in promoting regional cooperation and integration in the neighbourhood. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8002,"topper":"Subhankar Bala","air":79,"year":2020,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6ec60-677006_1420_subhankar-bala_rank_79.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8003,"topper":"Subhankar Bala","air":79,"year":2020,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8bd61-677006_1525_subhankar-bala_rank_79.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8004,"topper":"Subhash Chandra Meena","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6dc87-41040_876_subhash-chandra-meena_rank_737.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"While India has taken a number of steps in order to substantially improve its ranking in the World Bank's 'Ease of Doing Business' Index, it needs to take further action in this regard. Elaborate. Also analyse the utility of these rankings vis-a-vis India's objective of facilitating a sound entrepreneurial environment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"In wake of the agrarian crisis that the country is witnessing, discuss the need for adopting an income-centric approach in preference to a production-centric one as the basis of agricultural policy. In this context, also highlight the steps that should be taken to achieve the goal of doubling the income of farmers by 2021-22 and the challenges that exist.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"It is argued that India's fiscal centre of gravity has rapidly shifted from the Centre to the States. Analyse the statement in context of the debate on fiscal discipline. Also, enumerate the key recommendations of the N.K. Singh panel on Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Strategic sale of state-run firms is a prudent step to deal with the challenges being faced by the public sector enterprises in India. Comment. Also enumerate other measures that can be taken in light of NITI Aayog's suggestions in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Shell companies in India are neither legally defined nor properly understood. Analyse in the light of recent developments, prevalent understanding and steps required to effectively deal with shell companies. ,","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"If a larger population in India is to be involved in the economy in a big way, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are key. Elaborate. Also discuss the challenges faced by the SME sector in India and give an account of the measures taken by the government to deal with these. , (SMEs) , SME","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"What are the reasons for the growing informalization of industrial labour in India? Discuss the issues associated with the phenomenon and reforms required to deal with them. ?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"A number of far-reaching developments have taken place in the local and global energy space which have to be reflected in our own energy policy framework. Discuss. ,","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"The Indian IT-BPM (Information Technology-Business Process Management) industry is a global powerhouse today and its impact on India and the world has been unprecedented. Comment. Also, mention the challenges being faced by India's IT-BPM sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"An effective multi-modal logistics and transport sector will make the Indian economy more competitive. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Climate change threatens sustainable development, impairs socio-economic development and reinforces cycles of poverty across the globe. In this context, discuss the utility of climate risk insurance as an instrument within a comprehensive climate risk management system.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Why are women particularly vulnerable to the impact of natural disasters? Also analyse, with adequate examples, how women can play a more effective role in disaster risk management cycle.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"In view of the seriousness of heat waves and its consequences, greater attention is required for dealing with it as a natural disaster. Analyse in the context of recent developments and the actions taken by relevant government bodies.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"While genome editing offers immense potential benefits in the area of healthcare, there are a lot of apprehensions regarding its use. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Discuss various ways in which supercomputers have benefitted mankind over the years. Also enumerate the objectives of the National Supercomputing Mission and the mechanism for its implementation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Widely seen as a disruption for the traditional banking and financial institutions, cryptocurrencies have gained significant traction lately, at the same time creating a regulatory nightmare for regulators across the globe. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"An internationally-binding agreement to strengthen the Outer Space Treaty of 1967 is both desirable and increasingly a necessity. Analyse in view of the traditional and emerging challenges in this arena.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Even after nearly 60 years in existence, AFSPA remains at the centre of debates with respect to countering violent insurgencies, role of the states and local communities. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Analyse the challenges and opportunities inherent in the push for indigenisation of defence production in India. Also, identify the measures through which indigenous manufacturing of defence equipments is being encouraged by the Government.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"India's ability to puruse a clear-cut strategic vision depends on its ability to improve institutional cooperation and coordination between the armed forces and civilian bureaucracy. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8005,"topper":"Subhash Chandra Meena","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d3887-41040_873_subhash-chandra-meena_rank_737.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The more remotely power is exercised from the people, the greater is the distance between authority and accountability. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"\"If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion\". In what ways can a compassionate public official be more useful for realizing public service goals?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"The recent decision by the government to ban use of red beacons is only a symbolic gesture and a lot more needs to be done to end the VIP culture in India. Critically discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"To what extent can financial incentives help shape attitude towards social issues? Discuss with relevant examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"At times, moral behaviour can be constrained by the complexity of legal system. Explain. In this context, explain the purpose of legal protection for good samaritans in the case of road accidents.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Examine the different ethical issues involved in the use of public shaming as a punitive measure. Do you think this is an appropriate measure to address the problem of rising crime rates.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Why did Gunnar Myrdal use the term 'soft state' in the context of South Asia? Do you think such a characterisation is still relevant in the case of India today?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Intolerance can be linked both to prejudices and value judgments. Elaborate with relevant examples. Also discuss how intolerance can be countered in a multicultural society like India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Social attitude towards corruption has become more forgiving with time leading to a view of illegal gains and misappropriation of public assets as a \"rightful\" individual prerogative. Analyse in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"What are the factors which draw people to public service? Suggest measures to keep public servants motivated.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Corporate Governance provides a framework that defines the rights, roles and responsibilities of various groups within an organization. (a) Elaborate the need to incorporate the principles of Corporate Governance to enhance the effectiveness of the public sector enterprises. (b) Identify the challenges specific to the public sector when it comes to the application of good practices of corporate governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Emotions, earlier considered as an irrational factor in decision-making, are now recognised as a critical factor of judgment. In this regard, answer the following questions: (a) How can Emotional Intelligence help in coping with the intense pressure and occupational stress faced by police officers and armed forces in discharge of their duties? (b) What are the some of the concerns in incorporating and assessment of emotional intelligence skills in public service?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"You, a manager in one of the top IT firms in the country, are tasked with hiring new recruits for an upcoming project. You find that the company has given tacit instructions of not hiring female candidates in view of the new maternity law passed by the Government. You find this highly objectionable and lodge a protest with people in the higher management but they are firm as they want to cut down all the unnecessary costs. Based on this information, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the stakeholders and their interests in the situation. (b) What are the dilemmas that a recruiting manager may face in such a scenario? (c) What are the different options available to you? Which one will you pursue and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"There has been a perceptible rise in the cost of healthcare services provided by private hospitals. In absence of adequate and quality government hospitals, people are forced to opt for private hospitals, especially for life threatening diseases and injuries. You recently visit one of your friends admitted in a famous private hospital. You found out that the hospital is charging a huge amount of money, which seems to be unreasonable. You confront the staff and ask them to explain the rationale behind such high charges. Their response is that the charges are fair for the kind of services they are providing. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in this situation? (b) Given how other professions price their services, discuss the feasibility of capping the amount of fees charged by doctors and private hospitals. (c) How can the provision of quality services and need for profit be reconciled with society's interests in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"You are the District Magistrate in a district where a significant number of transgenders reside. While discrimination against the community is well known, commuters increasingly complain of harassment at their hands, especially at traffic junctions where transgenders are mostly involved in begging. This, at times, also leads to traffic management issues. You have received a number of complaints in this regard and have to act quickly to resolve it. However, a group of transgender associations argue that begging is their only source of livelihood. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Describe the ethical issues involved in this case. Discuss the attitude of people towards transgenders in general and reasons for the same. (b) What possible courses of action can be undertaken in such situations? Discuss their merits and demerits.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Mr. X is the head of an NGO working in the field of environment conservation and protection. He is in dire need of funds for the NGO's operations and payments to his staff. He is approached by an official of a large infrastructure company, who is ready to provide the required funding for the NGO. But, in a quid pro quo, he asks Mr. X to raise objections over the bypassing of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) norms in an ongoing PPP project through his NGO. This project is being implemented by a rival infrastructure company. Mr. X knows that there have been instances of high level corruption in the process of granting EIA to mega projects and the information provided by the official seems to be authentic. Hence, he accepts the money and agrees to raise the objection. (a) Considering the circumstances of the case, is Mr. X correct in accepting the money? Give appropriate reasons for your answer. (b) If you were in place of Mr. X, what would have been your course of action? Give reasons for it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"Regulation and procedure of human clinical trials vary from nation to nation. Stem cell research, as an emerging biomedical field, requires approval for human trials and encounters multiple challenges. You are the head of a team of scientists who developed a new Tissue Engineering system, which appears to be a promising means of regenerating heart tissue. Trials of the system have already been conducted on animals and yielded good results. Millions of people suffering from critical heart diseases would benefit immensely if this medication is immediately made available to them. However, you need to conduct human clinical trials before it could be commercialised. It is also known that the stringent regulatory environment in the country will mean that human trials and final approval will take many years before it is made commercially available. On the other hand, regulation of clinical trials in many poor countries is weak and quick approval is possible. Many of your competitors also resort to human trials in these countries, often bribing the officials for getting quick approvals. Given this situation, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the ethical issues which arise during clinical trials. (b) Given the above situation, would you prefer to shift human trials to a third country where regulations are lax? Give reasons in support of your choice. (c) Suggest a framework of standard procedure to minimise ethical conflicts and speed-up the approval process of new medicines.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8006,"topper":"Sudhir Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/21774_760_Sudhir_Rank_42.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Celebrities are paid huge amounts by companies for endorsing products that at times turn out to be harmful for the consumers. Examine the ethical dimensions involved in such instances.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Lack of cleanliness in urban areas despite schemes such as the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan point to difficulties faced in bringing about attitudinal and behavioural changes. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Issues around economic inclusion are not just about income gaps, there are many dimensions of moral and ethical choices as well. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Socially and economically marginalized women are used to make a profit, often at the cost of their own health and reproductive autonomy, in the name of commercial surrogacy. Discuss the ethical issues associated with commercial surrogacy in India. Should commercial surrogacy be completely banned?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"While discussing the ethical issues that journalists face on a regular basis, examine the causes of increased sensationalism in news media in recent times.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"What are the various sources through which humans can judge the correctness of their actions? In the context of public life discuss how these sources are important in offering a clear and practical guidance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Should a person resort to leaking of information in case of wrongs done in the organization ? Does it cause a conflict of interest between the personal, organizational and societal spheres? Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Competition, it is argued, spurs the best of performance, however, can it also instigate cheating and unethical behaviour? Discuss with adequate examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"What are the immediate steps which should be taken in such a situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Suggest some long term measures to ensure that such a situation is not repeated.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8007,"topper":"Sudhir Kumar","air":42,"year":2017,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/21774_814_Sudhir_Rank_42.pdf","questions":[{"page":9,"question":"What is Merton's view of relationship between social structure and deviance?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Explain how according to Emile Durkheim, division of labor could be 'functional' as well as 'anomic' for society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"\"Economics must be made the handmaid of sociology.\" Critically analyze.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Examine how Max Weber applies the ideal type construct in establishing a relationship between religion and economy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Compare and contrast the methodology made use of by Emile Durkheim and Max Weber, in their, scientific study of society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"\"Talcott Parsons' theory of social system has been criticized as a veiled status quoist ideology\". Critically examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Robert K. Merton's significant contribution to functionalism lies in his clarification and codification of functional analysis. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Examine how Weber's characterization of capitalism is different from those of Marx.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8008,"topper":"Sudhir Kumar","air":42,"year":2017,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/21774_815_Sudhir_Rank_42.pdf","questions":[{"page":9,"question":"Explain the difference between social inequality and social stratification. How do the nature and forms of the social stratification system influence social mobility.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Work in industrial and post-industrial society can be alienating for the work force. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Critically discuss the role of social inequality in ensuring that important positions are filled by the most qualified persons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"\"Religion prevents social change by disguising exploitation and inequality\". Critically evaluate the statement with reference to Marx and Weber's theory of Religion.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Compare and contrast the role of religion in various aspects of social life in pluralistic societies like India and USA.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8009,"topper":"Sudhir Kumar","air":42,"year":2017,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/21774_816_Sudhir_Rank_42.pdf","questions":[{"page":13,"question":"\"The alternatives to the institution of marriage is leading to its disintegration.\" Comment on the validity of the statement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Can digitalization of Indian Society be considered as an agent of social change? In what manner can it establish a new social order in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"Critically discuss the reservation policy as an instrument of social change in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"\"Nuclear Family fits the needs of industrial society\". Critically analyze this statement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"\"Methodological pluralism is a panacea that can solve all research problems.\" Discuss","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8010,"topper":"Sudhir Kumar","air":42,"year":2017,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/21774_817_Sudhir_Rank_42.pdf","questions":[{"page":9,"question":"Critically discuss Marxist approach to the analysis of Indian Nationalism.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the impact of Bhakti movement on the Indian society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Critically analyze the changing caste-class nexus in the agrarian social structure.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"'Modernization in the Indian context is a complex phenomenon involving both continuity and change'. Comment","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"The colonial rule engendered various movements as a reaction to it. Discuss the nature of these movements and its impact on Indian society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"What evidence would you offer against the view that 'tribes are primitive communities living isolated lives untouched by civilization'?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"\"Are Tribal protests and movements an indication of limitation of the policy of integration in the independent India\". Comment","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8011,"topper":"Sudhir Kumar","air":42,"year":2017,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/21774_818_Sudhir_Rank_42.pdf","questions":[{"page":18,"question":"\"Proliferation of slums is the result of failure of housing policies\". Critically analyze.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Critically analyze to what extent the recent amendments made to Child Labor (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986 will help curbing the menace of child labor in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"Law as ar instrument of social change.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8012,"topper":"Sudhir Kumar","air":42,"year":2017,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/21774_819_Sudhir_Rank_42.pdf","questions":[{"page":36,"question":"\"The impoverishment of the Indian peasantry was a consequence of the transformation of the agrarian structure\". In the context of this statement, analyze the nature and the extent of the peasant movements in pre- independence period.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8013,"topper":"Sudipa Dutta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5efb7-1244110_2092_sudipa_dutta_rank_41.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"1. (a) Direct interactions with social groups, like families and peers, teach people how others expect them to behave. Likewise, a society as a whole reinforces and shapes values through its norms, institutions, media, and collective behaviour. Discuss how a society's formal and informal institutions socialize its population, with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"1. (b) Do you think technology can play a role in establishing a value-centric modern society? Critically evaluate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"2. (a) \"Drop by drop is the water pot filled. Likewise, the wise man, gathering it little by little, fills himself with good.\" Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. (b) There is an ongoing debate on what constitute the core components necessary to define empathy. However, the three that are most often included in psychologists' definitions are affective understanding, emotional contagion, and cognitive perspective-taking. Explain with suitable illustrations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3 What does each of the following quotations mean to you?\n(a) \"The end-product of education should be a free creative man, who can battle against historical circumstances and adversities of nature.\" Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"3. (b) \"Forgiveness is not an occasional act. It is a permanent attitude.\" Martin Luther King, Jr. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"3. (c) \"The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets the people to do the greatest things.\" Ronald Reagan (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"4. (a) What are the signs that show that an individual ranks on the lower spectrum of emotional intelligence? How far is technology leading to a decline in the emotional intelligence of people, especially the younger generations?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"4. (b) \"Action is a catalyst for profound shifts in attitude of an individual.\" How far do you agree with the statement? Give suitable examples to substantiate your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"5. (a) Thirukkural advocates a conscious and a spirit-centered approach to business ethics based on eternal values and moral principles that should govern the conduct of business leaders. What are the ethical issues faced by businesses in contemporary times? How will the teachings of Thirukkural assist in their resolution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"5. (b) Laws promote social control by resolving basic value conflicts, settling individual disputes, and making rules that even our rulers must follow. But, law does not always achieve its purpose and can rather harm society. In this background, discuss the limitations and dysfunctions of law, with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"6. (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the spending of public money by the government on advertisements? What measures would you suggest to address these issues? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"6. (b) In India, there are conduct rules, which govern an officer's behaviour and conduct. These include the Central Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964, All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968 etc. Do you think there is a need for a separate Code of Ethics for civil servants in India? What important values should be part of such a Code of Ethics? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"7. In this context, answer the following:\n(a) What are the various issues involved in the given situation?\n(b) Do you think that the problem of price ceiling will create another problem?\n(c) What long-term measures can be taken to deal with the issues arising in such cases? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"around 250"},{"page":29,"question":"(a) What are the various issues in the above situation?\n(b) Do you think a price-cap solves the given problem by creating another one?\n(c) What are the long-term measures that can be taken to deal with issues arising in such cases? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"8 (a) दी गई स्थिति में आपके द्वारा सामना की जाने वाली नैतिक दुविधाएं कौन-सी हैं?\n(b) दी गई स्थितियों में, आपके पास कौन-से विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\n(c) आपके द्वारा सूचीबद्ध प्रत्येक विकल्प का समालोचनात्मक मूल्यांकन कीजिए।\n(d) आप कौन-सा विकल्प चुनेंगे और क्यों? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)\na) दी गई स्थिति में आपके द्वारा सामना की जाने वाली नैतिक दुविधाएं कौन-सी हैं?\nb) दी गई स्थितियों में, आपके पास कौन-से विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nc) आपके द्वारा सूचीबद्ध प्रत्येक विकल्प का समालोचनात्मक मूल्यांकन कीजिए।\nd) आप कौन-सा विकल्प चुनेंगे और क्यों? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":34,"question":"(a) What are the ethical dilemmas faced by you in the given situation?\n(b) Under the given conditions, what are the options available to you?\n(c) Critically evaluate each of the options listed by you.\n(d) What option would you adopt and why? (Answer in 250 words)\na) What are the ethical dilemmas faced by you in the given situation?\nb) Under the given conditions, what are the options available to you?\nc) Critically evaluate each of the options listed by you.\nd) What option would you adopt and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"9 You are the head of the Human Resources (HR) department of a reputed tech company in India that has several high profile national and international clients. It has recently come to your notice that a few employees of the Software Development Team have become irregular and insincere towards their work in the past few months. In the past, this team has been instrumental in timely executing projects, resulting in massive revenue and profits for the company. When you enquire about the issue in detail, you find that many employees including the senior leaders of the concerned team are juggling between multiple jobs. This phenomenon is popularly known as 'moonlighting'. When you ask the employees, most of whom have been high performers, their argument is that doing multiple jobs makes them more skillful and resourceful in their work.\n(a) मून लाइटिंग से जुड़े नैतिक मुद्दों को रेखांकित कीजिए।\n(b) कंपनी के HR प्रमुख के रूप में, आपके समक्ष कौन-से विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\n(c) इनमें से प्रत्येक विकल्प का मूल्यांकन कीजिए और कारण बताते हुए आपके द्वारा अपनाए जाने वाले विकल्प का चयन कीजिए। (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"In this context:\n(a) Highlight the ethical issues associated with moonlighting.\n(b) As the HR head of the company, what are the options available to you?\n(c) Evaluate each of these options and choose the option, which you would adopt, giving reasons.","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":43,"question":"10 You are the CEO of a highly successful multinational clothing corporation based in a developed country. Your brand is a household name and your products are sold worldwide. In an attempt to manage production costs and maintain competitive pricing, your company outsources its manufacturing operations to a developing nation where labour is inexpensive. However, a grave situation has recently unfolded. An investigative journalist, following up on an anonymous tip, has revealed that one of the companies to which you have outsourced an important part of your production is operating its facility under appalling conditions. The facility, which employs a large number of people, including minors, is nothing short of a \"sweatshop,\" where employees work long hours for abysmally low wages in a hazardous environment. The report has led to\n(a) In this context, what ethical dilemmas are you facing?\n(b) Discuss the merits and demerits of the available options before you. Which option would you choose and why?\n(c) To balance profitability and ethical labour practices, what ethical alternatives are available to multinational corporations? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"(a) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by you in this context?\n(b) Discuss the merits and demerits of the options available to you. Which of these will you choose and why?\n(c) What are the ethical alternatives available to the multinational corporations to balance profitability and ethical labour practices? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"11 (a) इस प्रकरण में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\n(b) राहुल जैसे गिग श्रमिकों के सामने आने वाली समस्याओं को हल करने के लिए कौन-से उपाय अपनाए जा सकते हैं? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)\na) इस प्रकरण में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\nb) राहुल जैसे गिग श्रमिकों के सामने आने वाली समस्याओं को हल करने के लिए कौन-से उपाय अपनाए जा सकते हैं? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":49,"question":"(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\n(b) What can be done to resolve the problems faced by gig workers like Rahul? (Answer in 250 words)\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\nb) What can be done to resolve the problems faced by gig workers like Rahul?","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"12 In this context, answer the following questions.\n(a) What are the key barriers and challenges that hinder the path of women in their journey towards leadership roles in their respective fields?\n(b) How do the social and cultural norms affect women's employment in India?\n(c) Discuss how gender parity in employment opportunities and career growth be ensured for women in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":8014,"topper":"Sudipa Dutta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/08dc0-1244110_2063_sudipa_dutta_rank_41.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"1) Explain the importance of a Constitution in the context of a democratic country like India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":4,"question":"2) Bring out the differences between 'coming together federations' and 'holding together federations' with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"3) Compare the powers of the Lok Sabha with that of the Rajya Sabha.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"4) What do you understand by Judicial activism and overreach? Also discuss the associated concerns.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"Role of Judicial Activism and Judicial Overreach:","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"5) What do you understand by rule of law. Explain how this idea is reflected in the Constitution of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"6) Explain the concept of Separation of Powers. What are the provisions in the Indian Constitution which reflect separation of Powers?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"7) Discuss the veto powers of the President of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"8) Discuss the role of the Departmentally Related Standing Committees in strengthening parliamentary democracy in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"6) Issues with Departmentally Related Standing Committees is","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"9) What do you understand by Pressure groups? Citing examples, state the different types of techniques used by pressure groups.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"Different types of techniques used by Pressure Groups :-","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"10) Enumerate the composition and functions of the National Commission for Women (NCW). Also highlight the initiatives taken by the commission to give an impetus to women empowerment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"11) Highlight the devolution of powers under the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts. Do you think the process of devolution has been less than satisfactory so far?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"12) Although quasi-judicial bodies have powers resembling those of the judicial bodies, those are important points of distinction between the two. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"13) Delineate the grounds of disqualifications under the Representation of People Act, 1951. Also discuss the remedial measures available to the disqualified representatives.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"14) The basic structure doctrine of the Indian Constitution is a judicial innovation. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"15 Highlight the various challenges in ensuring cooperative federation in India. Also, suggest measures to foster cooperative federation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"16) Despite having features borrowed from Constitution of various other countries, the Constitution of India remains unique. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"Uniqueness of Indian Constitution can be determined by following factors :-\n1) Appropriate modification to suit Indian interests such as republic form of government.\n2) Incorporates Gandhian Ideals in the form of Directive principles of state policy.\n3) Rationalised provisions which reflect over traditional customs as well as fundamental duties incorporating our moral values.\n4) Lengthiest constitution due to simplified and detailed provisions.\n5) Neither follows british principle of Parliamentary sovereignty nor follows American principle of judicial supremacy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"13) Is there a need to rationalize the large number of ministries in the Govt. of India? Discuss with logical arguments.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"18) Provide an account of the role of UPSC. Also, enumerate the Constitutional provisions to safeguard and ensure the independence and impartial functioning of the UPSC.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"19) What are tribunals? How is Article 323 A different from Article 323 B of the Indian Constitution?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"20) On what grounds can President's Rule be imposed in a state? Also, mention the procedure of its imposition and its effects.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8015,"topper":"Sudipa Dutta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e12b1-1244110_2070_sudipa_dutta_rank_41.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"1. (a) Differentiating between courage and bravery, discuss why courage is often thought of as the first of all virtues.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"1. (b) Discuss how social, cultural and religious factors act as determinants of ethics.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"2. (a) Bring out the relevance of the teachings of Gautam Buddha in contemporary times.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. (b) If one takes care of the means the end will take care of itself. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. (a) Explain the relevance of the following in the context of civil services: (150 words) 10\n(i) Impersonality\n(ii) Anonymity\n(iii) Perseverance\n(iv) Fairness","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"3. (b) With the help of relevant examples, bring out the difference between the following:\n(i) Intelligence Quotient and Emotional Quotient\n(ii) Attitude and Aptitude","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"4. (a) What do you understand by political neutrality? Explain its significance in public service.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"4. (b) There is more to integrity than honesty. Illustrate with examples. Also, suggest ways to inculcate integrity as a value in civil services. (150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"4. (c) What do you understand by probity? Why is it considered essential for good governance?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"5. (a) Although utilitarianism is arguably the most reason-based approach to determining right and wrong, it has obvious limitations. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"5. (b) What do you understand by ethical dilemma? Explain with examples, how it can lead to crisis of conscience.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"6. (a) What is code of conduct? How is it different from code of ethics?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"6. (b) Bring out the relevance of the seven principles of public life stated by the Nolan Committee in the Indian context, with the help of examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"7. The Right to Information (RTI) Act is one of the most important reforms brought by the government. You have recently been transferred as the Public Information Officer (PIO) in the irrigation department of a district. While inspecting the RTI applications, you find that many of these applications relate to information on the recruitment of staff in your department. Your juniors point out that all of these have been filed by an aspiring local politician who may be trying to create an issue related to irregularities in recruitment in the department. The department fears that he is filing RTI applications for political gains in the upcoming state elections.\n\nIn this context, answer the following questions:\n(a) Identify the stakeholders and the issues involved in the case.\n(b) What measures will you take to handle the situation?","marks":"20","words":"in around 250"},{"page":33,"question":"8. You are the managing director of a pharmaceutical company. Your company has won a tender for supply of generic affordable medicines to the state health department. In order to win the tender, you had kept the profit margins very low. However, after winning the tender, you got a call from the Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the Health Minister for a 2% cut in the total purchase of goods. You tried to meet the Health Minister in this respect, but he also hinted at doing the job as per the instructions of the OSD. You cannot refuse to go ahead with the tender because of the risk of losing your 5% security deposit. Further, the firm can be blacklisted for not fulfilling the obligations of the approved tender. Some of the options to deal with the situation are given below. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each of these options.\n(a) Follow the advice of the minister and comply with the demands of the OSD.\n(b) File a police complaint against the OSD for corruption.\n(c) Tip the media anonymously about the issue to build pressure on the concerned Minister.\n(d) Leave the allotted tender.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":38,"question":"9 The promotion of harmful products like liquor, tobacco, etc. through mass media and advertisements have been banned in India. However, many companies are roping in big celebrities to promote these harmful products and brands through surrogate advertisement. In the disguise of another product, surrogate advertising is used to promote regulated products, like cigarettes and alcohol. There have been many debates on this issue, particularly in recent times, with many arguing that such advertisements should be banned altogether.\n\nIn this context, answer the following:\n(a) What are the ethical issues involved in surrogate advertising?\n(b) Suggest steps that can be taken to address these type of advertisements in India.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":41,"question":"10. You are a young officer who has recently been posted as the District Magistrate in a district where power cuts are a regular phenomenon. A thermal power plant is proposed in your district, which has the potential to not only meet the energy demand of yours but also that of neighbouring districts, and also provide employment opportunities for the people of your district. However, a few people from the district are protesting against it because of the concerns of displacement and the potential pollution issue that the project may lead to. It is brought to your notice that prominent local leaders have mobilized a large crowd and are planning to march towards the Collectorate. You have also received information that the crowd may turn violent due to the presence of miscreants. In the context of this situation, address the following:\n(a) Identify the stakeholders and highlight the issues involved in the above case.\n(b) State the measures that you would take as the District Magistrate.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":46,"question":"11. Today, digital games and gameful interactions with a digital dimension are rapidly becoming pervasive in society. It is a highly engaging pastime and also a vehicle for acquiring knowledge and/or modifying attitudes and behaviours at various levels, whether by explicit intention or otherwise. Online games' increasingly important role in society brings about ethical implications that cannot be ignored, and have sometimes been the object of heated public and academic debate.\n(a) Discuss the various social and psychological issues involved in online gaming.\n(b) Give some suggestions to address the harmful impact of online gaming on the society.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":49,"question":"(a) In your view, why has politics in India not seen it's 'green moment' yet?\n(b) Do you think people in India are generally apathetic to climate change and environment related issues? Suggest some initiatives to bring about a change in the attitude of the people towards the issue.\na) In your view, why has politics in India not seen it's 'green moment' yet?\nb) Do you think people in India are generally apathetic to climate change and environment related issues? Suggest some initiatives to bring about a change in the attitude of the people towards the issue.","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":8016,"topper":"Sugandha Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/cc80e7c81f00eaa4f15f78533b4a4ad5/26/mts_2025_unchecked_gc25d1b47037_flt2509.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Pillars are not merely architectural marvels, but also serve as crucial sources of ancient Indian history. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"To what extent did early economic nationalists like Dadabhai Naoroji shape the intellectual foundations of the Indian freedom movement? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How did the Indian national movement influence freedom movements across the world? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How does the movement of continental plates help explain the spatial distribution of earthquakes in specific regions of the world? Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"River interlinking is seen as a means to reduce regional water stress. Discuss its advantages and examine the possible environmental and social implications. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the localisation factors for the textile industry in India and examine its economic significance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What are loess deposits, and why do they constitute some of the most agriculturally productive regions of the world? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Screen-based education has improved accessibility but also created new behavioural and social challenges for children. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Why are protectionist and xenophobic trends against Indians rising in the West, despite the global embrace of Indian culture and soft power? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The caste system in India has adapted to the forces of modernisation, urbanisation, and economic liberalisation. Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":31,"question":"Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Jawaharlal Nehru differed in their approach to nation-building, yet their shared vision was instrumental in shaping modern India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"The Swadeshi Movement marked a significant shift in India's freedom struggle from passive resistance to active mass mobilisation. In this context, discuss the strategies, social impact, and limitations of the movement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"The Western Ghats and the Northeastern Hills receive some of the highest rainfall during the southwest monsoon in India. Discuss the mechanisms responsible for heavy rainfall in these regions and analyse the monsoon's influence on human life in these regions. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Differentiate between forest cover, tree cover, and green cover. How do forest ecosystems in India contribute to climate resilience and carbon sequestration? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Account for the salinity variations in the world's oceans. How does this variation impact ocean circulation and marine ecosystems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"How does the polar cryosphere play a pivotal role in regulating the Earth's climate system? Also, enumerate the key factors responsible for rapid warming in the Arctic. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"\"Religious pluralism and secularism are integral to India's social fabric, but their coexistence requires constant negotiation.\" Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Discuss the intersection of class, gender, and geography in determining women's access to opportunities in the Indian service sector. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"\"Despite a strong continuity in traditional family values, Indian society is witnessing rising trends of delayed marriage, increasing divorce rates, and family disruption.\" Discuss the socio-economic and cultural factors contributing to this shift. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8017,"topper":"Sugandha Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/9/mts_2025_unchecked_gc25d1b47037_flt2505.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"In what ways did medieval Indian sculptures and paintings reflect the cultural ethos of their times? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"The Cold War was less a military confrontation and more a battle of ideologies.\" Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Critically examine the impact of the Emergency on Indian democracy and civil liberties. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Explain the geological features and ecological importance of the Eastern Ghats. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Explain the origin of the Indian islands in the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss how inland water transport can alter the economy of eastern India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Desertification is not merely a land degradation issue; it is a silent threat to global ecological stability and food security. Discuss (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Is globalisation leading to the erosion of local languages and traditional culture in India? Justify your answer. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Neo-spiritual movements in India reflect the fusion of tradition, modernity, and digital influence in the practice of faith. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"How does the status and role of women in tribal societies differ from gender norms in mainstream Indian society? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"To what extent did vernacular literature in medieval India contribute to challenging established social norms? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Examine the ways in which Gandhian mass movements opened political space for Indian women. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"\"Bose symbolised a blend of militant nationalism and socialist vision.\" Discuss with reference to his political and economic ideas. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Urbanization is posing a threat to the existing urban infrastructure. Discuss the developmental issues it poses and its impact on urban communities. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Discuss the agro-climatic factors necessary for tea cultivation. Why is its production concentrated in specific pockets of Eastern and Southern India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"What factors are responsible for landslides in the Western Ghats? Discuss some mitigation measures to minimize their impact. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Classify the different types of lakes based on their geomorphological origin. Why are certain lake types more prevalent in specific regions of the world? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"With the rise of digital media influencers, traditional role models in Indian society are being replaced. Analyse its impact on youth behaviour and value systems. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Despite legal and educational advances, why do certain social practices, such as dowry, caste endogamy, or child marriage, continue to persist in modern India? Analyse with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"\"Modern parenting in India is increasingly balancing traditional expectations and emerging societal norms. Analyse the social implications of this tension.\" (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8018,"topper":"Sugandha Gupta","air":207,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/32/mts_2025_unchecked_gc25d1b47037_fpnc2501.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8019,"topper":"Sugandha Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/49/mts_2025_unchecked_gc25d1b47037_fpnc2502.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"The contributions of the founding mothers in the Constituent Assembly and their feminist perspective have shaped India's constitutional discourse. Discuss (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"What is a Privilege Motion in the Indian Parliament? How does the Committee of Privileges examine and deal with such motions? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Compare the powers of the head of state in India and the UK. How do their roles reflect the constitutional principles of their respective systems? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"A democracy is only as strong as its Opposition.\" In this light, examine the role of the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and suggest measures to enhance the effectiveness of this institution in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What are the constitutional provisions related to minority educational institutions in India? How have judicial pronouncements shaped the balance between the right to equality and the right to preserve minority identity in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"India is emerging as a global hub for social entrepreneurship. Can social enterprises effectively complement the state in achieving inclusive development? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The SHG-Bank Linkage Programme has been hailed as an indigenous tool for poverty alleviation in India. Examine its impact on improving rural livelihoods and reducing multi-dimensional poverty. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How far do you think Citizen-led environmental movements have proven to be effective tools of ecological preservation in recent years? Justify with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"Digital governance is emerging as a frontier of the global agenda, and India seeks to lead by example.\" Examine (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Examine India's transboundary water-sharing challenges with Pakistan and Bangladesh in light of recent disputes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The role of Governors in opposition-ruled States has been a flashpoint in Centre-State relations. Critically discuss how gubernatorial overreach challenges the position of state governments and suggest safeguards to mitigate such conflicts. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"The evolving relationship between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy has been a dynamic feature of India's constitutional journey, often necessitating judicial interventions and constitutional amendments. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"While cooperative federalism is rooted in the design of the Constitution, political considerations have given rise to competitive and confrontational federalism. Examine the role of constitutional and extra-constitutional institutions in reconciling these trends within India's federal structure. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Well-executed government initiatives often fail if operations and maintenance are not integral to the programme design. In the context of the Swachh Bharat Mission in India, discuss how collective action and community ownership can ensure its long-term sustainability. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Freebies in electoral politics have sparked debate over their impact on governance in India. Differentiate between freebies and welfare measures, and examine their impact on governance. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Structural barriers have long impeded the development of a robust research environment, despite the presence of numerous institutions. Discuss how the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) seeks to address these structural challenges. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"India's strategic autonomy remains the guiding principle in navigating relations with the United States and China. In this context, analyse the potential challenges and opportunities for India and how India should navigate this renewed US-China rivalry. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"The launch of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) marks a turning point in India's connectivity diplomacy. Analyse its strategic relevance for India vis-à-vis China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8020,"topper":"Sugandha Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/781770142252687b4750b386de5a9f2e/13/mts_2025_unchecked_gc25d1b47037_flt2510.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Socialistic ideals and secularism are core features of the Basic Structure doctrine in India. In this context, discuss how judicial decisions have cemented these principles as the cornerstone of constitutional identity. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"There is a need to expand the scope of 'corrupt practices' under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, to address emerging forms of electoral malpractices.\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Analyse the distinguishing perspectives on equality as reflected in the constitutional frameworks of India and France. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The shrinking effective share of States in the Union's gross tax revenues, coupled with equity-heavy criteria in horizontal devolution, raises critical concerns for fiscal federalism in India. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"Citizenship is the legal foundation of constitutional rights and responsibilities.\" Discuss how India's approach to citizenship reflects its commitment to constitutional values. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Declining fertility rates, coupled with rising life expectancy, require a shift from fertility-focused interventions to human capital investments. Examine in the light of recent population trends. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"The quality of governance is critically linked to the extent and nature of citizen participation in democratic processes.\" Discuss using examples in the Indian context. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"Low alignment between educational outcomes and market needs can widen social and economic inequalities.\" Examine this statement in the context of India's skills ecosystem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"The weakening commitment of major powers to international health frameworks poses serious challenges to equitable global cooperation.\" Discuss in light of the U.S. withdrawal from the WHO and its implications for India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The ongoing conflict in West Asia has exposed the vulnerabilities of regional diplomacy. In this light, discuss the implications of the West Asian conflict for India's strategic autonomy and regional engagement. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"\"Department-related Standing Committees serve as the institutional backbone of legislative scrutiny, yet their potential remains underutilised.\" Critically analyse the challenges faced by Parliamentary Committees in ensuring executive accountability in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"\"President's Rule is a constitutional mechanism to deal with governance failure, not political convenience.\" Under what circumstances can President's Rule be imposed in a State? Discuss the constitutional safeguards and judicial verdicts associated with it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"The recently released Devolution Index reveals wide variation in the performance of States in empowering Panchayati Raj Institutions. While explaining the reasons behind this variation, discuss the role of capacity-building initiatives in enabling PRIs to fulfil their constitutional mandate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"\"In the evolving constitutional and political landscape, the effectiveness of statutory commissions depends on their structural autonomy and independence.\" Discuss in the context of the growing demand for constitutional status for statutory commissions like the National Commission for Women (NCW) and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"\"An independent judiciary is essential for upholding constitutional values, but it must also remain accountable to preserve public trust.\" Discuss in the context of recent issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Institutional autonomy of sectoral regulators is critical for ensuring credibility, transparency and fair competition. In light of recent incidents, examine the issues pertaining to the independence and autonomy of regulatory bodies in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"How far do you think a caste census is a necessary step toward realising the goals of social justice and equitable development, despite the administrative challenges it poses? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"\"The complexity of modern governance demands adaptive and dynamic administrative reforms.\" Evaluate the role of administrative reforms in improving efficiency, transparency, and responsiveness in Indian governance. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"The trajectory of India-China relations in the last 75 years reflects a balance between pragmatic cooperation and unresolved strategic tensions. Discuss the contours of this evolving policy and highlight the measures India should take to counterbalance asymmetries with China. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"The evolution of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) from a maritime security grouping to a multidimensional partnership reflects changing strategic realities in the Indo-Pacific. In this context, examine the opportunities and challenges that QUAD presents for India's regional aspirations and strategic autonomy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8021,"topper":"Sugandha Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/781770142252687b4750b386de5a9f2e/1/mts_2025_unchecked_gc25d1b47037_flt2506.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"What is constitutional morality? How far does the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) align with the vision of constitutional morality as encompassed in the Indian Constitution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Article 143 of the Constitution confers advisory jurisdiction upon the Supreme Court through a presidential reference mechanism. Examine the significance and scope of the Supreme Court's advisory jurisdiction under this provision. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Since Independence, the composition of the Indian Parliament has undergone a significant change with the changing socio-economic profile of the Members of Parliament(MPs). Analyse the impact of this shift on the overall quality of representative democracy in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"In a rights-based democracy, institutions like the NHRC must evolve beyond symbolic presence to real-time impact. In this context, discuss the structural and functional issues within India's human rights framework. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Delimitation upholds the idea of 'one citizen, one vote', but its implications go against the principles of federalism.Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"To make skilling meaningful, programs like PM Internship Scheme (PMIS) must ensure not just participation but employability-linked outcomes.\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"Women-centric welfare schemes need to move beyond welfare to empowerment.\" Examine in the context of key women-centric welfare schemes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"The increasing regulatory oversight on civil society organisations risks shrinking democratic space.\" Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"India's engagement with Africa is no longer limited to development cooperation but is increasingly shaped by strategic and economic considerations. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The Indian diaspora in the Gulf region plays a pivotal role in shaping India's economic relations and people-centric diplomacy with West Asia. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Despite increased political representation, Elected Women Representatives (EWRs) in Panchayati Raj Institutions continue to face barriers to effective participation and leadership. In this context, discuss the challenges EWRs face and suggest reforms needed to enable gender-inclusive grassroots governance. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"The principle of checks and balances in the Indian Constitution is often challenged by the judiciary's expanding role in legislative and executive domains. Highlighting the reasons, assess its impact on the functional separation between various organs. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"The credibility of the electoral process rests on the autonomy and neutrality of the Election Commission. Do you think the Election Commission of India is facing credibility issues in sustaining public trust in electoral democracy? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Cooperative societies are integral to India's socio-economic development. Examine the governance and autonomy challenges faced by Multi-State Cooperative Societies (MSCSs) and discuss how the recent Multi-State Cooperative Societies (Amendment Act, 2023) seeks to address these issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"\"Weak institutional independence of Information Commissions has diluted the effectiveness of the Right to Information (RTI) regime.\" Discuss in the light of autonomy and independence of the Information Commissions. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"\"Civil services in India were envisioned as instruments of neutrality and efficiency, yet they are increasingly perceived as rigid and politicised.\" Examine the issues responsible for this perception and suggest corrective measures. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Despite consistent economic growth and social sector spending, India continues to perform poorly in global human development rankings. Examine the structural issues that inhibit equitable and inclusive human development. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"\"The expansion of BRICS offers opportunities for India to strengthen its voice in global economic governance.\" Discuss how India can leverage the BRICS Plus to advance the interests of the Global South. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"\"Act East Policy is as much about regional balancing as it is about economic diplomacy.\" Analyse this statement in the context of India's engagement with ASEAN amidst shifting power dynamics in the Indo-Pacific. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8022,"topper":"Sugandha Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/781770142252687b4750b386de5a9f2e/8/mts_2025_unchecked_gc25d1b47037_flt2507.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Even after a decade of Make in India, India's manufacturing sector has remained a weak spot in its growth story. How can India fundamentally reset its manufacturing sector to utilise its potential in GDP growth and job creation? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Indian startups, despite showing great potential, have not scaled up on innovation. Discuss. Suggest measures for Indian startups to go up the value chain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Despite a robust Public Distribution System (PDS), food security remains a challenge to the Indian population. What are the deficiencies in the current PDS system? Suggest reforms to improve the system. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Discuss the key components of the recently launched Digital Agriculture Mission. How will this mission help in improving farmers' welfare? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What is the Axiom-4 mission? How will India's participation in the Axiom-4 mission help in bolstering India's human space programme? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Introduce the concept of precision medicine. Comment on the role of precision medicine in the treatment of rare and specific diseases. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss how the Biodiversity Act, 2002, and the recently notified Biological Diversity (Access and Benefit Sharing) Regulation, 2025, promote access and benefit sharing while ensuring the growth of traditional industries. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"Preparedness is the first step towards disaster risk reduction\". In this context, assess the role of the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) in strengthening disaster preparedness and early warning systems in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"How does the long maritime border of India present immense internal security challenges? Suggest measures to address these challenges. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Despite decline in terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir, Over Ground Workers (OGWs) and proxy militant groups continue to pose a serious threat to India's internal security. What strategies can be adopted to neutralize these threats? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"\"Infrastructure development is a key driver of accelerated and inclusive economic growth\". Highlighting the importance of infrastructure investment in achieving long-term growth, discuss India's successes and failures in stimulating infrastructure-led growth in the economy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"What are the responsibilities of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC)? How effective has the RBI's monetary policy initiatives been to broaden economic recovery whilst maintaining a sustainable inflation rate? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"What are the opportunities and challenges of the food processing industry in India? Why has the overall private investment remained low in the industry despite immense potential? Suggest measures. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Micro-irrigation systems can revolutionize Indian agriculture, but adoption remains limited. In this context, discuss how micro-irrigation can help in sustainable water management. What are the barriers to its widespread adoption? Suggest measures to overcome them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"'With the development of advanced chips like Majorana 1 and Willow, quantum computers are no longer a theory but a reality'. What are the principles of quantum computing? How does the National Quantum Mission help in scaling up quantum technologies in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Wetlands play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, yet they face several anthropogenic and climate-related threats. Discuss. What steps have been undertaken by the Government of India to conserve and promote wetlands? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"In spite of being preventable, stampedes due to improper crowd control mechanisms continue to claim lives in India. Discuss the underlying causes of such disasters. What institutional and technological measures can be taken for efficient crowd management?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"With the rapid digitalization of Indian society, cyber crimes like digital arrest have also increased. Highlighting the major elements of cybersecurity, Discuss the measures needed to strengthen India's cybersecurity infrastructure.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":55,"question":"Illegal immigration poses a threat to India's democracy, sovereignty, and internal security. In light of this statement, discuss how the recently passed Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, helps in effectively addressing the issue of illegal immigration. What are the constitutional and potential human rights challenges associated with the Act? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8023,"topper":"Sugandha Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/cc80e7c81f00eaa4f15f78533b4a4ad5/5/mts_2025_unchecked_gc25d1b47037_flt2511.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"How far do you think the recent proposals to reform India's tax structure will help in improving India's tax buoyancy and base? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"How do the rising trends of economic nationalism and protectionism affect India's global trade competitiveness? What recent measures has India taken to navigate these challenges? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Examine the role of Integrated Farming System (IFM) in improving agricultural productivity and minimizing the environmental impact of agriculture. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"In recent years, Indian agriculture has been witnessing a transformation towards better productivity and improved farmer incomes. What institutional and structural reforms have been undertaken by the Government to make agriculture more rewarding and sustainable? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How do Air Defence systems work? What are the various air-defence systems that India currently possesses? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the potential of RNA editing in treating genetic disorders. What are its advantages over DNA editing? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Urban areas are more vulnerable to disasters due to unplanned growth and infrastructure collapses. Discuss. What strategies do you recommend to enhance urban resilience to such disasters? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Despite its criticality for the success of the Swachha Bharat Mission, solid waste management in India remains at a sub-optimal level. In this context, suggest long-term technological and institutional solutions towards effective solid-waste management. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"Social media has emerged as a new frontier in modern warfare, shaping narratives, influencing perceptions, and impacting national security\". In this context, analyse the role of social media in contemporary conflicts. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The Border Security Force (BSF) has evolved significantly in its jurisdiction as well as its strategic importance in border management and the internal security framework. Explain the role and mandate of BSF. What are the issues BSF faces while operating in the border States? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"India's growth story is marred by persistent challenges of inequality and the middle-income -trap. Discuss. Highlight the approaches India should follow to escape the middle-income trap and ensure inclusive and sustainable economic growth. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"MSMEs are central to the success of the Make in India initiative, yet they face challenges in scaling up and integrating into formal supply chains. Discuss. Suggest structural reforms needed to make MSMEs more resilient and competitive. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"\"The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) aims to achieve 'more crop per drop', yet irrigation efficiency in India remains suboptimal.\" Critically analyse. What reforms are needed to strengthen its implementation? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"The rising import of oilseeds and pulses has made their cultivation unremunerative. In the light of this statement, elucidate the steps needed to promote the production and consumption of oilseeds and pulses in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Explain the scientific principles behind cloud seeding. Highlighting its role in alleviating air pollution and global warming, discuss its potential limitations. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Give an account of the evolution of India's 3-Stage Nuclear Power Programme. What are the advantages and strategic imperatives of realising the thorium-based third stage? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Recent studies indicate that the 2014-2024 decade is the warmest decade and 2024 is the warmest year on record. In the light of rapid global warming, what are the impacts of climate change on biodiversity? Discuss the measures needed to ensure ecological resilience and conservation of species diversity. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Forest fires in India are increasing in frequency and intensity, posing severe ecological and economic challenges. Describe the various causes of forest fires. What measures are followed to prevent and manage forest fires in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"What are organized crimes? Discuss the linkages between organized crime and terrorism. How do such linkages pose internal security challenges to India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"India's north-eastern region is fraught with contentious issues and security challenges. Examine the various security challenges currently prevailing in the region. Discuss the steps to counter these challenges. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8024,"topper":"Sugandha Gupta","air":207,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/781770142252687b4750b386de5a9f2e/19/mts_2025_unchecked_gc25d1b47037_flt2503.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8025,"topper":"Sugandha Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/cc80e7c81f00eaa4f15f78533b4a4ad5/29/mts_2025_unchecked_gc25d1b47037_eef2506.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Core public service values such as integrity, empathy, and impartiality are often shaped well before an individual enters the civil service. Analyse the role of family, society, and educational institutions in the moral development of future public servants. Illustrate how these early influences can shape ethical conduct in public administration. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Human attitudes and behaviours are often shaped more by social context than by rational argument. What influence and persuasion strategies can public servants use to overcome resistance and increase citizen participation in public welfare programs? Support your answer with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"In a complex and emotionally charged administrative environment, emotional intelligence is emerging as a critical skill. Discuss its relevance to ethical decision-making and relationship-building in public administration, particularly in conflict resolution and stakeholder engagement. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Public officials are stewards of taxpayer resources, not mere executors of budgets. Discuss the ethical principles that should guide the utilisation of public funds. How can public servants balance pressure to meet expenditure targets with the need for transparency, accountability, and long-term public value? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"In public service, ethical legitimacy depends not only on what is delivered, but how it is delivered. What ethical values should guide the delivery of public services? Explain their significance in shaping effective and morally responsible service delivery. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Climate responsibility is not just an environmental imperative but a test of the global moral conscience. Discuss the ethical considerations that should guide how climate burdens are shared among nations with unequal historical contributions and current capabilities. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Public servants are often expected to follow institutional directives. But what if those directives lead to unethical outcomes? How should a civil servant respond when official orders conflict with personal moral judgment? Discuss with reference to ethical responsibility in hierarchical systems. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"Public officials are often evaluated more on outcomes than on ethical intent.\" Critically examine this approach by comparing consequentialist and duty-based ethical frameworks. Which of these offers a more appropriate basis for assessing conduct in public administration? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"What measures, legal or institutional, can be put in place to protect both whistle-blowers and the public interest? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Neutrality ensures fairness in public service, but public servants must also uphold constitutional values such as justice, equality, and inclusion. Discuss the ethical dilemmas that arise when neutrality conflicts with constitutional values. How can such tensions be navigated responsibly? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context? \"Morality is not properly the doctrine how we should make ourselves happy, but how we should become worthy of happiness.\" Kant (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":35,"question":"Your District Magistrate informally advises you to delay the disclosure \"until we sort things out internally.\" At the same time, citizen protests have begun outside your office, and the State Information Commission has sent a reminder to respond within 48 hours. You find yourself in a serious situation with no clear way out. Questions: (a) Identify the ethical issues and administrative challenges in the above case. (b) What are the options available to resolve the ethical and administrative challenges? (c) What would be your chosen course of action? Justify. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"You are posted as the Chief Development Officer (CDO) of a district, responsible for approving contracts under a rural employment and infrastructure scheme. One of the contracts involves a road construction project in a remote village. The estimated cost is Rs 80 lakh, and bids have been invited through the standard tender process. Among the shortlisted contractors is your brother-in-law, who runs a mid-sized construction firm. His bid is technically sound and financially competitive - second-lowest among the bidders, but backed by a stronger execution record in similar terrain. There is no legal bar to his participation, as his firm is registered, pre-qualified, and you are not part of the tender evaluation committee. However, as the approving authority, your signature is required on the final award. Your District Magistrate casually remarks, \"Let the committee decide technically - no need to overthink personal links unless there's a red flag.\" You also receive an indirect message from a senior political figure, noting that \"supporting the right people at the right time\" often helps in ensuring smooth postings. Around the same time, a local journalist approaches your office asking whether any relatives of senior officials are involved in the tender, referencing past incidents of cronyism in the district. Awarding the contract to your brother-in-law may be procedurally clean, but it risks appearing biased and damaging public trust. Recusing yourself could delay implementation and draw attention to the relationship. Remaining silent could later be seen as unethical if the issue becomes public. Questions: (a) Identify the ethical issues and dilemmas in the above case. (b) What are the options available to resolve the issues? (c) What would be your chosen course of action? Justify your response using relevant public service values. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Questions: (a) Identify the ethical issues and dilemmas in the above case. (b) What are the options available to resolve the issues? (c) What would be your chosen course of action? Justify your response using relevant public service values. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"You are posted as the Principal Secretary of Industries in a state known for its aggressive promotion of private investment. A well-known conglomerate has set up multiple large projects in your state over the past five years \\u2013 including manufacturing hubs, logistics parks, and mining operations. The projects have received fast-tracked approvals and public praise for boosting employment. Recently, you receive a confidential report from a mid-level officer raising serious red flags: several units under this conglomerate may have flouted labour welfare norms, waste disposal regulations, and contractor payment obligations. The report includes internal emails, site photographs showing poor waste management, and a list of contractors alleging delayed payments. It recommends a discreet fact-finding inquiry before the next round of investment approvals. However, your political leadership is pushing for more investment from the same group and expects a \\u201csupportive environment\\u201d for business. Informally, you\\u2019re told that raising these issues now would \\u201csend the wrong signal\\u201d to investors and damage the state\\u2019s image as business-friendly. You\\u2019re also warned that this conglomerate has high-level connections and has \\u201cdelivered for the state\\u201d in the past. Some officers in your department privately admit that this kind of adjustment is \\u201ccommon practice\\u201d and that \\u201cinvestors don\\u2019t like scrutiny.\\u201d Others feel silence amounts to enabling unethical behaviour. The issue has not yet reached the media or judiciary \\u2013 but the internal report is on your desk. You are now faced with a dilemma: ignore the early warnings to maintain the investment climate, or act pre-emptively and risk political and institutional pushback. (a) - (b) ? (c) - , ? 20 Questions: (a) Identify the ethical concerns and value tensions involved in the above case. (b) What are the possible courses of action available to you? (c) What would be your chosen course of action, and how would you justify it in light of public interest and ethical governance? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The misinformation is being amplified by local self-help group leaders and panchayat members, some of whom were earlier earning commissions from routing applications under other schemes. Their resistance is subtle but coordinated: warnings in meetings, group messages, and even refusals to distribute enrollment forms. Your field staff are demoralized. Your Public Relations Officer says that publicly debunking the fake clip may backfire, citing past cases where denial reinforced suspicion. The state nodal officer unofficially suggests \"letting it die down\" until the next quarter's outreach cycle. Meanwhile, your internal report identifies 3 specific officials who were lax in countering early misinformation–and a fourth who may be linked to its spread, though no direct evidence exists. You must now decide whether to publicly confront the campaign, initiate disciplinary action, and risk administrative friction–or focus on quiet, grassroots re-engagement to rebuild trust over time. Questions: (a) What are the core ethical and administrative challenges in this case? (b) How should public officials balance truth-telling, public trust, and communication strategy in the face of organised misinformation? (c) What are the ethical risks of choosing silence or passive correction in such contexts? (d) What would be your approach to restoring trust in the scheme while upholding transparency and institutional integrity? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"You are the District Magistrate (DM) of a region where the government has approved a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) aimed at promoting industrial development. While the project promises jobs and infrastructure, it has faced resistance from several farming communities, particularly those alleging inadequate compensation, lack of consultation, and exclusion of tenant farmers. Your administration has conducted multiple outreach sessions and compensation drives. Still, around 200 small and marginal farmers have refused to give consent, citing unfair valuation and procedural opacity. In an effort to defuse tensions, you personally visit a key village known for resistance. As you begin speaking to the assembled crowd, slogans erupt. Farmers accuse the administration of \"selling them out.\" Midway through the dialogue, tempers flare. Stones are thrown—one hits your vehicle. Your security detail urges you to evacuate. Later, some officers argue for lodging FIRs against the perpetrators. Local media circulates footage with headlines like \"DM forced to flee by angry farmers.\" You’re torn. You understand the emotion behind the outrage, but you also worry that leaving without dialogue may be seen as retreat. Filing FIRs might reinforce authority, but could permanently erode community trust and stall the project. Your staff is shaken and morale is low. The state leadership provides no direct instruction, only urging that the matter be handled \"sensitively, without derailing the investment process.\" You must now take a quick call before the issue escalates. Questions: (a) What emotional and ethical challenges does this situation present for a public servant in a leadership role? (b) How can emotional intelligence guide your response to the farmers' anger and your team's fear and frustration? (c) What would be your approach to rebuilding trust, maintaining order, and advancing the negotiation process? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":60,"question":"You are serving as the Mission Director for a flagship education and adolescent health initiative, co-funded by the national government and an internationally reputed philanthropic foundation. The donor's support—amounting to nearly 60% of the project budget—has enabled rapid scale-up, media coverage, and recognition for your state as a national model. Three years into implementation, your team prepares to release the first independent impact assessment, conducted by a government-approved academic body. The draft report shows that while enrolment and awareness have improved, some key health indicators remain stagnant. It also notes significant local pushback in certain tribal regions due to perceived cultural insensitivity in messaging and delivery. Before the public release, donor representatives request a private meeting. They express \"concern\" about the report's tone, suggesting it may jeopardize global funding visibility and \"dampen momentum.\" You're urged to \"reframe the findings\" to highlight positive indicators and remove references to resistance. In exchange, the donor promises a multi-year renewal and access to a global innovation grant. Around the same time, the Health Minister's office reaches out informally, hinting that the \"partnership is too important to let academic technicalities slow us down.\" You also learn that the donor is negotiating similar MOUs with other states—your pushback could cost your state future leverage and recognition. Your internal team is divided: some believe \"development diplomacy\" requires flexibility; others argue that allowing narrative control undermines data integrity and public accountability. You found yourself in an unusual decision making situation. Questions: (a) What ethical issues are involved in this case? (b) What are the options available to you in the above situation? (c) Evaluate your options and justify the course of action chosen by you. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":61,"question":"Questions: (a) Identify the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) What are the options available to you in the above situation? (c) Evaluate the options and justify your chosen course of action. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":8026,"topper":"Sugandha Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/cc80e7c81f00eaa4f15f78533b4a4ad5/1/mts_2025_unchecked_gc25d1b47037_flt2512.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"\"Duty forms the cornerstone of administrative ethics, yet without integration of other ethical perspectives, it risks becoming mechanical compliance.\" Discuss how the interplay of duty, virtue, principle, and consequences can enrich ethical decision-making in public administration. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"The strength of a professional public service lies in its ability to remain non-partisan, even in a deeply political environment.\" Do you agree that partisanship undermines the ethical foundation of public administration? Discuss the risks posed by political bias among civil servants and the safeguards that help uphold neutrality. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"In situations of moral ambiguity, where formal rules fall short, emotional intelligence and conscience become crucial tools. Explain how these internal faculties help public servants navigate ethical grey zones. Support with a suitable example. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"The heart of the ethical dilemma is not the absence of values but the presence of competing responsibilities.\" Discuss how ethical dilemmas in public administration often emerge from the clash of legitimate obligations rather than moral ambiguity. Illustrate with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"The growing layers of oversight, media scrutiny, and public expectations have made accountability a double-edged sword for public servants.\" Do you agree that excessive accountability pressure can sometimes hinder ethical judgment and innovation in the bureaucracy? Explain your perspective with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"Family, society, and education do not merely transmit values they shape the ethical foundation of public life.\" Discuss how these institutions influence value formation in public servants. Why is the role of these institutions critical in strengthening ethical governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"Gandhian ethics emphasize purity of means, truth, and moral courage even when outcomes are uncertain.\" Critically evaluate whether such absolutist ethics are compatible with the demands of modern public administration, where administrative realism and pragmatism are often necessary. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"Procurement decisions are a litmus test of public sector probity, where integrity must resist both institutional pressures and private influence.\" Discuss how the principles of transparency, fairness, and accountability can strengthen ethical conduct in public procurement. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"Attitudes, shaped by personal beliefs and values, influence the ethical behaviour of public servants.\" Explain how moral and political attitudes impact administrative neutrality and integrity in public service. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"\"Foreign aid is often framed as generosity, but its ethical legitimacy depends on fairness, accountability, and respect for sovereignty.\" Explain the ethical concerns associated with conditional foreign aid. How can donor countries uphold recipient autonomy while ensuring transparency and developmental impact? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context? (a) \"Good government...depends...(on) the qualities of the human beings composing the society over which the government is exercised.\" J S Mill (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":34,"question":"What are the ethical considerations involved in this budget allocation decision?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"How can administrators ensure equitable development while maintaining working relationships with elected representatives? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"You are posted as the Deputy Director (Training) at a state administrative academy. Among the current batch of officer trainees is a probationer known for initiative and strong opinions on social justice and governance. Over the past few weeks, the probationer has been posting commentary on current affairs on his public social media account. While not abusive or inflammatory, his posts openly criticise: Certain welfare schemes as \"tokenistic,\" The inaction of state agencies in recent communal incidents, And call for \"civil resistance\" to regressive laws. Screenshots of his posts have circulated in the department. Some senior officers consider the posts politically charged and believe they undermine the principle of neutrality and decorum expected of civil servants. Others argue he is still under training and needs mentorship, not discipline. You are informally asked by the Director General to \"speak to him\" and submit a recommendation on whether formal action is warranted. The probationer, when confronted, says: \"I posted as a citizen, not as a government mouthpiece. I'm entitled to express myself. My views don't affect my professional objectivity.\" There's growing debate in the academy: Where does personal liberty end and institutional responsibility begin? Is there space for moral conviction in service, and must officers conform fully to institutional restraint even in their private lives? 1. What are the key ethical and professional concerns in this situation? 2. As his mentor, what are your options in addressing the issue? 3. What would be your recommended course of action, and why? 4. How can civil servants balance personal expression with the demands of neutrality and public accountability? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the key ethical issues in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"How can civil servants uphold integrity when informal hierarchies and peer pressure discourage ethical action? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"What are the ethical concerns involved in the allocation of CSR funds in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"How would you assess the competing pressures of organizational politics and public interest?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"What decision would you take, and how would you justify it ethically and professionally? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"What are the administrative and ethical issues involved in the case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"How can senior civil servants uphold neutrality and fairness in politically sensitive postings without inviting retaliation or appearing insubordinate? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":60,"question":"Several NGOs and urban policy experts point out that the land had remained vacant for decades, with no alternative use pursued or development plan executed until the recent PIL. They also raise concerns that no rehabilitation policy has been activated, despite a clear state commitment under its urban housing scheme. The situation is tense: - A local MLA supports immediate clearance, citing “respect for the rule of law and infrastructure development.” - Media and civil society are sharply divided; some demand swift implementation, others condemn the potential humanitarian fallout. - Your team awaits instruction. Some suggest delaying until an in-principle rehabilitation commitment is secured. Others urge immediate compliance to \"avoid contempt\" You are now faced with a critical choice: obeying the court order as is, or seeking space to align legal compliance with ethical obligations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"What are the core ethical challenges involved in executing the eviction in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"How should a public servant reconcile legal mandates with humanitarian obligations in contexts of informal urban settlements?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8027,"topper":"Sugandha Gupta","air":207,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/cc80e7c81f00eaa4f15f78533b4a4ad5/24/mts_2025_unchecked_gc25d1b47037_eef2505.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8028,"topper":"Sugandha Gupta","air":207,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/13/mts_2025_unchecked_gc25d1b47037_flt2504.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8029,"topper":"Suharsha Bhagat","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b4809-suharsha-bhagat_5_2014_gs_booklet_3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Even years after its introduction, the ability of Citizen's Charters in improving the efficiency of public services and making governments more accountable, is found wanting in many areas. In context of this statement, mention the various lacunae in the formulation and implementation of citizen's charters in India and suggest how they can be addressed in light of the Sevottam model. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"For the success of Right to Information (RTI), a major challenge is to develop capacities for access to information. Discuss. How can the capacities of both public authorities and citizens be enhanced? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Define Work Culture. Suggest how an efficient work culture could be developed in the Indian scenario. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"If corruption exists even in rich, economically successful countries, why should developing countries like India be worried about it? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Is behaviour always a reflection of one's attitude? Explain with relevant examples. (100 words)","marks":null,"words":"100"},{"page":24,"question":"Empathy is not only an important ingredient but also an indicator of one's emotional intelligence. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Why do people obey orders, which they know are ethically wrong? (100 words)","marks":null,"words":"100"},{"page":32,"question":"Bring out what this statement means to you in the present context: \"There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but he must take it because conscience tells him it is right.\" - Martin Luther King (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":36,"question":"You are a young DM in a district, which is seeing rapid mushrooming of private Drug de-addiction centres. The centres are known to function in an unethical manner and their business model involves a specific consideration for cases of relapse victims. Although these centres charge at high rates, they are known to give families of addicts hope and institutionalisation of addicts has ensured maintenance of law and order, not seen in neighbouring districts. Analyse the following options for their positive and negative impact on the various stakeholders of the society. (a) Shutting down of the private rehab centres altogether","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"Evaluate all of these options and suggest the best course of action with reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"Sandhya recently completed her B.Com and was extremely excited to be hired for her dream job working for a Public Sector Bank. During her initial days, she began to notice that funds from grants were being mismanaged and misallocated. Some of her co-workers were also using bank property materials, including cars, for personal business. However, Sandhya was most shocked by the hiring practices she witnessed at the office. Applicants to the jobs were supposed to take exams that were invigilated by bank employees. Sandhya began to notice that the invigilators were allowing applicants to cheat on the tests because the applicants had already been chosen for the job. Many of these pre-chosen applicants were friends of current employees. Sandhya reported what she witnessed to Mahesh, the Branch Assistant Manager, who was second-in-command to the Branch Manager. Mahesh told her, \"You heard nothing, you saw nothing, and you say nothing.\" Sandhya was absolutely shocked; not only by the corruption, but that it was 1. What are the options available to Sandhya?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"Evaluate each of these options and choose the option you would adopt, giving reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"What are the options available to Kathi?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Evaluate each of these options and choose the option, which you recommend Kathi to adopt giving reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":61,"question":"You are a young reporter who has unearthed the case of the government secretly pledging gold to a foreign country. Reporting of the said activity would trigger a downward spiral for the economy as trust in the government would decrease, domestic and foreign investors will pull out investments from the country. The reporting of the incident would definitely improve your career prospects. You are still to share this information with anybody. What will you do and why?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8030,"topper":"Suharsha Bhagat","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/dc273-suharsha-bhagat_5_2014_gs_booklet_2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by Monetary Policy Trilemma? How can it be resolved in Indian context?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"What is inflation targeting? Describe the major recommendations of the Urjit Patel Committee for it. ?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"India is being accused of sabotaging the trade facilitation agreement with its rigid stance on the issue of public stockholding of food grains. Bring out the major reasons for India's stand at WTO negotiations related to the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). Do you think India's stand was justified?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"\"Unspent provisions in a grant or appropriation indicate either poor budgeting or shortfall in performance or both\". Elaborate this statement in the context of budgeting in India. Also suggest few remedies to overcome it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"An efficient financial system is regarded as an essential prerequisite for higher economic growth. In this context, elaborate on the recommendation given by FSLRC for strengthening the Financial Sector in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"PPP based infrastructure projects have displayed good progress in some sectors, whereas limited success in others. Substantiate. Also explain the various challenges being faced by them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Rational energy prices provide the right signal to both producers and consumers and also lead to a demand-supply match. Highlight the steps taken by the government for rationalizing the energy prices in different sectors.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"The National Land Reforms Policy 2013 focuses on those aspects of land reforms, which if implemented in true letter and spirit will have the potential to tilt the balance in favor of the landless and poor. Critically Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"What are the sources of Irrigation in India? Mention the contribution of each source in the total irrigation capacity and their geographical distribution.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"One of the principal aims of improving agricultural marketing is to make agriculture more viable for the small farmers in India. In the above context, comment on the strengths and weaknesses of Cooperative and Contract farming in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"There is an urgent need to put into effect an expenditure switch from subsidies to investment in order to lift Indian agriculture from its current stagnation. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":55,"question":"The sustainability of Public Distribution System is a matter of concern.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":59,"question":"\"Compared to animal husbandry's contribution to the Indian economy, the sector has received much less resources and institutional support.\" Analyse the above statement in the light of challenges faced by livestock sector in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":64,"question":"What is the role of forward and backward integration in ensuring success of Supply Chain Management in the Indian Food-Processing industry?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8031,"topper":"Suharsha Bhagat","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/97fba-suharsha-bhagat_5_2014_gs_booklet_1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Describe the salient features, which characterize tropical cyclones. Why, with only about 6% of world tropical cyclones, the Indian sub-continent is one of the worst cyclone affected areas of the world?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"Explain the issue of 'Loss and Damage' with respect to UNFCC climate talks. Also examine the demand for creation of a third pillar in UNFCC deliberations, in addition to the two pillars of mitigation and adaptation, associated with loss and damage demands.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"'Ozone depletion and the formation of Polar Ozone Holes doesn't lead to a further warming of the troposphere, but to a slight cooling.' Explain.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Do you agree that there is a drive towards increasing use of fossil fuels after the Fukushima nuclear disaster? Discuss the availability of coal in the world and in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"What is greenhouse effect and what gases are responsible for it? Describe the potential social, economic and environmental impacts of the continued increase in greenhouse gases.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"What are the types and sources of air pollution and how does it affect living organisms? List a few measures to control air pollution.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"What are ocean currents? How do they affect the climate of coasts? Illustrate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"Differentiate between Risk Assessment and Risk Evaluation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Despite Disaster Management Authority being institutionalized in 2005, it has failed to develop sufficient capacity in preparedness as well as relief and rescue operations. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"What do you understand by shifting of wind belts? Illustrate their impact on climate of a region.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"What do you understand by the phenomenon of 'coral bleaching'? Discuss the threats that corals are facing.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":55,"question":"Do you agree that multinational companies are shifting their center of gravity towards Asia? Comment with justification.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Elaborate on the measures that can be taken to mitigate the effect of tsunamis. What global mechanisms are in place for providing early warning related to tsunamis? What are the different technologies used for detecting the presence of tsunami waves?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":65,"question":"Critically analyze the factors for the centralization of IT industry in India.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8032,"topper":"Sujawal Jagga","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SUJAWAL-JAGGA-UPSC-2023-Rank-137-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"It was neither her Coal and Iron reserves, nor the inventions of steam engine and cotton mills, but her democracy and rule of law that made Britain the epicentre of Industrial Revolution. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"In its extent, reach, and revolutionary zeal, Civil Disobedience Movement has a unique place in India's freedom struggle. Elucidate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"How will you explain that Vaishnavism and Shaivism as followed in medieval India represent both local traditions and universal ideals? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What do you understand from land subsidence? Explaining various reasons behind land subsidence, recommend measures to arrest the calamity. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Examining the reasons behind erratic Monsoon, highlight the possible outcomes of the same. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Explore and evaluate the impact of new technologies on Indian society. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Why did Hinduism-which amalgamated and absorbed almost every diverse faith, tradition, belief and practice that arose from within or outside, within its fold-failed to assimilate Islamic cultural beliefs and practices? Give reasons. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Elucidate the differences between Western and Indian model of secularism. To what extent do you agree with the criticism that Indian model of secularism is susceptible to promoting minority appeasement? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"With special reference to India, elucidate how globalisation-a multifaceted phenomenon-has had positive socio-economic outcomes on one hand and widened the gaps between the haves and have nots on the other? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Dravidian temple architecture that came of age during the rule of the Pallavas, could reach its zenith only at the time of the imperial Cholas. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the reasons why pre-independence women movements were led by men. Also analyse the contribution of women-led socio-economic movements in post-independence India in mainstreaming and successfully redressing the concerns of women. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Discuss the causes for salinity ingress along with its various consequences and potential solutions. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The economic and strategic significance of mineral wealth of a country cannot be seen in isolation from the associated socio-ecological impacts of their extraction. Discuss in light of the newfound lithium reserves in Northern India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Explain the mechanism and occurrence of earthquake. With the help of map given below, throw light upon the vulnerability of regions affected by earthquake and earthquake related disasters. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Enumerating different types of tides highlight their significance. Also, explain how tides are different from waves. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"In the contemporary times, the conventional conceptualization of the institution of marriage as well as family is facing evolutionary changes. Do you agree? Justify. To what extent have the state and market played a role in this? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Bring out the reasons and consequences of the spurt in child marriages in recent years. What steps can be taken beyond the legal realms to tackle the menace? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Examine the reasons behind generation of regional sentiments? Do you agree that regional sentiments and cultural assertiveness may lead to the issue of separatism? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8033,"topper":"Sujawal Jagga","air":137,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/969eb-464430_1420_sujawal_jagga_rank_137.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8034,"topper":"Sujawal Jagga","air":137,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a54ca-464430_1516_sujawal_jagga_rank_137.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8035,"topper":"Sujit Shankar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/82dec-76172_1237_sujit-shankar_rank_122.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"Democratic processes and practices in India have refashioned caste in multiple ways. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Globalization has been a significant force in shaping the contemporary education system in India in both positive and negative ways. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The lack of clarity over what constitutes an urban area encourages haphazard development pattern in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The changing employment landscape across the globe makes it imperative that vocational education be integrated with the school curriculum in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Communalism in India is fuelled by socio-economic disparities and politicization of identities. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are the factors due to which Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) remain one of the most backward groups in India? Highlight the steps taken by the government for their upliftment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Given the scale of internal migration in India, highlight the challenges faced by migrants. In this context, discuss the need for a National Policy on Migration. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Examine the contemporary trends and reasons for change in the traditional family structure in India. Discuss the reforms needed in the existing social security protection measures in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What are the various challenges that persons with disabilities face in living a dignified life? Suggest some measures for ensuring their effective participation in society. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"India is currently facing \"triple burden\" of undernutrition, overnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies. Examine the reasons and suggest some measures for combating them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The strategy for combating poverty in India must rest on both effective implementation of anti-poverty programmes and employment intensive economic growth. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Critically examine the impact of globalization on rural society in India. Also delineate some strategies for tapping the opportunities offered by globalization. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Patriarchy is not mere economic dependence but also operates in cultural habits and dominates the minds of males and females equally. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Indian society in ancient, medieval and modern times always exhibited an underlying unity that created a composite culture, which is decisively pan-Indian in nature. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8036,"topper":"Sujit Shankar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/36af0-76172_1247_sujit-shankar_rank_122.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Mention the structure and functions of NITI Aayog. Also, comment on its contemporary relevance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Critically discuss the practice of setting up Fast Track Courts to reduce pendency of cases in the judiciary. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the challenges faced by lower judiciary in India and suggest measures for enhancing their productivity. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Assess the need to formalise the process of post-legislative scrutiny to improve the effectiveness of laws. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in improving the effectiveness of e-governance in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Despite various reforms in the public grievance redressal mechanisms, their effectiveness remain limited. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Explaining the factors that contribute to trafficking of women and children in India, highlight the steps taken in recent times to combat it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"With Vector-Borne Diseases (VBDs) reaching epidemic proportions in India, highlight the factors that have led to their emergence. Also, suggest some measures for their effective control and management. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"After years of neglect, rapidly evolving regional strategic realities are now forcing India and Indonesia to coordinate their policies ever more closely. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Despite several attempts at resetting the ties, various barriers continue to be a cause of concern in the India-Nepal bilateral relations. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Delineate the differences between pressure groups and interest groups. Citing examples, elaborate on the ways in which pressure groups influence government decisions and policy making in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlighting the issues faced by the institutions of local self governance in India, suggest measures that can be taken to improve their effectiveness in the delivery of public goods and services at the grassroot level. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The recent amendment to the Right to Information Act, 2005 will weaken the act and undermine the authority of Information Commissioners. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight the process of delimitation in India. Also, throw light on the debates surrounding the delimitation exercise in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Self Help Groups (SHGs) are vehicles of rural development, which help in the upliftment of marginalized groups. Elucidate. Further, mention the constraints faced by SHGs and how they can be addressed. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"With construction of toilets being only one part of the solution for a clean India, it is time that the Swachh Bharat Mission puts more emphasis on the other facets as well. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Highlight the salient features of Mission Indradhanush. What are the challenges that the mission is facing in its implementation? Suggest measures to address these challenges for progressing towards full immunization coverage. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Assess the importance of skilling in light of changing economic and demographic structure in India. In this regard, how far has the Skill India Mission succeeded in its mandate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What according to you are the reasons that motivated India to create a dedicated Indo-Pacific division in the MEA recently? Also, highlight the challenges for India in the Indo-Pacific region. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"For SCO to become a successful regional grouping, it has to overcome bilateral differences between its members and their respective geopolitical calculations. Comment. Also, discuss the role that SCO can play in enhancing India's interest in the Eurasian region. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8037,"topper":"Sujit Shankar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1c443-76172_1242_sujit-shankar_rank_122.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Tribal art in India generally reflects the creative energy found in rural areas that acts as an undercurrent to the craftsmanship. Explain with reference to the Worli and Gond paintings. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Though it had its achievements, the exclusion of Indians from the system was a key feature of judicial reforms introduced by Cornwallis. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Marshall Plan was important in the recovery of the European states from the aftermath of the Second World War. However, it also became a crucial factor in the creation of two Europes i.e. East and West. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Examine the causes behind the existence of bonded labour in contemporary India. Also, discuss the steps that should be taken for its redress. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"State the factors that enhance the risk for initiation or continuation of abuse of drugs by the youth. What measures can be taken to address this issue? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Critically analyze the impact of globalization on culture in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"How do increasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions impact coastal and marine ecosystems? Highlight various measures that can be taken for protection and restoration of such vulnerable ecosystems. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Explain the phenomenon of a Polar Vortex. Also, comment on the reasons as to why tropical areas as south as Florida have been witnessing sub-zero temperatures in recent years. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The most powerful trend of medieval Indian literature is devotional poetry which dominates almost all the major languages of the country. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Discuss the major changes introduced by the Government of India Act, 1919 and its significance as a historical landmark in the Indian freedom struggle. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Multiple factors allowed the British to gain control over India. In this context, highlighting the main developments, trace the course of British conquest of India from 1757 to 1856. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"With India becoming increasingly urban and the urban poor increasing in number, it is imperative that the challenges they face be addressed urgently. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Violations of women's sexual and reproductive health rights are often deeply engrained in societal values and traditions. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by the term Land Degradation Neutrality? Highlight its significance and the steps required to achieve it. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"State the geographical and economic importance of Hindukush-Himalayan region. How are the critical geographical features of this region changing and what possible consequences will it have? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What is the most accepted reasoning behind occurrence of earth's magnetism? Discuss the factors behind its variation temporally and spatially. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Explain Walker Circulation. Discuss how it influences Indian Monsoon. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8038,"topper":"Sujit Shankar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9084c-76172_1245_sujit-shankar_rank_122.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the attributes of leadership, analyse why it is important for a civil servant.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"A civil servant needs to be objective as well as empathetic. What do you understand by objectivity? Discuss its relationship with empathy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"With rapidly increasing use of information technology, what according to you is the role of ethics in cyber space?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Transparency in government organisations is an essential pre-condition for good governance. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but its lowest ones. Nelson Mandela","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"For achieving success, attitude is equally, if not more important than ability. Discuss with the help of examples from your daily life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"The core of high Emotional Intelligence is self-awareness. If you don't understand your own motivations and behaviours, it is nearly impossible to develop an understanding of others. Discuss with the help of appropriate examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by Integrity Pacts? Highlight the role they can play in bringing transparency in allotment of public contracts and ensuring proper utilization of public funds in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"In the context of rapid technological change, discuss the significance of inculcating moral and spiritual values in educational institutions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Explain the main elements of integral humanism as propounded by Deen Dayal Upadhyay and highlight its contemporary relevance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate in a Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected district. The district has witnessed many instances of violence by the naxalites in the past. It has been observed that instances of violence increase as the elections approach. You, as a Returning Officer, are responsible for the smooth conduct of elections. Soon after the announcement of elections, the naxalites gave a call for their boycott and have been threatening people to stay away from them. The people of the district are eager to exercise their voting rights but are scared of the impending acts of violence. Further, with threat to their lives and a low expected turnout, the other electoral officers are also reluctant to go to these areas. In this context, answer the following: (a) Identify the civil service values that are crucial for working in such adversities. (b) Suggest a plan of action to ensure the conduct of free and fair elections in such a situation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate in a district, where many large factories and commercial establishments are located. One such factory is owned by one of your close friends. You visit each other's home frequently and are often seen in public together. Recently, media reported about poor working conditions in your friend's factory. Upon enquiry with the labor office, you come to know that the factory has witnessed frequent labour unrests in the past as well. However, the labour officer told you that he was hesitating to take any action due to your proximity with the owner of the factory. With reference to the facts of the case, answer the following questions: (a) Identifying the stakeholders and public cause, discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) As the District Magistrate, what appropriate course of action will you take? Give reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are a resident of a remote tribal district, where there is high incidence of malnutrition. As a remedial measure, the District Magistrate has initiated a programme to promote millet cultivation, especially on the lands currently lying fallow in the district. However, this well-intentioned move of the officer receives flak from the local tribals as this may not only change their age-old food habits, but also alter their traditional agricultural practices. They further cite lower remunerative prices of millets as another reason for continuing with their existing crop production pattern. As a civil servant aspirant, who has a keen interest in development of tribal areas, answer the following questions: (a) What according to you are the key issues and challenges involved in the above situation? (b) Identify the key stakeholders and their respective interests. (c) Suggest a course of action that the District Magistrate can take keeping in mind the larger tribal interests.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You have recently been posted as a District Labour Officer in a state, which derives a substantial revenue from tourism. You come to know that a big hotel in the area has not been paying wages as per the Minimum Wages Act. The hotel owner is a powerful local leader having contacts with many influential officials of the state. You have the power to take sou-moto cognizance of such violations and accordingly you initiate a preliminary enquiry into the matter. However, no worker is willing to come forward to lodge a formal complaint because they fear loss of employment. Meanwhile, your action has attracted notice of the higher authorities, and you are advised to drop the matter altogether. You are deeply concerned about the situation as it involves not only violation of the Minimum Wages Act but also denial of basic human rights of the worker. (a) Identify the issues involved in the given case. (b) Consider the options given below:","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Serve a notice to the hotel owner and initiate action as per your powers under the Minimum Wages Act. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each of these options and suggest your preferred course of action, giving reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"You are the Chairman of a Committee, constituted by the government, to suggest measures to improve the quality of education in state-run schools. In view of the increasing dropout rate and the widening gap between students' learning ability in state-run and private schools, answer the following questions: (a) Examine the role of government in the education sector, especially providing primary and secondary education through state-run schools. (b) Identify the principles and values that would guide your recommendations in this regard. (c) Suggest some ways in which quality of education in state-run schools can be improved.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8039,"topper":"Sukant Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0dc23-1225613_1838_sukant-jain_rank_244.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The Chalukyan architecture uniquely epitomises the grandeur and hybrid characteristic style of temple building. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The success or failure of a political movement is not always determined by the achievement of its stated goals. Discuss in light of the Ghadar movement. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss the ways in which Gandhian conceptualisation of Sarvodaya influenced Vinoba Bhave's Bhoodan movement. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Bring out the evidences, which led to the Plate Tectonics Theory. Also, discuss how this theory explains the movement of plates. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Give an account of the formation of Abyssal Plains and highlight the relief features found on these plains. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What are the geographical and climatic conditions required for tea cultivation? In this context, discuss the reasons for the introduction of tea cultivation in the Duars region of the Himalayas by the British. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Briefly bring out the distinction between flash droughts and conventional droughts. Also, examine the reasons behind the increasing vulnerability of India to flash droughts. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Though various initiatives have been taken to ensure social security for informal workers in India, there still exist gaps which need to be plugged. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Critically assess the government's move on raising the age of marriage of women in India from 18 to 21 years. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Reservation for locals in private sector has again brought the debate around regionalism into focus. In this context, examine whether regionalism is a threat to national integration. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Explain how agricultural surplus, growth of crafts and trade and growing population led to the second urbanisation in ancient India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"India of the 18th century failed to make progress economically, culturally and socially at a pace, which would have saved the country from collapse. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The withdrawal of the Civil Disobedience Movement triggered a two-stage debate on the strategic course of India's freedom struggle. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Throw light on the causes, course and outcomes of the Civil War, which followed the Russian Revolution. Also, bring out the reasons behind the Bolshevik victory. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What are Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs)? Highlighting the susceptibility of the Himalayan region to GLOFs, state the measures required to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Highlighting the importance of ice sheets, discuss the likely impact of their melting on the planet with special focus on India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are twin cyclones? Discuss the role of Rossby waves and Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) in their formation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Since independence, planning strategies for women's upliftment has evolved from welfare to development to empowerment. Elucidate. Also, discuss the role played by voluntary organizations in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How far do you agree with the view that globalisation has aggravated the challenges faced by the poor in India? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8040,"topper":"Sukh Ram","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3f503-370763_2211_sukh_ram_rank_448_watermark.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The Cholas are inextricably linked with the zenith of Dravidian art and architecture. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Among the major legacies of the Indian freedom movement, civil liberties formed an important one. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The Berlin Conference of 1884-85 in many ways set the ground for the scramble in Africa. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What is a cloudburst and what are its effects? Why are they more frequent in the Himalayan region? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Despite its potential, there are several challenges in the implementation of the Ken-Betwa Link Project. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Identify the issues related to production and supply of coal in India. How can these issues be addressed? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Present the geographical distribution of agro-based industries in India and discuss the challenges faced by them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The caste system continues to be one of the key drivers of poverty and inequality in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the issues faced by domestic workers in India. Also suggest measures that can be taken to empower them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Given the deeply gendered impact of population control measures, examine the need to rethink the current approach of population control measures in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Examine the impact of the Sramana tradition on the Vedic religion and its relation with the emergence of Jainism, Buddhism and Ajivika sects. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Giving a brief overview of the three Carnatic Wars, discuss the factors that led to the success of the British against the French in the struggle for control over India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Provide an account of the issues that led to a crisis in Punjab in the 1980s. Also, discuss the roadmap to peace that was eventually adopted. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Post-drift theories based on ocean floor mapping provided new dimensions to the study of distribution of oceans and continents. Elaborate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Explain the phenomenon of heat waves. Also, enumerate the conditions favourable for the development of heat waves in India and their associated health impacts. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Providing an account of distribution of rainforests across the world, mention their key characteristics. Also highlight the threats that are being faced by tropical rainforests. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Indian cities are not only mimicking the social and cultural structures of inequality and exclusion found in rural areas but are also creating fault lines for future conflicts. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Examine the multi-dimensional impact of globalisation on tribal development in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8041,"topper":"Sukh Ram","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d9393-370763_1836_sukh_ram_rank_448_watermark.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The PM-AASHA scheme is aimed at improving procurement mechanism as well as ensuring remunerative prices for farmers. In this context, highlight the various components of the scheme and discuss the concerns associated with it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Explaining the concept of blended finance, discuss the role it can play in mobilizing capital for infrastructure development in developing countries like India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss the challenges faced in the revival and revamp of dry ports in India and state the measures that can be adopted in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Monoculture is one of the major threats to ensuring food security and sustainability of Indian agriculture. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Aapda Mitra - a force of volunteers from across India trained in disaster response - is becoming a game changer in the field of disaster management in the country. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Why is the rise in lone wolf attacks considered as a serious challenge for security agencies around the world? Highlight the role of the internet in exacerbating such attacks. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The fundamental inefficiencies embedded in our military structures and processes are now being addressed through a slew of defence reforms in the country. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"In light of the recent establishment of the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in India, discuss the advantages and challenges in mainstreaming traditional medicine in the country. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Nano Urea Liquid has the potential to transform farming in India and across the world by improving productivity while reducing environmental pollution and input cost. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss the domino effect of high crude oil prices on the Indian economy. Also, enumerate the measures that India can take in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The consistent high operating ratio of the Indian Railways is indicative of its incapability to generate high operational surplus. Explain the reasons behind this trend. Also, highlight the remedial measures taken by the government in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Micro food processing sector is the key driver of growth in the Indian economy as it encourages food processing innovation. In this context, state the challenges faced by the micro food processing sector and discuss how the recent initiatives taken by the government aim to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Despite efforts by successive governments, equitable growth remains elusive and income inequality continues to persist in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Stating the factors that determine the employment situation of an economy in the long-term, discuss the measures that are needed for India to address its unemployment problem. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"In view of the rapidly increasing socio-economic damage caused by disasters, integrating Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) into development planning requires an effective stakeholder engagement mechanism. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Provide an account of the existing carbon trading mechanisms in India. Also, discuss the significance of an efficient carbon trading market in the country and state the challenges that currently exist. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The menace of drug trafficking in India has been on a rise due to a mix of factors, both internal and external. Discuss. Also, state the challenges posed by drug trafficking to India's national security. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The Andaman and Nicobar islands' strategic significance in the Indian Ocean region (IOR) has been underplayed by India's policy of 'masterly inactivity and benign neglect'. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India has recently commissioned the world's first large International Liquid-Mirror Telescope (ILMT). How will the newly commissioned telescope aid in India's astronomical observations and research? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8042,"topper":"Sukh Ram","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ef205-370763_1839_sukh_ram_rank_448_watermark.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"An independent umbrella body that brings the various central investigative agencies under one roof holds the key to shoring up their credibility. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the significance of the Doctrines of Pith and Substance and Colourable Legislation with respect to Centre-state relations in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Do you agree with the view that there should be simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and the State Legislative Assemblies in India? Discuss with suitable arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss the need for codification of parliamentary privileges in India, in light of the uncertainty and ambiguity around them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"While the Civil Services Board can be a step forward in making the Indian bureaucracy more effective, it has its own issues which need to be addressed. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Highlight the potential of India Digital Ecosystem Architecture (IndEA) 2.0 in transforming the ecosystem of service delivery in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What is Civil Registration System? Highlight its importance and discuss the measures taken by the government to bring about improvements in it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and Their Rehabilitation Act, 2013, provides an effective mechanism for empowerment of the intended beneficiaries in the society. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the reforms that must be undertaken to strengthen the World Trade Organisation in order to address the vulnerabilities in the present global trading system. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"State the significance of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Also, discuss the need for a legally binding Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Critically assess the role played by the National Human Rights Commission as a watchdog of human rights violations in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Discuss how the integration of information and communications technology (ICT) in the dispute resolution processes will help in overcoming the challenges associated with the functioning of courts and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) forums. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite various provisions concerning disqualification of legislators under The Representation of The People Act, 1951, the issue of criminalization of politics is still unresolved to a large extent in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"It is time for reforms, which recognise that urban local bodies (ULBs) need permanent, buoyant revenue sources to match the growing demands of an increasing urban population. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The role of the civil society organisations (CSOs) in India is changing in contemporary times and has become increasingly more complex. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Though the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) aims to address the inequity in development in India, there are a number of issues which plague the scheme. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Highlighting the factors responsible for the growth of EdTech sector in India in recent times, discuss its benefits. Also, state the concerns associated with it. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Bring out the role of Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers in delivering health services in rural India. Also, suggest the measures that can be taken to overcome the challenges faced by them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss the various concerns that have arisen for India after the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan. Also, suggest the measures that India should take in the given context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Bangladesh is not only a key part of India's \"Neighbourhood First policy\" but also crucial for the \"Act East policy\". In this context, discuss the steps taken by the two countries to strengthen their relationship. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8043,"topper":"Sukh Ram","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ef4cf-370763_2906_sukh_ram_rank_448_watermark.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"How can formal education in India counteract family-dependent learning biases and promote independent thinking? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Examine the ethical implications of whistleblowing in a work environment. How can a culture be developed that supports ethical reporting without fear of retribution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"How far have the conduct rules been able to ensure ethical conduct in civil services in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Access to information is a public right. In this context, bring out the key principles which should guide information sharing by the government. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What does the following quotation convey to you in the present context. \"Relativity applies to physics, not ethics\" - Albert Einstein (Answer in 150 words)10","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"The law is the public conscience\"- Thomas Hobbes (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"\"We come nearest to the great when we are great in humility.\" - Rabindranath Tagore (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Emotional intelligence is not exclusively an inherent quality, it can be nurtured and augmented over time. Do you agree? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What are the determinants of attitude? How can attitude be modified with persuasion? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Can war be ethical? Analyse in the context of international conflicts. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"How can Kautilya's 'Arthashastra' guide today's leaders in attaining ethical and effective governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"The desire to become a 'unicorn' has led to many start-ups abandoning good business practices. In this context, identify the corporate governance issues in start-ups in India. What measures can be taken to address them? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Discuss the relationship between probity and public trust. How can lack of probity erode public trust in government institutions? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You are a final-year undergraduate student enrolled in a professional degree. As part of the mandatory final semester curriculum, you had to enroll in a notoriously difficult course. Unfortunately, your performance in the mid-semester examination of the course was not satisfactory, and you need to attain a very good score in the final examination to pass the course. Failure in this course would defer the conferment of your degree for an additional semester. Not passing this course would also jeopardize the job you have received from a multinational company, as it is contingent upon successful completion of the degree. This job is crucial for you and your family's well-being, especially considering the significant sacrifices your father has made to support your education, and the current challenging circumstances. Considering this situation, your close friend confides in you that he can help you pass the course. He reveals that the lecturer inadvertently attached the file that included the answers to the final examination of the course while uploading course documents on the University's portal. Although the lecturer promptly rectified his error and removed the file, your friend successfully managed to download it. When you asked him about the chance of getting caught, he assured you that the University's digital infrastructure does not provide the lecturer with the ability to check if the file was downloaded. However, the University's ethical guidelines strictly prohibit students from sitting for exams if they possess unauthorized knowledge of the answers, with severe penalties for violations. (a) Given that no other student enrolled in the course will be harmed in any way even if you access the answers and perform well in the final exam, why should you refrain from accessing the answers? (b) You are aware that your friend has seen the answers, will you report him to the lecturer or the University authorities? Justify your answer. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Considering this situation, your close friend confides in you that he can help you pass the course. He reveals that the lecturer inadvertently attached the file that included the answers to the final examination of the course while uploading course documents on the University's portal. Although the lecturer promptly rectified his error and removed the file, your friend successfully managed to download it. When you asked him about the chance of getting caught, he assured you that the University's digital infrastructure does not provide the lecturer with the ability to check if the file was downloaded. However, the University's ethical guidelines strictly prohibit students from sitting for exams if they possess unauthorized knowledge of the answers, with severe penalties for violations. (a) Given that no other student enrolled in the course will be harmed in any way even if you access the answers and perform well in the final exam, why should you refrain from accessing the answers? (b) You are aware that your friend has seen the answers, will you report him to the lecturer or the University authorities? Justify your answer. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Bhushan is an experienced sales representative at a large multinational information technology company. He has worked there for the past many years and has developed strong friendships within the company. Bhushan has been good friends with Manoj since they joined the company around the same time. Over the last few months, Manoj shared with Bhushan some of the financial challenges that he has been facing on a personal level. Bhushan did his best to be a supportive friend. Manoj had also informed Bhushan that he was taking some risky moves at work to come up with some extra money to support his family. However, he never fully disclosed what that entailed. Unexpectedly, Manoj left the company, leaving Bhushan shocked and suspicious. Bhushan was assigned to take over Manoj's sales territories. During the transition, he discovered the extent of the financial harm that the company suffered as a result of Manoj's actions. Through careful examination of sales transactions and accounting records, it became evident to Bhushan that Manoj had engaged in Reflecting on their past conversations, Bhushan realized that Manoj's desperate need for quick money had likely driven him to engage in such behaviour. Bhushan felt a sense of responsibility and questioned whether he could have prevented the situation. Bhushan wants to disclose all he knows to the company but he is worried that doing so might lead to serious consequences for Manoj, who was already dealing with significant challenges. It is to be noted that Manoj's conduct did not cause a substantial financial loss to the company. Although Bhushan empathized with Manoj's difficult circumstances, there is a possibility that this issue may surface during an internal audit by the company. This would pose a threat to Bhushan's current employment as well as future job prospects. (a) What are the ethical dilemmas that Bhushan faces? (b) What options does Bhushan have? Evaluate each of these with their merits and demerits. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"You are posted as a District Collector in one of the districts of Himachal Pradesh. The district comes under Seismic Zone V and is susceptible to landslides during monsoon season. The state has already recorded 35 major landslides since the onset of monsoon this year, which is twice as compared to the previous year. Recently, you got an advisory from the State Disaster Management Authority regarding prediction of heavy rainfall in some areas of your district. You have been categorically told to evacuate local people from unsafe houses that have developed cracks and are vulnerable to sinking. However, you face stiff resistance from local residents who are apprehensive to leave their houses fearing damage to their properties in their absence. The local opposition leader is also putting pressure on the district administration citing its failure in controlling unplanned and haphazard construction in this sensitive area. Moreover, you find that there have been many unplanned construction of hotels and resorts in these areas flouting the Himachal Pradesh Town and Country Planning Act, 1977. This is despite several warnings by environmental experts and the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority. (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) Mention the course of action that you will take in above case. (Answer in 250 words)20","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"The advice given to Arif is based on the fact that the incumbent government will not be comfortable on questions being raised about its budgeting practices and it might also lead to electoral setback if the matter were to be made public. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (b) Evaluate the options available to Arif. What option should he choose and why? (c) In the light of the above case, suggest measures to address the problem of politicization of bureaucracy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"As a recently appointed senior officer in the Public Works Department (PWD), you are in charge of an under-construction hospital project that received clearance prior to your tenure. On inspection, you find out that the construction is of substandard quality and if completed in the present state, the building may collapse leading to loss of life and public money. On bringing the issue to the notice of your seniors, you begin to face intense pressure from multiple quarters. You have been conveyed that the project is not only crucial for providing tertiary health services to the people of the district and adjoining areas, but is also a poll promise of the ruling party. Further, elections are around the corner and there is intense pressure on you to complete the project at the earliest. However, you realise that rectifying the structural issues is the only viable option but this will significantly delay the completion of the project. (a) Identify the ethical issues faced by you in the given situation. (b) Evaluate the options available to you. (c) What course of action would you adopt as the PWD officer and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"FutureTech Inc. has emerged as an innovative force within the Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) landscape. Their recent influx of funding from a deep-pocketed investor is contingent upon a critical condition - rapid collaboration with new clients for their products and services within a stipulated timeframe. At the centre of FutureTech's ambitious endeavours is Parag, a project manager with a wealth of experience in steering complex AI initiatives. Parag's latest project involves the development of state-of-the-art AI software, which promises to revolutionize the hiring process by accurately predicting a candidate's potential for success within the company. This software could not only enhance FutureTech's operational efficiency, but also potentially position Parag for a lucrative promotion. However, initial tests of the software reveal a disturbing pattern - the algorithm's decision-making process contains an inherent bias, favoring candidates with a specific demographic, it turns out. This AI software is perpetuating existing biases based on historical data. This discovery is particularly problematic for Parag because it not only calls into question the fairness and effectiveness of his algorithm but also threatens the inclusive culture that FutureTech wants to maintain. As Parag begins to consider the implications of this bias, a significant opportunity arises for the company. A prominent client of FutureTech has expressed the intent to use the AI software in their operations - a move that would not only be in the investor's interest but also secure FutureTech's financial future. Parag's senior is pressuring him to temporarily overlook the software's biased patterns in the company's best interest and potentially for his career advancement, leaving Parag in a dilemma. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the given case? (b) Evaluate the various options available to Parag in his capacity as the project manager. (c) What action should be taken by him? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"However, the initial trials of the software reveal an alarming pattern - an inherent bias in the algorithm's decision-making process, favouring candidates from a particular demographic. The AI system, in learning from historical data, is unintentionally perpetuating existing biases. This discovery is particularly troubling to Parag as it not only questions the fairness and effectiveness of his algorithm but also jeopardizes the inclusive culture that FutureTech purports to uphold. As Parag contemplates the implications of this bias, a significant opportunity arises for the company. A major client expresses intent to deploy FutureTech's AI software across its operations. This move would not only fulfil the investor's mandate but also secure FutureTech's financial future. Parag finds himself at a crossroads, pressured by his senior to temporarily ignore the software's discriminatory leanings for the greater good of the company and potentially, his career advancement. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the given case? (b) Evaluate the various options available to Parag as the project manager in the company. (c) What should be his course of action? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8044,"topper":"Sukh Ram","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/41526-370763_2366_sukh_ram_rank_448_watermark.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"How can the family effectively transmit core moral principles in an era dominated by digital influences? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Though conscience generally serves as a crucial guide in ethical decision-making, it is sometimes fraught with limitations. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What ethical principles should govern the utilization of public funds? Discuss the moral implications of using taxpayer money to bail out large corporations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Probity means more than just the avoidance of corrupt or dishonest conduct. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What does the following quotation convey to you in the present context. (a) \"To educate a man in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society.\" - Theodore Roosevelt (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.\" - Henry Ford (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"\"Laws are silent in times of war.\" - Cicero (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Good corporate governance is about intellectual honesty and not just sticking to rules and regulations. Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"In general, the higher a position in an organization, the more emotional intelligence matters. Do you agree with this view? Give reasons in support of your answer. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In addition to neutrality and non-partisanship, tolerance and inclusion are other important values that facilitate the civil servants to be more competent in a diverse country like India. Explain with suitable illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What are the key principles of public service delivery? Discuss the challenges associated with providing effective public service delivery in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"When it comes to attitudinal change towards sustainable development, behavioural nudges are the way forward. Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"What lessons can be learnt from the life of Mother Teresa? Discuss their relevance in the contemporary world. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You are the Superintendent of Police in a city hosting a major religious festival at a temple. The event is expected to attract over a million pilgrims, far exceeding the temple's infrastructure capacity. Despite extensive planning and precautionary measures, a sudden crowd surge near the main shrine entrance has resulted in a stampede, causing multiple casualties and numerous injuries. The situation has escalated, with panic spreading among the devotees present at the temple. Adding to the complexity, instances of fake news are rapidly circulating through WhatsApp groups and social media platforms, falsely attributing the stampede to communal clashes. This misinformation is causing widespread panic among the general public and threatens to ignite communal riots in the district. As the Superintendent of Police, you find yourself at the center of this crisis, where you face the dual challenge of managing the immediate aftermath of the stampede and curbing the spread of dangerous misinformation. (a) Identify the key stakeholders involved in this case. (b) Explain the measures you, as the Superintendent of Police, will take to address the stampede situation and curb the spread of fake news through social media. (c) Discuss the ethical considerations you must keep in mind while implementing these measures, particularly in balancing public safety with individual rights and religious sentiments. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Identify the key stakeholders involved in this case. (b) Explain the measures you, as the Superintendent of Police, will take to address the stampede situation and curb the spread of fake news through social media. (c) Discuss the ethical considerations you must keep in mind while implementing these measures, particularly in balancing public safety with individual rights and religious sentiments. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the broader implications of celebrity endorsements and their influence on public health and consumer behaviour. (c) How can public figures like Ravi use their influence to promote ethical business practices in the advertising industry? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"As you stand there, torn between your professional duty and your love for your daughter, you realize the weight of the decision before you. The integrity of the entire examination system hangs in the balance, as does the future of millions of students - including your own child. (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) As a person responsible for ensuring exam protocols, what are the options available to you? What course of action will you follow and why?(Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8045,"topper":"Sukh Ram","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b9665-370763_1837_sukh_ram_rank_448_watermark.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain why altruism constitutes one of the core values in public life. In this regard, suggest some measures to foster altruistic behaviour in public services. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Certain actions can be right even though they do not maximize good consequences, for the rightness of such actions consists in their representing certain norms. Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"With the help of appropriate examples, discuss the ethical challenges involved in policing in India. Also, highlight the reasons behind corruption in the police force. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"A right combination of spirit and structure is integral to ethical corporate governance. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"It is not only public servants, but also the common citizens who play a key role in institutionalising high standards of ethical conduct and good governance. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Public administration in India suffers from the 'working-in-silos' culture. In this context, discuss the importance of cooperation, coordination and collaboration for efficient governance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"While emotional intelligence is an essential tool for a public servant, it can also be misused to manipulate people to act against their own interests. Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Social influence is an ambivalent concept. It can be a source for good, bad and even for evil. Discuss with the help of relevant examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Effective public service delivery demands a people-centric approach, which is built upon coordination and leverages technology. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Highlight the important teachings of Kautilya that are relevant to public services in 21st century India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.\" Nelson Mandela (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You have recently graduated from college and are now preparing for the civil services examination. While reading the newspaper, you come across a news report of a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), working for child rights, challenging a provision of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, in the Supreme Court of India. The said provision provides for the option of Children in Conflict with Law (CCL) to be tried as adults under certain circumstances. The NGO's plea is that children are not able to understand the gravity of crimes. It has also contended that the criminal acts committed by children are a reflection of failure of the society to take care of its children. In the context of this situation, as a young aspirant, answer the following questions: (a) What are the possible factors that can drive a child towards committing heinous crimes? (b) Is it ethical to punish children as adults rather than giving them a chance for reformation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"You are a CEO-founder of an edTech company. You are under tremendous pressure from the investors in your company to increase the profitability of the company and undertake downsizing. After making a few bad acquisitions, the company's finances have taken a huge hit in the last couple of years. The downsizing is suggested with the hope that the company's profitability would rise, as it often does when mass layoff or downsizing decisions are carried out. Moreover, the investors have hinted that such measures would attract further investment from them, which has come as a ray of hope considering the ongoing volatile market conditions and slowdown in big-ticket fundings. Given the situation, rumors of unscrupulous firing have started doing the rounds among employees. It has increased apprehensiveness and reduced cohesiveness among them. You have informed the investors that the cost cutting exercise can affect the output as well as reputation of the company in the long-run. However, they are adamant to pursue the same. (a) Identify the stakeholders and ethical issues involved in the case. (b) You and the HR team have identified some options and are deliberating to put them across to the investors for consideration. Discuss the merits and demerits of each of these: (i) Identifying key high performers and offering them suitable positions before implementing the layoff decision. (ii) Putting the terminated employees on retainer to work part-time. (iii) Executing the lay off order in the same spirit as it was asked by the investors and letting them deal with the long-term consequences. (iv) Improving the perception of fairness among the existing and terminated employees and moving ahead with the layoffs. (c) Without restricting yourself to the above options, discuss the course of action you will take, and provide adequate reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"There is an ongoing ethnic civil war in a neighbouring country. The conflict has caused massive displacement of people from the country. Ironically, the developed countries have closed off their borders to the refugees on account of the COVID-19 pandemic, resource competition, domestic politics etc. With countries sealing off their borders, the refugees are left in a vulnerable situation and many are taking illegal routes to enter your country. As a Senior Official of your country's Ministry of External Affairs, you have been involved in discussions with officials of other nations and are entrusted with the mandate to design a national policy to safely accommodate India bound refugees. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) Discuss the moral issues related to the rights of international refugees, especially those from conflict-torn regions. (b) What recommendations would you suggest given the large influx of refugees in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Social interactions where a person is addressed by their correct name and pronouns, consistent with their gender identity, are widely recognized as a basic and yet critical aspect of gender affirmation. A national university invited speakers for a discussion on rights of sexual minorities in India. The panel included speakers representing a wide variety of opinions and perspectives on the issue. The debates, though largely peaceful, witnessed a controversy. A college association representing sexual minorities took offence against a panellist who cautioned against self-identification by sexual minorities and the liberal use of pronouns. The association reached out to the media and the localised controversy soon turned into a national issue across news networks and social media. The association demanded that the panellist apologise for his views and issue a public statement in this context. The panellist, on the other hand, seemed unmoved by the issue. In the meantime, the University has come under huge pressure to resolve the issue. The Vice Chancellor set up a Committee to look into the matter and its peaceful resolution. You have been appointed as the Chairperson of the Committee. In this regard, answer the following questions: (a) Discuss the various moral issues involved in the case. (b) Keeping the right to freedom of speech and expression in mind, highlight the steps you would take to resolve the issue and list arguments in support.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"You are a young athlete representing India at an international-level competition. To your surprise, during the competition, you witness a few senior athletes injecting something using a syringe in private. When you approach them, they explain that it is a performance enhancing drug, which is very common in such competitions and you should take the same as well. You are aware that if these players get caught in a doping test, it may damage India's reputation. You are confused and afraid of the repercussions and decide to approach the coach to discuss the event you witnessed. However, you get to know that the athletes are taking the drug on the advice of the coach himself. (a) What would you do in this scenario? Discuss the options available to you and chart your course of action. (b) What are the reasons behind the use of performance enhancing drugs in competitive sporting events? How can this practice be minimized?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8046,"topper":"Sukh Ram","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ba89e-370763_2366_sukh_ram_rank_448_watermark.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"How can the family effectively transmit core moral principles in an era dominated by digital influences? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Though conscience generally serves as a crucial guide in ethical decision-making, it is sometimes fraught with limitations. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Probity means more than just the avoidance of corrupt or dishonest conduct. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What does the following quotation convey to you in the present context. (a) \" \" - \"To educate a man in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society.\" - Theodore Roosevelt (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.\" - Henry Ford (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"\"Laws are silent in times of war.\" - Cicero (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Good corporate governance is about intellectual honesty and not just sticking to rules and regulations. Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"In general, the higher a position in an organization, the more emotional intelligence matters. Do you agree with this view? Give reasons in support of your answer. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In addition to neutrality and non-partisanship, tolerance and inclusion are other important values that facilitate the civil servants to be more competent in a diverse country like India. Explain with suitable illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What are the key principles of public service delivery? Discuss the challenges associated with providing effective public service delivery in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the broader implications of celebrity endorsements and their influence on public health and consumer behaviour. (c) How can public figures like Ravi use their influence to promote ethical business practices in the advertising industry? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"As the District Magistrate, you are faced with the challenge of addressing both the immediate crisis and the systemic issues that have led to this situation. (a) Identify the key stakeholders involved in this case and their respective interests. (b) Discuss the immediate measures you will take to provide relief to the affected farming community. (c) Discuss the ethical dilemmas you might face while implementing your chosen course of action and how you would navigate them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) As a person responsible for ensuring exam protocols, what are the options available to you? What course of action will you follow and why?(Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8047,"topper":"SUMAN SAURABH","air":853,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/61/mt23macen205_tc062.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8048,"topper":"SUMAN SAURABH","air":853,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/62/mt23macen205_tc063.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8049,"topper":"SUMAN SAURABH","air":853,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/309/mt23macen205_tc073-test-03-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8050,"topper":"SUMAN SAURABH","air":853,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/308/mt23macen205_tc073-test-03-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8051,"topper":"Suman Yadav","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SUMAN-YADAV-UPSC-2023-Rank-170-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Shelving hard decisions is the least ethical course.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"All things come into being by conflict of opposites.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The arc of the moral universe is long but it bends towards justice.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Disinterested intellectual curiosity is the lifeblood of civilisation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Women's freedom is the sign of social freedom.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"If humankind poisoned nature, nature in turn poison humankind","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"History Doesn't Repeat Itself, but it often rhymes.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8052,"topper":"Suman Yadav","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SUMAN-YADAV-UPSC-2023-Rank-170-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"To what extent can the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act 2023 help enhance trust-based governance for ease of living and doing business? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Fluctuations in the price of TOP (tomato, onion, potato) crops impact all strata of societies. Highlighting the reasons and implications of such fluctuations, evaluate the effectiveness of Operations Greens in stabilizing the otherwise restive horticulture sector. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"A focused and sustained promotion and pursuit of blue economy help meet the challenges of food security, national security, and climate security. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What advantages does Green Hydrogen and a hydrogen economy offer in addressing national and global concerns? Discuss the impediments in its adoption. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"In what ways do plastics harm human, animal, and ocean health? Bring out the various domestic and international efforts that have been put in this regard in recent times? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Though spatially distributed across the length and breath of the country, incidents of cloud burst disproportionately impact the mountainous regions. Comment (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"As the emerging technologies enhance their reach and extent, the amalgamation of real and virtual will become inevitable. In this perspective, discuss how metaverse will alter the lives of common man. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What makes dark matter difficult to detect? Also, analyse how the search for the elusive dark matter has influenced the trailing of modern pursuits in science. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"While AFSPA has been criticised for promoting excesses by the security forces, its profound utility to upkeep the security situation cannot be overstated. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Its not only the heft but also the agility, efficiency, and swiftness which will define the warfare in the contemporary times. In this context, discuss the relevance of the Agnipath scheme. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The path towards an Atmanirbhar Bharat traverses through an overhaul of industrial policies. Comment, with special reference to the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Infrastructure investments are crucial for socio-economic development, as they have a multiplier effect on economy; however, concerns for safety must not be ignored. Discuss in the light of recent events. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"How will you explain the irony of poor adoption of millet crops despite their multifarious advantages? Also, recommend measures to curb this anomaly. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Analyze the role Agri-tech can play in penetration of technology in agriculture. In what ways can Agristack help address the crisis in the farm sector. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The objective of an inclusive clean energy transition will remain incomplete without leveraging the potential of the biofuels. Enumerating the seminal provisions of the National Biofuel Policy, analyze the possible challenges in its smooth implementation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Despite having a robust legal architecture in the form of Disaster Management Act, 2005, a coordinated on ground response to disaster remains in a state of want. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Trace the evolution of Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) from its humble beginnings as the space agency of the government to becoming a technology behemoth, spearheading innovations with respect to satellites, launch vehicles, and planetary explorations. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"In what ways has Drug trafficking taken new forms and new routes in recent years. Elucidate the steps taken by the govt. in this regard, with special reference to Operation Samudragupta. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Why does the North East remain a hotbed of insurgency? With special emphasis on government measures, discuss the steps to ameliorate the situation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8053,"topper":"Suman Yadav","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SUMAN-YADAV-UPSC-2023-Rank-170-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Critically evaluate the significance of the Basic Structure Doctrine in the five decades since its judicial pronouncement. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Though defamation law is vital to protect one's reputation and dignity in society, weaponization of the same to curb dissent and free speech is antithetical in a constitutional democracy. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Explore the legal-constitutional basis for the conflicts between the elected government and the institution of the Lieutenant Governor over the governance process in the Union Territory of Delhi. Analyse the role that the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 2023, can play in resolving it. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The objective of the Mediation Bill, 2023 is to have a mediation first approach to civil and commercial disputes resolution, with the purpose of reducing the burden of litigation on Courts, providing alternate means of disputes resolution, and enhancing the country's reputation as an investor friendly destination. Comment, with special emphasis on the salient features of the bill. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"A middle point between socialism and capitalism, cooperatives bring the best of the both worlds. Assess the utility of the cooperative model in effecting rural prosperity. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Evaluate the efficacy of Forest Rights Act, 2006 (FRA) and Panchayat (Extension of the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA) in attaining their mandate. Also, recommend measures to make these legislations more effective in attaining their desired objectives. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Differentiate between the legal and illegal means adopted by advocacy networks to advance their interests. What are the factors that limit their effectiveness as a pressure group? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the steps taken by the government in empowering Self Help Groups as a develop-ment partner in poverty alleviation. Also highlight the challenges in the working of SHGs. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Changing strategic realities come with their own constraints and possibilities. Describe briefly India's defense diplomacy in the context of contemporary geopolitics. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Explain the significance and implications of the China-brokered diplomatic accord between Iran and Saudi Arabia. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"A key pillar of Constitutional morality is constitutional punctuality. Illustrate with suitable examples, how a lack of constitutional punctuality not only hinders democratic functioning of the State, but also goes against the spirit of the Constitution. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Free and fair elections are the lifeblood of a democracy, and electoral reforms are at the core of political reforms. In this context, highlighting the challenges to functioning of the Election Commission, suggest the necessary reforms needed, with special reference to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Other Election Commissioners ECs (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The overhaul of India's criminal justice system is not only a long due reform, it is also imperative for decolonizing India's penal system. Elucidate in the light of recently proposed trinity of Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill, 2023, Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita Bill, 2023 and Bharatiya Sakshya Bill, 2023. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What ails institutions of higher education? Bring out the possibilities and challenges that come with the entry and operation of foreign educational institutions seeking to impart higher education. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Partnership between the State and CSOs for delivering development, while promising at face value, is fraught with challenges. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Critically analyse the working of the POCSO Act, 2012 in addressing the menace of child sex abuse in society in the 10 years since its enactment. How far has the National Commission for protection of child rights been successful in fulfilling its mandate? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Discuss the challenges that keep India multi-dimensionally poor with special reference to NITI Ayog's National Multidimensional Poverty Index Report. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"BRICS can serve as a platform for shaping a post-Western global order, but the potential of the grouping is held back by internal contradictions. Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"\"WTO is dead! Long live WTO!\" In the context of this statement, account for the reasons behind why the WTO is dysfunctional. In your opinion, what reforms are needed to promote resilient, sustainable, and inclusive world trade. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8054,"topper":"Suman Yadav","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SUMAN-YADAV-UPSC-2023-Rank-170-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"While knowledge and skills are crucial, they should be accompanied by a strong foundation of ethics. In this context, discuss the importance of ethics in education and the role of educational institutions in imparting ethical values. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Mahatma Gandhi considered ahimsa is the highest duty. He express that even if we cannot practice it in full, we must try to understand its spirit and refrain as far as is humanly possible from violence. Do you think, this articulated profoundness of Ahimsa is still relevant? Justify your answer. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The debate of ends versus means is a never ending one. While teleologists stress the need for the right ends, deontologists argue that the ends, no matter how valuable, cannot justify the means. What are the pitfalls in justifying right ends over right means? Also analyze the implications of always adhering to the right means. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"How does Emotional Intelligence (EI) help in balancing personal as well as professional life? Discuss with examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What does each of the following quotations mean to you? a) \"Experience is the only teacher we have. We may talk and reason all our lives, but we shall not understand a word of truth, until we experience it ourselves\" - Swami Vivekananda (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Individuals should cultivate noble traits so that socio-political organizations are free from highly despicable men.\" - Thirukkural (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"\"Happiness is a mysterious thing to be found somewhere between too little and too much.\" - Ruskin Bond (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"I would rather try to persuade a man to go along, because once I have persuaded him, he will stick. If I scare him, he will stay just as long as he is scared, and then he is gone. Persuasion can often achieve what coercion cannot. In this context, evaluate the significance of persuasion for heralding social transformations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Examine the relevance of following in the context of civil services: (10 marks, 150 words) i. Neutrality ii. Intellectual Courage iii. Diligence iv. Selflessness","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Why is leadership is considered a foundational value for civil services and a fundamental attribute to be a civil servant? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"There are certain standards that society expects from those who are elected or appointed to public office to observe and maintain in the conduct of the public affairs to which they have been entrusted. Those in positions of power can use these positions to take decisions that are solely in the public interest or they can use them to benefit themselves. Where the roots of private virtue are diseased, the fruit of public probity cannot but be corrupt. What do you understand by probity and discuss how probity in public life can be inculcated? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Ethical quandary lies in exploring the complex interplay between absoluteness and relativity in ethical considerations. Can ethical principles be regarded as universally absolute, or does the notion of relativity often associated with physics, also apply to ethics? Share your perspective and provide supporting arguments. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Since its enactment, Right to Information (RTI) Act has helped in improving the levels of transparency and accountability in public institutions. However, many argue that the quality of public service delivery in India is still far from satisfactory. In this background, do you find RTI Act efficient enough to improve the public service delivery for Indian citizens. Critically discuss the need for a Right to Public Service Act (RSPA) to make Indian governance more ethical and efficient. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Suman is a young IPS officer who is posted as the SP law and order in a district that has a history of communal clashes. During a cultural event, a political leader made certain controversial comments regarding the religion of another community that can potentially harm communal harmony in the district. The representatives of the aggrieved community met Suman with their complaint. An FIR was registered in the matter and the police department promptly started an investigation. During questioning, the accused political leader denied the charges. He claimed that he was exercising his right to freedom of expression and had no intention of hurting anyone's feelings. He even offered to tender an apology if his statement had hurt someone's religious feelings. However, the aggrieved community was not satisfied with this apology and demanded strict action against the accused. The next day, a video went viral on social media in which the accused political leader can be seen making derogatory statements against another religious faith. However, Suman suspects that the video going viral on the internet is a doctored video and someone has mischievously edited it to make it more vitriolic and inflammatory. The video has ignited communal tensions in the district. The accused political leader belongs to an influential community and his community has put their support behind him. Local intelligence has warned that some anti-social elements are trying to use this opportunity to create communal riot in the district. The entire matter has been politicized and is being covered by the national media. In this situation answer the following: a) What differentiates a hate speech from a free speech? b) Why does social media have a very strong influence over the actions and thoughts of its users? c) What is the most suitable course of action for Suman in this situation? Justify. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"You have recently started working at your dream company. You have hired in the strategies department along with two other new joiners. All of you have just graduated out of college. You have very friendly relations with co-joiners. The three of you have been helping each other at work. The experience of working together has built strong camaraderie between the three of you. Your boss has publicly appreciated the strong team-spirit displayed by you and your colleagues. At the annual review, you have been given a higher pay raise, and a more lucrative job profile. The promotion doesn't come as a surprise to you. You have worked beyond office hours more as a rule rather than as an exception. The project you worked at was adjudged 'the best project of the year in business impact' at the annual corporate awards. One of your co-joiners remarks, in presumably good humor, that you should suggest to your boss to allocate similar high impact projects to your friends as well. You also perceive suggestions towards the shared surname being the reason for special affinity of your boss towards you, indicating at the fact that your boss and you have the same caste. You feel hurt but you also try to think about the remarks with an open mind. You assess that the three of you have indeed worked hard with sincerity. One of your friends, in fact, worked very efficiently despite a personal tragedy at home. There was already a salary differential between you and your colleagues based on the pedigree of your college. The higher pay raise to you has expanded the differential pay structure further. You always considered the initial pay differential to be against the principle of equal pay for equal work. But now you feel your friends may not have been given equal opportunities as well. You are inclined to the belief that efforts and talent of your colleagues have been under-appreciated and you start feeling guilty about your promotion. Based on the given information, discuss the options that are available to you for addressing the guilt. What are the merits and demerits of those choices? Which option would you choose? Justify. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":8055,"topper":"SUMEGHA MISHRA","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/SUMEGHA-MISHRA-UPSC-2024-Rank-253-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Achieving inclusive growth requires a multidimensional approach that goes beyond economic growth. Discuss in context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":4,"question":"Examine the implications of the expansion of gig workforce on economic growth and employment scenario in the country?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"What is precision agriculture? How can precision agriculture help in optimising crop production and resource management?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"While MSMEs are the backbone of Indian economy, they encounter various hurdles in their operation and expansion. Discuss. Also suggest steps to support the growth of the MSME sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"Explain the significance of IPR in transforming India into a knowledge based and innovation driven economy. Also, mention various govt. initiatives aim at strengthening the protection and enforcement of IPRS in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Gaganyan mission is a landmark endeavour for India, marking significant ache advancements in space exploration and contributing to broader national objectives; however, overcoming the associated technical and safety challenges is crucial for its success. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"What are the challenges in the safe management of e-waste in India ? How can collaboration among multiple stakeholders help in sustainable e-waste management ?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Define Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and mention its various stages. Also, highlight the significance of EIA in balancing developmental needs with environmental conservation in the country.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Integrated Theatre Command shall bring jointness in operation, synergy of resources and enable armed forces in carrying out swift, effective and decisive actions. Do you agree with this view ? Justify your answer.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"India's internal security dynamics is inextricably linked with the peace and stability in the neighbourhood. Explain with special reference to instability on the eastern border.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"The introduction of GST was hailed as a transformative fiscal reform. However, the journey of GST has been a mixed bag of success and challenges. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Discuss the potential of food processing sector in addressing the issue of low value addition, high post-harvest losses and disguised unemployment plaguing Indian agriculture. Also, explain why the sector has underperformed despite significant potential.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"Despite the govt.'s ambitious targets, rooftop solar installations in India are hindered by multiple factors. Elaborate, How far do you think that PM surya ghar yojana can incentivise the adoption of rooftop solar installations?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"Agricultural marketing reforms are imperative for addressing market inefficiencies and boosting farm incomes. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Discuss the contribution of livestock sector to the rural economy and the empowerment of women. Also, highlight main challenges faced by the livestock sector in the country and suggest strategies to overcome these challenges.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"Generative AI holds immense potential to transform various aspects of daily life, offering both benefits and challenges. Elaborate, what policy measures do you suggest to maximise its benefits and mitigate risks?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"Describe the main outcomes of the 28th session of the COP to UNFCCC. What were the major engagements of India in this conference?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Analyse how the adoption of emerging and disrupting technologies for money laundering is adding new layers of complexity to an already intricate issue. Also, highlight the measures taken to tackle the problem of money laundering both at international and national levels.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8056,"topper":"Sumit Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b7aad-22026_1072_sumit_kumar_rank_53.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain why it is important to urgently address the problem of poor land records and infirmity of land titles in India. Also discuss how this problem can be addressed. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What are the special features of the infrastructure sector that make its financing a challenge? What measures have been taken to facilitate adequate amount of finance to this sector? (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Despite favourable circumstances, India's electronics manufacturing has been unable to respond to the rising demand. Discuss. What steps can be taken to address this situation? (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Despite registering a high growth rate in the post-reform era, India continues to witness a high incidence of poverty. Explain this paradox and suggest ways to resolve it. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"In light of the argument that India has entered a regime of \"permanent surpluses\", discuss whether the time has come to remove agricultural commodities completely from Essential Commodities Act. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The 1988 National Forest Policy (NFP) was visionary in its scope and ambition. However, there is a need for a new forest policy in the current context. Discuss. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How does rapid urbanization increases the vulnerability to major disasters? Explaining with examples, suggest measures to develop disaster-resilient cities. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain DNA profiling and highlight its forensic application. Also discuss the significance of DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2018 in this regard. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What is meant by the term Blue Water Capabilities? In this context, identify the key measures that have been undertaken to enhance the blue water capabilities of the Indian Navy. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Identify the factors that make India vulnerable to drug trafficking? Also discuss the key steps taken to deal with it in our country. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"How do higher global crude oil prices affect the Indian economy? What steps can be taken to gradually insulate India from global oil price volatility in the long term? (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Explaining the importance, highlight the achievements of dairy sector in India. Examine whether over-production is the reason for the problems being faced by the dairy industry. Give some solutions to address the problems. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"There has been a focus on Textile and Apparels industry in India in recent years. Elaborate the potential of this industry and the challenges that lie in achieving it. What steps have been taken in this regard? (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"How do transportation corridors in biodiversity rich areas impact the wildlife? Examine the current policy framework in this regard. Also, suggest measures to minimise the negative effects while balancing the need for development. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The potential of technology to aid farmers in increasing productivity as well reducing susceptibility to climate change remains underutilized. Identify the reasons for the same and suggest measures to improve technological penetration in agriculture. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What is Intelligent Transportation System (ITS)? Explaining the need of ITS in India, identify the challenges in deploying it. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Explain the concept and significance of Data Localisation. Also discuss its limitations in strengthening law enforcement efforts in the context of Srikrishna Committee report and the draft Personal Data Protection Bill, 2018. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"What is the link between illegal immigration and national security? In this context, critically discuss the exercise of creating a National Register of Citizens in Assam. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8057,"topper":"Sumit Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b9348-22026_1069_sumit_kumar_rank_53.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"In order to improve the bureaucratic work culture and productivity, there is a need to downsize government and privatize some of the services. Critically discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"A blanket prohibition of criticism of the policies of the Government is invalid and void, and it makes no difference if the person criticizing happens to be a government servant.\" Critically discuss in the context of Civil Service Conduct Rules, 1964.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Man by nature is a political animal\". Explain with reference to Aristotle's idea of the state in life of the society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"What are the factors that have influenced the contemporary attitude of the state and the society towards homosexuality in India? Also, comment on the changing attitude and the factors driving this change.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Every superstition cannot be removed by the force of law. For that, a mental change is necessary. Comment. Also, explain how educators and public figures can help in eradicating superstition and instilling scientific temper among people.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Many argue that there are times, when war is morally permissible, and even obligatory. Critically discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"It has been argued that traditional approaches to corporate social responsibility (CSR) are inadequate. Discuss. Also, examine the role of Social License to Operate (SLO) in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You are a young athlete representing India at an international-level competition. During the competition, you witness a few senior athletes injecting something using a syringe, in private. When you approach them, they explain that it is a performance enhancing drug, which is very common in such competitions and you should take the same as well. You are in fear and decide to approach the coach to discuss the event you witnessed. However, you get to know that the athletes are taking the drug at the advice of the coach himself.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8058,"topper":"Sumit Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b0067-22026_1073_sumit_kumar_rank_53.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Corruption distorts not only functioning of the Government in India but business and corporate activities as well. Explain and discuss how the state can effectively deal with deficit of ethics in the private sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/ philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) \"Silence becomes cowardice when occasion demands speaking out the whole truth and acting accordingly\" - Mahatma Gandhi.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"What do you understand by Probity in Governance? Examine whether the recent amendments to Prevention of Corruption Act and the proposed ones in Whistleblower Protection Act undermine it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"While some ethical approaches consider an action to be ethical based on results, other focus on means. Taking the example of Indian bureaucracy compare and examine how these approaches have played out for the benefit of citizens.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"What are the ethical principles that should form the basis of the system permitting organ donation and allocation? Also discuss the importance of regulation for the success of any organ transplant program.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Where as some argue that leaks constitute an affront to democracy, others are of the opinion that leaks are a part of democracy. Examine the merits of both the arguments in the context of information attributed to leaks from government offices and whistleblowers.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"According to the WHO suicide is the second leading cause of death in the age group of 15-29 years globally. In India also, instances of young people committing suicide have been reported widely in recent times. It is all the more disturbing that such a phenomenon is increasingly visible in urban and prosperous areas. (a) What are the reasons that render people vulnerable to taking such drastic steps as suicide? (b) Also, discuss the role that you as an individual, the society and the government can play in addressing this issue.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8059,"topper":"Sumit Kumar","air":53,"year":2018,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1xn2xhXtJ47XYEJUXAMyM8CwC4MR_HmMO","questions":[]},{"id":8060,"topper":"Sumit Kumar Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b8777-936769_1840_sumit_kumar_gupta_rank_200.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"While fixed-term employment offers an ingenious way to address specific issues faced by both employers and employees, there are also some concerns associated with it. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"An efficient logistics sector with a focus on warehousing is pivotal to the success of the Bharatmala Pariyojana. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'irrigation scheduling'? Bringing out the advantages provided by it, discuss the difficulties faced in applying it on a farm level. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"While the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana was touted as the largest crop insurance scheme globally in terms of farmer participation, various concerns have arisen since its implementation. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The Stockholm Conference commenced the contemporary \"environmental era\", which brought a paradigm shift in the environmental governance and set a tone for multi-lateral environmental regime. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The world has witnessed a huge surge in climate-induced disasters, which are largely driven by anthropogenic factors. In this context, analyse the role of early warning systems in mitigating the impact of the disasters. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Critically examine the implications of leveraging technology in policing. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"How far do you agree with the view that climate change poses a threat to international peace and security? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by a virtual private network (VPN)? Highlight its advantages and discuss the concerns posed by it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The discovery of the Higgs Boson at the Large Hadron Collider in CERN completed 10 years recently. In this context, discuss the role played by CERN in overall scientific development. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlighting the factors that affect the cropping pattern in India, discuss the need for modifying it in the context of the emerging agro-ecological concerns. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"While the budgetary reforms undertaken by the Central government in recent years have led to better management of government expenditure, there are some issues that still need redressal. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"For India to create a 'future ready' railway system, it must harness innovation and resource efficiency. Discuss the statement in the context of the measures enlisted in the National Rail Plan 2030. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the significance of technology in the Indian agricultural sector. Also, state the challenges in realising its potential to improve agricultural efficiency and increase the income of the farmers. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite the digital transformation in the Public Distribution System (PDS) in India, several challenges still remain. Elaborate. Also, suggest measures to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss the various concerns that exist with regard to fuel efficiency regulations for vehicles in India. Also, suggest the measures that can be taken in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Urban fire is becoming a serious cause of concern in Indian cities. In this context, highlight the major causes behind urban fires in India. What steps can be taken to build robust fire resilience in Indian cities? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Drones in border areas present a serious threat for border management in India. Elaborate. Also, discuss the different measures taken to regulate the use of drones in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Despite a global framework to prevent weaponization of space, it has been increasing in the recent times. Discuss. Also, give an account of the implications of space weaponization. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"What do you understand by a bio-economy? Highlight the role that the National Biotechnology Development Strategy 2021-2025 can play in creating a robust bio-economy in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8061,"topper":"Sumit Kumar Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/89bf9-936769_1838_sumit_kumar_gupta_rank_200.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The Chalukyan architecture uniquely epitomises the grandeur and hybrid characteristic style of temple building. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The success or failure of a political movement is not always determined by the achievement of its stated goals. Discuss in light of the Ghadar movement. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss the ways in which Gandhian conceptualisation of Sarvodaya influenced Vinoba Bhave's Bhoodan movement. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Bring out the evidences, which led to the Plate Tectonics Theory. Also, discuss how this theory explains the movement of plates. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Give an account of the formation of Abyssal Plains and highlight the relief features found on these plains. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What are the geographical and climatic conditions required for tea cultivation? In this context, discuss the reasons for the introduction of tea cultivation in the Duars region of the Himalayas by the British. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Briefly bring out the distinction between flash droughts and conventional droughts. Also, examine the reasons behind the increasing vulnerability of India to flash droughts. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Though various initiatives have been taken to ensure social security for informal workers in India, there still exist gaps which need to be plugged. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Critically assess the government's move on raising the age of marriage of women in India from 18 to 21 years. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Reservation for locals in private sector has again brought the debate around regionalism into focus. In this context, examine whether regionalism is a threat to national integration. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Explain how agricultural surplus, growth of crafts and trade, and growing population led to the second urbanisation in ancient India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"India of the 18th century failed to make progress economically, culturally and socially at a pace, which would have saved the country from collapse. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The withdrawal of the Civil Disobedience Movement triggered a two-stage debate on the strategic course of India's freedom struggle. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Throw light on the causes, course and outcomes of the Civil War, which followed the Russian Revolution. Also, bring out the reasons behind the Bolshevik victory. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What are Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs)? Highlighting the susceptibility of the Himalayan region to GLOFs, state the measures required to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Highlighting the importance of ice sheets, discuss the likely impact of their melting on the planet with special focus on India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are twin cyclones? Discuss the role of Rossby waves and Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) in their formation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Since independence, planning strategies for women's upliftment has evolved from welfare to development to empowerment. Elucidate. Also, discuss the role played by voluntary organizations in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How far do you agree with the view that globalisation has aggravated the challenges faced by the poor in India? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8062,"topper":"Sumit Kumar Gupta","air":200,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d0192-936769_1837_sumit_kumar_gupta_rank_200.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8063,"topper":"Sumit Kumar Rai","air":54,"year":2018,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/46410-60711_1077_sumit_kumar_rai_rank_54.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8064,"topper":"Sumit Kumar Rai","air":54,"year":2018,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/603c1-60711_1074_sumit_kumar_rai_rank_54.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8065,"topper":"Sumit Kumar Rai","air":54,"year":2018,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/16P9RHlCV6SVms5ezjENTAvpHKyz1r5EI","questions":[]},{"id":8066,"topper":"Sumit Kumar Thakur","air":263,"year":2021,"paper":"Optional — Public Administration","optional":true,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1wAIJO8-7NQPb37o-AQiEWUNwKAhLPr9j","questions":[]},{"id":8067,"topper":"Sunawardeep Singh","air":76,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SUNAWARDEEP-SINGH-MASOUN-Rank-76UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-76-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) \"Extraordinary powers must be exercised with extraordinary care.\" Discuss in the context of Article 142 of the Indian Constitution.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Why are State Legislative Assemblies involved in the election of the President but excluded from the process of impeachment?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3 Private Member's Bills (PMBs) seldom become law in India, yet they are an important aspect of parliamentary democracy. Bring out their significance and suggest steps to strengthen the PMB process.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Highlight the key points of convergence and divergence between the judicial systems of India and USA.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) The role of Election Commission of India has evolved beyond conducting elections to becoming a guardian of electoral democracy. Critically evaluate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6 What is the rationale behind the 'three-language formula' in India's education policy? Also highlight the challenges associated with its adoption and implementation across the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) 'Emerging environmental concerns and evolving ecosystem perspectives demand a reimagined approach to rural water governance.' Discuss the key interventions needed to recalibrate rural water policies with special emphasis on the role of communities.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) Identify and discuss the challenges hindering effective implementation of gender-sensitive policies and schemes in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) Effective transboundary water management can act as a catalyst for regional peace and cooperation. In light of this statement, bring out the opportunities and challenges for India in leveraging 'water diplomacy' in its neighbourhood.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) What are the key areas of reform if the World Trade Organization (WTO) has to remain relevant in the present context of rising protectionism and trade wars?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"5 Dispute redressal body is dysfunctional due to naive national interests (USA's interests)\na) Diversify the governance representation in the ministerial conference\nb) Reinvigorate Dispute settlement Body with greater transparency\nc) Adopt the rising tech enabled trade ecosystem - e-commerce CAGR ~11%\nd) Regulate Bilateral & Multilateral trade treaties within WTO structure (Ind-UK CEFTA 2025)\ne) Innovative voting pattern rather than consensus for quick decision - proportional representation","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 The basic structure doctrine acts as a constitutional compass in balancing Parliament's legislative authority and constitutional supremacy. Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) are pivotal to inclusive and efficient urban governance, yet they remain fiscally constrained and institutionally weak. Analyze.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13) \"The judiciary has functioned as an institutional corrective, redefining and refining the contours of the Governor's office to prevent its misuse and uphold constitutional principles.\" Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 How is the 'vertical' and 'horizontal' devolution of taxes to the states decided? Highlighting the concerns raised by some states regarding the devolution of taxes, suggest corrective measures.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 What steps are required for the constitutionalization of a Commission? Do you think granting constitutional status to the Central Information Commission (CIC) would strengthen the RTI regime in India? Give reasons.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"5 Conflict of Interest by appointing retired civil servants as seen in NCSJ may still persist:\n1 Way forward to strengthen RTI regime:","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) Even as India experiences consistent economic growth and has achieved self-sufficiency in food production, hunger and food insecurity remain pressing concerns. Examine the factors responsible for this paradox and suggest steps to improve the situation.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 The Union Government has recently announced that caste enumeration will be part of the upcoming census. Examine the opportunities and challenges associated with conducting a nationwide 'caste census'. Also, propose a framework for its seamless and effective conduct.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 \"AI integration in governance is no longer a choice but a necessity.\" In light of this statement, discuss how AI can enhance education and healthcare governance.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19) Providing a brief overview of the aims and objectives of BIMSTEC, explain its significance for India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 India's approach to its relationship with China has evolved into what can be best described as 'competitive coexistence'. Discuss in light of recent developments. What should be the broad contours of India's future China policy?","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8068,"topper":"Sunawardeep Singh","air":76,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SUNAWARDEEP-SINGH-MASOUN-Rank-76UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-76-Sample-MGP-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) Rising influence of money power in Indian elections poses a serious challenge to transparency, fairness, and democratic accountability. How can ethical electoral funding be ensured to maintain the integrity of democracy?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) Explain the key dimensions of ethics that influence human behaviour. How do these dimensions shape ethical decision-making in private life?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) \"Academic freedom is the bedrock of scholarly inquiry and intellectual progress.\" Examine the ethical issues that arise when educational institutions yield to political, social, or economic pressures and compromises academic freedom.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) Fortitude enables a civil servant to make difficult yet morally right decisions. Explain with reference to real-life examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) Given below are the three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context?\na) \"When learning is purposeful, creativity blossoms. When creativity blossoms, thinking emanates. When thinking emanates, knowledge is fully lit. When knowledge is lit, the economy flourishes.\" - Abdul Kalam.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) \"The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the world's problems.\" - Mahatma Gandhi","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"c) \"Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.\" - Dalai Lama","marks":"10 marks, 150","words":"10"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.4) a) What do you understand by the term 'probity in governance'? Explain how probity acts as the foundation of ethical public administration.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"b) \"Starvation must not be used as a weapon of war.\" Yet, parties involved in conflicts often resort to the blockade of food and medical aid to civilians in conflict zones, deepening the humanitarian crisis. Powerful nations, despite their capacity to intervene, tend to prioritise strategic interests over humanitarian concerns. What ethical considerations should guide powerful nations in preventing such actions and ensuring unimpeded humanitarian access?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.5) a) What teachings of Mahavira are most relevant today and why? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"b) \"In contemporary times, social media platforms have emerged as powerful agents in shaping individual and societal attitudes.\" Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.6) a) What do you understand by the 'voice of conscience'? In what ways can you prepare yourself to listen to the voice of conscience?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"b) Effective utilisation of public funds is not merely an administrative requirement but a moral responsibility of those entrusted with public office. However, instances of funds allocated to government schemes lying idle or being diverted towards extraneous purposes continue to be reported across the country. Examine the reasons for under-utilization and mis-utilization of public funds and their implications.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7 A rail overbridge (ROB) is being planned in the capital city of a central Indian state. The project aims to reduce traffic congestion and ease delays at railway crossings, which affect thousands of daily commuters. It had been a long-standing demand of local residents, and the government approved it to address persistent traffic bottlenecks in the area. The project is to be executed by the State Public Works Department (PWD), with a strict completion deadline of one year i.e. 31st July 2026. The PWD Minister, who is also the local MLA, is scheduled to inaugurate the project in the third week of August 2026. This is planned to take place shortly before the expected announcement of state elections. Ramesh has been selected as the project manager of this prestigious assignment on the basis of his professional competence and experience.\nWhile reviewing the approved design plans in preparation for execution, Ramesh identifies a serious flaw. The proposed alignment includes a sharp 90-degree turn, incorporated due to spatial constraints between an electrified railway line on one side and ongoing metro construction on the other. From a technical standpoint, Ramesh believes the design is unsafe. It increases the risk of vehicular accidents, especially for heavy vehicles, and may lead to long-term inconvenience for road users.\nRamesh promptly raises the issue with the Chief Engineer. However, the Chief Engineer overrules the concern. He states that the General Arrangement Drawing (GAD) has already been approved by the Bridge Engineering Department in coordination with Indian Railways. He points out that revisiting the design at this stage shall result in project delays, increased expenditure, and unwanted political attention.\nSubsequently, Ramesh comes to know that the contractor awarded the tender to execute the project is a close relative of the PWD Minister. He also receives unofficial communication suggesting that his promotion to Additional Chief Engineer is under active consideration, but could be jeopardised if he creates \"unnecessary hurdles\" in the project's timely completion.\nThe incumbent state government is eager to complete the overbridge before the elections and present it as a major developmental achievement. This adds to the pressure on Ramesh to expedite project execution without raising further objections. Nonetheless, he remains convinced that the current design is flawed and could have grave implications for public safety if left unaddressed.\nMeanwhile, the bridge design has also attracted widespread public attention after being published in a leading local newspaper. Images of the sharp 90-degree turn went viral on social media, drawing criticism and ridicule. Several engineering experts have publicly flagged the alignment as a potential safety hazard, reinforcing Ramesh's concerns.\na) Under the given conditions, what are the options available to Ramesh as a project manager?\nb) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Ramesh?\nc) What are the professional challenges likely to be faced by Ramesh and his response to overcome such challenges?","marks":null,"words":"20"},{"page":30,"question":"a) दी गई परिस्थितियों में, एक परियोजना प्रबंधक के रूप में रमेश के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nb) रमेश को किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\nc) रमेश को किन व्यावसायिक चुनौतियों का सामना करना पड़ सकता है तथा ऐसी चुनौतियों पर नियंत्रण पाने के लिए उसकी क्या प्रतिक्रिया होनी चाहिए?\na) दी गई परिस्थितियों में, एक परियोजना प्रबंधक के रूप में रमेश के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nb) रमेश को किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\nc) रमेश को किन व्यावसायिक चुनौतियों का सामना करना पड़ सकता है तथा ऐसी चुनौतियों पर नियंत्रण पाने के लिए उसकी क्या प्रतिक्रिया होनी चाहिए?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.8 a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\nb) Evaluate the options available to Srushti in the above situation.\nc) What suggestions would you make to help officers like Srushti maintain a healthy work-life balance.\na) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\nb) Evaluate the options available to Srushti in the above situation.\nc) What suggestions would you make to help officers like Srushti maintain a healthy work-life balance.","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":36,"question":"a) उपयुक्त मामले में नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\nb) उपरोक्त स्थिति में सृष्टि के लिए उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nc) सृष्टि जैसे अधिकारियों को स्वस्थ कार्य-जीवन संतुलन बनाए रखने में मदद करने के लिए आप क्या सुझाव देंगे?\na) उपयुक्त मामले में नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\nb) उपरोक्त स्थिति में सृष्टि के लिए उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nc) सृष्टि जैसे अधिकारियों को स्वस्थ कार्य-जीवन संतुलन बनाए रखने में मदद करने के लिए आप क्या सुझाव देंगे?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.9 A reputed Indian beauty & personal care company developed a herbal skin cream for the international market, claiming anti-ageing and skin-repair properties based on traditional Ayurvedic formulations. After obtaining the necessary approvals and export certifications, the company began exporting the product. The product received widespread positive feedback for its quality and natural formulation, and soon became a huge hit in international markets. Riding on this success, the company announced that the product would soon be made available to domestic consumers, with almost the same quality and health benefits. Subsequently, it secured approval from the domestic regulatory authority and launched the product in the Indian market. Over time, the brand gained a significant share of the domestic market and earned substantial revenues both nationally and internationally. However, during a random sample check, officials discovered that the cream sold in India differed from the version approved by the competent authority. The product failed to meet the claimed herbal composition and purity standards. Further investigation revealed that the company had often been distributing batches that had failed export quality checks. The incident triggered widespread public criticism and regulatory scrutiny, leading to a sharp decline in the company's reputation and financial performance.\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\nb) What actions should the competent regulatory authority take against the personal care company for violating domestic quality standards and distributing rejected export batches in the Indian market?\nc) What course of action is available to the company to manage the crisis and restore public trust and brand credibility?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Q.10 A forest fire has broken out in a hilly district and is rapidly spreading toward an eco-sensitive area that includes four villages (ESA villages). These villages lie along the forest fringe and are surrounded by difficult terrain. The region is known for its biodiversity and traditional forest-based livelihoods. The inhabitants of these villages are mostly poor tribal communities, dependent on forest resources for their sustenance. You, as the District Magistrate of the area, have rushed to the spot with a medical team, police personnel, NGO, media, and support staff to oversee the rescue and containment operations. Your disaster response team on the ground is small and poorly equipped. Reinforcements from the district headquarter have been requested, but they may take several hours to arrive due to the remoteness and challenging terrain. In the meantime, a group of trained ex-forest guards and local youth from the villages offer to help. They are experienced and familiar with the area. However, existing government rules do not permit the engagement of unofficial personnel in fire control operations without formal clearance and insurance coverage. Your team members are divided on this issue. Some members argue that volunteers should be engaged immediately to prevent the fire from spreading. Others caution that involving them without proper approval and safety cover could be risky and against protocol. As the District Magistrate, you are also the Chairperson of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA). The fire is spreading at a very rapid rate, and immediate action is required to protect lives, property, and the environment. You are now in a dilemma.\na) What are the options available to you?\nb) Critically evaluate each of the options identified by you.\nc) What option would you adopt and why?\nd) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by you?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Q.11 In one of the government primary schools located in a rural block of a district, the newly appointed headmistress observed an unusual practice. The school had been preparing and serving mid-day meals separately to students belonging to different communities. Although the meals were cooked using a common gas connection, separate utensils, cooking areas, and serving arrangements had been in place for more than two decades. Students from the two communities had their food cooked and served by different cooks and ate in separate classrooms, despite attending classes together.\nAfter taking charge, the headmistress decided to discontinue this practice. She directed that food be prepared and served together for all students, using a common kitchen and utensils. However, the decision triggered backlash. A considerable number of parents across communities vehemently opposed the move and stopped sending their children to school. Consequently, attendance fell by almost 60 percent. This also raised concerns regarding the possible discontinuation of the mid-day meal scheme, withdrawal of teaching staff, and even closure of the school due to falling enrolment.\nThe issue has attracted attention from various political and social groups attempting to further polarise the situation and serve their vested interests.\nMarpi Apang, the District Education Officer (DEO), has been tasked by the Deputy Commissioner's office to amicably resolve the matter at the earliest. She has also been directed to submit a detailed report along with the Action Taken Report within a fortnight.\na) Identify the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb) What course of action should Marpi adopt and why?\nc) What should be the responsibilities of different social segments and agencies to create positive social ambiance for accepting such changes?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":56,"question":"Q.12) You are a Municipal Commissioner of a tier-2 city experiencing rapid urban expansion. Several high-rise residential and commercial buildings are under construction in the city to meet the growing demand for housing. One such luxury residential complex is being built, employing hundreds of daily-wage labourers, many of whom live in temporary settlements at the construction site. Late one night during the monsoon season, a large section of scaffolding and concrete slabs collapses from the upper floors of one of the under-construction buildings. Seven labourers, including two minors, die on the spot. Several others are critically injured and rushed to the hospital. The tragic incident results in public outrage, intense media scrutiny, and protests by a local NGO. The state government orders a formal inquiry and directs you to submit a report within a week. Your preliminary investigation reveals a series of irregularities. The construction material used is substandard and not in accordance with the National Building Code. Although the approved plan permits construction of fifteen floors, the builder has illegally added two extra floors. Moreover, the structure has encroached on land demarcated for a community park and a fire service lane under the city's Zonal Development Plan. These violations are not reported during site inspections conducted by the building inspector of the municipal corporation. The building clearance was granted during the tenure of your predecessor, who is not only your batchmate but also a close friend. Both of you were roommates during your training at LBSNAA. Prima facie, the case appears to involve a widespread nexus between officials of the Municipal Corporation and the builder. Your colleagues are putting pressure on you to go slow in the inquiry. Some of them suggest that holding the builder accountable could damage the city's image among investors and slow down urban development. Meanwhile, you come to know that the builder is the younger brother of a powerful minister in the state cabinet. One evening, his personal aide visits you privately. He suggests that the matter could be \"mutually settled\" and offers you a premium apartment worth ₹2 crore in the same residential complex. In the same breath, he hints that if the matter is not resolved swiftly in the builder's favour, someone in his office is prepared to file a complaint against you under the SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\nb) What are the options available to you in this situation?\nc) Explain your selected course of action.","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":8069,"topper":"Sunil Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5ee7a-729226_1452_sunil-kumar_rank-909.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain what a watershed is. What do you understand by watershed management? Giving suitable examples, discuss its significance in water resource management in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"What is inter-tropical convergence zone? How does it influence the Indian monsoon?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Highlight the reasons behind high concentration of Jute mills in West Bengal. Also give an account of the problems that the jute industry of India is confronted with.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Explain how earthquake waves are used as an indirect source for understanding the structure of the interior of the earth.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Giving an account of land use changes in India, mention various factors driving them in the last few decades. Also discuss the consequences of changing land use pattern.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"What are the major industrial regions of India? In this context, identify the factors that made Mumbai - Pune region as a major industrial hub of the country.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Illustrate the vertical and latitudinal distribution of temperature in ocean waters along with factors responsible for such a distribution.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"What were the major geological events that have shaped the present day drainage system of Peninsular India? What role has been played by geographical factors in the peninsular drainage pattern?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Why are Himalayan regions vulnerable to landslides? What steps can be taken to check frequent landslides in the region?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"What do you understand by social forestry? Highlight its socio-economic significance for India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Differentiating between good and bad ozone, write a brief note on ozone pollution. Also, highlight the initiatives taken to mitigate ozone pollution.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"What are various techniques of recovering energy from waste? Highlight the potential and challenges associated with Waste to Energy plants in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"In context of waste management, what do you understand by Extended Producer Responsibility? Mention the challenges in ensuring its compliance in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"The Paris Agreement addresses crucial areas necessary to combat climate change. In this context, identify some of the key aspects of the Agreement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Elaborate on the different phases of the disaster risk management cycle.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Assess the vulnerability of India's forests to forest fires and suggest measures to tackle it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"How does the National Disaster Management Plan (2016) aim to make India disaster resilient?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"A disaster is the combined effect of hazard and vulnerability. Elaborate with suitable examples.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8070,"topper":"Sunil Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/522fc-729226_1401_sunil-kumar_rank-909.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Female poet-saints played a significant role in the bhakti movement. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Curzon's domestic and foreign policies were motivated by the urge to further strengthen the British position in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The Communal Award was seen not only as an attack on national unity but also inimical to the interests of the depressed classes. Discuss. Also, highlight how the Poona Pact sought to address some concerns in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Given the important role played by the press in the formation and propagation of nationalist ideology, the British sought to curb the freedom of the press at various points during the freedom movement. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The peasant awakening seen in 1930s in India was largely a result of the combination of particular economic and political developments of that period. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Though the upsurge by the ratings of the Royal Indian Navy was suppressed, it is seen as an event which marked the end of British rule in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The story of India's freedom struggle cannot be complete without recognizing the role that many leaders of North East India played during the time. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Giving an account of revolutionary activities carried outside India to get freedom from the British colonial rule, highlight the limitations of such activities. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The architecture of Pallava kingdom has a distinctive style comprising of cave temples, monolithic temples and structural temples. Elaborate with examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Though the contact between the Greeks and ancient Indians was for a brief period, its impact was fairly wide in range. Elaborate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The subject of Indian folk art paintings is as diverse as the Indian cultural milieu itself. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The short-sightedness of Congress, Jinnah's ambitions and British amorality - all played their part in the partition of India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Given the specific nature and character of the British colonial state, the Indian national movement gradually evolved its strategy and tactics over the course of time. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The foundation of the Indian National Congress in 1885 was not a sudden accident but the culmination of a long process of political awakening. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Despite the Cripps' proposal being a step ahead of the August Offer, it was rejected by both the Congress and the Muslim League albeit for different reasons. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Though India as a whole had been ruled by some emperors in the past, it was only in the 19th century that the concept of national identity and national consciousness emerged. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The Marathas had the potential to develop into a new pan-India empire replacing the Mughals, but that potential was never fully realized because of the nature of the Maratha polity itself. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The Revolt of 1857 led not to the downfall but to the consolidation of British Empire in India. In this context, bring out the changes in administrative structure and policies introduced by the British post 1857. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8071,"topper":"Sunil Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/97234-729226_1391_sunil-kumar_rank-909.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Enumerate important privileges enjoyed by each House of Parliament collectively and its members individually and also discuss their significance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"Give an account of the composition and functions of the Finance Commission as mentioned in the Constitution of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Preamble shows the general purposes behind several provisions in the Constitution, and is a key to the minds of the makers of the Constitution. Explain. Also, comment on the amendability of the Preamble.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Explain the principle of subsidiarity, its importance and discuss how the 73rd constitutional amendment act tries to achieve it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Explaining the importance of an independent judiciary, highlight the relevant Constitutional provisions that safeguard and ensure the independent and impartial functioning of the Supreme Court.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"Mention the six freedoms as guaranteed under Article 19 of the Indian Constitution. Also, comment on the way in which the constitution has attempted to strike a balance between individual liberty and interests of society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"With examples, discuss the significance of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in light of costly and time-consuming litigation process in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"Explain why the Indian Constitution has been argued to have created a 'federation with a centralising tendency'.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"The parliamentary control over government and administration in India is more theoretical than practical. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Why did the Constituent Assembly replace the original plan to have elected governors in favour of appointment by the President? Also, bring out the arguments that are raised against the current form of appointment of Governors.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"Explaining the concept of judicial activism, discuss why it is important for courts not to take over the functions of the legislature or the executive.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"Compare the constitutional position of Rajya Sabha with the Lok Sabha in terms of legislative powers. Also bring out special powers given to Rajya Sabha in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"Comment upon the distribution of legislative subjects between the Centre and states. Under what circumstances does the Parliament make laws on matters enumerated in the State list?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"Explain the significance of the concept of 'separation of powers' in a democracy. What can be the reasons for India not following the doctrine in the strict sense?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Explain the grounds on which a National Emergency can be declared and highlight its effects on Centre-state relations and Fundamental Rights.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"Analyze how the CAG ensures financial accountability of the Executive to the Legislature while working as an independent Constitutional body.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":55,"question":"Highlight the veto powers of the President of India. How does the veto powers of the Governor differ from that of the President?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":58,"question":"Even though the parliamentary system of government in India is largely based on the British parliamentary model it never became a replica of the British system. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":61,"question":"A number of judicial pronouncements and constitutional amendments have altered the balance between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of Sate Policy since the commencement of the constitution. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":64,"question":"Highlight the powers and functions of the Election Commission of India (ECI). Also, discuss the issues regarding the independence and impartiality of the ECI.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8072,"topper":"Sunil Kumar Dhanwanta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/f0c1e-109506_1078_sunil-kumar-dhanwanta_rank_683.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Child labour: A necessary evil or just an evil?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8073,"topper":"Sunil Kumar Dhanwanta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2fd1e-109506_1078_sunil-dhanwanta_rank_22.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Child labour: A necessary evil or just an evil?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8074,"topper":"Sunil Kumar Dhanwanta","air":22,"year":2021,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5abbc-109506_1076_sunil-dhanwanta_rank_22.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8075,"topper":"Sunil Kumar Dhanwanta","air":22,"year":2021,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1db96-109506_1077_sunil-dhanwanta_rank_22.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8076,"topper":"Sunil Kumar Dhanwanta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/01843-109506_1072_sunil-kumar-dhanwanta_rank_683.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain why it is important to urgently address the problem of poor land records and infirmity of land titles in India. Also discuss how this problem can be addressed. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What are the special features of the infrastructure sector that make its financing a challenge? What measures have been taken to facilitate adequate amount of finance to this sector? (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Despite favourable circumstances, India's electronics manufacturing has been unable to respond to the rising demand. Discuss. What steps can be taken to address this situation? (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Despite registering a high growth rate in the post-reform era, India continues to witness a high incidence of poverty. Explain this paradox and suggest ways to resolve it. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"In light of the argument that India has entered a regime of \"permanent surpluses\", discuss whether the time has come to remove agricultural commodities completely from Essential Commodities Act. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The 1988 National Forest Policy (NFP) was visionary in its scope and ambition. However, there is a need for a new forest policy in the current context. Discuss. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How does rapid urbanization increases the vulnerability to major disasters? Explaining with examples, suggest measures to develop disaster-resilient cities. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain DNA profiling and highlight its forensic application. Also discuss the significance of DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2018 in this regard. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What is meant by the term Blue Water Capabilities? In this context, identify the key measures that have been undertaken to enhance the blue water capabilities of the Indian Navy. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Identify the factors that make India vulnerable to drug trafficking? Also discuss the key steps taken to deal with it in our country. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"How do higher global crude oil prices affect the Indian economy? What steps can be taken to gradually insulate India from global oil price volatility in the long term? (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Critically discuss the role of private sector in skill development in India in recent years. In this context, what are the measures required to improve oversight as well as financing in the skill development sector? (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The e-commerce sector has been booming in India for the last few years. Examine the need for its regulation in light of the recently proposed draft e-commerce policy. Further, identify the challenges that the sector is currently facing. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Explaining the importance, highlight the achievements of dairy sector in India. Examine whether over-production is the reason for the problems being faced by the dairy industry. Give some solutions to address the problems. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"There has been a focus on Textile and Apparels industry in India in recent years. Elaborate the potential of this industry and the challenges that lie in achieving it. What steps have been taken in this regard? (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"How do transportation corridors in biodiversity rich areas impact the wildlife? Examine the current policy framework in this regard. Also, suggest measures to minimise the negative effects while balancing the need for development. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The potential of technology to aid farmers in increasing productivity as well reducing susceptibility to climate change remains underutilized. Identify the reasons for the same and suggest measures to improve technological penetration in agriculture. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What is Intelligent Transportation System (ITS)? Explaining the need of ITS in India, identify the challenges in deploying it. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Explain the concept and significance of Data Localisation. Also discuss its limitations in strengthening law enforcement efforts in the context of Srikrishna Committee report and the draft Personal Data Protection Bill, 2018. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"What is the link between illegal immigration and national security? In this context, critically discuss the exercise of creating a National Register of Citizens in Assam. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8077,"topper":"Sunil Kumar Dhanwanta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9283e-109506_1070_sunil-kumar-dhanwanta_rank_683.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Shrenis were very sound and stable institutions, and enjoyed considerable moral and social prestige not only among their own members, but in society at large. In light of the statement, explain the significant aspects of Shrenis or Guilds in ancient India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Marathas failed to fill the political vacuum created by the decline of the Mughal Empire because of a number of reasons. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The East India Company as a political power had long been dead, what the Act of 1858 did was to give its corpse a decent burial. Analyze.(150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Spanish Civil War though fought locally, had far reaching and widespread significance. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss how the culture of consumption has played a crucial role in the process of globalisation especially in shaping the growth of cities in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Although it was outlawed 25 years ago, manual scavenging continues to be prevalent in India. Analysing the reasons behind this problem, discuss what can be done to address it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Explain the concept of soil liquefaction. Illustrate how it manifests during seismic events. What preventive steps can be taken to minimise its impact? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Identify the factors that determine density of ocean waters. Discuss the latitudinal distribution of density and explain the seasonal changes that occur, if any. Also, illustrate its relationship with ocean currents. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Explain how the scientific understanding of the earth's interior has improved with analysis of seismic waves. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Highlight the key factors that need to be considered in deciding the location of nuclear power plants. Also, explain the difficulties India faces in utilizing the large reserves of thorium as part of its civil nuclear programme. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Both the Pallavas and the Cholas played a significant role in the development of structural temples in South India. Explain with examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The views of Gandhi, Nehru and Bose broadly represented the major strands of debate on the question of India's support to British efforts in World War-II. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Even as the British tried to suppress it at every conceivable opportunity, the vernacular press played a crucial role in the freedom movement. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Explain the issues that shaped the Assam Movement. In this context, also comment on the significance of the Assam Accord of 1985. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the diverse processes through which nation-states and nationalism came into being in nineteenth-century Europe. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss why women continue to bear an uneven burden of the terminal methods of family planning in India. What can be done to address this unevenness? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Secularism in India is based on the idea of equal respect for all religions rather than strict separation of state and religion. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are jet streams? How do they influence rainfall in India? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Illustrating the mountain building process that led to the formation of Himalayas, elaborate why they are often referred to as young and restless mountains. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"What do you understand by Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM)? How does National Water Policy, 2012 try to promote IWRM? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8078,"topper":"Sunil Kumar Dhanwanta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d550a-109506_1071_sunil-dhanwanta_rank_22.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"It has been argued that over the years there has been a steady decline in the efficacy of Parliament as an institution of accountability. Analyse and also suggest appropriate measures to address the relevant concerns. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Panchayati raj institutions (PRIs) are simultaneously a remarkable success and a staggering failure, depending on the goalposts against which they are evaluated. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) is more than just the keeper of our national accounts; it is also a conscience-keeper and a watchdog. Examine the statement in light of making the auditing process more effective. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The concern for transparency in political funding is at odds with the Electoral Bond Scheme notified by the government. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Lobbying in India exists in a perennially grey legal and policy arena. In this context, discuss the need to formally recognize and regulate lobbying in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"More than a decade after it was passed, the implementation of the RTI Act leaves much to be desired. Comment. Also discuss the issues associated with the recent proposals to amend the RTI Act. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Critically discuss the evolving policy on reservation in promotions in India with special focus on its ability to meet the objectives of social justice. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"India produces enough food for its people, but not all people get enough food to eat. Discussing this paradox, highlight some of the major interventions taken in the past few years in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"India sees Indian Ocean as not just a water body, but a global stage for continued economic, social, and cultural dialogue. Elaborate.(150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In the context of India taking greater responsibility in management of the global commons, there has been a shift in India's climate change negotiation stance. In this context, analyze the evolution of India's climate policy. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlighting the constitutional role of the Finance Commission (FC), discuss the issues which are being debated w.r.t. terms of reference (ToR) of the 15th Finance Commission. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The spirit of the constitution of India represents a synthesis of Indian values, democratic and socialist movements in west and our independence movement. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"What is the importance of an independent judiciary in a democracy? Highlight the safeguards in our political-constitutional setup to ensure the independence of judiciary. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Even though Indian federalism has matured quite a bit, with states having far greater control of their economic and political management, serious structural problems still remain. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The recent amendments to the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 strike a balance between enforcement overzealousness and the need for stringent action against corrupt public servants. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Identifying the various issues plaguing the voluntary sector in India, discuss the need for a national accreditation agency to overcome them. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Given the importance of a teacher in affecting the learning outcomes of children, discuss the problems in the present system of teacher training in India. How can these be addressed? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The implementation of a scheme with such scale and benefit as Ayushman Bharat is likely to face many obstacles. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Given the fact that India cannot match China's financial clout, it is seen to be diversifying the ways in which it can enhance cooperation and promote its diplomatic profile in Africa. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Discuss how American sanctions on its adversaries affect India. Taking the example of CAATSA, analyse how India can shield its strategic interests in face of such sanctions. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8079,"topper":"Sunil Kumar Dhanwanta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c2fb3-109506_1070_sunil-dhanwanta_rank_22.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Shrenis were very sound and stable institutions, and enjoyed considerable moral and social prestige not only among their own members, but in society at large. In light of the statement, explain the significant aspects of Shrenis or Guilds in ancient India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Marathas failed to fill the political vacuum created by the decline of the Mughal Empire because of a number of reasons. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The East India Company as a political power had long been dead, what the Act of 1858 did was to give its corpse a decent burial. Analyze.(150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Spanish Civil War though fought locally, had far reaching and widespread significance. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss how the culture of consumption has played a crucial role in the process of globalisation especially in shaping the growth of cities in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Although it was outlawed 25 years ago, manual scavenging continues to be prevalent in India. Analysing the reasons behind this problem, discuss what can be done to address it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Explain the concept of soil liquefaction. Illustrate how it manifests during seismic events. What preventive steps can be taken to minimise its impact? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Identify the factors that determine density of ocean waters. Discuss the latitudinal distribution of density and explain the seasonal changes that occur, if any. Also, illustrate its relationship with ocean currents. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The views of Gandhi, Nehru and Bose broadly represented the major strands of debate on the question of India's support to British efforts in World War-II. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Even as the British tried to suppress it at every conceivable opportunity, the vernacular press played a crucial role in the freedom movement. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Explain the issues that shaped the Assam Movement. In this context, also comment on the significance of the Assam Accord of 1985. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the diverse processes through which nation-states and nationalism came into being in nineteenth-century Europe. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss why women continue to bear an uneven burden of the terminal methods of family planning in India. What can be done to address this unevenness? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Secularism in India is based on the idea of equal respect for all religions rather than strict separation of state and religion. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are jet streams? How do they influence rainfall in India? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Illustrating the mountain building process that led to the formation of Himalayas, elaborate why they are often referred to as young and restless mountains. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"What do you understand by Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM)? How does National Water Policy, 2012 try to promote IWRM? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8080,"topper":"Sunil Kumar Dhanwanta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8a942-109506_1068_sunil-dhanwanta_rank_22.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"There are many challenges in sustainably scaling up renewable energy in India. Analyse. Also, discuss what can be done to address these challenges. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The policies and indicators introduced by the government, in recent times, to finance urban development in India are key in addressing the existing challenges. Discuss with special reference to municipal bonds. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"With a number of issues continuing to be a roadblock, a large section of India's rural population is still 'financially excluded'. Discuss. Analyse how these issues can be addressed and the measures taken by the government and RBI recently in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'Environmental Accounting'? Discussing the rationale behind introducing environmental accounting, highlight its status in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"While access to irrigation is important, efficiency of water use is equally, if not more, crucial. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"For a holistic approach to disaster risk reduction, there is a need to mainstream indigenous traditional knowledge and link it with modern technologies. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do you understand by food irradiation? Highlighting some of its unique applications, examine its relevance for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Whereas misuse of technology has abetted the spread of fake news, it is with the aid of technology that this menace can be curbed. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Explain the salient features of the recently established Defence Planning Committee. How can it help in credible defence preparedness? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Recent reports of Maoist leaders having amassed huge assets in property and cash underlines the significance of probing the funding network as part of counter-terrorism efforts. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Not only do services MSMEs contribute mightily to the overall GDP growth, they have a powerful, multiplier impact on the local economies as well. Elaborating on the statement, highlight the problems faced by service sector MSMEs. How can the government make it easier for MSMEs to start and grow a business? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Contract Farming has many advantages, however it suffers from market failures. Elaborate. What can the government do to correct problems that lead to contract failures? Also, discuss whether the Model Contract Farming Act, 2018 is a step in the right direction. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Suggest the measures needed to improve the employability of labour force as well as increasing number of employment opportunities in light of structural changes being brought by disruptive technologies. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"India's trade policy in agriculture, marred by ad-hocism and pro-consumer bias, has constrained realization of export potential, and prevented the farmers from reaping the benefits. Examine the statement and discuss ways, including government initiatives, to improve agricultural exports. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Is currency exchange rate a suitable measure of relative economic performance of countries? Despite improving macro-economic fundamentals, trade deficit in India continues to widen. Bring out the factors responsible for this situation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"It will take much more than relief packages to address the problems being faced by the sugar industry in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"NAPCC, almost 10 years old and formulated with lofty objectives, has not served as the best answer to cope with the impacts of climate change. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Proliferation of nuclear weapons and the threat of their use are key concerns for global security nonetheless existing international arrangements seem to be ineffective. Comment. Also, identify the salient features of India's policy in this context and discuss whether India should join the NPT in the current form. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The maritime security domain requires collective multilateral and regional cooperation to combat non traditional threats. Discuss in the context of threats in the Western Indian Ocean and the recent amendments in the Djibouti Code of Conduct. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India's space programme was initiated with the vision of utilising outer space for peaceful purposes, however with changing times it has the potential to play a significant role in strengthening security capabilities of India. Discuss with adequate examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8081,"topper":"Sunil Kumar Dhanwanta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e0fa1-109506_1067_sunil-dhanwanta_rank_22.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What is the role that opposition plays in a democracy like India? In this context, discuss whether our Parliament can benefit from a shadow cabinet. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Where there is a right, there is a remedy. In this context, discuss the nature and significance of writs in India with adequate examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Enumerate the objectives of NITI Aayog. Also, discuss the performance of this body since its inception and suggest measures to make it more effective. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"In view of the political class's inability to develop and maintain conventions relating to the appropriate use of Article 356, the Supreme Court's decision in the Bommai case provided much needed clarity. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Press freedom and good governance are not mutually exclusive. They support each other while promoting a country's economic and human development. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"SHGs have succeeded in delivering financial inclusion, but for them to evolve as viable business enterprise requires a different approach. Analyse in the context of the twin goals of rural growth and promotion of women's entrepreneurship. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The focus of higher education in India has been on a select few Central or autonomous institutions where as the ones in states remain neglected. Commenting on the statement, highlight the significance of Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the role played by PRIs in political empowerment of women. Also, suggest measures to further increase their political participation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What is Strategic Autonomy? Critically examine the elements of such a policy in India's contemporary foreign policy in the context of recent developments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"IBSA and BRICS are both examples of India's quest for multialignment, however there are key differences in their orientation. Discuss in the context of the relevance of these groupings for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What are the various modes of Alternate Dispute Redressal (ADR) mechanisms available in India? Identifying the problems being faced by them, provide suggestions needed to increase their effectiveness. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"While the power to punish for the contempt of court is a much needed tool to protect the administration of justice from being maligned, it is time that it be relooked into. Critically analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Criminalisation of politics remains a key concern for the Indian political system. In this context, analyse the role played by the Supreme Court and Election Commission over the years. Also, in what ways can the media play a positive role? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight, in brief, the mandate of the National Commission for Minorities (NCM). Identify the different challenges that the commission faces and suggest measures to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The recent decision of the government to open up positions at the senior levels in bureaucracy through lateral entry is an important but only small step in the direction of much needed reforms in the higher civil services. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Identifying the broad contours of the 'Transformation of Aspirational Districts' programme, explain how it adopts a novel strategy to address backwardness. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"How did India fare on the Millennium Development Goals related to health? In this regard, identify the relevant Sustainable Development Goals and evaluate India's capacity to meet them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the different rights recognized under the Forest Rights Act, 2006? Highlight the gaps in the implementation of community forest rights and community forest resource rights granted under the Forest Rights Act. Also, suggest measures to address the current scenario. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Progress in India-US ties has been accompanied by equally significant divergences on important issues. Examine in the context of recent developments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Despite bonhomie, the structural differences between Indian and Israeli national security situations, their worldviews and absence of explicitly shared enemies limit stronger strategic rapprochement. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8082,"topper":"Sunil Kumar Dhanwanta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c7e25-109506_1072_sunil-dhanwanta_rank_22.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain why it is important to urgently address the problem of poor land records and infirmity of land titles in India. Also discuss how this problem can be addressed. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What are the special features of the infrastructure sector that make its financing a challenge? What measures have been taken to facilitate adequate amount of finance to this sector? (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Despite favourable circumstances, India's electronics manufacturing has been unable to respond to the rising demand. Discuss. What steps can be taken to address this situation? (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Despite registering a high growth rate in the post-reform era, India continues to witness a high incidence of poverty. Explain this paradox and suggest ways to resolve it. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"In light of the argument that India has entered a regime of \"permanent surpluses\", discuss whether the time has come to remove agricultural commodities completely from Essential Commodities Act. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The 1988 National Forest Policy (NFP) was visionary in its scope and ambition. However, there is a need for a new forest policy in the current context. Discuss. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How does rapid urbanization increases the vulnerability to major disasters? Explaining with examples, suggest measures to develop disaster-resilient cities. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain DNA profiling and highlight its forensic application. Also discuss the significance of DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2018 in this regard. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What is meant by the term Blue Water Capabilities? In this context, identify the key measures that have been undertaken to enhance the blue water capabilities of the Indian Navy. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Identify the factors that make India vulnerable to drug trafficking? Also discuss the key steps taken to deal with it in our country. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"How do higher global crude oil prices affect the Indian economy? What steps can be taken to gradually insulate India from global oil price volatility in the long term? (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Explaining the importance, highlight the achievements of dairy sector in India. Examine whether over-production is the reason for the problems being faced by the dairy industry. Give some solutions to address the problems. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"There has been a focus on Textile and Apparels industry in India in recent years. Elaborate the potential of this industry and the challenges that lie in achieving it. What steps have been taken in this regard? (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"How do transportation corridors in biodiversity rich areas impact the wildlife? Examine the current policy framework in this regard. Also, suggest measures to minimise the negative effects while balancing the need for development. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The potential of technology to aid farmers in increasing productivity as well reducing susceptibility to climate change remains underutilized. Identify the reasons for the same and suggest measures to improve technological penetration in agriculture. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What is Intelligent Transportation System (ITS)? Explaining the need of ITS in India, identify the challenges in deploying it. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Explain the concept and significance of Data Localisation. Also discuss its limitations in strengthening law enforcement efforts in the context of Srikrishna Committee report and the draft Personal Data Protection Bill, 2018. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"What is the link between illegal immigration and national security? In this context, critically discuss the exercise of creating a National Register of Citizens in Assam. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8083,"topper":"Sunil Kumar Dhanwanta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9b2ed-109506_1073_sunil-kumar-dhanwanta_rank_683.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the ethical issues involved in the recent refugee crisis and immigration as a global phenomenon from a broad perspective of globalisation and rights of citizens and aliens.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Corruption distorts not only functioning of the Government in India but business and corporate activities as well. Explain and discuss how the state can effectively deal with deficit of ethics in the private sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/ philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) \"Silence becomes cowardice when occasion demands speaking out the whole truth and acting accordingly\" - Mahatma Gandhi.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"\"We must not only tolerate others, but positively embrace them\" - Swami Vivekananda.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Emotional Intelligence is part nature and part nurture. Explaining the statement, discuss how emotional intelligence of civil servants can be enhanced.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"What do you understand by Probity in Governance? Examine whether the recent amendments to Prevention of Corruption Act and the proposed ones in Whistleblower Protection Act undermine it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Ensuring that civil service values are recognised during the recruitment process and ensured through a code of ethics after appointment is a necessary condition of making the civil services an effective instrument of citizen centric governance. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"What do you understand by cognitive dissonance? Giving examples, discuss how it influences one's behavior and attitude.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by Amartya Sen's 'capability approach'? Analyse its significance in understanding social realities and in making a pro poor development strategy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"While in principle most nations claim commitment to universal values, in practice these values are honoured more in breach than in the observance. In context of this statement, comment on the relevance of values in foreign policy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"While some ethical approaches consider an action to be ethical based on results, other focus on means. Taking the example of Indian bureaucracy compare and examine how these approaches have played out for the benefit of citizens.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"What are the ethical principles that should form the basis of the system permitting organ donation and allocation? Also discuss the importance of regulation for the success of any organ transplant program.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Where as some argue that leaks constitute an affront to democracy, others are of the opinion that leaks are a part of democracy. Examine the merits of both the arguments in the context of information attributed to leaks from government offices and whistleblowers.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"You are a young recruit to the IAS. Upon the completion of your training you have been posted in a subdivision of a district where industrial development has been lagging. The area has large reserves of minerals and a significant tribal population. The government has identified the area for a large thermal power plant and also adequate expansion of mining. This announcement has seen a rise in land prices in the area as well as unrest among the local population about possible land acquisition. As part of routine examination of records you observe large land purchases in recent years that are linked with the family of the local politician, who is also a member of the state cabinet. You also recognise that much of this land is around the site of the proposed industrial area. Further, one of your staff members also informs you that the family has been buying in the name of drivers, cleaners as well as domestic helps. You feel that having been aware of the policy decision the politician has played a role in these purchases. Incidentally your relations with the politician have been cordial and he is a popular figure in the area. (a) As the official responsible for acquisition of land and payment of compensation for the land acquired, what are the ethical issues that you face in the given situation? (b) What will be your response to a suggestion that in view of these benami land transfers a freeze on land sale in the area should be enforced? (c) What is the course of action that you would take? Justify with reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"According to the WHO suicide is the second leading cause of death in the age group of 15-29 years globally. In India also, instances of young people committing suicide have been reported widely in recent times. It is all the more disturbing that such a phenomenon is increasingly visible in urban and prosperous areas. (a) What are the reasons that render people vulnerable to taking such drastic steps as suicide? (b) Also, discuss the role that you as an individual, the society and the government can play in addressing this issue. WHO 15-29 , (a) ? (b) , ,","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You have recently been promoted as a Branch Manager in a Public Sector Bank. The bank is battling high NPAs and mounting losses. You have been assigned a very high target of loans by the higher management for the current quarter. Your career prospects also depend on your performance in critical times. Few days back you rejected a loan application for a huge sum based on detailed analysis. Today you got a call from the Regional Manager to approve the loan quickly. On your reluctance to approve, he hints that the loan is sought by a person well connected in the finance ministry and that a refusal will have consequences for everyone in the approval chain. You are now in a tough spot. Based on the given information, answer the following questions: (a) Bring out the ethical issues in the case above. (b) What are the consequences of agreeing to the demands of the senior in the given case. Assess which of them are meritorious and which are not. (c) Suggest institutional reforms that can result in non-punishment of honest feedback.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8084,"topper":"Sunil Kumar Dhanwanta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/20a20-109506_1073_sunil-dhanwanta_rank_22.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the ethical issues involved in the recent refugee crisis and immigration as a global phenomenon from a broad perspective of globalisation and rights of citizens and aliens.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Corruption distorts not only functioning of the Government in India but business and corporate activities as well. Explain and discuss how the state can effectively deal with deficit of ethics in the private sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/ philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) \"Silence becomes cowardice when occasion demands speaking out the whole truth and acting accordingly\" - Mahatma Gandhi.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"\"We must not only tolerate others, but positively embrace them\" - Swami Vivekananda.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Emotional Intelligence is part nature and part nurture. Explaining the statement, discuss how emotional intelligence of civil servants can be enhanced.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"What do you understand by Probity in Governance? Examine whether the recent amendments to Prevention of Corruption Act and the proposed ones in Whistleblower Protection Act undermine it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Ensuring that civil service values are recognised during the recruitment process and ensured through a code of ethics after appointment is a necessary condition of making the civil services an effective instrument of citizen centric governance. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"What do you understand by cognitive dissonance? Giving examples, discuss how it influences one's behavior and attitude.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by Amarty Sen's 'capability approach'? Analyse its significance in understanding social realities and in making a pro poor development strategy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"While in principle most nations claim commitment to universal values, in practice these values are honoured more in breach than in the observance. In context of this statement, comment on the relevance of values in foreign policy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"While some ethical approaches consider an action to be ethical based on results, other focus on means. Taking the example of Indian bureaucracy compare and examine how these approaches have played out for the benefit of citizens.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"What are the ethical principles that should form the basis of the system permitting organ donation and allocation? Also discuss the importance of regulation for the success of any organ transplant program.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Where as some argue that leaks constitute an affront to democracy, others are of the opinion that leaks are a part of democracy. Examine the merits of both the arguments in the context of information attributed to leaks from government offices and whistleblowers.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"You are a young recruit to the IAS. Upon the completion of your training you have been posted in a subdivision of a district where industrial development has been lagging. The area has large reserves of minerals and a significant tribal population. The government has identified the area for a large thermal power plant and also adequate expansion of mining. This announcement has seen a rise in land prices in the area as well as unrest among the local population about possible land acquisition. As part of routine examination of records you observe large land purchases in recent years that are linked with the family of the local politician, who is also a member of the state cabinet. You also recognise that much of this land is around the site of the proposed industrial area. Further, one of your staff members also informs you that the family has been buying in the name of drivers, cleaners as well as domestic helps. You feel that having been aware of the policy decision the politician has played a role in these purchases. Incidently your relations with the politician have been cordial and he is a popular figure in the area. (a) As the official responsible for acquisition of land and payment of compensation for the land acquired, what are the ethical issues that you face in the given situation? (b) What will be your response to a suggestion that in view of these benami land transfers a freeze on land sale in the area should be enforced? (c) What is the course of action that you would take? Justify with reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"In view of these benami land transfers, what would be your response to the suggestion that a freeze on land sale in the area should be enforced? (c) What course of action would you take? Justify your stand. According to the WHO suicide is the second leading cause of death in the age group of 15-29 years globally. In India also, instances of young people committing suicide have been reported widely in recent times. It is all the more disturbing that such a phenomenon is increasingly visible in urban and prosperous areas. (a) What are the reasons that render people vulnerable to taking such drastic steps as suicide? (b) Also, discuss the role that you as an individual, the society and the government can play in addressing this issue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"According to the WHO suicide is the second leading cause of death in the age group of 15-29 years globally. In India also, instances of young people committing suicide have been reported widely in recent times. It is all the more disturbing that such a phenomenon is increasingly visible in urban and prosperous areas. (a) What are the reasons that render people vulnerable to taking such drastic steps as suicide? (b) Also, discuss the role that you as an individual, the society and the government can play in addressing this issue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate of a primarily rural district. Excess agricultural production has led to a continuous fall in market prices of crops in the last three years. With elections approaching soon, the opposition has decided to make this a political issue and has mobilised farmers to protest against falling prices. The protests turned violent at some point and police had to fire in self-defence, killing two people. Violence has increased since then and you yourself were attacked when you tried to pacify the protestors. The protestors have also blocked the main roads as well as railways to prevent movement of goods and people. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the key concerns that need to be addressed on a priority basis. (b) What steps will you take to address them?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You have recently been promoted as a Branch Manager in a Public Sector Bank. The bank is battling high NPAs and mounting losses. You have been assigned a very high target of loans by the higher management for the current quarter. Your career prospects also depend on your performance in critical times. Few days back you rejected a loan application for a huge sum based on detailed analysis. Today you got a call from the Regional Manager to approve the loan quickly. On your reluctance to approve, he hints that the loan is sought by a person well connected in the finance ministry and that a refusal will have consequences for everyone in the approval chain. You are now in a tough spot. Based on the given information, answer the following questions: (a) Bring out the ethical issues in the case above. (b) What are the consequences of agreeing to the demands of the senior in the given case. Assess which of them are meritorious and which are not. (c) Suggest institutional reforms that can result in non-punishment of honest feedback.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You, the chairperson of a State Public Service Commission (SPSC), come to know that there were instances of rampant cheating in a competitive exam conducted recently by the SPSC. Your daughter, who also appeared in this exam and is confident of clearing it corroborates the same. However, she denies engaging in any such activity herself. Whatever decision the Commission takes is bound to affect the career of a large number of candidates who appeared in the exam, including your daughter. (a) Identify the different stakeholders and their interests in the case above. (b) Enumerate the options you have to handle the current situation. What will be your choice and why? (c) Suggest measures that you would take to make sure that a similar situation does not arise in future.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"You are waiting in your car for your turn at a toll tax booth. You suddenly witness some men heckling and manhandling the toll booth operator and vandalising the property at the toll booth. They are accompanying a local politician who was passing through. Disgruntled with the fact that they were asked to pay the toll, they began to argue that the toll is too high and the public is being exploited by charging an unreasonable toll fee. At the same time they are also warning others against paying the toll fee. However, the other people around you are keeping with themselves, without anyone coming forward to intervene. While you also felt that the toll was quite high, you believe that this is not the right thing to do. (a) Bring out the ethical issues in the case above. (b) What accounts for such an overt display of hooliganism in our country. (c) What is the course of action that you would take? Justify with appropriate reasons.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8085,"topper":"Sunita","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SUNITAUPSC_IAS_2025_Toppers_AIR_364_Sample_ESSAY_COPY_2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. Life is a painting and you are the artist.\n2. The future belongs to the nation with grains and not guns.\n3. Social media is the ultimate equalizer, it gives voice and a platform to anyone willing to engage.\n4. The real problem is not whether machines think, but whether men do.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Is life just a painting?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Is it only an artist who paint it?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8086,"topper":"Sunita","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SUNITAUPSC_IAS_2025_Toppers_AIR_364_Sample_MGP_COPY_1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) As the soul of the Constitution, the preamble is not only a majestic expression of philosophy and principles but also declares the purpose of the constitution. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Article 21 of the Constitution has been interpreted expansively to encompass various facets of personal freedom and dignity. Elucidate with the help of relevant case laws.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Explain how the Presidents of India and the USA differ in their election processes and the extent of their powers.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Critically examine the functioning of National Human Rights Commission of India (NHRC) as an apex institution entrusted with the protection of human rights in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 The 106th Constitutional Amendment Act (Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023) is regarded as a landmark step towards women's empowerment and representation, making women-led development a tangible reality. How far do you think this will help in making the Indian political process more gender-inclusive?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) India's growing elderly population is faced with a multitude of challenges necessitating development of a comprehensive policy framework to manage this demographic transition. Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) Discuss the benefits and challenges associated with the entry and operation of foreign higher educational institutions for internationalization of Indian higher education, in the light of recently released UGC guidelines regarding the same.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) How far do you think that farmers association has been successful as a Pressure Group?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"2 Role of sugar cooperative & associations of Maharashtra region in bringing FRP.\n3 MSP, sub-division and farm wainer many times by their efforts.\n4 Role of others also e.g. Labour code.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) The peaceful and co-operative relationship between India and Bhutan provides a unique model of bilateral ties in South Asia. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) While the Gulf region offers lucrative job opportunities, the Indian diaspora often finds itself grappling with severe challenges. Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 Recent years have witnessed a concerning decline in Parliament's functioning, marked by frequent disruptions and reduced debate on crucial national issues. Analyze the reasons for the decline in Parliament's functioning in the country and suggest remedial measures.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) To what extent, in your opinion, has the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act been successful in laying a foundation for participatory and inclusive governance at the grassroot level?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 Describe the various mechanisms available for the resolution of disputes concerning the use, distribution, or control of inter-state rivers. Also, state the reasons for their limited success.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) The Election Commission of India (ECI) stands as a sentinel of democracy, ensuring that the world's largest electoral exercise is conducted with integrity and efficiency. In light of the statement, discuss the role of ECI in conducting free and fair elections. Also, state the associated challenges and suggest remedial measures.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 While e-governance offers immense potential to revolutionize governance and service delivery, its successful implementation requires addressing multifaceted challenges. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 Assess the performance of various schemes and policies undertaken to improve the socio-economic conditions of vulnerable sections of society. What measures do you suggest to enhance their performance?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17) What are the common challenges faced by NGOs when working with the government? How can these challenges be mitigated to ensure a productive partnership between NGOs and the government?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 \"Poverty is a complex phenomenon that goes beyond material deprivation, necessitating comprehensive strategies that address the multifaceted nature of deprivation.\" Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 The expansion of BRICS presents new prospects for the organization, but their realization depends on the member states' ability to address internal challenges and enhance cooperation. Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 \"A multipolar world order is not merely an option but a necessity\". Elaborate. How can India leverage its position to strengthen multipolarity in the global arena?","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8087,"topper":"Sunita","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/SUNITA_SS_GS_2_AIR_364_2025_967ca0df6e.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"The Supreme Court's recent invocation of Article 142 to confer 'deemed assent' to a bill raises critical questions about the separation of powers. Critically examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The impartiality of the Speaker of Lok Sabha is central to the integrity of the legislative process. Explain with relevant examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"How does the Sixth Schedule balance tribal autonomy with national integration? Evaluate its success and limitations. (15 marks, 150 words)","marks":"15","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Explain how Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, while aiming to safeguard privacy, risks weakening the transparency framework established by the Right to Information Act, 2005. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms offer a viable solution to India's overburdened judiciary. Enumerate the types of ADR mechanisms in India and analyze their advantages over conventional litigation. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Examine how Community-based financial institutions promote responsive governance and address structural inequalities, especially for marginalized women. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Despite their intended purpose, Citizen's Charters in India have fallen short in transforming administration into a citizen-centric service system. Do you agree? Justify your answer. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Mauritius remains the 'Star and Key' to the Indian Ocean for India. Analyze the geopolitical significance of Mauritius in India's Indian Ocean strategy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Discuss the constitutional and statutory provisions governing the disqualification of Members of Parliament in India. How effective are they in upholding the integrity of the legislature? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"India's fiscal federalism is heavily vertical, transactional, and tax-centric. In light of this, critically examine the case for institutionalizing 'resource federalism' to ensure more equitable and autonomous state-level economic development. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"While India has a structured but rarely used process for the removal of judges, the UK emphasizes ministerial responsibility and in-house mechanisms. Compare and evaluate these approaches in maintaining judicial accountability. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Despite being part of the Directive Principles, the Uniform Civil Code remains unrealised at the national level. Examine the factors behind the delay and suggest potential measure for its rational implementation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Judicial recognition of intra-caste inequality within Scheduled Castes opens new debates in affirmative action policies. Examine the challenges and opportunities this poses for social justice in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"AI-driven education can play a transformative role in achieving the goals of New Education Policy 2020. Discuss the opportunities and challenges in integrating Artificial Intelligence into India's education system. What safeguards are needed to ensure its safe deployment? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Discuss the role of targeted welfare schemes for nomadic communities in achieving inclusive development. What are the implementation bottlenecks and how can they be resolved? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"\"Cultural diplomacy through diaspora outreach has emerged as a soft power tool in India's global engagement strategy.\" Evaluate the strengths and limitations of diaspora-led cultural diplomacy in advancing India's national interest. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"How have the rowing tensions between the U.S., Israel, and Iran affected regional stability in West Asia? In this context, evaluate the key considerations for India's foreign policy to safeguard its interests in West Asia. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"With overlapping geographical and strategic interests, ASEAN-BIMSTEC cooperation can enhance Indo-Pacific connectivity and resilience. Analyze the institutional, political, and external challenges that impede this cooperation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8088,"topper":"Sunita","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SUNITAUPSC_IAS_2025_Toppers_AIR_364_Sample_MGP_COPY_2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) How far do you agree that a robust domestic demand is the most important driver of India's economic growth? What are other factors that influence the growth trajectory of the country?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Macroeconomic stability is not solely dependent on the quantity of foreign exchange reserves, but also on the strategy and sources on which they are built. Discuss in an Indian context.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) DPI (Digital Public Infrastructure) is a critical enabler of digital transformation for both businesses and citizens; however, it comes with its own set of challenges. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) The skewed emphasis on certain crops has distorted the cropping pattern in India, which has led to grave socio-economic and environmental consequences. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) Private participation in propelling India's space journey is widely acknowledged but is yet to be fully tapped. In light of the statement, analyse the hurdles faced by the private sector and also recommend measures to unlock greater private participation in the space economy.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) With recent advances in technology, robots are now equipped to perform more than just conventional and routine tasks, which brings new opportunities as well as risks. In this context, evaluate the future potential of the robotics sector.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) Write an explanatory note on the causes and impacts of avalanches. Also, highlight the various strategies to mitigate its impact, with a special emphasis on NDMA guidelines.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) Technology plays a multidimensional role in augmenting the disaster management apparatus of the country. Discuss. Also, bring out the measures needed to enhance the usage of such technologies in managing disasters.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) Outlining the various cyber threats faced by India, assess the state of the country's preparedness to deal with the same.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) Explain how the geographical location of India makes it extremely vulnerable to the menace of drug trafficking. What are the various internal security threats posed by drug trafficking?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) Inclusive growth is a roadmap to intergenerational equity, redistribution of wealth, and employment generation. Explain. Also, discuss the steps taken by the government towards achieving inclusive growth.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 Discuss the significance of Multimodal Transport System in achieving last mile connectivity, improving logistics efficiency, and addressing the twin problems of pollution and congestion. What measures can be taken to ensure efficient multimodal transport connectivity in India?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 Highlighting the rationale behind declaring MSP, discuss various issues related to the MSP regime in the country. Also, critically analyse the efficacy of legalizing MSP towards ensuring financial sustainability in farming.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) Food Processing Industries (FPIs) can act as a bridge between the informal farming community and the formal industrial sector, which can help boost the rural economy. Examine.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Discuss the role of biotechnology in enhancing agricultural productivity. Also, highlight the concerns regarding the application of biotechnology in agriculture.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) 5G technology is a breakthrough that finds applications across diverse sectors. Elaborate. How is 5G technology different from its predecessor? Also, list the various challenges associated with its effective rollout.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 Discuss the repercussions on marine ecosystem and economy resulting from the combined effects of ocean acidification, ocean warming, and oxygen loss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18) The invisible nature of groundwater is a major obstacle in the path towards achieving the twin objectives of building climate resilience and meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Elucidate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Despite various efforts, a lasting solution to the insurgency in the north-eastern region of India remains elusive. Analyse the reasons behind the continuation of insurgency in the region. Also, suggest effective measures to tackle it.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20) While developmental initiatives have a significant role to play, they alone cannot root out terrorism/militancy in Jammu and Kashmir. Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8089,"topper":"Sunita","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/SUNITA_SS_GS_3_AIR_364_5ac8858b1e.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Explain the concept of the \"Missing Middle\" in India's industrial ecosystem. How does it affect economic growth and employment generation? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Household savings form a crucial pillar of domestic capital formation. In light of their recent decline, elucidate the underlying causes and propose strategies to strengthen savings behavior in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Despite its potential, the corporate bond market in India remains underdeveloped. Examine the structural and regulatory challenges impeding its growth. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"In light of recent Budget 2025 allocations and the push for green infrastructure, analyze how Viability Gap Funding can be leveraged to promote renewable energy projects. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Why is self-sufficiency in pulse production crucial for India? Discuss the policy and technological interventions needed to achieve Aatma Nirbharata in pulses. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Examine how space-based solutions are addressing developmental challenges in rural India. What steps can further enhance their outreach and effectiveness? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Delineate the linkages between urbanization patterns and rising PM 2.5 levels in Tier-II and Tier-III cities of India. What are the various mitigation measures and the government's initiatives to mitigate air pollution in India? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Explain the structural and operational limitations of the Disaster Management Act, 2005. How far does the 2025 Amendment address these deficiencies through a shift towards anticipatory and technology-driven disaster governance? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What do you understand about Artificial Neural Networks? List out its applications across various fields. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"Internal security challenges in India are increasingly shaped by external and transnational dynamics.\" Examine the statement with relevant examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"While tariff rationalization aims to enhance economic efficiency, it may also pose challenges to certain sectors. Critically assess the potential trade-offs involved in the Union Budget 2025-26's approach to tariff reforms. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"A shift from fiscal deficit targeting to debt-to-GDP ratio as the fiscal anchor signals a more holistic approach to fiscal discipline. Do you agree? Give reasons in support of your arguments. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8090,"topper":"Surabhi Srivastava","air":56,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/caf4a-971237_2488_surabhi_srivastava_rank_56.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8091,"topper":"Surabhi Srivastava","air":56,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/66/air-56-surabhi-srivastava_test-1_gs1.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Q.1 The fabric of Indian philosophical thought owes as much to Northern India as to Southern India. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"The Indian society's impulse for social change and reform was a response to its opposition to colonial rule. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Q3 What are the factors that led to the Russian revolution and what are the consequences of this revolution? Discuss its influence on the Indian national movement.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the various factors responsible for the uneven temperature distribution on Earth's surface.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Q.5 The melting of glaciers due to climate change has serious implications for the ecosystem and human society. Discuss the effects of melting glaciers on the environment and the measures that can be taken to address this issue.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The White Revolution was most successful in the Western part of India. Discuss the factors for this regional success of the White Revolution.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"To what extent does seismic investigation contribute to our understanding of the Earth's interior structure? Analyze its significance in detail.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":18,"question":"The pace of demographic transition varies across different states of India making population growth a double-edged sword. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"9 The ethnic and cultural diversity in India has always been bound by the thread of unity. Discuss the major factors that have contributed to the cultural unity of India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The dichotomy in public and private life in Indian society acts as a major barrier to the annihilation of caste. Justify.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"11 India was forced into numerous wars post Independence. Highlight the causes and impact of the Indo-Pak and Indo-China wars on our bilateral relationships.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"4) Pakistan's desire of controlling Kashmir\n1965 war 1) Usage of clandestine mechanism of insurgency\n2) Pakistan's policy of 1000 cuts stated\nKargil war 1) To get the Kargil zone in its territory\n2) Easy way to connect with Aksai Chin\n1971 war 1) Bangladeshi freedom movement and its call for India's support\n2) Persecution by Pakistani state\n1962 war 1) China claims Nehru's forward policy of setting up post\n2) India claims Chinese expansionism\n3) Chinese policy of 5 fingers (Mao Zedong)\n4) Trust deficit between neighbours","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Q.12 The process of consolidation of Bengal which started after the Battle of Plassey culminated in the Battle of Buxar. Do you think the Battle of Buxar was more important for the British than Plassey?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Q.13 Sanskrit literature in general and particularly in the Guptan age set a high watermark for the literary history of ancient India. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 The configuration of the ocean floor provides essential information about the geological processes that have shaped the Earth's surface. Discuss the major features of the ocean floor and their significance in the study of oceanography.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":35,"question":"With the growing demand for rare earth elements, their distribution has become a critical aspect of the global economy. Discuss the distribution of rare earth elements across the world, their uses, and the environmental impact of their extraction.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":38,"question":"Tourism in the hilly states is threatening to exceed the ecological carrying capacity of the region. Analyze the factors contributing to this trend and evaluate the potential Environmental impacts of this phenomenon. What measures can be taken to ensure sustainable tourism in these states?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":39,"question":"Tourism in the hilly states is threatening to exceed the ecological carrying capacity of the region. Analyze the factors contributing to this trend and evaluate the potential Environmental impacts of this phenomenon. What measures can be taken to ensure sustainable tourism in these states?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":42,"question":"The Indian monsoon is a complex phenomenon influenced by various climatic factors. Critically examine the role of oceanic and atmospheric factors in determining the intensity and distribution of monsoon rainfall in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"18 Why do traditions in our society impede change? To what extent can social legislation be instrumental against old customary practices?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":48,"question":"29 Slums are not 'problems' that have to be 'solved' - but are indeed a result of lopsided and vested urban policies covering infrastructure provision and socio-economic issues. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"20 Communalism gains strength from economic deprivation, and thrives in environments of social exclusion, creating fertile ground for discontent and division. Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8092,"topper":"Surabhi Srivastava","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b38da-971237_2424_surabhi-srivastava_rank_56.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What are the different dimensions of food security? Examine India's status in terms of ensuring food security with regard to these dimensions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":8093,"topper":"Surabhi Srivastava","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1c097-971237_2423_surabhi-srivastava_rank_56.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With suitable examples, discuss how environmental pressure groups enhance public participation and responsiveness with regard to environmental policies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The recent acknowledgment of sex work as a 'profession' by the Supreme Court is merely the first step in ensuring basic rights and equality for sex workers in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the role played by District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) in providing free legal aid and disseminating legal awareness in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"The collegium system has become a victim of its own success, with the concentration of power in the hands of a few, leading to questions about its legitimacy.\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"Civil services reforms must go beyond recruitment and standardised training to cope with the present day challenges.\" Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Outcome-based finance models such as social impact bonds have the potential to truly catalyse change and deliver socio-economic impact at scale. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The wide gap between the number of females graduating every year and those entering the workspace is an issue of paramount importance that needs to be addressed. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"An up to date and functional Civil Registration System (CRS) is essential to the socio-economic planning in India. Discuss in the light of the recent move of the Central government in revamping the CRS system in the country. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What are the key areas of reform if the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has to align with the current economic realities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In recent years, India's relationship with West Asia has evolved from the confines of geopolitics to expanse of geoeconomics. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":8094,"topper":"Surabhi Srivastava","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/98c57-971237_2422_surabhi-srivastava_rank_56.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The traditional theatre forms of India reflect the ideals and emotions of the society, and an individual's role in the community. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Provide an account of the historical and architectural importance of the Sanchi Stupa. Also, discuss how it inspired the future architecture in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Bhagat Singh made a real breakthrough in terms of revolutionary ideology, the goals of revolution and forms of revolutionary struggle. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Bringing out the factors that led to the Meiji restoration, discuss its significance for Japan. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"It is believed that a nation is an \"imagined community\" held together by common beliefs, history, political aspirations etc. In this context, discuss what the basis of India as a nation is. Also, bring out the threats to the concept of Indian nationhood. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"State the key factors behind the growth of the pharmaceutical industry in India. Additionally, discuss its significance with regard to India's economy and public health.(Answer in 150words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss why the Bay of Bengal is more prone to cyclones than the Arabian Sea. Also, explain the reasons for the decrease in frequency of tropical cyclones during the Southwest monsoon season. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite being destructive in nature, volcanoes are critical for the existence of human life on earth. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The existence of relative deprivation is an important aspect in constructing the argument for regionalism. Explain with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"If India is to realise the goal of 'education for all', the issue of rising cases of bullying and other forms of school violence needs to be addressed immediately. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Bring out the role played by the Ahom Kingdom in shaping the cultural and historical identity of North-East India, and discuss its legacy in contemporary times. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The capitalist class generally remained ambivalent in their support to the Indian National Congress until 1940s. In this context, analyse the varying positions of the Indian capitalists throughout the national movement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Trace the evolution of the press in India. Also, discuss the instrumental impact it had during various stages of the Indian freedom struggle despite the repressive policies of the British. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Mountains are fragile ecosystems vulnerable to the adverse impact of climate change and other anthropogenic interventions. Illustrate with examples. Also, highlight the initiatives taken for their sustainable management. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind unsustainable management of sand resources in India. Highlighting its impact, enumerate the remedial measures taken in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Giving an account of the major lithium-producing countries, discuss the geo-political aspects of lithium production and its environmental implications. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The youth are capable of identifying themselves with a global identity and connecting with events and experiences outside their countries. In this context, discuss the impact of globalization on the various aspects of youth identity. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"As fertility rates decline in India, future demographic concerns center around an ageing population and a weak social security system. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"With a significant proportion of India's population expected to live in urban areas by 2030, the welfare of the urban poor needs to take centre-stage in public policy. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8095,"topper":"Surabhi Srivastava","air":56,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/94/air-56-surabhi-srivastava_test-1_gs1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8096,"topper":"Surabhi Srivastava","air":56,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/58/air-56-surabhi-srivastava_test-3_gs3.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Q.2 Discuss the perceived successes and challenges of implementing inflation targeting under the new Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) regime","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":6,"question":"Q1 Assess the potential of millet production in promoting sustainable agriculture and improving food security in India","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":8,"question":"Q.4 Jal Jeevan Mission has the potential to end the regional disparity in the availability and accessibility of drinking water. Highlighting the significance of the mission, discuss the underlying impediments in achieving the desired objectives.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Q2 What do you understand by Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)? Discuss the applications and how it can revolutionise the energy program of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Q.6 Discuss in brief developments and challenges in the Gaganyaan mission of ISRO. What are the possible benefits of the mission for the society?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"Green hydrogen can be the silver bullet in our quest to tackle climate change and pollution\". Critically analyse the statement in light of India's National Green Hydrogen mission.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":16,"question":"65 What are the key lessons for disaster management and environmental conservation in the Himalayan region, in light of the recent disaster in Joshimath, Uttarakhand?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":18,"question":"Q.9 \"The recent radical trends in Punjab show that the Khalistan issue is still simmering.\" Discuss the statement with respect to recent developments and suggest measures to handle it.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Q.10 The anonymity and ease of drone operation contribute to the challenges of India's border security. Elaborate and give suggestions to tackle the drone problem in border areas.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Q11 Electricity Amendment Bill, 2022 brings several advantages for consumers, DISCOMs as well as the environment. Elaborate. Also, list out its shortcomings and suggest some measures to overcome them.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.12 Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) plays an important role in the regulation of the share market and safeguarding the interests of investors. In the light of given statement, highlight the challenges faced by the SEBI and suggest reforms in this regard.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Q.13 Despite being a major contributor to the Indian economy, the agriculture sector is plagued by several constraints that impede its growth and development. Discuss the role of technology in overcoming these constraints.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Q.14 Evaluate the impact of irrigation on the environment and natural resources, and suggest measures to ensure the sustainability and equity of irrigation practices in agriculture.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Q.15 How India benefitted strategically from the contributions of Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha and Dr. Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai in the fields of atomic energy and space technology respectively?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Q.16 Generative AI holds the potential to push the boundaries of innovation in the near future, yet its societal impact raises substantial challenges. Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":40,"question":"Q.17 Explain the purpose of the \"Mangrove Alliance for Climate\" launched at the COP27 UN Climate Change Conference in Egypt in November 2022. Elaborate on the importance of mangroves in maintaining the coastal ecology of tropical nations.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":43,"question":"Q.18 The Formation of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure brings more robustness to the Disaster Management approach in India. Comment and justify the need for a new strategy to tackle Disasters in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"1) new strategy to tackle disasters in India","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"Q.19 The recent rise in ransomware attacks targeting critical infrastructure and major corporations has highlighted the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity measures and policies. Discussing the key factors contributing to this trend, analyze the impact of these attacks on various sectors.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"20 In the context of border security, how can cooperation and coordination between different security agencies be improved to ensure effective and efficient management of coastal and terrestrial borders?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"}]},{"id":8097,"topper":"Surabhi Srivastava","air":56,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/96/air-56-surabhi-srivastava_test-3_gs3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8098,"topper":"Surabhi Srivastava","air":56,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/49/air-56-surabhi-srivastava_test-8_gs4.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"\"The State took taxes from the people only to ensure their prosperity in return like the sun takes moisture from the earth only to give it back in thousandfold measure.\" Kalidasa.\nExplain the Indian concept of \"giving it back\" and its relevance as a guiding value for civil servants.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"(b) Public service takes place in a bureaucratic structure with clear lines of authority, value standardization, and accountability mechanisms. Working within such a structure, what do you think are the influences that impact the public servant's ethical decision-making?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"2 (a) What do you understand by the terms 'ethics' and 'integrity'? Do you think they are interrelated? Explain with examples the relationship between ethics and integrity in the context of public administration.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":11,"question":"(b) What do you understand by the terms ethical behavior and emotionally intelligent behavior? Identify the relevant emotional intelligence components that act as a reliable guide to ethical behavior.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"3. \"To achieve a good life, duty is not sufficient; one needs to develop one's sympathetic feelings for others, and neither duty alone nor good will alone are sufficient to be moral.\" Do you agree with the above statement? Justify your position.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Developing a Scientific temper, innovative mindset, and civic-conscious citizens are major objectives of higher educational institutions. Can higher educational institutions be instrumental in promoting integrity education among youth to establish a public culture of integrity and a corruption-free political culture? If yes, how?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"4. Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance.\n(a) The senses deceive from time to time, and it is prudent never to trust wholly those who have deceived us even once.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"(b) \"The price good men pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men.\"","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":21,"question":"(c) \"Men must have corrupted nature a little, for they were not born wolves, and they have become wolves.\"","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":23,"question":"(a) As professionals, civil servants are career focused and are also self-interested. At the same time, their service ethos imposes an obligation to serve the public interest selflessly. Is it possible for a civil servant to reconcile career and service obligation? Explain your position.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"(b) \"While competence without compassion can be brutal and inhumane; similarly, compassion without competence can be meaningless for persons seeking help.\" Explain the above with the help of a suitable illustration in the context of public services. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"(a) Does the suffering of individuals in one part of the world generate moral demands of assistance on those foreigners who live far away from them? Are these moral demands of assistance justified? Can governments be held morally responsible for failing to help the international community in times of deprivation? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"(b) Civil Services ethics has everything to do with management. It is as much a Departmental as a personal issue. Leaders who fail to create systems that facilitate ethical conduct are equally to blame as much as those who indulge in ethical misconduct. Do you think the Departmental culture leads to ethical misconduct or is the individual with weak willpower culpable? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":31,"question":"7 You are posted as a District Development officer in a district with a low literacy rate and poor health indicators. As you took charge, your Health Secretary had given express instructions that your priority is to improve health indicators by enhancing the delivery of healthcare services.\n(a) What are the issues involved in the above case?\n(b) What are the advantages and disadvantages of using Faith leaders as influencers and persuaders?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"(c) and (d) (c) If not faith leaders, what are your other options for breaking the behavioral barriers?\n(d) Do you think it is ethically right for a civil servant to involve faith leaders in promoting government schemes? (Answer in 250 words) 20 Marks","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"(a) What are the issues involved in the above case?\n(b) What are the action options available to you?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"(d) What do you understand by dignity? Distinguish between human and social dignity? Identify the common dignity violations that one notices in government departments.","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":41,"question":"(a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (50 words) 5 marks\n(b) Ethically analyze the company's position on paying damages and justify why/ why not the company should be liable for damages. (120 words) 10 marks.\n(c) What do you understand by the term moral responsibility? When do you think a person or an entity becomes morally responsible for actions committed or omitted? (80 words) 5 marks\na What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (50 words) 5 marks\nb Ethically analyze the company's position on paying damages and justify why/ why not the company should be liable for damages. (120 words) 10 marks.\nc What do you understand by the term moral responsibility? When do you think a person or an entity becomes morally responsible for actions committed or omitted? (80 words) 5 marks","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"10 (a) उपरोक्त मामले में कौन से नैतिक मुद्दे और दुविधाएँ शामिल हैं?\n(b) आपके पास कौन से विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\n(c) विकल्पों का विश्लेषण करने के बाद अपनी चुनी हुई कार्रवाई का चयन करें।\n(d) उपरोक्त मामले में आपकी नैतिक प्रेरणा क्या होनी चाहिए? क्या यह कर्तव्य, दायित्व या परिणाम होना चाहिए?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए"},{"page":47,"question":"(a) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas involved in the above case?\n(b) What are the options available to you?\n(c) Select your chosen course of action after analyzing the options.\n(d) What must be your moral motivation in the above case? Should it be duty, care, or consequences?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":51,"question":"11. You are a young police officer undergoing field training along with some of your batchmates. You and Vikas are spending two weeks in a police station learning the nitty gritty and nuances of field-level policing. Every day there was something new to learn.\n(a) उपरोक्त मामले में कौन से नैतिक मुद्दे शामिल हैं?\n(b) आपके अनुसार उपरोक्त मामले में सिद्धांत-उन्नय और नियम-पालन करने वाले पुलिस कर्मियों को क्या करना चाहिए और क्यों? तर्क दीजिए।\n(c) आपके अनुसार सिविल सेवा में किसे प्राथमिकता दी जानी चाहिए, विभाग के प्रति निष्ठा, या अपने निर्णयों और सेवा मूल्यों में निष्पक्ष और गैर-पक्षपातपूर्ण होना? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए) 20 अंक","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":52,"question":"(a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?  \n(b) What do you think principle-oriented and rule-abiding police personnel must do in the above case? Why? Justify  \n(c) What do you think must assume priority in civil service, loyalty to the department, or being impartial and non-partisan in your decisions and service values?\na) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\nb) What do you think principle-oriented and rule-abiding police personnel must do in the above case? Why? Justify\nc) What do you think must assume priority in civil service, loyalty to the department, or being impartial and non-partisan in your decisions and service values?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":55,"question":"6) Ensure the principle of Gita - following one's dharma\n7) Rawlsian justice be maintained - behind veil of ignorance","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":56,"question":"12 You are a Foreign Service official working in an embassy overseas. One of your duties was to liaise with the local Indian community, one of the country's largest immigrant groups. A group of wealthy Indian immigrants wanted to build a place of worship and a school to promote their language and culture. The school was intended to act as a center for promoting and preserving Indian culture among the immigrants. The Indian community leaders went through all the legal procedures to acquire the land, got the building plans approved by the city council, and with all the approvals in place, the construction work began. A few months into the construction, the locals started complaining about noise, and slowly a campaign began against the construction of a religious structure. The local city councilors joined in and raised the issue of how Indian immigrants having their own cultural space will lead to a similar demand from other immigrant communities. And this may escalate intolerance among different ethnic groups. The local politicians filed a public lawsuit to halt the construction and demolish whatever was built. Indian community responded with their lawsuit and approached the embassy for help. They wanted the Ambassador to take up the issue with the government. Meanwhile, the Ambassador deputed you to meet the Indian community leaders to understand the issue and prepare a report. You met with the community leaders and found that the reason for local antipathy towards the Indian community was just an expression of latent racism and intolerance. You presented\n(a) उपरोक्त मामले में कौन-कौन से मुद्दे शामिल हैं?\n(b) क्या आप प्रवासी भारतीयों की मदद के बजाय अर्थनीति को प्राथमिकता देने के राजदूत के रुख से सहमत हैं? अगर हाँ तो क्यों, अगर नहीं तो क्यों नहीं?\n(c) दायित्व, परिणामवाद और कर्तव्य के बीच, आपके अनुसार भारतीय विदेश नीति का मार्गदर्शन करने के लिए उपयुक्त परिप्रेक्ष्य क्या है? तर्क दीजिए। (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए) 20 अंक","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":57,"question":"(a) What are the issues involved in the above case?\n(b) Do you agree with the Ambassador's position of prioritizing economics over helping the diaspora? Why/why not?\n(c) Among Care, Consequentialism, and Duty, what do you think is the appropriate perspective to guide Indian Foreign policy? Justify.\na) What are the issues involved in the above case?\nb) Do you agree with the Ambassador's position of prioritizing economics over helping the diaspora? Why/why not?\nc) Among Care, Consequentialism, and Duty, what do you think is the appropriate perspective to guide Indian Foreign policy? Justify.","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250 word(s"}]},{"id":8099,"topper":"Surabhi Srivastava","air":56,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/64/air-56-surabhi-srivastava_test-4_gs4.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"1. (a) Public service requires not merely legal but also morally principled action. Public service requires the public servant to place loyalty to the constitution, laws, and ethical principles. Among the three, which do you think must acquire primacy while carrying out official functions? Why? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"1. (b) What do you understand by \"integrity-based civil disobedience\"? Do you think a challenge to personal integrity can be a justifiable cause for responsible disobedience in civil services? Explain.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. (a) Recent research has shown that emotions significantly impact personal and professional lives. What are the primary emotions that negatively and positively impact workplace productivity? Explain with relevant examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"2 (b) Technical efficiency ensures resource utilization and social efficiency ensures fulfillment of social needs, what does ethical efficiency ensure? Do you think ethical efficiency is more important than technical and social efficiency? Why/Why not?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"3. (a) \"Man cannot do right in one department of life whilst he is occupied in doing wrong in any other department.\" Gandhi.\nDo you think an individual's personal ethics impacts professional life or they both can be compartmentalized? Explain your position with relevant examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"3. (b) Goodness is the result of internal imperatives to do what is right, not sanctions from moral rules or rewards from expected consequences. Do you agree? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"4. (a) Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance.\n\n\"To tolerate is purely an act of the mind. That is the essence of virtue. To tolerate is a strength.\"\n\n(Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"4. (b) \"It is our first duty to serve society, and after we have done that, we may attend wholly to the salvation of our souls.\" (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"4 (c) \"Periods of peace are the empty pages in the history books\"","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"5 (a) In the context of civil service, distinguish between moral and nonmoral values. Identify 5 basic moral values that can serve as foundational values for all services irrespective of the department. Give reasons why those values can be considered foundational.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"(b) Citizens' involvement in decision-making is critical to ethics in governance. Do you agree that effective civic engagement mechanisms can facilitate an ethics-driven administration? What do you think are the mechanisms that citizens can use for ensuring ethics in governance?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Social transformation programs such as \"beti bachao and beti padhao\" believes in using advice, counseling, and persuasion but sometimes a little force is also necessary for getting the desired response. Do you think it is a good idea to mix little force with persuasion by public administrators while implementing social schemes of transformation? Explain with relevant examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"6 (b) Ultimately foreign policy of every country hinges upon the strength which the nation possesses. Strength may be military or financial and may be also...moral.\" Do you think ethical strength without military or financial muscle will be respected in today's world? Explain your position.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"7 You are a young officer working with the Municipal Corporation of an industrial city. The city was known for manufacturing ball bearings and auto parts. Most manufacturing units were small-scale units with very little production process automation. The units relied on manual labor, which was in abundance due to the villages close by.\nAs the number of manufacturing units grew, the demand for labor increased, bringing in a steady inflow of laborers into the city. This influx of people into the town led to a mushrooming of slums and encroachments on the sidewalks. Once in a while, the Corporation conducted drives to clear out the slums, but after a time, the slums came back. The illegal slums had become an urban nightmare.\nYou were given the responsibility of clearing out the encroachments and slums with the help of Police authorities. As you started the drive, you realized that the people living by the sidewalks were vulnerable compared to the slum dwellers. Many sidewalk dwellers had recently come to the city after selling their properties in their villages. Now if you drive them out, they have no place to go. Your heart went out to them, and you felt that your departmental action was inhumane, but your official responsibilities demanded stern impartial action. You are desperate to find a way to help the sidewalk dwellers without compromising your official duties.\n(a) What value conflicts do you notice in the above situation?\n(b) Can an administrator compromise the value of impartiality for empathy? Discuss.\n(c) What are the options available in the above situation?\n(d) Suggest viable solutions for tackling illegal slums and encroachments in urban areas.","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":31,"question":"(a) The value conflicts witnessed in the above situation","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"6. A certain State government was running a welfare scheme for promoting safe motherhood among rural landless laborers' families. The scheme involves the transfer of funds to the beneficiaries to enable them to mitigate income loss due to maternal care responsibilities. Since its implementation, the scheme has done reasonably well on maternal health and economic indicators. You are the Director of the Department responsible for implementing and operating the scheme. Recently you have been receiving reports of welfare fraud being committed by families by producing fake bonafide. The families committed the fraud with the help of local officials responsible for scrutinizing the bonafide. You were concerned because the fraud was seriously undermining the scheme's efficiency. You called for a departmental meeting to discuss and find a solution to the problem. In the meeting, it was decided to merge several available government data sets such as Aadhar cards, voter ID cards, marriage certificates, birth certificates, bank details, and other personal assets. By merging all the data sets, the department would be able to develop the beneficiary's economic profile. And this will help the department scrutinize the documents and detect fraud. This was a comprehensive strategy, but it risked violating an individual's data privacy. As a Department head, you wanted to detect and prevent fraud, but at the same time, you were apprehensive about violating the Data privacy of the stakeholders.\n(a) What are the issues involved in the above case?\n(b) Do you think violating data privacy is justified to prevent welfare fraud? Why/ Why not?\n(c) What, according to you, can be the reasons for such welfare frauds happening in the country?\n(d) Are there any ways and means to prevent such fraud? Give your suggestions.","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":40,"question":"9 You are posted in the Department of Mines, and one of your roles is to help your Department Head negotiate mining leases with private contractors.\nRecently, the state government demarcated a new mining zone and planned to invite bids for the mining blocs. You were instructed to oversee the bidding process and speed up the contract negotiations. As planned, the tenders were released, bids came in, and tenders were allocated as per the norms. All this happened at a breakneck speed. You wondered, why the hurry? But it was not your place to think and question; you quietly went about your work.\nAs the contractors were about to start operations, you had to instruct them on environmental concerns to watch out for. And to do that, you read the environmental impact assessment report submitted by a consulting firm hired by the department. To your surprise, the report was shoddy and looked cooked up. You got suspicious and raised the issue with your Head, who politely instructed you to do what you were told, and he reminded you that the Department had revenue targets and was under pressure from the Ministry.\nAfter the meeting, you, on your own accord, did some digging and found out that the report was fraudulent and the mining activity that was about to start would lead to a massive environmental disaster which the State could not afford.\n(a) What are the issues and value violations you notice in the above case?\n(b) What are the options available to you?\n(c) Discuss the advantage and disadvantages of each option and identify your chosen course of action.\n(d) Do you think that environmental considerations are sometimes overrated at the cost of development? (Answer in 250 words) 20 marks","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"10 (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\n(b) Do you think that corporate businesses like GAMA should think about international ethics while advancing their business interests? If yes, why? If no, why not?\n(c) Do you think that the social responsibility of a corporate extends beyond its immediate community to the international community? If yes, why? If no, why not?\n(d) Do you think that sensitive technology defense sector companies should be regulated by their respective governments, or can regulation reduce their entrepreneurship and innovation? Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"(b), (c), (d) (b) Do you think corporate businesses such as GAMA must consider international ethics while pursuing business interests? Why/why not?\n(c) Do you think a corporate's social responsibility extends beyond one's immediate community to the international community? Why/Why not?\n(d) Do you think the Defence sector companies marketing sensitive technologies must be regulated by their respective governments, or regulation may curtail their entrepreneurial and innovation energy? Discuss.","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":50,"question":"11 (a) इस मामले में कौन-से नैतिक और व्यावसायिक मुद्दे शामिल हैं?  \n(b) श्री शर्मा और सीईओ के पास कौन-कौन से विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?  \n(c) क्या आपको लगता है कि बिक्री कार्यबल को स्वतंत्रता देने की सीमांतात्मक संस्कृति के कारण समस्या उत्पन्न हुई या व्यक्ति की भ्रष्ट प्रवृत्ति के कारण समस्या उत्पन्न हुई? चर्चा कीजिए।  \n(d) जैसा कि इस मामले में बताया गया है, ऐसे अनैतिक व्यवहार को रोकने के लिए कंपनी कौन-से नैतिक तंत्र और उपाय निर्माण और कार्यान्वित कर सकती है? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए) 20 अंक\na) इस मामले में कौन-से नैतिक और व्यावसायिक मुद्दे शामिल हैं?\nb) श्री शर्मा और सीईओ के पास कौन-कौन से विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nc) क्या आपको लगता है कि बिक्री कार्यबल को स्वतंत्रता देने की सीमांतात्मक संस्कृति के कारण समस्या उत्पन्न हुई या व्यक्ति की भ्रष्ट प्रवृत्ति के कारण समस्या उत्पन्न हुई? चर्चा कीजिए।\nd) जैसा कि इस मामले में बताया गया है, ऐसे अनैतिक व्यवहार को रोकने के लिए कंपनी कौन-से नैतिक तंत्र और उपाय निर्माण और कार्यान्वित कर सकती है? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए) 20 अंक","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":51,"question":"(a) What are the ethical and business issues involved in the case?\n(b) What are the options available to Mr. Sharma and the CEO?\n(c) Do you think the organizational culture of giving freedom to the sales force led to the issue or was the individual's corrupt nature that led to the problem? Discuss.\n(d) What ethics mechanisms and steps can the company create and implement to prevent unethical behavior, as mentioned in the case? (Answer in 250 words) 20 marks","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"12 Singh Garh is a primarily rural district with minimal, relatively insignificant industrial activity, except for one consumer goods manufacturing plant, which was the primary source of employment. Development indicators such as health, literacy, etc., were much below the national average. Along with developmental issues, another grave concern was the slow rise in child marriages. Despite the legal sanctions, child marriage continued to rise unabated.\n(a) उपरोक्त मामले में कौन-कौन से मुद्दे शामिल हैं?\n(b) आपको क्या लगता है रश्मि को क्या करना चाहिए? क्या रश्मि के लिए स्थानीय प्रशासन को शामिल करना अच्छा विचार होगा? कार्यान्वयन योग्य कार्यवाही का सुझाव दीजिए।\n(c) क्या आपको लगता है कि कंपनियों को उस क्षेत्र की सामाजिक समस्याओं के लिए भी जिम्मेदारी स्वीकार करनी चाहिए जहाँ वे अपना कार्य करती हैं? अगर हाँ तो क्यों, अगर नहीं तो क्यों नहीं?\n(d) श्रमिक संघ की इतनी आक्रामक प्रतिक्रिया के क्या कारण हो सकते हैं? आपके अनुसार रश्मि को कर्मचारी संघ को कैसे संभालना चाहिए? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए) 20 अंक","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":56,"question":"(a) What are the issues involved in the above case?\n(b) What do you think Rashmi should do? Would it be a good idea for Rashmi to involve local administration? Suggest an implementable course of action.\n(c) Do you think companies should also accept responsibility for the social problems of the region where they operate? Why/why not?\n(d) What could be the reasons for such an aggressive reaction from the workers union? How do you think Rashmi should handle the workers union?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"}]},{"id":8100,"topper":"Surabhi Srivastava","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/445d3-971237_2220_surabhi_srivastava_rank_56.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The logic of limitless wealth lies in the basic human instinct for furthering self-interest in the form of profit. In this context, do you think there is a possibility of pursuing ethical capitalism? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"If a law is unjust, a man is not only right to disobey it, he is obligated to do so. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The capacity of Citizens' Charter to initiate any transformative process is conditioned upon it being appropriately designed and effectively exercised. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The moral fiber and ethical conduct of public officials not only influence the standard of governance but also their own interests and performance. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The ongoing debate on euthanasia poses several ethical questions. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Foreign aid is a form of neo-colonialism, as the economically wealthier countries can exploit the developing countries under the cloak of aid. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Throwing light on the idea of Universal Humanism propounded by Rabindranath Tagore, discuss its contemporary relevance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree with the view that it is nature and not nurture which determines the emotional intelligence of a person? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Values that guide public administrators can often compete with each other, owing to their relative importance to the larger public interest. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Is it justifiable to say that corruption is a social phenomenon? What are the various ways through which administrative corruption can be tackled? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? \"Overcoming poverty is not a task of charity; it is an act of justice.\" Nelson Mandela (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"\"I do believe that, where there is only a choice between cowardice and violence, I would advise violence.\"- Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"You are posted as the Commissioner of Police in a metropolitan city where a visiting foreign dignitary, with President-level security cover, is scheduled to visit for an official function. As a part of the security preparedness, it has been decided that no vehicular traffic will be allowed on the route which will be taken by the foreign dignitary to reach the venue of the function in the city. However, just 15 minutes before the scheduled arrival of the dignitary, you are informed that a critically-ill patient is stuck on the way to the hospital in a private car along with his family. In this situation, answer the following: (a) Discuss the issues involved in halting traffic for VIP movement. (b) List the options available to you in this situation with their merits and demerits. (c) What will be your course of action? Justify with proper reasoning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"The transgender community has been a part of India's social set up since the very beginning but never recognized as a reputable part of the society. 'Hijra' is a term traditionally used in India for transgender women who were born male. The role and value of this community in accordance with the sacred Hindu texts condenses to the performance of blessings at marriage and birth ceremonies for good fortune. With the advent of the British Raj in the 19th century, the acts of \"cross-dressing\" were registered as a criminal offence and if such offences were committed repeatedly, imprisonment followed. Thus, began the criminalisation of hijras. Today, although legally supported and socially empowered as compared to earlier times, hijras are still subject to transphobic discrimination-associated violence, poverty, and segregation. In light of the above, answer the following: (a) Identify the challenges faced by transgenders during the different stages of their life. (b) Discuss the reasons for the continuing discrimination against trangenders in India despite several initiatives for their upliftment in recent times. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"You are an IPS officer posted as the Inspector General of Police in a state. The recent death of a father-son duo in one of the districts in the state, due to custodial violence allegedly in the presence of the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), has sparked anger across the state. This is not an isolated incident, as there have been allegations raised by human rights groups in the past regarding custodial deaths due to physical assault by the police. The High Court of the State, taking suo motu cognizance of the recent incident, has served a notice to the state government, seeking a detailed report on the rising instances of custodial deaths. The state government has constituted a Committee to probe the incident and submit a detailed report about the veracity of facts related to it. You have been asked to head the Committee. You know the Deputy Superintendent of Police of the district to be an honest, hardworking and upright officer. He has privately requested you to absolve him of any wrongdoing as he claims not to be present when the incident occurred. You know that any action against him will be detrimental to his reputation and career. On the other hand, the seniors in the department are pressurising you to put all the blame on the DSP and make him a sacrificial lamb in order to protect the overall image of the police in the state. In the given scenario, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the stakeholders and the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) What steps will you take to ensure that the enquiry is seen to be fair and impartial? (c) Given the challenges that the police forces in India operate under in their day-to-day functioning, suggest some initiatives to address them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Mr. X is a billionaire businessman who heads a conglomerate engaged in insurance, energy generation and distribution, and manufacturing. Despite being globally known as a great philanthropist, he turned down a shareholder request seeking the disclosure of the conglomerate's actions on issues related to climate change as well as diversity and inclusion. Because of increased attention to climate and diversity issues, many leading firms have committed themselves to incorporate relevant considerations in their business strategies. Therefore, some industry-observers wonder if Mr. X is out of touch with the industry at large and have warned him that failing to address climate change issues puts his businesses under systemic risk. But, Mr. X maintained his vote against the disclosure proposal, while at the same time acknowledged the importance of both climate change and a diverse and inclusive work force. However, Mr. X believes that such ethical issues take secondary importance to maximising shareholder profit. (a) Discuss the importance of including climate change strategies and diversity and inclusion in a business organisation? (b) In your opinion, what matters more for a business organisation - socio-environmental concerns or shareholder profit? (c) How can the two above-mentioned issues be reconciled? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"You are posted as a Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district where people of different religious communities are living together peacefully. The district is also famous for its architectural heritage and is regularly visited by tourists from all around the world. However, there has been an incident in the nearby state where people of two different communities have started fighting over religious issues. This incident has a spillover effect over the whole country. In your own area of jurisdiction, you have come to know from various sources about circulation of some hate speech videos, which have the potential to destabilise the law and order situation. You are also aware that some outsiders with dubious intentions have started pouring in your district. In one locality, a shopkeeper who had earlier filed a complaint regarding threats he received for posting something on the internet, is found murdered in cold blood. This incident has stunned the nation. You are being informed that hundreds of people of the community to which the shopkeeper belonged are planning to stage a massive protest in your district. (a) In the given situation, what are the options available to you to ensure that the law and order situation in the district remains stable. Provide a detailed account of your course of action. (b) Do you think the present legal and institutional mechanisms are sufficient to tackle the menace of hate speech in the society? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"The Indian education system suffers from many ills. One of the major issues is the focus on ‘rote learning’, which has been the staple of the Indian education system for many years. While many Indians have attained success despite this system, simply being able to recall information is not enough in today’s world when that information is instantly available to anyone on a mobile phone. A survey of 200 Indian and foreign companies found that only 14% of Indian graduates were prepared for the workforce, largely because most graduates were unable to apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the consequences of ‘rote learning’ on the educational development of young students in the country? (b) Suggest measures that can be taken to address this issue. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8101,"topper":"Surabhi Srivastava","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/f1147-971237_2425_surabhi_srivastava_rank_56.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"For effective corporate governance to take place in the coming years, why is it important to integrate the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics with the multi-stakeholder approach? What benefits can be accrued by such integration? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":8102,"topper":"Surabhi Srivastava","air":56,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/95/air-56-surabhi-srivastava_test-4_gs4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8103,"topper":"Surabhi Srivastava","air":56,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/91/air-56-surabhi-srivastava_test-8_gs4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8104,"topper":"Surabhi Srivastava","air":56,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1nHjErqnUDr1iCGd5caK0pYDfKPvb6XBa","questions":[]},{"id":8105,"topper":"Surabhi Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SURABHI-YADAVUPSC_IAS_2025_Toppers_AIR_14_Sample_ESSAY_TEST.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. The glass ceiling is not invisible, it is just too high for many to see.\n2. Social justice is not charity, it is structural rebalancing.\n3. A nation's greatness is measured by how it treats its weakest members, and that includes its children.\n4. When we speak of 'Inclusive India', we must ask: Inclusive for whom?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Will that be considered a charity or a social restructuring?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"SECTION - B 1. Behavior is a function of its consequences.\n2. The age of smart devices and the decline of wise choices.\n3. Judge a man by his question, rather than his answer.\n4. Knowledge without compassion is tyranny of the intellect.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8106,"topper":"Surabhi Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SURABHI-YADAVUPSC_IAS_2025_Toppers_AIR_14_Sample_MGP_TEST_1.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Q.1) Why has public bathing been a recurring practice across cultures and societies? Discuss with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Q.2) Estimate the contributions of Chalukyas of Badami to Indian heritage and culture.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Q.3) Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar had contrasting philosophies and approaches on caste and social reform. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Q.4) What factors can be attributed to the rising incidents of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) in the Himalayan region? Discuss with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Q.5 \"Migration is a vital livelihood strategy for rural households in developing countries like India.\" Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Q.6 Bring out the interdependence between physical and chemical weathering with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Q.7) Discuss how social media is reshaping identity formation and self-worth among adolescents in contemporary Indian society.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Q.8 The disproportionate preference for government jobs in certain Indian states is not merely a matter of personal aspiration. Analyze.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Q.9) Explain the significance of population education in light of India's status as the world's most populous nation.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Q.10 Globalization has infused Indian festivals with commercial elements, while also helping preserve and popularize them in new ways. Do you agree? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Q.11 India has a rich tradition of diverse dance forms, encompassing both classical and folk styles. Illustrate how they reflect the country's rich spiritual, cultural, and social life.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.12 The third decade of the 20th century witnessed the emergence of new forces and ideological currents that influenced the character of the Indian national movement. Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Q.13) Analyse the circumstances that led to Simla Agreement in 1972. Discuss the significance of the agreement.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Q.14) \"The Vietnam War was a proxy conflict rooted in the ideological rivalry of the Cold War.\" Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Q.15 Discuss the concept of isostasy and explain its role in shaping Earth's major landforms.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Q.16 The Indian Ocean is warming at an alarming rate. How may it affect the food security of India?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Q.17) Describing the distribution of sugarcane producing countries, examine the major environmental challenges associated with its cultivation.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Q.18) The richness and diversity of Indian society find vivid expression in the unique culture of its tribal communities. Elucidate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Q.19) Why is it essential to focus on health in the context of urban planning and reforms? How can this be achieved?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Q.20 Analyze the socio-cultural factors contributing to the high attrition rate among women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers in India. Suggest measures to improve their retention in STEM.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8107,"topper":"Surabhi Yadav","air":14,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/be5e721dea2db6194b0d6e2683fb6135/10/mts_2023_unchecked_mt23flton013_tc005_260308_012406.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8108,"topper":"Surabhi Yadav","air":14,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/be5e721dea2db6194b0d6e2683fb6135/4/mts_2023_unchecked_mt23flton013_tc009_260308_012304.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8109,"topper":"Surabhi Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SURABHI-YADAVUPSC_IAS_2025_Toppers_AIR_14_Sample_MGP_TEST_2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) \"Extraordinary powers must be exercised with extraordinary care.\" Discuss in the context of Article 142 of the Indian Constitution.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Why are State Legislative Assemblies involved in the election of the President but excluded from the process of impeachment?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Private Member's Bills (PMBs) seldom become law in India, yet they are an important aspect of parliamentary democracy. Bring out their significance and suggest steps to strengthen the PMB process.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Highlight the key points of convergence and divergence between the judicial systems of India and USA.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 The role of Election Commission of India has evolved beyond conducting elections to becoming a guardian of electoral democracy. Critically evaluate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6 What is the rationale behind the 'three-language formula' in India's education policy? Also highlight the challenges associated with its adoption and implementation across the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7 'Emerging environmental concerns and evolving ecosystem perspectives demand a reimagined approach to rural water governance.' Discuss the key interventions needed to recalibrate rural water policies with special emphasis on the role of communities.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) Identify and discuss the challenges hindering effective implementation of gender-sensitive policies and schemes in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 Effective transboundary water management can act as a catalyst for regional peace and cooperation.' In light of this statement, bring out the opportunities and challenges for India in leveraging 'water diplomacy' in its neighbourhood.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 What are the key areas of reform if the World Trade Organization (WTO) has to remain relevant in the present context of rising protectionism and trade wars?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 The basic structure doctrine acts as a constitutional compass in balancing Parliament's legislative authority and constitutional supremacy. Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) are pivotal to inclusive and efficient urban governance, yet they remain fiscally constrained and institutionally weak. Analyze.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 \"The judiciary has functioned as an institutional corrective, redefining and refining the contours of the Governor's office to prevent its misuse and uphold constitutional principles.\" Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) How is the 'vertical' and 'horizontal' devolution of taxes to the states decided? Highlighting the concerns raised by some states regarding the devolution of taxes, suggest corrective measures.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15) What steps are required for the constitutionalization of a Commission? Do you think granting constitutional status to the Central Information Commission (CIC) would strengthen the RTI regime in India? Give reasons.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 Even as India experiences consistent economic growth and has achieved self-sufficiency in food production, hunger and food insecurity remain pressing concerns. Examine the factors responsible for this paradox and suggest steps to improve the situation.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17) The Union Government has recently announced that caste enumeration will be part of the upcoming census. Examine the opportunities and challenges associated with conducting a nationwide 'caste census'. Also, propose a framework for its seamless and effective conduct.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 \"AI integration in governance is no longer a choice but a necessity.\" In light of this statement, discuss how AI can enhance education and healthcare governance.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Providing a brief overview of the aims and objectives of BIMSTEC, explain its significance for India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 India's approach to its relationship with China has evolved into what can be best described as 'competitive coexistence'. Discuss in light of recent developments. What should be the broad contours of India's future China policy?","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8110,"topper":"Surabhi Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/36f5c-1133075_1820_surabhi-yadav_rank_14.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. What do you understand by 'constitutionalism'? Highlight various ways in which the Indian Constitution underscores this principle.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"2. Mention various initiatives taken for online delivery of judicial services in India. Also, discuss the challenges faced in their implementation.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"3. Illiteracy and poverty are hindrances in the formation of healthy public opinion on public policies. Discuss with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"4. Why did Dr. B.R. Ambedkar see the CAG as \"probably the most important officer in the Constitution of India\"? Discuss the issues faced in the functioning of CAG.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"5. Bring out the similarities and differences in the Bill of Rights in the Constitution of the United States and Fundamental Rights in the Constitution of India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"6. There are various issues related to appointments in higher judiciary in India that need urgent attention. Discuss in context of the recent report by the Parliamentary Standing Committee for the Ministry of Law and Justice.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"7. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) effectively reflects a shift from the era of Licence Raj to a conducive regulatory ambience for enhancing consumer welfare by encouraging competition in the market. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"8. Enumerate the various kinds of writs in the Indian judicial framework and state the remedial significance of writs.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"9. Giving the rationale behind the formation of a separate Ministry of Cooperation, discuss the ways to deepen Co-operatives as a true people centric movement in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"10. Highlighting the key provisions of The Tribunals Reforms Bill, 2021, discuss whether it can help in addressing the issues pertaining to tribunals in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"11. Asymmetry is not only an important characteristic of federalism in India, it has also helped in the accommodation of diverse demands inherent in our democracy. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"12. Identifying the designated role of Parliament, discuss the consequences of inefficiency in parliamentary functioning in India. Also, suggest some measures for improving the functioning of Parliament.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"13. Despite awarding constitutional status to the National Commission for Backward Classes, there still remain issues with regard to inclusion/exclusion of communities in the OBC list. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"14. A critical appraisal of the outcomes of the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act underlines the need for second generation reforms to strengthen decentralisation of Urban Local Governance in India. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"15. Checks and balances as well as separation of powers are not mere intellectual ideas, but principles which strengthen a democracy in real ways. Discuss in the context of India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"16. In the Lok Sabha and the Vidhan Sabhas, the Speaker has vast powers and extensive functions. Elaborating on it, highlight the grounds on which the Office of the Speaker has been criticised and the reforms required in this regard.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"17. In India, the Finance Commissions are established pursuant to the constitutional mandate. In this context, do you think the State Finance Commissions have been effective in promoting fiscal federalism? Substantiate with arguments.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"18. It is argued that unchecked and rampant exercise of the power to insert laws in the Ninth Schedule results in undermining of constitutional supremacy and creation of parliamentary hegemony. Do you agree? Justify your stand with logical arguments.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"19. Though the antecedents of the Indian Constitution can be traced to a series of British colonial legislation and other constitutions of the world, in spirit and practice it has been completely Indian. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"20. Providing greater flexibility to states in relation to subjects in the state list and 'transferred items' in the concurrent list can pave the way for better Centre-State relations in India. Examine.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8111,"topper":"Surabhi Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/be5e721dea2db6194b0d6e2683fb6135/11/mts_2023_unchecked_mt23flton013_tc002_260308_012506.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"There is a need to resolve the ambiguity in disqualification provisions under Section 8 of RPA 1957. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Constitution is the mere skeleton whereas constitutionalism is the soul of Democracy. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"Electoral bonds are double edged swords providing anonymity to donors while raising concerns about transparency in political funding. To what extent EB further legitimise opacity in funding?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"The question of gender equality is central to debate on UCC. In this light what are the challenges in reconciling UCC with gender equality as enshrined in const?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Governor's office is neither decorative nor inconsequential, it assumes a const. role of profound essence! To what extent does it actively contribute to state & reinforce principle of federalism?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"Recently demand has been rising in a state for social accountability law. How such a law can lead to good governance? Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"There is a need for convergence to effectively tackle child undernutrition in India. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"MGNREGA, the lynchpin of rural poverty alleviation, has become victim of fiscal apathy. Critically.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"\"India must leverage, if not manage, global divides.\" How can current geopolitical churn pave the way for India's rise to global weight ? \"Berlin can be India's gateway to EU.\" Elaborate with respect to Germany's imp India's relation with EU .","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"\"Berlin can be India's gateway to EU.\" Elaborate with respect to Germany's imp India's relation with EU .","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"How has the ADL impacted relationship b/w political parties and individual legislators in India? In light of recent incidents of consequences in has on also discuss unintended functioning of democracy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Critics asserts that limitless jurisdiction of judicial authority rests on structural ambiguity of basic structure doctrine. Has elastic nature of basic structure doctrine made judiciary more powerful than executive?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"FR are not gifts bestowed upon by the state rather than an individual possesses them independently. of state. In this context discuss desirability of reasonable restrictions on various <<CUT>> FR.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"The key to effective decentralisation is, 'political decentralisation should follow finance & functional decentralisation'. Discuss in conter of local gov. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"S.R. Bommai v UOI signified a paradigm shift in judicial interpretation of union's authority to assume control of a state's admn. Significance & impact of judgment on cementing fed structure In this context, discuss. (Answer in 250 words) The key to effective decentralisation is, 'political decentralisation should follow finance & functional decentralisation'. Discuss in conter of local gov. (Answer in 250 words) Multistakeholder partnership are the key and localised implementation efforts be to leveraging collective expertise & networks. How can effective partnership accelerate achievements of SDGs in India?","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Multistakeholder partnership are the key and localised implementation efforts be to leveraging collective expertise & networks. How can effective partnership accelerate achievements of SDGs in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"How has the implementation of POSH Act resulted in limited success, what factors have hindered its outreach to women in unorg Sector? Propose strategy to bridge the gap & ensure comprehensive protection for women.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8112,"topper":"Surabhi Yadav","air":14,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/be5e721dea2db6194b0d6e2683fb6135/5/mts_2023_unchecked_mt23flton013_tc006_260308_012341.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8113,"topper":"Surabhi Yadav","air":14,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/be5e721dea2db6194b0d6e2683fb6135/7/mts_2023_unchecked_mt23flton013_tc010_260308_012245.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8114,"topper":"Surabhi Yadav","air":14,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/4c9a7e5e5edac112d75ba3bb128c426a/16/mt23flton013_flt2502.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8115,"topper":"Surabhi Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c4fce-1133075_1828_surabhi-yadav_rank_14.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. Discuss the significance of the International Solar Alliance and highlight the initiatives taken by it in recent times.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"2. Identify the factors behind the problem of low agricultural productivity in India. What initiatives have been taken by the government to address this problem?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"3. Despite pulses providing dual benefits of nutritional security and sustaining agricultural production systems, India has not been able to achieve self-sufficiency in their production. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"4. What do you understand by methanol economy? Critically discuss its role in achieving India's energy security and economic prosperity.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"5. Despite many initiatives towards road safety, India accounts for 11% of the global death in road accidents with about 1% of the world's vehicles. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"6. Increasing the share of rail freight in the overall modal mix could present a golden opportunity for India to shift to an efficient freight paradigm. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"7. The Major Port Authorities Act, 2021, seeks to grant greater autonomy and flexibility to the major ports and professionalise their governance. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"8. Analyse the need for shifting from presumptive land titling to conclusive land titling system in India. Also, highlight the hurdles in its implementation.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"9. In light of various issues being faced, discuss the need for a revamped and need-based PDS in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"10. Planning for the potential long-term impacts of climate change on agriculture needs to be prioritised to mitigate threats it poses to India's food security. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"11. Private sector participation in the operations of Indian Railways can provide a solution to the multiple issues that it faces. Discuss. Also, highlight the features of the Bharat Gaurav Scheme in this context.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"12. Discuss how the India Digital Ecosystem of Agriculture (IDEA) will help the government in increasing farmers' income and improving efficiency of the agriculture sector as a whole. Also, state the associated concerns.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"13. Owing to rapid depletion of water resources, there is an urgent need to increase water use efficiency. In this context, discuss the status of irrigation in India and challenges faced. Also, suggest suitable measures to address the challenges.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"14. Dairying is a viable livelihood option for a large section of the population. In this context, discuss the significance, challenges faced and associated government initiatives for the dairy sector in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"15. Food subsidy bill is becoming an \"unmanageably large\" expenditure for the government. In this context, analyse the need for revisiting the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"16. Food processing industry provides a vital link between the two pillars of the economy, i.e. agriculture and industry. In view of this, examine the constraints faced by the agri-food supply chain system in India. Suggest suitable solutions as well.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"17. Availability of adequate storage infrastructure has a direct bearing on agricultural yield and farmer's income. Comment. In this context, discuss the measures that can be undertaken to enhance India's agriculture storage capacity.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"18. A farmer-centric approach is required to realise the true potential of the animal husbandry sector in India and address the issues it faces. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"19. Despite being one of the largest agricultural producers in the world, India's agricultural exports have been a laggard. In this context, discuss the issues that need to be addressed for India to emerge as a top global exporter.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"20. The imperative to increase farmer's income must shift to creating value chains and must not be reliant on the MSP regime and subsidy bias prevalent in the current Indian agricultural system. Examine.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8116,"topper":"Surabhi Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/be5e721dea2db6194b0d6e2683fb6135/1/mts_2023_unchecked_mt23flton013_tc003_260308_012443.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"What do you understand by Windfall tax? Do you think that windfall taxes can effectively redistribute wealth and promote greater economic equality? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the perceived successes and challenges of implementing inflation targeting under the new Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) regime. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Assess the potential of millet production in promoting sustainable agriculture and improving food security in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Jal Jeevan Mission has the potential to end the regional disparity in the availability and accessibility of drinking water. Highlighting the significance of the mission, discuss the underlying impediments in achieving the desired objectives. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"What do you understand by Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)? Discuss its applications and how it can revolutionize the energy program of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss in brief developments and challenges in the Gaganyaan mission of ISRO. What are the possible benefits of the mission for the society? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"Green hydrogen can be the silver bullet in our quest to tackle climate change and pollution\". Critically analyze the statement in light of India's National Green Hydrogen mission. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are the key lessons for disaster management and environmental conservation in the Himalayan region, in light of the recent disaster in Joshimath, Uttarakhand? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"The recent radical trends in Punjab show that the Khalistan issue is still simmering.\" Discuss the statement with respect to recent developments and suggest measures to handle it. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The anonymity and ease of drone operation contribute to the challenges of India's border security. Elaborate and give suggestions to tackle the drone problem in border areas. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Electricity Amendment Bill, 2022 brings several advantages for consumers, DISCOMs as well as the environment. Elaborate. Also, list out its shortcomings and suggest some measures to overcome them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":15,"question":"Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) plays an important role in the regulation of the share market and safeguarding the interests of investors. In the light of given statement, highlight the challenges faced by the SEBI and suggest reforms in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":17,"question":"Despite being a major contributor to the Indian economy, the agriculture sector is plagued by several constraints that impede its growth and development. Discuss the role of technology in overcoming these constraints. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":18,"question":"Evaluate the impact of irrigation on the environment and natural resources, and suggest measures to ensure the sustainability and equity of irrigation practices in agriculture. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":20,"question":"How India benefitted strategically from the contributions of Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha and Dr. Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai in the fields of atomic energy and space technology respectively? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":21,"question":"Generative AI holds the potential to push the boundaries of innovation in the near future, yet its societal impact raises substantial challenges. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":23,"question":"Explain the purpose of the \"Mangrove Alliance for Climate\" launched at the COP27 UN Climate Change Conference in Egypt in November 2022. Elaborate on the importance of mangroves in maintaining the coastal ecology of tropical nations. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":24,"question":"The Formation of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure brings more robustness to the Disaster Management approach in India. Comment and justify the need for a new strategy to tackle Disasters in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The recent rise in ransomware attacks targeting critical infrastructure and major corporations has highlighted the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity measures and policies. Discussing the key factors contributing to this trend, analyze the impact of these attacks on various sectors. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"In the context of border security, how can cooperation and coordination between different security agencies be improved to ensure effective and efficient management of coastal and terrestrial borders? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8117,"topper":"Surabhi Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/fb243fd857196ecf8b8ba6ee4f9c28b7/13/mt23flton013_flt2507.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Even after a decade of Make in India, India's manufacturing sector has remained a weak spot in its growth story. How can India fundamentally reset its manufacturing sector to utilise its potential in GDP growth and job creation? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Indian startups, despite showing great potential, have not scaled up on innovation. Discuss. Suggest measures for Indian startups to go up the value chain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Despite a robust Public Distribution System (PDS), food security remains a challenge to the Indian population. What are the deficiencies in the current PDS system? Suggest reforms to improve the system. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the key components of the recently launched Digital Agriculture Mission. How will this mission help in improving farmers' welfare? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What is the Axiom-4 mission? How will India's participation in the Axiom-4 mission help in bolstering India's human space programme? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Introduce the concept of precision medicine. Comment on the role of precision medicine in the treatment of rare and specific diseases. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss how the Biodiversity Act, 2002, and the recently notified Biological Diversity (Access and Benefit Sharing) Regulation, 2025, promote access and benefit sharing while ensuring the growth of traditional industries. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"Preparedness is the first step towards disaster risk reduction\". In this context, assess the role of the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) in strengthening disaster preparedness and early warning systems in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"How does the long maritime border of India present immense internal security challenges? Suggest measures to address these challenges. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Despite decline in terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir, Over Ground Workers (OGWs) and proxy militant groups continue to pose a serious threat to India's internal security. What strategies can be adopted to neutralize these threats? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"Infrastructure development is a key driver of accelerated and inclusive economic growth\". Highlighting the importance of infrastructure investment in achieving long-term growth, discuss India's successes and failures in stimulating infrastructure-led growth in the economy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"What are the responsibilities of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC)? How effective has the RBI's monetary policy initiatives been to broaden economic recovery whilst maintaining a sustainable inflation rate? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"What are the opportunities and challenges of the food processing industry in India? Why has the overall private investment remained low in the industry despite immense potential? Suggest measures. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Micro-irrigation systems can revolutionize Indian agriculture, but adoption remains limited. In this context, discuss how micro-irrigation can help in sustainable water management. What are the barriers to its widespread adoption? Suggest measures to overcome them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"'With the development of advanced chips like Majorana 1 and Willow, quantum computers are no longer a theory but a reality'. What are the principles of quantum computing? How does the National Quantum Mission help in scaling up quantum technologies in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Wetlands play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, yet they face several anthropogenic and climate-related threats. Discuss. What steps have been undertaken by the Government of India to conserve and promote wetlands? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"In spite of being preventable, stampedes due to improper crowd control mechanisms continue to claim lives in India. Discuss the underlying causes of such disasters. What institutional and technological measures can be taken for efficient crowd management? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"With the rapid digitalization of Indian society, cyber crimes like digital arrest have also increased. Highlighting the major elements of cybersecurity, Discuss the measures needed to strengthen India's cybersecurity infrastructure. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Illegal immigration poses a threat to India's democracy, sovereignty, and internal security. In light of this statement, discuss how the recently passed Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025 helps in effectively addressing the issue of illegal immigration. What are the constitutional and potential human rights challenges associated with the Act? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8118,"topper":"Surabhi Yadav","air":14,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/be5e721dea2db6194b0d6e2683fb6135/12/mts_2023_unchecked_mt23flton013_tc011_260308_012226.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8119,"topper":"Surabhi Yadav","air":14,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/fb243fd857196ecf8b8ba6ee4f9c28b7/12/mt23flton013_flt2503.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8120,"topper":"Surabhi Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/52623-1133075_1819_surabhi-yadav_rank_14.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) Explain the relevance of the following in the context of civil service:\n(i) Public Trust\n(ii) Compassion\n(iii) Objectivity\n(iv) Integrity\n(v) Fortitude","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) What do you understand by environmental ethics? Highlight the various values it is based upon.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) Explaining the need of ethics in public life, mention various sources of ethical guidance for a civil servant.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) Explain the difference between end-oriented values and means-oriented values. In your opinion, which is more important for a public servant?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"3. (a) Moral quality of an action should be judged by its consequences on human happiness. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) The core of Gandhiji's philosophy lies in internal moral power. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"4. (a) With the help of relevant examples, bring out the difference between the following:\n(i) Vice and Virtue\n(ii) Horizontal and Vertical Accountability\n(iii) Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct\n(iv) Persuasion and Manipulation\n(v) Belief and Faith","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"4. (b) Civil servants, who are themselves honest, but do nothing to save the institution from corruption, do greater damage to the system. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"5. (a) Explain the relationship between personal and professional ethics of a civil servant.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"5. (b) Explain, with examples, how law and liberty are related with each other.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"6. (a) Ethics is the foundation upon which virtues are built. In this context, discuss how ethics act as an anti-corruption force.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"6. (b) In context of the relationship between political executive and civil servants in India, highlight the significance of neutrality in the civil service.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"6. (c) The teachings of Arya Samaj present key ethical lessons for present day India. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"7. You are posted as a District Magistrate in a communally sensitive district of the country. Due to the recent upsurge in the COVID-19 cases, a strict lockdown has been imposed in the district. However, a religious festival is upcoming and a particular community wants to organize a big fair to celebrate the festival despite the lockdown guidelines. People from the other community were also allowed to celebrate their festival a few weeks earlier, though the situation with regard to the pandemic was different then. You have been informed that denial by the administration to allow the fair may anger certain sections of the community and give credibility to allegations of bias against the administration. You have also received confidential reports that such denial may be misused by local politicians to flare up communal tension and the situation may spiral out of control. In this context:\n(a) What are the various issues involved in this situation?\n(b) Identify the various options that you have and highlight your course of action.","marks":"20","words":"in around 250"},{"page":34,"question":"8. The Ken-Betwa link project is expected to provide annual irrigation of 10.62 lakh hectares, drinking water supply to about 62 lakh people and also generate 103 MW of hydropower. At the same time, the ambitious project will lead to a large-scale displacement of the people. A total area of about 9,000 hectares will be submerged due to the proposed dam. Some of the area also lies within the Panna Tiger Reserve, considered to be the core habitat of tigers in the region. People fear losing their livelihoods as well. Due to these issues, there has been an ongoing protest by the local people against the project. You, as the head of the project, are given the responsibility to ensure timely completion of the project and ensure its success, as it spearheads India's ambition of river interlinking. Consider the following questions:\n(a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\n(b) Discuss the steps that can be taken to address these issues. Also suggest some long term measures for such issues.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":39,"question":"9. In recent times, we have witnessed large scale displacement of people all over the world. The reasons for this are manifold but it has resulted in a severe challenge in the form of a refugee crisis of large proportions. The recent turmoil in Afghanistan adds another unfortunate chapter to it. In this context, answer the following questions:\n(a) Examine the ethical issues involved in the refugee crisis being witnessed in the recent decades.\n(b) Highlight both short-term and long-term measures to deal with it.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":44,"question":"10. You are a well-known social worker who has worked for many social causes like girls' education, campaigns against female foeticide and infanticide, child labour etc. You enjoy popularity and credibility among the local population for the work that you have done.\n\nRecently, a couple, who is also your distant relative, meet you to seek your counsel on an issue. They convey that a few months ago, they hired a women to act as a surrogate mother and that now she is pregnant with twins. But as per them, they wanted only one child. So they asked the concerned lady to abort one of the fetuses but she is refusing to do so.\n\nUpon meeting the lady, you come to know that she already has two children and her financial condition won't allow her to look after one more child. In fact, her decision to act as a surrogate mother was influenced by the financial incentives she would receive. She can't even take legal recourse as commercial surrogacy has been banned in the country. Both the parties look up to you to find an amicable solution. Given the situation,\n(a) What are the ethical issues involved in the case?\n(b) What are the various options that you have? Which one of these will you adopt? Justify your stand with logical arguments.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":49,"question":"11. An international beverage company has a signature drink that it sells all over the world, with children being its major consumers. In India, the version of the drink complies with Indian food and health regulations, but is less healthy than the one sold in developed countries. Though the company is not in violation of any law in India, but it is selling an inferior, less healthy product in a developing country like India. There is however, a price differential with the drink sold in India being cheaper than the one sold in developed countries.\n\nIdentify the various stakeholders and discuss the issues that arise in this situation.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":54,"question":"12. The proliferation of social media platforms have empowered the citizens and enabled them to freely share their views, including criticism of the government and its functionaries. However, it has also given rise to serious concerns such as spread of fake news, hate speech, revenge porn etc., which have grown manifold in recent years. Moreover, there are growing issues related to lack of transparency, accountability and rights of users of such social media platforms.\n\nIn this context, what should be the underlying principles to regulate the social media platforms? Also, suggest a framework to address the associated issues and concerns and make such platforms a safe place for its diverse users.","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":8121,"topper":"Surabhi Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/29352-1133075_1827_surabhi-yadav_rank_14.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) The ideals of 'Dhamma' by Ashoka present key learnings on public morality. Discuss. Also, state their relevance for public servants.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) There is a need for an effective climate governance structure within the broad framework of corporate governance. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) Family values influence the decisions individuals make both within the family structure and outside of it. Do you agree with the statement? Justify with relevant examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) 'Niti' must be more concerned with 'nyaya' i.e. the elimination of removable injustices rather than defining a perfectly just society. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"3. (a) While it may seem restrictive, anonymity is one of the greatest strengths of the civil services. Comment in the context of growth of social media in recent times.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"4. (b) Explaining the meaning of media ethics, discuss why it is a prerequisite for democracy.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"5. (a) What do you understand by a situation of 'crisis of conscience'? Also, explain how a public servant can deal with such a situation.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"A public servant can deal with 'crisis of conscience' in following manner -\n1 Maintain calm, self-control.\n2 To do what the law permits.\n3 Find alternative solutions, so that he could cater to both his choices.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"5. (b) The opportunities and threats created by emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) require leaders across business, government and civil society to understand the importance of values and ethics in technological development. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"6 (a) It is argued that the Indian bureaucracy suffers from indecision and risk aversion. Do you agree? Justify with logical arguments.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"6. (b) Corruption endangers not only the quality of governance but also threatens the very foundation of our society. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"6. (c) Discuss the foundational values of civil services, which are prerequisites in building a responsive public administration. Also, highlight how Mission Karmayogi aspires to make public administration more responsive.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"7. You come across a news report of a state 'X', which has a considerable number of school going children suffering from malnourishment. To overcome this, the state recently rolled out a policy to introduce eggs in mid-day meals in schools. However, some parents, teachers and a few religious groups have protested against the move. The report states that the Minister of Education of state 'X' has assured the public of a reversal in the policy. You are aware that this may be because elections are approaching in the state and the party in power may not want to antagonise a particular religious group, which is its key supporter.\nIn light of this, answer the following:\n(a) Highlight the stakeholders in the given case study.\n(b) Examine the options available in the given situation.\n(c) According to you, what is the best course of action and why?","marks":"20","words":"in around 250"},{"page":30,"question":"8. Recently, the government has proposed a bill to increase the age of marriage for women from 18 to 21 years. It has been argued that it will help women improve their nutritional status, lower maternal mortality rate and improve the overall health status of women. However, some critics have stated that the proposed law would be counterproductive to women's cause and the desired objectives will not be met. In this context, answer the following questions:\n(a) What effect will an increase in the age of marriage have on women in India?\n(b) Can legislation be used as an effective tool for social change?\n(c) Discuss other agents that can be used for social change in this context.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":35,"question":"9 Climate change not only threatens our ecosystems but also undermines the foundation of our fundamental rights, deepens inequalities and creates new forms of injustice. Adapting to climate change and trying to mitigate its impacts are not just a matter of scientific knowledge and political will but also demand a broader view of a complex, inter-related situation. Human induced climate change has brought in several ethical dimensions not just in causing climate change but also in the role and responsibility in mitigating it.\n(a) Highlight the ethical issues arising out of human-induced climate change.\n(b) What ethical principles should form the basis of global action on climate change?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":38,"question":"Ethical principles to form the basis of global action on climate change","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"10. You are the Chairperson of Staff Selection Commission of a state. Recently, an exam for recruitment to the position of sub-inspectors was conducted by the Commission. But a video of some students using hi-tech devices like spy-mics, and placing \"solvers\" to cheat in the exam by hiding bluetooth devices in wig, has been surfacing on the internet. Also, this is not an isolated incident; many instances of organized cheating scandals have shocked the state in recent years. Students are agitated and demanding cancellation of the exam and there is pressure on you to resign. However, your daughter had also appeared in this exam and is confident of clearing it. There are many other students who had waited for this exam for a long time and are hopeful of clearing it with honest efforts. Whatever decision the Commission takes is bound to affect the career of a large number of candidates who appeared in the exam, including your own daughter.\n(a) Highlight the ethical issues concerned in the case.\n(b) Why is cheating in examinations prevalent in many states across India?\n(c) What measures would you take to make sure that a similar situation does not arise in future?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":45,"question":"11. You are a young officer posted as a Sub-Divisional Magistrate in a backward district. You receive a complaint against the appointment of a Dalit woman in a village school for cooking food under the Mid-Day Meal scheme by parents of some students. The parents are putting immense pressure on the school management to discontinue the services of the woman concerned on the basis of long-standing social norms of caste impurity. They also say that if the management fails to take a favourable decision, keeping in mind the prevailing social customs, they will convene a village assembly and take action against the woman and her family members, including boycotting them socially.\n\nBased on the above information, address the following:\n(a) Identify the issues involved in the given case study.\n(b) Highlighting the reasons behind continuing caste discrimination, discuss the steps which you will take to resolve the present issue.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":47,"question":"b Reason for continuing Caste based Discrimination -","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"12. A bridge is being built by a powerful local contractor in a district. The Public Works Department (PWD) is responsible for issuing the tender, checking the quality of the bridge and giving approval to it. During the construction of the bridge, testing by the quality control lab in the PWD showed its strength to be slightly below the minimum value required for granting approval for its further construction and completion. The local contractor paid hefty bribes to some officials in the PWD to get the contract. These officials are pressurising the quality control lab in the PWD to sign the report and give the required approval to the bridge. The local MLA is also pressuring the concerned lab for the approval, as elections in the state are approaching and the bridge has to be inaugurated. However, the in-charge of the lab is aware that if he grants approval and any mishappening related to the bridge occurs in the future, he may come under scrutiny. In this context, answer the following questions:\n(a) What are the issues involved in this scenario?\n(b) Evaluate the options available to the in-charge of the quality control lab in the given situation.\n(c) What course of action should the lab in-charge take? Justify with logical arguments.","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":8122,"topper":"Surabhi Yadav","air":14,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/be5e721dea2db6194b0d6e2683fb6135/2/mts_2023_unchecked_mt23flton013_tc004_260308_012425.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8123,"topper":"Surabhi Yadav","air":14,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/be5e721dea2db6194b0d6e2683fb6135/9/mts_2023_unchecked_mt23flton013_tc008_260308_012324.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8124,"topper":"Surabhi Yadav","air":14,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/be5e721dea2db6194b0d6e2683fb6135/3/mts_2023_unchecked_mt23flton013_tc012_260308_012207.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8125,"topper":"Surabhi Yadav","air":14,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — History","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1o9NkmRENCbf048MKI1f3XSNmxJ60LiXY/view","questions":[]},{"id":8126,"topper":"Suraj Kumar","air":294,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SURAJ-KUMAR-UPSC-2023-Rank-294-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8127,"topper":"Suraj Kumar","air":294,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SURAJ-KUMAR-UPSC-2023-Rank-294-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8128,"topper":"Suraj Kumar","air":294,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SURAJ-KUMAR-UPSC-2023-Rank-294-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8129,"topper":"Suraj Kumar","air":294,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SURAJ-KUMAR-UPSC-2023-Rank-294-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8130,"topper":"Suraj Kumar","air":294,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Medical Science","optional":true,"source":"IAS Delhi Institute","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/16gKs_XR2XnEsNjKnqnFBFA8TixisC1Rf/view?usp=sharing","questions":[]},{"id":8131,"topper":"Suraj Kumar","air":294,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Medical Science","optional":true,"source":"IAS Delhi Institute","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HAlpqEhKNxFpxxvgZn3nm4xQ4zjRy9IU/view?usp=sharing","questions":[]},{"id":8132,"topper":"Suraj Nikam","air":706,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qn5ilXyj1Rl0Qc1z9NIYL7k5dfK1ROwT/view","questions":[]},{"id":8133,"topper":"Suramya Sharma","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SURAMYA-SHARMA-UPSC-2023-Rank-281-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"\"Control communication and you control the people communicating\".","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Perhaps it's time to dumb down our 'smart' life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Science is organized knowledge, wisdom is organised life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement and success have no meaning.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8134,"topper":"Suramya Sharma","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SURAMYA-SHARMA-UPSC-2023-Rank-281-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"We need greater environmental awareness and sustainable development in the face of climate change and ecocide.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"A moral system valid for all is basically immoral.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The pursuit of knowledge leads to the discovery of truth.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Less is more and small is beautiful: the new mantra for world peace","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Investment in human resource development can ensure security of future society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Men survive on adversity and perish in ease and comfort.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Every saint has a past, and every sinner has a future.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Ethical issues arise only when science is applied to technology.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8135,"topper":"Suramya Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SURAMYA-SHARMAUPSC_IAS_2025_Toppers_AIR_359_Sample_MGP_COPY_4.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) Why has public bathing been a recurring practice across cultures and societies? Discuss with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Estimate the contributions of Chalukyas of Badami to Indian heritage and culture.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3 Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar had contrasting philosophies and approaches on caste and social reform. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) What factors can be attributed to the rising incidents of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) in the Himalayan region? Discuss with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 \"Migration is a vital livelihood strategy for rural households in developing countries like India.\" Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) Bring out the interdependence between physical and chemical weathering with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) Discuss how social media is reshaping identity formation and self-worth among adolescents in contemporary Indian society.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8 The disproportionate preference for government jobs in certain Indian states is not merely a matter of personal aspiration. Analyze.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) Explain the significance of population education in light of India's status as the world's most populous nation.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) Globalization has infused Indian festivals with commercial elements, while also helping preserve and popularize them in new ways. Do you agree? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) India has a rich tradition of diverse dance forms, encompassing both classical and folk styles. Illustrate how they reflect the country's rich spiritual, cultural, and social life.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) The third decade of the 20th century witnessed the emergence of new forces and ideological currents that influenced the character of the Indian national movement. Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13) Analyse the circumstances that led to Simla Agreement in 1972. Discuss the significance of the agreement.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 \"The Vietnam War was a proxy conflict rooted in the ideological rivalry of the Cold War.\" Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Q.15) Discuss the concept of isostasy and explain its role in shaping Earth's major landforms.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Q.16 The Indian Ocean is warming at an alarming rate. How may it affect the food security of India?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Q.17 Describing the distribution of sugarcane producing countries, examine the major environmental challenges associated with its cultivation.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Q.18) The richness and diversity of Indian society find vivid expression in the unique culture of its tribal communities. Elucidate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"9 Why is it essential to focus on health in the context of urban planning and reforms? How can this be achieved?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Q.20) Analyze the socio-cultural factors contributing to the high attrition rate among women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers in India. Suggest measures to improve their retention in STEM.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8136,"topper":"Suramya Sharma","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SURAMYA-SHARMA-UPSC-2023-Rank-281-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Belief that the Indian constitution is a borrowed constitution is nothing but a myth. Discuss (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What do you mean by 'doctrine of essentiality'? How has judiciary used this doctrine to address conflict between various fundamental rights? Explain with examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Indian federalism is the middle point between Unitarianism and confederalism. Analyze. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Judiciary is increasingly becoming a super-legislature that undermines the basic tenets of a parliamentary democracy. Critically examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Governor of a state enjoys more discretionary power than the president of India. Elaborate and explain the rationale behind this constitutional arrangement. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Why does the Why does constitution provide for a weaker second chamber at state level when compared with that at union level? Analyse the significance of Legislative Council in states. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Lokpal and Lokayuktas were envisaged to strengthen the legal and institutional mechanism to ensure cleanliness in public life. Critically examine their role as anti-corruption watchdogs. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Subordination of investigative agencies to the executive is fraught with disastrous consequences. Discuss the statement in light of the criticism of the Central Bureau of Investigation as a \"caged parrot\". (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The Election Commission of India has a vital role in building a robust framework of electoral democracy. Highlighting challenges associated with the functioning of ECI, suggest measures to reform the body. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Fair competition is the cardinal principle of free market economy. In this context, Discuss the role of Competition Commission of India and compare its position with anti-trust institutions of other countries. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Why was parliamentary form of government adopted for independent India? Do you agree with the opinion that Indian government is increasingly transitioning towards presidential form? Justify. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Why is it important to ensure separation of powers between various organs of the State? Also, explain Indian model of separation of power with relevant provisions in the constitution. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Basic structure doctrine, although extra-constitutional, has been instrumental in protecting the fundamental construct of the constitution. Highlighting the circumstance which led to development of basic structure doctrine, discuss the significance of basic structure doctrine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What is so fundamental about fundamental rights? Which fundamental right is considered as 'heart and soul of the constitution' and why? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Preamble reflects the ideals and aspirations of the Indian constitution. Elaborate. How far have these ideals been achieved? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What are pressure groups? Evaluate their role in public policy formulation with special reference to farmer organizations and trade unions. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Compare the position of the Speaker in Indian and British parliamentary system? Also, discuss various controversies related to functioning of Office of Speaker in Indian context and suggest corresponding reforms. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What do you understand by the First Past the Post System (FPPS)? Why was FPPS preferred over the Proportional Representation (PR) system for elections to the Lok Sabha/Vidhan Sabha? Also, critically examine the consequences of this preference (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"The Representation of Peoples Act, the bedrock of free and fair elections in the country, has failed to keep pace with the contemporary challenges. Highlighting the shortcomings in the legislation, suggest reforms to make it more effective. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Dr. Ambedkar called the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) the most important office under the constitution. How does the constitution ensure effective functioning of CAG as the guardian of public purse? What reforms would you suggest to further strengthen the office of CAG? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8137,"topper":"Suramya Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SURAMYA-SHARMAUPSC_IAS_2025_Toppers_AIR_359_Sample_MGP_COPY_3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1 \"Extraordinary powers must be exercised with extraordinary care.\" Discuss in the context of Article 142 of the Indian Constitution.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Why are State Legislative Assemblies involved in the election of the President but excluded from the process of impeachment?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3 Private Member's Bills (PMBs) seldom become law in India, yet they are an important aspect of parliamentary democracy. Bring out their significance and suggest steps to strengthen the PMB process.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Highlight the key points of convergence and divergence between the judicial systems of India and USA.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 The role of Election Commission of India has evolved beyond conducting elections to becoming a guardian of electoral democracy. Critically evaluate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6 What is the rationale behind the \"three-language formula\" in India's education policy? Also highlight the challenges associated with its adoption and implementation across the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7 'Emerging environmental concerns and evolving ecosystem perspectives demand a reimagined approach to rural water governance.' Discuss the key interventions needed to recalibrate rural water policies with special emphasis on the role of communities.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) Identify and discuss the challenges hindering effective implementation of gender-sensitive policies and schemes in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) Effective transboundary water management can act as a catalyst for regional peace and cooperation. In light of this statement, bring out the opportunities and challenges for India in leveraging 'water diplomacy' in its neighbourhood.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 What are the key areas of reform if the World Trade Organization (WTO) has to remain relevant in the present context of rising protectionism and trade wars?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) The basic structure doctrine acts as a constitutional compass in balancing Parliament's legislative authority and constitutional supremacy. Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) are pivotal to inclusive and efficient urban governance, yet they remain fiscally constrained and institutionally weak. Analyze.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13) \"The judiciary has functioned as an institutional corrective, redefining and refining the contours of the Governor's office to prevent its misuse and uphold constitutional principles.\" Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) How is the 'vertical' and 'horizontal' devolution of taxes to the states decided? Highlighting the concerns raised by some states regarding the devolution of taxes, suggest corrective measures.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15) What steps are required for the constitutionalization of a Commission? Do you think granting constitutional status to the Central Information Commission (CIC) would strengthen the RTI regime in India? Give reasons.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) Even as India experiences consistent economic growth and has achieved self-sufficiency in food production, hunger and food insecurity remain pressing concerns. Examine the factors responsible for this paradox and suggest steps to improve the situation.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 The Union Government has recently announced that caste enumeration will be part of the upcoming census. Examine the opportunities and challenges associated with conducting a nationwide 'caste census'. Also, propose a framework for its seamless and effective conduct.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 \"AI integration in governance is no longer a choice but a necessity.\" In light of this statement, discuss how AI can enhance education and healthcare governance.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Providing a brief overview of the aims and objectives of BIMSTEC, explain its significance for India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20) India's approach to its relationship with China has evolved into what can be best described as 'competitive coexistence'. Discuss in light of recent developments. What should be the broad contours of India's future China policy?","marks":"15","words":"15"}]},{"id":8138,"topper":"Suramya Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SURAMYA-SHARMAUPSC_IAS_2025_Toppers_AIR_359_Sample_MGP_COPY_2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1 The Union Budget 2025-26 outlines a shift towards the 'debt-to-GDP ratio' as the fiscal anchor starting from FY 2026-27. Discuss the rationale behind this shift.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Why does India need to transition from a 'build to print' to a 'build to design' model in manufacturing? What steps has been taken by the government in this regard?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Explain the concept of a nutrition-sensitive food system and suggest strategies to achieve it in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Give a brief overview of the 'Digital Agriculture Mission'. How can it benefit the agriculture sector?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) Rare earths are not just elements; they are foundational inputs that act like 'seeds of technology'. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) Why retrofitting Electrostatic Precipitators (ESPs) in Indian thermal power plants is a more viable and effective option compared to the installation of flue gas desulfurization (FGD) systems?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7 'The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regime in India remains weak and is often reduced to a procedural formality.' In light of this statement, examine the key challenges in EIA implementation and suggest reforms.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) Plastic pollution is emerging as a serious environmental threat in India. Discuss the various mitigation measures to address this problem and also the government's initiatives in this regard.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 Amid evolving threats, there is a need to blend private sector capabilities with India's current internal security architecture. In this context, elaborate on the ways in which the private sector can contribute to strengthening internal security.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 'Radicalisation in Jammu and Kashmir is driven as much by socio-economic factors as by external influences.' Discuss how education and youth engagement can play a role in countering radicalisation in J&K.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) Outlining the key characteristics of the care economy, discuss how India can better integrate the value of unpaid and underpaid care work into its economic framework.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) 'The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) presents both unprecedented opportunities and significant challenges for India's labour market.' Examine. Also suggest strategies to align AI adoption with inclusive and resilient labour market outcomes.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13) Why does India's agricultural export performance remain weak despite high production levels? What measures would you suggest to improve agri-export competitiveness?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) \"The agricultural subsidy regime in the country needs reforms to address the distortions it causes.\" Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 How can biomanufacturing transform today's consumptive manufacturing paradigm to the one based on regenerative principles? Also discuss how BioE3 Policy (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment) aims to foster biomanufacturing in the country.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 The future of digital innovation depends on self-reliant, domain-specific AI capabilities. In this context, bring out the key considerations in developing indigenous AI models and tools. Suggest measures to build an enabling ecosystem for AI innovation in India. What initiatives have been taken by the government in this regard?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 Marine oil spills are a form of environmental disaster, with far-reaching consequences for biodiversity and coastal livelihoods; however, India's preparedness to prevent such incidents and mitigate their impact has significant gaps. Analyze.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 'The United Nations has declared 2025 as the International Year of Glacier Preservation.' Bring out the ecological and socio-economic significance of glaciers. What are the key challenges in preserving them? What measures have been taken at national and international levels towards preservation of glaciers?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 What are the determinants of insurgency in the north-eastern region of India? What strategy should the Government of India, civil administration and security forces adopt to counter the threat in the affected areas?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20) Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have become an integral aspect of modern conflict and warfare, employed by both state and non-state actors. Discuss its implications for India's security architecture and state the measures being taken to address them. Also suggest other steps to tackle the threats emanating from UAVs.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8139,"topper":"Suramya Sharma","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SURAMYA-SHARMA-UPSC-2023-Rank-281-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Celebrity brand endorsements raise pertinent ethical concerns about responsibility that delve into the realm of ethical considerations of social influence that run deeper than mere surface level. In this context, suggest measures to tackle the ethical challenges of celebrity brand endorsements. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Embracing a scientific mindset involves setting aside impulsive inclinations in favor of the pursuit of truth. In your view, how does the integration of scientific thinking contribute to addressing contemporary challenges and promoting societal progress? How can we effectively cultivate a scientific attitude in society? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"In the realm of professional conduct, ethics plays a role that tends to go far beyond fulfilling the roles and responsibilities of the job with diligence and honesty. But some people consider professional competence as the only critical requirement for a job. If faced with a choice, who would you prefer to hire - someone with professional competence or one with strong moral values? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Patriotism can hold different meanings for different people, often shaped by personal experiences and convictions. What does patriotism mean to you? Explain narrating incidents from your life when you exhibited patriotism. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Max Weber's concept of bureaucracy was developed in the early 20th century, but it still influences administrative structures today. In what ways do you see Weberian bureaucracy as relevant in today's rapidly changing world? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"Global challenges often test the ethical fiber of nations, urging them to channel narrow pursuit of national-interest into an enlightened self-interest.\" Enumerating the various ethical principles underlying the concept of enlightened national-interest examine its efficacy in helping nations navigate the fine line between pursuing their strategic interests and upholding ethical principles, particularly in times of conflict? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"In the realm of governance, a crucial aspect is the art of persuasion. The qualities that make civil servants proficient persuaders empower them to fulfill their responsibilities in an effective manner. Discuss with illustrations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Corruption has multifaceted implications. Some consider it an undeniable vice, while others contend it to be an unavoidable necessity for navigating the bureaucratic complexities. In your opinion, does corruption oil or corrode the gears of development? Substantiate your arguments. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Ethical hacking and malicious hacking stand as divergent paths with distinct intentions and consequences. As technology advances, it becomes imperative to comprehend the nuances that set these practices apart in the cybersecurity landscape. In this perspective, elucidate the principles that differentiate ethical hacking and malicious hacking. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What does each of the following quotation mean to you? \"Our greatest ability as humans is not to change the world, but to change ourselves.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":56,"question":"Mr X is travelling by road with his family to attend a marriage ceremony. His grandfather, who is the head of the family is also travelling with him. On the way to their destination, all of them stop at a road side restaurant for lunch. This is a well-known restaurant owned by one of the friends of Mr X. The place is known for its tasty and hygienic food. However, the grandfather notices a picture on the wall of the restaurant and enquires about the religion of the restaurant owner. Mr X's friend belongs to a religion different from the grandfather's religion. The grandfather has a negative attitude towards the religion of Mr X's friend and he insists that he will not eat in that restaurant. He demands that the entire family should leave the restaurant immediately as they are travelling for a happy occasion and eating at this particular restaurant will pollute them. Mr X tries to calm down his grandfather and explain to him that religion has nothing to do with purity or pollution. He also reasons that several travel magazines have rated the restaurant highly, especially for its superior hygiene standards. Also, he points out that there is no restaurant in the way for the next 100 Km and it will be difficult for all to make do without food for that long. However, his arguments fall on deaf years, and which is more his grandfather admonishes him for bringing the family to the restaurant despite being aware about the religion of the owner. Mr X's friend feels insulted and discriminated against due to his religion. Mr X's father is upset but refuses to say anything out of respect for the grandfather. Entire family is embarrassed by the attitude of the grandfather and they are getting ready to leave the restaurant. Mr X is confused regarding how he should act in this situation. a) What are the various ethical issues in the above case study? b) Imagine yourself in the place of Mr X. Evaluate the different courses of actions available with you. What is the most suitable course of action? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":8140,"topper":"Surbhi Goyal","air":78,"year":2021,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/044b8-578542_1992_surbhi-goyal_rank_78.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8141,"topper":"Surbhi Goyal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/80ccc-578542_1511_surbhi-goyal_rank_78.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Despite a vast coast line and a number of waterways, why has India not been able to achieve its potential in bringing a significant modal shift from rail and road to waterways? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The move to establish a National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development, to reverse the drag on India's growth potential will have its own set of challenges. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlighting the issues related to the current fertilizer subsidy regime in India, discuss the need for reforms in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Identifying the need for a climate resilient agriculture in India, discuss how it can be achieved. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Mega Food Parks (MFPs) were considered to be a gamechanger for the food processing sector in India, but their progress remains stunted. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do you understand by impact based forecasting in disaster management? How can such forecasting strengthen the disaster management preparedness? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Low Earth Orbit is becoming increasingly crowded as countries race to launch satellites into space. Highlighting the associated issues, discuss international efforts taken in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Enumerating the existing measures to counter bio-terrorism in India, highlight the need for a bio-terrorism law. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the potential of \"Integrated Law Enforcement Centres\" and \"Smart Walls\" on India's border areas to address the prevailing security challenges. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Farm loan waivers are neither adequate nor recommended for promoting sustained agricultural growth. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"A number of initiatives in recent years have focussed on the MSME sector. Why is there a need to focus on this sector? Also, identify the measures taken by the government and further scope of action. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Skilling the Indian population faces a 3E challenge - Education, Employment and Employability. Discuss. Also suggest interventions required to effectively manage this challenge. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Despite its importance, agricultural marketing faces various institutional and infrastructural related issues in India. Elaborate. Also, enlist the measures that have been taken in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Marine litter is not just an environmental issue but poses a socio-economic challenge as well. Discuss. Also, enumerate the initiatives taken by the global community to reduce marine litter. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Assess India's vulnerability to flash floods and suggest measures for better resilience to flash floods. In this context, also briefly highlight the significance of recently launched Flash Flood Guidance System (FFGS) operated by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Hydrogen based energy production can play a key role in a clean, secure and affordable energy future. In this context, identify the potential and opportunities for utilising hydrogen based technologies. What are the challenges that need to be addressed to fullfill the potential? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Despite the huge promise of satellite-based internet connectivity, it hasn't gained traction on a significant commercial scale, especially in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India's attempts at strengthening its intelligence infrastructure and capabilities have historically been reactive and incremental, rather than holistic and sustainable. Discuss. Also, provide a concrete framework in transforming the country's intelligence capabilities. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"In light of the prominent instances of drone attacks by both state and non state actors, assess the challenges and capabilities of India in dealing with such security threats. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8142,"topper":"Surbhi Goyal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a2d6b-578542_1514_surbhi-goyal_rank_78.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the changes introduced by the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) Amendment Act, 2021, analyse various issues with the amended Act. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Are there valid arguments for continuing with sedition law in 21st century democratic India? Discuss in light of the debate surrounding it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Identify the issues that have contributed to a decline in the performance of Parliamentary Standing Committees. How can these issues be addressed? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Despite being a non-constitutional body, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) has wielded immense decision-making power in India. Discuss the advantages and issues associated with it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the role of data in governance in India. Also, state the various challenges in this regard and suggest remedial measures. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"With specific examples, elaborate upon the conditions that led to the emergence of a new civil society in urban India in the last few decades. Also, highlight its contribution towards effecting governance and policy changes. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The Gati Shakti mission has the potential to not only address the issue of infrastructure bottlenecks but also streamline the governance processes in the country. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Giving an account of the issues faced by workers in the informal sector, discuss whether the recently launched e-Shram portal can help in addressing them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Clarifying the significance of the recent developments on the issue of global minimum tax, discuss its prospects and challenges for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Announcement of the AUKUS security pact heralds a new era of global geo-politics. Comment. Also, discuss how it may affect India's interests. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Effective devolution of finances is an important requirement for Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) to fulfill their objectives. Discuss while also elaborating on the reasons behind lack of financial resources for PRIs in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Judicial activism is a necessary tool to guard against \"legislative adventurism and executive excesses\". Critically discuss in the context of the doctrine of separation of powers as provided in the Constitution of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The electoral bond scheme is part of what appears to be a growing trend away from transparency and accountability in electoral funding. Critically analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The significance of the principle of subsidiarity was well reflected in the management of the COVID-19 pandemic. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Social media has ushered in greater transparency and accountability in governance. But accountability through social media is no alternative to institutional accountability. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Although the State has the right incentives and intentions to deliver public services efficiently, its capacity to do so is questionable. Critically discuss in the context of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"The problem of hunger in India does not lie in food production but various other underlying issues. Discuss in the wake of decline in India's ranking in the Global Hunger Index, 2021. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Democratization of primary healthcare is indispensable for fulfilling the objectives of equitable and comprehensive care in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"In the context of the evolving discourse on the Indo-Pacific, analyse the factors driving the global shift towards the region. Also, identify India's interests and challenges in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"India's Afghanistan policy must be based on a clear-eyed understanding of important strategic goals in the region amidst the current regional and global strategic environment. Elaborate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8143,"topper":"Surbhi Goyal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c24ed-578542_1513_surbhi-goyal_rank_78.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"In the context of protection of monuments, explain the role of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Also, comment on the challenges faced by ASI and measures taken to address these. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Tribal art has a huge potential for acting as an economic resource and a tool for socio-economic transformation of tribals in India. Elucidate. Also highlight the challenges in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Though the Government of India Act, 1919 proposed some radical administrative changes, it remained short of fulfilling aspirations of Indians. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Often deemed as the 'forgotten conflict', the Korean War had far-reaching implications. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Explaining the origin of earth's magnetism, discuss its significance with special reference to its interaction with solar particles. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discussing the challenges pertaining to dam safety in India, highlight the potential of Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project to address them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What is understood by Carbon Compensation Depth (CCD)? Discuss the implications of the rise in this depth due to anthropogenic warming as well. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"In view of demographic changes in recent decades, do you think India needs a two-child policy? Discuss in light of various strands of the debate surrounding this issue. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Globalization is incredibly efficient but has so far been incredibly unjust. Examine the statement in the context of developing countries like India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"It would not be completely wrong to state that in India, art is religion and religion is art.\" In light of the statement, discuss the impact of various religions on art in India, citing relevant examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Despite organizational apathy from the Indian National Congress in its initial years, the working class in various parts of the country subsequently participated overwhelmingly in the nationalist movement. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Though some of his early measures restored faith among the Indians in the liberal tradition of England, Lord Ripon's tenure did not bring about significant changes in the conservative mindset of the colonial bureaucracy. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"The New Social Movements in post-independence period made an important beginning in awakening the society against injustices and deepened the very notion of democracy in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"What are the reasons for recurrent and often catastrophic wildfires in places like Australia and the United States? Are there any lessons to be learnt from these events by India? Explain adequately. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Discuss why India needs a cross border flood management mechanism. Also, state the major issues in cross border flood management and suggest remedial measures in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Depletion of water resources in India is both a geo-climatic phenomenon as well as a result some short-sighted government policies. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"What are the major lithospheric plates? How and why do these plates move? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"There exists a wide gap between the constitutionally professed secularism and its practice in India, Do you agree? Substantiate with relevant arguments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"India spends less than one per cent of GDP on care work infrastructure and services. In view of the statement, explain how increased public investment in care economy infrastructure can be instrumental in meeting multiple policy objectives. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8144,"topper":"Surbhi Goyal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/161ea-578542_1512_surbhi-goyal_rank_78.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Persuasion plays an important role in public administration. Discuss. Also highlight the various elements of effective persuasion. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"\"Never do anything against the conscience even if the state demands it.\" In this context, discuss the role of conscience in taking ethical decisions in administration. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Raja Ram Mohan Roy's liberal views on social and religious issues have much relevance in present day India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The moral circle of humanity has been expanding constantly over time. Discuss in this context whether non-human entities should have the same rights as humans beings. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"Each individual is capable of transforming his immediate environment by attempting a radical transformation inside him\". - J Krishnamurti (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"An important requisite for ensuring probity in governance is absence of corruption. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The right to information (RTI) and the right to privacy (RTP) complement each other in holding the government accountable to the people, however, in cases of conflict, they can be reconciled keeping public interest in mind. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Explain the ethical issues involved in spending government funds for advertisement campaigns and publicity. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Explaining the concept of political neutrality, discuss its significance in administration. Also, highlight how the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules seek to ensure political neutrality in the civil services. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"In light of the recurring issues, there is a constant need to search for better ethical frameworks and models of corporate governance. Discuss with adequate examples and evidence in support of your arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Gender inequality begins at home and then gets institutionalised at the societal level. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Stakeholder Capitalism is suggested as a way forward in wake of social, economic and environment challenges posed by Shareholder Capitalism. Examine the relevant arguments in this debate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":31,"question":"Identify the most important issues involved in this case? Who would you address based on priority? (b) What would be your advice to Mr. X and Mr. Y? Also, clarify the reasons for such advice.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"In a recent survey around social and economic indicators, a certain state in the country was found grossly underperforming. The state is marred with the issues of poverty, hunger, social backwardness, lawlessness and underdevelopment. In about seven decades since gaining independence, this state has continued to perform poorly across various indices. In the past, the Chief Minister had set up a fact finding Committee to report on the chief causes of the backwardness of the State. After years of ground research and surveying, it was found that the one of the main causes of the state's backwardness was its huge population that amplified resource scarcity to unimaginable proportions. Taking a clue from the facts presented in the report, the State Cabinet constitutes a panel of policy makers to consider this question of growing population and suggest suitable revisions to the State's Population Policy. The Panel recommends legislating a Population Control Bill that has a contentious provision in the form of 'One Child' norm. You are the Chief of this Panel and the recommendations of the Panel require your approval to be tabled in the Chief Minister's Office. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the ethical issues related to population control of a compulsory nature that you would consider before approving or rejecting the recommendation? (b) What would be your course of action in the aforementioned case? Suggest reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"You are working as a Divisional Forest Officer in an area which is home to tigers. Recently, there have been reports of a tiger venturing into agricultural fields and also killing livestock of villagers. Unfortunately, 2-3 villagers have been killed by some wild animals in last few weeks. Villagers claim that the tiger has killed their fellow villagers and request you to protect their lives and property by either relocating or killing the man-eater tiger. They also obstructed investigation of forest officials to ascertain whether it was the work of tiger or some other animals. Your attempts to trap the tiger have not been successful. Concerned over the delay in killing or relocating the tiger, villagers hire a private hunter to kill the tiger on their own and argue that they have a right to defend themselves and their property. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the issues involved in this scenario. (b) What steps would you take as the Divisional Forest Officer to ensure villagers' safety along with protection of tigers?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"You are a District Magistrate of an area which has seen a huge surge in COVID-19 cases during the second wave of pandemic in India. The health infrastructure is already overburdened. Hospitals are overwhelmed, crematoriums and burial sites are regularly running out of space, and covid testing is struggling to meet the demand. Also, the vaccination drive is at the risk of going off-track due to the demand-supply mismatch, During this difficult time, you come to know that there are some people who are engaging in black marketing, hoarding and profiteering by using every trick in the book to cheat, ransom and swindle Covid-19 patients and their kin in the name of scarcity of drugs, oxygen and hospital beds. Black marketing, hoarding and profiteering are a classic case of market failure, which highlights the significance of state intervention in a crisis situation. How can state effectively play the role of a regulator as well as service provider in such cases of market failure?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"You work as a marketing consultant for a multinational company that specializes in various products including nutrient supplements, diet pills etc. The company pays its employees extremely well and provides satisfactory fringe benefits. Your manager has hinted that he will recommend you for overseas company transfer, which will improve your job profile. This has motivated you to work harder and perform better. The company has to advertise and sell a new weight loss pill 'X'. As per in-company research, it has minimal or no side effects and has no adverse impacts on health, which is its unique selling point (USP). You are given the responsibility of heading the marketing team for advertising pill 'X'. Due to a well-crafted marketing strategy including endorsement by a renowned celebrity, the product has generated considerable public attention. However, while working on an advertisement campaign for the pill, you find out that the in-company research findings of pill 'X' are fabricated. While it indeed has no side-effects, there are no proven benefits of taking the pill as well. It merely acts as a placebo. When you bring up the issue with your manager, he promptly tells you to keep the facts to yourself. He also indirectly brings up the fact that your performance review date is approaching and hints that you will get transferred overseas if you prove your loyalty to the company. Based on the given information, address the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders in this situation. (b) State the ethical issues that arise in this case. (c) Discuss your options in this scenario and mention your next step.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":55,"question":"The COVID-19 pandemic has forced universities, schools and other educational institutions around the world to shut down their campuses indefinitely and move their educational activities onto online platforms. These institutions were not prepared for such a transition and their online teaching-learning process evolved gradually. Though students considered online learning advantageous because of flexibility and convenience, there have been reports that the students prefer learning in physical classrooms to online education. The students feel that online education is stressful and affects their health and social life. Moreover, not all students have equal access to, and expertise on, digital technologies. Although these inequalities existed earlier, the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed this digital divide. Considering yourself as the Chairman of a Committee, constituted by the government, to suggest measures to improve the quality and accessibility of online education, answer the following questions: (a) What are the key ethical issues at stake here? (b) Highlight the principles and values that will guide your recommendations to the government. (c) Suggest measures to improve the quality and accessibility of online education in the country.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8145,"topper":"Surbhi Goyal","air":78,"year":2021,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/33465-578542_1516_surbhi-goyal_rank_78.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8146,"topper":"Surbhi Pathak","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SURBHI-PATHAK-UPSC-2023-Rank-201-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Institutions reflect the cultural values of the societies in which they are established.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"He who has a 'why' to live for, can bear almost any 'how'.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The power of perception shapes our understanding of reality.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The tree that would grow to heaven must send its roots to hell.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8147,"topper":"Surbhi Pathak","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SURBHI-PATHAK-UPSC-2023-Rank-201-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"We need greater environmental awareness and sustainable development in the face of climate change and ecocide.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"A moral system valid for all is basically immoral.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The pursuit of knowledge leads to the discovery of truth.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Less is more and small is beautiful: the new mantra for world peace","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Investment in human resource development can ensure security of future society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Men survive on adversity and perish in ease and comfort.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Every saint has a past, and every sinner has a future.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Ethical issues arise only when science is applied to technology.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8148,"topper":"Surbhi Pathak","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2e4dd-1130753_3128_surbhi_pathak_rank_136.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"The world must learn to work together, or finally it will not work at all.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Technology, like art, is a soaring exercise of the human imagination.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8149,"topper":"Surbhi Pathak","air":136,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9b6e6-1130753_2122_surbhi_pathak_rank_136.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8150,"topper":"Surbhi Pathak","air":136,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/bb4dc-1130753_2488_surbhi_pathak_rank_136.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8151,"topper":"Surbhi Pathak","air":136,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5eaee-1130753_2572_surbhi_pathak_rank_136.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8152,"topper":"Surbhi Pathak","air":201,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/741b3-1130753_1753_surbhi_pathak_rank_201.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8153,"topper":"Surbhi Pathak","air":201,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/60431-1130753_2121_surbhi_pathak_rank_201.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8154,"topper":"Surbhi Pathak","air":201,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/31eac-1130753_2122_surbhi_pathak_rank_201.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8155,"topper":"Surbhi Pathak","air":201,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2aba7-1130753_2488_surbhi_pathak_rank_201.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8156,"topper":"Surbhi Pathak","air":156,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ae5f3-1130753_2122_surbhi-pathak_rank-156.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8157,"topper":"Surbhi Pathak","air":156,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/700d1-1130753_2121_surbhi-pathak_rank-156.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8158,"topper":"Surbhi Pathak","air":156,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c8b45-1130753_1753_surbhi-pathak_rank-156.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8159,"topper":"Surbhi Pathak","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/833f5-1130753_2218_surbhi-pathak_rank-156.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to revisit the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution? Discuss with suitable arguments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Highlighting the advantages of online dispute resolution (ODR) mechanism for justice delivery, discuss the challenges associated with its effective implementation in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Despite the constitutional division of powers, Centre-state disputes have been a perennial feature of Indian democracy. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Do you agree with the view that adopting a framework for lobbying will strengthen participative governance and ease of doing business in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Despite the government encouraging open source instead of proprietary technology for government applications, the true potential of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) and digital platforms remains unrealized. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"As a social safety-valve, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) can be the principal vehicles through which communities voice their concerns. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Despite being lauded for its patient centric approach the implementation of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, remains sluggish and mired with various issues. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to formulate an Urban Employment Guarantee scheme at the national level? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the relevance of BIMSTEC as a regional organisation to fulfil India's strategic aspirations in the Indian Ocean Region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the relevance of the Gujral Doctrine for India with regard to its relations with its immediate neighbours in the present times. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the pivotal role of the \"Officers of Parliament\" in the Indian Parliamentary system. Also, discuss the constitutional and statutory provisions for their impartial functioning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The Finance Commission plays a crucial role in balancing fiscal federalism in India. In this context, examine the recommendations given by the 15th Finance Commission. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Critically assess whether according statutory backing to the Model Code of Conduct will contribute towards free and fair elections in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The market disruption caused by digital revolution warrants renewed focus and perspective to ensure fair competition in the digital economy. In this light, discuss the need to revamp the Competition Commission of India (CCI). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"There is an urgent need for effective whistle-blowing mechanisms and ensuring that necessary safeguards for the protection of whistle-blowers are established in both public and private spheres in India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"State the reasons behind the poor performance of cooperatives in India. Also, discuss the reforms undertaken by the government to overcome the shortcomings. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Public-Private Partnership model, if harnessed properly, has the potential to bridge the gaps in India's healthcare system. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Although the New Education Policy brings with itself a commendable vision, its success will depend on its ability to effectively integrate with the government's other policy initiatives. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) is born from a collective desire to make the Indo-Pacific region an engine of global economic growth. Comment. Also, discuss India's concerns in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"India needs to identify the priority areas to further its techno-diplomacy amidst the complexities of expanding digital space and New and Emerging Strategic Technologies. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8160,"topper":"Surbhi Pathak","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a10da-1130753_2219_surbhi-pathak_rank-156.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Fiscal policy can be a key tool to reduce income inequality as well as make the poorest and the downtrodden a part of the country's growth story. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Digitizing land records will go a long way in ensuring land reforms as well as lessening the burden on the Indian Judiciary. Elaborate. Also, state the measures taken in this context. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"It has been pointed out that competitive politics to fund mostly non-merit subsidies is pushing a few states in India to the brink of a deep fiscal crisis. In this context, discuss the need to rationalise the subsidy regime in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Micro-irrigation has tremendous potential in transforming farming into a profitable and sustainable venture. Discuss the given statement in the context of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Given its vast resources and technical expertise, India can play a key role in assisting the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) in dealing with the impact of climate change. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The recent \"Disaster Management Plan of Ministry of Panchayati Raj (DMP-MoPR)\" aims to develop disaster resilience at the grassroots level. In this context, discuss the rationale behind the formulation of the Plan and highlight its key components. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the internal security implications emanating from the use of Emerging And Disruptive Technologies (EDT) by state and non-state actors. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Identify the impediments faced by India in boosting its defence exports. Also, discuss the steps taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the multiple issues associated with space debris. Also, state the initiatives taken in recent times to tackle this menace. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The adoption of Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) in India is expected to make e-commerce more inclusive and accessible for consumers. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"The existing MSP procurement regime is neither economically nor agro-ecologically sustainable. Elaborate. Also, evaluate the alternative approaches that can be adopted to improve the existing MSP regime. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"It is being argued that India is struggling with overflowing foodgrains in warehouses. Discuss the statement in view of the existing buffer stock policy of India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Recently, the government has asked all ports to prepare a master plan in order to become 'mega ports' by 2047. In light of this, discuss the challenges faced by ports and suggest remedial measures in order to propel India's blue economy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Inequality in income and wealth translates into carbon inequality. In this context, discuss the significance of addressing carbon inequality for India and suggest ways to achieve it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Despite increased and regular occurrences of landslides over the past decade in India, the dominant development paradigm has largely not been modified. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India needs a smart border management system to balance legitimate cross border flows with national security interests. Discuss. Also, highlight the initiatives taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Establishing linkages between globalisation and money laundering, discuss the initiatives taken at the national and international levels to combat it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"There have been arguments that India needs to review some of its past assumptions about the nature of outer space and contribute to the development of new global norms. In this context, analyse India's stand in relation to the Artemis Accords. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8161,"topper":"Surbhi Pathak","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/19edb-1130753_2929_surbhi_pathak_rank_136.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Expression of dissent is central to the functioning of the Parliament. In light of this, discuss the role of the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in India's parliamentary system. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"How can the integration of technology into judicial processes enhance accessibility, capability, and efficiency in justice delivery? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Supreme Court of India has upheld unique asymmetry in India's federalism by intricately balancing centralized authority and regional autonomy. Discuss with the help of relevant case laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Evaluate the effectiveness of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes in safeguarding the interests of the Scheduled Castes in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Executive accountability to the legislature through Parliamentary Committees has been the hallmark of the Indian political system. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can India make Citizens' Charter a powerful tool for improving governance and empowering citizens? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How do corporate donors aid NGOs in facilitating holistic development in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite its merits, should the POCSO Act be revisited to correct the existing inadequacies? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"China's acquisition of strategic ports globally has significant implications for international trade routes and economic relations. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"What are the main functions of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)? How will its recent treaty on intellectual property, genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge benefit India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) plays a crucial role in combating corruption, its functioning is often criticized for being partisan and acting against the federal spirit. Discuss with the help of suitable examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Governors in India often overstep their constitutional role and fail to act effectively when needed. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Both India and the USA adhere to democratic principles but their electoral systems exhibit significant differences. What are the key differences in electoral practices between the two countries? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"How far do you agree with the view that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has met its objective of ensuring environmental justice in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Though Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) have become a platform for competitive politics, they have not emerged as an agency of planning and service delivery. Why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by interoperability in e-governance? What steps have been taken by the government to ensure interoperability and integration of various e-governance systems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"When it comes to sexual and reproductive health of women in India, rights-based discourse has largely been bypassed not just by the societal norms but also by the legal norms. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"How effective has India been in enhancing immunization coverage over the years? What challenges continue to affect immunization efforts in the country? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India used its Presidency of the G20 to bring the voice of the Global South to the centre stage. Discuss with special reference to Africa. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"India's relationship with the UAE has witnessed a remarkable expansion across various domains in the last decade. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8162,"topper":"Surbhi Pathak","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/66645-1130753_2930_surbhi_pathak_rank_136.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How is the rapid growth of the food processing industry leading to food safety challenges in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Under the Public Distribution System of India, the Fair Price Shop (FPS) transformation is an evolving process. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"How are agri-tech startups in India helping farmers in enhancing farm productivity and market access? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the role of digitization of land records in the effective implementation of land reforms in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"To fully exploit its demographic dividend and accelerate economic growth, India needs to adopt a manufacturing-led growth model. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can the resilience of Indian coastal communities be strengthened to tackle the growing natural hazards resulting from climate change? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How does the Green Credit Programme extend beyond carbon management to promote a more sustainable environment in India? What are the various concerns about its implementation? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What is the need for NavIC when existing satellite navigation systems are already available? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Cyber-enabled financial crime has emerged as the new frontier of global money laundering. Discuss. How can the government address this issue? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The Indian Army is observing the year 2024 as the 'Year of Technology Absorption'. In light of this, explain why there is a need for technology absorption in the defence sector of India. What challenges can India face in this initiative? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What are the issues faced in the development of trade and industries in the North-Eastern Region (NER) of India? Comment on the measures that have been taken to tackle these issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the era of climate change and growing water scarcity, how can micro-irrigation systems contribute to sustainable agricultural practices in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What strategies can be adopted to overcome the issues pertaining to freight transportation in the Indian Railways and increase its share in the domestic freight? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the factors that have aided India in making impressive strides in the renewable energy sector and establishing itself as a frontrunner in the global renewable energy transition. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"How does agricultural runoff containing fertilizers and pesticides contribute to environmental pollution? What measures can be taken to mitigate the impact of agricultural runoff? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The growing influx of tourists in Himalayan states has breached their ecological carrying capacity, leading to significant man-made disasters. What measures can be implemented to prevent such disasters while promoting sustainable tourism? Discuss with relevant examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"How do superconductors fuel innovation in diverse fields of science and technology? Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"While India has laws covering almost all types of intellectual property rights, numerous enforcement, regulatory and administrative challenges hamper the commercialisation of IPRs in India. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Keeping in view the challenges in creating integrated theatre commands, examine how the theaterisation of commands can lead to greater integration and rationalisation of manpower and resources among the three services. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Treating border villages as first villages not just geographically but also in terms of facilities can be a key strategy for enhancing border security. Discuss. Also, highlight the measures being taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8163,"topper":"Surbhi Pathak","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/80d31-1130753_2217_surbhi-pathak_rank-156.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With examples, discuss how the cultural traditions from various regions of India get reflected in regional music. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Highlighting the emergence of the working class movement, discuss its contribution towards India's freedom struggle. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Do you agree with the view that Gandhian politics was, in a sense, a continuation of Tilak's politics? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"It is said that the world's oceans are losing their 'memory' due to human-induced warming. Comment. Also, discuss the consequences of the phenomenon. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What is soil amendment? Evaluate the benefits and concerns associated with it. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"It has been suggested that the next decade may see a boom in hybrid power plants. Stating the advantages that such power plants offer, discuss the associated challenges. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What are Van Allen Radiation Belts? Explaining their formation, discuss why there has been a growing focus on their study. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss whether marital rape should be criminalised in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What is care economy? Highlight the challenges associated with it and mention the steps taken to address them in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Post-pandemic India is staring at the challenge of \"learning poverty\". Analyse its implications and discuss a way ahead. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Bring out the evolution of mural traditions in South India. Also, elaborate on their significant characteristics. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Indian nationalism that confronted British imperialism in the 19th century was a product of colonial modernity. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Environmentalism surfaced in the form of many organised movements in post independence India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Do you agree with the view that continental blockage was an ill-conceived strategy by Napoleon to conquer Britain through economic means? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What do you understand by the Arctic Paradox? Highlight the spatial distribution of mineral and energy resources in the Arctic region. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Cryosphere changes have a tendency to bring about a devastating impact on the ecosystem and its people. Discuss. Also, enlist measures to tackle this threat. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The frequent instances of urban flooding pose a severe risk to the urban ecosystem in India. Discuss with special emphasis on its impact on the critical infrastructure. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Sand is not only critical for economic development but also provides crucial ecosystem services. Elaborate. In this context, discuss the importance of sustainable sand mining in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The challenge of unbridled and unbalanced growth of urban spaces in India necessitates reforms in urban planning and capacity. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Feminist movements in India have historically lacked inclusivity, often growing within a limited Western upper-class psyche. Critically discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8164,"topper":"Surbhi Pathak","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/45824-1130753_2424_surbhi_pathak_rank_201.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What are the different dimensions of food security? Examine India's status in terms of ensuring food security with regard to these dimensions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Modern technologies such as blockchain and ChatGPT are powerful tools with immense potential to transform agriculture into a more efficient and sustainable sector. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What factors have led to the recent acceleration in the trend towards de-dollarization of the global economy? Do you think the dollar will lose its dominance anytime soon? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Despite significant pressure from the developed countries to alter its food subsidy regime, there is merit in India trying to retain its policy support for the poor in the country. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Several initiatives have been taken by the government towards addressing India's water needs, but the issues of water availability and water quality still warrant prioritised intervention. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What are the major drivers of glacial retreat in the Arctic? Describe the potential impact of the retreat of Arctic glaciers on the ecosystem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Space tourism, which was viewed as something straight out of a science fiction movie, is now becoming a reality albeit not without hindrances. What are the challenges associated with space tourism? What measures can be taken to address these challenges? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Global health experts widely believe that the development of CAR-T cell therapy can be a game changer in the treatment of cancer. How can CAR-T cell therapy overcome the limitations of CRISPR-Cas9 technology? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss why the rising deployment of new and emerging technologies by prominent violent extremist organizations demand concerted global efforts. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"With the Line of Actual Control (LAC) remaining tense after the Galwan and Yangste incidents and both India and China ramping up infrastructure in the border areas, discuss the role that ITBP plays in the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Do you think there is a need for a shift from 'land productivity' to 'irrigation water productivity' in India? Justify your answer. What are the challenges in making this shift? Explain. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Examine the role that green hydrogen can play in unlocking the energy security of India. How can the National Green Hydrogen Mission help India in achieving its energy goals? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The government has been weighing a transition from minimum wage to living wage in recent times. What are the benefits and constraints in the adoption of living wage in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The Union Budget affects almost every sector of the Indian economy, yet neither the budgetary processes nor the budget policies come under substantial public scrutiny. Do you agree? Justify your answer. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"India has been able to transform itself from a milk deficit country to the world's biggest milk producer, but the productivity of dairy animals in the country remains a concern. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"While climate change is responsible for crop failures, the agricultural sector itself is partly responsible for extreme weather events. Discuss. What strategy has been adopted under National Agriculture Disaster Management Plan to strengthen the resilience of the farming community in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Some regions in India, including Delhi, are highly vulnerable to the impact of earthquakes originating in the Himalayas. Discuss. What institutional measures have been taken to mitigate earthquake losses in India? Do you think there are significant gaps that still exist? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Recently, scientists announced net energy gain in nuclear fusion reaction, which is considered as a major scientific breakthrough for the future of clean energy. What are the advantages of nuclear fusion based power generation? What are the limitations in using it to generate electricity at a commercial scale? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Keeping in view the recent amendment, examine the efficacy of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, in tackling the menace of money laundering in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Discuss the security threats present in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), which have a direct bearing on India's maritime border interests. Suggest a robust strategy to deal with these threats. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8165,"topper":"Surbhi Pathak","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/09b75-1130753_2928_surbhi_pathak_rank_136.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How does tribal art provide valuable insights into the cultural perspectives and values of Indian' tribal communities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What are the key factors that accelerated decolonization post-World War II? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How does human encroachment impact water bodies in urban areas? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How do physical geographical features influence the development and operation of transportation systems? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How are ocean trenches formed? Describe the significant characteristics of these oceanic relief formations. (Answer in 150words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Identify the reasons behind increasing number of extreme rainfall events throughout India in recent times. Assess their socio-economic impact. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"India is expected to have the largest working-age population in the world by 2030 and it cannot afford low participation of women in the workforce anymore. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Do you agree that there has been a progressive secularization of caste in India? Support your view with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Why is inequality increasing in India despite the fall in overall poverty? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"How did the competitive and hostile dynamic between Brahminism and Buddhism over funding, followers, and ideology mark the decline of Buddhism? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"European travellers' accounts in the medieval period have played an important role in shaping our understanding of the empires and people of that period in India. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The British victory in the Battle of Plassey in 1757 not just changed the course of Indian history but also that of the world. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Why was it more difficult to rehabilitate refugees in West Bengal as compared to Punjab after partition? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss the economic and social costs associated with the transition from coal to green energy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Explain the process of formation of volcanic calderas. How do they contribute to the scenic beauty of the region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the reasons behind the increased frequency and intensity of heat waves globally? How will it impact global food security? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India's approach to secularism does not merely challenge inter-religious domination but intra-religious domination as well. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Do you agree with the view that Indian cities are turning into landscapes of stark inequality and social exclusion? What steps can be taken to make urban areas more egalitarian in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8166,"topper":"Surbhi Pathak","air":136,"year":2024,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b06cb-1130753_2123_surbhi_pathak_rank_136.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8167,"topper":"Surbhi Pathak","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SURBHI-PATHAK-UPSC-2023-Rank-201-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Where the roots of private virtue are diseased, the fruit of public probity cannot but be corrupt. What do you understand by probity? Discuss ways of inculcating probity in public life. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Evaluate the role of citizen's charter in making governance citizen centric. Also, recommend some measures to make citizen's charters more effective. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"While successful managers make profit for their organizations, it is leaders who build successful organizations. In light of this statement, differentiate between a manager and a leader. Examine why leadership is considered a foundational value for a civil servant. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Right to Information Act, 2005, aims to make the governance process transparent and accountable, however, the sunshine legislation is beset with several challenges. Analyse. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Uniform Civil Code (UCC) aims to create a common set of laws governing personal matters, such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption, irrespective of individuals' religious affiliations. In the context of the ongoing discourse on UCC in India, examine the challenges that arise when attempting to reconcile legal principles with diverse moral considerations. To what extent should the law be influenced by moral/religious principles? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"\"Why should a man be moral? Because it strengthens his will.\" - Swami Vivekanand. In this perspective, discuss the significance of morality for bringing efficiency and effectiveness in public administration. Do you think moral rigidity can be a hindrance in good governance? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Civil servants who embody emotional intelligence exhibit a profound understanding of the human aspect of governance, enabling them to cultivate meaningful relationships, foster cooperation, and drive positive change. Examine ways in which Emotional Intelligence can be inculcated in civil servants. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The challenges posed by the corporate sector's impact on climate, environmental sustainability, and living conditions has highlighted the need for responsible and inclusive business practices. In this direction, the contemporary discourse on corporate governance is emphasizing the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. Evaluate the ESG framework in equipping the corporate world with the capabilities to fulfill its social roles and responsibilities. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What does each of the following quotation mean to you? a) \"Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom\"-Thomas Jefferson (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"When I do good, I feel good; when I do bad, I feel bad, and that is my religion\" - Abraham Lincoln. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"\"Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time.\" - Ruth Bader Ginsburg. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":58,"question":"You are the managing director of an upcoming advertising company which has made a name for itself in the market in a very short time. Varun is a star employee of your company who has consistently given good performance. Some of the most popular advertisements of the company, in recent times, have been an outcome of Varun's creative ideas. Since his joining, Varun has helped in almost doubling the revenues of the company, by bringing new clients and improving the brand equity of the company. You place high value in Varun's professional competence and are in the process of giving him a bigger responsibility in the company. However, you have been hearing rumors from various sections about the attitude of Varun towards his female colleagues. It has come to your notice that Varun is habitual of passing loose and lewd comments on the female employees of the company. Furthermore, Varun regularly sends indecent messages on phone to all the employees, including female workers. One day, Geetanjali, an employee working in Varun's team comes to you visibly disturbed. She complains to you about the repeated misbehaviour of Varun towards her. She informs you that Varun has on many occasions made undesirable physical advances towards her. She also tells that last evening before her shift was about to end, Varun called her in his cabin and tried to touch her inappropriately. She requests you to conduct an enquiry by the internal complaints committee (formed under POSH Act). She al-so tells you that in case appropriate action is not taken against Varun, she will be forced to resign from her position. You personally know Geetanjali as a dedicated and honest employee of the company. You are aware that she is the sole breadwinner of her family and has to support her teen-age brother and ailing mother. You also understand that unless the situation was really serious, Geetan-jali would not have thought of resignation. On the other hand, an enquiry against Varun may affect the financial growth of the company. Also, you know that if Varun is fired for his actions, many big clients may leave the company. a) What are the ethical issues involved in this case study? b) Evaluate the different options available to you. In this situation, which option will you adopt and why? c) What steps will you take to ensure a safer workplace for women in your company? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":8168,"topper":"Surbhi Pathak","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SURBHI-PATHAK-UPSC-2023-Rank-201-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Ahimsa is not only the negative refusal to do harm, but also the positive doing of good. In this perspective, discuss the significance of 'ahimsa' in modern times. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Which famous personality has influenced you and why? In what ways have you emulated their example in your own life? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What does the following quotation mean to you? a) \"The greatest wealth is to live content with little\"-Plato (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"\"Whatever is begun in anger, ends in shame\"-Benjamin Franklin. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"\"Happiness is that state of consciousness which proceeds from the achievement of one's values\" - Ayn Rand. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Differentiate between the following: (10 marks, 150 words) (i) Attitude and Opinion. (ii) Emotions and feelings.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do you understand by emotional intelligence? Examine the importance of emotional intelligence in personal and professional life. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Political attitude has as much to do with society as with politics. Discuss with suitable illustrations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The influence of ethical principles on shaping socially responsible behavior is widely acknowledged. How do ethical values facilitate individuals in cultivating a proactive and constructive attitude towards fulfilling their social responsibilities? Can the subjective nature of ethical principles lead to divergent attitudes regarding social responsibility? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Through their actions, interactions, and teachings, schools have the power to mold the moral compass of the next generation. In this perspective, discuss the significance of value-based education in preparing the youth to address the contemporary challenges of society. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":35,"question":"Naveen and Vinod, final year undergraduate students at ABC college of engineering, are close friends. Naveen has been a meritorious student and got appointed as the secretary of the students, training and placement cell, which has the mandate to oversee the campus placements of the stu- dents. Vinod, on the other hand, spent more time on leisure activities and paid less attention to his academic performance. However, the lackadaisical attitude of Vinod began to reflect on his grades, again, in order to graduate in time. As Vinod struggled to complete his extra courses, he barely had any time left for anything else. The immense fatigue was also evident from his deteriorating physi- cal and psychological health. Around this time the campus placement in the ABC college had started. While all other students were preparing for the recruitment tests, Vinod had barely any time for the same. Vinod's parents, who had taken loan for Vinod's education, are expecting Vinod to get a good job. The guilt of wast- ing his college years and letting down his poor parents was becoming unbearable for Vinod, as a result of which he had a nervous breakdown. Naveen, who in his capacity as secretary of training and placement cell, was busy organising the recruitment drive, was aware that the chances of Vinod getting recruited were very slim. He also knew that Vinod was repenting in true sense and working very hard to complete his courses, despite his deteriorating emotional health. Naveen was afraid that if Vinod did not get a job, he may take some extreme step. Naveen has in his possession the question paper for the recruitment test to be held next week. Vinod had in the past requested Naveen to help him in any way possible to get a decent job. While Naveen knows that sharing the questions with Vinod may help him get through the exam, it would be ethically incorrect. Now, Naveen is in a dilemma over the course of action he should take. a) What are the ethical dilemmas before Naveen in this case? b) Identify and evaluate the various courses of actions available before Naveen. If you were in Naveen's shoes, which course of action would you choose and why? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Why is there a negative attitude in people with regard to wearing seat belts? b) What measures can be taken to bring positive changes with regard to this attitude? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":8169,"topper":"Surbhi Pathak","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9bb66-1130753_2220_surbhi-pathak_rank-156.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The logic of limitless wealth lies in the basic human instinct for furthering self-interest in the form of profit. In this context, do you think there is a possibility of pursuing ethical capitalism? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"If a law is unjust, a man is not only right to disobey it, he is obligated to do so. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The capacity of Citizens' Charter to initiate any transformative process is conditioned upon it being appropriately designed and effectively executed. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The moral fiber and ethical conduct of public officials not only influence the standard of governance but also their own interests and performance. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The ongoing debate on euthanasia poses several ethical questions. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Foreign aid is a form of neo-colonialism, as the economically wealthier countries can exploit the developing countries under the cloak of aid. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Throwing light on the idea of Universal Humanism propounded by Rabindranath Tagore, discuss its contemporary relevance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree with the view that it is nature and not nurture which determines the emotional intelligence of a person? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Values that guide public administrators can often compete with each other, owing to their relative importance to the larger public interest. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Is it justifiable to say that corruption is a social phenomenon? What are the various ways through which administrative corruption can be tackled? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"\"I do believe that, where there is only a choice between cowardice and violence, I would advise violence.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"You are posted as the Commissioner of Police in a metropolitan city where a visiting foreign dignitary, with President-level security cover, is scheduled to visit for an official function. As a part of the security preparedness, it has been decided that no vehicular traffic will be allowed on the route which will be taken by the foreign dignitary to reach the venue of the function in the city. However, just 15 minutes before the scheduled arrival of the dignitary, you are informed that a critically-ill patient is stuck on the way to the hospital in a private car along with his family. In this situation, answer the following: (a) Discuss the issues involved in halting traffic for VIP movement. (b) List the options available to you in this situation with their merits and demerits. (c) What will be your course of action? Justify with proper reasoning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"The Indian education system suffers from many ills. One of the major issues is the focus on 'rote learning', which has been the staple of the Indian education system for many years. While many Indians have attained success despite this system, simply being able to recall information is not enough in today's world when that information is instantly available to anyone on a mobile phone. A survey of 200 Indian and foreign companies found that only 14% of Indian graduates were prepared for the workforce, largely because most graduates were unable to apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the consequences of 'rote learning' on the educational development of young students in the country? (b) Suggest measures that can be taken to address this issue. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8170,"topper":"Surbhi Pathak","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7a07d-1130753_2931_surbhi_pathak_rank_136.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The end cannot justify the means, for the simple and obvious reason that the means employed determine the nature of the ends produced. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss how the relationship between law and ethics is dynamic and continuously shaped by societal changes. Provide examples to illustrate this dynamic relationship. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Differentiate between probity and integrity with suitable examples. How do these values contribute to ethical governance and decision-making in the civil services? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the ethical implications of withholding information in public administration. How can transparency enhance accountability and reduce corruption in government institutions? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"There is no school equal to a decent home and no teacher equal to a virtuous parent.\"- Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.\" - Leo Tolstoy (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"To see what is right and not do it is a lack of courage.\" - Confucius (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What factors lead to a positive attitude in a person? How does positive attitude enhance the effectiveness of civil servants in performing their duties? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss how emotional intelligence can influence ethical decision-making in the allocation of scarce public resources. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Various international humanitarian organizations provide emergency aid in conflict zones around the world. Highlight the ethical challenges faced by such organizations. What are the principles that guide international humanitarian work? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Why is persuasion regarded as an important skill for civil servants? What are the key considerations that should guide persuasion in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"What role can ethical leadership play in curbing corruption, especially in public service? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"What were the major teachings of Swami Dayanand Saraswati? Explain their relevance in addressing the current ethical and social challenges in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":38,"question":"Jay, a civil servant, was appointed as the Commissioner in the state's Education Department a year ago. In his initial months, he implemented several policies and programmes that were transforming the Education Ministry's operations, gaining a good reputation that could potentially benefit the concerned minister in the upcoming elections. However, Jay now faces a significant challenge. As part of his responsibilities, he must approve the recruitment of new teachers for government schools. He has received a list of 120 candidates recommended for vacant posts, but suspects the recruitment process was unfair. Jay had also received several complaints claiming that the process had not been meritocratic. Upon review, Jay discovers evidence suggesting that many names on the list are the result of political patronage - a prevalent issue in the state where politicians use recruitment to gain political support. Jay believes the Education Minister is engaging in this practice as the election season approaches. This situation reminds Jay of a past incident when, as a junior officer, he refused to entertain an unnecessary procurement request. Consequently, he was transferred within a week, and he and his family faced frivolous anti-corruption complaints as retaliation. His successor approved the procurement at even higher rates. Jay is now concerned that blocking the current recruitment could lead to similar consequences. Moreover, he fears that the projects he personally initiated in the Education Ministry might be (a) What are the options available to Jay as the Commissioner of the Education Department? Evaluate each of these options. (b) What option should Jay adopt and why? (c) How can civil servants like Jay be better protected when they attempt to uphold ethical standards in their work? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"As the District Magistrate of X city, you are responsible for overseeing the construction of a new metro depot in an urban forest area, which is a critical infrastructure project aimed at improving public transportation and reducing traffic congestion and air pollution. The project, however, requires the clearance of a substantial portion of the forest, which has triggered strong opposition from environmental activists, local residents, and NGOs. This forest is widely regarded as essential for the city's ecological balance, often referred to as the city's \"lungs.\" In addition to the environmental concerns, you are under considerable pressure from politicians at the state-level to expedite the project, given the upcoming elections in two years. The political leadership emphasizes the benefits of the metro project for the city's development and its potential to garner electoral support. The project is expected to significantly reduce travel time for thousands of commuters and potentially decrease overall vehicle emissions in the city. However, it would also lead to the loss of thousands of trees and disrupt local ecosystems. As you prepare to make a decision, you are aware that your choice will have far-reaching consequences for both the city's development and its environment. (a) Identify the ethical dilemmas involved in the above case. (b) Evaluate the options available to you in the above situation. Which of these would you choose and why? (c) Suggest some measures that could be implemented to balance urban development needs with environmental conservation in future projects. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Dr. Mehra is a senior drug developer at a leading pharmaceutical company in India, renowned for producing various medications, including lifesaving drugs critical for treating chronic and rare diseases. Since its inception, the company has emphasized the quality and affordability of its drugs. Recently, under revised government guidelines, pharmaceutical companies are required to market a finished product only after obtaining \"satisfactory results\" from tests on the ingredients. Additionally, they must retain a sufficient quantity of samples of both intermediate and final products to allow repeated testing or verification of a batch. Dr. Mehra's team is in the final stages of developing a new medication for a rare but life-threatening disease. This drug has shown promising results in clinical trials. However, there have been unresolved concerns about the long-term side effects of the drug, observed in a small percentage of trial subjects. Despite this, the company has not released any major drug in the past decade, leading to significant pressure from the board members to expedite the drug's release. (a) Identify the stakeholders in the above case study. (b) Discuss the ethical issues faced by Dr. Mehra. (c) Analyse the options available to Dr. Mehra in the above case. Which of these would you choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"You have been appointed as the Under Secretary in the State Urban Development Department. The Department has been tasked with a prestigious project aimed at revitalizing the infrastructure of a city with deep historical significance. This project, which you are extremely passionate about, involves modernizing public transportation, restoring heritage buildings, and creating green spaces while preserving the city's cultural essence. Excited by the opportunity, you spent weeks researching and drafting a comprehensive proposal. Your plan included innovative ideas for sustainable development, community engagement, and leveraging technology for urban planning. You presented these initial plans in a departmental meeting, hoping to inspire your colleagues and kickstart the project. However, your enthusiasm was met with indifference. Your colleagues showed little interest, failing to contribute ideas or efforts towards the project. Concerned, you reported this lack of he seemed equally indifferent, casually mentioning that he is set to retire in six months and that the project has a long gestation period. Determined to see the project succeed, you took it upon yourself to drive it forward. For the past two months, you have been working more than 12 hours a day, often late into the night, sacrificing time with your family. Your dedication is driven by your belief in the project's potential to transform the lives of the city's residents and preserve its rich heritage for future generations. Two months into the project, a review meeting is called by the Chief Secretary. During the meeting, Department heads from various sectors are present to discuss ongoing and upcoming projects. When it is time to present the urban revitalization project, your boss stands up. To your shock, he presents your draft proposal as his own work, taking all the credit for the innovative ideas and comprehensive planning. As you sit there, listening to your superior claim your hard work as his own, you feel a mix of anger, disappointment, and demoralization. This incident not only undermines your efforts but also leaves you questioning the value of your dedication in a work culture that does not seem to support collaboration or recognize individual contributions. (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) How does the above-mentioned work culture affect workplace morale and productivity? (c) What are the options available to you and how would you address the situation? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":59,"question":"In light of the above case, discuss the ethical issues that may arise from the nexus between corporate, political, and bureaucratic interests. (b) As a conscientious civil servant, evaluate the options available to Arun. Which option should he choose and why?(Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8171,"topper":"Surbhi Pathak","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3ea03-1130753_2425_surbhi_pathak_rank_201.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"For effective corporate governance to take place in the coming years, why is it important to integrate the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics with the multi-stakeholder approach? What benefits can be accrued by such integration? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In acts of corruption, the focus is often only on the demand side of the equation, on public officials who abuse their office for private gain. Frequently, the supply side is given less attention. Those who pay bribes are sometimes depicted as innocent parties and victims of extortionary practices of wily public servants. Do you agree that 'collusive corruption', in which there is a willing bribe-giver, is a formidable challenge for institutions fighting corruption? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Citizens' Charters initiative was a response to the quest for solving the problems, which a citizen encountered, day in and day out, while dealing with the organisations providing public services. But the introduction and implementation of Citizens' Charters in the government of India has been difficult due to the old bureaucratic set up and the rigid attitudes of the work force. Discuss the major obstacles that have been encountered in implementing the Citizens' Charter initiative. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Quality of public service delivery is a major determinant of the quality of life of vulnerable sections in a highly unequal society divided along the lines of class, caste, religion, etc. In this background, do you think that public service delivery is efficient and sufficient enough to improve the lives of vulnerable groups in India? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own.\" - Lao Tzu (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"If ethics are poor at the top, that behavior is copied down through the organization.\" - Robert Noyce (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"The end of law is not to abolish or restrain, but to preserve and enlarge freedom.\" - John Locke (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Wealthy CEOs and founders of successful businesses around the world are increasingly pledging to give away their wealth in philanthropy. Do you think that such a move is sufficient enough to bring about a positive change in the society? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"As organizations across the globe begin their artificial intelligence (AI) transformation, the leap into the AI era is expected to be more challenging than any technology that businesses have grappled with yet. In this background, discuss the concerns around fairness, transparency, and job security that may arise. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The emphasis of Swami Dayanand Saraswati on education, social equality, and ethical values continues to influence the socio-cultural discourse in contemporary India. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Emotional intelligence may not be singularly associated with emotions or intelligence. It can also include a broad range of personality characteristics that might predict success in professional and everyday life. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":8172,"topper":"Surbhi Pathak","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4dbd3-1130753_1841_surbhi-pathak_rank-156.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the meaning of self-efficacy, along with its key determinants. Also, discuss the significance of high self-efficacy for a civil servant. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have the right to do and what is right to do. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Dealing with an ethical dilemma not only requires following rules and regulations, but also requires adherence to moral prudence and altruism. Explain in the context of civil services in India, with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Code of Conduct for the civil services in India has merely remained a code; it has not helped promote ethical and moral values in governance. In this context, discuss the need for a National Commission on Integrity and Transparency in Governance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Digital ethics principles are necessary to prevent erosion of public values and deal with the ethical implications of digitizing governance systems. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Despite differences in terms of organizational values guiding the public and private sectors, there remain certain values that are equally important to both. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Bring out the difference between accountability and responsibility. Also, discuss the significance of accountability in ensuring ethical governance in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Though laws and rules can be considered as the principal guide on morality for public administrators, they are not sufficient in themselves. Substantiate with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Transparency is vital to cultivate public trust in government and to prevent, detect and deter corruption effectively. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"'Just-in-time' release of funds heralds a significant reform for the Indian government's payment architecture. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.\"- Marcus Aurelius (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"The forces in a capitalist society, if left unchecked, tend to make the rich richer and the poor poorer.\" - Jawaharlal Nehru (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate in a district, which is witnessing a high caseload of COVID-19 pandemic patients. The physical infrastructure and human resources in the district are stretched much beyond their capacity. At the peak of the pandemic, certain reports emerge that the District Medical Officer has been misusing his position to abuse female employees in his department and coercing them to have sexual relations with him. However, the concerned officer not only has an impeccable academic record but also a profound professional track record. You also need his presence and guidance to deal with the pandemic situation in the district. But, there is pressure from the media and civil society organisations to immediately report the matter to the State authorities for action against the concerned officer. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders and issues involved in the above case. (b) What are the options available to you? Discuss their pros and cons. (c) What will be your final course of action? Justify with reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"You are posted as the Superintendent of Police (SP) of a district, which has witnessed several lynching related crimes in the recent past. One day, a police station in the district got an SOS that in a particular village under their jurisdiction, two women have been accused of witchcraft and are now being paraded naked by the villagers. Given the past record of crimes in the village, it was likely that they would be killed by the villagers. When a police team from the station reached the spot and tried to save the two women from the mob, a scuffle broke out. In the ensuing scuffle, the police were brutally attacked and they had to retaliate by lathicharging in order to save themselves. The incident left three villagers dead. There is anger amongst the villagers, who are also a critical vote bank of the ruling party in the state. As the SP, you have been instructed to institute a quick enquiry and take the strictest action against the police team who lathicharged. You are aware that with elections around the corner, you need to diffuse the situation quickly. Given the situation, answer the following : (a) Identify the stakeholders and the issues involved in the above case. (b) What are the options available to you? Which of these will you choose and why? (c) As an objective and scientific-tempered administrator, what steps will you suggest in the long-run to deal with mob lynching?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"You are an Airworthiness Officer posted with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, tasked to conduct the safety audit of a major airline of the country. During the recent audit, you find that some of the airplanes belonging to the airline do not fully meet a few of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) safety standards. The issues are minor, mainly pertaining to some incomplete aircraft maintenance logs and safety rules related to training of the crew. The airline belongs to a very influential business conglomerate with close ties to all major national political parties and has a long history of ethical business practises. The point person appointed by the airline to communicate with you has assured that everything will be in order in a couple of months. Your senior in the department has also indicated that it is best not to mention such minor issues in the report, particularly given the image of the business group involved and the trust it enjoys. He also reiterates the assurance given by the airline to address these issues at the earliest in a time-bound manner. However, you are aware that airline safety norms are paramount and every other consideration is secondary to the safety of the crew and passengers. As a public servant appointed to uphold public trust, answer the following: (a) Bring out the dilemmas that you face, elaborating on the competing values in the given situation. (b) What are the options available to you? Discuss the merits and demerits of each. Which of these will you choose and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"With the advent of 24x7 news and prevalence of an array of news sources across the board, the media is omnipresent in nature. In this competitive environment, many media professionals who are overcome by deadlines, bottom-line imperatives, and corporate interests are losing sight of the ethical implications of their work. Further, there have been several cases of irresponsible reporting where the reportage has interfered with court proceedings, compromised delicate security situation, or led to the spread of fake or unverified news. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the ethical issues prevalent in the profession of media. (b) How does unethical reporting and sensationalization of news impact the society? (c) What can be done to strengthen the role of ethics in media?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8173,"topper":"Surbhi Pathak","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/08877-1130753_1841_surbhi_pathak_rank_201.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the meaning of self-efficacy along with its key determinants. Also, discuss the significance of high self-efficacy for a civil servant. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have the right to do and what is right to do. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Dealing with an ethical dilemma not only requires following rules and regulations, but also requires adherence to moral prudence and altruism. Explain in the context of civil services in India, with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Code of Conduct for the civil services in India has merely remained a code; it has not helped promote ethical and moral values in governance. In this context, discuss the need for a National Commission on Integrity and Transparency in Governance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Digital ethics principles are necessary to prevent erosion of public values and deal, with the ethical implications of digitizing governance systems, Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Despite differences in terms of organizational values guiding the public and private sectors, there remain certain values that are equally important to both. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Bring out the difference between accountability and responsibility. Also, discuss the significance of accountability in ensuring ethical governance in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Though laws and rules can be considered as the principal guide on morality for public administrators, they are not sufficient in themselves. Substantiate with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Transparency is vital to cultivate public trust in government and to prevent, detect and deter corruption effectively. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"'Just-in-time' release of funds heralds a significant reform for the Indian government's payment architecture. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.\"- Marcus Aurelius (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"The forces in a capitalist society, if left unchecked, tend to make the rich richer and the poor poorer.\" - Jawaharlal Nehru (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate in a district, which is witnessing a high caseload of COVID-19 pandemic patients. The physical infrastructure and human resources in the district are stretched much beyond their capacity. At the peak of the pandemic, certain reports emerge that the District Medical Officer has been misusing his position to abuse female employees in his department and coercing them to have sexual relations with him. However, the concerned officer not only has an impeccable academic record but also a profound professional track record. You also need his presence and guidance to deal with the pandemic situation in the district. But, there is pressure from the media and civil society organisations to immediately report the matter to the State authorities for action against the concerned officer. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders and issues involved in the above case. (b) What are the options available to you? Discuss their pros and cons. (c) What will be your final course of action? Justify with reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"You are posted as the Superintendent of Police (SP) of a district, which has witnessed several lynching related crimes in the recent past. One day, a police station in the district got an SOS that in a particular village under their jurisdiction, two women have been accused of witchcraft and are now being paraded naked by the villagers. Given the past record of crimes in the village, it was likely that they would be killed by the villagers. When a police team from the station reached the spot and tried to save the two women from the mob, a scuffle broke out. In the ensuing scuffle, the police were brutally attacked and they had to retaliate by lathicharging in order to save themselves. The incident left three villagers dead. There is anger amongst the villagers, who are also a critical vote bank of the ruling party in the state. As the SP, you have been instructed to institute a quick enquiry and take the strictest action against the police team who lathicharged. You are aware that with elections around the corner, you need to diffuse the situation quickly. Given the situation, answer the following : (a) Identify the stakeholders and the issues involved in the above case. (b) What are the options available to you? Which of these will you choose and why? (c) As an objective and scientific-tempered administrator, what steps will you suggest in the long-run to deal with mob lynching?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"You are an Airworthiness Officer posted with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, tasked to conduct the safety audit of a major airline of the country. During the recent audit, you find that some of the airplanes belonging to the airline do not fully meet a few of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) safety standards. The issues are minor, mainly pertaining to some incomplete aircraft maintenance logs and safety rules related to training of the crew. The airline belongs to a very influential business conglomerate with close ties to all major national political parties and has a long history of ethical business practises. The point person appointed by the airline to communicate with you has assured that everything will be in order in a couple of months. Your senior in the department has also indicated that it is best not to mention such minor issues in the report, particularly given the image of the business group involved and the trust it enjoys. He also reiterates the assurance given by the airline to address these issues at the earliest in a time-bound manner. However, you are aware that airline safety norms are paramount and every other consideration is secondary to the safety of the crew and passengers. As a public servant appointed to uphold public trust, answer the following: (a) Bring out the dilemmas that you face, elaborating on the competing values in the given situation. (b) What are the options available to you? Discuss the merits and demerits of each. Which of these will you choose and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"With the advent of 24x7 news and prevalence of an array of news sources across the board, the media is omnipresent in nature. In this competitive environment, many media professionals who are overcome by deadlines, bottom-line imperatives, and corporate interests are losing sight of the ethical implications of their work. Further, there have been several cases of irresponsible reporting where the reportage has interfered with court proceedings, compromised delicate security situation, or led to the spread of fake or unverified news. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the ethical issues prevalent in the profession of media. (b) How does unethical reporting and sensationalization of news impact the society? (c) What can be done to strengthen the role of ethics in media?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You are the Dean of Academics of a University. It has been brought to your notice that some students have raised a complaint against Mr X, a specially-abled Professor at the University, for not performing his academic duties diligently. The Head of the Department (HoD) tried to have a conversation with him regarding these complaints; however, Mr X feels that he is a victim of internal politics and is being discriminated against on account of him being specially-abled. He also conveyed to the HoD that he will file a complaint of discrimination against the University under The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. As the Dean of Academics, it is your responsibility to uphold the academic standards of the University and take any administrative decision in this regard. In this case, answer the following questions: (a) State the stakeholders and the ethical issues in the given case. (b) What are the options available to you? (c) Evaluate each of these options and state the option which you would choose, citing reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"You have recently been posted as the District Magistrate of a poor district in India where there is a high prevalence of manual scavenging. It has been brought to your notice that manual scavenging has claimed many lives in your district. Upon further enquiry, you found that most of the manual scavengers belong to a particular caste and majority of them can find employment only by way of scavenging. Even some government departments in your district are employing these people for physical cleaning of sewers/septic tanks without basic safety gear and measures. Despite the rehabilitation programmes for manual scavengers, the administration has been found inefficient in identifying such people in the first place and the efforts to reskill them for employment elsewhere have not yielded desired results. Based on the given information, answer the following: (a) Identify the issues associated with manual scavenging. (b) List the options available to you in the given case. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each. (c) Discuss some feasible steps that you can take to address this serious problem.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8174,"topper":"Surbhi Pathak","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/SURBHI-PATHAK-UPSC-2024-Rank-136-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"It is often said that politics and ethics belong to different worlds. What is your opinion in this regard? Justify your answer with illustration. Also, highlight the consequences of divergence between politics and ethics . (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":2,"question":"Family plays a prominent role in the value development of an individual. Elucidate. Also, examine the impact of the changing nature of families on children’s moral development. (10 marks, 150 wor ds)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":2,"question":"Moral behaviour is not only good for the community in which one is a part but also for the individuals who profess it. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":3,"question":"“Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.” Discuss the importance of emotional intelligence in self - realisation. Do you think emotional intelligence can be learned? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":3,"question":"“Two things define you: Your patience when you have nothing and your attitude when you have everything.” What roles do attitude and patience play in the personal and professional lives of civil servants? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What are the various ethical issues involved in the above case study?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8175,"topper":"Surbhi singla","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/bdc7e-227299_1510_surbhi-singla_rank_75.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlight the role played by the MPLAD Scheme in creating community assets based on local needs. Also, critically evaluate the recent move to suspend it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Adequately empowering the third tier of Indian federal structure is key to strengthen federalism in India. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"To safeguard and uphold the freedom of speech and expression in India, it is imperative to adequately reform colonial laws that curtail free speech. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlight the role of pressure groups in a democratic country. Also, differentiate between pressure groups in India and developed countries. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The idea that Public Intent Data can play a transformative role in the public sector is not bereft of challenges. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Enumerating the key objectives of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, discuss why the recent amendments in the act are seen as a matter of great concern for the development sector in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The current COVID-19 pandemic has posed a serious threat to the safety and wellbeing of children all over the world. Discuss. Also provide an account of the measures taken by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Various challenges need to be addressed in order to successfully eradicate the menace of bonded labour in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"In the background of the recent military coup in Myanmar, discuss why a stable Myanmar is important for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In the case of Maldives it's not the size but the location that makes it strategically significant. Explain in the context of India's neighbourhood first approach. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"While the judiciary should not be a silent spectator when constitutional rights of citizens are infringed by executive policies, it must also not assume the role of the executive or pass policy prescriptions. Do you agree? Justify your stand with logical arguments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"'Effective legislatures are measured by their outcomes and not by their output.' Analyze the functioning of the Indian Parliament in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Fiscal federalism in India has evolved with time. Discuss in light of the developments in recent years. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is often cited as an example of the rising politicisation of public institutions. In this context, identify the issues associated with the CBI's functioning. What steps can be taken to address these issues? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The principal constraint for India is trying to find solutions to 21st century problems using 19th century government structures. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"How far has the governance in India achieved the twin objectives of transparency and accountability? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Identify the barriers that exist in the enjoyment of reproductive health rights by women in India. Also highlight the interventions that have been adopted to remove these barriers. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"India continues to face the problem of hunger despite adequate food stocks and statutory laws that ensure food security. Discuss and provide solutions to deal with this problem. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The economic rise of Bangladesh is an opportunity for India and hope for South Asia. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Outcome of the Afghan peace process may have serious implications for the wider region. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8176,"topper":"Surbhi singla","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4bad2-227299_1862_surbhi-singla_rank_75.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Jyotiba Phule was not only a key social reformer but also a patron of literary works. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Cave paintings in India have a long tradition with both religious as well as secular attributes. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The Swadeshi movement started as an anti-partition movement, but became a multi-faceted mass movement after 1905. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Although the National Emergency of 1975 was a temporary blip in independent India's history, it emboldened the spirit and resistance of our democracy. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Examine the relationship between the Walker Circulation and the Indian Monsoon. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Identifying the factors responsible for formation of tides, discuss their geographic and economic significance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What are Rossby waves? Discuss the role played by them in shaping the climate of the earth. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"One of the reasons for increased global interest in Afghanistan is its endowment with key natural resources. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The traditional structure of the caste system has witnessed paradoxical changes over the last few decades in India. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Economic empowerment of women is the key to ensure their social empowerment. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"India has the highest number of endangered languages in the world as per the UNESCO. In this context, discuss the factors that have endangered native languages in India and highlight the steps taken to conserve and protect these languages. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The policy of 'Subsidiary Alliance' helped in establishing British control over internal affairs of Indian states without incurring any direct imperial liability. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"\"Before 1857 the British were effectively working against the traditional grain of Indian society; afterwards they were working with it\". Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Enumerating the revolutionary maxims propounded by Sun Yat-sen, discuss the conditions that led to the revival of Chinese nationalism in the early 20th century. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Based on their geological age, present a brief account of the classification and distribution of coal reserves in India. Also, discuss the ongoing stress in the coal sector in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What is Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC)? Discuss the reasons for recent decline in the AMOC and its associated impact. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Recent reports and National Family Health Surveys have signalled a monumental shift in Indian demographics. Highlighting this shift, discuss the challenges that it will pose. Also, suggest remedial measures. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Looking at all poverty from the rural perspective and applying rural solutions to urban conditions will not yield results. Discuss the statement in context of differences between urban and rural poverty in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Regional movements are often conservative in orientation, supported by traditional social classes and religious groups and oppose social change imposed by modernity. Critically discuss in the context of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8177,"topper":"Surbhi singla","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/73655-227299_1863_surbhi-singla_rank_75.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Parliamentary oversight of administration is not an end in itself rather it acts as a means to strengthen the efficient functioning of the administration. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Tenth Schedule of the Constitution has weakened the democratic credentials of India's representative democracy. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Article 246 of the Indian Constitution is considered as the cornerstone of Centre-state legislative relations. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Although the provision of issuing ordinances amounts to the usurpation of legislative power by the Executive, both Centre and states in India have taken unrestrained course to it. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"There has been a manifold increase in the number of ministries in the central government since independence. Do you agree with the view there is a need to phase out many ministries and amalgamate others in this context? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Evaluate the success of Digital India in fulfilling its vision of transforming India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Examine the issues related to poverty measurement in India. Suggest measures to improve upon the existing methodologies. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"As one of the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, discuss the rationale behind internationalisation of higher education in India and its associated challenges. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Stating the significance of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), examine whether they have been as beneficial as expected for India. (150 words) 10 (FTAs) ,","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Though multilateral development banks (MDBs) are crucial for holistic development of developing nations like India, there are certain legitimate concerns about their functioning. Discuss. (150 words) 10 (MDBs) ,","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Despite the legal framework to resolve inter-state river water disputes, why do they continue to exist? Also, discuss measures that can be taken to resolve such disputes in an expeditious and agreeable manner. (250 words) 15 , ? ,","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"While use of technology is a welcome step towards improving the efficiency of the judicial system, it must be understood that technology itself comes with a set of challenges that make justice even more inaccessible. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The current urban planning capacities in India are extremely skeletal and need systemic reforms and a change in mindset. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Reservation for women in the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) has not translated into corresponding increase in women's representation in India's state legislatures. Bringing out the reasons for the same, discuss how under-representation of women in the state legislatures can be corrected. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"For effective public service delivery, there is need to shift from traditional accountability mechanisms to social accountability mechanisms. In this context, discuss the pre-conditions for the success of social accountability efforts and challenges associated with them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) remains one of the most ambitious programmes for public welfare and rural development, but its objectives cannot be achieved without strong and capable Panchayati Raj Institutions. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Despite legal safeguards and international conventions, the State has failed to uphold the rights of persons with disabilities in general and those with psychosocial disabilities in particular. Discuss in the context of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"To what extent has the PM Awas Yojana (Gramin) been successful in solving the problem of rural housing in India? Discuss with adequate arguments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Despite the potential of India's Neighbourhood First policy, there have been several impediments to regional cooperation in South Asia. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Despite potential, regional cooperation in South Asia suffers: 20. It is argued that China's Belt and Road Initiative has resulted in unsustainable debt-for-infrastructure deals in several countries across continents and it is a part of debt trap diplomacy. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8178,"topper":"Surbhi singla","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3bae7-227299_1515_surbhi-singla_rank_75.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the meaning of off-budget borrowings and its role in helping the government raise funds for various expenditures. Also, comment on its desirability. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"It is argued that genetically modified food crops are required to ensure food security of India. Examine in view of concerns regarding introduction of GM crops. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"India's price intervention policies to support its agricultural sector not only create a broken system, but also complicate matters related to international trade rules. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"India has an opportunity to become a leading global food supplier provided it has an efficient supply chain and the right marketing strategies. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Land banks are increasingly gaining prominence in India to encourage land-use efficiency and enable economic growth. In this context, discuss the benefits of a land bank and state the concerns associated with it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Desertification has been described as one of the greatest environmental challenges of our time and climate change is making it worse. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In the context of intellectual property rights, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of releasing projects under an 'Open Source' license. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"\"Indian space sector has been dominated by a single umbrella of government and government institutions.\" In light of the statement, discuss the significance of Indian Space Association in providing an impetus to space technology in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Man and machine both have an important role in national security and making urban areas secure. In this context, discuss how technology is a major stakeholder in addressing the internal security challenges of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"National Security Guard (NSG) has emerged as a formidable force equipped to handle various manifestations of terrorism. Discuss the mandate and achievements of this force. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do you understand by asset monetisation? Why is it needed in India? In this context, discuss the issues that need to be addressed for the National Monetisation Pipeline to succeed. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"What is social stock exchange (SSE)? Discuss the need for setting up of SSEs and key challenges in their effective implementation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the context of India, highlight the importance of agriculture extension. What are the challenges faced in provisioning of agriculture extension services? How does the National Mission on Agricultural Extension & Technology (NMAET) address these issues? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Clearly delineate the 'employment problem' that India currently faces. Also, explain the fundamental reasons behind existence of this problem. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Although steps have been taken for integrating the dispersed logistics activities of maritime trade, much more needs to be done to make India a maritime powerhouse. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Accounting for natural capital and ecosystem services is crucial to understand the link between the economy and environment. Discuss with specific references to India's initiatives in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Rapid and unplanned urbanisation accompanied by population growth have increased both the risk and impact of natural disasters. Discuss the statement along with adequate measures to address the relevant concerns in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"National Hydrogen Mission can be a game changer for India's rising energy demands. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Despite geo-strategic instability of its region and a keen awareness of the cyber threat it faces, India has made only 'modest progress' in developing its policy and doctrine for cyberspace security. Critically examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Developmental interventions alone cannot play a defining role in the resolution of existing and protracted internal conflicts in various parts of India within a reasonable time frame. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8179,"topper":"Surbhi singla","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/41ba5-227299_1512_surbhi-singla_rank_75.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Persuasion plays an important role in public administration. Discuss. Also highlight the various elements of effective persuasion. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"\"Never do anything against the conscience even if the state demands it.\" In this context, discuss the role of conscience in taking ethical decisions in administration. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Raja Ram Mohan Roy's liberal views on social and religious issues have much relevance in present day India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The moral circle of humanity has been expanding constantly over time. Discuss in this context whether non-human entities should have the same rights as humans beings. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"Each individual is capable of transforming his immediate environment by attempting a radical transformation inside him\". - J Krishnamurti (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"An important requisite for ensuring probity in governance is absence of corruption. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The right to information (RTI) and the right to privacy (RTP) complement each other in holding the government accountable to the people, however, in cases of conflict, they can be reconciled keeping public interest in mind. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Explain the ethical issues involved in spending government funds for advertisement campaigns and publicity. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Explaining the concept of political neutrality, discuss its significance in administration. Also, highlight how the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules seek to ensure political neutrality in the civil services. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"In light of the recurring issues, there is a constant need to search for better ethical frameworks and models of corporate governance. Discuss with adequate examples and evidence in support of your arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Gender inequality begins at home and then gets institutionalised at the societal level. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Stakeholder Capitalism is suggested as a way forward in wake of social, economic and environment challenges posed by Shareholder Capitalism. Examine the relevant arguments in this debate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Identify the most pressing issues? Which ones would you address on priority? (b) What would be your advice to Mr. X and Mr. Y.? Also, sufficiently clarify the reasons for such an advice.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"Identify the most critical issues involved in this case? On what basis will you prioritize them? (b) What would be your advice to Mr. X and Mr. Y? Also, clearly explain the reasons for such advice.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"In a recent survey around social and economic indicators, a certain state in the country was found grossly underperforming. The state is marred with the issues of poverty, hunger, social backwardness, lawlessness, and underdevelopment. In about seven decades since gaining independence, this state has continued to perform poorly across various indices. In the past, the Chief Minister had set up a fact finding Committee to report on the chief causes of the backwardness of the State. After years of ground research and surveying, it was found that the one of the main causes of the state's backwardness was its huge population that amplified resource scarcity to unimaginable proportions. Taking a clue from the facts presented in the report, the State Cabinet constitutes a panel of policy makers to consider this question of growing population and suggest suitable revisions to the State's Population Policy. The Panel recommends legislating a Population Control Bill that has a contentious provision in the form of 'One Child' norm. You are the Chief of this Panel and the recommendations of the Panel require your approval to be tabled in the Chief Minister's Office. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the ethical issues related to population control of a compulsory nature that you would consider before approving or rejecting the recommendation? (b) What would be your course of action in the aforementioned case? Suggest reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"You are working as a Divisional Forest Officer in an area which is home to tigers. Recently, there have been reports of a tiger venturing into agricultural fields and also killing livestock of villagers. Unfortunately, 2-3 villagers have been killed by some wild animals in last few weeks. Villagers claim that the tiger has killed their fellow villagers and request you to protect their lives and property by either relocating or killing the man-eater tiger. They also obstructed investigation of forest officials to ascertain whether it was the work of tiger or some other animals. Your attempts to trap the tiger have not been successful. Concerned over the delay in killing or relocating the tiger, villagers hire a private hunter to kill the tiger on their own and argue that they have a right to defend themselves and their property. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the issues involved in this scenario. (b) What steps would you take as the Divisional Forest Officer to ensure villagers' safety along with protection of tigers?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"You are a District Magistrate of an area which has seen a huge surge in COVID-19 cases during the second wave of pandemic in India. The health infrastructure is already overburdened. Hospitals are overwhelmed, crematoriums and burial sites are regularly running out of space, and covid testing is struggling to meet the demand. Also, the vaccination drive is at the risk of going off-track due to the demand-supply mismatch. During this difficult time, you come to know that there are some people who are engaging in black marketing, hoarding and profiteering by using every trick in the book to cheat, ransom and swindle Covid-19 patients and their kin in the name of scarcity of drugs, oxygen and hospital beds. Black marketing, hoarding and profiteering are a classic case of market failure, which highlights the significance of state intervention in a crisis situation. How can state effectively play the role of a regulator as well as service provider in such cases of market failure?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"You work as a marketing consultant for a multinational company that specializes in various products including nutrient supplements, diet pills etc. The company pays its employees extremely well and provides satisfactory fringe benefits. Your manager has hinted that he will recommend you for overseas company transfer, which will improve your job profile. This has motivated you to work harder and perform better. The company has to advertise and sell a new weight loss pill 'X'. As per in-company research, it has minimal or no side effects and has no adverse impacts on health, which is its unique selling point (USP). You are given the responsibility of heading the marketing team for advertising pill 'X'. Due to a well-crafted marketing strategy including endorsement by a renowned celebrity, the product has generated considerable public attention. However, while working on an advertisement campaign for the pill, you find out that the in-company research findings of pill 'X' are fabricated. While it indeed has no side-effects, there are no proven benefits of taking the pill as well. It merely acts as a placebo. When you bring up the issue with your manager, he promptly tells you to keep the facts to yourself. He also indirectly brings up the fact that your performance review date is approaching and hints that you will get transferred overseas if you prove your loyalty to the company. Based on the given information, address the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders in this situation. (b) State the ethical issues that arise in this case. (c) Discuss your options in this scenario and mention your next step.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":56,"question":"The COVID-19 pandemic has forced universities, schools and other educational institutions around the world to shut down their campuses indefinitely and move their educational activities onto online platforms. These institutions were not prepared for such a transition and their online teaching-learning process evolved gradually. Though students considered online learning advantageous because of flexibility and convenience, there have been reports that the students prefer learning in physical classrooms to online education. The students feel that online education is stressful and affects their health and social life. Moreover, not all students have equal access to, and expertise on, digital technologies. Although these inequalities existed earlier, the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed this digital divide. Considering yourself as the Chairman of a Committee, constituted by the government, to suggest measures to improve the quality and accessibility of online education, answer the following questions: (a) What are the key ethical issues at stake here? (b) Highlight the principles and values that will guide your recommendations to the government. (c) Suggest measures to improve the quality and accessibility of online education in the country.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8180,"topper":"Surya Godara","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8cc08-125093_1835_surya_godara_rank_343.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The withdrawal of general consent to the CBI by certain state governments in India threatens the spirit of cooperative federalism in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Stating the sources of finance for local self-governments in India, suggest ways to strengthen their financial position. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Cabinet Committees play an important role in reinstating collective responsibility and principle of homogeneity of the Executive in the Indian Parliamentary system. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"There is a need to overhaul the public procurement and project management (PPPM) framework of India for faster, efficient and transparent execution of government projects. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Adequate measures are required to overcome the challenges and vulnerabilities associated with undertaking social accountability initiatives and institutionalising them. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"In view of the recent Parliamentary Standing Committee report, discuss the issues faced by the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) and suggest measures that can be adopted to strengthen it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"While the Mid-Day Meal scheme was aimed at fulfilling the nutritional needs of students, it is far behind in achieving this objective. Discuss. Also, suggest remedial measures in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) remain critical for the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In this context, discuss the impediments in the fulfilment of SRHR in India. Also, mention the steps that can be taken in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"State the functions of the United Nations Human Rights Council. Also, discuss the issues faced by the Council in the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"West Asia is an important strategic region for India with profound geo-political and geo-economic significance. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Disenfranchising prisoners desecrates a cherished value in a democracy i.e. 'right to vote', which should be guarded earnestly. Discuss in the light of The Representation of The People Act, 1951. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"There are similarities and interactions between the affirmative action adopted by India and USA owing to similar historical injustices faced by their respective vulnerable groups. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Objections to domicile-based reservation in private sector jobs on the grounds of constitutional equality and freedom are misplaced. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"There have been arguments that sedition law is an attack on the very foundation of India's liberal democratic principles, as enshrined in the Constitution. Do you agree? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite Government e-Marketplace facing certain challenges, it has brought about a significant improvement in the procurement of goods and services by various government agencies. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"A reformed system of recruitment, training and evaluation needs to be put in place to take forward the development of a highly efficient and accountable civil service. Discuss in the context of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Despite initiatives taken by the Indian government to achieve critical goals in the education sector, major interventions are required to tackle learning poverty as well as the persisting inequalities. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"In light of the burgeoning burden of both communicable and non-communicable diseases, there is a need to revamp the public health surveillance system in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The repercussions of the ongoing economic crisis in Sri Lanka extend beyond its borders. Discuss with specific reference to India. Also, mention the steps that India has taken to assist Sri Lanka tide over the crisis. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India is a reliable partner in the Indian Ocean Region and can take on the role of being the net security provider in the region. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8181,"topper":"Surya Godara","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/28cd8-125093_1836_surya_godara_rank_343.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The PM-AASHA scheme is aimed at improving procurement mechanism as well as ensuring remunerative prices for farmers. In this context, highlight the various components of the scheme and discuss the concerns associated with it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Explaining the concept of blended finance, discuss the role it can play in mobilizing capital for infrastructure development in developing countries like India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss the challenges faced in the revival and revamp of dry ports in India and state the measures that can be adopted in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Monoculture is one of the major threats to ensuring food security and sustainability of Indian agriculture. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Aapda Mitra - a force of volunteers from across India trained in disaster response - is becoming a game changer in the field of disaster management in the country. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Why is the rise in lone wolf attacks considered as a serious challenge for security agencies around the world? Highlight the role of the internet in exacerbating such attacks. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The fundamental inefficiencies embedded in our military structures and processes are now being addressed through a slew of defence reforms in the country. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"In light of the recent establishment of the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in India, discuss the advantages and challenges in mainstreaming traditional medicine in the country. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Nano Urea Liquid has the potential to transform farming in India and across the world by improving productivity while reducing environmental pollution and input cost. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss the domino effect of high crude oil prices on the Indian economy. Also, enumerate the measures that India can take in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The consistent high operating ratio of the Indian Railways is indicative of its incapability to generate high operational surplus. Explain the reasons behind this trend. Also, highlight the remedial measures taken by the government in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Micro food processing sector is the key driver of growth in the Indian economy as it encourages food processing innovation. In this context, state the challenges faced by the micro food processing sector and discuss how the recent initiatives taken by the government aim to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Despite efforts by successive governments, equitable growth remains elusive and income inequality continues to persist in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Stating the factors that determine the employment situation of an economy in the long-term, discuss the measures that are needed for India to address its unemployment problem. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"In view of the rapidly increasing socio-economic damage caused by disasters, integrating Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) into development planning requires an effective stakeholder engagement mechanism. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Provide an account of the existing carbon trading mechanisms in India. Also, discuss the significance of an efficient carbon trading market in the country and state the challenges that currently exist. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The menace of drug trafficking in India has been on a rise due to a mix of factors, both internal and external. Discuss. Also, state the challenges posed by drug trafficking to India's national security. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The Andaman and Nicobar islands' strategic significance in the Indian Ocean region (IOR) has been underplayed by India's policy of 'masterly inactivity and benign neglect'. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India has recently commissioned the world's first large International Liquid- Mirror Telescope (ILMT). How will the newly commissioned telescope aid in India's astronomical observations and research? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8182,"topper":"Sushant Singh","air":187,"year":2018,"paper":"Optional — Public Administration","optional":true,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1_4wLwXWbTFPTD9j5lPJ9iEYg9IfGKPj-","questions":[]},{"id":8183,"topper":"Sushir Shrikrushna","air":155,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1meXfxGsSxj1CqryrDyeSUVKXwMCoDntv/view","questions":[]},{"id":8184,"topper":"SUSHIR SHRIKRUSHNA SHRIRAM","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/67/pttp221755_tc062.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"If you look into someone's face long enough, eventually you feel that you are looking into yourself.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"It is the province of knowledge to speak and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Drop the question what tomorrow may bring, and count as profit every day that fate allows you.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Truth, like a torch, the more it is shook, it shines.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Art is I; science is We.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Only the dead have seen the end of the war.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Act as if it were impossible to fail.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8185,"topper":"SUSHIR SHRIKRUSHNA SHRIRAM","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/68/pttp221755_tc063.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Little strokes fell great oaks.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Judge a man by his questions rather than his answers.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Great principles,great ideals know no nationality.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"In struggling with misfortune lies the true proof of virtue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"The whole purpose of Education is to turn mirrors into windows.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"To dwell is to garden.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Reality is the shadow of ideas.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"We can not despair of humanity, since we ourselves are human beings.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8186,"topper":"SUSHIR SHRIKRUSHNA SHRIRAM","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/69/pttp221755_tc064.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Gender Equality is not a \"women's issue\"-it's good for men too.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Is UCC, the unity that we aspire in our diversity?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Problems of 21st century are problems without passport.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"The more we are developing, the more unhealthy we are getting. Where does the real problem lie?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Is Internal Security always an Internal Challenge?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Sports, the toy of humanity","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Is Economy becoming the end rather than the means?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8187,"topper":"SUSHIR SHRIKRUSHNA SHRIRAM","air":155,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c989a-532747_2488_sushir_shrikrushna_shriram_rank_155.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8188,"topper":"SUSHIR SHRIKRUSHNA SHRIRAM","air":155,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/66/pttp221755_tc061.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8189,"topper":"SUSHIR SHRIKRUSHNA SHRIRAM","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4bf30-532747_2424_sushir_shrikrushna_shriram_rank_155.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What are the different dimensions of food security? Examine India's status in terms of ensuring food security with regard to these dimensions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Modern technologies such as blockchain and ChatGPT are powerful tools with immense potential to transform agriculture into a more efficient and sustainable sector. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What factors have led to the recent acceleration in the trend towards de-dollarization of the global economy? Do you think the dollar will lose its dominance anytime soon? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Despite significant pressure from the developed countries to alter its food subsidy regime, there is merit in India trying to retain its policy support for the poor in the country. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Several initiatives have been taken by the government towards addressing India's water needs, but the issues of water availability and water quality still warrant prioritised intervention. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What are the major drivers of glacial retreat in the Arctic? Describe the potential impact of the retreat of Arctic glaciers on the ecosystem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Space tourism, which was viewed as something straight out of a science fiction movie, is now becoming a reality albeit not without hindrances. What are the challenges associated with space tourism? What measures can be taken to address these challenges? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Global health experts widely believe that the development of CAR-T cell therapy can be a game changer in the treatment of cancer. How can CAR-T cell therapy overcome the limitations of CRISPR-Cas9 technology? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss why the rising deployment of new and emerging technologies by prominent violent extremist organizations demand concerted global efforts. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"With the Line of Actual Control (LAC) remaining tense after the Galwan and Yangste incidents and both India and China ramping up infrastructure in the border areas, discuss the role that ITBP plays in the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Do you think there is a need for a shift from 'land productivity' to 'irrigation water productivity' in India? Justify your answer. What are the challenges in making this shift? Explain. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Examine the role that green hydrogen can play in unlocking the energy security of India. How can the National Green Hydrogen Mission help India in achieving its energy goals? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The government has been weighing a transition from minimum wage to living wage in recent times. What are the benefits and constraints in the adoption of living wage in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The Union Budget affects almost every sector of the Indian economy, yet neither the budgetary processes nor the budget policies come under substantial public scrutiny. Do you agree? Justify your answer. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"India has been able to transform itself from a milk deficit country to the world's biggest milk producer, but the productivity of dairy animals in the country remains a concern. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"While climate change is responsible for crop failures, the agricultural sector itself is partly responsible for extreme weather events. Discuss. What strategy has been adopted under National Agriculture Disaster Management Plan to strengthen the resilience of the farming community in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Some regions in India, including Delhi, are highly vulnerable to the impact of earthquakes originating in the Himalayas. Discuss. What institutional measures have been taken to mitigate earthquake losses in India? Do you think there are significant gaps that still exist? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Recently, scientists announced net energy gain in nuclear fusion reaction, which is considered as a major scientific breakthrough for the future of clean energy. What are the advantages of nuclear fusion based power generation? What are the limitations in using it to generate electricity at a commercial scale? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Keeping in view the recent amendment, examine the efficacy of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, in tackling the menace of money laundering in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Discuss the security threats present in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), which have a direct bearing on India's maritime border interests. Suggest a robust strategy to deal with these threats. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8190,"topper":"SUSHIR SHRIKRUSHNA SHRIRAM","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/93733-532747_2423_sushir_shrikrushna_shriram_rank_155.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With suitable examples, discuss how environmental pressure groups enhance public participation and responsiveness with regard to environmental policies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":8191,"topper":"SUSHIR SHRIKRUSHNA SHRIRAM","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/441f4-532747_2422_sushir_shrikrushna_shriram_rank_155.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The traditional theatre forms of India reflect the ideals and emotions of the society, and an individual's role in the community. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Provide an account of the historical and architectural importance of the Sanchi Stupa. Also, discuss how it inspired the future architecture in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Bhagat Singh made a real breakthrough in terms of revolutionary ideology, the goals of revolution and forms of revolutionary struggle. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Bringing out the factors that led to the Meiji restoration, discuss its significance for Japan. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"It is believed that a nation is an 'imagined community' held together by common beliefs, history, political aspirations etc. In this context, discuss what the basis of India as a nation is. Also, bring out the threats to the concept of Indian nationhood. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"State the key factors behind the growth of the pharmaceutical industry in India. Additionally, discuss its significance with regard to India's economy and public health.(Answer in 150words)10","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss why the Bay of Bengal is more prone to cyclones than the Arabian Sea. Also, explain the reasons for the decrease in frequency of tropical cyclones during the Southwest monsoon season. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite being destructive in nature, volcanoes are critical for the existence of human life on earth. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The existence of relative deprivation is an important aspect in constructing the argument for regionalism. Explain with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"If India is to realise the goal of 'education for all', the issue of rising cases of bullying and other forms of school violence needs to be addressed immediately. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Bring out the role played by the Ahom Kingdom in shaping the cultural and historical identity of North-East India, and discuss its legacy in contemporary times. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The capitalist class generally remained ambivalent in their support to the Indian National Congress until 1940s. In this context, analyse the varying positions of the Indian capitalists throughout the national movement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Trace the evolution of the press in India. Also, discuss the instrumental impact it had during various stages of the Indian freedom struggle despite the repressive policies of the British. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Mountains are fragile ecosystems vulnerable to the adverse impact of climate change and other anthropogenic interventions. Illustrate with examples. Also, highlight the initiatives taken for their sustainable management. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind unsustainable management of sand resources in India. Highlighting its impact, enumerate the remedial measures taken in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Giving an account of the major lithium-producing countries, discuss the geo-political aspects of lithium production and its environmental implications. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The youth are capable of identifying themselves with a global identity and connecting with events and experiences outside their countries. In this context, discuss the impact of globalization on the various aspects of youth identity. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"As fertility rates decline in India, future demographic concerns center around an ageing population and a weak social security system. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"With a significant proportion of India's population expected to live in urban areas by 2030, the welfare of the urban poor needs to take centre-stage in public policy. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8192,"topper":"SUSHIR SHRIKRUSHNA SHRIRAM","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/159/pttp221755_tc074-test-04-gs-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Public service requires not merely legal but also morally principled action. Public service requires the public servant to place loyalty to the constitution, laws, and ethical principles. Among the three, which do you think must acquire primacy while carrying out official functions? Why? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"What do you understand by integrity-based civil disobedience? Do you think a challenge to personal integrity can be a justifiable cause for responsible disobedience in civil services? Explain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Recent research has shown that emotions significantly impact personal and professional lives. What are the primary emotions that negatively and positively impact workplace productivity? Explain with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Technical efficiency ensures resource utilization and social efficiency ensures fulfillment of social needs, what does ethical efficiency ensure? Do you think ethical efficiency is more important than technical and social efficiency? Why/Why not? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"Man cannot do right in one department of life whilst he is occupied in doing wrong in any other department.\" Gandhi. Do you think an individual's personal ethics impacts professional life or they both can be compartmentalized? Explain your position with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Goodness is the result of internal imperative to do what is right, not sanctions from moral rules or rewards from expected consequences. Do you agree? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In the context of civil service, distinguish between moral and nonmoral values. Identify 5 basic moral values that can serve as foundational values for all services irrespective of the department. Give reasons why those values can be considered foundational. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Citizens' involvement in decision-making is critical to ethics in governance. Do you agree that effective civic engagement mechanisms can facilitate an ethics-driven administration? What do you think are the mechanisms that citizens can use for ensuring ethics in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Social transformation programs such as \"beti bachao and beti padhao\" believes in using advice, counseling, and persuasion but sometimes a little force is also necessary for getting the desired response. Do you think it is a good idea to mix little force with persuasion by public administrators while implementing social schemes of transformation? Explain with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Ultimately foreign policy of every country hinges upon the strength which the nation possesses. Strength may be military or financial and may be also moral. Do you think ethical strength without military or financial muscle will be respected in today's world? Explain your position. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"You are a young officer working with the Municipal Corporation of an industrial city. The city was known for manufacturing ball bearings and auto parts. Most manufacturing units were small-scale units with very little production process automation. The units relied on manual labor, which was in abundance due to the villages close by. As the number of manufacturing units grew, the demand for labor increased, bringing in a steady inflow of laborers into the city. This influx of people into the town led to a mushrooming of slums and encroachments on the sidewalks. Once in a while, the Corporation conducted drives to clear out the slums, but after a time, the slums came back. The illegal slums had become an urban nightmare. You were given the responsibility of clearing out the encroachments and slums with the help of Police authorities. As you started the drive, you realized that the people living by the sidewalks were vulnerable compared to the slum dwellers. Many sidewalk dwellers had recently come to the city after selling their properties in their villages. Now if you drive them out, they have no place to go. Your heart went out to them, and you felt that your departmental action was inhumane, but your official responsibilities demanded stern impartial action. You are desperate to find a way to help the sidewalk dwellers without compromising your official duties. (a) What value conflicts do you notice in the above situation? (b) Can an administrator compromise the value of impartiality for empathy? Discuss. (c) What are the options available in the above situation? (d) Suggest viable solutions for tackling illegal slums and encroachments in urban areas. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"A certain State government was running a welfare scheme for promoting safe motherhood among rural landless laborers' families. The scheme involves the transfer of funds to the beneficiaries to enable them to mitigate income loss due to maternal care responsibilities. Since its implementation, the scheme has done reasonably well on maternal health and economic indicators. You are the Director of the Department responsible for implementing and operating the scheme. Recently you have been receiving reports of welfare fraud being committed by families by producing fake bona fide. The families committed the fraud with the help of local officials responsible for scrutinizing the bonafide. You were concerned because the fraud was seriously undermining the scheme's efficiency. You called for a departmental meeting to discuss and find a solution to the problem. In the meeting, it was decided to merge several available government data sets such as Aadhar cards, voter ID cards, marriage certificates, birth certificates, bank details, and other personal assets. By merging all the data sets, the department would be able to develop the beneficiary's economic profile. And this will help the department scrutinize the documents and detect fraud. This was a comprehensive strategy, but it risked violating an individual's data privacy. As a Department head, you wanted to detect and prevent fraud, but at the same time, you were apprehensive about violating the Data privacy of the stakeholders. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) Do you think violating data privacy is justified to prevent welfare fraud? Why/ Why not? (c) What, according to you, can be the reasons for such welfare frauds happening in the country? (d) Are there any ways and means to prevent such fraud? Give your suggestions. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"You are posted in the Department of Mines, and one of your roles is to help your Department Head negotiate mining leases with private contractors. Recently, the state government demarcated a new mining zone and planned to invite bids for the mining blocs. You were instructed to oversee the bidding process and speed up the contract negotiations. As planned, the tenders were released, bids came in, and tenders were allocated as per the norms. All this happened at a breakneck speed. You wondered, why the hurry? But it was not your place to think and question; you quietly went about your work. As the contractors were about to start operations, you had to instruct them on environmental concerns to watch out for. And to do that, you read the environmental impact assessment report submitted by a consulting firm hired by the department. To your surprise, the report was shoddy and looked cooked up. You got suspicious and raised the issue with your Head, who politely instructed you to do what you were told, and he reminded you that the Department had revenue targets and was under pressure from the Ministry. After the meeting, you, on your own accord, did some digging and found out that the report was fraudulent and the mining activity that was about to start would lead to a massive environmental disaster which the State could not afford. (a) What are the issues and value violations you notice in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you? (c) Discuss the advantage and disadvantages of each option and identify your chosen course of action. (d) Do you think that environmental considerations are sometimes overrated at the cost of development? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Do you think corporate businesses such as GAMA must consider international ethics while pursuing business interests? Why/Why not? (c) Do you think a corporate's social responsibility extends beyond one's immediate community to the international community? Why/Why not? (d) Do you think the Defence sector companies marketing sensitive technologies must be regulated by their respective governments, or regulation may curtail their entrepreneurial and innovation energy? Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Mr. Sharma was the All India Sales Head of a pharmaceutical company with a turnover of 400 crores. The company's main markets were small towns and tier 2 cities. Further, the company did a sizeable amount of business with state government hospitals and health centers. Mr. Sharma had given a lot of freedom to field sales agents to strike deals and negotiate prices with clients. This strategy worked well for the company. Recently Mr. Sharma received word that three company employees were selling products to government hospitals and health centers at a higher price than they were selling to other private hospitals and health centers. The employees were with the company for over five years and were good performers. A few sales staff informally raised the issue of the three getting relatively higher commissions because of their inflated deals. And this was creating a sense of unease among the sales staff. A cursory review of the account of the three showed that, in many instances, the government hospitals were paying more than other private institutions. Under procurement rules, the government is supposed to pay a fair price, one that other cost-conscious customers pay. On inquiry, Mr. Sharma found that the three were not alone; government purchase department officials were helping them scam the Department. Mr. Sharma realized that his sales staff and some corrupt government staff had been defrauding the state exchequer for quite some time. Mr. Sharma immediately reported it to his CEO, and the two discussed how to deal with the sales staff and whether to inform the government about the scam and the involvement of their staff. The issue was informing the government means that there was every possibility that they might be blacklisted, thereby losing a lot of business. Mr. Sharma and CEO were caught in a dilemma regarding how to proceed with the case. (a) What are the ethical and business issues involved in the case? (b) What are the options available to Mr. Sharma and the CEO? (c) Do you think the organizational culture of giving freedom to the sales force led to the issue or was the individual's corrupt nature that led to the problem? Discuss. (d) What ethics mechanisms and steps can the company create and implement to prevent unethical behavior, as mentioned in the case? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":8193,"topper":"SUSHIR SHRIKRUSHNA SHRIRAM","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/bff7b-532747_2425_sushir_shrikrushna_shriram_rank_155.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"For effective corporate governance to take place in the coming years, why is it important to integrate the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics with the multi-stakeholder approach? What benefits can be accrued by such integration? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In acts of corruption, the focus is often only on the demand side of the equation, on public officials who abuse their office for private gain. Frequently, the supply side is given less attention. Those who pay bribes are sometimes depicted as innocent parties and victims of extortionary practices of wily public servants. Do you agree that 'collusive corruption' in which there is a willing bribe-giver, is a formidable challenge for institutions fighting corruption? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Citizens' Charters initiative was a response to the quest for solving the problems, which a citizen encountered, day in and day out, while dealing with the organisations providing public services. But the introduction and implementation of Citizens' Charters in the government of India has been difficult due to the old bureaucratic set up and the rigid attitudes of the work force. Discuss the major obstacles that have been encountered in implementing the Citizens' Charter initiative. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Quality of public service delivery is a major determinant of the quality of life of vulnerable sections in a highly unequal society divided along the lines of class, caste, religion, etc. In this background, do you think that public service delivery is efficient and sufficient enough to improve the lives of vulnerable groups in India? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? \"The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own.\" - Lao Tzu (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"If ethics are poor at the top, that behavior is copied down through the organization.\" - Robert Noyce (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"The end of law is not to abolish or restrain, but to preserve and enlarge freedom.\" - John Locke (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":8194,"topper":"SUSHIR SHRIKRUSHNA SHRIRAM","air":155,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/23/pttp221755_tc074-test-04-gs-4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8195,"topper":"Sushir Srikrushna","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EVTFJ4qgjUVRFl8Mz9qR60uXTJrSNNoA/view","questions":[]},{"id":8196,"topper":"Sushma Sagar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c880f-1370539_3128_sushma_sagar_rank_890.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"The world must learn to work together, or finally it will not work at all.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Technology, like art, is a soaring exercise of the human imagination.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"We've begun to raise daughters more like sons, but few have the courage to raise our sons more like our daughters.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8197,"topper":"Sushma Sagar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5ba35-1370539_2901_sushma_sagar_rank_890.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"How can effective development and management of human capital contribute to sustainable growth in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What are the challenges encountered by the elderly in accessing and benefiting from various government schemes and initiatives aimed at improving their lives? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"How does circular migration in India bring benefits to both the host and source regions? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"How has the rise of social media impacted communal harmony in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"In India, where having a child has not traditionally been a matter of choice, explain why a growing number of married couples are opting to remain childless. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Comment on the efficacy of Prime Minister Street Vendor's AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) scheme in ensuring social justice and equity in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Discuss the changes in the pattern of division of labour in the Indian family system. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What role can the recently launched PM-JANMAN scheme play in addressing the issues faced by the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"How does climate change impact caste-based marginalised groups in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Do you think that The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 has delivered on its promise of freeing forest dwelling communities from historical injustices and democratising governance of forests? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"How do the issues of poverty and hunger differ in urban and rural India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Discuss the issues related to transgender education in India. Suggest measures to address these issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Religion and globalization share a mutually reinforcing relationship. Discuss in the context of Indian society. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Do you think that commercialisation of festivals in India has overshadowed the social significance of these events? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Analyse the relationship between poverty and education in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Can the provision of paid menstrual leave contribute to better workforce participation and gender inclusivity at workplace in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Discuss the impact of globalization on existing social exclusions in India. How does it result in new forms of exclusion? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What was the basis of formation of regional identities in the early years of independent India? How did economic factors in the later decades influence regionalism? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Discuss the impact of urban sprawls on the socio-economic fabric and environmental health of Indian cities. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8198,"topper":"Sushma Sagar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a2e47-1370539_2902_sushma_sagar_rank_890.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"United Nations is \"a frozen, 1945-invented mechanism\". What is your opinion about this statement? Give reasons and examples to support your answer. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The significant presence of India's diverse diaspora in various parts of the globe plays a crucial role in advancing its interests. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"How does India stand to benefit by participating in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF)? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Transboundary river disputes have been a sticking point in India's bilateral relations with its neighbours. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has expanded in its scale and capabilities, evolving into a versatile security force over the years. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discuss the security threats arising out of deepfake technology. Suggest measures that are needed to tackle these threats. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Discuss how proxy wars against India by foreign countries pose challenges to India's internal security. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the contribution of M.S. Swaminathan to scientific research and technological innovation in Indian agriculture. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What are quantum dots? Discuss their biomedical applications. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"While IPR regime exists to provide legal protection and incentives to creators and inventors, new technologies will shape the future of IPR in India. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"How does the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) contribute to fostering economic cooperation and regional integration among member states? What hurdles does it encounter in pursuing its objectives? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"How can the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) impact India? What measures can India take to mitigate the effects? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"How can infrastructure development in the border areas be a game changer not only in terms of border security but also for the development of the region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Traditional anti-money laundering (AML) tactics are proving inadequate due to the complexity of financial transactions and the criminal use of technology. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What factors can contribute to the emergence of space as a potential arena for warfare? What steps have been taken, both at the domestic and international levels, for preserving outer space for peaceful purposes? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Examine the implications of illegal migration on India's internal security. Discuss the measures currently in place to mitigate the associated security challenges. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are smart materials? Assess their potential in tackling global challenges related to energy efficiency, healthcare, and environmental sustainability. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The demand for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) is growing in India. What are the benefits of this technology? Discuss the challenges that lie in the adoption of ADAS in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Bring out the significance of genome mapping in understanding genetic diseases. Discuss the need for a legal framework for genome mapping in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8199,"topper":"Sushma Sagar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b9f13-1370539_1835_sushma_sagar_rank_890.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The withdrawal of general consent to the CBI by certain state governments in India threatens the spirit of cooperative federalism in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Stating the sources of finance for local self-governments in India, suggest ways to strengthen their financial position. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Cabinet Committees play an important role in reinstating collective responsibility and principle of homogeneity of the Executive in the Indian Parliamentary system. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"There is a need to overhaul the public procurement and project management (PPPM) framework of India for faster, efficient and transparent execution of government projects. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Adequate measures are required to overcome the challenges and vulnerabilities associated with undertaking social accountability initiatives and institutionalising them. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"In view of the recent Parliamentary Standing Committee report, discuss the issues faced by the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) and suggest measures that can be adopted to strengthen it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"While the Mid-Day Meal scheme was aimed at fulfilling the nutritional needs of students, it is far behind in achieving this objective. Discuss. Also, suggest remedial measures in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) remain critical for the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In this context, discuss the impediments in the fulfilment of SRHR in India. Also, mention the steps that can be taken in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"State the functions of the United Nations Human Rights Council. Also, discuss the issues faced by the Council in the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"West Asia is an important strategic region for India with profound geo-political and geo-economic significance. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Disenfranchising prisoners desecrates a cherished value in a democracy i.e. 'right to vote', which should be guarded earnestly. Discuss in the light of The Representation of The People Act, 1951. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"There are similarities and interactions between the affirmative action adopted by India and USA owing to similar historical injustices faced by their respective vulnerable groups. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Objections to domicile-based reservation in private sector jobs on the grounds of constitutional equality and freedom are misplaced. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"There have been arguments that sedition law is an attack on the very foundation of India's liberal democratic principles, as enshrined in the Constitution. Do you agree? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite Government e-Marketplace facing certain challenges, it has brought about a significant improvement in the procurement of goods and services by various government agencies. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"A reformed system of recruitment, training and evaluation needs to be put in place to take forward the development of a highly efficient and accountable civil service. Discuss in the context of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Despite initiatives taken by the Indian government to achieve critical goals in the education sector, major interventions are required to tackle learning poverty as well as the persisting inequalities. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"In light of the burgeoning burden of both communicable and non- communicable diseases, there is a need to revamp the public health surveillance system in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The repercussions of the ongoing economic crisis in Sri Lanka extend beyond its borders. Discuss with specific reference to India. Also, mention the steps that India has taken to assist Sri Lanka tide over the crisis. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India is a reliable partner in the Indian Ocean Region and can take on the role of being the net security provider in the region. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8200,"topper":"Sushma Sagar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/22900-1370539_1840_sushma_sagar_rank_890.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"While fixed-term employment offers an ingenious way to address specific issues faced by both employers and employees, there are also some concerns associated with it. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"An efficient logistics sector with a focus on warehousing is pivotal to the success of the Bharatmala Pariyojana. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'irrigation scheduling'? Bringing out the advantages provided by it, discuss the difficulties faced in applying it on a farm level. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"While the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana was touted as the largest crop insurance scheme globally in terms of farmer participation, various concerns have arisen since its implementation. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The Stockholm Conference commenced the contemporary \"environmental era\", which brought a paradigm shift in the environmental governance and set a tone for multi-lateral environmental regime. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The world has witnessed a huge surge in climate-induced disasters, which are largely driven by anthropogenic factors. In this context, analyse the role of early warning systems in mitigating the impact of the disasters. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Critically examine the implications of leveraging technology in policing. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"How far do you agree with the view that climate change poses a threat to international peace and security? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by a virtual private network (VPN)? Highlight its advantages and discuss the concerns posed by it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The discovery of the Higgs Boson at the Large Hadron Collider in CERN completed 10 years recently. In this context, discuss the role played by CERN in overall scientific development. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlighting the factors that affect the cropping pattern in India, discuss the need for modifying it in the context of the emerging agro-ecological concerns. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"While the budgetary reforms undertaken by the Central government in recent years have led to better management of government expenditure, there are some issues that still need redressal. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"For India to create a 'future ready' railway system, it must harness innovation and resource efficiency. Discuss the statement in the context of the measures enlisted in the National Rail Plan 2030. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the significance of technology in the Indian agricultural sector. Also, state the challenges in realising its potential to improve agricultural efficiency and increase the income of the farmers. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite the digital transformation in the Public Distribution System (PDS) in India, several challenges still remain. Elaborate. Also, suggest measures to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss the various concerns that exist with regard to fuel efficiency regulations for vehicles in India. Also, suggest the measures that can be taken in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Urban fire is becoming a serious cause of concern in Indian cities. In this context, highlight the major causes behind urban fires in India. What steps can be taken to build robust fire resilience in Indian cities? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Drones in border areas present a serious threat for border management in India. Elaborate. Also, discuss the different measures taken to regulate the use of drones in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Despite a global framework to prevent weaponization of space, it has been increasing in the recent times. Discuss. Also, give an account of the implications of space weaponization. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"What do you understand by a bio-economy? Highlight the role that the National Biotechnology Development Strategy 2021-2025 can play in creating a robust bio-economy in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8201,"topper":"Sushma Sagar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ad4fe-1370539_2356_sushma-sagar_rank_890.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"How can formal education in India counteract family-dependent learning biases and promote independent thinking? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The rise of social media has increased the number of dopamine-chasing youngsters who want instant gratification. Do you agree with this view? Give reasons. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Public relations are a key component in the operations of a private organisation. Discuss the ethical considerations associated with managing public relations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What are the ethical concerns related to the use of surveillance technology to monitor employee performance in the private sector? How can companies balance employee privacy with performance tracking? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What does the following quotation convey to you in the present context. (a) \"Relativity applies to physics, not ethics\" - Albert Einstein (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"The law is the public conscience\"- Thomas Hobbes (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The desire to become a 'unicorn' has led to many start-ups abandoning good business practices. In this context, identify the corporate governance issues in start-ups in India. What measures can be taken to address them? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What do you understand by 'fiduciary duty' in the context of corporate governance in India? Illustrate with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Can war be ethical? Analyse in the context of international conflicts. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"How can Kautilya's 'Arthashastra' guide today's leaders in attaining ethical and effective governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Explain the term 'social cohesion'. Discuss its importance for good governance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"The profound wisdom in the teachings of Kabir provide a moral compass for individuals to navigate the challenges of the modern world. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Access to information is the bedrock of good governance. In this regard, discuss how the Right to Information Act aims to strengthen ethical governance in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"As a recently appointed senior officer in the Public Works Department (PWD), you are in charge of an under-construction hospital project that received clearance prior to your tenure. On inspection, you find out that the construction is of substandard quality and if completed in the present state, the building may collapse leading to loss of life and public money. On bringing the issue to the notice of your seniors, you begin to face intense pressure from multiple quarters. You have been conveyed that the project is not only crucial for providing tertiary health services to the people of the district and adjoining areas, but is also a poll promise of the ruling party. Further, elections are around the corner and there is intense pressure on you to complete the project at the earliest. However, you realise that rectifying the structural issues is the only viable option but this will significantly delay the completion of the project. (a) Identify the ethical issues faced by you in the given situation. (b) Evaluate the options available to you. (c) What course of action would you adopt as the PWD officer and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"You are a final-year undergraduate student enrolled in a professional degree. As part of the mandatory final semester curriculum, you had to enroll in a notoriously difficult course. Unfortunately, your performance in the mid-semester examination of the course was not satisfactory, and you need to attain a very good score in the final examination to pass the course. Failure in this course would defer the conferment of your degree for an additional semester. Not passing this course would also jeopardize the job offer you have received from a multinational company, as it is contingent upon successful completion of the degree. This job is crucial for you and your family's well-being, especially considering the significant sacrifices your father has made to support your education, and the current challenging conditions at home. Considering this situation, your close friend confides in you that he can help you pass the course. He reveals that the lecturer inadvertently attached the file that included the answers to the final examination of the course while uploading course documents on the University's portal. Although the lecturer promptly rectified his error and removed the file, your friend successfully managed to download it. When you asked him about the chance of getting caught, he assured you that the University's digital infrastructure does not provide the lecturer with the ability to check if the file was downloaded. However, the University's ethical guidelines strictly prohibit students from sitting for exams if they possess unauthorized knowledge of the answers, with severe penalties for violations. (a) Given that no other student enrolled in the course will be harmed in any way even if you access the answers and perform well in the final exam, why should you refrain from accessing the answers? (b) You are aware that your friend has seen the answers, will you report him to the lecturer or the University authorities? Justify your answer. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"As a senior officer in the Urban Development Department, you oversee a significant development project in a city celebrated for its ancient monuments and rich cultural heritage. This city is a contender for the UNESCO World Heritage City designation. The project aims to construct a new corridor to enhance access to key historical sites, upgrade infrastructure, and establish commercial complexes to accommodate the needs of an expanding tourist base. This development initiative entails the demolition of numerous historic buildings, many of which are integral to the city's cultural and architectural identity, having stood for centuries. This action has sparked substantial unrest among local inhabitants, including residents and shopkeepers, who are worried about being displaced and potentially receiving insufficient compensation. Various cultural groups have protested, arguing that the project endangers the city's historical essence. There is also concern about the potential impact of these developments on the city's UNESCO World Heritage City candidacy, as demolishing historical sites could drastically transform its heritage landscape. The responsibility to take a decision about the project's future has been assigned to you by the Government. (a) Mention the ethical issues involved in the scenario. (b) Evaluate the options available to you. What decision will you take about the future of the project? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"You are the CEO of a reputed private company. Recently, your company got entangled in an unwanted situation. A video is purportedly circulating on social media that shows a man hitting a woman incessantly. The video has gained traction, drawing the attention of media channels and sparking debates on TV news channels regarding the behaviour of the person in the video. Some social media users have alleged that the person in the video is one of your employees. Your company's handle has been tagged in social media discussions on the subject, significantly impacting its reputation. There is immense pressure on the company to immediately sack the employee. The investors of the company are pressurising you to look into the termination of the employee immediately. Their concern is that the company's reputation can be tarnished as the case unfolds. Despite this situation, you are cautious in taking action considering the long-term association of the employee with the company as well as his past performance. You also know that the employee is under severe mental distress due to ongoing media scrutiny and suspending his services by the company would jeopardize his financial stability, career prospects and reputation. Moreover, taking action against this employee without concrete evidence could be perceived as prejudiced or unjust on your part. Conversely, failure to respond decisively may imply condoning or overlooking unacceptable behavior, potentially undermining the company's commitment to ethical conduct and social responsibility. (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) What are the options available to you in this case? (c) Which option would you choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"You are posted as a District Collector in one of the districts of Himachal Pradesh. The district comes under Seismic Zone V and is susceptible to landslides during monsoon season. The state has already recorded 35 major landslides since the onset of monsoon this year, which is twice as compared to the previous year. Recently, you got an advisory from the State Disaster Management Authority regarding prediction of heavy rainfall in some areas of your district. You have been categorically told to evacuate local people from unsafe houses that have developed cracks and are vulnerable to sinking. However, you face stiff resistance from local residents who are apprehensive to leave their houses fearing damage to their properties in their absence. The local opposition leader is also putting pressure on the district administration citing its failure in controlling unplanned and haphazard construction in this sensitive area. Moreover, you find that there have been many unplanned construction of hotels and resorts in these areas flouting the Himachal Pradesh Town and Country Planning Act, 1977. This is despite several warnings by environmental experts and the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority. (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) Mention the course of action that you will take in above case. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8202,"topper":"Sushma Sagar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/f36e0-1370539_1837_sushma-sagar_rank-733.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain why altruism constitutes one of the core values in public life. In this regard, suggest some measures to foster altruistic behaviour in public services. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Certain actions can be right even though they do not maximize good consequences, for the rightness of such actions consists in their representing certain norms. Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"With the help of appropriate examples, discuss the ethical challenges involved in policing in India. Also, highlight the reasons behind corruption in the police force. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"A right combination of spirit and structure is integral to ethical corporate governance. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"It is not only public servants, but also the common citizens who play a key role in institutionalising high standards of ethical conduct and good governance. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Public administration in India suffers from the 'working-in-silos' culture. In this context, discuss the importance of cooperation, coordination and collaboration for efficient governance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"While emotional intelligence is an essential tool for a public servant, it can also be misused to manipulate people to act against their own interests. Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Social influence is an ambivalent concept. It can be a source for good, bad and even for evil. Discuss with the help of relevant examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Effective public service delivery demands a people-centric approach, which is built upon coordination and leverages technology. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Highlight the important teachings of Kautilya that are relevant to public services in 21st century India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.\" Nelson Mandela (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":34,"question":"You are a CEO-founder of an edTech company. You are under tremendous pressure from the investors in your company to increase the profitability of the company and undertake downsizing. After making a few bad acquisitions, the company's finances have taken a huge hit in the last couple of years. The downsizing is suggested with the hope that the company's profitability would rise, as it often does when mass layoff or downsizing decisions are carried out. Moreover, the investors have hinted that such measures would attract further investment from them, which has come as a ray of hope considering the ongoing volatile market conditions and slowdown in big-ticket fundings. Given the situation, rumors of unscrupulous firing have started doing the rounds among employees. It has increased apprehensiveness and reduced cohesiveness among them. You have informed the investors that the cost cutting exercise can affect the output as well as reputation of the company in the long-run. However, they are adamant to pursue the same. (a) Identify the stakeholders and ethical issues involved in the case. (b) You and the HR team have identified some options and are deliberating to put them across to the investors for consideration. Discuss the merits and demerits of each of these: (i) Identifying key high performers and offering them suitable positions before implementing the layoff decision. (ii) Putting the terminated employees on retainer to work part-time. (iii) Executing the lay off order in the same spirit as it was asked by the investors and letting them deal with the long-term consequences. (iv) Improving the perception of fairness among the existing and terminated employees and moving ahead with the layoffs. (c) Without restricting yourself to the above options, discuss the course of action you will take, and provide adequate reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"Identify the stakeholders and ethical issues involved in the case. (b) You and the HR team have identified some options and are deliberating to put them across to the investors for consideration. Discuss the merits and demerits of each of these: (i) Identifying key high performers and offering them suitable positions before implementing the layoff decision. (ii) Putting the terminated employees on retainer to work part-time. (iii) Executing the lay off order in the same spirit as it was asked by the investors and letting them deal with the long-term consequences. (iv) Improving the perception of fairness among the existing and terminated employees and moving ahead with the layoffs. (c) Without restricting yourself to the above options, discuss the course of action you will take, and provide adequate reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"There is an ongoing ethnic civil war in a neighbouring country. The conflict has caused massive displacement of people from the country. Ironically, the developed countries have closed off their borders to the refugees on account of the COVID-19 pandemic, resource competition, domestic politics etc. With countries sealing off their borders, the refugees are left in a vulnerable situation and many are taking illegal routes to enter your country. As a Senior Official of your country's Ministry of External Affairs, you have been involved in discussions with officials of other nations and are entrusted with the mandate to design a national policy to safely accommodate India bound refugees. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) Discuss the moral issues related to the rights of international refugees, especially those from conflict-torn regions. (b) What recommendations would you suggest given the large influx of refugees in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Social interactions where a person is addressed by their correct name and pronouns, consistent with their gender identity, are widely recognized as a basic and yet critical aspect of gender affirmation. A national university invited speakers for a discussion on rights of sexual minorities in India. The panel included speakers representing a wide variety of opinions and perspectives on the issue. The debates, though largely peaceful, witnessed a controversy. A college association representing sexual minorities took offence against a panellist who cautioned against self-identification by sexual minorities and the liberal use of pronouns. The association reached out to the media and the localised controversy soon turned into a national issue across news networks and social media. The association demanded that the panellist apologise for his views and issue a public statement in this context. The panellist, on the other hand, seemed unmoved by the issue. In the meantime, the University has come under huge pressure to resolve the issue. The Vice Chancellor set up a Committee to look into the matter and its peaceful resolution. You have been appointed as the Chairperson of the Committee. In this regard, answer the following questions: (a) Discuss the various moral issues involved in the case. (b) Keeping the right to freedom of speech and expression in mind, highlight the steps you would take to resolve the issue and list arguments in support.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"You are a young athlete representing India at an international-level competition. To your surprise, during the competition, you witness a few senior athletes injecting something using a syringe in private. When you approach them, they explain that it is a performance enhancing drug, which is very common in such competitions and you should take the same as well. You are aware that if these players get caught in a doping test, it may damage India's reputation. You are confused and afraid of the repercussions and decide to approach the coach to discuss the event you witnessed. However, you get to know that the athletes are taking the drug on the advice of the coach himself. (a) What would you do in this scenario? Discuss the options available to you and chart your course of action. (b) What are the reasons behind the use of performance enhancing drugs in competitive sporting events? How can this practice be minimized?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8203,"topper":"Sushma Sagar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/27763-1370539_1837_sushma-sagar_rank_890.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain why altruism constitutes one of the core values in public life. In this regard, suggest some measures to foster altruistic behaviour in public services. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Certain actions can be right even though they do not maximize good consequences, for the rightness of such actions consists in their representing certain norms. Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"With the help of appropriate examples, discuss the ethical challenges involved in policing in India. Also, highlight the reasons behind corruption in the police force. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"A right combination of spirit and structure is integral to ethical corporate governance. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"It is not only public servants, but also the common citizens who play a key role in institutionalising high standards of ethical conduct and good governance. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Public administration in India suffers from the 'working-in-silos' culture. In this context, discuss the importance of cooperation, coordination and collaboration for efficient governance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"While emotional intelligence is an essential tool for a public servant, it can also be misused to manipulate people to act against their own interests. Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Social influence is an ambivalent concept. It can be a source for good, bad and even for evil. Discuss with the help of relevant examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Effective public service delivery demands a people-centric approach, which is built upon coordination and leverages technology. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Highlight the important teachings of Kautilya that are relevant to public services in 21st century India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.\" Nelson Mandela (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":40,"question":"There is an ongoing ethnic civil war in a neighbouring country. The conflict has caused massive displacement of people from the country. Ironically, the developed countries have closed off their borders to the refugees on account of the COVID-19 pandemic, resource competition, domestic politics etc. With countries sealing off their borders, the refugees are left in a vulnerable situation and many are taking illegal routes to enter your country. As a Senior Official of your country's Ministry of External Affairs, you have been involved in discussions with officials of other nations and are entrusted with the mandate to design a national policy to safely accommodate India bound refugees. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) Discuss the moral issues related to the rights of international refugees, especially those from conflict-torn regions. (b) What recommendations would you suggest given the large influx of refugees in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"You are a young athlete representing India at an international-level competition. To your surprise, during the competition, you witness a few senior athletes injecting something using a syringe in private. When you approach them, they explain that it is a performance enhancing drug, which is very common in such competitions and you should take the same as well. You are aware that if these players get caught in a doping test, it may damage India's reputation. You are confused and afraid of the repercussions and decide to approach the coach to discuss the event you witnessed. However, you get to know that the athletes are taking the drug on the advice of the coach himself. (a) What would you do in this scenario? Discuss the options available to you and chart your course of action. (b) What are the reasons behind the use of performance enhancing drugs in competitive sporting events? How can this practice be minimized?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8204,"topper":"Sushna sagar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/45e8c-1370539_1840_sushna-sagar_rank-733.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"While fixed-term employment offers an ingenious way to address specific issues faced by both employers and employees, there are also some concerns associated with it. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"An efficient logistics sector with a focus on warehousing is pivotal to the success of the Bharatmala Pariyojana. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'irrigation scheduling'? Bringing out the advantages provided by it, discuss the difficulties faced in applying it on a farm level. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"While the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana was touted as the largest crop insurance scheme globally in terms of farmer participation, various concerns have arisen since its implementation. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The Stockholm Conference commenced the contemporary \"environmental era\", which brought a paradigm shift in the environmental governance and set a tone for multi-lateral environmental regime. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The world has witnessed a huge surge in climate-induced disasters, which are largely driven by anthropogenic factors. In this context, analyse the role of early warning systems in mitigating the impact of the disasters. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Critically examine the implications of leveraging technology in policing. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"How far do you agree with the view that climate change poses a threat to international peace and security? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by a virtual private network (VPN)? Highlight its advantages and discuss the concerns posed by it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The discovery of the Higgs Boson at the Large Hadron Collider in CERN completed 10 years recently. In this context, discuss the role played by CERN in overall scientific development. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlighting the factors that affect the cropping pattern in India, discuss the need for modifying it in the context of the emerging agro-ecological concerns. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"While the budgetary reforms undertaken by the Central government in recent years have led to better management of government expenditure, there are some issues that still need redressal. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"For India to create a 'future ready' railway system, it must harness innovation and resource efficiency. Discuss the statement in the context of the measures enlisted in the National Rail Plan 2030. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the significance of technology in the Indian agricultural sector. Also, state the challenges in realising its potential to improve agricultural efficiency and increase the income of the farmers. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite the digital transformation in the Public Distribution System (PDS) in India, several challenges still remain. Elaborate. Also, suggest measures to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss the various concerns that exist with regard to fuel efficiency regulations for vehicles in India. Also, suggest the measures that can be taken in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Urban fire is becoming a serious cause of concern in Indian cities. In this context, highlight the major causes behind urban fires in India. What steps can be taken to build robust fire resilience in Indian cities? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8205,"topper":"Sushna sagar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/95ff5-1370539_1839_sushna-sagar_rank-733.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"An independent umbrella body that brings the various central investigative agencies under one roof holds the key to shoring up their credibility. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the significance of the Doctrines of Pith and Substance and Colourable Legislation with respect to Centre-state relations in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Do you agree with the view that there should be simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and the State Legislative Assemblies in India? Discuss with suitable arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss the need for codification of parliamentary privileges in India, in light of the uncertainty and ambiguity around them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"While the Civil Services Board can be a step forward in making the Indian bureaucracy more effective, it has its own issues which need to be addressed. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Highlight the potential of India Digital Ecosystem Architecture (IndEA) 2.0 in transforming the ecosystem of service delivery in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What is Civil Registration System? Highlight its importance and discuss the measures taken by the government to bring about improvements in it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and Their Rehabilitation Act, 2013, provides an effective mechanism for empowerment of the intended beneficiaries in the society. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the reforms that must be undertaken to strengthen the World Trade Organisation in order to address the vulnerabilities in the present global trading system. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"State the significance of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Also, discuss the need for a legally binding Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Critically assess the role played by the National Human Rights Commission as a watchdog of human rights violations in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Discuss how the integration of information and communications technology (ICT) in the dispute resolution processes will help in overcoming the challenges associated with the functioning of courts and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) forums. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite various provisions concerning disqualification of legislators under The Representation of The People Act, 1951, the issue of criminalization of politics is still unresolved to a large extent in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"It is time for reforms, which recognise that urban local bodies (ULBs) need permanent, buoyant revenue sources to match the growing demands of an increasing urban population. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The role of the civil society organisations (CSOs) in India is changing in contemporary times and has become increasingly more complex. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Though the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) aims to address the inequity in development in India, there are a number of issues which plague the scheme. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Highlighting the factors responsible for the growth of EdTech sector in India in recent times, discuss its benefits. Also, state the concerns associated with it. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Bring out the role of Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers in delivering health services in rural India. Also, suggest the measures that can be taken to overcome the challenges faced by them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss the various concerns that have arisen for India after the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan. Also, suggest the measures that India should take in the given context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Bangladesh is not only a key part of India's \"Neighbourhood First policy\" but also crucial for the \"Act East policy\". In this context, discuss the steps taken by the two countries to strengthen their relationship. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8206,"topper":"Suvan Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ec56e-88099_2422_suvan-sharma_rank_148.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. The traditional theatre forms of India reflect the ideals and emotions of the society, and an individual's role in the community. Discuss with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. Provide an account of the historical and architectural importance of the Sanchi Stupa. Also, discuss how it inspired the future architecture in India.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. Bhagat Singh made a real breakthrough in terms of revolutionary ideology, the goals of revolution and forms of revolutionary struggle. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. Bringing out the factors that led to the Meiji restoration, discuss its significance for Japan.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. It is believed that a nation is an \"imagined community\" held together by common beliefs, history, political aspirations etc. In this context, discuss what the basis of India as a nation is. Also, bring out the threats to the concept of Indian nationhood. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. State the key factors behind the growth of the pharmaceutical industry in India. Additionally, discuss its significance with regard to India's economy and public health.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. Discuss why the Bay of Bengal is more prone to cyclones than the Arabian Sea. Also, explain the reasons for the decrease in frequency of tropical cyclones during the Southwest monsoon season.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. Despite being destructive in nature, volcanoes are critical for the existence of human life on earth. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. The existence of relative deprivation is an important aspect in constructing the argument for regionalism. Explain with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. If India is to realise the goal of 'education for all', the issue of rising cases of bullying and other forms of school violence needs to be addressed immediately. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. Bring out the role played by the Ahom Kingdom in shaping the cultural and historical identity of North-East India, and discuss its legacy in contemporary times.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. The capitalist class generally remained ambivalent in their support to the Indian National Congress until 1940s. In this context, analyse the varying positions of the Indian capitalists throughout the national movement.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. Trace the evolution of the press in India. Also, discuss the instrumental impact it had during various stages of the Indian freedom struggle despite the repressive policies of the British.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. Highlighting the factors behind the formation of different types of deserts give a brief account of the major landforms found in them.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. Mountains are fragile ecosystems vulnerable to the adverse impact of climate change and other anthropogenic interventions. Illustrate with examples. Also, highlight the initiatives taken for their sustainable management.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. Discuss the reasons behind unsustainable management of sand resources in India. Highlighting its impact, enumerate the remedial measures taken in this context.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. Giving an account of the major lithium-producing countries, discuss the geo-political aspects of lithium production and its environmental implications.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. The youth are capable of identifying themselves with a global identity and connecting with events and experiences outside their countries. In this context, discuss the impact of globalization on the various aspects of youth identity.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"3 Clash in social identities leading to psychological distress.\na) Identity 1 on Social Media - Globalised, Global Village, Equality, Achievement based\nIdentity 2 at home - Primordial, Native Village, Hierarchy, Ascribed status","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"19. As fertility rates decline in India, future demographic concerns center around an ageing population and a weak social security system. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. With a significant proportion of India's population expected to live in urban areas by 2030, the welfare of the urban poor needs to take centre-stage in public policy. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8207,"topper":"Suvan Sharma","air":148,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SUVAN-SHARMAUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-148-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1 \"India's democratic roots are deeply embedded in its ancient civilizational ethos.\" Discuss in the context of India being referred to as the 'Mother of Democracy'.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Elucidate the significance of tiger and elephant figures in Indian mythology, art and architecture.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3 The arrival of Lord William Bentinck marked a period of transformation in the British Indian State. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Explain how the American War of Independence deprived Great Britain of one empire, but it strengthened the foundations of another.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) What are Rare Earth Elements (REEs)? Discuss the multi-dimensional implications of uneven distribution of REEs in the world.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) Highlight the salient differences between the Himalayan and the Peninsular drainage Systems.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7 Describe the nature and mode of origin of the main types of rock at the earth's crust.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) The alienation of modern lifestyles from nature has contributed to the ongoing environmental crisis in India. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 What do you understand by the term ‘urbanisation of poverty’? Also, explain how urban poverty differs from rural poverty in India?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 Globalization has redefined the idea of community and kinship in Indian society. Do you agree? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 The flourishing of various art forms during the Kushana period reflects the rich and diverse cultural landscape of the time. What insights does this provide into the socio-cultural aspects of that era?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 Trace the events that led to the Civil Disobedience Movement. What were its outcomes?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13) Mahatma Jyotirao Phule's reformist ideas played a significant role in shaping the social foundations of the Indian freedom movement. Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 The interlinking of rivers offers several benefits, but also raises significant socio-economic and environmental concerns. Analyze.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15) Explain the concept of rain shadow effect. How does it influence the distribution of precipitation and vegetation across mountain ranges?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 Bring out the major features of the Indian monsoon and elaborate upon its causative factors.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17) What are the geographical factors responsible for the growth of mangrove vegetation in India? Also highlight its role in coastal ecology.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 To what extent can the rise of 'Kidfluencers' be seen as a reflection of changing family structures and parental aspirations in Indian society?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Women often form the backbone of grassroots movements in India, yet they remain largely invisible and excluded from the decision-making process. Examine.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 Do you agree with the view that social media is a 'double edged sword'? Discuss in the context of its impact on Indian society.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8208,"topper":"Suvan Sharma","air":148,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SUVAN-SHARMAUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-148-Sample-MGP-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) To what extent, in your opinion, have the ideals of the Preamble been realised in the country's 75-year constitutional journey?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) The evolution of property rights in India reflects an intricate relationship that exists between individual rights and public welfare. Discuss this statement with the help of relevant constitutional provisions and case laws.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3 Under what conditions can the ‘National’ Emergency be proclaimed by the President of India? What are the consequences when such a proclamation remains in force? When was it last imposed in the country?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4 ‘Lack of a binding framework for pre-legislative consultations in India limits citizen engagement in the lawmaking.’ Propose measures to strengthen the role of public consultation in the legislative process.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) 'The recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission have enabled the States to improve their fiscal conditions.' Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6 In what ways do industry and business associations contribute to socio-economic development in the country? Explain with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7 \"India’s poverty lies in the eyes of the beholder.\" In light of this statement, examine the need for a credible and periodically updated poverty estimation framework in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 falls short of achieving its intended objectives. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 'Starved of funds, shackled by geopolitics, WHO is facing a crisis of capacity and credibility.' Discuss the statement in the light of USA's withdrawal and its accusation of the health body of being 'biased towards China and mishandling the COVID-19 pandemic'.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 The world continues to operate in a ‘my terrorist’ versus ‘your terrorist’ paradigm. Explain. What strategies would you suggest to develop a unified, comprehensive, and rules-based global approach to tackle the menace of terrorism?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 Briefly explain the procedure laid down in the Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1951 for the registration of political parties with the Election Commission of India (ECI). What are Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs)? What concerns are associated with them? Does the ECI have powers to de-register a political party?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 Assess the role of NITI Aayog over the past decade in promoting cooperative and competitive federalism.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 'The post of Deputy Speaker goes beyond ceremonial significance and is indispensable to Indian parliamentary democracy.' Discuss with relevant constitutional provisions and conventions. Also, examine the implications of the prolonged vacancy of the Deputy Speaker's post.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) Is the growing demand for stricter regulation of online content justified, or does it pose a threat to the right to freedom of speech and expression? Examine in light of recent judicial pronouncements.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Critically examine the 'in-house procedure' adopted by the Apex Court to inquire into allegations of misconduct against judges of constitutional courts in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 Recent controversies over alleged malpractices in the electoral rolls have renewed demands for the mandatory linkage of Aadhaar with Voter ID. What is your opinion? Give reasons in support of your answer.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 Lateral entry into civil services is seen as a reformative step, yet it continues to attract criticism and controversy. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 While rankings aim to benchmark the performance of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), concerns remain about whether current ranking frameworks reflect the broader goals of education. Suggest measures to make the ranking system more objective, inclusive, and aligned with educational and societal outcomes.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"13 Are broader goals of education reflected?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Examine the factors behind the growing salience of the Arctic region in international politics. Discuss, in this context, strategies for India to recalibrate its Arctic engagement.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 Bangladesh is a key pillar of India's Neighborhood First policy, but recent developments on both sides threaten to disrupt the 'Sonali Adhyay' in bilateral relations. Analyze.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"5 Growing anti-India sentiment fuelled by radicalisation and Rohingya issue hinder joint cooperation on security issues\ni) Teesta Water Sharing\n2) India's role as global giant\n3) Support for UNSC reforms\n4) Global South leadership\n5) Connectivity of North East\n6) Indian technology growth & assistance to Bangladesh rep Roopur nuclear plant\n7) Energy security as packed LPG has to be provided to North East","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8209,"topper":"Suvan Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/828d7-88099_2423_suvan-sharma_rank_148.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. With suitable examples, discuss how environmental pressure groups enhance public participation and responsiveness with regard to environmental policies in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. The recent acknowledgment of sex work as a 'profession' by the Supreme Court is merely the first step in ensuring basic rights and equality for sex workers in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. Discuss the role played by District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) in providing free legal aid and disseminating legal awareness in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. \"The collegium system has become a victim of its own success, with the concentration of power in the hands of a few, leading to questions about its legitimacy.\" Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. \"Civil services reforms must go beyond recruitment and standardised training to cope with the present day challenges.\" Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. Outcome-based finance models such as social impact bonds have the potential to truly catalyse change and deliver socio-economic impact at scale. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. The wide gap between the number of females graduating every year and those entering the workspace is an issue of paramount importance that needs to be addressed. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. An up to date and functional Civil Registration System (CRS) is essential to the socio-economic planning in India. Discuss in the light of the recent move of the Central government in revamping the CRS system in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. What are the key areas of reform if the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has to align with the current economic realities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. In recent years, India's relationship with West Asia has evolved from the confines of geopolitics to expanse of geoeconomics. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. The role of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) is significant in furthering healthy competitiveness aimed at inspiring stakeholders to innovate and augment effectiveness. Comment.","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. \"The menace of paid news often rears its ugly head during elections,\" Discuss the need for making paid news an electoral offence in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. Discuss the 'Doctrine of Essentiality' referred to by the courts in the context of religious practices in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. As per the recently released report of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), there is an urgent need to limit the size of the government in India. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. The Institutions of Eminence (IoE) scheme was conceived to develop 'world-class' centres of higher education in India but six years later, it is yet to become the game changer it was intended to be. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) allows for innovative and convenient public services, help overcome inclusion or accessibility barriers, and increase transparency and accountability with real-time data. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. Besides legislation, the full realisation of the 'right to health for all' in India demands plugging of social, financial, and infrastructural gaps. Examine.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. The 'third gender' has not yet been engendered in the Indian society despite legislative nudge. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. Among other factors, strained ties with China and Pakistan make it difficult for India to fulfill its expectations from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. The recently concluded initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) between the United States and India promises a long overdue transformation of their partnership in the field of technology. Examine.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8210,"topper":"Suvan Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Visionias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3a4ee-88099_2424_suvan-sharma_rank_148.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. What are the different dimensions of food security? Examine India's status in terms of ensuring food security with regard to these dimensions.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. Modern technologies such as blockchain and ChatGPT are powerful tools with immense potential to transform agriculture into a more efficient and sustainable sector. Discuss in the context of India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. What factors have led to the recent acceleration in the trend towards de-dollarization of the global economy? Do you think the dollar will lose its dominance anytime soon?","marks":null,"words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. Despite significant pressure from the developed countries to alter its food subsidy regime, there is merit in India trying to retain its policy support for the poor in the country. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. Several initiatives have been taken by the government towards addressing India's water needs, but the issues of water availability and water quality still warrant prioritised intervention. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. What are the major drivers of glacial retreat in the Arctic? Describe the potential impact of the retreat of Arctic glaciers on the ecosystem.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. Space tourism, which was viewed as something straight out of a science fiction movie, is now becoming a reality albeit not without hindrances. What are the challenges associated with space tourism? What measures can be taken to address these challenges? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. Global health experts widely believe that the development of CAR-T cell therapy can be a game changer in the treatment of cancer. How can CAR-T cell therapy overcome the limitations of CRISPR-Cas9 technology? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Discuss why the rising deployment of new and emerging technologies by prominent violent extremist organizations demand concerted global efforts.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. With the Line of Actual Control (LAC) remaining tense after the Galwan and Yangste incidents and both India and China ramping up infrastructure in the border areas, discuss the role that ITBP plays in the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. Do you think there is a need for a shift from 'land productivity' to 'irrigation water productivity' in India? Justify your answer. What are the challenges in making this shift? Explain.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. Examine the role that green hydrogen can play in unlocking the energy security of India. How can the National Green Hydrogen Mission help India in achieving its energy goals? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. The government has been weighing a transition from minimum wage to living wage in recent times. What are the benefits and constraints in the adoption of living wage in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. The Union Budget affects almost every sector of the Indian economy, yet neither the budgetary processes nor the budget policies come under substantial public scrutiny. Do you agree? Justify your answer.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. India has been able to transform itself from a milk deficit country to the world's biggest milk producer, but the productivity of dairy animals in the country remains a concern. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. While climate change is responsible for crop failures, the agricultural sector itself is partly responsible for extreme weather events. Discuss. What strategy has been adopted under National Agriculture Disaster Management Plan to strengthen the resilience of the farming community in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. Some regions in India, including Delhi, are highly vulnerable to the impact of earthquakes originating in the Himalayas. Discuss. What institutional measures have been taken to mitigate earthquake losses in India? Do you think there are significant gaps that still exist? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. Recently, scientists announced net energy gain in nuclear fusion reaction, which is considered as a major scientific breakthrough for the future of clean energy. What are the advantages of nuclear fusion based power generation? What are the limitations in using it to generate electricity at a commercial scale? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. Keeping in view the recent amendment, examine the efficacy of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, in tackling the menace of money laundering in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. Discuss the security threats present in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), which have a direct bearing on India's maritime border interests. Suggest a robust strategy to deal with these threats.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8211,"topper":"Suvan Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e91f9-88099_2425_suvan-sharma_rank_148.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. (a) For effective corporate governance to take place in the coming years, why is it important to integrate the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics with the multi-stakeholder approach? What benefits can be accrued by such integration? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"1. (b) In acts of corruption, the focus is often only on the demand side of the equation, on public officials who abuse their office for private gain. Frequently, the supply side is given less attention. Those who pay bribes are sometimes depicted as innocent parties and victims of extortionary practices of wily public servants. Do you agree that 'collusive corruption', in which there is a willing bribe-giver, is a formidable challenge for institutions fighting corruption?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"2. (a) The Citizens' Charters initiative was a response to the quest for solving the problems, which a citizen encountered, day in and day out, while dealing with the organisations providing public services. But the introduction and implementation of Citizens' Charters in the government of India has been difficult due to the old bureaucratic set up and the rigid attitudes of the work force. Discuss the major obstacles that have been encountered in implementing the Citizens' Charter initiative.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"2. (b) Quality of public service delivery is a major determinant of the quality of life of vulnerable sections in a highly unequal society divided along the lines of class, caste, religion, etc. In this background, do you think that public service delivery is efficient and sufficient enough to improve the lives of vulnerable groups in India? Critically examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"3 (a) What do each of the following quotations mean to you?\n(a) “The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own.” - Lao Tzu (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"3. (b) \"If ethics are poor at the top, that behavior is copied down through the organization.\" - Robert Noyce.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"3. (c) \"The end of law is not to abolish or restrain, but to preserve and enlarge freedom.\" - John Locke (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"4. (a) Wealthy CEOs and founders of successful businesses around the world are increasingly pledging to give away their wealth in philanthropy. Do you think that such a move is sufficient enough to bring about a positive change in the society? Critically examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"4. (b) As organizations across the globe begin their artificial intelligence (AI) transformation, the leap into the AI era is expected to be more challenging than any technology that businesses have grappled with yet. In this background, discuss the concerns around fairness, transparency, and job security that may arise.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"5. (a) The emphasis of Swami Dayanand Saraswati on education, social equality, and ethical values continues to influence the socio-cultural discourse in contemporary India. Discuss with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"5. (b) Write short notes on the following in 30 words each :\n(i) Dedication to public service\n(ii) Non-partisanship in civil service\n(iii) Objectivity in decision-making","marks":"2 x 5 = 10","words":"30 words each"},{"page":28,"question":"6. (a) Emotional intelligence may not be singularly associated with emotions or intelligence. It can also include a broad range of personality characteristics that might predict success in professional and everyday life. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":30,"question":"6. (b) Traditional forms of state-led accountability, also characterised as vertical and horizontal channels of accountability, are increasingly found to be inadequate, and a myriad of multi-stakeholder and bottom-up citizen directed approaches have come to the fore, to supplement or supplant them. Discuss with illustrations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"7 In the context of this case, answer the following:\n(a) What are the issues involved in this case?\n(b) What measures can be taken to reduce the adverse effects of such technologies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"With reference to this case study, answer the following:\n(a) What are the issues involved in this case?\n(b) What measures can be taken to minimize the negative implications of adopting such technologies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"8 दी गई स्थिति में:\n(a) रीना को किन दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\n(b) उसके पास क्या विकल्प हैं? प्रत्येक के गुण और दोष बताइए।\n(c) उसके द्वारा अपनाई जाने वाली कार्रवाई को रेखांकित कीजिए, साथ ही उसका औचित्य सिद्ध कीजिए। (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"In the given situation:\n(a) What dilemmas does Rina face?\n(b) What options does she have? Provide the merits and demerits of each.\n(c) Highlight the course of action she should adopt, along with justification for the same.","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":42,"question":"9 You have recently been posted as a Nodal Education Officer in one of the districts, where mass cheating in examinations is a regular phenomenon. Media reports have shown parents and relatives scaling school walls and buildings to pass answer chits to students taking secondary school examinations in the district. Moreover, with the advent of new technological devices, cheating in examinations has become more sophisticated and exam rules are flouted openly. On investigation, it has come to your notice that these rackets are run by many school authorities, including exam invigilators who are mostly teachers, and they are hand in glove for profits. With a shortage of staff, invigilators threaten go on mass strikes if any action is taken. Conducting the exams, cancelling them on account of cheating and having re-exams are a loss of time and money for the government and this vicious cycle goes on.\n\nAs the Nodal Education Officer of the district, address the following questions:\n(a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\n(b) How will you resolve the issues in the given case?\n(c) What long-term strategy needs to be adopted to deal with the menace of cheating in various examinations? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"10. उपयुक्त जानकारी के संदर्भ में, निम्नलिखित पर ध्यान दीजिए:\n(a) प्रस्तुत प्रकरण में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दे कौन-से हैं?\n(b) महासागरों की संधारणीयता पर प्रतिकूल प्रभाव डाले बिना किसी राष्ट्र के आर्थिक विकास के दृष्टिकोण को कैसे प्राप्त किया जा सकता है? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"In the context of the above-stated information, address the following:\n(a) What are the ethical issues in the given case study?\n(b) How can the vision of economic development of a nation be achieved without adversely affecting the sustainability of oceans? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"11 (a) आप एक जिला मजिस्ट्रेट हैं और यह क्षेत्र आपके क्षेत्राधिकार में आता है। दोनों पक्षों के लोग अपनी शिकायतें लेकर आपके पास आए हैं। आप दोनों दृष्टिकोणों में सामंजस्य स्थापित करने के लिए क्या करेंगे?\n(b) कार्रवाई के निम्नलिखित संभावित तरीकों के गुण और दोषों का उल्लेख कीजिए:\n(1) क्षेत्र के निवासियों के विरोध को नजरअंदाज करना और धार्मिक पूजा स्थल को मौजूद नियमों के अनुसार बनाने की अनुमति दे देना।\n(2) नए पूजा स्थल पर भरोसा करने वाले हजारों उपासकों को निराश करते हुए, निवासियों से सहमत होकर निर्माण पर रोक लगा देना।\n(3) एक समझौते के रूप में, आपके द्वारा पूजा स्थल पर भवन निर्माण संबंधी अतिरिक्त नियमों को लागू किया जाना या डिजाइन में संशोधन पर बल दिया जाना। (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":53,"question":"(a) You are a District Magistrate and the area lies in your jurisdiction. People from both sides have approached you with their grievances. What would you do to reconcile the two points of view?\n(b) Mention the merits and demerits of the following potential courses of action:\n(1) Ignore the opposition from the residents of the area and allow the place of religious worship to be built in accordance with the existing regulations.\n(2) Prohibit the construction, agreeing with the residents while causing distress among the thousands of worshippers counting on the new place of worship.\n(3) As a compromise, you place additional building regulations on the worship place or insist on modifications to the design. (Answer in 250 words)\na) You are a District Magistrate and the area lies in your jurisdiction. People from both sides have approached you with their grievances. What would you do to reconcile the two points of view?\nb) Mention the merits and demerits of the following potential courses of action:\n(1) Ignore the opposition from the residents of the area and allow the place of religious worship to be built in accordance with the existing regulations.\n(2) Prohibit the construction, agreeing with the residents while causing distress among the thousands of worshippers counting on the new place of worship.\n(3) As a compromise, you place additional building regulations on the worship place or insist on modifications to the design.","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"12. You are a public representative, elected on the ticket of a political party, considered as conservative by many. Your daughter, who has returned years after studying abroad, has conveyed to you her choice of marrying a person from another community. You personally do not consider anything wrong in her choice, and convey your assent to her. You also discuss it with many among your friends and family, and inform them of a grand wedding ceremony you are planning for your daughter. However, a few days after you have shared the news of the forthcoming grand wedding with many, you are informed by your political secretary about an issue being made of the same. He informs you that there are whispers among many people in your constituency about it, and indications of a sense of unease among some prominent citizens. While most of them are enamoured by your plans for a grand wedding ceremony for your daughter, they are unhappy about the bridegroom being from another community. You also get to know through your sources in the party, that your assent to the choice of the bridegroom may lead to a denial of ticket by the high command in the forthcoming elections. You are not only an ambitious politician and a rising star in your political party but also an open-minded, loving and doting father. But howsoever much you love your daughter's freedom and choices, you do not want her decision to adversely affect your political journey. This is more so, when you had been eagerly looking forward to greater responsibilities and a higher stature in the party, given the years of hardwork you have put in, as a politician. Your daughter, on the other hand, is firm with her choice and does not want her impending grand wedding to be affected in any way.\n(a) उपयुक्त प्रकरण में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दे कौन-से हैं?\n(b) एक पिता और एक महत्वाकांक्षी राजनीतिज्ञ के रूप में आपके पास उपलब्ध विभिन्न विकल्प क्या हैं?\n(c) आपकी कार्रवाई का तरीका क्या होगा? उचित तर्क सहित पुष्टि कीजिए। (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":58,"question":"Given this situation, answer the following:\n(a) What are the ethical issues in the above situation?\n(b) What are the various options that you have, as a father and an ambitious politician?\n(c) What will be your course of action? Justify with proper reasoning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":8212,"topper":"Suyash","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c7a64-269847_1417_suyash_dwivedi_rank_94.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"1. Dadabhai Naoroji left an indelible imprint on the national movement. Explain.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"2. The Quit India movement marked a new direction in the struggle against the British colonial rule in India. Analyse","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"3. The end of World War II marked the birth of a new international order.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"4. The Simla Agreement (1972) and Lahore Declaration (1999) are two key milestones in the history of the Indian subcontinent. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"5. Social security should not only involve economic empowerment but also social empowerment. Discuss in the context of India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"6. Explain with examples how globalisation is manifested in both local in the global and the global in the local.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"7. In light of persistence of various forms of violence against women in India, discuss the ways in which the issue can be addressed effectively.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"8. What is an urban forest? Highlight its benefits and steps taken by the government to promote urban forestry in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"9. How has globalization impacted the location of the IT industry?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"10. How can eco-tourism be used to sustainably harness the potential of tourism industry in India? Discuss the challenges and steps taken by the government in this context.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"11. The advent of Buddhism and Jainism was instrumental in the development of architecture in ancient India. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"12 The reactionary policies of Lord Lytton and the liberal policies of his successor Lord Rippon acted as catalyst in the formation of the Indian National Congress. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"13. Gandhiji changed his methods of struggle against the British from time-to-time to suit the varied circumstances and problems that needed to be tackled. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"14. Bring out the relationship between the industrial revolution and the advent of imperialism in different parts of the world.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"15. The caste system in India has continued to persist by adapting itself to a variety of changing socio-economic and political conditions in the past few decades. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"16. It is argued by some that regionalism is a threat to national integrity while others consider it as a highly impactful tool in facilitating political participation. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"17. Natural gas has become an important primary energy source and its consumption is projected to increase further. Identify various usages of natural gas and give a brief account of its distribution globally.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"18. Describe the process of rift valley formation, with special emphasis on the Great Rift Valley System.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"19. India's water resources have witnessed rapid depletion due to a mix of economic, geographic, and political factors. Explain and discuss its implications.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"20. How are plateaus formed? Also, briefly discuss the features of the Deccan plateau and its economic significance.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8213,"topper":"Suyash Dwivedi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ce5c5-269847_3281_suyash_dwivedi_rank_94.pdf","questions":[{"page":11,"question":"What is mindset? How is it different from an individual?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Why is Right mindset needed?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"How can mindset destroy a person?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"How can right mindset be cultivated?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Does anyone chooses to be poor?\n If no one chooses to be poor, then whose crime is it that almost 200 million people in India find their life constrained?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8214,"topper":"Suyash Dwivedi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c1279-269847_1509_suyash_dwivedi_rank_94.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. The architecture of Vijayanagara kingdom has a distinctive style comprising of unique features. Elaborate with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"2. Although the tenure of Lord William Bentinck was short, it was marked by enduring reforms. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"3. While the Indian capitalists were not in favour of protracted mass civil disobedience, many of them also acknowledged the utility, even necessity, of civil disobedience in getting crucial concessions for their class and the nation. Explain.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"4. American Revolution was a constitutional crisis brought on by the irreconcilability of Britain's imperial interests and the colonists' experience in self-government. Explain.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"5. Explaining the phenomenon of Western Disturbance, discuss its impact on the Indian weather system.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"6. Arabian Sea, a cyclone shy water body, is converting into a cyclone hotbed. Analyse the reasons behind this trend.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"7. Despite the Peninsular India being a stable land mass and a region of slight seismicity, it has witnessed several earthquakes. Discuss with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"8. Despite all the long strides towards women's rights to property and inheritance in India, there still exist challenges that need to be addressed. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"9. It has been observed in India, while the population has stabilised in southern states, this remains a pipe dream in the case of northern states. Analyse the reasons behind this trend.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"10. Globalisation is affecting the attitudes and aspirations of youth in India in multifarious ways. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"11. Identifying its major forms, broadly trace the evolution of classical dance in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"12. The acceptance of partition by the Indian National Congress was only the last stage of the process of gradual concessions given to the Muslim League. Critically discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"13 Over the course of the freedom struggle, especially after the Indian Council's Act of 1892, nationalist leaders in India transformed the Imperial Legislative Council, from a powerless machine functioning as a tool of endorsement of government policies into a forum for ventilating popular grievances. Discuss","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"14. Despite its advocacy for peaceful resolution of disputes, highlight the factors that prompted India to use force to remove Portuguese colonial rule from its territories after independence.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"15. The roots of the present Israel-Palestine conflict may be traced back to ancient history, however it is the 20th century which has shaped it in its modern form. Explain.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"16. Draw out a comparison between Savanna and Steppe types of climate in terms of economic and geographical aspects.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"17. Give an account of the deposits of different types of minerals found in the ocean relief across the world.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"18. Discuss the problems and prospects of the cotton textile industry in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"19. As Indian cities are undergoing rapid urbanization with burgeoning population, state policies and actions have proved to be inadequate to address the corresponding challenges. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"19. As Indian cities are undergoing rapid urbanization with burgeoning population, state policies and actions have proved to be inadequate to address the corresponding challenges. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"20. Nation doesn't negate the concept of region. Discuss the idea in the Indian context","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8215,"topper":"Suyash Dwivedi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ca7b4-269847_3612_suyash_dwivedi_rank_94.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"a) As AI systems become deeply embedded in societal frameworks, it is imperative to ensure their design and deployment prioritize human well-being, equity, and fairness. In this context, what values should guide the development of trustworthy, human-centered AI systems? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Ethical leadership is crucial for fostering good governance, as it emphasizes core values such as justice, accountability, and equity. In the face of diverse and challenging scenarios, how can ethical leadership drive transformative change in governance and decision-making? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Integrity and impartiality are cornerstones of ethical public service, ensuring that decisions are not influenced by personal gains or biases. Upholding these values becomes challenging in situations where external pressures conflict with administrative responsibilities. Examine the importance of integrity and impartiality in civil services. How can a civil servant navigate external pressures to maintain these values while delivering effective governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) Transparency is not just a tool to combat corruption but a fundamental practice that upholds the integrity and legitimacy of public institutions. Examine the above statement with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Cultivation of mind should be the ultimate aim of human existence\" - Dr. B.R. Ambedkar (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"\"The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good.\" - Samuel Johnson (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Examine the role of social media in shaping moral and political attitudes in contemporary society. Suggest guiding principles for fostering responsible and ethical social media usage. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"While Emotional Intelligence (EI) can be a powerful tool for strengthening interpersonal relationships and achieving goals, its misuse raises ethical concerns of manipulating emotions for personal or political advantage. Discuss the dual-edged nature of EI in this context.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Preventive measures play a crucial role in curbing corruption in the long run. In this context, what are the existing preventive mechanisms that aim to prevent corruption? Do you think similar mechanisms should be institutionalized at the organizational level to ensure greater accountability and transparency? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"A public servant's primary duty is to recognise the importance of public interest and ensure that it is upheld. How can a public servant balance professional responsibilities while ensuring the public good is effectively served? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"With the increasing role of the corporate sector in wealth generation and employment, ethical governance has become essential. Identify and discuss the ethical principles that should guide the corporate sector to ensure the interests of stakeholders and societal well-being.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"How does whistleblowing influence trust and accountability in governance? Analyse the ethical dilemmas involved in whistleblowing. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"In the following questions, carefully study the cases presented and then answer the questions that follow (in around 250 words):\n(a) इस प्रकरण में शामिल प्रमुख हितधारकों की पहचान कीजिए और उनके संबंधित हितों का विश्लेषण कीजिए।\n(b) आर्थिक विकास, पर्यावरणीय संवेदनशीलता और जनजातीय अधिकारों के बीच संतुलन बनाने में अधिकारी द्वारा सामना की जाने वाली नैतिक दुविधाओं पर चर्चा कीजिए। (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"around 250"},{"page":30,"question":"a) Identify the key stakeholders involved in the case and analyze their respective interests.\nb) Discuss the ethical dilemmas faced by the officer in balancing economic development, environmental sustainability, and tribal rights. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"8 (a) Identify and analyze the ethical issues involved in the case.\n(b) Discuss the possible courses of action available to Akshay. What would be the most ethical and appropriate course of action in this situation? Justify your response. (Answer in 250 words)\na) Identify and analyze the ethical issues involved in the case.\nb) Discuss the possible courses of action available to Akshay. What would be the most ethical and appropriate course of action in this situation? Justify your response. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"(a) भ्रामक सूचना संबंधी संकट से निपटने में इशिता द्वारा सामना की जाने वाली नैतिक दुविधाओं की पहचान कीजिए।\n(b) अभिव्यक्ति की स्वतंत्रता, सार्वजनिक व्यवस्था और सरकारी निर्देशों के बीच संतुलन बनाने में इशिता द्वारा क्या कार्रवाई की जानी चाहिए? अपने उत्तर को औचित्य सिद्ध कीजिए।\n(c) प्राकृतिक आपदाओं के दौरान भ्रामक सूचना को रोकने के लिए क्या कदम उठाए जा सकते हैं? (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":40,"question":"(a) Identify the ethical dilemmas faced by Ishita in handling the misinformation crisis.\n(b) What should be Ishita's course of action in balancing freedom of speech, public order, and government directives? Justify your response.\n(c) What steps can be taken to prevent misinformation during natural disasters? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"10. As a Quality Control Officer at the India unit of a multinational corporation (MNC), you face a serious ethical issue—products sold in India are of inferior quality compared to those in developed countries, potentially compromising consumer safety.\n(a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\n(b) What are the options available to the Quality Control Officer to address this issue?\n(c) What responsibilities do corporations have towards consumers in different markets?","marks":null,"words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":49,"question":"1 You are the District Magistrate of a district renowned as the hub for coaching centres specializing in engineering and medical entrance exams. Recently, the district has witnessed a tragic rise in student suicides, with five students in the age group of 15-18 years taking their own lives. These students, who came from various parts of the country, sought admission to prestigious institutions like IITs and AIIMS but were subjected to immense academic and social pressure. The coaching centres, which are largely managed by influential political figures from the ruling party, are reported to have prioritized rankings and revenue generation over the well-being of students. The institutes are said to categorize students into high-performing and low-performing batches, creating additional stress. Many of these students, living in paying guest accommodations or hostels, face isolation, emotional strain, and mental health challenges. Moreover, investigations have uncovered the emergence of a black market for performance-enhancing drugs among students who, under extreme pressure, resort to unethical means to improve their academic standing.\n(a) Highlight the stakeholders involved and discuss the associated ethical issues in the given case.\n(b) Given the situation, what will be your course of action as the District Magistrate?\n(c) Discussing the various reasons for the increasing number of suicides among students, suggest long-term measures to address this issue. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"12 (a) Identify the key stakeholders involved in the case and analyze their respective interests.\n(b) Discuss the ethical dilemmas faced by Priya in balancing urban development, heritage conservation, and the rights of local communities. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8216,"topper":"Suyash Dwivedi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/42993-269847_1511_suyash_dwivedi_rank_94.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. Despite a vast coast line and a number of waterways, why has India not been able to achieve its potential in bringing a significant modal shift from rail and road to waterways?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"2. The move to establish a National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development, to reverse the drag on India's growth potential will have its own set of challenges. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"3. Highlighting the issues related to the current fertilizer subsidy regime in India, discuss the need for reforms in this context.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"4. Identifying the need for a climate resilient agriculture in India, discuss how it can be achieved.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"5. Mega Food Parks (MFPs) were considered to be a game changer for the food processing sector in India, but their progress remains stunted. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"6. Give an account of the challenges associated with rapidly increasing biomedical waste in India. Also, state the key features of the Bio-medical Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2018.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"7. What do you understand by impact based forecasting in disaster management? How can such forecasting strengthen the disaster management preparedness?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"8. Low Earth Orbit is becoming increasingly crowded as countries race to launch satellites into space. Highlighting the associated issues, discuss international efforts taken in this regard.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"9. Enumerating the existing measures to counter bio-terrorism in India, highlight the need for a bio-terrorism law.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"10. Discuss the potential of \"Integrated Law Enforcement Centres\" and \"Smart Walls\" on India's border areas to address the prevailing security challenges.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"11. Farm loan waivers are neither adequate nor recommended for promoting sustained agricultural growth. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"12. A number of initiatives in recent years have focussed on the MSME sector. Why is there a need to focus on this sector? Also, identify the measures taken by the government and further scope of action.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"5. Mandatory procurement of about 20% by Central agencies and PSUs from MSME what can further be done","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"13. Skilling the Indian population faces a 3E challenge - Education, Employment and Employability. Discuss. Also suggest interventions required to effectively manage this challenge.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"14. Despite its importance, agricultural marketing faces various institutional and infrastructural related issues in India. Elaborate. Also, enlist the measures that have been taken in this context.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"15. Marine litter is not just an environmental issue but poses a socio-economic challenge as well. Discuss. Also, enumerate the initiatives taken by the global community to reduce marine litter.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"16. Assess India's vulnerability to flash floods and suggest measures for better resilience to flash floods. In this context, also briefly highlight the significance of recently launched Flash Flood Guidance System (FFGS) operated by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"17. Hydrogen based energy production can play a key role in a clean, secure and affordable energy future. In this context, identify the potential and opportunities for utilising hydrogen based technologies. What are the challenges that need to be addressed to fulfill the potential?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"18. Despite the huge promise of satellite-based internet connectivity, it hasn't gained traction on a significant commercial scale, especially in India. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"19. India's attempts at strengthening its intelligence infrastructure and capabilities have historically been reactive and incremental, rather than holistic and sustainable. Discuss. Also, provide a concrete framework in transforming the country's intelligence capabilities.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"20. In light of the prominent instances of drone attacks by both state and non state actors, assess the challenges and capabilities of India in dealing with such security threats.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8217,"topper":"Suyash Kumar Singh","air":159,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Suyash-Kumar-Singh-UPSC-IAS-2023-Toppers-AIR-159-Sample-MGP-Essay-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":26,"question":"India cannot eliminate poverty unless it tackles inequality first.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"There is no education like adversity","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8218,"topper":"Suyash Kumar Singh","air":159,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Suyash-Kumar-Singh-UPSC-IAS-2023-Toppers-AIR-159-Sample-MGP-Essay-Copy.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8219,"topper":"SWAMI SHUBHAM","air":523,"year":2020,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"IAS Delhi Institute","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ddzaCLwVeVsOa5s2mcjj5Q_JTZs0-oVj/view?usp=share_link","questions":[]},{"id":8220,"topper":"SWAMI SHUBHAM","air":523,"year":2020,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"IAS Delhi Institute","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qqg0FBB0Aw1Gsg8iLy0Yv462iGbwfjOG/view?usp=share_link","questions":[]},{"id":8221,"topper":"SWAMI SHUBHAM","air":523,"year":2020,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"IAS Delhi Institute","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UU4Iv8f3Wt2o_etBOBbX9jy6NbxeZ8cg/view?usp=share_link","questions":[]},{"id":8222,"topper":"SWAMI SHUBHAM","air":523,"year":2020,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"IAS Delhi Institute","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/15uz_5dUmKcNj3fC7sn9e2-HCy_Znpxhn/view?usp=share_link","questions":[]},{"id":8223,"topper":"SWAMI SHUBHAM","air":523,"year":2020,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"IAS Delhi Institute","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MyRF2515upeSIpON9UXtp9teN6SLq6YY/view?usp=share_link","questions":[]},{"id":8224,"topper":"Swapnil Khare","air":43,"year":2016,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"IMS4Maths","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://ims4maths.com/coaching/files/CSE-Successful-Student-AIR-43-SWAPNIL-KHARE-T-6.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8225,"topper":"Swapnil Khare","air":43,"year":2016,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"IMS4Maths","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://ims4maths.com/coaching/files/CSE-Successful-Student-AIR-43-SWAPNIL%20KHARE-T-7.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8226,"topper":"Swapnil Khare","air":236,"year":2014,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"IMS4Maths","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://ims4maths.com/coaching/files/Swapnil-Khare-Test-2-Copy.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8227,"topper":"Swarnim Bhardwaj","air":417,"year":2022,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://academy.forumias.com/optional-test-series/slider%20Image/Swarnim-Bhardwaj.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8228,"topper":"SWARNIM CHOUDHARY","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/SWARNIM-CHOUDHARY-UPSC-2024-Rank-258-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"To what extent, in your opinion, Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in India have enabled women led development at the grassroot level? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Narrow understanding of disability has marginalised people suffering from mental disorders. Elucidate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) addresses the need for interoperability in health services through a unified health interface. Elaborate its significance in digitising the health care ecosystem. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Objectives of a welfare government remains incomplete without a progressive ecosystem for the children's development. Discuss with special emphasis to recently passed Juvenile Justice Amendment Act, 2021. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Decriminalization of homosexuality by the SC in Navtej Singh Jauhar case remains a task half done, specially without the socio-political sensitisation about the issues faced by LGBTQIA+ community. Elaborate in light of ongoing debates on same sex marriage. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"India's \"balancing act\" in the ongoing Ukraine crisis is borne out of mature strategic thinking rather than mere necessities. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What do you understand by Non-Aligned-Movement (NAM)? Is India's foreign policy still guided by the principles of non-Alignment? Justify. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Built upon common democratic values and shared vision of strategic autonomy, India-France bilateral ties exude a promise of stability, growth, and security in a time of geo-political flux and uncertainty. Do you agree? Substantiate your answer. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"As an important attribute of soft power, \"Knowledge diplomacy\" has the potential to further various objectives of foreign policy. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The profound impact of the data revolution and widespread smartphone usage has necessitated the use of digital tools in welfare programmes. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":24,"question":"The critical reason for poor public health indicators in India goes beyond recognition of right to health as fundamental right. Do you think that a statutory framework alone can ameliorate the situation? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Reforming the education infrastructure through digital interventions is a progressive step, but it has its limitations too. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"The unique attributes and strengths of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and the government make them complimentary to one another in the governance and developmental process. Comment. Evaluate the need for effective and progressive regulation of the NGOs. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"How far have Forest Rights Act, 2006 and PESA Act, 1996 been successful in attaining their desired objectives? What needs to be done to improve their implementation on ground? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Enduring effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have exacerbated existing issues of poverty and hunger. Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Instability in its neighbourhood combined with displacement and humanitarian crisis don't augur well for India's interest in the region. Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"The new cold war between the USA and China may have the effect of casting a long shadow on India's strategic interests from Pacific to Atlantic. Evaluate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"For creation of a stable, peaceful and prosperous multipolar order, UN Security Council (UNSC) reforms are an urgent imperative. Examine the statement and present a case for India's permanent membership in UNSC. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Presidency of G20 is but a reflection of India's quest for a more just and polycentric world order, where the voice of the global south is mainstreamed not muzzled. Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8229,"topper":"SWATHIKA R P","air":456,"year":2022,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"IAS Delhi Institute","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qh0cjhTrIlTgQeaNDR4mzegcWN169gYv/view?usp=sharing","questions":[]},{"id":8230,"topper":"Swati Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1d624-368701_2488_swati_sharma_17.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"A mind all logic is like a knife all blade, it makes the hand bleed that uses it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"History is a cyclic poem written by time upon the memories of man.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The wise man does at once what the fool does finally.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The world is a tragedy to those who feel, but a comedy to those who think.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Perfect clarity would profit the intellect but damage the will.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8231,"topper":"Swati Sharma","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Swati-Sharma-UPSC-2023-Rank-17-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand from land subsidence? Explaining various reasons behind land subsidence, recommend measures to arrest the calamity. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Despite being rich in forest resources, why do tropical regions have limited growth of the lumbering industry in comparison to temperate regions? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What are the suitable conditions for the formation of a tropical cyclone? Also, bring out differences between a tropical and an extra-tropical cyclone. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Elucidate the differences between Western and Indian model of secularism. To what extent do you agree with the criticism that Indian model of secularism is susceptible to promoting minority appeasement? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the multi-dimensional implications of uneven distribution of semiconductor industry in the world. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Examining the reasons behind erratic Monsoon, highlight the possible outcomes of the same. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Why is Antarctic becoming an area of renewed human interest? Examine the significance of Antarctic bill, 2022 in protecting India's interest in the region. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"How does the Eastern coast of India differ in its geographical features from the western coast? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Explain the meaning of colour-coded weather warnings for: a) Rainstorms b) Thunderstorms c) Duststorms (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"How has globalization and urbanization impacted the Indian family system? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Coral reefs are considered to be at the epicentre of marine ecology; however, their existence is threatened due to a plethora of anthropogenic and natural causes. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Discuss the causes for salinity ingress along with its various consequences and potential solutions. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The economic and strategic significance of mineral wealth of a country cannot be seen in isolation from the associated socio-ecological impacts, of their extraction. Discuss in light of the newfound lithium reserves in Northern India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Examine the reasons behind generation of regional sentiments? Do you agree that regional sentiments and cultural assertiveness may lead to the issue of separatism? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Explain the mechanism and occurrence of earthquake. With the help of map given below, throw light upon the vulnerability of regions affected by earthquake and earthquake related disasters. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Enumerating different types of tides, highlight their significance. Also, explain how tides are different from waves. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"With special reference to India, elucidate how globalisation-a multifaceted phenomenon- has had positive socio-economic outcomes on one hand and widened the gaps between the haves and have nots on the other? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What makes India one of the most vulnerable regions to climate change? Discuss the role of governments, citizens, and businesses in building climate resilience. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"All deserts are rain deficit, but are formed due to different reasons. Discuss. Also, analyse various adaptations in the flora and fauna to survive the water deficit conditions. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8232,"topper":"Swati Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ccc1d-368701_2423_swati_sharma_rank_17.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With suitable examples, discuss how environmental pressure groups enhance public participation and responsiveness with regard to environmental policies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The recent acknowledgment of sex work as a 'profession' by the Supreme Court is merely the first step in ensuring basic rights and equality for sex workers in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the role played by District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) in providing free legal aid and disseminating legal awareness in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"The collegium system has become a victim of its own success, with the concentration of power in the hands of a few, leading to questions about its legitimacy.\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":8233,"topper":"Swati Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8b944-368701_2422_swati_sharma_rank_17.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The traditional theatre forms of India, reflect the ideals and emotions of the society, and an individual's role in the community. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Provide an account of the historical and architectural importance of the Sanchi Stupa. Also, discuss how it inspired the future architecture in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Bhagat Singh made a real breakthrough in terms of revolutionary ideology, the goals of revolution and forms of revolutionary struggle. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Bringing out the factors that led to the Meiji restoration, discuss its significance for Japan. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"It is believed that a nation is an \\u201cimagined community\\u201d held together by common beliefs, history, political aspirations etc. In this context, discuss what the basis of India as a nation is. Also, bring out the threats to the concept of Indian nationhood. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"State the key factors behind the growth of the pharmaceutical industry in India. Additionally, discuss its significance with regard to India's economy and public health.(Answer in 150words)10","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss why the Bay of Bengal is more prone to cyclones than the Arabian Sea. Also, explain the reasons for the decrease in frequency of tropical cyclones during the Southwest monsoon season. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite being destructive in nature, volcanoes are critical for the existence of human life on earth. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The existence of relative deprivation is an important aspect in constructing the argument for regionalism. Explain with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"If India is to realise the goal of 'education for all', the issue of rising cases of bullying and other forms of school violence needs to be addressed immediately. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Bring out the role played by the Ahom Kingdom in shaping the cultural and historical identity of North-East India, and discuss its legacy in contemporary times. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The capitalist class generally remained ambivalent in their support to the Indian National Congress until 1940s. In this context, analyse the varying positions of the Indian capitalists throughout the national movement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Trace the evolution of the press in India. Also, discuss the instrumental impact it had during various stages of the Indian freedom struggle despite the repressive policies of the British. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Mountains are fragile ecosystems vulnerable to the adverse impact of climate change and other anthropogenic interventions. Illustrate with examples. Also, highlight the initiatives taken for their sustainable management. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind unsustainable management of sand resources in India. Highlighting its impact, enumerate the remedial measures taken in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Giving an account of the major lithium-producing countries, discuss the geo-political aspects of lithium production and its environmental implications. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The youth are capable of identifying themselves with a global identity and connecting with events and experiences outside their countries. In this context, discuss the impact of globalization on the various aspects of youth identity. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"As fertility rates decline in India, future demographic concerns center around an ageing population and a weak social security system. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"With a significant proportion of India's population expected to live in urban areas by 2030, the welfare of the urban poor needs to take centre-stage in public policy. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8234,"topper":"Swati Sharma","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Swati-Sharma-UPSC-2023-Rank-17-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"It was neither her Coal and Iron reserves, nor the inventions of steam engine and cotton mills, but her democracy and rule of law that made Britain the epicentre of Industrial Revolution. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"In its extent, reach, and revolutionary zeal, Civil Disobedience Movement has a unique place in India's freedom struggle. Elucidate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"How will you explain that Vaishnavism and Shaivism as followed in medieval India represent both local traditions and universal ideals? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Explore and evaluate the impact of new technologies on Indian society. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Why did Hinduism-which amalgamated and absorbed almost every diverse faith, tradition, belief and practice that arose from within or outside, within its fold- failed to assimilate Islamic cultural beliefs and practices? Give reasons. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Arab-Israel conflict is as much a result of their internal contradictions as an outcome of manipulative tactics of the imperial powers. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Numismatics is a vital tool in deciphering the history of country. Explain the statement in Indian context with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"How far do you agree that emergency was imposed to save individual vested interests and not the nation? In what ways emergency acted as an inoculation against upheaval of democracy in the future? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Ecological conservation and social justice are twin objectives of the environmental movements in Independent India. Analyse. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What were the various challenges faced by India at the time of its independence? To what extent has the country succeeded in tackling these challenges? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Congress was criticised to be a safety valve but played a seminal role in uprooting the British rule from the country. Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Dravidian temple architecture that came of age during the rule of the Pallavas, could reach its zenith only at the time of the imperial Cholas. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What were the reasons for the revolt of 1857? Highlighting the factors responsible for its failure, discuss its impacts. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Highlight the reasons why pre-independence women movements were led by men. Also analyse the contribution of women-led socio-economic movements in post-independence India in mainstreaming and successfully redressing the concerns of women. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The reality of India's relations with the colonial economy belied the propaganda of white man's burden. Elaborate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"In the contemporary times, the conventional conceptualization of the institution of marriage as well as family is facing evolutionary changes. Do you agree? Justify. To what extent have the state and market played a role in this? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Sangam literature provides a vivid account of the contemporary economic and socio-cultural life. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Ideas of social justice, collectivism, and equality defined the socialist movements in 19th century Europe, but their impact was restricted due to several reasons. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Bring out the reasons and consequences of the spurt in child marriages in recent years. What steps can be taken beyond the legal realms to tackle the menace? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8235,"topper":"Swati Sharma","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Swati-Sharma-UPSC-2023-Rank-17-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) sector provides opportunities for India to become a leader in knowledge economy; however, there is a need to democratise its access in order to harness its complete potential. Analyse. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Defense indigenization remains the Achilles heel of India's security architecture. Examine the importance of startups in defense sector to make India secure and self-reliant. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"DPI (Digital Public Infrastructure) is indispensable for digitally enabling citizens and businesses; however, the challenges of exclusion, exploitation, and monopolisation cannot be ignored. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Project cheetah marks a departure from India's efforts for conservation of various critically-endangered species. In this perspective, do you think the reintroduction of major fauna that has gone extinct is justified? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What do you understand from Green growth? With special reference to the budget 2023-2024, discuss various government measures, to propel green growth in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Unplanned urbanization has made Indian cities vulnerable to fire safety hazards. Discuss and recommend measures for mitigating urban fires, with special reference to national building code, 2016. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Edge in modern warfare lies not so much in the capacity to overwhelm the adversary as much in the ability to nip the threat in the bud. In this context, discuss the role of intelligence, in maintaining national security, and also cite challenges associated. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Highlighting different kinds of cyberthreats faced by India, evaluate the current status of cybersecurity framework in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Money laundering is a global problem that cannot be solved by isolated responses. Discuss the statement and also suggest ways to curb the menace. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Assess the relevance of the NISAR mission in observing and managing climate change and natural hazards. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What do you understand by nanotechnology? In what ways can nano-technology aid in so-cio-economic growth of the country? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Warming ocean temperatures, oxygen loss and ocean acidification form a deadly trio for marine ecosystem that can have irreversible repercussions for environment as well as economy. Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Examine the factors that heightens the vulnerability of Indian cities, to urban floods. In light of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) guidelines on urban floods, discuss suitable mitigation and management strategy. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Though Naxalism is showing a downward trend, it is not only thriving in its core areas of influence but also changing its form. Analysing the reason for its retreat, underline the factors behind its continuance. Also, discuss measures towards eliminating LWE from the country altogether. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Across sectors and regions, the most marginalised sections are also the most affected by the impacts of climate change. Explain. Also, present a case for a climate resilient model of development, that integrates mitigation and adaptation measures. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Though ethnic fault lines are a major threat, security challenges in the North-East are not confined to the same. Discuss the statement with special reference to Manipur. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Critically examine the role of development initiatives in addressing the root causes of militancy/ terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"What do you understand by generative Artificial Intelligence (AI)? How can policymakers and regulatory bodies effectively address the concerns and challenges posed by generative AI? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8236,"topper":"Swati Sharma","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Swati-Sharma-UPSC-2023-Rank-17-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Where the roots of private virtue are diseased, the fruit of public probity cannot but be corrupt. What do you understand by probity? Discuss ways of inculcating probity in public life. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Evaluate the role of citizen's charter in making governance citizen centric. Also, recommend some measures to make citizen's charters more effective. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"While successful managers make profit for their organizations, it is leaders who build successful organizations. In light of this statement, differentiate between a manager and a leader. Examine why leadership is considered a foundational value for a civil servant. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Right to Information Act, 2005, aims to make the governance process transparent and accountable, however, the sunshine legislation is beset with several challenges. Analyse. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Uniform Civil Code (UCC) aims to create a common set of laws governing personal matters, such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption, irrespective of individuals' religious affiliations. In the context of the ongoing discourse on UCC in India, examine the challenges that arise when attempting to reconcile legal principles with diverse moral considerations. To what extent should the law be influenced by moral/religious principles? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"\"Why should a man be moral? Because it strengthens his will.\" - Swami Vivekanand. In this perspective, discuss the significance of morality for bringing efficiency and effectiveness in public administration. Do you think moral rigidity can be a hindrance in good governance? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Civil servants who embody emotional intelligence exhibit a profound understanding of the human aspect of governance, enabling them to cultivate meaningful relationships, foster cooperation, and drive positive change. Examine ways in which Emotional Intelligence can be inculcated in civil servants. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The challenges posed by the corporate sector's impact on climate, environmental sustainability, and living conditions has highlighted the need for responsible and inclusive business practices. In this direction, the contemporary discourse on corporate governance is emphasizing the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. Evaluate the ESG framework in equipping the corporate world with the capabilities to fulfill its social roles and responsibilities. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What does each of the following quotation mean to you? a) \"Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom\"-Thomas Jefferson (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":58,"question":"You are the managing director of an upcoming advertising company which has made a name for itself in the market in a very short time. Varun is a star employee of your company who has consistently given good performance. Some of the most popular advertisements of the company, in recent times, have been an outcome of Varun's creative ideas. Since his joining, Varun has helped in almost doubling the revenues of the company, by bringing new clients and improving the brand equity of the company. You place high value in Varun's professional competence and are in the process of giving him a bigger responsibility in the company. However, you have been hearing rumours from various sections about the attitude of Varun towards his female colleagues. It has come to your notice that Varun is habitual of passing loose and lewd comments on the female employees of the company. Furthermore, Varun regularly sends indecent messages on phone to all the employees, including female workers. One day, Geetanjali, an employee working in Varun's team comes to you visibly disturbed. She complains to you about the repeated misbehaviour of Varun towards her. She informs you that Varun has on many occasions made undesirable physical advances towards her. She also tells that last evening before her shift was about to end, Varun called her in his cabin and tried to touch her inappropriately. She requests you to conduct an enquiry by the internal complaints committee (formed under POSH Act). She also tells you that in case appropriate action is not taken against Varun, she will be forced to resign from her position. You personally know Geetanjali as a dedicated and honest employee of the company. You are aware that she is the sole breadwinner of her family and has to support her teen-age brother and ailing mother. You also understand that unless the situation was really serious, Geetanjali would not have thought of resignation. On the other hand, an enquiry against Varun may affect the financial growth of the company. Also, you know that if Varun is fired for his actions, many big clients may leave the company. a) What are the ethical issues involved in this case study? b) Evaluate the different options available to you. In this situation, which option will you adopt and why? c) What steps will you take to ensure a safer workplace for women in your company? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":8237,"topper":"Swati Sharma","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/284a5-368701_2425__swati_sharma_rank_17.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"For effective corporate governance to take place in the coming years, why is it important to integrate the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics with the multi-stakeholder approach? What benefits can be accrued by such integration? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In acts of corruption, the focus is often only on the demand side of the equation, on public officials who abuse their office for private gain. Frequently, the supply side is given less attention. Those who pay bribes are sometimes depicted as innocent parties and victims of extortionary practices of wily public servants. Do you agree that 'collusive corruption', in which there is a willing bribe-giver, is a formidable challenge for institutions fighting corruption? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Citizens' Charters initiative was a response to the quest for solving the problems, which a citizen encountered, day in and day out, while dealing with the organisations providing public services. But the introduction and implementation of Citizens' Charters in the government of India has been difficult due to the old bureaucratic set up and the rigid attitudes of the work force. Discuss the major obstacles that have been encountered in implementing the Citizens' Charter initiative. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Quality of public service delivery is a major determinant of the quality of life of vulnerable sections in a highly unequal society divided along the lines of class, caste, religion, etc. In this background, do you think that public service delivery is efficient and sufficient enough to improve the lives of vulnerable groups in India? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? \"The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own.\" - Lao Tzu (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"If ethics are poor at the top, that behavior is copied down through the organization.\" - Robert Noyce (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"The end of law is not to abolish or restrain, but to preserve and enlarge freedom.\" - John Locke (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Wealthy CEOs and founders of successful businesses around the world are increasingly pledging to give away their wealth in philanthropy. Do you think that such a move is sufficient enough to bring about a positive change in the society? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"As organizations across the globe begin their artificial intelligence (AI) transformation, the leap into the AI era is expected to be more challenging than any technology that businesses have grappled with yet. In this background, discuss the concerns around fairness, transparency, and job security that may arise. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The emphasis of Swami Dayanand Saraswati on education, social equality, and ethical values continues to influence the socio-cultural discourse in contemporary India. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Emotional intelligence may not be singularly associated with emotions or intelligence. It can also include a broad range of personality characteristics that might predict success in professional and everyday life. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"In a metropolitan city of India, the law enforcement authorities decided to adopt facial recognition technology to improve their crime-fighting capabilities. They implemented a facial recognition system that integrated with existing surveillance cameras across the city, allowing real-time identification and tracking of individuals. The system was intended to assist in identifying known criminals, missing persons, and suspects in ongoing investigations. One evening, a woman reported a mugging incident where the perpetrator wore a hoodie, obscuring most of his face. The victim provided a vague description to the police, and based on that information, the authorities decided to use facial recognition technology to locate potential suspects. The system scanned through hours of surveillance footage from various locations near the crime scene. The facial recognition algorithm generated a list of potential matches, and one individual's image stood out as a close match to the description provided by the victim. The police considered this individual a prime suspect and proceeded with his arrest. Subsequently, it was discovered that the arrested person was innocent. Further investigation revealed that the facial recognition system had misidentified the innocent individual due to the limitations of the technology and the partial description provided by the victim. The police released the arrested individual; still his reputation got tarnished for life. He, along with his family, was evicted from their current place of residence. The psychological impact of the incident has been tremendous owing to which his job is also on the line. With reference to this case study, answer the following: (a) What are the issues involved in this case? (b) What measures can be taken to minimize the negative implications of adopting such technologies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"With reference to this case study, answer the following: (a) What are the issues involved in this case? (b) What measures can be taken to minimize the negative implications of adopting such technologies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Rina and her friends from the college were working as interns with a company for the last few months. On completion of their internship, some of them, including Rina, have been offered full-time jobs in the company. Being a reputed company, she and her friends accepted the offer. Rina is enthusiastic about her new job and has even established good relationship with some of her company co-workers during her internship. However, during her tenure as an intern, Rina had begun to notice that one of the Vice-Presidents (VPs) of the company was giving her too much attention. He used to make an extra effort to stop by Rina's cubicle and chat, something he was not doing with any of the other interns. He had even tried to connect with Rina over social networking sites. Some of her co-interns also noticed this and began to make offhand comments to Rina about the extra attention being given by the VP. Now that she was has been hired for a full time position, she is fearful that she might have to work with this VP directly. While he has not done or said anything explicitly inappropriate, the extra attention and the fact that her co-workers noticed it, made her very uncomfortable and undermined her concentration at work. The company encourages an open and friendly atmosphere and when she was hired, it was communicated to her that she should always speak to her Manager whenever faced with any uncomfortable work related issues. However, she is concerned to speak about it officially, as the VP has not done anything explicitly wrong. In the given situation: (a) What dilemmas does Rina face? (b) What options does she have? Provide the merits and demerits of each. (c) Highlight the course of action she should adopt, along with justification for the same. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"In the given situation: (a) What dilemmas does Rina face? (b) What options does she have? Provide the merits and demerits of each. (c) Highlight the course of action she should adopt, along with justification for the same. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"You have recently been posted as a Nodal Education Officer in one of the districts, where mass cheating in examinations is a regular phenomenon. Media reports have shown parents and relatives scaling school walls and buildings to pass answer chits to students taking secondary school examinations in the district. Moreover, with the advent of new technological devices, cheating in examinations has become more sophisticated and exam rules are flouted openly. On investigation, it has come to your notice that these rackets are run by many school authorities, including exam invigilators who are mostly teachers, and they are hand in glove for profits. With a shortage of staff, invigilators threaten go on mass strikes if any action is taken. Conducting the exams, cancelling them on account of cheating and having re-exams are a loss of time and money for the government and this vicious cycle goes on. As the Nodal Education Officer of the district, address the following questions: (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (b) How will you resolve the issues in the given case? (c) What long-term strategy needs to be adopted to deal with the menace of cheating in various examinations? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Many proponents of deep-sea drilling argue that tapping into the vast amount of rare earth elements in the Indian Ocean will help shore up national security interests for India, bolster its economy and workforce, and offer a reliable supply of strategic minerals. Keeping this in mind, the government has approved a $540-million programme to study ways of mining nickel, cobalt, manganese and iron hydroxide from the bed of the Indian Ocean 6,000 meters below sea level. The government argues that the project can power India's growth for 100 years. It will also study climate change, explore marine flora and fauna and harness thermal energy. However, a competing point of view alleges that deep ocean drilling poses immense risk to the environment. A comprehensive report on Sustainable Ocean Economy by independent geologists states that \"until the need for, and potential consequences of, deep-sea mining are better understood, the concept is conceptually difficult to align with the definition of a sustainable ocean economy and raises various environmental, legal and governance challenges, as well as possible conflicts with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.\" It also highlights that the profitability of national mining operations, without governmental support or comparably low taxes, remains questionable. If the operations are profitable, it will raise questions about the equitable sharing of profits derived from a resource taken out of the common heritage of mankind. Additionally, companies like BMW, Volvo, Google and Korean battery maker Samsung SDI, vowed in a statement to not buy metals produced from deep-sea mining until the environmental risks of the activity are \"comprehensively understood.\" In the context of the above-stated information, address the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the given case study? (b) How can the vision of economic development of a nation be achieved without adversely affecting the sustainability of oceans? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"You are a public representative, elected on the ticket of a political party, considered as conservative by many. Your daughter, who has returned years after studying abroad, has conveyed to you her choice of marrying a person from another community. You personally do not consider anything wrong in her choice, and convey your assent to her. You also discuss it with many among your friends and family, and inform them of a grand wedding ceremony you are planning for your daughter. However, a few days after you have shared the news of the forthcoming grand wedding with many, you are informed by your political secretary about an issue being made of the same. He informs you that there are whispers among many people in your constituency about it, and indications of a sense of unease among some prominent citizens. While most of them are enamoured by your plans for a grand wedding ceremony for your daughter, they are unhappy about the bridegroom being from another community. You also get to know through your sources in the party, that your assent to the choice of the bridegroom may lead to a denial of ticket by the high command in the forthcoming elections. You are not only an ambitious politician and a rising star in your political party but also an open-minded, loving and doting father. But howsoever much you love your daughter's freedom and choices, you do not want her decision to adversely affect your political journey. This is more so, when you have been eagerly looking forward to greater responsibilities and a higher stature in the party, given the years of hard work you have put in as a politician. Your daughter, on the other hand, is firm with her that her wedding will not be held as a private ceremony with only close friends and family, but should be publicised in a grand way, as you had promised earlier to her. Given this situation, answer the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the above situation? (b) What are the various options that you have, as a father and an ambitious politician? (c) What will be your course of action? Justify with proper reasoning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8238,"topper":"Sweta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/sweta-test-5-1747638706289.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the elements of urbanization discuss how agriculture played a pivotal role in the enduring (10 marks, 150 words) success and longevity of the Harrapan Civilization.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Quit India Movement marked the awakening of the nation's soul and brought diverse sections together in a unified vision of Independence. Discuss (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Analyze the impact of World War II in accelerating the process of decolonization in Asia and Africa. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss the various types of sedimentary rocks and their formation processes. What is the economic significance of sedimentary rocks? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are the characteristics of anticyclonic circulations, and how do they influence weather patterns over the Indian subcontinent? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What is coral bleaching, and what are its main causes? Also, evaluate the role of marine protected areas (MPAs) in the conservation of coral reefs. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Discuss the role of economic corridors in fostering regional economic integration and development. How do projects like the Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor (CBIC) align with India's broader economic growth strategies? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What is gender fluid identity, and what are the LGBTQ community's ongoing challenges to full societal inclusion and equal treatment? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"How does the interplay between regional and national identities fuel the emergence of regionalistic sentiments? How can we balance regional identities with broader national identity? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"How do various cultural practices and traditions contribute to the idea of \"Unity in Diversity\"? Provide examples to support your argument. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What is the significance of Stupa art in the context of Buddhist architecture and culture? Discuss its various elements and symbolism and their role in coveying Buddhist beliefs. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"\"The dual struggle against entrenched social customs and colonial dominance was a prominent feature of socio-religious reform movements in 19th century India.\" How did the socio-religious reform movements of 19th century India respond to colonial cultural and ideological hegemony? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"How did the British policies contribute to the de-industrialization of India, and how did this process affect the lives of Indian artisans and the broader economy? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What are the factors that lead to the formation of local winds? Discuss their impact on the weather and climate in various regions, providing relevant examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What are the primary drivers of freshwater scarcity in megacities like Bangalore and Hyderabad? Suggest comprehensive solutions that address both supply and demand aspects of urban water management. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What is the Blue Revolution? What are the significant hurdles in aquaculture development, and what comprehensive strategies can be implemented to address them? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What are the key factors influencing the establishment of large-scale solar farms in India, and what are their environmental and social impacts? How can India balance the expansion of solar energy with the need to protect biodiversity and local ecosystems? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"In what ways do social media platforms perpetuate and challenge social inequalities and power structures? Provide a critical analysis. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Give a comparative analysis of the tribal and mainstream societies. Is tribal society more progressive than mainstream society? Argue with examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"In what ways does poverty intersect with other social problems like caste, social stratification, and gender inequality? What comprehensive strategies do you suggest to address these interrelated issues? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8239,"topper":"Sweta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/sweta-test-1-1747638625178.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Examine the role of numismatic evidence in understanding the political and economic history of ancient India. Provide specific examples.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Assess the impact of women's organizations in mobilizing women across diverse socio-economic and regional backgrounds in pre-independence India.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":8,"question":"How did the policy of non-alignment reflect the aspirations of India and other newly independent nations to maintain their sovereignty and resist colonial pressures?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the processes involved in volcanism. Highlight the major volcanic regions in the world and their associated tectonic settings.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Explain the geological features and ecological importance of the Eastern Ghats.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"Earlier known as coarse cereals the government rebranded millets in 2018 as nutri-cereals. In this context discuss the ecological and nutritional significance of millets","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":16,"question":"What are the potential consequences of Arctic ice melt on biodiversity and ecosystems? How might these changes impact global ecological balance","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Do you think the Uniform Civil Code contradicts the idea of religious pluralism and cultural differences in Indian society?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss the concept of healthy active ageing in the context of demographic shifts in India. How does it contribute to social inclusion?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":22,"question":"How is the transition from 'conscious consumption' to 'compulsive consumption' impacting family structure and dynamics in urban areas?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss with examples the key features of Vijayanagara architecture. How did Indo-Islamic elements manifest in their structures?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Compare and contrast the features of ancient Indian universities like Nalanda and Takshashila with modern state-funded universities in India. What lessons can modern universities learn from ancient ones to improve their effectiveness?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Analyze the ideological differences and similarities between the revolutionary movement(1920-1930s) and the Gandhian non-violent struggle. How did these two ideologies influence each other?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":33,"question":"What are the various types of glacial landforms formed in the Indian Himalayas. How do these features impact local ecosystems and human activities?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Discuss the unique geographical features of the Indian Ocean and their impact on global oceanic circulation patterns. How do these features influence the climate of the Indian subcontinent?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Urban heat islands (UHIs) have become a significant phenomenon in Indian cities, exacerbating the frequency and intensity of heat waves. Analyze the underlying factors contributing to this phenomenon and critically assess the existing mitigation strategies.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Evaluate the primary factors contributing to regional disparities in the sugar industry between North India and Peninsular India. What measures can be undertaken to reduce the surplus sugar production?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":45,"question":"\"Social mobility is essential for achieving true equality within society'. In this context highlight the barriers to intergenerational mobility in Indian society, and examine the role of education on social mobility.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Analyze the influence of globalization on migration patterns in India. What are the economic and social implications of increased internal and international migration?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Discuss how gender-based violence in India is a manifestation of patriarchal values. To what extent has modernisation in law served as an instrument of women's empowerment in this regard?","marks":"15","words":null}]},{"id":8240,"topper":"Sweta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/sweta-test-2-1747638646123.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Federal governance is characterised by institutionalized arrangements for solving problems generated by pluralism based on consultation and mutual consent. How have Zonal Councils evolved from merely advisory bodies to proactive platforms for action? ( Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Secularism under the Indian constitution is encapsulated in the broader concept of constitutional commitment to equality. Discuss. ( Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"\"There is a need to shift the focus of Section 8 of the Representation of People Act, 1951 from the duration of the sentence to the gravity of the offence.' Comment on how the current classification under Section 8 leads to arbitrary categorisation of offences. Also, mention the remedies available to a person disqualified under this section. ( Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What is the significance of the Leader of Opposition in the Indian parliamentary system? How does the role of the opposition contribute to the checks and balances in a democracy? ( Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"\"The core ideals of the Preamble - sovereignty, socialism, secularism, and democracy - form the bedrock of India's constitutional framework.\" Elucidate. ( Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Assess the implications of the 103rd Constitutional Amendment, which introduced a ten per cent reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), on the principle of social justice in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The focus of welfare schemes in India is shifting from \"well-being\" to \"over-dependency\". In light of this, do you agree that welfare schemes have inculcated a \"freebies culture\" in India leading to a divergence of focus from poverty and hunger alleviation? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"E-governance is not just about efficiency; it's about making governance accessible and inclusive for every citizen. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"With the advent of new regional and multilateral agreements like QUAD, AUKUS, I2U2 etc the old world order represented by organizations like NAM, Davos, and G77 is losing its relevance. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The island states and territories from the South Pacific to the African coast have become new nodes in India's changing strategic geography. In this context, highlight the importance of these island states for India and also throw light upon the initiatives taken by India to strengthen ties with these states. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Electoral funding in India is fraught with the double whammy of legal loopholes and political inefficiencies. In this context, discuss the challenges to electoral funding. What lessons can India draw from global best practices in this regard? (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Pressure groups form the social foundation of a democracy. In this context, discuss pressure groups' key contributions in promoting social security measures for workers in India, and how they address the gaps in existing policies. (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The Constitution envisages the \"principle of federal supremacy\" in the executive space of Indian federal polity. Discuss while referring to the relevant Constitutional provisions and case laws. How are contentious issues regarding the distribution of powers resolved? (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Delimitation of seats is essential to ensure fair representation and uphold the principles of one vote, one value. Highlighting the challenges posed by misrepresentation in constituencies, analyse the ramifications of population-based delimitation in creating federal tension. (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"To what extent can the PIL system be held responsible for shifting the focus of the higher Courts from \"constitutional matters\" to day-to-day matters? What role can the trial Courts play in reducing the overall burden on higher Courts? (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"India's higher education system needs significant reforms to align with global standards. How does the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 aim to address these challenges, and what lessons can India learn from international practices to enhance its higher education system? Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The Right to Information (RTI) Act is hailed for its transformative impact on the quest for transparency and accountability in Indian governance. However, multifaceted challenges and systemic limitations impede its effective implementation. Discuss. Also, suggest measures for its effective implementation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Discuss the unique challenges and opportunities Self Help Groups (SHGs) encounter in urban areas compared to rural ones, and how can microfinance be adapted to tackle urban poverty. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Highlight the significance of the recently envisaged India-Middle East-Europe corridor for India's connectivity with the world, especially the West. Do you think, in recent times, transport and energy initiatives have taken precedence in India's foreign policy? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Despite the recent rise in politically contentious issues, the India-Canada bilateral relationship has remained committed to shared values of democracy, pluralism, expanding economic engagement and long-standing people-to-people ties. Highlighting the significant pillars of the India-Canada relationship, discuss the potential areas of cooperation and collaboration between India and Canada. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8241,"topper":"Sweta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/sweta-test-3-1747638659800.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"The rule of law and judicial review are interdependent, as one cannot truly exist without the other. In this context can judicial review be considered the most important aspect among those that constitute the basic structure of the Constitution? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"How does the power and authority of Delhi's lieutenant governor compare to that of the governors of other states, particularly in terms of acting on the aid and advice of the council of ministers? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss the role of the judiciary in navigating the tension between the right to religion and constitutional morality in India in recent times. Refer to relevant case laws. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The principle of 'Separation of Powers' is a key feature of the American Constitution. In this context, compare how the Indian Constitution's functional separation of powers distinguishes itself from the US system. What are the advantages of a check and balance system over a rigid Separation of Powers? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution is more than a legal provision that empowers tribal regions with self-rule How does the sixth schedule foster development while respecting their traditional governance systems and cultural practices? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How do partnerships between Civil Society Organizations and Government Entities contribute to India's development goals? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss the importance of cultivating a culture of life-long learning among Indian civil servants. How has Mission Karmyogi contributed to this objective? Illustrate with examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Given India's strides in reducing extreme poverty, should the country consider redefining its poverty line to better reflect the current socio-economic realities? Discuss the potential benefits and challenges associated with redefinition of the poverty line. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Evaluate the impact of the deepening political divisions with the major Western States on global governance and international cooperation. How should India navigate these divisions to advance its national interests on the global stage? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"How does India's Arctic Policy align with its broader foreign policy objectives? Broadly discuss the collaborations and agreements India is involved in with the Arctic Council. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In what ways are the terms of reference of the 16th Finance Commission different from that of the previous Finance Commissions? Despite increasingly progressive devolution by various States, examine the factors that propel economic disparities across various States. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Compare and contrast the powers and working of the Ethics Committee and the Privileges Committee in addressing cases of 'unethical' conduct and breach of privileges. How do these Committees complement each other in maintaining parliamentary discipline? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"In the context of persistent legislative dysfunction in India, analyze the evolving role of judicial activism in shaping public policy and governance. Using examples from landmark court cases, evaluate the effectiveness of judicial interventions in addressing governance gaps and safeguarding citizens' rights. (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"To what extent does the level of internal democracy within political parties impact the functioning and legitimacy of the Indian party system? What reforms can address the challenges of inadequate intraparty democracy in India? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"\"The NHRC must not only be a watchdog but also a beacon of hope for the marginalized and oppressed.\" In this context discuss the role and mandate of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in India. How does the current composition and functioning of the NHRC affect its independence and effectiveness? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"The persistent health equity challenges in India pose a critical barrier in achieving Universal Health Coverage. In this context discuss the role of the public and private sectors in ensuring adequate health access and outcomes across rural and urban areas.(250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals requires consideration of regional context and local situations. In light of this statement examine the role of Panchayats as catalysts for grassroot development and advancing sustainable development.(250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"What are the implications of the POCSO Act on the rights and welfare of children in India? Analyze the role of the POCSO Act in transforming India's legal framework for child protection. (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Examine the influence of human rights issues and democratic values on the diplomatic relationship between the U.S. and India. How have these concerns affected bilateral engagements and what can be done to mitigate tensions arising from these issues? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Examine the geopolitical challenges India faces in South Asia despite its global rise. How can India navigate these challenges to strengthen its regional leadership? (250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8242,"topper":"Sweta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/sweta-test-4-1747638683394.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"It is wrong to assume that ethical decisions are, can or should be purely rational and principled. Human feelings are an inseparable part of our ethical life.\" In what way do feelings impact our ethical decisions? Illustrate with examples. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"What do you understand by ethics management? Can public officials manage ethics in the work place in a manner similar to managing budgets, policies and people? Do you think adopting codes of ethics and conduct is sufficient enough for managing ethics in the workplace or something more is needed? Discuss. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"A. While traditional ethics has focussed on notions of justice, fair allocation and obligations, ethics of care emphasise maintaining connectedness and promoting care. Which of the above two ethical perspectives is more suitable for guiding ethical decision making in the context of public services. Explain your position with suitable examples. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"B. What does the term “quality” mean in service delivery. What are the components of service quality and indicate ways and means for ensuring total quality in terms of efficiency, economy and effectiveness? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"A. In the context of public service, what does public service attitude mean? Discuss the attitude biases that affects a public servants on field decision making? Explain how a public servant can overcome such attitude biases? (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"B. “I am a Moslem; I am a Hindu; I am a Christian; I am a Jew.” Mahatma Gandhi. What did Mahatma Gandhi mean by the above statement? Some philosophers have argued that religion is harmful to the moral life, whereas others have claimed that it is necessary to it. Explain your position on the relationship between religion and morality. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"A. Explain the difference between conflict among interests and conflict among various sources of authority. Illustrate with relevant examples. (150 words, 10 marks) B. The domain of governance is ridden with uncertainties, ambiguities and paradoxes and this can at times lead to timidity and withdrawal among public administrators. Discuss the relevance of inner courage for overcoming and coping with ambiguities. (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Given below are three quotations of philosophers. What do each of the quotations convey to you in the present context? A. \"To feel for others, and little for ourselves; to restrain our selfish, and exercise our benevolent affections, constitutes the perfection of human nature.\" Adam Smith (150 words, 10 marks) B. \"Virtue lies in our power, and so does vice; because where it is in our power to act, it is also in our power not to act.\" Aristotle (150 words, 10 marks) C. \"I know that I am intelligent, because I know that I know nothing.\" Socrates (150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"What are the ethical issues and dilemmas that confronts you in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Discuss the available options along with its merits and demerits.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"What will be your chosen course of action? Why (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What are the administrative and ethical issues involved in the above situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the merits and demerits of each option and explain your chosen course of action along with reasons. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"What are the issues involved in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"Is it ethically justified to be devoted to duty at the cost of the personal safety of the staff? Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"How will you go about doing your election duties without compromising the safety of your staff? Explain.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Do you think the above case involves a conflict of interest or there are more issues? Explain","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Keeping the above case in perspective, discuss the relevance of impartiality and non-partisanship as professional value.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"Case Study 5: You have recently joined the Statistical Department of the State as Deputy Head of Records. Your duties involved supervising the timely inflow of data, scrutinising the data source and ensuring data entry and updating. You had a staff of 32 to manage, and it was a mixed bag; some were young recruits, some were in the department for some time, and some were on the verge of retirement. Overall, the Staff was not very efficient, but somehow they managed their jobs. In one of the meetings, the Head of the Department mentioned outsourcing of jobs of your staff as a cost-cutting measure. But there were no serious deliberations, so you didn't think much of it. But yesterday, you received an official order stating that your department tasks will be outsourced and your Staff will be downsized. You had no problems with outsourcing, but you did not favour downsizing, as it would lead to people losing their jobs. You sought a meeting with your Head to discuss the ramifications of the new order, specifically the downsizing part. Your Head was very emphatic about the whole process and seemed to be least concerned with people losing their livelihood. Disappointed, you got back to your office thinking of ways of saving your staff's jobs. In utter desperation, you wrote to the concerned Minister, marking a copy to your Head and the Chief Secretary. The Minister sympathetically received the note, and he assured some positive action. But your Head was not happy about you going about without his consent. He immediately orders your transfer and starts disciplinary proceedings for non-compliance with the office order. 1. Discuss the administrative and ethical issues involved in the above case. 2. Do you think it was morally right on your part to write to the minister? Justify 3. How will you respond to the action initiated against you? Discuss the available options and justify your selected course of action. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":55,"question":"Identify and explain your chosen course of action after evaluating the merits and demerits of each option. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":8243,"topper":"Sweta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/sweta-test-6-1747638718508.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Besides being public servants, they are also citizens and have personal lives. At times, there is an inherent tension among the roles. How can a public servant effectively navigate the intrinsic tension between personal interests and official duties and between private inclinations and public obligations? Explain (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"\"Ideas are the cornerstone of a strong public service framework globally.\" In the context of this statement, discuss the ideas of a philosopher whose ideas you believe are most pertinent to the civil services in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"\"The challenge of power lies in its responsible application rather than its irresponsible and indulgent use - specifically, how to motivate those in power to serve the public rather than exploit it.\" Analyse the relationship between power and public service. Do you believe that the concept of power conflicts with the ideal of service, or do they complement each other? Substantiate your viewpoint. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"Human values emphasise the humane aspects of public servants, whereas public service values focus on the transparency and effectiveness of service delivery. Do you think these value systems conflict with or complement each other? Justify your perspective with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"When good individuals in any society become complacent and cease their vigilance and struggle, malevolent forces prevail.\" Discuss the role and significance of civil society in curbing corruption and official misconduct. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Do you agree with feminist ethicists that women are “more emotional” and prioritise relationships over rules, reflecting different yet equally valuable ethical perspectives? Justify your viewpoints with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Ideally, ethics and law should be harmonious in the context of administration, yet conflicts between them can arise. How should an administrator handle conflicts between legal directives and ethical considerations, particularly when directives are illegal and laws are unjust? Discuss (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Critically evaluate the role of family and educational institutions in shaping ethical values among civil servants. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"How can civil servants cultivate a positive attitude towards the weaker sections of society? Suggest some implementable and practical steps. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Business ethicists believe that external and internal regulations are insufficient for curtailing or preventing corporate malpractices; they strongly advocate the presence of whistleblowing mechanisms as a check against corporate misgovernance. Do you think corporate governance is incomplete without whistleblowing? Why/Why not? Explain (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the relevance of the following quotes to the present times. \"Moral actions belong to the jurisdiction of the outward and inward court, both civil and domestic governor; I mean both the magistrate and conscience.\" Locke (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"The maintenance team had not adequately serviced the bus's braking system. These findings highlighted severe lapses in both the human and mechanical aspects of the transport system. Upon concluding the inquiry, you realized the complexity of the situation. There were numerous uncertainties and ambiguities, preventing a straightforward assignment of responsibility or a definitive conclusion. The accident might have been averted if the maintenance team had performed their duties diligently. Similarly, if the bus driver had not been intoxicated, he might have been able to prevent the bus from falling into the ravine. (a) Identify the ethical issues and dilemmas involved in the above case. (b) What are the options available to you in the above case? (c) Do you think focusing on the individual responsibility of the intoxicated driver is more ethical or the broader systemic issues of maintenance failures? Justify your answer with relevant ethical principles. (250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"As the Head of Safety, the conclusions of your report carry significant consequences. Firstly, if the driver is deemed culpable due to his intoxication, his family may lose a substantial amount of post-death benefits because he was under the influence while on duty. Secondly, if you conceal the driver's intoxication and attribute the incident solely to poor maintenance, the maintenance crew would face job termination. This situation required extensive introspection before finalizing the report. (a) Identify the ethical issues and dilemmas in the above case. (b) What are the options available to you in the above case? (c) What do you think is more ethical to focus on the personal responsibility of the driver, who was intoxicated, or on the broader systemic issue of maintenance failures? Justify your answer with relevant ethical theories. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"As an officer in the Right to Information (RTI) division of the Defence Ministry, your primary responsibility is to respond to RTI queries by furnishing relevant details. Most of these RTI applications pertain to tender information and procurement contracts. However, occasionally, applications concerning sensitive matters arise, requiring you to seek legal advice and obtain approval from your senior before responding. Recently, an RTI application was received that involved sensitive departmental initiatives. Following protocol, you sought legal advice, and the legal officer cleared the response. However, your senior did not approve the reply and instructed you to be opaque in your response. Respecting the chain of command, you adhered to the senior's directive and provided a vague and non-informative reply. Undeterred by the initial response, the applicant resubmitted the application, demonstrating persistence. Once again, you followed the senior's instructions and kept the response deliberately vague. This cycle continued, with the applicant becoming increasingly relentless. One day, the entire email trail related to this RTI case got leaked and found its way to the media. It was revealed that the persistent applicant was an RTI activist, dedicated to ensuring transparency and accountability within government departments. The media coverage brought significant public attention and scrutiny to the Defence Ministry's handling of RTI requests, particularly those concerning sensitive information. In the aftermath of the media exposure, your senior officer instructed you to take responsibility for the opaque responses. You were left questioning your actions and decisions, pondering where you might have gone wrong. (a) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you in the above case? (c) Considering the persistent nature of the RTI activist and the public's right to information, how should you navigate the tension between national security concerns and the principles of transparency and accountability? Explain (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"What are the ethical issues and dilemmas in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you in the above case? (c) Considering the persistent nature of the RTI activist and the public's right to information, how should you navigate the tension between national security concerns and the principles of transparency and accountability? Explain (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"As a dedicated Block Development Officer (BDO), you are highly respected by your staff and appreciated by your superiors for your constructive work. The state government has selected several villages within your jurisdiction to pilot a women's self-employment scheme utilising Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The project is to be implemented by a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), and you have been instructed to provide logistical and other necessary support. The NGO staff commenced their work by meeting and identifying young women who appeared to be suitable candidates for training and skill development. Following identification, these young women were provided with a starter kit, which included a broadband dongle, a 10-inch tablet, and some reading material. The training began in earnest, and the selected young women exhibited great enthusiasm and eagerness to learn. Initially, the project showed promising signs of success. However, one day, village elders approached you with a request to halt the pilot scheme. They expressed concerns that the devices and online learning were corrupting the young women. They believed that the girls were merely watching videos on the tablets instead of learning. The elders suggested that vocational skills training, such as stitching or cooking, would be more beneficial than digital skills. After listening to their concerns, you assured them that you would investigate the matter. Upon inquiring with the NGO staff, they clarified that the videos being viewed were educational, and they were monitoring the trainees' browsing behaviour through backend systems to ensure appropriate usage. The NGO staff also pointed out that some village men felt excluded from the process and were attempting to dissuade the women from participating in the training sessions. As a BDO, you recognize the scheme's importance and potential benefits for the women in the villages. However, you are also aware that if the men's underlying mindset issues are not addressed promptly, the entire skill development effort could be undermined. As a committed public servant, you were determined to take some preventive action as you noticed tensions brewing among the men. (a) What the issues that you notice in the above case? (b) What are actionable options available to you? (c) Considering the feedback from the NGO staff about village men feeling left out and attempting to dissuade women from attending training sessions, what strategies would you implement to ensure their inclusion and support for the program? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Mr. Rajesh Kumar, a senior IAS officer, is posted as Principal Secretary of the Department of Urban Development. Mr. Kumar oversees a major infrastructure project to transform a densely populated urban slum into a modern residential area with improved amenities. Mr. Kumar's \"Urban Renewal Initiative\" project involves a multi-phase plan. The first phase focuses on relocating residents to temporary housing while construction begins on new apartment complexes. The project also includes the installation of modern sewage systems, clean drinking water facilities, community healthcare centres, and schools. The overarching goal is to uplift the socio-economic conditions of the slum dwellers, offering them a path to better opportunities and living standards. However, the project faces stiff opposition from a local political leader, Mr. Sharma, who has considerable influence in the area. Mr. Sharma argues that the redevelopment will displace many residents and disrupt their lives. While these concerns are valid, it is also evident that Mr. Sharma's opposition is motivated by his vested interest in maintaining control over the vote bank in the slum. His opposition to the project stems from a fear of losing this power if the residents' living conditions improve and they become less reliant on his patronage. In a private meeting, Mr. Sharma proposes a deal to Mr. Kumar. If the government awards construction contracts to firms controlled by Mr. Sharma's associates and family members, he will withdraw his opposition and support the project. This deal would expedite the project, ensuring the residents receive the promised benefits immediately. However, agreeing to Mr. Sharma's terms would mean compromising on the ethical principles of transparency and fairness in public procurement. Mr. Kumar was in a moral bind. Agreeing to Mr. Sharma's terms would mean engaging in corrupt practices, and rejecting the deal could delay or even derail the project, depriving the slum residents of much-needed improvements to their living conditions. (a) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas in the above case? (b) Considering the utilitarian perspective, do you think Mr. Kumar should have accepted Mr. Sharma's proposal to expedite the project for the greater good of the slum residents? Why or why not? (c) In the context of virtue ethics, discuss the importance of moral character and integrity for a senior civil servant like Mr. Kumar. How should these virtues guide his actions in resolving the dilemma? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Ms. Ananya Rao serves as a District Collector in Maharashtra. The district is embarking on an ambitious infrastructure project, the Rural Connectivity Project, designed to improve road connectivity between remote villages and main towns. This project promises significant benefits, including easier access to markets, healthcare, and education for the rural population. The project, however, is mired in controversy. Environmentalists argue that the construction will cause irreparable damage to local forests and wildlife habitats. Local farming communities are concerned about losing agricultural land due to road expansion. There are also allegations of inadequate compensation and resettlement plans for affected families. As the project progresses, various departments, including the Environment, Agriculture, and Public Works Department (PWD), are involved in the decision-making process. Each department has specific responsibilities. The Environment Department is tasked with assessing environmental impact, the Agriculture Department is responsible for ensuring farmers' rights, and the PWD is responsible for executing construction. Ms. Rao, in her capacity, oversees the coordination among these departments. However, the project faces delays and mounting public criticism due to conflicting priorities and lack of accountability. Environmental assessments are incomplete, farmers' concerns remain unaddressed, and construction deadlines are missed. In a critical meeting, the state Chief Secretary, Mr. Vikram Patel, emphasized the urgency of advancing the project and held Ms. Rao accountable for the delays, lack of progress, and overall non-performance. Ms. Rao left the meeting disappointed and felt holding her accountable for delay was unfair as there were others also involved in the project. (a) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas involved in the above case? (b) What are the options available to Ms. Rao? (c) What course of action would you suggest for Ms. Rao? Why? (d) Do you think holding Ms. Rao accountable for the delays was justified? Why/Why not? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"In a critical meeting, the state Chief Secretary, Mr. Vikram Patel, emphasized the urgency of advancing the project and held Ms. Rao accountable for the delays, lack of progress, and overall non-performance. Ms. Rao left the meeting disappointed and felt holding her accountable for delay was unfair as there were others also involved in the project. (a) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas involved in the above case? (b) What are the options available to Ms. Rao? (c) What course of action would you suggest for Ms. Rao? Why? (d) Do you think holding Ms. Rao accountable for the delays was justified? Why/Why not? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":56,"question":"Ms. Sharma is the Director of the Department of Health and Family Welfare in a large Indian state. The department is responsible for implementing health policies, managing public health facilities, and ensuring the delivery of healthcare services. The workforce comprises a mix of senior officials, mid-level managers, and frontline health workers. Over the past few months, Ms. Sharma has received multiple complaints about Mr. Arvind Gupta, a senior official known for his authoritative management style. Mr. Gupta is a performance-driven officer who sometimes publicly berates subordinates and intimidates staff to get work done. One such complaint came from Ms. Anita Verma, a mid-level manager who reported that Mr. Gupta publicly berated her during a departmental meeting, calling her \"incompetent\" and \"useless\" in front of her peers. Ms. Verma stated that this incident severely impacted her mental health and work performance, causing her considerable distress. Other employees shared similar experiences. Mr. Ravi Kumar, a junior officer, recounted an instance where Mr. Gupta threatened to terminate his employment if he failed to complete an unrealistic workload within a tight deadline. He described Mr. Gupta's behaviour as harsh and demeaning, with frequent outbursts of anger and unwarranted criticism that created a climate of fear and anxiety in the workplace. Despite his behaviour, Mr. Gupta is recognized for his exceptional work performance. He has been instrumental in implementing several successful health initiatives, significantly improving healthcare delivery in districts. His expertise and dedication have made him an indispensable asset to the department, complicating the decision to address the complaints against him. Ms. Sharma had a tough decision to make. She knew she had to be strict, but she was also worried about the workflow disruption that action against Mr. Gupta could cause. (a) What are the issues and dilemmas that confront Ms. Sharma? (b) What ethical principles should guide Ms. Sharma in addressing the harassment and bullying complaints in her department? (c) What long-term strategies should be implemented to prevent harassment and bullying in government departments? How can these strategies promote a culture of respect and inclusivity? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":8244,"topper":"SYED ADEEL MOHSIN","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/65d93cae1265db5ffeffd2e87a3f6506/41/pttp221113_tc701.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"If you look into someone's face long enough, eventually you feel that you are looking into yourself.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"It is the province of knowledge to speak and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Drop the question what tomorrow may bring, and count as profit every day that fate allows you.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Truth, like a torch, the more it is shook, it shines.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Art is I; science is We.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Only the dead have seen the end of the war.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Act as if it were impossible to fail.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8245,"topper":"SYED ADEEL MOHSIN","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/83810dd59efd30c0b535c81e08a356c1/9/pttp221113_tc703-test-01-gs-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The fabric of Indian philosophical thought owes as much to Northern India as to Southern India. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The Indian society's impulse for social change and reform was a response to its opposition to colonial rule. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What are the factors that led to the Russian revolution and what are the consequences of this revolution? Discuss its influence on the Indian national movement. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the various factors responsible for the uneven temperature distribution on Earth's surface. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The melting of glaciers due to climate change has serious implications for the ecosystem and human society. Discuss the effects of melting glaciers on the environment and the measures that can be taken to address this issue. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The White Revolution was most successful in the Western part of India. Discuss the factors for this regional success of the White Revolution. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"To what extent does seismic investigation contribute to our understanding of the Earth's interior structure? Analyze its significance in detail. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The pace of demographic transition varies across different states of India making population growth a double-edged sword. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The ethnic and cultural diversity in India has always been bound by the thread of unity. Discuss the major factors that have contributed to the cultural unity of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The dichotomy in public and private life in Indian society acts as a major barrier to the annihilation of caste. Justify. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"India was forced into numerous wars post Independence. Highlight the causes and impact of the Indo-Pak and Indo-China wars on our bilateral relationships. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The process of consolidation of Bengal, which started after the Battle of Plassey culminated in the Battle of Buxar. Do you think the Battle of Buxar was more important for the British than Plassey? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Sanskrit literature in general and particularly in the Guptan age set a high watermark for the literary history of ancient India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The configuration of the ocean floor provides essential information about the geological processes that have shaped the Earth's surface. Discuss the major features of the ocean floor and their significance in the study of oceanography. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"With the growing demand for rare earth elements, their distribution has become a critical aspect of the global economy. Discuss the distribution of rare earth elements across the world, their uses, and the environmental impact of their extraction. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Tourism in the hilly states is threatening to exceed the ecological carrying capacity of the region. Analyze the factors contributing to this trend and evaluate the potential Environmental impacts of this phenomenon. What measures can be taken to ensure sustainable tourism in these states? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The Indian monsoon is a complex phenomenon influenced by various climatic factors. Critically examine the role of oceanic and atmospheric factors in determining the intensity and distribution of monsoon rainfall in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Why do traditions in our society impede change? To what extent can social legislation be instrumental against old customary practices? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Slums are not 'problems' that have to be 'solved' - but are indeed a result of lopsided and vested urban policies covering infrastructure provision and socio-economic issues. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Communalism gains strength from economic deprivation, and thrives in environments of social exclusion, creating fertile ground for discontent and division. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8246,"topper":"SYED ADEEL MOHSIN","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/83810dd59efd30c0b535c81e08a356c1/13/pttp221113_tc707-test-5-gs-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How did the ancient trade routes connecting India to foreign countries contribute to the exchange and dissemination of culture? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The Quit India movement was a people's movement cutting across the class divides but it was the women's leadership that left a clear mark. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"The hallmark of post-Independent India has been its remarkable strides in science and technology\". To what extent did scientific development during this period put India on the path of modernity? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the feasibility of Interlinking rivers to resolve the issue of water stress in other regions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How will the structural shift from coal-based power plants to renewable energy generation impact human development in coal-bearing states? ( Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"To what extent temperature and precipitation are the most important factors that determine soil properties? ( Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Why are severe and intense cyclones becoming a regular phenomenon in the Arabian Sea? Substantiate with examples. ( Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"In the context of cultural diversity in India, can we consider Southern states as distinct cultural units in comparison to the rest of India? Substantiate your view. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Poverty and population growth are locked in a vicious cycle, where poverty restricts individuals' ability to break free from the cycle, while population growth strains resources. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"India has a rich heritage in the internationalization of education. In this context how will the recent push for the 'internationalization of education' impact society and foster cultural exchange? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"'Although there were many differences between the Gandhara and Mathura art, they considerably influenced the Amravati school of art.' Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"'England's Industrial Revolution not only transformed the economic landscape but also had far-reaching social and cultural impacts'. Discuss. ( Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"How did the social reform and ideological struggle against the backward traditional elements and hegemony of colonial culture in the nineteenth century influence the emergence of a distinct cultural identity and national consciousness? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"How does temperature inversion affect atmospheric conditions and what are its implications for local weather patterns and air pollution levels? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What are the geographical factors responsible for mangrove vegetation in India? How does climate change pose a threat to mangrove vegetation in India? ( Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What are the geographical and economic factors that influence the location of the sugar industry, and how do they contribute to the growth of the industry in India and different parts of the world? ( Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the key strategies used in dryland farming to overcome water scarcity and maximize agricultural productivity in arid and semi-arid regions? Also, discuss the need to promote dryland farming in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"How has the contemporary women's movement encompassed diverse approaches beyond traditional methods? Also, highlight the unique contribution and challenges of the contemporary women's movement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Do you think that the forces of modernization that catalyzed the eradication of social evils in Indian society have also threatened our cultural values and ethos? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"15","words":"150"},{"page":53,"question":"In the context of states in India evaluate the relationship between regional disparity and sentiments of regionalism. Is regionalism antagonistic to the idea of nationalism? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"15","words":"150"}]},{"id":8247,"topper":"SYED ADEEL MOHSIN","air":157,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/128/pttp221113_tc710-test-01-gs-1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8248,"topper":"SYED ADEEL MOHSIN","air":157,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/748520c30390b56bbbd3f8693a3b3ea3/5/pttp221113_tc707-test-5-gs-1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8249,"topper":"SYED ADEEL MOHSIN","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/83810dd59efd30c0b535c81e08a356c1/5/pttp221113_tc704-test-02-gs-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"There is a need to resolve the ambiguity in the disqualification provisions under section 8 of the Representation of People Act 1951. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Constitution is a mere skeleton whereas constitutionalism is the soul of democracy. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"Electoral bonds are a double-edged sword, providing anonymity to donors while raising concerns about transparency in political funding.\" To what extent have electoral bonds further legitimized opacity in electoral funding? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The question of gender equality is central to the debate on Uniform Civil Code. In this light what are the challenges in reconciling UCC with gender equality as enshrined in the constitution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The Governor's office is neither decorative nor inconsequential, it assumes a constitutional role of profound essence To what extent does the Governor, actively contribute to the governance of a state and reinforce the principles of federalism in the country? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Recently demand has been rising in a state regarding the enactment of Social Accountability Law. How such a law can lead to good governance and boost citizens' participation in decision-making. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"There is a need for convergence of 'nutrition-specific' and 'nutrition-sensitive' interventions to effectively tackle child undernutrition in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"MGNREGA, the lynchpin of rural poverty alleviation, has become the victim of fiscal apathy.\" Critically analyze the statement in light of recent developments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"India must leverage, if not manage, the global divides\". How can the current geopolitical churn pave the way for India's rise to the global high table? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"Berlin can be India's gateway to the European Union.\" Elaborate with respect to Germany's significance in India's relationship with the EU. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"How has the Anti-Defection Law impacted the relationship between political parties and individual legislators in India? In light of the recent incidents also discuss the unintended consequences it has on the functioning of democracy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Critics assert that limitless judicial authority rests on the structural ambiguity of the basic structure doctrine. Has the elastic nature of the basic structure doctrine made the judiciary more powerful than the executive? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Fundamental rights are not gifts bestowed upon by the state rather an individual possesses them independently of the state. In this context discuss the desirability of reasonable restrictions on various fundamental rights. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The key to effective decentralization is, 'political decentralization should follow finance and functional decentralization'. Discuss in the context of impediments faced by local governance in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Multi-stakeholder partnerships are the key to leveraging collective expertise and networks. How can effective partnership and localized implementation efforts be fostered to accelerate the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"How has the implementation of the POSH Act resulted in limited success in raising awareness about sexual harassment, and what factors have hindered its effective outreach to women employed in the unorganized sector? Propose strategies to bridge this gap and ensure comprehensive protection for women in the unorganized sector against workplace harassment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"'Neo-liberal reforms and globalization have deeply transformed the institutions of the welfare state and set the ground for a new type of civil services.' In this context examine the challenges faced in service delivery and suggest adequate reforms. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"China views India as its \"Asian Rival\" with an innate ability to counter its hegemonic goals in Asia. Despite these difficulties in India-China relations, there are also many areas of convergence. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Indo-Pacific region in recent times has emerged as a zone of diverging interests and priorities. Discuss. Do you think the Global Security Initiative will supersede QUAD in the region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8250,"topper":"SYED ADEEL MOHSIN","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/83810dd59efd30c0b535c81e08a356c1/12/pttp221113_tc708-test-06-gs-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"\"Interstate border disputes, if not promptly and impartially settled, can transform into persistent issues that impede development and generate friction\". Highlighting the constitutional and legal framework to resolve interstate disputes, explain why Independent India has failed to resolve inter-state border disputes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Examine the role of the Inter-state Council in promoting vertical (Centre-State) and horizontal (Inter-State) Intergovernmental cooperation and coordination. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the key function of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). What steps should be taken to revamp the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in order to enhance its effectiveness as a true guardian of public funds? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Recognizing the pivotal role of urbanization as a driver of national economic growth, the Fifteenth Finance Commission has suggested major reforms for Urban Local Bodies. Evaluate the recommendations put forward by the Fifteenth Finance Commission in promoting and revitalizing ULBs in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Highlight the key differences in the scope of Freedom of speech and expression as provided under Parliamentary privileges vis a vis Fundamental rights. Why is it necessary to maintain a balance between parliamentary privilege and fundamental rights? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Civil society organizations, play a pivotal role in fostering \"collective private action for the public good\". What challenges do they face in local resource mobilization (LRM) and corporate funding through corporate social responsibility (CSR)? Also, suggest measures. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The first step to eradicating poverty is reliable poverty assessment for program design, implementation, and monitoring. In this context discuss the methodology and significance of NITI Aayog's National Multidimensional Poverty Index. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"In the context of India, despite the presence of constitutional provisions, legal precedents, and international commitments that establish a robust foundation for a right to health, why has there been a lack of explicit legal recognition of this right? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The collective strength of BRICS nations allows for meaningful cooperation on myriad issues, however, the platform's ability to influence the trajectory of bilateral relationships remains limited. Do you agree? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In light of the recent demands to amend the Indus Waters Treaty, discuss the possible implications it could have on the water-sharing mechanism between India and Pakistan. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The doctrine of Parliamentary sovereignty and judicial supremacy has exerted considerable influence in shaping the constitutional frameworks of India and the USA. Citing relevant case laws discuss the role of the judiciary in influencing the constitutions in these countries. Is the scope of judicial review wider in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Delimitation of seats is essential to ensure fair representation and uphold the principles of 'one vote, one value'. Highlighting the challenges posed by misrepresentation in constituencies analyze the ramifications of population-based delimitation in creating federal tension. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the role of the Supreme Court of India in strengthening the hands of the Election Commission in the discharge of its constitutional responsibility of conducting free and fair elections in the country. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"'The declining role of Parliament undermines the fundamental principle of separation of powers, as it diminishes the legislature's ability to serve as a check on the executive branch and ensure a balanced exercise of power.' Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss the crucial role played by the National Commission of Women in shaping the discourse on gender-sensitive laws in India. To what extent the elevation of the National Commission for Women to a constitutional body would reinforce its authority? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"'Satisfactory and timely redressal of grievances is the cornerstone of 'minimum government, maximum governance.' In this context discuss the challenges associated with current grievance redress mechanisms and suggest measures to strengthen the process. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"'India is uniquely positioned on the world map for its rich culture.' In this context discuss the role of culture, diaspora, and democracy as instruments of India's soft power diplomacy. To what extent India has been able to position itself as a 'smart power'? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"The synergy of shared values and vibrant people-to-people connections between India and Australia creates a fertile ground for fostering long-lasting trade relations and strategic collaboration between the two nations. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8251,"topper":"SYED ADEEL MOHSIN","air":157,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/130/pttp221113_tc710-test-02-gs-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8252,"topper":"SYED ADEEL MOHSIN","air":157,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/748520c30390b56bbbd3f8693a3b3ea3/3/pttp221113_tc710-test-06-gs-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8253,"topper":"SYED ADEEL MOHSIN","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/83810dd59efd30c0b535c81e08a356c1/10/pttp221113_tc705-test-03gs-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What do you understand by Windfall tax? Do you think that windfall taxes can effectively redistribute wealth and promote greater economic equality? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss the perceived successes and challenges of implementing inflation targeting under the new Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) regime. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Assess the potential of millet production in promoting sustainable agriculture and improving food security in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Jal Jeevan Mission has the potential to end the regional disparity in the availability and accessibility of drinking water. Highlighting the significance of the mission, discuss the underlying impediments in achieving the desired objectives. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do you understand by Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)? Discuss its applications and how it can revolutionize the energy program of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss in brief developments and challenges in the Gaganyaan mission of ISRO. What are the possible benefits of the mission for the society? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"Green hydrogen can be the silver bullet in our quest to tackle climate change and pollution\". Critically analyze the statement in light of India's National Green Hydrogen mission. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What are the key lessons for disaster management and environmental conservation in the Himalayan region, in light of the recent disaster in Joshimath, Uttarakhand? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"The recent radical trends in Punjab show that the Khalistan issue is still simmering.\" Discuss the statement with respect to recent developments and suggest measures to handle it. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The anonymity and ease of drone operation contribute to the challenges of India's border security. Elaborate and give suggestions to tackle the drone problem in border areas. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Electricity Amendment Bill, 2022 brings several advantages for consumers, DISCOMs as well as the environment. Elaborate. Also, list out its shortcomings and suggest some measures to overcome them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) plays an important role in the regulation of the share market and safeguarding the interests of investors. In the light of given statement, highlight the challenges faced by the SEBI and suggest reforms in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Despite being a major contributor to the Indian economy, the agriculture sector is plagued by several constraints that impede its growth and development. Discuss the role of technology in overcoming these constraints. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Evaluate the impact of irrigation on the environment and natural resources, and suggest measures to ensure the sustainability and equity of irrigation practices in agriculture. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"How India benefitted strategically from the contributions of Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha and Dr. Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai in the fields of atomic energy and space technology respectively? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Genreative AI holds the potential to push the boundaries of innovation in the near future, yet its societal impact raises substantial challenges. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Explain the purpose of the \"Mangrove Alliance for Climate\" launched at the COP27 UN Climate Change Conference in Egypt in November 2022. Elaborate on the importance of mangroves in maintaining the coastal ecology of tropical nations. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The Formation of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure brings more robustness to the Disaster Management approach in India. Comment and justify the need for a new strategy to tackle Disasters in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The recent rise in ransomware attacks targeting critical infrastructure and major corporations has highlighted the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity measures and policies. Discussing the key factors contributing to this trend, analyze the impact of these attacks on various sectors. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"In the context of border security, how can cooperation and coordination between different security agencies be improved to ensure effective and efficient management of coastal and terrestrial borders? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8254,"topper":"SYED ADEEL MOHSIN","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/129/pttp221113_tc710-test-03-gs-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by Windfall tax? Do you think that windfall taxes can effectively redistribute wealth and promote greater economic equality?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the perceived successes and challenges of implementing inflation targeting under the new Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) regime.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Assess the potential of millet production in promoting sustainable agriculture and improving food security in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)? Discuss its applications and how it can revolutionize the energy program of India...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Discuss in brief developments and challenges in the Gaganyaan mission of ISRO. What are the possible benefits of the mission for the society?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"What are the key lessons for disaster management and environmental conservation in the Himalayan reg...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"\"The recent radical trends in Punjab show that the Khalistan issue is still simmering.\" Discuss the...","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The anonymity and ease of drone operation contribute to the challenges of India's border security. E... What do you understand by Windfall tax? Do you think that windfall taxes can effectively redistribute wealth and promote greater economic equality?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8255,"topper":"SYED ADEEL MOHSIN","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/83810dd59efd30c0b535c81e08a356c1/20/pttp221113_tc710-test-08-gs-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"\"The State took taxes from the people only to ensure their prosperity in return like the sun takes moisture from the earth only to give it back in thousandfold measure.\" Kalidasa. Explain the Indian concept of \\\"giving it back\\\" and its relevance as a guiding value for civil servants. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks\"","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Public service takes place in a bureaucratic structure with clear lines of authority, value standardization, and accountability mechanisms. Working within such a structure, what do you think are the influences that impact the public servant's ethical decision-making? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What do you understand by the terms' ethics' and 'integrity'? Do you think they are interrelated? Explain with examples the relationship between ethics and integrity in the context of public administration. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What do you understand by the terms ethical behavior' and 'emotionally intelligent behavior'? Identify the relevant emotional intelligence components that act as a reliable guide to ethical behavior. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"To achieve a good life, duty is not sufficient; one needs to develop one's sympathetic feelings for others, and neither duty alone nor good will alone are sufficient to be moral.\" Do you agree with the above statement? Justify your position. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Developing a scientific temper, innovative mindset, and civic-conscious citizens are major objectives of higher educational institutions. Can higher educational institutions be instrumental in promoting integrity education among youth to establish a public culture of integrity and a corruption-free political culture? If yes, how? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"As professionals, civil servants are career focused and are also self-interested. At the same time, their service ethos imposes an obligation to serve the public interest selflessly. Is it possible for a civil servant to reconcile career and service obligation? Explain your position. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"\"While competence without compassion can be brutal and inhumane; similarly, compassion without competence can be meaningless for persons seeking help.\" Explain the above with the help of a suitable illustration in the context of public services. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Does the suffering of individuals in one part of the world generate moral demands of assistance on those foreigners who live far away from them? Are these moral demands of assistance justified? Can governments be held morally responsible for failing to help the international community in times of deprivation? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Civil Services ethics has everything to do with management. It is as much a Departmental as a personal issue. Leaders who fail to create systems that facilitate ethical conduct are equally to blame as much as those who indulge in ethical misconduct. Do you think the Departmental culture leads to ethical misconduct or is the individual with weak willpower culpable? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"You are posted as a District Development officer in a district with a low literacy rate and poor health indicators. As you took charge, your Health Secretary had given express instructions that your priority is to improve health indicators by enhancing the delivery of healthcare services. After taking over, you traveled around the district to study and identify ways of improving healthcare services. During your field trip, you discovered that the issue was not the accessibility of services; it was something else. You found the problem was the myths, misconceptions, and malpractices that hindered the uptake of health care services. For instance, people believed that vaccines caused impotence, immunization was equivalent to birth control, using antenatal care was counterproductive to the health of the mother and baby, and so on. You realize that these beliefs were the behavioral barriers that stood in the way of health and nutrition services. And these behavioral barriers made it difficult for front-line workers to reach out. You discussed your observations with the Health Secretary, and he advised you to seek inputs from the neighboring district DDO who was doing some good work. When you met with the neighboring DDO, you learned he was experimenting with using the Faith leader's influence and reach to persuade people. You were unsure about roping in faith leaders to help you overcome the behavioral barriers. As a civil servant, you felt it would be a mistake to involve faith leaders in health service schemes. When you shared your apprehensions with the Secretary, he firmly instructed you to try and innovate. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) What are the advantages and disadvantages of using Faith leaders as influencers and persuaders? (c) If not faith leaders, what are your other options for breaking the behavioral barriers? (d) Do you think it is ethically right for a civil servant to involve faith leaders in promoting government schemes? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"If not faith leaders, what are your other options for breaking the behavioral barriers? (d) Do you think it is ethically right for a civil servant to involve faith leaders in promoting government schemes? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"You are the Head of an Agency, a special purpose vehicle, responsible for overseeing the last-mile delivery of essential services and sorting out bottlenecks and grievances of the citizens within your jurisdiction. The essential services included Maternal and infant health care, nutritional support to BPL families, drinking water availability, etc. Your agency employed a staff of 15 to carry out regular official operations and handle grievances. Since the agency dealt with complaints, there was an enormous amount of public dealing daily. Sometimes the agency officials had to work beyond office hours to finish the regular office work as public dealings took away most of the office hours. The employees were unhappy doing the extra bit as they were not paid any overtime. A few of them informally raised the issue with you, but you were helpless as the agency rules didn't allow any travel or overtime allowances. You tried taking up the matter with HQ but to no avail. The work stress gradually started showing up among the staff, they became irritable with the complainants, and at times they shouted at them. Besides rudeness, the staff's language became abusive, derogatory, and sometimes casteist. You could notice that there were 4 of them in particular who were getting very abusive and discriminatory while handling grievances. As the Head, you warned them, but there was no marked change in their work attitude. To compound your problem, some of the villagers, through their Sarpanch, raised the issue of rude, disrespectful, and discriminatory behavior with your HQ. The HQ immediately instructed you to take action and create a respectful and dignified workspace. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) What are the action options available to you?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"You and Ajay were in college together, qualified for the civil services examination, trained, and worked in the same State. Over the years, you and Ajay became good friends and colleagues. Even the families became close to the extent of taking vacations and celebrating festivals together. Professionally, in the last 15 years, both grew, but the paths you and Ajay took differed. You kept your distance from political masters, preferred to be neutral, and refrained from being identified with any group, lobby, or ideology. But Ajay was not discreet about his leanings, and he was well-networked and connected. Because of his networking, Ajay always had postings considered \"plum postings.\" Ajay was posted as CMD of Urban Infrastructure Projects, a high-profile Project with a huge outlay. At the same time, you were working in State Planning Commission for three years and were awaiting your promotion and new posting. When new postings were announced, you were surprised to see your transfer to Vigilance Department. Within a month of taking charge, you were ordered by your Departmental Secretary to conduct an inquiry discreetly into land dealings involving a Minister and his family. You were strictly told to keep it discreet and not to share any information about the investigation with anybody besides the Secretary. As you started the inquiry, you realized Ajay was closely involved with the Minister and his deals. As evidence started piling up, you were shocked to notice Ajay's questionable decisions favoring the Minister and friends. Further, you found evidence of Ajay having assets disproportionately much higher than his declared sources of income. When you shared the details with the Secretary, he immediately ordered you to search Ajay's office and home as he believed Ajay was the medium through which they could catch the Minister for shady land deals. You were in a bind as you knew a search operation would tarnish Ajay's reputation and be traumatic for the family. (a) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas involved in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you? (c) Select your chosen course of action after analyzing the options. (d) What must be your moral motivation in the above case? Should it be duty, care, or consequences? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"What do you think principle-oriented and rule-abiding police personnel must do in the above case? Why? Justify","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"What do you think must assume priority in civil service, loyalty to the department, or being impartial and non-partisan in your decisions and service values?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"You are a Foreign Service official working in an embassy overseas. One of your duties was to liaise with the local Indian community, one of the country's largest immigrant groups. A group of wealthy Indian immigrants wanted to build a place of worship and a school to promote their language and culture. The school was intended to act as a center for promoting and preserving Indian culture among the immigrants. The Indian community leaders went through all the legal procedures to acquire the land, got the building plans approved by the city council, and with all the approvals in place, the construction work began. A few months into the construction, the locals started complaining about noise, and slowly a campaign began against the construction of a religious structure. The local city councilors joined in and raised the issue of how Indian immigrants having their own cultural space will lead to a similar demand from other immigrant communities. And this may escalate intolerance among different ethnic groups. The local politicians filed a public lawsuit to halt the construction and demolish whatever was built. Indian community responded with their lawsuit and approached the embassy for help. They wanted the Ambassador to take up the issue with the government. Meanwhile, the Ambassador deputed you to meet the Indian community leaders to understand the issue and prepare a report. You met with the community leaders and found that the reason for local antipathy towards the Indian community was just an expression of latent racism and intolerance. You presented your observations to the Ambassador and requested him to do something as the Indians were on the right and were being victims of racist behavior. The Ambassador, in turn, replied that he would not like to get involved in local politics. The Indians were citizens of that country; they had nothing to do with India besides ethnicity. Further, a crucial Economic agreement was about to be signed between the two countries in the coming weeks, and he did not want to jeopardize the growing relations between the two countries over some local politics. You were shocked to see economics getting priority over the diaspora. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) Do you agree with the Ambassador's position of prioritizing economics over helping the diaspora? Why/why not? (c) Among Care, Consequentialism, and Duty, what do you think is the appropriate perspective to guide Indian Foreign policy? Justify. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":8256,"topper":"SYED ADEEL MOHSIN","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/83810dd59efd30c0b535c81e08a356c1/8/pttp221113_tc706-test-04-gs-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Public service requires not merely legal but also morally principled action. Public service requires the public servant to place loyalty to the constitution laws, and ethical principles. Among the three, which do you think must acquire primacy while carrying out official functions? Why? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"What do you understand by \"integrity-based civil disobedience\"? Do you think a challenge to personal integrity can be a justifiable cause for responsible disobedience in civil services? Explain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Recent research has shown that emotions significantly impact personal and professional lives. What are the primary emotions that negatively and positively impact workplace productivity? Explain with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Technical efficiency ensures resource utilization and social efficiency ensures fulfillment of social needs, what does ethical efficiency ensure? Do you think ethical efficiency is more important than technical and social efficiency? Why/Why not? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"Man cannot do right in one department of life whilst he is occupied in doing wrong in any other department.\" Gandhi. Do you think an individual's personal ethics impacts professional life or they both can be compartmentalized? Explain your position with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Goodness is the result of internal imperatives to do what is right, not sanctions from moral rules or rewards from expected consequences. Do you agree? Discuss.(Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In the context of civil service, distinguish between moral and nonmoral values. Identify 5 basic moral values that can serve as foundational values for all services irrespective of the department. Give reasons why those values can be considered foundational. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Citizens' involvement in decision-making is critical to ethics in governance. Do you agree that effective civic engagement mechanisms can facilitate an ethics-driven administration? What do you think are the mechanisms that citizens can use for ensuring ethics in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Social transformation programs such as \"beti bachao and beti padhao\" believes in using advice, counseling, and persuasion but sometimes a little force is also necessary for getting the desired response. Do you think it is a good idea to mix little force with persuasion by public administrators while implementing social schemes of transformation? Explain with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Ultimately foreign policy of every country hinges upon the strength which the nation possesses. Strength may be military or financial and may be also...moral.\" Do you think ethical strength without military or financial muscle will be respected in today's world? Explain your position. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"You are a young officer working with the Municipal Corporation of an industrial city. The city was known for manufacturing ball bearings and auto parts. Most manufacturing units were small-scale units with very little production process automation. The units relied on manual labor, which was in abundance due to the villages close by. As the number of manufacturing units grew, the demand for labor increased, bringing in a steady inflow of laborers into the city. This influx of people into the town led to a mushrooming of slums and encroachments on the sidewalks. Once in a while, the Corporation conducted drives to clear out the slums, but after a time, the slums came back. The illegal slums had become an urban nightmare. You were given the responsibility of clearing out the encroachments and slums with the help of Police authorities. As you started the drive, you realized that the people living by the sidewalks were vulnerable compared to the slum dwellers. Many sidewalk dwellers had recently come to the city after selling their properties in their villages. Now if you drive them out, they have no place to go. Your heart went out to them, and you felt that your departmental action was inhumane but your official responsibilities demanded stern impartial action. You are desperate to find a way to help the sidewalk dwellers without compromising your official duties. (a) What value conflicts do you notice in the above situation? (b) Can an administrator compromise the value of impartiality for empathy? Discuss. (c) What are the options available in the above situation? (d) Suggest viable solutions for tackling illegal slums and encroachments in urban areas. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"A certain State government was running a welfare scheme for promoting safe motherhood among rural landless laborers' families. The scheme involves the transfer of funds to the beneficiaries to enable them to mitigate income loss due to maternal care responsibilities. Since its implementation, the scheme has done reasonably well on maternal health and economic indicators. You are the Director of the Department responsible for implementing and operating the scheme. Recently you have been receiving reports of welfare fraud being committed by families by producing fake bona fide. The families committed the fraud with the help of local officials responsible for scrutinizing the bonafide. You were concerned because the fraud was seriously undermining the scheme's efficiency. You called for a departmental meeting to discuss and find a solution to the problem. In the meeting, it was decided to merge several available government data sets such as Aadhar cards, voter ID cards, marriage certificates, birth certificates, bank details, and other personal assets. By merging all the data sets, the department would be able to develop the beneficiary's economic profile. And this will help the department scrutinize the documents and detect fraud. This was a comprehensive strategy, but it risked violating an individual's data privacy. As a Department head, you wanted to detect and prevent fraud, but at the same time, you were apprehensive about violating the Data privacy of the stakeholders. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) Do you think violating data privacy is justified to prevent welfare fraud? Why/ Why not? (c) What, according to you, can be the reasons for such welfare frauds happening in the country? (d) Are there any ways and means to prevent such fraud? Give your suggestions. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"You are posted in the Department of Mines, and one of your roles is to help your Department Head negotiate mining leases with private contractors. Recently, the state government demarcated a new mining zone and planned to invite bids for the mining blocs. You were instructed to oversee the bidding process and speed up the contract negotiations. As planned, the tenders were released, bids came in, and tenders were allocated as per the norms. All this happened at a breakneck speed. You wondered, why the hurry? But it was not your place to think and question; you quietly went about your work. As the contractors were about to start operations, you had to instruct them on environmental concerns to watch out for. And to do that, you read the environmental impact assessment report submitted by a consulting firm hired by the department. To your surprise, the report was shoddy and looked cooked up. You got suspicious and raised the issue with your Head, who politely instructed you to do what you were told, and he reminded you that the Department had revenue targets and was under pressure from the Ministry. After the meeting, you, on your own accord, did some digging and found out that the report was fraudulent and the mining activity that was about to start would lead to a massive environmental disaster which the State could not afford. (a) What are the issues and value violations you notice in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you? (c) Discuss the advantage and disadvantages of each option and identify your chosen course of action. (d) Do you think that environmental considerations are sometimes overrated at the cost of development? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Do you think corporate businesses such as GAMA must consider international ethics while pursuing business interests? Why/why not? (c) Do you think a corporate's social responsibility extends beyond one's immediate community to the international community? Why/Why not? (d) Do you think the Defence sector companies marketing sensitive technologies must be regulated by their respective governments, or regulation may curtail their entrepreneurial and innovation energy? Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Mr. Sharma was the All India Sales Head of a pharmaceutical company with a turnover of 400 crores. The company's main markets were small towns and tier 2 cities. Further, the company did a sizeable amount of business with state government hospitals and health centers. Mr. Sharma had given a lot of freedom to field sales agents to strike deals and negotiate prices with clients. This strategy worked well for the company. Recently Mr. Sharma received word that three company employees were selling products to government hospitals and health centers at a higher price than they were selling to other private hospitals and health centers. The employees were with the company for over five years and were good performers. A few sales staff informally raised the issue of the three getting relatively higher commissions because of their inflated deals. And this was creating a sense of unease among the sales staff. A cursory review of the account of the three showed that, in many instances, the government hospitals were paying more than other private institutions. Under procurement rules, the government is supposed to pay a fair price, one that other cost-conscious customers pay. On inquiry, Mr. Sharma found that the three were not alone; government purchase department officials were helping them scam the Department. Mr. Sharma realized that his sales staff and some corrupt government staff had been defrauding the state exchequer for quite some time. Mr. Sharma immediately reported it to his CEO, and the two discussed how to deal with the sales staff and whether to inform the government about the scam and the involvement of their staff. The issue was informing the government means that there was every possibility that they might be blacklisted, thereby losing a lot of business. Mr. Sharma and CEO were caught in a dilemma regarding how to proceed with the case. (a) What are the ethical and business issues involved in the case? (b) What are the options available to Mr. Sharma and the CEO? (c) Do you think the organizational culture of giving freedom to the sales force led to the issue or was the individual's corrupt nature that led to the problem? Discuss. (d) What ethics mechanisms and steps can the company create and implement to prevent unethical behavior, as mentioned in the case? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":8257,"topper":"SYED ADEEL MOHSIN","air":157,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/131/pttp221113_tc710-test-04-gs-4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8258,"topper":"SYED ADEEL MOHSIN","air":157,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/748520c30390b56bbbd3f8693a3b3ea3/4/pttp221113_tc710-test-08-gs-4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8259,"topper":"SYED SADIQUE","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/71/mt23rcapa049_tc701.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"If you look into someone's face long enough, eventually you feel that you are looking into yourself.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"It is the province of knowledge to speak and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Drop the question what tomorrow may bring, and count as profit every day that fate allows you.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Truth, like a torch, the more it is shook, it shines.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Art is I; science is We.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Only the dead have seen the end of the war.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Act as if it were impossible to fail.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8260,"topper":"SYED SADIQUE","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/70/mt23rcapa049_702.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"You can't serve data on a hungry man's plate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"AI is overcoming our mental limitation but not expanding our mental horizon.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"We are using environment for politics, not politics for environment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"The worst form of inequality is to try to make unequal things equal.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Existence is a science, living is an art.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"If the truth shall kill them, let them die.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"The only way to go beyond things, is to go through them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Dream for the best. Be prepared for the worst. Enjoy life in between.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8261,"topper":"SYED SADIQUE","air":826,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/315/mt23rcapa049_tc704-test-02-gs02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8262,"topper":"SYED SADIQUE","air":826,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/316/mt23rcapa049_tc706-test-04-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8263,"topper":"SYED SADIQUE","air":826,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/313/mt23rcapa049_tc704-test-02-gs02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8264,"topper":"SYED SADIQUE","air":826,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/314/mt23rcapa049_tc706-test-04-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8265,"topper":"T BHUVANESH RAM","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/T-BHUVANESH-RAM-UPSC-2023-Rank-41-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The ultimate renewable energy is the human ingenuity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Human laws and natural laws mutually reinforce each other.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"History should be understood as evolution of society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"If one has seen further than others it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Is modernism at a crossroads with cultural and civilisational ethos?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Man often enjoys the comfort of opinion without the discomfort for thought.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"The rise of populism in democratic societies is a threat to the rule of law and constitutionalism.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"It's time for us to turn to each other, not on each other.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8266,"topper":"T BHUVANESH RAM","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/T-BHUVANESH-RAM-UPSC-2023-Rank-41-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"It was neither her Coal and Iron reserves, nor the inventions of steam engine and cotton mills, but her democracy and rule of law that made Britain the epicentre of Industrial Revolution. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"In its extent, reach, and revolutionary zeal, Civil Disobedience Movement has a unique place in India's freedom struggle: Elucidate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"How will you explain that Vaishnavism and Shaivism as followed in medieval India represent both local traditions and universal ideals? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Explore and evaluate the impact of new technologies on Indian society. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Why did Hinduism-which amalgamated and absorbed almost every diverse faith, tradition, belief and practice that arose from within or outside, within its fold- failed to assimilate Islamic cultural beliefs and practices? Give reasons. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Arab-Israel conflict is as much a result of their internal contradictions as an outcome of manipulative tactics of the imperial powers. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Numismatics is a vital tool in deciphering the history of country. Explain the statement in Indian context with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"How far do you agree that emergency was imposed to save individual vested interests and not the nation? In what ways emergency acted as an inoculation against upheaval of democracy in the future? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Ecological conservation and social justice are twin objectives of the environmental movements in Independent India. Analyse. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What were the various challenges faced by India at the time of its independence? To what extent has the country succeeded in tackling these challenges? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Congress was criticised to be a safety valve but played a seminal role in uprooting the British rule from the country. Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Dravidian temple architecture that came of age during the rule of the Pallavas, could reach its zenith only at the time of the imperial Cholas. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What were the reasons for the revolt of 1857? Highlighting the factors responsible for its failure, discuss its impacts. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Highlight the reasons why pre-independence women movements were led by men. Also analyse the contribution of women-led socio-economic movements in post-independence India in mainstreaming and successfully redressing the concerns of women. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The reality of India's relations with the colonial economy belied the propaganda of white man's burden. Elaborate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"In the contemporary times, the conventional conceptualization of the institution of marriage as well as family is facing evolutionary changes. Do you agree? Justify. To what extent have the state and market played a role in this? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Sangam literature provides a vivid account of the contemporary economic and socio-cultural life. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Ideas of social justice, collectivism, and equality defined the socialist movements in 19th century Europe, but their impact was restricted due to several reasons. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Bring out the reasons and consequences of the spurt in child marriages in recent years. What steps can be taken beyond the legal realms to tackle the menace? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8267,"topper":"T BHUVANESH RAM","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/T-BHUVANESH-RAM-UPSC-2023-Rank-41-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand from land subsidence? Explaining various reasons behind land subsidence, recommend measures to arrest the calamity. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Despite being rich in forest resources, why do tropical regions have limited growth of the lumbering industry in comparison to temperate regions? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What are the suitable conditions for the formation of a tropical cyclone? Also, bring out differences between a tropical and an extra-tropical cyclone. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Elucidate the differences between Western and Indian model of secularism. To what extent do you agree with the criticism that Indian model of secularism is susceptible to promoting minority appeasement? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the multi-dimensional implications of uneven distribution of semiconductor industry in the world. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Examining the reasons behind erratic Monsoon, highlight the possible outcomes of the same. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Why is Antarctic becoming an area of renewed human interest? Examine the significance of Antarctic bill, 2022 in protecting India's interest in the region. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"How does the Eastern coast of India differ in its geographical features from the western coast? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Explain the meaning of colour-coded weather warnings for: a) Rainstorms b) Thunderstorms c) Duststorms (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"How has globalization and urbanization impacted the Indian family system? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Coral reefs are considered to be at the epicentre of marine ecology; however, their exist-ence is threatened due to a plethora of anthropogenic and natural causes. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Discuss the causes for salinity ingress along with its various consequences and potential solutions. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The economic and strategic significance of mineral wealth of a country cannot be seen in isolation from the associated socio-ecological impacts of their extraction. Discuss in light of the newfound lithium reserves in Northern India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Examine the reasons behind generation of regional sentiments? Do you agree that regional sentiments and cultural assertiveness may lead to the issue of separatism? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Explain the mechanism and occurrence of earthquake. With the help of map given below, throw light upon the vulnerability of regions affected by earthquake and earthquake related disas- ters. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Enumerating different types of tides highlight their significance. Also, explain how tides are different from waves. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"With special reference to India, elucidate how globalisation - a multifaceted phenomenon - has had positive socio-economic outcomes on one hand and widened the gaps between the haves and have nots on the other? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What makes India one of the most vulnerable regions to climate change? Discuss the role of governments, citizens, and businesses in building climate resilience. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"All deserts are rain deficit, but are formed due to different reasons. Discuss. Also, analyse various adaptations in the flora and fauna to survive the water deficit conditions. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8268,"topper":"T BHUVANESH RAM","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/T-BHUVANESH-RAM-UPSC-2023-Rank-41-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Where the roots of private virtue are diseased, the fruit of public probity cannot but be corrupt. What do you understand by probity? Discuss ways of inculcating probity in public life. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Evaluate the role of citizen's charter in making governance citizen centric. Also, recommend some measures to make citizen's charters more effective. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"While successful managers make profit for their organizations, it is leaders who build successful organizations. In light of this statement, differentiate between a manager and a leader. Examine why leadership is considered a foundational value for a civil servant. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Right to Information Act, 2005, aims to make the governance process transparent and accountable, however, the sunshine legislation is beset with several challenges. Analyse. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Uniform Civil Code (UCC) aims to create a common set of laws governing personal matters, such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption, irrespective of individuals' religious affiliations. In the context of the ongoing discourse on UCC in India, examine the challenges that arise when attempting to reconcile legal principles with diverse moral considerations. To what extent should the law be influenced by moral/religious principles? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"\"Why should a man be moral? Because it strengthens his will.\" - Swami Vivekanand. In this perspective, discuss the significance of morality for bringing efficiency and effectiveness in public administration. Do you think moral rigidity can be a hindrance in good governance? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Civil servants who embody emotional intelligence exhibit a profound understanding of the human aspect of governance, enabling them to cultivate meaningful relationships, foster cooperation, and drive positive change. Examine ways in which Emotional Intelligence can be inculcated in civil servants. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The challenges posed by the corporate sector's impact on climate, environmental sustainability, and living conditions has highlighted the need for responsible and inclusive business practices. In this direction, the contemporary discourse on corporate governance is emphasizing the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. Evaluate the ESG framework in equipping the corporate world with the capabilities to fulfill its social roles and responsibilities. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What does each of the following quotation mean to you? a) \"Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom\" -Thomas Jefferson (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"When I do good, I feel good; when I do bad, I feel bad, and that is my religion\" - Abraham Lincoln. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"\"Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time.\" - Ruth Bader Ginsburg. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":46,"question":"XYZ is a premiere coaching institute located in Chatterjee Nagar locality of Himnagar. XYZ specialises in the coaching for medical and engineering entrance examination. The main office of the coaching, where the daily classes are conducted, is located in a congested locality, from where several other coaching institutes also operate. One day, while classes were in session in the top floor of the building and some 200 odd students were in attendance, a fire broke out in the premises of XYZ coaching. The fire incident created a commotion among those present in the building. Everyone, in a state of confusion, started running helter-skelter. Some students rushed to the very narrow stairs. Many stumbled and fell, hurting themselves. The emergency exit plan of the building was not suitable to cater to the large number of students and staff. In order to save themselves from asphyxiation, some students broke the balcony ledge. In the process, many students had a free fall and hurt themselves badly. While two boys lost their life due to stampede caused while exiting the building, one girl got fatally injured while climbing down the ledge. The civil administration immediately started an audit of the building. Joseph is posted as the Municipal Commissioner of Himnagar. Chatterjee Nagar falls under his jurisdiction. Joseph has ordered an enquiry into the whole incident. Coincidentally, Joseph's younger brother, Frank, is also a student of XYZ coaching. He was not present in the coaching during the fateful day. The owner of the XYZ coaching approaches Joseph and requests him to be lenient in the enquiry report. They propose that looking at the good track record of Frank they are willing to give him a scholarship to fund not only his coaching fees but also his graduation from any college in the country. They also promise that since Frank is a sincere student, they will dedicate their top faculty to ensure that Frank comes out with flying colours in the coming under graduate entrance examination. Joseph knows that his brother has repeatedly failed in the entrance examinations earlier and a special focus will help him immensely. Also, Joseph himself was under student debt, which he was still paying in small instalments from his own salary. Recently married, and having risen from a poor family, Joseph has always worried about funding his brother's education. a) Identify various ethical concerns in the case study. b) You are a friend of Joseph. Joseph turns to you for advice. What advice will you give to joseph and why? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":58,"question":"You are the managing director of an upcoming advertising company which has made a name for itself in the market in a very short time. Varun is a star employee of your company who has consistently given good performance. Some of the most popular advertisements of the company, in recent times, have been an outcome of Varun's creative ideas. Since his joining, Varun has helped in almost doubling the revenues of the company, by bringing new clients and improving the brand equity of the company. You place high value in Varun's professional competence and are in the process of giving him a bigger responsibility in the company. However, you have been hearing rumours from various sections about the attitude of Varun towards his female colleagues. It has come to your notice that Varun is habitual of passing loose and lewd comments on the female employees of the company. Furthermore, Varun regularly sends indecent messages on phone to all the employees, including female workers. One day, Geetanjali, an employee working in Varun's team comes to you visibly disturbed. She complains to you about the repeated misbehaviour of Varun towards her. She informs you that Varun has on many occasions made undesirable physical advances towards her. She also tells that last evening before her shift was about to end, Varun called her in his cabin and tried to touch her inappropriately. She requests you to conduct an enquiry by the internal complaints committee (formed under POSH Act). She also tells you that in case appropriate action is not taken against Varun, she will be forced to resign from her position. You personally know Geetanjali as a dedicated and honest employee of the company. You are aware that she is the sole breadwinner of her family and has to support her teen-age brother and ailing mother. You also understand that unless the situation was really serious, Geetanjali would not have thought of resignation. On the other hand, an enquiry against Varun may affect the financial growth of the company. Also, you know that if Varun is fired for his actions, many big clients may leave the company. a) What are the ethical issues involved in this case study? b) Evaluate the different options available to you. In this situation, which option will you adopt and why? c) What steps will you take to ensure a safer workplace for women in your company? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":8269,"topper":"Tania Mishra","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/TANIA-MISHRA-UPSC-2023-Rank-269-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Institutions reflect the cultural values of the societies in which they are established.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"He who has a 'why' to live for, can bear almost any 'how'.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The power of perception shapes our understanding of reality.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The tree that would grow to heaven must send its roots to hell.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8270,"topper":"Tania Mishra","air":269,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/TANIA-MISHRA-UPSC-2023-Rank-269-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8271,"topper":"Tania Mishra","air":269,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/TANIA-MISHRA-UPSC-2023-Rank-269-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8272,"topper":"Tania Mishra","air":269,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/TANIA-MISHRA-UPSC-2023-Rank-269-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8273,"topper":"Tanisha Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/465cf-1502746_3128_tanisha-mishra_rank_211.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"The world must learn to work together, or finally it will not work at all.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Technology, like art, is a soaring exercise of the human imagination.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"We've begun to raise daughters more like sons, but few have the courage to raise our sons more like our daughters.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8274,"topper":"Tanisha Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6e734-1502746_2928_tanisha-mishra_rank_211.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How does tribal art provide valuable insights into the cultural perspectives and values of Indian tribal communities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What are the key factors that accelerated decolonization post-World War II? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How does human encroachment impact water bodies in urban areas? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How do physical geographical features influence the development and operation of transportation systems? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How are ocean trenches formed? Describe the significant characteristics of these oceanic relief formations. (Answer in 150words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Identify the reasons behind increasing number of extreme rainfall events throughout India in recent times. Assess their socio-economic impact. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"India is expected to have the largest working-age population in the world by 2030 and it cannot afford low participation of women in the workforce anymore. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Do you agree that there has been a progressive secularization of caste in India? Support your view with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Why is inequality increasing in India despite the fall in overall poverty? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"How did the competitive and hostile dynamic between Brahminism and Buddhism over funding, followers, and ideology mark the decline of Buddhism? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"European travellers' accounts in the medieval period have played an important role in shaping our understanding of the empires and people of that period in India. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The British victory in the Battle of Plassey in 1757 not just changed the course of Indian history but also that of the world. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Why was it more difficult to rehabilitate refugees in West Bengal as compared to Punjab after partition? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss the economic and social costs associated with the transition from coal to green energy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Explain the process of formation of volcanic calderas. How do they contribute to the scenic beauty of the region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the reasons behind the increased frequency and intensity of heat waves globally? How will it impact global food security? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India's approach to secularism does not merely challenge inter-religious domination but intra-religious domination as well. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Do you agree with the view that Indian cities are turning into landscapes of stark inequality and social exclusion? What steps can be taken to make urban areas more egalitarian in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8275,"topper":"Tanisha Mishra","air":211,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/cc80e7c81f00eaa4f15f78533b4a4ad5/7/mts_2025_unchecked_gsmact24a1250_anv2501.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8276,"topper":"Tanisha Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/27d1f-1502746_2930_tanisha-mishra_rank_211.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How is the rapid growth of the food processing industry leading to food safety challenges in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Under the Public Distribution System of India, the Fair Price Shop (FPS) transformation is an evolving process. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"How are agri-tech startups in India helping farmers in enhancing farm productivity and market access? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the role of digitization of land records in the effective implementation of land reforms in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"To fully exploit its demographic dividend and accelerate economic growth, India needs to adopt a manufacturing-led growth model. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can the resilience of Indian coastal communities be strengthened to tackle the growing natural hazards resulting from climate change? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How does the Green Credit Programme extend beyond carbon management to promote a more sustainable environment in India? What are the various concerns about its implementation? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What are the issues faced in the development of trade and industries in the North-Eastern Region (NER) of India? Comment on the measures that have been taken to tackle these issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the era of climate change and growing water scarcity, how can micro-irrigation systems contribute to sustainable agricultural practices in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What strategies can be adopted to overcome the issues pertaining to freight transportation in the Indian Railways and increase its share in the domestic freight? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the factors that have aided India in making impressive strides in the renewable energy sector and establishing itself as a frontrunner in the global renewable energy transition. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"How does agricultural runoff containing fertilizers and pesticides contribute to environmental pollution? What measures can be taken to mitigate the impact of agricultural runoff? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The growing influx of tourists in Himalayan states has breached their ecological carrying capacity, leading to significant man-made disasters. What measures can be implemented to prevent such disasters while promoting sustainable tourism? Discuss with relevant examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"How do superconductors fuel innovation in diverse fields of science and technology? Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"While India has laws covering almost all types of intellectual property rights, numerous enforcement, regulatory and administrative challenges hamper the commercialisation of IPRs in India. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Keeping in view the challenges in creating integrated theatre commands, examine how the theaterisation of commands can lead to greater integration and rationalisation of manpower and resources among the three services. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Treating border villages as first villages not just geographically but also in terms of facilities can be a key strategy for enhancing border security. Discuss. Also, highlight the measures being taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8277,"topper":"Tanisha Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/cc80e7c81f00eaa4f15f78533b4a4ad5/11/mts_2025_unchecked_gsmact24a1250_anv2504.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"\"Duty forms the cornerstone of administrative ethics, yet without integration of other ethical perspectives, it risks becoming mechanical compliance.\" Discuss how the interplay of duty, virtue, principle, and consequences can enrich ethical decision-making in public administration. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"\"The strength of a professional public service lies in its ability to remain non-partisan, even in a deeply political environment.\" Do you agree that partisanship undermines the ethical foundation of public administration? Discuss the risks posed by political bias among civil servants and the safeguards that help uphold neutrality. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"In situations of moral ambiguity, where formal rules fall short, emotional intelligence and conscience become crucial tools. Explain how these internal faculties help public servants navigate ethical grey zones. Support with a suitable example. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"The heart of the ethical dilemma is not the absence of values but the presence of competing responsibilities.\" Discuss how ethical dilemmas in public administration often emerge from the clash of legitimate obligations rather than moral ambiguity. Illustrate with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"\"The growing layers of oversight, media scrutiny, and public expectations have made accountability a double-edged sword for public servants.\" Do you agree that excessive accountability pressure can sometimes hinder ethical judgment and innovation in the bureaucracy? Explain your perspective with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"\"Family, society, and education do not merely transmit values they shape the ethical foundation of public life.\" Discuss how these institutions influence value formation in public servants. Why is the role of these institutions critical in strengthening ethical governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"Gandhian ethics emphasize purity of means, truth, and moral courage even when outcomes are uncertain.\" Critically evaluate whether such absolutist ethics are compatible with the demands of modern public administration, where administrative realism and pragmatism are often necessary. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"\"Procurement decisions are a litmus test of public sector probity, where integrity must resist both institutional pressures and private influence.\" Discuss how the principles of transparency, fairness, and accountability can strengthen ethical conduct in public procurement. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"Attitudes, shaped by personal beliefs and values, influence the ethical behaviour of public servants.\" Explain how moral and political attitudes impact administrative neutrality and integrity in public service. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Explain the ethical concerns associated with conditional foreign aid. How can donor countries uphold recipient autonomy while ensuring transparency and developmental impact? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context? (a) \"Good government...depends...(on) the qualities of the human beings composing the society over which the government is exercised.\" J S Mill (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":33,"question":"What are the ethical considerations involved in this budget allocation decision?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"How can administrators ensure equitable development while maintaining working relationships with elected representatives? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What are the key ethical and professional concerns in this situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"How can civil servants balance personal expression with the demands of neutrality and public accountability? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"What are the key ethical issues in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"How can civil servants uphold integrity when informal hierarchies and peer pressure discourage ethical action? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What are the ethical concerns involved in the allocation of CSR funds in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"How would you assess the competing pressures of organizational politics and public interest?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"What decision would you take, and how would you justify it ethically and professionally? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"What are the administrative and ethical issues involved in the case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"How can senior civil servants uphold neutrality and fairness in politically sensitive postings without inviting retaliation or appearing insubordinate? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":58,"question":"What are the core ethical challenges involved in executing the eviction in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":58,"question":"How should a public servant reconcile legal mandates with humanitarian obligations in contexts of informal urban settlements?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8278,"topper":"Tanmai Khanna","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZaAqC1T5etHVomfLK1f6SIeYIa6bXLNf/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by Heat Waves? Discuss the various adaptation and mitigation strategies in dealing with heat waves in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What is Vulnerability assessment? Explain how is it related to disaster management? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"\"Fourth Industrial Revolution could end gender inequality or perpetuate it\". Examine the statement with respect to Indian context. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"\"If cities do not begin to deal constructively with poverty, poverty may begin to deal more destructively with cities\". Analyse in the context of urban planning in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Highlight the impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on \"learning poverty\" of Children in India. What steps can be taken to enhance learning outcomes of Indian schools. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Bring out the features of Dam Safety Act 2021. How far do you think the Act can resolve the present issues related to the dam safety in India? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":16,"question":"What is Sendai framework for disaster risk reduction? In spite of the the steps taken by Indian government in pursuance to effective implementation of Sendai framework, some gaps need to be worked upon. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":19,"question":"\"Empowering women in the economy and closing gender gaps in the world of work are key to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development\". Elaborate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":22,"question":"Malnutrition is a multi-generational issue which can have irreversible socio-economic consequences. Discuss it's causes and consequences & the multi-pronged strategy adopted by Indian governments to fight malnourishment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"Critically discuss the empowering and coercive effects of globalization on the tribal population in India. Suggest way forward to minimize the impact on them with suitable examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8279,"topper":"Tanmai Khanna","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c05bb-1051062_2219_tanmai-khanna_rank-61.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Fiscal policy can be a key tool to reduce income inequality as well as make the poorest and the downtrodden a part of the country's growth story. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Digitizing land records will go a long way in ensuring land reforms as well as lessening the burden on the Indian Judiciary. Elaborate. Also, state the measures taken in this context. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"It has been pointed out that competitive politics to fund mostly non-merit subsidies is pushing a few states in India to the brink of a deep fiscal crisis. In this context, discuss the need to rationalise the subsidy regime in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Micro-irrigation has tremendous potential in transforming farming into a profitable and sustainable venture. Discuss the given statement in the context of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Given its vast resources and technical expertise, India can play a key role in assisting the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) in dealing with the impact of climate change. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The recent \"Disaster Management Plan of Ministry of Panchayati Raj (DMP-MoPR)\" aims to develop disaster resilience at the grassroots level. In this context, discuss the rationale behind the formulation of the Plan and highlight its key components. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the internal security implications emanating from the use of Emerging And Disruptive Technologies (EDT) by state and non-state actors. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Identify the impediments faced by India in boosting its defence exports. Also, discuss the steps taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the multiple issues associated with space debris. Also, state the initiatives taken in recent times to tackle this menace. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The adoption of Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) in India is expected to make e-commerce more inclusive and accessible for consumers. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While an agreement was recently reached at the WTO on a deal to curb \"harmful\" government fisheries subsidies, certain concerns raised by India suggests that the matter will require further negotiations. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite the advantages that are associated with the hybrid annuity model (HAM) in the road construction sector, the interest in it has moderated due to various reasons. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The existing MSP procurement regime is neither economically nor agro-ecologically sustainable. Elaborate. Also, evaluate the alternative approaches that can be adopted to improve the existing MSP regime. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"It is being argued that India is struggling with overflowing foodgrains in warehouses. Discuss the statement in view of the existing buffer stock policy of India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Recently, the government has asked all ports to prepare a master plan in order to become 'mega ports' by 2047. In light of this, discuss the challenges faced by ports and suggest remedial measures in order to propel India's blue economy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Inequality in income and wealth translates into carbon inequality. In this context, discuss the significance of addressing carbon inequality for India and suggest ways to achieve it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Despite increased and regular occurrences of landslides over the past decade in India, the dominant development paradigm has largely not been modified. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India needs a smart border management system to balance legitimate cross border flows with national security interests. Discuss. Also, highlight the initiatives taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Establishing linkages between globalisation and money laundering, discuss the initiatives taken at the national and international levels to combat it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"There have been arguments that India needs to review some of its past assumptions about the nature of outer space and contribute to the development of new global norms. In this context, analyse India's stand in relation to the Artemis Accords. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8280,"topper":"Tanmai Khanna","air":61,"year":2022,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/TANMAI_KHANNA_2022_IAS_Exam_Rank_61_VTS_Online_GS_Mains_Test_Series_4_Redact_dc2386f8a7.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8281,"topper":"Tanmai Khanna","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QAlTFD1gBkUui7j2mIXVIR-LcuYEbzPJ/view","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"What do you understand by the term Constitutionalism? Explain the value premises of the Indian Constitution. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the issues with the First-past the post (FPTP) system and explain how the Australian model of preferential rule system can act as an alternative in Indian electoral politics. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"The reservation of jobs for the locals has its own economic logic but it goes against the freedom, unity and integrity of the country. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Although the National Commission for Women (NCW) has made great strides in improving the status of women, its effective role has been restricted by its institutional design. Elaborate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Do you think that the Uniform civil code defined under the constitution is neither necessary nor desirable at this stage? Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss the rationale for the sub-categorization of backward classes. Investigate various problems and prospects in the execution of this demand for sub-categorization. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":10,"question":"There exists a symbiotic relationship between a democratic state and a democratic civil society which helps in each other's development. Critically examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":13,"question":"\"The Gram Nyayalaya Act, 2008 has a bold objective to make justice accessible to the fourth tier, but it has failed to achieve its desired goals.\" Analyze the major challenges hindering the functioning of the Gram Nyayalayas. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8282,"topper":"Tanmai Khanna","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Il2AaH3GNHferuWS_w9Ftmtt9JSE5ZVt/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"'When the right to freedom of speech and expression corrodes, the institutions of democracy crumble'. Analyze. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The presence of Vigilant Opposition is necessary not just for a vibrant democracy but for its very survival. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Has the use of technology aided in ensuring free and fair elections in India? Elaborate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Do you think that direct cash transfers deliver benefits more efficiently than in-kind transfers? Also, discuss the potential of e-RUPI in transforming delivery of welfare schemes. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Identify the SDGs that are related to Health. Discuss the success of the government initiatives in achieving the same. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Despite considerable geographical contiguity, SAARC has remained in a condition of jammed traffic. Discuss what SAARC can learn from other regional groupings from around the world. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka has become a coveted prize to win for India and China. Discuss how this competition is affecting relations between India and Sri Lanka. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Finance Commission in India has the tough job of balancing inclusiveness for poorer states and incentives for states that perform. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Though emerging technologies have aided the public welfare in India, they pose challenges to regulatory bodies as well. Substantiate. Also, suggest way forward to address these challenges. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The wellbeing of civil society depends upon its social capital and the way it works. Can a diverse and heterogeneous nation like India have strong social capital? What role does civil society organizations (CSO) play in building a strong social capital in India? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Hunger can be viewed as the most severe and critical manifestation of poverty. In this context, analyze the linkage between hunger and poverty. How has India fared in tackling the vicious cycle of hunger and poverty? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What is I2U2 summit? How its interests align with India's interests? Discuss in context of India trying to expand its presence in global affairs. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"\"Without reforms, United Nations is facing crisis of confidence\". Suggest the reforms that can be taken to make United Nations more relevant to the present-day geopolitical realities. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8283,"topper":"Tanmai Khanna","air":61,"year":2022,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/TANMAI_KHANNA_2022_IAS_Exam_Rank_61_VTS_Online_GS_Mains_Test_Series_2_Redac_243a5e5d38.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8284,"topper":"Tanmai Khanna","air":61,"year":2022,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/TANMAI_KHANNA_2022_IAS_Exam_Rank_61_VTS_Online_GS_Mains_Test_Series_1_Redac_d93f414d76.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8285,"topper":"Tanmai Khanna","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/695ba-1051062_2220_tanmai-khanna_rank-61.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The logic of limitless wealth lies in the basic human instinct for furthering self-interest in the form of profit. In this context, do you think there is a possibility of pursuing ethical capitalism? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"If a law is unjust, a man is not only right to disobey it, he is obligated to do so. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The capacity of Citizens' Charter to initiate any transformative process is conditioned upon it being appropriately designed and effectively executed. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The moral fiber and ethical conduct of public officials not only influence the standard of governance but also their own interests and performance. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The ongoing debate on euthanasia poses several ethical questions. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Foreign aid is a form of neo-colonialism, as the economically wealthier countries can exploit the developing countries under the cloak of aid. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Throwing light on the idea of Universal Humanism propounded by Rabindranath Tagore, discuss its contemporary relevance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree with the view that it is nature and not nurture which determines the emotional intelligence of a person? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Values that guide public administrators can often compete with each other, owing to their relative importance to the larger public interest. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Is it justifiable to say that corruption is a social phenomenon? What are the various ways through which administrative corruption can be tackled? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":37,"question":"The transgender community has been a part of India's social set up since the very beginning but never recognized as a reputable part of the society. 'Hijra' is a term traditionally used in India for transgender women who were born male. The role and value of this community in accordance with the sacred Hindu texts condenses to the performance of blessings at marriage and birth ceremonies for good fortune. With the advent of the British Raj in the 19th century, the acts of \"cross-dressing\" were registered as a criminal offence and if such offences were committed repeatedly, imprisonment followed. Thus, began the criminalization of hijras. Today, although legally supported and socially empowered as compared to earlier times, hijras are still subject to transphobic discrimination-associated violence, poverty, and segregation. In light of the above, answer the following: (a) Identify the challenges faced by transgenders during the different stages of their life. (b) Discuss the reasons for the continuing discrimination against trangenders in India despite several initiatives for their upliftment in recent times. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"You are an IPS officer posted as the Inspector General of Police in a state. The recent death of a father-son duo in one of the districts in the state, due to custodial violence allegedly in the presence of the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), has sparked anger across the state. This is not an isolated incident, as there have been allegations raised by human rights groups in the past regarding custodial deaths due to physical assault by the police. The High Court of the State, taking suo moto cognizance of the recent incident, has served a notice to the state government, seeking a detailed report on the rising instances of custodial deaths. The state government has constituted a Committee to probe the incident and submit a detailed report about the veracity of facts related to it. You have been asked to head the Committee. You know the Deputy Superintendent of Police of the district to be an honest, hardworking and upright officer. He has privately requested you to absolve him of any wrongdoing as he claims not to be present when the incident occurred. You know that any action against him will be detrimental to his reputation and career. On the other hand, the seniors in the department are pressurising you to put all the blame on the DSP and make him a sacrificial lamb in order to protect the overall image of the police in the state. In the given scenario, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the stakeholders and the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) What steps will you take to ensure that the enquiry is seen to be fair and impartial? (c) Given the challenges that the police forces in India operate under in their day-to-day functioning, suggest some initiatives to address them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Mr. X is a billionaire businessman who heads a conglomerate engaged in insurance, energy generation and distribution, and manufacturing. Despite being globally known as a great philanthropist, he turned down a shareholder request seeking the disclosure of the conglomerate's actions on issues related to climate change as well as diversity and inclusion. Because of increased attention to climate and diversity issues, many leading firms have committed themselves to incorporate relevant considerations in their business strategies. Therefore, some industry-observers wonder if Mr. X is out of touch with the industry at large and have warned him that failing to address climate change issues puts his businesses under systemic risk. But, Mr. X maintained his vote against the disclosure proposal, while at the same time acknowledged the importance of both climate change and a diverse and inclusive work force. However, Mr. X believes that such ethical issues take secondary importance to maximising shareholder profit. (a) Discuss the importance of including climate change strategies and diversity and inclusion in a business organisation? (b) In your opinion, what matters more for a business organisation - socio-environmental concerns or shareholder profit? (c) How can the two above-mentioned issues be reconciled? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"The Indian education system suffers from many ills. One of the major issues is the focus on ‘rote learning’, which has been the staple of the Indian education system for many years. While many Indians have attained success despite this system, simply being able to recall information is not enough in today’s world when that information is instantly available to anyone on a mobile phone. A survey of 200 Indian and foreign companies found that only 14% of Indian graduates were prepared for the workforce, largely because most graduates were unable to apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the consequences of ‘rote learning’ on the educational development of young students in the country? (b) Suggest measures that can be taken to address this issue. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8286,"topper":"Tanmai Khanna","air":61,"year":2022,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2be35-1051062_2093_tanmai-khanna_rank-61.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"One of Mead's most significant contributions to social psychology is his distinction between the \"I\" and the \"Me\". Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"\"Marx's conception of 'class-in-itself' and 'class-for-itself' has been questioned on the basis of 'empirical studies.' Elucidate","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"2 (a) In what ways are Marx's and Weber's theories of class at odds with each other and to what extent can they be seen as complementary?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"\"Emile Durkheim, division of labour could be 'functional' as well as 'anomic' for society\". Explain","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"\"Religion is the opium of masses and an instrument of classes\". Critically analyse","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"\"To Marx capitalism is rooted in irrationality but for Weber it is a reflection of rationality.\" Discuss","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"\"Merton's theory of anomie is a borrowing but essentially different from that of Durkheim\". Critically examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"Critically examine various 'theories of revolution'","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"Critically discuss 'Value-added theory' with respect to the social movements","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Discuss what role Civil society has to play in restoring institutions that form the bulwark of democracy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Gramsci extended the Marxist ideas on Power and State by developing the concept of hegemony. Discuss","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"\"Durkheim's understanding of religion, like any other social theory, emerged and had greater relevance in a particular 'social context'.\" Critically analyze the statement","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Protests and agitation are symptomatic of skewed development in society. Discuss in context of India along with relevant examples","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8287,"topper":"Tanmai Khanna","air":61,"year":2022,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2402d-1051062_2099_tanmai-khanna_rank-61.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8288,"topper":"TANMAY","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/TANMAY-UPSC-2024-Rank-346-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Fundamental rights chapter of the constitution is the \"north star\" of the universe of constitutionalism. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Just because a person is offended by someone's speech or word; it does not mean that an offence has been committed. In this context, discuss the issues surrounding the use of the section 295A and 153A of IPC. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Present a comparative analysis of political system of India and Sri-Lanka. How far do you agree that the reason for the economic crisis in Sri-Lanka lies in its political structure? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The changed nature of civil society due to its professionalization has helped in deepening of democracy but at the cost of participation and accountability. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"While National Green Tribunal (NGT) has made immense contribution to protection of environment, various structural and functional issues have limited its effectiveness. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Policy of reservation, started to provide equality of opportunities, has fallen victim to political opportunism. Critically examine the success of affirmative actions in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Unless the factors that prevent effective and full participation of persons with disability in political and public life are addressed, the goal of inclusiveness and empowerment will remain elusive. Analyze. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The criminal justice system has made the process itself a punishment leading to the prolonged incarceration of undertrials. Highlighting the reasons for the large number of undertrial prisoners, examine the desirability of a dedicated bail law. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"China's interest in Russia is not only that of a strategic partner, but also for it being a strategic diversion for the west. Analyze. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Appraise the role of Indian diaspora in the economies of West Asia and Africa. What initiatives can be taken to address the issues faced by the diaspora in these regions? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Electoral reform is a continuous effort to make election funding transparent, election process inclusive, and political parties accountable. Discuss issues related to election funding, proposal for remote voting and regulation of Registered Unrecognized Political Parties (RUPPs). (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Judicial accountability and independence are mutually reinforcing. Do you agree? In what ways can judicial accountability be enhanced without impinging on its independence? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Ordinances deny legislative legitimacy to executive actions and weakens democratic accountability of elected government. Discuss the rationale behind inclusion of ordinance making power in the constitution and various safeguards against its misuse. Has the ordinance making power outlived its utility in present times? Justify. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The achievement of Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 can happen only if we consider local context and situations. In light of this statement, examine the critical role as well as capabilities of PRIs in meeting the SDGs. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Ayushman Bharat is a revolutionary intervention but falls short of recognizing the right to health as a universal basic right. In this perspective, discuss the need for and impediments in ensuring the right to health for all in the country. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Assess the performance of MGNREGA in generation of sustainable employment and creation of durable assets in rural India. Can this model be replicated in urban areas as well? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Poverty is driving women into the workforce, while education seems to drive them out of it. What explains this anomaly? How can Self Help Groups (SHGs) correct this aberration? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Rather than seeing it as a replacement for SAARC, BIMSTEC must be appreciated for its critical role as a bridge between South Asia and ASEAN. Analyze. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Compare the aims and objectives of I2U2 and Quad. What importance does I2U2 hold for India? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8289,"topper":"Tanuj Pathak","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/91cdb-854826_2488_tanuj_pathak_rank_72.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"A mind all logic is like a knife all blade, it makes the hand bleed that uses it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"History is a cyclic poem written by time upon the memories of man.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The wise man does at once what the fool does finally.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The world is a tragedy to those who feel, but a comedy to those who think.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Perfect clarity would profit the intellect but damage the will.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8290,"topper":"Tanuj Pathak","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Tanuj-Pathak-UPSC-2023-Rank-72-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Gandhian ideology secured democracy in the country even before it was formally established. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"British response to the revolt of 1857 did more than merely restoring colonial control; it prolonged the longevity of the British imperialism in India. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The reasons for World War I lay in Bismarck's system of alliances. Critically analyze. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Why are hilly regions more vulnerable to cloudbursts? Describe their impact and suggest suitable strategy for mitigating their adverse effects. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Explain the phenomenon of marine heat waves and their multi-dimensional impacts. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Describe the main pillars of India's Arctic Policy. Why is arctic region gaining greater geopolitical significance in the present context? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Covid-19 pandemic has brought fundamental changes in the labour market and nature of jobs. Enumerate these changes and discuss their social consequences. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"It is not the diversity, but threat to diversity that imperils the unity of the country. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Urbanization is a complex process that reflects transformation not only in 'where people live' and 'what they do', but also in 'how they live'. In light of this statement, analyze the impact of urbanization on the Indian society. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"No vulnerability is without an underlying social cause and child labour is no exception. Analyze. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Indian sculptures are not just an expression of religious traditions but also a reflection of technical brilliance and aesthetic sensibilities of their time. Elaborate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"From paper partition to delayed decolonization, African colonial experience was different from rest of the world. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Compare the peasant and tribal movements in pre-independence India. How far would it be correct to classify peasant and tribal movements as a part of national freedom struggle? Justify with suitable examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"How is general pattern of ocean surface current circulation related to global atmospheric circulation patterns? Also discuss the influence of these circulations on climate and human activities. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Describe the ecosystem services provided by the mangrove forests. Examine the causes of depletion of mangrove forests and suggest measures for their protection. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The largest contributors to climate change, cities are also one of the most vulnerable to its adverse effects. Explain. Also analyze the role of cities in achieving carbon neutrality and building climate resilience. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Account for the shift in location of sugar industry. What has been the economic and ecological consequences of these shifts? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Population composition, rather than population size, is more critical determinant of development trajectory of a country. Examine. Also discuss the desirability of raising legal age of marriage for women to stabilize population size. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"How has globalization impacted traditional cultural values in the society? Do you agree that globalization has reduced diversity and increased disparity in the country? Justify. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"While equal rights have been granted to both men and women to participate in economic activities, economic empowerment of women has been slow in coming due to various social barriers. Examine the statement based on your understanding of economic empowerment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8291,"topper":"Tanuj Pathak","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1e9c9-854826_1503_tanuj-pathak_rank_72.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"It has been argued that remedying the exclusion of the majority of women from access to and control of rural land in India is one of the most significant steps that could be taken towards enhancing the country's rural livelihoods. In this context, identify the challenges in access to land rights by women. What measures can be taken to strengthen these rights? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Various challenges need to be addressed in order to successfully push forward the agenda of decarbonizing the transport sector in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":8292,"topper":"Tanuj Pathak","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/79032-854826_2423_tanuj-pathak_rank_72.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With suitable examples, discuss how environmental pressure groups enhance public participation and responsiveness with regard to environmental policies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The recent acknowledgment of sex work as a 'profession' by the Supreme Court is merely the first step in ensuring basic rights and equality for sex workers in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the role played by District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) in providing free legal aid and disseminating legal awareness in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"The collegium system has become a victim of its own success, with the concentration of power in the hands of a few, leading to questions about its legitimacy.\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"Civil services reforms must go beyond recruitment and standardised training to cope with the present day challenges.\" Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"Outcome-based finance models such as social impact bonds have the potential to truly catalyse change and deliver socio-economic impact at scale. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"The wide gap between the number of females graduating every year and those entering the workspace is an issue of paramount importance that needs to be addressed. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words) 10\"","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"An up to date and functional Civil Registration System (CRS) is essential to the socio-economic planning in India. Discuss in the light of the recent move of the Central government in revamping the CRS system in the country. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What are the key areas of reform if the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has to align with the current economic realities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In recent years, India's relationship with West Asia has evolved from the confines of geopolitics to expanse of geoeconomics. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The role of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) is significant in furthering healthy competitiveness aimed at inspiring stakeholders to innovate and augment effectiveness. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"\"The menace of paid news often rears its ugly head during elections.\" Discuss the need for making paid news an electoral offence in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the 'Doctrine of Essentiality' referred to by the courts in the context of religious practices in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"As per the recently released report of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), there is an urgent need to limit the size of the government in India. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The Institutions of Eminence (IoE) scheme was conceived to develop 'world-class' centres of higher education in India but six years later, it is yet to become the game changer it was intended to be. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) allows for innovative and convenient public services, help overcome inclusion or accessibility barriers, and increase transparency and accountability with real-time data. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Besides legislation, the full realisation of the 'right to health for all' in India demands plugging of social, financial, and infrastructural gaps. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The 'third gender' has not yet been engendered in the Indian society despite legislative nudge. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Among other factors, strained ties with China and Pakistan make it difficult for India to fulfill its expectations from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"The recently concluded initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) between the United States and India promises a long overdue transformation of their partnership in the field of technology. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8293,"topper":"Tanuj Pathak","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a0929-854826_2422_tanuj-pathak_rank_72.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The traditional theatre forms of India reflect the ideals and emotions of the society, and an individual's role in the community. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Provide an account of the historical and architectural importance of the Sanchi Stupa. Also, discuss how it inspired the future architecture in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Bhagat Singh made a real breakthrough in terms of revolutionary ideology, the goals of revolution and forms of revolutionary struggle. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Bringing out the factors that led to the Meiji restoration, discuss its significance for Japan. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"It is believed that a nation is an “imagined community” held together by common beliefs, history, political aspirations etc. In this context, discuss what the basis of India as a nation is. Also, bring out the threats to the concept of Indian nationhood. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"State the key factors behind the growth of the pharmaceutical industry in India. Additionally, discuss its significance with regard to India's economy and public health.(Answer in 150words)10","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss why the Bay of Bengal is more prone to cyclones than the Arabian Sea. Also, explain the reasons for the decrease in frequency of tropical cyclones during the Southwest monsoon season. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite being destructive in nature, volcanoes are critical for the existence of human life on earth. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The existence of relative deprivation is an important aspect in constructing the argument for regionalism. Explain with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"If India is to realise the goal of 'education for all', the issue of rising cases of bullying and other forms of school violence needs to be addressed immediately. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":8294,"topper":"Tanuj Pathak","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3c1cd-854826_1864_tanuj-pathak_rank_72.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Agristack can serve as a foundation to build innovative agri-focused solutions, thus enabling creation of a better ecosystem for agriculture in India. Comment. Also, discuss the concerns associated with it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Despite the advantages of geothermal energy, it has not been adopted on a wide scale in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"While the WTO seeks elimination of subsidies that contribute to IUU (illegal, unreported and unregulated) fishing, there are multiple concerns around it. Discuss while highlighting India's stand on the issue. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"There is a view that the current agricultural policies in India are biased against rainfed agriculture. Comment. Also, identify government initiatives in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Enumerate the major causes behind marine heatwaves. Also, discuss their impact on the ocean ecosystem. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Aseismic structures are touted as a viable solution to combat earthquake destruction. In this context, highlight the need of a National Program on Seismic Retrofitting of Buildings and Structures in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Despite the risks associated with cryptoassets, their underlying advantages should not be overlooked. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality (VR and AR) have massive innovation potential across a wide range of industries and research fields in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the role and functions of Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and examine whether the NDPS Act, 1985 needs to be remodelled. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Recent events have raised concerns around the issue of surveillance in India. Do you think surveillance is a necessary evil to tackle crime and terror? Discuss the various arguments on the issue. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The decision to grow a particular crop by a farmer is affected by various factors other than the yield of a crop. Discuss this statement and assess the need for bringing a change in the cropping pattern in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Identifying the importance of livestock in the Indian agricultural economy, enumerate the steps taken by the government in this regard. Also, discuss the potential impact of climate change on the livestock sector. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"It has been argued by some economists that supply creates its own demand. In this context, discuss the merits and demerits of reliance on investment in infrastructure to boost the Indian economy. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Innovations emerge not just as an opportunity but also as a pre-condition to assure the sustainability of food production. Analyse the statement in context of the food processing sector in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The factors contributing to unemployment in India are not merely a result of the structural issues related to the Indian economy. Discuss. Also, highlight the measures taken to address the problem of unemployment in recent times. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Highlighting the major announcements made by India in the recently concluded COP26, examine India's capabilities in achieving net zero emissions by 2070. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"While geography plays a definite role in the recurring disasters in Western Ghats, it is the human intervention that has exacerbated them. Discuss. Also, suggest measures to protect Western Ghats from these frequent disasters. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The IPR regime in India is mired by inadequate protection and ineffective implementation. In this context, discuss how the IPR regime can be made more robust and effective. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What are the similarities and differences between the activities of terrorists and organized criminal groups? Also, elaborate upon the fact that their linkages occur in both tactical and strategic ways. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"There is a view that the 'civil society is emerging as the new frontier of war', in the 4th generation of warfare. Do you agree with this view? Substantiate with logical arguments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8295,"topper":"Tanuj Pathak","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0d97b-854826_2424_tanuj-pathak_rank_72.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What are the different dimensions of food security? Examine India's status in terms of ensuring food security with regard to these dimensions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Modern technologies such as blockchain and ChatGPT are powerful tools with immense potential to transform agriculture into a more efficient and sustainable sector. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What factors have led to the recent acceleration in the trend towards de-dollarization of the global economy? Do you think the dollar will lose its dominance anytime soon? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Despite significant pressure from the developed countries to alter its food subsidy regime, there is merit in India trying to retain its policy support for the poor in the country. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Several initiatives have been taken by the government towards addressing India's water needs, but the issues of water availability and water quality still warrant prioritised intervention. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What are the major drivers of glacial retreat in the Arctic? Describe the potential impact of the retreat of Arctic glaciers on the ecosystem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Space tourism, which was viewed as something straight out of a science fiction movie, is now becoming a reality albeit not without hindrances. What are the challenges associated with space tourism? What measures can be taken to address these challenges? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Global health experts widely believe that the development of CAR-T cell therapy can be a game changer in the treatment of cancer. How can CAR-T cell therapy overcome the limitations of CRISPR-Cas9 technology? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss why the rising deployment of new and emerging technologies by prominent violent extremist organizations demand concerted global efforts. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"With the Line of Actual Control (LAC) remaining tense after the Galwan and Yangste incidents and both India and China ramping up infrastructure in the border areas, discuss the role that ITBP plays in the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":8296,"topper":"Tanuj Pathak","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Tanuj-Pathak-UPSC-2023-Rank-72-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Growth of the Indian National Movement was both a response to and a reason for changes in the British policy in the country. Elaborate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Account for the reasons that led to parallel development of nationalism and communalism in pre-independence period. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The history of freedom struggle is replete with the saga of sacrifice, selflessness, bravery of women. Illustrate through examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Collapse of the USSR was as much a consequence of internal unrest as of external factors. Analyze this statement and discuss the impacts of fall of USSR. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Why is industrial revolution considered a landmark event in the world history? Discuss the factors that were responsible for beginning of Industrial revolution in Britain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"How far was the New Deal effective in addressing the challenges of great economic depression of 1929? Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do you understand by modernization? Is Indian society a modern one? Justify your answer. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Analyze the role of digital technologies in bridging gender gap in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Caste system is a dynamic reality that is acquiring a greater degree of flexibility in the modern society. In light of this statement, elucidate how the caste system has changed since independence along with the underlying reasons for these changes. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Poverty is not only lack of resources but also lack of opportunity to improve one's standard of living and acquire resources. Elaborate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The viceroyalty of Lord Lytton and Lord Ripon was marked by the full display of colonial relation between India and Britain. Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"Although Mahatma Gandhi accepted Jawahar Lal Nehru as his successor, the two had marked differences during the freedom struggle and in their vision for independent India. Elaborate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Birth of Indian national Congress in 1885 was nothing more than a British strategy aimed at creating a safety valve for forestalling an imminent popular uprising among the colonial subjects. Critically examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Why did the allied powers follow the policy of appeasement towards Germany? How far this policy was responsible for the second World War? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"French revolution was a beacon of light that gave a world dominated by aristocratic privileges and monarchical tyranny a hope of freedom but failed to liberate France itself. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"The Vietnam War was a prolonged military conflict that started as an anticolonial resistance and ended with the humiliation of the capitalist bloc. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Fully unlocking the value of India's diversity will depend on the ability to manage contradictions and conflicts arising out of cultural differences. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Identify the reasons for regional variations in the fertility rate across the country and its social consequences. Examine the need of a population control law in the country. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"The nature of urbanization in the country has given rise to new social and ecological challenges, instead of solving the old ones. Examine with suitable illustrations. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Increase in sexual violence against children is a reflection of declining moral standards of the society. Highlighting the reasons for rise in cases of sexual offences against children, suggest measures to tackle this problem. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8297,"topper":"Tanuj Pathak","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Tanuj-Pathak-UPSC-2023-Rank-72-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Successful people are not those who did not fail, but those who persisted in turbulent times and kept moving after a failure. In light of this statement, examine the importance of adversity quotient in life. How can adversity quotient be developed? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"'Strength does not come from physical capacity but from an indomitable will.' - Gandhi. What does strength mean to you and how far do you agree with the given statement? Discuss with suitable example. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Good governance does not depend on laws, but upon the personal qualities of those who administer the law. Do you agree with this statement? Justify your view. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"An active civil service is necessary but not sufficient; India also requires civil service activism for fulfilling the vision of 'justice, liberty and equality for all'. Analyze the statement citing relevant examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Educational institutions complement the role of the family and the society in shaping our values. Discuss. Can digital education perform this value inculcation function effectively? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Gendered attitudes convert differences in sexes into discriminations. Examine the factors responsible for negative attitudes toward women in the Indian society. How can these attitudes be changed? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"How are ethical concerns and work culture of public institutions different from those of private institutions? Examine the desirability of adoption of work culture similar to private institutions in public institutions. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Besides objectivity, civil servants also need empathy and compassion to effectively resolve various ethical dilemmas they face while discharging their responsibilities. Discuss with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Leadership is essentially a task of persuasion. How does ability to persuade others help civil servants in performing their duty? Identify five qualities that make civil servants effective agents of persuasion. Justify your choices. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What does each of the following quotations mean to you? Peace is not mere absence of war; it is presence of justice (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"What principles of corporate ethics would you consider while taking the decision in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Examine various options available with you for handling the issue at hand. What will you do in the given case? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Asanpur is a beautiful small district in Northern part of India. It used to be the hub of stone mining activity. However, excessive mining led to environmental degradation and rapid soil erosion while cutting of stone created air pollution hazard. Due to various detrimental impacts, NGT has imposed a ban on stone mining in Asanpur. Despite this ban, the mining mafia has been able to operate with connivance of corrupt government officials and politicians. Many officers hve tried to stop this illegal mining, but the powerful mafia has either forced them to submit through force or bribed them or got them transferred through their political contacts. Last week, a DSP lost his life when he was trying to stop a truck carrying illegally mined stones. You recently got promoted and made the SP of Asanpur. Upon taking the charge, you quickly realized the gravity of the problem. Illegal mining was run by organized gangs in the district. It was also linked to other crimes in your city ranging from petty crimes like pick pocketing to serious offenses like kidnapping and murders. Illegal mining and related crime have negatively impacted socio-economic development of the district as youth are increasingly getting involved in the illegal activities and businesses are leaving the district due to high crime rates. You created a special task force and started taking stringent actions against the illegal mining in your district. In a short span of a few weeks you seized thirty dumpers carrying illegally mined stones. Public appreciated your stringent action while the corrupt ecosystem created by illegal miners was rattled. One day, a junior officer approached you and informed you that he has been receiving threats from the illegal stone miners. He also informs you that others in the task force are also facing problems like someone in the task force is being harassed by reopening an old settled case against him while someone else has received a transfer order to a remote district. This has demotivated the task force and reminded them of the connections of illegal miners in the district. The same day, when you reach home, your wife tells you that she got a call from an unknown number threatening her of dire consequences if you do not stop your investigation. You fear that the call was from a member of the organized crime syndicate involved in the illegal mining activity. Your wife is worried about the safety of the family and requests you to be lenient in your work. In this situation, answer the following questions:","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"How will you motivate the task force to work with honesty in this adverse condition?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"Identify the various dimensions of the crisis. Based on your understanding, suggest measures to deal with the crisis. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"What are the different courses of action that you can take? Identify the most suitable course of action and justify your choice. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"What are the various ethical issues involved in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Do you think Rashmi is justified in demanding a permanent government job?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Do you think the government is justified in terminating the contracts of corona warriors?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Consider yourself in the position of Health secretary in the concerned state. What would you do to address the issue at hand? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Why do caste-based discriminations still persist even after 75 years of independence?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"Examine the various ethical issues involved in this case.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8298,"topper":"Tanuj Pathak","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/49380-854826_1494_tanuj_pathak_rank_72.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by probity in governance? Explain, with examples, how it enhances transparency and accountability in the administration. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Differentiating between empathy and compassion, discuss the importance of compassion towards weaker sections of society in the administration. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Ethics may, at times, seem to be in conflict with law and vice-versa. Discuss with suitable examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Explaining the concept of Emotional Intelligence, highlight its role in administration. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Examine the relevance of the following in the context of civil services: (a) Integrity and Honesty (b) Objectivity and Neutrality (c) Impartiality and Non-partisanship (d) Accountability and Responsibility","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Is it always morally wrong to lie? Justify your stand with relevant examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Bring out the difference between Attitude and Aptitude. What type of attitude is expected of civil servants in India, in your view? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"How can one use Gandhiji's talisman for resolving ethical dilemmas in day-to-day life? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"People's attitudes are shaped by their social experience and circumstances. Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Explain the following terms with suitable examples. (a) Beliefs (b) Values (c) Norms (d) Principles (e) Morals","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"It has been argued that ethics in journalism is on a downward spiral. This is most evident in the case of media trials. There are glaring instances of yellow journalism, wherein the media bothers little about authenticity of sources, and sensationalises news to increase TRPs and gain more audience. At times, the electronic media in particular, has been found to be functioning as parallel courts, indulging in direct allegations and public vilification of the accused. In this context: (a) Discuss the various issues associated with yellow journalism. (b) What principles, in your view, need to be followed to make sure that media glare does not turn into a media trial?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"India is one of the biggest fairness product markets in the world. A number of firms produce, advertise and sell fairness creams, marketed mainly as whitening products in the country. At the same time there have been many debates on this issue, particularly in recent times, with many arguing that such advertisements should be banned altogether. In this context, answer the following: (a) What are the ethical issues involved in advertising of fairness products? (b) Highlight the consequences of preference for light-skinned people in a society like India? (c) Do you think such issues are better tackled at the societal level rather than regulating advertisements through legal and administrative measures?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8299,"topper":"Tanuj Pathak","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e02c7-854826_1505_tanuj_pathak_rank_72.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Open Government Data (OGD) can be seen as a step towards greater transparency and accountability in India. In this context, discuss the benefits of OGD and the challenges which lie therein. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"\"While corruption is never good, not all forms of corruption are equally bad for the economy, nor do they cause the same kind of harm.\" Critically analyse the statement in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Probity in governance is an essential and vital requirement for an efficient and effective system of governance and for socio-economic development. Discuss. Also, state ways to enhance probity in governance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlighting the importance of whistle-blowing in an organisation, discuss the systemic factors that determine whether a person would become a whistle-blower. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.\" - Albert Einstein (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Facts are many, but the truth is one.\" - Rabindranath Tagore (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Analyze the significance of appointing ethics officers in the light of strengthening corporate governance in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Transparent governance promises an accountable state but a balance has to be achieved between disclosure requirements and administrative privileges for efficient governance. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Citizen empowerment is a natural outcome of a Citizen Charter. Critically evaluate in the Indian context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discretionary power by itself is not pure evil but gives much room for misuse. Discuss in the context of administration in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Emotional Intelligence is an important trait to imbibe in a highly competitive and achievement-oriented environment. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Emotional Intelligence is an essential ingredient for successful implementation of pandemic induced emergency response. Comment in the light of COVID-19 pandemic. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Enumerate the decisive factors behind moral attitude. Also, discuss any incident from your life wherein you brought about a change in someone's attitude around an important social issue. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":33,"question":"You are a single mother and work as a school counsellor for the psychological well-being of primary and secondary school children at a reputed school. Recently, you have found through your interactions that several students have been facing emotional trauma and mental health issues. Realising the gravity of the situation you want to discuss this with the school authorities and the board of trustees and come up with an advanced plan that can help parents get better involved. However, during the meeting, concerns are raised regarding your findings and the lack of supporting evidence is also cited by some. Moreover, senior members who are present express a sense of displeasure at what this might mean for the reputation of the school. 8. You are an IPS officer on your first posting in a very poor and isolated rural area of one of the most backward states of the country. In your office complex, of which you are the incharge, there is a frequent sewage related problem, causing inconvenience to the employees in your office complex and severely affecting the efficiency of the workplace. It might also lead to health disorders and diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea etc. To resolve it, the cleaning workers are made to do manual scavenging work without due regards to their safety. Most of these workers are from marginalised castes and are discriminated against socially. You are aware of the laws banning manual scavenging and the loopholes around it. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the issues which you need to address in this situation? (b) Present your course of action to deal with the given situation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"You are an IPS officer on your first posting in a very poor and isolated rural area of one of the most backward states of the country. In your office complex, of which you are the incharge, there is a frequent sewage related problem, causing inconvenience to the employees in your office complex and severely affecting the efficiency of the workplace. It might also lead to health disorders and diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea etc. To resolve it, the cleaning workers are made to do manual scavenging work without due regards to their safety. Most of these workers are from marginalised castes and are discriminated against socially. You are aware of the laws banning manual scavenging and the loopholes around it. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the issues which you need to address in this situation? (b) Present your course of action to deal with the given situation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You have recently been posted as a District Development Officer in a traditionally rural area that has seen rapid economic development in the past few years. You notice that there is a huge disparity between the number of male and female children in the area. When you go to the hospital and check the birth registry, you realise that registered new-born babies are mostly males. On further investigation, you notice a similar pattern in the village primary school, which has more male students than females. When you raise the issue with your colleagues, they ignore it and carry on with their work. You suspect that the practice of female foeticide may be entrenched in the area as you had read about the issue in the context of this state while studying for the Civil Services Examination. It seems to you that respected members of the community like doctors, politicians and government officials have chosen to ignore the issue, given the prevalence 10. Party X has a clear majority in the Lok Sabha. However, because of it falling short of majority in the Rajya Sabha, a large number of its bills are getting stalled in the Upper House. Elections of a key state are around the corner and the party desperately needs to win, for it to secure a majority in the Rajya Sabha. As part of its campaign strategy, the social media head of the party suggests an insidious strategy to make electoral gains. A part of the strategy involves sending out questionnaires online and promoting them using ads. The response filled by people to these online questionnaires will help reveal their key personality traits to the social media team of the party. These behavioral science insights would be important in helping candidates tailor their campaign messages according to the recipient's personality traits. However, because the content of the questionnaire is incendiary and polarizing, the social media team decides to use fake accounts to administer data collection on social media platforms to avoid ? (b) ? ?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"You are the Superintendent of Police of a city where a large slum has developed in recent decades on the property of Indian Railways. The Indian Railways has prepared a plan for expansion of the city railway station for which they want to get the slums demolished. They have requested the assistance of local police for the same, however, the people residing in those slums have responded angrily to this step and have occupied the railway tracks, resisting any action by the officials. Slum dwellers are asking for a suitable rehabilitation, citing that the city is under the grip of a cold wave as the month of December is in progress. This has not only halted the railway traffic on the route causing immense hardships to railway passengers but also posing risk of violence between slum-dwellers and the police. Given the situation (a) Identify various issues involved in the case along with different","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8300,"topper":"Tanuj Pathak","air":72,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1i4CvFhhnYIzbV6Hl1S4sVnrcUkvRTwZW/view","questions":[]},{"id":8301,"topper":"Tanvi Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ae06c-45958906_2929_tanvi_gupta_187.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Expression of dissent is central to the functioning of the Parliament. In light of this, discuss the role of the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in India's parliamentary system. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"How can the integration of technology into judicial processes enhance accessibility, capability, and efficiency in justice delivery? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Supreme Court of India has upheld unique asymmetry in India's federalism by intricately balancing centralized authority and regional autonomy. Discuss with the help of relevant case laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Evaluate the effectiveness of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes in safeguarding the interests of the Scheduled Castes in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Executive accountability to the legislature through Parliamentary Committees has been the hallmark of the Indian political system. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can India make Citizens' Charter a powerful tool for improving governance and empowering citizens? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How do corporate donors aid NGOs in facilitating holistic development in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite its merits, should the POCSO Act be revisited to correct the existing inadequacies? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"China's acquisition of strategic ports globally has significant implications for international trade routes and economic relations. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"What are the main functions of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)? How will its recent treaty on intellectual property, genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge benefit India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) plays a crucial role in combating corruption, its functioning is often criticized for being partisan and acting against the federal spirit. Discuss with the help of suitable examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Governors in India often overstep their constitutional role and fail to act effectively when needed. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Both India and the USA adhere to democratic principles but their electoral systems exhibit significant differences. What are the key differences in electoral practices between the two countries? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"How far do you agree with the view that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has met its objective of ensuring environmental justice in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Though Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) have become a platform for competitive politics, they have not emerged as an agency of planning and service delivery. Why? (Answer in 250 words)15","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by interoperability in e-governance? What steps have been taken by the government to ensure interoperability and integration of various e-governance systems? (Answer in 250 words)15","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"When it comes to sexual and reproductive health of women in India, rights-based discourse has largely been bypassed not just by the societal norms but also by the legal norms. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"How effective has India been in enhancing immunization coverage over the years? What challenges continue to affect immunization efforts in the country? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India used its Presidency of the G20 to bring the voice of the Global South to the centre stage. Discuss with special reference to Africa. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"India's relationship with the UAE has witnessed a remarkable expansion across various domains in the last decade. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8302,"topper":"Tanvi Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/550f4-45958906_2928_tanvi_gupta_187.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How does tribal art provide valuable insights into the cultural perspectives and values of Indian tribal communities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What are the key factors that accelerated decolonization post-World War II? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How does human encroachment impact water bodies in urban areas? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How do physical geographical features influence the development and operation of transportation systems? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How are ocean trenches formed? Describe the significant characteristics of these oceanic relief formations. (Answer in 150words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Identify the reasons behind increasing number of extreme rainfall events throughout India in recent times. Assess their socio-economic impact. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"India is expected to have the largest working-age population in the world by 2030 and it cannot afford low participation of women in the workforce anymore. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Do you agree that there has been a progressive secularization of caste in India? Support your view with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Why is inequality increasing in India despite the fall in overall poverty? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"How did the competitive and hostile dynamic between Brahminism and Buddhism over funding, followers, and ideology mark the decline of Buddhism? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"European travellers' accounts in the medieval period have played an important role in shaping our understanding of the empires and people of that period in India. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The British victory in the Battle of Plassey in 1757 not just changed the course of Indian history but also that of the world. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Why was it more difficult to rehabilitate refugees in West Bengal as compared to Punjab after partition? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss the economic and social costs associated with the transition from coal to green energy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Explain the process of formation of volcanic calderas. How do they contribute to the scenic beauty of the region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the reasons behind the increased frequency and intensity of heat waves globally? How will it impact global food security? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India's approach to secularism does not merely challenge inter-religious domination but intra-religious domination as well. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Do you agree with the view that Indian cities are turning into landscapes of stark inequality and social exclusion? What steps can be taken to make urban areas more egalitarian in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8303,"topper":"Tanvi Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/203ba-45958906_2930_tanvi_gupta_187.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How is the rapid growth of the food processing industry leading to food safety challenges in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Under the Public Distribution System of India, the Fair Price Shop (FPS) transformation is an evolving process. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"How are agri-tech startups in India helping farmers in enhancing farm productivity and market access? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the role of digitization of land records in the effective implementation of land reforms in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"To fully exploit its demographic dividend and accelerate economic growth, India needs to adopt a manufacturing-led growth model. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can the resilience of Indian coastal communities be strengthened to tackle the growing natural hazards resulting from climate change? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How does the Green Credit Programme extend beyond carbon management to promote a more sustainable environment in India? What are the various concerns about its implementation? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What is the need for NavIC when existing satellite navigation systems are already available? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Cyber-enabled financial crime has emerged as the new frontier of global money laundering. Discuss. How can the government address this issue? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The Indian Army is observing the year 2024 as the 'Year of Technology Absorption'. In light of this, explain why there is a need for technology absorption in the defence sector of India. What challenges can India face in this initiative? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What are the issues faced in the development of trade and industries in the North-Eastern Region (NER) of India? Comment on the measures that have been taken to tackle these issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the era of climate change and growing water scarcity, how can micro-irrigation systems contribute to sustainable agricultural practices in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What strategies can be adopted to overcome the issues pertaining to freight transportation in the Indian Railways and increase its share in the domestic freight? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the factors that have aided India in making impressive strides in the renewable energy sector and establishing itself as a frontrunner in the global renewable energy transition. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"How does agricultural runoff containing fertilizers and pesticides contribute to environmental pollution? What measures can be taken to mitigate the impact of agricultural runoff? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The growing influx of tourists in Himalayan states has breached their ecological carrying capacity, leading to significant man-made disasters. What measures can be implemented to prevent such disasters while promoting sustainable tourism? Discuss with relevant examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"How do superconductors fuel innovation in diverse fields of science and technology? Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"While India has laws covering almost all types of intellectual property rights, numerous enforcement, regulatory and administrative challenges hamper the commercialisation of IPRs in India. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Keeping in view the challenges in creating integrated theatre commands, examine how the theaterisation of commands can lead to greater integration and rationalisation of manpower and resources among the three services. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Treating border villages as first villages not just geographically but also in terms of facilities can be a key strategy for enhancing border security. Discuss. Also, highlight the measures being taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8304,"topper":"Tanvi Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b32d8-45958906_2931_tanvi_gupta_rank_187.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The end cannot justify the means, for the simple and obvious reason that the means employed determine the nature of the ends produced. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss how the relationship between law and ethics is dynamic and continuously shaped by societal changes. Provide examples to illustrate this dynamic relationship. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Differentiate between probity and integrity with suitable examples. How do these values contribute to ethical governance and decision-making in the civil services? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the ethical implications of withholding information in public administration. How can transparency enhance accountability and reduce corruption in government institutions? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What factors lead to a positive attitude in a person? How does positive attitude enhance the effectiveness of civil servants in performing their duties? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss how emotional intelligence can influence ethical decision-making in the allocation of scarce public resources. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Various international humanitarian organizations provide emergency aid in conflict zones around the world. Highlight the ethical challenges faced by such organizations. What are the principles that guide international humanitarian work? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Why is persuasion regarded as an important skill for civil servants? What are the key considerations that should guide persuasion in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"What role can ethical leadership play in curbing corruption, especially in public service? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"What were the major teachings of Swami Dayanand Saraswati? Explain their relevance in addressing the current ethical and social challenges in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":33,"question":"Discuss the ethical dilemma Karan faces in deciding whether to report the incident against Mariyam's wishes. (b) Evaluate the options available to Karan. Which of these options should he choose and why? (c) What responsibilities do organizations like XYZ Corp have in preventing and addressing sexual harassment and creating inclusive workplace environments? (Answer in 250 words)20","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"What are the options available to Jay as the Commissioner of the Education Department? Evaluate each of these options. (b) What option should Jay adopt and why? (c) How can civil servants like Jay be better protected when they attempt to uphold ethical standards in their work? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What option should Jay adopt and why? (c) How can civil servants like Jay be better protected when they attempt to uphold ethical standards in their work? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"As the District Magistrate of X city, you are responsible for overseeing the construction of a new metro depot in an urban forest area, which is a critical infrastructure project aimed at improving public transportation and reducing traffic congestion and air pollution. The project, however, requires the clearance of a substantial portion of the forest, which has triggered strong opposition from environmental activists, local residents, and NGOs. This forest is widely regarded as essential for the city's ecological balance, often referred to as the city's \"lungs.\" In addition to the environmental concerns, you are under considerable pressure from politicians at the state-level to expedite the project, given the upcoming elections in two years. The political leadership emphasizes the benefits of the metro project for the city's development and its potential to garner electoral support. The project is expected to significantly reduce travel time for thousands of commuters and potentially decrease overall vehicle emissions in the city. However, it would also lead to the loss of thousands of trees and disrupt local ecosystems. As you prepare to make a decision, you are aware that your choice will have far-reaching consequences for both the city's development and its environment. (a) Identify the ethical dilemmas involved in the above case. (b) Evaluate the options available to you in the above situation. Which of these would you choose and why? (c) Suggest some measures that could be implemented to balance urban development needs with environmental conservation in future projects. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Dr. Mehra is a senior drug developer at a leading pharmaceutical company in India, renowned for producing various medications, including lifesaving drugs critical for treating chronic and rare diseases. Since its inception, the company has emphasized the quality and affordability of its drugs. Recently, under revised government guidelines, pharmaceutical companies are required to market a finished product only after obtaining \"satisfactory results\" from tests on the ingredients. Additionally, they must retain a sufficient quantity of samples of both intermediate and final products to allow repeated testing or verification of a batch. Dr. Mehra's team is in the final stages of developing a new medication for a rare but life-threatening disease. This drug has shown promising results in clinical trials. However, there have been unresolved concerns about the long-term side effects of the drug, observed in a small percentage of trial subjects. Despite this, the company has not released any major drug in the past decade, leading to significant pressure from the board members to expedite the drug's release. (a) Identify the stakeholders in the above case study. (b) Discuss the ethical issues faced by Dr. Mehra. (c) Analyse the options available to Dr. Mehra in the above case. Which of these would you choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"You have been appointed as the Under Secretary in the State Urban Development Department. The Department has been tasked with a prestigious project aimed at revitalizing the infrastructure of a city with deep historical significance. This project, which you are extremely passionate about, involves modernizing public transportation, restoring heritage buildings, and creating green spaces while preserving the city's cultural essence. Excited by the opportunity, you spent weeks researching and drafting a comprehensive proposal. Your plan included innovative ideas for sustainable development, community engagement, and leveraging technology for urban planning. You presented these initial plans in a departmental meeting, hoping to inspire your colleagues and kickstart the project. However, your enthusiasm was met with indifference. Your colleagues showed little interest, he seemed equally indifferent, casually mentioning that he is set to retire in six months and that the project has a long gestation period. Determined to see the project succeed, you took it upon yourself to drive it forward. For the past two months, you have been working more than 12 hours a day, often late into the night, sacrificing time with your family. Your dedication is driven by your belief in the project's potential to transform the lives of the city's residents and preserve its rich heritage for future generations. Two months into the project, a review meeting is called by the Chief Secretary. During the meeting, Department heads from various sectors are present to discuss ongoing and upcoming projects. When it is time to present the urban revitalization project, your boss stands up. To your shock, he presents your draft proposal as his own work, taking all the credit for the innovative ideas and comprehensive planning. As you sit there, listening to your superior claim your hard work as his own, you feel a mix of anger, disappointment, and demoralization. This incident not only undermines your efforts but also leaves you questioning the value of your dedication in a work culture that does not seem to support collaboration or recognize individual contributions. (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) How does the above-mentioned work culture affect workplace morale and productivity? (c) What are the options available to you and how would you address the situation? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":58,"question":"In light of the above case, discuss the ethical issues that may arise from the nexus between corporate, political, and bureaucratic interests. (b) As a conscientious civil servant, evaluate the options available to Arun. Which option should he choose and why?(Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8305,"topper":"Tanya Singhal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c4185-98030_876_tanya-singhal_159.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"While India has taken a number of steps in order to substantially improve its ranking in the World Bank's 'Ease of Doing Business' Index, it needs to take further action in this regard. Elaborate. Also analyse the utility of these rankings vis-a-vis India's objective of facilitating a sound entrepreneurial environment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"In wake of the agrarian crisis that the country is witnessing, discuss the need for adopting an income-centric approach in preference to a production-centric one as the basis of agricultural policy. In this context, also highlight the steps that should be taken to achieve the goal of doubling the income of farmers by 2021-22 and the challenges that exist.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"It is argued that India's fiscal centre of gravity has rapidly shifted from the Centre to the States. Analyse the statement in context of the debate on fiscal discipline. Also, enumerate the key recommendations of the N.K. Singh panel on Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Strategic sale of state-run firms is a prudent step to deal with the challenges being faced by the public sector enterprises in India. Comment. Also enumerate other measures that can be taken in light of NITI Aayog's suggestions in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Shell companies in India are neither legally defined nor properly understood. Analyse in the light of recent developments, prevalent understanding and steps required to effectively deal with shell companies.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"If a larger population in India is to be involved in the economy in a big way, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are key. Elaborate. Also discuss the challenges faced by the SME sector in India and give an account of the measures taken by the government to deal with these.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"What are the reasons for the growing informalization of industrial labour in India? Discuss the issues associated with the phenomenon and reforms required to deal with them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"A number of far-reaching developments have taken place in the local and global energy space which have to be reflected in our own energy policy framework. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"The Indian IT-BPM (Information Technology-Business Process Management) industry is a global powerhouse today and its impact on India and the world has been unprecedented. Comment. Also, mention the challenges being faced by India's IT-BPM sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"An effective multi-modal logistics and transport sector will make the Indian economy more competitive. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Climate change threatens sustainable development, impairs socio-economic development and reinforces cycles of poverty across the globe. In this context, discuss the utility of climate risk insurance as an instrument within a comprehensive climate risk management system.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Why are women particularly vulnerable to the impact of natural disasters? Also analyse, with adequate examples, how women can play a more effective role in disaster risk management cycle.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"In view of the seriousness of heat waves and its consequences, greater attention is required for dealing with it as a natural disaster. Analyse in the context of recent developments and the actions taken by relevant government bodies.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"While genome editing offers immense potential benefits in the area of healthcare, there are a lot of apprehensions regarding its use. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Discuss various ways in which supercomputers have benefitted mankind over the years. Also enumerate the objectives of the National Supercomputing Mission and the mechanism for its implementation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Widely seen as a disruption for the traditional banking and financial institutions, cryptocurrencies have gained significant traction lately, at the same time creating a regulatory nightmare for regulators across the globe. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"An internationally-binding agreement to strengthen the Outer Space Treaty of 1967 is both desirable and increasingly a necessity. Analyse in view of the traditional and emerging challenges in this arena.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Even after nearly 60 years in existence, AFSPA remains at the centre of debates with respect to countering violent insurgencies, role of the states and local communities. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Analyse the challenges and opportunities inherent in the push for indigenisation of defence production in India. Also, identify the measures through which indigenous manufacturing of defence equipments is being encouraged by the Government.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"India's ability to puruse a clear-cut strategic vision depends on its ability to improve institutional cooperation and coordination between the armed forces and civilian bureaucracy. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8306,"topper":"Tanya Singhal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ed0f9-98030_874_tanya-singhal_159.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The greatness of the Mughal achievement in the political unification of India was matched by the splendour and beauty of the work of architects, poets, historians, painters and musicians who flourished in the period. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Traditionally, India had developed wide-ranging water harvesting techniques in keeping with the local ecological conditions and their water needs. Substantiate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Imperial rivalries of 18th Century Europe were played out in India as well. Comment in the context of the Carnatic Wars.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"The Lucknow session of 1916 was a watershed event during the freedom struggle of India due to various reasons. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Reforms initiated by the Justice Party became a model for social affirmative action in the country. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"War in the Korean Peninsula proved to be disastrous for Korea, a missed opportunity for the United States and a defining moment for China. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"The Munich Pact brought neither peace nor stability in relations between European countries, rather it turned out to be an act of appeasement that made war inevitable. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Explain how Gandhi's non-violent philosophy influenced Martin Luther King Jr.'s methods. Also discuss the contributions and accomplishments of King to ensure civil rights for all people regardless of race in America.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Apart from the linguistic reorganisaton of states, the three language formula was an important part of government policy to address the language question in India. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Enumerate the measures for the welfare of Unorganised Workers in India. In the context of problems being faced by 'domestic helps', discuss the need for additional measures to safeguard their interests.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"The manner in which the mentally ill have been treated in India suggests that policy measures alone may not be sufficient to address the challenges faced by them. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Highlight the characteristics of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) and discuss the challenges faced by them. Also enumerate the measures taken by the government to address these challenges.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"While suburbanisation is a common phenomenon in most urbanising countries, it is occurring at a relatively early stage of India's urban development. Enumerating the reasons behind this development, highlight the challenges it is creating for Indian cities.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Various geographical and anthropogenic factors have rendered Brahmaputra Valley susceptible to recurrent floods. Discuss the causes and suggest suitable measures of mitigation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"Give a brief account of Earth's heat budget. Also discuss how increasing concentration of carbon dioxide in Earth's atmosphere effects it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Give an outline of the major geological events that have shaped the present drainage system of Peninsular India. Also, explain why peninsular rivers are unsuitable for navigation but facilitate hydroelectric power generation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"Elaborate with examples as to how government policies influence the location of industries. Also, mention the steps taken by the Government of India to stimulate industrial activity in backward regions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"Explain, in brief, the process of cloud formation. Also, elucidate how clouds can help in weather forecasting","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"The socio-economic and ecological consequences of soil degradation are far-reaching. Discuss. Suggest measures that can be taken to restore soil fertility and arrest soil degradation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Development of island territories requires a careful balancing of environmental and tribal concerns with exploitation of economic potential. Elaborating on the threats faced by island territories of India, comment on the recent measures proposed by the government regarding their development.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8307,"topper":"Tanya Singhal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/46c53-98030_875_tanya-singhal_159.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Centralising recruitment through an All-India Judicial Service (AIJS) will not address the multiple problems in the judiciary and cause new ones instead. Critically evaluate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"The roots of the most pertinent challenges faced by Indian politics today can be traced to the lack of intra-party democracy in candidate selection and internal elections. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"While the idea behind merger of autonomous bodies in India is to curb overlapping work and reduce expenditure, it may end up doing more harm than good. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Well-defined electoral laws and greater powers for the Election Commission of India are required as the existing laws and mechanisms are inadequate to deal with new challenges. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Privileges should be defined and delimited for the free and independent functioning of the legislatures. In this context, discuss whether there is a need to re-examine the balance between fundamental rights and parliamentary privileges in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The principle of accountability is an essential part of the rule of law. In this context, discuss the lacunae in government's approach and judiciary's response to the phenomenon of extrajudicial killings in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Explain the rationale behind enacting the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016. Discuss how it can help in revitalizing consumer confidence in the real estate market. Also highlight the hurdles that remain in implementing it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Moving the subject of water from state list to concurrent list will solve the issues related to governance of water resources. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Give an account of the areas of potential conflict in the relationship between the political executive and civil servants. Also discuss why a healthy working relationship between the two is critical for good governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Despite their location in the non-political domain of civil society, NGOs have ended up playing a key, if indirect, role in India's politics. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Magnitude of India's urbanisation is not unusual but the pattern is. In this context, examine the issues in the governance of cities in India. Also suggest the reforms required to make Indian cities dynamos of competitive sub-federalism.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Social boycott should be treated as a criminal offence, rather than being considered as just another form of social evil plaguing the Indian society. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Human Trafficking in India has emerged as a serious issue, which calls for understanding the complexity of the problem and devising an effective strategy to combat it. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"A weak teacher education system is at the core of India's problems in school education. Evaluate. In this context, also enumerate the recommendations of the High-Powered Commission on Teacher Education constituted by the Supreme Court of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"It has been argued that the recent order of the Supreme Court to prevent the misuse of Section 498A institutionalises the prejudices and rehabilitates the myths, which the women's movement in India has battled over decades. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"As strategic interests between India and US continue to converge, defence has emerged as a major area of cooperation between the two. Discuss the significance and possible implications of this development.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"India's contribution to peacekeeping missions of the United Nations has remained steadfast despite changes in the nature, form and variety of UN peace keeping missions. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"India's partnership with Africa is an amalgam of African development priorities as well as India's development objectives. Discuss. Also highlight the initiatives taken by India in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Comment on the role of International Court of Justice in upholding the values of international law. In this context, also highlight the association of India with the ICJ over the years.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"In view of the focus on trans-regional economic corridors and changing regional geo-politics and geo-economics, critically discuss the idea of an Indo-Pacific Economic Corridor.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8308,"topper":"Tanya Singhal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9670b-98030_861_tanya-singhal_159.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Examine how role models influence ethical behaviour. What actions can leaders take to integrate ethical conduct in their organisations?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"According to Aristotle, for persuasion, not only Ethos (credibility of the speaker) and Logos (logical argument) but Pathos (emotional connection to the audience) is equally important. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"With appropriate examples, discuss various ethical challenges associated with the utilization of public funds in India. Suggest strategies to effectively deal with these challenges.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"With proliferation of social media, people have got the opportunity to express their views anonymously and more freely. (a) What according to you, is its effect on the social and political culture of the country? (b) Discuss the role of social media in changing one's attitude, particularly the youth.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"What are the various components of an organization's work culture? What are key issues that need to be addressed in any organisation to create a more developmental and performance oriented culture?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"There is a difference between what a person has a right to do and what the right thing to do is and often there is a conflict between these two. (a) Illustrate with examples the ethical issues that can arise because of such a conflict. (b) How does this conflict play out if someone wants to protest against injustice?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"It is vain to talk of the interest of the community, without understanding what is the interest of the individual. Discuss the statement in the present context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Vision and intentions are necessary components of political ethics. However, equally important are the process of implementation, tools used and the established system. Elaborate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Swami Vivekanand brought religion to the centre-stage and gave a new meaning to it while stressing the need for harmony among faiths. In this context, discuss the relevance of his teachings in contemporary society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Access to quality basic services plays a critical role in enhancing individual capabilities to participate fully in the growth of the nation. (a) Discuss the statement in the context of vulnerable sections of India. (b) Analyse the challenges with regard to quality service delivery in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Is Emotional Intelligence influenced by cultural moorings? How would you differentiate the applicability of Emotional Intelligence in Indian society from that of Western society?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Ramesh, a very hardworking person, is the sole bread earner in his family. He has worked with an oil company's local affiliate for several years, and has established a strong, trustworthy relationship with Suresh, manager of the local facility. Suresh has recently recommended Ramesh to be recruited as the corporate consulting engineer for the company, which would be a position of greater responsibility along with a stable income. During a casual conversation, Suresh mentions an incident in the 1960s wherein 10,000 gallons of a petrochemical was leaked into the local environment by the company due to negligence, though at the time no damage was found, and no mention of this leak was made to the press. When Ramesh mentions that the state law requires him to report all spills, Suresh reminds him that no harm had been done and reminds him that the company can't have a consulting engineer who does not value loyalty and respect confidentiality. 20 (a) Identify the ethical issues involved in the given case. (b) What are the options available to Ramesh in this situation? Evaluate each of them. (c) Had you been at Ramesh's place, what would have been your course of action? Give reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"You and your friend are living together in a metropolitan city and preparing for civil service examinations. While you manage to meet your daily targets, you sense that your friend is unable to cope up with the pressure of the exam. Fear of not passing the exam and meeting the expectations of his family is stressing him further. You realise that with time your friend is losing interest in everything and often talks about committing suicide if he is unable to meet his goal. He is also missing out on meals and prefers to stay indoors when asked to venture out. When you sought professional help, the doctor diagnosed your friend with clinical depression. Being aware that your friend needs professional counselling and psychiatric care, you reach out to his parents who reside in a rural area. They rebuff you for suggesting counselling and instead reiterate that nothing is wrong with him. They sternly mention that your bringing up the matter will only make people engage in loose talk. They also ignore you when you politely inform them that it is not wise to ignore one's mental health. Your friend's parents see his state as a sign of failure and decide to call him home where he can continue with his preparation. You are aware of the gravity of the situation if your friend goes back to his house. You also know that there is very little awareness about mental health and that the solution is not to ignore it but to take necessary measures to tackle it. 20 (a) As a concerned friend and an aspiring civil servant who can frame policies for the public in the future and has a moral duty towards them, what are the options available to you in such a situation? (b) Evaluate each of these options and choose the option you would adopt, giving reasons","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8309,"topper":"Tapasya Parihar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/35234_862_Tapasya_Parihar_Rank_23.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What are the issues associated with the existing sterilization campaigns for family planning in India? In this context, comment on the need for a multidimensional approach for family planning.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"While many see globalisation as synonymous with westernisation, evidence suggests that the process of globalisation has not been a one way street. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"How are minorities defined in India? Does the commitment to ensure special rights for minorities contradicts the idea of secularism? Discuss in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"An effective strategy to eliminate poverty must consider it as a violation of human rights and not just an economic issue. Discuss in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Mass exodus of people inhabiting mountain regions to plains is fast turning hamlets into haunted villages, in places like Uttarakhand. Discuss the causes, implications and possible remedies for this phenomenon.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Whereas the UN Habitat report calls cities \"the highest pinnacles of human creation\", the moot question is what form the cities of developing world should take. In context of this statement, examine the contending strategies of urbanisation, with respect to India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Rather than being a transitory phenomenon of fast-growing economies, today's slums pose deeper, persistent structural problems and represent major policy challenges. Discuss in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"While on the one hand, violence and discrimination against women justify strong laws, on the other hand, such laws are also misused. Why does such a state of affair exist in the Indian society? Discuss the reasons behind it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Critically examine the point of view that cultural diversity in India has been a hindrance to the process of nation building.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Gender justice is often hindered by religious sensitivity over women related issues. In this context, discuss how gender justice can be ensured while also keeping in mind religious sensitivity of different communities.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Equality of opportunity requires not only open competition for advantaged positions but also fair access to qualifications required for those positions. Discuss in the Indian context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Fertility rates in India are more closely related to education levels and the socio-economic development within a state, than to religious beliefs. Elaborate. Enumerate the steps that can be taken to achieve population stabilisation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"It has been observed by some that emergence of a distinct \"female vote bank\" has made political parties and leaders take women related issues seriously. Critically examine in the context of electoral mobilisation in India in the recent times.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Employment is a vital factor in empowerment of persons with disabilities. Analyse. Enumerate the steps taken by the government to increase employment of persons with disabilities.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Even as the caste system has weakened in recent times, caste based identity has strengthened particularly in the wake of democratic politics in India. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"A three pronged strategy of social empowerment, economic empowerment and social justice is needed to ensure removal of disparities, elimination of exploitation and protection of disadvantaged sections in India. Elaborate. Also enumerate the steps taken by the government in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Explain the factors leading to emergence of class among tribes in India. How is it affecting the tribal society?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Even though globalisation has led to increased employment opportunities for women, it has also created a new set of challenges for women workers. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Inclusion of dominant castes in the OBC list is not the solution to challenges they are facing in the job market. Comment. Also critically evaluate the arguments for revisiting the reservation policy in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Regional aspirations in the North East have been dominated by demands for autonomy, movements for secession, and opposition to 'outsiders'. Discuss with relevant examples.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8310,"topper":"Tapasya Parihar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/35234_855_Tapasya_Parihar_Rank_23.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the feasibility of using methane as a source of energy and fuel in India. How can it contribute to socio-economic development and environmental protection?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"What do you understand by seasonal shifting of pressure belts? What impact does it have on the formation of various climatic regions across the globe? Discuss its socio-economic significance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"What is a sunrise industry? Elaborate on the potential of these industries in India with a special focus on the food processing industry.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"According to a recently released WHO report, India accounts for 75% of air pollution casualties. In this context, examine the environmental and economic costs of air pollution in India. Enumerate the steps taken by the government and directions given by the Supreme Court to tackle this issue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Give an account of the distribution of aluminium industry in India along with the factors that affect its location. Also discuss the challenges faced and future prospects of the aluminium industry in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Climate change is one of the many challenges that coral islands face today. Comment. What measures can be taken to prevent the further depletion of coral islands?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Rare earth elements are the 'vitamins of modern industry'. Elaborate. Also comment on their distribution and production in the world.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Scientific and technological advancements have removed the constraints posed by geographical factors which determine the location of industries. Comment. Giving examples, discuss the new factors that have come into play as a result.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Discuss the environmental impact of electronic waste and the best practices for its handling in the context of the E-waste (Management) Rules, 2016. Also suggest some ways to incentivise consumers to utilise and dispose-off the e-waste properly.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"What factors make the Mediterranean region the leading fruit and wine producer in the world? Also discuss why it has not developed as a prominent animal rearing region.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Describe the factors responsible for increase in marine pollution in the past few decades. What impact does marine pollution have on the ocean ecosystem? Discuss the measures taken by the international community to deal with it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Highlight the factors that affect the location of nuclear power plants. Also discuss the potential benefits of building nuclear power stations on floating platforms.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"How is the coal bearing strata of India classified in geological terms? Why does coal remain the most important source of energy in India and what are its implications?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Explain the reasons for the formation of Sargasso Sea. Also, examine the factors for it being a region with one of the highest ocean salinity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"How does the Shailesh Nayak Committee on coastal zone regulation adresseses the concerns of CRZ notification of 2011?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Give a brief distribution of major grasslands of the world. Discuss the reasons behind the temperate grasslands becoming the grain baskets of the world. Also compare their performance vis-a-vis tropical grasslands in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"The Paris Climate agreement sets ambitious goals but does not go far enough in mechanisms to achieve the aims. Comment. Also highlight the challenges which a developing country like India faces to achieve the targets it has set for itself.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Why are river deltas important? Discuss the existing threats to river deltas and the measures needed to overcome these threats.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Transfer of water from one river basin to another is not, per se, either a novel or an untested idea. However, the river linking project in India requires going beyond mere transfer of water. Assessing the feasibility of the interlinking of rivers, analyze its potential in addressing water related challenges in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"With increasing urbanisation in India, the land usage pattern is undergoing major changes. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8311,"topper":"Tapasya Parihar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/35234_856_Tapasya_Parihar_Rank_23.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the reasons for the following: (a) Erosional forms dominate in the west coast while depositional forms dominate in the east coast of India. (b) Western Ghats in Karnataka receive more monsoon rainfall than Maharashtra and Kerala.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"What do you mean by bad ozone and what are the causes for its formation? Explain the reasons for the depletion of ozone, with special reference to formation of Ozone hole over Antarctica.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Weather and climate information plays a significant role in increasing agricultural productivity as well as minimising crop losses. Comment. In light of the increasing instances of extreme weather events, examine the ways in which information system can be made more effective and inclusive.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"India's first National Disaster Management Plan may fulfill the legal requirement of having a plan but it may not be very effective in achieving its objective of building resilience. Critically analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"A better prepared community is key to effective disaster risk reduction. Citing specific examples, examine the importance of the role of local government and community in dealing with disasters.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Oceanic crustal rocks are much younger than the continental crust rocks. Explain with the help of the concept of sea floor spreading.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"The composition of lava materials determines the types of volcanoes. Illustrate. Also give an account of intrusive landforms formation due to volcanic activities.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"What do you understand by sea farming? Analyse its prospects and potential to provide sustainable livelihood within the country. Also bring out the challenges in adoption of this technique.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Explain the origin of earth's magnetism. Discuss its significance with special reference to its interaction with solar particles as well as artifical satellites.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"An emissions-reduction approach to fighting global warming is not enough. Alternative solutions involving climate engineering might have to be deployed sooner than we think. Defining climate engineering, critically examine the statement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"While India embarks upon building urban infrastructure such as smart cities over the coming years, it is important that cities and infrastructure being built take into account the vulnerability of the area to various hazards. Discuss in context of recent flooding in major cities of the country.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Explain how anthropogenic activities effect the intensity and magnitude of landslides. Discuss with special reference to impact of climate change on landslides in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Discuss the impact of climate change on agriculture and food security in India. How are these aggravated during the times of disasters? Mention the steps that need to be taken in order to ensure adequate and affordable food supply for this impending crisis.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Discuss how drought is more of a man-made disaster than a mere deficiency of rainfall. Elaborate on the consequences of desertification that drought prone regions face. Also, bring out the preventive steps to be taken in light of targets to curb desertification as mentioned under the SDGs.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"What is the role of NDRF in managing disasters in the country? Highlighting the challenges that NDRF has been facing, discuss why it is still the armed forces which end up being the most visible force at hand during disasters.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Give an account of the different types of earthquakes based on their zone of occurrence. Identify the earthquake prone regions of the world with special reference to India. Also explain the reasons for the occurrence of earthquakes in geologically inactive regions like Peninsular India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Temperature, density and salinity are three most important physical properties of Ocean. Explain how these all are interdependent. Also examine the impact of climate change on these properties.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Critically discuss the effectiveness of initiatives such as \"odd-even\" and \"Car free day\" in coping up with the issue of urban air quality and traffic congestion.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Despite having large deposits of coal, we continue to import it for our domestic use. What are the challenges which we face in meeting our domestic demand? Do you think meeting the social commitments of our country would be challenging in light of our INDC commitments?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Forest fires have become a regular feature during summers in the Western Himalayas. What are the causes behind this phenomenon? Critically examine the efforts made by authorities in countering this problem. Do periodic forest fires have any benefits associated with them?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8312,"topper":"Tapasya Parihar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/35234_928_Tapasya_Parihar_Rank_23.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Identify the key objectives of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. Also highlight the challenges in its implementation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Discuss how the design of MGNREGA program makes it more successful than other rural development programmes.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Self-employment of the poor has been an important objective of the anti-poverty programmes and SHGs have played a significant role in this. Elucidate with examples. Also discuss the problems which plague the model of SHG micro-finance in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Give an account of the issues that arise due to short tenure of civil servants in India. Critically discuss the move of setting up a civil services board in order to address this problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"India's health system is one of the most privatised in the world, poorly regulated and accessible only to those with income levels well above the average. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Keeping in mind the importance of NGOs in India's development process it is imperative that adequate legal and regulatory mechanisms should be in place. Discuss in the context of recent developments.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"The reasons for failure of e-Governance projects are more than just being technological. Discuss in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"The public policy requirements of the 21st century demand a bureaucracy less generalist in nature. Analyse in the context of Indian civil services.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Explain how the National Digital Library (NDL) can bring a fundamental shift in the paradigm of education and research. Also highlight the challenges that need to be addressed to make NDL self-sustainable.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"What do you understand by JAM trinity? For which areas of the Indian economy would JAM be useful? Would it be able to dislodge the inadequacies of the existing PDS?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"What is the criteria for a village being recognized as electrified? Examine the challenges present in rural electrification in India. Elaborate upon some of the recent initiatives of the government with a special emphasis on Deen Dayal Upadhayaya Gram Jyoti Yojana.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Six years after the Right to Education (RTE) Act set aside 25% of seats in private schools for poor students, implementation of the plan remains patchy. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Critically examining the key provisions of the Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill 2016, discuss whether a complete ban on commercial surrogacy is justified.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"It is often strongly suggested that scarce government resources should be redirected in favour of primary education rather than higher education. In this context, analyse whether curtailing public spending in higher education would help in achieving the principle of equity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Accessibility is the key to inclusion and equal access for people with disabilities. Analyse. Also discuss the objectives and components of the recently launched Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan with a special emphasis on inclusiveness and accessibility index.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"In view of India's performance at the recent Olympics, appointment of a task force by the Prime Minister is a step in the right direction. Comment. Also highlight other initiatives required to augment India's performance in the sporting arena internationally.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"What are Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)? How are they different from de-notified tribes? Critically analyze the initiatives taken by the government to address the problems faced by them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Inspite of its usefulness as a tool of transparency and accountability, the RTI Act needs to be amended as it is being widely misused, especially to blackmail public functionaries. Critically examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"The transgender community has been among one of the most marginalized communities in India. Discuss. How does the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill 2016 seek to protect transgenders from discrimination and address the problems faced by them?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Though the Forest Rights Act 2006 tries to undo the historic injustice done to the forest dweller and tribals, it has been argued that it is being misused. Critically analyse.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8313,"topper":"Tapasya Parihar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/35234_861_Tapasya_Parihar_Rank_23.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Examine how role models influence ethical behaviour. What actions can leaders take to integrate ethical conduct in their organisations?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"According to Aristotle, for persuasion, not only Ethos (credibility of the speaker) and Logos (logical argument) but Pathos (emotional connection to the audience) is equally important. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"With appropriate examples, discuss various ethical challenges associated with the utilization of public funds in India. Suggest strategies to effectively deal with these challenges.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"With proliferation of social media, people have got the opportunity to express their views anonymously and more freely. (a) What according to you, is its effect on the social and political culture of the country? (b) Discuss the role of social media in changing one's attitude, particularly the youth.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"What are the various components of an organization's work culture? What are key issues that need to be addressed in any organisation to create a more developmental and performance oriented culture?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"There is a difference between what a person has a right to do and what the right thing to do is and often there is a conflict between these two. (a) Illustrate with examples the ethical issues that can arise because of such a conflict. (b) How does this conflict play out if someone wants to protest against injustice?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"It is vain to talk of the interest of the community, without understanding what is the interest of the individual. Discuss the statement in the present context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Vision and intentions are necessary components of political ethics. However, equally important are the process of implementation, tools used and the established system. Elaborate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Swami Vivekanand brought religion to the centre-stage and gave a new meaning to it while stressing the need for harmony among faiths. In this context, discuss the relevance of his teachings in contemporary society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Access to quality basic services plays a critical role in enhancing individual capabilities to participate fully in the growth of the nation. (a) Discuss the statement in the context of vulnerable sections of India. (b) Analyse the challenges with regard to quality service delivery in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Is Emotional Intelligence influenced by cultural moorings? How would you differentiate the applicability of Emotional Intelligence in Indian society from that of Western society?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Evaluate the success of RTI in bringing governance reforms in the country. Examine whether it has served the purpose it was meant for.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"The decisive role that money plays in elections creates a vicious cycle of corruption. (a) Elaborate in the context of India. (b) Discuss whether state funding of elections can help in curbing the menace of political corruption in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"You are the officer in charge of development planning of a state whose capital is the technology hub of the country. However, the capital city is overcrowded and marred by traffic congestion. A group of top MNCs have approached you and showed their interest in expanding their operations in the capital provided that the highway connecting the SEZ to airport is widened. This has been cited as an important business requirement. The expansion of MNC operations is expected to create numerous jobs and would bring in huge revenues to the State. At the same time, the road connectivity in rest of the state, especially the rural areas, is abysmal and is in need of urgent attention. Media has been highlighting the incidents of deaths due to delay in hospitalization and other such issues which can be directly attributed to poor condition of roads. As the officer in charge of the development planning you find that the road widening project will entail huge cost and would severely curtail the rural road development programme currently being undertaken by the state. 20 (a) What challenges do you face as the officer in charge, in this situation? (b) State your priorities and discuss how you plan to achieve them in the context of given challenges.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Ramesh, a very hardworking person, is the sole bread earner in his family. He has worked with an oil company's local affiliate for several years, and has established a strong, trustworthy relationship with Suresh, manager of the local facility. Suresh has recently recommended Ramesh to be recruited as the corporate consulting engineer for the company, which would be a position of greater responsibility along with a stable income. During a casual conversation, Suresh mentions an incident in the 1960s wherein 10,000 gallons of a petrochemical was leaked into the local environment by the company due to negligence, though at the time no damage was found, and no mention of this leak was made to the press. When Ramesh mentions that the state law requires him to report all spills, Suresh reminds him that no harm had been done and reminds him that the company can't have a consulting engineer who does not value loyalty and respect confidentiality. 20 (a) Identify the ethical issues involved in the given case. (b) What are the options available to Ramesh in this situation? Evaluate each of them. (c) Had you been at Ramesh's place, what would have been your course of action? Give reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"You are the CEO of a social media company that has a wide user base. The social network offered by your company has emerged as a platform for people to interact with each other and share news, opinions etc. However, at the same time, women are being repeatedly harassed and cyber bullied through this network. Whenever any instance of harassment is brought to notice of the company, your staff members immediately deactivate the account of the culprit. However, since new accounts can be created easily, such incidents continue to happen. Also, the system to verify one's account details has been deemed lax by public authorities and human rights groups. But in order to increase the user base, you have to ensure that it is easy for a new user to sign up. Increase in the user base leads to more advertisements on your network, which is a source of huge annual turnover for the company. At the same time, in wake of increasing instances of harassment, you also need to tighten the process of creating new accounts and deactivate or delete the ones being misused. 20 (a) Highlight the options available to you in this scenario and evaluate each of them. What course of action will you take and why? (b) Is there a need for having reasonable restrictions on social media for it to remain a platform of healthy and fruitful engagement. Analyse from the viewpoint of different stakeholders.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"You and your friend are living together in a metropolitan city and preparing for civil service examinations. While you manage to meet your daily targets, you sense that your friend is unable to cope up with the pressure of the exam. Fear of not passing the exam and meeting the expectations of his family is stressing him further. You realise that with time your friend is losing interest in everything and often talks about committing suicide if he is unable to meet his goal. He is also missing out on meals and prefers to stay indoors when asked to venture out. When you sought professional help, the doctor diagnosed your friend with clinical depression. Being aware that your friend needs professional counselling and psychiatric care, you reach out to his parents who reside in a rural area. They rebuff you for suggesting counselling and instead reiterate that nothing is wrong with him. They sternly mention that your bringing up the matter will only make people engage in loose talk. They also ignore you when you politely inform them that it is not wise to ignore one's mental health. Your friend's parents see his state as a sign of failure and decide to call him home where he can continue with his preparation. You are aware of the gravity of the situation if your friend goes back to his house. You also know that there is very little awareness about mental health and that the solution is not to ignore it but to take necessary measures to tackle it. 20 (a) As a concerned friend and an aspiring civil servant who can frame policies for the public in the future and has a moral duty towards them, what are the options available to you in such a situation? (b) Evaluate each of these options and choose the option you would adopt, giving reasons","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"You are the Managing Director of a multinational company that prides on hiring people from diverse backgrounds. The company also chooses multiple projects under Corporate Social Responsibility that are geared towards social inclusion and empowerment of vulnerable sections of the society. Miss 'X' who works in your office tells you that she has been diagnosed with HIV. It happened due to malpractice by a medical practitioner who re-used a contaminated syringe that led Miss 'X' to contract the disease. The company has strict policies about toleration and you ensure Miss 'X' that she can continue with her job in the company without facing any form of discrimination. A few days after the revelation, Miss 'X' angrily submits her resignation letter. She states that she has faced discrimination at the workplace everyday after the revelation. Her colleagues are hesitant to eat lunch with her, they make sure they do not drink water from the same source and the females in the office comment on her marital status. She is also asked to sit separately during departmental discussions. She intends to sue the company for mental harassment. If she takes the step, the public image of the company will be maligned and its non-discriminatory policies will be questioned. The following are some suggested options for you to deal with the situation as a Managing Director of the company. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each of the options: 20 (a) You accept her resignation and suggest a compensation package so that she refrains from suing the company. (b) You persuade her not to submit her resignation and transfer her to another department. (c) You ask her to continue with her job and take strict action against the colleagues who discriminated against her Also, state (without necessarily restricting to the above options) your course of action, giving proper reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":61,"question":"I am the Managing Director of a multinational company, proud of its diversity, toleration and its CSR works. One Miss X, an employee, has contracted HIV and following the policy that she wouldn't be discriminated after revelation, she disclosed the same, but faces discrimination. She submits her resignation and intends to sue the company. As the Managing Director of the company, suggest some options to deal with this situation. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each of your options. (a) Accept her resignation and suggest a compensation package so that she does not sue the company. (b) Persuade her not to submit her resignation and transfer her to another department. (c) Ask her to continue with her job and take strict action against the discriminating colleagues. Also, justify your course of action. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8314,"topper":"TARUN","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/73/pttp220538_tc062.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"If you look into someone's face long enough, eventually you feel that you are looking into yourself.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"It is the province of knowledge to speak and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Drop the question what tomorrow may bring, and count as profit every day that fate allows you.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"Major crops-cropping patterns in various parts of the country, - different types of irrigation and irrigation systems storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers. • Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices; Public Distribution System- objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks and food security; Technology missions; economics of animal-rearing.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8315,"topper":"TARUN","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/74/pttp220538_tc064.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Gender Equality is not a \"women's issue\"-it's good for men too.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Is UCC, the unity that we aspire in our diversity?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Problems of 21st century are problems without passport.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"The more we are developing, the more unhealthy we are getting. Where does the real problem lie?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Is Internal Security always an Internal Challenge?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Sports, the toy of humanity","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Is Economy becoming the end rather than the means?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8316,"topper":"TARUN","air":231,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/72/pttp220538_tc061.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8317,"topper":"TARUN","air":231,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/83810dd59efd30c0b535c81e08a356c1/24/pttp220538_tc074-test-04-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8318,"topper":"TARUN","air":231,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/483e3cadc792e8104ef0e81a3406ba04/127/pttp220538_tc074-test-04-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8319,"topper":"Tarun Bansal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4b122-71246_1242_tarun-bansal_rank-204.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Tribal art in India generally reflects the creative energy found in rural areas that acts as an undercurrent to the craftsmanship. Explain with reference to the Worli and Gond paintings. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Though it had its achievements, the exclusion of Indians from the system was a key feature of judicial reforms introduced by Cornwallis. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Marshall Plan was important in the recovery of the European states from the aftermath of the Second World War. However, it also became a crucial factor in the creation of two Europes i.e. East and West. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Examine the causes behind the existence of bonded labour in contemporary India. Also, discuss the steps that should be taken for its redress. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"State the factors that enhance the risk for initiation or continuation of abuse of drugs by the youth. What measures can be taken to address this issue? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Critically analyze the impact of globalization on culture in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"How do increasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions impact coastal and marine ecosystems? Highlight various measures that can be taken for protection and restoration of such vulnerable ecosystems. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Explain the phenomenon of a Polar Vortex. Also, comment on the reasons as to why tropical areas as south as Florida have been witnessing sub-zero temperatures in recent years. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The most powerful trend of medieval Indian literature is devotional poetry which dominates almost all the major languages of the country. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Discuss the major changes introduced by the Government of India Act, 1919 and its significance as a historical landmark in the Indian freedom struggle. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Multiple factors allowed the British to gain control over India. In this context, highlighting the main developments, trace the course of British conquest of India from 1757 to 1856. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"With India becoming increasingly urban and the urban poor increasing in number, it is imperative that the challenges they face be addressed urgently. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Violations of women's sexual and reproductive health rights are often deeply engrained in societal values and traditions. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by the term Land Degradation Neutrality? Highlight its significance and the steps required to achieve it. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"State the geographical and economic importance of Hindukush-Himalayan region. How are the critical geographical features of this region changing and what possible consequences will it have? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What is the most accepted reasoning behind occurrence of earth's magnetism? Discuss the factors behind its variation temporally and spatially. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Explain Walker Circulation. Discuss how it influences Indian Monsoon. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8320,"topper":"Tarun Bansal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d20ab-71246_1245_tarun-bansal_rank-204.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the attributes of leadership, analyse why it is important for a civil servant.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"A civil servant needs to be objective as well as empathetic. What do you understand by objectivity? Discuss its relationship with empathy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"With rapidly increasing use of information technology, what according to you is the role of ethics in cyber space?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Transparency in government organisations is an essential pre-condition for good governance. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but its lowest ones. Nelson Mandela","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"For achieving success, attitude is equally, if not more important than ability. Discuss with the help of examples from your daily life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"The core of high Emotional Intelligence is self-awareness. If you don't understand your own motivations and behaviours, it is nearly impossible to develop an understanding of others. Discuss with the help of appropriate examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by Integrity Pacts? Highlight the role they can play in bringing transparency in allotment of public contracts and ensuring proper utilization of public funds in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"In the context of rapid technological change, discuss the significance of inculcating moral and spiritual values in educational institutions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Explain the main elements of integral humanism as propounded by Deen Dayal Upadhyay and highlight its contemporary relevance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"It is imperative for a country like India, that code of ethics should be implemented for civil servants on social media platforms as well. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Discuss how effective corporate governance can ensure the equitable treatment of all stakeholders.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"You are posted as the Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district of a state where alcohol prohibition has been imposed recently. The District Excise department has conducted many raids and seized liquor in large quantities, for which it has received state-wide public appreciation. A few months later reports surface in the media that in this district, hundreds of seized bottles of illicit liquor are missing from the government malkhanas or stores. As a result, the government is left red-faced. You are asked by the DM, who is the overall in-charge of the district excise setup, to investigate the matter. Upon investigation, you unearth a nexus of politicians and government officials who smuggled seized liquor and sold it through spurious means both inside and outside the state. In this context, evaluate these options:","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Being aware of the seriousness of the matter, discretely put the detailed investigation report in the public domain and expose the nexus. Also, suggest, without restricting yourself to the given options, the final course of action that you would prefer.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate in a Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected district. The district has witnessed many instances of violence by the naxalites in the past. It has been observed that instances of violence increase as the elections approach. You, as a Returning Officer, are responsible for the smooth conduct of elections. Soon after the announcement of elections, the naxalites gave a call for their boycott and have been threatening people to stay away from them. The people of the district are eager to exercise their voting rights but are scared of the impending acts of violence. Further, with threat to their lives and a low expected turnout, the other electoral officers are also reluctant to go to these areas. In this context, answer the following: (a) Identify the civil service values that are crucial for working in such adversities. (b) Suggest a plan of action to ensure the conduct of free and fair elections in such a situation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate in a district, where many large factories and commercial establishments are located. One such factory is owned by one of your close friends. You visit each other's home frequently and are often seen in public together. Recently, media reported about poor working conditions in your friend's factory. Upon enquiry with the labor office, you come to know that the factory has witnessed frequent labour unrests in the past as well. However, the labour officer told you that he was hesitating to take any action due to your proximity with the owner of the factory. With reference to the facts of the case, answer the following questions: (a) Identifying the stakeholders and public cause, discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) As the District Magistrate, what appropriate course of action will you take? Give reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"You are a resident of a remote tribal district, where there is high incidence of malnutrition. As a remedial measure, the District Magistrate has initiated a programme to promote millet cultivation, especially on the lands currently lying fallow in the district. However, this well-intentioned move of the officer receives flak from the local tribals as this may not only change their age-old food habits, but also alter their traditional agricultural practices. They further cite lower remunerative prices of millets as another reason for continuing with their existing crop production pattern. As a civil servant aspirant, who has a keen interest in development of tribal areas, answer the following questions: (a) What according to you are the key issues and challenges involved in the above situation? (b) Identify the key stakeholders and their respective interests. (c) Suggest a course of action that the District Magistrate can take keeping in mind the larger tribal interests.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"You have recently been posted as a District Labour Officer in a state, which derives a substantial revenue from tourism. You come to know that a big hotel in the area has not been paying wages as per the Minimum Wages Act. The hotel owner is a powerful local leader having contacts with many influential officials of the state. You have the power to take sou-moto cognizance of such violations and accordingly you initiate a preliminary enquiry into the matter. However, no worker is willing to come forward to lodge a formal complaint because they fear loss of employment. Meanwhile, your action has attracted notice of the higher authorities, and you are advised to drop the matter altogether. You are deeply concerned about the situation as it involves not only violation of the Minimum Wages Act but also denial of basic human rights of the worker. (a) Identify the issues involved in the given case. (b) Consider the options given below:","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Serve a notice to the hotel owner and initiate action as per your powers under the Minimum Wages Act. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each of these options and suggest your preferred course of action, giving reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"You are the Chairman of a Committee, constituted by the government, to suggest measures to improve the quality of education in state-run schools. In view of the increasing dropout rate and the widening gap between students' learning ability in state-run and private schools, answer the following questions: (a) Examine the role of government in the education sector, especially providing primary and secondary education through state-run schools. (b) Identify the principles and values that would guide your recommendations in this regard. (c) Suggest some ways in which quality of education in state-run schools can be improved. , (a) , (b) (c)","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8321,"topper":"Tejas Agnihotri","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Tejas-Agnihotri-UPSC-2023-Rank-37-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Growth of the Indian National Movement was both a response to and a reason for changes in the British policy in the country. Elaborate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Account for the reasons that led to parallel development of nationalism and communalism in pre-independence period. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The history of freedom struggle is replete with the saga of sacrifice, selflessness, bravery of women. Illustrate through examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Collapse of the USSR was as much a consequence of internal unrest as of external factors. Analyze this statement and discuss the impacts of fall of USSR. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Why is industrial revolution considered a landmark event in the world history? Discuss the factors that were responsible for beginning of Industrial revolution in Britain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"How far was the New Deal effective in addressing the challenges of great economic depression of 1929? Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do you understand by modernization? Is Indian society a modern one? Justify your answer. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Analyze the role of digital technologies in bridging gender gap in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Caste system is a dynamic reality that is acquiring a greater degree of flexibility in the modern society. In light of this statement, elucidate how the caste system has changed since independence along with the underlying reasons for these changes. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Poverty is not only lack of resources but also lack of opportunity to improve one's standard of living and acquire resources. Elaborate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The viceroyalty of Lord Lytton and Lord Ripon was marked by the full display of colonial relation between India and Britain. Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Although Mahatma Gandhi accepted Jawahar Lal Nehru as his successor, the two had marked differences during the freedom struggle and in their vision for independent India. Elaborate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Birth of Indian national Congress in 1885 was nothing more than a British strategy aimed at creating a safety valve for forestalling an imminent popular uprising among the colonial subjects. Critically examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Why did the allied powers follow the policy of appeasement towards Germany? How far this policy was responsible for the second World War? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"French revolution was a beacon of light that gave a world dominated by aristocratic privileges and monarchical tyranny a hope of freedom but failed to liberate France itself. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The Vietnam War was a prolonged military conflict that started as an anticolonial resistance and ended with the humiliation of the capitalist bloc. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Fully unlocking the value of India's diversity will depend on the ability to manage contradictions and conflicts arising out of cultural differences. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Identify the reasons for regional variations in the fertility rate across the country and its social consequences. Examine the need of a population control law in the country. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The nature of urbanization in the country has given rise to new social and ecological challenges, instead of solving the old ones. Examine with suitable illustrations. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Increase in sexual violence against children is a reflection of declining moral standards of the society. Highlighting the reasons for rise in cases of sexual offences against children, suggest measures to tackle this problem. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8322,"topper":"Tejas K","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/TEJAS-K-UPSC-2023-Rank-243-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Shelving hard decisions is the least ethical course.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"All things come into being by conflict of opposites.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The arc of the moral universe is long but it bends towards justice.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Disinterested intellectual curiosity is the lifeblood of civilisation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Women's freedom is the sign of social freedom.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"If humankind poisoned nature, nature in turn poison humankind","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"History Doesn't Repeat Itself, but it often rhymes.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"The century advances but every individual begins anew.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8323,"topper":"Tejas K","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/TEJAS-K-UPSC-2023-Rank-243-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Investment in infrastructure is a precursor to social and economic transformation; however, the focus on economic gains must not marginalise the concerns for safety. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Do you think the low Female Labor Force Participation Rate presents a correct picture about the 'working women' in India's economy? Give reasons in support of your answer. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Outcome budget convert outlays into outcomes. Examine various advantages and disadvantages of outcome budgeting and assess its status in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by inclusive growth? Is economic growth sufficient to ensure inclusive growth? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Evaluate the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) in addressing the challenges of Public Private Partnership (PPP) in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Analyse the role of fisheries in nutrition security, livelihood generation, and economic growth. What are the major challenges faced by the fisheries sector? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In what ways can precision agriculture become a panacea for multipronged challenges plaguing the agriculture sector? Discuss. Also, analyse various impediments in widespread adoption of precision farming in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Agriculture subsidy regime in its present form fuels economic inefficiency and creates ecological imbalance. In this perspective, examine various issues related to farm subsidies. Also, recommend measures to rationalise the same. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Despite their flaws in limiting access to larger market and poor price realization for agricultural produce, APMCs have their utility. Analyse the statement and suggest reforms in agriculture marketing in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Cropping pattern in the country does not concur with the agro-climatic reality, leading to unintended and undesirable consequences. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Labour and export intensive industries are key to problems of jobless growth. In this perspective, analyse the opportunities and challenges associated with the textile sector. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"What do you understand from Liberalisation, Privatisation and Globalisation (LPG)? Exam- ine the effects of LPG reforms on different sectors of Indian economy. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the financial year 2021-22, Indian merchandise exports have crossed the 400 billion USD mark. Identify the reasons for this spectacular performance of Indian exports and suggest reforms to further boost the exports. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Examine the advantages of adopting new computation methodology for calculation of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2015. Also, discuss the limitations of using GDP as a measure of development of a country. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"In an era of interconnected challenges, the emerging global polycrisis poses significant implications for India's macroeconomic stability. Examine and suggest measures to make the Indian economy more resilient to global shocks and challenges. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What are the reasons for increasing emphasis on the horticulture sector in recent years? Evaluate government measures for the development of the horticulture sector. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Despite the potential to check the triple whammy of nutritional deficiency, environmental degradation, and receding farm incomes, the adoption of Millets has been abysmally low. Analyse. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Reforms in Public distribution system (PDS) and Food Corporation of India (FCI) are two sides of the same coin. Discuss the statement along with suitable reforms in PDS and FCI. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss the rationale behind declaring Minimum Support Price (MSP) and various issues related to MSP regime in the country. Do you think that providing legal backing to MSP is necessary and sufficient for making farming financially sustainable? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"A link between unorganized farming community and formal industrial sector, FPI can play a key role in advancing the rural economy. Evaluate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8324,"topper":"Tejas K","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/TEJAS-K-UPSC-2023-Rank-243-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) sector provides opportunities for India to become a leader in knowledge economy; however, there is a need to democratise its access in order to harness its complete potential. Analyse. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Defense indigenization remains the Achilles heel of India's security architecture. Examine the importance of startups in defense sector to make India secure and self-reliant. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"DPI (Digital Public Infrastructure) is indispensable for digitally enabling citizens and businesses, however, the challenges of exclusion, exploitation, and monopolisation cannot be ignored. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Project cheetah marks a departure from India's efforts for conservation of various critically-endangered species. In this perspective, do you think the reintroduction of major fauna that has gone extinct is justified? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What do you understand from Green growth? With special reference to the budget 2023-2024, discuss various government measures to propel green growth in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Unplanned urbanization has made Indian cities vulnerable to fire safety hazards. Discuss and recommend measures for mitigating urban fires, with special reference to national building code, 2016. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Edge in modern warfare lies not so much in the capacity to overwhelm the adversary as much in the ability to nip the threat in the bud. In this context, discuss the role of intelligence in maintaining national security, and also cite challenges associated. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Highlighting different kinds of cyberthreats faced by India, evaluate the current status of cybersecurity framework in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Money laundering is a global problem that cannot be solved by isolated responses. Discuss the statement and also suggest ways to curb the menace. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Assess the relevance of the NISAR mission in observing and managing climate change and natural hazards. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What do you understand by nanotechnology? In what ways can nano-technology aid in socio-economic growth of the country? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Warming ocean temperatures, oxygen loss and ocean acidification form a deadly trio for marine ecosystem that can have irreversible repercussions for environment as well as economy. Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Examine the factors that heightens the vulnerability of Indian cities to urban floods. In light of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) guidelines on urban floods, discuss suitable mitigation and management strategy. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Though Naxalism is showing a downward trend, it is not only thriving in its core areas of nce but also changing its form. Analysing the reason for its retreat, underline the factors be- Q.16) Across sectors and regions, the most marginalised sections are also the most affected by the impacts of climate change. Explain. Also, present a case for a climate resilient model of development that integrates mitigation and adaptation measures. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Across sectors and regions, the most marginalised sections are also the most affected by the impacts of climate change. Explain. Also, present a case for a climate resilient model of development that integrates mitigation and adaptation measures. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"A multi-sectoral and multi-tiered process, Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) is beset with a Q.18) Though ethnic fault lines are a major threat, security challenges in the North-East are not confined to the same. Discuss the statement with special reference to Manipur. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Though ethnic fault lines are a major threat, security challenges in the North-East are not confined to the same. Discuss the statement with special reference to Manipur. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Critically examine the role of development initiatives in addressing the root causes of militancy/terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"What do you understand by generative Artificial Intelligence (AI)? How can policymakers and regulatory bodies effectively address the concerns and challenges posed by generative AI? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8325,"topper":"Tejas K","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/TEJAS-K-UPSC-2023-Rank-243-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Ahimsa is not only the negative refusal to do harm, but also the positive doing of good. In this perspective, discuss the significance of 'ahimsa' in modern times. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Which famous personality has influenced you and why? In what ways have you emulated their example in your own life? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What does the following quotation mean to you? a) \"The greatest wealth is to live content with little\"-Plato (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"\"Whatever is begun in anger, ends in shame\"-Benjamin Franklin. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"\"Happiness is that state of consciousness which proceeds from the achievement of one's values\" - Ayn Rand. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do you understand by emotional intelligence? Examine the importance of emotional intelligence in personal and professional life. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Political attitude has as much to do with society as with politics. Discuss with suitable illustrations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The influence of ethical principles on shaping socially responsible behavior is widely acknowledged. How do ethical values facilitate individuals in cultivating a proactive and constructive attitude towards fulfilling their social responsibilities? Can the subjective nature of ethical principles lead to divergent attitudes regarding social responsibility? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Through their actions, interactions, and teachings, schools have the power to mold the moral compass of the next generation. In this perspective, discuss the significance of value-based education in preparing the youth to address the contemporary challenges of society. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'situation ethics'? Critically analyze its strengths and weaknesses in making moral judgements. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Maintaining traditional bonds and familial relationships in an increasingly globalized world requires personal relationships to be governed by ethical principles. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":48,"question":"Discuss the role of various stakeholders in curbing such prejudices and building an egalitarian system. b) Why do such discriminatory practices continue in society? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":8326,"topper":"Tejasvi Deshpande","air":99,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/12hmPLsVxS4AeF92dwTrBpui4i4abDWWx/view","questions":[]},{"id":8327,"topper":"Tejasvi Deshpande","air":99,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Insights IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.insightsonindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Tejasvi-Deshpande-upsc-rank-99-Essay-Topper-copy-updated.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8328,"topper":"Tejasvi Deshpande","air":99,"year":2024,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kjnNuPzG2FtUIA2JqaCkKSc9OA5IG3lf/view","questions":[]},{"id":8329,"topper":"Tejasvi Deshpande","air":99,"year":2024,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Insights IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.insightsonindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Tejasvi-Deshpande-upsc-rank-99-gs-1-Topper-copy.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8330,"topper":"Tejasvi Deshpande","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uFkKRGBv126fxoUVbkeVqbYnmUiD-gJe/view","questions":[{"page":21,"question":"During the G20 New Delhi Leaders Declaration, India signed the India - Middle East - Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) with its Middle Eastern and European counterparts.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"India is a bridge between the Global North and Global South (as divided by Brandt line) and is the \"Voice of Global South\"?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8331,"topper":"Tejasvi Deshpande","air":99,"year":2024,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Insights IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.insightsonindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Tejasvi-Deshpande-upsc-rank-99-gs-2-Topper-copy.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8332,"topper":"Tejasvi Deshpande","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Jn1z7unY6guCHVgVN3cpyYq1Y2e5s29K/view","questions":[{"page":21,"question":"Illegal cross border migration is one of the major security threats compromising India's national security.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8333,"topper":"Tejasvi Deshpande","air":99,"year":2024,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Insights IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.insightsonindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Tejasvi-Deshpande-upsc-rank-99-gs-3-Topper-copy.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8334,"topper":"Tejasvi Rana","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/27904_763_Tejasvi_Rank_12.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The most important challenge in managing the public sector in India is balancing its accountability with autonomy. Discuss with relevant examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Most rural poor are excluded from the ambit of the formal financial system, which raises their dependence on informal sources as well as exposure to financial distress. In this context, explain why formal sector lending, especially to farmers, is so limited. Also suggest some steps that need to be taken to increase access to formal credit in rural areas.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Efforts should be made to support Indian businesses to invest abroad as several direct and indirect benefits accrue to the home country from outward foreign direct investment. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Monetary policy transmission in India has largely remained ineffective. What are the reasons behind this? Explain what marginal cost-based lending rate (MCLR) is and how it can affect monetary policy transmission in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"India's most pressing labour market challenge going forward is to generate a large number of formal sector jobs. In this context, discuss the constraints on formalisation of workforce. Also highlight how these constraints can be overcome.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"What are the objectives of public debt management in India? Examine the rationale for setting up an independent agency to manage government debt. Also highlight the issues that need to be addressed to ensure successful debt management by an agency other than the RBI.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Explaining the rationale behind ceiling on agricultural land holdings, discuss whether land ceiling has stifled agricultural growth in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Augmenting the employment potential is linked with the need for increasing India's share in world exports. What are the objectives of the Foreign Trade Policy ? How does it seek to achieve these objectives in the coming years?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"The advent of differentiated banking marks the beginning of a radical overhaul of the banking structure that would address the abysmal levels of financial inclusion in India. Elaborate. What are the possible issues that could impede the functioning of these banks?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"While explaining the reasons behind slump in revenue of Indian railways, discuss whether the recently announced \"dynamic fare pricing\" can help in addressing the problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"What is Google Street View? Discuss the grounds on which India has refused to allow Google to launch its Street View service in the country.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Increasing use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVS) pose unique policy challenges that transcend conventional domains of national security, privacy and business practices. Analyse in the context of the draft guidelines that have been issued by the DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation). Also examine the significance of UAVs in achieving the goal of inclusive development.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"What is Artificial Intelligence? Can it be a potential game changer in improving governance? Examine the challenges that lie in its use.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"The government recently announced its plan to make India a 100% electric vehicle nation by 2030. What are the advantages of Electric Vehicles over internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles? Highlight the challenges that the government needs to overcome to implement this plan.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"While the provisions of the Montreal Protocol have helped phase out CFCs, the alternative to them have contributed to another problem. Comment. How will the Kigali agreement help in addressing this problem?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Despite a wide range of problems and issues, India supports 57 per cent of the world population of tigers. Enumerate the challenges in maintaining the growth of tiger population in India. What are the salient features of the strategy adopted by India over the years to support the tiger population? Also highlight the measures required to further improve the situation in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"What are the reasons for indiscriminate sand mining from rivers in India? Analyse its adverse effects on economy and ecology of the region. In context of the 2015 guidelines released by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, highlight the measures that can be adopted to curb the practice of sand mining.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"India's commitment to Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) is evident from the fact that it became one of the first countries to align its National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP) with the Sendai Framework. What are the salient features of India's first National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP)? How can this plan help in effective disaster management?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Recent instances have led many to not use plastic or electronic transactions, despite the convenience. Discuss the issues associated with the rise of currency in circulation in the economy in recent times. Also, highlighting the advantages of a cashless economy, suggest measures required to bolster its popular acceptability.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Whereas proliferation of traditional nuclear weapons has long been a concern, the issue of dirty bombs and orphan sources has also become important in recent years. Explain what a dirty bomb is and highlight the concerns linked with nuclear terrorism in India. In this context, what are the issues that need to be addressed to effectively ensure the security of nuclear material in India outside the already secured nuclear installations?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8335,"topper":"Tejasvi Rana","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/27904_760_Tejasvi_Rank_12.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Celebrities are paid huge amounts by companies for endorsing products that at times turn out to be harmful for the consumers. Examine the ethical dimensions involved in such instances.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Lack of cleanliness in urban areas despite schemes such as the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan point to difficulties faced in bringing about attitudinal and behavioural changes. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Issues around economic inclusion are not just about income gaps, there are many dimensions of moral and ethical choices as well. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Socially and economically marginalized women are used to make a profit, often at the cost of their own health and reproductive autonomy, in the name of commercial surrogacy. Discuss the ethical issues associated with commercial surrogacy in India. Should commercial surrogacy be completely banned?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"While discussing the ethical issues that journalists face on a regular basis, examine the causes of increased sensationalism in news media in recent times.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"What are the various sources through which humans can judge the correctness of their actions? In the context of public life discuss how these sources are important in offering a clear and practical guidance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Should a person resort to leaking of information in case of wrongs done in the organization ? Does it cause a conflict of interest between the personal, organizational and societal spheres? Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Competition, it is argued, spurs the best of performance, however, can it also instigate cheating and unethical behaviour? Discuss with adequate examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"What do you mean by 'anonymity in the civil services'? Explain why anonymity and neutrality are considered as important traits for civil servants.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Prescription of dresscode for women not only violates their liberty but also reflects outdated views on gender relations as well as proper conduct. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"List the options available to you in the given case. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Discuss some feasible steps that you can take to control this serious problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"Evaluate each of these options and choose the option which you would adopt, giving reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"What are the immediate steps which should be taken in such a situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Suggest some long term measures to ensure that such a situation is not repeated.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8336,"topper":"Tejasvi Rana","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/27904_759_Tejasvi_Rank_12.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"India has the lowest tax-to-GDP ratio among countries with a similar per capita income on a purchasing power parity basis. Explain the reasons for the low tax-to-GDP ratio in India. What measures can be taken to correct this situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"In spite of various initiatives, the condition of the power sector still remains one of the core challenges for India. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Examine the reasons for poor performance of public sector banks in India. Give an account of the steps taken by the government and RBI to improve their performance. Also analyse whether the risks arising from the consolidation of the Indian banking sector outweigh the potential longer-term benefits.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Tax treaties intended to avoid double taxation have in many cases become instruments for double non-taxation. Elaborate. List the major amendments in the India-Mauritius DTAA and the advantages that are expected to accrue due to it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Emerging ICT and their appropriation by society constitutes a threat that demands new competencies and practices to be developed and integrated in the existing police work. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"What are P-Notes and how do they impact the financial system in India? In this context, also highlight the recent regulatory measures taken by SEBI to deal with them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"The rising levels of e-waste generation in India have been a matter of concern in recent years. Examine the underlying causes of this scenario and the challenges associated with it. How can the new E-Waste Management Rules, 2016 help in meeting these concerns?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Terror groups, much like corporate bodies have well and truly embraced and exploited the benefits of globalisation. Discuss the statement with reference to terror financing and propaganda activities.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"What is net-metering? Critically analyse its potential in incentivising distributed generation in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Explain the challenges associated with predicting the monsoon accurately. Can shifting to a completely dynamical model from the one used by the IMD presently help in improving the accuracy of predicting the monsoon?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"The Compensatory Afforestation Fund Bill would require to work along with the Forest Rights Act in order to achieve the aims of environment protection while also ensuring rights of the tribal people. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"It has been argued that India's strained patent protection and IP administration has failed to keep pace with growing technological advances. In this context, examine the provisions of the new Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Policy, 2016. Also explain how the new policy can help boost innovation and entrepreneurship in the country.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"Though the frequency of both droughts and floods has increased in many states of the country, the preparedness level for mitigating their impacts still has significant gaps. Discuss in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"In view of the high levels of inequality in India, it is imperative to not only broaden access to education and health but also financial services. Discuss. Also highlight the efforts made by the government in recent times to address inequality by promoting financial inclusion.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"Examine the need for indigenization of the defence industry in India. While highlighting its challenges, analyse how the new Defence Procurement Policy (DPP) and relaxations in FDI norms can address these challenges.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"Digital technologies have the potential to dramatically transform higher education. Giving a special emphasis to MOOCs, analyse the statement in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"The Civil Aviation Policy 2016 would help in building a more modern, safe, secure and sustainable aviation industry while also boosting regional connectivity and tourism. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"What is the significance of start-ups for Indian economy? Critically analyse the provisions of \"Start-up India\" program and the challenges that lie ahead in its effective implementation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"What do you understand by methanol economy? Discuss its environmental and economic advantages. How does methanol compare with other new generational fuels such as ethanol and hydrogen?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":55,"question":"Differentiating between Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality, explain why it is argued by many that these technologies are not just about gaming but can change our lives.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8337,"topper":"Teshukant","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/31296-45958636_2931_teshukant-_rank_731.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The end cannot justify the means, for the simple and obvious reason that the means employed determine the nature of the ends produced. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss how the relationship between law and ethics is dynamic and continuously shaped by societal changes. Provide examples to illustrate this dynamic relationship. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Differentiate between probity and integrity with suitable examples. How do these values contribute to ethical governance and decision-making in the civil services? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the ethical implications of withholding information in public administration. How can transparency enhance accountability and reduce corruption in government institutions? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? \" - \"- \"There is no school equal to a decent home and no teacher equal to a virtuous parent.\"- Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What factors lead to a positive attitude in a person? How does positive attitude enhance the effectiveness of civil servants in performing their duties? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss how emotional intelligence can influence ethical decision-making in the allocation of scarce public resources. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Various international humanitarian organizations provide emergency aid in conflict zones around the world. Highlight the ethical challenges faced by such organizations. What are the principles that guide international humanitarian work? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Why is persuasion regarded as an important skill for civil servants? What are the key considerations that should guide persuasion in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"What role can ethical leadership play in curbing corruption, especially in public service? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"What were the major teachings of Swami Dayanand Saraswati? Explain their relevance in addressing the current ethical and social challenges in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":39,"question":"Jay, a civil servant, was appointed as the Commissioner in the state's Education Department a year ago. In his initial months, he implemented several policies and programmes that were transforming the Education Ministry's operations, gaining a good reputation that could potentially benefit the concerned minister in the upcoming elections. However, Jay now faces a significant challenge. As part of his responsibilities, he must approve the recruitment of new teachers for government schools. He has received a list of 120 candidates recommended for vacant posts, but suspects the recruitment process was unfair. Jay had also received several complaints claiming that the process had not been meritocratic. Upon review, Jay discovers evidence suggesting that many names on the list are the result of political patronage - a prevalent issue in the state where politicians use recruitment to gain political support. Jay believes the Education Minister is engaging in this practice as the election season approaches. This situation reminds Jay of a past incident when, as a junior officer, he refused to entertain an unnecessary procurement request. Consequently, he was transferred within a week, and he his family faced frivolous anti-corruption complaints as retaliation. His successor approved the procurement at even higher rates. Jay is now concerned that blocking the current recruitment could lead to similar consequences. What are the options available to Jay as the Commissioner of the Education Department? Evaluate each of these options. (b) What option should Jay adopt and why? (c) How can civil servants like Jay be better protected when they attempt to uphold ethical standards in their work? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"As the District Magistrate of X city, you are responsible for overseeing the construction of a new metro depot in an urban forest area, which is a critical infrastructure project aimed at improving public transportation and reducing traffic congestion and air pollution. The project, however, requires the clearance of a substantial portion of the forest, which has triggered strong opposition from environmental activists, local residents, and NGOs. This forest is widely regarded as essential for the city's ecological balance, often referred to as the city's \"lungs.\" In addition to the environmental concerns, you are under considerable pressure from politicians at the state-level to expedite the project, given the upcoming elections in two years. The political leadership emphasizes the benefits of the metro project for the city's development and its potential to garner electoral support. The project is expected to significantly reduce travel time for thousands of commuters and potentially decrease overall vehicle emissions in the city. However, it would also lead to the loss of thousands of trees and disrupt local ecosystems. As you prepare to make a decision, you are aware that your choice will have far-reaching consequences for both the city's development and its environment. (a) Identify the ethical dilemmas involved in the above case. (b) Evaluate the options available to you in the above situation. Which of these would you choose and why? (c) Suggest some measures that could be implemented to balance urban development needs with environmental conservation in future projects. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Dr. Mehra is a senior drug developer at a leading pharmaceutical company in India, renowned for producing various medications, including lifesaving drugs critical for treating chronic and rare diseases. Since its inception, the company has emphasized the quality and affordability of its drugs. Recently, under revised government guidelines, pharmaceutical companies are required to market a finished product only after obtaining \"satisfactory results\" from tests on the ingredients. Additionally, they must retain a sufficient quantity of samples of both intermediate and final products to allow repeated testing or verification of a batch. Dr. Mehra's team is in the final stages of developing a new medication for a rare but life-threatening disease. This drug has shown promising results in clinical trials. However, there have been unresolved concerns about the long-term side effects of the drug, observed in a small percentage of trial subjects. Despite this, the company has not released any major drug in the past decade, leading to significant pressure from the board members to expedite the drug's release. (a) Identify the stakeholders in the above case study. (b) Discuss the ethical issues faced by Dr. Mehra. (c) Analyse the options available to Dr. Mehra in the above case. Which of these would you choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"You have been appointed as the Under Secretary in the State Urban Development Department. The Department has been tasked with a prestigious project aimed at revitalizing the infrastructure of a city with deep historical significance. This project, which you are extremely passionate about, involves modernizing public transportation, restoring heritage buildings, and creating green spaces while preserving the city's cultural essence. Excited by the opportunity, you spent weeks researching and drafting a comprehensive proposal. Your plan included innovative ideas for sustainable development, community engagement, and leveraging technology for urban planning. You presented these initial plans in a departmental meeting, hoping to inspire your colleagues and kickstart the project. However, your enthusiasm was met with indifference. Your colleagues showed little interest, failing to contribute ideas or efforts towards the project. Concerned, you reported this lack of he seemed equally indifferent, casually mentioning that he is set to retire in six months and that the project has a long gestation period. Determined to see the project succeed, you took it upon yourself to drive it forward. For the past two months, you have been working more than 12 hours a day, often late into the night, sacrificing time with your family. Your dedication is driven by your belief in the project's potential to transform the lives of the city's residents and preserve its rich heritage for future generations. Two months into the project, a review meeting is called by the Chief Secretary. During the meeting, Department heads from various sectors are present to discuss ongoing and upcoming projects. When it is time to present the urban revitalization project, your boss stands up. To your shock, he presents your draft proposal as his own work, taking all the credit for the innovative ideas and comprehensive planning. As you sit there, listening to your superior claim your hard work as his own, you feel a mix of anger, disappointment, and demoralization. This incident not only undermines your efforts but also leaves you questioning the value of your dedication in a work culture that does not seem to support collaboration or recognize individual contributions. (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) How does the above-mentioned work culture affect workplace morale and productivity? (c) What are the options available to you and how would you address the situation? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":58,"question":"Arun, renowned for his integrity and dedication, has recently assumed the role of Superintendent at a state Pollution Control Board. This posting, his fourth in just one year, includes the responsibility of overseeing Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs). In his new position, Arun becomes aware of a copper smelting plant situated near a crucial wetland that serves as the primary water source for the region. Despite the plant's notorious reputation for heavy pollution, the current EIA, presented to Arun by the Chairperson, indicates no significant impact on the wetland. The next assessment is not scheduled for another two years. One day, Arun receives a letter from a politician affiliated with the opposition party. The letter contains evidence suggesting that the current EIA results are based on falsified lab reports, allegedly approved by the Chairperson. The Chairperson is known to have close ties with the ruling party, which has been receiving substantial donations from the plant's operators. The opposition politician urges Arun to expose the Chairperson from within the department, arguing that this approach could effectively pressurize the government to conduct a new EIA. He promises Arun significant rewards and support once their party comes to power, an outcome suggested by recent opinion polls. While the evidence presented is compelling, Arun remains cautious about the possibility of being exploited as a political pawn. He is acutely aware of the potential consequences of his actions, (a) In light of the above case, discuss the ethical issues that may arise from the nexus between corporate, political, and bureaucratic interests. (b) As a conscientious civil servant, evaluate the options available to Arun. Which option should he choose and why?(Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":59,"question":"In light of the above case, discuss the ethical issues that may arise from the nexus between corporate, political, and bureaucratic interests. (b) As a conscientious civil servant, evaluate the options available to Arun. Which option should he choose and why?(Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8338,"topper":"Thakur Anjali Ajay","air":43,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/138/air-43-thakur-anjali-ajay_test-1_gs1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8339,"topper":"Thakur Anjali Ajay","air":43,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/132/air-43-thakur-anjali-ajay_test-5_gs1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8340,"topper":"Thakur Anjali Ajay","air":43,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/133/air-43-thakur-anjali-ajay_test-2_gs2.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Q1 There is a need to resolve the ambiguity in the disqualification provisions under section 8 of the Representation of People Act 1951. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2 Constitution is a mere skeleton whereas constitutionalism is the soul of democracy. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"\"Electoral bonds are a double-edged sword, providing anonymity to donors while raising concerns about transparency in political funding.\" To what extent have electoral bonds further legitimized opacity in electoral funding?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":11,"question":"2.4 The question of gender equality is central to the debate on Uniform Civil Code. In this light what are the challenges in reconciling UCC with gender equality as enshrined in the constitution?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"'The Governor's office is neither decorative nor inconsequential, it assumes a constitutional role of profound essence' To what extent does the Governor, actively contribute to the governance of a state and reinforce the principles of federalism in the country?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":15,"question":"6 Recently demand has been rising in a state regarding the enactment of Social Accountability Law. How such a law can lead to good governance and boost citizens' participation in decision-making. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"7 There is a need for convergence of 'nutrition-specific' and 'nutrition-sensitive' interventions to effectively tackle child undernutrition in India. Examine","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"MGNREGA, the lynchpin of rural poverty alleviation, has become the victim of fiscal apathy.\" Critically analyze the statement in light of recent developments.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"\"India must leverage, if not manage, the global divides\". How can the current geopolitical churn pave the way for India's rise to the global high table?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":23,"question":"10 \"Berlin can be India's gateway to the European Union.\" Elaborate with respect to Germany's significance in India's relationship with the EU.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"2.11 How has the Anti-Defection Law impacted the relationship between political parties and individual legislators in India? In light of the recent incidents also discuss the unintended consequences it has on the functioning of democracy in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Q.12 Critics assert that limitless judicial authority rests on the structural ambiguity of the basic structure doctrine. Has the elastic nature of the basic structure doctrine made the judiciary more powerful than the executive?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Q13 Fundamental rights are not gifts bestowed upon by the state rather an individual possesses them independently of the state. In this context discuss the desirability of reasonable restrictions on various fundamental rights.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Q.14 'S.R. Bommai v. Union of India signified a paradigm shift in the judicial interpretation of the union's authority to assume control of a state's administration.' In this context discuss the significance and impact of the judgement on cementing the federal structure.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":37,"question":"15 The key to effective decentralization is, 'political decentralization should follow finance and functional decentralization'. Discuss in the context of impediments faced by local governance in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Q.16 Multi-stakeholder partnerships are the key to leveraging collective expertise and networks. How can effective partnership and localized implementation efforts be fostered to accelerate the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in India?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Q.17 How has the implementation of the POSH Act resulted in limited success in raising awareness about sexual harassment, and what factors have hindered its effective outreach to women employed in the unorganized sector? Propose strategies to bridge this gap and ensure comprehensive protection for women in the unorganized sector against workplace harassment.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":46,"question":"Q.18 'Neo-liberal reforms and globalization have deeply transformed the institutions of the welfare state and set the ground for a new type of civil services.' In this context examine the challenges faced in service delivery and suggest adequate reforms.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"19 China views India as its \"Asian Rival\" with an innate ability to counter its hegemonistic goals in Asia. Despite these difficulties in India-China relations, there are also many areas of convergence. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Q.20 Indo-Pacific region in recent times has emerged as a zone of diverging interests and priorities. Discuss. Do you think the Global Security Initiative will supersede QUAD in the region?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"1) Will it supersede QUAD?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8341,"topper":"Thakur Anjali Ajay","air":43,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/136/air-43-thakur-anjali-ajay_test-2_gs2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8342,"topper":"Thakur Anjali Ajay","air":43,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/135/air-43-thakur-anjali-ajay_test-6_gs2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8343,"topper":"Thakur Anjali Ajay","air":43,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/124/air-43-thakur-anjali-ajay_test-7_gs3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8344,"topper":"Thakur Anjali Ajay","air":43,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/131/air-43-thakur-anjali-ajay_test-8_gs4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8345,"topper":"Tharun Patnaik","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/271b6-996306_1827_tharun-patnaik_rank-33.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The ideals of 'Dhamma' by Ashoka present key learnings on public morality. Discuss. Also, state their relevance for public servants. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"There is a need for an effective climate governance structure within the broad framework of corporate governance. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Family values influence the decisions individuals make both within the family structure and outside of it. Do you agree with the statement? Justify with relevant examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"'Niti' must be more concerned with 'nyaya' i.e. the elimination of removable injustices rather than defining a perfectly just society. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"While it may seem restrictive, anonymity is one of the greatest strengths of the civil services. Comment in the context of growth of social media in recent times. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Corporate governance and business ethics are key factors influencing investment decisions and determining the flow of capital worldwide. In this context, discuss the inter-relationship between corporate governance and business ethics. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Examine the issue of foreign aid in global politics from an ethical perspective. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explaining the meaning of media ethics, discuss why it is a prerequisite for democracy. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by a situation of 'crisis of conscience'? Also, explain how a public servant can deal with such a situation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The opportunities and threats created by emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) require leaders across business, government and civil society to understand the importance of values and ethics in technological development. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"It is argued that the Indian bureaucracy suffers from indecision and risk aversion. Do you agree? Justify with logical arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":34,"question":"Recently, the government has proposed a bill to increase the age of marriage for women from 18 to 21 years. It has been argued that it will help women improve their nutritional status, lower maternal mortality rate and improve the overall health status of women. However, some critics have stated that the proposed law would be counterproductive to women's cause and the desired objectives will not be met. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What effect will an increase in the age of marriage have on women in India? (b) Can legislation be used as an effective tool for social change? (c) Discuss other agents that can be used for social change in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Climate change not only threatens our ecosystems but also undermines the foundation of our fundamental rights, deepens inequalities and creates new forms of injustice. Adapting to climate change and trying to mitigate its impacts are not just a matter of scientific knowledge and political will but also demand a broader view of a complex, inter-related situation. Human induced climate change has brought in several ethical dimensions not just in causing climate change but also in the role and responsibility in mitigating it. (a) Highlight the ethical issues arising out of human-induced climate change. (b) What ethical principles should form the basis of global action on climate change?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8346,"topper":"Tharun Patnaik","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1f5ff-996306_1841_tharun-patnaik_rank-33.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the meaning of self-efficacy, along with its key determinants. Also, discuss the significance of high self-efficacy for a civil servant. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have the right to do and what is right to do. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Dealing with an ethical dilemma not only requires following rules and regulations, but also requires adherence to moral prudence and altruism. Explain in the context of civil services in India, with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Code of Conduct for the civil services in India has merely remained a code; it has not helped promote ethical and moral values in governance. In this context, discuss the need for a National Commission on Integrity and Transparency in Governance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Digital ethics principles are necessary to prevent erosion of public values and deal with the ethical implications of digitizing governance systems. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Despite differences in terms of organizational values guiding the public and private sectors, there remain certain values that are equally important to both. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Bring out the difference between accountability and responsibility. Also, discuss the significance of accountability in ensuring ethical governance in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Though laws and rules can be considered as the principal guide on morality for public administrators, they are not sufficient in themselves. Substantiate with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Transparency is vital to cultivate public trust in government and to prevent, detect and deter corruption effectively. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"'Just-in-time' release of funds heralds a significant reform for the Indian government's payment architecture. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.\"- Marcus Aurelius (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"The forces in a capitalist society, if left unchecked, tend to make the rich richer and the poor poorer.\" - Jawaharlal Nehru (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate in a district, which is witnessing a high caseload of COVID-19 pandemic patients. The physical infrastructure and human resources in the district are stretched much beyond their capacity. At the peak of the pandemic, certain reports emerge that the District Medical Officer has been misusing his position to abuse female employees in his department and coercing them to have sexual relations with him. However, the concerned officer not only has an impeccable academic record but also a profound professional track record. You also need his presence and guidance to deal with the pandemic situation in the district. But, there is pressure from the media and civil society organisations to immediately report the matter to the State authorities for action against the concerned officer. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders and issues involved in the above case. (b) What are the options available to you? Discuss their pros and cons. (c) What will be your final course of action? Justify with reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"You are posted as the Superintendent of Police (SP) of a district, which has witnessed several lynching related crimes in the recent past. One day, a police station in the district got an SOS that in a particular village under their jurisdiction, two women have been accused of witchcraft and are now being paraded naked by the villagers. Given the past record of crimes in the village, it was likely that they would be killed by the villagers. When a police team from the station reached the spot and tried to save the two women from the mob, a scuffle broke out. In the ensuing scuffle, the police were brutally attacked and they had to retaliate by lathicharging in order to save themselves. The incident left three villagers dead. There is anger amongst the villagers, who are also a critical vote bank of the ruling party in the state. As the SP, you have been instructed to institute a quick enquiry and take the strictest action against the police team who lathicharged. You are aware that with elections around the corner, you need to diffuse the situation quickly. Given the situation, answer the following : (a) Identify the stakeholders and the issues involved in the above case. (b) What are the options available to you? Which of these will you choose and why?, (c) As an objective and scientific-tempered administrator, what steps will you suggest in the long-run to deal with mob lynching?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"You are an Airworthiness Officer posted with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, tasked to conduct the safety audit of a major airline of the country. During the recent audit, you find that some of the airplanes belonging to the airline do not fully meet a few of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) safety standards. The issues are minor, mainly pertaining to some incomplete aircraft maintenance logs and safety rules related to training of the crew. The airline belongs to a very influential business conglomerate with close ties to all major national political parties and has a long history of ethical business practises. The point person appointed by the airline to communicate with you has assured that everything will be in order in a couple of months. Your senior in the department has also indicated that it is best not to mention such minor issues in the report, particularly given the image of the business group involved and the trust it enjoys. He also reiterates the assurance given by the airline to address these issues at the earliest in a time-bound manner. However, you are aware that airline safety norms are paramount and every other consideration is secondary to the safety of the crew and passengers. As a public servant appointed to uphold public trust, answer the following: (a) Bring out the dilemmas that you face, elaborating on the competing values in the given situation. (b) What are the options available to you? Discuss the merits and demerits of each. Which of these will you choose and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"With the advent of 24x7 news and prevalence of an array of news sources across the board, the media is omnipresent in nature. In this competitive environment, many media professionals who are overcome by deadlines, bottom-line imperatives, and corporate interests are losing sight of the ethical implications of their work. Further, there have been several cases of irresponsible reporting where the reportage has interfered with court proceedings, compromised delicate security situations or led to the spread of fake or unverified news. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the ethical issues prevalent in the profession of media. (b) How does unethical reporting and sensationalization of news impact the society? (c) What can be done to strengthen the role of ethics in media?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You are the Dean of Academics of a University. It has been brought to your notice that some students have raised a complaint against Mr X a specially-abled Professor at the University, for not performing his academic duties diligently. The Head of the Department (HoD) tried to have a conversation with him regarding these complaints; however, Mr X feels that he is a victim of internal politics and is being discriminated against on account of him being specially-abled. He also conveyed to the HoD that he will file a complaint of discrimination against the University under The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. As the Dean of Academics, it is your responsibility to uphold the academic standards of the University and take any administrative decision in this regard. In this case, answer the following questions: (a) State the stakeholders and the ethical issues in the given case. (b) What are the options available to you? (c) Evaluate each of these options and state the option which you would choose, citing reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"You have recently been posted as the District Magistrate of a poor district in India where there is a high prevalence of manual scavenging. It has been brought to your notice that manual scavenging has claimed many lives in your district. Upon further enquiry, you found that most of the manual scavengers belong to a particular caste, and majority of them can find employment only by way of scavenging. Even some government departments in your district are employing these people for physical cleaning of sewers/septic tanks without basic safety gear and measures. Despite the rehabilitation programmes for manual scavengers, the administration has been found inefficient in identifying such people in the first place and the efforts to reskill them for employment elsewhere have not yielded desired results. Based on the given information, answer the following: (a) Identify the issues associated with manual scavenging. (b) List the options available to you in the given case. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each. (c) Discuss some feasible steps that you can take to address this serious problem.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8347,"topper":"Tharun Patnaik","air":33,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a2469-996306_1837_tharun-patnaik_rank-33.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8348,"topper":"Tharun Patnaik","air":33,"year":2022,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/13sCFWByy_Q_Ol9d3QMbSn6F6SxKBXj5x/view","questions":[]},{"id":8349,"topper":"Tharun Patnaik Madala","air":33,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/f343f-996306_1754_tharun-patnaik_rank-33.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8350,"topper":"Tharun Patnaik Madala","air":33,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/98be5-996306_1992_tharun-patnaik_rank-33.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8351,"topper":"Tharun Patnaik Madala","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8043e-996306_1839_tharun-patnaik_rank-33.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"An independent umbrella body that brings the various central investigative agencies under one roof holds the key to shoring up their credibility. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the significance of the Doctrines of Pith and Substance and Colourable Legislation with respect to Centre-state relations in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Do you agree with the view that there should be simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and the State Legislative Assemblies in India? Discuss with suitable arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss the need for codification of parliamentary privileges in India, in light of the uncertainty and ambiguity around them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"While the Civil Services Board can be a step forward in making the Indian bureaucracy more effective, it has its own issues which need to be addressed. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Highlight the potential of India Digital Ecosystem Architecture (IndEA) 2.0 in transforming the ecosystem of service delivery in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What is Civil Registration System? Highlight its importance and discuss the measures taken by the government to bring about improvements in it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and Their Rehabilitation Act, 2013, provides an effective mechanism for empowerment of the intended beneficiaries in the society. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the reforms that must be undertaken to strengthen the World Trade Organisation in order to address the vulnerabilities in the present global trading system. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"State the significance of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Also, discuss the need for a legally binding Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Critically assess the role played by the National Human Rights Commission as a watchdog of human rights violations in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Discuss how the integration of information and communications technology (ICT) in the dispute resolution processes will help in overcoming the challenges associated with the functioning of courts and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) forums. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite various provisions concerning disqualification of legislators under The Representation of The People Act, 1951, the issue of criminalization of politics is still unresolved to a large extent in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"It is time for reforms, which recognise that urban local bodies (ULBs) need permanent, buoyant revenue sources to match the growing demands of an increasing urban population. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The role of the civil society organisations (CSOs) in India is changing in contemporary times and has become increasingly more complex. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Though the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) aims to address the inequity in development in India, there are a number of issues which plague the scheme. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Highlighting the factors responsible for the growth of EdTech sector in India in recent times, discuss its benefits. Also, state the concerns associated with it. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Bring out the role of Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers in delivering health services in rural India. Also, suggest the measures that can be taken to overcome the challenges faced by them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss the various concerns that have arisen for India after the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan. Also, suggest the measures that India should take in the given context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Bangladesh is not only a key part of India's \"Neighbourhood First policy\" but also crucial for the \"Act East policy\". In this context, discuss the steps taken by the two countries to strengthen their relationship. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8352,"topper":"Tharun Patnaik Madala","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b3367-996306_1840_tharun-patnaik_rank-33.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"While fixed-term employment offers an ingenious way to address specific issues faced by both employers and employees, there are also some concerns associated with it. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"An efficient logistics sector with a focus on warehousing is pivotal to the success of the Bharatmala Pariyojana. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'irrigation scheduling'? Bringing out the advantages provided by it, discuss the difficulties faced in applying it on a farm level. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"While the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana was touted as the largest crop insurance scheme globally in terms of farmer participation, various concerns have arisen since its implementation. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The Stockholm Conference commenced the contemporary \"environmental era\", which brought a paradigm shift in the environmental governance and set a tone for multi-lateral environmental regime. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The world has witnessed a huge surge in climate-induced disasters, which are largely driven by anthropogenic factors. In this context, analyse the role of early warning systems in mitigating the impact of the disasters. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Critically examine the implications of leveraging technology in policing. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"How far do you agree with the view that climate change poses a threat to international peace and security? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by a virtual private network (VPN)? Highlight its advantages and discuss the concerns posed by it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The discovery of the Higgs Boson at the Large Hadron Collider in CERN completed 10 years recently. In this context, discuss the role played by CERN in overall scientific development. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlighting the factors that affect the cropping pattern in India, discuss the need for modifying it in the context of the emerging agro-ecological concerns. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"While the budgetary reforms undertaken by the Central government in recent years have led to better management of government expenditure, there are some issues that still need redressal. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"For India to create a 'future ready' railway system, it must harness innovation and resource efficiency. Discuss the statement in the context of the measures enlisted in the National Rail Plan 2030. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the significance of technology in the Indian agricultural sector. Also, state the challenges in realising its potential to improve agricultural efficiency and increase the income of the farmers. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite the digital transformation in the Public Distribution System (PDS) in India, several challenges still remain. Elaborate. Also, suggest measures to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss the various concerns that exist with regard to fuel efficiency regulations for vehicles in India. Also, suggest the measures that can be taken in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Urban fire is becoming a serious cause of concern in Indian cities. In this context, highlight the major causes behind urban fires in India. What steps can be taken to build robust fire resilience in Indian cities? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Drones in border areas present a serious threat for border management in India. Elaborate. Also, discuss the different measures taken to regulate the use of drones in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Despite a global framework to prevent weaponization of space, it has been increasing in the recent times. Discuss. Also, give an account of the implications of space weaponization. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"What do you understand by a bio-economy? Highlight the role that the National Biotechnology Development Strategy 2021-2025 can play in creating a robust bio-economy in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8353,"topper":"Tharun Teja","air":123,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ATLA-THARUN-TEJA-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-123-Sample-ESSAY-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. Before the borders are broken the minds are invaded.\n2. Talent and passion are only useful tools if one has the work ethic to back them up.\n3. The opportunity of interfaith dialogue: modern solution for globalised world.\n4. The only impossible journey is the one you never begin.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8354,"topper":"Tharun Teja","air":123,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ATLA-THARUN-TEJA-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-123-Sample-MGP-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) Discuss the role of the 'Fourth Estate' in upholding democratic values and analyse the issues affecting press freedom in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) The electoral process, though inclusionary in theory, has been pointed out for exclusionary tendencies in practice. Analyse, with special emphasis on role of women in India's representative electoral system.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Human dignity, stemming from right to life, does not end with death penalty. In this context, throw light on various controversies surrounding capital punishment in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4 Assess the effectiveness of Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 in resolution of river-water disputes. Also describe the potential impact of delays in resolution of water disputes.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 Discuss the significance of the cooperative model of development in addressing the issues of rural growth.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) In order to pass the ultimate test of good governance, welfare state should be close to the people, responsive to their aspirations, and inclusive in its approach. Discuss with special reference to PM PVTG Development Mission.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7 To what extent collaboration between the state and civil society organizations (CSOs) help in addressing poverty and malnutrition in the country?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) Absence of a robust social infrastructure in the country may become one of the most significant challenges in achieving a developed status by 2047. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 Though the changing paradigm towards dialogue and diplomacy in West Asia augurs well for India's interests in this otherwise restive region, presence of inimical actors may reverse the gains. Explain.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 Water diplomacy can redefine the contours of regional cooperation in South Asia. Discuss with special reference to Indus water treaty 1960.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) Despite constitutional backing to the institutions of local governance, the idea of decentralisation has remained hostage to several structural bottlenecks. Elucidate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 Independent judiciary, as envisaged by the constitution, provides the bedrock for a thriving polity; however, executive encroachment may erode its credibility and affect its efficacy. Evaluate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 Executive agencies, working as the watchdog against impropriety, are vital to act against the corrupt; however, pandering to vested interests may have the effect of turning the idea of rule of law on its head. Comment, with special reference to controversies associated with the Enforcement Directorate (ED).","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 Critically analyse the role of National Commission for Women (NCW) in wake of its mandate to safeguard women's rights and uphold their socio-economic wellbeing.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15) Understanding the extent, source, and complexity of deprivations among the multidimensionally poor contributes to more informed policymaking. In this context, analyze the latest National Multidimensional Poverty Index Report by NITI Aayog.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 Though lifeblood of a representative democracy, political parties are beset with challenges of their own, limiting their larger role in democratization of the society.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 Safely managed drinking water services, as desired by Jal Jeevan Mission, are designated to give multifarious benefits cutting across generations. Discuss. Also, elaborate upon the challenges in ensuring the mission's success.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 Legislation like Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989 remains mere legal documents without intense sensitization of public functionaries and the civil society. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Harbinger of global rebalancing, India-Africa ties are a beacon of inclusive, sustainable, and equitable world. Explain.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"4) Visa issues for African nationals to India","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 How do ASEAN centrality, rules-based order, and development partnership with Pacific Island states make Indo-Pacific a theatre of opportunity for India? What are the hurdles in realisation of an inclusive Indo-Pacific construct?","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8355,"topper":"Tharun Teja","air":123,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ATLA-THARUN-TEJA-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-123-Sample-AWFG-Copy-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Recent urban floods of Shirla (2023) twice in one season show the impact of anthropogenic activities\n1) Erratic monsoons due to meteorological phenomena (El-Nino, Biparjoy cyclone)\n2) Melting of glaciers => GLOFs\n1) Climate change causing natural factors (1-1.2°C due to GHG emissions)\n2) Encroachment of lakes, wetlands => Urban flooding\n3) Dams, Reservoirs affecting natural flow => Sudden flood of water if water level rises\n4) Illegal sand mining (legalised in Goa)","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8356,"topper":"Tharun Teja","air":123,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ATLA-THARUN-TEJA-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-123-Sample-MGP-Copy-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) Foreign trade is an important milestone on the path of becoming a 5 trillion USD economy. In this context, analyse the potential of the recently released Foreign Trade Policy, 2023 in revamping India's participation in global trade.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Social protection schemes are an integral aspect of a welfare economy; however, the principles of fiscal prudence cannot be ignored. Discuss, with special reference to Old Pension Scheme (OPS).","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) What do you understand from Agristack? To what extent can it become a panacea for the problems plaguing the farm sector.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4 The objective of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to provide a long term and equitable solution to the dilemma between free trade and food security has remained unfulfilled. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 Even after five decades of the Stockholm conference, narrowing the gaps between the targets and actions remains one of the biggest challenges towards reversing climate change. Discuss. Also, recommend measures for building a coherent actionable strategy to tackle climate change.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) What are the impediments in management of E-waste in the country? In what ways can the trinity of citizens, businesses, and the government tackle this menace?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7 How does nuclear fusion differ from nuclear fission? Assess the relevance of nuclear energy in resolving the global energy security dilemma?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) What are run of the river hydroelectric projects? How far can run of the river hydroelectric projects balance ecological conservation with socio-economic development?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 A robust border infrastructure is the surest way to counter multifarious threats emanating from inimical actors. Discuss, in light of Vibrant Village Programme.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) How far can a clearly articulated National Security Strategy help in tackling challenges to national security?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) What are the factors that influence the inflation trends in the country? Highlighting the impacts, discuss the institutional measures in place to check inflation.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 Though a cornerstone of Atmanirbhar Bharat, Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme is not without its own challenges. Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13) How is internationalisation of rupee different from De-Dollarisation? Highlighting the benefits of internationalisation of rupee, discuss the challenges associated with the same.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 What are Primary Agricultural Credit Societies? Can the cooperative push alone help in achieving the twin targets of boosting rural economy and mainstreaming small and marginal farmers?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Farm policies in the country have inadvertently led to undesirable consequences. Do you agree? Giving emphasis on PM PRANAM, discuss ways to enhance soil health and farm productivity.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 What do you understand by heat waves? Highlight the reasons and impact of the rising frequency of heat waves across India. Also, recommend some measures to mitigate its impact.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 How is Chandrayaan-3 different from its predecessor, Chandrayaan-2? To what extent can India's presence in Artemis Accords help in furthering the exploration of lunar surface?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 Research and Development is the key to unlock the potential of 'knowledge economy.' In this perspective, analyse the role of the National Research Foundation Bill, 2023 in democratizing the research ecosystem in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 What do you understand by the term 'Hybrid warfare.' Highlighting its implications for India, recommend measures to develop a comprehensive ecosystem to counter the same.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 How are internal security challenges related to peace in neighboring countries? Explain with special reference to instability on India's eastern frontier.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8357,"topper":"Thousif Ulla Khan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/THOUSIF_ULLA_KHAN_SS_GS_1_AIR_741_2025_3207a4b10a.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"The evolution of temple architecture in India illustrates the synthesis of art, religion, and polity. Illustrate with suitable examples from South India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The rise and development of the new religious ideas in the 6th B.C. India have brought significant changes to contemporary social life. Do you agree? Justify using examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Under colonialism, India's traditional economic structure was reoriented to fit into the economic needs of industrial Britain. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are Western disturbances? Explain their role in influencing the weather patterns of northern India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discuss the non-conventional energy potential of peninsular India with relevant examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Why are most of India's iron and steel plants concentrated in the eastern and central parts of the country? Illustrate with examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"In contemporary India, marriage is increasingly perceived as a personal choice rather than a societal obligation. Enumerate the socio-economic forces behind this transformation and assess its potential impact on family structure. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Analyse to what extent does regionalism contributes to the deepening of decentralization in India? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the potential socio-political implications of implementing a nationwide caste census. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The Lucknow Pact of 1916 was both a high point of Hindu-Muslim unity and a harbinger of future communal divisions. Comment (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"While the Bhakti and Sufi movements emerged from different religious milieus, their convergence lay in the realm of devotion and dissent.\" Examine the socio-religious significance of their interaction in medieval India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Contrast the approaches of Sardar Patel and Jawaharlal Nehru in handling princely states and regional integration. How did their differing visions shape the evolution of the Indian Union? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"The American Civil War was not just a political conflict but a clash of two divergent economic systems. Substantiate (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"What are marine heatwaves? Examine the causes of the increasing frequency of marine heatwaves. How do they influence the onset of the summer monsoon in India? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Assess the effectiveness of tribal development programmes in India. Why do tribal areas continue to experience developmental setbacks, and what are the challenges? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"\"As the world's water towers melt, the risk of water stress increases.\" Discuss how the Himalayan glaciers' retreat could redefine freshwater availability and regional hydropolitics in South Asia. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Despite increasing participation of women in the professional workforce, their presence in top leadership remains minimal. Examine the interplay of societal norms and workplace structures in perpetuating this gender gap. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"The phenomenon of 'livability atrophy' in Indian cities reflects the widening gap between urban expansion and quality of life. Examine the causes and consequences of this trend, and suggest measures to make urban growth more humane and sustainable. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Define transnationalism and examine the factors that have led to the increasing global interconnectedness of diaspora communities. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Communalism in India, rooted in historical legacies and socio-economic inequalities, continues to undermine social cohesion and national integration. Discuss with examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8358,"topper":"Thousif Ulla Khan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/THOUSIF_ULLA_KHAN_SS_GS_4_TEST_4_AIR_741_2025_ac16ce2f26.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"\"Integrity in isolation may ensure honesty, but without impartiality and non-partisanship, governance cannot be ethical.\" Evaluate the interdependence of these foundational values in the context of public service. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"\"The essence of ethics in human actions involves a balance between individual autonomy and societal norms\". Examine this statement by exploring how ethical frameworks reconcile personal freedom with social responsibility. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Is conscience a universal moral compass, or is it shaped by society and upbringing? Illustrate with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"How can the ethical principles rooted in ancient Indian philosophy serve as a guide for policymakers and administrators in balancing development with ecological sustainability? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context? (a) Cultivation of mind should be the ultimate aim of human existence.—Dr. B. R. Ambedkar (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"Technology is ethically neutral until we apply it.\" Discuss this statement with reference to the ethical challenges posed by artificial intelligence and data privacy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Rules and procedures are essential for institutional functioning. However, they are not substitutes for ethical leadership and value-based discretion. Justify your answer with examples from public administration. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Is it ethically justified for youth to remain apolitical in a democracy if politics determines the moral fabric of society? Critically examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Explain three moral dilemmas commonly faced by civil servants. Provide ethical frameworks to resolve them effectively. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"\"Sporting fairness and gender inclusivity are often on a collision course.\" Discuss the ethical dimensions involved in allowing transgender athletes to participate in women's sports. Should fairness outweigh inclusion? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"How can Buddhist principles guide public servants in maintaining a balance between personal well-being and professional responsibilities in high-pressure governance environments? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":36,"question":"A border district along the Indo-Pak Line of Control has been devastated by continuous cross-border shelling. Villages lie abandoned, homes destroyed, schools shut indefinitely, and farmlands rendered unusable. The displaced population, children, elderly, and daily-wage families, suffers from deep psychological trauma, loss of livelihood, and absence of basic services. To respond, the administration has established multiple rehabilitation camps under emergency relief protocols. As the newly appointed District Rehabilitation Commissioner, known for your integrity, you are tasked with leading this effort. However, you soon discover a distressing reality: Relief distribution is marred by corruption, funds are being siphoned off, and material aid is being diverted to private godowns. Caste-based discrimination in compensation lists is rampant and marginalised communities are systematically excluded. Political interference is growing, local leaders demand selective allocation for their vote banks, threatening to stir unrest if their demands aren't met. Adding to the challenge, vulnerable groups like landless labourers, orphans, the elderly, and differently-abled persons are invisible in the rehabilitation process. You also find that some field officers are indifferent or even complicit, out of fear or political alignment. Meanwhile, the media focuses only on high-profile narratives, ignoring those suffering silently. (a) What are the core ethical issues involved in this situation? (b) What should be your immediate course of action to ensure fair and transparent relief distribution? (c) How can you tactfully manage political interference while upholding neutrality and inclusivity? (d) How can an administrator maintain emotional balance and compassion without compromising institutional discipline? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"You are a senior civil servant in the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting. Your 17-year-old daughter, an intelligent and sensitive student of Class 12, has been an avid follower of popular influencers and motivational speakers. Recently, she became deeply interested in a popular podcast show hosted by a well-known social media figure, Kunal Bhalla. The show claims to champion \"free thinking\" and covers topics like hustle culture, masculinity, personal transformation, and anti-institutional narratives. Over time, your daughter's behaviour begins to change. She withdraws from academic interests, begins idolising internet influencers, and adopts rigid opinions about success, failure, and mental health. She starts rejecting family advice, refuses to appear for her board preparatory exams, and argues that \"school is irrelevant in the age of free minds.\" Concerned, you and your spouse try to reason with her, but she accuses you of being \"closed-minded.\" Matters come to head when you are alerted by your ministry's media monitoring cell about a viral video clip where your daughter is seen giving an interview on a fringe podcast platform, endorsing radical views on education, politics, and civil services. The clip drew public attention because of your designation, and journalists began speculating about a \"generational rebellion\" within the bureaucracy. Meanwhile, the influencer, Kunal Bhalla, publicly praises your daughter as \"the new voice of youth dissent,\" but refuses to take accountability for his platform's role in shaping her worldview. Social media is split, some defend her right to free thought, while others accuse such influencers of normalising disrespect for institutions and romanticizing shallow intellectualism. Your colleagues advice silence, but your daughter now wants to drop out of school and intern with a podcast network. (a) What are the key ethical issues involved in the way \"free thinking\" is promoted by influencers on social media, especially for impressionable youth? (b) What should be the role of public figures in responding to the misuse or distortion of influential platforms in the name of free expression? (c) Suggest a policy framework or guidelines for responsible influencer content aimed at youth without curbing intellectual freedom. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Raghav is the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of a fast-growing tech company in South Asia that designs and deploys AI systems for public services like education and policing. Recently, the company secured a large government contract to implement facial recognition and predictive analytics systems in public schools and police departments. The project is significant for the company's growth and is being closely monitored by international investors and government agencies. However, two major concerns have emerged. First, internal audits show that the AI systems are not adequately trained on local data. They frequently misidentify individuals from tribal and minority backgrounds and unfairly flag behavioral issues among students from these communities. The software also lacks support for vernacular languages and neurodivergent users, raising concerns about exclusion and discrimination. Second, environmental groups have raised objections to the company's rising carbon footprint due to the expansion of energy-intensive data centers. There has been a 42% increase in emissions over the last two years. Raghav now faces a serious ethical dilemma: whether to push ahead with deployment to maintain momentum and company interests, or pause and resolve these concerns, knowing it may slow down progress and create internal friction. (a) Identify and discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) Critically examine the options available to Raghav in this situation. (c) Which of the above options should Raghav adopt and why? Justify your answer using principles of ethics and professional responsibility. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":56,"question":"A senior IAS officer, recently appointed as chairperson of the NCR Clean Air Mission, is tasked with addressing the escalating air pollution crisis in Delhi and neighboring regions, where the Air Quality Index has reached hazardous levels. Scientific assessments point to multiple contributors, i.e., stubble burning in nearby states, construction-related dust, industrial emissions, and diesel vehicle traffic. The officer proposes strict, time-bound restrictions, including suspending construction activities, limiting vehicular movement, and enforcing crop-residue burning bans. However, these measures attract strong opposition from various stakeholders. Farmers cite a lack of alternatives, real estate bodies warn of large-scale job losses, transport unions threaten strikes, and political authorities express concerns over the potential impact on upcoming international investment events. Meanwhile, health experts caution that delays will result in severe public health consequences, especially for children and the elderly. The media criticizes the measures as elitist and anti-poor. Caught between conflicting imperatives, i.e., environmental protection, economic livelihood, public health, and political viability, the officer must now make a decision. (a) What are the options available to the officer to tackle the situation effectively? (b) What core values and principles should guide decision-making in this scenario? (c) In such situations, what long-term institutional reforms would you suggest to reconcile environmental protection with developmental imperatives? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":8359,"topper":"Thousif Ulla Khan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/THOUSIF_ULLA_KHAN_SS_GS_4_TEST_8_AIR_741_2025_8330e73f0c.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Ethics is not morality, nor is it religion, law, or values, but it overlaps with all of them. Explain with relevant examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"\"Moral principles are often challenged by evolving technological and societal changes. How should ethical decision-makers adapt to new realities while ensuring justice and integrity?\" (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The family is often the first school of values, but it may also become a breeding ground for biases, stereotypes and hierarchical attitudes. Critically evaluate the dual role of family in value inculcation in a society. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Some argue that promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) may come at the cost of meritocracy and objectivity. How can public institutions balance these ethical considerations? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What does the quote mean to you? (a) \"Glory lies in the attempt to reach one's goal and not in reaching it.\"-Gandhi. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"\"No man should tolerate injustice, whether it be against himself or against another.\" - Jyotiba Phule (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"How does the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 seek to restore the ethical and holistic purpose of education beyond mere employability? Reflect on the ethical significance of this shift. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Punitive vigilance deters corruption, preventive vigilance reduces opportunities for corruption while participative vigilance fosters a culture of transparency and accountability, eliminating the root cause of corruption. Critically examine this statement with relevant examples (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"The separation of private and public ethics is not only difficult but may also be counterproductive.\" Do you agree with this view? Justify your stance with logical arguments and examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Ethical competence is as essential as technical competence in public service. Examine the statement with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"A well-developed conscience is the foundation of ethical governance.\" Discuss with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Is it ethically defensible to pursue global prestige through space missions while everyday injustices like hunger or women's safety remain unresolved? Discuss the role of ethical governance in managing such trade-offs. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":31,"question":"Priya, an assistant accounts manager at a city-based private educational trust that runs several low-fee schools for underprivileged children, has always been known for her integrity and diligence. One day, she learns that her close colleague and friend, Arjun, a sincere employee and a widower struggling to raise his two young daughters alone, has been facing a harrowing situation. Arjun's younger child was diagnosed with a severe brain condition requiring urgent surgery costing nearly Rs. 70 lakh. With no health insurance, little savings, and no family support to fall back on, Arjun was on the verge of losing hope. Priya wanted to help, but her own financial situation, with elderly dependent parents and modest savings, left her helpless and burdened with guilt for not being able to stand by her friend in his time of dire need. A few weeks later, when Priya visits Arjun to check on his situation, she is relieved to see his child recovering well. In a quiet conversation, Arjun reveals that their senior administrator, Mr. Kulkarni, known for his kind but discreet ways, had quietly arranged Rs. 70 lakh from an old scholarship fund that had been lying unused for years. He did so on the condition that Arjun would repay the sum slowly through deductions from his salary, without anyone else finding out. Grateful but uneasy, Arjun confides that Mr. Kulkarni has helped other staff members in similar personal emergencies in the past, using small dormant funds without formal approvals, to prevent suffering and distress among the staff who often have no safety net. A few days later, while finalizing quarterly accounts, Priya overhears a conversation in the accounts office that an external audit of all scholarship and welfare funds is scheduled for next month. She realizes that this means the unauthorized diversions might come to light. Priya deeply sympathizes with Arjun's situation and admires Mr. Kulkarni's humane intentions, but she also knows that misusing designated funds, however noble the cause, violates trust, policy, and legal norms. If discovered, it could lead to severe consequences for Mr. Kulkarni, jeopardize the trust's reputation, and even risk the schools' funding. (a) Identify the key ethical dilemmas faced by Priya in this situation. (b) Discuss the ethical dimensions of Mr. Kulkarni's actions. Do you think his conduct can be justified? Give reasons for your answer. (c) What are the options available to Priya at this point? Analyze the merits and demerits of each option. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Rajesh is a dedicated and upright IAS officer who has recently been posted as the Commissioner of a major city's Municipal Corporation after serving diligently in various assignments for over a decade. This is his fifth transfer in four years, mostly due to his refusal to bend rules for influential people. His colleagues admire his integrity, discipline, and commitment to public service. The mayor of the city, a senior leader of the ruling party, holds significant power over the corporation's functioning. Rajesh soon learns about several dubious tenders and large-scale irregularities in awarding contracts for the city's solid waste management project. He notices that payments have been hastily cleared to companies with questionable credentials, despite glaring deficiencies in their work. One day, a senior councillor belonging to a rival political party approaches Rajesh and shares a set of audio recordings and internal emails that purportedly show the mayor asking for kickbacks from contractors in exchange for lucrative garbage collection contracts. Rajesh also recalls the same contractors' payments being pushed through under the mayor's orders, bypassing due process. When Rajesh asks the Councillor why he doesn't bring this evidence to the media or the anti-corruption bureau himself, the Councillor shrugs it off, hinting that his hands are tied politically but Rajesh can \"earn a hero's image\" by blowing the whistle. He subtly promises that if his party comes to power in the upcoming municipal elections, Rajesh's loyalty will be rewarded with an important posting and career security. Meanwhile, local media has started sniffing around the irregularities, and Rajesh's silence could make him appear complicit. His own staff is divided; some urge him to maintain the status quo for personal safety, while a few junior officers privately want him to act boldly and clean up the system. Adding to his dilemma, Rajesh's elderly parents are dependent on him, and another sudden transfer could make their care difficult. (a) Identify the key ethical dilemmas faced by Rajesh in this situation. (b) What are the options available to Rajesh to deal with the situation? Evaluate each option with its merits and demerits. (c) In the context of this case, discuss the ethical challenges of whistleblowing for public servants in India. (d) What institutional reforms can strengthen ethical conduct and protect honest officers? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"After an unexpected breach in a major dam upstream, the district of Neelgram has been hit by sudden flooding, which not only damaged standing crops but also contaminated most local water sources with silt and debris. Ananya, a young Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) recently transferred to Neelgram, has ordered emergency measures to ration and purify the remaining potable water and clamp down on illegal extraction of groundwater to ensure enough safe water for drinking and health camps. However, when her enforcement teams start sealing unauthorized borewells on farmland to prevent further depletion, a large group of distressed farmers storms her office, accusing her of double standards for ignoring the big bottled water companies and luxury housing societies on the town's outskirts that continue tapping deep aquifers around the clock under old permits allegedly renewed through bribes. The farmers claim they are being pushed to ruin just to keep swimming pools full and bottled water businesses profitable. Meanwhile, local hotels warn that shutting their supply will lead to layoffs of hundreds of daily-wage workers already reeling from the flood damage. Political leaders privately pressurize Ananya to avoid any action that might anger influential industrialists and real estate developers. To complicate matters further, she discovers some lower-rung officials have been pocketing hush money to overlook illegal borewells. With rural families queuing up for clean water tankers and local schools forced to close due to unsafe drinking water, Ananya must now grapple with the ethical dilemma of conserving critical water reserves, enforcing rules impartially, protecting poor farmers' livelihoods, resisting powerful vested interests, ensuring continued employment for r daily-wage workers, and upholding public trust in the administration during a fragile recovery phase. (a) Identify and discuss the major ethical dilemmas faced by Ananya. (b) Briefly describe major laws or policies enacted by the Government of India to ensure sustainable water management. (c) Suggest a balanced course of action that Ananya can adopt to ensure equitable water distribution, prevent misuse of groundwater, protect vulnerable livelihoods, and restore public trust. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":56,"question":"Ritika Verma, the director of a reputed heritage conservation NGO that has spent over a decade protecting ancient monuments and ecologically sensitive cultural landscapes in the semi-arid region of Rajasthan. Recently, the state government has unveiled a major Solar Energy Park Project spanning nearly 5,000 hectares of largely barren but historically significant desert land dotted with ancient stepwells (Baolis), medieval Caravanserai ruins, and sacred groves that are home to several endangered desert flora and fauna. The project is expected to make the state a leader in renewable energy, reduce carbon emissions significantly, and provide green electricity to millions, aligning with India's national renewable energy goals and global climate commitments. It will also create thousands of direct and indirect jobs for local villagers, many of whom struggle with seasonal migration and poverty. However, the proposed solar farm will require flattening sand dunes, restricting grazing land for pastoral communities, and potentially disturbing fragile micro-habitats that support unique desert biodiversity. Local communities are divided, some want the project for jobs and development, while others fear it will disrupt their traditional livelihoods, cultural heritage sites, and spiritual groves that hold deep cultural significance. Adding to Ritika's dilemma, her NGO recently received significant donations from an international renewable energy foundation, the same foundation that has invested heavily in the Solar Park project. Her board expects her to balance environmental stewardship with a progressive stance on green energy. Meanwhile, local activists accuse the NGO of hypocrisy if it supports the project and betrayal if it opposes clean energy goals. (a) Identify and briefly discuss the key ethical issues involved in this case. (b) What options are available to Ritika? Critically analyze each option. (c) Suggest a course of action that Ritika should take in this situation. Justify your answer with suitable ethical principles and values. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":8360,"topper":"Tina Dabi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/visionias_13773_605_Tina.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"THE COLD WAR IS OVER BUT COLD WAR THINKING SURVIVES.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"IS UNITY IN DIVERSITY OVERRATED IN THE INDIAN CONTEXT ?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8361,"topper":"Tina Dabi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/visionias_13773_604_Tina.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"\"POVERTY IS THE WORST FORM OF VIOLENCE - MAHATMA GANDHI\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"\"TRUE EDUCATION IS THAT WHICH PROVES USEFUL IN LIFE AND MAKES YOU INDUSTRIOUS.\"","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8362,"topper":"Tina Dabi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/visionias_13773_704_Tina.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Even though the equatorial regions have great potential in timber resources, the lumbering industry has not developed properly in these regions. What could be the possible reasons behind this? Discuss the suitability of the equatorial regions for plantation agriculture.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Transport linkages and government policies are the two most important factors influencing the establishment of Footloose industries. What are the other factors, which influence the ocation of these industries? Discuss in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"\"Change in latitude and altitude leads to variation in temperature and vegetation\". Analyze.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Jute, \"The Golden Fibre\" enjoys significant ecological and economic advantages over other fibres yet it has been struggling to survive. In this context, discuss the problems associated with the Jute Industry in India. To what extent can the Jute Technology Mission address the same?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"How do global pressure belts explain the formation of climatic regions across the world?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"What are extra tropical cyclones? How are they different from tropical cyclones? Why do the tropical cyclones weaken over the lanc after landfall?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Describe the different types of earthquake waves and their modes of propagation. How do the earthquakes occurring in the Fold Mountain regions differ from those occurring at large reservoirs/dams? What is the difference between Shallow-focus and deep-focus earthquakes?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Which are the prominent monsoon regions other than the Indian sub-continent? Elucidate the crucial role played by the Tibetan Plateau in regulating monsoons over the sub-continent.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"What are Rare Earth Elements? What are their uses? How is India positioned in the global distribution of these resources?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"\"The potential of Inland Water transport (IWT) to encourage and support increased economic and social development is enormous\". Discuss the factors responsible for the slow growth of IWT in India with special emphasis on geographical limitations. Enumerate some steps taken by the government in order to make this form of transportation competitive with respect to rail and road.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Lakshadweep has been facing a drastic decline in coral cover in recent years. Discuss various environmental and anthropogenic factors behind this phenomenon. How can El Nino be disastrous for the world's coral reefs? Illustrate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Municipal Solid waste management is fast becoming a nightmare for citizens and local authorities in cities across India. Enumerate the steps taken by various municipal bodies to tackle this enormous problem in India. Can WtE (Waste to Energy) be a feasible solution to this fast growing problem?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"It has been observed that the ozone hole develops over Antarctica, and not over manufacturing centers where chlorofluorocarbons are released prodigiously. How can you explain this phenomenon? Examine the possible health and environmental impacts of ozone depletion.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"India is the 3rd largest producer of coal in the world but commercial production of Coal Bed Methane has not yet started. What are the environmental and economic constraints associated with the production of coal bed methane in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Hydrofluorocarbons have emerged as contentious issue in climate talks. Discuss whether HFCs should be dealt with under Montreal or Kyoto Protocol.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"\"Wetlands provide ecosystem services essential to people and the environment, valued at billions of dollars\". Explain briefly. Enumerate the causes for wetland losses across India. Further, elaborate on some international and national measures taken to protect them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"What do you understand by the phenomenon of Cloud Burst? How is it related to flash floods ? Why are hilly areas more prone to the ill effects of cloud burst?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"\"Community based disaster management, which seeks to empower community directly to enhance their indigenous coping mechanisms, is a must\". Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"National Disaster Management Authority was set up to give effect to the provisions of Disaster Management Act, 2005. Critically examine its functioning with respect to the management of recent natural hazards.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8363,"topper":"Tina Dabi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/visionias_13773_622_Tina.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"In this age of information and consumerism, the image of women portrayed by mass media greatly influences our social attitude towards them. Critically evaluate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"What is social accountability? How can it act as a more effective mechanism than the conventional methods of extracting accountability? What steps can a civil servant take to improve the effectiveness of social accountability in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Biometric attendance, punctuality and cleanliness provide only a good start towards the improvement of work culture. A lot more is required to improve the work culture of the Indian bureaucracy and make it more responsive and citizen centric. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Of all government activities, public procurement is amongst the one most vulnerable to fraud and corruption. Explain with examples. Further, what steps would you suggest to maintain probity in public procurement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"\"Those who say religion has nothing to do with politics do not know what religion is\". Explain. Further examine the role of religion in formation of political attitude in the Indian context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"\"Emotion can lead to our worst decisions or our best ones: The difference is emotional intelligence.\" In light of the given statement, illustrate how emotional intelligence is critical in decision making. How can it help a civil servant in taking prudent decisions?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"\"Anyone who doesn't take truth seriously in small matters cannot be trusted in large ones either.\"- Albert Einstein. Bring out what this statement means to you in the present context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Recent incidents of moral policing is symptomatic of the growing intolerance in Indian society. Analyse with examples. Suggest some measures to address this issue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'Conflict of Interest' in the context of public service? What are the norms prescribed for Civil Services in India to deal with this issue?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Although most public organizations have a code of conduct for their employees, its impact has been less than satisfactory in combating the misuse of office by public servants. Explain. Provide some suggestions to make the code of conduct a more comprehensive tool in dealing with corruption in public offices.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Citizen charter has recently emerged as an innovative tool for reinforcing citizen centric governance. Explain the statement and analyse the various constraints faced during the implementation of the citizen charter in the Indian administrative system.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"An efficient service delivery is the key to winning the public trust in government. What are the challenges being faced in efficient delivery of public services? Suggest some measures to improve the delivery of public services.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Explain the importance of diligence as a value for a civil servant. How can it be inculcated among civil servants?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"You are posted in a district as a public servant responsible for looking into the matters of violation of Right to Education Act. You came across a case in which a poor farmer had beaten his daughter for not going to take her fifth class annual exams. Eventually, he tied her up with his motorbike and took her to the examination hall. Corporal punishment to the children by parents or teachers is a punishable offence with three month jail term. When you enquired about it the poor farmer explained that he had done so for ensuring a better future for her daughter as he does not want his children to live in poverty in which he is living. He also says that his economic condition is poor and if he is taken to jail his children will face severe hardships. 10. You retired as a finance manager from a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU). After retirement you are offered a job in a private company as its finance head and you have accepted it. The company has a procurement contract with the PSU which you worked for. Now that contract is up for renewal through competitive bidding. You have been asked to lead the team responsible for bidding of this contract. While working in the PSU, you had an opportunity to work on areas relating to financial accounting, procurement, contracts and bids. You are concerned that you might breach the confidentiality if you accept the assignment in the present company. You also suspect that your knowledge and experience of working in the PSU were seen as good reasons for appointing you to the position in the present company. The loss of such a major contract would have a significant effect on the financial performance of Company. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each of the options given below and finally suggest what course of action iv. Resign from the job.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"Suggest any other possible option(s). Evaluate all of them and suggest the best course of action, giving your reasons for it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"You retired as a finance manager from a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU). After retirement you are offered a job in a private company as its finance head and you have accepted it. The company has a procurement contract with the PSU which you worked for. Now that contract is up for renewal through competitive bidding. You have been asked to lead the team responsible for bidding of this contract. While working in the PSU, you had an opportunity to work on areas relating to financial accounting, procurement, contracts and bids. You are concerned that you might breach the confidentiality if you accept the assignment in the present company. You also suspect that your knowledge and experience of working in the PSU were seen as good reasons for appointing you to the position in the present company. The loss of such a major contract would have a significant effect on the financial performance of Company. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each of the options given below and finally suggest what course of action iv. Resign from the job.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8364,"topper":"Tina Dabi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/visionias_13773_621_Tina.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"\"If instead of insisting on rights everyone does his duty, there will immediately be the rule of order established among mankind.\" - Mahatma Gandhi. Bring out what this statement means to you in the present context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Should circumstances be the sole criterion for judging the morality of human action or the nature of the action and its purpose must also be considered? Justify your stand with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"A person cannot do right in civil service whilst attempting to do wrong in personal life. In context of this statement, examine the relationship between personal and professional ethics. Do civil servants have to be ethical in personal life in order to be professionally ethical? Illustrate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What is the importance of whistle-blowing in public and private institutions? What role does individual conscience play in the act of whistle-blowing? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"'Objectivity' and 'neutrality' are among the core civil service values. Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The legal framework in modern society has both anomalous and complementary relationship with its ethical framework. Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"There seems to be a fundamental contradiction between effectiveness and accountability. Comment. Why is accountability a necessary evil for good governance? Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"\"One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors\". Explain. Suggest some measures that can be taken to increase political participation in our country. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The erosion of civic values from our public life has become a pervasive phenomenon. Discuss the role of value education in tackling this issue in the Indian context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"It is often said that home is the first school and parents are the first teachers. Explain the role of family in inculcating moral values. Analyze how the changing nature of family has affected this role in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"A world without nuclear weapons would be less stable and more dangerous for all of us.\" Critically examine the ethical dimensions of the given statement from the perspective of international relations. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"The increasing speed and scope of globalization has raised several ethical concerns. Analyze with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"What do you understand by aptitude? What kind of aptitude is considered important for civil services? What measures have you taken to make yourself fit for being a civil servant? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":34,"question":"You are a young civil servant posted in a tribal dominated district, which is notorious for illegal mining done by mafia. They exercise their power over poor tribals of the region by bribing the local tribal musclemen who have political aspirations. The consequent easy money and luxury have ensured that these musclemen work in the interest of these mafia. They use these 'tribal' musclemen as a 'front' to plant 'constructed' news in the media to create confusion or to gain sympathy of the civil society activists and the public at large. It is a strategy to thwart any concrete action of the government for eliminating the menace of illegal activities in that area. You quickly understood these designs after assuming the office. You came to know that some employees in your own office are in nexus with the mafia. When you initiated stringent action against the mafia they turned 10. In the face of acute famine in the district, you, as an area officer, have instructed your subordinates to procure food grains from the FCI godowns located in the adjoining districts. This would make the food grains available to the public through PDS shops. Considering the gravity of the situation, this task has to be done immediately, because majority of the people in the district are poor, and therefore can't buy the food at the market prices. However, you were told that all the truck operators have formed a cartel and are asking for three times the usual transportation rate, in order to exploit the situation. This would nullify your effort, as the prices of the food grains would increase due to high transportation charges. (a) Following are some suggested options. Please evaluate the merits and demerits of each of the options:","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"In the face of acute famine in the district, you, as an area officer, have instructed your subordinates to procure food grains from the FCI godowns located in the adjoining districts. This would make the food grains available to the public through PDS shops. Considering the gravity of the situation, this task has to be done immediately, because majority of the people in the district are poor, and therefore can't buy the food at the market prices. However, you were told that all the truck operators have formed a cartel and are asking for three times the usual transportation rate, in order to exploit the situation. This would nullify your effort, as the prices of the food grains would increase due to high transportation charges. (a) Following are some suggested options. Please evaluate the merits and demerits of each of the options:","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"'Honour killing' has been in news in recent times. It involves the homicide of a member of a family by other members, due to the perpetrators' belief that the victim has brought shame or dishonour upon the family. Analyse this problem in detail and indicate not only the social but also the emotional and attitudinal factors responsible for this problem? Also, distinctly bring out why: (a) The youth in such areas do not speak up against these practices. (b) The conviction rate in 'honour killing' cases is extremely low. (c) Women, who have to face the brunt of this crime the most, do not speak against it collectively. Discuss some feasible steps, which could be effective in controlling this serious problem. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8365,"topper":"Tina Dabi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/visionias_13773_633_Tina.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"How are SDGs an improvement over MDGs? What are the challenges that are foreseen in the implementation of SDGs? What are the lessons that India can learn from the progress made on MDGs that could inform and enhance its performance on SDGs?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Discuss the possible reasons behind China's recent decision to devalue the yuan. Also, examine the impact that yuan's devaluation may have on India and rest of the world.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"An unmanaged border accentuates threats from unconventional sources by providing easy points of ingress and egress. Discuss in the context of India's international border along the north eastern states.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"While India's disaster response in recent times has improved significantly in saving lives, it needs to improve its capacity in saving livelihoods as well. In context of the above statement, examine India's Disaster Risk Reduction System.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Given the threat of climate change, there is an urgent need to move towards Climate Smart Agriculture. Elaborate. Also, discuss the strategies to make high cost technologies accessible to the Indian farmers.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Instead of running piecemeal schemes that do not address the specific challenge of poverty-ridden households it is better to use concrete tools such as SECC. In light of the above statement, explain how SECC data can be utilized to address multi-dimensional aspects of poverty.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"While a strong and vibrant democracy is our shield against radicalizing forces such as the ISIS, we should not neglect the threat of radicalisation through cyber space where modern day wars are fought. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"According to UNEP report, up to 90% of the world's electronic waste is traded or dumped illegally in Asia and Africa, with India being one of the main destinations. Mention the hazards of this illegal dumping and discuss how India can tackle this challenge.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"What constitutes the MSME sector in India? Examine the reasons for its slow growth and enumerate the initiatives taken by the Government to revive MSMEs.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"RBI has recently classified some banks as 'Domestic Systemically Important Banks' (D-SIBs). What is the rationale behind this move? Examine the possible implications of this step.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"INDCs signal the end of CBDR as well as the underlying principle of historic responsibility and respective capabilities. Critically analyse. How far do technology and finance hold the key to viable progress on restricting global warming within reasonable limits?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Even though Flyash is a valuable resource material, but if not managed well, it may pose environmental challenges. Comment. Also list a few steps that have been taken by the government to promote the use of flyash.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Rising income inequality is a widespread concern for advanced as well as emerging economies. Illustrate how inequality impedes economic growth. Also, examine the steps taken by India to tackle income inequality.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"What are biosimilars? How are they different from traditional generic drugs? Enumerate the regulatory requirements present for biosimilars in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Discuss the sectoral composition of workforce across India and the problems associated with it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"India needs a national common market for agricultural commodities by making the Agricultural Produce Market Committees just one among the many options available for the farmers to sell their produce. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Banking is hobbled by policy, which creates double financial repression, and by structural factors, which impede competition. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"India's SAGAR approach to the Indian Ocean Region presents an opportunity for it to play the role of security provider as well as facilitator of Blue Economy. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"The multiplicity of labour laws and difficulty in coping with them are an impediment to industrial development in India. Critically examine. What are the labour reform measures initiated by the government for ensuring compliance and promoting ease of doing business.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Climate Change has the potential to create migrant crisis across the world and force people to become Climate Exile. How serious is this problem for a country like India? Examine the adequacy of existing global frameworks and institutions to deal with such crisis. In context of the upcoming Paris Conference, discuss the measures that should be taken by the international community in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8366,"topper":"Tina Dabi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/visionias_13773_634_Tina.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Even though women may have equal skills, qualifications and commitment as men, they face much more difficulty in rising up the leadership hierarchy. Discuss the reasons for the same. Also, explain the importance of having gender parity in positions of leadership.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"All correct decisions are honest and all incorrect decisions are dishonest. Do you agree? How should the correctness and incorrectness of a decision be decided?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Should birth control be a voluntary exercise or a government policy in a country? In this regard, examine the ethical dimensions of having a One Child Policy in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"An organisation consists of a variety of individuals with varying values and degrees of motivation. What challenges do leaders face when forging a harmonious work culture in such an organisation? How can leaders engender a sense of ir clusion in face of such diversity?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Notwithstanding compassion and morality, it is national interest that ultimately determines a country's decisions in international relations. Discuss this statement in the context of the current refugee crisis.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"What are the ethical issues involved in climate change negotiations? Suggest some strategies to address the divergence in ethical positions of different nations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Why is there a need for Performance Management System in an outcome oriented government? Evaluate the feasibility of peer review in context of Indian civil services.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Discretionary power in the hands of public servants is a necessary evil. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"The landmark judgment by the Supreme Court of India recognized the transgender as a third sex. What attitudes do you notice towards the transgender people in India? Discuss some steps to facilitate a dignified life for the transgender people.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"What key characteristics of a person conveying a message make it more persuasive? When celebrities endorse a product, they do so knowing that their endorsement will persuade people to buy it. What duty do they have towards the consumers?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"It is said that child labor cannot be ethical at all. Do you agree? Discuss with respect to the proposed amendments to the Child Labour Act.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Are emotions an inhibiting factor in effective decision-making? Discuss in the context of public services.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"What do you understand by the Sarvodaya philosophy of Gandhiji? Why is Sarvodaya relevant for civil servants in India?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8367,"topper":"Tina Dabi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/visionias_13773_705_Tina.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"\"A new style of architecture, entirely different in character from Muslim architecture in other countries, gradually evolved, incorporating the best of both Hindu and Muslim styles\". Discuss the above statement in the context of Indo-Islamic style of architecture.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"\"The Mughal paintings represent an assimilation of Indian, Persian and European elements\". Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Indian Dancing has changed little with the centuries, and till date the art form is practiced according to the rules of the Bharata Natyasastra. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"\"Pali and Prakrit literature played an important role in ancient India\". Explain.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Business groups in colonial India were guided by a pragmatic approach to issues and this explained why they maintained a policy of equidistance from both the government and the Congress. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The Treaty of Bassein proved to be a watershed event in the history of British supremacy in India. Explain.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"The Swadeshi Movement of 1905 not only laid the foundation of Gandhian techniques of protest but also used other innovative methods. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"The Ghadar Movement not only underestimated the armed and organizational might of the British. but the ideological foundations of their rule as well. It has been argued that they fought in vain. Critically evaluate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"\"The introduction of printing press in India was an event of revolutionary significance in the life of Indian people.\" In this context discuss the contribution of press in the Indian national movement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Language was an issue that once threatened to destroy the unity of India. But India dealt with t in an exemplary fashion, which her neighbours could not emulate and consequently suffered. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Indian environmentalism is qualitatively different from western environmentalism. Discuss the statement in the context of post-independence environmental movements in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"The framing of a uniform civil code is an acid test of India's commitment to secularism and modernisation. Critically analyse the statement in the light of post-independent developments in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"'Dalit Movements for empowerment of dalits in independent India have essentially been for carving out political space through electoral politics.' Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"\"India to them should signify not only a protecting force but a liberating one.\" In light of the given statement, trace the roots of Nehru's tribal policy and also outline the basic features of his policy in brief.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Briefly discuss the evolution of Socialism in Europe in the 19th century. Also comment on the success of Second International in overcoming inter-country rivalries in Europe.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"'Comparisons of the Fascist regime of Italy with the Nationalist Socialist regime of Germany is almost inevitable. The similarities are obvious, but there are differences which are worth mentioning.' Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Continental system of Napoleon was hs single biggest blunder, which eventually led to his downfall. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Many post-communist states took the recourse to 'Shock Therapy' after the collapse of USSR. What do you uncerstand by Shock Therapy? Critically evaluate its impact on these states.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"British decolonisation process has been markedly different from the French decolonisation process. Do you agree? Ana yse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Even before he had accepted the peace terms at the end of Iran-Iraq war, Saddam Hussein began his next act of aggression. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":63,"question":"\"Globalization will end up making all cultures of the world homogeneous\". Critically examine the statement taking examples from socio-cultural and economic life of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":66,"question":"What are the factors responsible for high infant mortality rate in India? Discuss its implications for Indian women. Suggest steps that have been taken by the government to address this problem.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8368,"topper":"Tina Dabi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/visionias_13773_707_Tina.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The National Cyber Security Policy (NCSP), 2013 presented an opportunity to understand existing legal limitations before devising a future framework. In this context, enumerate the objectives and strategies of NCSP. Also, discuss the shortcomings and limitations that it has been suffering from.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Any counter-terrorism strategy can succeed only if sources of terrorist funding are blocked by efficient financial regulation. In light of the statement discuss the need for an efficient legal framework to combat terror financing in India and steps taken by the government in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"What is Bio-Terrorism? Why is it more perilous than acts of conventional terrorism? Is India prepared to deal with bio-terrorism? Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"The formation of the United Liberation Front of Western South East Asia (UNLFW) poses a serious threat to the North-East region. In this context, discuss the implications of coming together of various insurgent groups on the security of North-East region. What strategies should be adopted to counter this threat?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"In the context of increasing need for integration of defence forces, there is a growing demand for appointment of a single chief for the three arms of defence services. In light of the above statement examine the desirability of such an appointment as recommended by various committees.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"With the Golden Crescent and the Golden Triangle in India's neighbourhood, drug trafficking poses a great threat to India's security. Analyse. Examine the role of non-state actors in drug trafficking in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"A multi-pronged conflict management and resolution strategy is necessary to deal with left wing extremism in India. In this context, examine the effectiveness of the surrender cum rehabilitation scheme for left wing extremists.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"What are the reasons for under-representation of women in science in India? How does it affect the prospect of holistic development of the nation? Suggest some measures which should be taken to tackle the above problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"How do Regenerative Medicines work? Discuss the initiatives taken by the Government of India to develop this field. What are the ethical issues that arise in the use of regenerative medicines?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"With growing concerns w.r.t. global climate change and energy security, biofuels have been gaining popularity. What are the advantages of using biofuels? Discuss the implications of biofuel expansion on food security, social welfare and environment in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"With reference to telecommunication, what are White Spaces? How can they be utilised to improve internet coverage? Also differentiate between White-Fi and Wi-Fi.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Graphene has been touted as the \"miracle material\" of the 21st century. Describe the structure and properties of graphene. Also list its potential applications. Discuss the challenges that are arising in the commercial use of graphene.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"What do you understand by Big Data Analytics? Discuss the benefits and dangers posed by it with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"What are Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)? Discuss the opportunities and challenges that have arisen with the private use of UAVs on the rise.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"\"China's rising influence on India's periphery underlines the requirement for India to craft an independent and robust regional role in South Asia.\" Discuss the statement in the context of China's Maritime Silk Route initiative. Do you think India should participate in this initiative?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"The delimitation of Indo-Bangladesh maritime boundary by Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) has wide economic and strategic implications, not only for India and Bangladesh but for the entire Bay of Bengal region. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Initiatives such as NDB and AIIB represent not only an assertion of rising powers vis. a vis. the existing institutions dominated by the West, but also underline the requirement of diversifying investment sources for the developing world in arenas such as infrastructure. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"India has decided to go ahead with the proposed Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal transport corridor. Discuss its implications for the South Asian region.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Discuss the strategic, political and economic implications of India's membership to the SCO.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"West Asia is a key region for India on multiple counts. Has the region being accorded the importance that it deserves in recent times? Have bilateral engagements such as ones with Israel and Iran come at the cost of waning influence of India in the larger West Asian region?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8369,"topper":"Tina Dabi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/visionias_13773_706_Tina.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Even though the Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana is an accelerated effort towards financial inclusion, mere opening of bank accounts will not transform into financial inclusion in India. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Discuss the importance of unorganised sector in the Indian economy. Examine the measures taken by the government to overcome the challenges faced by the unorganized sector in the country.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"\"Labour reforms are often cited as the key to unlock the potential of Indian economy.\" In this context discuss the importance of labour reforms in India. Enumerate the measures taken by the government recently in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"MUDRA bank has been termed as a game changer for micro finance sector in the country. What are the objectives of MUDRA Bank? Is there a need of such an institution when there already are multiple schemes and institutions operating for the same purpose?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Despite being an efficient and cheap means of transport, railway has consistently lost its share of freight to road transport. Enumerate the reasons for the same. How far can the high speed freight corridor help in addressing this issue?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"What are Offshore Rupee Bonds? Giving examples, discuss their benefits with regards to mobilisation of resources for domestic sector. Also, comment on their role in internationalisation of Indian Rupee.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Unlike many other countries, small enterprises in India remain small and even shrink. Bring out the factors responsible for such a trend in India. What steps have been taken by the government in this regard?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"How is the EPC model of investment in infrastructure different from the BOT model? What are reasons behind a favorable push for the EPC model over PPP in road sector in recent years?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Despite one of the longest coastlines in the world, India's port facilities and shipping industry are beset by numerous problems. Explain. Discuss some of the corrective measures taken by the government to overcome these problems.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"How has the process of liberalisation, which has otherwise led to high economic growth, affected the employment rate and the nature of employment in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Food processing industry needs a fillip in the form of better logistics, access to credit, technology indigenisation and implementation of food safety laws. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Agro forestry has immense potential in contributing to sustainable development and increasing farm income. Yet, it has failed to take off in a big way in India. In this context discuss the problems and challenges of Agroforestry in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Agricultural marketing in India is the weakest link in the agricultural economy. In this context discuss the problems of agricultural marketing in India. How far can setting up of national markets help in addressing these problems?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Animal rearing is a key livelihood and risk mitigation strategy for tribals and small and marginal farmers, particularly across the rainfed regions of India. Substantiate. Also, discuss some strategies to realize the potential of this sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"The idea of Second Green Revolution needs to be explored if India wishes to achieve food security, raise farmer income and develop sustainable agriculture. Discuss. Also, elaborate the steps that the government has taken to implement the Second Green Revolution.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Lack of resources and inadequate incentive structures have led to the breakdown of agricultural extension services in most states. Comment. Suggest some measures to improve agriculture extension services in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"\"Contract farming occupies a crucial role in agricultural economy of India because of small farm sizes\". Evaluate. Analyse the various issues plaguing contract farming in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Reviving the Farm Income Insurance Scheme could be the best tool for marginal farmers to fight falling prices of agricultural products in an increasingly globalized marketplace. Explain.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"The scope of Land reforms needs to be widened beyond the mere activity of redistribution of land and fixing land ceilings to a systemic restructuring that undertakes reforms in the sector of energy and water. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"In recent years, savings rate in the Indian economy has witnessed a consistent decline. What are the factors responsible for this trend? How has the composition of savings changed in the last few years? Suggest measures to improve and better channelize household savings.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8370,"topper":"Tina Dabi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1f6-ekqXtyqxaKoRqbc3XdGVwMtU1I0Qr/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) \"If instead of insisting on rights everyone does his duty, there will immediately be the rule of order established among mankind.\" - Mahatma Gandhi. Bring out what this statement means to you in the present context.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) Should circumstances be the sole criterion for judging the morality of human action or the nature of the action and its purpose must also be considered? Justify your stand with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) A person cannot do right in civil service whilst attempting to do wrong in personal life. In context of this statement, examine the relationship between personal and professional ethics. Do civil servants have to be ethical in personal life in order to be professionally ethical? Illustrate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) What is the importance of whistle-blowing in public and private institutions? What role does individual conscience play in the act of whistle-blowing? (150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"3. (a) 'Objectivity' and 'neutrality' are among the core civil service values. Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) The legal framework in modern society has both anomalous and complementary relationship with its ethical framework. Discuss with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"4. (a) There seems to be a fundamental contradiction between effectiveness and accountability. Comment. Why is accountability a necessary evil for good governance? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"4. (b) \"One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors\". Explain. Suggest some measures that can be taken to increase political participation in our country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"5. (a) The erosion of civic values from our public life has become a pervasive phenomenon. Discuss the role of value education in tackling this issue in the Indian context.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"5. (b) It is often said that home is the first school and parents are the first teachers. Explain the role of family in inculcating moral values. Analyze how the changing nature of family has affected this role in the context of India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"6. \"A world without nuclear weapons would be less stable and more dangerous for all of us.\" Critically examine the ethical dimensions of the given statement from the perspective of international relations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"7. The increasing speed and scope of globalization has raised several ethical concerns. Analyze with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"8. What do you understand by aptitude? What kind of aptitude is considered important for civil services? What measures have you taken to make yourself fit for being a civil servant? (150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"9. You are a young civil servant posted in a tribal dominated district, which is notorious for illegal mining done by mafia. They exercise their power over poor tribals of the region by bribing the local tribal musclemen who have political aspirations. The consequent easy money and luxury have ensured that these musclemen work in the interest of these mafia. They use these 'tribal' musclemen as a 'front' to plant 'constructed' news in the media to create confusion or to gain sympathy of the civil society activists and the public at large. It is a strategy to thwart any concrete action of the government for eliminating the menace of illegal activities in that area. You quickly understood these designs after assuming the office. You came to know that some employees in your own office are in nexus with the mafia. When you initiated stringent action against the mafia they turned hostile. They prompted few tribal musclemen to file a fake FIR against you under the stringent provisions of the 'Prevention of Atrocities Against SC and ST Act'. They also convinced the unsuspecting poor tribals that the state was 'again' launching atrocities against them. These poor tribals were eventually tutored to write a complaint to the National and State Commission for ST, a copy of which was leaked to the media. This could easily become a very hot issue for the opposition parties in the state as the Assembly Elections were due only six months later. Unfortunately all this can have grave consequences for your career.\n(a) Bring out and discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case.\n(b) What steps will you take in pursuance of the most appropriate closure of this case? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"(a) उपयुक्त मामले से जुड़े नैतिकता संबंधी मुद्दे पर प्रकाश डालें और चर्चा करें।\n(b) इस प्रकरण की सर्वाधिक उपयुक्त ढंग से समाप्ति हेतु आप कौन से कदम उठाएंगे?\na) उपयुक्त मामले से जुड़े नैतिकता संबंधी मुद्दे पर प्रकाश डालें और चर्चा करें।\nb) इस प्रकरण की सर्वाधिक उपयुक्त ढंग से समाप्ति हेतु आप कौन से कदम उठाएंगे?","marks":null,"words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":34,"question":"10. In the face of acute famine in the district, you, as an area officer, have instructed your subordinates to procure food grains from the FCI godowns located in the adjoining districts. This would make the food grains available to the public through PDS shops. Considering the gravity of the situation, this task has to be done immediately, because majority of the people in the district are poor, and therefore can't buy the food at the market prices. However, you were told that all the truck operators have formed a cartel and are asking for three times the usual transportation rate, in order to exploit the situation. This would nullify your effort, as the prices of the food grains would increase due to high transportation charges.\n(a) Following are some suggested options. Please evaluate the merits and demerits of each of the options:\n1. Threaten the truck owners of severe consequences if they do not fall in line and cancel their transportation permits.\n2. Transport the food grains by Railways, though it may take a week.\n3. Agree to pay the truck owners the transportation charges they are demanding, so as to ensure the availability of food grains, but searching for alternative and affordable transportation. However, take legal actions against the truck owners at a later time.\n4. Asking the state government for sending some help.\n(b) Also indicate (without necessarily restricting to the above options) the course of action you would like to follow, giving proper reasons for the same.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"11. 'Honour killing' has been in news in recent times. It involves the homicide of a member of a family by other members, due to the perpetrators' belief that the victim has brought shame or dishonour upon the family. Analyse this problem in detail and indicate not only the social but also the emotional and attitudinal factors responsible for this problem? Also, distinctly bring out why:\n(a) The youth in such areas do not speak up against these practices.\n(b) The conviction rate in 'honour killing' cases is extremely low.\n(c) Women, who have to face the brunt of this crime the most, do not speak against it collectively.\nDiscuss some feasible steps, which could be effective in controlling this serious problem.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"12. You are posted as a District Magistrate in a communal violence prone area, where incidents of communal clashes are often visible. Recently, trailer of a movie was released by a Film Director whose is known to make movies on religious issues. After the release of the trailer, there was anger among a minority community, who claim that their religious sentiments had been hurt in the movie and thus demanded a ban on the movie. However, the government did not pay heed to any such demands and the movie is slated to be released the next week across the entire country. You had also watched the trailer and felt that it was derogatory to that minority community. Also, being in-charge of the communally sensitive district, you are concerned about the law and order scenario on the day the movie releases. Some of the options to deal with the issue are mentioned below. Evaluate these options and suggest the best course of action, giving your reasons for it.\n(a) Do not allow the release of movie in your district as you feel that it hurts the religious sentiments.\n(b) Make sure that the movie is released in your district on the given day by taking steps, like arranging for more police and paramilitary forces to deal with anticipated public order scenario etc.\n(c) Allowing release of the movie, but imposing curfew in the region so that people are devoid of watching the movie.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"13. Arvind has recently started working as a cyber security analyst at a government intelligence organisation. During the course of his work, he stumbles upon documents, which reveal that the government is spying on leaders of opposition parties with alleged Maoist links. He discusses this matter with his superior officer who tells him that though the spying was illegal, it was essential for national security. He also tells Arvind that sanction for the spying came from the highest echelons of the government. He further warns Arvind not to divulge facts of the case to anyone else in the organisation and especially no one on the outside as it may lead to his dismissal from the organisation or even his arrest for treason. However, Arvind being an honest person finds himself in a deep conflict. He feels that the spying, apart from being illegal, could also be misused by the government for setting political scores with its opponents. The following are some options that Arvind has. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each of these:\n1. Do nothing as he does not want to risk losing his job or end up in jail for treason.\n2. Talk to the head of the organisation to get his opinion on the matter and then do as he says.\n3. Send an anonymous letter to the press leaking the details of the case.\n4. Go to the press directly with the details of the case.\nAlso indicate (without necessarily restricting to the above options) what you would like to advise, giving proper reasons.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"1. उचित कारण बताते हुए (उपयुक्त विकल्पों तक सीमित रहे बिना) इस बात का संकेत दें कि आपका सुझाव क्या होगा? (250 शब्द)","marks":null,"words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":54,"question":"14. You are a Head of Department in a premier University. Recently a clerical staff in your department was terminated from the job as he was found under the influence of alcohol during office hours. In the previous month there were a lot of complaints regarding his poor quality of work, tardiness and some incoherent behavior. Later you came to know that this change in behavior was concurrent with the death of his wife after a prolonged illness. It has also made him debt ridden. This may be further compounded by the fact that he has a daughter to marry off soon and a differently abled son to take care of. He desperately needs a job. He has applied for a position at a private University and has already given your name as a reference. He pleads you to give him a good recommendation and not mention his drinking, which he assures you is now under control. He also asks you to mention that he voluntarily left the University to address a family medical crisis and that the University was pleased with his work. You like this person and believe that he is a good worker when he is not drinking. But you doubt whether he has really overcome his drinking problem.\n Valid arguments can be advanced, both, for rejecting his plea with the consequence that his condition may become even worse and for accepting his plea with a noble intention, but keeping the third party in dark. What could those arguments be? Could there be any better way to get out of this dilemma? If so, outline the main elements of this third way, pointing out its merits.","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":8371,"topper":"Tina Dabi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1328AxhEyeMDDh-yCl_Azjq4jaRLzFaGJ/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) Even though women may have equal skills, qualifications and commitment as men, they face much more difficulty in rising up the leadership hierarchy. Discuss the reasons for the same. Also, explain the importance of having gender parity in positions of leadership.","marks":"10","words":"not more than 150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) All correct decisions are honest and all incorrect decisions are dishonest. Do you agree? How should the correctness and incorrectness of a decision be decided?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) Should birth control be a voluntary exercise or a government policy in a country? In this regard, examine the ethical dimensions of having a One Child Policy in India.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) An organisation consists of a variety of individuals with varying values and degrees of motivation. What challenges do leaders face when forging a harmonious work culture in such an organisation? How can leaders engender a sense of inclusion in face of such diversity?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":11,"question":"3. (a) Notwithstanding compassion and morality, it is national interest that ultimately determines a country's decisions in international relations. Discuss this statement in the context of the current refugee crisis.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) What are the ethical issues involved in climate change negotiations? Suggest some strategies to address the divergence in ethical positions of different nations.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":15,"question":"4. (a) Why is there a need for Performance Management System in an outcome oriented government? Evaluate the feasibility of peer review in context of Indian civil services.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":17,"question":"4. (b) Discretionary power in the hands of public servants is a necessary evil. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":19,"question":"5. (a) The landmark judgment by the Supreme Court of India recognized the transgender as a third sex. What attitudes do you notice towards the transgender people in India? Discuss some steps to facilitate a dignified life for the transgender people.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":21,"question":"5. (b) What key characteristics of a person conveying a message make it more persuasive? When celebrities endorse a product, they do so knowing that their endorsement will persuade people to buy it. What duty do they have towards the consumers?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":23,"question":"6. It is said that child labor cannot be ethical at all. Do you agree? Discuss with respect to the proposed amendments to the Child Labour Act.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":25,"question":"7. Are emotions an inhibiting factor in effective decision-making? Discuss in the context of public services.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":27,"question":"8. What do you understand by the Sarvodaya philosophy of Gandhiji? Why is Sarvodaya relevant for civil servants in India?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":29,"question":"9. You are the leader of a 5 member team that has been assigned to carry out social impact assessment of a project proposed in a Naxal area. Members have been allotted a remote village each to conduct surveys and ascertain views of local people. You are under strict instructions not to disclose the identity of respondents outside the project. While compiling data, you are puzzled by the responses from one of the villages. You accompany the point-person for that village next day for verification. You randomly pick a person from the list of respondents and ask her for clarification of the response she had given earlier. She seems confused and denies any knowledge of the survey being conducted, let alone she being questioned. You try to verify this from other respondents and get similar replies. This raises serious doubts about the integrity and credibility of the survey process.\n(a) What are the ethical issues involved in the situation?\n(b) As a team leader accountable for credibility of the survey and working on a hard timeline, what are the possible options before you? List their merits and demerits.\n(c) Giving reasons, state the course of action you would follow.","marks":"20","words":"in around 250"},{"page":34,"question":"10. Gajendra, once a struggling film actor, was accused and later exonerated of rape charges, which the jury found out to be motivated and fake. Not able to cope up with the situation, he changed profession and moved on. Thirty years later, while his closest friends know about the incident but his co-workers do not. One day, out of curiosity, he searches for his name on the internet, and to his surprise, finds that the third entry that comes up is an old report in a local newspaper about the rape charges he faced. Gajendra is upset; after all these years, he would like to be able to disclose the event only to whomever he wants. He has heard about the decision of European Court of Justice which allows individuals to submit requests to a search engine to remove certain results from searches on their names, and citing the same, requests the search engine and media outlet to remove the results.\n Valid arguments can be advanced for making the Right to be Forgotten a fundamental right? What those arguments could be? What limitations, if any, can it be subjected to? Should there be any obligations on the search engines regarding cases which are no longer relevant, as the one mentioned above?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"11. You are the officer in charge of overseeing refugees' related issues in a multilateral humanitarian organisation. There is an ethnicity based civil war going on in a region and as a result, many people are being displaced. Hitherto, the economically better-off neighbouring countries have accommodated the streams of migrants with financial support from your organisation. The violence in the region has increased recently and the flux of people seeking refuge has grown substantially. With countries sealing their borders, the refugees are left in a vulnerable situation. You are sent to negotiate for humanitarian settlement of refugees with the neighbouring countries, who also happen to be a powerful economic bloc. However, they refuse any more accommodation on the following grounds:\n(a) Drainage of resources in face of subdued economic conditions.\n(b) Domestic political repercussions.\n(c) Rehabilitation will encourage more influx and indirectly fuel the persecutors.\n(d) Permanency of settlement in face of better prospects than at home.\n What are the counter-arguments that can be cited to convince the countries for an immediate solution? Suggest some long term measures as well that should be followed to address the problem.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":44,"question":"12. You are a Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) in an urban district. The forest cover in the district is as low as 11% and it needs to be increased as per government guidelines. By ecological and environmental perspective also it is imperative that more trees should be planted. However, you find out that while there is a grant of Rs. 1.5 crore for your division to plant trees under the Hariyali Scheme, most of this fund is lying unused. Since, it is December and as per government rules all the unused grant should be returned to the government as the financial year closes, it seems you will have to return the money completely. Also, there are strong indications from the ministry that government is mulling over a budgetary cut on Hariyali mission because most of the funds go unused. There is a strong possibility that if you return the money in this financial year you won't get it in the next financial year and even if you get, it will be a very insignificant amount. Indicate various options that you think are available in this situation. Evaluate these options and choose the most appropriate path to be adopted?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":49,"question":"13. You, an anthropologist, have developed cordial relations with a tribal community which was hitherto isolated from rest of the humanity. Notwithstanding increased interest of researchers and media for the newly discovered tribe, you are the only person from outside whom they trust. They are ardent believers in their goddess and, trusting you, take you to her abode on a holy mountain. To your surprise, you find that the mountain is a reservoir of Uranium that can be used in your power-starved country's nuclear power plants. Besides, you are aware that Uranium being radioactive, it is highly risky to go near the mountain. You try to convince the people about harmful effects it can have and the utilitarian value that it possess for the country. However, they are in no mood to argue and politely ask you to leave. You fear that very soon the outside world will find about this and the vulnerable tribe would be displaced from their land.\n(a) Evaluate the following courses of action which you can take for their ethical merits and demerits:\ni. You would continue to convince the people yourself about the possible consequences and urge them to relocate.\nii. You would call in local and national NGOs for protecting the rights of the people against the State and file a PIL in Supreme Court if the State proceeds with dispossession.\niii. You would yourself tell the government and the scientific community about the reserves and let them proceed in their own way.\n(b) Without restricting yourself to the above options, state the course of action that you would take and why?","marks":null,"words":"20"},{"page":54,"question":"14. A junior member of staff has just returned to work after taking special leave to care for her elderly mother. For financial reasons she needs to work full-time. She has been having difficulties with her mother's home care arrangements, causing her to miss a number of team meetings (which usually take place at the beginning of each day) and to leave work early. She is very competent in her work but her absences are putting pressure on her and her overworked colleagues. You are her manager, and you are aware that the flow of work through the practice is coming under pressure. One of her male colleagues is beginning to make comments such as \"a woman's place is in the home\", and is undermining her at every opportunity, putting her under even greater stress. What possible steps can you take to ensure that the work of the team does not suffer while also taking other humanitarian considerations into account.","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":8372,"topper":"Tina Dabi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/19uzwD3PCtkgBWWJ_-XSLkrpzO4OR6ABn/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) In this age of information and consumerism, the image of women portrayed by mass media greatly influences our social attitude towards them. Critically evaluate.","marks":"10","words":"not more than 150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) What is social accountability? How can it act as a more effective mechanism than the conventional methods of extracting accountability? What steps can a civil servant take to improve the effectiveness of social accountability in India?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) Biometric attendance, punctuality and cleanliness provide only a good start towards the improvement of work culture. A lot more is required to improve the work culture of the Indian bureaucracy and make it more responsive and citizen centric. Comment.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) Of all government activities, public procurement is amongst the one most vulnerable to fraud and corruption. Explain with examples. Further, what steps would you suggest to maintain probity in public procurement.","marks":null,"words":"10"},{"page":11,"question":"3. (a) \"Those who say religion has nothing to do with politics do not know what religion is\". Explain. Further examine the role of religion in formation of political attitude in the Indian context.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) \"Emotion can lead to our worst decisions or our best ones: The difference is emotional intelligence.\" In light of the given statement, illustrate how emotional intelligence is critical in decision making. How can it help a civil servant in taking prudent decisions?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":15,"question":"4. (a) \"Anyone who doesn't take truth seriously in small matters cannot be trusted in large ones either.\"- Albert Einstein. Bring out what this statement means to you in the present context.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":17,"question":"4. (b) Recent incidents of moral policing is symptomatic of the growing intolerance in Indian society. Analyse with examples. Suggest some measures to address this issue.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":19,"question":"5. (a) What do you understand by the term 'Conflict of Interest' in the context of public service? What are the norms prescribed for Civil Services in India to deal with this issue?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":21,"question":"5. (b) Although most public organizations have a code of conduct for their employees, its impact has been less than satisfactory in combating the misuse of office by public servants. Explain. Provide some suggestions to make the code of conduct a more comprehensive tool in dealing with corruption in public offices.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":23,"question":"6. Citizen charter has recently emerged as an innovative tool for reinforcing citizen centric governance. Explain the statement and analyse the various constraints faced during the implementation of the citizen charter in the Indian administrative system.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":25,"question":"7. An efficient service delivery is the key to winning the public trust in government. What are the challenges being faced in efficient delivery of public services? Suggest some measures to improve the delivery of public services.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":27,"question":"8. Explain the importance of diligence as a value for a civil servant. How can it be inculcated among civil servants?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":29,"question":"9. You are posted in a district as a public servant responsible for looking into the matters of violation of Right to Education Act. You came across a case in which a poor farmer has beaten his daughter for not going to take her fifth class annual exams. Eventually, he tied her up with his motorbike and took her to the examination hall. Corporal punishment to the children by parents or teachers is a punishable offence with three month jail term. When you enquired about it the poor farmer explained that he had done so for ensuring a better future for her daughter as he does not want his children to live in poverty in which he is living. He also says that his economic condition is poor and if he is taken to jail his children will face severe hardships.\n(a) What are the options available to you?\n(b) Evaluate each of these options and choose the option which you would adopt, giving reasons.","marks":null,"words":"around 250"},{"page":34,"question":"10. You retired as a finance manager from a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU). After retirement you are offered a job in a private company as its finance head and you have accepted it. The company has a procurement contract with the PSU which you worked for. Now that contract is up for renewal through competitive bidding. You have been asked to lead the team responsible for bidding of this contract. While working in the PSU, you had an opportunity to work on areas relating to financial accounting, procurement, contracts and bids. You are concerned that you might breach the confidentiality if you accept the assignment in the present company. You also suspect that your knowledge and experience of working in the PSU were seen as good reasons for appointing you to the position in the present company. The loss of such a major contract would have a significant effect on the financial performance of Company. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each of the options given below and finally suggest what course of action you would like to take, providing adequate reasons.\ni. Do not accept the assignment as it will lead to breach of confidentiality.\nii. Do not lead the team but guide them from outside.\niii. Accept to lead the team and use your expertise in bidding for the contract.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"iv. Suggest any other possible option(s). Evaluate all of them and suggest the best course of action, giving your reasons for it.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":39,"question":"11. You are the district officer responsible for implementing the government schemes in the district. One of the schemes is to provide financial assistance to poor students completing their Class XII so that they can join college comfortably. But, due to unexpectedly good results there arises a shortage of funds for the scheme. However, the funds are available in another scheme of housing which are unutilized, but need approval from senior officials and may take more than a month and by that time the admissions will be over.\n1. Send the request for funds diversion and pursue the case with the senior officials to get it done quickly.\n2. Promise to deliver the rewards next month as you cannot do anything now.\n3. Prepare some fictitious names that need a house & transfer the funds from housing scheme to this scheme considering the urgency of case and future of children.\n4. Suggest any other possible option(s). Evaluate all of them and suggest the best course of action, giving your reasons for it.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":43,"question":"12. A District Magistrate, posted in a district affected by left wing extremism, was abducted by the extremists while he was on a routine inspection tour to assess the progress of the development work in one of the villages. After abduction, extremists demanded the release of two of their leaders who are accused of involvement in the violent attack on the police convoy few months back. After few days of continued negotiations, the centre and state governments agreed to accept the demands of extremists in return for release of the District Magistrate. During the time when District Magistrate was held captive, he was treated well by the extremists and many extremists and even locals came to visit him in order to point out the problems in the service delivery, excesses of the police and paramilitary forces in a very convincing manner. After being released, the District Magistrate comes to you to seek advice on how to deal with the issues, which arose out of his abduction. Some of the suggestions are as follows:\n1. The District Magistrate should file a criminal case against the extremists for his abduction and help the security forces in whatever way he can to catch the culprits and also request for a transfer.\n2. The District Magistrate should take up a review of status of developmental work in that region while leading the audit himself; but at the same time work on new innovative strategies so that locals can be made free from the control of extremists, treating the incidence as a wakeup call.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"3. The District Magistrate should inform about his experience to higher authorities and take the moral responsibility by tendering his resignation as he has not only failed to streamline the public service delivery in the district but also because of him two extremists are free.\n Suggest any other possible option(s). Evaluate all of them and suggest the best course of action, giving your reasons for it.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":48,"question":"13. Developing countries are often very vulnerable to exploitation by multinational corporations. They support industrialization but lack of infrastructure is a major limiting factor. Further, without suitable laws and regulations, developing nations are ill prepared for such endeavours. In their efforts to attract business, these nations often overlook the health and safety violations by the corporations doing business within their borders. Drawn by low-cost labour, new markets, and lower operation costs, corporations have little incentive to address environmental and human risks once they are entrenched. In this situation there is imminent threat of disaster.\nDiscuss some feasible strategies to balance economic development and safety and security of people at large in developing countries with special emphasis on India.","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":52,"question":"14. You are a middle ranked MCD employee, overseeing an anti-encroachment drive in New Delhi in order to broaden a very busy road. Many illegal constructions on the road have been demolished. It was all happening without much protest but when the bulldozer reached near an illegal religious construction, some people belonging to that particular community came out and formed a human chain to stop the demolition. At the same time some people from another religious group came out insisting the immediate demolition of the site. Both groups were about to clash violently. You handled the situation quite well, by pacifying the crowd and calling in enough police force, which was prepared in advance to deal with such a situation, nonetheless, the above incident raises the following serious questions:\n(a) What kind of Psycho-emotional and attitudinal factors give birth to this religious competitiveness?\n(b) What is the use of emotional intelligence if such a situation arises? Discuss.\n(c) How can religion be used as a uniting force instead of a dividing one?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8373,"topper":"Tiwari Anoop","air":293,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_jWISkG17XH3nt4Cps_6MOkOM6X-JGAr/view","questions":[]},{"id":8374,"topper":"Trilok Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1c8f0-1238934_3128_trilok_singh_rank_20.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"The world must learn to work together, or finally it will not work at all.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Technology, like art, is a soaring exercise of the human imagination.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"We've begun to raise daughters more like sons, but few have the courage to raise our sons more like our daughters.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8375,"topper":"Trilok Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8b9d5-1238934_2930_trilok_singh_rank_20.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How is the rapid growth of the food processing industry leading to food safety challenges in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Under the Public Distribution System of India, the Fair Price Shop (FPS) transformation is an evolving process. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"How are agri-tech startups in India helping farmers in enhancing farm productivity and market access? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the role of digitization of land records in the effective implementation of land reforms in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"To fully exploit its demographic dividend and accelerate economic growth, India needs to adopt a manufacturing-led growth model. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can the resilience of Indian coastal communities be strengthened to tackle the growing natural hazards resulting from climate change? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How does the Green Credit Programme extend beyond carbon management to promote a more sustainable environment in India? What are the various concerns about its implementation? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What is the need for NavIC when existing satellite navigation systems are already available? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Cyber-enabled financial crime has emerged as the new frontier of global money laundering. Discuss. How can the government address this issue? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The Indian Army is observing the year 2024 as the 'Year of Technology Absorption'. In light of this, explain why there is a need for technology absorption in the defence sector of India. What challenges can India face in this initiative? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What are the issues faced in the development of trade and industries in the North-Eastern Region (NER) of India? Comment on the measures that have been taken to tackle these issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the era of climate change and growing water scarcity, how can micro-irrigation systems contribute to sustainable agricultural practices in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What strategies can be adopted to overcome the issues pertaining to freight transportation in the Indian Railways and increase its share in the domestic freight? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the factors that have aided India in making impressive strides in the renewable energy sector and establishing itself as a frontrunner in the global renewable energy transition. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"How does agricultural runoff containing fertilizers and pesticides contribute to environmental pollution? What measures can be taken to mitigate the impact of agricultural runoff? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The growing influx of tourists in Himalayan states has breached their ecological carrying capacity, leading to significant man-made disasters. What measures can be implemented to prevent such disasters while promoting sustainable tourism? Discuss with relevant examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"How do superconductors fuel innovation in diverse fields of science and technology? Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"While India has laws covering almost all types of intellectual property rights, numerous enforcement, regulatory and administrative challenges hamper the commercialisation of IPRs in India. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Keeping in view the challenges in creating integrated theatre commands, examine how the theaterisation of commands can lead to greater integration and rationalisation of manpower and resources among the three services. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Treating border villages as first villages not just geographically but also in terms of facilities can be a key strategy for enhancing border security. Discuss. Also, highlight the measures being taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8376,"topper":"Trilok Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2fbf4-1238934_2928_trilok_singh_rank_20.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How does tribal art provide valuable insights into the cultural perspectives and values of Indian tribal communities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What are the key factors that accelerated decolonization post-World War II? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How does human encroachment impact water bodies in urban areas? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How do physical geographical features influence the development and operation of transportation systems? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How are ocean trenches formed? Describe the significant characteristics of these oceanic relief formations. (Answer in 150words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Identify the reasons behind increasing number of extreme rainfall events throughout India in recent times. Assess their socio-economic impact. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"India is expected to have the largest working-age population in the world by 2030 and it cannot afford low participation of women in the workforce anymore. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Do you agree that there has been a progressive secularization of caste in India? Support your view with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Why is inequality increasing in India despite the fall in overall poverty? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"How did the competitive and hostile dynamic between Brahminism and Buddhism over funding, followers, and ideology mark the decline of Buddhism? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"European travellers' accounts in the medieval period have played an important role in shaping our understanding of the empires and people of that period in India. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The British victory in the Battle of Plassey in 1757 not just changed the course of Indian history but also that of the world. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Why was it more difficult to rehabilitate refugees in West Bengal as compared to Punjab after partition? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss the economic and social costs associated with the transition from coal to green energy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Explain the process of formation of volcanic calderas. How do they contribute to the scenic beauty of the region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the reasons behind the increased frequency and intensity of heat waves globally? How will it impact global food security? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India's approach to secularism does not merely challenge inter-religious domination but intra-religious domination as well. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Do you agree with the view that Indian cities are turning into landscapes of stark inequality and social exclusion? What steps can be taken to make urban areas more egalitarian in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8377,"topper":"Trilok Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/dba61-1238934_2929_trilok_singh_rank_20.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Expression of dissent is central to the functioning of the Parliament. In light of this, discuss the role of the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in India's parliamentary system. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"How can the integration of technology into judicial processes enhance accessibility, capability, and efficiency in justice delivery? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Supreme Court of India has upheld unique asymmetry in India's federalism by intricately balancing centralized authority and regional autonomy. Discuss with the help of relevant case laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Evaluate the effectiveness of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes in safeguarding the interests of the Scheduled Castes in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Executive accountability to the legislature through Parliamentary Committees has been the hallmark of the Indian political system. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can India make Citizens' Charter a powerful tool for improving governance and empowering citizens? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How do corporate donors aid NGOs in facilitating holistic development in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite its merits, should the POCSO Act be revisited to correct the existing inadequacies? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"China's acquisition of strategic ports globally has significant implications for international trade routes and economic relations. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"What are the main functions of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)? How will its recent treaty on intellectual property, genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge benefit India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) plays a crucial role in combating corruption, its functioning is often criticized for being partisan and acting against the federal spirit. Discuss with the help of suitable examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Governors in India often overstep their constitutional role and fail to act effectively when needed. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Both India and the USA adhere to democratic principles but their electoral systems exhibit significant differences. What are the key differences in electoral practices between the two countries? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"How far do you agree with the view that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has met its objective of ensuring environmental justice in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Though Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) have become a platform for competitive politics, they have not emerged as an agency of planning and service delivery. Why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by interoperability in e-governance? What steps have been taken by the government to ensure interoperability and integration of various e-governance systems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"When it comes to sexual and reproductive health of women in India, rights-based discourse has largely been bypassed not just by the societal norms but also by the legal norms. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"How effective has India been in enhancing immunization coverage over the years? What challenges continue to affect immunization efforts in the country? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India used its Presidency of the G20 to bring the voice of the Global South to the centre stage. Discuss with special reference to Africa. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"India's relationship with the UAE has witnessed a remarkable expansion across various domains in the last decade. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8378,"topper":"Trilok Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6f413-1238934_2931_trilok_singh_rank_20.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The end cannot justify the means, for the simple and obvious reason that the means employed determine the nature of the ends produced. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss how the relationship between law and ethics is dynamic and continuously shaped by societal changes. Provide examples to illustrate this dynamic relationship. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Differentiate between probity and integrity with suitable examples. How do these values contribute to ethical governance and decision-making in the civil services? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the ethical implications of withholding information in public administration. How can transparency enhance accountability and reduce corruption in government institutions? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"There is no school equal to a decent home and no teacher equal to a virtuous parent.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.\" - Leo Tolstoy (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"To see what is right and not do it is a lack of courage.\" - Confucius (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What factors lead to a positive attitude in a person? How does positive attitude enhance the effectiveness of civil servants in performing their duties? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss how emotional intelligence can influence ethical decision-making in the allocation of scarce public resources. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Various international humanitarian organizations provide emergency aid in conflict zones around the world. Highlight the ethical challenges faced by such organizations. What are the principles that guide international humanitarian work? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Why is persuasion regarded as an important skill for civil servants? What are the key considerations that should guide persuasion in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"What role can ethical leadership play in curbing corruption, especially in public service? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"What were the major teachings of Swami Dayanand Saraswati? Explain their relevance in addressing the current ethical and social challenges in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":39,"question":"Jay is now concerned that blocking the current recruitment could lead to similar consequences. Moreover, he fears that the projects he personally initiated in the Education Ministry might be What are the options available to Jay as the Commissioner of the Education Department? Evaluate each of these options. (b) What option should Jay adopt and why? (c) How can civil servants like Jay be better protected when they attempt to uphold ethical standards in their work? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"As the District Magistrate of X city, you are responsible for overseeing the construction of a new metro depot in an urban forest area, which is a critical infrastructure project aimed at improving public transportation and reducing traffic congestion and air pollution. The project, however, requires the clearance of a substantial portion of the forest, which has triggered strong opposition from environmental activists, local residents, and NGOs. This forest is widely regarded as essential for the city's ecological balance, often referred to as the city's \"lungs.\" In addition to the environmental concerns, you are under considerable pressure from politicians at the state-level to expedite the project, given the upcoming elections in two years. The political leadership emphasizes the benefits of the metro project for the city's development and its potential to garner electoral support. The project is expected to significantly reduce travel time for thousands of commuters and potentially decrease overall vehicle emissions in the city. However, it would also lead to the loss of thousands of trees and disrupt local ecosystems. As you prepare to make a decision, you are aware that your choice will have far-reaching consequences for both the city's development and its environment. (a) Identify the ethical dilemmas involved in the above case. (b) Evaluate the options available to you in the above situation. Which of these would you choose and why? (c) Suggest some measures that could be implemented to balance urban development needs with environmental conservation in future projects. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Dr. Mehra is a senior drug developer at a leading pharmaceutical company in India, renowned for producing various medications, including lifesaving drugs critical for treating chronic and rare diseases. Since its inception, the company has emphasized the quality and affordability of its drugs. Recently, under revised government guidelines, pharmaceutical companies are required to market a finished product only after obtaining \"satisfactory results\" from tests on the ingredients. Additionally, they must retain a sufficient quantity of samples of both intermediate and final products to allow repeated testing or verification of a batch. Dr. Mehra's team is in the final stages of developing a new medication for a rare but life-threatening disease. This drug has shown promising results in clinical trials. However, there have been unresolved concerns about the long-term side effects of the drug, observed in a small percentage of trial subjects. Despite this, the company has not released any major drug in the past decade, leading to significant pressure from the board members to expedite the drug's release. (a) Identify the stakeholders in the above case study. (b) Discuss the ethical issues faced by Dr. Mehra. (c) Analyse the options available to Dr. Mehra in the above case. Which of these would you choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"You have been appointed as the Under Secretary in the State Urban Development Department. The Department has been tasked with a prestigious project aimed at revitalizing the infrastructure of a city with deep historical significance. This project, which you are extremely passionate about, involves modernizing public transportation, restoring heritage buildings, and creating green spaces while preserving the city's cultural essence. Excited by the opportunity, you spent weeks researching and drafting a comprehensive proposal. Your plan included innovative ideas for sustainable development, community engagement, and leveraging technology for urban planning. You presented these initial plans in a departmental meeting, hoping to inspire your colleagues and kickstart the project. However, your enthusiasm was met with indifference. Your colleagues showed little interest, failing to contribute ideas or efforts towards the project. Concerned, you reported this lack of interest to your superior, who is also the authority for this project. To your dismay, he seemed equally indifferent, casually mentioning that he is set to retire in six months and that the project has a long gestation period. Determined to see the project succeed, you took it upon yourself to drive it forward. For the past two months, you have been working more than 12 hours a day, often late into the night, sacrificing time with your family. Your dedication is driven by your belief in the project's potential to transform the lives of the city's residents and preserve its rich heritage for future generations. Two months into the project, a review meeting is called by the Chief Secretary. During the meeting, Department heads from various sectors are present to discuss ongoing and upcoming projects. When it is time to present the urban revitalization project, your boss stands up. To your shock, he presents your draft proposal as his own work, taking all the credit for the innovative ideas and comprehensive planning. As you sit there, listening to your superior claim your hard work as his own, you feel a mix of anger, disappointment, and demoralization. This incident not only undermines your efforts but also leaves you questioning the value of your dedication in a work culture that does not seem to support collaboration or recognize individual contributions. (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) How does the above-mentioned work culture affect workplace morale and productivity? (c) What are the options available to you and how would you address the situation? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":58,"question":"Arun, renowned for his integrity and dedication, has recently assumed the role of Superintendent at a state Pollution Control Board. This posting, his fourth in just one year, includes the responsibility of overseeing Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs). In his new position, Arun becomes aware of a copper smelting plant situated near a crucial wetland that serves as the primary water source for the region. Despite the plant's notorious reputation for heavy pollution, the current EIA, presented to Arun by the Chairperson, indicates no significant impact on the wetland. The next assessment is not scheduled for another two years. One day, Arun receives a letter from a politician affiliated with the opposition party. The letter contains evidence suggesting that the current EIA results are based on falsified lab reports, allegedly approved by the Chairperson. The Chairperson is known to have close ties with the ruling party, which has been receiving substantial donations from the plant's operators. The opposition politician urges Arun to expose the Chairperson from within the department, arguing that this approach could effectively pressurize the government to conduct a new EIA. He promises Arun significant rewards and support once their party comes to power, an outcome suggested by recent opinion polls. While the evidence presented is compelling, Arun remains cautious about the possibility of being exploited as a political pawn. He is acutely aware of the potential consequences of his actions, both for his career and for the environment. (a) In light of the above case, discuss the ethical issues that may arise from the nexus between corporate, political, and bureaucratic interests. (b) As a conscientious civil servant, evaluate the options available to Arun. Which option should he choose and why?(Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":59,"question":"In light of the above case, discuss the ethical issues that may arise from the nexus between corporate, political, and bureaucratic interests. (b) As a conscientious civil servant, evaluate the options available to Arun. Which option should he choose and why?(Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8379,"topper":"Trilok Singh","air":20,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/TRILOK-SINGH-UPSC-2024-Rank-20-MGP-Sample-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8380,"topper":"Trupti Ankush Dhodmise","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6d5c3-23528_762_trupti_ankush_dhodmise_rank_16.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Even though the Representation of the People Act has been amended from time to time, the issues pertaining to criminalisation and influence of money power remain unresolved. Comment. Also discuss the role played by the judiciary and the Election Commission in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"The main function of the Public Accounts Committee is to ascertain that the money granted by Parliament has been spent by the government within the scope of the demand. In this context, critically analyse the role played by the Public Accounts Committee.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Referendums are portrayed as popular governance in its purest form, however, it is also argued that they often subvert democracy rather than serve it. Examine in the light of recent developments across the globe.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"What do you understand by special category status for states? Examine its contribution in bringing balanced regional development in the country. In light of the 14th Finance Commission recommendations, analyse whether this categorisation has outlived its relevance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"It is contended that GST regime will significantly curb the financial autonomy of states by taking away substantial taxation powers. In this regard, examine the impact of the GST regime on federal structure of our polity. What are the proposed mechanisms in the bill which seek to address this issue?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"What is the rationale behind the changes in the budgetary process approved by the Union Cabinet recently? Do you think it is a step forward towards efficient governance and fiscal prudence?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Critically examine the provisions of the recently introduced Citizenship Amendment Bill 2016. Are some provisions of the bill against India's secular principles?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Whereas the legislature is empowered to regulate the ratification of international treaties in the United states, in India it is mostly the domain of the executive. Examine the rationale and benefits of these two approaches with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"What are the reasons for the declining rate of child adoption in India? Discuss whether the amended Juvenile Justice (Care & Protection of Children) Act, 2015 can address this issue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Bill passed recently aims at striking a balance between education and India's economic reality. Critically analyze.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Though the Maharashtra Protection of People from Social Boycott (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act of 2016 is an important step in the long-standing struggle against social exclusion, it is only the first step. Comment. Also discuss the challenges in implementation of the act.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Though the Criminal Tribes Act, 1871 was annulled soon after independence, the communities designated as Denotified Tribes (DNT) and Nomadic Tribes (NT) remain amongst the most discriminated and disadvantaged groups in the country. Comment. Also discuss the steps taken by the government to improve their condition.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"The idea of a Pay Commission is to revise the pay scales of the government staff. In light of the recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission examine the need for the introduction of performance linked pay for government employees as in the case of private sector. Also comment on the need for the introduction of pay parity among various services.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Even though India and Russia have enjoyed a close relationship over the years, it has not been immune to the changing power dynamics globally. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"The Indus Water Treaty has survived multiple wars and is often cited as a successful example of transboundary sharing of river waters. In this context, identify the key provisions of the treaty and examine the options that India can exercise to pursue its strategic interests vis-a-vis Pakistan.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"The Iranian nuclear agreement presents an opportunity for moving towards a new security order in the Persian Gulf. Elaborate in the context of changing scenario in the region. What are the likely implications for India in this context?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Considering the diversity among Pacific Island Countries (PICs), India has a huge scope for building multi-sectoral cooperation tailored to the specific conditions in these islands. Discuss. Also examine the strategic importance of PICs for India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Though BRICS is neither an economic union nor a political coalition, it creates space for India to move the contemporary international order towards alternative models of development and governance. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Since the end of Cold War, the focus and role of NAM have changed significantly. Discuss. Also analyse its relevance for India in the emerging geo-political order.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Despite a consensus that a collective global effort is needed to alleviate the ongoing refugee crisis, efforts made so far have hardly yielded the desired results. Do you agree? Briefly highlight the socio-political impact of this crisis on destination countries. Also highlight the role that India can play in this situation.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8381,"topper":"Trupti Ankush Dhodmise","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/039cc-23528_1068_trupti_ankush_dhodmise_rank_16.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"There are many challenges in sustainably scaling up renewable energy in India. Analyse. Also, discuss what can be done to address these challenges. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The policies and indicators introduced by the government, in recent times, to finance urban development in India are key in addressing the existing challenges. Discuss with special reference to municipal bonds. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"With a number of issues continuing to be a roadblock, a large section of India's rural population is still 'financially excluded'. Discuss. Analyse how these issues can be addressed and the measures taken by the government and RBI recently in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'Environmental Accounting'? Discussing the rationale behind introducing environmental accounting, highlight its status in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"While access to irrigation is important, efficiency of water use is equally, if not more, crucial. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"For a holistic approach to disaster risk reduction, there is a need to mainstream indigenous traditional knowledge and link it with modern technologies. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do you understand by food irradiation? Highlighting some of its unique applications, examine its relevance for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Whereas misuse of technology has abetted the spread of fake news, it is with the aid of technology that this menace can be curbed. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Explain the salient features of the recently established Defence Planning Committee. How can it help in credible defence preparedness? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Recent reports of Maoist leaders having amassed huge assets in property and cash underlines the significance of probing the funding network as part of counter-terrorism efforts. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Not only do services MSMEs contribute mightily to the overall GDP growth, they have a powerful, multiplier impact on the local economies as well. Elaborating on the statement, highlight the problems faced by service sector MSMEs. How can the government make it easier for MSMEs to start and grow a business? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Contract Farming has many advantages, however it suffers from market failures. Elaborate. What can the government do to correct problems that lead to contract failures? Also, discuss whether the Model Contract Farming Act, 2018 is a step in the right direction. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Suggest the measures needed to improve the employability of labour force as well as increasing number of employment opportunities in light of structural changes being brought by disruptive technologies. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"India's trade policy in agriculture, marred by ad-hocism and pro-consumer bias, has constrained realization of export potential, and prevented the farmers from reaping the benefits. Examine the statement and discuss ways, including government initiatives, to improve agricultural exports. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Is currency exchange rate a suitable measure of relative economic performance of countries? Despite improving macro-economic fundamentals, trade deficit in India continues to widen. Bring out the factors responsible for this situation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"It will take much more than relief packages to address the problems being faced by the sugar industry in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"NAPCC, almost 10 years old and formulated with lofty objectives, has not served as the best answer to cope with the impacts of climate change. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Proliferation of nuclear weapons and the threat of their use are key concerns for global security nonetheless existing international arrangements seem to be ineffective. Comment. Also, identify the salient features of India's policy in this context and discuss whether India should join the NPT in the current form. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The maritime security domain requires collective multilateral and regional cooperation to combat non traditional threats. Discuss in the context of threats in the Western Indian Ocean and the recent amendments in the Djibouti Code of Conduct. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India's space programme was initiated with the vision of utilising outer space for peaceful purposes, however with changing times it has the potential to play a significant role in strengthening security capabilities of India. Discuss with adequate examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8382,"topper":"Trupti Ankush Dhodmise","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6f42b-23528_1066_trupti_ankush_dhodmise_rank_16.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The cave architecture in India not only enlighten us with information of tradition and customs of ancient times but also illustrate considerable accomplishment with regard to structural engineering and artistry. Discuss. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"While the Battle of Plassey laid the foundation of British Empire in India, it was the Battle of Buxar that proved to be the turning point of British fortunes in India. Discuss. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Among many novel methods and themes, the Swadeshi Movement laid great emphasis not only on boycott but also on self-reliance. Discuss. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The idea of linguistic states predated independence, however it took some time even after independence for this idea to be implemented. Discuss. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Dr. B. R. Ambedkar understood that persistent inequalities pose fundamental challenges to the economic and social well-being of the nation and people. In this context, discuss the key contributions of Dr. Ambedkar in the history of modern India. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"It has been pointed out that in recent times, while the proportional share of nuclear households has dipped in urban areas it has risen in rural areas. Analyse the reasons behind this trend. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Separation, and not divorce, is the dominant form of marriage dissolution for most women in India. What could be the possible reasons behind this? Also, discuss why there are striking differences in divorce rates between the different regions in India. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Elaborate on the factors responsible for the evolution of the current drainage system in Indian sub-continent, with special emphasis on the characteristic features of Himalayan and Peninsular rivers. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Enumerate the features of Plantation Agriculture and the problems faced by them. Given the fact that area under cultivation of palm oil has been increasing, discuss the benefits and challenges associated with it. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Bring out the distinctive features of Gandhara, Mathura and Amravati schools of art that flourished towards the first century CE. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The British in India wanted not only territorial conquest and control over revenues; they also felt that they had a cultural mission: to 'civilise the natives', change their customs and values. Critically discuss. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi being close associates, there were significant differences between the two regarding the role of state and the control that it exercised. Comment. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Enumerating the reasons behind Sino-Soviet split in the second half of the 20th century, analyse its impact on the Cold War. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"History has disproved the prediction that democracy would not succeed in India. In this context, critically assess the achievements and challenges of democracy in India since Independence. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Enumerate the key issues faced by working women in contemporary Indian society and the steps taken by the government to address them. Also, critically examine the key features of Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Despite tropical areas being the major emitters of CFCs, the phenomenon of ozone hole formation is largely confined to polar areas and that too over the Antarctic and in early spring. Elaborate. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8383,"topper":"Trupti Ankush Dhodmise","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/77748-23528_1067_trupti_ankush_dhodmise_rank_16.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What is the role that opposition plays in a democracy like India? In this context, discuss whether our Parliament can benefit from a shadow cabinet. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Where there is a right, there is a remedy. In this context, discuss the nature and significance of writs in India with adequate examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Enumerate the objectives of NITI Aayog. Also, discuss the performance of this body since its inception and suggest measures to make it more effective. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"In view of the political class's inability to develop and maintain conventions relating to the appropriate use of Article 356, the Supreme Court's decision in the Bommai case provided much needed clarity. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Press freedom and good governance are not mutually exclusive. They support each other while promoting a country's economic and human development. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"SHGs have succeeded in delivering financial inclusion, but for them to evolve as viable business enterprise requires a different approach. Analyse in the context of the twin goals of rural growth and promotion of women's entrepreneurship. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The focus of higher education in India has been on a select few Central or autonomous institutions where as the ones in states remain neglected. Commenting on the statement, highlight the significance of Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the role played by PRIs in political empowerment of women. Also, suggest measures to further increase their political participation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What is Strategic Autonomy? Critically examine the elements of such a policy in India's contemporary foreign policy in the context of recent developments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"IBSA and BRICS are both examples of India's quest for multialignment, however there are key differences in their orientation. Discuss in the context of the relevance of these groupings for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What are the various modes of Alternate Dispute Redressal (ADR) mechanisms available in India? Identifying the problems being faced by them, provide suggestions needed to increase their effectiveness. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"While the power to punish for the contempt of court is a much needed tool to protect the administration of justice from being maligned, it is time that it be relooked into. Critically analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Criminalisation of politics remains a key concern for the Indian political system. In this context, analyse the role played by the Supreme Court and Election Commission over the years. Also, in what ways can the media play a positive role? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight, in brief, the mandate of the National Commission for Minorities (NCM). Identify the different challenges that the commission faces and suggest measures to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The recent decision of the government to open up positions at the senior levels in bureaucracy through lateral entry is an important but only small step in the direction of much needed reforms in the higher civil services. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Identifying the broad contours of the 'Transformation of Aspirational Districts' programme, explain how it adopts a novel strategy to address backwardness. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"How did India fare on the Millennium Development Goals related to health? In this regard, identify the relevant Sustainable Development Goals and evaluate India's capacity to meet them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the different rights recognized under the Forest Rights Act, 2006? Highlight the gaps in the implementation of community forest rights and community forest resource rights granted under the Forest Rights Act. Also, suggest measures to address the current scenario. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Progress in India-US ties has been accompanied by equally significant divergences on important issues. Examine in the context of recent developments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Despite bonhomie, the structural differences between Indian and Israeli national security situations, their worldviews and absence of explicitly shared enemies limit stronger strategic rapprochement. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8384,"topper":"Trupti Ankush Dhodmise","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/75f0c-23528_1153_trupti_ankush_dhodmise_rank_16.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the issues faced in BOT and EPC models of infrastructure investment, explain how HAM can address these. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The investment rate in India has gradually declined after a historic high in the mid 2000s. Examine the reasons behind this trend. Discuss the steps required to revive investment for a sustained growth. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The measurement of the extent of formal sector and formal employment is yet an unsettled matter in our economy. Comment. Also, mention the steps which the government has taken to improve its extent.(150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Minimum Support Price (MSP) of crops is a short term solution for agricultural distress which creates long term problems. Examine. Suggest measures to overcome the the limitations of the MSP regime.(150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Enumerating the factors that determine a nation's energy-mix, comment on the need for having a diversified fuel basket for meeting India's future energy demands. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Air quality in Indian households, especially in rural areas, is lethal due to a number of factors. In this context, highlighting the challenges faced in improving indoor air quality, enumerate the measures that can be taken to address them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlight the characteristics and applications of Cyber Physical systems. Also, enumerate the various objectives of the Cyber Physical Systems programme recently launched by the government. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"India needs to collaborate and participate in international scientific projects in order to place itself as a major player in cutting edge research. Discuss in the light of ongoing global mega science projects. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Deployment of central armed forces in states has been a contentious issue. Mention the issues involved and suggest some remedial measures. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In what ways does the physiography of India pose a challenge to its counter-terrorism efforts? What can be done to deal with these challenges? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Enhancing private infrastructure spending and revival of stalled projects is critical to the success of Bharatmala Pariyojana. Discuss. Also enumerate measures taken by the government to revive stalled projects on National Highways. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"In the light of increasing NPAs and frauds, the twin balance sheet problem has grown immensely. Comment on the issue and analyse the potential of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code to be a game changer for Indian economy's health and long-term growth. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Highlight the importance of MSME sector in India's economy. Also, identifying the challenges, suggest some policy recommendations to ensure their sustenance and competitive growth. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Going forward, the allied sectors will play a critical role in increasing the resilience and improving economic returns in agriculture. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What do you understand by Seed Replacement Rate? Explaining the concept of breeder, foundation and certified seeds, highlight the major policy initiatives taken in order to address the challenge of quality seed availability to farmers. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"While overcrowding in public places cannot be wished away in India, what we need are better infrastructure and more effective crowd-control measures. Comment. Also, briefly enumerate NDMA guidelines for crowd management. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Processing and safe disposal of garbage must replace the current model of landfills in order to transform our cities to being 'smart'. Elucidate. In this context, analyse the reasons for failure of waste management policies in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What do you understand by TRIPS plus provisions being advocated by developed countries outside the WTO based TRIPS agreement? Do you think India should show some flexibility and incorporate certain TRIPS plus provisions in its IPR regime? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime) has pitched for the need of an integrated approach in order to address the difficulties in preventing, detecting, investigating and prosecuting Transnational Organised Crimes (TOC). Elaborating on these difficulties, discuss how an integrated approach can help in tackling TOCs. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"The Government has adopted a holistic approach built around simultaneous implementation of a security agenda, developmental activities and promotion of good governance to address the Left Wing Extremism in India. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8385,"topper":"Trupti Ankush Dhodmise","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d98bc-23528_1072_trupti_ankush_dhodmise_rank_16.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain why it is important to urgently address the problem of poor land records and infirmity of land titles in India. Also discuss how this problem can be addressed. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What are the special features of the infrastructure sector that make its financing a challenge? What measures have been taken to facilitate adequate amount of finance to this sector? (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Despite favourable circumstances, India's electronics manufacturing has been unable to respond to the rising demand. Discuss. What steps can be taken to address this situation? (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Despite registering a high growth rate in the post-reform era, India continues to witness a high incidence of poverty. Explain this paradox and suggest ways to resolve it. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"In light of the argument that India has entered a regime of \"permanent surpluses\", discuss whether the time has come to remove agricultural commodities completely from Essential Commodities Act. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The 1988 National Forest Policy (NFP) was visionary in its scope and ambition. However, there is a need for a new forest policy in the current context. Discuss. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How does rapid urbanization increases the vulnerability to major disasters? Explaining with examples, suggest measures to develop disaster-resilient cities. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain DNA profiling and highlight its forensic application. Also discuss the significance of DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2018 in this regard. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What is meant by the term Blue Water Capabilities? In this context, identify the key measures that have been undertaken to enhance the blue water capabilities of the Indian Navy. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Identify the factors that make India vulnerable to drug trafficking? Also discuss the key steps taken to deal with it in our country. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"How do higher global crude oil prices affect the Indian economy? What steps can be taken to gradually insulate India from global oil price volatility in the long term? (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Critically discuss the role of private sector in skill development in India in recent years. In this context, what are the measures required to improve oversight as well as financing in the skill development sector? (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The e-commerce sector has been booming in India for the last few years. Examine the need for its regulation in light of the recently proposed draft e-commerce policy. Further, identify the challenges that the sector is currently facing. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Explaining the importance, highlight the achievements of dairy sector in India. Examine whether over-production is the reason for the problems being faced by the dairy industry. Give some solutions to address the problems. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"There has been a focus on Textile and Apparels industry in India in recent years. Elaborate the potential of this industry and the challenges that lie in achieving it. What steps have been taken in this regard? (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What is Intelligent Transportation System (ITS)? Explaining the need of ITS in India, identify the challenges in deploying it. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Explain the concept and significance of Data Localisation. Also discuss its limitations in strengthening law enforcement efforts in the context of Srikrishna Committee report and the draft Personal Data Protection Bill, 2018. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"What is the link between illegal immigration and national security? In this context, critically discuss the exercise of creating a National Register of Citizens in Assam. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8386,"topper":"Trupti Ankush Dhodmise","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e5bad-23528_1071_trupti_ankush_dhodmise_rank_16.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"It has been argued that over the years there has been a steady decline in the efficacy of Parliament as an institution of accountability. Analyse and also suggest appropriate measures to address the relevant concerns. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Panchayati raj institutions (PRIs) are simultaneously a remarkable success and a staggering failure, depending on the goalposts against which they are evaluated. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) is more than just the keeper of our national accounts; it is also a conscience-keeper and a watchdog. Examine the statement in light of making the auditing process more effective. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The concern for transparency in political funding is at odds with the Electoral Bond Scheme notified by the government. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Lobbying in India exists in a perennially grey legal and policy arena. In this context, discuss the need to formally recognize and regulate lobbying in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"More than a decade after it was passed, the implementation of the RTI Act leaves much to be desired. Comment. Also discuss the issues associated with the recent proposals to amend the RTI Act. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Critically discuss the evolving policy on reservation in promotions in India with special focus on its ability to meet the objectives of social justice. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"India produces enough food for its people, but not all people get enough food to eat. Discussing this paradox, highlight some of the major interventions taken in the past few years in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"India sees Indian Ocean as not just a water body, but a global stage for continued economic, social, and cultural dialogue. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In the context of India taking greater responsibility in management of the global commons, there has been a shift in India's climate change negotiation stance. In this context, analyze the evolution of India's climate policy. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlighting the constitutional role of the Finance Commission (FC), discuss the issues which are being debated w.r.t. terms of reference (ToR) of the 15th Finance Commission. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The spirit of the constitution of India represents a synthesis of Indian values, democratic and socialist movements in west and our independence movement. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"What is the importance of an independent judiciary in a democracy? Highlight the safeguards in our political-constitutional setup to ensure the independence of judiciary. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Even though Indian federalism has matured quite a bit, with states having far greater control of their economic and political management, serious structural problems still remain. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The recent amendments to the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 strike a balance between enforcement overzealousness and the need for stringent action against corrupt public servants. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Identifying the various issues plaguing the voluntary sector in India, discuss the need for a national accreditation agency to overcome them. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Given the importance of a teacher in affecting the learning outcomes of children, discuss the problems in the present system of teacher training in India. How can these be addressed? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The implementation of a scheme with such scale and benefit as Ayushman Bharat is likely to face many obstacles. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Given the fact that India cannot match China's financial clout, it is seen to be diversifying the ways in which it can enhance cooperation and promote its diplomatic profile in Africa. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Discuss how American sanctions on its adversaries affect India. Taking the example of CAATSA, analyse how India can shield its strategic interests in face of such sanctions. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8387,"topper":"Trupti Ankush Dhodmise","air":16,"year":2018,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a6f7a-23528_761_trupti_ankush_dhodmise_rank_16.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8388,"topper":"Trupti Ankush Dhodmise","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1b65b-23528_1154_trupti_ankush_dhodmise_rank_16.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the significance of the following in the context of civil service: 10 (i) Public trust (ii) Objectivity (iii) Strength of character (iv) Empathy (v) Selflessness","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Do you think nation states owe a responsibility towards asylum seekers? What are the considerations that should, in your opinion, go into the making of a refugee policy? Provide arguments with contemporary examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Giving examples, examine the relationship between personal and professional ethics of civil servants.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Bring out the significance of probity in public life. What are the requisites for ensuring probity in governance? Pointing out the key concerns in India in this context, suggest certain remedial measures.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"While the corrupt and dishonest should be punished swiftly, honest public servants need to be protected against malicious and motivated complaints to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of an organisation. Discuss. How can the two objectives be reconciled?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Explain with examples how emotional intelligence increases the effectiveness of leadership skills in a civil servant.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"A Citizens' Charter sees public services through the eyes of those who use them. In this context, analyze the importance of citizen charter in making public services citizen centric.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Social media has played a key role in influencing political opinions and social attitudes in India. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"\"Nonviolence is not servile passivity but a powerful moral force which makes for social transformation\". Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Good corporate governance is not an end in itself. It is a means to support economic efficiency, sustainable growth and financial stability. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"The steady decline in sex ratio suggests that marked improvement in the economy and literacy rates do not seem to have had any impact on this index. In fact, the availability of new technology and its easy access for the urban, wealthy and educated have worsened the trend and harmed the status of women in Indian society. 20 (a) Explain why the phenomenon should not be simply viewed as a medical or legal issue and more attention should be given to the ethical issues involved. (b) Give some suggestions to tackle the problem of declining sex ratio. (c) Discuss the ethical dilemma involved in Right to abortion vs. Prevention of female foeticide. How can this be resolved?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"You are working as a senior doctor in the oncology department of a super specialty hospital located in Delhi. While accessing the quotations from reputed pharmaceutical companies to hospitals, you unearth a nexus between pharma firms and the hospital administration. You get to know that they are hand-in glove with each other and trying to fleece cancer patients by selling drugs at exorbitant prices, even though low cost alternative drugs are available in the market. Being the head of Alliance of Doctors for Ethical Healthcare, who is working against the arbitrary price regime of life saving drugs, you get a chance to represent your case before the Health Minister of your state. However, certain other doctors of the Alliance have asked you to present a distorted reality in front of the Minister since they are obtaining pecuniary benefits from such a scheme of nexus, which would cease if the nexus gets exposed. 20 (a) Identify the main stakeholders and ethical issues involved. (b) Analyse the possible solutions for addressing the issues. (c) What would be your final course of action and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Mr. A is a senior most member of a highly reputed company with considerable customer interface. In recent months, the business of the company has been going down. On detailed analysis, it was found that some of the functionaries of the company have impulsive nature, which has many a times led to altercations with the customers and even among themselves. This has adversely affected the work culture and sullied the image of the company in the market. He seeks your advice, as you are his friend as well as a person who understands management. (a) What are the factors that you would consider in making your advice? (b) What steps will you suggest to deal with the situation that the company faces?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"While on the one hand, some state governments have implemented alcohol consumption prohibition laws, it is permitted in other states. Debates around this issue often involves aspects such as individual rights, cultural attitudes and social welfare. As a teacher you need to explain the key issues involved to a young audience. What are these? How would you conclude the lecture?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You are a teacher in the Science department of a reputed college. Your HoD (Head of Department) has been a good mentor to you and has guided your career progress. You get to know from one of your students that the HoD gives private tuitions at his residence, which is disliked by many others in the department. There are also rumours that he might be giving extra marks to the students taking his tuitions. When enguired, his reply is that he is not alone and a few other teachers are giving private tuitions as well. He assures you that it is beneficial for the students as some of them need extra attention. He advises you not to make a fuss about it and indirectly reminds you about the assessment rating, which is due this week. You are aware that a good rating will definitely get you the due promotion. The HoD is due to retire in 4 months. (a) What are the dilemmas that you face in this situation? (b) Highlight the course of action that you would adopt and give reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"While stampedes and mishaps due to overcrowding have led to loss of lives on multiple occasions, it remains an issue discussed only when there is a tragedy. Recently you were assigned the responsibility of conducting a mela around a revered religious place, which attracts millions of devotees. Every year the numbers have been increasing and this year due to certain celestial alignments the crowd is expected to be unprecedented. In the previous year the officer in charge was criticised and transferred over allegations of hurting religious sensitivities by restricting access to the religious place. You have three months to prepare for the mela. (a) Identify the key areas you would focus on? (b) What are the challenges that you foresee? (c) How do you propose to overcome them?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8389,"topper":"Trupti Ankush Dhodmise","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/97075-23528_1069_trupti_ankush_dhodmise_rank_16.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Growing awareness about terminal as well as mental illness has given credence to the idea of \"living wills\". What is a living will? Discuss the ethical issues to be considered from an individual as well as social perspective to formulate and implement it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"In order to improve the bureaucratic work culture and productivity, there is a need to downsize government and privatize some of the services. Critically discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Examine the contemporary relevance of Gandhiji's talisman as a means of resolving ethical dilemmas in day to day life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"\"Intelligence plus character-that is the goal of true education.\" Assess whether such an objective can be achieved within the existing system of education in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"\"A blanket prohibition of criticism of the policies of the Government is invalid and void, and it makes no difference if the person criticizing happens to be a government servant.\" Critically discuss in the context of Civil Service Conduct Rules, 1964.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"\"Man by nature is a political animal\". Explain with reference to Aristotle's idea of the state in life of the society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"What are the factors that have influenced the contemporary attitude of the state and the society towards homosexuality in India? Also, comment on the changing attitude and the factors driving this change.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"With behavioural issues and suicides among children on the rise, teachers and parents need to play an active part in ensuring mental well-being. Discuss. Also, explain the importance of emotional intelligence in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"The policy of Dhamma advocated by Ashoka through his edicts remains relevant in the context of issues in public life even today. Elucidate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Arguably, poverty is not only a matter of statistics. It is a reflection on the kind of society we live in. In this context, discuss the ethical implications for a society that witnesses high incidence of poverty.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Every superstition cannot be removed by the force of law. For that, a mental change is necessary. Comment. Also, explain how educators and public figures can help in eradicating superstition and instilling scientific temper among people.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"There have been reports of repeat instances of mob lynching in different states of India. It has been pointed out that these presumably faceless mobs gather impromptu on the basis of unverified information on issues that affect the collective conscience of the society such as child trafficking, sexual harassment, cow slaughter etc. Most of the people don't even regret their action of violating the law and even get away with committing such a heinous crime. (a) What are the socio-psychological factors that motivate people to join the mob and kill fellow human beings? (b) Identify the implications of increasing crime of lynching on society. (c) Examine the role of social media in recent instances of mob lynching. As a law enforcement officer, how will you prevent such incidents from happening in your district?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You are a young athlete representing India at an international-level competition. During the competition, you witness a few senior athletes injecting something using a syringe, in private. When you approach them, they explain that it is a performance enhancing drug, which is very common in such competitions and you should take the same as well. You are in fear and decide to approach the coach to discuss the event you witnessed. However, you get to know that the athletes are taking the drug at the advice of the coach himself. (a) What would you do in this scenario? Discuss the options available to you and chart your course of action. (b) Why do you think use of unfair means to enhance performance is common in competitive sporting event? How can this practice be minimized?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"You have been appointed by Election Commission as a booth level officer to oversee the conduct of elections in a remote and under-developed area. For the preparations of elections, you have been instructed to ensure maximum voter turnout. For this, you conduct a series of meetings with the people in villages encouraging them to vote in large numbers. However, they confront you with the fact that despite so many previous elections, the promises made by representatives remain unfulfilled and even the basic necessities of livelihood are not available. As such, they are ignorant of your appeals and are subsequently not forthcoming even to listen to you, let alone giving assurances to vote. Based on this information, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the stakeholders in the situation along with their interests. (b) What are the factors that you will take into account to convince the people and ensure maximum voter turnout?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8390,"topper":"Trupti Ankush Dhodmise","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1ac13-23528_1073_trupti_ankush_dhodmise_rank_16.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the ethical issues involved in the recent refugee crisis and immigration as a global phenomenon from a broad perspective of globalisation and rights of citizens and aliens. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Corruption distorts not only functioning of the Government in India but business and corporate activities as well. Explain and discuss how the state can effectively deal with deficit of ethics in the private sector. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/ philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) \"Silence becomes cowardice when occasion demands speaking out the whole truth and acting accordingly\" - Mahatma Gandhi.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"\"We must not only tolerate others, but positively embrace them\" - Swami Vivekananda.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Emotional Intelligence is part nature and part nurture. Explaining the statement, discuss how emotional intelligence of civil servants can be enhanced.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"What do you understand by Probity in Governance? Examine whether the recent amendments to Prevention of Corruption Act and the proposed ones in Whistleblower Protection Act undermine it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Ensuring that civil service values are recognised during the recruitment process and ensured through a code of ethics after appointment is a necessary condition of making the civil services an effective instrument of citizen centric governance. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"What do you understand by cognitive dissonance? Giving examples, discuss how it influences one's behavior and attitude.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by Amartya Sen's 'capability approach'? Analyse its significance in understanding social realities and in making a pro poor development strategy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"While in principle most nations claim commitment to universal values, in practice these values are honoured more in breach than in the observance. In context of this statement, comment on the relevance of values in foreign policy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"While some ethical approaches consider an action to be ethical based on results, other focus on means. Taking the example of Indian bureaucracy compare and examine how these approaches have played out for the benefit of citizens.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate of a primarily rural district. Excess agricultural production has led to a continuous fall in market prices of crops in the last three years. With elections approaching soon, the opposition has decided to make this a political issue and has mobilised farmers to protest against falling prices. The protests turned violent at some point and police had to fire in self-defence, killing two people. Violence has increased since then and you yourself were attacked when you tried to pacify the protestors. The protestors also blocked the main roads as well as railways to prevent movement of goods and people. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the key concerns that need to be addressed on a priority basis. (b) What steps will you take to address them?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You have recently been promoted as a Branch Manager in a Public Sector Bank. The bank is battling high NPAs and mounting losses. You have been assigned a very high target of loans by the higher management for the current quarter. Your career prospects also depend on your performance in critical times. Few days back you rejected a loan application for a huge sum based on detailed analysis. Today you got a call from the Regional Manager to approve the loan quickly. On your reluctance to approve, he hints that the loan is sought by a person well connected in the finance ministry and that a refusal will have consequences for everyone in the approval chain. You are now in a tough spot. Based on the given information, answer the following questions: (a) Bring out the ethical issues in the case above. (b) What are the consequences of agreeing to the demands of the senior in the given case. Assess which of them are meritorious and which are not. (c) Suggest institutional reforms that can result in non-punishment of honest feedback.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8391,"topper":"Tushar Chauhan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/163/mts_2023_unchecked_mt23avea018_tc115.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"You can't serve data on a hungry man's plate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"AI is overcoming our mental limitation but not expanding our mental horizon.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"We are using environment for politics, not politics for environment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"The worst form of inequality is to try to make unequal things equal.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Existence is a science, living is an art.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"If the truth shall kill them, let them die.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"The only way to go beyond things, is to go through them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Dream for the best. Be prepared for the worst. Enjoy life in between.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8392,"topper":"Tushar Chauhan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/155/mts_2023_unchecked_mt23avea018_tc116.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Numerous foreign travellers have vividly documented their observations of the Vijayanagara Empire over time, offering valuable sources for reconstructing its history. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Explain the origin of Indian islands in the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Examine the factors contributing to India's groundwater crisis, and its implications for agriculture and water security in the country. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What are critical minerals, and how do they influence technological advancement and national security? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"How does fostering pluralism within Indian society contribute to the endeavour of nation-building? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the changing nature of problems the working class is facing due to the emerging gig economy. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Homogenisation tendencies as a result of globalisation have in fact preserved and promoted the local cultures of India. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What are the circumstances that led to the disintegration of the USSR and the end of the Cold War? How did the end of the cold war contribute to the spread of Globalization across the world? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"How did the enduring legacy of the Harappan Civilization leave a mark on the evolution of Indian culture, even after its sudden decline? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"How did Mahatma Gandhi's participation in the Khilafat Movement illustrate his ability to connect diverse issues and mobilize different communities towards a common cause? To what extent did the Khilafat movement achieve its objective? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"How is Transit Oriented Development(TOD) linked to the concept of a sustainable urban transportation system? Discuss its impact on overall enhanced quality of life for citizens. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Although desert landscapes across the world reflect many similarities the process of desertification is influenced by local factors. Elaborate with suitable examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Explain the various stages of the formation of The Great Himalayas. How Eastern Himalayas is different from Western Himalayas? (Anwer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Describe the significance of eco-sensitive zones in environmental conservation and provide examples of how they are designated and managed in different geographical regions? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"How has the pandemic reshaped the landscape of education, and what long-term effects might these changes have on teaching methods and learning outcomes? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Analyze the factors behind the upsurge of ethnic identity struggle in the context of India, and discuss their implications for the country's social fabric. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"How does patriarchy differently impact the dynamics of the workplace vis a vis the household? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8393,"topper":"Tushar Chauhan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5575a-1005570_2422_tushar-chauhan_rank_216.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The traditional theatre forms of India reflect the ideals and emotions of the society, and an individual's role in the community. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Provide an account of the historical and architectural importance of the Sanchi Stupa. Also, discuss how it inspired the future architecture in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Bhagat Singh made a real breakthrough in terms of revolutionary ideology, the goals of revolution and forms of revolutionary struggle. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Bringing out the factors that led to the Meiji restoration, discuss its significance for Japan. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"It is believed that a nation is an \"imagined community\" held together by common beliefs, history, political aspirations etc. In this context, discuss what the basis of India as a nation is. Also, bring out the threats to the concept of Indian nationhood. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"State the key factors behind the growth of the pharmaceutical industry in India. Additionally, discuss its significance with regard to India's economy and public health.(Answer in 150words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss why the Bay of Bengal is more prone to cyclones than the Arabian Sea. Also, explain the reasons for the decrease in frequency of tropical cyclones during the Southwest monsoon season. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":8394,"topper":"Tushar Chauhan","air":216,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/TUSHAR-CHAUHANUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-216-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) \"India's democratic roots are deeply embedded in its ancient civilizational ethos.\" Discuss in the context of India being referred to as the 'Mother of Democracy'.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Elucidate the significance of tiger and elephant figures in Indian mythology, art and architecture.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) The arrival of Lord William Bentinck marked a period of transformation in the British Indian State. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Explain how the American War of Independence deprived Great Britain of one empire, but it strengthened the foundations of another.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) What are Rare Earth Elements (REEs)? Discuss the multi-dimensional implications of uneven distribution of REEs in the world.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) Highlight the salient differences between the Himalayan and the Peninsular drainage Systems.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7 Describe the nature and mode of origin of the main types of rock at the earth's crust.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) The alienation of modern lifestyles from nature has contributed to the ongoing environmental crisis in India. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 What do you understand by the term 'urbanisation of poverty'? Also, explain how urban poverty differs from rural poverty in India?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) Globalization has redefined the idea of community and kinship in Indian society. Do you agree? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 The flourishing of various art forms during the Kushana period reflects the rich and diverse cultural landscape of the time. What insights does this provide into the socio-cultural aspects of that era?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 Trace the events that led to the Civil Disobedience Movement. What were its outcomes?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13) Mahatma Jyotirao Phule's reformist ideas played a significant role in shaping the social foundations of the Indian freedom movement. Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) The interlinking of rivers offers several benefits, but also raises significant socio-economic and environmental concerns. Analyze.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Explain the concept of rain shadow effect. How does it influence the distribution of precipitation and vegetation across mountain ranges?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) Bring out the major features of the Indian monsoon and elaborate upon its causative factors.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17) What are the geographical factors responsible for the growth of mangrove vegetation in India? Also highlight its role in coastal ecology.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 To what extent can the rise of 'Kidfluencers' be seen as a reflection of changing family structures and parental aspirations in Indian society?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19) Women often form the backbone of grassroots movements in India, yet they remain largely invisible and excluded from the decision-making process. Examine.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 Do you agree with the view that social media is a 'double edged sword'? Discuss in the context of its impact on Indian society.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8395,"topper":"Tushar Chauhan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/150/mts_2023_unchecked_mt23avea018_tc117.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The recent Supreme Court judgments on human rights issues mark a remarkable shift in using International law and treaties not just as a source of inspiration but as a source of law. Examine with reference to relevant case laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The United States and India have their own distinctive jurisprudence on freedom of speech and expression despite the similarities in constitutional provisions. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Fundamental Duties are a reminder that citizenship is not merely a passive status but an active engagement. Discuss. What are the challenges in their legal enforcement? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the mandate of the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT). To what extent earlier SC verdicts have resolved the jurisdictional tussle between CAT and High courts? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Equality under the Indian constitution is not merely about formal equality, it also incorporates the idea of substantive equality. Discuss this statement in light of constitutional provisions and relevant Supreme Court judgments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Pressure groups and political parties are inherently similar in their objective to democratise the political process, however, more and more pressure groups today aspire to transform into political parties. Elaborate and highlight the factors that are encouraging this transformation. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Can the infusion of foreign educational institutions be a transformative step in enhancing the global competitiveness of higher education in India and addressing the prevailing quality challenges? Justify with reason. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"To address the limitations of the public health system, how can the private sector contribute effectively to bridging the gap to ensure equitable and accessible healthcare for all? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"There is an urgent need for global cooperation to eradicate poverty and hunger. In this context analyse how international cooperation can impact efforts to address the challenges of poverty and hunger. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The changing global dynamics require prompt effective and meaningful reforms within the World Trade Organization (WTO), to ensure its relevance and capacity to address modern trade complexities. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"How has the 69th Constitutional amendment led to Delhi's dual governance dilemma? Discuss its impact on cooperative federalism as envisaged in the Constitution. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"\"Constitution envisages an independent judiciary, not insulated judiciary\"; In the light of the given statement, discuss the issues associated with the appointment of judges in the higher judiciary and explore alternatives to the current system. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Under what circumstances can the Governor reserve a state bill for the consideration of the President and why is the provision controversial? Also, discuss the reforms suggested by Punchhi Commission in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The Ninth Schedule fabricated a constitutional paradox to safeguard laws related to socio-economic justice from being challenged under the fundamental right to property. Does the ninth schedule have any relevance in present times? How did the IR Coelho judgment resolve this paradox? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Central Information Commission stands as the guardian of democracy, with an unwavering relevance to good governance.\" Justify the context in terms of the mandate of the CIC. Has the statutory status limited the effectiveness of the commission in recent times? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Discuss the significance of the POCSO Act in ensuring the safety and protection of children against sexual offences. What changes would you suggest to the present Act to enhance its effective implementation? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"\"Technology serves as the catalyst for reshaping the traditional contours of bureaucracy, propelling it to become more efficient, transparent, and citizen-centric.\" Explain and also explore how the integration of technology can expedite governmental efforts aimed at modernizing the civil service. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India and US have had an oscillating relationship in the past, to what extent has the relationship acquired depth in recent times? How should New Delhi navigate its relationship with the US after its sharp divergence with Washington on the issue of the Russia- Ukraine war? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"How has the India-ASEAN partnership evolved since the implementation of the 'Look East Policy'? In what ways can India leverage the increasing strength of its economy alongside geopolitical realities as opportunities to foster closer India and ASEAN relations? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8396,"topper":"Tushar Chauhan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/03d00-1005570_2423_tushar-chauhan_rank_216.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With suitable examples, discuss how environmental pressure groups enhance public participation and responsiveness with regard to environmental policies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The recent acknowledgment of sex work as a 'profession' by the Supreme Court is merely the first step in ensuring basic rights and equality for sex workers in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the role played by District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) in providing free legal aid and disseminating legal awareness in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"The collegium system has become a victim of its own success, with the concentration of power in the hands of a few, leading to questions about its legitimacy.\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"Civil services reforms must go beyond recruitment and standardised training to cope with the present day challenges.\" Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Outcome-based finance models such as social impact bonds have the potential to truly catalyse change and deliver socio-economic impact at scale. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The wide gap between the number of females graduating every year and those entering the workspace is an issue of paramount importance that needs to be addressed. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"An up to date and functional Civil Registration System (CRS) is essential to the socio-economic planning in India. Discuss in the light of the recent move of the Central government in revamping the CRS system in the country. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What are the key areas of reform if the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has to align with the current economic realities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In recent years, India's relationship with West Asia has evolved from the confines of geopolitics to expanse of geoeconomics. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The role of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) is significant in furthering healthy competitiveness aimed at inspiring stakeholders to innovate and augment effectiveness. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"\"The menace of paid news often rears its ugly head during elections.\" Discuss the need for making paid news an electoral offence in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the 'Doctrine of Essentiality' referred to by the courts in the context of religious practices in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"As per the recently released report of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), there is an urgent need to limit the size of the government in India. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The Institutions of Eminence (IoE) scheme was conceived to develop 'world-class' centres of higher education in India but six years later, it is yet to become the game changer it was intended to be. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) allows for innovative and convenient public services, help overcome inclusion or accessibility barriers, and increase transparency and accountability with real-time data. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Besides legislation, the full realisation of the 'right to health for all' in India demands plugging of social, financial, and infrastructural gaps. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The 'third gender' has not yet been engendered in the Indian society despite legislative nudge. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Among other factors, strained ties with China and Pakistan make it difficult for India to fulfill its expectations from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"The recently concluded initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) between the United States and India promises a long overdue transformation of their partnership in the field of technology. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8397,"topper":"Tushar Chauhan","air":216,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/TUSHAR-CHAUHANUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-216-Sample-MGP-Copy-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1 \"Inclusive growth is both a process and an outcome, ensuring that everyone has access to the benefits of economic growth.\" Discuss in Indian context.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Green budgeting integrates environmental considerations into the fiscal framework, ensuring that government budgets contribute to sustainable development. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Discuss the various challenges faced by Indian Railways. To what extent, in your opinion, can privatization help in addressing these challenges?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) What is the significance of Industrial Corridors in India? Identifying industrial corridors, explain their main characteristics.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 Though a critical component of India's growth engine, MSMEs grapple with multitude of challenges. Discuss. Also, suggest measures to support the growth of the MSME sector.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) A robust and thriving food processing sector can address multiple issues plaguing Indian agriculture. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) Discuss how nuclear technology can be leveraged in enhancing food security and agricultural sustainability.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) \"India's heavy reliance on imported edible oils, stemming from multiple factors, calls for a comprehensive approach to boost domestic production and reduce this dependency.\" Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) What are the reasons for the huge growth of services vis-a-vis industry in the country? Explain the significance of a strong industrial base for self-reliant India ('Atmanirbhar Bharat')?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) Fintech's transformative capacity in fostering financial inclusion is evident but unlocking its full potential demands addressing key challenges. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) Despite being a progressive tax, only a small fraction of the adult population files income tax returns, and an even smaller segment pays taxes. Explore the factors that contribute to low tax compliance in India. Additionally, discuss ways to improve direct tax collection in the country.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 The HAM model, amalgamating attributes of EPC and BOT, emerges as a pragmatic approach for advancing infrastructure development in the country. Explain.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"A Pragmatic Approach as solves EPC & BOT issues.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13) The economic reforms of 1991 marked a significant leap forward for India's economy, ushering in a new era of liberalization, privatization, and globalization; however, as India marches towards 'Viksit Bharat' (developed India), the need is felt for 'Reforms 2.0'. Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) Explain the significance of agricultural marketing in the country. Outlining the key challenges it faces, suggest reforms to address them.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 India's ambitions for self-reliance in defence sector are commendable, yet the pace of technological indigenization has been sluggish. In light of the statement, discuss the key challenges faced by the country in indigenizing the defence sector. Also, mention the initiatives taken by the government in this regard.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 Effective multimodal transport is key to improving logistics efficiency, reducing transportation costs, and minimizing environmental impacts through decreased congestion and pollution. Elaborate. Also, suggest measures to ensure efficient multi-modal transport in the country.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 The rationale behind the MSP system is well acknowledged, but it requires comprehensive reforms to mitigate the unintended consequences on the market and environment. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 Farm mechanization can drive rural prosperity and sustainable farming, but its widespread adoption is hindered by various factors. Discuss. Also, mention initiatives taken by the government to promote farm mechanization in the country.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 The transition from the green revolution to an 'evergreen revolution' is essential for sustainable agricultural growth. In this context, examine the impact of green revolution on Indian agriculture. What measures can be taken to usher in evergreen revolution?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 The textile sector in India offers vast opportunities for growth, but the realization of its true potential is hindered by a multitude of challenges. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8398,"topper":"Tushar Chauhan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/2/mts_2023_unchecked_mt23avea018_tc118.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Differentiate between Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Wholesale Price Index (WPI). Do you think that CPI is a better measure of inflation as compared to WPI? Substantiate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Jobless growth is an inherent feature of India's growth trajectory. What are the major reasons behind the high unemployment rate in India? Suggest remedial measures to improve the overall employment growth rate in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Bringing urea under the NBS Scheme is seen as the panacea for all the issues related to fertiliser subsidies in India as well as for the environmental problems of agriculture. Highlighting the issues related to urea management, suggest reforms are required to improve the usage of urea in a sustainable manner in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"India's food security faces challenges from not just domestic factors but also global factors. Comment. Discuss some ways to strengthen India's food security. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":44,"question":"Implications of illegal wildlife trade in India and analyse the effectiveness of the recent amendments to address the issue. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8399,"topper":"Tushar Chauhan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/60d99-1005570_2424_tushar-chauhan_rank_216.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What are the different dimensions of food security? Examine India's status in terms of ensuring food security with regard to these dimensions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Modern technologies such as blockchain and ChatGPT are powerful tools with immense potential to transform agriculture into a more efficient and sustainable sector. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What factors have led to the recent acceleration in the trend towards de-dollarization of the global economy? Do you think the dollar will lose its dominance anytime soon? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Despite significant pressure from the developed countries to alter its food subsidy regime, there is merit in India trying to retain its policy support for the poor in the country. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":8400,"topper":"Tushar Chauhan","air":216,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/TUSHAR-CHAUHANUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-216-Sample-MGP-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) What constitutes journalistic ethics? Highlight the role of media, particularly mass media, in shaping ethical values in contemporary times.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) Young people with ethical conduct are not willing to come forward to join active politics. Suggest steps to motivate them to come forward.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) What do you understand by value conflict? Give an example from your personal life where you faced a conflict between two values. How did you resolve it?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) Knowledge and skills are important, but they must be grounded in ethical principles for true success. In this context, discuss the importance of ethics in education and the role of educational institutions in imparting ethical values.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3 What do the following quotes mean to you:\na) “To worship my country as a God is to bring curse upon it.” Rabindranath Tagore","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) \"Your goodness is an impediment in your way, so let your eyes be red with anger, and try to fight the injustice with a firm hand.\" Sardar Patel","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"c) “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power.” Abraham Lincoln","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.4) a) How does persuasion help achieve a desired change in attitude? What are the elements of an effective persuasive approach?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"b) While ethics in private and public relations may differ, their impact on one another is undeniable. Discuss with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.5) a) How can responsible and informed social media use be nurtured among children to make the internet a safer space for them?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"b) The philanthropy of influential personalities can serve as a catalyst for fostering ethical conduct and responsibility in society. Explain with the help of examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.6) a) \"In an increasingly complex world, emotional intelligence is a vital skill for civil servants, enabling them to navigate challenges, engage with diverse communities, and drive positive change.\" Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"b) Social values are more important than economic values. Discuss the above statement with examples in the context of inclusive growth of a nation.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7 You are a young and sincere employee who has recently joined a government office as an assistant to the director of your department. Being new to the workplace, you are eager to learn and grow in your role. Your superior, the director, is an experienced and intelligent person with extensive knowledge of various departments. You respect him not just for his professional skills but also for his willingness to guide and mentor you. You have built a good rapport with him and appreciate the chance to learn from such an accomplished individual.\nAs your relationship with your boss grows, he begins to rely on you more for work-related tasks. One day, due to ill health, he invites you to his home to help with some urgent work. When you reach his house and are about to ring the doorbell, you hear shouting from inside. Unsure of what to do, you pause for a moment but then decide to enter. Your boss greets you warmly and explains the work, but throughout, you are distracted by the sound of a woman crying in the background.\nInitially, you hesitate to ask about the situation, but your concern grows. Finally, you ask your boss about the noise, but his answer is vague and unsatisfactory. He quickly dismisses the matter. Although you finish the work, the unsettling environment leaves you feeling uneasy.\nThe next day, you discreetly inquire at the office and learn more about the situation. You discover that, despite your boss's calm and professional demeanour at work, he is abusive toward his wife at home. His wife is a simple woman, not highly educated, and suffers from regular domestic violence. This information shocks you, as it conflicts with the positive image you had of him based on your interactions at work.\nThis knowledge puts you in a difficult moral dilemma. On one hand, you respect your boss for his guidance, intelligence, and professionalism. On the other hand, you are aware of his unethical behaviour at home, which violates basic human rights and ethical principles. You struggle to reconcile the two sides of his character, finding it hard to balance your professional relationship with the awareness of his abusive actions at home.\na. Under the given conditions, what are the options available to you? Evaluate each of the options listed by you.\nb. What course of action would you adopt and why?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"3 Persuade Boss about Ethical behaviour and to stop women abuse","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Q.8) Gaurav is traveling with his wife and children in their car on a busy Sunday evening. The road is packed with traffic, and the vehicles are barely moving. As they inch forward, Gaurav notices a biker trying to weave through the congested road. In his attempt, the biker accidentally collides with an SUV that is illegally parked in a No Parking Zone. The impact causes the rear-view mirror of the SUV to break, injuring the biker, who starts bleeding profusely.\nHearing the loud noise, the owner of the SUV, a local councillor, rushes out of his car in a rage. Furious about the damage, the councillor grabs a metal rod and starts hitting the injured biker. The situation quickly escalates as the councillor vents his anger on the defenceless, bleeding biker. The sight of the violence shocks Gaurav, who is watching from his car.\nInstinctively, Gaurav feels the urge to intervene and help the biker, who is being mercilessly beaten. However, as he opens his car door and takes a step forward, his wife stops him. She reminds him of the danger in confronting someone as powerful as the local councillor, especially when Gaurav is unarmed. She points out the risks of standing up to him and the possible consequences that could put their family in harm's way. With their children in the car and the councillor's aggressive behaviour, her concerns about safety seem valid to Gaurav.\nHis wife further points out that despite the number of people witnessing the incident, none of them are stepping forward to help. She questions why Gaurav should risk his safety when no one else is willing to take action. This argument adds to Gaurav's growing sense of hesitation, as he sees others choosing to remain bystanders, unwilling to intervene in the dangerous situation.\nGaurav glances around from his car window and notices a police constable standing near the scene. For a moment, he feels relieved, hoping that the officer will intervene to stop the violence. However, to his dismay, the officer remains passive; merely watching the councillor continue his assault without stepping in to help. This leaves Gaurav even more conflicted about what to do.\na. Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb. What are the reasons behind rise of road rage incidents in the country?\nc. Suggest measures to reduce incidents of road rage and promote responsible behaviour in public spaces.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"a. इस मामले में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा करें।\nb. देश में सड़क पर रोष की घटनाओं में वृद्धि के पीछे क्या कारण हैं?\nc. सड़क पर रोष की घटनाओं को कम करने और सार्वजनिक स्थानों पर उत्तरदायी व्यवहार को बढ़ावा देने के उपाय सुझाएँ।\na इस मामले में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा करें।\nb देश में सड़क पर रोष की घटनाओं में वृद्धि के पीछे क्या कारण हैं?\nc सड़क पर रोष की घटनाओं को कम करने और सार्वजनिक स्थानों पर उत्तरदायी व्यवहार को बढ़ावा देने के उपाय सुझाएँ।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.9) Diya is a first-year student studying political science in a metropolitan city. She belongs to a small village in a rural region. Although Diya cherishes her ancestral home, she has limited knowledge about the socio-cultural aspects of the area. One day, while talking to her father, Diya expresses her desire to visit her ancestral place. Her father readily agrees and advises her to inform her paternal uncle about her travel plans. On the destined day, Diya arrives at her village to a grand welcome organized by her uncle. Later in the day, he informs Diya that they are all to attend a marriage function in the village. At the function, while having dinner, Diya notices the preparations for the celebration. She overhears discussions among attendees about the dowry being offered for the bride. Diya learns that substantial amounts of money and gifts are expected from the bride's family, creating a financial burden that can lead to significant distress. Curious, she engages in conversation with her aunt, who explains the pressures faced by families regarding dowry. Her aunt mentions that many families feel compelled to meet these demands, as failing to do so can result in social stigma and even violence against the bride. The next day, while walking through the village, Diya sees a group of women discussing the dowry they have arranged for their daughters. They express their fears about not being able to meet the expectations of the groom's family. Diya is taken aback by how deeply ingrained these practices are, realizing that some families even go into debt or sell property to fulfil dowry demands. Though Diya leaves for her home a few days later, the incidents in the village leave an indelible mark on her psyche. As a political science student, she realizes that such practices are blatant violations of women's rights and dignity. However, she struggles to comprehend why such deeply entrenched societal norms continue to persist. The events she witnessed are not isolated incidents but rather a common phenomenon in many parts of the country, even today.\na. What are the ethical issues involved in the case?\nb. Why do such discriminatory practices continue in the society? What role can youth like Diya play in checking such practices?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Q.10 In a southern Indian state, a globally renowned high end mobile manufacturing company advertised job vacancies, attracting many hopeful applicants. Among them were two sisters from a nearby village who applied after seeing advertisements on WhatsApp. Upon arrival at the factory's main gate, a security guard met them and asked a series of questions, including an inquiry about their marital status. After confirming that they were married, they were informed that they could not proceed further. No explanation was provided, leaving them confused and disappointed. Back in their village, the sisters reflected on their experience and felt dismayed at being denied an opportunity without a clear reason. Even the auto-rickshaw driver who took them to the facility had hinted that married women might not be hired, yet they still hoped for a fair chance. Subsequent investigations by a prominent international news agency revealed a pattern at the manufacturing facility where married women were systematically excluded from employment opportunities. This practice was not officially documented but was communicated verbally to recruitment agencies responsible for hiring. The revelations sparked significant media uproar, drawing public attention to the issue. The Union Labour Ministry also took cognizance of the situation and sought a report from the state government regarding these discriminatory hiring practices. Unfortunately, such discriminatory practices are not uncommon in various parts of the world, reflecting broader issues of gender attitudes that persist in many societies.\na. Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case study.\nb. What can be the underlying reasons for discriminatory attitudes toward hiring married women by the company?\nc. How can organizations promote gender equity in their hiring practices?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Q.11) Ramesh has been appointed as the Municipal Commissioner of a coastal city that is grappling with the recurring problem of flooding. Over the years, these floods have led to significant loss of life and extensive property damage, raising serious concerns among residents and policymakers alike. In response to this persistent challenge, Ramesh is committed to finding effective solutions. To identify and address the root causes of the flooding, he established an expert committee tasked with analyzing the situation comprehensively and proposing actionable recommendations. Following extensive and thorough field surveys, the committee identified two primary factors contributing to the city's increasing vulnerability to floods. The first factor is the degradation of wetlands, which serve as critical natural buffers against flooding and play a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance. The second factor is the illegal encroachments on the flood plains of seasonal streams. These encroachments have significantly reduced the streams' ability to carry water, increasing the risk of flooding. In light of these findings, the committee proposed two major interventions: the restoration of wetlands and the removal of unauthorized encroachments on the flood plains. These actions are aimed at effectively restoring the city's natural drainage system and mitigating future flood risks. Ramesh recognizes the necessity of implementing these measures to ensure the city's long-term safety and resilience against flooding. However, he is also aware of the potential human cost associated with these interventions. The illegal structures in question are inhabited by marginalized migrant laborers, and their removal would render many families homeless, significantly impacting their livelihoods. Despite his personal reservations regarding the social implications of these actions, Ramesh feels compelled to proceed with the committee's recommendations, as he believes they are essential for preventing future disasters. Subsequently, the operation to remove encroachments was launched with the deployment of a police force to ensure safety and order throughout the process. As the clearance of encroachments commenced, the affected residents expressed their opposition vigorously. Protests escalated into violent confrontations, resulting in assaults on officers and vandalism of government vehicles. The situation quickly deteriorated. When the police attempted to disperse the crowd, a stampede ensued. Tragically, this chaos resulted in the deaths of two elderly men. As the in-charge of the situation, Ramesh feels that these lives could have been saved if he had acted differently.\na. Identify the various value conflicts faced by Ramesh in his role as Municipal Commissioner.\nb. Analyze the decision to remove unauthorized encroachments on the flood plains from an ethical perspective.\nc. If you were in Ramesh's position and in charge of the situation, how would you have approached the challenges presented by the encroachment clearance and the resulting protests?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"a. नगर आयुक्त के रूप में रमेश द्वारा सामना किए गए विभिन्न मूल्य संघर्षों की पहचान करें।\nb. बाढ़ के मैदानों पर अनधिकृत अतिक्रमण हटाने के निर्णय का नैतिक दृष्टिकोण से विश्लेषण करें।\nc. यदि आप रमेश की स्थिति में होते और स्थिति के प्रभारी होते, तो अतिक्रमण हटाने और उसके परिणामस्वरूप होने वाले विरोध प्रदर्शनों से उत्पन्न चुनौतियों का आप किस प्रकार सामना करते?\na नगर आयुक्त के रूप में रमेश द्वारा सामना किए गए विभिन्न मूल्य संघर्षों की पहचान करें।\nb बाढ़ के मैदानों पर अनधिकृत अतिक्रमण हटाने के निर्णय का नैतिक दृष्टिकोण से विश्लेषण करें।\nc यदि आप रमेश की स्थिति में होते और स्थिति के प्रभारी होते, तो अतिक्रमण हटाने और उसके परिणामस्वरूप होने वाले विरोध प्रदर्शनों से उत्पन्न चुनौतियों का आप किस प्रकार सामना करते?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":51,"question":"Q.12) Prashant works in a multinational company in a metropolitan city and is visiting his native village during his holiday. While reading the newspaper at home, he came across a distressing news article about a newlywed couple who tragically died in a road accident. Their motorcycle lost control and crashed into a roadside boulder. The police report indicated that none of the riders were wearing helmets, emphasizing that their fatal head injuries could have been avoided had they used this critical safety equipment.\nA few days later, Prashant and his five friends from the village decided to take a road trip to the hills of a neighboring state on their two-wheelers. While riding through urban areas, all the friends wore their helmets, and Prashant felt proud that they prioritized road safety. However, once they entered rural areas, Prashant noticed that everyone removed their helmets almost immediately. He found this behavior puzzling. When he inquired about it, his friends explained that helmet use is strictly enforced in urban areas, where violations can result in hefty fines. In contrast, enforcement is lax in rural areas. As an aware citizen who values road safety and adherence to regulations, Prashant is conscious of the importance of following safety protocols, including helmet use. Concerned for their safety, he encouraged his friends to keep their helmets on. He explained that one should wear helmets not just because it is a legal requirement, but for one's own safety, as helmets significantly reduce the risk of serious injury or death in the event of an accident. Upon hearing this, Prashant's friends teased him, suggesting that he had become too influenced by urban attitudes.\nWhile riding through a scenic area, they passed by a deep gorge and witnessed a motorcycle accident where a rider lost control and crashed into the ravine. The sight was alarming and reminded Prashant of the news article he had read. Once again, he urged his friends to wear their helmets. This time, his friends grew irritated and dismissed Prashant's concerns as unnecessary fear. Prashant recognized that they held a prevailing negative attitude toward wearing helmets, seeing them as an imposition rather than a safeguard.\na. Why is there a negative attitude among people regarding wearing helmets?\nb. What measures can be taken to bring about positive changes in this attitude? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":8401,"topper":"Tushar Chauhan","air":216,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/TUSHAR-CHAUHANUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-216-Sample-MGP-Copy-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) What is your understanding of corruption? In your opinion, does corruption grease or sand the wheels of growth? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Whether corruption grows?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"b) The balance between laws and conscience is delicate; when synchronized, they promote ethical conduct, but their discord can give rise to significant ethical dilemmas. Illustrate with examples","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) “The recognition of the horrors of nuclear weapons should compel nations to move towards meaningful disarmament. However, geopolitical interests continue to hinder genuine progress in this direction. What are the ethical considerations of nuclear states to pursue global disarmament, and how can the international community balance security concerns with the moral imperative of a nuclear-free world?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"How global world can balance?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"b) What does ‘accountability’ mean in the context of public service? What measures can be adopted to ensure individual and collective accountability of public servants?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) a) “Probity in governance is an essential and vital requirement for an efficient and effective system of governance and for socio-economic development.” Discuss the statement with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) Why should public services prioritize impartiality and non-partisanship as core values in the present socio-political context? Illustrate with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.4) a) Distinguish between \"Code of ethics\" and \"Code of conduct\" with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"b) In contemporary times, corporate governance emphasizes accountability and ethical responsibility, yet a lack of adherence to these principles among many corporations highlights a disconnect between theory and practice. In this context, discuss the challenges corporations face in adhering to ethical standards and how these challenges can be mitigated.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.5) a) What do you understand by the term 'public servant'? Reflect on the expected role of public servant.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"b) The ethical basis of a welfare state is central to its legitimacy. What are, in your opinion, the vital ethical traits of a welfare state? Suggest ways to strengthen the ethical foundation of a state.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.6) a) Distinguish between laws and rules. Discuss the role of ethics in formulating them.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"b) Write short notes on the following in 30-50 words each:\ni) Ethical congruence\nii) Conflict of interest\niii) Compassion in public life\niv) Crisis of conscience\nv) Social capital","marks":"10 marks, 150","words":"30-50 words each"},{"page":27,"question":"Q.7) Recently, a disturbing incident involving the sexual assault of two young girls at a nursery school came to light in a 'sleepy' town of a western state in the country. When the parents approached the local police station to lodge an FIR, the police turned them away. However, twelve hours later, the FIR was filed, and a 24-year-old cleaning staff member of the school was arrested as the only suspect in the incident.\nThe news of the assault spread rapidly, igniting widespread outrage and intense media coverage. The public was furious, leading to protests across the town demanding justice for the victims. Locals organized a bandh, vandalized the school, and blocked railway lines while demanding death penalty for the suspect.\nThe state government swung into action, suspending two police personnel for their delayed response and forming a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the case. The principal of the school, along with two staff members, was also suspended. The SIT began its investigation and charged the school principal, secretary, and chairman under sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for failing to report the crime. Meanwhile, the accused's first wife filed a case against him for violent sexual behavior and unnatural sex. As the investigation progressed, tensions in the town continued to simmer. The pressure on the SIT to resolve the case was immense, with political figures, media, and the public all demanding swift action.\nThe following day, while the suspect was being transported to the crime scene (the school) for further investigation, he was killed in what was described as an encounter. According to the SIT's account, the suspect managed to snatch a gun from one of the officers and opened fire, injuring him. In retaliation, the police shot the suspect, who was gravely injured and later succumbed to his wounds in the hospital.\nThe news of the encounter spread quickly. While many praised the SIT for their swift action, others raised serious concerns. The family of the suspect claimed it was a staged encounter. The human rights groups echoed similar sentiments, accusing the police of an extrajudicial killing orchestrated under immense public pressure.\na. What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\nb. Based on the case study, discuss the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in conducting a fair and impartial investigation amidst public and political pressure.\nc. What best practices should be followed to ensure the integrity of investigations in such high-profile cases?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"a. उपरोक्त मामले में नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\nb. केस स्टडी के आधार पर, सार्वजनिक और राजनीतिक दबाव के बीच निष्पक्ष जांच करने में कानून प्रवर्तन एजेंसियों के सामने आने वाली चुनौतियों पर चर्चा करें।\nc. ऐसे हाई-प्रोफाइल मामलों में जांच की सत्यनिष्ठा सुनिश्चित करने के लिए कौन सी सर्वोत्तम प्रथाओं का पालन किया जाना चाहिए?\na उपरोक्त मामले में नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\nb केस स्टडी के आधार पर, सार्वजनिक और राजनीतिक दबाव के बीच निष्पक्ष जांच करने में कानून प्रवर्तन एजेंसियों के सामने आने वाली चुनौतियों पर चर्चा करें।\nc ऐसे हाई-प्रोफाइल मामलों में जांच की सत्यनिष्ठा सुनिश्चित करने के लिए कौन सी सर्वोत्तम प्रथाओं का पालन किया जाना चाहिए?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":30,"question":"(a) Means vs Ends is Extra-judicial killing justified for swift justice to victims?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Q.8) Sowmiya is a senior public servant renowned for her integrity and transparency. Currently serving as the Head of the Budget Division in the Finance Ministry, she is responsible for managing budgetary allocations critical to the government's developmental initiatives. Her department is currently organizing financial support to the states, three of which are due to go to the polls within the financial year. In this year's annual budget, the government allocated ₹9,300 crores to the National Electricity Mission (NEM), a centrally sponsored scheme aimed at providing electricity to every remaining household in the country. As of June, ₹1,775 crores had already been disbursed for this initiative. The NEM is pivotal for improving living standards and aligns with the government's broader goal of universal access to electricity.\nThe Ministry of Commerce has been advocating for the establishment of a semiconductor fabrication unit in a southern state. This project is essential for enhancing domestic manufacturing capabilities and reducing dependency on imported semiconductors. After extensive discussions spanning nearly three years among relevant stakeholders, the Union Cabinet approved the establishment of the unit, and the process for acquiring the necessary land has commenced.\nIn alignment with the government's policy toward a green transition, a leading Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) is actively working on establishing a green hydrogen plant in a northeastern state. This initiative is crucial for promoting sustainable energy solutions and achieving the 'panchamrit' targets. The CPSE has already acquired the necessary land for the project. Following three rounds of global bidding, the project was awarded to an MNC, M/s XYZ Hydrocarbons, with the first tranche of payment scheduled for December.\nThe Finance Ministry was asked for an additional allocation of ₹7,000 crores to support the semiconductor fabrication unit and the green hydrogen plant. It was decided to recommend re-appropriating this entire amount from the NEM allocation. The file was forwarded to the Budget Department for their comments and further processing. Upon reviewing the case file, Sowmiya recognized the potential consequences of such a reallocation. Diverting funds from the NEM could significantly delay its implementation, undermining a project that holds political significance and is frequently highlighted in political rallies.\nAdditionally, failing to secure timely funding for the semiconductor unit and the green hydrogen plant could jeopardize these projects and lead to cost overruns. Delayed payment in an international project could send the wrong signals to MNCs about India's commitment to honoring international contracts. Such delays could harm the government's reputation and weaken investor confidence in India's growing green energy sector.\nSowmiya discussed the situation with her seniors and received orders to process this politically sensitive issue expeditiously. She realized that diverting funds from the NEM could raise difficult questions for the government in Parliament. On the other hand, these projects are proposed in states where elections are to be held shortly, adding to the urgency of the matter.\na. What are the ethical issues involved in re-appropriation of funds from a welfare project to the developmental projects?\nb. Given the need for proper utilization of public funds, discuss the options available to Sowmiya. Which option should she choose?","marks":"20","words":"20 marks; 250"},{"page":34,"question":"a. कल्याणकारी परियोजना से विकासात्मक परियोजनाओं के लिए वित्त के पुनर्विनियोजन में क्या नैतिक मुद्दे शामिल हैं? b. सार्वजनिक वित्त के उचित उपयोग की आवश्यकता को देखते हुए, सौम्या के पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों पर चर्चा करें। उसे कौन सा विकल्प चुनना चाहिए?\na कल्याणकारी परियोजना से विकासात्मक परियोजनाओं के लिए वित्त के पुनर्विनियोजन में क्या नैतिक मुद्दे शामिल हैं?\nb सार्वजनिक वित्त के उचित उपयोग की आवश्यकता को देखते हुए, सौम्या के पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों पर चर्चा करें। उसे कौन सा विकल्प चुनना चाहिए?","marks":null,"words":"20 अंक"},{"page":39,"question":"Q.9 Surrogate advertising — a marketing technique that promotes a product or service restricted or banned from direct advertising, such as alcohol and tobacco, by advertising a legal product like soda, water, or music CDs from the same brand — has been around for a long time. While the practice has faced criticism in the past, it has recently gained fresh attention as several famous film stars have begun endorsing these surrogate products.\nPublic health advocates and certain sections of society are worried about this trend. They argue that when celebrities get involved, the ads become much more influential, especially among the younger audiences. These critics believe that even if the ads don’t directly promote harmful products, they still make them seem more acceptable. As a result, there is a fear that such advertising could indirectly lead to higher consumption of those items, which could bring more health problems, especially among the youth.\nOn the flip side, companies and the celebrities they work with claim they are not doing anything wrong. They point out that they are only endorsing legal products, and they have every right to advertise them. For them, this type of advertising is about keeping the brand alive and competing in a market with tight regulations. They also argue that restricting these ads could harm businesses, affecting jobs and overall economic growth.\nThe debate continues, with each side presenting its own set of compelling arguments.\na. What are the ethical concerns associated with surrogate advertising?\nb. Suggest a course of action that addresses the concerns of both the stakeholders involved. Justify your answer.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.10 Sneha is a Senior Manager working for a big reputed hospital chain in a mid-sized city. She has been made in charge of the new super specialty centre that the hospital is building with state-of-the-art equipment and world-class medical facilities. The building has been reconstructed, and she is starting the process of procurement for various equipment and machines. As the head of the committee responsible for procurement, she has invited bids from all the interested reputed vendors dealing in medical equipment. She notices that her brother, who is a well-known supplier in this domain, has also sent his expression of interest. Since the hospital is privately owned, it is not mandatory for her to select only the lower bidder. Also, she is aware that her brother's company has been facing some financial difficulties and a big supply order will help him recover. At the same time, allocating the contract to her brother might bring charges of favoritism against her and tarnish her image. The hospital management trusts her fully and would support any decision of hers.\na What should be Sneha's course of action?\nb How would she justify what she chooses to do?\nc In this case, how is medical ethics compromised with vested personal interest?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"(c) How Medical Ethics are compromised with vested personal interest?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Q.11) Utkarsh is a dedicated and experienced Chief Engineer in the Public Works Department (PWD) of a major Indian city. His responsibilities include overseeing the maintenance and construction of the city's infrastructure. One of his critical responsibilities is managing the safety and welfare of the PWD workers. A sudden strike by the workers' union of the PWD erupted over the issue of compensation to a construction worker who died while repairing a major bridge in the city. The case was brought to Utkarsh's attention for resolution.\nThe deceased worker, Shyam Lal, was part of a team tasked with repairing a crucial bridge that connected two busy parts of the city. During the repair, an unfortunate accident occurred where a section of the bridge collapsed. Shyam Lal fell from a significant height, suffering severe injuries. He was immediately rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival. Shyam Lal was 45 years old and the sole breadwinner for his family, which included his wife and three young children.\nThe initial investigation revealed that Shyam Lal had not been wearing the mandatory safety harness at the time of the accident. The management, upon learning of this, is considering not providing extra compensation to Shyam Lal's family, citing negligence on his part.\nThe PWD workers' union was outraged by this decision, arguing that the lack of proper training and supervision were the primary cause of the accident. They demanded full compensation for Shyam Lal's family, like what other workers receive who die in the line of duty, and a job for one family member.\nWith no satisfactory response from the management, the union went on strike, halting all ongoing maintenance and construction projects in the city. The strike has continued for two weeks, causing significant disruption to the city's infrastructure projects and leading to public outcry. Utkarsh is now tasked with finding a resolution to this deadlock.\na) What are the options available to Utkarsh to meet the above situation? Critically examine each of the options identified by him.\nb) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Utkarsh?\nc) What course of action should Utkarsh adopt to diffuse the above situation?","marks":"25","words":"25 marks; 250"},{"page":54,"question":"Q.12) Raman is a senior IPS officer and has recently been posted as D.G. of a state. Among the various issues and problems/challenges which need his immediate attention, the issue relating to recruitment of unemployed youth by an unknown terrorist group was a matter of grave concern. It was noted that unemployment was relatively high in the state. The problem of unemployment amongst graduates and those with higher education was much more grave. Thus, they were vulnerable and soft targets. In the review meeting taken by him with senior officers (DIG range and above), it came to light that a new terrorist group has emerged at the global level. It has launched a massive drive to recruit young unemployed people. Special focus was to pick young people from a particular community. The said organization seemed to have the clear objective of utilizing/using them for carrying out militant activities. It was also gathered that the said (new) group is desperately trying to spread its tentacles in his state. A definite/reliable intelligence tip was received by the State CID and Cyber Cell that a large number of such unemployed youth have already been contacted by the terrorist outfit/group through social media and local organizations and other contacts. The need of the hour was to act swiftly and check these elements/designs before they assume serious proportions. Discreet inquiries made by the police through the Cyber Cell, revealed that good numbers of unemployed youth are very active on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. On an average, many of them were spending 6-8 hours each day, using electronic devices/internet. It also came to light that such unemployed youth were showing sympathy and endorsing the messages received from certain persons, allegedly the contact persons of the global terrorist group. Their social media accounts revealed their strong affinity to such groups inasmuch as many of them started forwarding anti-national views on their WhatsApp and Facebook. It seemed that they succumbed to their play, and started propagating secessionist ideology. Their posts were hyper-critical of the government's initiatives, policies, and subscribing to extreme beliefs and promoting extremism.\na. What are the options available to Raman to tackle the above situation?\nb. What measures would you suggest for strengthening the existing set-up to ensure that such groups do not succeed in penetrating and vitiating the atmosphere in the state?\nc. In the above scenario, what action plan would you advise for enhancing the intelligence-gathering mechanism of the police force?","marks":"25","words":"25 marks; 250"}]},{"id":8402,"topper":"Tushar Chauhan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/d64273bf3cefb73af9bf1580d4ff1a6f/6/mts_2023_unchecked_mt23avea018_tc119.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Most civil servants are neither pure deontologists nor pure utilitarians, but they operate according to a kind of ethical pluralism.\" Do you agree? Discuss your position with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The motivation to seek a career in public service and perform public service can be due to attraction to public service, commitment to public values, self-sacrifice and compassion. Among the four, what is the primary public service motivator for you? Explain your motivating factor. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"One of the critical areas of governance is developing policies for managing public health emergencies such as COVID. While tackling such health emergencies, the government may take measures that involve the abdication of liberty on the part of the citizens. According to you, what ethical principles should guide the government's public health policymaking? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Identify any four components of emotional intelligence relevant to public services. Explain their role in administrative decision-making. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Values lie at the core of the diverse world of human behaviour and are expressed in every human decision and action. In keeping with the above statement, explain with the help of illustrations, how values impact an individual's behaviour. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Explain the difference between codes of ethics, codes of conduct and codes of rules and regulations. Do you think an increase in the number of codes and regulations is an efficient response to the decline of public trust and integrity issues? Why/why not? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance. (a) \"The root of happiness is Dharma (righteousness), the root of Dharma is Artha (economy), the root of Artha is right governance.\" (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Prioritising ethical concerns within public administration and policy has monetary costs in terms of training and other expenses. Do you think the financial cost of actively pursuing ethical standards by the government is justified? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Distinguish between administrative, legal and professional accountability. Despite multiple institutional accountability mechanisms, the government has failed to make a dent in systemic corruption. What do you think are the reasons for the poor performance of accountability mechanisms? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Economists view transparency as a condition for open markets, and political scientists view it as a condition for public participation. What does transparency imply in public administration ethics? Is it only a flow of information or more than that? Explain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Persuasion performs a number of positive, prosocial functions. However, people often equate persuasion with manipulation and consider it unethical. What are the ethical values a persuader must respect to ensure the ethicality of the act of persuasion? Explain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"You are the VP (Operations) of a company that manufactures and supplies space probes and satellite equipment to Government space agencies. The company has been in the business for over four decades and has built considerable expertise in producing and delivering high-quality products. The business was good. As VP of Operations, it was your responsibility to ensure the completion of projects and deliverables on time. A critical deliverable was running behind schedule due to the non-availability of a specific raw material. The material in question was an environmentally hazardous chemical that the Environmental Ministry banned. But considering the importance of the chemical compound for the space industry, the Environment Ministry was planning to allow controlled use in about three weeks. You and the company management didn't have three week waiting time. Further, there was severe pressure from the Department of Space to complete the deliverable on time as a lot was riding politically on the project. After internal discussions, you met the Space Department officials to explain the predicament and request a deadline extension. When the meeting happened, you were shocked by the attitude of the Department officials. They refused to accept any delay and suggested circumventing the environmental ministry's prohibition and procuring and using the chemical. They justified it by saying the ministry would allow controlled use in a few weeks. So, why wait? Besides, they noted that the environment ministry doesn't understand space priorities and their intricacies. They pointed out that everything is justified in the name of national interest. (250 words,","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What are the issues involved in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the merits and demerits of each option and select your chosen course of action.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"What do you understand by National Interest? Do you think it is ethically justified for a nation to prioritise security and economics over and above social justice and social development priorities? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What are the issues involved in the case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"Do you think breaching client confidentiality and trust can be justified in the above case? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"What are the issues and ethical dilemmas involved in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"How would you see the widow as a victim of her husband's crime or an accused? Justify. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What are the options Pallavi has? How should she navigate the issues with Mr Thakur?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"What do you think is the problem with Mr Thakur, is it a lack of emotional intelligence or something else?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"How do you think you will be able to help Pallavi? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"What options are available to the MP in the above case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"Evaluate the options and suggest a course of action to the MP.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"Distinguish between political and bureaucratic corruption. Can bureaucracy play a role in checking political corruption? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"Do you think whistle-blowing could have been a good option five years back? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":8403,"topper":"Tushar Dobhal","air":284,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gban7KDNuiiwOpksBZ65Nl3QJ60sXiMQ/view","questions":[]},{"id":8404,"topper":"Tushar Giri","air":395,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/TUSHAR_GIRI_ESSAY_PROGRAMME_AIR_395_2025_c637e39a7d.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8405,"topper":"Tushar Kumar","air":44,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2410a-27585_1075_tushar-kumar_rank-44.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8406,"topper":"Tushar Kumar","air":44,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/12ca6-27585_930_tushar-kumar_rank-44.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8407,"topper":"Tushar Kumar","air":44,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/573af-27585_933_tushar-kumar_rank-44.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8408,"topper":"Tushar Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b493c-27585_877_tushar-kumar_rank-44.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"The seeds of patriarchy and gender inequality are sown at home, which manifest as a weed at the societal level. Elucidate. Suggest an ethical framework to systematically address the issue of patriarchy in the Indian society. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"What are the factors which drive people to take law in their own hands rather than following the due process of law? Discuss ways to address the problem of mob justice. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"In a democracy, the purpose of the government should be to make it easy for people to do good and difficult to do wrong. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss John Stuart Mill's idea on freedom of thought and expression. Also, give reasons as to why, according to Mill, representative democracy is the best form of government despite its inherent weaknesses.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"It is argued by some that nuclear weapons have acted more as a deterrent than leading to war and mass destruction. In this context, discuss whether it is ethically right to possess nuclear weapons to create nuclear deterrence.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Differentiate between administration and leadership. Highlighting the traits which characterize an effective leader, discuss the importance of leadership in ensuring effective public service delivery in a bureaucratic setup.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"Apart from functional knowledge and expertise, the efficacy of a civil servant also depends upon his emotional intelligence. How does emotional intelligence contribute to efficacy? How can civil servants enhance their emotional intelligence?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Enumerate the mechanisms that promote accountability of public officials in discharging their functions and responsibilities in India. Also discuss why ensuring accountability for performance is not a simple task in government service.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) \"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"\"Prejudices are what fools use for reason.\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"Ensuring that government decisions are not influenced by public officials' private interests is a growing concern. Discuss in the context of India. Also enumerate the core principles reflected by OECD guidelines for managing conflict of interest in the public sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss, with examples, the significance of principles of public life as recommended by Nolan committee. Why are these principles considered as an essential set of expectations from public servants?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"A peculiar inhuman situation exists for the people fleeing from war zones - they cannot go back to their homeland for fear of being persecuted and no country is ready to bear their burden due to various reasons. Citing contemporary examples, discuss the ethical issues involved in such situations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"As the administrator in-charge of your area, you are witness to the widespread food wastage in lavish parties as well as in restaurants and eateries, on one hand and people starving due to inability to ensure one square-meal a day, on the other. Realizing that it is not the scarcity of resources, but the habit of people that is causing paucity in availability of food, you decide that certain measures are needed to be taken in order to deal with the issue of starvation at the grassroot level. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) What measures would you take to deal with wastage of food in your area? (c) What explains this co-existence of affluence and hunger in developing countries like India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"The excluded and marginalized section of society are worst hit by globalization. Take the case of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) like Sentinelese of Andaman & Nicobar islands; their population has reduced drastically and they are facing various other problems as well. In this context answer the following questions: (a) What are the challenges faced by PVTGs due to globalisation? (b) If you are posted as a Development Officer in such an area, what will be your priorities to reduce their vulnerabilities and ensure welfare?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Undercover journalism exposes injustices, negligence, corruption and wrongdoing and yet going undercover to expose wrongdoing remains controversial. But, undercover journalists contend that they are fulfilling a fundamental duty of finding truth through their journalism. They argue that public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy and the duty of the journalist is to further those ends by seeking truth and providing a fair and comprehensive account of events and issues. So, there are some supporters of this kind of journalism, which sometimes infringe the privacy of individuals. However, some journalists also urge avoiding surreptitious methods of gathering information except when traditional open methods will not yield information vital to the public. In this context, answer the following questions: 20 (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the practice of undercover journalism? (b) Do you support the practice of undercover investigation by journalists? Give reasons in support of your answer.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"You are posted as a District Education Officer (DEO) in a Maoist affected district. You have been specifically given the responsibility to work on the literacy mission. After reading the education reports and doing field visits, you find that the number of out of school children has increased drastically and the motivation among students and teachers is also low. While certain basic infrastructure is already in place, the major hurdle in attracting students to these schools include the attitude of inhabitants towards education and the security risks involved in sending children to schools. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Analyse the reasons behind such an attitude. (b) As a DEO, what are the steps that you would take in order to increase the school attendance and change the prevalent attitude of inhabitants towards education?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"Mr. Pradeep is a senior civil servant in the central government and is involved in the budgeting department. In the course of performing his duties, he comes to know about diversion of funds earmarked for SC/ST sub-plan for other purposes. While he is not directly responsible for this aspect of the budget, he raised his concerns to the department concerned. He also learns that the minister responsible as well as senior most civil servants are aware of the practice and have given tacit approval for it. Soon thereafter, Pradeep was summoned to talk on the issue and was told that since the matter is not within his jurisdiction, he should 'keep his nose out of it'. After much soul searching, Pradeep decided to obey his supervisors by leaving the matter alone. Based on the information given, answer the following questions: (a) Elaborate on the internal dissonance that Pradeep faces in the given situation. (b) On what basis can the decision of Pradeep be justified?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8409,"topper":"Tushar Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/71f79-27585_1068_tushar-kumar_rank-44.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"There are many challenges in sustainably scaling up renewable energy in India. Analyse. Also, discuss what can be done to address these challenges. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The policies and indicators introduced by the government, in recent times, to finance urban development in India are key in addressing the existing challenges. Discuss with special reference to municipal bonds. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"With a number of issues continuing to be a roadblock, a large section of India's rural population is still 'financially excluded'. Discuss. Analyse how these issues can be addressed and the measures taken by the government and RBI recently in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'Environmental Accounting'? Discussing the rationale behind introducing environmental accounting, highlight its status in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"While access to irrigation is important, efficiency of water use is equally, if not more, crucial. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"For a holistic approach to disaster risk reduction, there is a need to mainstream indigenous traditional knowledge and link it with modern technologies. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do you understand by food irradiation? Highlighting some of its unique applications, examine its relevance for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Whereas misuse of technology has abetted the spread of fake news, it is with the aid of technology that this menace can be curbed. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Explain the salient features of the recently established Defence Planning Committee. How can it help in credible defence preparedness? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Recent reports of Maoist leaders having amassed huge assets in property and cash underlines the significance of probing the funding network as part of counter-terrorism efforts. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Not only do services MSMEs contribute mightily to the overall GDP growth, they have a powerful, multiplier impact on the local economies as well. Elaborating on the statement, highlight the problems faced by service sector MSMEs. How can the government make it easier for MSMEs to start and grow a business? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Contract Farming has many advantages, however it suffers from market failures. Elaborate. What can the government do to correct problems that lead to contract failures? Also, discuss whether the Model Contract Farming Act, 2018 is a step in the right direction. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Suggest the measures needed to improve the employability of labour force as well as increasing number of employment opportunities in light of structural changes being brought by disruptive technologies. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"India's trade policy in agriculture, marred by ad-hocism and pro-consumer bias, has constrained realization of export potential, and prevented the farmers from reaping the benefits. Examine the statement and discuss ways, including government initiatives, to improve agricultural exports. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Is currency exchange rate a suitable measure of relative economic performance of countries? Despite improving macro-economic fundamentals, trade deficit in India continues to widen. Bring out the factors responsible for this situation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"It will take much more than relief packages to address the problems being faced by the sugar industry in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"NAPCC, almost 10 years old and formulated with lofty objectives, has not served as the best answer to cope with the impacts of climate change. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Proliferation of nuclear weapons and the threat of their use are key concerns for global security nonetheless existing international arrangements seem to be ineffective. Comment. Also, identify the salient features of India's policy in this context and discuss whether India should join the NPT in the current form. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The maritime security domain requires collective multilateral and regional cooperation to combat non traditional threats. Discuss in the context of threats in the Western Indian Ocean and the recent amendments in the Djibouti Code of Conduct. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India’s space programme was initiated with the vision of utilising outer space for peaceful purposes, however with changing times it has the potential to play a significant role in strengthening security capabilities of India. Discuss with adequate examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8410,"topper":"Tushar Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/254c8-27585_1067_tushar-kumar_rank-44.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What is the role that opposition plays in a democracy like India? In this context, discuss whether our Parliament can benefit from a shadow cabinet. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Where there is a right, there is a remedy. In this context, discuss the nature and significance of writs in India with adequate examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Enumerate the objectives of NITI Aayog. Also, discuss the performance of this body since its inception and suggest measures to make it more effective. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"In view of the political class's inability to develop and maintain conventions relating to the appropriate use of Article 356, the Supreme Court's decision in the Bommai case provided much needed clarity. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Press freedom and good governance are not mutually exclusive. They support each other while promoting a country's economic and human development. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"SHGs have succeeded in delivering financial inclusion, but for them to evolve as viable business enterprise requires a different approach. Analyse in the context of the twin goals of rural growth and promotion of women's entrepreneurship. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The focus of higher education in India has been on a select few Central or autonomous institutions where as the ones in states remain neglected. Commenting on the statement, highlight the significance of Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the role played by PRIs in political empowerment of women. Also, suggest measures to further increase their political participation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What is Strategic Autonomy? Critically examine the elements of such a policy in India's contemporary foreign policy in the context of recent developments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"IBSA and BRICS are both examples of India's quest for multialignment, however there are key differences in their orientation. Discuss in the context of the relevance of these groupings for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What are the various modes of Alternate Dispute Redressal (ADR) mechanisms available in India? Identifying the problems being faced by them, provide suggestions needed to increase their effectiveness. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"While the power to punish for the contempt of court is a much needed tool to protect the administration of justice from being maligned, it is time that it be relooked into. Critically analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Criminalisation of politics remains a key concern for the Indian political system. In this context, analyse the role played by the Supreme Court and Election Commission over the years. Also, in what ways can the media play a positive role? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight, in brief, the mandate of the National Commission for Minorities (NCM). Identify the different challenges that the commission faces and suggest measures to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The recent decision of the government to open up positions at the senior levels in bureaucracy through lateral entry is an important but only small step in the direction of much needed reforms in the higher civil services. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Identifying the broad contours of the 'Transformation of Aspirational Districts' programme, explain how it adopts a novel strategy to address backwardness. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"How did India fare on the Millennium Development Goals related to health? In this regard, identify the relevant Sustainable Development Goals and evaluate India's capacity to meet them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the different rights recognized under the Forest Rights Act, 2006? Highlight the gaps in the implementation of community forest rights and community forest resource rights granted under the Forest Rights Act. Also, suggest measures to address the current scenario. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Progress in India-US ties has been accompanied by equally significant divergences on important issues. Examine in the context of recent developments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Despite bonhomie, the structural differences between Indian and Israeli national security situations, their worldviews and absence of explicitly shared enemies limit stronger strategic rapprochement. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8411,"topper":"Tushar Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/61186-27585_1073_tushar-kumar_rank-44.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Corruption distorts not only functioning of the Government in India but business and corporate activities as well. Explain and discuss how the state can effectively deal with deficit of ethics in the private sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/ philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) \"Silence becomes cowardice when occasion demands speaking out the whole truth and acting accordingly\" - Mahatma Gandhi.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"What do you understand by Probity in Governance? Examine whether the recent amendments to Prevention of Corruption Act and the proposed ones in Whistleblower Protection Act undermine it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"While some ethical approaches consider an action to be ethical based on results, other focus on means. Taking the example of Indian bureaucracy compare and examine how these approaches have played out for the benefit of citizens.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"What are the ethical principles that should form the basis of the system permitting organ donation and allocation? Also discuss the importance of regulation for the success of any organ transplant program.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Where as some argue that leaks constitute an affront to democracy, others are of the opinion that leaks are a part of democracy. Examine the merits of both the arguments in the context of information attributed to leaks from government offices and whistleblowers.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"In view of these benami land transfers, what would be your reaction to the suggestion of putting a ban on land sale in the area? (c) What action would you like to take? Justify your action with arguments.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"According to the WHO suicide is the second leading cause of death in the age group of 15-29 years globally. In India also, instances of young people committing suicide have been reported widely in recent times. It is all the more disturbing that such a phenomenon is increasingly visible in urban and prosperous areas. (a) What are the reasons that render people vulnerable to taking such drastic steps as suicide? (b) Also, discuss the role that you as an individual, the society and the government can play in addressing this issue.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8412,"topper":"TUSHAR SINGH","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/TUSHAR-SINGH-UPSC-2024-Rank-385-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Trace the evolution of Industrial policy in India post-independence. Assess the success of these policies in fulfilling their desired objectives. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Highlighting the importance of green growth, discuss various measures to promote the same. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Comment on the achievements and failures of land reforms. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"DPI (Digital Public Infrastructure) is a critical enabler of digital transformation for both businesses and citizens; however, it comes with its own set of challenges. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"How far do you agree that a robust domestic demand is the most important driver of India's economic growth? What are other factors that influence the growth trajectory of the country? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The multiheaded hydra of inequity is reinforced by the skewed concentration of wealth. How far can Universal Basic Income (UBI) check the growth of economic inequity? Substantiate your answer. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"To what extent does the Female Labor Force Participation paint a true picture of the participation of women in the Indian economy? Justify with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The skewed emphasis on certain crops has distorted the cropping pattern in India, which has led to grave socio-economic and environmental consequences. Elaborate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The utility of APMCs is not lost despite a plethora of limitations. Discuss and recommend corrective measures for overhauling the APMCs. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The World Trade Organisation (WTO) was formed with the objective of imparting a long term and equitable solution to the dichotomy between free trade and food security; however, the objective has been marred by several factors. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Critically evaluate the performance of Goods and Services Tax (GST) as a much talked about measure for fiscal reform. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Inclusive growth is a roadmap to intergenerational equity, redistribution of wealth, and employment generation. Explain. Also, discuss the steps taken by the government towards achieving inclusive growth. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The inflation in the economy is fueled by a multitude of factors and leaves wide-ranging socio-economic impact. Analyze. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What benefits does privatization of public infrastructure offer? Examine the role of the landlord port model in modernization of India's port infrastructure. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the significance of Multimodal Transport System in achieving last mile connectivity, improving logistics efficiency, and addressing the twin problems of pollution and congestion. What measures can be taken to ensure efficient multimodal transport connectivity in India? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"How will you explain the potential of Agristack in providing a lasting remedy to various ills afflicting the farm sector? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Food Processing Industries (FPIs) can act as a bridge between the informal farming community and the formal industrial sector, which can help boost the rural economy. Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Highlighting the rationale behind declaring MSP, discuss various issues related to the MSP regime in the country. Also, critically analyse the efficacy of legalizing MSP towards ensuring financial sustainability in farming. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What do you understand by Farmers Producer Organisations (FPO's)? Throwing light upon the various challenges faced by the FPOs, suggest measures to ameliorate the same. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Discuss the role of biotechnology in enhancing agricultural productivity. Also, highlight the concerns regarding the application of biotechnology in agriculture. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8413,"topper":"Tushar Singla","air":86,"year":2014,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1bceb-tushar-singla_86_2014_essay_booklet_1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8414,"topper":"Twinkle Arora","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0cf51-784458_1819_twinkle_arora_rank_91.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"1. (a) Explain the relevance of the following in the context of civil service:\n(i) Public Trust\n(ii) Compassion\n(iii) Objectivity\n(iv) Integrity\n(v) Fortitude","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"1. (b) What do you understand by environmental ethics? Highlight the various values it is based upon.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"2. (a) Explaining the need of ethics in public life, mention various sources of ethical guidance for a civil servant.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. (b) Explain the difference between end-oriented values and means-oriented values. In your opinion, which is more important for a public servant?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. (a) Moral quality of an action should be judged by its consequences on human happiness. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"3. (b) The core of Gandhiji's philosophy lies in internal moral power. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"4. (a) With the help of relevant examples, bring out the difference between the following:\n(i) Vice and Virtue\n(ii) Horizontal and Vertical Accountability\n(iii) Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct\n(iv) Persuasion and Manipulation\n(v) Belief and Faith","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"4. (b) Civil servants, who are themselves honest, but do nothing to save the institution from corruption, do greater damage to the system. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"5. (a) Explain the relationship between personal and professional ethics of a civil servant.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"5. (b) Explain, with examples, how law and liberty are related with each other.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"6. (a) Ethics is the foundation upon which virtues are built. In this context, discuss how ethics act as an anti-corruption force.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"6. (b) In context of the relationship between political executive and civil servants in India, highlight the significance of neutrality in the civil service.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"6. (c) The teachings of Arya Samaj present key ethical lessons for present day India. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"7. You are posted as a District Magistrate in a communally sensitive district of the country. Due to the recent upsurge in the COVID-19 cases, a strict lockdown has been imposed in the district. However, a religious festival is upcoming and a particular community wants to organize a big fair to celebrate the festival despite the lockdown guidelines. People from the other community were also allowed to celebrate their festival a few weeks earlier, though the situation with regard to the pandemic was different then. You have been informed that denial by the administration to allow the fair may anger certain sections of the community and give credibility to allegations of bias against the administration. You have also received confidential reports that such denial may be misused by local politicians to flare up communal tension and the situation may spiral out of control. In this context:\n(a) What are the various issues involved in this situation?\n(b) Identify the various options that you have and highlight your course of action.","marks":"20","words":"around 250"},{"page":31,"question":"8 Consider the following questions:\n(a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\n(b) Discuss the steps that can be taken to address these issues. Also suggest some long term measures for such issues.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":35,"question":"9. In recent times, we have witnessed large scale displacement of people all over the world. The reasons for this are manifold but it has resulted in a severe challenge in the form of a refugee crisis of large proportions. The recent turmoil in Afghanistan adds another unfortunate chapter to it. In this context, answer the following questions:\n(a) Examine the ethical issues involved in the refugee crisis being witnessed in the recent decades.\n(b) Highlight both short-term and long-term measures to deal with it.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":39,"question":"10. You are a well known social worker who has worked for many social causes like girls' education, campaigns against female foeticide and infanticide, child labour etc. You enjoy popularity and credibility among the local population for the work that you have done.\nRecently, a couple, who is also your distant relative, meet you to seek your counsel on an issue. They convey that a few months ago, they hired a woman to act as a surrogate mother and that now she is pregnant with twins. But as per them, they wanted only one child. So they asked the concerned lady to abort one of the fetuses but she is refusing to do so.\nUpon meeting the lady, you come to know that she already has two children and her financial condition won't allow her to look after one more child. In fact, her decision to act as a surrogate mother was influenced by the financial incentives she would receive. She can't even take legal recourse as commercial surrogacy has been banned in the country. Both the parties look up to you to find an amicable solution. Given the situation,\n(a) What are the ethical issues involved in the case?\n(b) What are the various options that you have? Which one of these will you adopt? Justify your stand with logical arguments.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":43,"question":"11. An international beverage company has a signature drink that it sells all over the world, with children being its major consumers. In India, the version of the drink complies with Indian food and health regulations, but is less healthy than the one sold in developed countries. Though the company is not in violation of any law in India, but it is selling an inferior, less healthy product in a developing country like India. There is however, a price differential with the drink sold in India being cheaper than the one sold in developed countries.\n\nIdentify the various stakeholders and discuss the issues that arise in this situation.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":47,"question":"12. The proliferation of social media platforms have empowered the citizens and enabled them to freely share their views, including criticism of the government and its functionaries. However, it has also given rise to serious concerns such as spread of fake news, hate speech, revenge porn etc., which have grown manifold in recent years. Moreover, there are growing issues related to lack of transparency, accountability and rights of users of such social media platforms.\n\nIn this context, what should be the underlying principles to regulate the social media platforms? Also, suggest a framework to address the associated issues and concerns and make such platforms a safe place for its diverse users.","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":8415,"topper":"Twinkle Dahiya","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/TWINKLE-DAHIYA-UPSC-2023-Rank-367-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The ultimate renewable energy is the hurnan ingenuity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Human laws and natural laws mutually reinforce each other.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8416,"topper":"Twinkle Dahiya","air":367,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/TWINKLE-DAHIYA-UPSC-2023-Rank-367-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8417,"topper":"Twinkle Dahiya","air":367,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/TWINKLE-DAHIYA-UPSC-2023-Rank-367-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8418,"topper":"Twinkle Dahiya","air":367,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/TWINKLE-DAHIYA-UPSC-2023-Rank-367-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8419,"topper":"Ujjwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5d062-1273820_3128_ujjwal_rank_174.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"The world must learn to work together, or finally it will not work at all.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Technology, like art, is a soaring exercise of the human imagination.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"We've begun to raise daughters more like sons, but few have the courage to raise our sons more like our daughters.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"We've begun to raise daughters like sons, but few have the courage to raise our sons more like our daughters.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8420,"topper":"Ujjwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/30754-1273820_2931_ujjwal_rank_174.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Discuss how the relationship between law and ethics is dynamic and continuously shaped by societal changes. Provide examples to illustrate this dynamic relationship. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Differentiate between probity and integrity with suitable examples. How do these values contribute to ethical governance and decision-making in the civil services? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the ethical implications of withholding information in public administration. How can transparency enhance accountability and reduce corruption in government institutions? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? \\There is no school equal to a decent home and no teacher equal to a virtuous parent.\\- Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What factors lead to a positive attitude in a person? How does positive attitude enhance the effectiveness of civil servants in performing their duties? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss how emotional intelligence can influence ethical decision-making in the allocation of scarce public resources. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Various international humanitarian organizations provide emergency aid in conflict zones around the world. Highlight the ethical challenges faced by such organizations. What are the principles that guide international humanitarian work? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Why is persuasion regarded as an important skill for civil servants? What are the key considerations that should guide persuasion in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"What role can ethical leadership play in curbing corruption, especially in public service? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"What were the major teachings of Swami Dayanand Saraswati? Explain their relevance in addressing the current ethical and social challenges in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":8421,"topper":"Ujjwal Priyank","air":10,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/UJJWAL-PRIYANK-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-10-Sample-MGP-Copy-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.\n2. The civilisation that doesn't adopt modern technologies becomes extinct.\n3. Data without wisdom and innovation without ethics are dangerous tools.\n4. The doubter is a true man of science.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"SECTION - B 1. The empires of the future will be the empires of the mind.\n2. Responsibility is the invisible thread that holds freedom together.\n3. You may not be able to do everything, but do something.\n4. Behavior is the mirror in which everyone shows their image.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8422,"topper":"Ujjwal Priyank","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/94b5b-1501361_2488_ujjwal_priyank_rank_10.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Write two essays, choosing one topic from each of the Sections A and B, in about 1000-1200 words each :\n1. It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.\n2. A mind all logic is like a knife all blade, it makes the hand bleed that uses it.\n3. Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly.\n4. History is a cyclic poem written by time upon the memories of man.\n5. The wise man does at once what the fool does finally.\n6. The world is a tragedy to those who feel, but a comedy to those who think.\n7. Perfect clarity would profit the intellect but damage the will.\n8. Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow.","marks":"125 x 2 = 250","words":"1000-1200 words each"},{"page":6,"question":"1. It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.\n2. A mind all logic is like a knife all blade, it makes the hand bleed that uses it.\n3. Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly.\n4. History is a cyclic poem written by time upon the memories of man.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8423,"topper":"Ujjwal Priyank","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/50357-1501361_4514_ujjwal_priyank_rank_10.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Write two essays, choosing one topic from each of the Sections A and B, in about 1000-1200 words each :\n1. You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it.\n2. In matters of conscience, the law of the majority has no place.\n3. He who opens a school door, closes a prison.\n4. Only in the depths of winter can we truly appreciate the warmth of spring.\n5. We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.\n6. Copying is safe; innovation demands courage.\n7. The more we automate, the more human we must become.\n8. The pursuit of instant validation is creating a generation of restless minds.","marks":"125 x 2 = 250","words":"1000-1200 words each"},{"page":6,"question":"1. You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"5. We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8424,"topper":"Ujjwal Priyank","air":10,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/UJJWAL-PRIYANK-AIR-10-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) To what extent, in your opinion, have the ideals of the Preamble been realised in the country's 75-year constitutional journey?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) The evolution of property rights in India reflects an intricate relationship that exists between individual rights and public welfare. Discuss this statement with the help of relevant constitutional provisions and case laws.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3 Under what conditions can the 'National' Emergency be proclaimed by the President of India? What are the consequences when such a proclamation remains in force? When was it last imposed in the country?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4 'Lack of a binding framework for pre-legislative consultations in India limits citizen engagement in the lawmaking.' Propose measures to strengthen the role of public consultation in the legislative process.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) 'The recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission have enabled the States to improve their fiscal conditions.' Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6 In what ways do industry and business associations contribute to socio-economic development in the country? Explain with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7 \"India's poverty lies in the eyes of the beholder.\" In light of this statement, examine the need for a credible and periodically updated poverty estimation framework in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 falls short of achieving its intended objectives. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 'Starved of funds, shackled by geopolitics, WHO is facing a crisis of capacity and credibility.' Discuss the statement in the light of USA's withdrawal and its accusation of the health body of being 'biased towards China and mishandling the COVID-19 pandemic'.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) The world continues to operate in a ‘my terrorist’ versus ‘your terrorist’ paradigm. Explain. What strategies would you suggest to develop a unified, comprehensive, and rules-based global approach to tackle the menace of terrorism?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 Briefly explain the procedure laid down in the Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1951 for the registration of political parties with the Election Commission of India (ECI). What are Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs)? What concerns are associated with them? Does the ECI have powers to de-register a political party?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) Assess the role of NITI Aayog over the past decade in promoting cooperative and competitive federalism.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 'The post of Deputy Speaker goes beyond ceremonial significance and is indispensable to Indian parliamentary democracy.' Discuss with relevant constitutional provisions and conventions. Also, examine the implications of the prolonged vacancy of the Deputy Speaker's post.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 Is the growing demand for stricter regulation of online content justified, or does it pose a threat to the right to freedom of speech and expression? Examine in light of recent judicial pronouncements.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Critically examine the 'in-house procedure' adopted by the Apex Court to inquire into allegations of misconduct against judges of constitutional courts in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 Recent controversies over alleged malpractices in the electoral rolls have renewed demands for the mandatory linkage of Aadhaar with Voter ID. What is your opinion? Give reasons in support of your answer.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 Lateral entry into civil services is seen as a reformative step, yet it continues to attract criticism and controversy. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18) While rankings aim to benchmark the performance of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), concerns remain about whether current ranking frameworks reflect the broader goals of education. Suggest measures to make the ranking system more objective, inclusive, and aligned with educational and societal outcomes.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Examine the factors behind the growing salience of the Arctic region in international politics. Discuss, in this context, strategies for India to recalibrate its Arctic engagement.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 Bangladesh is a key pillar of India's Neighborhood First policy, but recent developments on both sides threaten to disrupt the 'Sonali Adhyay' in bilateral relations. Analyze.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8425,"topper":"Ujjwal Priyank","air":10,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/UJJWAL-PRIYANK-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-10-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1 \"India's democratic roots are deeply embedded in its ancient civilizational ethos.\" Discuss in the context of India being referred to as the 'Mother of Democracy'.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Elucidate the significance of tiger and elephant figures in Indian mythology, art and architecture.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) The arrival of Lord William Bentinck marked a period of transformation in the British Indian State. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4 Explain how the American War of Independence deprived Great Britain of one empire, but it strengthened the foundations of another.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) What are Rare Earth Elements (REEs)? Discuss the multi-dimensional implications of uneven distribution of REEs in the world.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) Highlight the salient differences between the Himalayan and the Peninsular drainage Systems.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) Describe the nature and mode of origin of the main types of rock at the earth's crust.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) The alienation of modern lifestyles from nature has contributed to the ongoing environmental crisis in India. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 What do you understand by the term 'urbanisation of poverty'? Also, explain how urban poverty differs from rural poverty in India?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 Globalization has redefined the idea of community and kinship in Indian society. Do you agree? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 The flourishing of various art forms during the Kushana period reflects the rich and diverse cultural landscape of the time. What insights does this provide into the socio-cultural aspects of that era?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 Trace the events that led to the Civil Disobedience Movement. What were its outcomes?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 Mahatma Jyotirao Phule's reformist ideas played a significant role in shaping the social foundations of the Indian freedom movement. Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 The interlinking of rivers offers several benefits, but also raises significant socio-economic and environmental concerns. Analyze.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Explain the concept of rain shadow effect. How does it influence the distribution of precipitation and vegetation across mountain ranges?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 Bring out the major features of the Indian monsoon and elaborate upon its causative factors.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17) What are the geographical factors responsible for the growth of mangrove vegetation in India? Also highlight its role in coastal ecology.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 To what extent can the rise of 'Kidfluencers' be seen as a reflection of changing family structures and parental aspirations in Indian society?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19) Women often form the backbone of grassroots movements in India, yet they remain largely invisible and excluded from the decision-making process. Examine.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 Do you agree with the view that social media is a 'double edged sword'? Discuss in the context of its impact on Indian society.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8426,"topper":"Ujjwal Priyank","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5da05-1501361_4511_ujjwal_priyank_rank_10.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. How does the Supreme Court’s recent decision on Aligarh Muslim University’s minority status affect the interpretation of Article 30 of the Indian Constitution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. The Supreme Court, in a recent verdict, prescribed a time period for the Governor's assent to state legislative bills. What are the implications of this judgment for cooperative federalism and legislative accountability in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. Discuss the recent changes and initiatives related to cooperatives that aim to smoothen the tussle between the Centre and States in the cooperative sector.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. In recent years, use of social media and digital mobilisation by civil society has emerged as a powerful form of pressure politics. Examine its impact on policymaking and democratic accountability.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. How is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) emerging as a business-led solution for addressing development challenges in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. Discuss how mechanisms like public consultations and Jan Sunwais in India impact governance outcomes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. How effective have the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) and Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan been in addressing substance abuse in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. Rote learning and neglect of creativity in foundational education setup in India make it less ready for marketplaces that are now driven by Artificial Intelligence. Do you agree with this view? Substantiate your argument.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Analyze the transformation of the G7 from a symbol of Western strategic unity to a forum marked by internal contradictions. How should India navigate this changing dynamic to advance its strategic interests? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. Discuss the role of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in the development of developing countries. What are the key criticisms associated with its approach? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. The 103rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019 has introduced a new dimension to the principle of affirmative action in India. Critically examine its implications for the broader goal of social justice.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. The District Planning Committee (DPC) was envisioned as a key instrument to strengthen grassroots-level planning. How far has it succeeded in achieving this goal? Discuss the challenges faced by DPCs and suggest measures to make them more effective.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. The restrictions imposed under Article 293 of the Constitution on State borrowing powers, though constitutionally valid, may hinder fiscal autonomy of States and disrupt cooperative federalism. Discuss in the light of recent developments.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. Examine the tension between the right to contest elections and the need to uphold electoral ethics under the Representation of the People Act. Should there be a lifetime ban on convicted criminals? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. To what extent has the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme, launched in 2015, succeeded in addressing the declining child sex ratio and empowering the girl child? Suggest measures to enhance its impact at the grassroots level.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are emerging as vehicles of socio-economic transformation in rural India. Examine the role of government in scaling their reach and effectiveness. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Limitation in reaping benefit of SHGs\n1. Lack of formalisation of care economy\n2. Bureaucratic hurdles and red tapism\n3. SHGs seen as mere local groups → lack of social apathy\n4. People awareness → Required collaboration with multiple stakeholder","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"17. Despite economic growth, multidimensional poverty continues to persist in India. Analyse the underlying causes and discuss the measures taken by the government to address them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India faces a paradox of food surplus and nutritional deficit. Analyse the structural reasons behind this paradox and suggest reform strategies. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. India's timely response during the economic crises in Sri Lanka and the Maldives reflects its \"Neighbourhood First\" policy in action. Examine how Indian aid has impacted bilateral ties with these nations. What steps can further be taken to promote sustainable economic cooperation in the Indian Ocean region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Discuss the geostrategic significance of Afghanistan for India in the context of continental connectivity and access to Central Asia. How has the altered political landscape post-2021 affected India's connectivity and energy corridor ambitions? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8427,"topper":"Ujjwal Priyank","air":10,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/UJJWAL-PRIYANK-AIR-10-GS-Paper-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) Explain the significance of the recent changes made to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) with respect to labour market data estimation in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2 Discuss the implications of the rising trend of protectionism and tariff wars in global trade for India's macroeconomic stability.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3 \"Genome-edited crops have the potential to strengthen food and nutritional security in the country.\" Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4 Assess the role of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) in expanding irrigation coverage and improving on-farm water use efficiency.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 Starlink, a satellite internet service provider, has recently been granted a license to operate in India. What is satellite internet? How does it work? What are its advantages and limitations?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6 What is a Geographical Indication (GI)? What are the legal frameworks governing it? How does it differ from a trademark? How can GI infringement be tackled?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7 What are the salient features of Mission Mausam launched by the Government of India? Why is such a mission needed? What are the likely challenges in its effective implementation?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) Highlight the key provisions of the Disaster Management (Amendment) Act, 2025. How would the amendment help strengthen the disaster management framework in the country?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 'Operation Sindoor' signals a strategic evolution in India's approach to cross-border terrorism. Analyze.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 'Cyberspace has emerged as a distinct domain of warfare, posing serious threats to national security.' Discuss this statement and suggest counter-measures.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) What are the key objectives of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016? To what extent has it been successful in achieving them?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) Despite phenomenal growth in recent years, India's startup ecosystem lags in innovation across strategic sectors. Identify the factors responsible for this inadequate focus on deep-tech and suggest strategies to bridge this gap.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13) What is floriculture? How is it helpful in enhancing farm income and boosting agri-exports?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) \"Women play a crucial role in Indian agriculture, yet continue to face systemic exclusion.\" Discuss with reference to land ownership, access to credit, and agri-extension services. What initiatives has the government taken in this regard?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Launched on 25th June 2025, the Axiom-4 (Ax-04) mission has been much in the news since then. What are the key features of the mission? What significance does it hold for the Gaganyaan project and India's long-term space ambitions?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) Energy storage technology is one of the major components of renewable energy integration and decarbonization of world energy systems. Briefly discuss any three such technologies, citing their key merits and demerits.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 Global Pandemic Agreement (2025) recognizes the 'One Health' approach as critical to pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. Highlight the key features of the agreement, and elaborate on how the One Health approach can help in preventing future pandemics. What steps are needed to integrate this approach into India's environmental and health governance?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18) The frequency and intensity of heatwaves, particularly in urban centres, have increased in recent years. Describe the various causes and effects of heatwaves. What policies and frameworks have been adopted in India towards extreme heat risk management?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Discuss how emerging technologies and globalization contribute to terror financing. Elaborate measures to tackle the menace of terror financing both at national and international levels.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 Explain the key components of the National Policy and Action Plan (2015) that have contributed to the significant decline of Left-Wing Extremism (LWE). What additional steps would you suggest to eliminate LWE in the near future?","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8428,"topper":"Ujjwal Priyank","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a1bd8-1501361_4512_jjwal_priyank_rank_10.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. Analyse the factors that have contributed to India's inclusive economic growth in the past decade. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. The Reserve Bank of India's surplus transfers offer the government much-needed fiscal space, yet they are not without challenges. Critically examine the implications of the RBI's surplus transfers to the government.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. To what extent was the first National Monetization Pipeline (NMP) able to meet its objectives? What are the objectives of the new Asset Monetization Plan 2025–30 as announced in the recent 2025 Budget? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. Examine the major challenges hindering the Indian textile industry from achieving its full potential in the global value chain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. Why has India become increasingly import-dependent for edible oils despite being a major agricultural economy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. Air accidents are low-frequency but high-impact events. Examine the disaster management protocols in place for aviation-related emergencies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. Chemical pollution poses a grave threat to human health and the environment in India. Discuss the key sources contributing to pervasive chemical contamination and evaluate the effectiveness of existing environmental laws in curbing this problem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. Missile defence systems are becoming critical for national security in the face of evolving regional threats and advanced weapon technologies. Explain the working principle of missile defence systems. Critically assess India's progress in developing indigenous missile defence capabilities. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Despite multiple resolutions and initiatives undertaken by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), its efforts to counter terrorism have achieved limited success. Discuss the reasons for this limited effectiveness. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. India practices a ‘multi-alignment’ approach in its cyber diplomacy. How does this posture strengthen India’s internal security while maintaining strategic autonomy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. While examining the shortcomings of the land reforms in the past, elaborate what land reforms 2.0 should look like. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. As NITI Aayog completes 10 years of its establishment, critically examine its role in the planning and development paradigm of governance in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. What are the primary causes of limited formal credit penetration among the rural and unbanked populations in India? Comment on the effectiveness of Small Finance Banks in addressing this gap and advancing inclusive financial growth.","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. To what extent has the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for the food processing industry facilitated value addition, employment generation, and global competitiveness in India's food processing industry? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. Waste circularity is emerging as a sustainable solution to India's mounting solid waste crisis. Discuss the key principles of waste circularity and the government's initiative in this regard. How effective have these measures been in fostering a circular economy? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. Discuss the importance of integrating traditional ecological knowledge of India's tribal communities with modern disaster management frameworks. Mention two examples where indigenous practices have contributed to disaster resilience.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. CRISPR technology has rapidly advanced in recent years, with new tools and clinical breakthroughs. Highlight the recent developments in CRISPR-based gene editing technology applications. Discuss the opportunities and ethical challenges these advancements present for healthcare and society.","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. A credible semiconductor ecosystem is pivotal for India's economic security as much as for national security. Analyse the strategic objectives, incentives, and institutional architecture of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM). Identify the major risks that could derail its timelines. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. Intricate inter-play of diverse factors has been the force multipliers for extremism in the North East. Discuss. Suggest a multilayered strategy to tackle the menace of extremism in this region.","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. Despite recent steps towards inducting women into combat roles, their participation remains low. Examine the key challenges impeding the greater inclusion of women in the Indian armed forces. Also, suggest suitable measures to enhance their participation. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8429,"topper":"Ujjwal Priyank","air":10,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/UJJWAL-PRIYANK-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-10-Sample-MGP-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) 'Unconscious biases in parenting continue to shape gendered experiences in India.' Do you agree with this view? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) Distinguish between empathy and compassion. Why are they considered as foundational values in public services?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) The current society is witnessing rising levels of intolerance. What are the consequences of this situation for personal well-being and for societal well-being? What can one do at the personal level to become tolerant?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) What are the main components of emotional intelligence and how does it help an individual in taking ethical decisions?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) Given below are the three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context?\na) \"This life is short, the vanities of the world are transient, but they alone live who live for others, the rest are more dead than alive.\" - Swami Vivekanand","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) \"If you cry because the sun has gone out of your life, your tears will prevent you from seeing the stars.\" - Rabindranath Tagore","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"c) \"Two ways of building character - cultivating strength to challenge oppression, and tolerate the resultant hardships that give rise to courage and awareness.\" - Sardar Patel","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.4) a) “With great power comes great responsibility.” In the present context, ‘Big Tech’ headquartered in developed countries wield disproportionate influence over digital infrastructure, personal data, and global narratives—often prioritising profit over ethical considerations. What ethical principles should guide such corporations in building a fair, inclusive, and just global digital framework?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"b) What do you understand by the term 'crisis of conscience'? Describe an incident from your life where you experienced such a crisis. How did you deal with it?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.5) a) \"A politics of confession that encourages politicians and parties to confess and offer regret for their errors can surely be a cathartic experience.\" Examine the statement from the ethical point of view.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"b) What are the key objectives of the Right to Information Act, 2005? Examine the ethical concerns associated with certain provisions of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act in realizing the objectives of the RTI Act.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.6) a) Public spaces serve as arenas of democratic participation and civic expression. Yet in India, they remain deeply gendered, with many women largely confined to the private and domestic sphere. Examine the factors that restrict women's access to public spaces. How can ethical governance help address the issue of gendered spatial control and promote inclusivity in public spaces?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"b) Write short notes on the following in 30 words each:\ni) Ethical fading\nii) Conflict of interest\niii) Persuasion\niv) Work culture\nv) Corporate governance","marks":"10 marks, 150","words":"30 words each"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7) A State Government in the northeastern part of the country has launched a series of anti-encroachment drives across forest areas, wetlands, and revenue lands. Under the directions of the Chief Minister, the administration has intensified efforts to reclaim public land, particularly in areas reserved for ecological protection and critical infrastructure development. Most of the time, these actions have been backed by court orders and have resulted in the recovery of thousands of hectares of land. However, in certain regions, the implementation of such drives is fraught with social and political complexities. In several districts, settlements have existed for decades and are inhabited by marginalized communities with limited access to legal rights or formal rehabilitation measures. These areas are often politically sensitive and influenced by local leaders and pressure groups. Simanta is posted as Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) in one such district. Over the past year, the district administration has attempted to align eviction measures with welfare outreach, including the provision of temporary shelters, relocation assistance, and public consultations. Recently, a major operation was scheduled to clear encroachments from over 140 hectares of forest land within a Reserved Forest, primarily to curb rising instances of human-elephant conflict and to restore ecological balance. Anticipating eviction, some residents approached the High Court seeking a stay. However, the court refused to grant it and directed the administration to proceed with the eviction following due process. Notices were served, and a detailed roadmap was prepared to carry out the operation, which was expected to last 2-3 days due to the scale and remote location. On the first day, Simanta led a team comprising forest officials, municipal workers, and police personnel. Demolitions were conducted peacefully and without major resistance. However, on the second day, when the team returned to the site, a large group of agitated residents—primarily women and children—had gathered. They raised slogans and formed human chains to prevent further evictions. The atmosphere grew tense when some individuals began throwing stones, resulting in serious injury to a municipal worker. The crowd grew increasingly volatile and emotionally charged, demanding an immediate halt to the operation. The police contingent present on the ground was outnumbered by the crowd. Faced with this crisis, some team members pleaded with Simanta to call off the operation, fearing threats to their life and the possibility of a violent escalation. Simanta attempted to contact his superior officer (the Deputy Commissioner), but due to poor mobile connectivity in the forested area, communication could not be established. Meanwhile, several local journalists had arrived and begun reporting on the incident. Simanta is in a dilemma as to what to do.\na. Evaluate the options available with Simanta to cope with the situation.\nb. Which of the above options would be the most appropriate for Simanta and why?\nc. What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Simanta?\nd. Examine the qualities of a public servant which will be required to manage such situations.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"a. स्थिति से निपटने के लिए सिमंता के पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nb. सिमंता के लिए सबसे उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?\nc. सिमंता को किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\nd. ऐसी परिस्थितियों का प्रबंधन करने के लिए एक लोक सेवक के गुणों का परीक्षण करें।\na स्थिति से निपटने के लिए सिमंता के पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nb सिमंता के लिए सबसे उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?\nc सिमंता को किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\nd ऐसी परिस्थितियों का प्रबंधन करने के लिए एक लोक सेवक के गुणों का परीक्षण करें।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":34,"question":"Q.8) Megha is a first-year sociology student at a reputed college in the national capital. She is originally from Tadchiroli, a tribal village in a western Indian state. Megha's family migrated to the city when she was seven years old and had not visited their village since. Though Megha has fond memories of her childhood there, she never deeply understood the customs and traditions of the region. One day, Megha expresses her wish to visit Tadchiroli. Her father agrees and asks her to inform Ratan, her paternal uncle, who still lives in the village with his family. Megha informs Ratan and travels to the village during a semester break. Upon arrival, she receives a warm welcome from Ratan and his family. Later, Ratan invites her to attend a local festival. During the event, Megha notices that her cousin Rinki is missing. Curious, she asks Ratan's wife Ratna why Rinki is not at the festival. Ratna explains that Rinki is on her period, and as per tradition, menstruating girls must stay separately in small huts built specifically for the purpose. Locally known as 'kurma ghars', they are generally located on the periphery of the village, near a river or pond. She further adds that these girls are not allowed to enter the main house or participate in any social or religious activities. Megha is taken aback. She asks whether all women follow this practice. Ratna nods and says it has been the custom for generations. Even schoolgirls stay in these huts and miss classes during their periods. Ratna admits that many in the village, including herself, never questioned the practice. The explanation unsettles Megha. She finds it hard to believe that a natural biological function leads to such exclusion. Before returning to the city, Megha observes that even educated family members seem to accept and follow these customs. The experience leaves a deep impact on her. She starts reading more about menstrual taboos and their impact on women's health, dignity, and education. As a sociology student, she recognises how such traditions are linked to patriarchy and social stigma. She begins to reflect on what she can do at her level to improve the current situation, without alienating the community or disrespecting its traditions.\na. Suggest a course of action Megha can take to sensitize her village community without appearing disrespectful or confrontational.\nb. What ethical principles and methods should guide her actions while engaging with the community?\nc. How is menstruation related to human rights?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"a. मेधा द्वारा अपने गांव के समुदाय को असम्मानजनक या टकरावपूर्ण व्यवहार किए बिना संवेदनशील बनाने के लिए अपनाई जा सकने वाली कार्यवाही का सुझाव दीजिए।\nb. समुदाय के साथ जुड़ते समय उसके कार्यों को किन नैतिक सिद्धांतों और तरीकों से निर्देशित किया जाना चाहिए?\nc. मासिक धर्म मानव अधिकारों से किस प्रकार संबंधित है?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":39,"question":"Q.9 Gopal is an 80-year-old man living in a remote and an underdeveloped village in a Central Indian state. He had been residing in a small mud house for years. When he came to know about the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana–Gramin (PMAY-G), he saw a glimmer of hope for a pucca house in the last phase of his life. However, the village sarpanch and panchayat secretary told him that to be eligible under the scheme, he must first demolish his existing house so that during a site inspection, no structure would be visible at the location. Subsequently, Gopal demolished his shelter and began living under a babool tree. For nearly six months, he has been staying in the open, braving harsh weather conditions. During this time, he has repeatedly visited the panchayat office but has been told that his application cannot be processed as he lacks the necessary documents. You are the officer-in-charge of implementing PMAY-G in the district. The case of Gopal reaches you through a prominent newspaper report. You personally visit him to understand the situation on the ground. After meeting him and listening to his account, you feel that he certainly needs support. Your enquiries confirm that he is truly destitute and living in a pitiable condition under the open sky. It is also established that he demolished his house based on a faulty interpretation of the scheme by panchayat officials. However, he has no documents to show that he fulfils the eligibility criteria under the scheme. Now you are in a dilemma. Including him under the scheme without the necessary documents would clearly be a violation of rules. But denying him support would be cruel and inhuman.\na. Can you think of a rational way to resolve this dilemma?\nb. Give your reasons for it.\nc. What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"(c) Ethical issues involved in the case :\n(1) Justice vs following legal procedure\n(2) Compassion towards destitute vs iron law of oligarchy\n(3) Upholding integrity and transparency\n(4) Constitutional value of \"welfare\" State vs rules defined in legislation\n(5) Threat to public dignity due to ignorance of officials","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Q.10 You are working as an Assistant Section Officer in the District Development and Panchayat Office. One day, one of your close colleagues approaches you in deep distress. She tells you that her father is suffering from a severe liver condition, and the doctors have clearly stated that he must undergo liver transplant immediately in order to survive. She shares that she has no health insurance, and the surgery would cost around Rs 15 lakh. You are aware that her husband passed away a few years ago, and that she also has a four-year-old son with special needs. Just a few weeks ago, she also lost all her savings in a digital arrest scam. As a widow from a lower middle-class family, her options are extremely limited. Although you feel deeply empathetic, you are unable to offer financial assistance, as you do not have the resources to help.\nA few weeks later, you enquire about her father's health. She informs you that the liver transplant surgery was successful and that her father is now recovering steadily. Relieved, you ask how she managed to arrange the funds. Hesitantly, she confides that the District Development and Panchayat Officer (DDPO) helped her. Moved by her situation, the DDPO facilitated the release of Rs 15 lakh from the fund allocated to a rural sanitation scheme. The implementation of this scheme had been put on hold for a year due to technical issues and pending site approvals. She explains that the amount was provided on the assurance of strict confidentiality and with a commitment to repay it at the earliest. She expresses deep gratitude for the DDPO's timely help, which she believes saved her father's life. She has already begun repaying the money and will continue to do so until it is all returned.\na. Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\nb. Examine the behavior of DPDO from an ethical point of view.\nc. How would you react to the situation?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Q.11) Nithin is the head of the Marketing Department at Pehnava Clothings Ltd., a reputed apparel manufacturing company with a strong global presence. Known for its professionalism and consistent performance, the company had earned a credible name in both domestic and international markets. However, the firm was going through difficult times. For three consecutive quarters, it had witnessed a steep decline in sales. This trend had raised serious concerns among the top management regarding the company's competitiveness, profitability, and long-term stability. To address the situation, the leadership decided to restructure the marketing division and bring in dynamic leadership. A senior marketing executive, Mr. A, was hired after a rigorous selection process. He had an impressive career record and was known for turning around sales performance in other firms and building strong brand identities. With high expectations placed upon him, Mr. A was seen as the key figure to steer the company out of crisis. Mr. A soon began delivering results. Within a year, the company's revenue had almost doubled, and its brand visibility had increased significantly. His bold marketing strategies, proactive outreach, and innovative campaigns received appreciation from various quarters within the company. His performance drew the attention of the top management. There were deliberations about assigning him a larger role within the company, with a focus on long-term business strategy. He was also being considered for an internal award for 'Excellence in Leadership and Innovation'. However, alongside professional success of Mr. A, Nithin began receiving troubling feedback about his conduct in the workplace. Informal reports indicated that he frequently made inappropriate comments about women. In addition, he regularly sent indecent messages via social media apps to all team members, including his female colleagues. Although no formal complaint was lodged initially, Nithin could sense tension within the team, and signs of discomfort were becoming increasingly apparent. Some employees even started avoiding direct interaction with Mr. A. Team morale and interpersonal trust were gradually eroding, but employees remained hesitant to speak openly. The matter escalated one evening when Mrs. X, one of Mr. A's team members approached Nithin. Visibly disturbed and emotionally shaken, she disclosed that Mr. A had repeatedly engaged in inappropriate behavior towards her. She added that Mr. A had been making undesirable advances towards her and had even tried to touch her inappropriately in his cabin. She urged Nithin to take appropriate action in the matter, or else she would have no option but to resign from her position.\na. Bring out the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb. What are the options available to Nithin?\nc. Critically examine each of the options identified by Nithin.\nd. Which of the options, do you think, would be more appropriate for Nithin to adopt and why?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":50,"question":"a. इस मामले में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों को स्पष्ट करें।\nb. नितिन के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं ?\nc. नितिन द्वारा पहचाने गए प्रत्येक विकल्प का आलोचनात्मक परीक्षण करें।\nd. नितिन के लिए कौन सा विकल्प अपनाना अधिक उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?\na इस मामले में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों को स्पष्ट करें।\nb नितिन के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं ?\nc नितिन द्वारा पहचाने गए प्रत्येक विकल्प का आलोचनात्मक परीक्षण करें।\nd नितिन के लिए कौन सा विकल्प अपनाना अधिक उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":55,"question":"Q.12 You are appointed as an officer heading the Air Quality Compliance Division of the Environment Pollution Control Board in Delhi-NCR. The region is witnessing alarming levels of air pollution, which typically worsen during the winter months due to various meteorological and anthropogenic factors. The situation has led to severe public health concerns, particularly affecting vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and those with respiratory illnesses. The Supreme Court has also raised serious concern over the deteriorating air quality in Delhi-NCR and has directed the administration to take immediate and effective measures to control pollution, especially during the winter months. Your jurisdiction has a large number of small and medium-scale industries that were granted environmental clearance over the years. These industries form the backbone of the local economy and provide employment to a significant number of migrant workers. However, recent inspections and air quality monitoring reports indicate that a significant number of these units are operating in violation of prescribed air emission norms. As part of targeted measures to curb air pollution, you issued notices to all identified polluting units, directing them to apply for fresh environmental clearance certificates from the competent authority. However, your decision triggered strong opposition from a section of industrial units, labour unions, and local politicians. Industrial owners argued that such action would lead to production shutdowns, financial losses, and shortages of their products in the market. Labour unions and workers also protested, fearing mass unemployment and livelihood insecurity. Local politicians and vested interests accused you of jeopardising the socio-economic stability of the region. You received representations from various quarters urging you to withdraw the notices and not initiate harsh measures, citing the interests of multiple stakeholders. Additionally, you began receiving anonymous threats, aimed at coercing you into reversing your decision. On the other hand, several of your colleagues supported your stance, encouraging you to act in the larger public interest. Several local NGOs and environmental groups rallied behind your actions, demanding the immediate closure of polluting units.\na. Under the given conditions, what are the options available to you?\nb. Critically evaluate each of the options listed by you.\nc. What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by you?","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":8430,"topper":"Ujjwal Priyank","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/57993-1501361_2931_ujjwal_priyank_rank_10.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. (a) The end cannot justify the means, for the simple and obvious reason that the means employed determine the nature of the ends produced. Discuss with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"1. (b) Discuss how the relationship between law and ethics is dynamic and continuously shaped by societal changes. Provide examples to illustrate this dynamic relationship.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"2. (a) Differentiate between probity and integrity with suitable examples. How do these values contribute to ethical governance and decision-making in the civil services? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"2. (b) Discuss the ethical implications of withholding information in public administration. How can transparency enhance accountability and reduce corruption in government institutions? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"3 (a) What do each of the following quotations mean to you?\n(a) \"There is no school equal to a decent home and no teacher equal to a virtuous parent.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"3. (b) \"Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.\" - Leo Tolstoy (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"3. (c) \"To see what is right and not do it is a lack of courage.\" – Confucius (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"4. (a) What factors lead to a positive attitude in a person? How does positive attitude enhance the effectiveness of civil servants in performing their duties?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"4. (b) Discuss how emotional intelligence can influence ethical decision-making in the allocation of scarce public resources.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"5. (a) Various international humanitarian organizations provide emergency aid in conflict zones around the world. Highlight the ethical challenges faced by such organizations. What are the principles that guide international humanitarian work? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"5. (b) Why is persuasion regarded as an important skill for civil servants? What are the key considerations that should guide persuasion in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"6. (a) What role can ethical leadership play in curbing corruption, especially in public service? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"6. (b) What were the major teachings of Swami Dayanand Saraswati? Explain their relevance in addressing the current ethical and social challenges in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":33,"question":"(a) Discuss the ethical dilemma Karan faces in deciding whether to report the incident against Mariyam's wishes.\n(b) Evaluate the options available to Karan. Which of these options should he choose and why?\n(c) What responsibilities do organizations like XYZ Corp have in preventing and addressing sexual harassment and creating inclusive workplace environments? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"(a) Ethical dilemma faced by Karan\n(1) Dignity of women v/s Future career\n(2) Integrity v/s Personal gains","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"8 (a) शिक्षा विभाग के आयुक्त के रूप में जय के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं? इनमें से प्रत्येक विकल्प का मूल्यांकन कीजिए।\n(b) जय को कौन-सा विकल्प अपनाना चाहिए और क्यों?\n(c) जय जैसे सिविल सेवकों को अपने दायित्वों के निर्वहन में नैतिक मानकों को बनाए रखने के प्रयास के दौरान बेहतर सुरक्षा कैसे प्रदान की जा सकती है? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)\na) शिक्षा विभाग के आयुक्त के रूप में जय के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं? इनमें से प्रत्येक विकल्प का मूल्यांकन कीजिए।\nb) जय को कौन-सा विकल्प अपनाना चाहिए और क्यों?\nc) जय जैसे सिविल सेवकों को अपने दायित्वों के निर्वहन में नैतिक मानकों को बनाए रखने के प्रयास के दौरान बेहतर सुरक्षा कैसे प्रदान की जा सकती है? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":39,"question":"(a) What are the options available to Jay as the Commissioner of the Education Department? Evaluate each of these options.\n(b) What option should Jay adopt and why?\n(c) How can civil servants like Jay be better protected when they attempt to uphold ethical standards in their work? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"9 As the District Magistrate of X city, you are responsible for overseeing the construction of a new metro depot in an urban forest area, which is a critical infrastructure project aimed at improving public transportation and reducing traffic congestion and air pollution. The project, however, requires the clearance of a substantial portion of the forest, which has triggered strong opposition from environmental activists, local residents, and NGOs. This forest is widely regarded as essential for the city's ecological balance, often referred to as the city's \"lungs.\" In addition to the environmental concerns, you are under considerable pressure from politicians at the state-level to expedite the project, given the upcoming elections in two years. The political leadership emphasizes the benefits of the metro project for the city's development and its potential to garner electoral support. The project is expected to significantly reduce travel time for thousands of commuters and potentially decrease overall vehicle emissions in the city. However, it would also lead to the loss of thousands of trees and disrupt local ecosystems. As you prepare to make a decision, you are aware that your choice will have far-reaching consequences for both the city's development and its environment.\n(a) Identify the ethical dilemmas involved in the above case.\n(b) Evaluate the options available to you in the above situation. Which of these would you choose and why?\n(c) Suggest some measures that could be implemented to balance urban development needs with environmental conservation in future projects. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"(A) Ethical dilemmas involved in the case\n(i) Sustainable development v/s Infrastructure growth\n-> Construction of metro depot requires forest clearance.\n(ii) Political pressure v/s environmental degradation","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"(c) Measures to balance urban development needs with conservation\n(i) Promote better lifestyle Eg Mission LIFE\n(ii) Transition to renewable sources of energy Eg Panchamrit goals\n(iii) Promote climate-smart agriculture Eg Organic farming","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"10 (a) Identify the stakeholders in the above case study.\n(b) Discuss the ethical issues faced by Dr. Mehra.\n(c) Analyse the options available to Dr. Mehra in the above case. Which of these would you choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)\na) Identify the stakeholders in the above case study.\nb) Discuss the ethical issues faced by Dr. Mehra.\nc) Analyse the options available to Dr. Mehra in the above case. Which of these would you choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"(c) Options available to Dr. Mehra\n(i) Continue with his discovery according to set standards.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"11. You have been appointed as the Under Secretary in the State Urban Development Department. The Department has been tasked with a prestigious project aimed at revitalizing the infrastructure of a city with deep historical significance. This project, which you are extremely passionate about, involves modernizing public transportation, restoring heritage buildings, and creating green spaces while preserving the city's cultural essence.\n\nExcited by the opportunity, you spent weeks researching and drafting a comprehensive proposal. Your plan included innovative ideas for sustainable development, community engagement, and leveraging technology for urban planning. You presented these initial plans in a departmental meeting, hoping to inspire your colleagues and kickstart the project.\n\nHowever, your enthusiasm was met with indifference. Your colleagues showed little interest, failing to contribute ideas or efforts towards the project. Concerned, you reported this lack of enthusiasm to your immediate superior, who is also the authority for this project. To your dismay,\n(a) इस प्रकरण में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\n(b) उपयुक्त कार्य संस्कृति कार्यस्थल पर मनोबल और उत्पादकता को किस प्रकार प्रभावित करती है?\n(c) आपके पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं और आप इस स्थिति का समाधान किस प्रकार करेंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.\n(b) How does the above-mentioned work culture affect workplace morale and productivity?\n(c) What are the options available to you and how would you address the situation? (Answer in 250 words)\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb) How does the above-mentioned work culture affect workplace morale and productivity?\nc) What are the options available to you and how would you address the situation? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":58,"question":"12 (a) उपयुक्त प्रकरण के आलोक में, कॉर्पोरेट, राजनीतिक और नौकरशाही के हितों के बीच गठजोड़ से उत्पन्न होने वाले नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\n(b) एक कर्तव्यनिष्ठ सिविल सेवक के रूप में, अरुण के पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन कीजिए। उसे कौन-सा विकल्प चुनना चाहिए और क्यों? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)\na) उपयुक्त प्रकरण के आलोक में, कॉर्पोरेट, राजनीतिक और नौकरशाही के हितों के बीच गठजोड़ से उत्पन्न होने वाले नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\nb) एक कर्तव्यनिष्ठ सिविल सेवक के रूप में, अरुण के पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन कीजिए। उसे कौन-सा विकल्प चुनना चाहिए और क्यों? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":59,"question":"(a) In light of the above case, discuss the ethical issues that may arise from the nexus between corporate, political, and bureaucratic interests.\n(b) As a conscientious civil servant, evaluate the options available to Arun. Which option should he choose and why?(Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":8431,"topper":"Ujjwal Priyank","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3f2f4-1501361_4513_ujjwal_priyank_rank_10.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. (a) Compassion is the courageous choice to feel another's suffering as one's own, and to act upon it, even when silence is safer and indifference is easier. Examine the significance of compassion as an essential ethical value for civil servants in India. Illustrate your answer with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"1. (b) Marriages in India are transitioning from traditional sacramental unions to more autonomous relationships, reflected in live-in relationships and rising divorce rates. Discuss the ethical dimensions of these changes.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":10,"question":"2. (a) While accountability often necessitates documentation, an overemphasis on bureaucratic procedures and excessive paperwork can inadvertently silence the very voices that public policy intends to empower, particularly at the grassroots. Examine the above statement with suitable illustrations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"2. (b) The principle of impartiality may conflict with the need for compassion towards marginalized communities. Discuss in the context of civil services in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"3 (a) What do each of the following quotations mean to you?\n(a) \"The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home.\" - Confucius (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How to build a strong nation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"3. (b) \"Act only according to that maxim through which you can at the same time will that it become a universal law.\" - Immanuel Kant (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"3. (c) \"We are not only responsible for what we do, but also for what we fail to do\"- Molière. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"4. (a) Patriotism encourages ethical questioning, while nationalism often suppresses it. Discuss this statement in light of the formation of political attitudes during high-pressure national events. How can individuals develop moral attitudes that balance national interest with ethical reasoning?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"4. (b) Discuss how employee well-being and fairness can be balanced with efficiency and profitability in private organisations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"5. (a) Do you agree that excessive use of social media and emerging AI technologies may lead to a decline in emotional regulation and moral sensitivity among adolescents? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"5. (b) In light of the increasing incidents of suicides among students in India, discuss how Emotional Intelligence (EI) can aid in managing stress and emotional challenges.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"6. (a) In public service, emotional intelligence is not about suppressing emotion, but mastering its purpose — to connect, to de-escalate, and to uplift others with empathy and strength. Do you agree with this view? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"6. (b) An efficient work culture is built not only on rules, but on shared values. In this context, evaluate the role of leadership and team dynamics in transforming work culture within an organization.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"7 You are posted as the Joint Secretary in the Department of Information Technology of a state. The government recently implemented several citizen-centric digital services, collecting large volumes of personal data from residents. The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, requires that such data be processed only with explicit and informed consent, and mandates that processing must cease immediately upon withdrawal of consent.\n\nDuring an internal audit, you discover that the department continues to process and analyze personal data of several citizens even after they have formally withdrawn their consent. This data is being used for policy analytics and service improvement, purposes not explicitly disclosed at the time of data collection. When you bring this to the attention of your department head, you are informed that halting the processing will disrupt ongoing digital initiatives and may affect state-level performance metrics. Moreover, you find that the consent withdrawal process is cumbersome, and many citizens are unaware of their rights under the DPDP Act.\n\nYou also learn that a prominent social activist is planning to file a complaint with the Data Protection Board against involuntary use of personal data, which could attract public scrutiny and legal action against the department.\n(a) Identify and discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.\n(b) What are the potential consequences for the department if the issue is not addressed transparently?\n(c) How would you balance the need for efficient public service delivery with the obligation to protect citizens’ data rights? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"(A) Ethical issues involved in this case\n1. Threat to privacy of citizen - Data breach\n2. Loss of public trust\n3. Against Categorical Imperative of Kant - Treating citizens as \"means\" instead of \"ends\" is wrong\n4. Gandhian sin of \"commerce without morality\" - Using data for service improvement","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"8 You are an IAS officer, currently serving as the Secretary of the Public Works Department in a hill state. Recently, a disturbing incident has come to light involving a senior Cabinet Minister and two engineers of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). During an inspection of a critical highway project, the Minister was allegedly seen on video physically assaulting and verbally abusing the engineers in full public view. The video, recorded by bystanders, went viral on social media and was widely covered by television channels, sparking both outrage and support from different sections of society. The Minister later defended his actions, alleging that the officials were corrupt, unresponsive to local grievances, and responsible for inordinate delays in the project. He insisted that his actions were driven by public frustration and the urgency of delivering infrastructure to a remote region.\n\nHowever, the engineers have filed a police complaint and written to their superiors, claiming they were targeted for resisting political pressure to award contracts to specific local contractors linked to the Minister. As the situation escalated, a union of NHAI engineers declared a strike,\n(a) इस प्रकरण में शामिल प्रमुख नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं? हितधारकों और उनके परस्पर विरोधी हितों की पहचान कीजिए।\n(b) लोक निर्माण विभाग के सचिव के रूप में, आप उपयुक्त स्थिति में क्या कार्रवाई करेंगे?\n(c) ऐसी घटनाएं सिविल सेवकों के मनोबल और शासन में जनता के विश्वास को कैसे प्रभावित करती हैं? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"(a) What are the key ethical issues involved in this situation? Identify the stakeholders and their conflicting interests.\n(b) As the Secretary of the PWD, what actions will you take in above situation?\n(c) How do such incidents affect the morale of civil servants and public trust in governance? (Answer in 250 words)\na) What are the key ethical issues involved in this situation? Identify the stakeholders and their conflicting interests.\nb) As the Secretary of the PWD, what actions will you take in above situation?\nc) How do such incidents affect the morale of civil servants and public trust in governance?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"9. You are the Secretary in the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Government of India. In recent years, an increasing number of civil servants, particularly younger officers from the IAS, IPS, and IRS, have begun maintaining personal YouTube channels and social media pages. On these platforms, they regularly post videos related to their official work — showcasing innovative projects, public outreach initiatives, inspection drives, and sometimes even day-to-day administrative duties.\n\nThese videos often receive widespread public attention, and many viewers express admiration, saying such content enhances transparency, motivates aspirants, and humanizes the bureaucracy. However, concerns have also emerged from various quarters. Senior officers argue that such content may blur the boundaries between personal branding and public service, while some citizens and media commentators point to instances where videos feature vulnerable beneficiaries without consent, raise concerns about misuse of official premises, or seem designed more for personal popularity than public accountability.\n(a) लोक सेवकों द्वारा अपने आधिकारिक कार्यों को सोशल मीडिया पर सार्वजनिक रूप से प्रदर्शित करने के कृत्यों में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों की पहचान कीजिए।\n(b) क्या ऐसी प्रवृत्तियां जागरूकता और प्रेरणा को प्रोत्साहित देती हैं या क्या ये अनामिता, तटस्थता और सामूहिक सेवा भावना के मूल्यों से समझौता करती हैं? अपना मत दीजिए।\n(c) सचिव के रूप में, लोक सेवकों की उत्तरदायी डिजिटल सहभागिता सुनिश्चित करने के लिए आप कौन-से मार्गदर्शक सिद्धांत और नीतिगत अनुशंसाएं सुझाएंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":43,"question":"You have been asked to prepare a report with recommendations to balance public interest, institutional integrity, and evolving modes of communication.\n(a) Identify the ethical issues involved in civil servants publicly showcasing their official work on social media.\n(b) Do such practices promote awareness and motivation, or do they compromise the values of anonymity, neutrality, and collective service ethos? Give your opinion.\n(c) As the Secretary, what guiding principles and policy recommendations would you suggest to ensure responsible digital engagement by civil servants? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"10 You are the Director of the National Bioethics Commission who is responsible for assessing the ethical feasibility and oversight of a nationwide gene sequencing program. The project named GeneFuture, aims to sequence the DNA of every newborn child and store it in a centralized national database. The objective is to identify genetic predispositions to serious diseases early in life, allowing for preventive treatment and personalized medicine. Over 100,000 babies have already been enrolled in the pilot phase of the program. The government claims that this move is a landmark step in public health advancement.\n\nHowever, collection of newborn genetic data raises significant ethical concerns, particularly around informed consent, which may not fully capture parents' understanding of the long-term risks involved. Once gathered, this sensitive data could be misused for purposes such as surveillance, insurance discrimination, or commercial marketing by third parties. Uncertainty over data ownership—whether it lies with the state, parents, or the individual as they mature—further complicates the issue. The involvement of private tech and pharmaceutical companies heightens fears of commercial exploitation, especially in the absence of clear mechanisms for individuals to withdraw consent or delete their genetic information upon reaching adulthood.\n(a) What are the ethical issues you perceive in the implementation of the GeneFuture program?\n(b) Identify the conflicting interests of different stakeholders in this case.\n(c) What guiding ethical principles would you recommend for implementation of this project? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"4) Ethical conduct of private companies\n- Utilisation of data for benefit sharing\n- Right to remove data upon the request of data owner","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"11 You are a dedicated District Health Officer (DHO) with a strong commitment to evidence-based public health practices, recently assigned to a remote district in India. Your immediate and most critical task is to lead a crucial district-wide Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination drive, aimed at achieving 100% immunization coverage among children aged 9 months to 15 years. The success of this drive is vital for the collective health of thousands of children and for the district's overall health indicators, especially with the impending monsoon season posing additional health challenges.\n\nHowever, in one of the largest and most traditional villages in your district, you encounter formidable resistance. The villagers, deeply influenced by the pronouncements of a revered local spiritual guru, strongly believe that vaccination is an attack on their souls and that traditional herbal remedies and spiritual blessings provide sufficient protection. This guru, who is actually a shrewd but misguided individual, publicly advises his followers to oppose vaccination. He cites some alleged 'failures' and ancient prophecies as examples. Despite widespread awareness campaigns, vaccination camps in the village have been almost completely boycotted. Your health workers, some of whom are locals and face social boycott or even physical threats, are struggling. The state health department is under intense pressure to meet vaccination targets and has warned that failure to do so will have serious consequences. The department has also instructed that no forceful measures be used as this may cause public unrest. Meanwhile, a large annual fair involving many villages and areas is about to be held. If this village remains unvaccinated, the spread of MR could pose an immediate and serious threat to the entire district and beyond.\n\n(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case.\n(b) What immediate alternatives do you have to peacefully resolve this resistance?\n(c) To counter the widespread impact of superstition and promote sustainable public health outcomes, what long-term strategies and systemic reforms would you suggest? (Answer in 250 words)\n(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case.\n(b) What immediate alternatives do you have to peacefully resolve this resistance?\n(c) To counter the widespread impact of superstition and promote sustainable public health outcomes, what long-term strategies and systemic reforms would you suggest? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case.\n(b) What are the immediate options available to you to overcome this resistance?\n(c) What long-term strategies and systemic reforms would you suggest to address the pervasive influence of superstition and foster a scientific temperament for sustainable public health outcomes? (Answer in 250 words)\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case.\nb) What are the immediate options available to you to overcome this resistance?\nc) What long-term strategies and systemic reforms would you suggest to address the pervasive influence of superstition and foster a scientific temperament for sustainable public health outcomes?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"2) Give up the plan of immunisation","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"12 You are a highly motivated and principle-driven Gram Panchayat Secretary, recently posted in a large and socio-economically diverse village in a remote district. Your immediate and most critical task is the meticulous verification of beneficiaries for the 'Gramin Awas Yojana' – a flagship state housing scheme aimed at providing 'pucca' (brick) houses to the genuinely impoverished and landless households. The scheme is under tight deadlines, with funds\n(a) आपके समक्ष विद्यमान संभावित प्रशासनिक और नैतिक दुविधाएं क्या हैं?\n(b) आपके लिए उपलब्ध सभी विकल्पों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\n(c) आप अपने निर्णय का नैतिक औचित्य सिद्ध करते हुए कौन-सी व्यापक कार्यवाही करेंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":58,"question":"(a) What are the potential administrative and ethical dilemmas you face?\n(b) Discuss all options available to you.\n(c) What comprehensive course of action would you choose to adopt, providing ethical justification for your decision? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8432,"topper":"Ujjwal Priyank","air":10,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e21e8-1501361_4527_ujjwal_priyank_rank_10.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Discuss the methodological debate between positivism and interpretivism in sociology.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"\"Sociological imagination links personal troubles with public issues.\" Elucidate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"What is reference-group behaviour? Discuss how it shapes consumer choices among urban youth.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"Assess the relevance of Weber's model of bureaucracy in the era of digital governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"\"Scientific temper and rational thinking are essential prerequisites for sociological inquiry.\" Comment on this statement with reference to the debate on value-neutrality in social research.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the changing equations of discipline of Sociology with other social sciences.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"Evaluate the contribution of historical materialism to the contemporary analysis of global capitalism.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Analyse the structural-functionalist explanation of social stratification and bring out its limitations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Discuss Parsons' AGIL schema as a framework for analysing social systems.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"How do mixed-method designs strengthen the validity and reliability of sociological research?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"Explain how the European Enlightenment created intellectual conditions for the birth of sociology.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Explain Weber's concept of “Verstehen”. How does it enrich sociological inquiry?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"How does the idea of alienation manifest in contemporary white-collar workspaces?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"\"Power is diffused rather than concentrated in late-modern societies.\" Critically analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"How do sects and cults differ from organised religion in their structure and social functions?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Discuss symbolic interactionism as a framework to understand everyday social interactions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":56,"question":"Evaluate the adequacy of classical theories of social change in explaining the disruptive impact of artificial intelligence on labour markets.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"\"Family is transforming from a fixed structure to a fluid process in liquid modernity.\" Analyse this transition through the lenses of Bauman and contemporary family studies.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":64,"question":"Evaluate the impact of social media on primary and secondary group dynamics in modern society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":66,"question":"How does the feminization of labor force participation challenge patriarchal structures while simultaneously creating new forms of gender-based exploitation? Discuss with empirical examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":70,"question":"Discuss the sociological implications of artificial intelligence and automation on social stratification and mobility patterns.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":74,"question":"Evaluate the impact of the information revolution on social change in developing societies.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":76,"question":"Analyze how environmental movements represent a new form of collective action that transcends traditional class-based politics. What are the implications for theories of social movements?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":80,"question":"Assess the claim that digital surveillance capitalism represents a new phase of commodification of social life.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8433,"topper":"Ujjwal Priyank","air":10,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5a69a-1501361_4528_ujjwal_priyank_rank_10.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"What do you understand by the concept of \"dominant caste\"? Illustrate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the role of British colonial policies in shaping the traditional structure of Indian society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss polyandrous customs in Himalayan tribes and their persistence and transformation in the context of modernization and legal frameworks.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"Discuss the various manifestations of untouchability practices in modern India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Evaluate M.N. Srinivas's structural-functionalist perspective in analyzing contemporary Indian social institutions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"\"The informal sector is both a source of resilience and vulnerability.\" Discuss this paradox with respect to employment security and social inequality in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Evaluate the limitations of an Indological approach in understanding marginalised communities in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"Illustrate the importance of 'Kanyadan' and 'Kulabadhu' in changing institutions of marriage and family.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"\"Women-led development models foster both participation and leadership.\" Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Discuss the intersection of patriarchy and entitlements in shaping women's roles and rights within Indian kinship systems.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"Why is defining 'tribe' a persistent problem in Indian sociology? How do these definitional dilemmas affect state policy?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"What does B.R. Ambedkar's concept of \"Annihilation of Caste\" signify for contemporary social reform movements?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"How is the \"silver economy\" reshaping intergenerational family dynamics in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"How do religious communities shape social and political identities in plural societies like India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"\"Gated communities in Indian cities represent a new form of urban segregation.\" Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Examine the methodological challenges encountered during ethnographic village studies in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":56,"question":"\"The feminization of agriculture in India is a consequence of male out-migration rather than women's empowerment.\" Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Critically analyze the concept of the creamy layer among SC/STs in the context of reservation policy. Does this move advance or undermine the goal of social justice?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":64,"question":"Discuss the sociological significance of recognizing violence against men. How do patriarchal norms contribute to under-reporting of male victimization?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":66,"question":"Critically discuss the sociological rationale for conducting a nationwide caste census. How could such data impact policies aimed at social justice?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":70,"question":"Examine the social, legal, and economic consequences of rising marital breakdown and changing family patterns in Indian society today.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":74,"question":"\"Sustainable development is intimately linked to addressing poverty and malnutrition.\" Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":76,"question":"\"The emphasis on skill development and vocational education in recent policies reflects a shift in India's development paradigm.\" Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":80,"question":"Discuss how climate vulnerability is exacerbating agrarian distress and transforming rural occupational structures.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":84,"question":"Outline the sociological factors contributing to urban flooding. What strategies can be adopted for sustainable and inclusive urban development in response?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8434,"topper":"Uma Harathi","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/14SmFBm7SPUU33827lFj237WsHYUJ7EJE/view","questions":[]},{"id":8435,"topper":"Uma Harathi","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ufhUWYeihdX9AXepy76lDgxEReRjJr9M/view","questions":[]},{"id":8436,"topper":"Uma Harathi N","air":3,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1i1CV6NEYC8aQlFWjGOw12wgutrcGqwAR","questions":[]},{"id":8437,"topper":"Uma Harathi N","air":3,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1JftlqCvZUKMLA4v5QjkRjh2bL6dCpmg3","questions":[]},{"id":8438,"topper":"Uma Haritha N","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/bd5b2-362399_1143_uma-haritha_rank-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Concerns regarding the wide formulation and indiscreet application of discretionary powers of the Governor need closer attention. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Explain the concept of subordinate legislation in India. Also discuss the mechanisms for their scrutiny and control. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The crucial position accorded to the Speaker in Indian legislatures, makes it imperative to protect them from undue political pressures. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Departmentally-Related Standing Committees have been referred to as mini-parliaments in India. Highlight their relevance in a democratic polity and discuss, with examples, how they improve the overall effectiveness of the Parliament. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Explaining the rationale for setting up of tribunals in the dispensation of justice, enumerate the issues associated with their functioning in India. How can these issues be addressed? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Examine the significance of Gram Sabhas, as mentioned in Article 243A of the Indian constitution, in the development process with special reference to Fifth Schedule areas. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The Rajya Sabha is merely a secondary house rather than a second house in the Indian Parliamentary system. Critically analyze the statement. Also, compare and contrast the position of the Rajya Sabha vis-à-vis the State legislative councils. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"A major shift is needed in the institutional framework of the Central Water Commission (CWC) and the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) to make water management more holistic and multidisciplinary. Discuss in the context of Mihir Shah Committee recommendations. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"On what grounds can a person be denied the right to contest elections to the Parliament in India? Will a lifetime ban on those convicted of heinous crimes address the problem of criminalization of politics? Discuss in light of recent judgments by the Supreme Court. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Directive Principles can be considered as even more important than the Fundamental Rights because they provide a positive thrust towards welfare. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"In light of demands for replacement of the FPTP (First Past the Post) system with other alternatives, compare the merits and enumerate the challenges associated with replacing the current system. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Despite long-term recognition of the problem of pendency of cases in the courts, limited progress has been made in reducing their number. What are the possible reasons for such a scenario? Suggest a framework of measures that can be taken to address this issue. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite the phrase 'due process of law' not being mentioned in the Constitution, the Supreme Court, over the years, has adopted the doctrines of 'procedural due process' and 'substantive due process' into Indian constitutional law. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Can we say that cooperative federalism in India has strengthened in the post-liberalisation era? Give reasons in support of your answer. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Faulty regulatory policies can have a severe adverse effect on the efficient interplay of market forces and end up harming public interest. Examine in the context of systemic issues pertaining toregulatory environment in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Mention the constitutional provisions to safeguard and ensure the independent and impartial functioning of the UPSC. Further, assess the limitations of UPSC in effectively performing its role as the 'watchdog of merit system' in India as envisioned by the Constitution. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Identify the key issues relating to electoral funding in India. How far can the idea of State Funding of Elections address these issues? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The Constitution of India mentions the Doctrine of Separation of Powers only in passing, yet it holds a unique status in the structural framework of the Indian polity. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Highlight the extent of President's powers under Article 352. Comment on the judicial scrutiny of proclamation and the exercise of executive powers under National Emergency. How is this power different from the one bestowed under Article 356? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Fiscal transfers from the Centre to States are critical in India. In this context, explain the rationale of both general and specific purpose fiscal transfers. Also highlight the problems witnessed in the design and implementation of specific purpose transfers. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8439,"topper":"Uma Haritha N","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c95ad-362399_1147_uma-haritha_rank-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the issues faced in BOT and EPC models of infrastructure investment, explain how HAM can address these. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The investment rate in India has gradually declined after a historic high in the mid 2000s. Examine the reasons behind this trend. Discuss the steps required to revive investment for a sustained growth. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The measurement of the extent of formal sector and formal employment is yet an unsettled matter in our economy. Comment. Also, mention the steps which the government has taken to improve its extent. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"In the context of major challenges that have restricted industrial growth, there is need for a new industrial policy to enable the industry to fulfill its role as the engine of growth and shoulder the responsibility of adding more value and jobs. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Providing social security, especially to those working in unorganised sector, is an important requirement to achieve the goal of inclusive growth. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Assigning infrastructure status to the logistics industry is a good first move, but there are several other problems related to this sector that need to be addressed. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In view of the direct link between tenure security and food security, there is need for a conducive legal framework for land rights in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Minimum Support Price (MSP) of crops is a short term solution for agricultural distress which creates long term problems. Examine. Suggest measures to overcome the the limitations of the MSP regime. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"With women playing an increasingly significant role in the Indian agriculture sector, gender specific interventions can be the key to improving agricultural productivity. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Enumerating the factors that determine a nation's energy-mix, comment on the need for having a diversified fuel basket for meeting India's future energy demands. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlight the importance of MSME sector in India's economy. Also, identifying the challenges, suggest some policy recommendations to ensure their sustenance and competitive growth. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"A near stagnant tax to GDP ratio for the country since decades reflects not only non-fruition of efforts to increase it but also underlying structural issues with tax regime. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Adhering to fiscal discipline is considered as a hallmark of sound financial management by government. Elaborate. To what extent does the Budget 2018 incorporates fiscal discipline vis-a-vis competing targets of the government? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The role of international trade in achieving a quicker pace of economic development is well recognized. What are the benefits of international trade for a developing country like India? Highlight the challenges that India faces in improving its share in world trade. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"In the light of increasing NPAs and frauds, the twin balance sheet problem has grown immensely. Comment on the issue and analyse the potential of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code to be a game changer for Indian economy's health and long-term growth. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Enhancing private infrastructure spending and revival of stalled projects is critical to the success of Bharatmala Pariyojana. Discuss. Also enumerate measures taken by the government to revive stalled projects on National Highways. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Going forward, the allied sectors will play a critical role in increasing the resilience and improving economic returns in agriculture. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"What do you understand by Seed Replacement Rate? Explaining the concept of breeder, foundation and certified seeds, highlight the major policy initiatives taken in order to address the challenge of quality seed availability to farmers. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8440,"topper":"Uma Haritha N","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/48dec-362399_1242_uma-haritha_rank-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Tribal art in India generally reflects the creative energy found in rural areas that acts as an undercurrent to the craftsmanship. Explain with reference to the Worli and Gond paintings. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Though it had its achievements, the exclusion of Indians from the system was a key feature of judicial reforms introduced by Cornwallis. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Marshall Plan was important in the recovery of the European states from the aftermath of the Second World War. However, it also became a crucial factor in the creation of two Europes i.e. East and West. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Examine the causes behind the existence of bonded labour in contemporary India. Also, discuss the steps that should be taken for its redress. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"State the factors that enhance the risk for initiation or continuation of abuse of drugs by the youth. What measures can be taken to address this issue? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Critically analyze the impact of globalization on culture in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"How do increasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions impact coastal and marine ecosystems? Highlight various measures that can be taken for protection and restoration of such vulnerable ecosystems. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Explain the phenomenon of a Polar Vortex. Also, comment on the reasons as to why tropical areas as south as Florida have been witnessing sub-zero temperatures in recent years. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The most powerful trend of medieval Indian literature is devotional poetry which dominates almost all the major languages of the country. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Discuss the major changes introduced by the Government of India Act, 1919 and its significance as a historical landmark in the Indian freedom struggle. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Multiple factors allowed the British to gain control over India. In this context, highlighting the main developments, trace the course of British conquest of India from 1757 to 1856. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"With India becoming increasingly urban and the urban poor increasing in number, it is imperative that the challenges they face be addressed urgently. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Violations of women's sexual and reproductive health rights are often deeply engrained in societal values and traditions. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by the term Land Degradation Neutrality? Highlight its significance and the steps required to achieve it. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"State the geographical and economic importance of Hindukush-Himalayan region. How are the critical geographical features of this region changing and what possible consequences will it have? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What is the most accepted reasoning behind occurrence of earth's magnetism? Discuss the factors behind its variation temporally and spatially. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Explain Walker Circulation. Discuss how it influences Indian Monsoon. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8441,"topper":"Uma Haritha N","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/58603-362399_1435_uma-haritha_rank-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Do you think there has been a convergence of values between public and private sectors in the wake of increasing role of the private sector in public service delivery?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Giving examples of some social ills plaguing the society, discuss how social persuasion can be an effective technique to overcome them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"What steps should be taken by the government for increasing the effectiveness of grievance redressal mechanism?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are two statements. Bring out what you understand by them and discuss their relevance in the present context. (a) \"I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear\"- Nelson Mandela","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"\"Not everybody can be famous, but everybody can be great because greatness is determined by service\"- Martin Luther King.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Explain why superstitious beliefs and practices abound in India. In this context, discuss the importance of inculcating scientific temper to remove superstitions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Simply labelling people as liberal or conservative is to miss the point that an individual can have divergent views on different issues. Explain with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Anti-corruption measures need focus on both demand as well as supply side of corruption. Discuss in the light of prevalence of 'collusive corruption' in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Identify the various traits of a healthy work culture for a bureaucracy in a modern society. Also, suggest ways in which a healthy work culture can be created in India to meet the objectives of good-governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Citizen's charters can be both a stimulus and a means for government to raise the standards of Public Service delivery. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Attitude and behaviour are so closely interwoven that a change in one inevitably influences the other. Explain the statement with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Emotional intelligence is an important parameter as one aspires to move up the ladder in a competitive environment. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Rapid growth of information and communication technology, with all its benefits, has associated risks and far-reaching consequences. The government has constituted a committee to frame guidelines for an inclusive and safe cyberspace in India. The committee has solicited public opinion in this regard. As a concerned citizen, you have to give your suggestions on the following themes: (a) Why do you think some people or a set of people are more vulnerable to cyber threats with special emphasis on cyber-bullying. (b) Do you think the experiences and exposure in cyberspace are an important influence in a person's attitude and behaviour? (c) What reasonable restrictions can be applied to make cyberspace more safe and friendly to all citizens?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"You are serving as the Public Health Officer in a district that is lagging behind in achieving the Open Defecation Free (ODF) status. Even after ensuring adequate access to water and sanitation services, their usage has not spread and the practice of open defecation continues in the district. Despite serious extension efforts by the government, safe hygienic practices have not been adopted by the people. As a result, various instances of bacteriological contamination and water-borne diseases have surfaced up recently. In such a scenario: (a) Examine the reasons behind low usage and adoption rates of built toilets in India? (b) Highlighting the principles to be kept in mind while preparing an effective Information, Education and Communication (IEC) strategy, design an action plan to address the problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"You are the District Magistrate of a district that is known for making combustible substances such as match boxes and fire crackers. As per the The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016, employment of children in such hazardous activities is prohibited. In this regard, government has also released a notification that owners of these manufacturing units need to report on the profiles of their employees annually as child labour has been prevalent in these industries. These manufacturing units, abiding by the directives of the government, publish such reports annually and claim to have successfully put an end to employment of child labour. However, it has been brought to your notice that these companies are taking advantage of a loopholes in the law. They have been outsourcing their hiring to independent contractors who engage families in the business. The families have been continuing to use child labour to supplement their income and also keep the cost of labour competitive so as to bag more such contracts and since they are not officially on the payroll of the companies, they are absolved of the legal liabilities. (a) Identify the ethical issues in this case. (b) How would you approach the problem and what would be the main elements of your action?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You are serving as a District Magistrate in a district, which is prone to recurrent droughts. The issue of scarcity of water is aggravating year by year. Even during the years of high rainfall, the district has witnessed severe shortage of water for agriculture purposes, mainly due to cultivation of water guzzling crops. It is evident that water scarcity is one of the main reasons for backwardness of the district. Recognising this, the state government decided to withdraw some incentives given for cultivation of such crops and incentivise a cropping pattern more suitable to the agro-climatic conditions of this region. However, anticipating worsening of their economic condition in such times, the farmers have taken to protesting on the streets. Despite such a well-intentioned move by the government, the farmers feel that response of the state administration has been anti-farmer and cruel. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Do you think there is a real divergence between interests of the farmers of this district and the state? (b) What immediate steps should you advocate in the interests of farmers of the district?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Many Indian cities are facing a major problem of management of household waste. Huge volume of wastes has meant that landfill sites are facing the problem of overcapacity. On the other hand, the waste-to-energy plants constructed to solve the problem are also facing flak due to their inefficiency and release of poisonous pollutants. The manner of waste disposal by people is identified as one of the main reasons behind this problem. The government has notified rules regarding disposal, collection and treatment of waste and has initiated numerous awareness campaigns in the past. Still, the problem does not seem to be getting under control. Given such a situation, answer the following questions: (a) What do you think is the reason behind the apathy of people towards issues like waste disposal that affect the larger interests of society in general? (b) Identify the stakeholders and the significance of their involvement in addressing the issue.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8442,"topper":"Uma Haritha N","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9c290-362399_1245_uma-haritha_rank-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the attributes of leadership, analyse why it is important for a civil servant.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"A civil servant needs to be objective as well as empathetic. What do you understand by objectivity? Discuss its relationship with empathy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"With rapidly increasing use of information technology, what according to you is the role of ethics in cyber space?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Transparency in government organisations is an essential pre-condition for good governance. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but its lowest ones. Nelson Mandela","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"In the context of rapid technological change, discuss the significance of inculcating moral and spiritual values in educational institutions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Explain the main elements of integral humanism as propounded by Deen Dayal Upadhyay and highlight its contemporary relevance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"It is imperative for a country like India, that code of ethics should be implemented for civil servants on social media platforms as well. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Discuss how effective corporate governance can ensure the equitable treatment of all stakeholders.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"You are the Chairman of a Committee, constituted by the government, to suggest measures to improve the quality of education in state-run schools. In view of the increasing dropout rate and the widening gap between students' learning ability in state-run and private schools, answer the following questions: (a) Examine the role of government in the education sector, especially providing primary and secondary education through state-run schools. (b) Identify the principles and values that would guide your recommendations in this regard. (c) Suggest some ways in which quality of education in state-run schools can be improved.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8443,"topper":"Umaharathi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/10nYs5f7_e3hkGvU3qPhxiOXtlUu2TnM9/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) Do you think there has been a convergence of values between public and private sectors in the wake of increasing role of the private sector in public service delivery?","marks":"10","words":"not more than 150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) Giving examples of some social ills plaguing the society, discuss how social persuasion can be an effective technique to overcome them.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":7,"question":"2. The grievance redressal mechanism is the gauge to measure efficiency and effectiveness as it provides important feedback on the working of the administration. In this context, answer the following questions:\n(a) Identify the issues which have created barriers for a responsive redressal mechanism.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) What steps should be taken by the government for increasing the effectiveness of grievance redressal mechanism?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) \"Not everybody can be famous, but everybody can be great because greatness is determined by service\" - Martin Luther King.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":15,"question":"4. (a) Explain why superstitious beliefs and practices abound in India. In this context, discuss the importance of inculcating scientific temper to remove superstitions.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":17,"question":"4. (b) Simply labelling people as liberal or conservative is to miss the point that an individual can have divergent views on different issues. Explain with examples.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":19,"question":"5 (a) Anti-corruption measures need focus on both demand as well as supply side of corruption. Discuss in the light of prevalence of 'collusive corruption' in India.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":21,"question":"5. (b) Identify the various traits of a healthy work culture for a bureaucracy in a modern society. Also, suggest ways in which a healthy work culture can be created in India to meet the objectives of good-governance.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":23,"question":"6. Citizen's charters can be both a stimulus and a means for government to raise the standards of Public Service delivery. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":25,"question":"7. Attitude and behaviour are so closely interwoven that a change in one inevitably influences the other. Explain the statement with examples.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":27,"question":"8. Emotional intelligence is an important parameter as one aspires to move up the ladder in a competitive environment. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":29,"question":"9 Rapid growth of information and communication technology, with all its benefits, has associated risks and far-reaching consequences. The government has constituted a committee to frame guidelines for an inclusive and safe cyberspace in India. The committee has solicited public opinion in this regard. As a concerned citizen, you have to give your suggestions on the following themes:\n(a) Why do you think some people or a set of people are more vulnerable to cyber threats with special emphasis on cyber-bullying.\n(b) Do you think the experiences and exposure in cyberspace are an important influence in a person's attitude and behaviour?\n(c) What reasonable restrictions can be applied to make cyberspace more safe and friendly to all citizens?","marks":"20","words":"in around 250"},{"page":34,"question":"10. You are serving as the Public Health Officer in a district that is lagging behind in achieving the Open Defecation Free (ODF) status. Even after ensuring adequate access to water and sanitation services, their usage has not spread and the practice of open defecation continues in the district. Despite serious extension efforts by the government, safe hygienic practices have not been adopted by the people. As a result, various instances of bacteriological contamination and water-borne diseases have surfaced up recently. In such a scenario:\n(a) Examine the reasons behind low usage and adoption rates of built toilets in India?\n(b) Highlighting the principles to be kept in mind while preparing an effective Information, Education and Communication (IEC) strategy, design an action plan to address the problem.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":39,"question":"11. You are the District Magistrate of a district that is known for making combustible substances such as match boxes and fire crackers. As per the The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016, employment of children in such hazardous activities is prohibited. In this regard, government has also released a notification that owners of these manufacturing units need to report on the profiles of their employees annually as child labour has been prevalent in these industries. These manufacturing units, abiding by the directives of the government, publish such reports annually and claim to have successfully put an end to employment of child labour. However, it has been brought to your notice that these companies are taking advantage of a loopholes in the law. They have been outsourcing their hiring to independent contractors who engage families in the business. The families have been continuing to use child labour to supplement their income and also keep the cost of labour competitive so as to bag more such contracts and since they are not officially on the payroll of the companies, they are absolved of the legal liabilities.\n(a) Identify the ethical issues in this case.\n(b) How would you approach the problem and what would be the main elements of your action?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":40,"question":"a) The following are the ethical issues involved:\nII What condition are the parents forced to send their children to labour?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"12. You are working as a Block Development Officer (BDO) in a state and the Lok Sabha elections are around the corner. Two months prior to the elections, a mega rally of a leader from the political party ruling the state is being organized in the neighboring district. All BDOs have received an oral order from the Chief Development Officer directing them to make sure that five buses full of people from their block be sent to the rally. The only direction is to ensure maximum participation and make suitable arrangements in pursuit of the same. Given the situation, answer the following:\n(a) As a civil servant, what values should guide your response in such a situation?\n(b) Identify the various options that are available to you?\n(c) What course of action would you choose and why?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":49,"question":"13. You are serving as a District Magistrate in a district, which is prone to recurrent droughts. The issue of scarcity of water is aggravating year by year. Even during the years of high rainfall, the district has witnessed severe shortage of water for agriculture purposes, mainly due to cultivation of water guzzling crops. It is evident that water scarcity is one of the main reasons for backwardness of the district. Recognising this, the state government decided to withdraw some incentives given for cultivation of such crops and incentivise a cropping pattern more suitable to the agro-climatic conditions of this region. However, anticipating worsening of their economic condition in such times, the farmers have taken to protesting on the streets. Despite such a well-intentioned move by the government, the farmers feel that response of the state administration has been anti-farmer and cruel. Given the situation, answer the following questions:\n(a) Do you think there is a real divergence between interests of the farmers of this district and the state?\n(b) What immediate steps should you advocate in the interests of farmers of the district?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":54,"question":"14. Many Indian cities are facing a major problem of management of household waste. Huge volume of wastes has meant that landfill sites are facing the problem of overcapacity. On the other hand, the waste-to-energy plants constructed to solve the problem are also facing flak due to their inefficiency and release of poisonous pollutants. The manner of waste disposal by people is identified as one of the main reasons behind this problem. The government has notified rules regarding disposal, collection and treatment of waste and has initiated numerous awareness campaigns in the past. Still, the problem does not seem to be getting under control. Given such a situation, answer the following questions:\n(a) What do you think is the reason behind the apathy of people towards issues like waste disposal that affect the larger interests of society in general?\n(b) Identify the stakeholders and the significance of their involvement in addressing the issue.","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":8444,"topper":"Umaharathi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaanias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vhSkPM5unVfjWtj-O_RNSmRXJVK5DXiV/view","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Q1. (a) In what way does transparency make civil servants responsive and responsible and promote probity in public life? Explain with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Q1. (b) Accountability is an act of more a legal sanction rather a moral sanction. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Q2. (a) What do you understand by ethics in governance? Explain with reasons why it has become important?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Q2. (b) \"Conduct rules of civil services have failed to create an accountable civil service in India\". Critically examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Q3. (a) Corporate governance alone may not be adequate enough to promote ethics in business unless it is backed by a culture of ethics in the business organizations. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Q3. (b) Ethics in international relations doesn’t have established standards. Evaluate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Q4. (a) Define ethical dilemma in the context of civil services and analyze how conduct rules and conscience can work as a guide for overcoming ethical dilemmas faced by civil servants?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Q4. (b) What do you mean by bureaucratic work culture? Discuss the appropriate and effective interventions to transform it into a professional work culture.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Q5. (a) Corruption thrives due to bad politics. Do you agree with the statement? Argue with reference to the view that corruption can be eradicated only when there is good politics.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Q5. (b) Why there are so much concerns about efficient utilization of public funds? Whether inefficient utilization and wastage of public resources are legal, procedural and institutional problem or a moral and an ethical problem. Examine the statement with relevant facts and examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Q6. (a) Citizen's charter is not effective as it creates merely a moral obligation to public servants for its effective implementation. Critically examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Q6. (b) What do you understand by 'shared humanity'? Why is modern civilization required to have shared humanity? Explain.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Q6. (c) On the one hand, civil servants are expected to be neutral and anonymous and on the other hand, they are asked to be transparent, responsive and citizen-friendly. Do you think that both are contradictory to each other? Give justification to your view.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Q7 A child marriage was performed in a classroom of a junior college in one of the district of a progressive state in India. The event came to light after a video of the ceremony was widely shared on various social media groups. After the incident, the girl's parents refused to allow her to return home. Also, the management of the junior college removed the names of the students from the rolls and gave them transfer certificates. Suppose you are the head of junior college, then:\na) What are the ethical issues involved in the given case?\nb) Discuss your course of action and give justification.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Q8. Suppose you are the Sarpanch and belongs to the upper caste, then what will be your course of action to settle the issue and promote social harmony in the village?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q9. You are posted as an SDM in a tehsil. In your area, there are rumours that the stock of fertilizers would finish in some days and after some time, there would be no fertilizers for the upcoming cropping season. It is also being reported that there is nexus between the officers and local traders that has resulted into the shortage of fertilizer.\nAfter hearing the news, many farmers reach the block to purchase it and start queueing up. Although fertilizer providing officers continuously appeal to the people that there is no shortage of fertilizers, but farmers are not paying any attention to their appeals.\nDue to heavy rush, a farmer dies because of a heart attack. The death results into protest by the farmers. They blame the fertilizer providing officers for his death and the situation seems to go out of hand. When you reach the place, you see that protesters are very aggressive and demanding to file a murder case against fertilizer providing officers.\nIn this situation, what will be your response so that peace and order are maintained and farmers concerns are addressed? Also, give justification for your action.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Q10. Suppose you are the health secretary, then\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\nb) Do you think that government should pay the bill? Give reasons for your view.\nc) Discuss your health plan for dealing with such types of health-related cases in future so that the burden of health cost can be reduced.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Q11. Suppose you are a senior doctor working in a government hospital of that city, then\na) Discuss the ethical dilemmas that you will face as per the situations mentioned in the case study.\nb) Do health service providers have the right to refuse to treat a COVID-19 positive patient, or do they have a professional duty to treat the patient, no matter how high the personal risk? Give justification to your view.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"a) Ethical dilemmas faced by a senior doctor\n1) Ensuring safety of myself and my family v/s treating patients and doing my duty at the cost of self (no protective gear) assured\n2) Advise the juniors v/s Ask them to take up duties to be safe\n3) Following my liberty and right to refuse service v/s Adhering to the government order and provide service","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"Q12. As a responsible citizen of India, what are your views on the following?\na) What is the moral responsibility of the social media company that it has breached?\nb) Whether government regulation is the only effective solution. Give justification to your view.","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":8445,"topper":"Umaharathi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaanias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kUhNZOLMOxNX1FFqQ3dFhnaEWMaeXTFx/view","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Q1. (a) A society cannot adhere to ethical standards if it doesn't have a culture of adherence to moral standards. Do you agree with the statement? Give justification.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Q1. (b) The field of ethics is based on normative consideration of human nature. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Q2. (a) \"Human is a social, political and ethical animal\" (Aristotle). Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Q2. (b) What do you understand by the three principles of Jainism philosophy: right knowledge, right faith and right conduct? How are they relevant for present society? Explain.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Q3. (a) Critically examine the \"categorical imperative\" or the concept of absolute moral command as the ethical premise of Immanuel Kant philosophy.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Q3. (b) Discuss the relevance of compassion and forgiveness as human values in present society. Why is forgiveness considered superior to punishment?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Q4. (a) 'To overcome the contemporary issues in India, there is need of civic nationalism, anchored in the Constitution and liberal democratic institutions, a nationalism of belonging rather than of blood.' Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Q4. (b) \"Any change in the nation's trajectory always stems from its youth and their participation.\" In the light of this statement, explain the way in which youth can contribute to the nation-building process, especially India as a soft power and an egalitarian society.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Q5. (a) 'Moral education includes norms that define socially responsible and considerate behaviour towards everyone including nature.' With reference to this statement, explain the role of schools in building courteous and mindful societies.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Q5. (b) Values and attitudes are acquired and are at best nurtured through experiences. Illustrate and explain.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Q6. (a) \"Always aim at complete harmony of thought, word and deed. Always aim at purifying your thoughts and everything will be well.\" - Mahatma Gandhi. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Q6. (b) It is emotional intelligence and not intelligence quotient which has become essential for living a peaceful, happy and prosperous life. Examine","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Q6. (c) What do you understand by ethics in public and private relations? Analyse with examples whether they have reciprocal relations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Q7 Suppose you have been asked by one state government to suggest the appropriate actions and measures against such types of conduct so that peace and harmony in society is not disturbed, then\na) Discuss the ethical dilemma that you will face in the case study\nb) Do you think that cheering an opposite team amounts to anti-national behaviour, is a threat to peace and harmony and hence, legal action should be taken to set an example to discourage any such future conduct? Give justification to your view.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Q8 A young environmental activist has posted on social media a message in support of the ongoing farmers protests. The post has been linked to a toolkit that appears to establish a link with a civil society organisation known for supporting Khalistan Movement. The police think that the toolkit encourages the farmers' agitation and tarnishes the image of India. She is detained by the police and is charged for sedition. She is kept under police custody for five days. However, the lower court gives bail to her after five days and the case is still pending.\nSuppose you were the concerned officer dealing with the case, then\na) Discuss the ethical issues in the case study\nb) What would be your courses of action once you come to know about the post on social media by the young activist? Also, give justification for your actions.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"9. What exactly is the post? How is it related to the Khalistan movement?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"Q9. a) केस स्टडी में नैतिक मुद्दों को चर्चा करें।\nb) क्या कानूनी प्रवर्तन पर जोर दिया जाना चाहिए या हमें लोगों को सुधारने और नशीली दवाओं की लत के खतरे से निपटने के लिए सामाजिक-मानसिक-नैतिक दृष्टिकोण अपनाने की आवश्यकता है? दोनों के गुण-अवगुण की चर्चा करें और औचित्य के साथ एक पक्ष लें कि सबसे उपयुक्त कार्रवाई कौन सी होगी?\na) केस स्टडी में नैतिक मुद्दों को चर्चा करें।\nb) क्या कानूनी प्रवर्तन पर जोर दिया जाना चाहिए या हमें लोगों को सुधारने और नशीली दवाओं की लत के खतरे से निपटने के लिए सामाजिक-मानसिक-नैतिक दृष्टिकोण अपनाने की आवश्यकता है? दोनों के गुण-अवगुण की चर्चा करें और औचित्य के साथ एक पक्ष लें कि सबसे उपयुक्त कार्रवाई कौन सी होगी?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"a) Discuss the ethical issues in the case study\nb) Should there be an emphasis on legal enforcement or do we need to adopt the socio-psychological-moral approach to reform people and tackle the drug-addiction menace? Discuss the pros and cons of both and take a stand with the justification that which one would be the most appropriate action? (250 words) 20","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Q10. मान लीजिए कि आप PM-JAY के प्रभावी क्रियान्वयन के लिए बनाई गई राज्य स्वास्थ्य एजेंसी के प्रमुख हैं, तो जिला स्तर पर क्या प्रभावी उपाय किए जाएंगे, जिससे न केवल जागरूकता बढ़े बल्कि पात्र लोगों द्वारा योजना का उपयोग भी किया जा सके?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Suppose you are the head of the State Health Agency created for the effective implementation of the PM-JAY, then what effective measure will be taken at the district level so that not only awareness is increased but also the use of the scheme by eligible people?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.11 a) कैसा स्टेटस में भेदभाव मुद्दों की चर्चा करें।\nb) जनजातीय लोगों को न्याय बहाल करने के लिए कार्रवाई की प्रक्रिया क्या होगी?\na) कैसा स्टेटस में भेदभाव मुद्दों की चर्चा करें।\nb) जनजातीय लोगों को न्याय बहाल करने के लिए कार्रवाई की प्रक्रिया क्या होगी?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Suppose you are the District Magistrate of the district, then\na) Discuss the ethical issues in the case study\nb) What will be the course of action to restore justice to tribal people?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Q12. Suppose you are the head of the employees union of the paper mills, then\na) Discuss the ethical issues in the case studies\nb) What are the options available to you? Select your option and explain the course of action with justification.","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":8446,"topper":"Umaharathi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaanias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OBoNofGBt0wYMRJs4AjAB3up0yaaaAbC/view","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Q.1. (a) \"Ethics works as a binding force between law, morality, values, religion and social norms.\" Explain.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Q.1. (b) Analyse whether the 'conditions of civil services' impose restrictions on the freedom of a civil servant to speak his mind as what he thinks is right and hence, a civil servant feels circumscribed in terms of not contributing as per the spirit of the constitution.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Q.2. (a) \"Human values say that every course of action of society ought to be judged with an eye to the dictum \"Human beings are divine children.\" Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Q.2. (b) In A Theory of Justice, John Rawls has introduced a universal system of fairness. He has advocated a system of governance that would be political, social, and economical in its effects. Explain.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Q.3. (a) \"Patriotism is the exact opposite of nationalism. In saying 'our interests first, and who cares about the others', we erase what a nation has that's most important: its moral values.\" Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Q.3. (b) Those who have financial success but suffer from stress, anxiety, loneliness, and broken relationships need to build emotional harmony within for holistic success? Do you agree? Explain.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Q.4 (a) \"Technology is, by definition, amoral. It is the intent that provides the missing link to ethics.\" In the light of the statement, analyse whether it is human, not Artificial Intelligence which is responsible for the threat to the survival of society.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Q.4. (b) Explain with example why the character of a civil servant is considered as the most important virtue? Also, enumerate the challenges faced by civil servants in cultivating good character.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Q.5. (a) How do citizens’ charter, RTI, social audit and e-governance influence probity in governance? If they have enhanced probity then does it mean there is the reduction in corruption and an increase in quality of services? Give justification to your view.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Q.5. (b) \"It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is the most adaptable to change.\" (Charles Darwin). Does this statement go against the principles of ethics? Explain.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Q.6 (a) \"Sanitation is more important than independence.\" (Mahatma Gandhi). Explain the morality behind the statement and its relevance.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.6. (b) Differentiate the following with examples\n(i) Ethical dilemma and ethical issues\n(ii) Natural justice and natural law\n(iii) Social capital and social ethics","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Q.6 (c) \"To be persuasive, we must be believable; to be believable we must be credible; to be credible we must be truthful.\" Comment in the light of the relevance of truth in the governance of the state.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Q.7 Suppose you are an Income Tax Commissioner, then\na) Give your reaction to the above case study.\nb) In a situation of a business having some hundreds of crores liability and government concerns to ensure tax compliance, on the one hand, and on the other, the role of the government to create a business-friendly environment, what should have been the approach of the senior income tax (I-T) official towards the entrepreneur? Give reasons for justification.\nc) Do you have any innovative suggestions which should make the India tax administration discern between failure of business and businessmen?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Q8 Suppose you are the head of the regional medical council and the matter has been referred to you, then\na) What are the ethical dilemmas in the above case?\nb) What will be your course of action? Justify with substantial reasons.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.9 You are an honest, upright and sincere officer posted in the Social security Department. Because of this goodwill, you enjoy, the Director of the Department invited you to his home for dinner. Before the dinner during, a casual discussion, you come to know about that your senior also lives with his father, who was a great social worker. Out of curiosity, you asked to meet him. But you were told that his father is out of town for some work. When you discussed this with your colleagues, they told you that Director's father lives in an Old Age Home. You are in a state of disbelief. Your department is also the implementing agency of a law that specifies that if a Govt. employee ignores his or her parents, who do not have any means of income, then 10% of the employee's salary will be deducted by the government and paid to the parents.\na) Will you face any moral dilemmas while thinking of what to do as the course of action? Explain.\nb) Is there any ethical issue involved? Explain.\nc) What will be your courses of action, give justification?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"4 How a social worker is deprived of social justice.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Q.10 In one state, it is found that there are discriminatory practices going on in schools on the basis of caste. These include inhuman practices such as the practice of students wearing caste band, students from oppressed castes being forced to clean toilets in schools by teachers and headmasters, Dalit students being made to sit on the back benches, parents opposing a Dalit cook in anganwadis. A report on the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan's functioning in the State also confirmed discriminatory practices in schools. Such discrimination is affecting the enrolment of Dalit students in schools. You are BDO in one of the districts in the state where such practices are observed. The State government has issued a circular against discriminatory practices in schools.\na) What will be your approach to implement the circular effectively.\nb) Explain the socio-psychological factors responsible for such practices.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Q11. You are faced with two choices: either fight against child labour or make sure the son is not allowed to work or turn a blind eye towards the issue. In this situation, what will be your response to the practice of child labour? (250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.12 You are a civil services aspirant preparing for the civil services examination for few years in Delhi. You are fully dependent on your parents' monetary support which they send every month. Since your parents were facing economic hardship, your father forged documents to become eligible for one government pension scheme for which he is not legally eligible.\nHe has shared this when he receives his first pension under the scheme. He is also very happy and satisfied as he feels a sigh of relief that now the economic burden will be relieved. He even motivates you for your upcoming CSE Mains which is going to just start after two months. Your father seems to be totally unaware that whatever he has done is unethical and unlawful. But he goes on sharing that how other people have done in the locality and it seems to be the norm.\nAfter hearing all this from your father, what should be your response? Give adequate reasons for justification.","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":8447,"topper":"Umaharathi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1l_XLyFVmlTBTh1je2aZeWJwsTePBsq3q/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) Highlighting the attributes of leadership, analyse why it is important for a civil servant.","marks":"10","words":"not more than 150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) A civil servant needs to be objective as well as empathetic. What do you understand by objectivity? Discuss its relationship with empathy.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) With rapidly increasing use of information technology, what according to you is the role of ethics in cyber space?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) Transparency in government organisations is an essential pre-condition for good governance. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":11,"question":"3 Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context:\n(a) A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but its lowest ones. Nelson Mandela","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) The highest education is that which does not merely give us information but makes our life in harmony with all existence. Rabindranath Tagore (10)","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":15,"question":"4. (a) For achieving success, attitude is equally, if not more important than ability. Discuss with the help of examples from your daily life.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":17,"question":"4. (b) The core of high Emotional Intelligence is self-awareness. If you don't understand your own motivations and behaviours, it is nearly impossible to develop an understanding of others. Discuss with the help of appropriate examples.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":19,"question":"5. (a) What do you understand by Integrity Pacts? Highlight the role they can play in bringing transparency in allotment of public contracts and ensuring proper utilization of public funds in India.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":21,"question":"5. (b) In the context of rapid technological change, discuss the significance of inculcating moral and spiritual values in educational institutions.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":23,"question":"6. Explain the main elements of integral humanism as propounded by Deen Dayal Upadhyay and highlight its contemporary relevance.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":25,"question":"7. It is imperative for a country like India, that code of ethics should be implemented for civil servants on social media platforms as well. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":27,"question":"8. Discuss how effective corporate governance can ensure the equitable treatment of all stakeholders.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":29,"question":"9. You are posted as the Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district of a state where alcohol prohibition has been imposed recently. The District Excise department has conducted many raids and seized liquor in large quantities, for which it has received state-wide public appreciation. A few months later reports surface in the media that in this district, hundreds of seized bottles of illicit liquor are missing from the government malkhanas or stores. As a result, the government is left red-faced. You are asked by the DM, who is the overall in-charge of the district excise setup, to investigate the matter. Upon investigation, you unearth a nexus of politicians and government officials who smuggled seized liquor and sold it through spurious means both inside and outside the state.\nIn this context, evaluate these options:\n1. Report your findings to the DM and seek instructions for further actions, stating clearly the criminal offences committed prima facie.\n2. Charge all accused under legal provisions and let the law take its own course.\n3. Being aware of the seriousness of the matter, discretely put the detailed investigation report in the public domain and expose the nexus.","marks":"20","words":"in around 250"},{"page":34,"question":"10. You are posted as a District Magistrate in a Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected district. The district has witnessed many instances of violence by the naxalites in the past. It has been observed that instances of violence increase as the elections approach. You, as a Returning Officer, are responsible for the smooth conduct of elections. Soon after the announcement of elections, the naxalites gave a call for their boycott and have been threatening people to stay away from them. The people of the district are eager to exercise their voting rights but are scared of the impending acts of violence. Further, with threat to their lives and a low expected turnout, the other electoral officers are also reluctant to go to these areas. In this context, answer the following:\n(a) Identify the civil service values that are crucial for working in such adversities.\n(b) Suggest a plan of action to ensure the conduct of free and fair elections in such a situation.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":39,"question":"11. You are posted as a District Magistrate in a district, where many large factories and commercial establishments are located. One such factory is owned by one of your close friends. You visit each other's home frequently and are often seen in public together. Recently, media reported about poor working conditions in your friend's factory. Upon enquiry with the labor office, you come to know that the factory has witnessed frequent labour unrests in the past as well. However, the labour officer told you that he was hesitating to take any action due to your proximity with the owner of the factory. With reference to the facts of the case, answer the following questions:\n(a) Identifying the stakeholders and public cause, discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\n(b) As the District Magistrate, what appropriate course of action will you take? Give reasons for the same.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":44,"question":"12. You are a resident of a remote tribal district, where there is high incidence of malnutrition. As a remedial measure, the District Magistrate has initiated a programme to promote millet cultivation, especially on the lands currently lying fallow in the district.\nHowever, this well-intentioned move of the officer receives flak from the local tribals as this may not only change their age-old food habits but also alter their traditional agricultural practices. They further cite lower remunerative prices of millets as another reason for continuing with their existing crop production pattern.\nAs a civil servant aspirant, who has a keen interest in development of tribal areas, answer the following questions:\n(a) What according to you are the key issues and challenges involved in the above situation?\n(b) Identify the key stakeholders and their respective interests.\n(c) Suggest a course of action that the District Magistrate can take keeping in mind the larger tribal interests.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":49,"question":"13. You have recently been posted as a District Labour Officer in a state, which derives a substantial revenue from tourism. You come to know that a big hotel in the area has not been paying wages as per the Minimum Wages Act. The hotel owner is a powerful local leader having contacts with many influential officials of the state. You have the power to take sou-moto cognizance of such violations and accordingly you initiate a preliminary enquiry into the matter. However, no worker is willing to come forward to lodge a formal complaint because they fear loss of employment. Meanwhile, your action has attracted notice of the higher authorities, and you are advised to drop the matter altogether. You are deeply concerned about the situation as it involves not only violation of the Minimum Wages Act but also denial of basic human rights of the worker.\n(a) Identify the issues involved in the given case.\n(b) Consider the options given below:\n1. Follow the informal advise of the higher authorities.\n2. Convince the owner of the hotel to take note of these violations and take appropriate remedial measures.\n3. Submit a detailed report on the matter highlighting violations of workers' rights and seek formal directions from the competent authority.\n4. Serve a notice to the hotel owner and initiate action as per your powers under the Minimum Wages Act.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":50,"question":"4. होटल स्वामी को नोटिस जारी करेंगे और न्यूनतम मजदूरी अधिनियम के अंतर्गत अपनी शक्तियों के अनुसार कार्यवाही करेंगे। इनमें से प्रत्येक विकल्प के गुणों और दोषों का मूल्यांकन कीजिए तथा कारण प्रस्तुत करते हुए अपनी पसंद की कार्यवाही का सुझाव दीजिए।","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"14. You are the Chairman of a Committee, constituted by the government, to suggest measures to improve the quality of education in state-run schools. In view of the increasing dropout rate and the widening gap between students' learning ability in state-run and private schools, answer the following questions:\n(a) Examine the role of government in the education sector, especially providing primary and secondary education through state-run schools.\n(b) Identify the principles and values that would guide your recommendations in this regard.\n(c) Suggest some ways in which quality of education in state-run schools can be improved.","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":8448,"topper":"Umaharathi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/18Ns0m-hldCHPM7O8fz9sgoaLWNuw38WI/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) \"Ethics is not just a contemplative discipline. What we believe to be good or bad has implications on our actions.\" Discuss how different schools of ethics help us in making moral decisions.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) While one group considers abortion as unmitigated evil, the other sees it as morally acceptable. Analyse various ethical concerns related to abortion and give your opinion on the issue.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Ethical concerns with abortion\n1 Does the foetus not enjoy right to life? Where do we draw the line of sentence?\n2 Emotional investment of father in the unborn child - should he not have a say?\n3 Sanctity of marriage, family and therefore society at stake.\n4 Most religions object because it is ultimately killing a life which is unethical.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"2) a) What lessons can be learnt from the life of Mahatma Gandhi for promoting social harmony in today's times?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) What is Kant's categorical imperative? How does it compare with the doctrine of Nishkama Karma?","marks":"10 marks, 150","words":"10"},{"page":11,"question":"3. a) Emotional intelligence (EI) not only helps in managing stress but also transforms distress into eustress. Elaborate with relevant examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) Differentiate between the following:\ni. Gratitude and Gratification\nii. Moral myopia vs Moral muteness","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Although attitude and behaviour are interrelated, the former is a predisposition while the latter is an option. Discuss the structure of attitude and explain the relationship between attitude and behaviour.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"b) Greed is a bottomless pit which is harmful not only for self but for the entire society. Discuss. How can such negative desires be controlled?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.5 What does each of the following quotation mean to you?\na) A man can give up a right, but he may not give up a duty without being guilty of a grave dereliction.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"b) Justice without force is futile, force without justice is tyrannical.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.6. a) Success may not lead you to happiness, but happiness is definitely the key to success. Discuss this statement based on your understanding of happiness and success.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"b) \"To delight in war is a merit in the soldier, a dangerous quality in the captain, and a positive crime in the statesman.\" - George Santayana. Can war be ethically justified? Discuss the moral principles related to war.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"c) Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel. What do you understand by this statement? In your opinion, which five values should Indian education system inculcate in every student? Justify your choice.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Q.7 Based on this case study, answer the following:\na) Identify various ethical issues involved in this incident.\nb) In your opinion, whether vaccine mandates are a violation of individual liberty or a reasonable restriction on personal freedom. Justify.\nc) Discuss the ethical responsibility of famous personalities while conducting themselves in public.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Q.8) You have recently started working at your dream company. You have hired in the strategies department along with two other new joiners. All of you have just graduated out of college. You have very friendly relations with co-joiners. The three of you have been helping each other at work. The experience of working together has built strong camaraderie between the three of you. Your boss has publicly appreciated the strong team-spirit displayed by you and your colleagues.\nAt the annual review, you have been given a higher pay raise, and a more lucrative job profile. The promotion doesn't come as a surprise to you. You have worked beyond office hours more as a rule rather than as an exception. The project you worked at was adjudged 'the best project of the year in business impact' at the annual corporate awards. One of your co-joiners remarks, in presumably good humor, that you should suggest to your boss to allocate similar high impact projects to your friends as well. You also perceive suggestions towards the shared surname being the reason for special affinity of your boss towards you, indicating at the fact that your boss and you have the same caste. You feel hurt but you also try to think about the remarks with an open mind. You assess that the three of you have indeed worked hard with sincerity. One of your friends, in fact, worked very efficiently despite a personal tragedy at home. There was already a salary differential between you and your colleagues based on the pedigree of your college. The higher pay raise to you has expanded the differential pay structure further. You always considered the initial pay differential to be against the principle of equal pay for equal work. But now you feel your friends may not have been given equal opportunities as well.\na) You are inclined to the belief that efforts and talent of your colleagues have been under-appreciated and you start feeling guilty about your promotion.\nb) Based on the given information, discuss the options that are available to you for addressing the guilt. What are the merits and demerits of those choices? Which option would you choose? Justify.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"b) दी गई जानकारी के आधार पर, अपराध-बोध को दूर करने के लिए आपके पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों पर चर्चा करें। उन विकल्पों के गुण और दोष क्या हैं? आप कौन सा विकल्प चुनेंगे? औचित्य सिद्ध कीजिए।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.9 Kailash is a climate conscious and responsible citizen. Kailash left his well-paying job as a senior manager in a multinational company and started a small firm that manufactures eco-friendly products. The motto of his company is \"zero wastage and green for welfare\". His firm makes biodegradable polymer which can be used as an alternative to plastic bags, bottles, plates etc. Kailash thinks that this will promote a healthier environment and will have a positive impact on people's health. It will also help address the problem of climate change by reducing one's carbon footprint. For this to be achieved, he believes that not just products, but the process too should be less polluting. This is why, he invested heavily in non-polluting machinery. These machines are certified as \"green machines\". In fact, some of them were even imported from other countries. All of this has gained him a good reputation in the eyes of critics and environmentalists. But as the technology used in manufacturing these products is new, imported and expensive, the products made by Kailash's firm is costlier than conventional plastic products.\n\nKailash has proved that his product is environmentally benign, but he was unable to scale up production because of he ran out of funds. Kailash knows that if he could start manufacturing the polymer at a large scale and leverage economies of scale his product would become more price competitive to conventional plastics. Kailash used last of his funds to publicize his product. Kailash thought that with this publicity, raising funds from the market would be easy.\n\nKailash reached out to many investors, and they showed great interest in Kailash's product. But none of them were willing to invest money in this product. They feared that this new product, being much expensive, would not be able to compete with the conventional plastic products. Kailash's firm is also losing his existing customer who complain about very high cost of his products. Both Kailash's prospective investors and past customers know that this technology is less polluting and environmentally benign and has a positive attitude towards it. But consumer concern and attitude about the environment does not readily translate into the purchase of environmentally friendly products. Academic research has also identified this gap between purchase intentions and behaviors.\n\nKailash knows that if he changes the production procedure, things can look better for the company on the financial front, but that can take away his reputation and will also be against his own beliefs. The only possible hope is to expand his consumer base, sell his products at full capacity and convince investors to invest in his eco-friendly venture to keep his green industry running.\n\nConsider yourself in Kailash's position and answer the following questions:\na) How will you induce behavioral change to nudge people to move towards eco-friendly products?\nb) What factors will you have to consider while inspiring such a change?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":39,"question":"a) आप लोगों को पर्यावरण अनुकूल उत्पादों की ओर बढ़ने हेतु प्रेरित करने के लिए व्यवहार परिवर्तन को कैसे प्रेरित करेंगे?  \nb) इस तरह के बदलाव को प्रेरित करते समय आपको किन कारकों पर विचार करना होगा?\na) आप लोगों को पर्यावरण अनुकूल उत्पादों की ओर बढ़ने हेतु प्रेरित करने के लिए व्यवहार परिवर्तन को कैसे प्रेरित करेंगे?\nb) इस तरह के बदलाव को प्रेरित करते समय आपको किन कारकों पर विचार करना होगा?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":43,"question":"Q.10 Ashmita is a respected doctor who runs her own maternity clinic in a small town. She is a mother of two and her husband is also a doctor. Ashmita handles multiple cases of child delivery every day and is known for her compassionate treatment of patients. Her clinic enjoy a good reputation in town.\n\nAmong other expecting mothers, Shikha, daughter-in-law of an MLA, was admitted to Ashmita's maternity clinic for child birth. The MLA met Ashmita and expressed his confidence in her skills. He requested her to personally take extra care of Shikha, to which Ashmita agreed happily. Shikha unexpectedly went into labour in the early hours the next day. During this time, Ashmita was performing an emergency surgery on another patient, so she could not attend to Shikha. Shikha was taken care of by other qualified doctors and hospital staff. The MLA was visibly unhappy that Ashmita did not attend Shikha herself. Once the emergency surgery was completed, Ashmita joined her staff and attended Shikha. However, Shikha passed away due to excess bleeding from Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) during childbirth. Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is unpredictable heavy bleeding and Ashmita did everything that she could have done to try to save Shikha's life.\n\nThe MLA blamed Ashmita for Shikha's death. Ashmita was beaten by the MLA and his staff. When her husband tried to save Ashmita, he was dragged out of the hospital and thrashed. A police complaint was also lodged against Ashmita accusing her of murder due to negligence. For many days after the incident, she and her family faced constant harassment by police and supporters of the MLA. Ultimately, Ashmita could not take any more humiliation and committed suicide. The news of suicide by the doctor spread like wildfire. Indian Medical Association took cognizance of the case and warned nationwide strike of doctors if appropriate actions in this case were not taken.\n\nThe state government has appointed a committee to investigate the matter and recommend suitable actions. You are the Chairperson of this committee. In this scenario, answer the following:\na) Why do doctors face violence in the country?\nb) Identify various moral-ethical and administrative lapses in this case.\nc) What would you recommend in this case? Give rationale behind giving those recommendations.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"a) देश में डॉक्टरों को हिंसा का सामना क्यों करना पड़ता है?\nb) इस मामले में विभिन्न नैतिक-नीति विषयक और प्रशासनिक खामियों की पहचान करें।\nc) इस मामले में आप क्या सुझाव देंगे? उन सिफारिशों को देने के पीछे तर्क दीजिए।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":48,"question":"Q.11 Bhuvan-ultra is a famous real estate developer engaged mostly in housing projects. It has a very good track record of timely delivery of housing projects and enjoys a high level of trust among buyers. One of the ongoing projects of Bhuvan-ultra is a housing project with six residential towers. The construction has been in full swing for the last four years. Given the good record of the builder, all the flats have already been sold. Four out of six towers are complete and people have started living in these towers. Two other towers are near completion and it is expected that these would be ready in the next few months.\n\nSatish lives in a rented house and he daily crosses through this project on his commute to office. Satish always wanted to buy a flat in one of these towers. One day while reading the newspaper Satish came across a news article on the ongoing project of Bhuvan-ultra. Through the news article, he came to know that Bhuvan-ultra had permission to construct only four towers and it has illegally constructed two more towers in the project. The two illegal towers were standing on ground which was supposed to be a wetland. The entire conundrum points toward massive corruption and negligence by state development authorities. The matter went into the court and the court has ordered demolition of the two illegal towers. However, as the two illegal towers lie in close proximity with the other four legally constructed and inhabited towers, demolishing them is not only expensive but also a risky affair. Further, as all the six towers share a common basement, demolition of two towers can have implications for structural integrity of other four towers. Satish sits there thinking about the pain of the people who have invested their life's savings in the project and questioning whether he should ever invest in a residential property. He is also questioning himself whether demolition of a residential apartments in a country where lakhs of people are homeless, is justified or not. On the basis of above case study, answer the following:\na) Identify various ethical dilemmas involved in this case study.\nb) What can be the other options to achieve justice in the given case, apart from demolition of the illegal towers? Evaluate each of these options and suggest the most suitable option.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"किया है और सवाल किया है कि क्या उन्हें कभी आवासीय संपत्ति में निवेश करना चाहिए। वह खुद से यह भी सवाल कर रहे हैं कि जिस देश में लाखों लोग बेघर हैं, वहां आवासीय अपार्टमेंट को गिराना जायज है या नहीं। उपरोक्‍त केस स्टडी के आधार पर, निम्नलिखित उत्तर दें :\nअ) इस केस स्टडी में शामिल विभिन्न नैतिक दुविधाओं की पहचान करें।\nब) इस मामले में न्याय प्राप्त करने के लिए अवैध टावरों को गिराने के अलावा और क्या विकल्प हो सकते हैं? इनमें से प्रत्येक विकल्प का मूल्यांकन करें और सबसे उपयुक्त विकल्प सुझाएं। (20 अंक, 250 शब्द)","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":51,"question":"III A follow occupation of tower with adequate environmental compensation","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"Q.12 Universal Sisterhood of Dreams,(USD) is an NGO run by Ms. Anuradha Sen, a popular celebrity. The NGO champions the cause of woman and child rights including issues like trafficking of women and children, bonded labor, child labor, underpaid forced labor etc. USD has won multiple awards for running a shelter and a rehabilitation programme for victims of human trafficking. Due to the good work and direct involvement of a famous personality like Ms. Anuradha, USD receives substantial donations from corporate houses and philanthropists.\n\nMs. Anuradha also owns a clothing brand 'Sensation' and uses the profits from Sensation for funding USD. The manufacturing of the merchandise sold under the brand has been outsourced to a thirdparty vendor located in a country named Taba. Taba is an under-developed country with weak labor protection laws. The textile industry in Taba is infamous for sweatshops. In these sweatshops working conditions are miserable, labors are paid meager wages for long working hours, child labor and bonded labor is rampant and workplace safety is absent resulting in frequent industrial accidents. Recently, there was a huge fire in a textile factory manufacturing goods for Sensation. Seventeen people including nine children were killed in this fire. After the industrial accident, the issue of exploitation of laborers in Taba became a matter of global debate.\n\nSensation is facing heat and bad publicity on social media because of the use of sweatshops for manufacturing of its products. Ms. Anuradha and even her NGO USD are becoming victims of online trolls. This entire fiasco has negatively impacted the image of her NGO. Many former donors and philanthropists have preferred to disassociate themselves from the USD resulting in fund shortage in the NGO.\n\nMs. Anuradha discusses the entire situation with her financial and legal team. Her legal team tells her that all the relevant laws in Taba were followed by her contractor and the wage paid by it was above the minimum wages prescribed by law. Sensation has done nothing illegal and has no legal liability in this case. But Ms. Anuradha decided that she will ensure that her contractors are paying adequate wages and providing good working conditions to their employees. This can help in not only rebuilding her own reputation and image of USD but also re-attract donors. However, her financial team advises her against this move as it will involve substantial cost for the company. This can lead to a profitable brand turning into a loss-making brand. Further, it will also negatively impact the finances for USD which is already facing a resource crunch. Lack of resources can lead to closure of the shelter home and rehabilitation programme run by her NGO. Now, Ms. Anuradha is in a dilemma about her future course of action.\na) Bring out and discuss various ethical dilemmas faced by Ms. Anuradha in this case.\nb) If you were in her position, how would you approach the problem and what would be your course of action? Justify your choices.","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":8449,"topper":"Umesh Prasad Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/204f5-33682_875_umesh-prasad-gupta_162.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Centralising recruitment through an All-India Judicial Service (AIJS) will not address the multiple problems in the judiciary and cause new ones instead. Critically evaluate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"The roots of the most pertinent challenges faced by Indian politics today can be traced to the lack of intra-party democracy in candidate selection and internal elections. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"While the idea behind merger of autonomous bodies in India is to curb overlapping work and reduce expenditure, it may end up doing more harm than good. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Well-defined electoral laws and greater powers for the Election Commission of India are required as the existing laws and mechanisms are inadequate to deal with new challenges. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Privileges should be defined and delimited for the free and independent functioning of the legislatures. In this context, discuss whether there is a need to re-examine the balance between fundamental rights and parliamentary privileges in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The principle of accountability is an essential part of the rule of law. In this context, discuss the lacunae in government's approach and judiciary's response to the phenomenon of extrajudicial killings in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Explain the rationale behind enacting the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016. Discuss how it can help in revitalizing consumer confidence in the real estate market. Also highlight the hurdles that remain in implementing it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Moving the subject of water from state list to concurrent list will solve the issues related to governance of water resources. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Give an account of the areas of potential conflict in the relationship between the political executive and civil servants. Also discuss why a healthy working relationship between the two is critical for good governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Despite their location in the non-political domain of civil society, NGOs have ended up playing a key, if indirect, role in India's politics. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Magnitude of India's urbanisation is not unusual but the pattern is. In this context, examine the issues in the governance of cities in India. Also suggest the reforms required to make Indian cities dynamos of competitive sub-federalism.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Social boycott should be treated as a criminal offence, rather than being considered as just another form of social evil plaguing the Indian society. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Human Trafficking in India has emerged as a serious issue, which calls for understanding the complexity of the problem and devising an effective strategy to combat it. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"A weak teacher education system is at the core of India's problems in school education. Evaluate. In this context, also enumerate the recommendations of the High-Powered Commission on Teacher Education constituted by the Supreme Court of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"It has been argued that the recent order of the Supreme Court to prevent the misuse of Section 498A institutionalises the prejudices and rehabilitates the myths, which the women's movement in India has battled over decades. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"As strategic interests between India and US continue to converge, defence has emerged as a major area of cooperation between the two. Discuss the significance and possible implications of this development.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"India's contribution to peacekeeping missions of the United Nations has remained steadfast despite changes in the nature, form and variety of UN peace keeping missions. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"India's partnership with Africa is an amalgam of African development priorities as well as India's development objectives. Discuss. Also highlight the initiatives taken by India in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Comment on the role of International Court of Justice in upholding the values of international law. In this context, also highlight the association of India with the ICJ over the years.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"In view of the focus on trans-regional economic corridors and changing regional geo-politics and geo-economics, critically discuss the idea of an Indo-Pacific Economic Corridor.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8450,"topper":"Umesh Prasad Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/69a04-33682_1068_umesh-prasad-gupta_162.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"There are many challenges in sustainably scaling up renewable energy in India. Analyse. Also, discuss what can be done to address these challenges. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The policies and indicators introduced by the government, in recent times, to finance urban development in India are key in addressing the existing challenges. Discuss with special reference to municipal bonds. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"With a number of issues continuing to be a roadblock, a large section of India's rural population is still 'financially excluded'. Discuss. Analyse how these issues can be addressed and the measures taken by the government and RBI recently in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'Environmental Accounting'? Discussing the rationale behind introducing environmental accounting, highlight its status in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"While access to irrigation is important, efficiency of water use is equally, if not more, crucial. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"For a holistic approach to disaster risk reduction, there is a need to mainstream indigenous traditional knowledge and link it with modern technologies. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do you understand by food irradiation? Highlighting some of its unique applications, examine its relevance for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Whereas misuse of technology has abetted the spread of fake news, it is with the aid of technology that this menace can be curbed. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Explain the salient features of the recently established Defence Planning Committee. How can it help in credible defence preparedness? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Recent reports of Maoist leaders having amassed huge assets in property and cash underlines the significance of probing the funding network as part of counter-terrorism efforts. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Not only do services MSMEs contribute mightily to the overall GDP growth, they have a powerful, multiplier impact on the local economies as well. Elaborating on the statement, highlight the problems faced by service sector MSMEs. How can the government make it easier for MSMEs to start and grow a business? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Contract Farming has many advantages, however it suffers from market failures. Elaborate. What can the government do to correct problems that lead to contract failures? Also, discuss whether the Model Contract Farming Act, 2018 is a step in the right direction. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Suggest the measures needed to improve the employability of labour force as well as increasing number of employment opportunities in light of structural changes being brought by disruptive technologies. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"India's trade policy in agriculture, marred by ad-hocism and pro-consumer bias, has constrained realization of export potential, and prevented the farmers from reaping the benefits. Examine the statement and discuss ways, including government initiatives, to improve agricultural exports. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Is currency exchange rate a suitable measure of relative economic performance of countries? Despite improving macro-economic fundamentals, trade deficit in India continues to widen. Bring out the factors responsible for this situation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"It will take much more than relief packages to address the problems being faced by the sugar industry in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"NAPCC, almost 10 years old and formulated with lofty objectives, has not served as the best answer to cope with the impacts of climate change. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Proliferation of nuclear weapons and the threat of their use are key concerns for global security nonetheless existing international arrangements seem to be ineffective. Comment. Also, identify the salient features of India's policy in this context and discuss whether India should join the NPT in the current form. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The maritime security domain requires collective multilateral and regional cooperation to combat non traditional threats. Discuss in the context of threats in the Western Indian Ocean and the recent amendments in the Djibouti Code of Conduct. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India's space programme was initiated with the vision of utilising outer space for peaceful purposes, however with changing times it has the potential to play a significant role in strengthening security capabilities of India. Discuss with adequate examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8451,"topper":"Umesh Prasad Gupta","air":162,"year":2019,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5c6f9-33682_1146_umesh-prasad-gupta_162.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8452,"topper":"Umesh Prasad Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d9c09-33682_1149_umesh-prasad-gupta_162.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Self doubt can both help and hinder leadership. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Bring out the significance of probity in public life! What are the requisites for ensuring probity in governance? Pointing out the key concerns in India in this context, suggest certain remedial measures. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"While the corrupt and dishonest should be punished swiftly, honest public servants need to be protected against malicious and motivated complaints to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of an organisation. Discuss. How can the two objectives be reconciled?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"The effective implementation of the Right to Information Act will create an environment of vigilance which will help in functioning of a more participatory democracy. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"The bureaucracy technically has been an efficient form of organisation but is seen to have exceeded its administrative powers due to its tendency towards self aggrandisement, permanence in employment, and nearness to the political executive. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Social media has played a key role in influencing political opinions and social attitudes in India. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"\"Nonviolence is not servile passivity but a powerful moral force which makes for social transformation\". Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"It is at the interface of public action and private interest that the need arises for establishing not just a code of ethics but a code of conduct. In this context, highlight the need for drafting a code of ethics as well as a code of conduct.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Income inequality is a matter of grave concern for the Indian society. In this context, examine the relevance of Gandhiji's concepts of 'Sarvodaya' and 'Trusteyship'.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"It does not take long for conflict to turn violent when deep seated prejudices and discriminatory attitudes are not addressed. Discuss in the context of communal and caste-based violence in India. What role should the state play in this context?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Explain with examples how emotional intelligence increases the effectiveness of leadership skills in a civil servant.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"A Citizens' Charter sees public services through the eyes of those who use them. In this context, analyze the importance of citizen charter in making public services citizen centric.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Given the effects that cultural attitudes about menstruation have on women, there is need to follow a strategic approach in combating these. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"In the following questions, carefully study the cases presented and then answer the questions that follow (in around 250 words): 9. As the District Magistrate you are posted in a district that had been infamous for girl-child marriages. The government introduced a contributory scheme two decades ago, where the government contributed the same amount as the parents, into an account, for their girl child of age 0 to 7 years. The total sum could be withdrawn only when the girl turns eighteen and is unmarried. Due to this scheme, a new pattern has emerged. All girls are married as soon as they turn eighteen, and incidents of dowry have increased substantially - because the community customs require paying the sum commensurate to the age of the girl. Further, parents now tend to save money for the scheme instead of investing in girl's education. As the local administration tries to tackle the current situation it looks up to you for ideas and leadership: (a) Identify the factors which have led to such outcomes. 20 (b) Devise a strategy, keeping in mind the multiple aspects of the situation.","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"While on the one hand, some state governments have implemented alcohol consumption prohibition laws, it is permitted in other states. Debates around this issue often involves aspects such as individual rights, cultural attitudes and social welfare. As a teacher you need to explain the key issues involved to a young audience. What are these? How would you conclude the lecture?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"As a concerned citizen you have been engaged with the issue of persons employed in manual scavenging. You notice that despite laws and strictures from the highest court of the land the practice of employing human labour to clean sewers continues. While the administration has to ensure the cleanliness of the urban localities, those who are employed also have to earn to sustain themselves and their families. The death of few workers recently due to asphyxiation while cleaning a septic tank has caused much consternation in your locality. You would like to engage with the situation by writing to the administration, for which you need to find an answer to the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders involved and state their conflicting interests. (b) What challenges does the administration face in curbing this social evil? (c) Enumerate the steps to deal with the problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are a teacher in the Science department of a reputed college. Your HoD (Head of Department) has been a good mentor to you and has guided your career progress. You get to know from one of your students that the HoD gives private tuitions at his residence, which is disliked by many others in the department. There are also rumours that he might be giving extra marks to the students taking his tuitions. When enquired, his reply is that he is not alone and a few other teachers are giving private tuitions as well. He assures you that it is beneficial for the students as some of them need extra attention. He advises you not to make a fuss about it and indirectly reminds you about the assessment rating, which is due this week. You are aware that a good rating will definitely get you the due promotion. The HoD is due to retire in 4 months. (a) What are the dilemmas that you face in this situation? (b) Highlight the course of action that you would adopt and give reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"While stampedes and mishaps due to overcrowding have led to loss of lives on multiple occasions, it remains an issue discussed only when there is a tragedy. Recently you were assigned the responsibility of conducting a mela around a revered religious place, which attracts millions of devotees. Every year the numbers have been increasing and this year due to certain celestial alignments the crowd is expected to be unprecedented. In the previous year the officer in charge was criticised and transferred over allegations of hurting religious sensitivities by restricting access to the religious place. You have three months to prepare for the mela. (a) Identify the key areas you would focus on? (b) What are the challenges that you foresee? (c) How do you propose to overcome them?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"You are a senior official at a government agency that is responsible for collection, storage and protection of biometric data of citizens. Due to the expanse of operations, the agency employs third parties for collection of data. There have been reports of security breach and leakage of data by third parties in exchange of money. A journalist from a prominent newspaper carries a sting operation and releases some data in the public to show the ongoing corruption and highlighting the inability of the agency in protecting public data. You are asked by the chairperson of the agency to file an FIR against the journalist and pursue criminal proceedings against him considering it an act of unauthorized access. (a) Do you agree with the action sought by the chairperson against the journalist? Give appropriate reasons for your answer. (b) If you disagree, what would be your course of action? (c) Do you think the action of the journalist is justified?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8453,"topper":"Unknown","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":null,"provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/0c5d8a271baa8365b53b9742105dcf10/15/pttp220870_tc063.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Q.4 In struggling with misfortune lies the true proof of virtue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Q.7 Reality is the shadow of ideas.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8454,"topper":"Unknown","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":null,"provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/40/pttp220127_tc061.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"2. The opposite of poverty is not wealth","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"7 There is more to life than simply increasing its speed.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8455,"topper":"Unknown","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":null,"provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/59/ecfc23l1020_tc031.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Q.1 If you look into someone's face long enough, eventually you feel that you are looking into yourself.\nQ.2 We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.\nQ.3 It is the province of knowledge to speak and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen.\nQ.4 Drop the question what tomorrow may bring, and count as profit every day that fate allows you.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Q.7 Only the dead have seen the end of the war.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8456,"topper":"Unknown","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":null,"provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/60/ecfc23l1020_tc034.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Q.1 You can't serve data on a hungry man's plate.\nQ.2 AI is overcoming our mental limitation but not expanding our mental horizon.\nQ.3 We are using environment for politics, not politics for environment.\nQ.4 The worst form of inequality is to try to make unequal things equal.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Q.6 If the truth shall kill them, let them die.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8457,"topper":"Unknown","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":null,"provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/63/pttp220359_tc061.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Now having discussed of the necessity to forgive not just for the reformation of other but also for peace of oneself - it becomes necessary to visualise how this act of forgiveness helps?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8458,"topper":"Unknown","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":null,"provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/64/pttp220359_tc062.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Q.1 If you look into someone's face long enough, eventually you feel that you are looking into yourself.\nQ.2 We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.\nQ.3 It is the province of knowledge to speak and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen.\nQ.4 Drop the question what tomorrow may bring, and count as profit every day that fate allows you.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Q.7 Only the dead have seen the end of the war.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8459,"topper":"Unknown","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":null,"provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/65/pttp220359_tc063.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Q.4 In struggling with misfortune lies the true proof of virtue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Q.5 The whole purpose of Education is to turn mirrors into windows.\nQ.6 To dwell is to garden.\nQ.7 Reality is the shadow of ideas.\nQ.8 We can not despair of humanity, since we ourselves are human beings.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8460,"topper":"Unknown","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":null,"provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/76/mt23macen007_tc062.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Q.1 If you look into someone's face long enough, eventually you feel that you are looking into yourself.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Q.5 Truth, like a torch, the more it is shook, it shines.\nQ.6 Art is I; science is We.\nQ.7 Only the dead have seen the end of the war.\nQ.8 Act as if it were impossible to fail.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8461,"topper":"Unknown","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":null,"provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/77/mt23macen007_tc063.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Q.1 Little strokes fell great oaks.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Q.7 Reality is the shadow of ideas.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"14 How to get the courage again ?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8462,"topper":"Unknown","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":null,"provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/78/pttp220297_tc061.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Q.4 A man who wants to lead the orchestra must turn his back on the crowd.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Q5 International Trade is a good indicator of National Security.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8463,"topper":"Unknown","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":null,"provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/79/pttp220297_tc062.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Q.1 If you look into someone's face long enough, eventually you feel that you are looking into yourself.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Q.5 Truth, like a torch, the more it is shook, it shines.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"What happens when the torch is shaken?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"What is required for truth to continue burning like an eternal torch?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8464,"topper":"Unknown","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":null,"provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/80/pttp220297_tc063.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Q.2 Judge a man by his questions rather than his answers.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Q.5 The whole purpose of Education is to turn mirrors into windows.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8465,"topper":"Unknown","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":null,"provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/48f94f4c58dc4d501f6f42102607e751/20/pttp221279_tc061.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Q.3 To forgive is to set a prisoner free and to discover that the prisoner was you.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Q.5 International Trade is a good indicator of National Security.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8466,"topper":"Unknown","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":null,"provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/48f94f4c58dc4d501f6f42102607e751/21/pttp221279_tc062.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Q.1 If you look into someone's face long enough, eventually you feel that you are looking into yourself.\nQ.2 We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.\nQ.3 It is the province of knowledge to speak and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen.\nQ.4 Drop the question what tomorrow may bring, and count as profit every day that fate allows you.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"Drop a question what-torms may bring and count as proof pl- everyday fate allows.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Q.5 Truth, like a torch, the more it is shook, it shines.\nQ.6 Art is I; science is We.\nQ.7 Only the dead have seen the end of the war.\nQ.8 Act as if it were impossible to fail.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8467,"topper":"Unknown","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":null,"provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/48f94f4c58dc4d501f6f42102607e751/22/pttp221279_tc063.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Q.1 Little strokes fell great oaks.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 The whole purpose of Education is to turn mirrors into windows.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8468,"topper":"Unknown","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":null,"provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/65d93cae1265db5ffeffd2e87a3f6506/18/pttp220137_tc061.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Q.1 Reason has always existed, but not always in a reasonable form.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":4,"question":"What is poverty made up of?\n let us discuss what are those dimensions?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"POVERTY AND WEALTH CONVERGENCE OR DIVERGENCE?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Q.5 International Trade is a good indicator of National Security.\nQ.6 It is not that we use technology, we live technology.\nQ.7 There is more to life than simply increasing its speed.\nQ.8 Nature is neither a servant nor a master, but a necessary partner.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8469,"topper":"Unknown","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":null,"provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/65d93cae1265db5ffeffd2e87a3f6506/19/pttp220137_tc062.pdf","questions":[{"page":13,"question":"Q.5 Truth, like a torch, the more it is shook, it shines.\nQ.6 Art is I: science is We.\nQ.7 Only the dead have seen the end of the war.\nQ.8 Act as if it were impossible to fail.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"Above two cases call for a careful analysis about what is actually failure? what is the relationship between action and success? what actions can lead to failure? Is success always guaranteed? and what can be done about it?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8470,"topper":"Unknown","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":null,"provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/65d93cae1265db5ffeffd2e87a3f6506/4/pttp220370_tc061.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Q.2 The opposite of poverty is not wealth.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Q.7 There is more to life than simply increasing its speed.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"LIFE'S GOOD: WHAT'S MORE TO IT?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8471,"topper":"Unknown","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":null,"provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/65d93cae1265db5ffeffd2e87a3f6506/7/pttp221589_tc061.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Section - A Reason has always existed but not always in reasonable form","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"International Trade is a Good Indicator of National Security.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8472,"topper":"Unknown","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":null,"provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/65d93cae1265db5ffeffd2e87a3f6506/8/pttp221589_tc063.pdf","questions":[{"page":15,"question":"Q.5 The whole purpose of Education is to turn mirrors into windows.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"2 What are little strokes?\na) Examples\nb) When little strokes insufficient\nc) What is needed for little strokes\nd) Why little strokes fell great oaks\ne) In a gentle way you can shake the world","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8473,"topper":"Unknown","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":null,"provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/65d93cae1265db5ffeffd2e87a3f6506/9/pttp221589_tc065.pdf","questions":[{"page":13,"question":"Q.3 Dream for the best. Be prepared for the worst. Enjoy life in between.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8474,"topper":"Unknown","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":null,"provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/844233c60d0563afaf56a5f899c17647/10/pttp220189_tc064.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Q.3 Problems of 21st century are problems without passport.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"2 How has the nature of problem evolved?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Q.7 Sports, the toy of humanity","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8475,"topper":"Unknown","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":null,"provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/844233c60d0563afaf56a5f899c17647/12/mt23rcapa113_702.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Q.2 AI is overcoming our mental limitation but not expanding our mental horizon.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Q.5 Existence is a science, living is an art.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8476,"topper":"Unknown","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":null,"provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/844233c60d0563afaf56a5f899c17647/15/pttp220870_tc061.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Q.1 Reason has always existed, but not always in a reasonable form.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Q.7 There is more to life than simply increasing its speed.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8477,"topper":"Unknown","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":null,"provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/844233c60d0563afaf56a5f899c17647/16/mt23rcapa113_tc701.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Q.1 If you look into someone's face long enough, eventually you feel that you are looking into yourself.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Q.5 Truth, like a torch, the more it is shook, it shines.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8478,"topper":"Unknown","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":null,"provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/844233c60d0563afaf56a5f899c17647/18/pttp220063_tc061.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Q.1 Reason has always existed, but not always in a reasonable form.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8479,"topper":"Unknown","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":null,"provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/844233c60d0563afaf56a5f899c17647/2/pttp220870_tc064.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Q.1 Gender Equality is not a \"women's issue\" - it's good for men too.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"1 21st CENTURY PROBLEMS WITHOUT PASSPORT","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"3. WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF WE DO NOT ACT?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Q.8 Is Economy becoming the end rather than the means?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"1. Is Economy Becoming An End?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"1 Is economy becoming the end rather than the means?\nWhat will u do with this growth What will u do with this growth","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8480,"topper":"Unknown","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":null,"provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/844233c60d0563afaf56a5f899c17647/3/pttp220996_tc061.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Q.1 to Q.4 Q.1 Reason has always existed, but not always in a reasonable form.\nQ.2 The opposite of poverty is not wealth.\nQ.3 To forgive is to set a prisoner free and to discover that the prisoner was you.\nQ.4 A man who wants to lead the orchestra must turn his back on the crowd.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"4. A man who wants to lead the orchestra must turn his back on the crowd.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 to Q.8 Q.5 International Trade is a good indicator of National Security.\nQ.6 It is not that we use technology, we live technology.\nQ.7 There is more to life than simply increasing its speed.\nQ.8 Nature is neither a servant nor a master, but a necessary partner.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8481,"topper":"Unknown","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":null,"provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/844233c60d0563afaf56a5f899c17647/5/pttp220870_tc062.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Q.1 If you look into someone's face long enough, eventually you feel that you are looking into yourself.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8482,"topper":"Unknown","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":null,"provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/844233c60d0563afaf56a5f899c17647/7/pttp220189_tc061.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Q.1 Reason has always existed, but not always in a reasonable form.\nQ.2 The opposite of poverty is not wealth.\nQ.3 To forgive is to set a prisoner free and to discover that the prisoner was you.\nQ.4 A man who wants to lead the orchestra must turn his back on the crowd.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Q.7 There is more to life than simply increasing its speed.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8483,"topper":"Unknown","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":null,"provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/844233c60d0563afaf56a5f899c17647/8/mt23avea001_tc115.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Q.4 The worst form of inequality is to try to make unequal things equal.\n So what went wrong with Devi?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"The next point of contention is, why it is called the \"WORST\"?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Q.8 Dream for the best. Be prepared for the worst. Enjoy life in between.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"But, it is always possible to live by this philosophy?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8484,"topper":"Unknown","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":null,"provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/a4911661fb63cf32bd7e1d24c76e3051/1/pttp220166_tc061.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Q1 Reason has always existed, but not always in a reasonable form.\nQ2 The opposite of poverty is not wealth.\nQ3 To forgive is to set a prisoner free and to discover that the prisoner was you.\nQ4 A man who wants to lead the orchestra must turn his back on the crowd.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":2,"question":"Was this reason reasonable?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Q.5 International Trade is a good indicator of National Security.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8485,"topper":"Unknown","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":null,"provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/a4911661fb63cf32bd7e1d24c76e3051/18/mt23flton003_tc061.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Q.2 The opposite of poverty is not wealth.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Q.5 International Trade is a good indicator of National Security.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8486,"topper":"Unknown","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":null,"provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/a4911661fb63cf32bd7e1d24c76e3051/19/mt23flton003_tc062.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Q.1 If you look into someone's face long enough, eventually you feel that you are looking into yourself.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"Should we always drop the Tomorrow?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Q.5 Truth, like a torch, the more it is shook, it shines.\nQ.6 Art is I; science is We.\nQ.7 Only the dead have seen the end of the war.\nQ.8 Act as if it were impossible to fail.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Q14 Why should we act like it is impossible to fail?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8487,"topper":"Unknown","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":null,"provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/a4911661fb63cf32bd7e1d24c76e3051/32/pttp220487_tc061.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Q.4 A man who wants to lead the orchestra must turn his back on the crowd.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Q.5 International Trade is a good indicator of National Security.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"WHY IS INTERNATIONAL TRADE A GOOD INDICATOR OF NATIONAL Security?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF GOOD INTERNATIONAL TRADE TIES ?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8488,"topper":"Unknown","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":null,"provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/a4911661fb63cf32bd7e1d24c76e3051/33/pttp220487_tc062.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Q.1 If you look into someone's face long enough, eventually you feel that you are looking into yourself.\nQ.2 We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.\nQ.3 It is the province of knowledge to speak and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen.\nQ.4 Drop the question what tomorrow may bring, and count as profit every day that fate allows you.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Q5 Truth, like a torch, the more it is shook, it shines.\nQ6 Art is I; science is We.\nQ7 Only the dead have seen the end of the war.\nQ8 Act as if it were impossible to fail.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"HOW TO UTILISE SUCH ACTIONS FOR PRESSING GLOBAL PROBLEMS ?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8489,"topper":"Unknown","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":null,"provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/a4911661fb63cf32bd7e1d24c76e3051/34/pttp220487_tc063.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Q.4 In struggling with misfortune lies the true proof of virtue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"VIRTUE & VIRTUOUS WORLD: HOW DO WE BUILD virtue?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Q.5 to Q.8 Q.5 The whole purpose of Education is to turn mirrors into windows.\nQ.6 To dwell is to garden.\nQ.7 Reality is the shadow of ideas.\nQ.8 We can not despair of humanity, since we ourselves are human beings.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8490,"topper":"Unknown","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":null,"provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/a4911661fb63cf32bd7e1d24c76e3051/35/pttp220487_tc064.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Q.1 Gender Equality is not a \"women's issue\"-it's good for men too.\nQ.2 Is UCC, the unity that we aspire in our diversity?\nQ.3 Problems of 21st century are problems without passport.\nQ.4 The more we are developing, the more unhealthy we are getting. Where does the real problem lie?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Q.8 Is Economy becoming the end rather than the means?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"HAS ECONOMY ALSO SERVED AS MEANS ?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8491,"topper":"Unknown","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":null,"provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/a4911661fb63cf32bd7e1d24c76e3051/38/pttp220517_tc062.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Q.1 If you look into someone's face long enough, eventually you feel that you are looking into yourself.\nQ.2 We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.\nQ.3 It is the province of knowledge to speak and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen.\nQ.4 Drop the question what tomorrow may bring, and count as profit every day that fate allows you.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Q.5 Truth, like a torch, the more it is shook, it shines.\nQ.6 Art is I; science is We.\nQ.7 Only the dead have seen the end of the war.\nQ.8 Act as if it were impossible to fail.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8492,"topper":"Unknown","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":null,"provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/a4911661fb63cf32bd7e1d24c76e3051/40/pttp220517_tc065.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Q.2 AI is overcoming our mental limitation but not expanding our mental horizon.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Q.7 The only way to go beyond things, is to go through them.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8493,"topper":"Unknown","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":null,"provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/ashi-essay-test-1-1745478431250.pdf","questions":[{"page":14,"question":"Q6. A single drop never feels responsible for the flood.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8494,"topper":"Unknown","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":null,"provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/essay-test-1-neelesh-goyal-1745488789130.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Topic 1 The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8495,"topper":"Unknown","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":null,"provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/essay-test-2-neelesh-goyal-1745488821482.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8496,"topper":"Unknown","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":null,"provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/abhishek-singh-test-7-1746617050656.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Q-1 Clarify how mid eighteenth century was beset with the spectre of fragmented polity","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Q-2 The success of EIC depended on its capacity to mobilize greater resources than its rivals. Critically comment on this statement in context of reasons for the success of East India company against both European & Indian rivals.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Q-3 Indian Societies impulses for social change & reforms was a response to its opposition to Colonial rule. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Q14 The 1857 uprising was the culmination of recurrent big & small local rebellions that had occurred in the preceding years of British rule. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":"100"},{"page":13,"question":"Q 5 Critically examine how the introduction of western education transformed India in unforeseen ways?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Q6 How did the social reforms and ideological struggle against backward traditional elements and hegemony of colonial culture in the 19th century influence the emergence of a distinct cultural identity & national consciousness?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Q7 The process of consolidation of Bengal, which started after the Battle of Plassey culminated in the Battle of Buxar. Do you think the Battle of Buxar was more important for the British than Plassey?\nAny Battle of Plassey in 1757 and Battle of Buxar in 1764 laid solid foundation for British expansionism.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"1 Was Buxar more important than Plassey?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Q8 Examine how the decline of traditional artisanal industry in colonial India crippled the rural economy ?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Q-9 Describe the British govt's approach towards the Indian administration after 1857? How did the administrative changes introduced post 1857 revolt help in consolidating British control over India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Q10 What was the real reason behind the British decision to partition the province of Bengal? To what extent did the difference in approach to deal with the issue of partition of Bengal led to Surat split in 1907?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8497,"topper":"Unknown","air":270,"year":2025,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":null,"provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ADITYA-TALWARUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-270-Sample-Essay-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Essay-1 'The Glass Ceiling is not Invisible, it is just too high for many to see'","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Essay - 2 Judge a Man by his question, rather than his answer","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Resolution: Questions or Answers?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8498,"topper":"Unknown","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":null,"provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SANDEEP-SINGH-SHEKHAWATUPSC_IAS_2025_Toppers_AIR_369_Sample_MGP_COPY_2.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Q.1 \"Extraordinary powers must be exercised with extraordinary care.\" Discuss in the context of Article 142 of the Indian Constitution.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.7) 'Emerging environmental concerns and evolving ecosystem perspectives demand a reimagined approach to rural water governance.' Discuss the key interventions needed to recalibrate rural water policies with special emphasis on the role of communities.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Q.14 How is the 'vertical' and 'horizontal' devolution of taxes to the states decided? Highlighting the concerns raised by some states regarding the devolution of taxes, suggest corrective measures.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"10 WTO is the related agency of UNO that aims to ensure rules based global trade order, with minimum barriers to trade","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8499,"topper":"Unknown","air":165,"year":2025,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":null,"provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SANSKRITI-SINGH-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-165-Sample-MGP-Copy-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Q.1) To what extent, in your opinion, have the ideals of the Preamble been realised in the country's 75-year constitutional journey? (10 marks, 150 words)\n\nQ.2) The evolution of property rights in India reflects an intricate relationship that exists between individual rights and public welfare. Discuss this statement with the help of relevant constitutional provisions and case laws. (10 marks, 150 words)\n\nQ.3) Under what conditions can the ‘National’ Emergency be proclaimed by the President of India? What are the consequences when such a proclamation remains in force? When was it last imposed in the country? (10 marks, 150 words)\n\nQ.4) ‘Lack of a binding framework for pre-legislative consultations in India limits citizen engagement in the lawmaking.’ Propose measures to strengthen the role of public consultation in the legislative process. (10 marks, 150 words)\n\nQ.5) ‘The recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission have enabled the States to improve their fiscal conditions.’ Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)\n\nQ.6) In what ways do industry and business associations contribute to socio-economic development in the country? Explain with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":3,"question":"Q.7 \"India’s poverty lies in the eyes of the beholder.\" In light of this statement, examine the need for a credible and periodically updated poverty estimation framework in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Q.13 'The post of Deputy Speaker goes beyond ceremonial significance and is indispensable to Indian parliamentary democracy.' Discuss with relevant constitutional provisions and conventions. Also, examine the implications of the prolonged vacancy of the Deputy Speaker's post.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.19 Examine the factors behind the growing salience of the Arctic region in international politics. Discuss, in this context, strategies for India to recalibrate its Arctic engagement.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8500,"topper":"Unknown","air":147,"year":2025,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":null,"provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SHUBHRA-ROYUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-147-Sample-ESSAY-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":10,"question":"1 As Martin Luther King Jr. said, \"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.\" Therefore action must be taken to correct the unjust glass ceiling. Comment on the unjust glass ceiling as a glass staircase providing equal access to the top-floor for all.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8501,"topper":"Unknown","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":null,"provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/77a71-661968_4512_akansh_dhull_rank_03.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. Analyse the factors that have contributed to India's inclusive economic growth in the past decade.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. The Reserve Bank of India's surplus transfers offer the government much-needed fiscal space, yet they are not without challenges. Critically examine the implications of the RBI's surplus transfers to the government.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. To what extent was the first National Monetization Pipeline (NMP) able to meet its objectives? What are the objectives of the new Asset Monetization Plan 2025–30 as announced in the recent 2025 Budget? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. Examine the major challenges hindering the Indian textile industry from achieving its full potential in the global value chain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Way Forward to integrate in value chain ?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"5. Why has India become increasingly import-dependent for edible oils despite being a major agricultural economy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. Air accidents are low-frequency but high-impact events. Examine the disaster management protocols in place for aviation-related emergencies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. Chemical pollution poses a grave threat to human health and the environment in India. Discuss the key sources contributing to pervasive chemical contamination and evaluate the effectiveness of existing environmental laws in curbing this problem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8 Missile defence systems are becoming critical for national security in the face of evolving regional threats and advanced weapon technologies. Explain the working principle of missile defence systems. Critically assess India's progress in developing indigenous missile defence capabilities.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Despite multiple resolutions and initiatives undertaken by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), its efforts to counter terrorism have achieved limited success. Discuss the reasons for this limited effectiveness.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. India practices a ‘multi-alignment’ approach in its cyber diplomacy. How does this posture strengthen India’s internal security while maintaining strategic autonomy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. While examining the shortcomings of the land reforms in the past, elaborate what land reforms 2.0 should look like. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. As NITI Aayog completes 10 years of its establishment, critically examine its role in the planning and development paradigm of governance in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. What are the primary causes of limited formal credit penetration among the rural and unbanked populations in India? Comment on the effectiveness of Small Finance Banks in addressing this gap and advancing inclusive financial growth. (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. To what extent has the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for the food processing industry facilitated value addition, employment generation, and global competitiveness in India's food processing industry? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. Waste circularity is emerging as a sustainable solution to India's mounting solid waste crisis. Discuss the key principles of waste circularity and the government's initiative in this regard. How effective have these measures been in fostering a circular economy? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. Discuss the importance of integrating traditional ecological knowledge of India's tribal communities with modern disaster management frameworks. Mention two examples where indigenous practices have contributed to disaster resilience. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. CRISPR technology has rapidly advanced in recent years, with new tools and clinical breakthroughs. Highlight the recent developments in CRISPR-based gene editing technology applications. Discuss the opportunities and ethical challenges these advancements present for healthcare and society.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. A credible semiconductor ecosystem is pivotal for India's economic security as much as for national security. Analyse the strategic objectives, incentives, and institutional architecture of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM). Identify the major risks that could derail its timelines.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. Intricate inter-play of diverse factors has been the force multipliers for extremism in the North East. Discuss. Suggest a multilayered strategy to tackle the menace of extremism in this region.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. Despite recent steps towards inducting women into combat roles, their participation remains low. Examine the key challenges impeding the greater inclusion of women in the Indian armed forces. Also, suggest suitable measures to enhance their participation.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"}]},{"id":8502,"topper":"Unknown","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":null,"provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0644c-1244110_2091_sudipa_dutta_rank_41.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Q1. What are the reasons behind the inefficient use of water in Indian agriculture? Suggest measures to improve water use efficiency.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":3,"question":"82. What are the social, economic and environmental benefits of diversifying the food basket under the Public Distribution System (PDS) in India?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Q3 Can re-energising the livestock sector be the key to sustainable livelihood and increasing the income of Indian farmers? Give reasons in support of your answer.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":7,"question":"84. Do you agree that high economic growth in the post-reform period has not resulted in growth trickling down to the marginalised sections, rendering inclusive growth a major concern? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Q5 Evaluate the outcome of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). How can Mission LIFE reinvigorate the NCAP in addressing the issue of air pollution?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":11,"question":"86. Discuss the impact of wildfires on the ecosystem. Describe the significance of the UNEP's Fire Ready Formula in dealing with the menace of wildfires.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Q7. Recently, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) launched its new rocket called Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV). What are its advantages? How can SSLVs be a game changer for ISRO in the years to come?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Q8 Why is biopiracy a cause of great concern to the existing traditional knowledge of the developing world? What steps have been taken by the government of India for protecting the existing traditional knowledge?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Q9. What are the challenges faced by the Assam Rifles with regard to border management and tackling of insurgency in North-East India? Discuss how these challenges require a reorientation of the force.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Q10. The race to put weapons in space may soon pass the point of no return making space the next theatre of armed struggle. What are the possible reasons behind the weaponization of space? Discuss its implications.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Q11. Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNP) recently became the first 100% Landlord Port of India. What do you understand by the Landlord Port model? What are the different models employed in the management of ports?","marks":null,"words":"15"},{"page":22,"question":"3) Why management of Ports important?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Q12 Analyse the performance of the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) scheme launched to promote farm mechanization in India.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Q13 Discuss the potential of digitization in harnessing the untapped potential of the food processing sector and resolving the challenges that it faces.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":30,"question":"314 What is the significance of land record modernization in India? In this light, state the features of the National Generic Document Registration System (NGDRS).","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Q15 The use of technology has played a key role in the success of the \"Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana\" since its inception. Discuss. What further changes can be incorporated to make the scheme more farmer-friendly?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":36,"question":"816 Discuss how the transition towards renewable energy has the potential to transform the lives of women in India and unlock their potential.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Q17. How does climate change exacerbate the challenges that India faces in eliminating hunger and malnutrition? Discuss in the context of India's commitment to achieve zero hunger by 2030.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Q18 What do you understand by digital twin technology? What are the benefits and challenges in its adoption?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Q19. Terrorism financing continues to remain a major challenge for the international community despite several efforts to curb it. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"9) Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) will progressively multiply the opportunities as well as challenges from the national security perspective. Discuss in the context of India.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Challenges in the adoption of AI in national security","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8503,"topper":"Unknown","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":null,"provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0f653-1378810_2483_rupal_jaiswal_rank_43.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"One pertinent question arise here - why do people not want to hear?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"What then are the consequences of a liberal society where right to speak is cherished?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8504,"topper":"Unknown","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":null,"provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wHYc4gim8jwC3rm_jboPiEjp8UXZO2qk/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) Code of conduct is just the starting point of ensuring good conduct, it is code of ethics which can ensure highest standards of ethical conduct in performance of duties. Comment.\nb) Distinguish between social intelligence and emotional intelligence. In what way, are these two important for a public servant?","marks":null,"words":"10 Marks/150 Words) for part a) and (10"},{"page":6,"question":"Q.2) a) What are the diverse ethical challenges confronting corporates today? How focus on corporate ethics and corporate governance can help in addressing these challenges? (10 Marks/150 Words)\nb) The most important measure of the integrity of a society or the prevalence of corruption is the quality of politics. Do you agree? Justify with examples. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.3) a) What do you understand by probity in governance? Do you think lack of probity in governance is the weakest link in our quest for prosperity and equity? (10 Marks/150 Words)\nb) It is common to require media to be objective and impartial, which is a contradiction. They can either be objective, or impartial, but cannot be both at the same time. Do you agree? Justify. (10 Marks/150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Q.4 a) Explain giving examples the relevance of emotional intelligence in complex and challenging environments characterized by frequent policy changes (10 Marks/150 Words)\nb) How can one's social prejudices and attitudes affect one's performance, dedication and service delivery as a public servant? Explain with examples. How can these biases be removed for effective service delivery? (10 Marks/150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.5 What do each of the following quotations mean to you in the present context?\na) Truth can be stated in a thousand different ways, yet each one can be true. (10 Marks/150 Words)\nb) When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves. (10 Marks/150 Words)\nc) The world perishes not from bandits and fires, but from hatred, hostility and sheer apathy. (10 Marks/150 Words)","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Q.6 a) Writing off farm loans is neither feasible for farmers as it creates moral hazard, nor it is likely to help the economy at large. Discuss the ethical concerns surrounding the farm loan waivers while suggesting solutions for addressing them. (10 Marks/150 Words)\nb) It is the public servant's internal moral character and individual conscience that is critical in ensuring that actions are ethical rather than rules, regulations and laws. Comment. (10 Marks/150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":8505,"topper":"Unknown","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":null,"provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Gy4QayZpQnmvoZGp0TZMFNKfYZxX3N51/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) What do you understand by foundational values of Civil Services? Why are they said to be foundational in nature? Which two values of Civil Services in your opinion are of paramount importance? Explain with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) What do you understand by \"good\" in good governance? Is good governance always ethical governance? Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) Analyze the doctrine of \"Niti\" and \"Nyaya\" as given by Amarta Sen, in the Indian context.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) How can we use \"Social Influence\" and \"persuasion to contribute to the success of \"Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Abhiyan\"?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) a) \"Man needs his difficulties because they are necessary to enjoy success.\" Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) What do you understand by the term \"positive attitude\". What are the identifying traits of persons with positive attitude? How can we inculcate such attitudes?","marks":"10","words":"10 Marks/150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.4) a) Discuss the contribution of Immanuel Kant to the field of ethics. What are the limitations to his approach?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"b) \"Corruption is a cancer: a cancer that eats away at a citizen's faith in democracy, diminishes the instinct for innovation and creativity\". Analyse the social, moral and economic imperatives for eradicating corruption.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.5) Envy is a negative emotion that eats a man from within. An envious person is filled with bitterness and revenge.\na) How does envy differs from jealousy? Also discuss how it impacts one's behaviour and handling interpersonal relations.","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":8506,"topper":"Unknown","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":null,"provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/14aypR0nJi3CvatOmumzEIHxokDwbbfrP/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q1 In today's world of new normal, character virtue and duties than on greatest good?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Q-2 Humanitarian principles that guide humanitarian aid/action","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Q: 3 Code of Ethics -> Elegant Plaques?\n1) The ineffectiveness stems from the fact that code of ethics is non-justiciable or rather not backed by a statute.\n2) Theoretically - they are binding but without a legal mandate, they are essentially ignored in administration & governance.\n3) Their elaborate nature, verbose language and imperative to follow & nature","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Who constitutes weaker sections?\n1) People below poverty line (BPL) -> incapable of having bare necessities [Economic]\n2) Socially excluded -> like Scheduled Caste / Scheduled Tribes and Backward Classes as defined by our Constitution & social injustice\n3) Disable / Divyangjan -> due to physical limitations and prejudices\n4) Transgenders community % due to social stigma and ostracisation","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"8a What is human life without love and compassion? - Dalai Lama","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"Is it only way for building inclusive society?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8507,"topper":"Unknown","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":null,"provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PqFUSYYuDbghj8Gop4jf7TxhWL6vp5Xb/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) What do you understand by foundational values of Civil Services? Why are they said to be foundational in nature? Which two values of Civil Services in your opinion are of paramount importance? Explain with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) What do you understand by \"good\" in good governance? Is good governance always ethical governance? Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) Analyze the doctrine of \"Niti\" and \"Nyaya\" as given by Amartya Sen, in the Indian context.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) How can we use \"Social Influence\" and \"persuasion\" to contribute to the success of \"Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Abhiyan\"?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) a) \"Man needs his difficulties because they are necessary to enjoy success.\" Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) What do you understand by the term \"positive attitude\". What are the identifying traits of persons with positive attitude? How can we inculcate such attitudes?","marks":"10","words":"10 Marks / 150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.4) a) Discuss the contribution of Immanuel Kant to the field of ethics. What are the limitations to his approach?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"b) \"Corruption is a cancer: a cancer that eats away at a citizen's faith in democracy, diminishes the instinct for innovation and creativity\". Analyse the social, moral and economic imperatives for eradicating corruption.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.5) Envy is a negative emotion that eats a man from within. An envious person is filled with bitterness and revenge.\na) How does envy differs from jealousy? Also discuss how it impacts one's behaviour and handling interpersonal relations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"b) How can negative feelings such as envy be managed and controlled?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.6) a) List any two women personalities who have inspired you. What qualities do you admire in them? How have you tried to imbibe those qualities in yourself?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"b) How is Attitude formed? Discuss how we can change the attitude of society towards women.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"c) It is often believed that business and ethics do not go together and are incompatible. Give your opinion on this. How can we make business more ethical?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7 As a senior member of the advisory committee to the government, you have access to important policy decisions and upcoming big announcements such as high-speed rail network projects before they are notified in the public domain. The government is about to announce a mega rail project for which the drawings are already in place. A significant part of this project will pass through a protected zone that has been hitherto untouched by developmental activities. This protected zone is an important part of the city ecology. If damaged, it can aggravate the recurring flood disaster scenario in the region. This zone is also known for its highly endangered bird species which happens to be your state bird too. When you brought this matter to the notice of the chairman of the committee, he advised you that in his opinion it is not a very serious lapse and may be ignored. He advised for further expediting the project for completion in time. However, you are convinced that this was a serious matter which might affect public safety and should not be left unaddressed. Your chairman and political leadership in the state is adamant about providing a clearance without any hurdles.\na) Critically examine various issues in development vs environment debate.\nb) Analyse various conflicts of interest in this case and how are you going to address them?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Q.8 Dr. C is an honest and upright professional working in a Government hospital. He notices that his staff is habitually late. They do not seem to be very motivated or committed to their work. When he sought a meeting with them to ascertain the reasons for their attitude, they said that their salaries are barely sufficient to meet their needs. Hence they are forced to work as part time employees in private clinics. Some of them are thinking of resigning from their jobs and plan to work as full time private employees instead.\na) In your opinion what are the reasons behind low motivation in government services?\nb) What measures can Dr. C take in the given circumstances to boost the motivation and morale of his staff?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Q.9 You are the senior HR manager in a leading IT company which is making a name for itself in the domestic and international markets. You have recently hired candidate Z belonging to a transgender community. This was published in major national and local newspapers for an inclusive hiring policy. It was after a lot of exhaustive search based on your requirement that you found this particular candidate Z. Z is highly qualified and is highly suitable for the post recruited. Z was indeed happy to join the company. However, you have been receiving information that Z has been facing issues of unwelcoming behaviour from their colleagues. From rude comments to instances of social exclusion, Z is facing a tough time in the company. Given that both men and women and senior staff is being either indifferent or co-opting the incidents in favour of majority, you had no choice but to warn the people involved about their behavior. This discrimination has affected Z's professional efficiency as well as confidence. Office space has become an arena for mockery of this able candidate. You are feeling sorry for Z. Z is forced to submit a resignation letter to you.\n1 You have the following options before you.\na) Accept the resignation letter and relieve the candidate of their trauma.\nb) Reject the resignation letter and ask the candidate to adjust.\nDiscuss the merits and demerits of these options. Can you suggest any other option with proper justification?\n2 Suggest measures to be taken to reform the workplace culture to make it more inclusive.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.10 You are a senior professor of a department in a Central University. Over the years you have worked with and supervised candidates from a variety of backgrounds. In fact, candidates are eager to work under you because of your inclusive and compassionate way of handling things. Mr. X is a blind candidate and is pursuing his Ph.D. under your supervision for the last 3 years. You have seen him working consistently very hard and sincerely. He belongs to an economically deprived background and has already exhausted all his resources in this pursuit. You want Mr. X to complete his Ph.D. on time and help him find a good job. He has recently submitted his final thesis after 3 years of course work. You are known to be strict as far as the rules of the University and quality of research work is concerned. While reviewing the thesis you notice that a significant part of the final thesis has been plagiarized, well above the permissible limit. This is against the policies and rules of the University. If the external evaluators recognise the duplication in thesis with any other existing body of work, then it can also affect your reputation.\n1. Indicate the values at conflict in this case.\n2. Consider these options.\na) Considering that rules and regulation in the submission of thesis do not give any relaxation in the quality of the work to a disabled candidate, you become compassionate and overlook the breach.\nb) Pursue the matter strictly and reject the thesis as any level of plagiarism cannot be tolerated.\n Evaluate each of these options and suggest how you would respond to this situation giving reasons","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Q.11 You are the PR head of a major airline in the country. Your team recently published appreciation towards a prominent personality by posting a photograph of your cabin crew with him. He has a very wide following on social media. This person was booked for an alleged assault of a female IPS officer, which happened a week ago. Upon publishing the post, there was widespread criticism and opposition from netizens and a call for boycotting your airline was endorsed by a large segment. As a reaction you instructed to pull down the post and published a formal apology to restrict the damage. Unfortunately, the supporters of this personality again called for boycotting the aircraft for the same.\n1. How will you respond to this conundrum?\n2. What are the responsibility of social media platforms and users towards the society in the context of rising incidents of cyber bullying?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Q.12) You are a Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture. Your Minister has proposed a fixed annual grant to farmers which is expected to cost the public exchequer heavily. Having already taken the decision, he asks you to come up with a research to support the scheme. After a lot of effort, you find that socio-economic benefit of the scheme is reaching only large farmers due to many intricacies in the selection of beneficiaries. You approach the Minister with relevant facts and ask him to plug the gaps in the proposed scheme, so that small and marginal farmers can benefit from this decision. However, he asks you to suppress the drawbacks, and actively promote the scheme through mass media as the electoral benefits are more important than socio-economic impacts. Elections are due in less than 3 months and the political party currently in power is expected to return back with a majority. Your promotion is also due around the same time. As a secretary you are expected to fully support and cooperate in the ministers' decision, and make the scheme a success, despite all the drawbacks in the scheme.\na) Mention the different stakeholders in the above situation and also highlight their prospective interests.\nb) What are the ethical dilemmas faced by you in this situation?\nc) Some of the alternatives for you to handle the situation could be:\n• Follow the commands of the Minister.\n• Insist on the publication of results and let the public decide whether it wants the scheme.\n• Call a press conference and brief the media about the results and the callous attitude of the Minister.\nSuggest any other possible option(s). Evaluate all of them and suggest the best course of action, giving reasons for it.","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":8508,"topper":"Unknown","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":null,"provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1djJ-FJuhDFNzfQH2F4Ye-xN4x7OZMa61/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) Code of conduct is just the starting point of ensuring good conduct, it is a code of ethics which can ensure highest standards of ethical conduct in performance of duties. Comment. (10 Marks/150 Words) b) Distinguish between social intelligence and emotional intelligence. In what way, are these two important for a public servant? (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Q.2) a) What are the diverse ethical challenges confronting corporates today? How focus on corporate ethics and corporate governance can help in addressing these challenges? (10 Marks / 150 Words)\nb) The most important measure of the integrity of a society or the prevalence of corruption is the quality of politics. Do you agree? Justify with examples. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.3) a) What do you understand by probity in governance? Do you think lack of probity in governance is the weakest link in our quest for prosperity and equity? (10 Marks/150 Words)\nb) It is common to require media to be objective and impartial, which is a contradiction. They can either be objective, or impartial, but cannot be both at the same time. Do you agree? Justify. (10 Marks/150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Q.4) a) Explain giving examples the relevance of emotional intelligence in complex and challenging environments characterized by frequent policy changes (10 Marks/150 Words)\nb) How can one's social prejudices and attitudes affect one's performance, dedication and service delivery as a public servant? Explain with examples. How can these biases be removed for effective service delivery? (10 Marks/150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.5 What do each of the following quotations mean to you in the present context?\na) Truth can be stated in a thousand different ways, yet each one can be true (10 Marks/150 Words)\nb) When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves (10 Marks/150 Words)\nc) The world perishes not from bandits and fires, but from hatred, hostility and sheer apathy (10 Marks/150 Words)","marks":"10 Marks each","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.6) a) Writing off farm loans is neither tenable for farmers as it creates moral hazard, nor it is likely to help the economy at large. Discuss the ethical concerns surrounding the farm loan waivers while suggesting solutions for addressing them.\nb) It is the public servant's internal moral character and individual conscience that is critical in ensuring that actions are ethical rather than rules, regulations and laws. Comment.","marks":"10 Marks/150","words":"10 Marks/150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.7) You are the CEO of an online food delivery platform. A video has gone viral in the media showing one of your delivery personnel involved in an act of food tampering. Upon investigation you were able to verify the authenticity of the video. You decide to dismiss the concerned person and set an example out of him. Meanwhile the issue kicks off a fresh debate over the working conditions of delivery boys in general and what would have forced him to eat customer's food. And internet users and general public feels that the punishment was too harsh and pointed out several possibilities that may have led him to eat from the package. Meanwhile there were many who supported the company's decision too. In the above case\na) What are the ethical issues involved?\nb) Is the action taken on the employee harsh and if so why?\nc) Under what circumstances such an act can be accepted, if any?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Q.8 There has been a tragedy in one of the rat-hole mining site in a state in which 10 people are trapped inside and feared dead. After the disaster struck, there was failure on the part of the administration to launch an immediate rescue effort. Further, due to non-availability of quality equipments to dewater the stricken mine, the search and rescue team has not met with any success so far. Such primitive and dangerous form of coal extraction is widely prevalent in the state despite the ban as it has state's politician's blessings; it also has local community support since there are very few alternate employment opportunities in the area and there is an abundant supply of migrant labour from the neighbouring state. You are the chief secretary of the state, as a senior officer entrusted with the responsibility, what steps would you take to address the issue?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Q.9 You are the CEO of one of the largest private sector banks in the country. A few years ago, your bank disbursed a loan of INR 5000 Cr to a private firm in which your husband was a major shareholder. It was alleged that your bank approved the amount without following the KYC norms and the firm filed for insolvency recently. This led to huge loss for the bank and its shareholders, not to mention rippling effects on the economy. Government has ordered for investigation and there is huge pressure on you to step down. You are of the view that your bank did no miscalculation and all procedures for followed.\na) Discuss the key values which are put to test in this case.\nb) What course of action option would you adopt? Give reasons.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.10 Country A is a multiparty parliamentary democracy where general elections are due. Election Commission of A (ECA) is planning to use Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) for all polling booths as is the practice. Almost all opinion polls suggested that Party X will garner maximum votes and win the election comfortably. However, when the election results came Party X lost miserably, even in constituencies where it was easily expected to win. Now there is wide apprehension among various political parties and independent observers that either there is possibility that opinion polls were fabricated or EVMs had been tampered or both. ECA has refused to attach VVPAT system citing gigantic costs of implementation, limited time frame and environmental commitments.\na) Identify the ethical questions raised by this case.\nb) What holistic approach would you suggest to resolve them?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"(3) In the absence of VVPATs, how can EVM outputs be verified?\n(4) How to ensure public trust on ECA and electoral democracy remains intact?\n(5) How to ensure the result is a true reflection of public vote?\n(6) For the greater good principle was not followed -> VVPATs not used due to cost, time and environmental reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Q.11 Mr. A completed his engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology and further pursued an MBA degree from the Indian Institute of Management. He worked in a reputed MNC based in Singapore for a year. Later, he decided to leave his job for preparation of Civil Service Examination and devoted 2-3 years of his life to the UPSC preparation. He qualified the exam in his 3 attempt and got into Indian Administrative Services. On the basis of the above information, answer the following questions:\na) What are the ethical issues involved?\nb) Is it justified for the individuals to leave their profession for UPSC after the government has invested so much in their education?\nc) In this context, what are the reasons responsible for professionals leaving their jobs?\nd) Should there be any sort of restriction on professionals from entering into the Civil Services?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"You have been asked by the Government to give pragmatic advice to deal with the menace of state sponsored cross border terrorism emanating from the neighboring country. Government does not want to go for war with the neighboring country given that both are nuclear powers. Also modernisation of armed forces is still a pending task. On the other hand, there is pressure on Government from opposition and civil society to cut down defense budget and focus on social sector, especially along border areas. Local population, especially youth is disenchanted due to this menace and loss of life and property. In this context, identify ethical issues pertaining to this case. What steps would you suggest to the deal with the situation?","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":8509,"topper":"Urmi Sinha","air":170,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9f5eb-45900312_2576_urmi_sinha_rank_170.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8510,"topper":"Utkarsh Agarwal","air":286,"year":2022,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/UTKARSH_AGARWAL_2022_IAS_Exam_Rank_286_VTS_4_Mains_1_Redacted_483f6af2ff.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8511,"topper":"Utkarsh Agarwal","air":286,"year":2022,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/UTKARSH_AGARWAL_2022_IAS_Exam_Rank_286_VTS_4_Mains_4_Redacted_6f0d72e0a4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8512,"topper":"Utkarsh Agarwal","air":286,"year":2022,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/UTKARSH_AGARWAL_2022_IAS_Exam_Rank_286_VTS_4_Mains_2_Redacted_e9fa2ab7a8.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8513,"topper":"Utkarsh Agarwal","air":286,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/UTKARSH_AGARWAL_2022_IAS_Exam_Rank_286_VTS_4_Mains_3_Redacted_2ac99ca29e.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8514,"topper":"Utkarsh Dwivedi","air":5,"year":2021,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/95ca7-54473_1992_utkarsh-dwivedi_rank-05.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8515,"topper":"Utkarsh Dwivedi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d262e-54473_1511_utkarsh-dwivedi_rank-05.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Despite a vast coast line and a number of waterways, why has India not been able to achieve its potential in bringing a significant modal shift from rail and road to waterways? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The move to establish a National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development, to reverse the drag on India's growth potential will have its own set of challenges. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlighting the issues related to the current fertilizer subsidy regime in India, discuss the need for reforms in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Identifying the need for a climate resilient agriculture in India, discuss how it can be achieved. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Mega Food Parks (MFPs) were considered to be a gamechanger for the food processing sector in India, but their progress remains stunted. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do you understand by impact based forecasting in disaster management? How can such forecasting strengthen the disaster management preparedness? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Low Earth Orbit is becoming increasingly crowded as countries race to launch satellites into space. Highlighting the associated issues, discuss international efforts taken in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Enumerating the existing measures to counter bio-terrorism in India, highlight the need for a bio-terrorism law. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the potential of \"Integrated Law Enforcement Centres\" and \"Smart Walls\" on India's border areas to address the prevailing security challenges. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Farm loan waivers are neither adequate nor recommended for promoting sustained agricultural growth. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"A number of initiatives in recent years have focussed on the MSME sector. Why is there a need to focus on this sector? Also, identify the measures taken by the government and further scope of action. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Skilling the Indian population faces a 3E challenge - Education, Employment and Employability. Discuss. Also suggest interventions required to effectively manage this challenge. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Despite its importance, agricultural marketing faces various institutional and infrastructural related issues in India. Elaborate. Also, enlist the measures that have been taken in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Marine litter is not just an environmental issue but poses a socio-economic challenge as well. Discuss. Also, enumerate the initiatives taken by the global community to reduce marine litter. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Assess India's vulnerability to flash floods and suggest measures for better resilience to flash floods. In this context, also briefly highlight the significance of recently launched Flash Flood Guidance System (FFGS) operated by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Hydrogen based energy production can play a key role in a clean, secure and affordable energy future. In this context, identify the potential and opportunities for utilising hydrogen based technologies. What are the challenges that need to be addressed to fullfill the potential? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India's attempts at strengthening its intelligence infrastructure and capabilities have historically been reactive and incremental, rather than holistic and sustainable. Discuss. Also, provide a concrete framework in transforming the country's intelligence capabilities. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"In light of the prominent instances of drone attacks by both state and non state actors, assess the challenges and capabilities of India in dealing with such security threats. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8516,"topper":"Utkarsh Dwivedi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0e174-54473_1514_utkarsh-dwivedi_rank-05.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the changes introduced by the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) Amendment Act, 2021, analyse various issues with the amended Act. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Are there valid arguments for continuing with sedition law in 21st century democratic India? Discuss in light of the debate surrounding it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Identify the issues that have contributed to a decline in the performance of Parliamentary Standing Committees. How can these issues be addressed? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Despite being a non-constitutional body, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) has wielded immense decision-making power in India. Discuss the advantages and issues associated with it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the role of data in governance in India. Also, state the various challenges in this regard and suggest remedial measures. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"With specific examples, elaborate upon the conditions that led to the emergence of a new civil society in urban India in the last few decades. Also, highlight its contribution towards effecting governance and policy changes. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The Gati Shakti mission has the potential to not only address the issue of infrastructure bottlenecks but also streamline the governance processes in the country. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Giving an account of the issues faced by workers in the informal sector, discuss whether the recently launched e-Shram portal can help in addressing them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Clarifying the significance of the recent developments on the issue of global minimum tax, discuss its prospects and challenges for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Announcement of the AUKUS security pact heralds a new era of global geo-politics. Comment. Also, discuss how it may affect India's interests. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Effective devolution of finances is an important requirement for Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) to fulfill their objectives. Discuss while also elaborating on the reasons behind lack of financial resources for PRIs in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Judicial activism is a necessary tool to guard against \"legislative adventurism and executive excesses\". Critically discuss in the context of the doctrine of separation of powers as provided in the Constitution of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The electoral bond scheme is part of what appears to be a growing trend away from transparency and accountability in electoral funding. Critically analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The significance of the principle of subsidiarity was well reflected in the management of the COVID-19 pandemic. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Social media has ushered in greater transparency and accountability in governance. But accountability through social media is no alternative to institutional accountability. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Although the State has the right incentives and intentions to deliver public services efficiently, its capacity to do so is questionable. Critically discuss in the context of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The problem of hunger in India does not lie in food production but various other underlying issues. Discuss in the wake of decline in India's ranking in the Global Hunger Index, 2021. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Democratization of primary healthcare is indispensable for fulfilling the objectives of equitable and comprehensive care in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"In the context of the evolving discourse on the Indo-Pacific, analyse the factors driving the global shift towards the region. Also, identify India's interests and challenges in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India's Afghanistan policy must be based on a clear-eyed understanding of important strategic goals in the region amidst the current regional and global strategic environment. Elaborate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8517,"topper":"Utkarsh Dwivedi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9e982-54473_1513_utkarsh-dwivedi_rank_05.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"In the context of protection of monuments, explain the role of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Also, comment on the challenges faced by ASI and measures taken to address these. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Tribal art has a huge potential for acting as an economic resource and a tool for socio-economic transformation of tribals in India. Elucidate. Also highlight the challenges in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Though the Government of India Act, 1919 proposed some radical administrative changes, it remained short of fulfilling aspirations of Indians. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Often deemed as the 'forgotten conflict', the Korean War had far-reaching implications. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Explaining the origin of earth's magnetism, discuss its significance with special reference to its interaction with solar particles. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discussing the challenges pertaining to dam safety in India, highlight the potential of Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project to address them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What is understood by Carbon Compensation Depth (CCD)? Discuss the implications of the rise in this depth due to anthropogenic warming as well. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"In view of demographic changes in recent decades, do you think India needs a two-child policy? Discuss in light of various strands of the debate surrounding this issue. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Globalization is incredibly efficient but has so far been incredibly unjust. Examine the statement in the context of developing countries like India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"It would not be completely wrong to state that in India, art is religion and religion is art.\" In light of the statement, discuss the impact of various religions on art in India, citing relevant examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Despite organizational apathy from the Indian National Congress in its initial years, the working class in various parts of the country subsequently participated overwhelmingly in the nationalist movement. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Though some of his early measures restored faith among the Indians in the liberal tradition of England, Lord Ripon's tenure did not bring about significant changes in the conservative mindset of the colonial bureaucracy. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The New Social Movements in post-independence period made an important beginning in awakening the society against injustices and deepened the very notion of democracy in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What are the reasons for recurrent and often catastrophic wildfires in places like Australia and the United States? Are there any lessons to be learnt from these events by India? Explain adequately. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss why India needs a cross border flood management mechanism. Also, state the major issues in cross border flood management and suggest remedial measures in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Depletion of water resources in India is both a geo-climatic phenomenon as well as a result some short-sighted government policies. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the major lithospheric plates? How and why do these plates move? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"There exists a wide gap between the constitutionally professed secularism and its practice in India. Do you agree? Substantiate with relevant arguments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India spends less than one per cent of GDP on care work infrastructure and services. In view of the statement, explain how increased public investment in care economy infrastructure can be instrumental in meeting multiple policy objectives. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8518,"topper":"Utkarsh Dwivedi","air":5,"year":2021,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/cfa3c-54473_1525_utkarsh-dwivedi_rank-05.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8519,"topper":"Utkarsh Dwivedi","air":5,"year":2021,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/18de4-54473_1516_utkarsh-dwivedi_rank_05.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8520,"topper":"Utkarsh Dwivedi","air":5,"year":2021,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1J18hMSVUws2Ld36Mik7p_n9xLUBB0fym","questions":[]},{"id":8521,"topper":"Utkarsh Kumar","air":78,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/247d1-21412_2123_utkarsh-kumar_rank-78.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8522,"topper":"Utkarsh Kumar","air":78,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/621b6-21412_1754_utkarsh-kumar_rank-78.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8523,"topper":"Utkarsh Kumar","air":78,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/459d6-21412_1753_utkarsh-kumar_rank-78.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8524,"topper":"Utkarsh Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1f645-660223_1438_utkarsh-kumar_rank_55.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"By rebalancing project risks between the public and private sectors, the HAM model has encouraged investments in the road infrastructure sector. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Examine the need for a comprehensive policy on e-commerce in view of its domestic expansion as well as safeguarding India's interests globally. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Explaining the reasons behind India's lower female labour force participation rates (LFPR), list the steps that have been taken to augment it. What more needs to be done? (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The cropping pattern of a region is influenced by geo-climatic, socio-cultural, economic, historical and political factors. Substantiate with relevant examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Reliance on borrowings for capital expenditure in railways reflects a weakening financial position. Comment on the statement and discuss ways in which better resource generation and utilisation can be achieved therein. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Montreal Protocol is often considered as the most successful international environmental treaty. Highlighting the achievements of the protocol, discuss the reasons for its success. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What are nano-pharmaceuticals? Mention their application and highlight the need for regulating the nano-pharmaceuticals in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain the concept of Chandrasekhar Limit and highlight its significance in the field of astronomy. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"India's internal security challenges are intricately linked with the security of the country's borders. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Bring out the importance of international cooperation in fighting terrorism. In this context, throw light on UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"One of the goals that a developing economy aspires for is to bring down the Incremental Capital-Output Ratio (ICOR). In this context, what are the constraints that underlie the efficient conversion of savings rate to investments in the Indian economy? Also suggest some measures to improve this efficiency. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Why has the contribution of manufacturing sector, as a percentage of the GDP, remained stagnant in the recent years? In this context, analyse the achievements of National Manufacturing Policy, 2011 with regards to its intended objectives. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Elaborate the strategic and operational elements of the Agriculture Export Policy, 2018 and discuss the role it can play to achieve the target of doubling farmers' income by 2022. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The contribution of coal based power generation is not expected to substantially go down in the next few decades, despite growing importance of renewables. Comment on the statement in light of increasing demand for power in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss the vulnerabilities of urban areas to disasters. What measures have been taken to minimise the losses in such areas during disasters? What further improvements would you suggest to make them more resilient? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What is seabed mining and why is it important for India? Highlight the environmental challenges associated with seabed mining and discuss how these can be addressed. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Compare and contrast fifth generation (5G) of wireless telecom technology with 4G technology. What challenges need to be overcome for 5G's pan-India rollout? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Despite various initiatives, critical gaps in Indian maritime security architecture have remained. Examine. Suggest some policy measures to address the challenges of maritime security of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"A fine balance between security and developmental measures needs to be attained for tackling the menace of Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in India. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8525,"topper":"Utkarsh Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/27d74-660223_1247_utkarsh-kumar_rank_55.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Mention the structure and functions of NITI Aayog. Also, comment on its contemporary relevance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Critically discuss the practice of setting up Fast Track Courts to reduce pendency of cases in the judiciary. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the challenges faced by lower judiciary in India and suggest measures for enhancing their productivity. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Assess the need to formalise the process of post-legislative scrutiny to improve the effectiveness of laws. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in improving the effectiveness of e-governance in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Despite various reforms in the public grievance redressal mechanisms, their effectiveness remain limited. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Explaining the factors that contribute to trafficking of women and children in India, highlight the steps taken in recent times to combat it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"With Vector-Borne Diseases (VBDs) reaching epidemic proportions in India, highlight the factors that have led to their emergence. Also, suggest some measures for their effective control and management. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"After years of neglect, rapidly evolving regional strategic realities are now forcing India and Indonesia to coordinate their policies ever more closely. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Despite several attempts at resetting the ties, various barriers continue to be a cause of concern in the India-Nepal bilateral relations. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Delineate the differences between pressure groups and interest groups. Citing examples, elaborate on the ways in which pressure groups influence government decisions and policy making in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlighting the issues faced by the institutions of local self governance in India, suggest measures that can be taken to improve their effectiveness in the delivery of public goods and services at the grassroot level. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The recent amendment to the Right to Information Act, 2005 will weaken the act and undermine the authority of Information Commissioners. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight the process of delimitation in India. Also, throw light on the debates surrounding the delimitation exercise in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Self Help Groups (SHGs) are vehicles of rural development, which help in the upliftment of marginalized groups. Elucidate. Further, mention the constraints faced by SHGs and how they can be addressed. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"With construction of toilets being only one part of the solution for a clean India, it is time that the Swachh Bharat Mission puts more emphasis on the other facets as well. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Highlight the salient features of Mission Indradhanush. What are the challenges that the mission is facing in its implementation? Suggest measures to address these challenges for progressing towards full immunization coverage. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Assess the importance of skilling in light of changing economic and demographic structure in India. In this regard, how far has the Skill India Mission succeeded in its mandate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What according to you are the reasons that motivated India to create a dedicated Indo-Pacific division in the MEA recently? Also, highlight the challenges for India in the Indo-Pacific region. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"For SCO to become a successful regional grouping, it has to overcome bilateral differences between its members and their respective geopolitical calculations. Comment. Also, discuss the role that SCO can play in enhancing India's interest in the Eurasian region. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8526,"topper":"Utkarsh Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/608ea-21412_2213_utkarsh-kumar_rank-78.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"An effective approach to green budgeting is underpinned by strong strategic framework, tools for evidence generation and an enabling budgetary governance framework. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"State the need for circular economy in India and the challenges associated with it. Also, discuss the measures that are required to build a circular economy in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The Major Port Authorities Act, 2021, seeks to grant greater autonomy and flexibility to the major ports and professionalise their governance. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Analyse the need for shifting from presumptive land titling to conclusive land titling system in India. Also, highlight the hurdles in its implementation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What do you understand by methanol economy? Critically discuss its role in achieving India's energy security and economic prosperity. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the challenges associated with inclusion of women in armed forces, particularly in combat roles in India. How can these challenges be addressed? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"S. Chandrasekhar was one of the greatest scientists of the 20th century whose prolific contributions spanned across astrophysics, space and mathematics. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"State finances in India present a worrying picture, with debt sustainability being a major concern. Discuss in context of the recent RBI report on state finances. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The Indian experience provides several lessons of an inclusive digital economy model that enables formal digital governance structure at a low cost and with easier access. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Dairying is a viable livelihood option for a large section of the population. In this context, discuss the significance, challenges faced and associated government initiatives for the dairy sector in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The imperative to increase farmers' income must shift to creating value chains and must not be reliant on the MSP regime and subsidy bias prevalent in the current Indian agricultural system. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What are the challenges in ensuring sustainable river management in urban areas? Highlight the remedial measures that can be taken for river management with a special focus on the recently launched River Cities Alliance. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Haphazard growth and poor management make the Indian cities the locus of disasters, both large and small. Comment. Also, discuss the current gaps in policies in addressing these challenges. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Discuss the extent of the problem of narco-terrorism in India. What measures have been taken by the government to counter and control this problem? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The dark web can be an ideal platform for several criminal and terrorist activities. Discuss with examples. Also, suggest measures to tackle the misuse of dark web. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What is catalysis? Highlight the characteristics of catalysts. Also, elaborate why catalytic reactions are important for human beings. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Electric mobility offers solutions to the problems associated with climate change, growing fuel prices, and urban transportation issues. Discuss in the context of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8527,"topper":"Utkarsh Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3a93d-660223_1249_utkarsh-kumar_rank_55.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by cultural sensitivity? Identify the ways in which individuals and organisations can benefit from cultural sensitivity in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"In the quest for scientific and technological development, ethical values should not be neglected. Discuss in the current context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"In a plural society like India, education should help the individual to celebrate the plurality and visualize the inherent unity of cultures and values. Analyze the statement in the present context with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Elucidate Swami Vivekananda's ideas on nationalism.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. Mahatma Gandhi","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Explaining the concept of moral attitude, discuss how social media is shaping moral attitudes of people.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Analyse the importance of both influence and persuasion for effective leadership.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Analyze the significance of adopting a code of ethics for creating a healthy work culture in an organization.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Ethos, ethics, equity and efficiency are key criteria on the basis of which the competency of civil servants should be judged. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"The mandatory nature of Corporate Social Responsibility goes against the notion of philanthropy. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"A mid level manager in a food and beverages firm has been assigned the responsibility to deal with tensions arising in a rural area between the firm and the local farmers. These farmers supply the company with bananas, which are used exclusively by the company in its niche products. The banana plantations are growing a variety developed by the firm. The core issue revolves around the perceived violation of company's IPR as many of the farmers in the neighbouring areas have also started growing the same variety of banana. It is suspected that the farmers with whom the company had a contract have shared the breed with others in the region. The legal department of the firm is of the opinion that a legal complaint against the farmers is the only way to protect the IPR of the company. It would also set a precedent for the future. However, many in the firm also believe that such a step would escalate the matter. In such a scenario, identify the key issues to be addressed. What measures would you suggest to deal with these issues?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8528,"topper":"Utkarsh Kumar","air":78,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/be8a5-21412_1525_utkarsh-kumar_rank-78.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8529,"topper":"Utkarsh Kumar","air":55,"year":2020,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/16XTHi4jemNfxlieS4-2UZhlXpeq8RYlq","questions":[]},{"id":8530,"topper":"Utkarsh Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/UTKARSH-MISHRAUPSC_IAS_2025_Toppers_AIR_337_Sample_MGP_COPY_3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) To what extent, in your opinion, have the ideals of the Preamble been realised in the country's 75-year constitutional journey?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) The evolution of property rights in India reflects an intricate relationship that exists between individual rights and public welfare. Discuss this statement with the help of relevant constitutional provisions and case laws.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3 Under what conditions can the 'National' Emergency be proclaimed by the President of India? What are the consequences when such a proclamation remains in force? When was it last imposed in the country?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Lack of a binding framework for pre-legislative consultations in India limits citizen engagement in the lawmaking. Propose measures to strengthen the role of public consultation in the legislative process.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 'The recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission have enabled the States to improve their fiscal conditions.' Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) In what ways do industry and business associations contribute to socio-economic development in the country? Explain with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7 \"India's poverty lies in the eyes of the beholder.\" In light of this statement, examine the need for a credible and periodically updated poverty estimation framework in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 falls short of achieving its intended objectives. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 'Starved of funds, shackled by geopolitics, WHO is facing a crisis of capacity and credibility.' Discuss the statement in the light of USA's withdrawal and its accusation of the health body of being 'biased towards China and mishandling the COVID-19 pandemic'.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 The world continues to operate in a 'my terrorist' versus 'your terrorist' paradigm. Explain. What strategies would you suggest to develop a unified, comprehensive, and rules-based global approach to tackle the menace of terrorism?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 Briefly explain the procedure laid down in the Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1951 for the registration of political parties with the Election Commission of India (ECI). What are Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs)? What concerns are associated with them? Does the ECI have powers to de-register a political party?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) Assess the role of NITI Aayog over the past decade in promoting cooperative and competitive federalism.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 'The post of Deputy Speaker goes beyond ceremonial significance and is indispensable to Indian parliamentary democracy.' Discuss with relevant constitutional provisions and conventions. Also, examine the implications of the prolonged vacancy of the Deputy Speaker's post.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) Is the growing demand for stricter regulation of online content justified, or does it pose a threat to the right to freedom of speech and expression? Examine in light of recent judicial pronouncements.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15) Critically examine the in-house procedure adopted by the Apex Court to inquire into allegations of misconduct against judges of constitutional courts in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) Recent controversies over alleged malpractices in the electoral rolls have renewed demands for the mandatory linkage of Aadhaar with Voter ID. What is your opinion? Give reasons in support of your answer.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17) Lateral entry into civil services is seen as a reformative step, yet it continues to attract criticism and controversy. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18) While rankings aim to benchmark the performance of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), concerns remain about whether current ranking frameworks reflect the broader goals of education. Suggest measures to make the ranking system more objective, inclusive, and aligned with educational and societal outcomes.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Examine the factors behind the growing salience of the Arctic region in international politics. Discuss, in this context, strategies for India to recalibrate its Arctic engagement.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 Bangladesh is a key pillar of India's Neighborhood First policy, but recent developments on both sides threaten to disrupt the 'Sonali Adhyay' in bilateral relations. Analyze.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8531,"topper":"Utkarsh Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/UTKARSH-MISHRAUPSC_IAS_2025_Toppers_AIR_337_Sample_MGP_COPY_2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) Explain the significance of the recent changes made to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) with respect to labour market data estimation in the country","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Discuss the implications of the rising trend of protectionism and tariff wars in global trade for India's macroeconomic stability.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) \"Genome-edited crops have the potential to strengthen food and nutritional security in the country.\" Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Assess the role of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayde Yojana (PMKSY) in expanding irrigation coverage and improving on-farm water use efficiency.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) Starlink, a satellite internet service provider, has recently been granted a license to operate in India. What is satellite internet? How does it work? What are its advantages and limitations?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) What is a Geographical Indication (GI)? What are the legal frameworks governing it? How does it differ from a trademark? How can GI infringement be tackled?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) What are the salient features of Mission Mausam launched by the Government of India? Why is such a mission needed? What are the likely challenges in its effective implementation?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) Highlight the key provisions of the Disaster Management (Amendment) Act, 2025. How would the amendment help strengthen the disaster management framework in the country?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) 'Operation Sindoor' signals a strategic evolution in India's approach to cross-border terrorism? Analyze.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 'Cyberspace has emerged as a distinct domain of warfare; posing serious threats to national security.' Discuss this statement and suggest counter-measures.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) What are the key objectives of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016? To what extent has it been successful in achieving them?","marks":"15","words":"15 Marks; 250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) Despite phenomenal growth in recent years, India's startup ecosystem lags in innovation across strategic sectors. Identify the factors responsible for this inadequate focus on deep-tech and suggest strategies to bridge this gap.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13) What is floriculture? How is it helpful in enhancing farm income and boosting agri-exports?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 \"Women play a crucial role in Indian agriculture, yet continue to face systemic exclusion.\" Discuss with reference to land ownership, access to credit, and agri-extension services. What initiatives has the government taken in this regard?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15) Launched on 25th June 2025, the Axiom-4 (Ax-04) mission has been much in the news since then. What are the key features of the mission? What significance does it hold for the Gaganyaan project and India's long-term space ambitions?","marks":"15","words":"15"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) Energy storage technology is one of the major components of renewable energy integration and decarbonization of world energy systems. Briefly discuss any three such technologies, citing their key merits and demerits.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 Global Pandemic Agreement (2025) recognizes the 'One Health' approach as critical to pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. Highlight the key features of the agreement, and elaborate on how the One Health approach can help in preventing future pandemics. What steps are needed to integrate this approach into India's environmental and health governance?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18) The frequency and intensity of heatwaves, particularly in urban centres, have increased in recent years. Describe the various causes and effects of heatwaves. What policies and frameworks have been adopted in India towards extreme heat risk management?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Discuss how emerging technologies and globalization contribute to terror financing. Elaborate measures to tackle the menace of terror financing both at national and international levels.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 Explain the key components of the National Policy and Action Plan (2015) that have contributed to the significant decline of Left-Wing Extremism (LWE). What additional steps would you suggest to eliminate LWE in the near future?","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8532,"topper":"Utkarsh Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/UTKARSH-MISHRAUPSC_IAS_2025_Toppers_AIR_337_Sample_MGP_COPY_4.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) 'Unconscious biases in parenting continue to shape gendered experiences in India.' Do you agree with this view? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) Distinguish between empathy and compassion. Why are they considered as foundational values in public services?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) The current society is witnessing rising levels of intolerance. What are the consequences of this situation for personal well-being and for societal well-being? What can one do at the personal level to become tolerant?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) What are the main components of emotional intelligence and how does it help an individual in taking ethical decisions?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) Given below are the three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context?\na) \"This life is short, the vanities of the world are transient, but they alone live who live for others, the rest are more dead than alive.\" - Swami Vivekanand","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) \"If you cry because the sun has gone out of your life, your tears will prevent you from seeing the stars.\" - Rabindranath Tagore","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"c) \"Two ways of building character - cultivating strength to challenge oppression, and tolerate the resultant hardships that give rise to courage and awareness.\" - Sardar Patel","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.4) a) \"With great power comes great responsibility.\" In the present context, 'Big Tech' headquartered in developed countries wield disproportionate influence over digital infrastructure, personal data, and global narratives—often prioritising profit over ethical considerations. What ethical principles should guide such corporations in building a fair, inclusive, and just global digital framework?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"b) What do you understand by the term 'crisis of conscience'? Describe an incident from your life where you experienced such a crisis. How did you deal with it?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.5) a) \"A politics of confession that encourages politicians and parties to confess and offer regret for their errors can surely be a cathartic experience.\" Examine the statement from the ethical point of view.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"b) What are the key objectives of the Right to Information Act, 2005? Examine the ethical concerns associated with certain provisions of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act in realizing the objectives of the RTI Act.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.6) a) Public spaces serve as arenas of democratic participation and civic expression. Yet in India, they remain deeply gendered, with many women largely confined to the private and domestic sphere. Examine the factors that restrict women's access to public spaces. How can ethical governance help address the issue of gendered spatial control and promote inclusivity in public spaces?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"b) Write short notes on the following in 30 words each:\ni) Ethical fading\nii) Conflict of interest\niii) Persuasion\niv) Work culture\nv) Corporate governance","marks":"10 marks, 150","words":"30 words each"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7 A State Government in the northeastern part of the country has launched a series of anti-encroachment drives across forest areas, wetlands, and revenue lands. Under the directions of the Chief Minister, the administration has intensified efforts to reclaim public land, particularly in areas reserved for ecological protection and critical infrastructure development. Most of the time, these actions have been backed by court orders and have resulted in the recovery of thousands of hectares of land. However, in certain regions, the implementation of such drives is fraught with social and political complexities. In several districts, settlements have existed for decades and are inhabited by marginalized communities with limited access to legal rights or formal rehabilitation measures. These areas are often politically sensitive and influenced by local leaders and pressure groups. Simanta is posted as Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) in one such district. Over the past year, the district administration has attempted to align eviction measures with welfare outreach, including the provision of temporary shelters, relocation assistance, and public consultations. Recently, a major operation was scheduled to clear encroachments from over 140 hectares of forest land within a Reserved Forest, primarily to curb rising instances of human-elephant conflict and to restore ecological balance. Anticipating eviction, some residents approached the High Court seeking a stay. However, the court refused to grant it and directed the administration to proceed with the eviction following due process. Notices were served, and a detailed roadmap was prepared to carry out the operation, which was expected to last 2-3 days due to the scale and remote location. On the first day, Simanta led a team comprising forest officials, municipal workers, and police personnel. Demolitions were conducted peacefully and without major resistance. However, on the second day, when the team returned to the site, a large group of agitated residents—primarily women and children—had gathered. They raised slogans and formed human chains to prevent further evictions. The atmosphere grew tense when some individuals began throwing stones, resulting in serious injury to a municipal worker. The crowd grew increasingly volatile and emotionally charged, demanding an immediate halt to the operation. The police contingent present on the ground was outnumbered by the crowd. Faced with this crisis, some team members pleaded with Simanta to call off the operation, fearing threats to their life and the possibility of a violent escalation. Simanta attempted to contact his superior officer (the Deputy Commissioner), but due to poor mobile connectivity in the forested area, communication could not be established. Meanwhile, several local journalists had arrived and begun reporting on the incident. Simanta is in a dilemma as to what to do.\na. Evaluate the options available with Simanta to cope with the situation.\nb. Which of the above options would be the most appropriate for Simanta and why?\nc. What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Simanta?\nd. Examine the qualities of a public servant which will be required to manage such situations.","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":30,"question":"a. स्थिति से निपटने के लिए सिमंता के पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nb. सिमंता के लिए सबसे उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?\nc. सिमंता को किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\nd. ऐसी परिस्थितियों का प्रबंधन करने के लिए एक लोक सेवक के गुणों का परीक्षण करें।\na स्थिति से निपटने के लिए सिमंता के पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nb सिमंता के लिए सबसे उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?\nc सिमंता को किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\nd ऐसी परिस्थितियों का प्रबंधन करने के लिए एक लोक सेवक के गुणों का परीक्षण करें।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":34,"question":"Q.8) Megha is a first-year sociology student at a reputed college in the national capital. She is originally from Tadchiroli, a tribal village in a western Indian state. Megha's family migrated to the city when she was seven years old and had not visited their village since. Though Megha has fond memories of her childhood there, she never deeply understood the customs and traditions of the region. One day, Megha expresses her wish to visit Tadchiroli. Her father agrees and asks her to inform Ratan, her paternal uncle, who still lives in the village with his family. Megha informs Ratan and travels to the village during a semester break. Upon arrival, she receives a warm welcome from Ratan and his family. Later, Ratan invites her to attend a local festival. During the event, Megha notices that her cousin Rinki is missing. Curious, she asks Ratan's wife Ratna why Rinki is not at the festival. Ratna explains that Rinki is on her period, and as per tradition, menstruating girls must stay separately in small huts built specifically for the purpose. Locally known as 'kurma ghars', they are generally located on the periphery of the village, near a river or pond. She further adds that these girls are not allowed to enter the main house or participate in any social or religious activities. Megha is taken aback. She asks whether all women follow this practice. Ratna nods and says it has been the custom for generations. Even schoolgirls stay in these huts and miss classes during their periods. Ratna admits that many in the village, including herself, never questioned the practice. The explanation unsettles Megha. She finds it hard to believe that a natural biological function leads to such exclusion. Before returning to the city, Megha observes that even educated family members seem to accept and follow these customs. The experience leaves a deep impact on her. She starts reading more about menstrual taboos and their impact on women's health, dignity, and education. As a sociology student, she recognises how such traditions are linked to patriarchy and social stigma. She begins to reflect on what she can do at her level to improve the current situation, without alienating the community or disrespecting its traditions.\na. Suggest a course of action Megha can take to sensitize her village community without appearing disrespectful or confrontational.\nb. What ethical principles and methods should guide her actions while engaging with the community?\nc. How is menstruation related to human rights?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":35,"question":"a) मेघा द्वारा अपने गांव के समुदाय को असम्मानजनक या टकरावपूर्ण व्यवहार किए बिना संवेदनशील बनाने के लिए अपनाई जा सकने वाली कार्यवाही का सुझाव दीजिए।\nb) समुदाय के साथ जुड़ते समय उसके कार्यों को किन नैतिक सिद्धांतों और तरीकों से निर्देशित किया जाना चाहिए?\nc) मासिक धर्म मानव अधिकारों से किस प्रकार संबंधित है?","marks":null,"words":"20 अंक"},{"page":39,"question":"Q.9 Gopal is an 80-year-old man living in a remote and an underdeveloped village in a Central Indian state. He had been residing in a small mud house for years. When he came to know about the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G), he saw a glimmer of hope for a pucca house. However, the village sarpanch and panchayat secretary told him that to be eligible under the scheme, he must first demolish his existing house so that during a site inspection, no structure would be visible at the location. Subsequently, Gopal demolished his shelter and began living under a babool tree. For nearly six months, he has been staying in the open, braving harsh weather conditions. During this time, he has repeatedly visited the panchayat office but has been told that his application cannot be processed as he lacks the necessary documents.\nYou are the officer-in-charge of implementing PMAY-G in the district. The case of Gopal reaches you through a prominent newspaper report. You personally visit him to understand the situation on the ground. After meeting him and listening to his account, you feel that he certainly needs support. Your enquiries confirm that he is truly destitute and living in a pitiable condition under the open sky. It is also established that he demolished his house based on a faulty interpretation of the scheme by panchayat officials. However, he has no documents to show that he fulfils the eligibility criteria under the scheme.\nNow you are in a dilemma. Including him under the scheme without the necessary documents would clearly be a violation of rules. But denying him support would be cruel and inhuman.\na. Can you think of a rational way to resolve this dilemma?\nb. Give your reasons for it.\nc. What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.10) You are working as an Assistant Section Officer in the District Development and Panchayat Office. One day, one of your close colleagues approaches you in deep distress. She tells you that her father is suffering from a severe liver condition, and the doctors have clearly stated that he must undergo liver transplant immediately in order to survive. She shares that she has no health insurance, and the surgery would cost around Rs 15 lakh. You are aware that her husband passed away a few years ago, and that she also has a four-year-old son with special needs. Just a few weeks ago, she also lost all her savings in a digital arrest scam. As a widow from a lower middle-class family, her options are extremely limited. Although you feel deeply empathetic, you are unable to offer financial assistance, as you do not have the resources to help. A few weeks later, you enquire about her father's health. She informs you that the liver transplant surgery was successful and that her father is now recovering steadily. Relieved, you ask how she managed to arrange the funds. Hesitantly, she confides that the District Development and Panchayat Officer (DDPO) helped her. Moved by her situation, the DDPO facilitated the release of Rs 15 lakh from the fund allocated to a rural sanitation scheme. The implementation of this scheme had been put on hold for a year due to technical issues and pending site approvals. She explains that the amount was provided on the assurance of strict confidentiality and with a commitment to repay it at the earliest. She expresses deep gratitude for the DDPO's timely help, which she believes saved her father's life. She has already begun repaying the money and will continue to do so until it is all returned.\na. Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\nb. Examine the behavior of DPDO from an ethical point of view.\nc. How would you react to the situation?","marks":"20 marks, 250","words":"20"},{"page":48,"question":"Q.11 Nithin is the head of the Marketing Department at Pehnava Clothings Ltd., a reputed apparel manufacturing company with a strong global presence. Known for its professionalism and consistent performance, the company had earned a credible name in both domestic and international markets. However, the firm was going through difficult times. For three consecutive quarters, it had witnessed a steep decline in sales. This trend had raised serious concerns among the top management regarding the company's competitiveness, profitability, and long-term stability. To address the situation, the leadership decided to restructure the marketing division and bring in dynamic leadership. A senior marketing executive, Mr. A, was hired after a rigorous selection process. He had an impressive career record and was known for turning around sales performance in other firms and building strong brand identities. With high expectations placed upon him, Mr. A was seen as the key figure to steer the company out of crisis. Mr. A soon began delivering results. Within a year, the company's revenue had almost doubled, and its brand visibility had increased significantly. His bold marketing strategies, proactive outreach, and innovative campaigns received appreciation from various quarters within the company. His performance drew the attention of the top management. There were deliberations about assigning him a larger role within the company, with a focus on long-term business strategy. He was also being considered for an internal award for 'Excellence in Leadership and Innovation'. However, alongside professional success of Mr. A, Nithin began receiving troubling feedback about his conduct in the workplace. Informal reports indicated that he frequently made inappropriate comments about women. In addition, he regularly sent indecent messages via social media apps to all team members, including his female colleagues. Although no formal complaint was lodged initially, Nithin could sense tension within the team, and signs of discomfort were becoming increasingly apparent. Some employees even started avoiding direct interaction with Mr. A. Team morale and interpersonal trust were gradually eroding, but employees remained hesitant to speak openly. The matter escalated one evening when Mrs. X, one of Mr. A's team members approached Nithin. Visibly disturbed and emotionally shaken, she disclosed that Mr. A had repeatedly engaged in inappropriate behavior towards her. She added that Mr. A had been making undesirable advances towards her and had even tried to touch her inappropriately in his cabin. She urged Nithin to take appropriate action in the matter, or else she would have no option but to resign from her position.\na. Bring out the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb. What are the options available to Nithin?\nc. Critically examine each of the options identified by Nithin.\nd. Which of the options, do you think, would be more appropriate for Nithin to adopt and why?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":49,"question":"a. इस मामले में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों को स्पष्ट करें।\nb. नितिन के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nc. नितिन द्वारा पहचाने गए प्रत्येक विकल्प का आलोचनात्मक परीक्षण करें।\nd. नितिन के लिए कौन सा विकल्प अपनाना अधिक उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":53,"question":"Q.12) You are appointed as an officer heading the Air Quality Compliance Division of the Environment Pollution Control Board in Delhi-NCR. The region is witnessing alarming levels of air pollution, which typically worsen during the winter months due to various meteorological and anthropogenic factors. The situation has led to severe public health concerns, particularly affecting vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and those with respiratory illnesses. The Supreme Court has also raised serious concern over the deteriorating air quality in Delhi-NCR and has directed the administration to take immediate and effective measures to control pollution, especially during the winter months. Your jurisdiction has a large number of small and medium-scale industries that were granted environmental clearance over the years. These industries form the backbone of the local economy and provide employment to a significant number of migrant workers. However, recent inspections and air quality monitoring reports indicate that a significant number of these units are operating in violation of prescribed air emission norms. As part of targeted measures to curb air pollution, you issued notices to all identified polluting units, directing them to apply for fresh environmental clearance certificates from the competent authority. However, your decision triggered strong opposition from a section of industrial units, labour unions, and local politicians. Industrial owners argued that such action would lead to production shutdowns, financial losses, and shortages of their products in the market. Labour unions and workers also protested, fearing mass unemployment and livelihood insecurity. Local politicians and vested interests accused you of jeopardising the socio-economic stability of the region. You received representations from various quarters urging you to withdraw the notices and not initiate harsh measures, citing the interests of multiple stakeholders. Additionally, you began receiving anonymous threats, aimed at coercing you into reversing your decision. On the other hand, several of your colleagues supported your stance, encouraging you to act in the larger public interest. Several local NGOs and environmental groups rallied behind your actions, demanding the immediate closure of polluting units.\na. Under the given conditions, what are the options available to you?\nb. Critically evaluate each of the options listed by you.\nc. What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by you?","marks":"20","words":"20"}]},{"id":8533,"topper":"Utkarsh Pathak","air":179,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/UTKARSH-PATHAKUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-179-Sample-ESSAY-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. Life is a painting and you are the artist.\n2. The future belongs to the nation with grains and not guns.\n3. Social media is the ultimate equalizer, it gives voice and a platform to anyone willing to engage.\n4. The real problem is not whether machines think, but whether men do.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8534,"topper":"Utkarsh Pathak","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/65342-972959_3128_utkarsh_pathak_rank_88.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"The world must learn to work together, or finally it will not work at all.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Technology, like art, is a soaring exercise of the human imagination.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8535,"topper":"Utkarsh Pathak","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LcP9YAsf_SGvL2WegJnQ4LQ8ffDEk_tP/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"How far do you agree that a robust domestic demand is the most important driver of India's economic growth? What are other factors that influence the growth trajectory of the country? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Macroeconomic stability is not solely dependent on the quantity of foreign exchange reserves, but also on the strategy and sources on which they are built. Discuss in an Indian context. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"DPI (Digital Public Infrastructure) is a critical enabler of digital transformation for both businesses and citizens; however, it comes with its own set of challenges. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The skewed emphasis on certain crops has distorted the cropping pattern in India, which has led to grave socio-economic and environmental consequences. Elaborate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Private participation in propelling India's space journey is widely acknowledged but is yet to be fully tapped. In light of the statement, analyse the hurdles faced by the private sector and also recommend measures to unlock greater private participation in the space economy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"With recent advances in technology, robots are now equipped to perform more than just conventional and routine tasks, which brings new opportunities as well as risks. In this context, evaluate the future potential of the robotics sector. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Technology plays a multidimensional role in augmenting the disaster management apparatus of the country. Discuss. Also, bring out the measures needed to enhance the usage of such technologies in managing disasters. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Outlining the various cyber threats faced by India, assess the state of the country's preparedness to deal with the same. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Explain how the geographical location of India makes it extremely vulnerable to the menace of drug trafficking. What are the various internal security threats posed by drug trafficking? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Inclusive growth is a roadmap to intergenerational equity, redistribution of wealth, and employment generation. Explain. Also, discuss the steps taken by the government towards achieving inclusive growth. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Discuss the significance of Multimodal Transport System in achieving last mile connectivity, improving logistics efficiency, and addressing the twin problems of pollution and congestion. What measures can be taken to ensure efficient multimodal transport connectivity in India? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Highlighting the rationale behind declaring MSP, discuss various issues related to the MSP regime in the country. Also, critically analyse the efficacy of legalizing MSP towards ensuring financial sustainability in farming. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Food Processing Industries (FPIs) can act as a bridge between the informal farming community and the formal industrial sector, which can help boost the rural economy. Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the role of biotechnology in enhancing agricultural productivity. Also, highlight the concern regarding the application of biotechnology in agriculture. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Discuss the repercussions on marine ecosystem and economy resulting from the combined effects of ocean acidification, ocean warming, and oxygen loss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The invisible nature of groundwater is a major obstacle in the path towards achieving the twin objectives of building climate resilience and meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Despite various efforts, a lasting solution to the insurgency in the north-eastern region of India remains elusive. Analyse the reasons behind the continuation of insurgency in the region. Also, suggest effective measures to tackle it. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"While developmental initiatives have a significant role to play, they alone cannot root out terrorism/militancy in Jammu and Kashmir. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8536,"topper":"Utkarsh Pathak","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1e5e1-972959_2930_utkarsh_pathak_rank_88.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How is the rapid growth of the food processing industry leading to food safety challenges in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Under the Public Distribution System of India, the Fair Price Shop (FPS) transformation is an evolving process. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"How are agri-tech startups in India helping farmers in enhancing farm productivity and market access? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the role of digitization of land records in the effective implementation of land reforms in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"To fully exploit its demographic dividend and accelerate economic growth, India needs to adopt a manufacturing-led growth model. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can the resilience of Indian coastal communities be strengthened to tackle the growing natural hazards resulting from climate change? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How does the Green Credit Programme extend beyond carbon management to promote a more sustainable environment in India? What are the various concerns about its implementation? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What is the need for NavIC when existing satellite navigation systems are already available? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Cyber-enabled financial crime has emerged as the new frontier of global money laundering. Discuss. How can the government address this issue? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The Indian Army is observing the year 2024 as the Year of Technology Absorption. In light of this, explain why there is a need for technology absorption in the defence sector of India. What challenges can India face in this initiative? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What are the issues faced in the development of trade and industries in the North-Eastern Region (NER) of India? Comment on the measures that have been taken to tackle these issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the era of climate change and growing water scarcity, how can micro-irrigation systems contribute to sustainable agricultural practices in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What strategies can be adopted to overcome the issues pertaining to freight transportation in the Indian Railways and increase its share in the domestic freight? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the factors that have aided India in making impressive strides in the renewable energy sector and establishing itself as a frontrunner in the global renewable energy transition. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"How does agricultural runoff containing fertilizers and pesticides contribute to environmental pollution? What measures can be taken to mitigate the impact of agricultural runoff? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The growing influx of tourists in Himalayan states has breached their ecological carrying capacity, leading to significant man-made disasters. What measures can be implemented to prevent such disasters while promoting sustainable tourism? Discuss with relevant examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"How do superconductors fuel innovation in diverse fields of science and technology? Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"While India has laws covering almost all types of intellectual property rights, numerous enforcement, regulatory and administrative challenges hamper the commercialisation of IPRs in India. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Keeping in view the challenges in creating integrated theatre commands, examine how the theaterisation of commands can lead to greater integration and rationalisation of manpower and resources among the three services. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Treating border villages as first villages not just geographically but also in terms of facilities can be a key strategy for enhancing border security. Discuss. Also, highlight the measures being taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8537,"topper":"Utkarsh Pathak","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/475d4-972959_2929_utkarsh_pathak_rank_88.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Expression of dissent is central to the functioning of the Parliament. In light of this, discuss the role of the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in India's parliamentary system. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"How can the integration of technology into judicial processes enhance accessibility, capability, and efficiency in justice delivery? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Supreme Court of India has upheld unique asymmetry in India's federalism by intricately balancing centralized authority and regional autonomy. Discuss with the help of relevant case laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Evaluate the effectiveness of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes in safeguarding the interests of the Scheduled Castes in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Executive accountability to the legislature through Parliamentary Committees has been the hallmark of the Indian political system. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can India make Citizens' Charter a powerful tool for improving governance and empowering citizens? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How do corporate donors aid NGOs in facilitating holistic development in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite its merits, should the POCSO Act be revisited to correct the existing inadequacies? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"China's acquisition of strategic ports globally has significant implications for international trade routes and economic relations. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"What are the main functions of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)? How will its recent treaty on intellectual property, genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge benefit India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) plays a crucial role in combating corruption, its functioning is often criticized for being partisan and acting against the federal spirit. Discuss with the help of suitable examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Governors in India often overstep their constitutional role and fail to act effectively when needed. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Both India and the USA adhere to democratic principles but their electoral systems exhibit significant differences. What are the key differences in electoral practices between the two countries? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"How far do you agree with the view that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has met its objective of ensuring environmental justice in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Though Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) have become a platform for competitive politics, they have not emerged as an agency of planning and service delivery. Why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by interoperability in e-governance? What steps have been taken by the government to ensure interoperability and integration of various e-governance systems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"When it comes to sexual and reproductive health of women in India, rights-based discourse has largely been bypassed not just by the societal norms but also by the legal norms. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"How effective has India been in enhancing immunization coverage over the years? What challenges continue to affect immunization efforts in the country? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India used its Presidency of the G20 to bring the voice of the Global South to the centre stage. Discuss with special reference to Africa. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"India's relationship with the UAE has witnessed a remarkable expansion across various domains in the last decade. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8538,"topper":"Utkarsh Pathak","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2df63-972959_2928_utkarsh_pathak_rank_88.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How does tribal art provide valuable insights into the cultural perspectives and values of Indian tribal communities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What are the key factors that accelerated decolonization post-World War II? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How does human encroachment impact water bodies in urban areas? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How do physical geographical features influence the development and operation of transportation systems? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How are ocean trenches formed? Describe the significant characteristics of these oceanic relief formations. (Answer in 150words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Identify the reasons behind increasing number of extreme rainfall events throughout India in recent times. Assess their socio-economic impact. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"India is expected to have the largest working-age population in the world by 2030 and it cannot afford low participation of women in the workforce anymore. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Do you agree that there has been a progressive secularization of caste in India? Support your view with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Why is inequality increasing in India despite the fall in overall poverty? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"How did the competitive and hostile dynamic between Brahminism and Buddhism over funding, followers, and ideology mark the decline of Buddhism? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"European travellers' accounts in the medieval period have played an important role in shaping our understanding of the empires and people of that period in India. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The British victory in the Battle of Plassey in 1757 not just changed the course of Indian history but also that of the world. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Why was it more difficult to rehabilitate refugees in West Bengal as compared to Punjab after partition? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss the economic and social costs associated with the transition from coal to green energy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Explain the process of formation of volcanic calderas. How do they contribute to the scenic beauty of the region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the reasons behind the increased frequency and intensity of heat waves globally? How will it impact global food security? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India's approach to secularism does not merely challenge inter-religious domination but intra-religious domination as well. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Do you agree with the view that Indian cities are turning into landscapes of stark inequality and social exclusion? What steps can be taken to make urban areas more egalitarian in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8539,"topper":"Utkarsh Pathak","air":179,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/UTKARSH-PATHAKUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-179-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) How will you explain that the Government of India Act 1935 was seminal in giving shape to the Indian constitution?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Strengthening the National Commission of Scheduled Tribes (NCST) through various complementary mechanisms can go a long way towards mainstreaming the welfare of the tribals. Explain.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) In what ways does the preamble reflect the ideals and aspirations of the Indian Constitution? To what extent have these aspirations been realised?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) How will you explain that Indian federalism is a happy mix of Unitarianism and confederalism?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 Leveraging real-time data in policymaking has become indispensable for achieving good governance. In this context, analyse the role of e-governance in enhancing the effectiveness of developmental policies.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) Critically assess the role of microfinance in satisfactorily addressing the interconnected challenges of poverty and unemployment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) What are the reasons behind the limited success of the co-operative movement? How can co-operatives be made more effective in fostering rural development?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) The principles of accountability and participation are vital to ensure the smooth implementation of welfare schemes, ensuring their success in reaching the last mile. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 The realization of a successful Asian century is premised upon stable India-China relations. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 ASEAN serves the twin purpose of developing India's Northeast and augmenting the country's reach in the Southeast Asian region. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 The tenets of independent judiciary, life-breath of constitutional democracy, stand perpetually undermined by the executive encroachment into the judicial domain. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 Highlight the shortcomings in the Representation of People's Act. Also, recommend corrective measures to make it more effective.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 Examine the role of the National Commission for Women (NCW) in protecting and promoting the rights of women in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) Despite constitutional backing, urban planning and governance have given limited dividends on the ground. Enumerating the reasons for the same, suggest measures to ameliorate the situation.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.16) The distinct characteristics of the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and the government create a unique symbiosis in improving the governance and developmental process in the country. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.15 The role of the civil service is not limited to the mere welfare of the people but extends to the realm of upholding the spirit of the constitution. Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 Evaluate the efficacy of digital interventions in transforming the educational infrastructure of the country.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 Enumerating the challenges faced by the elderlies in India, discuss ways for mainstreaming the paradigm for geriatric care.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19) India has a pride of place among the comity of nations with strong credentials in the arena of soft power. Identifying the key attributes of India's soft power, assess the extent to which it has been leveraged in India's foreign policy matrix.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 The latent potential of the India-EU strategic partnership is deterred due to a slew of factors. Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8540,"topper":"Utkarsh Pathak","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/UTKARSH-PATHAK-UPSC-2024-Rank-88-MGP-Sample-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) How far do you agree that a robust domestic demand is the most important driver of India's economic growth? What are other factors that influence the growth trajectory of the country?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Macroeconomic stability is not solely dependent on the quantity of foreign exchange reserves, but also on the strategy and sources on which they are built. Discuss in an Indian context.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) DPI (Digital Public Infrastructure) is a critical enabler of digital transformation for both businesses and citizens; however, it comes with its own set of challenges. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) The skewed emphasis on certain crops has distorted the cropping pattern in India, which has led to grave socio-economic and environmental consequences. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) Private participation in propelling India's space journey is widely acknowledged but is yet to be fully tapped. In light of the statement, analyse the hurdles faced by the private sector and also recommend measures to unlock greater private participation in the space economy.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) With recent advances in technology, robots are now equipped to perform more than just conventional and routine tasks, which brings new opportunities as well as risks. In this context, evaluate the future potential of the robotics sector.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) Write an explanatory note on the causes and impacts of avalanches. Also, highlight the various strategies to mitigate its impact, with a special emphasis on NDMA guidelines.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) Technology plays a multidimensional role in augmenting the disaster management apparatus of the country. Discuss. Also, bring out the measures needed to enhance the usage of such technologies in managing disasters.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) Outlining the various cyber threats faced by India, assess the state of the country's preparedness to deal with the same.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) Explain how the geographical location of India makes it extremely vulnerable to the menace of drug trafficking. What are the various internal security threats posed by drug trafficking?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) Inclusive growth is a roadmap to intergenerational equity, redistribution of wealth, and employment generation. Explain. Also, discuss the steps taken by the government towards achieving inclusive growth.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 Discuss the significance of Multimodal Transport System in achieving last mile connectivity, improving logistics efficiency, and addressing the twin problems of pollution and congestion. What measures can be taken to ensure efficient multimodal transport connectivity in India?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 Highlighting the rationale behind declaring MSP discuss various issues related to the MSP regime in the country. Also, critically analyse the efficacy of legalizing MSP towards ensuring financial sustainability in farming.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 Food Processing Industries (FPIs) can act as a bridge between the informal farming community and the formal industrial sector, which can help boost the rural economy. Examine.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Discuss the role of biotechnology in enhancing agricultural productivity. Also, highlight the concerns regarding the application of biotechnology in agriculture.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 5G technology is a breakthrough that finds applications across diverse sectors. Elaborate. How is 5G technology different from its predecessor? Also, list the various challenges associated with its effective rollout.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17) Discuss the repercussions on marine ecosystem and economy resulting from the combined effects of ocean acidification, ocean warming, and oxygen loss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 The invisible nature of groundwater is a major obstacle in the path towards achieving the twin objectives of building climate resilience and meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Elucidate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Q.19 Despite various efforts, a lasting solution to the insurgency in the north-eastern region of India remains elusive. Analyse the reasons behind the continuation of insurgency in the region. Also, suggest effective measures to tackle it.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 While developmental initiatives have a significant role to play, they alone cannot root out terrorism/militancy in Jammu and Kashmir. Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8541,"topper":"Utkarsh Pathak","air":179,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/UTKARSH-PATHAKUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-179-Sample-MGP-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) How far do you agree that a robust domestic demand is the most important driver of India's economic growth? What are other factors that influence the growth trajectory of the country?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Macroeconomic stability is not solely dependent on the quantity of foreign exchange reserves, but also on the strategy and sources on which they are built. Discuss in an Indian context.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) DPI (Digital Public Infrastructure) is a critical enabler of digital transformation for both businesses and citizens; however, it comes with its own set of challenges. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) The skewed emphasis on certain crops has distorted the cropping pattern in India, which has led to grave socio-economic and environmental consequences. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) Private participation in propelling India's space journey is widely acknowledged but is yet to be fully tapped. In light of the statement, analyse the hurdles faced by the private sector and also recommend measures to unlock greater private participation in the space economy.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) With recent advances in technology, robots are now equipped to perform more than just conventional and routine tasks, which brings new opportunities as well as risks. In this context, evaluate the future potential of the robotics sector.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7 Write an explanatory note on the causes and impacts of avalanches. Also, highlight the various strategies to mitigate its impact, with a special emphasis on NDMA guidelines.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) Technology plays a multidimensional role in augmenting the disaster management apparatus of the country. Discuss. Also, bring out the measures needed to enhance the usage of such technologies in managing disasters.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) Outlining the various cyber threats faced by India, assess the state of the country's preparedness to deal with the same.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) Explain how the geographical location of India makes it extremely vulnerable to the menace of drug trafficking. What are the various internal security threats posed by drug trafficking?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 Inclusive growth is a roadmap to intergenerational equity, redistribution of wealth, and employment generation. Explain. Also, discuss the steps taken by the government towards achieving inclusive growth.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 Discuss the significance of Multimodal Transport System in achieving last mile connectivity, improving logistics efficiency, and addressing the twin problems of pollution and congestion. What measures can be taken to ensure efficient multimodal transport connectivity in India?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 Highlighting the rationale behind declaring MSP discuss various issues related to the MSP regime in the country. Also, critically analyse the efficacy of legalizing MSP towards ensuring financial sustainability in farming.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 Food Processing Industries (FPIs) can act as a bridge between the informal farming community and the formal industrial sector, which can help boost the rural economy. Examine.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Discuss the role of biotechnology in enhancing agricultural productivity. Also, highlight the concerns regarding the application of biotechnology in agriculture.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 5G technology is a breakthrough that finds applications across diverse sectors. Elaborate. How is 5G technology different from its predecessor? Also, list the various challenges associated with its effective rollout.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17) Discuss the repercussions on marine ecosystem and economy resulting from the combined effects of ocean acidification, ocean warming, and oxygen loss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 The invisible nature of groundwater is a major obstacle in the path towards achieving the twin objectives of building climate resilience and meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Elucidate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Q.19 Despite various efforts, a lasting solution to the insurgency in the north-eastern region of India remains elusive. Analyse the reasons behind the continuation of insurgency in the region. Also, suggest effective measures to tackle it.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 While developmental initiatives have a significant role to play, they alone cannot root out terrorism/militancy in Jammu and Kashmir. Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8542,"topper":"Utkarsh Pathak","air":179,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/UTKARSH-PATHAKUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-179-Sample-MGP-Copy-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) What do you understand from land subsidence? Explaining various reasons behind land subsidence, recommend measures to arrest the calamity.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Despite being rich in forest resources, why do tropical regions have limited growth of the lumbering industry in comparison to temperate regions?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) What are the suitable conditions for the formation of a tropical cyclone? Also, bring out differences between a tropical and an extra-tropical cyclone.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Elucidate the differences between Western and Indian model of secularism. To what extent do you agree with the criticism that Indian model of secularism is susceptible to promoting minority appeasement?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) Discuss the multi-dimensional implications of uneven distribution of semiconductor industry in the world.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6 Examining the reasons behind erratic Monsoon, highlight the possible outcomes of the same.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) Why is Antarctic becoming an area of renewed human interest? Examine the significance of Antarctic bill, 2022 in protecting India's interest in the region.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8 How does the Eastern coast of India differ in its geographical features from the western coast?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 Explain the meaning of colour-coded weather warnings for:\na) Rainstorms\nb) Thunderstorms\nc) Duststorms","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 How has globalization and urbanization impacted the Indian family system?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) Coral reefs are considered to be at the epicentre of marine ecology; however, their existence is threatened due to a plethora of anthropogenic and natural causes. Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) Discuss the causes for salinity ingress along with its various consequences and potential solutions.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 The actualization of a seamless urban mass transport is hackled by a slew of factors. Identifying these factors, recommend measures to create a robust paradigm for urban mass transport.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 The economic and strategic significance of mineral wealth of a country cannot be seen in isolation from the associated socio-ecological impacts of their extraction. Discuss in light of the newfound lithium reserves in Northern India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Examine the reasons behind generation of regional sentiments? Do you agree that regional sentiments and cultural assertiveness may lead to the issue of separatism?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) Explain the mechanism and occurrence of earthquake. With the help of map given below, throw light upon the vulnerability of regions affected by earthquake and earthquake related disasters.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 Enumerating different types of tides highlight their significance. Also, explain how tides are different from waves.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 With special reference to India, elucidate how globalisation - a multifaceted phenomenon - has had positive socio-economic outcomes on one hand and widened the gaps between the haves and have nots on the other?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 What makes India one of the most vulnerable regions to climate change? Discuss the role of governments, citizens, and businesses in building climate resilience.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 All deserts are rain deficit, but are formed due to different reasons. Discuss. Also, analyse various adaptations in the flora and fauna to survive the water deficit conditions.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8543,"topper":"Utkarsh Pathak","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/f2205-972959_2931_utkarsh_pathak_rank_88.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The end cannot justify the means, for the simple and obvious reason that the means employed determine the nature of the ends produced. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss how the relationship between law and ethics is dynamic and continuously shaped by societal changes. Provide examples to illustrate this dynamic relationship. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Differentiate between probity and integrity with suitable examples. How do these values contribute to ethical governance and decision-making in the civil services? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the ethical implications of withholding information in public administration. How can transparency enhance accountability and reduce corruption in government institutions? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"There is no school equal to a decent home and no teacher equal to a virtuous parent.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.\" - Leo Tolstoy (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"To see what is right and not do it is a lack of courage.\" - Confucius (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What factors lead to a positive attitude in a person? How does positive attitude enhance the effectiveness of civil servants in performing their duties? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss how emotional intelligence can influence ethical decision-making in the allocation of scarce public resources. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Various international humanitarian organizations provide emergency aid in conflict zones around the world. Highlight the ethical challenges faced by such organizations. What are the principles that guide international humanitarian work? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Why is persuasion regarded as an important skill for civil servants? What are the key considerations that should guide persuasion in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"What role can ethical leadership play in curbing corruption, especially in public service? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"What were the major teachings of Swami Dayanand Saraswati? Explain their relevance in addressing the current ethical and social challenges in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":38,"question":"Jay, a civil servant, was appointed as the Commissioner in the state's Education Department a year ago. In his initial months, he implemented several policies and programmes that were transforming the Education Ministry's operations, gaining a good reputation that could potentially benefit the concerned minister in the upcoming elections. However, Jay now faces a significant challenge. As part of his responsibilities, he must approve the recruitment of new teachers for government schools. He has received a list of 120 candidates recommended for vacant posts, but suspects the recruitment process was unfair. Jay had also received several complaints claiming that the process had not been meritocratic. Upon review, Jay discovers evidence suggesting that many names on the list are the result of political patronage - a prevalent issue in the state where politicians use recruitment to gain political support. Jay believes the Education Minister is engaging in this practice as the election season approaches. This situation reminds Jay of a past incident when, as a junior officer, he refused to entertain an unnecessary procurement request. Consequently, he was transferred within a week, and he and his family faced frivolous anti-corruption complaints as retaliation. His successor approved the procurement at even higher rates. Jay is now concerned that blocking the current recruitment could lead to similar consequences. (a) What are the options available to Jay as the Commissioner of the Education Department? Evaluate each of these options. (b) What option should Jay adopt and why? (c) How can civil servants like Jay be better protected when they attempt to uphold ethical standards in their work? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"What are the options available to Jay as the Commissioner of the Education Department? Evaluate each of these options. (b) What option should Jay adopt and why? (c) How can civil servants like Jay be better protected when they attempt to uphold ethical standards in their work? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"As the District Magistrate of X city, you are responsible for overseeing the construction of a new metro depot in an urban forest area, which is a critical infrastructure project aimed at improving public transportation and reducing traffic congestion and air pollution. The project, however, requires the clearance of a substantial portion of the forest, which has triggered strong opposition from environmental activists, local residents, and NGOs. This forest is widely regarded as essential for the city's ecological balance, often referred to as the city's \"lungs.\" In addition to the environmental concerns, you are under considerable pressure from politicians at the state-level to expedite the project, given the upcoming elections in two years. The political leadership emphasizes the benefits of the metro project for the city's development and its potential to garner electoral support. The project is expected to significantly reduce travel time for thousands of commuters and potentially decrease overall vehicle emissions in the city. However, it would also lead to the loss of thousands of trees and disrupt local ecosystems. As you prepare to make a decision, you are aware that your choice will have far-reaching consequences for both the city's development and its environment. (a) Identify the ethical dilemmas involved in the above case. (b) Evaluate the options available to you in the above situation. Which of these would you choose and why? (c) Suggest some measures that could be implemented to balance urban development needs with environmental conservation in future projects. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Dr. Mehra is a senior drug developer at a leading pharmaceutical company in India, renowned for producing various medications, including lifesaving drugs critical for treating chronic and rare diseases. Since its inception, the company has emphasized the quality and affordability of its drugs. Recently, under revised government guidelines, pharmaceutical companies are required to market a finished product only after obtaining \"satisfactory results\" from tests on the ingredients. Additionally, they must retain a sufficient quantity of samples of both intermediate and final products to allow repeated testing or verification of a batch. Dr. Mehra's team is in the final stages of developing a new medication for a rare but life-threatening disease. This drug has shown promising results in clinical trials. However, there have been unresolved concerns about the long-term side effects of the drug, observed in a small percentage of trial subjects. Despite this, the company has not released any major drug in the past decade, leading to significant pressure from the board members to expedite the drug's release. (a) Identify the stakeholders in the above case study. (b) Discuss the ethical issues faced by Dr. Mehra. (c) Analyse the options available to Dr. Mehra in the above case. Which of these would you choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"You have been appointed as the Under Secretary in the State Urban Development Department. The Department has been tasked with a prestigious project aimed at revitalizing the infrastructure of a city with deep historical significance. This project, which you are extremely passionate about, involves modernizing public transportation, restoring heritage buildings, and creating green spaces while preserving the city's cultural essence. Excited by the opportunity, you spent weeks researching and drafting a comprehensive proposal. Your plan included innovative ideas for sustainable development, community engagement, and leveraging technology for urban planning. You presented these initial plans in a departmental meeting, hoping to inspire your colleagues and kickstart the project. However, your enthusiasm was met with indifference. Your colleagues showed little interest, he seemed equally indifferent, casually mentioning that he is set to retire in six months and that the project has a long gestation period. Determined to see the project succeed, you took it upon yourself to drive it forward. For the past two months, you have been working more than 12 hours a day, often late into the night, sacrificing time with your family. Your dedication is driven by your belief in the project's potential to transform the lives of the city's residents and preserve its rich heritage for future generations. Two months into the project, a review meeting is called by the Chief Secretary. During the meeting, Department heads from various sectors are present to discuss ongoing and upcoming projects. When it is time to present the urban revitalization project, your boss stands up. To your shock, he presents your draft proposal as his own work, taking all the credit for the innovative ideas and comprehensive planning. As you sit there, listening to your superior claim your hard work as his own, you feel a mix of anger, disappointment, and demoralization. This incident not only undermines your efforts but also leaves you questioning the value of your dedication in a work culture that does not seem to support collaboration or recognize individual contributions. (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) How does the above-mentioned work culture affect workplace morale and productivity? (c) What are the options available to you and how would you address the situation? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":58,"question":"Arun, renowned for his integrity and dedication, has recently assumed the role of Superintendent at a state Pollution Control Board. This posting, his fourth in just one year, includes the responsibility of overseeing Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs). In his new position, Arun becomes aware of a copper smelting plant situated near a crucial wetland that serves as the primary water source for the region. Despite the plant's notorious reputation for heavy pollution, the current EIA, presented to Arun by the Chairperson, indicates no significant impact on the wetland. The next assessment is not scheduled for another two years. One day, Arun receives a letter from a politician affiliated with the opposition party. The letter contains evidence suggesting that the current EIA results are based on falsified lab reports, allegedly approved by the Chairperson. The Chairperson is known to have close ties with the ruling party, which has been receiving substantial donations from the plant's operators. The opposition politician urges Arun to expose the Chairperson from within the department, arguing that this approach could effectively pressurize the government to conduct a new EIA. He promises Arun significant rewards and support once their party comes to power, an outcome suggested by recent opinion polls. While the evidence presented is compelling, Arun remains cautious about the possibility of being exploited as a political pawn. He is acutely aware of the potential consequences of his actions, (a) In light of the above case, discuss the ethical issues that may arise from the nexus between corporate, political, and bureaucratic interests. (b) As a conscientious civil servant, evaluate the options available to Arun. Which option should he choose and why?(Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":59,"question":"In light of the above case, discuss the ethical issues that may arise from the nexus between corporate, political, and bureaucratic interests. (b) As a conscientious civil servant, evaluate the options available to Arun. Which option should he choose and why?(Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8544,"topper":"Utkarsh Ujjwal","air":68,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/20876-389463_1752_utkarsh-ujjwal_rank-68.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8545,"topper":"Utkarsh Ujjwal","air":68,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d66f8-389463_1753_utkarsh-ujjwal_rank-68.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8546,"topper":"Utkarsh Ujjwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/cc9bf-389463_1397_utkarsh-ujjwal_rank-68.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by good governance? Explain with special focus on characteristics of good governance identified by UNDP. (Answer in 200 words)","marks":null,"words":"200"},{"page":6,"question":"Mention the issues with the public healthcare system in India. How can these issues be addressed? (Answer in 200 words)","marks":null,"words":"200"},{"page":9,"question":"Explaining the concept of regionalism, elaborate on the different forms that regionalism has taken in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Highlight the major problems related to urbanization in India. What steps have been taken by the government in recent times to address these?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Explaining the importance of skill development for India, highlight the challenges related to it. What steps have been taken by the government in this regard?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Bring out the differences between the western concept of secularism and Indian secularism.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Analyse the role of civil services in a democracy like India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Examine the impact of globalization on Indian society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Mention the major focus areas for the Jal Shakti Abhiyan and highlight the strategies for its implementation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Mention the various forms of diversity in India, highlight the factors that facilitate unity amongst such diversity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Explain the reasons behind low participation of women in the labour force. How can the situation be improved?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Highlighting their significance, discuss the issues with Citizen's Charter in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Discuss the role of women's organisations in bringing about gender justice in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Literacy rates vary considerably across gender, regions and social groups in India. Elaborate. Also, suggest measures to improve the situation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Highlight the issues that the voluntary sector in India faces. How can these issues be addressed?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Analyse the potential of e-governance in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"What is social audit? Give an account of its significance and limitations in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Give an account of the challenges that the government has been facing in eliminating malnutrition in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Bring out the successes and failures of the Pre-conception and Pre-natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) PCNDT Act, 1994.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8547,"topper":"Utkarsh Ujjwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/863ea-389463_1405_utkarsh-ujjwal_rank-68.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The effectiveness of microcredit has come under question in recent times due to multiple reasons: Discuss, in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"For minimising distribution losses in the power sector, public private partnership (PPP) and input-based distribution franchisee models can provide the solution. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What is gender budgeting? Give an account of the issues due to which gender budgeting has not been a fruitful exercise in India. Also, suggest measures required to address these issues. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlight the issues faced by the corporate bond market in India and suggest reforms required in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"In light of the renewed focus on strategic disinvestment in recent times, examine the rationale behind it and also discuss the concerns raised against it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"While identifying the need for providing social security to gig workers, highlight the challenges that exist in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Do you think that multi-year budgeting is the need of the hour in India? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are the issues faced in financing of infrastructure in India? Give an account of the steps taken by the government to resolve these in recent times. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Investment in social infrastructure is key to engineer an inclusive and sustainable growth in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"It is imperative that the present system is re-engineered and a transition towards Outcome Budgeting is made for effective Public Finance Management in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"There have been indications of sluggish growth in labour intensive industries in India in recent times. Analyse the reasons behind this trend. What can be done to reverse the trend? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"While some associate increased penetration of technology and industrialization with increase in inequality in India, the reasons for the same lie somewhere else. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"It has been argued that a fiscal stimulus can help revive the Indian economy and deal with the current slowdown. Discuss in context of prevalent situation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"While public private partnership (PPP) in Indian Railways should be encouraged, there is a need to manage the transition to PPP model carefully. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"A worrying trend for Indian economy has been the decline in private investment in the past few years. Highlight the reasons behind it. What steps should be taken to revive private investment in the economy? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs) in India are in need of urgent reforms addressing their regulatory, structural and operational issues. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Identify the factors that have facilitated digital financial inclusion in India. Mention the steps that have been taken by the government in this regard. What are the challenges that remain going forward? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Why is participation in Global Value Chains (GVCs) important for India? Highlighting some of the concerns associated with GVCs, suggest some measures for India to reap benefits from participating in them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What is the significance of state finances for macro-economic stability in India? Also, highlight the issues with states' fiscal management in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Though Code on Industrial Relations, 2019 is aimed at reducing labour dispute as well as ease of doing business, it also restricts the collective bargaining power of the workers. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8548,"topper":"Utkarsh Ujjwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8c4ef-389463_1405_utkarsh-ujjwal_rank-68.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The effectiveness of microcredit has come under question in recent times due to multiple reasons. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"For minimising distribution losses in the power sector, public private partnership (PPP) and input-based distribution franchisee models can provide the solution. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What is gender budgeting? Give an account of the issues due to which gender budgeting has not been a fruitful exercise in India. Also, suggest measures required to address these issues. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlight the issues faced by the corporate bond market in India and suggest reforms required in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"In light of the renewed focus on strategic disinvestment in recent times, examine the rationale behind it and also discuss the concerns raised against it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"While identifying the need for providing social security to gig workers, highlight the challenges that exist in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Do you think that multi-year budgeting is the need of the hour in India? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are the issues faced in financing of infrastructure in India? Give an account of the steps taken by the government to resolve these in recent times. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Investment in social infrastructure is key to engineer an inclusive and sustainable growth in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"It is imperative that the present system is re-engineered and a transition towards Outcome Budgeting is made for effective Public Finance Management in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"There have been indications of sluggish growth in labour intensive industries in India in recent times. Analyse the reasons behind this trend. What can be done to reverse the trend? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"While some associate increased penetration of technology and industrialization with increase in inequality in India, the reasons for the same lie somewhere else. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"It has been argued that a fiscal stimulus can help revive the Indian economy and deal with the current slowdown. Discuss in context of prevalent situation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs) in India are in need of urgent reforms addressing their regulatory, structural and operational issues. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Identify the factors that have facilitated digital financial inclusion in India. Mention the steps that have been taken by the government in this regard. What are the challenges that remain going forward? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Why is participation in Global Value Chains (GVCs) important for India? Highlighting some of the concerns associated with GVCs, suggest some measures for India to reap benefits from participating in them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What is the significance of state finances for macro-economic stability in India? Also, highlight the issues with states' fiscal management in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Though Code on Industrial Relations, 2019 is aimed at reducing labour dispute as well as ease of doing business, it also restricts the collective bargaining power of the workers. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8549,"topper":"Utkarsh Ujjwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a2ffd-389463_2220_utkarsh-ujjwal_rank-68.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The logic of limitless wealth lies in the basic human instinct for furthering self-interest in the form of profit. In this context, do you think there is a possibility of pursuing ethical capitalism? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"If a law is unjust, a man is not only right to disobey it, he is obligated to do so. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The capacity of Citizens' Charter to initiate any transformative process is conditioned upon it being appropriately designed and effectively executed. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The moral fiber and ethical conduct of public officials not only influence the standard of governance but also their own interests and performance. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The ongoing debate on euthanasia poses several ethical questions. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Foreign aid is a form of neo-colonialism, as the economically wealthier countries can exploit the developing countries under the cloak of aid. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Throwing light on the idea of Universal Humanism propounded by Rabindranath Tagore, discuss its contemporary relevance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree with the view that it is nature and not nurture which determines the emotional intelligence of a person? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Values that guide public administrators can often compete with each other, owing to their relative importance to the larger public interest. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Is it justifiable to say that corruption is a social phenomenon? What are the various ways through which administrative corruption can be tackled? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \" ; \" \"Overcoming poverty is not a task of charity; it is an act of justice.\" Nelson Mandela (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":57,"question":"The Indian education system suffers from many ills. One of the major issues is the focus on 'rote learning', which has been the staple of the Indian education system for many years. While many Indians have attained success despite this system, simply being able to recall information is not enough in today's world when that information is instantly available to anyone on a mobile phone. A survey of 200 Indian and foreign companies found that only 14% of Indian graduates were prepared for the workforce, largely because most graduates were unable to apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the consequences of 'rote learning' on the educational development of young students in the country? (b) Suggest measures that can be taken to address this issue. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8550,"topper":"Utkarsh Ujjwal","air":68,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a183e-389463_1525_utkarsh-ujjwal_rank-68.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8551,"topper":"Utkarsh Ujjwal","air":68,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1e1BuHCubdAuniZEHeVMUTmSVQn_ZCoDX","questions":[]},{"id":8552,"topper":"Utkarsh Ujjwal","air":68,"year":2022,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PubNNKugruimH_VTcSGmwuOaWI9emwlK/view","questions":[]},{"id":8553,"topper":"Utkarsh Yadav","air":32,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/71837-1344779_2122_utkarsh_yadav_rank_32.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8554,"topper":"Utkarsh Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/572c8-1344779_2208_utkarsh_yadav_rank_32.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"An effective approach to green budgeting is underpinned by strong strategic framework, tools for evidence generation and an enabling budgetary governance framework. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"State the need for circular economy in India and the challenges associated with it. Also, discuss the measures that are required to build a circular economy in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The Major Port Authorities Act, 2021, seeks to grant greater autonomy and flexibility to the major ports and professionalise their governance. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Increasing the share of rail freight in the overall modal mix could present a golden opportunity for India to shift to an efficient freight paradigm. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Investment in infrastructure is pivotal for accelerated and inclusive socio-economic development of a country. In this context, discuss the significance of the National Monetisation Pipeline. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discuss the need for a National Employment Policy in India. What should be taken into account while formulating such a policy? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Planning for the potential long-term impacts of climate change on agriculture needs to be prioritised to mitigate threats it poses to India's food security. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"In light of various issues being faced, discuss the need for a revamped and need-based PDS in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Analyse the need for shifting from presumptive land titling to conclusive land titling system in India. Also, highlight the hurdles in its implementation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What do you understand by methanol economy? Critically discuss its role in achieving India's energy security and economic prosperity. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"State finances in India present a worrying picture, with debt sustainability being a major concern. Discuss in context of the recent RBI report on state finances. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The Indian experience provides several lessons of an inclusive digital economy model that enables formal digital governance structure at a low cost and with easier access. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"To capitalize on its demographic dividend, India must create well-paying, high productivity jobs. In view of this, discuss the challenges in creation of such jobs in India. What policy measures can help in addressing these challenges? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Though Special Economic Zones (SEZs) can play a significant role in export promotion in India, they are struggling with multiple challenges. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Do you agree with the view that the mixed results of economic reforms in the last three decades can be attributed to the reforms being half-baked and incomplete? Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Dairying is a viable livelihood option for a large section of the population. In this context, discuss the significance, challenges faced and associated government initiatives for the dairy sector in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The imperative to increase farmers' income must shift to creating value chains and must not be reliant on the MSP regime and subsidy bias prevalent in the current Indian agricultural system. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Food processing industry provides a vital link between the two pillars of the economy, i.e. agriculture and industry. In view of this, examine the constraints faced by the agri-food supply chain system in India. Suggest suitable solutions as well. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Availability of adequate storage infrastructure has a direct bearing on agricultural yield and farmer's income. Comment. In this context, discuss the measures that can be undertaken to enhance India's agriculture storage capacity. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Owing to rapid depletion of water resources, there is an urgent need to increase water use efficiency. In this context, discuss the status of irrigation in India and challenges faced. Also, suggest suitable measures to address the challenges. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8555,"topper":"Utkarsh Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3a48b-1344779_2209_utkarsh_yadav_rank_32.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The caste system continues to be one of the key drivers of poverty and inequality in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Recognising unpaid work of women is a necessary but challenging task. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The window to realise India's demographic potential is narrowing with time. Discuss in context of factors affecting the employability of Indian youth and their remedial measures. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Given the deeply gendered impact of population control measures, examine the need to rethink the current approach of population control measures in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The Indian healthcare system is mired by excessive brain drain of healthworkers. Discuss and suggest measures to address the phenomenon. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Though various women organisations have played a key role in promoting entrepreneurship among women, there continue to exist obstacles that impede women entrepreneurship. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Discuss the issues faced by domestic workers in India. Also suggest measures that can be taken to empower them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"It has been argued by some that raising the minimum age of marriage for females only addresses the symptoms rather than the underlying causes of gender related issues in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"There have been arguments that given the socio-economic status of backward castes in India, caste based census is the need of the hour. Do you agree? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"While participation of private sector in the higher education system of India is a necessity, it creates issues that need careful redressal. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Eradication of hunger depends on the adequacy of policy intervention to curb the menace of hunger and starvation. In this context, discuss the concerns raised by recent reports on the hunger situation in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Regionalism in India is a multi-dimensional phenomenon, at once geo-cultural, politico-economic and, above all, psychological. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"By adopting a variation of Western secularism, we invited a condition that gradually weakened the process of secularization in India. Critically analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Given its impact on both individual resilience and the resilience of the economy, is there a case for strong universal social protection in India? (250 words) 15 Discuss.","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Examine the multi-dimensional impact of globalisation on tribal development in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What do you understand by feminisation of old age? Highlight the issues associated with it in the Indian context. Also, mention the measures taken by the government in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Strengthening the system of government-run schools is a prerequisite in ensuring social empowerment and inclusive development in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Though unity in diversity has been a mainstay of India as a nation, there exist certain threats in this regard. Discuss. Also, bring out the relevance of civil society in sustaining the diversity of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"In light of the recently released national multi dimensional poverty index (MPI) by India, assess the country's performance on eradicating multi dimensional poverty. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Indian cities are not only mimicking the social and cultural structures of inequality and exclusion found in rural areas but are also creating fault lines for future conflicts. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8556,"topper":"Utkarsh Yadav","air":32,"year":2024,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/SS_2025_Utkarsh_Yadav_GS_PAPER_T_1_AIR_32_f6a18f27b2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8557,"topper":"Utkarsh Yadav","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/Utkarsh-Yadav-GS-MAINS-ADVANCED-COURSE-2024-1745409936271.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"1. Highlighting the factors contributing to high fiscal deficit in India, discuss the potential consequences of such deficit and suggest measures to ensure fiscal consolidation.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"2. India's aspiration to be a developed nation by 2047 hinges on significant capital investment. In light of this, discuss the potential of capital investment in achieving this vision. What are the challenges India faces in this regard?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"3. \"With growing urbanization, peri-urban agriculture is emerging as a significant contributor to fresh farm produce needs\". In this context, discuss the opportunities and challenges associated with promoting peri-urban agriculture in a sustainable manner.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"4. What are the major challenges faced by India's agriculture sector to achieve self-sufficiency in pulses and vegetable oils? Suggest measures to address these challenges.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"5. Evaluate the potential of biomanufacturing and bio-foundry in driving India's future towards a sustainable green economy.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"6. What are the principles behind the working of Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV)? Explain the significance and potential benefits of use of RLVs in India's space commerce.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"7. Examine the key features of the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) 2023. Analyze its potential for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"8. In light of the increased intensity, frequency and duration of heat waves in the last decade, do you think the time has come to include \"heat waves\" as a notified disaster under the Disaster Management Act, 2005?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"9. Recently formulated 'joint doctrine for cyberspace operations' by Indian armed forces will lead to strengthening of the cyber-security posture for both conventional operations as well as gray zone warfare. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"10. Discuss the necessity and potential issues surrounding the extension of the Border Security Force's (BSF) territorial jurisdiction in states adjacent to Pakistan and Bangladesh.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"11. India's economic growth story is often overshadowed by the persistent challenges of unemployment. Analyze the concept of structural unemployment and discuss its relevance in the context of India's current economic situation. Suggest policy measures to promote inclusive job growth.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"12. Discuss the role of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in fostering regional growth in India. How can MSMEs contribute to achieving industrial diversification and technological advancement?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"19. \"The sole point of MSP is to protect farmers from sudden price shocks\". Do you think legalization of MSP can insure farmers from sudden price shocks? What are the other measures which can be taken to make MSP-led procurement effective?","marks":"15 marks, 250","words":"15"},{"page":33,"question":"14. Discuss the role of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) in the Public Distribution System (PDS) to ensure food security in India. Suggest necessary reforms in the functioning of FCI to enhance its efficiency and effectiveness.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"15. Discuss the role of nanotechnology on enhancing agricultural productivity and food security in India. Highlight recent developments and potential benefits and risks of use of nano-fertilizers and nano-pesticides.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"16. The Nobel Prize in Physics of 2023 was jointly awarded to Ekimov, Brus and Bawendi for the discovery of synthesis of quantum dots. In this context, discuss the applications of quantum dots.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"17. Evaluate the role of protected areas in biodiversity conservation in India. How effective have national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves been in preserving India's biodiversity?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"18. What the causes of high levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and ozone pollution in India. How effective are the various steps taken by the government to mitigate particulate matter and ozone pollution?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"19 The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) Report 2023 highlights a growing menace of drug trafficking in South Asia, with India being a major hub. Analyze the various dimensions of this challenge with respect to India. Also suggest a multi-pronged approach to address it.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"20. India's response to left wing extremism needs to integrate soft approaches like socio-economic policies and dialogue along with hard security measures to address the root causes of Naxalism. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8558,"topper":"Utkarsh Yadav","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/Utkarsh-Yadav-GS-MAINS-ADVANCED-COURSE-2024-TEST-6-1745410044012.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"1. Federal governance is characterised by institutionalized arrangements for solving problems generated by pluralism based on consultation and mutual consent. How have Zonal Councils evolved from merely advisory bodies to proactive platforms for action?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":6,"question":"2 Secularism under the Indian constitution is encapsulated in the broader concept of constitutional commitment to equality. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"How Indian Secularism is encapsulated in the broader concept of equality","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"3. 'There is a need to shift the focus of Section 8 of the Representation of People Act, 1951 from the duration of the sentence to the gravity of the offence.' Comment on how the current classification under Section 8 leads to arbitrary categorisation of offences. Also, mention the remedies available to a person disqualified under this section.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"4. What is the significance of the Leader of Opposition in the Indian parliamentary system? How does the role of the opposition contribute to the checks and balances in a democracy?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Role of opposition in contributing to check and balances","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"5. \"The core ideals of the Preamble — sovereignty, socialism, secularism, and democracy — form the bedrock of India's constitutional framework.\" Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"6. Assess the implications of the 103rd Constitutional Amendment, which introduced a ten per cent reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), on the principle of social justice in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"7. The focus of welfare schemes in India is shifting from \"well-being\" towards \"over-dependency\". In light of this, do you agree that welfare schemes have inculcated a \"freebies culture\" in India leading to a divergence of focus from poverty and hunger alleviation?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"8. E-governance is not just about efficiency; it's about making governance accessible and inclusive for every citizen. Explain.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"9. With the advent of new regional and multilateral agreements like QUAD, AUKUS, I2U2 etc the old world order represented by organizations like NAM, Davos, and G77 is losing its relevance. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"10. The island states and territories from the South Pacific to the African coast have become new nodes in India's changing strategic geography. In this context, highlight the importance of these island states for India and also throw light upon the initiatives taken by India to strengthen ties with these states.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"11. Electoral funding in India is fraught with the double whammy of legal loopholes and political inefficiencies. In this context, discuss the challenges to electoral funding. What lessons can India draw from global best practices in this regard?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"12. Pressure groups form the social foundation of a democracy. In this context, discuss pressure groups' key contributions in promoting social security measures for workers in India, and how they address the gaps in existing policies.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":28,"question":"Pressure Group's contribution in promoting social security measures","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"13. The Constitution envisages the \"principle of federal supremacy\" in the executive space of Indian federal polity. Discuss while referring to the relevant Constitutional provisions and case laws. How are contentious issues regarding the distribution of powers resolved?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"14. Delimitation of seats is essential to ensure fair representation and uphold the principles of one vote, one value. Highlighting the challenges posed by misrepresentation in constituencies analyse the ramifications of population-based delimitation in creating federal tension.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"15. To what extent can the PIL system be held responsible for shifting the focus of the higher Courts from \"constitutional matters\" to day-to-day matters? What role can the trial Courts play in reducing the overall burden on higher Courts?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":39,"question":"16. India's higher education system needs significant reforms to align with global standards. How does the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 aim to address these challenges, and what lessons can India learn from international practices to enhance its higher education system? Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"17. The Right to Information (RTI) Act is hailed for its transformative impact on the quest for transparency and accountability in Indian governance. However, multifaceted challenges and systemic limitations impede its effective implementation. Discuss. Also, suggest measures for its effective implementation.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"18. Discuss the unique challenges and opportunities Self Help Groups (SHGs) encounter in urban areas compared to rural ones, and how can microfinance be adapted to tackle urban poverty.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"19. Highlight the significance of the recently envisaged India-Middle East-Europe corridor for India's connectivity with the world, especially the West. Do you think, in recent times, transport and energy initiatives have taken precedence in India's foreign policy?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"20. Despite the recent rise in politically contentious issues, the India-Canada bilateral relationship has remained committed to shared values of democracy, pluralism, expanding economic engagement and long-standing people-to-people ties. Highlighting the significant pillars of the India-Canada relationship, discuss the potential areas of cooperation and collaboration between India and Canada.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8559,"topper":"Utkarsh Yadav","air":32,"year":2024,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/SS_2025_Utkarsh_Yadav_GS_PAPER_T_3_AIR_32_7a7b34b8ec.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8560,"topper":"Utkarsh Yadav","air":32,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Oz4GDUBH06T9fyAxRhae8Wgox2FeYe-k/view","questions":[]},{"id":8561,"topper":"Utpal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/21754_760_Utpal_Rank_76.pdf","questions":[{"page":25,"question":"What do you mean by 'anonymity in the civil services'? Explain why anonymity and neutrality are considered as important traits for civil servants.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Prescription of dresscode for women not only violates their liberty but also reflects outdated views on gender relations as well as proper conduct. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Evaluate each of these options and choose the option which you would adopt, giving reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"What are the immediate steps which should be taken in such a situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"Suggest some long term measures to ensure that such a situation is not repeated.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"What are the options available to you? Evaluate each of these options and choose the option which you would adopt, giving reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Is Dr. Singh's participation in this study appropriate? Justify your position. 2. Is Dr. Singh involved in a conflict of interest? If yes, what is the nature of such conflict? How can it be resolved? 3. How would the nature of the conflict of interest be different if he did not own the shares already and was offered shares in exchange for conducting the study?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8562,"topper":"Utsav Anand","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/64b48-875993_1992_utsav-anand_rank_26.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"SOCIAL MEDIA : CROSSING ALL BARRIERS","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"SOCIAL MEDIA : BOON OR BANE","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8563,"topper":"Utsav Anand","air":26,"year":2021,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/32beb-875993_1753_utsav-anand_rank_26.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8564,"topper":"Utsav Anand","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/db5dd-875993_1864_utsav-anand_rank_26.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Agristack can serve as a foundation to build innovative agri-focused solutions, thus enabling creation of a better ecosystem for agriculture in India. Comment. Also, discuss the concerns associated with it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Despite the advantages of geothermal energy, it has not been adopted on a wide scale in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"While the WTO seeks elimination of subsidies that contribute to IUU (illegal, unreported and unregulated) fishing, there are multiple concerns around it. Discuss while highlighting India's stand on the issue. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"There is a view that the current agricultural policies in India are biased against rainfed agriculture. Comment. Also, identify government initiatives in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Enumerate the major causes behind marine heatwaves. Also, discuss their impact on the ocean ecosystem. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Aseismic structures are touted as a viable solution to combat earthquake destruction. In this context, highlight the need of a National Program on Seismic Retrofitting of Buildings and Structures in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Despite the risks associated with cryptoassets, their underlying advantages should not be overlooked. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality (VR and AR) have massive innovation potential across a wide range of industries and research fields in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the role and functions of Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and examine whether the NDPS Act, 1985 needs to be remodelled. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Recent events have raised concerns around the issue of surveillance in India. Do you think surveillance is a necessary evil to tackle crime and terror? Discuss the various arguments on the issue. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The decision to grow a particular crop by a farmer is affected by various factors other than the yield of a crop. Discuss this statement and assess the need for bringing a change in the cropping pattern in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Identifying the importance of livestock in the Indian agricultural economy, enumerate the steps taken by the government in this regard. Also, discuss the potential impact of climate change on the livestock sector. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"It has been argued by some economists that supply creates its own demand. In this context, discuss the merits and demerits of reliance on investment in infrastructure to boost the Indian economy. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Innovations emerge not just as an opportunity but also as a pre-condition to assure the sustainability of food production. Analyse the statement in context of the food processing sector in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The factors contributing to unemployment in India are not merely a result of the structural issues related to the Indian economy. Discuss. Also, highlight the measures taken to address the problem of unemployment in recent times. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Highlighting the major announcements made by India in the recently concluded COP26, examine India's capabilities in achieving net zero emissions by 2070. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"While geography plays a definite role in the recurring disasters in Western Ghats, it is the human intervention that has exacerbated them. Discuss. Also, suggest measures to protect Western Ghats from these frequent disasters. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The IPR regime in India is mired by inadequate protection and ineffective implementation. In this context, discuss how the IPR regime can be made more robust and effective. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What are the similarities and differences between the activities of terrorists and organized criminal groups? Also, elaborate upon the fact that their linkages occur in both tactical and strategic ways. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"There is a view that the 'civil society is emerging as the new frontier of war', in the 4th generation of warfare. Do you agree with this view? Substantiate with logical arguments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8565,"topper":"Utsav Anand","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1c619-875993_1514_utsav-anand_rank_26.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the changes introduced by the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) Amendment Act, 2021, analyse various issues with the amended Act. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Are there valid arguments for continuing with sedition law in 21st century democratic India? Discuss in light of the debate surrounding it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Identify the issues that have contributed to a decline in the performance of Parliamentary Standing Committees. How can these issues be addressed? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Despite being a non-constitutional body, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) has wielded immense decision-making power in India. Discuss the advantages and issues associated with it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the role of data in governance in India. Also, state the various challenges in this regard and suggest remedial measures. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"With specific examples, elaborate upon the conditions that led to the emergence of a new civil society in urban India in the last few decades. Also, highlight its contribution towards effecting governance and policy changes. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The Gati Shakti mission has the potential to not only address the issue of infrastructure bottlenecks but also streamline the governance processes in the country. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Giving an account of the issues faced by workers in the informal sector, discuss whether the recently launched e-Shram portal can help in addressing them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Clarifying the significance of the recent developments on the issue of global minimum tax, discuss its prospects and challenges for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Announcement of the AUKUS security pact heralds a new era of global geo-politics. Comment. Also, discuss how it may affect India's interests. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Effective devolution of finances is an important requirement for Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) to fulfill their objectives. Discuss while also elaborating on the reasons behind lack of financial resources for PRIs in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Judicial activism is a necessary tool to guard against \"legislative adventurism and executive excesses\". Critically discuss in the context of the doctrine of separation of powers as provided in the Constitution of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The electoral bond scheme is part of what appears to be a growing trend away from transparency and accountability in electoral funding. Critically analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The significance of the principle of subsidiarity was well reflected in the management of the COVID-19 pandemic. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Social media has ushered in greater transparency and accountability in governance. But accountability through social media is no alternative to institutional accountability. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Although the State has the right incentives and intentions to deliver public services efficiently, its capacity to do so is questionable. Critically discuss in the context of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The problem of hunger in India does not lie in food production but various other underlying issues. Discuss in the wake of decline in India's ranking in the Global Hunger Index, 2021. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Democratization of primary healthcare is indispensable for fulfilling the objectives of equitable and comprehensive care in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"In the context of the evolving discourse on the Indo-Pacific, analyse the factors driving the global shift towards the region. Also, identify India's interests and challenges in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India's Afghanistan policy must be based on a clear-eyed understanding of important strategic goals in the region amidst the current regional and global strategic environment. Elaborate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8566,"topper":"Utsav Anand","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/92b88-875993_1516_utsav-anand_rank_26.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Do laws need to be consistent with the prevalent moral norms? Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"\"People's indifference is the best breeding ground for corruption to grow\". Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"In the context of COVID-19 pandemic, discuss the importance of Emotional Intelligence among healthcare workers. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"It is the 'spirit of service' that motivates a public servant to serve the country's interests and address people's issues. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Ethics does its work in the world by granting and withdrawing legitimacy. Discuss in the context of role of ethics in international relations. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Sustainable growth of an organisation can result only by aligning its decisions to the interests of all stakeholders, not merely its shareholders. Do you agree? Justify with logical arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri's life exemplifies value-driven public service of the highest order. What are the values one can learn from his life to be a good citizen and a good administrator? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"There is a view that the institutional mechanisms to ensure accountability of civil servants have weakened over time. In this context, discuss the need of a social accountability law in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Why has anonymity of civil servants traditionally been seen as an important arrangement? In this context, discuss your opinion on the doctrine of facelessness in civil services. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In the age of social media, influencers have a huge following and have gained prominent marketing roles. In this context, discuss the ethical issues involved in influencer marketing. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or the darkness of destructive selfishness. - Martin Luther King Jr. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You are a young officer posted as the Sub Divisional Magistrate in a district which houses factories for making match boxes and fire crackers. It is brought to your notice that a large number of children are working in these hazardous activities. The government had previously released a notification that owners of these manufacturing units need to report on the profiles of their employees annually to prevent child labour. These manufacturing units, abiding by the directives of the government, publish such reports annually and claim to have successfully put an end to employment of child labour. However, there are reports that these units are taking advantage of loopholes in the law. They are using contractors to continue to indirectly hire children without them officially being on the payroll of the units. Families of these child labourers are poor and see this as an essential source of income. An influential local politician also owns some of these manufacturing units and is known to put pressure on the officers involved for not taking any action against child labour. (a) Identify the stakeholders and ethical issues in this case. (b) How would you approach the problem and what would be the main elements of your action? (c) What medium to long-term measures will you propose to tackle the problem of child labour in the district?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"Many states in India have experimented with prohibition of liquor at various times. However, it is common knowledge that many such states have a thriving illegal liquor industry. Moreover, it is ironical that while many political parties have prohibition prominently mentioned in their manifestos, it is politicians who distribute alcohol among voters during their election campaigns. This also gives rise to illicit liquor trade and many people lose their lives to it. (a) What are the socio-economic problems that are widely attributed to alcoholism? (b) Do you think prohibiting liquor creates more problems than it proposes to solve? (c) Short of prohibition, what can be done to tackle the problem of rising alcoholism, particularly among the youth of the country?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate (DM) of a district where residents are facing the menace of stray dogs. Instances of dogs chasing two-wheelers, cyclists and attacking pedestrians are on the rise. Elderly persons as well as children are the worst-hit and recently, an 8 year old girl was severely injured by a pack of dogs. The perceived magnanimity of the problem and inaction from government authorities have prompted vigilante groups to cull dogs in mass numbers. However, local NGOs have come out against such a practice of mass culling and are calling for stringent action against those killing stray dogs. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (b) As the DM, suggest short-term and long-term measures to tackle the above issue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are a young officer posted as the Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district. You have received information that at a party some people were harassed by your subordinate police officer. On further inquiry, you came to know that two complaints have been filed - one by the police and the other by people who organised the party. According to the police, people had gathered without permission and were not following COVID-19 appropriate behaviour and social distancing norms. But on the other hand, the complaint filed by the party organisers says that police entered the private venue due to loud noise and harassed everyone at the party including women guests. According to them, your subordinate police officer even tore apart the document, which granted permission to organise the party. A video of this incident, showing your subordinate officer tearing off a document, is being widely circulated on social media platforms. Due to this, social activists want you to take strict action against your subordinate police officer. (a) Identify the ethical issues in the case. (b) What are the factors that can influence decision by competent authorities in such instances? Do you think mobilising public opinion through social media is a fair way to influence the decision in such cases? (c) As the SP, what will be your course of action in this situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"As India's vaccination drive against the COVID-19 pandemic breaches the 100 crore inoculation mark, some of the most backward tribal districts of the country still remain unvaccinated. You are the new District Magistrate (DM) in one such tribal district. The vaccination drive has been unsuccessful in the district so far despite imminent threats of the virus. It is believed that the tribals of the district refuse to get vaccinated due to their personal beliefs regarding immunization. Further, the community doctor who works in geriatrics and has almost daily contact with members of the district, too has refused to be vaccinated based on his personal beliefs. This has made the people more adamant about their decision to remain unvaccinated. Additionally, rumours of a few deaths post-vaccination have spread in the district. There is also a high risk of rising cases in the nearby districts spilling over to your district. There is a dire need for assuaging the fear of people and extreme pressure on the administration to take action and conduct the vaccination drive smoothly. (a) What are the ethical issues in the given case? (b) As the DM in charge, what steps will you take to tackle the issues? (c) Discuss how persuasion can be used to convince people to voluntarily get vaccinated.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"In India, there exists a huge gap between demand for organ transplants and available donors, both living and cadaver. Besides a lack of awareness on organ donation, the rise of non-communicable and lifestyle diseases, such as hypertension and diabetes have led to increased instances of organ failure, in turn putting even more pressure on the demand for vital organs. According to reports, an estimated four lakh people die in India every year waiting for an organ transplant. Other than the legal and administrative issues, there are various ethical issues related to organ donation and transplantation in India. Provide an account of these ethical issues in detail. Also, discuss how the gap between demand and supply of organs in India can be closed.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8567,"topper":"Utsav Anand","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5bd58-875993_1865_utsav-anand_rank_26.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"An ethical action is rooted in the temporal and spatial dimensions of societies. Discuss with adequate examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Unstable marriages and families can lead to failures of moral development in children and overall moral decline in the society. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"An ethical work culture is a prerequisite for sustainable growth of an organization. Discuss and suggest some measures to build an ethical work culture in an organization. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"Enlightenment is man's emergence from his self-incurred immaturity.\" - Immanuel Kant (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"What are the important learnings from the life and teachings of Sri Adi Shankaracharya that can help public servants in their personal and professional lives. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":8568,"topper":"Utsav Kaushal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/11056_764_Utsav_Rank_14.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Cultural diversity has made emotional intelligence crucial for Indian administration. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Family and school are important agents of socialization in a child's life. Comment on the role of family and school as a source of values. Give an example of a situation where these acquired values guided you in a situation of dilemma. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Given below are two quotations. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) \"We are what our thoughts have made us; so take care about what you think. Words are secondary. Thoughts live; they travel far.\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"\"A man's conscience and his judgement is the same thing and as the judgement, so also the conscience, may be erroneous.\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"\"The love of one's country is a splendid thing. But why should love stop at the border?\" What do you understand by nationalism? What significance does it hold in your life?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"A 'Good Samaritan' legal protection is vital to encourage people to offer assistance without the fear of any criminal or civil liability. Discuss the statement in the context of India's unacceptably high rate of road accident fatalities due to the inability of victims to get timely medical treatment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"\"There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest.\" Discuss the significance of this statement in present day India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Around the world, more than 125 million people need humanitarian aid. With special reference to financial assistance, discuss the various ethical issues involved in addressing the needs of those in dire circumstances. What measures can be undertaken to ensure that donations and aids for such purposes are thoroughly channelled to meet their targets.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"While discretion is necessary for effective discharge of duties, it is also a major factor responsible for corruption in administration at all levels. Comment. In this context, suggest some ways in which smooth execution of responsibilities can be ascertained while minimising corruption.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"What do you understand by corporate ethics? Giving examples, highlight the ethical issues faced by CEOs in the current competetive environment, with special reference to government owned enterprises.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Government employees are often considered by many as being unresponsive, insensitive and corrupt. What, according to you, are the factors that cultivate such a negative attitude towards civil servants? As a young civil servant, what would be your approach to change this attitude?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Many of the present social conflicts arise due to prejudices and discrimination. Illustrate. What can be done to curb discrimination and handle prejudices?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Adhering to high standards of transparency is often in conflict with the duty towards maintaining confidentiality. With examples, elaborate on the problems faced by public servants in effective discharge of duties during such situations. Also, discuss the ethical framework that should guide the decisions in these circumstances.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"You get your first posting as a District Collector in a predominantly rural area. Recently, the office of Registrar General of Births, Deaths and Marriages registered an inter-caste marriage of a young couple. On hearing the news, villagers and family members of the married couple attacked the Registrar's office and are holding their respective children in captivity. One group also enjoys immense political power in the state and have warned you against taking any action. Based on the above information, answer the following questions. (a) What is/are the ethical dilemma(s) that an administrator faces in such situations? (b) Enumerate your priorities and steps that you will take to handle the situation. (c) What are the social and attitudinal factors at play? What will be your role in bringing about a change in these?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"A group of educated young men is caught trying to leave the country to fight for a terrorist organization overseas. It was found that they were radicalized online through social media by the handlers of that terrorist organization. These boys have not committed any act of terror till now and have no criminal background. 20 (a) What could be the reasons for radicalization of educated youth? (b) As a senior intelligence official, what approach would you follow to deal with such cases? Give arguments in support of your stand. (c) Suggest a feasible strategy to prevent further radicalization of youth in the country.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"You are a Public Information Officer (PIO) in Public Works Department. An RTI is filed to know about the allotment of tender to a company for construction of a bridge. While collecting information about the allotment process you came to know that the tender was under-priced. However, you also came to know that it was unintentional and was due to a calculation error which could not be detected during the scrutiny. The under-secretary of the department who is an honest official with an impeccable record and is the final authority for passing the tender has requested you to iron out the deficiencies in your response. His argument is that elections are to be held soon and the company which has got the tender belongs to a relative of senior minister. He fears that his reputation and job as well as of others involved in the process of allotment is at risk. You sympathise with your colleagues and understand that such consequences are possible. 20 (a) What are the options available to you? (b) Evaluate each of these options and choose the option you would adopt, giving reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"You are a government official supervising the maintenance and upkeep of juvenile rehabilitation centres all over country. You are a strong advocate for preventive services such as counselling and parenting skill education as an alternative to the placement of neglected children in rehabilitation homes. You have convinced your minister about the stand and he has taken a public position on the same and declared that he will scrap the scheme of rehabilitation homes altogether. Believing that a reputable study of the cost-effectiveness of preventive services would bolster your position, your department enters into a contract with a top university to conduct a series of evaluation studies. The first study involves a controlled experimental evaluation of government sponsored preventive services. To your dismay, the findings show no evidence that preventive service is a cost effective alternative to placing children in rehabilitation homes. You are worried that the results, if published, would not only compromise the position of the minister but also yours. What will you do in such a situation? Some of the options are given below. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each of these options and suggest what course of action you would like to take, giving reasons. 20 (a) Keep silent on the report and continue advocating your stand with the minister. (b) Cancel the contract with the university and conduct a fresh study with a new agency. (c) Report the results to the minister and follow his orders. (d) Conduct further research and be prepared to accept the results and declare them publicly.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":59,"question":"You are a young IAS officer posted as SDM of a flood prone sub-division. There is an old dam in your area which protects about 2 dozen villages from floods. Though the dam is weak, it is expected to hold up as repair works are being carried upon by the villagers. One day you receive a call that the villagers in the area had abandoned repairs and were running away from the work site because the dam was about to collapse as the force of water was building up. You quickly reach the site and see the fear and panic induced villagers. Systematised evacuation will take 2 days and if the dam collapses now, there will be great loss of life and property. You noticed several geo-bags (synthetic bags which are used to protect hydraulic structures and river banks from severe erosion) lying at a construction site near the dam which could hold the dam for some time. You realized that all you needed now was manpower to place these bags on the dam in such a way as to prevent water from entering the village. But the people are fear stricken and are preparing to flee. 20 Based on above information, answer the following questions: (a) Elaborate on the qualities of a civil servant that are essential in such circumstances. (b) What options do you have to handle this situation? Evaluate each of them with their merits and demerits.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8569,"topper":"Utsav Kaushal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/11056_760_Utsav_Rank_14.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Celebrities are paid huge amounts by companies for endorsing products that at times turn out to be harmful for the consumers. Examine the ethical dimensions involved in such instances.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Lack of cleanliness in urban areas despite schemes such as the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan point to difficulties faced in bringing about attitudinal and behavioural changes. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Issues around economic inclusion are not just about income gaps, there are many dimensions of moral and ethical choices as well. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Socially and economically marginalized women are used to make a profit, often at the cost of their own health and reproductive autonomy, in the name of commercial surrogacy. Discuss the ethical issues associated with commercial surrogacy in India. Should commercial surrogacy be completely banned?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"While discussing the ethical issues that journalists face on a regular basis, examine the causes of increased sensationalism in news media in recent times.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"What are the various sources through which humans can judge the correctness of their actions? In the context of public life discuss how these sources are important in offering a clear and practical guidance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Should a person resort to leaking of information in case of wrongs done in the organization? Does it cause a conflict of interest between the personal, organizational and societal spheres? Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Competition, it is argued, spurs the best of performance, however, can it also instigate cheating and unethical behaviour? Discuss with adequate examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"What do you mean by 'anonymity in the civil services'? Explain why anonymity and neutrality are considered as important traits for civil servants.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Prescription of dresscode for women not only violates their liberty but also reflects outdated views on gender relations as well as proper conduct. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"List the options available to you in the given case. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Discuss some feasible steps that you can take to control this serious problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Evaluate each of these options and choose the option which you would adopt, giving reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"What are the immediate steps which should be taken in such a situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"Suggest some long term measures to ensure that such a situation is not repeated.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"What are the options available to you? Evaluate each of these options and choose the option which you would adopt, giving reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":59,"question":"Is Dr. Singh's participation in this study appropriate? Justify your position.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":59,"question":"Does Dr. Singh have a conflict of interest? If so, what is the nature of the conflict? How could it be mitigated.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":59,"question":"How would the nature of the conflict of interest be different had he not already owned stock, but instead had been offered stock as a form of compensation for conducting the study?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8570,"topper":"Utsav Kaushal","air":14,"year":2016,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"IMS4Maths","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://ims4maths.com/coaching/files/CSE-Successful-Student-AIR-14-UTSAV-KAUSHAL-T-6.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8571,"topper":"Uttam","air":121,"year":2021,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Op9Zq1v7rSMFlkxWE13U4dbftUea7khU","questions":[]},{"id":8572,"topper":"Uttam","air":121,"year":2021,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1u55jWLILhGPC-BHTTi8knIF4YLb-JMqH","questions":[]},{"id":8573,"topper":"Uttam","air":121,"year":2021,"paper":"Optional — Public Administration","optional":true,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ebcRvVHGF5DtL5oySEMqQKm9loZRV2-A","questions":[]},{"id":8574,"topper":"VAIBHAV ANAND SHARMA","air":58,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/bd494-709988_1457_vaibhav_anand_sharma_rank_58.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8575,"topper":"VAIBHAV ANAND SHARMA","air":58,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/46844-709988_1456_vaibhav_anand_sharma_rank_58.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8576,"topper":"VAIBHAV ANAND SHARMA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/17883-709988_1401_vaibhav_anand_sharma_58.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Female poet-saints played a significant role in the bhakti movement. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Curzon's domestic and foreign policies were motivated by the urge to further strengthen the British position in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The Communal Award was seen not only as an attack on national unity but also inimical to the interests of the depressed classes. Discuss. Also, highlight how the Poona Pact sought to address some concerns in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Given the important role played by the press in the formation and propagation of nationalist ideology, the British sought to curb the freedom of the press at various points during the freedom movement. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The peasant awakening seen in 1930s in India was largely a result of the combination of particular economic and political developments of that period. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Though the upsurge by the ratings of the Royal Indian Navy was suppressed, it is seen as an event which marked the end of British rule in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The story of India's freedom struggle cannot be complete without recognizing the role that many leaders of North East India played during the time. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Giving an account of revolutionary activities carried outside India to get freedom from the British colonial rule, highlight the limitations of such activities. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The architecture of Pallava kingdom has a distinctive style comprising of cave temples, monolithic temples and structural temples. Elaborate with examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Though the contact between the Greeks and ancient Indians was for a brief period, its impact was fairly wide in range. Elaborate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The subject of Indian folk art paintings is as diverse as the Indian cultural milieu itself. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The short-sightedness of Congress, Jinnah's ambitions and British amorality - all played their part in the partition of India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Given the specific nature and character of the British colonial state, the Indian national movement gradually evolved its strategy and tactics over the course of time. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8577,"topper":"VAIBHAV ANAND SHARMA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/119cf-709988_1391_vaibhav_anand_sharma_58.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Enumerate important privileges enjoyed by each House of Parliament collectively and its members individually and also discuss their significance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Give an account of the composition and functions of the Finance Commission as mentioned in the Constitution of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Preamble shows the general purposes behind several provisions in the Constitution, and is a key to the minds of the makers of the Constitution. Explain. Also, comment on the amendability of the Preamble.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Explain the principle of subsidiarity, its importance and discuss how the 73rd constitutional amendment act tries to achieve it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Explaining the importance of an independent judiciary, highlight the relevant Constitutional provisions that safeguard and ensure the independent and impartial functioning of the Supreme Court.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Mention the six freedoms as guaranteed under Article 19 of the Indian Constitution. Also, comment on the way in which the constitution has attempted to strike a balance between individual liberty and interests of society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"With examples, discuss the significance of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in light of costly and time-consuming litigation process in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Explain why the Indian Constitution has been argued to have created a 'federation with a centralising tendency'.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"The parliamentary control over government and administration in India is more theoretical than practical. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Why did the Constituent Assembly replace the original plan to have elected governors in favour of appointment by the President? Also, bring out the arguments that are raised against the current form of appointment of Governors.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Explaining the concept of judicial activism, discuss why it is important for courts not to take over the functions of the legislature or the executive.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Compare the constitutional position of Rajya Sabha with the Lok Sabha in terms of legislative powers. Also bring out special powers given to Rajya Sabha in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Comment upon the distribution of legislative subjects between the Centre and states. Under what circumstances does the Parliament make laws on matters enumerated in the State list?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Explain the significance of the concept of 'separation of powers' in a democracy. What can be the reasons for India not following the doctrine in the strict sense?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Explain the grounds on which a National Emergency can be declared and highlight its effects on Centre-state relations and Fundamental Rights.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Analyze how the CAG ensures financial accountability of the Executive to the Legislature while working as an independent Constitutional body.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8578,"topper":"VAIBHAV ANAND SHARMA","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9c281-709988_1827_vaibhav-anand-sharma_rank_58.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The ideals of 'Dhamma' by Ashoka present key learnings on public morality. Discuss. Also, state their relevance for public servants. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"There is a need for an effective climate governance structure within the broad framework of corporate governance. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Family values influence the decisions individuals make both within the family structure and outside of it. Do you agree with the statement? Justify with relevant examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"'Niti' must be more concerned with 'nyaya' i.e. the elimination of removable injustices rather than defining a perfectly just society. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"While it may seem restrictive, anonymity is one of the greatest strengths of the civil services. Comment in the context of growth of social media in recent times. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Corporate governance and business ethics are key factors influencing investment decisions and determining the flow of capital worldwide. In this context, discuss the inter-relationship between corporate governance and business ethics. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Examine the issue of foreign aid in global politics from an ethical perspective. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explaining the meaning of media ethics, discuss why it is a prerequisite for democracy. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":8579,"topper":"VAIBHAV ANAND SHARMA","air":58,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/87736-709988_1819_vaibhav-anand-sharma_rank_58.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8580,"topper":"Vaibhav Gondane","air":25,"year":2018,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7769a-103781_1074_gondane_vaibhav_sunil_rank_25.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8581,"topper":"Vaibhav Gondane","air":25,"year":2018,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/54442-103781_1075_gondane_vaibhav_sunil_rank_25.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8582,"topper":"Vaibhav Gondane","air":25,"year":2018,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1a912-103781_1076_gondane_vaibhav_sunil_rank_25.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8583,"topper":"Vaibhav Gondane","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/103781_1070_Gondane_Vaibhav_Sunil_Rank_25.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Shrenis were very sound and stable institutions, and enjoyed considerable moral and social prestige not only among their own members, but in society at large. In light of the statement, explain the significant aspects of Shrenis or Guilds in ancient India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Marathas failed to fill the political vacuum created by the decline of the Mughal Empire because of a number of reasons. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The East India Company as a political power had long been dead, what the Act of 1858 did was to give its corpse a decent burial. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Spanish Civil War though fought locally, had far reaching and widespread significance. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss how the culture of consumption has played a crucial role in the process of globalisation especially in shaping the growth of cities in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Although it was outlawed 25 years ago, manual scavenging continues to be prevalent in India. Analysing the reasons behind this problem, discuss what can be done to address it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Explain the concept of soil liquefaction. Illustrate how it manifests during seismic events. What preventive steps can be taken to minimise its impact? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Identify the factors that determine density of ocean waters. Discuss the latitudinal distribution of density and explain the seasonal changes that occur, if any. Also, illustrate its relationship with ocean currents. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Explain how the scientific understanding of the earth's interior has improved with analysis of seismic waves. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Highlight the key factors that need to be considered in deciding the location of nuclear power plants. Also, explain the difficulties India faces in utilizing the large reserves of thorium as part of its civil nuclear programme. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Both the Pallavas and the Cholas played a significant role in the development of structural temples in South India. Explain with examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The views of Gandhi, Nehru and Bose broadly represented the major strands of debate on the question of India's support to British efforts in World War-II. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Even as the British tried to suppress it at every conceivable opportunity, the vernacular press played a crucial role in the freedom movement. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Explain the issues that shaped the Assam Movement. In this context, also comment on the significance of the Assam Accord of 1985. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the diverse processes through which nation-states and nationalism came into being in nineteenth-century Europe. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss why women continue to bear an uneven burden of the terminal methods of family planning in India. What can be done to address this unevenness? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Secularism in India is based on the idea of equal respect for all religions rather than strict separation of state and religion. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are jet streams? How do they influence rainfall in India? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Illustrating the mountain building process that led to the formation of Himalayas, elaborate why they are often referred to as young and restless mountains. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"What do you understand by Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM)? How does National Water Policy, 2012 try to promote IWRM? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8584,"topper":"Vaibhav Gondane","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/103781_1066_Gondane_Vaibhav_Sunil_Rank_25.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The cave architecture in India not only enlighten us with information of tradition and customs of ancient times but also illustrate considerable accomplishment with regard to structural engineering and artistry. Discuss. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"While the Battle of Plassey laid the foundation of British Empire in India, it was the Battle of Buxar that proved to be the turning point of British fortunes in India. Discuss. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Among many novel methods and themes, the Swadeshi Movement laid great emphasis not only on boycott but also on self-reliance. Discuss. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The idea of linguistic states predated independence, however it took some time even after independence for this idea to be implemented. Discuss. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Dr. B. R. Ambedkar understood that persistent inequalities pose fundamental challenges to the economic and social well-being of the nation and people. In this context, discuss the key contributions of Dr. Ambedkar in the history of modern India. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"It has been pointed out that in recent times, while the proportional share of nuclear households has dipped in urban areas it has risen in rural areas. Analyse the reasons behind this trend. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Separation, and not divorce, is the dominant form of marriage dissolution for most women in India. What could be the possible reasons behind this? Also, discuss why there are striking differences in divorce rates between the different regions in India. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Elaborate on the factors responsible for the evolution of the current drainage system in Indian sub-continent, with special emphasis on the characteristic features of Himalayan and Peninsular rivers. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Enumerate the features of Plantation Agriculture and the problems faced by them. Given the fact that area under cultivation of palm oil has been increasing, discuss the benefits and challenges associated with it. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Bring out the distinctive features of Gandhara, Mathura and Amravati schools of art that flourished towards the first century CE. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The British in India wanted not only territorial conquest and control over revenues; they also felt that they had a cultural mission: to 'civilise the natives', change their customs and values. Critically discuss. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi being close associates, there were significant differences between the two regarding the role of state and the control that it exercised. Comment. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Enumerating the reasons behind Sino-Soviet split in the second half of the 20th century, analyse its impact on the Cold War. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"History has disproved the prediction that democracy would not succeed in India. In this context, critically assess the achievements and challenges of democracy in India since Independence. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Enumerate the key issues faced by working women in contemporary Indian society and the steps taken by the government to address them. Also, critically examine the key features of Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act 2017. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Despite tropical areas being the major emitters of CFCs, the phenomenon of ozone hole formation is largely confined to polar areas and that too over the Antarctic and in early spring. Elaborate. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8585,"topper":"Vaibhav Gondane","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/103781_1067_Gondane_Vaibhav_Sunil_Rank_25.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What is the role that opposition plays in a democracy like India? In this context, discuss whether our Parliament can benefit from a shadow cabinet. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Where there is a right, there is a remedy. In this context, discuss the nature and significance of writs in India with adequate examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Enumerate the objectives of NITI Aayog. Also, discuss the performance of this body since its inception and suggest measures to make it more effective. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"In view of the political class's inability to develop and maintain conventions relating to the appropriate use of Article 356, the Supreme Court's decision in the Bommai case provided much needed clarity. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Press freedom and good governance are not mutually exclusive. They support each other while promoting a country's economic and human development. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"SHGs have succeeded in delivering financial inclusion, but for them to evolve as viable business enterprise requires a different approach. Analyse in the context of the twin goals of rural growth and promotion of women's entrepreneurship. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The focus of higher education in India has been on a select few Central or autonomous institutions where as the ones in states remain neglected. Commenting on the statement, highlight the significance of Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the role played by PRIs in political empowerment of women. Also, suggest measures to further increase their political participation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What is Strategic Autonomy? Critically examine the elements of such a policy in India's contemporary foreign policy in the context of recent developments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"IBSA and BRICS are both examples of India's quest for multialignment, however there are key differences in their orientation. Discuss in the context of the relevance of these groupings for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What are the various modes of Alternate Dispute Redressal (ADR) mechanisms available in India? Identifying the problems being faced by them, provide suggestions needed to increase their effectiveness. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"While the power to punish for the contempt of court is a much needed tool to protect the administration of justice from being maligned, it is time that it be relooked into. Critically analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Criminalisation of politics remains a key concern for the Indian political system. In this context, analyse the role played by the Supreme Court and Election Commission over the years. Also, in what ways can the media play a positive role? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight, in brief, the mandate of the National Commission for Minorities (NCM). Identify the different challenges that the commission faces and suggest measures to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The recent decision of the government to open up positions at the senior levels in bureaucracy through lateral entry is an important but only small step in the direction of much needed reforms in the higher civil services. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Identifying the broad contours of the 'Transformation of Aspirational Districts' programme, explain how it adopts a novel strategy to address backwardness. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"How did India fare on the Millennium Development Goals related to health? In this regard, identify the relevant Sustainable Development Goals and evaluate India's capacity to meet them (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the different rights recognized under the Forest Rights Act, 2006? Highlight the gaps in the implementation of community forest rights and community forest resource rights granted under the Forest Rights Act. Also, suggest measures to address the current scenario. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Progress in India-US ties has been accompanied by equally significant divergences on important issues. Examine in the context of recent developments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Despite bonhomie, the structural differences between Indian and Israeli national security situations, their worldviews and absence of explicitly shared enemies limit stronger strategic rapprochement. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8586,"topper":"Vaibhav Gondane","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/103781_1071_Gondane_Vaibhav_Sunil_Rank_25.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"It has been argued that over the years there has been a steady decline in the efficacy of Parliament as an institution of accountability. Analyse and also suggest appropriate measures to address the relevant concerns. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Panchayati raj institutions (PRIs) are simultaneously a remarkable success and a staggering failure, depending on the goalposts against which they are evaluated. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) is more than just the keeper of our national accounts; it is also a conscience-keeper and a watchdog. Examine the statement in light of making the auditing process more effective. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The concern for transparency in political funding is at odds with the Electoral Bond Scheme notified by the government. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Lobbying in India exists in a perennially grey legal and policy arena. In this context, discuss the need to formally recognize and regulate lobbying in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"More than a decade after it was passed, the implementation of the RTI Act leaves much to be desired. Comment. Also discuss the issues associated with the recent proposals to amend the RTI Act. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Critically discuss the evolving policy on reservation in promotions in India with special focus on its ability to meet the objectives of social justice. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"India produces enough food for its people, but not all people get enough food to eat. Discussing this paradox, highlight some of the major interventions taken in the past few years in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"India sees Indian Ocean as not just a water body, but a global stage for continued economic, social, and cultural dialogue. Elaborate.(150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In the context of India taking greater responsibility in management of the global commons, there has been a shift in India's climate change negotiation stance. In this context, analyze the evolution of India's climate policy. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlighting the constitutional role of the Finance Commission (FC), discuss the issues which are being debated w.r.t. terms of reference (ToR) of the 15th Finance Commission. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The spirit of the constitution of India represents a synthesis of Indian values, democratic and socialist movements in west and our independence movement. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"What is the importance of an independent judiciary in a democracy? Highlight the safeguards in our political-constitutional setup to ensure the independence of judiciary. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Even though Indian federalism has matured quite a bit, with states having far greater control of their economic and political management, serious structural problems still remain. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The recent amendments to the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 strike a balance between enforcement overzealousness and the need for stringent action against corrupt public servants. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Identifying the various issues plaguing the voluntary sector in India, discuss the need for a national accreditation agency to overcome them. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Given the importance of a teacher in affecting the learning outcomes of children, discuss the problems in the present system of teacher training in India. How can these be addressed? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The implementation of a scheme with such scale and benefit as Ayushman Bharat is likely to face many obstacles. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Given the fact that India cannot match China's financial clout, it is seen to be diversifying the ways in which it can enhance cooperation and promote its diplomatic profile in Africa. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Discuss how American sanctions on its adversaries affect India. Taking the example of CAATSA, analyse how India can shield its strategic interests in face of such sanctions. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8587,"topper":"Vaibhav Gondane","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b62e6-103781_1073_gondane_vaibhav_sunil_rank_25.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the ethical issues involved in the recent refugee crisis and immigration as a global phenomenon from a broad perspective of globalisation and rights of citizens and aliens.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Corruption distorts not only functioning of the Government in India but business and corporate activities as well. Explain and discuss how the state can effectively deal with deficit of ethics in the private sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/ philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) \\\"Silence becomes cowardice when occasion demands speaking out, the whole truth and acting accordingly\\\" - Mahatma Gandhi","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Emotional Intelligence is part nature and part nurture. Explaining the statement, discuss how emotional intelligence of civil servants can be enhanced.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"What do you understand by Probity in Governance? Examine whether the recent amendments to Prevention of Corruption Act and the proposed ones in Whistleblower Protection Act undermine it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Ensuring that civil service values are recognised during the recruitment process and ensured through a code of ethics after appointment is a necessary condition of making the civil services an effective instrument of citizen centric governance. Comment","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"What do you understand by cognitive dissonance? Giving examples, discuss how it influences one's behavior and attitude.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by Amartya Sen's 'capability approach'? Analyse its significance in understanding social realities and in making a pro poor development strategy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"While in principle most nations claim commitment to universal values, in practice these values are honoured more in breach than in the observance. In context of this statement, comment on the relevance of values in foreign policy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"While some ethical approaches consider an action to be ethical based on results, other focus on means. Taking the example of Indian bureaucracy, compare and examine how these approaches have played out for the benefit of citizens.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"What are the ethical principles that should form the basis of the system permitting organ donation and allocation? Also discuss the importance of regulation for the success of any organ transplant program.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Where as some argue that leaks constitute an affront to democracy, others are of the opinion that leaks are a part of democracy Examine the merits of both the arguments in the context of information attributed to leaks from government offices and whistleblowers.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"You are a young recruit to the IAS. Upon the completion of your training you have been posted in a subdivision of a district where industrial development has been lagging. The area has large reserves of minerals and a significant tribal population. The government has identified the area for a large thermal power plant and also adequate expansion of mining. This announcement has seen a rise in land prices in the area as well as unrest among the local population about possible land acquisition. As part of routine examination of records you observe large land purchases in recent years that are linked with the family of the local politician, who is also a member of the state cabinet. You also recognise that much of this land is around the site of the proposed industrial area. Further, one of your staff members also informs you that the family has been buying in the name of drivers, cleaners as well as domestic helps. You feel that having been aware of the policy decision the politician has played a role in these purchases. Incidently your relations with the politician have been cordial and he is a popular figure in the area. (a) As the official responsible for acquisition of land and payment of compensation for the land acquired, what are the ethical issues that you face in the given situation? (b) What will be your response to a suggestion that in view of these benami land transfers a freeze on land sale in the area should be enforced? (c) What is the course of action that you would take? Justify with reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"According to the WHO suicide is the second leading cause of death in the age group of 15-29 years globally. In India also, instances of young people committing suicide have been reported widely in recent times. It is all the more disturbing that such a phenomenon is increasingly visible in urban and prosperous areas. (a) What are the reasons that render people vulnerable to taking such drastic steps as suicide? (b) Also, discuss the role that you as an individual, the society and the government can play in addressing this issue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate of a primarily rural district. Excess agricultural production has led to a continuous fall in market prices of crops in the last three years. With elections approaching soon, the opposition has decided to make this a political issue and has mobilised farmers to protest against falling prices. The protests turned violent at some point and police had to fire in self-defence, killing two people. Violence has increased since then and you yourself were attacked when you tried to pacify the protestors. The protestors have also blocked the main roads as well as railways to prevent movement of goods and people. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the key concerns that need to be addressed on a priority basis. (b) What steps will you take to address them?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"You have recently been promoted as a Branch Manager in a Public Sector Bank. The bank is battling high NPAs and mounting losses. You have been assigned a very high target of loans by the higher management for the current quarter. Your career prospects also depend on your performance in critical times. Few days back you rejected a loan application for a huge sum based on detailed analysis. Today you got a call from the Regional Manager to approve the loan quickly. On your reluctance to approve, he hints that the loan is sought by a person well connected in the finance ministry and that a refusal will have consequences for everyone in the approval chain. You are now in a tough spot. Based on the given information, answer the following questions: (a) Bring out the ethical issues in the case above. (b) What are the consequences of agreeing to the demands of the senior in the given case. Assess which of them are meritorious and which are not. (c) Suggest institutional reforms that can result in non-punishment of honest feedback.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"You, the chairperson of a State Public Service Commission (SPSC), come to know that there were instances of rampant cheating in a competitive exam conducted recently by the SPSC. Your daughter, who also appeared in this exam and is confident of clearing it corroborates the same. However, she denies engaging in any such activity herself. Whatever decision the Commission takes is bound to affect the career of a large number of candidates who appeared in the exam, including your own daughter. (a) Identify the different stakeholders and their interests in the case above. (b) Enumerate the options you have to handle the current situation. What will be your choice and why? (c) Suggest measures that you would take to make sure that a similar situation does not arise in future.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"You are waiting in your car for your turn at a toll tax booth. You suddenly witness some men heckling and manhandling the toll booth operator and vandalising the property at the toll booth. They are accompanying a local politician who was passing through. Disgruntled with the fact that they were asked to pay the toll, they began to argue that the toll is too high and the public is being exploited by charging an unreasonable toll fee. At the same time they are also warning others against paying the toll fee. However, the other people around you are keeping with themselves, without anyone coming forward to intervene. While you also felt that the toll was quite high, you believe that this is not the right thing to do. (a) Bring out the ethical issues in the case above. (b) What accounts for such an overt display of hooliganism in our country. (c) What is the course of action that you would take? Justify with appropriate reasons.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8588,"topper":"Vaibhav Gondane","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/69d6c-103781_1069_gondane_vaibhav_sunil_rank_25.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Growing awareness about terminal as well as mental illness has given credence to the idea of \"living wills\". What is a living will? Discuss the ethical issues to be considered from an individual as well as social perspective to formulate and implement it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"In order to improve the bureaucratic work culture and productivity, there is a need to downsize government and privatize some of the services. Critically discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Examine the contemporary relevance of Gandhiji's talisman as a means of resolving ethical dilemmas in day to day life. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"\"Intelligence plus character-that is the goal of true education.\" Assess whether such an objective can be achieved within the existing system of education in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"\"A blanket prohibition of criticism of the policies of the Government is invalid and void, and it makes no difference if the person criticizing happens to be a government servant.\" Critically discuss in the context of Civil Service Conduct Rules, 1964. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Man by nature is a political animal\". Explain with reference to Aristotle's idea of the state in life of the society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"What are the factors that have influenced the contemporary attitude of the state and the society towards homosexuality in India? Also, comment on the changing attitude and the factors driving this change.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"With behavioural issues and suicides among children on the rise, teachers and parents need to play an active part in ensuring mental well-being. Discuss. Also, explain the importance of emotional intelligence in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"The policy of Dhamma advocated by Ashoka through his edicts remains relevant in the context of issues in public life even today. Elucidate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Arguably, poverty is not only a matter of statistics. It is a reflection on the kind of society we live in. In this context, discuss the ethical implications for a society that witnesses high incidence of poverty.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Every superstition cannot be removed by the force of law. For that, a mental change is necessary. Comment. Also, explain how educators and public figures can help in eradicating superstition and instilling scientific temper among people.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"There have been reports of repeat instances of mob lynching in different states of India. It has been pointed out that these presumably faceless mobs gather impromptu on the basis of unverified information on issues that affect the collective conscience of the society such as child trafficking, sexual harassment, cow slaughter etc. Most of the people don't even regret their action of violating the law and even get away with committing such a heinous crime. (a) What are the socio-psychological factors that motivate people to join the mob and kill fellow human beings? (b) Identify the implications of increasing crime of lynching on society. (c) Examine the role of social media in recent instances of mob lynching. As a law enforcement officer, how will you prevent such incidents from happening in your district?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are the head of a policy think-tank. There is a proposal to cut down more than 10,000 trees to build a residential colony in the capital of the country. The city has one of the highest homeless population in the country and the settlement will be used for them. This news has generated a lot of public debate. While on the one hand is the need to expand urban infrastructure in order to meet the demands of the growing population, on the other, is the environmental concern. In last ten years, the city has lost more than half of its green cover and has seen increased frequency of extreme climatic events. You are asked to deliver a lecture for the policymakers and concerned citizens, in which you have to specifically deal with the following questions: 20 (a) Why do you think such situations arise in the first place where developmental activities and environmental concerns often come out as antithetical to each other? (b) What should be the short-term and long-term solutions for tackling such situations? (c) What are the potential benefits of inculcating environmental concerns in the policy making and planning process?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You are a young athlete representing India at an international-level competition. During the competition, you witness a few senior athletes injecting something using a syringe, in private. When you approach them, they explain that it is a performance enhancing drug, which is very common in such competitions and you should take the same as well. You are in fear and decide to approach the coach to discuss the event you witnessed. However, you get to know that the athletes are taking the drug at the advice of the coach himself. 20 (a) What would you do in this scenario? Discuss the options available to you and chart your course of action. (b) Why do you think use of unfair means to enhance performance is common in competitive sporting event? How can this practice be minimized?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"You have been appointed by Election Commission as a booth level officer to oversee the conduct of elections in a remote and under-developed area. For the preparations of elections, you have been instructed to ensure maximum voter turnout. For this, you conduct a series of meetings with the people in villages encouraging them to vote in large numbers. However, they confront you with the fact that despite so many previous elections, the promises made by representatives remain unfulfilled and even the basic necessities of livelihood are not available. As such, they are ignorant of your appeals and are subsequently not forthcoming even to listen to you, let alone giving assurances to vote. Based on this information, answer the following questions: 20 (a) Identify the stakeholders in the situation along with their interests. (b) What are the factors that you will take into account to convince the people and ensure maximum voter turnout?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8589,"topper":"Vaibhav Kumar","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/VAIBHAV-KUMAR-UPSC-2024-Rank-90-MGP-Sample-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":15,"question":"4 THE BEST IS THE ENEMY OF GOOD","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8590,"topper":"Vaibhav Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/essay-test-1-vaibhav-1745477756474.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Q.4 The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"WHAT ARE THE ULTIMATE MEASURES OF MAN","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Q.6 A single drop never feels responsible for the flood.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"WHY DROPS ARE FREE OF GUILT","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8591,"topper":"Vaibhav Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/essay-test-1-vaibhav-1745477756474.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"If it costs you your peace, it is too expensive.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"In the flood of data, the thirst still remains.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"A star has to burn to give light to others but that's what stars are meant for.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Civilization begins with order, grows with liberty, and dies with chaos.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"A single drop never feels responsible for the flood.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Never does nature say one thing and wisdom another.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Present demonstrates the lessons of history, albeit the hard way.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8592,"topper":"Vaibhav Kumar","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/VAIBHAV-KUMAR-UPSC-2023-Rank-151-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"In many ways, the Spanish civil war was the opening act of WWII. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"How will you explain the different fates of Buddhism and Jainism despite a slew of similarities in the two religions? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Non-Cooperation Movement democratized India's freedom struggle but suffered from inherit limitations. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Critically analyse the efficacy of linguistic reorganization of states in addressing the reasons for linguistic divides in post-independent India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Briefly discuss the role of plate tectonics theory in explaining the location of volcanoes. Also, explain the multifarious impacts of volcanoes on the surrounding regions. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Taking further the success of Aspirational Districts Programme, Aspirational Blocks can help achieve the twin objectives of balanced growth and checking stress migration. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Describe the critical factors for location of defense industries and suggest measures to overcome the challenges. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"To what extent can Socio-Economic-Caste Census (SECC) address the challenges in achieving equitable resource allocation and targeted welfare? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Indian society is premised on some common values that give it a composite texture as well as some diverse practices that deepen its heterogeneity. Elucidate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What are the factors that influence population growth in the country? In this perspective, examine the relevance and need of raising the minimum marriageable age of women for population development. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Bring out the reasons behind the tribal unrest in British India. Also, analyze the reasons for their limited success. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The independence of India was not a result of a forced expulsion of the Empire, as desired by the Quit India Movement; it was rather a confluence of domestic politics and global circumstances. Analyze. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Explain why Sufism, a liberal reform movement in Islam could deepen its roots in the Indian sub-continent, despite Islam being a foreign religion? Also, bring out the impacts of Sufism on Indian society. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Enumerate the reasons behind rising intensity and frequency of cyclones in the Arabian Sea in recent years. Giving special reference to NDMA guidelines, recommend measures to check the adverse impacts of cyclones. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Examine the impacts of climate change on the hydrological cycle and suggest suitable mitigation and adaptation strategies to contain the harmful implications. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Defining continental shelf, highlight its resource potential and ecological significance. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Rooted in patriarchal values, gender-based violence, in all its manifestations, is antithetical to societal growth. Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The caste calculus in the Indian society remains predominant and continues to project its shadow on social, political, and economic domains. Do you agree? Substantiate your answer. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss various factors contributing to the water woes faced by Indian cities. Also, explain complexities in implementing a comprehensive water management plan. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8593,"topper":"Vaibhav Kumar","air":90,"year":2024,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/Vaibhav-Kumar-gs-mac-TEST-2-1745404200982.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8594,"topper":"Vaibhav Kumar","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/VAIBHAV-KUMAR-UPSC-2023-Rank-151-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Investment in infrastructure is a precursor to social and economic transformation; however, the focus on economic gains must not marginalise the concerns for safety. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What do you understand from Green growth? With special reference to the budget 2023- 2024, discuss various government measures to propel green growth in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Project cheetah marks a departure from India's efforts for conservation of various critically endangered species. In this perspective, do you think the reintroduction of major fauna that has gone extinct is justified? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"In what ways can precision agriculture become a panacea for multipronged challenges plaguing the agriculture sector? Discuss. Also, analyse various impediments in widespread adoption of precision farming in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are the reasons for increasing emphasis on the horticulture sector in recent years? Evaluate government measures for the development of the horticulture sector. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Unplanned urbanization has made Indian cities vulnerable to fire safety hazards. Discuss and recommend measures for mitigating urban fires, with special reference to national building code, 2016. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"DPI (Digital Public Infrastructure) is indispensable for digitally enabling citizens and businesses; however, the challenges of exclusion, exploitation, and monopolisation cannot be ignored. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Assess the relevance of the NISAR mission in observing and managing climate change and natural hazards. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Defense indigenization remains the Achilles heel of India's security architecture. Examine the importance of startups in defense sector to make India secure and self-reliant. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Edge in modern warfare lies not so much in the capacity to overwhelm the adversary as much in the ability to nip the threat in the bud. In this context, discuss the role of intelligence in maintaining national security, and also cite challenges associated. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Labour and export intensive industries are key to problems of jobless growth. In this perspective, analyse the opportunities and challenges associated with the textile sector. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"In an era of interconnected challenges, the emerging global polycrisis poses significant implications for India's macroeconomic stability. Examine and suggest measures to make the Indian economy more resilient to global shocks and challenges. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Do you think the low Female Labor Force Participation Rate presents a correct picture about the 'working women' in India's economy? Give reasons in support of your answer. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Across sectors and regions, the most marginalised sections are also the most affected by the impacts of climate change. Explain. Also, present a case for a climate resilient model of development that integrates mitigation and adaptation measures. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite the potential to check the triple whammy of nutritional deficiency, environmental degradation, and receding farm incomes, the adoption of Millets has been abysmally low. Analyse. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"A link between unorganized farming community and formal industrial sector, Food Processing Industries (FPI) can play a key role in advancing the rural economy. Evaluate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What do you understand by generative Artificial Intelligence (AI)? How can policymakers and regulatory bodies effectively address the concerns and challenges posed by generative AI? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Though ethnic fault lines are a major threat, security challenges in the North-East are not confined to the same. Discuss the statement with special reference to Manipur. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Critically examine the role of development initiatives in addressing the root causes of militancy/ terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8595,"topper":"Vaibhav Kumar","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/VAIBHAV-KUMAR-UPSC-2023-Rank-151-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Basic structure doctrine has prevented the Parliament, a creature of the constitution, from becoming the master of the constitution. Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"To what extent, in your opinion, Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in India have enabled women led development at the grassroot level? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The power of pressure groups lies not in their size or elaborate organization, but in their ability to mobilize public opinion and create lasting change. With help of relevant examples, discuss how informal pressure groups shape public policy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"\"Bail not Jail\" is the cardinal principle that upholds the sacrosanct ideas of individual's liberty and dignity. Explain the statement with the help of various judicial pronouncements. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Dispute redressal is the most important component of cooperative federalism. How does the Interstate Council facilitate the resolution of disputes related to states in India, and what are the challenges associated with this process? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Anti-defection law has failed to address and resolve the evil of political defection satisfactorily. Discuss various issues surrounding the Anti-defection law and recommend some corrective measures. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Decriminalization of homosexuality by the SC in Navtej Singh Jauhar case remains a task half done, specially without the socio-political sensitisation about the issues faced by LGBTQIA+ community. Elaborate in light of ongoing debates on same sex marriage. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Built upon common democratic values and shared vision of strategic autonomy, India-France bilateral ties exude a promise of stability, growth, and security in a time of geo-political flux and uncertainty. Do you agree? Substantiate your answer. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"As an important attribute of soft power, “Knowledge diplomacy” has the potential to further various objectives of foreign policy. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Referring to the case laws through which the collegium system in India evolved, critically assess its functioning. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Considering the non-enforceable nature of fundamental duties and directive principles of state policy, critically examine their impact in socio-political norms. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite its vital role for the smooth functioning of the body politic, constitutional punctuality remains conspicuous by its absence. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8596,"topper":"Vaibhav Kumar","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/VAIBHAV-KUMAR-UPSC-2023-Rank-151-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Celebrity endorsements raise pertinent ethical concerns about responsibility that delve into the realm of ethical considerations of social influence that run deeper than mere surface appeal. In this context, suggest measures to tackle the ethical challenges of celebrity brand endorsements. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Embracing a scientific mindset involves setting aside impulsive inclinations in favor of the pursuit of truth. In your view, how does the integration of scientific thinking contribute to addressing contemporary challenges and promoting societal progress? How can we effectively cultivate a scientific attitude in society? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"In the realm of professional conduct, ethics plays a role that tends to go far beyond fulfilling the roles and responsibilities of the job with diligence and honesty. But some people consider professional competence as the only critical requirement for a job. If faced with a choice, who would you prefer to hire - someone with professional competence or one with strong moral values? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Patriotism can hold different meanings for different people, often shaped by personal experiences and convictions. What does patriotism mean to you? Explain narrating incidents from your life when you exhibited patriotism. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Max Weber's concept of bureaucracy was developed in the early 20th century, but it still influences administrative structures today. In what ways do you see Weberian bureaucracy as relevant in today's rapidly changing world? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Global challenges often test the ethical fiber of nations, urging them to channel narrow pursuit of national-interest into an enlightened self-interest.\" Enumerating the various ethical principles underlying the concept of enlightened national-interest examine its efficacy in helping nations navigate the fine line between pursuing their strategic interests and upholding ethical principles, particularly in times of conflict? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In the realm of governance, a crucial aspect is the art of persuasion. The qualities that make civil servants proficient persuaders empower them to fulfill their responsibilities in an effective manner. Discuss with illustrations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Corruption has multifaceted implications. Some consider it an undeniable vice, while others contend it to be an unavoidable necessity for navigating the bureaucratic complexities. In your opinion, does corruption oil or corrode the gears of development? Substantiate your arguments. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Ethical hacking and malicious hacking stand as divergent paths with distinct intentions and consequences. As technology advances, it becomes imperative to comprehend the nuances that set these practices apart in the cybersecurity landscape. In this perspective, elucidate the principles that differentiate ethical hacking and malicious hacking. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What does each of the following quotation mean to you? a) \"Our greatest ability as humans is not to change the world, but to change ourselves.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":8597,"topper":"Vaibhav Kumar","air":90,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/4/Vaibhav-Kumar-gs-mac-TEST-4-1745404029620.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8598,"topper":"Vaibhav Kumar","air":90,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1waEvP8KLm1z-Ll68hb6bPlNiRp0-rVBr/view","questions":[]},{"id":8599,"topper":"Vaibhav Priya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/862d1-971641_1415_vaibhav-priya_rank-104.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"There have been arguments that direct benefit cash transfers should replace the supply of food through the public distribution system. Do you agree with such arguments? Give reasons in support of your answer. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'participatory budgeting'? Identify the challenges associated with participatory budgeting in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Inclusive growth in an economy itself negates the need for a Universal Basic Income. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"E-commerce holds the potential to revamp agriculture marketing in India in multiple ways. Discuss with suitable examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"While digital financial services can expand financial inclusion in India, there are various challenges that need to be addressed in this regard. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Despite the acknowledgement of terrorism as a global concern, the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism is yet to be adopted. What are the reasons and implications of this impasse? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Though privatization is considered as a prominent component of economic reforms, India has been ambivalent on the subject even in the post reform period. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The increased frequency and intensity of climate extremes in the Indian subcontinent can have grave implications. Comment. Also, suggest some measures that can be taken towards building climate-resilience in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Approach to flood control in India should evolve from piecemeal measures to an integrated basin management. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What do you understand by Convalescent Plasma Therapy? Enumerate the potential uses and concerns in its application. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Given the diverse security challenges as well as external and internal linkages, developing a National Security Strategy for India requires a comprehensive approach. Explain. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8600,"topper":"Vaibhav Priya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ea9ce-971641_1413_vaibhav-priya_rank-104.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"In India, ancient and medieval storage structures such as the step wells, are not only magnificent in their conception, architecture and ornamentation but also hold a lesson for contemporary water concerns. Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"In the period after 1919-20, the influence of Indian capitalist class over the nationalist movement progressively increased due to various reasons. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"With modern education being introduced in India to meet the interests of the British, its reach was restricted and its character unsatisfactory. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Throw light on the reasons of poverty in the third world countries and enumerate the key ideas suggested in the Brandt report of 1980 to help them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Explain, using examples, how the nature of peasant movements changed during the colonial period. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"What were the conditions and circumstances that led to the emergence of Socialist Movement in India? Analyse the impact of socialist ideas on the Indian National Movement. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Watershed management can ensure effective use of both natural and social capitals. In this context, discuss how the concept of integrated watershed management can help meet the sustainable development goals in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8601,"topper":"Vaibhav Priya","air":104,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a6b5b-971641_1525_vaibhav-priya_rank-104.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8602,"topper":"VAIBHAV RATHORE","air":717,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Economics","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/05e79e85886db31c562f8e2fb26b6867/30/eco-test-1_vaibhav-rathore-uc.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8603,"topper":"VAIBHAV RATHORE","air":717,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Economics","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/05e79e85886db31c562f8e2fb26b6867/29/eco_test_2_vaibhav-rathore-uc.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8604,"topper":"Vaibhav Rawat","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d35f5-502143_1417_vaibhav-rawat_rank_25.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Dadabhai Naoroji left an indelible imprint on the national movement. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Quit India movement marked a new direction in the struggle against the British colonial rule in India. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The end of World War II marked the birth of a new international order. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Simla Agreement (1972) and Lahore Declaration (1999) are two key milestones in the history of the Indian subcontinent. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Social security should not only involve economic empowerment but also social empowerment. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Explain with examples how globalisation is manifested in both local in the global and the global in the local. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In light of persistence of various forms of violence against women in India, discuss the ways in which the issue can be addressed effectively. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What is an urban forest? Highlight its benefits and steps taken by the government to promote urban forestry in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"How has globalization impacted the location of the IT industry? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"How can eco-tourism be used to sustainably harness the potential of tourism industry in India? Discuss the challenges and steps taken by the government in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The advent of Buddhism and Jainism was instrumental in the development of architecture in ancient India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The reactionary policies of Lord Lytton and the liberal policies of his successor Lord Rippon acted as catalyst in the formation of the Indian National Congress. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Gandhiji changed his methods of struggle against the British from time-to-time to suit the varied circumstances and problems that needed to be tackled. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Bring out the relationship between the industrial revolution and the advent of imperialism in different parts of the world. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The caste system in India has continued to persist by adapting itself to a variety of changing socio-economic and political conditions in the past few decades. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"It is argued by some that regionalism is a threat to national integrity while others consider it as a highly impactful tool in facilitating political participation. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Describe the process of rift valley formation, with special emphasis on the Great Rift Valley System. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India's water resources have witnessed rapid depletion due to a mix of economic, geographic, and political factors. Explain and discuss its implications. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How are plateaus formed? Also, briefly discuss the features of the Deccan plateau and its economic significance. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8605,"topper":"Vaibhav Rawat","air":25,"year":2020,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7edb2-502143_1418_vaibhav-rawat_rank_25.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8606,"topper":"Vaibhav Rawat","air":25,"year":2020,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/030cb-502143_1414_vaibhav-rawat_rank_25.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8607,"topper":"Vaibhav Rawat","air":295,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/VAIBHAV-RAWAT-UPSC-2023-Rank-295-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8608,"topper":"Vaibhav Rawat","air":295,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/VAIBHAV-RAWAT-UPSC-2023-Rank-295-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8609,"topper":"Vaibhav Rawat","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c9b7e-502143_1416_vaibhav-rawat_rank_25.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the significance of ethical work culture, suggest ways by which it can be imbibed in an organization. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Upholding probity in governance is not only contingent on values of an individual but also the processes of the institution. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The nature of a business's operations has a major influence on the ethical issues with which it must contend. Giving examples, discuss how business ethics is crucial in today's world. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"An honest bureaucrat can be put to inconvenience but the dishonest one is more likely to suffer in the long run. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The notion of an ethical foreign policy downplays the realities of international politics. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Conscience can neither be silent nor delayed as a source of ethical guidance. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) To educate a person in the mind but not in morals is to educate a menace to society. — Theodore Roosevelt (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"Children are great imitators, so give them something great to imitate.\" In this context, discuss the importance of role models in inculcating values in children. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The Covid-19 pandemic has brought with itself an environment of uncertainties and hardships. In this context, discuss the significance of emotional intelligence in dealing with the situation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Bring out the role of social media in shaping one's moral and political attitude. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"In recent times, the country witnessed protests based on opposition to some steps taken by the government. Whereas, mostly these were peaceful protests, at a few places these activities turned violent leading to destruction of public property. In some places government arrested few of the protesters and imposed heavy fines on them for the destruction of the property. In case they could not pay, their private property was confiscated by the government to pay for the damage done to the public property. In addition to this, some governments published the photographs, names and addresses of those accused of vandalism during protests at various locations. (a) What are the issues of public importance at stake in this case? (b) Are their any ethical or legal principles at play here which may be conflicting? (c) What should be the principles guiding a democratic state in such circumstances?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"The RTI Act, which became operational in 2005 empowers the Indian citizens to seek information from public authorities. This, in effect, makes the Government and its functionaries more accountable and responsible. However, it has faced resistance because of the entrenched bureaucratic culture and it is taking time to mindset of the people in the government to new realities in wake of the act. This has led to implementation issues and questions have also been raised against the effectiveness of the act in achieving its desired objectives. Apart from this, certain issues related to the information seeker have also been raised from time to time. In view of the innumerable challenges answer the following: (a) Explain the importance of a transparent government system in a democracy, like India. (b) Elaborate on the challenges that the implementation of RTI has faced, in the context of information seeker (demand-side) as well as those entrusted to give information (supply-side). (c) Discuss the role that such a legislation can be expected to play given the ground realities in our country. How can it be ensured that such legislations are effective in achieving their envisaged objectives?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8610,"topper":"Vaibhav Rawat","air":25,"year":2020,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d5cd4-502143_1420_vaibhav-rawat_rank_25.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8611,"topper":"Vaibhav Rawat","air":295,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/VAIBHAV-RAWAT-UPSC-2023-Rank-295-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8612,"topper":"Vaibhav Rawat","air":295,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/VAIBHAV-RAWAT-UPSC-2023-Rank-295-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8613,"topper":"Vaibhav Rawat","air":25,"year":2020,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1p9Q6sGwGCU_rQy5lLs-dyJ2kd-D8nHgJ","questions":[]},{"id":8614,"topper":"Vaibhav Sarvesh Pandey","air":201,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/MATHS-T1-VAIBHAV-SARVESH-PANDEY-R201-1750226874502.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8615,"topper":"Vaibhav Sarvesh Pandey","air":201,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/MATHS-T3-VAIBHAV-SARVESH-PANDEY-R201-1750226916642.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8616,"topper":"Vaibhav Sarvesh Pandey","air":201,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/6/MATHS-T5-VAIBHAV-SARVESH-PANDEY-R201-1750226948356.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8617,"topper":"Vaibhav Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/46543-1175053_2575_vaibhav_singh_rank_82.pdf","questions":[{"page":9,"question":"What makes the desert beautiful is that somewhere it hides a well!","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8618,"topper":"Vaibhav Singh","air":82,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4a231-1175053_2572_vaibhav_singh_rank_82.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8619,"topper":"Vaibhav Singh","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/VAIBHAV-SINGH-UPSC-2024-Rank-82-MGP-Sample-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) How far do you agree that a robust domestic demand is the most important driver of India's economic growth? What are other factors that influence the growth trajectory of the country?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Macroeconomic stability is not solely dependent on the quantity of foreign exchange reserves, but also on the strategy and sources on which they are built. Discuss in an Indian context.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) DPI (Digital Public Infrastructure) is a critical enabler of digital transformation for both businesses and citizens; however, it comes with its own set of challenges. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) The skewed emphasis on certain crops has distorted the cropping pattern in India, which has led to grave socio-economic and environmental consequences. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.6 Private participation in propelling India's space journey is widely acknowledged but is yet to be fully tapped. In light of the statement, analyse the hurdles faced by the private sector and also recommend measures to unlock greater private participation in the space economy.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) With recent advances in technology, robots are now equipped to perform more than just conventional and routine tasks, which brings new opportunities as well as risks. In this context, evaluate the future potential of the robotics sector.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) Write an explanatory note on the causes and impacts of avalanches. Also, highlight the various strategies to mitigate its impact, with a special emphasis on NDMA guidelines.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) Technology plays a multidimensional role in augmenting the disaster management apparatus of the country. Discuss. Also, bring out the measures needed to enhance the usage of such technologies in managing disasters.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) Outlining the various cyber threats faced by India, assess the state of the country's preparedness to deal with the same.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"4) Threat to cyber-data of critical nature through ransomware. e.g., AIIMS attack","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 Explain how the geographical location of India makes it extremely vulnerable to the menace of drug trafficking. What are the various internal security threats posed by drug trafficking?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 Inclusive growth is a roadmap to intergenerational equity, redistribution of wealth, and employment generation. Explain. Also, discuss the steps taken by the government towards achieving inclusive growth.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) Discuss the significance of Multimodal Transport System in achieving last mile connectivity, improving logistics efficiency, and addressing the twin problems of pollution and congestion. What measures can be taken to ensure efficient multimodal transport connectivity in India?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 Highlighting the rationale behind declaring MSP, discuss various issues related to the MSP regime in the country. Also, critically analyse the efficacy of legalizing MSP towards ensuring financial sustainability in farming.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 Food Processing Industries (FPIs) can act as a bridge between the informal farming community and the formal industrial sector, which can help boost the rural economy. Examine.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Discuss the role of biotechnology in enhancing agricultural productivity. Also, highlight the concerns regarding the application of biotechnology in agriculture.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 5G technology is a breakthrough that finds applications across diverse sectors. Elaborate. How is 5G technology different from its predecessor? Also, list the various challenges associated with its effective rollout.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 Discuss the repercussions on marine ecosystem and economy resulting from the combined effects of ocean acidification, ocean warming and oxygen loss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18) The invisible nature of groundwater is a major obstacle in the path towards achieving the twin objectives of building climate resilience and meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Elucidate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19) Despite various efforts, a lasting solution to the insurgency in the north-eastern region of India remains elusive. Analyse the reasons behind the continuation of insurgency in the region. Also, suggest effective measures to tackle it.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 While developmental initiatives have a significant role to play, they alone cannot root out terrorism/militancy in Jammu and Kashmir. Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8620,"topper":"Vaibhav Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e475a-1175053_2370_vaibhav_singh_rank_82.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Does moral conscience always complement laws, rules, and regulations in ethical decision-making? Support your answer with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Compassion towards weaker sections of society is essential and non-negotiable in a country like India. Examine with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Corruption exists and thrives in Indian society because it is socially accepted and even seen as aspirational. Do you agree with this view? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Social accountability is increasingly recognized as a means of enhancing democratic governance and improving service delivery. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"\"The human voice can never reach the distance that is covered by the still small voice of conscience.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Fortitude is the marshal of thought, the armor of the will, and the fort of reason.\" - Francis Bacon. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"\"Character is repeated habits, and repeated habits alone can reform character.\" - Swami Vivekananda (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"How can organizations balance healthy competition while preventing undue pressure on employees? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Formation of attitudes is a crucial aspect of the socialization process. Discuss the various factors that contribute to the development of attitudes in individuals. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":35,"question":"You are the Director of a Public Sector Unit (PSU) that specializes in the manufacturing of critical defense products for the country and exports it all over the world. Your unit is renowned for its expertise and efficiency, as it consistently delivers vital products on time. Your unit has recently received a crucial order to manufacture specific products as part of a high-priority defense project with a tight deadline. However, you face a daunting challenge. With rising raw material costs and budget constraints, the unit has almost exhausted its funds for the year. Hiring additional manpower, a crucial need to meet the fast-approaching deadline for a critical defense project, is out of the question until the next budgetary allocation which is going to happen in months. Meanwhile, your existing workforce, already putting in grueling 10-11 hour shifts, six days a week, is visibly demotivated and showing signs of fatigue. You presented the issue to the senior management, highlighting the unsustainable work schedule and potential burnout risks. The management acknowledged the situation but, constrained by the funding deficit, urged you to find internal solutions. The suggestion was to further distribute the workload, thereby implying more overtime for the existing employees. (a) Highlight the ethical issues involved in the above case.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Evaluate the options available to you. What course of action you will take to address the above issue? (c) Burn out is a critical factor resulting in demotivation of employees. What steps should the private companies and government take in this regard? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Within hours of the video's release, it went viral on social media, accompanied by images from Ravish's lavish wedding that had taken place just two months prior. The public criticized Ravish for his opulent lifestyle while simultaneously laying off a significant number of employees. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the given case? (b) In light of the above case, discuss the ethical considerations regarding disparities in remuneration between top-level leaders and their subordinates in corporate organizations. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"Vikram, a senior data scientist, is leading a team to develop an Artificial Intelligence (AI) system for a e-commerce platform. He has to enhance customer experience by providing personalized recommendations based on user behaviour. The success of this project is critical not only for the company's growth but also for Vikram's team, which has been underperforming in the recent months. The stakes are high, and the team is at risk of suspension if it fails to deliver on this project. To improve the accuracy of the AI algorithms, Vikram's team considers incorporating sensitive personal information, including users' purchasing history, location data, health records and social media activities. While this could significantly enhance the system's effectiveness, it raises concerns about privacy and the potential misuse of sensitive data. Also, a data breach has occurred earlier on the e-commerce platform, and personal information of thousands of users was exposed to unauthorized entities. The incident became widely publicized, leading to regulatory scrutiny and potential legal action against the company. Vikram faces pressure from the company's marketing department to prioritize revenue generation over user privacy. The marketing team suggests implementing tactics that subtly encourage users to make more purchases, even if it means manipulating their preferences or creating a sense of urgency. (a) Identify the ethical issues faced by Vikram in developing the AI system. (b) What are the options available to Vikram in addressing this case? (c) How can ethics be an integral component of AI systems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":56,"question":"Identify the ethical issues faced by Vikram in developing the AI system. (b) What are the options available to Vikram in addressing this case? (c) How can ethics be an integral component of AI systems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8621,"topper":"Vaibhav Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/536fc-1175053_2425_vaibhav_singh_rank_82.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"For effective corporate governance to take place in the coming years, why is it important to integrate the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics with the multi-stakeholder approach? What benefits can be accrued by such integration? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In acts of corruption, the focus is often only on the demand side of the equation, on public officials who abuse their office for private gain. Frequently, the supply side is given less attention. Those who pay bribes are sometimes depicted as innocent parties and victims of extortionary practices of wily public servants. Do you agree that 'collusive corruption', in which there is a willing bribe-giver, is a formidable challenge for institutions fighting corruption? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Citizens' Charters initiative was a response to the quest for solving the problems, which a citizen encountered, day in and day out, while dealing with the organisations providing public services. But the introduction and implementation of Citizens' Charters in the government of India has been difficult due to the old bureaucratic set up and the rigid attitudes of the work force. Discuss the major obstacles that have been encountered in implementing the Citizens' Charter initiative. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Quality of public service delivery is a major determinant of the quality of life of vulnerable sections in a highly unequal society divided along the lines of class, caste, religion, etc. In this background, do you think that public service delivery is efficient and sufficient enough to improve the lives of vulnerable groups in India? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Wealthy CEOs and founders of successful businesses around the world are increasingly pledging to give away their wealth in philanthropy. Do you think that such a move is sufficient enough to bring about a positive change in the society? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"As organizations across the globe begin their artificial intelligence (AI) transformation, the leap into the AI era is expected to be more challenging than any technology that businesses have grappled with yet. In this background, discuss the concerns around fairness, transparency, and job security that may arise. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The emphasis of Swami Dayanand Saraswati on education, social equality, and ethical values continues to influence the socio-cultural discourse in contemporary India. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Emotional intelligence may not be singularly associated with emotions or intelligence. It can also include a broad range of personality characteristics that might predict success in professional and everyday life. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Traditional forms of state-led accountability, also characterised as vertical and horizontal channels of accountability are increasingly found to be inadequate, and a myriad of multi-stakeholder and bottom-up citizen directed approaches have come to the fore, to supplement or supplant them. Discuss with illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"With reference to this case study, answer the following: (a) What are the issues involved in this case? (b) What measures can be taken to minimize the negative implications of adopting such technologies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"In the given situation: (a) What dilemmas does Rina face? (b) What options does she have? Provide the merits and demerits of each. (c) Highlight the course of action she should adopt, along with justification for the same. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"You have recently been posted as a Nodal Education Officer in one of the districts, where mass cheating in examinations is a regular phenomenon. Media reports have shown parents and relatives scaling school walls and buildings to pass answer chits to students taking secondary school examinations in the district. Moreover, with the advent of new technological devices, cheating in examinations has become more sophisticated and exam rules are flouted openly. On investigation, it has come to your notice that these rackets are run by many school authorities, including exam invigilators who are mostly teachers, and they are hand in glove for profits. With a shortage of staff, invigilators threaten go on mass strikes if any action is taken. Conducting the exams, cancelling them on account of cheating and having re-exams are a loss of time and money for the government and this vicious cycle goes on. As the Nodal Education Officer of the district, address the following questions: (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (b) How will you resolve the issues in the given case? (c) What long-term strategy needs to be adopted to deal with the menace of cheating in various examinations? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Many proponents of deep-sea drilling argue that tapping into the vast amount of rare earth elements in the Indian Ocean will help shore up national security interests for India, bolster its economy and workforce, and offer a reliable supply of strategic minerals. Keeping this in mind, the government has approved a $540-million programme to study ways of mining nickel, cobalt, manganese and iron hydroxide from the bed of the Indian Ocean 6,000 meters below sea level. The government argues that the project can power India's growth for 100 years. It will also study climate change, explore marine flora and fauna and harness thermal energy. However, a competing point of view alleges that deep ocean drilling poses immense risk to the environment. A comprehensive report on Sustainable Ocean Economy by independent geologists states that \"until the need for, and potential consequences of, deep-sea mining are, better understood, the concept is conceptually difficult to align with the definition of a sustainable ocean economy and raises various environmental, legal and governance challenges, as well as possible conflicts with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.\" It also highlights that the profitability of national mining operations, without governmental support or comparably low taxes, remains questionable. If the operations are profitable, it will also raise questions about the equitable sharing of profits derived from a resource taken out of Additionally, companies like BMW, Volvo, Google and Korean battery maker Samsung SDI, vowed in a statement to not buy metals produced from deep-sea mining until the environmental risks of the activity are \"comprehensively understood.\" In the context of the above-stated information, address the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the given case study? (b) How can the vision of economic development of a nation be achieved without adversely affecting the sustainability of oceans? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"Given this situation, answer the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the above situation? (b) What are the various options that you have, as a father and an ambitious politician? (c) What will be your course of action? Justify with proper reasoning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8622,"topper":"Vaibhavi Agrawal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/68efc-1439609_4514_vaibhavi_agrawal_rank_35.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Write two essays, choosing one topic from each of the Sections A and B, in about 1000-1200 words each :\n1. You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it.\n2. In matters of conscience, the law of the majority has no place.\n3. He who opens a school door, closes a prison.\n4. Only in the depths of winter can we truly appreciate the warmth of spring.\n5. We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.\n6. Copying is safe; innovation demands courage.\n7. The more we automate, the more human we must become.\n8. The pursuit of instant validation is creating a generation of restless minds.","marks":"125 x 2 = 250","words":"1000-1200 words each"},{"page":18,"question":"6. Copying is safe; innovation demands courage.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Q1 what do 'depth of writing' & 'warmth of spring'  & 'sprouts'","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8623,"topper":"Vaibhavi Agrawal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9b995-1439609_2423_vaibhavi_agrawal_rank_35.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. With suitable examples, discuss how environmental pressure groups enhance public participation and responsiveness with regard to environmental policies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. The recent acknowledgment of sex work as a 'profession' by the Supreme Court is merely the first step in ensuring basic rights and equality for sex workers in India. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. Discuss the role played by District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) in providing free legal aid and disseminating legal awareness in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. \"The collegium system has become a victim of its own success, with the concentration of power in the hands of a few, leading to questions about its legitimacy.\" Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. \"Civil services reforms must go beyond recruitment and standardised training to cope with the present day challenges.\" Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. Outcome-based finance models such as social impact bonds have the potential to truly catalyse change and deliver socio-economic impact at scale. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. The wide gap between the number of females graduating every year and those entering the workspace is an issue of paramount importance that needs to be addressed. Discuss in the context of India.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. An up to date and functional Civil Registration System (CRS) is essential to the socio-economic planning in India. Discuss in the light of the recent move of the Central government in revamping the CRS system in the country. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. What are the key areas of reform if the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has to align with the current economic realities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. In recent years, India's relationship with West Asia has evolved from the confines of geopolitics to expanse of geoeconomics. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. The role of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) is significant in furthering healthy competitiveness aimed at inspiring stakeholders to innovate and augment effectiveness. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. \"The menace of paid news often rears its ugly head during elections.\" Discuss the need for making paid news an electoral offence in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. Discuss the 'Doctrine of Essentiality' referred to by the courts in the context of religious practices in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. As per the recently released report of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), there is an urgent need to limit the size of the government in India. Do you agree?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. The Institutions of Eminence (IoE) scheme was conceived to develop 'world-class' centres of higher education in India but six years later, it is yet to become the game changer it was intended to be. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) allows for innovative and convenient public services, help overcome inclusion or accessibility barriers, and increase transparency and accountability with real-time data. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Challenges in using DPI :-\n(a) Divide in society :- People are not aware about using ICT tools","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"17. Besides legislation, the full realisation of the 'right to health for all' in India demands plugging of social, financial, and infrastructural gaps. Examine.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. The 'third gender' has not yet been engendered in the Indian society despite legislative nudge. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. Among other factors, strained ties with China and Pakistan make it difficult for India to fulfill its expectations from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. The recently concluded initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) between the United States and India promises a long overdue transformation of their partnership in the field of technology. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8624,"topper":"Vaibhavi Agrawal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/72616-1439609_4512_vaibhavi_agrawal_rank_35.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. Analyse the factors that have contributed to India's inclusive economic growth in the past decade.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. The Reserve Bank of India's surplus transfers offer the government much-needed fiscal space, yet they are not without challenges. Critically examine the implications of the RBI's surplus transfers to the government. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. To what extent was the first National Monetization Pipeline (NMP) able to meet its objectives? What are the objectives of the new Asset Monetization Plan 2025-30 as announced in the recent 2025 Budget? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. Examine the major challenges hindering the Indian textile industry from achieving its full potential in the global value chain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. Why has India become increasingly import-dependent for edible oils despite being a major agricultural economy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. Air accidents are low-frequency but high-impact events. Examine the disaster management protocols in place for aviation-related emergencies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. Chemical pollution poses a grave threat to human health and the environment in India. Discuss the key sources contributing to pervasive chemical contamination and evaluate the effectiveness of existing environmental laws in curbing this problem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. Missile defence systems are becoming critical for national security in the face of evolving regional threats and advanced weapon technologies. Explain the working principle of missile defence systems. Critically assess India’s progress in developing indigenous missile defence capabilities.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Despite multiple resolutions and initiatives undertaken by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), its efforts to counter terrorism have achieved limited success. Discuss the reasons for this limited effectiveness.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. India practices a ‘multi-alignment’ approach in its cyber diplomacy. How does this posture strengthen India’s internal security while maintaining strategic autonomy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. While examining the shortcomings of the land reforms in the past, elaborate what land reforms 2.0 should look like. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. As NITI Aayog completes 10 years of its establishment, critically examine its role in the planning and development paradigm of governance in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. What are the primary causes of limited formal credit penetration among the rural and unbanked populations in India? Comment on the effectiveness of Small Finance Banks in addressing this gap and advancing inclusive financial growth.","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. To what extent has the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for the food processing industry facilitated value addition, employment generation, and global competitiveness in India's food processing industry? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. Waste circularity is emerging as a sustainable solution to India's mounting solid waste crisis. Discuss the key principles of waste circularity and the government's initiative in this regard. How effective have these measures been in fostering a circular economy? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Effectiveness of these measures in fostering circular economy?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"16. Discuss the importance of integrating traditional ecological knowledge of India's tribal communities with modern disaster management frameworks. Mention two examples where indigenous practices have contributed to disaster resilience.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. CRISPR technology has rapidly advanced in recent years, with new tools and clinical breakthroughs. Highlight the recent developments in CRISPR-based gene editing technology applications. Discuss the opportunities and ethical challenges these advancements present for healthcare and society.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":47,"question":"3. A credible semiconductor ecosystem is pivotal for India's economic security as much as for national security. Analyse the strategic objectives, incentives, and institutional architecture of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM). Identify the major risks that could derail its timelines.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Major risks that could derail its timelines:\n1 Global supply chain disruptions like imports of chips, wafers, technology etc.\n2 China's dominance in the sector can stop companies to invest in India.\n3 Lack of willingness in companies due to red tapism, bureaucratic hurdles.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"19. Intricate inter-play of diverse factors has been the force multipliers for extremism in the North East. Discuss. Suggest a multilayered strategy to tackle the menace of extremism in this region.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"0. Despite recent steps towards inducting women into combat roles, their participation remains low. Examine the key challenges impeding the greater inclusion of women in the Indian armed forces. Also, suggest suitable measures to enhance their participation.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"}]},{"id":8625,"topper":"Vaibhavi Agrawal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d8515-1439609_2425_vaibhavi_agrawal_rank_35.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. (a) For effective corporate governance to take place in the coming years, why is it important to integrate the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics with the multi-stakeholder approach? What benefits can be accrued by such integration? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"1. (b) In acts of corruption, the focus is often only on the demand side of the equation, on public officials who abuse their office for private gain. Frequently, the supply side is given less attention. Those who pay bribes are sometimes depicted as innocent parties and victims of extortionary practices of wily public servants. Do you agree that 'collusive corruption', in which there is a willing bribe-giver, is a formidable challenge for institutions fighting corruption?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"2. (a) The Citizens' Charters' initiative was a response to the quest for solving the problems, which a citizen encountered, day in and day out, while dealing with the organisations providing public services. But the introduction and implementation of Citizens' Charters in the government of India has been difficult due to the old bureaucratic set up and the rigid attitudes of the work force. Discuss the major obstacles that have been encountered in implementing the Citizens' Charter initiative.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"2. (b) Quality of public service delivery is a major determinant of the quality of life of vulnerable sections in a highly unequal society divided along the lines of class, caste, religion, etc. In this background, do you think that public service delivery is efficient and sufficient enough to improve the lives of vulnerable groups in India? Critically examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"3 (a) What do each of the following quotations mean to you?\n \"The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own.\" - Lao Tzu (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"3. (b) \"If ethics are poor at the top, that behavior is copied down through the organization.\" - Robert Noyce (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"3. (c) \"The end of law is not to abolish or restrain, but to preserve and enlarge freedom.\" - John Locke (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"4. (a) Wealthy CEOs and founders of successful businesses around the world are increasingly pledging to give away their wealth in philanthropy. Do you think that such a move is sufficient enough to bring about a positive change in the society? Critically examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"4. (b) As organizations across the globe begin their artificial intelligence (AI) transformation, the leap into the AI era is expected to be more challenging than any technology that businesses have grappled with yet. In this background, discuss the concerns around fairness, transparency, and job security that may arise.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"5. (a) The emphasis of Swami Dayanand Saraswati on education, social equality, and ethical values continues to influence the socio-cultural discourse in contemporary India. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"5. (b) Write short notes on the following in 30 words each :\n(i) Dedication to public service\n(ii) Non-partisanship in civil service\n(iii) Objectivity in decision-making","marks":"2 x 5 = 10","words":"30 words each"},{"page":28,"question":"6. (a) Emotional intelligence may not be singularly associated with emotions or intelligence. It can also include a broad range of personality characteristics that might predict success in professional and everyday life. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"6. (b) Traditional forms of state-led accountability, also characterised as vertical and horizontal channels of accountability, are increasingly found to be inadequate, and a myriad of multi-stakeholder and bottom-up citizen directed approaches have come to the fore, to supplement or supplant them. Discuss with illustrations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"7 In the context of this case, answer the following:\n(a) इस प्रकरण में शामिल मुद्दे कौन-से हैं?\n(b) ऐसी प्रौद्योगिकियों को अपनाने के नकारात्मक प्रभावों को कम करने के लिए क्या उपाय किए जा सकते हैं? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"With reference to this case study, answer the following:\n(a) What are the issues involved in this case?\n(b) What measures can be taken to minimize the negative implications of adopting such technologies? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"8 दी गई स्थिति में:\n(a) रीना को किन दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\n(b) उसके पास क्या विकल्प हैं? प्रत्येक के गुण और दोष बताइए।\n(c) उसके द्वारा अपनाई जाने वाली कार्रवाई को रेखांकित कीजिए, साथ ही उसका औचित्य सिद्ध कीजिए। (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":38,"question":"In the given situation:\n(a) What dilemmas does Rina face?\n(b) What options does she have? Provide the merits and demerits of each.\n(c) Highlight the course of action she should adopt, along with justification for the same.","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":42,"question":"9 You have recently been posted as a Nodal Education Officer in one of the districts, where mass cheating in examinations is a regular phenomenon. Media reports have shown parents and relatives scaling school walls and buildings to pass answer chits to students taking secondary school examinations in the district. Moreover, with the advent of new technological devices, cheating in examinations has become more sophisticated and exam rules are flouted openly. On investigation, it has come to your notice that these rackets are run by many school authorities, including exam invigilators who are mostly teachers, and they are hand in glove for profits. With a shortage of staff, invigilators threaten go on mass strikes if any action is taken. Conducting the exams, cancelling them on account of cheating and having re-exams are a loss of time and money for the government and this vicious cycle goes on.\n\nAs the Nodal Education Officer of the district, address the following questions:\n(a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\n(b) How will you resolve the issues in the given case?\n(c) What long-term strategy needs to be adopted to deal with the menace of cheating in various examinations? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"10 उपयुक्त जानकारी के संदर्भ में, निम्नलिखित पर ध्यान दीजिए:\n(a) प्रस्तुत प्रकरण में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दे कौन-से हैं?\n(b) महासागरों की संधारणीयता पर प्रतिकूल प्रभाव डाले बिना किसी राष्ट्र के आर्थिक विकास के दृष्टिकोण को कैसे प्राप्त किया जा सकता है? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"In the context of the above-stated information, address the following:\n(a) What are the ethical issues in the given case study?\n(b) How can the vision of economic development of a nation be achieved without adversely affecting the sustainability of oceans? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"11. (a) आप एक जिला मजिस्ट्रेट हैं और यह क्षेत्र आपके क्षेत्राधिकार में आता है। दोनों पक्षों के लोग अपनी शिकायतें लेकर आपके पास आए हैं। आप दोनों दृष्टिकोणों में सामंजस्य स्थापित करने के लिए क्या करेंगे?\n(b) कार्रवाई के निम्नलिखित संभावित तरीकों के गुण और दोषों का उल्लेख कीजिए:\n(1) क्षेत्र के निवासियों के विरोध को नजरअंदाज करना और धार्मिक पूजा स्थल को मौजूदा नियमों के अनुसार बनाने की अनुमति दे देना।\n(2) नए पूजा स्थल पर भरोसा करने वाले हजारों उपासकों को निराश करते हुए, निवासियों से सहमत होकर निर्माण पर रोक लगा देना।\n(3) एक समझौते के रूप में, आपके द्वारा पूजा स्थल पर भवन निर्माण संबंधी अतिरिक्त नियमों को लागू किया जाना या डिजाइन में संशोधन पर बल दिया जाना। (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":53,"question":"(a) You are a District Magistrate and the area lies in your jurisdiction. People from both sides have approached you with their grievances. What would you do to reconcile the two points of view?\n(b) Mention the merits and demerits of the following potential courses of action:\n(1) Ignore the opposition from the residents of the area and allow the place of religious worship to be built in accordance with the existing regulations.\n(2) Prohibit the construction, agreeing with the residents while causing distress among the thousands of worshippers counting on the new place of worship.\n(3) As a compromise, you place additional building regulations on the worship place or insist on modifications to the design. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"12 You are a public representative, elected on the ticket of a political party, considered as conservative by many. Your daughter, who has returned years after studying abroad, has conveyed to you her choice of marrying a person from another community. You personally do not consider anything wrong in her choice, and convey your assent to her. You also discuss it with many among your friends and family, and inform them of a grand wedding ceremony you are planning for your daughter. However, a few days after you have shared the news of the forthcoming grand wedding with many, you are informed by your political secretary about an issue being made of the same. He informs you that there are whispers among many people in your constituency about it, and indications of a sense of unease among some prominent citizens. While most of them are enamoured by your plans for a grand wedding ceremony for your daughter, they are unhappy about the bridegroom being from another community. You also get to know through your sources in the party, that your assent to the choice of the bridegroom may lead to a denial of ticket by the high command in the forthcoming elections. You are not only an ambitious politician and a rising star in your political party but also an open-minded, loving and doting father. But howsoever much you love your daughter's freedom and choices, you do not want her decision to adversely affect your political journey. This is more so, when you had been eagerly looking forward to greater responsibilities and a higher stature in the party, given the years of hardwork you have put in, as a politician. Your daughter, on the other hand, is firm with her choice and does not want her impending grand wedding to be affected in any way. She is adamant\n(a) उपयुक्त प्रकरण में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दे कौन-से हैं?\n(b) एक पिता और एक महत्वाकांक्षी राजनीतिज्ञ के रूप में आपके पास उपलब्ध विभिन्न विकल्प क्या हैं?\n(c) आपकी कार्यवाही का तरीका क्या होगा? उचित तर्क सहित पुष्टि कीजिए। (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":58,"question":"Given this situation, answer the following:\n(a) What are the ethical issues in the above situation?\n(b) What are the various options that you have, as a father and an ambitious politician?\n(c) What will be your course of action? Justify with proper reasoning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":8626,"topper":"Vaibhavi Agrawal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d17dd-1439609_4513_vaibhavi_agrawal_rank_35.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. (a) Compassion is the courageous choice to feel another's suffering as one's own, and to act upon it, even when silence is safer and indifference is easier. Examine the significance of compassion as an essential ethical value for civil servants in India. Illustrate your answer with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"1. (b) Marriages in India are transitioning from traditional sacramental unions to more autonomous relationships, reflected in live-in relationships and rising divorce rates. Discuss the ethical dimensions of these changes.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":10,"question":"2. (a) While accountability often necessitates documentation, an overemphasis on bureaucratic procedures and excessive paperwork can inadvertently silence the very voices that public policy intends to empower, particularly at the grassroots. Examine the above statement with suitable illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"2. (b) The principle of impartiality may conflict with the need for compassion towards marginalized communities. Discuss in the context of civil services in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"3. (a) What do each of the following quotations mean to you?\n(a) \"The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home.\" - Confucius (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"3. (b) \"Act only according to that maxim through which you can at the same time will that it become a universal law.\"- Immanuel Kant (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"3. (c) \"We are not only responsible for what we do, but also for what we fail to do\" - Molière. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"4. (a) Patriotism encourages ethical questioning, while nationalism often suppresses it. Discuss this statement in light of the formation of political attitudes during high-pressure national events. How can individuals develop moral attitudes that balance national interest with ethical reasoning? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"4. (b) Discuss how employee well-being and fairness can be balanced with efficiency and profitability in private organisations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"5. (a) Do you agree that excessive use of social media and emerging AI technologies may lead to a decline in emotional regulation and moral sensitivity among adolescents? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"5. (b) In light of the increasing incidents of suicides among students in India, discuss how Emotional Intelligence (EI) can aid in managing stress and emotional challenges.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"6. (a) In public service, emotional intelligence is not about suppressing emotion, but mastering its purpose — to connect, to de-escalate, and to uplift others with empathy and strength. Do you agree with this view? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"6. (b) An efficient work culture is built not only on rules, but on shared values. In this context, evaluate the role of leadership and team dynamics in transforming work culture within an organization.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"7 You are posted as the Joint Secretary in the Department of Information Technology of a state. The government recently implemented several citizen-centric digital services, collecting large volumes of personal data from residents. The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, requires that such data be processed only with explicit and informed consent, and mandates that processing must cease immediately upon withdrawal of consent.\n\nDuring an internal audit, you discover that the department continues to process and analyze personal data of several citizens even after they have formally withdrawn their consent. This data is being used for policy analytics and service improvement, purposes not explicitly disclosed at the time of data collection. When you bring this to the attention of your department head, you are informed that halting the processing will disrupt ongoing digital initiatives and may affect state-level performance metrics. Moreover, you find that the consent withdrawal process is cumbersome, and many citizens are unaware of their rights under the DPDP Act.\n\nYou also learn that a prominent social activist is planning to file a complaint with the Data Protection Board against involuntary use of personal data, which could attract public scrutiny and legal action against the department.\n(a) Identify and discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.\n(b) What are the potential consequences for the department if the issue is not addressed transparently?\n(c) How would you balance the need for efficient public service delivery with the obligation to protect citizens' data rights? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"8 (a) इस प्रकरण में शामिल प्रमुख नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं? हितधारकों और उनके परस्पर विरोधी हितों की पहचान कीजिए।\n(b) लोक निर्माण विभाग के सचिव के रूप में, आप उपयुक्त स्थिति में क्या कार्रवाई करेंगे?\n(c) ऐसी घटनाएं सिविल सेवकों के मनोबल और शासन में जनता के विश्वास को कैसे प्रभावित करती हैं? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)\na) इस प्रकरण में शामिल प्रमुख नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं? हितधारकों और उनके परस्पर विरोधी हितों की पहचान कीजिए।\nb) लोक निर्माण विभाग के सचिव के रूप में, आप उपयुक्त स्थिति में क्या कार्रवाई करेंगे?\nc) ऐसी घटनाएं सिविल सेवकों के मनोबल और शासन में जनता के विश्वास को कैसे प्रभावित करती हैं? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":38,"question":"(a) What are the key ethical issues involved in this situation? Identify the stakeholders and their conflicting interests.\n(b) As the Secretary of the PWD, what actions will you take in above situation?\n(c) How do such incidents affect the morale of civil servants and public trust in governance? (Answer in 250 words)\na) What are the key ethical issues involved in this situation? Identify the stakeholders and their conflicting interests.\nb) As the Secretary of the PWD, what actions will you take in above situation?\nc) How do such incidents affect the morale of civil servants and public trust in governance?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"9 You are the Secretary in the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Government of India. In recent years, an increasing number of civil servants, particularly younger officers from the IAS, IPS, and IRS, have begun maintaining personal YouTube channels and social media pages. On these platforms, they regularly post videos related to their official work — showcasing innovative projects, public outreach initiatives, inspection drives, and sometimes even day-to-day administrative duties.\n\nThese videos often receive widespread public attention, and many viewers express admiration, saying such content enhances transparency, motivates aspirants, and humanizes the bureaucracy. However, concerns have also emerged from various quarters. Senior officers argue that such content may blur the boundaries between personal branding and public service, while some citizens and media commentators point to instances where videos feature vulnerable beneficiaries without consent, raise concerns about misuse of official premises, or seem designed more for personal popularity than public accountability.\n\nYou have been asked to prepare a report, including disciplinary measures, to maintain a balance between public trust, institutional integrity, and evolving communication methods.\n(a) Identify the ethical issues involved in civil servants publicly showcasing their official work on social media platforms.\n(b) Do such initiatives promote awareness and motivation, or do they compromise anonymity, neutrality, and the spirit of public service? Give your opinion.\n(c) As Secretary, suggest guiding principles and policy measures to ensure digital participation accountability of civil servants. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"In one case, a district magistrate was seen filming a surprise school inspection in which teachers were scolded on camera — the video was later posted to his personal YouTube channel that is also monetized. While some praised the officer's strictness, others criticized the public shaming of teachers and the breach of service dignity. In another case, a police officer was seen directing a flood rescue operation while his staff filmed drone footage, later edited into a motivational video for social media. You have been asked to prepare a report with recommendations to balance public interest, institutional integrity, and evolving modes of communication.\n(a) Identify the ethical issues involved in civil servants publicly showcasing their official work on social media.\n(b) Do such practices promote awareness and motivation, or do they compromise the values of anonymity, neutrality, and collective service ethos? Give your opinion.\n(c) As the Secretary, what guiding principles and policy recommendations would you suggest to ensure responsible digital engagement by civil servants? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"10 You are the Director of the National Bioethics Commission who is responsible for assessing the ethical feasibility and oversight of a nationwide gene sequencing program. The project named GeneFuture, aims to sequence the DNA of every newborn child and store it in a centralized national database. The objective is to identify genetic predispositions to serious diseases early in life, allowing for preventive treatment and personalized medicine. Over 100,000 babies have already been enrolled in the pilot phase of the program. The government claims that this move is a landmark step in public health advancement.\n\nHowever, collection of newborn genetic data raises significant ethical concerns, particularly around informed consent, which may not fully capture parents' understanding of the long-term risks involved. Once gathered, this sensitive data could be misused for purposes such as surveillance, insurance discrimination, or commercial marketing by third parties. Uncertainty over data ownership—whether it lies with the state, parents, or the individual as they mature—further complicates the issue. The involvement of private tech and pharmaceutical companies heightens fears of commercial exploitation, especially in the absence of clear mechanisms for individuals to withdraw consent or delete their genetic information upon reaching adulthood.\n(a) What are the ethical issues you perceive in the implementation of the GeneFuture program?\n(b) Identify the conflicting interests of different stakeholders in this case.\n(c) What guiding ethical principles would you recommend for implementation of this project? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"11 You are a dedicated District Health Officer (DHO) with a strong commitment to evidence-based public health practices, recently assigned to a remote district in India. Your immediate and most critical task is to lead a crucial district-wide Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination drive, aimed at achieving 100% immunization coverage among children aged 9 months to 15 years. The success of this drive is vital for the collective health of thousands of children and for the district's overall health indicators, especially with the impending monsoon season posing additional health challenges.\n\nHowever, in one of the largest and most traditional villages in your district, you encounter formidable resistance. The villagers, deeply influenced by the pronouncements of a revered local\n(a) उपयुक्त प्रकरण में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\n(b) इस विरोध को शांत करने के लिए आपके पास तत्काल क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\n(c) अंधविश्वास के व्यापक प्रभाव को दूर करने और संधारणीय लोक स्वास्थ्य परिणामों हेतु वैज्ञानिक सोच को बढ़ावा देने के लिए आप कौन-सी दीर्घकालिक रणनीतियाँ और प्रणालीगत सुधारों का सुझाव देंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case.\n(b) What are the immediate options available to you to overcome this resistance?\n(c) What long-term strategies and systemic reforms would you suggest to address the pervasive influence of superstition and foster a scientific temperament for sustainable public health outcomes? (Answer in 250 words)\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case.\nb) What are the immediate options available to you to overcome this resistance?\nc) What long-term strategies and systemic reforms would you suggest to address the pervasive influence of superstition and foster a scientific temperament for sustainable public health outcomes? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"12. (a) आपके समक्ष विद्यमान संभावित प्रशासनिक और नैतिक दुविधाएं क्या हैं?\n(b) आपके लिए उपलब्ध सभी विकल्पों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\n(c) आप अपने निर्णय का नैतिक औचित्य सिद्ध करते हुए कौन-सी व्यापक कार्यवाही करेंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)\na) आपके समक्ष विद्यमान संभावित प्रशासनिक और नैतिक दुविधाएं क्या हैं?\nb) आपके लिए उपलब्ध सभी विकल्पों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\nc) आप अपने निर्णय का नैतिक औचित्य सिद्ध करते हुए कौन-सी व्यापक कार्यवाही करेंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":58,"question":"(a) What are the potential administrative and ethical dilemmas you face?\n(b) Discuss all options available to you.\n(c) What comprehensive course of action would you choose to adopt, providing ethical justification for your decision? (Answer in 250 words)\na) What are the potential administrative and ethical dilemmas you face?\nb) Discuss all options available to you.\nc) What comprehensive course of action would you choose to adopt, providing ethical justification for your decision? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8627,"topper":"Vaishali","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/19_sTs29QNSKmWnOA9da2uGa55kV9asU_/view","questions":[]},{"id":8628,"topper":"Vaishali","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Masterstroke","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/17yqvWF7XAhNjuQdyOJQPYrhD1TaS-cV7/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen. What does courage mean to you? Explain with help of two examples from your life where you have acted courageously.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) Outcomes of illegitimate means cannot be justified no matter how valuable they are. Comment","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) What is Attitude? How does Attitude influence our thoughts and behaviour? Explain giving examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) In the context of rising corporate frauds evaluate the relevance of Mahatma Gandhi's concept of trusteeship.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"3. (a) \"A country that demands moral perfection in its foreign policy will achieve neither perfection nor security\" - Henry Kissinger. Do you agree with this view point? Discuss various contemporary ethical issues involved in international relations and utility of moral principles in international affairs.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) The professional role of a civil servant is very demanding that often creates deep cleavages between personal and professional life. In this context, discuss the importance of emotional intelligence for a civil servant","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"4. (a) Examine the relevance of the following in the context of civil services:\ni) Bureaucratic anonymity\nii) Emotional Intelligence\niii) Courage of conviction\niv) Selflessness","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"4. (b) Dharma is a unique concept in Indian philosophy which encompasses all the ideas of western philosophical schools. Discuss. Also, explain what dharma means to you?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"5. Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/ philosophers/ psychologists. For each of cases, bring out what it means to you in the present context.\n(a) \"Truth can be stated in a thousand different ways, yet each one can be true.\" - Vivekanand","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"5. (b) In law a man is guilty when he violates the rights of others. In ethics he is guilty if he only thinks of doing so. -Immanuel Kant","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"5. (c) \"Integrity without knowledge is weak and useless, but knowledge without integrity is dangerous and dreadful\"","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"6. (a) Privacy and RTI are often labelled as antithetical to each other. How far do you agree with this view? Also propose the management of conflicts that arise while upholding both right to privacy and right to information.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"6. (b) Examine various issues related to utilization of public resources. Also discuss the role of ethics in resolving these issues.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"7. Discuss the following with reference to this case:\na) What are ethical issues involved in misuse of legal safeguards available with employee?\nb) Given the need for setting a correct example, discuss the options available with Amit. Also, select the most suitable option.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"8 You are a young honest IAS officer who has been recently posed as an SDM in a district of a state in western India. The state has high incidence of agricultural poverty and farmers' suicide. This year has been especially bad for the farmers. The Covid induced lockdown drove down prices of food commodities, reduced purchasing power of people and restricted the supply of many agricultural inputs. During summer months the state witnessed locust attack. Standing crops of farmers were destroyed. The government launched a loan waiver programme for the affected farmers. Many of the farmers whose crops were destroyed were compensated. After a few months, your district witnessed another agricultural disaster. A sudden hail storm severely affected the standing crops in your district. Given the widespread agricultural distress, the state government again launched a loan relief scheme. The state government laid down certain criteria for eligibility under the scheme. One of the criteria was that farmers can claim loan waiver only once. The process for the loan waiver started and you paid special attention that all eligible farmers get benefited as early as possible. One day, a group of distressed farmers approached you. They told you that due to a hail storm their house collapsed and all the documents were lost. They pleaded that you use your discretion and approve their name for the loan waiver scheme. They told you that if they don't get any help from the state, they have no other options but to commit suicide. You were moved by their plight and approved their name in the beneficiary list for loan waiver on compassionate grounds. After some days, you saw a headline in your local newspaper mentioning scam and corruption in loan waiver schemes. The report mentioned multiple cases where a farmer was able to secure benefit under both loan waiver schemes: one for the locust attack and other for the hail storm. Many farmers who did not even have standing crops during the hail storm, as it was destroyed in locust attack, got the benefit of the loan waiver under hail storm related scheme. You have been accused of using your discretionary power and benefiting some undeserving farmers. A corruption enquiry has been started against you for your alleged role in this multi crore rupee scam.\na) The entire episode has come as shock to you, where a decision in good faith has landed you in trouble. What approach will you adopt to handle the situation in hand? Justify\nb) What measures can be taken to ensure that honest civil servants are not punished for bonafide mistakes on their part?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"1) Measures to ensure honest civil servants are not punished","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"9 You are working as a Chief Development Officer in a district. You are known for your honesty and dedication to work. All the files related to development work and contracts in the district pass through your office. This makes your office vulnerable to corruption. You have made it clear to your staff that you will follow zero tolerance to corruption in office and very strict action will be taken against anyone who indulges in corruption. One day a contractor came to meet you regarding an ongoing project. He informed you that your peon takes money from all the contractors for telling them about your schedule and meeting timings. The contractor told you that it is difficult to meet you because of your busy schedule. The peon takes money and informs them about timings when you are available in the office. It saves them much effort and makes it easy to meet you. You are unhappy with your peon. You called him and asked for an explanation. The peon told you that he does not ask for money, it is the contractors who give him money on their own. The amount involved is very small just sufficient for tea or coffee. He further tells that he has 6 daughters, all of whom are unmarried. His youngest daughter has a chronic illness and she is bedridden. He tells you that he is in dire need of money. He also tells you that this is a common practice and peons of all the officers get money from the contractors for facilitating their meetings with other officers. You enquired about his story with your other staff and whatever he told you about his daughters was true. You know that the salary of a peon is not sufficient for taking care of such a large family and getting good treatment for her daughter. There is also the problem of dowry in the area which makes the marriage of women expensive.\na) Why are such acts of petty corruption considered acceptable in government offices?\nb) Is there a case for serious action against the peon? What will be your course of action to deal with the situation?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":41,"question":"10 After clearing the prestigious civil services examination, you have been posted as the SDM in one of the districts in northern India. Government has announced plotting and auctioning of land for development of real estate projects and you have been made responsible for the same. Land lies in the outskirts of the district. A new highway project is also under consideration for construction which will pass near the area suggested for development of real estate project. But the information regarding the highway project is confidential and not available in the public domain. When land is auctioned a large number of plots are bought by the relatives of a minister from the area. You suspect that the minister has leaked the information regarding road construction to his relatives. You discuss the matter with your senior. He tells you that it is a common case and you should not interfere in this case. He advises you that if you interfere in this matter the minister can ruin your career and can also cause your personal harm.\na) Identify various ethical issues involved in this case.\nb) What are different options available with you and what will you do in such circumstance? Justify your course of action.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"11. You have been appointed as the marketing manager of a big pharmaceutical company. The company is going to launch a new slimming drug. Your team has designed an advertisement for the drug showing unrealistic body transformation in a very short amount of time. You know that the shown body transformation from fat to fit is not possible by this drug. You are not happy with the advertisement but the CEO of the company likes it. When you discuss this issue with the CEO, he tells you such advertisement is necessary for selling the drug. You are still unsatisfied.\na) Identify different ethical issues involved in the case.\nb) What are the different options available with you? Evaluate each of these options. Also suggest most suitable course of action.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"12 Kuldeep is an honest senior officer working in Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in one of the metros in Western India. The state has been in news for a trend of increasing drug usage among the youth. One day, he received a tip-off regarding a drug peddler. He conducted a raid and arrested all the persons present on the venue. One of the detainees was Rajkumar, the son of a wealthy and politically connected businessman. He was in an intoxicated state and misbehaved with the NCB personnel on duty, warning them of dire consequences for detaining him. During hearing, Rajkumar was found to be in possession of contraband drugs. He was arrested and this news went viral on social media soon after the arrest. Kuldeep received a call from his senior who asked Kuldeep to scrouge him of the case. During the conversation his senior dropped a subtle hint that as Rajkumar is a well connected individual, going after him could be a career damaging case for Mr. Kuldeep and he should consider settling the case for his own good. Kuldeep understood that his senior wanted him to drug charges against Rajkumar and set him free. However Kuldeep has decided to pursue the case and follow the law. Few days after the arrest, a case was filed by Rajkumar's father alleging that Kuldeep has resort for monetary return of dropping case against his son. Some people on social media have raised doubt on educational qualifications of Kuldeep and few have made even disrespectful remarks on his personal life. These allegations were widely covered in electronic media putting Kuldeep and his entire family under immense psychological pressure. In response to the allegations the government has setup an inquiry panel to look into the matter. The inquiry panel promptly seeks Kuldeep's explanation.\na) Kuldeep can present his case to the inquiry panel and go soft on the investigation of the case.\nb) Kuldeep can present his case to the inquiry panel and continue his inquiry with the case.\nc) Kuldeep can ignore the inquiry panel and directly approach the media with the case findings and his side of the story.","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":8629,"topper":"Vaishali Chopra","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hrsPNa3-rG7zVKZRYDWccfBbxcZHGwIx/view","questions":[]},{"id":8630,"topper":"Vaishali Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/915af-33161_1049_vaishali_singh_rank_8.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Concerns regarding the wide formulation and indiscreet application of discretionary powers of the Governor need closer attention. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Explain the concept of subordinate legislation in India. Also discuss the mechanisms for their scrutiny and control. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The crucial position accorded to the Speaker in Indian legislatures, makes it imperative to protect them from undue political pressures and incentives. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Departmentally-Related Standing Committees have been referred to as mini-parliaments in India. Highlight their relevance in a democratic polity and discuss, with examples, how they improve the overall effectiveness of the Parliament. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Enumerate the issues associated with functioning of tribunals in India. How can these be addressed? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Examine the significance of Gram Sabhas, as mentioned in Article 243A of the Indian constitution, in the development process with special reference to Fifth Schedule areas. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The Rajya Sabha is merely a secondary house rather than a second house in the Indian Parliamentary system. Critically analyze the statement. Also, compare and contrast the position of the Rajya Sabha vis-à-vis the State legislative councils. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"A major shift is needed in the institutional framework of the Central Water Commission (CWC) and the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) to make water management more holistic and multidisciplinary. Discuss in the context of Mihir Shah Committee recommendations. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"On what grounds can a person be denied the right to contest elections to the Parliament in India? Will a life-time ban on those convicted of heinous crimes address the problem of criminalisation of politics? Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Directive Principles can be considered as even more important than the Fundamental Rights because they provide a positive thrust towards welfare. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"In light of demands for replacement of the FPTP (First Past the Post) system with other alternatives, compare the merits and enumerate the challenges associated with replacing the current system. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Despite long term recognition of the problem of pendency of cases in the courts, limited progress has been made in reducing their number. What are the possible reasons for such a scenario? Suggest a framework of measures that can be taken to address this issue. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite the phrase 'due process of law' not being included in Article 21, the Supreme Court, over the years, has adopted the doctrines of 'procedural due process' and 'substantive due process' into Indian constitutional law. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Can we say that cooperative federalism in India has strengthened in the post-liberalisation era? Give reasons in support of your answer. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Faulty regulatory policies can have a severe adverse effect on the efficient interplay of market forces and end up harming public interest. Examine in the context of systemic issues pertaining to regulatory environment in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Mention the constitutional provisions to safeguard and ensure the independent and impartial functioning of the UPSC. Further, assess the limitations of UPSC in effectively performing its role as the 'watchdog of merit system' in India as envisioned by the Constitution. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What are the key issues in the context of electoral funding in India? How far do you think the idea of state funding of elections can address these issues? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Separation of powers in case of India has acquired its own uniqueness under the constitutional arrangement. Explain. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Highlight the extent of President's powers under Article 352. Comment on the judicial scrutiny of proclamation and the exercise of executive powers under National Emergency. How is this power different from the one bestowed under Article 356? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Fiscal transfers from the Centre to States are critical in India. In this context, explain the rationale of both general and specific purpose fiscal transfers. Also highlight the problems witnessed in the design and implementation of specific purpose transfers. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8631,"topper":"Vaishali Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/cae0a-33161_1068_vaishali_singh_rank_8.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"There are many challenges in sustainably scaling up renewable energy in India. Analyse. Also, discuss what can be done to address these challenges. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The policies and indicators introduced by the government, in recent times, to finance urban development in India are key in addressing the existing challenges. Discuss with special reference to municipal bonds. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"With a number of issues continuing to be a roadblock, a large section of India's rural population is still 'financially excluded'. Discuss. Analyse how these issues can be addressed and the measures taken by the government and RBI recently in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'Environmental Accounting'? Discussing the rationale behind introducing environmental accounting, highlight its status in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"While access to irrigation is important, efficiency of water use is equally, if not more, crucial. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"For a holistic approach to disaster risk reduction, there is a need to mainstream indigenous traditional knowledge and link it with modern technologies. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do you understand by food irradiation? Highlighting some of its unique applications, examine its relevance for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Whereas misuse of technology has abetted the spread of fake news, it is with the aid of technology that this menace can be curbed. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Explain the salient features of the recently established Defence Planning Committee. How can it help in credible defence preparedness? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Recent reports of Maoist leaders having amassed huge assets in property and cash underlines the significance of probing the funding network as part of counter-terrorism efforts. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Not only do services MSMEs contribute mightily to the overall GDP growth, they have a powerful, multiplier impact on the local economies as well. Elaborating on the statement, highlight the problems faced by service sector MSMEs. How can the government make it easier for MSMEs to start and grow a business? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Contract Farming has many advantages, however it suffers from market failures. Elaborate. What can the government do to correct problems that lead to contract failures? Also, discuss whether the Model Contract Farming Act, 2018 is a step in the right direction. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Suggest the measures needed to improve the employability of labour force as well as increasing number of employment opportunities in light of structural changes being brought by disruptive technologies. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"India's trade policy in agriculture, marred by ad-hocism and pro-consumer bias, has constrained realization of export potential, and prevented the farmers from reaping the benefits. Examine the statement and discuss ways, including government initiatives, to improve agricultural exports. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Is currency exchange rate a suitable measure of relative economic performance of countries? Despite improving macro-economic fundamentals, trade deficit in India continues to widen. Bring out the factors responsible for this situation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"It will take much more than relief packages to address the problems being faced by the sugar industry in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"NAPCC, almost 10 years old and formulated with lofty objectives, has not served as the best answer to cope with the impacts of climate change. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Proliferation of nuclear weapons and the threat of their use are key concerns for global security nonetheless existing international arrangements seem to be ineffective. Comment. Also, identify the salient features of India's policy in this context and discuss whether India should join the NPT in the current form. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The maritime security domain requires collective multilateral and regional cooperation to combat non traditional threats. Discuss in the context of threats in the Western Indian Ocean and the recent amendments in the Djibouti Code of Conduct. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India's space programme was initiated with the vision of utilising outer space for peaceful purposes, however with changing times it has the potential to play a significant role in strengthening security capabilities of India. Discuss with adequate examples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8632,"topper":"Vaishali Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8d3bd-33161_1071_vaishali_singh_rank_8.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) is more than just the keeper of our national accounts; it is also a conscience-keeper and a watchdog. Examine the statement in light of making the auditing process more effective. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The concern for transparency in political funding is at odds with the Electoral Bond Scheme notified by the government. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Lobbying in India exists in a perennially grey legal and policy arena. In this context, discuss the need to formally recognize and regulate lobbying in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"More than a decade after it was passed, the implementation of the RTI Act leaves much to be desired. Comment. Also discuss the issues associated with the recent proposals to amend the RTI Act. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Critically discuss the evolving policy on reservation in promotions in India with special focus on its ability to meet the objectives of social justice. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"India produces enough food for its people, but not all people get enough food to eat. Discussing this paradox, highlight some of the major interventions taken in the past few years in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"India sees Indian Ocean as not just a water body, but a global stage for continued economic, social, and cultural dialogue. Elaborate.(150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In the context of India taking greater responsibility in management of the global commons, there has been a shift in India's climate change negotiation stance. In this context, analyze the evolution of India's climate policy. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlighting the constitutional role of the Finance Commission (FC), discuss the issues which are being debated w.r.t. terms of reference (ToR) of the 15th Finance Commission. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The spirit of the constitution of India represents a synthesis of Indian values, democratic and socialist movements in west and our independence movement. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"What is the importance of an independent judiciary in a democracy? Highlight the safeguards in our political-constitutional setup to ensure the independence of judiciary. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Even though Indian federalism has matured quite a bit, with states having far greater control of their economic and political management, serious structural problems still remain. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The recent amendments to the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 strike a balance between enforcement overzealousness and the need for stringent action against corrupt public servants. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Identifying the various issues plaguing the voluntary sector in India, discuss the need for a national accreditation agency to overcome them. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Given the importance of a teacher in affecting the learning outcomes of children, discuss the problems in the present system of teacher training in India. How can these be addressed? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The implementation of a scheme with such scale and benefit as Ayushman Bharat is likely to face many obstacles. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Given the fact that India cannot match China's financial clout, it is seen to be diversifying the ways in which it can enhance cooperation and promote its diplomatic profile in Africa. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Discuss how American sanctions on its adversaries affect India. Taking the example of CAATSA, analyse how India can shield its strategic interests in face of such sanctions. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8633,"topper":"Vaishali Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c5894-33161_1067_vaishali_singh_rank_8.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What is the role that opposition plays in a democracy like India? In this context, discuss whether our Parliament can benefit from a shadow cabinet. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Where there is a right, there is a remedy. In this context, discuss the nature and significance of writs in India with adequate examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Enumerate the objectives of NITI Aayog. Also, discuss the performance of this body since its inception and suggest measures to make it more effective. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"In view of the political class's inability to develop and maintain conventions relating to the appropriate use of Article 356, the Supreme Court's decision in the Bommai case provided much needed clarity. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Press freedom and good governance are not mutually exclusive. They support each other while promoting a country's economic and human development. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"SHGs have succeeded in delivering financial inclusion, but for them to evolve as viable business enterprise requires a different approach. Analyse in the context of the twin goals of rural growth and promotion of women's entrepreneurship. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The focus of higher education in India has been on a select few Central or autonomous institutions where as the ones in states remain neglected. Commenting on the statement, highlight the significance of Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the role played by PRIs in political empowerment of women. Also, suggest measures to further increase their political participation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What is Strategic Autonomy? Critically examine the elements of such a policy in India's contemporary foreign policy in the context of recent developments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"IBSA and BRICS are both examples of India's quest for multialignment, however there are key differences in their orientation. Discuss in the context of the relevance of these groupings for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What are the various modes of Alternate Dispute Redressal (ADR) mechanisms available in India? Identifying the problems being faced by them, provide suggestions needed to increase their effectiveness. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"While the power to punish for the contempt of court is a much needed tool to protect the administration of justice from being maligned, it is time that it be relooked into. Critically analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Criminalisation of politics remains a key concern for the Indian political system. In this context, analyse the role played by the Supreme Court and Election Commission over the years. Also, in what ways can the media play a positive role? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight, in brief, the mandate of the National Commission for Minorities (NCM). Identify the different challenges that the commission faces and suggest measures to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The recent decision of the government to open up positions at the senior levels in bureaucracy through lateral entry is an important but only small step in the direction of much needed reforms in the higher civil services. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"'Identifying the broad contours of the 'Transformation of Aspirational Districts' programme, explain how it adopts a novel strategy to address backwardness. (250 words) ' ' ,","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"How did India fare on the Millennium Development Goals related to health? In this regard, identify the relevant Sustainable Development Goals and evaluate India's capacity to meet them. (250 words) ? ,","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the different rights recognized under the Forest Rights Act, 2006? Highlight the gaps in the implementation of community forest rights and community forest resource rights granted under the Forest Rights Act. Also, suggest measures to address the current scenario. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Progress in India-US ties has been accompanied by equally significant divergences on important issues. Examine in the context of recent developments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Despite bonhomie, the structural differences between Indian and Israeli national security situations, their worldviews and absence of explicitly shared enemies limit stronger strategic rapprochement. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8634,"topper":"Vaishali Singh","air":8,"year":2018,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ezVohyUEERD7xaXYVluWVAHIqhfZqabM","questions":[]},{"id":8635,"topper":"Vaishna Biswas","air":367,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Sleepy Classes","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://sleepyclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Vaishna_Biswas_Mains_Test_2_lyst1754060046558_lyst1754379888098.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8636,"topper":"Vaishnavi Paul","air":62,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2d9d2-656155_1254_vaishnavi-paul_rank-62.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8637,"topper":"Vaishnavi Paul","air":62,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/f1ced-656155_1256_vaishnavi-paul_rank-62.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8638,"topper":"Vaishnavi Paul","air":62,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ef907-656155_1252_vaishnavi-paul_rank-62.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8639,"topper":"Vaishnavi Paul","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1f384-656155_1249_vaishnavi-paul_rank-62.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"What do you understand by cultural sensitivity? Identify the ways in which individuals and organisations can benefit from cultural sensitivity in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":4,"question":"In the quest for scientific and technological development, ethical values should not be neglected. Discuss in the current context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"In a plural society like India, education should help the individual to celebrate the plurality and visualize the inherent unity of cultures and values. Analyze the statement in the present context with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"Elucidate Swami Vivekananda's ideas on nationalism.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: / : (a) The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. Mahatma Gandhi -","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Explaining the concept of moral attitude, discuss how social media is shaping moral attitudes of people.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Analyse the importance of both influence and persuasion for effective leadership.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Analyze the significance of adopting a code of ethics for creating a healthy work culture in an organization.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Ethos, ethics, equity and efficiency are key criteria on the basis of which the competency of civil servants should be judged. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"The mandatory nature of Corporate Social Responsibility goes against the notion of philanthropy. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"There have been arguments that rich countries owe an obligation to people living in poor countries. In this context, discuss the issues associated with foreign aid.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"A private company has proposed a large-scale hydel power project to tap the potential of a fast-flowing river in a state predominantly occupied by indigenous tribal groups. The state is backward and badly needs funds for socio-economic development. The state government is deliberating on the issue and is yet to take a final decision on the matter. While the project is expected to generate substantial revenue and employment, it will submerge the surrounding areas eventually displacing the tribals. Another issue of concern is that the tribal community regards this land and the river as sacred and integral to their cultural heritage. Thus, the tribals are not in favour of going ahead with the project and are already protesting against it. Their leader has threatened to initiate a hunger strike if the government goes ahead with the project. This has caught the attention of the mainstream media and social activists. Based on the information given above, answer the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders involved in the case and their respective interests (b) Keeping in mind the issues involved, how can differing interests be reconciled for ensuring sustainable development in the area?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"You have recently been posted as a probationary officer in the District Magistrate's office in a tribal district. During one of the fieldtrips, while interacting with the tribals, you come to know about a private company, established a few years back, which has transformed their lives. The company, using the traditional knowledge of tribals, had launched a series of products and provided numerous livelihood opportunities to the tribals. Upon further enquiry, you come to know that while the lives of tribals had indeed improved, the distribution of profits however, has been quite disproportionate. The company has seen a huge growth in its operations and its owners have amassed huge wealth. It is also planning to file for IPR, which may further hinder the interests of the tribals. You feel that tribals have been left short changed and there has not been an equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the use of their resources. When you tried to approach the Gram Sabha and voice your concerns, the tribals requested you not to intervene as they do not have any alternatives. They also argue that governments in the past have failed to protect their interests. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the different stakeholders and their interests involved in this case. (b) Present a case to convince the District Magistrate for the need of government intervention in the situation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"Various studies have found out that cases of depression and mental illness have increased exponentially in the recent past. Also, in the age group of 15-30 years, this problem is further pronounced. Furthermore, the rising trend of suicides in this age group has been attributed to depression. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Present an ethical critique of the prevalent societal attitude towards mental illness. (b) Given the magnitude of the problem among younger generation/young adults, analyse the role of the following: i. Parenting ii. Social Media iii. Video Games","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8640,"topper":"Valluru Kranthi","air":230,"year":2014,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"IMS4Maths","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://ims4maths.com/coaching/files/V-Kranthi1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8641,"topper":"Vanaj Vidyan","air":278,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/VANAJ-VIDYAN-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-278-Sample-AWFG-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Q.1) How does citizen engagement through digital platforms redefine participatory governance? Discuss with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":3,"question":"Q.5 Identify and discuss the challenges hindering effective implementation of gender-sensitive policies and schemes in the country.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":6,"question":"Q.2) Sardar Patel called the civil services as the \"steel frame of India\".\n1 INSTITUTIONAL MECHANISMS FOR CIVIL SERVICE ACCOUNTABILITY\na) The Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 applies to 'public servants' and Civil Service rules & All India Rules govern the enforceable Code of Conduct.\nb) Lokpal, under the 2013 Act also enjoys jurisdiction.\nc) Agencies such as CVC and CBI enjoy investigative powers.\n2 Internal assessment: Internal checks such as ACR reports and merit-based promotions, transfers function as accountability measures.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"Q.3 \"Education without values makes man a more clever devil\".","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"Q.4) The Supreme Court recently recognised right to environment and right against climate change as fundamental right u/ Art. 19 & 21.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Q.5) Women constitute 50% of our population, yet only 27% of the formal workforce, indicating lack of progress.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Q.6) The RTI Act replaced the Freedom of Information Act, 2002 to realize the true spirit of the right to information recognized under Article 21 by the Supreme Court.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8642,"topper":"Vanaj Vidyan","air":278,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/VANAJ-VIDYAN-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-278-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1 Explain how the terms 'socialist' and 'secular' in the Preamble embody specific meanings in the Indian context.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Article 21 of the Indian Constitution guarantees the right to life and liberty. Elucidate with the help of relevant case laws.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) To what extent have farmer associations been successful in influencing public policies and governance in the country?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) The role of State Finance Commissions in building regional equity and strengthening the federal link has largely been underutilized. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) The contributions of the \"founding mothers\" of the Indian Republic are often under-acknowledged, yet they are crucial to understanding the evolution of gender-sensitive constitutional jurisprudence. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) What do you understand by delimitation? Underlining the significance of delimitation exercise, throw light on the associated challenges.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) The Presidents of India and USA differ not just the manner in which they are elected but also with respect to their powers. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) The office of the Speaker is not only a referee, but also an active player in the politics of government formation and survival, leading to controversies and criticisms. In this context, examine the need to bring reforms in the office of the speaker.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) 'Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) is an independent body responsible only to the Parliament.' What are the provisions that ensure independence of CVC? Also, discuss the issues that limit its effectiveness in tackling corruption in the country's public administration.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 \"The creation of All India Judicial Services (AIJS) shall enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the Indian judiciary\". Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) Although upholding the spirit of the Constitution through judicial activism is noble in its intent, in practice it runs the risk of undermining the delicate balance of power that the Constitution sought to achieve. Critically examine.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 Governor is neither a saboteur nor a sage; he is a constitutional functionary who needs to be solely loyal to the Constitution. Critically examine the statement in the light of recent events.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13) Throw light on the various mechanisms for the settlement of disputes related to the equitable sharing of river water among states. Also, evaluate the effectiveness of these mechanisms in the resolution of inter-state river water disputes in the country.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) How does the inability of local bodies to generate their own funds affect their ability to function effectively? Suggest necessary measures to empower local governments in generating independent revenue streams.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Critically examine the functioning of National Human Rights Commission of India (NHRC) as an apex institution entrusted with the protection of human rights in the country.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 \"Right to vote is fundamental to democracy, and depriving undertrial prisoners of this right while allowing contesting elections reflects a flawed legal framework.\" Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17) Examine the scope of partnership between the State and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) towards improving public service delivery to benefit the common citizen.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18) \"Parliamentary democracy would be incomplete without Parliamentary committees.\" In light of the statement, examine the role of the Public Accounts Committee in establishing financial accountability of the executive.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19) While the NCST has made significant contributions to tribal welfare, a multi-faceted approach is necessary to complement its efforts and ensure the holistic development of tribals. Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20) What do you understand by Alternate Dispute Redressal (ADR) mechanisms? What are the reasons for their low adoption as the primary mode of dispute resolution in the country? Suggest measures for improvement.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"1 Mentor Feedback Questions\n1 Handwriting legibility, underlining, boxes & headings.\n2 Is Tabular format decent?\n3 Question when I missed making diagrams - where they were mandatory.\n4 Example - enough or more needed?\n5 Any major mistakes?\n6 Tips which are easy to fix - and more rewarding?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8643,"topper":"Vanaj Vidyan","air":278,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/VANAJ-VIDYAN-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-278-Sample-MGP-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) 'Unconscious biases in parenting continue to shape gendered experiences in India.' Do you agree with this view? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) Distinguish between empathy and compassion. Why are they considered as foundational values in public services?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"Why foundational values for civil services","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) The current society is witnessing rising levels of intolerance. What are the consequences of this situation for personal well-being and for societal well-being? What can one do at the personal level to become tolerant?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) What are the main components of emotional intelligence and how does it help an individual in taking ethical decisions?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) Given below are the three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context?\na) \"This life is short, the vanities of the world are transient, but they alone live who live for others,\" - Swami Vivekanand","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) \"If you cry because the sun has gone out of your life, your tears will prevent you from seeing the stars.\" - Rabindranath Tagore","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"c) \"Two ways of building character - cultivating strength to challenge oppression, and tolerate the resultant hardships that give rise to courage and awareness.\" - Sardar Patel","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.4) a) \"With great power comes great responsibility.\" In the present context, 'Big Tech' headquartered in developed countries wield disproportionate influence over digital infrastructure, personal data, and global narratives—often prioritising profit over ethical considerations. What ethical principles should guide such corporations in building a fair, inclusive, and just global digital framework?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"b) What do you understand by the term 'crisis of conscience'? Describe an incident from your life where you experienced such a crisis. How did you deal with it?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.5) 8) \"A politics of confession that encourages politicians and parties to confess and offer regret for their errors can surely be a cathartic experience.\" Examine the statement from the ethical point of view.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"b) What are the key objectives of the Right to Information Act, 2005? Examine the ethical concerns associated with certain provisions of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act in realizing the objectives of the RTI Act.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.6) b) Public spaces serve as arenas of democratic participation and civic expression. Yet in India, they remain deeply gendered, with many women largely confined to the private and domestic sphere. Examine the factors that restrict women's access to public spaces. How can ethical governance help address the issue of gendered spatial control and promote inclusivity in public spaces?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"b) Write short notes on the following in 30 words each:\ni) Ethical fading\nii) Conflict of interest\niii) Persuasion\niv) Work culture\nv) Corporate governance","marks":"10 marks, 150","words":"30 words each"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7 A State Government in the northeastern part of the country has launched a series of anti-encroachment drives across forest areas, wetlands, and revenue lands. Under the directions of the Chief Minister, the administration has intensified efforts to reclaim public land, particularly in areas reserved for ecological protection and critical infrastructure development. Most of the time, these actions have been backed by court orders and have resulted in the recovery of thousands of hectares of land. However, in certain regions, the implementation of such drives is fraught with social and political complexities. In several districts, settlements have existed for decades and are inhabited by marginalized communities with limited access to legal rights or formal rehabilitation measures. These areas are often politically sensitive and influenced by local leaders and pressure groups.\nSimanta is posted as Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) in one such district. Over the past year, the district administration has attempted to align eviction measures with welfare outreach, including the provision of temporary shelters, relocation assistance, and public consultations. Recently, a major operation was scheduled to clear encroachments from over 140 hectares of forest land within a Reserved Forest, primarily to curb rising instances of human-elephant conflict and to restore ecological balance. Anticipating eviction, some residents approached the High Court seeking a stay. However, the court refused to grant it and directed the administration to proceed with the eviction following due process. Notices were served, and a detailed roadmap was prepared to carry out the operation, which was expected to last 2-3 days due to the scale and remote location. On the first day, Simanta led a team comprising forest officials, municipal workers, and police personnel. Demolitions were conducted peacefully and without major resistance. However, on the second day, when the team returned to the site, a large group of agitated residents—primarily women and children—had gathered. They raised slogans and formed human chains to prevent further evictions. The atmosphere grew tense when some individuals began throwing stones, resulting in serious injury to a municipal worker. The crowd grew increasingly volatile and emotionally charged, demanding an immediate halt to the operation. The police contingent present on the ground was outnumbered by the crowd. Faced with this crisis, some team members pleaded with Simanta to call off the operation, fearing threats to their life and the possibility of a violent escalation. Simanta attempted to contact his superior officer (the Deputy Commissioner), but due to poor mobile connectivity in the forested area, communication could not be established. Meanwhile, several local journalists had arrived and begun reporting on the incident. Simanta is in a dilemma as to what to do.\na. Evaluate the options available with Simanta to cope with the situation.\nb. Which of the above options would be the most appropriate for Simanta and why?\nc. What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Simanta?\nd. Examine the qualities of a public servant which will be required to manage such situations.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"a. स्थिति से निपटने के लिए सिमंता के पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nb. सिमंता के लिए सबसे उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?\nc. सिमंता को किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\nd. ऐसी परिस्थितियों का प्रबंधन करने के लिए एक लोक सेवक के गुणों का परीक्षण करें।\na स्थिति से निपटने के लिए सिमंता के पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nb सिमंता के लिए सबसे उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?\nc सिमंता को किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\nd ऐसी परिस्थितियों का प्रबंधन करने के लिए एक लोक सेवक के गुणों का परीक्षण करें।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":34,"question":"Q.8 Megha is a first-year sociology student at a reputed college in the national capital. She is originally from Tadchiroli, a tribal village in a western Indian state. Megha's family migrated to the city when she was seven years old and had not visited their village since. Though Megha has fond memories of her childhood there, she never deeply understood the customs and traditions of the region. One day, Megha expresses her wish to visit Tadchiroli. Her father agrees and asks her to inform Ratan, her paternal uncle, who still lives in the village with his family. Megha informs Ratan and travels to the village during a semester break. Upon arrival, she receives a warm welcome from Ratan and his family. Later, Ratan invites her to attend a local festival. During the event, Megha notices that her cousin Rinki is missing. Curious, she asks Ratan's wife Ratna why Rinki is not at the festival. Ratna explains that Rinki is on her period, and as per tradition, menstruating girls must stay separately in small huts built specifically for the purpose. Locally known as 'kurma ghars', they are generally located on the periphery of the village, near a river or pond. She further adds that these girls are not allowed to enter the main house or participate in any social or religious activities. Megha is taken aback. She asks whether all women follow this practice. Ratna nods and says it has been the custom for generations. Even schoolgirls stay in these huts and miss classes during their periods. Ratna admits that many in the village, including herself, never questioned the practice. The explanation unsettles Megha. She finds it hard to believe that a natural biological function leads to such exclusion. Before returning to the city, Megha observes that even educated family members seem to accept and follow these customs. The experience leaves a deep impact on her. She starts reading more about menstrual taboos and their impact on women's health, dignity, and education. As a sociology student, she recognises how such traditions are linked to patriarchy and social stigma. She begins to reflect on what she can do at her level to improve the current situation, without alienating the community or disrespecting its traditions.\na. Suggest a course of action Megha can take to sensitize her village community without appearing disrespectful or confrontational.\nb. What ethical principles and methods should guide her actions while engaging with the community?\nc. How is menstruation related to human rights?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":35,"question":"a. मेघा द्वारा अपने गांव के समुदाय को असम्मानजनक या टकरावपूर्ण व्यवहार किए बिना संवेदनशील बनाने के लिए अपनाई जा सकने वाली कार्यवाही का सुझाव दीजिए।\nb. समुदाय के साथ जुड़े समय उसके कार्यों को किन नैतिक सिद्धांतों और तरीकों से निर्देशित किया जाना चाहिए?\nc. मासिक धर्म मानव अधिकारों से किस प्रकार संबंधित है?","marks":"20","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":39,"question":"Q.9 Gopal is an 80-year-old man living in a remote and an underdeveloped village in a Central Indian state. He had been residing in a small mud house for years. When he came to know about the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G), he saw a glimmer of hope for a pucca house in the last phase of his life. However, the village sarpanch and panchayat secretary told him that to be eligible under the scheme, he must first demolish his existing house so that during a site inspection, no structure would be visible at the location. Subsequently, Gopal demolished his shelter and began living under a babool tree. For nearly six months, he has been staying in the open, braving harsh weather conditions. During this time, he has repeatedly visited the panchayat office but has been told that his application cannot be processed as he lacks the necessary documents.\nYou are the officer-in-charge of implementing PMAY-G in the district. The case of Gopal reaches you through a prominent newspaper report. You personally visit him to understand the situation on the ground. After meeting him and listening to his account, you feel that he certainly needs support. Your enquiries confirm that he is truly destitute and living in a pitiable condition under the open sky. It is also established that he demolished his house based on a faulty interpretation of the scheme by panchayat officials. However, he has no documents to show that he fulfils the eligibility criteria under the scheme.\nNow you are in a dilemma. Including him under the scheme without the necessary documents would clearly be a violation of rules. But denying him support would be cruel and inhuman.\na. Can you think of a rational way to resolve this dilemma?\nb. Give your reasons for it.\nc. What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.10) You are working as an Assistant Section Officer in the District Development and Panchayat Office. One day, one of your close colleagues approaches you in deep distress. She tells you that her father is suffering from a severe liver condition, and the doctors have clearly stated that he must undergo liver transplant immediately in order to survive. She shares that she has no health insurance, and the surgery would cost around Rs 15 lakh. You are aware that her husband passed away a few years ago, and that she also has a four-year-old son with special needs. Just a few weeks ago, she also lost all her savings in a digital arrest scam. As a widow from a lower middle-class family, her options are extremely limited. Although you feel deeply empathetic, you are unable to offer financial assistance, as you do not have the resources to help. A few weeks later, you enquire about her father's health. She informs you that the liver transplant surgery was successful and that her father is now recovering steadily. Relieved, you ask how she managed to arrange the funds. Hesitantly, she confides that the District Development and Panchayat Officer (DDPO) helped her. Moved by her situation, the DDPO facilitated the release of Rs 15 lakh from the fund allocated to a rural sanitation scheme. The implementation of this scheme had been put on hold for a year due to technical issues and pending site approvals. She explains that the amount was provided on the assurance of strict confidentiality and with a commitment to repay it at the earliest. She expresses deep gratitude for the DDPO's timely help, which she believes saved her father's life. She has already begun repaying the money and will continue to do so until it is all returned.\na. Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\nb. Examine the behavior of DPDO from an ethical point of view.\nc. How would you react to the situation?","marks":"20 marks, 250","words":"20"},{"page":49,"question":"Q.11 Nithin is the head of the Marketing Department at Pehnava Clothings Ltd., a reputed apparel manufacturing company with a strong global presence. Known for its professionalism and consistent performance, the company had earned a credible name in both domestic and international markets. However, the firm was going through difficult times. For three consecutive quarters, it had witnessed a steep decline in sales. This trend had raised serious concerns among the top management regarding the company's competitiveness, profitability, and long-term stability. To address the situation, the leadership decided to restructure the marketing division and bring in dynamic leadership. A senior marketing executive, Mr. A, was hired after a rigorous selection process. He had an impressive career record and was known for turning around sales performance in other firms and building strong brand identities. With high expectations placed upon him, Mr. A was seen as the key figure to steer the company out of crisis. Mr. A soon began delivering results. Within a year, the company's revenue had almost doubled, and its brand visibility had increased significantly. His bold marketing strategies, proactive outreach, and innovative campaigns received appreciation from various quarters within the company. His performance drew the attention of the top management. There were deliberations about assigning him a larger role within the company, with a focus on long-term business strategy. He was also being considered for an internal award for 'Excellence in Leadership and Innovation'. However, alongside professional success of Mr. A, Nithin began receiving troubling feedback about his conduct in the workplace. Informal reports indicated that he frequently made inappropriate comments about women. In addition, he regularly sent indecent messages via social media apps to all team members, including his female colleagues. Although no formal complaint was lodged initially, Nithin could sense tension within the team, and signs of discomfort were becoming increasingly apparent. Some employees even started avoiding direct interaction with Mr. A. Team morale and interpersonal trust were gradually eroding, but employees remained hesitant to speak openly. The matter escalated one evening when Mrs. X, one of Mr. A's team members approached Nithin. Visibly disturbed and emotionally shaken, she disclosed that Mr. A had repeatedly engaged in inappropriate behavior towards her. She added that Mr. A had been making undesirable advances towards her and had even tried to touch her inappropriately in his cabin. She urged Nithin to take appropriate action in the matter, or else she would have no option but to resign from her position.\na. Bring out the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb. What are the options available to Nithin?\nc. Critically examine each of the options identified by Nithin.\nd. Which of the options, do you think, would be more appropriate for Nithin to adopt and why?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":50,"question":"a. इस मामले में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों को स्पष्ट करें।\nb. नितिन के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nc. नितिन द्वारा पहचाने गए प्रत्येक विकल्प का आलोचनात्मक परीक्षण करें।\nd. नितिन के लिए कौन सा विकल्प अपनाना अधिक उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?","marks":null,"words":"20 अंक"},{"page":55,"question":"Q.12 You are appointed as an officer heading the Air Quality Compliance Division of the Environment Pollution Control Board in Delhi-NCR. The region is witnessing alarming levels of air pollution, which typically worsen during the winter months due to various meteorological and anthropogenic factors. The situation has led to severe public health concerns, particularly affecting vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and those with respiratory illnesses. The Supreme Court has also raised serious concern over the deteriorating air quality in Delhi-NCR and has directed the administration to take immediate and effective measures to control pollution, especially during the winter months. Your jurisdiction has a large number of small and medium-scale industries that were granted environmental clearance over the years. These industries form the backbone of the local economy and provide employment to a significant number of migrant workers. However, recent inspections and air quality monitoring reports indicate that a significant number of these units are operating in violation of prescribed air emission norms. As part of targeted measures to curb air pollution, you issued notices to all identified polluting units, directing them to apply for fresh environmental clearance certificates from the competent authority. However, your decision triggered strong opposition from a section of industrial units, labour unions, and local politicians. Industrial owners argued that such action would lead to production shutdowns, financial losses, and shortages of their products in the market. Labour unions and workers also protested, fearing mass unemployment and livelihood insecurity. Local politicians and vested interests accused you of jeopardising the socio-economic stability of the region. You received representations from various quarters urging you to withdraw the notices and not initiate harsh measures, citing the interests of multiple stakeholders. Additionally, you began receiving anonymous threats, aimed at coercing you into reversing your decision. On the other hand, several of your colleagues supported your stance, encouraging you to act in the larger public interest. Several local NGOs and environmental groups rallied behind your actions, demanding the immediate closure of polluting units.\na. Under the given conditions, what are the options available to you?\nb. Critically evaluate each of the options listed by you.\nc. What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by you?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":60,"question":"1 Please review case study in detail - intro - body - conclusion\n3 Are keywords sufficient?\n4 In case study is course of action justified properly?\n6 Are personal examples here fine?\n7 Presentation?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8644,"topper":"Vandana Rao","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/07268-vandana-rao_4_2014_gs_booklet_2.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"What do you understand by Monetary Policy Trilemma? How can it be resolved in Indian context?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"What is inflation targeting? Describe the major recommendations of the Urjit Patel Committee for it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"India is being accused of sabotaging the trade facilitation agreement with its rigid stance on the issue of public stockholding of food grains. Bring out the major reasons for India's stand at WTO negotiations related to the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). Do you think India's stand was justified?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"\"Unspent provisions in a grant or appropriation indicate either poor budgeting or shortfall in performance or both\". Elaborate this statement in the context of budgeting in India. Also suggest few remedies to overcome it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"An efficient financial system is regarded as an essential prerequisite for higher economic growth. In this context, elaborate on the recommendation given by FSLRC for strengthening the Financial Sector in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"PPP based infrastructure projects have displayed good progress in some sectors, whereas limited success in others. Substantiate. Also explain the various challenges being faced by them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"Rational energy prices provide the right signal to both producers and consumers and also lead to a demand-supply match. Highlight the steps taken by the government for rationalizing the energy prices in different sectors.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"The National Land Reforms Policy 2013 focuses on those aspects of land reforms, which if implemented in true letter and spirit will have the potential to tilt the balance in favor of the landless and poor. Critically Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"What are the sources of Irrigation in India? Mention the contribution of each source in the total irrigation capacity and their geographical distribution.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"One of the principal aims of improving agricultural marketing is to make agriculture more viable for the small farmers in India. In the above context, comment on the strengths and weaknesses of Cooperative and Contract farming in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"There is an urgent need to put into effect an expenditure switch from subsidies to investment in order to lift Indian agriculture from its current stagnation. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":56,"question":"\"Compared to animal husbandry's contribution to the Indian economy, the sector has received much less resources and institutional support.\" Analyse the above statement in the light of challenges faced by livestock sector in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"What is the role of forward and backward integration in ensuring success of Supply Chain Management in the Indian Food Processing industry?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8645,"topper":"Vandana Rao","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a2bf2-vandana-rao_4_2014_gs_booklet_1.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"Explain the issue of 'Loss and Damage' with respect to UNFCC climate talks. Also examine the demand for creation of a third pillar in UNFCC deliberations, in addition to the two pillars of mitigation and adaptation, associated with loss and damage demands.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"'Ozone depletion and the formation of Polar Ozone Holes doesn't lead to a further warming of the troposphere, but to a slight cooling.' Explain.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Do you agree that there is a drive towards increasing use of fossil fuels after the Fukushima nuclear disaster? Discuss the availability of coal in the world and in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"What is greenhouse effect and what gases are responsible for it? Describe the potential social, economic and environmental impacts of the continued increase in greenhouse gases.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"What are the types and sources of air pollution and how does it affect living organisms? List a few measures to control air pollution.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"What are ocean currents? How do they affect the climate of coasts? Illustrate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"Differentiate between Risk Assessment and Risk Evaluation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Despite Disaster Management Authority being institutionalized in 2005, it has failed to develop sufficient capacity in preparedness as well as relief and rescue operations. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"What do you understand by shifting of wind belts? Illustrate their impact on climate of a region. (10","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"What do you understand by the phenomenon of 'coral bleaching'? Discuss the threats that corals are facing.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"Do you agree that multinational companies are shifting their center of gravity towards Asia? Comment with justification.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":55,"question":"Elaborate on the measures that can be taken to mitigate the effect of tsunamis. What global mechanisms are in place for providing early warning related to tsunamis? What are the different technologies used for detecting the presence of tsunami waves?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Critically analyze the factors for the centralization of IT industry in India.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8646,"topper":"Vandita","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fLBeitGNpn_e7rviAigLhCHglAmysw8H/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Analyze the key shifts in India's foreign policy since independence and evaluate their success in achieving India's objectives. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Explain why suicide among students is increasing in Indian society. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Analyze the importance of the Indian diaspora in enhancing India's global standing and soft power. Highlight the Indian government's efforts to engage with the diaspora and harness their potential to promote India's projection in the world. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Evaluate the effectiveness of India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy in the context of China's increasing presence in the region. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"How is the increase in caste consciousness in the present times impacting the collective nature of Indian society? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Examine the historical evolution of India-USA relations and evaluate how recent collaborations in technology have impacted the relationship. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How does addiction to social media have an impact on the mental health of teenagers? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the potential for deeper dialogue and cooperation between NATO and India, considering their shared values and interests. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Analyze the challenges posed by hate speech to India's secular fabric and suggest measures to prevent and address such incidents. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the salient features of India's diverse cultural heritage and their significance in shaping the country's social fabric. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Examine the causes of complication in India-Maldives relationship and assess the impact on the Indian Ocean region, with special emphasis on the role of China. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Examine the challenges associated with urbanization in India and propose effective solutions to address these issues. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"How has globalization affected the roles and opportunities available to women in India? Discuss the challenges faced by women due to globalization. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Analyze the implications of the expansion of BRICS membership to include countries like Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt on the group's geopolitical relevance and economic power. Evaluate the impact of this development on India's position within BRICS and its ability to further its national interests. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Analyze the significant obstacles in interstate river water governance and their repercussions on regional tensions within the nation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Assess the impact of India's G20 presidency on its global image and leadership role. How has India used its presidency to advance its foreign policy objectives and promote a more equitable global order? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Explore the linkages between gender inequality and poverty in India. Discuss how empowering women can contribute to poverty reduction and sustainable development. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Considering the geopolitical complexities within the SCO, evaluate the effectiveness of India's presidency in advancing its strategic and economic interests in the region. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Discuss the multidimensional poverty in India and its impact on various aspects of human development. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8647,"topper":"Vandita","air":403,"year":2024,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Drishti IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.drishtiias.com/images/pdf/Vandita_%20GS%202.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8648,"topper":"Vandita","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Z7lsdcgGgwDPJBHBG8pxRbkgzLRx5ygs/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the different methods used in money laundering. Elaborate measures taken by the Indian government to counter money laundering in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Analyze the challenges posed by Naxalism in the Chhattisgarh area. Briefly explain the Government of India's approach to countering the challenges posed by Naxalism. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":8649,"topper":"Vandita","air":403,"year":2024,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Drishti IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.drishtiias.com/images/pdf/Vandita_%20GS%203.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8650,"topper":"Vandita","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lLDKYRwjpoSrIwrz8uTM4mbVqzpQDJ__/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What is Emotional Intelligence? Draw a comparison between Emotional Intelligence and Intelligence Quotient. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What is the difference between morals and ethics? In what ways Ethics contribute to professional life? (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What lessons can be learned from Nelson Mandela's life and applied to the present situation? Provide examples. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlight the significance of emotional intelligence for Civil Servants. Bring out the ways to inculcate emotional intelligence in a civil servant. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context? (a) \"We want the education by which character is formed, strength of mind is increased, the intellect is expanded, and by which one can stand on one's own feet\" - Swami Vivekananda (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else: you are the one who gets burned.\" - Buddha (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"\"If you cry because the sun has gone out of your life, your tears will prevent you from seeing the stars.\" - Rabindranath Tagore (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Highlight the role of family and society in inculcating values in an individual? (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What constitutes an individual's attitude, and how do persuasion and social influence contribute to fostering a positive attitude? (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Analyze the ethical issues in (i) Abortion (ii) Euthanasia (iii) Death Penalty (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"The emergence of Artificial Intelligence has impacted the ethical decision-making process of individuals. Discuss with suitable examples. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"\"We are dangerous when we are not conscious of our responsibility for how we behave, think, and feel.\" Do you agree with the view? Give examples in support of your answer. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"As a wedding planner, you have recently received an offer to organize the wedding of a highly influential family. During your interactions, you were highly impressed with the high moral values of the bride. On the day of the sangeet ceremony, while passing through the hallway, you hear the distressed cries of a child. Upon investigating, you find a young girl in tears who happens to be the daughter of the cook you have hired for the wedding. The girl confides in you, alleging that the groom's father attempted to exploit her. Promptly, you inform the bride of this unsettling revelation. Subsequently, the bride and the girl's family convene at your office to address the issue. Despite your urging, the girl's parents refuse to lodge a formal complaint. Later, you learn that the bride has offered a significant sum of money to the girl to keep silent. This is a significant project, and you have already invested crores in the wedding. Do you think the girl's family took the right decision? Why or why not? Discuss the ethical issues and your course of action. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"You are working as an Assistant Professor in a Central University. You are attracted to one of your women colleagues and propose marriage to her. She accepts it and both the families also give their consent. One day, she invites you to her home for dinner and introduces you to her mother, father and siblings. You find their behaviour quite pleasing and affectionate. After dinner your fiancée shows you the house. You come across a small room in a corner of the house which is very much dirty and in disarray and you hear an old woman coughing from inside that room. On asking, your fiancée tells you that the old woman is her grandmother who is mentally ill and troubles everyone, and therefore she has been kept in isolation. When you meet and talk to her grandmother, you find her to be absolutely normal. During this conversation you also realise that the family treats her badly and completely undervalues her. (250 Words) 20 (a) How do you see this whole issue? (b) In the light of aforementioned case, comment upon the problems faced by senior citizens in our country and suggest some measures to tackle it.","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"A woman was in a live-in relationship with her male partner. She complained to the police of sexual harassment and rape continously for the last five years on the pretext of marriage by her partner. The police on prima facie investigation found out that the allegation is false and the couple was living happily until some internal feud developed that led to these baseless allegations. The woman complained to the State Commission for Women and alleged that she did not get justice from the police and they were biased against her due to a patriarchal mindset. She demands justice from the Women Commission. You are the chairperson of the State Commission for Women. (250 Words) (a) What steps will you take in such a situation? (b) Do you think that live-in relationships are against Indian culture and traditional values?","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"In one of the districts of Bihar, there has been a sudden outburst of Acute Encephalitis among children of poor families. The government hospital in the district is admitting dozens of children but is resource-constrained. You are the Chief Medical Officer of the concerned district. Considering the unprecedented nature of the crisis, you have mobilized all the available resources. You have requested all the staff members to cancel their leaves and work beyond their normal working hours so that affected people can be served in the best possible way. This outbreak of the disease has garnered the attention of national media which reached to cover this issue. However, they seem to be extremely biased in their coverage, portraying only the deficiencies of the hospital. They have even questioned the dedication of the medical staff. With their unending questions and demand for accountability for rising death cases, they are interfering in the work of doctors. Despite their utmost dedication towards public service, a negative image of your medical staff is being projected at the national level. Consequently, this is hurting their morale and some of them have approached you to do something in this regard. (250 Words) 20 (a) What will you do to prevent misreporting by the media and for keeping the morale of your medical staff high? (b) What social responsibility does media have in this context as the fourth pillar of democracy?","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"You have recently assumed the role of District Magistrate (DM) in a highly underdeveloped region characterized by inadequate infrastructure, limited access to basic amenities such as roads, hospitals, and schools, and significant socio-economic challenges. The geographical remoteness of the area further complicates the delivery of immediate relief and development efforts. Upon taking office, you organized a Jan Sangh (public meeting), to engage with the local community and understand their grievances. Residents of the region approached you with a myriad of issues, ranging from lack of access to healthcare and education to concerns about law enforcement and safety. In response to the community's concerns, you diligently prepared a comprehensive proposal outlining the urgent need for infrastructure development and social welfare initiatives. Despite your efforts, the proposal received no response from higher authorities. Upon further inquiry, you discovered that political differences and bureaucratic hurdles were obstructing the allocation of funds for essential projects, particularly road construction, which was critical for improving connectivity and facilitating socio-economic development in the region. As time passes, you find yourself increasingly familiar with the challenges facing the community. However, you are unable to provide any respite to them. You have become habitual to listening to their problems and doing nothing. (250 Words) 20 (a) What is the significance of Emotional Intelligence for a civil servant, drawing from the above case study? (b) What would be the appropriate course of action for you to address the issues faced in the region?","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"You serve on a community task force tackling homelessness in a metropolitan area. The city has proposed a new initiative: establishing a homeless shelter in a centrally located neighborhood. However, numerous residents, influenced by worries about property values, safety, and stereotypes about homelessness, oppose the idea. They fear it may lead to increased crime rates and negatively impact the neighborhood environment. Additionally, concerns about homeless individuals belonging to lower castes have been raised. Despite the urgent need for shelter and support services, this resistance jeopardizes the initiative perpetuating the cycle of homelessness. (250 Words) 20 (a) Discuss some feasible strategies to overcome the conflict and to create the right ambiance. (b) Highlight the responsibilities of different stakeholders.","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8651,"topper":"Vandita","air":403,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Drishti IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://www.drishtiias.com/images/pdf/Vandita_GS%204.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8652,"topper":"Varjeet Walia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/16885_876_Varjeet_Walia_Rank_21.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"While India has taken a number of steps in order to substantially improve its ranking in the World Bank's 'Ease of Doing Business' Index, it needs to take further action in this regard. Elaborate. Also analyse the utility of these rankings vis-a-vis India's objective of facilitating a sound entrepreneurial environment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"In wake of the agrarian crisis that the country is witnessing, discuss the need for adopting an income-centric approach in preference to a production-centric one as the basis of agricultural policy. In this context, also highlight the steps that should be taken to achieve the goal of doubling the income of farmers by 2021-22 and the challenges that exist.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"It is argued that India's fiscal centre of gravity has rapidly shifted from the Centre to the States. Analyse the statement in context of the debate on fiscal discipline. Also, enumerate the key recommendations of the N.K. Singh panel on Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Strategic sale of state-run firms is a prudent step to deal with the challenges being faced by the public sector enterprises in India. Comment. Also enumerate other measures that can be taken in light of NITI Aayog's suggestions in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Shell companies in India are neither legally defined nor properly understood. Analyse in the light of recent developments, prevalent understanding and steps required to effectively deal with shell companies.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"If a larger population in India is to be involved in the economy in a big way, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are key. Elaborate. Also discuss the challenges faced by the SME sector in India and give an account of the measures taken by the government to deal with these.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"What are the reasons for the growing informalization of industrial labour in India? Discuss the issues associated with the phenomenon and reforms required to deal with them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"A number of far-reaching developments have taken place in the local and global energy space which have to be reflected in our own energy policy framework. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"The Indian IT-BPM (Information Technology-Business Process Management) industry is a global powerhouse today and its impact on India and the world has been unprecedented. Comment. Also, mention the challenges being faced by India's IT-BPM sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"An effective multi-modal logistics and transport sector will make the Indian economy more competitive. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Climate change threatens sustainable development, impairs socio-economic development and reinforces cycles of poverty across the globe. In this context, discuss the utility of climate risk insurance as an instrument within a comprehensive climate risk management system.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Why are women particularly vulnerable to the impact of natural disasters? Also analyse, with adequate examples, how women can play a more effective role in disaster risk management cycle.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"In view of the seriousness of heat waves and its consequences, greater attention is required for dealing with it as a natural disaster. Analyse in the context of recent developments and the actions taken by relevant government bodies.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"While genome editing offers immense potential benefits in the area of healthcare, there are a lot of apprehensions regarding its use. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Discuss various ways in which supercomputers have benefitted mankind over the years. Also enumerate the objectives of the National Supercomputing Mission and the mechanism for its implementation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Widely seen as a disruption for the traditional banking and financial institutions, cryptocurrencies have gained significant traction lately, at the same time creating a regulatory nightmare for regulators across the globe. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"An internationally-binding agreement to strengthen the Outer Space Treaty of 1967 is both desirable and increasingly a necessity. Analyse in view of the traditional and emerging challenges in this arena.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Even after nearly 60 years in existence, AFSPA remains at the centre of debates with respect to countering violent insurgencies, role of the states and local communities. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Analyse the challenges and opportunities inherent in the push for indigenisation of defence production in India. Also, identify the measures through which indigenous manufacturing of defence equipments is being encouraged by the Government.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"India's ability to puruse a clear-cut strategic vision depends on its ability to improve institutional cooperation and coordination between the armed forces and civilian bureaucracy. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8653,"topper":"Varjeet Walia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/16885_875_Varjeet_Walia_Rank_21.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Centralising recruitment through an All-India Judicial Service (AIJS) will not address the multiple problems in the judiciary and cause new ones instead. Critically evaluate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"The roots of the most pertinent challenges faced by Indian politics today can be traced to the lack of intra-party democracy in candidate selection and internal elections. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"While the idea behind merger of autonomous bodies in India is to curb overlapping work and reduce expenditure, it may end up doing more harm than good. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Well-defined electoral laws and greater powers for the Election Commission of India are required as the existing laws and mechanisms are inadequate to deal with new challenges. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Privileges should be defined and delimited for the free and independent functioning of the legislatures. In this context, discuss whether there is a need to re-examine the balance between fundamental rights and parliamentary privileges in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The principle of accountability is an essential part of the rule of law. In this context, discuss the lacunae in government's approach and judiciary's response to the phenomenon of extrajudicial killings in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Explain the rationale behind enacting the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016. Discuss how it can help in revitalizing consumer confidence in the real estate market. Also highlight the hurdles that remain in implementing it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Moving the subject of water from state list to concurrent list will solve the issues related to governance of water resources. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Give an account of the areas of potential conflict in the relationship between the political executive and civil servants. Also discuss why a healthy working relationship between the two is critical for good governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Despite their location in the non-political domain of civil society, NGOs have ended up playing a key, if indirect, role in India's politics. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Magnitude of India's urbanisation is not unusual but the pattern is. In this context, examine the issues in the governance of cities in India. Also suggest the reforms required to make Indian cities dynamos of competitive sub-federalism.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Social boycott should be treated as a criminal offence, rather than being considered as just another form of social evil plaguing the Indian society. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Human Trafficking in India has emerged as a serious issue, which calls for understanding the complexity of the problem and devising an effective strategy to combat it. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"A weak teacher education system is at the core of India's problems in school education. Evaluate. In this context, also enumerate the recommendations of the High-Powered Commission on Teacher Education constituted by the Supreme Court of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"India's contribution to peacekeeping missions of the United Nations has remained steadfast despite changes in the nature, form and variety of UN peace keeping missions. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"India's partnership with Africa is an amalgam of African development priorities as well as India's development objectives. Discuss. Also highlight the initiatives taken by India in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Comment on the role of International Court of Justice in upholding the values of international law. In this context, also highlight the association of India with the ICJ over the years.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"In view of the focus on trans-regional economic corridors and changing regional geo-politics and geo-economics, critically discuss the idea of an Indo-Pacific Economic Corridor.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8654,"topper":"Varjeet Walia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/16885_860_Varjeet_Walia_Rank_21.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Marketing has become a crucial link in the success of a business. With suitable examples, discuss the ethical issues involved in marketing of a product or service. How can these issues be resolved?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Value education empowers a person to confront the myriad challenges of contemporary Indian society. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Ethics is the first line of defence against corruption while law enforcement is remedial and reactive. Examine the statement with suitable examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss the influence that parents have on values of their children and the role they can play in transmitting good values and resisting negative influences. Why is it that, at times, the values of children differ from that of their parents?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"What does 'public service' means to you? Describe the various ways in which one can serve the public. Does one necessarily serve the public better by entering the civil services? Justify your stand.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"What do you understand by 'civic virtue' in public life? What are the challenges in practising it in today's time? How can these challenges be overcome?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"The lives of great leaders inspire us in many ways. Which leader has had a lasting impact on you and in what way? Mention one outstanding value that you have imbibed from him/her and its importance to being a civil servant.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Governance is the vital link in our quest for prosperity and equity. What should be the key elements of ethical governance to eliminate corruption and bureaucratic delays? Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Has excessive profit seeking by corporates undermined the trust of public in the private sector? Giving examples, examine the reasons for failure of corporate governance in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Income inequality, resource mismanagement and health hazards are some of the negative consequences of globalization. In this context, what are some of the ethical dilemmas that civil servants face today? How has the approach to handling these undergone a change?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss the role and importance of independent directors for corporate governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"You are posted as the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in a district. As the SDM it is your responsibility to conduct interviews and select a candidate for the post of an ASHA worker in the district. On the day you are conducting the interviews, you are approached by the MLA of the local constituency who asks you to choose a particular lady for this position by overlooking the other candidates. On checking her documents you find that she is eligible in all respects. The MLA implores that she should be given the post on compassionate grounds as her husband was a soldier who was martyred in a war. Some of the options to handle the situation could be as follows: (a) Ignore the MLA and proceed with the process of selection. (b) Speak to your superior and seek his guidance on the matter. (c) Appoint the lady to the post as it is a compassionate appointment. Also suggest other possible options. Evaluate each of these options and suggest the best course of action, giving reasons for it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"You are officer-in-charge of a very important railway junction, which is an artery of trade and commerce. A peasant disturbance has been brewing in your district for the past few weeks. Their discussions with the political and district leadership has borne no fruit and it has come to the stage that now they are protesting by organizing a sit-in on the railway tracks near the station. They have thereby succeeded in blocking movement of all trains. This disruption is causing significant harassment for the passengers waiting at the platform as well. (a) What will be your course of immediate action? (b) How can emotional intelligence act as a tool in handling this issue? (c) What steps will you take so that such incidents are not repeated in the future?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"You are the CEO of a film production company, which has not been doing well financially for some time. Your company is now relying on its forthcoming movie, which is about to be released shortly. The movie has a cast of reliable actors and even before its release, trade pundits have predicted that the movie will be a hit. However, you face a conundrum as one of the actors in the movie is a citizen of a neighbouring country with which relations have been disturbed and a war like situation exists. While the political atmosphere was different when the movie was being filmed, now there is a widespread public demand, with a local political party at the forefront, for replacing the actor from the movie or a ban on the release of the movie itself, if the actor is not replaced. While you are aware of the mood of the nation and the public repercussions of releasing the movie in its present form, you also know that it is not feasible to replace him at this stage as he has a substantial role in the movie. There is also a section in the film fraternity that does not want you to compromise in the wake of threat by the local party as it compromises freedom of speech and expression as well as artistic creativity. (a) What are the options available to you? (b) Evaluate each of the options and state their merits and demerits. (c) What course of action would you take and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":59,"question":"Big firms often undertake sub-contracting to complete large infrastructure projects in a timely manner. You recently joined one such firm as a manager responsible for awarding these contracts. Looking at the past records, you find that all contracts for the past few years have been awarded to a particular firm, X. Your superior has asked you to award an upcoming contract to the same firm. Although, not binding, company procedure maintains that sub-contracting work should be offered after competitive bids. This is to ensure that the firm most suitable for the project in terms of operations and finance gets the contract. When you discuss this with your superior, he insists that hiring of the firm X has been done as per legal norms of the company and no official rule has been violated. You decide to contact the owner of the firm X. After doing so, you realize that he is the nephew of your superior, who is also a shareholder in the company. (a) State the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) Does this form of transaction between two private parties constitute a conflict of interest? Justify. (c) Evaluate the possible ways of awarding contracts in such a situation with their merits and demerits. Also state which method would be more suitable in each situation.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8655,"topper":"Varnit Negi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e15e9-21647_843_varnit_negi_rank_13.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the need for adhering to the road map for fiscal consolidation by fixing the fiscal deficit. Has the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, 2003 served the purpose for which it was envisaged?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Public investment in railways has a multiplier effect for the larger economy. Elaborate. What factors have held back the railways despite having a separate budget and considerable resources? In this context, enumerate the relevant recommendations of Bibek Debroy committee?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"\"There is a myth that small firms create the most jobs in an economy. The fact is that small firms that grow big create the jobs\". In context of the Indian economy what are the factors that prevent firms that start small from growing bigger. What progress has India made in this respect and what other measures are required?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Enumerate the reasons why problem of NPAs is more pronounced in the public sector banks as compared to the private sector. Discuss the implications of having high NPAs in an economy. Also list the measures which the government has taken in order to address them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Mention the salient features of the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) proposed by the government to reinvigorate private investment in infrastructure sector. How is it an improvement over the EPC model?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Even within the multilateral format of WTO the FTA route has served India well. Comment. How can India effectively deal with the challenges posed by the new mega regional agreements such as TPP?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Cashless economy is a global trend now. What are the challenges of achieving a cashless economy in the case of India? How can these challenges be overcome?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Abysmal level of formally skilled workers in Indian economy, as indicated by the Labour Bureau Report 2014, is a cause of concern. What are the factors responsible for such a scenario? Also, examine the measures taken by the government in recent years to address the relevant concerns.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"In the 10 years of its existence MGNREGA has won laurels as well as attracted criticism. Comment. What changes are required for the scheme to be relevant in the current scenario.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Power sector reforms, crucial as they are, have remained elusive. Discuss the reasons for their failure. How far can the UDAY scheme address the issues concerning DISCOMS and improve the entire power sector value chain?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Market volatility and vulnerability to weather are the major issues facing Indian agriculture. Elaborate. In this regard, critically examine the importance of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana vis-a-vis earlier insurance schemes in addressing the problems of Indian agriculture.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"The Hydrocarbon Exploration Licensing Policy (HELP) is a step forward from the New Exploration Licensing Policy (NELP). Compare the two policies and elaborate how HELP can encourage investment in the hydrocarbon sector as well as curtail India's export dependence?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Although equal land ownership rights are essential for the economic empowerment of women, these rights are often overlooked. Discuss. What steps have been taken by the government to ensure land rights for women?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"It has been argued that the Nutrient based subsidy (NBS) scheme launched in 2010 has created more problems than it intended to solve. Examine. What measures are required to address concerns arising out of the fertilizer subsidy policy in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"The success of \"Operation Flood\" proves that thoughtful intervention in the livestock sector has the potential of acting as a growth engine for the agriculture sector and rural economy. In light of this, examine the potential of the livestock sector and the challenges it faces. Also enumerate the steps taken by the government in recent years to leverage the potential of this sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"What are the twin objectives of government food procurement policy in India? Discuss the instruments of this policy. Do you think there is an urgent need for rationalization of MSP policy in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Discuss the potential of Food Processing Industry with regards to employment generation in India. What are the key impediments which need to be overcome before the sector can become internationally competitive and achieve high growth?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Mixed farming for the resource poor farmer is mostly a poverty induced option. Comment. What role can the government play to help farmers realise the potential from mixed farming.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"What do you understand by cropping pattern? What are the factors that influence the cropping pattern in India? Is there a need to change the cropping pattern in the country keeping the agro-ecological concerns in mind?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8656,"topper":"Varnit Negi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9fddb-21647_844_varnit_negi_rank_13.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"It has been assessed that radicalisation is a security threat to India. Explain the basis of such an assessment with examples. What are the key pillars of the counter radicalisation strategy of the government? (Answer in 200 words)","marks":null,"words":"200"},{"page":6,"question":"Arguments on Siachen issue often move around the idea of demilitarisation. Examining the key attributes of the Siachen issue explain the basis of arguments regarding its demilitarisation? Also highlight the arguments against such an idea. (Answer in 200 words)","marks":null,"words":"200"},{"page":9,"question":"Money laundering and terrorism have strong inter linkages. Illustrate. In this context, how far do the steps taken by the government confirm with the international commitments?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Lorgstanding issue of insurgency in the Northeast highlights the linkage between violence, remoteness, underdevelopment and alienation. Elaborate. Also, suggest some corrective measures for a lasting resolution of the conflicts in this region.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"While on the one hand China's One Road One Belt initiative poses security concerns and challenges for India, on the other, it can help improve India's connectivity to major markets and resource supplies. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"NATGRID was an ambitious step involving intelligence reforms, however, it remained a non-starter. Explain. In the context of recent initiatives to revive the NATGRID and the challenges it faced previously what steps are required to make it effective?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"India's national security architecture faces a difficult task in detecting digital intrusion in cyberspace. What are the challenges India faces w.r.t. Digital Intrusion? How can these challenges be overcome?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Relations with Iran hold a lot of potential for India's ambitions for West Asia and beyond, however, realising this potential also involves certain global and regional challenges. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"India is endowed with an amazing variety and wealth of soft power resources. Providing examples, illustrate the utilisation of soft power in diplomatic initiatives of the recent past. What are the limitations of the soft power approach in diplomacy in case of a developing country such as India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Highlight the features of NAVIC and bring out its significance for India. How is it different from GAGAN? Examine whether NAVIC can be a replacement of GPS for India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"What are Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) and how are they an improvement over carbon fibres? Highlight the various unique properties of CNTs which makes them suitable to the manufacturing industry.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Explain the significance of gravitational waves recently detected by LIGO. What are the objectives of the recently envisaged LIGO-India project and what benefits will India accrue from it?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"What are the criteria employed for a pandemic to be declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the WHO? In the wake of recent Ebola and Zika virus outbreaks examine the efficacy of the prevalent architecture of global health governance. Also, assess India's preparedness in handling such global epidemics.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Give a brief explanation of CRISPR - gene editing technology. Also discuss its significance in modern biology and agriculture.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Even though large infrastructure projects like High Speed Rail (HSR) facilitate greater technological development, they come with their own set of challenges. Examine in the context of proposed HSR projects in India. Suggest some measures on how HSR can truly be 'Made in India'.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"What do you understand by Big-data? Using SDGs as an example, discuss its role in effective implementation of public policy. Also mention challenges faced in using Big-Data and measures to overcome them.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8657,"topper":"Varnit Negi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oPEl03NQTrC949ztXKSzycqX9RQOvjcc/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) Differentiate between the following using suitable examples:\na) Attitude and Aptitude.\nb) Empathy and Compassion.\nc) Responsibility and Accountability.\nd) Intelligence and Emotional intelligence.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Analyze Plato's Theory of Virtue in the Indian context.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Given are two quotations. For each of these bring out what it means to you by giving real-life examples.\n(a) \"A Leader is one who admits when he has made a mistake and has the grace to correct it, before it does any more harm\".","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":9,"question":"(b) “For a man to conquer himself is the first and noblest of all victories”.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Q.4) Discuss the role of emotional intelligence for a public servant in crisis management. Give suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.5) What do you understand by 'Code of Ethics' & 'Code of Conduct'? Do you think there is a need to shift from Code of Conduct to Code of Ethics?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.6) How far do you agree that probity is an essential and vital requirement for an efficient and effective system of governance and for socio-economic development? Justify.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.7 RTI has achieved much but clearly, it seems to have reached a stage where the need for a 'Second Revolution' has become inevitable. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.8 Motivation is the reason for people's actions, desires, and needs. How do you keep yourself motivated? Illustrate giving two examples from your study room that motivates you and why.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.9 Corruption though unethical has been seen to benefit citizens time and again. Do you agree? Discuss with real-life examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.10) What factors do you think are responsible for increasing involvement of juveniles in crimes? How can social influence and Persuasion help them to secure a better future?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.11 Discuss the role of family in inculcating values in your life. What modifications would you like to make in such values while passing it on to your children?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Q.12) Hatred is a harmful negative emotion. It is injurious to both personal life and work life.\na) Discuss how it leads to negative emotions and undesirable behaviour.\nb) How can it be managed and controlled?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 You are the Deputy Commissioner of Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and are given the responsibility to formulate a Citizens' Charter of the department. How should you go about it?","marks":"20","words":"300"},{"page":33,"question":"Q.14) You have joined a government district hospital as a junior doctor. After working for few months, you find that substantial misappropriation of public funds is taking place. The fund was meant for procurement of medical devices and essential medicines which are being diverted to private clinics of doctors working in the hospital and to the private pharmacies. You report this to your immediate senior and you find that he too is involved in this, along with the chief medical officer. He asks you to keep quiet and come along or face adverse consequences.\n\nEvery day you find people spending out of their pockets for medicines to which they are entitled free of cost. What options do you have to ensure probity in the utilization of funds in this case? Which one will you choose and why?","marks":"20","words":"300"},{"page":37,"question":"Q.15 Three years back, you and your father took a joint-loan from a bank to start a new business. Despite best attempts, the business failed miserably and now neither you nor your father has money to pay it back to the bank. Your father plans to flee the country with the entire family to avoid bank's harassment, legal procedure and societal pressure.\nWhat will you do in such a situation? Give reasons.\nAlso suggest measures to stop people from fleeing the country post getting indicted for serious criminal activities including economic offences?","marks":"20","words":"300"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.16) You are newly selected for an International cricket match against Pakistan. Just before the match captain of the team calls you aside and tells you to use sticking gum to alter the condition of the ball during the match. You know that this is a clear case of ball tampering which is illegal in international cricket. Subsequently, you come to know that several senior players are also involved in this. Also, this match is very important for the team for two reasons i.e. 1. To maintain 1st ODI ranking in ICC & 2. It is with Pakistan wherein sentiments of the country are grossly involved.\nGiven this situation, answer the following questions\n1. What are the ethical issues involved with Ball-tampering?\n2. What are the options available to you? Discuss the merits and demerits of each. Also, what would be your response to the situation?","marks":"20","words":"300"},{"page":45,"question":"Q.17 An extensive forest fire near the town has taken the following into its flames; 1. Nearby slums 2. House of Collector With collector inside 3. ITBP Training Camp 4. An Old Age Home 5. A Hospital You as the chief of fire control authority of the district notice that only one functional fire brigade is available which cannot attend fires of all the places at a time. What would be your decision in such a case and why? Give Justifications.","marks":"20","words":"300"}]},{"id":8658,"topper":"Varnit Negi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/79488-21647_748_varnit_negi_rank_13.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The crux of ethical behavior lies not only in standards, but in their adoption in action and issuing sanctions against their violation. Illustrate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Ethical qualities of a civil servant come handy in times of a crisis. Elucidate using the example of a natural disaster.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"The bailout package offered to large financial corporations in response to global financial crisis raised important ethical questions. Discuss the ethical issues involved in giving bailout packages to financial corporations using taxpayers' money.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"There is an entrenched perception in our country that the police is biased against the minority community. Why does such a perception exist? Suggest steps to bridge the police community gap.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"India's abysmal record in sex ratio and gender violence reflects the general attitude of the society towards women. Discuss. In this context, how could an attitudinal change be brought about?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"In the parlance of governance, probity is often used in conjunction with integrity. How do you differentiate between the two? What is their importance in public life? What measures can help promote these values in governance?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"How does the use of social media influence political participation and civic engagement? Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"What are the objectives behind the creation of Citizens' Charter? How does a Citizens' Charter ensure transparency and accountability in governance? What are the impediments in its effective implementation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"RTI is termed as a master key to good governance. Highlight the role of RTI in making the administration and governance of our country more ethical and responsive. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Differentiate between persuasion and social influence. How can persuasion be made effective to bring about an attitudinal change? Give two examples where you brought about a positive attitudinal change through persuasion. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":33,"question":"In spite of the existence of a Code of Conduct for public servants, its implementation has been tardy and of limited success. Discuss. Further, suggest steps which could be taken to improve the efficacy of the Code of Conduct. What role can Code of Ethics play in reinforcing the Code of Conduct in public life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Given below is a quotation. Bring out what it means to you in present context. \"The intellect has sharp eye for methods and tools, but is blind to ends and values.\" -Einstein.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Your 16 year old cousin, Leena, loves to play basketball but her peers mock her short height, so much so that Leena has developed a negative attitude towards all sports. As a responsible elder cousin, how will you convince Leena to take up sports once again? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":42,"question":"You are the dean of an engineering college. You have received a complaint regarding prejudice against students from lower castes by some senior professors. These professors have contributed a lot academically to the university. However, this particular instance has disturbed peace and harmony in the campus. (a) Discuss the immediate steps you would take to contain growing discontent among some students. (b) Discuss the action to be taken if the professors are found to be guilty and also evaluate the steps if it comes out to be a false case against the professors. (c) What should be the responsibilities of professors and students to create positive social ambience in the campus?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"You are working in the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and posted in a rural area. There are many government programs being run by your Ministry under which people are given financial help after verification of the required documents. Every day you encounter some cases, in which people from weaker section are not able to avail the benefits due to faulty or insufficient documents. However, there are also some instances of people trying to forge documents, which makes verification important. What will your approach towards cases wherein those from the weaker section are not able to avail the benefits due to insufficient documents - will you go by the rule book or exercise discretion in selected cases based on your experience. Discuss both options available to you and evaluate them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"You have been recently posted as Superintendent of Police of a district which has a famous temple. Shortly thereafter you found that there is considerable tension in your district on the issue of allowing entry of women in the temple. The women were trying to break the allegedly 400-year-old tradition of the temple, which banned women from entering its inner sanctum. Recently a 350-strong group of women was stopped by the the temple administration from entering the temple. This led to a scuffle wherein few women participating in the protest were manhandled. There is a pressure on you from local politicians who want you to prevent any such forced entry as elections are approaching. (a) Do you think there is a dichotomy between progressive values guaranteed to women by the Constitution and regressive traditions which continue in the garb of religion? How can this dichotomy be resolved? (b) How would you manage the law and order situation created by the forced entry? (c) How would you manage and mould patriarchal attitude of the temple administrators and male elders to ensure harmony.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"You are a manager in a sales firm. Mr. A and Mr. B are two juniors working under you. Mr. A is a hardworking person who completes his work before time and hardly takes a leave. His work is meticulous and you have never received any complaint about his work. However, in your personal meetings with Mr. A, you realized that he kept to himself and spoke only when required. You received similar feedbacks from his colleagues as well. Mr. B is not as hard working and completes his work at the very last moment. You also come to know that using his rapport with his colleagues he gets his work done by them. In your meetings with him, he comes across as a confident person but lacking in sincerity. Both are expecting promotion this year, but you can promote only one of them as you have only one vacant position. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) Discuss the merits and demerits of choosing one amongst the two for promotion. (b) Based on your evaluation, whom will you choose for the job? (c) What steps will you take to keep all the employees motivated who did not get promotion on expected lines?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":62,"question":"Mr. A is an honest senior bureaucrat who retired some time back. He has worked across many positions and wields immense influence in the corridors of power. His wife was working in a consulting firm. She has now quit her job and started her own consulting firm that will bid for government contracts also. Mr. A himself intends to contribute his experience and insider knowledge about the government operations to prepare for the bid. When prodded about any conflict of interest, Mrs. A argued that she always wanted to own her own consulting firm and bid for government projects so that she could improve the quality of government operations through her services. But earlier she could not since her husband was a bureaucrat in the same city and various government rules prevented her from doing so. As he has now retired she can take up this job. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in this case? (b) What are steps that can be taken by Mr. A to resolve these ethical issues? (c) What is the best option for Mr. A? Support your answer with appropriate reasons.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8659,"topper":"Varun Guntupalli","air":261,"year":2014,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"IMS4Maths","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://ims4maths.com/coaching/files/Varun-Guntupalli-Test-3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8660,"topper":"Varun Guntupalli","air":261,"year":2014,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"IMS4Maths","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://ims4maths.com/coaching/files/VARUN-GUNTUPALLI-maths-TEST-4-Copy.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8661,"topper":"Varun Guntupalli","air":261,"year":2014,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"IMS4Maths","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://ims4maths.com/coaching/files/Varun-Guntupalli-Test-5.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8662,"topper":"Varun Guntupalli","air":261,"year":2014,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"IMS4Maths","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://ims4maths.com/coaching/files/IMS-varun%20guntupalli-t7-Copy.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8663,"topper":"Varun Guntupalli","air":261,"year":2014,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"IMS4Maths","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://ims4maths.com/coaching/files/Varun-Test-8-Copy.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8664,"topper":"Varun Guntupalli","air":261,"year":2014,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"IMS4Maths","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://ims4maths.com/coaching/files/IMS-Test-9-Varun-G-Copy.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8665,"topper":"VARUN K GOWDA","air":528,"year":2022,"paper":"Optional — Medical Science","optional":true,"source":"IAS Delhi Institute","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oDQLQUx1q1bSib8YPlZXRVte1g4cfsCA/view?usp=drive_link","questions":[]},{"id":8666,"topper":"Varun Singhal","air":262,"year":2019,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1c79f-23384_767_varun-singhal_rank_262.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8667,"topper":"Varun Singhal","air":262,"year":2019,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e9c97-23384_768_varun-singhal_rank_262.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8668,"topper":"Varun Singhal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6a5b6-23384_846_varun-singhal_rank_262.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Give an account of the distinguishing features of Indian classical dances. What is the difference between Nritta, Nritya and Natya? Also, discuss how Indian classical dances are a manifestation of spirituality.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"How did the Sramana tradition influence the Vedic religion and led to the emergence of Jainism, Buddhism and Ajivika sects? Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Post-Mauryan five centuries are often referred to as the \"Dark Period\" of Indian History akin to the Dark Ages of Europe. Do you agree with the view?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"The relationship between the British imperialists and the Indian Princely States changed from 'Struggle for Equality' to 'Policy of Equal Federation' according to their changing needs. Analyze.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"While the Indian capitalist class could have contributed significantly towards the Indian national movement, it remained a bystander. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Examine whether the mutiny of 1857 was an organized and planned revolt or a spontaneous insurrection. Also, discuss the reasons for its limited territorial spread.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"The system of permanent settlement not only had economic consequences, but also gave rise to a new social structure in the Indian society. Explain.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the circumstances that led to an alliance between the Khilafat and Non-Cooperation Movements? Critically analyse the implications of this alliance on the Indian freedom movement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"The emergence of national multimedia conglomerates in the post-liberalization period has not only changed the nature of journalism but also affected democratic mobilization in India. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Operation Flood created a strong foundation to transform India's dairy sector into a vibrant business activity. Explain. Why could the example of Amul not be replicated in other areas of the country?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Implementation of the language provisions in the Constitution proved to be a formidable task even though the Congress party was in power all the country. In this regard, discuss the challenges and the manner in which the language issue was resolved.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"The Cold War was a geopolitical, ideological, and economic struggle between two world superpowers. Discuss. What were the factors responsible for the end of the Cold War?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"While there were some similarities between Hitler's Nazism and Mussolini's Fascism, there were certain fundamental differences as well. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"What were the conditions that favored imperialism in Asia and Africa? Discuss the long-term impacts of imperialist control on the countries of Asia and Africa.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Briefly discuss the issues that led to the rise of ethnic insurgency in Sri Lanka in the 1980s. How did the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord attempt to address them?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Investment in the future of girl child is not only a question of economic priority but also one of social attitude. Comment. How can the government schemes help change entrenched social attitudes vis a vis the girl child?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Suicide is a leading cause of death among young people not only in India but also in other countries. Why are the youth vulnerable to suicides? Discuss some strategies to address the problem of suicides among the youth.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Unemployment can not be ascribed only to economic factors, social and personal factors equally contribute to this phenomenon. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"With overpopulated cities and their strained infrastructure, India is in the midst of an urban crisis. How far can the Smart Cities Mission help in upgradation of exisiting cities in the country? What are the reservations of local bodies with respect to this mission?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"What are Personal Law Boards? Are their decisions binding on citizens? How can the incongruence between the principles followed by them and those of the common law courts be reconciled? Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8669,"topper":"Varun Singhal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/06bb1-23384_845_varun-singhal_rank_262.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Soil management in Northeast India is critical for a viable agriculture economy. In this context, discuss the problems of soils in Northeast India. Suggest some steps that can be taken to counter this problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"How does the plate tectonics theory help explain the formation of Himalayas and Deccan Traps?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Inspite being one of the largest producer of fish, there is still considerable scope of improvement in the fishery sector. In light of the above statement, discuss the problems and prospects of Fishery industry in India with respect to both inland and marine fisheries.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Vegetation in deserts and saline areas have highly specialized means of adapting themselves to the environment. Explain.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Give an account of the distribution of cement industry in India and the factors that affect its location. Also trace the growth of cement industry in ndia.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Despite the enormous demand of electronics, the manufacturing of electronic goods has not been a feature of the Indian industry. Enumerate the reasons for the same. Suggest measures which are required to acheive the target of Net Zero Import by 2020.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Agroforestry is seen as a solution to meet the challenges of food, nutrition, energy, employment and environment security. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Explain the phenomenon of Tsunami formation and highlight reasons for India's vulnerability to Tsunamis. List some measures to mitigate the impact of Tsunamis.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Explain the role of Himalayas in influencing the climate of South Asia. Enumerate the changes observed recently in the Himalayan region with respect to climate and geomorphology. What are the possible anthropogenic causes behind them?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Explain the different types of earthquake waves and the concept of shadow zone. What inferences can we draw from shadow zones regarding the interior of the Earth?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Explain the difference between chemical weathering and physical weathering. What is the ecological and economic significance of weathering? ?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Tropical regions are not only the most resource rich but also one of the most underdeveloped regions of the world. What are the factors responsible for this? How have some of the tropical countries turned their natural limitations to their advantage? Illustrate. - ? ?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Coral reefs are the most biologically diverse and economically valuable ecosystems on earth. Elaborate. Discuss the factors responsible for the decline of coral reefs across the world. Also, list some measures that have been taken for their preservation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Despite EIA being a useful policy tool for sustainable development, deficiencies in its design and implementation have prevented it from realising its potential. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"According to the Indian Fertiliser Scenario 2014, the use of urea in India has increased by more than 50 per cent since 2000. How does human intervention turn nitrogen from a nutrient to a pollutant? Discuss the impacts of nitrogen pollution on environment and human health. Also, explain how nitrogen pollution can be managed.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Temperate grasslands are called 'Granaries of the world'. Elucidate. How have the farming practices adopted in these regions impacted the environment?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Enumerate the global targets and priorities for action of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. Discuss the positive features and limitations of the framework.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"What is a heat wave? Discuss the health impacts of heat wave in India. Analyse the reasons behind high incidence of mortality rates due to heat wave in India. Suggest measures to tackle the above problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"'Rising accidents involving merchant ships leading to oil spills in Indian waters is a growing concern that needs to be addressed.' Discuss the impact of oil spills on marine environment. Also, suggest measures to prevent such disasters.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Forest fire pose a threat not only to the forest wealth but also to the entire regime of flora and fauna. What are the causes of forest fire? Discuss the ecological, economic and social impacts of forest fires.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8670,"topper":"Varun Singhal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/83985-23384_747_varun-singhal_rank_262.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"A broad ethical framework as a guiding light for international relations will not only ensure harmonious relations between nations but will also lead to progress of the human race. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"What does inequality mean to you? What are the different kinds of inequality? Is inequality morally wrong?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"One has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws. In light of this statement, examine the relevance of civil disobedience in a modern democratic society. Discuss the duties and responsibilities of a law enforcing officer in such situations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Ensuring accountability in the administration just adds another layer in the bureaucratic process. Examine. Differentiate between accountability and responsibility. Suggest some measures through which administrative accountability can be made more effective in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"\"Morality is based neither on the principle of utility, nor on a law of nature, but on human reason. But human reason can be fallible.\" Comment., What does morality mean to you?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"For effective public service delivery, the need today is to move from traditional accountability mechanisms to social accountability through greater civic engagement. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"What do you mean by social justice? Explain with examples, why it is imperative for a society to promote social justice.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Investigative reporting by media can be a significant source of information on corruption. What are ethical issues involved in investigative journalism? What safeguards can be introduced to prevent its misuse?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"While transplantation of organs represents one of the most spectacular achievements of modern medical science, it has raised many ethical issues as well. Discuss. Also, examine the issues related to organ transplantation in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"There can be honesty without integrity, but no integrity without honesty. Do you agree? Justify your stand with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"\"It is not always the same thing to be a good person and a good citizen.\" Explain the meaning of this statement and analyse its implications for a democratic society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Value of compassion towards the weak extends the limits of operations of a public servant by introducing flexibility but dilutes the principle of objectivity. Discuss. If a conflict arises between the value of compassion and principle of objectivity, how will you deal with it as a public servant? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Which administrator had a lasting impact on your decision to join the civil services and why? Should administrators have increased media presence so that the common man can know more about their efforts and achievements? Justify your stand. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You are a Secretary in a government department. Your Minister has proposed an unemployment grant, which is expected to cost the public exchequer heavily. Having already taken the decision, he asks you to come up with research to support the scheme. Despite your best efforts, you fail to find socio-economic benefit in it. You approach the Minister with relevant facts and studies and ask him to reconsider his decision. Instead, he asks you to suppress the negative impacts and actively promote the scheme through mass media as the percieved social impacts are more important than economic impacts. Elections are due in a short time and the political party currently in power is expected to win. You are also due for promotion at the same time. You are expected to fully cooperate in the situation and make the scheme a success, however flawed its foundations may be. (a) List the different stakeholders in the above situation and mention their prospective interests. (b) Discuss the ethical dilemma which you face in this situation. (c) Some of the alternatives for you to handle the situation could be: • Do as asked by the Minister.. • Insist on publication of results and let the public decide whether it wants the scheme. • Call a press conference and brief the media about the results and the callous attitude of the Minister. Suggest any other possible option(s). Evaluate all of them and suggest the best course of action, giving reasons for it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":56,"question":"In a district, in which you are posted as a District Magistrate, a teacher molests a child in a government run school. As the news of this crime spreads, the parents, relatives and locals gather at the school. The culprit teacher has meanwhile fled. The police arrests the Principal of the school and assure the crowd that the culprit would be arrested soon. The crowd, however, has gone berserk and begins to damage the school building. It wants immediate arrest of the culprit and is not ready to budge until he is arrested. (a) Is it correct to take the Principal into custody when he has personally not committed the crime? Support your answer with appropriate reasons. (b) What options do you have in dealing with the crowd? Enumerate the merits and demerits of each and also suggest the best possible option. (c) Ir the capacity of District Magistrate what would be your long term plan to prevent molestations and rapes in the schools?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8671,"topper":"Varun Tokas","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a8a69-46100045_2713_varun-tokas_rank_117.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. Nalanda was not only a center of learning, but also a hub for scholars from across Asia. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"2. Domingo Paes, a 16th-century Portuguese traveller, equated Vijayanagara to Rome, highlighting its architectural splendour. What made Vijayanagara the epitome of urbanisation in pre-modern South India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"3. What were the various ways in which nationalism manifested itself in India after the advent of Mahatma Gandhi? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"4. How did the Emergency (1975-77) impact India's democratic institutions and political landscape? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"5. Identify the major tsunamigenic zones in the Indian Ocean and explain the mechanism of tsunami wave propagation.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"6. Discuss the factors responsible for the shift of the sugar industry from North to South India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"7. What is thermokarst? Analyse its growing relevance in the context of Arctic permafrost thawing and global climate change.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"8. India's slow pace of urbanisation poses significant challenges to its economic and social progress. Examine the factors responsible for this trend.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"9. How does India's diversity influence its democracy? Discuss the initiatives taken to leverage this diversity for national integration.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"10. Examine the role of grassroots women's organisations in transforming rural livelihoods and social attitudes.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"11. Indian folk and tribal arts are vibrant, living traditions that are passed through generations. Discuss the role of women in preserving traditional knowledge and cultural heritage.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"12. What were the causes and consequences of the Partition of Bengal in 1905? How did it reshape the nationalist strategy in the early 20th century?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"13. How did the \"Century of Humiliation\" (1839-1949) shape modern China's national identity and its approach to foreign relations? Discuss with reference to key events.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"14. Analyze the factors contributing to the concentration of the jute industry in eastern India. Also, discuss the key challenges currently faced by the jute industry.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"15. Enumerate the environmental conditions conducive to the formation of coral reefs. Discuss the major natural and anthropogenic factors responsible for their degradation. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"16. Discuss the factors contributing to the early onset of the monsoon in India. Analyze its socio-economic impacts.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":41,"question":"17. What is Transit Oriented Development (TOD)? Discuss its relevance in addressing urban sprawl, mobility challenges, and inclusive growth in Indian cities.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"18. Urban poverty in India persists despite high economic growth. What are the structural causes of urban poverty in India? Suggest appropriate measures to address the problem of urban poverty.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":47,"question":"19. Evaluate the implications of rising divorce rates and delayed marriages on the family system in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"20. Globalization has brought new opportunities as well as challenges for children in India. Examine.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8672,"topper":"Varun Tokas","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/74ce6-46100045_3612_varun-tokas_rank_117.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) As AI systems become deeply embedded in societal frameworks, it is imperative to ensure their design and deployment prioritize human well-being, equity, and fairness. In this context, what values should guide the development of trustworthy, human-centered AI systems? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) Ethical leadership is crucial for fostering good governance, as it emphasizes core values such as justice, accountability, and equity. In the face of diverse and challenging scenarios, how can ethical leadership drive transformative change in governance and decision-making? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) Integrity and impartiality are cornerstones of ethical public service, ensuring that decisions are not influenced by personal gains or biases. Upholding these values becomes challenging in situations where external pressures conflict with administrative responsibilities. Examine the importance of integrity and impartiality in civil services. How can a civil servant navigate external pressures to maintain these values while delivering effective governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) Transparency is not just a tool to combat corruption but a fundamental practice that upholds the integrity and legitimacy of public institutions. Examine the above statement with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"3 Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context?\n3. (a) \"He who is not contented with what he has would not be contented with what he would like to have.\" - Socrates (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) \"Cultivation of mind should be the ultimate aim of human existence\" - Dr. B.R. Ambedkar (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"3. (c) \"The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good.\" - Samuel Johnson (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"4. (a) Examine the role of social media in shaping moral and political attitudes in contemporary society. Suggest guiding principles for fostering responsible and ethical social media usage. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"4. (b) While Emotional Intelligence (EI) can be a powerful tool for strengthening interpersonal relationships and achieving goals, its misuse raises ethical concerns of manipulating emotions for personal or political advantage. Discuss the dual-edged nature of EI in this context.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"5. (a) Preventive measures play a crucial role in curbing corruption in the long run. In this context, what are the existing preventive mechanisms that aim to prevent corruption? Do you think similar mechanisms should be institutionalized at the organizational level to ensure greater accountability and transparency? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"5. (b) A public servant's primary duty is to recognise the importance of public interest and ensure that it is upheld. How can a public servant balance professional responsibilities while ensuring the public good is effectively served?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":25,"question":"6. (a) With the increasing role of the corporate sector in wealth generation and employment, ethical governance has become essential. Identify and discuss the ethical principles that should guide the corporate sector to ensure the interests of stakeholders and societal well-being.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"6. (b) How does whistleblowing influence trust and accountability in governance? Analyse the ethical dilemmas involved in whistleblowing. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"7. In the following questions, carefully study the cases presented and then answer the questions that follow (in around 250 words):\n(a) इस प्रकरण में शामिल प्रमुख हितधारकों की पहचान कीजिए और उनके संबंधित हितों का विश्लेषण कीजिए।\n(b) आर्थिक विकास, पर्यावरणीय संवेदनशीलता और जनजातीय अधिकारों के बीच संतुलन बनाने में अधिकारी द्वारा सामना की जाने वाली नैतिक दुविधाओं पर चर्चा कीजिए। (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"around 250"},{"page":30,"question":"(a) Identify the key stakeholders involved in the case and analyze their respective interests.\n(b) Discuss the ethical dilemmas faced by the officer in balancing economic development, environmental sustainability, and tribal rights. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"8 (a) Identify and analyze the ethical issues involved in the case.\n(b) Discuss the possible courses of action available to Akshay. What would be the most ethical and appropriate course of action in this situation? Justify your response. (Answer in 250 words)\na) Identify and analyze the ethical issues involved in the case.\nb) Discuss the possible courses of action available to Akshay. What would be the most ethical and appropriate course of action in this situation? Justify your response. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"(a) धामक सूचना संबंधी संकट से निपटने में इशिता द्वारा सामना की जाने वाली नैतिक दुविधाओं की पहचान कीजिए।\n(b) अभिव्यक्ति की स्वतंत्रता, सार्वजनिक व्यवस्था और सरकारी निर्देशों के बीच संतुलन बनाने में इशिता द्वारा क्या कार्रवाई की जानी चाहिए? अपने उत्तर का औचित्य सिद्ध कीजिए।\n(c) प्राकृतिक आपदाओं के दौरान धामक सूचना को रोकने के लिए क्या कदम उठाए जा सकते हैं? (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में दीजिए)\na) धामक सूचना संबंधी संकट से निपटने में इशिता द्वारा सामना की जाने वाली नैतिक दुविधाओं की पहचान कीजिए।\nb) अभिव्यक्ति की स्वतंत्रता, सार्वजनिक व्यवस्था और सरकारी निर्देशों के बीच संतुलन बनाने में इशिता द्वारा क्या कार्रवाई की जानी चाहिए? अपने उत्तर का औचित्य सिद्ध कीजिए।\nc) प्राकृतिक आपदाओं के दौरान धामक सूचना को रोकने के लिए क्या कदम उठाए जा सकते हैं? (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":40,"question":"(a) Identify the ethical dilemmas faced by Ishita in handling the misinformation crisis.\n(b) What should be Ishita's course of action in balancing freedom of speech, public order, and government directives? Justify your response.\n(c) What steps can be taken to prevent misinformation during natural disasters? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"10 As a Quality Control Officer at the India unit of a multinational corporation (MNC), you uncover a serious ethical issue—products sold in India are of inferior quality compared to those in developed countries, potentially compromising consumer safety. When you escalate the issue to the Head of Quality Control, he dismisses your concerns, justifying the discrepancy by stating that different markets follow different standards. He further warns that exposing the issue could lead to job losses, possible closure of the India unit, and your own termination. You now face a personal and professional dilemma. On one hand, your father is critically ill, and as the sole earning member, losing your job could jeopardize his treatment. On the other hand, staying silent would mean compromising professional integrity and endangering consumer safety.\n(a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\n(b) What are the options available to the Quality Control Officer to address this issue?\n(c) What responsibilities do corporations have towards consumers in different markets?","marks":null,"words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":49,"question":"11 You are the District Magistrate of a district renowned as the hub for coaching centres specializing in engineering and medical entrance exams. Recently, the district has witnessed a tragic rise in student suicides, with five students in the age group of 15-18 years taking their own lives. These students, who came from various parts of the country, sought admission to prestigious institutions like IITs and AIIMS but were subjected to immense academic and social pressure. The coaching centres, which are largely managed by influential political figures from the ruling party, are reported to have prioritized rankings and revenue generation over the well-being of students.\n(a) Highlight the stakeholders involved and discuss the associated ethical issues in the given case.\n(b) Given the situation, what will be your course of action as the District Magistrate?\n(c) Discussing the various reasons for the increasing number of suicides among students, suggest long-term measures to address this issue. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"12 Priya, an IAS officer serving as the Municipal Commissioner of ABC City, is faced with a challenging ethical dilemma. The state government has approved a Smart City project, which includes the construction of a multi-lane expressway and modern commercial complexes. The project aims to boost economic activity, enhance urban mobility, and attract investment, positioning ABC as a model for sustainable urban development. However, the proposed expressway passes through the old city area, which is home to centuries-old heritage buildings, temples, and a community of artisans who rely on tourism and handicrafts for their livelihood. Experts warn that the construction will lead to the demolition of historic structures and the displacement of traditional craftsmen, thereby threatening the city's cultural identity. Heritage conservationists and local communities are strongly opposing the project, advocating for alternative routes or modifications to preserve the old city's heritage. Conversely, business groups, real estate developers, and political leaders argue that urban development is essential for progress and that heritage concerns should not obstruct modernization. Priya must navigate these conflicting interests, ensuring that the government's urban development agenda is implemented while also safeguarding the city's rich cultural heritage and the livelihoods of vulnerable communities.\n(a) Identify the key stakeholders involved in the case and analyze their respective interests.\n(b) Discuss the ethical dilemmas faced by Priya in balancing urban development, heritage conservation, and the rights of local communities. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8673,"topper":"Varun Tokas","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4e783-46100045_2714_varun-tokas_rank_117.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q1. Delegated legislation is a pragmatic response to the limitations of the legislature but poses challenges to the separation of powers in India. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q2. How does the federal structure of India differ from that of the United States?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q3. The Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Act, 2023 has sparked concerns about the erosion of the Election Commission's autonomy. Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q4. Discuss the key objectives of the e-Courts Project. How does it contribute to enhancing access to justice and improving judicial efficiency in India?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q5. Discuss the role of digital platforms in empowering SHGs and enhancing their market linkage and credit access. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q6. Analyze the potential of the Institutions of Eminence (IoE) scheme in elevating India's higher education to global standards.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q7. While income poverty has declined, nutritional poverty persists in India. How can the present food security interventions of the government be restructured to address this concern holistically? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q8. Discuss the significance of the SMILE scheme in addressing the vulnerabilities of transgender persons and beggars in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q9. \"जो महासागरों पर नियंत्रण रखता है, वह विश्व पर शासन करता है।\" इस कथन के आलोक में, भारत की समुद्री रणनीति में सागर (SAGAR) से महासागर (MAHASAGAR) तक हुए बदलाव पर चर्चा कीजिए।\nWhoever controls the oceans, runs the world. In this context, discuss the shift in India's maritime strategy from SAGAR to MAHASAGAR. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q10. Evaluate the role of the India-UK FTA in facilitating greater market access and professional mobility. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q11. Examine the role of inter-governmental institutions in facilitating cooperative dialogue and resolving critical governance challenges in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q12. Despite being an important instrument of legislative initiative, Private Member's Bills rarely become laws in India. Examine the factors responsible for this trend. Also, suggest measures to strengthen the role of Private Members in the legislative process.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q13. Discuss the major challenges in effective devolution of funds, functions, and functionaries to the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q14. Lok Adalats and Alternate Dispute Resolution mechanisms have improved access to justice but face limitations in delivering substantive justice. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q15. Critically evaluate the Smart Cities Mission in achieving sustainable urban development and enhancing quality of life in India.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q16. Assess the effectiveness of the Right to Information Act, 2005 in ensuring transparency and accountability in governance in the last two decades.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q17. Despite progress in healthcare infrastructure and policy reforms, India continues to face critical challenges in the primary healthcare sector. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q18. What are the key objectives of the Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana (PMVDY)? How does the scheme contribute to the economic empowerment of tribal communities in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q19. India-Bangladesh relations, once marked by shared history and cultural proximity, are now shaped by strategic calculus, regional competition, and shifting domestic politics in both countries. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q20. Critically examine the effectiveness of the UNSC in addressing contemporary crises related to international peace and security. What reforms are necessary to enhance its credibility and responsiveness? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8674,"topper":"Varun Tokas","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/23ca7-46100045_2715_varun-tokas_rank_117.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. How can food processing units based on regional agricultural specializations facilitate grassroots-level transformation? Discuss with suitable examples from different regions of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"2. Discuss how digitization has emerged as the primary driver of inclusive growth in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"3. How does the Digital Agriculture Mission leverage technology to transform the lives of farmers in India? Substantiate your answer with relevant examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"4. Setting up new industrial infrastructure for renewable energy in India is a daunting task. How does the government plan to encourage private sector participation in this emerging sector? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"5. What are the key macroeconomic consequences of rising global crude oil prices for India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"6. E-waste management is not just a corporate responsibility, but it starts at home. Delineate the responsibilities of different stakeholders in this regard.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"7. How can emerging technologies be leveraged to strengthen drought mitigation efforts in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"8. Briefly explain the 'Hoyle-Narlikar Theory of Gravity' developed by Prof. Jayant Narlikar and Sir Fred Hoyle. How did it impact the contemporary discourse on the origin and fate of the universe? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"9. How does the spread of fake news pose a threat to national security? Discuss the measures to counter this challenge.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"10. Explain how India faces numerous challenges in combating Transnational Organized Crime (TOC). Comment on the measures being taken to counter this threat. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"11. Examine the significance of pulses in ensuring dietary diversity, soil health, and sustainable agriculture. What challenges do farmers face in terms of production and marketing of these crops? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"12 What are the safety challenges faced by the aviation sector in India? In this context, discuss the key provisions of The Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":29,"question":"13. What are the causes for sharp depreciation in the value of rupee in the last few years? Discuss the merits and demerits of rupee depreciation on the Indian economy. Highlight the tools used by the RBI to manage currency volatility.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":32,"question":"14. Examine the role of digitization of land records under the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP) in improving land governance in India. What are the key challenges in its implementation?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":35,"question":"15. In the context of Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) agreement under the Nagoya Protocol to the Convention on Biological Diversity, what is Digital Sequence Information (DSI)? How does DSI complicate the traditional method of managing ABS? In this light, delineate the provisions of the new Biological Diversity (Access and Benefit Sharing) Regulation 2025.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":38,"question":"16. Urban fires are becoming difficult to control due to growing temperatures, failing infrastructure, and poor planning. Discuss the causes of this disaster. Mention the features of two such major fires in the last two decades in India. Describe the policies and frameworks in India that aim at tackling such fires.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"17. Uncrewed missions now accomplish most objectives at far lower cost and risk. In this backdrop, examine the rationale for continuing crewed spaceflight. Also assess how India's participation in the Axiom-4 mission could influence the development of the proposed Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS).","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"18. What is the low-Earth-orbit (LEO) constellation technology being employed for next-generation satellite internet services? Explain its working principle, enumerate its advantages over geostationary systems, and mention the major limitations it still faces.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"19. What is the role of the Multi-Agency Centre (MAC) and NATGRID in intelligence sharing? Assess their effectiveness in tackling real-time threats and propose measures to enhance both data security and inter-agency responsiveness.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"20. The convergence of peer-to-peer cryptocurrencies with traditional hawala has created an opaque transnational value-transfer network. Examine how this crypto-hawala nexus operates and why it poses challenges for India's anti-money-laundering and counter-terrorist-financing regime. Also, discuss the steps taken so far.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"}]},{"id":8675,"topper":"Varun Tokas","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/cdd4c-46100045_2716_varun-tokas_rank_117.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) The consequences of ethical actions are shaped by the intent behind them, but good intentions may lead to unintended harm. Examine this statement with suitable examples. Is it correct to decide rightness or wrongness of an act by looking at the intention of the person who carries it out? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) The persistence of dowry in Indian society reflects deeper issues of lack of sensitivity as well as institutional apathy. Discuss how ethical transformation is more important than mere legal enforcement in such cases.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) Probity in governance is not just about laws, but about ethical leadership. Discuss this statement in the context of challenges faced by public officials in high-stakes situations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) Ethical governance is not merely about avoiding wrongdoing, it is about proactively fostering an environment where ethical conduct is the norm. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"3 Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context?\n3. (a) \"You may never know what results come of your actions. But if you do nothing, there will be no result.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) \"Man is the master weaver both of the inner garment of character and the outer garment of circumstance.\"- James Allen (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"3. (c) \"The virtuous man is he who chooses the mean between excess and deficiency.\" - Aristotle (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"4. (a) In an age of hyper-digital activity and constant online presence, discuss the need for developing Digital Emotional Intelligence (DEI) among individuals, especially public servants.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"4. (b) In the context of climate change, how can value-based persuasion be more effective than rule-based enforcement in changing public behaviour? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"5. (a) A company is only as ethical as the decisions it makes when it's under pressure. In light of this statement, discuss the ethical dilemmas faced by organizations during economic downturns. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"5. (b) Discuss the ethical implications of war-induced displacement of refugees. How should countries balance national interest with their moral responsibility towards refugees? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"6. (a) What teachings of Vardhaman Mahavira are most relevant today and why? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":27,"question":"6. (b) Dedication to public service forms one of the foundational values for a civil servant. Discuss how it goes beyond professional duty.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"7. In the following questions, carefully study the cases presented and then answer the questions that follow (in around 250 words):\n(a) Discuss the key ethical issues involved in this case.\n(b) Analyze the role of peers in influencing adolescent decision-making.\n(c) Discuss the evolving nature of responsibilities of parents and schools in helping adolescents deal with situations of emotional distress.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"8. (a) इस मामले में मुख्य हितधारक कौन हैं? उनके दृष्टिकोण और परस्पर विरोधी हितों का विश्लेषण कीजिए।\n(b) जिला कलेक्टर के रूप में, इस स्थिति से निपटने के लिए आपके पास कौन-कौन से विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं? प्रत्येक विकल्प के गुण-दोषों का मूल्यांकन कीजिए।\n(c) आप क्या कदम उठाएंगे और क्यों? अपने निर्णय का औचित्य सिद्ध कीजिए।\na) इस मामले में मुख्य हितधारक कौन हैं? उनके दृष्टिकोण और परस्पर विरोधी हितों का विश्लेषण कीजिए।\nb) जिला कलेक्टर के रूप में, इस स्थिति से निपटने के लिए आपके पास कौन-कौन से विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं? प्रत्येक विकल्प के गुण-दोषों का मूल्यांकन कीजिए।\nc) आप क्या कदम उठाएंगे और क्यों? अपने निर्णय का औचित्य सिद्ध कीजिए।","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"Local tensions rise as environmental NGOs begin posting satellite-based evidence of illegal trawling. Fishermen's cooperatives are protesting, arguing that they have no alternative source of income, and any seizure of boats will push hundreds into destitution. They threaten to block access to the district harbour and dump fish waste outside government offices if strict enforcement continues.\n(a) Who are the principal stakeholders in this case? Analyse their perspectives and conflicting interests.\n(b) As the District Collector, what are the various options available to you to address the situation? Evaluate the merits and demerits of each option.\n(c) What course of action would you take and why? Justify your decision.","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":39,"question":"(a) What are the key ethical dilemmas you face in using animals for cosmetic research?\n(a) कॉस्मेटिक शोध के लिए पशुओं का उपयोग करने में आपके सामने कौन-सी प्रमुख नैतिक दुविधाएं आती हैं?\n(b) इस स्थिति में आपके पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं? आपको कौन-सा विकल्प चुनना चाहिए और क्यों?\n(c) कंपनी के भावी शोध में पशु परीक्षण पर निर्भरता को कम करने के लिए आप क्या उपाय सुझा सकते हैं?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"(b) and (c) (b) What are the options available to you in this scenario? Which option should you choose and why?\n(c) What measures can you propose to reduce the reliance on animal testing in the company's future research? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"10. (a) मोहित को किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\n(b) डिप्टी कमिश्नर के रूप में मोहित के लिए उपलब्ध सभी विकल्पों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\n(c) स्थिति की गंभीर प्रकृति को देखते हुए मोहित को क्या कदम उठाने चाहिए?\na) मोहित को किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\nb) डिप्टी कमिश्नर के रूप में मोहित के लिए उपलब्ध सभी विकल्पों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\nc) स्थिति की गंभीर प्रकृति को देखते हुए मोहित को क्या कदम उठाने चाहिए?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"(a) What are the ethical dilemmas that Mohit faces?\n(b) Discuss all the options available to Mohit as the Deputy Commissioner.\n(c) What course of action should Mohit take given the critical nature of the situation? (Answer in 250 words)\na) What are the ethical dilemmas that Mohit faces?\nb) Discuss all the options available to Mohit as the Deputy Commissioner.\nc) What course of action should Mohit take given the critical nature of the situation? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"11 You have recently been appointed as the Chief Secretary of a state. Soon after, you receive multiple reports highlighting instances of unprofessional conduct by several civil servants, including officers of the All India Services. These include publicly displaying political allegiance at government functions, engaging in culturally inappropriate gestures such as touching political leaders' feet, and posting controversial or sensitive opinions on social media platforms that could be interpreted as partisan and breach of civil service norms.\n\nThese actions have triggered criticism from the public and media, raising concerns about the erosion of the neutrality, integrity, and discipline expected of public servants. You believe that these actions, if left unchecked, could damage the credibility of the administration and the trust reposed in it by the people.\n\nYou now face the challenge of taking corrective measures to ensure that such incidents are not repeated, while also maintaining morale within the services and avoiding overly harsh or demotivating actions.\n(a) What are the ethical concerns in this case?\n(b) As the Chief Secretary, what steps should you take to address the situation?\n(c) How can a balance be maintained between respecting personal freedom and upholding professional standards of civil servants?","marks":null,"words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":54,"question":"12. You are the newly appointed Superintendent of Police (SP) of Puri district, Odisha, brought in after a tragic stampede during the recent Rath Yatra festival that claimed three lives and injured over fifty devotees. An official inquiry cited serious lapses in crowd control, poor coordination among police units, and the controversial prioritization of VIP access over the safety of ordinary devotees as contributing factors.\nWith three more major rituals of the Rath Yatra scheduled over the next week, and a turnout expected to cross 10 lakh devotees, you are tasked with ensuring foolproof security and achieving zero casualties. As you prepare the revised plan\n(a) आप किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना कर रहे हैं?\n(b) इस स्थिति से निपटने के लिए आपके पास कौन-से विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\n(c) आपके विचार से इनमें से कौन-सा विकल्प आपके लिए सबसे उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?\n(d) बड़े धार्मिक समारोहों के प्रबंधन में विशेष रूप से वी.आई.पी. प्रवेश के साथ-साथ सार्वजनिक सुरक्षा से संबंधित चुनौतियों के दीर्घकालिक समाधान के लिए आप कौन-से प्रणालीगत सुधार सुझाएंगे?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":55,"question":"(a) What are the ethical dilemmas that you face?\n(b) What are the options available to you to cope with this situation?\n(c) Which of the options, do you think, would be the most appropriate for you to adopt and why?\n(d) What systemic reforms would you suggest for the long-term resolution of such challenges in managing large religious gatherings, particularly concerning VIP access as well as public safety? (Answer in 250 words)\na) What are the ethical dilemmas that you face?\nb) What are the options available to you to cope with this situation?\nc) Which of the options, do you think, would be the most appropriate for you to adopt and why?\nd) What systemic reforms would you suggest for the long-term resolution of such challenges in managing large religious gatherings, particularly concerning VIP access as well as public safety?","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8676,"topper":"Varuna Agrawal","air":38,"year":2020,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/98182-647031_1254_varuna-agrawal_rank_38.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8677,"topper":"Varuna Agrawal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8a57b-647031_1524_varuna-agrawal_rank_38.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Tenancy reforms are much needed to give a boost to the Indian agricultural sector. Comment. In this context, also discuss the significance of the Model Land Leasing Act, 2016. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"India's march towards inclusive growth and it achieving the Sustainable Development Goals are intricately linked. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlight the need for evolving an appropriate system of Rules Of Origin in regional trading arrangements. What steps have been taken by India recently in this regard? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"MSP regime is a creation of an era of scarcity in the 1960s. Discuss its relevance in the current era of surplus agricultural production. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Examine the link between the recent locust attack and climate change. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlighting the properties of Carbon Nanotubes, discuss its applications. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"India's domestic patent regime privileges public health over pharmaceutical industry's interests. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Bring out the arguments surrounding the idea of employing the principle of 'one border - one force' on Indian borders. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Assess the need to create a new cadre of Indian Frontier Administrative Service to undertake the vital tasks at Indian frontiers. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The main objective of Union Budget 2020-21 is to provide \"Ease of Living\" to all citizens. Analyse the framework proposed in the Budget 2020-21 to achieve this objective. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Several challenges are needed to be addressed to realise the full benefits of the recent agricultural marketing reforms. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Multimodal transport requires multiple integrations across different modes of transportation. Substantiate. What are the challenges and opportunities associated with multimodal transportation for India? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Though COVID-19 pandemic exposes the vulnerability of informal sector and associated labor force in India, it also presents an opportunity to rebalance formal-informal economy dynamics in the country. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Highlight the drivers and challenges facing India's ambition to become a gas-based economy. Mention the steps that have been taken by the government recently in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Climate Change and the associated events endanger the marine and coastal ecosystems while increasing the vulnerability of coastal population. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Using examples, highlight how natural ecosystems perform different hazard mitigation functions. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Explain what genome sequencing is and state the challenges in scaling up genome sequencing projects. Also, throw some light on the recently launched IndiGen Project. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"India needs to avert radicalisation and societal dissention, as internal faultlines are a breeding ground for cyber and transnational terrorism. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Given the emerging security challenges, discuss why the establishment of Integrated Theatre Commands is being seen as an important defence reform. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8678,"topper":"Varuna Agrawal","air":38,"year":2020,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9b736-647031_1522_varuna-agrawal_rank_38.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8679,"topper":"Varuna Agrawal","air":38,"year":2020,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/85760-647031_1418_varuna-agrawal_rank_38.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8680,"topper":"Varuna Agrawal","air":38,"year":2020,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ec7e0-647031_1525_varuna-agrawal_rank_38.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8681,"topper":"Varuna Agrawal","air":38,"year":2020,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2af82-647031_1420_varuna-agrawal_rank_38.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8682,"topper":"Vedika Bansal","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/VEDIKA-BANSAL-UPSC-2023-Rank-96-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Justice meted out should not be based only on personal conscience but conscience of the entire humanity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Freedom in reality is, obedience to self-formulated rules.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Peace is only an armistice in an endless war","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Disinterested intellectual curiosity is the lifeblood of civilisation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Happiness must happen as the side effect of one's dedication to a cause greater than oneself..","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Those who build walls are their own prisoner.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"The soul of man is divided into three parts, intelligence, reason, and passion.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8683,"topper":"Vedika Bansal","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/VEDIKA-BANSAL-UPSC-2023-Rank-96-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"In many ways, the Spanish civil war was the opening act of WWII. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"How will you explain the different fates of Buddhism and Jainism despite a slew of similarities in the two religions? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Non-Cooperation Movement democratized India's freedom struggle but suffered from inherent limitations. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Critically analyse the efficacy of linguistic reorganization of states in addressing the reasons for linguistic divides in post-independent India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Briefly discuss the role of plate tectonics theory in explaining the location of volcanoes. Also, explain the multifarious impacts of volcanoes on the surrounding regions. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Taking further the success of Aspirational Districts Programme, Aspirational Blocks can help achieve the twin objectives of balanced growth and checking stress migration. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Describe the critical factors for location of defense industries and suggest measures to overcome the challenges. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"To what extent can Socio-Economic-Caste Census (SECC) address the challenges in achieving equitable resource allocation and targeted welfare? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Indian society is premised on some common values that give it a composite texture as well as some diverse practices that deepen its heterogeneity. Elucidate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What are the factors that influence population growth in the country? In this perspective, examine the relevance and need of raising the minimum marriageable age of women for population development. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Bring out the reasons behind the tribal unrest in British India. Also, analyze the reasons for their limited success. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The independence of India was not a result of a forced expulsion of the Empire, as desired by the Quit India Movement; it was rather a confluence of domestic politics and global circumstances. Analyze. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Explain why Sufism, a liberal reform movement in Islam could deepen its roots in the Indian sub-continent, despite Islam being a foreign religion? Also, bring out the impacts of Sufism on Indian society. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Enumerate the reasons behind rising intensity and frequency of cyclones in the Arabian Sea in recent years. Giving special reference to NDMA guidelines, recommend measures to check the adverse impacts of cyclones. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Examine the impacts of climate change on the hydrological cycle and suggest suitable mitigation and adaptation strategies to contain the harmful implications. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Defining continental shelf, highlight its resource potential and ecological significance. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Rooted in patriarchal values, gender-based violence, in all its manifestations, is antithetical to societal growth. Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The caste calculus in the Indian society remains predominant and continues to project its shadow on social, political, and economic domains. Do you agree? Substantiate your answer. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss various factors contributing to the water woes faced by Indian cities. Also, explain complexities in implementing a comprehensive water management plan. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Though important elements of group identity, religion and region also run the risk of deepening communal cleavages. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8684,"topper":"Vedika Bansal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/269d8-523359_1396_vedika-bansal_rank_96.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Differentiating between good and bad ozone, write a brief note on ozone pollution. Also, highlight the initiatives taken to mitigate ozone pollution.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Give an account of land degradation in India. Also, highlight the steps taken to check growing land degradation in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss the role of media in disaster management in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Biased and sensationalism may creep in by the media during disasters. (ii) Live coverage of counter-terror operations led to loss in strategy eg-26/11 Mumbai attacks. (iii) A great footage to politicians if stuck during the disaster. Hence, media must be regulated and 4. Write a brief note on Joint Forest Management and its significance. Examine the reasons behind its limited success in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"What are various techniques of recovering energy from waste? Highlight the potential and challenges associated with Waste to Energy plants in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"A disaster is the combined effect of hazard and vulnerability. Elaborate with suitable examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Highlight the factors responsible for loss of biodiversity in recent times. In this regard, also mention the steps that have been taken for conservation of biodiversity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Elaborate on the different phases of the disaster risk management cycle.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"In context of waste management, what do you understand by Extended Producer Responsibility? Mention the challenges in ensuring its compliance in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"What are wetlands? Accounting for the reasons behind the disappearance of wetlands, suggest some measures which can be taken for their effective conservation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"How does the National Disaster Management Plan (2016) aim to make India disaster resilient?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Highlight the reasons behind frequent occurrence of floods in India. Also, mention the NDMA guidelines for management of floods.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Assess the vulnerability of India's forests to forest fires and suggest measures to tackle it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"What is eutrophication? Highlighting its ecological consequences, suggest measures to tackle it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"River pollution is a major environmental issue in India, which has far-reaching consequences. Discuss while enumerating the various sources of river pollution.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Delineate the regions vulnerable to landslides in India. Also highlighting the reasons behind occurrence of landslides, suggest some mitigation measures.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Bring out the importance of sustainable sand mining in India. Mention the steps taken by the government in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"The Paris Agreement addresses crucial areas necessary to combat climate change. In this context, identify some of the key aspects of the Agreement.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8685,"topper":"Vedika Bansal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c4b69-523359_1394_vedika-bansal_rank_96.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the value-added, income and expenditure methods of estimating national income.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Explain why Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector is regarded as the 'growth engine' of the Indian economy. Suggest key reforms that are required for improving the overall business climate for MSMEs in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"The average size of holdings has shown a steady declining trend over the last three decades. What are the challenges faced by farmers due to fragmentation of land? What needs to be done in this regard?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Distinguishing between a flexible and fixed exchange rate system, explain how exchange rate is determined under a flexible exchange rate system.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Discuss why enacting appropriate land leasing laws should be given priority in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of a country can not be taken as an index of the welfare of the people of that country. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Bringing out the difference between depreciation and devaluation of a currency, explain how they affect foreign trade of a country.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Explain the mechanism of credit creation by the banking system in an economy. What are the factors that limit such credit creation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"With the help of a diagram, explain the circular flow of income in a simple economy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Explain the meaning of Balance of Payments and give an account of various components included within current and capital account.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Explain the demand-pull and cost-push factors of inflation in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Explain the different quantitative and qualitative policy tools used to regulate money supply in the economy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"What is liquidity trap? Discuss its implications on the economy. ?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Why is the RBI called as the 'lender of last resort'? What other functions are performed by RBI while acting as a banker to commercial banks and the government? RBI ' ' ? RBI ?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"What are the key issues in fiscal management in India? How can these issues be addressed?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"What is sterilization? Explain how it is deployed by RBI in stabilizing the money supply against external shocks.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Bringing out the difference between fiscal deficit, primary deficit and revenue deficit, explain the implications of a high fiscal deficit on the economy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Explain, in brief, the various components of budget receipts and expenditure.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Highlight the monetary and fiscal measures that can be taken to address the phenomenon of inflation. Also explain their limitations.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8686,"topper":"Vedika Bansal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2dac9-523359_1403_vedika-bansal_rank_96.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain how the theory of Plate Tectonics helps in understanding the mechanism of volcanism. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss how technology can help India cope with disasters. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Bring out the importance of community-based disaster management in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What is ice-albedo feedback and how is it related to climate change? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Why has there been an increase in the frequency of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods across the world? Highlight the measures, which can be taken to tackle these floods. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Explain the phenomena of Sudden Stratospheric warming witnessed in recent years. How does it affect the ozone hole formation over Antarctica? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain the concept of volcanic winter giving examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Bring out the prominent evidences that have been put forward in support of sea-floor spreading. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Explaining the origin and mechanism of Indian monsoon account for the uneven distribution of monsoonal rainfall in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"How does climate change affect the process of desertification? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Explain the causes and consequences of sea level rise. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Highlight the factors responsible for occurrence of heat waves and its effects on life and economy. In the light of recent guidelines given by NDMA, describe measures to reduce the negative impact of heat waves. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"What is the global ocean conveyor belt? Discuss its significance for marine ecosystem. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8687,"topper":"Vedika Bansal","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/VEDIKA-BANSAL-UPSC-2023-Rank-96-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the role of the 'Fourth Estate' in upholding democratic values and analyse the issues affecting press freedom in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The electoral process, though inclusionary in theory, has been pointed out for exclusionary tendencies in practice. Analyse, with special emphasis on role of women in India's representative electoral system. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Assess the effectiveness of Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 in resolution of river-water disputes. Also describe the potential impact of delays in resolution of water disputes. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the significance of the cooperative model of development in addressing the issues of rural growth. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"In order to pass the ultimate test of good governance, welfare state should be close to the people, responsive to their aspirations, and inclusive in its approach. Discuss with special reference to PM PVTG Development Mission. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"To what extent collaboration between the state and civil society organizations (CSOs) help in addressing poverty and malnutrition in the country? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Absence of a robust social infrastructure in the country may become one of the most significant challenges in achieving a developed status by 2047. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Though the changing paradigm towards dialogue and diplomacy in West Asia augurs well for India's interests in this otherwise restive region, presence of inimical actors may reverse the gains. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Water diplomacy can redefine the contours of regional cooperation in South Asia. Discuss with special reference to Indus water treaty 1960. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Despite constitutional backing to the institutions of local governance, the idea of decentralisation has remained hostage to several structural bottlenecks. Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Independent judiciary, as envisaged by the constitution, provides the bedrock for a thriving polity; however, executive encroachment may erode its credibility and affect its efficacy. Evaluate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Executive agencies, working as the watchdog against impropriety, are vital to act against the corrupt; however, pandering to vested interests may have the effect of turning the idea of rule of law on its head. Comment, with special reference to controversies associated with the Enforcement Directorate (ED). (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Critically analyse the role of National Commission for Women (NCW) in wake of its mandate to safeguard women's rights and uphold their socio-economic wellbeing. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Understanding the extent, source, and complexity of deprivations among the multidimensionally poor contributes to more informed policymaking. In this context, analyze the latest National Multidimensional Poverty Index Report by NITI Aayog. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Safely managed drinking water services, as desired by Jal Jeevan Mission, are designated to give multifarious benefits cutting across generations. Discuss. Also, elaborate upon the challenges in ensuring the mission's success. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Legislation like Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989 remains mere legal documents without intense sensitization of public functionaries and the civil society. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Harbinger of global rebalancing, India-Africa ties are a beacon of inclusive, sustainable, and equitable world. Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How do ASEAN centrality, rules-based order, and development partnership with Pacific Island states make Indo-Pacific a theatre of opportunity for India? What are the hurdles in realisation of an inclusive Indo-Pacific construct? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8688,"topper":"Vedika Bansal","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/VEDIKA-BANSAL-UPSC-2023-Rank-96-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Celebrity endorsements raise pertinent ethical concerns about responsibility that delve into the realm of ethical considerations of social influence that run deeper than mere surface appeal. In this context, suggest measures to tackle the ethical challenges of celebrity brand endorsements. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Embracing a scientific mindset involves setting aside impulsive inclinations in favor of the pursuit of truth. In your view, how does the integration of scientific thinking contribute to addressing contemporary challenges and promoting societal progress? How can we effectively cultivate a scientific attitude in society? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"In the realm of professional conduct, ethics plays a role that tends to go far beyond fulfilling the roles and responsibilities of the job with diligence and honesty. But some people consider professional competence as the only critical requirement for a job. If faced with a choice, who would you prefer to hire - someone with professional competence or one with strong moral values? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Patriotism can hold different meanings for different people, often shaped by personal experiences and convictions. What does patriotism mean to you? Explain narrating incidents from your life when you exhibited patriotism. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Max Weber's concept of bureaucracy was developed in the early 20th century, but it still influences administrative structures today. In what ways do you see Weberian bureaucracy as relevant in today's rapidly changing world? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Global challenges often test the ethical fiber of nations, urging them to channel narrow pursuit of national-interest into an enlightened self-interest.\" Enumerating the various ethical principles underlying the concept of enlightened national-interest examine its efficacy in helping nations navigate the fine line between pursuing their strategic interests and upholding ethical principles, particularly in times of conflict? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In the realm of governance, a crucial aspect is the art of persuasion. The qualities that make civil servants proficient persuaders empower them to fulfill their responsibilities in an effective manner. Discuss with illustrations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Corruption has multifaceted implications. Some consider it an undeniable vice, while others contend it to be an unavoidable necessity for navigating the bureaucratic complexities. In your opinion, does corruption oil or corrode the gears of development? Substantiate your arguments. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Ethical hacking and malicious hacking stand as divergent paths with distinct intentions and consequences. As technology advances, it becomes imperative to comprehend the nuances that set these practices apart in the cybersecurity landscape. In this perspective, elucidate the principles that differentiate ethical hacking and malicious hacking. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What does each of the following quotation mean to you? a) \"Our greatest ability as humans is not to change the world, but to change ourselves.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"What recommendations should Dharmendra make to create a safe environment for the women? b) What are the factors that have led to victimization of women, especially during conflicts? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"Mr X is travelling by road with his family to attend a marriage ceremony. His grandfather, who is head of the family is also travelling with him. On the way to their destination, all of them stop at a road side restaurant for lunch. This is a well-known restaurant owned by one of the friends of Mr X. The place is known for its tasty and hygienic food. However, the grandfather notices a picture on the wall of the restaurant and enquires about the religion of the restaurant owner. Mr X's friend belongs to a religion different from the grandfather's religion. The grandfather has a negative attitude towards the religion of Mr X's friend and he insists that he will not eat in that restaurant. He demands that the entire family should leave the restaurant immediately as they are travelling for a happy occasion and eating at this particular restaurant will pollute them. Mr X tries to calm down his grandfather and explain to him that religion has nothing to do with purity or pollution. He also reasons that several travel magazines have rated the restaurant highly, especially for its superior hygiene standards. Also, he points out that there is no restaurant in the way for the next 100 Km and it will be difficult for all to make do without food for that long. However, his arguments fall on deaf years, and which is more his grandfather admonishes him for bringing the family to the restaurant despite being aware about the religion of the owner. Mr X's friend feels insulted and discriminated against due to his religion. Mr X's father is upset but refuses to say anything out of respect for the grandfather. Entire family is embarrassed by the attitude of the grandfather and they are getting ready to leave the restaurant. Mr X is confused regarding how he should act in this situation. a) What are the various ethical issues in the above case study? b) Imagine yourself in the place of Mr X. Evaluate the different courses of actions available with you. What is the most suitable course of action? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":8689,"topper":"Vedika Bihani","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e601b-207927_2218_vedika-bihani_rank-213.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to revisit the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution? Discuss with suitable arguments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Highlighting the advantages of online dispute resolution (ODR) mechanism for justice delivery, discuss the challenges associated with its effective implementation in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Despite the constitutional division of powers, Centre-state disputes have been a perennial feature of Indian democracy. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Do you agree with the view that adopting a framework for lobbying will strengthen participative governance and ease of doing business in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":8690,"topper":"Vedika Bihani","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e2622-207927_2219_vedika-bihani_rank-213.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Fiscal policy can be a key tool to reduce income inequality as well as make the poorest and the downtrodden a part of the country's growth story. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Digitizing land records will go a long way in ensuring land reforms as well as lessening the burden on the Indian Judiciary. Elaborate. Also, state the measures taken in this context. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"It has been pointed out that competitive politics to fund mostly non-merit subsidies is pushing a few states in India to the brink of a deep fiscal crisis. In this context, discuss the need to rationalise the subsidy regime in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Micro-irrigation has tremendous potential in transforming farming into a profitable and sustainable venture. Discuss the given statement in the context of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Given its vast resources and technical expertise, India can play a key role in assisting the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) in dealing with the impact of climate change. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The recent \"Disaster Management Plan of Ministry of Panchayati Raj (DMP-MoPR)\" aims to develop disaster resilience at the grassroots level. In this context, discuss the rationale behind the formulation of the Plan and highlight its key components. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the internal security implications emanating from the use of Emerging And Disruptive Technologies (EDT) by state and non-state actors. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Identify the impediments faced by India in boosting its defence exports. Also, discuss the steps taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the multiple issues associated with space debris. Also, state the initiatives taken in recent times to tackle this menace. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The adoption of Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) in India is expected to make e-commerce more inclusive and accessible for consumers. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While an agreement was recently reached at the WTO on a deal to curb \"harmful\" government fisheries subsidies, certain concerns raised by India suggests that the matter will require further negotiations. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite the advantages that are associated with the hybrid annuity model (HAM) in the road construction sector, the interest in it has moderated due to various reasons. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The existing MSP procurement regime is neither economically nor agro-ecologically sustainable. Elaborate. Also, evaluate the alternative approaches that can be adopted to improve the existing MSP regime. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"It is being argued that India is struggling with overflowing foodgrains in warehouses. Discuss the statement in view of the existing buffer stock policy of India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Recently, the government has asked all ports to prepare a master plan in order to become 'mega ports' by 2047. In light of this, discuss the challenges faced by ports and suggest remedial measures in order to propel India's blue economy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Inequality in income and wealth translates into carbon inequality. In this context, discuss the significance of addressing carbon inequality for India and suggest ways to achieve it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Establishing linkages between globalisation and money laundering, discuss the initiatives taken at the national and international levels to combat it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"There have been arguments that India needs to review some of its past assumptions about the nature of outer space and contribute to the development of new global norms. In this context, analyse India's stand in relation to the Artemis Accords. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8691,"topper":"Vedika Bihani","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/65805-207927_2217_vedika-bihani_rank-213.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With examples, discuss how the cultural traditions from various regions of India get reflected in regional music. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Highlighting the emergence of the working class movement, discuss its contribution towards India's freedom struggle. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Do you agree with the view that Gandhian politics was, in a sense, a continuation of Tilak's politics? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"It is said that the world's oceans are losing their 'memory' due to human-induced warming. Comment. Also, discuss the consequences of the phenomenon. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What is soil amendment? Evaluate the benefits and concerns associated with it. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"It has been suggested that the next decade may see a boom in hybrid power plants. Stating the advantages that such power plants offer, discuss the associated challenges. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What are Van Allen Radiation Belts? Explaining their formation, discuss why there has been a growing focus on their study. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss whether marital rape should be criminalised in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What is care economy? Highlight the challenges associated with it and mention the steps taken to address them in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Post-pandemic India is staring at the challenge of \"learning poverty\". Analyse its implications and discuss a way ahead. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Bring out the evolution of mural traditions in South India. Also, elaborate on their significant characteristics. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Indian nationalism that confronted British imperialism in the 19th century was a product of colonial modernity. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Environmentalism surfaced in the form of many organised movements in post independence India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Do you agree with the view that continental blockade was an ill-conceived strategy by Napoleon to conquer Britain through economic means? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What do you understand by the Arctic Paradox? Highlight the spatial distribution of mineral and energy resources in the Arctic region. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Cryosphere changes have a tendency to bring about a devastating impact on the ecosystem and its people. Discuss. Also, enlist measures to tackle this threat. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The frequent instances of urban flooding pose a severe risk to the urban ecosystem in India. Discuss with special emphasis on its impact on the critical infrastructure. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Sand is not only critical for economic development but also provides crucial ecosystem services. Elaborate. In this context, discuss the importance of sustainable sand mining in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The challenge of unbridled and unbalanced growth of urban spaces in India necessitates reforms in urban planning and capacity. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Feminist movements in India have historically lacked inclusivity, often growing within a limited Western upper-class psyche. Critically discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8692,"topper":"Vedika Bihani","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1st7aJ14bIEaTHJK65BP84sgzzff7gE6P/view","questions":[]},{"id":8693,"topper":"Vedika Bihani","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8396f-207927_2220_vedika-bihani_rank-213.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The logic of limitless wealth lies in the basic human instinct for furthering self-interest in the form of profit. In this context, do you think there is a possibility of pursuing ethical capitalism? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":8694,"topper":"Veer Pratap Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/cd79d-29042_757_veer_pratap_singh_rank_92.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Trace the evolution of cave architecture in India with special reference to their design, nature and wall paintings.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"With the help of examples, explain how Folk Paintings as an art form represent an array of human beliefs and cultural diversity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"The role of women in Indian nationalism is well acknowledged, however, women who took part in armed struggle against the British are less known. In this context, examine the role played by Indian women in national movement with particular reference to revolutionary struggle.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"It has been argued that unlike the wars in 1962 and 1971, the war in 1965 was indecisive and brought neither victory nor peace to India. Critically analyse the proposition and also highlight how the experience of 1965 was helpful in the war of 1971.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss whether the agrarian movements which emerged from the late 1970's should be referred to as 'New' Farmers' Movements. In light of the problems faced by poor farmers and agricultural labourers, critically evaluate these movements.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Though both Bismarck and Sardar Patel played an important role in unifying their respective countries, yet given the different historical circumstances, the challenges faced by both and the strategies they adopted were different, Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Enumerate the reforms undertaken during the Gorbachev era and explain the reasons for undertaking these. To what extent could these reforms be held responsible for the breakup of the Soviet Union?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"While the impact of French Revolution was largely limited to the European countries, the Russian Revolution had a much wider impact across the globe. Critically analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Give an account of the factors which influence gender equality in basic education. What can be done to bridge the existing gender gap in this context?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"While state action alone cannot ensure social change, no social group howsoever weak or oppressed is only a victim. Examine the statement in the context of organised action for justice, and dignity for manual scavengers in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Give an account of the factors driving people to migrate from the countryside to urban areas even if it entails living in slums. Highlight some important facts about slums unique to India. Also discuss some strategies which can be adopted for transforming India's slums.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Define flood plains and explain their significance. Also, examine how anthropogenic activities have contributed to recent instances of urban flooding.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Why do forest fires occur frequently in certain regions of India? Examine the ecological significance of forest fires and identify the measures to tackle the phenomenon.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"What are the different types of rainfall? Give an account of the world distribution of rainfall.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"The prevailing water crisis in the country is not about the unavailability of water rather the mismanagement of available resources. Do you agree? Discuss the short-term and long-term socio-economic impacts of the water crisis on India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Enlist the major fishing zones of the world along with the reasons for their distribution. Does India's deep sea fishing policy warrant a fresh look? Examine in context of the recommendations of the Meena Kumari committee on the matter.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"It has been observed that deltas formed by Indian rivers have been shrinking for the past few years. Discuss reasons for the same in context of different rates of shrinking of deltas of major rivers.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Why does the Arabian Sea experience fewer tropical cyclones as compared to the Bay of Bengal? Explain why tropical cyclones do not occur during the southwest monsoon season.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8695,"topper":"Veer Pratap Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/72003-29042_758_veer_pratap_singh_rank_92.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What role has the constitution envisaged for the Governor with respect to administration of Scheduled and Tribal Areas? Critically evaluate the success of provisions of Fifth and Sixth schedules in achieving their objectives.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"In view of the argument that governance is caught in a logjam of far too many checks and not enough balances, has the time arrived to have a relook at the powers of Rajya Sabha? Discuss keeping in mind the constitutional rationale and the role performed by Rajya Sabha over the years.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"The constitutional provisions relating to office of profit have been violated over the years in spirit, even as they have been adhered to in letter. Discuss in light of various judgment(s) of the Apex Court in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"While holding simultaneous elections to the Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies offers various advantages, it brings its own set of complexities. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"The right to live with dignity under Article 21 includes the right to die with dignity. Discuss in light of various judicial pronouncements by the Apex Court on this matter. Also, critically examine the various issues associated with the Medical Treatment of Terminally Ill Patients Bill 2016.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Inspite of 15 years of being in existence, it is often argued that MPLADS has failed to meet its objectives. Critically analyse along with reforms required to improve its implementation. Also discuss if this scheme should be discontinued in light of 73rd and 74th amendments to the constitution.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Mentioning the positions taken by the Supreme Court and the Government of India, examine the rationale behind the idea of National Court of Appeal (NCA).","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"In light of frequent droughts experienced in the country, efficient water management is the need of the hour. How far can Draft National Water Framework Bill, 2016 help in achieving this? Analyse its utility in tackling the issues of inter-state water disputes.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Enumerate the key rights being guaranteed by the Mental Health Care Bill, 2013 passed by the Rajya Sabha recently. Also examine the challenges in its implementation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Absence of a powerful and politically accountable leadership in the cities is considered as one of the primary reasons for urban woes. Do you think that direct election of mayor can help in overcoming this issue? What other alternatives can be explored for improving the working of urban local bodies?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"It is more difficult to escape the shadow of social discrimination than it is to break the shackles of economic backwardness. Discuss the statement in the context of Dalit capitalism and give an account of the problems that Dalit entrepreneurs have been facing. Also highlight the steps taken by the government in recent times to encourage Dalit empowerment via the market.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"South Asia, with India at its centre, is the fastest growing region for human trafficking in the world. In this context, examine the reasons for human trafficking in India. How does the Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2016 seek to address this issue?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Though India's performance in Olympics has improved over the years, our sports ecosystem continues to suffer from many deficiencies. Analyze. Enumerate the steps that can be taken to improve India's performance in multi-national sports events.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Though economic relations remain the backbone of the India-GCC relationship, both sides have been looking for new areas of cooperation to strengthen their political and strategic ties. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Whereas, on the one hand, multilateral institutions such as the United Nations and WTO are increasingly beset by logjam, on the other, regional and bilateral initiatives such as the TPP are gaining ground. Do you think India needs to review reliance on multilateralism in favour of bilateral and regional engagements?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Even though India has been steadfast in its commitment to non-proliferation, its relationship with the export control regimes has not been without challenges. Discuss. Also, evaluate the importance of India joining export control regimes.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Even though SAARC has remained a key aspect of India's neighbourhood policy, the efficacy of this regional grouping has been questioned in recent times. Discuss. Also critically examine the options available to India in this context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"The Indian diaspora is more prosperous than before and its involvement in India's development is increasing. How has India's engagement with its diaspora evolved over the years? Highlighting the initiatives taken by the government to fruitfully engage with the diaspora, comment on the emerging challenges in this context.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8696,"topper":"Veer Pratap Singh","air":92,"year":2018,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9744d-29042_761_veer_pratap_singh_rank_92.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8697,"topper":"Veer Pratap Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2f5c5-29042_764_veer_pratap_singh_rank_92.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Cultural diversity has made emotional intelligence crucial for Indian administration. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Family and school are important agents of socialization in a child's life. Comment on the role of family and school as a source of values. Give an example of a situation where these acquired values guided you in a situation of dilemma. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Given below are two quotations. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) \"We are what our thoughts have made us; so take care about what you think. Words are secondary. Thoughts live; they travel far.\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"\"A man's conscience and his judgement is the same thing and as the judgement, so also the conscience, may be erroneous.\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"\"The love of one's country is a splendid thing. But why should love stop at the border?\" What do you understand by nationalism? What significance does it hold in your life?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"A 'Good Samaritan' legal protection is vital to encourage people to offer assistance without the fear of any criminal or civil liability. Discuss the statement in the context of India's unacceptably high rate of road accident fatalities due to the inability of victims to get timely medical treatment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"\"There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest.\" Discuss the significance of this statement in present day India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Around the world, more than 125 million people need humanitarian aid. With special reference to financial assistance, discuss the various ethical issues involved in addressing the needs of those in dire circumstances. What measures can be undertaken to ensure that donations and aids for such purposes are thoroughly channelled to meet their targets.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"While discretion is necessary for effective discharge of duties, it is also a major factor responsible for corruption in administration at all levels. Comment. In this context, suggest some ways in which smooth execution of responsibilities can be ascertained while minimising corruption.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"What do you understand by corporate ethics? Giving examples, highlight the ethical issues faced by CEOs in the current competetive environment, with special reference to government owned enterprises.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Government employees are often considered by many as being unresponsive, insensitive and corrupt. What, according to you, are the factors that cultivate such a negative attitude towards civil servants? As a young civil servant, what would be your approach to change this attitude?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Many of the present social conflicts arise due to prejudices and discrimination. Illustrate. What can be done to curb discrimination and handle prejudices?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Adhering to high standards of transparency is often in conflict with the duty towards maintaining confidentiality. With examples, elaborate on the problems faced by public servants in effective discharge of duties during such situations. Also, discuss the ethical framework that should guide the decisions in these circumstances.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"You get your first posting as a District Collector in a predominantly rural area. Recently, the office of Registrar General of Births, Deaths and Marriages registered an inter-caste marriage of a young couple. On hearing the news, villagers and family members of the married couple attacked the Registrar's office and are holding their respective children in captivity. One group also enjoys immense political power in the state and have warned you against taking any action. 20 Based on the above information, answer the following questions. (a) What is/are the ethical dilemma(s) that an administrator faces in such situations? (b) Enumerate your priorities and steps that you will take to handle the situation. (c) What are the social and attitudinal factors at play? What will be your role in bringing about a change in these?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"A group of educated young men is caught trying to leave the country to fight for a terrorist organization overseas. It was found that they were radicalized online through social media by the handlers of that terrorist organization. These boys have not committed any act of terror till now and have no criminal background. 20 (a) What could be the reasons for radicalization of educated youth? (b) As a senior intelligence official, what approach would you follow to deal with such cases? Give arguments in support of your stand. (c) Suggest a feasible strategy to prevent further radicalization of youth in the country.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"You are a government official supervising the maintenance and upkeep of juvenile rehabilitation centres all over country. You are a strong advocate for preventive services such as counselling and parenting skill education as an alternative to the placement of neglected children in rehabilitation homes. You have convinced your minister about the stand and he has taken a public position on the same and declared that he will scrap the scheme of rehabilitation homes altogether. Believing that a reputable study of the cost-effectiveness of preventive services would bolster your position, your department enters into a contract with a top university to conduct a series of evaluation studies. The first study involves a controlled experimental evaluation of government sponsored preventive services. To your dismay, the findings show no evidence that preventive service is a cost effective alternative to placing children in rehabilitation homes. You are worried that the results, if published, would not only compromise the position of the minister but also yours. What will you do in such a situation? Some of the options are given below. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each of these options and suggest what course of action you would like to take, giving reasons. 20 (a) Keep silent on the report and continue advocating your stand with the minister. (b) Cancel the contract with the university and conduct a fresh study with a new agency. (c) Report the results to the minister and follow his orders. (d) Conduct further research and be prepared to accept the results and declare them publicly.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":59,"question":"You are a young IAS officer posted as SDM of a flood prone sub-division. There is an old dam in your area which protects about 2 dozen villages from floods. Though the dam is weak, it is expected to hold up as repair works are being carried upon by the villagers. One day you receive a call that the villagers in the area had abandoned repairs and were running away from the work site because the dam was about to collapse as the force of water was building up. You quickly reach the site and see the fear and panic induced villagers. Systematised evacuation will take 2 days and if the dam collapses now, there will be great loss of life and property. You noticed several geo-bags (synthetic bags which are used to protect hydraulic structures and river banks from severe erosion) lying at a construction site near the dam which could hold the dam for some time. You realized that all you needed now was manpower to place these bags on the dam in such a way as to prevent water from entering the village. But the people are fear stricken and are preparing to flee. Based on above information, answer the following questions: (a) Elaborate on the qualities of a civil servant that are essential in such circumstances. (b) What options do you have to handle this situation? Evaluate each of them with their merits and demerits.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8698,"topper":"VENKATESHWARAN R","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9e550-0145271_2423_venkateshwaran_r_rank_152.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With suitable examples, discuss how environmental pressure groups enhance public participation and responsiveness with regard to environmental policies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The recent acknowledgment of sex work as a 'profession' by the Supreme Court is merely the first step in ensuring basic rights and equality for sex workers in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the role played by District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) in providing free legal aid and disseminating legal awareness in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"The collegium system has become a victim of its own success, with the concentration of power in the hands of a few, leading to questions about its legitimacy.\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"Civil services reforms must go beyond recruitment and standardised training to cope with the present day challenges.\" Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"Outcome-based finance models such as social impact bonds have the potential to truly catalyse change and deliver socio-economic impact at scale. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)\"","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"The wide gap between the number of females graduating every year and those entering the workspace is an issue of paramount importance that needs to be addressed. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)\"","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"An up to date and functional Civil Registration System (CRS) is essential to the socio-economic planning in India. Discuss in the light of the recent move of the Central government in revamping the CRS system in the country. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What are the key areas of reform if the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has to align with the current economic realities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In recent years, India's relationship with West Asia has evolved from the confines of geopolitics to expanse of geoeconomics. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The role of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) is significant in furthering healthy competitiveness aimed at inspiring stakeholders to innovate and augment effectiveness. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"\"The menace of paid news often rears its ugly head during elections.\" Discuss the need for making paid news an electoral offence in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the 'Doctrine of Essentiality' referred to by the courts in the context of religious practices in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"As per the recently released report of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), there is an urgent need to limit the size of the government in India. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The Institutions of Eminence (IoE) scheme was conceived to develop 'world-class' centres of higher education in India but six years later, it is yet to become the game changer it was intended to be. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) allows for innovative and convenient public services, help overcome inclusion or accessibility barriers, and increase transparency and accountability with real-time data. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Besides legislation, the full realisation of the 'right to health for all' in India demands plugging of social, financial, and infrastructural gaps. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The 'third gender' has not yet been engendered in the Indian society despite legislative nudge. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Among other factors, strained ties with China and Pakistan make it difficult for India to fulfill its expectations from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"The recently concluded initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) between the United States and India promises a long overdue transformation of their partnership in the field of technology. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8699,"topper":"VENKATESHWARAN R","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a1bb0-145271_2424_venkateshwaran_r_rank_152.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What are the different dimensions of food security? Examine India's status in terms of ensuring food security with regard to these dimensions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Several initiatives have been taken by the government towards addressing India's water needs, but the issues of water availability and water quality still warrant prioritised intervention. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What are the major drivers of glacial retreat in the Arctic? Describe the potential impact of the retreat of Arctic glaciers on the ecosystem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Space tourism, which was viewed as something straight out of a science fiction movie, is now becoming a reality albeit not without hindrances. What are the challenges associated with space tourism? What measures can be taken to address these challenges? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Global health experts widely believe that the development of CAR-T cell therapy can be a game changer in the treatment of cancer. How can CAR-T cell therapy overcome the limitations of CRISPR-Cas9 technology? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss why the rising deployment of new and emerging technologies by prominent violent extremist organizations demand concerted global efforts. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"With the Line of Actual Control (LAC) remaining tense after the Galwan and Yangste incidents and both India and China ramping up infrastructure in the border areas, discuss the role that ITBP plays in the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Do you think there is a need for a shift from 'land productivity' to 'irrigation water productivity' in India? Justify your answer. What are the challenges in making this shift? Explain. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Examine the role that green hydrogen can play in unlocking the energy security of India. How can the National Green Hydrogen Mission help India in achieving its energy goals? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The government has been weighing a transition from minimum wage to living wage in recent times. What are the benefits and constraints in the adoption of living wage in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The Union Budget affects almost every sector of the Indian economy, yet neither the budgetary processes nor the budget policies come under substantial public scrutiny. Do you agree? Justify your answer. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"India has been able to transform itself from a milk deficit country to the world's biggest milk producer, but the productivity of dairy animals in the country remains a concern. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"While climate change is responsible for crop failures, the agricultural sector itself is partly responsible for extreme weather events. Discuss. What strategy has been adopted under National Agriculture Disaster Management Plan to strengthen the resilience of the farming community in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Some regions in India, including Delhi, are highly vulnerable to the impact of earthquakes originating in the Himalayas. Discuss. What institutional measures have been taken to mitigate earthquake losses in India? Do you think there are significant gaps that still exist? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Recently, scientists announced net energy gain in nuclear fusion reaction, which is considered as a major scientific breakthrough for the future of clean energy. What are the advantages of nuclear fusion based power generation? What are the limitations in using it to generate electricity at a commercial scale? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Keeping in view the recent amendment, examine the efficacy of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, in tackling the menace of money laundering in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Discuss the security threats present in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), which have a direct bearing on India's maritime border interests. Suggest a robust strategy to deal with these threats. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8700,"topper":"VENKATESHWARAN R","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/29275-0145271_2422_venkateshwaran_r_rank_152.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The traditional theatre forms of India reflect the ideals and emotions of the society, and an individual's role in the community. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":8701,"topper":"VENKATESHWARAN R","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9e8eb-0145271_2425_venkateshwaran_r_rank_152.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"For effective corporate governance to take place in the coming years, why is it important to integrate the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics with the multi-stakeholder approach? What benefits can be accrued by such integration? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In acts of corruption, the focus is often only on the demand side of the equation, on public officials who abuse their office for private gain. Frequently, the supply side is given less attention. Those who pay bribes are sometimes depicted as innocent parties and victims of extortionary practices of wily public servants. Do you agree that 'collusive corruption', in which there is a willing bribe-giver, is a formidable challenge for institutions fighting corruption? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Citizens' Charters initiative was a response to the quest for solving the problems, which a citizen encountered, day in and day out, while dealing with the organisations providing public services. But the introduction and implementation of Citizens' Charters in the government of India has been difficult due to the old bureaucratic set up and the rigid attitudes of the work force. Discuss the major obstacles that have been encountered in implementing the Citizens' Charter initiative. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Quality of public service delivery is a major determinant of the quality of life of vulnerable sections in a highly unequal society divided along the lines of class, caste, religion, etc. In this background, do you think that public service delivery is efficient and sufficient enough to improve the lives of vulnerable groups in India? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own.\" - Lao Tzu (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"If ethics are poor at the top, that behavior is copied down through the organization.\" - Robert Noyce (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"The end of law is not to abolish or restrain, but to preserve and enlarge freedom.\" - John Locke (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Wealth CEOs and founders of successful businesses around the world are increasingly pledging to give away their wealth in philanthropy. Do you think that such a move is sufficient enough to bring about a positive change in the society? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"As organizations across the globe begin their artificial intelligence (AI) transformation, the leap into the AI era is expected to be more challenging than any technology that businesses have grappled with yet. In this background, discuss the concerns around fairness, transparency, and job security that may arise. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The emphasis of Swami Dayanand Saraswati on education, social equality, and ethical values continues to influence the socio-cultural discourse in contemporary India. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Emotional intelligence may not be singularly associated with emotions or intelligence. It can also include a broad range of personality characteristics that might predict success in professional and everyday life. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":8702,"topper":"Vibhor Aggarwal","air":71,"year":2018,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/11e7e-25047_930_vibhor_aggarwal_rank_71.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8703,"topper":"Vibhor Aggarwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/396ed-25047_859_vibhor_aggarwal_rank_71.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Analyze the reasons behind demand for linguistic provinces and apprehensions among the national leadership on this issue after independence. Also explain how this issue was resolved.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"What were the factors that led to declaration of emergency in 1975? Why is it considered dark period of Indian democracy? In this context, discuss the response to the imposition of emergency among the masses, media & political class.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8704,"topper":"Vibhor Aggarwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/afc62-25047_853_vibhor_aggarwal_rank_71.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the issues relating to surrogacy that have been arising in India. To what extent does the Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2016 addresses these issues?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"It has been argued that many civil servants rise to higher levels of incompetence as their career advances. Examine the statement and discuss how far lateral entry and premature retirement can address the inadequacies of the bureaucracy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"What are the different institutional arrangements in India to promote cooperation between the Centre and States? Critically analyse the role of Inter-State Council to enhance cooperative federalism in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"In view of the idea of holding simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies, discuss the advantages that its implementation would lead to and the concerns that it raises.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Proliferation of Ministries and Departments in the government not only leads to weak coordination and integration but also fragmentation of functions. Comment in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The judiciary has been actively encroaching on the powers of legislative and executive authorities in India and in doing so has been doing a disservice to governance in the country. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Discuss the significance of the concept of Office of Profit as enshrined in the Indian Constitution. Why has it been embroiled in controversies for a long time? Analyse the role played by judiciary in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"The provisions of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution devolve some essential powers to the lower levels in order to cater to the needs of the tribal community. Discuss, while examining the modern day challenges faced by the institutions set up under the Sixth Schedule.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"The political empowerment of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) has not been accompanied by empowerment in other spheres. Comment. Also examine whether devolving functional autonomy, administrative support and financial resources to the PRIs can help in overcoming the issues related to PRIs.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"While it has been argued that the judiciary should be brought under RTI, a balance also needs to be maintained between independence of the judiciary and the right of people to know. In this context, discuss the pros and cons of bringing the judiciary under the ambit of RTI.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"Differentiate between pressure groups and political parties. It is often said that pressure groups are primarily a consequence of inadequacies of the political parties in India. Discuss the above statement in the context of rising environmental protection groups.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Give an account of the factors responsible for the limited success of Lok Adalats. What measures are required to ensure that Lok Adalats function as an effective dispute redressal mechanism?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"What do you understand by Inner Line Permit (ILP)? Critically examine the demand of Manipuri people for the implementation of ILP in the state. What possible measures can be taken to resolve the deadlock over this issue?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"Government advertisements have often been viewed as misuse of taxpayer's money for enhancing the image of political parties. Discuss in the light of recent SC rulings. Also enumerate the recommendations made by the Twentieth Law Commission to address the issue of paid news and political advertisements.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"In a paradigmatic shift from the command and control approach of the past, NITI Aayog accommodates diverse points of view in a collaborative, rather than confrontationist setting. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"Vast powers have been vested in the office of the Speaker to strengthen the democratic institutions of the parliamentary system, and not to stifle dissent or protest in the House. Comment in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":56,"question":"Tenth Schedule of the Constitution and the subsequent amendments have failed at solving the problem of defections and opportunistic politics. Critically analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":59,"question":"It is the Parliamentary system, with its basis on constant accountability, accommodation and inclusion, which can best serve the needs of the country. Examine, keeping in mind the arguments that are periodically put forward for adopting the Presidential system in India.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8705,"topper":"Vibhor Aggarwal","air":71,"year":2018,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/69d2c-25047_858_vibhor_aggarwal_rank_71.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8706,"topper":"Vibhor Aggarwal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/50ffa-25047_873_vibhor_aggarwal_rank_71.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"The more remotely power is exercised from the people, the greater is the distance between authority and accountability. Discuss","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":4,"question":"If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.\" In what ways can a compassionate public official be more useful for realizing public service goals?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"The recent decision by government to ban use of red beacon is only a symbolic gesture and a lot more needs to be done to end the VIP culture in India. Critically discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"To what extent can financial incentives help shape attitude towards social issues ? Discuss with relevant examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"At times, moral behaviour can be constrained by the complexity of legal system. Explain. In this contest, explain the purpose of legal protection for good samaritans, in the case of road accidents.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"Examine the different ethical issues involved in the use of public shaming as a punitive measure. Do you think, this is an appropriate measure to address the problem of rising crime rates?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Intolerance can be linked both to prejudices and value judgements. Elaborate with relevant examples. Also discuss how intolerance can be countered in a multicultural society like India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Corporate governance provides a framework that defines the rights, roles and responsibilities of various groups within an organization. (a) Elaborate the need to incorporate corporate governance to enhance the effectiveness of the public sector enterprises (b) Identify the challenges specific to public sector, when it comes to application of good practices of corporate governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"How can emotional intelligence help in coping with intense pressure and occupational stress faced by police officers and armed forces in discharge of their duties? (b) What are some of the concerns in incorporating and assessment of emotional intelligence skills in public services?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8707,"topper":"Vibhor Aggarwal","air":71,"year":2018,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a5543-25047_861_vibhor_aggarwal_rank_71.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8708,"topper":"Vibhor Bhardwaj","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JiCGg_CjC15_vWN_XLqjO_8O6U9D6whZ/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"It is Compassion, the Most Gracious of Virtues, Which Moves the World.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Death may be the greatest of all human blessings.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Wonder is the beginning of wisdom. (125 Marks, 1000-1200 words) Section-B Life contains but two tragedies. One is not to get your heart's desire; the other is to get it.","marks":"125","words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Our greatest ability as humans is not to change the world but to change ourselves.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Whenever a separation is made between liberty and justice, neither, in my opinion, is safe.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony. (125 Marks, 1000-1200 words)","marks":"125","words":null},{"page":4,"question":"WONDER IS THE BEGINING OF WISDOM","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8709,"topper":"Vibhor Bhardwaj","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/77b95-1310907_1836_vibhor_bhardwaj_rank_19.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The PM-AASHA scheme is aimed at improving procurement mechanism as well as ensuring remunerative prices for farmers. In this context, highlight the various components of the scheme and discuss the concerns associated with it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Explaining the concept of blended finance, discuss the role it can play in mobilizing capital for infrastructure development in developing countries like India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss the challenges faced in the revival and revamp of dry ports in India and state the measures that can be adopted in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Monoculture is one of the major threats to ensuring food security and sustainability of indian agriculture. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Why is the rise in lone wolf attacks considered as a serious challenge for security agencies around the world? Highlight the role of the internet in exacerbating such attacks. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Aapda Mitra - a force of volunteers from across India trained in disaster response - is becoming a game changer in the field of disaster management in the country. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The fundamental inefficiencies embedded in our military structures and processes are now being addressed through a slew of defence reforms in the country. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"In light of the recent establishment of the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in India, discuss the advantages and challenges in, mainstreaming traditional medicine in the country. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Nano Urea Liquid has the potential to transform farming in India and across the world by improving productivity while reducing environmental pollution and input cost. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss the domino effect of high crude oil prices on the Indian economy. Also, enumerate the measures that India can take in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The consistent high operating ratio of the Indian Railways is indicative of its incapability to generate high operational surplus. Explain the reasons behind this trend. Also, highlight the remedial measures taken by the government in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Micro food processing sector is the key driver of growth in the Indian economy as it encourages food processing innovation. In this context, state the challenges faced by the micro food processing sector and discuss how the recent initiatives taken by the government aim to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Despite efforts by successive governments, equitable growth remains elusive and income inequality continues to persist in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Stating the factors that determine the employment situation of an economy in the long-term, discuss the measures that are needed for India to address its unemployment problem. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"In view of the rapidly increasing socio-economic damage caused by disasters, integrating Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) into development planning requires an effective stakeholder engagement mechanism. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Provide an account of the existing carbon trading mechanisms in India. Also, discuss the significance of an efficient carbon trading market in the country and state the challenges that currently exist. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The menace of drug trafficking in India has been on a rise due to a mix of factors, both internal and external. Discuss. Also, state the challenges posed by drug trafficking to India's national security. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The Andaman and Nicobar islands' strategic significance in the Indian Ocean region (IOR) has been underplayed by India's policy of 'masterly inactivity and benign neglect'. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India has recently commissioned the world's first large International Liquid Mirror Telescope (ILMT). How will the newly commissioned telescope aid in India's astronomical observations and research? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8710,"topper":"Vibhor Bhardwaj","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/VIBHOR-BHARDWAJ-UPSC-2024-Rank-19-MGP-Sample-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) Achieving inclusive growth requires a multidimensional approach that goes beyond economic growth. Discuss in context of India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Examine the implications of the expansion of gig workforce on economic growth and employment scenario in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) What is precision agriculture? How can precision agriculture help in optimizing crop production and resource management?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) While MSMEs are the backbone of the Indian economy, they encounter various hurdles in their operation and expansion. Discuss. Also, suggest steps to support the growth of the MSME sector.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 Explain the significance of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) in transforming India into a knowledge-based and innovation-driven economy. Also, mention various government initiatives aimed at strengthening the protection and enforcement of IPRs in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) Gaganyaan mission is a landmark endeavour for India, marking significant advancements in space exploration and contributing to broader national objectives; however, overcoming the associated technical and safety challenges is crucial for its success. Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) What are the challenges in the safe management of e-waste in India? How can collaboration among multiple stakeholders help in sustainable e-waste management?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8 Define Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and mention its various stages. Also, highlight the significance of EIA in balancing developmental needs with environmental conservation in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) Integrated Theatre Commands shall bring jointness in operation, synergy of resources and enable armed forces in carrying out swift, effective, and decisive actions. Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) India's internal security dynamics is inextricably linked with the peace and stability in the neighborhood. Explain with special reference to instability on the eastern border.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) The introduction of Goods and Services Tax (GST) was hailed as a transformative fiscal reform; however, the journey of GST has been a mixed bag of successes and challenges. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) Discuss the potential of food processing sector in addressing the issues of low value addition, high post-harvest losses and disguised unemployment plaguing Indian agriculture. Also, explain why the sector has underperformed despite its significant potential.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 Despite the government's ambitious targets, rooftop solar installations in India are hindered by multiple factors. Elaborate. How far do you think that PM Surya Ghar Yojana can incentivise the adoption of rooftop solar installations?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 Agricultural marketing reforms are imperative for addressing market inefficiencies and boosting farm incomes. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Discuss the contribution of livestock sector to the rural economy and the empowerment of women. Also, highlight main challenges faced by the livestock sector in the country and suggest strategies to overcome these challenges.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) Generative AI holds immense potential to transform various aspects of daily life, offering both benefits and challenges. Elaborate. What policy measures do you suggest to maximize its benefits and mitigate its risks?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 Describe the major outcomes of the 28th session of the Conference of Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What were the major engagements of India in this conference?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 Explain the causes and impacts of landslides. Also, discuss the various measures to mitigate their impact, with a special emphasis on National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) guidelines.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) is showing a downward trend, but still affects many parts of the country. Highlighting the reasons for the continuance of LWE in certain pockets, suggest strategies to deal with this menace.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20) Analyse how the adoption of emerging and disruptive technologies for money laundering is adding new layers of complexity to an already intricate issue. Also, highlight the measures taken to tackle the problem of money laundering both at national and international levels.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8711,"topper":"Vibhor Bhardwaj","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/51099-1310907_1841_vibhor_bhardwaj_rank_19.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the meaning of self-efficacy, along with its key determinants. Also, discuss the significance of high self-efficacy for a civil servant. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have the right to do and what is right to do. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Dealing with an ethical dilemma not only requires following rules and regulations, but also requires adherence to moral prudence and altruism. Explain in the context of civil services in India, with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Code of Conduct for the civil services in India has merely remained a code; it has not helped promote ethical and moral values in governance. In this context, discuss the need for a National Commission on Integrity and Transparency in Governance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Digital ethics principles are necessary to prevent erosion of public values and deal with the ethical implications of digitizing governance systems. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Despite differences in terms of organizational values guiding the public and private sectors, there remain certain values that are equally important to both. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Bring out the difference between accountability and responsibility. Also, discuss the significance of accountability in ensuring ethical governance in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Though laws and rules can be considered as the principal guide on morality for public administrators, they are not sufficient in themselves. Substantiate with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Transparency is vital to cultivate public trust in government and to prevent, detect and deter corruption effectively. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"'Just-in-time' release of funds heralds a significant reform for the Indian government's payment architecture. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.\"- Marcus Aurelius (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"The forces in a capitalist society, if left unchecked, tend to make the rich richer and the poor poorer.\" - Jawaharlal Nehru (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate in a district, which is witnessing a high caseload of COVID-19 pandemic patients. The physical infrastructure and human resources in the district are stretched much beyond their capacity. At the peak of the pandemic, certain reports emerge that the District Medical Officer has been misusing his position to abuse female employees in his department and coercing them to have sexual relations with him. However, the concerned officer not only has an impeccable academic record but also a profound professional track record. You also need his presence and guidance to deal with the pandemic situation in the district. But, there is pressure from the media and civil society organisations to immediately report the matter to the State authorities for action against the concerned officer. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders and issues involved in the above case. (b) What are the options available to you? Discuss their pros and cons. (c) What will be your final course of action? Justify with reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"You are posted as the Superintendent of Police (SP) of a district, which has witnessed several lynching related crimes in the recent past, One day, a police station in the district got an SOS that in a particular village under their jurisdiction, two women have been accused of witchcraft and are now being paraded naked by the villagers. Given the past record of crimes in the village, it was likely that they would be killed by the villagers. When a police team from the station reached the spot and tried to save the two women from the mob, a scuffle broke out. In the ensuing scuffle, the police were brutally attacked and they had to retaliate by lathicharging in order to save themselves. The incident left three villagers dead. There is anger amongst the villagers, who are also a critical vote bank of the ruling party in the state. As the SP, you have been instructed to institute a quick enquiry and take the strictest action against the police team who lathicharged. You are aware that with elections around the corner, you need to diffuse the situation quickly. Given the situation, answer the following : (a) identify the stakeholders and the issues involved in the above case. (b) What are the options available to you? Which of these will you choose and why? (c) As an objective and scientfic-tempered administrator, what steps will you suggest in the long-run to deal with mob lynching?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"You are an Airworthiness Officer posted with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, tasked to conduct the safety audit of a major airline of the country. During the recent audit, you find that some of the airplanes belonging to the airline do not fully meet a few of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) safety standards. The issues are minor, mainly pertaining to some incomplete aircraft maintenance logs and safety rules related to training of the crew. The airline belongs to a very influential business conglomerate with close ties to all major national political parties and has a long history of ethical business practises. The point person appointed by the airline to communicate with you has assured that everything will be in order in a couple of months. Your senior in the department has also indicated that it is best not to mention such minor issues in the report, particularly given the image of the business groups involved and the trust it enjoys. He also reiterates the assurance given by the airline to address these issues at the earliest in a time-bound manner. However, you are aware that airline safety norms are paramount and every other consideration is secondary to the safety of the crew and passengers. As a public servant appointed to uphold public trust, answer the following: (a) Bring out the dilemmas that you face, elaborating on the competing values in the given situation. (b) What are the options available to you? Discuss the merits and demerits of each. Which of these will you choose and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"With the advent of 24x7 news and prevalence of an array of news sources across the board, the media is omnipresent in nature. In this competitive environment, many media professionals who are overcome by deadlines, bottom-line imperatives, and corporate interests are losing sight of the ethical implications of their work. Further, there have been several cases of irresponsible reporting where the reportage has interfered with court proceedings, compromised delicate security situations or led to the spread of fake or unverified news. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the ethical issues prevalent in the profession of media. (b) How does unethical reporting and sensationalization of news impact the society? (c) What can be done to strengthen the role of ethics in media?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"You are the Dean of Academics of a University. It has been brought to your notice that some students have raised a complaint against Mr X, a specially-abled Professor at the University, for not performing his academic duties diligently. The Head of the Department (HoD) tried to have a conversation with him regarding these complaints; however, Mr X feels that he is a victim of internal politics and is being discriminated against on account of him being specially-abled. He also conveyed to the HoD that he will file a complaint of discrimination against the University under The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. As the Dean of Academics, it is your responsibility to uphold the academic standards of the University and take any administrative decision in this regard. In this case, answer the following questions: (a) State the stakeholders and the ethical issues in the given case. (b) What are the options available to you? (c) Evaluate each of these options and state the option which you would choose, citing reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"You have recently been posted as the District Magistrate of a poor district in India where there is a high prevalence of manual scavenging. It has been brought to your notice that manual scavenging has claimed many lives in your district. Upon further enquiry, you found that most of the manual scavengers belong to a particular caste, and majority of them can find employment only by way of scavenging. Even some government departments in your district are employing these people for physical cleaning of sewers/septic tanks without basic safety gear and measures. Despite the rehabilitation programmes for manual scavengers, the administration has been found inefficient in identifying such people in the first place and the efforts to reskill them for employment elsewhere have not yielded desired results. Based on the given information, answer the following: (a) Identify the issues associated with manual scavenging. (b) List the options available to you in the given case. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each. (c) Discuss some feasible steps that you can take to address this serious problem.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8712,"topper":"Vibhore Mendiratta","air":209,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4720e-1267413_2123_vibhore-mendiratta_rank-209.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8713,"topper":"Vibhore Mendiratta","air":209,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4501b-1267413_2124_vibhore-mendiratta_rank-209.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8714,"topper":"Vibhore Mendiratta","air":209,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/81117-1267413_2252_vibhore-mendiratta_rank-209.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8715,"topper":"Vibhore Mendiratta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ec883-1267413_1824_vibhore-mendiratta_rank-209.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"What is a cloudburst and what are its effects? Why are they more frequent in the Himalayan region? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":8716,"topper":"Vibhore Mendiratta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/f276c-1267413_1835_vibhore-mendiratta_rank-209.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The withdrawal of general consent to the CBI by certain state governments in India threatens the spirit of cooperative federalism in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Stating the sources of finance for local self-governments in India, suggest ways to strengthen their financial position. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Cabinet Committees play an important role in reinstating collective responsibility and principle of homogeneity of the Executive in the Indian Parliamentary system. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"There is a need to overhaul the public procurement and project management (PPPM) framework of India for faster, efficient and transparent execution of government projects. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Adequate measures are required to overcome the challenges and vulnerabilities associated with undertaking social accountability initiatives and institutionalising them. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"In view of the recent Parliamentary Standing Committee report, discuss the issues faced by the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) and suggest measures that can be adopted to strengthen it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"While the Mid-Day Meal scheme was aimed at fulfilling the nutritional needs of students, it is far behind in achieving this objective. Discuss. Also, suggest remedial measures in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) remain critical for the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In this context, discuss the impediments in the fulfilment of SRHR in India. Also, mention the steps that can be taken in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"State the functions of the United Nations Human Rights Council. Also, discuss the issues faced by the Council in the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"West Asia is an important strategic region for India with profound geo-political and geo-economic significance. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Disenfranchising prisoners desecrates a cherished value in a democracy i.e. 'right to vote', which should be guarded earnestly. Discuss in the light of The Representation of The People Act, 1951. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Objections to domicile-based reservation in private sector jobs on the grounds of constitutional equality and freedom are misplaced. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"There have been arguments that sedition law is an attack on the very foundation of India's liberal democratic principles, as enshrined in the Constitution. Do you agree? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Despite Government e-Marketplace facing certain challenges, it has brought about a significant improvement in the procurement of goods and services by various government agencies. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"A reformed system of recruitment, training and evaluation needs to be put in place to take forward the development of a highly efficient and accountable civil service. Discuss in the context of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Despite initiatives taken by the Indian government to achieve critical goals in the education sector, major interventions are required to tackle learning poverty as well as the persisting inequalities. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"In light of the burgeoning burden of both communicable and non-communicable diseases, there is a need to revamp the public health surveillance system in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The repercussions of the ongoing economic crisis in Sri Lanka extend beyond its borders. Discuss with specific reference to India. Also, mention the steps that India has taken to assist Sri Lanka tide over the crisis. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India is a reliable partner in the Indian Ocean Region and can take on the role of being the net security provider in the region. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8717,"topper":"Vibhore Mendiratta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ae69b-1267413_1841_vibhore-mendiratta_rank-209.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the meaning of self-efficacy along with its key determinants. Also, discuss the significance of high self-efficacy for a civil servant. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have the right to do and what is right to do. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Dealing with an ethical dilemma not only requires following rules and regulations, but also requires adherence to moral prudence and altruism. Explain in the context of civil services in India, with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Code of Conduct for the civil services in India has merely remained a code; it has not helped promote ethical and moral values in governance. In this context, discuss the need for a National Commission on Integrity and Transparency in Governance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Digital ethics principles are necessary to prevent erosion of public values and deal with the ethical implications of digitizing governance systems. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Despite differences in terms of organizational values guiding the public and private sectors, there remain certain values that are equally important to both. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Bring out the difference between accountability and responsibility. Also, discuss the significance of accountability in ensuring ethical governance in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Though laws and rules can be considered as the principal guide on morality for public administrators, they are not sufficient in themselves. Substantiate with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Transparency is vital to cultivate public trust in government and to prevent, detect and deter corruption effectively. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.\" - Marcus Aurelius (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"The forces in a capitalist society, if left unchecked, tend to make the rich richer and the poor poorer.\" - Jawaharlal Nehru (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom.\" - Thomas Jefferson (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate in a district, which is witnessing a high caseload of COVID-19 pandemic patients. The physical infrastructure and human resources in the district are stretched much beyond their capacity. At the peak of the pandemic, certain reports emerge that the District Medical Officer has been misusing his position to abuse female employees in his department and coercing them to have sexual relations with him. However, the concerned officer not only has an impeccable academic record but also a profound professional track record. You also need his presence and guidance to deal with the pandemic situation in the district. But, there is pressure from the media and civil society organisations to immediately report the matter to the State authorities for action against the concerned officer. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders and issues involved in the above case. (b) What are the options available to you? Discuss their pros and cons. (c) What will be your final course of action? Justify with reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"You are an Airworthiness Officer posted with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, tasked to conduct the safety audit of a major airline of the country. During the recent audit, you find that some of the airplanes belonging to the airline do not fully meet a few of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) safety standards. The issues are minor, mainly pertaining to some incomplete aircraft maintenance logs, and safety rules related to training of the crew. The airline belongs to a very influential business conglomerate with close ties to all major national political parties and has a long history of ethical business practises. The point person appointed by the airline to communicate with you has assured that everything will be in order in a couple of months. Your senior in the department has also indicated that it is best not to mention such minor issues in the report, particularly given the image of the business group involved and the trust it enjoys. He also reiterates the assurance given by the airline to address these issues at the earliest in a time-bound manner. However, you are aware that airline safety norms are paramount and every other consideration is secondary to the safety of the crew and passengers. As a public servant appointed to uphold public trust, answer the following: (a) Bring out the dilemmas that you face, elaborating on the competing values in the given situation. (b) What are the options available to you? Discuss the merits and demerits of each. Which of these will choose and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"With the advent of 24x7 news and prevalence of an array of news sources across the board, the media is omnipresent in nature. In this competitive environment, many media professionals who are overcome by deadlines, bottom-line imperatives and corporate interests are losing sight of the ethical implications of their work. Further, there have been several cases of irresponsible reporting where the reportage has interfered with court proceedings, compromised delicate security situations or led to the spread of fake or unverified news. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the ethical issues prevalent in the profession of media. (b) How does unethical reporting and sensationalization of news impact the society? (c) What can be done to strengthen the role of ethics in media?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"You are the Dean of Academics of a University. It has been brought to your notice that some students have raised a complaint against Mr X, a specially-abled Professor at the University, for not performing his academic duties diligently. The Head of the Department (HoD) tried to have a conversation with him regarding these complaints; however, Mr X feels that he is a victim of internal politics and is being discriminated against on account of him being specially-abled. He also conveyed to the HoD that he will file a complaint of discrimination against the University under The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. As the Dean of Academics, it is your responsibility to uphold the academic standards of the University and take any administrative decision in this regard. In this case, answer the following questions: (a) State the stakeholders and the ethical issues in the given case. (b) What are the options available to you? (c) Evaluate each of these options and state the option which you would choose, citing reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"You have recently been posted as the District Magistrate of a poor district in India where there is a high prevalence of manual scavenging. It has been brought to your notice that manual scavenging has claimed many lives in your district. Upon further enquiry, you found that most of the manual scavengers belong to a particular caste, and majority of them can find employment only by way of scavenging. Even some government departments in your district are employing these people for physical cleaning of sewers/septic tanks without basic safety gear and measures. Despite the rehabilitation programmes for manual scavengers, the administration has been found inefficient in identifying such people in the first place and the efforts to reskill them for employment elsewhere have not yielded desired results. Based on the given information, answer the following: (a) Identify the issues associated with manual scavenging. (b) List the options available to you in the given case. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each. (c) Discuss some feasible steps that you can take to address this serious problem.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8718,"topper":"Vibhore Mendiratta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/608b9-1267413_1830_vibhore-mendiratta_rank-209.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"According to you, what are the main reasons behind prejudice against certain sections of a society? Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss how persuasion acts as a functional pillar in attitudinal change and attitude formation with requisite examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"A legally enforceable code of ethics for civil servants, which not only prescribes the ethical values they must display in their public life but also provides sanctions for violations of these values, is the need of the hour. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Although open and transparent governance has gained ground, do you agree with the view that there is merit in withholding some information from people? Justify your arguments with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Although bribery is illegal and counterproductive, public officials still demand bribes, and executives in the private sector remain tempted to pay up. In this context, discuss ways in which corporations can build a framework to eliminate the practice of offering kickbacks. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Identifying the issues associated with utilization of public funds, discuss the various ethical principles which can help devise strategies for better utilization of public funds in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"All persons ought to endeavour to follow what is right, and not what is established.\" — Aristotle (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"\"It is compassion, the most gracious of virtues, which moves the world.\" — Tiruvalluvar, Kural (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"I understand Democracy as something that gives the weak the same chance as the strong.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"\"A well-developed Emotional intelligence is not only an instrumental tool in accomplishing goals, but has a dark side as a weapon for manipulating others by robbing them of their capacity to reason.\" Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do you understand by conformity, compliance and obedience? Discuss their relevance in the context of civil services in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":34,"question":"Capital punishment, or \"death penalty,\" is an institutionalized practice designed to result in deliberately executing persons in response to actual or supposed misconduct and following an authorized, rule-governed process to conclude that the person is responsible for violating norms that warrant execution. Punitive executions have historically been imposed by diverse kinds of authorities, for an expansive range of conduct, political or religious beliefs and practices, for a status beyond one's control, or without employing any significant due process procedures. Punitive executions also have been and continue to be carried out more informally, such as by terrorist groups, urban gangs, and mobs. For centuries in Europe and America, discussions have focused on capital punishment as an institutionalized, rule-governed practice of modern states and legal systems governing serious criminal conduct and procedures. In light of the above debate of capital punishment, answer the following questions: (a) What are the arguments in favour of and against having capital punishment in the criminal justice system? (b) Do you think capital punishment has a place in modern civilised society? Examine in the context of moral implications involved in awarding it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"An Indian company is active in the telecom sector and is the majority owner of a telecom company based in other geographies across the world. At one of its European headquarters, there emerged whistleblowing allegations that a local executive was bribing local government officials in order to obtain telecom cabling and construction contracts from the local government. The kickbacks were allegedly paid through a third-party consultant. More specifically, there were allegations that the executive, the third party, and a government official had some sort of business interest in common, possibly shareholdings in a limited company or the joint ownership of an undisclosed asset. The company is thought to be particularly close to the ruling dispensation in India and the news has now raised pressure to put its business operations in India under scanner as well. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the ethical challenges in the given case? (b) Identify the different stakeholders and their interests. (c) As the CEO of the firm, how would you respond to the given situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You are posted as a Customs official in one of renowned port cities of India. Your team has recently intercepted a consignment having over 5000 kilograms of red sandalwood. Red Sandalwood, also known as Red Sanders, is a prohibited item for export and is covered under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) list and hence you detained a few individuals for their alleged involvement in trying to smuggle it to another country. However, you later come to know that these people are working for an influential businessman with close ties to the ruling party of the state. Your seniors in the department have verbally instructed you not to register any compliant as yet. You are fearful that a deal will be struck between the businessman and a few corrupt officers of your department and the detained persons will be freed. You are ready to go ahead and file the complaint but at the same time are also fearful of departmental action against you if you disobey your seniors. (a) What are the various options available to you in the given case? Evaluate the merits and demerits of each of these. (b) Also indicate (without necessarily restricting to the above options) your course of action and the reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"You are the Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district. One of your subordinates informs you that a girl has reached out to him, and complained about a potential death threat to her and her boyfriend who belongs to another caste. Both the families are averse to their union. She has also informed that the local police station is neither filing any complaint nor giving her any assurance of protection. The girl belongs to the dominant caste of the region and her father is a prominent local leader of the party which is in power in the state. On further enquiry, you come to know that both the girl and her boyfriend are adults. They have moved out of the house and have started living together. This has further angered both the families and they are accusing each other of abduction. In the given scenario, answer the following questions: (a) Bring out the ethical dilemma faced by the you. (b) What would be a suitable course of action to resolve the issue? (c) At times, such instances lead to violence and may end up in honour killings. Discuss the reasons behind their social acceptance in parts of India despite the legal sanction against them.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8719,"topper":"Vibhore Mendiratta","air":209,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0e206-1267413_1837_vibhore-mendiratta_rank-209.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8720,"topper":"Videh Khare","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/15012_760_Videh_Rank_99.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Celebrities are paid huge amounts by companies for endorsing products that at times turn out to be harmful for the consumers. Examine the ethical dimensions involved in such instances.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Lack of cleanliness in urban areas despite schemes such as the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan point to difficulties faced in bringing about attitudinal and behavioural changes. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Issues around economic inclusion are not just about income gaps, there are many dimensions of moral and ethical choices as well. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Socially and economically marginalized women are used to make a profit, often at the cost of their own health and reproductive autonomy, in the name of commercial surrogacy. Discuss the ethical issues associated with commercial surrogacy in India. Should commercial surrogacy be completely banned?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"While discussing the ethical issues that journalists face on a regular basis, examine the causes of increased sensationalism in news media in recent times.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"What are the various sources through which humans can judge the correctness of their actions? In the context of public life discuss how these sources are important in offering a clear and practical guidance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Should a person resort to leaking of information in case of wrongs done in the organization ? Does it cause a conflict of interest between the personal, organizational and societal spheres? Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Competition, it is argued, spurs the best of performance, however, can it also instigate cheating and unethical behaviour? Discuss with adequate examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"What do you mean by 'anonymity in the civil services'? Explain why anonymity and neutrality are considered as important traits for civil servants.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Prescription of dresscode for women not only violates their liberty but also reflects outdated views on gender relations as well as proper conduct. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"List the options available to you in the given case. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Discuss some feasible steps that you can take to control this serious problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Evaluate each of these options and choose the option which you would adopt, giving reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"What are the immediate steps which should be taken in such a situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"Suggest some long term measures to ensure that such a situation is not repeated.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"What are the options available to you? Evaluate each of these options and choose the option which you would adopt, giving reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":59,"question":"Is Dr. Singh's participation in this study appropriate? Justify your position.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":59,"question":"Does Dr. Singh have a conflict of interest? If so, what is the nature of the conflict? How could it be mitigated.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":59,"question":"How would the nature of the conflict of interest be different had he not already owned stock, but instead had been offered stock as a form of compensation for conducting the study?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8721,"topper":"Vidhi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/vidhi-test-3-1747724847060.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the elements of urbanization discuss how agriculture played a pivotal role in the enduring success and longevity of the Harappan Civilization. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Quit India Movement marked the awakening of the nation's soul and brought diverse sections together in a unified vision of Independence. Discuss (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Analyze the impact of World War II in accelerating the process of decolonization in Asia and Africa. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss the various types of sedimentary rocks and their formation processes. What is the economic significance of sedimentary rocks? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What are the characteristics of anticyclonic circulations, and how do they influence weather patterns over the Indian subcontinent? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What is coral bleaching, and what are its main causes? Also, evaluate the role of marine protected areas (MPAs) in the conservation of coral reefs. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Discuss the role of economic corridors in fostering regional economic integration and development. How do projects like the Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor (CBIC) align with India's broader economic growth strategies? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"How does the interplay between regional and national identities fuel the emergence of regionalistic sentiments? How can we balance regional identities with broader national identity? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"How do various cultural practices and traditions contribute to the idea of \"Unity in Diversity\"? Provide examples to support your argument. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What is the significance of Stupa art in the context of Buddhist architecture and culture? Discuss its various elements and symbolism and their role in coveying Buddhist beliefs. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":24,"question":"\"The dual struggle against entrenched social customs and colonial dominance was a prominent feature of socio-religious reform movements in 19th century India.\" How did the socio-religious reform movements of 19th century India respond to colonial cultural and ideological hegemony? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"How did the British policies contribute to the de-industrialization of India, and how did this process affect the lives of Indian artisans and the broader economy? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"What are the factors that lead to the formation of local winds? Discuss their impact on the weather and climate in various regions, providing relevant examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"What are the primary drivers of freshwater scarcity in megacities like Bangalore and Hyderabad? Suggest comprehensive solutions that address both supply and demand aspects of urban water management. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Give a comparative analysis of the tribal and mainstream societies. Is tribal society more progressive than mainstream society? Argue with examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8722,"topper":"Vidhi","air":224,"year":2024,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/vidhi-test-1-1747724807759.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8723,"topper":"Vidhi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/vidhi-test-4-1747724863669.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Federal governance is characterised by institutionalized arrangements for solving problems generated by pluralism based on consultation and mutual consent. How have Zonal Councils evolved from merely advisory bodies to proactive platforms for action? (Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Secularism under the Indian constitution is encapsulated in the broader concept of constitutional commitment to equality. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What is the significance of the Leader of Opposition in the Indian parliamentary system? How does the role of the opposition contribute to the checks and balances in a democracy? (Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"\"The core ideals of the Preamble — sovereignty, socialism, secularism, and democracy — form the bedrock of India's constitutional framework.\" Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words,","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Assess the implications of the 103rd Constitutional Amendment, which introduced a ten per cent reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), on the principle of social justice in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The focus of welfare schemes in India is shifting from \"well-being\" towards \"over-dependency\". In light of this, do you agree that welfare schemes have inculcated a \"freebies culture\" in India leading to a divergence of focus from poverty and hunger alleviation? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"E-governance is not just about efficiency; it's about making governance accessible and inclusive for every citizen. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"With the advent of new regional and multilateral agreements like QUAD, AUKUS, I2U2 etc the old world order represented by organizations like NAM, Davos, and G77 is losing its relevance. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The island states and territories from the South Pacific to the African coast have become new nodes in India's changing strategic geography. In this context, highlight the importance of these island states for India and also throw light upon the initiatives taken by India to strengthen ties with these states. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Electoral funding in India is fraught with the double whammy of legal loopholes and political inefficiencies. In this context, discuss the challenges to electoral funding. What lessons can India draw from global best practices in this regard? (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":24,"question":"Pressure groups form the social foundation of a democracy. In this context, discuss pressure groups' key contributions in promoting social security measures for workers in India, and how they address the gaps in existing policies. (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"The Constitution envisages the \"principle of federal supremacy\" in the executive space of Indian federal polity. Discuss while referring to the relevant Constitutional provisions and case laws. How are contentious issues regarding the distribution of powers resolved? (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Delimitation of seats is essential to ensure fair representation and uphold the principles of one vote, one value. Highlighting the challenges posed by misrepresentation in constituencies analyse the ramifications of population-based delimitation in creating federal tension. (Answer in 250 words,","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"India's higher education system needs significant reforms to align with global standards. How does the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 aim to address these challenges, and what lessons can India learn from international practices to enhance its higher education system? Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"The Right to Information (RTI) Act is hailed for its transformative impact on the quest for transparency and accountability in Indian governance. However, multifaceted challenges and systemic limitations impede its effective implementation. Discuss. Also, suggest measures for its effective implementation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Discuss the unique challenges and opportunities Self Help Groups (SHGs) encounter in urban areas compared to rural ones, and how can microfinance be adapted to tackle urban poverty. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Highlight the significance of the recently envisaged India-Middle East-Europe corridor for India's connectivity with the world, especially the West. Do you think, in recent times, transport and energy initiatives have taken precedence in India's foreign policy? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8724,"topper":"Vidhi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2025/5/vidhi-test-2-1747724831740.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Highlighting the factors contributing to high fiscal deficit in India, discuss the potential consequences of such deficit and suggest measures to ensure fiscal consolidation. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"India's aspiration to be a developed nation by 2047 hinges on significant capital investment. In light of this, discuss the potential of capital investment in achieving this vision. What are the challenges India faces in this regard? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"\"With growing urbanization, peri-urban agriculture is emerging as a significant contributor to fresh farm produce needs\". In this context, discuss the opportunities and challenges associated with promoting peri-urban agriculture in a sustainable manner. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"What are the major challenges faced by India's agriculture sector to achieve self-sufficiency in pulses and vegetable oils? Suggest measures to address these challenges. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Examine the key features of the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) 2023. Analyze its potential for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"In light of the increased intensity, frequency and duration of heat waves in the last decade, do you think the time has come to include \"heat waves\" as a notified disaster under the Disaster Management Act, 2005? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Discuss the necessity and potential issues surrounding the extension of the Border Security Force's (BSF) territorial jurisdiction in states adjacent to Pakistan and Bangladesh. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"India's economic growth story is often overshadowed by the persistent challenges of unemployment. Analyze the concept of structural unemployment and discuss its relevance in the context of India's current economic situation. Suggest policy measures to promote inclusive job growth. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the role of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in fostering regional growth in India. How can MSMEs contribute to achieving industrial diversification and technological advancement? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":22,"question":"\"The sole point of MSP is to protect farmers from sudden price shock\". Do you think legalization of MSP can insure farmers from sudden price shocks? What are the other measures which can be taken to make MSP-led procurement effective? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"Discuss the role of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) in the Public Distribution System (PDS) to ensure food security in India. Suggest necessary reforms in the functioning of FCI to enhance its efficiency and effectiveness. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The Nobel Prize in Physics of 2023 was jointly awarded to Ekimov, Brus and Bawendi for the discovery of synthesis of quantum dots. In this context, discuss the applications of quantum dots. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Evaluate the role of protected areas in biodiversity conservation in India. How effective have national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves been in preserving India's biodiversity? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What the causes of high levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and ozone pollution in India. How effective are the various steps taken by the government to mitigate particulate matter and ozone pollution? (15 marks,","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":35,"question":"The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) Report 2023 highlights a growing menace of drug trafficking in South Asia, with India being a major hub. Analyze the various dimensions of this challenge with respect to India. Also suggest a multi-pronged approach to address it. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"India's response to left wing extremism needs to integrate soft approaches like socio-economic policies and dialogue along with hard security measures to address the root causes of Naxalism. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8725,"topper":"Vidhu Shekhar","air":54,"year":2020,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2bf6b-32997_929_vidhu-shekhar_rank_54.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8726,"topper":"Vidhu Shekhar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2cc14-32997_1448_vidhu-shekhar_rank_54.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"It is argued that mathematics and astronomy were an important part of intellectual development in ancient India. In this context, highlight the major contributions of ancient India to these areas. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In context of the rivalries, which existed between the English and French trading companies in India, highlight the factors, which led to the success of the English East India Company in its struggle against the French. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What were the causes of the Iranian Revolution of 1979? In what ways do the consequences of this revolution remain relevant even today? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Analyze the impact of globalization on indigenous craft, literary traditions and traditional knowledge systems in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Juvenile delinquency has attracted much media attention in recent years. What are the factors that drive the juveniles towards crime? In this context, state the significance of rehabilitative and reformative measures for juvenile delinquents. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Highlighting the health challenges that tribals are facing in India, suggest a roadmap to improve the health indicators of the tribals. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Give an account of the geographical distribution pattern of major agro-based industries in India. Also, explain their multiplier effect on rural economy. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Highlight the reasons and resultant implications of disappearance of urban water bodies in India. Mention some of the steps which can be taken in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Explaining the role that Ocean Iron Fertilization can play in the fight against climate change, discuss the concerns associated with its large-scale adoption. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"In India a vast number of languages are potentially endangered. Discuss the reasons and implications of disappearance of a language. Also, suggest measures to preserve potentially endangered languages. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"While the British established a judicial system based on the rule of law, in practice this system suffered from numerous drawbacks. Analyze keeping in mind the developments between 1793 and 1833. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Trace the evolution of British policy towards the princely states in India. How did the freedom movement impact the people of these princely states? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Give a brief account of the circumstances under which Simla agreement was signed in 1972. Mentioning its important provisions, discuss whether it was a lost opportunity for India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"State the push and pull factors responsible for internal migration in India. Also examine how it is impacting urban transition in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Examine the factors responsible for poor performance of family planning programme in India. Suggest some family planning strategies, which can be adopted for improving reproductive health outcomes and achieving family welfare. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Women experience poverty differently and more acutely as compared to men. In this context, explain the socio-economic factors, which contribute to feminization of poverty in India. How can this problem be tackled? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Giving examples, highlight the reasons behind existence of regional disparities in India. Suggest some strategies to address them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Highlighting different factors affecting Indian monsoon, explain why it is difficult to predict it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8727,"topper":"Vidhu Shekhar","air":54,"year":2020,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9f261-32997_1418_vidhu-shekhar_rank_54.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8728,"topper":"Vidhu Shekhar","air":54,"year":2020,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3649a-32997_1419_vidhu-shekhar_rank_54.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8729,"topper":"Vidhu Shekhar","air":54,"year":2020,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/78903-32997_1525_vidhu-shekhar_rank_54.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8730,"topper":"Vidhyanshu Shekhar","air":59,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gZSpdIrx2S5_i1XX3VxPOawy9fd_gF20/view","questions":[]},{"id":8731,"topper":"Vidushi Singh","air":13,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9e0b3-1045416_2121_vidushi-singh_13.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8732,"topper":"Vidushi Singh","air":13,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/42931-1045416_2252_vidushi-singh_13.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8733,"topper":"Vidushi Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ad5b8-1045416_2206_vidushi-singh_rank-13.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"The arts of Indus Valley civilisation were free from religious influences both asthetically and functionally. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"The cave Paintings epitomise the artistry and grandeur of Indian classical painting tradition. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"Cholas are inextricably linked with the zenith of Dravidian art and architecture. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"Among major legacies of the Indian freedom movement, civil liberties formed an important one. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Berlin conference of 1884-85 in many ways set the ground for scramble in Africa. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"In the context of Indian freedom struggle, a discernible trend was seen where large national level movements were usually succeeded by periods of revolutionary activities. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Describing the congress attitude towards the 2nd world war, discuss the failure of Cripps mission and its consequences.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the factors responsible for growth of communal consciousness during freedom struggle and its consequences.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss the factors behind survival of communism in China and its failure in USSR.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"Do you agree with the view that policymakers made a mistake by overemphasizing the role of state while restricting that of the private sector in the Indian economy? Discuss with reference to the economic model adopted by India in the years after independence.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"While most of the early literary traditions were religious writings in some form or other, Sangam literature did not follow the same trend. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Examine the impact of sramana tradition on Vedic religion and its relation with the emergence of Jainism, Buddhism & Ajivika sect.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"In the context of Indian subcontinent, Sanskrit is perhaps the only language that transcended not only academic principles but also the barriers of regions and boundaries. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Giving a brief overview of the 3 Carnatic Wars, discuss the factors that led to the success of British against French for control of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"It can be argued that peasant movements of the 20th century, when compared to those in 19th century, were more organised and nationalistic in nature. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"In the context of socio-cultural milieu of the 19th century, contribution by Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar in fields of education and women's rights is immeasurable. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Provide an account of issues that led to a crisis in Punjab in 1980s. Also, discuss the roadmap to peace that was eventually adopted.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"The emergence of the Cold War and the Suez crisis of 1956 were pivotal in ushering a new era for West Asia. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8734,"topper":"Vidushi Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3fea7-1045416_1838_vidushi-singh_rank-13.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The Chalukyan architecture uniquely epitomises the grandeur and hybrid characteristic style of temple building. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The success or failure of a political movement is not always determined by the achievement of its stated goals. Discuss in light of the Ghadar movement. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss the ways in which Gandhian conceptualisation of Sarvodaya influenced Vinoba Bhave's Bhoodan movement. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Bring out the evidences, which led to the Plate Tectonics Theory. Also, discuss how this theory explains the movement of plates. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Give an account of the formation of Abyssal Plains and highlight the relief features found on these plains. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What are the geographical and climatic conditions required for tea cultivation? In this context, discuss the reasons for the introduction of tea cultivation in the Duars region of the Himalayas by the British. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Briefly bring out the distinction between flash droughts and conventional droughts. Also, examine the reasons behind the increasing vulnerability of India to flash droughts. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Though various initiatives have been taken to ensure social security for informal workers in India, there still exist gaps which need to be plugged. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Critically assess the government's move on raising the age of marriage of women in India from 18 to 21 years. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Reservation for locals in private sector has again brought the debate around regionalism into focus. In this context, examine whether regionalism is a threat to national integration. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Explain how agricultural surplus, growth of crafts and trade, and growing population led to the second urbanisation in ancient India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"India of the 18th century failed to make progress economically, culturally and socially at a pace, which would have saved the country from collapse. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The withdrawal of the Civil Disobedience Movement triggered a two-stage debate on the strategic course of India's freedom struggle. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Throw light on the causes, course and outcomes of the Civil War, which followed the Russian Revolution. Also, bring out the reasons behind the Bolshevik victory. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What are Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs)? Highlighting the susceptibility of the Himalayan region to GLOFs, state the measures required to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Highlighting the importance of ice sheets, discuss the likely impact of their melting on the planet with special focus on India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are twin cyclones? Discuss the role of Rossby waves and Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) in their formation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Since independence, planning strategies for women's upliftment has evolved from welfare to development to empowerment. Elucidate. Also, discuss the role played by voluntary organizations in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How far do you agree with the view that globalisation has aggravated the challenges faced by the poor in India? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8735,"topper":"Vidushi Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/bf02d-1045416_1839_vidushi-singh_rank-13.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"An independent umbrella body that brings the various central investigative agencies under one roof holds the key to shoring up their credibility. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the significance of the Doctrines of Pith and Substance, and Colourable Legislation with respect to Centre-state relations in India, (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Do you agree with the view that there should be simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and the State Legislative Assemblies in India? Discuss with suitable arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss the need for codification of parliamentary privileges in India, in light of the uncertainty and ambiguity around them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"While the Civil Services Board can be a step forward in making the Indian bureaucracy more effective, it has its own issues which need to be addressed. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Highlight the potential of India Digital Ecosystem Architecture (IndEA) 2.0 in transforming the ecosystem of service delivery in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What is Civil Registration System? Highlight its importance and discuss the measures taken by the government to bring about improvements in it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and Their Rehabilitation Act, 2013, provides an effective mechanism for empowerment of the intended beneficiaries in the society. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the reforms that must be undertaken to strengthen the World Trade Organisation in order to address the vulnerabilities in the present global trading system. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"State the significance of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Also, discuss the need for a legally binding Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Critically assess the role played by the National Human Rights Commission as a watchdog of human rights violations in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Discuss how the integration of information and communications technology (ICT) in the dispute resolution processes will help in overcoming the challenges associated with the functioning of courts and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) forums. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite various provisions concerning disqualification of legislators under The Representation of The People Act, 1951, the issue of criminalization of politics is still unresolved to a large extent in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"It is time for reforms, which recognise that urban local bodies (ULBs) need permanent, buoyant revenue sources to match the growing demands of an increasing urban population. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The role of the civil society organisations (CSOs) in India is changing in contemporary times and has become increasingly more complex. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Though the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) aims to address the inequity in development in India, there are a number of issues which plague the scheme. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Highlighting the factors responsible for the growth of EdTech sector in India in recent times, discuss its benefits. Also, state the concerns associated with it. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Bring out the role of Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers in delivering health services in rural India. Also, suggest the measures that can be taken to overcome the challenges faced by them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss the various concerns that have arisen for India after the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan. Also, suggest the measures that India should take in the given context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Bangladesh is not only a key part of India's \"Neighbourhood First policy\" but also crucial for the \"Act East policy\". In this context, discuss the steps taken by the two countries to strengthen their relationship. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8736,"topper":"Vidushi Singh","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SFYtKf4B1VMqd-jIsYcE1_2RyS3gqvB_/view","questions":[]},{"id":8737,"topper":"Vidushi Singh","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rjDQnfMd5gkLS7dJyAKdVX_NP0_iwSKY/view","questions":[]},{"id":8738,"topper":"Vidushi Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fZOeuHXJcEzg1yh7oIn213LDwzti0zi0/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) Explain why altruism constitutes one of the core values in public life. In this regard, suggest some measures to foster altruistic behaviour in public services.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) Certain actions can be right even though they do not maximize good consequences, for the rightness of such actions consists in their representing certain norms. Discuss with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) With the help of appropriate examples, discuss the ethical challenges involved in policing in India. Also, highlight the reasons behind corruption in the police force.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) A right combination of spirit and structure is integral to ethical corporate governance. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"3. (a) It is not only public servants, but also the common citizens who play a key role in institutionalising high standards of ethical conduct and good governance. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) Public administration in India suffers from the 'working-in-silos' culture. In this context, discuss the importance of cooperation, coordination and collaboration for efficient governance.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"4. (a) While emotional intelligence is an essential tool for a public servant, it can also be misused to manipulate people to act against their own interests. Discuss with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"4. (b) Social influence is an ambivalent concept. It can be a source for good, bad and even for evil. Discuss with the help of relevant examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"5. (a) Effective public service delivery demands a people-centric approach, which is built upon coordination and leverages technology. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"5. (b) Highlight the important teachings of Kautilya that are relevant to public services in 21st century India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"6. What do each of the following quotations mean to you?\n(a) \"What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.\" Nelson Mandela","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"6. (b) \"I care only for the Spirit - when that is right, everything will be righted by itself\". Swami Vivekananda.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"6. (c) \"True peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice.\" Martin Luther King Jr","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"7. You have recently graduated from college and are now preparing for the civil services examination. While reading the newspaper, you come across a news report of a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), working for child rights, challenging a provision of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, in the Supreme Court of India. The said provision provides for the option of Children in Conflict with Law (CCL) to be tried as adults under certain circumstances. The NGO's plea is that children are not able to understand the gravity of crimes. It has also contended that the criminal acts committed by children are a reflection of failure of the society to take care of its children. In the context of this situation, as a young aspirant, answer the following questions:\n(a) What are the possible factors that can drive a child towards committing heinous crimes?\n(b) Is it ethical to punish children as adults rather than giving them a chance for reformation?","marks":"20","words":"in around 250"},{"page":31,"question":"(b) Is it ethical to punish children rather than giving them chance of reformation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"8. You are a CEO-founder of an edTech company. You are under tremendous pressure from the investors in your company to increase the profitability of the company and undertake downsizing. After making a few bad acquisitions, the company's finances have taken a huge hit in the last couple of years. The downsizing is suggested with the hope that the company's profitability would rise, as it often does when mass layoff or downsizing decisions are carried out. Moreover, the investors have hinted that such measures would attract further investment from them, which has come as a ray of hope considering the ongoing volatile market conditions and slowdown in big-ticket fundings. Given the situation, rumors of unscrupulous firing have started doing the rounds among employees. It has increased apprehensiveness and reduced cohesiveness among them. You have informed the investors that the cost cutting exercise can affect the output as well as reputation of the company in the long-run. However, they are adamant to pursue the same.\n(a) Identify the stakeholders and ethical issues involved in the case.\n(b) You and the HR team have identified some options and are deliberating to put them across to the investors for consideration. Discuss the merits and demerits of each of these:\n(i) Identifying key high performers and offering them suitable positions before implementing the layoff decision.\n(ii) Putting the terminated employees on retainer to work part-time.\n(iii) Executing the lay off order in the same spirit as it was asked by the investors and letting them deal with the long-term consequences.\n(iv) Improving the perception of fairness among the existing and terminated employees and moving ahead with the layoffs.\n(c) Without restricting yourself to the above options, discuss the course of action you will take, and provide adequate reasons for the same.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":35,"question":"(a), (b), (c) (a) इस प्रकरण में शामिल हितधारकों और नैतिक मुद्दों की पहचान कीजिए।\n(b) आपने और HR टीम ने निम्नलिखित मुख्य विकल्पों की पहचान की है तथा उन्हें विचार के लिए निवेशकों के सामने रखने की सोच रहे हैं। इनमें से प्रत्येक के गुणों और दोषों की विवेचना कीजिए:\n(i) छंटनी के फैसले को लागू करने से पहले उच्च प्रदर्शन करने वाले अग्रणी कर्मचारियों की पहचान करना और उन्हें उपयुक्त पदों की पेशकश करना।\n(ii) हटाये जाने वाले कर्मचारियों को पार्ट-टाइम काम करने के लिए रिटेनर के तौर पर रखना।\n(iii) छंटनी के आदेश को उच्च प्रबंधन से निष्पादित करना जिससे कि निवेशकों द्वारा रूढ़ा गया था और उन्हें दीर्घकालिक परिणामों में निपटने की अनुभूति देना।\n(iv) मौजूद और हटाये गए कर्मचारियों के बीच निष्पक्षता की धारणा में वृद्धि करना और छंटनी के उपाय के साथ बाग़ी बढ़ाना।\n(c) स्वयं को उपयुक्त विकल्पों तक सीमित किए बिना, आपके द्वारा की जाने वाली कार्रवाई पर चर्चा कीजिए और उसके लिए पर्याप्त कारण बताएं।","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"9 There is an ongoing ethnic civil war in a neighbouring country. The conflict has caused massive displacement of people from the country. Ironically, the developed countries have closed off their borders to the refugees on account of the COVID-19 pandemic, resource competition, domestic politics etc. With countries sealing off their borders, the refugees are left in a vulnerable situation and many are taking illegal routes to enter your country. As a Senior Official of your country's Ministry of External Affairs, you have been involved in discussions with officials of other nations and are entrusted with the mandate to design a national policy to safely accommodate India bound refugees. In this context, answer the following questions:\n(a) Discuss the moral issues related to the rights of international refugees, especially those from conflict-torn regions.\n(b) What recommendations would you suggest given the large influx of refugees in India.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":41,"question":"(a) Moral issues of rights of international refugees:\n1 Forced displacement from native land\n2 The refugees get punished for the crimes they didn't commit (war-torn regions)\n3 Against Gandhiji's Talisman by rendering most vulnerable as helpless\n4 Against Sukala Kamma and Nicheanu Dharma\n5 Non-acceptance internationally hints at apathy by nations and ignoring Steward Trusteeship\n6 Denial of Human Rights","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"10. You have been appointed as the Chairperson of the Committee. In this regard, answer the following questions:\n(a) Discuss the various moral issues involved in the case.\n(b) Keeping the right to freedom of speech and expression in mind, highlight the steps you would take to resolve the issue and list arguments in support.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":50,"question":"11. You are a young athlete representing India at an international level competition. To your surprise, during the competition, you witness a few senior athletes injecting something using a syringe in private. When you approach them, they explain that it is a performance enhancing drug, which is very common in such competitions and you should take the same as well. You are aware that if these players get caught in a doping test, it may damage India's reputation. You are confused and afraid of the repercussions and decide to approach the coach to discuss the event you witnessed. However, you get to know that the athletes are taking the drug on the advice of the coach himself.\n(a) What would you do in this scenario? Discuss the options available to you and chart your course of action.\n(b) What are the reasons behind the use of performance enhancing drugs in competitive sporting events? How can this practice be minimized?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":53,"question":"(b) Reasons behind use of performance enhancing drugs\n1 Possible evasion\n2 Weak regulatory checks in India\n3 Weak NADA powers and inept testing infrastructure\n4 Normalization of use of these drugs\n5 High performance incentivices its use\n6 Pressure on athletes to perform well","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":55,"question":"12. You have been newly appointed as the District Magistrate of a district, which is known for its rich mineral deposits. Following the news being circulated in the media about the illegal mining in your district, you have initiated an enquiry into it. When the State's Minister of Mines and Minerals gets to know of the enquiry initiated by you, he directs you to name some junior government employees as being involved in the wrongdoing and make them scapegoats. He also points out that elections to the State Assembly are around the corner and the present government wishes to stay clear of any political corruption. This Minister is a very influential figure in the present regime and there are high chances of the present ruling party being voted back to power. In due course of the enquiry, it has come to your notice that the said Minister has also been involved in illegal mining through his cronies. The findings of the enquiry can affect the outcome of the elections as well as completely derail your career, if the incumbent party wins the elections, which looks very likely as per the polls.\n(a) Identify the stakeholders and the ethical issues in the given case.\n(b) Critically evaluate the options in the given scenario and state your course of action, giving reasons.","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":8739,"topper":"Vidushi Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Xk_8qWefLjDZRvLszXEqcYoMvnTAH0WE/view","questions":[{"page":20,"question":"5(a) How can a Public Servant deal with it:","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"8. Following the Jaya Jaitley Panel's Recommendations, the government is considering raising marriage age of women to 21, bringing it at par with men and upholding Right to Equality (A-14).\n(a) Effect of increase in age of marriage on women:","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"9. CLIMATE CHANGE has threatened every domain of our lives, leading to deprivations of various forms: inequalities, migrations, inequities, poverty, etc.\n(a) Ethical Issues arising out of HUMAN-INDUCED climate change:","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8740,"topper":"Vidushi Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0e5fe-1045416_1827_vidushi-singh_rank-13.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Discuss the relevance of Ashoka's Dhamma for civil servants today. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"What do you understand by climate governance? Discuss its relevance in corporate governance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":8741,"topper":"Vidushi Singh","air":13,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4910b-1045416_1837_vidushi-singh_rank-13.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8742,"topper":"Vidushi Singh","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/14QfQEW-7Re5GFPpU7l58NoSMZs3kakpB/view","questions":[]},{"id":8743,"topper":"Vidushi Singh","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HbzldJRll2ZrgxN2qs4QujUd8f50-zru/view","questions":[]},{"id":8744,"topper":"Vidyanshu Shekhar Jha","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a058d-84658_1062_vidyanshu_shekhar_jha_rank_59.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Technical solutions are necessary to augment the traditional methods of guarding the border. In this context, while mentioning the different components of Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS), discuss how it can help to address the gaps in the present system of border security. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"To deal with myriad challenges of 'Behavioural Microtargeting' and 'Psychographic Messaging', analyse the need for having a robust data protection framework in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"In comparison to conventional warfare, the possibility of successful deterrence against cyber warfare is both limited and complicated. Discuss. Also, elaborate upon India's preparedness in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Given India's complex security challenges, UAVs have the potential to aid the Indian armed forces on multiple fronts. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Although open borders facilitate cultural continuity & greater interaction, their security implications cannot be undermined. Discuss the statement in context of India's open border policy with Nepal & Bhutan. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What is the role played by Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in border management? Also, elaborating on the problems of infrastructural deficiencies and poor personnel management faced by CAPF, suggest remedies to tackle these issues. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Analyse the impact that the instability in the wider South Asian region has on India's internal security. What steps can be taken to minimise such impact? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Deployment of central armed forces in states has been a contentious issue. Mention the issues involved and suggest some remedial measures. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"In what ways does the physiography of India pose a challenge to its counter-terrorism efforts? What can be done to deal with these challenges? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What are the components of India's Ballistic Missile Defence System? Also, discuss how a Ballistic Missile Defence System enhances India's strategic options. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Giving examples, elaborate how India's approach to becoming a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region is taking shape. What are the challenges and opportunities associated with this approach? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime) has pitched for the need of an integrated approach in order to address the difficulties in preventing, detecting, investigating and prosecuting Transnational Organised Crimes (TOC). Elaborating on these difficulties, discuss how an integrated approach can help in tackling TOCs. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"With changes in technology, financial frauds are taking the shape and modalities of organized crime. Discuss the implications of such a trend and suggest a holistic approach to develop a sound fraud management system in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"While nuclear weapons and traditional military capability remain the options of last resort, dealing with subconventional and proxy warfare requires enhanced measures given the nature of persistent threat. Discuss (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The Government has adopted a holistic approach built around simultaneous implementation of a security agenda, developmental activities and promotion of good governance to address the Left Wing Extremism in India. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"National security challenges, which are less traditional war threats but more diffused and ambiguous, can no longer be dealt with in silos. In this context, examine the need for having a National Security Strategy and also, highlight the challenges that the government faces in spelling out such a strategy. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Highlighting the need for SMART policing in India, suggest some administrative, legislative and technological reforms in order to realize this vision. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind private sector playing a merely peripheral role in defence manufacturing in India. Also, explain how the Draft Defence Production Policy, 2018 seeks to augment private sector participation in defence manufacturing in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Discuss the implications of insufficient allocation of funds on capacity building, modernisation & operational preparedness of the defence forces in India. Also, suggest necessary steps to maintain & augment defence capabilities in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8745,"topper":"Vidyanshu Shekhar Jha","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4b7c2-84658_1061_vidyanshu_shekhar_jha_rank_59.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"While there are temples in the Deccan Region that are distinctly based on Nagara or Dravida forms, a hybridised style of temple architecture became popular after the mid 7th century. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"By ensuring a smooth integration of the princely states, Sardar Patel prevented the balkanization of India at a critical and most turbulent period in history of the country. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"While the Swarajist activity in the legislatures was spectacular by any standards, they faced certain challenges which limited their success. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The collapse of Berlin wall was one of the most significant events leading to the demise of the Soviet Union. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Unlike in the West, where modern environmentalism was given birth to by scientists, in India it began through the protests of rural communities. Examine the statement in the light of Environmental movements in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Give an account of the challenges which need to be addressed for development of the affordable housing market in India. What measures has the government taken in recent times to address these? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"While the idea of insuring farmers against crop losses isn't new, the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) is an attempt to plug the holes in the older crop insurance schemes. Comment. Also identify the challenges in implementing PMFBY and the way forward. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the comparative advantage coastal shipping has over other modes of transportation. Also, bring out the key challenges faced by this sector in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Effective protection of consumer rights is sine qua non for promoting the culture of good governance. In this context, critically examine the state of consumer rights protection in India and discuss the need for reforms in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Certain classical and folk dance forms in India are a unique amalgamation of martial arts and temple rituals. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The Indian National Congress (INC) functioned as a unifying force transcending all the differences between individuals, class and caste. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite its short duration, the June War of 1967 between Israel and Arab countries continues to have long term repercussions for West Asia. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Even though the First World War caused less destruction than the Second World War, it left a long lasting impact on world history. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The Shimla Agreement neither led to a lasting peace between India and Pakistan, nor did it fully achieve any of India's objectives. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Even though Dr. Ambedkar warned about the dangers of romanticizing rural India, the significance of villages in transforming the country cannot be understated. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Coastal Employment Zones (CEZs) present opportunities both in terms of boosting export led growth and creation of productive jobs. In this context, discuss the features, challenges & prospects of CEZs in India.(250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Restrictive labour regulations have prevented India from reaping its natural comparative advantage in labour-intensive products. Comment. Also discuss the need of labour reforms in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"If the economic as well as social costs of energy production are accounted for, clean coal offers itself as a better alternative than renewable sources in terms of carbon emission reduction. Discuss the statement in context of India's growing energy demands. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8746,"topper":"Vidyanshu Shekhar Jha","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7f455-84658_1071_vidyanshu_shekhar_jha_rank_59.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) is more than just the keeper of our national accounts; it is also a conscience-keeper and a watchdog. Examine the statement in light of making the auditing process more effective. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The concern for transparency in political funding is at odds with the Electoral Bond Scheme notified by the government. Critically discuss. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Lobbying in India exists in a perennially grey legal and policy arena. In this context, discuss the need to formally recognize and regulate lobbying in India. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"India sees Indian Ocean as not just a water body, but a global stage for continued economic, social, and cultural dialogue. Elaborate. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In the context of India taking greater responsibility in management of the global commons, there has been a shift in India's climate change negotiation stance. In this context, analyze the evolution of India's climate policy. (150 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlighting the constitutional role of the Finance Commission (FC), discuss the issues which are being debated w.r.t. terms of reference (ToR) of the 15th Finance Commission. (250 WORDS)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8747,"topper":"Vidyanshu Shekhar Jha","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/cdb49-84658_1069_vidyanshu_shekhar_jha_rank_59.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"Examine the contemporary relevance of Gandhiji's talisman as a means of resolving ethical dilemmas in day to day life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"\"Intelligence plus character-that is the goal of true education.\" Assess whether such an objective can be achieved within the existing system of education in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"\"A blanket prohibition of criticism of the policies of the Government is invalid and void, and it makes no difference if the person criticizing happens to be a government servant.\" Critically discuss in the context of Civil Service Conduct Rules, 1964.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"\"Man by nature is a political animal\". Explain with reference to Aristotle's idea of the state in life of the society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"What are the factors that have influenced the contemporary attitude of the state and the society towards homosexuality in India? Also, comment on the changing attitude and the factors driving this change.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"With behavioural issues and suicides among children on the rise, teachers and parents need to play an active part in ensuring mental well-being. Discuss. Also, explain the importance of emotional intelligence in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"The policy of Dhamma advocated by Ashoka through his edicts remains relevant in the context of issues in public life even today. Elucidate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Arguably, poverty is not only a matter of statistics. It is a reflection on the kind of society we live in. In this context, discuss the ethical implications for a society that witnesses high incidence of poverty.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Every superstition cannot be removed by the force of law. For that, a mental change is necessary. Comment. Also, explain how educators and public figures can help in eradicating superstition and instilling scientific temper among people.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"There have been reports of repeat instances of mob lynching in different states of India. It has been pointed out that these presumably faceless mobs gather impromptu on the basis of unverified information on issues that affect the collective conscience of the society such as child trafficking, sexual harassment, cow slaughter etc. Most of the people don't even regret their action of violating the law and even get away with committing such a heinous crime. (a) What are the socio-psychological factors that motivate people to join the mob and kill fellow human beings? (b) Identify the implications of increasing crime of lynching on society. (c) Examine the role of social media in recent instances of mob lynching. As a law enforcement officer, how will you prevent such incidents from happening in your district?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"We live in a time when almost everything can be bought and sold. Over the past few years, markets and market values have come to govern our lives as never before. Today the logic of buying and selling no longer applies to material good alone but increasingly governs the whole of life. However, there is a wide spread realization that markets have become detached from morals and we need to somehow reconnect them. The use of markets to allocate social goods has also been a cause of concern. In this context, answer the following: (a) Is greed wholly a vice or a trait of character that has both positive and negative sides? Could you relate it to the utilitarian philosophy that emphasizes pursuit of self interest by individuals as the basis of economic well being? (b) Are there some things that money shouldn't buy? Illustrate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are the head of a policy think-tank. There is a proposal to cut down more than 10,000 trees to build a residential colony in the capital of the country. The city has one of the highest homeless population in the country and the settlement will be used for them. This news has generated a lot of public debate. While on the one hand is the need to expand urban infrastructure in order to meet the demands of the growing population, on the other, is the environmental concern. In last ten years, the city has lost more than half of its green cover and has seen increased frequency of extreme climatic events. You are asked to deliver a lecture for the policymakers and concerned citizens, in which you have to specifically deal with the following questions: (a) Why do you think such situations arise in the first place where developmental activities and environmental concerns often come out as antithetical to each other? (b) What should be the short-term and long-term solutions for tackling such situations? (c) What are the potential benefits of inculcating environmental concerns in the policy making and planning process?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8748,"topper":"Vidyanshu Shekhar Jha","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/799d0-84658_1073_vidyanshu_shekhar_jha_rank_59.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the ethical issues involved in the recent refugee crisis and immigration as a global phenomenon from a broad perspective of globalisation and rights of citizens and aliens.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Corruption distorts not only functioning of the Government in India but business and corporate activities as well. Explain and discuss how the state can effectively deal with deficit of ethics in the private sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/ philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) \"Silence becomes cowardice when occasion demands speaking out the whole truth and acting accordingly\" - Mahatma Gandhi.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"\"We must not only tolerate others, but positively embrace them\" - Swami Vivekananda.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Emotional Intelligence is part nature and part nurture. Explaining the statement, discuss how emotional intelligence of civil servants can be enhanced.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"What do you understand by Probity in Governance? Examine whether the recent amendments to Prevention of Corruption Act and the proposed ones in Whistleblower Protection Act undermine it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Ensuring that civil service values are recognised during the recruitment process and ensured through a code of ethics after appointment is a necessary condition of making the civil services an effective instrument of citizen centric governance.Comment","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"What do you understand by cognitive dissonance? Giving examples, discuss how it influences one's behavior and attitude.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by Amartya Sen's 'capability approach'? Analyse its significance in understanding social realities and in making a pro poor development strategy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"While in principle most nations claim commitment to universal values, in practice these values are honoured more in breach than in the observance. In context of this statement, comment on the relevance of values in foreign policy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"While some ethical approaches consider an action to be ethical based on results, other focus on means. Taking the example of Indian bureaucracy compare and examine how these approaches have played out for the benefit of citizens.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"What are the ethical principles that should form the basis of the system permitting organ donation and allocation? Also discuss the importance of regulation for the success of any organ transplant program.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Where as some argue that leaks constitute an affront to democracy, others are of the opinion that leaks are a part of democracy. Examine the merits of both the arguments in the context of information attributed to leaks from government offices and whistleblowers.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"You are a young recruit to the IAS. Upon the completion of your training you have been posted in a subdivision of a district where industrial development has been lagging. The area has large reserves of minerals and a significant tribal population. The government has identified the area for a large thermal power plant and also adequate expansion of mining. This announcement has seen a rise in land prices in the area as well as unrest among the local population about possible land acquisition. As part of routine examination of records you observe large land purchases in recent years that are linked with the family of the local politician, who is also a member of the state cabinet. Also recognise that much of this land is around the site of the proposed industrial area. Further, one of your staff members also informs you that the family has been buying in the name of drivers, cleaners as well as domestic helps. You feel that having been aware of the policy decision the politician has played a role in these purchases. Incidentally your relations with the politician have been cordial and he is a popular figure in the area. (a) As the official responsible for acquisition of land and payment of compensation for the land acquired, what are the ethical issues that you face in the given situation? (b) What will be your response to a suggestion that in view of these benami land transfers a freeze on land sale in the area should be enforced? (c) What is the course of action that you would take? Justify with reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"According to the WHO suicide is the second leading cause of death in the age group of 15-29 years globally. In India also, instances of young people committing suicide have been reported widely in recent times. It is all the more disturbing that such a phenomenon is increasingly visible in urban and prosperous areas. (a) What are the reasons that render people vulnerable to taking such drastic steps as suicide? (b) Also, discuss the role that you as an individual, the society and the government can play in addressing this issue.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate of a primarily rural district. Excess agricultural production has led to a continuous fall in market prices of crops in the last three years. With elections approaching soon, the opposition has decided to make this a political issue and has mobilised farmers to protest against falling prices. The protests turned violent at some point and police had to fire in self-defence, killing two people. Violence has increased since then and you yourself were attacked when you tried to pacify the protestors. The protestors have also blocked the main roads as well as railways to prevent movement of goods and people. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the key concerns that need to be addressed on a priority basis. (b) What steps will you take to address them?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"You have recently been promoted as a Branch Manager in a Public Sector Bank. The bank is battling high NPAs and mounting losses. You have been assigned a very high target of loans by the higher management for the current quarter. Your career prospects also depend on your performance in critical times. Few days back you rejected a loan application for a huge sum based on detailed analysis. Today you got a call from the Regional Manager to approve the loan quickly. On your reluctance to approve, he hints that the loan is sought by a person well connected in the finance ministry and that a refusal will have consequences for everyone in the approval chain. You are now in a tough spot. Based on the given information, answer the following questions: (a) Bring out the ethical issues in the case above. (b) What are the consequences of agreeing to the demands of the senior in the given case. Assess which of them are meritorious and which are not. (c) Suggest institutional reforms that can result in non-punishment of honest feedback.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"You, the chairperson of a State Public Service Commission (SPSC), come to know that there were instances of rampant cheating in a competitive exam conducted recently by the SPSC. Your daughter, who also appeared in this exam and is confident of clearing it corroborates the same. However, she denies engaging in any such activity herself. Whatever decision the Commission takes is bound to affect the career of a large number of candidates who appeared in the exam, including your own daughter. (a) Identify the different stakeholders and their interests in the case above. (b) Enumerate the options you have to handle the current situation. What will be your choice and why? (c) Suggest measures that you would take to make sure that a similar situation does not arise in future.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"You are waiting in your car for your turn at a toll tax booth. You suddenly witness some men heckling and manhandling the toll booth operator and vandalising the property at the toll booth. They are accompanying a local politician who was passing through. Disgruntled with the fact that they were asked to pay the toll, they began to argue that the toll is high and the public is being exploited by charging an unreasonable toll fee. At the same time they are also warning others against paying the toll fee. However, the other people around you are keeping with themselves, without anyone coming forward to intervene. While you also felt that the toll was quite high, you believe that this is not the right thing to do. (a) Bring out the ethical issues in the case above. (b) What accounts for such an overt display of hooliganism in our country. (c) What is the course of action that you would take? Justify with appropriate reasons.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8749,"topper":"Vijay Raghav Goyal","air":229,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/VIJAY-RAGHAV-GOYAL-UPSC-2023-Rank-229-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8750,"topper":"Vijay Raghav Goyal","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/VIJAY-RAGHAV-GOYAL-UPSC-2023-Rank-229-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Foreign trade is an important milestone on the path of becoming a 5 trillion USD economy. In this context, analyse the potential of the recently released Foreign Trade Policy, 2023 in revamping India's participation in global trade. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Social protection schemes are an integral aspect of a welfare economy; however, the principles of fiscal prudence cannot be ignored. Discuss, with special reference to Old Pension Scheme (OPS). (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand from Agristack? To what extent can it become a panacea for the problems plaguing the farm sector. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The objective of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to provide a long term and equitable solution to the dilemma between free trade and food security has remained unfulfilled. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Even after five decades of the Stockholm conference, narrowing the gaps between the targets and actions remains one of the biggest challenges towards reversing climate change. Discuss. Also, recommend measures for building a coherent actionable strategy to tackle climate change. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What are the impediments in management of E-waste in the country? In what ways can the trinity of citizens, businesses, and the government tackle this menace? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How does nuclear fusion differ from nuclear fission? Assess the relevance of nuclear energy in resolving the global energy security dilemma? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are run of the river hydroelectric projects? How far can run of the river hydroelectric projects balance ecological conservation with socio-economic development? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"A robust border infrastructure is the surest way to counter multifarious threats emanating from inimical actors. Discuss, in light of Vibrant Village Programme. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"How far can a clearly articulated National Security Strategy help in tackling challenges to national security? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What are the factors that influence the inflation trends in the country? Highlighting the impacts, discuss the institutional measures in place to check inflation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Though a cornerstone of Atmanirbhar Bharat, Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme is not without its own challenges. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"How is internationalisation of rupee different from De-Dollarisation? Highlighting the benefits of internationalisation of rupee, discuss the challenges associated with the same. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What are Primary Agricultural Credit Societies? Can the cooperative push alone help in achieving the twin targets of boosting rural economy and mainstreaming small and marginal farmers? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Farm policies in the country have inadvertently led to undesirable consequences. Do you agree? Giving emphasis on PM PRANAM, discuss ways to enhance soil health and farm productivity. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What do you understand by heat waves? Highlight the reasons and impact of the rising frequency of heat waves across India. Also, recommend some measures to mitigate its impact. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"How is Chandrayaan-3 different from its predecessor, Chandrayaan-2? To what extent can India's presence in Artemis Accords help in furthering the exploration of lunar surface? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Research and Development is the key to unlock the potential of 'knowledge economy.' In this perspective, analyse the role of the National Research Foundation Bill, 2023 in democratizing the research ecosystem in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'Hybrid warfare.' Highlighting its implications for India, recommend measures to develop a comprehensive ecosystem to counter the same. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How are internal security challenges related to peace in neighboring countries? Explain with special reference to instability on India's eastern frontier. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8751,"topper":"Vijay Raghav Goyal","air":229,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/VIJAY-RAGHAV-GOYAL-UPSC-2023-Rank-229-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8752,"topper":"Vijay Raghav Goyal","air":229,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/VIJAY-RAGHAV-GOYAL-UPSC-2023-Rank-229-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8753,"topper":"Vijendra Kumar Meena","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e14da-333326_2488_vijendra_kumar_meena_rank_925.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The wise man does at once what the fool does finally.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The world is a tragedy to those who feel, but a comedy to those who think.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Perfect clarity would profit the intellect but damage the will.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8754,"topper":"Vijendra Kumar Meena","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8cae5-333326_2931_vijendra_kumar_meena_rank_925.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The end cannot justify the means, for the simple and obvious reason that the means employed determine the nature of the ends produced. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss how the relationship between law and ethics is dynamic and continuously shaped by societal changes. Provide examples to illustrate this dynamic relationship. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Differentiate between probity and integrity with suitable examples. How do these values contribute to ethical governance and decision-making in the civil services? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the ethical implications of withholding information in public administration. How can transparency enhance accountability and reduce corruption in government institutions? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What factors lead to a positive attitude in a person? How does positive attitude enhance the effectiveness of civil servants in performing their duties? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss how emotional intelligence can influence ethical decision-making in the allocation of scarce public resources. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Various international humanitarian organizations provide emergency aid in conflict zones around the world. Highlight the ethical challenges faced by such organizations. What are the principles that guide international humanitarian work? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Why is persuasion regarded as an important skill for civil servants? What are the key considerations that should guide persuasion in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"What role can ethical leadership play in curbing corruption, especially in public service? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"What were the major teachings of Swami Dayanand Saraswati? Explain their relevance in addressing the current ethical and social challenges in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":33,"question":"Discuss the ethical dilemma Karan faces in deciding whether to report the incident against Mariyam's wishes. (b) Evaluate the options available to Karan. Which of these options should he choose and why? (c) What responsibilities do organizations like XYZ Corp have in preventing and addressing sexual harassment and creating inclusive workplace environments? (Answer in 250 words)20","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Jay, a civil servant, was appointed as the Commissioner in the state's Education Department a year ago. In his initial months, he implemented several policies and programmes that were transforming the Education Ministry's operations, gaining a good reputation that could potentially benefit the concerned minister in the upcoming elections. However, Jay now faces a significant challenge. As part of his responsibilities, he must approve the recruitment of new teachers for government schools. He has received a list of 120 candidates recommended for vacant posts, but suspects the recruitment process was unfair. Jay had also received several complaints claiming that the process had not been meritocratic. Upon review, Jay discovers evidence suggesting that many names on the list are the result of political patronage - a prevalent issue in the state where politicians use recruitment to gain political support. Jay believes the Education Minister is engaging in this practice as the election season approaches. This situation reminds Jay of a past incident when, as a junior officer, he refused to entertain an unnecessary procurement request. Consequently, he was transferred within a week, and he and his family faced frivolous anti-corruption complaints as retaliation. His successor approved the procurement at even higher rates. Jay is now concerned that blocking the current recruitment could lead to similar consequences. Moreover, he fears that if he stands against this unfair recruitment process, the projects he personally initiated in the Education Ministry could be terminated. (a) What are the options available to Jay as the Commissioner of the Education Department? Evaluate each of these options. (b) What option should Jay adopt and why? (c) How can civil servants like Jay be better protected when they attempt to uphold ethical standards in their work? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"What are the options available to Jay as the Commissioner of the Education Department? Evaluate each of these options. (b) What option should Jay adopt and why? (c) How can civil servants like Jay be better protected when they attempt to uphold ethical standards in their work? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"As the District Magistrate of X city, you are responsible for overseeing the construction of a new metro depot in an urban forest area, which is a critical infrastructure project aimed at improving public transportation and reducing traffic congestion and air pollution. The project, however, requires the clearance of a substantial portion of the forest, which has triggered strong opposition from environmental activists, local residents, and NGOs. This forest is widely regarded as essential for the city's ecological balance, often referred to as the city's \"lungs.\" In addition to the environmental concerns, you are under considerable pressure from politicians at the state-level to expedite the project, given the upcoming elections in two years. The political leadership emphasizes the benefits of the metro project for the city's development and its potential to garner electoral support. The project is expected to significantly reduce travel time for thousands of commuters and potentially decrease overall vehicle emissions in the city. However, it would also lead to the loss of thousands of trees and disrupt local ecosystems. As you prepare to make a decision, you are aware that your choice will have far-reaching consequences for both the city's development and its environment. (a) Identify the ethical dilemmas involved in the above case. (b) Evaluate the options available to you in the above situation. Which of these would you choose and why? (c) Suggest some measures that could be implemented to balance urban development needs with environmental conservation in future projects. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Dr. Mehra is a senior drug developer at a leading pharmaceutical company in India, renowned for producing various medications, including lifesaving drugs critical for treating chronic and rare diseases. Since its inception, the company has emphasized the quality and affordability of its drugs. Recently, under revised government guidelines, pharmaceutical companies are required to market a finished product only after obtaining \"satisfactory results\" from tests on the ingredients. Additionally, they must retain a sufficient quantity of samples of both intermediate and final products to allow repeated testing or verification of a batch. Dr. Mehra's team is in the final stages of developing a new medication for a rare but life-threatening disease. This drug has shown promising results in clinical trials. However, there have been unresolved concerns about the long-term side effects of the drug, observed in a small percentage of trial subjects. Despite this, the company has not released any major drug in the past decade, leading to significant pressure from the board members to expedite the drug's release. (a) Identify the stakeholders in the above case study. (b) Discuss the ethical issues faced by Dr. Mehra. (c) Analyse the options available to Dr. Mehra in the above case. Which of these would you choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":59,"question":"In light of the above case, discuss the ethical issues that may arise from the nexus between corporate, political, and bureaucratic interests. (b) As a conscientious civil servant, evaluate the options available to Arun. Which option should he choose and why?(Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8755,"topper":"Vijendra Kumar Meena","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9c99c-333326_2425_vijendra_kumar_meena_rank_925.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"For effective corporate governance to take place in the coming years, why is it important to integrate the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics with the multi-stakeholder approach? What benefits can be accrued by such integration? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In acts of corruption, the focus is often only on the demand side of the equation, on public officials who abuse their office for private gain. Frequently, the supply side is given less attention. Those who pay bribes are sometimes depicted as innocent parties and victims of extortionary practices of wily public servants. Do you agree that 'collusive corruption', in which there is a willing bribe-giver, is a formidable challenge for institutions fighting corruption? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Citizens' Charters initiative was a response to the quest for solving the problems, which a citizen encountered, day in and day out, while dealing with the organisations providing public services. But the introduction and implementation of Citizens' Charters in the government of India has been difficult due to the old bureaucratic set up and the rigid attitudes of the work force. Discuss the major obstacles that have been encountered in implementing the Citizens' Charter initiative. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Quality of public service delivery is a major determinant of the quality of life of vulnerable sections in a highly unequal society divided along the lines of class, caste, religion, etc. In this background, do you think that public service delivery is efficient and sufficient enough to improve the lives of vulnerable groups in India? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \" , \" - \"The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own.\" - Lao Tzu (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Wealthy CEOs and founders of successful businesses around the world are increasingly pledging to give away their wealth in philanthropy. Do you think that such a move is sufficient enough to bring about a positive change in the society? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"As organizations across the globe begin their artificial intelligence (AI) transformation, the leap into the AI era is expected to be more challenging than any technology that businesses have grappled with yet. In this background, discuss the concerns around fairness, transparency, and job security that may arise. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The emphasis of Swami Dayanand Saraswati on education, social equality, and ethical values continues to influence the socio-cultural discourse in contemporary India. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Emotional intelligence may not be singularly associated with emotions or intelligence. It can also include a broad range of personality characteristics that might predict success in professional and everyday life. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"Traditional forms of state-led accountability, also characterised as vertical and horizontal channels of accountability, are increasingly found to be inadequate, and a myriad of multi-stakeholder and bottom-up citizen directed approaches have come to the fore, to supplement or supplant them. Discuss with illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":47,"question":"Many proponents of deep-sea drilling argue that tapping into the vast amount of rare earth elements in the Indian Ocean will help shore up national security interests for India, bolster its economy and workforce, and offer a reliable supply of strategic minerals. Keeping this in mind, the government has approved a $540-million programme to study ways of mining nickel, cobalt, manganese and iron hydroxide from the bed of the Indian Ocean 6,000 meters below sea level. The government argues that the project can power India's growth for 100 years. It will also study climate change, explore marine flora and fauna and harness thermal energy. However, a competing point of view alleges that deep ocean drilling poses immense risk to the environment. A comprehensive report on Sustainable Ocean Economy by independent geologists states that \"until the need for, and potential consequences of, deep-sea mining are better understood, the concept is conceptually difficult to align with the definition of a sustainable ocean economy and raises various environmental, legal and governance challenges, as well as possible conflicts with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.\" It also highlights that the profitability of national mining operations, without governmental support or comparably low taxes, remains questionable. If the operations are profitable, it will raise questions about the equitable distribution of benefits from resources derived from the common heritage of mankind. Additionally, companies like BMW, Volvo, Google and Korean battery maker Samsung SDI, vowed in a statement to not buy metals produced from deep-sea mining until the environmental risks of the activity are \"comprehensively understood.\" In the context of the above-stated information, address the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the given case study? (b) How can the vision of economic development of a nation be achieved without adversely affecting the sustainability of oceans? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8756,"topper":"Vikas","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/ABVMT25E094_ANU005.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"Righteousness is the foundation stone of peace and good governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Multilateral Organisations today have no teeth to bite, if they do, they don't bite.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Economic growth without investment in human development is unsustainable and unethical.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Urbanisation without planning is a disaster in slow motion.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Advancement and diffusion of Knowledge is the only guardian of liberty.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"The most terrible poverty is loneliness and the feeling of being unloved.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"That which does not kill us makes us stronger.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Be less curious about people and more curious about ideas.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8757,"topper":"Vikas","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/15wjX2WPGF9h9cH3n-u0HYdkhL9x356Fx/view","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"Righteousness is the foundation stone of peace and good governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Multilateral Organisations today have no teeth to bite, if they do, they don't bite.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Economic growth without investment in human development is unsustainable and unethical.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Urbanisation without planning is a disaster in slow motion.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Advancement and diffusion of Knowledge is the only guardian of liberty.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"The most terrible poverty is loneliness and the feeling of being unloved.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"That which does not kill us makes us stronger.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Be less curious about people and more curious about ideas.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8758,"topper":"Vikas","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1on_NdGeRM6OXAbkTX0wazk7t1YZcWj3I/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Religious philosophies had a profound impact on the development of Mauryan Architecture. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The fall of the Maratha Empire removed the last hurdle on the path to British paramountcy in India. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The Home Rule Movement created a transition from 'prayer' and 'petition' to 'demand' and 'agitation'. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"'The war to end all wars failed to enshrine peace and stability in the world.' Discuss the statement in the context of the First World War. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"\"The Indo-Gangetic plains are highly prone to heatwaves.\" Discuss the causes and suggest suitable measures for management. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"How does geomorphology influence the soil character? Discuss with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Evaluate the status of India's mangrove ecosystem and its function as a bioshield with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Stress on the Himalayan geo-resources threatens the lifeline of a billion population. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Caste as social capital is deployed more for parochial interests than for social unity. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Assess the impact of women organizations in bridging the gender divide in Indian society. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Educational and Socio-Cultural initiatives of the British regenerated the sense of reasoning in Indian society. Critically examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Constitutional developments in British India were reactive rather than genuine efforts for good governance. Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Ocean currents moderates the thermal extremities along the coastal regions. Discuss the statement with suitable examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Global warming opens a new world of opportunities in the arctic region. Critically examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Competing demand for land as a resource limits the development of mega solar parks in India.' In the light of the statement, evaluate the potential of rooftop solar power in meeting renewable energy targets for India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Give an account on the distribution of rare earth elements (REE). Discuss their importance for the fourth industrial revolution. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"India's improvement over the multidimensional poverty index juxtaposes performance in global hunger index. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Mention the challenges faced by Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG). Discuss the significance of PM-JANMAN in empowering the tribal community. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The patriarchal interpretation of religious beliefs shaped the contemporary socio-economic status of women in India. Discuss with suitable examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8759,"topper":"Vikas","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/VIKAS_SS_GS_1_AIR_27_a59d0601ae.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Religious philosophies had a profound impact on the development of Mauryan Architecture. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The fall of the Maratha Empire removed the last hurdle on the path to British paramountcy in India. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The Home Rule Movement created a transition from 'prayer' and 'petition' to 'demand' and 'agitation'. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"'The war to end all wars failed to enshrine peace and stability in the world.' Discuss the statement in the context of the First World War. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"\"The Indo-Gangetic plains are highly prone to heatwaves.\" Discuss the causes and suggest suitable measures for management. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"How does geomorphology influence the soil character? Discuss with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Evaluate the status of India's mangrove ecosystem and its function as a bioshield with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Stress on the Himalayan geo-resources threatens the lifeline of a billion population. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Caste as social capital is deployed more for parochial interests than for social unity. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Assess the impact of women organizations in bridging the gender divide in Indian society. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Educational and Socio-Cultural initiatives of the British regenerated the sense of reasoning in Indian society. Critically examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Constitutional developments in British India were reactive rather than genuine efforts for good governance. Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Ocean currents moderates the thermal extremities along the coastal regions. Discuss the statement with suitable examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Global warming opens a new world of opportunities in the arctic region. Critically examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Competing demand for land as a resource limits the development of mega solar parks in India.' In the light of the statement, evaluate the potential of rooftop solar power in meeting renewable energy targets for India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Give an account on the distribution of rare earth elements (REE). Discuss their importance for the fourth industrial revolution. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"India's improvement over the multidimensional poverty index juxtaposes performance in global hunger index. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Mention the challenges faced by Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG). Discuss the significance of PM-JANMAN in empowering the tribal community. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The patriarchal interpretation of religious beliefs shaped the contemporary socio-economic status of women in India. Discuss with suitable examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8760,"topper":"Vikas","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IHYjzFBbTjGX_MnVSlrJSkjVGKGHwir3/view","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Resource collection and redistribution remains a keystone in federal structure. How enactment of 101st Constitutional Amendment Act strengthens federalism? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"A Governor has no executive function to be performed independently under the Indian Constitution. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":8761,"topper":"Vikas","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/VIKAS_SS_GS_2_AIR_27_ae48d764de.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Resource collection and redistribution remains a keystone in federal structure. How enactment of 101st Constitutional Amendment Act strengthens federalism? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"A Governor has no executive function to be performed independently under the Indian Constitution. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Civil services should focus more on the outcomes rather than on strict adherence to internal procedures. Critically examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"How can e-governance initiatives be leveraged to strengthen Panchayati Raj institutions and enhance citizen participation in local governance in India? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Self help groups (SHGs) create collective efforts towards financial inclusion and robust social capital. Elaborate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Lack of formal associations creates vulnerability to workers in new age companies. Analyze. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Skill development is a crucial factor in reaping the demographic dividend. How does the National Education Policy, 2020 complement the efforts under the National Skill Development Mission? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"High healthcare expenses drag millions into situational poverty. In this light, discuss how the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) has become a safety net. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":8762,"topper":"Vikas","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/VIKAS_SS_GS_3_AIR_27_851f8bb7f7.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What are the factors influencing imported inflation in India? Suggest measures to mitigate its impact on the domestic economy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the potential of impact investments in improving the social sector outcomes in India? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"'Unfinished agenda of land reforms sustains the socio-economic disparities in rural India.' Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Analyze the importance of food processing industries in promoting millets cultivation and consumption in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"'NISAR' is a flagship partnership between India and the USA. Elaborate its role in studying climate change and efficient resource management. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Traditional system of medicine provides great opportunities for medical and wellness tourism in India. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Damage to critical infrastructures amplifies the impact of natural disasters. Discuss the significance of building disaster resilient infrastructure in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are the environmental and health impacts of metal mining pollution? Suggest measures to mitigate the same. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"'Dark net and crypto currency have emerged as a major internal security challenge to India'. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In light of recent attacks on merchant vessels in the Arabian Sea, examine the vulnerabilities in India's maritime security framework. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss the impact of disinvestment programmes on improving the efficiency of the Indian economy with suitable examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Demand-driven and future-ready skill development is essential to leverage the demographic dividend. Discuss the statement in the context of the skill development initiatives announced in the Budget 2024-25. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Examine the influence of socio-economic factors on cropping patterns across different regions. Discuss the potential trade off between economic viability and ecological sustainability in crop selection. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Agri-startups have huge potential for socio-economic transformation in rural India. Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Quantum computers provide great technical breakthroughs in the field of computing while opening new security threats.' Assess the preparedness of India for the quantum era. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Deepfakes blur the line between reality and illusion, transforming pixels into convincing lies that challenge our perception of truth. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Legacy landfills need immediate attention to mitigate the multiple environmental hazards in Urban spaces. Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Do you agree that our understanding of wastelands is limited? Substantiate your opinion with reference to the solar parks in the habitat of Great Indian Bustard. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The CRPF performs a variety of duties to uphold our national security. Comment on the diverse challenges that CRPF has to navigate while performing its duties. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The presence of extremism and insurgency goes beyond the reason of under development. Analyze the statement with reference to North East states of India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8763,"topper":"Vikas","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/18DvvabAw3GqbnwAJEumCkqGVe-K_Ddlt/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What are the factors influencing imported inflation in India? Suggest measures to mitigate its impact on the domestic economy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the potential of impact investments in improving the social sector outcomes in India? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"'Unfinished agenda of land reforms sustains the socio-economic disparities in rural India.' Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Analyze the importance of food processing industries in promoting millets cultivation and consumption in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"'NISAR' is a flagship partnership between India and the USA. Elaborate its role in studying climate change and efficient resource management. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Traditional system of medicine provides great opportunities for medical and wellness tourism in India. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Damage to critical infrastructures amplifies the impact of natural disasters. Discuss the significance of building disaster resilient infrastructure in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are the environmental and health impacts of metal mining pollution? Suggest measures to mitigate the same. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"'Dark net and crypto currency have emerged as a major internal security challenge to India'. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In light of recent attacks on merchant vessels in the Arabian Sea, examine the vulnerabilities in India's maritime security framework. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss the impact of disinvestment programmes on improving the efficiency of the Indian economy with suitable examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Demand-driven and future-ready skill development is essential to leverage the demographic dividend. Discuss the statement in the context of the skill development initiatives announced in the Budget 2024-25. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Examine the influence of socio-economic factors on cropping patterns across different regions. Discuss the potential trade off between economic viability and ecological sustainability in crop selection. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Agri-startups have huge potential for socio-economic transformation in rural India. Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Quantum computers provide great technical breakthroughs in the field of computing while opening new security threats.' Assess the preparedness of India for the quantum era. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Deepfakes blur the line between reality and illusion, transforming pixels into convincing lies that challenge our perception of truth. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Legacy landfills need immediate attention to mitigate the multiple environmental hazards in Urban spaces. Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Do you agree that our understanding of wastelands is limited? Substantiate your opinion with reference to the solar parks in the habitat of Great Indian Bustard. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The CRPF performs a variety of duties to uphold our national security. Comment on the diverse challenges that CRPF has to navigate while performing its duties. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The presence of extremism and insurgency goes beyond the reason of under development. Analyze the statement with reference to North East states of India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8764,"topper":"Vikas","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1C2cRCKGqzKhhaFYskywlFvdO7eRXuU9F/view","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Analyse the ethical implications of using generative artificial intelligence in creative industries. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"How can implementing citizen charters enhance transparency and combat corruption in public institutions? Support your answer with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What are the key teachings of Thiruvalluvar, and how are they relevant in today's world? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What does each of the following quotations mean to you in the present context? a) \"In a conflict between the heart and the brain, follow your heart\"- Swami Vivekananda (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Attitude shapes our perceptions and intentions, but behaviour is the tangible expression of these internal states in real-world actions. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"How does emotional intelligence contribute to overcoming challenges and achieving success in high-stress environments? Discuss its impact on resilience and decision-making. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What are the ethical concerns surrounding developed nations setting climate targets for developing countries without providing adequate financial support? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Misusing of benefits intended for the weaker sections of society leads to various moral consequences. Discuss. How can such misuse be prevented to ensure equitable distribution of resources? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"How should individuals address ethical dilemmas where adherence to organisational policies conflicts with personal moral principles? Illustrate with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":44,"question":"The government has proposed a phased strategic disinvestment of the State Public Sector Bank, allowing private companies to acquire stakes and manage various banking operations. This decision has sparked widespread outrage among the bank employees, leading to a strike. As the head of the workers' union, you attended a crucial meeting with state officials, where they outlined issues such as inefficiency, corruption, and deteriorating service quality. The officials presented data showing that the bank has been operating at a significant loss for several years, with mounting non-performing assets (NPAs), outdated technology, and increasing customer complaints about poor service. In response, you presented the workers' perspective, emphasising their long-standing grievances. The employees are concerned about job security, fearing that privatisation will lead to mass layoffs, reduced benefits, and a loss of the job stability traditionally associated with public sector employment. There are also concerns about the potential for increased fees and reduced access to banking services for lower-income customers. Meanwhile, the state public sector bank is in a dire state. Branches are frequently understaffed, leading to long queues and delays, and customers are facing issues with accessing basic banking services, leading to a massive public outcry. The media has picked up the story, with reports highlighting the plight of the employees and the inconvenience to the public. The situation is tense, with public protests growing louder and the strike showing no signs of abating. The deadlock between the two parties has intensified, with neither side willing to compromise. Amidst this standoff, state officials have approached you with an offer of a substantial bribe and other perks to secure your compliance with the privatisation plan. They argue that this phased approach is necessary to modernize the banking sector, attract investment, and ensure sustainable operations. a) What are the ethical issues involved in the given case? b) What are the options available to you? Evaluate each of these options and choose the option you would adopt giving reasons. c) Based on the given case study, mention steps taken to improve the banking sector in India. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"Ms. Radhika, a dedicated civil servant tasked with overseeing the Right to Education (RTE) implementation in her state, is jolted by the tragic death of Rani, a Dalit student, who succumbed to injuries inflicted by a teacher's violent assault. The incident rapidly gains media attention, sparking intense demands for accountability and justice from the opposition. Reflecting on her past visits to schools, Ms. Radhika remembers Rani as a promising and eager learner, whose enthusiasm was marred by the harsh reality of social exclusion. Rani's caste marked her for isolation, both from peers and teachers. She recalls the evident disparity in her treatment—fewer opportunities, less attention, and unfair bias directly linked to her caste identity. Upon deeper scrutiny, Ms. Radhika uncovers systemic flaws within the urban education framework. Complaints about caste discrimination during school admissions surfaced, revealing a failure to uphold RTE's core tenets. Admission policies and classroom environments perpetuated caste biases, with students from marginalised backgrounds facing segregation and unfair treatment. Educational materials often reinforced caste prejudices, while parents from lower-caste communities struggled to engage in their children's schooling due to systemic barriers. The situation deteriorates further when local politicians, motivated by caste biases, attempt to suppress the incident, thus obstructing justice for Rani. Political pressure influences the administration to downplay the issue, risking the concealment of the deeper, systemic inequalities in urban education. Ms. Radhika faces a daunting challenge: addressing these injustices while navigating potential backlash from influential communities and safeguarding her own career amidst the turmoil. a) What are the ethical issues involved in the given case for Ms. Radhika? b) List the moral values that will guide her. c) How can Ms. Radhika ethically navigate the entrenched nature of caste-based discrimination within the urban education system? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":8765,"topper":"Vikas","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/VIKAS_SS_GS_4_AIR_27_d603e68673.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Analyse the ethical implications of using generative artificial intelligence in creative industries. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"How can implementing citizen charters enhance transparency and combat corruption in public institutions? Support your answer with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What are the key teachings of Thiruvalluvar, and how are they relevant in today's world? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What does each of the following quotations mean to you in the present context? a) \"In a conflict between the heart and the brain, follow your heart\"- Swami Vivekananda (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Attitude shapes our perceptions and intentions, but behaviour is the tangible expression of these internal states in real-world actions. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"How does emotional intelligence contribute to overcoming challenges and achieving success in high-stress environments? Discuss its impact on resilience and decision-making. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What are the ethical concerns surrounding developed nations setting climate targets for developing countries without providing adequate financial support? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Misusing of benefits intended for the weaker sections of society leads to various moral consequences. Discuss. How can such misuse be prevented to ensure equitable distribution of resources? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"How should individuals address ethical dilemmas where adherence to organisational policies conflicts with personal moral principles? Illustrate with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":39,"question":"You are a renowned financial influencer with a substantial online following, celebrated for your astute investment advice. One day, Digital PayTech, a leading company in the digital payments sector, reaches out to you. They hope to leverage your influence to attract more investors and strengthen their position as a market leader. Enthusiastic about the promising growth potential in digital payments and eager to present what seems like an excellent investment opportunity, you agree to endorse Digitalpaytech stocks. Digital PayTech, a publicly traded entity, has made a name for itself by developing secure and user-friendly digital payment solutions. Their innovative approach has garnered industry acclaim, and they are recognized as pioneers in transforming the payment landscape. Eager about the partnership, you create engaging content endorsing Digital PayTech's stocks, highlighting their cutting-edge technology and the surging demand for digital payment solutions. Trusting your expertise, your followers invest in Digital PayTech's stocks. However, unexpected challenges soon arise. New compliance requirements bring in stringent rules on financial reporting and data protection, creating operational hurdles. Changes in licensing and authorization severely impact Digital PayTech's market presence and service offerings. Additionally, heightened security standards necessitate significant investments in cybersecurity. Sudden alterations in fee structures and pricing regulations adversely affect the company's revenue models and profitability. Amidst these challenges, financial mismanagement within Digital PayTech comes to light, casting doubt on the accuracy of their reported financial statements. These cumulative issues lead to a sharp decline in Digital PayTech's stock value, resulting in financial losses for your followers who had invested based on your recommendation. The financial influencer now faces the challenge of addressing the repercussions of the failed endorsement. Followers express disappointment and frustration, questioning the due diligence process and decision-making behind the recommendation. Legal inquiries and regulatory investigations intensify, adding to the complexity of the situation. a) List the moral values that will guide you. b) What are the ethical issues involved in the given case? c) What are the options available to you? Evaluate each of these options and choose the option you would adopt giving reasons. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The government has proposed a phased strategic disinvestment of the State Public Sector Bank, allowing private companies to acquire stakes and manage various banking operations. This decision has sparked widespread outrage among the bank employees, leading to a strike. As the head of the workers' union, you attended a crucial meeting with state officials, where they outlined issues such as inefficiency, corruption, and deteriorating service quality. The officials presented data showing that the bank has been operating at a significant loss for several years, with mounting non-performing assets (NPAs), outdated technology, and increasing customer complaints about poor service. In response, you presented the workers' perspective, emphasising their long-standing grievances. The employees are concerned about job security, fearing that privatisation will lead to mass layoffs, reduced benefits, and a loss of the job stability traditionally associated with public sector employment. There are also concerns about the potential for increased fees and reduced access to banking services for lower-income customers. Meanwhile, the state public sector bank is in a dire state. Branches are frequently understaffed, leading to long queues and delays, and customers are facing issues with accessing basic banking services, leading to a massive public outcry. The media has picked up the story, with reports highlighting the plight of the employees and the inconvenience to the public. The situation is tense, with public protests growing louder and the strike showing no signs of abating. The deadlock between the two parties has intensified, with neither side willing to compromise. Amidst this standoff, state officials have approached you with an offer of a substantial bribe and other perks to secure your compliance with the privatisation plan. They argue that this phased approach is necessary to modernize the banking sector, attract investment, and ensure sustainable operations. a) What are the ethical issues involved in the given case? b) What are the options available to you? Evaluate each of these options and choose the option you would adopt giving reasons. c) Based on the given case study, mention steps taken to improve the banking sector in India. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"Ms. Radhika, a dedicated civil servant tasked with overseeing the Right to Education (RTE) implementation in her state, is jolted by the tragic death of Rani, a Dalit student, who succumbed to injuries inflicted by a teacher's violent assault. The incident rapidly gains media attention, sparking intense demands for accountability and justice from the opposition. Reflecting on her past visits to schools, Ms. Radhika remembers Rani as a promising and eager learner, whose enthusiasm was marred by the harsh reality of social exclusion. Rani's caste marked her for isolation, both from peers and teachers. She recalls the evident disparity in her treatment—fewer opportunities, less attention, and unfair bias directly linked to her caste identity. Upon deeper scrutiny, Ms. Radhika uncovers systemic flaws within the urban education framework. Complaints about caste discrimination during school admissions surfaced, revealing a failure to uphold RTE's core tenets. Admission policies and classroom environments perpetuated caste biases, with students from marginalised backgrounds facing segregation and unfair treatment. Educational materials often reinforced caste prejudices, while parents from lower-caste communities struggled to engage in their children's schooling due to systemic barriers. The situation deteriorates further when local politicians, motivated by caste biases, attempt to suppress the incident, thus obstructing justice for Rani. Political pressure influences the administration to downplay the issue, risking the concealment of the deeper, systemic inequalities in urban education. Ms. Radhika faces a daunting challenge: addressing these injustices while navigating potential backlash from influential communities and safeguarding her own career amidst the turmoil. a) What are the ethical issues involved in the given case for Ms. Radhika? b) List the moral values that will guide her. c) How can Ms. Radhika ethically navigate the entrenched nature of caste-based discrimination within the urban education system? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":8766,"topper":"Vikas","air":27,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/Vikas_AIR_27_2025/Test%201,%20PSIR%20Crash%20Course.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"\"The history of Political theory is written in the light of the hypothesis that theories of politics are themselves a part of Politics\" - Sabine.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":5,"question":"\"Social contract theory of the origin of the state is bad history, bad logic and bad philosophy. (10 Marks)\"","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":7,"question":"\"Power is not the property of an individual, it corresponds to human activities not just to act, but to act in concert\" - Hannah Arendt.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":11,"question":"The end of Ideology was itself a key expression of the Ideology of time and space in which it came across\" Alasdair Macintyre.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":13,"question":"What do you understand by the decline of political theory? Explain the arguments proposed to establish the decline of political theory","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Critically examine Hobbes's methodology to study political science. Compare it with Machiavelli's Methodology.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":20,"question":"\"The Fundamental sense of freedom is freedom from chains, from imprisonment, from enslavement by others. The rest is an extension of this sense or else metaphor.\" Isaiah Berlin. Explain with contemporary examples.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Liberalism is not a fixed mode of thought but an intellectual movement. Explain.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":27,"question":"The principles of democracy can't be divorced from the principle of equality. Comment.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":30,"question":"\"Our epoch, the epoch of the bourgeoisie, possesses, however, this distinct feature: it has simplified class antagonisms\" Marx. Critically examine.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Define Cultural relativism and compare the cultural relativist perspective of Human Rights with the universalist perspective of Human Rights. Do you think there can be a way to reconcile these two different perspectives on Human Rights?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":37,"question":"Discuss the Rationale behind affirmative policies. Do you think that affirmative action policies with respect to women can address the disadvantages faced by them?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":45,"question":"M.N Roy's radical Humanism is a critical reflection on the Marxist approach towards the Revolution. Comment.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":47,"question":"\"A just society is that society in which the ascending sense of reverence and descending sense of contempt is dissolved into the creation of a compassionate society- Ambedkar\". Elucidate","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":49,"question":"\"Truth is not outside power\": Foucault\". Analyse","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Sir Syed Ahmed Khan was a visionary who carved a space for rationalist thought and gave a new direction to education. Comment.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":53,"question":"\"Dharmashastras refer to the science of dharma and are a series of texts which teach the eternal immutable Dharma found in Vedas.\" Discuss","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":57,"question":"For Bhiku Parekh, multiculturalism refers not to the set of liberal policies as the liberal theory of minority rights suggests, but to a certain perspective which allows us to better understand culturally diverse societies. Explain.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Judith Buttler believes that there are no essential qualities that define a person as belonging to a specific gender and she puts forward a more inclusive idea of feminism. Explain.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":63,"question":"Discuss distributive equality and its different forms. In what sense is the idea of complex equality a critique of distributive equality?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":67,"question":"Foucault's concept of power helps in deepening our understanding of the state in the subject of political science. Critically examine.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":70,"question":"Explain the salient features of Postmodernism. Can post-modernism be defined as incredulity towards meta-narratives?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":73,"question":"In what ways the conception of the public sphere as theorized by Habermas has undergone a change in India?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":77,"question":"Explain Kautilya's Raja Manda theory and it's relevance in contemporary Indian philosophy.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":80,"question":"Examine how the Buddhist statecraft is an expression of the Comprehensive doctrine given by Buddhism.","marks":"15","words":null}]},{"id":8767,"topper":"Vikas","air":27,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/Vikas_AIR_27_2025/Test%202,%20PSIR%20Crash%20Course.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"\"During the freedom struggle the Indian National Congress and other established political groups took an ambivalent position vis-a-vis the working class\". Examine.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":5,"question":"\"Constituent assembly members realised that a constitution could not by itself make a new India, but they intended it to light the way.\" Discuss","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":7,"question":"\"Finance Commission must think afresh conceptually, methodologically, and operationally.\" Explain in the context of the recently constituted 16th Finance Commission.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Explain how patronage politics and expectations of ethnic favouritism tend to go together.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":11,"question":"\"At Independence, the project of building a national civic identity, transcending the particularistic identities of caste, tribe, language, religion, and region, was recognized as the most important challenge facing the new nation.\" Explain.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Indian nationalism that confronted British imperialism in the nineteenth century, and celebrated its victory in the formation of the Indian nation-state in 1947, was a product of colonial modernity. Critically Examine.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":17,"question":"\"While the Constitution did usher in a new order, its claims to have obliterated the past remain unconvincing, even to contemporary observers\". In light of the above statement critically examine the nature of the Indian Constitution.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Democracy in India has not only endured but developed into a vibrant system. Explain.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":23,"question":"\"An overview of India's political trajectory reveals various phases of stresses and strains in the evolution of political parties.\" In light of the above statement discuss the changes in the party system and the electoral process in India over the last 7 decades.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Examine the merits and demerits of a coalition government in the context of India.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":30,"question":"\"There is no greater inequality than the equal treatment of unequals.\" In light of the statement examine the affirmative action policy of the Indian State with respect to reservations.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":33,"question":"\"The Anti-Defection Law needs a relook to plug the loopholes\". Critically examine the efficacy of Anti Defection Law in light of some recent cases.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":37,"question":"Discuss how the years since independence have seen agrarian struggles of enormous variety.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":40,"question":"Past lack of attention to political ideology contrasts strongly with the recent ubiquity of ideological debates in Indian politics. Examine the role of Ideology in Indian politics.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":43,"question":"The National Commission for Minorities, as an institution, suffers from several major structural inefficiencies and challenges. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Trace the origins of the Human rights movement in India in pre and post-independent India.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":47,"question":"Do you agree that the progress that the cooperative movement made in India has fallen far short of the goals set by its early proponents?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Discuss the class approach and economic determinism of the Marxist historians about the Indian freedom struggle.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Analyse the contrasting philosophies of Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru which have left an essence in Part IV of our constitution.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":53,"question":"Discuss boundary disputes between different states . Explain what are different methods available to resolve inter-state disputes.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Whether judicial activism has undermined or strengthened Parliamentary Democracy in India . Discuss.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Do you think that the regional political parties are eternal theme on the Indian political scene?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":63,"question":"\"The ongoing processes of social and economic differentiation within caste groups, as well as the migration and dispersion of populations, weaken the possibilities of caste solidarity and therefore caste politics.\" Critically Examine.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":67,"question":"Highlight the debates and discussions surrounding the interpretations and understanding of the Basic Structure Doctrine.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":69,"question":"Discuss various phases of the women's movement in post-independence India till the end of the 20th century.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":73,"question":"\"Secularism is one of the most central ideological contestations in Indian politics since Independence\" Bring out different perspectives on the nature of Indian Secularism.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":77,"question":"Do you think Indian Parliament has yet to live up to the hopes and aspirations of its founding fathers?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":80,"question":"Examine the financial difficulties faced by the Panchayati Raj Institutions.","marks":"15","words":null}]},{"id":8768,"topper":"Vikas","air":27,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/Vikas_AIR_27_2025/Test%203,%20PSIR%20Crash%20Course.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"\"The end of cold war was most likely to return of traditional multipolar balance of power\" - Mearsheimer. Critically examine.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":5,"question":"How capitalism has configured the modern welfare states?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Critically analyse the impact of unilateralism on global governance and the potential of multilateralism in addressing global challenges like terrorism, climate change, and nuclear proliferation.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":9,"question":"What is Social Constructivism? Describe the major assumptions of social constructivism in context of international relations.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Explain the term \"Thucydides Trap\" in relation to the rise of China.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Globalization has generated feeling of strong nationalism in many parts of the world. It makes the state less appealing as a political community. Discuss.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":17,"question":"NIEO has not been formally enforced yet, the need for a new economic system is still relevant in the world economy especially in the era of globalization. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Critically analyse the impediments and geopolitical implications of New Arctic Shipping Lanes?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":23,"question":"\"The United Nations Security Council's (UNSC) failure to act on Russia-Ukraine & Israel-Palestine Conflicts has reignited the global demands to overhaul the body for international peace and security.\" Elucidate. ism is not a fixed mode of thought but an intellectual movement. Explain.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Discuss the ways in which technology is playing the momentous role in shaping contemporary geopolitics.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Define ethnicity. Also examine the major actors involved in ethnic conflicts and the impacts of these conflicts on international relations.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":33,"question":"What are the major implications of anarchy in international politics?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":37,"question":"Examine the causes of terrorism in global politics. Also discuss the consequences of terrorism for global peace and security.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":40,"question":"\"Apart from maintaining world peace, the UN played tremendous role in uplifting the social and economic conditions of various sections of the society.\" In this context, analyse the major functions and achievements of the UN ECOSOC since its establishment.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":43,"question":"Discuss how functionalism has applied in practice in the field of international relations.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Briefly describe the positive and negative impacts of hegemony on international relations in context of Hegemonic Stability Theory (HST).","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":47,"question":"As per the Marxist analysis, how does the state in the developing world or third world sustain its autonomy?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Critically examine the limitations of International Court of Justice (ICJ) in maintaining global peace?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Explain the concept of non-traditional security threats in international relations.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":53,"question":"Elucidate the concept of power. Also identify the major elements of power in global politics. armashastras refer to the science of dharma and are a series of texts which teach the eternal immutable Dharma found in Vedas.\" Discuss","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":57,"question":"What were the causes for the end of the Cold War?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Explain liberal feminism. What are the limitations of liberal feminism?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":63,"question":"Define Euro-Centralism. Illustrate the impacts of Euro-Centralism on the evolution of the comparative politics.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":67,"question":"Explain the genesis of system approach in comparative politics? Also highlights the major characteristics of System approach.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":70,"question":"Analyze the concept of hybrid warfare with suitable examples. Also, discuss the causes and consequences of such warfare for international peace and security.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":73,"question":"\"Climate change poses escalating risks to stability and security, with potentially far-reaching consequences\". Comment.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":77,"question":"Give an account for the relationship between regionalism and globalization.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":80,"question":"Explain the meaning and role of pressure groups in democratic politics. how the Buddhist statecraft is an expression of the Comprehensive doctrine given by Buddhism.","marks":"15","words":null}]},{"id":8769,"topper":"Vikas","air":27,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/Vikas_AIR_27_2025/Test%204,%20PSIR%20Crash%20Course.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Examine the role of India in the governance and development of the Global South.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Critically analyse the significance of India and Maldives for each other amid the growing hostilities in their bilateral relations.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":7,"question":"\"With the passage of time, India-Australia bilateral ties have evolved in the direction of a strategic relationship, alongside the existing economic engagement.\" Discuss.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Critically examine the rationale and major pillars of India's Act East Policy (AEP) in the contemporary international scenario.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":11,"question":"\"India and Russia's strategic partnership has persisted, and indeed in some areas has deepened.\" Comment.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Chinese Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) retains the promise of altering the existing structural arrangements in Asia and beyond. The possibility of such an eventuality has alarmed several regional and global powers which are reflected in their reactions to the BRI. In this context, discuss India's perception and response to the BRI.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Critically analyse India's stand on Israel-Palestine conflict.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss the major challenges in India-China bilateral relations.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Examine the relevance of non-alignment movement (NAM) for India.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":27,"question":"\"As the start of the 21st century, China has become major global force, booming economically and militarily. The country's transformation has been blinding and unprecedented with worldwide impact since its taken place in context of globalization.\" In this context, analyse the rise of China in economic and strategic terms.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Give an account of why there is the need to reform the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":37,"question":"Critically analyse the rationale behind adoption of the No-First Use (NFU) by India. Do you think that India should continue with its NFU policy?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":40,"question":"The dramatic developments in Afghanistan have created new geo-strategic and geo-economic concerns for region and have thrown up new challenges for India's engagement in Central Asia and Caucasus, promoting India to recalibrate to the rules of its engagement with region. Elucidate.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":43,"question":"Discuss the factors that led to the economic reforms of 1991.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Examine the significance of Central Asia for India.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":47,"question":"Describe Northern Sea Route (NSR). What are the driving factors for India to participate in the NSR development?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":49,"question":"India's relations with Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) region are of long-standing but they had had low salience for both sides. During the early 21st century, the salience increased for both. What explains this change?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Discuss the role of the non-governmental factors involved in shaping the foreign policy of India with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":53,"question":"Strong India-US partnership can anchor peace, prosperity and stability in the Indo-Pacific\" Narendra Modi. In the light of above statement explains the challenges and potential areas of cooperation between India and US.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Discuss the foremost ideals of India's Foreign policy (IFP) which remained as the corner stone since 1947. Also suggest some ways for making IFP more vibrant and dynamic to deal with existing as well as future geopolitical challenges.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Discuss India's multilateral approach towards counter-terrorism.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":63,"question":"Discuss the complexities in making of India's foreign policy.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":67,"question":"In just a decade, New Delhi and Tokyo have expanded high-level ministerial and bureaucratic contacts, conducted joint military exercises and concluded military pacts such as the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) logistics agreement. However, there still exist obstacles in the bilateral relation. Critically examine these obstacles in India-Japan relation.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":70,"question":"Discuss India's Arctic Policy in brief. Also analyse the significance of Arctic region for India.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":73,"question":"What are the major issues related to Indus Water Treaty (IWT)? Also suggest ways to address these issues.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":77,"question":"Discuss the major areas of convergence in India-Africa relations in the contemporary world politics.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":80,"question":"IMEC has immense potential to put India, Middle East and Europe on collective path to grow, triggering regional and global cooperation\". Comment.","marks":"15","words":null}]},{"id":8770,"topper":"Vikas","air":27,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/Vikas_AIR_27_2025/Test%205,%20PSIR%20Crash%20Course.pdf","questions":[{"page":13,"question":"Bring out the cultural relative perspective on the human rights framework. Discuss whether the human rights framework would be strengthened or weakened if it made greater recognition of different cultures.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":17,"question":"\"Marxism offers an analysis of state power that fundamentally challenges the liberal image of the state as a neutral arbiter or umpire.\" Critically examine.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Que.2(c) \"Justice is the thread which runs through liberty and equality.\" In the light of the statement discuss the relationship between liberty, Equality and justice.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Que.3(a) Democracy is accepted as the mechanism through which legitimacy is promoted, however, there are reasons for thinking that its effectiveness in this respect may be faltering. Critically Examine.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":27,"question":"\"Intersectionality in feminism brings to light issues of marginalisation and systematic oppression that were previously invisible by using a single-axis approach.\" Discuss.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":30,"question":"\"All who believe in new worlds for old are the disciples of Plato; all those who believe in old worlds made new by the tedious and toilsome use of science are disciples of Aristotle.\" Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Rawls recognises that liberal utilitarianism marked a progressive, welfare-oriented departure from classical liberalism's preoccupation with individualistic rights. Yet, in Rawls's view, utilitarianism is a morally flawed theory of justice. Explain","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":37,"question":"Gandhi's philosophy was a profound engagement with modernity and its pitfalls. Comment.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":40,"question":"Kautilya is convinced that although a good and wakeful king is necessary, this alone is not sufficient to ensure a well-ordered state. Explain","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":43,"question":"Bring out the Marxist perspective on the post-colonial Indian State.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Explain how the DPSP and Fundamental Rights are supplementary and complementary to each other.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Critically examine the role of Rajya Sabha.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Do you agree that the NHRC has failed to deliver its mandate, in particular, to protect the rights of people from marginalized communities, religious minorities, and human rights defenders?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":53,"question":"\"The 73rd and 74th Amendments instructed the state governments to devolve such functions and powers to the local self-governments as would enable them to function as institutions of self-governance.\" Explain to what extent the devolution of functions and powers has been successful in the case of Panchayats?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":57,"question":"There have been demands from Ladakh for the 6th schedule status. What is the Sixth Schedule, and what special provisions are provided with the tag of the Sixth Schedule Area?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":60,"question":"\"Identity Politics has become a prominent subject in Indian politics in the past few years.\" Critically Examine","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":63,"question":"What do you mean by intra-party democracy? Why is it necessary to promote intra-party democracy? Suggest measures which can be taken to increase intra-party democracy.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":67,"question":"Explain what are the key trends shaping India's party system, Indian democracy and the changing political landscape?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":70,"question":"Explain the role of Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":73,"question":"\"A robust federal structure needs to be in place to deliver effective governance and development in a country as diverse as India.\" In light of this statement discuss the unique federal design of India.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":77,"question":"\"Our parliamentary system does not provide adequate space for Opposition parties in Parliament.\" Discuss in light of the frequent suspension of members of Parliament for disrupting its proceedings.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":80,"question":"\"The most important gain of India's environmental movement is the voice it has given to its citizens.\" Discuss","marks":"15","words":null}]},{"id":8771,"topper":"Vikas","air":27,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/Vikas_AIR_27_2025/Test%206,%20PSIR%20Crash%20Course.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What are the limitations of dependency theory?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Critically analyze the difference between neo-liberalism and neo-realism.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":9,"question":"What is Systems Approach? What are its major characteristics?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":11,"question":"What is Judith Ann Ticker's critique of Morgenthau's Six Principles of Political Realism?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Human rights are integral to personality development of human beings whose dignity cannot be compromised. In this context, examine the emerging challenges to human rights protection across the globe.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Critically examine the effectiveness and weaknesses of the United Nations (UN) in promoting multilateralism.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss the challenges related to the fulfillment of IMEC. Also, suggest some ways to address those challenges","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":27,"question":"What do you understand by the term \"political regime\"? What are the general characteristics of political regimes?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Critically assess the factors underlying de-globalization in the present international scenario.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Critically analyze the major reasons which are diminishing the role and relevance of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in modern times.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":37,"question":"Examine the factors that led to the emergence of authoritarian regimes. Also, discuss the salient features of authoritarian regimes.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":40,"question":"Explain the concept of non-alignment. What kind of historical situations led to the development of non-alignment?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":43,"question":"Discuss the major initiatives which have been taken by India and Bangladesh to boost regional connectivity for a stronger South Asia.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":45,"question":"In the last decade, the geopolitical construct of the Indo-Pacific Region (IPR) has emerged as a key strategic location in the twenty-first century. Substantiate.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss the future implications of deepening India-France bilateral ties in a globalized world","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Critically analyze the impediments to India's permanent seat at the UNSC.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":51,"question":"In the backdrop of the UN, and global governance in general, continuing to reflect the power equations at the end of the World War-II, the G20 is recognition of the changed realities and has given a place at the international high table to emerging powers. In light of this statement, give a critical assessment of India's G20 presidency.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":53,"question":"India's interests in the Arctic region has grown steadily over the years, leading to the formulation of its Arctic Policy. In this context, discuss the key aspects of India's Arctic Policy.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":57,"question":"\"Today India's focus must be on emerging as a bridge between the developing and developed world. Because, none of the problems confronting the Global South can be solved without substantive international cooperation between the developed and developing countries.\" C. Raja Mohan. In this context, give an account of how India can be the bridge between the countries of developed north and the developing south? (15 Marks)\"","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":60,"question":"\"India-Russia relations have historically been characterized by close cooperation in various fields, including defense, energy, trade, and diplomacy. However, like any bilateral relationship, there exists various challenges/irritants as well. What are these challenges in India-Russia relations? Also suggest ways to address these challenges for a deeper cooperation in the upcoming decades. (15 Marks)\"","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":63,"question":"Examine the factors which have contributed to diminished relevance and effectiveness of SAARC as a regional cooperation platform in South Asia.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":67,"question":"India's SAGAR Initiative holds immense significance for countries of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Elucidate.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":70,"question":"Critically assess the various areas in which India-EU can cooperate to realize full potential of their relations in the contemporary international relations.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":73,"question":"Discuss the major aspects of \"north-south divide\" in international politics.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":77,"question":"\"The ongoing rivalry between the US and China presents immense opportunities for New Delhi\". Comment.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":80,"question":"During India's G20 presidency various reforms have been proposed for Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs). In this context, define MDBsand also give a detailed analysis why there is a need to reform the MDBs?","marks":"15","words":null}]},{"id":8772,"topper":"Vikas","air":27,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/Vikas_AIR_27_2025/Test%207,%20PSIR%20Crash%20Course.pdf","questions":[{"page":17,"question":"\"Multiculturalists accept an essentially communitarian view of human nature\". Discuss","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":20,"question":"The pluralists believe that Austin's concept of sovereignty cannot be verified from history. Explain","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Democracy and social movements are closely linked like two sides of the same coin. Critically Analyse whether Social Movements increase or decrease democratisation.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":27,"question":"For Hannah Arendt, the three activities of labour, work and action collectively constitute the world of human praxis but they are not equal in 'dignity' and 'rank'. Explain","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Critically examine the \"New Humanism\" as given by MN Roy.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Discuss how Hobbes's psychological egoism, ethical relativism and political absolutism are all supposed to follow logically from the assumptions or principles underlying the physical world which primarily consists of matter and motion.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":37,"question":"Bring out Dr B. R. Ambedkar's views on Socialism and communism.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":40,"question":"Major issues have divided competing traditions and tendencies within socialism. Bring out the faultlines along which there are schism within Socialism.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":43,"question":"With the help of relevant Supreme Court judgements, analyze how Climate change threatens the constitutional guarantee of the right to life and equality.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":47,"question":"Analyse the Dalit perspective on the nature of the Indian National Movement.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Analyze whether Nationalism was a by-product of British rule in India.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":53,"question":"Give the socio economic profile of the 18th Lok Sabha. Discuss the changing socio-economic profile of our legislators.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Que.6(b) The 16th Finance Commission is going to face fiscal difficulties faced by the 15th Finance Commission along with new challenges that have emerged in recent past. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Que.6(c) More than thirty years have passed since India's Economic reforms. There is now time for India 'economic reforms 2.0'. Discuss","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":63,"question":"Caste continues to play a significant role in Indian politics but some socio-economic differentiation is also taking place that is affecting the voting pattern. Examine in light of recent general elections.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":67,"question":"It is often argued that the Constituent Assembly of India did not represent the masses of India. Do you agree? Bring out the Nature of the constituent assembly's representation","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":70,"question":"\"The Freedom of Speech and Expression is a fundamental right guaranteed to all citizens under the Constitution of India. However, the Constitution does not guarantee an absolute individual right to freedom of expression\". Comment","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":73,"question":"An Independent judiciary protects the philosophy and wisdom of the constitution. Comment","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":77,"question":"In a democracy attracted by power rather than constitutional form, power will continually need to be projected. Critically analyse the declining role of Parliament in light of frequent disruptions and suspension of Members of Parliament.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":80,"question":"\"The degeneration of constitutional political secularism into party-political secularism does not augur well for India\". Discuss","marks":"15","words":null}]},{"id":8773,"topper":"Vikas","air":27,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/Vikas_AIR_27_2025/Test%208,%20PSIR%20Crash%20Course.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"What are the advantages and disadvantages of comparative approach in international relations (IR)?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Examine the challenges to democracy in present times across the globe with relevant examples.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Explain the basic assumptions of the Marxist approach to International Relations (IR).","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Define \"national interest\". How do sovereign states secure their \"national interests\"?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Critically assess the foremost criticisms leveled against structural realists by post modernist scholars.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":17,"question":"What do you understand by the term eco-feminism? Also, discuss its key principles in international relations (IR).","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":20,"question":"\"The rivalry between the US and China is presenting multifaceted challenges to the existing world order\". Elucidate.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":23,"question":"\"Idealism in international relations is a theoretical perspective that emphasizes the importance of norms, values, and ethical principles in shaping the behavior of states and other international actors.\" Comment.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Give a detail explanation of how neo-liberalism presents a break from classical liberalism in international relations?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Critically analyze the role of emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cyber Warfare, and so on in shaping the nature of warfare in present day international politics.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":33,"question":"What are the key features of interdependence liberalism in international relations?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":37,"question":"Discuss the basic principles of Modern World System theory of International Relations.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":40,"question":"Even though Constructivism is a recent entrant into the club of IR theories, it has succeeded in gaining massive attention from scholars across the world. In this context, discuss the significance of social constructivism as an approach to the study of IR with suitable examples.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":43,"question":"Discuss the major pillars of India-France bilateral relation.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":45,"question":"\"Convergences of interests and a mutually beneficial partnership have significantly reshaped the India-UAE relationship.\" Comment.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":47,"question":"Examine how deepening \"Russia-China-Pakistan\" Triangle is a cause of concern for India.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":49,"question":"What are the challenges and limitations in India's \"Connect Central Asia Policy\"?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":51,"question":"India's active participation in the Quad reflects its evolving foreign policy priorities and its aspirations for a greater role in shaping the geopolitical dynamics of the Indo-Pacific region. In light of this statement, discuss the significance of Quad for India.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":53,"question":"Critically analyze how India's engagements with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) foster regional stability and security in the region.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":57,"question":"\"Despite encountering obstacles, the mutual understanding between India and Bangladesh has fostered the continuation of the \"Golden Chapter\" in their bilateral relations.\" In the light of this statement, examine the dynamics which contribute to this enduring bond between India and Bangladesh.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":60,"question":"What is India's current position in pursuing a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)? What advantages would a permanent UNSC membership provide? Discuss.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":67,"question":"\"The security dilemma in India-China relations is characterized by mutual mistrust, territorial disputes, strategic competition, military modernization, and nuclear deterrence.\" Elucidate","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":70,"question":"\"The current situation puts the diplomatic and political relationship between India and the Maldives at stake, which has been meticulously cultivated over six decades. A constructive way forward for the India-Maldives partnership could entail reducing tensions and recognizing that diplomatic relationships are shaped by shared and sustained interests.\" Discuss","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":73,"question":"Discuss the significance of the \"Global South\" for India in contemporary geopolitical scenario.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":77,"question":"Discuss the major pillars of India's climate diplomacy in contemporary geopolitical state of affairs.","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":80,"question":"\"Regional integration in South Asia faces numerous challenges, hindering the region's ability to fully capitalize on its economic potential and address common developmental goals.\" Substantiate.","marks":"15","words":null}]},{"id":8774,"topper":"Vikas Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2b270-137029_2211_vikas-gupta_468.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The Cholas are inextricably linked with the zenith of Dravidian art and architecture. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Among the major legacies of the Indian freedom movement, civil liberties formed an important one. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The Berlin Conference of 1884-85 in many ways set the ground for the scramble in Africa. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What is a cloudburst and what are its effects? Why are they more frequent in the Himalayan region? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Despite its potential, there are several challenges in the implementation of the Ken-Betwa Link Project. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Identify the issues related to production and supply of coal in India. How can these issues be addressed? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Present the geographical distribution of agro-based industries in India and discuss the challenges faced by them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The caste system continues to be one of the key drivers of poverty and inequality in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the issues faced by domestic workers in India. Also suggest measures that can be taken to empower them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Given the deeply gendered impact of population control measures, examine the need to rethink the current approach of population control measures in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Examine the impact of the Sramana tradition on the Vedic religion and its relation with the emergence of Jainism, Buddhism and Ajivika sects. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Giving a brief overview of the three Carnatic Wars, discuss the factors that led to the success of the British against the French in the struggle for control over India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Provide an account of the issues that led to a crisis in Punjab in the 1980s. Also, discuss the roadmap to peace that was eventually adopted. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Post-drift theories based on ocean floor mapping provided new dimensions to the study of distribution of oceans and continents. Elaborate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Explain the phenomenon of heat waves. Also, enumerate the conditions favourable for the development of heat waves in India and their associated health impacts. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Providing an account of distribution of rainforests across the world, mention their key characteristics. Also highlight the threats that are being faced by tropical rainforests. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Indian cities are not only mimicking the social and cultural structures of inequality and exclusion found in rural areas but are also creating fault lines for future conflicts. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Examine the multi-dimensional impact of globalisation on tribal development in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8775,"topper":"Vikas Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7d88e-137029_2212_vikas-gupta_468.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by 'constitutionalism'? Highlight various ways in which the Indian Constitution underscores this principle. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Competition Commission of India (CCI) effectively reflects a shift from the era of Licence Raj to a conducive regulatory ambience for enhancing consumer welfare by encouraging competition in the market. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Mention various initiatives taken for online delivery of judicial services in India. Also, discuss the challenges faced in their implementation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Bring out the similarities and differences in the Bill of Rights in the Constitution of the United States and Fundamental Rights in the Constitution of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"It is often argued that the implementation of The Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 has so far been tardy and ineffectual. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Explain the rationale behind the creation of a Social Stock Exchange in India. Do you think this move would boost social impact investing in the country? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The National Digital Health Mission (NDHM) has the potential to bring a new revolution in India's health sector in multiple ways. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"While participation of private sector in the higher education system of India is a necessity, it creates issues that need careful redressal. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Highlighting the significance of Central Asia for India, discuss the challenges in strengthening the Indo-Central Asian relationship. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the role that the Indian diaspora can play in the making of \"Aatmanirbhar Bharat\" (self-reliant India). Also, mention the challenges in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"A critical appraisal of the outcomes of the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act underlines the need for second-generation reforms to strengthen decentralisation of urban local governance in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"It is argued that unchecked and rampant exercise of the power to insert laws in the Ninth Schedule results in undermining of Constitutional supremacy and creation of Parliamentary hegemony. Do you agree? Justify your stand with logical arguments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Asymmetry is an important characteristic of federalism in India, which has helped in the accommodation of diverse demands inherent in our democracy. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"In India, the Finance Commissions are established pursuant to the constitutional mandate. In this context, do you think the State Finance Commissions have been effective in promoting fiscal federalism? Substantiate with arguments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Reduction in the overall size of the bureaucracy has been seen as the underlying idea behind civil services reforms. Is it a good idea to reduce the size of the Indian bureaucracy? Examine in light of the experience of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"There is a need to ensure better ethical standards, accountability and management of temples in India. Discuss in the context of issues associated with state intervention in management of temples. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by feminisation of old age? Highlight the issues associated with it in the Indian context. Also, mention the measures taken by the government in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Given its impact on both individual resilience and the resilience of the economy, is there a case for strong universal social protection in India? Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"There have been arguments that with the old global multilateral order failing to manage rising challenges, issue-based coalitions are gaining traction and have become the arenas of functional cooperation. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India intends to achieve a balanced and optimal development of energy infrastructure in the South-Asian region through mutual understanding and cooperation. In light of this statement, discuss the need as well as existing gaps in South Asia's energy cooperation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8776,"topper":"Vikas Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9b7e5-137029_1835_vikas-gupta_468.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The withdrawal of general consent to the CBI by certain state governments in India threatens the spirit of cooperative federalism in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Stating the sources of finance for local self-governments in India, suggest ways to strengthen their financial position. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Cabinet Committees play an important role in reinstating collective responsibility and principle of homogeneity of the Executive in the Indian Parliamentary system. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"There is a need to overhaul the public procurement and project management (PPPM) framework of India for faster, efficient and transparent execution of government projects. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Adequate measures are required to overcome the challenges and vulnerabilities associated with undertaking social accountability initiatives and institutionalising them. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"In view of the recent Parliamentary Standing Committee report, discuss the issues faced by the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) and suggest measures that can be adopted to strengthen it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"While the Mid-Day Meal scheme was aimed at fulfilling the nutritional needs of students, it is far behind in achieving this objective. Discuss. Also, suggest remedial measures in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) remain critical for the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In this context, discuss the impediments in the fulfilment of SRHR in India. Also, mention the steps that can be taken in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"State the functions of the United Nations Human Rights Council. Also, discuss the issues faced by the Council in the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"West Asia is an important strategic region for India with profound geo-political and geo-economic significance. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Disenfranchising prisoners desecrates a cherished value in a democracy i.e. 'right to vote', which should be guarded earnestly. Discuss in the light of The Representation of The People Act, 1951. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"There are similarities and interactions between the affirmative action adopted by India and USA owing to similar historical injustices faced by their respective vulnerable groups. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Objections to domicile-based reservation in private sector jobs on the grounds of constitutional equality and freedom are misplaced. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"There have been arguments that sedition law is an attack on the very foundation of India's liberal democratic principles, as enshrined in the Constitution. Do you agree? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Despite Government e-Marketplace facing certain challenges, it has brought about a significant improvement in the procurement of goods and services by various government agencies. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"A reformed system of recruitment, training and evaluation needs to be put in place to take forward the development of a highly efficient and accountable civil service. Discuss in the context of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Despite initiatives taken by the Indian government to achieve critical goals in the education sector, major interventions are required to tackle learning poverty as well as the persisting inequalities. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"In light of the burgeoning burden of both communicable and non-communicable diseases, there is a need to revamp the public health surveillance system in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"The repercussions of the ongoing economic crisis in Sri Lanka extend beyond its borders. Discuss with specific reference to India. Also, mention the steps that India has taken to assist Sri Lanka tide over the crisis. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"India is a reliable partner in the Indian Ocean Region and can take on the role of being the net security provider in the region. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8777,"topper":"Vikas Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8ebfd-137029_2213_vikas-gupta_468.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"An effective approach to green budgeting is underpinned by strong strategic framework, tools for evidence generation and an enabling budgetary governance framework. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"State the need for circular economy in India and the challenges associated with it. Also, discuss the measures that are required to build a circular economy in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The Major Port Authorities Act, 2021, seeks to grant greater autonomy and flexibility to the major ports and professionalise their governance. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Analyse the need for shifting from presumptive land titling to conclusive land titling system in India. Also, highlight the hurdles in its implementation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What do you understand by methanol economy? Critically discuss its role in achieving India's energy security and economic prosperity. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Discuss the role of geospatial technologies in developing effective approaches for disaster risk reduction and disaster management. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The focus of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) needs to shift from utilization and exploitation of natural resources to conservation of natural resources. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What do you understand by hybrid warfare? Discuss India's preparedness in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the challenges associated with inclusion of women in armed forces, particularly in combat roles in India. How can these challenges be addressed? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"S. Chandrasekhar was one of the greatest scientists of the 20th century whose prolific contributions spanned across astrophysics, space and mathematics. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"State finances in India present a worrying picture, with debt sustainability being a major concern. Discuss in context of the recent RBI report on state finances. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":25,"question":"The Indian experience provides several lessons of an inclusive digital economy model that enables formal digital governance structure at a low cost and with easier access. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Dairying is a viable livelihood option for a large section of the population. In this context, discuss the significance, challenges faced and associated government initiatives for the dairy sector in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"The imperative to increase farmers' income must shift to creating value chains and must not be reliant on the MSP regime and subsidy bias prevalent in the current Indian agricultural system. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"What are the challenges in ensuring sustainable river management in urban areas? Highlight the remedial measures that can be taken for river management with a special focus on the recently launched River Cities Alliance. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Haphazard growth and poor management make the Indian cities the locus of disasters, both large and small. Comment. Also, discuss the current gaps in policies in addressing these challenges. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Discuss the extent of the problem of narco-terrorism in India. What measures have been taken by the government to counter and control this problem? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"The dark web can be an ideal platform for several criminal and terrorist activities. Discuss with examples. Also, suggest measures to tackle the misuse of dark web. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"What is catalysis? Highlight the characteristics of catalysts. Also, elaborate why catalytic reactions are important for human beings. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Electric mobility offers solutions to the problems associated with climate change, growing fuel prices, and urban transportation issues. Discuss in the context of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8778,"topper":"Vikas kundu","air":27,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":null,"provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://t.me/VikasKunduAIR27","questions":[{"page":13,"question":"What do you understand by the decline of political theory? Explain he arguments proposed to establish the decline of political theory (20 Marks)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Critically examine Hobbes's methodology to study political science. i it with Machiavelli's Methodology. (15 Marks)","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":30,"question":"distinct feature: it has simplified class antagonisms 3 Marx, Critically xamine. (15 Marks)","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":37,"question":"Discuss the Rationale behind affirmative policiesl Do you think that affirmative action policies ikon ons an address the faced by them?","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":45,"question":"pproach towards the Revolution. Comment. (10 Marks)","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":47,"question":"reation of a compassionate society- Ambedkar”. Elucidate (10 Marks)","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":49,"question":"“Truth is not ouside rower P— Analyse (10 Marks)","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":63,"question":"Discuss distributive equality and its different forms. In what sense is he idea of complex equality a critique of distributive equality?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":67,"question":"of the state in the subject of political science. Critically examine. (15 Marks)","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":80,"question":"ue.s(c) | Examine how 4 Buddhist statecraft is an expression of the [[avesto | amprenensiv doce pra Budde 15 Nari) Rubi Pon Cekegorine Yrdon petdnea] CE 0 hus pb > Hu Buddha, polio","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8779,"topper":"Vikas Singh Panwar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2025_unchecked_GC25D1B25045_FPNC2501.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Cave paintings are the visual autobiography of a prehistoric man. What can we infer about prehistoric beliefs and social practices from the cave paintings in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"\"Colonial education policy, intended to create obedient clerks, became a channel for political awakening and national self-assertion.\" Discuss (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Evaluate the extent to which the Gupta economy facilitated cultural and scientific advancements. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"India faces a looming freshwater crisis despite its vast river systems. Discuss the causes and evaluate integrated water resource management strategies for sustainability. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How do the Deccan and Chota Nagpur plateaus differ in their physical characteristics and resource potential? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Compare the characteristics of east-flowing and west-flowing rivers with suitable examples. Why do most rivers in India flow eastward? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The Arctic region is emerging as a new frontier for resource exploration. Discuss the opportunities and challenges for India in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How are changing family structures and migration trends increasingly leading to the social isolation of the elderly in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"In what ways does urbanization challenge traditional notions of social cohesion in Indian society? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Safety and mobility are gendered constraints that significantly influence women's participation in the labour force in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"What do the accounts of Arab and European travellers reveal about the nature of social and economic life in medieval India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"India's linguistic diversity is not a challenge to national integration but a testament to its cultural resilience.' Discuss in the context of contemporary debates on language policy and identity politics in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Examine the role played by reformist organizations like the Brahmo Samaj and Arya Samaj in addressing various social issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"What are rift valleys, and how are they formed? Explain their geomorphological and economic significance. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"What is 'Blue Revolution'? Discuss the major challenges faced in the development of aquaculture in India. Suggest a set of comprehensive strategies to overcome these challenges. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"With accelerating glacial melt in the Himalayas, GLOFs pose a severe hazard downstream. Analyse the causes, impacts, and mitigation strategies related to GLOFs in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Using suitable examples, discuss the conditions required for the formation of salt pans and mangroves in India. How do these ecosystems support coastal resilience? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Caste in India today operates more as a system of identity assertion than of rigid hierarchy. Discuss this transformation in the context of caste group mobilisation and economic change. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Have regional identities in India evolved from cultural expressions to organised assertions of autonomy? Discuss their implications for national cohesion. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"The rise of the new middle class in India is marked by a culture of consumption. In what ways is the transition from conscious to impulsive consumption affecting family structure and dynamics in urban India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8780,"topper":"Vikas Singh Panwar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2025_unchecked_GC25D1B25045_FLT2505.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"In what ways did medieval Indian sculptures and paintings reflect the cultural ethos of their times? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"The Cold War was less a military confrontation and more a battle of ideologies.\" Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Critically examine the impact of the Emergency on Indian democracy and civil liberties. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Explain the geological features and ecological importance of the Eastern Ghats. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Explain the origin of the Indian islands in the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss how inland water transport can alter the economy of eastern India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Desertification is not merely a land degradation issue; it is a silent threat to global ecological stability and food security. Discuss (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Is globalisation leading to the erosion of local languages and traditional culture in India? Justify your answer. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Neo-spiritual movements in India reflect the fusion of tradition, modernity, and digital influence in the practice of faith. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"How does the status and role of women in tribal societies differ from gender norms in mainstream Indian society? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"To what extent did vernacular literature in medieval India contribute to challenging established social norms? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Examine the ways in which Gandhian mass movements opened political space for Indian women. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"\"Bose symbolised a blend of militant nationalism and socialist vision.\" Discuss with reference to his political and economic ideas. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Urbanization is posing a threat to the existing urban infrastructure. Discuss the developmental issues it poses and its impact on urban communities. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Discuss the agro-climatic factors necessary for tea cultivation. Why is its production concentrated in specific pockets of Eastern and Southern India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"What factors are responsible for landslides in the Western Ghats? Discuss some mitigation measures to minimize their impact. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Classify the different types of lakes based on their geomorphological origin. Why are certain lake types more prevalent in specific regions of the world? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"With the rise of digital media influencers, traditional role models in Indian society are being replaced. Analyse its impact on youth behaviour and value systems. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Despite legal and educational advances, why do certain social practices, such as dowry, caste endogamy, or child marriage, continue to persist in modern India? Analyse with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"\"Modern parenting in India is increasingly balancing traditional expectations and emerging societal norms. Analyse the social implications of this tension.\" (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8781,"topper":"Vikas Singh Panwar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2025_unchecked_GC25D1B25045_FLT2509.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Pillars are not merely architectural marvels, but also serve as crucial sources of ancient Indian history. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"To what extent did early economic nationalists like Dadabhai Naoroji shape the intellectual foundations of the Indian freedom movement? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How did the Indian national movement influence freedom movements across the world? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How does the movement of continental plates help explain the spatial distribution of earthquakes in specific regions of the world? Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"River interlinking is seen as a means to reduce regional water stress. Discuss its advantages and examine the possible environmental and social implications. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the localisation factors for the textile industry in India and examine its economic significance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What are loess deposits, and why do they constitute some of the most agriculturally productive regions of the world? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Screen-based education has improved accessibility but also created new behavioural and social challenges for children. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Why are protectionist and xenophobic trends against Indians rising in the West, despite the global embrace of Indian culture and soft power? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The caste system in India has adapted to the forces of modernisation, urbanisation, and economic liberalisation. Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":31,"question":"Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Jawaharlal Nehru differed in their approach to nation-building, yet their shared vision was instrumental in shaping modern India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"The Swadeshi Movement marked a significant shift in India's freedom struggle from passive resistance to active mass mobilisation. In this context, discuss the strategies, social impact, and limitations of the movement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"The Western Ghats and the Northeastern Hills receive some of the highest rainfall during the southwest monsoon in India. Discuss the mechanisms responsible for heavy rainfall in these regions and analyse the monsoon's influence on human life in these regions. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Differentiate between forest cover, tree cover, and green cover. How do forest ecosystems in India contribute to climate resilience and carbon sequestration? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Account for the salinity variations in the world's oceans. How does this variation impact ocean circulation and marine ecosystems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"How does the polar cryosphere play a pivotal role in regulating the Earth's climate system? Also, enumerate the key factors responsible for rapid warming in the Arctic. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"\"Religious pluralism and secularism are integral to India's social fabric, but their coexistence requires constant negotiation.\" Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Discuss the intersection of class, gender, and geography in determining women's access to opportunities in the Indian service sector. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"\"Despite a strong continuity in traditional family values, Indian society is witnessing rising trends of delayed marriage, increasing divorce rates, and family disruption.\" Discuss the socio-economic and cultural factors contributing to this shift. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8782,"topper":"Vikas Singh Panwar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2025_unchecked_GC25D1B25045_FPNC2502.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"The contributions of the founding mothers in the Constituent Assembly and their feminist perspective have shaped India's constitutional discourse. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":6,"question":"What is a Privilege Motion in the Indian Parliament? How does the Committee of Privileges examine and deal with such motions? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Compare the powers of the head of state in India and the UK. How do their roles reflect the constitutional principles of their respective systems? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"A democracy is only as strong as its Opposition.\" In this light, examine the role of the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and suggest measures to enhance the effectiveness of this institution in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"What are the constitutional provisions related to minority educational institutions in India? How have judicial pronouncements shaped the balance between the right to equality and the right to preserve minority identity in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"India is emerging as a global hub for social entrepreneurship. Can social enterprises effectively complement the state in achieving inclusive development? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The SHG-Bank Linkage Programme has been hailed as an indigenous tool for poverty alleviation in India. Examine its impact on improving rural livelihoods and reducing multi-dimensional poverty. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How far do you think Citizen-led environmental movements have proven to be effective tools of ecological preservation in recent years? Justify with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"Digital governance is emerging as a frontier of the global agenda, and India seeks to lead by example.\" Examine (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Examine India's transboundary water-sharing challenges with Pakistan and Bangladesh in light of recent disputes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The role of Governors in opposition-ruled States has been a flashpoint in Centre-State relations. Critically discuss how gubernatorial overreach challenges the position of state governments and suggest safeguards to mitigate such conflicts. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"The evolving relationship between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy has been a dynamic feature of India's constitutional journey, often necessitating judicial interventions and constitutional amendments. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"While cooperative federalism is rooted in the design of the Constitution, political considerations have given rise to competitive and confrontational federalism. Examine the role of constitutional and extra-constitutional institutions in reconciling these trends within India's federal structure. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"The growing number of undertrial prisoners in India reflects both systemic and procedural lapses within the criminal justice system. In light of recent Supreme Court directions, discuss the underlying challenges and suggest a multi-pronged approach to address this crisis. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"The Upper House was envisioned as a reviewing chamber and not a rival to the Lower House. In light of this statement, do you think the Rajya Sabha continues to fulfil this vision in contemporary Indian polity? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Well-executed government initiatives often fail if operations and maintenance are not integral to the programme design. In the context of the Swachh Bharat Mission in India, discuss how collective action and community ownership can ensure its long-term sustainability. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Freebies in electoral politics have sparked debate over their impact on governance in India. Differentiate between freebies and welfare measures, and examine their impact on governance. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Structural barriers have long impeded the development of a robust research environment, despite the presence of numerous institutions. Discuss how the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) seeks to address these structural challenges. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"India's strategic autonomy remains the guiding principle in navigating relations with the United States and China. In this context, analyse the potential challenges and opportunities for India and how India should navigate this renewed US-China rivalry. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8783,"topper":"Vikas Singh Panwar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2025_unchecked_GC25D1B25045_FLT2510.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Socialistic ideals and secularism are core features of the Basic Structure doctrine in India. In this context, discuss how judicial decisions have cemented these principles as the cornerstone of constitutional identity. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"There is a need to expand the scope of 'corrupt practices' under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, to address emerging forms of electoral malpractices.\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Analyse the distinguishing perspectives on equality as reflected in the constitutional frameworks of India and France. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The shrinking effective share of States in the Union's gross tax revenues, coupled with equity-heavy criteria in horizontal devolution, raises critical concerns for fiscal federalism in India. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"Citizenship is the legal foundation of constitutional rights and responsibilities.\" Discuss how India's approach to citizenship reflects its commitment to constitutional values. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Declining fertility rates, coupled with rising life expectancy, require a shift from fertility-focused interventions to human capital investments. Examine in the light of recent population trends. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"The quality of governance is critically linked to the extent and nature of citizen participation in democratic processes.\" Discuss using examples in the Indian context. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"Low alignment between educational outcomes and market needs can widen social and economic inequalities.\" Examine this statement in the context of India's skills ecosystem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"The weakening commitment of major powers to international health frameworks poses serious challenges to equitable global cooperation.\" Discuss in light of the U.S. withdrawal from the WHO and its implications for India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The ongoing conflict in West Asia has exposed the vulnerabilities of regional diplomacy. In this light, discuss the implications of the West Asian conflict for India's strategic autonomy and regional engagement. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"\"Department-related Standing Committees serve as the institutional backbone of legislative scrutiny, yet their potential remains underutilised.\" Critically analyse the challenges faced by Parliamentary Committees in ensuring executive accountability in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"\"President's Rule is a constitutional mechanism to deal with governance failure, not political convenience.\" Under what circumstances can President's Rule be imposed in a State? Discuss the constitutional safeguards and judicial verdicts associated with it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"The recently released Devolution Index reveals wide variation in the performance of States in empowering Panchayati Raj Institutions. While explaining the reasons behind this variation, discuss the role of capacity-building initiatives in enabling PRIs to fulfil their constitutional mandate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"\"In the evolving constitutional and political landscape, the effectiveness of statutory commissions depends on their structural autonomy and independence.\" Discuss in the context of the growing demand for constitutional status for statutory commissions like the National Commission for Women (NCW) and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"\"An independent judiciary is essential for upholding constitutional values, but it must also remain accountable to preserve public trust.\" Discuss in the context of recent issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Institutional autonomy of sectoral regulators is critical for ensuring credibility, transparency, and fair competition. In light of recent incidents, examine the issues pertaining to the independence and autonomy of regulatory bodies in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"How far do you think a caste census is a necessary step toward realising the goals of social justice and equitable development, despite the administrative challenges it poses? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"\"The complexity of modern governance demands adaptive and dynamic administrative reforms.\" Evaluate the role of administrative reforms in improving efficiency, transparency, and responsiveness in Indian governance. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"The trajectory of India-China relations in the last 75 years reflects a balance between pragmatic cooperation and unresolved strategic tensions. Discuss the contours of this evolving policy and highlight the measures India should take to counterbalance asymmetries with China. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"The evolution of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) from a maritime security grouping to a multidimensional partnership reflects changing strategic realities in the Indo-Pacific. In this context, examine the opportunities and challenges that QUAD presents for India's regional aspirations and strategic autonomy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8784,"topper":"Vikas Singh Panwar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2025_unchecked_GC25D1B25045_FLT2511.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"How far do you think the recent proposals to reform India's tax structure will help in improving India's tax buoyancy and base? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"How do the rising trends of economic nationalism and protectionism affect India's global trade competitiveness? What recent measures has India taken to navigate these challenges? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Examine the role of Integrated Farming System (IFM) in improving agricultural productivity and minimizing the environmental impact of agriculture. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"In recent years, Indian agriculture has been witnessing a transformation towards better productivity and improved farmer incomes. What institutional and structural reforms have been undertaken by the Government to make agriculture more rewarding and sustainable? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How do Air Defence systems work? What are the various air-defense systems that India currently possesses? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the potential of RNA editing in treating genetic disorders. What are its advantages over DNA editing? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Urban areas are more vulnerable to disasters due to unplanned growth and infrastructure collapses. Discuss. What strategies do you recommend to enhance urban resilience to such disasters? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Despite its criticality for the success of the Swachh Bharat Mission solid waste management in India remains at a sub-optimal level. In this context, suggest long-term technological and institutional solutions towards effective solid-waste management. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"Social media has emerged as a new frontier in modern warfare, shaping narratives, influencing perceptions, and impacting national security\". In this context, analyse the role of social media in contemporary conflicts. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The Border Security Force (BSF) has evolved significantly in its jurisdiction as well as its strategic importance in border management and the internal security framework. Explain the role and mandate of BSF. What are the issues BSF faces while operating in the border States? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"India's growth story is marred by persistent challenges of inequality and the middle-income-trap. Discuss. Highlight the approaches India should follow to escape the middle-income trap and ensure inclusive and sustainable economic growth. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"MSMEs are central to the success of the Make in India initiative, yet they face challenges in scaling up and integrating into formal supply chains. Discuss. Suggest structural reforms needed to make MSMEs more resilient and competitive. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"\"The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) aims to achieve 'more crop per drop', yet irrigation efficiency in India remains suboptimal.\" Critically analyse. What reforms are needed to strengthen its implementation? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"The rising import of oilseeds and pulses has made their cultivation unremunerative. In the light of this statement, elucidate the steps needed to promote the production and consumption of oilseeds and pulses in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Explain the scientific principles behind cloud seeding. Highlighting its role in alleviating air pollution and global warming, discuss its potential limitations. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Give an account of the evolution of India's 3-Stage Nuclear Power Programme. What are the advantages and strategic imperatives of realising the thorium-based third stage? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Recent studies indicate that the 2014-2024 decade is the warmest decade and 2024 is the warmest year on record. In the light of rapid global warming, what are the impacts of climate change on biodiversity? Discuss the measures needed to ensure ecological resilience and conservation of species diversity. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Forest fires in India are increasing in frequency and intensity, posing severe ecological and economic challenges. Describe the various causes of forest fires. What measures are followed to prevent and manage forest fires in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"What are organized crimes? Discuss the linkages between organized crime and terrorism. How do such linkages pose internal security challenges to India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"India's north-eastern region is fraught with contentious issues and security challenges. Examine the various security challenges currently prevailing in the region. Discuss the steps to counter these challenges. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8785,"topper":"Vikas Singh Panwar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2025_unchecked_GC25D1B25045_EEF2505.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Discuss how care ethics challenges the assumptions of both utilitarian and Kantian ethics. In what ways can care ethics offer more context-sensitive approaches to public policy dilemmas, such as elder care or education? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Explain the key factors contributing to the formation of attitudes. How can an understanding of these factors enable public administrators to transform regressive social attitudes? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"Public servants often face ethical dilemmas not due to the absence of rules, but because of conflicting values\" Comment on this statement and illustrate how competing values can complicate decision-making in public administration. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Do you agree that ethical accountability must go beyond institutional audits and legal compliance? Discuss with examples how informal accountability can shape ethical conduct in government offices. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss the limitations of codes of ethics & conduct in ensuring ethical behaviour in public service. How can ethical competence be cultivated beyond mere reliance on codes and manuals? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Evaluate the impact of political pressures on ethical autonomy in public administration. How can civil servants maintain integrity while operating in politically volatile environments? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Explore the role of ethical traditions in shaping conduct within public administration. How do conflicts among these traditions affect coherence and consistency in ethical decision-making? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Critically examine how both actual and perceived conflicts of interest can undermine ethical integrity in public administration. What institutional mechanisms are necessary to address such conflicts before they erode public trust and administrative fairness? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"Public service is not about rewards, but responsibility.\" In a socio-political context where public office is often used for self-promotion or patronage, is it possible to cultivate a culture of ethical restraint and selfless service? Justify your answer with reference to institutional practices and individual values. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Ethical public service involves not only the avoidance of corruption but also the assurance of quality and fairness in delivery. What do you understand by \"quality\" in public service delivery? Identify the key components of ethical service delivery and suggest how they can be institutionalised in day-to-day governance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":35,"question":"Meanwhile, you receive complaints from genuine beneficiaries whose names were left off the housing list due to a technical error. Correcting this would require re-verification, delaying progress further. The media is unaware, and no formal written directive exists, but the political pressure is mounting informally. Your subordinates are looking to you for clarity. You must now decide how to proceed. Question (a) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas involved in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you as the CDO? Evaluate each in terms of administrative feasibility and ethical consequences. (c) What will be your chosen course of action? Justify your response using ethical reasoning and public service values. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"IAS , , , , - , , - , - , AXY, , - AXY - \" \" \" \" , , CBC, - , , , - - , \"AXY\" , : \" , , CBC \" - - CBC : \" \" , , AXY \" \" \" \" - (a) (Ethical Issues) ? (b) ? (Ethical Reasoning) (c) , ? 20 You are a senior IAS officer appointed as the Relief Commissioner of a state that has been hit by severe monsoon floods. Several districts are under water, thousands are displaced, and the Chief Minister has declared a state emergency. You are overseeing emergency coordination across districts. Relief materials - food, water, medicine, and tents - are limited, and logistics are strained. One particular district, AXY, has a strong media presence and politically sensitive, as a high-profile bye-election is due to take place there in a few weeks. The District Magistrate of AXY calls your office repeatedly, asking for an urgent increase in relief allocation, citing worsening conditions and \"unavoidable political visibility.\" Meanwhile, another interior district - CBC - is worse hit on all official impact parameters: casualty numbers, infrastructure damage, and displacement. However, it is remote, under-reported, and lacks media or political visibility. The local Collector, a relatively junior officer, sends data-driven reports but makes no political noise. Your control room staff quietly suggests prioritizing AXY due to its visibility: \"That's where our phones ring off the hook. If something goes wrong, the Commissioner's office won't ask about CBC.\" There is no clear guideline on prioritisation. Your logistics officer proposes splitting materials evenly - but that would undermine CBC's critical need. Your written mandate only says, \"Ensure equitable and prompt distribution based on need and urgency.\" To complicate matters further, you receive a call from the Chief Minister's Office, \"urging\" that AXY's issues be given \"immediate attention\" - though no official order follows. Questions (a) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas you can identify in this situation? (b) What are the options available to you? Evaluate them in terms of ethical reasoning and governance impact. (c) What will be your course of action, and how will you justify it using principles of public service ethics? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"MedPharm Ltd. is a reputed pharmaceutical company known for manufacturing affordable generic medicines. Its products are distributed nationwide through both private channels and government procurement programs. The company is preparing for a major IPO within the next six months. In early March, a government hospital in a Tier-2 city reports that patients administered MedPharm's widely used antibiotic \"Xefamed\" developed severe adverse reactions, including two fatalities. Initial reports are shared with the company's regional distributor, but no formal escalation is made to corporate headquarters. Meanwhile, an internal quality assurance report, reviewed two weeks earlier, had flagged inconsistencies in the production batch linked to the hospital. However, the senior leadership team decided not to halt distribution, citing the urgency of meeting large state government orders and avoiding disruption in rural health schemes. A mid-level Quality executive, disturbed by the silence, emails the CEO and threatens to alert external regulators and the media. The company's legal and PR teams convene an emergency meeting. The advice is to deny any link until lab results are conclusive, and to describe it publicly as an \"isolated incident under internal review.\" Behind closed doors, the senior leadership considers quietly recalling the batch from urban private pharmacies where consumer awareness is high - while continuing distribution through public hospitals, citing that \"the public health ecosystem cannot afford panic.\" The ethics & compliance officer voices concerns about this approach, but is told not to \"interfere in operational strategy.\" At this point, a popular journalist contacts the company with a leaked version of the Quality report. The board is informed and is deeply concerned about negative media coverage impacting the IPO. There is no final proof that the drug caused the deaths, but the circumstantial link is strong, and internal records show prior awareness. Questions. (a) What are the key ethical issues and lapses evident in the case? (b) What are the options available to the company's leadership? Evaluate them in terms of public accountability and stakeholder impact. (c) If you were the CEO what course of action would you recommend and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"You are posted as Project Director of the District Rural Livelihoods Mission. The state has launched a performance-based ranking system where districts are graded monthly based on coverage, fund utilization, and digitized reporting. Your district, once a laggard, has climbed rapidly to the top five. A major reason is Rajeev, your Data and Monitoring Officer — an engineer with sharp analytical skills and a reputation for \"fixing\" bottlenecks. He introduced dashboards, streamlined MIS reporting, and pushed teams to update records within tight deadlines. The state team has praised your office's turn-around, and Rajeev is seen as a model officer. However, problems have begun surfacing. Field staff report being pressured to upload incomplete beneficiary data and show 100% progress, even when fieldwork lags. Women's Self-Help Group (SHG) coordinators have raised concerns about Rajeev's tone — dismissive, often scolding them for being \"slow and emotional.\" A few have stopped attending review meetings. You recently received a call from a block coordinator who alleged that she was humiliated in front of others and warned to \"fall in line or quit.\" Though no written complaints exist, informal feedback suggests rising resentment, fear, and manipulation of data to avoid conflict with Rajeev. Rajeev defends his actions as necessary to \"fix an inefficient, sentimental setup.\" Technically, targets are being met. But you're beginning to question whether this is performance — or a collapse in institutional culture. Questions (a) What are the ethical issues and organisational culture concerns in this situation? (b) What are your options as Project Director? Assess them through the parameters of emotional intelligence and ethical leadership. (c) What will be your chosen course of action and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"You are a CEO of the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA). Your district received a 12 crore allocation under a central scheme for promoting rural micro-enterprises. As per guidelines, funds are to be disbursed to trained Self-Help Groups (SHGs) after business plans are vetted and support structures (mentors, credit linkages) are in place. However, due to a delayed rollout at the state level, only 20% of SHGs have been trained. The district resource team is understaffed, and bank linkage is pending in many blocks. With only six weeks left in the financial year, you receive pressure from the district Collector and the state nodal officer to \"ensure 100% utilization.\" You're told that underutilization may lead to reduced allocations next year, and your district may lose \"performer\" status. Some colleagues suggest that funds can be routed through \"mature\" SHGs regardless of readiness, and regularization can be \"managed\" later. A few NGO partners and field officers express concern: without full preparation, many SHGs may misuse or waste funds, leading to debt cycles, failed businesses, and audit objections. However, some local representatives argue that delaying funds will disappoint communities and \"punish them for bureaucratic delays.\" No formal wrongdoing has occurred yet, but the pressure to release funds quickly is mounting — even if institutional capacity is clearly not in place. Questions (a) What are the ethical and administrative issues? (b) What are your options available? Assess them in the light of Ethical Governance and prudent public fund management. (c) What course of action will you take and why? Justify it in the context of public service values, accountability and long-term programme integrity. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"What are the ethical and administrative issues in this case? (b) What options are available to you? Evaluate them in light of ethical governance and prudent public fund management. (c) What course of action will you take, and why? Justify with reference to public service values, accountability, and long-term program integrity. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":59,"question":"You are an ACP posted in a city where a large railway staff colony borders an informal migrant settlement. The settlement – composed mostly of interstate workers and their families – has grown unregulated over the years, with no formal civic infrastructure. In the past month, the railway staff association has submitted multiple complaints alleging thefts, street-level drug abuse, and gambling around the colony perimeter. Two railway employees were recently mugged returning from a night shift, escalating pressure. Local news channels have picked up the story, and the divisional railway manager has written to your office demanding \"visible, swift action.\" Your field teams confirm that small-scale drug activity and informal gambling do occur in the area, though crime rates are not statistically high. The area lacks lighting, sanitation, and youth outreach programs. Your constables also admit they've detained young men without FIRs \"to control the mood.\" No formal arrests have followed. Meanwhile, the local MLA has privately asked you to \"handle the issue quietly.\" He's lobbying to get the colony regularised ahead of elections and is concerned that arrests or media attention may alienate his vote base. He implies this could affect \"harmony\" and your \"future in the district.\" NGOs working in the settlement advocate for de-addiction and youth counselling over raids. You are wondering about the how's of the action plan. Questions (a) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas involved in this case? (b) What are your options as a police officer? Critically examine their strengths and weakness. (c) What course of action will you take and how will you justify it? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":8786,"topper":"Vikas Singh Panwar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2025_unchecked_GC25D1B25045_FLT2512.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"\"Duty forms the cornerstone of administrative ethics, yet without integration of other ethical perspectives, it risks becoming mechanical compliance.\" Discuss how the interplay of duty, virtue, principle, and consequences can enrich ethical decision-making in public administration. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"The strength of a professional public service lies in its ability to remain non-partisan, even in a deeply political environment.\" Do you agree that partisanship undermines the ethical foundation of public administration? Discuss the risks posed by political bias among civil servants and the safeguards that help uphold neutrality. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"In situations of moral ambiguity, where formal rules fall short, emotional intelligence and conscience become crucial tools. Explain how these internal faculties help public servants navigate ethical grey zones. Support with a suitable example. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"The heart of the ethical dilemma is not the absence of values but the presence of competing responsibilities.\" Discuss how ethical dilemmas in public administration often emerge from the clash of legitimate obligations rather than moral ambiguity. Illustrate with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"The growing layers of oversight, media scrutiny, and public expectations have made accountability a double-edged sword for public servants.\" Do you agree that excessive accountability pressure can sometimes hinder ethical judgment and innovation in the bureaucracy? Explain your perspective with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"Family, society, and education do not merely transmit values they shape the ethical foundation of public life.\" Discuss how these institutions influence value formation in public servants. Why is the role of these institutions critical in strengthening ethical governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"Gandhian ethics emphasize purity of means, truth, and moral courage even when outcomes are uncertain.\" Critically evaluate whether such absolutist ethics are compatible with the demands of modern public administration, where administrative realism and pragmatism are often necessary. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"Procurement decisions are a litmus test of public sector probity, where integrity must resist both institutional pressures and private influence.\" Discuss how the principles of transparency, fairness, and accountability can strengthen ethical conduct in public procurement. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"Attitudes, shaped by personal beliefs and values, influence the ethical behaviour of public servants.\" Explain how moral and political attitudes impact administrative neutrality and integrity in public service. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"\"Foreign aid is often framed as generosity, but its ethical legitimacy depends on fairness, accountability, and respect for sovereignty.\" Explain the ethical concerns associated with conditional foreign aid. How can donor countries uphold recipient autonomy while ensuring transparency and developmental impact? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":34,"question":"What are the ethical considerations involved in this budget allocation decision?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"How can administrators ensure equitable development while maintaining working relationships with elected representatives? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"You are posted as the Deputy Director (Training) at a state administrative academy. Among the current batch of officer trainees is a probationer known for initiative and strong opinions on social justice and governance. Over the past few weeks, the probationer has been posting commentary on current affairs on his public social media account. While not abusive or inflammatory, his posts openly criticise: - Certain welfare schemes as \"tokenistic,\" - The inaction of state agencies in recent communal incidents, - And call for \"civil resistance\" to regressive laws. Screenshots of his posts have circulated in the department. Some senior officers consider the posts politically charged and believe they undermine the principle of neutrality and decorum expected of civil servants. Others argue he is still under training and needs mentorship, not discipline. You are informally asked by the Director General to “speak to him” and submit a recommendation on whether formal action is warranted. The probationer, when confronted, says: \"I posted as a citizen, not as a government mouthpiece. I'm entitled to express myself. My views don't affect my professional objectivity.\" There's growing debate in the academy: Where does personal liberty end and institutional responsibility begin? Is there space for moral conviction in service, or must officers conform fully to institutional restraint even in their private lives?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"What are the key ethical and professional concerns in this situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"How can civil servants balance personal expression with the demands of neutrality and public accountability? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the key ethical issues in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"How can civil servants uphold integrity when informal hierarchies and peer pressure discourage ethical action? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"What are the ethical concerns involved in the allocation of CSR funds in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"How would you assess the competing pressures of organizational politics and public interest?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"What decision would you take, and how would you justify it ethically and professionally? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"What are the administrative and ethical issues involved in the case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"How can senior civil servants uphold neutrality and fairness in politically sensitive postings without inviting retaliation or appearing insubordinate? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":60,"question":"Several NGOs and urban policy experts point out that the land had remained vacant for decades, with no alternative use pursued or development plan executed until the recent PIL. They also raise concerns that no rehabilitation policy has been activated, despite a clear state commitment under its urban housing scheme. The situation is tense: • A local MLA supports immediate clearance, citing “respect for the rule of law and infrastructure development.” • Media and civil society are sharply divided; some demand swift implementation, others condemn the potential humanitarian fallout. • Your team awaits instruction. Some suggest delaying until an in-principle rehabilitation commitment is secured. Others urge immediate compliance to “avoid contempt.” You are now faced with a critical choice: obeying the court order as is, or seeking space to align legal compliance with ethical obligations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"What are the core ethical challenges involved in executing the eviction in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"How should a public servant reconcile legal mandates with humanitarian obligations in contexts of informal urban settlements?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8787,"topper":"Vikas Singh Panwar","air":159,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2025_unchecked_GC25D1B25045_FLT2504.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8788,"topper":"Vikash Senthiya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/40c3f-398329_1838_vikash-senthiya_rank-482.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The Chalukyan architecture uniquely epitomises the grandeur and hybrid characteristic style of temple building. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The success or failure of a political movement is not always determined by the achievement of its stated goals. Discuss in light of the Ghadar movement. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss the ways in which Gandhian conceptualisation of Sarvodaya influenced Vinoba Bhave's Bhoodan movement. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Bring out the evidences, which led to the Plate Tectonics Theory. Also, discuss how this theory explains the movement of plates. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Give an account of the formation of Abyssal Plains and highlight the relief features found on these plains. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What are the geographical and climatic conditions required for tea cultivation? In this context, discuss the reasons for the introduction of tea cultivation in the Duars region of the Himalayas by the British. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Briefly bring out the distinction between flash droughts and conventional droughts. Also, examine the reasons behind the increasing vulnerability of India to flash droughts. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Though various initiatives have been taken to ensure social security for informal workers in India, there still exist gaps which need to be plugged. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Critically assess the government's move on raising the age of marriage of women in India from 18 to 21 years. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Reservation for locals in private sector has again brought the debate around regionalism into focus. In this context, examine whether regionalism is a threat to national integration. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Explain how agricultural surplus, growth of crafts and trade, and growing population led to the second urbanisation in ancient India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"India of the 18th century failed to make progress economically, culturally and socially at a pace, which would have saved the country from collapse. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The withdrawal of the Civil Disobedience Movement triggered a two-stage debate on the strategic course of India's freedom struggle. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Throw light on the causes, course and outcomes of the Civil War, which followed the Russian Revolution. Also, bring out the reasons behind the Bolshevik victory. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What are Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs)? Highlighting the susceptibility of the Himalayan region to GLOFs, state the measures required to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Highlighting the importance of ice sheets, discuss the likely impact of their melting on the planet with special focus on India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are twin cyclones? Discuss the role of Rossby waves and Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) in their formation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Since independence, planning strategies for women's upliftment has evolved from welfare to development to empowerment. Elucidate. Also, discuss the role played by voluntary organizations in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How far do you agree with the view that globalisation has aggravated the challenges faced by the poor in India? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8789,"topper":"Vikash Senthiya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/63731-398329_1835_vikash-senthiya_rank-482.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The withdrawal of general consent to the CBI by certain state governments in India threatens the spirit of cooperative federalism in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Stating the sources of finance for local self-governments in India, suggest ways to strengthen their financial position. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Cabinet Committees play an important role in reinstating collective responsibility and principle of homogeneity of the Executive in the Indian Parliamentary system. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"There is a need to overhaul the public procurement and project management (PPPM) framework of India for faster, efficient and transparent execution of government projects. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Adequate measures are required to overcome the challenges and vulnerabilities associated with undertaking social accountability initiatives and institutionalising them. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"In view of the recent Parliamentary Standing Committee report, discuss the issues faced by the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) and suggest measures that can be adopted to strengthen it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"While the Mid-Day Meal scheme was aimed at fulfilling the nutritional needs of students, it is far behind in achieving this objective. Discuss. Also, suggest remedial measures in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) remain critical for the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In this context, discuss the impediments in the fulfilment of SRHR in India. Also, mention the steps that can be taken in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"State the functions of the United Nations Human Rights Council. Also, discuss the issues faced by the Council in the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"West Asia is an important strategic region for India with profound geo-political and geo-economic significance. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Disenfranchising prisoners desecrates a cherished value in a democracy i.e. 'right to vote', which should be guarded earnestly. Discuss in the light of The Representation of The People Act, 1951. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"There are similarities and interactions between the affirmative action adopted by India and USA owing to similar historical injustices faced by their respective vulnerable groups. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Objections to domicile-based reservation in private sector jobs on the grounds of constitutional equality and freedom are misplaced. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"There have been arguments that sedition law is an attack on the very foundation of India's liberal democratic principles, as enshrined in the Constitution. Do you agree? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite Government e-Marketplace facing certain challenges, it has brought about a significant improvement in the procurement of goods and services by various government agencies. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"A reformed system of recruitment, training and evaluation needs to be put in place to take forward the development of a highly efficient and accountable civil service. Discuss in the context of India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Despite initiatives taken by the Indian government to achieve critical goals in the education sector, major interventions are required to tackle learning poverty as well as the persisting inequalities. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"In light of the burgeoning burden of both communicable and non-communicable diseases, there is a need to revamp the public health surveillance system in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The repercussions of the ongoing economic crisis in Sri Lanka extend beyond its borders. Discuss with specific reference to India. Also, mention the steps that India has taken to assist Sri Lanka tide over the crisis. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India is a reliable partner in the Indian Ocean Region and can take on the role of being the net security provider in the region. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8790,"topper":"Vikash Senthiya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/14df3-398329_1836_vikash-senthiya_rank-482.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The PM-AASHA scheme is aimed at improving procurement mechanism as well as ensuring remunerative prices for farmers. In this context, highlight the various components of the scheme and discuss the concerns associated with it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Explaining the concept of blended finance, discuss the role it can play in mobilizing capital for infrastructure development in developing countries like India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss the challenges faced in the revival and revamp of dry ports in India and state the measures that can be adopted in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Monoculture is one of the major threats to ensuring food security and sustainability of Indian agriculture. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Aapda Mitra – a force of volunteers from across India trained in disaster response – is becoming a game changer in the field of disaster management in the country. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Why is the rise in lone wolf attacks considered as a serious challenge for security agencies around the world? Highlight the role of the internet in exacerbating such attacks. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The fundamental inefficiencies embedded in our military structures and processes are now being addressed through a slew of defence reforms in the country. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"In light of the recent establishment of the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in India, discuss the advantages and challenges in mainstreaming traditional medicine in the country. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Nano Urea Liquid has the potential to transform farming in India and across the world by improving productivity while reducing environmental pollution and input cost. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss the domino effect of high crude oil prices on the Indian economy. Also, enumerate the measures that India can take in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The consistent high operating ratio of the Indian Railways is indicative of its incapability to generate high operational surplus. Explain the reasons behind this trend. Also, highlight the remedial measures taken by the government in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Micro food processing sector is the key driver of growth in the Indian economy as it encourages food processing innovation. In this context, state the challenges faced by the micro food processing sector and discuss how the recent initiatives taken by the government aim to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Despite efforts by successive governments, equitable growth remains elusive and income inequality continues to persist in India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Stating the factors that determine the employment situation of an economy in the long-term, discuss the measures that are needed for India to address its unemployment problem. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"In view of the rapidly increasing socio-economic damage caused by disasters, integrating Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) into development planning requires an effective stakeholder engagement mechanism. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Provide an account of the existing carbon trading mechanisms in India. Also, discuss the significance of an efficient carbon trading market in the country and state the challenges that currently exist. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The menace of drug trafficking in India has been on a rise due to a mix of factors, both internal and external. Discuss. Also, state the challenges posed by drug trafficking to India's national security. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The Andaman and Nicobar islands' strategic significance in the Indian Ocean region (IOR) has been underplayed by India's policy of 'masterly inactivity and benign neglect'. Critically discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India has recently commissioned the world's first large International Liquid-Mirror Telescope (ILMT). How will the newly commissioned telescope aid in India's astronomical observations and research? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8791,"topper":"Vikash Senthiya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/edfb3-398329_1830_vikash-senthiya_rank-482.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"According to you, what are the main reasons behind prejudice against certain sections of a society? Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss how persuasion acts as a functional pillar in attitudinal change and attitude formation with requisite examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"A legally enforceable code of ethics for civil servants, which not only prescribes the ethical values they must display in their public life but also provides sanctions for violations of these values, is the need of the hour. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Although open and transparent governance has gained ground, do you agree with the view that there is merit in withholding some information from people? Justify your arguments with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Although bribery is illegal and counterproductive, public officials still demand bribes, and executives in the private sector remain tempted to pay up. In this context, discuss ways in which corporations can build a framework to eliminate the practice of offering kickbacks. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Identifying the issues associated with utilization of public funds, discuss the various ethical principles which can help devise strategies for better utilization of public funds in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"All persons ought to endeavour to follow what is right, and not what is established.\" — Aristotle (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"\"It is compassion, the most gracious of virtues, which moves the world.\" — Tiruvalluvar, Kural (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"“I understand democracy as something that gives the weak the same chance as the strong.” – Mahatma Gandhi (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"“A well-developed Emotional intelligence is not only an instrumental tool in accomplishing goals, but has a dark side as a weapon for manipulating others by robbing them of their capacity to reason.” Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do you understand by conformity, compliance and obedience? Discuss their relevance in the context of civil services in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":34,"question":"Capital punishment, or \"death penalty,\" is an institutionalized practice designed to result in deliberately executing persons in response to actual or supposed misconduct and following an authorized, rule-governed process to conclude that the person is responsible for violating norms that warrant execution. Punitive executions have historically been imposed by diverse kinds of authorities, for an expansive range of conduct, political or religious beliefs and practices, for a status beyond one's control, or without employing any significant due process procedures. Punitive executions also have been and continue to be carried out more informally, such as by terrorist groups, urban gangs, and mobs. For centuries in Europe and America, discussions have focused on capital punishment as an institutionalized, rule-governed practice of modern states and legal systems governing serious criminal conduct and procedures. In light of the above debate of capital punishment, answer the following questions: (a) What are the arguments in favour of and against having capital punishment in the criminal justice system? (b) Do you think capital punishment has a place in modern civilised society? Examine in the context of moral implications involved in awarding it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You are posted as a Customs official in one of renowned port cities of India. Your team has recently intercepted a consignment having over 5000 kilograms of red sandalwood. Red Sandalwood, also known as Red Sanders, is a prohibited item for export and is covered under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) list and hence you detained a few individuals for their alleged involvement in trying to smuggle it to another country. However, you later come to know that these people are working for an influential businessman with close ties to the ruling party of the state. Your seniors in the department have verbally instructed you not to register any compliant as yet. You are fearful that a deal will be struck between the businessman and a few corrupt officers of your department and the detained persons will be freed. You are ready to go ahead and file the complaint but at the same time are also fearful of departmental action against you if you disobey your seniors. (a) What are the various options available to you in the given case? Evaluate the merits and demerits of each of these. (b) Also indicate (without necessarily restricting to the above options) your course of action and the reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"You are the Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district. One of your subordinates informs you that a girl has reached out to him and complained about a potential death threat to her and her boyfriend who belongs to another caste. Both the families are averse to their union. She has also informed that the local police station is neither filing any complaint nor giving her any assurance of protection. The girl belongs to the dominant caste of the region and her father is a prominent local leader of the party which is in power in the state. On further enquiry, you come to know that both the girl and her boyfriend are adults. They have moved out of the house and have started living together. This has further angered both the families and they are accusing each other of abduction. In the given scenario, answer the following questions: (a) Bring out the ethical dilemma faced by you. (b) What would be a suitable course of action to resolve the issue? (c) At times, such instances lead to violence and may end up in honour killings. Discuss the reasons behind their social acceptance in parts of India despite the legal sanction against them.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8792,"topper":"Vikash Senthiya","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9b3c7-398329_1837_vikash-senthiya_rank-482.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain why altruism constitutes one of the core values in public life. In this regard, suggest some measures to foster altruistic behaviour in public services. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Certain actions can be right even though they do not maximize good consequences, for the rightness of such actions consists in their representing certain norms. Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"With the help of appropriate examples, discuss the ethical challenges involved in policing in India. Also, highlight the reasons behind corruption in the police force. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"A right combination of spirit and structure is integral to ethical corporate governance. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"It is not only public servants, but also the common citizens who play a key role in institutionalising high standards of ethical conduct and good governance. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Public administration in India suffers from the 'working-in-silos' culture. In this context, discuss the importance of cooperation, coordination and collaboration for efficient governance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"While emotional intelligence is an essential tool for a public servant, it can also be misused to manipulate people to act against their own interests. Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Social influence is an ambivalent concept. It can be a source for good, bad and even for evil. Discuss with the help of relevant examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Effective public service delivery demands a people-centric approach, which is built upon coordination and leverages technology. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Highlight the important teachings of Kautilya that are relevant to public services in 21st century India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.\" Nelson Mandela (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"You have recently graduated from college and are now preparing for the civil services examination. While reading the newspaper, you come across a news report of a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), working for child rights, challenging a provision of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, in the Supreme Court of India. The said provision provides for the option of Children in Conflict with Law (CCL) to be tried as adults under certain circumstances. The NGO's plea is that children are not able to understand the gravity of crimes. It has also contended that the criminal acts committed by children are a reflection of failure of the society to take care of its children. In the context of this situation, as a young aspirant, answer the following questions: (a) What are the possible factors that can drive a child towards committing heinous crimes? (b) Is it ethical to punish children as adults rather than giving them a chance for reformation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"You are a CEO-founder of an edTech company. You are under tremendous pressure from the investors in your company to increase the profitability of the company and undertake downsizing. After making a few bad acquisitions, the company's finances have taken a huge hit in the last couple of years. The downsizing is suggested with the hope that the company's profitability would rise, as it often does when mass layoff or downsizing decisions are carried out. Moreover, the investors have hinted that such measures would attract further investment from them, which has come as a ray of hope considering the ongoing volatile market conditions and slowdown in big-ticket fundings. Given the situation, rumors of unscrupulous firing have started doing the rounds among employees. It has increased apprehensiveness and reduced cohesiveness among them. You have informed the investors that the cost cutting exercise can affect the output as well as reputation of the company in the long-run. However, they are adamant to pursue the same. (a) Identify the stakeholders and ethical issues involved in the case. (b) You and the HR team have identified some options and are deliberating to put them across to the investors for consideration. Discuss the merits and demerits of each of these: (i) Identifying key high performers and offering them suitable positions before implementing the layoff decision. (ii) Putting the terminated employees on retainer to work part-time. (iii) Executing the lay off order in the same spirit as it was asked by the investors and letting them deal with the long-term consequences. (iv) Improving the perception of fairness among the existing and terminated employees and moving ahead with the layoffs. (c) Without restricting yourself to the above options, discuss the course of action you will take, and provide adequate reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"There is an ongoing ethnic civil war in a neighbouring country. The conflict has caused massive displacement of people from the country. Ironically, the developed countries have closed off their borders to the refugees on account of the COVID-19 pandemic, resource competition, domestic politics etc. With countries sealing off their borders, the refugees are left in a vulnerable situation and many are taking illegal routes to enter your country. As a Senior Official of your country's Ministry of External Affairs, you have been involved in discussions with officials of other nations and are entrusted with the mandate to design a national policy to safely accommodate India bound refugees. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) Discuss the moral issues related to the rights of international refugees, especially those from conflict-torn regions. (b) What recommendations would you suggest given the large influx of refugees in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"You are a young athlete representing India at an international-level competition. To your surprise, during the competition, you witness a few senior athletes injecting something using a syringe in private. When you approach them, they explain that it is a performance enhancing drug, which is very common in such competitions and you should take the same as well. You are aware that if these players get caught in a doping test, it may damage India's reputation. You are confused and afraid of the repercussions and decide to approach the coach to discuss the event you witnessed. However, you get to know that the athletes are taking the drug on the advice of the coach himself. (a) What would you do in this scenario? Discuss the options available to you and chart your course of action. (b) What are the reasons behind the use of performance enhancing drugs in competitive sporting events? How can this practice be minimized?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":55,"question":"You have been newly appointed as the District Magistrate of a district, which is known for its rich mineral deposits. Following the news being circulated in the media about the illegal mining in your district, you have initiated an enquiry into it. When the State's Minister of Mines and Minerals gets to know of the enquiry initiated by you, he directs you to name some junior government employees as being involved in the wrongdoing and make them scapegoats. He also points out that elections to the State Assembly are around the corner and the present government wishes to stay clear of any political corruption. This Minister is a very influential figure in the present regime and there are high chances of the present ruling party being voted back to power. In due course of the enquiry, it has come to your notice that the said Minister has also been involved in illegal mining through his cronies. The findings of the enquiry can affect the outcome of the elections as well as completely derail your career, if the incumbent party wins the elections, which looks very likely as per the polls. Answer the following with reference to this case: (a) Identify the stakeholders and the ethical issues in the given case. (b) Critically evaluate the options in the given scenario and state your course of action, giving reasons.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8793,"topper":"VIKASH YADAV","air":648,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Geography","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/05e79e85886db31c562f8e2fb26b6867/31/test-1_vikash-yadav_-mt22cera001.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8794,"topper":"VIKASH YADAV","air":648,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Geography","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/05e79e85886db31c562f8e2fb26b6867/32/test-2_vikash-yadav_-mt22gera001.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Q.1 Answer the following in about 150 words each: [10 x 5 = 50 Marks] (a) Neo-determinism. (b) Sustainable rural development. (c) Rural tourism or eco-tourism is the solution to overtourism. Comment (d) Distinguish between Administrative and cultural settlements. (e) Regional imbalance.","marks":"50","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"\"The land regulates the destinies of peoples with a blind brutality\" (Ratzel). Discuss fully the arguments in favour and against this view. [20 Marks]","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":19,"question":"What is Quantitative Revolution? Outline its merits and demerits. [15 Marks]","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":22,"question":"Examine the inter-relation between gender parity and development. [15 Marks]","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Asses the nature of the 'food problem' of India, both qualitatively and quantitatively at the present time. What practical suggestions can you offer towards its solutions? [20 Marks]","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Discuss the concept of social well being and quality of life. Highlights the indicators of social well- being in India. [15 Marks]","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the concept of Heartland and Rimland and examine their present- day validity. [20 Marks]","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Explain the concept of Demographic attributes? Highlights the demographic characteristics of India. [15 Marks]","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":55,"question":"The environmental issues are not adequately addressed in Urban planning. Comment. [20 Marks]","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":59,"question":"Examine the relevance of Central place Theory of Losch in the present context. [15 Marks]","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":62,"question":"Discuss the concept of Primate City and rank- size rule. [15 Marks]","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":65,"question":"Examine the causes of international migrations and the socio- economic and political problems generated by them. [20 Marks]","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":69,"question":"What is region? Discuss the types of regions and the methods of regionalizations. [15 Marks]","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":72,"question":"India's fertility rate drops below replacement level. Comment. [15 Marks]","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":75,"question":"\"Population-resource regions explain a complex relation\". Critically analyze. [20 Marks]","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":79,"question":"Blue - Green infrastructure as an opportunity for Indian cities. Comment. [15 Marks]","marks":"15","words":null},{"page":82,"question":"Discuss the relevance of Von Thunen's model of agricultural location in the contemporary context. [15 Marks]","marks":"15","words":null}]},{"id":8795,"topper":"VIKASH YADAV","air":648,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Geography","optional":true,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/05e79e85886db31c562f8e2fb26b6867/33/test-3_vikash-yadav_-mt22gera001.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8796,"topper":"Vikram Grewal","air":51,"year":2018,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/29fac-140631_931_vikram_grewal_rank_51.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8797,"topper":"Vikram Grewal","air":51,"year":2018,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5f107-140631_932_vikram_grewal_rank_51.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8798,"topper":"Vikram Grewal","air":51,"year":2018,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1e279-140631_929_vikram-grewal_rank_51.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8799,"topper":"Vikram Grewal","air":51,"year":2018,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/75d69-140631_930_vikram-grewal_rank_51.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8800,"topper":"Vikram Grewal","air":51,"year":2018,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/894cc-140631_933_vikram-grewal_rank_51.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8801,"topper":"Vikram Grewal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ea751-140631_1153_vikram_grewal_rank_51.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the issues faced in BOT and EPC models of infrastructure investment, explain how HAM can address these. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The investment rate in India has gradually declined after a historic high in the mid 2000s. Examine the reasons behind this trend. Discuss the steps required to revive investment for a sustained growth. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The measurement of the extent of formal sector and formal employment is yet an unsettled matter in our economy. Comment. Also, mention the steps which the government has taken to improve its extent.(150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Minimum Support Price (MSP) of crops is a short term solution for agricultural distress which creates long term problems. Examine. Suggest measures to overcome the the limitations of the MSP regime.(150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Enumerating the factors that determine a nation's energy-mix, comment on the need for having a diversified fuel basket for meeting India's future energy demands. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Air quality in Indian households, especially in rural areas, is lethal due to a number of factors. In this context, highlighting the challenges faced in improving indoor air quality, enumerate the measures that can be taken to address them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlight the characteristics and applications of Cyber Physical systems. Also, enumerate the various objectives of the Cyber Physical Systems programme recently launched by the government. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"India needs to collaborate and participate in international scientific projects in order to place itself as a major player in cutting edge research. Discuss in the light of ongoing global mega science projects. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Deployment of central armed forces in states has been a contentious issue. Mention the issues involved and suggest some remedial measures. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"In what ways does the physiography of India pose a challenge to its counter-terrorism efforts? What can be done to deal with these challenges? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Enhancing private infrastructure spending and revival of stalled projects is critical to the success of Bharatmala Pariyojana. Discuss. Also enumerate measures taken by the government to revive stalled projects on National Highways. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"In the light of increasing NPAs and frauds, the twin balance sheet problem has grown immensely. Comment on the issue and analyse the potential of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code to be a game changer for Indian economy's health and long-term growth. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Highlight the importance of MSME sector in India's economy. Also, identifying the challenges, suggest some policy recommendations to ensure their sustenance and competitive growth. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Going forward, the allied sectors will play a critical role in increasing the resilience and improving economic returns in agriculture. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What do you understand by Seed Replacement Rate? Explaining the concept of breeder, foundation and certified seeds, highlight the major policy initiatives taken in order to address the challenge of quality seed availability to farmers. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"While overcrowding in public places cannot be wished away in India, what we need are better infrastructure and more effective crowd-control measures. Comment. Also, briefly enumerate NDMA guidelines for crowd management. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Processing and safe disposal of garbage must replace the current model of landfills in order to transform our cities to being 'smart'. Elucidate. In this context, analyse the reasons for failure of waste management policies in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What do you understand by TRIPS plus provisions being advocated by developed countries outside the WTO based TRIPS agreement? Do you think India should show some flexibility and incorporate certain TRIPS plus provisions in its IPR regime? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime) has pitched for the need of an integrated approach in order to address the difficulties in preventing, detecting, investigating and prosecuting Transnational Organised Crimes (TOC). Elaborating on these difficulties, discuss how an integrated approach can help in tackling TOCs. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The Government has adopted a holistic approach built around simultaneous implementation of a security agenda, developmental activities and promotion of good governance to address the Left Wing Extremism in India. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8802,"topper":"Vikram Grewal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a99c1-140631_1072_vikram_grewal_rank_51.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain why it is important to urgently address the problem of poor land records and infirmity of land titles in India. Also discuss how this problem can be addressed. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Infirmity of land titles What are the special features of the infrastructure sector that make its financing a challenge? What measures have been taken to facilitate adequate amount of finance to this sector? (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Despite favourable circumstances, India's electronics manufacturing has been unable to respond to the rising demand. Discuss. What steps can be taken to address this situation? (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Despite registering a high growth rate in the post-reform era, India continues to witness a high incidence of poverty. Explain this paradox and suggest ways to resolve it. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"In light of the argument that India has entered a regime of \"permanent surpluses\", discuss whether the time has come to remove agricultural commodities completely from Essential Commodities Act. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The 1988 National Forest Policy (NFP) was visionary in its scope and ambition. However, there is a need for a new forest policy in the current context. Discuss. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How does rapid urbanization increases the vulnerability to major disasters? Explaining with examples, suggest measures to develop disaster-resilient cities. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain DNA profiling and highlight its forensic application. Also discuss the significance of DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2018 in this regard. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What is meant by the term Blue Water Capabilities? In this context, identify the key measures that have been undertaken to enhance the blue water capabilities of the Indian Navy. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Identify the factors that make India vulnerable to drug trafficking? Also discuss the key steps taken to deal with it in our country. (150 Words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"How do higher global crude oil prices affect the Indian economy? What steps can be taken to gradually insulate India from global oil price volatility in the long term? (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Explaining the importance, highlight the achievements of dairy sector in India. Examine whether over-production is the reason for the problems being faced by the dairy industry. Give some solutions to address the problems. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"There has been a focus on Textile and Apparels industry in India in recent years. Elaborate the potential of this industry and the challenges that lie in achieving it. What steps have been taken in this regard? (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"How do transportation corridors in biodiversity rich areas impact the wildlife? Examine the current policy framework in this regard. Also, suggest measures to minimise the negative effects while balancing the need for development. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The potential of technology to aid farmers in increasing productivity as well reducing susceptibility to climate change remains underutilized. Identify the reasons for the same and suggest measures to improve technological penetration in agriculture. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What is Intelligent Transportation System (ITS)? Explaining the need of ITS in India, identify the challenges in deploying it. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Explain the concept and significance of Data Localisation. Also discuss its limitations in strengthening law enforcement efforts in the context of Srikrishna Committee report and the draft Personal Data Protection Bill, 2018. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"What is the link between illegal immigration and national security? In this context, critically discuss the exercise of creating a National Register of Citizens in Assam. (250 Words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8803,"topper":"Vikram Grewal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b588c-140631_1154_vikram_grewal_rank_51.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the significance of the following in the context of civil service: 10 (i) Public trust (ii) Objectivity (iii) Strength of character (iv) Empathy (v) Selflessness","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Do you think nation states owe a responsibility towards asylum seekers? What are the considerations that should, in your opinion, go into the making of a refugee policy? Provide arguments with contemporary examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Why do civil servants have a special obligation to uphold ethical standards? What are the main areas of concerns for implementation of an effective ethical standard in civil services? In this context, suggest measures to remedy these concerns.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Analyse the ethical dimensions of using nuclear deterrence as a self-defense strategy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"We make a living by what we do, but we make a life by what we give. (i) Highlight the importance of value of altruism for a society. (ii) Discuss the role of education in imparting such values.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Giving examples, examine the relationship between personal and professional ethics of civil servants.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Bring out the significance of probity in public life. What are the requisites for ensuring probity in governance? Pointing out the key concerns in India in this context, suggest certain remedial measures.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"While the corrupt and dishonest should be punished swiftly, honest public servants need to be protected against malicious and motivated complaints to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of an organisation. Discuss. How can the two objectives be reconciled?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Explain with examples how emotional intelligence increases the effectiveness of leadership skills in a civil servant.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"A Citizens' Charter sees public services through the eyes of those who use them. In this context, analyze the importance of citizen charter in making public services citizen centric.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Social media has played a key role in influencing political opinions and social attitudes in india. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"\"Nonviolence is not servile passivity but a powerful moral force which makes for social transformation\". Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Good corporate governance is not an end in itself. It is a means to support economic efficiency, sustainable growth and financial stability. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"The steady decline in sex ratio suggests that marked improvement in the economy and literacy rates do not seem to have had any impact on this index. In fact, the availability of new technology and its easy access for the urban, wealthy and educated have worsened the trend and harmed the status of women in Indian society. 20 (a) Explain why the phenomenon should not be simply viewed as a medical or legal issue and more attention should be given to the ethical issues involved. (b) Give some suggestions to tackle the problem of declining sex ratio. (c) Discuss the ethical dilemma involved in Right to abortion vs. Prevention of female foeticide. How can this be resolved?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8804,"topper":"Vikram Grewal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2d4ba-140631_1069_vikram_grewal_rank_51.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Growing awareness about terminal as well as mental illness has given credence to the idea of \"living wills\". What is a living will? Discuss the ethical issues to be considered from an individual as well as social perspective to formulate and implement it. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"In order to improve the bureaucratic work culture and productivity, there is a need to downsize government and privatize some of the services. Critically discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Examine the contemporary relevance of Gandhiji's talisman as a means of resolving ethical dilemmas in day to day life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"\"Intelligence plus character-that is the goal of true education.\" Assess whether such an objective can be achieved within the existing system of education in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"\"A blanket prohibition of criticism of the policies of the Government is invalid and void, and it makes no difference if the person criticizing happens to be a government servant.\" Critically discuss in the context of Civil Service Conduct Rules, 1964.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"\"Man by nature is a political animal\". Explain with reference to Aristotle's idea of the state in life of the society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"What are the factors that have influenced the contemporary attitude of the state and the society towards homosexuality in India? Also, comment on the changing attitude and the factors driving this change.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"With behavioural issues and suicides among children on the rise, teachers and parents need to play an active part in ensuring mental well-being. Discuss. Also, explain the importance of emotional intelligence in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"The policy of Dhamma advocated by Ashoka through his edicts remains relevant in the context of issues in public life even today. Elucidate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Arguably, poverty is not only a matter of statistics. It is a reflection on the kind of society we live in. In this context, discuss the ethical implications for a society that witnesses high incidence of poverty.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Every superstition cannot be removed by the force of law. For that, a mental change is necessary. Comment. Also, explain how educators and public figures can help in eradicating superstition and instilling scientific temper among people.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Many argue that there are times, when war is morally permissible, and even obligatory. Critically discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"It has been argued that traditional approaches to corporate social responsibility (CSR) are inadequate. Discuss. Also, examine the role of Social License to Operate (SLO) in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"A renowned and critically acclaimed producer-director has come up with a new movie based on retelling of the freedom movement. The trailer of this project depicts prominent freedom fighters and various aspects of their personalities. It is a project that involves substantial sums of money and has taken collaborative efforts of 3 years. However, certain political and social activists have objected to what they perceived as negative portrayal of some freedom fighters. As such, they have opposed the release of this movie and issued threats with serious consequences. This has come in the context of increase in the number of instances involving many groups issuing threats against one or the other movie. In such a context you have been designated as the head of a special committee with the broad responsibility of reviewing the film certification process in general as well as the checking the historical accuracy of the events depicted in this particular movie. 20 (a) Who are the key stakeholders you would involve as part of the consultation process? (b) What are the principles that you would consider while giving your recommendations to the government? Also, provide an outline of a solution that you deem appropriate in the prevailing context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"There have been reports of repeat instances of mob lynching in different states of India. It has been pointed out that these presumably faceless mobs gather impromptu on the basis of unverified information on issues that affect the collective conscience of the society such as child trafficking, sexual harassment, cow slaughter etc. Most of the people don't even regret their action of violating the law and even get away with committing such a heinous crime. (a) What are the socio-psychological factors that motivate people to join the mob and kill fellow human beings? (b) Identify the implications of increasing crime of lynching on society. (c) Examine the role of social media in recent instances of mob lynching. As a law enforcement officer, how will you prevent such incidents from happening in your district?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"We live in a time when almost everything can be bought and sold. Over the past few years, markets and market values have come to govern our lives as never before. Today the logic of buying and selling no longer applies to material gold alone but increasingly governs the whole of life. However, there is a wide spread realization that markets have become detached from morals and we need to somehow reconnect them. The use of markets to allocate social goods has also been a cause of concern. In this context, answer the following: 20 (a) is greed wholly a vice or a trait of character that has both positive and negative sides? Could you relate it to the utilitarian philosophy that emphasizes pursuit of self interest by individuals as the basis of economic well being? (b) Are there some things that money shouldn't buy? Illustrate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are the head of a policy think-tank. There is a proposal to cut down more than 10,000 trees to build a residential colony in the capital of the country. The city has one of the highest homeless population in the country and the settlement will be used for them. This news has generated a lot of public debate. While on the one hand is the need to expand urban infrastructure in order to meet the demands of the growing population, on the other, is the environmental concern. In last ten years, the city has lost more than half of its green cover and has seen increased frequency of extreme climatic events. You are asked to deliver a lecture for the policymakers and concerned citizens, in which you have to specifically deal with the following questions: 20 (a) Why do you think such situations arise in the first place where developmental activities and environmental concerns often come out as antithetical to each other? (b) What should be the short-term and long-term solutions for tackling such situations? (c) What are the potential benefits of inculcating environmental concerns in the policy making and planning process?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You are a young athlete representing India at an international-level competition. During the competition, you witness a few senior athletes injecting something using a syringe, in private. When you approach them, they explain that it is a performance enhancing drug, which is very common in such competitions and you should take the same as well. You are in fear and decide to approach the coach to discuss the event you witnessed. However, you get to know that the athletes are taking the drug at the advice of the coach himself. 20 (a) What would you do in this scenario? Discuss the options available to you and chart your course of action. (b) Why do you think use of unfair means to enhance performance is common in competitive sporting event? How can this practice be minimized?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"You have been appointed by Election Commission as a booth level officer to oversee the conduct of elections in a remote and under-developed area. For the preparations of elections, you have been instructed to ensure maximum voter turnout. For this, you conduct a series of meetings with the people in villages encouraging them to vote in large numbers. However, they confront you with the fact that despite so many previous elections, the promises made by representatives remain unfulfilled and even the basic necessities of livelihood are not available. As such, they are ignorant of your appeals and are subsequently not forthcoming even to listen to you, let alone giving assurances to vote. Based on this information, answer the following questions: 20 (a) Identify the stakeholders in the situation along with their interests. (b) What are the factors that you will take into account to convince the people and ensure maximum voter turnout?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8805,"topper":"Vikramaditya Malik","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5649_769_Vikramaditya_Malik_Rank_48.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Seven Billion dreams. One Planet. Consume with care. \"There is enough on this planet for everybody's need, not everybody's greed\" - Mahatma Gandhi","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8806,"topper":"Vikramaditya Malik","air":48,"year":2017,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5649_768_Vikramaditya_Malik_Rank_48.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8807,"topper":"Vikramaditya Malik","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5649_1025_Vikramaditya_Malik_Rank_48.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The dual use nature of space technology enables its utilisation for civilian as well as military purposes. In this context, examine the need for a Space Security Policy in India. ,","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"What are the issues associated with coastal security in India? In this context, discuss whether a Central Marine Police Force can help in addressing these issues. ? , ?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Cyber terrorism holds serious potential to paralyze economic and financial institutions in India. What are the issues and challenges w.r.t. India's cyber security? What initiatives has the GoI taken to address the same?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Critically examine the feasibility of fencing the Indo-Myanmar border as a strategy to contain insurgency given the existing Free Movement Regime (FMR) between the two countries.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"What do you understand by 'lone wolf attacks'? In the wake of increasing lone wolf attacks across the globe, assess India's vulnerability to such attacks. Also, suggest measures that can prevent such attacks.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"What are the factors that lead to generation of black money in India? Discuss the role played by India both domestically and internationally to neutralise the menace of money laundering and black money.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"The national security of the country cannot be strengthened until we focus on intelligence sharing and ensure greater coordination among agencies. Elaborate. Also, highlight the steps being taken by the government to strengthen its intelligence network.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"In what ways is the approach of \"Act East\" Policy different from \"Look East\" Policy? Suggest certain priority areas on which India should focus upon to fulfill its ambitious geostrategic and economic goals in the region.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"In recent years there has been an increasing convergence between Russia and China on several global issues. What are its implications for India? What steps should be taken by India to protect its national interests?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"After remaining peripheral to India’s foreign policy priorities, the Indian Ocean has recieved some attention in recent years. Nonetheless, given the significance it holds, involvement of actors with diverse interests and existing challenges, it is imperative that India redoubles its efforts in shaping the future of the region. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"What are the objectives and key achievements of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL)? Also, highlighting India's association with the Commission, identify its influence on various domestic legal regimes.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"What are the issues and challenges faced by Indian migrants in the Gulf countries? Enumerate the steps taken by the Indian government to address these.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"The recent breakthrough in the Civil Nuclear field is a sign of India-Japan relations moving beyond the calculations of complementarities and cooperation. Analyse in view of the multiple factors shaping India-Japan relations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"The Commonwealth grouping has been accused of talking about ideals that it does not uphold and wasting the resources of governments. Critically analyse the statement and comment on the relevance of the Commonwealth grouping in present times.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"ISRO has successfully flight tested the Reusable Launch Vehicle-Technology Demonstrator (RLV-TD). Discuss the significance of RLV and bring out the differences between RLVs and conventional Launch Vehicles (LVs). What are the challenges in successful execution of RLVs?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Women constitute just 14% of science researchers in India, though they are no longer a minority within higher education when it comes to STEM. Analyse the reasons for this state of affairs and discuss how it can be addressed.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"What do you understand by Internet Governance? Has the recent development of ICANN becoming free from the US government solved the issues of Internet Governance? What should be the way forward?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Increase in the cases of nosocomial infections has emerged as a major concern in India. What are nosocomial infections? What are its causes and why is it a major concern in India? Identify the measures required to combat these infections.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"There is a growing concern that robots, automation and AI will transform the labour markets and lead to massive job loss across the world. Comment. Also mention the steps that can be taken to mitigate the impact of increased automation and AI.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"The importance of IPRs as a marketable financial asset and economic tool needs to be recognised. Elaborate. In this context, analyse how the National Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Policy intends to lay the future roadmap for intellectual property in India.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8808,"topper":"Vikramaditya Malik","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5649_1022_Vikramaditya_Malik_Rank_48.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by seasonal shifting of pressure belts? What impact does it have on the formation of various climatic regions across the globe? Discuss its socio-economic significance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Explain the reasons for the formation of Sargasso Sea. Also, examine the factors for it being a region with one of the highest ocean salinity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Why are river deltas important? Discuss the existing threats to river deltas and the measures needed to overcome these threats.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Give an account of the different types of earthquakes based on their zone of occurrence. Identify the earthquake prone regions of the world with special reference to India. Also explain the reasons for the occurrence of earthquakes in geologically inactive regions like Peninsular India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Explain the reasons for the following: (a) Erosional forms dominate in the west coast while depositional forms dominate in the east coast of India. (b) Western Ghats in Karnataka receive more monsoon rainfall than Maharashtra and Kerala.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"With increasing urbanisation in India, the land usage pattern is undergoing major changes. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"How is the coal bearing strata of India classified in geological terms? Why does coal remain the most important source of energy in India and what are its implications?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Forest fires have become a regular feature during summers in the Western Himalayas. What are the causes behind this phenomenon? Critically examine the efforts made by authorities in countering this problem. Do periodic forest fires have any benefits associated with them?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"What are sunrise industries? Elaborate on the potential of these industries in India with a special focus on the food processing industry.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Scientific and technological advancements have removed the constraints posed by geographical factors which determine the location of industries. Comment. Giving examples, discuss the new factors that have come into play as a result.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Give a brief distribution of major grasslands of the world. Discuss the reasons behind the temperate grasslands becoming the grain baskets of the world. Also compare their performance vis-a-vis tropical grasslands in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Weather and climate information plays a significant role in increasing agricultural productivity as well as minimising crop losses. Comment. Also examine the ways in which forecasting system can be made more effective and inclusive.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"The Paris Climate agreement sets ambitious goals but does not go far enough in mechanisms to achieve the aims. Comment. Also highlight the challenges which a developing country like India faces to achieve the targets it has set for itself.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Describe the factors responsible for increase in marine pollution in the past few decades. What impact does marine pollution have on the ocean ecosystem? Discuss the measures taken by the international community to deal with it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Discuss the environmental impact of electronic waste and the best practices for its handling in the context of the E-waste (Management) Rules, 2016. Also suggest some ways to incentivise consumers to utilise and dispose-off the e-waste properly.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"An emissions-reduction approach to fighting global warming is not enough. Alternative solutions involving climate engineering might have to be deployed sooner than we think. Defining climate engineering, critically examine the statement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Discuss how drought is more of a man-made disaster than a mere deficiency of rainfall. Elaborate on the consequences of desertification that drought prone regions face. Also, bring out the preventive steps to be taken in light of targets to curb desertification as mentioned under the SDGs.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"India's first National Disaster Management Plan may fulfill the legal requirement of having a plan but it may not be very effective in achieving its objective of building resilience. Critically analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"A better prepared community is key to effective disaster risk reduction. Citing specific examples, examine the importance of the role of local government and community in dealing with disasters.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"What is the role of NDRF in managing disasters in the country? Highlighting the challenges that NDRF has been facing, discuss why it is still the armed forces which end up being the most visible force at hand during disasters.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8809,"topper":"Vikramaditya Malik","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5649_877_Vikramaditya_Rank_48.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The seeds of patriarchy and gender inequality are sown at home, which manifest as a weed at the societal level. Elucidate. Suggest an ethical framework to systematically address the issue of patriarchy in the Indian society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"What are the factors which drive people to take law in their own hands rather than following the due process of law? Discuss ways to address the problem of mob justice.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"In a democracy, the purpose of the government should be to make it easy for people to do good and difficult to do wrong. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss John Stuart Mill's idea on freedom of thought and expression. Also, give reasons as to why, according to Mill, representative democracy is the best form of government despite its inherent weaknesses.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"It is argued by some that nuclear weapons have acted more as a deterrent than leading to war and mass destruction. In this context, discuss whether it is ethically right to possess nuclear weapons to create nuclear deterrence.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Differentiate between administration and leadership. Highlighting the traits which characterize an effective leader, discuss the importance of leadership in ensuring effective public service delivery in a bureaucratic setup.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Apart from functional knowledge and expertise, the efficacy of a civil servant also depends upon his emotional intelligence. How does emotional intelligence contribute to efficacy? How can civil servants enhance their emotional intelligence?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Enumerate the mechanisms that promote accountability of public officials in discharging their functions and responsibilities in India. Also discuss why ensuring accountability for performance is not a simple task in government service.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) \"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"\"Prejudices are what fools use for reason.\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Ensuring that government decisions are not influenced by public officials' private interests is a growing concern. Discuss in the context of India. Also enumerate the core principles reflected by OECD guidelines for managing conflict of interest in the public sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Discuss, with examples, the significance of principles of public life as recommended by Nolan committee. Why are these principles considered as an essential set of expectations from public servants?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"A peculiar inhuman situation exists for the people fleeing from war zones - they cannot go back to their homeland for fear of being persecuted and no country is ready to bear their burden due to various reasons. Citing contemporary examples, discuss the ethical issues involved in such situations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"As the administrator in-charge of your area, you are witness to the widespread food wastage in lavish parties as well as in restaurants and eateries, on one hand and people starving due to inability to ensure one square-meal a day, on the other. Realizing that it is not the scarcity of resources, but the habit of people that is causing paucity in availability of food, you decide that certain measures are needed to be taken in order to deal with the issue of starvation at the grassroot level. 20 Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) What measures would you take to deal with wastage of food in your area? (c) What explains this co-existence of affluence and hunger in developing countries like India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"The excluded and marginalized section of society are worst hit by globalization. Take the case of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) like Sentinelese of Andaman & Nicobar islands; their population has reduced drastically and they are facing various other problems as well. In this context answer the following questions: 20 (a) What are the challenges faced by PVTGs due to globalisation? (b) If you are posted as a Development Officer in such an area, what will be your priorities to reduce their vulnerabilities and ensure welfare?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are the chief executive of ABC Ltd., an automotive component manufacturing company. Until recently, all of your production plants were located in City X. However, the cost of production has risen, causing profits to decline. A number of factors have led to an increase in the production costs. First, the union representing the workers in your plant waged a successful strike resulting in increased salary and benefits. A second factor has been imposition of stringent environmental regulations. Shareholders are concerned about the declining fortunes of the company. Many of the competitors have moved their operations to less-developed cities, where the operating costs are less than in City X. ABC Ltd. is a major employer in the city where it is located, and you know that a plant closure will cause economic dislocation in the city. 20 Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) What are the ethical issues involved in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You are posted as a District Education Officer (DEO) in a Maoist affected district. You have been specifically given the responsibility to work on the literacy mission. After reading the education reports and doing field visits, you find that the number of out of school children has increased drastically and the motivation among students and teachers is also low. While certain basic infrastructure is already in place, the major hurdle in attracting students to these schools include the attitude of inhabitants towards education and the security risks involved in sending children to schools. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Analyse the reasons behind such an attitude. (b) As a DEO, what are the steps that you would take in order to increase the school attendance and change the prevalent attitude of inhabitants towards education?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Mr. Pradeep is a senior civil servant in the central government and is involved in the budgeting department. In the course of performing his duties, he comes to know about diversion of funds earmarked for SC/ST sub-plan for other purposes. While he is not directly responsible for this aspect of the budget, he raised his concerns to the department concerned. He also learns that the minister responsible as well as senior most civil servants are aware of the practice and have given tacit approval for it. Soon thereafter, Pradeep was summoned to talk on the issue and was told that since the matter is not within his jurisdiction, he should 'keep his nose out of it'. After much soul searching, Pradeep decided to obey his supervisors by leaving the matter alone. Based on the information given, answer the following questions: (a) Elaborate on the internal dissonance that Pradeep faces in the given situation.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8810,"topper":"Vimal Kumar","air":107,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/13Rse4Q15-RscU0RkS-Nx9Xwq7rpwVMOv/view","questions":[]},{"id":8811,"topper":"Vimal Kumar","air":107,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/VIMAL_KUMAR_SS_GS_2_TEST_7_AIR_107_c677d3cf94.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8812,"topper":"Vimal Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/da19e-696670_1512_vimal-kumar_rank_107.pdf","questions":[{"page":7,"question":"1(a) Persuasion plays an important role in Public administration. Discuss, also highlight various elements of effective persuasion.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"1(b) \"Never do anything against the conscience even if the state demands it\". In this context, discuss the role of conscience in taking ethical decisions in administration.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"2(a) Raja Ram Mohan Roy's liberal views on social and religious issues have much relevance in present day India. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"2 b The moral circle of Humanity has been expanding constantly over time. Discuss in this context whether non human entities should have same rights as human beings","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"4(a) An important requisite for ensuring probity in governance is absence of corruption. Analyze.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"4(b) The right to information (RTI) and right to privacy (RTP) complement each other in holding government accountable to the people, however in case of conflict they can be reconciled keeping public interest in mind. Discuss","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"5(a) Explain the ethical issues involved in spending government funds for advertisement campaigns and publicity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"5(b) Explaining the Concept of political neutrality, discuss its significance in administration. Also highlight how Central Civil Service (Conduct) Rules seek to ensure political neutrality in the civil services.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"6(a) In the light of recurring issues, there is constant need to search for better ethical framework and models of corporate governance. Discuss with adequate examples and evidence in support of your arguments.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"6 b Gender inequality begins at home then gets institutionalised at societal level. Discuss","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"11 Given Case presents dilemma of personal interest vs public good\na \nb Ethical Issues","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8813,"topper":"Vimal Kumar","air":107,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vD6f682ysa0DstEcQaPZtojEk7z85D39/view","questions":[]},{"id":8814,"topper":"Vimal Kumar","air":107,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/VIMAL_KUMAR_SS_2025_GS_4_AIR_107_70da4ad1f8.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8815,"topper":"Vinay Verma","air":712,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1moQHJQHU1k-qPv5YPfO8qNMjiFv31ohp/view","questions":[]},{"id":8816,"topper":"Vinay Verma","air":712,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CmPH5iWbR_kKTmo5qBBWD35xmAQ5RRQV/view","questions":[]},{"id":8817,"topper":"Vinayak Chamadia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9b893-553357_1417_vinayak-chamadia_rank_47.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Dadabhai Naoroji left an indelible imprint on the national movement. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Quit India movement marked a new direction in the struggle against the British colonial rule in India. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The end of World War II marked the birth of a new international order. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Simla Agreement (1972) and Lahore Declaration (1999) are two key milestones in the history of the Indian subcontinent. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Social security should not only involve economic empowerment but also social empowerment. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Explain with examples how globalisation is manifested in both local in the global and the global in the local. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In light of persistence of various forms of violence against women in India, discuss the ways in which the issue can be addressed effectively. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What is an urban forest? Highlight its benefits and steps taken by the government to promote urban forestry in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"How has globalization impacted the location of the IT industry? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"How can eco-tourism be used to sustainably harness the potential of tourism industry in India? Discuss the challenges and steps taken by the government in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The advent of Buddhism and Jainism was instrumental in the development of architecture in ancient India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Bring out the relationship between the industrial revolution and the advent of imperialism in different parts of the world. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The caste system in India has continued to persist by adapting itself to a variety of changing socio-economic and political conditions in the past few decades. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"It is argued by some that regionalism is a threat to national integrity while others consider it as a highly impactful tool in facilitating political participation. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Describe the process of rift valley formation, with special emphasis on the Great Rift Valley System. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India's water resources have witnessed rapid depletion due to a mix of economic, geographic, and political factors. Explain and discuss its implications. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8818,"topper":"Vinayak Chamadia","air":47,"year":2020,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a3de2-553357_1419_vinayak-chamadia_rank_47.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8819,"topper":"Vinayak Narwade Karbhari","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/531ce-654693_1435_narwade-vinayak-karbhari_rank_37.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Do you think there has been a convergence of values between public and private sectors in the wake of increasing role of the private sector in public service delivery?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Giving examples of some social ills plaguing the society, discuss how social persuasion can be an effective technique to overcome them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"What steps should be taken by the government for increasing the effectiveness of grievance redressal mechanism?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are two statements. Bring out what you understand by them and discuss their relevance in the present context. (a) \"I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear\" - Nelson Mandela","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"\"Not everybody can be famous, but everybody can be great because greatness is determined by service\"- Martin Luther King.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Explain why superstitious beliefs and practices abound in India. In this context, discuss the importance of inculcating scientific temper to remove superstitions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Simply labelling people as liberal or conservative is to miss the point that an individual can have divergent views on different issues. Explain with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Anti-corruption measures need focus on both demand as well as supply side of corruption. Discuss in the light of prevalence of 'collusive corruption' in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Identify the various traits of a healthy work culture for a bureaucracy in a modern society. Also, suggest ways in which a healthy work culture can be created in India to meet the objectives of good-governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Citizen's charters can be both a stimulus and a means for government to raise the standards of Public Service delivery. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Attitude and behaviour are so closely interwoven that a change in one inevitably influences the other. Explain the statement with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Emotional intelligence is an important parameter as one aspires to move up the ladder in a competitive environment. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Rapid growth of information and communication technology, with all its benefits, has associated risks and far-reaching consequences. The government has constituted a committee to frame guidelines for an inclusive and safe cyberspace in India. The committee has solicited public opinion in this regard. As a concerned citizen, you have to give your suggestions on the following themes: (a) Why do you think some people or a set of people are more vulnerable to cyber threats with special emphasis on cyber-bullying. (b) Do you think the experiences and exposure in cyberspace are an important influence in a person's attitude and behaviour? (c) What reasonable restrictions can be applied to make cyberspace more safe and friendly to all citizens?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"You are serving as the Public Health Officer in a district that is lagging behind in achieving the Open Defecation Free (ODF) status. Even after ensuring adequate access to water and sanitation services, their usage has not spread and the practice of open defecation continues in the district. Despite serious extension efforts by the government, safe hygienic practices have not been adopted by the people. As a result, various instances of bacteriological contamination and water-borne diseases have surfaced up recently. In such a scenario: (a) Examine the reasons behind low usage and adoption rates of built toilets in India? (b) Highlighting the principles to be kept in mind while preparing an effective Information, Education and Communication (IEC) strategy, design an action plan to address the problem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"You are the District Magistrate of a district that is known for making combustible substances such as match boxes and fire crackers. As per the The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016, employment of children in such hazardous activities is prohibited. In this regard, government has also released a notification that owners of these manufacturing units need to report on the profiles of their employees annually as child labour has been prevalent in these industries. These manufacturing units, abiding by the directives of the government, publish such reports annually and claim to have successfully put an end to employment of child labour. However, it has been brought to your notice that these companies are taking advantage of a loopholes in the law. They have been outsourcing their hiring to independent contractors who engage families in the business. The families have been continuing to use child labour to supplement their income and also keep the cost of labour competitive so as to bag more such contracts and since they are not officially on the payroll of the companies, they are absolved of the legal liabilities. (a) Identify the ethical issues in this case. (b) How would you approach the problem and what would be the main elements of your action?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8820,"topper":"Vinayak Narwade Karbhari","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8ea34-654693_1245_narwade-vinayak-karbhari_rank_37.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the attributes of leadership, analyse why it is important for a civil servant.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"A civil servant needs to be objective as well as empathetic. What do you understand by objectivity? Discuss its relationship with empathy.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8821,"topper":"Vineeth Lohidakshan","air":129,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/VINEETH-LOHIDAKSHANUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-129-Sample-Essay-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"ESSAY TOPICS\n1. We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.\n2. The civilisation that doesn't adopt modern technologies becomes extinct.\n3. Data without wisdom and innovation without ethics are dangerous tools.\n4. The doubter is a true man of science.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8822,"topper":"Vineeth Lohidakshan","air":129,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/VINEETH-LOHIDAKSHANUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-129-Sample-Essay-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. The great aim of education is not knowledge but action.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"The above quote of Albert Einstein stresses on the practicality of education rather than the theoretical nature. Education must be able to instill agility in decision making and clarity in thoughts, avoiding perplexity and confusion in critical situations. How is education able to instigate actions and not merely knowledge accumulation?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8823,"topper":"Vineeth Lohidakshan","air":129,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/VINEETH-LOHIDAKSHANUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-129-Sample-Essay-Copy-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. True leadership lies in serving not ruling.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"True leadership lies in serving, not ruling\nI Importance of serving & not ruling\nII What constitutes serving\nIII How is a leader able to do this?\nIV Is it always serving? Is ruling wrong?\nV How to develop leadership?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8824,"topper":"Vineeth Lohidakshan","air":129,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/VINEETH-LOHIDAKSHANUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-129-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) Indian society and its philosophical traditions have predominantly embraced a \"non-absolutist stance\" towards ethical considerations. Do you agree?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) \"Empathy is a crucial human value, but there exists a complex relationship between empathy and objectivity.\" Discuss with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) A welfare state's legitimacy rests on its ethical foundation. In your opinion, what are the key ethical traits of a welfare state? Suggest ways to strengthen the ethical foundation of a state.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) Different individuals have varied interpretations of what constitutes a good life. What does a good life signify for you? Explain with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3 What does each of the following quotations mean to you?\na) \"A man can give up a right, but he may not give up a duty without being guilty of a grave dereliction\". Mahatma Gandhi","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) \"The world is sustained by those who refrain from hurting others, even when they have the power to do so.\"","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"c) \"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.\" Martin Luther King Jr.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.4) a) What is 'emotional intelligence' and how can it be developed? How does it help civil servants in ethical decision making and crisis management?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"b) The arrival of modernity has reshaped our traditional relationship with nature. How can a change in 'environmental attitude' aid in addressing sustainability challenges?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Change in environmental attitude bring sustainability a follow","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Q.5) a) Once a foundational value, bureaucratic anonymity is now diluted by social media, blurring the lines between private conduct and public duty. Examine critically.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"b) What do you understand by probity in governance? What are the difficulties in upholding it in contemporary times? Suggest measures for ensuring probity in governance.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.6) a) Differentiate between code of conduct and code of ethics. Explain the necessity of a code of ethics for public servants to ensure ethical governance.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Necessity of a code of conduct for public servants to ensure ethical governance:","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"b) Despite acknowledging that corruption is detrimental and condemning it, why do people continue to engage in it? Explore the significance of value systems in combating the evil of corruption.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7) You are the Superintendent of Police (SP) in a communally sensitive district. Recently, a young couple approached you seeking protection. They wish to get married, but they belong to different religions. Also, the girl is from an influential family, while the boy comes from a humble background. They are facing threats from the girl's family, who have warned them of dire consequences if they proceed with the marriage. The girl's family has fixed her marriage to a boy belonging to their community and is vehemently against interfaith marriage. The village elders have also expressed apprehensions that, if the matter is not resolved promptly, it could incite widespread rioting and lead to serious law and order problems. The local intelligence unit has corroborated these concerns in its report submitted to your office.\nThe fears of the village elders have come true. Rumors and disagreements regarding the proposed marriage have caused communal tensions in the neighboring localities. In one such locality, a law-abiding and responsible citizen lives with his wife and son, Sahil. This locality, where people of different religions reside, has a history of maintaining overall harmony and peace despite occasional minor quarrels. But this time, it escalated to the point of rioting, during which Sahil came under the attack and was grievously injured. The rioters also set fire to many houses and vehicles, causing extensive damage to public property. Despite immediate and frantic calls to the police, no prompt action was taken. Sahil succumbed to his injuries the next day. A video of the brutal attack on Sahil emerged and went viral on social media. The incident was also covered extensively by the national media and has led to increased communal polarization in the district.\nOn one hand, the couple feels increasingly threatened as many blame them for the situation; on the other hand, there are fears of another round of violence as some members of Sahil's community vow to avenge his death. The grieving parents are devastated by the loss of their only child and seek justice. The district administration is under immense pressure to prevent further violence, ensure justice for Sahil's family, and protect the young couple.\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb) As the SP of the district, evaluate the options available to you.\nc) What course of action would you adopt to deal with the situation?","marks":null,"words":"20"},{"page":30,"question":"a) इस केस स्टडी में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\nb) जिले के पुलिस अधीक्षक के रूप में, आप अपने पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन कीजिए।\nc) स्थिति से निपटने के लिए आप क्या कदम उठाएंगे?\na) इस केस स्टडी में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\nb) जिले के पुलिस अधीक्षक के रूप में, आप अपने पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन कीजिए।\nc) स्थिति से निपटने के लिए आप क्या कदम उठाएंगे?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":32,"question":"b) At state of district, various options available are:\n(i) Make arrangements for marriage of couple\n(ii) Take steps to prevent marriage of couple\n(iii) Keep all party meeting and find solution","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"Q.8) In the lush green expanse of the Western Ghats, a significant change is underway. The state government has announced a new infrastructure project—a highway connecting City A and City B. This project, envisioned as a catalyst for economic growth and enhanced connectivity, also promises to attract significant investments, including from a major semiconductor company. The semiconductor company is important for strategic purposes, given the growing importance of semiconductors in defense, space, and communications sectors. However, the proposed highway passes through a densely forested tribal area, home to an indigenous community deeply connected to the land. The local tribal community, reliant on the forest for their livelihood and cultural practices, is alarmed by the prospect of displacement and the extensive forest clearance required by the project. The forest is not just their home but a crucial part of their identity and source of livelihood. It is where their ancestors are buried, where they grow medicinal plants, and where their children play. The community's leaders, including Geeta, a respected elder, are determined to protect their land. They fear losing their ancestral lands and the destruction of their way of life. Determined to make their voices heard, the community organizes a protest march to the office of the District Magistrate and seeks time to meet the DM. The DM, Rajesh known for his fair and balanced approach, listens intently as Geeta and other leaders explain their fears. They asserted their legally protected right to manage and protect the forest. Meanwhile, in the corporate offices of M&T Infrastructure Ltd., CEO Anil is grappling with the growing unrest. The company has been contracted to build the highway, but the resistance from the tribal community poses a significant challenge. Delays could lead to escalating costs and potential project failure. Anil decides to seek a meeting with Priya, the Chief Secretary of State, to discuss the situation. Priya, overseeing the project from the state secretariat, is aware of the delicate balance needed. The project is crucial for the state's development and aligns with the policy of promoting ease of doing business. Moreover, the potential investment from the semiconductor company is strategically important for both the state and the nation. Any delay or hindrance could tarnish the state's reputation and dissuade future investments. When Anil meets Priya, he lays out his concerns. \"Madam Secretary, the protests are intensifying. If this continues, we might have to consider withdrawing from the project. The financial risks are becoming untenable.\" The ruling party, keen to maintain its pro-development image, wants early completion of the project and the materialization of the semiconductor manufacturing plant to fulfill its poll promises. The Chief Secretary conveys the policy of the state government and the concerns of M&T Infrastructure Ltd. to the District Magistrate of the district concerned. As the administrative head of the district, the responsibility for maintaining law and order and facilitating development projects rests upon him.\na) What are the ethical issues involved in the case?\nb) Evaluate the options available to Rajesh, being District Magistrate of the area.\nc) What course of action should Rajesh adopt and why?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":36,"question":"a) केस अध्ययन में नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\nb) क्षेत्र के जिला मजिस्ट्रेट होने के नाते राजेश के लिए उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन कीजिए।\nc) राजेश को क्या कार्रवाई करनी चाहिए और क्यों?\na) केस अध्ययन में नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\nb) क्षेत्र के जिला मजिस्ट्रेट होने के नाते राजेश के लिए उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन कीजिए।\nc) राजेश को क्या कार्रवाई करनी चाहिए और क्यों?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":37,"question":"a) Ethical issues in the case are\n(i) Right to residence of tribal community at stake\n(ii) Cultural erosion for development\n(iii) Environment vs Development debate\n(iv) Objectivity vs Empathy to tribal community\n(v) Balancing welfare of people along with national interests\n(vi) Global image of nation as investor friendly at stake","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"3) Carefully study inputs and take decision\nM a) uphold rule of law\nM b) Win-Win situation\nM c) Profusion growth guaranteed\nD a) Delay in project\nD b) Red tapism","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Q.9) A small village in South India experienced a devastating tragedy that shocked the nation. Around 65 villagers lost their lives after drinking liquor contaminated with methanol. The tragedy quietly unfolded one evening as unsuspecting villagers gathered for relaxation, sharing stories, and unwinding after a day's work and consumed the toxic brew. Within a short time, symptoms of poisoning began to appear. The villagers experienced severe headaches, dizziness, nausea, and blurred vision. Panic quickly spread through the community as more and more people fell ill. Families desperately sought help, but the village's healthcare facilities were quickly overwhelmed and unable to cope with the sudden influx of patients. The few medical professionals available worked tirelessly, but resources were limited, and the severity of the situation became increasingly apparent.\nPolice filed FIR, but no breakthrough was achieved in the case for almost two months. Mahesh, an investigative journalist working with a leading TV channel, began investigating the case on his own initiative. Within a month, Mahesh made a breakthrough by interacting with local people, the liquor mafia, and government officials. He prepared his investigative story and presented it to the CMD of the TV channel. Mahesh's report exposed the complete nexus of the illicit liquor mafia operating with the support of corrupt police, civil officials, and politicians. The key political figure involved was the local MLA, known to be very close to the Chief Minister.\nAfter reviewing the investigative report, the CMD advised Mahesh to drop the idea of making the story public through electronic media. The CMD revealed that the local MLA was not only a relative of the TV channel's owner but also held an unofficial 30 percent share in the channel. Additionally, the CMD offered Mahesh a promotion, a pay raise, and the adjustment of the 20-lakh soft loan that Mahesh had taken for his son's studies abroad if he handed over the investigative report.\na) What are the options available with Mahesh to cope up with the situation? Critically examine each of the options.\nb) Which of the options, do you think, would be the most appropriate for Mahesh to adopt and why?\nc) Suggest some innovative measures to address the nexus of criminal activities and prevent such tragedies.","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":42,"question":"a) स्थिति से निपटने के लिए महेश के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं? प्रत्येक विकल्प की आलोचनात्मक जांच कीजिए।\nb) आपको क्या लगता है कि महेश के लिए कौन सा विकल्प सबसे उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?\nc) आपराधिक गतिविधियों के गठजोड़ को दूर करने और ऐसी त्रासदियों को रोकने के लिए कुछ नवीन उपाय सुझाएँ।\na) स्थिति से निपटने के लिए महेश के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं? प्रत्येक विकल्प की आलोचनात्मक जांच कीजिए।\nb) आपको क्या लगता है कि महेश के लिए कौन सा विकल्प सबसे उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?\nc) आपराधिक गतिविधियों के गठजोड़ को दूर करने और ऐसी त्रासदियों को रोकने के लिए कुछ नवीन उपाय सुझाएँ।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":43,"question":"a) Options available to Medich to cope with the situation?\ni) Give the report to CMD and drop investigation\nii) Take the report and provide to another channel","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"Q.10 In a bustling city administration office in a state, Joint Municipal Commissioner Meera, who is also the Public Information Officer (PIO) faces a challenging situation. Recently, an RTI application has been received, demanding details about public infrastructure projects initiated during her tenure. Upon reviewing the requested information, Meera discovers that certain decisions made regarding these projects were not entirely sound in hindsight. These decisions, although taken in good faith and after due diligence, failed to realize promised outcomes. There were other employees also who were party to this decision. The disclosure of this information could potentially lead to scrutiny and backlash against herself, the employees, and contractors involved. Known for her integrity and commitment to public service, Meera finds herself at a crossroads. The RTI Act has served as a critical check against administrative arbitrariness, ensuring transparency and accountability. However, she also observes a troubling trend. RTI applications are often used by vested interests and activists seeking personal gain rather than genuine public interest. Some activists even resort to threats or extortion tactics, undermining the integrity of the RTI process. She fears the requested RTI information could be similarly exploited. Moreover, the employees involved are requesting her to withhold the information. In navigating this situation, Meera weighs her options carefully.\na) Critically examine the options available to Meera in the above situation.\nb) Which of the above would be the most appropriate for Meera and why?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"The given scenario entails the \"slippery slope\" associated with public officers where in decisions taken in good thought might not yield the desired result:\na) Various options available to Meera\nb) Withhold information demanded citing Official Secrets Act, 1923","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"(i) Provide the information demanded by RTI activist","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"Q.11) You are the Operations Manager at a rapidly growing technology startup, Tech Nova Innovations, which prides itself on its cutting-edge solutions and ability to deliver projects on time. The startup culture is fast paced, with tight deadlines and high expectations from both clients and investors. Your current project, developing a new AI-driven platform, is crucial for securing future funding and partnerships. Your team is small but skilled, consisting of four software developers and two project coordinators, with an equal number of men and women.\nRecently, your team has faced significant challenges. Riya, one of the female software developers, has requested personal leave to care for her ailing father. Meanwhile, another female team member, Shabnam, is struggling to balance her work responsibilities with the care of her infant child. The remaining team members have had to take on additional tasks, affecting their work-life balance, leading to increased stress and frustration. As the project deadline approaches, the strain within the team becomes evident. During a critical review meeting, Arjun, a senior developer, expresses his frustration, \"Maybe it's not a good idea to have team members who can't commit full-time during crucial phases.\"\nThe comment sparks immediate backlash. Chetna, a project coordinator, finds Arjun's remark deeply offensive and reports the incident to the Human Resources (HR) Department. She also threatens to take the issue to social media, potentially harming the startup's public image. The HR Department, based at the startup's headquarters, investigates the complaint and recommends taking strict action against Arjun for his unprofessional and insensitive comment. They highlighted the importance of maintaining an inclusive and respectful workplace culture. This recommendation places you in a difficult position. The project is already behind schedule, and losing a senior developer like Arjun could severely impact its timely completion.\nYou are now faced with a complex dilemma. On one hand, it is essential to address the insensitive remark and ensure a respectful work environment. On the other hand, you must keep the project on track without further demotivating your team.\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb) As the Operations Manager, how would you deal with the situation?\nc) Based on the case study, discuss the challenges faced by women at workplace. How can such challenges be resolved?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"a) इस केस स्टडी में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\nb) संचालन प्रबंधक के रूप में, आप इस स्थिति से कैसे निपटेंगे?\nc) केस स्टडी के आधार पर, कार्यस्थल पर महिलाओं के सामने आने वाली चुनौतियों पर चर्चा करें। ऐसी चुनौतियों का समाधान कैसे किया जा सकता है?\na) इस केस स्टडी में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\nb) संचालन प्रबंधक के रूप में, आप इस स्थिति से कैसे निपटेंगे?\nc) केस स्टडी के आधार पर, कार्यस्थल पर महिलाओं के सामने आने वाली चुनौतियों पर चर्चा करें। ऐसी चुनौतियों का समाधान कैसे किया जा सकता है?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":56,"question":"c) Challenges faced by women at workplace","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":58,"question":"Q.12 Utkarsh is a dedicated and experienced Chief Engineer in the Public Works Department (PWD) of a major Indian city. His responsibilities include overseeing the maintenance and construction of the city's infrastructure. One of his critical responsibilities is managing the safety and welfare of the PWD workers. A sudden strike by the workers' union of the PWD erupted over the issue of compensation to a construction worker who died while repairing a major bridge in the city. The case was brought to Utkarsh's attention for resolution.\nThe deceased worker, Shyam Lal, was part of a team tasked with repairing a crucial bridge that connected two busy parts of the city. During the repair, an unfortunate accident occurred where a section of the bridge collapsed. Shyam Lal fell from a significant height, suffering severe injuries. He was immediately rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival. Shyam Lal was 45 years old and the sole breadwinner for his family, which included his wife and three young children.\nThe initial investigation revealed that Shyam Lal had not been wearing the mandatory safety harness at the time of the accident. The management, upon learning of this, is considering not providing extra compensation to Shyam Lal's family, citing negligence on his part.\nThe PWD workers' union was outraged by this decision, arguing that the lack of proper training and supervision were the primary cause of the accident. They demanded full compensation for Shyam Lal's family, like what other workers receive who die in the line of duty, and a job for one family member.\nWith no satisfactory response from the management, the union went on strike, halting all ongoing maintenance and construction projects in the city. The strike has continued for two weeks, causing significant disruption to the city's infrastructure projects and leading to public outcry. Utkarsh is now tasked with finding a resolution to this deadlock.\na) What are the options available to Utkarsh to meet the above situation? Critically examine each of the options identified by him.\nb) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Utkarsh?\nc) What course of action should Utkarsh adopt to diffuse the above situation?","marks":null,"words":"20"},{"page":59,"question":"a) उपरोक्त स्थिति से निपटने के लिए उत्कर्ष के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं? उनके द्वारा पहचाने गए प्रत्येक विकल्प की आलोचनात्मक जाँच कीजिए।\nb) उत्कर्ष के सामने कौन सी नैतिक दुविधाएं हैं?\nc) उपरोक्त स्थिति से निपटने के लिए उत्कर्ष को क्या कदम उठाना चाहिए?\na) उपरोक्त स्थिति से निपटने के लिए उत्कर्ष के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं? उनके द्वारा पहचाने गए प्रत्येक विकल्प की आलोचनात्मक जाँच कीजिए।\nb) उत्कर्ष के सामने कौन सी नैतिक दुविधाएं हैं?\nc) उपरोक्त स्थिति से निपटने के लिए उत्कर्ष को क्या कदम उठाना चाहिए?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"}]},{"id":8825,"topper":"Vinod Duhan","air":74,"year":2017,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/14Ah7N5kUtSgIxeg5d8ZoBaeEzbOJ9mlY","questions":[]},{"id":8826,"topper":"Vinod Duhan","air":74,"year":2017,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1iUizgaoclKdmhBAh1rTd2kK6mdtNjQmv","questions":[]},{"id":8827,"topper":"Vinod Duwan","air":241,"year":2014,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1baX7FhxsceXYwDeVWY_ruEu1P4LH_6zO","questions":[]},{"id":8828,"topper":"Vinoth AR","air":683,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dhOOBNktamjiKAJVXfEE1OTvjktHrNGs/view","questions":[]},{"id":8829,"topper":"VINOTHINI","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6fd98-85997_2319_vinothini_rank_64.pdf","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Appearances are a glimpse of the unseen","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8830,"topper":"Vinothini Chandran","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/VinothiniChandran-UPSC-2023-Rank-64-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Foreign trade is an important milestone on the path of becoming a 5 trillion USD economy. In this context, analyse the potential of the recently released Foreign Trade Policy, 2023 in revamping India's participation in global trade. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Social protection schemes are an integral aspect of a welfare economy; however, the principles of fiscal prudence cannot be ignored. Discuss, with special reference to Old Pension Scheme (OPS). (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand from Agristack? To what extent can it become a panacea for the problems plaguing the farm sector. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The objective of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to provide a long term and equitable solution to the dilemma between free trade and food security has remained unfulfilled. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Even after five decades of the Stockholm conference, narrowing the gaps between the targets and actions remains one of the biggest challenges towards reversing climate change. Discuss. Also, recommend measures for building a coherent actionable strategy to tackle climate change. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What are the impediments in management of E-waste in the country? In what ways can the trinity of citizens, businesses, and the government tackle this menace? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How does nuclear fusion differ from nuclear fission? Assess the relevance of nuclear energy in resolving the global energy security dilemma? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are run of the river hydroelectric projects? How far can run of the river hydroelectric projects balance ecological conservation with socio-economic development? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"A robust border infrastructure is the surest way to counter multifarious threats emanating from inimical actors. Discuss, in light of Vibrant Village Programme. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"How far can a clearly articulated National Security Strategy help in tackling challenges to national security? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What are the factors that influence the inflation trends in the country? Highlighting the impacts, discuss the institutional measures in place to check inflation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Though a cornerstone of Atmanirbhar Bharat, Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme is not without its own challenges. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"How is internationalisation of rupee different from De-Dollarisation? Highlighting the benefits of internationalisation of rupee, discuss the challenges associated with the same. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What are Primary Agricultural Credit Societies? Can the cooperative push alone help in achieving the twin targets of boosting rural economy and mainstreaming small and marginal farmers? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Farm policies in the country have inadvertently led to undesirable consequences. Do you agree? Giving emphasis on PM PRANAM, discuss ways to enhance soil health and farm productivity. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What do you understand by heat waves? Highlight the reasons and impact of the rising frequency of heat waves across India. Also, recommend some measures to mitigate its impact. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"How is Chandrayaan-3 different from its predecessor, Chandrayaan-2? To what extent can India's presence in Artemis Accords help in furthering the exploration of lunar surface? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Research and Development is the key to unlock the potential of 'knowledge economy.' In this perspective, analyse the role of the National Research Foundation Bill, 2023 in democratizing the research ecosystem in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'Hybrid warfare.' Highlighting its implications for India, recommend measures to develop a comprehensive ecosystem to counter the same. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How are internal security challenges related to peace in neighboring countries? Explain with special reference to instability on India's eastern frontier. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8831,"topper":"Vinothini Chandran","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/VinothiniChandran-UPSC-2023-Rank-64-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Ahimsa is not only the negative refusal to do harm, but also the positive doing of good. In this perspective, discuss the significance of 'ahimsa' in modern times. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Which famous personality has influenced you and why? In what ways have you emulated their example in your own life? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What does the following quotation mean to you? a) \"The greatest wealth is to live content with little\"-Plato (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"\"Whatever is begun in anger, ends in shame\"-Benjamin Franklin. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"\"Happiness is that state of consciousness which proceeds from the achievement of one's values\" - Ayn Rand. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do you understand by emotional intelligence? Examine the importance of emotional intelligence in personal and professional life. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Political attitude has as much to do with society as with politics. Discuss with suitable illustrations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The influence of ethical principles on shaping socially responsible behavior is widely acknowledged. How do ethical values facilitate individuals in cultivating a proactive and constructive attitude towards fulfilling their social responsibilities? Can the subjective nature of ethical principles lead to divergent attitudes regarding social responsibility? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Through their actions, interactions, and teachings, schools have the power to mold the moral compass of the next generation. In this perspective, discuss the significance of value-based education in preparing the youth to address the contemporary challenges of society. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":35,"question":"Navcen and Vinod, final year undergraduate students at ABC college of engineering, are close friends. Naveen has been a meritorious student and got appointed as the secretary of the training and placement cell, which has the mandate to oversee the campus placements of the students. Vinod, on the other hand, spent more time on leisure activities and paid less attention to his academic performance. However, the lackadaisical attitude of Vinod began to reflect on his grades. His poor performance in the majority of subjects meant that he had to complete some courses again, in order to graduate in time. As Vinod struggled to complete his extra courses, he barely had any time left for anything else. The immense fatigue was also evident from his deteriorating physical and psychological health. Around this time the campus placement in the ABC college had started. While all other students were preparing for the recruitment tests, Vinod had barely any time for the same. Vinod's parents, who had taken loan for Vinod's education, are expecting Vinod to get a good job. The guilt of wasting his college years and letting down his poor parents was becoming unbearable for Vinod, as a result of which he had a nervous breakdown. Naveen, who is in his capacity as secretary of training and placement cell, was busy organising the recruitment drive, was aware that the chances of Vinod getting recruited were very slim. He also knew that Vinod was repenting in true sense and working very hard to complete his courses, despite his deteriorating emotional health. Naveen was afraid that if Vinod did not get a job, he may take some extreme step. Naveen has in his possession the question paper for the recruitment test to be held next week. Vinod had in the past requested Naveen to help him in any way possible to get a decent job. While Naveen knows that sharing the questions with Vinod may help him get through the exam, it would be ethically incorrect. Now, Naveen is in a dilemma over the course of action he should take. a) What are the ethical dilemmas before Naveen in this case? b) Identify and evaluate the various courses of actions available before Naveen. If you were in Naveen's shoes, which course of action would you choose and why? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"In this case, what are the ethical dilemmas before Naveen? b) Identify and evaluate the various courses of action available to Naveen. If you were in Naveen's place, what course of action would you choose and why? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Why is there a negative attitude in people with regard to wearing seat belts? b) What measures can be taken to bring positive changes with regard to this attitude? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"Discuss the role of various stakeholders in checking such biases and building an egalitarian order. b) Why do such discriminatory practices continue in the society? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":60,"question":"What are the qualities lacked by the colleagues and superiors of Pratap? b) LGBTQIA+ community ke prati karyalay karmchariyon ke nakaratmak ravaiye ke piche sambhavit karan kya ho sakte hain? c) Pratap ke mitra hone ke naate aap use kya salah denge? (20 ank, 250 shabd)","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8832,"topper":"Vinothini Chandran","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/VinothiniChandran-UPSC-2023-Rank-64-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Celebrity endorsements raise pertinent ethical concerns about responsibility that delve into the realm of ethical considerations of social influence that run deeper than mere surface appeal. In this context, suggest measures to tackle the ethical challenges of celebrity brand endorsements. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Embracing a scientific mindset involves setting aside impulsive inclinations in favor of the pursuit of truth. In your view, how does the integration of scientific thinking contribute to addressing contemporary challenges and promoting societal progress? How can we effectively cultivate a scientific attitude in society? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"In the realm of professional conduct, ethics plays a role that tends to go far beyond fulfilling the roles and responsibilities of the job with diligence and honesty. But some people consider professional competence as the only critical requirement for a job. If faced with a choice, who would you prefer to hire - someone with professional competence or one with strong moral values? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Patriotism can hold different meanings for different people, often shaped by personal experiences and convictions. What does patriotism mean to you? Explain narrating incidents from your life when you exhibited patriotism. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Max Weber's concept of bureaucracy was developed in the early 20th century, but it still influences administrative structures today. In what ways do you see Weberian bureaucracy as relevant in today's rapidly changing world? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Global challenges often test the ethical fiber of nations, urging them to channel narrow pursuit of national-interest into an enlightened self-interest.\" Enumerating the various ethical principles underlying the concept of enlightened national-interest examine its efficacy in helping nations navigate the fine line between pursuing their strategic interests and upholding ethical principles, particularly in times of conflict? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In the realm of governance, a crucial aspect is the art of persuasion. The qualities that make civil servants proficient persuaders empower them to fulfill their responsibilities in an effective manner. Discuss with illustrations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Corruption has multifaceted implications. Some consider it an undeniable vice, while others contend it to be an unavoidable necessity for navigating the bureaucratic complexities. In your opinion, does corruption oil or corrode the gears of development? Substantiate your arguments. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Ethical hacking and malicious hacking stand as divergent paths with distinct intentions and consequences. As technology advances, it becomes imperative to comprehend the nuances that set these practices apart in the cybersecurity landscape. In this perspective, elucidate the principles that differentiate ethical hacking and malicious hacking. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What does each of the following quotation mean to you? a) \"Our greatest ability as humans is not to change the world, but to change ourselves.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"What recommendations should Dharmendra make to create a safe environment for the women? b) What are the factors that have led to victimization of women, especially during conflicts? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"What are the ethical concerns associated with the case study? b) What are the options available with Rajendra? c) If you were at the place of Rajendra, which option would you choose and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":59,"question":"Mr X is travelling by road with his family to attend a marriage ceremony. His grandfather, who is the head of the family is also travelling with him. On the way to their destination, all of them stop at a road side restaurant for lunch. This is a well-known restaurant owned by one of the friends of Mr X. The place is known for its tasty and hygienic food. However, the grandfather notices a picture on the wall of the restaurant and enquires about the religion of the restaurant owner. Mr X's friend belongs to a religion different from the grandfather's religion. The grandfather has a negative attitude towards the religion of Mr X's friend and he insists that he will not eat in that restaurant. He demands that the entire family should leave the restaurant immediately as they are travelling for a happy occasion and eating at this particular restaurant will pollute them. Mr X tries to calm down his grandfather and explain to him that religion has nothing to do with purity or pollution. He also reasons that several travel magazines have rated the restaurant highly, especially for its superior hygiene standards. Also, he points out that there is no restaurant in the way for the next 100 Km and it will be difficult for all to make do without food for that long. However, his arguments fall on deaf years, and which is more his grandfather admonishes him for bringing the family to the restaurant despite being aware about the religion of the owner. Mr X's friend feels insulted and discriminated against due to his religion. Mr X's father is upset, but refuses to say anything out of respect for the grandfather. Entire family is embarrassed by the attitude of the grandfather and they are getting ready to leave the restaurant. Mr X is confused regarding how he should act in this situation. a) What are the various ethical issues in the above case study? b) Imagine yourself in the place of Mr X. Evaluate the different courses of actions available with you. What is the most suitable course of action? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":8833,"topper":"Vipin Dev Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6907f-46121298_4514_vipin_dev_yadav_rank_316.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"In matters of conscience, the law of the majority has no place.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"He who opens a school door, closes a prison.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Only in the depths of winter can we truly appreciate the warmth of spring.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Copying is safe; innovation demands courage.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The more we automate, the more human we must become.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The pursuit of instant validation is creating a generation of restless minds.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8834,"topper":"Vipin Dev Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/996ba-46121298_4511_vipin_dev_yadav_rank_316.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How does the Supreme Court's recent decision on Aligarh Muslim University's minority status affect the interpretation of Article 30 of the Indian Constitution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The Supreme Court, in a recent verdict, prescribed a time period for the Governor's assent to state legislative bills. What are the implications of this judgment for cooperative federalism and legislative accountability in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the recent changes and initiatives related to cooperatives that aim to smoothen the tussle between the Centre and States in the cooperative sector. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"In recent years, use of social media and digital mobilisation by civil society has emerged as a powerful form of pressure politics. Examine its impact on policymaking and democratic accountability. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) emerging as a business-led solution for addressing development challenges in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss how mechanisms like public consultations and Jan Sunwais in India impact governance outcomes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How effective have the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) and Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan been in addressing substance abuse in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Rote learning and neglect of creativity in foundational education setup in India make it less ready for marketplaces that are now driven by Artificial Intelligence. Do you agree with this view? Substantiate your argument. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Analyze the transformation of the G7 from a symbol of Western strategic unity to a forum marked by internal contradictions. How should India navigate this changing dynamic to advance its strategic interests? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the role of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in the development of developing countries. What are the key criticisms associated with its approach? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The 103rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019 has introduced a new dimension to the principle of affirmative action in India. Critically examine its implications for the broader goal of social justice. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The District Planning Committee (DPC) was envisioned as a key instrument to strengthen grassroots-level planning. How far has it succeeded in achieving this goal? Discuss the challenges faced by DPCs and suggest measures to make them more effective. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The restrictions imposed under Article 293 of the Constitution on State borrowing powers, though constitutionally valid, may hinder fiscal autonomy of States and disrupt cooperative federalism. Discuss in the light of recent developments. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Examine the tension between the right to contest elections and the need to uphold electoral ethics under the Representation of the People Act. Should there be a lifetime ban on convicted criminals? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"To what extent has the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme, launched in 2015, succeeded in addressing the declining child sex ratio and empowering the girl child? Suggest measures to enhance its impact at the grassroots level. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are emerging as vehicles of socio-economic transformation in rural India. Examine the role of government in scaling their reach and effectiveness. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Despite economic growth, multidimensional poverty continues to persist in India. Analyse the underlying causes and discuss the measures taken by the government to address them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India faces a paradox of food surplus and nutritional deficit. Analyse the structural reasons behind this paradox and suggest reform strategies. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India’s timely response during the economic crises in Sri Lanka and the Maldives reflects its “Neighbourhood First” policy in action. Examine how Indian aid has impacted bilateral ties with these nations. What steps can further be taken to promote sustainable economic cooperation in the Indian Ocean region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Discuss the geostrategic significance of Afghanistan for India in the context of continental connectivity and access to Central Asia. How has the altered political landscape post-2021 affected India’s connectivity and energy corridor ambitions? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8835,"topper":"VIPIN DUBEY","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/465df-584126_2087_vipin-dubey_238.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"How do women contribute to livestock rearing in India? What are the issues currently faced by women in the livestock sector in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"How and to what extent can the One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) scheme provide significant potential benefits for migrant labourers, urban poor, and daily wagers? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"How has climate change affected agricultural production and productivity in India? Do you think climate smart water saving agri-technologies have become the need of the hour? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What are the economic and environmental benefits of nanofertilizers for sustainable crop production? State the concerns in the adoption of nanofertilizers by Indian farmers. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"How can the availability of adequate and equitable distribution of natural gas in all parts of the country help in achieving uniform economic and social progress? What challenges India faces in this regard? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Explain the reasons behind increasing human-wildlife conflict in India. Discuss the measures taken by the Government to mitigate the human-wildlife conflict. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Discuss the linkages between growing urbanization and noise pollution in India. Describe the effects of noise pollution on human health. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"How can the Indian Space Policy, 2023 act as a catalyst for the development of a robust, innovative and globally competitive space ecosystem in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the mandate of the Special Frontier Force. What have been its achievements in ensuring the security of India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Why is ensuring maritime security considered the key to safeguarding India's strategic and economic well-being? What is the significance of the Maritime Anti-Piracy Act in this regard? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What are the seven priority areas (the Saptarishis) listed in the Budget of 2023-24? How are they expected to promote inclusive development in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"How can blockchain technology play a pivotal role towards digitization of land records in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"How far can public-private partnerships (PPPs) help in improving the storage, transportation, and marketing of agricultural produce in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The Scheme for Modernization and Reforms through Technology in Public Distribution System (SMART-PDS) has transformative potential beyond food security for India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Explain the causes behind the occurrence of marine heat waves. Discuss the ways in which they can affect the marine ecosystems and cause economic losses. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Explain the causes and impact of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs). What are the measures taken by the government in this context? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"How does radiometric dating work? What are the limitations associated with it? What are the potential advantages of using Calcium-41 in radiometric dating? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Why is there a growing concern over e-pharmacy in India despite the government's push for digital health? What measures are needed to resolve this dichotomy? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What factors have contributed to the decline of Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in India? Do you think this decline signifies the likely end of the LWE problem in the near future? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8836,"topper":"VIPIN DUBEY","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4a3b3-584126_2418_vipin-dubey_238.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Elaborate on the key traits inherent to the sculptures of the Vijayanagara Empire. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Women revolutionaries made brave and unforgettable contributions to the freedom struggle in India. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss how the introduction of English education in India by the British helped strengthen anti-colonialism in the country. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The disintegration of the Soviet Union in the late 20th century had a profound impact on India. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"In view of the prevailing issues, discuss the need for reforming the urban infrastructure and mobility services in India through a gender lens. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"In India, the rate of growth of elderly population in 2011-21 was about three times the rate of growth of the general population. In this context, discuss why policies for the elderly are a crucial aspect for India's overall development. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"While globalisation is allegedly responsible for human rights violations, it allows human rights movements to counter its excesses and negative effects. Elaborate with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The present drainage system of the Himalayas is, to a great extent, the result of progressive river piracy. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Illustrate the geographical distribution of polymetallic nodules and discuss their significance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What do you understand by archipelagos? Explain the different processes involved in their formation, with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Tribal and folk arts in India are confronting several challenges of the modern age in a bid to survive. Discuss. Also, highlight the various initiatives taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the distinguishing features of Indian classical dances. Also, discuss how these dances are a manifestation of spirituality. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Despite the Chauri Chaura incident slowing down the momentum of Indian freedom struggle for a while, the Non-Cooperation Movement remains a watershed in the history of the Indian freedom struggle. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"In India, suicide has become one of the leading causes of death among those aged 15-29. Bringing out the reasons behind the same, discuss the priority areas of the National Suicide Prevention Strategy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Giving a brief account of the lakes formed due to Earth's movement, discuss the economic and ecological significance of lakes. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India has the potential to generate 180,000 MW of ocean thermal energy, however, progress in this regard has been slow. In this context, highlight the associated challenges and suggest remedial measures. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Bringing out the availability of natural gas hydrates in India, discuss the promise as well as the challenges associated with their exploration. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8837,"topper":"VIPIN DUBEY","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/70180-584126_2419_vipin-dubey_238.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the role played by the Directorate of Enforcement in the investigation of offence of money laundering and violations of foreign exchange laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Indian Constitution has been successful in providing a framework for liberal democracy to flourish in India. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand by the “principle of subsidiarity”? Discuss its importance in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"\"The moral value of fundamental duties would not be to smother rights but to establish a democratic balance by making the people conscious of their duties equally as they are conscious of their rights\". Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Do you think the exercise of delegated legislation by the executive goes against the principle of separation of powers? Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"A key factor behind poor governance is a system of thinking and working in silos. Discuss in the context of public services in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Unsafe abortions are a critical issue affecting the reproductive and maternal health of women in India. Identify the reasons behind the same and suggest remedial measures as well. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Digital healthcare has the potential to address the perennial issues pertaining to accessibility and affordability of healthcare in India. In this context, discuss the role of Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission in putting the country at the cusp of a 'digital health' revolution. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"As the only G20 member from South Asia, the G20 leadership is an ideal opportunity for India to use it as an effective platform to amplify South Asia's voice at the global stage. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The India-UAE CEPA will serve as a catalyst to bolster economic ties between the two countries and give India greater access to the region. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"A dysfunctional criminal justice system, absence of well-considered legislation and need for domain expertise, are being seen as the new challenges for the Indian judiciary. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"To what extent has the anti-defection law been able to address the issue of political instability in India? Discuss with suitable arguments. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Governance of inter-state rivers in India suffers from various issues due to conflictual federalism. Discuss. Also, highlight the mechanisms, which can be utilised to resolve inter-state river water disputes in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Elaborate on the fundamental aspects in which the Indian Constitution differed from its contemporaries despite being a post-colonial document. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Freebies, especially ahead of elections, do more harm than good to the society. Do you agree? Give logical arguments in support of your answer. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The Smart Cities Mission, which was launched to change the urban landscape of India has produced mixed results. Discuss. Also, highlight the challenges faced in executing the Mission. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"It has been argued that despite several hurdles faced by the entrepreneurship ecosystem in India, the future of India is likely to be shaped by its entrepreneurs. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Though the 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' scheme has given much-need attention to gender discrimination, it has failed to yield desired results due to poor implementation and monitoring. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"As security threats increase in form and frequency in the South-West Indian Ocean, discuss the role played by India in relation to small island developing states (SIDS) in the region. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"As India re-imagines its neighbourhood, cross-border connectivity through sub-regions is becoming increasingly vital. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8838,"topper":"VIPIN DUBEY","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/395e6-584126_2421_vipin_dubey_rank_238.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Societies across the world are witnessing a gradual moral decline in values and it is time that educators stepped in and made efforts to rekindle the desire of human beings to develop personal, social, and professional moral values. Do you agree that in the wake of changing social landscape in the country, value education is as important as technical education for the youth to become not only skilled but also morally strong professionals? Explain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Guru Nanak Dev ji believed that despite religion, caste, and gender, everyone should seek well for others and only then one can have that goodness back in return. Discuss the important teachings of Guru Nanak Dev ji relevant to the youth of today. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The 'work from home' culture that gained wide acceptance with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to many ethical concerns for private organizations with moonlighting being one of the most prominent ones. Do you think that it is ethical for an employee to practice moonlighting? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)10","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"While there are multiple institutions to ensure fairness in international relations, states often put aside moral values and the directions of these institutions for their own interests. Discuss with illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)10","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What does each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"It takes something more than intelligence to act intelligently.\" - Fyodor Dostoyevsky (Answer in 150 words)10","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"A popular government, without popular information, or the means of acquiring it, is but a prologue to a farce or a tragedy; or perhaps both.\" - James Madison (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"\"Character may almost be called the most effective means of persuasion.\" - Aristotle (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"While impartiality has been identified as one of the key ethical values for public service, it should not be seen as precluding compassion in public services. Explain with suitable illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The power, which administrators wield, can bring the nation great dividends if rightly used, but can bring harm and disrepute if abused. Explain with suitable illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'social accountability' and what is its significance? Discuss the critical factors responsible for the success of any social accountability initiative. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Too much dependence on data driven technologies can result in data colonisation and digital dictatorship. Discuss the various issues that may arise in this context and suggest remedial measures. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Prejudice and discrimination when left unaddressed have the potential to turn conflicts into violence. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Though the 'Me Too Movement' helped in creating some murmur with respect to sexual harassment of women at workplace, it has failed to create a lasting positive impact on the work culture in India. Do you agree? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"In the following questions, carefully study the cases presented and then answer the questions that follow (in around 250 words): 7. 15 , - - , , , , (HRD) , - , , : (a) (b) (c) - ? ? You have been working in a well-known business consultancy company for nearly 15 years and have been promoted to a senior executive level. You have a junior colleague, named Meera, whom you have been mentoring from time to time. The time and effort she has invested in the company along with your guidance has led her to rapidly grow professionally in the organisation. The work environment has also been conducive for her growth. Meanwhile, Meera's mother has been ill and requiring medical attention for the past few years. Her medical bills have been increasing rapidly over time. Recently, Meera encountered an uncomfortable experience of sexual advances at the hands of your immediate boss, which she reported to Human Resources Department (HRD) of the company instantly. The concerned boss has been instrumental in the success of the company and is also well-connected within the company and beyond. He has indirectly offered a large amount for the settlement of this issue to Meera. If Meera accepts his offer, she will have to sign a non-disclosure agreement that restricts her from re-opening the issue or even discussing","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"You have recently joined as a Regional Sales Manager of a pharmaceutical company and have been given a sales target for the year, which is unusually high as per your assessment. On surveying the market, however, you have observed that the competitors are achieving such targets. On a deeper analysis, you come across unethical practices of giving gifts, payments and hospitality benefits to doctors by their medical representatives. This is prohibited by the Uniform Code of Pharmaceuticals Marketing Practices. You contacted the National Sales Manager in this regard but he hinted at achieving the released targets at whatever cost. You directed the Area Sales Managers to meet their respective targets while not engaging in the practice of unethical incentives to the doctors. They have communicated their concerns regarding their inability to meet the targets without provision of these perks and benefits. (a) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by you in this context? (b) Discuss the merits and demerits of the options available to you? Which of these will you choose and why? (c) What are the ethical alternatives available to the pharmaceutical sector to market their products? (Answer in 250 words)20","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"Civil servants are usually considered as the behind-the-scenes operators of plans and policies of the government. Being the permanent executive, they are expected to work without getting into the limelight while it is up to the politicians to hog the limelight for their political ends. But in recent times, a trend is developing where civil servants, especially younger ones, have taken to social media to post their day-to-day activities on a regular basis. Some studies suggest that some of the officers have attained a level of popularity that does not trail too far behind celebrities and influencers in India. Most of these officers with social media presence argue that this helps them connect with the people and also inspire the younger generation. However, many senior civil servants strongly oppose such a trend. They believe that some of the content shared by such officers is excessively publicity-seeking, violates the 'principles' of the civil services, and may even be disadvantageous to their own career as well as the service as a whole. There have been calls from various quarters advising the young officers to desist from creating a filmstar like image of themselves. In this context, answer the following questions. (a) What are the ethical issues associated with the excessive use of social media by civil servants? (b) How can social media be effectively utilized by public officials? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"You are a young IAS officer and have recently joined as a Sub-Divisional Magistrate in a district, which has been declared 'open defecation free'. However, you get information that some villages in your sub-division are still continuing the practice of open defecation out of habit despite availability of toilets. Your colleagues in the district administration confirm that the information is true. You call the village headmen of these villages and tell them to persuade their respective villagers to stop open defecation. But, they express their unwillingness and inability to fully stop this practice, as in some cases they themselves consider it healthy to defecate in the open. You discuss this matter with the District Magistrate who forbids you from taking any official action, as this may cause the 'open defecation free' status given to the district to be withdrawn. As a young and dynamic officer, answer the following: (a) Why do people continue to practice open defecation even when they have access to toilets? (b) What are the options available to you as the Sub-Divisional Magistrate in this case? Highlight the merits and demerits of each option. (c) What will be your course of action? (Answer in 250 words)20","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8839,"topper":"VIPIN DUBEY","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/231ba-584126_2088_vipin_dubey_rank_238.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The principle of double effect is based on the idea that if a person's behaviour or conduct is intended to achieve a goal which is morally good, however, as a result, there is a morally bad side-effect, then it is still acceptable to adopt that particular behaviour or conduct. How far can this principle aid in resolving difficult moral situations? Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Indian Republic chose Ashoka's Lion Capital at Sarnath as its state emblem to reflect the same harmony achieved by him and effect a continuity with his humane policies towards the people of the modern Indian nation. In this background, discuss the ethical teachings that find resonance in Ashoka's life. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What does each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \" \" . \"A great man is different from an eminent one in that he is ready to be the servant of the society.\" B.R. Ambedkar (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Toxic work environment and overwork are social problems, which require the government, labour unions, health officials and corporates to formulate appropriate policies. What are the ethical issues that should be considered while formulating appropriate policies in this regard? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"For leaders, having emotional intelligence is vital for success as it helps them to read and regulate their own emotions while intuitively grasping how others feel and gauging their emotional state. But effective leadership in today's interconnected world necessitates going beyond emotional intelligence and cultivating cultural intelligence. Discuss with illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Probity is confirmed integrity, which is usually regarded as being incorruptible. What is the significance of probity in governance? How important is the role of leadership in fostering probity and ethical governance in public service? Explain using suitable illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Analyse the role of moral attitude in shaping the perception and response to marital rape in India. Explain the ethical considerations in criminalising marital rape in the country. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Apart from consciousness, one needs to possess conscience in order to make ethical decisions. Explain with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Even if the LGBTQIA+ couples live together, legally, they are on a slippery slope. They do not enjoy the rights that married couples do. For example, the LGBTQIA+ couples cannot adopt children or have a child by surrogacy, they do not have automatic rights to inheritance, maintenance and tax benefits, and after a partner passes away, they cannot avail benefits like pension or compensation. Most of all, since marriage is a social institution that is created by and highly regulated by law, without this social sanction, same-sex couples struggle to make a life together. A number of petitions have been filed in recent years in courts for the legal recognition of same-sex marriages. Gender rights campaigners believe that recognizing same-sex marriages is the next logical step after the decriminalization of homosexuality. However, the other point of view is that the concept of marriage ought not to be disturbed or diluted by judicial interpretation. It is argued that a middle path could be for the government to set up a panel to look into the pleas of same sex couples and recommend a way out. As an aware individual, who understands various dimensions of this issue, answer the following: (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) Do you think same-sex marriage should be recognised by the State in India? (c) Critically examine whether law can be effective in bringing about social change.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"After going into some details, he realized that the sales team of his company was indulging in malpractices to lure poor parents to buy courses for their children. He informed this to the head of his department but the head did not seem concerned. Some of his colleagues informed him that this is a normal practice in the ed-tech industry to achieve sales targets. Further, he was also informed that due to the recent funding crunch in start-ups, the company is under severe pressure to show profits, else there will be mass layoffs. (a) Identify the ethical issues associated with the case above. (b) Under the given conditions, what are the options available to Raj? (c) Critically evaluate each of these options. (d) What course of action should Raj adopt? Justify with valid reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"As the Head of the Municipal Corporation, you are faced with a challenging situation wherein two groups of concerned citizens have approached you. One, expressing their frustrations and concerns regarding the menace caused by street dogs in the city and other, taking steps towards encouraging compassion and humane treatment to these silent beings. The first plea highlights the rising incidents of stray dogs' attacking or killing the vulnerable members of society especially children. They point to inadequate sterilisation and vaccination of dogs as exacerbating the situation. They demand the immediate removal of street dogs and their relocation elsewhere. The second plea however points to ineffective animal healthcare and control, illegal breeding centres, pet owners abandoning their pets on the streets as root of the problem. They argue that the system or the people responsible for the situation should be punished, not the animals. Furthermore, India has laws in place that make it illegal to remove a dog from the streets. This means that once a dog is on the streets, it has a \"right\" to stay there unless adopted. Balancing the animals' right to life with human safety concerns is proving to be a difficult task. (a) What are the ethical dilemmas involved in the case? (b) Evaluate the implications of favouring one plea over the other. (c) What course of action would resolve the situation in the immediate as well as long term?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"You are young upright person who has been newly appointed in the Anti-Corruption Bureau of your district. After joining, your office receives a tip-off from an anonymous person that an engineer working with the Municipal Corporation of the city has amassed wealth much beyond his known sources of income and is hand in gloves in corrupt activities. Because the law is clear that anonymous complaints cannot be acted upon, you ignore the complaint. But in the next few weeks, you receive a few more anonymous complaints against the concerned engineer. You begin to make enquiries against the engineer and find that he is indeed a very corrupt officer. Some time later, you make up your mind to conduct raids on his office and house, even though you have not received any official complaint in the prescribed format against him till date. What you unearth during the raids is shocking for you and your staff. You find not only vast amounts of unaccounted currency, much beyond the means of the engineer, but also gold, travel tickets to visits made abroad, reservations in five-star hotels, and a whole bunch of clinching evidence against influential politicians and bureaucrats - appointed in the past as well as present ones - in the district. However, soon after conducting the raid, you start receiving subtle messages from your superiors to drop the investigation in the interest of your own long-term career and the safety and security of your loved ones. They also point out that you had not followed the rules stipulated for conducting the raid, and if the matter were to reach the courts, it would be disposed off in no time due to procedural lapses on your part. Since, you are an upright officer, you ignore these warnings and continue with your investigation. However, soon you are put on administrative leave on the ground of flouting the rules. You also come to know that a few of your juniors have filed a complaint against you for being involved in corruption. They have also complained that you instructed them to extort money from not only the concerned engineer but also the politicians and bureaucrats against whom you unearthed evidence, to put a halt to the investigation. Based on the above scenario, answer the following: (a) Identify the various stakeholders and the issues involved in the case. (b) What options do you have in the given situation? (c) Analyse the merits and demerits of each of these options. (d) Discuss your course of action, with proper justification.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Officer A's social media posts have been prominently picked up and publicised by a local news outlet further escalating the situation. The issue has now gone beyond the realms of the state administration, leading to intense public speculation and media scrutiny. All these events have unfolded on a public platform and have tarnished the image of the civil services and created a disruption in the working of the state administration. The Central Government is closely monitoring the situation and has exerted pressure for appropriate disciplinary action against the officers involved. (a) What are ethical issues involved in this situation? (b) What are the options available to you as the Chief Secretary? (c) Which option would you choose and why?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8840,"topper":"VIPIN GARG","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/20_Vipin%20Garg_4952_492_Essay.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Has Capital Punishment lost its relevance in a civilized world","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Disabled: \"the invisible minority\" in India's policy making realm.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8841,"topper":"VIPIN GARG","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/20_Vipin%20Garg_4952_423_GS.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"'Probity and efficiency need not necessarily be mutually exclusive sets'. Comment on the above statement and substantiate your stand with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Can conscience take precedence over rules and regulations as a source of ethical guidance? Narrate an incident from your life where you followed your conscience as a source of ethical guidance instead of rules. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"'Laws are social norms codified'. Do you agree? Give a few examples to substantiate your answer. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"\"Relativity applies to physics, not ethics\"-Albert Einstein. Comment. (100 words)","marks":null,"words":"100"},{"page":20,"question":"Indian education system needs to be reinvigorated to inculcate moral values and promote ethical conduct. Do you think indigenization of our education system can promote the same? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Explain how corruption devours the very concept of good governance and slowly eats away the good in the society. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"In framing a government, which is to be administered by men over men, the greatest difficulty lies firstly in enabling the government to control the governed; and in the next place to oblige it to control itself. Comment w.r.t. accountability of public service in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":39,"question":"Shalini works in the Human Resource Department in a Marketing firm. Marketing job entails a lot of travel, and accordingly the firm provides for many perks. She finds that some employees engage in activities such as getting doctor's appointment during office hours, making personal phone calls, using office computer and Internet for personal reasons. As a new employee, she finds this behaviour unethical but her colleagues tell her that since the employees tend to spend so much of their weekday hours on the job, it is all right to engage in some personal work. Consider the following options and evaluate them: (a) Strict monitoring of the employees for such unethical behaviour. (b) Ignoring this issue altogether. (c) Dismissing the employees who are found to be engaged in such activities on a regular basis. (d) Reporting the matter to the Departmental head You are in charge of the rescue operations in an epidemic hit area, commanding a team of 6 medical professionals. The area is remotely located and not well connected with the nearby town through roads. It takes around 24 hours to reach the nearest district hospital, which has the required vaccines and drugs. Thousands of people have died because of the disease. The disease is contagious, though it gets transmitted only through bodily fluids and not through air. However, one of your team members has fallen sick and his condition is critical. Moreover, the team does not have the required drugs to treat him. Your team members request you to call off the operation as they are scared of the disease and want to take back the sick team-member to the hospital. At the same time, media has been portraying your efforts in a negative light. (a) What are the options available to you? (b) Evaluate each option and suggest the best course of action? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"You are in charge of the rescue operations in an epidemic hit area, commanding a team of 6 medical professionals. The area is remotely located and not well connected with the nearby town through roads. It takes around 24 hours to reach the nearest district hospital, which has the required vaccines and drugs. Thousands of people have died because of the disease. The disease is contagious, though it gets transmitted only through bodily fluids and not through air. However, one of your team members has fallen sick and his condition is critical. Moreover, the team does not have the required drugs to treat him. Your team members request you to call off the operation as they are scared of the disease and want to take back the sick team-member to the hospital. At the same time, media has been portraying your efforts in a negative light. (a) What are the options available to you? (b) Evaluate each option and suggest the best course of action? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"A deadly epidemic has broken out in West Africa killing thousands of people in a short span of time and infecting many others. There is no vaccine or treatment available to cure the disease. You are the head of the health department of one of the countries that have been severely hit by the epidemic. While there is no treatment currently available for the disease, an experimental drug is being used in some other country. This drug has shown positive results and consequently some of the patients have also managed to recover from the disease. However, it is not yet clear whether the relief came due to the drug alone, or otherwise. Given the high mortality rate of the disease and its rapid spread, other countries affected by this disease have already given a go-ahead for the mass production of this experimental drug. But some health experts are skeptical about the efficacy of the drug and have even warned against its use as it may result in some deadly side-effects. (a) Bring out and discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case. (b) What would you do in the above situation? Give reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"You are the District Magistrate of one of the poorest districts in the country. Due to widespread poverty and unhygienic conditions, there are many health related problems in the district. Many private medical practitioners have settled in the district and are running a profitable business. There are reports that many of them are charging high fees even for routine medical check-ups. Further, out-of pocket health expenditure has risen exponentially in the district. The MP of that constituency has fixed the rates, which the doctors can charge from their patients, for the most common medical treatment. These rates are within the capacity of the poor masses and would not impact the earning of the doctors too. He has also warned that if any doctor is found to be in violation of these, then serious action would be initiated against him. The medical fraternity has protested against these arm-twisting tactics. They have approached the DM to remedy the situation. (a) What are the options available to you? (b) Evaluate each option and suggest the best course of action?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"You are the Station House Officer of a police station. Recently, there has been a spurt in theft incidents in your area. Some of these incidents have occurred even during daytime. The Resident Welfare Association has blamed the labourers, residing in night shelters, for the crimes. The night shelters are a result of an initiative by the police to help the homeless people to seek refuge from the biting cold at night. You have taken great pains to get these night-shelters up and running. The record of all those who stay in these night shelters, for instance, their names and identity proofs, is kept with the police. But the police has no information if any one of them has a past criminal record. Even as an investigation regarding the thefts is going on, the RWA members are demanding to dismantle these night shelters and to not allow these labourers to reside near their homes. (a) What are the options available to you? (b) Evaluate each option and suggest the best course of action?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":55,"question":"You are a final-year engineering student, studying in a reputed engineering college of India. Campus placements are going on in your college and most of your friends have already been placed in reputed multi-national companies. You have appeared in selection tests for many companies but have failed to clear any of them. The placement season is drawing to a close. You have taken a student loan to pay for the college tuition fees. Your parents have high hopes from you and placement in a good MNC is very important for your future. Some of your friends have offered to help you to cheat in the next selection test. Many of them have themselves cleared their tests by cheating and now have job offers from big MNCs. You have never cheated in any exam in your whole student life. But the present situation is making you indecisive. (a) What are the options available to you? (b) Evaluate each option and suggest the best course of action?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8842,"topper":"Vipin Kumar Dwivedi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5d768-35567_1414_vipin-kumar-dwivedi_rank_557.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The right to recall is a much-needed step to deepen democracy in India. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"For the justice delivery system to work for the ordinary citizen, it is imperative that the issues affecting the functioning of the lower courts in India be urgently addressed. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Is anti-defection law a restriction on the freedom of choice of legislators? Examine and also highlight the role played by Speaker in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What are the various issues pertaining to functioning and performance of state legislatures in India? In this context, suggest some measures to make state assemblies more transparent and effective. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Social audit not only increases accountability and transparency but also facilitates good governance. Discuss. Also, highlight the impediments faced in institutionalizing social audits in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Explain the idea behind introduction of citizen's charters in India. Also, discuss the problems faced in their implementation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The Public Distribution System in India has shown laudable improvements, however in the context of migrant workers and those still left out, it needs multiple adjustments. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"While India has shown improvement in a number of socio-economic indicators over the years, considerable work still needs to be done to improve India's performance in the Global Hunger Index. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the border issue between India and Nepal in view of the observation that it is both a testimony to the special relationship and a source of recurring frictions. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The evolving global situation around Covid-19 simultaneously highlights the relevance of the World Health Organisation (WHO) as well as its existing lacunae. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Identifying the different capacity gaps that exist in Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), highlight the need for capacity building of these bodies. What steps have been taken by the government of India in this regard? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8843,"topper":"Vipin Kumar Dwivedi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5623a-35567_1417_vipin-kumar-dwivedi_rank_557.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Dadabhai Naoroji left an indelible imprint on the national movement. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Quit India movement marked a new direction in the struggle against the British colonial rule in India. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The end of World War II marked the birth of a new international order. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Simla Agreement (1972) and Lahore Declaration (1999) are two key milestones in the history of the Indian subcontinent. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Social security should not only involve economic empowerment but also social empowerment. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Explain with examples how globalisation is manifested in both local in the global and the global in the local. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In light of persistence of various forms of violence against women in India, discuss the ways in which the issue can be addressed effectively. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What is an urban forest? Highlight its benefits and steps taken by the government to promote urban forestry in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"How has globalization impacted the location of the IT industry? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"How can eco-tourism be used to sustainably harness the potential of tourism industry in India? Discuss the challenges and steps taken by the government in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The advent of Buddhism and Jainism was instrumental in the development of architecture in ancient India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The reactionary policies of Lord Lytton and the liberal policies of his successor Lord Rippon acted as catalyst in the formation of the Indian National Congress. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Gandhiji changed his methods of struggle against the British from time-to-time to suit the varied circumstances and problems that needed to be tackled. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Bring out the relationship between the industrial revolution and the advent of imperialism in different parts of the world. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The caste system in India has continued to persist by adapting itself to a variety of changing socio-economic and political conditions in the past few decades. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Describe the process of rift valley formation, with special emphasis on the Great Rift Valley System. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India's water resources have witnessed rapid depletion due to a mix of economic, geographic, and political factors. Explain and discuss its implications. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How are plateaus formed? Also, briefly discuss the features of the Deccan plateau and its economic significance. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8844,"topper":"Vipin Kumar Dwivedi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/4c4b1-35567_1419_vipin-kumar-dwivedi_rank_557.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the issues associated with power discoms in India, discuss whether privatizing discoms can help in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Harnessing Smart Agriculture can potentially be a game-changer for farm productivity in India. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Rather than focusing solely on quantity, inclusive growth concerns itself with the quality of growth. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"In the backdrop of Atmanirbhar Bharat, discuss the core areas crucial in export promotion for India to become a manufacturing hub. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Arsenic pollution is becoming a severe environmental issue in India. Enumerating its various sources, discuss the consequences and measures to tackle it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The Green Term Ahead Market (GTAM) can invigorate the renewable energy sector in India. Evaluate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The CRISPR/Cas9 genetic scissors have revolutionized the genome editing technique with applications in various areas. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Bring out the role played by Financial Action Task Force in tackling the menace of money laundering. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the recent reforms that have been undertaken in the National Security Architecture of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Bring out the key hurdles that are being faced in accomplishing land reforms in India. Also, discuss the advantages which can be reaped by accomplishing them in contemporary times. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"India needs to accord more significance to nutritional security than food security. Comment. In this context, suggest a framework that should be adopted by the government to achieve nutritional self-reliance. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Private investments are key for India to move into a high growth trajectory. Discuss. Also highlight the steps taken by the government in recent times to address the fall in private investments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"India's geographical diversity and varied levels of development across regions necessitate a targeted region specific action plan to ensure a minimum acceptable level of prosperity. Elaborate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Empowering the farmers by ensuring barrier-free trade in the agriculture produce is critical in doubling their incomes. Enumerating the existing bottlenecks, discuss how the recent legislations can help in overcoming them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The reasons for recurring floods in the regions of Eastern India such as Bihar and Assam go far beyond their topography. Discuss. Also, suggest measures to control this menace. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"How can 5G technology potentially bring about a digital revolution in India? Identify the challenges in adoption of 5G technology in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Besides computing, quantum technology has potential applications in various areas. Discuss. What are the challenges which lie ahead for effective utilization of quantum technology? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"While most insurgent groups in North-East India have given up violence and are engaged in peace talks with the government, a number of issues could create hurdles in the future. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Identifying the key vulnerabilities in India's cyberspace, discuss the framework which should be adopted in the envisaged new cyber security policy in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8845,"topper":"Vipin Kumar Dwivedi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/41fab-35567_1420_vipin-kumar-dwivedi_rank_557.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Man is not only a product of his environment but can also modify the environment. Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer with suitable examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Though it may seem that accountability and efficiency are antithetical to each other, accountability is a sine qua non for good governance. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Gandhian ideals can be of immense help in dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic. Evaluate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"While civil servants have the legal right to undertake post-retirement jobs, it raises key ethical issues. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) Try not to become a man of success but rather try to become a man of value. Albert Einstein (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"When people use a common resource without a coordinated plan the result is often a tragedy of the commons in which the resource is depleted. In this context, discuss the various ethical challenges arising out of utilization of Global Commons. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"While a code of conduct merely establishes minimal standards of conduct, a better strategy to promote ethical work culture is through internalization of values. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"A state that does not have the political will and the discipline to enforce probity in governance, can not get rid of the menace of prolonged corruption. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"India cannot march successfully in to the 21st century with the administrative system having a colonial mindset. Discuss in context of the bureaucratic work culture in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Which corporate leader has inspired you the most and what moral lessons have you learnt from their life? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":8846,"topper":"Vipin Kumar Dwivedi","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/daffa-35567_1416_vipin-kumar-dwivedi_rank_557.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the significance of ethical work culture, suggest ways by which it can be imbibed in an organization. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Upholding probity in governance is not only contingent on values of an individual but also the processes of the institution. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The nature of a business's operations has a major influence on the ethical issues with which it must contend. Giving examples, discuss how business ethics is crucial in today's world. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"An honest bureaucrat can be put to inconvenience but the dishonest one is more likely to suffer in the long run. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The notion of an ethical foreign policy downplays the realities of international politics. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Conscience can neither be silent nor delayed as a source of ethical guidance. Elaborate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) To educate a person in the mind but not in morals is to educate a menace to society. — Theodore Roosevelt (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"Children are great imitators, so give them something great to imitate.\" In this context, discuss the importance of role models in inculcating values in children. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The Covid-19 pandemic has brought with itself an environment of uncertainties and hardships. In this context, discuss the significance of emotional intelligence in dealing with the situation. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Bring out the role of social media in shaping one's moral and political attitude. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":34,"question":"In recent times, the country witnessed protests based on opposition to some steps taken by the government. Whereas, mostly these were peaceful protests, at a few places these activities turned violent leading to destruction of public property. In some places government arrested few of the protesters and imposed heavy fines on them for the destruction of the property. In case they could not pay, their private property was confiscated by the government to pay for the damage done to the public property. In addition to this, some governments published the photographs, names and addresses of those accused of vandalism during protests at various locations. (a) What are the issues of public importance at stake in this case? (b) Are there any ethical or legal principles at play here which may be conflicting? (c) What should be the principles guiding a democratic state in such circumstances?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"The global toll of the COVID-19 pandemic is enormous: more than a half-million lives lost, hundreds of millions out of work, and trillions of dollars of wealth destroyed. And the disease has by no means run its course. There is tremendous interest in the development of a vaccine, with more than a hundred initiatives under way around the world. Even if one or more vaccines emerge that promise to make people less susceptible to COVID-19, the public-health problem will not be eliminated. But policymakers can avert some foreseeable problems by starting to address key questions about financing and distribution now. In view of the above scenario, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the different stakeholders involved in this scenario. (b) Identify some of the ethical questions and issues that are likely to emerge as the vaccine becomes available. (c) Who, in your opinion, should be amongst the first recipients of the vaccine? Give reasons for your answer.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":55,"question":"The RTI Act, which became operational in 2005 empowers the Indian citizens to seek information from public authorities. This, in effect, makes the Government and its functionaries more accountable and responsible. However, it has faced resistance because of the entrenched bureaucratic culture and it is taking time to change the mindset of the people in the government to new realities in wake of the act. This has led to implementation issues and questions have also been raised against the effectiveness of the act in achieving its desired objectives. Apart from this, certain issues related to the information seeker have also been raised from time to time. In view of the innumerable challenges answer the following: (a) Explain the importance of a transparent government system in a democracy, like India. (b) Elaborate on the challenges that the implementation of RTI has faced, in the context of information seeker (demand-side) as well as those entrusted to give information (supply-side). (c) Discuss the role that such a legislation can be expected to play given the ground realities in our country. How can it be ensured that such legislations are effective in achieving their envisaged objectives?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8847,"topper":"Vipul Chaudhary","air":115,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/CHAUDHARY-VIPULBHAI-KARMANBHAI-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-115-Sample-ESSAY-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. Reality is ultimately a selective act of perception and interpretation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"1. Agricultural Revolution: Road to progress and prosperity OR to perdition","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"Agriculture even becomes hurdle for good global governance. For instance, dysfunctional role of WTO is majorly due to divergent views of developed and developing countries over agriculture matters. Hence agriculture has become major hurdle in all aspects of human life. How can we drive agricultural revolution again boom production to progress & prosperity?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8848,"topper":"Vipul Chaudhary","air":115,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/CHAUDHARY-VIPULBHAI-KARMANBHAI-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-115-Sample-ESSAY-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. Patience, persistence, and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"2. Massive poverty and obscene inequality are the social evils of contemporary times.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"But the question is when statistics of economic growth, GDP are rising, then why index of poverty & inequality are not decreasing? Is only historical reasons are responsible for this or any other factors play any role?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8849,"topper":"Vipul Chaudhary","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1fd57-118042_4514_chaudhary_vipulbhai_karmanbhai_rank_115.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Write two essays, choosing one topic from each of the Sections A and B, in about 1000-1200 words each :\n1. You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it.\n2. In matters of conscience, the law of the majority has no place.\n3. He who opens a school door, closes a prison.\n4. Only in the depths of winter can we truly appreciate the warmth of spring.\n5. We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.\n6. Copying is safe; innovation demands courage.\n7. The more we automate, the more human we must become.\n8. The pursuit of instant validation is creating a generation of restless minds.","marks":"125 x 2 = 250","words":"1000-1200 words each"},{"page":6,"question":"1. You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it.\n2. In matters of conscience, the law of the majority has no place.\n3. He who opens a school door, closes a prison.\n4. Only in the depths of winter can we truly appreciate the warmth of spring.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"5. We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8850,"topper":"Vipul Chaudhary","air":115,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/CHAUDHARY-VIPULBHAI-KARMANBHAI-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-115-Sample-MGP-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) The synthesis of Islamic architectural styles with elements from local Indian traditions contributed to the development of Indo-Islamic architecture in India. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2 Why did the British emerged as the preeminent power after succeeding against other European powers in the Indian subcontinent?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) While the revolutionaries contributed significantly to the Indian freedom struggle, their impact was limited by multiple factors. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) The Arab-Israeli conflict should be understood as a product of both internal dynamics and the outcome of manipulative strategies employed by imperial powers. Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 Plate tectonics theory was not a 'eureka moment' but a culmination of different related theories and observations. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) What is Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF)? Explaining the factors behind the rising incidents of GLOF in the Himalayan region, discuss two recent examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) Discuss the factors behind distribution of global palm oil production. Why does India depend on palm oil imports despite having conditions suitable for its cultivation?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) The Eastern and Western Himalayas belong to the same mountain range but exhibit significant differences. Explain.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 Do you agree with the view that Indian society is increasingly becoming westernized under the influence of globalization and losing its customs and traditions? Justify.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 The richness and diversity of Indian society is aptly seen in its rich tribal culture across the length and breadth of the country. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 Miniature paintings are a testimony to not only artistic brilliance but also to rich cultural traditions of their time. In this context, throw light on various schools of miniature paintings in the country.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 \"While Lord Lytton's tenure was marked by oppressive policies and harsh measures, Lord Ripon's administration stood out for its reformative approach and efforts to address Indian grievances.\" Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13) Non-Cooperation Movement democratized India's freedom struggle but suffered from inherent limitations. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) How far do you agree that emergency was imposed to save individual vested interests and not the nation? What were the short term and long-term impacts of emergency?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 The Indian monsoon is being increasingly characterized by extreme weather events ranging from prolonged dry spells to torrential precipitation. In this context, bring out the factors contributing to the variability of the Indian monsoon and discuss its multi-dimensional impact.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) Often called 'white gold,' lithium has emerged as a priority metal in achieving the global energy transition. Explain. Also, outline the distribution of lithium in India and the world, and discuss the implications of its uneven availability globally.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 How does caste-based discrimination exhibit itself in modern times? Why has casteism survived in India despite focused approach for its eradication?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 The escalating water crisis across Indian states has brought the country to a tipping point, with severe implications. Highlighting the reasons for this crisis, discuss its socio-economic impact.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Women's vulnerability to extreme heat conditions in the country is exacerbated by gendered roles and societal expectations. Discuss. Also, suggest measures to mitigate these vulnerabilities.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 The progress in the sphere of LGBTQ rights in the country is undeniable, but the path to full societal integration is fraught with challenges, requiring a concerted effort to change deeply entrenched cultural attitudes. Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8851,"topper":"Vipul Chaudhary","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e1d12-118042_4510_vipulbhai-karmanbhai-chaudhary_rank_115.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. Folk music serves as a repository of the cultural identity. Discuss the role of folk music in preserving cultural heritage and promoting social cohesion.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. How does the Vesara style of temple architecture represent a synthesis of the Nagara and Dravida styles? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. Discuss the role played by Indians living abroad in advancing the cause of India's freedom struggle. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. How did the Marshall Plan influence the economic recovery and political stability of post-war Europe? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. Discuss the factors responsible for increased cyclonic activity in the Arabian Sea. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. How can technological interventions help in transforming the textile sector in India? What are the initiatives that the government has taken in this regard? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. What is a seiche and how does it form? Discuss the geographical conditions under which seiches are most likely to occur. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. How has rapid urbanisation affected the socio-cultural landscape of peri-urban regions in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Examine the role of historical and socio-political factors in driving communalism in Indian politics.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. Globalization has significantly influenced the aspirations, lifestyle, and value systems of Indian youth. Discuss with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. Examine how Chandragupta-II's reign symbolised a golden age of cultural development, laying the foundation for future advancements in Indian art and literature.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. Evaluate the intended and unintended consequences of British educational policies for the Indian society in the colonial period. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. India's territorial disputes after independence were not merely about borders, but also encompass issues of national identity, historical grievances, and geopolitical strategies. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. Discuss the geographical conditions responsible for the development of shola forests in the upper reaches of the Western Ghats. Highlight their ecological significance.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. Discuss the potential of natural hydrogen as a fuel to meet growing global energy demands? Why is it still an untapped industry? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. Why is there a shift of labour-intensive industries from China to South and Southeast Asia? Discuss the advantages and challenges for India in this context.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. Explain the socio-economic transformations resulting from women's migration to metropolitan areas in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. The institution of marriage in India is increasingly becoming a site of conspicuous consumption and commodification. Critically examine the impact of this commercialisation on social equity and gender relations.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. Analyse how recognizing, reducing, and redistributing care work can foster gender equality and promote inclusive development in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. Discuss the changing nature of family structures in urban India. How is it impacting elderly care and socialization of the youth? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8852,"topper":"Vipul Chaudhary","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/0cf40-118042_4511_vipulbhai-karmanbhai-chaudhary_rank_115.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. How does the Supreme Court's recent decision on Aligarh Muslim University's minority status affect the interpretation of Article 30 of the Indian Constitution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. The Supreme Court, in a recent verdict, prescribed a time period for the Governor's assent to state legislative bills. What are the implications of this judgment for cooperative federalism and legislative accountability in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. Discuss the recent changes and initiatives related to cooperatives that aim to smoothen the tussle between the Centre and States in the cooperative sector.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. In recent years, use of social media and digital mobilisation by civil society has emerged as a powerful form of pressure politics. Examine its impact on policymaking and democratic accountability.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. How is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) emerging as a business-led solution for addressing development challenges in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. Discuss how mechanisms like public consultations and Jan Sunwais in India impact governance outcomes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. How effective have the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) and Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan been in addressing substance abuse in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. Rote learning and neglect of creativity in foundational education setup in India make it less ready for marketplaces that are now driven by Artificial Intelligence. Do you agree with this view? Substantiate your argument.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Analyze the transformation of the G7 from a symbol of Western strategic unity to a forum marked by internal contradictions. How should India navigate this changing dynamic to advance its strategic interests? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. Discuss the role of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in the development of developing countries. What are the key criticisms associated with its approach? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. The 103rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019 has introduced a new dimension to the principle of affirmative action in India. Critically examine its implications for the broader goal of social justice. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. The District Planning Committee (DPC) was envisioned as a key instrument to strengthen grassroots-level planning. How far has it succeeded in achieving this goal? Discuss the challenges faced by DPCs and suggest measures to make them more effective.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. The restrictions imposed under Article 293 of the Constitution on State borrowing powers, though constitutionally valid, may hinder fiscal autonomy of States and disrupt cooperative federalism. Discuss in the light of recent developments.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. Examine the tension between the right to contest elections and the need to uphold electoral ethics under the Representation of the People Act. Should there be a lifetime ban on convicted criminals? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. To what extent has the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme, launched in 2015, succeeded in addressing the declining child sex ratio and empowering the girl child? Suggest measures to enhance its impact at the grassroots level. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are emerging as vehicles of socio-economic transformation in rural India. Examine the role of government in scaling their reach and effectiveness. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. Despite economic growth, multidimensional poverty continues to persist in India. Analyse the underlying causes and discuss the measures taken by the government to address them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. India faces a paradox of food surplus and nutritional deficit. Analyse the structural reasons behind this paradox and suggest reform strategies. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. India's timely response during the economic crises in Sri Lanka and the Maldives reflects its \"Neighbourhood First\" policy in action. Examine how Indian aid has impacted bilateral ties with these nations. What steps can further be taken to promote sustainable economic cooperation in the Indian Ocean region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"20 Discuss the geostrategic significance of Afghanistan for India in the context of continental connectivity and access to Central Asia. How has the altered political landscape post-2021 affected India's connectivity and energy corridor ambitions? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8853,"topper":"Vipul Chaudhary","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7a28e-118042_4512_vipulbhai-karmanbhai-chaudhary_rank_115.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. Analyse the factors that have contributed to India's inclusive economic growth in the past decade. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. The Reserve Bank of India’s surplus transfers offer the government much-needed fiscal space, yet they are not without challenges. Critically examine the implications of the RBI's surplus transfers to the government.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. To what extent was the first National Monetization Pipeline (NMP) able to meet its objectives? What are the objectives of the new Asset Monetization Plan 2025–30 as announced in the recent 2025 Budget? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. Examine the major challenges hindering the Indian textile industry from achieving its full potential in the global value chain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. Why has India become increasingly import-dependent for edible oils despite being a major agricultural economy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. Air accidents are low-frequency but high-impact events. Examine the disaster management protocols in place for aviation-related emergencies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. Chemical pollution poses a grave threat to human health and the environment in India. Discuss the key sources contributing to pervasive chemical contamination and evaluate the effectiveness of existing environmental laws in curbing this problem.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. Missile defence systems are becoming critical for national security in the face of evolving regional threats and advanced weapon technologies. Explain the working principle of missile defence systems. Critically assess India's progress in developing indigenous missile defence capabilities. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Despite multiple resolutions and initiatives undertaken by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), its efforts to counter terrorism have achieved limited success. Discuss the reasons for this limited effectiveness.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. India practices a 'multi-alignment' approach in its cyber diplomacy. How does this posture strengthen India's internal security while maintaining strategic autonomy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. While examining the shortcomings of the land reforms in the past, elaborate what land reforms 2.0 should look like. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. As NITI Aayog completes 10 years of its establishment, critically examine its role in the planning and development paradigm of governance in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. What are the primary causes of limited formal credit penetration among the rural and unbanked populations in India? Comment on the effectiveness of Small Finance Banks in addressing this gap and advancing inclusive financial growth.","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. To what extent has the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for the food processing industry facilitated value addition, employment generation, and global competitiveness in India's food processing industry? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. Waste circularity is emerging as a sustainable solution to India’s mounting solid waste crisis. Discuss the key principles of waste circularity and the government’s initiative in this regard. How effective have these measures been in fostering a circular economy? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. Discuss the importance of integrating traditional ecological knowledge of India's tribal communities with modern disaster management frameworks. Mention two examples where indigenous practices have contributed to disaster resilience. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. CRISPR technology has rapidly advanced in recent years, with new tools and clinical breakthroughs. Highlight the recent developments in CRISPR-based gene editing technology applications. Discuss the opportunities and ethical challenges these advancements present for healthcare and society.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. A credible semiconductor ecosystem is pivotal for India's economic security as much as for national security. Analyse the strategic objectives, incentives, and institutional architecture of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM). Identify the major risks that could derail its timelines.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. Intricate inter-play of diverse factors has been the force multipliers for extremism in the North East. Discuss. Suggest a multilayered strategy to tackle the menace of extremism in this region.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. Despite recent steps towards inducting women into combat roles, their participation remains low. Examine the key challenges impeding the greater inclusion of women in the Indian armed forces. Also, suggest suitable measures to enhance their participation. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8854,"topper":"Vipul Chaudhary","air":115,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/CHAUDHARY-VIPULBHAI-KARMANBHAI-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-115-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) \"A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart.\" Do you think there are certain universal qualities that define a 'good person'? Illustrate with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) What do you understand by environmental ethics? Examine the ethical concerns in 'phase-down versus phase out debate' in the use of coal by developing countries.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) \"Integrity is telling myself the truth and honesty is telling the truth to other people.\" Examine the importance of integrity and honesty for a public servant. Also, suggest measures to cultivate these attributes.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) A vigilant media is the voice of the common folks; however, a tainted media acts as its master's voice. Explain the importance of ethics in the functioning of media.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) What does each of the following quotations mean to you?\na) \"Experience is the only teacher we have. We may talk and reason all our lives, but we shall not understand a word of truth, until we experience it ourselves\" - Swami Vivekananda","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) \"There is no key to happiness; the door is always open.\" - Mother Teresa.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"4) \"Tolerance implies no lack of commitment to one's own beliefs. Rather it condemns the oppression or persecution of others.\" - John F. Kennedy","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.4) a) \"In this hyperconnected and morally interdependent world, the most important thing we can share is trustworthiness.\" Why is trustworthiness important? In what ways can it be imbibed in an individual?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"b) What do you understand from conflict of interest? With the help of suitable examples, illustrate how it affects the working of public servants. In what ways can conflict of interest be minimised?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.5) a) \"Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.\" Discuss the importance of emotional intelligence in self-realisation. Do you think emotional intelligence can be learned?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"b) Discuss the ethical concerns associated with the use of social media. What steps can be taken to address them?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.6) a) The crux of ethical conduct does not lie in bold words and expressions, but in their adoption into action, in sanctions against their violations, and in promoting a culture of integrity. In this context, evaluate the measures taken to promote ethical governance in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"b) Foreign aid, although championed as a vital tool for socio-economic development, often runs into stiff opposition from the intended beneficiaries. Elaborate on the various ethical concerns associated with foreign aid. Suggest measures to address the challenges related to foreign aid.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7) You are posted as the District Magistrate (DM) of a district in the Nav Pradesh state of the country. Ramesh, a newly joined SDM in your district, actively engages with the public and is also known for his fitness-related activities. He has a strong presence on social media platforms, where he frequently posts about his work life and fitness endeavors on his personal account. Furthermore, he encourages the public to report issues within the district through his personal social media accounts, and he responds to their concerns, ensuring prompt actions are taken to address these issues. His active presence on social media has garnered him a massive following, not only in the district but also beyond. Also, direct communication with the public has led to a perception of greater transparency and accessibility of district administration in the eyes of the public.\nWhile Ramesh receives praise for his work in enhancing the trust and credibility of the administration, Ramesh's social media activities have also raised concerns among some of his colleagues and superiors. They argue that his posts often go beyond mere updates and venture into self-promotion, potentially blurring the lines between his personal life and his professional responsibilities. They express apprehensions that Ramesh might be seeking personal attention or recognition rather than focusing on his core duties as an SDM. Some of his juniors lamented working with him, as he often scolds them in public, and that too in the presence of cameras.\nOne day, a local MLA arrives at your office regarding a complaint that some of the posts by Ramesh are self-promoting in nature and expresses deep concern over the matter. He alleges that wherever the SDM goes, the normal functioning of the institution is hampered, and one of his official inspections near the highway resulted in heavy traffic congestion, leading to discomfort for commuters. He also says that while doing public work, Ramesh is perversely taking center stage and doesn't give enough credit to others. He expresses his apprehension that Ramesh might capitalize on this goodwill and may soon enter politics in the near future. He further said that in one of his posts, he seemingly divulged some classified information regarding the security apparatus of a high-level dignitary, which could have seriously jeopardized the dignitary's security arrangements.\nOn enquiring Ramesh, he argues that it is the duty of a civil servant to convey all the important information to the public about different schemes of the department. It would also improve the image of the administration among the public. Being in touch with the public would also help him better understand and address grassroots issues. Also, his fitness-related activities are to create awareness about healthy lifestyles, especially among the youth. He argues that his center-stage appearances at functions are because of requests from the organizing authorities of the functions. He also asserts that there is no hidden agenda in his actions.\nSome of your senior authorities have also expressed reservations about the active participation of civil servants on social media. They argue that Ramesh's activities are merely part of his regular work and should not be glorified. They assert that public money should not be used to promote oneself. They argue that bureaucrats should prioritize public service without seeking personal branding, and such self-promotion can create an impression of self-aggrandizement and detract from the selfless nature of public service.\nUsing fancy photos and highlighting official cars, residences, etc. as clickbait goes against the dignity that is expected of a public servant. By the very nature of the job, it is expected that bureaucracy should work behind a fine veil. Bureaucratic anonymity is a foundational value expected from a civil servant to ensure that a civil servant does not develop the negative externalities associated with the personality cult. Such social media posturing also runs the risk of civil servants playing to the gallery as every action comes under popular scrutiny. The point of reference becomes their social media viewership rather than the constitutional mandate.\na) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case study?\nb) Critically assess the role of social media in administration.\nc) What are the various possible choices available to you and which course of action would you choose? Justify your choice.","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":30,"question":"a) उपरोक्त केस स्टडी में कौन से नैतिक मुद्दे शामिल हैं ?\nb) प्रशासन में सोशल मीडिया की भूमिका का आलोचनात्मक मूल्यांकन कीजिए।\nc) आपके लिए विभिन्न सम्भावित विकल्प क्या उपलब्ध हैं और आप कौन सी कार्रवाई का रास्ता चुनेंगे? अपनी पसंद का औचित्य सिद्ध कीजिए।\na) उपरोक्त केस स्टडी में कौन से नैतिक मुद्दे शामिल हैं ?\nb) प्रशासन में सोशल मीडिया की भूमिका का आलोचनात्मक मूल्यांकन कीजिए।\nc) आपके लिए विभिन्न सम्भावित विकल्प क्या उपलब्ध हैं और आप कौन सी कार्रवाई का रास्ता चुनेंगे? अपनी पसंद का औचित्य सिद्ध कीजिए।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.8) Anand Singh is a government bus conductor working with the Nav Pradesh Transport Corporation. Anand has completed 35 years of service and is due for retirement next year. Anand is happy because he is hopeful of getting his daughter, Madhvi, married from the money he will receive as his retirement benefits. However, Anand's wife pesters him to earn more money in one way or the other. Anand likes his job, and all the passengers in his route vouch for his good nature and helpful behaviour.\n\nOne day, Suresh, Anand's boss, called Anand in his cabin. He told Anand that a complaint has been filed against him by a person for illegally taking the ticket money from him without issuing the receipt for the ticket. Suresh explained to Anand that this act amounted to misappropriation of government money. Suresh always saw Anand as a decent individual and he asked him as to why he indulged in such an act? Anand, visibly disturbed, told Suresh that as the conductor of a government bus he receives a meagre salary, grossly insufficient to meet the needs of his family. He told him that his younger daughter, Sarita, suffers from chronic kidney ailment, and requires dialysis twice a week. A huge chunk of his paltry salary goes towards the cost of Sarita's treatment. Moreover, as a single bread-winner of the family, he has to cater to the needs of his elderly parents. Anand further tells Suresh that since last one year a substantial portion of his income goes towards repaying the loan that he took for his elder daughter's college education. Anand laments that even after working for 35 long years, he is unable to provide for his family beyond the bare basic necessities. He tells Suresh that he is aware of many incidents of large-scale corruption in the road transport department that go virtually unnoticed. Further, Anand justifies his act of taking money by highlighting that almost every colleague of his indulges in such practices, and in comparison, to them, what he took, just fifty rupees, is ignorable and paltry. Further, he brought to light the fact that at times they, the conductors, were expected to give their immediate superiors a bribe in the name of convenience fees for various official tasks.\n\nWhile listening to Anand, Suresh feels compassion for him. He decides to verify the veracity of Anand's claim with regard to the dire straits of his financial conditions. On enquiry, all the workers in the office attested to the fact that Anand is going through a very bad phase and that he frequently resorts to short term loans in order to meet his financial requirements. Moreover, the office employees requested Suresh to take a lenient view of Anand's case. They were of the view that if a strong action is taken over such a trivial incident, then it would be highly unjust and unfair towards Anand. On reaching his home, Suresh shared the whole occurrence and Anand's story with his wife. To his surprise, his wife too agreed with the employees of the office. She told him that such small incidents are a routine matter. Also, with rising inflation and increasing obligations, this is the only way for people like Anand to make their ends meet. She asks Suresh to not waste his time and energy over such a small matter.\n\nSuresh knows Anand as a hard-working individual who has many mouths to feed at home. Suresh shares genuine sympathy with him, however, he also understands that embezzlement of government money, irrespective of amount and circumstances, is wrong. Now he is in a state of dilemma over his course of action.\na) Why are the incidents of petty corruption trivialized? According to you, is it justifiable to ignore small incidents of corruption?\nb) What are various ethical dilemmas in the above case study?\nc) Discuss the merits and demerits of various options available to Suresh. Also, what, according to you, will be the ideal course of action and why?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"a) छोटे-छोटे भ्रष्टाचार की घटनाओं को तुच्छ क्यों समझा जाता है? आपके हिसाब से क्या भ्रष्टाचार की छोटी-छोटी घटनाओं को नजरअंदाज करना जायज है?\nb) उपरोक्त केस स्टडी में विभिन्न नैतिक दुविधाएं क्या हैं?\nc) सुरेश के लिए उपलब्ध विभिन्न विकल्पों के गुण-दोषों की चर्चा कीजिए। साथ ही, आपके अनुसार आदर्श कार्यवाही क्या होगी और क्यों?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.9 Anand and Radha are a married couple with two children living in a metropolitan city in India. Anand is a successful manager at a reputable company. Radha is also a well-qualified and equally skilled individual. Together as a family, they are close knitted and happy unit. One of the important reasons behind their family's wellbeing is the sacrifice made by Radha. Radha had previously relinquished her successful career due to familial responsibilities arising out of childbearing.\n\nEven though Radha is proud of her achievement in raising a happy family, she longs to fill the void left due to letting go of what could have been a promising career. Radha, at multiple instances, has expressed her resentment to Anand. The irony of being limited to household chores despite having stellar professional credentials often leaves Radha rattled. Even though Anand is sympathetic to her woes, he never really did anything substantial to allay her concerns.\n\nOne day, through a career portal, Radha learns of a job opening at Anand's company that aligns well with her qualifications. She thinks the job is perfect for her and will give her latent career a boost. When Radha brought up the matter with Anand, to her dismay, Anand exhorted that, as a woman Radha should prioritize herself more on the familial responsibilities. Also, Anand tried to reason that his earnings were sufficient to cater the needs of the family. He further argued that both him and Radha engaging in work may result in disturbing the wellbeing of the family.\n\nRadha, on the other hand, rebuked by saying that family is not her sole responsibility and Anand should equally contribute towards the running of the household. Further, Radha tried to explain that she feels unsatisfied with limiting herself to domestic work and the void left due to compromising a promising career makes her feel undervalued. She also conveyed that working in the same company would lead to better coordination to manage family responsibilities. She expressed that her earnings would also help enhance their standard of living.\n\nDespite acknowledging Radha's qualifications and her arguments, Anand turned down her request citing company policies prohibiting the employment of close relatives. Nevertheless, Radha gets a job in a different company. They mutually agreed that they would share their family responsibilities. They agreed to avail the WFH (work from home) provisions alternatively for ensuring the well-being of children.\n\nAnand's company started an important project and made Anand the overall in charge of the same. Due to the nature of the project, Anand had to put in long hours in the office. Anand's excessive involvement with the project became a double whammy for Radha, as she had to juggle between household and official responsibilities. Radha perceived it as a deliberate measure on the part of Anand to overburden her and make her quit her job.\n\nConstant quarrels and clashes became the order of the day. The strained relationship between Anand and Radha had a spillover effect on their children's emotional wellbeing. They longed for care and attention and felt traumatized seeing their parents' fight.\n\nYou are a common friend of Radha and Anand.\na) What are the qualities you think that Anand lack? Does Radha also lack some qualities?\nb) As a common friend what course of action would you suggest to Anand and Radha and why?\nc) Do you think emotional intelligence can help Anand and Radha resolve their issues?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"आप राधा और आनंद के कॉमन मित्र हैं।\na) आपको क्या लगता है कि आनंद में किन गुणों की कमी है? क्या राधा में भी कुछ गुणों की कमी है?\nb) एक कॉमन फ्रेंड के तौर पर आप आनंद और राधा को क्या कदम सुझाएंगे और क्यों?\nc) क्या आपको लगता है कि भावनात्मक बुद्धिमत्ता आनंद और राधा को उनके मुद्दों को हल करने में मदद कर सकती है?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.10) Moonlighting refers to doing a second job, typically at night and secretly, in addition to one's regular employment. With work from home becoming a new feature of many jobs, it has become easy for many people to moonlight.\nArvind is a software engineer in Comsoft, an MNC, and he works from home for his firm. Arvind has received only meagre salary hikes in the last two years as the business of Comsoft has suffered due to the pandemic. However, his expenditure has increased substantially as he got married and had a child in these two years. Arvind was finding it difficult to make his ends meet and decided to take up another job, apart from his regular job in Comsoft. He got his second gig at Mocsoft, who happened to be a competitor of Comsoft, and thus, started moonlighting. This side gig was very helpful for Arvind and his financial condition started improving. Arvind found that in Mocsoft, his role and responsibilities were quite similar to that in his regular employment at Comsoft. This meant that he could easily manoeuvre between two jobs without compromising the quality of work in either company. Shift timing of both the jobs were also different. To keep the two jobs separate, he used his official computer to work for Comsoft and his personal computer for Mocsoft. Two jobs gave Arvind financial space to save for buying a house, something the couple had always dreamt of. However, all his plans shattered and his world came crashing down when Arvind received an official mail from Comsoft informing him of his termination with immediate effect citing his second job as the reason for termination. Arvind was clueless as to what to do now and how to tell his wife about his termination. Similar is the story of hundreds of Arvind, who were terminated for moonlighting.\na) Analyze the various ethical issues involved in the case of moonlighting.\nb) Do you think Comsoft's decision to terminate the employment of Arvind is justified? Why or why not?\nc) Identify various qualities which could help Arvind handle this situation.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Decision of consult to terminate Arvind is justified on basis of\n1) violating company's code of conduct\n2) Against ethical values -> misusing power and position\n3) risk of sharing secret information to microsoft, competitor of consult\n4) demoralising work culture -> spillover effect on other employees\n5) not punishing -> slippery slope\n6) compromise of ethical-economic-ethical principles by Arvind","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"(c) Qualities which could help Somnath\n1) Emotional Intelligence - To persuade consult company to reconsider termination order; To persuade his wife and children about termination and giving hope for better future prospect.\n2) Intellectual quotient - Aswoul's specialized skill in his work will help to get other job better and promote speedily.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"Q.11 Rahul belongs to a wealthy and influential business family. On his 17th birthday, he threw a party for his friends at a famous club in the city. The celebration continued late into the night, where everyone enjoyed themselves. After the party, Rahul bid goodbye to his friends and decided to drive home. He was driving his high-end SUV and, while speeding for fun, he lost control of the car while negotiating a sharp turn. The car collided with a bike coming from the opposite direction. The two occupants of the bike died on the spot, while Rahul escaped with minor bruises on his face and knees. The police arrived at the scene, detained Rahul, and took him to the hospital for a preliminary medical check-up. The families of the deceased were informed, and the bodies were sent for autopsy.\nAfter the initial legal formalities, Rahul was presented before the Juvenile Justice Board. The Board granted him bail on lenient terms that included writing a 300-word essay on road safety. This decision sparked outrage, but the situation escalated when a video of Rahul and his friends consuming alcohol in the club emerged and went viral on social media. As the case became the talk of the city, an investigative report by a leading daily unveiled further shocking details. The report revealed that Rahul's father had attempted to mislead the police by falsely claiming that the family driver was at the wheel during the accident. Initial actions by the police suggested preferential treatment towards Rahul, including delays in filing the FIR and later registering it under lenient provisions of the law. The investigative report also highlighted the involvement of medical staff in manipulating and tampering with evidence in exchange for inducements from Rahul's father. Rahul's blood samples were replaced with those of another person which had no traces of alcohol. Furthermore, the local MLA, who is the brother of State Home Minister and close to Rahul's family, reportedly intervened to influence police and judicial proceedings in favor of the juvenile. The city is gripped by a sense of injustice as details of corruption, collusion, and manipulation unfold, revealing the lengths to which those in power can conspire and make a mockery of laws, institutions, and principles of justice.\nYou are the SP of the district where the entire incident occurred. Prima facie, the facts highlighted in the newspaper's investigative report appear to be correct. However, due to the involvement of the local MLA and the political connections of Rahul's father, you are facing pressure from higher authorities to manipulate the investigation and acquit Rahul. Additionally, the MLA has promised a 'plum posting' if you hush up the matter, and your promotion is also due soon. Meanwhile, the families of the victims, along with the public, are demanding accountability and justice.\na) As the SP of the district, examine the options available to you. What course of action would you take and why?\nb) How might the actions of Rahul's father influence his perception of personal responsibility and societal obligations?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"a) जिले के पुलिस अधीक्षक के रूप में, आपके पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों की जांच करें। आप क्या कदम उठाएंगे और क्यों?\nb) राहुल के पिता के कार्यों से उनकी व्यक्तिगत जिम्मेदारी और सामाजिक दायित्वों की धारणा पर क्या प्रभाव पड़ सकता है?\na) जिले के पुलिस अधीक्षक के रूप में, आपके पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों की जांच करें। आप क्या कदम उठाएंगे और क्यों?\nb) राहुल के पिता के कार्यों से उनकी व्यक्तिगत जिम्मेदारी और सामाजिक दायित्वों की धारणा पर क्या प्रभाव पड़ सकता है?","marks":null,"words":"20 अंक"},{"page":58,"question":"Q.12 Abhay is a senior officer in a government think tank. He is responsible for analysing the demands for funds from various ministries and state governments. His job mandates making recommendations to the government for prioritising the budget expenditure. Abhay's department is presently busy in analysing the demands for funds from five different ministries. The first demand is from the Ministry of Defence for 500 crore rupees. The Ministry of Defence has solicited funds for the acquisition of state-of-the-art bullet proof vests and assault weapons for the armed force personnel posted in insurgent invested areas of Jammu and Kashmir. The second demand is from the Ministry of Heavy Industries. The Ministry of Heavy Industries has demanded 300 crore rupees for the purchase of electric scooters. Distribution of electric scooters was one of the election promises of the incumbent union government in order to reduce pollution levels in the country. Further, as two states are set to go to poll next year, there is an additional pressure from a senior cabinet minister to prioritise this demand. The third demand is for 200 crore rupees from the Ministry of Road Transport. The Ministry of Road Transport has proposed to build robust road connectivity in left wing affected areas and also in the hilly states. It is reasoned that while road connectivity will have a multiplier impact on the economy, it will also improve the governance process. The fourth demand is from the Ministry of Health for 200 crore rupees. The Ministry of Health has targeted to increase the insurance penetration in the country. It is argued that increased insurance penetration will boost public health and reduce out-of-pocket expenditure. The fifth demand is for 300 crore rupees from the Ministry of Women and Child Development. The MoWCD aims to expand its nutrition programme in the country. It is believed that in order to check the high levels of stunting and wasting in the children, the State needs to take a larger role. While each of the government schemes is important, the fiscal space available with the exchequer is limited. Accordingly, Abhay has an elbow space to accommodate schemes worth 1000 crore rupees. Now, it is incumbent upon Abhay to allocate the available money in the most prudent fashion.\na) What principles should guide Abhay in the allocation of money?\nb) Imagine yourself in the position of Abhay. In what order will you prioritise the available funds and why?","marks":"20","words":"20"}]},{"id":8855,"topper":"Vipul Chaudhary","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5cf7a-118042_2931_vipulbhai-karmanbhai-chaudhary_rank_115.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. (a) The end cannot justify the means, for the simple and obvious reason that the means employed determine the nature of the ends produced. Discuss with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"1. (b) Discuss how the relationship between law and ethics is dynamic and continuously shaped by societal changes. Provide examples to illustrate this dynamic relationship. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"2. (a) Differentiate between probity and integrity with suitable examples. How do these values contribute to ethical governance and decision-making in the civil services? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"2. (b) Discuss the ethical implications of withholding information in public administration. How can transparency enhance accountability and reduce corruption in government institutions? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"3 (a) What do each of the following quotations mean to you?\n(a) \"There is no school equal to a decent home and no teacher equal to a virtuous parent.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"3. (b) \"Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.\" - Leo Tolstoy (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"3. (c) \"To see what is right and not do it is a lack of courage.\" – Confucius (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"4. (a) What factors lead to a positive attitude in a person? How does positive attitude enhance the effectiveness of civil servants in performing their duties? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"4. (b) Discuss how emotional intelligence can influence ethical decision-making in the allocation of scarce public resources.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"5. (a) Various international humanitarian organizations provide emergency aid in conflict zones around the world. Highlight the ethical challenges faced by such organizations. What are the principles that guide international humanitarian work? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"5. (b) Why is persuasion regarded as an important skill for civil servants? What are the key considerations that should guide persuasion in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"6. (a) What role can ethical leadership play in curbing corruption, especially in public service? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"6. (b) What were the major teachings of Swami Dayanand Saraswati? Explain their relevance in addressing the current ethical and social challenges in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":33,"question":"(a) Discuss the ethical dilemma Karan faces in deciding whether to report the incident against Mariyam's wishes.\n(b) Evaluate the options available to Karan. Which of these options should he choose and why?\n(c) What responsibilities do organizations like XYZ Corp have in preventing and addressing sexual harassment and creating inclusive workplace environments? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"A) ETHICAL DILEMMA BY KIRAN\n(1) whether to file a complaint vs allow to continue the strict.\n(2) dilemma between personal integrity vs company's loyalty.\n(3) consis of conscience -> whether to take action or not -> cognitive dissonance.\n(4) Integrity vs Honesty","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"8 (a) शिक्षा विभाग के आयुक्त के रूप में जय के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं? इनमें से प्रत्येक विकल्प का मूल्यांकन कीजिए।\n(b) जय को कौन-सा विकल्प अपनाना चाहिए और क्यों?\n(c) जय जैसे सिविल सेवकों को अपने दायित्वों के निर्वहन में नैतिक मानकों को बनाए रखने के प्रयास के दौरान बेहतर सुरक्षा कैसे प्रदान की जा सकती है? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)\na) शिक्षा विभाग के आयुक्त के रूप में जय के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं? इनमें से प्रत्येक विकल्प का मूल्यांकन कीजिए।\nb) जय को कौन-सा विकल्प अपनाना चाहिए और क्यों?\nc) जय जैसे सिविल सेवकों को अपने दायित्वों के निर्वहन में नैतिक मानकों को बनाए रखने के प्रयास के दौरान बेहतर सुरक्षा कैसे प्रदान की जा सकती है? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":39,"question":"(a) What are the options available to Jay as the Commissioner of the Education Department? Evaluate each of these options.\n(b) What option should Jay adopt and why?\n(c) How can civil servants like Jay be better protected when they attempt to uphold ethical standards in their work? (Answer in 250 words)\na) What are the options available to Jay as the Commissioner of the Education Department? Evaluate each of these options.\nb) What option should Jay adopt and why?\nc) How can civil servants like Jay be better protected when they attempt to uphold ethical standards in their work? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"9 As the District Magistrate of X city, you are responsible for overseeing the construction of a new metro depot in an urban forest area, which is a critical infrastructure project aimed at improving public transportation and reducing traffic congestion and air pollution. The project, however, requires the clearance of a substantial portion of the forest, which has triggered strong opposition from environmental activists, local residents, and NGOs. This forest is widely regarded as essential for the city's ecological balance, often referred to as the city's \"lungs.\" In addition to the environmental concerns, you are under considerable pressure from politicians at the state-level to expedite the project, given the upcoming elections in two years. The political leadership emphasizes the benefits of the metro project for the city's development and its potential to garner electoral support. The project is expected to significantly reduce travel time for thousands of commuters and potentially decrease overall vehicle emissions in the city. However, it would also lead to the loss of thousands of trees and disrupt local ecosystems. As you prepare to make a decision, you are aware that your choice will have far-reaching consequences for both the city's development and its environment.\n(a) Identify the ethical dilemmas involved in the above case.\n(b) Evaluate the options available to you in the above situation. Which of these would you choose and why?\n(c) Suggest some measures that could be implemented to balance urban development needs with environmental conservation in future projects. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"10 Dr. Mehra is a senior drug developer at a leading pharmaceutical company in India, renowned for producing various medications, including lifesaving drugs critical for treating chronic and rare diseases. Since its inception, the company has emphasized the quality and affordability of its drugs.\n\nRecently, under revised government guidelines, pharmaceutical companies are required to market a finished product only after obtaining \"satisfactory results\" from tests on the ingredients. Additionally, they must retain a sufficient quantity of samples of both intermediate and final products to allow repeated testing or verification of a batch.\n\nDr. Mehra's team is in the final stages of developing a new medication for a rare but life-threatening disease. This drug has shown promising results in clinical trials. However, there have been unresolved concerns about the long-term side effects of the drug, observed in a small percentage of trial subjects. Despite this, the company has not released any major drug in the past decade, leading to significant pressure from the board members to expedite the drug's release.\n(a) Identify the stakeholders in the above case study.\n(b) Discuss the ethical issues faced by Dr. Mehra.\n(c) Analyse the options available to Dr. Mehra in the above case. Which of these would you choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"3 Ethical dilemma - whether to approve new medication which has promising results but unresolved long term effects\na) Ethical issues faced by Dr Mehta\nb) Pressure from Board of management which can dilute 'decision making' of Dr. Mehta?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":53,"question":"11 You have been appointed as the Under Secretary in the State Urban Development Department. The Department has been tasked with a prestigious project aimed at revitalizing the infrastructure of a city with deep historical significance. This project, which you are extremely passionate about, involves modernizing public transportation, restoring heritage buildings, and creating green spaces while preserving the city's cultural essence.\n\nExcited by the opportunity, you spent weeks researching and drafting a comprehensive proposal. Your plan included innovative ideas for sustainable development, community engagement, and leveraging technology for urban planning. You presented these initial plans in a departmental meeting, hoping to inspire your colleagues and kickstart the project.\n\nHowever, your enthusiasm was met with indifference. Your colleagues showed little interest, failing to contribute ideas or efforts towards the project. Concerned, you reported this lack of enthusiasm to your immediate superior, who is also the authority for this project. To your dismay,\n(a) इस प्रकरण में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\n(b) उपयुक्त कार्य संस्कृति कार्यस्थल पर मनोबल और उत्पादकता को किस प्रकार प्रभावित करती है?\n(c) आपके पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं और आप इस स्थिति का समाधान किस प्रकार करेंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":54,"question":"(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.\n(b) How does the above-mentioned work culture affect workplace morale and productivity?\n(c) What are the options available to you and how would you address the situation? (Answer in 250 words)\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb) How does the above-mentioned work culture affect workplace morale and productivity?\nc) What are the options available to you and how would you address the situation? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"b) How does above work culture affect:\n1 demoralising civil servant -> handwork of 2 months of my rent at waste if employee is not rewarded what it deserve.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":58,"question":"12 (a) उपयुक्त प्रकरण के आलोक में, कॉर्पोरेट, राजनीतिक और नौकरशाही के हितों के बीच गठजोड़ से उत्पन्न होने वाले नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\n(b) एक कर्तव्यनिष्ठ सिविल सेवक के रूप में, अरुण के पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन कीजिए। उसे कौन-सा विकल्प चुनना चाहिए और क्यों? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)\na) उपयुक्त प्रकरण के आलोक में, कॉर्पोरेट, राजनीतिक और नौकरशाही के हितों के बीच गठजोड़ से उत्पन्न होने वाले नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\nb) एक कर्तव्यनिष्ठ सिविल सेवक के रूप में, अरुण के पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन कीजिए। उसे कौन-सा विकल्प चुनना चाहिए और क्यों? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":59,"question":"(a) In light of the above case, discuss the ethical issues that may arise from the nexus between corporate, political, and bureaucratic interests.\n(b) As a conscientious civil servant, evaluate the options available to Arun. Which option should he choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":8856,"topper":"Virender Singh","air":609,"year":2024,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1S4g8qGDZpqAtpu3e6xCuNy80YV6QcN3o/view","questions":[{"page":2,"question":"Comment on the following in about 150 words each: 10x5=50 (a) Modernity should be seen in the light of its historical context. Explain the origin & nature of modernity in Indian society. ( b ) “Sociology emerged in Europe and flourish ed to begin with on social . reformist to begin with on social reformist orientation in the U.S.A”. - comment. (c) Describe the changing equation of sociology with o","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":2,"question":"In what way ‘interpretative’ method is different from ‘positivist’ approach in the study of social phenomena? ( 20 marks)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":2,"question":"What makes Durkheim’s research on Suicide rate a positivist research. Clarify . ( 20 marks)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Examine the problems of maintaining objectivity and value neutrality in social science research? (20 marks)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Answer the following in about 150 words each: 10x5=50 (a) Describe the process of “operationalization of variable “with few examples. (b) While economics is about how people make choice, sociology is about they don’t have any choice to make. What do you understand by the given statement?","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":3,"question":"Explain the different types of non - probability sampling techniques. Bring out the conditions of their usage with appropriate examples. ( 20 marks)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the challenges involved in collecting data through Survey . ( 20 marks)","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Is Sociology a Science? Give reasons for your answer. ( 20 marks)","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":8857,"topper":"Vishaka Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bSUTjHvrIky6QsV6NPBJ2ycxzAsU4mDp/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. Given below are two quotations. For each of these bring out what it means to you in the present context.\n(a) The golden rule of conduct is mutual toleration, seeing that we will never all think alike and we shall always see Truth in fragment and from different points of vision. Mahatma Gandhi.","marks":"10","words":"not more than 150 words each"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) The mind of the superior man is conversant with righteousness; the mind of the mean man is conversant with gain. Confucius.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) Impersonal management, a characteristic feature of a Weberian bureaucracy, develops over time into indifference, especially with regard to weaker sections of the society. Critically discuss.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) In pursuit of political power, means are often compromised that leads to competitive reliance on unethical practices resulting in erosion of public trust. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":11,"question":"3. (a) It takes more than a corporate governance policy to inspire ethical behavior and sustain a truly ethical workplace. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) \"Law should be so succinct that it can be carried in the pocket of the coat and it should be so simple that it can be understood by a peasant.\" Discuss.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":15,"question":"4. (a) Ethics in international relations has the potential to cater to the diplomatic challenges of 21st century. Examine.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":17,"question":"4. (b) Nolan Committee provides for one of the most comprehensive statements of what constitutes ethical standards for holders of public office. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":19,"question":"5. (a) The sharper the socio-economic disparities, the greater the incentive towards corruption. Analyse.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":21,"question":"5. (b) The moral worth of an action depends not on the consequences that flow from it, but on its motivation. Explain the statement with the help of suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":23,"question":"6. The universal adoption of common good approach poses the ethical dilemma of putting collective interests over and above the individual interests. Discuss with examples.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":25,"question":"7. Compassion should never be considered as weakness, but rather as an essential element for providing a congenial administrative working environment. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":27,"question":"8. Explain what you understand by the following values and discuss their importance for civil services:\n(a) Professionalism","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":28,"question":"8. (b) Nishkama Karma","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"9. There have been widespread agitations both in favour of and against extending reservation in educational institutions and government jobs to a certain section of the society. You have been appointed as the chairman of a high level committee, constituted by the government to examine the matter and make recommendations. So far, the committee has found no compelling reasons to extend reservation to this section. While the report of the committee is pending finalization, you get an impression through the media that the government is inclined to accept the demand for extending the reservation, regardless of the findings of your committee. Some members of the committee are also inclined to support the government stand.\n(a) Discuss the dilemma, if any, that you face in this situation.\n(b) What course of action would you take? Give reasons for the same.\n(c) Also discuss the ethical issues involved with the policy of affirmative action in India.","marks":"20","words":"around 250"},{"page":34,"question":"10. You are an honest and responsible civil servant. You often observe the following: (a) If one wants to remain effective and powerful to create impact on the lives of people, one should remain loyal to those in power. (b) Following ethical means may not be practical and effective at all times. (c) Petty corruption expedites the service delivery. Examine the above statements with their merits and demerits.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":39,"question":"11. Recently, two national level sportspersons who are integral members of their team, made some comments in a talk show which were perceived as being grossly misogynistic and racist. This created a huge controversy and they were temporarily suspended from the team pending an enquiry. In light of these events, answer the following questions:\n(a) Do you think public figures have an additional responsibility in so far as expressing their views on matters of public importance is concerned? Give reasons.\n(b) According to you, what are the reasons that some prominent public figures make such misogynistic comments, and even get away without any consequences?\n(c) As the person in charge to enquire into the conduct, what factors would you consider to examine it and what punishment, if any, would you prescribe in this specific case?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":44,"question":"12. There are large number of leather industries in a major industrial town of India. They provide employment to large number of people and are also a prominent source of revenue for the state. Lately it has been observed that despite following the present emission control rules, the collective ecological footprint of these industries remains quite high affecting the surrounding areas in an adverse manner. The new technologies available for emission control are quite costly and thus acts as a disincentive for the owners of the industries for adopting them.\nIn light of this information, the government is contemplating the following options:\n(a) Shutting down the industries in the region\n(b) Relocating the industries to a new region\n(c) Making the emission control rules stricter\n(d) Providing incentives to the industry owners for adoption of new technology.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":49,"question":"13. Many coal mines in a district subject the workers to inhuman working conditions with little safety measures in place. As such, there have been several accidents and many workers have died in the past. In recognition of a recent accident where fifteen workers were trapped and died, the National Green Tribunal has ordered for closure of all such mines. Some of them have shut down, but many still continue to operate by getting an exception from the government, sometimes using the unholy nexus of politicians-miners-bureaucrats. In absence of alternative employment, the locals have no other choice but to work in mines. The mine owners are in-fact inciting the workers to protest to simultaneously put a pressure on the state to completely overturn the ban. As a District Magistrate of this district, you have been asked by the State government to prepare a report on this issue and give recommendations to resolve it. In this regard, answer the following questions:\n(a) Identify the interests of State and analyse whether there may be a conflict amongst them?\n(b) Given that economic growth is often achieved with a large human cost, identify the principles and strategies which could be used in the given case to achieve desirable outcomes.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":54,"question":"14. Recently you were posted as a District Magistrate of a predominantly agricultural district, which has been one of the best performers in agriculture since the last decade. In one of your field visits, you find that the large landowners, who are a socially, politically and economically powerful group, employ domestic helps and agriculture labour who are informally tied to them and have been working there since generations. In return, these workers are provided basic amenities like food and shelter apart from some money. However, you do sense a violation of basic human rights in this situation.\nIn light of the above case, answer the following questions:\n(a) Identify the stakeholders, their interests and ethical issues involved in the case.\n(b) How does denial of choice amount to violation of human rights?\n(c) What course of action would you take? Give reasons.","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":8858,"topper":"Vishakha Dabral","air":134,"year":2019,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/84fe0-29481_929_vishakha-dabral_rank_134.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8859,"topper":"Vishakha Dabral","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/02932-29481_844_vishakha-dabral_rank_134.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"It has been assessed that radicalisation is a security threat to India. Explain the basis of such an assessment with examples. What are the key pillars of the counter radicalisation strategy of the government?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Arguments on Siachen issue often move around the idea of demilitarisation. Examining the key attributes of the Siachen issue explain the basis of arguments regarding its demilitarisation? Also highlight the arguments against such an idea.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Money laundering and terrorism have strong inter linkages. Illustrate. In this context, how far do the steps taken by the government confirm with the international commitments?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Longstanding issue of insurgency in the Northeast highlights the linkage between violence, remoteness, underdevelopment and alienation. Elaborate. Also, suggest some corrective measures for a lasting resolution of the conflicts in this region.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"While on the one hand China's One Road One Belt initiative poses security concerns and challenges for India, on the other, it can help improve India's connectivity to major markets and resource supplies. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"NATGRID was an ambitious step involving intelligence reforms, however, it remained a non-starter. Explain. In the context of recent initiatives to revive the NATGRID and the challenges it faced previously what steps are required to make it effective?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"India's national security architecture faces a difficult task in detecting digital intrusion in cyberspace. What are the challenges India faces w.r.t. Digital Intrusion? How can these challenges be overcome?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Relations with Iran hold a lot of potential for India's ambitions for West Asia and beyond, however, realising this potential also involves certain global and regional challenges. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"The internal crisis in Nepal over the past few years has given concrete shape to the fears of China gaining upper hand vis-a-vis a traditionally influential India. Elaborate. What can India do to further strengthen its ties with the Himalayan nation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"The Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement (TPP), touted as the world's biggest trade deal to date, has danger of bending the WTO rules. In this context, discuss the impact TPP can have on India's foreign trade. What are the options that India has to deal with the issues arising out of the TPP?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Legal proceedings initiated by the Marshall Islands against India, Pakistan and Britain over nuclear weapons in the International Court of Justice highlights the issues of jurisidiction of the court. What is India's position vis-a-vis the jurisdiction of the ICJ? Also differentiate between binding and advisory pronunciations of the court with suitable examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Even though the refugee crisis in Europe does not affect India directly, it presents an opportunity for India to showcase its commitment and capability to take greater responsibility in dealing with global issues. Comment in light of India's strengths, experience and international commitments regarding refugees.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"India is endowed with an amazing variety and wealth of soft power resources. Providing examples, illustrate the utilisation of soft power in diplomatic initiatives of the recent past. What are the limitations of the soft power approach in diplomacy in case of a developing country such as India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Highlight the features of NAVIC and bring out its significance for India. How is it different from GAGAN? Examine whether NAVIC can be a replacement of GPS for India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"What are Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) and how are they an improvement over carbon fibres? Highlight the various unique properties of CNTs which makes them suitable to the manufacturing industry.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Explain the significance of gravitational waves recently detected by LIGO. What are the objectives of the recently envisaged LIGO-India project and what benefits will India accrue from it?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"What are the criteria employed for a pandemic to be declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the WHO? In the wake of recent Ebola and Zika virus outbreaks examine the efficacy of the prevalent architecture of global health governance. Also, assess India's preparedness in handling such global epidemics.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Give a brief explanation of CRISPR - gene editing technology. Also discuss its significance in modern biology and agriculture.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Even though large infrastructure projects like High Speed Rail (HSR) facilitate greater technological development, they come with their own set of challenges. Examine in the context of proposed HSR projects in India. Suggest some measures on how HSR can truly be 'Made in India'.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"What do you understand by Big-data? Using SDGs as an example, discuss its role in effective implementation of public policy. Also mention challenges faced in using Big-Data and measures to overcome them.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8860,"topper":"Vishakha Dabral","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/59021-29481_759_vishakha-dabral_rank_134.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"India has the lowest tax-to-GDP ratio among countries with a similar per capita income on a purchasing power parity basis. Explain the reasons for the low tax-to-GDP ratio in India. What measures can be taken to correct this situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"In spite of various initiatives, the condition of the power sector still remains one of the core challenges for India. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Examine the reasons for poor performance of public sector banks in India. Give an account of the steps taken by the government and RBI to improve their performance. Also analyse whether the risks arising from the consolidation of the Indian banking sector outweigh the potential longer-term benefits.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Tax treaties intended to avoid double taxation have in many cases become instruments for double non-taxation. Elaborate. List the major amendments in the India-Mauritius DTAA and the advantages that are expected to accrue due to it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Emerging ICT and their appropriation by society constitutes a threat that demands new competencies and practices to be developed and integrated in the existing police work. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"What are P-Notes and how do they impact the financial system in India? In this context, also highlight the recent regulatory measures taken by SEBI to deal with them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"The rising levels of e-waste generation in India have been a matter of concern in recent years. Examine the underlying causes of this scenario and the challenges associated with it. How can the new E-Waste Management Rules, 2016 help in meeting these concerns?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Terror groups, much like corporate bodies have well and truly embraced and exploited the benefits of globalisation. Discuss the statement with reference to terror financing and propaganda activities.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"What is net-metering? Critically analyse its potential in incentivising distributed generation in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Explain the challenges associated with predicting the monsson accurately. Can shifting to a completely dynamical model from the one used by the IMD presently help in improving the accuracy of predicting the monsoon?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"The Compensatory Afforestation Fund Bill would require to work along with the Forest Rights Act in order to achieve the aims of environment protection while also ensuring rights of the tribal people. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"It has been argued that India's strained patent protection and IP administration has failed to keep pace with growing technological advances. In this context, examine the provisions of the new Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Policy, 2016. Also explain how the new policy can help boost innovation and entrepreneurship in the country.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Though the frequency of both droughts and floods has increased in many states of the country, the preparedness level for mitigating their impacts still has significant gaps. Discuss in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"In view of the high levels of inequality in India, it is imperative to not only broaden access to education and health but also financial services. Discuss. Also highlight the efforts made by the government in recent times to address inequality by promoting financial inclusion.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Examine the need for indigenization of the defence industry in India. While highlighting its challenges, analyse how the new Defence Procurement Policy (DPP) and relaxations in FDI norms can address these challenges.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Digital technologies have the potential to dramatically transform higher education. Giving a special emphasis to MOOCs, analyse the statement in the context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"The Civil Aviation Policy 2016 would help in building a more modern, safe, secure and sustainable aviation industry while also boosting regional connectivity and tourism. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"What is the significance of start-ups for Indian economy? Critically analyse the provisions of \"Start-up India\" program and the challenges that lie ahead in its effective implementation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"What do you understand by methanol economy? Discuss its environmental and economic advantages. How does methanol compare with other new generational fuels such as ethanol and hydrogen?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Differentiating between Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality, explain why it is argued by many that these technologies are not just about gaming but can change our lives.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8861,"topper":"Vishakha Dabral","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b60bc-29481_757_vishakha-dabral_rank_134.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Trace the evolution of cave architecture in India with special reference to their design, nature and wall paintings.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"With the help of examples, explain how Folk Paintings as an art form represent an array of human beliefs and cultural diversity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"\"The response to the Partition of Bengal was not a mere expression of Bengali sub-nationalism, but a resistance that carried in it the seeds of a coherent nationalist struggle for India's independence.\" Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"\"The economic interpretation of British Colonialism by Indian intelligentsia during 1870-1905 brought forward unpleasant facts about the foreign rule. Analyse this statement and assess the impact of these interpretations on the National Movement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"The role of women in Indian nationalism is well acknowledged, however, women who took part in armed struggle against the British are less known. In this context, examine the role played by Indian women in national movement with particular reference to revolutionary struggle.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"It has been argued that unlike the wars in 1962 and 1971, the war in 1965 was indecisive and brought neither victory nor peace to India. Critically analyse the proposition and also highlight how the experience of 1965 was helpful in the war of 1971.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss whether the agrarian movements which emerged from the late 1970's should be referred to as 'New' Farmers' Movements. In light of the problems faced by poor farmers and agricultural labourers, critically evaluate these movements.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Though both Bismarck and Sardar Patel played an important role in unifying their respective countries, yet given the different historical circumstances, the challenges faced by both and the strategies they adopted were different, Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Enumerate the reforms undertaken during the Gorbachev era and explain the reasons for undertaking these. To what extent could these reforms be held responsible for the breakup of the Soviet Union?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"While the impact of French Revolution was largely limited to the European countries, the Russian Revolution had a much wider impact across the globe. Critically analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Give an account of the factors which influence gender equality in basic education. What can be done to bridge the existing gender gap in this context?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"While state action alone cannot ensure social change, no social group howsoever weak or oppressed is only a victim. Examine the statement in the context of organised action for justice and dignity for manual scavengers in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Give an account of the factors driving people to migrate from the countryside to urban areas even if it entails living in slums. Highlight some important facts about slums unique to India. Also discuss some strategies which can be adopted for transforming India's slums.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Define flood plains and explain their significance. Also, examine how anthropogenic activities have contributed to recent instances of urban flooding.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Why do forest fires occur frequently in certain regions of India? Examine the ecological significance of forest fires and identify the measures to tackle the phenomenon.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"What are the different types of rainfall? Give an account of the world distribution of rainfall.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"The prevailing water crisis in the country is not about the unavailability of water rather the mismanagement of available resources. Do you agree? Discuss the short-term and long-term socio-economic impacts of the water crisis on India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Enlist the major fishing zones of the world along with the reasons for their distribution. Does India's deep sea fishing policy warrant a fresh look? Examine in context of the recommendations of the Meena Kumari committee on the matter.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"It has been observed that deltas formed by Indian rivers have been shrinking for the past few years. Discuss reasons for the same in context of different rates of shrinking of deltas of major rivers.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Why does the Arabian Sea experience fewer tropical cyclones as compared to the Bay of Bengal? Explain why tropical cyclones do not occur during the southwest monsoon season.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8862,"topper":"Vishakha Dabral","air":134,"year":2019,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/78593-29481_861_vishakha-dabral_rank_134.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8863,"topper":"Vishakha Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/bff4d-295520_1324_vishakha-yadav_rank_6.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Give an account of distribution of sugar industry in India. Also, highlight the problems plaguing the sugar sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Bamboo has been referred to as green gold for its numerous commercial applications. Discuss the distribution of bamboo in India, and the recent steps taken by the government with regards to this industry.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Explain the concept of Diastrophism and elaborate on the processes that form part of it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Despite continuous incidence of solar energy, earth's average temperature remains almost constant. Explain the reasons behind this. In this regard, discuss the heat budget of earth and enumerate the factors that control the distribution of temperature on earth's surface.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Explain the concept of Biogeochemical cycles and their significance in the functioning of ecosystems. What are the challenges that they face because of anthropogenic factors?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Which are the major iron ore producing regions in the world? With examples, discuss the factors that influence the location of Iron and Steel industry.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Identify the characteristics of commercial livestock rearing and mark the regions practicing it on a world map. Also, discuss its challenges and opportunities in context of India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Explain the phenomenon of El Nino and La Nina. How do they affect the weather system in various parts of the world?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"What are air masses? Highlight their role in affecting the local climate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Giving an account of the spatial distribution of different types of forests in India, discuss the economic utility of each of them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Describing the process of their formation, explain the difference between meanders and braided channels.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"The consequences of India's megacities producing tonnes of waste are troubling. Elaborate the statement and also discuss the significance of Solid Waste Management Rules 2016 in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"List the different flood prone regions in India and identify the reasons behind their frequent flooding. What are the NDMA guidelines for management of floods?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"What are the priorities for action identified under the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction? Elaborate how India's National Plan for Disaster Management has tried to integrate Sendai Framework.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Define the term invasive species and provide examples from flora and fauna in India. What are the threats associated with the expansion of invasive species? In this context also discuss measures to address these threats.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"What is Environment Impact Assessment? Identifying the different processes involved in the exercise, highlight the purpose of carrying out this assessment. Further, mention in brief the status of EIA in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Identify and explain the importance of key elements of action in disaster management cycle during the post-disaster phase.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Discuss the reasons and implications of land degradation and desertification as major environmental challenges facing India. Suggest the measures needed to address them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Explain the concepts of Bio-magnification and Bio-accumulation. Also, provide examples of the harmful impact of these two processes on the environment and human health.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8864,"topper":"Vishakha Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5f8b5-295520_1228_vishakha-yadav_rank_6.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the importance of departmentally related standing committees in improving the overall effectiveness of Parliament. Also, discuss the issues that they currently face. (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Illustrate how pressure groups have emerged as a strong mechanism for making democracy participatory and responsive. (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Explain the structure and functions of the National Human Rights Commission. In view of its functioning since its inception, suggest measures for further improvement. (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlight the ordinance-making powers of the Governor. Also enumerate the range of steps open to him when a Bill is presented after its passage by the state legislature. (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the issue of 'office of profit' as it has featured in the recent practices and debates in Indian polity. (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Highlight the importance of State Finance Commission in strengthening fiscal federalism in India. Do you agree with the view that they have not been provided with the necessary environment to play their rightful role? (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Explain the significance and controversies, if any, associated with the Article 35A of the Indian constitution. (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Independent India adopted a modified version of the Westminster model of government. In this context discuss the commonalities and differences between the political system of India and UK. (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"List the parliamentary mechanisms available for the scrutiny of regulators. Also, discuss major steps through which parliamentary oversight of regulators can be strengthened. (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Political parties are an integral part of the democratic set up of India. In the context, discuss the need for strengthening the process of institutionalization of intra-party democracy in political parties in India. (150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Explain why it is argued that India is a sui generis case of federalism. (250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Indian Constitution displays multiple features adopted from the practices around the world. Explain. How did the Government of India Act 1935 influence the constitution of independent India? (250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Highlighting different Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms available in India, explain their importance. Also, mention different measures that have been adopted to further improve the framework of ADR in India. (250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Right to freedom of religion cannot be allowed to deny right to equality and individual dignity. Discuss in the light of constitutional provisions and recent judicial pronouncements. (250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Identify the key areas of reforms required in the judicial system in India. In this context, examine the significance of the idea of putting in place an All-India Judicial Service. (250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"On the recent World Press Freedom Index (WPFI) India ranks 138. Elucidate the significance of media in a democracy like India. Identify the major issues affecting the media in contemporary times. In this context, enumerate the measures to address these issues. (250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the issues plaguing tribunals in India? Examine whether an independent autonomous body such as a National Tribunals Commission (NTC) can help in remedying these issues. (250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What are the different rights available to the consumers under the Consumer Protection Act, 1986? Explaining the three layered quasi-judicial mechanism put in place under the Act, mention the measures that can be taken to improve the functioning of these forums. (250 Words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8865,"topper":"Vishakha Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e35f6-295520_1326_vishakha-yadav_rank_6.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Given the growing ecological and geopolitical significance, Arctic region offers immense opportunities for serving India's long-term interests. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the challenges that India may face in the eventuality of withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan. What options does India have to safeguard its interests in the context of the changing situation? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The BRICS as a grouping seems to have internal contradictions, which makes it difficult for it to emerge as an effective forum in a dynamic multi-polar international order. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Despite India having immense soft power potential, it alone will not be sufficient to achieve India's foreign policy objectives. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Highlighting the role of space technology in border management, enumerate the steps taken so far in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Despite allegations of human rights violations under the AFSPA, it is a functional requirement for the army in disturbed areas. Critically discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The use of Internet creates both challenges and opportunities in the fight against terrorism. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain the concept of Chandrasekhar Limit and highlight its significance in the field of astronomy. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Examining the risk posed by space debris, suggest some measures which can be taken for its mitigation and removal. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Discuss the challenges confronting higher self-reliance and indigenisation of defence industry in India. What steps can be taken to accelerate its pace? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Comment on the role played by the diaspora in India's development process. Also, discuss the challenges in terms of engaging the Indian diaspora and suggest ways to translate these partnerships into benefits. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the reasons behind proliferation of multilateral preferential trade agreements. Do they violate WTO's MFN principle? Do you think that such trade groupings present an existential threat to WTO? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"India needs to balance its growing water needs and larger security concerns with effective hydro-diplomacy. Highlighting the challenges faced with regard to transboundary rivers, analyze this statement in the context of India's riparian relations with its neighbours. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Commenting on the importance of Central Asia for India, highlight the progress made in the relationship in recent past along with the issues that still remain to further cement the ties. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the significance of India's island territories in its quest to become a net security provider in the Indian Ocean region. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"A fine balance between security and developmental measures needs to be attained for tackling the menace of Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in India. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Illustrate the linkages between drug trafficking, organised crime and terrorism. In this regard, mention the steps that have been taken to arrest the availability of drugs in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Identify the key threats to national security in the wake of climate change. Also, highlight India's stand and rationale on UN's decision to declare climate change as an international security issue. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Explaining the concept of data exclusivity, bring out the arguments for and against incorporating data exclusivity norms in India's IPR regime. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Compare and contrast fifth generation (5G) of wireless telecom technology with 4G technology. What challenges need to be overcome for 5G's pan-India rollout? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8866,"topper":"Vishakha Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/48cfb-295520_1244_vishakha-yadav_rank_6.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the need of an Independent Fiscal Council (IFC) in bringing about transparency and accountability in fiscal processes in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Recognizing the potential of exports in generating employment, a number of steps need to be taken to address India's weakening export competitiveness. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlighting the main features of National Mineral Policy, 2019, discuss how it can help in ensuring sustainable and responsible mining. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlighting the salient features of the PM JI-VAN Yojana, analyze how it can assist in achieving the vision and goals of the National Policy on Biofuels, 2018. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) provides an alternative to capital and chemical intensive agriculture currently being practiced in India. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Marine life is facing 'irreparable damage' from the millions of tonnes of plastic waste which ends up in the oceans each year. In this context, examine the implications of plastic pollution on marine ecosystem and suggest some measures for addressing this problem. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are black holes? Highlight the challenges in imaging a black hole? How were these challenges overcome by the Event Horizon Telescope project? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"While mentioning the objectives of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), discuss the challenges which are hindering the utilization of the ATT to its full potential. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Threats to internal security of India may be posed both through the communication networks and also to the networks. Discuss. Also, highlight the steps taken by the government in making the networks more secure. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlight the importance and challenges related to integration of Variable Renewable Energy (VRE) in India. Mention some steps that can be taken for its smooth integration with the synchronized Indian grid. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"There have been arguments that India could fall into a 'middle income trap'. Explaining the phenomenon, highlight the reasons behind such arguments. How can India avoid it? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Highlighting its importance, discuss the major issues that plague effective monetary policy transmission in India. Also, mention the steps taken by RBI to improve it. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight the constraints faced by rainfed agriculture in India. Discuss some agronomic practices that can be adopted for stabilizing agricultural production in rainfed areas. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite the steps taken by the government in recent years, a number of problems continue to persist in the urea sector in India. Discuss. What reforms should be taken to address the persisting problems? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What is Access and Benefit Sharing? Explain how it aids in sustainable use of biodiversity. Also, mention the different global and national level mechanisms for ensuring Access and Benefit Sharing. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Stating the significance, discuss the challenges in achieving disaster resilience of infrastructure. Suggest some ways for mainstreaming it in the development paradigm. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Highlighting the significance of data localization for India, discuss various challenges associated with data localization. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Money Laundering as a socio economic offence is a menace especially for developing countries like India. Comment. What measures have been taken at the domestic and international levels to deal with this menace? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The primary motive of terrorism differs from that of organised crime but there exists a symbiotic relationship between the two. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8867,"topper":"Vishakha Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/04f1f-295520_1243_vishakha-yadav_rank_6.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Reservation of seats in legislature is needed to ensure meaningful political participation of women and to make the democratic process truly inclusive. Discuss the statement in the light of 108th Constitution Amendment Bill. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the issue of reservation in promotions for SCs and STs in public employment in the light of various judicial pronouncements and constitutional amendments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the reasons behind underperformance of the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs). How can their performance be improved? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlighting the rationale behind continuance of the Official Secrets Act, critically discuss whether the Right to Information should be given precedence over it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What is the rationale behind having a mandatory 'cooling-off' period for retired civil servants? In light of numerous instances of violation of this provision, do you think there is a need to have a relook at Civil Services Conduct Rules? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlighting the key features of POSHAN Abhiyan, explain how it is an improvement over previous interventions in achieving the goal of malnutrition free India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Give an account of the challenges that the multilateral rule-based trading system is facing. With special focus on WTO, discuss how these challenges can be addressed effectively. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Highlight the major impediments affecting India-US trade relations. What possible consequences can the recent withdrawal of Generalized System of Preference (GSP) have on India-US trade relations? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"In a democratic setup, it is imperative that independence be balanced with accountability. Discuss in the context of judiciary in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Despite various strengths, there are certain weaknesses in the existing structure of departments of the government which render the system slow and cumbersome. Analyze. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the light of criticism surrounding the composition and functioning of Rajya Sabha, do you think it exists merely as a secondary house of the Parliament? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Despite legislative changes with respect to funding of political parties in recent years, many challenges still exist with regards to transparency in electoral funding. Discuss. Can state funding of elections help in addressing these challenges? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Successful and long-lasting urban transformation critically depends on reforming the way our cities are governed. In this context, highlight the challenges plaguing urban governance in India and suggest some strategies to overcome those challenges. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Explain the role that SHGs play in poverty alleviation in India. Highlighting the shortcomings of the SHG-Bank Linkage programme, give some suggestions to improve its performance. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Despite initiatives taken by the government in recent years to address the challenges of the Indian higher education system, many reforms are still required to improve its quality and enhance its relevance. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Giving an account of the progress made under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, mention the challenges that it faces in achieving its target. How can the implementation of the programme be fast-tracked? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Island nations of the Indian Ocean hold immense strategic value in shaping the geopolitical contours of the region and ensuring maritime security of India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Development assistance, a key instrument in India's foreign policy, has seen a considerable expansion in the past few years both in its scope and reach. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8868,"topper":"Vishakha Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/19qxnT0ux5j2A1qaT8ERdzJ_u-sZioLSW/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. (a) Test of morality goes beyond doing a simple cost benefit analysis. Discuss with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"not more than 150"},{"page":5,"question":"1. (b) Explaining what an ethical dilemma is, discuss how it reflects not merely a choice between competing interests and values but also a test of strength of one's character.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":7,"question":"2. (a) Discuss Vivekananda's views on nationalism. Do you think nationalism has become more a divisive force in the world today than one that integrates?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":9,"question":"2. (b) What is the relationship between Ethics and Law? Explain with examples.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":11,"question":"3. (a) What do you understand by Emotional Intelligence? Highlight its importance for civil servants.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":13,"question":"3. (b) Explain the importance of probity in governance. What measures have been undertaken for ensuring probity in governance in India?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":15,"question":"4. (a) What do you understand by corporate ethics? Explain its significance for socio-economic development.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":17,"question":"4. (b) Ethics plays an important role in sports. In this context, explain the importance of the virtues of fairness, integrity, responsibility and respect for sportspersons.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":19,"question":"5. (a) Discuss the importance of being a role model for achieving success as a leader. In this context, what do you think are the qualities that separate a leader from a manager?","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":21,"question":"5. (b) Explain the meaning and importance of the following civil services values with appropriate examples:\ni. Selflessness\nii. Objectivity\niii. Accountability\niv. Fortitude\nv. Integrity","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":23,"question":"6. What are the problems arising out of declining ethical standards among public servants? Suggest certain strategies to address the same.","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":25,"question":"7. Differentiate between the following:\n(a) Horizontal and Vertical Accountability\n(b) Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":27,"question":"8. Write short notes on the following:\n(a) Relation between public and private ethics","marks":"10","words":null},{"page":28,"question":"8. (b) Role of family in inculcating values","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"9. A woman employee has leveled allegations of sexual misconduct on social media against the Head of Operations in the company where you are in-charge of human resources department. This has been in the context of the recent phenomenon of women coming out against powerful men who have sexually harassed them in the past. Given the frenzy around the issue, your company is under immense pressure to act quickly against this person. You have the following options before you:\n(a) Accept the statement of allegations and take departmental and legal action quickly.\n(b) Investigate the matter through an internal complaints committee and take action after it submits its findings.\n Analyse the given options and argue which course of action would you choose? Also suggest what measures would you take to prevent occurrences of such instances in your company in future.","marks":"20","words":"around 250"},{"page":34,"question":"10. A state has been notorious for high rate of crimes and illicit activities. An understaffed police force along with sheer volume of criminal instances makes it difficult for police to duly investigate and pursue all cases till their logical end. The criminal justice system is also burdened and it takes years to deliver justice. Given the nexus between criminals and politicians, it is difficult to conduct investigation without external influences. A sense of lawlessness has prevailed in the society. In this backdrop, it has been observed that police has been resorting to increasing number of encounters of alleged criminals rather than catching them and follow due process. Popular public sentiment is also supportive of this method and the result has been a general declining trend in crime. Given this scenario, answer the following questions:\n(a) Analyse the issue from different ethical perspectives.\n(b) What could be the effects on the police administration and the society of such a strategy?\n(c) As an advisor to the Chief Minister of the State, what advice would you give to improve the law and order situation?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":39,"question":"11. Tobacco is one of the major commercial crops cultivated in a district, where you have been posted as the District Magistrate. But being a signatory to the UN Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, it is obligatory upon India to phase out tobacco cultivation by 2020. The state government had constituted a committee, which has recently submitted a report to gradually phase out its cultivation and rehabilitate farmers who shift to alternative crops. However, fearing loss of livelihood, farmers have blocked the railway lines, causing disruption at various places. They are demanding written assurance from the state government that tobacco cultivation will be allowed to continue.\n(a) What are the ethical and administrative issues involved in this matter?\n(b) What are the options available to you as the District Magistrate?\n(c) Evaluate each of these options and choose the option, which you would adopt, giving reasons.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":44,"question":"12. An international soft drink company has a signature soft drink that it sells all over the world. In India, the version of the soft drink complies with Indian food and health regulations, but is less healthy and less safe than the drink sold in the European market where the law is stricter. A recent study in a respected health journal has indicated that this product can lead to severe public health issues in the years to come. The government has appointed a committee under your chairmanship to look into the issue and submit a report on the matter. What are the factors that you would consider in making your suggestions? In particular, identify the various stakeholders and examine the various socio-economic and ethical issues involved in this case.","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":49,"question":"13. You are appointed as the principal of a school, which is located in a backward district. A colleague brings to your attention that a group of boys indulge in smoking during school hours within the vicinity of the school. The same group has also repeatedly been caught consuming alcohol in the school premises. No form of punishment seems to be effective while dealing with this particular group.\nUpon investigation, you find that the boys belong to low-income families and have picked up the habits from elders at home and neighbours. The teachers are concerned about the effect it will have on other students. You also realise that this problem has to be addressed as quickly as possible. In this context, answer the following questions:\n(a) Identify the factors that make young people take up such harmful habits? What is the role of educational institutions in inculcating right habits among the students?\n(b) How would you address the immediate issue? Analyse the options available to you in this regard.\n(c) How will you bring about a behavioural change among students in this case?","marks":"20","words":null},{"page":54,"question":"14. In your personal life you are a religious person and strongly believe in the preservation of socio-cultural beliefs. Your recent posting as an IPS officer has brought you to a district with a widely revered shrine. Shortly after you take charge, you find considerable tension building up in the district on the question of women's entry in the shrine. In this backdrop, the Supreme Court has ruled in favour of women being allowed to enter the shrine. You are aware that there is considerable resentment against the decision. Additionally, several political parties, religious bodies and groups have launched a campaign to defend the tradition. In few weeks the traditional annual pilgrimage to the shrine is going to commence. You suspect that if the situation is not diffused it might lead to law and order problems.\n(a) What are the key issues at stake here?\n(b) Do you see any dilemmas in the unfolding situation?\n(c) In this context, what steps would you take to discharge your duties?","marks":"20","words":null}]},{"id":8869,"topper":"Vishakha Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ac7e2-295520_1227_vishakha-yadav_rank_6.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Test of morality goes beyond doing a simple cost benefit analysis. Discuss with suitable examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Explaining what an ethical dilemma is, discuss how it reflects not merely a choice between competing interests and values but also a test of strength of one's character.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Discuss Vivekananda's views on nationalism. Do you think nationalism has become more a divisive force in the world today than one that integrates?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"What is the relationship between Ethics and Law? Explain with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"What do you understand by Emotional Intelligence? Highlight its importance for civil servants.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Explain the importance of probity in governance. What measures have been undertaken for ensuring probity in governance in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"What do you understand by corporate ethics? Explain its significance for socio-economic development.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Ethics plays an important role in sports. In this context, explain the importance of the virtues of fairness, integrity, responsibility and respect for sportspersons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the importance of being a role model for achieving success as a leader. In this context, what do you think are the qualities that separate a leader from a manager?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Explain the meaning and importance of the following civil services values with appropriate examples: 10 i. Selflessness ii. Objectivity iii. Accountability iv Fortitude v. Integrity","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"What are the problems arising out of declining ethical standards among public servants? Suggest certain strategies to address the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"A woman employee has leveled allegations of sexual misconduct on social media against the Head of Operations in the company where you are in-charge of human resources department. This has been in the context of the recent phenomenon of women coming out against powerful men who have sexually harassed them in the past. Given the frenzy around the issue, your company is under immense pressure to act quickly against this person. You have the following options before you: (a) Accept the statement of allegations and take departmental and legal action quickly. (b) Investate the matter through an internal complaints committee and take action after it submits its findings. Analyse the given options and argue which course of action would you choose? Also suggest what measures would you take to prevent occurrences of such instances in your company in future.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"A state has been notorious for high rate of crimes and illicit activities. An understaffed police force along with sheer volume of criminal instances makes it difficult for police to duly investigate and pursue all cases till their logical end. The criminal justice system is also burdened and it takes years to deliver justice. Given the nexus between criminals and politicians, it is difficult to conduct investigation without external influences. A sense of lawlessness has prevailed in the society. In this backdrop, it has been observed that police has been resorting to increasing number of encounters of alleged criminals rather than catching them and follow due process. Popular public sentiment is also supportive of this method and the result has been a general declining trend in crime. Given this scenario, answer the following questions: 20 (a) Analyse the issue from different ethical perspectives. (b) What could be the effects on the police administration and the society of such a strategy? (c) As an advisor to the Chief Minister of the State, what advice would you give to improve the law and order situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Tobacco is one of the major commercial crops cultivated in a district, where you have been posted as the District Magistrate. But being a signatory to the UN Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, it is obligatory upon India to phase out tobacco cultivation by 2020. The state government had constituted a committee, which has recently submitted a report to gradually phase out its cultivation and rehabilitate farmers who shift to alternative crops. However, fearing loss of livelihood, farmers have blocked the railway lines, causing disruption at various places. They are demanding written assurance from the state government that tobacco cultivation will be allowed to continue. (a) What are the ethical and administrative issues involved in this matter? (b) What are the options available to you as the District Magistrate? (c) Evaluate each of these options and choose the option, which you would adopt, giving reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"An international soft drink company has a signature soft drink that it sells all over the world. In India, the version of the soft drink complies with Indian food and health regulations, but is less healthy and less safe than the drink sold in the European market where the law is stricter. A recent study in a respected health journal has indicated that this product can lead to severe public health issues in the years to come. The government has appointed a committee under your chairmanship to look into the issue and submit a report on the matter. What are the factors that you would consider in making your suggestions? In particular, identify the various stakeholders and examine the various socio-economic and ethical issues involved in this case.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You are appointed as the principal of a school, which is located in a backward district. A colleague brings to your attention that a group of boys indulge in smoking during school hours within the vicinity of the school. The same group has also repeatedly been caught consuming alcohol in the school premises. No form of punishment seems to be effective while dealing with this particular group. Upon investigation, you find that the boys belong to low-income families and have picked up the habits from elders at home and neighbours. The teachers are concerned about the effect it will have on other students. You also realise that this problem has to be addressed as quickly as possible. In this context, answer the following questions: 20 (a) Identify the factors that make young people take up such harmful habits? What is the role of educational institutions in inculcating right habits among the students? (b) How would you address the immediate issue? Analyse the options available to you in this regard. (c) How will you bring about a behavioural change among students in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"In your personal life you are a religious person and strongly believe in the preservation of socio-cultural beliefs. Your recent posting as an IPS officer has brought you to a district with a widely revered shrine. Shortly after you take charge, you find considerable tension building up in the district on the question of women's entry in the shrine. In this backdrop, the Supreme Court has ruled in favour of women being allowed to enter the shrine. You are aware that there is considerable resentment against the decision. Additionally, several political parties, religious bodies and groups have launched a campaign to defend the tradition. In few weeks the traditional annual pilgrimage to the shrine is going to commence. You suspect that if the situation is not diffused it might lead to law and order problems. 20 (a) What are the key issues at stake here? (b) Do you see any dilemmas in the unfolding situation? (c) In this context, what steps would you take to discharge your duties?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8870,"topper":"Vishakha Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d971d-295520_1235_vishakha-yadav_rank_6.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Given below are two quotations. For each of these bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) The golden rule of conduct is mutual toleration, seeing that we will never all think alike and we shall always see Truth in fragment and from different points of vision. Mahatma Gandhi.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Impersonal management, a characteristic feature of a Weberian bureaucracy, develops over time into indifference, especially with regard to weaker sections of the society. Critically discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"In pursuit of political power, means are often compromised that leads to competitive reliance on unethical practices resulting in erosion of public trust. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"It takes more than a corporate governance policy to inspire ethical behavior and sustain a truly ethical workplace. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"\"Law should be so succinct that it can be carried in the pocket of the coat and it should be so simple that it can be understood by a peasant.\" Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Ethics in international relations has the potential to cater to the diplomatic challenges of 21st century. Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Nolan Committee provides for one of the most comprehensive statements of what constitutes ethical standards for holders of public office. Elaborate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"The sharper the socio-economic disparities, the greater the incentive towards corruption. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"The moral worth of an action depends not on the consequences that flow from it, but on its motivation. Explain the statement with the help of suitable examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"The universal adoption of common good approach poses the ethical dilemma of putting collective interests over and above the individual interests. Discuss with examples.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8871,"topper":"VISHAL","air":73,"year":2015,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/73_Vishal_16884_607_Essay.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8872,"topper":"VISHAL","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/73_Vishal_16884_634_GS.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"All correct decisions are honest and all incorrect decisions are dishonest. Do you agree? How should the correctness and incorrectness of a decision be decided?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"Should birth control be a voluntary exercise or a government policy in a country? In this regard, examine the ethical dimensions of having a One Child Policy in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"An organisation consists of a variety of individuals with varying values and degrees of motivation. What challenges do leaders face when forging a harmonious work culture in such an organisation? How can leaders engender a sense of inclusion in face of such diversity?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Notwithstanding compassion and morality, it is national interest that ultimately determines a country's decisions in international relations. Discuss this statement in the context of the current refugee crisis.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"What are the ethical issues involved in climate change negotiations? Suggest some strategies to address the divergence in ethical positions of different nations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Why is there a need for Performance Management System in an outcome oriented government? Evaluate the feasibility of peer review in context of Indian civil services.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Discretionary power in the hands of public servants is a necessary evil. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"The landmark judgment by the Supreme Court of India recognized the transgender as a third sex. What attitudes do you notice towards the transgender people in India? Discuss some steps to facilitate a dignified life for the transgender people.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"What key characteristics of a person conveying a message make it more persuasive? When celebrities endorse a product, they do so knowing that their endorsement will persuade people to buy it. What duty do they have towards the consumers?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"It is said that child labor cannot be ethical at all. Do you agree? Discuss with respect to the proposed amendments to the Child Labour Act.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Are emotions an inhibiting factor in effective decision-making? Discuss in the context of public services.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"What do you understand by the Sarvodaya philosophy of Gandhiji? Why is Sarvodaya relevant for civil servants in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"You are the leader of a 5 member team that has been assigned to carry out social impact assessment of a project proposed in a Naxal area. Members have been allotted a remote village each to conduct surveys and ascertain views of local people. You are under strict instructions not to disclose the identity of respondents outside the project. While compiling data, you are puzzled by the responses from one of the villages. You accompany the point-person for that village next day for verification. You randomly pick a person from the list of respondents and ask her for clarification of the response she had given earlier. She seems confused and denies any knowledge of the survey being conducted, let alone she being questioned. You try to verify this from other respondents and get similar replies. This raises serious doubts about the integrity and credibility of the survey 11. You are the officer in charge of overseeing refugees' related issues in a multilateral humanitarian organisation. There is an ethnicity based civil war going on in a region and as a result, many people are being displaced. Hitherto, the economically better-off neighbouring countries have accommodated the streams of migrants with financial support from your organisation. The violence in the region has increased recently and the flux of people seeking refuge has grown substantially. With countries sealing their borders, the refugees are left in a vulnerable situation. You are sent to negotiate for humanitarian settlement of refugees with the neighbouring countries, who also happen to be a powerful economic bloc. However, they refuse any more accommodation on the following grounds: (a) Drainage of resources in face of subdued economic conditions. (b) Domestic political repercussions. (c) Rehabilitation will encourage more influx and indirectly fuel the persecutors.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"You are the officer in charge of overseeing refugees' related issues in a multilateral humanitarian organisation. There is an ethnicity based civil war going on in a region and as a result, many people are being displaced. Hitherto, the economically better-off neighbouring countries have accommodated the streams of migrants with financial support from your organisation. The violence in the region has increased recently and the flux of people seeking refuge has grown substantially. With countries sealing their borders, the refugees are left in a vulnerable situation. You are sent to negotiate for humanitarian settlement of refugees with the neighbouring countries, who also happen to be a powerful economic bloc. However, they refuse any more accommodation on the following grounds: (a) Drainage of resources in face of subdued economic conditions. (b) Domestic political repercussions. (c) Rehabilitation will encourage more influx and indirectly fuel the persecutors.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are a Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) in an urban district. The forest cover in the district is as low as 11% and it needs to be increased as per government guidelines. By ecological and environmental perspective also it is imperative that more trees should be planted. However, you find out that while there is a grant of Rs. 1.5 crore for your division to plant trees under the Hariyali Scheme, most of this fund is lying unused. Since, it is December and as per government rules all the unused grant should be returned to the government as the financial year closes, it seems you will have to return the money completely. Also, there are strong indications from the ministry that government is mulling over a budgetary cut on Hariyali mission because most of the funds go unused. There is a strong possibility that if you return the money in this financial year you wont get it in the next financial year and even if you get, it will be a very insignificant amount. Indicate various options that you think are available in this situation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You, an anthropologist, have developed cordial relations with a tribal community which was hitherto isolated from rest of the humanity. Notwithstanding increased interest of researchers and media for the newly discovered tribe, you are the only person from outside whom they trust. They are ardent believers in their goddess and, trusting you, take you to her abode on a holy mountain. To your surprise, you find that the mountain is a reservoir of Uranium that can be used in your power-starved country's nuclear power plants. Besides, you are aware that Uranium being radioactive, it is highly risky to go near the mountain. You try to convince the people about harmful effects it can have and the utilitarian value that it possess for the country. However, they are in no mood to argue and politely ask you to leave. You fear that very soon the outside world will find about this and the vulnerable tribe would be displaced from their land. (a) Evaluate the following courses of action which you can take for their ethical merits and demerits:","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8873,"topper":"VISHAL","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/73_Vishal_16884_632_GS.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"It has been argued that if the tendency to bypass the Council of States for passing important legislation through the 'nomenclature' of money Bill is not checked legally, it can affect the very basic structure of our Constitution and functioning of the Parliament. Discuss. (Answer in 200 words)","marks":null,"words":"200"},{"page":6,"question":"Parliament should be an institution of discussion, debate, deliberation and dissent not of disruption. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"While much has been said about the significance of Indian ocean region, the salience of Pacific has only recently figured prominently in the Indian scheme of things. In what ways are the Pacific Island nations important from India's perspective? What challenges does India face in furthering its influence in the region?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Inspite of the importance of private sector's role in Indian higher education its performance has not been satisfactory. Discuss. What are the challenges that lie ahead in setting up high quality private institutions in the country?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"United Nations Security Council reforms should not only include its expansion but also the way it functions. Analyze.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Passing of private member's bill has been a rarity in India's political history. Compare and contrast government bill and private member's bill. Further discuss the issues w.r.t passage of private member's bill in the Parliament along with suggesting measures to address the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Law Commission in its 262nd report has the recommended the abolition of Death Penalty. What arguments have been put forward by the commission in order to justify its stand. Does this issue necessitate a fresh look in context of the changed socio-economic conditions in the country? Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Transparency and accountability are important not only in state run enterprises but also on-governmental organizations. Discuss. Further, suggest measures on how NGOs can be made more transparent and accountable in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Many of the recent exclusivist outbursts in the northeastern States, including in Manipur, can be attributed to a fear of losing ancestral land to outsiders. In this context, what has been the role of Inner Line Permit system? Also, discuss its limitations and relevance in view of the situation prevailing in the current scenario.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"The move by Assam anc Odisha to create egislative councils has created a public debate on the role of upper house in states. In this context, examine the utility of legislative councils.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"The Indian Police Act of 1861, a colonial relic, needs to be replaced with a law that befits a free country. In context of the above statement discuss the need for reforms to establish a professional police force in the country.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"A view which has gained currency is that the no-detention policy under the RTE Act has led to deteriorating standards in learning outcomes. Critically examine this view and suggest measures to improve education standards in the country.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"PRAGATI is a unique blend of e-governance and e-transparecy, which seeks to promote a culture of proactive governance and timely implementation involving realtime presence and exchange among key stakeholders. Illustrate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Discus how Directive Principle of State Policy have shaped the policy making process in India. Do you think it has been successful in achieving its objective. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"India's participation in bilateral and multilateral naval and military exercises represent India's desire to safeguard its sphere of influence and is also a response to changing geo-strategic scenario. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Despite complementarity of interests and needs, India and Central Asia have remained distant for a long time. Explain why. In what ways can the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) help in expanding India's trade and investment links with Central Asia?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"The fourteenth finance commission is advancement over the previous finance commission in terms of improving the federal relations of the country. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"\"The Right to Privacy is not a guaranteed constitutional right.\" Critically discuss this statement in the light of recent controversy around the Aadhar Scheme.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"India's inability to join APEC is not because of lack of interest on her part but due to a variety of other reasons. Explain. What are the expected benefits of such a membership for India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"That the recognition of transgender rights could open up a Pandora's Box on the issue of decriminalization of homosexuality amounts to taking a narrow view on an important question of social justice. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8874,"topper":"Vishal Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/13955_769_Vishal_Mishra_Rank_49.pdf","questions":[{"page":17,"question":"The prominent reason is patriarchy - It is a ideology which never give equal status to women and always consider women as object of love. It tries to control sexuality of women and envisage the men has a","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Similarly socialization should be done in such a way that gender-equality as a value should have imprint on child's mind. But very often patriarchy has inflicted the socialization.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8875,"topper":"Vishal Mishra","air":49,"year":2017,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/13955_930_Vishal_Mishra_Rank_49.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8876,"topper":"Vishal Mishra","air":49,"year":2017,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/13955_932_Vishal_Mishra_Rank_49.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8877,"topper":"Vishal Mishra","air":49,"year":2017,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/13955_933_Vishal_Mishra_Rank_49.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8878,"topper":"Vishal Mishra","air":49,"year":2017,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/13955_768_Vishal_Mishra_Rank_49.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8879,"topper":"Vishal Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/13955_981_Vishal_Mishra_Rank_49.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Although it is the right time for elevating the mission of 'Make in India' to 'Inovate in India', significant challenges exist in doing so. Elaborate. How can these challenges be overcome?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"What is meant by public debt? Highlight the objectives of public debt management. Explain why it is considered prudent to disaggregate debt management from monetary policy and take it out of the realm of central bank.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"There is an urgent need for India to get infrastructure financing, however, the current investment model of PPPs is poorly designed and needs restructuring. Discuss the issues plaguing the success of PPPs with respect to stalled projects, risk management, governance & institutional capacity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"The worsening road safety situation in India is further complicated by an increasing population and proliferation of vehicles on the road. Discuss. Also, highlight the steps that are being taken by the government to address the issue of road safety and reduce the associated fatalities.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Explain the concept of 'green economy'. Highlight the costs and benefits in making a transition towards green economy for developing countries like India. Also discuss the associated challenges.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Despite the government claiming excess electricity production, the power situation for households continues to remain bleak in many parts of the country. Explain the reasons behind this. How can the UDAY scheme help in improving the current situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Enhancing the competitiveness of the Textile sector can create employment as well as promote inclusive growth. Elaborate with reference to government initiatives for promotion of the textile sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Digitalisation of transactions is a panacea to address the problems of corruption and tax evasion as well as achieve financial inclusion. Critically evaluate. Also enumerate the impediments for India to transit to a digitalised cashless economy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Explain why the government has adopted the HELP in place of the NELP that was existing for almost a decade. Also discuss how HELP has the potential to transform India's E&P activities with special emphasis on non-conventional sources of energy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Briefly highlight the parameters used by the government to determine the extent of poverty in India. Examine the relationship of economic growth and poverty alleviation in the post-reforms era.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Buffer stocking of food grains is seen as a vehicle to deliver strategic food and agricultural domestic support policies, however, there is a growing consensus that the programme has been not just costly but also imprudently wasteful. Critically evaluate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Discuss the significance of food processing industry in the economic development of the country and the challenges which need to be tackled for sustained growth of the industry. Also elaborate on the the salient features of National Mission on Food Processing.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"In spite of having the world's largest livestock population in India, the potential of animal rearing remains underutilized. In this context, discuss the challenges faced by the meat and poultry sector and suggest measures for accelerated and sustained growth for this sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Indian agriculture has become cereal-centric and as a result, regionally biased and input-intensive. Discuss. What steps have been taken by the government to rectify this issue?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Even though India has a huge potential for aquaculture and fisheries industry, there are certain challenges that need to be addressed to bring about a 'Blue Revolution' in the country. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"What is hydroponics? Discuss its relevance in light of limited land availability while ensuring food security.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Not only does the yield (measured in tonnes/ha.) of a crop but a number of other factors determine the choice of crops that a farmer cultivates. Elaborate with special focus on cropping pattern in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Agriculture seems to be one of the most affected but the least equipped as far as climate change is concerned. Discuss the statement with special emphasis on developing countries and their need for agriculture finance and subsidies.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Discuss the lacunae in implementation of Minimum Wages Act in ensuring the welfare of agricultural labour. Also, suggest some other measures to improve the situation of agricultural labourers in the country.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"Discuss the potential of horticulture sector in realizing the government's vision of doubling the farm income. Also, highlight the challenges which are needed to be addressed for realizing full potential of this sector.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8880,"topper":"Vishal Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/13955_876_Vishal_Mishra_Rank_49.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"While India has taken a number of steps in order to substantially improve its ranking in the World Bank's 'Ease of Doing Business' Index, it needs to take further action in this regard. Elaborate. Also analyse the utility of these rankings vis-a-vis India's objective of facilitating a sound entrepreneurial environment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"In wake of the agrarian crisis that the country is witnessing, discuss the need for adopting an income-centric approach in preference to a production-centric one as the basis of agricultural policy. In this context, also highlight the steps that should be taken to achieve the goal of doubling the income of farmers by 2021-22 and the challenges that exist.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"It is argued that India's fiscal centre of gravity has rapidly shifted from the Centre to the States. Analyse the statement in context of the debate on fiscal discipline. Also, enumerate the key recommendations of the N.K. Singh panel on Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Strategic sale of state-run firms is a prudent step to deal with the challenges being faced by the public sector enterprises in India. Comment. Also enumerate other measures that can be taken in light of NITI Aayog's suggestions in this regard.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Shell companies in India are neither legally defined nor properly understood. Analyse in the light of recent developments, prevalent understanding and steps required to effectively deal with shell companies.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"If a larger population in India is to be involved in the economy in a big way, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are key. Elaborate. Also discuss the challenges faced by the SME sector in India and give an account of the measures taken by the government to deal with these.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"What are the reasons for the growing informalization of industrial labour in India? Discuss the issues associated with the phenomenon and reforms required to deal with them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"A number of far-reaching developments have taken place in the local and global energy space which have to be reflected in our own energy policy framework. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"The Indian IT-BPM (Information Technology-Business Process Management) industry is a global powerhouse today and its impact on India and the world has been unprecedented. Comment. Also, mention the challenges being faced by India's IT-BPM sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"An effective multi-modal logistics and transport sector will make the Indian economy more competitive. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Climate change threatens sustainable development, impairs socio-economic development and reinforces cycles of poverty across the globe. In this context, discuss the utility of climate risk insurance as an instrument within a comprehensive climate risk management system.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"Why are women particularly vulnerable to the impact of natural disasters? Also analyse, with adequate examples, how women can play a more effective role in disaster risk management cycle.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"In view of the seriousness of heat waves and its consequences, greater attention is required for dealing with it as a natural disaster. Analyse in the context of recent developments and the actions taken by relevant government bodies.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"While genome editing offers immense potential benefits in the area of healthcare, there are a lot of apprehensions regarding its use. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Discuss various ways in which supercomputers have benefitted mankind over the years. Also enumerate the objectives of the National Supercomputing Mission and the mechanism for its implementation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Widely seen as a disruption for the traditional banking and financial institutions, cryptocurrencies have gained significant traction lately, at the same time creating a regulatory nightmare for regulators across the globe. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"An internationally-binding agreement to strengthen the Outer Space Treaty of 1967 is both desirable and increasingly a necessity. Analyse in view of the traditional and emerging challenges in this arena.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Even after nearly 60 years in existence, AFSPA remains at the centre of debates with respect to countering violent insurgencies, role of the states and local communities. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Analyse the challenges and opportunities inherent in the push for indigenisation of defence production in India. Also, identify the measures through which indigenous manufacturing of defence equipments is being encouraged by the Government.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"India's ability to pursue a clear-cut strategic vision depends on its ability to improve institutional cooperation and coordination between the armed forces and civilian bureaucracy. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8881,"topper":"Vishal Mishra","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/13955_860_Vishal_Rank_49.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Marketing has become a crucial link in the success of a business. With suitable examples, discuss the ethical issues involved in marketing of a product or service. How can these issues be resolved? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Value education empowers a person to confront the myriad challenges of contemporary Indian society. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Ethics is the first line of defence against corruption while law enforcement is remedial and reactive. Examine the statement with suitable examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss the influence that parents have on values of their children and the role they can play in transmitting good values and resisting negative influences. Why is it that, at times, the values of children differ from that of their parents?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"What does 'public service' means to you? Describe the various ways in which one can serve the public. Does one necessarily serve the public better by entering the civil services? Justify your stand.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"What do you understand by 'civic virtue' in public life? What are the challenges in practising it in today's time? How can these challenges be overcome?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"The lives of great leaders inspire us in many ways. Which leader has had a lasting impact on you and in what way? Mention one outstanding value that you have imbibed from him/her and its importance to being a civil servant.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Governance is the vital link in our quest for prosperity and equity. What should be the key elements of ethical governance to eliminate corruption and bureaucratic delays? Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Has excessive profit seeking by corporates undermined the trust of public in the private sector? Giving examples, examine the reasons for failure of corporate governance in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Income inequality, resource mismanagement and health hazards are some of the negative consequences of globalization. In this context, what are some of the ethical dilemmas that civil servants face today? How has the approach to handling these undergone a change?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Discuss the role and importance of independent directors for corporate governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"Is there a conflict between morality and freedom? Discuss with reference to Kant's views on categorical imperative.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"\"Since at the beginning and end of our lives we are so dependent on other's kindness, how can it be that in the middle we neglect the kindness towards others?\" - The Dalai Lama. Bring out what you understand by this quote and discuss its relevance in the Indian society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"You, a reporter currently working as an intern, accompanied a small group of reporters to a political event organized by the ruling party's state unit. The party was followed by dinner where you were also asked to join. Here, you noticed that alcohol was being served to some members of the ruling party. Consumption of alcohol had been declared illegal in the state a few months ago and the ban is being enforced strictly across the state. The other reporters in your group ignored the issue and asked you to ignore it as well. However, it was clear to you that the law was not being followed. (a) Identify the issues involved in this scenario. (b) What are your duties in such a scenario? (c) What course of action would you follow and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"You are posted as the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in a district. As the SDM it is your responsibility to conduct interviews and select a candidate for the post of an ASHA worker in the district. On the day you are conducting the interviews, you are approached by the MLA of the local constituency who asks you to choose a particular lady for this position by overlooking the other candidates. On checking her documents you find that she is eligible in all respects. The MLA implores that she should be given the post on compassionate grounds as her husband was a soldier who was martyred in a war. Some of the options to handle the situation could be as follows: (a) Ignore the MLA and proceed with the process of selection. (b) Speak to your superior and seek his guidance on the matter. (c) Appoint the lady to the post as it is a compassionate appointment. Also suggest other possible options. Evaluate each of these options and suggest the best course of action, giving reasons for it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"You are officer-in-charge of a very important railway junction, which is an artery of trade and commerce. A peasant disturbance has been brewing in your district for the past few weeks. Their discussions with the political and district leadership has borne no fruit and it has come to the stage that now they are protesting by organizing a sit-in on the railway tracks near the station. They have thereby succeeded in blocking movement of all trains. This disruption is causing significant harassment for the passengers waiting at the platform as well. (a) What will be your course of immediate action? (b) How can emotional intelligence act as a tool in handling this issue? (c) What steps will you take so that such incidents are not repeated in the future?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are representing India in an international bidding for oil exploration in a country. Other, richer countries are also bidding for the project. You are sure that your bid of exploration is better as well as cheaper than that of others, and that you will definitely win the bid. A day before the auction, you come to know that other countries are employing every means, including bribing the authorities for being successful. Some of the officials of the home country have also contacted you and made some demands in exchange for assurance of India winning the bid. You are aware of the criticality of this bid in terms of domestic economic and strategic implications. Based on above information, answer the following questions. (a) Specify the ethical dilemma(s) that you face in this situation. (b) Do ethical concerns really matter in international transactions or are they secondary to domestic interests? (c) What will be your course of action in the above situation? Justify with merits and demerits.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"You are the CEO of a film production company, which has not been doing well financially for some time. Your company is now relying on its forthcoming movie, which is about to be released shortly. The movie has a cast of reliable actors and even before its release, trade pundits have predicted that the movie will be a hit. However, you face a conundrum as one of the actors in the movie is a citizen of a neighbouring country with which relations have been disturbed and a war like situation exists. While the political atmosphere was different when the movie was being filmed, now there is a widespread public demand, with a local political party at the forefront, for replacing the actor from the movie or a ban on the release of the movie itself, if the actor is not replaced. While you are aware of the mood of the nation and the public repercussions of releasing the movie in its present form, you also know that it is not feasible to replace him at this stage as he has a substantial role in the movie. There is also a section in the film fraternity that does not want you to compromise in the wake of threat by the local party as it compromises freedom of speech and expression as well as artistic creativity. (a) What are the options available to you? (b) Evaluate each of the options and state their merits and demerits. (c) What course of action would you take and why?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":55,"question":"Big firms often undertake sub-contracting to complete large infrastructure projects in a timely manner. You recently joined one such firm as a manager responsible for awarding these contracts. Looking at the past records, you find that all contracts for the past few years have been awarded to a particular firm, X. Your superior has asked you to award an upcoming contract to the same firm. Although, not binding, company procedure maintains that sub-contracting work should be offered after competitive bids. This is to ensure that the firm most suitable for the project in terms of operations and finance gets the contract. When you discuss this with your superior, he insists that hiring of the firm X has been done as per legal norms of the company and no official rule has been violated. You decide to contact the owner of the firm X. After doing so, you realize that he is the nephew of your superior, who is also a shareholder in the company. (a) State the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) Does this form of transaction between two private parties constitute a conflict of interest? Justify. (c) Evaluate the possible ways of awarding contracts in such a situation with their merits and demerits. Also state which method would be more suitable in each situation.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8882,"topper":"Vishal Mishra","air":49,"year":2017,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/13955_938_Vishal_Mishra_Rank_49.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8883,"topper":"Vishal Mishra","air":49,"year":2017,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/13955_939_Vishal_Mishra_Rank_49.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8884,"topper":"Vishal Mishra","air":49,"year":2017,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/13955_940_Vishal_Mishra_Rank_49.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8885,"topper":"Vishal Mishra","air":49,"year":2017,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/13955_941_Vishal_Mishra_Rank_49.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8886,"topper":"Vishal Singh","air":56,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/19vyA9OH1DU9HyOEk6dCPwvHmhD4HePW9/view","questions":[]},{"id":8887,"topper":"Vishal Singh","air":56,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/ESSAY_PROGRAME_VISHAL_SINGH_AIR_56_8686522043.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8888,"topper":"Vishali P","air":530,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Shankar IAS Parliament","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.shankariasparliament.com/uploads/downloads/VISHALI_P1_compressed.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8889,"topper":"Vishali P","air":530,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Shankar IAS Parliament","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://www.shankariasparliament.com/uploads/downloads/VISHALI_P2_compressed.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8890,"topper":"Vishnu Sasikumar","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Vishnu-Sasikumar-UPSC-2023-Rank-31-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Before the borders are broken the minds are invaded.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Talent and passion are only useful tools if one has the work ethic to back them up.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The opportunity of interfaith dialogue: modern solution for globalised world.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The only impossible journey is the one you never begin.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Science applied is the engine of humanity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Eyes cannot see what the mind does not know.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Doubt is the origin of wisdom.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"The relation between environment, resources and conflict is same as the connection between Democracy, human rights and peace.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8891,"topper":"Vishnu Sasikumar","air":31,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a24f1-1471535_2488_vishnu_sasikumar_rank_31.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8892,"topper":"Vishnu Sasikumar","air":31,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/10/air-31-vishnu-sasikumar_test-1_gs1.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Q.1 The fabric of Indian philosophical thought owes as much to Northern India as to Southern India. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2 The Indian society's impulse for social change and reform was a response to its opposition to colonial rule. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.3 What are the factors that led to the Russian revolution and what are the consequences of this revolution? Discuss its influence on the Indian national movement.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.4 Discuss the various factors responsible for the uneven temperature distribution on Earth's surface.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.5 The melting of glaciers due to climate change has serious implications for the ecosystem and human society. Discuss the effects of melting glaciers on the environment and the measures that can be taken to address this issue.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.6 The White Revolution was most successful in the Western part of India. Discuss the factors for this regional success of the White Revolution.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Why White Revolution not to other regions","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Q.7 To what extent does seismic investigation contribute to our understanding of the Earth's interior structure? Analyze its significance in detail.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.8 The pace of demographic transition varies across different states of India making population growth a double-edged sword. Comment.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.9 The ethnic and cultural diversity in India has always been bound by the thread of unity. Discuss the major factors that have contributed to the cultural unity of India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.10 The dichotomy in public and private life in Indian society acts as a major barrier to the annihilation of caste. Justify.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.11 India was forced into numerous wars post Independence. Highlight the causes and impact of the Indo-Pak and Indo-China wars on our bilateral relationships.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"Q.12 The process of consolidation of Bengal, which started after the Battle of Plassey culminated in the Battle of Buxar. Do you think the Battle of Buxar was more important for the British than Plassey?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Q.13 Sanskrit literature in general and particularly in the Guptan age set a high watermark for the literary history of ancient India. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Q.14 The configuration of the ocean floor provides essential information about the geological processes that have shaped the Earth's surface. Discuss the major features of the ocean floor and their significance in the study of oceanography.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":35,"question":"Cracks in ocean floor indicate cracking due to earthquake.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"Q.15 With the growing demand for rare earth elements, their distribution has become a critical aspect of the global economy. Discuss the distribution of rare earth elements across the world, their uses, and the environmental impact of their extraction.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Q16 Tourism in the hilly states is threatening to exceed the ecological carrying capacity of the region. Analyze the factors contributing to this trend and evaluate the potential Environmental impacts of this phenomenon. What measures can be taken to ensure sustainable tourism in these states?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Q.17 The Indian monsoon is a complex phenomenon influenced by various climatic factors. Critically examine the role of oceanic and atmospheric factors in determining the intensity and distribution of monsoon rainfall in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Why do traditions in our society impede change? To what extent can social legislation be instrumental against old customary practices?","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":49,"question":"Q.19 Slums are not 'problems' that have to be 'solved' - but are indeed a result of lopsided and vested urban policies covering infrastructure provision and socio-economic issues. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":52,"question":"Communalism gains strength from economic deprivation, and thrives in environments of social exclusion, creating fertile ground for discontent and division. Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8893,"topper":"Vishnu Sasikumar","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Vishnu-Sasikumar-UPSC-2023-Rank-31-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the role of the 'Fourth Estate' in upholding democratic values and analyse the issues affecting press freedom in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The electoral process, though inclusionary in theory, has been pointed out for exclusionary tendencies in practice. Analyse, with special emphasis on role of women in India's representative electoral system. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Assess the effectiveness of Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 in resolution of river-water disputes. Also describe the potential impact of delays in resolution of water disputes. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the significance of the cooperative model of development in addressing the issues of rural growth. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"In order to pass the ultimate test of good governance, welfare state should be close to the people, responsive to their aspirations, and inclusive in its approach. Discuss with special reference to PM PVTG Development Mission. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"To what extent collaboration between the state and civil society organizations (CSOs) help in addressing poverty and malnutrition in the country? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Absence of a robust social infrastructure in the country may become one of the most significant challenges in achieving a developed status by 2047. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Though the changing paradigm towards dialogue and diplomacy in West Asia augurs well for India's interests in this otherwise restive region, presence of inimical actors may reverse the gains. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Water diplomacy can redefine the contours of regional cooperation in South Asia. Discuss with special reference to Indus water treaty 1960. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Despite constitutional backing to the institutions of local governance, the idea of decentralisation has remained hostage to several structural bottlenecks. Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Independent judiciary, as envisaged by the constitution, provides the bedrock for a thriving polity; however, executive encroachment may erode its credibility and affect its efficacy. Evaluate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"Executive agencies, working as the watchdog against impropriety, are vital to act against the corrupt; however, pandering to vested interests may have the effect of turning the idea of rule of law on its head. Comment, with special reference to controversies associated with the Enforcement Directorate (ED). (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Critically analyse the role of National Commission for Women (NCW) in wake of its mandate to safeguard women's rights and uphold their socio-economic wellbeing. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Understanding the extent, source, and complexity of deprivations among the multidimensionally poor contributes to more informed policymaking. In this context, analyze the latest National Multidimensional Poverty Index Report by NITI Aayog. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Safely managed drinking water services, as desired by Jal Jeevan Mission, are designated to give multifarious benefits cutting across generations. Discuss. Also, elaborate upon the challenges in ensuring the mission's success. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":45,"question":"Legislation like Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989 remains mere legal documents without intense sensitization of public functionaries and the civil society. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Harbinger of global rebalancing, India-Africa ties are a beacon of inclusive, sustainable, and equitable world. Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"How do ASEAN centrality, rules-based order, and development partnership with Pacific Island states make Indo-Pacific a theatre of opportunity for India? What are the hurdles in realisation of an inclusive Indo-Pacific construct? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8894,"topper":"Vishnu Sasikumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1ca39-1471535_2424_vishnu-sasikumar_rank_31.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"What are the different dimensions of food security? Examine India's status in terms of ensuring food security with regard to these dimensions. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Modern technologies such as blockchain and ChatGPT are powerful tools with immense potential to transform agriculture into a more efficient and sustainable sector. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What factors have led to the recent acceleration in the trend towards de-dollarization of the global economy? Do you think the dollar will lose its dominance anytime soon? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Despite significant pressure from the developed countries to alter its food subsidy regime, there is merit in India trying to retain its policy support for the poor in the country. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Several initiatives have been taken by the government towards addressing India's water needs, but the issues of water availability and water quality still warrant prioritised intervention. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What are the major drivers of glacial retreat in the Arctic? Describe the potential impact of the retreat of Arctic glaciers on the ecosystem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Space tourism, which was viewed as something straight out of a science fiction movie, is now becoming a reality albeit not without hindrances. What are the challenges associated with space tourism? What measures can be taken to address these challenges? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Global health experts widely believe that the development of CAR-T cell therapy can be a game changer in the treatment of cancer. How can CAR-T cell therapy overcome the limitations of CRISPR-Cas9 technology? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss why the rising deployment of new and emerging technologies by prominent violent extremist organizations demand concerted global efforts. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"With the Line of Actual Control (LAC) remaining tense after the Galwan and Yangste incidents and both India and China ramping up infrastructure in the border areas, discuss the role that ITBP plays in the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Do you think there is a need for a shift from 'land productivity' to 'irrigation water productivity' in India? Justify your answer. What are the challenges in making this shift? Explain. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Examine the role that green hydrogen can play in unlocking the energy security of India. How can the National Green Hydrogen Mission help India in achieving its energy goals? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The government has been weighing a transition from minimum wage to living wage in recent times. What are the benefits and constraints in the adoption of living wage in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The Union Budget affects almost every sector of the Indian economy, yet neither the budgetary processes nor the budget policies come under substantial public scrutiny. Do you agree? Justify your answer. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"India has been able to transform itself from a milk deficit country to the world's biggest milk producer, but the productivity of dairy animals in the country remains a concern. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"While climate change is responsible for crop failures, the agricultural sector itself is partly responsible for extreme weather events. Discuss. What strategy has been adopted under National Agriculture Disaster Management Plan to strengthen the resilience of the farming community in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Some regions in India, including Delhi, are highly vulnerable to the impact of earthquakes originating in the Himalayas. Discuss. What institutional measures have been taken to mitigate earthquake losses in India? Do you think there are significant gaps that still exist? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Recently, scientists announced net energy gain in nuclear fusion reaction, which is considered as a major scientific breakthrough for the future of clean energy. What are the advantages of nuclear fusion based power generation? What are the limitations in using it to generate electricity at a commercial scale? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Keeping in view the recent amendment, examine the efficacy of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, in tackling the menace of money laundering in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Discuss the security threats present in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), which have a direct bearing on India's maritime border interests. Suggest a robust strategy to deal with these threats. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8895,"topper":"Vishnu Sasikumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5d9e4-1471535_2423_vishnu-sasikumar_rank_31.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With suitable examples, discuss how environmental pressure groups enhance public participation and responsiveness with regard to environmental policies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The recent acknowledgment of sex work as a 'profession' by the Supreme Court is merely the first step in ensuring basic rights and equality for sex workers in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the role played by District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) in providing free legal aid and disseminating legal awareness in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"\"The collegium system has become a victim of its own success, with the concentration of power in the hands of a few, leading to questions about its legitimacy.\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"Civil services reforms must go beyond recruitment and standardised training to cope with the present day challenges.\" Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Outcome-based finance models such as social impact bonds have the potential to truly catalyse change and deliver socio-economic impact at scale. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The wide gap between the number of females graduating every year and those entering the workspace is an issue of paramount importance that needs to be addressed. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"An up to date and functional Civil Registration System (CRS) is essential to the socio-economic planning in India. Discuss in the light of the recent move of the Central government in revamping the CRS system in the country. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What are the key areas of reform if the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has to align with the current economic realities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In recent years, India's relationship with West Asia has evolved from the confines of geopolitics to expanse of geoeconomics. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The role of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) is significant in furthering healthy competitiveness aimed at inspiring stakeholders to innovate and augment effectiveness. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"\"The menace of paid news often rears its ugly head during elections.\" Discuss the need for making paid news an electoral offence in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the 'Doctrine of Essentiality' referred to by the courts in the context of religious practices in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"As per the recently released report of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), there is an urgent need to limit the size of the government in India. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The Institutions of Eminence (IoE) scheme was conceived to develop 'world-class' centres of higher education in India but six years later, it is yet to become the game changer it was intended to be. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) allows for innovative and convenient public services, help overcome inclusion or accessibility barriers, and increase transparency and accountability with real-time data. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Besides legislation, the full realisation of the 'right to health for all' in India demands plugging of social, financial, and infrastructural gaps. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The 'third gender' has not yet been engendered in the Indian society despite legislative nudge. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Among other factors, strained ties with China and Pakistan make it difficult for India to fulfill its expectations from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"The recently concluded initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) between the United States and India promises a long overdue transformation of their partnership in the field of technology. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8896,"topper":"Vishnu Sasikumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/50e42-1471535_2422_vishnu-sasikumar_rank_31.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The traditional theatre forms of India reflect the ideals and emotions of the society, and an individual's role in the community. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Provide an account of the historical and architectural importance of the Sanchi Stupa. Also, discuss how it inspired the future architecture in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Bhagat Singh made a real breakthrough in terms of revolutionary ideology, the goals of revolution and forms of revolutionary struggle. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Bringing out the factors that led to the Meiji restoration, discuss its significance for Japan. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite being destructive in nature, volcanoes are critical for the existence of human life on earth. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The existence of relative deprivation is an important aspect in constructing the argument for regionalism. Explain with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"If India is to realise the goal of 'education for all', the issue of rising cases of bullying and other forms of school violence needs to be addressed immediately. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Bring out the role played by the Ahom Kingdom in shaping the cultural and historical identity of North-East India, and discuss its legacy in contemporary times. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The capitalist class generally remained ambivalent in their support to the Indian National Congress until 1940s. In this context, analyse the varying positions of the Indian capitalists throughout the national movement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"As fertility rates decline in India, future demographic concerns center around an ageing population and a weak social security system. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"With a significant proportion of India's population expected to live in urban areas by 2030, the welfare of the urban poor needs to take centre-stage in public policy. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8897,"topper":"Vishnu Sasikumar","air":31,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/28/air-31-vishnu-sasikumar_test-1_gs1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8898,"topper":"Vishnu Sasikumar","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Vishnu-Sasikumar-UPSC-2023-Rank-31-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"In many ways, the Spanish civil war was the opening act of WWII. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"How will you explain the different fates of Buddhism and Jainism despite a slew of similarities in the two religions? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Non-Cooperation Movement democratized India's freedom struggle but suffered from inherent limitations. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Critically analyse the efficacy of linguistic reorganization of states in addressing the reasons for linguistic divides in post-independent India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Briefly discuss the role of plate tectonics theory in explaining the location of volcanoes. Also, explain the multifarious impacts of volcanoes on the surrounding regions. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Taking further the success of Aspirational Districts Programme, Aspirational Blocks can help achieve the twin objectives of balanced growth and checking stress migration. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Describe the critical factors for location of defense industries and suggest measures to overcome the challenges. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"To what extent can Socio-Economic-Caste Census (SECC) address the challenges in achieving equitable resource allocation and targeted welfare? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Indian society is premised on some common values that give it a composite texture as well as some diverse practices that deepen its heterogeneity. Elucidate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"What are the factors that influence population growth in the country? In this perspective, examine the relevance and need of raising the minimum marriageable age of women for population development. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Bring out the reasons behind the tribal unrest in British India. Also, analyze the reasons for their limited success. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The independence of India was not a result of a forced expulsion of the Empire, as desired by the Quit India Movement; it was rather a confluence of domestic politics and global circumstances. Analyze. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Explain why Sufism, a liberal reform movement in Islam could deepen its roots in the Indi-an sub-continent, despite Islam being a foreign religion? Also, bring out the impacts of Sufism on Indian society. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Enumerate the reasons behind rising intensity and frequency of cyclones in the Arabian Sea in recent years. Giving special reference to NDMA guidelines, recommend measures to check the adverse impacts of cyclones. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Examine the impacts of climate change on the hydrological cycle and suggest suitable mitigation and adaptation strategies to contain the harmful implications. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Defining continental shelf, highlight its resource potential and ecological significance. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Rooted in patriarchal values, gender-based violence, in all its manifestations, is antithetical to societal growth. Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The caste calculus in the Indian society remains predominant and continues to project its shadow on social, political, and economic domains. Do you agree? Substantiate your answer. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss various factors contributing to the water woes faced by Indian cities. Also, explain complexities in implementing a comprehensive water management plan. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Though important elements of group identity, religion and region also run the risk of deepening communal cleavages. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8899,"topper":"Vishnu Sasikumar","air":31,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Nextias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/11/air-31-vishnu-sasikumar_test-4_gs4.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"1. (a) Public service requires not merely legal but also morally principled action. Public service requires the public servant to place loyalty to the constitution, laws, and ethical principles. Among the three, which do you think must acquire primacy while carrying out official functions? Why? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"1. (b) What do you understand by \"integrity-based civil disobedience\"? Do you think a challenge to personal integrity can be a justifiable cause for responsible disobedience in civil services? Explain.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":9,"question":"2. (a) Recent research has shown that emotions significantly impact personal and professional lives. What are the primary emotions that negatively and positively impact workplace productivity? Explain with relevant examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"2. (b) Technical efficiency ensures resource utilization and social efficiency ensures fulfillment of social needs, what does ethical efficiency ensure? Do you think ethical efficiency is more important than technical and social efficiency? Why/Why not?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"3. (a) \"Man cannot do right in one department of life whilst he is occupied in doing wrong in any other department.\" Gandhi.\nDo you think an individual's personal ethics impacts professional life or they both can be compartmentalized? Explain your position with relevant examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"3. (b) Goodness is the result of internal imperatives to do what is right, not sanctions from moral rules or rewards from expected consequences. Do you agree? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"4 (a) Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance.\n(a) \"To tolerate is purely an act of the mind. That is the essence of virtue. To tolerate is a strength.\" (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"4. (b) \"It is our first duty to serve society, and after we have done that, we may attend wholly to the salvation of our souls.\"","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"4. (c) \"Periods of peace are the empty pages in the history books\"","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":23,"question":"5. (a) In the context of civil service, distinguish between moral and nonmoral values. Identify 5 basic moral values that can serve as foundational values for all services irrespective of the department. Give reasons why those values can be considered foundational.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"5. (b) Citizens' involvement in decision-making is critical to ethics in governance. Do you agree that effective civic engagement mechanisms can facilitate an ethics-driven administration? What do you think are the mechanisms that citizens can use for ensuring ethics in governance?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"6. (a) Social transformation programs such as \"beti bachao and beti padhao\" believes in using advice, counseling, and persuasion but sometimes a little force is also necessary for getting the desired response. Do you think it is a good idea to mix little force with persuasion by public administrators while implementing social schemes of transformation? Explain with relevant examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"6. (b) Ultimately foreign policy of every country hinges upon the strength which the nation possesses. Strength may be military or financial and may be also...moral.\" Do you think ethical strength without military or financial muscle will be respected in today's world? Explain your position.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":31,"question":"7 You are a young officer working with the Municipal Corporation of an industrial city. The city was known for manufacturing ball bearings and auto parts. Most manufacturing units were small-scale units with very little production process automation. The units relied on manual labor, which was in abundance due to the villages close by.\nAs the number of manufacturing units grew, the demand for labor increased, bringing in a steady inflow of laborers into the city. This influx of people into the town led to a mushrooming of slums and encroachments on the sidewalks. Once in a while, the Corporation conducted drives to clear out the slums, but after a time, the slums came back. The illegal slums had become an urban nightmare.\nYou were given the responsibility of clearing out the encroachments and slums with the help of Police authorities. As you started the drive, you realized that the people living by the sidewalks were vulnerable compared to the slum dwellers. Many sidewalk dwellers had recently come to the city after selling their properties in their villages. Now if you drive them out, they have no place to go. Your heart went out to them, and you felt that your departmental action was inhumane, but your official responsibilities demanded stern impartial action. You are desperate to find a way to help the sidewalk dwellers without compromising your official duties.\n(a) What value conflicts do you notice in the above situation?\n(b) Can an administrator compromise the value of impartiality for empathy? Discuss.\n(c) What are the options available in the above situation?\n(d) Suggest viable solutions for tackling illegal slums and encroachments in urban areas.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"A certain State government was running a welfare scheme for promoting safe motherhood among rural landless laborers' families. The scheme involves the transfer of funds to the beneficiaries to enable them to mitigate income loss due to maternal care responsibilities. Since its implementation, the scheme has done reasonably well on maternal health and economic indicators.\nYou are the Director of the Department responsible for implementing and operating the scheme. Recently you have been receiving reports of welfare fraud being committed by families by producing fake bona fide. The families committed the fraud with the help of local officials responsible for scrutinizing the bonafide.\nYou were concerned because the fraud was seriously undermining the scheme's efficiency. You called for a departmental meeting to discuss and find a solution to the problem. In the meeting, it was decided to merge several available government data sets such as Aadhar cards, voter ID cards, marriage certificates, birth certificates, bank details, and other personal assets. By merging all the data sets, the department would be able to develop the beneficiary's economic profile. And this will help the department scrutinize the documents and detect fraud. This was a comprehensive strategy, but it risked violating an individual's data privacy. As a Department head, you wanted to detect and prevent fraud, but at the same time, you were apprehensive about violating the Data privacy of the stakeholders.\n(a) What are the issues involved in the above case?\n(b) Do you think violating data privacy is justified to prevent welfare fraud? Why/ Why not?\n(c) What, according to you, can be the reasons for such welfare frauds happening in the country?\n(d) Are there any ways and means to prevent such fraud? Give your suggestions.","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":41,"question":"9 You are posted in the Department of Mines, and one of your roles is to help your Department Head negotiate mining leases with private contractors. Recently, the state government demarcated a new mining zone and planned to invite bids for the mining blocs. You were instructed to oversee the bidding process and speed up the contract negotiations. As planned, the tenders were released, bids came in, and tenders were allocated as per the norms. All this happened at a breakneck speed. You wondered, why the hurry? But it was not your place to think and question; you quietly went about your work. As the contractors were about to start operations, you had to instruct them on environmental concerns to watch out for. And to do that, you read the environmental impact assessment report submitted by a consulting firm hired by the department. To your surprise, the report was shoddy and looked cooked up. You got suspicious and raised the issue with your Head, who politely instructed you to do what you were told, and he reminded you that the Department had revenue targets and was under pressure from the Ministry. After the meeting, you, on your own accord, did some digging and found out that the report was fraudulent and the mining activity that was about to start would lead to a massive environmental disaster which the State could not afford.\n(a) What are the issues and value violations you notice in the above case?\n(b) What are the options available to you?\n(c) Discuss the advantage and disadvantages of each option and identify your chosen course of action.\n(d) Do you think that environmental considerations are sometimes overrated at the cost of development?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":46,"question":"10 (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\n(b) Do you think that corporate businesses like GAMA should think about international ethics while promoting their business interests? If yes, why? If no, why not?\n(c) Do you think that the social responsibility of a corporate extends beyond its immediate community to the international community? If yes, why? If no, why not?\n(d) Do you think that sensitive technology selling defense companies should be regularly regulated by their respective governments? Or can regulation reduce their entrepreneurship and innovation energy? Discuss.\na What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\nb Do you think that corporate businesses like GAMA should think about international ethics while promoting their business interests? If yes, why? If no, why not?\nc Do you think that the social responsibility of a corporate extends beyond its immediate community to the international community? If yes, why? If no, why not?\nd Do you think that sensitive technology selling defense companies should be regularly regulated by their respective governments? Or can regulation reduce their entrepreneurship and innovation energy? Discuss.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"(b), (c), (d) (b) Do you think corporate businesses such as GAMA must consider international ethics while pursuing business interests? Why/why not?\n(c) Do you think a corporate's social responsibility extends beyond one's immediate community to the international community? Why/Why not?\n(d) Do you think the Defence sector companies marketing sensitive technologies must be regulated by their respective governments, or regulation may curtail their entrepreneurial and innovation energy? Discuss.","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":51,"question":"11 Mr. Sharma was the All India Sales Head of a pharmaceutical company with a turnover of 400 crores. The company's main markets were small towns and tier 2 cities. Further, the company did a sizeable amount of business with state government hospitals and health centers.\n\nMr. Sharma had given a lot of freedom to field sales agents to strike deals and negotiate prices with clients. This strategy worked well for the company.\n\nRecently Mr. Sharma received word that three company employees were selling products to government hospitals and health centers at a higher price than they were selling to other private hospitals and health centers. The employees were with the company for over five years and were good performers. A few sales staff informally raised the issue of the three getting relatively higher commissions because of their inflated deals. And this was creating a sense of unease among the sales staff. A cursory review of the account of the three showed that, in many instances, the government hospitals were paying more than other private institutions.\n\nUnder procurement rules, the government is supposed to pay a fair price, one that other cost-conscious customers pay. On inquiry, Mr. Sharma found that the three were not alone; government purchase\n\n(a) इस मामले में कौन-से नैतिक और व्यावसायिक मुद्दे शामिल हैं?\n(b) श्री शर्मा और सीईओ के पास कौन-कौन से विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\n(c) क्या आपको लगता है कि बिक्री कार्यालय को स्वतंत्रता देने की संगठात्मक संस्कृति के कारण समस्या उत्पन्न हुई या व्यक्ति की भ्रष्ट प्रवृत्ति के कारण समस्या उत्पन्न हुई? चर्चा कीजिए।\n(d) जैसा कि इस मामले में बताया गया है, ऐसे अनैतिक व्यवहार को रोकने के लिए कंपनी कौन-से नैतिक तंत्र और उपाय निर्माण और कार्यान्वित कर सकती है? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)\na) इस मामले में कौन-से नैतिक और व्यावसायिक मुद्दे शामिल हैं?\nb) श्री शर्मा और सीईओ के पास कौन-कौन से विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nc) क्या आपको लगता है कि बिक्री कार्यालय को स्वतंत्रता देने की संगठात्मक संस्कृति के कारण समस्या उत्पन्न हुई या व्यक्ति की भ्रष्ट प्रवृत्ति के कारण समस्या उत्पन्न हुई? चर्चा कीजिए।\nd) जैसा कि इस मामले में बताया गया है, ऐसे अनैतिक व्यवहार को रोकने के लिए कंपनी कौन-से नैतिक तंत्र और उपाय निर्माण और कार्यान्वित कर सकती है? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"(a) What are the ethical and business issues involved in the case?\n(b) What are the options available to Mr. Sharma and the CEO?\n(c) Do you think the organizational culture of giving freedom to the sales force led to the issue or was the individual's corrupt nature that led to the problem? Discuss.\n(d) What ethics mechanisms and steps can the company create and implement to prevent unethical behavior, as mentioned in the case? (Answer in 250 words) 20 marks\na) What are the ethical and business issues involved in the case?\nb) What are the options available to Mr. Sharma and the CEO?\nc) Do you think the organizational culture of giving freedom to the sales force led to the issue or was the individual's corrupt nature that led to the problem? Discuss.\nd) What ethics mechanisms and steps can the company create and implement to prevent unethical behavior, as mentioned in the case?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":56,"question":"(a) उपरोक्त मामले में कौन-कौन से मुद्दे शामिल हैं?\n(b) आपको क्या लगता है रश्मि को क्या करना चाहिए? क्या रश्मि के लिए स्थानीय प्रशासन को शामिल करना अच्छा विचार होगा? कार्यान्वयन योग्य कार्यवाही का सुझाव दीजिए।\n(c) क्या आपको लगता है कि कंपनियों को उस क्षेत्र की सामाजिक समस्याओं के लिए भी जिम्मेदारी स्वीकार करनी चाहिए जहाँ वे अपना कार्य करती हैं? अगर हाँ तो क्यों, अगर नहीं तो क्यों नहीं?\n(d) श्रमिक संघ की इतनी आक्रामक प्रतिक्रिया के क्या कारण हो सकते हैं? आपके अनुसार रश्मि को कर्मचारी संघ को कैसे संभालना चाहिए? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए) 20 अंक","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":57,"question":"(a) What are the issues involved in the above case?  (b) What do you think Rashmi should do? Would it be a good idea for Rashmi to involve local administration? Suggest an implementable course of action.  (c) Do you think companies should also accept responsibility for the social problems of the region where they operate? Why/why not?  (d) What could be the reasons for such an aggressive reaction from the workers union? How do you think Rashmi should handle the workers union?\na) What are the issues involved in the above case?\nb) What do you think Rashmi should do? Would it be a good idea for Rashmi to involve local administration? Suggest an implementable course of action.\nc) Do you think companies should also accept responsibility for the social problems of the region where they operate? Why/why not?\nd) What could be the reasons for such an aggressive reaction from the workers union? How do you think Rashmi should handle the workers union?","marks":"20","words":"Answer in 250"}]},{"id":8900,"topper":"Vishnu Sasikumar","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Vishnu-Sasikumar-UPSC-2023-Rank-31-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The influence of ethical principles on shaping socially responsible behavior is widely acknowledged. How do ethical values facilitate individuals in cultivating a proactive and constructive attitude towards fulfilling their social responsibilities? Can the subjective nature of ethical principles lead to divergent attitudes regarding social responsibility? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Through their actions, interactions, and teachings, schools have the power to mold the moral compass of the next generation. In this perspective, discuss the significance of value-based education in preparing the youth to address the contemporary challenges of society. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'situation ethics'? Critically analyze its strengths and weaknesses in making moral judgements. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Maintaining traditional bonds and familial relationships in an increasingly globalized world requires personal relationships to be governed by ethical principles. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Why should a man be moral? Because it strengthens his will.\" - Swami Vivekanand. In this perspective, discuss the significance of morality for bringing efficiency and effectiveness in public administration. Do you think moral rigidity can be a hindrance in good governance? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Civil servants who embody emotional intelligence exhibit a profound understanding of the human aspect of governance, enabling them to cultivate meaningful relationships, foster cooperation, and drive positive change. Examine ways in which Emotional Intelligence can be inculcated in civil servants. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The challenges posed by the corporate sector's impact on climate, environmental sustainability, and living conditions has highlighted the need for responsible and inclusive business practices. In this direction, the contemporary discourse on corporate governance is emphasizing the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. Evaluate the ESG framework in equipping the corporate world with the capabilities to fulfill its social roles and responsibilities. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Uniform Civil Code (UCC) aims to create a common set of laws governing personal matters, such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption, irrespective of individuals' religious affiliations. In the context of the ongoing discourse on UCC in India, examine the challenges that arise when attempting to reconcile legal principles with diverse moral considerations. To what extent should the law be influenced by moral/religious principles? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What does each of the following quotation mean to you? a) \"When I do good, I feel good; when I do bad, I feel bad, and that is my religion\" - Abraham Lincoln. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"\"Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time.\" - Ruth Bader Ginsburg. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"\"Happiness is that state of consciousness which proceeds from the achievement of one's values\" - Ayn Rand. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":8901,"topper":"Vishnu Sasikumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/750d9-1471535_2425_vishnu_sasikumar_rank_31.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"For effective corporate governance to take place in the coming years, why is it important to integrate the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics with the multi-stakeholder approach? What benefits can be accrued by such integration? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In acts of corruption, the focus is often only on the demand side of the equation, on public officials who abuse their office for private gain. Frequently, the supply side is given less attention. Those who pay bribes are sometimes depicted as innocent parties and victims of extortionary practices of wily public servants. Do you agree that 'collusive corruption', in which there is a willing bribe-giver, is a formidable challenge for institutions fighting corruption? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Citizens' Charters initiative was a response to the quest for solving the problems, which a citizen encountered, day in and day out, while dealing with the organisations providing public services. But the introduction and implementation of Citizens' Charters in the government of India has been difficult due to the old bureaucratic set up and the rigid attitudes of the work force. Discuss the major obstacles that have been encountered in implementing the Citizens' Charter initiative. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Quality of public service delivery is a major determinant of the quality of life of vulnerable sections in a highly unequal society divided along the lines of class, caste, religion, etc. In this background, do you think that public service delivery is efficient and sufficient enough to improve the lives of vulnerable groups in India? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? \"The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own.\" - Lao Tzu (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"If ethics are poor at the top, that behavior is copied down through the organization.\" - Robert Noyce (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"The end of law is not to abolish or restrain, but to preserve and enlarge freedom.\" - John Locke (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":8902,"topper":"Vishnu Sasikumar","air":31,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/ee21bf4c91767f03906ea17bc7230b10/153/air-31-vishnu-sasikumar_test-4_gs4.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8903,"topper":"Vishnu Sasikumar","air":31,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/u/2/folders/1YvBROOPuOnJ2MKSNa3vQP_Fa9Xe9SlMq","questions":[]},{"id":8904,"topper":"VISHVJEET SINGH HOLKAR","air":905,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/81/pttp220305_tc061.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8905,"topper":"VISHVJEET SINGH HOLKAR","air":905,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/82/pttp220305_tc062.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8906,"topper":"VISHVJEET SINGH HOLKAR","air":905,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/83/pttp220305_tc063.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8907,"topper":"VISHVJEET SINGH HOLKAR","air":905,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/328/pttp220305_tc071-test-01-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8908,"topper":"VISHVJEET SINGH HOLKAR","air":905,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/332/pttp220305_tc075-test-05-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8909,"topper":"VISHVJEET SINGH HOLKAR","air":905,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/329/pttp220305_tc072-test-02-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8910,"topper":"VISHVJEET SINGH HOLKAR","air":905,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/333/pttp220305_tc076-test-06-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8911,"topper":"VISHVJEET SINGH HOLKAR","air":905,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/330/pttp220305_tc073-test-03-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8912,"topper":"VISHVJEET SINGH HOLKAR","air":905,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/334/pttp220305_tc077-test-07-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8913,"topper":"VISHVJEET SINGH HOLKAR","air":905,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/331/pttp220305_tc074-test-04-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8914,"topper":"VISHVJEET SINGH HOLKAR","air":905,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/321/pttp220305_tc071-test-01-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8915,"topper":"VISHVJEET SINGH HOLKAR","air":905,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/322/pttp220305_tc072-test-02-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8916,"topper":"VISHVJEET SINGH HOLKAR","air":905,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/323/pttp220305_tc073-test-03-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8917,"topper":"VISHVJEET SINGH HOLKAR","air":905,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/324/pttp220305_tc074-test-04-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8918,"topper":"VISHVJEET SINGH HOLKAR","air":905,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/325/pttp220305_tc075-test-05-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8919,"topper":"VISHVJEET SINGH HOLKAR","air":905,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/326/pttp220305_tc076-test-06-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8920,"topper":"VISHVJEET SINGH HOLKAR","air":905,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/327/pttp220305_tc077-test-07-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8921,"topper":"Vishwa Varddhan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/8e693-657113_3128_vishwa_varddhan_rank_101.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"The world must learn to work together, or finally it will not work at all.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Technology, like art, is a soaring exercise of the human imagination.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"We've begun to raise daughters more like sons, but few have the courage to raise our sons more like our daughters.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8922,"topper":"Vishwa Varddhan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/aaecb-657113_2930_vishwa_varddhan_rank_101.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How is the rapid growth of the food processing industry leading to food safety challenges in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Under the Public Distribution System of India, the Fair Price Shop (FPS) transformation is an evolving process. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"How are agri-tech startups in India helping farmers in enhancing farm productivity and market access? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the role of digitization of land records in the effective implementation of land reforms in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"To fully exploit its demographic dividend and accelerate economic growth, India needs to adopt a manufacturing-led growth model. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can the resilience of Indian coastal communities be strengthened to tackle the growing natural hazards resulting from climate change? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How does the Green Credit Programme extend beyond carbon management to promote a more sustainable environment in India? What are the various concerns about its implementation? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What is the need for NavIC when existing satellite navigation systems are already available? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Cyber-enabled financial crime has emerged as the new frontier of global money laundering. Discuss. How can the government address this issue? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The Indian Army is observing the year 2024 as the 'Year of Technology Absorption'. In light of this, explain why there is a need for technology absorption in the defence sector of India. What challenges can India face in this initiative? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What are the issues faced in the development of trade and industries in the North-Eastern Region (NER) of India? Comment on the measures that have been taken to tackle these issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the era of climate change and growing water scarcity, how can micro-irrigation systems contribute to sustainable agricultural practices in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What strategies can be adopted to overcome the issues pertaining to freight transportation in the Indian Railways and increase its share in the domestic freight? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the factors that have aided India in making impressive strides in the renewable energy sector and establishing itself as a frontrunner in the global renewable energy transition. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"How does agricultural runoff containing fertilizers and pesticides contribute to environmental pollution? What measures can be taken to mitigate the impact of agricultural runoff? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The growing influx of tourists in Himalayan states has breached their ecological carrying capacity, leading to significant man-made disasters. What measures can be implemented to prevent such disasters while promoting sustainable tourism? Discuss with relevant examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"How do superconductors fuel innovation in diverse fields of science and technology? Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"While India has laws covering almost all types of intellectual property rights, numerous enforcement, regulatory and administrative challenges hamper the commercialisation of IPRs in India. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Keeping in view the challenges in creating integrated theatre commands, examine how the theaterisation of commands can lead to greater integration and rationalisation of manpower and resources among the three services. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Treating border villages as first villages not just geographically but also in terms of facilities can be a key strategy for enhancing border security. Discuss. Also, highlight the measures being taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8923,"topper":"Vishwa Varddhan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e4c41-657113_2929_vishwa_varddhan_rank_101.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Expression of dissent is central to the functioning of the Parliament. In light of this, discuss the role of the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in India's parliamentary system. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"How can the integration of technology into judicial processes enhance accessibility, capability, and efficiency in justice delivery? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Supreme Court of India has upheld unique asymmetry in India's federalism by intricately balancing centralized authority and regional autonomy. Discuss with the help of relevant case laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Evaluate the effectiveness of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes in safeguarding the interests of the Scheduled Castes in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Executive accountability to the legislature through Parliamentary Committees has been the hallmark of the Indian political system. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can India make Citizens' Charter a powerful tool for improving governance and empowering citizens? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How do corporate donors aid NGOs in facilitating holistic development in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite its merits, should the POCSO Act be revisited to correct the existing inadequacies? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"China's acquisition of strategic ports globally has significant implications for international trade routes and economic relations. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"What are the main functions of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)? How will its recent treaty on intellectual property, genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge benefit India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) plays a crucial role in combating corruption, its functioning is often criticized for being partisan and acting against the federal spirit. Discuss with the help of suitable examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Governors in India often overstep their constitutional role and fail to act effectively when needed. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Both India and the USA adhere to democratic principles but their electoral systems exhibit significant differences. What are the key differences in electoral practices between the two countries? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"How far do you agree with the view that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has met its objective of ensuring environmental justice in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Though Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) have become a platform for competitive politics, they have not emerged as an agency of planning and service delivery. Why? (Answer in 250 words)15","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by interoperability in e-governance? What steps have been taken by the government to ensure interoperability and integration of various e-governance systems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"When it comes to sexual and reproductive health of women in India, rights-based discourse has largely been bypassed not just by the societal norms but also by the legal norms. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"How effective has India been in enhancing immunization coverage over the years? What challenges continue to affect immunization efforts in the country? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India used its Presidency of the G20 to bring the voice of the Global South to the centre stage. Discuss with special reference to Africa. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"India's relationship with the UAE has witnessed a remarkable expansion across various domains in the last decade. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8924,"topper":"Vishwa Varddhan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/669a6-657113_2931_vishwa_varddhan_rank_101.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The end cannot justify the means, for the simple and obvious reason that the means employed determine the nature of the ends produced. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss how the relationship between law and ethics is dynamic and continuously shaped by societal changes. Provide examples to illustrate this dynamic relationship. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Differentiate between probity and integrity with suitable examples. How do these values contribute to ethical governance and decision-making in the civil services? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Discuss the ethical implications of withholding information in public administration. How can transparency enhance accountability and reduce corruption in government institutions? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What factors lead to a positive attitude in a person? How does positive attitude enhance the effectiveness of civil servants in performing their duties? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss how emotional intelligence can influence ethical decision-making in the allocation of scarce public resources. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Various international humanitarian organizations provide emergency aid in conflict zones around the world. Highlight the ethical challenges faced by such organizations. What are the principles that guide international humanitarian work? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Why is persuasion regarded as an important skill for civil servants? What are the key considerations that should guide persuasion in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"What role can ethical leadership play in curbing corruption, especially in public service? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"What were the major teachings of Swami Dayanand Saraswati? Explain their relevance in addressing the current ethical and social challenges in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":33,"question":"Discuss the ethical dilemma Karan faces in deciding whether to report the incident against Mariyam's wishes. (b) Evaluate the options available to Karan. Which of these options should he choose and why? (c) What responsibilities do organizations like XYZ Corp have in preventing and addressing sexual harassment and creating inclusive workplace environments? (Answer in 250 words)20","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Jay, a civil servant, was appointed as the Commissioner in the state's Education Department a year ago. In his initial months, he implemented several policies and programmes that were transforming the Education Ministry's operations, gaining a good reputation that could potentially benefit the concerned minister in the upcoming elections. However, Jay now faces a significant challenge. As part of his responsibilities, he must approve the recruitment of new teachers for government schools. He has received a list of 120 candidates recommended for vacant posts, but suspects the recruitment process was unfair. Jay had also received several complaints claiming that the process had not been meritocratic. Upon review, Jay discovers evidence suggesting that many names on the list are the result of political patronage — a prevalent issue in the state where politicians use recruitment to gain political support. Jay believes the Education Minister is engaging in this practice as the election season approaches. This situation reminds Jay of a past incident when, as a junior officer, he refused to entertain an unnecessary procurement request. Consequently, he was transferred within a week, and he and his family faced frivolous anti-corruption complaints as retaliation. His successor approved the procurement at even higher rates. Jay is now concerned that blocking the current recruitment could lead to similar consequences. In addition, he fears that if he stands against this unfair recruitment process, his projects initiated in the Ministry personally could be terminated. (a) What are the options available to Jay as the Commissioner of the Education Department? Evaluate each of these options. (b) What option should Jay adopt and why? (c) How can civil servants like Jay be better protected when they attempt to uphold ethical standards in their work? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"What are the options available to Jay as the Commissioner of the Education Department? Evaluate each of these options. (b) What option should Jay adopt and why? (c) How can civil servants like Jay be better protected when they attempt to uphold ethical standards in their work? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"As the District Magistrate of X city, you are responsible for overseeing the construction of a new metro depot in an urban forest area, which is a critical infrastructure project aimed at improving public transportation and reducing traffic congestion and air pollution. The project, however, requires the clearance of a substantial portion of the forest, which has triggered strong opposition from environmental activists, local residents, and NGOs. This forest is widely regarded as essential for the city's ecological balance, often referred to as the city's \"lungs.\" In addition to the environmental concerns, you are under considerable pressure from politicians at the state-level to expedite the project, given the upcoming elections in two years. The political leadership emphasizes the benefits of the metro project for the city's development and its potential to garner electoral support. The project is expected to significantly reduce travel time for thousands of commuters and potentially decrease overall vehicle emissions in the city. However, it would also lead to the loss of thousands of trees and disrupt local ecosystems. As you prepare to make a decision, you are aware that your choice will have far-reaching consequences for both the city's development and its environment. (a) Identify the ethical dilemmas involved in the above case. (b) Evaluate the options available to you in the above situation. Which of these would you choose and why? (c) Suggest some measures that could be implemented to balance urban development needs with environmental conservation in future projects. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"Dr. Mehra is a senior drug developer at a leading pharmaceutical company in India, renowned for producing various medications, including lifesaving drugs critical for treating chronic and rare diseases. Since its inception, the company has emphasized the quality and affordability of its drugs. Recently, under revised government guidelines, pharmaceutical companies are required to market a finished product only after obtaining \"satisfactory results\" from tests on the ingredients. Additionally, they must retain a sufficient quantity of samples of both intermediate and final products to allow repeated testing or verification of a batch. Dr. Mehra's team is in the final stages of developing a new medication for a rare but life-threatening disease. This drug has shown promising results in clinical trials. However, there have been unresolved concerns about the long-term side effects of the drug, observed in a small percentage of trial subjects. Despite this, the company has not released any major drug in the past decade, leading to significant pressure from the board members to expedite the drug's release. (a) Identify the stakeholders in the above case study. (b) Discuss the ethical issues faced by Dr. Mehra. (c) Analyse the options available to Dr. Mehra in the above case. Which of these would you choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"You have been appointed as the Under Secretary in the State Urban Development Department. The Department has been tasked with a prestigious project aimed at revitalizing the infrastructure of a city with deep historical significance. This project, which you are extremely passionate about, involves modernizing public transportation, restoring heritage buildings, and creating green spaces while preserving the city's cultural essence. Excited by the opportunity, you spent weeks researching and drafting a comprehensive proposal. Your plan included innovative ideas for sustainable development, community engagement, and leveraging technology for urban planning. You presented these initial plans in a departmental meeting, hoping to inspire your colleagues and kickstart the project. However, your enthusiasm was met with indifference. Your colleagues showed little interest, he seemed equally indifferent, casually mentioning that he is set to retire in six months and that the project has a long gestation period. Determined to see the project succeed, you took it upon yourself to drive it forward. For the past two months, you have been working more than 12 hours a day, often late into the night, sacrificing time with your family. Your dedication is driven by your belief in the project's potential to transform the lives of the city's residents and preserve its rich heritage for future generations. Two months into the project, a review meeting is called by the Chief Secretary. During the meeting, Department heads from various sectors are present to discuss ongoing and upcoming projects. When it is time to present the urban revitalization project, your boss stands up. To your shock, he presents your draft proposal as his own work, taking all the credit for the innovative ideas and comprehensive planning. As you sit there, listening to your superior claim your hard work as his own, you feel a mix of anger, disappointment, and demoralization. This incident not only undermines your efforts but also leaves you questioning the value of your dedication in a work culture that does not seem to support collaboration or recognize individual contributions. (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) How does the above-mentioned work culture affect workplace morale and productivity? (c) What are the options available to you and how would you address the situation? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":58,"question":"Arun, renowned for his integrity and dedication, has recently assumed the role of Superintendent at a state Pollution Control Board. This posting, his fourth in just one year, includes the responsibility of overseeing Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs). In his new position, Arun becomes aware of a copper smelting plant situated near a crucial wetland that serves as the primary water source for the region. Despite the plant's notorious reputation for heavy pollution, the current EIA, presented to Arun by the Chairperson, indicates no significant impact on the wetland. The next assessment is not scheduled for another two years. One day, Arun receives a letter from a politician affiliated with the opposition party. The letter contains evidence suggesting that the current EIA results are based on falsified lab reports, allegedly approved by the Chairperson. The Chairperson is known to have close ties with the ruling party, which has been receiving substantial donations from the plant's operators. The opposition politician urges Arun to expose the Chairperson from within the department, arguing that this approach could effectively pressurize the government to conduct a new EIA. He promises Arun significant rewards and support once their party comes to power, an outcome suggested by recent opinion polls. While the evidence presented is compelling, Arun remains cautious about the possibility of being exploited as a political tool. He is aware of the potential consequences, of his career and environment both, for the-like, of being fully aware. (a) In light of the above case, discuss the ethical issues that may arise from the nexus between corporate, political, and bureaucratic interests. (b) As a conscientious civil servant, evaluate the options available to Arun. Which option should he choose and why?(Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":59,"question":"In light of the above case, discuss the ethical issues that may arise from the nexus between corporate, political, and bureaucratic interests. (b) As a conscientious civil servant, evaluate the options available to Arun. Which option should he choose and why?(Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8925,"topper":"Vishwajeet Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/76bb3-1317840_3128_vishwajeet_gupta_rank_67.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Write two essays, choosing one topic from each of the Sections A and B, in about 1000-1200 words each :\n1. The world must learn to work together, or finally it will not work at all.\n2. Technology, like art, is a soaring exercise of the human imagination.\n3. We've begun to raise daughters more like sons, but few have the courage to raise our sons more like our daughters.\n4. The will of the people cannot make just that which is unjust.\n5. It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.\n6. To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.\n7. We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are.\n8. A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes.","marks":"125 x 2 = 250","words":"1000-1200 words each"},{"page":6,"question":"1. The world must learn to work together, or finally it will not work at all.\n2. Technology, like art, is a soaring exercise of the human imagination.\n3. We've begun to raise daughters more like sons, but few have the courage to raise our sons more like our daughters.\n4. The will of the people cannot make just that which is unjust.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"6. To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8926,"topper":"Vishwajeet Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a17d4-1317840_4510_vishwajeet_gupta_rank_67.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. Folk music serves as a repository of the cultural identity. Discuss the role of folk music in preserving cultural heritage and promoting social cohesion.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. How does the Vesara style of temple architecture represent a synthesis of the Nagara and Dravida styles? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. Discuss the role played by Indians living abroad in advancing the cause of India's freedom struggle. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. How did the Marshall Plan influence the economic recovery and political stability of post-war Europe? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. Discuss the factors responsible for increased cyclonic activity in the Arabian Sea. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. How can technological interventions help in transforming the textile sector in India? What are the initiatives that the government has taken in this regard?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. What is a seiche and how does it form? Discuss the geographical conditions under which seiches are most likely to occur. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. How has rapid urbanisation affected the socio-cultural landscape of peri-urban regions in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Examine the role of historical and socio-political factors in driving communalism in Indian politics. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. Globalization has significantly influenced the aspirations, lifestyle, and value systems of Indian youth. Discuss with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. Examine how Chandragupta-II's reign symbolised a golden age of cultural development, laying the foundation for future advancements in Indian art and literature.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. Evaluate the intended and unintended consequences of British educational policies for the Indian society in the colonial period.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. India's territorial disputes after independence were not merely about borders, but also encompass issues of national identity, historical grievances, and geopolitical strategies. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. Discuss the geographical conditions responsible for the development of shola forests in the upper reaches of the Western Ghats. Highlight their ecological significance.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. Discuss the potential of natural hydrogen as a fuel to meet growing global energy demands? Why is it still an untapped industry?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"16 Why is there a shift of labour-intensive industries from China to South and Southeast Asia? Discuss the advantages and challenges for India in this context.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. Explain the socio-economic transformations resulting from women's migration to metropolitan areas in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"18 The institution of marriage in India is increasingly becoming a site of conspicuous consumption and commodification. Critically examine the impact of this commercialisation on social equity and gender relations.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. Analyse how recognizing, reducing, and redistributing care work can foster gender equality and promote inclusive development in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. Discuss the changing nature of family structures in urban India. How is it impacting elderly care and socialization of the youth? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"1. Impact on socialization of the youth:","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8927,"topper":"Vishwajeet Gupta","air":67,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/VISHWAJEET-GUPTAUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-67-Sample-MGP-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) Basic structure doctrine has prevented the Parliament, a creature of the constitution, from becoming the master of the constitution. Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) To what extent, in your opinion, Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in India have enabled women led development at the grassroot level?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) The power of pressure groups lies not in their size or elaborate organization, but in their ability to mobilize public opinion and create lasting change. With help of relevant examples, discuss how informal pressure groups shape public policy.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) \"Bail not Jail\" is the cardinal principle that upholds the sacrosanct ideas of individual's liberty and dignity. Explain the statement with the help of various judicial pronouncements.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 Dispute redressal is the most important component of cooperative federalism. How does the Interstate Council facilitate the resolution of disputes related to states in India, and what are the challenges associated with this process?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) Anti-defection law has failed to address and resolve the evil of political defection satisfactorily. Discuss various issues surrounding the Anti-defection law and recommend some corrective measures.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) Decriminalization of homosexuality by the SC in Navtej Singh Jauhar case remains a task half done, specially without the socio-political sensitisation about the issues faced by LGBTQIA+ community. Elaborate in light of ongoing debates on same sex marriage.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) Asses the relevance of lateral entry in civil services in making the governance structure more effective, efficient, and people oriented.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) Built upon common democratic values and shared vision of strategic autonomy, India-France bilateral ties exude a promise of stability, growth, and security in a time of geo-political flux and uncertainty. Do you agree? Substantiate your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 As an important attribute of soft power, \"Knowledge diplomacy\" has the potential to further various objectives of foreign policy. Explain.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) Referring to the case laws through which the collegium system in India evolved, critically assess its functioning.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 Considering the non-enforceable nature of fundamental duties and directive principles of state policy, critically examine their impact in socio-political norms.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"3) National Symbols and Song are respected and promoted. Is SC judgement on playing National anthem in theaters?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13) Despite its vital role for the smooth functioning of the body politic, constitutional punctuality remains conspicuous by its absence. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 Frequent reliance on the ordinance making power by the government, not only dilutes the basic tenets of executive accountability in a parliamentary democracy, but also overlooks the democratic traditions of building consensus. Discuss with relevant examples.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 The critical reason for poor public health indicators in India goes beyond recognition of right to health as fundamental right. Do you think that a statutory framework alone can ameliorate the situation?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 Reforming the education infrastructure through digital interventions is a progressive step, but it has its limitations too. Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 Electoral bond was brought in as a reform that was high on intent but has proved to be low on substance. Do you agree? Justify.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18) The profound impact of the data revolution and widespread smartphone usage has necessitated the use of digital tools in welfare programmes. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Presidency of G20 is but a reflection of India's quest for a more just and polycentric world order, where the voice of the global south is mainstreamed not muzzled. Elucidate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 The new cold war between the USA and China may have the effect of casting a long shadow on India's strategic interests from Pacific to Atlantic. Evaluate.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8928,"topper":"Vishwajeet Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5e6f8-1317840_4512_vishwajeet_gupta_rank_67.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. Analyse the factors that have contributed to India's inclusive economic growth in the past decade.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. The Reserve Bank of India's surplus transfers offer the government much-needed fiscal space, yet they are not without challenges. Critically examine the implications of the RBI's surplus transfers to the government.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. To what extent was the first National Monetization Pipeline (NMP) able to meet its objectives? What are the objectives of the new Asset Monetization Plan 2025-30 as announced in the recent 2025 Budget? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. Examine the major challenges hindering the Indian textile industry from achieving its full potential in the global value chain.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. Why has India become increasingly import-dependent for edible oils despite being a major agricultural economy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. Air accidents are low-frequency but high-impact events. Examine the disaster management protocols in place for aviation-related emergencies in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. Chemical pollution poses a grave threat to human health and the environment in India. Discuss the key sources contributing to pervasive chemical contamination and evaluate the effectiveness of existing environmental laws in curbing this problem.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. Missile defence systems are becoming critical for national security in the face of evolving regional threats and advanced weapon technologies. Explain the working principle of missile defence systems. Critically assess India's progress in developing indigenous missile defence capabilities.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Despite multiple resolutions and initiatives undertaken by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), its efforts to counter terrorism have achieved limited success. Discuss the reasons for this limited effectiveness. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. India practices a ‘multi-alignment’ approach in its cyber diplomacy. How does this posture strengthen India’s internal security while maintaining strategic autonomy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. While examining the shortcomings of the land reforms in the past, elaborate what land reforms 2.0 should look like.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. As NITI Aayog completes 10 years of its establishment, critically examine its role in the planning and development paradigm of governance in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. What are the primary causes of limited formal credit penetration among the rural and unbanked populations in India? Comment on the effectiveness of Small Finance Banks in addressing this gap and advancing inclusive financial growth.","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. To what extent has the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for the food processing industry facilitated value addition, employment generation, and global competitiveness in India's food processing industry? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. Waste circularity is emerging as a sustainable solution to India's mounting solid waste crisis. Discuss the key principles of waste circularity and the government's initiative in this regard. How effective have these measures been in fostering a circular economy? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. Discuss the importance of integrating traditional ecological knowledge of India's tribal communities with modern disaster management frameworks. Mention two examples where indigenous practices have contributed to disaster resilience.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. CRISPR technology has rapidly advanced in recent years, with new tools and clinical breakthroughs. Highlight the recent developments in CRISPR-based gene editing technology applications. Discuss the opportunities and ethical challenges these advancements present for healthcare and society.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. A credible semiconductor ecosystem is pivotal for India's economic security as much as for national security. Analyse the strategic objectives, incentives, and institutional architecture of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM). Identify the major risks that could derail its timelines.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. Intricate inter-play of diverse factors has been the force multipliers for extremism in the North East. Discuss. Suggest a multilayered strategy to tackle the menace of extremism in this region.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"0. Despite recent steps towards inducting women into combat roles, their participation remains low. Examine the key challenges impeding the greater inclusion of women in the Indian armed forces. Also, suggest suitable measures to enhance their participation.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8929,"topper":"Vishwajeet Gupta","air":67,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/VISHWAJEET-GUPTAUPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-67-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) While knowledge and skills are crucial, they should be accompanied by a strong foundation of ethics. In this context, discuss the importance of ethics in education and the role of educational institutions in imparting ethical values.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) Mahatma Gandhi considered ahimsa is the highest duty. He express that even if we cannot practice it in full, we must try to understand its spirit and refrain as far as is humanly possible from violence. Do you think, this articulated profoundness of Ahimsa is still relevant? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) The debate of ends versus means is a never ending one. While teleologists stress the need for the right ends, deontologists argue that the ends, no matter how valuable, cannot justify the means. What are the pitfalls in justifying right ends over right means? Also analyze the implications of always adhering to the right means.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) How does Emotional Intelligence (EI) help in balancing personal as well as professional life? Discuss with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) What does each of the following quotations mean to you?\na) \"Experience is the only teacher we have. We may talk and reason all our lives, but we shall not understand a word of truth, until we experience it ourselves\" - Swami Vivekananda","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) \"Individuals should cultivate noble traits so that socio-political organizations are free from highly despicable men.\" - Thirukkural","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"c) \"Happiness is a mysterious thing, to be found somewhere between too little and too much.\" - Ruskin Bond","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.4) a) I would rather try to persuade a man to go along, because once I have persuaded him, he will stick. If I scare him, he will stay just as long as he is scared, and then he is gone. Persuasion can often achieve what coercion cannot. In this context, evaluate the significance of persuasion for heralding social transformations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"b) Examine the relevance of following in the context of civil services:\ni. Neutrality\nii. Intellectual Courage\niii. Diligence\niv. Selflessness","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.5) a) Why is leadership is considered a foundational value for civil services and a fundamental attribute to be a civil servant?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"b) There are certain standards that society expects from those who are elected or appointed to public office to observe and maintain in the conduct of the public affairs to which they have been entrusted. Those in positions of power can use these positions to take decisions that are solely in the public interest or they can use them to benefit themselves. Where the roots of private virtue are diseased, the fruit of public probity cannot but be corrupt. What do you understand by probity and discuss how probity in public life can be inculcated?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.6) a) Ethical quandary lies in exploring the complex interplay between absoluteness and relativity in ethical considerations. Can ethical principles be regarded as universally absolute, or does the notion of relativity, often associated with physics, also apply to ethics? Share your perspective and provide supporting arguments.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"b) Since its enactment, Right to Information (RTI) Act has helped in improving the levels of transparency and accountability in public institutions. However, many argue that the quality of public service delivery in India is still far from satisfactory. In this background, do you find RTI Act efficient enough to improve the public service delivery for Indian citizens. Critically discuss the need for a Right to Public Service Act (RSPA) to make Indian governance more ethical and efficient.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7) Suman is a young IPS officer who is posted as the SP law and order in a district that has a history of communal clashes. During a cultural event, a political leader made certain controversial comments regarding the religion of another community that can potentially harm communal harmony in the district. The representatives of the aggrieved community met Suman with their complaint. An FIR was registered in the matter and the police department promptly started an investigation. During questioning, the accused political leader denied the charges. He claimed that he was exercising his right to freedom of expression and had no intention of hurting anyone's feelings. He even offered to tender an apology if his statement had hurt someone's religious feelings. However, the aggrieved community was not satisfied with this apology and demanded strict action against the accused. The next day, a video went viral on social media in which the accused political leader can be seen making derogatory statements against another religious faith. However, Suman suspects that the video going viral on the internet is a doctored video and someone has mischievously edited it to make it more vitriolic and inflammatory. The video has ignited communal tensions in the district. The accused political leader belongs to an influential community and his community has put their support behind him. Local intelligence has warned that some anti-social elements are trying to use this opportunity to create communal riot in the district. The entire matter has been politicized and is being covered by the national media. In this situation answer the following:\na) What differentiates a hate speech from a free speech?\nb) Why does social media have a very strong influence over the actions and thoughts of its users?\nc) What is the most suitable course of action for Suman in this situation? Justify.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"Q.8) Bior is a luxury fashion brand/clothing line, known for its ultra-high exclusivity. The luxury fashion products of Bior are widely endorsed by top celebrities, socialites, business magnates, and politicians. Bior design its products and outsource the manufacturing work to its vendors, located in different parts of the world. ABC textiles, one of its vendors, located in India, was chosen for the latest product of Bior, a black color golf T-shirt. It was made targeting the upper class of East European countries including Russia. However, due to an armed conflict between two countries in the region, and deteriorating security situation, the company was forced to close all its outlets in the East European countries. This led to the problem of adjusting/disposing of the factory inventories of 10,000 units of T-shirts prepared by the ABC textiles for Bior. Normally, any company would have redirected its products to any other suitable region and clientele. However, high-end luxury brands like Bior don't follow such practice in order to maintain exclusivity of its products. Therefore, the company directed Kamal, the owner of ABC textiles, to burn the excess products, assuring Kamal that Bior will pay ABC textiles the entire cost of the consignment in full. Kamal was relatively new to the fashion industry. The decision of the company came as a shock to him. Kamal knew that the combined value of the products that he was asked to burn was in multiple crores. Also, many people in the company including Kamal, had worked very hard for the launch of these golf T-shirts for the last few years. He discussed the company's order with his business associates and friends. To his surprise, Kamal was told that this was a common practice among all the high-end luxury brands. In order to maintain the exclusivity of the products, the surplus product is burned. This ensures that the rarity of the product is maintained and the associated glitz and glamour of the product is not diluted. The company reasons that if the surplus product is used by the common working-class people, then it may hurt the brand value of the product. Kamal, himself born and brought up in a middle-class family, was not convinced and found this reasoning abhorrent and vulgar. Kamal has witnessed poverty in India first hand. He personally knew of many cases where the families did not have decent clothes to wear, least of all the likes of quality clothes that he was asked to burn. As the owner of a manufacturing unit, he knew the financial condition of his workers, and the limited resources within which they were forced to live their lives. Contrasting these hard realities with the company's decision of burning products worth crores of rupees, disgusted Kamal and made him ponder over the vulgar display of wealth and power.\na) What are the ethical issues in the above case study?\nb) Imagine yourself in the shoes of Kamal. What course of action will you adopt in the above situation?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":35,"question":"a) उपरोक्त केस अध्ययन में नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\nb) अपने आप को कमल के स्थान पर कल्पना कीजिए। उपरोक्त स्थिति में आप क्या कार्यवाही अपनाएंगे?\na) उपरोक्त केस अध्ययन में नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं?\nb) अपने आप को कमल के स्थान पर कल्पना कीजिए। उपरोक्त स्थिति में आप क्या कार्यवाही अपनाएंगे?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":40,"question":"Q.9 Satish is a climate conscious and responsible citizen. Satish left his well-paying job as a senior manager in a multinational company and started a small firm that manufactures eco-friendly products. The motto of his company is \"zero wastage and green for welfare\". His firm makes bio-degradable polymer which can be used as an alternative to plastic bags, bottles, plates etc. Satish thinks that this will promote a healthier environment and will have a positive impact on people's health. It will also help address the problem of climate change by reducing one's carbon footprint. For this to be achieved, he believes that not just products, but the process too should be less polluting. This is why, he invested heavily in non-polluting machinery. These machines are certified as \"green machines\". In fact, some of them were even imported from other countries. All of this has gained him a good reputation in the eyes of critics and environmentalists. But as the technology used in manufacturing these products is new, imported and expensive, the products made by Satish's firm is costlier than conventional plastic products. Satish has proved that his product is environmentally benign, but he was unable to scale up production because of he ran out of funds. Satish knows that if he could start manufacturing the polymer at a large scale and leverage economies of scale his product would become more price competitive to conventional plastics. Satish used last of his funds to publicize his product. Satish thought that with this publicity, raising funds from the market would be easy. Satish reached out to many investors, and they showed great interest in Satish's product. But none of them were willing to invest money in this product. They feared that this new product, being much expensive, would not be able to compete with the conventional plastic products. Satish's firm is also losing his existing customer who complain about very high cost of his products. Both Satish's prospective investors and past customers know that this technology is less polluting and environmentally benign and has a positive attitude towards it. But consumer concern and attitude about the environment does not readily translate into the purchase of environmentally friendly products. Academic research has also identified this gap between purchase intentions and behaviors. Satish knows that if he changes the production procedure, things can look better for the company on the financial front, but that can take away his reputation and will also be against his own beliefs. The only possible hope is to expand his consumer base, sell his products at full capacity and convince investors to invest in his eco-friendly venture to keep his green industry running. Consider yourself in Satish's position and answer the following questions:\na) How will you induce behavioral change to nudge people to move towards eco-friendly products?\nb) What factors will you have to consider while inspiring such a change?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":41,"question":"a) आप लोगों को पर्यावरण-अनुकूल उत्पादों की ओर प्रेरित करने के लिए व्यवहार परिवर्तन को कैसे प्रेरित करेंगे?\nb) इस तरह के बदलाव के लिए प्रेरित करते समय आपको किन कारकों पर विचार करना होगा?\na) आप लोगों को पर्यावरण-अनुकूल उत्पादों की ओर प्रेरित करने के लिए व्यवहार परिवर्तन को कैसे प्रेरित करेंगे?\nb) इस तरह के बदलाव के लिए प्रेरित करते समय आपको किन कारकों पर विचार करना होगा?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":46,"question":"Q.10) You have recently started working at your dream company. You have hired in the strategies department along with two other new joiners. All of you have just graduated out of college. You have very friendly relations with co-joiners. The three of you have been helping each other at work. The experience of working together has built strong camaraderie between the three of you. Your boss has publicly appreciated the strong team-spirit displayed by you and your colleagues.\nAt the annual review, you have been given a higher pay raise, and a more lucrative job profile. The promotion doesn't come as a surprise to you. You have worked beyond office hours more as a rule rather than as an exception. The project you worked at was adjudged 'the best project of the year in business impact' at the annual corporate awards. One of your co-joiners remarks, in presumably good humor, that you should suggest to your boss to allocate similar high impact projects to your friends as well. You also perceive suggestions towards the shared surname being the reason for special affinity of your boss towards you, indicating at the fact that your boss and you have the same caste. You feel hurt but you also try to think about the remarks with an open mind. You assess that the three of you have indeed worked hard with sincerity. One of your friends, in fact, worked very efficiently despite a personal tragedy at home. There was already a salary differential between you and your colleagues based on the pedigree of your college. The higher pay raise to you has expanded the differential pay structure further. You always considered the initial pay differential to be against the principle of equal pay for equal work. But now you feel your friends may not have been given equal opportunities as well. You are inclined to the belief that efforts and talent of your colleagues have been under-appreciated and you start feeling guilty about your promotion.\nBased on the given information, discuss the options that are available to you for addressing the guilt. What are the merits and demerits of those choices? Which option would you choose? Justify.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"दी गई जानकारी के आधार पर, उन विकल्पों पर चर्चा कीजिए जो अपराध को संबोधित करने के लिए आपके पास उपलब्ध हैं। उन विकल्पों के गुण और दोष क्या हैं? आप कौन सा विकल्प चुनेंगे? औचित्य सिद्ध कीजिए।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":48,"question":"2 To discuss the issue with superior and suggest reforms in promotion & job profile allocation","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Q.11 Madan Kumar is a government bus conductor working with the Utkarsh Pradesh Transport Corporation. Madan, an honest employee, has completed 35 years of service and is due for retirement next year. Madan is due to receive a decent sum of money as retirement benefits, from which he hope to get his daughter Chetna, married. However, Madan's wife pesters him to earn more money in one way or the other. Madan likes his job, and all the passengers in his route vouch for his good nature and helpful behaviour.\nOne day, Sudesh, Madan's boss, called Madan in his cabin. He told Madan that a complaint has been filed against him by a person for illegally taking the ticket money from him without issuing the receipt for the ticket. Sudesh explained to Madan that this act amounted to misappropriation of government money. Sudesh was visibly disappointed and surprised as he hold Madan in high regards due to his sincerity towards the job. He asked Madan as to why he indulged in such an act? Madan, visibly disturbed, told Sudesh that as the conductor of a government bus he receives a meagre salary, grossly insufficient to meet the needs of his family. He told him that his younger daughter, Suman, suffers from chronic kidney ailment, and requires dialysis twice a week. A huge chunk of his paltry salary goes towards the cost of Suman's treatment. Moreover, as a single bread-winner of the family, he has to cater to the needs of his elderly parents. Madan further tells Sudesh that since last one year a substantial portion of his income goes towards repaying the loan that he took for his elder daughter's college education. Madan laments that even after working for 35 long years, he is unable to provide for his family beyond the bare basic necessities. He tells Sudesh that he is aware of many incidents of large-scale corruption in the road transport department that go virtually unnoticed. Further, Madan tries to justify his act of taking money by pointing that almost every colleague of his, indulges in such practices. In comparison to them, what he took, just sixty rupees, is ignorable and paltry. Further, he brought to light the fact that at times they, the conductors, were expected to give their immediate superiors a bribe in the name of convenience fees for various official tasks.\nAfter listening to Madan, Sudesh feels compassion for him. He decides to verify the veracity of Madan's claim with regard to the dire straits of his financial conditions. On enquiry, Sudesh found that Madan was indeed going through tough times, both emotionally and economically. Moreover, the office employees requested Sudesh to take a lenient view of Madan's case. They were of the view that if a strong action is taken over such a trivial incident, then it would be highly unjust and unfair towards Madan. On reaching his home, Sudesh shared the whole occurrence and Madan's story with his wife. To his surprise, his wife too agreed with the employees of the office. She told him that such small incidents are a routine matter. Also, with rising inflation and increasing obligations, this is the only way for people like Madan to make their ends meet. She asks Sudesh to not waste his time and energy over such a trivial matter.\nSudesh knows Madan as a hard-working individual who has many mouths to feed at home. Sudesh has genuine sympathy towards him, however, he also understands that embezzlement of government money, irrespective of amount and circumstances, is wrong. Now he is in a state of dilemma over his course of action.\na) Why are the incidents of petty corruption trivialized? According to you, is it justifiable to ignore small incidents of corruption?\nb) What are various ethical dilemmas in the above case study?\nc) Discuss the merits and demerits of various options available to Sudesh. Also, what, according to you, will be the ideal course of action and why?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"a) छोटे-छोटे भ्रष्टाचार की घटनाओं को महत्वहीन क्यों बना दिया जाता है? आपके अनुसार, छोटी-छोटी घटनाओं को नजरअंदाज करना उचित है?\nb) उपरोक्‍त मामले के अध्ययन में विभिन्न नैतिक दुविधाएँ क्या हैं?\nc) सुदेश के लिए उपलब्ध विभिन्न विकल्पों के गुण और दोषों पर चर्चा कीजिए। इसके अलावा, आपके अनुसार, कार्रवाई का आदर्श तरीका क्या होगा और क्यों?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":57,"question":"Q.12 Harish is a senior officer in a government think tank. He is responsible for analysing the demands for funds from various ministries and state governments, and making recommendations to the government for prioritising the budget expenditure. Harish's department is currently busy in analysing the demands for funds from five different ministries. The first demand is from the Ministry of Defence for 500 crore rupees. The Ministry of Defence has solicited funds for the acquisition of state-of-the-art night vision goggles and assault weapons for the armed force personnel posted in terrorism infested areas of Jammu and Kashmir. The second demand is from the Ministry of Heavy Industries. The Ministry of Heavy Industries has demanded 300 crore rupees for the purchase of electric scooters. Distribution of electric scooters was one of the election promises of the incumbent union government in order to reduce pollution levels in the country. Further, as two states are set to go to poll next year, there is an additional pressure from a senior cabinet minister to prioritise this demand. The third demand is for 200 crore rupees from the Ministry of Road Transport. The Ministry of Road Transport has proposed to build robust road connectivity in left wing affected (LWE) areas and also in the hilly states. It is reasoned that while road connectivity will have a multiplier impact on the economy, it will also ease the movement of troops, improving the overall security situation in LWE areas. The fourth demand is from the Ministry of Health for 200 crore rupees. The Ministry of Health has targeted to increase the insurance penetration in the country. It is argued that increased insurance penetration will boost public health and reduce out-of-pocket expenditure. The fifth demand is for 300 crore rupees from the Ministry of Women and Child Development. The MoWCD aims to expand its nutrition programme in the country to effectively tackle the high levels of stunting and wasting in the children. While each of the government schemes is important, related to national security, economic development and public welfare; the fiscal space available with the exchequer is limited. Harish has an elbow space to accommodate schemes worth 1000 crore rupees. Now, it is incumbent upon Harish to allocate the available money in the most prudent fashion.\na) What principles should guide Harish in the allocation of money?\nb) Imagine yourself in the position of Harish. In what order will you prioritise the available funds and why?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":58,"question":"a) धन के आवंटन में हरीश को किन सिद्धांतों का मार्गदर्शन करना चाहिए?\nb) हरीश की स्थिति में खुद को कल्पना कीजिए। आप किस क्रम में उपलब्ध निधियों को प्राथमिकता देंगे और क्यों? (20 अंक, 250 शब्द)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":8930,"topper":"Vishwajeet Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Visionias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/dae30-1317840_2931_vishwajeet_gupta_rank_67.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. (a) The end cannot justify the means, for the simple and obvious reason that the means employed determine the nature of the ends produced. Discuss with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"1. (b) Discuss how the relationship between law and ethics is dynamic and continuously shaped by societal changes. Provide examples to illustrate this dynamic relationship. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"2. (a) Differentiate between probity and integrity with suitable examples. How do these values contribute to ethical governance and decision-making in the civil services? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"2. (b) Discuss the ethical implications of withholding information in public administration. How can transparency enhance accountability and reduce corruption in government institutions? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"3. (a) What do each of the following quotations mean to you?\n(a) \"There is no school equal to a decent home and no teacher equal to a virtuous parent.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"3. (b) \"Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.\" - Leo Tolstoy (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"3. (c) \"To see what is right and not do it is a lack of courage.\" - Confucius (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"4. (a) What factors lead to a positive attitude in a person? How does positive attitude enhance the effectiveness of civil servants in performing their duties?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"4. (b) Discuss how emotional intelligence can influence ethical decision-making in the allocation of scarce public resources.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"5. (a) Various international humanitarian organizations provide emergency aid in conflict zones around the world. Highlight the ethical challenges faced by such organizations. What are the principles that guide international humanitarian work? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"5. (b) Why is persuasion regarded as an important skill for civil servants? What are the key considerations that should guide persuasion in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"6. (a) What role can ethical leadership play in curbing corruption, especially in public service? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"6. (b) What were the major teachings of Swami Dayanand Saraswati? Explain their relevance in addressing the current ethical and social challenges in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":33,"question":"(a) Discuss the ethical dilemma Karan faces in deciding whether to report the incident against Mariyam's wishes.\n(b) Evaluate the options available to Karan. Which of these options should he choose and why?\n(c) What responsibilities do organizations like XYZ Corp have in preventing and addressing sexual harassment and creating inclusive workplace environments? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"8 (a) शिक्षा विभाग के आयुक्त के रूप में जय के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं? इनमें से प्रत्येक विकल्प का मूल्यांकन कीजिए।\n(b) जय को कौन-सा विकल्प अपनाना चाहिए और क्यों?\n(c) जय जैसे सिविल सेवकों को अपने दायित्वों के निर्वहन में नैतिक मानकों को बनाए रखने के प्रयास के दौरान बेहतर सुरक्षा कैसे प्रदान की जा सकती है? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)\na) शिक्षा विभाग के आयुक्त के रूप में जय के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं? इनमें से प्रत्येक विकल्प का मूल्यांकन कीजिए।\nb) जय को कौन-सा विकल्प अपनाना चाहिए और क्यों?\nc) जय जैसे सिविल सेवकों को अपने दायित्वों के निर्वहन में नैतिक मानकों को बनाए रखने के प्रयास के दौरान बेहतर सुरक्षा कैसे प्रदान की जा सकती है? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":39,"question":"(a), (b), (c) (a) What are the options available to Jay as the Commissioner of the Education Department? Evaluate each of these options.\n(b) What option should Jay adopt and why?\n(c) How can civil servants like Jay be better protected when they attempt to uphold ethical standards in their work? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"9 As the District Magistrate of X city, you are responsible for overseeing the construction of a new metro depot in an urban forest area, which is a critical infrastructure project aimed at improving public transportation and reducing traffic congestion and air pollution. The project, however, requires the clearance of a substantial portion of the forest, which has triggered strong opposition from environmental activists, local residents, and NGOs. This forest is widely regarded as essential for the city's ecological balance, often referred to as the city's \"lungs.\" In addition to the environmental concerns, you are under considerable pressure from politicians at the state-level to expedite the project, given the upcoming elections in two years. The political leadership emphasizes the benefits of the metro project for the city's development and its potential to garner electoral support. The project is expected to significantly reduce travel time for thousands of commuters and potentially decrease overall vehicle emissions in the city. However, it would also lead to the loss of thousands of trees and disrupt local ecosystems. As you prepare to make a decision, you are aware that your choice will have far-reaching consequences for both the city's development and its environment.\n(a) Identify the ethical dilemmas involved in the above case.\n(b) Evaluate the options available to you in the above situation. Which of these would you choose and why?\n(c) Suggest some measures that could be implemented to balance urban development needs with environmental conservation in future projects. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"10 Dr. Mehra is a senior drug developer at a leading pharmaceutical company in India, renowned for producing various medications, including lifesaving drugs critical for treating chronic and rare diseases. Since its inception, the company has emphasized the quality and affordability of its drugs.\n\nRecently, under revised government guidelines, pharmaceutical companies are required to market a finished product only after obtaining \"satisfactory results\" from tests on the ingredients. Additionally, they must retain a sufficient quantity of samples of both intermediate and final products to allow repeated testing or verification of a batch.\n\nDr. Mehra's team is in the final stages of developing a new medication for a rare but life-threatening disease. This drug has shown promising results in clinical trials. However, there have been unresolved concerns about the long-term side effects of the drug, observed in a small percentage of trial subjects. Despite this, the company has not released any major drug in the past decade, leading to significant pressure from the board members to expedite the drug's release.\n(a) Identify the stakeholders in the above case study.\n(b) Discuss the ethical issues faced by Dr. Mehra.\n(c) Analyse the options available to Dr. Mehra in the above case. Which of these would you choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"11 You have been appointed as the Under Secretary in the State Urban Development Department. The Department has been tasked with a prestigious project aimed at revitalizing the infrastructure of a city with deep historical significance. This project, which you are extremely passionate about, involves modernizing public transportation, restoring heritage buildings, and creating green spaces while preserving the city's cultural essence.\n\nExcited by the opportunity, you spent weeks researching and drafting a comprehensive proposal. Your plan included innovative ideas for sustainable development, community engagement, and leveraging technology for urban planning. You presented these initial plans in a departmental meeting, hoping to inspire your colleagues and kickstart the project.\n\nHowever, your enthusiasm was met with indifference. Your colleagues showed little interest, failing to contribute ideas or efforts towards the project. Concerned, you reported this lack of enthusiasm to your immediate superior, who is also the authority for this project. To your dismay,\n(a) इस प्रकरण में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\n(b) उपयुक्त कार्य संस्कृति कार्यस्थल पर मनोबल और उत्पादकता को किस प्रकार प्रभावित करती है?\n(c) आपके पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं और आप इस स्थिति का समाधान किस प्रकार करेंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.\n(b) How does the above-mentioned work culture affect workplace morale and productivity?\n(c) What are the options available to you and how would you address the situation? (Answer in 250 words)\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb) How does the above-mentioned work culture affect workplace morale and productivity?\nc) What are the options available to you and how would you address the situation? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":58,"question":"12 (a) उपर्युक्त प्रकरण के आलोक में, कॉर्पोरेट, राजनीतिक और नौकरशाही के हितों के बीच गठजोड़ से उत्पन्न होने वाले नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\n(b) एक कर्तव्यनिष्ठ सिविल सेवक के रूप में, अरुण के पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन कीजिए। उसे कौन-सा विकल्प चुनना चाहिए और क्यों? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)\na) उपर्युक्त प्रकरण के आलोक में, कॉर्पोरेट, राजनीतिक और नौकरशाही के हितों के बीच गठजोड़ से उत्पन्न होने वाले नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\nb) एक कर्तव्यनिष्ठ सिविल सेवक के रूप में, अरुण के पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन कीजिए। उसे कौन-सा विकल्प चुनना चाहिए और क्यों? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":59,"question":"(a) and (b) (a) In light of the above case, discuss the ethical issues that may arise from the nexus between corporate, political, and bureaucratic interests.\n(b) As a conscientious civil servant, evaluate the options available to Arun. Which option should he choose and why?","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":8931,"topper":"Vishwajeet Gupta","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/61364-1317840_4513_vishwajeet_gupta_rank_67.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. (a) Compassion is the courageous choice to feel another's suffering as one's own, and to act upon it, even when silence is safer and indifference is easier. Examine the significance of compassion as an essential ethical value for civil servants in India. Illustrate your answer with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"1. (b) Marriages in India are transitioning from traditional sacramental unions to more autonomous relationships, reflected in live-in relationships and rising divorce rates. Discuss the ethical dimensions of these changes.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"2. (a) While accountability often necessitates documentation, an overemphasis on bureaucratic procedures and excessive paperwork can inadvertently silence the very voices that public policy intends to empower, particularly at the grassroots. Examine the above statement with suitable illustrations.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":12,"question":"2. (b) The principle of impartiality may conflict with the need for compassion towards marginalized communities. Discuss in the context of civil services in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"3. (a) What do each of the following quotations mean to you?\n(a) “The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home.” - Confucius (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"3. (b) \"Act only according to that maxim through which you can at the same time will that it become a universal law.\" - Immanuel Kant (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"3. (c) \"We are not only responsible for what we do, but also for what we fail to do\" - Molière. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"4. (a) Patriotism encourages ethical questioning, while nationalism often suppresses it. Discuss this statement in light of the formation of political attitudes during high-pressure national events. How can individuals develop moral attitudes that balance national interest with ethical reasoning?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"4. (b) Discuss how employee well-being and fairness can be balanced with efficiency and profitability in private organisations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"5. (a) Do you agree that excessive use of social media and emerging AI technologies may lead to a decline in emotional regulation and moral sensitivity among adolescents? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"5. (b) In light of the increasing incidents of suicides among students in India, discuss how Emotional Intelligence (EI) can aid in managing stress and emotional challenges.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"6. (a) In public service, emotional intelligence is not about suppressing emotion, but mastering its purpose — to connect, to de-escalate, and to uplift others with empathy and strength. Do you agree with this view? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"6. (b) An efficient work culture is built not only on rules, but on shared values. In this context, evaluate the role of leadership and team dynamics in transforming work culture within an organization.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"7 You are posted as the Joint Secretary in the Department of Information Technology of a state. The government recently implemented several citizen-centric digital services, collecting large volumes of personal data from residents. The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, requires that such data be processed only with explicit and informed consent, and mandates that processing must cease immediately upon withdrawal of consent.\n\nDuring an internal audit, you discover that the department continues to process and analyze personal data of several citizens even after they have formally withdrawn their consent. This data is being used for policy analytics and service improvement, purposes not explicitly disclosed at the time of data collection. When you bring this to the attention of your department head, you are informed that halting the processing will disrupt ongoing digital initiatives and may affect state-level performance metrics. Moreover, you find that the consent withdrawal process is cumbersome, and many citizens are unaware of their rights under the DPDP Act.\n\nYou also learn that a prominent social activist is planning to file a complaint with the Data Protection Board against involuntary use of personal data, which could attract public scrutiny and legal action against the department.\n(a) Identify and discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.\n(b) What are the potential consequences for the department if the issue is not addressed transparently?\n(c) How would you balance the need for efficient public service delivery with the obligation to protect citizens' data rights? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"8 You are an IAS officer, currently serving as the Secretary of the Public Works Department in a hill state. Recently, a disturbing incident has come to light involving a senior Cabinet Minister and two engineers of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). During an inspection of a critical highway project, the Minister was allegedly seen on video physically assaulting and verbally abusing the engineers in full public view. The video, recorded by bystanders, went viral on social media and was widely covered by television channels, sparking both outrage and support from different sections of society. The Minister later defended his actions, alleging that the officials were corrupt, unresponsive to local grievances, and responsible for inordinate delays in the project. He insisted that his actions were driven by public frustration and the urgency of delivering infrastructure to a remote region.\n\nHowever, the engineers have filed a police complaint and written to their superiors, claiming they were targeted for resisting political pressure to award contracts to specific local contractors linked to the Minister. As the situation escalated, a union of NHAI engineers declared a strike,\n(a) इस प्रकरण में शामिल प्रमुख नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं? हितधारकों और उनके परस्पर विरोधी हितों की पहचान कीजिए।\n(b) लोक निर्माण विभाग के सचिव के रूप में, आप उपयुक्त स्थिति में क्या कार्रवाई करेंगे?\n(c) ऐसी घटनाएं सिविल सेवकों के मनोबल और शासन में जनता के विश्वास को कैसे प्रभावित करती हैं? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"(a) What are the key ethical issues involved in this situation? Identify the stakeholders and their conflicting interests.\n(b) As the Secretary of the PWD, what actions will you take in above situation?\n(c) How do such incidents affect the morale of civil servants and public trust in governance? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"9 You are the Secretary in the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Government of India. In recent years, an increasing number of civil servants, particularly younger officers from the IAS, IPS, and IRS, have begun maintaining personal YouTube channels and social media pages. On these platforms, they regularly post videos related to their official work — showcasing innovative projects, public outreach initiatives, inspection drives, and sometimes even day-to-day administrative duties.\n\nThese videos often receive widespread public attention, and many viewers express admiration, saying such content enhances transparency, motivates aspirants, and humanizes the bureaucracy. However, concerns have also emerged from various quarters. Senior officers argue that such content may blur the boundaries between personal branding and public service, while some citizens and media commentators point to instances where videos feature vulnerable beneficiaries without consent, raise concerns about misuse of official premises, or seem designed more for personal popularity than public accountability.\n(a) लोक सेवकों द्वारा अपने आधिकारिक कार्यों को सोशल मीडिया पर सार्वजनिक रूप से प्रदर्शित करने के कृत्यों में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों की पहचान कीजिए।\n(b) क्या ऐसी प्रस्तुतियां जागरूकता और प्रेरणा को प्रोत्साहित देती हैं या क्या ये अनामिता, तटस्थता और सामूहिक सेवा भावना के मूल्यों से समझौता करती हैं? अपना मत दीजिए।\n(c) सचिव के रूप में, लोक सेवकों की उत्तरदायित्व डिजिटल सहभागिता सुनिश्चित करने के लिए आप कौन-से मार्गदर्शक सिद्धांत और नीतिगत अनुशासन सुझाएंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"You have been asked to prepare a report with recommendations to balance public interest, institutional integrity, and evolving modes of communication.\n(a) Identify the ethical issues involved in civil servants publicly showcasing their official work on social media.\n(b) Do such practices promote awareness and motivation, or do they compromise the values of anonymity, neutrality, and collective service ethos? Give your opinion.\n(c) As the Secretary, what guiding principles and policy recommendations would you suggest to ensure responsible digital engagement by civil servants? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"10. You are the Director of the National Bioethics Commission who is responsible for assessing the ethical feasibility and oversight of a nationwide gene sequencing program. The project named GeneFuture, aims to sequence the DNA of every newborn child and store it in a centralized national database. The objective is to identify genetic predispositions to serious diseases early in life, allowing for preventive treatment and personalized medicine. Over 100,000 babies have already been enrolled in the pilot phase of the program. The government claims that this move is a landmark step in public health advancement.\n\nHowever, collection of newborn genetic data raises significant ethical concerns, particularly around informed consent, which may not fully capture parents' understanding of the long-term risks involved. Once gathered, this sensitive data could be misused for purposes such as surveillance, insurance discrimination, or commercial marketing by third parties. Uncertainty over data ownership—whether it lies with the state, parents, or the individual as they mature—further complicates the issue. The involvement of private tech and pharmaceutical companies heightens fears of commercial exploitation, especially in the absence of clear mechanisms for individuals to withdraw consent or delete their genetic information upon reaching adulthood.\n(a) What are the ethical issues you perceive in the implementation of the GeneFuture program?\n(b) Identify the conflicting interests of different stakeholders in this case.\n(c) What guiding ethical principles would you recommend for implementation of this project? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"11 You are a dedicated District Health Officer (DHO) with a strong commitment to evidence-based public health practices, recently assigned to a remote district in India. Your immediate and most critical task is to lead a crucial district-wide Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination drive, aimed at achieving 100% immunization coverage among children aged 9 months to 15 years. The success of this drive is vital for the collective health of thousands of children and for the district's overall health indicators, especially with the impending monsoon season posing additional health challenges.\n\nHowever, in one of the largest and most traditional villages in your district, you encounter formidable resistance. The villagers, deeply influenced by the pronouncements of a revered local\n(a) उपयुक्त प्रकरण में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\n(b) इस विरोध को शांत करने के लिए आपके पास तत्काल क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\n(c) अंधविश्वास के व्यापक प्रभाव को दूर करने और संधारणीय लोक स्वास्थ्य परिणामों हेतु वैज्ञानिक सोच को बढ़ावा देने के लिए आप कौन-सी दीर्घकालिक रणनीतियाँ और प्रणालीगत सुधारों का सुझाव देंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case.\n(b) What are the immediate options available to you to overcome this resistance?\n(c) What long-term strategies and systemic reforms would you suggest to address the pervasive influence of superstition and foster a scientific temperament for sustainable public health outcomes? (Answer in 250 words)\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case.\nb) What are the immediate options available to you to overcome this resistance?\nc) What long-term strategies and systemic reforms would you suggest to address the pervasive influence of superstition and foster a scientific temperament for sustainable public health outcomes?","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"12. (a) आपके समक्ष विद्यमान संभावित प्रशासनिक और नैतिक दुविधाएं क्या हैं?\n(b) आपके लिए उपलब्ध सभी विकल्पों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\n(c) आप अपने निर्णय का नैतिक औचित्य सिद्ध करते हुए कौन-सी व्यापक कार्यवाही करेंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)\na) आपके समक्ष विद्यमान संभावित प्रशासनिक और नैतिक दुविधाएं क्या हैं?\nb) आपके लिए उपलब्ध सभी विकल्पों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\nc) आप अपने निर्णय का नैतिक औचित्य सिद्ध करते हुए कौन-सी व्यापक कार्यवाही करेंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":58,"question":"(a) What are the potential administrative and ethical dilemmas you face?\n(b) Discuss all options available to you.\n(c) What comprehensive course of action would you choose to adopt, providing ethical justification for your decision? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8932,"topper":"Vishwajeet Gupta","air":67,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7abc4-1317840_4517_vishwajeet_gupta_rank_67.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8933,"topper":"Vishwajeet Gupta","air":67,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/b2f9e-1317840_4518_vishwajeet_gupta_rank_67.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8934,"topper":"Vishwajeet Gupta","air":67,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/Vishwajeet_Gupta_AIR_67_2025/Test%201,%20PSIR%20Crash%20Course.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8935,"topper":"Vishwajeet Gupta","air":67,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/Vishwajeet_Gupta_AIR_67_2025/Test%201,%20PSIR%20Sectional.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8936,"topper":"Vishwajeet Gupta","air":67,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/Vishwajeet_Gupta_AIR_67_2025/Test%202,%20PSIR%20Sectional.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8937,"topper":"Vishwajeet Gupta","air":67,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/Vishwajeet_Gupta_AIR_67_2025/Test%203,%20PSIR%20Sectional.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8938,"topper":"Vishwajeet Gupta","air":67,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/Vishwajeet_Gupta_AIR_67_2025/Test%204,%20PSIR%20Sectional.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8939,"topper":"Vishwajeet Gupta","air":67,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/Vishwajeet_Gupta_AIR_67_2025/Test%205,%20PSIR%20Sectional.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8940,"topper":"Vishwajeet Gupta","air":67,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/Vishwajeet_Gupta_AIR_67_2025/Test%206,%20PSIR%20Sectional.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8941,"topper":"Vishwajeet Gupta","air":67,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/Vishwajeet_Gupta_AIR_67_2025/Test%207,%20PSIR%20Sectional.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8942,"topper":"Vishwajeet Gupta","air":67,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/Vishwajeet_Gupta_AIR_67_2025/Test%208,%20PSIR%20Sectional.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8943,"topper":"Vishwajeet Gupta","air":67,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/Vishwajeet_Gupta_AIR_67_2025/Test%209,%20PSIR%20Sectional.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8944,"topper":"Vishwajeet Gupta","air":67,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/Vishwajeet_Gupta_AIR_67_2025/Test%2010,%20PSIR%20Sectional.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8945,"topper":"Vishwajeet Gupta","air":67,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"Shubhra Ranjan (PSIR)","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://admin.shubhraviraj.in/storedata/ToppersCopyPDF/Vishwajeet_Gupta_AIR_67_2025/Test%2012,%20PSIR%20Sectional.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8946,"topper":"Vishwajeet Souryan","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Community sheet","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vyGDCZGFsMPxCy1F8Y_6Ev4-_yKbYQwz/view","questions":[]},{"id":8947,"topper":"VISWAS GUPTA","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/VISWAS-GUPTA-UPSC-2024-Rank-208-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"\"Nalanda is a symbol of India's academic heritage and vibrant cultural exchange\". Elucidate with special references to foreign travelers' accounts. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The period of Delhi Sultans witnessed the emergence of Indo-Persian culture. Discuss the statement with reference to developments in the fields of literature, art and architecture. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Vaikom Satyagraha marked a historic milestone in India's fight against social injustice, demonstrating the power of non-violent resistance in dismantling oppressive caste barriers. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The Oslo Accords, once hailed as a landmark diplomatic achievement, failed to address key issues, highlighting the challenges of achieving lasting peace between Israel and Palestine. Analyse. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What are Northern and Southern lights? Explain the phenomenon and discuss their associated impacts on Earth's atmosphere and human activities. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Identifying the major automobile clusters in India, enumerate the favourable factors for the location of the automobile industry. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"\"India's diversity is her greatest strength.\" In light of the statement, explain how diversity has enriched and strengthened Indian society. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Critically examine the effects of globalization on the youth in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The recognition of LGBTQ rights in India marks significant progress, but the journey towards full societal integration and acceptance remains arduous, necessitating a profound socio-cultural shift. Elaborate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Throw light upon the importance of seals and sealings in the reconstruction of socio-economic and religious life of the Harappan people. Also, explain why many of the known Harappan settlements are in semi-arid regions. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Describe the significance of the Dandi March (1930) as the starting point of the Civil Disobedience Movement. Also, discuss the national and international reactions to the Dandi March and the Salt Satyagraha. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the impact of local winds on their associated regions, citing examples from different parts of the world. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Rare Earths Elements (REE) are considered as 'Vitamins of Modern Industry'. In this context, bring out the multi-dimensional implications of uneven distribution of REE in the world. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Describe the various factors that influence ocean currents and discuss their multi-dimensional impact. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Briefly explain the process of tide formation and differentiate between tides and waves. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"While social media facilitates unprecedented connectivity and self-expression, it can also widen social crevices and fractures. In this context, examine the impact of social media on Indian society. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"\"The regionalism in India is both a response to the failures in addressing regional aspirations and as an assertion of socio-cultural identity in the face of perceived marginalization.\" Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Explain how traditional gender roles and responsibilities exacerbate the vulnerability of women to extreme heat conditions. Suggest strategies to mitigate these vulnerabilities. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8948,"topper":"Vivek Shinde","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/VIVEK-SHINDE-UPSC-2024-Rank-93-MGP-Sample-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) Differentiate between the following:\n(i) Attitude and Opinion.\n(ii) Emotions and feelings.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference. In what ways does attitude influence one's thoughts and behaviors?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) What do you understand by emotional intelligence? Examine the importance of emotional intelligence in personal and professional life.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) Persuasion can often achieve what coercion cannot. In this context, evaluate the significance of persuasion for heralding social transformations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) a) Political attitude has as much to do with society as with politics. Discuss with suitable illustrations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) What does the following quotation mean to you? \"Whatever is begun in anger, ends in shame\" - Benjamin Franklin.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.4 Alok works in a multinational company in USA. He was visiting his family in India on a vacation. While reading the newspaper at home in India, Alok noticed a particular news item. As per the news article, a family of seven, travelling in an SUV, had died in a road mishap. The vehicle lost control and rammed into a roadside boulder. The police report said that none of the passengers had their seat belts on. It was also highlighted that the fatal injuries could have been avoided by the use of seat belts. A few days later, Alok and his family members who lived in Delhi, decided to travel to the hills of Himachal Pradesh, by road. While driving across Delhi, all the family members had their seat belts on. Alok mentally felt satisfied about the good sense of road safety in his family members. However, as their vehicle crossed the borders of Delhi, all the family members removed their seat belts almost immediately. Alok found this a little unusual. When he enquired about the same, his father told him that wearing a seat belt was necessary in Delhi and non-compliance attracted penal action. However, Alok exhorted all his family members to put on their seat belts for their own safety. He also told his family members that in USA people wore seat belts not to escape legal action, but to ensure their own safety as they understood the importance of seatbelts in reducing and mitigating the impacts of accidents. At this, his family members made fun of him and also chided him for having become an \"angrez\".\nAfter some time, their vehicle passed by a deep gorge. There they all witnessed a road accident, where a passenger vehicle had lost control and fell into the gorge. Alok immediately remembered the news report he read a few days back. Concerned about the safety of his family members, he again requested them to put on their seat belts. This time, all the family members got irritated and belittled Alok for being so scared. Alok could see that his family members had a very negative attitude with regard to wearing safety belts.\nDespite the effective role of seat belts in saving human lives, their usage by people in India remains abysmally low. As per a WHO report, wearing a seat belt can reduce the risk of being killed or injured in an accident by 25% and 75% respectively. A study conducted by Maruti Suzuki revealed that approximately 75% of passenger vehicle users in India do not wear seat belts leading to an average 15 deaths every day.\na) Why is there a negative attitude in people with regard to wearing seat belts?\nb) What measures can be taken to bring positive changes with regard to this attitude?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":16,"question":"a) सीट बेल्ट पहनने को लेकर लोगों में नकारात्मक रवैया क्यों है?\nb) इस दृष्टिकोण के संबंध में सकारात्मक परिवर्तन लाने के लिए क्या उपाय किए जा सकते हैं? (20 अंक, 250 शब्द)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":20,"question":"Q.5 a) What can be the reason behind the diametrically opposite attitude of two groups of people living in the same locality?\nb) According to you, who and to what extent can be held responsible for the problem of stray dogs attacking people?\na) What can be the reason behind the diametrically opposite attitude of two groups of people living in the same locality?\nb) According to you, who and to what extent can be held responsible for the problem of stray dogs attacking people?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":21,"question":"a) एक ही इलाके में रहने वाले लोगों के दो समूहों के बिलकुल विपरीत स्वभाव के पीछे क्या कारण हो सकते हैं?\nb) आपके अनुसार आवारा कुत्तों द्वारा लोगों पर हमला करने की समस्या के लिए किसे और किस हद तक जिम्मेदार ठहराया जा सकता है? (20 अंक, 250 शब्द)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":23,"question":"b Who is responsible to the problem?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"a) In your opinion, what qualities do Prakash lack? Do you think that Meena also lacks some qualities?\nb) As a common friend of Meena and Prakash, what advice will you give to the couple?\nc) How can they develop the qualities that could have prevented such a distressing situation?\na) In your opinion, what qualities do Prakash lack? Do you think that Meena also lacks some qualities?\nb) As a common friend of Meena and Prakash, what advice will you give to the couple?\nc) How can they develop the qualities that could have prevented such a distressing situation?","marks":"25","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"a), b), c) a) आपकी राय में प्रकाश में किन गुणों की कमी है? क्या आपको लगता है कि मीना में भी कुछ गुणों की कमी थी?\nb) मीना और प्रकाश के कॉमन फ्रेंड होने के नाते आप इस युगल को क्या सलाह देंगे?\nc) वे उन गुणों को कैसे विकसित कर सकते हैं जो ऐसी विकट स्थिति को रोक सके थे?","marks":null,"words":"25 अंक"}]},{"id":8949,"topper":"Vivek Singh","air":276,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/VIVEK-SINGH-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-276-Sample-Essay-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"SECTION - A\n1. The glass ceiling is not invisible, it is just too high for many to see.\n2. Social justice is not charity, it is structural rebalancing.\n3. A nation's greatness is measured by how it treats its weakest members, and that includes its children.\n4. When we speak of 'Inclusive India', we must ask: Inclusive for whom?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"How nations could have achieve greatness? What is inhibiting them from achieving it? How important the weakest members are for achieving greatness?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"How is India performing to achieve greatness as described in this essay?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"1. Behavior is a function of its consequences.\n2. The age of smart devices and the decline of wise choices.\n3. Judge a man by his question, rather than his answer.\n4. Knowledge without compassion is tyranny of the intellect.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8950,"topper":"Vivek Singh","air":276,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/VIVEK-SINGH-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-276-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) Why has public bathing been a recurring practice across cultures and societies? Discuss with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Estimate the contributions of Chalukyas of Badami to Indian heritage and culture.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar had contrasting philosophies and approaches on caste and social reform. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) What factors can be attributed to the rising incidents of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) in the Himalayan region? Discuss with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 \"Migration is a vital livelihood strategy for rural households in developing countries like India.\" Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6 Bring out the interdependence between physical and chemical weathering with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7 Discuss how social media is reshaping identity formation and self-worth among adolescents in contemporary Indian society.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) The disproportionate preference for government jobs in certain Indian states is not merely a matter of personal aspiration. Analyze.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 Explain the significance of population education in light of India's status as the world's most populous nation.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 Globalization has infused indian festivals with commercial elements, while also helping preserve and popularize them in new ways. Do you agree? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) India has a rich tradition of diverse dance forms, encompassing both classical and folk styles. Illustrate how they reflect the country's rich spiritual, cultural, and social life.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 The third decade of the 20th century witnessed the emergence of new forces and ideological currents that influenced the character of the Indian national movement. Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 Analyse the circumstances that led to Simla Agreement in 1972. Discuss the significance of the agreement.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 \"The Vietnam War was a proxy conflict rooted in the ideological rivalry of the Cold War.\" Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15) Discuss the concept of isostasy and explain its role in shaping Earth's major landforms.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 The Indian Ocean is warming at an alarming rate. How may it affect the food security of India?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 Describing the distribution of sugarcane producing countries, examine the major environmental challenges associated with its cultivation.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 The richness and diversity of Indian society find vivid expression in the unique culture of its tribal communities. Elucidate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Why is it essential to focus on health in the context of urban planning and reforms? How can this be achieved?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20) Analyze the socio-cultural factors contributing to the high attrition rate among women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers in India. Suggest measures to improve their retention in STEM.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8951,"topper":"Vivek Singh","air":276,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/VIVEK-SINGH-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-276-Sample-MGP-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1 Examine the scope and significance of the Supreme Court's advisory jurisdiction under Article 143 of the Constitution.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":4,"question":"Significance of A.143\na) Reducing of litigations in the court\nb) Clarity to President and Parliament about various ambiguous clauses of constitution\nc) Establishes interpretation of laws and constitutional provisions, who is the final interpreter of it","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) What is delimitation, and why is it important? What challenges are associated with the delimitation exercise in India?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) How has asymmetric federalism helped India accommodate its diverse regional needs? Discuss with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Explain how the terms 'socialist' and 'secular' in the Preamble embody specific meanings in the Indian context.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5 The role of State Finance Commissions in building regional equity and strengthening the federal link has largely been underutilized. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6 How far do you think has the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) been successful in protecting and promoting child rights in India?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) Outline the salient features of New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 related to school education. What does it state about the medium of instruction in schools?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8 Throw light on the legal frameworks that are in place to ensure women's safety in India. What further steps are needed to enhance their safety and well-being?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 \"A multipolar world order is not merely an option but a necessity\". Elaborate. How can India leverage its position to strengthen multipolarity in the global arena?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 \"ASEAN is the cornerstone of India's Act East Policy and its Indo-Pacific vision.\" Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) Discuss the various administrative challenges faced by local self-governments (LSGs). What measures do you suggest for devolving administrative powers to LSGs, enabling them to function as institutions of genuine self-governance?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) In light of recent developments, the Collegium system and the Supreme Court's decision to strike down the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) Act, 2014 have once again come under scrutiny. Do you think that a NJAC-like body can make judicial appointments more transparent, broad-based, and accountable? Justify your answer.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 Differentiate between the clemency powers of the Presidents of India and the USA. Also, critically examine the vesting of clemency power in the executive.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) What constitutes corrupt practices under the Representation of the People Act, 1951? Also, discuss the challenges in curbing such malpractices and suggest remedial measures.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Discuss the role of the Vice-President as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. Also describe the procedure for his/her removal from office.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 \"Universal Basic Income (UBI) is a viable solution to eradicate extreme poverty in India.\" Critically discuss the statement.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 What are the key determinants of malnutrition among under-five children in the country? Also, elaborate on the role of nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions in addressing this issue.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 \"Data is the raw material of Artificial Intelligence.\" In this context, discuss the need for transparent and accountable data governance frameworks in India. What steps has the government taken in this regard?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Critically examine the role of International Monetary Fund (IMF) in addressing debt distress in the Global South. How can India use its post-G20 presidency momentum to push IMF reforms?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 \"In a fluid geopolitical arena, engagement without formal endorsement is a pragmatic middle path.\" Do you agree? Explain in the context of India's current approach towards the Taliban regime in Afghanistan.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8952,"topper":"Vivek Singh","air":276,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/VIVEK-SINGH-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-276-Sample-MGP-Copy-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) While the Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) scheme and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme are both designed to boost economic growth, they employ different approaches and focus on distinct outcomes. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) What do you understand by 'Reverse Brain Drain'? Identify the key drivers of the rising trend of this phenomenon in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) The Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) not only enhances logistics efficiency but also represents a pivotal milestone in the country's infrastructure development and economic growth. In this context, describe the significance of the Dedicated Freight Corridor.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Define precision agriculture. How can it help in optimizing crop production and resource management?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) Why has rice not seen similar innovation in processed food products compared to wheat, despite being a staple in many regions of the country?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) Explain the working principle of the pumped storage hydropower system. What are the key advantages it offers compared to other power storage technologies?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) Describe the major outcomes of the 29th session of the Conference of Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) How can emerging solar technologies address the twin challenges of resource scarcity and environmental degradation? Illustrate your answer with recent innovations in the field.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 What is 'research security'? What are the key hurdles in ensuring research security in India?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) is necessary for maintaining peace and stability in the 'disturbed areas'. Critically examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) How has inadequate progress on factor market reforms impacted India's double-digit growth aspirations? What measures has the government taken in this regard?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) What are the factors responsible for the recent depreciation of the Indian Rupee? Discuss its implications for the economy and suggest policy measures to stabilize the currency.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 While Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) can resolve the issues of small farmers and boost agrarian economy, the realization of their potential is hindered by a multitude of factors. Analyze.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) Discuss the significance of aquaculture towards nutrition security, livelihood generation, and economic growth. Also mention various initiatives taken by the government to promote sustainable aquaculture in the country.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 What is gene therapy? What makes it a better treatment option than the conventional approaches?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) Why are countries keen on developing their own space stations? What obstacles do they face in the process, and how can these be overcome?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 Climate change is causing profound alterations in ecosystems, triggering cascading impacts on biodiversity, ecosystem services, and human livelihoods, which demands integrated approaches to conservation and climate adaptation. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18) Often referred to as the 'cradle of civilization' and 'growth engines', urban areas are increasingly experiencing various natural and man-made disasters. Discuss in the Indian context. Also, suggest suitable mitigation and management strategies.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 How does India's geographical location heighten its vulnerability to drug trafficking? Also, analyze various internal security risks linked to drug trafficking.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20) The increasing frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks pose a significant threat to national security. Discuss the major challenges in ensuring cybersecurity in the country and enumerate the measures taken by the government in this regard.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8953,"topper":"Vivek Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2ad49-916209_3128_vivek_yadav_rank_487.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"The world must learn to work together, or finally it will not work at all.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Technology, like art, is a soaring exercise of the human imagination.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"We've begun to raise daughters more like sons, but few have the courage to raise our sons more like our daughters.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8954,"topper":"Vivek Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/bf6df-916209_2928_vivek_yadav_rank_487.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How does tribal art provide valuable insights into the cultural perspectives and values of Indian tribal communities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What are the key factors that accelerated decolonization post-World War II? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How does human encroachment impact water bodies in urban areas? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How do physical geographical features influence the development and operation of transportation systems? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How are ocean trenches formed? Describe the significant characteristics of these oceanic relief formations. (Answer in 150words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Identify the reasons behind increasing number of extreme rainfall events throughout India in recent times. Assess their socio-economic impact. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"India is expected to have the largest working-age population in the world by 2030 and it cannot afford low participation of women in the workforce anymore. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Do you agree that there has been a progressive secularization of caste in India? Support your view with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Why is inequality increasing in India despite the fall in overall poverty? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"How did the competitive and hostile dynamic between Brahminism and Buddhism over funding, followers, and ideology mark the decline of Buddhism? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"European travellers' accounts in the medieval period have played an important role in shaping our understanding of the empires and people of that period in India. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Why was it more difficult to rehabilitate refugees in West Bengal as compared to Punjab after partition? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss the economic and social costs associated with the transition from coal to green energy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Explain the process of formation of volcanic calderas. How do they contribute to the scenic beauty of the region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the reasons behind the increased frequency and intensity of heat waves globally? How will it impact global food security? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India's approach to secularism does not merely challenge inter-religious domination but intra-religious domination as well. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Do you agree with the view that Indian cities are turning into landscapes of stark inequality and social exclusion? What steps can be taken to make urban areas more egalitarian in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8955,"topper":"Vivek Yadav","air":361,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/VIVEK-YADAV-UPSC-2023-Rank-361-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8956,"topper":"Vivek Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/19433-916209_4511_vivek_yadav_rank_487.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How does the Supreme Court's recent decision on Aligarh Muslim University's minority status affect the interpretation of Article 30 of the Indian Constitution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The Supreme Court, in a recent verdict, prescribed a time period for the Governor's assent to state legislative bills. What are the implications of this judgment for cooperative federalism and legislative accountability in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the recent changes and initiatives related to cooperatives that aim to smoothen the tussle between the Centre and States in the cooperative sector. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"In recent years, use of social media and digital mobilisation by civil society has emerged as a powerful form of pressure politics. Examine its impact on policymaking and democratic accountability. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) emerging as a business-led solution for addressing development challenges in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss how mechanisms like public consultations and Jan Sunwais in India impact governance outcomes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How effective have the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) and Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan been in addressing substance abuse in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Rote learning and neglect of creativity in foundational education setup in India make it less ready for marketplaces that are now driven by Artificial Intelligence. Do you agree with this view? Substantiate your argument. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Analyze the transformation of the G7 from a symbol of Western strategic unity to a forum marked by internal contradictions. How should India navigate this changing dynamic to advance its strategic interests? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the role of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in the development of developing countries. What are the key criticisms associated with its approach? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The 103rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019 has introduced a new dimension to the principle of affirmative action in India. Critically examine its implications for the broader goal of social justice. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The District Planning Committee (DPC) was envisioned as a key instrument to strengthen grassroots-level planning. How far has it succeeded in achieving this goal? Discuss the challenges faced by DPCs and suggest measures to make them more effective. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The restrictions imposed under Article 293 of the Constitution on State borrowing powers, though constitutionally valid, may hinder fiscal autonomy of States and disrupt cooperative federalism. Discuss in the light of recent developments. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Examine the tension between the right to contest elections and the need to uphold electoral ethics under the Representation of the People Act. Should there be a lifetime ban on convicted criminals? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"To what extent has the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme, launched in 2015, succeeded in addressing the declining child sex ratio and empowering the girl child? Suggest measures to enhance its impact at the grassroots level. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are emerging as vehicles of socio-economic transformation in rural India. Examine the role of government in scaling their reach and effectiveness. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Despite economic growth, multidimensional poverty continues to persist in India. Analyse the underlying causes and discuss the measures taken by the government to address them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India faces a paradox of food surplus and nutritional deficit. Analyse the structural reasons behind this paradox and suggest reform strategies. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India’s timely response during the economic crises in Sri Lanka and the Maldives reflects its “Neighbourhood First” policy in action. Examine how Indian aid has impacted bilateral ties with these nations. What steps can further be taken to promote sustainable economic cooperation in the Indian Ocean region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Discuss the geostrategic significance of Afghanistan for India in the context of continental connectivity and access to Central Asia. How has the altered political landscape post-2021 affected India’s connectivity and energy corridor ambitions? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8957,"topper":"Vivek Yadav","air":361,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/VIVEK-YADAV-UPSC-2023-Rank-361-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8958,"topper":"Vivek Yadav","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/59ddb-916209_4512_vivek_yadav_rank_487.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Analyse the factors that have contributed to India's inclusive economic growth in the past decade. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The Reserve Bank of India’s surplus transfers offer the government much-needed fiscal space, yet they are not without challenges. Critically examine the implications of the RBI’s surplus transfers to the government. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"To what extent was the first National Monetization Pipeline (NMP) able to meet its objectives? What are the objectives of the new Asset Monetization Plan 2025–30 as announced in the recent 2025 Budget? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Examine the major challenges hindering the Indian textile industry from achieving its full potential in the global value chain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Why has India become increasingly import-dependent for edible oils despite being a major agricultural economy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Air accidents are low-frequency but high-impact events. Examine the disaster management protocols in place for aviation-related emergencies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Chemical pollution poses a grave threat to human health and the environment in India. Discuss the key sources contributing to pervasive chemical contamination and evaluate the effectiveness of existing environmental laws in curbing this problem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Missile defence systems are becoming critical for national security in the face of evolving regional threats and advanced weapon technologies. Explain the working principle of missile defence systems. Critically assess India's progress in developing indigenous missile defence capabilities. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Despite multiple resolutions and initiatives undertaken by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), its efforts to counter terrorism have achieved limited success. Discuss the reasons for this limited effectiveness. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"India practices a 'multi-alignment' approach in its cyber diplomacy. How does this posture strengthen India's internal security while maintaining strategic autonomy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While examining the shortcomings of the land reforms in the past, elaborate what land reforms 2.0 should look like. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"As NITI Aayog completes 10 years of its establishment, critically examine its role in the planning and development paradigm of governance in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What are the primary causes of limited formal credit penetration among the rural and unbanked populations in India? Comment on the effectiveness of Small Finance Banks in addressing this gap and advancing inclusive financial growth.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"To what extent has the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for the food processing industry facilitated value addition, employment generation, and global competitiveness in India's food processing industry? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Waste circularity is emerging as a sustainable solution to India's mounting solid waste crisis. Discuss the key principles of waste circularity and the government's initiative in this regard. How effective have these measures been in fostering a circular economy? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Discuss the importance of integrating traditional ecological knowledge of India's tribal communities with modern disaster management frameworks. Mention two examples where indigenous practices have contributed to disaster resilience. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"CRISPR technology has rapidly advanced in recent years, with new tools and clinical breakthroughs. Highlight the recent developments in CRISPR-based gene editing technology applications. Discuss the opportunities and ethical challenges these advancements present for healthcare and society. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"A credible semiconductor ecosystem is pivotal for India's economic security as much as for national security. Analyse the strategic objectives, incentives, and institutional architecture of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM). Identify the major risks that could derail its timelines. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Intricate inter-play of diverse factors has been the force multipliers for extremism in the North East. Discuss. Suggest a multilayered strategy to tackle the menace of extremism in this region. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Despite recent steps towards inducting women into combat roles, their participation remains low. Examine the key challenges impeding the greater inclusion of women in the Indian armed forces. Also, suggest suitable measures to enhance their participation. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8959,"topper":"Vivek Yadav","air":361,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/VIVEK-YADAV-UPSC-2023-Rank-361-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-3.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8960,"topper":"Vivek Yadav","air":361,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/VIVEK-YADAV-UPSC-2023-Rank-361-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8961,"topper":"Vivek Yadav","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/VIVEK-YADAV-UPSC-2024-Rank-272-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Ethics in private life may reflect personal beliefs; in public life, they must uphold legal and societal norms. Discuss the contrasting ways in which ethical principles operate in private and public relations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Despite legal provisions, instances of sexual violence against women continue to rise. How can a \"change in attitude\" address this issue? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Do you agree with the utilitarian principle that 'the greatest happiness of the greatest number' should guide decision-making and public policy formulation? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The development of an individual's values is a multifaceted process, involving engagement of diverse institutions such as family, society, and educational establishments. Discuss with examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What does each of the following quotations mean to you? a) \"Experience is the only teacher we have. We may talk and reason all our lives, but we shall not understand a word of truth, until we experience it ourselves\". Swami Vivekananda (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The balance between laws and conscience is delicate; when synchronized, they promote ethical conduct, but their discord can give rise to significant ethical dilemmas. Illustrate with examples (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"Good governance is not only about rules and regulations but also the character and conduct of those who govern.\" Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"\"In the realm of international relations, ethics often takes a backseat to national interest, which primarily drives foreign policy decisions.\" Critically examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The essence of business is profit, but it must be achieved through responsible and sustainable practices. Elaborate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"What are the ethical concerns associated with Artificial intelligence? How can ethics help in resolving them? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"While some argue that values are influenced by temporal and situational factors, others uphold the belief in timeless and universal human values. What is your opinion in this regard? Justify your answer. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":45,"question":"You are the Chairman of a Coastal Development Authority of a state, tasked with preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR) of construction of a coastal highway. It is an ambitious project aimed to enhance connectivity and promote tourism in the scenic coastal region of the state. The initial DPR, meticulously crafted by your team, prioritizes minimizing environmental impact by utilizing existing government land and adhering to stringent guidelines on land acquisition and compensation for affected stakeholders. The proposed route ensures minimal disruption to local fishing communities and preserves critical coastal habitats. However, challenges arise when a wealthy real estate developer, with ties to influential policymakers, proposes a significant alteration to the highway route. He suggests moving the highway closer to a resort he plans to develop, arguing that it would spur tourism and economic growth in the area. In exchange, he offers to facilitate the acquisition of beachfront property at a nominal rate for your family, highlighting it as a mutually beneficial arrangement. This proposed realignment would require acquiring privately owned coastal lands, displacing traditional fishing communities, and potentially disturbing fragile marine ecosystems. Moreover, it would involve the removal of significant coastal vegetation, impacting local biodiversity and the natural beauty of the region. a) Under the given conditions, what are the options available to you? Critically examine each of the options.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"As the Superintendent of Police of the district where the entire incident took place, examine the options available to you. What steps would you take and why? b) What impact can the actions of Rahul's father have on the perception of his personal responsibility and social obligations? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":8962,"topper":"Wakhare Akshay Anil","air":203,"year":2021,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Gm21QCNqOTLUT6flZagsmYZ_MoexUIMz","questions":[]},{"id":8963,"topper":"Wardah Khan","air":18,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_1fVCnoNWp3zvn5WdMb7zBdhLS7JZE0F/view","questions":[]},{"id":8964,"topper":"Waseem Ahmad Bhat","air":7,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/640fd-664505_1457_waseem-ahmad-bhat_rank-7.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8965,"topper":"Waseem Ahmad Bhat","air":7,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/708b1-664505_1458_waseem-ahmad-bhat_rank-7.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8966,"topper":"Waseem Ahmad Bhat","air":7,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3cd9d-664505_2122_waseem-ahmad-bhat_rank-7.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8967,"topper":"Waseem Ahmad Bhat","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e7129-664505_1826_waseem-ahmad-bhat_rank-7.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Given the limitations of trickle-down economics, discuss the relevance of capability approach to development for a country like India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Recently, India marked the fourth anniversary of introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST). Given its envisaged objectives, evaluate whether it has been a successful reform. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Investment in infrastructure is pivotal for accelerated and inclusive socio-economic development of a country. In this context, discuss the significance of the National Monetisation Pipeline. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"It has been argued that the Industrial Policy of 1991, did not achieve the desired results due to multiple reasons. Discuss in context of India's manufacturing sector. Also, highlight the need for a new industrial policy in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"State the need for circular economy in India and the challenges associated with it. Also, discuss the measures that are required to build a circular economy in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Discuss the need for a National Employment Policy in India. What should be taken into account while formulating such a policy? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"An effective approach to green budgeting is underpinned by strong strategic framework, tools for evidence generation and an enabling budgetary governance framework. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The key to sustaining private investments in infrastructure requires a concerted effort to resolve long-standing issues. Discuss in context of India's PPP framework. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"There is a need for revisiting India's approach to gender responsive budgeting. Discuss in the context of limitations faced in implementing gender budgeting in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The Indian Budget 2021-22 has identified the development of physical & financial capital and infrastructure as one of its key pillars for sustained growth. Highlight the measures taken by the government in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"To capitalize on its demographic dividend, India must create well-paying, high productivity jobs. In view of this, discuss the challenges in creation of such jobs in India. What policy measures can help in addressing these challenges? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The Indian experience provides several lessons of an inclusive digital economy model that enables formal digital governance structure at a low cost and with easier access. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What do you understand by crowdfunding? Discuss the benefits and risks associated with the crowdfunding model to raise capital. Also, highlight the current regulatory scenario related to it in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"An urban employment guarantee programme will need to be tailored to the specific needs and problems of the urban labour market. Discuss while keeping in view the lessons learned from MGNREGA. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"State finances in India present a worrying picture, with debt sustainability being a major concern. Discuss in context of the recent RBI report on state finances. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Do you agree with the view that the mixed results of economic reforms in the last three decades can be attributed to the reforms being half-baked and incomplete? Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"It is argued that Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) has produced both transformational and directional change in financial inclusion in India. Do you agree? Elaborate with logical arguments. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Though Special Economic Zones (SEZs) can play a significant role in export promotion in India, they are struggling with multiple challenges. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Much of the export growth of manufactured goods in India since the 1990s can be attributed to expansion of world trade and improved competitiveness. However, the potential of product and market diversification are yet to be fully exploited. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8968,"topper":"Waseem Ahmad Bhat","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/217be-664505_1822_waseem-ahmad-bhat_rank-7.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Trace the evolution of Nagara style of temple architecture with suitable examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Cholas are inextricably linked with the zenith of Dravidian art and architecture. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The arts of Indus valley were free from religious influences both aesthetically and functionally. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Kakatiya era witnessed development of a distinct style of architecture which improved and innovated upon the existing modes. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The cave paintings epitomize the artistry and grandeur of the Indian classical painting tradition. Comment. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What were the prominent causes behind the recurring tribal movements in the 19th century? Also, discuss the limitations of these movements. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Among the major legacies of the Indian freedom movement, civil liberties formed an important one. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the factors responsible for fanning communal consciousness during the Indian freedom struggle and state its consequences. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"In the context of Indian subcontinent, Sanskrit is perhaps the only language that transcended not only academic disciplines but also the barriers of regions and boundaries. Elaborate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"While most of the early literary traditions were religious writings in some form or the other, Sangam Literature did not follow the same trend. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Examine the impact of the Sramana tradition on the Vedic religion and its relation with the emergence of Jainism, Buddhism and Ajivika sects. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The evolution of various styles of pottery in India from the Indus Valley Civilisation to the later Vedic period was intricately linked with the socio-cultural life of the people. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Giving a brief overview of the three Carnatic Wars, discuss the factors that led to the success of the British against the French in the struggle for control over India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"It can be argued that the peasant movements of the 20th century, when compared to those in the 19th century, were more organised and nationalistic in nature. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"In the context of socio-cultural milieu of 19th century, the contribution made by Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar in the field of education and women's rights is immeasurable. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Explain the meaning of the terms Swaraj and Purna Swaraj during the anti-colonial national movement in India. Also, trace the progression of the Indian National Congress in this context. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8969,"topper":"Waseem Ahmad Bhat","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/44d76-664505_1830_waseem-ahmad-bhat_rank-7.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"According to you, what are the main reasons behind prejudice against certain sections of a society? Discuss with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss how persuasion acts as a functional pillar in attitudinal change and attitude formation with requisite examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"A legally enforceable code of ethics for civil servants, which not only prescribes the ethical values they must display in their public life but also provides sanctions for violations of these values, is the need of the hour. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Although open and transparent governance has gained ground, do you agree with the view that there is merit in withholding some information from people? Justify your arguments with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Although bribery is illegal and counterproductive, public officials still demand bribes, and executives in the private sector remain tempted to pay up. In this context, discuss ways in which corporations can build a framework to eliminate the practice of offering kickbacks. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Identifying the issues associated with utilization of public funds, discuss the various ethical principles which can help devise strategies for better utilization of public funds in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"All persons ought to endeavour to follow what is right, and not what is established.\" - Aristotle (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"\"It is compassion, the most gracious of virtues, which moves the world.\" - Tiruvalluvar, Kural (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"I understand democracy as something that gives the weak the same chance as the strong.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (150 words) 10 \" \" -","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"\"A well-developed Emotional intelligence is not only an instrumental tool in accomplishing goals, but has a dark side as a weapon for manipulating others by robbing them of their capacity to reason.\" Analyse. (150 words) 10 \" , \"","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do you understand by conformity, compliance and obedience? Discuss their relevance in the context of civil services in India. (150 words) 10 , ?","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":34,"question":"Capital punishment, or \"death penalty,\" is an institutionalized practice designed to result in deliberately executing persons in response to actual or supposed misconduct and following an authorized, rule-governed process to conclude that the person is responsible for violating norms that warrant execution. Punitive executions have historically been imposed by diverse kinds of authorities, for an expansive range of conduct, political or religious beliefs and practices, for a status beyond one's control, or without employing any significant due process procedures. Punitive executions also have been and continue to be carried out more informally, such as by terrorist groups, urban gangs, and mobs. For centuries in Europe and America, discussions have focused on capital punishment as an institutionalized, rule-governed practice of modern states and legal systems governing serious criminal conduct and procedures. In light of the above debate of capital punishment, answer the following questions: (a) What are the arguments in favour of and against having capital punishment in the criminal justice system? (b) Do you think capital punishment has a place in modern civilised society? Examine in the context of moral implications involved in awarding it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Sunil has been posted as a DM in a hilly district which is vulnerable to several natural disasters. The district is known for a pilgrimage site and is frequently visited by tourists from all over India. The major occupation of locals therefore lies in the hospitality business. Unfortunately, after a few days of his joining, the district faced a major earthquake. It has led to high casualties and damages to the essential infrastructure such as roads and bridges. Both locals and tourists are trapped at different routes and locations. An international convoy of dignitaries from a neighboring country which has come to pay their obeisance at the pilgrimage site, is also trapped due to the disaster. Because of this, Sunil has to divert most of the available resources in the rescue operation of the foreign dignitaries. People are emotionally distressed due to the disaster, and delayed response from authorities to their needs has led to a law-and-order situation in the district. People from other states whose families are trapped and need immediate assistance are also getting restless and flooding the emergency helplines with complaints and requests. (a) Discuss the issues being faced by Sunil in the given scenario. (b) Mention a course of action that Sunil must take to maintain law-and-order as well as to expediate rescue operations of all concerned.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8970,"topper":"Waseem Ahmad Bhat","air":7,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e9109-664505_1819_waseem-ahmad-bhat_rank-7.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8971,"topper":"Waseem Ahmad Bhat","air":7,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ef386-664505_1837_waseem-ahmad-bhat_rank-7.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8972,"topper":"Wasim Ur Rahman","air":281,"year":2024,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1sqX0B7mZNrGQEKEeucL4EImYLFcU205k","questions":[]},{"id":8973,"topper":"Wasim Ur Rahman","air":157,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/WASIM-UR-RAHMAN-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-157-Sample-MGP-Copy-4.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) \"Nalanda is a symbol of India's academic heritage and vibrant cultural exchange\". Elucidate with special references to foreign travelers' accounts.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) The period of Delhi Sultans witnessed the emergence of Indo-Persian culture. Discuss the statement with reference to developments in the fields of literature, art and architecture.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Give a brief account of the contributions of early nationalists to the Indian freedom struggle.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) The Vaikom Satyagraha marked a historic milestone in India's fight against social injustice, demonstrating the power of non-violent resistance in dismantling oppressive caste barriers. Explain.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) The Oslo Accords, once hailed as a landmark diplomatic achievement, failed to address key issues, highlighting the challenges of achieving lasting peace between Israel and Palestine. Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) What are Northern and Southern lights? Explain the phenomenon and discuss their associated impacts on Earth's atmosphere and human activities.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) Identifying the major automobile clusters in India, enumerate the favourable factors for the location of the automobile industry.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) \"India's diversity is her greatest strength.\" In light of the statement, explain how diversity has enriched and strengthened Indian society.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 Critically examine the effects of globalization on the youth in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 The recognition of LGBTQ rights in India marks significant progress, but the journey towards full societal integration and acceptance remains arduous necessitating a profound socio-cultural shift. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) Throw light upon the importance of seals and sealings in the reconstruction of socio-economic and religious life of the Harappan people. Also, explain why many of the known Harappan settlements are in semi-arid regions.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) Describe the significance of the Dandi March (1930) as the starting point of the Civil Disobedience Movement. Also, discuss the national and international reactions to the Dandi March and the Salt Satyagraha.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 Give a reasoned account of the distribution of deserts across the earth with the help of relevant examples.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) Discuss the impact of local winds on their associated regions, citing examples from different parts of the world.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Rare Earths Elements (REE) are considered as 'Vitamins of Modern Industry'. In this context, bring out the multi-dimensional implications of uneven distribution of REE in the world.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) Describe the various factors that influence ocean currents and discuss their multi-dimensional impact.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 Briefly explain the process of tide formation and differentiate between tides and waves.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18) While social media facilitates unprecedented connectivity and self-expression, it can also widen social crevices and fractures. In this context, examine the impact of social media on Indian society.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 \"The regionalism in India is both a response to the failures in addressing regional aspirations and as an assertion of socio-cultural identity in the face of perceived marginalization.\" Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20) Explain how traditional gender roles and responsibilities exacerbate the vulnerability of women to extreme heat conditions. Suggest strategies to mitigate these vulnerabilities.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8974,"topper":"Wasim Ur Rahman","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2025_unchecked_ETRC25ON033_ANV2501.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Pillars are not merely architectural marvels, but also serve as crucial sources of ancient Indian history. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"To what extent did early economic nationalists like Dadabhai Naoroji shape the intellectual foundations of the Indian freedom movement?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"How did the Indian national movement influence freedom movements across the world?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"How does the movement of continental plates help explain the spatial distribution of earthquakes in specific regions of the world? Illustrate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"River interlinking is seen as a means to reduce regional water stress. Discuss its advantages and examine the possible environmental and social implications.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the localisation factors for the textile industry in India and examine its economic significance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"What are loess deposits, and why do they constitute some of the most agriculturally productive regions of the world?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"Screen-based education has improved accessibility but also created new behavioural and social challenges for children. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"Why are protectionist and xenophobic trends against Indians rising in the West, despite the global embrace of Indian culture and soft power?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"The caste system in India has adapted to the forces of modernisation, urbanisation, and economic liberalisation. Illustrate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Jawaharlal Nehru differed in their approach to nation-building, yet their shared vision was instrumental in shaping modern India. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"The Swadeshi Movement marked a significant shift in India's freedom struggle from passive resistance to active mass mobilisation. In this context, discuss the strategies, social impact, and limitations of the movement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"The Western Ghats and the Northeastern Hills receive some of the highest rainfall during the southwest monsoon in India. Discuss the mechanisms responsible for heavy rainfall in these regions and analyse the monsoon’s influence on human life in these regions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"Differentiate between forest cover, tree cover and green cover. How do forest ecosystems in India contribute to climate resilience and carbon sequestration?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"Account for the salinity variations in the world's oceans. How does this variation impact ocean circulation and marine ecosystems?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"How does the polar cryosphere play a pivotal role in regulating the Earth's climate system? Also, enumerate the key factors responsible for rapid warming in the Arctic.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"\"Religious pluralism and secularism are integral to India’s social fabric, but their coexistence requires constant negotiation.\" Examine.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"Discuss the intersection of class, gender, and geography in determining women’s access to opportunities in the Indian service sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":55,"question":"“Despite a strong continuity in traditional family values, Indian society is witnessing rising trends of delayed marriage, increasing divorce rates, and family disruption.” Discuss the socio-economic and cultural factors contributing to this shift.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8975,"topper":"Wasim Ur Rahman","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e9b40-30458_1417_wasim-ur-rahman_rank_157.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Dadabhai Naoroji left an indelible imprint on the national movement. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The Quit India movement marked a new direction in the struggle against the British colonial rule in India. Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The end of World War II marked the birth of a new international order. Examine. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Simla Agreement (1972) and Lahore Declaration (1999) are two key milestones in the history of the Indian subcontinent. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Social security should not only involve economic empowerment but also social empowerment. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Explain with examples how globalisation is manifested in both local in the global and the global in the local. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In light of persistence of various forms of violence against women in India, discuss the ways in which the issue can be addressed effectively. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What is an urban forest? Highlight its benefits and steps taken by the government to promote urban forestry in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"How has globalization impacted the location of the IT industry? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"How can eco-tourism be used to sustainably harness the potential of tourism industry in India? Discuss the challenges and steps taken by the government in this context. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The advent of Buddhism and Jainism was instrumental in the development of architecture in ancient India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The reactionary policies of Lord Lytton and the liberal policies of his successor Lord Rippon acted as catalyst in the formation of the Indian National Congress. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Gandhiji changed his methods of struggle against the British from time-to-time to suit the varied circumstances and problems that needed to be tackled. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Bring out the relationship between the industrial revolution and the advent of imperialism in different parts of the world. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The caste system in India has continued to persist by adapting itself to a variety of changing socio-economic and political conditions in the past few decades. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"It is argued by some that regionalism is a threat to national integrity while others consider it as a highly impactful tool in facilitating political participation. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Describe the process of rift valley formation, with special emphasis on the Great Rift Valley System. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India's water resources have witnessed rapid depletion due to a mix of economic, geographic, and political factors. Explain and discuss its implications. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How are plateaus formed? Also, briefly discuss the features of the Deccan plateau and its economic significance. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8976,"topper":"Wasim Ur Rahman","air":157,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/WASIM-UR-RAHMAN-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-157-Sample-MGP-Copy-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) The Indian Constitution does not embody a strict separation of powers rather it introduces a system of checks and balances, with overlapping functions and interdependencies among the legislature, executive, and judiciary. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Recently, the Supreme Court has expanded the scope of Articles 14 and 21 to include the \"right against the adverse effects of climate change\". In this context, citing relevant case laws, discuss the role played by Indian judiciary in \"constitutionalization\" of environmental issues.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) The Speaker's inclination to cater to party loyalties often undermines the dignity and impartiality of the office, eroding public trust in the legislative process. Analyse with the help of recent examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Assess the effectiveness of SEBI in fulfilling its envisaged role of regulating the securities market, ensuring transparency, and protecting investors' interests.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) The foundational strength of the Indian Constitution stems from its ability to integrate diverse socio-political perspectives. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) Parliamentary committees serve as vital tools for legislative oversight, ensuring accountability and transparency in governance processes. In light of the statement, examine the role of the Public Accounts Committee.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) Without addressing the issues that hinder the full and effective participation of persons with disabilities in political and public life, the goal of achieving inclusiveness and their empowerment will remain unattainable. Analyze.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) What roles do community-based interventions play in enhancing access to preventive and promotive healthcare services in India?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) The current composition of the UNSC with under-representation and un-representation of key regions is detrimental to its legitimacy and effectiveness, underscoring the urgent need for reforms. Elaborate. Also, present a case for India's permanent membership in the UNSC.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 \"The ongoing internal crisis in Myanmar is impeding India's Act East Policy.\" In light of the statement, discuss the measures taken by India to deal with the crisis and associated challenges.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 \"The Basic Structure Doctrine, lauded for safeguarding the core principles of the Constitution against majoritarian impulses, is also criticized for enabling judicial overreach and disturbing the balance of power as envisioned by the Constitution.\" Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) Enumerate the salient features of Representation of People's Act, 1951. In your opinion, what amendments are needed in the Act to further the cause of free and fair elections in light of contemporary challenges.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13) The cooperative nature of Indian federalism is being increasingly challenged by emerging differences in Centre-State relations. Discuss. What steps can be taken to strengthen the cooperative spirit of Indian federalism?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 Parliamentary privileges are fundamental for lawmakers to discharge their duties without undue influence. However, ensuring the responsible exercise of these privileges is crucial for fostering public trust and ensuring the accountability of public institutions. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 The Constitution of India provides several rights that empower the individual, yet it balances these freedoms with reasonable restrictions in the larger public interest. Discuss how constitutional restrictions on fundamental rights strike a fine balance between individual interests and societal interests. Also, mention the principles that are considered in evaluating the reasonableness of restrictions with reference case laws.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) Self-Help Groups (SHGs) can play a crucial role in alleviating rural poverty by providing women with access to microfinance, enabling them to start small businesses and improve their livelihoods. Examine.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17) Despite the implementation of numerous policies and schemes aimed at combating hunger and malnutrition in the country, their effectiveness remains limited. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18) The true test of good governance is the degree to which it ensures accountability towards citizens and delivers on the promise of sustainable and inclusive human development. Discuss in the context of challenges to good governance in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 As the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) provides a judicial mechanism for the peaceful resolution of international disputes. In this context, throw light on the structure and mandate of ICJ. Also, highlight the challenges it faces in fulfilling its mandate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 Geopolitical shifts pose challenges to India-Russia relations, yet the relationship remains robust, driven by deep-rooted trust and a shared commitment to sustain a multifaceted strategic partnership. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8977,"topper":"Wasim Ur Rahman","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2025_unchecked_ETRC25ON033_ANV2502.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Socialistic ideals and secularism are core features of the Basic Structure doctrine in India. In this context, discuss how judicial decisions have cemented these principles as the cornerstone of constitutional identity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"“There is a need to expand the scope of ‘corrupt practices’ under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, to address emerging forms of electoral malpractices.” Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Analyse the distinguishing perspectives on equality as reflected in the constitutional frameworks of India and France.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":14,"question":"The shrinking effective share of States in the Union's gross tax revenues, coupled with equity heavy criteria in horizontal devolution, raises critical concerns for fiscal federalism in India. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"\"Citizenship is the legal foundation of constitutional rights and responsibilities.\" Discuss how India's approach to citizenship reflects its commitment to constitutional values.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Declining fertility rates, coupled with rising life expectancy, require a shift from fertility focused interventions to human capital investments. Examine in the light of recent population trends.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"\"The quality of governance is critically linked to the extent and nature of citizen participation in democratic processes.\" Discuss using examples in the Indian context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"\"Low alignment between educational outcomes and market needs can widen social and economic inequalities.\" Examine this statement in the context of India's skills ecosystem.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"\"The weakening commitment of major powers to international health frameworks poses serious challenges to equitable global cooperation.\" Discuss in light of the U.S. withdrawal from the WHO and its implications for India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"The ongoing conflict in West Asia has exposed the vulnerabilities of regional diplomacy. In this light, discuss the implications of the West Asian conflict for India’s strategic autonomy and regional engagement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"“Department-related Standing Committees serve as the institutional backbone of legislative scrutiny, yet their potential remains underutilised.” Critically analyse the challenges faced by Parliamentary Committees in ensuring executive accountability in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"\"President's Rule is a constitutional mechanism to deal with governance failure, not political convenience.\" Under what circumstances can President's Rule be imposed in a State? Discuss the constitutional safeguards and judicial verdicts associated with it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"The recently released Devolution Index reveals wide variation in the performance of States in empowering Panchayati Raj Institutions. While explaining the reasons behind this variation, discuss the role of capacity-building initiatives in enabling PRIs to fulfil their constitutional mandate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"\"In the evolving constitutional and political landscape, the effectiveness of statutory commissions depends on their structural autonomy and independence.\" Discuss in the context of the growing demand for constitutional status for statutory commissions like the National Commission for Women (NCW) and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"\"An independent judiciary is essential for upholding constitutional values, but it must also remain accountable to preserve public trust.\" Discuss in the context of recent issues.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"Institutional autonomy of sectoral regulators is critical for ensuring credibility, transparency, and fair competition. In light of recent incidents, examine the issues pertaining to the independence and autonomy of regulatory bodies in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"How far do you think a caste census is a necessary step toward realising the goals of social justice and equitable development, despite the administrative challenges it poses?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"\"The complexity of modern governance demands adaptive and dynamic administrative reforms.\" Evaluate the role of administrative reforms in improving efficiency, transparency, and responsiveness in Indian governance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"The trajectory of India–China relations in the last 75 years reflects a balance between pragmatic cooperation and unresolved strategic tensions. Discuss the contours of this evolving policy and highlight the measures India should take to counterbalance asymmetries with China.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":55,"question":"The evolution of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) from a maritime security grouping to a multidimensional partnership reflects changing strategic realities in the Indo Pacific. In this context, examine the opportunities and challenges that QUAD presents for India’s regional aspirations and strategic autonomy.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8978,"topper":"Wasim Ur Rahman","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d9b98-30458_2929_wasim-ur-rahman_rank_157.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Expression of dissent is central to the functioning of the Parliament. In light of this, discuss the role of the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in India's parliamentary system. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"How can the integration of technology into judicial processes enhance accessibility, capability, and efficiency in justice delivery? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Supreme Court of India has upheld unique asymmetry in India's federalism by intricately balancing centralized authority and regional autonomy. Discuss with the help of relevant case laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Evaluate the effectiveness of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes in safeguarding the interests of the Scheduled Castes in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Executive accountability to the legislature through Parliamentary Committees has been the hallmark of the Indian political system. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can India make Citizens' Charter a powerful tool for improving governance and empowering citizens? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How do corporate donors aid NGOs in facilitating holistic development in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite its merits, should the POCSO Act be revisited to correct the existing inadequacies? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"China's acquisition of strategic ports globally has significant implications for international trade routes and economic relations. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"What are the main functions of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)? How will its recent treaty on intellectual property, genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge benefit India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) plays a crucial role in combating corruption, its functioning is often criticized for being partisan and acting against the federal spirit. Discuss with the help of suitable examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Governors in India often overstep their constitutional role and fail to act effectively when needed. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Both India and the USA adhere to democratic principles but their electoral systems exhibit significant differences. What are the key differences in electoral practices between the two countries? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"How far do you agree with the view that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has met its objective of ensuring environmental justice in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Though Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) have become a platform for competitive politics, they have not emerged as an agency of planning and service delivery. Why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by interoperability in e-governance? What steps have been taken by the government to ensure interoperability and integration of various e-governance systems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"When it comes to sexual and reproductive health of women in India, rights-based discourse has largely been bypassed not just by the societal norms but also by the legal norms. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"How effective has India been in enhancing immunization coverage over the years? What challenges continue to affect immunization efforts in the country? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India used its Presidency of the G20 to bring the voice of the Global South to the centre stage. Discuss with special reference to Africa. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"India's relationship with the UAE has witnessed a remarkable expansion across various domains in the last decade. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8979,"topper":"Wasim Ur Rahman","air":157,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/WASIM-UR-RAHMAN-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-157-Sample-MGP-Copy-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) Why has there been an increased focus on negotiating, renegotiating and concluding Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) by India in recent years?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) A well-designed fiscal policy can serve as a vital instrument to facilitate the equitable distribution of resources and ensure the welfare of all sections of society. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) What are the primary factors contributing to India's significant reliance on imported edible oils? What measures do you suggest to increase domestic production and to reduce India's reliance on imported edible oils?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) With the growing water crisis in India, micro irrigation offers a sustainable solution for water conservation; however, its adoption remains skewed and below its potential. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) The recurring railway accidents highlight the urgent necessity for addressing the myriad challenges related to safety, undercapacity and lack of modernization within Indian Railways. Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) How does NISAR mission exemplify international cooperation in space exploration and scientific research? In what ways will it help in climate change monitoring and natural hazard management?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) Nuclear technology can play a transformative role in enhancing food security and agricultural sustainability. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) Increasing frequency of forest fires in India underscores the urgent need for sustainable forest management practices. In light of the statement, bring out the causes and multidimensional impact of forest fires. Also, suggest measures for their prevention and management.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) What reasons can be attributed to the recent surge in terror related violence in Jammu and Kashmir? What strategies would you suggest to counter it?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) In the light of recent events, throw light on the possible implications of 'cyber slavery' on internal security of India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) \"The liberalization policies of 1991 significantly enhanced India's economic dynamism, but the evolving global and domestic landscape necessitates Reforms 2.0\" or sustained economic development and prosperity. Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) Infrastructure development is essential not just for economic transformation but also for sustainable development and societal well-being. Elaborate with examples.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13) Bring out the significance of aquaculture towards nutrition security, livelihood generation, and economic growth. Also, mention various measures taken by the government to promote aquaculture in the country.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 The MSP system, though well-intentioned, has led to market distortions and ecological stress, necessitating reforms to make it more inclusive and efficient. Examine.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15) Biotechnology holds immense potential for achieving sustainable food production, efficient waste management and significant advancements in human health. Elucidate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) Climate change is leading to significant alterations in ecosystems, resulting in cascading effects on biodiversity, ecosystem services, and human livelihoods, necessitating integrated approaches to conservation and climate adaptation. Analyse.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.7) Urban areas, often referred to as the cradle of civilization and growth engines, are increasingly experiencing various natural and man-made disasters. Discuss in the Indian context. Also, suggest suitable mitigation and management strategies.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18) \"India's disaster management framework has made significant progress in the 21st century, yet challenges persist in ensuring timely response and effective coordination during crises.\" Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Explain how the symbiotic relationship between organized crime and terrorism further aggravates internal security concerns. What steps can be taken to address this linkage and the threats emerging from it?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20) Strengthening security apparatus in border areas and forging developmental partnerships with the locals are essential components of a robust and effective border management strategy. Discuss, with initiatives taken by the government in this regard.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8980,"topper":"Wasim Ur Rahman","air":157,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/WASIM-UR-RAHMAN-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-157-Sample-MGP-Copy-5.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) Trace the evolution of Industrial policy in India post-independence. Assess the success of these policies in fulfilling their desired objectives.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Highlighting the importance of green growth, discuss various measures to promote the same.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Comment on the achievements and failures of land reforms.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4 DPI (Digital Public Infrastructure) is a critical enabler of digital transformation for both businesses and citizens; however, it comes with its own set of challenges. Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) How far do you agree that a robust domestic demand is the most important driver of India's economic growth? What are other factors that influence the growth trajectory of the country?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6 The multiheaded hydra of inequity is reinforced by the skewed concentration of wealth. How far can Universal Basic Income (UBI) check the growth of economic inequity? Substantiate your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) To what extent does the Female Labor Force Participation paint a true picture of the participation of women in the Indian economy? Justify with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) The skewed emphasis on certain crops has distorted the cropping pattern in India, which has led to grave socio-economic and environmental consequences. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) The utility of APMCs is not lost despite a plethora of limitations. Discuss and recommend corrective measures for overhauling the APMCs.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10) The World Trade Organisation (WTO) was formed with the objective of imparting a long term and equitable solution to the dichotomy between free trade and food security. However, the objective has been marred by several factors. Comment","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) Critically evaluate the performance of Goods and Services Tax (GST) as a much talked about measure for fiscal reform.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12) Inclusive growth is a roadmap to intergenerational equity, redistribution of wealth, and employment generation. Explain. Also, discuss the steps taken by the government towards achieving inclusive growth.","marks":"15","words":"15"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 The inflation in the economy is fueled by a multitude of factors and leaves wide-ranging socio-economic impact. Analyze.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) What benefits does privatization of public infrastructure offer? Examine the role of the landlord port model in modernization of India's port infrastructure.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Discuss the significance of Multimodal Transport System in achieving last mile connectivity, improving logistics efficiency, and addressing the twin problems of pollution and congestion. What measures can be taken to ensure efficient multimodal transport connectivity in India?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) How will you explain the potential of Agristack in providing a lasting remedy to various ills afflicting the farm sector?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17) Food Processing Industries (FPIs) can act as a bridge between the informal farming community and the formal industrial sector, which can help boost the rural economy. Examine.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18) Highlighting the rationale behind declaring MSP, discuss various issues related to the MSP regime in the country. Also critically analyse the efficacy of legalizing MSP towards ensuring financial sustainability in farming.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 What do you understand by Farmers Producer Organisations (FPO's)? Throwing light upon the various challenges faced by the FPOs, suggest measures to ameliorate the same.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20 Discuss the role of biotechnology in enhancing agricultural productivity. Also, highlight the concerns regarding the application of biotechnology in agriculture.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8981,"topper":"Wasim Ur Rahman","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/34911-30458_1693_wasim-ur-rahman_rank_157.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the concept of volcanic winter giving examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Bring out the importance of community-based disaster management in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The concept of ecological footprint is a useful indicator for assessing progress on the sustainable use of resources in a country. Explain. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The CRZ Notification, 2018 aims to maintain a balance between economic growth and conservation principles of coastal regions. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Giving example, explain how continental rupture ultimately results in the formation of a new ocean basin. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"COVID-19 has exposed gaps in India's domestic laws to deal effectively with outbreaks of infectious diseases, especially pandemics. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Explain the phenomena of Sudden Stratospheric warming witnessed in recent years. How does it affect the ozone hole formation over Antarctica? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"How does climate change affect the process of desertification? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Discuss the increasing need of 'disaster resilient infrastructure' in India. Mention the steps taken in this direction with specific reference to the Global Coalition for Disaster-Resilient Infrastructure. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Identify the important mineral belts of India. Highlighting some of the issues plaguing the mining sector in India, discuss how the National Mineral Policy 2019 aims to address these issues. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Not only is the spatial and temporal distribution of freshwater in India very skewed, but also its usage inefficient and wasteful. Discuss in context of the current water crisis. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Examine how resource efficiency can bring about multiple benefits along the three dimensions of sustainable development - economic, social and environmental - in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Highlighting the significance of unconventional hydrocarbons for India, discuss the issues faced in their exploration and extraction. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What is Soil Organic Carbon (SOC)? Identify various factors affecting SOC levels. Also, highlight the beneficial impacts of SOC on soil health and functionality. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Approach to flood control in India should evolve from piecemeal measures to an integrated basin management. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8982,"topper":"Wasim Ur Rahman","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/mts_2025_unchecked_ETRC25ON033_ANV2503.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"How far do you think the recent proposals to reform India's tax structure will help in improving India's tax buoyancy and base?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"How do the rising trends of economic nationalism and protectionism affect India's global trade competitiveness? What recent measures has India taken to navigate these challenges?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"Examine the role of Integrated Farming System (IFM) in improving agricultural productivity and minimizing the environmental impact of agriculture.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"How do Air Defence systems work? What are the various air-defense systems that India currently possesses?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the potential of RNA editing in treating genetic disorders. What are its advantages over DNA editing?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"Urban areas are more vulnerable to disasters due to unplanned growth and infrastructure collapses. Discuss. What strategies do you recommend to enhance urban resilience to such disasters?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"Despite its criticality for the success of the Swachha Bharat Mission, solid waste management in India remains at a sub-optimal level. In this context, suggest long-term technological and institutional solutions towards effective solid-waste management.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"\"Social media has emerged as a new frontier in modern warfare, shaping narratives, influencing perceptions, and impacting national security\". In this context, analyse the role of social media in contemporary conflicts","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"The Border Security Force (BSF) has evolved significantly in its jurisdiction as well as its strategic importance in border management and the internal security framework. Explain the role and mandate of BSF. What are the issues BSF faces while operating in the border States?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":28,"question":"India’s growth story is marred by persistent challenges of inequality and the middle-income trap. Discuss. Highlight the approaches India should follow to escape the middle-income trap and ensure inclusive and sustainable economic growth.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":31,"question":"MSMEs are central to the success of the Make in India initiative, yet they face challenges in scaling up and integrating into formal supply chains. Discuss. Suggest structural reforms needed to make MSMEs more resilient and competitive.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"\"The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) aims to achieve 'more crop per drop', yet irrigation efficiency in India remains suboptimal.\" Critically analyse. What reforms are needed to strengthen its implementation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":37,"question":"The rising import of oilseeds and pulses has made their cultivation unremunerative. In the light of this statement, elucidate the steps needed to promote the production and consumption of oilseeds and pulses in India","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"Explain the scientific principles behind cloud seeding. Highlighting its role in alleviating air pollution and global warming, discuss its potential limitations.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":43,"question":"Give an account of the evolution of India's 3-Stage Nuclear Power Programme. What are the advantages and strategic imperatives of realising the thorium-based third stage?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":46,"question":"Recent studies indicate that the 2014-2024 decade is the warmest decade and 2024 is the warmest year on record. In the light of rapid global warming, what are the impacts of climate change on biodiversity? Discuss the measures needed to ensure ecological resilience and conservation of species diversity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Forest fires in India are increasing in frequency and intensity, posing severe ecological and economic challenges. Describe the various causes of forest fires. What measures are followed to prevent and manage forest fires in India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":52,"question":"What are organized crimes? Discuss the linkages between organized crime and terrorism. How do such linkages pose internal security challenges to India?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":55,"question":"India's north-eastern region is fraught with contentious issues and security challenges. Examine the various security challenges currently prevailing in the region. Discuss the steps to counter these challenges.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8983,"topper":"Wasim Ur Rahman","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5970d-30458_2425_wasim-ur-rahman_rank_157.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"For effective corporate governance to take place in the coming years, why is it important to integrate the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics with the multi-stakeholder approach? What benefits can be accrued by such integration? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In acts of corruption, the focus is often only on the demand side of the equation, on public officials who abuse their office for private gain. Frequently, the supply side is given less attention. Those who pay bribes are sometimes depicted as innocent parties and victims of extortionary practices of wily public servants. Do you agree that 'collusive corruption', in which there is a willing bribe-giver, is a formidable challenge for institutions fighting corruption? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Citizens' Charters initiative was a response to the quest for solving the problems, which a citizen encountered, day in and day out, while dealing with the organisations providing public services. But the introduction and implementation of Citizens' Charters in the government of India has been difficult due to the old bureaucratic set up and the rigid attitudes of the work force. Discuss the major obstacles that have been encountered in implementing the Citizens' Charter initiative. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Quality of public service delivery is a major determinant of the quality of life of vulnerable sections in a highly unequal society divided along the lines of class, caste, religion, etc. In this background, do you think that public service delivery is efficient and sufficient enough to improve the lives of vulnerable groups in India? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? \"The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own.\" - Lao Tzu (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"If ethics are poor at the top, that behavior is copied down through the organization.\" - Robert Noyce (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"The end of law is not to abolish or restrain, but to preserve and enlarge freedom.\" - John Locke (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Wealthy CEOs and founders of successful businesses around the world are increasingly pledging to give away their wealth in philanthropy. Do you think that such a move is sufficient enough to bring about a positive change in the society? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"As organizations across the globe begin their artificial intelligence (AI) transformation, the leap into the AI era is expected to be more challenging than any technology that businesses have grappled with yet. In this background, discuss the concerns around fairness, transparency, and job security that may arise. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The emphasis of Swami Dayanand Saraswati on education, social equality, and ethical values continues to influence the socio-cultural discourse in contemporary India. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"}]},{"id":8984,"topper":"Wasim Ur Rahman","air":157,"year":2025,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e2dce-30458_1525_wasim-ur-rahman_rank_157.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8985,"topper":"Wasim Ur Rahman","air":281,"year":2024,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Hmz5Qmm-PRI-HRraBsa3IqzqGVA4kYjm","questions":[]},{"id":8986,"topper":"Wasim Ur Rahman","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/WASIM-UR-RAHMAN-UPSC-2024-Rank-281-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Why has there been an increased focus on negotiating, renegotiating and concluding Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) by India in recent years? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"A well-designed fiscal policy can serve as a vital instrument to facilitate the equitable distribution of resources and ensure the welfare of all sections of society. Elaborate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What are the primary factors contributing to India's significant reliance on imported edible oils? What measures do you suggest to increase domestic production and to reduce India's reliance on imported edible oils? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"With the growing water crisis in India, micro irrigation offers a sustainable solution for water conservation; however, its adoption remains skewed and below its potential. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The recurring railway accidents highlight the urgent necessity for addressing the myriad challenges related to safety, undercapacity and lack of modernization within Indian Railways. Analyse. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"How does NISAR mission exemplify international cooperation in space exploration and scientific research? In what ways will it help in climate change monitoring and natural hazard management? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Nuclear technology can play a transformative role in enhancing food security and agricultural sustainability. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Increasing frequency of forest fires in India underscores the urgent need for sustainable forest management practices. In light of the statement, bring out the causes and multidimensional impact of forest fires. Also, suggest measures for their prevention and management. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What reasons can be attributed to the recent surge in terror related violence in Jammu and Kashmir? What strategies would you suggest to counter it? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"\"The liberalization policies of 1991 significantly enhanced India's economic dynamism, but the evolving global and domestic landscape necessitates 'Reforms 2.0' for sustained economic development and prosperity.\" Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Infrastructure development is essential not just for economic transformation but also for sustainable development and societal well-being. Elaborate with examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Bring out the significance of aquaculture towards nutrition security, livelihood generation, and economic growth. Also, mention various measures taken by the government to promote aquaculture in the country. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The MSP system, though well-intentioned, has led to market distortions and ecological stress, necessitating reforms to make it more inclusive and efficient. Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Biotechnology holds immense potential for achieving sustainable food production, efficient waste management and significant advancements in human health. Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Climate change is leading to significant alterations in ecosystems, resulting in cascading effects on biodiversity, ecosystem services, and human livelihoods, necessitating integrated approaches to conservation and climate adaptation. Analyse. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Urban areas, often referred to as the cradle of civilization and growth engines, are increasingly experiencing various natural and man-made disasters. Discuss in the Indian context. Also, suggest suitable mitigation and management strategies. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"\"India's disaster management framework has made significant progress in the 21st century, yet challenges persist in ensuring timely response and effective coordination during crises.\" Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Explain how the symbiotic relationship between organized crime and terrorism further aggravates internal security concerns. What steps can be taken to address this linkage and the threats emerging from it? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Strengthening security apparatus in border areas and forging developmental partnerships with the locals are essential components of a robust and effective border management strategy. Discuss, with initiatives taken by the government in this regard. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":8987,"topper":"Y Megha Swaroop","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/d28d5-578108_1247_y-megha-swaroop_rank_98.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Mention the structure and functions of NITI Aayog. Also, comment on its contemporary relevance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Critically discuss the practice of setting up Fast Track Courts to reduce pendency of cases in the judiciary. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the challenges faced by lower judiciary in India and suggest measures for enhancing their productivity. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Assess the need to formalise the process of post-legislative scrutiny to improve the effectiveness of laws. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in improving the effectiveness of e-governance in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Despite various reforms in the public grievance redressal mechanisms, their effectiveness remain limited. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Explaining the factors that contribute to trafficking of women and children in India, highlight the steps taken in recent times to combat it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"With Vector-Borne Diseases (VBDs) reaching epidemic proportions in India, highlight the factors that have led to their emergence. Also, suggest some measures for their effective control and management. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"After years of neglect, rapidly evolving regional strategic realities are now forcing India and Indonesia to coordinate their policies ever more closely. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Despite several attempts at resetting the ties, various barriers continue to be a cause of concern in the India-Nepal bilateral relations. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Delineate the differences between pressure groups and interest groups. Citing examples, elaborate on the ways in which pressure groups influence government decisions and policy making in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlighting the issues faced by the institutions of local self governance in India, suggest measures that can be taken to improve their effectiveness in the delivery of public goods and services at the grassroot level. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The recent amendment to the Right to Information Act, 2005 will weaken the act and undermine the authority of Information Commissioners. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight the process of delimitation in India. Also, throw light on the debates surrounding the delimitation exercise in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Self Help Groups (SHGs) are vehicles of rural development, which help in the upliftment of marginalized groups. Elucidate. Further, mention the constraints faced by SHGs and how they can be addressed. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"With construction of toilets being only one part of the solution for a clean India, it is time that the Swachh Bharat Mission puts more emphasis on the other facets as well. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Highlight the salient features of Mission Indradhanush. What are the challenges that the mission is facing in its implementation? Suggest measures to address these challenges for progressing towards full immunization coverage. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Assess the importance of skilling in light of changing economic and demographic structure in India. In this regard, how far has the Skill India Mission succeeded in its mandate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What according to you are the reasons that motivated India to create a dedicated Indo-Pacific division in the MEA recently? Also, highlight the challenges for India in the Indo-Pacific region. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"For SCO to become a successful regional grouping, it has to overcome bilateral differences between its members and their respective geopolitical calculations. Comment. Also, discuss the role that SCO can play in enhancing India's interest in the Eurasian region. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8988,"topper":"Y Megha Swaroop","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/13452-578108_1247_y-megha-swaroop_rank_31.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Mention the structure and functions of NITI Aayog. Also, comment on its contemporary relevance. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Critically discuss the practice of setting up Fast Track Courts to reduce pendency of cases in the judiciary. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the challenges faced by lower judiciary in India and suggest measures for enhancing their productivity. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Assess the need to formalise the process of post-legislative scrutiny to improve the effectiveness of laws. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in improving the effectiveness of e-governance in India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Despite various reforms in the public grievance redressal mechanisms, their effectiveness remain limited. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Explaining the factors that contribute to trafficking of women and children in India, highlight the steps taken in recent times to combat it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"With Vector-Borne Diseases (VBDs) reaching epidemic proportions in India, highlight the factors that have led to their emergence. Also, suggest some measures for their effective control and management. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"After years of neglect, rapidly evolving regional strategic realities are now forcing India and Indonesia to coordinate their policies ever more closely. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Despite several attempts at resetting the ties, various barriers continue to be a cause of concern in the India-Nepal bilateral relations. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Delineate the differences between pressure groups and interest groups. Citing examples, elaborate on the ways in which pressure groups influence government decisions and policy making in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlighting the issues faced by the institutions of local self governance in India, suggest measures that can be taken to improve their effectiveness in the delivery of public goods and services at the grassroot level. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The recent amendment to the Right to Information Act, 2005 will weaken the act and undermine the authority of Information Commissioners. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlight the process of delimitation in India. Also, throw light on the debates surrounding the delimitation exercise in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Self Help Groups (SHGs) are vehicles of rural development, which help in the upliftment of marginalized groups. Elucidate. Further, mention the constraints faced by SHGs and how they can be addressed. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"With construction of toilets being only one part of the solution for a clean India, it is time that the Swachh Bharat Mission puts more emphasis on the other facets as well. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Highlight the salient features of Mission Indradhanush. What are the challenges that the mission is facing in its implementation? Suggest measures to address these challenges for progressing towards full immunization coverage. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Assess the importance of skilling in light of changing economic and demographic structure in India. In this regard, how far has the Skill India Mission succeeded in its mandate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What according to you are the reasons that motivated India to create a dedicated Indo-Pacific division in the MEA recently? Also, highlight the challenges for India in the Indo-Pacific region. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"For SCO to become a successful regional grouping, it has to overcome bilateral differences between its members and their respective geopolitical calculations. Comment. Also, discuss the role that SCO can play in enhancing India's interest in the Eurasian region. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8989,"topper":"Y Megha Swaroop","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/de73c-578108_1242_y-megha-swaroop_rank_98.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Tribal art in India generally reflects the creative energy found in rural areas that acts as an undercurrent to the craftsmanship. Explain with reference to the Worli and Gond paintings. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Though it had its achievements, the exclusion of Indians from the system was a key feature of judicial reforms introduced by Cornwallis. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The Marshall Plan was important in the recovery of the European states from the aftermath of the Second World War. However, it also became a crucial factor in the creation of two Europes i.e. East and West. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Examine the causes behind the existence of bonded labour in contemporary India. Also, discuss the steps that should be taken for its redress. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"State the factors that enhance the risk for initiation or continuation of abuse of drugs by the youth. What measures can be taken to address this issue? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Critically analyze the impact of globalization on culture in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"How do increasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions impact coastal and marine ecosystems? Highlight various measures that can be taken for protection and restoration of such vulnerable ecosystems. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Explain the phenomenon of a Polar Vortex. Also, comment on the reasons as to why tropical areas as south as Florida have been witnessing sub-zero temperatures in recent years. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The most powerful trend of medieval Indian literature is devotional poetry which dominates almost all the major languages of the country. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Discuss the major changes introduced by the Government of India Act, 1919 and its significance as a historical landmark in the Indian freedom struggle. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Multiple factors allowed the British to gain control over India. In this context, highlighting the main developments, trace the course of British conquest of India from 1757 to 1856. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"With India becoming increasingly urban and the urban poor increasing in number, it is imperative that the challenges they face be addressed urgently. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Violations of women's sexual and reproductive health rights are often deeply engrained in societal values and traditions. Comment. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by the term Land Degradation Neutrality? Highlight its significance and the steps required to achieve it. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"State the geographical and economic importance of Hindukush-Himalayan region. How are the critical geographical features of this region changing and what possible consequences will it have? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What is the most accepted reasoning behind occurrence of earth's magnetism? Discuss the factors behind its variation temporally and spatially. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Explain Walker Circulation. Discuss how it influences Indian Monsoon. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8990,"topper":"Y Megha Swaroop","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/05a69-578108_1246_y-megha-swaroop_rank_98.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Rock-cut structures were closely associated with various religions and religious activities. Discuss the statement giving relevant examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The legislative and administrative record of the Congress Ministries during their twenty-eight months rule under the Act of 1935 was positive, but the period also witnessed the emergence of serious weaknesses in the Congress. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Kamladevi Chattopadhyay was a multifaceted personality with significant contributions both to pre and post independence India. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The inherent limitations of Napoleon's policy of Continental Blockade ultimately resulted in its failure. Analyze. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Despite changes in the institution of marriage in recent times, there have been elements of continuity as well. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"There are multiple disabilities that a person experiences in the course of ageing. Elaborate. Also identify key government initiatives taken for addressing them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlight the reasons behind prevalence of low literacy rate among tribals. Also, mention some initiatives taken by the government in this regard. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain how Continental Drift Theory describes the changing configuration of the continents. Discuss the prominent evidences given by Alfred Wegener to support his theory. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The variety of landforms on the earth's surface is the result of internal and external forces. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Explaining the concept of Lapse Rate, examine its relationship with atmospheric stability. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"The colonial period brought the influence of Western architectural forms to India. In this context, giving examples, highlight the contribution of Europeans to Indian architecture. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"The nineteenth century witnessed a struggle against the backward elements of traditional culture. Discuss in the context of socio-religious reform movements. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Explaining the reasons behind partition of Bengal, discuss the successes and limitations of the Swadeshi movement launched in its wake. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The reorganisation of states in India post-independence has been an ongoing process with distinct contributing factors. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The Treaty of Versailles was not a peace agreement based on reconciliation but was 'dictated peace' forced on Germany, which eventually triggered the Second World War. Examine. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Legal measures alone are not sufficient for addressing the issue of domestic violence against women, rather it requires intervention at societal level. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"India is undergoing a demographic transition the implications of which are multipronged. Analyze. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Highlight the significance of watershed development in India. Give reasons for the limited success of initiatives directed towards watershed management in India. Also, suggest some measures to improve the design of watershed programs. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Explain the relationship between raw materials and location of industries. How are globalisation and technological advancements changing this relationship? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Explain how natural greenhouse effect helps in maintaining Earth's heat budget. What are the possible implications of rising concentration of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in atmosphere on Earth's heat budget? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8991,"topper":"Y Megha Swaroop","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/032d8-578108_1245_y-megha-swaroop_rank_98.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the attributes of leadership, analyse why it is important for a civil servant.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"A civil servant needs to be objective as well as empathetic. What do you understand by objectivity? Discuss its relationship with empathy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"With rapidly increasing use of information technology, what according to you is the role of ethics in cyber space?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Transparency in government organisations is an essential pre-condition for good governance. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but its lowest ones. Nelson Mandela","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"For achieving success, attitude is equally, if not more important than ability. Discuss with the help of examples from your daily life.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"The core of high Emotional Intelligence is self-awareness. If you don't understand your own motivations and behaviours, it is nearly impossible to develop an understanding of others. Discuss with the help of appropriate examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by Integrity Pacts? Highlight the role they can play in bringing transparency in allotment of public contracts and ensuring proper utilization of public funds in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"In the context of rapid technological change, discuss the significance of inculcating moral and spiritual values in educational institutions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Explain the main elements of integral humanism as propounded by Deen Dayal Upadhyay and highlight its contemporary relevance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":25,"question":"It is imperative for a country like India, that code of ethics should be implemented for civil servants on social media platforms as well. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Discuss how effective corporate governance can ensure the equitable treatment of all stakeholders.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"You are posted as the Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district of a state where alcohol prohibition has been imposed recently. The District Excise department has conducted many raids and seized liquor in large quantities, for which it has received state-wide public appreciation. A few months later reports surface in the media that in this district, hundreds of seized bottles of illicit liquor are missing from the government malkhanas or stores. As a result, the government is left red-faced. You are asked by the DM, who is the overall in-charge of the district excise setup, to investigate the matter. Upon investigation, you unearth a nexus of politicians and government officials who smuggled seized liquor and sold it through spurious means both inside and outside the state. In this context, evaluate these options:","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":29,"question":"Being aware of the seriousness of the matter, discretely put the detailed investigation report in the public domain and expose the nexus. Also, suggest, without restricting yourself to the given options, the final course of action that you would prefer.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate in a Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected district. The district has witnessed many instances of violence by the naxalites in the past. It has been observed that instances of violence increase as the elections approach. You, as a Returning Officer, are responsible for the smooth conduct of elections. Soon after the announcement of elections, the naxalites gave a call for their boycott and have been threatening people to stay away from them. The people of the district are eager to exercise their voting rights but are scared of the impending acts of violence. Further, with threat to their lives and a low expected turnout, the other electoral officers are also reluctant to go to these areas. In this context, answer the following: (a) Identify the civil service values that are crucial for working in such adversities. (b) Suggest a plan of action to ensure the conduct of free and fair elections in such a situation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate in a district, where many large factories and commercial establishments are located. One such factory is owned by one of your close friends. You visit each other's home frequently and are often seen in public together. Recently, media reported about poor working conditions in your friend's factory. Upon enquiry with the labor office, you come to know that the factory has witnessed frequent labour unrests in the past as well. However, the labour officer told you that he was hesitating to take any action due to your proximity with the owner of the factory. With reference to the facts of the case, answer the following questions: (a) Identifying the stakeholders and public cause, discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) As the District Magistrate, what appropriate course of action will you take? Give reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are a resident of a remote tribal district, where there is high incidence of malnutrition. As a remedial measure, the District Magistrate has initiated a programme to promote millet cultivation, especially on the lands currently lying fallow in the district. However, this well-intentioned move of the officer receives flak from the local tribals as this may not only change their age-old food habits, but also alter their traditional agricultural practices. They further cite lower remunerative prices of millets as another reason for continuing with their existing crop production pattern. As a civil servant aspirant, who has a keen interest in development of tribal areas, answer the following questions: (a) What according to you are the key issues and challenges involved in the above situation? (b) Identify the key stakeholders and their respective interests. (c) Suggest a course of action that the District Magistrate can take keeping in mind the larger tribal interests.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You have recently been posted as a District Labour Officer in a state, which derives a substantial revenue from tourism. You come to know that a big hotel in the area has not been paying wages as per the Minimum Wages Act. The hotel owner is a powerful local leader having contacts with many influential officials of the state. You have the power to take sou-moto cognizance of such violations and accordingly you initiate a preliminary enquiry into the matter. However, no worker is willing to come forward to lodge a formal complaint because they fear loss of employment. Meanwhile, your action has attracted notice of the higher authorities, and you are advised to drop the matter altogether. You are deeply concerned about the situation as it involves not only violation of the Minimum Wages Act but also denial of basic human rights of the worker. (a) Identify the issues involved in the given case. (b) Consider the options given below:","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"Serve a notice to the hotel owner and initiate action as per your powers under the Minimum Wages Act. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each of these options and suggest your preferred course of action, giving reasons.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"You are the Chairman of a Committee, constituted by the government, to suggest measures to improve the quality of education in state-run schools. In view of the increasing dropout rate and the widening gap between students' learning ability in state-run and private schools, answer the following questions: (a) Examine the role of government in the education sector, especially providing primary and secondary education through state-run schools. (b) Identify the principles and values that would guide your recommendations in this regard. (c) Suggest some ways in which quality of education in state-run schools can be improved.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8992,"topper":"Y Megha Swaroop","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2a751-578108_1245_y-megha-swaroop_rank_31.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Highlighting the attributes of leadership, analyse why it is important for a civil servant.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"A civil servant needs to be objective as well as empathetic. What do you understand by objectivity? Discuss its relationship with empathy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"With rapidly increasing use of information technology, what according to you is the role of ethics in cyber space?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Transparency in government organisations is an essential pre-condition for good governance. Elucidate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but its lowest ones. Nelson Mandela","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by Integrity Pacts? Highlight the role they can play in bringing transparency in allotment of public contracts and ensuring proper utilization of public funds in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"In the context of rapid technological change, discuss the significance of inculcating moral and spiritual values in educational institutions.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Explain the main elements of integral humanism as propounded by Deen Dayal Upadhyay and highlight its contemporary relevance.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"You are posted as a District Magistrate in a district, where many large factories and commercial establishments are located. One such factory is owned by one of your close friends. You visit each other's home frequently and are often seen in public together. Recently, media reported about poor working conditions in your friend's factory. Upon enquiry with the labor office, you come to know that the factory has witnessed frequent labour unrests in the past as well. However, the labour officer told you that he was hesitating to take any action due to your proximity with the owner of the factory. With reference to the facts of the case, answer the following questions: (a) Identifying the stakeholders and public cause, discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) As the District Magistrate, what appropriate course of action will you take? Give reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8993,"topper":"Y Megha Swaroop","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c5857-578108_1249_y-megha-swaroop_rank_98.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What do you understand by cultural sensitivity? Identify the ways in which individuals and organisations can benefit from cultural sensitivity in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"In the quest for scientific and technological development, ethical values should not be neglected. Discuss in the current context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"In a plural society like India, education should help the individual to celebrate the plurality and visualize the inherent unity of cultures and values. Analyze the statement in the present context with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"Elucidate Swami Vivekananda's ideas on nationalism.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. Mahatma Gandhi","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"Explaining the concept of moral attitude, discuss how social media is shaping moral attitudes of people.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Analyse the importance of both influence and persuasion for effective leadership.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Analyze the significance of adopting a code of ethics for creating a healthy work culture in an organization.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Ethos, ethics, equity and efficiency are key criteria on the basis of which the competency of civil servants should be judged. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"The mandatory nature of Corporate Social Responsibility goes against the notion of philanthropy. Discuss.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"A private company has proposed a large-scale hydel power project to tap the potential of a fast-flowing river in a state predominantly occupied by indigenous tribal groups. The state is backward and badly needs funds for socio-economic development. The state government is deliberating on the issue and is yet to take a final decision on the matter. While the project is expected to generate substantial revenue and employment, it will submerge the surrounding areas eventually displacing the tribals. Another issue of concern is that the tribal community regards this land and the river as sacred and integral to their cultural heritage. Thus, the tribals are not in favour of going ahead with the project and are already protesting against it. Their leader has threatened to initiate a hunger strike if the government goes ahead with the project. This has caught the attention of the mainstream media and social activists. Based on the information given above, answer the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders involved in the case and their respective interests. (b) Keeping in mind the issues involved, how can differing interests be reconciled for ensuring sustainable development in the area?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"You are posted as Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district, which has a bustling market in the district headquarters with a high footfall. The area has traditionally been occupied by street vendors and hawkers. They form an intrinsic part of the market system in the area and derive their livelihood from it. Recently, you got reports that the policemen posted in the area harass the hawkers and also extort 'hafta' - a weekly bribe - from them despite complying with the laws. It has been brought to your notice that while those who comply with this arrangement are allowed to carry on with their daily operations, those who do not are being evicted from the market area. In the process of eviction, they are even physically assaulted and their saleable items are often confiscated and destroyed. As a result, some street vendors have been staging protests against the local administration in the market and have blocked the normal market passage. They have also threatened to intensify their protest over a period of time. The local police, however, has been in denial of any such wrong doings and argue that they are merely removing illegal encroachments, which were causing traffic jam in the area. In this situation, answer the following: (a) Mention the stakeholders and ethical issues involved in the case. (b) As the Superintendent of Police, what course of action would you adopt for diffusing the tensions in the area? Also, suggest some policy recommendations, which will help resolve the issues in the long-term.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"A mid level manager in a food and beverages firm has been assigned the responsibility to deal with tensions arising in a rural area between the firm and the local farmers. These farmers supply the company with bananas, which are used exclusively by the company in its niche products. The banana plantations are growing a variety developed by the firm. The core issue revolves around the perceived violation of company's IPR as many of the farmers in the neighbouring areas have also started growing the same variety of banana. It is suspected that the farmers with whom the company had a contract have shared the breed with others in the region. The legal department of the firm is of the opinion that a legal complaint against the farmers is the only way to protect the IPR of the company. It would also set a precedent for the future. However, many in the firm also believe that such a step would escalate the matter. In such a scenario, identify the key issues to be addressed. What measures would you suggest to deal with these issues?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":49,"question":"You have recently been posted as a probationary officer in the District Magistrate's office in a tribal district. During one of the fieldtrips, while interacting with the tribals, you come to know about a private company, established a few years back, which has transformed their lives. The company, using the traditional knowledge of tribals, had launched a series of products and provided numerous livelihood opportunities to the tribals. Upon further enquiry, you come to know that while the lives of tribals had indeed improved, the distribution of profits however, has been quite disproportionate. The company has seen a huge growth in its operations and its owners have amassed huge wealth. It is also planning to file for IPR, which may further hinder the interests of the tribals. You feel that tribals have been left short changed and there has not been an equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the use of their resources. When you tried to approach the Gram Sabha and voice your concerns, the tribals requested you not to intervene as they do not have any alternatives. They also argue that governments in the past have failed to protect their interests. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the different stakeholders and their interests involved in this case. (b) Present a case to convince the District Magistrate for the need of government intervention in the situation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Various studies have found out that cases of depression and mental illness have increased exponentially in the recent past. Also, in the age group of 15-30 years, this problem is further pronounced. Furthermore, the rising trend of suicides in this age group has been attributed to depression. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Present an ethical critique of the prevalent societal attitude towards mental illness. (b) Given the magnitude of the problem among younger generation/young adults, analyse the role of the following: i. Parenting ii. Social Media iii. Video Games","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":8994,"topper":"Y Megha Swaroop","air":31,"year":2020,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1mu1q_oYvmbJySqLQEmJl9EuYqXvECh8w","questions":[]},{"id":8995,"topper":"Y Megha Swaroop","air":98,"year":2019,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/19AK1NA9uzDbW2u9Tc-AmReqXC_FlGbmw","questions":[]},{"id":8996,"topper":"Yadav Suryabhan Achchhelal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/48c3f-176745_1248_yadav-suryabhan-achchhelal_rank-27.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain the significance of Credit Rating Agencies (CRAs) in India and highlight the issues in their working. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What are the issues that have limited the success of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in India? Mention some steps that can be taken to address them. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The opportunities for start-ups in India are immense, but so are the challenges. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The term 'Circular Economy' is often seen in news. What are the principles that it is based on? Bring out its relevance for India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Assess the performance of Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana in achieving its stated objective of financial inclusion. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"How does pollution in rivers impact the surrounding ecosystem? Explain why such pollution has not shown signs of improvement, despite various government initiatives. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"What is project MANAV launched by the Department of Biotechnology? Highlight the significance of this project. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Highlighting the properties and applications of superconductors, discuss the constraints related to their practical use. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind India becoming a major destination as well as a transit hub for drug trafficking in South Asia. How does this effect India's internal security? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The development of border areas is an important element in border management. In this context, discuss how the Border Area Development Programme (BADP) seeks to ameliorate the problems faced in border areas. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Examine whether Fixed Term Employment will be able to achieve the objectives of ease of doing business, achieving labour welfare and job creation. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"A growing livestock sector augurs well for the low income households to augment their income and escape poverty. Discuss. Further, suggest some strategies for ensuring sustainable livestock sector growth in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Examine whether the time has come for India to usher in full liberalisation of the Capital Account. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Highlighting the challenges to agriculture extension in India, discuss how ICT can help in addressing them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Now that it has been two years since introduction of GST in India, do you think the system is on the path to achieve its intended objectives? Support your answer with relevant facts. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Highlight the gender specific challenges faced during disaster management. In this regard, discuss how the disaster management cycle can be made more gender sensitive. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Though there are some notable individual achievements, the overall participation of women in scientific research has been abysmally low. Examine, What steps have been taken by the government in this regard? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Discuss the significance of the recent amendments made in the NIA act and the UAPA Act for countering terrorism. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The national security architecture needs to be robust enough to deal with present and evolving threats. Elaborating on the statement, discuss the recent steps taken for modernisation of the national security architecture. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8997,"topper":"Yadav Suryabhan Achchhelal","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/cc92e-176745_1243_yadav-suryabhan-achchhelal_rank-27.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Reservation of seats in legislature is needed to ensure meaningful political participation of women and to make the democratic process truly inclusive. Discuss the statement in the light of 108th Constitution Amendment Bill. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Discuss the issue of reservation in promotions for SCs and STs in public employment in the light of various judicial pronouncements and constitutional amendments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Highlight the reasons behind underperformance of the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs). How can their performance be improved? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Highlighting the rationale behind continuance of the Official Secrets Act, critically discuss whether the Right to Information should be given precedence over it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What is the rationale behind having a mandatory 'cooling-off' period for retired civil servants? In light of numerous instances of violation of this provision, do you think there is a need to have a relook at Civil Services Conduct Rules? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Highlighting the key features of POSHAN Abhiyan, explain how it is an improvement over previous interventions in achieving the goal of malnutrition free India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Give an account of the challenges that the multilateral rule-based trading system is facing. With special focus on WTO, discuss how these challenges can be addressed effectively. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Highlight the major impediments affecting India-US trade relations. What possible consequences can the recent withdrawal of Generalized System of Preference (GSP) have on India-US trade relations? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"In a democratic setup, it is imperative that independence be balanced with accountability. Discuss in the context of judiciary in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Despite various strengths, there are certain weaknesses in the existing structure of departments of the government which render the system slow and cumbersome. Analyze. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"In the light of criticism surrounding the composition and functioning of Rajya Sabha, do you think it exists merely as a secondary house of the Parliament? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Explain the role that SHGs play in poverty alleviation in India. Highlighting the shortcomings of the SHG-Bank Linkage programme, give some suggestions to improve its performance. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Despite initiatives taken by the government in recent years to address the challenges of the Indian higher education system, many reforms are still required to improve its quality and enhance its relevance. Analyse. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Giving an account of the progress made under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, mention the challenges that it faces in achieving its target. How can the implementation of the programme be fast-tracked? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Island nations of the Indian Ocean hold immense strategic value in shaping the geopolitical contours of the region and ensuring maritime security of India. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Development assistance, a key instrument in India's foreign policy, has seen a considerable expansion in the past few years both in its scope and reach. Elucidate. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":8998,"topper":"Yadav Suryabhan Achchhelal","air":27,"year":2022,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/02d05-176745_1414_yadav-suryabhan-achchhelal_rank-27.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":8999,"topper":"Yadav Suryabhan Achchhelal","air":27,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1ad79-176745_1420_yadav-suryabhan-achchhelal_rank-27.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":9000,"topper":"Yadav Suryabhan Achchhelal","air":27,"year":2022,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/98c37-176745_1249_yadav-suryabhan-achchhelal_rank-27.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":9001,"topper":"Yadav Suryabhan Achchhelal","air":27,"year":2022,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"IMS4Maths","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://ims4maths.com/files/SURYABHAN%20yadav%20test-1.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":9002,"topper":"Yadav Suryabhan Achchhelal","air":27,"year":2022,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"IMS4Maths","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://ims4maths.com/files/yadav%20suryabhan%20test-6.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":9003,"topper":"Yadav Suryabhan Achchhelal","air":27,"year":2022,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"IMS4Maths","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://ims4maths.com/files/suryabhan%20test-7.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":9004,"topper":"Yadav Suryabhan Achchhelal","air":27,"year":2022,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"IMS4Maths","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://ims4maths.com/files/suryabhan%20test%20no%208.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":9005,"topper":"Yadav Suryabhan Achchhelal","air":27,"year":2022,"paper":"Optional — Mathematics","optional":true,"source":"IMS4Maths","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://ims4maths.com/files/suryabhan%20yadav%20test-9.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":9006,"topper":"Yaksh Chaudhary","air":6,"year":2021,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/54d91-342734_1419_yaksh-chaudhary_rank_06.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":9007,"topper":"Yaksh Chaudhary","air":6,"year":2021,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7d839-342734_1420_yaksh-chaudhary_rank_06.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":9008,"topper":"Yaksh Chaudhary","air":6,"year":2021,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/f3e22-342734_1526_yaksh-chaudhary_rank_06.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":9009,"topper":"Yaksh Chaudhary","air":6,"year":2021,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/36731-342734_1527_yaksh-chaudhary_rank_06.pdf","questions":[{"page":4,"question":"Sociology and common sense converge at some points, but diverge more often. Evaluate the statement.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"Discuss the role of questionnaire as a tool of data collection in sociological research.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"Explain the institutional ethnography approach with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"Examine the utility of reliability and validity in social research by giving suitable examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"'Sociology grew as a product of the reflection of great thinkers reflecting on society'. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"'A good hypothesis should be specific enough to be falsifiable'. Explain.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":22,"question":"Sociology and political science are so closely related to each other that one becomes meaningless without other. Analyse.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"Explain the difference between the positivist and interpretative approaches to the scientific method in sociology.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"\"Participant observation has many practical disadvantages.\" Substantiate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":32,"question":"'Total objectivity in sociological research is an illusion that can never be achieved.' Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"'Though they take very different approaches to study society, both 'micro' and 'macro' sociology aid our ability to understand the social world. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":40,"question":"Highlight the various 'Social Pathologies' within Marriage in contemporary times.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Examine the functions and dysfunctions of 'informal sector' in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Critically examine 'cultural lag' theory of social change.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":50,"question":"'Feminization of work has not led to gender equality', Do you agree? Comment.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":9010,"topper":"Yaksh Chaudhary","air":6,"year":2021,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a96ba-342734_1528_yaksh-chaudhary_rank_06.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":9011,"topper":"Yaksh Chaudhary","air":6,"year":2021,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/a1cfc-342734_1531_yaksh-chaudhary_rank_06.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":9012,"topper":"Yaksh Chaudhary","air":6,"year":2021,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/08867-342734_1533_yaksh-chaudhary_rank06.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":9013,"topper":"Yarasi Tusharika","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/YARASI-TUSHARIKAUPSC_IAS_2025_Toppers_AIR_393_Sample_MGP_1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) What are the main features of Vedic society and religion? Do you think some of the features are still prevailing in Indian society?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) The synthesis of Islamic architectural styles with elements from local Indian traditions contributed to the development of Indo-Islamic architecture in India. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) What were the reasons behind the relative peace and lack of major international conflicts during the 1920s?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Discuss the significance of the 1998 Pokhran nuclear tests as a transformative moment in India's post-independence history.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) What were the reasons that the British emerged as the preeminent power after succeeding against other European powers in the Indian subcontinent?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) \"The very policy that was meant to further subjugate Indians catalyzed free thought and questioned the notion of British superiority.\" Discuss in the context of British education policy in colonial India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) How far do you agree with the view that Stalinism was just a continuation of Leninism?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) The revolt of 1857 was far more than a mutiny, yet much less than the first war of independence. Do you agree? Substantiate your views.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9) Unemployment is not just an economic challenge, but a social one with far-reaching consequences. In this context, discuss the social impact of unemployment in the country.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 \"The socio-cultural consequences of the contact between tribal and non-tribal populations are complex and multifaceted.\" Examine.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11 Differentiate between the Nagara and Dravida styles of temple architecture. Explain how the Vesara architectural style creatively amalgamated architectural elements of both, while introducing innovative elements of its own.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 Identify the key reasons behind British colonial intervention in Malaya in the 19th century. How did Malaya react to British colonial rule?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 The integration of the Princely States into the Indian Union after partition involved overcoming significant administrative and socio-cultural hurdles. Discuss the statement with special emphasis on the integration of Hyderabad. Also, throw light on the role of Sardar Patel in the integration process.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 Non-Cooperation-Khilafat Movement was a watershed event in the Indian freedom struggle, but it suffered from inherent limitations. Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 The Bhakti movement, emphasizing 'personal connection' to the divine, had a profound impact on various aspects of Indian society. Highlighting the main features of the Bhakti movement, discuss its contribution towards the development of vernacular languages across the country.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) Discuss the developments in the field of art and architecture during the Mauryan period.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17) The German unification was achieved more by 'coal and iron' than by 'blood and iron'. Examine.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 How do conventional gender roles and responsibilities make women more susceptible to the impacts of extreme heat conditions? What measures would you suggest reducing these vulnerabilities?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 \"The changing nature of revolutionary extremism in the Indian national movement reflects a broader shift in political consciousness.\" Substantiate.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20) While there are extensive policies focused on equity and social justice, yet the underprivileged sections are deprived of full benefits of affirmative action guaranteed by the Constitution. Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":9014,"topper":"Yarasi Tusharika","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/YARASI_TUSHARIKA_SS_GS_1_TEST_6_AIR_393_2025_1_a2706059a1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the concept of jet stream and explain its effects on Indian monsoon. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Climate change and global warming increases the vulnerability of our fragile coastal ecosystems. Analyse. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Enumerate the conditions needed for formation of tropical cyclones. Give reasons for more cyclones in the Bay of Bengal compared to in Arabian Sea. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Describe the characteristics of hot spot volcanism with examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"How does the distribution of natural resources influence modern international trade patterns? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Explain the factors influencing the location of automobile industries in India by giving examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Explain the phenomena of 'teleconnection' with reference to Indian monsoon. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"'Development is inherently contradictory in character.' Examine the statement with reference to the tribal population in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"'Secularism is a superficial concept with western roots in India'. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What are mid-ocean ridges? Highlight the differences between ocean ridges and fold mountains with suitable examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Why are earthquakes zonal in distribution? Discuss the seismic vulnerability of India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"\"Rapid polar warming will create large-scale climate refugees.\" In the light of the statement, discuss the hazard vulnerability of coastal regions. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What are critical minerals? Examine the geopolitical importance of the critical mineral reserves. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"'Wind energy potential remains under-utilized in India.' Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What is an urban heat island? Suggest measures to mitigate its impacts in Indian cities. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What is the polar vortex? Explain its impacts on the regional weather conditions. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"'Communalism is nothing but nationalism driven into the religious channels.' Discuss the statement by referring to Indian experiences. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Does India experience supra-regionalism? Discuss. Also evaluate the role of cultural factors in the growth of regionalism. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":9015,"topper":"Yarasi Tusharika","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/YARASI_TUSHARIKA_SS_GS_1_TEST_5_AIR_393_2025_4a6edb3afc.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Evaluate the nature of Sangam literature and its significance in understanding ancient society. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Examine the role of geography in the development of religious architecture with examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"'The folk arts are channels for expressing powerful beliefs, hopes and fears of a community.' Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Discuss the contributions of revolutionaries during different phases of the Indian freedom struggle. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Bring out the differences in the approach of B.R. Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi for the social upliftment of backward classes. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The end of the Carnatic wars shifted the priorities of the British East India Company in India. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Did the 'Swarajists' fail in using the legislative bodies as a political tool during the independence movement? Substantiate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Discuss the responses of major political parties to the recommendations of the Cabinet Mission. Also, examine the reasons for its failure. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The Industrial revolution and French revolution were the dual symbols of radical turns in the 18th century. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"'Indian society benefits from the spread of emerging adulthood culture.' Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"'The great cultural synthesis of Medieval India turned it into a fertile ground for new art forms.' In light of the statement, discuss the development of art and architecture under the Mughal Empire. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"What are the salient features of the Hoysala temple architecture? Explain its differences with Dravidian temple architecture. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Enumerate the key features of Ashoka's Dhamma. Examine its contemporary social relevance. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What do you understand by 'Mercantilism'? Examine its impacts on the socio-economic conditions in Colonial India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Lord Dalhousie through the great drama of annexation laid the foundation of modern India. Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The Non- Cooperation Movement was negative enough to be peaceful but positive enough to be effective. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"The constituent Assembly was deeply committed to the idea of democracy and individual rights but divided on the issue of adoption of the type of economic model.' Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"How different would have been the status of the post-independence Indian economy without the adoption of a \"planned economy\" system? Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"'Vision of a $5 Trillion economy fundamentally depends upon a vibrant urban sector'. In the light of the statement, bring out the challenges faced in present urbanization patterns in India and suggest reformative measures. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"'We cannot all succeed if half of us are held back'. Examine the statement by referring to the status of women in India and the effectiveness of women empowerment measures by the State. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":9016,"topper":"Yarasi Tusharika","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/YARASI_TUSHARIKA_SS_GS_3_TEST_7_AIR_393_2025_4409eb9529.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Robust economic growth requires a complementation between the public and private investment. Examine the statement with reference to falling private investments in the Indian economy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What is the Silver Economy? Discuss its significance in light of demographic changes in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you mean by off-budget borrowings? Discuss the various issues associated with them. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Do you agree that the agriculture sector in India needs a separate budget for its transformation? Substantiate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"'Water use efficiency is the keystone in the sustainable development of the Indian agriculture sector.' Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":9017,"topper":"Yarasi Tusharika","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/YARASI_TUSHARIKA_SS_GS_3_TEST_8_AIR_3932025_7188c95b7b.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"What are Quantum dots? Discuss their unique properties and practical applications. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"What are gravitational waves? State the significance of LIGO-India in the study of cataclysmic cosmic events. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"}]},{"id":9018,"topper":"Yarasi Tusharika","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/YARASI-TUSHARIKAUPSC_IAS_2025_Toppers_AIR_393_Sample_MGP_2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) What is your understanding of corruption? In your opinion, does corruption grease or sand the wheels of growth? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) The balance between laws and conscience is delicate, when synchronized, they promote ethical conduct, but their discord can give rise to significant ethical dilemmas. Illustrate with examples","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) The recognition of the horrors of nuclear weapons should compel nations to move towards meaningful disarmament. However, geopolitical interests continue to hinder genuine progress in this direction. What are the ethical considerations of nuclear states to pursue global disarmament, and how can the international community balance security concerns with the moral imperative of a nuclear-free world?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) What does 'accountability' mean in the context of public service? What measures can be adopted to ensure individual and collective accountability of public servants?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) a) \"Probity in governance is an essential and vital requirement for an efficient and effective system of governance and for socio-economic development.\" Discuss the statement with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"6) Why should public services prioritize impartiality and non-partisanship as core values in the present socio-political context? Illustrate with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q 8) a) Distinguish between \"Code of ethics\" and \"Code of conduct\" with suitable examples","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"b) In contemporary times, corporate governance emphasizes accountability and ethical responsibility, yet a lack of adherence to these principles among many corporations highlights a disconnect between theory and practice. In this context, discuss the challenges corporations face in adhering to ethical standards and how these challenges can be mitigated.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.5) a) What do you understand by the term 'public servant'? Reflect on the expected role of public servant","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"b) The ethical base of a welfare state is central to its legitimacy. What are, in your opinion, the vital ethical traits of a welfare state? Suggest ways to strengthen the ethical foundation of a state.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q6 (a) Distinguish between laws and rules. Discuss the role of ethics in formulating them","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"b) Write short notes on the following in 30-50 words each\ni) Ethical congruence\nii) Conflict of interest\niii) Compassion in public life\niv) Crisis of conscience\nv) Social capital","marks":"10 marks, 150","words":"30-50 words each"},{"page":27,"question":"Q Recently, a disturbing incident involving the sexual assault of two young girls at a nursery school came to light in a sleepy town of a western state in the country. When the parents approached the local police station to lodge an FIR, the police turned them away. However, twelve hours later, the FIR was filed, and a 24 year old cleaning staff member of the school was arrested as the only suspect in the incident. The news of the assault spread rapidly, igniting widespread outrage and intense media coverage. The public was furious, leading to protests across the town demanding justice for the victims. Locals organized a bandh, vandalized the school, and blocked railway lines while demanding death penalty for the suspect. The state government swung into action, suspending two police personnel for their delayed response and forming a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the case. The principal of the school, along with two staff members, was also suspended. The SIT began its investigation and charged the school principal, secretary, and chairman under sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for failing to report the crime. Meanwhile, the accused's first wife filed a case against him for violent sexual behavior and unnatural sex. As the investigation progressed, tensions in the town continued to simmer. The pressure on the SIT to resolve the case was immense, with political figures, media, and the public all demanding swift action. The following day, while the suspect was being transported to the crime scene (the school) for further investigation, he was killed in what was described as an encounter. According to the SIT's account, the suspect managed to snatch a gun from one of the officers and opened fire, injuring him. In retaliation, the police shot the suspect, who was gravely injured and later succumbed to his wounds in the hospital. The news of the encounter spread quickly. While many praised the SIT for their swift action, others raised serious concerns. The family of the suspect claimed it was a staged encounter. The human rights groups echoed similar sentiments, accusing the police of an extrajudicial killing orchestrated under immense public pressure.\na What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\nb Based on the case study, discuss the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in conducting a fair and impartial investigation amidst public and political pressure.\nc What best practices should be followed to ensure the integrity of investigations in such high-profile cases?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":28,"question":"1. तथाकथित मामले में नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं ?\n2. केस रूसी के आधार पर सामाजिक और राजनीतिक दबाव के बीच निष्पक्ष जांच करने में कानून प्रवर्तन एजेंसियों के सामने आने वाली चुनौतियों पर चर्चा करें।\n3. ऐसे हाई प्रोफाइल मामलों में जांच की सत्यनिष्ठा सुनिश्चित करने के लिए कौन सी सर्वोत्तम प्रथाओं का पालन किया जाना चाहिए।","marks":null,"words":"20 अंक"},{"page":33,"question":"a. What are the ethical issues involved in re-appropriation of funds from a welfare project to the developmental projects?\nb. Given the need for proper utilization of public funds, discuss the options available to Sowmiya. Which option should she choose?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"a. कल्याणकारी परियोजना से विकासात्मक परियोजनाओं के लिए वित्त के पुनर्विनियोजन में क्या नैतिक मुद्दे शामिल हैं? b. सार्वजनिक वित्त के उचित उपयोग की आवश्यकता को देखते हुए, सोमिया के पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों पर चर्चा करें। उसे कौन सा विकल्प चुनना चाहिए?\na कल्याणकारी परियोजना से विकासात्मक परियोजनाओं के लिए वित्त के पुनर्विनियोजन में क्या नैतिक मुद्दे शामिल हैं?\nb सार्वजनिक वित्त के उचित उपयोग की आवश्यकता को देखते हुए, सोमिया के पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों पर चर्चा करें। उसे कौन सा विकल्प चुनना चाहिए?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":35,"question":"(a) Ethical issues involved in re-appropriation of funds","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"Q9 Surrogate advertising — a marketing technique that promotes a product or service restricted or banned from direct advertising, such as alcohol and tobacco, by advertising a legal product like soda, water, or music CDs from the same brand — has been around for a long time. While the practice has faced criticism in the past, it has recently gained fresh attention as several famous film stars have begun endorsing these surrogate products.\na What are the ethical concerns associated with surrogate advertising?\nb Suggest a course of action that addresses the concerns of both the stakeholders involved. Justify your answer.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Q 10) Sneha is a Senior Manager working for a big reputed hospital chain in a mid-sized city. She has been made in charge of the new super speciality centre that the hospital is building with state-of-the-art equipment and world class medical facilities. The building has been reconstructed, and she is starting the process of procurement for various equipment and machines. As the head of the committee responsible for procurement, she has invited bids from all the interested reputed vendors dealing in medical equipment. She notices that her brother, who is a well-known supplier in this domain, has also sent his expression of interest. Since the hospital is privately owned, it is not mandatory for her to select only the lower bidder. Also, she is aware that her brother's company has been facing some financial difficulties and a big supply order will help him recover. At the same time, allocating the contract to her brother might bring charges of favoritism against her and tarnish her image. The hospital management trusts her fully and would support any decision of hers.\na What should be Sneha's course of action?\nb How would she justify what she chooses to do?\nc In this case, how is medical ethics compromised with vested personal interest?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"a) What are the options available to Utkarsh to meet the above situation? Critically examine each of the options identified by him.\nb) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Utkarsh?\nc) What course of action should Utkarsh adopt to diffuse the above situation?\na) What are the options available to Utkarsh to meet the above situation? Critically examine each of the options identified by him.\nb) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Utkarsh?\nc) What course of action should Utkarsh adopt to diffuse the above situation?","marks":"25","words":"250"},{"page":51,"question":"Q12 Raman is a senior IPS officer and has recently been posted as D.G. of a state. Among the various issues and problems/challenges which need his immediate attention, the issue relating to recruitment of unemployed youth by an unknown terrorist group was a matter of grave concern. It was noted that unemployment was relatively high in the state. The problem of unemployment amongst graduates and those with higher education was much more grave. Thus, they were vulnerable and soft targets. In the review meeting taken by him with senior officers (DIG range and above), it came to light that a new terrorist group has emerged at the global level. It has launched a massive drive to recruit young unemployed people. Special focus was to pick young people from a particular community. The said organization seemed to have the clear objective of utilizing/using them for carrying out militant activities. It was also gathered that the said (new) group is desperately trying to spread its tentacles in his state. A definite/reliable intelligence tip was received by the State CID and Cyber Cell that a large number of such unemployed youth have already been contacted by the terrorist outfit/group through social media and local organizations and other contacts. The need of the hour was to act swiftly and check these elements/designs before they assume serious proportions. Discreet inquiries made by the police, through the Cyber Cell, revealed that good numbers of unemployed youth are very active on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. On an average, many of them were spending 6-8 hours each day, using electronic devices/internet. It also came to light that such unemployed youth were showing sympathy and endorsing the messages received from certain persons, allegedly the contact persons of the global terrorist group. Their social media accounts revealed their strong affinity to such groups inasmuch as many of them started forwarding anti-national views on their WhatsApp and Facebook. It seemed that they succumbed to their play, and started propagating secessionist ideology. Their posts were hyper-critical of the government's initiatives, policies, and subscribing to extreme beliefs and promoting extremism.\na What are the options available to Raman to tackle the above situation?\nb What measures would you suggest for strengthening the existing set-up to ensure that such groups do not succeed in penetrating and vitiating the atmosphere in the state?\nc In the above scenario, what action plan would you advise for enhancing the intelligence-gathering mechanism of the police force?","marks":"25","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"आप आतंकवाद व्यवस्था को सशक्त करने के लिए क्या उपाय सुझाएंगे, ताकि यह सुनिश्चित किया जा सके कि ऐसे समूह राज्य व्यवस्था और माहौल खराब करने में सफल न हो सकें? साथ ही सीमा पार आतंकवाद में पुलिस बल की खुफिया जानकारी जुटाने की प्रणाली को बढ़ाने के लिए आप क्या कार्य योजना बनाएंगे?","marks":"25 अंक","words":"25 अंक"}]},{"id":9019,"topper":"Yarasi Tusharika","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/YARASI-TUSHARIKAUPSC_IAS_2025_Toppers_AIR_393_Sample_MGP_3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) What constitutes journalistic ethics? Highlight the role of media, particularly mass media, in shaping ethical values in contemporary times.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) Young people with ethical conduct are not willing to come forward to join active politics. Suggest steps to motivate them to come forward.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) What do you understand by value conflict? Give an example from your personal life where you faced a conflict between two values. How did you resolve it?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) Knowledge and skills are important, but they must be grounded in ethical principles for true success. In this context, discuss the importance of ethics in education and the role of educational institutions in imparting ethical values.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) What do the following quotes mean to you:\na) \"To worship my country as a God is to bring curse upon it.\" Rabindranath Tagore","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) \"Your goodness is an impediment in your way, so let your eyes be red with anger, and try to fight the injustice with a firm hand.\" Sardar Patel","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"c) “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.” Abraham Lincoln","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.4) a) How does persuasion help achieve a desired change in attitude? What are the elements of an effective persuasive approach?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"b) While ethics in private and public relations may differ, their impact on one another is undeniable. Discuss with examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.5) a) How can responsible and informed social media use be nurtured among children to make the internet a safer space for them?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"b) The philanthropy of influential personalities can serve as a catalyst for fostering ethical conduct and responsibility in society. Explain with the help of examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.6) a) \"In an increasingly complex world, emotional intelligence is a vital skill for civil servants, enabling them to navigate challenges, engage with diverse communities, and drive positive change.\" Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"b) Social values are more important than economic values. Discuss the above statement with examples in the context of inclusive growth of a nation.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7 You are a young and sincere employee who has recently joined a government office as an assistant to the director of your department. Being new to the workplace, you are eager to learn and grow in your role. Your superior, the director, is an experienced and intelligent person with extensive knowledge of various departments. You respect him not just for his professional skills but also for his willingness to guide and mentor you. You have built a good rapport with him and appreciate the chance to learn from such an accomplished individual.\nAs your relationship with your boss grows, he begins to rely on you more for work-related tasks. One day, due to ill health, he invites you to his home to help with some urgent work. When you reach his house and are about to ring the doorbell, you hear shouting from inside. Unsure of what to do, you pause for a moment but then decide to enter. Your boss greets you warmly and explains the work, but throughout, you are distracted by the sound of a woman crying in the background.\nInitially, you hesitate to ask about the situation, but your concern grows. Finally, you ask your boss about the noise, but his answer is vague and unsatisfactory. He quickly dismisses the matter. Although you finish the work, the unsettling environment leaves you feeling uneasy.\nThe next day, you discreetly inquire at the office and learn more about the situation. You discover that, despite your boss's calm and professional demeanour at work, he is abusive toward his wife at home. His wife is a simple woman, not highly educated, and suffers from regular domestic violence. This information shocks you, as it conflicts with the positive image you had of him based on your interactions at work.\nThis knowledge puts you in a difficult moral dilemma: On one hand, you respect your boss for his guidance, intelligence, and professionalism. On the other hand, you are aware of his unethical behaviour at home, which violates basic human rights and ethical principles. You struggle to reconcile the two sides of his character, finding it hard to balance your professional relationship with the awareness of his abusive actions at home.\na Under the given conditions, what are the options available to you? Evaluate each of the options listed by you.\nb What course of action would you adopt and why?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Q.8) Gaurav is traveling with his wife and children in their car on a busy Sunday evening. The road is packed with traffic, and the vehicles are barely moving. As they inch forward, Gaurav notices a biker trying to weave through the congested road. In his attempt, the biker accidentally collides with an SUV that is illegally parked in a No Parking Zone. The impact causes the rear-view mirror of the SUV to break, injuring the biker, who starts bleeding profusely.\nHearing the loud noise, the owner of the SUV, a local councillor, rushes out of his car in a rage. Furious about the damage, the councillor grabs a metal rod and starts hitting the injured biker. The situation quickly escalates as the councillor vents his anger on the defenceless, bleeding biker. The sight of the violence shocks Gaurav, who is watching from his car.\nInstinctively, Gaurav feels the urge to intervene and help the biker, who is being mercilessly beaten. However, as he opens his car door and takes a step forward, his wife stops him. She reminds him of the danger in confronting someone as powerful as the local councillor, especially when Gaurav is unarmed. She points out the risks of standing up to him and the possible consequences that could put their family in harm's way. With their children in the car and the councillor's aggressive behaviour, her concerns about safety seem valid to Gaurav.\nHis wife further points out that despite the number of people witnessing the incident, none of them are stepping forward to help. She questions why Gaurav should risk his safety when no one else is willing to take action. This argument adds to Gaurav's growing sense of hesitation, as he sees others choosing to remain bystanders, unwilling to intervene in the dangerous situation.\nGaurav glances around from his car window and notices a police constable standing near the scene. For a moment, he feels relieved, hoping that the officer will intervene to stop the violence. However, to his dismay, the officer remains passive, merely watching the councillor continue his assault without stepping in to help. This leaves Gaurav even more conflicted about what to do.\na. Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb. What are the reasons behind rise of road rage incidents in the country?\nc. Suggest measures to reduce incidents of road rage and promote responsible behaviour in public spaces.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"a. इस मामले में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा करें।\nb. देश में सड़क पर रोष की घटनाओं में वृद्धि के पीछे क्या कारण हैं?\nc. सड़क पर रोष की घटनाओं को कम करने और सार्वजनिक स्थानों पर उत्तरदायी व्यवहार को बढ़ावा देने के उपाय सुझाएँ।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":35,"question":"(b) Reasons behind rise of road rage accidents in the country","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":38,"question":"Q.9 Diya is a first-year student studying political science in a metropolitan city. She belongs to a small village in a rural region. Although Diya cherishes her ancestral home, she has limited knowledge about the socio-cultural aspects of the area. One day, while talking to her father, Diya expresses her desire to visit her ancestral place. Her father readily agrees and advises her to inform her paternal uncle about her travel plans. On the destined day, Diya arrives at her village to a grand welcome organized by her uncle. Later in the day, he informs Diya that they are all to attend a marriage function in the village. At the function, while having dinner, Diya notices the preparations for the celebration. She overhears discussions among attendees about the dowry being offered for the bride. Diya learns that substantial amounts of money and gifts are expected from the bride's family, creating a financial burden that can lead to significant distress. Curious, she engages in conversation with her aunt, who explains the pressures faced by families regarding dowry. Her aunt mentions that many families feel compelled to meet these demands, as failing to do so can result in social stigma and even violence against the bride. The next day, while walking through the village, Diya sees a group of women discussing the dowry they have arranged for their daughters. They express their fears about not being able to meet the expectations of the groom's family. Diya is taken aback by how deeply ingrained these practices are, realizing that some families even go into debt or sell property to fulfil dowry demands. Though Diya leaves for her home a few days later, the incidents in the village leave an indelible mark on her psyche. As a political science student, she realizes that such practices are blatant violations of women's rights and dignity. However, she struggles to comprehend why such deeply entrenched societal norms continue to persist. The events she witnessed are not isolated incidents but rather a common phenomenon in many parts of the country, even today.\na. What are the ethical issues involved in the case?\nb. Why do such discriminatory practices continue in the society? What role can youth like Diya play in checking such practices?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"(a) Ethical issues involved in the case","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Q.10) In a southern Indian state, a globally renowned high end mobile manufacturing company advertised job vacancies, attracting many hopeful applicants. Among them were two sisters from a nearby village who applied after seeing advertisements on WhatsApp. Upon arrival at the factory's main gate, a security guard met them and asked a series of questions, including an inquiry about their marital status. After confirming that they were married, they were informed that they could not proceed further. No explanation was provided, leaving them confused and disappointed. Back in their village, the sisters reflected on their experience and felt dismayed at being denied an opportunity without a clear reason. Even the auto-rickshaw driver who took them to the facility had hinted that married women might not be hired, yet they still hoped for a fair chance. Subsequent investigations by a prominent international news agency revealed a pattern at the manufacturing facility where married women were systematically excluded from employment opportunities. This practice was not officially documented but was communicated verbally to recruitment agencies responsible for hiring. The revelations sparked significant media uproar, drawing public attention to the issue. The Union Labour Ministry also took cognizance of the situation and sought a report from the state government regarding these discriminatory hiring practices. Unfortunately, such discriminatory practices are not uncommon in various parts of the world, reflecting broader issues of gender attitudes that persist in many societies.\na. Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case study.\nb. What can be the underlying reasons for discriminatory attitudes toward hiring married women by the company?\nc. How can organizations promote gender equity in their hiring practices?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":46,"question":"Q.11 Ramesh has been appointed as the Municipal Commissioner of a coastal city that is grappling with the recurring problem of flooding. Over the years, these floods have led to significant loss of life and extensive property damage, raising serious concerns among residents and policymakers alike. In response to this persistent challenge, Ramesh is committed to finding effective solutions. To identify and address the root causes of the flooding, he established an expert committee tasked with analyzing the situation comprehensively and proposing actionable recommendations. Following extensive and thorough field surveys, the committee identified two primary factors contributing to the city's increasing vulnerability to floods. The first factor is the degradation of wetlands, which serve as critical natural buffers against flooding and play a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance. The second factor is the illegal encroachments on the flood plains of seasonal streams. These encroachments have significantly reduced the streams' ability to carry water, increasing the risk of flooding. In light of these findings, the committee proposed two major interventions: the restoration of wetlands and the removal of unauthorized encroachments on the flood plains. These actions are aimed at effectively restoring the city's natural drainage system and mitigating future flood risks. Ramesh recognizes the necessity of implementing these measures to ensure the city's long-term safety and resilience against flooding. However, he is also aware of the potential human cost associated with these interventions. The illegal structures in question are inhabited by marginalized migrant laborers, and their removal would render many families homeless, significantly impacting their livelihoods. Despite his personal reservations regarding the social implications of these actions, Ramesh feels compelled to proceed with the committee's recommendations, as he believes they are essential for preventing future disasters. Subsequently, the operation to remove encroachments was launched with the deployment of a police force to ensure safety and order throughout the process. As the clearance of encroachments commenced, the affected residents expressed their opposition vigorously. Protests escalated into violent confrontations, resulting in assaults on officers and vandalism of government vehicles. The situation quickly deteriorated. When the police attempted to disperse the crowd, a stampede ensued. Tragically, this chaos resulted in the deaths of two elderly men. As the in-charge of the situation, Ramesh feels that these lives could have been saved if he had acted differently.\na. Identify the various value conflicts faced by Ramesh in his role as Municipal Commissioner.\nb. Analyze the decision to remove unauthorized encroachments on the flood plains from an ethical perspective.\nc. If you were in Ramesh's position and in charge of the situation, how would you have approached the challenges presented by the encroachment clearance and the resulting protests?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"a. नगर आयुक्त के रूप में रमेश द्वारा सामना किए गए विभिन्न मूल्य संघर्षों की पहचान करें।\nb. बांध के मैदानों पर अनधिकृत अतिक्रमण हटाने के निर्णय का नैतिक दृष्टिकोण से विश्लेषण करें।\nc. यदि आप रमेश की स्थिति में होते और स्थिति के प्रभारी होते, तो अतिक्रमण हटाने और उसके परिणामस्वरूप होने वाले विरोध प्रदर्शनों से उत्पन्न चुनौतियों का आप किस प्रकार सामना करते?\na नगर आयुक्त के रूप में रमेश द्वारा सामना किए गए विभिन्न मूल्य संघर्षों की पहचान करें।\nb बांध के मैदानों पर अनधिकृत अतिक्रमण हटाने के निर्णय का नैतिक दृष्टिकोण से विश्लेषण करें।\nc यदि आप रमेश की स्थिति में होते और स्थिति के प्रभारी होते, तो अतिक्रमण हटाने और उसके परिणामस्वरूप होने वाले विरोध प्रदर्शनों से उत्पन्न चुनौतियों का आप किस प्रकार सामना करते?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"250 शब्द"},{"page":51,"question":"Q.12 Prashant works in a multinational company in a metropolitan city and is visiting his native village during his holiday. While reading the newspaper at home, he came across a distressing news article about a newlywed couple who tragically died in a road accident. Their motorcycle lost control and crashed into a roadside boulder. The police report indicated that none of the riders were wearing helmets, emphasizing that their fatal head injuries could have been avoided had they used this critical safety equipment.\nA few days later, Prashant and his five friends from the village decided to take a road trip to the hills of a neighboring state on their two-wheelers. While riding through urban areas, all the friends wore their helmets, and Prashant felt proud that they prioritized road safety. However, once they entered rural areas, Prashant noticed that everyone removed their helmets almost immediately. He found this behavior puzzling. When he inquired about it, his friends explained that helmet use is strictly enforced in urban areas, where violations can result in hefty fines. In contrast, enforcement is lax in rural areas. As an aware citizen who values road safety and adherence to regulations, Prashant is conscious of the importance of following safety protocols, including helmet use. Concerned for their safety, he encouraged his friends to keep their helmets on. He explained that one should wear helmets not just because it is a legal requirement, but for one's own safety, as helmets significantly reduce the risk of serious injury or death in the event of an accident. Upon hearing this, Prashant's friends teased him, suggesting that he had become too influenced by urban attitudes.\nWhile riding through a scenic area, they passed by a deep gorge and witnessed a motorcycle accident where a rider lost control and crashed into the ravine. The sight was alarming and reminded Prashant of the news article he had read. Once again, he urged his friends to wear their helmets. This time, his friends grew irritated and dismissed Prashant's concerns as unnecessary fear. Prashant recognized that they held a prevailing negative attitude toward wearing helmets, seeing them as an imposition rather than a safeguard.\na Why is there a negative attitude among people regarding wearing helmets?\nb What measures can be taken to bring about positive changes in this attitude?","marks":"20","words":"20"}]},{"id":9020,"topper":"YASH KANWAT","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/87/pttp220323_tc064.pdf","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Gender Equality is not a \"women's issue\"-it's good for men too.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Is UCC, the unity that we aspire in our diversity?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"Problems of 21st century are problems without passport.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":1,"question":"The more we are developing, the more unhealthy we are getting. Where does the real problem lie?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Is Internal Security always an Internal Challenge?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Sports, the toy of humanity","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"Is Economy becoming the end rather than the means?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":9021,"topper":"YASH KANWAT","air":778,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/84/pttp220323_tc061.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":9022,"topper":"YASH KANWAT","air":778,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/85/pttp220323_tc062.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":9023,"topper":"YASH KANWAT","air":778,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/17ef4fb3aefb378e39a7d318fca39819/86/pttp220323_tc063.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":9024,"topper":"YASH KANWAT","air":778,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/348/pttp220323_tc071-test-01-gs01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":9025,"topper":"YASH KANWAT","air":778,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/352/pttp220323_tc075-test-05-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":9026,"topper":"YASH KANWAT","air":778,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/349/pttp220323_tc072-test-02-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":9027,"topper":"YASH KANWAT","air":778,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/353/pttp220323_tc076-test-06-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":9028,"topper":"YASH KANWAT","air":778,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/350/pttp220323_tc073-test-03-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":9029,"topper":"YASH KANWAT","air":778,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/351/pttp220323_tc074-test-04-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":9030,"topper":"YASH KANWAT","air":778,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/354/pttp220323_tc078-test-08-gs04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":9031,"topper":"YASH KANWAT","air":778,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/341/pttp220323_tc071-test-01-gs01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":9032,"topper":"YASH KANWAT","air":778,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/342/pttp220323_tc072-test-02-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":9033,"topper":"YASH KANWAT","air":778,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/343/pttp220323_tc073-test-03-gs-03.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":9034,"topper":"YASH KANWAT","air":778,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/344/pttp220323_tc074-test-04-gs-04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":9035,"topper":"YASH KANWAT","air":778,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/345/pttp220323_tc075-test-05-gs-01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":9036,"topper":"YASH KANWAT","air":778,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/346/pttp220323_tc076-test-06-gs-02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":9037,"topper":"YASH KANWAT","air":778,"year":2023,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-appsquadz.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/file_library/pdf/original/6df7f0dd101cb9fb1519ae4c086aa556/347/pttp220323_tc078-test-08-gs04.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":9038,"topper":"Yash Malik","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Yash-Malik-UPSC-2024-Rank-369-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the role of the 'Fourth Estate' in upholding democratic values and analyse the issues affecting press freedom in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The electoral process, though inclusionary in theory, has been pointed out for exclusionary tendencies in practice. Analyse, with special emphasis on role of women in India's representative electoral system. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Assess the effectiveness of Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 in resolution of river-water disputes. Also describe the potential impact of delays in resolution of water disputes. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the significance of the cooperative model of development in addressing the issues of rural growth. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"In order to pass the ultimate test of good governance, welfare state should be close to the people, responsive to their aspirations, and inclusive in its approach. Discuss with special reference to PM PVTG Development Mission. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"To what extent collaboration between the state and civil society organizations (CSOs) help addressing poverty and malnutrition in the country? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Absence of a robust social infrastructure in the country may become one of the most significant challenges in achieving a developed status by 2047. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Though the changing paradigm towards dialogue and diplomacy in West Asia augurs well for India's interests in this otherwise restive region, presence of inimical actors may reverse the gains. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Water diplomacy can redefine the contours of regional cooperation in South Asia. Discuss with special reference to Indus water treaty 1960. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Independent judiciary, as envisaged by the constitution, provides the bedrock for a thriving polity; however, executive encroachment may erode its credibility and affect its efficacy. Evaluate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Executive agencies, working as the watchdog against impropriety, are vital to act against the corrupt; however, pandering to vested interests may have the effect of turning the idea of rule of law on its head. Comment, with special reference to controversies associated with the Enforcement Directorate (ED). (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Critically analyse the role of National Commission for Women (NCW) in wake of its mandate to safeguard women's rights and uphold their socio-economic wellbeing. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Understanding the extent, source, and complexity of deprivations among the multidimensionally poor contributes to more informed policymaking. In this context, analyze the latest National-Multidimensional Poverty Index Report by NITI Aayog. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Safely managed drinking water services, as desired by Jal Jeevan Mission, are designated to give multifarious benefits cutting across generations. Discuss. Also, elaborate upon the challenges ensuring the mission's success. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Legislation like Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989 remains mere legal documents without intense sensitization of public functionaries and the civil society. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Harbinger of global rebalancing, India-Africa ties are a beacon of inclusive, sustainable, and equitable world. Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How do ASEAN centrality, rules-based order, and development partnership with Pacific Island states make Indo-Pacific a theatre of opportunity for India? What are the hurdles in realisation of an inclusive Indo-Pacific construct? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":9039,"topper":"Yash Pal Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2b3f4-243102_2929_yash_pal_singh_rank_112.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Expression of dissent is central to the functioning of the Parliament. In light of this, discuss the role of the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in India's parliamentary system. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"How can the integration of technology into judicial processes enhance accessibility, capability, and efficiency in justice delivery? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Supreme Court of India has upheld unique asymmetry in India's federalism by intricately balancing centralized authority and regional autonomy. Discuss with the help of relevant case laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Evaluate the effectiveness of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes in safeguarding the interests of the Scheduled Castes in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Executive accountability to the legislature through Parliamentary Committees has been the hallmark of the Indian political system. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can India make Citizens' Charter a powerful tool for improving governance and empowering citizens? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How do corporate donors aid NGOs in facilitating holistic development in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite its merits, should the POCSO Act be revisited to correct the existing inadequacies? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"China's acquisition of strategic ports globally has significant implications for international trade routes and economic relations. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"What are the main functions of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)? How will its recent treaty on intellectual property, genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge benefit India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) plays a crucial role in combating corruption, its functioning is often criticized for being partisan and acting against the federal spirit. Discuss with the help of suitable examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Governors in India often overstep their constitutional role and fail to act effectively when needed. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Both India and the USA adhere to democratic principles but their electoral systems exhibit significant differences. What are the key differences in electoral practices between the two countries? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"How far do you agree with the view that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has met its objective of ensuring environmental justice in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Though Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) have become a platform for competitive politics, they have not emerged as an agency of planning and service delivery. Why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by interoperability in e-governance? What steps have been taken by the government to ensure interoperability and integration of various e-governance systems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"When it comes to sexual and reproductive health of women in India, rights-based discourse has largely been bypassed not just by the societal norms but also by the legal norms. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"How effective has India been in enhancing immunization coverage over the years? What challenges continue to affect immunization efforts in the country? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India used its Presidency of the G20 to bring the voice of the Global South to the centre stage. Discuss with special reference to Africa. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"India's relationship with the UAE has witnessed a remarkable expansion across various domains in the last decade. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":9040,"topper":"Yash Pal Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/f13c7-243102_2034_yash_pal_singh_rank_112.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Explain the concept of Sarvodaya with the help of examples from the lives of prominent personalities. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The life and teachings of Guru Nanak presents a template for leading a life within the corridors of ethics and values. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"There is no 'invisible hand' channeling self-interest into some social optimum. In this context, the State has an integral role to play in making available essential public goods and services, despite the increasing pace of privatization. Do you agree? Justify with examples from India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Even though the state actors who make rules and implement them have an important role to play in the fight against corruption, the battle is not likely to succeed without the active efforts of various segments of society. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do you understand by Social Intelligence? Discuss its various components and explain how it is different from Emotional Intelligence. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Ethical behaviour is the best not merely in the context of morality, but it is also the best in the context of one's own career prospects. Discuss in the context of civil services in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The press is an important agent in ensuring the citizen's right to receive and impart information as a measure of probity in governance. In this context, do you think that the press in India discharges its duty honestly? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The failure to deliver on its promises by Citizen's Charters in the last two decades has shown that there are some complex set of factors underlying this seemingly simple task. What are they? Identify and provide their resolution. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Medical ethics is particularly relevant in decisions regarding involuntary treatment and involuntary commitment. In view of this, highlighting the importance of medical ethics, discuss the issues in its implementation. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The fundamental principle in a democracy is that all public functionaries are trustees of the people and this trusteeship relationship requires that the authority entrusted to the functionaries be exercised in 'public interest'. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.\" - Desmond Tutu (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"\"Disobedience is the true foundation of liberty. The obedient must be slaves.\" - Henry David Thoreau (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"\"That which isn't good for the hive, isn't good for the bee\"- Marcus Aurelius (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"You are a Superintendent of Police tasked with conducting an internal departmental inquiry into an alleged case of custodial torture and subsequent disappearance of three tribal persons. The case of the police force is that these persons were habitual offenders who had committed theft. The police had nabbed them for interrogation but they escaped from the police custody and are absconding. Family members of these persons, on the other hand, maintain that they were falsely framed in the case and were not in a condition to flee due to custodial torture. They are alleging foul play on the part of the police and suspect that the police is behind their disappearance. Prima facie, you find many lacunae in the police investigation. The policemen did not produce these persons before the Magistrate nor did they get them medically examined, as required by the law. One of your seniors, without referring to the case, informally talks to you about the adverse working conditions of the police force and insinuates that all police personnel should help each other. He also says that all serving officers need to be mindful of the fact that they are part of the police force and should not do anything which may tarnish the reputation of the police department. (a) Identify the stakeholders and various issues involved in the case. (b) How will you conduct a fair and impartial inquiry that ensures that public perception regarding cover-up in such cases does not gain ground? (c) Highlight the reasons for the continuing impunity of custodial deaths in India, and recommend steps that authorities should take to resolve it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"The education sector in India is embedded in a restrictive regulatory environment and is considered a public good. Although private participation is allowed in the education sector, but at all levels, these institutions have to function on a not-for-profit basis. The Supreme Court had ruled that educational institutions are permitted a 'reasonable surplus to meet the cost of expansion and augmentation of facilities' but they are prohibited from charging a capitation fee or profiteering. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the ethical concerns in allowing the operation of educational institutions on a profit motivation? (b) Is the most important role of education preparing people for gainful employment or should education and knowledge be appreciated for their own sake? (c) Discuss various ways in which value-based education can be instilled. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"Beggars are a common sight at traffic junctions and places of worship across cities in India. They are labelled as nuisance makers who often harass commuters and devotees by relentlessly pestering for money. Recently, an appeal was made in the Supreme Court to end this practice by putting a ban on begging in the national capital. However, human rights groups have advocated that banning begging is not the ideal way to end it, as the underlying socio-economic issues that lead to begging remain unresolved. In this context: (a) Bring out the moral and ethical concerns pertaining to begging in India. (b) Discuss the factors that pushes an individual to opt for begging. (c) If you pass by a beggar, what will you do - give your money to a beggar or ignore the beggar and give your spare money instead to charities that assist the most needy? Give logical reasons in support of your answer. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":9041,"topper":"YASH VISHEN","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/YASH-VISHEN-UPSC-2024-Rank-452-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) sector provides opportunities for India to become a leader in knowledge economy; however, there is a need to democratise its access in order to harness its complete potential. Analyse. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Defense indigenization remains the Achilles heel of India's security architecture. Examine the importance of startups in defense sector to make India secure and self-reliant. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"DPI (Digital Public Infrastructure) is indispensable for digitally enabling citizens and businesses; however, the challenges of exclusion, exploitation, and monopolisation cannot be ignored. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Project cheetah marks a departure from India's efforts for conservation of various critically-endangered species. In this perspective, do you think the reintroduction of major fauna that has gone extinct is justified? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"What do you understand from Green growth? With special reference to the budget 2023-2024, discuss various government measures to propel green growth in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Unplanned urbanization has made Indian cities vulnerable to fire safety hazards. Discuss and recommend measures for mitigating urban fires, with special reference to national building code, 2016. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Edge in modern warfare lies not so much in the capacity to overwhelm the adversary as much as in the ability to nip the threat in the bud. In this context, discuss the role of intelligence in maintaining national security, and also cite challenges associated. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Highlighting different kinds of cyberthreats faced by India, evaluate the current status of cybersecurity framework in the country. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Money laundering is a global problem that cannot be solved by isolated responses. Discuss the statement and also suggest ways to curb the menace. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Assess the relevance of the NISAR mission in observing and managing climate change and natural hazards. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"What do you understand by nanotechnology? In what ways can nano-technology aid in socio-economic growth of the country? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Warming ocean temperatures, oxygen loss and ocean acidification form a deadly trio for marine ecosystem that can have irreversible repercussions for environment as well as economy. Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Examine the factors that heightens the vulnerability of Indian cities to urban floods. In light of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) guidelines on urban floods, discuss suitable mitigation and management strategy. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Though Naxalism is showing a downward trend, it is not only thriving in its core areas of influence but also changing its form. Analysing the reason for its retreat, underline the factors behind its continuance. Also, discuss measures towards eliminating LWE from the country altogether. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Across sectors and regions, the most marginalised sections are also the most affected by the impacts of climate change. Explain. Also, present a case for a climate resilient model of development that integrates mitigation and adaptation measures. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Though ethnic fault lines are a major threat, security challenges in the North-East are not confined to the same. Discuss the statement with special reference to Manipur. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Critically examine the role of development initiatives in addressing the root causes of militancy/ terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"What do you understand by generative Artificial Intelligence (AI)? How can policymakers and regulatory bodies effectively address the concerns and challenges posed by generative AI? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":9042,"topper":"Yasharth Shekhar","air":12,"year":2021,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2a0da-175917_1754_yasharth-shekhar_rank_12.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":9043,"topper":"Yasharth Shekhar","air":12,"year":2021,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/acdce-175917_1992_yasharth-shekhar_rank_12.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":9044,"topper":"Yasharth Shekhar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/cf3f2-175917_2031_yasharth-shekhar_rank_12.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The Kakatiya dynasty left an indelible mark in the fields of architecture and literature. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Bal Gangadhar Tilak was instrumental in creating a national consciousness and giving political voice to the masses during the course of national movement. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The 1929 Lahore session of Congress shaped the vision for an independent India in many important ways. Explain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Explain, in what ways, different historical experiences led countries like China and Japan on widely divergent paths to building independent and modern nations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What is Madden-Julian Oscillation? How does it differ from El-Nino? Discuss its impact on Indian Monsoon. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What are endogenic forces? Highlight their types and discuss the role played by them in forming various landforms on the earth. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"In context of the significance of the Himalayan mountain system for South Asia, explain the factors responsible for melting of glaciers and its impact on the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The COVID-19 pandemic has not only exposed globalisation as highly vulnerable and fragile but also forced a rethinking on its merits. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"In what ways are caste-based inequities still manifested in urban India? Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Menstruation has always been surrounded by taboos and myths that exclude women from many aspects of socio-cultural life. Discuss in the context of India. Also, suggest some steps to combat these taboos and myths. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Provide an account of the origin and spread of devotional Bhakti in South India and discuss how this popular movement expressed itself in the vernacular literature of the south. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The idea of urban decay in India in early medieval times has been propounded by some but evidences from various parts of the country suggest otherwise. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The essence of Gandhiji's constructive programme went well beyond the anti-imperialist nationalist struggle. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Though the socio-political complexities of the Indian subcontinent may have made partition inevitable, it was the failure of British leadership that led to a bloodbath. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Identifying the factors affecting the location of semiconductor and electronic chip making industry, discuss the reasons behind their current global shortage. What steps has India taken in recent times to support its electronic manufacturing ecosystem? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Identifying the active and passive factors affecting pedogenesis, explain the processes involved in soil formation. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Pre-monsoon season in India is characterised by thunderstorms, lightning and many such events. In this context, explain how thunderstorms are formed and discuss the impact of pre-monsoonal rainfall in various regions of India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Diversification of energy basket is no longer a choice for India, it has become a necessity. Elucidate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The contemporary Indian society finds itself caught at the intersection of a growing aspiration to mimic the West and a revival of the conservative traditional outlook. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"In view of the visible trends in India's urbanisation, discuss the key considerations for a new urbanisation policy to guide the planning and management of cities in a sustainable manner. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":9045,"topper":"Yasharth Shekhar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3e228-175917_2032_yasharth-shekhar_rank_12.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"It has been argued that some parts of Article 22 are not Fundamental Rights but 'Fundamental Dangers' to the citizens of India. Discuss in light of the debate on issues around the preventive detention laws in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The administration of justice is not limited to conviction of the guilty and acquittal of the innocent but also ensuring fair and speedy trial. In view of this, discuss the reasons behind increase in the number of undertrials in India and measures taken to ameliorate the issues faced by them. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Highlighting the significance of cooperatives in India, discuss how the recently created Ministry of Cooperation will give an impetus to them. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"The NGT Act gives much leeway to the tribunal to go beyond a mere adjudicatory role and act as a sui generis institution with the capacity to provide redressal for environmental exigencies. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"In the context of demographic changes highlighted by the NFHS-5, do you think population control legislations will be a step in the right direction? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The utility of PMAY-G hinges on its design, which is a marked improvement over the previous rural housing schemes. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The nutritional status of India has been a matter of long standing public threat. Discuss. Also, suggest measures to overcome the problem of nutritional crisis in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"To realise the potential of its growing population, India's march towards development will undoubtedly be incomplete without skills and education. In this context, discuss the significance of the recently launched RISE and EQUIP schemes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the centrality of ASEAN bloc in India's Act East policy and SAGAR initiative. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss China's Polar Silk Road initiative in view of the growing interest in the Arctic region and state its implications for India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The doctrine of Separation of Powers is followed in US with a spirit, never followed in UK purely, and India has followed it with large exceptions. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"A robust and fair electoral system in India is hinged upon few key reforms in the Representation of People's Act. Discuss in the context of contemporary issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":9046,"topper":"Yasharth Shekhar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1854e-175917_2033_yasharth-shekhar_rank_12.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Stating the issues associated with agricultural extension in India, discuss the role of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in strengthening the national agricultural research extension system. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In India, the food processing sector is emerging as a high-growth and high-profit sector due to its immense potential for value addition. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Explaining the concept of livestock-based Integrated Farming System (IFS), discuss its benefits. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"While Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) are spearheading entrepreneurship across the world, India still has one of the lowest entrepreneurship rates. Discuss. Also, state the policy measures that have been taken to increase the pace of entrepreneurship in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"'Land banks' can play a critical role in boosting the economy and promoting ease of doing business in India. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The proposed amendments to the Forest Conservation Act (FCA) are not only antithetical to the Forest Rights Act (FRA), but are also likely to delay India achieving its commitments on climate change. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The problem of flooding in urban areas is not only due to overflowing rivers, but also the uninformed ways in which our cities are coping with urbanisation. Discuss. In this context, mention the National Disaster Management Authority guidelines on urban floods. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"ISRO is no longer confined only to the launching of satellites, but it has been constantly enlarging its role in development activities over the years. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"State the reasons behind targeting of Critical Information Infrastructure (CII) by state and non-state actors. Also, discuss the steps taken by the Indian government to secure its CII. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Despite the strategic significance of North-East India, the region faces several security threats. Discuss. Also, state the measures taken by the government to ensure peace and stability in the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Indian Railways has suffered from chronic under-investment, which has adversely impacted key areas of its operations. In this context, discuss the challenges faced by the railways in speedy creation of infrastructure. Also, mention the steps taken by the government in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"A disruptive approach to research & development (R&D), with a focus on last mile obligations of the agricultural system is necessary to realize India's objective of doubling farmer's income. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"India's power distribution companies and electrical grids must undergo reforms to transition from fossil fuels to more sustainable forms of renewable energy. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The practice of input-intensive agriculture in India needs a massive overhaul due to its unsustainability and negative consequences. In this context, discuss the significance of Low External Input Sustainable Agriculture (LEISA). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The recently released IPCC Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) – 2021 has been deemed as 'code red' for humanity. In this context, discuss the various concerns raised in the report with special focus on India. Also, enlist the remedial measures given by the report. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Multiple chemical disasters from the Bhopal gas tragedy to gas leak in Visakhapatnam have brought into focus the risks posed by hazardous chemicals (HAZCHEM) in India. In view of this, discuss the preparedness as well as gaps in Chemical Disaster Management (CDM) in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The growing demand for liberalisation of public health-related goods and services amidst the pandemic has raised critical issues with regard to the current intellectual property regime. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Highlighting the reasons behind suboptimal results in indigenization of defence technologies in India, suggest measures which can accelerate the pace of indigenization in the defence sector. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Discuss the factors behind conceptualization of different Central Armed Police Forces for guarding the international borders. Also, highlight the contribution of these forces in ensuring security of India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Discuss the vulnerability of virtual assets in terms of their misuse for money laundering activities. Also, state corrective measures that can be taken to mitigate the risks posed by the use of virtual assets. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":9047,"topper":"Yasharth Shekhar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/36504-175917_2034_yasharth-shekhar_rank_12.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Explain the concept of Sarvodaya with the help of examples from the lives of prominent personalities. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The life and teachings of Guru Nanak presents a template for leading a life within the corridors of ethics and values. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"There is no 'invisible hand' channeling self-interest into some social optimum. In this context, the State has an integral role to play in making available essential public goods and services, despite the increasing pace of privatization. Do you agree? Justify with examples from India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Even though the state actors who make rules and implement them have an important role to play in the fight against corruption, the battle is not likely to succeed without the active efforts of various segments of society. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What do you understand by Social Intelligence? Discuss its various components and explain how it is different from Emotional Intelligence. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Ethical behaviour is the best not merely in the context of morality, but it is also the best in the context of one's own career prospects. Discuss in the context of civil services in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The press is an important agent in ensuring the citizen's right to receive and impart information as a measure of probity in governance. In this context, do you think that the press in India discharges its duty honestly? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"The failure to deliver on its promises by Citizen's Charters in the last two decades has shown that there are some complex set of factors underlying this seemingly simple task. What are they? Identify and provide their resolution. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Medical ethics is particularly relevant in decisions regarding involuntary treatment and involuntary commitment. In view of this, highlighting the importance of medical ethics, discuss the issues in its implementation. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"The fundamental principle in a democracy is that all public functionaries are trustees of the people and this trusteeship relationship requires that the authority entrusted to the functionaries be exercised in 'public interest'. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"\"If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.\" - Desmond Tutu (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"\"Disobedience is the true foundation of liberty. The obedient must be slaves.\" - Henry David Thoreau (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"\"That which isn't good for the hive, isn't good for the bee\"- Marcus Aurelius (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":52,"question":"The education sector in India is embedded in a restrictive regulatory environment and is considered a public good. Although private participation is allowed in the education sector, but at all levels, these institutions have to function on a not-for-profit basis. The Supreme Court had ruled that educational institutions are permitted a 'reasonable surplus to meet the cost of expansion and augmentation of facilities' but they are prohibited from charging a capitation fee or profiteering. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the ethical concerns in allowing the operation of educational institutions on a profit motivation? (b) Is the most important role of education preparing people for gainful employment or should education and knowledge be appreciated for their own sake? (c) Discuss various ways in which value-based education can be instilled. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"Beggars are a common sight at traffic junctions and places of worship across cities in India. They are labelled as nuisance makers who often harass commuters and devotees by relentlessly pestering for money. Recently, an appeal was made in the Supreme Court to end this practice by putting a ban on begging in the national capital. However, human rights groups have advocated that banning begging is not the ideal way to end it, as the underlying socio-economic issues that lead to begging remain unresolved. In this context: (a) Bring out the moral and ethical concerns pertaining to begging in India. (b) Discuss the factors that pushes an individual to opt for begging. (c) If you pass by a beggar, what will you do - give your money to a beggar or ignore the beggar and give your spare money instead to charities that assist the most needy? Give logical reasons in support of your answer. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":9048,"topper":"Yasharth Shekhar","air":12,"year":2021,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1jNOXfMSgUyfOJuqLo6lJO_FreQb2Ng5W","questions":[]},{"id":9049,"topper":"Yashaswi Raj Vardhan","air":11,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PUPHFVIVCobOSgZ3JNhnst_t_w0O9IMM/view","questions":[]},{"id":9050,"topper":"Yashaswi Raj Vardhan","air":11,"year":2025,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/CAVA25ECL1016_M25GAT01.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":9051,"topper":"Yashaswi Raj Vardhan","air":11,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DGw5u_FdGZaSwVWz7ZxOoQ9Ye8Ocdt98/view","questions":[]},{"id":9052,"topper":"Yashaswi Raj Vardhan","air":11,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/CAVA25ECL1016_M25GAT02.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":9053,"topper":"Yashini Nagarajan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OXuZtA6iHvOTpJRiLPQkTZXA9ZgLprsY/view","questions":[{"page":1,"question":"Q.1 to Q.13 Q.1) Indian ethics teach moderation as a moral standard. Examine. (10 Marks, 150 Words)\n\nQ.2) What do you understand by the concept of ‘altruistic-hedonism’? Discuss in the context of public ethics. (10 Marks, 150 Words)\n\nQ.3) Socratic concept of “Ethical dying” is a principled leave-taking from life. Compare and contrast it with the Gandhian concept of Satyagraha and Non-violence. (10 Marks, 150 Words)\n\nQ.4) “Great leaders not only possess Interpersonal intelligence but also Intrapersonal intelligence.” Comment. (10 Marks, 150 Words)\n\nQ.5) Value conflicts are common in the public sphere of life to everyone and a public servant is not an exception to this. What are the common value conflicts that a public servant faces? How can a public servant overcome those value conflicts? (10 Marks, 150 Words)\n\nQ.6) Probity is the synthesis of Integrity and fortitude. Examine. Does Integrity imply complete refusal to compromise? (10 Marks, 150 Words)\n\nQ.7) Social Influence and Persuasion focus on ways in which behaviour of a group or an individual is influenced by outside factors. Explain how it can help in convincing people to work towards collective good? (10 Marks, 150 Words)\n\nQ.8) The greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change his future by merely changing his attitude. What is the importance of attitude in one’s life? What important role does attitude play in one’s success? Elaborate. (10 Marks, 150 Words)\n\nQ.9) “In matters of conscience, the law of majority has no place.\" Do you agree? Substantiate with Example. (10 Marks, 150 Words)\n\nQ.10) “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” Elaborate this Aristotelian ethics with examples. (10 Marks, 150 Words)\n\nQ.11) “Civil Service is not about absolute impartiality but is about partiality towards justice.” Examine. (10 Marks, 150 Words)\n\nQ.12) Discuss the menace of corruption in public life. Also critically examine the measures taken for ensuring probity in governance. (10 Marks, 150 Words)\n\nQ.13) What is the present perception of public administration in the view of the general public? How can we reconcile “public” and “administration”? (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":2,"question":"Q.14 Government of India decided to come up with a plan to de-radicalise youths, influenced by extremist groups to join their terror outfits. Under this plan, a separate department was established under Home ministry. You are assigned a senior position in a newly created department. The department, thus created, was responsible for monitoring, counselling and rehabilitation of youths who were apprehended on their way to join terror outfit. Afterwards they were returned to their family members and were given an opportunity to start afresh.\n\nOne such incident comes to your notice where Mr. X who is a doctor by profession and was returned to his family members. He was intercepted and apprehended by security agency in Turkey while on his way to join ISIS in Iraq. However, after his rehabilitation, Mr. X found it difficult to adjust. No one was ready to hire him. He and his family witnessed nearly a social boycott.\n\nYou are the officer designated to monitor the progress of Mr. X. You received a credible intelligence report that owing to lack of social support and promising future prospects, once again he is in touch with terror outfit. You reported the whole matter to your immediate senior who shrugged it off and replied that Mr. X deserves this treatment owing to his misplaced allegiance and mistake. He ordered you to stay quiet and let Mr. X go about his business and, makes a promise that if he makes moves to join terrorist organisation, he will be arrested and put in jail.\na) Would you adhere to your senior's order? Give reason(s) for your choice.\nb) What are the ethical dilemmas before you? How will you resolve these?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":3,"question":"Q.16 A social audit was conducted by a reputed national institution for all state funded shelter home for girls in your district. The audit has pointed towards possible sexual abuse of girls living in a particular shelter house located in posh locality near district headquarters. The shelter home is run an influential person who has political connections with big politicians and has a good influence on government officials including district child protection officer. It is in the news that district child protection officer is involved in the case as an accomplice with shelter home owner. Also news is coming of involvement of politicians and government officials in the case. An FIR has also been registered by the auditing institution with the nearest police station.\na. As the district magistrate, what actions will be taken by you in the case? Also provide the objective behind the actions taken by you.\nb. The investigating officer of the case have cited the political pressure on him due to the ongoing investigation of the case. Also as the District magistrate, you are also getting frequent calls from influential persons pertaining to investigation for removing their names from investigation. What measures will be taken by you to ensure free and fair investigation without any influence?\nc. Discuss the safeguards that should be put in place to make sure that such cases do not occur in the future.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":4,"question":"Q.18 You are the Chief of District Transport department, who issues registrations for motor vehicles. The office is plagued with corruption, delays and arbitrariness. Some of the citizens complained that the absence of citizen charter in the office is the reason for all the other issues. You have decided to draw a citizen charter for the office. Your seniors and subordinates are also ready to support you in this regard with capacities, facilities etc.\na. Draw out a citizen charter for your organization and list out its merits.\nb. What are the difficulties you think could occur in implementing the charter?","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":9054,"topper":"Yashni Nagarajan","air":57,"year":2019,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1H4-4EJzxaoplMtoDmWTtOxJkZsMfowXu","questions":[]},{"id":9055,"topper":"Yashni Nagarjan","air":57,"year":2019,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3ec4c-13709_770_yashni-nagarjan_rank_57.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":9056,"topper":"Yashni Nagarjan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/eb079-13709_1024_yashni-nagarjan_rank_57.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The idea of Universal Basic income has gained appeal in recent months. Enumerating the challenges in its implementation, discuss whether it can be a potent tool to reduce leakages in the system and address inequality in the economy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"A peculiar combination of factors explain India's poor export performance in recent times. Comment. How can the Foreign Trade Policy help in improving India's share in global trade?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"What are Advance Pricing Agreements and how are they related to Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS)? Discuss their relevance for India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":12,"question":"What is meant by public debt? Highlight the objectives of public debt management. Explain why it is considered prudent to disaggregate debt management from monetary policy and take it out of the realm of central bank.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"There is an urgent need for India to get infrastructure financing, however, the current investment model of PPPs is poorly designed and needs restructuring. Discuss the issues plaguing the success of PPPs with respect to stalled projects, risk management, governance & institutional capacity.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"What are the reasons behind a low tax base in India? Discuss the issues associated with it and the steps required to widen the tax base.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Even though the construction sector has significant multiplier effect on the economy, in recent years, it has been showing signs of stress. What are the causes for such a state of affairs? In this context, also highlight the steps taken by the government.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":24,"question":"The worsening road safety situation in India is further complicated by an increasing population and proliferation of vehicles, on the road. Discuss. Also, highlight the steps that are being taken by the government to address the issue of road safety and reduce the associated fatalities.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":27,"question":"Briefly highlight the parameters used by the government to determine the extent of poverty in India. Examine the relationship of economic growth and poverty alleviation in the post-reforms era.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":30,"question":"Explain why the government has adopted the HELP in place of the NELP that was existing for almost a decade. Also discuss how HELP has the potential to transform India's E&P activities with special emphasis on non-conventional sources of energy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":33,"question":"Successive governments have resorted to disinvestment of sick and loss-making PSUs. What, according to you, are the targets which the government seek to meet from this exercise? Also explain why the disinvestment targets have not been met in the past.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":36,"question":"What is hydroponics? Discuss its relevance in light of limited land availability while ensuring food security.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"It is argued by many that there is an urgent need for states to reform land laws and, in particular, tenancy laws. What are the factors cited for the need of such reforms? Identify the impediments in the way of such reforms and highlight the benefits that would accrue from them.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":42,"question":"Discuss the potential of horticulture sector in realizing the government's vision of doubling the farm income. Also, highlight the challenges which are needed to be addressed for realizing full potential of this sector.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":45,"question":"Not only does the yield (measured in tonnes/ha.) of a crop but a number of other factors determine the choice of crops that a farmer cultivates. Elaborate with special focus on cropping pattern in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":48,"question":"Discuss the significance of food processing industry in the economic development of the country and the challenges which need to be tackled for sustained growth of the industry. Also elaborate on the the salient features of National Mission on Food Processing.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":51,"question":"Financial support to farmers through various instruments has been a crucial aspect of agricultural policy of the government. Examine whether the proposal of moving towards direct transfer of benefits and universal crop insurance would alleviate the existing concerns in the current scenario.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":54,"question":"Buffer stocking of food grains is seen as a vehicle to deliver strategic food and agricultural domestic support policies, however, there is a growing consensus that the programme has been not just costly but also imprudently wasteful. Critically evaluate.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":57,"question":"Discuss the lacunae in implementation of Minimum Wages Act in ensuring the welfare of agricultural labour. Also, suggest some other measures to improve the situation of agricultural labourers in the country.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":60,"question":"In spite of having the world's largest livestock population in India, the potential of animal rearing remains underutilized. In this context, discuss the challenges faced by the meat and poultry sector and suggest measures for accelerated and sustained growth for this sector.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":9057,"topper":"Yashni Nagarjan","air":57,"year":2019,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/30435-13709_750_yashni-nagarajan_rank_57.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":9058,"topper":"Yashni Nagarjan","air":57,"year":2019,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ef823-13709_761_yashni-nagarajan_rank_57.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":9059,"topper":"Yashni Nagarjan","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/93550-13709_861_yashni-nagarjan_rank_57.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Examine how role models influence ethical behaviour. What actions can leaders take to integrate ethical conduct in their organisations?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"According to Aristotle, for persuasion, not only Ethos (credibility of the speaker) and Logos (logical argument) but Pathos (emotional connection to the audience) is equally important. Comment.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"With appropriate examples, discuss various ethical challenges associated with the utilization of public funds in India. Suggest strategies to effectively deal with these challenges.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":9,"question":"With proliferation of social media, people have got the opportunity to express their views anonymously and more freely. (a) What according to you, is its effect on the social and political culture of the country? (b) Discuss the role of social media in changing one's attitude, particularly the youth.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":11,"question":"What are the various components of an organization's work culture? What are key issues that need to be addressed in any organisation to create a more developmental and performance oriented culture?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":13,"question":"There is a difference between what a person has a right to do and what the right thing to do is and often there is a conflict between these two. (a) Illustrate with examples the ethical issues that can arise because of such a conflict. (b) How does this conflict play out if someone wants to protest against injustice?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":15,"question":"It is vain to talk of the interest of the community, without understanding what is the interest of the individual. Discuss the statement in the present context.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Vision and intentions are necessary components of politica ethics. However, equally important are the process of implementation, tools used and the established system. Elaborate with examples.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":19,"question":"Swami Vivekanand brought religion to the centre-stage and gave a new meaning to it while stressing the need for harmony among faiths. In this context, discuss the relevance of his teachings in contemporary society.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":21,"question":"Access to quality basic services plays a critical role in enhancing individual capabilities to participate fully in the growth of the nation. (a) Discuss the statement in the context of vulnerable section's of India. (b) Analyse the challenges with regard to quality service delivery in India.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":23,"question":"Is Emotional Intelligence influenced by cultural moorings? How would you differentiate the applicability of Emotional Intelligence in Indian society from that of Western society?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"You are the SP of a district where a large number of followers of a particular sect reside. The district also hosts a large Ashram where regular gathering of the followers take place. The leader of the sect has been under the scanner of the judiciary for his involvement in illegal activities. Now the court has ordered his immediate arrest and an order pronouncing the same has been sent to you. You have been asked to comply with the orders within two days. A large number of followers, which include women and children, have already thronged the Ashram in anticipation of arrest of the leader. Intelligence units have informed about the presence of not only large stock of food and water but also ammunition, inside the Ashram. Your request urging the followers to vacate the site has failed. 20 (a) What could be the reason for people's defiance? (b) List the issues involved in the case. (c) What will be your plan of action?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":41,"question":"Ramesh, a very hardworking person, is the sole bread earner in his family. He has worked with an oil company's local affiliate for several years, and has established a strong, trustworthy relationship with Suresh, manager of the local facility. Suresh has recently recommended Ramesh to be recruited as the corporate consulting engineer for the company, which would be a position of greater responsibility along with a stable income. During a casual conversation, Suresh mentions an incident in the 1960s wherein 10,000 gallons of a petrochemical was leaked into the local environment by the company due to negligence, though at the time no damage was found, and no mention of this leak was made to the press. When Ramesh mentions that the state law requires him to report all spills, Suresh reminds him that no harm had been done and reminds him that the company can't have a consulting engineer who does not value loyalty and respect confidentiality. 20 (a) Identify the ethical issues involved in the given case. (b) What are the options available to Ramesh in this situation? Evaluate each of them. (c) Had you been at Ramesh's place, what would have been your course of action? Give reasons for the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":47,"question":"You are the CEO of a social media company that has a user base. The social network offered by your company has emerged as a platform for people to interact with each other and share news, opinions etc. However, at the same time, women are being repeatedly harassed and cyber bullied through this network. Whenever any instance of harassment is brought to notice of the company, your staff members immediately deactivate the account of the culprit. However, since new accounts can be created easily, such incidents continue to happen. Also, the system to verify one's account details has been deemed lax by public authorities and human rights groups. But in order to increase the user base, you have to ensure that it is easy for a new user to sign up. Increase in the user base leads to more advertisements on your network, which is a source of huge annual turnover for the company. At the same time, in wake of increasing instances of harassment, you also need to tighten the process of creating new accounts and deactivate or delete the ones being misused. 20 (a) Highlight the options available to you in this scenario and evaluate each of them. What course of action will you take and why? (b) Is there a need for having reasonable restrictions on social media for it to remain a platform of healthy and fruitful engagement. Analyse from the viewpoint of different stakeholders.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":9060,"topper":"Yashpratap Shrimal","air":192,"year":2019,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/dd529-11340_769_yashpratap-shrimal_rank_192.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":9061,"topper":"Yashvardhan Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e6048-964337_4514_yashvardhan-singh_rank_212.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"In matters of conscience, the law of the majority has no place.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"He who opens a school door, closes a prison.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Only in the depths of winter can we truly appreciate the warmth of spring.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"Copying is safe; innovation demands courage.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The more we automate, the more human we must become.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"The pursuit of instant validation is creating a generation of restless minds.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":9062,"topper":"Yashvardhan Singh","air":212,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5d426-964337_3283_yashvardhan-singh_rank_212.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":9063,"topper":"Yashvardhan Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/41917-964337_2422_yashvardhan-singh_rank_212.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"The traditional theatre forms of India reflect the ideals and emotions of the society, and an individual's role in the community. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Provide an account of the historical and architectural importance of the Sanchi Stupa. Also, discuss how it inspired the future architecture in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Bhagat Singh made a real breakthrough in terms of revolutionary ideology, the goals of revolution and forms of revolutionary struggle. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Bringing out the factors that led to the Meiji restoration, discuss its significance for Japan. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"It is believed that a nation is an \"imagined community\" held together by common beliefs, history, political aspirations etc. In this context, discuss what the basis of India as a nation is. Also, bring out the threats to the concept of Indian nationhood. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"State the key factors behind the growth of the pharmaceutical industry in India. Additionally, discuss its significance with regard to India's economy and public health.(Answer in 150words)10","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss why the Bay of Bengal is more prone to cyclones than the Arabian Sea. Also, explain the reasons for the decrease in frequency of tropical cyclones during the Southwest monsoon season. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite being destructive in nature, volcanoes are critical for the existence of human life on earth. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"The existence of relative deprivation is an important aspect in constructing the argument for regionalism. Explain with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"If India is to realise the goal of 'education for all', the issue of rising cases of bullying and other forms of school violence needs to be addressed immediately. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Bring out the role played by the Ahom Kingdom in shaping the cultural and historical identity of North-East India, and discuss its legacy in contemporary times. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The capitalist class generally remained ambivalent in their support to the Indian National Congress until 1940s. In this context, analyse the varying positions of the Indian capitalists throughout the national movement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Trace the evolution of the press in India. Also, discuss the instrumental impact it had during various stages of the Indian freedom struggle despite the repressive policies of the British. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Mountains are fragile ecosystems vulnerable to the adverse impact of climate change and other anthropogenic interventions. Illustrate with examples. Also, highlight the initiatives taken for their sustainable management. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Discuss the reasons behind unsustainable management of sand resources in India. Highlighting its impact, enumerate the remedial measures taken in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Giving an account of the major lithium-producing countries, discuss the geo-political aspects of lithium production and its environmental implications. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"The youth are capable of identifying themselves with a global identity and connecting with events and experiences outside their countries. In this context, discuss the impact of globalization on the various aspects of youth identity. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"As fertility rates decline in India, future demographic concerns center around an ageing population and a weak social security system. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"With a significant proportion of India's population expected to live in urban areas by 2030, the welfare of the urban poor needs to take centre-stage in public policy. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":9064,"topper":"Yashvardhan Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/781770142252687b4750b386de5a9f2e/16/mts_2025_unchecked_gs25d1b39001_flt2501.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Cave paintings are the visual autobiography of a prehistoric man. What can we infer about prehistoric beliefs and social practices from the cave paintings in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"Colonial education policy, intended to create obedient clerks, became a channel for political awakening and national self-assertion.\" Discuss (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Evaluate the extent to which the Gupta economy facilitated cultural and scientific advancements. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"India faces a looming freshwater crisis despite its vast river systems. Discuss the causes and evaluate integrated water resource management strategies for sustainability. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How do the Deccan and Chota Nagpur plateaus differ in their physical characteristics and resource potential? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Compare the characteristics of east-flowing and west-flowing rivers with suitable examples. Why do most rivers in India flow eastward? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Why do most rivers flow eastwards","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":20,"question":"The Arctic region is emerging as a new frontier for resource exploration. Discuss the opportunities and challenges for India in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"How are changing family structures and migration trends increasingly leading to the social isolation of the elderly in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"In what ways does urbanization challenge traditional notions of social cohesion in Indian society? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Safety and mobility are gendered constraints that significantly influence women's participation in the labour force in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"What do the accounts of Arab and European travellers reveal about the nature of social and economic life in medieval India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"India's linguistic diversity is not a challenge to national integration but a testament to its cultural resilience.' Discuss in the context of contemporary debates on language policy and identity politics in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Examine the role played by reformist organizations like the Brahmo Samaj and Arya Samaj in addressing various social issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"What are rift valleys, and how are they formed? Explain their geomorphological and economic significance. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What is 'Blue Revolution'? Discuss the major challenges faced in the development of aquaculture in India. Suggest a set of comprehensive strategies to overcome these challenges. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"With accelerating glacial melt in the Himalayas, GLOFs pose a severe hazard downstream. Analyse the causes, impacts, and mitigation strategies related to GLOFs in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Using suitable examples, discuss the conditions required for the formation of salt pans and mangroves in India. How do these ecosystems support coastal resilience? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Caste in India today operates more as a system of identity assertion than of rigid hierarchy. Discuss this transformation in the context of caste group mobilisation and economic change. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Have regional identities in India evolved from cultural expressions to organised assertions of autonomy? Discuss their implications for national cohesion. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"The rise of the new middle class in India is marked by a culture of consumption. In what ways is the transition from conscious to impulsive consumption affecting family structure and dynamics in urban India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":9065,"topper":"Yashvardhan Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/781770142252687b4750b386de5a9f2e/37/mts_2025_unchecked_gs25d1b39001_flt2509.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Pillars are not merely architectural marvels, but also serve as crucial sources of ancient Indian history. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"To what extent did early economic nationalists like Dadabhai Naoroji shape the intellectual foundations of the Indian freedom movement? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How did the Indian national movement influence freedom movements across the world? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How does the movement of continental plates help explain the spatial distribution of earthquakes in specific regions of the world? Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"River interlinking is seen as a means to reduce regional water stress. Discuss its advantages and examine the possible environmental and social implications. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the localisation factors for the textile industry in India and examine its economic significance. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"What are loess deposits, and why do they constitute some of the most agriculturally productive regions of the world? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Screen-based education has improved accessibility but also created new behavioural and social challenges for children. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Why are protectionist and xenophobic trends against Indians rising in the West, despite the global embrace of Indian culture and soft power? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The caste system in India has adapted to the forces of modernisation, urbanisation, and economic liberalisation. Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":31,"question":"Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Jawaharlal Nehru differed in their approach to nation-building, yet their shared vision was instrumental in shaping modern India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"The Swadeshi Movement marked a significant shift in India's freedom struggle from passive resistance to active mass mobilisation. In this context, discuss the strategies, social impact, and limitations of the movement. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"The Western Ghats and the Northeastern Hills receive some of the highest rainfall during the southwest monsoon in India. Discuss the mechanisms responsible for heavy rainfall in these regions and analyse the monsoon's influence on human life in these regions. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Differentiate between forest cover, tree cover, and green cover. How do forest ecosystems in India contribute to climate resilience and carbon sequestration? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Account for the salinity variations in the world's oceans. How does this variation impact ocean circulation and marine ecosystems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"How does the polar cryosphere play a pivotal role in regulating the Earth's climate system? Also, enumerate the key factors responsible for rapid warming in the Arctic. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"\"Religious pluralism and secularism are integral to India's social fabric, but their coexistence requires constant negotiation.\" Examine. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Discuss the intersection of class, gender, and geography in determining women's access to opportunities in the Indian service sector. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"\"Despite a strong continuity in traditional family values, Indian society is witnessing rising trends of delayed marriage, increasing divorce rates, and family disruption.\" Discuss the socio-economic and cultural factors contributing to this shift. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":9066,"topper":"Yashvardhan Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/cc80e7c81f00eaa4f15f78533b4a4ad5/6/mts_2025_unchecked_gs25d1b39001_flt2505.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"In what ways did medieval Indian sculptures and paintings reflect the cultural ethos of their times? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"The Cold War was less a military confrontation and more a battle of ideologies.\" Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Critically examine the impact of the Emergency on Indian democracy and civil liberties. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Explain the geological features and ecological importance of the Eastern Ghats. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Explain the origin of the Indian islands in the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss how inland water transport can alter the economy of eastern India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Desertification is not merely a land degradation issue; it is a silent threat to global ecological stability and food security. Discuss (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Is globalisation leading to the erosion of local languages and traditional culture in India? Justify your answer. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Neo-spiritual movements in India reflect the fusion of tradition, modernity, and digital influence in the practice of faith. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"How does the status and role of women in tribal societies differ from gender norms in mainstream Indian society? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"To what extent did vernacular literature in medieval India contribute to challenging established social norms? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"Examine the ways in which Gandhian mass movements opened political space for Indian women. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"\"Bose symbolised a blend of militant nationalism and socialist vision.\" Discuss with reference to his political and economic ideas. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Urbanization is posing a threat to the existing urban infrastructure. Discuss the developmental issues it poses and its impact on urban communities. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Discuss the agro-climatic factors necessary for tea cultivation. Why is its production concentrated in specific pockets of Eastern and Southern India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"What factors are responsible for landslides in the Western Ghats? Discuss some mitigation measures to minimize their impact. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Classify the different types of lakes based on their geomorphological origin. Why are certain lake types more prevalent in specific regions of the world? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"With the rise of digital media influencers, traditional role models in Indian society are being replaced. Analyse its impact on youth behaviour and value systems. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"Despite legal and educational advances, why do certain social practices, such as dowry, caste endogamy, or child marriage, continue to persist in modern India? Analyse with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"\"Modern parenting in India is increasingly balancing traditional expectations and emerging societal norms. Analyse the social implications of this tension.\" (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":9067,"topper":"Yashvardhan Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/cc80e7c81f00eaa4f15f78533b4a4ad5/3/mts_2025_unchecked_gs25d1b39001_flt2506.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"What is constitutional morality? How far does the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) align with the vision of constitutional morality as encompassed in the Indian Constitution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Article 143 of the Constitution confers advisory jurisdiction upon the Supreme Court through a presidential reference mechanism. Examine the significance and scope of the Supreme Court's advisory jurisdiction under this provision. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Since Independence, the composition of the Indian Parliament has undergone a significant change with the changing socio-economic profile of the Members of Parliament(MPs). Analyse the impact of this shift on the overall quality of representative democracy in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"In a rights-based democracy, institutions like the NHRC must evolve beyond symbolic presence to real-time impact. In this context, discuss the structural and functional issues within India's human rights framework. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Delimitation upholds the idea of 'one citizen, one vote', but its implications go against the principles of federalism.Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"To make skilling meaningful, programs like PM Internship Scheme (PMIS) must ensure not just participation but employability-linked outcomes.\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"Women-centric welfare schemes need to move beyond welfare to empowerment.\" Examine in the context of key women-centric welfare schemes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"The increasing regulatory oversight on civil society organisations risks shrinking democratic space.\" Examine. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"India's engagement with Africa is no longer limited to development cooperation but is increasingly shaped by strategic and economic considerations. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The Indian diaspora in the Gulf region plays a pivotal role in shaping India's economic relations and people-centric diplomacy with West Asia. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Despite increased political representation, Elected Women Representatives (EWRs) in Panchayati Raj Institutions continue to face barriers to effective participation and leadership. In this context, discuss the challenges EWRs face and suggest reforms needed to enable gender-inclusive grassroots governance. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"The principle of checks and balances in the Indian Constitution is often challenged by the judiciary's expanding role in legislative and executive domains. Highlighting the reasons, assess its impact on the functional separation between various organs. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"The credibility of the electoral process rests on the autonomy and neutrality of the Election Commission. Do you think the Election Commission of India is facing credibility issues in sustaining public trust in electoral democracy? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Cooperative societies are integral to India's socio-economic development. Examine the governance and autonomy challenges faced by Multi-State Cooperative Societies (MSCSs) and discuss how the recent Multi-State Cooperative Societies (Amendment Act, 2023) seeks to address these issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"\"Weak institutional independence of Information Commissions has diluted the effectiveness of the Right to Information (RTI) regime.\" Discuss in the light of autonomy and independence of the Information Commissions. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"\"Civil services in India were envisioned as instruments of neutrality and efficiency, yet they are increasingly perceived as rigid and politicised.\" Examine the issues responsible for this perception and suggest corrective measures. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Despite consistent economic growth and social sector spending, India continues to perform poorly in global human development rankings. Examine the structural issues that inhibit equitable and inclusive human development. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"\"The expansion of BRICS offers opportunities for India to strengthen its voice in global economic governance.\" Discuss how India can leverage the BRICS Plus to advance the interests of the Global South. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"\"Act East Policy is as much about regional balancing as it is about economic diplomacy.\" Analyse this statement in the context of India's engagement with ASEAN amidst shifting power dynamics in the Indo-Pacific. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":9068,"topper":"Yashvardhan Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/cc80e7c81f00eaa4f15f78533b4a4ad5/9/mts_2025_unchecked_gs25d1b39001_flt2510.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Socialistic ideals and secularism are core features of the Basic Structure doctrine in India. In this context, discuss how judicial decisions have cemented these principles as the cornerstone of constitutional identity. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"There is a need to expand the scope of 'corrupt practices' under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, to address emerging forms of electoral malpractices.\" Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Analyse the distinguishing perspectives on equality as reflected in the constitutional frameworks of India and France. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"The shrinking effective share of States in the Union's gross tax revenues, coupled with equity-heavy criteria in horizontal devolution, raises critical concerns for fiscal federalism in India. Analyse. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"Citizenship is the legal foundation of constitutional rights and responsibilities.\" Discuss how India's approach to citizenship reflects its commitment to constitutional values. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Declining fertility rates, coupled with rising life expectancy, require a shift from fertility-focused interventions to human capital investments. Examine in the light of recent population trends. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"The quality of governance is critically linked to the extent and nature of citizen participation in democratic processes.\" Discuss using examples in the Indian context. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"Low alignment between educational outcomes and market needs can widen social and economic inequalities.\" Examine this statement in the context of India's skills ecosystem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"The weakening commitment of major powers to international health frameworks poses serious challenges to equitable global cooperation.\" Discuss in light of the U.S. withdrawal from the WHO and its implications for India.\\t\\t\\t\\t(Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The ongoing conflict in West Asia has exposed the vulnerabilities of regional diplomacy. In this light, discuss the implications of the West Asian conflict for India's strategic autonomy and regional engagement. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"\"Department-related Standing Committees serve as the institutional backbone of legislative scrutiny, yet their potential remains underutilised.\" Critically analyse the challenges faced by Parliamentary Committees in ensuring executive accountability in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"\"President's Rule is a constitutional mechanism to deal with governance failure, not political convenience.\" Under what circumstances can President's Rule be imposed in a State? Discuss the constitutional safeguards and judicial verdicts associated with it. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"The recently released Devolution Index reveals wide variation in the performance of States in empowering Panchayati Raj Institutions. While explaining the reasons behind this variation, discuss the role of capacity-building initiatives in enabling PRIs to fulfil their constitutional mandate. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"\"In the evolving constitutional and political landscape, the effectiveness of statutory commissions depends on their structural autonomy and independence.\" Discuss in the context of the growing demand for constitutional status for statutory commissions like the National Commission for Women (NCW) and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"\"An independent judiciary is essential for upholding constitutional values, but it must also remain accountable to preserve public trust.\" Discuss in the context of recent issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Institutional autonomy of sectoral regulators is critical for ensuring credibility, transparency, and fair competition. In light of recent incidents, examine the issues pertaining to the independence and autonomy of regulatory bodies in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"How far do you think a caste census is a necessary step toward realising the goals of social justice and equitable development, despite the administrative challenges it poses? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"\"The complexity of modern governance demands adaptive and dynamic administrative reforms.\" Evaluate the role of administrative reforms in improving efficiency, transparency, and responsiveness in Indian governance. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"The trajectory of India-China relations in the last 75 years reflects a balance between pragmatic cooperation and unresolved strategic tensions. Discuss the contours of this evolving policy and highlight the measures India should take to counterbalance asymmetries with China. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"The evolution of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) from a maritime security grouping to a multidimensional partnership reflects changing strategic realities in the Indo-Pacific. In this context, examine the opportunities and challenges that QUAD presents for India's regional aspirations and strategic autonomy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":9069,"topper":"Yashvardhan Singh","air":212,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/781770142252687b4750b386de5a9f2e/22/mts_2025_unchecked_gs25d1b39001_flt2502.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":9070,"topper":"Yashvardhan Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/781770142252687b4750b386de5a9f2e/6/mts_2025_unchecked_gs25d1b39001_flt2507.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"Even after a decade of Make in India, India's manufacturing sector has remained a weak spot in its growth story. How can India fundamentally reset its manufacturing sector to utilise its potential in GDP growth and job creation? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Indian startups, despite showing great potential, have not scaled up on innovation. Discuss. Suggest measures for Indian startups to go up the value chain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Despite a robust Public Distribution System (PDS), food security remains a challenge to the Indian population. What are the deficiencies in the current PDS system? Suggest reforms to improve the system. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Discuss the key components of the recently launched Digital Agriculture Mission. How will this mission help in improving farmers' welfare? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"What is the Axiom-4 mission? How will India's participation in the Axiom-4 mission help in bolstering India's human space programme? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Introduce the concept of precision medicine. Comment on the role of precision medicine in the treatment of rare and specific diseases. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss how the Biodiversity Act, 2002, and the recently notified Biological Diversity (Access and Benefit Sharing) Regulation, 2025, promote access and benefit sharing while ensuring the growth of traditional industries. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"Preparedness is the first step towards disaster risk reduction\". In this context, assess the role of the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) in strengthening disaster preparedness and early warning systems in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"How does the long maritime border of India present immense internal security challenges? Suggest measures to address these challenges. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Despite decline in terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir, Over Ground Workers (OGWs) and proxy militant groups continue to pose a serious threat to India's internal security. What strategies can be adopted to neutralize these threats? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"\"Infrastructure development is a key driver of accelerated and inclusive economic growth\". Highlighting the importance of infrastructure investment in achieving long-term growth, discuss India's successes and failures in stimulating infrastructure-led growth in the economy. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"What are the responsibilities of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC)? How effective has the RBI's monetary policy initiatives been to broaden economic recovery whilst maintaining a sustainable inflation rate? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"What are the opportunities and challenges of the food processing industry in India? Why has the overall private investment remained low in the industry despite immense potential? Suggest measures. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"Micro-irrigation systems can revolutionize Indian agriculture, but adoption remains limited. In this context, discuss how micro-irrigation can help in sustainable water management. What are the barriers to its widespread adoption? Suggest measures to overcome them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"'With the development of advanced chips like Majorana 1 and Willow, quantum computers are no longer a theory but a reality'. What are the principles of quantum computing? How does the National Quantum Mission help in scaling up quantum technologies in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Wetlands play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, yet they face several anthropogenic and climate-related threats. Discuss. What steps have been undertaken by the Government of India to conserve and promote wetlands? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"In spite of being preventable, stampedes due to improper crowd control mechanisms continue to claim lives in India. Discuss the underlying causes of such disasters. What institutional and technological measures can be taken for efficient crowd management? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"With the rapid digitalization of Indian society, cyber crimes like digital arrest have also increased. Highlighting the major elements of cybersecurity, Discuss the measures needed to strengthen India's cybersecurity infrastructure. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"Illegal immigration poses a threat to India's democracy, sovereignty, and internal security. In light of this statement, discuss how the recently passed Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, helps in effectively addressing the issue of illegal immigration. What are the constitutional and potential human rights challenges associated with the Act? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":9071,"topper":"Yashvardhan Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/781770142252687b4750b386de5a9f2e/9/mts_2025_unchecked_gs25d1b39001_flt2511.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"How far do you think the recent proposals to reform India's tax structure will help in improving India's tax buoyancy and base? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"How do the rising trends of economic nationalism and protectionism affect India's global trade competitiveness? What recent measures has India taken to navigate these challenges? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Examine the role of Integrated Farming System (IFM) in improving agricultural productivity and minimizing the environmental impact of agriculture. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"In recent years, Indian agriculture has been witnessing a transformation towards better productivity and improved farmer incomes. What institutional and structural reforms have been undertaken by the Government to make agriculture more rewarding and sustainable? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How do Air Defence systems work? What are the various air-defense systems that India currently possesses? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Discuss the potential of RNA editing in treating genetic disorders. What are its advantages over DNA editing? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Urban areas are more vulnerable to disasters due to unplanned growth and infrastructure collapses. Discuss. What strategies do you recommend to enhance urban resilience to such disasters? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Despite its criticality for the success of the Swachha Bharat Mission, solid waste management in India remains at a sub-optimal level. In this context, suggest long-term technological and institutional solutions towards effective solid-waste management. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"Social media has emerged as a new frontier in modern warfare, shaping narratives, influencing perceptions, and impacting national security\". In this context, analyse the role of social media in contemporary conflicts. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The Border Security Force (BSF) has evolved significantly in its jurisdiction as well as its strategic importance in border management and the internal security framework. Explain the role and mandate of BSF. What are the issues BSF faces while operating in the border States? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"India's growth story is marred by persistent challenges of inequality and the middle-income-trap. Discuss. Highlight the approaches India should follow to escape the middle-income trap and ensure inclusive and sustainable economic growth. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":31,"question":"MSMEs are central to the success of the Make in India initiative, yet they face challenges in scaling up and integrating into formal supply chains. Discuss. Suggest structural reforms needed to make MSMEs more resilient and competitive. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":34,"question":"\"The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) aims to achieve 'more crop per drop', yet irrigation efficiency in India remains suboptimal.\" Critically analyse. What reforms are needed to strengthen its implementation? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"The rising import of oilseeds and pulses has made their cultivation unremunerative. In the light of this statement, elucidate the steps needed to promote the production and consumption of oilseeds and pulses in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"Explain the scientific principles behind cloud seeding. Highlighting its role in alleviating air pollution and global warming, discuss its potential limitations. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"Give an account of the evolution of India's 3-Stage Nuclear Power Programme. What are the advantages and strategic imperatives of realising the thorium-based third stage? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"Recent studies indicate that the 2014-2024 decade is the warmest decade and 2024 is the warmest year on record. In the light of rapid global warming, what are the impacts of climate change on biodiversity? Discuss the measures needed to ensure ecological resilience and conservation of species diversity. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Forest fires in India are increasing in frequency and intensity, posing severe ecological and economic challenges. Describe the various causes of forest fires. What measures are followed to prevent and manage forest fires in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"What are organized crimes? Discuss the linkages between organized crime and terrorism. How do such linkages pose internal security challenges to India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":55,"question":"India's north-eastern region is fraught with contentious issues and security challenges. Examine the various security challenges currently prevailing in the region. Discuss the steps to counter these challenges. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":9072,"topper":"Yashvardhan Singh","air":212,"year":2025,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/781770142252687b4750b386de5a9f2e/20/mts_2025_unchecked_gs25d1b39001_flt2503.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":9073,"topper":"Yashvardhan Singh","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://next-ias-cf.nextias.com/file_library/pdf/original/781770142252687b4750b386de5a9f2e/2/mts_2025_unchecked_gs25d1b39001_flt2512.pdf","questions":[{"page":8,"question":"\"Duty forms the cornerstone of administrative ethics, yet without integration of other ethical perspectives, it risks becoming mechanical compliance.\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":8,"question":"Discuss how the interplay of duty, virtue, principle, and consequences can enrich ethical decision-making in public administration. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"\"The strength of a professional public service lies in its ability to remain non-partisan, even in a deeply political environment.\"","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":10,"question":"Do you agree that partisanship undermines the ethical foundation of public administration? Discuss the risks posed by political bias among civil servants and the safeguards that help uphold neutrality. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Explain how these internal faculties help public servants navigate ethical grey zones. Support with a suitable example. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"\"The heart of the ethical dilemma is not the absence of values but the presence of competing responsibilities.\" Discuss how ethical dilemmas in public administration often emerge from the clash of legitimate obligations rather than moral ambiguity. Illustrate with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"\"The growing layers of oversight, media scrutiny, and public expectations have made accountability a double-edged sword for public servants.\" Do you agree that excessive accountability pressure can sometimes hinder ethical judgment and innovation in the bureaucracy? Explain your perspective with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"\"Family, society, and education do not merely transmit values they shape the ethical foundation of public life.\" Discuss how these institutions influence value formation in public servants. Why is the role of these institutions critical in strengthening ethical governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"\"Gandhian ethics emphasize purity of means, truth, and moral courage even when outcomes are uncertain.\" Critically evaluate whether such absolutist ethics are compatible with the demands of modern public administration, where administrative realism and pragmatism are often necessary. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"\"Procurement decisions are a litmus test of public sector probity, where integrity must resist both institutional pressures and private influence.\" Discuss how the principles of transparency, fairness, and accountability can strengthen ethical conduct in public procurement. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"\"Attitudes, shaped by personal beliefs and values, influence the ethical behaviour of public servants.\" Explain how moral and political attitudes impact administrative neutrality and integrity in public service. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"\"Foreign aid is often framed as generosity, but its ethical legitimacy depends on fairness, accountability, and respect for sovereignty.\" Explain the ethical concerns associated with conditional foreign aid. How can donor countries uphold recipient autonomy while ensuring transparency and developmental impact? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context? (a) \\x\\x80\\x8c ... , \" - . . \"Good government...depends...(on) the qualities of the human beings composing the society over which the government is exercised.\" J S Mill (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":34,"question":"What are the ethical considerations involved in this budget allocation decision?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":34,"question":"How can administrators ensure equitable development while maintaining working relationships with elected representatives? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"You are posted as the Deputy Director (Training) at a state administrative academy. Among the current batch of officer trainees is a probationer known for initiative and strong opinions on social justice and governance. Over the past few weeks, the probationer has been posting commentary on current affairs on his public social media account. While not abusive or inflammatory, his posts openly criticise: - Certain welfare schemes as \"tokenistic,\" - The inaction of state agencies in recent communal incidents, - And call for \"civil resistance\" to regressive laws. Screenshots of his posts have circulated in the department. Some senior officers consider the posts politically charged and believe they undermine the principle of neutrality and decorum expected of civil servants. Others argue he is still under training and needs mentorship, not discipline. You are informally asked by the Director General to \"speak to him\" and submit a recommendation on whether formal action is warranted. The probationer, when confronted, says: \"I posted as a citizen, not as a government mouthpiece. I'm entitled to express myself. My views don't affect my professional objectivity.\" There's growing debate in the academy: Where does personal liberty end and institutional responsibility begin? Is there space for moral conviction in service, or must officers conform fully to institutional restraint even in their private lives?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"What are the key ethical and professional concerns in this situation?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":39,"question":"How can civil servants balance personal expression with the demands of neutrality and public accountability? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the key ethical issues in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Can civil servants uphold integrity when informal hierarchies and peer pressure discourage ethical action? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"You are posted as the General Manager (CSR) in a large public sector undertaking (PSU) in the mining sector. Your role involves evaluating and disbursing funds under the company's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) mandate, especially in districts affected by mining-related displacement. Your team has shortlisted three NGOs for a major livelihood promotion initiative: • Two are small, field-tested organizations with verifiable work in the affected tribal belt. • The third is a well-connected urban NGO, recently floated by a relative of a senior PSU board member. It has flashy brochures and political backing, but no track record in the region. During internal discussions, subtle signals are sent that favour the third NGO, with phrases like \\u201cstrategic alignment\\u201d and \\u201clong-term stakeholder management.\\u201d The CSR committee chair even jokes, \\u201cIt's just CSR, not rocket science.\\u201d Meanwhile, field officers caution you that the communities need culturally rooted, decentralized interventions and the urban NGO\\u2019s one-size-fits-all proposal won\\u2019t work. Some colleagues suggest approving all three, dividing funds equally. You must finalize your funding recommendation this week. Technically, all three proposals have passed minimum screening, though the field evidence differs widely. Your decision will affect both ground impact and organizational politics and will set a precedent for future CSR allocations. 1. What are the ethical concerns involved in the allocation of CSR funds in this case? 2. How would you assess the competing pressures of organizational politics and public interest? 3. What decision would you take, and how would you justify it ethically and professionally? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"You are posted as the District Magistrate in a tier-2 city. As part of routine administrative coordination, you recently conducted a performance review of key departments. The Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) in your district was commended for resolving a large backlog of land dispute cases and digitizing over 6,000 property records in a high-conflict zone. Her work has improved grievance redressal and reduced local litigation. However, you soon receive an internal note from the General Administration Department, asking for your remarks on a \\u201croutine\\u201d proposal to transfer the RDO to a remote sub-division. No performance concerns are cited. Informally, you learn that the RDO's strict application of land laws has led to resistance from local political leaders. Some had interests in disputed religious landholdings and were reportedly unhappy with her refusal to accommodate \\u201ccommunity sentiments.\\u201d During a recent meeting, a senior MLA remarked that officers should be \\u201cmore politically aware of local dynamics.\\u201d The officer has not filed a formal complaint but appears demoralized. Your senior colleagues hint this may be a \\u201csignal\\u201d to adjust administrative behaviour. Your confidential note, due in 48 hours, will influence the transfer's fate. There is no legal bar, but tenure guidelines recommend a minimum 2-year posting, and the officer is only 10 months into the role. 1. What are the administrative and ethical issues involved in the case? 2. What would be your response in the official note, and why? 3. How can senior civil servants uphold neutrality and fairness in politically sensitive postings without inviting retaliation or appearing insubordinate? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":59,"question":"What are the core ethical challenges involved in executing the eviction in this case?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":59,"question":"How should a public servant reconcile legal mandates with humanitarian obligations in contexts of informal urban settlements?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":9074,"topper":"Yashvi Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/YASHVI_JAIN_UPSC_IAS_2025_Toppers_AIR_97_Sample_ESSAY_Copy_2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"2. To be content with little is difficult; to be content with much, impossible.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":7,"question":"How can one be content in less when one has potential to achieve more?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"1. True peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice.\n2. The saddest aspect of life right now is that science gathers knowledge faster than society gathers wisdom.\n3. Human development suffers when interdependence is mismanaged.\n4. No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":9075,"topper":"Yashvi Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RfMUfUvGXEqrP6Qg1BepaF1weNMC_viZ/view","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"The heaviest penalty for declining to rule is to be ruled by someone inferior.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Competition is the law of the jungle, but cooperation is the law of civilization.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"The road to success and the road to failure are almost exactly the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"To be or not to be, that is the question.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Wisdom is to live in tune with the mode of the changing world.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":9076,"topper":"Yashvi Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UpgzrV7GH7UHZI7L6d_sNtozFrab8bRw/view","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"If it costs you your peace, it is too expensive.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"In the flood of data, the thirst still remains.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"A star has to burn to give light to others but that's what stars are meant for.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Civilization begins with order, grows with liberty, and dies with chaos.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"A single drop never feels responsible for the flood.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Never does nature say one thing and wisdom another.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Present demonstrates the lessons of history, albeit the hard way.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":9077,"topper":"Yashvi Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/GSPM24A19148_TC061.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"If it costs you your peace, it is too expensive.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"In the flood of data, the thirst still remains.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"A star has to burn to give light to others but that's what stars are meant for.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":6,"question":"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Civilization begins with order, grows with liberty, and dies with chaos.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"A single drop never feels responsible for the flood.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Never does nature say one thing and wisdom another.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Present demonstrates the lessons of history, albeit the hard way.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":9078,"topper":"Yashvi Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"NextIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdnstatic.nextias.com/newuploads/Nextias/2026/3/GSPM24A19148_TC062.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"The heaviest penalty for declining to rule is to be ruled by someone inferior.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Competition is the law of the jungle, but cooperation is the law of civilization.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"The road to success and the road to failure are almost exactly the same.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"To be or not to be, that is the question.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":17,"question":"Wisdom is to live in tune with the mode of the changing world.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":9079,"topper":"Yashvi Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/YASHVI_JAIN_UPSC_IAS_2025_Toppers_AIR_97_Sample_MGP_Copy_3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) Examine the scope and significance of the Supreme Court's advisory jurisdiction under Article 143 of the Constitution.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) What is delimitation, and why is it important? What challenges are associated with the delimitation exercise in India?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) How has asymmetric federalism helped India accommodate its diverse regional needs? Discuss with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) Explain how the terms 'socialist' and 'secular' in the Preamble embody specific meanings in the Indian context.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) The role of State Finance Commissions in building regional equity and strengthening the federal link has largely been underutilized. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) How far do you think has the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) been successful in protecting and promoting child rights in India?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) Outline the salient features of New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 related to school education. What does it state about the medium of instruction in schools?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) Throw light on the legal frameworks that are in place to ensure women's safety in India. What further steps are needed to enhance their safety and well-being?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 \"A multipolar world order is not merely an option but a necessity\". Elaborate. How can India leverage its position to strengthen multipolarity in the global arena?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 \"ASEAN is the cornerstone of India's Act East Policy and its Indo-Pacific vision.\" Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) Discuss the various administrative challenges faced by local self-governments (LSGs). What measures do you suggest for devolving administrative powers to LSGs, enabling them to function as institutions of genuine self-governance?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 In light of recent developments, the Collegium system and the Supreme Court's decision to strike down the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) Act, 2014 have once again come under scrutiny. Do you think that a NJAC-like body can make judicial appointments more transparent, broad-based, and accountable? Justify your answer.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 Differentiate between the clemency powers of the Presidents of India and the USA. Also, critically examine the vesting of clemency power in the executive.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14) What constitutes corrupt practices under the Representation of the People Act, 1951? Also, discuss the challenges in curbing such malpractices and suggest remedial measures.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Discuss the role of the Vice-President as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. Also describe the procedure for his/her removal from office.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16 \"Universal Basic Income (UBI) is a viable solution to eradicate extreme poverty in India.\" Critically discuss the statement","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 What are the key determinants of malnutrition among under-five children in the country? Also, elaborate on the role of nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions in addressing this issue.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18 \"Data is the raw material of Artificial Intelligence.\" In this context, discuss the need for transparent and accountable data governance frameworks in India. What steps has the government taken in this regard?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Critically examine the role of International Monetary Fund (IMF) in addressing debt distress in the Global South. How can India use its post-G20 presidency momentum to push IMF reforms?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20) \"In a fluid geopolitical arena engagement without formal endorsement is a pragmatic middle path.\" Do you agree? Explain in the context of India's current approach towards the Taliban regime in Afghanistan.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":9080,"topper":"Yashvi Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/YASHVI_JAIN_UPSC_IAS_2025_Toppers_AIR_97_Sample_MGP_Copy_4.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) What is a 'Census'? Discuss the importance of Census for the economy and policy making.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Assess the role of NITI Aayog over the past decade in transforming the country's approach to planning and development.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3) Discuss various measures taken by the Government to strengthen the Cooperative movement and ensure \"Sahakar Se Samriddhi\".","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) India remains significantly dependent on imports to meet its pulses demand. Examine the key challenges in achieving self-reliance in pulses. Also, mention the major government initiatives taken in this regard.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) What is a 'Black box'? Explain its significance in flight safety and airplane crash investigations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) How does NISAR mission exemplify international cooperation in space exploration and scientific research? In what ways will it help in climate change monitoring and natural hazard management?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) While oceans are considered among mankind's best allies in the fight against climate change, they are themselves heavily impacted by the same. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) \"Disasters cannot be managed by a single agency, department, or ministry on its own. It requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.\" Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 The convergence of organized crime and terrorism presents a formidable challenge to the country's internal security. Analyse.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 In an era of complex security challenges, examine the ways in which the private sector can contribute to strengthening India's internal security.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced a transfer of surplus to the Union Government for the financial year 2024-25. What does surplus mean in this context? How does the RBI generate it, and what is its significance for the country's fiscal policy?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 Examine the role of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model in the development of ports in India.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 \"Legalizing the Minimum Support Price (MSP) would create more challenges than it resolves.\" Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 Why does India's agricultural export performance remain weak despite high production levels? What measures would you suggest to improve agri-export competitiveness?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 How the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) can help India in its socio-economic development? Identify the hurdles in its large-scale adoption and suggest corrective measures.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) What is a Geographical Indication (GI)? What are the legal frameworks governing it? How does it differ from a trademark? How can GI infringement be tackled?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17 \"Mangroves contribute significantly to the coastal economy and ecology, but they are threatened by numerous factors\" Elaborate. Also, state the measures taken by the government for mangrove conservation and restoration.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Q.18) What is oil pollution? What are its impacts on the marine ecosystem? In what way is oil pollution particularly harmful for a country like India?","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Q.19 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have become an integral aspect of modern conflict and warfare, employed by both state and non-state actors. Discuss its implications for India's security architecture and state the measures being taken to address them. Also suggest other steps to tackle the threats emanating from UAVs.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Q.20) Maritime security challenges are complex, driven by both conventional and non-conventional threats. In this context, discuss the key maritime security challenges in India. Also, highlight the measures taken by the government in this regard.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":9081,"topper":"Yashvi Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/YASHVI_JAIN_UPSC_IAS_2025_Toppers_AIR_97_Sample_MGP_Copy_1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) 'Unconscious biases in parenting continue to shape gendered experiences in India.' Do you agree with this view? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) Distinguish between empathy and compassion. Why are they considered as foundational values in public services?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) The current society is witnessing rising levels of intolerance. What are the consequences of this situation for personal well-being and for societal well-being? What can one do at the personal level to become tolerant?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) What are the main components of emotional intelligence and how does it help an individual in taking ethical decisions?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) Given below are the three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context?\na) \"This life is short, the vanities of the world are transient, but they alone live who live for others, the rest are more dead than alive.\" - Swami Vivekanand","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) \"If you cry because the sun has gone out of your life, your tears will prevent you from seeing the stars.\" - Rabindranath Tagore","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"c) \"Two ways of building character - cultivating strength to challenge oppression, and tolerate the resultant hardships that give rise to courage and awareness.\" - Sardar Patel","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.4) a) \"With great power comes great responsibility.\" In the present context, 'Big Tech' headquartered in developed countries wield disproportionate influence over digital infrastructure, personal data, and global narratives — often prioritising profit over ethical considerations. What ethical principles should guide such corporations in building a fair, inclusive, and just global digital framework?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"b) What do you understand by the term 'crisis of conscience'? Describe an incident from your life where you experienced such a crisis. How did you deal with it?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.5) a) \"A politics of confession that encourages politicians and parties to confess and offer regret for their errors can surely be a cathartic experience.\" Examine the statement from the ethical point of view.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"b) What are the key objectives of the Right to Information Act, 2005? Examine the ethical concerns associated with certain provisions of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act in realizing the objectives of the RTI Act.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.6) a) Public spaces serve as arenas of democratic participation and civic expression. Yet in India, they remain deeply gendered, with many women largely confined to the private and domestic sphere. Examine the factors that restrict women's access to public spaces. How can ethical governance help address the issue of gendered spatial control and promote inclusivity in public spaces?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"b) Write short notes on the following in 30 words each:\ni) Ethical fading\nii) Conflict of interest\niii) Persuasion\niv) Work culture\nv) Corporate governance","marks":"10 marks, 150","words":"30 words each"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7) A State Government in the northeastern part of the country has launched a series of anti-encroachment drives across forest areas, wetlands, and revenue lands. Under the directions of the Chief Minister, the administration has intensified efforts to reclaim public land, particularly in areas reserved for ecological protection and critical infrastructure development. Most of the time, these actions have been backed by court orders and have resulted in the recovery of thousands of hectares of land. However, in certain regions, the implementation of such drives is fraught with social and political complexities. In several districts, settlements have existed for decades and are inhabited by marginalized communities with limited access to legal rights or formal rehabilitation measures. These areas are often politically sensitive and influenced by local leaders and pressure groups. Simanta is posted as Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) in one such district. Over the past year, the district administration has attempted to align eviction measures with welfare outreach, including the provision of temporary shelters, relocation assistance, and public consultations. Recently, a major operation was scheduled to clear encroachments from over 140 hectares of forest land within a Reserved Forest, primarily to curb rising instances of human-elephant conflict and to restore ecological balance. Anticipating eviction, some residents approached the High Court seeking a stay. However, the court refused to grant it and directed the administration to proceed with the eviction following due process. Notices were served, and a detailed roadmap was prepared to carry out the operation, which was expected to last 2-3 days due to the scale and remote location. On the first day, Simanta led a team comprising forest officials, municipal workers, and police personnel. Demolitions were conducted peacefully and without major resistance. However, on the second day, when the team returned to the site, a large group of agitated residents (primarily women and children) had gathered. They raised slogans and formed human chains to prevent further evictions. The atmosphere grew tense when some individuals began throwing stones, resulting in serious injury to a municipal worker. The crowd grew increasingly volatile and emotionally charged, demanding an immediate halt to the operation. The police contingent present on the ground was outnumbered by the crowd. Faced with this crisis, some team members pleaded with Simanta to call off the operation fearing threats to their life and the possibility of a violent escalation. Simanta attempted to contact his superior officer (the Deputy Commissioner), but due to poor mobile connectivity in the forested area, communication could not be established. Meanwhile, several local journalists had arrived and begun reporting on the incident. Simanta is in a dilemma as to what to do.\na Evaluate the options available with Simanta to cope with the situation.\nb Which of the above options would be the most appropriate for Simanta and why?\nc What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Simanta?\nd Examine the qualities of a public servant which will be required to manage such situations.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"a. स्थिति से निपटने के लिए सिमंता के पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nb. सिमंता के लिए सबसे उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?\nc. सिमंता को किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\nd. ऐसी परिस्थितियों का प्रबंधन करने के लिए एक लोक सेवक के गुणों का परीक्षण करें।\na स्थिति से निपटने के लिए सिमंता के पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें।\nb सिमंता के लिए सबसे उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?\nc सिमंता को किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है?\nd ऐसी परिस्थितियों का प्रबंधन करने के लिए एक लोक सेवक के गुणों का परीक्षण करें।","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":34,"question":"Q.8 Megha is a first-year sociology student at a reputed college in the national capital. She is originally from Tadchiroli, a tribal village in a western Indian state. Megha's family migrated to the city when she was seven years old and had not visited their village since. Though Megha has fond memories of her childhood there, she never deeply understood the customs and traditions of the region. One day, Megha expresses her wish to visit Tadchiroli. Her father agrees and asks her to inform Ratan, her paternal uncle, who still lives in the village with his family. Megha informs Ratan and travels to the village during a semester break. Upon arrival, she receives a warm welcome from Ratan and his family. Later, Ratan invites her to attend a local festival. During the event, Megha notices that her cousin Rinki is missing. Curious, she asks Ratan's wife Ratna why Rinki is not at the festival. Ratna explains that Rinki is on her period, and as per tradition, menstruating girls must stay separately in small huts built specifically for the purpose. Locally known as 'kurma ghars', they are generally located on the periphery of the village, near a river or pond. She further adds that these girls are not allowed to enter the main house or participate in any social or religious activities. Megha is taken aback. She asks whether all women follow this practice. Ratna nods and says it has been the custom for generations. Even schoolgirls stay in these huts and miss classes during their periods. Ratna admits that many in the village, including herself, never questioned the practice. The explanation unsettles Megha. She finds it hard to believe that a natural biological function leads to such exclusion. Before returning to the city, Megha observes that even educated family members seem to accept and follow these customs. The experience leaves a deep impact on her. She starts reading more about menstrual taboos and their impact on women's health, dignity, and education. As a sociology student, she recognises how such traditions are linked to patriarchy and social stigma. She begins to reflect on what she can do at her level to improve the current situation, without alienating the community or disrespecting its traditions.\na. Suggest a course of action Megha can take to sensitize her village community without appearing disrespectful or confrontational.\nb. What ethical principles and methods should guide her actions while engaging with the community?\nc. How is menstruation related to human rights?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"a. मेघा द्वारा अपने गांव के समुदाय को असम्मानजनक या टकरावपूर्ण व्यवहार किए बिना संवेदनशील बनाने के लिए अपनाई जा सकने वाली कार्यवाही का सुझाव दीजिए।\nb. समुदाय के साथ जुड़ते समय उसके कार्यों को किन नैतिक सिद्धांतों और तरीकों से निर्देशित किया जाना चाहिए?\nc. मासिक धर्म मानव अधिकारों से किस प्रकार संबंधित है?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":39,"question":"Q.9 a. Can you think of a rational way to resolve this dilemma?\nb. Give your reasons for it.\nc. What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\na Can you think of a rational way to resolve this dilemma?\nb Give your reasons for it.\nc What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"The above case study presents with the dilemma of right to safe adequate housing (Article 21) v/s need to follow the rules of regulation leading to a regulatory cholestrol necessitating quick decision making to avoid inclusion & exclusion errors.\n(a) Rational way to resolve Dilemma\n1) Contact seniors at higher levels & explain the scenario to them asking their suggestion in dealing with situation.\n2) Communicate and address the grievance of Gopal & reassuring him towards working towards an effective solution.\n3) Fill out the application for Gopal and process them while also applying for his documents to be genuine via appropriate channels.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Q.10 You are working as an Assistant Section Officer in the District Development and Panchayat Office. One day, one of your close colleagues approaches you in deep distress. She tells you that her father is suffering from a severe liver condition and the doctors have clearly stated that he must undergo liver transplant immediately in order to survive. She shares that she has no health insurance, and the surgery would cost around Rs 15 lakh. You are aware that her husband passed away a few years ago, and that she also has a four-year-old son with special needs. Just a few weeks ago, she also lost all her savings in a digital arrest scam. As a widow from a lower middle-class family, her options are extremely limited. Although you feel deeply empathetic, you are unable to offer financial assistance, as you do not have the resources to help.\nA few weeks later, you enquire about her father's health. She informs you that the liver transplant surgery was successful and that her father is now recovering steadily. Relieved, you ask how she managed to arrange the funds. Hesitantly, she confides that the District Development and Panchayat Officer (DDPO) helped her. Moved by her situation, the DDPO facilitated the release of Rs 15 lakh from the fund allocated to a rural sanitation scheme. The implementation of this scheme had been put on hold for a year due to technical issues and pending site approvals. She explains that the amount was provided on the assurance of strict confidentiality and with a commitment to repay it at the earliest. She expresses deep gratitude for the DDPO's timely help, which she believes saved her father's life. She has already begun repaying the money and will continue to do so until it is all returned.\na Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\nb Examine the behavior of DPDO from an ethical point of view.\nc How would you react to the situation?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Q.11) Nithin is the head of the Marketing Department at Pehnava Clothings Ltd., a reputed apparel manufacturing company with a strong global presence. Known for its professionalism and consistent performance, the company had earned a credible name in both domestic and international markets. However, the firm was going through difficult times. For three consecutive quarters, it had witnessed a steep decline in sales. This trend had raised serious concerns among the top management regarding the company's competitiveness, profitability, and long-term stability. To address the situation, the leadership decided to restructure the marketing division and bring in dynamic leadership. A senior marketing executive, Mr. A, was hired after a rigorous selection process. He had an impressive career record and was known for turning around sales performance in other firms and building strong brand identities. With high expectations placed upon him, Mr. A was seen as the key figure to steer the company out of crisis. Mr. A soon began delivering results. Within a year, the company's revenue had almost doubled, and its brand visibility had increased significantly. His bold marketing strategies, proactive outreach, and innovative campaigns received appreciation from various quarters within the company. His performance drew the attention of the top management. There were deliberations about assigning him a larger role within the company, with a focus on long-term business strategy. He was also being considered for an internal award for 'Excellence in Leadership and Innovation'. However, alongside professional success of Mr. A, Nithin began receiving troubling feedback about his conduct in the workplace. Informal reports indicated that he frequently made inappropriate comments about women. In addition, he regularly sent indecent messages via social media apps to all team members, including his female colleagues. Although no formal complaint was lodged initially, Nithin could sense tension within the team, and signs of discomfort were becoming increasingly apparent. Some employees even started avoiding direct interaction with Mr. A. Team morale and interpersonal trust were gradually eroding, but employees remained hesitant to speak openly. The matter escalated one evening when Mrs. X, one of Mr. A's team members approached Nithin. Visibly disturbed and emotionally shaken, she disclosed that Mr. A had repeatedly engaged in inappropriate behavior towards her. She added that Mr. A had been making undesirable advances towards her and had even tried to touch her inappropriately in his cabin. She urged Nithin to take appropriate action in the matter, or else she would have no option but to resign from her position.\na. Bring out the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb. What are the options available to Nithin?\nc. Critically examine each of the options identified by Nithin.\nd. Which of the options, do you think, would be more appropriate for Nithin to adopt and why?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"a. इस मामले में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों को स्पष्ट करें।\nb. नितिन के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\nc. नितिन द्वारा पहचाने गए प्रत्येक विकल्प का आलोचनात्मक परीक्षण करें।\nd. नितिन के लिए कौन सा विकल्प अपनाना अधिक उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों?","marks":null,"words":"20 अंक"},{"page":55,"question":"Q.12) You are appointed as an officer heading the Air Quality Compliance Division of the Environment Pollution Control Board in Delhi-NCR. The region is witnessing alarming levels of air pollution, which typically worsen during the winter months due to various meteorological and anthropogenic factors. The situation has led to severe public health concerns, particularly affecting vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and those with respiratory illnesses. The Supreme Court has also raised serious concern over the deteriorating air quality in Delhi-NCR and has directed the administration to take immediate and effective measures to control pollution, especially during the winter months. Your jurisdiction has a large number of small and medium-scale industries that were granted environmental clearance over the years. These industries form the backbone of the local economy and provide employment to a significant number of migrant workers. However, recent inspections and air quality monitoring reports indicate that a significant number of these units are operating in violation of prescribed air emission norms. As part of targeted measures to curb air pollution, you issued notices to all identified polluting units, directing them to apply for fresh environmental clearance certificates from the competent authority. However, your decision triggered strong opposition from a section of industrial units, labour unions, and local politicians. Industrial owners argued that such action would lead to production shutdowns, financial losses, and shortages of their products in the market. Labour unions and workers also protested, fearing mass unemployment and livelihood insecurity. Local politicians and vested interests accused you of jeopardising the socio-economic stability of the region. You received representations from various quarters urging you to withdraw the notices and not initiate harsh measures, citing the interests of multiple stakeholders. Additionally, you began receiving anonymous threats, aimed at coercing you into reversing your decision. On the other hand, several of your colleagues supported your stance, encouraging you to act in the larger public interest. Several local NGOs and environmental groups rallied behind your actions, demanding the immediate closure of polluting units.\na. Under the given conditions, what are the options available to you?\nb. Critically evaluate each of the options listed by you.\nc. What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by you?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":56,"question":"The above case present with issue of environmental ethics needing balancing with industrial growth & development which are needed for economic growth, human development & national prosperity\n(a) Option which are available to me\n(i) Repeat the order for environmental clearance being renewed.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":9082,"topper":"Yashvi Jain","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/YASHVI_JAIN_UPSC_IAS_2025_Toppers_AIR_97_Sample_MGP_Copy_5.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) a) The increasing use of digital surveillance technologies for maintaining law and order is a debatable issue. Critically examine the statement from the ethical point of view.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"b) Knowledge and skills are important, but they must be grounded in ethical principles for true success. In this context, discuss the importance of ethics in education and the role of educational institutions in imparting ethical values.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.2) a) How does persuasion help achieve a desired change in attitude? What are the elements of an effective persuasive approach?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"b) While scientific research drives technological progress and societal development, its funding often raises ethical questions. What ethical concerns arise from corporate sponsorship of scientific research, and how can these be addressed?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.3) Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context?\na) \"Where do the evils like corruption arise from? It comes from the never-ending greed. The fight for corruption-free ethical society will have to be fought against this greed and replace it with 'what can I give' spirit.\" - A.P.J. Abdul Kalam","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"b) \"The greatest glory in living lies not in never failing, but in rising every time we fail.\" - Nelson Mandela","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"c) \"Your goodness is an impediment in your way, so let your eyes be red with anger, and try to fight the injustice with a firm hand.\" - Sardar Patel","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.4) a) What do you understand by the term \"Conflict of Interest\"? How does it manifest in the decision making by public servants? In what ways can it be minimized?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"b) \"In post-conflict rehabilitation, the pursuit of justice must be balanced with the need for reconciliation.\" Examine this statement in the context of addressing ethnic violence.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.5) a) In the ever-evolving landscape of academic institutions, administrators must not only manage academic issues but also emotional and interpersonal dynamics. In this context, discuss the significance of emotionally intelligent administrators in higher education.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"b) \"The recognition of the horrors of nuclear weapons should compel nations to move towards meaningful disarmament. However, geopolitical interests continue to hinder genuine progress in this direction. What are the ethical considerations of nuclear states to pursue global disarmament, and how can the international community balance security concerns with the moral imperative of a nuclear-free world?\"","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Q.6) a) \"Probity in governance is an essential and vital requirement for an efficient and effective system of governance and for socio-economic development. Discuss the statement with examples.\"","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"b) How can responsible and informed social media use be nurtured among children to make the internet a safer space for them?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.7) Arushi is a young IPS officer known for her competence, integrity, and relentless dedication to challenging tasks. Recognizing her excellent track record, her superiors have chosen her to handle a sensitive assignment in a tribal-dominated district notorious for illegal bauxite mining. Here, the mafia mines bauxite from mineral-rich lands, transports it by truck, and sells it on the black market. This illegal operation thrives with the support of certain local officials and tribal musclemen who intimidate the local population and bribe select poor tribals to maintain control and silence.\n\nUpon assuming the new role, Arushi quickly grasps the ground realities and identifies the mafia's modus operandi, characterized by a series of devious tactics. Her inquiries reveal that several employees in her office are colluding with the mafia, forming an unholy nexus that enables these illegal operations. Determined to dismantle this network, she initiates strict actions, including raids on trucks transporting illegally mined bauxite. These actions significantly disrupt the mafia's operations, unsettling criminals unaccustomed to such resistance. Some office employees allegedly allied with the mafia inform the criminals of her determination to dismantle their operations, posing a serious threat to their profits. In response, the mafia adopts a counter-offensive strategy. Tribal strongmen and mafia operatives begin issuing direct threats to her, warning of severe consequences if the raids continue. Her family (husband and elderly mother) are stalked and placed under virtual surveillance, causing mental anguish and stress for them all. Matters assume serious propositions when a muscleman appears in her office and threatens that if she does not halt raids, etc., she will suffer the same fate as a predecessor officer who was killed by the mafia a decade earlier.\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.\nb) Identify and evaluate the different options available to Arushi under the given situation.\nc) Which option would she adopt and why?","marks":"20","words":"20"},{"page":34,"question":"Q.8) The Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) is proposed on a river in a northeastern state of India, a recognized biodiversity hotspot. Covered in dense forests, this region harbors a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including numerous endemic species. Although sparsely populated, the region's communities have livelihoods and cultural practices deeply intertwined with the natural landscape. Its ecological wealth has been preserved over the years due to its environmental significance and cultural heritage. Additionally, the Upper Siang basin holds immense strategic importance due to its proximity to international borders, offering potential leverage in regional security and resource management.\nThe SUMP aims to harness the river's energy for economic growth, proposing infrastructure that includes an 11,000 MW \"mega dam,\" power stations, and transmission lines that could transform the state into a renewable energy hub. Proponents argue that the project will boost the state's economy through power generation, employment, and enhanced infrastructure while also helping meet the country's clean energy targets.\nHowever, a local NGO has raised concerns about the ecological and social costs of SUMP. The project would require extensive forest clearance which plays a crucial role in carbon sequestration. Additionally, experts warn that construction activities could disturb the region's delicate ecosystems. This may affect verine biodiversity and increase the risk of soil erosion and sedimentation, with potential downstream effects on agriculture and water quality. Another major issue raised is the potential displacement and cultural impact on local communities. This could threaten their subsistence-based livelihoods and disrupt their way of life. Critics also highlight that the project may contradict India's commitments to sustainable development.\nDespite these concerns, supporters of the project argue that SUMP's strategic importance and clean energy potential cannot be ignored. Moreover, they emphasize the project's strategic location, which would strengthen energy security, reduce regional inequalities and contribute to the country's long-term development goals. They argue that amidst rising energy demands, the country cannot afford to forgo such an opportunity, especially given the presence of hydroelectric projects across borders that could shift regional control over water resources.\n(a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?\n(b) In your opinion, which should take priority between development and conservation, and why?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"(a) उपर्युक्त परिस्थिति में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों का वर्णन कीजिए?\n(b) आपकी राय में विकास और संरक्षण में से किसे प्राथमिकता दी जानी चाहिए और क्यों?","marks":"20 अंक","words":"20 अंक"},{"page":39,"question":"Q.9 Inside a busy city administration office, Joint Municipal Commissioner Keerthi, who also serves as the Public Information Officer (PIO) faces a challenging situation. Recently, an RTI application has been received, demanding details about public infrastructure projects initiated during her tenure. Upon reviewing the requested information, Keerthi discovers that certain decisions made regarding these projects were not entirely sound in hindsight. These decisions, although taken in good faith and after due diligence, failed to realize promised outcomes. There were other employees also who were party to this decision. The disclosure of this information could potentially lead to scrutiny and backlash against herself, the employees, and contractors involved. Known for her integrity and commitment to public service, Keerthi finds herself at a crossroads. The RTI Act has served as a critical check against administrative arbitrariness, ensuring transparency and accountability. However, she also observes a troubling trend. RTI applications are often used by vested interests and activists seeking personal gain rather than genuine public interest. Some activists even resort to threats or extortion tactics, undermining the integrity of the RTI process. She fears the requested RTI information could be similarly exploited. Moreover, the employees involved are requesting her to withhold the information. In navigating this situation, Keerthi weighs her options carefully.\n(a) Critically examine the options available to Keerthi in the above situation.\n(b) Which of the above would be the most appropriate for Keerthi and why?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":40,"question":"(a) Options available to Keerthie\noption 1 Discuss the contents of the application & explanation as asked in the application.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"Q.10 Littering at popular tourist destinations has become a significant environmental and ethical concern in India. A recent incident highlighted this issue when tourists were observed throwing tissue papers and a cake box on the road after celebrating a birthday. When a local politely requested them to use a nearby dustbin just 5 feet away, the tourists dismissed the appeal, claiming no dustbin was available. The situation escalated when their driver threw a plastic bag into the adjacent valley.\n\nPublic reactions to the incident were divided. Some individuals commended the intervention as an effort to promote civic responsibility, emphasizing the need to protect fragile ecosystems like hill stations. Many argued that tourists must adhere to basic environmental ethics and that public spaces are a shared responsibility. Critics also highlighted the broader implications of such irresponsible behavior on the environment and local livelihoods.\n\nOn the other hand, the tourists involved accused those intervening of interfering in their personal affairs, claiming their privacy was being violated. The argument that the tourists were being publicly shamed through the viral video added another layer to the ethical debate. Many questioned whether posting such incidents online, even for a social cause, was appropriate or necessary.\n\nThe debate continues, with one side emphasizing the collective responsibility to preserve public spaces and the environment, while the other raises concerns about individual privacy and autonomy.\n(a) What are the ethical concerns associated with tourists littering at public destinations?\n(b) How can ethical tourism practices be integrated into policies to address issues like littering at tourist destinations?\n(c) Suggest a course of action that balances environmental responsibility and individual rights. Justify your answer.","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":49,"question":"Q.11 You are the Operations Manager at a fast-growing technology startup, NexGen Solutions, known for its innovative projects and timely delivery. The startup's environment is fast-paced, with tight deadlines and high expectations from clients and investors. Your current project, creating a cutting-edge AI based application, is critical for securing upcoming funding and partnerships. Your small, capable team includes four software developers and two project coordinators, with an equal number of men and women. Recently, the team has encountered major challenges. Priya, one of the female developers, has requested leave to care for her ailing mother. Meanwhile, another team member, Ayesha, is struggling to manage her workload along with caring for her infant child. As a result, other team members have taken on extra tasks, impacting their work-life balance and causing heightened stress. With the project deadline looming, tensions in the team have become visible. During a crucial project meeting, Karan, a senior developer, voices his frustration, saying, \"Perhaps it's not ideal to have team members who can't fully commit during critical stages.\" Karan's remark triggers an immediate reaction. Neha, a project coordinator, finds his comment offensive and reports it to the Human Resources (HR) Department. She also hints that she might bring the issue to social media, which could harm the startup's image. The HR Department, located at the company's headquarters, investigates and recommends disciplinary action against Karan, emphasizing the importance of a respectful, inclusive workplace. Their recommendation puts you in a difficult situation. The project is already delayed, and losing a senior developer like Karan could jeopardize its timely completion. You are now faced with a complex dilemma. On one hand, it's vital to address the inappropriate comment and ensure a respectful work culture. On the other hand, you must keep the project on track without further demotivating your team.\n(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.\n(b) As the Operations Manager, how would you deal with the given situation?\n(c) Based on the case study, discuss the challenges faced by women at workplace. How can such challenges be addressed?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"Q.12) Prateek Kumar, the Project Manager, is in charge of the construction of a highly anticipated highway that is expected to drive regional development. The project aims to enhance connectivity, boost trade, and create substantial employment opportunities. Given its importance, it has become a focal point for the ruling party, which is actively promoting it as a symbol of progress ahead of the upcoming state elections next year. The timely completion of the highway is crucial, as the Chief Minister is scheduled to inaugurate it upon completion. This has led to added pressure on Prateek and his team to meet the approaching deadline, which is set for next month.\nDuring a routine inspection, Prateek discovers that a particular stretch of the highway has been built with substandard materials. This section fails to meet the required safety and durability standards, posing a serious threat to public safety and lives. If left unresolved, the compromised quality could lead to accidents, undermining both the project's credibility and the government's promises for safe and reliable infrastructure. Concerned, Prateek raises the issue with the contractor, but the contractor downplays the severity, claiming that minor adjustments will fix the problem without causing major delays.\nIn a subsequent team meeting, some senior members suggest that Prateek overlook the quality concerns to ensure the project remains on schedule. They argue that the majority of the highway meets standards and emphasize the severe economic and political consequences of delays. With elections approaching, they stress the importance of the Chief Minister's inauguration as a key political event. They warn that any delay could damage the ruling party's image, harm its electoral prospects, and potentially have repercussions for the team and the organization.\nLater, the contractor privately approaches Prateek with a substantial bribe, urging him to ignore the issue and allow the project to proceed. The contractor justifies his actions by citing financial pressures and the need to complete the project on time. Prateek is an honest and upright officer, but he understands that addressing the problem would delay the project, making it impossible to meet the deadline.\n(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.\n(b) Under the given conditions, what are the options available to Prateek as the Project Manager? Critically evaluate each of the options.\n(c) What option should Prateek adopt and why?","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":9083,"topper":"Yogender Meena","air":647,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Sociology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1V_Bf7ghxuyxA393vTRIV58XVMrBovc2M/view","questions":[]},{"id":9084,"topper":"Yogendra Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/6b67e-379894_4511_yogendra-kumar_rank_286.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How does the Supreme Court's recent decision on Aligarh Muslim University's minority status affect the interpretation of Article 30 of the Indian Constitution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The Supreme Court, in a recent verdict, prescribed a time period for the Governor's assent to state legislative bills. What are the implications of this judgment for cooperative federalism and legislative accountability in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Discuss the recent changes and initiatives related to cooperatives that aim to smoothen the tussle between the Centre and States in the cooperative sector. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"In recent years, use of social media and digital mobilisation by civil society has emerged as a powerful form of pressure politics. Examine its impact on policymaking and democratic accountability. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) emerging as a business-led solution for addressing development challenges in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Discuss how mechanisms like public consultations and Jan Sunwais in India impact governance outcomes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How effective have the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) and Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan been in addressing substance abuse in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Rote learning and neglect of creativity in foundational education setup in India make it less ready for marketplaces that are now driven by Artificial Intelligence. Do you agree with this view? Substantiate your argument. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Analyze the transformation of the G7 from a symbol of Western strategic unity to a forum marked by internal contradictions. How should India navigate this changing dynamic to advance its strategic interests? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the role of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in the development of developing countries. What are the key criticisms associated with its approach? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"The 103rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019 has introduced a new dimension to the principle of affirmative action in India. Critically examine its implications for the broader goal of social justice. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The District Planning Committee (DPC) was envisioned as a key instrument to strengthen grassroots-level planning. How far has it succeeded in achieving this goal? Discuss the challenges faced by DPCs and suggest measures to make them more effective. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Examine the tension between the right to contest elections and the need to uphold electoral ethics under the Representation of the People Act. Should there be a lifetime ban on convicted criminals? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"To what extent has the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme, launched in 2015, succeeded in addressing the declining child sex ratio and empowering the girl child? Suggest measures to enhance its impact at the grassroots level. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are emerging as vehicles of socio-economic transformation in rural India. Examine the role of government in scaling their reach and effectiveness. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Despite economic growth, multidimensional poverty continues to persist in India. Analyse the underlying causes and discuss the measures taken by the government to address them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"India faces a paradox of food surplus and nutritional deficit. Analyse the structural reasons behind this paradox and suggest reform strategies. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India’s timely response during the economic crises in Sri Lanka and the Maldives reflects its “Neighbourhood First” policy in action. Examine how Indian aid has impacted bilateral ties with these nations. What steps can further be taken to promote sustainable economic cooperation in the Indian Ocean region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Discuss the geostrategic significance of Afghanistan for India in the context of continental connectivity and access to Central Asia. How has the altered political landscape post-2021 affected India’s connectivity and energy corridor ambitions? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":9085,"topper":"Yogendra Kumar","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/ef11e-379894_4512_yogendra-kumar_rank_286.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Analyse the factors that have contributed to India's inclusive economic growth in the past decade. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"The Reserve Bank of India’s surplus transfers offer the government much-needed fiscal space, yet they are not without challenges. Critically examine the implications of the RBI's surplus transfers to the government. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"To what extent was the first National Monetization Pipeline (NMP) able to meet its objectives? What are the objectives of the new Asset Monetization Plan 2025–30 as announced in the recent 2025 Budget? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Examine the major challenges hindering the Indian textile industry from achieving its full potential in the global value chain. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Why has India become increasingly import-dependent for edible oils despite being a major agricultural economy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"Air accidents are low-frequency but high-impact events. Examine the disaster management protocols in place for aviation-related emergencies in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Chemical pollution poses a grave threat to human health and the environment in India. Discuss the key sources contributing to pervasive chemical contamination and evaluate the effectiveness of existing environmental laws in curbing this problem. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Missile defence systems are becoming critical for national security in the face of evolving regional threats and advanced weapon technologies. Explain the working principle of missile defence systems. Critically assess India's progress in developing indigenous missile defence capabilities. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Despite multiple resolutions and initiatives undertaken by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), its efforts to counter terrorism have achieved limited success. Discuss the reasons for this limited effectiveness. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"India practices a 'multi-alignment' approach in its cyber diplomacy. How does this posture strengthen India's internal security while maintaining strategic autonomy? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While examining the shortcomings of the land reforms in the past, elaborate what land reforms 2.0 should look like. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"As NITI Aayog completes 10 years of its establishment, critically examine its role in the planning and development paradigm of governance in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What are the primary causes of limited formal credit penetration among the rural and unbanked populations in India? Comment on the effectiveness of Small Finance Banks in addressing this gap and advancing inclusive financial growth.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":35,"question":"To what extent has the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for the food processing industry facilitated value addition, employment generation, and global competitiveness in India's food processing industry? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Waste circularity is emerging as a sustainable solution to India's mounting solid waste crisis. Discuss the key principles of waste circularity and the government's initiative in this regard. How effective have these measures been in fostering a circular economy? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Discuss the importance of integrating traditional ecological knowledge of India's tribal communities with modern disaster management frameworks. Mention two examples where indigenous practices have contributed to disaster resilience. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"CRISPR technology has rapidly advanced in recent years, with new tools and clinical breakthroughs. Highlight the recent developments in CRISPR-based gene editing technology applications. Discuss the opportunities and ethical challenges these advancements present for healthcare and society. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"A credible semiconductor ecosystem is pivotal for India's economic security as much as for national security. Analyse the strategic objectives, incentives, and institutional architecture of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM). Identify the major risks that could derail its timelines. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Intricate inter-play of diverse factors has been the force multipliers for extremism in the North East. Discuss. Suggest a multilayered strategy to tackle the menace of extremism in this region. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Despite recent steps towards inducting women into combat roles, their participation remains low. Examine the key challenges impeding the greater inclusion of women in the Indian armed forces. Also, suggest suitable measures to enhance their participation. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":9086,"topper":"YOGESH DILHOR","air":55,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/aa796-570255_2488_yogesh_dilhor_rank_55.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":9087,"topper":"YOGESH DILHOR","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/984fc-0570255_2217_yogesh-dilhor_rank_55.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"With examples, discuss how the cultural traditions from various regions of India get reflected in regional music. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Highlighting the emergence of the working class movement, discuss its contribution towards India's freedom struggle. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Do you agree with the view that Gandhian politics was, in a sense, a continuation of Tilak's politics? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"It is said that the world's oceans are losing their 'memory' due to human-induced warming. Comment. Also, discuss the consequences of the phenomenon. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"What is soil amendment? Evaluate the benefits and concerns associated with it. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"It has been suggested that the next decade may see a boom in hybrid power plants. Stating the advantages that such power plants offer, discuss the associated challenges. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"What are Van Allen Radiation Belts? Explaining their formation, discuss why there has been a growing focus on their study. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Discuss whether marital rape should be criminalised in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"What is care economy? Highlight the challenges associated with it and mention the steps taken to address them in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Post-pandemic India is staring at the challenge of \"learning poverty\". Analyse its implications and discuss a way ahead. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Bring out the evolution of mural traditions in South India. Also, elaborate on their significant characteristics. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Indian nationalism that confronted British imperialism in the 19th century was a product of colonial modernity. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Environmentalism surfaced in the form of many organised movements in post independence India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Do you agree with the view that continental blockade was an ill-conceived strategy by Napoleon to conquer Britain through economic means? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What do you understand by the Arctic Paradox? Highlight the spatial distribution of mineral and energy resources in the Arctic region. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Cryosphere changes have a tendency to bring about a devastating impact on the ecosystem and its people. Discuss. Also, enlist measures to tackle this threat. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The frequent instances of urban flooding pose a severe risk to the urban ecosystem in India. Discuss with special emphasis on its impact on the critical infrastructure. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Sand is not only critical for economic development but also provides crucial ecosystem services. Elaborate. In this context, discuss the importance of sustainable sand mining in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The challenge of unbridled and unbalanced growth of urban spaces in India necessitates reforms in urban planning and capacity. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Feminist movements in India have historically lacked inclusivity, often growing within a limited Western upper-class psyche. Critically discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":9088,"topper":"YOGESH DILHOR","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/79fa1-570255_2218_yogesh-dilhor_rank_55.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to revisit the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution? Discuss with suitable arguments. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"Highlighting the advantages of online dispute resolution (ODR) mechanism for justice delivery, discuss the challenges associated with its effective implementation in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Despite the constitutional division of powers, Centre-state disputes have been a perennial feature of Indian democracy. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Do you agree with the view that adopting a framework for lobbying will strengthen participative governance and ease of doing business in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Despite the government encouraging open source instead of proprietary technology for government applications, the true potential of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) and digital platforms remains unrealized. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"As a social safety-valve, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) can be the principal vehicles through which communities voice their concerns. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Despite being lauded for its patient centric approach, the implementation of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, remains sluggish and mired with various issues. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Do you agree with the view that time has come to formulate an Urban Employment Guarantee scheme at the national level? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Discuss the relevance of BIMSTEC as a regional organisation to fulfil India's strategic aspirations in the Indian Ocean Region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Discuss the relevance of the Gujral Doctrine for India with regard to its relations with its immediate neighbours in the present times. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"Highlight the pivotal role of the \"Officers of Parliament\" in the Indian Parliamentary system. Also, discuss the constitutional and statutory provisions for their impartial functioning. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The Finance Commission plays a crucial role in balancing fiscal federalism in India. In this context, examine the recommendations given by the 15th Finance Commission. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Critically assess whether according statutory backing to the Model Code of Conduct will contribute towards free and fair elections in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The market disruption caused by digital revolution warrants renewed focus and perspective to ensure fair competition in the digital economy. In this light, discuss the need to revamp the Competition Commission of India (CCI). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"There is an urgent need for effective whistle-blowing mechanisms and ensuring that necessary safeguards for the protection of whistle-blowers are established in both public and private spheres in India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"State the reasons behind the poor performance of cooperatives in India. Also, discuss the reforms undertaken by the government to overcome the shortcomings. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Public-Private Partnership model, if harnessed properly, has the potential to bridge the gaps in India's healthcare system. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Although the New Education Policy brings with itself a commendable vision, its success will depend on its ability to effectively integrate with the government's other policy initiatives. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) is born from a collective desire to make the Indo-Pacific region an engine of global economic growth. Comment. Also, discuss India's concerns in this context. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"India needs to identify the priority areas to further its techno-diplomacy amidst the complexities of expanding digital space and New and Emerging Strategic Technologies. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":9089,"topper":"YOGESH DILHOR","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/02ac6-570255_2033_yogesh-dilhor_rank_55.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Stating the issues associated with agricultural extension in India, discuss the role of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in strengthening the national agricultural research extension system. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"In India, the food processing sector is emerging as a high-growth and high-profit sector due to its immense potential for value addition. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"Explaining the concept of livestock-based Integrated Farming System (IFS), discuss its benefits. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"While Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) are spearheading entrepreneurship across the world, India still has one of the lowest entrepreneurship rates. Discuss. Also, state the policy measures that have been taken to increase the pace of entrepreneurship in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"‘Land banks’ can play a critical role in boosting the economy and promoting ease of doing business in India. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"The proposed amendments to the Forest Conservation Act (FCA) are not only antithetical to the Forest Rights Act (FRA), but are also likely to delay India achieving its commitments on climate change. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"The problem of flooding in urban areas is not only due to overflowing rivers, but also the uninformed ways in which our cities are coping with urbanisation. Discuss. In this context, mention the National Disaster Management Authority guidelines on urban floods. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"ISRO is no longer confined only to the launching of satellites, but it has been constantly enlarging its role in development activities over the years. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"State the reasons behind targeting of Critical Information Infrastructure (CII) by state and non-state actors. Also, discuss the steps taken by the Indian government to secure its CII. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Despite the strategic significance of North-East India, the region faces several security threats. Discuss. Also, state the measures taken by the government to ensure peace and stability in the region. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"India’s power distribution companies and electrical grids must undergo reforms to transition from fossil fuels to more sustainable forms of renewable energy. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"The practice of input-intensive agriculture in India needs a massive overhaul due to its unsustainability and negative consequences. In this context, discuss the significance of Low External Input Sustainable Agriculture (LEISA). (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"The recently released IPCC Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) - 2021 has been deemed as ‘code red’ for humanity. In this context, discuss the various concerns raised in the report with special focus on India. Also, enlist the remedial measures given by the report. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Multiple chemical disasters from the Bhopal gas tragedy to gas leak in Visakhapatnam have brought into focus the risks posed by hazardous chemicals (HAZCHEM) in India. In view of this, discuss the preparedness as well as gaps in Chemical Disaster Management (CDM) in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The growing demand for liberalisation of public health-related goods and services amidst the pandemic has raised critical issues with regard to the current intellectual property regime. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Highlighting the reasons behind suboptimal results in indigenization of defence technologies in India, suggest measures which can accelerate the pace of indigenization in the defence sector. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Discuss the factors behind conceptualization of different Central Armed Police Forces for guarding the international borders. Also, highlight the contribution of these forces in ensuring security of India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Discuss the vulnerability of virtual assets in terms of their misuse for money laundering activities. Also, state corrective measures that can be taken to mitigate the risks posed by the use of virtual assets. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":9090,"topper":"Yogesh Dilhor UPSC IAS 2023 Topper AIR 5","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Yogesh-Dilhor-UPSC-2023Rank-55MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Shelving hard decisions is the least ethical course.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"All things come into being by conflict of opposites.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The arc of the moral universe is long but it bends towards justice.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Disinterested intellectual curiosity is the lifeblood of civilisation.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"Women's freedom is the sign of social freedom.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"If humankind poisoned nature, nature in turn poison humankind","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"History Doesn't Repeat Itself, but it often rhymes.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":16,"question":"The century advances but every individual begins anew.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":9091,"topper":"Yogesh Dilhor UPSC IAS 2023 Topper AIR 5","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Yogesh-Dilhor-UPSC-2023Rank-55MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"While knowledge and skills are crucial, they should be accompanied by a strong foundation of ethics. In this context, discuss the importance of ethics in education and the role of educational institutions in imparting ethical values. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Mahatma Gandhi considered ahimsa is the highest duty. He express that even if we cannot practice it in full, we must try to understand its spirit and refrain as far as is humanly possible from violence. Do you think, this articulated profoundness of Ahimsa is still relevant? Justify your answer. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The debate of ends versus means is a never ending one. While teleologists stress the need for the right ends, deontologists argue that the ends, no matter how valuable, cannot justify the means. What are the pitfalls in justifying right ends over right means? Also analyze the implications of always adhering to the right means. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"How does Emotional Intelligence (EI) help in balancing personal as well as professional life? Discuss with examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"What does each of the following quotations mean to you? a) \"Experience is the only teacher we have. We may talk and reason all our lives, but we shall not understand a word of truth, until we experience it ourselves\" - Swami Vivekananda (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Individuals should cultivate noble traits so that socio-political organizations are free from highly despicable men.\" - Thirukkural (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"\"Happiness is a mysterious thing, to be found somewhere between too little and too much.\" - Ruskin Bond (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"I would rather try to persuade a man to go along, because once I have persuaded him, he will stick. If I scare him, he will stay just as long as he is scared, and then he is gone. Persuasion can often achieve what coercion cannot. In this context, evaluate the significance of persuasion for heralding social transformations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Examine the relevance of following in the context of civil services: i. Neutrality ii. Intellectual Courage iii. Diligence iv. Selflessness (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Why is leadership is considered a foundational value for civil services and a fundamental attribute to be a civil servant? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"There are certain standards that society expects from those who are elected or appointed to public office to observe and maintain in the conduct of the public affairs to which they have been entrusted. Those in positions of power can use these positions to take decisions that are solely in the public interest or they can use them to benefit themselves. Where the roots of private virtue are diseased, the fruit of public probity cannot but be corrupt. What do you understand by probity and discuss how probity in public life can be inculcated? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"Ethical quandary lies in exploring the complex interplay between absoluteness and relativity in ethical considerations. Can ethical principles be regarded as universally absolute, or does the notion of relativity, often associated with physics, also apply to ethics? Share your perspective and provide supporting arguments. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":27,"question":"Since its enactment, Right to Information (RTI) Act has helped in improving the levels of transparency and accountability in public institutions. However, many argue that the quality of public service delivery in India is still far from satisfactory. In this background, do you find RTI Act efficient enough to improve the public service delivery for Indian citizens. Critically discuss the need for a Right to Public Service Act (RSPA) to make Indian governance more ethical and efficient. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":29,"question":"Suman is a young IPS officer who is posted as the SP law and order in a district that has a history of communal clashes. During a cultural event, a political leader made certain controversial comments regarding the religion of another community that can potentially harm communal harmony in the district. The representatives of the aggrieved community met Suman with their complaint. An FIR was registered in the matter and the police department promptly started an investigation. During questioning, the accused political leader denied the charges. He claimed that he was exercising his right to freedom of expression and had no intention of hurting anyone's feelings. He even offered to tender an apology if his statement had hurt someone's religious feelings. However, the aggrieved community was not satisfied with this apology and demanded strict action against the accused. The next day, a video went viral on social media in which the accused political leader can be seen making derogatory statements against another religious faith. However, Suman suspects that the video going viral on the internet is a doctored video and someone has mischievously edited it to make it more vitriolic and inflammatory. The video has ignited communal tensions in the district. The accused political leader belongs to an influential community and his community has put their support behind him. Local intelligence has warned that some anti-social elements are trying to use this opportunity to create communal riot in the district. The entire matter has been politicized and is being covered by the national media. In this situation answer the following: a) What differentiates a hate speech from a free speech? b) Why does social media have a very strong influence over the actions and thoughts of its users? c) What is the most suitable course of action for Suman in this situation? Justify. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":46,"question":"You have recently started working at your dream company. You have hired in the strategies department along with two other new joiners. All of you have just graduated out of college. You have very friendly relations with co-joiners. The three of you have been helping each other at work. The experience of working together has built strong camaraderie between the three of you. Your boss has publicly appreciated the strong team-spirit displayed by you and your colleagues. At the annual review, you have been given a higher pay raise, and a more lucrative job profile. The promotion doesn't come as a surprise to you. You have worked beyond office hours more as a rule rather than as an exception. The project you worked at was adjudged 'the best project of the year in business impact' at the annual corporate awards. One of your co-joiners remarks, in presumably good humor, that you should suggest to your boss to allocate similar high impact projects to your friends as well. You also perceive suggestions towards the shared surname being the reason for special affinity of your boss towards you, indicating at the fact that your boss and you have the same caste. You feel hurt but you also try to think about the remarks with an open mind. You assess that the three of you have indeed worked hard with sincerity. One of your friends, in fact, worked very efficiently despite a personal tragedy at home. There was already a salary differential between you and your colleagues based on the pedigree of your college. The higher pay raise to you has expanded the differential pay structure further. You always considered the initial pay differential to be against the principle of equal pay for equal work. But now you feel your friends may not have been given equal opportunities as well. You are inclined to the belief that efforts and talent of your colleagues have been under-appreciated and you start feeling guilty about your promotion. Based on the given information, discuss the options that are available to you for addressing the guilt. What are the merits and demerits of those choices? Which option would you choose? Justify. (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"Harish is a senior officer in a government think tank. He is responsible for analysing the demands for funds from various ministries and state governments, and making recommendations to the government for prioritising the budget expenditure. Harish's department is currently busy in analysing the demands for funds from five different ministries. The first demand is from the Ministry of Defence for 500 crore rupees. The Ministry of Defence has solicited funds for the acquisition of state-of-the-art night vision goggles and assault weapons for the armed force personnel posted in terrorism infested areas of Jammu and Kashmir. The second demand is from the Ministry of Heavy Industries. The Ministry of Heavy Industries has demanded 300 crore rupees for the purchase of electric scooters. Distribution of electric scooters was one of the election promises of the incumbent union government in order to reduce pollution levels in the country. Further, as two states are set to go to poll next year, there is an additional pressure from a senior cabinet minister to prioritise this demand. The third demand is for 200 crore rupees from the Ministry of Road Transport. The Ministry of Road Transport has proposed to build robust road connectivity in left wing affected (LWE) areas and also in the hilly states. It is reasoned that while road connectivity will have a multiplier impact on the economy, it will also ease the movement of troops, improving the overall security situation in LWE areas. The fourth demand is from the Ministry of Health for 200 crore rupees. The Ministry of Health has targeted to increase the insurance penetration in the country. It is argued that increased insurance penetration will boost public health and reduce out-of-pocket expenditure. The fifth demand is for 300 crore rupees from the Ministry of Women and Child Development. The MoWCD aims to expand its nutrition programme in the country to effectively tackle the high levels of stunting and wasting in the children. While each of the government schemes is important, related to national security, economic development and public welfare; the fiscal space available with the exchequer is limited. Harish has an elbow space to accommodate schemes worth 1000 crore rupees. Now, it is incumbent upon Harish to allocate the available money in the most prudent fashion. a) What principles should guide Harish in the allocation of money? b) Imagine yourself in the position of Harish. In what order will you prioritise the available funds and why? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":9092,"topper":"Yogesh Kumar Meena","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Yogesh-Kumar-Meena-UPSC-2023-Rank-66-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Basic structure doctrine has prevented the Parliament, a creature of the constitution, from becoming the master of the constitution. Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"To what extent, in your opinion, Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in India have enabled women led development at the grassroot level? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"The power of pressure groups lies not in their size or elaborate organization, but in their ability to mobilize public opinion and create lasting change. With help of relevant examples, discuss how informal pressure groups shape public policy. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"\"Bail not jail\" is the cardinal principle that upholds the sacrosanct ideas of individual's liberty and dignity. Explain the statement with the help of various judicial pronouncements. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Dispute redressal is the most important component of cooperative federalism. How does the Interstate Council facilitate the resolution of disputes related to states in India, and what are the challenges associated with this process? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Anti-defection law has failed to address and resolve the evil of political defection satisfactorily. Discuss various issues surrounding the Anti-defection law and recommend some corrective measures. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Decriminalization of homosexuality by the SC in Navtej Singh Jauhar case remains a task half done, specially without the socio-political sensitisation about the issues faced by LGBTQI+ community. Elaborate in light of ongoing debates on same sex marriage. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Assess the relevance of lateral entry in civil services in making the governance structure more effective, efficient, and people oriented. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Built upon common democratic values and shared vision of strategic autonomy, India-France bilateral ties exude a promise of stability, growth, and security in a time of geo-political flux and uncertainty. Do you agree? Substantiate your answer. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Referring to the case laws through which the collegium system in India evolved, critically assess its functioning. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":24,"question":"Considering the non-enforceable nature of fundamental duties and directive principles of state policy, critically examine their impact in socio-political norms. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"Frequent reliance on the ordinance making power by the government, not only dilutes the basic tenets of executive accountability in a parliamentary democracy, but also overlooks the democratic traditions of building consensus. Discuss with relevant examples. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":30,"question":"The critical reason for poor public health indicators in India goes beyond recognition of right to health as fundamental right. Do you think that a statutory framework alone can ameliorate the situation? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":33,"question":"Reforming the education infrastructure through digital interventions is a progressive step, but it has its limitations too. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":36,"question":"Electoral bond was brought in as a reform that was high on intent but has proved to be low on substance. Do you agree? Justify. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":39,"question":"The profound impact of the data revolution and widespread smartphone usage has necessitated the use of digital tools in welfare programmes. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"Presidency of G20 is but a reflection of India's quest for a more just and polycentric world order, where the voice of the global south is mainstreamed not muzzled. Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"The new cold war between the USA and China may have the effect of casting a long shadow on India's strategic interests from Pacific to Atlantic. Evaluate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":9093,"topper":"Yugal Kapse","air":535,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/15Ow7f-0pCxIO6fO-aHZxQNy71tvtLKA9/view","questions":[]},{"id":9094,"topper":"Zeba Khan","air":423,"year":2020,"paper":"Optional — Public Administration","optional":true,"source":"Lukmaan IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1fMhf2uU-xxgDX5uiPgRb8qMOp7wfKYIc","questions":[]},{"id":9095,"topper":"Zinnia","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/690b0-1347890_3128_zinnia_arora_rank_06.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"Write two essays, choosing one topic from each of the Sections A and B, in about 1000-1200 words each :\n1. The world must learn to work together, or finally it will not work at all.\n2. Technology, like art, is a soaring exercise of the human imagination.\n3. We've begun to raise daughters more like sons, but few have the courage to raise our sons more like our daughters.\n4. The will of the people cannot make just that which is unjust.\n5. It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.\n6. To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.\n7. We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are.\n8. A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes.","marks":"125 x 2 = 250","words":"about 1000-1200 words each"},{"page":6,"question":"1. The world must learn to work together, or finally it will not work at all.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":18,"question":"5. It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.\n6. To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.\n7. We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are.\n8. A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":9096,"topper":"Zinnia Arora","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/f243b-1347890_3128_zinnia_arora_rank_156.pdf","questions":[{"page":5,"question":"The world must learn to work together, or finally it will not work at all.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"Technology, like art, is a soaring exercise of the human imagination.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":5,"question":"We've begun to raise daughters more like sons, but few have the courage to raise our sons more like our daughters.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":9097,"topper":"Zinnia Arora","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/bd4aa-1347890_2930_zinnia_arora_rank_06.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. How is the rapid growth of the food processing industry leading to food safety challenges in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. Under the Public Distribution System of India, the Fair Price Shop (FPS) transformation is an evolving process. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. How are agri-tech startups in India helping farmers in enhancing farm productivity and market access?","marks":"10","words":"Answer in 150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. Discuss the role of digitization of land records in the effective implementation of land reforms in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. To fully exploit its demographic dividend and accelerate economic growth, India needs to adopt a manufacturing-led growth model. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. How can the resilience of Indian coastal communities be strengthened to tackle the growing natural hazards resulting from climate change? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. How does the Green Credit Programme extend beyond carbon management to promote a more sustainable environment in India? What are the various concerns about its implementation? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. What is the need for NavIC when existing satellite navigation systems are already available? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Cyber-enabled financial crime has emerged as the new frontier of global money laundering. Discuss. How can the government address this issue? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. The Indian Army is observing the year 2024 as the 'Year of Technology Absorption'. In light of this, explain why there is a need for technology absorption in the defence sector of India. What challenges can India face in this initiative? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. What are the issues faced in the development of trade and industries in the North-Eastern Region (NER) of India? Comment on the measures that have been taken to tackle these issues. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. In the era of climate change and growing water scarcity, how can micro-irrigation systems contribute to sustainable agricultural practices in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. What strategies can be adopted to overcome the issues pertaining to freight transportation in the Indian Railways and increase its share in the domestic freight? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. Discuss the factors that have aided India in making impressive strides in the renewable energy sector and establishing itself as a frontrunner in the global renewable energy transition. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. How does agricultural runoff containing fertilizers and pesticides contribute to environmental pollution? What measures can be taken to mitigate the impact of agricultural runoff? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. The growing influx of tourists in Himalayan states has breached their ecological carrying capacity, leading to significant man-made disasters. What measures can be implemented to prevent such disasters while promoting sustainable tourism? Discuss with relevant examples.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. How do superconductors fuel innovation in diverse fields of science and technology? Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. While India has laws covering almost all types of intellectual property rights, numerous enforcement, regulatory and administrative challenges hamper the commercialisation of IPRs in India. Elaborate.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. Keeping in view the challenges in creating integrated theatre commands, examine how the theaterisation of commands can lead to greater integration and rationalisation of manpower and resources among the three services.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. Treating border villages as first villages not just geographically but also in terms of facilities can be a key strategy for enhancing border security. Discuss. Also, highlight the measures being taken by the government in this regard.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"}]},{"id":9098,"topper":"Zinnia Aurora","air":6,"year":2025,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ZINNIA-AURORA-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-6-Sample-EGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"1. Life is a painting and you are the artist.\n2. The future belongs to the nation with grains and not guns.\n3. Social media is the ultimate equalizer, it gives voice and a platform to anyone willing to engage.\n4. The real problem is not whether machines think, but whether men do.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":9099,"topper":"Zinnia Aurora","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_9BStbelzLugmmGSyUhK5nrJERSSclIL/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Life is a painting and you are the artist.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The future belongs to the nation with grains and not guns.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"Social media is the ultimate equalizer, it gives voice and a platform to anyone willing to engage.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":3,"question":"The real problem is not whether machines think, but whether men do.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":9100,"topper":"Zinnia Aurora","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2dd3a-1347890_2928_zinnia_arora_rank_06.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. How does tribal art provide valuable insights into the cultural perspectives and values of Indian tribal communities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. Compare and contrast the approach of Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru towards the Indian freedom struggle. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. What are the key factors that accelerated decolonization post-World War II? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. How does human encroachment impact water bodies in urban areas? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. How do physical geographical features influence the development and operation of transportation systems? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. How are ocean trenches formed? Describe the significant characteristics of these oceanic relief formations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. Identify the reasons behind increasing number of extreme rainfall events throughout India in recent times. Assess their socio-economic impact. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. India is expected to have the largest working-age population in the world by 2030 and it cannot afford low participation of women in the workforce anymore. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9 Do you agree that there has been a progressive secularization of caste in India? Support your view with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. Why is inequality increasing in India despite the fall in overall poverty? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. How did the competitive and hostile dynamic between Brahminism and Buddhism over funding, followers, and ideology mark the decline of Buddhism? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. European travellers' accounts in the medieval period have played an important role in shaping our understanding of the empires and people of that period in India. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. The British victory in the Battle of Plassey in 1757 not just changed the course of Indian history but also that of the world. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. Why was it more difficult to rehabilitate refugees in West Bengal as compared to Punjab after partition? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. Discuss the economic and social costs associated with the transition from coal to green energy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. Explain the process of formation of volcanic calderas. How do they contribute to the scenic beauty of the region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. What are the reasons behind the increased frequency and intensity of heat waves globally? How will it impact global food security? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. Identifying the characteristics of the grassland biome, mention the threats posed to Banni grasslands in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. India's approach to secularism does not merely challenge inter-religious domination but intra-religious domination as well. Discuss.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. Do you agree with the view that Indian cities are turning into landscapes of stark inequality and social exclusion? What steps can be taken to make urban areas more egalitarian in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":9101,"topper":"Zinnia Aurora","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"UnlockIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dAgXc2Wnz-b3RC1Z24gYzZVLcMqjHibO/view","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Explain how the terms 'socialist' and 'secular' in the Preamble embody specific meanings in the Indian context. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Article 21 of the Indian Constitution broadly interprets the right to life and liberty. Elucidate with the help of relevant case laws. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"To what extent have farmer associations been successful in influencing public policies and governance in the country? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The role of State Finance Commissions in building regional equity and strengthening the federal link has largely been underutilized. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The contributions of the \"founding mothers\" of the Indian Republic are often under-acknowledged, yet they are crucial to understanding the evolution of gender-sensitive constitutional jurisprudence. Elaborate. (10 Marks, 150 Words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What do you understand by delimitation? Underlining the significance of delimitation exercise, throw light on the associated challenges. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"The Presidents of India and USA differ not just the manner in which they are elected but also with respect to their powers. Elucidate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The office of the Speaker is not only a referee, but also an active player in the politics of government formation and survival, leading to controversies and criticisms. In this context, examine the need to bring reforms in the office of the speaker. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"'Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) is an independent body responsible only to the Parliament.' What are the provisions that ensure independence of CVC? Also, discuss the issues that limit its effectiveness in tackling corruption in the country's public administration. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"\"The creation of All India Judicial Services (AIJS) shall enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the Indian judiciary\". Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Although upholding the spirit of the Constitution through judicial activism is noble in its intent, in practice it runs the risk of undermining the delicate balance of power that the Constitution sought to achieve. Critically examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Governor is neither a saboteur nor a sage; he is a constitutional functionary who needs to be solely loyal to the Constitution. Critically examine the statement in the light of recent events. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Throw light on the various mechanisms for the settlement of disputes related to the equitable sharing of river water among states. Also, evaluate the effectiveness of these mechanisms in the resolution of inter-state river water disputes in the country. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":9102,"topper":"Zinnia Aurora","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/86dfd-1347890_2929_zinnia_aurora_156.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"Expression of dissent is central to the functioning of the Parliament. In light of this, discuss the role of the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in India's parliamentary system. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"How can the integration of technology into judicial processes enhance accessibility, capability, and efficiency in justice delivery? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"The Supreme Court of India has upheld unique asymmetry in India's federalism by intricately balancing centralized authority and regional autonomy. Discuss with the help of relevant case laws. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"Evaluate the effectiveness of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes in safeguarding the interests of the Scheduled Castes in India. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"Executive accountability to the legislature through Parliamentary Committees has been the hallmark of the Indian political system. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How can India make Citizens' Charter a powerful tool for improving governance and empowering citizens? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"How do corporate donors aid NGOs in facilitating holistic development in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Despite its merits, should the POCSO Act be revisited to correct the existing inadequacies? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"China's acquisition of strategic ports globally has significant implications for international trade routes and economic relations. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"What are the main functions of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)? How will its recent treaty on intellectual property, genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge benefit India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"While the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) plays a crucial role in combating corruption, its functioning is often criticized for being partisan and acting against the federal spirit. Discuss with the help of suitable examples. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Governors in India often overstep their constitutional role and fail to act effectively when needed. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Both India and the USA adhere to democratic principles but their electoral systems exhibit significant differences. What are the key differences in electoral practices between the two countries? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"How far do you agree with the view that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has met its objective of ensuring environmental justice in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Though Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) have become a platform for competitive politics, they have not emerged as an agency of planning and service delivery. Why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"What do you understand by interoperability in e-governance? What steps have been taken by the government to ensure interoperability and integration of various e-governance systems? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"When it comes to sexual and reproductive health of women in India, rights-based discourse has largely been bypassed not just by the societal norms but also by the legal norms. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"How effective has India been in enhancing immunization coverage over the years? What challenges continue to affect immunization efforts in the country? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India used its Presidency of the G20 to bring the voice of the Global South to the centre stage. Discuss with special reference to Africa. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"India's relationship with the UAE has witnessed a remarkable expansion across various domains in the last decade. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":9103,"topper":"Zinnia Aurora","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/9384b-1347890_2928_zinnia_aurora_156.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"How does tribal art provide valuable insights into the cultural perspectives and values of Indian tribal communities? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"What are the key factors that accelerated decolonization post-World War II? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"How does human encroachment impact water bodies in urban areas? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"How do physical geographical features influence the development and operation of transportation systems? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"How are ocean trenches formed? Describe the significant characteristics of these oceanic relief formations. (Answer in 150words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Identify the reasons behind increasing number of extreme rainfall events throughout India in recent times. Assess their socio-economic impact. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"India is expected to have the largest working-age population in the world by 2030 and it cannot afford low participation of women in the workforce anymore. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Do you agree that there has been a progressive secularization of caste in India? Support your view with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Why is inequality increasing in India despite the fall in overall poverty? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"How did the competitive and hostile dynamic between Brahminism and Buddhism over funding, followers, and ideology mark the decline of Buddhism? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"European travellers' accounts in the medieval period have played an important role in shaping our understanding of the empires and people of that period in India. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"The British victory in the Battle of Plassey in 1757 not just changed the course of history but also that of the world. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Why was it more difficult to rehabilitate refugees in West Bengal as compared to Punjab after partition? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss the economic and social costs associated with the transition from coal to green energy in India. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Explain the process of formation of volcanic calderas. How do they contribute to the scenic beauty of the region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"What are the reasons behind the increased frequency and intensity of heat waves globally? How will it impact global food security? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"India's approach to secularism does not merely challenge inter-religious domination but intra-religious domination as well. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Do you agree with the view that Indian cities are turning into landscapes of stark inequality and social exclusion? What steps can be taken to make urban areas more egalitarian in India? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":9104,"topper":"Zinnia Aurora","air":6,"year":2025,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Forumias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ZINNIA-AURORA-UPSC-IAS-2025-Toppers-AIR-6-Sample-MGP-Copy-1.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Q.1) Explain how the terms 'socialist' and 'secular' in the Preamble embody specific meanings in the Indian context.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Q.2) Article 21 of the Indian Constitution broadly interprets the right to life and liberty. Elucidate with the help of relevant case laws.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Q.3 To what extent have farmer associations been successful in influencing public policies and governance in the country?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Q.4) The role of State Finance Commissions in building regional equity and strengthening the federal link has largely been underutilized. Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Q.5) The contributions of the \"founding mothers\" of the Indian Republic are often under-acknowledged, yet they are crucial to understanding the evolution of gender-sensitive constitutional jurisprudence. Elaborate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"Q.6) What do you understand by delimitation? Underlining the significance of delimitation exercise, throw light on the associated challenges.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Q.7) The Presidents of India and USA differ not just the manner in which they are elected but also with respect to their powers. Elucidate.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"Q.8) The office of the Speaker is not only a referee, but also an active player in the politics of government formation and survival, leading to controversies and criticisms. In this context, examine the need to bring reforms in the office of the speaker.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Q.9 'Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) is an independent body responsible only to the Parliament.' What are the provisions that ensure independence of CVC? Also, discuss the issues that limit its effectiveness in tackling corruption in the country's public administration.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Q.10 \"The creation of All India Judicial Services (AIJS) shall enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the Indian judiciary\". Comment.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Q.11) Although upholding the spirit of the Constitution through judicial activism is noble in its intent, in practice it runs the risk of undermining the delicate balance of power that the Constitution sought to achieve. Critically examine.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Q.12 Governor is neither a saboteur nor a sage; he is a constitutional functionary who needs to be solely loyal to the Constitution. Critically examine the statement in the light of recent events.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"Q.13 Throw light on the various mechanisms for the settlement of disputes related to the equitable sharing of river water among states. Also, evaluate the effectiveness of these mechanisms in the resolution of inter-state river water disputes in the country.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Q.14 How does the inability of local bodies to generate their own funds affect their ability to function effectively? Suggest necessary measures to empower local governments in generating independent revenue streams.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Q.15 Critically examine the functioning of National Human Rights Commission of India (NHRC) as an apex institution entrusted with the protection of human rights in the country.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Q.16) \"Right to vote is fundamental to democracy, and depriving undertrial prisoners of this right while allowing contesting elections reflects a flawed legal framework.\" Comment.","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Q.17) Examine the scope of partnership between the State and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) towards improving public service delivery to benefit the common citizen.","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":9105,"topper":"Zinnia Aurora","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/81577-1347890_4511_zinnia_arora_rank_06.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. How does the Supreme Court's recent decision on Aligarh Muslim University's minority status affect the interpretation of Article 30 of the Indian Constitution? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"2. The Supreme Court, in a recent verdict, prescribed a time period for the Governor's assent to state legislative bills. What are the implications of this judgment for cooperative federalism and legislative accountability in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"3. Discuss the recent changes and initiatives related to cooperatives that aim to smoothen the tussle between the Centre and States in the cooperative sector. (Answer in 150 words).","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"4. In recent years, use of social media and digital mobilisation by civil society has emerged as a powerful form of pressure politics. Examine its impact on policymaking and democratic accountability. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"5. How is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) emerging as a business-led solution for addressing development challenges in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"6. Discuss how mechanisms like public consultations and Jan Sunwais in India impact governance outcomes. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"7. How effective have the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) and Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan been in addressing substance abuse in India? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"8. Rote learning and neglect of creativity in foundational education setup in India make it less ready for marketplaces that are now driven by Artificial Intelligence. Do you agree with this view? Substantiate your argument.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"9. Analyze the transformation of the G7 from a symbol of Western strategic unity to a forum marked by internal contradictions. How should India navigate this changing dynamic to advance its strategic interests? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"10. Discuss the role of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in the development of developing countries. What are the key criticisms associated with its approach? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"11. The 103rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019 has introduced a new dimension to the principle of affirmative action in India. Critically examine its implications for the broader goal of social justice. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"12. The District Planning Committee (DPC) was envisioned as a key instrument to strengthen grassroots-level planning. How far has it succeeded in achieving this goal? Discuss the challenges faced by DPCs and suggest measures to make them more effective. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"13. The restrictions imposed under Article 293 of the Constitution on State borrowing powers, though constitutionally valid, may hinder fiscal autonomy of States and disrupt cooperative federalism. Discuss in the light of recent developments. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"14. Examine the tension between the right to contest elections and the need to uphold electoral ethics under the Representation of the People Act. Should there be a lifetime ban on convicted criminals? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"15. To what extent has the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme, launched in 2015, succeeded in addressing the declining child sex ratio and empowering the girl child? Suggest measures to enhance its impact at the grassroots level.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":41,"question":"16. Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are emerging as vehicles of socio-economic transformation in rural India. Examine the role of government in scaling their reach and effectiveness. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"17. Despite economic growth, multidimensional poverty continues to persist in India. Analyse the underlying causes and discuss the measures taken by the government to address them. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"18. India faces a paradox of food surplus and nutritional deficit. Analyse the structural reasons behind this paradox and suggest reform strategies.","marks":"15","words":"Answer in 250"},{"page":50,"question":"19. India's timely response during the economic crises in Sri Lanka and the Maldives reflects its \"Neighbourhood First\" policy in action. Examine how Indian aid has impacted bilateral ties with these nations. What steps can further be taken to promote sustainable economic cooperation in the Indian Ocean region? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"20. Discuss the geostrategic significance of Afghanistan for India in the context of continental connectivity and access to Central Asia. How has the altered political landscape post-2021 affected India's connectivity and energy corridor ambitions? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":9106,"topper":"Zinnia Aurora","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Visionias","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/85704-1347890_2931_zinnia_arora_rank_06.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. (a) The end cannot justify the means, for the simple and obvious reason that the means employed determine the nature of the ends produced. Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"1. (b) Discuss how the relationship between law and ethics is dynamic and continuously shaped by societal changes. Provide examples to illustrate this dynamic relationship. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"2. (a) Differentiate between probity and integrity with suitable examples. How do these values contribute to ethical governance and decision-making in the civil services? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"2. (b) Discuss the ethical implications of withholding information in public administration. How can transparency enhance accountability and reduce corruption in government institutions? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"3. (a) What do each of the following quotations mean to you?\n(a) \"There is no school equal to a decent home and no teacher equal to a virtuous parent\" - Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"3. (b) \"Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.\" - Leo Tolstoy (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"3. (c) \"To see what is right and not do it is a lack of courage.\" – Confucius (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"4. (a) What factors lead to a positive attitude in a person? How does positive attitude enhance the effectiveness of civil servants in performing their duties? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"4. (b) Discuss how emotional intelligence can influence ethical decision-making in the allocation of scarce public resources.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"5. (a) Various international humanitarian organizations provide emergency aid in conflict zones around the world. Highlight the ethical challenges faced by such organizations. What are the principles that guide international humanitarian work? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":25,"question":"5) Imperative of human as end or as means?","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":26,"question":"5. (b) Why is persuasion regarded as an important skill for civil servants? What are the key considerations that should guide persuasion in governance? (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"6. (a) What role can ethical leadership play in curbing corruption, especially in public service?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"6. (b) What were the major teachings of Swami Dayanand Saraswati? Explain their relevance in addressing the current ethical and social challenges in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":33,"question":"(a) Discuss the ethical dilemma Karan faces in deciding whether to report the incident against Mariyam's wishes.\n(b) Evaluate the options available to Karan. Which of these options should he choose and why?\n(c) What responsibilities do organizations like XYZ Corp have in preventing and addressing sexual harassment and creating inclusive workplace environments? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"8 (a) शिक्षा विभाग के आयुक्त के रूप में जय के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं? इनमें से प्रत्येक विकल्प का मूल्यांकन कीजिए।\n(b) जय को कौन-सा विकल्प अपनाना चाहिए और क्यों?\n(c) जय जैसे सिविल सेवकों को अपने दायित्वों के निर्वहन में नैतिक मानकों को बनाए रखने के प्रयास के दौरान बेहतर सुरक्षा कैसे प्रदान की जा सकती है? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)\na) शिक्षा विभाग के आयुक्त के रूप में जय के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं? इनमें से प्रत्येक विकल्प का मूल्यांकन कीजिए।\nb) जय को कौन-सा विकल्प अपनाना चाहिए और क्यों?\nc) जय जैसे सिविल सेवकों को अपने दायित्वों के निर्वहन में नैतिक मानकों को बनाए रखने के प्रयास के दौरान बेहतर सुरक्षा कैसे प्रदान की जा सकती है? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":39,"question":"(a) What are the options available to Jay as the Commissioner of the Education Department? Evaluate each of these options.\n(b) What option should Jay adopt and why?\n(c) How can civil servants like Jay be better protected when they attempt to uphold ethical standards in their work? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"9. As the District Magistrate of X city, you are responsible for overseeing the construction of a new metro depot in an urban forest area, which is a critical infrastructure project aimed at improving public transportation and reducing traffic congestion and air pollution. The project, however, requires the clearance of a substantial portion of the forest, which has triggered strong opposition from environmental activists, local residents, and NGOs. This forest is widely regarded as essential for the city's ecological balance, often referred to as the city's \"lungs.\" In addition to the environmental concerns, you are under considerable pressure from politicians at the state-level to expedite the project, given the upcoming elections in two years. The political leadership emphasizes the benefits of the metro project for the city's development and its potential to garner electoral support. The project is expected to significantly reduce travel time for thousands of commuters and potentially decrease overall vehicle emissions in the city. However, it would also lead to the loss of thousands of trees and disrupt local ecosystems. As you prepare to make a decision, you are aware that your choice will have far-reaching consequences for both the city's development and its environment.\n(a) Identify the ethical dilemmas involved in the above case.\n(b) Evaluate the options available to you in the above situation. Which of these would you choose and why?\n(c) Suggest some measures that could be implemented to balance urban development needs with environmental conservation in future projects. (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":48,"question":"10 Dr. Mehra is a senior drug developer at a leading pharmaceutical company in India, renowned for producing various medications, including lifesaving drugs critical for treating chronic and rare diseases. Since its inception, the company has emphasized the quality and affordability of its drugs.\n\nRecently, under revised government guidelines, pharmaceutical companies are required to market a finished product only after obtaining \"satisfactory results\" from tests on the ingredients. Additionally, they must retain a sufficient quantity of samples of both intermediate and final products to allow repeated testing or verification of a batch.\n\nDr. Mehra's team is in the final stages of developing a new medication for a rare but life-threatening disease. This drug has shown promising results in clinical trials. However, there have been unresolved concerns about the long-term side effects of the drug, observed in a small percentage of trial subjects. Despite this, the company has not released any major drug in the past decade, leading to significant pressure from the board members to expedite the drug's release.\n(a) Identify the stakeholders in the above case study.\n(b) Discuss the ethical issues faced by Dr. Mehra.\n(c) Analyse the options available to Dr. Mehra in the above case. Which of these would you choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"11. You have been appointed as the Under Secretary in the State Urban Development Department. The Department has been tasked with a prestigious project aimed at revitalizing the infrastructure of a city with deep historical significance. This project, which you are extremely passionate about, involves modernizing public transportation, restoring heritage buildings, and creating green spaces while preserving the city's cultural essence.\n\nExcited by the opportunity, you spent weeks researching and drafting a comprehensive proposal. Your plan included innovative ideas for sustainable development, community engagement, and leveraging technology for urban planning. You presented these initial plans in a departmental meeting, hoping to inspire your colleagues and kickstart the project.\n\nHowever, your enthusiasm was met with indifference. Your colleagues showed little interest, failing to contribute ideas or efforts towards the project. Concerned, you reported this lack of enthusiasm to your immediate superior, who is also the authority for this project. To your dismay,\n(a) इस प्रकरण में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\n(b) उपयुक्त कार्य संस्कृति कार्यस्थल पर मनोबल और उत्पादकता को किस प्रकार प्रभावित करती है?\n(c) आपके पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं और आप इस स्थिति का समाधान किस प्रकार करेंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":54,"question":"(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.\n(b) How does the above-mentioned work culture affect workplace morale and productivity?\n(c) What are the options available to you and how would you address the situation? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":58,"question":"12 (a) उपयुक्त प्रकरण के आलोक में, कॉर्पोरेट, राजनीतिक और नौकरशाही के हितों के बीच गठजोड़ से उत्पन्न होने वाले नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\n(b) एक कर्तव्यनिष्ठ सिविल सेवक के रूप में, अरुण के पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन कीजिए। उसे कौन-सा विकल्प चुनना चाहिए और क्यों? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)\na) उपयुक्त प्रकरण के आलोक में, कॉर्पोरेट, राजनीतिक और नौकरशाही के हितों के बीच गठजोड़ से उत्पन्न होने वाले नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\nb) एक कर्तव्यनिष्ठ सिविल सेवक के रूप में, अरुण के पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन कीजिए। उसे कौन-सा विकल्प चुनना चाहिए और क्यों? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250 शब्दों में"},{"page":59,"question":"(a) In light of the above case, discuss the ethical issues that may arise from the nexus between corporate, political, and bureaucratic interests.\n(b) As a conscientious civil servant, evaluate the options available to Arun. Which option should he choose and why? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":9107,"topper":"Zinnia Aurora","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"Vision","provenance":"upsckata","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/dd048-1347890_4513_zinnia_arora_rank_06.pdf","questions":[{"page":6,"question":"1. (a) Compassion is the courageous choice to feel another's suffering as one's own, and to act upon it, even when silence is safer and indifference is easier. Examine the significance of compassion as an essential ethical value for civil servants in India. Illustrate your answer with suitable examples.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":8,"question":"1. (b) Marriages in India are transitioning from traditional sacramental unions to more autonomous relationships, reflected in live-in relationships and rising divorce rates. Discuss the ethical dimensions of these changes.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":10,"question":"2. (a) While accountability often necessitates documentation, an overemphasis on bureaucratic procedures and excessive paperwork can inadvertently silence the very voices that public policy intends to empower, particularly at the grassroots. Examine the above statement with suitable illustrations.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":12,"question":"2. (b) The principle of impartiality may conflict with the need for compassion towards marginalized communities. Discuss in the context of civil services in India.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":14,"question":"3 (a) What do each of the following quotations mean to you?\n(a) \"The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home.\" - Confucius (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"3. (b) \"Act only according to that maxim through which you can at the same time will that it become a universal law.\" - Immanuel Kant (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"3. (c) \"We are not only responsible for what we do, but also for what we fail to do\" - Molière. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"4. (a) Patriotism encourages ethical questioning, while nationalism often suppresses it. Discuss this statement in light of the formation of political attitudes during high-pressure national events. How can individuals develop moral attitudes that balance national interest with ethical reasoning?","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"4. (b) Discuss how employee well-being and fairness can be balanced with efficiency and profitability in private organisations. (Answer in 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"5. (a) Do you agree that excessive use of social media and emerging AI technologies may lead to a decline in emotional regulation and moral sensitivity among adolescents? Justify your answer.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":26,"question":"5. (b) In light of the increasing incidents of suicides among students in India, discuss how Emotional Intelligence (EI) can aid in managing stress and emotional challenges.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":28,"question":"6. (a) In public service, emotional intelligence is not about suppressing emotion, but mastering its purpose — to connect, to de-escalate, and to uplift others with empathy and strength. Do you agree with this view? Discuss.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":30,"question":"6. (b) An efficient work culture is built not only on rules, but on shared values. In this context, evaluate the role of leadership and team dynamics in transforming work culture within an organization.","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":32,"question":"7 You are posted as the Joint Secretary in the Department of Information Technology of a state. The government recently implemented several citizen-centric digital services, collecting large volumes of personal data from residents. The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, requires that such data be processed only with explicit and informed consent, and mandates that processing must cease immediately upon withdrawal of consent.\n\nDuring an internal audit, you discover that the department continues to process and analyze personal data of several citizens even after they have formally withdrawn their consent. This data is being used for policy analytics and service improvement, purposes not explicitly disclosed at the time of data collection. When you bring this to the attention of your department head, you are informed that halting the processing will disrupt ongoing digital initiatives and may affect state-level performance metrics. Moreover, you find that the consent withdrawal process is cumbersome, and many citizens are unaware of their rights under the DPDP Act.\n\nYou also learn that a prominent social activist is planning to file a complaint with the Data Protection Board against involuntary use of personal data, which could attract public scrutiny and legal action against the department.\n(a) Identify and discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.\n(b) What are the potential consequences for the department if the issue is not addressed transparently?\n(c) How would you balance the need for efficient public service delivery with the obligation to protect citizens’ data rights? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":37,"question":"8 You are an IAS officer, currently serving as the Secretary of the Public Works Department in a hill state. Recently, a disturbing incident has come to light involving a senior Cabinet Minister and two engineers of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). During an inspection of a critical highway project, the Minister was allegedly seen on video physically assaulting and verbally abusing the engineers in full public view. The video, recorded by bystanders, went viral on social media and was widely covered by television channels, sparking both outrage and support from different sections of society. The Minister later defended his actions, alleging that the officials were corrupt, unresponsive to local grievances, and responsible for inordinate delays in the project. He insisted that his actions were driven by public frustration and the urgency of delivering infrastructure to a remote region.\n\nHowever, the engineers have filed a police complaint and written to their superiors, claiming they were targeted for resisting political pressure to award contracts to specific local contractors linked to the Minister. As the situation escalated, a union of NHAI engineers declared a strike,\n(a) इस प्रकरण में शामिल प्रमुख नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं? हितधारकों और उनके परस्पर विरोधी हितों की पहचान कीजिए।\n(b) लोक निर्माण विभाग के सचिव के रूप में, आप उपयुक्त स्थिति में क्या कार्रवाई करेंगे?\n(c) ऐसी घटनाएं सिविल सेवकों के मनोबल और शासन में जनता के विश्वास को कैसे प्रभावित करती हैं? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"(a) What are the key ethical issues involved in this situation? Identify the stakeholders and their conflicting interests.\n(b) As the Secretary of the PWD, what actions will you take in above situation?\n(c) How do such incidents affect the morale of civil servants and public trust in governance? (Answer in 250 words)\na) What are the key ethical issues involved in this situation? Identify the stakeholders and their conflicting interests.\nb) As the Secretary of the PWD, what actions will you take in above situation?\nc) How do such incidents affect the morale of civil servants and public trust in governance?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":42,"question":"9 You are the Secretary in the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Government of India. In recent years, an increasing number of civil servants, particularly younger officers from the IAS, IPS, and IRS, have begun maintaining personal YouTube channels and social media pages. On these platforms, they regularly post videos related to their official work — showcasing innovative projects, public outreach initiatives, inspection drives, and sometimes even day-to-day administrative duties.\n\nThese videos often receive widespread public attention, and many viewers express admiration, saying such content enhances transparency, motivates aspirants, and humanizes the bureaucracy. However, concerns have also emerged from various quarters. Senior officers argue that such content may blur the boundaries between personal branding and public service, while some citizens and media commentators point to instances where videos feature vulnerable beneficiaries without consent, raise concerns about misuse of official premises, or seem designed more for personal popularity than public accountability.\n(a) लोक सेवकों द्वारा अपने आधिकारिक कार्यों को सोशल मीडिया पर सार्वजनिक रूप से प्रदर्शित करने के कृत्यों में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों की पहचान कीजिए।\n(b) क्या ऐसी प्रस्तुतियां जागरूकता और प्रेरणा को प्रोत्साहित देती हैं या क्या ये अनामिता, तटस्थता और सामूहिक सेवा भावना के मूल्यों से समझौता करती हैं? अपना मत दीजिए।\n(c) सचिव के रूप में, लोक सेवकों की उत्तरदायित्व डिजिटल सहभागिता सुनिश्चित करने के लिए आप कौन-से मार्गदर्शक सिद्धांत और नीतिगत अनुशंसाएं सुझाएंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":43,"question":"In one case, a district magistrate was seen filming a surprise school inspection in which teachers were scolded on camera — the video was later posted to his personal YouTube channel that is also monetized. While some praised the officer's strictness, others criticized the public shaming of teachers and the breach of service dignity. In another case, a police officer was seen directing a flood rescue operation while his staff filmed drone footage, later edited into a motivational video for social media. You have been asked to prepare a report with recommendations to balance public interest, institutional integrity, and evolving modes of communication.\n(a) Identify the ethical issues involved in civil servants publicly showcasing their official work on social media.\n(b) Do such practices promote awareness and motivation, or do they compromise the values of anonymity, neutrality, and collective service ethos? Give your opinion.\n(c) As the Secretary, what guiding principles and policy recommendations would you suggest to ensure responsible digital engagement by civil servants? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"10 You are the Director of the National Bioethics Commission who is responsible for assessing the ethical feasibility and oversight of a nationwide gene sequencing program. The project named GeneFuture, aims to sequence the DNA of every newborn child and store it in a centralized national database. The objective is to identify genetic predispositions to serious diseases early in life, allowing for preventive treatment and personalized medicine. Over 100,000 babies have already been enrolled in the pilot phase of the program. The government claims that this move is a landmark step in public health advancement.\n\nHowever, collection of newborn genetic data raises significant ethical concerns, particularly around informed consent, which may not fully capture parents' understanding of the long-term risks involved. Once gathered, this sensitive data could be misused for purposes such as surveillance, insurance discrimination, or commercial marketing by third parties. Uncertainty over data ownership—whether it lies with the state, parents, or the individual as they mature—further complicates the issue. The involvement of private tech and pharmaceutical companies heightens fears of commercial exploitation, especially in the absence of clear mechanisms for individuals to withdraw consent or delete their genetic information upon reaching adulthood.\n(a) What are the ethical issues you perceive in the implementation of the GeneFuture program?\n(b) Identify the conflicting interests of different stakeholders in this case.\n(c) What guiding ethical principles would you recommend for implementation of this project? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":52,"question":"11. You are a dedicated District Health Officer (DHO) with a strong commitment to evidence-based public health practices, recently assigned to a remote district in India. Your immediate and most critical task is to lead a crucial district-wide Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination drive, aimed at achieving 100% immunization coverage among children aged 9 months to 15 years. The success of this drive is vital for the collective health of thousands of children and for the district's overall health indicators, especially with the impending monsoon season posing additional health challenges.\n\nHowever, in one of the largest and most traditional villages in your district, you encounter formidable resistance. The villagers, deeply influenced by the pronouncements of a revered local\n(a) उपयुक्त प्रकरण में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\n(b) इस विरोध को शांत करने के लिए आपके पास तत्काल क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं?\n(c) अंधविश्वास के व्यापक प्रभाव को दूर करने और संधारणीय लोक स्वास्थ्य परिणामों हेतु वैज्ञानिक सोच को बढ़ावा देने के लिए आप कौन-सी दीर्घकालिक रणनीतियाँ और प्रणालीगत सुधारों का सुझाव देंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case.\n(b) What are the immediate options available to you to overcome this resistance?\n(c) What long-term strategies and systemic reforms would you suggest to address the pervasive influence of superstition and foster a scientific temperament for sustainable public health outcomes? (Answer in 250 words)\na) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case.\nb) What are the immediate options available to you to overcome this resistance?\nc) What long-term strategies and systemic reforms would you suggest to address the pervasive influence of superstition and foster a scientific temperament for sustainable public health outcomes?","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":57,"question":"12 You are a highly motivated and principle-driven Gram Panchayat Secretary, recently posted in a large and socio-economically diverse village in a remote district. Your immediate and most critical task is the meticulous verification of beneficiaries for the 'Gramin Awas Yojana' – a flagship state housing scheme aimed at providing 'pucca' (brick) houses to the genuinely impoverished and landless households. The scheme is under tight deadlines, with funds...\n(a) आपके समक्ष विद्यमान संभावित प्रशासनिक और नैतिक दुश्वारियां क्या हैं?\n(b) आपके लिए उपलब्ध सभी विकल्पों पर चर्चा कीजिए।\n(c) आप अपने निर्णय का नैतिक औचित्य सिद्ध करते हुए कौन-सी व्यापक कार्यवाही करेंगे? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":58,"question":"(a) What are the potential administrative and ethical dilemmas you face?\n(b) Discuss all options available to you.\n(c) What comprehensive course of action would you choose to adopt, providing ethical justification for your decision? (Answer in 250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":9108,"topper":"Zinnia Aurora","air":6,"year":2025,"paper":"Optional — PSIR","optional":true,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/2da14-1347890_3110_zinnia_aurora_156.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":9109,"topper":"Zinnia Aurora","air":null,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/ZINNIA-AURORA-UPSC-2024-Rank-156-MGP-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Trace the evolution of Industrial policy in India post-independence. Assess the success of these policies in fulfilling their desired objectives. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Highlighting the importance of green growth, discuss various measures to promote the same. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"Comment on the achievements and failures of land reforms. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"DPI (Digital Public Infrastructure) is a critical enabler of digital transformation for both businesses and citizens; however, it comes with its own set of challenges. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"How far do you agree that a robust domestic demand is the most important driver of India's economic growth? What are other factors that influence the growth trajectory of the country? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The multiheaded hydra of inequity is reinforced by the skewed concentration of wealth. How far can Universal Basic Income (UBI) check the growth of economic inequity? Substantiate your answer. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"To what extent does the Female Labor Force Participation paint a true picture of the participation of women in the Indian economy? Justify with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"The skewed emphasis on certain crops has distorted the cropping pattern in India, which has led to grave socio-economic and environmental consequences. Elaborate. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"The utility of APMCs is not lost despite a plethora of limitations. Discuss and recommend corrective measures for overhauling the APMCs. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The World Trade Organisation (WTO) was formed with the objective of imparting a long term and equitable solution to the dichotomy between free trade and food security; however, the objective has been marred by several factors. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Critically evaluate the performance of Goods and Services Tax (GST) as a much talked about measure for fiscal reform. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Inclusive growth is a roadmap to intergenerational equity, redistribution of wealth, and employment generation. Explain. Also, discuss the steps taken by the government towards achieving inclusive growth. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"The inflation in the economy is fueled by a multitude of factors and leaves wide-ranging socio-economic impact. Analyze. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What benefits does privatization of public infrastructure offer? Examine the role of the landlord port model in modernization of India's port infrastructure. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Discuss the significance of Multimodal Transport System in achieving last mile connectivity, improving logistics efficiency, and addressing the twin problems of pollution and congestion. What measures can be taken to ensure efficient multimodal transport connectivity in India? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"How will you explain the potential of Agristack in providing a lasting remedy to various ills afflicting the farm sector? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Food Processing Industries (FPIs) can act as a bridge between the informal farming community and the format industrial sector which can help boost the rural economy. Examine. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Highlighting the rationale behind declaring MSP, discuss various issues related to the MSP regime in the country. Also, critically analyse the efficacy of legalizing MSP towards ensuring financial sustainability in farming. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What do you understand by Farmers Producer Organisations (FPO's)? Throwing light upon the various challenges faced by the FPOs, suggest measures to ameliorate the same. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Discuss the role of biotechnology in enhancing agricultural productivity. Also, highlight the concerns regarding the application of biotechnology in agriculture. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":9110,"topper":"Zinnia Aurora","air":156,"year":2024,"paper":"Other","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/ZINNIA-AURORA-UPSC-2024-Rank-156-AWFG-Sample-Copy.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":9111,"topper":"Zohra Banu","air":469,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mtdVBVzFPriN0XcZzi9FKBtUzR86U8k2/view","questions":[]},{"id":9112,"topper":"Zufishan Haque","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ZUFISHAN-HAQUE-UPSC-2023-Rank-34-MGP-Answer-Copy-Essay-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The only impossible journey is the one you never begin.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":9113,"topper":"Zufishan Haque","air":33,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/5b169-1361130_2122_zufishan_haque_rank_33.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":9114,"topper":"Zufishan Haque","air":33,"year":2023,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c1b13-1361130_2121_zufishan_haque_rank_33.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":9115,"topper":"Zufishan Haque","air":193,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/3203f-1361130_2121_zufishan-haque_rank-193.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":9116,"topper":"Zufishan Haque","air":193,"year":2022,"paper":"Essay","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/c9e82-1361130_2122_zufishan-haque_rank-193-merged.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":9117,"topper":"Zufishan Haque","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1926b-1361130_1840_zufishan-haque_rank_33.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"While fixed-term employment offers an ingenious way to address specific issues faced by both employers and employees, there are also some concerns associated with it. Discuss in the context of India. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"An efficient logistics sector with a focus on warehousing is pivotal to the success of the Bharatmala Pariyojana. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'irrigation scheduling'? Bringing out the advantages provided by it, discuss the difficulties faced in applying it on a farm level. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"While the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana was touted as the largest crop insurance scheme globally in terms of farmer participation, various concerns have arisen since its implementation. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"The Stockholm Conference commenced the contemporary \"environmental era\", which brought a paradigm shift in the environmental governance and set a tone for multi-lateral environmental regime. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"The world has witnessed a huge surge in climate-induced disasters, which are largely driven by anthropogenic factors. In this context, analyse the role of early warning systems in mitigating the impact of the disasters. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Critically examine the implications of leveraging technology in policing. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"How far do you agree with the view that climate change poses a threat to international peace and security? (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"What do you understand by a virtual private network (VPN)? Highlight its advantages and discuss the concerns posed by it. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The discovery of the Higgs Boson at the Large Hadron Collider in CERN completed 10 years recently. In this context, discuss the role played by CERN in overall scientific development. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"Highlighting the factors that affect the cropping pattern in India, discuss the need for modifying it in the context of the emerging agro-ecological concerns. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"While the budgetary reforms undertaken by the Central government in recent years have led to better management of government expenditure, there are some issues that still need redressal. Discuss. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"For India to create a 'future ready' railway system, it must harness innovation and resource efficiency. Discuss the statement in the context of the measures enlisted in the National Rail Plan 2030. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Discuss the significance of technology in the Indian agricultural sector. Also, state the challenges in realising its potential to improve agricultural efficiency and increase the income of the farmers. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Despite the digital transformation in the Public Distribution System (PDS) in India, several challenges still remain. Elaborate. Also, suggest measures to address them. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Discuss the various concerns that exist with regard to fuel efficiency regulations for vehicles in India. Also, suggest the measures that can be taken in this regard. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Urban fire is becoming a serious cause of concern in Indian cities. In this context, highlight the major causes behind urban fires in India. What steps can be taken to build robust fire resilience in Indian cities? (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Drones in border areas present a serious threat for border management in India. Elaborate. Also, discuss the different measures taken to regulate the use of drones in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Despite a global framework to prevent weaponization of space, it has been increasing in the recent times. Discuss. Also, give an account of the implications of space weaponization. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"What do you understand by a bio-economy? Highlight the role that the National Biotechnology Development Strategy 2021-2025 can play in creating a robust bio-economy in India. (250 words)","marks":null,"words":"250"}]},{"id":9118,"topper":"Zufishan Haque","air":33,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/e29f2-1361130_2211_zufishan-haque_rank_33.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":9119,"topper":"Zufishan Haque","air":33,"year":2023,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/7dd06-1361130_2212_zufishan-haque_rank_33.pdf","questions":[]},{"id":9120,"topper":"Zufishan Haque","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS2","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ZUFISHAN-HAQUE-UPSC-2023-Rank-34-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-2.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Foreign trade is an important milestone on the path of becoming a 5 trillion USD economy. In this context, analyse the potential of the recently released Foreign Trade Policy, 2023 in revamping India's participation in global trade. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Social protection schemes are an integral aspect of a welfare economy; however, the principles of fiscal prudence cannot be ignored. Discuss, with special reference to Old Pension Scheme (OPS). (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"What do you understand from Agristack? To what extent can it become a panacea for the problems plaguing the farm sector. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"The objective of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to provide a long term and equitable solution to the dilemma between free trade and food security has remained unfulfilled. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Even after five decades of the Stockholm conference, narrowing the gaps between the targets and actions remains one of the biggest challenges towards reversing climate change. Discuss. Also, recommend measures for building a coherent actionable strategy to tackle climate change. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"What are the impediments in management of E-waste in the country? In what ways can the trinity of citizens, businesses, and the government tackle this menace? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"How does nuclear fusion differ from nuclear fission? Assess the relevance of nuclear energy in resolving the global energy security dilemma? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"What are run of the river hydroelectric projects? How far can run of the river hydroelectric projects balance ecological conservation with socio-economic development? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"A robust border infrastructure is the surest way to counter multifarious threats emanating from inimical actors. Discuss, in light of Vibrant Village Programme. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"How far can a clearly articulated National Security Strategy help in tackling challenges to national security? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What are the factors that influence the inflation trends in the country? Highlighting the impacts, discuss the institutional measures in place to check inflation. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":26,"question":"Though a cornerstone of Atmanirbhar Bharat, Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme is not without its own challenges. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":29,"question":"How is internationalisation of rupee different from De-Dollarisation? Highlighting the benefits of internationalisation of rupee, discuss the challenges associated with the same. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"What are Primary Agricultural Credit Societies? Can the cooperative push alone help in achieving the twin targets of boosting rural economy and mainstreaming small and marginal farmers? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Farm policies in the country have inadvertently led to undesirable consequences. Do you agree? Giving emphasis on PM PRANAM, discuss ways to enhance soil health and farm productivity. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"What do you understand by heat waves? Highlight the reasons and impact of the rising frequency of heat waves across India. Also, recommend some measures to mitigate its impact. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"How is Chandrayaan-3 different from its predecessor, Chandrayaan-2? To what extent can India's presence in Artemis Accords help in furthering the exploration of lunar surface? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":44,"question":"Research and Development is the key to unlock the potential of 'knowledge economy.' In this perspective, analyse the role of the National Research Foundation Bill, 2023 in democratizing the research ecosystem in India. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"What do you understand by the term 'Hybrid warfare.' Highlighting its implications for India, recommend measures to develop a comprehensive ecosystem to counter the same. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"How are internal security challenges related to peace in neighboring countries? Explain with special reference to instability on India's eastern frontier. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":9121,"topper":"Zufishan Haque","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS3","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ZUFISHAN-HAQUE-UPSC-2023-Rank-34-MGP-Answer-Copy-GS-Paper-3.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Discuss the role of the 'Fourth Estate' in upholding democratic values and analyse the issues affecting press freedom in India. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"The electoral process, though inclusionary in theory, has been pointed out for exclusionary tendencies in practice. Analyse, with special emphasis on role of women in India's representative electoral system. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Assess the effectiveness of Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 in resolution of river-water disputes. Also describe the potential impact of delays in resolution of water disputes. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Discuss the significance of the cooperative model of development in addressing the issues of rural growth. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"In order to pass the ultimate test of good governance, welfare state should be close to the people, responsive to their aspirations, and inclusive in its approach. Discuss with special reference to PM PVTG Development Mission. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":16,"question":"To what extent collaboration between the state and civil society organizations (CSOs) help in addressing poverty and malnutrition in the country? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":18,"question":"Though the changing paradigm towards dialogue and diplomacy in West Asia augurs well for India's interests in this otherwise restive region, presence of inimical actors may reverse the gains. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":20,"question":"Absence of a robust social infrastructure in the country may become one of the most significant challenges in achieving a developed status by 2047. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":22,"question":"Water diplomacy can redefine the contours of regional cooperation in South Asia. Discuss with special reference to Indus water treaty 1960. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":24,"question":"Despite constitutional backing to the institutions of local governance, the idea of decentralisation has remained hostage to several structural bottlenecks. Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":27,"question":"How do ASEAN centrality, rules-based order, and development partnership with Pacific Island states make Indo-Pacific a theatre of opportunity for India? What are the hurdles in realisation of an inclusive Indo-Pacific construct? (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":32,"question":"Independent judiciary, as envisaged by the constitution, provides the bedrock for a thriving polity; however, executive encroachment may erode its credibility and affect its efficacy. Evaluate. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":35,"question":"Executive agencies, working as the watchdog against impropriety, are vital to act against the corrupt; however, pandering to vested interests may have the effect of turning the idea of rule of law on its head. Comment, with special reference to controversies associated with the Enforcement Directorate (ED). (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":38,"question":"Critically analyse the role of National Commission for Women (NCW) in wake of its mandate to safeguard women's rights and uphold their socio-economic wellbeing. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":41,"question":"Understanding the extent, source, and complexity of deprivations among the multidimensionally poor contributes to more informed policymaking. In this context, analyze the latest National Multidimensional Poverty Index Report by NITI Aayog. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":47,"question":"Safely managed drinking water services, as desired by Jal Jeevan Mission, are designated to give multifarious benefits cutting across generations. Discuss. Also, elaborate upon the challenges in ensuring the mission's success. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":50,"question":"Legislation like Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989 remains mere legal documents without intense sensitization of public functionaries and the civil society. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"},{"page":53,"question":"Harbinger of global rebalancing, India-Africa ties are a beacon of inclusive, sustainable, and equitable world. Explain. (15 marks, 250 words)","marks":"15","words":"250"}]},{"id":9122,"topper":"Zufishan Haque","air":null,"year":2023,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"ForumIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ZUFISHAN-HAQUE-UPSC-2023-Rank-34-MGP-Answer-Copy-Ethics-Paper.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"Celebrity endorsements raise pertinent ethical concerns about responsibility that delve into the realm of ethical considerations of social influence that run deeper than mere surface appeal. In this context, suggest measures to tackle the ethical challenges of celebrity brand endorsements. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Embracing a scientific mindset involves setting aside impulsive inclinations in favor of the pursuit of truth. In your view, how does the integration of scientific thinking contribute to address- ing contemporary challenges and promoting societal progress? How can we effectively cultivate a scientific attitude in society? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"In the realm of professional conduct, ethics plays a role that tends to go far beyond fulfilling the roles and responsibilities of the job with diligence and honesty. But some people consider professional competence as the only critical requirement for a job. If faced with a choice, who would you prefer to hire - someone with professional competence or one with strong moral values? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Patriotism can hold different meanings for different people, often shaped by personal experiences and convictions. What does patriotism mean to you? Explain narrating incidents from your life when you exhibited patriotism. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"Max Weber's concept of bureaucracy was developed in the early 20th century, but it still influences administrative structures today. In what ways do you see Weberian bureaucracy as relevant in today's rapidly changing world? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"\"Global challenges often test the ethical fiber of nations, urging them to channel narrow pursuit of national-interest into an enlightened self-interest.\" Enumerating the various ethical principles underlying the concept of enlightened national-interest examine its efficacy in helping nations navigate the fine line between pursuing their strategic interests and upholding ethical principles, particularly in times of conflict? (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"In the realm of governance, a crucial aspect is the art of persuasion. The qualities that make civil servants proficient persuaders empower them to fulfill their responsibilities in an effective manner. Discuss with illustrations. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"Corruption has multifaceted implications. Some consider it an undeniable vice, while others contend it to be an unavoidable necessity for navigating the bureaucratic complexities. In your opinion, does corruption oil or corrode the gears of development? Substantiate your arguments. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"Ethical hacking and malicious hacking stand as divergent paths with distinct intentions and consequences. As technology advances, it becomes imperative to comprehend the nuances that set these practices apart in the cybersecurity landscape. In this perspective, elucidate the principles that differentiate ethical hacking and malicious hacking. (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What does each of the following quotation mean to you? a) \"Our greatest ability as humans is not to change the world, but to change ourselves.\" - Mahatma Gandhi (10 marks, 150 words)","marks":"10","words":"150"},{"page":48,"question":"What are the key ethical concerns present in the above case study? b) According to you between the twin objectives of development and conservation what should be given more priority and why? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"},{"page":58,"question":"Mr X is travelling by road with his family to attend a marriage ceremony. His grandfather, who is the head of the family is also travelling with him. On the way to their destination, all of them stop at a road side restaurant for lunch. This is a well-known restaurant owned by one of the friends of Mr X. The place is known for its tasty and hygienic food. However, the grandfather notices a picture on the wall of the restaurant and enquires about the religion of the restaurant owner. Mr X's friend belongs to a religion different from the grandfather's religion. The grandfather has a negative attitude towards the religion of Mr X's friend and he insists that he will not eat in that restaurant. He demands that the entire family should leave the restaurant immediately as they are travelling for a happy occasion and eating at this particular restaurant will pollute them. Mr X tries to calm down his grandfather and explain to him that religion has nothing to do with purity or pollution. He also reasons that several travel magazines have rated the restaurant highly, especially for its superior hygiene standards. Also, he points out that there is no restaurant in the way for the next 100 Km and it will be difficult for all to make do without food for that long. However, his arguments fall on deaf years, and which is more his grandfather admonishes him for bringing the family to the restaurant despite being aware about the religion of the owner. Mr X's friend feels insulted and discriminated against due to his religion. Mr X's father is upset but refuses to say anything out of respect for the grandfather. Entire family is embarrassed by the attitude of the grandfather and they are getting ready to leave the restaurant. Mr X is confused regarding how he should act in this situation. a) What are the various ethical issues in the above case study? b) Imagine yourself in the place of Mr X. Evaluate the different courses of actions available with you. What is the most suitable course of action? (20 marks, 250 words)","marks":"20","words":"250"}]},{"id":9123,"topper":"Zufishan Haque","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/1415e-1361130_2214_zufishan-haque_rank-193.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The ideals of 'Dhamma' by Ashoka present key learnings on public morality. Discuss. Also, state their relevance for public servants. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Although bribery is illegal and counterproductive, public officials still demand bribes, and executives in the private sector remain tempted to pay up. In this context, discuss ways in which corporations can build a framework to eliminate the practice of offering kickbacks. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"It is argued that the Indian bureaucracy suffers from indecision and risk aversion. Do you agree? Justify with logical arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Although open and transparent governance has gained ground, do you agree with the view that there is merit in withholding some information from people? Justify your arguments with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"While it may seem restrictive, anonymity is one of the greatest strengths of the civil services. Comment in the context of growth of social media in recent times. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"A legally enforceable code of ethics for civil servants, which not only prescribes the ethical values they must display in their public life but also provides sanctions for violations of these values, is the need of the hour. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Examine the issue of foreign aid in global politics from an ethical perspective. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"There is a need for an effective climate governance structure within the broad framework of corporate governance. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"\"A well-developed Emotional intelligence is not only an instrumental tool in accomplishing goals, but has a dark side as a weapon for manipulating others by robbing them of their capacity to reason.\" Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The opportunities and threats created by emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) require leaders across business, government and civil society to understand the importance of values and ethics in technological development. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"All persons ought to endeavour to follow what is right, and not what is established.\" - Aristotle (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":34,"question":"Capital punishment, or \"death penalty,\" is an institutionalized practice designed to result in deliberately executing persons in response to actual or supposed misconduct and following an authorized, rule-governed process to conclude that the person is responsible for violating norms that warrant execution. Punitive executions have historically been imposed by diverse kinds of authorities, for an expansive range of conduct, political or religious beliefs and practices, for a status beyond one's control, or without employing any significant due process procedures. Punitive executions also have been and continue to be carried out more informally, such as by terrorist groups, urban gangs, and mobs. For centuries in Europe and America, discussions have focused on capital punishment as an institutionalized, rule-governed practice of modern states and legal systems governing serious criminal conduct and procedures. In light of the above debate of capital punishment, answer the following questions: (a) What are the arguments in favour of and against having capital punishment in the criminal justice system? (b) Do you think capital punishment has a place in modern civilised society? Examine in the context of moral implications involved in awarding it.","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":9124,"topper":"Zufishan Haque","air":null,"year":null,"paper":"GS4","optional":false,"source":"VisionIAS","provenance":"ocr","pdf_url":"https://cdn.visionias.in/toppersanswerbooklet/38baf-1361130_2214_zufishan_haque_rank_33.pdf","questions":[{"page":3,"question":"The ideals of 'Dhamma' by Ashoka present key learnings on public morality. Discuss. Also, state their relevance for public servants. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":5,"question":"Although bribery is illegal and counterproductive, public officials still demand bribes, and executives in the private sector remain tempted to pay up. In this context, discuss ways in which corporations can build a framework to eliminate the practice of offering kickbacks. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":7,"question":"It is argued that the Indian bureaucracy suffers from indecision and risk aversion. Do you agree? Justify with logical arguments. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":9,"question":"Although open and transparent governance has gained ground, do you agree with the view that there is merit in withholding some information from people? Justify your arguments with examples. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":11,"question":"While it may seem restrictive, anonymity is one of the greatest strengths of the civil services. Comment in the context of growth of social media in recent times. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":13,"question":"A legally enforceable code of ethics for civil servants, which not only prescribes the ethical values they must display in their public life but also provides sanctions for violations of these values, is the need of the hour. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":15,"question":"Examine the issue of foreign aid in global politics from an ethical perspective. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":17,"question":"There is a need for an effective climate governance structure within the broad framework of corporate governance. Discuss. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":19,"question":"“A well-developed Emotional intelligence is not only an instrumental tool in accomplishing goals, but has a dark side as a weapon for manipulating others by robbing them of their capacity to reason.” Analyse. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":21,"question":"The opportunities and threats created by emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) require leaders across business, government and civil society to understand the importance of values and ethics in technological development. Elucidate. (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":23,"question":"What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) \"All persons ought to endeavour to follow what is right, and not what is established.\" — Aristotle (150 words)","marks":null,"words":"150"},{"page":34,"question":"Capital punishment, or \"death penalty,\" is an institutionalized practice designed to result in deliberately executing persons in response to actual or supposed misconduct and following an authorized, rule-governed process to conclude that the person is responsible for violating norms that warrant execution. Punitive executions have historically been imposed by diverse kinds of authorities, for an expansive range of conduct, political or religious beliefs and practices, for a status beyond one's control, or without employing any significant due process procedures. Punitive executions also have been and continue to be carried out more informally, such as by terrorist groups, urban gangs, and mobs. For centuries in Europe and America, discussions have focused on capital punishment as an institutionalized, rule-governed practice of modern states and legal systems governing serious criminal conduct and procedures. In light of the above debate of capital punishment, answer the following questions: (a) What are the arguments in favour of and against having capital punishment in the criminal justice system? (b) Do you think capital punishment has a place in modern civilised society? Examine in the context of moral implications involved in awarding it.","marks":null,"words":null},{"page":44,"question":"You are the Chairperson of Staff Selection Commission of a state. Recently, an exam for recruitment to the position of sub-inspectors was conducted by the Commission. But a video of some students using hi-tech devices like spy-mics, and placing \"solvers\" to cheat in the exam by hiding bluetooth devices in wig, has been surfacing on the internet. Also, this is not an isolated incident; many instances of organized cheating scandals have shocked the state in recent years. Students are agitated and demanding cancellation of the exam and there is pressure on you to resign. However, your daughter had also appeared in this exam and is confident of clearing it. There are many other students who had waited for this exam for a long time and are hopeful of clearing it with honest efforts. Whatever decision the Commission takes is bound to affect the career of a large number of candidates who appeared in the exam, including your own daughter. (a) Highlight the ethical issues concerned in the case. (b) Why is cheating in examinations prevalent in many states across India? (c) What measures would you take to make sure that a similar situation does not arise in future?","marks":null,"words":null}]},{"id":9125,"topper":"Zufishan Haque","air":34,"year":2023,"paper":"Optional — Anthropology","optional":true,"source":"Level Up IAS","provenance":"submission","pdf_url":"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jYxYdON72a4kRqfZD-EZQTpsPu3ljciJ/view","questions":[]},{"id":9126,"topper":"Zupishan Haque","air":193,"year":2022,"paper":"GS1","optional":false,"source":"Vajiram & Ravi","provenance":"link","pdf_url":"https://vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/ZUPISHAN_HAQUE_2022_IAS_Exam_Rank_193_VTS_4_Mains_Redacted_42789aa8be.pdf","questions":[]}]}